Halloween

I owe some big hugs and much gratitude to MadBrilliant and Kallontista for the beta read. I appreciate it very much.

~o 22 o~

Halloween

~o0o~

Friday morning after Arithmancy, Hermione went to the library with Draco as her escort, Crabbe and Goyle following behind at a respectable distance. As soon as Draco let the door close behind him and his friends, Jenny, Janilynn, an Asian girl, Kim Chua, a blonde Hermione didn't know from Hufflepuff, and Zane immediately rushed over to Draco and began cooing and fawning over him. Under any other circumstances, this would have been a disgusting display, but today it amused Hermione to see how unnerved Draco became. To make matters even more comical, Crabbe and Goyle tried to hide their snickers while still attempting to look stern and intimidating. It wasn't working very well.

Hermione turned away, thankful for the distraction. She found Ginny and Luna in the Charms section three feet from each other, scanning through the books.

"I have found a whole set of books on magical mirrors: this one discusses how to use them to see the future, what has been, and that which has not come to pass..." Ginny said, shoving the book back on the shelf. "Sounds like Divination to me."

Hermione picked two up off Ginny's pile. "To see across distances... seeing beyond the image... seeing your inner self... seeing your true self... Revealing Charms... nope. Darn. Nothing," she mumbled as she crossed books off of Ginny and Luna's list.

"Interpreting the Visual Image, to see one's inner self..." Luna said, closing the book with a snap. "Okay, no."

"We are going about this wrong. Maybe it's not the mirror, but the type of spell," Hermione said, looking down the row of books. "We've tried every type of enchanted mirror with no results. Harry said that his dad made one, possibly a pair... a pair! That's it! To connect two objects so that one – it's the Protean Charm, it has to be!"

"Draco is coming," Luna warned. "Go. I'll distract him or make him go away."

"Thanks," Hermione whispered and slipped away to another aisle of the Charms section with Ginny in tow.

~*~

Hermione set her stack of books to be returned to the library in the morning on the floor next to the bed. None of them had the variation of the Protean Charm she was looking for. Frustrated, she decided to take a bath to think. She stripped for her bath, sank into the hot water, and tried to relax, but her mind was in turmoil. Without the two-way mirrors, there was no other way to communicate with Harry and Ron except for the DA coins, and they were so limiting. I wish I knew where they are! I'm sure they're safe, because if they weren't – if the Dark Lord had caught them – he'd have announced it or summoned Snape to watch him kill Harry, wouldn't he?

A soft knock jolted her from her thoughts. "Tomorrow, I must take you shopping," Snape said.

"What? Are you taking me to Hogsmeade?" she asked, looking hopeful.

"No." He stood rigidly in the doorway. "You'll need a gown for the Malfoys' Halloween party, and I will not trust Narcissa's taste this time, nor Belinda's. So, you'll go with Cillian and me. Can I trust you to behave?"

"Yes, I'll behave," she replied. She sighed and hung her head as he leaned on the doorframe and crossed his arms. "There's more, isn't there?"

"Yes. The Dark Lord will be there; he may ask to see you," he said smoothly as if they were discussing a book or essay.

Hermione suddenly felt cold, even though her bath water was still quite warm. "I'm not ready to face him!" she exclaimed, sitting up sharply. "I cannot do Occlumency! What if he sees you trying to teach me?"

"You knew that you'd have to face him again. There isn't anything you know that cannot be explained to the Dark Lord's satisfaction," he said with a smirk. "Even our lessons can be explained, but that's not what he'll be interested in. Trust me. Cillian, of course, is coming as well, so you won't be devoid of protection."

"But he doesn't protect me – he follows me!" she said, swallowing back the fear of facing the Dark Lord again while surrounded by his loyal followers.

"Cillian cannot take action against the Carrows unless they harm you. However, he is capable of defending you should anyone try to attack you in the corridors. It is a fine line, Hermione, and he plays it well. I have spoken to Alecto about using the Stunning Charm on you, and she will not do so again," he said to reassure her.

"And Draco?" she asked, crossing her fingers under the surface of the water and hoping that he wouldn't be included on their shopping excursion.

Snape's smirk almost looked as if he was about to smile. "No, Draco will be stay here when I take you shopping. However, he will be at his parents' party and will stay with them overnight, so you'll have a whole day's reprieve from his friendship."

Hermione slunk down into the water at the warning tone with which he'd said 'friendship.'

"You'll have to come to terms with Draco. You are not allowing him to do what the Dark Lord requested him to do. Do you wish to see Draco punished for disobeying an order?" Snape asked, openly staring at her. "He might even make you do it."

She sat bolt upright again. "No! I can't – couldn't – not Draco! He hasn't done anything!"

"Precisely. He has not befriended you," he said smoothly. "You won't let him."

"He wouldn't punish him just because I haven't... HE WOULD, WOULDN'T HE?" Her voice almost echoed off the walls of the bathroom. "But why – you cannot just force people to be friends..."

Snape stepped forward into the room. "Draco was given an order to befriend you. You are resisting his efforts. Do you really think that the Dark Lord is forgiving to any of his followers who fail a task he has set for them, no matter how small or benign it may seem? Of course Draco will be punished, simply for not yet succeeding." He reached across her, picked up her flannel and soap, and then dunked them both in the water. "Lean forward. I was hoping that you'd have at least seen the advantages of befriending Draco Malfoy."

Hermione wrapped her arms around her knees. "Oh, yes: rich, powerful, arrogant, aristocratic snob, wet prat that he is – highly advantageous..."

