The Hand-Fasted Bonding

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~o 13 o~

The Hand-Fasted Bonding

Hermione stood in the room, clutching the bedpost as Snape removed his robes. She wanted to ask him questions, many questions, but didn't know where to begin and didn't want to annoy him. Snape wasn't pleasant when he was annoyed. Cillian and Narcissa had stayed for dinner, and although Cillian was friendly enough toward her, Narcissa could barely contain her contempt. Hermione had feigned exhaustion to be able to slip away to the room and had tried quelling her fears and concerns in a long hot bath. While in the tub, she'd been thinking about Snape's actions over the last few days, contemplating his shifts in mood, his behavior toward her and the way he'd acted during her summons before the Dark Lord.

Sure, Snape had been fairly harsh with me at first, but he's been treating me in a caring manner lately, but hardly desirous, really. And there is no doubt that the bath products he made for me are luxurious, which as she thought about it, he hadn't really needed to do. He didn't have to make them such good quality; any basic shampoo, conditioner and soap would've sufficed. He could have given me lye soap and been done with it. The thought of having to use lye soap on her hair made her cringe.

Narcissa had asked Snape at dinner to make her some of his shampoo, and he had lightly suggested Draco would do it, to which Draco had said he would only if Snape would tell him his secrets regarding how he brewed his bath products. Snape had simply glowered and said that he wasn't about to become known as a purveyor of beauty products. Cillian had chuckled, saying that only an oily git such as Snape could create the most luxurious shampoo ever known and never use it, which made Draco and Narcissa laugh, Hermione blush and Snape to scowl slightly. But Snape did smile, falsely, and lift his wine glass at Cillian, then looked at Hermione with a smirk. Nevertheless, the fact that he had made his bath products for her wasn't lost on Hermione. She was stunned that he'd taken the time to make the bath products for her but wouldn't make them for Narcissa, and this wasn't the first time Narcissa had asked for them. That really struck her as thoughtful now that she thought about it. In fact, there are a number of things he's done lately that were thoughtful, even tender at times.

She still felt trapped by this impending hand-fasting, but he was being forced into it as well. It was possible that he couldn't see any way around it, although why, she had no idea. She knew what his role had been, but since Dumbledore's death all that had changed, and truthfully, she didn't like it. And now she was wrapped up in his life, his new role, which she didn't understand, and was completely reliant on him for everything, including her life. It was frightening.

Still, when Snape had finally entered the bedroom, her nerves were strung so tightly she honestly thought they would snap. She wasn't actually staring at him, her mind racing over things she wanted to know, but she couldn't help watching the way he flicked his buttons open, his fingers moving deftly as he released each one, nor did she miss the casual way he tossed his robes and frock coat on the floor next to the wardrobe. Every now and again, a tic showed in his jaw, and she knew that he was already annoyed about something, although, she hoped it wasn't because of her shopping trip or that she'd excused herself so early.

Severus sighed as he removed his shirt. "Do you like what you see?" he asked, smirking, breaking into her thoughts as his trousers fell to the floor.

"Huh?" She'd become so accustomed to seeing him undress now and to his causal demeanor when standing before her nude that she hadn't even realized she'd been watching him.

"Hermione, you're staring," he said with a strange glint in his eye.

"What will happen to me when you return to Hogwarts? Will I be returning to Hogwarts as well?" she blurted out.

"Yes," he said simply.

"Even though I'll be your wife?" she asked, toying with a crease in the bed hangings.

"Yes, Hermione, as my wife," he replied, watching her casually.

"But how? The school governors and the Ministry don't allow married women in the school, do they?" She absent-mindedly pulled off a hair that had somehow gotten caught on the fabric. "I want to go to school, but I thought... I know you're going to return to Hogwarts to teach and all, and you keep saying that you're not letting me leave you... But, will I be in Gryffindor tower with my friends?"

"You won't be, you'll be with me," he said with a twist of his lips. He leaned against the wardrobe, unconcerned about his nudity.

She tried to avoid looking at him below his chin, and down his lean torso, to the line of dark hair that trailed down his body from his chest to his groin, which was literally pointing to his erection.

"I am to be Headmaster, Hermione, not a professor." He smiled as he watched her with an amused smirk. "I suppose you should know. Okay. Yes, you're returning to school. You'll be finishing your seventh year, taking classes and eating in the Great Hall at your house table. However, for your protection and as a precaution you will have a – bodyguard."

She bristled at his comment. Even so casually stated, she knew he meant that this bodyguard was intended to keep a leash on her.

"Hermione, the Dark Lord has gained control of the Ministry and the school. Even Hogsmeade is now under his thumb. I will not be able to – I want to assure your safety. There will be many Death Eaters on the school grounds and in Hogsmeade, many of whom do not exactly approve of you or accept you, regardless of the Dark Lord's claims. You understand my concern don't you?"

She looked up at him, his declaration regarding the wizarding world alarming. He's winning? Harry – Ron... the Weasleys... Are things really that bad? She nodded, considering what he'd said. And I'll have to have a bodyguard for my protection? "Who is it? Draco? Is that why he's being nice to me?"

"The Dark Lord told him to befriend you, but no, he is not your bodyguard. There are classes you'll be taking that Draco won't. You'll only have six classes together. I've asked my friend Cillian to watch over you." Snape held up his hand to cut her off. "He's actually happy to do this favor for me. He's told me that he finds you charming, and he's a capable wizard. I trust him." He crossed his arms as if expecting her to continue with the questions.

