Chapter 21

A/N: We are at a critical stage in Hermione's and Severus' lives. The next three chapters will be full of drama, intrigue, sadness and a little surprise that will send everything Hermione has been building for herself into pieces. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Again, my gratitude to luvsev and WriterMerrin for their hard work and thoroughness. This fic would be nothing with out them.

***

As the fall term ambled on, the agreement between the houses of Gryffindor and Slytherin had been signed and, for the most part, adhered to by both parties. Sirius and James still stoutly refused to give up their vendetta against Severus. At least they had the sense now to make it private. Halloween week arrived with no word from Severus about Voldemort's demand for Hermione's presence. Soon, she stopped asking, although Severus had warned her to not forget.

***

The day before Halloween, Severus came over to the Gryffindor table and was greeted with half a dozen wands. The Slytherins accompanying Severus had theirs out in a flash.

"Put your wands away!" Hermione snapped at her fellow Gryffindors.

Severus glowered at his men. Hermione nearly smirked. He looked just like the Professor Snape she had known so long ago. She kept her face straight and waited for him to speak.

"His Lordship requires your presence tonight, Miss Granger. I shall have Eloise LeStrange collect you around eight o'clock. Slytherin will be patrolling the castle for the Head Girl and Boy."

"What am I to tell them?" she asked.

"Evans and Potter will remain in their common room this evening if they are wise. I trust you to pass this information to them," he said, looking over at Lily in disdain. "Do wear something appropriate. A fresh school uniform will be considered neutral. DO NOT dress in Muggle clothes. Have I made myself clear?" he said without looking at her.

"Yes," she replied.

He swept away in a billow of robes, and Hermione went down the table to speak with James. Sirius was there and, as usual, trying to nose in on the conversation.

"James, in the hall, please?" she asked.

As soon as he met with her, she told him what Severus had said. "Damn, Hermione!" he hissed. "I don't like this at all. He's dangerous, and I'm not talking about Snivellus, either..."

"...Calm down, James!" she said impatiently. Then she smiled at him. Gosh, how he reminded her of Harry.

"I'll be fine. Moody has trained me for this very occasion!" she said reassuringly.

James looked about him nervously and whispered, "Hermione, you need to know something. Snape did this before...to Lily. He took her there to show her off, to prove some point of what a big shot he could be. Well, Lily about lost it, and she thinks she came within a hair of being killed, so just be careful, okay?"

Hermione was shocked. "Lily told you this?" she asked.

"Yes," he said rather sheepishly. "Lily and I talk a lot, you know, Head Girl, Head Boy stuff. There is a lot we have in common now. I also guess my ability to not be a complete toerag has made an impression."

Hermione smiled. This was the best news she could have heard just before going into the bowels of hell to meet the devil.

"Your perseverance has paid off, James. Try not to cock it up," she said flippantly.

She went to leave, but turned to ask a question. "How old were they when Severus took Lily to meet him?"

"Fifteen," he answered.

"I'm not fifteen, James," she reminded him as she went to walk away.

James grabbed her arm. "I know that, Hermione. That was the only reason Voldemort let her go in the first place. If she had been your age, he would have killed her. He said she defied him."

"I will be careful," Hermione promised and walked away to ready herself to meet Lord Voldemort.

***

Eloise LeStrange came at eight on the dot. She had a pug face, which intrigued Hermione. Perhaps she would be Pansy's mother in the future? This knowledge kept her mind busy thinking of other things than what she was about to do until she reached the main entrance.

Severus came to her side and escorted her out towards the boundary line. "This will be our only chance to talk, so do it quickly. What of Regulus, Hermione?"

Hermione didn't miss a beat. "Remember that terrible day back in our fifth year when you lost Lily forever?"

He shot her a knowing look that told her he didn't want to be reminded that he had once been a fool for the redheaded Gryffindor.

Hermione continued. "Well, Avery and I were there. He had me by the arm, Disillusioned, for the 'show,' he called it. It had been staged. Sirius wanted Lily out of your clutches so bad that he made a deal with Avery to stage a fight where you would come out the loser, of course, playing you and James like violins. Then, Lily came into the fray..."

"...FUCK!" Severus swore. He stopped walking and stood frozen in place.

