Chapter Twenty Five

Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling's stuff. I own nothing here except the plot. Alas, no money is being made. This is for entertainment purposes only. Happy reading!

Many thanks to my beta, Charmed Nay.

---

Severus entered Albus' office and found Harry with his head in his lap. Albus' eyes looked grave. "I apologize for being late. I had to see to Hermione," he said.

Albus nodded. "It's quite all right, Severus. You've not missed anything. Harry is taking a few moments to collect himself."

Harry lifted his head. "I'm fine now. I have something to tell you though that you may not like."

Severus looked to Albus and saw that the older wizard looked older than he'd ever seen him. He hoped that his retirement would see him through peaceful years. This man had been involved in three wars with two Dark Lords. The headmaster urged Harry to go on, and Severus gave his attention to the boy.

"Every time I go down there now, I feel this rush of power. It's as if I know I'm a powerful wizard, and I know it would be hard for someone to stop me from doing anything that I want to do. A whole new confidence in myself settles in, replacing the real Harry," he said. "That doesn't sound right. I hope you can see what I mean. When I see the Basilisk, I know that I did that when I was only twelve. I defeated Voldemort all those times. Yes, most of them were luck, but I did it. I just feel... superior."

Severus nodded. "Understandable. Go on."

"When I see how Bella treats me, I feel strong, important even. I like that she practically worships me. It's... fun to play the part of the Dark Lord," Harry said, looking away from them.

Before Albus could speak, Severus did. "Harry, I went through this as well. When I began my spying for the Order, both times, I felt as if I was better than them. Why? Because I was actually out there doing what they couldn't. I felt the same surge of power when I would breeze into the meetings. I could see the awe in their eyes. Fear in some of them as well. It's a mind game. Easy enough to conquer if that is what you truly wish to do."

Harry nodded. "I do. I don't like some of the thoughts that I have. Anyway, this evening Nagini told me that Bella has been trying to find a way to explore the Chamber. She seemed so upset that she displeased me, and when she produced the parchments that she'd been working on, I felt compelled to reward her."

"How so?" Albus asked after a long pause.

"A thought occurred to me. I don't know why, but I knew how to project an image complete with feeling into her mind. All I had to do was touch her, and she saw and felt it. I let her see herself having sex with me. She nearly had an instantaneous orgasm because of it." Harry blushed deeply and looked away.

"Why did you do that?" Severus asked uneasily.

"She has been begging for rewards. Her prize being my arse. I think I'd rather give that to her than really give myself to her. I do have a girlfriend, you know," Harry said angrily.

"What happened next?" Albus asked.

"I told her to go have a shower, and I told her to think about me. That's when I found out that Hermione and Ron were spying on us," he said, eyes darkening.

"I daresay they've learned their lesson," Severus said sharply. "Draco as well."

Harry changed the subject by pulling out the parchments Bella had given him. "She's gone through all the things that she and Voldemort did or even talked about doing. There are a couple of things, just here, that she feels are tricky, and I would think she needs more time to work on them."

Albus shook his head solemnly. "I think, Harry, that it is time for Bellatrix to leave Hogwarts. We can make a go of this ourselves now that we have the information."

"I agree," Severus said firmly.

Harry eyed both for a long moment. "I disagree. I don't want her to be killed. Can't she just stay here? Can't she be Obliviated and returned to the Ministry?"

"I'm afraid the latter would be too risky, Harry. Somehow it would point to us. She must pay for her actions. She must be terminated," Severus said, crossing his arms.

"Right then," Harry said, sitting back in his chair.

Severus didn't like the look on the boy's face. Was he up to something? "Are you planning something?"

"Of course not," Harry said. "What does my bloody opinion matter anyway? It's only me that has something to lose here."

"What do you have to lose, Harry?" Albus asked softly. "We are sure that we can do all we can to fix things for you. Do you not remember who she was before this Harry?"

