Chapter Eight

Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. I own nothing here except the plot. This is for entertainment purposes only. Happy reading!

A big thanks goes to my original beta, Charmed Nay, and cheers go to the lovely GinnyW, who is kindly going through this for me to catch any stray funkies!

Where were the little bastards? Someone was always out of bed, mostly the insolent little Gryffindors. Damn Weasley and his two sidekicks. He hoped to run into someone tonight, what with the mood he was in. There is a thought. It would do well for a quick torture to those most deserving. Ha! To those not deserving as well. There was always something to pay for, wasn't there? "What is this ache in my leg?" he asked aloud. He stopped to put his leg against the wall and slid back his trousers. A long, deep, gaping slash that was still lazily bleeding lay open on his shin. "How the fuck did this happen?" he asked, clearly puzzled.

Then a thought occurred to him. The last thing he remembered was Granger. He was about to take her, to drive his cock into her, and then she was gone. The witch! How did she escape? And, she was more than likely responsible for this wound on his leg. He'd make her pay for this, but how to get her out of Gryffindor Tower? He'd have to make a plan. The first thing he needed was to heal this up. Severus quickly made his way towards his chambers. He met up with Mrs. Norris on the way. "Bloody bitch," he said, trying to lay a kick on her. The cat hissed, dodged the blow, and scurried off. "That's right. Go get Argus. Bring him back here." He momentarily contemplated on waiting the filthy squib out. The cat was sure to lure him back here. He could always accidentally hex him, claiming that he thought he was an intruder near his passage, but then how would he explain that he'd hexed first and asked questions later?

No matter! This leg was bothering him. Blasted bitch! "I'll get you, Granger," he hissed between clinched teeth. As quickly as possible, he made his way to his personal storeroom. Once there, he found a thick salve to clot the oozing, and then he bandaged it. "Now on to better things," he hissed, envisioning a beaten and naked Granger. His Lord wouldn't mind if he had just a little fun before he brought her to him. Chuckling, he stealthily made his way towards Gryffindor Tower.

Once near the second landing on the stairwell, he heard someone approaching from above. He pressed into the shadows against the wall. The ugly face of Argus Filch came out of the darkness. He was holding a lamp up, looking about. His pesky cat was staring in the direction of Snape's hiding spot. "I don't see anyone, my sweet." The man began to descend the stairs in the opposite direction. Severus crept forward easily. Just as he reached out a hand, Mrs. Norris hissed. "What is it, my love? Is there a student out of bed?" As if the cat feared him, she began sprinting down the stairway to lead Filch away.

Severus leaned back into the shadows. Perhaps he could let the fool go on. If some idiot student was out of bed, the simpleton could keep them occupied. As soon as the lamplight faded down the stairwell, Snape resumed his journey up. He was nearing Gryffindor Tower when he heard something. Crouching down near a bust of someone named Paracelsus, he waited to see who was happening by. Paracelsus. Why did that name sound familiar? He closed his eyes, savoring the scent that wafted up to his nose. Jasmine. Granger was near. She would be his this night! No escaping!

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Harry felt a bit like Dudley. Dudley had taken to the practice of watching two programs at once ever since he got his second television set in his room. The scenes before Harry now were much like that. On one portion of the cloud, he could see what Snape was doing. On the other portion, he could see what Hermione was doing. Odd, really. He'd been watching Snape's progress and nearly cheered him on when he saw him take a swipe at that ruddy cat of Filch's. Who hadn't dreamt of doing the very same thing to that informer? Snape was looking very sour, and he seemed to have nothing but the worst on his mind. He looked very much like the spy slithering along the corridors, remaining mostly in the shadows. It would make for a good training show for aspiring firebrands.

Hermione's progress puzzled him at first. She had started off following in Snape's direction, but then she doubled back to their common room. Once there, she had crept up into his dorm room. She took Ron's wand from the bedside table and slipped it into her side pocket. Harry was a little disconcerted about the lay of the dorm room. There were only four beds. He noticed that Hermione was puzzled about this as well. The sleeping forms were Dean, Seamus, Neville, and Ron. Where was his bed? Hermione seemed to stare directly out at him for a moment before smiling. She had her wits about her, that one. She knew to prepare herself, and to not let a little thing like the lay of the dorm room bother her. He watched absorbedly as she made her way back out through the Fat Lady's portrait hole. Harry noticed that Snape was nearly upon her, and he resisted the urge to yell something. Fawkes was eyeing the dream so intently, he wondered if Dumbledore was seeing the dream's progress through the bird's eyes.

