AN: Apologies to all of you who have waited so patiently for an update to this story, and thank you for sticking with me. I hope you enjoy this next instalment, we are now close to the end. As always thank you for reading and please review if you can. Thanks!

XXX

The previous night's storm had cleared away leaving a beautiful, crisp morning in its wake. Weak winter sunlight filtered through the stained glass window casting dancing, colourful patterns across the staff table and glinted off the silver frames of the Headmaster as he stood at the lectern. He looked tired, old. Like the past twenty-four hours had weighed heavier than the hundred and more years before them. True to her word, Poppy had performed her task perfectly. Every student had been summoned at dawn and told to pack their things immediately, in preparation for departure at the close of the Headmaster's assembly. As he surveyed the neat rows of students before him and their concerned faces he felt a lump in his throat that made him want to scream in despair. He had failed them, all of them. He had always prided himself that Hogwarts was a safe place for all magical children, regardless of blood status and he had taken great comfort in that fact. But now that sanctity had been defiled. Hogwarts was no longer a safe haven and in order to fulfil his duty and protect these children he had taken the decision to close the school. A rattle of the doors prompted a low murmur from the rows as the great doors swung open and a sea of heads turned to look as a number of smartly dressed wizards and witches entered, followed closely by a group of uniformed Aurors. Dumbledore nodded grimly as the newcomers took a row of seats set to the left of the staff table. When silence had settled once more, he raised his hands and addressed his school.

"Students of Hogwarts, I have summoned you here this morning to fulfil my promise to you all. On your first day within these walls I promised each and every one of you safety. I gave you my word that no harm would come to you whilst you remained under my care and today I must take the only course of action open to me that will hold me to that promise – I am closing Hogwarts, effective immediately and you shall all return home to your families today."

Gasps of shock and surprise rippled amongst the assembled rows, and from somewhere behind him Dumbledore could hear sniffling and stifled sobs. He raised a hand for silence.

"I have not taken this decision lightly. In fact, I had always hoped that Hogwarts would be the last bastion of hope – that the ancient wards would hold against the rising evil that threatens us all. But it is with a heavy heart I have to accept that this is no longer the case. Last night our defences were breached and Lord Voldemort himself walked within these walls whilst you slept."

There was a collective intake of breath, the sea of heads turning in confusion and horror as the gravity of the situation finally hit them. Voldemort, here?

"I understand you may have questions but there is no time. Your safety and wellbeing is my primary concern and it is for that reason that you must all leave at the close of this assembly." He gestured towards the group of newcomers. "The Ministry have been informed and are here along with a party of Aurors to facilitate your safe return to your families. I hold every hope that in the future Hogwarts will once again open its doors to you and welcome you all home. Until that day, be safe."

For a long moment nobody moved, then suddenly students began rising to their feet.

"Let us stay!" Came a shout from somewhere amongst the Grffyndor rows.

"We can help defend Hogwarts!" Came another from the Slytherins.

"You taught us to stand up for what is right, taught us to defend ourselves!" Neville this time, his face determined, fierce.

"I don't want to go home!" A once timid first year cried.

Dumbledore gave them a weak smile, his heart thumping painfully with pride and admiration.

"Your spirit is what makes this old castle so amazing, and I admire your courage. But the coming war is not yours to fight. Your elders have failed you by ignoring the threat posed by Lord Voldemort these past few years – allowing him to grow in strength and increase his followers in great number. It is our responsibility to protect your future – what good would come if you were to die in battle? The future of our world would die with you and we cannot fight for nothing. It may well come to it that the older ones amongst you may be called to arms but I will resist that with all my being. You are children, you are the future and you need to be protected at all costs. Go now and be reassured that I and your dedicated professors will do all in our power to ensure your future is free from oppression and fear. Now, please find your head of house and follow the instructions they give you. Your possessions will follow in the coming days."

Dumbledore turned to his staff assembled behind him.

"Those of you who wish to fight please remain here until all students have left the hall," he risked a glance at Minerva who still looked liked she wanted nothing more than to murder him. "Those who wish to leave may do so with my blessing."

A long moment passed but to Dumbledore's great relief, the ranks held firm and he felt a surge of pride for these courageous witches and wizards. Minerva, Poppy, Flitwick, Lupin – the order members stationed at Hogwarts, Hermione, Harry and Neville and many more. He nodded grimly.

"I thank you all for your courage and bravery in the face of the greatest threat the wizarding world has faced since Grindelwald. Know that I will do all in my power to protect our world and keep you safe from harm. Please go now and make any arrangements you see fit. I will summon you all when the time comes for us to prepare for battle."

XXX

Mulciber came round suddenly, sitting bolt upright in the hard, unfamiliar bed. It took a long moment for the room to stand still long enough for him to recognise the opulent décor which screamed Malfoy from every inch of flocked wallpaper and velvet drapes. He looked around blearily, trying to shake the bone shaking headache beating a tattoo on his brain. Memories came rushing back suddenly and he groaned as he recalled getting legless and being sent away by Voldemort like some disgraced schoolboy. Fuck. Panic surged through him and sent his heart into flight mode and he lurched unsteadily to his feet, frantically looking for his wand. He suppressed a wave of nausea as the room titled violently and reached to steady himself. If he didn't get out of here soon he was a dead man. Spotting his wand on a nearby gilded table he lurched for it, only to have his legs whipped out from under him. He crashed to the floor with a surprised "oomph" and as he lay on the expensive persian rug, he could feel something circling his ankles and with rising dread, looked towards his feet.