Harry nodded. Yes, he bloody well remembered all about Bellatrix Lestrange, but this was not that same person anymore. This was Bella. She was like a... familiar. Hermione wouldn't want Crookshanks killed. Ron hadn't wanted Scabbers to be hurt before he knew who it was. He would never let anyone harm Hedwig. He'd even grown fond of Nagini and the quickly fading Looney. An idea occurred to him. He'd play along with their game for now. They had no right deciding what was best for him. Bella was loyal to him and deserved to be given the benefit of a doubt. She deserved to live. "I remember all that she's done," Harry said. "I am simply asking for time to let her help me. What if there is something we can't figure out? She did say they were complicated. I'll support anything you'd like after we're through. I'll do it myself."

"We will talk more on it later," Albus said. "I think we will start going over this to see exactly what we are dealing with before making a decision." He looked at Harry. "What is it that is troubling you?"

"Sir?"

"There is... something else."

"Right. Nagini. She wants to stay with me. I have decided that I would like to keep her. She is safe and obeys my command only." He smiled sadly. "It appears that Looney is now fading back to nothing as the magic leaves her. I think Nagini should have a friend for when I'm not with her. I would like to acquire another familiar to cohort with her."

Albus looked at him for a moment before saying, "I don't see where that might be a problem. I would request they aren't loose about the castle. It's not long until graduation now though. You could keep them in the Chamber."

"I'd like that," Harry said. He watched as Dumbledore stood and made his way to a bookshelf.

"Here." He handed Harry a book.

This would prove to be an interesting read. It was a book about magical vipers. "Thanks, sir."

"I trust you will return it when you have read what you needed," he said, peering at Harry over his glasses.

"I will." Harry slipped the book into a pocket of his robes. "I'll be ready to talk about those parchments as soon as you are. Both of you." He looked to see Severus' glum expression. He swallowed deeply. Did he suspect anything? Surely not. The headmaster seemed to be looking at him curiously, but he seemed to think that the troubles with his fading familiar had been the gist of what was bothering him. "I've got to talk to Ginny. I guess I will see you later."

"Wait," Severus said. "In the Chamber, were you feeling any emotions? Perhaps when you mind fucked Bella?"

"Severus!" Dumbledore admonished.

Severus sneered. "It's a question I will have answered. Excuse the unnecessary vulgarity, but I have no other way of describing it. Did you feel anger with Hermione and the others? Disappointment? I'd like to know."

"I felt nothing with Bella," Harry ground out through clenched teeth. "And, yes, I was angry with them for spying on me instead of talking to me. Very angry! Very disappointed!"

"This is good news then," Severus said dryly. "I spoke with Ginevra Weasley on my way down the corridor. She was in a very cheerful mood. I think that breaking the bond was a good idea. Nothing you felt affected her at all."

Harry smiled lightly. "That is good news then. Thanks."

Severus nodded. "I'll stay and talk with Albus about this further. Have a good night." Harry left quickly. As the door closed, Severus turned to his mentor. "We have to get rid of her."

"I agree completely."

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

Bellatrix pulled a long nightgown over her body after she dried off. It was a gift from Lord Potter, and she wore it most nights. She hadn't expected his reward earlier, but she'd enjoyed it thoroughly nonetheless. That damn Malfoy brat was with him like a ruddy guard.

This frustrated her. She wanted him alone. Why couldn't he ever sneak away? She knew that maybe they were watching him closely to be sure that he wasn't as harsh as her old master, but she longed to really do the things in the images that he'd given her. Would it feel so good? Yes. It would. It had to.

Something wasn't right. She could sense that much. As she'd closed the door to the loo, she'd heard him shouting something at Malfoy. She didn't want to be caught spying, so she'd closed the door. Truth be known, she was actually anxious to strip and bring herself back to climax whilst thinking of what he'd shown her. She decided to write a letter to him. They had to talk. Surely he knew by now that she was his most loyal servant! She'd find out soon enough.

