Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Bound	By : goldhorse Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 126052 -:- Recommendations : 15 -:- Currently Reading : 31
Disclaimer: JK owns HP. Not me. I also don't own any quotes you might recognize. I make no money doing this, I just get the plot bunnies to quit interrupting my sleep.

Chapter List
- 29
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- 31
Hermione’s eyes shot open when Draco’s wand gave off a loud buzz. Her head was pounding and her mouth tasted like it was full of cotton. They’d spent most of the night shagging and had barely slept. Knowing that there wasn’t time to waste this morning, she groggily stumbled out of bed. Draco stopped her with one arm and handed her a potion that had been on his nightstand. It was a hangover potion. She gulped it down, thankful for it as her head cleared.

Draco also drank one down and groaned as he got out of bed. He hurt everywhere. They blearily staggered to the bathroom and took a quick shower. There was no time for reaffirmations this morning; it was time. They got dressed in silence and choked down a few bites of muffin and some coffee.

“I need to get my things,” Draco said softly.

Hermione knew exactly what he was talking about, his Death Eater mask and jet black robes. He had them stored in a trunk at the foot of his bed in Slytherin. She knew he had to have them but she didn’t want to be separated from him until it was absolutely necessary.

“You can come,” he said quietly. “Turn into the bird and you can ride in the hood of my cloak.”

Hermione nodded and did as he’d said. He threw on his cloak and held the hood open so she could nestle in right by his neck. She nuzzled her beak on his jaw and he smiled softly. The walk to the dungeons was brisk; they were on schedule but they wanted to have plenty of time to get ready. He gave the password and entered, only to come to a dead halt right as the portrait clicked shut.

“Oh Dracy!” Pansy was moaning in her high pitched grating voice. “Dracy” had her bent over the sofa in front of the fireplace and was pistoning in and out of her at a frenzied pace. Between his grunting and her screeching, it was enough to make someone sick at their stomach. He froze mid stroke and looked over at the cloaked figure by the door in horror.

Draco, fighting down nausea, put his finger over his mouth to keep who he supposed was Nott quiet. He cast a quick disillusion spell and ran past the rutting couple to his dorm. He rushed in and slammed the door, Pansy’s screeches finally muffled.

‘I think I’m going to be sick,’ Hermione thought frantically.

Draco looked around in a panic and cast several sleeping charms over his roommates Crabbe and Goyle. He told her to change back. Just as she did, she collapsed, taking deep breaths to keep from vomiting. He knelt down, rubbing her back comfortingly and summoned a few bottles of nausea potion. He always kept them on hand for moments just like this. She drank the vial down quickly and sighed in relief. He did the same, not wanting to battle his nausea this morning of all mornings.

“Thanks,” she said weakly.

He took her into his arms and rocked her back and forth for a few moments while they both knelt on the floor. “Just remember, it isn’t me.”

“I know. It was just so…gross.” She wrinkled her nose in disgust.

“You can say that again,” he laughed. “Can you stand?”

She nodded and they both got up off the floor. She sat down on his bed gingerly and looked around while he dug through the trunk at the foot of his bed. His dorm was very similar to hers except the bed curtains were green and silver instead of red and gold. It was also quite a bit chillier. She shivered a bit and jumped in shock when Draco draped his cloak over her shoulder. She snuggled into it and thanked him.

“You get used to the cold after a while,” he said offhand as he continued to dig through the trunk. “Finally, here it is,” he whispered and took out the silver Death Eater mask and inky black cloak.

Hermione’s breath left and she trembled in fear. Seeing her reaction, he quickly wrapped the mask in the cloak, shrank it, and stuffed it in his pocket. He grabbed her in a bear hug and squeezed her tight enough to break her out of her shock. “Shhh. It’s a spell on the mask sweetheart. It is charmed to make anyone less than a half-blood to have an overwhelming fear of it.”

“That’s horrible.”

“That’s how they can tell your parentage,” he whispered and she nodded. “Let’s get the fuck out of here.”

“Going so fast?” A deep voice drawled from a darkened corner.

Draco spun around and threw a hex, knocking the shadow against the wall. “Zabini! What are you doing here?”

“I was watching the horrifying display in the common room when low and behold; the main performer’s clone walks in,” Blaise wheezed, his voice constricted from the hex Draco was holding on him.

Draco released him and watched as he slid to the floor. “You’ll keep your mouth shut.”

“It was what we agreed on,” Blaise grumbled, massaging his throat. “I figured you would want to know what your other self was up to.” He took out a vial from his robes. Inside was a swirling mist that Hermione recognized to be memories.

Draco nodded. “I need them. I’ve been summoned.”

Blaise sauntered over and handed him the vial but he wasn’t looking at Draco. He was focused on the girl on his bed who was trying to sink as far back into the cloak as possible. “Morning Granger.”

“You’ll leave her out of this or the deal is off,” Draco snarled.

“I was merely wishing her a good morning Drake,” Blaise said softly. “I am rather curious as to how she got here though.”

“She’s talented,” Draco said flatly. “Now we have to go. I’ve got places to be.”

“How are you going to get her out of here?” Blaise asked curiously.

Draco smirked evilly and threw a conjunctivitis curse at him. When he yelped in surprise, Draco motioned for Hermione to transform. She quickly whipped off his cloak and turned into the tiny red hummingbird, perching on his shoulder. He swung his cloak on and lifted the hood. Then he released the curse on Blaise.

“That work?” He asked smugly.

“Damn it Drake,” Blaise hissed and rubbed his eyes. “Where in the fuck is she?”

“Where’s who?” Draco asked smugly and then turned around and released the sleeping charms on his housemates before disillusioning himself and running out of the common room.

‘Will he say anything?’ Hermione thought worriedly.

‘If he knows what’s good for him he won’t,’ Draco thought back darkly.

‘I need to go by Gryffindor real quick.’

‘Why?’

‘I’ve got to get those caps for your teeth. You don’t want him to see your fangs do you?’

‘No,’ Draco shuddered and headed up to Gryffindor tower all the while making sure that he was alone in the hallway. When they got there, he stepped into the shadows underneath a nearby staircase so he wouldn’t be seen. She transformed back and ran inside.

“Morning Mione,” Harry said softly as she entered the common room.

“Harry! What are you doing down here?” She asked in surprise and then saw that he had a sleeping Ginny in his lap. She smiled softly and then looked back at Harry who had a worried look on his face.

