Author Notes

WARNING

This chapter contains conversational inferences of torture and sexual assault. There are no explicit details, but the content of the conversation is obvious.

Hermione threw herself into Severus's arms and kissed him fervently. He broke their kiss and pulled back, closing his hands over hers to still her entrance into his clothes. He saw her swollen and kiss-bruised lips, before his eyes met hers. When he spoke his voice was quiet and derisive, "No. Hermione, no. I am disgusting. I will not soil you." He felt disgusting, inside as well as out.

"You're here, you're safe!" she cried as she broke her hands free of his grip and pulled him to her again. This time she buried her face in his neck, as she held him close.

"Hermione! I do not want to befoul you," he snarled as he pushed her off him. He flinched as he noticed some of the unutterable filth off his person marring her face and clothes.

"Severus, stop. Stop. There is nothing of you that could soil or befoul me," she stated firmly. "Severus, I need you. I need you now."

"Let me clean - "

She swallowed his words as she fisted one hand in the hair at the back of his neck and pulled his lips to hers again. Her demanding tongue found it's way back into his mouth. He groaned into her mouth surrendering to his lust, to his need. In a flash she hooked a leg behind his knees and jerked. She toppled him and twisted allowing herself to fall to carpet beneath him, ensuring that she cushioned the fall of his battered body with hers.

He raised himself and looked at her with concern. "Are you hurt?"

"No. Severus," she entreated, "please."

At the love and acceptance he saw in her eyes he gave in to his need.

He felt that he was home, and she felt that she was complete. They held like this for merely a moment before their passion climbed as they touched, kissed, and clung to one another in wild desperation. Lost in the intensity, each barely recognised when the other had reached fulfillment. He rolled to his side taking her with him. They held each other in silent gratitude. Thankful tears filled her eyes with the knowledge that he was safe. He was mute with relief that she was not frightened or repulsed by him.

"Hermione - " he began.

"Ssshhh," she interrupted, placing her hand on his lips. "I think we could both use a bath."

She smiled and he was struck speechless by her. He stood, none too steadily, and extended his hand to her.

He allowed her to lead him to the bathroom. She hid her face from him, as her quick mind identified some of the various substances on his clothing. She didn't want him to think that she cried because of what he must have been forced to do; when in fact she was shedding silent tears for what he must have had to go through this night, and what that must have done to him.

She silently guided him into the shower and gently washed his hair.

He was uncharacteristically subdued. He couldn't find his usual sarcasm and venom in the face of her gentle caring.

As she began to wash his body he tensed. He tried to take over, but she would not allow it. When she began to cleanse below his abdomen he spoke, his normally smooth baritone was rough, "It is mine."

She looked up into his eyes. She had tried to make as though she hadn't noticed the blood caked there.

"Hermione, I did not," he issued aggressively. "I would not," he spat.

"You would," she asserted.

He reeled back as if she had struck him, but she held fast. "Don't you ever say you would not. If you had to, to save your life, you would do it. Do you hear me. If The Dark Lord required it, and there was no way out - " she sucked air into her lungs in a huge sob, "Severus, you will do whatever you have to. Anything so that you survive. I want you alive, with me. Do you understand me. Don't you ever endanger yourself - " she broke into great racking sobs at the thought.

He pulled her to him, he shook as he whispered an unintelligible mantra into her wet hair.

She tried to gather her self-control. 'He's alive, he's safe. I have to make him understand that what he has to do doesn't lower my opinion of him, or lessen my love for him,' she thought fervently.

She pulled back and took his face in her hands. She looked directly into his eyes, exposing her absolute trust for him. "I know you didn't, I believe you Severus, you didn't."

He raised his right wrist to expose a jagged gash to her gaze. "It is my blood that you see."

"I see that, and I know that you didn't Severus. But I want you to promise me, Severus, that if you ever have to - "

"I will not betray you," he said succinctly, "I would never betray you." Then with more force than he intended he elaborated, "I would die first."

"No! Severus, no. To die, that would be the ultimate betrayal. Please, Severus, please." She dropped to her knees and hung her head as the water continued to pour over them.

She struggled to regain her composure as Severus fell to her side and gathered her into his arms. "Hermione - "

She fisted her hands in the hair on the sides of his head and made him look into her eyes. When she spoke her voice was forceful and commanding. "Promise me Severus. Swear to me. Coming back to me alive is all that matters. Promise me that you will do whatever you have to do to stay alive."

He was floored. 'How can she stand to be near me knowing what I was involved in tonight. Even if she believes I had no involvement in the carnal activities, she saw what was on my robes. She knows what sullied her when she allowed me to touch her. How could she do that?' he wondered. He searched her eyes and found unconditional acceptance. 'No one has ever looked at me like that,' he thought in awe. As with their binding, and the fertility spell she cast; he was again moved to do as she willed. His beleaguered mind assured him that it was not weakness on his part to give to her. His next words took more strength then he ever imagined he possessed. He took her hands in his and vowed, "I will live for you."

She gave him the most breathtakingly radiant smile he had ever seen, and then she gently pressed her lips to his. He could taste all the tenderness, affection, love, and acceptance she felt for him.