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

Two days later found Hermione entering the staff room. She quickly took a seat next to her preoccupied husband. He'd been slightly distant since he'd caught her lying about where she'd gone. He'd assured her several times that it wasn't anything in particular, but it included several things that he had to think about. She was no idiot. She knew that he had to have been thinking about what happened with Harry and Bella in the chamber. He'd only told her a quick summary, and he hadn't given her any details about their meeting. She knew that he and Harry had a meeting the next day, but that was all.

Harry had never been alone yet, so they couldn't really talk about anything that had gone on either. Ginny or Ron was always hovering about. She'd ask Severus after the staff meeting once and for all what was going on. Had he truly not forgiven her for lying? For endangering the baby? She would have to reassure him further that she would do no such thing again. "Severus?"

"Hmmm?" he asked, looking at his parchment instead of meeting her eyes.

"Can we have a walk tonight to the Astronomy Tower after we leave here?" she asked softly. His eyes finally met hers. "Please."

"All right," he agreed. She thought he might say more, but Albus stood up to speak.

"I am sorry that we had to move the meeting up a day, but I have other obligations to tend to on tomorrow evening." He smiled kindly. "We've finally entered a time of peace after a long reign of terror. Voldemort and all of his minions have been either destroyed or confined. It eases my mind to know that when I leave my position at the end of term, you will not be plagued by such mayhem."

The crowd murmured; mixed feelings about the headmaster's leaving could be detected. Some were happy for him to finally be able to relax, but others were really upset to see him leaving. It felt like the end of an era to Hermione as well. He'd still be about the castle, but it would not be the same.

Dumbledore continued, "I think that I will allow Minerva to take the reigns for the rest of the meeting. As you know, she will be succeeding me as Hogwarts Headmistress. I think it a good idea to allow her to practice a bit before I go."

"Thank you, Albus," Minerva said, smiling at everyone. "On that note, I would like to point out that Hermione will be taking over all of my Transfiguration classes upon the start of the next term. Severus will be taking over the role of Hogwarts Deputy Headmaster."

Polite applause broke out as everyone eyed the two Professor Snapes. Hermione smiled while Severus scowled slightly. Neither liked the attention. As Minerva went on to talk about other things, Hermione dwelled upon what she'd said. Severus was going to be promoted. Why hadn't he told her? It was certainly no surprise to him. Was this what he'd said that he wanted to share with her? Why hadn't he? Stung, Hermione listened to everything that was said without commenting on things as she normally did.

"Does anyone else have something they wish to say?" Minerva asked.

Rolanda stood up. "I've a bit of news. I just want you all to know that Stuart has asked to marry me. I've decided to give it a go."

Shouts of congratulations and cheeky condolences were given out. Hermione smiled slightly as did Severus. She was truly happy for Rolanda. "At least we aren't the only ones that get married quickly," she murmured. Severus nodded in agreement, but he turned his attention back to Rolanda.

She was saying, "Damn bloke is just too proper about things. I think he would've called it all off if I'd disagreed! Can you believe it?"

"Well, it would be inappropriate to carry on whilst students are here," Minerva pointed out. "He has a point."

"Eh? You have some gall, Minnie. Do you think that they don't know about you and Albus? I'll bet most of them do! Talk about inappropriate, why aren't you two hitched yet? Been together long enough! Is he going to stay in guest quarters when he comes back from his trip?" Rolanda asked.

The entire room had gone silent at the outburst. Minerva's face reddened slightly. Hermione was unsure if it was from anger or embarrassment. "Albus and I are very discreet. He will have his own quarters when he returns, yes." The two carried on for a while, and Stuart gave up at trying to calm down Rolanda.

He walked over to talk to Hermione. "Looks like I've landed a right firecracker!"

"I'll say," Hermione said sweetly. "I'm happy for you, Stuart."

