A/N: This chapter contains Sensitive Subject Matter. I have it marked in the story if you wish to avoid it.
Chapter 1: Is this Hell?
The smell of death hung in the air. The stench was nearly overpowering. People were screaming and crying as curses were shot in nearly every direction. The Wizarding world was at war. The light consisted of a group called 'The Order of the Phoenix' the Dark was Lord Voldemort and his followers, Death Eaters. You see Lord Voldemort believed that the wizarding world should be mainly made up of pureblooded witches and wizards. Those who were brought up with centuries of magical blood. Half bloods would be accepted. However if you were from a muggle family, meaning non magical. You were considered a mudblood. Unworthy to practice magic, scum, dirty blood. Voldemort planned to eradicate the mudbloods. Either by terminating them or putting them to good use as slaves, or common whores. The light was trying to keep things the way they were. Teaching muggleborn children how to harness their magic, welcoming them to the community with open arms. Not caring on the purity of something as trivial as blood.
Suddenly there was a calm. Voldemort was giving the light time to dispose of their fallen with dignity. All he asked for in return was for Harry Potter to come to him in the Forbidden Forrest within the span of one hour.
Hermione Granger stood beside Ron Weasley inside the shrieking shack. Their best friend Harry was kneeling on the ground in front of a fatally wounded greasy haired hook nosed man.
"Take them." the man gasped, as blood oozed from his neck wound.
Silver tears were leaking from the dark obsidian eyes as he locked his gaze onto Harry's emerald green orbs.
Hermione fished in her bag and finally pulled out an empty phial. Harry took it from her, capturing the memories the dying man was offering.
"Pro... Professor Snape..." Hermione whispered, "Can... Can I do.. anything?" she asked him shakily.
Severus Snape turned his penetrating gaze on the witch before focusing more on Potter. "You have your mothers eyes." he whispered before becoming still.
It took Harry and Ron both to move the hysterical witch out of the shack and take her back to the castle.
"I have to get to the Pensive." Harry spoke to Ron.
"I know mate." Ron said taking everything in stride, "I'll stay here with 'Mione."
Ron who was normally known for being very thickheaded was not that horrible on this day. The death had made him grow up just a bit more. Realizing that this could very well be his last day on earth. He wasn't about to waste it. He held onto Hermione as he watched Harry walked up the crumbling stone steps.
Ron pulled Hermione down next to him on the floor and held the sobbing witch closely. "Shhh." he soothed, "it's okay."
They sat quiet and still for a while before Ron broke the awkward silence, "What do ya reckon Harry'll see in Snape's memories?"
Hermione shrugged noncommittally, her heart was still going out to the fallen spy, "Dunno."
She gave a short answer, but her brain was working triple overtime. Snape's dying words played in her mind on a loop. "You have your mothers eyes."
The feelings of immense guilt plagued her bleeding Gryffindor heart. Though she took comfort that his body was safe in the Shrieking Shack. At least he'd be safe there, and they could do something nice for him when everything was over.
Suddenly Hermione was brought from her musings when Harry appeared just over her shoulder. His eyes were haunted, dead looking.
"Harry?" Hermione asked lightly, her heart choking her throat.
"There's a reason I can hear them, the Horcruxes." He spoke in a soft monotone. "I think I've known for a while now." He paused as if the information was hurting him, before looking up directly at Hermione. "I think you have too." Emerald green met soft chocolate brown, in an instant through a silent conversation, understanding. The powerful implications behind such simple words.
Hermione let out a choked sob, "Oh Harry," she cried with tears streaming down her pale cheeks, "I'll go with you."
Harry gave her a watery, sad smile and shook his head. "No." But then his emerald eyes hardened with determination. "You have to kill the snake." he told them hotly, "Then it's just him. Then this," he gestured wildly to the ruined castle they were in, "will be over."His voice was crazed.
Hermione had tears blinding her as she flung herself forward into Harry's arms. Clinging desperately to her best friend. "I love you, Harry." she whispered passionately into his ear.
Harry's grip tightened on the crying witch for only a moment before she slowly pulled back.
His warm lips pressed gently against her forehead, "I love you too, 'Mione." Then his emerald eyes shifted, "Take care of her, Ron." were his last words as he disappeared under his invisibility cloak. Brave until the very end...
