Death Eater Be Not Proud

Special thanks to my mom, my sister, Lady_Peeves, Jade_Orchid, and my beta Lady_Lucius for everything you lovely ladies do to encourage me.

Also, this is my FIRST story, so please, be nice and helpful. Enjoy! :)

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Chapter 9: Death Eater Be Not Proud

Snape sat in his favorite chair by the fireplace as he sipped his brandy. A week had passed since the incident in the dungeons (he had been counting the days), but he still couldn't get HER out of his mind. He had tried everything in his power to escape her, to put her out of his head... but he couldn't. Nothing worked. Snape avoided talking to her in Potions and even stopped correspondence with the riddles. Since she never gave him an answer to his riddle, he took some comfort knowing that he stumped his little lioness. Apparently, she didn't know the solution was "I do not know." HE did not know. He didn't know what would happen to them. He didn't know if things would even be the same. However there was one thing he did know: he did miss her riddles.

Who was he kidding? He missed HER!

He missed her long silky hair with the subtle scent of roses, her beautiful chocolate eyes that sparkled when she laughed, and her smile that could brighten the darkest parts of his heart. And of course, he missed that brilliant brain! But why?! Why was this little lioness having such an effect on him? Could it be because...

He loved her?

NO! That couldn't be! Snape was incapable of love! Besides, there was no way anyone, especially someone as pure and good as Hermione, could ever love a monster like him.

However she did risk her life to save his own, not to mention she almost kissed him... and he almost kissed her. THAT thought was on his mind the most that week, and it was tortuous to remember. He wanted so badly to take her in his arms and kiss her softly, sweetly, passionately. He wanted to tangle his hands in those soft curls, lose himself in her eyes, he wanted to...

Oh Merlin, what was he THINKING?! Dirty old man! He was old enough to be her father! However, that really didn't matter. Wizards aged much slower than Muggles or Muggle-borns, so despite the fact that he was in his early forties, he was in no way too old for her by wizard standards.

Snape grimaced at himself for thinking such foolish thoughts. Good Lord what was wrong with him?! He had to stop thinking about her before she drove him mad! Still he couldn't help but think this wasn't just some passing fancy. Did he really love her?

"You know you do," the voice in his head said, "Why are you denying yourself?"

"Merlin's beard, can't you just leave me alone?" Snape sighed in annoyance.

"Not until you admit that you miss her because you love her."

"This is ridiculous!"

"Is it really? It makes sense. You haven't looked at her, you haven't spoken to her, you haven't walked past her..."

"And all the better for her."

"Doubtful. Maybe if you just..."

"I can't believe this! I'm pining over a student, arguing with a voice in my head, and now I just ran out of brandy. Could this evening get any worse?!"

He immediately regretted saying that.

Suddenly, the inside of his left arm began to burn like fire, sending a shooting pain up to his head. Oh no! Not now! Snape immediately pulled up his sleeve and his heart sank as he beheld the Dark Mark standing out against his white skin. He was being summoned. With a heavy heart, Snape stood from his chair and walked slowly over to his closet to retrieve a small black box containing his Death Eater robes. He put his hand on he door and sighed before closing his eyes, preparing himself before he faced the man –nay monster –that he despised the most: Lord Voldemort.

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Hermione tapped her foot impatiently as she waited for Filch to come out of his office. What was taking him so long?! She had already knocked on his door four times! He had to have heard her at least once! She huffed in annoyance and knocked on the door again a little bit harder and faster than she did last time and waited once more. Honestly, this was incredibly rude! She pressed her ear to the door to see if she could hear any movement from inside. Finally, she heard Filch mumble something inaudible and yank open the door with a scowl. Hermione jumped back in surprise, not at Filch's glare, but at his attire.

Filch was wearing a plum suit with white pin strips and white shoes. He was clean-shaven and wore his hair back in a ponytail tied with a plum ribbon. Hermione also noticed that he was clutching Mrs. Norris tightly at his side. Good Lord, was he going on a date and bringing his cat with him?! It took all of Hermione's strength NOT to laugh as she continued to stare at the new Mr. Filch and his chaperon cat.

