Chapter six: Gone Away Part 2.
Hermione looked on in disbelief. She still couldn't grasp the fact that Draco Malfoy, her enemy for six years, was risking everything, including his own life, just to keep Snape's biggest secret. Although he did have another incentive to do so. His life hung on a very thin thread and many people were looking for him. By protecting Snape and herself he was also ensuring his own safety. She only wished it could make living with the bastard easier, but she knew that it wouldn't.
Hermione and Draco spent most, if not all, of their time avoiding eachother. Neither one wanted to discuss what had happened only a few nights ago. Draco never thought that the oath he took would ever need to be tested.
HP
Harry continued to stare into the fire for a long time. By the time he finally lifted himself from his thoughts the fire had been reduced to glowing embers. He doubted that Hermione could be safe with Snape. The bat would of-course just toss her to Voldemort. All the reassurances were doing nothing to calm his ultimate fears. Something was dreadfully wrong with the situation; he could feel it right down to his bones.
Feeling no comfort in the kitchen Harry began to walk through the quiet house. Hoping, to no avail, that Hermione would simply pop out of the shadows and tell him that he had no reason to worry. That all of this was simply a story to keep her hidden form the Death Eaters. But no Hermione came forth from the shadows. No whispered reassurances. Nothing. Just silence greeted him. The memories ran threw his mind, like a cinema. Harry walked from room to room on the main floor of the old house, seeing Hermione. He could see her curled up reading in front of the fireplace. He saw her smile. He could almost feel the warmth of the fire that wasn't even there. The happiness showing plainly on her face as she looked over toward the door. He could see himself and Ron walking threw and smiling back. As the vision faded he felt the tears begin to trail down his cheeks.
A feeling of betrayal filled him.
' How could Lupin have done this? How could he lie to us like that?' Harry thought to himself feeling his anger rise once again. ' Was he such a coward that in return for his own life he would sacrifice Hermione?'
Harry had no idea where these thoughts were coming from, but he did nothing to shove them from his mind. They almost gave him a sense of comfort. They eased the ache deep in his chest just enough for him to breath normally again. Harry had no idea what he was going to do but knew that he had to do something. Go somewhere, anywhere. Somewhere Hermione or Lupin had never been. He had to find Snape. But for now a brief escape would have to do. Finding Snape had one major problem at the moment, he had no idea where the greasy bat lived, and it appeared that he would have to wait to find out.
Harry walked toward the front door slowly. Checking around every corner that no one would see him leave. Then as quietly as was possible he lifted the locks and stole away into the night.
SS
Severus kneeled before The Dark Lord. Waiting for some kind of indication of why he was here in the first place. But the despicable excuse for a man looked as if he wanted Severus to ask the question aloud instead of with his eyes. Severus however was not about to say a word. He knew there was a significant reason for there were only three others in the room with them. Bellatrix, the women looked at him as if he had just given her the world on a silver platter. Lucius, newly out of prison, looking as though hiding from the ministry were no great feat. And Wormtail, Severus knew that something was wrong about the whole thing simply by the frightened took in the pathetic mans eye. Although seeing Wormtail in distress was nothing knew, the man was afraid of everything, it was the type of fear he saw that set off alarms in Severus' mind.
So he stood in the increasingly cool room and awaited the inevitable.
" Well now." The Dark Lord started as if it were no other meeting, " Can any of you tell me why you are here?" the thing looked at each person in turn as if willing them to answer the question only he knew the answer to.
Bellatrix simply looked pale, not that she didn't usually look so. But this night it seemed to have taken a slightly grayer hue than was usual. Lucius inclined his head as The Dark Lord moved his red, snake like eyes on to him. Saying plainly that he hadn't the slightest clue as to what was going on. When the red eyes met Wormtail's watery ones, the small, rather large around the middle, man bowed deeply. His fear of The Dark Lord playing plainly across his face.
Then it came Severus' turn to go under the guillotine per say. Only inclining his head a small amount, he kept his eyes firmly locked with the red ones staring into his soul. Severus was also the first to speak.
" My Lord may I make an educated guess as to the nature of this unplanned and exclusive meeting?" Severus asked with a further incline of his dark head. Three of the other four occupants in the room looked over at him in shock while The Dark Lord looking only mildly surprised.
" Tell us Severus, please, why do you think only the three of you have been called to me? Indulge us if you will." Voldemort looked the young man up and down as if looking for a flaw to focus on. Something, anything he could use against the boy's theories.
" Does it or does it not have something to do with werewolf my Lord?" When the short flask of surprise came into the older mans eyes Severus knew he had hit his mark. He was thankful that all in the room had their attention fixated on him. It would not have been very good if the other three had seen what he had.
" How perceptive of you Severus. You are of course right. We have run into a little problem with the creature. Would you, Severus, have any clue as to what that might be?" The Dark Lord asked with a hint of venom in his voice.
Severus bowed his head again and answered, " Only you know that answer my Lord. I could only make wild guesses as to what has you so bothered."
The Dark Lord looked Severus up and down once again looking for any indication that he was lying. Finding none in his mind or his posture he looked the other three over once more.