It was several moments later however that Ron broke the horrible silence. "What the Bloody hell, is going on?" he asked.
Hermione who was still crying managed to tell Ron that their beloved best friend Harry was a Horcrux. In order for Voldemort to die, Harry, had to die. That the boy-who-lived, was marching bravely to meet his death to save the wizarding world. The ginger paled so dramatically his freckles seemed to vanish.
The atmosphere had turned terribly tense while the two friends stood there letting everything absorb. Ron looked at Hermione seriously for a few minutes and sighed loudly. "Hermione..." he started slowly, Hermione turned and looked into his eyes, "Mione... I'm in love with you." As soon as the words left Ron's mouth he knew they were the truth. "I've been in love with you for a long time.. I thought... well I'd hoped that I'd have more time." he shuffled uncomfortably.
Hermione smiled despite herself took a couple steps closing the distance between them and reaching up to cup his face. "I've always loved you, Ron."
Before either knew what was happening their mouths were pressed together in a heated kiss. Several years of wanting and longing boiling over. They snogged relentlessly for several minutes before breaking apart.
"Mmmrrry muhm" Ron mumbled.
Hermione gave him her best 'Are you kidding me' expression and Ron's ears turned pink.
"Marry Me." he spoke clearly, "When this is all over, Marry Me."
Hermione let out a very girlish scream and launched herself into Ron's arms. Peppering his face with small kisses. She was finally getting everything she ever wanted. Soon enough the war would be over, she would marry Ron, and they would have their happily ever after.
The now engaged couple walked hand in hand back to the great hall. Though they had a moment of happiness, it was gone upon entering the once majestic room. Time seemed to pass in slow motion. The dead were lined up with mourners crying over them. Everyone in the hall seemed effected by the loss of someone.
In the corner they could see Parvati Patil sobbing over her twin sister Padma, and the prone body of her best friend Lavender Brown. Their faces were the color of ash and their eyes stared unseeingly. This hit Ron hard. In fourth year he had taken Padma to the Yule Ball. Then only last year he had briefly dated Lavender.
Further still was Remus Lupin staring down at the broken and bloody body of his wife. Dora's skin was almost pure white, stomach swollen with a child that never even stood a chance. Hermione's heart clenched painfully. The site of the deceased pregnant witch was like a punch in the stomach, knocking the wind out of her. They could hear Remus muttering to himself... "She wasn't supposed to be here, Why was she here? Why was she here?"
Ron and Hermione joined the throng of Weasley's. Fred was now missing an ear as well. Though it was the opposite side, the twins still were trying to lighten the mood with jokes.
"Wheres Harry?" Molly asked them conversationally.
"Had something to do." Hermione answered her vaguely.
Ron stood there seemingly debating with himself for a moment before speaking, "Hermione has agreed to marry me when the war is over."
Molly's astonished face broke into a wide grin, "Oh that's lovely!" She beamed at her youngest son.
"Ickle Ronniekins getting married." George said almost distastefully.
"Well he beat me to it." Fred said softly looking at Hermione intently.
Hermione felt a blush creep up her neck heating her face. Truth be told she'd always found Fred to be rather witty. The fact that he was showing interest in her was something else. She loved Ron, it would always be Ron.
The rest of the wait the family spent, making arrangements and discussing how soon the wedding would take place. It wasn't until a cold high voice spoke, asking them to come out of the castle did the family disburse. They all made their way slowly out of the castle.
"Harry Potter is dead." Voldemort's cold and gleeful voice boasted.
The sight of the Death Eaters moving closer, following their dark Lord was unsettling. Even more unsettling was seeing Hagrid, the beloved groundskeeper and Care of Magical Creatures teacher with ropes tied around his neck caring a limp body of a boy with Raven colored hair caused Hermione to scream in despair.
"Who is that?" Ginny asked, "Who is that Hagrid's holding?" her voice had gone very high and desperate.
"Place him at me feet." Voldemort hissed, "They need to see."
When Hagrid stepped back after tenderly placing the body on the cold earth did people see the face, Harry Potter, was indeed dead.
