A/N Here's your next chapter! See, that was quicker update wasn't it? lol Hope you like it, this was a really fun chappie to write! And, if anyone knows anything, my other Fic, 'Dear FanFiction', has been reported by someone. When I find out who did it, that person is... Just kidding. :) I'm not the threatening type. If you know who did it, let me know. That was a lot of hard work getting that out. I'm republishing it soon but still...

Disclaimer: Do I write like J. K. Rowling? No? Then I'm not her. I wish though. XD I really should be putting disclaimers in here...

Thank you all for the wonderful reviews! Can we try for 25 this chapter? I'll update sooner this time if we can!

"No! No, you can't take me there, please!"

Hermione struggled ferociously in Bellatrix's grip, her nails digging into the Death Eaters' arms as she clawed and thrashed, trying desperately to escape. Terror exploded inside her at the memory of Professor Snape's cry being cut off abruptly. She still didn't know what had happened, and Bellatrix wasn't giving anything away. To her horror, Bellatrix had informed her a moment ago that the castle they were standing in front of was Malfoy Manor, and Hermione was even more desperate than ever to get away. This was the last place she wanted to be right now.

"Shut up, you little Mudblood," Bellatrix spat as she tightened her grip, her wand digging into Hermione's neck. The Gryffindor whimpered as she realised there was no way she was going to escape as they neared Malfoy Manor; they were greeted at the iron gate by a masked Death Eater who had his wand held at ready.

"Who are you?" he demanded gruffly.

"Move aside, you idiot," Bellatrix snapped. "Don't you know your superiors when you see them?" She spat at the Death Eater as he moved quickly aside to admit them. Hermione was shoved roughly forward and they passed through the gate. There was no way out now.

"Where are you taking me?" she asked boldly, but the quiver was evident in her voice, and Bellatrix was quick to notice.

"Scared?" she taunted, dragging her up towards Malfoy Manor. "Isn't it obvious where I'm taking you? The Dark Lord has need of you, so I'm just following orders. Now shut up before I give you a taste of the Cruciatus!"

Hermione fell silent, more out of fatigue than fear of the woman restraining her; if she was going before Voldemort, there was no way she would have a hope of escaping alive in her weakened state. He would most likely torture her, try to get some information out of her, then most likely kill her if she proved useless. She shuddered involuntarily. For some reason the memory of being dead didn't appeal to her.

Hermione suddenly realised they had reached the base of the stone stairs leading to the front door. Glancing upwards, she saw that most of the windows in the manor were dark; however, she counted at least seven that had candles in their windows, casting a faint glow into the darkness. The building was very old, handed down from generation to generation of the Malfoy's, each time getting a little shabbier, a little more dusty. By present day, it looked more like a well used castle than a manor housing the most infamous wizard of the century, but it still had a malevolent aura about it, sending shivers up Hermione's spine. This place was entirely evil.

As they advanced up the shallow and crumbling stairs, Hermione suddenly realised how sore she was. Her legs ached from all the walking, her arms, tied behind her back, were starting to lose their feeling, and her eyes still stung from the biting wind and from when she had been crying. They reached the apex of the stairs and she felt ready to collapse from exhaustion. Bellatrix raised an arm and rapped on the aged wood that made up the front door. After a few moments, the door opened a crack and an ugly, rat-like face with uneven hair appeared around the corner, beady eyes glaring.

"Who goes there?" the face squeaked from between pursed lips.

"Shut up, Wormtail," Bellatrix snapped at the man. "Let me through or else!"

The man, Wormtail, cringed and retreated into the building with muttered curses. Bellatrix turned to face Hermione, her eyes full of disgust and abhorrence. "Now, you little Mudblood, if you so much as make a single wrong move, I'll have you gutted before you can beg forgiveness. Am I understood?" When Hermione nodded, Bellatrix still seemed dubious, but yanked her into through the threshold and into Malfoy Manor.

