Chocolate Enchantment

Chapter 7: Pain Brings Enlightenment and 8: Telling His Other Master

Chapter 7: Pain Brings Enlightenment

Tuesday night as Severus was grading papers in his office, he felt the burn of his Dark Mark. It had been a full week since his last call, and as he had already shared a short diary conversation with Hermione, he was feeling far more centered tonight than he had on the previous visit. Still, he didn't look forward to appearing before the Dark Lord. He had nothing new to share-at least nothing that he would share.

With a wave of his wand, he transfigured his teaching robes into the heavy velvet ones the Dark Lord's supporters wore. Severus also changed a handkerchief into a silvery white mask, but stashed it in his pocket until he could get off school grounds.

It took but a minute to get beyond the wards. He used the time to lock away any memories he didn't want exploited that night and to bring forth anything that would be an advantage for him. He still hadn't determined the best way to introduce his relationship with Hermione, so determined to say nothing yet. He knew he needed to come up with something before a whisper of the truth made its way to his master. And for all that she tried to hide her feelings, Hermione wasn't as subtle as she might be. One of his fellow Death Eater's children was certain to carry tales eventually. Malfoy, Zabini, Crabbe, or Goyle may already have noticed. Well, not the latter two, they didn't have a working brain between them, but Draco and Blaise were far from clueless. Hiding it for long would be difficult.

He was so weary of the pretense.

The meeting dragged on as the Dark Lord questioned his minions, doling out praise or punishment where he saw fit.

"Severus," the red eyes fastened on the professor.

Severus stepped forward, falling to one knee and keeping his eyes averted. "Yes, my Lord?"

"What have you to report?"

"Things have been quiet this week. The old fool continues to keep watch on me, but I am certain I still have his trust. Order members come and go, but I have heard little of their plans. Potter spent an evening with the Headmaster this week, however. Both of them seem satisfied with the results. I believe his Occlumency is improving. It's really quite surprising, considering how little talent he has for it." Severus infused every word with distain and disgust. He was fully away the Headmaster was not working on Occlumency with Potter, that they were instead searching out information on Horcruxes. He wasn't about to tell the psycho in front of him anything about that.

"That is dissssapointing, Severusss. Next time you will bring me something useful. Do you understand?" The pure venom in his voice was all the warning Severus received. "Crucio."

Thrown to the ground, writhing in agony, Severus tried disassociating himself from the pain. Sometimes it worked. Other times, not so well. Thankfully the Dark Lord only held the spell for about half a minute. It was little more than a warning-one that would fill Severus with wracking aftershocks for the whole night, but a warning nonetheless. Severus was grateful for small miracles.

"Yes, my Lord. I'll do better this week." Aching, Severus picked himself off the ground and moved back into his place in the circle. He would have to be careful in how he introduced his relationship with Hermione. It was his best hope-for both their sakes. 

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Back in Gryffindor tower, Hermione sat in the common room with Ron, Harry, and Ginny. Ginny and Dean had split up that week, and the redhead had spent more and more time by Harry's side as the days progressed. Seeing the way Harry and Ginny seemed to be sitting next to each other all the time, and touching, and looking at each other so often, Hermione wondered if the potion had affected them. But no, they didn't appear to be under half the compulsion she felt.