Aftermath: Part 2

Disclaimer: All characters have been created by J.K. Rowling. I'm just mucking around with them and not making any money for it. Bummer.

I'd like to say thanks to Charmed_Nay. She's overworked as it is, and she is still able to find time to look over my chapters for me.

Hermione awoke alone sometime later. She wondered when Severus would get back. "Hello?" she called into the darkened room. There was only a lone candle burning next to the bed. All the others had burned out. She truly needed to use the loo, so she pulled the candle from the stand and went to the room. There was a slight tender ache between her legs from her last coupling with Severus.

She'd thought that he might pull away from her for a moment, but then, he'd started pounding into her relentlessly, causing her to cry out in some pain but mostly pleasure. She'd wanted to be silent and not let him know how good he made her feel, but she couldn't help it. She hated herself for wanting him, for wanting more, and for loving him still. Yes, she loved him, even after he'd Stunned Neville and took Harry's last chance of winning away. Oh, Harry, where are you? Are you all right? Do you feel that I've fled with the enemy? She remembered Severus' words about why the headmaster had Vanished Harry.

Was it true? Did he and Dumbledore have a plan all along? Depression was already settling in, threatening to suffocate her. Ron had still loved her and thought of her until the end. Flashes of his laughing face and bright blue eyes passed through her mind. There were no tears this time, however, and she was uncertain if that was a good thing or not. If she kept things welled up inside, she wouldn't be able to think clearly and make plans.

How did she feel about Ron's declaration? It made her feel guilty, only a little, that she'd not given him another chance. Even though he'd moved on to another relationship, he'd still kept her in his heart. She also felt honored and was glad that it had been her that had been with him when he died. She also felt a little smug, though she knew that was wrong. It upset her to know that she'd never again hear his laughter or bicker with him. How was his mum handling this?

Would she do things differently? No. She couldn't imagine being with anyone other than Severus. Severus, where are you? What are you doing? She felt ashamed for the way she'd treated him, but she couldn't help it. She'd wanted him to hurt. He was acting as if nothing bad had happened, as if life was brilliant and would only get better. Her words and actions had hurt him, but if he continued to believe that all was well, he'd not even try to change things. Harry could still be alive. There was no guarantee that he'd die from the wounds Voldemort had inflicted. Dumbledore had many hexes leveled at him. His survival was a little unlikely, though she wasn't certain.

Severus didn't kill anyone, Hermione. He tried to help people. He loves you. He wants you to be his wife... not his whore... not his concubine. Hermione quickly used the flame from her candle to light the lanterns in the bathroom after she was finished, and she went about the room lighting the others. She wished she had her wand. It would make things easier. Bellatrix had it the last she'd seen. Sighing, she donned her clothes. She'd be damned if she'd stay locked up in a room.

Creeping towards the door, she was surprised to find it unlocked. She walked down the corridor, shivering slightly. It was quite cold. She neared the room that Voldemort had been in earlier and quickly took another path. Along the way, she met up with a young man with light brown hair. He smiled amiably and nodded his head in greeting. "Good evening, Granger," he said happily.

"H-hello," she replied uncertainly, moving forward quickly. For him to be there, he must be a Death Eater. Why would such a seemingly pleasant person follow Voldemort? Was he only being nice because of Voldemort's orders? Yes. That had to be it. She neared the end of the corridor and was given the choice of two paths. One was dark and led to the left, but there was faint light near the end. The one on the right was well lit, yet she could hear... screaming. It sounded as if someone was in serious pain.

She took the path to the left and hurried towards the soft light near its end. Hermione gasped as she saw that the room was more like a garden surrounding a courtyard. Plants and flowers grew abundantly. There was even a fountain with a few benches in the center. Drawn to it like a moth to flame, Hermione moved forward and sat down. How could something so lovely be in such a horrid place?