"Who has had the privilege of having the Dark Lord ensconced in his house since the summer of his fifth year," Snape said as he scrubbed her back. "Did it not occur to you to question why Draco didn't want to live at home? Surely, with his skill at Apparation, he didn't have to live at my house and sleep in my old bedroom. Even as my apprentice, he could have stayed at the Manor every weekend, unless tending a potion."

She couldn't believe what he was implying. He didn't want to be around the Dark Lord? "So then why..."

"The question I want you to think about, Hermione, is why I would want you, my wife, to befriend a boy your own age and allow him unlimited, even private exposure to you." He dropped the flannel into her bath. "Why risk scandal and gossip when I could just as easily have Cillian chaperone your time with Draco, since that is his job?" He stood and backed away, reaching for her towel. "Think about that."

Hermione rinsed and stepped from the tub as Snape wrapped her in the towel. "I expect the Carrows, MacCavish, and Rowle to be in my office this morning. I suggest that you stay up here until they go."

Hermione nodded, and he smiled, leaning down to kiss her. Hermione wrapped her arms around him and he chuckled. "You're getting me wet, and I do have an appointment," he murmured against her lips, holding her close.

"Then I shouldn't hold you up," she replied before he deepened their kiss.

"Witch," he said with a low growl, then moved away from her and left the bathroom.

Hermione walked into the bedroom, smiling. She decided to use her time practicing wandless magic and trying to contact Harry or Ron again on her DA coin, both with little success.

~o0o~

As the morning stretched on, Hermione still hadn't managed to contact either Ron or Harry. Neville and Luna had answered her, and Luna had promised to keep trying to pass on to Harry that she was trying to find the spell for the mirrors. She'd been able to light a candle with wandless magic, much to her surprise, and had even started a small flame in the fireplace. Levitating anything was hard, but she'd managed to lift a book up about an inch. However, despite her best efforts, she couldn't move the book sideways.

Snape came to get her before noon and took her to wait in his office for the Slytherin girls. Cillian was sitting in front of Snape's desk with his boots resting on the corner, tossing an orange. "Hi, Hermione," he greeted her before lobbing his orange at a scowling Snape. "Too bad we're not eating in the Great Hall. They're having fish and chips."

"Terrific," Snape said, directing Hermione to sit in one of the chairs. "I can always have a house-elf bring you a plate."

Cillian dropped his feet to the floor. "Nah, I love cucumber sandwiches," he said sarcastically, grinning as he winked at Hermione.

Snape was cut off from comment when the bell rang, indicating a visitor. "Allow," he said smoothly.

Hermione had been watching them with avid curiosity. Cillian was always so relaxed around Snape, even when Snape was in one of his darkest moods.

Snape called out, "Enter," at the light knock on the door a few seconds later.

Miss Glenwrythe and Miss Lockhaven entered the Headmaster's office and formally reintroduced themselves to Hermione and Cillian. Snape and Cillian returned their greeting just as formally, and Cillian gallantly indicated that they all go. Snape escorted Hermione to the door. "Have fun. You are in no danger with these girls. Trust me on this."

Hermione nodded and left the room.

The girls escorted Hermione and Cillian to a room on the first floor that had tall windows that cast beams of light across the floor. In the middle of the room was an elaborately laid out table set for six and another one set up by the door for Cillian.

"I'm not certain if you know everyone, Mrs. Snape. This is Tracie Davis; I know that you have Charms and Herbology together," Miss Glenwrythe said with a polite indication of her hand toward the girl on her right.

The brunette inclined her head politely as she said, "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Snape."

Miss Glenwrythe continued her introductions with a graceful sweep of her hand. "Amanda Bergental, I believe you are both in Potions, Alchemy and Ancient Runes together, and Adriana Whitehall; I know you have a few classes together," she said with a friendly smile.

Both girls inclined their heads and greeted Hermione.

"We, of course, all know you." Miss Glenwrythe gestured toward the table and the house-elf that stood holding a chair. "Shall we?"

As the girls all sat down, all the chairs scooted in as if assisted by a gentleman, and the elf vanished.

The tea was a light blend, a perfect complement to the tiny sandwiches, fruit, and delicate cheese parfaits being served. Miss Glenwrythe acted as mother. The girls were quite formal, but friendly, still referring to Hermione as Mrs. Snape. Hermione felt as if she were having afternoon tea with the Queen or someone of equal importance. They discussed current articles in Witch Weekly and The Quibbler, the weather, current fashions, shoes, and books the girls had read. They asked Hermione polite questions about herself, and each of the girls answered Hermione's inquires on these benign subjects with equally gracious candor.

"Mrs. Snape, if I might be so presumptuous to ask, what are your intentions toward Mr. Malfoy?" Miss Lockhaven asked pointedly. Every girl looked casually at her, two while sipping their tea.

"Draco?" Hermione asked, nearly choking on her tea. "Nothing!"

Miss Glenwrythe set down her cup. "Mr. Malfoy has taken an interest in you that has not gone unnoticed."

Miss Whitehall looked pointedly at Hermione. "If you have intentions of having an affair..."

"What?! No!" Hermione gasped, alarmed that these girls thought she'd been flirting with Draco. Still, Hermione felt an avid curiosity radiating from all of them.

"I didn't think so. Headmaster Snape wouldn't take kindly to you skirting around," Miss Davis stated demurely.

Hermione realized that Draco's attention toward her was the reason the girls wanted to have tea. "I don't even like Draco that way!"

Miss Glenwrythe's smile became a subtle smirk. "But you are on a first name basis with him now." She held up her hand before Hermione could respond. "Look, you are not familiar with our ways," she said, her tone still friendly but with a subtle hint of warning. "No, hear me out. May I be blunt?" Hermione nodded and she continued. "When there is dissension in our house, it's dealt with. Tension creates disharmony and an uncomfortable atmosphere. So, when two or more of our housemates are causing friction, it is addressed."

