The Splinching

~*~

His day couldn't get any worse. Severus had slipped from bed earlier than normal when Hermione's feet kicked him awake, and he'd just managed to roll away before her arm went flying toward his pillow with a thump. He'd stumbled down the hall, heading for the kitchen, just as a great horned owl screeched from the sitting room announcing his presence and carrying a cryptic note from Cillian. Moreover, although breakfast with his friend had been enjoyable, considering they could hear Hermione's tantrum through the dining room ceiling, Cillian's warnings had bothered him. He knew his friend was growing dissatisfied, wavering in his loyalties, but Severus still felt the timing wasn't right to introduce Cillian into the Order. Well, his one and only contact, the one wizard who still trusted him.

Draco had been in a foul mood after having been woken by the crash of Severus' favorite glasses and Hermione's resonating scream, protesting loudly after he'd been told that he was to spend the day working with her. Only being under the threat of the Cruciatus Curse and reminded, yet again, that the Dark Lord wanted Draco to befriend Hermione, possibly being probed by the Dark Lord under Legilimency to prove he was, had brought the boy around. At least Draco had finally consented to try and convince Hermione that he wanted to be on friendlier terms. What amused Severus was that Draco was jealous of Hermione on so many levels.

Then there was the concern that followed him all day that Draco was likely to be summoned, and Severus didn't want Hermione left unattended in the house, especially when Wormtail had such overt desires for her. Needless to say, he was at least pleased that Hermione had chosen to cooperate and work amicably with Draco rather than sulk and continue destroying his property in their bedroom all day. Besides, she was starting to get past the wards on his bookshelves, which he just couldn't allow. Severus kept his questionable books in his room, the ones Draco and the Rat couldn't know about. Nevertheless, he'd hoped that Hermione was following Draco's instructions amicably and that if Draco was summoned, she'd sit quietly in Draco's room until either he or Draco could get home.

The staff meetings at Hogwarts had been a fiasco. Thankfully, Cillian had chosen to situate himself between Minerva, Poppy, and Alecto Carrow. Never before had he been more appreciative of his best friend's way with the ladies and his skill at deflection, both verbal and magical. As Severus had expected, Minerva refused to step down as Deputy Headmistress, saying that the Ministry could sidestep her and place him above her, but she'd be smothered by a Lethifold before she'd relinquish her position to Alecto. Secretly, Severus was pleased by her insistence and determination. He'd rather have Minerva as his Deputy than Alecto anyway. At least Minerva would do the job, keep up on the paper work, and not just wear the title like a badge. That and he was counting on Minerva to stand up against the Carrows to help protect the kids. Severus knew he'd be battling both sides all year: the four Death Eaters verses the real staff of Hogwarts. If only he could trust in Minerva, Pomona and Filius enough to confide in them, but he couldn't take the risk. They were good, honest people, capable, but not very good liars.

On the up side, the Hogwarts charter also supported Horace's position as Head of Slytherin, since neither Alecto nor Amycus could displace him unless Horace himself decided to step down, which thankfully Horace had declined resigning. At least the four Heads of House would act as staunch advocates and defenders for the students, but he was secretly concerned for the Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws and Gryffindors. He'd seen Filch smiling with glee as he'd been listening raptly to both Alecto and Amycus prior to the meeting, and that alone had sent shivers down his spine.

Severus was glad to seek the quiet of his office, if nearly twenty-four portraits angrily accosting him with boos and hisses could be considered quiet. No, he'd have given his left nut to be able to keep his office in the dungeons. Nevertheless, the pleasant garden painting in his new private chambers had a lovely bench or so the painted memory and essence used to create the portrait of his mentor and friend, Dumbledore, had told him. He knew Dumbledore had left more than just a faint imprint of himself behind as was usually ensnared into the paint; it was nearly a full imprint in order to give counsel to Severus, knowing he'd really need it, which gave him some comfort. He'd hated confiding in Dumbledore about the events since his departure from Hogwarts last term and especially that which had happened over the summer, including his impeding hand fasting to Hermione Granger. Nevertheless, after careful, if not occasionally heated, explanations to the portrait, Dumbledore was at least sympathetic and understanding. Dumbledore pleaded with Severus to be more forthright with Hermione, something Severus just couldn't do. Hermione was too open, too trusting, and he couldn't risk giving her information that could jeopardize his precarious position. Especially now, as things seemed to be escalating in the Dark Lord's favor, he had no way of assuring that Potter would be ready when the time came.

