Thanks for all the reviews and feedback on the previous chapter and sorry it's taken me such a long time to update. Life has been crazy, but I hope this makes up for it and that the next chapter comes quicker. Special thanks to ObsessedRHshipper for her beta help.

The Return of Darkness

Hermione ran to Harry and with a simply Finite, freed him from the petrifying hex. Fred and Ron pointed their wands at Draco while Ginny moved towards George, who quietly looked at the spot where Estella stood seconds ago.

"Explain!" screamed Ron.

"Put the wands down," said Draco.

"I don't think so!" yelled Fred.

"What was that about?" asked Hermione.

"She cursed me and used her Emomaster powers on all of you," answered Harry also raising his wand towards Malfoy. "She betrayed me," added Harry with a tone of sadness.

"Fuck you, Snape!" said Draco raising his wand also.

A short silence followed as Fred, Ron and Harry were ready to curse the Slytherin, but Hermione cut in, "Please explain why she cursed us."

"Edgecombe was right. In the end, you're two-faced Slytherins," added a now angry Harry.

"Two-faced Slytherins, just like your father!" responded Draco.

Harry's face became enraged and curses flew until Draco was flat and motionless on the ground. The boys pointed their wands at his unmoving form, but Ginny got in their way.

"Stop it!"

"Move away, Gin!" ordered Ron.

"He's already stunned!"

"Let's make sure he's really stunned!" yelled Fred.

"No!" answered their sister.

"Ron," pleaded Hermione putting her hands on his shoulders. "We don't really know what's happening. We need him to explain. Estella probably is just dealing with what we just saw."

"Incarcerous," yelled Harry, getting a look of almost hatred from the redheaded girl.

"I'm not going to be cursed twice in one day," Harry stated.

Hermione cast the Reenervate spell and Draco stirred.

"Are you alright?" asked Ginny.

"Fantastic."

"Don't you get cheeky with my sister! Git!" yelled Fred.

"I don't care what you think! You have no fucking idea! Not a clue what it's like for her... or me! Let me go!"

"No," answered Harry as he took a breath, "explain what's happening."

"What's happening is that I'm done. I'm done having to ward my bed at night because my dorm mates want to hex me for helping your lot! I'm sick of having to watch my every step because any idiotic thing could get me or Estella hit with an unforgivable in the middle of our common room! And don't give me that look of disbelief, Granger. They don't give a shit about being expelled as long as it puts them in McDavol's good graces."

George began to speak, "Malfoy, I -"

He was quickly interrupted. "You what? After all she did for you, you fucking keep doubting her! Do you know what it's like for her not to have Ely, Mel and the rest of the Swansons? Or how Slytherin is without Snape to help us? Have you asked? Or do you just want her so you can pick her brains for your jokes and get in her knickers?"

George launched himself at Draco, but Ginny was again in the way. "Protego!" yelled the youngest Weasley.

"Truth is a bitch, isn't it?" added Malfoy.

"Shut up! You have no right! I love her!" screamed George.

"I'm not the one you should prove that to. NOW LET ME GO!"

"Tell us why she cursed us," pleaded Ginny.

"She didn't curse you! She made sure to immobilize you with her Emomaster powers. It's painful, but not a curse. What time is it?" said Draco.

"Why?" asked Hermione.

"I need to check if it's been an hour since she left. If it has, I need to tell Professor Snape so he can try to rescue her."

"She went to McDavol, didn't she?" George asked.

"Like you care."

"For Merlin's sake!"

"Free me!" ordered Draco. George pointed his wand at him, but Harry stopped him.

"George will free you once you tell us exactly why she went to him. I've learned how she works. She wouldn't go to him without a plan," said Harry.

The Slytherin looked at the youngest Snape with pure hatred, but still responded.

"She's under the barmy impression that if she can use her Emomaster powers on Marcus, she can get him to realize that he shouldn't follow in You-Know-Who's footsteps. She thinks she could make him feel that he's not alone, that whatever happens he's her brother and she loves him, and together they could change everything. She's been owling him since school started, telling him she'll forgive him for Ely and Mel if he repents and stands on her side. It got worse after they talked during the Masquerade. So she went to him. I knew she would make her move the moment I saw my mum's memories - the moment she realized that Marcus was wrong and my aunt Bella is not their mother."

"And you just let her go!" George reproached.

"If I had been stupid enough to try to stop her, she would have used her power on me also! Snape here is the only one immune!" stated Malfoy turning to look at Harry and then back at George. "That's why she petrified him. He's the only one that could have stopped her! At least I had the wits to confirm what she was doing and get the okay to tell Professor Snape if she doesn't come back to our safe spot. Now tell me the bloody time and let me go!"

