Chapter 50

A/N: Thank you to everyone who reviewed the last chapter. I hope this one will answer some questions and concerns. Thanks to luvsev and WriterMerrin for their continued work and help with this fic :)

***

After Harry returned from his meeting with Severus, Hermione excused herself, muttering about Order business. She came downstairs and let Molly Weasley lead her down into the basement kitchen. Molly whispered to her that Severus had arrived and was waiting with everyone there. On the way to the basement stairs, Arthur greeted her.

"Mr. Weasley!" Hermione exclaimed. "You're back!"

"Fully healed, no small thanks to Severus, of course," he said happily.

"Arthur, don't over tax yourself," chided Molly. "The children know to keep an eye on you while we are downstairs."

"Nothing serious, I hope?" he asked Hermione.

"Now, Arthur, I told you once before...no stress," Molly snapped bossily. "This is a minor hiccough, that's why only a few of us are meeting. Even Minerva isn't here, so you don't worry about it. If it were really important, I'd tell you."

She and Molly proceeded downstairs. Before they could be seen, Hermione froze. "What if Severus hates me?" she asked with her eyes welling up.

Molly hugged her. "He loves you. It wasn't your fault. Don't make excuses for Sirius, and don't try to stop Severus from getting angry. He has a right to hex Sirius six ways to Sunday and back. If ever I believed in the Cruciatus Curse as punishment...this would be it! I know Severus would do it too! Just let us handle it, and be honest. It'll all work out with him, you'll see," she whispered.

"I should be the one to hex him," Hermione said weakly.

Molly grabbed her shoulders and made her look into her face. "Hermione, you are too vulnerable. In time, you'll want to hex the bastard, and God help him then. For now, someone needs to be outraged and show fury for you. So, until you are ready to face it, let Severus be your husband and stand up for you on your behalf."

Hermione drew a deep breath. "All right."

They went down into the kitchen, and already the atmosphere was tense. Hermione looked around at everyone and shied away from Sirius' stare. Severus got up and gave her a warm embrace.

"You're trembling," he said with concern. He turned to the rest of them. "Why is my wife afraid?" Everyone looked around nervously. Severus whirled back to her and rubbed her arms.

"Ow!" she gasped as she grimaced painfully. Severus looked into her eyes, and she lowered her head from his stare. He turned again on his heel to face the group. "Why is my wife afraid to look me in the eye?" he demanded. "I brought her here healthy and happy. What has happened to her?" He pushed up her robe sleeve and saw the bruises on her forearms, then her upper arms. Hermione cowered from him.

"Don't," he whispered softly so no one could hear them. He kept his back to the table and took her face into his strong hands. "Don't hide from me, Hermione."

He looked at her so imploringly and sad that she burst into tears. "I g-got into a fight with Sirius," she whispered softly. "I said wicked things to him, on purpose, to make him angry, and he came into my room last night. At first, I thought it was you surprising me, but then he kissed me, and he was drunk. I fought him and..."

"Did he rape you?" he hissed softly.

"Does it matter?" she whispered fearfully through her tears.

"Of course it matters!" he mouthed. "I need to know!"

"No," she mouthed in return.

He held her to him and whispered in her ear, "It doesn't matter for us. I love you, no matter what anyone does to you. I just needed to know how badly you were hurt."

She sobbed into his chest and clung to him desperately. Severus held her to him, letting her cry and find safety in his arms. Once she released her hold on him, he brandished his wand slowly, keeping Hermione tucked behind him with one hand as he turned around to face Sirius.

"Don't!" said Kingsley as he stood quickly.

Sirius was frozen in his seat, pale and looking frightened.

"Don't I have the right?" Severus thundered. "This mongrel violated my wife. Under wizarding law, I am due satisfaction. My wife is too hurt and fearful to face the beast, but I am not. I will take revenge in her stead."

Albus stood. "Severus, we cannot take him to Azkaban, and we cannot allow you to kill him. We are not about to destroy everything we've worked so hard for because of this."

Severus' face was twisted in fury. "THIS? " he roared. "He violated my wife! He had me almost killed, and then years later he tries to defile what's mine! She is MINE!" he growled at Sirius.

He flashed his wand, and a horrific gash split Sirius' chest open. Molly screamed, and Hermione felt dizzy. Everything turned to black...

***

Hermione woke up in her own bed at Hogwarts. Severus was sitting at her side, watching her with his arms crossed and a deep scowl on his face. She felt along the sheets and frowned.

"I'm naked," she whispered.