“It feels better to sleep next to her,” he whispered, stroking her hair softly. “Today’s the day then?” Hermione nodded, tears springing to her eyes. “They were able to wake Ron up last night.”

“How is he?” Her voice wobbled.

“Fine, a bit out of it, but okay. He asked for you.”

Hermione took a shuddering breath. “If-” She shook her head. “When we get back, I’ll go see him.”

“You will come back Mione,” Harry said in a strained voice.

Hermione smiled sadly. “Of course I will.”

“It’s quidditch today, Hufflepuff,” Harry mumbled, trying to make small talk.

“You’ll do great,” she said brightly but he could tell it was forced.

“I’m not so sure. McLaggen is playing keeper since Ron’s out.” He shrugged.

Hermione sniffed. “Well, good luck then. Maybe I’ll be back to watch.” They both knew she was lying. “I’ve got to go Harry. Tell Ginny goodbye for me, yeah?”

“Sure thing,” he said despondently.

She nodded and ran upstairs to dig her teeth caps out of her trunk.

“Finally back Hermione?” Lavender snipped.

“What?” Hermione asked, startled.

“You haven’t been here all night.”

“So?” Hermione spat. “I’ve got a life.”

“Sure. I’m on to you Hermione,” Lavender hissed.

“Whatever you say Lavender,” Hermione sighed and ran down stairs. Ginny was now sitting up and looking straight at her. She ran over and grabbed the redhead in a bear hug and dropped a kiss on Harry’s cheek. “See you soon,” she choked out and ran out the door.

They arrived at Snape’s office door at precisely eight a.m. and were admitted entrance.

“Cutting it a bit close aren’t you?” Melody’s hoarse voice carried throughout the room.

They both started to answer and were shocked so badly their mouths dropped open. She was wrapped up in a short robe and sitting on the sofa. Her hands shook as she tried to take a sip of tea. She was pale and looked like she’d been dragged through a stretch of gravel. Bruises and scratches littered her skin and several fading bite marks were all over her body. Hermione winced when she saw a set of whip marks across her thigh and rope burns on her wrists and ankles.

Melody laughed. “Don’t worry. I enjoyed every minute.”

Hermione shook her head in disbelief. “You look horrible.”

“Thanks!” Melody said brightly. “They’d look bad too except they can regenerate with blood and I can’t. I’m practically an all you can eat buffet and the fountain of youth all rolled into one.”

“Yes well you do need enough blood to fill up your face so you need to drink this,” Alex said, breezing into the room with a bottle of blood replenisher. She gulped it down without protest. “You should be stabilized before your visit. Now will you let me heal you?”

“No,” Melody said incredulously.

“You daft woman!” Snape snapped as he strode through the door. Celeste walked in quietly behind them. They each looked to be glowing, a healthy sheen to their skin.

“Daft or not Sev, you have to agree that it will be more convincing this way,” Melody said softly and smiled at Celeste who blushed and grabbed a cup of tea off the end table. She ducked her head and studied the cup while the argument ensued.

“Yes but you won’t be able to take much more on top of all this,” Severus protested as he gestured to the numerous marks over Melody’s body.

“So I’ll pass out.” She shrugged. “Trust me Sev, Moldy will be much appreciative of how you treat your toys.”

“I’ve never left you like this!”

“Yes but he doesn’t know that, does he? This way, he knows you won’t spare the rod and he has no reason to doubt the bond. What woman in their right mind would take this willingly and come back for more?”

“No sane one,” Snape grimaced. “Unfortunately you and Bellatrix are in the same category.”

“No. She’s a lunatic. I’m just slightly unhinged,” Melody sniffed. “If I were to walk in there in pristine condition, what would he say? He knows you don’t play gently.”

Snape growled low in his throat. “He hasn’t seen me play since he’s returned.”

“Oh, well then he can be reassured you haven’t changed.”

“Why won’t you see reason?” He yelled.

Melody chuckled. “Sev, I am seeing reason. Look, last night was a one of, but it was one of the best memories I’ve ever had. If nothing else, feeling my stripes will keep me focused on the you from last night, not the monster he will force you to be.”

Severus sighed sadly and threw himself into a chair. After a few moments, he shot a look over at Celeste and motioned for her to sit in his lap. She walked over and sat down gingerly, trying not to make eye contact with anyone.

“What are you ashamed of?” Melody snapped. Celeste shook her head slowly. “Oh come off it, I’m fine.”

“You barely have enough blood left to function,” Celeste whispered.

Melody chuckled. “If you think I’ve never been drained before, you’re wrong.”

“Yes but I…”

“Oh sweetheart,” Melody whispered. “You did so well. You had superior control and it never slipped. That was the goal wasn’t it?” Celeste nodded. “Then last night was a success and you won’t have to worry about it anymore.”

“One night isn’t a sure fix,” Celeste snorted.

“Well, you can bite me anytime you like,” Melody purred and then chuckled when Celeste buried her head in a smirking Snape’s shoulder. “That’s never going to get old,” she mused and then turned to the couple who were frozen in shock just inside the closed door.

“Got everything you need?” She chirped and they nodded dumbly. She cackled. “Look, all of you, I’m fine. I knew tangling with vampires would get a bit rough. If it makes you feel any better, I’ll take a mild pain potion before we go and you can heal me as soon as we get back. Deal?”

They all nodded.

“Good grief,” she huffed and rose slowly from the couch, wincing when the robe shifted under her. “Traditional robes or something befitting a pet Sev?”

“Traditional robes. We’re dressing to impress him, not to emphasize your status,” Severus said softly. “Celeste, go with them and see if you can’t heal a few of those marks.” He whispered into her ear too quietly for Melody to hear. Alex smirked as Celeste nodded. They all walked into his bedroom.

“You look better,” Draco said softly as he and Hermione sat down on the couch.

“Fresh blood,” Snape said, his face paling a bit.

Hermione couldn’t take it anymore. “What happened to her?”

Snape looked up and grimaced. “I believe she forgets that she’s not as strong as we are.”

“What?” Hermione asked softly.

Draco hugged her. “Remember the lifestyle that he prefers to lead?” She nodded. “Well, that includes various types of sexual play. She loves pain but forgets that she’ll feel it in the morning. Before you go off, you always heal your partner afterwards. I mean, muggles don’t but I believe they do wait until they are fully healed to ask them to do something like today.”

