Saving Grace

Saving Grace
Chapter 14

oOo

The statement hit the girls like a physical blow. The crowed broke into a nervous uproar. Someone yelled out anonymously, “That’s not fair my Lord!”

Voldemort seemed to expand with fury. “SILENCE! How dare you question my command! The dark is not about being fair! It is about the justice of power. The task set is perfect in two fold: the former Miss. Granger must prove her heart is true while Miss. Tismond must prove she is more than just a pretty face.” With that he turned back to the girls. Rachel’s face had drained of color and she looked absolutely terrified. “Have I made myself quite clear?”

Hermione stood for a moment. She had initially been surprised by the task but no more. She saw the logic in his reasoning and had already begun planning her attack. She had sized up her sultry opponent and was fighting a grin from creeping across her face. ‘This is perfect’

“Yes, my Lord. I am happy to prove myself in any way you desire.”

Back in the crowd Severus felt something tighten painfully inside his chest. She had spoken with such conviction. He knew he was watching the loss of innocence and her eagerness terrified him. Watching her practice obsessively over the last few weeks he could feel the dark-lust in her rise. He recognized it because it had been the exact same way for him. Just as he had done in his youth, she had submerged herself. At first he believed it was just her hard-working nature set to the task of being the best spy possible, but recently he could not deny the hunger in her eyes and the earnest and heart-felt eagerness with which she studied. He only hoped that her innate goodness could hold off against the onslaught of dark desire.

Up on the stage the two girls were preparing to duel. Voldemort had moved to the back of the stage and the girls stood facing each other in the center. Rachel was positively shaking.

“Let us begin, I shall count off.” The Dark Lord announced. The girls came together back to back, wands held tightly in their hands. They were a stunning pair.

“One…Two…Three…Four…” As Voldemort counted Hermione steadied her breath and recited her first spell. She and Severus had discussed several strategies for the possible tasks Voldemort would set. They had decided in the event of a duel such as this, she should use wild and charismatic spells – the greater the show the better. Thanks to her studying she had quite the repertoire.

“…Eight…Nine…Ten!” The women spun around and cast. Hermione’s spell— that would have made Rachel’s hair strangle her— bounced off Rachel’s hastily placed shield charm. Rachel smiled smugly at her victory but Hermione laughed and walked forward quickly.

“Oh no Rachel! That’s not a proper shield charm! Why don’t you try this…” She whispered her spell, deciding to let the magic/spell speak for itself. The pale blue shield that had formed a shining dome around Rachel, lifted and solidified until she stood in a twinkling black sphere that resembled a transparent night sky. Rachel frantically moved her wand against it attempting to shatter the powerful shield. She eventually slammed her hand up against the wall but could not break through. Hermione wordlessly flicked her wand. The sphere jumped a meter into the air and crashed heavily down onto the polished oak floor. Rachel was thrown down in a heap like a rag doll.

For the next few minutes Hermione bounced the ball around the hall, its internal captive hitting the rock hard walls with cries of pain. Eventually she curled herself into a ball at the bottom, and though everyone could hear her continued efforts at reversing the spell, nothing made the slightest bit of difference. After an especially hard fall from a height of at least 6 feet Hermione let the sphere dissipate. Rachel was sobbing and cradling her left arm, which was bent at an unnatural angle.

Hermione’s eyes were deathly cold as she watched the girl suffer. She was completely aware of what was happening, but it was with a superficial conscience. She felt no sympathy for the beaten beauty lying at her feet, only confidence in her own abilities. As Severus stood in the crowd he hoped that she had sent her mind far away as he did whenever forced to hurt people in the name of the Dark Lord.

“Get up, Rachel.” She heard her voice but did not remember thinking to speak. Rachel stood, trying unsuccessfully to control her racking sobs. Her right ankle was also broken. Fear and pain had overcome and broken the girl.

“Please…Please…” she whimpered pathetically.

“Do you surrender?”

“Yes! Yes! Please don’t hurt me anymore,” Rachel pleaded as she crumbled to her knees.

Hermione turned to Voldemort and bowed, ready to receive his blessing for accomplishing her task. But he only stared and tsked at her.

“My, My, am I to have two failures tonight? You bow prematurely, Mrs. Snape.” His voice was pure evil.

