Black Heart

Beta girl you're the best! As for the disclaimer dohickey, do I really need to say I'm not her. I
don't look, sound, or resemble the great HER? Nuff said? Just borrowing, see
dusting them now JK. I promise not to break them. :)
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Chapter 3: Saturday; Part 2

Hermione sat for a few minutes, studying his face, his form and other things. Severus had
a strong jaw and surprisingly long eyelashes for a man. Fortunately, this did not make him look
feminine at all. His chest, which was bare, had several scars. Hermione wanted to touch each
one, just to see what they felt like.

Don't you dare, Hermione warned herself.

He was quite tall, but not gangly or lanky. His broad shoulders were well defined and his
chest muscular looking. Severus' stomach was, no surprise, well defined, also likely from all the
bending and stooping to retrieve cauldrons. All in all, a nice package. Hermione didn't dare go
lower. I need to do something else before I create a stupid schoolgirl crush on a teacher, and
on Snape, of all people!

Hermione shook her head. Well, since he is lying on his side and I can now reach his
back, I can put more healing salve on.

Sliding off the bed, Hermione retrieved the salve from the tray. She grabbed her wand
from the foot of the bed, pointing it to Severus' back and preformed a cleansing spell.

She was just tying the bandage around Severus' hand, when he awoke. Just as he was
about to pull his hand away from Hermione, she spoke. Looking him in directly in the eye she
said, "Don't move, please. I'm nearly done."

"You shouldn't have let me stay under so long," he snarled. "What if Lucius had come
back?"

"Then I would have called Nala, for tea, with instructions to get Professor Dumbledore.
As it is, I think I should speak to Nala and work out some sort of code."

They sat in silence for a time. Severus, thinking of all the things that could have
happened to her and Hermione, for her part was thinking of how to ward the fireplace against
unwanted visitors.

Severus looked at Hermione. "You should go back to your tower. It's not safe with me.
It never is." He mumbled under his breath.

"Stop trying to push me away. I'm not leaving," Hermione said, her voice getting hard.

Suddenly Severus' hand shot forward, grabbing the front of Hermione's shirt. "He could
have taken you away. He could have attacked you, here in these rooms and killed you, or
worse."

"I know the history of Hogwarts, and some of what Lucius is capable of Professor,"
Hermione said, gently, though her heart was pounding. She knew he would never truly hurt her,
not on purpose. But accidents did happen.

Hermione put her hand on the Professor's wrist. "You can scare me all you want," she
whispered, since his face was so close to hers, it came out kind of breathy. "I may even want to
cry on occasion, but I'm-not-leaving!" Hermione said, the last with a quiet determination.

He let go of her shirt slowly. "Why not?" Severus hissed, at her.

"Because, you need me," she said, a little louder, and got off the bed. "Whether you like
it or not."

"I never needed you or anyone else before and I certainly don't need anyone now. This
isn't even the worst that has happen to me," Severus' voice was getting louder. His eyes were
cold and hard, his anger increasing at her stubbornness. "The only reason you are still here,
Miss Granger, is so you can brag to your little friends what an important job you have had
helping the poor Professor tend his wounds. I'm sure it will make a wonderful little story at your
next slumber party with all your girlfriends, gossiping away. You're a stupid little girl,
who doesn't even know when her life is in danger," Severus was shouting, now and his
hands were shaking. "Now, get out!"

It was happening again. His whole body was shaking, now. "Damn it," Severus cursed.

She just stood there, with tears threatening to spill from her eyes. Severus turned away
from her, still shaking. She sighed and hung her head. Hermione placed her left hand on his
shoulder as she got back up on the bed. Getting on her knees she moved around so she was
better able to get closer to him. She held out her hand for him from behind. Severus saw it but
made no movement to take it. Finally Hermione withdrew it placing it on his waist instead.
Then, slowly moving her open palm up to rest on his shoulder, she kept stroking up and down
his arm.

