Hand Talk
Disclaimer: Of course I own all of these characters. I keep them locked up under my bed and feed them table scraps. NOT! If I owned these characters I would be sending these stories to my publisher (which does not exist) and not sending them to Summary: Hermione is found bloodied and bruised, without her sight and hearing. Resorting to the only communication she knows, there is only one other who understands her. HGSS
Rating: M (mature themes, violence and language)
Chapter 18
Warning: Chapter Summary may contain plot spoilers
Chapter Summary(this is really for my purposes, so that I can remember what happens in each chapter): The escape and when Hermione wakes up.
"What do you mean he's gone?" the Potions Master asked incredulously as the two Professors marched briskly down the hall, the Deputy Headmistress leading the way. As they approached, any passing students instinctively moved to the side.
"We believe he was taken," she answered once they had moved into a small corridor hidden behind a fading tapestry.
When they emerged on the fourth floor, clear of any students she continued. "Garron took Mister Nott to Albus's study. Albus secured him in an unused classroom and set Garron to watch him while he sorted out the whole mess with classes, filling in for you in the mean time."
"God let my dungeons be in one piece," he whispered.
"After you went for the serum Garron was found unconscious and Mister Nott missing. Albus sent me to find you."
Taking another hidden passageway they emerged into a seemingly empty corridor except for the three figures visible through a doorway to the right.
"Severus, Minerva," greeted Dumbledore the couple from the doorway as the portrait closed behind them, showing no sign that it hid a secret passageway.
When they entered the room Severus could fully make out the other occupants; Madam Pomfrey and Hepel. The purple robed wizard stood beside over the matron as she attended to Hepel, who was propped up against the wall beside the open doorway.
The room was small and simple, void of any portraits or other hangings. It contained two chairs and a table, all simply cut. Silver cords littered the ground around the far chair where Theodore was most likely being held before his escape. The room would have been fine except for the fact that it was void of Mister Nott.
"What happened?" enquired Snape.
"We are just about to find out," answered Dumbledore, his attention focused on Professor Hepel and the matron, anxiousness evident in his voice. "How much longer Poppy?"
"Any moment now, Albus," she told him as the three Professors crowded around her while she performed a reviving spell on the Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor.
"Garron, can you hear me?" asked the Headmaster, kneeling down beside him. He moaned, his eyes prying open to look at the aging man. Within a few moments he was fully conscious.
"I was standing here by the door when they burst in," he told them. "The door burst open and I flew into the wall. They must have both thought me unconscious, neither came near me. I couldn't see their face it was hidden behind a mask the entire time. He disabled the wards on the ropes and Nott put on this black cloak along with a mask, identical to hers. He turned and looked at me, raised his wand to me. They must have heard something and they both took off, not before he spelled something on the door. Then I passed out," he finished in a whisper, bordering on verge of unconsciousness again.
During his recollection of the events, Severus edged around behind Minerva to the door. Drawing his wand he cautiously opened it away from the wall.
"Albus," he called stepping forward to examine the door in detail.
Dumbledore moved over to the door. "Is it genuine?" he asked.
"Most certainly," answered the Professor as he studied the infinite detail of it, every line, dot and squiggle.
"Minerva, send the students to their dormitories at once, we have a Death Eater in our midst."
"Are you sure, Albus?" she asked cautiously.
"Very much so." Severus pushed the door open wide for her to see the Dark Mark painted quite clearly on the ancient wood, it's acid green shimmering on the hard surface. Without another word she stepped past the door and down the corridor.
"Attention all students," her voice echoed through the open door with the aid of a sonorous charm, "you are to return to your dormitories immediately."
"I doubt they will still be here, Headmaster."
"It is better to be safe than sorry. Do you know who cast it, Severus," inquired the Headmaster.
"Bellatrix Lestrange."
ooOOoo
All around the castle students rushed to their dormitories while the teachers searched every nook and cranny for the elusive Death Eater. Professor Hepel was levitated to the Infirmary whist Dumbledore coordinated the search, Severus and Minerva both returning to their respective houses to count their students.
Severus strode through the empty dungeons towards the blank stone door, almost hidden within the dungeon wall. Upon his approach the door swung open at the command of his password. His presence was met by a cessation of conversation by all of the Slytherins gathered in the common room.
"Please," Severus icily said into the over crowded common room, "don't let my presence stop you."
When not even the younger, inexperienced first years dared to so much as breathe, he continued, "I want everyone in Slytherin down here now."
A few of the older, more experience Slytherins instantly scrambled to obey his command, running towards the different stair cases leading to the dormitories to gather their missing peers. No student or teacher was exempt from his terrorism, Slytherin or not, except perhaps Hermione.
Severus waited while the rest of the his House gathered, intimidating all those he could by studying each and everyone of their faces, making sure to glare at the late arrivals. One of those few immune to his glare; Draco Malfoy.
When he was assured all were present he began. "There has been an incident and the Headmaster needs a roll call," he told them, glaring at random individuals. "Any questions?"
