Hogsmeade: Part 1

Disclaimer: It's not my creation, but I do enjoy manipulating things. No money for me though. Enjoy.

A big thanks to my beta, Charmed_Nay, and to my friends over at Potter_Place.

Hermione laughed wildly as Ron and Neville pretended to be Fred and George by finishing each other's sentences and making jokes. Things hadn't been all that bad. Pansy remained quiet, ignoring her...well, most of them actually...and only speaking quietly with Ron. She continued to look around though, as if she were worried that someone would catch her consorting with the wrong group of people. They'd all decided to visit Zonko's first where the boys had bought a few things before making their way to the pub.

"This is..." Ron said.

"...great," Neville finished. "Would you..."

"...like to join us?"

Their questions were directed to two Hufflepuffle students, fourth years if she remembered correctly. She was uncertain as to their names, but she smiled in welcome all the same. The pub was crowded, and there were no vacant tables. "We can make room," she added.

The girl looked to the boy and grinned broadly. "All right. I'm Laura Madley. This is Kevin Whitby, my date," she finished proudly, taking a seat next to Neville.

"Hi," the boy said.

Conversation resumed right away, laughter at Ron and Neville continued, and Hermione quietly watched them all. Harry seemed to be watching the door; his mystery date still hadn't arrived. Lavender was glued to Neville, clearly enamored with him. That made her smile. Neville deserved it. He'd come such a long way from being that shy, round-faced, little boy she'd first met on the train to Hogwarts. Ginny had taken to conversing with the two newcomers, seeming to know them. Parvati was trying to flirt with Seamus, but he was pretending to be interested in Ron and Neville's tale.

"Finally," Harry said, getting up to move towards the door. He met a tall, blonde there. Hermione recognized her immediately. His friend was Gabrielle Delacour. She wondered how long Harry had been talking to her and how they had had time to become so friendly.

"That tosser! He didn't tell me he was seeing her. How'd he land her?" Ron said in disbelief. He eyed Ginny. "Did you know that Bill and Fleur had them talking?"

Ginny shrugged. "I didn't know about it." She seemed unconcerned momentarily, but then she gasped, causing everyone to look up. Others had come with Gabrielle. Tonks and Lupin were waving and making their way forward.

Hermione knew that this didn't bode well. Ginny would likely be upset. Seeing the man she loved going about with another woman must be horrible. It would be no different for me. How would I feel if Snape had another lover? Would I be jealous? She knew that she would. Hang on! Love? There is that word again! Pushing the thoughts away, she concentrated on Ginny. Hermione wondered how nobody else could see the pain in her eyes.

"Hello, all," Lupin greeted.

"Wotcher," Tonks said.

Even Hermione felt like joining Ginny with rolling her eyes. Did Tonks not know any other greeting? She was so predictable. "Hi," she returned, along with everyone else.

"Hope you don't mind. Bill asked us to bring Gabrielle over." He whispered a bit of magic, expanding the table and conjuring two extra chairs. Unfortunately, he sat next to Ginny. This brightened the girl up considerably. "Hello, Ginny," he said quietly. "Having a nice time?"

"Yes," she said, beaming at him. "Now that you've come."

"Everybody this is Gabrielle, my...er...date," Harry said nervously.

Before anyone could say anything, Draco Malfoy walked up. His normal cronies accompanied him. "Bit young for you, isn't she, Potter?"

"Shove off, Malfoy."

Draco looked at his mates and said, "Hit a sore spot, didn't I?" The pair grunted in agreement. "She looked about eight last time I saw her. Doesn't look much older now."

"I was almost twelve zee last time I was 'ere," Gabrielle said indignantly. "Who is 'e?" She looked to Harry and then back to Malfoy. "I 'ope you don't zink you can bozzer me..."

"Get out of here, Malfoy!" Ron yelled, cutting off her reply and reaching to grab Harry.

Malfoy sneered at everyone individually. He spoke when he saw Pansy. "Still can't believe you'd rather spend your time with this lot. Your father will hear about this." His eyes moved to Tonks and Lupin. He promptly began to howl like a wolf, earning laughter from his mates. "Wouldn't sit too close there, little Weaslette."