"Yes, I wanted to check you fully for bruises. Molly did well. The worst ones are nearly gone," he replied in a staccato voice.

Hermione turned over and faced the wall. "Is he dead?" she asked flatly.

"Unfortunately, not," he said angrily. "However, he has a scar that will never go away. As I am sure the events of that night will never leave you either."

"What happens now?" she whispered as she kept her back to him.

"Black has been placed under house arrest. He has been stripped of his membership in the Order and will have to be monitored every day by one of the male Order members. Regretfully, I have been excused from that duty. You will never visit there overnight again, nor will you be there without Dumbledore or me at your side. No females will be allowed to be alone with him as well. Molly was most adamant. Not even Nymphadora or Minerva is to be alone with him. He has been disgraced."

"I'm sorry," she choked out as she softly cried.

"Don't you dare apologize!" he raged.

Hermione curled up into a ball, still scared to face him. "I thought he was you. I was enjoying it! Then when he kissed me, I knew...I should have known the moment he touched me it wasn't you. I could have stopped it from going too far if I had paid attention!"

"Hermione," Severus said calmly, "you are not at fault. Like a coward, he sneaked into your room while you were sleeping. How many times have I woken you with my touch? You had been sad and lonely. You'd thought I had finally come to see you. It's not your fault any more than it was your fault when my father tried to rape you."

"What will happen with Harry?" she asked. "Will he find out?"

"No." he said.

Hermione could feel the resentment radiating from him. "Precious Potter will be able to keep his idealism concerning his blessed godfather."

She finally turned towards him. "I'm sorry, Severus," she whispered. "It doesn't seem fair, does it?"

His tension left his body, and he smirked. "All I'm worried about is you. I want you to be all right."

"I'll be all right," she said softly. "Knowing that he's being dealt with in a way that still keeps the Order safe makes me feel better. But, Severus...won't the other Order members want answers?"

"Let Albus worry over that," he answered darkly as he sat on the bed next to her. "I've washed my hands of that filthy mutt."

Hermione wrapped her arms around Severus' neck and asked, "Will you hold me? I want to feel safe again."

Severus unwrapped her arms from around his neck and lowered them onto the bed. He enveloped her in his black-clad arms. "Please, get under the covers, Severus. I want to feel all of you against me," she pleaded. He got up and threw back the duvet. He removed his shoes and beckoned her to stand with him. He opened his arms, and she pressed her naked body against him, feeling his voluminous robes enfold and cover her. He looked down at her as they stood together.

"My sweet girl," he whispered.

Hermione turned her head up to him. He held her close and smiled down at her. "You fought like the devil, didn't you?" he murmured with approval.

Hermione felt the tears well up as she nodded.

"I saw your memory. Albus got it for me. At the most terrifying moments, you thought of your promise to me. As if I would consider what he did as you cheating on me," he said softly.

"It doesn't matter," she whispered as the tears fell. "I didn't want it to change...ever. You've been the only one. I don't want any other man to..."

"Shh," he said softly. "I know. You don't have to say it. I know, and I love you. I will love you no matter what. You're my wife."

She began to cry in earnest, and Severus picked her up and nestled with her on the bed, wrapping himself around her tightly until she stopped weeping and fell asleep.

***

A few days passed, and Hermione found herself strangely afraid to sleep in her own bed with her husband. She loved him, she did, but she needed time to think. She was constantly tense as she tried to sleep. So, she decided to make a temporary change. She moved back to her old room that was adjoining to their quarters, but still left her things to remain where they were.

She also couldn't face the confused looks Severus was giving her. He never asked, yet he did try to come into her room. See had charmed it shut with her own spells, so he let her be. Hermione began to spend more time in Gryffindor tower. She just couldn't face the continuous hurt look on Severus' face. How could she explain when she couldn't understand it herself?

***

Harry came back to the common room after his first night of Occlumency training with Snape, feeling confused and bewildered.

"It was awful! Just terrible," he complained. "I feel worse than ever."

"What happened?" asked Hermione as she sat helping Ron with his Divination homework.

"Well, he was as much of a git as ever and refused to answer my questions directly," he answered.

"Well, what did you learn?" asked Hermione while she worked on her Transfiguration essay.

Harry plopped down into sofa chair. "Well, Legilimency isn't mind reading. Although, Voldemort and I share thoughts and emotions, I also need to 'close my mind' to him! Rubbish," he muttered.

"Occlumency isn't rubbish, Harry!" Hermione warned him.