When the kiss ended his dark gaze held hers. "I do not deserve you," he whispered.

"Still, you have me. You have all of me. You always will," she said earnestly.

"I will live for you," he replied with solemnity. "No matter what it takes, I will do all that I can. I will live for you."

She wondered briefly, before comprehension dawned on her. He was speaking of the fact that he had been prepared to die. His death was something of a given in his mind. Either as a spy, or a martyr to the Light. She suddenly knew with clarity that he had expected to die even if he lived to see The Dark Lord's defeat. Yet, he gave her the promise she needed. The promise to live at all costs. That was a promise that did not come easily for this man.

She picked up the flannel she had dropped earlier, and after rinsing it out, she simply smiled and finished bathing him. When she was done he reciprocated. She calmed her mind and concentrated on the sensations of him bathing her.

When they were both clean, he was vexed to find himself on a stool wrapped in hot towels, while Hermione cast healing charms on him. "I do not need a nursemaid," he said snidely.

"Luckily for you, I am your wife, not your nursemaid," she returned.

He smiled in spite of himself.

When she was finished, she tried to send him to bed. At his imperiously raised eyebrow, she explained to him that she would get them some food and join him. To her chagrin, he followed her.

They carried a light meal into the bedroom. They ate in comfortable silence. When they were finished she handed him a phial of Dreamless Sleep. He downed it and pulled her into his embrace.

In the early hours of the morning he woke to find Hermione gazing at him from where she was snuggled into his shoulder, gently stroking his chest

He looked into her eyes and knew he what was to come.

"You can tell me..." she said softly.

"Hermione, I - "

"...or not," she added.

He knew she deserved the whole truth. So he steeled himself, and began. "The Dark Lord never actually questioned my loyalty to him. He was merely testing me, making sure that his plans for me were sound. It would seem that I am now raised in his esteem. I have been put in Lucius' place."

Hermione sucked in a horrified breath.

"Lucius paved the way for this." His voice turned to ice as he said, "I confirmed my promotion by demonstrating my loyalty."

He paused to give her an opening, but Hermione remained surprisingly silent.

"When I arrived The Dark Lord immediately entered my mind. He saw the memory you gave me. He saw your plan. He believed that I convinced you to lure Potter into a trap. Then, he tested my devotion to his cause. He gave me a Muggle-born witch. He knew she was a former student of mine. She left a year before you came to Hogwarts. Her name is... was... Baldic. I do not, I can not, remember her given name. I begged The Dark Lord for privacy. I knew he would eventually spy, but I hoped for a chance to explain to Miss Baldic first. I hoped to find a way for her to escape. The Dark Lord taunted me for a while, but he allowed me the privacy I requested. Again, thanks to Lucius' forethought. It would seem Lucius spoke of me a great deal. Because of Lucius' prescience, The Dark Lord expected me to be ... shy. I was directed to a private room. I made a show of dragging Miss Baldic by her hair, and throwing her into the room. I shut the door and cast wards, but I knew they would not hold long. When I saw the room fully, I realised there was no avenue of escape. I took off my mask and Miss Baldic recognised me. She thought she was saved."

Severus face showed utter loathing. Hermione knew it was self-directed. She spoke gravely, "It was impossible for you to save her. It would have done her no service for you to die along with her. Losing the chance to wield your intellect, cunning, and skills in the fight against The Dark Lord would have been an insult to her."

Severus did not verbally acknowledge Hermione's insight, he merely continued coldly relating what had happened. "I told Miss Baldic that there was no way to save her. I told her to scream. I had only placed minimal silencing charms, so that her screams would be overheard. She screamed. In between her screams I explained her situation to her. I told her that I would not hurt her, but that it must look like I had. Again she thought I would be able... I told her that when our time together was through, that the others would hurt her. That they would torture her, and take pleasure from it. I told her that when they were all done, if she wasn't already dead from the abuse, that they would kill her. I explained that there was no way I could stop them. That there was nothing that could spare her. She understood. She knew that it was hopeless. She asked me to kill her and get it over with. So she would not have to be tortured first. I agreed. Before I enacted her request, she asked me to tell her betrothed that she loved him, and that she wanted him to move on, to find happiness. She gave me messages for her parents and her brother. Then... she thanked me." Severus hesitated, and spat, "She thanked me for killing her."

Hermione took his hand and wouldn't allow him to pull it away.

He glared at her, but he continued. "I felt them breaking the wards. She felt it too. She looked me in the eye and simply nodded. Then she smiled at me. I watched that smile slip from her face, and the life leave her eyes. I took that life. The others were close to breaching the room. I cast Dark spells as quickly as I could, to make it look like she died from my extreme brutality. I needed... I needed the scene to look real. I tore her clothes, I positioned myself between her legs. I had my back to the door. I needed evidence on my, on my...self." His voice trailed off.

Hermione's heart ached for him as his ordinarily confident, smooth speech faltered. She squeezed his hands in support.