Cillian? "You said we're to be married just before you have to report to school. How long? How many...? When is that?" she rattled off. She' had no concept of time lately, and the date of the hand-fasting seemed like it was getting close.

Snape smiled, his dark eyes sweeping over her. "Our wedding will be tomorrow, Hermione. The following day, you will come with me to Hogwarts. The teachers must be in the castle before school starts."

"Tomorrow?" That means it's the twenty-ninth of August already. I'll be his... She looked at the wardrobe, knowing that her wedding robes and the undergarments from Ater Décor were inside. "It just seems so – fast. I don't even have my school things or my books..."

"I already have all of your books and school supplies for you," Snape stated. "Draco bought them for you when he went to collect his school things."

Hermione nodded and fingered the fabric of the bed hangings. "What about my school robes? I don't have..."

"I told you I would provide everything you needed. Your things will be packed in one of my mother's trunks and will be delivered to Hogwarts along with my own trunks," he explained. "If you like, tell me where your school trunk is and I can try to get it for you, or I'll have everything replaced that you need. You'll be my wife, Hermione; I can and will provide for you."

"Your temporary wife," she said, her heart sinking. The Dark Lord is winning, the Ministry has fallen and the Death Eaters have taken over Hogwarts and Hogsmeade.

Snape walked over and tilted her head up to look in her eyes. "The Bonding won't be consummated by a pregnancy, I can assure you of that. Nevertheless, the Dark Lord considers you to be mine for a year and a day. After that – I don't know what will happen. The war over the wizarding world is happening. There still is a strong resistance against the Dark Lord, and it's gaining supporters every day, but it's still ineffective. I have a role to play in this war, but even I'm not sure what the outcome will be."

She looked at him, needing reassurance. "And I'm now part of that role?"

"No, you are an unexpected kink in the plans," he replied with a smirk. "You are quite a predicament, actually, one that had to be adapted for."

"Predicament? You mean I was dumped in your lap, and now you are being forced to marry me." Hermione wanted to look away, but he held her chin firmly. "I know you don't really want this; you're just going along because you have to."

"You're wrong. Yes, I do... Let me in, Hermione, let me be with you." Snape grabbed her roughly by the shoulders and kissed her. "I've been waiting for you to want me, but Merlin, girl, I do want you."

"You only want... to shag me... because I'm here," she stammered between kisses.

"Hardly," he growled in frustration. "It has nothing to do with convenience and everything to do with you."

"Really?" she asked breathlessly against his lips.

"Yes. I want to make love to you. Every night I want to make love to you." He moaned, a deep growl in his throat, as he grabbed her hand roughly and placed it against his stiff penis. "Doesn't this answer your question? How many times have you ever seen me flaccid when I'm alone with you? Don't you realize how you affect me? I just don't want to be another Death Eater that has forced himself on you – you've been through that too often." He stepped back, running his hand through his hair, looking flustered and uncertain, and she'd never seen him so unguarded, so unsure before. "I wanted you to... Circe, Hermione, I don't want to force you. I don't want to rape you tomorrow, but it will be expected... I will have to consummate our union, and I don't want you to hate me for it."

She watched him gobsmacked as she listened to his declaration. He turned, as if to walk away from her, and she reached out and grabbed his arm. He didn't want to force himself on me? He's been restraining himself – for me – because of what the others did... She moved closer, and his eyes locked on hers, dark and questioning. He really does care! She didn't know what to say. Wordlessly, she leaned up and tried to kiss him, her lips barely touching his face, just below his lower lip, tentatively. He didn't respond, his eyes staring at her, his expression guarded and dark. She lowered her head, wondering if her brazenness had put him off. She didn't have to wonder about it for very long. He grabbed her again, pulling her roughly to him as his lips landed on hers.

His kiss was ardent and hungry as his arms wound around her, crushing her. She couldn't breathe, his tight embrace and his bruising kiss making her head spin and her knees weak. "Merlin, girl, I need you," he mumbled against her lips.

He needed and wanted her; it was what she wanted and needed to know. She closed her eyes and let her body respond to him. He awoke desires in her she'd tried to deny but couldn't any longer. She murmured an affirmative against his mouth, knowing he would make love to her and wanting him to.

"Hermione, are you sure?"

"Yes."

His response was a growl that sounded practically feral as he pulled her night slip off of her body, then swept her up in his arms and nearly threw her on the bed, climbing up on top of her. He braced himself over her, his fingers gliding on her skin as he kissed her mouth, her neck and her breasts, making her skin tingle, giving her shivers in their wake. He tenderly caressed and kneaded every inch of her, his fingers a stark contrast to the demanding hunger and driven intensity of his mouth on her skin. He shifted his weight, his knees trying to press between her legs, and she moved to accommodate him, receiving a lustful grin before he kissed her sensually, encouraging her to use her tongue on his. His hand slid down between them, and he fondled her, stimulating her, creating shocking jolts of sensation to course through her, eventually rippling outward in waves that suddenly tensed and came crashing down through her core, leaving her gasping and breathless.

Snape smiled as he watched her face, shifting his weight above her and repositioned his body between her thighs as his deft fingers parted her moist lips and his penis pressed against her opening. He rubbed its tip around a few times, teasing her, spreading her wetness in its path before he slowly inserted himself into her.