Hermione was shocked at how fancy the inside was compared to the exterior. Expensive drapery hung across the walls, fancy furniture embroidered with intricate golden patterns was arranged in a semicircle and to top it all off, literally, a gold chandelier laden with solid jewels hung majestically from the ceiling. Hermione was surprised that such an evil dwelling could be so clean and organised. She had imagined it to be dusty, dark, and everything to be covered in spider webs; instead, it looked like it could fit right in at Hogwarts.

"Now, you filthy little Mudblood," Bellatrix's snappish remark jolted Hermione from her mind. "You know where I am taking you I expect? To the Dark Lord. And you are not to speak a word unless you are spoken to first, I would suggest you don't try to escape, and if you wish to live, you will do exactly what you are commanded. Am I understood? Do not try anything stupid." Bellatrix's eyes flashed as she spoke, and Hermione suddenly felt hopeless; she would never escape this place with this woman breathing down her neck all the time.

All the same, she nodded acquiesce; now was not the time for obstinacy or stubbornness. It may well get her killed.

Seeming satisfied, at least to an extent, Bellatrix gripped Hermione's arm tighter and dragged her out of the fancy sitting room and into a long, narrow corridor; faintly flickering spheres of light were set at regular intervals along the walls, lighting the way hazily. Every now and then, one of the lights would hiss and Hermione could have sworn it was mocking her, as if her presence here was noticed even by the house itself. The thought made her insides twist in knots.

At that moment, Bellatrix pulled to an abrupt halt. Glancing up to see why they had stopped, Hermione saw four cloaked Death Eaters advancing on them on the other side of the hall. Bellatrix sighed in exasperation and it was then Hermione recognised one of the Death Eaters.

It was Lucius Malfoy, a pure-blood wizard and father to Draco Malfoy, the annoying Slytherin boy who detested her, Harry and Ron almost as much as they did him. The evil man was currently serving a Voldemort's right hand, a rank given after he had stayed loyal to him, even after the Dark lord had been temporarily defeated by Harry Potter.

Now, as the pale man stalked meaningfully down the hall towards them. Hermione noticed he seemed… different, somehow. His face was paler than usual and was contorted into a faint grimace of pain that never wavered. She wondered if it was his age or something else; maybe just being around the Dark Lord was taking its toll on the Death Eater.

But she didn't have any more time to ponder this for right then the four Death Eaters stopped in front of her, their gleaming eyes taking her in. She glared right back until Lucius spoke.

"Bellatrix, what are you doing?" he growled. "This girl was not yours to take."

Bellatrix rolled her eyes and cackled. "You can't tell me what to do. Severus didn't do his job so I did it for him. The Saviry has taken care of him." She grinned nastily.

Lucius seemed startled, his gaunt features deepening. "Darkenza? He was supposed to—"

"Yes, yes," Bellatrix cut in. "I know what he was supposed to do. But he also failed, so I took over. Now, let me pass." She jutted her chin out defiantly, daring him to argue.

"I can't let you pass; the Dark Lord doesn't take kindly to those who openly defy him. I suggest you leave until your own task is complete."

"You can't tell me what to do, Lucius!" Bellatrix's eyes flashed with fury and she released Hermione's arm to reach for her wand.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

The calm voice made everyone jump, including Lucius. The all whipped around to see Darkenza staring at them with his arms crossed across his chest, his red eyes glaring. Dried blood was crusted around his claws and a look of triumph was plastered on his face. "If you try hexing anyone, Bellatrix, you will be sorry."

"Oh, so now an animal is trying to order me around?" she snorted derision. "I don't think so." The female Death Eater shoved Hermione towards Darkenza, who started in surprise. "She was Severus's job, but since you likely killed him, she's yours now. Have fun." With that, and a last sneer, Bellatrix pushed past Darkenza and sauntered down the hall the way she had come.

Hermione was now standing in the middle of the hall with four irate Death Eaters and one furious Saviry glaring at her. Not the best position to be in at a time like this.

Luckily, she was saved from having to escape or dodge any spells by voices from around the corner, quickly getting closer. She didn't have to wait long before two more Death Eaters rounded the corner; one had his wand out and was levitating a body that appeared to be unconscious through the air about a yard above the ground. Though she couldn't see the persons face, she knew he—or she—was terribly hurt. Their black cloak was covered in drying blood and they were trembling in agony. Hermione almost felt sorry for the person.

