Decimoquinto

Forbidden Obsession

Decimoquinto

By the time the Order had arrived, it was too late to save those who had been slain. Those Death Eaters still alive fled, victorious. The Ministry had taken a big hit, with a majority of the Wizengamot seriously injured or dead. Among the dead were Griselda Marchbanks, Amelia Bones, and Albus Dumbledore.

It would be only a matter of time before word spread, inhibiting the motivation to fight against Lord Voldemort.

The Death Eaters now gathered, waiting for their master to speak. Their circle, which had been complete prior to the battle, now contained several open spaces.

Voldemort stood before his followers, noting the empty gaps. "My children," he softly spoke. "On this night we are victorious. In the morning, the world shall have no doubt that Lord Voldemort is the new power." The Death Eaters cheered.

The Dark Lord turned toward the empty space in the circle belonging to Severus Snape. The rest of the Death Eaters only noted the empty space but remained silent.

"For years Severus has remained my faithful servant. Tonight we witnessed a true act of loyalty." He glanced at Lucius and Bellatrix for a moment. "The confrontation between Dumbledore and Severus during our battle with the Ministry will be one to speak about for generations. The Old Fool always believed good would dominate evil. On this night, he witnessed firsthand just how wrong he was." The Death Eaters chanted. "Severus, step forward, my son."

Severus Snape stepped out from the shadows, slightly limping from his injury, but standing tall and proud. The Death Eaters stepped back, allowing him through. Taking his place next to Voldemort, Severus stood still, his expression smug and arrogant. Clearly the loss of Dumbledore had no effect on him.

"Severus, you are my highest ranking servant." The Dark Lord turned to his servants and commanded, "Bow to your liege – Severus!" Quickly they dropped to one knee, murmuring, "Severus," and took it in turns to kiss his hems.

Lucius and Bellatrix obediently paid their respects to Severus. Knowing he now held a higher rank infuriated them. Each already held a prominent position with their Master, and neither had been outranked until now.

"Celebrate, my children." With a wave of the Dark Lord's hand, several dozen willing women appeared. In the light of the full moon, the Death Eaters indulged in women and drink, celebrating late into the night.

Voldemort walked around, proud of his servants, but noticed Severus was not joining in on the celebration.

"Severus," hissed Voldemort, "Do you not join in because you have openly defied Dumbledore?" Severus quickly bowed and stood before his Master.

"No, my Lord. It was only a matter of time before Albus saw who my true Master is."

"Then I do not understand, Severus. Having destroyed Albus you now hold the highest rank among my Death Eaters, yet you do not celebrate our victory."

"Forgive me, my Lord." Severus quickly bowed again and left to join the festivities. Voldemort watched him leave, suspicious of his explanation.

"Master, may I have a word with you?" spoke the smooth voice belonging to Lucius. Voldemort turned to him, eyeing him suspiciously, along with Bellatrix who was standing by his side.

"Speak quickly, Lucius." It was evident he was losing patience with Lucius.

"My Lord, I have information that you will find of interest." The Dark Lord drew his wand, sneering at his servant.

"And I assume this information will be worth the risk of you earning a punishment..." He eyed Bellatrix, "...for both of you?"

"Yes, my Lord," Lucius bowed quickly and then stood. "It seems that Remus Lupin is alive and well. He was just spotted roaming the woods not far from here, in werewolf form."

Voldemort's hands grasped his wand so tight that it snapped in two.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hermione sat on the windowsill, watching the movement of every branch, every leaf, every flicker of shadow waiting for him. Her hair was tangled and knotted but pulled back with a tattered piece of ribbon. Her clothes were stained and wrinkled, giving off a stale odor from being worn for several days.

"How is she?" asked Professor McGonagall, watching Hermione's head turn momentarily in her direction only to show disappointment that it was not him.

"She won't eat. She won't sleep. She won't even allow me to clean her. All she does sit by the window and stare, waiting. I have administered a sleeping potion but it has no effect. The spells I try to cast have no effect either," said Madam Pomfrey.

"How soon before this ends, Poppy? She can't go on much longer," asked Minerva with a quiet, wavering voice.