No sooner than he'd had a long conversation with Dumbledore's portrait than his Dark Mark burned, and Severus had to bid his true master adieu.

~o0o~

"But he didn't support me at all!" the dulcet sounds of Alecto's voice echoed down the manor all the way to the foyer. "He let that old cow – that Gryffindor Head of House and rule-the-castle-wench – stand there and challenge my qualifications! My right to be Deputy Headmistress!"

Severus hadn't waited to be ushered to the room, he just stood waiting patiently in the doorway of the large room for the Dark Lord to acknowledge him. Nagini was the first to see him and hissed to her master. "Severus, come in and explain," the Dark Lord demanded, irritated.

Severus entered and bowed, closing his mind, quickly formulating which images he'd allow the Dark Lord to see before rising. "It is as she's said," he began, ignoring Alecto's outraged expression. "I did not prevent Minerva McGonagall from reassuming her role as Deputy Headmistress. I felt her continued service in that capacity would be... beneficial."

The Dark Lord languidly brandished his wand in his fingers in his deceptive gesture of pacified indifference. "Severus, I placed her there to reform the school in the manner befitting the original intent of Salazar Slytherin. I had thought my intentions were quite clear."

"Yes, my Lord, they are. However, there are twenty-seven staff members returning to Hogwarts this year, even with your appointment of the Carrows, Rowle and Travers. I fully expected, and was not surprised, that the staff and school governors weren't very receptive of the new changes. However, keeping Minerva in her post showed stability – at least in appearances – and they are coming around," Severus explained, keeping his tone respectful and his expression neutral. "Moreover, Minerva is familiar with the duties, forms and meetings, which fall to the Deputy Head office as well as a familiarity with the running of the school. In addition, many families are familiar with Minerva and will be more confident with the other changes I've needed to implement and will be more accepting of your school policies if I can gain her backing – or at least the perception of her accord."

The Dark Lord's expression remained displeased, but Severus could tell his interest was piqued. "What other changes to my directions have you made, Severus?" he asked, his red eyes scrutinizing Severus's face.

"Two, my Lord," he answered confidently. "First, I had a talk with the Heads of Houses concerning the arrangements in regards to Hermione Granger. As I will want her at Hogwarts with me, she will be attending school. I made it quite clear that she'll be attending her classes with a guard to assure her safety without naming whom I've selected to watch her, although the true purpose of this guard is really to control her extracurricular activities. I also informed Minerva that Hermione will be staying in the Headmaster's quarters with me, not the Gryffindor dormitory."

"The old wench really disliked that arrangement, I can assure you, my Lord," Alecto interrupted.

Severus ignored her outburst, smiling inwardly. Yes, Minerva had certainly pitched a fit over that one – as did Pomona, Filius, Septima, Bathsheba, Horace and Hagrid. They had not been pleased at all... "My only concessions were to allow Hermione to eat meals with her house since I'll be sitting in the Headmaster's chair in the Great Hall, and she will be allowed to retain her prefect status." Severus smiled as the Dark Lord nodded, his fingers curling around his wand, holding it more firmly, indicating a more composed bearing. "The other change is that Cillian will be escorting Hermione to and from classes, and anywhere she goes on or off the school grounds. He has happily agreed to this."

The Dark Lord's eyes flashed dangerously and narrowed, but Severus remained poised. "I thought that Draco would be escorting her to classes and around the school grounds. Is he not enacting the role as her friend as he'd reported?"

"There have been too many years of distrust, animosity and aggression between them to make such a transition so quickly, although there has been remarkable improvement in Draco's efforts. So far, they are just beginning to get along. Also, Hermione shall be carrying on in classes that Draco won't be taking. Hermione will be taking nine subjects, and he's only carrying seven, six of which they have in common, leaving three of her subjects that he will not be attending. Since I am no longer Head of Slytherin and Horace Slughorn is, I'm not sure that I can exact the same control over the students as I'd done in the past – or not as directly. Discipline falls under the teaching staff and Head of Houses. It's due to these reasons I have elected to have Cillian follow her."

"Very well, Severus. And the Headmaster's office recognizes you?" the Dark Lord asked, and Severus nodded. "The portraits acknowledge you? The denizens of the castle obey you?" Again, Severus nodded, and the Dark Lord visibly relaxed. "All right, I am willing to accept your decisions..."

