Chapter 12
Chapter 13 of 13
Clara MinutesThe aftermath in full.
Reviewed“How’s the pain?” Draco asked from beside her.
“Minimal, thanks to the potion.” There was a pause before Hermione asked, “Where is he?”
“‘He’ has a name. And Severus is downstairs. He won’t come back up here until you ask for him,” Draco explained, shaking his head.
Hermione sighed, looking away from Draco. “Good, I can't see him. He really hurt me."
“Well, you’ve hurt him too, you know? He’s been moping since you sent him out that first night.”
“Really? I thought he was impervious to feeling,” Hermione said, bitterness infusing her voice.
“How can you say that? He didn’t leave your side the entire time you were unconscious! And before you ask, he had left the room for two minutes the one time you woke up. Give him a bloody chance, Granger. I’m tired of having to deal with him on my own!” Draco stood and paced the length of the room, his steps heavy on the floor.
“I’m sorry, Draco. I just can't right now. I want to sort through that night without having to see him standing there. Can't you understand that?" She was fighting back tears as she ended her question.
Draco stopped and sighed. “Fine, just please don't keep him away too long. He's driving me crazy. For that matter, so are you.” He flopped down into the chair by the bed, dropping his head into his hands.
“What would you have me do? I can't very well forget what he did to me! My head knows it was an act, but the rest of me is in shock as well as pain. He was so cruel, Draco,” she said, staring at a spot on the bed.
“Do you think any of that was real? That he would intentionally harm you to this extent? You knew exactly what to expect before that meeting. We warned you about what you were in for ages ago. Severus said he even tried to let you go!” Draco's chest was heaving as he stared at her.
Hermione sighed, closing her eyes. What little she could remember from that night swam through her head, making her cringe.
“No, I know Snape's part wasn't real, but that doesn't make it hurt less. And really, what was I go going to do? Walk away in front of all the Death Eaters and Voldemort? Snape would have been killed right then, and so would I!” Hermione was wringing the sheet between her hands, just barely holding back her tears.
“So what now? You're both driving me crazy, but I guess I can see where you're coming from.” Draco heaved a sigh before continuing. “Will you talk to him? Please?”
Hermione looked at him and sighed. “I can't tonight, Draco. It's still too fresh…. Please understand.”
He stood up and walked to the door. “You should sleep. I'll be back after I talk to Severus.”
She shook her head as the door closed, leaning further into the pillows. She had no idea how this was going to get any easier. Sighing, Hermione let her eyes fall closed, and soon she was fast asleep.
Hermione woke early the next morning. She looked around briefly and noticed that everything was dark. Not even seeing anyone in the chair beside her worried her a bit. Normally Draco was there for when she woke up. Trying not to panic, she closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths. She heard rustling from the foot of the bed and saw Draco moving to sit in the chair.
“There you are!” she said as he took his seat.
He jumped and turned to look at her. “Why on earth are you awake?”
Hermione shrugged. “I just woke up is all. Where is Snape?”
“Downstairs.... Would you like me to get him?” Draco asked, starting to rise from his seat.
“Oh, no need to do that.”
He looked at her for a long moment before relaxing back into his chair. “Go back to sleep, Granger. You need it.”
She didn't like being told what to do, but he did have a point. Sighing, she settled back against her pillows.
Hermione felt the sun streaming across her face and figured she had gone back to sleep. Blinking against the light, she noticed Snape standing in the far corner of the room. Draco was seated beside her in the same chair as last night.
She took a deep breath before speaking. “What time is it?”
“Almost eleven,” Draco answered from next to her.
Her gaze kept drifting to the man standing in the corner of the room. He was watching her, but keeping perfectly still.
“There is still food downstairs, should you want to eat.” Draco's voice barely registered through her thoughts.
She shook herself slightly. “Yes, I am a bit hungry.”
She moved to lift herself to a sitting position on the bed, but before she could get very far, pain flared through her arms. She gasped loudly against the pain and let herself fall back against the pillows. In an instant, Snape had strode across the room, pulling a vial from his pocket.
“Drink this, Miss Granger.” His voice was low but commanding.
Hermione took the vial from him and tipped it into her mouth. The relief was almost immediate. Sighing, she relaxed into the pillows. She looked up at Snape and simply let her eyes wander over his face. Swallowing hard, she said, “Thank you, sir.”
“You should eat,” the older man replied, moving away from the bed.
She nodded slowly, still not really trusting her arms after the pain. A moment later, a tray of hot food was being set on her lap. She opened her eyes and looked directly into her ex-professor's face. He stepped back quickly and gave a slight bow before turning and leaving the room.
Hermione sighed again before shifting so she was in a comfortable position to eat. She could feel Draco's gaze on her, but she was ignoring him for the time being. He cleared his throat as if about to speak, but she still wouldn't look at him.
Finally, he reached across her lap and stole a strawberry from her plate. The randomness of the action caused her to turn and look at him. He was grinning.
“Oh, you are tricky…. Now, what have you been dying to say since I woke up?” she said teasingly.
“Will you talk to Severus now? Please… I don't know if I can keep this up between you two. And before you say no because he ‘broke his promise,’ I'm the reason he was in here this morning. I asked him to please stand in the corner. We fought about it last night. I'm actually amazed we didn't wake you.” A slight blush was creeping along his pale cheeks as he spoke.
“Thank you, Draco. I will talk to him because I have to. I need to get all of myself to heal, not just my body. It'll be hard,” she said with a sigh, "but it needs to start sooner rather than later.”
Author's Notes: Thank you to GinnyW and Soul Bound for beta'ing. I greatly appreciate your work!
Comments are greatly 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.