"I exposed myself, cut my wrist and bled on myself. You saw the effect in the shower. I barely got my wound to stop bleeding and my sleeve down before they were in the room. Suffice it to say, the other Death Eaters were distraught that they wouldn't have a chance with Miss Baldic. I have never seen The Dark Lord so pleased with me. He rejoiced because Miss Baldic looked so thoroughly mutilated. He never suspected that I did not cause her bodily trauma while she lived to suffer the agony. He was so proud in thinking that I, his simple brewer, could; brutalize, maim, rape, and torture. He was delighted that I would enjoy it," Severus said with utter abhorrence. "The Dark Lord was so pleased with me that he stopped the other Death Eaters from injuring me too seriously in their disappointment over missing out on Miss Baldic. He gave some captive Muggles to the other Death Eaters. He and I walked and talked through a revel the likes I have never witnessed before. It was his way of allowing his followers to celebrate my advancement. My clothes became soiled, just walking through the melee." Severus grimaced in memory of the carnage. "The Dark Lord has elevated me to his right hand. I am in Lucius' place. He expects me to have you deliver Potter to him. As his highest ranking follower, he is permitting me to select the time and place. He expects to do away with Potter. Directly after Potter's demise, I am to kill Albus, and take my place. My place next to The Dark Lord in his new world. All because Lucius thought to speak so very highly of me."

Severus expected Hermione to be full of questions. Questions about everything. The one quiet question she posed, was the only one he never expected.

When she asked, her voice was so soft that he had to strain to hear it. "How do you feel Severus?"

He just stared at her with a blank look on his face. Eventually he echoed in his cold sneering voice, "How do I feel? Miss Baldic was a girl I taught. A bright enthusiastic Muggle-born. Not brilliant like you, but smart and happy. When she was my student, I her professor, had to pretend to hold her in contempt merely because she was not a pureblood. I had to discourage her. I insulted her, I belittled her, I was sarcastic and cruel to her. I can't even remember her first name." He stilled in thought. "And what did she do?" he continued in a dark tone. "She smiled and thanked me for murdering her. She will never smile again. I saw to that. She will never again: laugh or cry;" he spat, "she will never again kiss her betrothed; embrace her parents; taste her favourite food; cast a spell; do any magic." He looked into Hermione's eyes, and spoke in a chilled rush, "She will never sleep or dream or wake again. She will never - "

Severus found himself unable to continue. Hermione, ignoring the off-putting venom in his tone, had pulled him into such a fierce embrace that he was breathless, with his face buried in her hair. "She was going to die," Hermione reiterated with vehemence, "there was no way you could stop that. Severus, you couldn't save her life, but you saved her from indescribable horrors. You saved her from the torture, the humiliation... you saved her, Severus. Do you understand me? You saved her in the only way possible. You. Saved. Her." She continued to hold him, stroking his hair and murmuring to him, as he fell asleep.

When he woke again, Hermione was kissing him. Ever so softly brushing her lips over his.

Severus long dark lashes fluttered as he slowly opened his eyes. She pulled back to look into his face. Faint traces of emotions played across Severus face in quick succession; fear and wonderment turning to hope and adoration. 'This witch knows what I am, and still she touches me. Moreover she still cares for me,' he thought in astonishment.

Hermione leaned back into him, not quite kissing him, she caressed his lips with hers. She smiled into his lips when his arms wrapped around her. Severus took control of the kiss, he captured her lips with his own. Hermione shivered as he softly caressed her back and neck. He teased her lips with his tongue. His kisses were slow, languid, enticing. He kissed up to her ear, stopping there to tease, tickle, and torment the delicate area. She inhaled sharply as he nipped and soothed a trail down her throat and back up to her ear. His passion edged whisper rumbled in her ear, "Hermione," his words were interspersed with increasingly ardent kisses, "you are so brilliant," he kissed her lips, "so open," he kissed under her chin, "so selfless..." he kissed the side of her throat. As he kissed her one of his long talented hands snaked it's way down her body,"...so for - " his words were lost in the sounds of her appreciative moans.

Se - ," she gasped, "Severus!" She encouraged his erotic caresses, threading her fingers in his silken hair and pulling his face to hers. She pressed her cheek to his as her breath began to come in little pants.

His breath was a sensual caress on her sensitised skin. "You are so expressive, so exquisite," his rich voice intoned in her ear.

She came apart in his arms.

He wrapped one of his long arms around her waist, and with his other he cupped her head to his shoulder and held her close.

When she regained her senses, she returned his caresses. Severus moaned at her touch. "Sweet Merlin... Hermione," he growled.

Afterwards she moved up and caressed his face tenderly. His long dark lashes fluttered closed. Under her touch he sighed his relaxation. She smiled as she wondered to herself, 'This unsurpassed academician; this cunning spy; this undefeated dualist; this powerful wizard melts under my touch?'

As if to confirm her thoughts Severus leaned deeper into her hand as she caressed his cheekbone lovingly. She blinked in amazement and thought, 'This private, introspective man; this aloof, proud pureblood wizard; this seemingly irascible git, is accepting of me and of my love for him.' She stretched up and whispered in his ear, "I love you Severus, I love you so much."

He was struck dumb by her continued acceptance of him. He was awed and uncharacteristically humbled by her love. 'Then again,' he thought, 'I have never experienced anything like Hermione's unconditional love for me before.' Aloud he whispered, "My wife."

Severus proceeded to physically demonstrate the feelings he could not voice.

