AN: You have no idea how nervous I am about posting this, but here it is! Read the warnings: there will be violence, rape/non con, torture. All that stuff. You've been warned! I don't wanna hear about it in the comments lol. Click away now if you don't like any of those things!

This was all Harry's fault.

Hermione hated to think it, but she couldn't deny this fact. Her and Ron had been getting after him for years about the taboo. How many times had they interrupted him mid "Volde-?"

How many times had she witnessed Ron go as far as to tackle Harry to stop him?

How many times had they needed to quickly disapparate away from wherever they were because Harry had blurted the name out?

And now he'd done it again. Stupidly spat the name during an argument about a horcrux. Hermione threw down Gryffindor's sword and hit him with a stinging jinx to hide his identity, but that was all she'd had time to do.

The snatchers were upon them, having grown quick with all the near-misses. And in the pale moonlight she was grabbed, her arms pinned behind her back.

A wand to her throat.

She felt as a hand jammed into her coat pocket, retrieving her wand with ease.

Indeed, this was all Harry's fault.

And yet he needed to be protected at all costs. He was the most important piece in this game of chess against the dark side.

'You idiot,' She thought.

"Get off her!" Ron shouted from Hermione's side.

She listened to the sound of a fist hitting flesh. Horror at knowing he'd just been punched, Hermione let out a wail. "No! Leave him alone!"

"Your boyfriend is gonna have worse done to him if he's on my list," A gnarly voice replied. She listened as the snatcher took in a deep breath and sighed, as if taking in the scent of a home-cooked meal. "Delicious girl, what a treat… I do enjoy the softness of the skin…"

It was enough to make the skin on Hermione's arms bump. She felt the closeness of his face near hers, his sour breath hitting her nose and making her want to gag.

'Werewolf?' The instinct screamed in her mind. The voice in her head cried out, making her knees wobble. She could hardly breathe, Oh, merlin, a werewolf was threatening to devour her..

After a few moments the snatcher stepped back, moving towards Harry across from her. "Now, let's see what we've got here…"

She watched helplessly as the werewolf held an illuminated wand tip to Harry's face. And her heart dropped when she heard him laugh. "I'll be needing butterbeer to wash this one down! What happened to you, ugly?"

Hermione trembled, watching it unfold in horror. She watched as the werewolf punched an unresponsive Harry in the gut, and listened when he hesitantly replied. "Stung. Been stung."

"Looks that way," The snatcher holding Hermione laughed.

"And what's your name?" The werewolf continued.

"Dudley. Er- Vernon. Dudley Vernon."

Hermione watched as the werewolf came back towards her, moving to her side as he went. She listened as he asked Ron the same question. "What about you? What's yer name?"

"Stan Shunpike."

Another cracking of knuckles against flesh.

"Don't get smart with me! We know Stan Shunpike. Put in a bit of work for us, he has." The werewolf growled. "I'll ask again. What's your name?"

"Barney Weasley," Ron replied, his mouth full of what Hermione presumed to be blood.

"Ah, a Weasley…" The werewolf crooned. "So, a blood-traitor… Even if you aren't a mudblood… And lastly, you pretty girlfriend…"

Hermione heard the desire in his voice as he turned on her. Listened as he moved closer, a low vibration coming from his throat.

"Easy, Greyback!" One of the snatchers cut in.

"Oh, don't worry. I'm not going to bite just yet…"

Greyback. Hermione shook. So it really was a werewolf upon them. And not just any werewolf - but one that was reputed as being the most malicious. He had a preference for attacking small children…

"Let's see if she's a bit quicker at remembering her name than Barney…" Greyback breathed. "Who are you?"

"Penelope Clearwater," Hermione said instantly. It was the first name that came to mind. She hated the fear dripping in her voice, and hoped that she sounded convincing enough.

"Clearwater, aye?" Greyback growled. "What's your blood-status?"

"Half-blood," She shook. His face was mere inches from hers again. She felt as his breath hit her on the cheeks.

"Easy enough to check. But you three look quite young to be out this time of night. Aren't you lot still Hogwarts aged?" The snatcher apprehending Ron said.

"N-no," Hermioned replied. "I'm 20 years old." It wasn't a lie. And she wasn't pressed on it.

"And what were you doing out at this time?" Greyback asked.

"We- We were scrummaging," Hermione shook. Again, saying the first thing that came to mind. She was never a good liar, and she was terrified that he would hear it in her voice. "For fluxweed-"

"Shut it! We don't need your puny details!" The wand dug even deeper into her throat. Hermione let out an involuntary whimper, her heart pounding.

"Aye." Harry said in a voice several octaves deeper than natural. "Working on a potion. Needed fluxweed picked at night."