"What the hell is this?" he raged as he took in the shackles and the long chain that tethered him to a brass ring embedded in the wall. Damn Malfoy and all his kinky shit! He tugged his feet experimentally and despaired when he found the tether held firm. No hint of a rattle of loose plaster. He glanced back to his wand, if he could just reach –

"You've been a very, very naughty boy Mulciber and the Dark Lord is most displeased with you."

Mulciber's blood turned to ice. Bellatrix.

"Bella, listen –" he pleaded, turning to face her as she rose from a ridiculously flamboyant armchair that he had failed to notice in the aftermath of his firewhisky bender. His mother had always said it would be the death of him.

Bellatrix advanced, her wand twirling between her fingers as she waltzed to his side. She crouched down, moving her face within inches of his and sniffed, her nose wrinkling in distaste.

"Did your mother never teach you personal hygiene? You reek." She stood, hands on hips and looked ponderously at him. "What to do with a dirty little Death Eater?" she tapped her chin as she paced about him, deep in thought. "Aha! We must get you clean! Of course, that is exactly what we should do! Now then –"

"Bella please – let me go! I'll disappear, I promise, you will never see me again. The Dark Lord needn't know –"

Angrily she advanced on him, her face contorted in rage and he scuttled back as far as his shackles would allow, feeling the solid resistance of the wall behind him.

"Lie to the Dark Lord? You wish me to deceive my Master? For you?" her voice turned shrill, manic, and her eyes burned with a murderous rage. "No, I shall tell you what we will do. We are going to wash," she flicked her wand at Mulciber's face, "with soap, and lots of it because you smell sooo bad and such foul things come out of that cesspit mouth of yours."

Mulciber felt a terrible choking sensation as his mouth rapidly filled with soapy suds and he clawed frantically at his mouth to clear it only to find more bubbles forming. He retched helplessly as the soap backed up down his throat, all the while he could hear Bellatrix laughing in that disturbing, maniacal way that was uniquely hers.

"Hehe! What fun we are having! Now then, what shall we concentrate on next, hmm? Let's see now – ah, yes! You need a good scrubbing so we're going to need some scalding water and something abrasive with which to get all that grime off you. It seems to have seeped into your very pores and corrupted that lovely little Death Eater inside you. The one that knows how to show respect to the Dark Lord."

As Mulciber choked and retched and redecorated the gaudy room with pink soapy bubbles, he became dimly aware of a burning sensation slowly creeping up his body and he twitched, trying to shake it off. The heat intensified and he started to jerk, his pained groans getting louder and more desperate.

Bellatrix cackled with glee and clasped her hands in delight as she watched the torture unfold before her. Mulciber's face was turning a deeply satisfying shade of scarlet and he was all out screaming now.

"I'm still not sure I can clean you up sufficiently for the Dark Lord to receive you," she stepped closer, regarding the agonised man with childlike curiosity. "More heat, I think." She flicked her wand and was delighted when Mulciber's screams reached a new pitch before ceasing completely as his voice gave out.

"Well that's disappointing," Bellatrix grumbled. She did enjoy a long, torturous death but already he was unable to scream and where was the pleasure when you couldn't hear the results of the good work you were doing?

Mulciber was somewhat relieved when his voice finally gave out. His own tortured cries only added insult to the situation he found himself in. He was going to die, he knew that. You didn't get away with displeasing Voldemort, it just didn't happen. The bubbles continued to foam out of his mouth and he let them, deciding to accept his fate. The fire that was consuming his body was intolerable and he prayed death would come soon. If only he could reach his wand he would turn it on himself, if he could just get the words out.

Suddenly there was a ripple of cool air as the bedroom door swung open and he heard someone stride into the room. Through his agony and the roaring in his ears he strained to make out the words as the newcomer addressed Bellatrix. There was no mistaking the voice, however.

"Sevvy! Have you come to join me?" Bellatrix squealed, clapping her hands happily.

Severus gave her a withering look and turned to look at the sorry form of Mulciber. Severus genuinely felt sorry for the man. Death by pink bubblegum soap had to be one of the very worst ways to go. Despite having no love for the man, Severus could not abide torture and it eased his conscience somewhat in that although he would be killing Mulciber himself shortly, it would save him from a long and agonised death at Bella's hand. It was very fortuitous that he had arrived at this moment and made his task infinitely easier. No need to explain Mulciber's untimely death. Voldemort would be expecting him to die at Bella's hand regardless.

"I have come to administer Mulciber's strengthening potion. Having been at Hogwarts he has missed the first dose."

Bellatrix frowned, "The Dark Lord said Mulciber was mine," she crossed her arms sullenly, "and I've only just got started. I have lots more planned."

"My orders are to give this potion to all Death Eaters, Mulciber is no exception."

"It'll only prolong his suffering, you know" she muttered, but then brightened as she thought it through, "well actually that would be perfect! That means we will have longer to play together!" she looked down at Mulciber and her face fell. He was completely still, "Great! He's probably gone and died on me early now!"

The disappointment on her face disgusted Severus. He had never met another witch quite like Bellatrix. Someone so depraved, who took such enjoyment out of causing untold suffering on others – she certainly was a good match for Voldemort. No doubt they got off on this stuff together.

