Hermione woke up more irritated than usual. It seemed that lately she had hardly seen Severus. He left her little notes of things he wanted her to work on, but it was difficult to practice dueling wandlessly on her own, not to mention magically exhausting. She was thankful that he managed to get her some appropriate clothing and that, at least, made her feel somewhat normal.

Time is relative. Wasn't that what Albert Einstein had said? Some days she awoke feeling as if only a few days had passed. Other times, it seemed like she had been locked away for years. She used to keep a good record of how long it had been. When did she stop doing that? Surely she'd start to lose her mind if she couldn't orient herself. At least she was in the Headmaster's suite instead of down in the dungeons. She couldn't imagine what it must be like if she wasn't able to at least know the time of day.

When was the last time she saw any of her friends? How long had Ron and Harry been gone? How long had it been since Ginny had left? Hermione bristled at that thought. Things with Ginny hadn't exactly ended well. Ginny obviously distrusted Snape. Could Hermione blame her? No, not really. Severus wasn't exactly known for his ability to be trustworthy. He spent his entire life playing both sides. Hermione felt a nagging sensation at times– nervous that he wasn't who he said he was. But when it came down to it, she trusted him. He had shown her his memories, after all. Hermione just had to hope that her friend would come around. Severus was, afterall, their only chance.

There was a part of her that was still annoyed that he hadn't told her the entire plan yet– that he didn't trust her as much as she trusted him. She assumed he had his reasons to keep her in the dark, but what was the point in teaching her Occlumency at all, if not to work together in ending this war. Not to mention, he had literally branded her with runes for protection and teamwork. That had to mean he wanted her safe, yes?

Her bond with him seemed different as well. The curse had not activated for him in a long time. Or if it had, he hadn't come to her for help. Was there someone else? Could someone else assist him? She thought it was keyed to only her, but then remembered how he… performed… at that last revel. It certainly didn't hurt him to be with someone else, perhaps they could also treat the curse. That train of thought infuriated her. She didn't want anyone else to touch Severus.

Severus.

When did she start calling him that inside her own head? She wasn't sure. She knew she was growing too attached. Was it because he was the only other human she was around? Was she forced to trust him because there was no other option? Or was it something else?

She missed him. Missed their conversations. Missed his training. Missed him in the bed– it was the only time she truly felt safe, curled up behind him, his body a barrier from danger. He hadn't returned since Ginny stayed, and there was something so wrong about seeing him scrunched up on his own sofa and somewhere in the back of her mind, the idea that he no longer wanted to be around her hurt worse than anything she had been through.. Even if he didn't want to share the bed with her anymore, they could at least take turns. She vowed to talk to him when he came back for dinner, in the few minutes they shared together before he'd run off once more. Until then, she'd sit and wait for him.

XOX

It had been a long fucking week. He had been avoiding Hermione– no– Granger, for a while now. He needed to prioritize things, make sure the new Order was functioning appropriately, needed to ensure the members he had were doing their due diligence and still discreetly attempting to recruit more troops. As of now, they didn't have enough to stand a chance. Granger was a distraction, one he couldn't afford to take. The little witch had wormed her way into his life, and he was having a hard time focusing on the war. Severus was conflicted. He had wanted to protect her, yes, but he hadn't exactly planned on feeling… whatever this was. He needed to separate himself from her, allowing his head to clear. He had been working hard at finding a cure for Dolohov's stupid curse. He couldn't have the fucking thing activate in the middle of a Goddamned war. So far, no such luck.

He tossed his journal onto his work desk. He had been going over different ideas for the Dark Lord's potion as well as scribbling out ideas for a counter curse. Severus needed a break– to clear his head. He decided to go back to Grimmauld and update everyone. Coming up with a reason to leave the castle should have been more difficult, but it seemed everyone was too busy doing their own jobs for the Dark Lord that they hardly cared what Headmaster Snape was up to.

He walked through the noisy castle, stealing glances at the progress of the repairs. He had locked eyes with Minerva once, and it made his heart stop. She looked so much older than she was. Bruised and battered, her normally immaculate hair dirty and disheveled as she carried rubble back and forth with the other enslaved elders. Her eyes at first were dead and defeated, until she noticed him. Then, they transformed before his own eyes, into a hatred that burned into his soul, hotter and more deadly than the strongest of fiendfyres.

Good, he thought. She's still in there somewhere.

He would need her and everyone else for his plan to work. He just needed the opportunity to talk to her. He already had Poppy, afterall.

He continued outside the castle and through the gates, walking slow enough to not gather attention, but not too slow as to leave the girl alone for too long. That threat from Dolohov was still fresh in his mind, and he wasn't ready to analyze the fear he felt as a result of it. Passing through the anti-apparition wards, he closed his eyes and thought of Headquarters, feeling the tug behind his navel as he apparated away.

It was cold and rainy in London when he arrived. Not that he was surprised, it always seemed to be dark and foreboding these days, as if the universe itself knew that the Dark Lord was winning and was weeping for all the lives lost. Severus surveyed his surroundings carefully, making sure he was alone, before he crossed into the wards and opened the door to Grimmauld.