Hermione pushed his arm. "Don't stop walking! I know you are angry, but I'm telling you all of this for a reason. No one wanted you to succeed with Lily. They all conspired: Avery, Regulus, Sirius and God only knows who else to force your hand. They all knew you were under orders to humiliate Lily publicly," Hermione whispered.

"I wanted to do it on my terms!" he growled as he began to stride furiously towards the Apparition mark.

"I know," Hermione said painfully as she half jogged to keep up with him. "It was terrible to just stand there and do nothing to stop it. I'm sorry."

They said nothing until they reached the mark. Severus grabbed her hand, and they Apparated into Spinner's End.

Hermione nearly collapsed from the tug of Apparition. It had been quite a jaunt to go to England from the Highlands in one go. She sank into one of the old chairs in the sitting room as Severus flashed his wand. He then let out a blood-curdling howl from deep within him. Hermione jumped and headed for the front door as the wizard raged all around her. Books, furniture, and bric-a-brac...nothing stood a chance between Severus and his rage.

Hermione shrank against the door, holding onto the handle for dear life. She thought he would hex her into oblivion just for telling him about that treacherous day, but instead, after the violence had subsided, he swiftly repaired the damage and went to Hermione's side.

He knelt down and took her in his arms. She flung herself onto him and sobbed. He pried her off of him a little so he could look into her tear-stained face.

"I recall that I once called you a Mudblood in a pique of anger," he whispered against her lips.

Hermione nodded and let him kiss her boldly. He released her lips and caressed her face with one hand. "You forgave me, even before I ever apologized," he said sadly.

"Yes," Hermione breathed as she brought her hands to the nape of his neck, bringing his face to hers. She kissed him and lost herself in the moment. His lips were on her mouth, cheeks, eyelids, neck and shoulders.

"Severus," she moaned.

"I want you, Hermione," he ground out painfully. "It hurts to not have you. I can't bear much more." He kissed her lustfully, and Hermione felt her mind slip away.

"Make love to me, Severus," she whispered.

He looked at her, and she began to undo her shirt. Suddenly, he screamed and clamped his hand over his arm painfully.

"Shite! Hermione, we must Apparate now!" he said through clenched teeth. He grabbed a hold of her waist, and they Disapparated into a luxurious manor. Hermione looked around her in wonder as Severus loosed her from his grip. They were standing in a rich, ornate foyer with scarlet draperies, heavy crystal chandeliers and gilded mirrors. There was a golden door in front of them. Severus was sweating and gritting his teeth. He closed his eyes and breathed through his mouth and nose.

"Center yourself," he ordered. "Discipline your mind."

Hermione obeyed immediately. This was the voice she had been trained for two years to obey without question. This was Professor Snape, the wizard of her tender youth, of her long lost past. She quickly buttoned her half-opened shirt, raised her walls of Occlumency and walked in with Severus to meet Lord Voldemort.

***

"Your Lordship," Snape said in a calm, deep voice. He bowed respectfully before a man who had his back to them. Snape grabbed Hermione by the upper arm and squeezed painfully. She gave a low curtsy as the wizard slowly turned.

Hermione involuntarily gasped, but she was able to silence the sound. She had dared to look upon Lord Voldemort in the face. She averted her gaze to the hem of his sleeve, but the memory of his distorted face was lodged in her brain.

He was ugly. Not ugly as a man could unfortunately be. Certainly, many people thought of Severus as ugly, but Voldemort was hideously grotesque, like a wax mummy in a horror movie. His black hair was combed smoothly back to his collar, and his eyes were bloodshot, as if they were turning red. His face might have been handsome once when he was younger, perhaps; although, now he looked as if he had been dead and preserved for quite some time, only now coming back to life. He was tall and thin with lavish, sumptuous robes. He acted in every part a Lord, waiting for Severus to kneel before him and kiss his robe. He did not react or comment on the gesture.

"Severus," he said in a high, chilling voice. "You have brought your foundling to meet me. Rise, and kiss my hand. Mudblood, you may kiss the hem of my coat."

Hermione watched as Severus obeyed him without question, and when he had finished genuflecting, Hermione sank to her knees and kissed the barest end of Voldemort's robe.

Voldemort was pleased.

He reached down and, with one long, waxy finger, raised Hermione's face to meet his own. She could feel the pressure of his intrusion into her mind. She thought of all the safe things she could find to offer him. Soon, he grew bored and withdrew. The boredom was evident on his face. She was a thing to him to disassemble and scrutinize. That was all.

