Chapter Fifteen

Disclaimer: Not mine! Belongs to a most brilliant woman.

Thanks go to Charmed Nay for being my original beta, and I want to thank GinnyW for going through this a second time.

---

"Hermione, I know that your affairs are your own, but I would like to know exactly what transpired between the two of you. Rolanda was beside herself with anger and worry. She'd thought that Severus had done something, and he was on his way to assault Harry," Minerva said in a rush.

"It is rather private, but I am sure you will find out from the headmaster anyway." Hermione sighed. It felt like a betrayal to Severus to discuss their problems with her mentor, but what she said had been the truth. She would find out anyway. Hermione decided to give her a small story, leaving out the harsh details. "Severus and I had a row over Harry. In town this morning, on a whim, Harry said a spell in Parseltongue. It put some sort of scent on me. He said it was to ensure that should I be taken, he would be able to find me, no matter where I was being held. This didn't sit well with Severus of course. He became upset that another had dared to mark me. He intended to... talk to Harry about it."

"Talk, you say? To hear Rolanda tell it, he was off to battle. I am glad that he came to his senses." Minerva smiled kindly. "I would like to know if he... did he strike you?"

"No, of course not," she said immediately. She noted that Minerva's features softened. "We just had a row. That's it. We've made up since he has come back."

"Very well. I am glad to hear it. If you ever have a need to talk to someone, Hermione, I am here for you in any way you need it. Remember that. Now, let's see. Ah, yes. Are you prepared for Monday then?"

"Yes, I am. Professor, I feel very comfortable with this, but when I move on to the third years, I have noticed that they are learning a bit about being an Animagus. How can I properly teach them if I cannot transform?" This had been worrying her for a couple of days. Minerva had been able to dazzle them all with her transforming into a cat. What could she do?

"We are nearly done with that and on to the next bit. You needn't worry on it until next year. I do suggest that we give you some training on it. I think that being a Transfiguration mistress, you would need to learn it."

"Oh! Could you? I would love it!" Hermione could feel the excitement bubbling within. An Animagus! What would she be? She wouldn't mind being a cat like her mentor. They could stalk about the castle together.

"Excellent. We'll worry on that at a later time. Give me a run through of what you are to do in your classes Monday." Minerva sat back with a smile. The young witch had been the best decision for her replacement that she could have made. She would master this in no time. She had worried some when Rolanda came barging in earlier. Severus could be quite the fiend when he was angry. It appeared, however, that Hermione Granger was able to calm him some.

~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~

"Hey, Granger. Care for a word?" Draco asked with a smile.

"Sure," she said breathlessly. She'd just been down to the dungeons to look for Severus, and he was nowhere to be found. "Let's move to the corner there."

Draco sat down on the floor and gestured for her to do the same. "Come on. Floor too good for you?"

She smirked. "Of course not. I just... have you seen Severus?" She took a seat next to him and straightened her robes to cover her legs.

"Earlier. He looked to be heading to his rooms as far as I could see. All right?" She could see that he genuinely cared. Things had changed so much between them. All of them.

"Yes. I think it's never been stronger between us. We had a bit of a row earlier, but the talk we had after more than made up for it. He's... everything. It's happened so fast, but it feels like forever. Odd, isn't it?"

Draco grinned. "You sound like Weasley now. He was just going on about Luna. I, uh, did something. He was saying how he wished he could afford a nice gift for her, so I left a pouch with a few Galleons in it, asked him to have a talk with me, and he found it. Thick bloke wanted to ask anyone if they'd dropped it, but I told him he might as well keep it. A person who claimed it may be lying after all."

"That was very kind of you, Draco. What about you? Has nobody caught your eye?" Hermione asked. She knew that he didn't really care for Pansy though the girl panted after him at times.

"I don't know. I'm still young. I think I would like to have a few practices before I start the game. Is that wrong?" he asked quickly. "Father says that I should try to find someone with respectable ties, but I am not ready really."

"Draco, do you like wizards?"

"Only some. I say, there are a lot I could do without knowing," he said with a grin.

"What I mean to say... do you bat for both teams?" She didn't know how else to put it. It seemed that sometimes he looked at Ron oddly. Like he was thinking of something else... more than friendly.

"Hermione!" Draco squealed, sounding like an angry witch. "Of course not! Why? Do I look like I do?"

She giggled when he began inspecting his attire and smoothing his hair. "No! I was just wondering. I see the way the girls look at you, and you could have your pick."

