Chapter Eleven

Disclaimer: Not mine! Belongs to a most brilliant woman.

Thanks go to Charmed Nay for being my beta, and I'd like to thank GinnyW for going through this a second time and helping me find any things missed on the first run.

Hermione ran at full speed into the arms of her two best friends. "Welcome back!" she squealed excitedly.

"It's good being back and all, but I could do without the bloody classes," Ron grumbled. "Did Harry tell you the news? Luna's taken my ring!"

"Yes! I'm happy for you," Hermione replied promptly. "Where is she?"

"Oh, she's back with Ginny. Says they have some women talking to do." Ron rubbed his stomach. "I'm ready for the feast meself. Come on then." Harry and Hermione grinned.

"He ate a load of stuff on the way, and he's ready for more!" Harry laughed. "All right, Hermione?"

She knew that he was referring to her relationship with Severus. "Extremely."

"Good to hear then," he said, putting an arm around her.

Suddenly Draco appeared. "Oi! I'll escort Granger in. Sod off, Potter." He winked at both before happily taking her arm. "Want to sit with Slytherin this evening?"

"No, Ferret. I think I'll stick with Gryffindor, thanks," she said, shaking her head with laughter.

"Suit yourself then. I'll be just here should you need anything," he said with a smile to her before scowling at everyone around. Hermione thought he was playing the part just fine. It could be anyone at the castle that would be watching them to see if he appeared friendly. As she approached Harry and Ron, she noticed that Severus was still watching. His eyes had followed her through the hall. Minerva had told her that for tonight she could remain at her House table with her friends. Her lover had said that he didn't mind, but she could sense that he did. He was now walking stiffly towards the Head Table.

"I think I'll go on and sit with Severus, but don't leave before talking to me. I want to show you my new quarters!"

"You're not able to stay on with us in the tower?" Ron asked, nicking a roll.

"Well, no. I have to stay in my own chambers," she said. "I can still visit, and you can come over."

"Oh, sure, except that you'll be busy working after hours," Ron said glumly.

"Come on, Ron," Harry said. "It won't change much. We'll still make our visits to Hagrid and do the usual." He nodded towards the table. "Looks like they left a chair available next to him, just in case."

"See you," she called, making her way to the table. For a moment, she saw Severus' eyes light up, but then he masked his face.

"You could have sat with them," he said quietly as she took her seat next to him.

"No, it's all right. I told them they can meet me after the meal. We'll go up to my chambers for a bit, and you can come in to have that talk with them," she replied, patting him on the leg. As she ate, she noticed that there were a lot of eyes on her, and she could see the whispering. She shrugged mentally. Who cared what they thought? "I think we are the topic of many conversations."

"Dunderheads," he snorted. A look of fierce pride passed through his face as he looked her way. "Let them talk. I'm not ashamed, Little One."

"Nor am I," she agreed. "If you call me Little One, what shall I call you?" She elbowed him playfully, but immediately regretted it as she noticed he looked around to see if anyone had noticed. Perhaps, he was not ashamed of her, but apparently too much of a public display wasn't his thing. Well, not in front of the entire school at any rate.

"I don't like nicknames," he groused.

"Well, I have heard the staff call you Sevvie and Sev on occasion. Does that bother you?" she asked, trying to keep the conversation light.

"About as much as you like Mione, I imagine," he retorted dryly, taking a bite of his stewed beef.

"What's wrong with Mione?" she asked.

"Do you really like that?" he asked incredulously.

"Severus, you have called me Mione before. In fact, I remember the very first time you said it," she said, jutting her chin upward.

"I did not," he denied. "When?"

"You know." She widened her eyes. "That first...time."

"Certainly not," he scoffed.

"You said my Mione," she pursued.

He seemed thoughtful for a moment before giving her a devious grin. "Perhaps there was a slip of tongue." He tipped his tongue out to lick his fork innocently before filling it for another bite.

"Bloody hell, don't start that again," she whined. "You teased me enough yesterday."