Hermione kept rubbing with slow rhythmic movements, as the shaking slowly left his
body. Surprisingly though, Severus didn't pass out this time. Hermione sat with him for awhile,
until his breathing calm and his body relaxed. It had been so long since anyone had touched him
like that. Offering him comfort. What was going through her mind. Did he even want to
know? Stop it! He berated himself, she's a student. He closed his eyes trying to
block her from invading his thoughts.

Hermione, thinking he was asleep, carefully got off the bed so as not to wake him and
covered the Professor up again. She left the bedroom and entered the sitting room. Slumping
down, in the wing chair, she called for Nala.

"Yes, Miss?"

"Nala, could you please go to my room and fetch me a change of clothes. Jeans and a t-
shirt and when supper is ready, just bring a plate here for me and something light for the
Professor. Also, if I should call for you and Mr. Malfoy is here, I will ask for tea. That will be
our code for you to run and fetch the Headmaster, understand?"

"Yes, Miss. Nala understands. I'll get your things right away, Miss." Nala turned to
leave, but stopped. Turning to look over her bare shoulder she asked, "Are you alright, Miss?"
Nala continued to look at Hermione with large blue eyes.

"Yes, I'm fine. Just tired is all."

"Did the man with long hair and no color come here?" She squeaked and started to
tremble.

"Yes he did, therefore, if I should call for tea when he is here, do not hesitate to go
directly to the Headmaster."

"Of course Miss." She nodded her bald head, ears flapping as she did so.

"You should rest, Miss." She said, then Nala disappeared.

Hermione did close her eyes and soon fell asleep in the large, comfy chair.

Severus was awake, in the bed, listening, to see if Hermione had left. He decided to get
up and see what kind of trouble the ridiculous girl was up to. He had heard her talking quietly to
Nala and wondered what new instructions she was giving his little elf.

As Severus entered the room, he saw a pair of legs, stretched out in front of the chair,
crossed at the ankles.

He was approaching the chair, quietly, to see what she was reading, when he noticed that
her hands were clasped over her stomach. Her head was tucked into the corner of the chair, she
was asleep.

Severus walked fully around the chair, studying the girl. Her body was so relaxed.
When was the last time I ever felt that completely at ease? Too long ago; he realized. He
then noticed, Hermione's eyes. The lashes were wet and there was a thin damp trail partway
down her cheek. As if she had allowed only one tear to escape. Severus shakily knelt down on
one knee next to the chair, using the knuckle of his first finger, wiped it away. He then
summoning the blanket from the opposite chair he covered the sleeping girl.

Standing straight, he placed his hand on her head and whispered, "I hope you have better
dreams than I do." Then, retrieving his wand, Severus proceeded to ward the fireplace, very
strongly. He didn't want anymore surprises. Finally, turning on his heel, he returned to bed.

Two hours later, Hermione woke, with a horrible pain in her back. Looking down at her
legs, she noticed a blanket. Who had covered her, she wondered. Nala? The
Professor? Na, no way, she laughed to herself. Maybe Colonel Mustard in the library,
with the candle stick.

Nala had apparently been and gone, leaving two plates under a magical dome to keep
warm on the black table.

Well, better go check on the Professor. I've got to get him to eat more, Hermione
thought, and walked quietly into the bedroom.

Snape was lying on his back, propped up by pillows. He looked like he was waiting for
someone to stop by for a chat, and his eyes just happened to be closed. His hands were clasped
in his lap.

Hermione walked over to the side of the bed, wondering about the best way to awaken
him. Snape's breathing was slow and regular. His limbs started twitching and for a moment she
feared he was having another bout of the Cruciatus curse. Hermione closed the distance to the
Professor. She automatically reached out to touch his hand, but she stopped short of actually
doing it. Hermione heard Snape mumbling about Neville and his caldron and blowing everyone
to hades.

Ahh, he was dreaming. Then his dream took a darker turn. Something to do with a girl
being tortured and then, Snape yelled. "No, leave her alone."

Hermione did touch his hand then. Saying, "Sir?"

He cried out, "Don't make me do this anymore."

"Professor," Hermione tried again, this time picking up his hand.

"She doesn't want to," Snape said. Hermione's heart was beating wildly, while her chest
was tightening. She felt bad that even in his dreams, Voldemort wouldn't leave him alone.