She didn't think she'd passed out, but it felt very much like 'coming to'; whether Severus' touch had really caused her to pass out or whether she was just coming back to reality she wasn't sure. All she knew was that she was securely wrapped in Severus' long arms. He grounded and supported her, all the while placing tender kisses on her flushed face.

"Hermione," when he spoke his rich voice was imbued with his renewed desire, "I must get closer. Let me get closer to you."

"Yes, Severus. Closer," she enthused. They became one together in a rhythm as old as time.

"You there, Weasley," Alastor Moody growled to Ron who was walking beside him, "I wantcha to hold something for me."

There was a squelching sound as Moody popped out his magical eye.

Ron looked sick as Moody held it out to him.

"Go on boy, take it," Moody ordered. Ron grimaced, but took it from him. When he felt moisture on it, he turned an alarming shade of green and dropped it. For the second time in a few hours, Harry's seeker reflexes saved Alastor Moody's magical eye.

"Good enough," Moody said, "you hold it for me Potter. And don't give it back until we are out of the dungeons. Far away from Snape," Moody spat, "that perverted bastard."

"For heaven's sake Alastor," Minerva McGonagall said with exasperation, "Severus and Hermione have only been bound for sixteen days. How would you expect them to act when they believe," she put a definite emphasis on the word believe, "that they are alone? I still can not understand what you were thinking, watching them like that."

"We were looking out to see if he'd been forcing her. Besides, I hear she lived with him for about four months before he thought of making it legal," Moody groused.

"Oh! Hermione is an intelligent woman, and Severus is a trustworthy man." Tonks lowered her voice, "They are both members of the Order you know. Hard working, dedicated members of the Order." Tonks shook her head. "All because of Albus Dumbledore's unfounded accusations I am constantly having to defend those two. I'm sick of it, so... I've made copies of their public record to hand out as a visual aide to the more stubborn." Tonks was angry. She passed out copies of Severus and Hermione's binding legalisation documents. "You will see their interrogatories were performed while they were under Ministry certified Veritaserum. Merlin's teeth! Severus and Hermione never even kissed until they were bound. You may all notice that no undue influence or coercion was used by, or on, either one of them. However, after what we heard last night when we illegally spied on them, I would think that there would be no more questions!" Tonks looked at each member of the group that was making it's way to the Snapes' chambers.

"Tonks is right," Arthur Weasley added, "we need to make sure we are all in agreement before we go down there."

Nymphadora Tonks, Harry Potter, Alastor Moody, Remus Lupin, Molly, Ron, and Arthur Weasley all exchanged looks with Minerva McGonagall, and James Adams. The group of eavesdroppers, minus an unaccepting Bill Weasley, had talked to Minerva and James. Together they had decided that some action needed to be taken. They concluded that the Snapes needed to be a key part of deciding what action should be taken. This is why they could all be found in a corridor leading down to the Snape's dungeon chambers. However, they were momentarily stalled on their journey by Alastor Moody. The old Auror just couldn't let go of his hatred and mistrust of Severus Snape.

Severus Snape watched his wife as she dressed for the day. She had on an ankle length, simple midnight blue dress, over which she was putting on a matching robe edged in silver.

"How you can stand all those layers is beyond me," she quipped as she moved around, demonstrating the freedom of movement her garments allowed.

"Unlike our ancient leader, I do not wear women's clothes," Snape responded.

"Um," she said absently. "That fashion does seem to have died out," she concurred, as she thought of Remus, and even old-fashioned Lucius, clothed in their customary trousers under their robes. "But, I didn't mean trousers. I meant the layers, the high neck, the buttons; you know, the starched, repressed vicar look." She stood back and eyed Severus lasciviously, "Although, truth be told..." She smiled appreciatively. "...I find your look dead sexy."

He scowled ferociously at her.

"So forget what I said. You get the job done even all trussed up like that, and look tempting at the same time. I couldn't dress like that, I need to move and breathe, but I'm ever so rewarded that you do wear your buttoned up layers." Her face took on a wistful expression. "It just makes me want to unbutton you ..."

"Come here to me, impertinent one," he snarled.

She smiled and floated over to stand between his knees. She knew his snarl was insincere. He reached out and spun her around bringing her down into his lap. She felt long fingers in her hair as he deftly unmatted and plaited her unruly tresses. When he finished she turned in his lap and attached herself to his lips. Their kisses were passionate, and they deepened quickly; tongue on tongue, stroking and sensual. She ran her fingers through his silky hair as their lips continued to bite, suck, bruise, and soothe each other.

They were interrupted by a knock at their outer door. They disentangled themselves from each other, and went to see who was disturbing them. Hermione opened the door with Severus leaning gracefully on a bookcase a few feet behind her. "To what do we owe this unexpected," Severus' smooth baritone held a note of underlying menace, "pleasure?" He eyed the group in his doorway with suspicion.

Minerva spoke while the others fought for self control. Severus was totally unaware of the picture he presented. He was hardly his usual intimidating self; with his slightly flushed cheeks, and kiss-swollen lips. "Severus," Minerva said, "we need to speak with you both. About Albus."

Minerva, and subsequently the Order members present, had been briefed on the possibility that Albus was under the influence of Dark Magic.