"He's still alive, he's just unconscious. I can't imagine how you thought he was to breathe with bubbles coming out of every orifice," he added sarcastically. Bellatrix gave him a withering look before enthusiastically giving him the finger.

Ignoring her, Severus knelt beside Mulciber and gave him a gentle shake. There was no response. Bubbles continued to foam from his slack mouth and from his nostrils. Cursing Bella's inhumanity, he silently ended her torturing charms and cast a cooling spell to ease the pain from Mulciber's flayed skin. He might be an utter bastard, but he still believed in mercy. He had watched so many people die needlessly painful deaths, intervening where he could without being detected, dispatching them silently to end their suffering. There was no saving them once they had been chosen, but if he could ease their passing then he would do what he could. He removed a small vial from his pocket and tipped the contents into Mulciber's mouth, massaging his throat to get him to swallow. It was the most potent dose of the poison he had made, containing roughly 5-6 individual doses. He hoped it would be enough for the activation spell to work. He could hear Bellatrix pacing impatiently behind him as he slowly stood.

"Well?" she demanded, prodding Mulciber firmly with her foot. He didn't respond.

"He might already be too far gone for this to work," Severus stated. He needed Bella out of the way so he could test out ways of activating the poison. "I believe Narcissa has some Essence of Firebird in her potions store – if you could get it for me I might be able to revive him."

Bellatrix regarded him shrewdly, "You don't normally approve of this sort of thing. Why would you want to help me?" She took a step closer, "In fact I've always suspected you do something to my playmates when I'm not looking. They seem to expire very quickly in your presence. Anyone would think you're trying to spoil my fun." She stepped closer to the tall wizard, until she was squinting up at his pale face, "What are you up to?"

Severus suppressed a strong desire to hex Bellatrix all the way to hell there and then. As it happened, killing the mad bitch now would only serve to get himself killed before he could complete his task and that couldn't be allowed to happen. Too many depended on him.

"You question my loyalty?" he sneered, looking down his nose at her, his eyes ablaze with fury. "As I've already told you, I am here to administer the potion on our Lord's orders. I need not explain myself to you, unless of course you wish to summon the Dark Lord here now to question his faith in me?"

Bellatrix glared at him for a long moment before stepping back. She knew the score when it came to Severus. He was virtually untouchable given his high standing in Voldemort's favour, his loyalty tried and tested. She would be a fool to irk Severus, it would only incense her master which would not be Iin her best interests. Despite providing many services for Lord Voldemort, he had vented his fury on her many a time before. She didn't always enjoy it either. "Fine, I'll get what you need. Just don't let him die whilst I'm out."

Severus inclined his head as she stormed past him, slamming the door behind her.

He turned at once to Mulciber, "I am sorry for your suffering, I will not allow it to continue but to do that you must die. I hope that you can hear this and that you know it is for the best." Turning from the stricken man he locked and warded the door and cast a muffliato before casting the activation spell non-verbally. He waited several long moments but a quick diagnostic confirmed the man was still alive. Severus cursed. He tried again, this time using his wand. It still didn't work. If covert methods would not work on someone barely a foot away, it was never going to work on the Dark Lord and several hundred Death Eaters en masse. It would have to be verbal, and loud enough for all to hear. He took a deep breath and raised his wand a final time, this time speaking the incantation aloud. For a heart stopping moment it seemed as though nothing had happened and Severus began to fear that the poison was a complete failure when suddenly Mulciber arched up, his back contorting horribly. A low moan escaped the unconscious man followed by a long shuddering breath, then nothing. Severus held his breath, closing his eyes in undisguised relief before slowly exhaling. The enormity of the situation hit him then. It worked. By Merlin, it worked!

It was at that moment that Bellatrix returned, Narcissa in tow. Severus groaned inwardly as he saw the Lady of the Manor give him a slow, secret smile. He didn't have time for this – she knew there was no future in them, that there would be no repeat of his uncharacteristic loss of control the other night. He inclined his head in polite greeting, the disappointment clear on her face. He ignored her and turned to her mad sister instead, offering her a wry smile.

"He's dead."

Bellatrix screamed in frustration and stamped her foot angrily. "Ugh! You utter bastard Snape!"

Severus smirked and strode to the door, feeling the heat of Narcissa's gaze on him as he moved. He stopped in the doorway and looked back over his shoulder at the two sisters.

"To be honest, I don't blame him for checking out on you. I'd rather die than spend more time in your company than was absolutely necessary Bellatrix."

He let the door slam behind him and couldn't stop a chuckle escaping him as he heard Bellatrix's screams of rage and the telltale sound of hexes being thrown around the room.

Not long now Bella. Not long until I can take the very great pleasure of killing you, even if it is the last thing I do. Now to make plans.

Once in the safety of his laboratory he began preparing the final batch of poison. When it was finally complete he carried out his rounds, dispensing it to Voldemort and his horde of Death Eaters before finally coming to the day lounge where the Malfoy family usually took their doses. The Malfoys had been good to him and he had a different plan in mind for them. He passed by without entering and headed instead to his bedchamber, where in the locked and warded room he composed a letter to his good friend Lucius and charmed it to be delivered the following morning and promptly disillusioned it.

Then he threw a pinch of floo powder into the fire and reappeared in Hogsmeade, promptly disapparating again. He had something very important to attend to now that the time was almost upon them.

