𝙻𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝙸𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚍 II SS/HG ✔️

Cruel

Author's Warning: Characters Tortured via Magic

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Hermione checked her Protean Galleon as she walked from the dungeon up to her room. Everyone checked in with one another much more frequently this term. Though Hermione worried the constant chatter might distract from an important message, she could not begrudge her fellows for being a little on edge. Especially with Alecto using thumbscrews in her detentions.

She had just completed Remus's Wolfsbane potion entirely on her own for the first time—she felt the tingles in her fingertips Severus had warned her would happen when she started brewing more complex items. He assured her the magic drain wouldn't be as severe now that they were linked, but that she would need to make prudent decisions "later" when he "wasn't around anymore" to paraphrase.

She wished he wouldn't talk like that. She didn't want him to die. But…she couldn't deny that his death was…likely. Hours of research in the library had not been helpful in determining what would happen to Hermione's magic when Severus died—the old law and the new law had very different wording and as of yet, no one wed under the current Marriage and Linkage Act had died.

She felt the coin tremble in her hand. As she entered the Entrance Hall, she saw the coin flash with Amycus Carrow's name—and she saw said wizard harassing Dennis and Colin just before the Grand Staircase. Her blood boiled. The two brothers were small for their age and were endlessly jinxed from behind, even more so this year.

"Gimme that camera," Hermione heard Amycus demand smugly as she stomped forward. She had no idea what she was going to do when she got over there, but she wasn't going to let that arsehole walk all over the boys.

Hermione could pinpoint the moment Colin threw caution to the wind. "No. Sir. I would like to keep my camera."

Amycus grabbed Colin by the throat.

"Colin!" Hermione shouted as she ran forward.

Dennis whipped out his wand but Amycus was faster. He hexed Dennis backwards into the staircase. Colin wriggled out of his grip. Hermione drew her wand, unsure what she should do. An Expelliarmus was on her lips when Amycus whipped around, eyes flashing dangerously.

"Crucio!"

Hermione dropped to her knees. Every nerve ending exploded with pain.

Both brothers shouted, "Expelliarmus!" distracting Amycus enough to end the Crucio.

But he turned it on both of them instead.

"Stupefy!" Hermione's spell was out of her mouth before her hand even knew to move.

The professor stumbled forward when his shield spell cracked under Hermione's Stunner.

Dennis tried to heave himself up the steps but his arms trembled. Colin regained his feet and pointed his wand with a shaky hand.

"Go!" Hermione insisted, wand already twirling up her own shield.

"Crucio!"

She didn't back down. She prowled towards Colin and Dennis, forcing Amycus to the other side.

His eyes bored into hers, vicious grin on his face. "I cannot wait to tear you three apart," he said. "You're the last Mudbloods here. Maybe I should have Greyback and his guys stay in Hogsmeade in case I ever get tired of you three."