"In," Severus snapped.

"I'll just conjure some extra seating," Hermione said.

Snape raised an eyebrow as an oddly one-eyed Moody warded the fireplace and closed door. "Can't be too careful," he growled by way of explanation.

"Constant vigilance," Harry said with an uneasy laugh, as he looked from the fireplace to the couch.

There was a mad scramble as the men took the newly transfigured seats. "Oh, for heaven's sake," Minerva muttered. She, Tonks, and Molly, clicked their tongues and shook their heads as they took seats on the couch; the couch where the Snapes had been when they were spied upon by the present company, Minerva and James excepted.

Severus and Hermione shared perplexed glances at the exchange, but said nothing.

When everyone was finally seated Minerva began, "Severus, Hermione, we need to discuss a few things, without Albus or the rest of the Order."

"I see," Severus responded sardonically.

"First," James said, "I've told Minerva about the possibility of Albus being under a Dark spell."

Severus gave James a derisive, disbelieving look.

"Yes, and he has informed me of your reluctance to believe it's a possibility Severus," Minerva added.

"I personally feel that it is unlikely. However, I discount nothing from the extreme realm of possibility," Snape responded coldly.

"Why do you doubt it Severus?" Remus asked.

"The Headmaster is quite powerful. I simply do not see it as a probability. The source of the information, Narcissa Malfoy, is untrustworthy as well," he responded coldly.

"Not in this case," James said.

"I realise that you are attempting to-"

"Yes, I did attempt to get information from her with simple romance, but that failed. I never had time to explain everything to you in detail. You see, Narcissa and I were having what she thought was a romantic evening ..."

Severus saw Tonks look wistfully at the attractive American, and sigh. He noted that the James Adams didn't notice Tonks attentions. Instead he seemed to be directing his answers to Severus' questions to ... Snape glared. ...Hermione. Hermione, however, seemed completely oblivious to James regard.

"... and I slipped her Veritaserum. It was under the influence of the Veritaserum that she confessed her knowledge of the spell supposedly cast on your Headmaster," James explained.

"How is it," Snape asked derisively, "that Narcissa allowed you to leave alive?"

James reluctantly turned to look at Snape. "I got her to believe that I thought the potion I slipped her was an aphrodisiac. I told her I was overcome by her beauty, and charms." James shuddered in dramatic revulsion. "That my questions were just conversation, while I waited for the aphrodisiac to take effect." He smiled rakishly. "While I waited for the blessed moment when I could hold her in my arms."

"Ah, I see," Snape said thoughtfully. "Narcissa's vanity will always be her downfall."

"Did you get the counter-curse?" Arthur asked the handsome American spy.

"I didn't," he said as his face turned beet-red, "I didn't think to."

"Then how will we reverse it?" Minerva asked.

"We're getting ahead of ourselves," Hermione interjected, "we don't know that Albus is under a Dark spell yet."

"We need to get him to St Mungos for testing," Molly said.

"From what I've seen and heard Albus is not acting rationally. How exactly do we get Albus to willingly submit to testing for Dark Magic?" Tonks asked. "I remember hearing about when they tried to take him in to the Ministry to charge him for plotting against Fudge. When Umbridge was at Hogwarts - "

Severus cut across her, "Indeed. I do not see Albus complying," Snape concurred.

"Minerva could cast a the diagnostic spell while he's asleep," Moody suggested.

"I'm not with him while he sleeps right now Alastor," Minerva said emotionally. Molly patted her shoulder solicitously.

"You could be again though," Moody reasoned, "if he's been without you, he'll be more then ready to tire himself out with you if you go back to him."

Minerva looked shocked. Whereas, Moody didn't realise he'd said anything offensive until Harry attracted his attention.

"Eye?" Harry offered Moody innocently. Ron grinned at Harry's subtle defense of their Head of House.

"No!" Moody growled as if he were afraid of his own magical eye.

Severus and Hermione exchanged completely puzzled looks.

Moody went on hurriedly, "Minerva I didn't mean any offense. I just meant, he must miss you. You could go back to him to cast the spell. Then we could know if he's under a Dark curse.

"I'm afraid that I am not versed in those kind of spells," Minerva said.

"I can teach you the Dark diagnostic Minerva," Severus said quietly.

"Then James can give Narcissa truth potion again and get the counter-curse," Ron chimed in.

"He can not," Snape snapped.

"Why?" Harry asked.

"Although Narcissa believes that I thought it was an aphrodisiac," James explained, "she won't trust food or drink around me again. Just in case I poison her accidentally, you see."

"Not that I know her personally but," Tonks quipped sarcastically. "from what I know of her, she wouldn't let you get another chance. She's not as dumb as she seems. She's vain, elitist, a bit mad, not like Bellatrix mind... but she's not dumb in any case."

"Oh, dear," Molly said.

"It can be done without a counter-curse," Severus drawled in his lecturing tone. "There is a combination of a potion and some spells, that can remove Dark Magic from the body. Of course a counter-curse is best. A counter-curse would directly target whatever Dark Magic was used, and remove it specifically. However, this method will be as effective. The drawback is that it leaves the recipient weak. Recovery time varies wizard to wizard, and is dependent on the wizard's health and age, however, it is not life threatening."