A lonely student raised their hand.
"Yes, Miss Parkinson?"
"There have been rumours of Death Eaters in castle, are they true, Sir?" In any other house the students would have broken out in whispers, but not one person spoke even though several first years looked like they were just overriding the urge to whisper.
"There has been an invited, unwelcome guest in the school," he hissed, as if insulted by the question. "Any other questions?" No one spoke. "Everyone is to stand to attention beside their bed." He glanced around the room, not one person moving. "Well?" he asked. "Any one left in this common room by the time I reach five with loose this House twenty points. One…" The room was filled with a deafening sound as each of the students scurried out of the room to their dormitories, determined not to be the one to loose their house points for tardiness. "…Two…" Students pushing one another out of the way to reach their different stairwells. "…Three…" The last stragglers darted up the stairs. "…FOUR…" A single lagging student disappeared down a set of stairs.
Snape sneered at the empty room. He was in a right foul mood and wanted to lessen the total of any House. 'Never mind,' he thought, randomly choosing a descending stairwell. They would most certainly not be expecting a room inspection along with a head count.
ooOOoo
Twenty minuets later it was confirmed, the only missing Slytherin was Theodore Nott, along with five detentions, for possession of large amounts of band materials, not because they were band but because, their owners did not seek to hide them well enough and fifty points in total for filthy dormitories. Smirking slightly and feeling much better, Severus exited the Common room after a few short words with Draco, discreetly reminding him to keep low considering his new position.
It had been nearly three-quarters of an hour since Theodore disappeared from the school. He would most likely be facing the Dark Lord soon. All the young recruits would be proving their completion of their task. Each had a different one give by the Dark Lord. The final burning of their tattoos completed, making them fully fledged Death Eaters. Low ranking, disposable Death Eaters, but Death Eaters none the less. Somehow he had managed to worm his way out of this initiation ceremony. He already knew of all the new recruits and had reported them to Dumbledore. In any case, they would each be displayed at the next Dark Revel, called upon to prove their loyalty.
He remembered one time when the person, two to his left had fallen asleep during the endless reciting of pledges. He was torture into insanity and then killed. It was definitely better to avoid unnecessary meetings. After all that wasn't his only spying technique.
Entering the Hospital Wing, Poppy ran straight past him before he caught her arm.
"What is it?" he asked, fearing the worst.
"Miss Granger," she told him hurriedly, disappearing into her office.
Dread quickly filled the Professor as he sped down the ward to where he last left Hermione. When he opened the curtains his eardrums were assaulted for the second time that day. Forgetting the sound he stepped in shutting the curtains.
Hermione was sitting in her the bed, both hands clasped around her thigh where he knew her tattoo to be. Her face contorted in piercing pain.
Then she stopped, panting heavily, fell exhausted back onto her pillows. Perspiration covered her forehead, her eyes closed as if savouring the rest.
"Hermione," said a deep voice from beside her bed. Hermione's eyes peered open to see his features. Only his eyes betrayed him, showing his concern.
'He must be loosing his edge,' she thought, smiling to herself. As if knowing what he was going to ask she answered before the question was spoken.
"It's the mark. It's been burning like fire on my skin. I keep getting theses flashes of an open field, Death Eaters everywhere. I don't know what's going on," she admitted just as the matron walked in.
"Do you need anything?" she asked. She shook her head groggily. "Alright then, if you need any pain relief potions they are on the trolley. I'll be in my office if you need any thing." Disappearing through the door her head popped back in. "Nicole is still asleep."
"Thank-you, Poppy." With that the matron disappeared, the doorway closed to the outside world. Turning back to the bed, he asked, "May I have a look?" She nodded.
If it were anyone else she would have probably denied, but this was Severus and he knew more about this than anyone else. And in the unlikely event he couldn't help, his mere presence would bring her calm.
Stepping up to the bed he lifted the crumpled sheets off her, placing them at the end of the bed, Hermione too tired to help. Moving back beside her, he helped her roll over onto her side, his slender hand behind her knee as he bent it to reveal her thigh.
"Are you sure you are alright with this?" he asked again and again he was in a compromising situation with a student, but somehow, this didn't worry him, somehow this felt right.
"Perfectly fine," she answered.
"If you get uncomfortable, just tell me," he told her with uncommon kindness. Hermione just nodded.
Sitting on the edge of the bed he gently lifted the edge of her hospital issue gown up to her hips revealing her low-cut boy leg, black lace panties ('Interesting,' he mused) and her pulsating Dark Mark and the red skin surrounding it from her clawing.
When he touched her raw skin, his fingertips sent electricity like jolts through her entire body causing barely restrained shivers. The black, seemingly living tattoo burned slightly, but the uncomfortable feeling disappeared as his warm fingers traced over its design in detail. All the tension in her limbs seemed to disappear at this simple touch. Despite the situation Hermione closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of his attention.