To Hermione's eyes, Ginny seemed torn. Does she and Draco have something else going on? Why isn't he attacking her? He looks jealous. Trying to break the tension, Hermione said, "Sit down with us, Gabrielle. Come on, Harry. Don't let him bother you." She nodded to Ron. "Pull him down."

Pansy shot her a dark gaze. "He doesn't need to be taking orders from you."

Hermione sighed in exasperation. "Look, Pansy..."

"Address me as Parkinson, Granger," the girl bit out.

"Now, see here," Ron began.

"See what?" she asked briskly, daring him to take Hermione's side.

"Don't worry about it, Ron," Hermione said, standing up. "I'm sorry. I really tried. If I stay here one minute longer..." She allowed her voice to trail off in a threat.

"Come on, Mione. Don't leave," Harry said. "I want you here."

"Ooohoohoo," Draco said. "Looks like Potter's little group is breaking apart. I suppose that's not a bad thing."

"Shove off, Malfoy," Ginny said hotly, moving back. "I'm coming with you, Hermione."

Lupin spoke. "I thought we might have a word, Ginevra." His hand pulled at her arm. She looked between Lupin and Malfoy and seemed to be on the verge of sitting down when Tonks spoke.

"Yes, have a seat. Don't leave just yet."

That made Ginny's decision for her. Hermione shook her head in exasperation. If the clumsy witch had been quiet, Ginny would have stayed, and things could have been worked out. Maybe the entire misunderstanding Ginny had with Tonks and Harry could have been laid to rest.

"No, thanks," Ginny said icily. "Come on, Hermione."

"I'm going to stay here. Is that all right?" Seamus asked quickly.

Hermione nodded, and to her surprise, the two Hufflepuff students rose. "We'll, uh, be going as well," Laura said.

Draco and his two thugs had disappeared before they even left the building. She wondered if he hadn't gotten what he wanted...Ginny away from Lupin. Hermione vowed to find out what he was playing at as soon as she could. Out on the street, she saw no sign of them. Where had they scurried off to so quickly? The hairs on the back of her neck prickled. It felt as if someone was watching them. Who? She knew that Severus stayed at the castle. It couldn't be him.

"Where would you like to go?" Kevin asked as he took Laura's hand in his.

"Let's go into here for a moment. I've an owl to rent," Ginny said quickly. "It won't take long."

"I'll just wait out here," Hermione said impulsively.

"We'll go in with her. There are some scented scroll seals we can purchase!" Laura said, pulling her date forward.

Hermione simply nodded and looked around. It still felt as if someone were watching her. She backed towards the wall of the building to keep a look out of all in front of her without the worry of being taken from behind. As her back pressed against the wall, she realized that something wasn't right. Just as she turned around, realizing it was a person she'd backed into, a hand clamped over her mouth. Without anyone noticing, she was pulled into the small, dark alley between the buildings and pushed roughly against the wall. She scrambled for her wand, but her captor pulled her arms up and over her head, holding them firmly against the wall.

She realized who it was. "Severus," she breathed in relief. "What are you doing here?"

His lips crushed over hers roughly, possessively. Not waiting for acceptance, his tongue plied her lips open and ravished her mouth, causing her tongue to mimic his assault. She could feel his arousal grinding against her as he continued to pin her body to the wall with his. Sense began to leave her. Day turned to night. Up could have been down for all she knew. His kiss was powerful and mesmerizing. When he finally ended the kiss with a faint brushing of his lips, she whimpered, wanting him to kiss her again.

"Where is your date?" he growled.

"Who?" she asked dazedly.

Severus narrowed his eyes. "Don't play coy with me. Where is Finnegan?"

Hermione came to her senses and scoffed. "It wasn't a real date! I told you that already." His hand moved down to slide beneath her skirt. "Severus!" she hissed. "Someone will see us."

"No, I've cast the proper charms," he said, dark eyes penetrating hers, daring her to object.

She moved forward to place a kiss upon his lips and made to pull him closer. As she did so, she froze. "Stop!"

"What?" he asked incredulously. The hand at the hem of her knickers stopped, but it held on tightly.

