A/N: This is my first HP Fic so be kind. This story will be very OC heavy and some chapters will be focused on them solely. I know some people hate OC's being added and that's fine, just want you to know what you're going to see. So please, no flames about how adding OC's sucks. I'm giving you fair warning there will be OC's and they will be MAJOR characters.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, just borrowing the world and characters thought up by J.K. Rowling and using some creative license to make some adjustments. The "Hunters" and their world is mine though.

Severus and Lucius sat silently, nursing a glass of firewhiskey in the cool dungeons at Hogwarts. It had been a rough night. Again.

Voldemort was growing impatient with the bane of his very existence, Harry Potter, and the lack of progression of his mission. Impatience for Voldemort could only mean one thing - pain and misery for anyone who crossed his path.

"I'm not sure how much longer I can do this, Sev." Lucius finally broke the silence, his voice tired and hoarse. In recent weeks his favor within Voldemort's inner circle had been slipping. Tonight he suffered the cruciatus three times just for Voldemort's amusement.

Severus turned his gaze to his longtime friend. The blonde man was normally pristine and well kept, but tonight he looked tired. Old and tired. Severus felt that familiar tug in his stomach, guilt. He had talked Lucius into crossing over to the side of the light and joining the Order the year Harry Potter started Hogwarts and Voldemort started his comeback. Lucius had no desire to devote his life to the madman any longer and even less desire to see his own son repeat his mistakes. Dumbledore and the Order were quick to accept Lucius, eager to have another spy amongst Voldemort's inner circle. The double spy life was wearing hard on the man.

Unlike Severus, who knew his own rough upbringing and lifetime of disappointment hardened him enough to handle the stress of being a double agent, Lucius was born with the proverbial silver spoon. His childhood, though not pleasant and full of hugs by any means, was rather easy. He was denied nothing and encouraged to stop at nothing to get what he wanted. His early fortune was earned the old fashioned way, inherited when his pureblood supremacist father, Abraxas, died. Lucius possessed the good looks and charm to make his succession to his father's business successful, but those qualities mattered not when it came to dealing with a megalomaniac obsessed with the idea of immortality.

"Does the old fool even have a plan at this point?" Lucius turned his attention from the fire to the dark-haired man sitting in the matching armchair to his left. Severus took a long sip of his whiskey, basking in the warm burn.

"I do not know." Severus sadly replied his eyes dropping, unable to meet Lucius' tired pleading eyes.

Lucius chuckled and nodded, taking another sip of the aged drink.

"The old man has lost what was left of his mind if he thinks I will allow Draco to take the dark mark." Lucius' voice hardened as it always did when the subject of Draco and Voldemort were in the same sentence. "That was the point behind my switching sides, to protect my son."

Severus stared hard at the rapidly aging friend who was a mere shadow of the glorious man he used to be. "Indeed."

The two men sat in comfortable silence for an unknown stretch of time. To Lucius it felt like hours, to Severus mere minutes when the fireplace flashed and Dumbledore's head appeared. Severus inwardly groaned. Not even 1 hour were they given to unwind after meeting with the Dark Lord.

"Ah good. Severus, Lucius, can you please join me in my office?" Dumbledore's soft chipper voice grated on the men's already shot nerves. Severus rolled his eyes while Lucius rubbed his forehead. Neither man wanted to sit before their second master, but little option were they given.

"Of course, Headmaster." Severus seethed through clenched teeth.

"Wonderful." Dumbledore smiled before disappearing from the fireplace. Severus looked to Lucius, who only nodded his head before rising to his feet so they could floo to the Headmaster's office.

Severus exited the fireplace into Dumbledore's office first, immediately stepping aside to allow Lucius to come through. Dumbledore smiled at the two men, his light blue robes a startling contrast to their black. Dumbledore held out his candy bowl, offering a sugary sweet.

"Lemon drop?"

Severus raised an eyebrow, shaking his head no. Lucius ignored the question entirely as they took their seats before his desk, sporting their masks of indifference.

"How was Tom tonight?"

"Insane as always, Headmaster." Severus drawled, his curt response receiving lips pursed in frustration from his second master. Severus sighed loudly. "He's growing impatient and paranoid. Tonight he entertained himself with casting the cruciatus on his followers."