“Precisely. I’ve never let her suffer the next morning.” Snape said in disgust.

“She has a point though godfather,” Draco said softly. “The Dark Lord will be pleased to learn that you punish her and let her heal the muggle way.”

“We can only hope that will spare her his full wrath,” Snape said softly.

“Will he want her to bare his mark?” Hermione whispered.

“Not likely,” Snape answered. “Only the inner circle is allowed to bare the mark. Since she is neither proven herself worthy of the inner circle nor is she supposedly able to swear allegiance to anyone but me, she should be safe. Also, the fidelity bond will protect her in the future from ever having to bear the mark, should the Dark Lord see her as worthy. I am most grateful that you thought of it.”

Hermione smiled and nodded but her face fell when she realized something. “Draco bares the mark.”

“That was a punishment,” Draco grimaced. “He also called it a reward. Since he will kill me if I don’t complete my tasks, he saw no reason to withhold the mark from me.”

Hermione shuddered. “When are we leaving?”

“Now,” Melody said from the doorway. She was now fully dressed in traditional witch’s robes and had her arms crossed. Her glare was directed at two sheepish vampires. “Dirty trick Sev.”

“We didn’t heal them all,” Alex sniffed. “Just the worst ones.”

Melody huffed and grabbed a handful of floo powder. “Coming?”

Severus stood up and motioned for the couple to go ahead of them. “You are sure you have absolutely everything, robes, mask, caps, collar, and makeup?” He asked, ticking off a mental list.

“Yes,” they said confidently. Hermione had grabbed the makeup at the last second right before Lavender distracted her.

They each stepped through the floo to Grimmauld place. Draco looked around in a mixture of awe and terror. “Merlin,” he whistled through his teeth.

“Yes,” Snape drawled. “It is rather underwhelming isn’t it.”

“It’s safe,” Remus said, walking in the door to the study where they’d flooed to. “That’s all that matters.”

“Lupin,” Snape acknowledged.

Remus nodded his greetings. “The house is empty for now. Come this way, I’ll show you to the room.”

They followed him up to the second floor where there was a large bathroom and an attached loo. They started with dying Severus and Draco’s hair with muggle hair color. It would cover the different colored hair without worrying about glamours failing. Then Melody, Severus, and Draco were stripped of magical traces from everyone else but themselves.

“Now remember, no touching after this.” Melody warned as she cast the spell over Draco. They were allowed one last kiss before he was cleaned. “Now, you need to strip Draco. We have a lot of skin to paint.” Draco shrugged and stripped down to his pants. “No Draco, nude.”

“Why?” Draco squeaked.

“Because Sev’s given me a history of that evil son of a bitch. He thinks it’s fun to humiliate his Death Eaters and if he makes you strip down nude, he’s going to notice that your dick sparkles.”

Draco blushed a bit. “I’d forgotten about that.”

“Good thing I can see it then, huh?” Melody said with a quirked lip. “Don’t worry. I can still only see in shadows so your modesty is safe with me.”

Draco snorted and removed the last article of clothing protecting his skin. He yelped when Melody went for his member first, quickly coating the runes in makeup and spelling it to stick. “There, all over. Put your pants back on.”

Still red from his humiliating experience, he shoved his pants on and plopped down on the bed.

“This is no time for modestly,” Snape drawled. He transfigured a quill into paintbrush and started painting the makeup over the large tattoos on Draco’s back. Melody took the ones on his chest and abdomen. When that was done, they did the ones on his wrists and ankles.

“That one is really close to his mark,” Hermione said worriedly as they reached for his left wrist. “Will he notice?”

“Well, we can’t use a glamour so we can try a blending charm like we did with the tattoo sleeves. I don’t think he’ll look that closely,” Melody said. “At least, I hope he doesn’t. Still, he won’t be expecting makeup.” They moved on to his neck and finally the hummingbird tattoo on his face.

“Will he notice that your hair is different?” Hermione asked softly.

“The Dark Lord notices everything,” Severus said quietly and reached into his pocket. He produced a tube of hair gel which Draco reluctantly took after he pulled his clothes on and went to the bathroom to slick back his hair.

“Will he be wearing his collar?” Hermione asked softly.

“They both will,” Snape confirmed. Draco came back looking just like he had at the first of the school year. Hermione shivered. Draco shot her a sad look and held out his hand for his collar.

“Did we get everything?” He asked after he put it on and invoked the cloaking spell.

Melody gave him a good once over. “Your ring. The glamour will come off when you’re there. Best give it to Hermione for safe keeping but do NOT touch her.”

Draco nodded and slowly pulled his wedding ring off. His finger felt strangely naked without it. He placed it on the nightstand and backed away. Hermione walked over, picked it up, and placed it on her thumb. She gave him a sad smile.

Melody nodded her head. “I think we have everything. Now you just need to put that horrified look away and replace it with your Death Eater face. Channel Lucius, as much as that thought sickens me. Remember, you are only there to answer for your tasks to the Dark Lord and as far as you’re concerned, you’ve been performing admirably.”

“But I know I haven’t,” Draco said softly.

“Just make him believe it,” Melody said with conviction. “Remember, if he tells you to jump, you jump. If he wants you to backhand me across the room, you do it. No hesitations.”

Draco shook his head in horror. “I can’t!”

“Yes you can,” Melody hissed. “You will do it if he wishes and you will act like it was the singular most wonderful thing that he’s ever asked you to do. Our lives depend on it.”

Draco’s head dropped to his chest. “Yes ma’am.”

“Oh hush, I’m not that old,” she griped as she grabbed him into a hug. “We’ll get through it. Besides, I’m a bit tougher than I look.”

“It’s almost time,” Remus called after he knocked on the door.

“One last thing,” Severus said and took out the box with Melody’s collar in it. She shakily kneeled at his feet and bowed her head in a sign of submission. He sighed heavily. “Do you accept this collar in perfect trust?”

“I do,” she choked out and he slipped it around her neck. He waved his hand and the buckle fastened and disappeared into smooth leather. He stepped back and she took a deep breath. “Master?”

“Yes, that will do slave,” Severus said sadly. It was clear they didn’t want this. “Lupin, come have a sniff and see if you can smell anything off.”

Remus walked in and wrinkled his nose. “The smell of vampire is too strong. Come downstairs and I’ll see.”

