Chapter 3
Chapter 4 of 13
Clara MinutesA proposition is made to Hermione.
ReviewedThe next morning, Hermione woke earlier than the boys. As she entered the kitchen, she noticed the same man who had unnerved her at dinner last night. They were the only two people in the room.
“Good morning,” she said, making her way to the stove to make toast.
“Hermione Granger, right?” the young man asked from his seat at the table.
“Yes… who are you?”
“Someone in need of assistance,” he replied, standing up.
He had a kind of grace that spoke of someone well trained in manners. She noticed that he had left his wand sitting on the table. That was odd behavior; everyone always carried their wand these days.
He had made his way over to her while she was lost in her thoughts.
“Follow me,” he whispered as he passed by her.
Looking around, she couldn’t see any reason not to trust him. He had left is wand behind, after all. Plus, the feeling from last night was gone, and her curiosity was getting the better of her. They were in Grimmauld Place, so obviously this man had passed the tests to get into the Order.
“Where are we going?”
“Out of sight,” he replied over his shoulder.
He led her into the cupboard off of the kitchen that had once contained Kreacher’s home. His nest was gone, along with all of the Black family heirlooms he had stashed away.
Before entering the room completely, Hermione pulled out her wand to be safe.
“All right, we’re out of sight. What sort of assistance were you talking about?”
“A friend of mine is in a bit of a situation. He’s a highly ranked man on You-Know-Who’s side. This is all well and good, but he needs a little help. The Dark Lord is growing restless, he wants information on the great Harry Potter. You can help my friend in that regard,” the man explained, looking at her intently.
“Who are you? You seem very familiar.” She stared at him, trying to place why he was familiar. He had dark blond hair, which framed a square face. His features were subdued. He was not someone that would stand out in a crowd.
“I am an ally in this war. That is all you need to know for now,” he replied and moved to stand directly beside her.
Hermione looked at him suspiciously. The only light in the room was coming from her wand, so the shadows made it hard to see his face.
“Will you help me, or us, rather?”
“What does helping you entail?”
“That is partially up to you. The Dark Lord will want you near so he can access your information freely. As to how you get there, that is up to you.”
“You’ve used that phrase twice now. Only people in Voldemort's circle call him 'The Dark Lord'.” She trained her wand on him, ready to immobilize him at any moment.
“Old habits, Granger,” the blond drawled.
“Malfoy?” she asked.
“Oh, very good. Though, it certainly took you long enough,” he replied with sarcasm.
She pressed her wand to his throat. “Give me a reason why I shouldn’t Stun you and take you straight to the others?”
“You want to help me. It may just let us win this war. Plus, your sense of morals won't let you Stun an unguarded man.”
“Let me guess, your friend is the dear, former, Professor Snape?”
Malfoy quirked his lips in response.
“It makes sense. But why should I trust you?”
“Because I wouldn’t be here if my motives weren’t true. You know what steps are required to be a member of the Order. I happen to be a full member, same as you,” he explained, swallowing hard against the wand held to his throat.
Hermione narrowed her eyes and moved her wand away from him. “How will I get out to Snape without just disappearing?”
“You are going to my old home, aren’t you? I can ‘kidnap’ you from there.”
“How do you know about that?”
“That’s my job, Granger. You would do well not to underestimate me,” he said, his posture proving he thought highly of himself.
“You won’t harm Harry or Ron?”
“Not unless I have no other choice. I can’t promise you anything. If they get in the way, it’s their fault.”
Hermione thought for a moment. She wanted to help. Malfoy’s statements were true about his validity having to be sincere. There was no other way he could get into the Order. Though, this meant that Professor Snape was innocent too. She sighed; everything seemed a bit shocking at the moment.
“Will you help us?”
“I would like to think about it. I need a way to know that you won't really kidnap me, or hurt Harry and Ron. What guarantee do I have that this isn't some elaborate plan to get me killed? Snape did murder Professor Dumbledore; you can't deny that!”
“We don’t have time for that. This is a clever ruse to get you to the Dark Lord, but for the Light side's benefit. Take whatever measures you feel you need to in order to convince yourself that you'll be safe. But, I need an answer now. Severus must have something to tell the Dark Lord,” Malfoy explained, watching her.
“Oh, I want to help, but I don’t trust you, Malfoy. I trust your intentions because I have to, but you as a person, that’s a different story.”
“You don’t have to trust me. Simply believe in my sincerity to see this war end. Severus feels the same.”
"If he feels the same, why did he kill the Headmaster?"
"Because he had no choice," he said, turning away from her.
She looked at him for a long moment before softly agreeing.
“Thank you,” he breathed, relief evident in his features. “You won’t regret this decision.”
“I certainly hope not.”
Author's Notes: First, I apologize for the delay with this chapter. The holidays and computer troubles made it difficult to update. My wonderful betas, GinnyW and snarkyroxy, have my undying gratitude for their work on this story. Thank you, ladies!