"How is it I've never heard of this?" Moody barked.

"It was developed from a curse the Dark Lord created. It is not common knowledge," Snape snarled.

"Who developed it then?" Tonks asked.

Severus low smooth voice reverberated though the room, "I did."

"How do we know it works?" Moody grumbled with malice.

"You are wondering, perhaps, if I have had the opportunity or the need to test it's reliability?" Severus hissed. Into the stunned silence he continued, "I most assuredly have. On many occasions. In some cases it has proven to be life-saving."

"Will Albus agree to - "

"He does not need to agree. Minerva, if I may have a word..." Severus glared at Moody. "...in private."

"Of course," she replied.

The group sat in silent unease while Severus and Minerva were out of the room. When they returned Minerva sat and folded her hands in her lap. Severus stood behind her in silent support. "I will return to Albus. I'll cast a diagnostic while he's asleep. If it's positive, if he's under Dark Magic I will get Severus. He will cast a binding spell on Albus while he's still asleep, I don't think I could do that. This spell will bind Albus physically, and it will bind his magic as well. It's more powerful then the spells Aurors use, so it will work even on Albus. After Severus binds him, I will perform the spell to rid Albus of the Dark Magic."

Severus returned to his seat beside Hermione. As he folded himself gracefully into it, the comments and questions began.

Moody growled, "That binding spell, it's Dark Magic."

"Not if done with Light intent," Minerva said in a firm, sure tone.

"Light purposes aside," Moody said with malicious glee, "Snape will still be doing Dark Magic. As spotted as ever aren't you Snape?"

"Alastor Moody!" Minerva said sharply, "I've had enough of that."

"As have we all," Remus concurred.

"It's a good thing Severus knows how to deal with Dark Magic or we'd have no way to help Albus," Arthur added. "The binding is being done with good intentions, and that's the end of it."

Tonks asked, "If Severus developed the spell and potion to remove Dark Magic, why doesn't he do that too?"

"The closer in nature the relationship of caster is to the recipient, the better," Severus answered.

"When will you do this?" Remus asked.

"As soon as I can learn the spells," Minerva replied.

"What if whoever cast the Dark Magic on Albus, just casts it again?"

"I suggest," Severus said with a sneer, "that we discover the identity of the original caster, if Dark Magic is found to be present."

"Or before," Hermione said in a thoughtful tone. "Who had motive and opportunity?"

Tonks then asked the group, "Does anyone remember noticing anything suspicious just before Albus began acting off?"

"Now that you mention it," Harry began, "there was this house-elf - "

"House-elf?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah," Harry replied unfazed, "Dobby told me about him. He was here for about a week. Right around the time the group from Beauxbatons left. Maybe a bit before, I'm not sure..." he trailed off.

"What about a house-elf Potter?" Moody encouraged.

"Dobby mentioned he had a wand. That's suspicious right? I mean after all the trouble with Winky when she cast the Dark Mark with my wand - "

"You knew of a house-elf in possession of a wand at Hogwarts," Minerva asked incredulously, "and you didn't tell anyone?"

"I thought Dobby could handle it. I mean it really wasn't my business," Harry said apologetically.

"Since when has that deterred you, Potter?" Snape said snidely.

"You let Dobby handle it?" Minerva echoed, her voice rising in anger.

"Wait, wait," Tonks interjected. "This house-elf with a wand, isn't here now?"

"No, Dobby said he only stayed on about a week."

"What was his name?" Tonks asked.

"Tazzie, no..." Harry thought hard, "Tassby!"

"That house-elf is loyal to the Lestrange family," Severus stated.

There was dead silence for a while then James Adams asked, "I guess he coulda done it then?"

Every pair of eyes focused on the American. Minerva answered. "It would seem he was freed, given a wand and sent to Hogwarts where he was assured employment - "

Moody scoffed, "He got in here and cast Dark Magic on the Headmaster because he was guaranteed employment. If I find you had anything to do with this Snape..."

"Don't be Ridiculous Alastor!" Minerva snapped.

"Ridiculous? That house-elf was guaranteed employment because of the ridiculous campaigning by Snape's bit of - "

In a flash Snape had his wand out, "HOLD YOUR TONGUE MOODY!"

Moody's expression turned from malicious to wary.

"Be warned," Severus now spoke in a low dangerous voice, "if you ever insult my wife again, I shall..." He stopped mid-tirade at the touch of Hermione's hand on his arm. He calmed himself and looked down his prominent nose at Moody. "...and Hermione will not be able to save you," he hissed.

Severus sat back down and Hermione whispered in his ear. He visibly relaxed, and those closest would swear that the corners of his mouth tried to turn up in a smile.

"There is another issue," James Adams began. "Could I speak with you alone, Severus, Hermione?"

The three rose and went through the same door Minerva and Severus had used.

They could hear boisterous conversation from the other room. When Hermione heard her name and magical eye in the same sentence, she knew they needed to generate some sound of their own. She wasn't sure what the group was laughing about, but she didn't think Severus would like it.

"What is it?" she asked James.

"What did The Dark Lord do?" he asked Severus.