Alex scoffed but stayed put, listening from the doorway for the werewolf’s approval. Remus sniffed again when they trudged downstairs.

“Well, I can still smell Draco’s bond to Hermione but if he wears some cologne, I won’t be able to. I doubt Fenrir will try to smell that close.” Melody conjured a small bottle of cologne and splashed some on Draco’s neck. Remus sniffed again and nodded that it had worked.

“What about us Remus?” Melody asked softly.

Remus blushed. “Well, you don’t smell like three other people now, just one.”

“Perfect,” Melody said, smirking at Remus’s obvious discomfort.

Severus handed her three bottles of potion. “The first is for nausea, the second for pain, and the third is a calming draught. At your insistence, the pain potion is very mild. It will only take the edge off.”

Melody nodded and knocked back all three in succession with a grimace. “Can you not make a potion that tastes better than gym socks and ass?”

Everyone chuckled.

“Oh, almost forgot!” Draco said, taking his robe off and getting out the vial of memories that Blaise had gifted him with.

“What’s that?” Melody asked curiously.

“Nott’s memories of impersonating me. Blaise gave them to me this morning.” He said, gazing at the vial before he opened it and stuck his wand in to retrieve them.

“We don’t have a pensive. What are you going to do with them?” Hermione asked curiously.

“Stick them straight in,” he said bringing his wand to his temple and closing his eyes.

“You can do that?”

“It’s not recommended but it works in a pinch,” Melody said. “Putting someone else’s memories in your head allows you to see and feel things from their perspective. There is a real danger in trying it because most people’s minds aren’t developed enough to mentally separate the difference in their own feelings and the ones belonging to the memory holder. Draco, on the other hand, has a very advanced mind, as do you. You’ll both be able to see and feel the difference clearly since you’re connected.

“He’ll also keep it compartmentalized so it can’t leak over into other parts of the mind. The advantage is that if he shows these memories to the Dark Lord, he can use Nott’s attraction to Pansy instead of having to fake his own. He can also twist the memories if they’re clear enough. It’s a brilliant move on Zabini’s part to retrieve them. Harmony was right, his alliance is valuable indeed.”

Draco opened his eyes and shuddered. “That is disgusting. These things are coming out of my head the second we leave the Dark Lord.”

Suddenly Severus and Draco hissed, clutching their arms. It was ten a.m., time to go. Melody looked sadly at Hermione who was frozen in fear and Alex who had whooshed downstairs behind her. Her smile was weak but she simply nodded. “See you on the flip side.”

Draco straightened up and swung his Death Eater robes over his clothing. “I love you Hermione.”

“I love you too Draco,” Hermione replied shakily. “Come back to me.”

“As soon as I can,” he said and nodded to Snape. Severus donned his cloak and motioned for Draco to slip his mask on. They trudged outside and gave one last glance to the occupants just inside the door at #12 Grimmauld Place. When everyone was ready, Severus grabbed Melody and yanked her to him. He and Draco touched their wands to their marks and disappeared.

Hermione collapsed and was caught by Alex. “Easy honey,” he said, walking slowly up the stairs with a small nod to a worried Remus. “He needs you to remain strong. Let’s go upstairs and get you settled. Then, I’m going to give you a mild calming draught so you can get over your nerves. This one won’t affect your mental capabilities because there is no pain reducing agent in it. It took me quite a while to find one too,” he chuckled.

“Are you sure it won’t make me loopy?” Hermione asked in a tiny voice.

“Positive.”

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“What in the fuck are you doing with those on?” Severus hissed in her ear as they walked up the stairs to the Dark Lord’s hide out. Melody had slipped on a pair of sunglasses right before they left.

“His description of me includes sunglasses. Therefore, I’ll be damned if I’m going to break that. Besides, it makes the revealing of my eyes that much more dramatic,” she muttered under her breath.

“If you say so,” Severus whispered. “Stay two steps behind, kneel before I do, stay lower than me, and if you insist on wearing your stripes, bear them as noticeably as you can.”

“Yes Master,” she said softly as she handed him her wand and waited at the top step as Severus strode forward. She followed him with her head ducked down, the picture of absolute submission. Draco walked a few steps behind her, seeming to make sure she wouldn’t turn back and run away but really just so no one could get a cheap shot in. There was no honor among Death Eaters.

‘Are you there love? Are you alright?’ He thought to Hermione just before they entered.

‘I’m here,’ she whispered serenely. ‘Alex has given me a calming draught. I’ll be just fine. Don’t worry about me. Focus on your task and I’ll help all I can.’

‘I do love you.

‘Me too. So much. Now focus!’

Draco straightened his shoulders and put all of his mental walls up. He carefully placed Nott’s memories into an easy to access chamber and set about distorting them to look like his own, separating out the bits where he’d taken the polyjuice and transferred back.

“Ah Severusssss,” the Dark Lords high pitched voice carried through the door. “So nice of you to join us. I see you’ve brought your pet and young Draco. Excellent.”

Draco saw Melody’s muscles bunch as they walked through the door but her face remained smooth and docile, a perfect mask of obedience. He mentally sighed, pleased that she had such control over her emotions. He’d honestly thought she wouldn’t be prepared for this but if she could look at the Dark Lord and remain calm, she was indeed much better than he gave her credit for. His own nerves were almost shot.

The trio walked in, barely blinking when the heavy door shut behind them. They were surrounded by around 30 Death Eaters including the most trusted inner circle. They all had masks on but it wasn’t hard to figure out who was who. Bellatrix’s shrill cackle was unmistakable.

Severus walked forward, bowing his head. Melody’s head was bowed as well, keeping it tilted as if listening to the rustle of his cloak. When Severus gave a low bow, she dropped to her knees, wincing a bit. When Severus knelt and kissed the Dark Lord’s robes, she put her forehead on her knees, biting her lips almost to the point of drawing blood so her pained gasp would be muffled.

Draco followed suit, kneeling and kissing his Master’s robes. He could feel the push against his mind as the Dark Lord immediately entered his thoughts. Hermione was in the very back of his mind, reinforcing the wall they’d put up between them. He pushed all of his prior thoughts on pureblood supremacy to the very front, making sure to exaggerate the emotions. When he was pleased with what he saw, the Dark Lord pulled out and stepped back.

“Arise my loyal servants,” he said magnanimously.