"NO!" Screamed Ginny, "NO!" The sob that escaped the witch was heart breaking. She ran forward and ducked under her fathers outstretched arms. He tried in vain to grab her, but she was already past him. A flash of green light and Ginny Weasley crumpled to the floor. Pain and Disbelief etched her her face. Her body was still and her eyes unseeing. Ginny was dead...
The scene was terrifying. All those who had been prepared, who wanted to fight back stood there in utter shock. Molly Weasley's screams echoed around them as she drowned in her grief. Her remaining children trying to hold her back.
"There is no need for more magical blood to be spilled. It is a waste. Harry Potter is dead." Voldemort paused his eyes flashing with glee, "You all serve me now."
His voice echoed even above the distraught Weasley Matriarch's cries of pain. While Hermione stood off to the side watching in horror. Ron who had been standing beside her was now on his knees. Tears leaking down his heartbroken face. Hermione watched as all around them Sytherin's made their way across the ground seeking out their parents. Hermione looked around and saw Draco Malfoy standing unmoving. His eyes were trained on Harry, his face the picture of anguish.
"Draco." Narcissa Malfoy hissed, beckoning him forward.
His pale face and deadened eyes looked at his mother defiance sparking behind them. His mothers pleas for him got louder and more shrill. It didn't take long for him to cross the courtyard and grasp onto his mothers arm.
While Hermione was busy watching everything around her she failed to notice Ron got to his feet. She failed to notice the look of anger and rage morphing across his face. She failed to notice the determination steeling behind his eyes. Just as she turned to him he rushed forward, screaming.
"You killed my best mate! You killed my BABY sister! You are nothing. You stand for NOTHING! You will die!" Ron gasped pulling the Basilisk fang from his pocket, lunging forward and stabbing it into Nagini. The snake withered and seemed to melt into the earth. Ron feeling pleased with himself locked his eyes on Voldemort and sniffed, "You're mortal once again."
Voldemort let out a sharp uncontrolled scream of rage. It was inhuman and caused several people to cover their ears.
"You will be made an example, boy." The dark lord spat.
Every single person left on the side of the light watched in shock, too terrified to move.
"I will not simply kill you... If you do not accept me as your Master. Your sons will be given to my dear Bella. She will kill them slowly, painfully, toying with them until she tires. They will be given ample time to change their minds. While any pureblooded witch will be given to one of my loyal followers. She will produce him at least one heir. Then once she's outlived her usefulness if she has not yet conformed, her life will be forfeit." Voldemort's tone was caressing and soft making sure there was no room for doubt. That he was completely understood.
Ron's harsh screams broke the tense silence. It was beyond pain. His screams tore threw Hermione's heart leaving her breathless. Bellatrix was dancing around him with obvious enjoyment. Sending silent curses his way and then slashing him with her trusty cursed knife. Her crazed eyes lifted to meet Hermione's and she grinned.
"I've got your boyfriend, little mudblood." she giggled.
She aimed her knife and sliced cleanly through the side of Ron's neck. Blood seeped out of the gaping wound in rivets. It began to pool around him. His eyes sought out Hermione and she watched the light leave his eyes. He was gone.
Hermione felt her world shatter. It wasn't supposed to end this way. They weren't supposed to be dead. The war should be over, they should be free...
The Dark Lord's red gaze pierced the crowd. "Perhaps all the Blood Traitors should die." He began.
Hermione couldn't listen anymore. It wasn't safe for her to be there. Not with the way things were turning out. She needed to get away. She needed to think. She slowly began to back away and she found herself blocked by Fred and George. Both sporting bloodshot eyes.
Hermione launched herself at them. Clinging to Fred and sobbing into his chest. "I'm so sorry." She cried, "so so sorry."
"Us too." they spoke grimly.
Fred's hands tightened on her arms and he let out a shout. "Oi!"
"How about a trade?" asked George.
Voldemort moved closer towards the twins and inclined his head to show he was listening.
"Our families lives..." began George.
"For Harry Potter's mudblood friend." Fred finished shoving Hermione roughly forward.
She fell to her knees completely losing her balance. Too astonished to say anything or even attempt to fight. She could she Voldemort's feet drift closer.