"You have been an arse to me," she said, raising her chin defiantly. "You can't think that you can just come to me now without so much as a talk. I tried to talk to you..." His lips silenced her, causing her resistance to weaken. When she felt his fingers slip into her knickers, she came to her senses and pulled away. "Please stop." Severus pulled his hand away from her and stepped back hastily. It was evident that he was angry. She regretted the loss immediately. When he turned to stalk away, she reached out to grab his arm. "Wait."

"I will not be turned down like some fumbling school boy," he said in a low voice. "Adults, Hermione, do not let a minor argument stand in the way of pleasure." He pounced on her again, pushing her back into the wall. "In fact," he said silkily, "sex is one way of working through things without all those needless words and apologies."

"You mean to say...do you want that? Now? I thought..."

He lifted a finger to her lips. "I did not mean actual penetration."

Hermione's cheeks reddened. Why should it matter? He's talking to me again. He's not angry any longer. I want him. "Can I come to you later?" she asked suddenly, surprising herself. The smug smile was all the answer she needed. She hugged him tightly and willed her frustrated tears away. She'd missed him. She would go to him, they would work through things his way, and then, after that was done, they would have a talk. He seemed to be right talkative in the afterglow of his last climax. It would be no different after his next. She'd be sure to get things straight.

"I shall await your visit," he said, nodding slightly. In a sweep of his robes, he disappeared through the other end of the alleyway.

Hermione quickly went back to wait on her friends. Almost immediately the trio came out. Kevin and Laura began talking about the different scents they'd purchased as they began to walk. Ginny shrugged and stifled a giggle when Hermione shot her a questioning look.

"I want to see the Shrieking Shack," Kevin said suddenly.

"Really? I thought you said you didn't want..." Laura said, voice trailing off. "I want to see the Shrieking Shack."

"Why don't we wait for the others," Hermione said. She knew that they shouldn't venture off alone. She looked to Ginny for agreement.

Ginny looked off in the distance. "I want to visit the Shrieking Shack."

"What?" Hermione asked, confused. Almost immediately, the most pleasant feeling passed through Hermione's body. She felt so relaxed. It was as if there was not a care in the world...Wizarding or Muggle. Go to the Shrieking Shack. See if you are courageous enough to brave the ghouls there. She smiled. "Let's go to the Shrieking Shack." The four started their trek towards the desolate part of Hogsmeade.

Something seemed so wrong, but she it felt too good to fight it. Hang on! There aren't any ghouls at the Shrieking Shack! That was Lupin that made those noises long ago! She shook her head. Don't think I'm going to go, thanks. "Let's get Harry," she said suddenly. Her mates ignored her. She tried to turn back, but her legs continued to move forward. "NO!" In an instant, it became apparent as to what was taking place. Someone had placed the Imperius Curse upon the four. This did not bode well. Using nearly all of her physical and mental strength, she fought to turn back. Just when she was able to move a few feet, the pleasant feeling hit her again full force. Follow your friends. Be sure all is well.

Yes. She had to be sure all was well. Her friends were heading into trouble. Why would there be trouble? She became internally confused and simply stopped questioning things. The Shrieking Shack came into view finally. They stopped near a fence amidst some trees.

"Finite Incantatem," a cold voice said from behind them.

The pleasant feeling abruptly ended. Hermione turned around slowly and faced four Death Eaters. "What do you want?" she asked quickly, moving to stand in front of the others.

"Stand aside," said one. "You'll not interfere here today."

She looked into the eyes of the one closest. Cold grey eyes seemed to be boring into her. Oh, God, no! It's Draco! She took in the man's arrogant stance and height. Bloody hell! Not Draco! It's Lucius Malfoy!

"Why did you summon her?" he asked one of his mates, pointing at Hermione.

"She would have alerted someone," the man replied. "She came to her senses and tried to go back."

Hermione tried to place his voice, but she was uncertain as to whom it could be. It was then that she realized that someone else was happening upon them. It was a black centaur. She'd seen him before. "Bane?" she asked cautiously. He distrusted humans...even what he considered human foals. She knew better than to ask for assistance, but she hoped that he would say something to them. Surely he would not allow any grown humans to harm their young.

The black centaur came near her and pierced her with a disgusted gaze. "I am known. She will have to come with us or be removed."

A Death Eater lifted his wand, but Lucius stopped him. "Severus will kill you. This is his concubine."

