The Darkness Within

Hermione set her glasses upon her computer desk, and relaxed into her chair. It was late, and she was tired. She had been working on a project assigned to her by Remus Lupin for several hours now, and it was starting to take its toll on her. She rarely used her computer for wizarding needs, but she felt too tired to have to write it up using parchment and ink, using the computer was far quicker and easier. Her friends had soon grown accustomed to her typed notes. Reading through her last page yet again, she smiled to herself and flicked the printer on. Whilst waiting for her work to finish printing, Hermione stood and walked into her kitchen, in desperate need of a cup of coffee. With a wave of her wand the kettle started to boil, and a mug with strong coffee and a spoonful of sugar already in it appeared on the counter. Once the kettle was boiled, she waved her wand once again and the water poured itself into the mug, she then stirred it to her satisfaction and returned to the lounge. Although she had only recently bought the flat, Hermione already felt at home. The walls of her lounge were a creamy beige colour and, when her free standing lamps were lit, cast an air of warmth about the place. Her shelves were filled with books, both magical and muggle, and pictures of her friends and family. It was not a big flat, but then she didn't need anything large. Not for only one person. Her belongings were a mixture of magical and muggle things, from her wand and pile of parchments and quills to her HD television and flat screen computer. And she also had a muggle telephone, that way she wasn't cut off from anyone.

Sitting down in her comfy, black leather sofa, she held the mug in her hands, savouring the warmth. Something caught her eye on the table by her side, a piece of paper. Hermione, being a neat freak, was curious as to how it had appeared there as she was sure it hadn't been on the table a minute ago. She set her coffee down and picked up the paper. There was a note on it, in smooth, flowing writing which she recognised to be that of her friend, Draco. Why would he be sending her a note? Why didn't he just send an owl? She looked down at the note and paled.

"He's coming for you. Be prepared, don't run. D"

Who was coming for her? Voldemort? No, it couldn't be. He never set foot outside of his hiding place unless it concerned Harry or one of the Horcruxes. Then who would possibly want her? Not Bellatrix, the not clearly stated it was male. And the only other Death Eaters that Voldemort would possibly trust with something like this were...

A strong hand landed on Hermione's shoulder, causing her to jump and whip out her wand. There was a cold chuckle from behind her and she heard someone bend down behind her.

"Come now, Miss. Granger. That will be quite unnecessary. Now I suggest you put your little toy away." Hermione didn't have to look around to know who the voice belonged to, Lucius Malfoy. "Now, stand up and show some proper manners for your guests. There's a good little girl." She wanted to turn around and slap him, but restrained herself, it would only get her killed. She stood up slowly, and turned to face her tormentor.

What she now faced made her gasp and drop her wand. Stood in front of her was not only Lucius Malfoy, but Severus Snape. A thousand emotions surged through her, the strongest of which was anger, and the fire in her eyes confirmed Severus's suspicions as to what she was going to do next. She lunged at him, wanting to cause him as much pain as he had caused everyone else over the past couple of months, for killing Dumbledore. Because of him, her best friend was nothing but an empty shell, wandering aimlessly around the Headquarters, and ignoring everyone except those who had information on Voldemort. Something told her that he wouldn't change until every last Horcrux had been destroyed and Voldemort was no more.

Lucius rolled his eyes and grabbed hold of the insufferable girl, pinning her hands behind her back with one hand.

"Miss. Granger..." Lucius snarled into her left ear, whilst he summoned some strong rope to tie her hands together, "You really must learn to control yourself. Your emotions could land you in trouble one day." He smirked, and finished tying her hands together. Hermione looked past him, not knowing what to do.

"What do you want, Malfoy?"

"And some respect, it seems. But I shall let you off this time, you are only a mudblood after all. I didn't expect any better; however I shall expect you to treat myself and Severus with proper respect from now on. Do I make myself clear?" He looked down at her, a frown creasing his perfect features. "Oh and to answer your question, my little mudblood, you shall find out soon enough." Lucius grabbed her arm and before she knew it the darkness had engulfed her as he apparated her away to some unknown location.

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Her feet landed on damp soil, followed by the rest of her body. She barely had time to register the fact that she was covered in mud before she was hauled to her feet by her captors. Lucius sneered and pointed his wand at her. She closed her eyes, expecting full blast of the cruciatus curse but was mildly surprised when he said, "Obliterate."

Opening her eyes, she looked down at herself; all traces of the mud had disappeared. She looked up at Lucius who simply said, "I won't have dirt in my house."

So that's where we are! She thought, But why are we here? I expect I'll find out sooner or later. She gulped. I just hope it's later.

Lucius looked her up and down before turned around and walking swiftly towards, what Hermione could only assume, was Malfoy Manor. She was reluctant to follow, but a hand on the small of her back warned her that it was best not to argue. She looked up into the face of Severus Snape, his features were cold and unreadable yet she found some sort of comfort in those black eyes. She sighed and stepped forward, following her captor towards her possible doom.