"Good Lord! I said I wasn't ready for the big game. That doesn't mean I haven't been getting my time at play in. Now. The real reason I needed to talk to you." He gave her a devilish grin. "Ron's girl, Luna. He has something planned for tonight with her up near the Astronomy Tower, and, uh, well, we've noticed that Snape has patrol this night. Do you think that you could...?"

"Keep him occupied?" She raised an eyebrow in imitation of Severus.

"Why, yes, Miss Granger! Ten points to Gryffindor," he said in a mock Severus voice, complete with a smirk.

"What time?" She wanted Ron to be happy, and hell yes, she could do something to help him along. She saw the way the pair had been with each other since they came back from the Christmas holiday.

"He's going to take Potter's cloak bout midnight I think. He's been practicing his warming charms and cushioning charms all day long."

"I don't need to know that much, Draco." Apparently Ron was planning on more than a snogging session. Well, good for him then. Good for Luna as well. They were old enough to make their own decisions.

"Here's the bloke now." Draco waved at Ron, who came over to sit with them.

"What the bloody hell are we sitting on the floor for?" Ron asked. "There are benches just back there."

"We can see everyone from here," Hermione said, widening her eyes to give him a hint.

"Oh, right," he said nodding, but she could see he had no idea what she meant.

"If someone tries to cast something on Draco, we shall be able to see who is in the hall with us." She shook her head when he began looking about uneasily.

"Right then. Er, did you... you know?" he asked Draco, nodding to Hermione.

"Sure did. It's covered, mate," Draco said with a grin. "My work here is done. I think I'll go have a chat with some Slytherins before your lot influences me too much." He stood, and they heard him mutter on his way out. "Batting for the other team. Bloody hell."

"What's he on about?" Ron asked, face scrunched up.

"I think maybe I offended his Malfoy pride. I asked if he fancied blokes," Hermione said, giggling at Ron's odd expression.

"Does he?"

She could see he was horrified. "Of course not! I had to ask though." She touched his hand softly. "And, you, Ron? All right with Luna? Is it love then?"

"It is, Mione. I never thought anybody would really care about me, but she does, you know. She doesn't care I don't have a lot of Galleons. Tonight... well, we've decided to get a bit closer." Ron coughed uncomfortably.

"Don't worry. Severus won't be patrolling about. I'll see to it."

"Thanks, Mione." Ron stood up. "About us. I'm right sorry we didn't work out, but it all happens for a reason I think. I was meant for Luna, and you were meant for," he shuddered, "Snape."

She stood and hugged him. "Good luck, Ronald. Be happy."

"I will. I am. I'm off to let her know things are set. See you," he called as he walked away. She smiled at his retreating back. He'd grown so tall and had finally filled out. He wore his hair long now. Hermione sighed. Ron and Luna would make a handsome couple, and they would have beautiful children together.

~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~

Harry grinned as he saw Severus walking his way. Just the man he wanted to see! "Severus!" he called. "Look at this!" Harry walked towards the Potions master across the snow-covered grounds of the Quidditch pitch. For a moment, he thought the man meant to attack him, but he just shrugged. He paused to point his hand to the snow. "Syysssethssykaasssss." There was a slight quiver in the snow for a moment, and then nothing happened. Harry looked at his hand through narrowed eyes. This time he repeated the action indomitably.

Severus paused in mid stride. Good Lord! The boy's face was contorted with a mixture of anger, determination, and confidence. The snow suddenly buckled up and a portion seemed to be slithering to a nearby twig. Severus watched in amazement as the snow-like snake coiled around the twig and began making its way back to the boy.

"Brilliant! Isn't it? I think I've finally got it!" Harry said with a grin. He took the twig, waved his hand, and the snow once again fell flat on the earth.

"What did you do?" Severus asked as he stopped in front of the boy. His lip curled slightly with distaste. What was his bloody fascination with snakes? And, how dare he mark Hermione!

"I've told you that I've been practicing up on my Wandless Magic."

"Why the snakes? Why the Parseltongue?" Severus could only imagine it was the tie with Voldemort, but that didn't mean the boy should have those tastes.

"It's part of me. I've decided to not feel discomfort in the fact that I am a Parselmouth, and that the blood of Salazar Slytherin is in my veins. You just can't imagine what books I've found on it, and the things that I have learned." Harry eyed his friend warily. Something was wrong. "Er... is this a bad choice? It's not Dark Arts you know."

Severus smirked. "That remains to be seen."

"What is it, Severus?" Harry asked uneasily. The man looked like he was about to draw his wand on him. Perhaps this wasn't the best time to let him read Percy's letter to Ginny. It seemed the man wanted to clear up something.

"I want to know what made you think you had the right to mark my woman without my consent?" Severus' voice was deadly soft. His eyes narrowed as if searching for something in Harry's expression.