"Thank you, Hermione. I appreciate that. I must say that I am glad that you seem so happy. Impending motherhood looks lovely on you," he said kindly. He nodded to Severus, but Severus was looking straight ahead. Hermione followed his line of vision, as did Stuart, and they saw that Albus was sitting quietly and looking forlorn. "Excuse me," Stuart said quickly. He made his way to Rolanda and pulled her away. They could be heard bickering as he led her out of the room.

Hermione was glad to have the ruckus over with, but the damage had been done. Dumbledore looked extremely disappointed. "That concludes our meeting," he said quietly, getting up to leave.

Minerva finally saw what the others had noticed. Albus. Something was wrong. She followed him out of the door and to his chambers. "What is it?" she asked after she closed the door.

"She's right, you know," he commented, seating himself before the fire. "Perhaps I should simply stay in a cottage in Hogsmeade."

"No, I won't have it. It's bad enough that we are going to be spending the summer apart, I would like to have you with me as much as possible, Albus," she said.

"Why did you never marry me?" he asked.

"You know why," she said, not wanting to talk about it. "I don't need a binding to know how I feel. You will, of course, have your own chambers when you come back, but no one need know they are connected to mine."

Albus smiled then. "Ah, Minnie. Where have all the years gone? It feels so long, yet it also feels so short."

She reached out to hold his hand and squeezed it tightly. "Many years have passed, but it's been a great life so far. You have many years left, Albus, and I shall be here with you for them all."

Her long time lover smiled fondly. "I am happy for Stuart and Rolanda. Surprised, but happy."

"Bah! She's probably just getting married because Severus is. I wouldn't put it past her." She sighed. "Have you seen how happy Severus and Hermione are? Tonight they seemed distracted, but lately, you don't see one without the other. I care for them both deeply. I am glad that she found her way to his heart. He deserved to be loved. And, by someone like Hermione, well, it makes it even better."

"I agree. Severus has a lot on his shoulders right now, but I think things will work themselves out." He conjured a chair for her. "Sit. Let's have a nightcap."

Elsewhere, on the Astronomy Tower's roof, Hermione wrapped her arms around Severus in an effort to draw some of his warmth into her. "Why didn't you tell me?" she asked softly.

"I tried," he said.

"When?"

He looked down at her. "I intended to tell you two days ago when I found you frolicking about with your friends."

"You're still angry about that, aren't you? Severus, I apologized. I know that what I did was wrong. How long are you going to hold that against me?" she asked quietly.

"I have forgiven you, Hermione. I can even understand your reasoning, to a point, but I have not forgotten about it. I trust that it won't happen again." He rested his head atop hers for a few moments as she nestled into his chest. "I have a lot to think about right now. It seemed that my promotion took a backseat, and I apologize. I wanted to share that with you. It was not intentional that I didn't tell you."

She pulled back slightly to look at him. "What is really going on then if you aren't still angry with me? Why have you been so secluded...even in bed?"

"Harry, for one. Bellatrix is a problem as well. Another is the baby. I worry about the type of father I will be. I worry about knowing how to be a good parent. I am worried about Albus. He seems a lot older than he usually does, as odd as that sounds," he said quietly.

She detected the sorrow in his voice. Was he afraid that Albus wouldn't be around much longer? That had to be it. "He is as healthy as a Hippogriff, Severus. He'll be around for a while yet. I think retirement is exactly what he needs." She kissed his cheek. "You will be an excellent father. We will learn all the things we need to learn together. Trust me. As far as Harry, well, I have faith that it will all clear up."

"Have you had any further dreams about the Succubus? About Viktor?" he asked suddenly. Just the mention of another man's name had him tightening his hold on her.

"Only the three I told you about. They are not as vivid as the first one," she said, tightening her hold on him. "Is there anything else that is bothering you?"

"Lucius," he said immediately. "He wants to meet soon to have a discussion. In two days, to be exact. I know he'll want to move on Bella. I just need to get things in order with Albus. We need to be sure that she is expendable."

Hermione nodded, but she hoped they would wait until they were sure. She was still concerned about Harry. "I'm proud of you."