She expected it to hurt, to feel some discomfort, but his penis as it slid into her felt incredible, filling and slightly stretching her, and she moaned in pleasure. His answering smile warmed her heart. He began to move, his strokes long and slow, watching her face with a possessive gleam in his eyes. She reached out to touch him, gliding her fingertips on his skin, every now and again closing her eyes, enjoying the sensations of his penis inside her. He caressed her breasts while he moved, his pace quickening. Hermione gasped as his thrusts became harder, moaned as his movements became faster, and her breathing became ragged as her heart began to pulse faster, from the sensation she'd felt before building within her again. She stiffened as it seemed to peak, spreading from her groin to her head, and she tried holding onto the pleasurable feeling, letting it fill her.

"Breathe, Hermione," he said silkily. "Let it go, don't fight it."

He lifted up slightly; his movements in and out of her seemed to become longer as his fingers slid between them to touch her sensitive nub again with small flicks and sweeps, and she thought she would burst.

"That's it; let go." His silky voice was nearly a growl, and he flicked her again in rhythm to his strokes, sending shock waves to course through her. "Let it happen; don't hold back," he said, his voice deep and seductive.

She tried to pull his hand away, to stop is his finger on the sensitive nub, but he only smiled and pulled her hand down to feel himself within her. She was stunned to feel his penis slide, wet and hard though her as he moved within her body, and the pressure within her began to ripple. "That's it, feel; let it come."

She felt like she'd burst, the feeling inside growing, then suddenly breaking, surging down and out, as if her body had become liquid. She cried out his name between gasps as he pounded himself into her and then stiffened, hissing harshly, his body trembling above her. She closed her eyes, concentrating on the feelings of bliss and contentment before looking up at him in amazement. He had a smug look of accomplishment on his face as he watched her, waiting before pulling out and lying down beside her on the bed, pulling her into his arms.

"Thank you," he said, kissing her temple.

"You're welcome," she said uncertainly, thinking she should be the one to thank him since he did everything.

He pushed himself up to look at her, concerned. "Are you all right?"

"Can we do that again?" she asked, still feeling the tingling and throbbing between her legs.

He laughed, a warm, sensual laugh, rolling her onto her back. "Gladly."

~o0o~

Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy came to take Hermione to Malfoy manor very early the following morning. Hermione was nervous as she listened intently to the argument between the Malfoys and Snape. Actually, he was arguing with Narcissa, regarding Narcissa's insistence that Snape couldn't see Hermione before the wedding and that she needed a day at the manor to be prepared properly. Hermione could just imagine what that would entail and was desperately hoping Snape would win the argument. Peren had been ordered by Narcissa to retrieve the wedding robes and undergarments from Snape's room, only to be ordered to return the garments back upstairs by Snape, thrice, by both, before Draco finally yelled at them to stop. Lucius simply leaned against the doorframe, amusedly watching Snape try to argue with his wife, a knowing smirk plastered on his face.

Draco swore to Hermione that she wouldn't be killed, maimed, cursed, tortured, poisoned, abused or otherwise harmed, and that all his mum had planned for her was simply to have her groomed properly in preparation for her wedding. Narcissa laughed coldly, amused at Hermione's insistence that she would do anything untoward and incur the wrath of her Lord. Lucius stifled his laughter and asked Peren to fetch him a drink while Narcissa tried to persuade Hermione that she did not intend to harm her.

In the end, Hermione reluctantly agreed to go to the manor on two conditions: first, that Narcissa swear a wand oath to her promises which Narcissa refused to do, and secondly, that Peren could come along with her.

"Fine, Hermione, anything to expedite this and get you to comply," Draco said, holding his wand pointed to his chest as he swore that she'd not be harmed.

Narcissa's temper flared, her grey eyes flashed in annoyance and anger as Draco gave Hermione his wand oath. "Draco, how could you!" she screamed, then calmed, although she was still seething. "I told you I'd not do anything to incur the Dark Lord's wrath! You insipid girl! How dare you insinuate – insist on..."

"And I want Peren with me," Hermione chimed in, still refusing to go without someone who would be on her side and make sure nothing untoward would happen. She knew Peren would protect her, even getting Snape if the need arose.

"We have plenty of house-elves, Miss Granger, surely..." Lucius said, but was cut off by Narcissa.

"I don't really care! She can have the bloody elf if that's what it will take to get her to comply! Just get her belongings together, and let's go!" Narcissa snapped furiously. "I have a lot to do to make her presentable, and I don't need this trouble and aggravation!"

Peren started to cry as she stood next to Hermione, huge tears streaming down her exuberant face.

"Fine," Snape barked. "Peren, go pack Hermione's things for the wedding."

Peren ran upstairs to retrieve the wedding robes and small overnight trunk again, and Draco ran upstairs to pack as well.

From the time Hermione Apparated to the manor until Peren insisted that she eat something for lunch, Hermione had been massaged, oiled, bathed, lotioned, creamed and perfumed by multiple house-elves. Her hair was brushed, washed, straightened, rolled, twisted and re-rolled. As her hair set, Narcissa introduced several women to Hermione: Constance Mulciber, Estrith Rosier, and Ling and Sherrilyn Gwynek, who all gabbed and gossiped together while manicurists gave them Nail-Perfect Potion and Nail-Grow cuticle oil treatments, then filed and re-shaped her nails into ten perfect claws. Hermione's nails were painted in a dark crimson, which she knew would match the color of her gown perfectly, while the five other women had their nails done in an iridescent dark pink.