"She will be safe. I'll be able to find her," Harry said firmly. It's not like he was marking her as his own. The man really had a problem with trust, didn't he?

"You should have sought my permission... and hers. You did it without explaining what you did. Think you that I couldn't put a tracking spell of my own on her person?" Severus was moving closer. He'd not harm the boy, but he would scare him. He had not been drinking this day, nor was he unprepared. If the boy should strike, he would be ready.

Harry laughed. "This is no tracking spell, Severus. It's something only a Parselmouth can do. Besides, you are always saying I should make the right choices. After thinking on it, I did it. I figured you would agree. Should something happen, I can be there right away. There is no place she can be spirited off to that I wouldn't find her."

"She is my responsibility first, boy. MINE. I want you to remove it," Severus said suddenly. He knew that he was being juvenile, but the boy should have asked. They should have reached this decision together. Hermione was his wife, not Harry's. Well, almost a wife.

"I will not," Harry said. Severus saw his eyes narrow, and he saw the defiant look pass over his features. Was he challenging him? Insolent brat!

"After all I have been trying to do for you, this is how you dare repay me?" Severus asked incredulously. "I will not have my woman marked by another man. She carries your scent. I want it off."

"It is out of respect for you that I have done this, and out of love for Hermione. I'll not have her taken away too," Harry said hotly. "I appreciate all that you are doing for me, and I really like the thought that we could be close, sir. I'll not remove it until Bellatrix is dead and the others brought to justice."

Severus knew this made sense, but he felt as if his honor was at stake. He had shamelessly allowed Hermione to believe that he wouldn't retaliate. That he would only have a word. He had truly meant it. He thought the boy would see reason. "I will ask one last time, Potter..."

At the word, Harry pulled his wand. "Wand at the ready!"

"You think you can take me in a duel?" Severus asked, smirking evilly.

"I know I can," Harry said quietly.

"Very well," Severus said, bowing to Harry. Each turned and paced away. Once they stood again looking at each other, Severus counted down. Immediately after he called out the last digit, he yelled, "Expelliarmus!"

"Protego!" Harry said with a laugh. "Still using that old trick, are we? Accio Snape's wand!"

"Protego! That won't work this time, Potter," Severus jeered. "Impedimenta!"

Harry neatly sidestepped the jet of light forced his way. "Petrificus Totalis!"

Severus dodged the hex just in time. "Diffindo!"

Harry stopped to look at the light shooting to him. The hex caught him in the leg, but he didn't usher a sound of pain. He merely looked at Severus. For a moment, it looked as if the man felt bad for actually sending such a hex his way. "You are trying to harm me?" Harry asked. He couldn't believe it.

"I'm dueling, Potter," the man taunted, regaining his sneer. "Do you yield?"

Harry's answer was a forceful, "Mobiliarbus!" A tree behind his opponent just near the edge of the pitch uprooted and flew towards Severus. The man had to sprint to his far left to not be hit with the bulk of it, only a branch hitting his face slightly. "Incendio!" The tree caught fire suddenly. "Engorgio!" The flames sprung to enormous heights. "Stupefy!" Harry had used the tree to distract Severus, and it nearly worked.

The man dodged the spell, shouting, "Reducio! Finite!" The flames minimized drastically before puffing out quickly. Severus turned angry eyes toward Harry. Had the boy meant to begin throwing flames at him with that tree? "Immobulus!"

Harry shook his head with a grin. "Protego! Come on, you can do better than that!"

"Incarcerous!" Snape yelled, sending ropes suddenly to subdue Harry.

Harry ran a few feet in attempt to escape, pointed his wand to himself, and said, "Severio! Diffindo!" Each rope was severed and sliced neatly, falling to the ground.

"Serpensortia Maximus!" Harry bellowed angrily, trying to catch his breath. Four snakes shot out from the tip of his wand and made way for Severus. "Ssyysshtetksheeessss!" Hissing and slithering at rapt speed, they were nearing striking distance.

"Vipera Evanesco! Vipera Evanesco! Vipera Evanesco!" Severus bellowed, as he ran to the right. Three of the snakes disappeared in a burst of flames. He tripped just as he was yelling to vanish the last one. The snake paused just near his legs and began hissing menacingly, showing its fangs.

"Accio Snapes' Wand!" Harry called.

"Protego!" Snape countered. "Vipera Evanesco!" The snake hadn't tried to strike him. It was merely there to distract him.

"Syysssethssykaasssss," Harry hissed. Severus watched as a snowy snake slithered his way.