"What she means is, you are creating an adversary that you don't want," Miss Lockhaven said. "Pansy Parkinson. She considers Mr. Malfoy to be her beau."

"And since you're not permitted a wand – we've noticed – sorry. I mean no disrespect, nor am I asking the reason why, but it has been remarked upon," Miss Glenwrythe said apologetically. "You are at a slight disadvantage of not being able to defend yourself. We presume that is why you have a protector." She made a nod of her head as her gaze flicked over to Cillian and then back to Hermione.

Hermione glanced quickly up at Cillian, who was carefully avoiding eye contact as if he wasn't listening in on the conversation. "No, I'm not allowed a wand in the corridors," she admitted, turning back, feeling a slight warmth to her cheeks.

"I didn't broach the subject to make you uncomfortable," Miss Glenwrythe said with a polite smile. "However, it would behoove you to make your intentions or, in this case, lack thereof, known."

"There is nothing between Draco and me," Hermione stated emphatically.

"All right then," Miss Glenwrythe said, placing her napkin on the table. "If you'd allow me to express your sentiments, I'm sure that this matter can be laid to rest." All of the girls placed their napkins on their plates as Miss Glenwrythe rose to go. "Mrs. Snape, it has been a pleasure. I hope you've enjoyed our company and might consent to take tea with us again."

Hermione felt as if she were being dismissed. She rose from the table, and the other girls stood as well. "It was nice of you to invite me. I did enjoy it, Miss Glenwrythe, thank you," she said, unsure of how to respond.

Cillian was standing at the door when Hermione turned around to leave. He smiled as they walked back to the tower.

Hermione finally turned and frowned at him. "What?"

His grin became a cocky expression that irritated her. "You don't know, do you?" he asked.

She had no idea what he was smirking about. "Know what, exactly?"

He shook his head. "Miss Glenwrythe carries a lot of influence in Slytherin. She has chosen to befriend you."

"Befriend?" Hermione stopped briefly and then hurried to catch up. "She treated me as if we were..."

"Yes, she was formal. First tea is always formal, Hermione." Cillian paused to wait for her.

"They called me Mrs. Snape the entire time," she said, confused by his assessment of Miss Glenwrythe's motives.

"And she will for at least a month." Cillian stopped and faced her. "At which time you'll be invited to call her by her first name." Hermione mouthed 'a month,' and Cillian chuckled at her confusion. "You two may have known each other before, but you have never been in her social circle, nor she in yours. Had you grown up in the pureblood circles, you'd have met or been introduced by your parents. If the two of you had become friends then, as children, you'd already be on a first-name basis. Since you were not – you're being inducted into her circle of friends formally. It's how things are done. C'mon, I want to get going."

"I can't believe you're that eager to go shopping," she said, still perplexed.

"I love shopping," Cillian said with a smirk.

Snape was standing by the fireplace, holding several traveling cloaks. As they approached Snape, he held up Hermione's cloak for her. "So, did you get mine as well?" Cillian asked.

"Obviously," Snape replied as he draped one cloak about Hermione's shoulders and then handed Cillian his dark brown one. "We will go first. Borgin is expecting us." Cillian nodded. Severus took her hand and pulled her into the Floo with him. They emerged in the Dark Arts shop, which hadn't changed much since Hermione had last been there. The only noticeable difference was the absence of the vanishing cabinet. In its place stood an old grandfather clock with three hands and two rings of symbols: one ring in numbers for the time, the other in runes and symbols.

"Headmaster, Mrs. Snape, so good to see you," Mr. Borgin said, wringing his hands in mock delight. His smile grew even bigger with Cillian's arrival. "Mr. Gwynek, a pleasure."

Cillian simply said, "Borgin," absentmindedly as he dusted himself off.

"Thank you for the use of your Floo, Mr. Borgin," Snape said formally. "We shall return in a short while."

Mr. Borgin covered his look of annoyance with a bow. "Always a pleasure to serve his most trusted follower," he groveled pathetically.

Snape took Hermione's arm and led her to the door. Quite a few shoppers wandered the street, casually looking in the windows of Knockturn Alley. Hermione distinctly saw three men, one a thick, scruffy man, the other two both rather gruff-looking, move from the wall and follow them as they passed. She was certain that she recognized two of the men, one of the gruff-looking wizards and the scruffy one, but wasn't sure. Regardless, the scruffy one was definitely familiar to her, but she couldn't place the name or where she'd seen him.

Snape's grip tightened slightly on her arm. "Don't get any ideas," he hissed softly. "Those three aren't the only ones here today."

Hermione shook her head, keeping close to Snape. In a window reflection, Hermione saw another short, squat wizard she thought she recognized join the other three wizards who had been following them. Cillian hissed at her to stop trying to watch the wizards behind them and to keep her eyes forward.

In contrast to Knockturn Alley, Diagon Alley had fewer shoppers, but still enough to make maneuvering necessary. Most people stayed close together, averting their eyes, giving them, and the four dark robed men behind them, as wide a berth as possible. Snape led her straight to Madam Malkin's.

Inside the shop, a smiling, middle-aged, squat witch approached them. "Headmaster, Mrs. Snape, good to see you. You're right on time. I have selected several gowns, as you requested." She turned and smiled at Cillian. "Mr. Gwynek, how good to see you."

