Hermione's cheeks burned red, and ached with how wide she was smiling. She ducked her head in embarrassment, the intense moment having passed, and she hesitated, unsure of what to do.

"You should go get changed," Severus said, sparing her from having to make a decision. Hermione glanced up, relieved to see a small smile, and nodded.

"Yeah." She held his gaze for a moment, then turned, padding out of the bathroom.

"Hermione." She paused in the doorway, looking back over her bare shoulder towards Severus. He stood staring at her, shirt rumpled, cheekbones tinged with a slight flush of gentle pink.

They took each other in from a distance; processing what had just happened without the scent of the other tingling their nostrils, the shock of skin under trailing fingers, the shadow of noses inclined as lips touched. Hermione didn't breathe as she waited, desperately hoping that she wouldn't see his eyes harden.

She sighed in relief as he stepped towards her and flicked off the light in the bathroom with an absent twitch of his wrist.

Severus watched her tread a few feet down the hallway, then turned and disappeared past the corner of the living room. Hermione made her way into the room where she'd spent a lot of her time as a lioness, touching the wall with her palm. A gasp slipped past her lips as the light illuminated the space.

Someone, she assumed Severus, had completely redesigned the room, erasing the rocks and tree and door in the far corner with a large, made bed, a dresser, and a bookshelf along one whole wall. She grinned, walking forward and running her fingers along the binding of the books. She pulled open a dresser drawer, revealing clothes folded neatly inside. Her hairbrush sat on the top, alongside a small mirror and her stick of deodorant.

She was sure Dumbledore wouldn't be happy when he found out about this.

She didn't really care.

Severus smiled to himself as he left his private quarters and settled down at the desk of his office. He summoned his red correcting ink from the other end of the desk and his quill from where it was hidden under a stack of essays, and grabbed the closest one to begin grading. He had to do something productive and settle himself down. His heart was still racing.

He slashed through a third year's miserable attempt at an introductory paragraph, and thought about Hermione. He wondered what she thought of her room... Severus still wasn't sure why Albus had allowed him to change it around. Probably just to let Severus waste time and energy only for him to force Hermione to return to Gryffindor Tower.

Not that he disagreed. It was important that Hermione be close to Potter and Weasley, especially considering that Potter was being influenced by the Dark Lord.

But it didn't change the fact that Severus was afraid of her leaving.

She needed to get back to her classes, that was for certain. He would never keep Hermione from her studies, they were far too important. The other teachers were under the impression that she was at home caring for ill parents, so they weren't too surprised to be asked for their recent assignments and course work so Severus could send them to her. They were a bit curious as to why it was Severus inquiring on her behalf rather than Minerva, but their meddling quieted when Severus merely responded by glaring and grumbling under his breath about suffering the idiocy of imbeciles.

And it would be weird, wouldn't it? Having an 18 year old student in his quarters, though she wouldn't be a student of his potions class any longer, since Slughorn would be arriving. And considering he'd be killing Albus soon, essentially becoming the Headmaster of a castle sized torture chamber, it wasn't like it would be of any importance that he spent the short time prior to those events with Hermione.

Severus finished the essay and sighed, slipping it to the side of his desk and grabbing another. It wasn't up to him, anyways. It was up to her.

He would be genuinely stunned if she chose to disregard Albus's instructions and stay with her surly, greasy-haired Professor now that she was human. Although she'd told him again and again she didn't want to leave.

It wasn't the first time he'd heard that. It wouldn't be the first time someone left.

But he'd kissed her. And she'd kissed him back.

The vision of her crying and him kissing her scars flashed through his mind. How could she think that looking at her would hurt him and that he'd force her away? He couldn't think of a single thing that would hurt him more than her absence. And if Severus wasn't so close to self-destruction to begin with, that would be the exact reason he'd push her away. He wouldn't, though, not now. Albus had pushed him to the edge, then kicked him over it, and as a result Severus didn't give a single fuck any longer. If Albus could take Severus's soul, then Severus could make the most of it while he had it. And that meant fighting relentlessly to spend time with Hermione, if that was truly what she wanted.