A throat cleared behind her. She turned and froze, her smile fading from her face. It was Voldemort himself. "I see you've found my favorite room," he said, walking forward and boldly taking a seat next to her.

"It's... lovely," she managed, trying not to think of his physical features. If he knew that she thought him hideous, he'd likely be angry.

"Not everyone appreciates the beauty here," he said absently, looking around. "You and I should talk."

"All... all right," she said, voice cracking.

"You've nothing to fear from me, girl. I gave my word that you shall be protected. I intend to keep it." His cordial grin faded, and his eyes grew cold. "I know you are angry about the things that happened today. In time, you will learn to appreciate the gift that has been given to you." He stared at her, waiting for a reply. "You do not feel as if you've been given a gift?"

"N-no, I don't," she stammered slightly. "I feel... trapped and betrayed."

"It's the gift of life. Is there nothing more important?" He gave her no time to respond. "Before Severusss left here today, I was able to learn that you'd been giving him a hard time in your bedchamber." He held up her hand to silence her. "He didn't tell me, but I saw it in his mind. He has become a very important person in my cause. I'll not have that destroyed. Not for anyone."

Hermione swallowed. He'd just said that he would protect her, and now, he sounded as if he would kill her if she mistreated Severus. "It feels like he let Harry die," she said quietly. "I knew he was close to you, but I'd always hoped..."

"That he was truly Dumbledore's man?" She nodded. "Severusss is too much like me, my dear." His amicable smile returned. "Our pasts are much alike. He will tell you of it when he is ready. I see myself sitting in Dumbledore's chair at Hogwarts one day...one day very soon. Severusss will be at my side. We shall teach all worthy every type of magic available. That includes truly Dark Magic."

"Worthy?" she blurted suddenly.

He smirked eerily. "I know that you feel a Muggle-born child should have equal rights. I agree... to an extent." He stretched out easily. "Are they truly Muggle-born? It seems to me that there was magic at some point in their family's past. Whether a witch, wizard, or Squib, there was someone in their past who yielded magic or came from magic." He turned around and hissed something to Nagini. She slithered off to rustle about in the midst of some large plants. "I want to test all students' magic before permitting them to join Hogwarts. Only the strong shall be able to join here. Others can go off to one of the other Wizarding schools on the main continent."

"But that's unfair. What sort of tests?" she asked, becoming curious despite herself and feeling oddly intrigued.

"Just a test of their skills," he said, gazing at her directly through his red slits. "All Muggle-born children would be raised away from their Muggle parents. I know some fine people who could run an orphanage of sorts where it would seem like a home and not a prison. There could be some basic teachings there, and I could go in occasionally to evaluate their progress. This would enable me to monitor their skills and worthiness to attend Hogwarts. All magical children need to learn our ways from an early age, not wasting eleven years like now."

"Some of us actually love our parents and want to live with them!"

"And some of us have parents who don't care about us or who won't accept what we are. Why? Because they can't understand us," he said quietly. "Ask Severusss about his father. I dare not bore you with the story of my filthy father's life. Don't you know how advanced you would be at this moment had you been under commendable tutelage from your early years?"

Hermione stilled, remembering what Harry had told them about Voldemort's past. He'd grown up in an orphanage, and for years, he'd been confused because he'd known he was different. "What would you do with those that you deemed unworthy?"

"Some may not be strong enough in skill to join my Death Eaters' ranks, but they could be useful in other ways...Herbology, Potions, Magical Creatures, or even desk jobs at the Ministry. Those would be allowed to remain. The others would not."

"You would kill children?"

"I would release them. If a family wanted to take them in, so be it. They simply wouldn't be allowed to remain at my school." He stood and sat on the edge of the fountain. "Imagine the prestige one would have. Imagine the pride. Knowing that Lord Voldemort had accepted and oversaw his or her learning would be a lifetime achievement for some."

"Why do you think it so important to teach them everything?" Hermione asked curiously. "I mean, we learn a good bit already. Couldn't you simply have a university of sorts for those wanting the extra studies?"

