Gone and Back Again

Chapter twleve

Several months had passed, and Hogwarts was beginning to feel the approach of the Christmas holidays. Lucius had grown quite fond of Hermione, despite the off-putting glances and general upset that radiated from Narcissa, despite the young bushy witch becoming her confidant. Severus watched her relax more and more with every encounter she had with him. It was something that caught him by surprise, if he were to be honest. In all of the years he had known Malfoy, and called him a friend, he was a manipulative bastard who constantly twisted people to get what he wanted, but, somehow, Hermione's influences had changed him. He seemed happier.

She was rather...distracting. Small moments making him feel as if he would combust. Severus had tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and If he had kept his emotions in check when the snow flurries wrapped, calmingly, around him for what felt like the first time in his entire life, he would have resisted pulling her into his arms. His lips pressed against her forehead. Her curls ticking at his nose. He would've resisted his fingers stroking her face, her cheeks burning his palms as he cupped this newly discovered warmth. He couldn't ignore her influence on himself in the slightest, however, he wasn't sure if he had truly let Lily go. He wasn't sure if he could. A short while after Hermione had began to open up to him, Severus resolved himself to be content. He had been sitting under the oak tree, his legs splayed toward the black lake, having mock conversations, debates, and resolutions, but they all ended in the same place. Lily would reject him in favor of Potter, just as Hermione inferred. He had watched the sun set over the dark waters as he tried to imagine how his life would play out.

"Snape!"

He twisted his body around the tree to see the spindly form of Lucius bounding from the shadows, with his betrothed hot on his heels.  "Snape! The Carrows!" Narcissa  shrieked.

By the time he had reached his feet, Snape was being forcefully shoved back towards the castle "The Carrows took Hermione, the Dark Lord has called a meeting, we have to go now!" Narcissa shoved him violently again "Go!"

"Wait! Wait! What happened?!" Severus grabbed Lucius by his cloak "What is going on?!"

"She was in the library, Dumbledore gave her access to the restricted section, I only left for a moment to get Narcissa for dinner then she was gone."

Narcissa, surprisingly on Hermione's defense, only a few strides ahead of them shouted "I saw the Carrows dragging her into the dark forest, and now the Dark Lord has called a meeting."

Donning their masks as they entered the forest, Severus could see the couple before him tense. "What?!" he snapped.

Lucius clenched his jaw, locking his gaze for the trial ahead "nothing, we have to hurry."

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The floorboards screeched against the weight of heavy footsteps as followers filed into the ballroom. A young muggle woman was suspended, her limbs dangling as if she were a chandelier.

Riddle took his place at the center of the gathering as the forms of his devoted followers lined the walls.

Severus analyzed the bodies he could see from his position, his hands tucked behind his back. Lucius took up the space next to him, Narcissa stood on the opposite side of the room to them. He face intermittently flashing concern when she made eye contact with the duo. Bellatrix stood next to her, an uneven and rather unsettling smile splitting her face.

The young McNair lad shifting uncomfortably next to her. Crabbe and Goyle were posted on either side of the double door, blocking the fearful from leaving. Dolohov and the Lestrange boys were to the Dark Lords back, blocking the potential of anyone's desperate escape through the oversized bay window.

"My friends" Riddle started "this is a very special occasion, I've gathered you all as witnesses." 

Narcissas face betrayed her again, earning her a scolding look from Severus.

She knew something.

Riddle aimed his wand at the doors, a simple whisper slamming them open. A squirrelly figure rushed in, quickly throwing itself at his feet. "M-My lord" it stuttered.

Severus knew that voice.

"This promising young man has chosen to join us. However, he's got a simple...test."

Riddle lowered the muggle, her tear stained face and tattered clothing displaying only a hint of her fear. His smile once the girl unceremoniously thudded to the floor upset Lucius. He didn't see the dirty blondes face, or her battered limbs. He didn't care for this poor soul, in his honesty. He was relieved, however, that it was not his friend.

"Stand, wormtail." He ordered as he jerked the boy to his feet before taking several steps back.  "Kill her."

The boy brandished his wand, shakily.
Severus watched his face. He was a friend of Lily. A friend of James. And Sirius, and Remus. The boys resolved faltered. He bared his teeth, the shaking in his hand becoming worse. "NOW!" Riddle shouted, causing the boy to flinch and drop his wand.

"Crucio!"

He fell to the ground, screaming and writhing. "Pathetic!" Again ripping the boy to his feet "Get up!"

Wormtail scrambled to his fee, aiming at the muggle.

It seemed as if only a second had past before Riddle cursed him again. His body writhed, before being forced to his feet with the same command given.

"Stand!" Riddle shouted at him, aiming his wand at the doorway. "Come, girl!"

The clicking of heels on old wood caught Severus and Lucius attention. Her curls were almost perfect, though still mane-like, draped neatly over her shoulders, several loose strands framing her face. Sheer, yet pitch black fabric made up her gown. The deep cut of her neckline exposed just enough of her chest to tease. As she walked, the smooth skin of her leg peeked at them from the high slit of her skirt. Her small hands were at her sides. One holding her wand, the other decorated by a ring. Her face is what startled them. Her full lips were pale, and her usually bright eyes were as white as snow.

She stopped only a few paces from the poor heap of a muggle.

"Ah, my lioness." Riddle grinned, making his way to her. "You are absolutely breathtaking." She stood graciously still as his lips brushed her cheek "Thank you, Narcissa."

Severus shot her a look, causing her to shift closer to Bellatrix. He side eyed Lucius to see his jaw clenched, eyes locked on Riddles movements around Hermione.

"Your options are clear, Peter. Destroy the filth, or duel this lovely creature."

Riddle removed himself, once again standing behind Wormtail. "Your choice."

His movements stuttered. Hermione squared her body, raising her wand. She cast what Severus could only describe as a warning shot at his feet.

The shout and green light came as a shock. The muggle jolted for only a moment as the life fled her body. The room began to clap for the final success.

"Excellent, young wormtail."

He sputtered his reply, but before he could finish, Riddle continued. "You may all leave, and I will call on you when I am ready. Severus. Lucius. I trust you to take Hermione back into Hogwarts, unseen."

"Yes, my lord." The duo bowed. Severus approached Hermione, her body cold to the touch as he made to carry her.

"Do not alert Dumbledore, or there will be hell to pay."

"Yes, my lord." Severus nodded, quickly making his way to the exit with Lucius in tow.

There will be hell to pay, indeed.