He chuckled slightly for a moment before casting a glare at some nearby students that were spying on them. They all turned away quickly. He then ignored Hermione completely for a while as he turned to talk to Albus. I should have just eaten with my friends. She looked down to find them at the table. How odd it was to be sitting up at the Head Table! She almost felt as if she didn't belong. The new Muggle Studies professor seemed sour. He'd not even greeted her as she sat down. She decided to try to talk to him.

"How are you this evening?" she asked politely, reaching for another roll.

"Dazzling," came the sharp reply. The large man was shoveling his food into his mouth quickly. Hermione turned away from him and snuck a glance at Severus. He seemed upset about something. She caught the words 'don't worry about it for now' before he turned to look away from the headmaster.

"Are you nearly done?" he asked after a moment.

"Not quite, but I could be. Do you need something?" she asked immediately, wondering why he wasn't looking directly at her.

"I'm going to go down to our chambers for a little while. What time will you have your friends in your rooms?" he asked, finally eyeing her. She could tell that he seemed saddened. She glanced down to see that Harry and Ron were nearly done.

"I could go there now, if you'd like," she offered.

"That's not necessary. I'll Floo in about twenty minutes from now," he said, nodding to her once before he stood.

She watched him walk stiffly out of the hall. She noticed that Albus also seemed to have a sad look about his face. What now? She wondered if they had found something else out. Sighing, she pushed her plate away. She took another sip of pumpkin juice. Before she stood, the brute on her left put a hand on her arm.

"What's your first name?" he asked, sounding pompous.

"Hermione," she replied, trying to smile. He had a dab of cream on his cheek, and she fought not to eye it openly.

"My name is Stuart," he said, bowing his head. She tried not to crack a smile. The man's name was Stuart Steward. What had his mum been thinking?

"Pleased to make your acquaintance," she said politely.

"Right nice to have someone to talk to as well. No one here seems to believe in friendliness. Had I known the staff would be so hostile, I'd have not accepted the job," he said, puffing his chest out. "I had three other offers."

"Well, I'm sorry you feel that way. I think everyone is pleasant enough," she said with a smile. She remembered something Rolanda had said about him. He walked around like he owned the place half of the time, and the other half, if he was around, he seemed to be in his own private world. She couldn't imagine this man having a night out with the rest of the staff. He suddenly started talking in a boring tone that reminded her of Professor Binns. Ron and Harry were waving at her to indicate that they were done, so she had to interrupt. "Sorry, Stuart, but I am to meet with my friends for a little while. I'm glad we had this talk."

He nodded and turned back to his plate. She unexpectedly felt guilty about leaving him there without anyone to talk to. She knew how it felt to not have a mate to converse with. Hell, she knew firsthand how it felt to have no friends. She hadn't any until Harry and Ron took her in back in their first year. "Er...do you always sit here?" she asked kindly. She hadn't paid all that much attention to the seating arrangement, but it did appear that everyone had shifted.

"I suppose it's my new seat. Everyone changed places, so I sat here. I left that chair open because I didn't want to sit next to that rude man!" he said, sounding indignant.

She smiled. "He's not all that bad. I don't mind sitting next to him. We'll be able to chat again then."

Stuart smiled gratefully. "Thanks, Hermione."

"See you," she said, hurrying to meet her friends. She felt as if she had just done a big deed. She wondered though why the man would speak of Severus that way. As far as she knew, the entire staff had known what had occurred between them. Just as she reached the Gryffindor table, Draco stepped up next to her.

"Where are you off to, Granger?" he asked with a devilish grin, holding out his arm. She shook her head and took it.

"Come on then," she called to Harry and Ron. Ginny seemed put out that she hadn't been invited, but she didn't know if Severus was ready to talk to her yet or not. She hated being rude.

"Hang on!" Harry said. "Why does Malfoy get to escort you about?" She knew that he was teasing, but faked a horrified expression.

"I've no idea!"