When the two Death Eaters saw the gathering in the middle of the hall, they stopped and glanced at Lucius questioningly though not respectfully.

"Alecto, Amycus," Lucius sneered coldly. "What are you doing here, and who is that?"

The first Death Eater, Alecto, grinned wickedly. "I think you might want to see for yourself," he suggested.

Lucius eyed him with distrust but took a step forward so he could lift the unknown mans hood. What he saw obviously pleased him, for he grinned maliciously and asked, "Where did you find him?"

This time the other newcomer, Amycus, answered. "He was at Elevate Summit, near dead when we found him."

"He sure looks dead right now," one of the Death Eaters behind Lucius commented.

"Shut up, Avery," Lucius snapped at him, and Avery fell silent.

"He's not," Amycus said. "The Dark Lord would not be pleased if he were to die in our… care." He spat the last word like poison.

"True."

"Then what do we do with him?" Amycus still had not acknowledged Hermione, and he showed no signs of doing so, but she could tell he was well aware of her presence. "Should we tell the Dark Lord?" the Carrow brother continued. "In any case, he may be needed…"

"No!"

Hermione jumped at Darkenza's sudden growl. She had almost forgotten the Saviry was still there and as he continued, she was surprised at the force in his deep voice.

"If you reveal this now, he'll likely have you killed. I would not suggest it in the least bit." He sounded almost as if he was begging them not to report this.

"And who are you to order me around?" Lucius demanded sharply. "I am your superior; are you contradicting that?"

"No," was the reply after a moment, then: "But I have every right to voice my opinion."

Apparently that was the wrong reply, for in an instant, Lucius had his wand drawn and had the Saviry against the wall by his throat. "You are never to say anything like that to me again; if you do I swear I'll—"

He was cut off as Avery and the other two Death Eaters grabbed him by the arms, yanking him roughly away from Darkenza. Lucius shoved them off and backed away, furiously glaring at them.

Hermione had backed away from the angry wizards and was now watching the scenes before her, terrified to what would happen if they remembered she was there and listening to every word spoken. She held her breath as Lucius spoke again.

"Why do you not want us to report his injuries?" he spat at Darkenza. "Are you scared?" his voice was filled with mockery.

"I do not scare easily," Darkenza replied, "but if you must know, I will tell you. It is because it was I who inflicted them."

You could have heard a pin drop a mile away; no one had expected that kind of answer. Hermione gaped, then realised something Bellatrix had said.

"It seems as though Darkenza has at last had his revenge on Severus," she had said. Suddenly, the pieces fit together perfectly in Hermione's mind. First, Darkenza had shown up with blood staining his fur, then the Death Eaters had shown up with a fatally injured man, and now the Saviry confessed he was the one who had hurt this mysterious man. Was it a coincidence…?

Just as the thought crossed her mind, someone grabbed her roughly by the arm and her eyes widened in terror as they began dragging her down the hall, going faster than she could keep up. She stumbled along, banishing the thought of escape, her feet struggling to keep up with… whoever is was. They rounded a few corners and panic started welling inside her as she realised they were getting further and further from where she had entered Malfoy Manor with Bellatrix.

All at once, her captor veered into a small room, throwing her to the ground and slamming the door behind them. Hermione hurriedly scrambled to her feet and was shocked to see one of the two unknown Death Eaters standing there, his arms crossed and a strange look in his dark eyes. He hadn't spoken a single word since he had appeared with Lucius, and Hermione was instantly suspicious of him. He also hadn't taken off his hood and she couldn't even see his face. She was suspicious, yes, but also very curious. Who was this man?

As if to answer her unspoken question, the faceless Death Eater reached one hand up slowly and started to pull back his hood…

Severus was walking down the corridors in Hogwarts, heading towards Dumbledore's office. He pulled to a stop next to the stone gargoyle and muttered, "Lemon Drop," hence the password, and the gargoyle sprang to life, moved aside, and admitted him up the twisting stairs. As he entered the Headmasters office, he noticed Albus standing on the other side of the room, gazing at Fawkes.