"Severus wake up," she called, loudly. With one hand on his and her other on his
shoulder. "You're just dreaming, wake up."

He did that, all right. He sat straight up in the bed, eyes open, ready to attack whomever
his eyes met up with, first. "I, um," Hermione faltered. "You were dreaming," she tried, again.
"And it didn't sound like a very nice one. So I thought I would wake you from it," she finished
at last but even to her ears it sounded lame.

Severus just stared at the girl with cold distant eyes.

Hermione removed her hand from Severus' shoulder and was about to remove her other
hand from his, when she felt his fingers slide over hers and tighten slightly. Eyes fixed on one
another, Hermione looked in to the black depths of her Professor's. "Do you want to talk about
the dream?" She asked, softly, so as not to break the fine thread between them. "Sometimes it
helps to . . ."

But Snape cut her off quickly releasing her hand. "No," he answered. "It won't change
things. And I hate reliving it."

"I understand," Hermione replied.

"Oh, really. And what would you know about horror?"

"I'm just saying, I wouldn't want to relive any of my nightmares either on a daily basis.
You must be very strong, not to let it drive you mad." Withdrawing her hand slowly, she stood
up and started for the door.

"Supper is ready. Would you like to eat in here or at the table, Sir?"

Severus looked at the retreating girl, there wasn't a trace of anything in her voice that
would suggest pity or cruelty, she was simply making a statement. It seemed to calm him
slightly.

"I believe I would like a change of scenery," Severus said, guardedly.

"Alright," replied Hermione. "I'll go set the table," she smiled. As she reached the door,
she turned and asked, "Do you need help getting to the table?"

"No, Miss Granger, I'll make it."

Nodding, Hermione walked out the door and to the table. With a few flicks of her wand,
a table cloth and a few candles appeared.

Severus walked stiffly into the room and raised an eyebrow at the sight of the extra
candles.

Without turning around, she continued setting the table. "I thought we could use a little
more light, and that such a beautiful table should be protected, so I whipped up a table cloth too."

With a flick of the Professor's wrist, he produced an extra chair at the table to go with the
one already placed there. Severus sat at the head and Hermione sat to the right and they started
eating.

She tried to think of some small talk but all of the items she came up with could be
misinterpreted as prying. She wished he would say something.

Severus noticed that thoughts were flying through her mind, showing clearly on her face.
She was usually very chatty with her friends at their table in the great hall. Not that he had ever
paid much attention to that sort of thing and for the life of him, he couldn't figure out why he
cared. He mentally gave a shrug and decided to give it a go.

"Are you missing any exams by being here?" He asked. It sounded a little harsh, even to
him.

Hermione looked at the Professor from the side and not seeing his usual sour expression,
decided it was just a question. The small talk she'd been wanting. Smiling, Hermione answered,
"Only one, but I'm sure he'll let me take it, once you're well." She looked amused with herself
and there was a look in her eye, that said mischief.

"Really?" Severus inquired. "You're quite sure about that. Who is it? Maybe
Dumbledore could release you to take this test."

Hermione looked like she was about to bust. "I could ask the teacher right now if you are
at all concerned," she said, smiling full on at Severus.

His eyes narrowed. "Would that not complicate what Dumbledore has set up?"

Hermione rested her chin on her hand, still smiling. She decided to let him off the hook.
"It's you, Professor." She said with a hint of humor in her voice. "You're my last exam." She
turned to eat more of her meal.

Just as the fork toucher her lips, Severus said, "I don't know. He's quite a bastard I hear.
He may decide to not let you make it up, just to keep his reputation intact, you understand."

Hermione nearly dropped her fork and quickly looked over at the Professor. Then she
saw his lips twitching as he tried t suppress a smile.

Relief washed over her as well as astonishment, she just couldn't believe he was teasing
her. "Well," Hermione surmised, "maybe if I promise not to tell anyone of his kindness to me,
his reputation would not be ruined, then he just may reconsider."

"Hmm, perhaps," Severus said. "Perhaps." Then he smiled at her.

He has such a lovely smile, it's a shame he doesn't do it more.

