A/N: This is my first Severus/Hermione fanfiction, so please don't be too hard on me. I don't really mind flames, but good reviews are more highly appreciated. Please R&R.

Disclaimer: I do NOT own these characters or else I would be extremely popular, witty, and I would be jumping around in a pile of one hundred dollar bills at this exact moment. So please don't sue me.

Chapter One: The End of a War

Severus stood patiently by the large, wooden bed, wondering when the girl would wake up. Lucius was tapping his foot loudly, hoping that the noise would wake the girl, while Avery sat on a wooden stool, staring out the window. The moon was shining brightly, as tonight it was full, and Peter swore he heard a long howl in the distance, although he hoped that he was mistaken.

The mansion they were in was rocking back and forth in the wind, while the out line of Malfoy Manor was looming not too far off, and in the top window, a light could be seen shining. 'Probably Draco and some of his friends are celebrating over the victory. I do hope they don't wake Narcissa. She sustained quite a few injuries last night. She needs her sleep…' Lucius' thoughts were interrupted by a yawn from the girl who was now rubbing her eyes.

"Good, you are finally awake, Mudblood. Stop staring, girl. Am I that hideous looking?"

"Um, no, Professor Snape. I was just wondering what I am doing here, and why I am here with you." The girl looked around the dark room, and then her eyes alighted upon the dark figure that was Lucius Malfoy, face still covered by a mask and hood. Her eyes then flitted to the other hooded figures. One was tall and muscular; the sleeves of his robes looked as though they had been torn off. The other was rather short and stubby; his round face covered by a mask identical to the one the first man wore.

"Wh- who are you?" The girls voice caught in her throat as the first man gracefully pushed back his hood. A long curtain of shiny, silver-blonde hair tumbled smoothly down the man's back. The girl watched, horrified, as the other two men did the same.

Hermione Granger found herself face to face with Malfoy, Avery, and Wormtail.

"Welcome, Miss Granger, to Prince Manor."