He was greeted with a wand at his throat, a question being hissed into his ear.

"What was the very first thing I taught to Severus Snape?"

Snape rolled his eyes, annoyed with the theatrics, although he was secretly pleased that the man was finally listening to his advice about checking identities.

"I believe your exact words were that you wanted me to 'stop acting like an uncultured swine and learn proper etiquette at the table.'"

The blond's lips curled up into a smile as he pulled Severus in for a hug. "It's been a long time, brother, I had to be sure."

"I understand," Severus nodded to his oldest and dearest friend. "Are Draco and Cissa here? I have much to tell you."

Lucius nodded, his face becoming serious as he led Snape through the decrepit old house and into the library. Severus immediately called to the serving House-elf, in dire need of a whisky.

"Kreacher!"

With a pop, the elf appeared, bowing his head to the Headmaster.

"Kreacher serves Headmaster Snape," he greeted.

"Some firewhisky, I think, for Lucius and I."

The House-elf bent at the waist once more, bringing back two tumblers before disappearing once more. Severus waited a few more moments for the rest of the Malfoy family to arrive. He wished the rest of the Order was present, but they were all off on their own separate missions, desperately trying to gather additional troops.

"Do you have news?" Narcissa glided into the room, chin raised as she looked to her long time friend for information.

"Indeed. Take a seat."

The regal family looked upon him anxiously. Severus knew they were eager to move things forward, but it had only been a short amount of time since the Dark Lord had come to power. He was thankful to be able to turn the Malfoy family over to his side before things took a turn, or he'd likely never have been able to convince anyone of their loyalty. Severus had been using them, and his own sources, to spread awareness and need for a Third Order.

With the help of Albus' and Phineas Black's portraits, he was able to reach out to the few survivors, telling them of his true loyalty. Abberforth was the least trusting at first, requiring the use of either Veritaserum or Pensieve memories. Naturally, Severus was disinclined to allow anyone in his head– Potter had already seen enough of his memories, and look how that turned out. So he chose the Veritaserum and re-established the order. They weren't much, but… they'd have to do. Most of the Order who had fought at Hogwarts were captured. He had no doubt they'd fight if given the opportunity, but first he'd have to be able to speak with them. For now, he had his brother to confide in.

"Miss Granger has been made aware of the plan and my loyalties," he said simply.

Draco's mouth dropped open comically, before a sneer was plastered onto his face. "Why would you trust Granger with this? She'll charge forward like an erumpent in an antique shop, stupid Gryffindors."

"Draco–" Narcissa had scolded, but Severus simply smirked. He knew Granger all-too-well at this point, and the boy was likely right. She was pretty brazen, at least she used to be. He hoped some more of her fire would return, it certainly seemed to be slowly rebuilding. She might just lack the proper motivation.

"Can she be trusted?" Lucius questioned, eyes narrowing as he looked over Severus' face. Snape didn't like that– he felt like he was being observed under a microscope. What was Lucius trying to imply anyway?

He simply nodded. "I have been teaching her Occlumency as well as some wandless magic. I feel she will be properly trained by the time things move. There's a slight concern with Miss Weasley," he continued. "She doesn't trust me."

"Do we need her?" Lucius prodded.

"Likely. She belongs to Antonin. She might have some good intel. I was hoping Granger perhaps could convince her, without giving too much away. But, there was an…incident, regarding her brother and myself."

"What did you do, Severus?" Narcissa scowled.

"Nothing that wasn't expected of me. He attempted to intervene with my methods. I reacted in a way that was pleasurable for the Dark Lord. My cover is still protected."

Lucius snorted, which angered Severus immensely.

"Let us not forget, I am the only one still in his ranks. I have already displeased him once, and nearly lost my life for it. There are things he expects of me which I must grant."

"No one meant anything by it, Severus," Narcissa soothed. "We just want to feel useful. It's getting tiresome, being stuck here in this filthy house."

"How are your tasks coming along?"

Lucius straightened in his seat, clearing his throat as he started to inform him of their success. "Abberforth continues to recruit quietly, but people are scared. Figg as well has attempted but been unsuccessful. We do have several safe houses set up though, from Diggle and Jones. That could be useful at some point, I assume. Have you discovered any other willing traitors? A plan to recruit those from the old order perhaps?"

Severus chewed on his inner cheek. "I need some more time. But I feel it can be done." Severus started walking back towards the front door, ready to return for some solitude. Hand on the door knob, he turned to look back at Lucius.

"And the survivors? Are they healing appropriately? Do you require more potions?"

"They are faring well. We might need some more wolfsbane soon though. I believe the next full moon is set to be on the 25th. The wolf might still be recovering, but we certainly don't need to deal with another transformation. Last time was… eye opening to his strength."

"Indeed. I'll ensure you have it. If that is all you require?"

"Dumbledore will see to the rest, I'm sure. Thank you brother." Lucius placed his hand on Severus' shoulder. "It will be over soon."

"I know."

One way or another.