"Remember," he said without looking at Severus. "You must be as a Phoenix, Severus. You need to let go of your worries, doubts, and most of all, your past. Those things are not important right now. You can be reborn as a new man, with a new life bursting from the ashes."

Severus' eyes widened. He had already been here, heard these exact words! Why was he here again?

Then he remembered something. He looked down and saw his robes were clean, no blood or dirt staining them from where Darkenza had clawed and bitten him. If he was here, and Darkenza was still there…

Granger!

It hit him suddenly like a curse. She was still at that terrible place with those terrible Savirii, who were probably either torturing her or had already killed her. How could he let this happen?

It was then he realised Albus had turned and was watching him calmly. "Go help her, Severus," he said. "And she might help you."

Severus felt his sight grow dim and fuzzy, his legs went weak, and he fell towards the ground, his mind losing all functions.

His eyes flew open and instantly sharp knives of pain shot through him. He was still lying where he had been when he blacked out, and when he opened his eyes, he realised the sun was setting in the west. How long had he been out? he wondered. When he had been left, the sun was setting then, so either he'd only been out for a few minutes, or…

Suddenly, voices could be heard from the general direction of the trees. Ignoring the throbs in his injuries, Severus braced his arm against the ground and pushed himself into a sitting position, waiting a brief moment for his eyes to adjust to the light. When they did, he rose shakily to his feet and started towards the nearby trees, away from the sound of voices. He recognised one if them; Amycus Carrow, a Death Eater who had a very low position in Voldemort's ranks. They were now close enough that Severus could make out what they were saying.

"…where he was, but it took me an eternity to find them," came Amycus' sneer of derision.

The other Death Eater, as was now recognised as Amycus' brother, Alecto, let out a burst of fake laughter. "Oh, yeah? And why didn't you kill him?"

"I told you, I never found where he was! How can I kill someone if I don't know where they are?"

They fell silent for a moment, and it was then a huge wave of dizziness hit Severus full-blown. He had lost so much blood his mind was temporarily shutting down so his heart could replenish it. He swayed on his feet, struggling to stay upright, before it overpowered him and he crumpled to the ground, right into the path of the Carrow brothers.

Now, to say the two were surprised would be a pitiful understatement. In truth, they nearly fainted themselves, and they had right to after seeing Severus Snape, fellow Death Eater, covered in blood, collapse right in front of them unexpectedly. After a moment of debating what to do, they realised they couldn't leave him there, so Amycus cast a levitating spell and drifted the unconscious man back to Malfoy Manor.

"How did you get here?" Hermione gasped as the Death Eater drew his hood back to reveal none other than Harry Potter himself. She had no clue as to how he had passed all the other Death Eaters or even got into Malfoy Manor, but she didn't care right now as she flung her arms around his neck; all that mattered was that he was here now.

Harry laughed and answered her delighted inquiry. "It was a simple matter to knock the nearest Death Eater out so I could take a couple of his hairs for Polyjuice Potion," he grinned. "Then all I had to do was get in here with Lucius." He shrugged. "Not as easy at it sounds to be honest."

"How did you know I was here?" Hermione asked, still shocked at Harry's sudden appearance. Then, something else registered in her head. "Polyjuice Potion? How did you use Polyjuice Potion if it takes a whole month to prepare it?"

"Not now," he hissed, his voice suddenly a lot lower. "I need to get you out of here before Lucius comes looking for me. Let's go..."

Hermione yanked her arm from Harry's grip. "Wait!"

"What?"

"Professor Snape!" Hermione's eyes were wide with fear. "He's still here somewhere!"

Harry's eyes darkened. "You didn't know?"

Hermione could sense something bad coming, but she asked anyway, her heart sinking horribly. "Know what?"

"That man the Carrow's were carrying in? That was Snape. I thought you saw him..." Harry was confused. "Why do you care? That greasy git works for Voldemort. They won't kill him."

Hermione gaped. "We have to help him!" she blurted.

"Why?"

She stumbled with her words, not sure how to respond. Finally, she just said with carefully measured words, "I just think we should help him escape too. Who knows what they'll do to him?"