Hermione stood, understanding fully what she needed to do, and nodded. “Yes, my Lord.”

“No! No…” Rachel wailed as Hermione approached her. Suddenly Hermione’s emotions caught up with her and she felt violently sick. She didn’t want to kill this girl, she didn’t even know her. She had already tortured her and reduced her to a whimpering little girl and now…she had to kill her.

Hermione felt a tear creep down her cheek as she raised her arm and whispered her final spell. She was knocked back a few steps by the force of her own magic as a fierce serpent of fire emerged from her wand tip. It rivaled Nagini in size and was beautiful in all its blazing glory. The snake hissed, its flame tongue licking the air and its bright red eyes searching for its prey. Crazed, Rachel desperately tried to scoot away but the snake was upon her in moments. She screamed as the fire engulfed her and the hall soon filled with the revolting smell of burnt flesh. Hermione’s spell wound its way around Rachel. Her screams became louder and more desperate as it reached her neck and reared back, diving in for the kill. Its four inch long fire fangs pierced her tender flesh and the screaming suddenly stopped. As the snake drank the girl’s life blood it darkened into a crimson red and began to look solid in appearance.

After a moment Hermione flicked her wand and the snake vanished in a puff of red smoke. The hall was silent and Hermione felt like fainting, crying, and vomiting all at once. She turned and walked back to stand in front of the Dark Lord. Silently she sank to her knees and bowed with her head to the floor, hiding her revulsion at the deed she had just completed.

“Well done, Hermione. Well done indeed.” From behind her, Hermione heard a strong and sinister applause rise from the crowd of Death Eaters. Hermione sat up and looked at the Lord of all Evil. He stood and extended his hand and she reached forward to touch his icy fingers. Words suddenly filled her mind and she repeated them out loud.

“I swear my life and my soul into the service of the Dark Lord.” For a brief moment her vision clouded and went dark. Only after he had dropped her hand was she able to take a breath.

He placed his hand on her head and said softly, “Take you mark in silence.” She gulped and gritted her teeth, waiting. Pain, sharp and fierce blossomed down her spine. She felt as if she was being branded. She bit back a sob and clenched her fists so hard her nails pierced her palms, drawing blood. After a minute the pain dissipated but her skin still throbbed. Another round of applause, this one with shouts of approval, erupted and Hermione realized that her dress must be showing off her Mark most effectively.

Voldemort extended his hand again and Hermione took it and stood. “You may rejoin Severus.” She nodded at his dismissal and walked quickly off the stage, aware that everyone was still observing her. Once she stepped off the dais, Voldemort began to speak again. She didn’t listen to his words as she began to weave through the crowd searching for her husband. Hermione held her head high and met the eye of anyone who dared to look at her. Even through her wearied nausea she took pride in the respectful manner in which she was being regarded.

She saw Severus standing with Lucius and Draco and quickened her step. Both blondes were grinning wildly at her, while Severus looked only concerned. Without thought she went to him and sagged against his chest. Over her head she heard him order Draco to fetch her a drink.

He took her by the shoulders and pushed her up right staring intently at her face. She had started to shake and her face had lost its color. Severus knew decompensation when he saw it. A tear leaked out of one eye and her lip had started to quiver. He pulled her close again, hard, and whispered into her ear. “Breathe. Breathe. Slowly now. It’s okay. You did well. Just breathe.” She struggled to inhale deeply, knowing that she could not fall apart, not now. She focused her mind on the crisp feel of Severus’ robes against her cheek, and the calming tone of his voice. She took another deep breath with greater ease. After a few more, she stepped back, shook her shoulders and blinked hard to clear her vision.

“Okay. I’m okay. I’m okay.” She said, as much to herself as to him as she patted his chest absentmindedly. She wiped at her face and smoothed her hair.

Severus lifted her chin and looked at her closely, frowning slightly.

“I’m fine. Really. I’m good.” She smiled at him.

Draco returned with a drink for her and pressed it into her hand. “Hermione that was brilliant! I have never seen any of the spells you cast. That sphere was amazing, really it was.”

“Thanks,” she said softly.

“Let’s see your mark!” Lucius chimed in jovially. Hermione turned to present her bare back to the three men. Both Malfoys whistled in tandem.