"What do you want?!" he snapped at Hermione as Mrs. Norris flicked her tail in annoyance.

"Mr. Filch, are you all right?" Hermione asked, "I knocked about five times before you answered the door!"

"Yes but I was hoping that by the second or third knock that you'd take the hint and LEAVE!"

"Sir?"

"I KNOW you have detention, but I can't baby-sit you tonight! I've got... uh..."

"A date?" Hermione asked with a small smile.

"That's none of your business!" Filch snapped, "I have plans and they don't involve you!"

"All right, sir, but..."

"Go back to Professor Snape and have him oversee your detention!"

Before Hermione had a chance to respond, Filch stepped out of his office, closed the door behind him, and took off down the hall still holding Mrs. Norris close.

Hermione stood flabbergasted for a moment before she came to her senses and made her way towards the dungeons. Oh no! She'd have to see Snape... alone... in the dungeons. A small shiver ran down her spine as she remembered the "almost kiss" from a week ago. They hadn't spoken to each other since and the time they had to spend together in Potions or the Great Hall, neither one of them made eye contact or even dared to speak.

This practically killed Hermione.

She longed for him. She burned his candle everyday, which was almost gone. She relived that night over and over again in her mind as the candle let off his delicious scent. Hermione knew why he pushed her away. She knew why he hesitated. Even if they did fancy each other, they were STILL teacher and student. Despite that fact, Hermione wanted to be with the snarky mean Potions Master, confused as to why he just didn't follow his heart.

Before Hermione knew it, she was standing in front of Snape's office door, her stomach tied up in knots. Oh, how was she going to be able to be near him when she felt so strongly for him? Wait, she shouldn't be nervous. He probably wouldn't speak to her anyway unless he was ordering her around. After scolding herself for being so childish, Hermione rapped on the door three times and waited. She growled impatiently after a few minutes and knocked again. Oh no, she wasn't waiting outside of a door for ten minutes again! Hermione pulled out her wand and quickly tore down the wards on the door. She slipped quietly inside and closed the door behind her.

"Professor Snape?' she asked hesitantly, "Are you there?"

Silence only answered her. She gave a small sigh and put her wand back. She surveyed the office. It looked like no one had been in there at all that day. Where could he possibly be? Hermione's eye then caught something rather enticing: a bookcase overflowing with books! She grinned and walked over to it. Surely he wouldn't mind if she read a book while she waited for him. After all, what else was she going to do?

She scanned the titles with her finger lightly until she found a book that sparked her interest: Potions and Their Defense Against the Dark Arts by Professor Severus Snape. Oh wow, Professor Snape wrote a book?! Just when she thought she read everything in Hogwarts! She snatched the book from the shelf and opened the front cover, excited about the endless amount of knowledge a man such as himself would write to a hungry young mind.

Suddenly, the bookcase was pushed aside by an invisible hand like a sliding door. Hermione jumped and look up from the book. A tall figure clad in a black hooded robe stood with black eyes peeking out from behind a white mask. Hermione gasped and stood in absolute terror as she found herself face to face with a Death Eater.

Hermione was frozen in place and flabbergasted for a moment until she suddenly dropped the book and withdrew her wand. She was about to hex the Death Eater until he spoke.

"Miss Granger?" he asked in a soft smooth tone while his heart leaped into his throat at the sight of her.

Hermione blanched upon hearing that baritone voice. Oh Lord, it was Severus!

"Professor Snape?" she asked just as softly.

Snape stepped forward a little into the light as the bookcase closed behind him. He removed part of his mask with his left hand, just enough that Hermione could see him peeking out from behind it to assure her that it really was him. She took a small step back to take in the entire scene and let it soak in. His tall menacing figure loomed over her own as the long jet black robes flowed down to the floor. The light reflected off the mask eerily, making Snape look paler than usual. She noticed part of the sleeve to his robe slipped down, revealing the Dark Mark vividly against his skin. Her eyes darted back to his own, which looked empty and sad, yet determined. Hermione took another step back and beheld him one last time. It was a magnificent sight, yet at the same time it was also terrifying.