"She's a Mudblood! It's that Potter boy's friend," the man said incredulously. "Severus would never choose her."

"Do you not remember what he did to Higgs? She won't be touched," Lucius said, turning a feral grin her way. "Yet."

Hermione swallowed and stepped back. What did Malfoy mean by that? Had Severus lied? Was he the one to kill Higgs? She didn't know what to do. Bane was conspiring with Death Eaters. Something was terribly wrong. Why didn't I stay with Severus? Is he following me? Hope sprang up. All would not be lost if he were following them. They would be saved. He will come for me.

"What do you want?" she asked bravely, wondering if she should go for her wand. She knew she was outnumbered, but maybe their reluctance to hex her would help them. She knew that Ginny would be with her in defense, but what of the two younger students? Would they be too afraid to fend for themselves or to fight? Common sense told her to not go for her wand.

The Death Eater to her left that had remained quiet moved forward and grasped her arm, jerking her away. "Where is your wand?" he asked. Hermione remained silent. One of his beefy hands began touching her body in search of her wand. She squirmed to get away from his grip, but he wouldn't release her. She heard Bane speaking.

"It's her. The one with the flaming hair."

Lucius nodded. "Seize her."

"What?" Ginny asked in shock. "Me? What do you want with me?"

Hermione twisted around in an attempt to reach for her, but she was pulled back against the bulky body of her assailant, whose hands were still searching for her wand. "Leave her alone!"

Ginny, Laura, and Kevin pulled their wands as if to defend themselves. At that moment, many things happened. Lucius chuckled. Her assailant found her wand and threw it aside, but he continued to hold her close to his body, as if she were a shield. Bane pulled an arrow out of his quiver and placed it upon his bow threateningly. Hexes began flying. Hermione noticed that her wand was nearby, so she began struggling with all her might against her captor...kicking, hitting, and even attempting to bite him.

"Settle down," he bellowed, slapping her soundly and tossing her roughly to the ground. Though her face stung from where he'd struck her, she realized that her wand was in reach. A loud scream from behind pulled her gaze away from her wand.

Kevin had been hit with something powerful. There was blood near his shoulder, and he was slouching back against a fence post. His girlfriend, Laura, was screaming madly, all else forgotten. Ginny landed one of the Death Eaters with a hex only to be knocked off her feet in the next moment.

"Shut that loud brat up," Lucius commanded, moving towards Ginny.

A jet of green light hit Laura squarely in the back, and she crumbled in a heap atop her boyfriend. "No!" Hermione screamed. In an instant, she reached her wand only to have a heavy foot stomping down upon her hand.

"I don't think so, girl," he said menacingly. "What of this one?" His gaze was directed to Lucius. Hermione looked to him as well. He was pulling an unconscious Ginny up into a sitting position. He seemed undecided when his gaze met her assailant's. As he opened his mouth to speak, he suddenly seemed startled. In the next instant, he was up and running to Bane. They were gone an instant later with a loud Crack!

The remaining three Death Eaters all looked to each other. The one that seemed to be injured was Disapparated away by the one nearest him. The Death Eater with Hermione looked down at her, raising his foot from her hand. "Seems to be your lucky day," he said.

"But, not yours," a voice said from behind them.

"Snape," he gasped in surprise. "What are you...?" His words trailed away as he eyed the wand pointed levelly at his face.

Severus' eyes traveled down to Hermione. She seemed all right. There were red marks on her arms, a smudge of dirt on her face, a bright splotch upon her face, and her clothes were filthy. However, nothing seemed terribly wrong. "Are you all right?" She nodded and sat up shakily, clutching the leg of his trousers. He turned his gaze back to the man before him. It was Goyle. He could tell by his stance. Besides, no other would be so slow to escape or to hex. His filthy hands had been upon Hermione. He'd touched what was his. "I will kill you," Severus told him menacingly. He cast a succession of hexes upon him. The man would not be able to escape by means of Apparition, nor would he be able to move. Severus pocketed the bastard's fallen wand. Turning a twig into a Portkey, he placed it into the man's stiff hand. He was sending him to a special room in the castle down in the dungeons near his own quarters. He would find out what he could before terminating him.