"For what?" he asked incredulously. "For turning into a rambling worrier?"

"Honestly!" she chided. "For your promotion, Severus. You deserve it. I think you will do an excellent job. I would advise that you not be partial to your Slytherin students, mind, but you exude authority. People will respect you even more so."

"Thank you," he said simply.

She smiled, realizing that he had snaked one hand between them to unconsciously caress her belly. She caught herself doing the same thing at times. "I would like to make love with you tonight."

He grinned. "In the shower again?" he asked playfully.

"Heavens, no. My legs hurt badly after that," she said. "I think that our bed is fine...unless of course, you wanted to have a bath with me instead."

"There are many things we can do to be sure that our future showers are not... unpleasant," he said, guiding her into the castle. "I think perhaps I shall show you one of them now."

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

She couldn't believe what she'd just read! Hermione looked over to see Severus scribbling purposely on his parchment. She smiled as he lifted his head up to consult with not one or even two but four books! What the bloody hell was he doing? She'd thought he was grading essays. As if sensing that she was staring, he looked over at her. "What?"

"I was just taking a break and was curious as to what you are doing," she said with a smile, forgetting her own news. When he looked guilty, she made her way over to him. He shifted uncomfortably. "Let me see."

"Very well," he said, sitting back. "Look."

She didn't like the tone that he'd taken with her, and she thought about retreating for a moment. She hated to interrupt whatever project he had going, but she was curious. She looked down at his parchment and read a few lines. "Oh, Severus, why didn't you tell me that you were reading about pregnancies? I wouldn't mind looking over this with you."

"You are busy," he said curtly.

"Not too busy for this... or you," she said softly. Damn! He'd asked her if she had a minute over an hour earlier, and she'd told him she wouldn't be long. Her own reading had consumed her. She'd simply forgotten that he'd asked for her. "I'm sorry," she said, feeling guilty.

"No matter. Did you know about the side effects? It seems that you are in for a rough time for the duration of the pregnancy." He looked at her with pity.

"Oh, come on! It's not going to be all that bad. They are just saying it's possible for these things to happen to some women."

"Most women," he corrected. "You do have dark circles under your eyes. Merlin knows you sleep enough. I wonder what's causing it."

"Dark circles? What? I do not," she said indignantly. She glanced across the room to a mirror. She couldn't see anything under her eyes.

"If you look closely, you can see a touch of color, and it will lead to having dark eyes," he insisted. Hermione grinned. Perhaps she should hide these books. A particular passage caught her eye. "Dealing with a moody pregnant wife can be a chore in itself, but the upside is that most pregnant women have a zealous sex drive." She flipped the book over. It was titled Dealing With Pregnancy: A Man's Point of View. "Er... Severus, I don't know that I would put much belief behind this man's words. He's only one man. It must vary from couple to couple."

"Didn't you just say last night that you were feeling randy more often?" Both his eyebrows rose as realization hit her. "That's right. It seems this fellow might be on to something after all."

Hermione scoffed. "Happy reading then." She picked up another book and went over a few pages before finding actual pictures of a birth. As with most Wizarding books, the pictures moved, and she could see the different stages of the child being pushed out. "Oh my... this is... did you...?" She was speechless.

"You've paled. What is it?" he asked anxiously, taking the book from her. At first glance, the book nearly dropped from his hand. He cleared his throat and tried to look at the pictures as if nothing was amiss. Good Lord! Do they all look like... this? Poor woman was being stretched to the limit! "I'm sure this just looks worse than it actually is. I was just reading in the red book that with the right amount of medicine, witches barely feel any pain." He was not telling the entire truth of course, but anything to make the color return to her face would do.

"Really?"

"Yes, Poppy can give you something to make you feel a little numb. In fact, I can assist her with the potion when the time is closer. There isn't likely to be any on hand as we've not had a pregnancy here for years." He tried to smile reassuringly, but he didn't think it helped. She was still glancing down at the book in his hand. He snapped it shut quickly. "We can read over these in bed. What have you been working on?"