Snape smirked as Cillian smiled and greeted the proprietor. "Well, let's see what you have for us," Snape said, drawing the woman's attention to the task at hand. She motioned to a rack of robes. Snape flipped through them, grimacing or frowning at the garish costumes. He pulled one out, a black robe with long sleeves and streamers that looked like a Halloween witch costume, and then shoved it back.

"If these don't suit you, I have more," the witch offered, looking worriedly at Snape.

Cillian had moved into the shop and was looking at the robes. He handed one to the shop assistant and then another. Snape looked at the robes Cillian had selected and led Hermione to the dressing room to try them on. The first was a red dress with a wide, low cut neckline and frilly ruffles. Snape shook his head. The second reminded Hermione of Morticia Addams, and it fit her just as tight. Snape waved her back into the dressing room with a frown. He vetoed the next two, as well, in a similar fashion.

"Here, try this one," Cillian said, shoving a gown through the curtain at her.

It was blue, comfortable, and flowing, but when Hermione stepped out from the changing room into the shop, Cillian's eyes widened, and Snape scowled darkly. "Absolutely not!" Snape snapped, motioning her back into the dressing room.

When Hermione turned around and saw her reflection in the large mirrors surrounding the dais, she saw why – the gown looked like she was wearing nothing but blue-tinted water and was just as transparent.

The next gown she tried on looked like layers of leaves cascading down her body. The one after that made her look like she was engulfed in flames. Snape's eyes narrowed at the gown as he walked around her slowly. Two small broaches held the gown at her shoulders, and the uneven neckline matched the hemline. Her arms were bare and bodice was fitted, but not tight. The full skirt of the dress seemed to float and flicker she moved. Cillian nodded when Snape looked at him. "Fine, she may have it," he said as if it had been Hermione indicating that she wanted the dress, rather than Cillian smiling in approval.

Madam Malkin walked up, smiling. "Excellent choice! It fits her so well," the woman said, placing only two pins in the sides of the dress.

"Have it delivered to the school," Snape said offhandedly, gesturing for Hermione to go change.

Afterwards, Snape took Hermione to browse in the bookshop, then to check on his order in the Apothecary and to buy a new cauldron. At each shop, two wizards stood sentry by the doors, guarding them as the other two loitered nearby. As they passed Eeylops Owl Emporium, Hermione saw both Fred and George in the window of the shop, but Snape grasped her hand firmly, and Cillian shook his head at her, warning her not to try anything. The two wizards, who had guarded the door of each shop they had entered, stopped at the door of the Emporium, and the other two continued to follow them. When Snape and Cillian guided her down Knockturn Alley, she saw all four wizards reflected in the window of a shop that sold charmed and cursed candles. Hermione was relieved when Snape pulled her into the Floo in Borgin's shop to return to the castle.

She emerged and turned, expecting to see Cillian follow. When he didn't, she looked at Snape in confusion. "He has somewhere to be this afternoon. So you shall spend the day with me," he said quietly.

"I had hoped to spend some time in the library," she said wistfully.

Snape smirked at her. "Of course you did. Get your things."

Hermione raced to get her bag. Snape walked her down to the library and nodded respectfully to Madam Pince as he surveyed the students at the tables. Draco looked up and sighed heavily. "Stay where I can see you. What subject will you be reading on?" Snape asked softly.

"Charms," Hermione answered, and he held his hand up allowing her to go. Hermione saw Draco approach Snape, and they moved to the side to talk. Hermione moved down the shelves. For the most part, Snape was visibly watching her, but he allowed her to move freely through the stacks like Cillian usually did. She searched through the books as she looked for any means of enchanting mirrors.

Snape came up to her after what only seemed like an hour and insisted that they go change for dinner. Hermione took a quick shower and dressed in fresh school robes. The Great Hall looked the same as it did for any Halloween feast, save for the added presence of the Death Eaters at each table, and everyone was much more subdued than in previous years. Hermione whispered to Ginny about her trip to Diagon Alley and seeing Fred and George in Eeylops. Ginny was glad that her brothers seemed to be all right and expressed her wish that she could have sent Hermione with a note to them.

"He led me right past them. I wasn't even allowed to wave or say hello. Even under better circumstances, I seriously doubt Professor Snape would have allowed me go to your brothers' shop. Could you imagine him buying any of their products on our shopping trip?" Hermione asked. They both grabbed their goblets to keep from laughing and drawing attention to themselves.

Ginny told her about the latest letter from her brother Bill, and Hermione told her what she'd read in the library. She passed her a list of the books she'd read. "Just so you don't look in the ones I did."

"Thanks," Ginny said, stuffing it in a pocket to read later.

Snape came up to Hermione when the pudding was served. "Come with me," he said dryly.

Hermione rose and followed, feeling a sense of dread. Her new dress hung on the wardrobe door, and her lingerie lay on the bed.

"Hurry up and change. Leave your hair down," he said as he removed his own teaching robes. He pulled out his nicer frockcoat and vest and began to change. "Well, hurry up. We're already late as it is."

Hermione stripped quickly, letting Peren help her with her backless wizard corset and her garters and stockings. Snape handed Peren a pair of pretty combs for her hair with a delicate, intricately carved pattern. Nevertheless, Hermione's mouth quirked when she recognized that they were made from more of the Skrewt shell. He handed her a white mask adorned with thousands of tiny, gold flower-shaped beads and picked up his Death Eater's mask. He showed her how to fit the mask magically, since there were no strings to hold it. When she held it up to her face, the mask seemed to mold to her like a thick layer of makeup. Snape draped her cloak on her shoulders and led her to the Floo. "Relax, Hermione, it's a party. No one will harm you tonight," he said before they were whisked away.