XXX

Minerva started at the sudden rap on her door and carefully laid down the clothing she was packing and called out, "You may enter."

She smiled warmly as Hermione slipped into the room, closing the door gently behind her. Hermione returned the smile and accepted the embrace the older witch offered. As Minerva encircled her and squeezed tight, Hermione couldn't shake the feeling that it was a desperate sort of hug – the one you might give if in fear of never seeing that person again. When they broke apart, tears shone in Minerva's eyes.

"Daft old witch," she chuckled, wiping them away quickly. "What brings you here Hermione? Surely you have things to sort before –" she trailed off. They both knew the severity of their situation.

"I know it doesn't seem the right time to ask, but I need to talk to you about the night you found me in the forest."

The older witch turned away and resumed her packing, "It would be a welcome distraction from Albus's doom and destruction." She placed a tartan shawl into her half-packed trunk and picked up a grey cashmere cardigan. "But I do believe I have told you all I know of that night."

Hermione approached and gently took the garment from her, and clasped both her hands and turned Minerva to face her.

"Not everything. Harry and I discovered some sort of protection charm had been placed on me." She tapped her wand against her stomach and tugged her shirt up as the sigils began to glow on the skin beneath. Minerva's lack of reaction betrayed her and Hermione knew at once that she had been holding something back. "You knew, didn't you?"

Minerva sighed and sat down on the tartan sofa, motioning for Hermione to join her.

"Albus identified what appeared to be a protection spell on you when you were unconscious in the hospital wing. Spelled in ancient runes. As you know, runes are arcane magic – devilishly difficult to learn, even harder to master. But interestingly there was also a sigil which Albus believed was linked to the loss of your memories that night."

"Let me guess – Dumbledore didn't see fit to tell me about the runes," Hermione replied grimly as Minerva nodded wearily.

"I felt you had the right to know but no doubt Albus had some other agenda in not telling you and he said not to."

"In different times I might have been surprised or horrified or both – at his total disregard for my own wellbeing. But knowing him as I do now, since that day he sent Severus to the Shrieking Shack, nothing surprises me," Hermione shrugged, "He lost my respect that day and it has only got worse."

"I agree my dear. Albus is a shadow of his former self, he most certainly isn't the man I fell in love with all those years ago. I don't even recognise him anymore. I only pray we make it through this alive, then I will kill the old fool myself."

Hermione believed it was a poor attempt at a joke, but her smile faded as she saw the bitter look on the older witch's face. Perhaps she really did intend to kill Dumbledore? How strange her world had become now that her kindly Gryffindor House Master was planning to murder her former lover – one of the greatest wizards of all time too. She wished Harry were here to see it, and wondered what he would make of it all. Time was short however, and she needed to get what she came for.

"You mentioned that runic magic was incredibly hard to wield? But there was someone capable of this type of spellcraft, wasn't there?" Hermione probed.

"Yes," Minerva replied softly.

"Severus," Hermione breathed.

Minerva turned watery eyes on her, "His magical signature was all over you. He cast the locator charm, he placed warming charms around you –" she swallowed hard, and when she spoke next her voice was hoarse with emotion, "he's a good man. He wanted you to be safe."

Hermione nodded, her own eyes threatening to fill as she pondered what must have happened between her and Severus that night, and why she couldn't remember no matter how hard she tried.

"I believe that too, Minerva," Hermione gave a wan smile, "Although you and I might be the only ones remaining who do."

"We must maintain our faith in Severus, no matter what he appears to seem. I would trust him with my life. We both saw the power of his protection last night. That stunner from Malfoy was vicious – you should've been knocked out at the very least – yet Severus took the brunt. I fear terribly for him, the level of strain this protection will be placing on his core must be immense."

Swallowing hard to try and move the lump forming in her throat, Hermione grasped Minerva's hand and squeezed tight. "If I could just speak to him I might be able to get him to remove the spell. He cannot afford to become magically exhausted, especially at a time like this. Do you have any idea of how I can contact him or at the very least retrieve those memories? You mentioned a memory sigil?"

"It was beyond Albus to decipher," the older witch stated somewhat smugly, "Severus was an enigma when it came to runes. I had no idea how much so until the old goat declared himself outfoxed! That was a good moment," she grinned. "Your best hope is Aldwick's Almanac of Runic Spellcraft. We don't hold a copy here in Hogwarts due to the practice being archaic and therefore no longer on the syllabus. But there is a copy that I know of – Severus kept a copy at Grimmauld Place. All I can say is that if Severus managed to store your memory within a rune, it must have been incredibly important to him, or you, that it was retrieved at a later date. He will have ensured there is a way to release it."

Hermione offered her a warm smile, "I'll head there straight away," and seeing the look on Minerva's face "and yes – I'll be careful. I don't believe for a moment that Severus will have betrayed the Order and disclosed the location of our headquarters. Thank you, Minerva. For everything."

"Are you not angry that we kept this from you?"

Hermione shrugged, "Would it help? Let's face it – we are facing a battle to the death. I truly hope I will have the chance to hear Severus's version of events one day, but I know that is becoming rapidly more unlikely. It is enough that I know, for now. I trust that he had good reason for whatever happened that night."

Minerva stood and clasped the younger witch by the shoulders.

"As do I child."