Any and all feedback is welcomed and appreciated.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Deception of the Night
47 Reviews | 7.45/10 Average
Loved It!! Wicked!! Amazing!! Fantastic!! Bloody Brilliant!!
awwww, good chapter lets hope Hermione's able to wrap her mind around the realities of the situation soon.
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
She is making slow but steady progress, which is only to be expected after the horrors she went through. Thanks for reading and letting me know!
Awesome! Can't wait for the next chapter...I just hope that Hermione will be able to talk to Severus in the next chapter! I do hope so!
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
Thank you for reading and letting me know! I can guarantee that they'll talk, but things won't be very easy.
Ach! I've figured out the problem. [Yes, I'm a chronic complainer, but I write this with only the best of intentions.] It's a good story. I like the story. But it is my humble opinion that it lacks passion.
Not sexual passion, but intensity, fervor! It reads more like you are just tickling at the story rathering than shouting it out. Put some oomph in it! Crank up the emotions.
You can be passionate without all the gory details I wrote of in the last chapters review. These people need to express themselves more vividly.
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
I appreciate your words. Occasionally a bit hard to swallow, but I do ask for any and all feedback! It helps me to know exactly what my readers are thinking. I do realize that my descriptions are a bit nonexistant, and I am working on that. If you've read any of my old stuff you'll notice that.
Again, thank you for your thoughts.
I understand where Hermione is coming from, and I know Snape is not really doing well with her not being able to deal with him, but I really like your Draco.
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
Thank you so much! I've never really written Draco, but he seemed like a perfect 3rd party for this story.
Since you only wrote about what Severus did to Hermione, we don't know the extent of any other harm that may have been caused... but I have to feel sorry for her. Regardless of the fact that Severus didn't want to hurt her, he chose a permenant, extremely painful way to do what he didn't want.
I've recently seen the results of a hot metal burn on my sons hand and the scaring is deep and forever. Just what a pretty young woman wants to live with. My point is, I can't believe the memories will be that easily assuaged with visible deformities marring her hands and elsewhere to constantly remind her. And, I can understand why she wouldn't want to have Severus around regardless of how 'prepared' she was.
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
I agree that what Severus chose was overkill for the fact that he didn't want to hurt her, but he also had to think about what the other 30+ people would think and say.
As for the physical scaring, there will be some, yes... but it is my belief that the wizarding world's potions are better at healing than the medicines we know. Keeping that in mind, I think that the scars will be better hidden.
Lovely tid-bits, but it just leaves one aching for more. I understand completely what Draco must be feeling because I am too (thanks to you) I just want to lock them in a room together. I know, I know, Hermione needs to go slow and think her way though all the emotional turmoil. I look forward to your next submission to see how far they can both come and how fast, because you know Voldemort won't wait for too long. Keep up the good work, JoAnne
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
Isn't it infuriating? And they were moving along so nicely until Voldemort got in the way. Oh well, there will be progress, and not too far in the future.
Thank you very much for reading.
Wow!
His branding her did that block out the rest of her pain of the DE's play time?
Hopefully she will be able to forgive him of such acts. How is Draco taking all of this?
I can see why this would be a very hard chapter to write.
Waiting for more.
Thank you.
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
Thanks for your thoughts. Having so much pain up front probably did block out most if not all of the pain.
As for Draco, he handles it in a slightly odd way, which you'll in the next chapter.
Thanks again!
Oh, I really hate reviewing.....I don't feel like we should have any affect on writers, positively or negatively. I'll just say I'm eager to see the rest of the story. It is very interesting and I look forward to your updates.
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
I'm glad that you decided to review. I always love hearing that people are reading along. Thank you for letting me know....
I am not sure what to say. I have enjoyed your story and you are an exellent writer, but I am not sure I would like the turn I think this story is taking. I find the situation where Severus, no matter the need for continue spying, is taking a student and someone I think he is responsible for, into a situation where the outcome will be torture and rape. I also find it hard to belive that Hermione willingly, no matter how "necessary", will let her self be tortured and raped by several Death Eaters with no greater wish than to hurt, torture, humiliate and probably kill her. I think that when the next update is submitted, I will have to make a decission on weather or not I want to continue reading this story. I read fanfiction because I love the characters, I want to be entertained, and want the good guys winning at the end. No matter if your intention is to let the "good" side win at the end, the price migth be to high to pay. Rape is a serious situation with ramifications for the futuere way wider the actual time it happens. I can't find it belivable for Hermione to ever forgive Severus for letting this happen to her, even if she would know that he is more or less forced to do so, and I can't imagine Severus being able to forgive him self either (and I am nor sure he should be able to forgive him self). To be honest, for him to do this marks him as the coward he himself hate to be called in my eyes. Well, enough about me ranting, your story still deserves it's five stars, and if I don't like the next turn of the story I will stop reading it without flaming you.