"But, my Lord, I was..." Alecto interrupted, incensed.

"And shall deal with you later!" the Dark Lord snapped, pointing his wand at her, his red eyes angry. "Severus, you may go. I shall see you soon enough. Update me if there are any changes or complications. You're dismissed," he said, his eyes never leaving Alecto.

Severus left the room, smugly knowing that his decision to keep Minerva as Deputy Head would not only be supported by the Dark Lord, but was about to be reinforced – forcibly – and Alecto would be brought around to comply from now on. He walked to the other side of the house seeking out Cillian.

Unfortunately, he ran into Narcissa Malfoy in the drawing room. "There you are. I've been looking for you," she said amicably enough, although lately she'd been rather cool toward him.

"Yes, Narcissa," he said dully, hoping that this wasn't the usual plea to have Draco released from his apprenticeship.

She ignored his tone and smiled coolly. "When would you like to be fitted for your robes? My tailor has informed me that you've declined his request for an appointment."

"My usual robes shall suffice, Narcissa," he said dryly.

"For your wedding? Seriously, Severus, you cannot be – what will your bride think? That reminds me, I will need to have the Mudb – Hermione fitted for her robes as well. Which color would you prefer? Red, white or black? Or should I ask your bride which she prefers?"

"Any color will suffice. It's a hand fasting, Narcissa, not a wedding. Such ceremony will follow if and when she proves fertile." He looked down the hall, hoping to escape the rest of her meddling.

"No, my friend," she said smugly, standing before him haughtily. "You'll be properly married. I assure you."

He eyes narrowed dangerously as he turned back to her. "Pardon me?"

"Did you forget that all eligible wizards are to be married and produce future loyal followers? The Dark Lord was most insistent on this, and you, Severus, are no exception," she replied with an elegant but wicked grin. "You're getting married, Severus. The Dark Lord has already approved the arrangements. You will be marrying your fiancée on the thirtieth."

"The Dark Lord has strongly suggested that his followers make pureblood matches to strengthen their family lines," Severus pointed out. "Miss Granger is Muggle-born and therefore not part of the Dark Lord's plans. When I first accepted Miss Granger, he'd been content with my keeping her as my paramour. I'm not sure why he changed his mind."

"Yes, that was the arrangement, wasn't it? However, foreseeing the need to strengthen our numbers, our Lord has decided that his loyal followers, who are half-blood or less, are to marry eligible purebloods and improve their lines," Narcissa said with a purr. "But he gave you Miss Granger as a gift for your steadfast loyalty and service as a reward, did he not? Therefore, you are being granted special leave to marry your Mudblood because of her exalted brilliance and power. Isn't that why you wanted her in the first place, Severus?" Her usually cool demeanor faltered, and her expression suddenly looked disdainful and vindictive.

Severus suddenly wanted to strangle her. "Narcissa, just why are you so Hades-bent on forcing me to marry Hermione Granger?" It was all starting to click into place. She's the one pushing this marriage through. She's the one who convinced the Dark Lord that I should marry Miss Granger – rather than simply keeping her as my consort. "The Dark Lord was content, so why are you pushing this?"

"Because you told the Dark Lord about the vow, and you took Draco from me! I wanted him home this summer with me!" she said venomously. "You have usurped my family and turned my son against me! I asked you to protect and help him, not ruin his place in the circle by telling the Dark Lord he is a coward. Instead, he is in disfavor and living with you."

She was told not to talk about the Dark Lord's plans, but came to me anyway and was then accused of 'great treachery,' just as I'd predicted. That's why she wants revenge. He sighed heavily. "Narcissa, I did not tell him about the vow. The Dark Lord saw it in our minds, yours and mine, when we came before him after Dumbledore was killed. I never said nor implied to our master that Draco was a coward, quite the contrary. However, Amycus and Rowle had already given their accounts, and Draco's mind was probed with Legilimency. The Dark Lord demanded an explanation as to why you came to me asking me to watch over and protect your son. He was furious at you, at your treachery, I believe he called it, and ordered me to continue with the promises of the vow – and he placed Draco in my home – his orders."

"He's my son, Severus. My only child," she hissed angrily. "Can't you..."

"No, Narcissa, I can't. Not until the Dark Lord decides it's time. He put him under my tutelage. He was sent to me by our Lord as my apprentice, and he is receiving the best instruction I can give him. I'm to teach him things not taught at Hogwarts, specifically curses and the Dark Arts. You know this." Severus knew she'd been growing increasingly bitter about something lately, but this argument was getting old. "He will finish his last year at Hogwarts and then join the inner circle – just like his father did."

