A/N: Happy Wednesday, everyone:) As usual, I don't own a thing; anything you recognize belongs to J.K. Rowling!

"Yes, scream, Mudblood, scream!"

Unable to stop herself, Hermione cried out. She didn't know how long she'd been under the Cruciatus this time, but it was longer than it had been before. Hermione had already lost the contents of her stomach and was now dry-heaving, the bitter taste of bile never leaving her mouth.

"The Master says that I can do whatever I want with you. I remember the Department of Mysteries well, don't you? You got away with only my curse. It left quite a lovely scar, if I do say so myself. But now, as a reward for getting you and bringing you here, I'm going to be able to finish the job."

Hermione felt sick at what he was saying- or maybe it was still just the curse. It was hard to tell what she was feeling, both emotionally and physically. All she knew was that everything hurt and that she wished she were with Severus.

Dolohov eventually decided that he was bored with her torture and left her on the floor of her cell, whistling as he went. As she lay there alone, coming slowly back to herself, she processed what he'd told her. Hermione didn't know what he'd been planning to do with her that night in the Department of Mysteries, but she was certain that it would end in a slow, painful death.

Forcing her hand to her neck, she found the heart and thought of her wizard.

Hermione? Are you alright?

No, but I'll live. For now, at least.

What do you mean?

Do you remember the Department of Mysteries?

Of course; how could I forget?

He wants to finish the job.

Silence met her. She worried fleetingly that he was gone, but she could still feel his presence in her mind.

Severus, do you know what all he wanted to do?

No, but it was implied that it would be tortuous and likely drive the victim to madness, though at the time, I didn't know that he was talking about you.

I could have told you that much.

What has he done to you?

She could hear the anger and worry in his 'voice.'

Well, it was just the Cruciatus again, but it was worse this time. He said that his Master gave me to him as a gift for finding me and bringing me here.

Why the hell would you be brought there just to be given away?

I don't know; I was afraid to ask. He doesn't respond well to questions.

Trust me, I know.

Severus… what if it happens again?

What do you…? Oh. Hermione, I'll be honest with you. There is a high chance that it will, but it isn't guaranteed. Dolohov was one of the most sadistic Death Eaters I knew, nearly on par with Lucius and Bellatrix. If you can find out why his Master wanted you in the first place, though, you can use that to your advantage.

You make me sound like a Slytherin.

You've been living with one for well over a year; surely you'll be able to pull it off.

I can try. Severus?

What is it?

Is it ridiculous that while Dolohov held me under the Cruciatus for an unknown amount of time, all I could think- past registering the pain- was that I missed you and wanted you with me?

Not at all. That's how I've been feeling for the past two days, minus the curse.

It's only been that long?

Yes, and it's easily been the worst two days of my life.

I love you, Severus.

And I you.

Her hand fell from her neck as she fell unconscious, and even as she slept she missed having her wizard with her.

The last couple of days had been painfully slow for Severus. When he'd gone back to their rooms after sitting in their favorite spot, he'd thrown himself into bed, books and parchment in hand. He was desperate for a way to get to Hermione, but all they knew was that she was in a cold, dark cell with Dolohov. There wasn't anything he could do until they knew more.

It hurt him to know that Hermione was alone and suffering at the hand of a man who wanted her dead, but she was brilliant. She'd be able to do this. He knew she could.

Severus didn't know what would become of him if she didn't make it through this. He was in deep with Hermione, and she held a big part of him with her. It would be more painful than almost dying from Nagini's bite.

Dumbledore had been unhappy with what he'd told him, but neither were really surprised. They both knew what Dolohov was capable of, and there was the unknown variable of the Master. Without knowing who it was, they couldn't be sure of how to keep Hermione alive.

Now, Severus was sitting at the Head Table, glaring at every student who looked up at him. Day three of her disappearance was beginning, and he was not at all happy about having to teach today.

His classes were abysmal at best. While most of the students could tell that it was best to do as he asked and leave him alone, there were a few who just couldn't take a hint. Many points were deducted that day. Things weren't any better at dinner, but as he took a sip of tea, his pocket warmed.

Reaching into his pocket quickly, he shot a glance at Dumbledore and nodded.