That worked. He saw her eyes light up. "Right! You know that Muggle book that my Mum sent as a peace offering?"

"The book with collected myths and legends of maternal bonding?" he asked, not remembering the title. He wondered why she was interested now. She had scoffed at it upon arrival. "I thought you said it was rubbish?"

"Well, I was mistaken," she said.

"Really. Imagine that," he said sarcastically.

"Do you want to hear this, Severus?"

"Out with it, woman. You have my attention," he said dryly.

"Listen to this: Circe, a powerful sorceress that was able to turn people into animals, had many children. One of them was a magical man (wizard) that could talk to and charm snakes. He was one of two of the most powerful beings of the age. The other was his wife, the Sorceress of Dreams. They had been married for nearly forty years when a local farmer murdered their only daughter. This drove a wedge between the couple. The Sorceress didn't agree with her husband's punishment; he had the man locked in a dungeon and allowed his snakes to torment him through bites and near strangulations. She preferred for the man to be beaten and killed." Hermione eagerly looked up to see what Severus thought and was disappointed. "Well?"

"Is that all?" he asked.

Hermione glared at him for a moment before continuing. "The husband maintained that his slow daily punishment would drive the spirit from the man causing him to lose his mental capabilities first and then next, his will to live. The Sorceress, however, decided to take matters into her own hands. She entered into his dreams. She could never do anything in someone's dream unless they allowed it, so she knew she had to seduce him and make him worship her for her favors before she could bend him to her will."

"Succubus," Severus breathed uneasily. "This is a Muggle book?"

"Yes. Shush." Hermione smiled. "She was so consumed with seeking vengeance for her fallen daughter that her mind became addled. She began to believe that she could conceive her daughter again by coupling with the man that took her daughter's last breath. She firmly believed that part of her still lived within the man. Each time she would go to him in a dream, she would chant a spell that would allow his life essence to seep into her. It wasn't long after she had started having sex with the man that her husband noticed a change in both his prisoner and his wife."

Severus snorted. "Hmph."

"The untrusting wizard devised a potion to enable his spirit to rise out of his body and enter anyone's dream. One night as his wife slept, he took his potion and entered her dream. It was then that he saw her mating with his prisoner. Legend says that a battle ensued whilst still within her dream. The jealous husband won and cursed her to be damned as a demonic nightmare, stuck wandering for eternity wielding her appearance at will to do what needed to be done. She could mate with only those who were willing. She could only attempt to win someone over once per night. Her husband did not ban her from inflicting a wound upon a victim; however, she could never inflict harm on any of his own descendants or those under his care. The scent of the serpent would be found on those he deemed worthy of protection. A simple chant by this wizard or his progeny could destroy her forever." Hermione raised an eyebrow.

"Interesting," Severus commented.

"The Sorceress left, vowing to find a way to conceive and bring her daughter back to her. She could survive by extracting the life force and magic from other beings. In life, the Sorceress of Dreams had been a prophecy speaker and a dream manipulator. In her new state, she was still able to look into someone's future. It was how she chose her victims. If they were powerful or begot powerful offspring, she could use their life force to sustain her for long periods of time, and she would try to couple with them to conceive an heir that would be more powerful than anyone, as she believes part of her long lost daughter's spirit will live within. She intended to have her heir find a way to bring her back to her body and break the husband's curse. The wizard's sons were taught his mystical skills, and his line has been referred to as the Wizards of the Snakes."

Severus raised an eyebrow. "Do you believe any of this?" he asked.