"And?" The snatcher poked his wand into Harry's swollen cheek. "Thought you would just go about sayin' The Dark Lord's name for fun, then?"

"Accident," Ron's mumbled.

"Accident?" Greyback laughed. "And who says his name by accident? You know who used to have no problem sayin' his name?"

"Wait a minute, Greyback!" One of the snatchers said. "She looks right familiar, doesn't she?"

"What are you saying?" Greyback reared around. Hermione held her breath as she observed the snatcher pull a newspaper out from his cloak pocket. She watched as Greyback looked down at it, then turned back towards her.

"Hermione Granger, Undesirable Number Three… Said to be in close relations with Harry Potter…"

"O-Oh?" Hermione shook. She was absolutely shaking now, as Greyback stepped closer to her.

"You know what? Little Penelope Clearwater? This picture looks a hell of a lot like you…"

Tears were now streaming down Hermione's face, and she couldn't stop them. "It isn't!" She insisted, and she knew that she was giving herself away. After all, she'd always been a terrible liar. "It isn't me!"

"It is," Greyback grinned. And then he turned and walked back towards Harry. "I thought I'd seen something on yer forehead, Vernon."

"Don't touch it!" Harry exclaimed. Hermione nearly wailed when he did.

Greyback laughed, and took a step back to admire his prisoner. "It is a scar!"

"We've got Potter?!" Another snatcher exclaimed.

"We've got Potter!"

"But can we be certain?" A third snatcher whispered. "It doesn't look like 'im at all!"

"Let's take him to the ministry!"

"To hell with the ministry!" Greyback snapped. "They'll take all the credit."

"So straight to the Dark Lord?"

"No, not yet." Greyback's words dragged as he thought out loud. "For sure it's Potter, but we have to be certain… Tell me Potter, what'd you do to your face?"

"Name's Vernon," Harry replied. "And I already said it. Got stung."

"What about the Malfoys?" One of the snatchers suggested. "Their son went to school with Potter, didn't he?"

"Mm, oh yes…" Greyback breathed. "He'd have no problem identifying this lot."

Hermione watched as Harry's swollen face grimaced. His slitted eyes became even more narrow, and he looked right at her. She knew he was thinking it. They were screwed.

Silence fell upon the group, as the snatchers presumably exchanged suspicious looks. Hermione fought to keep her breathing under control. She could hear Ron grunting beside her. Could hear as he struggled against his captor. As what sounded like blood dripped to the ground.

"Let's do it then." Greyback finally said. "The Malfoy boy will make a positive identification. And once we're certain, we'll summon the Dark Lord."

"Right," The snatcher behind Hermione said. And with no more warning, she felt herself turning with her captor. They disappeared with a loud pop.

/

The Malfoy estate looked hauntingly peaceful from outside its silent walls. Hermione's head spun as she gained her bearings. That had been the most painful apparation she'd ever taken part in.

The moonlight was now obstructed by the tree tops, and she eyed the shadows before her. Horrified at what was unfolding.

"How do we get in!" One of the snatchers demanded.

Greyback scoffed. "Shut it."

Hermioned watched his shadow as he approached the dark iron gates. "Let us in!" Greyback snarled into the night. Gripping the wrought irons and giving the gate a fierce shake.

A loud voice boomed overhead. "STATE YOUR PURPOSE."

"We've got Potter!" Greyback snarled back. "We've captured Harry Potter!"

Immediately the gates swung open, and Greyback growled triumphantly. "Come on!" He ordered at his men, and Hermione felt herself being pushed forwards, a wand pressing into her temple.

"Not one false move, girlie." The snatcher whispered in his ear as he shoved against her. "Just keep moving. That's right. Slowly."

The walk through the estate grounds was lengthy, but Hermione couldn't tell if it was just her nerves. It seemed to take minutes to make it to the front door, where a creaking of hinges resulted in light spilling over them. She cringed as her eyes adjusted to it, staring at the figure standing in the doorway.

"What is this?" The figure asked.

"We've got him. Harry Potter." Greyback replied. "It doesn't look like 'im, some kind of disguising jinx. But look. He's got the scar. And we have his wand. And this one 'ere is the mudblood girl known to be working with him. We've also got a Weasley for good measure. There's no doubt it's Potter."

The woman stepped to the side. "Bring them in! Quickly!"

Hermione was shoved up the porch steps and forced into the foyer. She hardly had time to take in that they were standing in a hall with walls lined with portraits before they continued to walk through, as the woman led them further in.

"My son Draco happens to be here tonight," The woman was saying. "If that's Potter and his friends, he'll know."