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Hermione sensed his presence before she saw him. He was somewhere near, probably enclosed by shadows just watching her. She decided to put the thoughts of Harry's missing bed out of her mind. It was time to deal with the situation at hand. Her fearsome lover would be pouncing on her at any minute. "Oh, dear, it's so dark. Lumos," she said in a bored voice. Her wand lit up as she continued her forward trek. She had just passed by the bust of Dumbledore's friend when a hand clamped around her mouth.

"Miss Granger," a low, deadly voice purred in her ear. "Is there any reason why you are out of your bed this night?" He licked her lobe suggestively before whispering, "I think a naughty girl such as yourself should be punished. Don't you agree?"

Not knowing exactly what to do, she shrugged. She couldn't speak with his hand pressed so tightly upon her mouth. In fact, she could barely move as she was now firmly pressed against his body. She nearly moaned passionately at the feel of him, but that might not be wise. Hermione bit back the emotion and played the part of frightened student. She silently prayed that no matter what Harry saw, he wouldn't wake her.

"Tsk, Tsk, Miss Granger. I would have thought you'd know the correct answer." He dipped his head to bite her shoulder sharply. She flinched as real pain shot through her shoulder. "You will be punished tonight. I am going to do so many things to you that you will wish you were dead, but before I allow that mercy, I will bring you before my Lord so that he can have a taste of you. I don't know why, but he's always had a thing for Mudblood filth such as you. You remember that, don't you? The way he used to look at you? Well, no, I don't guess you would know about that. Oh, but I do. I know so many things, Miss Granger." He moved slightly and bit her other shoulder just as firmly. She winced again.

Damn! This really did hurt. Not wanting to lose her resolve, she concentrated on keeping her goal in mind. Let him have his way for now. She could handle this. She had to prove it to him. It was the only way that they could get past this once it was over. A voice inside her head wondered if she would get through this for a moment, but then she remembered Harry. With Harry on her side, nothing could go wrong. She allowed a shiver to pass through her body, much to Severus' delight.

"If I didn't know better, Miss Granger, I would say you are anticipating this. There is no need to prolong the inevitable, now is there?" he asked silkily, while taking her wand from her hand. "There's a good girl. Come along quietly." He roughly pushed her forward. "We are going down to the dungeons. Make one move to run or one sound, and I'll make you pay dearly." She gasped and flinched as if to deflect a blow.

Sweet Merlin, but he sounded so cold. This was not the Severus that she knew. He was in his worst Potions master form imaginable. Gods! He intended to bring her to ruddy Voldemort. This was Death Eater Snape. The Snape before he defected over to Dumbledore. Maybe that was something she could play upon. If he changed sides back then, even after being this Snape, then it was possible he could do it again.

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Harry's eyes narrowed. When Snape had bit her, both times, the Hermione on the bed whimpered in pain. What was she feeling? Damn, how he wished he could just jump in there to help out. He looked down to Snape's sleeping face. He had stirred a bit, but he couldn't move much with the bindings. He had the gall to smile in his sleep, as if he were having pleasant dreams. If one thing Harry was full of, that was confidence in Hermione's ability to do the cleverest works of magic. Not only magic, but she also had her own way of getting herself out of bad situations. She was already one up on Snape as it is. He thought that she was totally disarmed. Harry chuckled. Didn't know she'd already thought to get a second wand, did he?

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Severus could feel the uncertainty and fear rising up in the tart. He bit back the urge to take her there in the hall, but it wouldn't do for someone to happen upon them. No. There would be no escaping him this time. His private chambers would do nicely for what he had in mind. He'd have to transfigure his couch into a makeshift bed of course. It wouldn't do to let the filthy little whore onto his own bed. Snape smirked. She would tell him exactly what she had done to his leg and how she had escaped before the night was over. He guaranteed that much.