Hermione, are you okay?

It's Malfoy. Lucius Malfoy is the Master.

What?!

As he said this, his teacup fell from his hand, fell to the table, and cracked. The staff were all looking at him, and Dumbledore rose to stand before him.

"Malfoy."

At this, Dumbledore's concern became evident. Lucius was about three times as bad as Dolohov in his sadism, and nearly as cunning as Severus. This was bad. Very bad.

I'm at Malfoy Manor, but you can't come here, Severus. It's you he's after, not me. I'm a lure.

What does he want me for?

You're a traitor in his eyes. He wants you dead. Until you come, Dolohov has to keep me alive. Lucius plans to kill you when you come after me. He's prepared to wait. He said that he could keep me here for months if necessary.

I won't let him keep you for that long.

But if you come, you'll die. I can't lose you, Severus.

I can't lose you either, which is why I have to get to you.

Severus, please. Can't you tell the Ministry to send Aurors?

You know just as well as I do how corrupt and inept the Ministry is. It would do more harm than good.

The potion!

What?

Our potion, Severus! He can't kill you if you take it before you come. He's only been out of Azkaban for a couple of weeks and hasn't left the Manor. I don't think he knows about it.

Why didn't I think of that?

It doesn't matter; you didn't know where I was until just now.

Wait, Hermione. How do we keep them from killing you once they realize they can't get me?

I was really hoping you had an answer for that. But, it's a moot point. I want to do this, Severus. I can't stay here. It's either maybe-die or definitely-die. I'll take my chances.

Alright. I'll leave when dinner is over and I inform the Headmaster. I will bring you home.

I'll see you soon, then. I love you.

You, as well.

That day had been the worst one yet for Hermione. Dolohov came almost immediately after she woke, and told her that the Master wished to see her. As he led her up a flight of stairs and she made her way through the house, she felt sick. They came to a stop in the very room where she'd been tortured by Bellatrix. Sitting in a chair by the window was Lucius Malfoy.

"Hello, little Mudblood. Long time, no see."

She had frozen in terror, and he smiled in malicious glee.

"Why am I here?"

"I almost forgot how inquisitive you were. Draco always mentioned how much of a know-it-all you were. To answer your question, you are here to assist me."

"If you think I would do anything for you, you're horribly mistaken."

"Ah, but you're already doing your job. I need you here, so that my old friend will come to save you. I can't get to him while he's in the castle, you know."

"Do you mean to tell me that you had me kidnapped, brought here, and tortured just so you could have Severus?"

"Right in one. Do you want to know why?"

"If you would be so kind," she spat.

"Well, if you must know, he betrayed our Lord. He is the reason we are where we are today, and he deserves to die for what he's done. If the Dark Lord hadn't failed, my Narcissa and Draco wouldn't have left me to rot in prison."

She paled visibly, and he laughed.

"So I'm bait, then."

"Precisely. We just wait for him to come here, I get what I want, Dolohov gets what he wants, and then it's all over."

"Why are you telling me all of this?"

"Oh, Mudblood, you're going to die. It doesn't matter how much you know. You are prevented from using magic to escape, so I can tell you everything we plan to do to you and your beloved traitor."

"You do realize that he probably hasn't the smallest idea where I am, don't you? How do you expect him to come here if he doesn't even know where to look?"

"I can wait. Besides, Dolohov deserves time to have his fun. I have the resources to keep you here for months. Knowing Severus, it won't take that long. He's rather intelligent, as I'm sure you know by now."

"I'm aware."

"Excellent. You see, Dolohov, two weeks out of prison and I'm already more like my lovely self, wouldn't you say?"

"Yes, Master."

"Take the Mudblood away. She's contaminating my drawing room."

"As you wish, Master Malfoy."

When they made it back down to her cell, she was surprised when Dolohov followed her in before closing the bars behind him. As soon as she looked at him, his fist swung out and she fell against the wall. He came down with her, still pounding her with his fists. She was seeing stars and beginning to fall unconscious when Dolohov moved off of her. He left her bleeding and bruised on the floor of her cell, and she cried silently to herself before reaching Severus.