Severus apparated back to Hogwarts.

Walking through the corridor, he ran over the conversation in his head. He knew that Rowle could be a powerful ally, if he could be convinced to join him. Severus knew he, himself, was respected as a servant to The Dark Lord, but could he be respected as a leader? Enough for Rowle to risk his life? He had heard him talking throughout the years, knew that he had started to grow tired of the violence and double standards.

Oh, yes. Rumors were starting to flow freely about the Dark Lord's blood status. Severus, of course, knew that Riddle Senior was a bastard of a muggle, much like his own father had been. Early in Severus' service, the Dark Lord had used this information to bond with the boy, promising him ways to dispose of his own father should he agree to take the Mark. As the rumors grew and expanded, the Dark Lord's credibility was decreasing. He was losing their loyalty, even if they were not brave enough to break rank and leave.

Severus knocked on one of the staff doors where the Death Eaters had since taken over. Rowle took a few minutes to open the door, hair tousled and clothing rumpled. Severus smirked, obviously having pulled the man from a nap.

"Not interrupting anything, am I, Rowle?"

"Er. No, Snape." The blond seemed to glance around the room with nervous energy, rubbing the back of his neck.

Severus frowned, eyes scanning the room as well. The bathroom door creaked open, revealing the cause for Rowle's concern. Snape's eyes widened.

"Hello, Professor. It's nice to see you again," Luna greeted.

"Miss Lovegood," he nodded, raising an eyebrow as he turned to Rowle, barely suppressing his smirk. She was dressed in some personal clothing, obviously freshly bathed and not a mark on her. Her bright blue eyes pierced him with her distant, yet knowing gaze as she smiled warmly at him, not fearful in the least.

"Might we speak alone," Severus turned to Rowle, crossing his arms over his chest as he awaited the man's response. The blond paled immediately, eyes darting to Lovegood's as if he were asking permission. She nodded, smiling a bit wider as she walked around to grab an old copy of her father's magazine to read, then turn to walk back to the attached bathroom.

Rowle nodded his head, gesturing with an open hand for Severus to go sit on the sofa. Snape watched the other man swallow back his nerves, hand continuously rubbing the back of his neck as he paced. Severus certainly wasn't going to sit if the other man wasn't. Instead, he clasped his hands behind his back and looked down his nose at the younger man.

"Been filling your days rather usefully, I see, Rowle. I wonder," he paused for dramatic effect, "what the Dark Lord might have to say about this."

"There's nothing to tell. You aren't the only one who was gifted someone, Snape. We are allowed to care for them as we see fit," Rowle huffed.

"Ah, but that is the issue, isn't it Thorfin? We mustn't care." He hoped he was getting his point across, but this also provided him an opening.

Perhaps if Rowle did develop feelings, he'd be more likely to assist him. Rowle paled again, beads of sweat started forming across his brow. Snape glanced around, taking out his wand, smirking when the other Death Eater flinched. Severus cast a Muffliato, hoping it would provide the other man some assurances.

"We can speak freely here, Rowle," Severus nodded, waiting to see if a conversation was possible. "I've observed you for a while. You aren't happy here. Haven't been for a while."

"I don't know what you're talking about, Snape. I'm perfectly content as things are."

"Rowle–"

"No. There's nothing to discuss. You can't trap me into something, Snape."

Severus sighed. There really was no way to convince the man to admit to anything, without making himself vulnerable first. He wasn't willing to risk his plans on the off chance that Rowle wouldn't join. He could always obliviate him…

"Thor," Lovegood's voice floated out from the bathroom as she exited to join them. She must have learned to eavesdrop from her Gryffindor friends.

Severus glanced at the witch, locking eyes with her. She seemed to peer into his soul, it made him uncomfortable. He moved to look at Rowle once more, noting just how softly the other man gazed at the witch. This would definitely work out in his favor.

"Perhaps you could go with the Headmaster to the forest, Thor? He might be able to help you find some Gurdyroot that survived." She turned to look at Severus, shrugging. "It's the only thing that repels Gulping Plimpies, you see," she offered as an explanation. Severus always thought she was a bit barmy, but here she had given him a perfect excuse to get Rowle alone and out of the castle.

"If I'm not mistaken, Sir, they might be able to help you with more personal matters, if you feel fit to experiment, that is."

Severus furrowed his brow. He wouldn't try to decode her ramblings, not now, anyway. He needed Rowle. "But of course. Perhaps we should take Miss Lovegood to my chambers? They are a bit more protected." When Rowle opened his mouth to argue, Severus held up a hand and continued. "Slaves shouldnt be left unsupervised Rowle. One never knows what dangers could follow."

Like fucking Dolohov.

"Right. Okay then," Rowle responded, his tone cautious and mistrusting. "We can leave her with your… slave, and then go on this fucking scavenger hunt."

Severus smirked. "Meet me at my chambers this evening. It is better to go searching for Gurdyroot after the sun has set."

"Alright, Snape. After dinner then."

The men shook hands before Severus took his leave, eager to get back to his rooms to see what the hell Lovegood was talking about.