Harry contemplated her with interest, then shrugged.

Hermione sighed in relief, then her eyes narrowed in concentration. "So, we know the Carrows have him but what we need is a distraction..."

For some reason unknown to Hermione, Harry grinned. "I think I've got that under control," he smirked. Hermione wasn't sure she wanted to ask what he meant.

"Are you sure about this?" Hermione stammered nervously as Harry took her hand in preparation to Apparate and smiled reassuringly at her. He had explained to her very vividly his well thought-out plan, from the smallest detail to the whole big picture, and had repeated it to her until she knew her part in it without fail. He said if she forgot any part of it, it could ruin the entire thing and the plan would backfire with terrible results. She tried her best to remember it, and when she was confident in herself, they took the first step of Harry's plan.

"Of course I'm sure," Harry laughed, and Hermione wondered how he could be so cheerful at a time like this, what with the mortal danger they were in. "I have been thinking about this plan since I took the Polyjuice Potion. I know it will work."

Hermione wasn't as sure, but she didn't say that out loud; no use smashing his confidence with her childish doubts.

"So, are you absolutely sure you're ready?" Hermione tried to nod confidentially, but it was more of a nervous jerk of her head, and with that simple nod, Harry Apparated.

When Severus opened his eyes slowly, again, he instantly recognised where he was: Malfoy Manor, in the small, cramped room designed for traitors to the Dark Lord and enemies to be put on trial. The walls were a dirty white, with chipped paint, and there was no furniture but for a single, wooden chair bolted to the dusty floor in the middle of the room. Severus came to realise that whoever had brought him there had left him on the cold hard ground, and he wondered why he was there in the first place. He could have been as an enemy, but that seemed highly unlikely as he was considered one of Voldemort's most loyal followers; or they might have put him here because they thought him a traitor. As the first option was not likely, that left only that they thought him a traitor.

But why?

He couldn't remember anything he might have done that would induce such thoughts, but then again, you never knew with Death Eaters; they would find fault with anyone so they could torture or kill them, just to satisfy their thirst for blood and murder. Severus knew from experience; he had been subject to the Cruciatus Curse numerous times, and he was not eager for it again. He was apprehensive for what they would do him as their prisoner; if they decided to put him under the curse again, he wasn't sure how long he could handle it, especially with his wounds present.

As if the thought had sparked his brain, dull, throbbing pain shot through him, causing him to groan as he tried to fight against it; it wouldn't be the best thing to show weakness at a time like this, in the cell of this awful place. He never thought he would be on this side of that closed door, and his mind grew shadowed. Oh, what he wouldn't give to still have his magic; he could surely escape if he did.

It was then noises could be heard outside the door, and Severus quickly struggled to his feet, not wanting to be supposed weak. Not a moment too soon, as the door swung open without a sound and Alecto and Avery entered, followed closely by Lucius Malfoy, who didn't look very happy at all. A deep frown creased his face and his eyes were smoldering pits. When he saw Severus standing there, facing them, his frown only deepened into a scowl and he gestured at Alecto and Avery to guard the door, which also happened to be Severus' only possible means of escape.

"So, you might be wondering why you are here, correct?" Lucius guessed with a malicious grin. When Severus didn't respond, Lucius sighed dramatically as he leaned his back against the white wall. "One would think you would be more agreeable in a position such as this," he commented; Severus still didn't speak, merely watching him curiously with a blank expression. "Still as stubborn as ever, I see."

"Not stubborn, just not worthy to be in the same room as you, let alone speak to you," Severus finally said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"You'll pay dearly for that one, Severus," Lucius snapped heatedly as the cynicism sunk in. "When this is over, you'll be unrecognisable. Now, if I were you, I would behave."

"And if you were me, then I would be you, and if I were you, I would run as far away from here as I could," Severus retorted, his black eyes flaring.

The comment made a faint whooshing noise as it shot over Lucius's head, but the Death Eater ignored him, instead turning his head slightly. "I have orders not to kill you, or harm you, but if this keeps up, it may be worth a few rounds of the Cruciatus to be rid of you for good."

"Oh, you would get more than the Cruciatus if you kill me," Severus pointed out discreetly.