Once the man was whisked away, he knelt down, forcing Hermione to remove her hold on him. "Sev...er...us," she said between sobs. "They're dead."

He pulled her to him, placing her head upon his chest. He rocked her back and forth, whispering soothing words and gently stroking her hair and back. I will kill him. He harmed my Hermione. What would have happened if he hadn't followed her? He could have lost her, or she could have been harmed worse. Why did they not heed his Lord's warning about leaving her unscathed throughout the war? Who sent them?

He'd been about to enter a shop in the village when he saw the four of them trekking off. He'd allowed them a long enough head start, but he'd been deterred as he'd noticed Draco following as well. That hadn't been very suspicious, as the boy was supposed to keep an eye on Ginevra Weasley, but the boy had seemed jittery. His friends had been left behind. Midway, Draco had seemed to be having second thoughts, as he'd stopped and ran his fingers through his hair whilst thinking. That had made Severus suspicious. It had been blatantly obvious that the boy was having an internal battle of what to do about something. The earlier foreboding that he'd felt hit him full force. Something wasn't right. Draco hadn't met his eyes directly. He'd sent a Stunning Spell at the boy to be sure he remained where he was, and Severus had run forward to find his witch.

He'd heard the sounds of one Disapparation and witnessed another. The site of the three students had given him pause, but he'd known that he'd not help things by seeing to them first. Hermione had been his main concern when he approached her and Goyle. Her sobs tapered off, leaving an eerie silence. He pulled back to look at her. "All right?" His thumbs wiped the streaks from her face.

"Y-yes."

"Stay here," he said firmly, moving to rise.

"I knew you would c-come for me."

He paused to look at her, chest swelling with emotion. "I will always come for you," he said honestly. No one will come between us. You are my reward, my chosen mate. As softly as possible, he kissed her lips. He'd never seen her so distraught. It tore at his heart.

Severus reluctantly went to the others. A flick of his wand told him that Weasley had only been knocked unconscious. She'd be fine once he took her back to Hogwarts. Madley was dead. There was nothing that could be done for her. The Killing Curse had claimed her life. Whitby was also gone. A gaping hole in his shoulder had caused him to bleed to death, nearly instantly. So young. Never had a chance. Severus felt anger wash over him immediately. He'd not been told of any attacks. What had brought Goyle here? Who had been with him? Why had they come? He would have his answers soon enough. He needed to handle things here first. He pointed his wand in the air and let off a series of sparks...red, green, purple, and black.

He dared not approach Hermione as he waited for others to come. It wouldn't do to have them happen upon them in an awkward position. Lupin and Tonks Apparated to them minutes later. To his surprise, Lupin cried out as if wounded when he saw Weasley and went to hold her whilst Tonks conjured coverings to place over the other two students. Following their arrival was McGonagall's. The normally stern-faced Minerva broke down immediately upon seeing the students and pulled a whimpering Hermione to her.

"Severus?" she asked. "What's happened?"

Severus kept his distance from Hermione, but he continued to glance at her whilst he told the story to the others. "I saw them venturing off, so I came to see what they were doing, as they aren't supposed to leave the village limits. When I came I must have startled the offenders. They all Apparated away. I was able to see one before he disappeared. Death Eaters did this. I do not know why. I summoned the nearest Order members immediately."

His eyes met the startled eyes of Hermione. He hadn't time to tell her what he'd decided the story should be, but he inclined his head slightly to signal she should not contradict him. Her uncertain eyes left his, and she clutched her Head of House more tightly, crying anew. It wouldn't do to let people know that he'd caught one. Not now at any rate. When the man would end up dead, there would be questions and accusations.

"The others are in town with the remaining students," Tonks said. "When we saw the call, we gave word that we'd come." She nodded to Hermione. "I think she needs a Calming Draught."

"She's seen two people murdered, one assaulted, and was assaulted as well. I'd say so," Severus said curtly.

"Someone should alert Pomona," Minerva said, trying to regain her composure.

Severus saw that Tonks was frowning. He followed her gaze and saw that Lupin was cradling Weasley and making small howling sounds. Good Lord. Has the man no pride? It was easy to wonder if the girl's ill placed feelings might have been returned on some level. Had he given her the wrong impression by his actions? To any outsider, even his own lover, it seemed as if he loved the girl. Even as Severus watched, the man whispered her name continuously.