Hermione finished dressing and found Severus sitting in his office, grading papers, eyes distant. She watched him for a moment, admiring his long fingers and the easy movement of his hand, the methodical turning of parchment, the fine line of his jaw and the furrow of his brows. He looked up after a long moment, surprising Hermione.

"Oh! I didn't think you'd heard me come in."

"You underestimate me." He teased.

Hermione smiled. "Most definitely."

Severus glanced at the space across from him. "Have a seat?"

"Yeah, sure." Severus watched her walk across the small space and seat herself, placing her hands gingerly in her lap and sitting with her back straight and stiff.

"Relax," his voice rumbled, and her body softened instantly around his words.

"Sorry... Just not used to being human again..."

"Mmm." Severus continued grading, and Hermione shifted nervously.

"Um, Severus?"

"Yes, Hermione?"

"Thank you for fixing my room."

"You're welcome."

"Will I be able to stay there?"

Severus put down his quill, steepling his hands under his chin and looking Hermione directly in the eye.

"Yes. You are welcome to stay in your room any time you wish. However, you must reassert your presence in Gryffindor Tower, and address the matter of your friendship with Potter and Weasley."

"What about Volde- the Dark Lord's - influence on Harry?"

"I will be investigating to make sure you will not be put in harms way again as a result of that connection, though I cannot promise my success. The Dark Lord no longer operates in a way that grants me access to all of his plans, apparently. But I will ensure that the connection is broken, Hermione. I will not permit the Headmaster to continue down this dangerous path."

"I'm not sure which will be harder: stopping Professor Dumbledore, or getting information from the Death Eaters." Hermione sighed. "Either way, it will be incredibly difficult. Are you sure?"

"I have never been this certain of what I must do."

"I just... I don't like it. It shouldn't be up to you to protect Harry and I. You're already doing so much, Severus."

"I'll do whatever it takes, just as I always have. But now..." Severus paused, running one hand over the back of his neck, looking down at where Hermione's hands were clasped over the table. "I finally have a legitimate reason to do it." His eyes rose, pausing on her lips, and Hermione flushed again.

"Just be careful, please. Don't get yourself hurt, especially not on my account."

Severus didn't respond.

"Severus?"

He rose, shoving his chair backwards roughly, causing Hermione to wince as the wood legs ground against the floor.

"Speak of the fucking devil."

Severus walked swiftly through the shadows of the castle towards the gates, walking silently through the night, the burning sensation on his arm getting stronger and more painful with every step he took. The Dark Lord was impatient.

Severus focused on controlling and settling his mind and then apparated, allowing the burning mark on his arm to direct him towards his Lord.

"Severus..." The Dark Lord greeted him instantly as he walked into the room, the same one he'd been summoned to before.

"My lord," Severus replied, approaching his master and kneeling to kiss the hem of his robes.

"Rise." He said, waving his hand impatiently. "We have much to discuss."

"As you wish, my lord." Severus responded automatically, pushing himself up into a standing position. He followed Voldemort's gesture to sit at the table.

They were not alone in the room. The Malfoy's were present, looking even more sallow and stressed than the last time Severus had seen them. Bellatrix was, thankfully, not in the room. Severus glanced at Lucius, who ducked his head and stared into his lap. Lucius had not delivered any information in regards to Draco's plans, and that did not bear well for anyone.

"Update me on our dear Draco's progress," Voldemort demanded, leaning forward in his throne, a cruel smile quirking one side of his face. It twisted and broke his smooth skin, as if he were a porcelain statue trying to express emotion. Severus forced himself to meet his master's eye, and he inclined his head.

"Yes, my lord. Draco has resisted my assistance, though he is insistent that he has a suitable plan." Severus said shortly, feeling his gut twist in disgust. The Malfoy's were the closest thing he had to family, but he could not protect them. He could hear one of them shift nervously in their seats, but he did not turn his head to see who it was.

"Draco? Have you anything to say?" Voldemort redirected his attention to the young blond, who was slunk back and slouching in his chair, his gaze directed down at his feet. "Look at me, boy!"