Severus gave James an edited version of the previous night's events.

"We need to make plans with Harry," he said.

"I suppose Minerva should be included," Severus added.

"Yes, that way it won't seem like a mutiny," Hermione said impishly. "I think Tonks should know too, we could use her."

"It was your awesome plan, so I'll go along with anything you say," James effused winningly, as he flashed her an arresting smile.

Severus stiffened and said, "My wife does make a brilliant strategist."

Hermione smiled into Severus' eyes before he pulled open the door. The loud room silenced immediately. Severus gave each person a suspicious, penetrating glare as they rejoined the group.

Gossip, not about Severus and Hermione resumed, signaling that the meeting was officially over.

Hermione spoke up, "If that's all, I think you better leave in shifts. We don't want to arouse suspicion. The Weasley's could leave in a group, that will seem normal. Then Remus, and Alastor. Followed by Tonks, Minerva, Harry and James. Yes, that seems good. What do you think?"

When their chambers were emptied of all but Minerva, Harry, James and Tonks, Severus spoke in a low authoritative tone, "If I may suggest? I think it would be prudent to begin teaching Minerva the necessary spells immediately."

"Yes, certainly, Severus," Minerva agreed.

"Mr Adams, Ms. Tonks, Potter, if you will return in perhaps two hours time, we can hold our discussion," Severus added.

"Will Hermione be helping you teach Minerva?" Tonks cheekily asked Severus.

"No. Why do you ask?" he responded questioningly.

"Maybe I could spend some time with Hermione then? You know, girl-talk." Tonks grinned.

Hermione's mind raced. Never had she been included in girl-talk. She'd overheard Pavarti and Lavender many times. She'd heard Ginny with them on occasion too, but she had never been included. 'No, no, no!' she screamed internally. 'This will not do! I don't know how.' She fixed Severus with panicked eyes, silently begging him to get her out of this. However, Severus' suspicious gaze was concentrated on Tonks.

"Oh, but of course Ms Tonks," Severus said silkily.

"Great, should we go out?" Tonks asked Hermione.

"There is no need for that," Severus interjected smoothly. Then looking to Minerva he said, "My office, perhaps?"

Before she knew it Hermione was alone with an inquisitive and enthusiastic Tonks.

"Soooo, how's married life?" Tonks asked.

Hermione shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "Fine," was her succinct answer.

Tonks laughed. "Okay. So, how's the Professor, you know, personally."

"He's a brilliant man! Yesterday we were discussing the newest article in - "

"No. I meant how is he in bed?" Tonks interrupted bluntly. "We always wondered in school. How is he at pleasing you, in bed?"

Hermione was flustered, "I don't think, I shouldn't, I can't," she stammered, as she blushed profusely.

"That bad eh?"

"No!" Hermione's eyes became saucers and she slapped her hand over her mouth.

"Ooo, so, that good then?"

"Tonks, really, I don't think we should be discussing this," Hermione's tone was almost pleading. She would usually put her foot down quite bossily in cases such as these; but inwardly she was forced to acknowledge that it was nice that someone wanted to engage in girl-talk with her.

"Course we should," Tonks said brazenly, "I won't tell anyone."

"No Tonks, I'm sorry I can't talk about this. It's too private," Hermione apologised. She was out of her element. She was utterly flustered and befuddled. She vaguely wondered if this was what a Confundus Charm felt like.

Quite a while, and several glasses of wine later, Hermione was stretched out on the couch, with Tonks sitting on the floor beside her.

"On a tartan couch in his office?" Tonks giggled.

"Yep."

"So go on! After hearing about all that nauseatingly perfect sex, I'm dying to hear this!" Tonks encouraged.

"Well, it was a debacle. You see, I was on top of him and we were kissing... have I mentioned his lips, and tongue?"

"Many times, out with it!"

"Oh, okay. There we were kissing intensely, and we both decided it was time to, how do I put this?" Hermione paused in thought then startled Tonks into sloshing her wine when she triumphantly announced, "Take things further!" Hermione took a generous swig of her wine, the time for dainty sipping was long past. "Anyway, he went up and I went down, and there you have it."

"No, no, I don't have anything. What do you mean he went up and you went down? Details this time please," Tonks slurred.

"Well I went down his body, rather quickly. I was headed for, you know," Hermione actually giggled.

Tonks snorted her wine.

"At the same time he gave an over enthusiastic surge upwards."

"Huh?"

"What he wound up doing was poking me hard in the eye. I fell off onto the floor, and couldn't stop laughing. I mean my eye hurt, but I had to laugh. It was so funny to see him, where I had half dragged him with me, clutching his, er, weapon, and glaring."

The two dissolved into hysterics.

There was a knock at the door. Hermione rolled off the couch and let James and Harry in.

"Uh oh," Harry said conspiratorially to James, "there's been girl-talk all right. I wonder where Snape keeps his Sober-Up potion."

Hermione had rejoined Tonks and they were giggling like mad. Harry approached cautiously. "Hermione," he said, "where does Snape keep his Sober-Up potion?"

"Bath-ith-rum," she replied.