Draco smothered a snort. He and Severus stood up but Melody remained kneeling. She merely shifted so her forehead was no longer touching her knees. Her head was still ducked down in a sign of absolute submission. A tiny tremor rippled along her shoulders.

“So this is your pet then?” Voldemort asked softly, walking around and seeming to inspect the kneeling woman at Severus’s feet. “How long?”

“Seventeen years my Lord,” Severus drawled.

“My, my, that is a very long time, is it not?” It wasn’t really a question though. “Why have I not seen her before now?”

“She lives in America my Lord. When Harry Potter came to Hogwarts, I was forced to spend all my attention guarding the boy under Dumbledore’s orders. I had no time for a slave.”

Voldemort chuckled. “And how did your slave take this abandonment?”

“In the manner in which I taught her, my Lord. She said and did nothing to contact me,” Snape said smugly.

“I do not imagine that she was pleased with this arrangement,” Voldemort said slowly.

“Her feelings do not matter,” Severus said a bit briskly.

Voldemort chuckled, his red eyes locked to Melody’s kneeling form. To her credit, the red head never moved. Her breathing was a bit shallow, obviously from the pain she was already in. “I’ve heard a great many things about your slave Severus. What is her name?”

“Melody Bach, my Lord.”

“Ah yes, your new co-professor for teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts. I hear she has the class playing with dolls,” he said mockingly. Low rumbles of laughter sounded out across the room. Melody shifted a head and let out a silent gasp.

“Yes, she has them working with intent dolls to practice their focus,” Severus supplied, his eyes also now on Melody’s kneeling form.

“Intent dolls,” Voldemort drawled. “Perhaps the professor would care to explain?”

Melody shifted again, her resounding gasp a bit more audible and tilted her head just a bit to the side.

“You may answer,” Severus drawled.

“Thank you master,” she whispered.

Voldemort chuckled. “My what an obedient slave you are. Now, your explanation.”

“Yes sir,” she said softly. “The intent dolls themselves are merely that, fabric dolls. However, they are instilled with a magical device, their own core if you will. The wizard who intends to use them needs to merely recite a spell and they will react accordingly. The one we’ve been training on is for intent, the sheer force of will needed to cast spells. By giving them a focus that is not a moving target able to defend itself, another student for example, they can concentrate specifically on that.”

“Yes,” Voldemort drawled. “And what effect has it had on the students?”

“The students are able to focus more strongly. They’re has been an improvement in non-verbal spell casting capabilities as well as them being able to throw a much stronger version of a hex.”

“It is an interesting concept indeed,” Voldemort mused while walking around. “How did you come by this method?”

“My first year transfiguration teacher introduced me to them. I’m afraid I had a bad habit of setting my objects on fire,” she said, the proper amount of blush popping up on her cheeks.

Voldemort chuckled darkly. “I see. I’ve heard reports of you forcing the students to dance with each other. Is this true?”

“Yes sir,” Melody said, hesitating for a moment as if she was unsure if she still had permission to speak. “By forcing them to keep their attention on both their partner and their doll, it increases their overall concentration. They can block and think of the next spell to throw in a duel.”

“An interesting variant,” Voldemort said softly. “I understand our very own Severus has put on his dancing shoes for a demonstration. Some say they think it is a weakness.” Melody flinched and bit down hard on her lip to stifle a whimper. “You have an opinion on this I gather?”

Melody gave a tiny nod of her head but did not speak. Instead, she seemed to concentrate on her breathing until she could make it slow and even once more. Voldemort studied her for a moment.

“Severus?”

“Yes my Lord?” Severus asked with the proper amount of awe and wariness.

“I am most anxious to hear your slave’s opinion of your dancing prowess,” he purred, although it sounded more like a grating hiss.

“Of course my Lord. Answer him,” Severus said sternly to Melody.

“Yes Master,” she said softly. “The ability to control a doll while dancing is not a weakness. In fact, it demonstrates an entirely new level of control and concentration. That he can do both speaks of the power he commands. Dancing in itself is also not a weakness. It takes a real man to lead his partner.”

“So quick to defend your Master?” Voldemort teased.

“Always sir. I am never allowed to speak ill of my master,” she said curtly.

“I see,” Voldemort drawled. “And yet, there are reports of you mocking him daily.”

“Joking and irritating him are not speaking ill of him,” she said and then cringed as if she was fixing to be struck.

“Severus, your slave seems to be having difficulty maintaining her position.”

“I imagine she is rather sore from her last punishment my Lord. She’ll get over it,” Severus said snidely.

“Really?” Voldemort breathed and stepped closer to see if he could see anything. “She shows no outward signs of a punishment.”

“She is not allowed to show her stripes unless she has my express permission,” Severus said, his voice never betraying the sudden hitch in his chest.

“By all means Severus, enlighten us,” Voldmort said, motioning to the other Death Eaters in the room. There were dozens of cat calls and lewd comments. Finally, Voldemort raised his hands and silenced them. He motioned for Severus to step forward.

With a nod and a heavy heart, he stepped directly in front of Melody, hoping to spare her at least a bit of modestly. She merely lowered her shoulders in submission. “Position three,” Severus said softly.

Nodding mutely, Melody slowly placed her hands on the floor and then shifted forwards until her head hit her hands. This left her back, rear, and legs exposed. Snape raised his wand and twisted it sharply. There was a ripping sound and the back of Melody’s robes split and fell to the floor, revealing her to be nude except for a tiny thong. Jeers filled the room.

Draco was hard pressed not to make a sound. He didn’t know if it was his godfather or Alex who had whipped her so thoroughly but they had made a masterpiece of her back, arse, and thighs. Her back was still a deep pink color with crisscrossing crimson lines down her spine. They formed a spider web from the upper middle point of her back. Inside, the initials S.S. could be made out in dried blood. It looked as if he might have carved them with his fangs.

Her arse was a mixture of bright pink, deeper crimson, and a few purple welts indicating that she’d been thoroughly spanked. Her legs bore the telltale marks of the flogger. It was no wonder she was so sore today. He knew that there was no way Severus would leave her like that under normal circumstances.

“My, my Severus,” Voldemort breathed. “Such a lovely masterpiece you’ve made of your slave. What warranted a punishment this extensive?”

“She directly disobeyed me,” Snape said in a hard voice.

“And has she been thoroughly corrected?” Voldemort hissed in glee.