They followed Malfoy to an area near the black lake and waited and waited and waited. Ages seemed to pass and everyone was restless. Still, there was no sign of Estella.

"Has it been an hour?" asked George as his hand ran through his hair in obvious concern.

"Thirty-five minutes," answered Draco.

More time passed until suddenly Harry put his hand on his chest and looked alarmed.

"What?" asked Hermione.

"She's in Ireland, McDavol Estate," he said as he pulled out a jewel from under his shirt. It was a simple silver pendant that was glowing from gray to black to yellow. "She's hurt," whispered Harry and then a blue light surrounded his body.

"Harry!" yelled Hermione in panic. "Bloody hell!" exclaimed Ron. Then Harry faded right in front of them.

"We need to tell the Snapes," said Hermione.

"Expecto Patromum!" yelled Ron creating a glowing Jack Russell terrier that flew towards Hogsmeade.

"What now?" asked George.

"Some of us should stay here. Ella said she would come here for safety," said Malfoy. "Where would Snape go if he managed to rescue her?"

Ron answered, "Either his family house in Surrey-"

"Or back to Hogwarts," added Hermione.

"I'll wait for her here," said George.

Fred put a hand on his shoulder and added, "I'll wait with you, mate."

"How do we get to Surrey?" asked Ron.

"We could try McGonagall's fireplace," suggested Hermione. But in that instant, they heard a crack.

George bolted towards the noise and the rest of the Phoenixes followed. After a short distance they noticed George running back in their direction with Estella in his arms. He passed them on his way to the castle and they could tell that Estella was unconscious and bleeding. Harry followed the pair closely.

"Are you alright?" asked Hermione and Ron as they met up with their best friend.

"He's back. McDavol brought Voldemort back," Harry answered with a mix of concern and anger in his tone.

"Must help my mistress! Oh, my young mistress!" Kreacher wailed as he suddenly ran passed them. He basically woke everyone from the shock of the news and they ran towards the castle.

When they got Estella to the Hospital Wing, McGonagall and Madame Pomfrey kicked them out of the room and began to care for the girl behind closed doors. The Snapes arrived and after ensuring the safety of their son with all sorts of health enchantments, they made Harry and his friends tell them all that had happened. As they explained how Estella went to McDavol Estate because they had viewed memories that they had stolen from Swanson Mansion, the Snapes' looks of horror told them that they were in for it. Then Kreacher interrupted, as he banged his head against a wall.

"Bad Kreacher! Broke his promise! Keep young mistress safe, away from the dark side!"

"Don't hit yourself, please," begged Hermione, horrified at the sight.

"Stop," commanded Draco. Kreacher stopped almost by a force beyond his control.

"Kreacher, what happened when you and Estella arrived at McDavol Estate?" asked Lily.

The elf sobbed, but said nothing.

"Speak," ordered Draco.

"Master Marcus… my young mistress told him about Mistress Cassiopeia, and Master Regulus, and what the Dark Lord did," said the elf, and then started to cry.

"And? What did he do to her?" asked George. Kreacher didn't say anything; he simply sobbed.

"He's upset! Let him be!" yelled Hermione.

"Go on," ordered Draco.

"Kreacher heard young mistress tell the story of my old masters and Master Marcus listened to her. Kreacher could tell he was listening to his sister. She asked him to be good, to be on her side, on their mother's side. But Malfoy was there. He cast a spell and Master Marcus' eyes glowed red. Then... Master Marcus stabbed her in the back. Kreacher begged, begged for my young mistress, but Master ordered Kreacher to be quiet. Then they put her blood in a cauldron and Master Marcus put a bone in and his own blood. And Kreacher saw them bring back the monster, the Dark Lord, and they left her behind. Death Eaters started to arrive and the Dark Lord approached my mistress. Kreacher couldn't talk, but went to her. Kreacher went to her side, even if the Dark Lord killed us. And then Master Snape appeared, master Snape fought and saved us! Thank you, thank you," he sobbed turning to Harry and hugging him.

"How much of the memories about Cassiopeia did you see?" asked Lily.

All of the Young Phoenixes were quiet. Then, without any notice, Severus Snape pointed his wand at his son and simply said, "Legilimens".

"No!" barked Lily, but it was too late; he was going through Harry's thoughts freely.

After a while, the older Snape lowered his wand panting and looking pale and in pain. Severus leaned against a wall weakly and Lily and Harry went to his side.

"Why? You're on the last of your magic. Why?" scolded the red-headed Snape in a tone of despair.

"I had to make sure, for the future, for our son, for the baby," he answered faintly as his legs gave out.