He graciously offered them a seat across from him. Voldemort was flanked by a young Lucius Malfoy on his left and an equally lovely, dark-haired woman on his right, who glared at Hermione through heavy-lidded eyes.

"She is most agreeable, Severus," he said coldly. "Most pleasant and charming. Quite unlike the fire-brand you brought to me when you were a child."

"My Lordship, Hermione Granger has been most anxious to meet you," replied Severus.

"Really?" he said with a light cackle. "Why would a Mudblood be desirous to meet me?"

Severus opened his mouth to speak, and Voldemort raised his hand to silence him. He trained his eyes on Hermione at all times. "Let her answer, Severus. I want to know all about this witch who has caused such a stir amongst my allies."

"Sir," Hermione began slowly, "I was very intrigued by the meetings I had with Mr. Avery during the last two years. Our discussions were insightful, educational, and I was highly impressed by the order in which Slytherin house at Hogwarts conducted themselves."

Voldemort gave her a calculating smile that made Hermione nervous. Should she continue or be silent? Was he going to say anything in reply?

"I must say that I was most intrigued when I heard about the stunning entrance that preceded your becoming Head of Gryffindor," he said smoothly.

Voldemort snapped his fingers, and a silver tea service appeared in front of them. The dark-haired witch poured, and Severus took what was offered him while Hermione was given nothing. Not that she would have accepted anything from this place to imbibe anyway. Nonetheless, the point was made. Subtle.

"Thank you, Your Lordship," she replied smoothly.

"Tell me, what possessed you to traipse down to the dungeons after curfew, alone, to duel with three Slytherins? Two of whom were older than yourself?" Voldemort asked as he sipped his tea.

Hermione must have looked shocked, for he said rather quickly, "I was Head Boy when I was at Hogwarts. I like to be knowledgeable on the goings-on in my old house."

Hermione sat straight in her chair as she spoke. "I merely had experienced enough nonsense, sir. My room-mate, a Muggle-born herself, had been grossly attacked in a manner I found repugnant."

"Repugnant?" he repeated as he sipped his tea.

"Yes," Hermione insisted. "A strange curse was used to compel the witch to engage in sexual acts. When she showed signs of resistance, she was beaten."

Voldemort put down his teacup forcefully. "I agree," he said with disgust. "I wish I could just stop that type of violence. Why some pure-bloods insist on soiling themselves with Mudbloods is beyond me. I assume it is all a part of being an adolescent, I suppose.

"Although, I can understand the ability, or the gift in seeing value in things others might see as rubbish and test them. Take Severus, for example. He's a half-blood, not really accepted into my sacred circle by his comrades, but since I see the value where others have failed, I have a most willing servant."

He leaned in towards Hermione and said in a whisper, "I know you are not valued, Hermione Granger. Your history is like my own: an orphan brought into a strange world, you were brave and thus sorted into a house where your bravery could shine. But then, you were cast adrift, shunned by others because of your lackluster appearance and your over-winning talents. It is the same sad reality in the wizarding world as it is in the Muggle one: women are not allowed to be intelligent or forceful. They are pressured into 'dumbing down'...but you, Hermione Granger, have thrown off that rule, and I applaud you."

Hermione was feeling rather confused. Why was he praising her...her, of all people?

He narrowed his blood-shot eyes and studied her. "Your magic is powerful. In fact, I would consider it an honor if you were to join me in my quest."

"I am afraid I do not understand, sir," Hermione said, feeling confused. "I am Muggle-born. A Mudblood. Where would I fit into your 'Brave New World'?"

"You believe I want all that is not pure-blooded to be killed and terrorized, correct? I'm sure Dumbledore has all you Muggle-borns frightened to death with all sorts of nightmares of my plots and schemes. No, Hermione Granger, it is not so. Actually, it is rather mundane, but I cannot be responsible for the independent actions of others. I only want to live in a world where the possibilities of magical power are limitless. Knowledge of any and every branch of magic should never be regulated. Knowledge is the beginning of power. You understand this, don't you?"

Hermione blinked. She was speechless at how seductive his words were.