Seeing Hermione's eyes turn slightly sad, he rolled his eyes and lay his fork on the table.
His hands made a steeple over his plate. "For Merlin's sake, I tell you, you may take the bloody
test and now you look sad?"

"No, I'm grateful, honest. I was just. . . thinking . . ."

"What? Out with it."

"Nothing, really," Hermione stood, and started to clear away the dishes. As she stepped
closer to Severus to remove the dishes, he grabbed her wrist.

"Tell me," he said, in a low tone that wouldn't let her dismiss him.

Hermione's mind raced. What would be a plausible lie? She didn't want to tell him what
she was really thinking. He'd be angry. "I thought maybe you'd let me take the test here, instead
of waiting," Hermione tried, hopefully.

"You're lying again," he growled. "Why?"

Hermione felt herself blushing so hard, she felt faint. Looking him in the eye, she stated
the truth. "I thought you looked really nice when you smiled just then and it was a shame we
don't get to see you smile more often," she said, angrily pulling her wrist from his stunned grasp
and taking the empty dishes, stacked them neatly for Nala. When she blew out the candles,
everything disappeared.

No one had ever said those things to me before. Not anyone, Severus sat mouth
nearly gaping open.

Hermione was flustered, and wanting an exit, turned and asked, "Could I use your
shower, Sir? I would like to change my clothes."

"Of course, Miss Granger." Severus sounded distracted stared at the table top as he
waived her off.

She wanted to run from the room, but snatching up her night clothes holding them tightly
against her body, and heading for the shower calmly, was the best she could do.

When she finished her shower she quickly got dressed, then cautiously she opened the
door to see if he was in bed. He wasn't. Well, better go find him, she thought.

Severus was in one of the dark creamed winged chairs, reading a book. He didn't look up
when she came in.

Hermione asked softly, in case he didn't know she was in the room, "May I read one of
your books, Sir?"

He nodded, not taking his eyes from the page. "From that bookcase only if you please,"
he pointed at a book shelf to the right of the main door.

Nodding she took down the book she had been wanting to read since she came. It was all
about the Cruciatus curse. Maybe she could find something to help him in there. A potion she
could make. . . something.

Hermione sat in the other winged chair and prepared to read. Looking at the Professor
Hermione said, "Did you want me to change the bandages now Professor, or later?"

"Later will be fine Miss Granger." He mumbled still reading.

"I believe you'll be healed by morning.' She offered"

"Hmm." Was the only answer she got from.

Hermione shrugged and started reading. After being absorbed in her book for a time the
chimney made a funny chime noise. Hermione looked at the fireplace then the Professor, her
eyes only slightly widened.

"Something is trying to come through," he said. Hermione stood up, as did Severus.
From beside him in the cushion of the chair he retrieved his wand and pointed it and lifted the
wards. Hermione stood, wand, at the ready. The Professor looked at her.

"It's not Malfoy again."

"How do you know?" She asked .

"Because the wards required people to give a name for it to chime."

"Oh . . . well, I didn't want to face him again unarmed," she added. When the last ward
was lifted two letters came through and landed on the floor in front of her.

"Oh really, for Merlin sake." Severus said looking at her letters. "They can't live with
out you for five minutes, can they?"

"Nope." She said smiling warmly and picking them up. After Hermione had retrieved
her letters form the floor she nearly collided with Snape who was standing directly behind her.

"Do you have the same effect on all your men?" Snape spoke soft and low. Then he was
gone calling from some where in the bedroom. "I'm going to have a bath Miss Granger since I
can not have my preferred shower."

"Be careful not to get the bandages wet," she called after him distractedly. She was
dreaming or delusional, that had to be it. There was no way Snape would ever use that
dreamy voice to make her knees weak. . . on purpose. . . Right? Hermione sat down hard in the
chair staring at the door Snape had only moments ago gone through. Could she have feelings for
him? Could anyone? He is by no means the nicest person she'd ever met. But still there was
something inside him that wouldn't let her hate him like she knew others did. At the mere
thought of her friends she smiled. The letters felt heavy in her hands and she looked down at
them stroking them lovingly. the first was from Harry.