XXX

The kitchen at 12 Grimmauld Place was empty, just as Dobby had informed her but as she stepped carefully from the floo she still drew her wand and held it poised, ears straining for any sound of company. The room was dim in the dawn light and dust motes caught in the weak sunlight rays that filtered through the grimy windows. When she was satisfied that she was alone, Hermione edged towards the door and headed for the stairs that would take her to the ground floor corridor. As she reached the top, she hastily fastened Harry's invisibility cloak about her and started towards the library. The Black descendants were snoozing in their frames. Once she came level with the frame that housed the vile matriarch, Walburga Black, she paused and eyed the sleeping form within. As she took in the wizened features, she barely supressed as gasp as she saw that the woman's mouth was stitched shut. Her eyes however were open and glaring daggers at Hermione as the muscles of her face twitched and jerked but were quite unable to undo the newly painted stitches that held her mouth firmly closed.

"Serves you right, you old hag!" she whispered, chuckling to herself before making her way onwards. Funny though it was, it gave her pause. Someone had been there recently. It had only been a day since the Order had evacuated the house and the portrait had screamed its usual stream of obscenities at Hermione even as she made to leave the house for good. Death Eaters had nothing to fear from the woman, so it had to have been done by someone who didn't care for blood supremacy. Even so, she strengthened her grip on her wand and upon reaching the end of the corridor turned the handle to the Black library.

She slipped inside, pulling the door closed behind her gently. Giving the room a thorough check, she cast a number of wards upon the door before slipping the cloak from her shoulders and stuffing it into her bag. She had taken two steps towards the bookcase when she had the unnerving sense that she wasn't alone. Blood rushed to her head and began pounding at her temples as a voice cut through the dimness.

"Third shelf, seventh from the right."

Hermione whirled towards the voice, wand raised and as her heart reached a terrifying crescendo she finally made out a dark silhouette in the dark. One long leg crossed over, ankle resting on the other knee, tall frame bolt upright in the tatty armchair. Her wand trembled.

"Lumos," she breathed.

Soft light fell across dragonhide boots, dark woollen trousers…row upon row of tiny buttons and finally, finally a pale face with indescribably black eyes and an imperiously raised eyebrow.

Her stomach backflipped, her heart stuttered and quite before she really knew what she was doing she was tearing across the short distance between them and throwing herself into his lap. He omitted a soft 'oomph' as she landed, which was silenced as soon as she pushed her lips to his. Thankfully he responded with an urgency not unlike her own, nipping and pushing and teasing her in a bruising kiss. When they finally subsided to draw breath, she pulled back just far enough to search his eyes thoroughly, before pulling back her hand and slapping him as hard as she could across the face. There was a satisfying sound as his head snapped to the right and she would've added a second had he not seized both her wrists in a fierce grip.

"Hermione –"

"How could you? Severus, how could you? Narcissa!?"

"It meant nothing."

"It does to me!"

"You will get over it."

"How can you be so cold?"

"Because it keeps me alive."

"You hurt me."

"I know."

"Are you even sorry?"

"Of course."

"And that's it?"

"What more do you demand of me?"

"Are you serious?!"

"Always."

At that, Hermione felt her anger dissipate rapidly. Even after all he had done to her, what he had put her through – he still had the ability to undo her. She relaxed in his lap, and he released her wrists, pulling her close against him. She mumbled into his frock coat.

"I love you."

"I know."

"How did you know I would come here?"

"I didn't. I came here for the same reason you did, presumably."

Hermione regarded him quizzically, "The runes?"

He nodded silently and in that moment Hermione could see how very tired he looked, exhausted.

"They're protection runes, aren't they? Minerva thought you must have done it. She didn't know anyone else with the skill."

Again he nodded, black eyes fixing hers with an intensity she had not seen in him for weeks.

"Severus?"

"There is something I need to tell you Hermione. Something I'm not proud of, but nonetheless, it was something I had to do. For your own protection." He reached for her jumper, tugging it upwards and laying his palm against her bare stomach. Hermione closed her eyes as the electricity of his touch jolted straight to her core and she whimpered. "The night you were found unconscious in the forest – do you remember?"

"Only snippets. Minerva said they believed I had gone to meet someone, that they didn't know what had happened but a locator charm had been fired into the sky which had led them straight to me. She and Albus thought I must have sent it before passing out."

Severus nodded silently, his hand tracing over the invisible sigils he had marked on her skin. His eyes still fixed on hers, unblinking.

"I remember receiving a message from Dobby and I knew it was foolish of me to leave the castle but I thought I'd be safe within the grounds and I guess some small part of me hoped it might be you. I was so desperate to check the cure had worked – when I last saw you you were on the verge of death and I," her voice wavered as the terror of those unbearable hours of not knowing if the potion had worked rushed back, if Severus still lived and if he did, at what cost to his mind and body? She took a deep breath to steady herself before continuing. "I skipped dinner, not for the first time either – perhaps that combined with events of the past week led me to faint? I really don't know, it's still so hazy. Minerva detected your magical signature in the locator charm so…?"

Severus nodded again before averting his eyes from hers and taking a deep breath of his own.

"We did meet that night." He paused as Hermione gave a shocked gasp, one hand rushing to her throat. She stared at him wide eyed as he carried out.

"When I came round at Malfoy Manor, my memory was a mess. I couldn't remember much of anything after leaving Dumbledore's study to medicate that wretched wolf. The rather impressive scars on my chest were a helpful pointer as to what had happened when I reached the shack, and not long afterwards I was informed I had contracted lycanthropy and it was killing me," he looked up then, his eyes desolate, "rapidly in fact, so much so that the Dark Lord was making plans for my death."