"Reducto," Snape said, getting to his feet. The snow blasted apart, and to his horror, he now had two snow-like snakes making way for him. He knew that Harry meant to bind him as he had done to the twig. He refused to be bound and dragged back to the boy's feet. "Relashio! Relashio!" Two streams of boiling water shot out and partially melted each. Their movements stopped. Panting, he eyed Harry. "Tarantallegra!" His hex found its mark as Harry began dancing wildly. Severus began laughing at the boy's surprised face.

The boy also began laughing, and said, "Rictusempra!" Severus was hit dead on, not expecting the boy to cast a hex through his own curse. It felt like a thousand fingers were tickling his body, and he shook with laughter falling to the ground. He couldn't hold his wand steady enough to end the hex.

"Finite Incantatem," boomed the angry voice of Albus Dumbledore. Both Severus and Harry moved towards the headmaster looking sheepish. "What is the meaning of this?" The elder wizard was very angry. He looked to Harry who was bleeding profusely on his left calf to Severus who sported a bruised face. Both had been laughing and moving about wildly when he arrived.

"Er... practice?" Harry answered, looking to Severus.

"Right," Severus agreed. "He's... learning well."

"Is that so?" Albus asked, eyeing each suspiciously.

"Indeed."

"Yes, sir."

"Well, when I see a tree uprooting, flying, and catching fire, I would say it's one serious practice. However, if this is your story, I must say good show. It has been a while since I've seen that one used." Albus smiled kindly, but the twinkle was still absent in his eyes.

Severus wanted to curse himself for adding to the man's troubles. He was glad that Harry hadn't snitched on him. "Yes, well, Harry here has been kind enough to show me some of his Wandless Magic as well. He even exploited the usage of his Parseltongue."

"Er... yes, Severus here thinks I need to practice on controlling it better. My Wandless Magic that is. It still isn't as strong as I would like it to be," Harry said quickly.

Albus began laughing. "I will tidy this up. You two need to see Madame Pomfrey straightaway to deal with your wounds."

The two began a silent trek back to the castle. Once they neared the rear entrance, Severus stopped the boy. "Harry, will you not take the mark off of her?"

"No," he said, managing a smile. "Can't you stop and see it from my point?"

Severus nodded. "I suppose. Can you see my point as well?"

"Yes, I should have talked it over with you, but Severus, if you love her, it's for the best. I will remove it immediately, once I kill Bellatrix."

Severus stepped back. "What?" The boy was on a mission of murder. And, here Severus had believed that either he or Lucius would be the ones to do the deed.

"You heard me," Harry said levelly. "She'll wish I had done it last time once I'm done with her. I hate her. Don't look like that. It's my choice."

"There is no battle this time, Harry. It may be the wrong choice." Hypocrite! "I don't know if the Ministry would be so understanding this time; no matter how they feel."

"How are they to know it will be me? There are other ways. Not everything ends with an Avada Kedavra, you know." Harry smiled softly. "Besides, she deserves it. Better me, than you."

"What do you mean?"

"You don't think I know what you've got planned? It's written all over your face. Even now. When I said that, you looked like someone had stolen your favorite set of robes," Harry said with a smirk.

"We shall talk more of this on Wednesday, Harry. There are choices you must make. I don't think that this is a wise one. It would be murder," Snape said, trying to convince the boy.

"Murder? Think you that she won't be trying to hex me as well?"

Damn! He had a point. "If it is in self-defense, that is another matter."

"Exactly," Harry said, swooning slightly. He grabbed Severus' shoulder. "Sorry."

"What is it, boy?" Severus asked, sincerely worried.

"Blood loss," Harry said, nodding to his pant leg. "I never thought you would really try to hurt me. When I heard you say it, I just stopped to watch it come. I couldn't believe it."

"I didn't mean for this, Harry. I..." he paused. Hell, what had he meant? "It was a reflex, Harry. I am... sorry. For now, I have to get you to the infirmary. You need a Blood-Replenishing Potion straightaway, and I dare say, some rest."

"Right," Harry agreed and promptly passed out. Snape caught him easily.

Damn! "Mobilicorpus," he whispered. He levitated Harry's unconscious body as quickly as he could to Poppy. The Mediwitch gave him the evil eye the entire time she was caring for the passed out boy. He should have felt smug about being left standing, but he didn't. He felt strangely guilty. Harry had been so excited not realizing that anything had changed between them. He had been proud of his latest accomplishments, and he thought he'd done something good for Hermione...and him.

