Always

Chapter 4

"Stupefy!" Bellatrix screamed, her wand releasing red sparks.

Hermione's face filled with horror as she raised her arms to cover herself, making Bellatrix scream in pleasure.

Hermione screamed as she was struck, flying back a few feet and landing on the ground with a loud thud.

She groaned at the impact, her body hurting in more places she thought possible. She mentally sighed, grateful she wasn't dead. Though she was in pain.

"Oh come now, that's no fun," Bellatrix said as she walked closer to loom over Hermione,"no clever spells to defend yourself? How disappointing."

Bellatrix pouted. She tapped her chin with her finger and grinned slyly.

"Perhaps I should take you with me and let the boys have their way," she said as if she had the brightest idea. She cackled softly as she turned, seemingly walking away.

Hermione sighed in relief. Maybe Bellatrix would just leave her alone.

"Or maybe I should leave you here? To freeze. Yes, that sounds good," the witch in black said loudly.

"Your dear Severus would be overcome by grief," she said with a smirk.

"Perhaps I should give you to Nagini. Hmm, that damn snake hasn't had a meal in a long time," she said almost boredly.

Hermione's eyes filled with terror. She shook her head slowly as she fought back tears, which despite her efforts, rolled down her cheeks.

Bellatrix looked over at her. She made a sound that made Hermione's blood turn cold.

"I did not say you could cry!" She shouted as she kicked Hermione in the abdomen.

Hermione screeched out in pain.

"You filthy mudbloods are good for nothing!" Bellatrix screamed,"You can't even follow instructions!"

"Please, just stop," Hermione pleaded softly.

Bellatrix spun to face her again.

"Stop?" She asked wickedly.
"I'll stop alright! Your beloved Severus will never see you again! Not alive anyway," Bellatrix said in a tone colder than the night itself.

"Say your goodbyes, Mudblood. You're not leaving here while there is still breath in your lungs!" Bellatrix said as she readied to cast her curse.

An evil grin crept across her face. She raised her hand.

Hermione curled into a ball, hating herself for not having her wand with her.

Stupid, stupid Hermione! She thought. She could have ended this, or at least made it an even fight if she had her
wand!
"Avada---"Bellatrix started, at the top of her lungs.

"Sectumsempra!"

Something heavy fell not far from Hermione.

***

Severus felt Hermione was close. He and Albus were racing through the woods when he stopped the headmaster with his hand. He put his finger against his lips and gestured to the older wizard to listen.

He heard voices. One was Hermione's. She sounded afraid. The other voice was female too. Severus felt his blood start to boil. Bellatrix LeStrange.

That bitch. How dare she threaten Hermione. How dare she come close to her!

Severus motioned for them to move forward. The wizards slowly moved along, not wanting to rush and risk nog seeing any company the witch had brought.