" There is a problem with the mans memories." The Dark Lord said shortly. Before he had time to elaborate Bellatrix cut in.
" What kind of problem?" she asked frantically, too frantically. The Dark Lord looked over at the women. Giving her a once over he saw how shaken she was. " Why don't you tell me my dear? After all what do you have to be afraid of?"
Bella looked quickly to the ground, " I know nothing Lord. I do not wish to displease you in any way. If I have in any way done so with my reaction I will take the punishment given me." The words were just above a whisper, but just loud enough for Voldemort to here them. Severus, having been born with excellent hearing, had heard every shuddering word.
He watched as The Dark Lord surveyed the women shaking before them all. Ever since the ministry she had been trying her hardest to regain the favor she had lost in The Dark Lords eyes. Due to the blunder of many Severus had moved up in rank and was now closer to the man. Having killed Dumbledore had only made The Dark Lord favor him more. Draco had only been spared due to his success in bringing the other Death Eater's in to the school. Even when most thought it almost impossible.
" Severus what do you think of Bella's little show?" The Dark Lord asked turning his head to look in his direction.
Severus thought the question over for a moment, but only a moment. " From what I can see Lord her fear seems genuine. But her excuse does not merit her fear at all. For all we know she could have some secret kept in her frail brain that she herself has locked away so that we may not see it."
Bellatrix looked up at him. A deep seething hatred glowing in her eyes. " How dare you." She whispered in a threatening tone. " I have no secrets as you well know Snape. I have kept nothing from our Lord, ever. And I keep nothing form him now." Her voice rising. She looked ready to attach Severus. Only when their Lord interrupted their little spat did she begin to think clearly again. Attaching Severus now would be a grave mistake. He was of higher rank than she and it could very well get her killed.
" Now, now children." The inhuman man said, " You know we really should be trying to get along so that we might clear up this matter." Voldemort looked between Severus and Bellatrix letting both know that this argument was never to go any further than the small room. " The memories in question have simply been taken form the mans mind. Very few had access to the room he was being kept. You are the only few of my followers that are being told this. I am personally going to be going threw the homes of your fellow Death Eater's. Unfortunately your homes will be searched as well." At this he paused. Looking at the reactions on their faces. The other's looked appalled at the idea and even a little frightful, but Severus stood as he always did. Tall and silent. He kept his emotions in check for Hermione's sake and hoped that Draco would have enough sense to make sure the girl was safely hidden away.
" You three will await my return here. I am hopeful that I will find nothing in your homes. However if I do you will be dully punished." The Dark Lord looked at each of them in turn to emphasize his point. " Severus while I am at your estate's do you have any messages to your guest?" only because the mane seemed genuine did Severus answer.
" Tell my…. Guest… that he is not to forget what I asked of him."
" What did you ask Severus?" this question coming from Bellatrix. Severus simply continued to ignore the women.
" I like her question Severus." Voldemort said, " Do tell us what you asked of your young guest."
" I asked him to please watch over my house and that he remember that my house elf stays with me. I do not wish to visit and find my mother's home a mess." Severus answered plainly as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. The Dark Lord shock his head in agreement and then stood to leave.
" I expect you all here when I return. I will see you all again when I return. DO not let your nerves get the better of you." The man finished as he walked out the only door, the sneer on his face suggested that he wished them to do just that.
Severus turned to the shadows and then. Leaning against the wall with his hair hiding his face effectively, he let his emotions run ramped. Hermione was in greater danger now than she had ever been. She could no longer depend on her friends to help her through her dilemma; she was alone on this one.
HG
Draco paced the second floor study. Avoiding Hermione hadn't worked so well this time and he couldn't bring himself to leave her company. After spending the last week alone in the large house and kind of companionship, no matter how unwelcome it may be, was fine by him.
The main door burst open and Draco sprinted to the top of the stairs. Below him stood The Dark Lord himself. Thanking Merlin for the shadows he sank back grabbing Hermione as she went. Putting his fingers to her lips as a signal for her to remain silent.
Quietly he pulled her into his rooms and frantically looked for a place to hide her. Remembering the trap door he had found under one of the oriental rugs, he headed to it and pulled it open quickly. Hermione didn't even ask why he was showing her this place and proceeded to clime in the dark hole. She shuddered slightly as Draco closed the door and she heard the rug hit the floor above her.
Draco had just sat down whit a book he had been reading earlier when Voldemort walked into the room.
" Ah Draco, just the person I was looking for. Severus has sent you a message. And I see that there is no point in relaying it to you. You seem to have been keeping house just fine. How are you my dear boy?"
Draco, thanking the gods that Snape had taught him occlumency during the last year, answered calmly. " I am fine Lord." He said as he bowed his head in the required show of respect. Looking up for the briefest moment he noted that the man was looking at him almost expecting to see something amiss. Upon finding nothing he moved on to what he had come for.
" Draco do know if Severus might be hiding anything in this house. Other than yourself of course." Voldemort asked, trying to keep hid tone as even as possible.