Lupin looked up to see everyone watching him. "She won't wake." Tonks moved forward, but he held up a hand. "Stay there. She'll be upset if she wakes to see you near us."

"Right then. I'll go to Hogwarts to get help," she said.

Severus said, "Bring Pomona, Albus, and Poppy." With a simple nod, Tonks Disapparated. To his dismay, others were arriving. "Potter, Weasley, Parkinson!" he bellowed, striding forward. "What are you doing here?" He eyed the Delacour girl. He really had no say over where she ventured, but he sneered at her all the same.

Potter spoke, moving past him. "We saw the sparks. Tonks and Lupin took off. Something must...Hermione! Ginny!" The boy ran to the others.

Weasley's eyes grew wide, and he pulled away from Parkinson's clutches. "Gin? Mione?"

"Severus," Minerva said. "Molly Weasley is keeping watch at the railroad station with Hestia Jones. Would you please bring her here?"

"Of course," he said brusquely, feeling dismissed. He didn't want to leave Hermione, but he had no choice. Her ruddy friends are in the way now. Might as well make myself useful. Minerva released Hermione, and the trio...Potter, Weasley, and Hermione...automatically moved to hold each other tightly. The last thing he noticed before he Disapparated were the narrowed eyes of Parkinson. Apparently, the friends' closeness didn't sit well with her either.

After a quick walk through the station, he found the witches. "Molly, I need you to come with me."

"What is it about? Minerva said we should stay here." Her eyes suddenly misted over. "My children?"

"Ginevra," he said. The witch Disapparated away. He looked to Jones. "I trust you will be well enough here alone?"

"I'll be fine. Nothing to it," she said solemnly. "Her girl all right?"

"So it would seem." He looked around. "Two younger students were killed, and another was attacked."

The witch gasped. "Oh, no. Death Eaters?"

Severus nodded. "Why wasn't anyone posted there?" he asked absently. "Had I known that there weren't enough volunteers I would have done so. We were told that between the Order members and the Aurors provided by the Ministry it would be safe enough to allow the visit."

"Far as I know, it was Dung's place to be back at the last of Hogsmeade out towards the Shack. Did you not see him?"

"I did not. I shall return." He nodded and Disapparated. Tonks had arrived back with the others. Dumbledore was having a time keeping Molly quiet while Poppy looked over her daughter. Hermione was still being held by her two friends, the bastards. A twinge of jealousy hit him as he watched their closeness. Would he share that type of relationship with her? Lupin was now kneeling next to the girl, watching Poppy's ministrations while Tonks and Minerva were trying to console a weeping Pomona Sprout.

"So young. Just children," she said through sobs.

"Albus, just let me go to my daughter," Molly screeched.

"Calm down, Molly. Poppy needs to finish," Dumbledore said calmly.

Severus decided to send away Delacour and Parkinson. "You two need to get back into the village."

"I am wiz zem," the blonde said, nodding over to the huddled group.

Severus nodded. "Go sit over there on the side." He looked to Parkinson. "I know you have your Apparition License. I want you to go back to Hogwarts immediately. You know where the Apparition point is. I shall come to address everyone in the common room when we all return to the castle."

"Yes, sir," she said, glancing once more to Weasley.

"Go on," Severus said. When she disappeared, it was then that he noticed Draco and Crabbe making their way to the crowd. "What are you doing here?"

Draco looked beyond him to the groups. "Where is she?" he asked quietly.

"Found him back there. Someone Stunned him," Crabbe said.

"No!" Draco yelled suddenly, attempting to run forward.

"Remember yourself," Severus said, catching the boy by his arm.

"Someone hit me from behind with a Stunning Spell, and when Crabbe and Goyle came to see where I'd gone off to, they found me sprawled on the ground." He nodded to Crabbe. "Sir, a Death Eater Apparated nearby and took Goyle with him."

"Are you certain?" Severus eyed both boys. Bloody fucking hell! What now?

"Yes," both answered in unison.

Severus turned around and headed for the headmaster. He had finally released Molly and was conferring with Poppy. "She has to go to the infirmary, but she'll be fine," the mediwitch was saying.

