To my Reviewers:

Daintress:

Of course I'll take a look at your fics. Thank you for reviewing, have a cookie!

Wiccan Pussykat:

Yum…I do like Lemon/lime. My favorite part about Malfoy is it's cool to write him with sarcasm and wit. These things he thinks just pop in as I'm writing, sometimes they make me laugh! It is so much fun to torture Harry, it just makes everything else he does seem that much more brave and heroic *(* He's so much fun to torture. "Survival of the fattest?" (LOL) that would be perfect for him. I'm glad you liked the way I portray Harry, I'm trying to make him believable and in character.

The NDE's fascinate me too! My BF did a project on lucid dreaming once, and I thought it was the most interesting thing. I did mine on the Bermuda Triangle…cool stuff. ;)  You have far reaching goals…eh? It would be fun to astral-project somewhere…I'll have to nearly die sometime. I'm glad you liked Harry/Sirius at the end. I tried to make that part in character too, and I think it worked out.  And oh yeah….Harry will definitely be feeling this dream! Have another cookie, thanks for your review!

Sasha:

Thanks for guessing the quote, you win second prize, which is a slice of apple pie and a Weasley sweater! I'll try and work your name into the story, but I can't guarantee anything. I'm glad you're enjoying my story, have a cookie for reviewing.

Glaivurgrl:

Romantic action? Within the next few chapters I expect, but I can't make any guarantees, I don't have many chapters planned out already, except for one scene during the summer. ^^) You will just have to wait and see what it is. Sirius is the best…I have decided to get a Newfoundland (big black dog) and name it Padfoot. What do you think? Since you gave me puppy eyes, you can have a chocolate muffin, thanks for reviewing!

Reflective Velvet:

oOoOh! Thanks for the Latin Site, I have one that I usually go to, but I can check out yours, too. You win…. a giant slice of cherry pie and a Draco Malfoy bobble head doll. Have you seen the movie Airplane? Because that's where the "don't call me Shirley…" line is from. Funny, funny movie. :-) Sorry about the no pun intended part…BUT…I can argue my case, because instead of an asterisk, I could have put the line right there in parentheses…now what would have ruined the mood more?? Austin Powers? You drive a hard bargain…how to put them in there without losing the subtle seriousness?? I will try. **watches the Austin Powers movies for inspiration** Have another cookie!!

Sweet Sorrow:

How could you smack Harry? He's so young and naïve. He doesn't know any better. I was laughing evilly when I wrote that part too, just to torment you. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! Glad you thought the Sirius/Harry part was good, I wanted it to seem realistic but not too sappy. OMG! Me, the author? As flattering as that is, I don't think I could handle it. I would have never been able to create all these awesome characters like she has. **bows down to JKR**

 **Remembers that JKR killed Sirius** "I take that back." Thank you for the butter, I'm on my roll. ;-) Have another cookie!

For guessing the quote, you win a stuffed Buckbeak and Sirius, along with a lifetime supply of Jiffy Pop.

Serpentsattire:

**Blushes and turns to roll** She thinks I'm talented! New weekend=new chapter! Enjoy!

Thanks for the congrats on my finals, I was very pleased. Have another cookie!!

Funness:

**hands you a tissue** don't worry; Sirius is fine in my story! Have another cookie!!!!!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter…yet…

Thank you all for your encouraging reviews, they make me want to type!

P.S. I have decided to adopt a Newfoundland (a big black dog) and name it Padfoot. What do you think??

Random Quote:

I disapprove of what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.

~Voltaire

Chapter 8: In Voldemort's Lair

Snape glowered at the mark on his left arm, which had promptly begun to throb once again.

"Shit" he cursed, grabbing his wand and apparating out of the dungeons, where he had been grading papers after dinner.

He found himself in a graveyard. Bloody fantastic, he thought. The Dark Lord always chooses the most interesting places to have meetings. He could see similar dark hooded figures lurking within the shadows of the trees. Looks like a full meeting tonight. He smiled grimly; full meetings almost always meant that the Dark Lord had heard bad news. And once he had his confirmation, the curses would fly.

"Lucius," Snape nodded towards his fellow Death Eater, who was wearing a foul glare.

"Severus, do you know what this is all about?" The blonde growled. "Narcissa wants me home tonight; I don't have time for this."

"Doubtless the Dark Lord has his reasons for summoning us," Snape hissed, "You would be wise to not let him hear that your wife is more important than his information."