Draco's eyes immediately rose, and they fought to focus on the snake like face of his hissing master.

"I have a plan." He said softly. Severus did not miss the fierce nudge that Lucius aimed at Draco's side. Draco sat up straighter and continued, voice slightly louder. He was trying to appear confident, though it was in vain.

"I have a plan, and it will work." He repeated, his pale, precisely shaped eyebrows arching intensely. The Dark Lord leaned back in his chair and laughed, a painful combination of a hiss and a cough.

"He has a plan! And it will work!" He mocked, waving his hand in the air.

And then as suddenly as his outburst began, it stopped. Voldemort's face returned to it's usual intense look, his sharp red eyes narrowing into slits. He stood, moving past Severus to stand behind Draco's chair. Resting one hand on Draco's cheek, he dug his long nails into the boy's fair skin and forced the young Slytherin's face to twist around. Voldemort lowered his own, hovering inches from Draco's trembling lips. One thumb trailed leisurely along Draco's cheekbone.

"You will not fail, Draco." He cooed, the threat evident in his tone. "If you do..." He forced Draco's head away, turning it towards his parents.

"You will not be the only one who suffers my wrath."

Lucius and Narcissa's eyes were wide, their hands twitching. They could not present themselves to their Lord any better than Draco could.

"Yes, my lord." Draco whispered, his voice trembling.

"Good boy," Voldemort responded, releasing Draco's jawbone and cheek. His other hand rose, and he pressed his wand under Draco's chin. "Chin up, now." He he turned away and returned to his seat, crossing one leg over the other. One hand dangled, and Severus heard Nagini slither on the floor to meet it.

"I suggest you take Severus's offered guidance seriously, Draco." He said, looking down at his pet. "You do not have much time left. I will not punish you for seeking assistance. If you are successful, no matter whose help you have received, you and your family will be rewarded greatly."

Draco nodded. "Yes, my Lord."

Severus knew he would remain ignorant to Draco's plan, no matter what the Dark Lord told him. Draco was far too scared to trust anyone, and was desperate to do everything he could to impress his Lord in order to save the Malfoy family. By keeping it to himself, though, he was damning everyone; himself, his family, and Severus.

"Do you know how much time you have left?" Voldemort hissed.

"I... Yes... Three..Three weeks." Draco stuttered.

Three fucking weeks.

"I expect it to be done. You are dismissed." He snarled in disgust, no longer presenting the facade of the loving, supporting, albeit creepy, father type figure. He had gotten his point across. Now he wanted to see no more of his flailing followers.

Severus remained seated as the Malfoy's rose silently, bowing at the feet of their Lord, and left.

"Now, Severus..." Voldemort turned towards him, a smile growing on his face. "Care to explain what you're doing with one of Potter's closest friends in you quarters?"

Severus almost blanched, but his mind worked quickly enough that he responded almost immediately,

"Of course, my lord. I am converting her to our ways directly under Dumbledore's nose."

It was the first thing he could think to say. Albus had left him with nothing, no advice, no directions on how to handle this. He was royally fucked.

The words had no affect. The Dark Lord rose, his voice booming thunderously throughout the room.

"You never told me, Severus!" His wand was out in an instant, and Severus felt the first curse hit him. He fell from his chair and onto the floor with a thud, his wrist snapping as it was crushed beneath him, body convulsing as the spell ravaged through him.

"Why did you not inform me?!" He roared, the spell surging stronger and stronger through Severus. "I have been waiting patiently for you to come to me, my most faithful servant, but you have disappointed. Oh, yes. Very much so."

Severus could not speak. His jaw was clenched tightly, part of his tongue stuck between his grinding teeth. Blood was filling his mouth, and he struggled to breathe. His back arched, arms splayed out at his sides, legs thrashing violently. His head rose from the floor and slammed back down into it. He fought a losing battle for control, to block himself from feeling the pain. It was impossible.

Then it was gone, and Severus immediately struggled to right himself, raising his bloodshot eyes to meet his master's.

"It was... a complicated... situation, my lord." He said with as much dignity as he could muster. He rasped for breath, blood dripping from his mouth and down his chin.