Using her new-found acting abilities, she giggled as she turned back around. “Well now I want to see it! Severus? Please show me wear the bathroom is?” She took his hand and squeezed it meaningfully. He took the hint.

The crowd parted as Severus led Hermione to the entrance. Once out in the foyer he made to let go of her hand but she held on to it tightly. He led her down a hall and finally stopped at a slightly open door. She pushed it open and pulled him in with her. Candles lit immediately, magically aware of their presence.

It was a relatively small bathroom but nonetheless luxurious. Hermione had dropped her fake air and stood looking soberly at Severus. Seemingly as an after thought she reached behind him and locked the door.

“Are you alr…”

“Just kiss me. Please.” Her soft plea interrupted him. Her eyes begged for reassurance.

He cupped her face gently and slowly eased his mouth over hers. For long drawn out minutes she stood and let him kiss her. He felt her tears against his face and kissed her as tenderly as he knew how.

After a time she stepped back. “Thank you. I just needed…that,” she said lamely, not knowing how to explain.

“I understand.” He replied gently. And he did. So many times he would come home from a rave or an attack and have the nameless desire to feel or see something good and whole and beautiful.

Hermione turned to the mirror and wiped at the mascara running down her cheek.

“I must admit, your tattoo is beautiful. I’ve never seen a mark like it,” he said, an admiring gleam in his eye.

She turned and looked over her shoulder, seeing the evidence of her new life for the first time. The Dark Mark spread the area from between her shoulder blades to right above her buttocks. It had the standard figure and form of the Mark everyone had but was intensely feminine. It lacked all of the brutish branding Severus’ tattoo had. It was scripted and stylized, its black tone seeming to glow off her ivory skin. Rather than a thickly muscled snake winding into a grotesque looking skull it was a delicate and slick serpent curling around a sinisterly beautiful visage.

“I like it.” She said with out emotion. She grabbed up her drink and downed it in a two fast gulps. “Okay, I’m ready to go back. Thank you, Severus.”

They walked hand in hand back to the ball room and found it to be half empty. People were streaming out and wandering through the hallway and foyer all talking excitedly. “What’s going on?” she whispered to Severus as they made their way over to Draco and Lucius who appeared to be waiting for them.

“The actual festivities have begun. Drugs, orgies, and torture, all you do is pick your favorite room,” he answered darkly/his voice dripping with sarcasm.

When they reached the Malfoys, Lucius announced that Voldemort had requested a meeting with his Beloved.

Severus looked to Hermione. “I’m fine, go to…our Lord,” She gulped. “I’ll stick with Draco until your finished.” She smiled at the afore mentioned man who grinned debonairly.

“It would be my honor to show Lady Snape what pleasures the Dark Lord has to offer, ” he said with a bow.

Hermione smiled and Severus frowned. She giggled and reached to kiss his cheek. “Find me later.” He grumbled but followed Lucius away and out a side door.

“Shall we?” Draco asked, offering his arm.

“We shall.” Hermione answered. She felt her face flushing as her second martini began to take effect.

Draco led her up the grand staircase, chattering all the while.

The second floor held a miniature ball room with sofas and tables lining the walls. People danced to piped in music while others drank and talked. Draco edged around the dance floor and led her through another door. In this room people stood and watched two theatrical duelers. The pair fired off alternating beautiful, and amusing spells that would turn the other rainbow and sparkly or into large pink rabbits. Hermione laughed and tugged at Draco, wishing to stay and watch but he smiled slyly and whispered that there was so much more to see.

Out through another door, down a dark hallway and into another room Draco finally stopped. This room was playing loud dance music and thirty or so young Death Eaters were dancing, drinking, and talking. Hermione looked around with wide-eyed wonder, there had not been parties like this at Hogwarts. A very good looking man of about twenty approached them and shook hands with Draco. He was a tall and lean brunette with a square jaw and attractive brown stubble.

“Draco! My good man! How are you?” Hermione could tell by his faulty stance that he was more than a bit drunk.

Draco clapped the man on the shoulder. “Great, Curt, just great. You know Hermione?”

Curt took up Hermione’s hand and kissed it sloppily. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.” He gave her a wicked smile and she smiled back in spite of herself.