"Well," he said flippantly. "I learned that there were all sorts of enchantments on the Hogwarts grounds that will keep him from accessing my mind and compelling me to do his bidding, but I was still able to reach through to him and access HIS mind because the night Mr. Weasley was attacked, Voldemort was possessing the snake.

"Then he starts pointing his wand at me, and without even telling me what to do, he starts probing my mind. All my thoughts and memories came tumbling out for him to see. I asked him repeatedly to tell me what to do, and all he'd say is, 'Keep your mind closed, Potter!'"

"I'm sure it has to be difficult, working with Snape..." Hermione began.

"Difficult?" shouted Harry. "Try unbearable. This isn't going to work. He just kept on insulting me. Even when I finally made a breakthrough into what I've been looking for, he got angry because I found it!"

"What did you see, Harry?" Ron asked breathlessly.

"I saw a plain black door, and I remembered the corridor that I'd been dreaming of. The corridor led into the Wizengamot Court in the Department of Mysteries. There is something behind that door; I know it, and I think it's what everyone is acting so suspicious about," he explained.

"When I asked Snape what was in the Department of Mysteries, I tell you, he was scared. It was like I had asked him the worst question in the world."

Hermione was unnerved as well. "What did he tell you?" she whispered.

"The stupid git was cagey as ever! He said that there were many things in the Department of Mysteries and few of which I would be able to understand. Then, the ruddy prick ended the session right then and there."

Harry began rubbing at his scar.

"You know," Harry continued. "I've been thinking that the weapon the Order mentioned to us is in the Department of Mysteries, and that was why Mr. Weasley was attacked there and Sturgis Podmore got arrested for being there. Voldemort must have ratted him out to the Aurors through someone."

"Why would Podmore be breaking in if he is on our side and trying to stop You-Know-Who from getting the weapon?" asked Ron.

*"What is the Department of Mysteries, Ron?" Harry asked. "Has your dad ever mentioned it?"

"Just my scar. It hurts," he said as he got up. "G'night." *

***

Early the next morning, before breakfast, Ron was waiting for Hermione to come to the common room and dragged her to where Harry was sitting.

"Ron," she said angrily, "stop manhandling me!" She pushed him from her, and Ron looked at her, confused.

"Sorry, Hermione," he said nervously. "I just need you to talk with Harry."

She sat across from Harry where he was brooding. She put down her book bag. "What is it, Harry?" she asked impatiently.

*He looked at her strangely. "He's happy. He's happier than he's ever been...or at least since I've been able to feel his emotions. Something has happened, and if that is true, well, then it must be really awful." *

"Oh, dear," Hermione muttered. "Well, I'm sure we'll all find out. Let's get to breakfast." She stood and slung her bag over her shoulder.

"Wait!" Ron shouted. "You don't understand. Harry was laughing like a mad hatter and collapsed on the ground! It was the most fucked up thing I've ever seen!"

Hermione looked into Harry's eyes. She wished she could Legilimize him, but now that he knew what the sensation was, he would find her out as a Legilimens. She peered to see if his eyes were telling anything. She saw fear and worry.

"Come on," she said to them. "I'm sure the Prophet will let us know."

They went into the Great Hall, and students were getting their owls. Hermione's owl was waiting for her, and she untied her paper from its leg. She tore a piece of toast to feed it before it flew away. She stretched out the paper and gasped.

"What is it?" Ron hissed.

"Mass Breakout from Azkaban," she whispered. She gave it to the boys to read, and McGonagall passed by them and whispered to her, "Albus' office after breakfast," and moved on.

The boys looked at her, and she shook her head. They each gave her a hurt look and went on reading.

"Look at this!" Harry nearly shouted. "Tragic Demise of Ministry Of Magic Worker."

"Give me that," she snapped as she snatched it from him. As she read, her heart sank. Broderick Bode was dead. A potted plant had strangled him. Sweet Merlin! she thought. She read on. No one seemed to know how the plant got there. Ron interrupted her thoughts.

*"Bode... It rings a bell," he whispered. "Yeah!" he said as he snapped his fingers. My dad mentioned him. He was an Unspeakable!"

"This is murder," Hermione whispered. "Plain and simple, murder."*

She ate in silence while Harry and Ron continued to make their conjectures about the situation. She watched Albus and Minerva as they whispered in hushed tones. Finally, they rose and walked out of the Great Hall through the teachers' side entrance. Hermione got her bag and said goodbye to Harry and Ron.