"Headmaster, another student is missing," Severus hissed. This got everyone's attention. "Gregory Goyle was snatched by a Death Eater. Crabbe and he happened upon young Malfoy, who had been Stunned. Once he woke, they both witnessed Goyle's abduction."

"We could do nothing," Malfoy said angrily, kicking at a large stick. His cold eyes landed on Lupin, and he sneered hatefully.

Crabbe nodded vigorously. "It happened so fast."

Dumbledore nodded. "We shall find out what happened to your friend. For now, get back to the castle. We'll be sending all the students back." He patted Crabbe on the shoulder. The boy seemed truly befuddled. "Try to remember anything you can about what happened. I'll call you up to my office for statements."

With one last lingering glance at Ginevra, Draco led Crabbe away. Severus whispered, "I don't like this, Headmaster."

"Nor do I. I trust there are other things that you have to tell me that isn't suitable for mixed company?"

"Indeed."

"Very well. Let's clear this up."

"Potter," Severus called. "You will escort your girlfriend and Weasley back to the castle. She can stay with you in your common room until her guardians are free to escort her back home."

"What about Hermione?" Weasley blurted. "Can she come with us?"

Severus seethed inwardly. He didn't want her to go with them, to be close to them, to have Weasley's hands upon her. "We may need to..."

"Of course," Minerva said, coming to them. She soothed Hermione's ruffled hair. "She's exhausted. Can't even stand on her own. Madame Pomfrey has given her a bit of some Calming Draught. She'll need your assistance."

It was true. She was sagging against both boys, mostly Weasley. He'd better not use this as an excuse to take advantage of her. "Very well. Off to the castle."

Potter spoke, "We've got to get the others...Neville and our mates."

Severus bit his tongue as their Head of Gryffindor answered. "Of course, but please, hurry on to the castle. I'll address everyone as soon as I can." He watched as his witch was led away by her friends. While they were still in sight, a loud bang was heard. Not a moment after, the Dark Mark littered the sky over Hogsmeade, its green sparks glittering ominously.

"What the hell?" Severus barked. He turned to face the others.

"Poppy and I will see to Laura and Kevin," Sprout said sadly.

"I will bring Ginevra," Lupin said.

"The hell you will," Molly said. "I will bring her. The rest of you lot should go on and see what's happening." Severus nearly smiled, as Lupin looked reprimanded.

The headmaster said, "Severus, see to the students there. Walk them in to Hogsmeade." Severus nodded. "Minerva, Tonks, Remus...you'll Apparate in with me?"

They all nodded in affirmation and with a series of Cracks, they all disappeared from sight. Severus turned to Pomona, Poppy, and Molly. "I would like to see you ladies Disapparate safely before I leave." After only a couple of moments, they each held a student and Disapparated. Satisfied that nobody would be left behind, he made his way to his witch and her mates where they stood huddled together.

"Zis is 'orrible. Please 'old me," Delacour said to Potter as he walked up. The boy did so, leaving Weasley to hold Hermione alone.

Severus wanted to hex the brat. He was holding her possessively, caressing her hair gently, and murmuring soothing words. All things I should be doing. "Come on," he said bitingly. "I have to escort you to the village." He pulled his wand. Though he itched to hex the brat that held his oblivious witch, he moved forward. Many thoughts littered his mind. Why had he not been told of any attack? Was the Dark Lord behind this? His thoughts darkened as he imagined choking the life from Goyle. He would make the bastard talk before he took pleasure in killing him. Nobody harms my witch. He hoped that Hermione would not contradict his story. She seemed to be in shock. Having witnessed death on numerous occasions, it always amazed him how differently he dealt with it when compared to the way others dealt with it. He'd learnt long before to take it in stride. What was the reasoning behind these deaths though?

All of his questions would have to wait to be answered. From the look of the screaming crowds and running patrons as they neared the main path of the village, it would be a long day. The Dark Mark appeared to be hovering over the local Apothecary.

Southern's Notes: I am stopping it here because it would end up being too long. The next chapter will have everything else that happens in Hogsmeade and back at the castle after everyone returns. There will be another character death in the next chapter, but it's not any of our main characters.