"Ah, yes... Well that depends. Are you a virgin, Mudblood?"
Hermione refused to answer. She kept her jaw locked and refused to meet his or anyone's eyes. Voldemort roughly grabbed her chin forcing her to meet his intense red gaze.
"Legimens"
When Voldemort pulled back he let out a hearty laugh, that sent shivers down Hermione's spine.
"What do you know." he chuckled, "A PURE mudblood."
Severus Snape took a large shuddering breath. Thanks to his extreme paranoia as a Potions Master, he was alive. You don't get to be a Master without learning a few tricks. All he hoped for was, that blasted Potter had killed the snake faced bastard. He could then retire peacefully, live out the remainder of his life the way he wanted, free. He would no longer be a pawn in a very deadly game of chess. He would be his own man, a thought that kept him going. The sallow skinned man emerged from the Shrieking Shack, taking in his surroundings. The first thing he noticed was the ominous blood red sky. Next was the once majestic Hogwarts Castle, it was in ruins. Snape walked forward passing several corpses strewn across the lawn. It was then he knew for certain, Potter had failed. He stopped suddenly when he saw the familiar raven haired boy. He was cradling Ginny Weasley's lifeless body, his own shaking in silent sobs of grief.
"Potter?"
The boy looked up tears clinging to his dark eyelashes, and surprise marring his features.
"You died."
"What happened?" Snape asked ignoring the statement.
Harry sighed heavily, shoulders slumping and his eyes looking at the ground. "I died. I saw Professor Dumbledore, we spoke. Then I came back... Only I was frozen. I couldn't get my body to move, no matter how hard I tried..." He choked tears splashing onto the ground. "But I could hear everything. Ginny was the first... then Ron... then...Fred and George bartered Hermione to save the rest of their family... Gods Hermione." Harry's voice was tortured.
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. This wasn't how it was supposed to happen. The Dark Lord had already tried to kill him, however, he had no choice in the matter.
"Harry go to Grimmauld Place and rest. You need top strength. When you feel well prepared for a final show down you will need to round the rest of the order. I will go back. I will try to keep Miss Granger safe..."
Harry looked gratefully at his Professor as if truly seeing him for the first time. They shared a look letting go of the past and looking towards the future and a common goal.
"Thank you, sir."
Severus clasped the young man on the should in an uncharacteristic show of emotion. Giving a light squeeze and pulling away. Harry gripped his wand and spun into himself and he was gone.
A moment later Snape was standing in front of Malfoy Manor. He took a deep breath schooling his features and trying to calm his racing heart. For all he knew, he would be killed on site, but he had to try. Standing straight he strode inside filled with purpose, his face betraying nothing.
"S...Severus." Voldemort hissed, sending the large ballroom into total silence.
"My Lord." Snape mumbled sinking to his knees in a show of respect.
"I should be furious you survived." The Dark Lord began walking towards him, "But I am rejoicing, Harry Potter is dead." His smile was terrifying.
It was the happiest Voldemort had ever been, though you couldn't truly call it happiness. If Snape didn't know better he'd think the man was about to giggle or break into a victory jig. However amusing the image that crept into Snape's mind was, he suppressed it and bowed his head forward.
"I am glad you are alive S...Severus, you are a very faithful servant." Voldemort praised, "Very gifted in Potions..."
"Yes, my Lord, I will continue to be loyal, if you allow it."
About 30 Death Eaters stood around them in the ballroom and no one made a sound. It was as if no one was breathing.
"Yes... Well before we talk business it's time for a bit of pleasure."
The words bounced around Severus' head as he tried to suppress the urge to vomit. The hair on the back of Snape's neck rose at the tone of his 'master.'
"Bring out the girl."
Snape watched transfixed as Hermione was marched into the room. Her arms pinned at her sides. Brought in between Narcissa and Bellatrix. He noticed Draco standing off to the side eyes filled with unshed tears, not about to look away. She wore only simply white under garments. Her body obviously on display and her once fiery gaze reduced to acceptance.
"Take a seat, Severus." The Dark Lord commanded, "I have a little show for my followers."
***Sensitive subject matter***
The scene began to unfold in pure horror as the Dark Lord disrobed. His pale and scaly flesh was nearly vomit inducing. He walked up behind Hermione placing his hands on her bare shoulders. It was neither soft or rough.