Noticing the fearful look in her eyes, Snape slipped the mask back on again and asked no louder than a whisper, "What are you doing here, Miss Granger? You got tired of stealing all of my potions ingredients and have now moved up to stealing my books?"

Snapping back to her senses, Hermione regained her composure and responded, "Oh no, sir! I just saw the book and I was intrigued by the title... as well as the author."

"That still doesn't explain why you've broken into my office."

"Mr. Flich had some business to tend to that didn't involve me. He sent me here to serve detention with you."

If it were any other student, Snape wouldn't have believed them. Of course, if it were any other student, they'd still be outside the door, not knowing how to take down such complicated wards. Hell, who was he kidding?! If it were any other student they wouldn't have bothered coming! They'd go back to their common room and pretend they served detention. But not her. She was different. She was always honest and true, and she always would be.

"I see," is all Snape could say.

He couldn't help but feel somewhat elated seeing her again as well as hearing her voice. It was like a cool drink of water after a long drought. However, he felt absolutely terrible that she had seen him in his Death Eater robes. It was something he wished she'd never have to witness. He wanted to keep her safe from such disgusting and appalling horrors, despite she had already seen so much so young. He suddenly felt like such a disgrace, even though he was doing this not only for the cause of the Order, but because this was his way of gaining absolution. It was right.

"You've been summoned?" she asked sheepishly

Normally, Snape's first response would have been, "No, I just like to frolic around in my disgusting Death Eater garments while wandering the halls and scare unsuspecting students!" However, things were different that night. Instead, he simply nodded.

"I'm sorry, sir," Hermione whispered with a sad look in her eyes.

"Whatever for?" he asked.

"I'm sorry you have to wear that... I'm sorry you have it face him and pretend to be something you're not... I'm sorry you have to relive your past when you've been trying to escape it. I'm sorry for... gawking at you. You must hate to put that on, and I apologize that I made you feel... uncomfortable. I didn't mean to stare."

"It's all right, Miss Granger," Snape said surprised by her words, "You needn't worry about me."

"Yes I do."

Snape held his breath. Oh God, she was worried. That meant she cared, didn't it? It also meant that maybe she even... loved?

The silence stretched between them as they continued to stare at each other. Finally, Hermione asked, "Are you going to tell Professor Dumbledore or should I tell him for you?"

"I will tell him myself," Snape responded without a hint of resentment in his voice, "I use a concealment charm and go to his office to inform him of the meeting before I leave the grounds."

Hermione nodded and looked away. Never in her entire life did she feel sorry for Snape more than she did at that moment. She never felt more love for him than she did at that point as well. What? Love? No! Fancy, yes, but love was something different. However, she couldn't help but think...

"You will not have to serve detention tonight, Miss Granger," Snape finally said, "Go back to your common room and do not speak of this to anyone."

"Yes, sir," she said still looking away.

There was silence again as they both wished they could say the things on their heart, but didn't.

Finally, Snape said quietly, "I must away."

Hermione could only nod again, but she didn't meet his eyes. He really couldn't blame her. He looked more than intimidating. Still, he wished he could have seen her face once more, a last chance to view something beautiful before witnessing the ugliness that was sure to come.

He withdrew his wand and was about to use a concealment charm on himself until Hermione suddenly looked up at him and said, "I cut through evil like a double edged sword, and chaos flees at my approach. Balance I single-handedly upraise, through battles fought with heart and mind, instead of with my gaze."

Snape stopped dead in his tracks and looked at Hermione. His heart practically leaped into his throat. Oh finally, a riddle! Bless that sweet girl! He continued to stare at her as she looked up at him with those hypnotic eyes that threatened to leak tears at any second. Tears? For him?

"Just a little something to take your mind off of it," Hermione said in a shaky voice, "A place for you to go when you need to escape."

Snape nodded slowly before saying in a soft voice, "Thank you, Miss Granger. I shall remember it when the time comes."