“Absolutely. I believe she’ll remember her stripes for a good long time to come.”

“So Melody, perhaps you could tell me your grievous error,” Voldemort said softly.

She shifted with a sharp inhalation and tilted her head to the side to ask permission.

“You may answer,” Severus drawled as Voldemort chuckled gleefully.

“I am not allowed to bear the marks of another person,” she said barely above a whisper.

“Ah yessss,” Voldemort hissed. “I understand that you had a fight with a werewolf the other day and came in with a lovely accouterment on your face. How exactly did you cross this werewolf?” He glanced over to Fenrir who was standing back to the side of the crowd. Draco’s heart skipped a beat but he kept his mask in place.

“I was working at a club for vampires and a werewolf tried to come in. I told him to leave and he expressed his distaste at my request in a very physical manner.”

“And this displeased your Master,” Voldemort filled in.

“Yes sir. I am to defend myself from all except my Master and I failed to be quick enough.”

“And how is a blind woman supposed to defend herself from an attack?” Voldemort asked, trying to lure her into a trap.

“Being blind enhances one’s other senses. Hearing is amplified as well as sensing a change in the air. I can feel magic coming towards me,” she said, smoothly skirting his jab.

“I see. Why do you wear those muggle sunglasses.”

“To hide my eyes. They can be a bit startling,” she said and then cringed when she realized she’d not asked for permission to answer first.

“You’ve trained your slave well Severus. She is obedient to me because she is obedient to you and you are my lieutenant. Are you not concerned that she works in a club full of vampires?”

“No my Lord. She is immune to their thrall,” Severus said softly.

“Is that so?” Voldemort said in a surprised tone although it was apparent he’d heard of her ability before.

He drew one scaly finger over a particularly angry red mark across Melody’s shoulder. She allowed a hoarse wail to escape her mouth before she cringed, expecting to be punished. Snape growled low in his throat and conjured a belt. He wacked her three good times on her bum and then stepped back around. She didn’t make a peep through her punishment. When it was over, she scooted forward until she could reach his feet, careful to maintain the same position. She kissed his boots and laid her cheek on them.

“Thank you Master,” she said in a teary voice.

The whole room roared in laughter. “Ah, that was very nice Severus. Your slave has taken her punishment well. Dress her. I’m intrigued to know if she is truly immune to the thrall of a vampire.” Voldemort walked out of the room.

Snape flicked his wand and her robes covered her body once again. She gasped loudly and then cringed, fearing another punishment. He decided to let that one go since no one had seemed to notice. They were still too busy laughing at her punishment. Draco realized that was what she’d planned all along because he saw her look up and mutter to Severus. He was thankful for his ultra-sensitive hearing.

“You’ve got to distract everyone. He’ll smell the bond. Remember the smell? I can enter his mind to negotiate his silence but if anyone focuses too closely, they’ll be able to see.”

Snape blinked once behind his mask and looked around. Voldemort was just reentering with a cloaked figure. Once he regained everyone’s attention, he motioned for the mystery person to take their cloak off. The man was definitely a vampire. His black eyes were rimmed with deep indigo similar to Alex’s except the latter’s eyes were entirely that color. If he wasn’t smirking evilly with his fangs fully extended, he’d be considered very effeminate. His honey blond hair and soft aristocratic features spoke of his breeding prior to becoming one of the undead.

“This, my friends, is Sergei. He comes to us all the way from Russia. When I told him I’d received reports of a woman who could resist the thrall of a vampire, he was intrigued and asked to come test this phenomenon. Sergei, if you would. Remember though, you may not touch her.”

The vampire’s face fell. “May I ask why?”

“Her Master has made sure that no man can,” Voldemort chuckled evilly. “She will die if you try and she might be rather useful to us yet.”

“Of course, my Lord,” the vampire drawled and stepped over to Severus and Melody who was still in the same position, her cheek resting on his boots. He snorted. “I can hardly enthrall her with her face in his boots, now can I?”

Voldemort chuckled. “Of course. Severus?”

“Yes my Lord. Rise slave,” Snape said firmly. Melody stood up slowly, obviously making a show of trying not to cry. She winced when she shifted off of her knees to stand. After she stood up, she bowed her head and tilted it just slightly, waiting for instruction.

Severus whipped her sunglasses off and grabbed her chin, pulling it up and around to the side harshly. Everyone who could see her completely white eyes gasped in shock. He grabbed her shoulder and roughly yanked her to face the vampire whose nostrils were now flaring. Knowing they didn’t have much time, she whimpered loudly and then cringed.

Sighing heavily, Severus raised the belt he’d been holding and walked behind her. He gave her three solid smacks to her thighs. They trembled a bit and he crossed his arms to see if she would regain her balance. Her knees faltered and Severus put a hand on her back to keep her from falling backwards. She moaned softly and he smacked her thighs six more times, three for falling and three for uttering a sound. The Death Eaters shouted and cheered and called for more stripes.

Draco wanted to cringe at her treatment but he’d seen what no one else had seemed to. Melody had successfully entered the Sergei’s mind and was speaking with him. One would have to look insanely close to see the flickering in the vampire’s eyes indicating that he wasn’t paying attention. Suddenly, he blinked and narrowed his eyes.

“How can I ensnare someone who can’t see?” Sergei asked in disgust.

“Why do you say that?” Voldemort drawled.

“Look at her eyes! They have no color! It’s as if someone sucked their very essence out of her head.”

Voldemort’s chuckle was brittle. “So you can’t put a blind person under the thrall?”

“It is much more difficult. I’m afraid most of the room will fall to it if I have to try that hard.”

“Do it. I am aware that Severus himself possesses a powerful will that can resist the thrall. I’m also told that young Draco has exemplified this talent as well. I am not concerned for myself.”

“Very well my Lord,” Sergei said softly. His eyes turned completely indigo and he opened his mouth in a hiss. Death Eaters all over the room sighed dreamily. “Now poppet, come to me.” His voice was like smooth velvet.

Draco tilted his head a bit. He didn’t feel a thing personally, just like he hadn’t felt Alex’s influence in the DADA classroom. He was extremely glad that he shared blood with his godfather. At least he wasn’t going to disappoint the Dark Lord in this challenge.

“No,” Melody said plainly. “I come only to my master.”

“Ah but I can be a better master,” Sergei drawled. “I would not punish you so.”

