If it is Willed

If it is Willed - Chapter One

Strengthen the heart...

Strengthen it with duty.

Severus thrashed wildly in his sleep, the mark on his left forearm burning in his haunting nightmare as well as in the waking world. Thoughts of evil and sadness overwhelmed him as the scene of death and destruction played itself once again before his eyes, though his lids, this time, were closed.

The bodies of the Grangers were thrown carelessly on the floor, their limbs bent at odd angles and their mouths open in a last silent scream. Unfocused eyes stared accusingly at him. He tried not to let it bother him, he had seen corpses before, but this was different. He was no longer the killing machine he had been before, and it had always been a little hard when he had seen someone he knew. This, however, was almost overwhelming. Almost. He closed his eyes briefly, opening them again when the Dark Lord spoke.

"See here, the company that Harry Potter chooses?" He spat the name, red eyes glowing with contempt and malice. "See here the Mudblood's family? The best friend of the Boy who Lived has the most pathetic allies. See how weak and hopelessly easy they are to kill and dominate?"

The Death Eaters crowded in the house chuckled quietly in agreement, not at all disturbed by the lifeless (or seemingly lifeless) remains of the three Grangers.

That was when Hermione moved.

A hush descended over all who were present as her pale and bloody hand twitched slightly. Good God, Severus thought, She's alive.

"Kill her!" Voldemore hissed. "You morons, did you not think to use the killing curse on her?" He sneered at Lucius Malfoy, who gulped, but still managed to keep his heartless demeanor.

Severus stepped forward, clearing his throat. "My Lord, if I might make a suggestion?" He waited for his master's curt nod before continuing. "The girl is of some value to Harry Potter. Could we not turn her will to our use? Use her as a spy, an informative to the weaknesses of the Boy who Lived? Even though he is my pupil, she may prove to be useful as his best friend, and confidant. She could then report to me, and I, in turn, to you." Severus swallowed hard, knowing he had just given the Dark Lord a very good reason to kill him or think him traitorous. He was already close enough to being discovered as it was.

Voldemort regarded him for a moment, then nodded slightly. "Yes, and logical idea. However, if she is not ready within two weeks, or if she ever fails or gives wrong information, it will be on your shoulders, Severus. In that case, not only will this Mudblood die, but you shall be punished as well."

Severus nodded and the Dark Lord stated, "Very well, bring her with us..."

Severus picked the girl up, too shocked that it worked to speak. Popping noises filled the air around him, and he soon was apparating... Back to Tom Riddle's mansion.

The potions master awoke abruptly, his dream leaving him feeling both relieved and angry, with a lingering sense of de ja vu. This was not the first time he had lived this... Though thankfully it wasn't real this time. He sighed unhappily as he thought about the rest of what happened that night. They had taken her down to the basement and Voldemort had insisted on waking her, wanting to torment her some to see if the crucius curse had damaged her brain in any way. With the recognition she had shown when looking at Severus and the horrible fear in her eyes when they met those of the Dark Lord, it was probable that she was ok, excepting the state of mind she would be in when she took in her total situation.

Severus hadn't known Hermione's parents, but it was always a sad thing for one to lose parents... he would know, as he had lost his a young age as well.

Severus sidghed, the deep breath mixing with a yawn. He was worn out from last night still, and his mark was starting to burn again; he would be summoned once more within twenty-four hours. Voldemort had to account for the time it would take to get off of Hogwarts grounds. Which was just as well, Snape needed all that time to contemplate the best way to free Hermione, if there was one. Dumbledore had clearly expressed that her escape and well being was his first and foremost job at hand. It was at least a few more hours until sunrise, but he knew he would get no more sleep this night. He got up wearily and dressed, preparing for another day of angry glances and deep pains from his Mark.

Welcome to the waking world, Severus.

Remus Lupin strode purposefully down the halls of Hogwarts, having just received Harry's owl that Hermione had been taken, and though her family had perished, she was a prisoner. I could see where Dumbledore wouldn't want everyone to know, but he could at least tell The Order! Remus thought angrily as he headed towards the gargoyle sculpture. We all care about Hermione deeply...she's family. Which may be why he didn't notify us of it. Maybe he thought we would go after her. The ex-Defense Against the Dark Arts professor shook his head to clear his thoughts and hurried on to Dumbledore's office.

Albus sighed and studied his paperwork. "Hello, Remus," he said without glancing up, yet he pushed a small tin box towards the werewolf. "Altoid? They're quite refreshing." He scribbled something down, shaking his head.

Remus just stood there and looked at him, giving the tin box a seconds worth of curiousity before saying "Why didn't you think The Order could handle the news of Hermione's capture? We all care for her, and while I understand why you might have wanted to keep things like this from Sirius," he paused, a look of loss and pain crossing his face, "but we aren't all as rash as he was..."

The headmaster looked up sadly, his eyes a deep shade of melancholy blue as they gazed at Lupin. "I realize my mistake at leaving Sirius out, however, I do not want to add to the already large load of responsibilities The Order has. Plans have been made already regarding Hermione. Besides, I had my suspicions that Harry would tell you anyways."

Remus nodded, understanding Dumbledore's reasoning, thought it still peeved him. "So, what are we going to do? She really should be back to start school, otherwise the students may talk and suspicions will rise. Even though we want them to prepare and know the truth, a student disappearance would cause panic; especially the capture of such a bright young witch as Hermione."

Dumbledore nodded, "Yes, that is why Professor Snape is trying his hardest to get her back as soon as possible." He turned and looked out the window, watching a figure cloaked in black run swiftly towards the Forbidden Forest and a way off the Hogwarts grounds. Good luck, Severus.