Dear Hermione,
How are you? Is Snape treating you alright? Do we need to come and save you? Ha ha.
How long do you figure you'll be locked up with the git?
I wrote my exam this afternoon and I think I did alright, thanks to you. We didn't get the
results as of yet. So don't ask.
I hope you are well and not bored out of your mind. I know how restless you get with
nothing to do. So do try to stay out of trouble won't you?
Dumbledore told us that we could write to you and that it would be less suspicious then
us showing up at Snape's door on our own. Didn't use Hedwig either so we don't raise
suspicion. Wouldn't do to have my owl making trips to Professor Snarky now would it?
I miss you horribly, Ron is making me crazy. I never realized how much you buffered
between Ron and myself. Now I'm getting the full wack! I think I'm going to need a holiday
after you return. If I don't stun myself first of course that is.
For; Harry.

There was a drawing, a funny picture of Harry with earmuffs on. Hermione laughed out
loud.

He always signed the letter like that they all did. It was their special code for each other.
It happened by accident in the summer of their sixth year. Harry was in a hurry to get Hedwig
out the window before his Aunt Petunia came in and stole the letter to burn it. Hermione told
Ron the cute mistake Harry had made. So, not to be outdone by his best friend in the cuteness
department, Ron decided to find out just how smart his other two friends were. He decided that
this could be their personal code to each other. And so it continued to this day. Each of them
ending a letter with their own personal mistake.

Next she opened Ron's:

Dear Hermie,
How goes boredom watch? Getting any sleep? I know how much you detest sleeping in
a strange place, and our potions master digs doesn't get any stranger. Haha. Harry is being a
total git he is driving me crazy. He misses you so much. To tell the truth I do too. I never
realized how big a buffer you were between us. Please send word that you'll be back soon. Did
Harry mentioned Dumbledore said we could write. Well we'll just pretend it's summer eh?
Unfortunately Harry may not be able to speak when you return if he talks about the new broom
anymore. ' The precision flier.' I'm so tired of hearing about it. Honestly last night I
dreamt that thing chased me up and down the hall smacking me right on the bum. Take care of
yourself luv, and hurry back to save me won't you?? Please?
Ever, Ron
P.s. My test went fine thanks for helping me study. I owe you. . . again.

Hermione laughed quietly to herself. She went to the book she had left after transfiguring
it and finding a quill and parchment, sat in the chair Severus had used.

Dear Harry and Ron;
I certainly hope you both are well. Do try not to injure yourselves before my return. I
don't fancy a trip to Madame Pomfrey's upon my so soon. I'm sorry to hear your results are not
in yet but that's to be expected I guess. I'm doing well and getting some reading done, he has
some of the most amazing books down here. I wonder if the Professor would mind me
borrowing some before I have to leave. Please look in on Crooks for me Harry as Ron will
merely torment him. Stay out Ron I mean it! As for sleep well I guess it's a good thing I'm
young, as I'm really not getting that much. I'll sleep after I graduate I suppose. I'll see you as
soon as I'm able.
Yours, Hermione

Hermione walked over to the fire, threw in a pinch of powder and called, Gryffindor
tower, then let the letter go as she heard her name being called from the bedroom. She turned on
her heel and entered into the room. Severus was still glistening form his bath. Only the tips of
his hair were wet and dripping, running little beads of water all over his body, as though they
were having a race to see which would reach the waist band to his pants.

"I'm sorry to inform you Miss Granger that despite my efforts the bandages did get wet."

"That's fine Sir, I expected that actually." She saw that he had changed into his pajama
pant. They were dark green. Her eyes widened slightly but she recovered quickly. "You didn't
wash your hair." She said gently I'm sure-"

"I know you all think that the greasy git Professor Snape never washes his hair!" He
sneered, practically shouting he was that livid. He started shaking.

Uh-oh, Hermione thought another sore spot. Good thing I didn't take the
charm off my hand. How long did they last anyway? She wondered. "It's ok Professor I'm
here." She spoke soothingly to him. Hermione went to the left of the bed as that was the
direction Severus had turned after climbing on in order not to see her. She sat on the edge of the
bed far enough down so he could see her face. She could see him glaring at her.