Draco leaned forward and whispered something into his ear to which Curt nodded enthusiastically. “Naturally! What kind of party you think this is? Hold on, I’ll get you some.” And he rushed off through the crowd.

“What is he getting?” Hermione half-yelled over the blaring beat.

“Some drinks for us. It’s the house blend, trust me, you’ll like it.” He winked. She nodded and scooted closer to him, a bit overwhelmed.

Leaning close to speak into her ear, he asked, “Tell me about that shield spell, it was really top notch. Where did you learn it?”

“Just something Severus taught me,” she answered evasively.

“Oh no, you aren’t getting off that easy. I want to know what book you got it from. We should get together sometime and practice.”

Hermione agreed enthusiastically and was about to ask if he had heard of this certain book she had just found when Curt returned with two gold goblets filed to the brim with an amber liquid.

“Bottoms up, my friends! Hermione you will LOVE this.”

Hermione raised an eyebrow at the two boys who waited for her to take a sip. Her first taste was of something darkly fruity, like a very thick Sangria. A sudden rush of tingles up her arms told her there was more in the drink than just juice.

“What’s in this?” she asked Draco suspiciously.

“It’s a secret. Now then, don’t ask questions, drink up and enjoy.” Curt said swiftly. Draco laughed and clinked his goblet to hers. He took a long draft and sighed in pleasure.

Hermione took comfort in the fact that Draco was drinking it also, so she took a deeper sip. The tingling sensation did feel good and she felt herself flush.

“Good show by the way, Hermione. Nothing like a sexy killer.” Hermione could tell Curt was having a hard time focusing on her eyes, the way his kept trailing down her body.

“Thanks.” She said timidly. “I feel bad though, I didn’t even know Rachel.”

“Whatever, it’s the name of the game. She was a good lay though.” He laughed jovially and pounded Draco’s back conspiratorially. Draco looked at Hermione as if to apologize but Hermione just smiled. She suddenly felt VERY happy. Draco smiled back at her and laughed.

“To Hermione, may power prevail over lechery!” Draco toasted grandiosely and Hermione giddily took a great gulp of her drink.

“Why can’t we all just live in harmony?!” Curt asked in a fake pained voice.

Draco laughed, “If only, if only.”

“Now then. Seriously friends, I fear I must deprive you of my company as I have a…lecherous appointment that I simply can’t break. Listen up. I’m hosting a party at my flat in London next weekend and I command you both to come. Okay? Good. Draco, always a pleasure and Hermione,” he took up her hand again, “I shall mourn our parting.” He kissed her hand again and with another wink he turned and moved away leaving Draco with an increasingly giddy Hermione.

She felt jittery and giggly, and very thirsty. She took another gulp and looked to Draco. He was watching her with a knowing grin and Hermione could not help but smile at this wickedly handsome man. “What?” she asked innocently.

“You, my dear, are an adorable drunk.”

She tried to punch his shoulder and tell him that she wasn’t drunk but she stumbled in the effort and dropped her goblet. “Oh!” She laughed.

Draco chuckled and helped her upright. For a moment they stood body-to-body until Hermione giggled and took a step back. “Want to dance?” she said, nodding to the jumping crowd.

“I only slow dance.” He responded with a lusty look in his eyes. Hermione said a silent “oh” and raised her eyebrows. Draco laughed and shook his head. “Come along dearest, let’s get you another drink. I have another room I want to show you.”

He downed his goblet in one last swig, tossed it in the air and with a snap of his fingers it disappeared in a puff of smoke. Hermione clapped appreciatively. He took her by the hand and led her around the dancers to a smaller room. A large bowl of the punch sat on a low table. He poured her another goblet full and took up her hand again.

Hermione was thoroughly enjoying the feel of his hand in hers. In fact, it felt more real and physical than anything she had ever felt before. As he led her away she ran her thumb over the back of his hand amazed at how smooth his skin felt. How was it that she had never felt anything so incredibly silky? She continued taking fast gulps of her drink as he led her through the crowd and out into the hall way.

When they emerged into a less crowded room Draco turned and asked if she was doing alright. She hiccupped and proudly held up her empty glass. He laughed and took it from her. She leapt up to hug him saying, “I’m SO glad you’re here, Draco!”