"He'd given Draco an impossible task – Severus, please." She lowered her voice. "The demands he's making, the things the new recruits are asked to do..." She straightened, the pleading mother pose gone, and her posture became rigid again. "I want my son back. I want to have him at home. He can Apparate to your house for his tutelage daily if need be, but I want my son at home. "

"You are welcome in my home anytime you are free to visit, and Draco is free to visit you," he said, bristling at her tone with him. "But the conditions were that Draco move into my house and any extended visits or trips have to be approved. Other than that, Draco is free to come and go as he's needed. If he's not visiting as frequently as you'd like, maybe, just maybe, he likes having the strings cut and is enjoying the sense of freedom. Do not think that I am keeping him from you."

She clenched her hands into fists. "I'm not allowed to visit your home as frequently..."

"That is not my doing, Narcissa. I have never refused your visits. Ever," he said as smoothly as his temper would allow. "Nor have I ever declined any request he's made to spend time with you. I suspect that the Dark Lord doesn't want Draco's lessons – interrupted. However, if you'd like to come by for dinner, I'll inform him."

"I want Draco home where he belongs or at least home for the weekends. If I can't have that, I want him home for dinners!" she said angrily.

"I have no control over what you want, Narcissa. Draco has never been denied permission to dine with you. He is a man now – accept that," he said a bit more harshly than he'd intended, but she was infuriating lately. "All kids grow up and leave home. He is an adult."

"You'll regret taking my son away from me," she stated vehemently.

Severus stood straighter and glared her down. "Narcissa, don't make an enemy of me. I have not taken Draco from you. Having Draco as my responsibility and my apprentice is the Dark Lord's decision, not mine." Her head dropped and she turned her face away from him. "I thought so. It's easier to blame me, isn't it, instead of facing the fact that it might be Draco who doesn't choose to come over every night to see you?" Her grey eyes met his with a scathing glare. "That's the real reason, isn't, Narcissa? You don't want to admit that it might be Draco's choice. Good day. I'll extend your request to Draco – again, but do not fault me if he declines." Damn witch, he thought angrily as he walked away, his robes billowing behind him. Foolish, foolish woman...

He hadn't gone too far before the other witch he'd been trying to avoid accosted him in the hall.

"Severus, dear," Belinda's voice purred from the hallway he'd just entered. "Come to find me at last?"

Shite! Severus carefully controlled his expression to something far more polite than he felt at seeing her. "Hello, Belinda. I'm sorry, but no, I was looking for Cillian actually. Have you seen him?"

"He's upstairs, presently occupied with Mum." She stepped closer to him, leaning in to whisper in his ear, and he nearly gagged on her perfume. "I've so missed you and our... interludes. Surely he can wait. Couldn't you find time for a friend?"

"Not now, Belinda, I've things to do. I'm preparing for my new year at Hogwarts, and as you're aware, I'm getting married," he said the last a bit too bitterly.

She caught his tone, giving him one of her most seductive smiles. "Surely that won't come between us? You've never minded such trivialities before. Are you sure you wouldn't like a – diversion from all of your planning?" she asked, trying her best to act demure, looping her arm around his. "We could always slip upstairs for a private chat?"

"Belinda, please. I do not have the time, and I, presently, do not have the inclination," he stated, disengaging her arm. "Please, forgive me, but I'm looking for your brother regarding a business matter."

"He's in Mum's room, consoling her," she said, undeterred. "Why don't I show you the way?"

I'm not going upstairs with Belinda. "How about you simply call one of your house-elves and have it fetch him for me?" he asked, still looking down the hall hoping to see Cillian. "Come to think about it, where are your house-elves? They are never this remiss..."

"Granddad somehow broke in, snapped Dad out of the Imperius and sent all the house-elves off somewhere," Belinda bemoaned. "I've yet to find them."

"That's because you left Mum and Dad drooling on the parlor sofa," Cillian said, suddenly rounding the corner with a sly smile, giving Severus a subtle wink. He turned to Belinda. "Leave him alone, Bell, and attend to your own husband. Or doesn't old Horrance meet your needs well enough?"

"Watch it little brother, or you'll regret it," she warned.