They emerged from a huge marble Floo into an opulent study. "Good evening, Severus, Hermione," Lucius Malfoy greeted them politely. Hermione greeted him as politely as she could as Snape removed her cloak, then his, and handed them to a waiting house-elf. "He is in the drawing room," Mr. Malfoy said smoothly to Snape. "But he hasn't asked for you yet."

Standing this close to him, Hermione was stunned to see the wariness on Mr. Malfoy's face. He looked thinner than she remembered him, although his robes were perfectly tailored to his frame. Even his hair seemed less smooth and silky. Both men put on their masks, and Mr. Malfoy indicated that they follow him. Snape held up his arm. Hermione gratefully accepted it and took a deep breath. "Relax, you'll be fine," he said smoothly though the mask. Hermione cringed, hating the way his usually velvety smooth voice sounded slightly hallow and distant through the slits of his mask.

The ballroom was nearly filled to capacity. The ladies wore their finest robes, most in vibrant colors, and the men sported black robes; those who could afford them donned smart black tuxedo robes. Hermione gripped Snape's arm tighter as her gaze swept the room, observing the guests gathered under the sparkling chandeliers. Throughout the room, everyone's face was hidden behind a mask; most of the men, and several of the women, were fully or partially hidden behind the skull-like Death Eater masks. She noticed that many of the guests turned to observe them as they entered, leaning toward whom they had been conversing with as if Snape and Lucius Malfoy were celebrities. Hermione suddenly realized that she was the one drawing everyone's attention and blushed, lowering her head slightly, knowing that under any other circumstances any one of them would have likely killed her on the spot.

She stood as close to Snape as she dared, clutching his arm like a lifeline. He turned to look at her, but said nothing, only giving her hand a gentle squeeze. He accepted a pale, green drink from a house-elf and passed it to Hermione. "Sip sparingly or not at all," he whispered in her ear as he picked up another.

Nervously, she followed him as he walked slowly around the room, stopping on occasion to speak with a fellow Death Eater. When the music changed, he led her to the floor for a few dances and then led her to the side of the room. Hermione noticed that he was quiet, rarely seeking anyone out, and he stood stiffly when approached.

"Severus, my dear," called out a woman in clingy, dark blue dress robes as she approached and tried to cozy up to him. "It has been far too long."

Snape nodded curtly, standing like a stone statue, except for the arm Hermione clung to. "Belinda," he said smoothly as if addressing an annoying Gryffindor student.

Belinda apparently didn't catch the inflection of annoyance in his tone as she slithered closer. "You haven't returned my owls," she pouted behind her mask, blatantly ignoring Hermione's presence. "One would think that you haven't had time for a friend."

Hermione tasted her drink, grimaced at the sharp tang of the alcohol, and swallowed reluctantly. She wished for a butterbeer or water but kept quiet so as not to attract any further attention from any of the Death Eaters.

"I've been busy," Snape said with cool politeness. "How is Horrance?"

Belinda waved her hand dismissively. "Attending to business as usual. I have invited you repeatedly to join me for lunch; surely you're able to get away." One of her hands clasped his arm that hung at his side as her other brushed his shoulder.

"I'm running a school, as you well know, and my time is preoccupied there," he said, looking straight ahead at the revelers in the room.

Belinda's hand slid down Snape's back as she leaned into him. "Surely you could make time for a close personal friend."

"What time I have for pleasure or amusement, I spend reading or with my wife," he said smoothly indifferently as he turned slightly to look at her. His shift made him stand closer to Hermione, but he made no move to shove Belinda off.

Belinda's hand stilled on Snape's bum. "Surely she cannot fulfill all your needs," she said coquettishly.

Snape's eyes from behind his mask looked coldly amused. "I get what I need, given or not," he said coolly.

Hermione inhaled sharply, wanting to draw away, but Snape's hand captured hers.

He turned toward Hermione and ran a finger along her jaw. "When revision allows such... enjoyments," he said silkily.

Hermione blushed, unseen from under the mask. Snape fingered Hermione's wedding band where her hand still clung to his arm, making the light glint off both their rings. Belinda huffed and moved away, her shoulders held back and her spine rigid.

"Pretenses. Remember that," he added before standing rigid by her side again.

She sighed, understanding him perfectly. She recognized Draco by his hair, standing among several wizards wearing what she remembered as being the recruits' masks. Snape leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Three of them talking to Draco are recruits; the others are new members who have not earned their Death Eater masks."

"What do they have to do to get one?" she asked, biting her lip.

"Don't ask," he hissed softly.

"Draco's mask matches his father's," she said softly, spying Mr. Malfoy and two other men as they watched them from across the room. "Did he get his for his part in killing Dumbledore?"

Snape squeezed her hand tightly. "Stop prying."

She watched a small group of people pass by as they walked to the refreshment table. "Snape, a word with you," a heavyset wizard asked from behind her, making Hermione jump. "Without the girl."

"Stay here. I won't be far," Snape said and stepped away, following the wizard in a Death Eater mask that looked like it was made from an actual skull. Hermione felt isolated and suddenly bereft of her protection. She could see Cillian's curly hair a short distance away, surrounded by three young women. She chewed on her straw as she pretended to sip her drink.

"Are you having a good time, Hermione," Draco asked, suddenly appearing by her side.

"Not particularly," she said, sucking the drink up her straw and letting it flow back to pretend that she was enjoying the beverage.

Draco laughed. "You're not good at deception," he said, and she could hear his smile in his voice. "Care to dance with me?"

"Not really, Mr. Malfoy," she replied as politely as she could.

He leaned closer to her. "Maybe you'd like to meet a few of my friends," he suggested teasingly.

Hermione blanched. The last thing she wanted to do was meet Death Eater want-to-bes. "Draco, I'd love to dance."