Draco could feel himself begin to panic but fought the emotion. " No my Lord I do not. Severus has not been here for a week or so. I can not imagine that he would be hiding any thing form you Lord. He is one of your most faithful followers. I believe he would tell you anything even with out your asking Lord." Draco said with an even, somewhat bored tone. The Dark Lord simply looked at the boy for a few moments. Draco knew what he was searching for and quickly pushed the images of himself alone into plain sight.
Finding nothing The Dark Lord let out an audible sigh. " Well it is time for me to move on to another home. Enjoy your stay here young mister Malfoy." With that the man turned to leave the house. Voldemort did not stop at any point between the bedroom and the front door. Draco was thankful that he had given The Dark Lord any reason to stay. Hermione was still hidden beneath the floor and he didn't want to leave her down there for too long. Although letting her fear grow just a little more did seem like an inviting idea.
Pushing the thought aside Draco walked to the window. He watched as Voldemort took one last look up at the house and the dissaperrated. Draco let his head rest against the cool window pain for a few seconds. He could feel his heart racing within his chest.
Looking over at the rug he decided that it was time to let Hermione out. Pulling the rug aside and then slowly opening the trap door. Draco suddenly let out a small cry. Hermione was not there. Draco knew that if she were in any real danger he would most likely be dead at that moment but the fact that he had lost her so easily did not sit well. He ha looked in the small space before and there was no where to go. There were no catacombs leading to any other place. Then Draco remembered that he was in a magical house. One trap door could be linked to another and she could be anywhere in the expansive mansion. There was nothing Draco could do until Severus arrived to question him about The Dark Lord's arrival.
Draco wasn't looking forward to it in the least.
HP
Harry walked the streets of muggle London. Knowing that it was not in his best interest. But at the moment he didn't really care. If he were captured he would be one step closer to finding Hermione. Even if he found her with one foot in his own grave. It wasn't like it mattered any way. He was already six feet under when it came to Voldemort. He had little left in life to enjoy and what little he did have he didn't have the time to enjoy. He spent most of his time worrying about everything and everyone to really enjoy life anymore.
He hated his life. He just wanted to escape it all. But he knew that no matter where he went or what he did he would be hunted down. His friends would be tortured and killed. Harry was doomed to be haunted by his past and what may possibly become everyone else's future.
Suddenly Harry thought of Snape having Hermione locked up somewhere. Harry's face suddenly contorted into a snarl. He had to fine her.
A thought struck him. If he concentrated hard enough on just her maybe, just maybe, he could apperate to her. He knew the risk he was taking. But he closed his eyes and did so any way.
SS
Severus was still standing in the corner when Voldemort returned.
" Well my pets it seems that you are all free to go. Severus might I tell you that it may be time to check on your guest. Leaving him alone for so long must be wearing on him." Thankful for the dismissal Severus left the room, billowing robes and all. Not knowing what he would find when he returned.
HG
She had felt the tug. She was no longer beneath the floor in Draco's room. The voices had faded and there were no footsteps to be heard. She knew Draco could be a bastard but he wouldn't leave her in this damnable space for too long. Hermione pushed up on the door above her and it wouldn't budge. Screaming in frustration Hermione cursed herself for leaving her wand in the study.
Hermione began to scream as loud as she could. After a few moments her throat began to hurt. She slumped down in the small space hoping, praying for the first time in years, that someone would find her and soon.
HP
Harry suddenly found himself out side a large house. He could tell that this was no ordinary house. Harry stood in a wooded area just far enough away that he couldn't be seen from the house or its extensive drive. Just when harry was about to step out of his shadowed hiding place a dark figure walked up the drive and entered the house. Harry watched the strange figure. When he thought it might be safe he walked cautiously up to the hansom front door. He then found himself in a marble foyer big enough to house most, if not all, of Gryffindor tower.
SS
" Draco?" Severus bellowed threw the house. When Draco stepped out of Severus' own bedroom he received a glare that could kill. " What are you doing in my room Draco?" the tone of his voice said plainly that he was not in the mood to be lead off subject.
" Hermione has gone missing." He answered in an almost inaudible whisper.
" What?" Severus asked in a deadly tone.
" Well as you know…" Draco began, " The Dark Lord came here and I…" Draco suddenly stopped. Moving slightly so that he could see beyond Severus. He could have sworn he had heard footsteps. Severus must have heard to because when Draco opened his mouth to ask he was quickly shushed.
Severus turned slightly to look behind himself. He could see nothing but the shadows were significant enough to hide anyone. With a quick flick of his wand, all of the torches in the hall sprang to life. Standing against the wall was none other than Harry Potter.
HP
Harry heard someone bellowing from above and as quietly as he could ascended the stair way directly in front of him. Keeping to the shadows, Harry saw Snape and Malfoy. Snape looked livid. When a floor bored creaked beneath his feet Harry froze. Hoping that he hadn't been heard. He had no such luck. Draco looked around Snape and over to where Harry hid. Snape had also heard and turned to look in the same direction. Harry began to make his retreat when the torches came to life. Having been revealed Harry turned to the two men before him. He knew that he could run now and they would never be able to catch him. There was a good fifteen-meter's between them. But Harry wasn't going to run this time. Even though he knew he should have done so.
The three men stood and watched eachother for a long while. Not a single one dared to move.