"How did you know about the lycanthropy? The result came directly to Dumbledore from the Ministry –"

Severus gave a wry smile. "Nothing beats the nose of a werewolf."

"Greyback," Hermione whispered, a shudder rippling through her at the thought of the ferocious werewolf.

"Indeed."

"Once we knew about the lycanthropy, I knew we had to try your potion, it was our only chance to try and save you."

"Does Lupin know of the cure?"

"It seemed the right thing to do. Minerva held him responsible for your condition – well, him and Albus, but he was so guilt-ridden. When we believed you were dying, I thought it the right time to tell him. He was humbled, Severus, he really was."

Severus regarded her for a long moment, his face fixed and unmoving. She got the sense of the warring emotions within him but was wise not to push. If he wanted to say more, he would.

"It is to make the world safer, that is all. The virus is a curse that causes death and destruction in all who have the misfortune to contract it, or to come face to face with it. Thank you for getting the cure to me, I would rather be dead than live like that," he conceded.

"Hermione, that night in the woods you confirmed what I needed to know – that the cure had been administered and had been successful. The ramifications of this outcome in a bearer of the Dark Mark is something I cannot fully explain to you at this time but I need your help and you will need to trust me."

As she looked at his face, his eyes shining with intensity and what she felt could be honesty, she felt her heart ache. She had trusted him. She had given him all she had and he had betrayed her. As much as she didn't want to admit it, she wasn't sure she could trust him now.

"Severus I saved your life because I loved you – but once you were cured I heard nothing from you! I was distraught! Those days were the worst of my life, not knowing if you were even alive! Then the next time I heard news of you was your resignation! I loved you but you couldn't even get a message to me!" Tears had sprung unbidden to her eyes and she angrily wiped them away. "You cast me aside and you were so convincing in your methods that now only Minerva and I believe you are still loyal to the order! You are seen as a turncoat, Severus, and many people are gunning for you!"

"What would you have rather I'd done?" he retorted. " Storm into Hogwarts and declare my undying love for you? My recovery would have been pretty short-lived once the Dark Lord got wind of it! It had to be believable for me to survive!"

"You could have done something!" she yelled, anger ripping through her. All the pent up fear, grief and exhaustion coalescing into one hot ball of fury in her stomach. Her hands curled into fists and she shoved him away from her angrily. "Anything, Severus! You could've told me so I would've understood what you would be doing and why! But instead I find you've been fucking Narcissa!" she shrieked, ugly fat tears racing down her cheeks.

Severus appeared about to say something then closed his mouth, apparently deciding better of it. The only sound was Hermione's choked breathing as she stifled the sobs. After a long moment, Severus pulled out his wand and without saying a word, pointed it at Hermione's stomach, where a single rune lit up purple and began to pulse. She stared down at it and as she did, Severus spoke so softly she barely heard it.

"That night in the forest, I came to you. You told me you'd saved my life, you told me you loved me." He captured her eyes again, the dark pools of his soft with emotion. "I told you I loved you too."

Hermione gasped, "Why don't I remember this? I would never forget if you said that!"

"We made love right there under the trees," a brief smile flitted over his face at the memory, "but then it came to me suddenly that I couldn't allow you to love me because it would put you in immediate danger. You would become a target, and I could not trust my mind enough at that point to keep you concealed from the Dark Lord. I have already lost one woman I loved, I couldn't allow it to happen again. It was for your own protection, Hermione, because I do love you and Merlin help me, if I survive this war, I intend to take you as my wife, if you'll have me. I want to make love to you every night, hell – maybe even raise some children with you. I want that more than anything but you have to understand that I can't have what I want because it gets people killed. I struggled with it in the early days of my recovery and I am not proud of some of the things I have done. I never meant to hurt you."

Hermione stared at Severus wide-eyed, mouth agape. Tears had tracked down her cheeks and she was quite sure she looked a considerable mess. But he loved her! By Merlin, he loved her and wanted to be hers. She seized his free wrist and brought his hand to her mouth where she kissed it fiercely.

"You can have me Severus, you will survive this war and you will make love to me every night – a promise I will hold you to! Please, we will find a way!"

"You don't know how much I want to believe that but I am resigned to this life, to my destiny. One day you will forget all about me and move on with a new life and I hope that I can at least go some way to achieve that for you, even if it means I won't be the one holding you." His voice was quiet, almost a whisper as he spoke, emotion barely restrained.

As Hermione felt despair well up within her, a curious fluttering began in her stomach and as she looked down, she saw the final trace of the purple sigil vanish leaving nothing but pale unblemished skin beneath. Suddenly she felt a rush of blood to the head and spots danced in her eyes as she felt the beginning of a faint coming over her. The room around her blurred and her senses dulled, leaving her mute. Strong hands laced around her neck and lower back and she was dimly aware of being lifted and placed somewhere soft, her legs straightened out and a pillow fluffed out under her head. There was a moment of darkness, then suddenly memories were racing around her head in circles. Colours, noises, sensations all flooded her mind. The misty puffs of her breaths in the cold night air, the lights on the castle in the distance – Severus appearing suddenly and their heated kiss. Talk of potions and cures, of Dumbledore and Minerva and then they were on the floor. She felt her body responding as memories of expert hands caressing her breasts, the rhythmic thrusting deep within as she was loved and a breath-taking kiss as her lips were closed over by another. Enraptured, she let her mind be led in the memory, every second becoming more intense, the thrusting becoming frantic and then finally, as she heard herself and Severus reach their climaxes together the memory exploded into fragments and settled over her like glitter. She realised then her breathing was heavy, coming in short sharp pants as the memory finally subsided and she was able to open her eyes again.