"Complicated?" He heard Nagini slither closer. "Sectumsempra!"

Severus bit down the scream that rose in his throat as deep gashes split into his skin. It felt like a thousand of the sharpest knives were being driven into his flesh, stabbing and slicing and hacking through a body filled with sensitive nerves that had just been exploited and abused to the highest degree. He did not know how long Voldemort kept his wand directed at him, all concept of time beyond his grasp.

"Did Albus tell you to keep it hush hush?" Voldemort spat, his voice rising in pitch as he mocked the elder man. "Who's servant are you?! Crucio!"

"She... She wasn't ready..." Severus spluttered, struggling to stay conscious.

"Ready for what?" He dropped the curse, allowing Severus to continue.

"She... trusts me..." He started, "She... is seeing... our ways... And accepting... them..." He licked blood from the corner of his mouth, doing everything in his power to keep his head raised and directed at his master. His eyes were barely open, vision swirling. The pain was searing and overwhelming. Don't think about it. Keep talking. God, fuck, fuck!

"But she's not... ready... to meet... you... To... have you... know... I had... to... promise... Unbreakable Vow...I couldn't... tell you until... she... allowed me... By doing... that... I secured her... She had... no doubt... of my... sincerity... She is... ours... She is... yours... Your key... to Potter..."

Merlin, what was he saying?

Voldemort did not move. He stood, staring down at his most prideful, sophisticated servant, bleeding and twitching on the floor, piss staining his pants, blood spurting and flowing from his ravaged body.

Severus prayed for Voldemort to talk, to give him time to fabricate some memories before he tore through his mind searching for evidence.

"Hermione Granger..." His Lord said. "The brains of the Trio..." He paused, thinking, rolling the idea of her over in his mind. "She is truly considering turning her back on Potter?"

"Yes... My Lord... I did not... believe it... at first... either. But... it... is not... what it... seems. They are... not... so close... as they appear." He breathed, frantically putting memories together, altering words, faces.

"She is a mudblood?" Severus forced down the bile rising in his throat at the words.

"Yes... my lord... But once... she has served her... purpose... she could... be... a slave..."

"Yes, indeed." Voldemort smiled wickedly, his red eyes shining. "Hermione Granger. I must admit, I'm impressed, Severus."

"I... am... sorry, my... Lord... I did not... wish... to keep it... secret... I wanted... to tell... you... But... I had to secure... her trust." He was losing too much blood.

"How much longer would it have taken for her to allow you to inform me?" He asked.

"She... was close... She is human... again..."

"Yes, I know." Voldemort interrupted impatiently.

"Of course... She was... ready... So close... It would... have... been... soon."

"Very well. Don't inform her that I know of her change in allegiance. I wish to see if she permits you to inform me, and when. Your promise has not been broken. If it had, you would be dead. I already knew she was with you. She will not know that, though. Yes... this is perfect." His disgusting smile widened, breaking the angular planes of his face.

"My... lord..." Severus croaked. The pain was so intense that he could no longer feel it. He couldn't feel anything.

It seemed that Voldemort was seeing him for the first time.

"Ah, yes. Pity, that." He commented absently, finally consciously acknowledging the damage he had done to Severus. "I suppose I got a bit carried away, too bad. Still... One should not keep secrets from their master. If she does not come to me, and you do not succeed in aiding Draco..." He trailed off. Severus hardly heard him.

"Wormtail! Return Severus to the gates of Hogwarts. Quickly! Don't dawdle, rat."

The voice was at the edge of his consciousness. Severus did not register what the words meant.

"You better hope your sweet little lioness is waiting for you." A voice whispered in his ear, a mix between a hiss and a sick attempt at a coo, as if Severus were a child to be lulled to sleep.

The last bit of his consciousness slipped away, and Severus lost himself to the enveloping darkness.

Hermione did not know what to do with herself. She tried to read, but ended up unable to absorb the words on the pages in front of her. She resorted to pacing up and down the hallway of the quarters, then decided to screw it all and sneak out of the castle down to the gates to greet Severus when he returned. She was incredibly worried about him, and was seriously concerned that he would not return at all.