Ron and the twins then came closer and took over for Mrs. Snape in helping the former potions' master get to a chair.

"I'll get Poppy," said Lily.

"No."

"Sev, you need -"

"I had to make sure that our son and goddaughter were on the right path. It's coming through Lily. Harry and Estella share protection and he' back. He's calling everyone," said Severus and then lifted his sleeve to show the markings of a snake emerging from a skull.

"Madame Pomfrey!" screamed Harry as he began to knock on the hospital door with panic.

"Stop, Harry. Stop," Severus pleased.

"Let Mum send a Patronus to Madame Pomfrey. Please, Dad. I'm sorry. Please, I -"

"This is my choice. It's not your fault," answered Severus as he covered his arm and took breaths with difficulty. Harry hugged his father and Lily joined them.

A long silence followed as the Young Phoenixes watched the small Snape family comfort each other. Then Umbridge arrived.

The toad ordered the Snapes to leave as they had no business at Hogwarts since they were no longer staff. Lily looked like a lioness ready to kill. She argued back saying that they were Estella's legal guardians and under the health and safety protections for students she and Severus had every right to stay there as long as they needed. Soon floo calls were made and the Minister and his goons, along with Dumbledore and other Wizengamot members became part of a heated discussion.

The Weasleys all looked murderous the minute they noticed their older brother arrive. Percy Weasley was dressed in fancy robes and stood behind the Minister as he scribbled notes, nodded often and said, "Yes sir. I got that, all in detail."

After much discussion, the toad was overruled and had to let the Snapes stay. But the wench made sure that all students got back to their houses. George and Malfoy argued the most against it, but in the end they all had to leave the area.

Once in the common room, the Gryffindors flopped into the empty chairs and stayed quiet until George finally spoke.

"If that hag thinks she's going to keep me away from Ella, she has something else coming."

"What's the plan?" asked Fred.

"Disillusionment charm to get back up there to check on my girl. And if we get a chance, I say we teach Percy the ponce a lesson," answered George.

"And do our good deed for the day, brilliant! BUT, Umbridge put that alarm charm by the hospital door. Even if her and those idiots can't see us, the alarm would go off."

"Dammit!"

Then Fred let out a mischievous grin and said, "I got it; follow me."

"What are you two going to do?" asked Hermione.

"Trust me, brilliant prefect, you really don't want to know about this," Fred answered.

"I'm coming with you," said Harry.

The twins looked at him questioningly and then he added, "My dad is getting worse. He won't be able to argue with Mum much longer. She'll get him to the hospital to get checked by Pomfrey. If you get in there to see Estella, then I can get in with you and see my dad. Plus my cloak could help."

The twins nodded and then went out through the portrait hole with Harry. Hermione sat back down and looked concerned.

"They will get to Estella and Professor Snape, you know," said Ginny.

"You seem really sure of that," answered Hermione.

"The thing about growing up with Fred and George, is that you sort of start thinking anything's possible if you've got enough nerve."**

Then Hermione smiled briefly.

"Do you think Draco is alright?" asked Ginny all of a sudden.

"Malfoy?"

"Yes Malfoy! My branch leader! My friend!"

"Your friend?"

"Urghh!" yelled Ginny as she started to go up the stairs. "He's my friend and it's dangerous in Slytherin! I'm worried you daft git!" she added and then disappeared into the girl's dormitories.

Ron stood quietly looking towards the stairs.

"Oi, Ronald!"

"Sorry."

"I'll go and talk to her," said Hermione and began to go upstairs.

"Wait," said Ron and took hold of her hand. Even though she was annoyed at his behaviour, Hermione couldn't resist this chance and without much thought threw her arms around him.

"Are you alright?" asked Ron.

"I'm fine."

"Don't lie."

Ron separated their bodies a bit and looked into her eyes.

"Those memories were awful and the Dark Lord is back... I... I'm afraid. What about you?"

"I'm fine."

"It's not fair to lie when I told you I was scared."

Then Ron hugged her so tightly she felt she had almost lost her ability to breathe.

"I thought, I –" then he cut himself short and simply held her.

They stayed that way for a long while, just hugging. And as time passed, her thoughts drifted to wonder whether the twins and Harry had gotten into the hospital wing, if everyone was as scared as she was about what was happening in the wizarding world, what evil the Dark Lord and McDavol could possibly be planning, and then how Estella and Severus were feeling. Then suddenly she wondered what it was that Ron had been thinking about. She could tell something was not right. Ron had been way too calm as he held her. That was not normal. Whenever something bad happened, as it did tonight, Ron got angry and tried to fight or vent or snap or in the least he gave an opinion while trying to keep some control and comfort her. But he had been calm and quiet this entire time.