She made her way to the Headmaster's office. When she arrived, Albus and Minerva led her up the stairs. Once safely inside, Albus took a jar Floo powder and said, "Hermione, I've opened the connection from here to headquarters. I want you to go first, and we will come directly after you. It is a full meeting. Everyone will be there except...well, I'll tell you when we get there."

She Flooed into Grimmauld Place, and within minutes, Minerva and Dumbledore were there. She was immediately relieved. The silence had been eerie, knowing somewhere Sirius was there, listening.

"Albus," she said nervously, "What is to stop Sirius from listening in on the meeting?"

"Remus has volunteered to watch for him. Don't worry," he said as his eyes twinkled at her.

"Where is Severus?" she asked as they headed down to the basement.

Dumbledore placed a finger over his lips and waited until they were down safely into the basement.

"Oh, Albus, you're here at last!" said a very relieved Molly said as she embraced him.

"Molly, Arthur," Dumbledore said calmly. "Please, everyone sit. I need to let Mrs. Snape know the whereabouts of her husband before the rest arrive."

He turned and looked directly at Hermione. "Right after you left to go meet Messrs. Potter and Weasley this morning, Severus was summoned to Voldemort," he said gravely.

"Will he be okay?" she whispered. It had been so long since he had been summoned. Even when things had been difficult, he had never returned as bad as he had that first time. Nevertheless, there was a nagging feeling that wasn't going away. Something was wrong.

"I am afraid I cannot answer that, Hermione," he replied. "I do know that there will be an immense gathering now that Voldemort's most loyal supporters have returned to his side."

Hermione sat back in her chair and nervously accepted a cup of tea from Molly.

"I wish I could give you more comfort, Hermione," he continued. "You've had more than your share of trials these last few days."

He looked at her with deep concern. Hermione wanted to tell him that she was okay, but it would just be a lie.

"Albus," she whispered. "I need to know; what is going to happen to Sirius? This can't go on forever."

Dumbledore sighed. "Sirius is as much of a threat to our safety as Voldemort. He has grown unstable due to his years of imprisonment and the need to stay for long periods of time in his Animagus form. It has addled his reason. For instance, Remus tells me that at times Sirius thinks Harry is James. His sense of reality is distorted. If Voldemort were to find how truly vulnerable Sirius is, I'm afraid he would use him to achieve his own ends. What's worse is that Sirius would never realize he was doing anything wrong."

"You mean the Imperius?" she whispered softly.

"Oh, no, Hermione. Sirius' mind is so weak; all he would need is information that by doing something, it would help Voldemort, and in a heartbeat, he'd do the opposite. It doesn't matter if the person were lying or not. He doesn't think before acting. He never did. It was different when he was younger, but with the losses...Regulus, Marlene, James, Lily, Peter's betrayal, then his unlawful imprisonment...it became too much for his mind to process."

"All he has is Remus," she replied sadly.

"True," he said mater-of-factly. "Although, the hero-worship he receives from Harry aids him, comforts him. That's why Harry must never know what happened. If Sirius were to lose Harry, which I'm sure he would, the potential outcome could be disastrous."

Hermione watched as the Order members came down the stairs one by one. There would be a lot to discuss today, a lot of bad news and pain. Hermione felt so old. She gazed upon Albus, who truly was old. He looked so tired. This is his third war. He must be so weary, she thought with a sigh.

Albus called them to order, and Hermione looked at the large group of people assembled.

"This will have to be short and perfunctory. There is a lot to cover, and we haven't much time. So, let me start with that I am as shocked and saddened by the death of Broderick Bode as the rest of you. Bode was a good man as well as a good friend. We will cherish his memory and will not stop until we prove that Voldemort killed him.

"We have reason to believe that Voldemort is gaining more power and is turning to drastic measures to gain the prophecy. Severus Snape was summoned early this morning. As soon as we know what the next steps shall be, we shall meet again.

"I've been informed there will shortly be yet another educational decree sent out. Just another nail in my coffin, as it were. You all need to prepare yourself for the reality that I will be forced out of Hogwarts. Kingsley has informed me that soon I am to be arrested and sent to Azkaban. Unfortunately, I will be unable to comply." A few snickered at his comment.

He continued. "What concerns me is the running of the Order. Minerva will be taking my place once I leave Hogwarts. There still shall be Severus Snape at Hogwarts for the students and, of course, Hagrid. Only in an extreme situation should Hermione Snape be contacted. We need her to maintain for role as student. Kingsley has already assured me that he and our friends in the Auror Department will continue to support Hogwarts during my eventual absence. We may have been selective in whom we have let into the Order, but we have many supporters. There are many fine witches and wizards who want Voldemort defeated once and for all. Be assured, when I do leave, my time will be put to good use. Many things must be accomplished before Harry faces Voldemort and defeats him.