He was a good lead, but he held her lightly. He kept her on the floor for three dances, conversed easily with her, and returned her to where she'd been standing. "Thank you," he said. Cillian looked at him, then turned his head as if to indicate the group approaching. Draco nodded at Cillian and moved to intercept them, leaving Hermione alone again.

"Enjoying yourself?" Hermione jumped, startled by the languid drawl of Lucius Malfoy from behind her. "Don't cause a scene," he beseeched softly, although it still sounded like a sneer. "Dance with me." He took hold of her elbow and guided her to the dance floor.

"Do I have a choice?" she asked. She considered pulling her arm free and walking off. But there was something in his eyes when she looked up at him that pleaded with her not to.

Mr. Malfoy pulled her closer and led her in a smooth waltz. He was a strong lead, confident and sure, guiding her easily to the music. "How are you getting along with Draco?" he asked.

Hermione lifted her head again to look at him. "Well enough. He hasn't hexed, jinxed, or cursed me at all this term, and he's stopped calling me a Mudblood. Apparently, he's decided that we're to be friends."

"No, the Dark Lord desires it. Tell me, how do you like the Carrows' lessons?" he asked and then lowered his voice. "How do they treat him?"

"I can't say I enjoy their lessons at all," Hermione said coolly, trying to keep the hateful edge form her voice, but stiffened slightly, nevertheless. "They treat him just fine. They usually focus their ire on me and my friends."

"At least you are receiving your education, are you not?" Lucius leaned in close to her ear. "Please allow bygones to be bygones. I can make it worth your while," he said, his tone one of a concerned father, not of an arrogant Death Eater.

"And how is that exactly, as I am only alive at the Dark Lord's pleasure," she said softly, keeping her wits even though his actions surprised her.

The silver-blue eyes regarded her a moment. He pulled her close for another turn. "A Mudblood like yourself? Surely, not only for his pleasure," he sneered and then lowered his voice. "I can be an ally or an enemy; I suggest you consider my offer."

"And what exactly could you do for me?" she asked, confused by his constantly changing demeanor.

"Please," Lucius said, then suddenly stepped back and stood rigidly as the music stopped. "It's a pity you'll be terminated when you no longer serve a purpose. You are quite feisty, you know," he said in his usual arrogant tone. He gripped her chin and swept his eyes down her body. "Yes, such a waste. I'll have to convince your husband to bring you here again."

Hermione tried to hold back her revulsion at his implied suggestion.

He let go of her chin as Snape approached. "Severus," Lucius said with a slight incline of his head.

"Lucius," Snape said, placing his hand possessively on Hermione's back.

She watched Mr. Malfoy walk away, wondering what all that was about.

"Did you enjoying dancing with him, Hermione?" Snape asked coolly, his fingers tightening on her hand when she clasped his arm.

She looked up at him and leaned closer to his side. "I had the strangest exchange with Mr. Malfoy," she whispered.

"Oh?" he asked, although he didn't flinch or move a muscle. "What was said?"

"Between the insults? He asked me to befriend Draco," she whispered, looking over his shoulder at three wizards standing behind them, hoping they were out of earshot. "He said that he would make it worth my while."

"Keep that to yourself," Snape hissed, looking over her head at the couples dancing. "You'll tell me everything he said when we return to the castle."

Hermione nodded, but Snape didn't relax his pose any. "Are you ready?" he asked.

Hermione caught her breath, and she recoiled in shock. "What? Now?"

"Yes," he said, taking her elbow and leading her to a drawing room. The Dark Lord sat on a tall armchair set up against the wall. Several people gathered near the entrances, but the middle of the room was unoccupied as if no one wanted to be there.

"Severus, come in and bring your wife," Narcissa said, just inside the doorway. "He's expecting you. You're to remove your masks."

They entered, removed their masks, placed them on a table situated inside near the door and moved to the center of the room. Hermione followed Snape's lead and knelt on the marble floor with her head bowed.

"Rise, Severus, and tell me of Hogwarts," the Dark Lord said in is high-pitched sibilant voice.

Snape rose and approached him, gave an accounting of everything at the school and answered the Dark Lord's questions. He made the situation at Hogwarts seem normal as he related the events at the castle.

The Dark Lord had his head turned toward Snape, but Hermione felt as if his gaze were still upon her as well. "And the governors, are they leaving you to do what I've asked?"

"Yes, my Lord. Only Dolores Umbridge is a constant thorn, but she is easily ignored," Snape said smoothly.

"And the Carrows, how are they getting along? Any more trouble from the staff or students?" the Dark Lord asked, his tone bearing a harsh edge, and Hermione felt that this subject could possibly be a dangerous one for Snape to answer.

"Alecto and Amycus have been using spells for discipline that are not normally allowed by the staff, and there is still animosity and resentment from the other professors, mostly from the Heads of House. Slughorn is silent enough, but then, he knows better than to complain." Snape related a few events that he'd had to deal with, all of which he'd easily handled.

"Very good," the Dark Lord said, clearly pleased with Snape's report. "Hermione, please, my dear, come here. No need to bruise your shins on that cold floor."

Hermione looked up, fighting her fear and focusing her mind on nothing but the stone corridors of the school. She'd have gladly stayed put, even to the point of her legs going numb, rather than approach him. She climbed to her feet and took a tentative step forward, watching him cautiously.

"You look lovely," the Dark Lord said, leaning forward on his chair, his full attention now focused upon her.

"T-thank you, m-my Lord," she stammered, unable to meet his intense red eyes.

The Dark Lord motioned her forward. "My, my, dear, no need to be afraid. Have I not given you everything I promised?"