Of all the women, only Ling and Sherrilyn Gwynek were truly cordial toward her, while Estrith Rosier was coolly indifferent, although not as patronizing as Constance Mulciber and Narcissa. Both Ling and Sherrilyn sat on either side of Hermione throughout the day, engaging her in idle chatter. After the manicures and pedicures, Peren and two other house-elves began teasing, twirling, combing and pinning Hermione's hair into an upsweep with cascading tendrils falling down her back adorned by tiny sparkling rhinestones. No sooner than everyone's hair had been coifed than three more witches arrived to assist the women with their makeup. Finally, the elves started tying Hermione into her backless wizard corset, helping her with her garters and stockings, her robes and lastly, her shoes. Ling and Sherrilyn Gwynek, Estrith Rosier and Narcissa were dressed in their matching deep sapphire dress robes while Constance was wore dark, midnight blue, all five chatting excitedly over the jewelry two elderly house-elves had brought in for everyone to wear. Narcissa walked over, placed a diamond wreath-style necklace around Hermione's neck and clipped a pair of ridiculous dangle diamond earrings to her ears while Constance and Estrith snickered. However, when Hermione looked at herself in the mirror, surrounded by the other Death Eater's wives, she was amazed. She looked and felt beautiful.

She was as ready as she was going to be. Hermione sat quietly while waiting to be escorted down to the gardens where the wedding was to take place, feeling every bit like Narcissa's dress-up doll. The women still milled around, chattering at her or amongst themselves, and Hermione began to feel nervous.

"Mistress," Peren said, handing her a cup of tea as she waited. "Master Snape asked Peren to slip you this. He told me it is Calming Draught," she added in a whisper. Hermione smiled and took the cup, drinking the brew, thankful for Snape's thoughtfulness.

As the Calming Draught took effect, a loud knock made all the women turn, and the conversations halted.

Narcissa stood and opened the door, allowing Cillian, Draco and Lucius to enter; all three dressed in fine, dark blue dress robes. Cillian smiled at Hermione, Draco's mouth opened slightly, then snapped closed when he looked at her, and Lucius stood apprising her as if she was a sculpture he was considering purchasing, then complimented his wife on her superb abilities. Cillian immediately walked over to talk to Ling and Sherrilyn, complimenting them both and kissing each on the cheek. Constance made her leave, saying something about going down to sing as the Dark Lord entered the room in resplendent midnight blue dress robes, which only accentuated his grotesque features.

"Well, my dear, I can see what Severus sees in you," he said, gazing approvingly at Hermione's appearance. He held his arm up for her. "Hermione, shall we?"

Passively, Hermione accepted his arm and followed the wedding party from the house out toward the Malfoy gardens. A strong, second-soprano voice was singing from somewhere inside the formal hedges, accompanied by a harp as Lucius and Narcissa, followed by Cillian and Ling Gwyneck, passed through the garden gate. A heartbeat later Draco and Sherrilyn Gwynek entered.

Hermione took a deep breath, trying to find her Gryffindor bravery, holding onto her cascade of orchids, roses, peonies, gardenias and lilies of the valley, as she stood waiting with the Dark Lord. I can hardly believe that he is the man who is going to escort me down the aisle at my wedding and not my dad. The one man in the world who I fear most, who would've killed me on sight under any other circumstances, is giving me away at my wedding to the one man I'd never, ever considered as a potential husband. Could life become any more ironic? Never in my most disturbing nightmares would my mind have created this. But so far, the only decision I've actually made regarding my wedding is the color of my gown and which shoes I was allowed to wear.

"Don't be nervous, Hermione, you are stunning – but then all brides are stunning on their wedding day, aren't they?" the Dark Lord asked.

"Thank you," she said softly, just as he added, "Are you ready?"

Hermione nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. This is it.

Her first view of the garden nearly made Hermione pause from pure shock. It looked surreal. The formal garden was alive with fairies, and every bush, tree, shrub and even the grass was in bloom. Thousands of butterflies, candles and bouquets of flowers decorated every inch of the garden. White male peacocks stood on stone pedestals in a circle around the garden with their tails spread out in magnificent fans. A large fountain, overflowing with water lily blooms, stood in the middle of about a hundred guests, all standing and waiting for her to enter. She had no idea if these people here to witness her wedding were all Death Eaters and their wives or not, but she did recognize several members of wizard society and several familiar faces of schoolmates, mostly Slytherins, in the crowd. She assumed that some of them, a certain amount, were probably Death Eater sympathizers as well. On the far side of the garden, a priest in flowing blue and white robes stood in front of a large gazebo, which was covered with fairies, candles and flowers. Slightly to the right of the aisle in front of the gazebo, stood Snape, wearing elegant black dress robes, his expression unreadable, flanked by their wedding party all in dark blue dress robes, the women holding silver flowers in their hands.

The Dark Lord tightened his grip on her hand as he led her down the aisle toward Snape.

When she came to a halt in front of Snape, the priest began to speak. "May the place of this rite be consecrated by the goddess and by the creator. For we gather here in a ritual of love with these two who would be united. Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection; as with any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and its downs, its trials and its triumphs. With full understanding of this, Severus Tobias Talfryn Snape and Hermione Jane Granger have come here today to be joined as one in marriage."