"Yeah, Ferret. Why don't you leave off?" Ron asked, ruffling Draco's hair.

Draco in turn sneered. "Keep your filthy hands off, Weasel." Hermione released Draco's arm as he and Ron began their normal bout of insult exchanging.

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

A pair of dark eyes watched the quartet steadily as they left the hall. It appeared that Bradley's hex was working properly. Malfoy never sniffed up Granger's arse that much. Higgs would be glad to relay the message to Bradley. Leaving the hall discreetly, the informant hurried to the Owlery to send word of the good news. They just had to make sure that when things went down, Potter wouldn't be about. It wouldn't do to have that one finding out. They'd just have to make sure he was otherwise occupied.

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

"Right nice set of rooms you have here, Mione. This here will be my spot," Ron said plopping down in the chair nearest the fireplace. Draco took the chair nearest him and hexed a candle to spill its wax on Ron's head. "Dirty, rotten arse! Shove off, Malfoy!" At a flick of Ron's wand, the candle then flew towards Draco.

"Enough," Harry said, waving his hand. The candle promptly flew to the wall. Harry sat on the couch. "Have a seat, Mione. What is it you want us to know?"

"How can you always tell, Harry?" Hermione asked warmly.

"I just can," came the reply.

"Tell what?" Ron asked, glaring menacingly at Draco. Draco sneered and made a rude gesture with his hand.

"Mione has something to say," Harry said.

"Actually, it's Severus who will do the explaining. There is some trouble coming it seems," she said glumly.

"Bloody hell! Always happens!" Ron exclaimed. "Can't go a couple of months without something happening! I'm telling ya!"

The portrait opened, and Severus walked in. "Good evening," he said blandly. "I need to talk to all of you for a few minutes. I trust this will go no further?" He looked pointedly to Ron who was busying himself trying to hex Draco's laces to tie together in knots. "If you will kindly control yourself, Mr. Weasley."

"S-sorry, Professor," Ron said immediately.

Severus conjured a chair to have a seat facing them all. "Lucius and I have been working on trying to uncover information concerning the goings on of the Higgs family. Senior Higgs has been visiting the Ministry, attempting to bend the right ear so to speak. It appears that he is holding a grudge against Lucius and I for being pardoned. He and others in the past have always been silent supporters of the Dark Lord. His son came to school here. Terence Higgs. He was the Seeker for my House when you were all in your first year."

"Yeah, a worthless one at that!" Ron bellowed.

"Yes, that's why I took over," Draco said, puffing out his chest.

"You call yourself a Seeker? More like the Seeked if you ask me. Never see the Snitch til someone else does, you don't," Ron said heatedly. "Never can get past Harry, can you?"

"You can sho-"

"That will be enough, boys," Severus hissed. Both sat straight and looked to Severus repentantly. "It appears that young Higgs is doing some work for his father, and with a few associates, they may have found a way to pay Lucius and I back for being traitors."

"Mione and Draco," Harry said promptly.

"That's right, Harry," Severus said. Ron's mouth gaped open at hearing Snape call Harry by his first name. "For certain, we know that he is fraternizing with one Douglas Bradley. They sought out Dr-"

"But, he was a Ravenclaw!" Ron interrupted.

"Why do people think it's only a Slytherin that is up to no good?" Draco asked indignantly. "Your lot turns out idiots as well. Pettigrew. Your brother Percy!"

"My brother is an idiot, but he's no follower of the Dark Lord!" Ron said whipping out his wand once again.

"Put that away, Mr. Weasley, or you will find yourself thrown out of here. Do you want to listen?" Severus asked. "If the task is too great, then I suggest you to be off to your common room."

"Ron, I think you should listen to what Severus has to say," Hermione urged. Ron put up his wand, but she could tell that he was furious.