"Why have you stopped?" he asked quietly when she paused.

"Sir, I think I heard someone. Should we say I am to be punished for being out after curfew?" she asked softly. He noted the fright in her voice. She was nervous. Did she hope to be rescued?

"You will say nothing. I will deal with whomever it is that is gallivanting about tonight. If you make one wrong move, you will have a death on your hands. Do you understand? I am not above ridding the world of any unworthy little whelps!"

"Yes, sir," she replied obediently.

"Good girl. Now move along," he commanded. She began walking again. Pity she had to die. She was quite obedient. He could break her so easily and likely have her beg him before he was through with her. That's what they all did. He sneered in remembrance of his last woman. She had clawed at him fiercely before finally succumbing to the pleasures his tongue had wrought on her body. He hardened instantly at the thought. There was nothing more pleasing than breaking a willing woman's spirit. Granger had enough spunk in her to try to stop him. How he relished the impending battle!

Just as they reached the final corridor near his chambers, someone came into view. He pointed his wand in their direction, throwing light on the person. "Draco! What are you doing out tonight?"

The young Malfoy smirked at him before raising an eyebrow at Hermione. "I suppose, not much unlike yourself, I'm out for a bit of fun. You know how our Lord likes us to use these students at any chance we get. I was nearly upon that Bones wench when ruddy Filch accosted me."

Severus sighed. "Yes, I ran into him as well. Do keep quiet, and try not to attract attention to yourself, boy! We could hear you from just down the way. That stupid caretaker would just love the chance to punish you."

Draco eyed Hermione suggestively. "Our Lord will be pleased, sir. Should you need any help with this one, I'll be back in my dorms within the hour."

"I'll need no help with this whore. I think I can slide my cock in easy enough. I have a few hexes up my sleeves still," Severus said dryly. "Get out of here!" Draco hurried on to wherever his new destination was, and Severus leered at the girl before him. She had turned around to face him. His words had hurt her.

"What's wrong, little creature of dirt? Didn't you think that I knew you were a whore?" he asked menacingly as he grabbed her arm, flinging her into the wall. He smirked as she shrunk back in fear. "The last time I caught you out, I know you were going off to have a secret session with both Weasley and Longbottom! You will pay for escaping me that night, and you will pay for this wound on my leg. What sort of magic did you use? Hmmm?"

He saw that she was puzzled for a moment. "Neville? He never goes out with me at night. It's always just Ron and Harry that-"

"Do not speak his name," Severus hissed, pulling her forward by her hair the rest of the way. He took pleasure in her cries of pain. She'd be doing more than whining before long. How dare she say Harry in front of him? She'd pay for that! That was a name he and his Lord loathed. There was no Harry any longer. The memory of the boy would need to be beaten out of her.

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Harry looked into sleeping Hermione's face. She was grimacing with pain. Snape was yanking her by the hair at the moment. Bastard! Harry stared at the dream cloud, beginning to feel his insides start to boil. The fire in the grate began roaring angrily, and each lit lamp in the room began to flicker with his building rage. Snape had better not harm her, or else he'd...! He'd what? He couldn't enter the dream. No, but he could blast his arse from the bed! He turned suspicious green eyes to the man sleeping contentedly on the bed. He took one step towards that side of the bed. Just as an unnatural breeze began flowing through the room, Fawkes began to sing.

As always, the song of the Phoenix relaxed him, told him that things would be all right, gave him hope in dark times. He had made a promise to Hermione, and he would keep it. He wouldn't wake her or do anything unless she uttered their safe word. His mother's name. "You're right, Fawkes. I need to keep my feelings out of this. Can't always play the hero, now can I?" The intelligent creature seemed to nod, but he didn't break his song until Harry sat back in his chair to watch what was occurring above them. He wondered why Snape would see Draco as a companion? Didn't he have any recollection of the good that had happened? Didn't he know that the Malfoys defected as well? Harry supposed not. One thing was apparent. He hated Harry even in his dreams. He looked like he could have done the Killing Curse on her just now when she'd uttered his name.