"Now, about this mass breakout. I do not want to comment on it before Severus' return. Just go about your appointed tasks. Who is on guard duty tonight, Mrs. Snape?"

"Tonks at the Ministry of Magic, Moody at Hogwarts, and Kingsley shall be casing Lucius Malfoy," Hermione replied.

Dumbledore nodded. "I want Miss Tonks and Alastor to switch tonight. I am sorry, but I only want seasoned veterans out at the Ministry during the night from now on. I also want Arthur Weasley taken off the roster as well," he added. "I think we can all agree that he has done his part for the Order in this area." Many people mumbled and nodded their heads in agreement.

Dumbledore cleared his voice. "Now, to our last bit of business. We had an incident that took place here at headquarters during our New Years' party. I am sad to report that Sirius Black has been stripped of his status as an Order member. Remus Lupin is holding him in his room under arrest. He, along with Kingsley and Alastor, will be taking shifts watching him."

"What did he do, Dumbledore?" asked Diggle while other members muttered amongst themselves.

"He sexually assaulted another Order member," he said grimly.

The crowd gasped. Arthur looked pale. He turned to Molly, and when she refused to look at him, he stood, and in a voice unlike anything Hermione had ever heard, said, "I demand to know whom the victim was!"

Albus seemed to understand his outburst. He raised his hand to calm the whispers among the others. "Arthur, I respect your concern. However, I must refuse your demand. It is the witch's right to speak if she wishes. I cannot in good faith compel her," he responded.

Arthur sat and looked at Hermione and Tonks. Then the sweet, kind Mr. Weasley Hermione knew returned. With tears in his eyes, he said, "I consider so many of the women in this room as dear to me as sisters and daughters. We shouldn't keep secrets! When one of us hurts, we all should come together so that person can be comforted."

"Here, here!" said Hestia Jones. "Well said!"

"I agree," said Bill Weasley. "When Podmore was arrested, we didn't turn our backs to him or not mention his name because of what happened to him."

Minerva spoke up sharply. "When You-Know-Who killed the Potters and destroyed the minds of the Longbottoms, did we forget to look after their own? Neville and Harry are like my own sons. I'm sure Arthur and Molly feel the same way."

"Aye," wheezed Dung. Everyone looked at the grimy wizard who was always on the fringes of good society. Many of the Order only believed Albus kept him on because of the sordid company he kept.

"I kno' me reputation ain't respec'able. But I agree. For wha' its worth, when one suffers, we all suffer." He went back to smoking his pipe.

Molly wiped her eyes and lovingly poured Dung a cup of tea.

"Ta, Molly," he muttered.

Hermione was moved by the show of support. She stood, and Dumbledore sat down. "It was me," she whispered.

Tonks and Minerva choked in horror. Hermione swallowed and said, "Sirius and I haven't been the closest of friends. Actually, we have never really gotten along. We argued over a matter, and he insulted my marriage. In my anger, I said some very deliberate, hurtful things. I wanted to hurt him as badly as he had hurt me. This was on Christmas Day. We didn't speak for that week, and on New Year's Eve, he came into my bedroom while I was sleeping and...and came close to raping me. I was able to escape, and Remus, thankfully, was on his way to his room when I ran out. He, Kingsley, and Moody, along with Dumbledore have been dealing with Sirius. Severus knows, and there was an altercation, but we're all going to live through this, and for now, that is all."

She sat down shakily. Bill Weasley, who was sitting next to her, offered her a shot of firewhisky. She took it gratefully and drank it down with trembling hands.

She looked around to face the reception. White, angry faces in shock and horror met her eyes. Except Dung, who shook his head.

"Ain't right," he said as he puffed lazily.

"Wha' ain't right?" bellowed Hagrid. The half-giant looked murderously angry.

Dung looked up at Hagrid from his chair and said, "You all know Sirius is a friend ta me. 'E's been good ta me since we started on here. Was a good bloke back in th' day. But, Dumbledore, 'e's broke. Touched in th' 'ead. Shoulda let ole' Snape kill 'im."

Dung puffed away, and Emmeline Vance said, "What makes you think Snape wanted to kill him?" she asked.