Severus knew that he shouldn't always be so suspicious, but it was hard. He felt so protective and possessive where Hermione was concerned that it angered him beyond belief. He had calmed some, and he'd decided that he could approach Harry again. Ginny Weasley had said that he went back down to the grounds near the pitch to practice. He thought he could handle a conversation with the boy. Get him to see reason. It was he that should have seen reason. Harry wasn't marking Hermione for any other reason, but to be sure that she was safe if something should go wrong. Severus would accept this. For now.

"He'll be fine. I'll keep him here for now though." Poppy looked at him oddly. "Want me to have a go at that?"

"No, thank you," he said curtly, moving to Harry's sleeping form. Poppy didn't pry any further, knowing that Severus' tone was final. He looked into Harry's face. So young, yet so old for a boy. No one should have to live through the things that he had lived through. "Get some rest, my boy," he said softly, patting his hand. Now for the rough part. How would he explain this to Hermione? It was surely all over the school by now. Several students had met up with them on the way and eyed them curiously. He had even seen some faces pressed against their windows looking down at them as they made their way into the castle. He wondered how much they had seen.

As he glided across the entrance hall, he met up with Hermione, Ron, and Draco. They were running full speed. All three stopped just short of him. "Severus, what's happened? The students! They said you and Harry were dueling."

He reached out to touch his lover's face. "We were... practicing." Why not stick to Potter's story?

Her eyes narrowed, as did Weasley's. "Practicing, eh? Luna says that she saw Harry use a tree to attack you. I think it's a bit more than that!" Weasley yelled.

"Five points from Gryffindor, Weasley. He's resting in the infirmary now. Never question me again," Severus said acridly.

"Come on, Ron," Draco said, pulling his fuming friend away. "I'm sure it's as the Professor says. Let's go see if Madame Pomfrey will let us in. Are you coming, Mione?"

"Not now. I need to see to this one," she said, not taking her eyes from Severus. Once the pair was gone, she brought a hand to his face. "You've a bruise. Why didn't you let her fix this?"

"Is it bad? I haven't seen it myself. I thought it to be a mere scratch," he commented, taking her hand in his. "Let's go back to our chambers. It seems we are drawing a crowd here."

Hermione looked around, noticing that a number of students had gathered about here and there, looking at them oddly. Nosey wretches! She allowed Severus to lead her to the dungeons. What had he and Harry truly been doing? She would bet all her Galleons that they'd had a row over Harry's spell. Severus just couldn't let it go, could he? She didn't mind much. It meant that he cared, but what would this do to his and Harry's relationship? Blast! Poor Severus is having a ruddy birthday!

"What's wrong?" he asked, after they got into the rooms. "He will be fine."

"It's not that. It's you."

"I have seen myself looking worse than this," he said, eyeing his reflection in the mirror. "You can repair it if you'd like." She smiled and pulled her wand. After a few moments, his skin smoothed over nicely, but now he was beginning to smart from the blow.

"Out with it. What really happened?" she asked, leading him to the settee.

"There's no getting past you, is there?" he said dryly. "His young friend told me where to find him, and I went to have a talk with him. We had a disagreement about the spell he incanted, and then it led to a bit of a duel. We are both fine. Albus came out and questioned us. We told him we were practicing with Potter's training."

"Severus! What did you do to Harry to have him in the infirmary?"

"He lost some blood and became lightheaded is all. He'll be fine," Severus said.

"Blood! What did you do?" she asked, face filled with despair.

"Slicing hex," he said, looking away. "Not on purpose! It just came out. Mind, he sent a tree and ruddy snakes to attack me as well. Don't go feeling too sorry for him."

Hermione began laughing. "Have you two come to an agreement then?"

"Yes. The damn spell stays. For now. I admit that it was a good idea on his part. I only wish that he had consulted with us first. I don't like things to just be sprung on me like that."

Hermione leaned over to kiss him softly. "We'll be fine. I think it's for the best. It's just another precaution. Are you going to remain friendly?"

"Yes, I would say so. It seemed that we might have needed the bout to clear the air. I feel much better now, having felt like I defended my lady's honor," he said softly, cupping her cheek. "Hermione... I... wait." He kneeled before her and pulled a beautiful ring out of his coat pocket. "This ring was my mother's, and it belonged to her mother before her. I would like for you to wear it to prove to all that you are my intended. That you are to be my wife one day. That we are forever bound. Will you do me this honor?"

"Of course, I will, Severus. It's beautiful. Are you sure you want me to wear it now?" she asked cautiously. She'd never had something so fine before. It must be worth a fortune.

"Yes."

"It is an honor to wear this ring, Severus. I promise to treasure it and you for all my days," she said softly, allowing him to place the ring on her finger. He chanted a small sizing spell to enlarge it slightly. It made her hands look so dainty, feminine. "I do love you. Always. We'll be fine."