The priest looked up at the assembled guests. "We are gathered together here in the sight of goddess and the creator to witness this man and this woman to be united together in holy matrimony. By their free will and devotion, these two persons come now to be joined together in the honorable and holy estate, instituted of the goddess and the creator, hand to hand, body to body, soul to soul. Therefore, if any man can show any just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together by the rites of the goddess, the commandments of the creator, or the laws of the realm, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace."

Without a pause the priest then looked at Hermione, and then at Snape, as he continued. "I require and charge you both, Severus and Hermione, that you will answer truthfully if either of you know of any impediment why you may not be lawfully joined together in matrimony. If so, speak that you confess it now."

Again without waiting for an answer the priest continued. "I now shall ask simply if the bride comes of her own will to this ceremony. Who confirms her assent for this union and gives consent for this bride to be bound in marriage to this man? Please state his blessings upon her."

The Dark Lord smiled at Hermione, and then looked up at the priest. "I give this witch to this wizard, to be his wife."

The priest nodded. "Severus and Hermione, please come forward and stand here before us, and before the goddess and the creator, place your right hands upon this wand."

Hermione stepped forward to stand next to Snape, placing her hand on the rod held by the priest as Snape did the same. The priest smiled briefly, then continued. "Above you are the stars, below you are the stones, that as time does pass for you, you shall always be reminded of your devotion. Like a star, should your love guide and direct you, like a stone, should your love be firm and support you. Be close, but not too close. Possess one another, but be understanding. Have patience with each other, for storms will come, but they will go quickly. Be free in the giving of affection and warmth. Make love often, and be sensuous with one another. Have no fear, and let not the ways or words of the unenlightened give you unease, for the goddess and the creator are with you, now and always."

The priest turned to Snape. "Do you, Severus, take Hermione to be your hand-fasted wife, to be her constant friend, her partner, and her love? To love her without reservation, honor and respect her, protect her from harm, comfort her in times of distress, and to be with her in mind and spirit?"

"I so pledge by my wand," Severus stated and the wand glowed.

The priest then turned to Hermione. "Do you, Hermione, take Severus to be your hand-fasted husband, to be his constant friend, his partner, and his love? To love him without reservation, honor and respect him, protect him from harm, comfort him in times of distress, and to be with him in mind and spirit?"

Hermione looked up at Severus, her gaze unwavering. "Yes, I do. I pledge by my wand." And again the wand glowed.

The priest handed a chalice to Severus, saying, "May you drink your fill from the cup of love and fertility."

Severus took the chalice and drank, then handed the chalice to Hermione, watching her with a sly smile as she took chalice and sipped the wine. He took the chalice back and handed it to the priest, who set it on the table.

Next, the priest took the plate of bread, giving one piece to Severus, who broke it, handing half to Hermione. "May you serve each other now as in life and eat your fill from the bread of life and prosperity," the priest said as Severus held the piece of bread out for Hermione to eat and then accepted hers as she made the same gesture for him.

The priest hardly waited for them to swallow before announcing, "And now for the exchange of the rings." Cillian handed Severus Hermione's ring, winking at her as he did so. "Severus, if it be your wish for Hermione to be bound to you, place the ring on her finger, and repeat after me," the priest continued as Severus slipped a pair of rings onto Hermione's finger.

"I, Severus Tobias Talfryn Snape, if it be your wish, take you and you alone, Hermione Jane Granger to be my wedded wife, my bonded mate, to have and to hold from this day forward until the fulfillment of my troth. I promise to love thee wholly and completely without restraint, for better or for worse, in plenty and in poverty, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; and thereunto I plight to you my troth," Severus repeated after the priest as he stated his vows.

The priest turned to Hermione. "Hermione, if it be your wish for Severus to be bound to you, place the ring on his finger, and repeat after me," the priest directed her. Narcissa touched Hermione on her shoulder and pressed a ring onto her palm.

Hermione turned and faced Severus, sliding the band onto his finger and repeated after the priest, saying; "I, Hermione Jane Granger, if it be your wish, take you and you alone, Severus Tobias Talfryn Snape, to be my wedded husband, my bonded mate, to have and to hold from this day forward until the fulfillment of my troth. I promise to love thee wholly and completely without restraint, for better or for worse, in plenty and in poverty, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; and thereunto I plight to you my troth."

"Kneel, and take hands," the priest commanded. Both Snape and Hermione knelt facing each other, and Severus reached out, grasping Hermione's hands in his. "Do not cause pain nor live in the heat of anger, but share each other's pain and anger, and seek to ease it," the priest charged them pointing his wand at their combined hands.

Snape made a subtle squeeze of Hermione's hand. "I so vow," he urged her to say with him in unison. One cord materialized from the priest's wand and tied their hands.

"You will share each other's laughter; look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other," the priest charged them.

"I so vow," Hermione and Snape said in unison, and another cord from the priest's wand wrapped around their wrists.

"You will share the burdens, dreams and hopes of each other so that your spirits may grow in this union," the priest charged them.

"I so vow," Hermione and Snape said, and a third cord wrapped around their wrists.

"Honor each other and never seek to give cause to break that honor," the priest charged them.

"I so vow," Hermione and Snape said, and a fourth cord appeared binding their hands tightly together.