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Hermione bid her welling tears not to fall. She'd not let him see her cry. He would likely remember everything that had happened here, and if he thought that he'd caused her much pain, he would not forgive himself or her for making him do this. He roughly threw her onto the floor as he placed strong wards on his door. Severus then transfigured his couch into a bed.

He turned around to eye her coldly. "First thing I need to do is get a little revenge." He grinned wickedly before hissing, "Diffindo!"

"Owww!" she cried out, clutching her leg. She could see the big tear in her jeans and the bloody rip in her skin.

"There. Now we're even. You should have learnt your lesson last time, Mudblood. You can never win against me. Where were we? Ah, yes, you can start by telling me exactly what you've done to my leg," he hissed. "Speak quickly now, or I shall be forced to give you a matching slice on your other supple limb."

She had to think fast. She had him talking. Maybe this was her chance. "I...you told me to do it, sir. Don't you remember?" She knew from the exchange with Draco that he had no respect for Filch. She decided to play on that here.

Hermione saw his eyes narrow. "Why," he spat, "would I have you cut me in such a way?" She could tell that he didn't believe her at all, but she would have to sound convincing. And, since he didn't remember how he truly received the cut or how she escaped, she would use that as well.

"Sir, Filch came nosing about. You told me to do it where he could see it, and it was the reason you were going to punish me," she said quickly. "He forced me back to Gryffindor Tower where I have been awaiting word of punishment for my actions."

Severus seemed to think this over and nodded slightly. "Very well," he said. "Fix it now. I have applied salve to it, but it's already not helping. I can feel the bandage beginning to soak anew with fresh blood. Do this, and I will make your pain more sufferable."

"Yes, sir," she said promptly. The only problem was that she had no idea what to do. "Er...could you sit down and disrobe that portion?"

"Anxious to see me out of my robes again, Granger?" he asked with a smirk.

"I only want to do your bidding, sir," she said respectfully. She could see that he thrived not only on her fear, but also on her obedience. She dropped her eyes to her own bleeding leg as he began taking off his robe and lowering his trousers. She hoped Harry wasn't thinking of doing anything reckless at the moment. No. He'd not ruin this. She had faith in her friend. He was her rock, her steady force over the years that guided her, accepted her, and befriended her when no others had.

Once he sat back on the bed, clad in only his shirt and boxers, she moved forward tentatively. What could she do now? An epiphany occurred. Her touch. Her voice. Her love for him would undo this. "Sir? I require my wand for only a moment."

He barked with laugher. "Think you that I would trust you with a weapon, Miss Granger?"

"If you please, sir, I need it for only a moment," she said softly as she undid his bandage. It was oozing with clumpy blood and sticky puss. "I need to create a bluebell flame."

"I think not, Miss Granger. Get to work!"

"All right then, but it's needed to sterilize my hands to fix your wounds. It won't help if you are the one to cast it though because only the caster is protected from its flames," she said. "I'd hate to cause further infection."

"Very well," he spat. "I shall place my wand against your neck. Give me one reason, and I will kill you." He handed her wand to her slowly as he dug his own into her neck painfully. She bit her lip to keep from crying out as she created her small fire. The enticing blue flames reminded her of the potion they'd brewed together before making love on the laboratory table. She dared a glance at him and saw that, the flame too, mesmerized him.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" she asked, handing the wand back to him. He took it from her, looking at her oddly.

"Do your task," he said finally, keeping his wand on her.

She passed her hands around and through the magical fire and felt her hands heat immensely. She'd not receive burns or scars for this, but she could feel the pain just as well. She tried a little conversation as she began to work. "These flames are my specialty. Do you know that I can place mine inside a jar, and it won't burn out?"

"I do not care," he said with a sneer. "One last time, Miss Granger. If you don't get on with it, I shall twist your scrawny little neck."

She nodded and placed her hands near the bottom of his cut, pressing slightly. She heard him wince and felt the pain in her neck subside as his wand moved away. "It will only hurt for a bit. I am drawing out the infection and sanitizing the wound." He gave a sharp nod and leaned back some. As she applied slight pressure and pushed the open skin upward, she saw more puss and a venom like substance, along with blood, begin to ooze out. She paused halfway to heat her hands once again. After she was finished getting all of the poisons possible to spew out of the wound, she got him to summon a fresh bandage to wrap the wound again. He hissed an extinguishing spell to still the flames of her fire.