"I want Hogwarts," he said. "I want first choice of all magical children." He paused for a moment. "Honestly? I think that one day Muggles will find out about us, and we will have to defend ourselves. We're seriously outnumbered. I will teach all of us to fight to win. I will teach all of us to produce heirs and strengthen our numbers. We do not need the weak to lead us. Fudge, for example, was never truly capable of leading our world."

Hermione opened her mouth to speak. She looked away. "I don't know what to say."

"You're impressed, and part of you feels that I'm right, though you hate to admit it because you loathe me."

"Loathe is a strong word," she said quietly. "I hate that you would kill a baby and his family just to ensure that you are stronger." She sniffed, fighting tears as she thought of her fallen friends. "Why couldn't you have... tried something else?"

Voice harsh, he said, "I tried to get a job at Hogwarts teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts under Dumbledore. He wouldn't allow it. I wanted to be at the castle. It was the first place I'd felt at home. My ancestor helped found the school. I feel drawn to it. I want to know its secrets." He glowered at her. "I gave Potter the chance to join me when he thwarted my attempt to get the stone. He refused."

"Of course he wouldn't! You'd killed his parents!" she said, shrinking back as he towered over her suddenly.

"I don't know much about love or family, but I do know about respect and power. I also know that threatening one's weakness, their loved ones for instance, is a very useful tool." He smiled nastily. "If you want your family to remain unharmed, you will learn to treat your lover as he so deserves." He leaned down to eye her closely. "You will also show me respect when you speak to me." He waved her away and rose to his full height. "Be gone."

She scrambled to leave, but before she got to the door, she heard him call to her. "Yes... sir?" she asked, turning around, half fearing he'd hex her.

"There may be a place for you at my Hogwarts as something more than Severusss' concubine," he said calculatingly. "I know of your love for books. I am certain the library could use you. There are many more books that I would add to its collection. That would be a lot more learning for you as well. Keep that in mind."

With that, he turned his back on her and moved to the section Nagini had entered. Hermione quickly fled back down the dark corridor. When she got to the turn, she noticed that the screaming had stopped. Hurrying along, she made her way back down the first corridor she'd taken. She met up with another man along the way. He had on a crisp Muggle suit and wore his moustache thick and bushy. He knew who she was on sight.

"Hello, Miss Granger," he said, tipping his hat to her.

"Hi," she said, not stopping to chat.

Once back in the room she was sharing with Severus, she flung herself onto the bed and pulled the duvet up over her. She'd just seen a side to Voldemort that she would never have believed him to have. Some of what he said made sense, but she could never truly go along with him and his plans. Could she? He was very smooth with his words and unlike anything she'd expected. What more could she truly learn under his tutelage? Were the Dark Arts truly that bad if reserved to use in self-preservation only?

She'd seen two men here so far, and she knew they were Death Eaters. However, they seemed like normal, nice, proper men. They likely held jobs and had families. Foolishly, she'd always imagined the Death Eaters to be kneeling around a circle with Voldemort in its center. In her vision, she imagined they all had on their ridiculous robes the whole time while they spouted words of hate and talked of the need to murder innocent people. After the talk with the Dark Lord, she was even more confused. He was quite militant in what he wanted. If Dumbledore had given him the damn job, would things have been very different? Would he have hand picked his followers that way? Would he still be so cruel? Just thinking of the cold look in his eyes made her shiver. She doubted he felt guilty about anything he'd ever done in his life.

Hell, he'd threatened her parents' lives and seemed to think he was quite justified in doing so. She'd have to have a long talk with Severus. She didn't want her lover to be unhappy. Not truly. And it wasn't just because of the Dark Lord's threat either. How could she continue to hate someone that had risked his life to be certain she still had hers? In his mind, he only thought he was doing right by her. While she appreciated that, she didn't approve of his methods.