The captured were walked through four halls before they came to a door. They were shoved through it, and the first thing Hermione noted was a fireplace. She then saw a sofa, and two chairs that were currently occupied. Her eyes widened as her face fell on that of Draco Malfoy, humiliation brimming within. Her school bully, who had always made it a game of tormenting her and calling her the worst of names, was now witnessing her as a prisoner. Complete terrified tears streaming down her face. All her dignity was gone.

"What is this?" The man sitting across from Draco drawled, and Hermione recognized him as none other than the patriarch of the Malfoy family, Lucius himself.

"They say they've got Potter," The woman who had led them into the house said. "Draco. Come here."

Hermione's eyes went to Draco's. He had been looking at her. She noted how tired he looked, his cheeks more hollow than when she'd last seem him. His face pale as he tore his eyes away and stood from him seat silently.

"Well, Draco?" Lucius said, sounding nearly excited. "Is it really? Is this Harry Potter?"

Hermione watched as Draco's eyes narrowed. He stepped closer to Harry, his lips thinning into a line. "I can't be sure…"

"Look at him carefully!" Lucius said, "Look, get closer!"

Draco obliged, taking another step towards Harry. Hermione could have sworn that Draco's eyes flew to hers for a split second before he gazed back at Harry.

"Draco. Look closely. Think of the honor that will befall our family if we present Harry Potter-"

"I hope you aren't forgetting that I'm the one who found him!" Greyback snarled.

It was enough to make Hermione jump, her wide eyes shooting to the enraged werewolf that was standing so near to her.

"Of course, of course." Lucius waved Greyback off impatiently. "I was only saying… Well, look. Draco. There's something on his forehead. Isn't that the scar?"

"I said I don't know!" Draco snapped. He stepped back and turned to the fireplace, finding a spot beside it. He looked down into the fire, almost as if a rage was building inside. Then he looked back towards Hermione, and she broke her gaze when Lucius grunted.

"We have to be certain it's him, Lucius!" The woman, who Hermione presumed to be the matriarch of the family, insisted. "We can't disturb The Dark Lord with false alarms! Remember what happened to Dolohov when he-"

"But it is him!" Greyback snarled. He held up the newspaper that one of the snatchers had presented him with in the woods. "Look. The mudblood girl. It's her!"

All eyes fell on Hermione. Her cheeks cold from the stained tears she hadn't been able to wipe away, Hermione fought back a nervous hiccup as the group took her in.

"Well, Draco?" His mother turned to him. "Is that the one you always complained of being around Potter in school?"

Trembling, Hermione's eyes shot back to Draco. Feeling ridiculous, almost silently pleading. 'Don't identify me, don't do it!'

He was watching her, this time without any attempts to shield it. Their eyes locked on one another's, and for some reason her breath caught in her throat. "Hm…" he trailed. "I couldn't be sure…"

"But that has to be her! I remember when she was a little one." Lucius said. "And that redheaded one there. That's Arthur Weasley's son. They're Potter's little golden friends."

"Hm…" Draco drawled, refusing to confirm nor deny.

Suddenly the door to the drawing room opened again, and a new voice erupted. "What is this? What's going on, Cissy?"

The voice slurred as it spoke, almost into a sadistic purr. Hermione heard the footsteps go around the room, and then stop curiously in front of her. Hermione's eyes widened when she recognized the woman to be none other than Bellatrix Lestrange, who was currently staring at her through hooded eyelids.

"Surely… surely this is that mudblood girl? Granger…"

"Yes!" Lucius exclaimed. "Exactly! Granger! The mudblood! It is her! And that must be Potter! Potter and his friends, caught at last!"

"Potter!?" Bellatrix jumped. She backed away to get a better look at the group of prisoners. "The Dark Lord must be informed at once!"

"Just you wait!" Lucius snapped, even as Bellatrix lifted her sleeve to reveal her dark mark. The patriarch of the Malfoy family went as far as to lunge at her, catching Bellatrix's wrist in midair. "I was the one who found Potter, and I'll be the one to summon the Dark Lord!"

"Oh, what good are you to call him!? You are not worthy!" Bellatrix spat.

"I'm actually the one who found him," Greyback interjected, but Bellatrix suddenly shrieked.

Hermione thought that Lucius must have hit her for how she was howling, but Bellatrix was merely waving an arm in the air as Lucius stood two paces away. "What is that?!"

"Sword." One of the snatcher's who was out of Hermione's line of sight said. Her eyes widened.

Gryffindor's sword.

She'd forgotten all about it!

She hadn't even noticed that one of those snatcher's had grabbed it.

"Give it to me." Bellatrix demanded.

"It's not yours, it's mine." The snatcher replied calmly. "I found it, so-"

"STUPEFY! STUPEFY! STUPEFY!"