The next thing that happened took them both by surprise. Hermione suddenly rushed over to Snape and threw her arms around his middle in a tight embrace. She felt his body stiffen under her as she buried her head in his chest. She didn't want him to go! She wanted him to stay there with her where she knew he'd be protected from harm, but she knew he had to leave. She wished there was another way without the risk of her snarky Potions Master putting his life on the line, but she understood that Severus would answer the Dark Lord's call for the sake of the Order as well as for all of the wizarding world.

"Please," she pleaded, "Be smart... Be safe... Be careful."

Soon Hermione could no longer hold back the tears and openly wept into his chest, baffling Snape even further. He could hardly believe what was happening. Not only did she weep for him, but she was actually HUGGING him even while he was dressed in his Death Eater garments! He looked down at the top of her head as she continued to sob and cling onto him. She truly was an amazing human being, a beautiful and delicate creature whose tears he didn't deserve.

As Severus continued to watch her, he suddenly let down his guard and his body relaxed... slightly. Cautiously, he allowed his right hand to touch the top of her head and slowly stroke her hair that cascaded down her back, causing her to shiver slightly at his feathered touch. He closed his eyes as he felt the soft curls entwine in his fingers and allowed her sweet rose scent to entrap him. Ah, sweet angel. What was she doing consorting with a demon? He found himself stroking her hair a second time, and then a third as her weeping grew fainter each time he touched her. Without thinking, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and did something he hadn't done is such a long time: he gave a small hug back. He couldn't even remember the last time he held someone this close. It was a wonderful feeling. God, whatever did he do to deserve this?

Snape took off this Death Eater mask and held it in the same hand as his wand at his side as he looked at Hermione. How precious his lioness was to weep for him.

"Hermione," he finally whispered finding his voice. She stopped sobbing long enough to look up at him with her soft brown eyes now wet with tears.

"Hermione, I... I..."

Snape wanted to say more, but he found himself at a loss for words. He wanted to kiss her more at that moment than he did a week ago. If it was the last thing he did that night before meeting his possible doom, he'd die a happy man.

"Severus," she whispered back.

She knew everything he wanted to say with that simple look he gave her. There was no scowling, no narrowed eyes, no hint at a sneer. It simply told her he'd be all right. She wanted to kiss him so badly, to let him know how much he meant to her, and how torturous that past week had been without him. However, they both knew he very well couldn't waltz into a Dark Rival looking love-struck, so they used all their might to deny their impassioned lips.

They continued to hold each other, not wanting that moment to end. Suddenly, Snape's left arm burned again, the searing pain shooting up his arm. He hissed slightly and grimaced in pain, causing Hermione to hold onto him even tighter. She hated to see him like that.

She was about to speak when he abruptly pulled away from her and said in a gruff voice, "I must go now. See yourself out."

Hermione tired to speak again, but with a flick of his wand, Snape turned invisible, opened the door, and slammed it shut behind him as he made his way to Dumbledore's office. She covered her mouth to prevent a sob from escaping her lips. Oh, her poor Potions Master! If there was only a way she could know he was safe! Suddenly, her eyes brightened as a light bulb went off in her head. A slow smiled spread across her face as she dashed out of Snape's office and sprinted to the Gryffindor common room, hoping to find Harry.

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Ron was pissed. It had been over two weeks since the commencement of Operation Fancy Pants and there had been no leads at all! He investigated into Neville Longbottom, who had "tutoring sessions" much too often with Hermione in Ron's opinion, but he came up empty handed. Apparently, Neville only has eyes for Luna Lovegood. That would be an odd pair. He had suspected a student in Ravenclaw named Matt Hunter, but it ended up that Matt didn't even fancy girls! So now Ron was back at square one and furious about it.

"Ron, you gotta stop this," Harry tried to reason as they sat on the rug in front of the fireplace looking through a Quidditch catalog. "You're running yourself ragged with this 'fancy pants' nonsense."

"OPERATION Fancy Pants, mate," Ron corrected, "and it's NOT nonsense! What if she's seeing a bad fellow, Harry? We have to be able to intervene in case she's fancying after someone we BOTH know is no good."

"I think we can trust Hermione's judgment. It's our own I'm not too sure about."

"Believe me, Harry it's for the best! Besides, if I want Hermione to be with me then I gotta find out what she likes in a man!"