"I am unsure, but from what I understand the transformation should begin reversing soon, just as long as we keep Severus away."

"How could he have done this to her?" Minerva whispered harshly. "She is only a child."

"Minerva," said Poppy gently, "I explained to you that Severus had no choice in the matter. He saved her from a life of lycanthropy..."

"Forcing her to be his life mate?" snapped Minerva. "I'm not a fool, Poppy. I know it takes more than one feeding to do this." Hermione's head turned toward the women again, eyeing them suspiciously. She stood up from the windowsill, approached them, and glared at her Head of House.

"He is not forcing me," she whispered. "I want to be with him but..." Hermione turned back around and silently took her place by the window. Her every attempt to be with Severus failed, and she could only assume he didn't want her. "He will come for me," she said softly. "Please come for me, Severus."

"I don't know how much more I can take, Poppy. What are we going to do?" Minerva placed a hand over her mouth, muffling her sobs as the tears fell from her eyes. Poppy consoled her friend. Silently they sat together, watching Hermione, the most promising witch of her age, deteriorating before their very eyes. They had yet to be informed of the demise of Albus Dumbledore.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Severus, walk with me," said Voldemort. The celebration had ended hours ago, yet Severus still remained.

"Yes, my Lord." Severus took his place next to the Dark Lord, walking into the woods. The tiredness in his eyes indicated he had not fed.

The moon was full, but the thickness of the branches blocked the light, allowing the darkness to dominate. Yet Voldemort did not draw his wand to light their way. He either had the keen ability to see in the dark or sense the direction he was going. Severus was not sure which.

"Nearly twenty years of service and this is the first time you have refused my offer to feed, Severus."

"Forgive me, Master, you generosity has not gone unnoted, but the women you provided tonight cannot suffice my needs."

Voldemort closely watched Severus' expression, understanding his meaning.

"Then who will fulfill your needs, Severus?"

Without hesitation, Severus spoke her name. "Hermione Granger."

The Dark Lord allowed a slight smirk to cross his expression. Her name did not surprise him, for she was known to be an exceptional witch. Understanding what Severus was and his need for this Mudblood, he was aware she was the key to Severus' survival. It was the playing card he needed.

Voldemort looked at his two Death Eaters who were waiting in the shadows. Nodding at them, they approached. Severus' eyes followed the movement in the shadows and saw Lucius and Bellatrix approaching him with smug looks and wands drawn.

"Remus Lupin is alive..." whispered Voldemort. Severus' stomach clenched at these words and then he heard, "CRUCIO!"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Severus was lying on the ground with his hands bound above his head and his legs bound at the ankles. His clothing was torn and ripped where various curses had hit him. His breathing was shallow and staggered. His hair was soaked and matted against his head from both blood and sweat. The pain coursing through his body was like none he had ever endured. It took all of his energy just to take a breath.

"Tell me!" shrieked Bellatrix, "Tell me now!"

"I...I don't know," whispered Severus, forcing out the words. He felt a sharp pain on his side along with another crack. He then heard a moan, realizing it was coming from himself. Again Lucius had kicked him, breaking at least one rib.

Kneeling down next to him, Lucius leaned in close to Severus' face. The few stray locks fell from Lucius' ponytail, sticking to Severus' sweaty skin. And for a moment the white on black hair reflected the irony of the situation.

"Severus, my friend, tell us the wards and this shall end," whispered Lucius. Lucius placed a hand directly on Severus' broken ribs and applied pressure. Severus flinched and another pain-filled moan escaped, but Severus did not speak.

"Enough," hissed Voldemort. Leaning over Severus he looked at his fallen Death Eater. "Perhaps you are telling us the truth, but it will not stop us."

Severus looked into his Master's eyes and saw the gleam of satisfaction. He realized Voldemort knew all along he did not have the wards to Hogwarts and that this was just a way to enjoy Severus' punishment for lying about Lupin. Severus also suspected there was a reason to have Lucius and Bellatrix present but he was in no condition to solve that mystery.

The Dark Lord stood up and snapped, "It is time. Bring him." He Apparated into the night.

~TBC