"I just hope it's quick…and painless." He added as an afterthought.

"You and me, both."

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Harry's POV:

After Dumbledore and Sirius had left, Madam Pomfrey had come in and made me rest, telling me that under no circumstances was I to leave the Wing until I had a proper night's rest. Highly unlikely, Indeed, once I had fallen asleep…

I found myself in a dark graveyard, walking towards the Death Eaters. Incompetent fools that they were. I would have some answers tonight at least. I approached them as they formed themselves into a half-ring, dropping prostrate on the ground as was appropriate. At least they remember themselves in my presence. "Greetings, my loyal Death Eaters."

"Greetings, my Lord." They replied in unison.

"I am sure you are wondering why I have called you all here tonight."

"Yes, my Lord." They chanted.

"I have called you all here tonight, due to a letter that was received; by our very own Crabbe, from his son, who is currently attending Hogwarts-with Potter."

"My Lord." The Death Eaters filled the brief silence that followed.

"Malfoy," I called sharply. "Perhaps, you would care to explain what was contained in this letter. Hmm?"

"My Lord," Malfoy hissed, "I am unaware of what information you may have received."

"You should be aware, Malfoy, seeing as how they concern you." I smirked.

"The details of my life are quite inconsequential." Malfoy stammered. "My Lord." He added hastily.

"How about the details of your son's life?"

"My Lord?" Malfoy replied nervously.

Crucio! I shouted, pointing my wand at Malfoy's kneeling body…

I woke up, screaming in pain.

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Snape's POV:

Lucius lay writhing on the ground before me.

Somehow, an image of Potter came to my mind. Merlin, I hope he isn't connected to this, I sighed heavily.

"My loyal follower," Voldemort began dangerously, letting up the curse so Lucius could hear him, "not only has Draco Malfoy chosen to side with that Muggle-loving fool Dumbledore. He has also SAVED Harry Potter's life." Voldemort shrieked. "This is absolutely unacceptable!" he screamed. "Imagine…that a son of one of my servants would turn away from the path of righteousness that is the Dark Arts!"

"I apologize, my Lord," Malfoy rasped, "for my son's behavior…… He shall be punished severely."

"YOU shall be punished severely." Voldemort declared, "And your son shall DIE for his disobedience!"

"As you wish, My Lord." Malfoy bowed submissively.

It made me sick, that a Father would give up his own son for an egomaniacal Dark Lord. I was also sick because I knew that, somehow, I would also be punished tonight, for some reason or another. Dumbledore knew it was only a matter of time before the Dark Lord found out about Draco's treachery. I just hoped he had a plan.

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Ron's POV:

Hermione was nearing me, dressed beautifully in a reddish maroon tank top and low rise jeans. She had shown me a muggle magazine earlier that day and told me how she wished she had that outfit. She looks awesome in it…I smiled at her as she approached me by the common room fireplace.

"Ron, what do you want right now?" She asked me. I could feel my breaths coming in shorter gasps. "My heart beats there, too."

"You," I mumbled. "I want you."

"Well, Ron, let's go to the library firs-"

An ear-piercing scream broke through the stillness of the night. My head exploded and Hermione was gone, leaving the curtains around my bed swimming in my vision.

I would recognize that scream anywhere.

"Shit! Harry!" I leapt out of bed and ran helter-skelter towards the hospital Wing. I ran downstairs; only to see the rest of Gryffindor house, who had been partying till dawn to celebrate the end-of-exams, staring towards the porthole out of the tower.

"Ron!" Dean said, catching my arm, "I thought you and Hermione were retiring early? Did you hear that screaming then, too?"

"Yes, I'll be back later." I shouted over my shoulder, leaving Dean, Seamus, Neville and the others to wonder what had happened.

I was halfway out the porthole when I heard Hermione shout behind me, "I'm coming too, Ron!" She came skidding down the hall leading to the girl's dormitory stairs. I grabbed her hand and we darted down the stairs. Leaping trick ones and shouting at the moving ones to go faster.

We ran down the corridor together, passing the Hufflepuff dorms, where Hannah Abbott poked her head out.

"Get back to your dorm you two, before you catch it from Umbridge!" She warned.

"Umbridge can kiss my-"

"RON!"

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Sirius's POV:

Moony and I were eating a late dinner in his old office; we had been working on renovation for the new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher next year, who would very likely be either Remus or Moody.