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"What the bloody hell is she thinking?" Harry asked Fawkes. "She could have overpowered him right there while he was in pain. Now look! The lout is half dressed and back up again!"

Harry had to sit on his hands when Snape had sent a slicing hex at her. Sometimes his emotions got the better of him, and he wanted to be sure he'd have a few seconds to think things through before trying to hex Snape. He knew he wouldn't, but the urge had still been there.

"I know, Fawkes," Harry said. "It's not his fault. It's still hard to stand by and watch when Mione is hurting like that. She seems all right though." Fawkes chirped a few notes of a song as Harry patted his feathers. A thought occurred to him. Dumbledore had sent the Phoenix here because he knew that its presence would relax him. Did this mean the headmaster didn't truly trust him to sit back and watch? No, that wasn't right. "He trusts me."

He noticed a bit of blood seeping through Hermione's pant leg. "She's really got a cut then?" he asked, making his way to her side of the bed. Using his wand, he cut through the jean material and saw the cut. It looked just as it did in the dream. "Fawkes?" he questioned. The Phoenix flew over to land near Hermione's leg. It leaned over and dropped a few tears in the wound. Harry smiled with satisfaction as the skin began healing. "Thanks. As always, you're brilliant."

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"My leg feels much better, Granger, I thank you," he said silkily. Quite the clever witch for a Mudblood, this one. "I suppose I should return the favor to you, but I won't. Take off your shirt." He hated the soft touch of her hands on his skin. If he hadn't felt the pain, he would have hexed her for her soothing gentleness. He would rather her to be writhing, moaning, crying, and pummeling him.

He saw her swallow heavily. Ah, here he would get his much craved resistance. "Professor, I want to tell you something before we go any further."

"Off with your blouse, girl," he demanded. "NOW!"

She began unbuttoning the flimsy blouse with unsteady fingers. Yes, she was getting nervous now. The protest would begin soon, wouldn't it? He could feel himself hardening at the thought of entering unwilling flesh. "Professor, I just want to let you know that I have always respected you. Over the years, that respect has grown. As of late, I find myself wanting you. I love you."

What? What the fuck? He backhanded her deftly, sending her sprawling onto the makeshift bed. "Your words of love are lost on me, you stupid girl. Do you think I care what Gryffindor's little whore has to say? I know you are just trying to get out of this. It won't work."

She brought a hand to her face as if to dampen the pain of the blow. He smirked as he slid out of his frock coat. "I forgive you. I know this is not whom you truly are. I love you," she said, her voice was choked with emotion.

"Love?" he asked incredulously. "Forgiveness?" He began chuckling. "Two things that I do not desire, Miss Granger." She was scooting back, but he caught her half unbuttoned blouse to rip it off. "There we are," he said in mock sweetness. "Why, Miss Granger? Slytherin Green for that skimpy contraption hugging your breasts? I believe you do have a soft spot for me after all."

"Severus, I love you. This is not who you are. Please stop this. I will let you make love to me if that is what you wish, but you have to not be this way," she implored, her soft brown eyes pleading with his.

Something in the tone of her voice touched him. Why would she love him? He'd always hated her. He wanted to hurt her, even now. The bitch had used his given name without permission! "How dare you use my name in such a way, harlot?"

"Severus, listen to me, I love you. I forgive all that you've done in the past. You've changed. Your future is with me," she said, even as he pulled her forward by her bra.

He gripped one breast roughly, bruising the flesh. "Your words of love are lost on me, Miss Granger. There is no returning from what I have become. I kill, rape, and torture people for kicks. I like what I do. Other peoples' pain brings me great pleasure. It is then that I know that not everyone is exempt to this wretched, soulless, haunted feeling that I've always carried within me. Now, I will have you. Silen..."

"Expelliarmus!" she yelled, pulling Ron's wand from her side pocket. Severus' wand, and her own, flew into her hand as his body was slung back against his table.

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Harry jumped for joy! "You get him, Hermione! Show him what Gryffindor is made of!" He patted Fawkes excitedly. "See that, did you?"