"Well, there is no proof that it's true, but most legends are true on some level. Even the Muggles have a legend about Merlin, for example. We know that what they believe isn't exactly what happened, but at some point, they documented the legend, as they knew it." She took his hand in hers. "It makes sense to me, Severus. That is why she left, and that is why she didn't inflict pain on me the way she did when she left you. I have Harry's scent. Harry is a Wizard of the Snakes, and this Succubus decided to visit us because she foresaw our child as being very powerful. That's why she tried a dual visit." Hermione squeezed his hand. "Whatever she saw in our future was worth intervening. Think about what this implies. There hasn't been a documented dual visit since Merlin. Our son or daughter could be the next Merlin, Circe, or..."

"Don't get carried away, Hermione. What else have you been reading?" he asked, honestly curious. He'd have a talk with Albus about Hermione's findings. "I see you have more books."

"Well, I was looking on information about this Wizard of the Snakes. I was annoyed when I couldn't find anything, so I took a break. I pulled out that Muggle book from my mum, and you know the rest." She shoved the book into his hands. "There are many myths in here about protective mothers. Unfortunately, it appears anything worth recording ends in tragedy."

Severus took in the slight frown on her face. "Our child will be fine. These are just a few stories, Hermione. Think of the millions of happy endings that were too boring to be recorded as legend."

This extracted a broad smile. "Thanks. I'm just... emotional. It's odd, really. Over the last two days, it seems like anything could make me cry. I stepped on a small spider yesterday to keep Ron from panicking, and an hour later, I still felt horrible about it. I actually shed a few tears for it."

Severus smirked and shook his head in disbelief. "I don't know how someone so soft could be content with a hard man like me."

"I think we are well suited."

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

Viktor read over her brief letter once more. It always thrilled him to see news from his Hermione. He was glad to read that she had dreams about him and her. She didn't exactly admit it to him, but he sensed they were of a sexual nature. He hated that she had married that old man. She was wasting her life with him in his eyes, but if she was happy, who was he to try to convince her to leave?

When he'd found out that she was pregnant, he felt as if his heart had been torn in two. It was then that he knew he'd do anything to have her. That anything had led to his secret lover. She'd made many promises to him. Some things she told him, well, he really didn't understand them at all. What he knew was that he could have 'Hermione' a few times per week in his bed thanks to the witch's ability to shape shift. All she requested was a child.

She intended to teach the ways of the old to this child and only allow Viktor to publicly claim the child as his own. He hadn't liked that at first, but she'd explained that if he agreed to submit to her bidding it would lead him to the real Hermione eventually. He could live with pretending to his family and the world that the mother of his child had died, leaving him to care for it alone. They would never know that there was a witch in his home, molding the child in ancient beliefs and magic. Shrugging away his thoughts, he hastily scribbled a letter to Hermione, sending it back with her owl. Sleep came to him quickly.

The Succubus sat at the edge of the bed not long after her lover had drifted into sleep. She could force a dream upon him, but she decided to let him rest this night. He had been most agreeable to everything that she'd proposed. Of course, she was merely bending him to her will. In time, he would listen to all that she commanded without question. Yes, she would allow the wizard to live, draining only enough magic for the conception and to sustain her temporary life. If he ever began to question or refuse her, he would be destroyed. She knew the perfect punishment. All she had to do was wound him, and he would never sleep peacefully again. He would drive himself mad eventually, likely taking his own life. When that happened, he would become a dream stalker just as she was, and he would be under her tutelage.

Her white eyes turned a smoky gray with her fury. The man, Snape, had found a way to cleanse his wound and was free of her curse. She could never touch him again. That was the rule. She thought to have her revenge by going to the woman, Granger, again when she was at her weakest and slowly trick her into doing her bidding. That didn't work either. Somehow she had not only been impregnated, but a Wizard of the Snakes had scented her. Her unborn children would always be off limits now as well, as they too would carry the scent. She had a plan to gain vengeance on thwarting her plans. Feeling smug, she left the wizard in bed and made her way to her Chief Entity, the Sorceress of Dreams. It had been long since she'd updated her on news of the Serpent Lord marking the woman and her new acquisition. They would find a way to halt what the Chief Entity had foreseen. Halt it, and then manipulate it in their favor. Ultimately they would be restored to power and rule over all, even over a Wizard of the Snakes.