"I... yes, we will. Always," he said in a choked voice. He'd done it. All of those who looked upon her would know she was taken. That she belonged to him. "I want to make love with you, Hermione. Let me show you how I feel."

"I want that as well, my love," she said softly, pulling him up to make way to the bedchamber. Once there, they undressed each other slowly, kissed each other languidly, and caressed each other's bodies as if learning secrets for the first time. When he finally thrust into her an hour later, she marveled at the feel of him on her, in her. Every time felt like the first time. The unhurried pace quickened, and they both exploded together in heated bliss. She closed her eyes and began falling into a slumber. She could have sworn that she heard him whisper of his love for her, but he'd not say that. Would he? It was a dream. Had to be.

~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~

Dark eyes danced merrily as they watched Malfoy and Weasley leaving the infirmary. So, it was true! Snape and Potter had had a duel over the little bitch. This worked well. Whatever Potter had done to the bastard made things that much easier for the plan. Come this time next weekend, things would finally be falling into place. Revenge would be so sweet.

Weasley's sister would die, leaving Potter and Weasley broken. A flick of the wand would have Malfoy bringing Granger off for a walk. The others would be waiting for them. Ah. Things were so smashing when the fell into place without a hitch. Time to send off an owl with this new bit of information. This could be good for a few more Galleons.

~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~

"Hello, lover," Luna said dreamily as Ron placed the cloak over her. He kissed her cheek nervously. "Are you ready?"

"Yes," he squeaked. They made their way to the Astronomy Tower. On the way there, they saw a figure walking towards them. Pressing tightly against the hard, cold wall, they waited for the person to pass and tried to breathe lightly in order to not be heard.

Another person was coming from the other direction. They met close to them. It was that Steward bloke and that bitch Edgecombe. "Hi," the chit said softly. "I didn't think you would be about at this time."

"Went off to see the stars?" the man asked lowly, apparently trying to sound seductive.

"I did. Would you... care for company tonight?"

"Of course, my lady," he said easily. Luna and Ron watched the pair head in the opposite direction. Ron wondered what Snape might have found out as to why the wench was still here when the bloke had told Mione she would be gone.

"Well, at least we know that nobody is there now," Luna commented.

"Right," Ron said, nervousness coming back in full force. He was about to have sex! Wow. Luna had been the one to suggest it. "Hope nobody else comes."

"We can put a Soundproofing charm and a Cloaking spell. No worries. Are you ready?"

"Oh, yeah. I am definitely ready. Are you... sure about it?" he swallowed anxiously. "I mean... to you know."

"I have been ready for a year now. You have just never known it," she said, kissing him eagerly. He grinned smugly and made way to their spot. It felt right good to be wanted, it did. Snape wouldn't be about this night to catch them, thanks to Mione. He'd tell Harry about those two in the morning. For now, he had to think of nothing but the brilliant girl with him.

~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~

"This is working out much better than we had hoped," Bradley was saying excitedly. "Potter gave that arse, Snape, a duel over something. It begins." The boy pointed to the woman lying on the bed. "She is rousing. Should you get your father? He might need to be here."

"Right," Terence agreed. "I'll get father. Don't do anything to her until we are back." Terence left the room. He was beginning to hate that boy more and more. He was always getting in his snide remarks about the Dark Lord and his followers. He'd be quite surprised once he found out exactly whom he had been cavorting with.

Douglas Bradley looked down more closely to the sleeping woman. Terence would be gone for a while. It was a long way up to his father's study. Why not have a little playtime? He deftly warded the door before leering at the bitch. It was no more than what she deserved. He bound her hands magically and unbuttoned his trousers. Pushing up her shift, he spread her legs. He closed his eyes to conjure up the face of his lost beloved. This was for her. Another act of vengeance. He would rape this bitch, and once the Higgs' finished questioning her, he would beat her, rape her, and kill her. It was no more than she deserved. Death Eater trash. He prodded her folds to open them slightly before plowing into her. His eyes opened narrowly to see if she had woken. He could see her eyelids moving rapidly. He grinned evilly, hoping she would wake up in terror. Not caring if he bruised her, he began roughly slamming into her over and over. He closed his eyes as he felt his climax building. "Yes... you bitch. I'm fucking you like the whore you are," he said. To his horror, when he grunted his release, he felt the woman convulsing around him as well.

"You should have fucked me harder," she moaned. He opened his eyes and met the dark hollow eyes of Bellatrix Lestrange. She had an evil smile upon her face and was licking her lips. "To what do I owe this pleasure, little boy?"