"I'm the only brother who'll speak to you anymore, or haven't you noticed?" He turned to Severus, ignoring his sister's retort. "Sorry I didn't return your owl, but we seem to be relocating. Mum's upstairs, using her smelling salts, and Dad's left, so the house won't be secure for too much longer. Bell's been edgy about it, and Horrance threatening to do her nut."

"You cannot speak to me like that," Belinda snarled, drawing her wand.

"And Bellatrix has been cooing over our Lord all morning, and he hasn't allowed Bell here an audience all day," he said, ignoring his sister. "So, Severus, you wanted to see me?"

"Yes, I need to talk to you about your duties at Hogwarts," Severus stated, eagerly wishing he could leave, not really wanting to get between brother and sister.

"So, baby brother, you're still going to go back to school?" she teased. "How quaint. Used up all the witches at the club?"

"Beats getting married, Bell." He held up his hand to cut her off again. "I'm not going to marry anyone – not at this time. The Dark Lord has other plans for me, and I'm not going to be available to conjugate with your broodmare. Leave off; your intrusive match-making impositions are unappreciated and unwelcome."

"It's a good match! You should be so lucky," she said angrily. "Just be thankful Larissa will still have you! If only Bryon had listened to me, he wouldn't have made such a poor match..."

"Leave it alone, Belinda. Marc and Justin agree. Lay off, please," Cillian warned, walking away, motioning for Severus to follow him as he quickly sprinted down the hall, outside and quickly led Severus into the rose garden. Cillian turned to face him and swore. "Merlin that woman! I'm not going to marry the twit!"

"I take it you've had as fine a day as mine?" Severus asked with a grin. "So, what's in the garden you needed to show me?"

"The nerve of that woman! And Horrance is upstairs recovering from being Crucioed! Do you know Justin won't even talk to her anymore after what she did to Madeline and Lewis or to Bryon and Stephanie – not to mention our nieces and nephews! They are all now on the hit list! And she's worried about her sex life and my breeding eligibility!"

"You might want to keep your voice down," Severus suggested. "The walls here have ears..."

"Not so much anymore," Cillian said with a grin, but lowered his voice anyway. "Between you 'n' me, you missed the fun, ol' bat. Granddad showed up, got past all the wards, and entered through the side door near the servants' porch. No one saw him at all nor knows how he did it, although no one else could've pulled this off. Managed to Unimperius Mum and Dad and then skirted of with ol' Ben, the vault key and the house-elves. Sorry, but I agree with Granddad that house-elves shouldn't be snake food. Anyway, the Dark Lord was in such a fit, he started Crucioing everyone in sight. He's still in there with Bellatrix, being pacified. Everyone that could, fled. The house is nearly empty. Frankly, I couldn't get away."

"Well, if you're in the mind of getting away, how about coming with me back to Spinner's End?" Severus offered. "You could join us for dinner. You need to get to know Hermione, and I need to discuss your role at Hogwarts."

"Love to," Cillian said with a rakish grin. "So, I finally get to see your witch again, eh, ol' bat?"

"Sure, you ol' dog, just follow me. You know the Apparation site." Severus didn't wait for Cillian to answer before he Disapparated. A second crack sounded just after Cillian's loud pop, and both men drew their wands, aiming at a startled Draco.

"Whoa, what?" Draco said, holding up his hands.

"Nothing, just startled," Cillian said lowering his wand. "Hi."

"It's your timing," Severus replied, stowing his wand. "I'm supposed to inform you your mother would like you for dinner – again." Draco scowled and rolled his eyes. "You know she's furious that you don't see her enough. You could go..."

"I could. Look, I don't want to. All she did last time was moan about me moving into your house and complain that I could simply Apparate here every day. She's smothering... Fine, I'll see her tonight," Draco said as they walked toward the house. "Besides, last time I stayed with her, all she wanted to do was take me shopping, chat about all her charitable events... Oh, and we had a nice time in her garden plucking flowers and changing the color of her roses. But really, I've more important things to do."

Cillian looked at Draco with a knowing smile. "Apron stings are so hard to sever, aren't they? At least you don't have meddling sisters."

"No, being an only child does have its advantages – and its disadvantages, believe me," Severus stated. "Did you finish the potions the Dark Lord requested before you were summoned?"

"Yes, two of them. The one we were to brew in the silver cauldron still had two or three steps to go, and Granger could manage those without me. I left her in the potions lab so that she could do so," Draco said casually, and Severus cocked an eyebrow at him.