"You've been her friend for over seven years and you don't know what she likes?"

"I think I do, but..."

"HARRY!" Hermione shouted as she raced into the common room.

The two boys turned around and looked over at her as she came flying in and crash landed on the floor between them.

"What's wrong?" Ron asked genuinely concerned.

"Hi Ron," Hermione said quickly before turning her attention to her other friend, "Harry, I need your help."

"Of course, 'Mione," Harry said also in a concerned voice.

"I'll help too," Ron said putting a hand on Hermione's shoulder, "What are we going to do?"

"No," Hermione said quickly brushing of Ron's hand, "WE are not going to do anything, Ron. I have to do this on my own. Harry, I need to borrow the cloak and the Marauder's Map."

"Wait, what for?" Harry asked.

"Please, I can't tell you why. All I can tell you is that I need to go off the grounds. Just know it's for a good cause."

"Hermione..."

"Of course you can!" Ron suddenly exclaimed putting his hand on her shoulder again, "C'm on, Harry! Let's go!"

Before Harry could protest, Ron grabbed Harry by the front of his robes and went flying up the stairs and into their room.

"Bloody hell, Ron, what's gotten into you?!" Harry demanded smoothing his robes and glaring at his friend.

"Harry, don't you see?!" Ron whispered excitedly, "This is the perfect opportunity to finally crack Operation Fancy Pants!"

"What?"

"Listen, she's probably going off to secretly meet her 'mystery man' which is why she needs the cloak and map!"

"Oh, I didn't even think of that! But why would she..."

"Trust me, Harry," Ron said confidently putting a hand on his friend's shoulder, "She's going to meet him. She would have invited us along for her adventure if she wasn't seeing him."

"You have a point, Ron," Harry said thoughtfully, "but how are we going to follow her if she's invisible and she has the Marauder's Map?"

"With this," Ron grinned.

He went over to his bed and opened the top drawer of his nightstand. He retrieved the items he was looking for and brought it back to Harry grinning like an idiot.

"A scroll and an quill?" Harry asked quizzically, "How is THAT supposed to help us?"

"It's not just ANY scroll or quill," Ron beamed, "It's called 'The Peek-A-Boo-Quill!' It's another one of Fred and George's inventions. What you do is take a strand of hair from the 'suspect' and wrap it around the quill. After a few choice words, the quill will draw the face and write the name of the first person the 'suspect' comes in contact with."

"Ron that's brilliant!" Harry smiled, "Wait, what if she talks to someone on her way..."

"Harry, I didn't say the next person she TALKS to, I said the next person she comes in CONTACT with! The next person who touches her after I perform the charm will appear on the scroll."

"Ron, I think this is your best plan yet. It's practically fool proof!"

"Yeah! I gave Fred and George the idea."

"Why am I not surprised?"

The boys grinned at each other before gathering the cloak and the map and heading back to Hermione who was waiting outside their door.

"Here you are, 'Mione," Harry grinned handing her the items, "Good luck."

"Thanks for understanding you guys," she smiled sheepishly, "It means a lot to me."

"Of course," Ron smiled.

Suddenly, Harry gave Hermione a hug while discreetly running a hand through her hair to obtain any loose strands. Ron arched his eyebrows in surprise. It was times like theses when Ron wondered if Harry really should have been sorted into Slytherin.

"Aww, Harry, don't worry," Hermione said as they separated, "I'll be fine, trust me."

"Be careful," Ron said as he too followed Harry's lead and hugged her while running a hand discreetly through her hair.

"Oh thanks Ron," Hermione smiled as they separated, "Don't worry about me. I'll see you guys sooner than you think. Oh, and if anyone asks where I am, I'm patrolling the halls."

With that she threw on the cloak and went sprinting down the stairs and out the common room, not knowing Harry and Ron had confiscated five strands of her hair.

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Snape left Dumbledore's office and made his way to the Forbidden Forrest still under the concealment charm. He kept looking behind him, feeling as if he was being followed or at least watched. He cast several revealing spells behind him, but he never found anyone... or anything. He finally conceded the "funny feeling" to nerves and continued towards the forest, not knowing he was indeed being followed by none other than Hermione Granger.