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She couldn't afford to let him put the Silencing Charm on her. She needed to be able to talk, should she have to call to Harry. Sliding his wand into her pocket, she pointed her newly returned wand at him. Ron's wand had a little pep to it. Well, it probably just wasn't used to anyone other than Ron using it. It flung her lover harder than she had wanted. She put Ron's wand in her other pocket and moved forward.

Severus was getting up slowly, rubbing his head. If the situation hadn't been so serious, she would have laughed. They were both only half dressed and seething with anger. He glared at her hatefully, but this had to be done. "Severus, I love you. Don't you remember that you care for me as well? You took my virginity. I am no whore. I gave myself to you willingly on the night of Christmas Eve. Think. Remember."

He narrowed his eyes and scoffed. "You never gave me anything, and you're no virgin. I know what you and Weasley AND countless others have been doing. When I get my wand back, I am personally going to slice every inch of your flesh open before I lap up your blood. Then as you lay in agony, I am going to take my cock," he emphasized this by grabbing himself, "and drive it into the resisting flesh of your cunt. The last thing that your ugly, dirty blooded mind will see before you pass out from lack of blood and pain, will be my face etched in the glory of knowing I have caused you such damage."

She shuddered involuntarily as she imagined what he'd said. Good Lord! Had he truly been this man once? Something must have made him change. Even so, what had kept him from reverting over the years? Dumbledore's trust. "I welcome your advances, Severus, though I do not like the thought of being in such pain. Let me love you. I trust you to be easy with me. I know you will not hurt me. This is not who you are anymore."

He seemed to fidget for a moment. "My Lord would kill me if I did not do my duty."

"You don't have to serve anyone, Severus. You are above that."

"I am no servant!" he yelled. "We are called associates. He doesn't make us bow down like simpering fools. He treats us with the respect we deserve so long as we do his bidding, which is what we want to do."

Hermione laughed at this. "What? Voldemort has tired of making you kiss the hem of his robes like lap dogs? He will never respect you, Severus. He is using you!"

"Voldemort?" Severus asked incredulously. "Where have you been, girl? He is dead! I have a new Lord now."

"What?" she asked, taken aback by this bit of information. "What new Lord?"

"Lord Potter, of course," he said proudly.

"Oh, my God! Harry...you think that..."

"Do not say that name! He is Lord Potter!" Severus said passionately as he lunged for Hermione's wand. They toppled over, and it was Severus who emerged with the wands. All three of them.

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Harry sat gobsmacked. What the bloody hell was this? He looked over to Fawkes, and if the bird had shoulders, they would have shrugged. He ran his fingers through his untidy hair while looking down to the sleeping forms on the bed. What was going on in Snape's head? Where had this come from?

"Any minute now, Hermione. Call my mother's name, and I will wake you," Harry breathed out between clinched teeth. Sensing the boy was brimming with emotion, the Phoenix began a new tune.

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"It appears, my dear, that our roles have been reversed. Say good-bye now," he said coldly, as he stood above her.

"Wait! Before you do it, may I please ask some questions?" Hermione asked, trying to buy some time.

Severus rolled his eyes. "Well, I've listened to your mouth all of these years. Why not give in to your last request? Do hurry this up."

"Can't we talk to Dumbledore about this?" she asked, hoping the headmaster's name would do something to the man.

Severus chuckled. "Who do you think encouraged my Lord? Who do you think wanted him trained in the ways of the Dark Arts? He knows what it is we do, and he allows it."

"Since when?" she asked hotly.

"Since the Ministry tried to interfere with things one too many times," he replied in a bored voice. "Are you quite finished?"

"I have something to tell you. I didn't know it would be important at the time, but I think you need to hear it," she said quickly.

"Go on," he said, intrigued nonetheless.

"Neville and Ron overheard Draco and a few mates talking about an uprising with their Lord against someone. Mind, I hadn't realized who their Lord was, but now that I do, I thought you should know."

"And, just who would they be uprising against? There is no one to stop Lord Potter or any of his associates," Snape said in disbelief. Draco and Lord Potter would have included him in this. It wouldn't be prudent to just kill her now. He needed more information, just in case these weren't lies.