The priest smiled at the couple. "The knots of this binding formed by these cords bind you to your vows. Severus, I commend you to commit yourself to the bond and unique relationship that exists between you, and pledge Hermione as yours. I bind you, Severus." The part of the cords binding Snape tightened around Severus's wrists and glowed. "Hermione, I commend you to commit yourself to the bond and unique relationship that exists between you, and pledge to keep Severus as yours. I bind you, Hermione," the priest said and the cords around Hermione's wrists tightened and glowed.

"You are man and wife for a year and a day; that space gone by, thy choice must be made or to be sealed by recommitting your declaration of holy matrimony or by the consummation of life. For as man and woman bring life, so may life come from you," the priest stated. "You may now kiss to seal your pledge."

Snape pushed their hands down, making Hermione lean forward, and he placed simple kiss on her lips. The cords binding their hands glowed and then vanished, as if absorbed into their skin. "Rise and be acknowledged." Severus stood and offered his hand to assist Hermione to her feet. "I present to you, my Lord, and to our honored guests, Mr. and Mrs. Severus Snape," the priest declared. Everyone rose, and Snape nodding respectfully to the Dark Lord before walking through the collected guests, leading Hermione down the aisle. The Dark Lord turned and followed the newlyweds, followed by the wedding party.

As Snape and Hermione exited the garden, they emerged beneath a huge gossamer canopy. The glow from thousands of candles made Hermione realize that the sun had set during her wedding, and the evening sky could be seen though the sheer, gossamer canopy. The hedges that had surrounded the garden vanished. The pillars with the peacocks shifted backwards, enlarging the space and tables appeared on the grass around them. At least fifty house-elves began moving chairs as guests began to rise and mingle. Severus stood stiffly as the guests passed them, offering their congratulations, some sincere, most with condescending or smug expressions. As the guests began to settle at the tables, Narcissa indicated to Severus that they too should take their seats. The long table for the wedding party was elegantly set. Hermione and Severus sat down, the Dark Lord on her other side, as Narcissa and Lucius placed themselves next to the Dark Lord, with Cillian and Draco on the other side of Snape. The dinner of glazed pheasant was superb, and the champagne excellent, although Hermione was too nervous to appreciate it as she tried to avoid the stares and glares aimed her way.

When a quartet began to play, Snape stood and asked Hermione to dance with him. She followed him, self-conscious of the people watching as he began to lead her in their dance. She was amazed at how fluid he was and relaxed as she allowed him to guide her. He was a strong lead, his steps measured and sure. Soon the center of the canopy filled with couples. Hermione found herself passed onto one wizard after another and rescued several times from a scowling or sneering partner by either Draco, Cillian or Snape. The cake was served; more champagne, and several hors d'oeuvre and tiny deserts were carried around on huge silver platters by the house-elves as people continued to dance and mingle.

Snape pulled Hermione aside, his arm around her, as the evening grew dark. "Hermione, it's time. We will be escorted up to the bridal chamber soon. Here, drink this." He poured a pale liquid into her empty flute and urged her to drink the potion quickly.

No sooner then she emptied her glass than the bridal party, escorted by the Dark Lord and Bellatrix, approached. "Severus, I think it is time you took your bride upstairs," the Dark Lord announced. Hermione saw Belinda standing next to Ling and Sherrilyn Gwynek and their husbands among the crowd, her expression cool.

Snape bowed respectfully to the Dark Lord and guided Hermione, along with the throng, up and back into the manor. She tried desperately to ignore the clatter of conversations as they made their way up to the second floor, stopping at the large double doors to a large bedchamber. The room had only one elegant dresser set under a huge gilded mirror, which faced a huge bed. A small bench sat at the foot of the bed, and a petite chair stood near a window. The bed hangings were tied back, the covers folded down, exposing the silky sheets, dappled with rose petals. Peren and a male house-elf stood waiting to assist the couple. The overall feeling was expectant and opposing, hardly what Hermione would have considered romantic at all.

Wordlessly, Snape guided Hermione to stand by the bed as he gazed down at her. "I don't believe I've told you how lovely you look," he said softly when they were alone.

"No, but your eyes have," she said demurely, nearly in a whisper, as he cupped her face and kissed her.

He removed his robes, casually discarding his coat and shirt, and then kicked off his boots. "Relax, Hermione," he said as he cupped her face again. "I'm not going to hurt you." With a flick of his wand, he released her hair, the wealth of hairpins falling to the floor, and he swept them aside with another flick of his wand. His hands glided down her bare back until his fingers found the zipper, slowly removing her robes, letting them fall to the floor at her feet. His dark eyes grew darker as he gazed down at the restricting backless corset, garters and stockings. "And Narcissa thought you needed this," he smirked softly as he deftly began untying her.

"You don't like it?" she asked as the corset gave, landing on the floor.

"Oh, I like them. What man doesn't? I just meant that you don't need one to entice me," he said as he urged her to step closer to the bed. "Sit down." Hermione complied, and he slipped off her knickers, the garters and stockings with gentle, teasing caresses down her legs, dropping them on the floor with both of her shoes.