"You left Hermione alone in my lab?" he asked, suspicious. "And how long ago was that?"

"Little over an hour or so, I think," Draco responded warily. "The Dark Lord sent me on an errand."

Cillian smiled as he took in the exchange. "This should be good. You left her locked up alone in the lab with all those ingredients and potions for her to peruse?"

"And my potion books. She'll be curled in a chair with some or several of my books, reading contently," he stated, hoping that was the case.

"Your potions books? Even the prohibited ones? Man, you are brave," Cillian said, amused as the men entered the house and walked across the sitting room. "I'm still amused that you keep your potions books in another room. Couldn't you fit them in here among all your novels?" Cillian commented humorously, waving his hand toward the bookshelves.

"I have books on the usual subjects, not just novels, and I keep the novels in my bedroom," Severus replied casually, although distractedly. He was eager to check on Hermione and the potions. "Besides, I like having my potions books handy when I need them."

"You have more books in your bedroom?" Cillian asked, amused. "You always did like reading, made buying you birthday gifts easy."

Severus smirked at his friend as he opened the hidden doorway in the bookshelves. As soon as they entered the hallway, he could hear people struggling, and Wormtail cry out to Hermione. "Shite!" Severus swore, running to stop the Rat, and just before he turned the corner in the hall, he heard the back door slam closed. "I'm going to kill that Rat!" Severus snarled as he raced through the house for the back door, followed closely by both Cillian and Draco.

Severus bolted through the door and jumped over the stoop, wand drawn, just as the loud ripping crack sounded as Hermione splinched. Wormtail stood there, holding Hermione's hand, most of her body still attached, although severed cleanly from her right shoulder to her left hip, as though cut by a sword, and the ground was quickly turning red.

Draco and Cillian entered the back garden behind him, obviously having seen what he'd just witnessed. "Shite, man," Cillian swore as he landed on the ground next to Severus.

Severus wasted no time, hoping for the best. "Retineo Sanguinis! Captus Arteriae, Coerceo Continere!" he immediately cast in succession as Cillian quickly responded to the scene before him, crying out, "Cohibeo Sanguen! Contentum Intus Venas, Amplector Coercere." The part of body Wormtail still had now looked as if it had been cauterized, like a cartoon cross-section of her body that wasn't the least bit comical except in cartoons.

"Severus, this won't do any good without her other half," Cillian practically shouted. "Amplector Coercere."

"I'll get Tranker," Draco said, Disapparating away as Wormtail tried to make a dash for the house.

"You, Rat, open the door!" Severus shouted as Wormtail reached for the doorknob.

Wormtail stopped and stood aside, holding the door wide open, trembling.

"Patefacio lab door, Accio Essence of Dittany," Severus cast forcefully, and two green bottles flew to him. The whole side of Hermione's body looked as if it was drenched in her blood.

"I've got this! Go!" Cillian nearly shouted, taking a bottle form Severus's hand. "If you have any idea where she'll have gone – go. I've got things here." He turned to the Rat. "Wormtail, have you a wand, man? Get over here!" Reluctantly Wormtail returned. "Amplector Coercere. Repeat this every ten seconds. Keep her lungs open."

"Draco went to get his Healer, but get yours too, and hurry! Two will be better than one," Severus ordered Cillian, and then looked at Wormtail with a dangerously dark glare. "Stay with her until either Draco or Cillian return. Do not transform into a rat and cower away," he demanded. "Or you will regret it."

Wormtail was nodding, looking at Severus with a terrified expression.

"All right, I'm going for our Healer, Pushpa." Cillian cast Wormtail a malicious glare. "You leave, and he's not the only one you'll have to fear."

Wormtail turned to look at Cillian, and the sniveling Rat almost looked ready to cry.

"Retineo Coercitum Contineo," Severus added for good measure and then Apparated to the Burrow.

The house was quiet and dark.

Severus immediately Apparated to Grimmauld Place.

Lupin sat on the steps holding Hermione's head and left arm while he and Nymphadora cast spells to retain her blood. Both looked up at him, startled, as Severus quickly ran up and poured the rest of contents of the essence of Dittany on the wound, watching as the greenish smoke instantly billowed upward, then cleared. With trepidation, Snape waited two more seconds to be assured the bleeding had stopped. "Lupin, Tonks, I have to take her," he snapped and immediately regretted it, amending his tone. "Her other half is with Death Eaters as we speak, and I must take her back."