He slapped her soundly on the face, making her head snap to the side. "You filthy whore. You will get yours." He jumped away, pulling his trousers back up. She wasn't supposed to like it! The bitch! "You are going to be tortured. Killed. And, you will be begging for mercy once I am done with you."

"I think you'll have to do better than this," she hissed, winking at him. "Where am I, little boy?"

A pounding on the door saved him from answering. He flicked his wand to unward it. Old man Higgs and young Terence walked in, shocked at the display before them. Bellatrix had her arms bound, her sex was showing for all the world to see, and Bradley seemed flustered. "What have you done?" the old man rasped.

"Gave her a taste of what she deserves. The Death Eater trash!" Bradley said defiantly, not liking the look of annoyance in the man's expression. Even the young Terence seemed angry. He watched as the old man approached the smiling woman in the bed. He pulled down her shift to cover her sex.

"Welcome back, Bella," he said.

"How long? Where am I? Who is that kid?" she asked nodding towards Bradley.

"You've been out for a few months. Do you not remember what happened? You are in my home. This kid," he gestured to Bradley, "has created the potion that reversed the hex placed upon you."

"Months? Where is my master?" she asked, eyes filling with tears.

"He has fallen," Higgs Senior answered sorrowfully.

"POTTER!" she screeched. "He did this! He will pay for this! Untie me!"

"No," Bradley said, moving forward. "You are going to answer their questions, and then I will have my revenge. You will die, you whore! Death Eater trash!"

Bellatrix began laughing. "Have you no idea of the company that you keep?"

"What are you saying?" Bradley asked, clinching his fists tightly.

Terence knew what needed to be done. "Expelliarmus," he called, knocking the wand from the unsuspecting tosser. He saw the surprise on his face, and he quickly pocketed Bradley's wand.

"What's going on here? We had a deal!" Bradley said, making his way towards the door. Terence warded the door quickly. There would be no escaping for the bloke. Next he unbound the woman in the bed. She sat up to stretch like a cat.

Terence's father began talking. "Yes, you see now that you have been used, don't you? You were a means to an end I am afraid. We needed you to create that potion to wake our Bella."

"You... you're Death Eaters as well?" he asked, completely taken aback.

"Yes," both Higgs answered proudly.

Bradley lunged for Terence, but was nimbly immobilized. "Father? He is afraid of snakes. He saw Nagini, and the others."

"Nagini is here?" Bella asked with a smile. "I shall like to see her. First, tell me everything. What of Lucius? Severus? Potter? Who is left?"

"There are too few of us now," Higgs replied. "We have a plan underway to make the traitors pay." The old man quickly told her the way of things, and the woman mesmerized Terence. He'd seen her in action so many times. She was ruthless and loyal. Something they all should have tried more to be. Their master may have lived if more had been as she.

"Very well," she growled. "That plan is acceptable, but I want to be the one to kill the Weasley bitch. We have unfinished business. Are you sure Fudge is to be trusted? He's been known to back down from promises in the past."

"He and a couple of others are what made your rescue possible. Once you are fully healed, we will try to get to a couple of the others that remain in Azkaban. We will come to power once again. All we need is a new master to guide us," Higgs said, a slanted smile twisting his old face. "The Weasley girl is yours, of course."

"Excellent. Now, I believe this boy here has promised me a few things. What were they? Yes, rape, torture, death." She gleamed over in Terence's direction. "Would you like to do the honors?"

Terence swallowed roughly. He wanted the bloke to die, but he didn't want to be the one to do it. How to answer without bringing shame on his family? "Would you not rather do it, Bella? I'd think it a justice if you did. He had great plans for you."

She smiled wickedly. "I think I might have other plans for this evening." She licked her lips. "You've grown into a handsome young man. Let's bring our friend here for a visit to Nagini. He can join his lost love in the next life."

Bradley could see and hear everything that was being said. In the past couple of years, he had become a person that he didn't truly recognize when he looked into the mirror. It was as if he was finally being paid back for the ill he'd done, and the ill he'd been planning. He should have known better than to trust the Higgs family. The plans had been too good to be true. Why didn't he contact Potter? He was the only one that could truly be trusted to fight against the Death Eaters... except his friendship with ruddy Lucius Malfoy and that Snape would have ruined the plan. Perhaps he had been looking at them in the wrong way the entire time. No matter now. The end was near. He blanked his mind of all but the face of his lost love. I'll see you soon.