Hermione offered her hand to him he just lowered his eyes still shaking. She left her
hand near by so he could touch her. Hermione sighed, "I was not trying to criticize you,
Professor." She tried gently placing two fingers on his hand. "I was merely stating an
observation. I felt bad that I had not thought of offering to help you out sooner. Of course it
would have hard for you to do yourself, especially with me asking you not to get your bandages
wet."

Snape didn't move. Hermione moved her hand closer. Three fingers now stroking his
hand soothingly. "Further more," her voice getting a little stronger, "I would ask that you not
lump me in with the ignorant lot. For anyone with half a brain, and eyes in their head can clearly
see that your hair is the softest I have ever seen in my life. That it's shiny with health not oil. For
Merlin's sake it's softer than my own."

Suddenly Severus grabbed her hand and simply held it. He couldn't let her know how
much her words affected him. He'd long ago given up hope that anyone ever noticed anything
about him. Not even his family knew what Hermione knew, and she had only know him for 7
years. His family had been around him his whole life. He also knew that his family didn't care
enough. They were concerned with their own affairs. Though they never lost an opportunity to
comment on his short comings. Whether it was to do with his appearance, or his potion
experiments making unpleasant odors in the residence. His father especially made as many
horrid comments about Severus as possible.

Hermione lifted her right hand to his hair to brush it away from his face. Severus closed
his eyes. Hermione thought he must like it since he didn't yell, push her away, or glare at her.
So she continued stroking his hair in an absent minded fashion, till he stopped shaking.

Taking the sleeve from her shirt Hermione wiped the sweat from his face, still using slow
steady movements was almost trance like. Severus' body finally went quiet. She held his hand
in both of hers as he fell asleep. Hermione got up to leave and his tightened slightly as she tried
to pull away then he let go. She waited a few moments more to ensure that he was asleep,
wondering if she should stay she got up off the bed, and covored the sleeping man. Hermione
left and walked back to her chair to read by the fire.

In his office Dumbledore smiled to himself. "You're up to something Albus. What is it?"

The Headmaster closed his book with the two little figures in it, who were now in
different rooms, and looked up at Professor McGonagall. "I would say things are progressing
nicely Minerva."

"Albus." Tut tuted Professor McGonagall. I can't believe you sacrificed one of my
Gryffindor's to a snake."

"Who else would be willing to walk into the lions den and face the lion head on?" Albus
laughed at the look he received from Professor McGonagall. "Ice mouse, Minerva?"

Professor McGonagall smirked at the Headmaster. "I hope you know what your doing. If
your not careful this could go south on you." She cautioned as she popped the sugary sweet into
her mouth.

"I'm quite aware my dear. But thank you for your much welcomed advice. Alas it is the
only way I can think of to save him, Minerva. The effects of the curse are getting stronger. We
will be right where we were five years ago, and no one wants that for him. I'm only hoping for
friendship between the two however, if something more should develop between them. . . I
would not object."

"Albus! What about the rules?" The shocked woman asked, her eyes wide in surprise.

"If you care to remember, my dear, the rules have been bent in a good cause before. All
precautions will be taken I assure you."

"Well I know I can't change your mind about this so I won't waste my breath trying. I am
worried for the girl. And he is quite a bit older than she is. I know it makes no difference to us
in our world. But Albus, she is not from here and her parents are muggles. They certainly would
not understand. Do bear that in mind when you are planning her wedding, hmm?"

Albus nodded and smiled at his friend. "Now Minerva I'm expecting Miss Granger to
call on me either tonight or early tomorrow morning. Depending on how quickly she reads, that
is. Here take some mice with you for your walk."

"Good night Albus." McGonagall said, as she turned to leave.