Hermione didn't have trouble finding him. She saw in the map that he was still in Dumbledore's office when she arrived. After a few minutes, Snape emerged under the concealment charm and her mission began: to make sure Severus was safe. She followed him out of the castle and towards the forest. Luckily for her, she cast a charm on herself that prevented her from being unveiled when Snape used the revealing spell. Her heart leaped into her throat every time he turned around and cast the spell, as if he knew she was there.

Hermione continued to follow Snape as they approached the woods. Fortunately, it was a full moon that night, which allowed her to see the map clearly. She followed him, listening for his footsteps on the soft forest floor, the occasional snap of a twig, or his breathing. She wasn't going to let him out of her sight.

Snape tried to be quiet as he walked through the woods, but the new fall leaves on the ground made it hard to be silent. He noticed a milk thistle growing near the base of a tree. He'd have to remember to get that on the way back to Hogwarts. Those were good for healing bruises. He looked up and saw he wasn't far from the clearing that was just outside Hogwart's boundaries where he'd Apparate to the Dark Revel. He sighed as he approached his destination, preparing to steel himself against what was to come.

Severus walked into the middle of the clearing and stopped while Hermione hung behind some trees and watched him from just inside Hogwart's Territory. Suddenly, Snape closed his eyes and Disapparated, causing Hermione to jump in surprise. Oh no! Where did he go? Hermione frowned, wishing she could have gone with him. She sighed quietly and looked around at the different herbs and plant life that surrounded her. She began to play the "alphabet game" that she used to play with her parents on long car trips. She identified aconite for "A," and belladonna for "B." Now she was on the lookout for something that started with "C." Slowly, she sat down on the ground against the base of a tree as her eyes scanned the area while still under the concealment of the cloak. Hey, if she was going to be there for a while, she might as well make herself comfortable.

Snape appeared in a dark place, a dark place indeed. He didn't bother looking around. He knew where he was, and he had to fight the bile rising in his throat, especially at the sight of the newly splattered blood on the walls. This was Voldemort's home for the time being at the Riddle residence.

"Ah, Severus," a familiar slick voice said behind him, "It's good to see you, old friend."

"Hello Lucius," Snape smirked turning around to face Malfoy senior, "It's good to see you too."

Lucius gave a sly smile, the same one he gave to Snape when he defended that he was under the Imperious Curse AGAIN in court after being apprehend at the Ministry two years ago. Of course, after strangely receiving a large sum of galleons from an "unknown donor," the judges ruled in Malfoy's favor. They even gave him a job back in the Ministry! Those fools! If they only knew that same day Lucius kidnapped a Muggle and tortured him for days until he finally killed him. Truly justice was blind.

"How's my boy doing?" Lucius asked airily.

"Excellent as always," Snape responded.

"Of course. Malfoys excel in all that they do."

"How's work at the Ministry?"

"Dismal as always, however I do get pleasure annoying Fudge. He's such a prat."

"And he shall be one of the first to die when the time comes," a dark hiss came from behind the two men.

Snape froze. He didn't have to turn around to know who it was. Malfoy and he immediately turned around though and fell to their knees with their heads bowed before crawling on all fours towards the disgusting creature that stood before them.

"My lord," Malfoy whispered before kissing the hem of Voldemort's robes.

"Master," Snape said before doing the same.

"Arise," Voldemort commanded, "but not you, Severus."

Lucius got to his feet with a small smirk, thinking Snape was in trouble, but both the Dark Lord and Severus knew it was quite the opposite.

"You may not rise until you answer this," Voldemort began, "If you cannot answer it within the next minute, you shall face dire consequences. This is as light as a feather, yet no man can hold it long. What is it?"

Snape smiled wickedly at the riddle, a game the Dark Lord and he had played since Snape was first brought into the Death Eaters. They both admired each other's logic and cunning mind, thus initiating the game from so long ago. Neither one of them had ever been stumped by the other.

Snape waited a few moments as he thought about the riddle, the other Death Eaters holding their breath wondering if he was going to botch it up this time and really get punished. The seconds stretched and the others became anxious. Was he really going to lose this time?