Hermione swallowed in anticipation as he removed his trousers before leaning down to gently kiss her. His kiss was so different from the hungry, demanding kisses she was used to from him. He teased and caressed her lips sensually as he pressed her down onto the soft bed. His hand swept down her body, fingering her folds until he found her clitoris. He stimulated her, rubbing and flicking the sensitive spot until she was gasping, reflexively arching her body in response. He trailed his kisses down her neck and bent down between her legs, sucking and licking her. His finger slid inside her, adding to the manipulation, until she was thrashing on the bed, pleading and crying out his name. Snape looked up at her, a smug gleam in his eyes, bringing himself back up to kiss her, her salty taste still on his lips as he claimed her mouth, his tongue deepening his kiss.

He left no part of her untouched, unkissed or ignored, and she squirmed as the desire for him grew. She reached out to touch him, her fingers tracing his chest hair, his nipples and his abdomen, loving the feelings of his touch and the feel of his skin. "Move up," he whispered, following her as she scooted toward the center of the bed, never losing contact with her mouth. He held himself above her as his fingers explored her body, leaning down to kiss, nibble and taste her skin, suckling her nipples while his fingers delved lower.

He kneed her legs, encouraging her to open up for him, and settled himself between her thighs, his penis probing at her entrance. With one stroke, he slid into her, watching her face. He moved within her, long, slow strokes, as he gazed into her eyes and then bent down to place his mouth to her breast. Hermione closed her eyes, losing herself in the feeling of him inside her, the sensual sensation of his lips on her skin. He moved up, capturing her mouth, grinding his groin against hers with each forward plunge. She tried to meet him and match his rhythm, her hands exploring his back and shoulders. He grasped her hips as he increased the pace of his thrusts. Her breathing became ragged as the escalating sensation in her groin grew, spreading deep inside her, threatening to consume her. "That's it, Hermione," he purred against her neck. She arched her back as the pressure grew, and her nails dug into the satin sheets as he spurred her toward her climax. She grasped him, trying to pull him deeper, and groaned and tightened down on him, her body clenching around his penis, and he moved with more force against her, his breathing becoming as ragged as hers. Suddenly the pressure surged and rolled, rushing through her as if her body was melting, and she screamed his name, crying and gasping.

Snape thrust into her, pushing her into the bed, growling deep in his throat as his own release came. He held his body up, his arms stiff, his body shaking, pushing his penis down into her, perspiring, his hair falling down over his face as his breathing slowed down to normal. She waited, wondering, until he lifted off her and climbed from the bed.

He swept his wand over himself and then her, cleaning them both and smiled contently. "Come here, Hermione," he finally said, holding up his hand. She scooted off the bed toward him, uncertain of his intentions. He pulled her to her feet, his hands sliding down her arms. "Get dressed. I'm taking you home," he said softly before kissing her.

"We're leaving?" she asked, gobsmacked. She thought she'd have to spend the night in this sterile room.

"Yes," he said, gazing up at the mirror. "I have no intention of staying here. We've provided enough entertainment, done what's been expected, and I want to take you home. Peren."

"Yes, master," she squeaked, peeking around the bed as Snape grabbed his clothes off the small chair, pulling on his trousers.

"Get her back into her clothes. Hermione, I'll be back; I need to have a word with our host." He dressed quickly as Peren and another hose-elf started to assist Hermione back into her wedding attire.

"Won't they be upset with our leaving?" she asked as the elves tied her back into her corset.

He snorted softly and smirked as his eyes darted to the mirror again. "Possibly, but we are going. I'll be outside in the hall." Hermione gaped at him, suddenly comprehending as her eyes flew to the mirror. "Yes," was all he said as he walked out of the room, and Hermione turned her back to the mirror, quickly pulling on her robes. Peren pulled Hermione's hair up into a coif that almost resembled the elaborate upsweep she'd worn before and was just putting on her shoes when the Dark Lord walked into the room.

He closed the doors and leaned against them with his arms crossed. "So, Hermione, I understand you and Severus are leaving?"

"Yes," Hermione said with a slow nod. "Severus wishes to go."

The Dark Lord casually walked over to her, his red eyes watching her intently. "You will be returning to Hogwarts, tomorrow. Are you excited?"

"I'm looking forward to going, yes," she admitted.

"I have granted permission for you to have your wand returned to you." He started to step around her, his eyes roaming over her as if weighing her reaction to his statement, and Hermione remained frozen where she stood. "My concern is obviously, are you going to disappoint me again?"

Hermione swallowed a lump in her throat when he stopped directly behind her. "No," she replied, breathlessly. Something cool slid down her back, and she wasn't sure if it was his fingertip or his wand tip.

"Somehow, I do not believe you. You have not come around as much as I had hoped." She could feel the Dark Lord's breath on the back of her neck as he leaned closer to her, his cold hand now pressed against her bare back. "You are mine, Hermione, remember that. I choose to allow you this privilege that no other Muggle-born will be allowed to have, protected now because you are now one of mine. You are now a Death Eater's wife, and as such, you are now bound to me by his oath."

Hermione could barely breathe, his nearness sending chills down her spine and making her hands tremble uncontrollably by her side. She could see flashes of the tip of his wand as he stepped even closer behind her. "Remember this, Hermione, I am generous to those who please me. Severus has pleased me, and I granted him his request to have you." His cold, sibilant voice became more controlled and cruel as he spoke. "But those who displease me are punished and not always by death, although you might prefer death if you do. Did you know that I have been able to improve the effectiveness of the Cruciatus Curse and the Extreme-Cold Curse that you used on Wormtail?"