"Let us see what you've been hiding, mudblood."
The remainder of her clothes vanished, the poor girl flinched but never uttered a syllable. She stood tall and proud. Her perky round globes with rose colored nipples on display. Her pussy completely bare.
"I could make it hurt." Voldemort purred seductively, "But you will hate yourself more if you enjoy it.
His hands reached around as he gently played with her nipples. She was horrified when they hardened.
"I want my two newest followers to step forward. You will get her when I am through."
Hermione watched as Fred and George appeared to the front of the ranks. Neither seemed to be able to meet her angry gaze.
Voldemort's hand slipped down between Hermione's thighs. Long pale fingers seeking out her tiny bundle of nerves. She tried desperately not to react to his soft caresses. She struggled against him but she couldn't stop the moan that fell from her lips. She could feel heat pooling in her stomach. Wetness leaking down her legs. Tears of humiliation burned behind her eyes. His cold scaly fingers probed deeper into her flesh, curling and hitting a spot inside her she didn't know she had. She could feel her body tightening like a coil and he pinched her clit and her body exploded. Pleasure ran through her causing her to shake and moan. Tears falling steadily down her face. Before she could do anything else she felt herself being forced onto the ground. Voldemort slipping between her legs. His cold pale manhood rubbing her opening. His red eyes boring into her honey browns. He watched her face as he thrust inside her, swiftly breaking through her barrier and forever shattering her innocence.
Hermione felt herself slipping away, forcing her mind somewhere else. Where she couldn't hear the jeers and cheers from Voldemort's supporters. Where she couldn't feel him moving inside her. To a place where Ron was still alive, where he could hold her and make everything bad go away.
She turned her head as Voldemort grunted spilling his foul seed inside her. She lay on the cold ballroom floor weeping from shame and humiliation. Voldemort straightened himself, waving his wand so that he was fully clothed.
He took Snape by the arm and led him into the back room to speak.
Hermione lay motionless on the floor until two pairs of arms gripped her up, dragging her to a small room containing only a dirty mattress.
Shaking and crying she looked at the two with beseeching eyes. "Fred... George... Please." She begged her voice raw, "please don't do this."
The twins exchanged glances and George for a moment showed a flicker of emotion behind his blue eyes.
Fred stood impassive staring at her body almost hungrily. "You can have her mouth." he said to George.
"NO!" Hermione cried out, "Please no... PLEASE." her voice was hysterical.
Fred ignored her and before she could protest more he was sheathed deep inside her.
"So fucking tight, just how I always imagined." He groaned kissing her neck.
Hermione cried and her eyes found George who mouthed two words. 'I'm sorry.'
She could feel Fred everywhere. Being with Voldemort had been disgusting. Being with Fred... someone she had known for years. Someone she trusted... To her was worse. She closed her eyes and to her horror, her body began responding to his thrusts. She felt the coil tighten in her stomach as he thrust deeply inside her. His hand seeking her clit and stroking it.
"Cum for me Hermione, cum for me." he breathed.
She felt herself clenching around Fred as her body let go. The pleasure was bitter sweet. She cried bitter tears as the twins left her on the dingy mattress. Naked, cold, alone, and feeling completely dead inside.
***End Sensitive Subject Matter***
"Severus I will let you choose from any one person to any prize you wish. You have always been my most loyal follower. Tell me what you wish."
"I want Hermione Granger." Snape told him his voice unwavering.
"The Mudblood?"
"She's given me several years of grief. I think it's only fair I return the favor."
Voldemort thought about this for a long while. "I will grant this, however Mr. Fred Weasley will want to visit her monthly."
Snape tried not to sneer at this news, he bowed his head in acceptance.
"They should be done with her. Take her, I shall call you if I need you."
A/N:
So this is very very dark to start. As you've seen by my prologue that things eventually work out. It just takes a bit of time getting there. I hope that it isn't TOO dark. I just had this pop into my head and I had to get it out. As a victim of rape myself, writing it out is sometimes the only way to help me. I don't need sympathy or pity. It was a long time ago and I am a stronger woman because of it. -Fremione3