Lucius' slight flinch at the mention of the unforgiveable did not go unnoticed by either man. It didn't matter how many times he had suffered it before, each time he screamed in pain and it was now taking longer to physically recover. Dumbledore tapped his chin as he processed the information.

If there was one thing Severus hated more than Dumbledore's never ending meddling, it was silence in his office. Much like Voldemort, silence meant he was thinking. No doubt considering some rash plan that would put their lives in immediate danger, but their safety was unimportant. As long as bloody Harry Potter was safe, then all was well.

"I am beginning to worry about Tom's behavior." Dumbledore mused wistfully.

Lucius snorted. "Beginning to? With all due respect, Headmaster, his behavior should have started to worry you long before tonight."

"Perhaps, but only recently has Tom taken to torturing his followers for entertainment. In the past did he not pin Death Eaters against one another?" The white haired man asked while leaning forward on his desk.

Severus put his hand up to stop Lucius' rant before it started. He knew the aristocrat was exhausted and quickly losing patience with Dumbledore's never ending riddles.

"Headmaster, the Dark Lord is growing impatient and insecure. We must give him something to distract him until Potter can finish locating the horcruxes."

Dumbledore considered Severus' words, popping one of the tart sweets into his mouth. His eyes shifted to Lucius. "Perhaps we give him a new follower. Maybe it's time to allow Draco to take the mark? Tom might switch his focus into recruiting again."

"Abso-bloody-lutely not!" Lucius shot out of his chair, his fists clenching in rage. "We agreed old man that Draco was to be kept out of this. I will not allow my son to be sent to that madman. Not now, not ever!"

Severus sideways glanced at Lucius, concern growing as the man began pacing and shaking his hands to relieve the urge to hex Dumbledore into oblivion.

"Understood, Lucius. My sincerest apologies for even suggesting it." Dumbledore raised his hands in a gesture of defeat. "Does Miss Granger have any additional information with regards to the horcruxes, Severus?"

Severus shifted uncomfortably in his seat at the mention of Hermione Granger. Though he knew he was not violating any school rules in dating her, she was over 18 and would not be his potions student as she was merely returned to study her NEWT's and graduate early, he still felt rattled when the Headmaster mentioned her.

Severus never expected to fall in love again. Let alone with the bushy haired know-it-all who was the loyal sidekick to resident pain in his ass Potter. The unlikely couple began over the summer while both were staying at Order headquarters. Though young in years, Hermione was old at heart. Forced to grow up faster than any child should due to being friends with Potter and losing her parents to a violent death eater attack the previous winter, Hermione quickly became someone he could turn to. She was never insulted by his harsh words or terrible attitude. The friendship formed quickly and the friendship turned romantic even faster after returning from a meeting, once again injured at the hands of his dark master.

"Oh my gods, Severus!" Hermione gasped as the Professor stumbled into the library, immediately falling to his knees his hands pressed to the floor to brace himself. Without a thought Hermione threw the book she was reading onto the table, rushing to kneel beside the injured wizard. "Is there anything I can do? A potion perhaps?"

Severus' ebony eyes appraised the young witch beside him. When had she turned so beautiful? Shaking his head to clear his mind of the inappropriate thoughts Severus gasped, "Pain potion."

Hermione nodded, silently fleeing the room to his personal quarters. If it were anyone else, he would never have allowed them into his room, but this was Hermione. His friend. Severus smirked when he thought about their odd friendship that was formed through their love of books, knowledge and the harsh reality of being orphaned at a young age. Though Potter too shared the unfortunate title, he did not understand Hermione's grief. He felt she was lucky to have memories to look back on. He never considered that knowing her parents meant she couldn't live in a fairytale world, one that Harry very much so lived in when it came to his parents.

Moments later Hermione returned, potion in hand. She gently touched his shoulder, encouraging him to sit back so she could pour the potion into his mouth. Severus complied and soon felt the relief as the bitter potion went down his throat.

"Thank you." Severus mumbled, once again allowing his body to slump over.

"You should lie down." Hermione softly spoke as she tucked his hair behind his ear, allowing her to see his face. That perplexed him. She was always pushing his hair behind his ear, why would she want to look at his face? "Do you need help?"

Normally a proud man Severus thought to reject her offer, but found the prospect of being allowed to wrap his arm around her too appealing. It was slightly inappropriate he would admit, but he was a man after all. Severus only nodded.