Snape stood unmoving, watching her impassively, offering her no encouragement at all.

"Yes, my Lord," she said, taking a few steps to stand in front of him. She swallowed nervously and bowed her head.

"Look at her, Severus. Such modest respect she shows me. Or is that fear... I will not hurt you, Hermione. You have not done anything to garner my displeasure. I have heard that you are obeying me and serving Severus well," the Dark Lord said kindly, although he was still staring at her intently. "You are doing well in your lessons, aren't you?"

"I try my best in every subject, my Lord," Hermione admitted as if answering her father's inquiry and not this terrifying wizard's.

"Ah, such modesty," he said, smiling at Snape, then turned to her again. "I have been told of your ability in school: your dedication to your studies, your brilliance, your capabilities, and your talents."

Hermione smiled weakly and nodded, uttering a soft, "Thank you, my Lord."

"Hermione, come to me," the Dark Lord demanded. Hermione stepped closer, and the Dark Lord reached for her hand, pulling her to stand practically between his knees. "Kneel."

She fell to her knees without question, and he gripped her chin to make her look at him. The intrusion into her mind hit her with a thrusting force. Thousands of images flashed through her mind: writing her notes in class, reading and searching for things in the library, sitting at the coffee table in the sitting room doing her essays, struggling with a Carnibus root in Herbology. He paused at memories and feelings that were associated with Draco and smiled at her memory of her watching Draco practice Quidditch and the few times she'd been with him in the library. He focused on several memories of her lessons with the Carrows. Many of the images flashed so quickly, she had little control over them, but when an image of the bedroom almost came into focus, she quickly slammed a mental door and showed one of her walking down the corridor with Cillian. The Dark Lord laughed. "I have no interest in your sex life, girl."

He released her, and she almost fell forward. "You have been busy, haven't you?" he asked, smirking at her.

Hermione sucked in her breath, wondering which image or images had upset him. "It is my N.E.W.T. year, sir," she said, wondering if he'd punish her or not for not befriending Draco.

"Ah, Cillian Gwynek, come in," the Dark Lord said, waving him into the room. "Do take Mrs. Snape back to the party and dance with her. I want a private word with Severus."

"Absolutely, my Lord," Cillian said, bowing. He stood and extended a hand toward her. "Hermione, come away."

Hermione rose, curtseyed, and backed out, only turning her back when Cillian took her hand to draw her away.

"Are you all right?" he asked, handing her her mask so she could put it on. Narcissa watched them leave with a satisfied smirk.

"I'm fine," she said, grateful to have the mask back in place again. "He didn't punish me for any of it."

"Why would he? You've been behaving," Cillian said, leading her to the dance floor. "There is nothing you could have shown him that Severus or I haven't told him about."

Hermione felt guilty, knowing that the Occlumency lessons had almost been discovered. They danced for several songs; all the while Hermione watched the room for a sign of Snape. She finally spotted him standing on the sidelines with Belinda.

"Damn, my sister is fawning over him again," Cillian sneered. "Want to rescue your husband?"

Hermione nodded. Cillian led her to Snape. Belinda's eyes turned icy when they approached. "Sis," Cillian said in greeting.

She answered with a stiff, "Cillian. I see you have been entertaining our Muggle-born guest."

Snape moved away from Belinda and placed a hand possessively on Hermione's back. "He intends on adding two more wizards at the gates for the Hogsmeade weekend," Snape told Cillian casually as if he approved.

"When will that be?" Cillian asked, accepting two orange drinks spewing a white fog over the rim. He handed one to Hermione.

"It's to be next weekend," Snape said, ignoring Belinda's attempt to take his arm. "I'm to inform the students at breakfast. You and I will escort Hermione to town. I think early morning would be best."

Cillian turned his head and nodded.

"Brilliant," Belinda said. "We can have lunch at the Carriage House Inn."

"My wife and I will have limited time," Snape said casually. "We will have to purchase parchment and replenish her school supplies. She will want to visit the bookshop and undoubtedly the confectioners. I have to be at the castle before lunch, so it will be a quick trip for necessities only."

Belinda looked affronted. Cillian and Snape started talking about Potions. Hermione, piqued by the conversation, joined in. "So, Hermione, you agree with Wainwright's theory about the different properties of the runespoor venom?" Cillian asked.

"Professor Snape showed me Wainwright's article in one of his monthly Potions journals, and I did some checking to the references he made. Because the three heads are so different, each with their own personality traits, their venom has been treated as having different properties for such a long time. It's well known that the left head, or critic, is the most venomous of the three, and the right head or planner's venom is used in antidotes to the potions which utilize the critic's. Wainright's study of the properties of the dreamer's venom is intriguing, although I have only seen it used in potions for sight, awareness, and mental acuity."

Belinda watched her, her eyes narrowed in anger, and then stormed off. Snape relaxed slightly and Cillian chuckled. Snape gestured for them to move back toward the wall as they continued to discuss the attributes of various venoms in potions.

Narcissa came up and asked Snape to dance. Hermione danced with Cillian until Bellatrix asked to cut in, at which point Hermione danced with Snape again. "You are holding up well," Snape commented on their third time on dance floor as Cillian danced with a slender blonde girl.

"Thank you," she replied.

"You want to leave," he stated, and she could hear the smirk in his tone.

"Yes, I do. Being around so many Death Eaters in their masks is a bit unnerving," she replied. She wanted to lay her head on his shoulder and make the room fade away a bit.

As if reading her thoughts, Snape pulled her closer and stroked her hair. "We cannot leave until the Dark Lord does," he said, softly into her hair.