Finally, Snape said in a low voice, "Breath, Master. The answer is breath."

"Ha, ha, ha! You've done it again!" Voldemort laughed darkly, "But one of these days I shall fool you! I swear by it!"

"Thank you for the riddle, Master," Snape said rising to his feet, "I shall think of one worthy enough for you the next time we meet."

"Of course you will," Voldemort grinned showing his pointed teeth, "Now fall back, most faithful servant and the revel shall begin!"

Snape bowed his head before standing next to Malfoy, who glared at Severus with jealousy. Why was HE the Dark Lord's favorite? Merlin's ass, Snape didn't even try to harm Muggles like Lucius did, even when they went on their raids! Just because he was a spy at Hogwarts made him Voldemort's most treasured follower. Bullocks!

The Dark Lord eyed the Death Eaters that had formed a semicircle around him. They respected him, of course, but he also knew that they feared him, as they should. He could smell the fear off of them. Ah, tantalizing!

"Malfoy," Voldemort growled, "What news is there from the Ministry?"

"They still believe that you are a threat, my lord," Malfoy answered, "but they are too afraid to do anything about it. What is even better, is that fool Fudge is putting me in charge of more departments, claiming that since I have been under the Dark Lord's 'spell,' I know exactly how to defend and strengthen them against you."

"Ha! Fudge will pay for his folly," Voldemort laughed, "Excellent. Anything else?"

"Only that Fudge still fears that Dumbledore is out to take his job."

"Ah, which brings me to my next spy. Severus, tell me the events at Hogwarts."

"They are totally unprepared, Master," Snape lied, "Dumbledore does not think you are brave enough to attack the school."

"He doesn't, does he?"

"Indeed, Master. He also believes you fear the boy."

"Nothing could be more inaccurate. By the way, how IS Harry Potter?"

"Growing more and more arrogant everyday. He does not fear you either, Master. Dumbledore and he both believe they can solve this war by simply believing you are incompetent to defeat them."

"They will soon discover that I cannot and will not be conquered after we overthrow Hogwarts! Is that all?"

"Unless you'd like to hear how the boy and the old man are a pain in my arse, then I have no other news for you, Master."

"Ha! Do not fret, Severus," Voldemort laughed, "You shall have your revenge! I will make sure that you can personally spit on the boy's dead body after I am through with him. You can also be the one to give that old coot Dumbledore the Killing Curse after I've had my fun with him."

"Thank you, Master," Snape bowed as Malfoy clenched his teeth in jealousy again.

"Now, onto other business," Voldemort continued looking at his followers, "Tomorrow we shall attack Hogsmeade at dawn. I want it to be a warning to the boy and the Ministry that I am a force to be reckoned with. Be prepared to meet here before hand. Is this clear to everyone?"

"Yes, my lord," the mass of Death Eaters answered.

"Very good, now go and spread the word of the Dark Lord."

The Death Eaters were about to take their leave until suddenly Voldemort stopped them.

"Wait!" he shouted, "I feel like having a little fun before you leave."

Malfoy and Snape glanced at each other as a ripple of apprehension went through those gathered. They knew that couldn't be good. It was never good. They looked back at Voldemort who was slowly pulling out his wand with an evil grin across his face.

"I feel like a game of... Mercy," the Dark Lord hissed, "and I will start with... Burton."

Voldemort pointed his wand at the Death Eater named Burton who blanched upon hearing his name. Snape's heart sank knowing Burton would not last long playing Mercy, which meant that he would suffer worse consequences.

"Snape!" Voldemort snapped, "Keep the time!"

"Yes, Master," Snape bowed.

Voldemort looked back at Burton who was trying not to shake in fear.

"Crucio!" Voldemort shouted.

As Burton began screaming and rolling on the ground in pain, Snape kept the time, wishing the war was over, wishing he was back in his dungeons, wishing he was with Hermione. He sent a quick and silent prayer up towards the heavens. This was going to be a long and painful night.

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Yea, there's chapter 9! I hope you all liked it!

- DADA Mistress