"They plan to get rid of Dumbledore. They said he is a meddling fool," she said, lowering her eyes. "They didn't want you to know in case you would side with the headmaster."

"WHAT? You think I would believe such a...preposterous lie? I helped train the new Lord with the headmaster's blessings. I had a hand in molding him to become what he is today. He would not think that I would betray him, and he would never harm Albus!" Snape itched to choke the life out of her until her lips turned blue, until her eyes glazed over in that lovely death glare.

"Wh-why do you think I snuck out of my common room tonight? I'm on a mission for the headmaster. He gave me the second wand should I need it. He wanted me to talk to you. He wants us to love each other," she said, her voice taking on that annoying pleading tone again.

"I do not believe you," he said.

"Believe in me, Severus. The headmaster said to tell you that he trusts you to do the right thing. He said that your loyalty to him has never wavered, and he knows that you will now take my outstretched hand to become what you were before...the new Lord came to power." She held out her hand. "I love you. Have faith in that. Everything cruel that you've ever done is forgiven, Severus. Look at your leg. If I didn't want a life with you, I would not have healed you. The Succubus' poisons should be gone by now."

He lowered his wand to look down at the bandage. There was no fluid soaking through. He peeled away the bandage to see his skin had closed up and been smoothly sealed. Succubus. A lone tear made its way from one of his black eyes as he met her gaze. "Hermione," he choked roughly. "This is not real, is it?" This was a dream. He could feel it.

"No, Severus," she said, opening her arms. He went to her and held her closely. "Severus, I meant everything I said. I trust you. I love you so much it hurts. I will do anything for you. Your past is nothing, my love. Yes, it happened, and it can't be changed. You have atoned for any sins you have committed by all of the good you have done since. We have to look to the future now."

"I...can't forget," he said, voice choking with raw emotion. "It's always there, Hermione. It will never leave. No matter how hard I try to bury it, I know that I have caused too much pain. I'm no better than my father, Tom Riddle, or any of the others."

"Severus, the world has not condemned you. You have to find it in your heart to forgive yourself. You have to take the time to look into your soul. What you will see is not who you were in this dream, you will see the man that I love. Don't ever leave me, Severus," she pleaded suddenly. "You are my life. I want to have you with me always."

He pulled back to kiss her softly before looking into her eyes. "I am in love with you, Hermione Granger. No matter what happens when we awaken, please never doubt that." She nodded and kissed him again.

A few moments later, she muttered, "Lily Evans Potter." Severus flinched.

"Why do you speak of her?"

"It was my safe word with Harry. He's going to try to wake us now."

~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~

"That's my cue," Harry said through a small smile. He was glad that things worked out as they had. It was touch and go there for a bit, but he knew Hermione would talk her way out of it. She was sneaky that way. She'd tricked old Umbridge the same way a couple of years earlier. Mione was definitely a match for Slytherin's Head of House. Fawkes disappeared in a burst of flame. Harry shrugged. "Guess he's off to tell Dumbledore that we are through."

Harry gently prodded Hermione and Snape at the same time. Both moaned a bit as if stirring. He saw the dream cloud begin to become lighter. Two yellow streams of light made their way back down to the bodies below. One seeped into Snape's temple, and the other seeped into Hermione's. The dream cloud was gone. Hissing a few words, their bindings evaporated. He sat down in his chair to wait.

Hermione rolled over to cuddle against Snape, and Snape's arm came up to hold her close. He supposed they might have a normal sleep now, but he wouldn't leave. Just in case. He'd sit there all night if need be. Propping his feet back up on the bed, he thought about what he'd seen in the dream. Snape feared becoming what he once was, feared that he would hurt Hermione, feared being someone's follower again apparently, and the last thought flustered Harry. Why would he fear that I would become a Dark Lord?

"Should I be appalled or flattered?" Harry asked aloud, knowing he'd probably never have an answer to that. Snape would surely be embarrassed that he'd witnessed the dream, and he was certain to be angry with them. But, it had bloody well worked out, hadn't it? He smiled smugly as he interlaced his fingers behind his head. It might prove to be a long night.

~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~

Southern's Notes: Now then. That was Snape's worst fears all in one dream! I hope you've enjoyed it. :)