Hermione nodded, breathing in his scent and closing her eyes, letting herself relax in his arms.

His head shifted. "How much have you had to drink?" he asked, his tone concerned.

She looked up at him, focusing on his eyes and not the mask. "Some. Almost nothing. I sucked the drink up the straw and then let it drain back, but I didn't like the taste of the drinks all that much. I think Cillian was doing something to the glass, because it would empty slightly each time I lowered it."

Snape laughed softly. "We both were," he said. "At least I don't have to be too concerned about the effects. I'll have to teach you that spell later."

She leaned back and wished she could see his face and not the disturbing mask. "I don't understand, what effects? Are you saying they were spiked with a potion?"

"A lust potion," he said smoothly. "If you didn't drink very much, you didn't consume enough to effect you. Most don't check the beverages."

"Why would Mr. Malfoy drug his guests?" she asked. The thought of him deliberately doing so bothered her.

Snape shrugged slightly and pulled her close again. "It makes his parties more interesting toward the end, hence the rumors of the Death Eater revels. Most couples leave as soon as the Dark Lord does, but I've known a few men to be grateful to Lucius for the spiking."

By the time the Dark Lord joined the party, then retired shortly after, Hermione's feet were killing her, and she was exhausted. Snape and Cillian led Hermione down to the garden gate to Apparate to Hogsmeade, since Snape had only activated the Floo connection to allow them to arrive to the Manor, but not to return. A school carriage waited in Hogsmeade to take them back to the castle. Hermione laid her head on Snape's shoulder as the carriage took off and, lulled by the gentle, rocking sway, she drifted asleep. Snape woke her when they'd reached the front doors, but he had to carry her up to their room. The last things she remembered were Peren helping her to remove her clothes, climbing into bed and Snape lying down beside her.

~o0o~

Hermione woke up alone. She dressed and went to look for Snape. She stopped at the top of the stairs that led to his office when she heard Alecto Carrow's shrill voice screeching, "Vandals will not be tolerated in this school," followed by Professor McGonagall's stern reprimand.

"Of course, vandalism isn't tolerated – but you have no proof!"

"They did it, I know it, and they will be punished," Alecto sneered venomously.

"You cannot claim that Miss Weasley and Mr. Longbottom are responsible for this!" Professor McGonagall protested loudly, her stern voice carrying well up the stairs. "You have no proof!"

"Who else but those hooligans would have vandalized the school walls?" Alecto screamed. "They wrote, 'Tired of being abused? Stand up for what's right,' on the walls on every floor!"

"Very appropriate saying, considering the way you and your brother mistreat the students!" Professor McGonagall sneered back quite loudly.

"I do not tolerate insolence in my classroom!" Alecto shouted.

"Nor do I!" Professor McGonagall said.

Hermione shook her head, wondering if it had been Ginny and Neville as she returned to her room. When Snape appeared in the doorway, she decided to leave the question of the writing on the wall alone and instead asked if she could go to the library. Snape smiled. "Of course," he said softly. "But you'll have to come back here. I can't spend the day watching over you."

On their way, they passed Filch, who was busily cleaning the writing off the wall. Hermione looked at Snape and cringed slightly at the hard, cold expression on his face.

He sat at the table closest to Madam Pince's desk to wait as she turned to the bookshelves.

'I have to think outside of the box,' she mumbled silently to herself as she moved through the stacks. 'Somehow I have to link two mirrors so that what I see in mine is the image of what Harry would've seen in his mirror and vice versa, but I also need to make it possible for us to talk to each other... I need one that allows communication.' She opened up a tall, thin book and flipped through the pages, then set it back in disgust.

'Mutual exchange... transmitting and receiving... What in the wizarding world does this? Protean charmed objects only exchange words or symbols. What I need has to be not only visual but conversational.' She perused the titles, still mumbling silently to herself, tapping her lip with a finger. 'Floos... Floos connect through fire. I haven't seen anything with a spell that connects through glass – no, through reflections. Reciprocal images – connecting a reciprocal mutual exchange... It cannot be that simple! It's a Conjointment Charm on a matching object. Oh, my gods, it's simple! But how?' She turned to the shelf where the book with the Protean and Conjointment Charms were. She pulled down every book that had either mentioned in its index. There were eleven that had Conjointment Charms and four that had both. Two other books each had a Charm for Reciprocal Imagery. In another, there was an explanation that seemed to be close to what she wanted. 'Modulate the reciprocity of the charm to both verbal and visual on identical objects!' she mumbled and closed the book with a smile. 'Compacts. Muggle compacts. But who can send me identical Muggle compacts? I'll need two – no, four. The fewer who know, the better.' She kept the seven books, put back the others, and started on the next shelf.

"Hermione, did you find what you needed? I have to return to my office," Snape said, coming into the aisle beside her.

Hermione hadn't heard him approach and jumped in surprise. "I think so," she said, picking up the book she'd dropped. He helped her collect her books and carried them to his office.

Hermione went up to her room to get her fifth-year Charms book and spotted the thin brown journal that she'd pulled down off Snape's bookshelves in his bedroom back at Spinner's End. She stared at it, concerned, remembering his admonishment not to remove his books from the house. Her fingers stroked the binding of the books next to it, The Rise of Darkness, Fastosus Opinio Praeiudicata Defendo, by Myles Stanridge, and Snape's old Charms book. She slid her finger across the two others that had been on her bedside table as well. Peren must have packed them by mistake. She closed the lid, hoping he'd not be furious at her for having them.

~~~o0o~~~

Author's notes:

I'm quite sure we'll see Belinda again, unfortunately.

Can anyone guess what's up with the Slytherin girls?