Severus was sat beside her, her head resting in his lap, one hand gently stroking the hair back from her face. He had transfigured his cloak into a black velvet sofa which was surprisingly comfortable. He was looking down at her with a pained expression on his face.

"Hermione, the reason why you couldn't remember any of this is because I took the only option that would provide you complete protection. If you don't remember anything, it cannot harm you and it cannot inform anyone else of anything either. I placed a powerful runic spell upon you to keep you safe from physical harm and another to remove and capture a memory and then after we had made love, I obliviated you."

For a moment Hermione couldn't breathe. Thoughts and emotions were rushing through her, rendering her speechless, helplessly open mouthed as Severus continued speaking.

"It is unforgiveable to deny someone their memories, I know that. I could attempt to persuade you otherwise but the simple truth is that I did what had to be done, morality be damned." He stood, straightening his coat as he moved before extending a hand out to her. "Merlin knows I do not deserve your trust Hermione, but you are the only one I can trust to do exactly what I ask of you," he raised his eyes to hers and fixed her with a look so intense she felt a frisson of fear tear through her and she shuddered as though suddenly cold. She swallowed hard trying to quell the uneasy feeling building inside her and searched his eyes worriedly.

"Severus – what is this?"

"All I ask is that you trust me, after all I have done to wound you, could you do that?" His voice was strained, and he rubbed a hand over his face wearily, "Please."

Hermione stared at him silently for a long moment, the rational part of her mind screaming at her to get as far away from this man who had wilfully hurt her – who had stolen her memories – then betrayed her, warring painfully against the insistent thud of her heart that told her she would follow that same man wherever he went, into death itself if that is what was needed. He loved her. Without further thought she accepted his hand and rose to stand before him, her hand resting in his as she nodded her consent.

Severus closed his eyes in obvious relief which only served to fuel Hermione's angst. She watched him worriedly as he exhaled shakily, noticing for the first time the trembling in the hand that still held hers, and in that one that moved to hold his wand over their joined hands. He hesitated, looking into her eyes once more.

"Once we begin it will be unbreakable. Do you understand what this means for you?"

Hermione nodded slowly, "A wizard's oath is unbreakable – should either party break the vow, they will die. But don't you need three people to cast it?"

"It can be done with two but it is demanding on the core of the caster, but I trust no other in this matter so it will have to suffice. Now do you consent to make this vow with me?" Severus's pale face was drawn in tight lines, his discomfort becoming more visible now.

"You're in pain – let me –" Hermione reached for his face, but he gently pushed her hand away with an irritated huff.

"Not now. Do you consent?" he forced, more insistent this time. Hermione could tell his patience was waning. It was now or never. If the pain and anguish of the past few days had told her anything, it was that she couldn't lose him again. Her carefully constructed world has been thrown into glorious disarray when she had finally broken down the walls around Severus Snape's heart. The man was hellishly irritable and easy to temper – but deep within that shell was the man she had fallen in love with. A skilled and unselfish lover with a mind so brilliant it took her breath away. Whatever had pushed him to this point was of the upmost importance, and if he, a man who never asked for help, had asked her she would do whatever it took. He already had her heart, he may as well have her life as well because it was nothing without him in it.

"I consent."

Severus wasted no more time placing his wand atop their clasped hands and beginning the ancient incantation. As his rich baritone washed over her Hermione watched with nervous intrigue as thin tendrils of magic began to weave around their intwined fingers and over their wrists. It felt slightly uncomfortable and rather like a thorny stem or barbed wire instead of magic. The sensation quickly faded as Severus's magic surged forward and danced across her skin, joyously embracing hers. She closed her eyes savouring the connection and the rush it gave her, wishing they were someplace else in a different time – a time where she would be slowly unbuttoning that long line of delicious buttons and -

"Hermione," Severus said firmly and she opened her eyes again, noticing the stern look on his face. "It is not the time for idle fantasies," the ghost of a smile played across his features then and Hermione flushed as the heat of his gaze dropped to the lip she was nervously biting and then further down to where her top met in a V exposing her soft creamy skin. Slowly he returned his gaze to her eyes, ""however compelling they may be. Now repeat after me: I, Hermione Jean Granger, promise to recite the following incantation when directed to do so by Severus Snape: Salfecto Impedia Dragonis. I promise to amplify the sound to reach as many Death Eaters as possible and Lord Voldemort must be present. I promise to fulfil this task no matter what I later learn about the spell and its effects. I promise this on my life."

"Wait – what? Severus what does it do? What will it do to the Death Eaters?" Hermione looked up at him in fear. She felt the magical bonds tightening.

"Repeat the words, NOW!" he hissed, his brow furrowing. He was starting to sag, his chest heaving with the vow's demand on his core. He could already feel a prickling on the edges of his consciousness that threatened to envelop him. If he collapsed now the spell with kill both of them.