"No, you bring her other half here," Lupin argued.

"Remus, Snape, please, not now," Tonks said, straining with the spell she was using. "Concipere Anima Capere. She needs a Healer; this is bad! I can't hold the blood much longer."

"There are two Healers with her other half," Severus lied, although he prayed that it was the truth. "I have to bring her back now."

Tonks nodded, and Lupin opened his mouth to protest, but she cut him off. "I don't like this Snape, if she dies..."

"She won't. I give you my word – my wand pledge to you as an Auror. She'll – I'll do everything I can, but we are wasting time she doesn't have!"

"You cannot be thinking about letting him take her?" Lupin argued with a snarl. "The Accidental Magic Reversal Squad..."

"May not get here in time, and we don't know where she splinched from. Remus, I can't fight Death Eaters and retain her blood... Snape, you said you have Healers?" Tonks asked.

Severus nodded. "Two – with her other half as we speak, already starting the Repairing Charms," he said with more confidence than he felt, mentally crossing his fingers and growing restless with the delay. Tonks nodded, regret and distrust in her eyes, but Severus didn't care. At least she isn't fighting me on this. "Tonks, I have to take her now! I will do everything I can for her."

Lupin looked outraged. "Dora, no, we have to..."

"On three. You know as soon as you Disapparate my spells holding in her blood will fail," she said.

"Yes, I'm aware of that." Severus grasped Hermione's forearm tightly, wishing he could take the time to explain, but knew there wasn't. "The Healers will be ready."

Lupin tried to disengage Severus's hand. "No."

"All right, on three," Tonks conceded.

"I'm ready. One, two, three," he said and Apparated back to his back garden in Spinner's End. Cillian and a Healer were standing on the back stoop when he appeared. Immediately, he and Cillian repeated the spells to enclose and retain what blood Hermione's half had and to contain what they could of the blood leaking out.

"Wormtail took her other half into the dining room with Draco's Healer and a Healer Dunlap," Cillian stated. "You remember Pushpa Bastula?" Severus recognized the petite Indian woman with the long, black braid who had immediately began casting spells on Hermione's head and wound as soon as they'd appeared.

Severus nodded once, but wasted no time on courtesy. He simply picked up Hermione's upper half, dropped the wards and Apparated into his house. The back door closed the second he set her head and shoulder where it should be in relation to the lower half of her body on the enlarged table. Cillian and Healer Bastula entered just as he was standing up. Healer Tranker and a short, stocky wizard with wiry hair were already beginning the Repairing Charms.

"Tell me what you need, and I'll get it," Severus stated. He'd rather do something productive than stand around watching anyway.

"Obviously you know your retaining spells," Healer Bastula said, joining the others at the table. "Keep up on those, will you? We could use the wand help for the moment. She'll need Blood Replenishing-Potion, and various regenerative potions – but let's get her back together first."

"I'll get the ones we used when Goyle splinched," Draco said, looking pale.

Healer Bastula frowned as she answered a short, stocky wizard. "Dunlap, I'll reattach circulatory damage while – you mend her spine. Cillian, help Pettigrew keep her lungs open."

"Nerves are cut clean, I can get those," Healer Dunlap replied.

The Healers began the complicated spells that would put Hermione completely right while Severus cast the spells to contain what little blood Hermione still had within her, and Cillian and Wormtail made her breathe. Hermione was pale and waxy-looking wherever the sickening color of drying blood didn't cover her. The Healers worked well together, and quickly, severed bones, arteries, veins, nerves and muscle tissues were reconnected and magically mended with the various Healing Charms. To Severus the process was excruciating slow. Comments that passed between the Healers kept his nerves on edge, and he fought a sense of dread that Hermione wouldn't recover.

"But that could cause more damage..." Healer Bastula complained.

"She's lost so much blood already, Dunlap," Healer Tranker said as he bent over Hermione's chest.

Healer Dunlap looked up quickly, then back to Hermione's body. "They acted fast, she just might..."

Tranker sighed. "Practically bled to death, especially with such a massive cut..."

"Tranker, stimulate her heart, and let's see if we've matched everything well enough before we continue," Healer Dunlap suggested, and Severus held his breath. Nothing happened, and once again the Healers began their spells.

Hermione's skin looked so pale, so moist and clammy. Her eyes were slightly sunken, her usually rosy cheeks shallow and her lips nearly white. Her chest rose suddenly, then compressed, and Severus realized that Cillian was making Hermione breathe, repeating his Resuscitation Charm on a five-stroke count.