"As I was saying," Severus continued, glaring at Ron. "Higgs sought out Draco at a party over the holidays. He seemed to be trying to feel him out. Draco pretended to think that his father only changed sides to save his own skin. The boy was accepting the theory when this Bradley came out. He wouldn't have it. He proceeded to put the Imperius on Draco, telling him to go home and to be sure to remain friendly with Hermione."

"I recognized the feeling right away, and I heard his voice in my head." Draco looked disappointed. "I knew I couldn't let them know that I had been trained to throw it off, so I stood there for a moment before Apparating home. They said something about getting two at once. We believe that they will eventually try to get me to lure out Hermione. That way they can do us both in to get to them." He jerked his head towards Severus. "It's why I have to now act like a ruddy fool, chasing Granger around."

"Well, they won't know if you do or not. No need to wear out your welcome," Ron said with a grin.

"Someone is here," Harry said suddenly. "Someone else will give Draco further instructions. He'll have to keep up the act."

"Right again, Harry. Pity you don't put more efforts into your Potions assignments," Severus said dryly. Harry just grinned. "We don't know if it is a student or a staff member, nor do we know if there is more than one. We will have to use extra care. Draco will come to me the moment something happens. I'll tell Hermione, and she'll let you know when we are to meet. However, if Draco is instructed to do something at the spur of the moment, do not, by any means, interfere. Act as you normally would, but be mindful of who is about. They will likely be watching."

"Bloody hell," Ron murmured.

"There's more," Draco said.

"What else is there?" Harry questioned.

"The people that old Higgs has been meeting with are sketchy at best. Fudge, Edgecombe, Umbridge, and Percy Weasley." Ron sucked in a sharp breath. "They were overheard at some point discussing a plausible way to have our pardons overturned. It will never pass. Bones wields a fair, unwavering hand in her position. It is likely why they have moved on to this."

"Ginny," Ron said. "She's the only one Percy owls now. Maybe she could do something."

"Well, well, Mr. Weasley," Severus said with a nod. "That's the first smart thing you've said all evening. Do you believe she could be inconspicuous?"

"You can say what you like about me, but she's not one to mess with," Ron said. "She can do anything to anyone. She's not above underhandedness, that one. Ask Harry. Great couple, they make."

"Tell me about it! Put a damn Bat-Bogey Hex on me already! I never saw it coming," Draco said with a grin.

"I trust you can fill her in then," Severus said. "A simple owl Owl to him will do. Perhaps she can complain about Harry somehow to gain a sympathetic ear. The dunderhead might let something slip when he writes back. Miss Weasley is very bright. I'm sure she'll think of something."

"I'm right sure she can accidentally-on-purpose say the right thing," Ron said with pride.

Harry spoke next. "Fudge? He has no power over anyone there! He's back down to the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes now. Umbridge lost her standing as well. Hang the hell on!" Harry said heatedly. "Edgecombe! Marietta, her daughter, is here. The sneak from fifth year. Cho's friend! She graduated last year, but came back in November, remember? Once that incompetent lout Willows left, the Headmaster took over his classes and pulled Michael Corner out from Professor Steward over in Muggle Studies to help with the younger students' essays and such."

"Right! I can't believe I didn't think of that witch!" Hermione said. "She is now helping Professor Steward out for training to work in the Department of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts. I heard Mandy Brocklehurst telling Terry Boot about it last term. Why was she not here over the holidays? Why didn't she eat with the staff tonight?"

Severus seemed thoughtful for a moment. "She is not really a staff member. Steward, that twit, needed an extra pair of hands, and Madame Bones sent her over. She only stays a couple of days out of the week. It was a mutual deal between the Headmaster and the Minister. He didn't exactly have anyone whom he would want to take over the Defense classes permanently, so that is why he is instructing them. I only help on occasion. It makes sense. Higgs has been associating with her mother."

"Yes! She and Umbridge were pretty close back then. Her mum was the one helping to police our Floo Network!" Ron said excitedly. "Bet the dirty, rotten, sneak is just waiting for a chance to get back at Mione for that hex she put on her."