"What?" Lucius demanded harshly.

Before Severus could answer with another smart remark, a pounding on the door started Alecto so bad he dropped his wand as he was lifting it in defense. Lucius cast the clumsy Death Eater a withering look, muttering something like, "How did he eve get in with us?" and flung the door open to reveal Amycus standing there, gasping for breath.

Lucius was instantly alert. "What happened?" he demanded.

Amycus held up a finger, and when he got his breath back, he managed to say, "I'm not sure… not sure what it is… something at the doors… looks like a big creature of sorts… had wings…"

Severus couldn't see Lucius's face because Lucius had his back to him, but he could tell the Malfoy was starting to panic because his shoulders tensed and he snapped, "Show me where it is!"

Amycus turned and stumbled down the hall. Before he vanished, Lucius cast a last order at Avery and Alecto a last command: "Do not let him escape or else!" Neither wanted to ask what he meant by 'or else'. They turned and glared at Severus, as if daring him to try escaping. He just held up his hands in mock surrender and he heard Alecto mutter to Avery, "And this guy used to be on our side?"

"I still am," Severus stated simply.

Alecto was startled that his comment had been heard, but he ignored Severus, instead staring off into the non-existent distance, his face set. Severus took this time to think about what could have possibly been dire enough to draw Lucius away from his prisoner. Usually, he would be in there interrogating one for hours, and when he finally left the room, his victim would be singing like a bird. And now, he didn't even have time to ask Severus more than two questions before he let himself be distracted.

While he had been deep in thought, he didn't detect the faint rumbling from the ground until it grew enough force to be barely audible. When he finally noticed it, his gaze instantly traveled around the room to land on the two Death Eaters, who had also perked up and were also glancing around in confusion. Severus saw the unguarded door and, ignoring the pain in his side, he bolted for it, but he wasn't quick enough and was quickly thrown backwards. Amycus and Avery were more cautious then, and now barred the way solidly with wands outstretched.

While they had been distracted by the confusion, no one had noticed the rumbling had grown to a roar, as if something big was flapping in the wind. And that's when all hell broke loose.

A deafening roar nearly burst their eardrums, shattering glass windows all throughout the house with its force. The entire building started to tremble noticeably as if the world was splitting underneath it and a bone jarring jolt shook the house as something big slammed into it. Amycus and Avery were thrown to the ground, but Severus managed to stay on his feet by grabbing the wooden chair bolted to the floor. As the shaking subsided, he started dragging himself towards the again unguarded exit; Avery had been knocked out and Amycus was still struggling to stand.

All at once the empty wall opposite the door exploded inwards, sending boulders and rocks hurtling towards Severus and leaving a gaping hole in the stonework. As Severus dodged hurtling projectiles and saw the sky outside, he suddenly realised how late it seemed to be. He guessed he'd been in this room for at least twenty four hours, but he would never have imagined he was out that long. The sky was lightening—or darkening, Severus noticed when he peered closer—and in the very faint light from the sky, Severus saw a massive hulking shape rearing up menacingly right outside the opening and tearing at the already gaping hole with deadly talons. He froze as the identification of the creatures' species became clearer by the moment. Sharp steely talons… conical fangs… glittering, snow white scales… broad wings… A dragon!

The realisation hit Severus hard enough to knock the air from his lungs and he skidded to a halt at the mouth of the new hole. He knew that even a skilled wizard with magic couldn't hope to take on a full grown dragon, let alone an injured, magicless man such as him, and he whipped around, but as he was starting rapidly towards the other side of the room, a small, barely audible voice called out.

He froze. When he turned to see who had called, he realised there were two small figures perched on the dragons' back, but he couldn't make out who they were in the darkness. Then, as if the dragon heard his thoughts, it turned slightly and Severus could see clearly who was with the dragon. If he had thought earlier nothing could shock him more, he was wrong; nothing could shock him more than seeing Harry Potter and Hermione Granger sitting on a dragons back.

A/N Please review and let me know if you liked it! Again: can we try for 25 reviews? I would be ever so happy if you could do that for me. I'll update within the week if you do! XD