"Son, do you feel up to making the Deep Tissue Regenerative Potion?" Healer Dunlap asked. For a moment, Severus thought the Healer had spoken to him.

Draco spoke up from behind Severus's shoulder. "We have the Deep Tissue Regenerative and the Blood-Replenishing Potion already. I also have the Muscle Reparative you asked for, and I brought more essence of Dittany." Healer Bastula accepted the bottles with a grateful smile.

Healer Tranker smiled. "She'll need the Blood-Replenishing Potion right way as soon as we know that she'll wake up. But there are potions that will be needed if Miss Granger wakes," he said and rattled off a list of six potions, five Severus knew he already had on hand. Severus nodded and tapped Draco's shoulder as he turned to go to the potions lab. Draco returned his nod and quickly followed. Severus quickly checked his copy of Drewit's Moste Potente Healing Potions. He flicked his wand at the wall to make the directions appear so he'd be ready to brew the desired potions if and when Hermione woke up, then asked Draco to collect the ingredients. Severus collected the five potions he had on hand, asking Draco to begin brewing the Pain Potion, and returned to the dining room.

The Healers were still attentively ministering to Hermione. New skin began appearing as he watched, stretching to cover what had just been open flesh, closing what looked like a deep gash. It looked several days old instead of fresh, although the skin didn't have her normal peach tone. Severus stood by her head, one hand unconsciously smoothed her hair away from her face as he looked down at her, deeply concerned. Cillian looked up at him, giving his friend an anxious smile from the kitchen. Peren exchanged a bowl of red water for a bowl of fresh water and a clean flannel for Healer Tranker.

After several agonizing moments, Hermione moaned and tried to struggle. "What? No! Get off me... Leave me alone..."

"Hold her down!" Healer Tranker cried. Severus placed his hands on her shoulders. She looked paler if that was even possible. She felt cold and clammy under his hands, but her struggles were feeble and weak.

"Miss – Hermione," Severus said, leaning close to her, making his voice as silky smooth as he could. "I have you; you are safe."

"He did... He tried..." she stammered incoherently.

"I know. You are safe now. I am here, and he will not hurt you," Severus continued silkily, caressing her cheek. "Trust me, Hermione, and lay down. Relax. I will not let anything harm you." He watched as she nodded slightly and relaxed, closing her eyes again.

Healer Tranker gave Hermione a Sleeping Draught and nodded to Severus with a smile. Several minutes later, he stood up and turned to Severus. "I think it's safe to move her now – but carefully. She should rest for a day or two to give the magic residue a chance to continue its healing."

Severus stood back as Healer Dunlap transfigured the table into a stretcher, and Cillian grasped the other end. Together they followed Severus upstairs, and after he lowered his wards, they proceeded him into his bedroom. "She'll need potions for a few days," Healer Bastula said, standing by Severus' side.

"She should be up and around in a day or two. She was splinched pretty badly, but someone had good forethought and acted quickly," Healer Tranker said as Hermione was levitated into the bed.

"But she'll be all right?" Draco asked from the doorway, his face still ashen.

"Someone splinched even this bad won't really stay down long, not with the right spells and potions. The problem is timing and to get help right away before they bleed out," Healer Dunlap said, looking down at Hermione with a smile. "You were smart to bring us both, Draco."

Healer Tranker examined Hermione once more, then gently laid the sheet over her body.

Healer Pushpa Bastula leaned toward Severus. "If it's all right with you, I'd like to stay and watch her?" the kindly woman asked.

Severus nodded. "Draco," he called softly. Draco walked up to him and Severus leaned over to whisper in his ear. "Set up Healer Bastula in Wormtail's room. She's going to stay with us. The other two – their memories will have to be Obliviated. Ask Cillian to do it if you don't feel comfortable."

Draco looked at him comprehendingly, but obviously unhappy with the idea. "Healer Tranker, Healer Dunlap, may I see you out?"

~~o0o~~

Author's Notes:

Mr. Weasley tells Harry in GoF, (UK version, page 63), "This pair I'm talking about went and splinched themselves. They left half of themselves behind... So of course, they were stuck. Couldn't move either way. Had to wait for the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad to sort them out." Then complained about the paperwork saying, "a fair bit of paperwork, I can tell you, what with the Muggles who spotted the body parts they'd left behind... But they got a heavy fine..."