Thanks everyone for the reviews!
Next chapter might be the last one, but probably I'll make a sequel to this one.. :)

Chapter 19 – Unexpected

Severus Snape watched himself in his mirror another time. He had to be 100 sure that he looked normal before he went out of his quarters. It wouldn't seem so good if his face was covered by three deep scars, as it was five minutes ago. Though this had been quite lenient pain, it still hurt like he had a thousand needles stuck into his face. Thanks God, there was this spell to hide the scars! As usually, Voldemort had made no secret of what he thought. Severus grimaced as he remembered their last encounter.

"Severus, pray tell, why on earth did you keep this kind of information from me? Surely you knew I'd like to know it, didn't you?" Lord Voldemort dug his dark eyes into Severus' and forced him to meet his glance.

"Lord, I haven't been able to leave Hogwarts, Dumbledore watches me too much. I am certain he thinks I'm hiding something." 'Which is quite true' he thought. Severus didn't dare letting Voldemort see how he sent unpleasant chills along Severus' back. "Since I've been keeping the Granger girl company all the time, there hasn't been any possibility for me to leave Hogwarts."
"Then tell me how you were able to get here today? Severus, you really are a terrible liar." Voldemort's voice was cold as ice and he raised his wand.

"The girl was in the library and I asked McGonagall to watch her, under the pretext that I had to buy some stuff in the Diagon Alley. My Lord, I would never lie to you." Severus didn't move a muscle as he watched the other man pointing his wand at him.

"Next time, I expect you to update me with what happens around Hogwarts, and around you. I am very disappointed in you, Severus. Don't give me any reason to be it again. I want you to bring the girl to our next meeting; I will inform you later when and where it will be. It'll be great fun to see what she has to say, and of course we can use her for…some other actions. Crucio." Voldemort smiled scornfully and pointed his wand at Severus as he spoke the last word.

"Oh hello, Severus. Glad you're back." Albus smiled at the younger man as he entered the room. "Are you all right?
"Hello, Albus. Yes, I'm quite all right. I have some important matters to discuss with you about Hermione Granger." Severus sat down in the chair, opposite to Albus', without waiting for an invitation.

"Yes. Speaking of Miss Granger, she's with Minerva."

"Voldemort knows about Miss Granger's staying with me, and he was… quite angry with me for not telling him." He paused a second as he recalled the memories. "Anyway, he wants me to bring her next meeting. We'll have to get her out of my quarters so Voldemort will think that I won't be able to bring her. Apparently he's got plans for her." Severus broke their eye contact and focused his eyes on a spot next to Albus' head.

"That's certainly bad news. You said he was angry with you, you're not hurt are you?" Albus asked, his blue eyes widening with concern for the younger man.
"Not badly." Severus lied. "My suggestion is that we get Miss Granger moved to Minerva as soon as possible."

"Do you really think that's such a good idea? You're the one she's the safest with after all. And, from my view, it seems like you've become good friends. I just think she wouldn't do well with Minerva. Miss Granger would feel so…well I don't know really. I just think she's more relaxed with you."
"What, pray tell, makes you think so?" Severus asked in the voice he normally reserved for very unlucky students, such as Harry Potter.

"One week ago, she hardly ate anything. She still doesn't eat a lot, but she eats. I think I have to thank you for that." Albus said, his eyes twinkling.
"I gave her a potion, that's all." Severus shrugged.

"For what?"
"Albus, you don't necessarily need to know everything about everyone." The younger man answered curtly.

"You're right about that." Albus nodded, smiling slightly.

"She's some eating problems. I'm sure she can handle that. She's not a child, after all. Miss Granger told me that she…anyway, that's none of your business. I made her a potion which is supposed not to make her feel sick of eating." Severus explained. "I really shouldn't be discussing her problems in details with you, since I promised not to."

"I see. Does she have faith in you?"
"I suppose so. Why?" He asked bewildered.

"That's good. Really good." Albus smiled proudly, he'd always looked at Severus as he was his own son, although he'd never admit it to him.

"Sure. I'm sorry to say that despite the fact that she's trust in me, I do think she should move out of my quarters. It's for her own best."

"I disagree completely. Don't you think you can get her to Voldemort and in some way bring her back alive? I really need you to be in Voldemort's inner circle, Severus. If you denied him her, I'm sure you'd get punished." Albus said thoughtfully.

"Oh yes, brilliant!" Severus muttered sarcastically. "Great! I get her here alive and everything's fine. Of course Voldemort will allow me to take her back here, but she won't be in such a good condition. You old fool; you don't know what kind of injuries she'll have when I bring her back! For fuck's sake, she'll wish she never was born. I do not want to risk her in that bloody way." Severus cursed.
"Severus, I'm quite aware of what kind of what kind of stuff the death eaters occupy their selves with." Albus said coolly.
"Obviously not. Albus, I…" His voice faded away.

"Yes?" Albus said curiously.
"I do not want to rape her, for God's sake. I don't want her abused in that way."
"I'm not asking you to rape her, son. Is there any possibility that you can bring her back here in a good condition? Let's say, untouched."

"I highly doubt that. I don't want to put her in such a risk zone anyway."

"Seems like you care for her? I'm glad to see that someone finally broke the ice into your heart, Severus. And, no, I'm not saying that you're having a relationship with her. All I'm saying is that I think it's good that you have someone to care for." Albus said gently and smiled at the younger man.

"I got some ideas. When Voldemort's told me which date the next rally will be hold, you'll arrange a party that night, so she won't be able to leave Hogwarts without everyone's notice. Another idea is that we'll give her detention that night." Severus suggested, totally ignoring what Albus had just said.

"Hmm, not bad." Albus said thoughtfully. "The first one is too transparent, since probably young Mr Malfoy will report to Lucius about the party, whom will report to Voldemort. Then you'll be in big trouble, because you didn't inform him first, and if you'd inform him, he'd change the date for the meeting. The other one is good, though it's just temporary. It'll be fine for this time, but we'll have to come up with another one for next time."

"Okay, then. I think I shall leave now. Good day." He rose and headed to the door.
"Do tell Miss Granger about what we've discussed today. Good day, Severus."