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to respond to this.... I agree with all the points you've made, and I value your opinion. All I can say is that my intentions are good. I know the road I take is not often an easy one, but in the end, "good" will prevail. I hope to see you reviewing again, if not this story, then something else.
I am at the edge of my seat with this story! I just can't help wondering what's next! Amazing as always!
A.M.B.
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
Thank you for reading and reviewing! I will update soon...
Very intense story. Should Hermione Sleep with Severus or Draco first? It might cause less damage. Update soon!
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
Thanks for reading and letting me know. I'll say that things will be bad, but the events are pretty set.
Sorry but the entire story doesn't work. You have not shown a convincing reason for her to place herself in this position. Would be better to have kidnapped her to begin and have them save her. Your writting is excellant by the way. It kept me reading. Voldemort is coming across as a bit lame, I think he would revel in excess torture, you could also say Harry is more concerned with the thought the torture is ongoing and finds himself unable to concentrate while she is missing. That or in his arragance- Voldemort hopes to sway her loyalties. Anyway I would scrap or rewrite it cause it could be very good.
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
I appreciate that you've taken the time to let me know what you think. I value any sort of feedback and do welcome it all. I am sorry to heard that you think this story doesn't work. Having her kidnapped outright would cause an uproar and negate everything that Severus and Draco are trying to accomplish. They need her willing so that she can give information. She is in peril, but trusts that she won't be taken complete advantage of.
wow. This is great I love the way this story is going... I'm a little aprehensive about the next meeting though!Don't wait too long to update please!
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
Thank you very much for letting me know what you think! The next update won't be nearly so far away, I promise.
Hello,
Happy for the update. It seems Severus will have to do some breaking in with her. Is that what the looks are about? He feels sad it will have to come to that? Or has the Dark Lord told him in advance that they will give a performance for all to see and she must maintain her innocence?
Or do I need to read this over again to recall what is what?
Well I have to get shower fresh off to a meeting tonight. Oh joy. Would rather stay at home and read your story.
Have a great week.
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
Severus is in a pretty harsh situation. He knows how Voldemort works, and that scares him. It would scare anyone.
Thank you for reading! I always love hearing from you... :)
I'm dreading Hermione's next meeting. I don't think I'll have the stomach if/when that scene comes to pass. I still can't wait for the next chapter though.
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
I promise that none of my chapters are horribly graphic. I do thank you for taking the time to read and review. It means a lot to use poor authors! :D
A good story. I don't really like the fact that Hermione was tortured so badly. Great plot and characters!
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
Thank you. It was hard to write, so I'm sure it was even worse to read about Hermione's torture. Unfortunately, I think that is a very feasible course of events for the situation that she's facing.
Again, thanks for letting me know what you think.
Execellent fic!
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
Thanks! Glad you're enjoying it.
how many chapters left? *scared look* i want it to keep going on and on and on and yea. :)
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
There are a total of 19 chapters and an epilogue. Don't worry, there is still plenty of story left to go.
Response from togspled (Reviewer)
YAY!
An interesting story and you write well. However, I have some trouble understanding why Hermione would agree to put herself in this situation in the first place...
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
Hermione knows what is required of members of the Order. So, the fact that Draco is there means that there must be some good in him. That's what helps her make the decision to help him. Hermione kind of goes out of the way to believe that there is good in people. That's the aspect of her character I was using.
Intriguing. I can't wait to see who the guy is. My gut says that it's Malfoy, a secret Order member, and he was party Disillusioned... or something. LOL Maybe it's Snape on Polyjuice? Teehee... Mah mind is wandering!
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
Thank you. I'm glad that people are taking guesses. It's a lot of fun that way.
Since you say the story is already written, I guess there isn't any point in begging for a happy ending (meaning Severus and Hermione, alive, happy, and together), is it? Oh well, I like it so far and will hope for the best! Thanks for your work.
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
I'm not that cruel. There will be some rough spots, but this story does have a happy ending. :)
I see you've twisted canon a bit in your story, because I don't think Harry would ever tell anyone else than Ron and Hermione about the Horcruxes. Now I wonder what that unexpected place Hermione will find herself might be.
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
I don't know if I'm necessarily twisting canon. Sooner or later, the Trio is going to get to a point where they just can't do it on their own. Though, I'm glad to see that you're back along for the ride. :)
I like the start and find it interesting that the trio will be at the Dursleys together. I wonder if they'll give Dudley a taste of magic... Muahahaha
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
Thank you. They don't use magic, but Hermione gets to bossy them around a bit. ;)
Great beginning! I loved the sassy Hermione..
Response from Clara Minutes (Author of Deception of the Night)
Thanks so much for the review. The first chapter will be out next week.