All worry seemed to be erased by this gentle warm touch. Then, as if nothing could right, the prickling turned to burning then a searing pain. Hermione softly screamed pulling her leg towards her to clamp her hands over it in an effort to quell the white hot knives on flesh feel.
Severus instead held onto her leg, telling her not to touch it as he gently placed his finger tips on the four different pressure points on the Mark, pressing down on them with nearly bruising strength. Hermione's fisted hands relaxed minutely, her fingernails no longer shredding her own flesh.
Taking the opportunity he concentrated on the mark, using his own to reinforce the bond between Hermione's tattoo and the source of her pain in his mind. It was as though a part of his mind escaped through his finger tips and into her body before emerging from another. Around him a scene began to form.
All around stood hooded figures their eyes seemingly fixed on him though he was not there. There were many ranks from the highest to the lowest. Ahead of him was the Dark Lord, by his side Wormtail and to his other side none other than Lucius Malfoy, his wand drawn and pointing to the jerking mass at his feet, Theodore Nott.
Voldemort signalled and Lucius stopped. "You have shown your loyalty to our cause. You are now one of us," hissed Voldemort, only his red eyes visible from under his hood. "Come forth."
Unsteadily Nott stood, various muscles jerking at irregular intervals from Crucio. Kneeling before his Lord, as if he were king, he presented his left arm. A wand protruded from the robes before him touching the mark, changing it from dark grey to solid black.
"Thank-you my Lord," he said, standing and retreating back out of the circle of inner Death Eaters as the next candidate stepped forward. One of the Death Eaters caught Nott's eye, giving him a stiff nod. He would know that posture anywhere. It was Nott Senior.
Pulling back he gently broke the connection as to not frighten her, the scene dissolving as it continued to play and another forming, the Hogwarts Hospital Wing.
Releasing his pressure on her leg, he directed his attention to her face. "I used the bond between you and Mister Nott to watch him," he supplied, his hands now resting in his lap.
"Where is he? What is he doing that causes this?"
"He was under the wand of Malfoy Senior at his initiation."
"Wha – " But Snape cut her off.
"He was taken from our custody by Bellatrix Lestrange. The only damage a concussion on Professor Hepel's part."
"How did he escape?"
"Now is not the time," he told her, pulling back down her night gown. "You need sleep." Uncurling her loose fists he healed the small cuts from her nails before placing both hands back on the bed and pulling up the sheet.
How could they loose a student? Where is he? Would he come back to finish what he started? Where is Nicole? Was she alright? What happened in the Girl's Bathroom? All these questions and more were pushed to the back of her brain as her hand snuck out and took Severus's, all of her worries gone as she safely drifted off to sleep. There was no need to ask him to stay because she already knew he would be there when she woke up.
ooOOoo
Author's Notes: Thank-you all for your reviews. I really enjoy reading them.
I just have to tell you, I found out the other day that I got all 'Very High Achievements' on my year 10, Junior Certificate and A's in year 11 Chemistry (top of the class! a whole mark better than the other students nearly) and Maths B, so at the moment I'm like over the moon. I thought I was only going to get a 'High Achievement' in social studies, but I got higher, so I'm really happy. I just had to tell you that. My friend (she's second in Chemistry) is sick of me telling her but I'm just happy.
Anyway, I probably won't be updating for a while because on Monday, my family is going north for a week long holiday and then we come back for three days and then leave Christmas day and go south to visit my Uncle and his family for a week or so. I think?
I tried to put a little Hermione/Sevie action in here for all you shipers.
I hope you enjoy these Chapters and to everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
(As always, reviews are appreciated)
Varcolaci: Nicole is necessary character but not absolutely vital. The plot could continue without her but in the future she comes back for a greater part.
Pureangel86: Yup, it was Nott.
Kakashisninjadogs: I loved your review. Anyway, the last chapie answered your question about Nicole.
Katyes: Yes Nicole needs to leave. Because of the way I am planning the story she needs to leave to be able to come back with a slightly bigger part. As I see it she is sort of a catalyst in the relationship. Nott didn't really care that Nicole was there, if so she was just a casualty. Severus being around for Hermione is helping her move on.
JTBJAB: Nagini…I thought the same thing. Then again someone mentioned McGonagall in passing but picked another villain. J.K. Rowling has mentioned that Draco and Theodore are on very equal ground. They are both aristocratic in a way and have been brought up in Death Eater households so they are similar but also dissimilar. As we have never really seen the violent side of Draco, there isn't much to go on in that respect.
Kariakanna: Nicole's disability, although not totally necessary, is played on later in the story.
Lady Saffron of the Daggers: Nott is a lesser known Slytherin basically (same year as the trio). He is really the only one Draco considers an equal. In addition, he can see Thestrals, his mother is dead and his a Death Eater of Voldermort's inner circle.
Evil-mastermind666: you were on the right track. As for the Dark Mark, when Nott first attacked Hermione he defiled her, tortured her, raped her and burnt the dark mark on her as a sort of mark of possession and a way to make her constantly remember the ordeal.