James and Harry looked at each other and grinned. James disappeared into the bathroom and returned with two phials of Sober-Up potion. "Let me refill those for you," he said smoothly, taking the glasses from the inebriates on the floor. He filled the glasses with potion laced juice.

"Ew, this doesn't taste like what we were drinking," Tonks said.

"No, but it's stronger," Harry promised.

The ladies emptied their glasses. After a few seconds Tonks looked at Harry and simply said, "Spoil sport."

"It is stronger," he answered.

"Yeah but in the wrong way," Tonks added.

Hermione urgently whispered to Tonks, and was reassured that what had been said between them would remain between them. Tonks wouldn't tell a soul. After a quick oath, Hermione believed her.

Over an hour more passed before Severus and Minerva entered. Severus cast his eyes over Tonks and Harry talking by the fireplace, and then they came to rest on Hermione and James engaged in conversation on the couch. "I need a volunteer to take a Dark curse, so that Minerva may test her diagnostic and banishing spells," he said coldly.

"I'll do it," Hermione jumped in.

Severus raised a sardonic eyebrow at her and said, "You wish to take Dark Magic into your body at this time?"

Oh, Merlin, I didn't think. I completely forgot. Of course not, Severus," Hermione said with alarm. She had a horrified expression on her face, she hoped that the wine and potion wouldn't cause any harm.

"Well I'm up for it," Tonks volunteered.

Hermione was starting to panic. 'Madam Pomfrey she'll know!' she thought urgently.

"...that is exactly how you will feel when the spell hits..." Severus was speaking to Tonks.

Hermione interrupted, "Sorry, sorry to interrupt, I just... I have to go, I, I'll be back..." her voice trailed off and she fled.

"Now what was that all about?" Harry asked no one in particular.

Severus eyes were narrowed in suspicion, as he turned back to Tonks and Minerva.

"You see dear, the tests confirm my words. No harm done," Madam Pomfrey said kindly.

Hermione was sobbing and shaking, "I forgot, how could I forget? I'm not fit to be the mother of Severus' child."

"There, there," Madam Pomfrey sat beside Hermione on the cot and wrapped her arm around the younger woman's shoulders. They were alone in the Hospital Wing so she spoke freely. "Most witches don't even realise they are pregnant at such an early stage. They surely haven't changed their behaviours yet. Your baby hasn't experienced anything unusual."

"But I knew." Hermione choked. "I knew, and I forgot."

"It's alright, you won't forget again and you are still way ahead of most women, witch or muggle, in knowing this early on. Your baby, or what will be your baby, is fine. It doesn't matter that you forgot, because nothing bad came of it," Madam Pomfrey reassured Hermione.

Hermione wouldn't calm down, "Just wait here a minute," the Matron said.

She returned with a phial, "Drink this."

Hermione numbly did as she was told.

"Your husband made it so you can be sure it's the best quality," Madam Pomfrey said with a smile.

"Was this the Draught of - "

"A simple calming draught, nothing complex," Madam Pomfrey assured her. "I want you to come back to me tomorrow. We'll talk in detail about what you need to do for your health, and your baby's health."

"Will you," Hermione whispered, "tell Severus about this?"

"Not if you don't ask me to. What passes between us is privileged, even from your husband," Madam Pomfrey answered.

"I feel ... " Hermione began.

"My, that is quality potion. I'll walk you to your chambers dear, to make sure you don't fall." The Matron helped a relaxed Hermione to her feet.

Hermione managed to lower the wards. Madam Pomfrey pushed the door open with her foot and helped Hermione into the room.

"What has happened?" Severus snapped.

Author Notes - additional

Below you will find the Canon grounds for my belief that Voldemort and his followers torture, and sexually assault their Muggle and Muggle-born victims. You will see where I sight Voldemort as actually speaking of "Muggle torture", and promising to provide victims. I believe the showing of the woman's drawers and her frantic struggle to cover herself as toned down sexual assault. Well, to be children friendly it would have to be toned down... The victims at the Quidditch World cup were Muggles, however, Malfoy says to Hermione Granger that if she remains, she'll "be showing off her knickers".

From The Goblet Of Fire,

by J.K. Rowling

the paperback boxed edition.

Published by: Raincoast Books, 9050 Shaughnessy Street, Vancouver, BC, V6P 6E5 ;

Page 108

High above them (masked wizards aka Death Eaters) floating along in mid-air four struggling figures were being contorted into grotesque shapes.

...Harry recognised one of them (the floating people) Mr Roberts the campsite manager the other three looked as thought they might be his wife and children. One of the marchers below flipped Mrs Roberts upside down with his wand; her nightdress fell down to reveal voluminous drawers; she struggled to cover herself as the crowd below her screeched and hooted with glee.

Page 110

"Granger, they're after Muggles," said Malfoy. "D'you want to be showing off your knickers in mid-air? Because if you do, hang around... they're moving this way,"

Page 564

"Lucius my slippery friend," he whispered halting before him. "I am told that you have not renounced the old ways though to the world you present a respectable face. You are still ready to take the lead in a spot of Muggle torture I believe."

Page 565

"Macnair... destroying dangerous beasts for the Ministry of Magic now, Wormtail tells me? You shall have better victims then that soon Macnair. Lord Voldemort will provide..."