A bang of red light, and Hermione felt as the snatcher apprehending her began to slouch forwards. She stepped out of the way just in time as the snatcher fell to the ground, having been stunned to unconsciousness.

The only snatcher remaining awake was Greyback, who was standing far too close for Hermione's comfort. In a moment Bellatrix was upon them, brandishing the sword as her eyes pierced Greyback. "Where did you get this sword?" She hissed.

"How dare you!" He snarled.

"Where did you find this sword?!" She asked again. "This was in my vault in Gringott's!"

"It was with them!" Greyback spat.

"Draco, take these scum outside!" Bellatrix snapped.

"Don't you dare speak to Draco like-" Draco's mom began, but she was quickly interrupted.

"Be quiet! We have a very serious problem!" Bellatrix shrieked. Her eyes were wide as she inspected the blade of the sword. Even as Draco left the room with the four stunned snatchers being levitated with him, Bellatrix's mind was swirling as she thought out loud. "Potter must remain unharmed for the Dark Lord… but I must know… but how!? But I…"

Her eyes went to Hermione. "Greyback! Take these prisoners down to the cell! Leave the filthy mudblood!"

"No!" Ron shouted,

"This is my house," Draco's mom cut in. "You can't just make these orders-"

"Be QUIET, Cissy! You have no idea the danger we are in! I must know how they obtained this sword!"

The rest happened in a blur. Hermione was held at wandpoint by Bellatrix herself, her vision hindered as she was shoved to the floor. She could hear Ron screaming her name, footsteps cluttering further away. Ron's voice grew more muffled as distance was made, until she could no longer hear it at all.

"How did you get the sword?!" Bellatrix screamed in Hermione's ear. The way Bellatrix's eyes were twitching was horrific, clearly being struck with madness.

"I-" Hermioned trembled. Something large was on on her head, pressing her face into the floor. "I don't know-"

"Liar!" Bellatrix's airy voice shouted. "Crucio!"

Hermione let out a blood curling scream. She'd never felt a pain like this before, her head pounding as her limbs involuntarily rythed. Every muscle in her body was cramping in on itself, her skin tingling as if she were being immersed in a pot of boiling water.

Suddenly the spell was lifted, but it didn't stop the after effects as Hermione's mind spun.

"Tell me where you got the sword!" The voice demanded in her ear.

"I… I… " Hermione sobbed. Her legs were still cramping. Her eyes unable to open.

"What is this?" Hermione could swear she heard Draco's voice droning. Evidently he'd returned from wherever he'd taken the snatchers to. It only added to Hermione's humiliation, her torture being witnessed by none other than Malfoy himself. He must be so glad to see it.

"Bellatrix! Stop this!" Draco's mom cried, but there was no response to them.

Bellatrix merely asked her again. "Where did you get the sword!?"

"Please!" Hermioned croaked. "We found it! I swear!"

"Crucio!"

Colors danced behind Hermione's eyes as the pain returned, this time even worse than before. Her head moved side to side, her hands slapping the floor below her as she wailed. She couldn't hear what was going on around her, couldn't make out her surroundings. She heard a voice shouting, but it sounded muffled behind her own cries. She had no idea how much time had passed when the spell was lifted again.

"Stop it, Cissy! I tell you! This is of utmost importance!" Bellatrix shouted, but Hermione could barely register what the words meant. "I will ask you again! Where did you get the sword! Do not lie!"

"I swear! We found it! I-!"

"CRUCIO!"

Wailing, Hermione's head drew upwards and slammed back down into the floor. Her fingernails dug into the wooden panels below her, desperate to grip something for leverage against the pain shooting through her body. She howled until she began to choke on her cries, dizzy from lack of oxygen. This time she hardly registered when the spell was lifted, shuddering involuntarily as her muscles seized.

"I can't risk driving her to madness. Not yet! But I must get answers! I must! I'll!"

Hermione screamed again, hardly able to even register what the source of the pain was this time. All she knew was that her forearm was throbbing, something slicing into her flesh. She kicked her feet, flailing, trying anything to get away, but Bellatrix was right on top of her. Pinning her down.

"You lying, filthy mudblood! I know you were in my vault at Gringott's! What else did you take!? Tell the truth! TELL ME!"

Just then there was a loud pop, as if someone apparated right next to her. There was a clatter, and Bellatrix was thrown off.

Hermione was too weak to move, though, unable to do anything but merely lay there. Half conscious as her body shook.

She heard as Ron's voice yelled something, followed by more shuffling. Something was thrown on top of her, but she couldn't register what. Harry voice's shouted, along with Bellatrix and Lucius. And was that… Dobby?

Rattling glass.

A thud.

And then a scream, followed by another loud pop.

The next thing Hermione knew, something was crashing into her. And then everything went black.