“My Master is the best Master. There is no better and I am thankful for his punishments,” Melody said defiantly.

“Ah but I can show you pleasure beyond your wildest dreams. Come to me poppet.”

“No. My Master shows me all the pleasure I deserve,” she growled.

Sergei looked around in amusement at all the Death Eaters in the room. All but one was leaning towards him, straining not to come running at his command. Voldemort had a thin smile on his face. “Why does the young one not lean forward?”

Voldemort glanced at Draco. “It seems the rumors are true. He is immune to the thrall. Most impressive. That’s enough.”

“As you wish my Lord,” Sergei said softly and snapped. Suddenly, a room full of Death Eaters drew back in shock. “She did not once succumb.”

“I see. Thank you Sergei. If you’ll follow Wormtail to the back, there is a gift for you there,” Voldemort drawled. The vampire turned and followed a cringing Wormtail through the back door. “That was quite an impressive display of loyalty Melody.”

Melody ducked her head down in submission, only tilting it to await instructions.

“Enlighten my Lord,” Severus drawled.

“I am always loyal to my Master, sir. However, it isn’t just the bond that makes me immune. I am also immune to the imperious curse. I have found that those who are can resist the thrall. It is why I choose to work with vampires. They are intrigued with my gift and I can run errands for them during the day, bring them fresh flesh. In return, they pay me handsomely and respect that I can’t be touched.”

“An interesting arrangement indeed,” Voldemort drawled. “I can see how you would be valuable to the vampires. Sergei himself had to arrive last night and won’t be able to leave again until nightfall. Tell me, why not just provide them with the same sunlight potion that your vampire friend Alex uses.”

Melody trembled for a second at the mention of Alex’s name. “It is a dangerous potion my lord. He has to feed twice as often and it can fail without warning. It is also effective for only a few hours at a time.”

“My informant tells me that you seem to have a deeper relationship with this Alex,” Voldemort hissed softly.

Melody trembled harder, letting off a small whimper. “I owed him a life debt.”

“And why is that?” Voldemort breathed.

“After my Master left me, my vision went from shapes and shadows to completely dark. I was at the wrong place at the wrong time and a band of muggles attacked me. He happened to be there and killed them for me. I was charged with providing for his wellbeing for the rest of my life or until I could return the debt. Whether that was to let my own blood for him to drink or find him another source, I did it. One day, a vampire hunter came through town and I protected him. My debt was paid in full but we remained acquaintances.”

“You let him drink from you?” Voldemort said in disgust.

“Of course not. That would go against the bond. However, I would let my blood into another container for him to drink,” Melody clarified. “I tried my hardest to provide another source but my blood worked in a pinch.”

“And did he say what your blood tasted like?” Voldemort drawled.

“Shite,” Melody snapped and then cringed again. The room broke into loud raucous laughter.

“A very interesting slave you have Severus,” Voldemort hissed. “However, I suspect that all is not as it seems.”

“My Lord?” Severus questioned, putting all his sincerity behind his shock.

“She gets around too well for someone who is blind,” Voldemort said softly. “And I did not see your marks upon her body.”

“They are not on her back my Lord,” Severus said softly.

“Then enlighten us,” Voldemort spat.

Severus nodded and yanked her hair back and her head down and to the side so everyone could see the tiny black mamba behind her ear. Voldemort walked over and placed his finger over the tiny writhing snake. He hissed and yanked his finger away as if he’d been shocked.

“The other one?” He asked, overlooking the shocking tattoo. Draco had read that the visible mark gave a warning and the more private one would knock a person out for a few hours if they touched it. He wondered how Melody had managed to enchant the tattoo to do that.

Severus yanked Melody’s skirt up all the way to her breasts and bade her to hold it. Then he conjured a high stool and put her foot on it. She gasped loudly and a tear trickled down her face from the rough treatment but she didn’t cry out. He pointed to a tiny brand on her inner thigh that read his initials. It just brushed the crotch of her knickers.

“Your slave does learn her lessons quickly,” Voldemort mused. “Now, I believe we need a volunteer to touch this brand. How about someone who needs to prove their usefulness? Lucius?”

Draco’s blood ran cold as his father stepped out from a crowd of Death Eaters. When had he escaped? He felt Hermione shudder in disgust and sympathized with her. He looked thinner, his hair lank and greasy. When the Dark Lord bid him to remove his mask, he revealed a drawn face with deep circles under his eyes.

“Now Lucius, I understand that you’ve been acquainted with Severus’s little slave.”

“Yes Milord,” Lucius whispered.

“Hexed you if I recall,” Voldemort chuckled. Lucius nodded his head jerkily. “Well then, you can be the first to get your hands on her. Touch the brand.”

Lucius timidly reached out a shaking hand and cringed when Voldemort tutted. “Remove your glove Lucius.”

Lucius yanked the glove off as quickly as he could and then reached for the brand. Melody tensed and snapped her head around to Severus with wide white eyes, seeking his approval.

“Stay,” he ordered and she ducked her head submissively, trembling all over from both the strain of holding such an awkward and vulnerable position as well as suppressing her rage for the man fixing to touch her. She would take a special delight in knocking his pompous arse to the floor.

Lucius jerked his hand at the last minute and ended up slapping the brand hard. Melody yelled hoarsely and Lucius was knocked to the floor, unconscious and twitching. She just barely suppressed a satisfied smirk as his head hit with a sickening thud. She looked over at Draco and quickly entered his mind. “That was for you,” she whispered and pulled out. He barely squashed his smirk.

“My, my. It seems I have been remiss,” Voldemort said motioning for a couple of Death Eaters to drag Lucius’s still twitching form away. “I still think there is something that she’s been hiding from you though. She has a sister, does she not?”

“An older one, my Lord,” Severus said.

“Not a twin then?” Voldemort said darkly.

“No my Lord. I saw her muggle birth certificate myself.”

“Muggle?” Voldemort said in alarm.

“She is a half-blood. Her father insisted her mother have his children the muggle way,” Snape said, shuddering at the thought.

Voldemort frowned in disgust. “I see. Still, my reports tell me that she can see exceptionally well for a blind person. She was even seen reading a magazine.”

Melody snorted and immediately took her foot off the stool and dropped to her knees to beg forgiveness. Snape raised the belt and gave her bum six very strong lashes for her outburst. “Stand!” He hissed angrily and she popped up, tears streaming silently down her face. “Thank you Master,” she whimpered. “I am so sorry.”