It had been about a week since she had overheard Severus and Dumbledore's conversation. She had no idea what was going on behind the scenes; this was something that Severus had not confided with her about. She was on her own, and unfortunately, when she was in her lioness form, she had not been able to find anything out by herself.

She slinked through the shadows of Hogwarts, making her way slowly towards the gates, thoughts of what the meeting Severus had been summoned to could possibly be about.

Was Voldemort finally confronting Severus about the lioness he had as a "familiar?" Would Voldemort be aware that Severus had reverted the curse on her, and that she was human again? Could that have triggered Voldemort to address the issue? Or was it just about killing Dumbledore? Hermione bit her lip nervously as she finally exited the castle and began the walk down to the gates, which were large and dark, looming in the distance. Goosebumps rose on her skin, and she crossed her arms, hugging herself tightly as she walked.

It was too dark to see, so she whispered "Lumos", her wand illuminating a small circle around her. She was lucky Dumbledore hadn't confiscated it after she'd taken his wand from him. She had been lucky, as he had merely re-summoned it from her as she'd left his office.

She still couldn't wrap her mind around the depth of the facade the Headmaster had created for himself. The man he was... the things he was doing to Severus... What in the world would cause Professor Dumbledore to behave in such a way? Was it to drive Severus -

CRACK!

Hermione nearly jumped out of her skin as a figure appeared on the other side of the gates a few feet away. It was small and hunched over something limp. It lowered the large shape roughly to the ground, discarding it in a heap, and then stepped away. Another crack echoed through the quiet night.

Hermione could not breathe. She remained frozen in place for a moment before finally summoning all of the Gryffindor courage she could to move from her spot, approaching the gate with her wand held out.

The figure was not moving. Was it Severus?

She touched the gates, gripping the cold bars between her shaking hands. The light from her wand did not reach the still form. She couldn't see what, or who, it was.

"Severus?" She called out softly, her voice trembling.

The gates began creaking open at her touch, and she stepped back surprised. They parted just enough for her to slip through, and she did, approaching hesitantly.

She took another step and the light of her wand illuminated the edge of a hand, a bent wrist, and a black clad arm. The fabric was drenched in blood, not even the slightest bit of pale skin visible beyond the buttoned cuff.

It was him.

She sprinted forward, collapsing at his side, tears beginning to well in her eyes, blocking her vision. She wiped them away with the back of her hand.

"Severus!" His clothes were shredded, his body split and gaping with deep wound. She grabbed his cheeks, the shockingly low temperature of his skin causing her to gasp, and she shook his head in her hands.

"Severus! Wake up!" She pressed her fingers into his neck, trying to find a pulse. She managed to find it, but it was so weak... She did not know how he was still alive. His chest did not rise in fall. He was barely breathing. He was losing so much blood. How much had he lost already?

She fumbled for her wand, her hands covered in blood, struggling to grasp the smooth wood. She focused intensely on the happiest memory she could think of; Severus healthy, embracing her, kissing her, and she managed to produce a flimsy Patronus, wispy and hardly present.

"Quick! Help! It's Severus, at the gates!" She sent the Patronus off in search of Dumbledore, praying it would make it the distance to alert her Headmaster.

She was too far away from the castle to summon anything, and she did not know what to do. She pressed her hands desperately onto the first wounds she could find, blood spurting and bubbling between her fingers. It couldn't end this way...

"Severus!" She choked out. "Severus, please! Please! You can't do this!" She sobbed. "No, Severus. No! I need you! I need you, Severus, you can't die!"

The crack of Dumbledore appearing at her side did not shake her from her position over Severus, and she flailed as he grabbed her arm to pull her off of him.

"Hermione, let me tend to him." He told her, his voice urgent.

"Please help him!" She cried, her hands slipping from his body as she finally gave in and moved out of the way just enough for Dumbledore to brandish his wand and begin working feverishly on the many wounds that covered Severus's still body.

"He can't die because of me." Hermione whispered. She reached out just enough to press her fingers into his wrist, closed her eyes, and focused on the beat of the life in his veins.