Voldemort continued. "I want to have the best of magical families to be examples to all other magical beings. I personally don't mind about pedigree, if they have strong powers to make them extraordinary. You, Hermione Granger, are a powerful witch. You took Avery in your hand and squeezed until he gave you what you wanted. You set one of my Death Eaters on fire just because he was in your way. I think you are a force to be reckoned with, Hermione Granger. I can give you everything you desire...even an alliance with Severus. Your children will be mighty and strong. They will intermarry with the pure-bloods, and a new generation of powerful witches and wizards will come from your issue. You think on that, Hermione Granger. You may leave, now," he said dismissively.

After the obligatory bowing and scraping had ended, Severus and Hermione found themselves back at Spinner's End. Hermione was exhausted as she collapsed onto the couch, feeling stupid, although not knowing why.

"Hermione," Severus called to her. "Drink this."

She sat up. "What is it?"

"It is a Wit-Clarifying Potion. He has a way of making the mind muddled, even more so when you have to work so hard at keeping the secrets of your mind out of his reach," he explained.

Hermione drank and felt immediately refreshed. "Severus, how did I do?" she asked as she returned the phial to him.

His mouth formed a thin line. "I don't know. I think well, if my past experiences can be worth anything. He didn't immediately offer you what he offered Lily. He rather handled you with kid gloves, not as a way of condescension, but rather out of a sense of grudging respect. I think he knows there is more substance to you," he replied softly.

"What happened when you took Lily to him?" she asked him. She was terrified to ask, but she needed to know. It would explain so much, why Lily had been so distant from her back at the last part of the summer before their fifth year, her anger and the first flush of discontentment with her relationship with Severus.

"Well," he said as he rubbed his forehead. "It was a really stupid thing to do, looking back at it all. I wanted to show Lily how powerful I could be one day. I hadn't fully understood all of what he was about. I just wanted to impress her and show him what a powerful witch she was. It was a fiasco. She was rude and did not try to hide her contempt of him. He played with her mind, batting it around like a kitten with a ball of yarn. She was crying after he was finished with her. I was so scared. He threatened me to never do anything like that again.

"But what was strange was that he admitted she was very powerful...extremely powerful. He told me he wanted to see her again when she was older. I'm sure he is curious as to how I am able to persuade powerful Muggle-borns to meet him. I think he liked you because he didn't rush into trying to force your hand. With Lily, it was as if he were frustrated by her revulsion and just wanted to tell her the way things were going to be and watch her react poorly. It was terrifying to watch him manipulate her and then, in the end, threaten her. When he told her he wanted her to join him, she reacted so badly, I thought he was going to kill us both. Instead, he told her she had defied him, and he would not forget her."

"That sounds ominous," whispered Hermione.

"Yes, I am afraid I unwittingly have placed Lily on a list of sorts. I'm sure when Lily leaves Hogwarts, he will be keen on finding her and making her pay," he said in a hollow voice.

He sat next to Hermione and said, "I actually feel very responsible for what happened. I have to make sure I know what is going to happen to her. I know she hates me now, but I have a responsibility to her...you can understand that, can't you?" His eyes searched for hers, questioning, wondering.

Hermione smiled. "Of course I can, Severus. She was your first love."

Severus caught her in his arms and kissed her passionately. They both knew they needed to stop. It couldn't be risked, especially now, with Voldemort wanting Hermione as he did.

"Severus, you must be wary of Regulus," Hermione warned him. "He has betrayed you before to his brother. I have a feeling there might be more to the Black brothers than what meets the eye."

He looked at her seriously. "What else do you know?" he demanded.

"About?"

"Regulus and Sirius. There is always something there when you speak of them. Sirius mostly. What is it?"

Hermione took a deep breath. She looked up at him and said, "Honestly, Severus, I don't know. All I do know is that Sirius Black is no good. He's not what he seems. I just have a feeling about him."

Severus gave a snort. "I have never liked the bastard, and I never shall, so you have no problem with me."

"I know," Hermione replied softly. "It's James and Lily that I am most fearful for. James loves him so; it would be tragic if he did something to place them in danger."

Severus stood up. "Why are you placing Lily in with Potter?" he asked harshly.

Hermione swallowed and decided to test the waters. "I think they may be growing closer," she said simply. "Does that bother you?"

"No!" he answered quickly. "No, I-I just never thought..." He stopped short and looked away.

"I think we need to go back now," Hermione said after allowing him a couple of minutes of reflection.

They went back to Hogwarts and parted silently. Hermione went directly to the headmaster's office. Dumbledore wanted a full report of what had transpired with Lord Voldemort.