Relieved, Terence levitated Bradley to Nagini's chamber. He watched as Bellatrix used his father's wand to bring him out of his hexed state. She used some hex to sever his left hand. Bradley screamed horridly while Bellatrix laughed. The crazy witch even waved good-bye to him with his own hand before pushing him onto the floor amongst the snakes. The pure horror in his eyes could be seen though no sound could be heard once the chamber door was sealed. He decided that he could not watch after all. The last thing he saw was a couple of the snakes curling around his legs as Nagini moved forward. It had been a while since they'd been fed a human.

"Where is the nearest bath?" Bella asked, eyes gleaming with merriment as she continued to watch what was going on inside the chamber. "I'd like a good wash. Oh, and we will need to mail this hand with a note to his parents. Seal the parchment with our Lord's mark."

"You have your own set of rooms readied just down from mine," the old man answered. "We've taken care to have it warded properly. No one will know you are here."

"Excellent. You, come give Auntie Bella a bath," she said, pointing to Terence. He dared not disobey her, so he followed behind his father and the woman. Perhaps this wasn't such a bad thing. He only hoped that he could satisfy the woman. He was good in bed according to his occasional lover. She was jealous at times and need not know about this.

~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~

The group had been talking for over an hour since the evening meal. They had discussed in detail Percy's letter and what it could mean. Simply believing he was trying to get information on Harry and the others, they left it at that. He'd taken to writing snide remarks, and this was nothing new. He had jumped on the chance to influence Ginny when she'd owled him. The more pressing issue was Marietta Edgecombe. It was hard to go about business as normal knowing that someone was watching your every move. She was rarely about the castle though. Not once had she had a meal inside the Great Hall since she had come to work under Steward. She was mostly seen wondering about at night. First by Draco, and then by Ron. Both times, Steward had shown up as if following her. Could there be something going on with the couple?

"I think that ruddy Steward is involved somehow," Ron said firmly. "The bloke is always sniffing about that Edgecombe's arse."

"No way," Hermione said. "He seems too proper."

"It could be an act," Harry said bluntly. "Truth is we don't know. We don't know that Edgecombe is involved either. Until we have solid proof, we can't just point fingers. All we can do is watch them."

Draco grinned. "How about I ask her to come with me to Hogsmeade this weekend? I could talk to her some more. Lay it on real thick."

"But, you're supposed to be following Mione about," Ron protested.

"Albus inquired as to why Miss Edgecombe was still in the castle. He said that the man seemed puzzled at first, but he finally answered that they had more things to go over. It doesn't add up to what he told Hermione," Severus said calmly. "Rolanda has a plan to sit with us at all times now to strike up conversation with the fellow. I'll stage it with her to make it look inconspicuous."

"Ginny and Luna are all set for next weekend. She replied to Percy saying that she'll meet him, as I said before. Perhaps she can pick something up from him," Harry said. "It's likely that he'll just be trying to talk her into casting me off."

"That's enough for tonight then," Severus said. "Hermione needs to get some rest. It's her first day in class tomorrow."

"Night," Ron called, hurrying out to find Luna.

"See you," Draco said. "Ron wait!"

Harry smiled at Hermione. "Good luck tomorrow, Mione. You'll be brilliant."

"Thanks, Harry. I do admit that I am nervous," she said, hugging him.

"I don't know if the others noticed, but I see you are wearing a ring. Does this mean that you two have decided on something?"

Hermione looked to Severus before speaking. "We've decided to be married, but we've not set a date yet. This was his mum's ring," she said proudly, bringing her hand up to admire her treasure.

"Good for you, Mione. And, you, Severus," Harry said. "I think it will be grand. I think you are lucky. I want a wife, home, and family one day as well. I've found that with Ginny, maybe it's possible to hope for it. She's always stood by me, and she understands what its like... you know, Tom. That whole thing."

"I think you are perfect for each other, Harry. Keep things as they are. There is no rush. She has a whole other year of classes after this one," Hermione said easily, smiling at her friend. Harry hugged her again. Mione had never wavered from his side either. Not once.

Harry released her and extended a hand to Severus. "Good night, Severus. I'm glad we've gotten it all cleared up." Harry hadn't even told Ron or Draco the truth about what had happened. He'd gone along with what he'd told the headmaster about it being practice. To his relief, Severus had said the same thing.

Severus nodded, taking the hand for a firm shake. "Good night, Harry." He picked up Hermione the moment the door was warded. "I think you need a relaxing massage and bath."

"So much for a good night's rest!" she squealed.

"Oh, you'll be rested. I guarantee it, Little One," Severus said seductively.

---

Southern's Notes: Well, Bradley is out of here! Fitting little good bye, I say. Bella is just bad news though. Sigh. At least our little lovers are engaged now. One step closer to where we want them! Next up: Hermione's classes, more Bella, and new information