"I'll think on this new bit of information. We should keep an eye on her," Severus said solemnly. "All suspicious people should be taken into account. Hermione perhaps you can feel out Brocklehurst. Listen around to everything, you lot! Even trivial things could help us. Let me know what Miss Weasley decides. I think we can call this meeting to a close." Severus stood up, straightening out his robes. "Harry, a private word."

"I'll go on then. See you," Ron said, making way for the portrait hole.

"Guess I'm dismissed as well. Until tomorrow, my dear Granger," Draco said with a smirk and bowed lowly.

"That's rich," she said. "Off with you!"

Severus went to the bedroom and motioned for Harry to follow him. Hermione felt left out, but smiled anyway. She supposed one of them would explain later. Damn! Why hadn't she thought about that Marietta before!

Severus closed the door and placed a Soundproofing Spell on it. "Harry, we need to have a talk about Hermione. You know how I feel about her. I will do everything in my power to see her safe. I would do anything it takes to see that no harm comes to her. Do you understand what I am saying?"

"I do," Harry said. Severus could see the glint in the boy's eyes and knew that he felt the same. "I'll keep an eye out as well, sir. It's the same as what you and Lucius did last year, isn't it? You did it because they attacked Draco."

"Yes, it was mostly because of Draco. I would not have allowed harm to come to you or your friends either, Harry, no matter what you thought of me then. We couldn't be seen and risk that getting back to the Dark Lord. They had to...we had to make sure he never knew that we had foiled his plans."

"When I saw Lucius, I thought for a moment that he was with them, but then I saw you. I knew that wasn't the case. I saw that fierce look in his eyes, and I just knew." Harry cleared his throat. "Should I tell Ron to keep an eye out then?"

"While Weasley is loyal to her as well, he is a blubbering fool at times. I would only trust you with this task. If I cannot be with her for some reason, you need to be. Draco will be on the lookout as well, but I worry about his safety also. He is as much a target as she." Severus began pacing. "Lucius agrees that we will do what we must to ensure that what is ours is not harmed. I would kill for her, Harry. I would die in her stead. I ask that if something happens to me, that you see for her protection."

Severus looked about uneasily as he felt a cold chill creep up his spine. The lit candles in Hermione's chambers were flickering eerily. He slowly turned to face Potter and had he been anyone else he would have gasped. It was the boy's emotions that were emitting the magic crackling through the room. The voice Harry used was ungodly. "I will not allow a hair on her head to be harmed. I would kill for her as well, Professor. For Ron, too. They are my family."

After a moment, Severus walked to the boy and clapped him soundly on the shoulder. "I trust you, Harry, but this," he gestured to the room, "needs to be controlled. What were you thinking just now? What caused this display of energy?" He made sure to keep his voice calm, showing no wonder, no fear, and no admonishment. He would have to show Harry how to contain his emotions.

"When you said that you would kill or die for her and asked for me to protect her in your stead, I imagined someone trying to harm her. It made me angry, and I felt the overpowering need to destroy something," Harry admitted. Severus noticed that the unholy breeze had gone and the candles were no longer flickering, but Harry's eyes were still stormy.

"I think you and I should get together once per week, Harry. There are things yet that I can teach you. It would help to control this. It wouldn't do for you to become so angry one day that you might hurt someone without thinking," Severus said cautiously. "Would you be willing to spend an evening with me each week?"

"I would," Harry said easily. "But, sir? Why are you being nice to me?"

"I would think that you knew the answer to that by now," Severus said softly. "We had that talk after all." Then in a rough voice, "The night you and Hermione accosted me!"

Harry looked shamefaced for a moment, but then he grinned. "Worked out, didn't it? I still want to know what it is that changed your mind. You always made me feel like you were forced to take me on with my training in the past, but here you are offering it freely."

"I told you once that your mother was...a friend to me at a time when I had none. She was a good woman, Harry. I think it would make her happy to know that I have put aside some of my less than honorable feelings to try to make amends with you. For her memory, if nothing else." Severus could have cursed. Why had he said that?