Even if there were some prior plans with Dumbledore, how could someone just stand there and allow things to happen? She would have died to in attempt to help Harry. There is still a chance that Harry will recover. I just need to convince Severus to help him... and to allow me to help. She'd find a way to get through to him. He helped Professor McGonagall! He tried to help those others! That proves he's not all that bad. She closed her eyes and was lost in thought. After an unknown amount of time passed, she heard the door open. She sat up and saw that Severus had returned.

He didn't even gaze at the bed as he made his way to a chair to put down a few things he'd been carrying. He pulled his cloak away, toed off his boots, and only then, did he look in her direction.

She took note of his cheerless expression. "Hi," she said, suddenly wanting to comfort him, to make things right.

Severus nodded, pulled his robes, shirt, and trousers off, and made his way to the bed, sliding in beside her. She noticed that he was careful not to touch her. No matter how disappointed she was in him, she needed him. It bothered her that he didn't try to talk to her or get her to be close to him. Normally, he couldn't help but to touch her in some way.

"Hold me," she whispered. He didn't move. "Please." He scooted over and pulled her against him, silently holding her. "What are we going to do?" she asked.

"I don't know," he replied softly.

"In the morning, I think we should have a talk about things."

"There's not much more to say, Hermione. I told you what I expected of you."

She sighed. "I will promise you some things, but I will need you to do the same for me."

"What things?" he asked curiously.

"If there is a chance that Harry is alive, will you help him?"

"I do not know."

"You once said that you would make certain that I am happy," she said calmly. "Living a normal life would do it. I don't know that I can be happy like this, Severus."

He moved to look into her eyes. "It's only the first evening. You can't truly pass judgment so soon."

It seemed that her talk wasn't working. She decided to try a new tactic. "I talked to the Dark Lord this evening. I found my way into his garden. He told me of his plans for Hogwarts, and he threatened my parents' lives if I didn't make certain you were happy."

"So," he said, pushing her away, "you're only attempting to talk to me now because you feel obligated to."

"No, I had planned on talking to you anyway," she said, pulling him back to her forcefully. "I love you, Severus. I want to live in a world where I will be your wife, not just a concubine. I want to have your children one day. I want to live in our home without worry that our family will be killed, tortured, or arrested at any moment. The plans we'd made already would make me happy." She kissed his jaw. "I would do anything you wanted to see that happen."

"And say anything," he said sarcastically. "I'm no fool. The moment you are able, you will flee."

"Would you keep me as a prisoner then if you believe that of me?" she asked incredulously.

"I..." He looked away from her.

"Say it," she demanded.

His dark eyes bore into hers once more. "I cannot be without you, Hermione. You must know that. Your place is at my side, no matter where I stand."

Disappointment filled her. Perhaps it wasn't a good time to talk to him. She would try again the next morning. "Good night."

"Sleep well."

Despite his annoyance with her, a little hope came back as he squeezed her tightly and began lightly caressing her hair and back. Such tenderness proved that he cared. He would see reason. Sooner or later. After many minutes had passed, she couldn't stand the silence any longer. She wanted to feel something more. It bothered her that he didn't seek to have her.

"I cannot sleep," she ventured.

"You've not tried long enough," he said agitatedly.

"I need you," she whispered, deciding to be honest. She moved her hand over his chest and placed a kiss upon his bare flesh.

He stilled as if trying to determine his course of action. When he spoke, his voice held a note of bitterness. "Your duty is not required tonight." He pulled away and turned over. "I had my fill of that earlier."

Stung, Hermione turned over to face the opposite direction. He'd openly rejected her, turned his back on her. Her words had hurt him far more than she could have imagined. He no longer even wanted to have her, obviously fearing that she'd reject him or not willingly react to his touches. She knew now how he'd felt earlier, and having her words thrown back at her was quite unpleasant.

She felt him shift behind her, and suddenly, his arm snaked around her waist. The deep, silky tenor in his voice spoken against her ear made her shiver. "I suppose holding you would not be amiss."