"No, I wasn't aware of that." Hermione didn't want to think of what variations he was referring to.

"Your pathetic little attempt was nothing compared to what the curses feel like by my wand. I have perfected them; I know how to truly harness their effectiveness." He stepped away from her slightly, coming around to stand in her peripheral vision, his wand held loosely in his hand where she could just see it if she turned her head. "Since Dumbledore's pathetic little Order has been disbanded, what with him dead and all, my spy has been given a new task, one which you are not to interfere with. You are to assist him – to do whatever he asks of you, or you will feel what the Extreme-Cold Curse and Cruciatus Curse really feel like as performed by a master. Your master, Hermione." He reached out and grasped her left wrist, pulling her arm toward him, making her look at him. "Do I make myself plain? You're to be an asset, a loyal Death Eater's wife, or you will be eliminated."

Hermione stared up into his hard, cold red eyes, very much aware of the power he radiated. "Yes, sir," she stammered nervously.

"My Lord, Hermione," he said, his eyes narrowing, his wand tip pressing into her forearm. "Say it."

"Yes, My Lord," she said, paralyzed by fear.

"Very good," he said, stepping closer, his wand tip still aimed into her flesh. "Because you are mine, Hermione, do not forget that."

"Yes, My Lord," she said, her voice shaky.

"Welcome to the Death Eaters, Hermione," he said, releasing her. "I look forward to our next meeting. I'll inform Severus you are ready."

She stood, shaking uncontrollably, barely able to stand as he swept from the room. She tried to compose herself, too emotionally distraught to summon up the exalted Gryffindor courage she didn't feel presently, and exited the room expecting to see a group of people standing in the hallway, as if they'd been looking through a one-way mirror into the bedroom. What she saw surprised her; the hallway was empty, except for Snape coming to get her. "Are you ready to go?" he asked, looking at her speculatively, scrutinizing her face.

Hermione took a deep breath and pulled herself up straighter. "Yes."

He held his arm to her and she accepted it gratefully, leaning into him as they walked from the house. Hermione's mind was in pure turmoil. There seemed to be so many people to say good-bye to, and more than a few that looked at her with knowing smirks. By the time they arrived back at Spinner's End, Hermione's legs were trembling and her whole body was shaking. Snape removed his robes and placed them on her shoulders, but they felt pressingly oppressive and gave her no comfort at all.

"Hermione, are you all right?" Severus asked.

"I'm fine," she said softly, her voice wavering. The Dark Lord's voice still echoed in her mind.

"No, you're not. What's wrong?" he asked.

Hermione shook her head. "Nothing, I'm fine," she said, trying to keep control of herself. 'You are mine, you are now bound to me by his oath – your master...'

"No, something's wrong. Tell me." he tipped her face up and she couldn't meet his eyes, simply shaking her head, then shrugging. "If you won't tell me, I can't fix it."

He tried lifting her face to his, but she couldn't look him in the eyes. You can't fix this, she though sadly. "It's nothing, I'm just tired, cold... exhausted, I think."

His hand fell to his side, and she turned her head away from him to hide the tears swelling up in her eyes. My Lord, Hermione – say it... She could still feel the spot where he'd pressed his wand to her arm.

"Do you need something? A potion?" he asked.

She shook her head. He left her in the bedroom saying, "I'll get you a Sedative Potion."

As soon as the door closed, Hermione collapsed on the bed. She was completely numb, trembling uncontrollably as Peren helped her change into a sheer, peach-colored nightgown. When Peren left, her emotions came crashing down on her, and she crumbled, curling up on the bed, and began to cry in deep racking sobs, burying her face into her pillow.

~o0o~

Severus returned from his potions lab, carrying a Calming Draft and a mild Warming Elixir in case Hermione had been cold from wearing those backless robes all evening.

He'd been stunned when he'd seen her, truly amazed at how lovely she looked. The crimson truly complimented her coloring, and the way the robes clung to her body nearly set his blood to boil. Only when he'd seen the back of the gown had he felt odd stirrings of anger and possessiveness as she danced with the other wizards. It was cut too low for his sense of decorum, and he shot scowls at every wizard that made comments regarding her attempt at making herself desirable or about showing off her better assets. He had no idea what Narcissa had in mind choosing those robes for her. As he'd watched Hermione sway in the seductive robes, he grew more and more restless to have her all to himself again.

Her performance was perfect all evening, and he'd felt a sense of pride as he watched her, thinking about how her Gryffindor pride must have been what kept her looking so sure and confident, although she'd had a nervous smile the entire time. Still, she glowed radiantly when he was near her. Nevertheless, he'd had to fight his own urges to whisk her away from the lecherous eyes of his fellow Death Eaters all evening. He'd even had to fight down the urge to curse Lucius for his blatant innuendos regarding his new wife.

She had been shivering uncontrollably since she met him in the hallway after their coupling, though, and had obviously been shaken by something, possibly by the Viewing-Mirror Narcissa had placed in their Bridal room. He was certain all she needed was another dose of Calming Draught. He returned to the bedroom and paused at the door. Hermione was crying, deep racking sobs. Nothing wrong, eh? Damn it, that girl! When will she grow up? He waited, listening to her cry and turned to go back down stairs. Cry it off then, but it won't change anything. We are married. You are now my wife. If being married to me is so horrible... Augh, shite! He needed a drink.

~~o0o~~

Author's Notes: