Chapter 11
Chapter 12 of 13
Clara MinutesVoldemort proves his cruelty.
ReviewedChapter 11
That evening, Hermione didn’t eat dinner. She knew she would only lose whatever food she ate once the pain set in at the meeting tonight. Draco and Severus sat in silence, trying not to watch her too much.
“Hey, it’s not like I’m going to die tonight,” she said, trying to lighten the mood.
“No, but you’ll wish for it. Everyone held back last time; I know they won't be so lenient tonight.”
“I have full trust in your abilities to heal me,” she said in a quiet voice.
Draco cleared his throat, seemingly uncomfortable at the turn the conversation was taking.
“I’ll be there tonight. I don’t want to, but Severus asked me to in case he can’t help you return.”
Hermione’s brow creased in confusion. “Why wouldn’t you be able to bring me back?”
“If I have to participate, I’m sure you won’t want me touching you. Draco will be there to take you if that should happen.”
“I’m going to get ready. Thank you both,” she said, trying hard not to think about what Severus was implying.
“Granger, why bother? Anything you could do will get messed up as soon as you get there.”
“It helps me relax and focus on what is going to happen,” she replied evenly, and walked upstairs.
“Hold on,” Severus said to her, offering his arm.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward and placed her hand on his arm. A nod from her, and the world dissolved.
She managed to keep her balance only by tightening her grip on Severus’s arm. As soon as she was steady, he wrenched his arm from her grasp. Sneer firmly in place, he moved to stand before the Dark Lord.
“My Lord,” he said, bowing low.
“Rise, Severus. Is my pet ready for some fun?” Voldemort’s gaze shifted from Severus to Hermione.
She held herself with grace. Her posture spoke nothing of the turmoil within.
“Do you have new information for me?” he asked, immediately invading her mind.
Images of Ron avoiding Harry swam through her mind. Her anger at Ron for being a prat followed closely on the heel of the images.
A few more moments passed before Voldemort pulled out of her mind and his gaze scanned the group.
There was a gleam in his eyes when he said, “There seems to be dissention among the ranks of the Order. This is good fortune, indeed.”
He turned to address her again, “Now, my pet, you have done well. My faithful shall have fun with you tonight.”
“My Lord, if I may have the honor of going first?” Lucius asked as he knelt on the ground, bowing his head.
“No, Lucius. You had her first last time. She needs to have energy left for the others. Severus, why don’t you go first tonight?”
Hermione’s blood ran cold. He had known this would happen; he had even tried to warn her about it beforehand. Closing her eyes, she tried to keep control of her shaking limbs.
“My Lord, I would be honored,” Severus sneered from behind her.
With a hard yank, he spun her around to face him. A brief flash of something in his eyes seemed to beg her forgiveness, and Hermione gave a barely perceptible nod in return. She noticed that his grip had loosened considerably on her arm. She looked up at him, wondering what he thought she would do.
The next moment, he pointed his wand at her throat so that the wood dug into her skin. She tried to move away, but only succeeded in falling over. Snape took this to his advantage and knelt so he could pin her to the ground. He had conjured a hot metal brand. He hadn’t touched her yet, but he was holding the brand just barely above her skin. She could feel the intense heat coming from the metal. The difference in the heat of the brand and the cool air made her shiver.
Without warning, he thrust the brand onto the exposed skin of her right hand. She cried out as the pain ran through her whole body. Hermione attempted to move away from him, but didn't get very far. She could wiggle and roll a little, but couldn't succeeded in actually escaping. She started thrashing as he moved the brand to her other side. When the metal touched her skin, she let out an even louder howl of pain.
Smack!
Her head snapped to the side as Snape had backhanded her. “Hush, pet. You’ll wake the neighbors,” he said in a stage whisper.
Hermione vaguely heard the Death Eaters surrounding them laugh. Tears were pricking her eyes from pain and embarrassment. She blinked furiously, trying to stop them from falling.
“The pain too much, my dear?” In conjunction with his words, he was gently, almost tenderly, massaging her face where his hand had struck her.
This time the glowing brand seared through the fabric of her trousers before hitting her skin. Hermione bit down on her lip in an effort not to scream as the smell of burnt cloth and flesh began to make her ill.
“Good girl,” he whispered so only she could hear. “I have tired of this game,” he continued to the rest of the Death Eaters. “Who would like a turn? Crabbe? Goyle?”
“It is my turn, Severus,” a gravelly voice replied.
Severus hesitated for a fraction of a second before replying, “Certainly, Dolohov. She’s all yours.”
Hermione woke to the sunlight across her face. She tried to roll over, but couldn't manage to find the strength.
“You’re awake.”
“Very good, Draco. You managed to say the same thing last time,” she croaked through her dry throat.
“Here.” He handed her a glass of water and a potions vial.
“Sleeping Draught mixed with a pain reliever,” he explained at her look.
“Thank you.”
She sipped the water to get her throat working again. When the glass was empty, she quickly drank the potion. As her eyes were drifting shut, she felt Draco take the glass and vial from her hands.
The next time she woke, Hermione was glad that the room was totally dark.
“Hermione?” asked a tentative voice from beside her.
She remained quiet for a moment, thinking of what to say. She knew it had been an act, but that didn’t mean he hadn’t hurt her more than just physically. Surely, he could have found other, less permanent, forms to "teach her a lesson".
Finally, she said, “Yes, sir?” She made sure there was stress on the title.
Hermione heard him sigh next to her. “I’m glad you’re finally awake. You’ve been asleep for two weeks.”
“Please, get out," she said suddenly, not caring if she was being rude.
“I will send Draco in.”
All Hermione saw was a darker shadow moving toward the doorway. She thought she saw him pause, but couldn’t be sure.
Once he was gone, Hermione let her defenses down and her tears began to fall.
Author's Notes: Thanks to my marvelous betas, GinnyW and snarkyroxy.
If you're still with me after this chapter, I can tell you this is the hardest one to get through. I thank you for reading and would love to hear what your thoughts are, including, but not limited to how horrible I am.
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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.