Snape sniffed in disgust. “Perhaps you should tell my Lord why you had that reaction.”

“Yes Master. There is a spell that converts regular text into braille. It’s a method used by muggles. A series of raised dots represents each letter in the alphabet. You can run your finger over the page and interpret what it says by the feel of the dots.”

“And you cast this spell on the magazine before you read it?” Voldemort said skeptically.

“Yes sir. I cast is on all my parchments, books, and magazines.”

“Explain then, why you seem to have dead on accuracy with spells and can block them if needed. I was told of a rather impressive display between Severus and yourself in the classroom.”

“I can see shapes and shadows with my Master by my side sir.”

“And when he is not?”

“If he’s not, I’ve developed the ability to sense a magical attack as well as a physical one. I think it is my magic adapting to the loss of one of my senses.”

“I’d like to see this demonstration,” Voldemort said curtly.

Severus tilted his head. “If I may my Lord, I’m not sure she’s well enough to give such a display. Would it be alright if I healed her stripes before we began?”

“Do you think she’s served her punishment adequately Severussss?” Voldemort hissed.

“No. After her insolence today, I will take extra care to punish her twice as ardently tonight.”

“Well, we’re all here. Go ahead and heal her Severus and then when your demonstration is done and I feel it is adequate, you can restripe her. I’m sure we’d all like to see her master at work.”

“Of course, my Lord,” Snape said and took her over to a corner to heal her stripes. He leaned closter to her and muttered under his breath. “You’re doing well.”

“This is sucking pretty hard right now,” she murmured and he snorted softly. They listened to the sounds in the room behind them.

“Now, while Severus is attending to his slave, let us discuss why you are here young Draco. Remove your mask. I’ve been hearing some very disturbing reports about you.”

Draco removed his mask and carefully thought about his words and made sure his walls were still firmly in place. “What reports have you been hearing Milord? I have only thought of completing the task you set forth.”

“I’ve heard that you’ve been having a rather curious relationship with the mudblood, Hermione Granger.”

Draco’s heart stopped for a second and he took a minute to calm himself. He twisted his face into one of complete revulsion. “Relationship?” He spat hatefully. “What kind of relationship?”

“It seems as though you two have ended up spending a great deal of your time in the infirmary together,” Voldemort drawled.

Draco snorted. “I’ll admit I take pleasure in hexing that filthy mudblood so badly that she needs to visit the hospital wing but I do not spend time with her there. While everyone thinks I am in the hospital, I sneak down out continue the work you set for me, Milord.”

“And yet you allowed Severus’s slave to order you to dance with her.”

“It was horrible.” Draco said, trying to put as much sincerity in his voice as possible. “She promised me that if I could stand to touch her for a few minutes that my spell casting would improve. More so for me because I was so repulsed by touching that filth. She did let me shower afterwards though.”

Voldemort chuckled. “And did you feel clean?”

“I took several showers that day Milord and never felt fully clean.”

“And how are you progressing on my tasks?” Voldemort asked.

“I believe I am well on track Milord,” Draco said arrogantly.

“That is not what I heard. Cursed necklaces and poisoned students is hardly what I asked for!” Voldemort yelled.

“One of those students was Ronald Weasley, Potter’s golden buddy,” Draco sniffed in distain.

“Is that so?” Voldemort asked gleefully and Draco nodded. “I’ve also heard that you’ve been spending much of your time lately with your future fiancé.”

Draco scowled. “I was trying to shut her up Milord. She doesn’t seem to take my tasks seriously. She’s constantly hounding me to spend time with her and nags me incessantly when I explain that I need to continue working on your requests.”

“Let me see,” Voldemort said darkly and Draco felt the push into his mind.

The Dark Lord sifted through several memories before he focused on the ones of Pansy. Draco pushed all of the ones of Pansy nagging him, cajoling him, begging him to quit working for just a while. He emphasized his annoyance at her incessant badgering and his desire to please his Lord. Then he shifted his memories of Nott and Pansy together, carefully overlaying the thoughts of lust with impatience to return to his work. He let him hear all the meaningless platitudes and drivel that spilled out of Nott’s mouth to placate her.

Satisfied with what he saw, the Dark Lord searched further into his mind. He picked carefully through all of his memories of working on the cabinet; his triumphs and setbacks that happened each step of the way. He let him see the imperious curse he cast on Rosmerta and the poison he planted in Slughorn’s office.

Then he felt him tap against the walls in the back of his mind. Holding his fear in check, he held steady and patiently waited as the Dark Lord tried each and every brick in those walls. These were the walls that held his memories of his time spent with Hermione, the twins, and Ginny and Potter. Everything behind them would be a death sentence should he find them.

At Grimmauld place, Hermione was shaking from exertion. It was taking everything she had to keep those walls in place. She could feel Draco supporting her but he couldn’t blatantly kick the Dark Lord out of his mind so she held steady. Her nose started bleeding from the strain and she vaguely felt a tissue sopping up the blood.

Finally satisfied, the Dark Lord pulled out of Draco’s mind so abruptly that he fell to his knees. He realized that his face was soaked in blood from the strain but they’d held strong.

“You have been only half trying,” Voldemort spat. “Just march up to his office and kill him!”

“Milord, he’s never there. He’s been gone most of the school year and only shows up once a week or so, never any set day or time,” Draco stuttered.

“Is that so?” Voldemort said softly. “Then I guess I’ll have to motivate you to try harder. “CRUCIO!”

AN: Hello everyone. I know what you're thinking. You let me hang for almost a week and then you give me a cliffhanger!! *cue outraged huff* Sorry about the time it took me to post this. A week's worth of late nights, all nighters, and a busted knee cap has put a damper on my story time. Don't worry though, I will NOT abandon this story. I'll try to get the next chapter written as soon as I can. My thesis presentation is less than a week away now. Wish me luck! Now, thank you all for such wonderful reviews. When I got stuck on my thesis, I went back and read them all. They kept me going. Trying to answer a few questions here.. um. I don't know how many more chapters but I'd say at LEAST 10 or 15 so you can wean slowly! And yes, Ron will find out some things soon. If there is enough interest, I may very well write the 4some in Snape's room. As always, keep reviewing and letting me know how I'm doing or if you find any errors. Until next time... Love you guys!
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