"How did Umbridge manage to get these ornamental kitten plates in here without tossing her cookies?" I joked in disdain. "These are disturbing, even Padfoot wouldn't chase these cats."

"Well, Sirius, I-"

He was interrupted by a piercing scream. I know that voice. Remus and I turned to each other and spoke at the same time. "Harry!"

I transformed faster than I ever had before, Remus flung open the door and we ran to the hospital wing.

As we turned the corner nearest the wing, Remus ran smack into Hermione, who fell over on her back. Remus tried to maintain his balance, but her sliding feet had caught him off guard, he went tumbling over Hermione's other side.

Ron had continued on, tripping over me because I had paused to check on Moony in a delayed reaction. He flew up and over Padfoot, landing painfully on his face. I fell on my side by Hermione's feet, panting slightly.

Hermione, being the first to fall, was also the first to recover. She leapt to her feet, apologizing profusely, babbling about Harry and how they had heard him scream. Remus, also apologizing, helped Ron up, who was now sporting a bruised face and a grimacing smile. I shook myself, regaining my balance, and barked to remind them all of the purpose of our flight to the source of screams.

"Harry!"

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Dumbledore's POV:

It always worried me when Severus risked his life to spy for our purpose. More often than not, lately, he would return from the summons with after-effects from the Cruciatus Curse. If I could convince him to stay in the Infirmary overnight, I always made sure Pomfrey had a comfortable bed and relief potions prepared. When I heard Harry screaming later that night, I knew tonight would be one of those times when our resident Death Eater stayed in the hospital wing.

I ran towards Poppy's office, alerting Tonks and Moody, who had returned to headquarters to sleep and the Weasley's who were now aware of everything that had occurred and were planning on arriving in the morning. Now's as good a time as ever, I thought grimly.

Poppy came bustling out of her office next to the Hospital Wing, we turned the corner together to see Remus, Sirius, Ron and Hermione hurry in ahead of us.

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Sirius ran into the infirmary, transforming immediately to comfort Harry. The boy had gone pale, his limbs were convulsing and his hair was sticky with sweat on his forehead.

"Oh Goddamnit, Harry! Tell me what to do!" Sirius cried, rocking his body back and forth. Remus, Ron, Hermione and Madam Pomfrey had raced into the room, only to halt in the doorway at the terrifying sight. Dumbledore shoved the other three aside and strode purposefully towards the distraught Sirius.

"That…That's Sirius Black!" Madam Pomfrey yelped in shock.

"Help me, Poppy!" Dumbledore turned to her angrily, "Harry is the most important thing right now, I will explain later." Poppy's professional side took over, and seeing how Sirius was treating the boy with concern rather than malice, she hastened towards the potions supply room to retrieve a pain relieving potion.

"Sirius, Look at me!" Dumbledore commanded in a powerful voice. "You must let me tend to Harry, now!" He left no room for argument. Sirius stepped back with a whimper, tears filled his eyes. Ron and Hermione came to stand behind him, while Remus patted his friend on the back.

 Dumbledore turned to the trembling boy on the bed. "Evanscesto Aurelieuas!" he shouted, and the white washed hospital wing walls disappeared to be replaced with a scene of nightmares.

Hermione screamed. "Where are we?"

"I am projecting Harry's vision." Dumbledore replied calmly. "I hope none of you are prone to motion sickness."

They all shook their heads.

Images flashed before their eyes upon the opposite wall, Death Eaters, in their characteristic black hoods with white masks, forming a circle around a villain like none had ever laid eyes upon before, a horrifying snake-faced figure. Lucius Malfoy, screaming under the Cruciatus curse. Voldemort screaming about incompetence and disobedience to Severus Snape before cursing him too. Goyle, Nott and Avery were next, dropping to the dirt as their nerves were racked with pain. Death Eater after Death Eater fell to the ground, writhing in anguish as their leader punished them for circumstances beyond their control. They would feel the pain he had felt earlier that day, when the same curse had been cast on Harry Potter. They would know the pain of this curse like they had never felt before, victory had been so close, and yet, now it was so far. Thanks to the insolent arrogance of one Draco Malfoy.

 "Are you feeling this Potter?" Voldemort screamed into the night, "I can connect your mind to their pain! You can not escape from me! You can not torture me without them going unpunished! You too, will feel my wrath!"

Harry screamed.

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End of Chapter 8:

Wow, wanted to get this out…I hope you all like it. Review please.