Severus was in their quarters rummaging through their stores for some of their potion when a knock resounded through the room. Sighing heavily, he went to answer it. He was surprised to find a young man with round glasses and dark hair outside his door.

"Potter? What are you doing here?"

"Going with you. Dumbledore asked me to come and told me what's happened. Is she okay?"

"As okay as she can be, given the circumstances. I suppose this can only help; they won't be expecting you. They already know that I'll get there at some point, but they don't know it's going to be now. Here, take some of this," he said, holding out the potion he'd been searching for.

Harry did as his former professor told him and felt the power of the potion run through him.

"So it really works, then?"

"I've never had cause to use it personally until now, but our tests were successful."

"It's amazing, really. Too bad it didn't come about until after the war."

"Actually, Potter, it's best that it didn't. The Death Eaters would have built up stores of it, and it is very likely that they could have won the war with it."

All he got was a mere 'oh' in response, and they walked quickly from the castle. They Apparated far enough away that they wouldn't be detected, and made their way towards the Manor stealthily.

It didn't take them long to reach the looming structure, but they hesitated outside. Severus reached his hand into his pocket, thinking of Hermione.

Severus? Are you here?

Yes, we just arrived.

We?

Potter has accompanied me.

Oh. Okay. I don't think Dolohov is here. He mentioned needing to run an errand.

That only makes our job easier.

I know. But what if we can't find him after this?

Let Potter deal with it.

Alright, Severus. Lucius is probably in the drawing room; he and Dolohov had a meeting of sorts this afternoon.

And where are you?

Oh, you know, just hanging out in my cell.

We're on our way in. I'll see you in a few minutes.

Be careful. Both of you.

I'm sure we'll do our best.

"Was that Hermione?"

"Yes, she says we should check the drawing room first. She believes Dolohov is gone, and she is in a cell down in the basement."

"I know the place."

Severus recalled Hermione telling him about when they'd been brought to Malfoy Manor by Snatchers while they were on the run.

Pulling himself from his thoughts, he cast a quick 'Alohamora' on the front door, opening it quietly.

The Manor was quiet, and the unlikely pair moved silently through the house, finding their way to the drawing room quickly. Sure enough, Lucius was there, reading the paper as he sat near the fire.

"How inattentive of you, Lucius, letting us just wander through your home."

The older man looked up and a huge grin broke across his face when he saw Severus and the Boy-Who-Lived. He looked like a shark, Severus thought, pale and predatory,

"Severus! How good of you to show up!"

"This isn't a social call, Lucius. I believe you have someone of mine, and I want her back."

"Ah, yes, the filthy Mudblood. She's all yours, old friend. May I ask why you brought Potter?"

"I've had the pleasure of having Potter's company this evening. He decided to tag along."

Lucius just nodded, and Severus could see that he was holding his wand behind the paper. This was it.

"If you'd be so kind as to tell me where she is?"

"The basement. I'm sure she'll be very happy to see you."

Severus turned to go, smirking as he felt the silently cast Killing Curse hurtling towards his back. It fell away before turning around and flying towards Lucius, hitting the surprised man in the gut.

"Is that supposed to happen?" Harry asked, confused.

"I'm not sure. Hermione never mentioned anything about a repellant. I'll have to ask her."

They walked swiftly to the basement, and came across her cell. Hermione tried to rise, but couldn't quite make it to her feet. Harry unlocked the cell door, and Severus stepped in and knelt down, pulling Hermione into his arms.

"Thank Merlin you're finally here. Did it work?"

He chuckled; she was always full of questions. "Yes, your potion was effective. As was the Repelling Charm."

"I'm glad I made them work together, then."

"Why didn't you tell me that the curses flew back at the caster?"

"Because it's not always the case. I only put it on ours and the ones I gave Harry and Ginny."

Severus nodded. He'd really missed talking to her. It wasn't the same in their minds.

"Let's get you home, shall we?"

Hermione murmured some response, but it was unintelligible. He carried her out of the Manor, and as they walked out, a stunner flew past Severus' head.

"Potter, will you deal with him?"

Almost instantly, Harry petrified Dolohov, and Severus apparated away with his witch curled against his chest.

A/N II: That's enough darkness for now, don't you think? From here on out, this story will be more fluff than anything else! See y'all next week!