"This morning... I didn't mean what I said," she whispered guiltily.

"Yes, I believe you did."

"I wanted to hurt you... to punish you, but I would never be happy living as a ruddy concubine. I want you to know that," she said.

"Does this mean you will try to accept these changes?"

Turning over to face him, she said, "I'll never truly accept a world where Voldemort reigns...no matter how lovely he tries to make it sound. This is supposed to be Harry's time. He was meant to win. I am certain of it. He didn't dodge him all these years only to fail."

"Hermione..."

"Please, Severus, I'm not asking you for much. I just want you to promise that if there is a chance that Harry survives this that you will help him." She bit her lip while waiting for his response. When there was none, she added, "If you at least try to do this, I swear to you that I'll never leave you, and I'll try to do whatever you'd like."

"And if I don't try?" he asked, raising a brow. "What threat will you make?"

She sighed. "None, Severus. I'll not... I'll not leave you anyway, but I'll be disappointed."

"So," he accused, "you would live as a prisoner as payment for me to give help to Potter!" His lip curled unpleasantly. "I am sick of hearing his name fall from your lips."

"You dolt! I want a life with you! What part of that don't you understand? How could I be a prisoner if you're what I want?" She frowned and shook her head. "Severus, how can I completely love a man that betrayed everything I believed in? If you love me, then you should want a full and happy life with me. Be the man that I fell in love with."

His lips pressed against hers, parting and beginning the first of many intense kisses. She moved to get closer to him, swinging one leg over his waist. Torn between finishing their talk and making love to him, she moaned in frustration, pulling away from him. Severus sat up in bed and scooted back against the headboard, opening his arms invitingly.

"Every time I try to talk to you, this happens," she said as she moved to straddle him. She gazed into his eyes, willing him to see the truth behind her words.

"I can promise that I will always do what I feel is right by you, Hermione," he said quietly. "Is that enough?"

She knew that it would be all that he would give her. For now. Each day would be new in which she could talk to him. She felt confident that if she were able to show him that she truly wanted a life with him and would not leave him, then he would help Harry if he was given the chance. "It is enough," she replied, lowering her mouth near his. "For now, I'd like to make love to you."

Severus ran his hands up and down her arms. He seemed to be deciding if he wanted to oblige her or not. One hand came up behind her head and guided her mouth the rest of the way to his. The kiss was languid, and she felt as if he were trying to say something through it...something he couldn't voice.

He loves me. A feeling of power surged through her veins. If she owned his heart, she could influence him. These thoughts didn't make Hermione feel guilty. Was that not the same thing that he did to her? If her body was what he listened to, there was no reason that she shouldn't wield it. When he ended their kiss and placed his hands upon her cheeks, rubbing lazy circles over her skin with his thumbs, she asked, "Interested?"

"I am," he agreed, smirking slightly. "So long as you don't try to just lie beneath me and bite the insides of your mouth to keep from showing me how good I feel to you."

"Never again," she said, hands traveling down his chest to hook his underpants and begin to pull them down. His hands found the hem of the shirt she wore and pulled it up and away from her.

Once both were divested of their clothing completely, Hermione guided his erection to her center and slid down onto him unhurriedly. His hands found her back and kept her close to him as his mouth leisurely made its way around her breasts. Wanting to prolong their coupling and put all the love she had into it, she kept her strokes even and slow, using her hands to steady herself against the headboard, until he began thrusting upward in a more hurried pace, stimulating her clitoris as he did so. It was he that reached climax first, but the biting on her neck and incoherent mumbling against her skin sent her to join him.

For a long time, she simply remained straddling his lap with her head against his shoulder. "I love this... you," she whispered.

"As do I," came the silky reply.

Southern's Notes: In the next chapter, we'll finally find out how the others fared and where Severus went. What about that Voldemort? Hell, he nearly has me sold. Hehe!