"Professor? Di-did you fancy my mum?" Harry asked, searching the older wizard's eyes.

"I did," he said simply.

"Is that why you hated my dad so much? Still hate him?"

"I never did like your father, Harry. I won't lie to you. I always saw him as exceedingly arrogant. You know that already. He and Black did unforgivable things to me which I tried to pay back tenfold." Severus sighed. "But, when he and Lily...enough about that!"

"Yes, sir," Harry said, but Severus could see that his expression had changed. He was looking at him with...admiration? "What nights should I put aside?"

"We'll meet on Wednesdays."

"Good night," Harry said. Severus watched as the boy left and heard him tell Hermione that he would see her the next day. He had said too much to the boy! Why the fuck was he feeling these odd emotions towards the boy now? He supposed it wasn't too bad. Harry had seemed to accepted it well. There was no tantrum. No harsh words. If this would have come out the year before, there likely would have been some exchange over the matter.

"Severus? Are you all right?" Hermione asked, bringing her arms around him from behind. He leaned into her embrace and softly caressed her hands.

"I am."

"Whatever you said to Harry must have been good. I haven't seen him smiling like that since he overcame the dragon in the first task back in fourth year," she said, hinting that she wanted to know what they had talked about.

"Was he smiling that broadly?" Severus asked, turning in her arms.

"Yes. He seemed happy. What went on in here?"

Curious. The boy truly didn't mind. Come to think of it, it almost seemed as if he had hoped for it. Was he hoping now that he would make some sort of parental bond? Was the boy so longing for affection that he would take it where he could get it? "I admitted that I fancied Lily once."

"I'm glad," she whispered, kissing him.

"Should we be off to my quarters? I dare say, that you would like to study a little more," he teased. "I doubt you feel you are prepared enough."

"On the contrary, I think that there is nothing left to review, and besides, I've got the job anyway whether I fail miserably or not," she chided softly. "I thought maybe I could help you prepare for your classes tomorrow. Is there anything that I can do?"

Severus smiled genuinely. "Yes, there is, and I thank you for thinking of it. It won't take long. I've just gone over my notes. Then, I want to return a favor to you."

"What favor?" she asked, brow furrowing slightly.

"If I recall, you gave me a nice massage a few days back. I think you could do for one as well." He bent down to bring his lips to her ear. "I am going to use my hands to knead your soft flesh. You will be deeply relaxed once I am done." He licked her lobe lightly. "Come with me," he whispered.

She shook her head to release the vivid fantasy that had sprouted there. Not much longer and this ruddy time of the month would be over. She would then be able to comfortably take pleasure with him. Unless...a wicked though occurred. "Perhaps we could have a shower then."

He smiled. "My thoughts exactly, love."

"Are we Flooing?"

"Yes."

"Severus, why did you not Floo in earlier?" she asked, suddenly remembering his entrance.

"I admit that I wanted to check the corridors to be sure that you and your friends hadn't attracted anyone. There was no one about though," he said softly, attacking her lips with a rough kiss. "Come with me, woman!"

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

Higgs read over the note once again. He wanted to be sure before he told Bradley about it. Privately, he wished that he'd never mentioned anything to the man. One moment, he was trying to feel out his loyalties, and the next he was learning of a plan to use Malfoy's own son against him. Once Higgs told his father about it, he was commanded to bring the boy into the fold, but he was not to let Bradley know that they were once cohorts to the fallen Lord. His father said that Bradley hated all Death Eaters and their friends. They were going to use him to execute their own plans to make the blood traitors pay for abandoning the old master.

As of late though, Bradley had been throwing his weight around and trying to run things. This bristled Higgs, but his father told him to keep quiet. They would bide their time, and after the blood traitors were destroyed, they would rid themselves of Bradley. It wouldn't do for Bradley to later uncover the truth of their loyalties and try to make a go at them. The only thing that didn't sit well with Higgs was the way Bradley was trying to use Draco Malfoy in this.