With the gentle touch of a concerned woman, Hermione carefully positioned herself so that his left arm was around her shoulders. She held his hand in place with her left hand while her right arm snaked around his waist, gently pulling him encouraging him to stand. Thankfully the walk to his rooms was quick, right across the hall. Without prompt Hermione helped Severus to his bed, delicately assisting him to a sitting position, kneeling down to remove his boots and socks.

Severus remained silent as her hands moved to his robes, swiftly and efficiently undoing his buttons as if she'd done that a hundred times before. Hermione was intent and focused, nibbling on her bottom lip as she always did when she was either deep in thought or nervous. Severus hoped it wasn't due to nerves.

Helping his arms from his robes, Hermione folded it and placed it on the chair in the corner. Her hands resumed their unbuttoning on his button up shirt. Severus closed his eyes, waiting for the gasp or gag that would accompany her seeing his bare chest, badly scarred from years of torture. Carefully he opened one eye when he felt the shirt slide over his shoulders and down his arms. There was no gasp. There was no gagging. There wasn't even pity in her eyes. It just was.

Hermione half smiled as she urged him to lie down on his bed, positioning the pillows beneath his head to allow him to sleep elevated. He had mentioned once in passing that it alleviated some pain from the tremors if he didn't sleep completely flat. Situated on his pillows Hermione pulled the soft sheets and duvet over his body, tucking the fabric underneath his armpits like her mother had done to her as a child.

Content with her job tucking him in, Hermione leaned down and gently kissed his forehead. Her hand rested on his cheek as she looked at him with sad eyes.

"I'm so glad you are okay." Her voice was shaky as the reality set in that there could come a time he might not return. "I would be lost without you."

Severus' hand covered hers on his cheek. "As would I without you."

Time stood still as Hermione slowly leaned down. Her lips soft and plump against his. The kiss was quick, chaste, merely a taste of what could come. She held her breath as she pulled slightly away, waiting for the lecture that would ensue. She was pleasantly surprised when no lecture came. Instead she was awarded with a soft smile. She moved to stand up, but was stopped by the hand on the back of her neck, gently pulling her down, coaxing her to kiss him again. This time, the kiss was neither soft nor chaste. He groaned when her tongue teased the seam of his lips, immediately opening to allow her to explore.

The kiss was emotion filled, driven by the unspoken attraction that had been building between them over the weeks. Severus couldn't think. He didn't want to think. All he wanted to do was feel and enjoy the feeling of her lips against his, kissing back with as much passion as him. His hands were buried in the bushy hair that turned out not to be so bushy. In fact, her hair was soft, feeling like silk against his rough hands. Hermione's hands caressed his chest, silently mapping each of his scars and massaging the pain away. It wasn't until they pulled away to get some much needed oxygen that Severus realized she was not standing now, she was straddling his pelvis, her hot core rubbing against his erection.

His cock screamed in protest when his hands moved to her hips, stopping her motions. Hermione looked at him in surprise.

"As much as I would love to fuck you into the mattress little one, I'm far too exhausted to give you the sexual experience you deserve. Might I offer my services tomorrow night?" Severus whispered, his voice laced with the desire he was denying himself. Hermione smiled and bit her lip as she nodded.

Hermione slept curled next to the surly potions master that night. Her leg draped over his, her head resting on his chest. Severus couldn't remember the last time he slept so sound.

"Severus?" Severus was lured from his thoughts by the Headmaster.

"Oh, no, nothing since they recovered the Helga Hufflepuff's cup from the Lestrange vault." Severus responded. "She is researching Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem, we believe that is also a horcrux and it is rumored to reside inside the castle grounds."

Dumbledore nodded in understanding. So far they had found and destroyed 4 of the 7 believed horcruxes and were hoping to discover and destroy the other 3 very soon.

"Is Tom aware that the horcruxes are being destroyed?" The Headmaster's question was directed at the still pacing Lucius. Lucius looked at him incredulously.

"What do you believe is making him so impatient and paranoid, Headmaster?" Lucius sneered. "He knows something is amiss."

"Excellent!" Dumbledore clapped, drawing raised eyebrows from his 2 loyal spies. "Then this is perfect timing. The ministry has decided to place Hunters inside Hogwarts."

"WHAT?!" Both men exclaimed loudly. Severus shot up from his chair while Lucius ceased his incessant pacing.

"How is this good timing?" Severus questioned, crossing his arms.