"Have you ever met Severus Snape?" asked Charlie Weasley glibly. "Hermione is his wife. I'm surprised we haven't been informed of Sirius' head being found on a pike in front of the Ministry of Magic with his dangly bits in his mouth!"

"Oh, Charles!" shouted Molly. "That is just disgusting! Severus hexed him with a nasty curse that slashed his chest open. He healed him, but left a nasty scar. He'll be branded for the rest of his life."

"Justice, if you ask me," growled Moody. "After all, Hermione has been scarred as well, just not where you can see it. But scarred, nevertheless."

Albus took over the conversation. "This is how it stands. Sirius is in seclusion until some other arrangement can be made, perhaps in the summer. For now, he will remain here magically bound. He can no longer change into his Animagus form, nor will I allow any...and mean ANY...female alone in this house without a male chaperone. The man guarding Sirius doesn't count. Am I clear?"

Everyone agreed. Then the meeting was adjourned. Arthur, Molly, and their boys, Bill and Charlie, stayed behind and sat with Hermione in the kitchen.

Arthur was downcast and at intervals wiped his eyes.

"Why didn't you come to us, Hermione?" asked Bill.

"I knew you as a young boy, Bill. You too, Charlie. There is only so much reality I can handle. Besides, Ron and Ginny can never know. If Harry were to find out, I just shudder to think what might happen," she whispered

Arthur poured her another shot of firewhisky. "You know, you and Severus will always have us to turn to," he said reassuringly.

She took a sip and nodded. "Thank you, Arthur," she said as she wiped the tears from her cheek. "I feel I just make my own trouble. I really meant to hurt him. I wanted to lash out at him and make him feel as low as he made me feel."

"What did you two say?" asked Arthur.

"We were arguing about Kreacher because we couldn't find him. Harry and I thought he might have left the house. We started arguing upstairs away from everyone, and Sirius said that if he were lucky, Kreacher would have crawled into a vent and died. I went into a tirade about how sick I thought that was and told him he wasn't being a good role model for Harry. I called him a freak, and he said, 'It takes one to know one.' I asked him what he meant, and he said that I was a freak because I am the one who gets off on having 'a greasy slime ball grunting on top of me.' I got angry and said he was just jealous because Severus gets to sleep with a young witch that he can have anytime he wants while he's stuck rotting away in this house. That's about it. We didn't speak for about a week, and then it happened."

She took another drink and felt very uneasy and anxious about their reactions.

"Still doesn't make it right, Hermione," said Arthur.

"It was a low blow, Hermione," said Bill, "but I agree with dad; it doesn't give anyone the right."

Charlie agreed as well.

Hermione swallowed the rest of her drink. "I need to get back to Hogwarts. I want to be back when Severus returns."

"I'll get you back, Hermione," said Molly.

***

Hermione waited nervously for Severus in their quarters. She had been excused from classes in order to be near Severus when he arrived. It was late afternoon when he returned. He was exhausted and worn out, but other than that, he was no worse for the wear.

She ran him a bath and helped him strip. He nearly fell asleep as she washed his hair.

"Hey, you," she whispered. 'Wake up."

He grinned. "I was thinking about you washing my hair at Spinner's End," he said lazily. "If I could have you wash my hair, I'd submit to it everyday."

Hermione smiled. "I love you. I'm so glad you're all right."

After she got him tucked away in bed, she got him dinner and made sure he ate every last bite.

"So, what's the news?" she asked as she watched him eat.

"Big party going on at Malfoy manor. A huge celebration for the returning heroes. It was strange and disturbing seeing them after all this time. It also brought back some memories, but overall, I was glad to be excused."

"How did you manage to get away?"

"I used the same old card: I have to get back to Hogwarts before Dumbledore gets suspicious. Besides, I don't care for their kind of festivities."

He glanced away from Hermione, and she felt sick to her stomach. "I need to go," she said as she stood up. He grabbed her hand, and Hermione screamed. She backed far away, breathing hard.

"I didn't mean to scare you," he muttered.

"I know," she whispered.

"You've all but moved back into your old rooms," he said sadly as he looked at his tray.

"I just can't sleep with you, Severus," she whispered.

"I didn't do this to you!" he yelled as he threw the tray on the floor. "Why am I being punished?"

Hermione swallowed. "I'm not trying to punish you, Severus," she insisted.

"I want my wife to sleep by my side!" he roared as he advanced towards her.

Hermione began to cry and ran out the door to her old bedroom. She lay on the bed, curled up in a ball, and wept.

***

A/N: The sentences in italics with asterisks belong to J.K. Rowling. The rest belongs to me.