Our Paths Cross Again

Author’s Note: Hermione is going to be a bit dark. This doesn’t follow with OTP or HBP. Sirius Black is alive and in my story Severus is a pure blood. Just so you know.

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything you recognize. So please don’t sue.

Summery: It’s been six years since Hermione left Hogwarts. She’s been doing a secret mission for the Order. Suddenly she and Severus are thrown together. Will they be able to work together or will they end up killing each other? R/R

Our Paths Cross Again

Chapter 16

*Hermione’s Mind*

Hermione and James walked through the door once more. This time the scene that was before her was of the alley. She knew what was going to happen and was going to change the outcome. She and James stood on the street when suddenly a voice filled the air.

“Hermione, please come back. I love you so much. I need you here with me.”

“Severus?” Hermione asked.

“Yes. You can hear him. The fact that it is so clear means you are near the end of your quest Hermione. After this there is one more. It is the last one that will be the hardest for you. No prepare yourself.” James answered.

Hermione nodded. She began walking. Just as she had that night. Only this time, she was more alert than she had been. A few moments later she heard them. She pretended she didn’t, but was immediately ready for their attack. She didn’t wait long. Avery attacked first.

Hermione grabbed his arm as he went to grab her and flipped him onto his back. Lucius and LeStrange charged at her. She easily dispatched them. She then conjured a sword and stood ready.

“Come on your fuckers.” Hermione hissed.

“You’ll pay bitch.” Avery growled.

The three ran at her again. Hermione swung her sword. She caught both Avery and LeStrange across the chest. Both falling to the street. Lucius came at her. Hermione spun so her back was to him and drove the sword to the hilt into his stomach. Lucius gave a strangled gasp. Hermione withdrew the blade, faced Lucius and pushed him down. She then walked to Avery and LeStrange.

She grabbed each one by the hair and cut their heads off. She did the same with Lucius. Once done, she banished the sword, cleaned the blood from her turned to face James. James nodded and motioned for her to follow. The last door appeared.

“Are you ready? Remember, this will be the hardest challenge.” he asked.

“I’m ready.” she answered.

“One last thing. In this memory, you must do nothing until I say. You must watch it unfold, but do nothing to change what has to happen. Understand?” James explained.

Hermione nodded. James opened the door and they entered. The scene before was unfamiliar to her. She looked questioningly at James but he said nothing. She stood there watching. A few moments later she realized this memory was not her, but someone else’s. Just then at least twenty Death Eaters walked in.

“My followers, we have someone new to initiate into our family.” Voldemort said as he sat on his throne.

He looked different. He looked…human. This must have been before he was beaten by Harry the first time. She watched as the Death Eaters began whispering eagerly. She didn’t understand what would be so difficult about this, but did as James said and watched.

“Bring him in.” Voldemort ordered.

Hermione watched as two Death Eaters escorted a young man into the room. There was something familiar about the young wizard, but she couldn’t place it at that moment. The young wizard kneel before Voldemort and kiss the hem of his robes.

“Rise Severus.” Voldemort said.

Hermione let out a gasp. She was going to be watching Severus’s initiation into the Death Eaters. She looked at James who returned her look.

“I told you this one was going to be the hardest.” James said.

“You wish to join me Severus?” Voldemort asked.

“Yes my lord.” Severus answered.

“Then let the initiation begin.” Voldemort announced.

Severus was grabbed by four Death Eaters and carried to an alter that had appeared in the middle of the room. Hermione knew what was going to happen. She started to run over and stop them when James grabbed her hand and shook his head. Hermione didn’t know if she could stand by and watch what was going to happen.

“If you interfere, you will die Hermione. You are so close to returning to Severus. Do you want to fail now?” James asked.

Hermione just shook her head. She would have to watch if she ever wanted to return to Severus. The four Death Eaters tied Severus down to the alter. He was laying on his stomach. He didn’t fight, cry out nothing. She could feel the tears well up in her eyes as she watched two Death Eaters stand on either side of Severus.

She gasped as they pulled out whips and begin hitting Severus with them. They each ht him five times and stepped away. Then two more Death Eaters took their place. This continued until all twenty had a turn. Hermione had tears flowing down her cheeks now.

“It is now time for you to become one of our family Severus.” Voldemort said.

Hermione began crying harder as she saw what was happening next. The Death Eaters formed a line and one by one they each raped Severus. Just like Hermione, Severus didn’t fight, or cry out in pain. He just took whatever they would dish out at him.

Hermione had fallen to her knees sobbing as she watched the man who had thawed and taken her heart be brutalized by his one time brothers. James was kneeling beside her gently rubbing her back. After the last Death Eater had his turn Voldemort stood up and walked to the alter. Hermione cried out as Voldemort himself took his turn.

For five minutes Voldemort pounded away at Severus who didn’t let out a single sound. Finally Voldemort finished. He withdrew his wand, and waved it over Severus. The bleeding was stopped and healed. Severus was untied and dressed. He knelt before Voldemort.

“Welcome to our family Severus.” Voldemort said.

Voldemort pointed his wand at Severus’s left wrist and the Dark Mark formed on his skin. Once the mark was fully formed, the scene vanished. Hermione was clinging desperately to James. They were once more in the misty field.

“My god. I never…knew what…he had to…do to…join them.” she sobbed.

“I know Hermione. Not even Albus knew what Severus endured. You have passed this test Hermione.” he said soothingly.

“What now?” she asked.

“Wait here. Someone will be coming to guide you home. Remember what you have learned. Do not continue to bottle up your feelings. If you do, it will destroy you. And remember what I said about Severus. Tell him. He will understand and he can and will help you heal.” James said as he stood up.

Hermione nodded. James gave a little wave and faded away. Hermione wiped her eyes and sat cross legged on the ground and waited. She began processing what she had seen and been told by James. Just then a voice called her name.

“Hermione?”

Hermione jumped to her feet and spun around. Standing before her was the one person she wanted to see more than anything. Severus. She took off and began running to him. Severus caught her and held her tightly in his arms.

“Oh Severus. Severus thank god it’s you.” she cried.

“I’m dreaming. I’ve got to be.” he said.

“No. You’re here for a reason. You’re here to take me home.” she replied as she pulled back and looked into his eyes.

Before he could even speak, Hermione threw her arms around his neck and slammed her lips against his. The kiss was intense. She poured all the emotions she could into the kiss. Desperately trying to convey what she was feeling to him. Severus held her even tighter and began kissing her back. Finally they pulled away.

“Severus, I love you. I love you so much. I’m sorry I never told you. I was just afraid to let anyone into my heart.” she said.

“Oh Hermione. I love you too. I was also scared of telling you how I felt. Afraid you would turn away from me.” Severus replied.

“Severus, let’s go home. We have so much to talk about.” she said.

Severus nodded. He gathered her close to him and closed his eyes. Concentrating on getting them back to her room in the hospital wing. Hoping that when he awoke, she would be awake as well.

T.B.C