"NOW HERMIONE!" he roared, clenching his eyes shut as a wave of searing pain rushed through him.

Shocked into action Hermione recited the words quickly and as she uttered the final word the bonds suddenly burst apart, sending them both sprawling backwards to the floor with the sheer force of the released magic. Hermione scrambled to her knees and crawled over to Severus's still form, noting with relief the rise and fall of his chest as she reached him.

"Thank Merlin!" she exhaled as she checked him over, casting a medical diagnostic as she held a hand to his forehead. He was burning up, a fine sheen of sweat on his face and the diagnostics showed a dangerously depleted core as well as many other warnings she didn't fully understand. He twitched beneath her touch and opened his eyes slowly. With a groan he attempted to push himself up only for Hermione to push him back down gently.

"You need to lie still, your core is seriously depleted, not to mention what your body has been through these past few days. You need to rest, Severus, before you kill yourself."

Severus shook his head, "Not yet."

"Severus please! That spell nearly killed you!" Hermione cast another diagnostic, noting with dismay that his magical core was continuing to decline. "Something is draining your core – the spell is complete so you should be showing signs of recovery now the burden has eased, I can't understand why it is still going down?" she cast a different diagnostic. "It's like some of your core is being diverted elsewhere – like a parasite. Is there such a thing?"

"It's not a parasite," he answered weakly, pushing himself to a seated position and batting away Hermione's reaching hands. "But you are correct, a large proportion my core is being diverted elsewhere. I am loathe to sever the connection but I must if I am to complete my task."

Realisation flashed across Hermione's face as the pieces finally clicked into place,. "The runes!" she blurted out. "You protected me with your own core?" she was incredulous, "I didn't even know that was possible –" her face clouded over with anger, "all this time you have been putting yourself in terrible danger to protect me?! Minerva was right – it is draining your magic!"

"You were never supposed to know. If it weren't for Lupin you never would have either. There is much to curse that wolf for, it would seem." He muttered.

"But why?" Hermione breathed. "I can defend myself –"

"I couldn't risk losing you, after – I have failed to protect those closest to me before. After that, I found a way to put myself before them. I have been tracing them on you for months."

"But there is nothing like this in the rune archives! How has this spell not killed you before now? Is it even legal to use your core to prolong a spell?!"

"Do you think I care for what is legal?" he raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"It's dark magic!"

"How can a spell cast with good intention to protect a loved one from harm be considered dark?" he countered.

"Because it isn't natural!"

"Just because it isn't natural doesn't make it wrong. I did what needed to be done." he returned.

Hermione regarded him closely and seeing the look on his face decided the discussion had come to an end. There were dark smudges under his eyes and his face was pale and waxy. He looked like a man about to meet his maker, and he certainly didn't look in the mood for any sort of debate. There was something she needed to know, however.

"Severus, what did I agree to in the vow?" she asked softly.

Severus didn't respond immediately but when he did his voice was quiet, gentle.

"I have created a poison that is uniquely fatal to those bearing the Dark Mark. In order to keep this secret from the Dark Lord I have created it in an inactive state, parading as a strengthening potion – a simple incantation will activate the poison within and cause instantaneous death in those who have ingested it. Fortunately the beneficial aspects of the potion are so potent it has been remarkably easy to administer. The Dark Lord wishes to have a strong army behind him so has commanded that all Death Eaters should take it daily."

"A trojan horse!" Hermione exclaimed, "Severus, that is brilliant! How on earth did you come up with the idea? How do you know it will work – "

"It has been tested, it works." He said grimly. "It also has limitations. For it to work, the target must have consumed at least three doses and the incantation must be loud enough for them to hear. Also, it will not work if cast non-verbally or wandlessly, I have tried both."

"If you have been providing this potion to invigorate Lord Voldemort and the Death Eaters then surely that would include his right hand ma –" Hermione trailed off. No. Not him. The potion, activated by an incantation – Her mouth dropped open in horror as she finally understood what she had blindly agreed to.

"I am to speak the incantation? Severus, has Lord Voldemort made you take this potion?" she demanded, fear thudded in her chest making it harder to breathe as she fought the rising panic.

"He would be a fool not to have someone test anything he will consume…even when brewed by his right hand man. After all, someone could be trying to kill him," he gave her a wry smile.

"How can you be so calm at a time like this?! Are you seriously telling me that when you direct me to speak the incantation it will activate the poison in every Death Eater in earshot – including you?" Hermione shrieked. The blood was thumping in her head as she fought to maintain control although she wasn't sure whether she was furious, horrified, or both.

Severus shrugged, "There is no other way. Lord Voldemort will not advance without me by his side, and for me to get him and his Death Eaters into a suitable place to activate the spell I must continue to convince him of my undying loyalty."

"But you will be killed!"

"It is a consequence of war, Hermione. There will always be sacrifices."

"No, I will not do it!" Hermione shouted. Even as the words left her lips she felt a strange tightness in her chest.

"You must."

"I won't send you to your death, Severus!" The tightness in her chest grew stronger, squeezing her lungs and forcing the breath out in panicked gasps.

"Hermione, you made an unbreakable vow. What is to be done, must be done. Now desist before you pass out, or worse. I will do my best to distance myself from you when the time comes and hope it is enough, that is the best I can promise you."

Hermione felt utterly numb as he enveloped her in his arms, pressing a kiss onto her head. Then as he held her, she let the tears come.

XXX