"Goodnight Minerva." He smiled and closed the door behind her.
****
At the edge of the forest a lone figure stands staring at the dilapidated building. It was
starting to get dark. A light gust of wind blew at the figure as it approached the neglected
pathway. The cloak started flapping in the wind and a shock of long white hair was pulled from
underneath the hood. As Lucius Malfoy left the ever darkening forest, he came upon an immense
gnarled tree, which had a large knot at chest level. The tree stood next to a tall black iron wall.
He approached the knot and pressed his Death Eater's mark against it, mumbling a spell.
Suddenly the large heavy iron gate swung open. Lucius slipped through, and walked briskly up
the steps. Upon entering the residence Peter Pettigrew appeared, seemingly from nowhere.

"He is expecting you, Sir," Pettigrew simpered. "Please quicken your
step kindly as the Master has been in a rather foul mood all day."

Lucius snorted quietly. "Well then lead me to him and I'll see if I can't lift his spirits for
him, shall I?"

The two men walked down the middle of the room to a small hall way. After passing 3
doors Wormtail finally stopped. Bowing low, he opened the door, stepped aside and let Lucius
precede him into the room. He shut the door silently after the tall well groomed man.

Voldemorte was sitting on a red plush chair in the middle of a fairly large room. When
he looked up from the desk, it was to see one of his loyal followers. "Malfoy," his voice held
obvious displeasure. With a wave of his hand all the papers he had been looking at and the three
dimensional blueprints of Hogwarts disappeared. "To what do I owe this visit? It had better be
important, as I'm quite sure I gave very explicit orders the last time you were here." Voldemorte
stared at the younger man expectantly.

Lucius walked confidently into the room and knelt next to the heavy wooden desk in front
of the glaring man and kissed his robe. "My lord." Lucius' eyes were downcast awaiting his fate
hoping against hope that he would be granted permission to speak.

Voldemorte sighed and placed his hand on Lucius' head. "Speak."

"Lord, I have been to check on Snape. And found him not alone."

The dark lord was tired of the jealously and animosity between the two. Pinching the
bridge of his nose he was about to take a lashing out on the pale man. "Finish it!" He barked.

Malfoy cringed slightly. "Yes my Lord." He spoke with his eyes never leaving the floor.
"He is hold up in his dungeons with that mudblood girl! That friend of Potter's. He says that
Dumbledore insisted that the girl tend his injuries."

" What?" Voldemort bellowed. "Show me! Legilimens."
Instantly he was in Lucius' mind and witnessed the confrontation between the two men. He also
saw that Granger girl standing near yet off to the side of Snape. Voldemort cursed in fury, stood
up and with a wave of his hand the chair he was occupying went flying into the wall behind him
and smashed into tiny splinters, bits of fluff and fabric scattering around the room. Placing his
palms on the desk he glared at the door across from him, his arms vibrating with rage.

Lucius cringed but as Voldemort couldn't see his face he allowed a small evil smile to
grace his lips before schooling it into indifference. "My Lord." Lucius oozed with slick charm.
"I'm as distressed with this news as you are. What would you have me do with this traitor? You
have but to name it and it shall be yours."

"Summon the others, and we find out exactly what is going on with my
wayward stray. He had better have a damned good explanation for his actions. Now, as for you.
. . Malfoy. Being the bearer of such sad tidings, should earn you something, I think." Voldemort
pointed his wand at the man still kneeling on the floor. "Crucio!. . . Crucio."

Lucius was writhing on the floor. He knew better then to beg forgiveness, and just let the
pain wash over him. He bit his tongue as he convulsed on the floor. Blood started dripping
down his chin and on to the dusty light brown tiles.

Voldemort sighed and looked at the man on the floor. "Get up, Malfoy." He hissed.
"And the next time you seek to defy my orders. I will not be so tolerant. Are we clear on this?"

"Yes, my Lord." Lucius groaned, his body still jerking and twitching as he swayed on his
knees.

"Now clean yourself and this mess on my floor, then leave. I have given you new
instructions Malfoy. Do you remember them?"

"Yes, Lord," Malfoy choked out.

"Then carry them out. Do not fail me again Malfoy. You will not be warned again."
Voldemort growled out as he swept around the man still kneeling on the floor, and out the door.

Thank you Lord, you are most kind." Malfoy's voice sounded as though he had
swallowed a gravel road.