"You said Tom needs a distraction. We need to buy time so what better way than to distract him?" Dumbledore smiled as if this was the best idea he had.

Lucius groaned as he ran his hands down his face in frustration. Severus shook his head, blinking at the elder wizard in disbelief.

"Yes, we're as good as dead." Severus bluntly stated. "You are bringing in dark magic Hunters when the Dark Lord is already paranoid and impatient."

Dumbledore shook his head. "Nonsense, Severus. I do not believe the presence of Hunters will cause much change for your objective."

"Of course not. I imagine the Dark Lord will be pleased you are bringing in Hunters." Severus sarcastically drawled, moving to pace alongside Lucius.

Next to blasted Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore, Hunters were Voldemort's most hated. The ancient elite organization was formed by the demigod descendants of the Greek Gods and Goddesses. Comprised of only the strongest witches and wizards, Hunters are designed to seek out and destroy dark magic to assist in keeping peace. After the first war, they were responsible for many of the arrests made to his followers following Voldemort's temporary defeat. In addition to seeking out and destroying dark magic, and any cause behind it, they were also responsible for helping diagnose cursed individuals and assisting on lifting the dark curses that were upon the. They were especially deadly because in addition to studying dark magic, "blood" Hunters, or descendants of the original Hunters, are skillfully trained in dark magic. Often times their skills surpassed even those trained by Voldemort.

"Severus, Lucius, with Hunters at Hogwarts, Tom will be distracted with attempting to eliminate or recruit them. Allowing us the time we need to locate the horcruxes." Dumbledore looked sadly at the 2 stressed men. He knew this was a good plan; he just needed to convince them. "If it's any consolation, Severus, the team leader for the group is one of your rare prized students."

Severus halted mid pace and turned to witness the twinkle in the old man's eye. Only a handful of students in his career did he ever consider worthy of praise and only one of them would have the necessary skill to become a Hunter, Athena Vlahos.

Athena Vlahos was an enigma to Severus. A pure-blood witch born to a British mother and Greek father who came into her Veela heritage when she was 13, making her the only known pure Veela that ever attended Hogwarts, a very well-known fact. Becoming a Veela was shocking to both Athena and her mother, whom passed down the Veela heritage through her bloodline. In addition to her Veela heritage, Athena was an incredibly skilled fighter in both dueling and physical combat. She was also skilled in potions, earning Severus respect when she successfully brewed Wolfsbane in her 6th year. Unlike some Veela's, Athena retained all her magical abilities, if anything they enhanced, enabling her to be proficient in non-verbal and wandless magic. All in all, she was an unstoppable force that Severus was not shocked to hear became a Hunter.

"Miss Vlahos I presume?" Severus confirmed with the Headmaster. Dumbledore smiled and nodded. Severus could not decide if he was relieved to hear that Hogwarts would have such a powerful Hunter on the grounds or irate that this was going to seriously piss off his other master. It was only a matter of until the Voldemort ordered her capture.

"Miss Vlahos will be joining with her team when term starts. For now, we should rest and enjoy the last few days of silence." Lucius and Severus both nodded, knowing a dismissal when they heard one.

"I should be returning to the manor, Severus." Lucius flatly said as they exited the floo in Severus' dungeon chambers, his hand reaching for his robes that had been draped over the back of the armchair he had been sitting in. He sighed loudly. "With any luck my wife will have kicked out her lover."

"Why not get divorced, Luc?" Severus asked for the umpteenth time in the years he's known the fellow death eater. "You are not in love nor have you been."

Lucius pinched the bridge of his nose. "It's not that simple, Severus. We have to consider Draco, our current situation. There are far too many factors. The main one being my wife refuses to divorce me and become a social pariah." The blonde haired man moved back to the floo, throwing the powder into the fire. "Besides, not all of us have young nubile witches to warm our hearts and our beds. Goodnight friend."

Severus clenched his jaw as Lucius vanished from sight. He knew Lucius made the comment in jest, but it did not negate the fact that the 19 year age gap between him and Hermione was something that was constantly on his mind. He loved her, that he knew, but sometimes he questioned if the feelings were reciprocated. Hermione was only going to be 19. Still young and had many years before her to find a more suitable mate.

Severus poured himself another firewhiskey as his thoughts shifted to Athena Vlahos and whether or not he should tell Hermione about the passion laced evening he spent with her on the table in his lab.