"Are you all right?" she asked.

Ron simply glanced at her and nodded his head.

"I don't think that you are," Hermione stated, pulling her body away from his.

Ron said nothing. He simply shrugged.

"Tell me what you were thinking about."

"I don't want to talk about it," Ron replied abruptly.

"I think you should."

"I said I don't want to!" he snapped. He walked away from her and sat on one of the couches and then added, "Drop it!"

"So you can turn into Harry and push me away while you brood? I don't think so."

"I'm not pushing you away! I asked you if you were alright, and I was just comforting you, wasn't I?"

"Your body is here, but your mind is obviously somewhere else. You might feel better if you talk about it."

"I'm fine," Ron insisted. "Or at least I was until you started nagging me."

"No, you're not."

"Yes, I am!"

"You can deny it all you want, but I can tell when something is bothering you. This isn't just about the memories and the Dark Lord coming back. There's something else and I want to know what it is."

"Just drop it."

"I will not," Hermione pressed as she sat next to him. "I can't help you unless I know what's wrong."

"There is nothing for you to help me with," Ron replied with annoyance. "I'm fine," he lied.

"No, you aren't."

"Hermione," he said, sounding overly exasperated.

"Ron," she answered as she met his gaze and held it. She wasn't going to be the one to look away.

Apparently Ron wasn't either because he continued to try and stare her down.

"JUST TELL ME!" she shouted when it became obvious that neither of them was going to give.

"FINE!" Ron shouted back angrily. "I was relieved, alright? Is that what you wanted to hear? When Malfoy told us how it is in Slytherin and when I saw Estella wounded and Professor Snape sick and fading away, I... I was relieved." The guilt that was eating away at him was instantly evident. He looked so miserable, so ashamed, but he continued, trying to get it all out before she could interrupt. "Estella got hurt tonight and I was glad. I've been in the YPS with her and Malfoy for two years, she's my brother's girlfriend, and Professor Snape is my best mate's father, but I was glad... glad that it was them and not us. That Estella was hurt and not you. That it was Severus Snape and not my dad. What kind of a friend does that make me? What kind of person thinks something like that?" he asked miserably.

"Oh, Ron," Hermione exclaimed, reaching for his hand. "That's a normal response."

"It's not normal to wish your friends and their parents to get hurt," he cried as he jerked his hand out of her grasp.

"You didn't wish them to get hurt," she assured him. "You didn't want this to happen, any of it! McDavol did this, not you!"

But Ron wasn't even looking at her anymore. He didn't want to watch her concern turn to hatred as she realized what kind of person he really was. 'She still hasn't figured it out,' he thought.

"What you thought... that was normal, Ron. It's normal to be relieved that it wasn't someone you ..."

"You don't get it! They could be dying right now, Hermione! Professor Snape and Estella could be dying because her own brother wanted to bring back you-know-who. Because he wants to have purebloods rule," Ron cried.

"I know."

"Estella was trying to help McDavol but he still hurt her. He stabbed his own sister in the back because he doesn't have the bollocks to duel properly. That twisted fuck! I should have been horrified! I should have been sick or sad or angry! But I only felt relief! All I could think of was how glad I was that it wasn't you that they hurt! Don't you see I'm as twisted as he is?"

Then he felt her hand slapping him right across the face. "You hit me?" he asked surprised while he touched his own cheek.

"I had to do something!" she replied. "Now you listen to me! You are nothing like those monsters. You have more love and compassion in your little finger than McDavol, he-who-must-not-be-named and all of their followers combined. The fact that you are this upset just goes to show that I'm right. You're a good, honourable person, and I love you. What you felt was perfectly normal. Just because you were relieved that it wasn't someone you love, doesn't make you a bad person. I was relieved too, relieved that you didn't have to go after her. That it was Harry who went and not you. He's my best friend and I was relieved he went and not you. Does that make me a monster?"

"I get it. I... I just don't want anything bad to happen to you Hermione. I'm not going to let anything happen to you. I love you," Ron said, as he wrapped his arms around her and held her to him tightly.

"I know," she replied.

Hermione had never seen him like this, so concerned, so honest, so protective and scared. The clumsy and feisty boy she had fallen in love with was so vulnerable right now, so vulnerable and loving and so very beautiful. Then she spoke, "I won't let anything happen to you either. I love you Ron."

And in that moment, she kissed him gently, reassuring him that all was fine, that right now she was with him and no one could hurt them.

**Ginny's comment is a Quote taken from JKR's Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix.

Next Chapter: How the Twins Settle the Scores (for real this time, jiji).