Hell, Higgs had been in Slytherin with Malfoy. He knew first hand how much the boy loathed Harry Potter. He and his mates used to sit around all the time talking about the things they would like to do to him. He fully believed that Draco could be turned into an ally. He even believed that Lucius Malfoy was only out for his own interests, and his loyalty had never really wavered from the Dark Lord. The confused man sighed. His father believed Bradley's assumption. He felt the Malfoys were blood traitors in full. Higgs would not go against his father. Pity that Granger would suffer for the likes of Snape, that bastard. She'd tried to smile at him a few times, and she'd seemed pleasantly surprised to see him the other night. Until ruddy Snape showed up. He had thrown him off the team when he only had one year left just because he couldn't compete with Potter on the field. Truth be known, the bastard just didn't like him. He eagerly allowed Draco onto the team for the next season. And, it was Lucius who had bought the team brand new brooms.

He nodded savagely to himself. Yes, they all should pay for that. He should have been allowed to remain as the team's Seeker in his final year. His father was right. When the time came, they would get Draco to lure Granger away. They would dispose of Draco quickly and try to lure his father out on the pretense of wanting a ransom. He could take pleasure in Granger though. Snape would never need to know what happened to her, save for a few locks of bloodied hair to be owled anonymously. The Malfoys weren't the only family with secret dungeons in their manor after all. This could work. His father could have revenge on the men he hated. Bradley would have momentary happiness knowing that the last man that had been present when his girl had been butchered was dead. And, he? Well, he would have a live-in sex slave. Great Potter's right hand, wasn't she? Ha! Not only Snape would be hurt over her apparent demise, but Potter would be crushed as well, the dolt!

He tossed some Floo powder into the grate. "Bradley?"

A moment later, Bradley's head appeared. "I'm here. What has our friend sent to us?"

"It appears the plan is working. The moment Draco saw Granger he was glued to her side. To hear it, he even asked her to sit with Slytherin, but she ended up at the High Table with Snape. On her way out, Draco followed her out to escort her. Therefore, I think the Imperius is still working," Terence Higgs said importantly.

"Excellent. We'll give it a test soon. If he succumbed that easily to my mind prodding, then he'll be easily susceptible to fall into it again. I'll tell you when I want it done." Douglas Bradley leered wickedly. "I think this is going better than we first thought. The Malfoys will pay for what they have done to me."

"Yes, and Snape will find his punishment as well."

"Until later."

"All right."

Terence smiled to himself as he imagined Snape's horrified face. He would plan the owl to swoop in while the man was at the High Table eating his meal. The whole school would witness his distress. He would open the envelope to find some of Granger's hair laced with blood. He'd be sure to put a note saying that she had been extremely satisfying before she met her death. The man would likely kill himself and save them the trouble, but if not, they would deal with that as well. As far as Mudblood Granger, well, she would have a different fate. He would keep her locked under his home and use her body until he tired of her. Then, he would dispose of her. If Snape was still around at that point, he could always take to owling pieces of her to him. He paled for a moment. When had he become so evil? No, not evil. It was just one last act of vengeance for his late master. His father had explained this already numerous times.

But, why were they instructed not to tamper with Potter? It seemed like that would be the ultimate revenge. To kill the one who destroyed their world. The one who had taken down their master. He would mention this to his father in the morning when he told him how things were going. If all went well, their Ministry alliance would come through for them as well. Bradley was working on a potion that could possibly restore Bellatrix Lestrange's mind. Whatever Potter had done to her had muddled the woman completely. If their ties came through, they could spirit her away from Azkaban. Bradley had a potion in mind that he'd read about in a Dark Arts book. The fool thought they were going to revive her just so that he could torture and kill her for being a Death Eater, but they had other plans. There never was a woman more wicked than Bellatrix. She would be an asset to have.

Southern's Notes: A little more back story there for you. What a tangled web we weave!