Draco laughed even harder and hugged her back. “Wow, Hermione, I know that stuff was strong, but you have no tolerance.” He held her at arms length and shook his head smiling.

“I knooooow! I mean, I don’t know. I’ve never felt like this before.” Her eyes were wide and her pupils were so dilated it felt like the room was flooded in bright light.

“I’ll bet. You ever heard of Extasy?” He asked, steadying her with his hands on her hips as she began to tilt forward.

“The muggle club drug?”

“Yeah. Well…welcome to the Wizard version.” He waved his arm at their surroundings. As Hermione watched his hand it seemed to leave a glowing trail of green light in its wake. The glow faded within seconds but she immediately swiped her hand between herself and Draco to see if she could do it too. Her trail was lilac.

“Wow! That is SOO pretty!” she exclaimed. Draco looked at her questioningly then just rolled his eyes.

“I won’t even ask.” He took up her hand yet again.

As he lead her down the hall they passed a couple locked into a passionate embrace and Hermione pouted. “Where is Severus?”

“Down stares getting piss drunk.” Draco answered darkly. They came to the end of the hall to face two large double doors. Draco stopped and steadied Hermione. “Now then, you have to be very quiet when we go in here, okay? You will like it, I promise, just be very quiet.” Hermione nodded and held a finger to her lips, a drunken smile on her face.

Holding tight to her hand he pushed open the door and pulled her in after him. Hermione looked around and at first was very confused. About twenty people sat or stood at the other end of the room looking across to a group of six half dressed bodies, moving in tandem. Hermione opened her mouth to question but gasped instead as understanding washed over her. She felt her face go beet red and her whole body warm.

Draco shot her a sideways smile and Hermione gulped. One of the women moaned sensuously.

Hermione could not tear her eyes away from the group orgy playing out in front of her. Desire was pooling at the pit of her stomach and her breath was shallow.

Suddenly someone tapped her shoulder and the surprise contact almost made her shout. She whipped around to find Severus looking down at her with raised eyebrows.

She beamed up at him and pulled his face down to hers, taking his mouth in a demanding kiss. He pulled away with force and held her, panting, at bay. He quickly took in her almost iris-less eyes. He shot an accusatory glance over her head at Draco who only shrugged sheepishly.

Severus looked down at Hermione, whose eyes were beckoning him frantically. He lent down for her to whisper in his ear.

“Fuck me,” she said, ruining the sexiness by giggling. Severus sighed and rolled his eyes. He grabbed her hand roughly and dragged her out of the room.

oOo

Hermione groaned. Even through her closed eyelids the room was too bright. She groaned again. She was lying on her stomach in a soft bed. When she tried to open her eyes the light hurt too much and she clenched them shut again. She moved her limbs slightly to make sure they were still there. She could feel that she was completely naked.

She groaned again.

Very slowly and after several attempts she was able to open here eyes slightly, the sheets had thin blue stripes. This was NOT her bed. She turned her head and almost shouted when she saw a man lying next to her. After a moment she recognized it to be Severus. ‘Thank MERLIN.’ She looked down and saw that he was also naked, that the bed they lay on was extremely rumpled, and they had not even pulled back the top cover.

She groaned again. Severus answered with a grunt of his own.

“Stop that, woman,” he said with a growl.

“Severus.” His name was all she had the energy to say.

There was a very long pause before he answered, “What?”

She closed her eyes and tried to remember the night before. Nothing came to mind. “What happened last night?”

With a long drawn out moan he turned onto his back and blinked his eyes open. “You don’t remember?” He asked, sounding more awake and most definitely amused.

She curled her arms around herself and burrowed her face into the pillow. “No. Nothing.” Slow, sluggish memories of her fight with Rachel and the pain of her Mark were drifting back to her, but then nothing.

She heard him yawn and move so she turned to watch him. He sat up slowly and rubbed at his face. Hermione’s eyes opened wide when she saw the scratch marks down his back.

With a harsh laugh and in a darkly sensual tone he spoke, “Well I don’t know what drug you were on. But we both liked it.”

oOo

Authors Note: hope you liked it! A very fun chapter to right. I have most of the next one written so it shouldn’t take too long for the next update. Thanks to my beta, GeminiScorp