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

"Hi. Good morning," Harry said, looking around uneasily.

"What's wrong?" Hermione asked, peering around also.

"I just wanted to be sure we were alone. Where is Severus?" he asked, peeking over her shoulder into the room behind her.

"He said he had to deliver a letter to the Owlery and visit with Albus. Come in," she urged, pulling him into the room. "Tell me everything." She knew when Harry needed to talk. He always got that expression on his face that said he hated to be a bother but had no choice.

"Did he tell you about what happened in the room with Bella?" he asked bluntly.

"He told me a few things, but he didn't exactly have details. Talk to me, Harry," she said. She began stacking toast onto a plate and summoned a glass of juice for each of them.

"Thanks," he said, giving her a lopsided grin. "Do you remember what I told you about Bella wanting me as a reward for loyalty?" She nodded. "Well, when I saw all the hard work that she'd done with the research, I wanted to reward her."

"Have... you know... sex?"

"No, I didn't want to, but I wanted her to be happy. I did the only thing that I knew would satisfy her. I just knew, suddenly, how to project a vivid image of us doing that, and I even allowed her to feel real emotions." He bit into his toast and took a sip of juice before talking again. "She was pleased, and so was I. I wasn't aroused by it. In fact, I felt guilty because of Ginny, but I was pleased that she was satisfied with what little I can give her."

"Harry, it sounds as though you are a little taken with her," Hermione ventured. "How do you really feel?"

"Hermione, I really love Ginny. I don't love Bella. This is going to sound horrible, but I feel as if she is a pet. She looks at me, and I feel pity."

"Harry, look what she did in the past. Neville's parents? Sirius? Us? She was loyal to Voldemort as well. She did horrible things for him, and I believe she liked what she did. I don't think she would change a thing if she had that part of her life to do over again," Hermione said firmly. "Think of the future. You, Ginny, and Bella sitting by the fire? I don't think so, Harry."

"But they are just going to murder her!" he said furiously. "It doesn't feel right now that I know her."

"Do you honestly believe that you know her?" Hermione asked incredulously.

"Well, there is Bellatrix, and there is Bella. I feel sorry for Bella while I hate Bellatrix. Do you see what I mean?" he asked desperately. "Come on, Mione. You're the only one that I hoped would understand."

"I do believe you love Ginny, and you feel nothing towards Bella in that way. I think you'd like for Bella to live, even if it's in Azkaban or the Chamber. Harry, what do you know about being a Wizard of the Snakes?" she asked smoothly, eying his reaction.

His eyes lit up for a moment. "I've never heard of it before, yet it sounds... familiar. What do you know?"

"Here," she said, reaching over to hand him the notes she'd written. "I found some interesting information that might help both of us."

She nibbled on another piece of toast while Harry read over her notes. "So, you mean to say, that I am this wizard's descendant?"

"Well, not you, but Voldemort was. But you are now a Parselmouth thanks to his transfer of power when you were a baby."

"If we had known this, I could have simply gone into your dreams and banished the bastard! You wouldn't have been forced to marry," Harry said sadly. "Why didn't I think of that? It feels like I should have known that all along."

"No, Harry, I think that things will come to you the older and more experienced you get. Like what you did with Bellatrix, for instance. That wasn't necessarily Dark magic. I think it was a part of the Wizard of the Snakes knowledge that you used on instinct. Severus is going to talk to Albus about it," she said softly. "What is it?"

"Circe. We've heard so much about the things she did, what with turning all those blokes into animals." A thoughtful look came over Harry's face again. "That's why then."

"Sorry?"

"Nothing. Just thinking," he said. "I have been doing a bit of reading as well. Dumbledore gave me a book about magical vipers and their transfiguration." He shrugged. "It's pretty interesting. I think he thought I needed it because I was a bit disappointed that Looney is fading away."

"The spell is losing energy?"

"Yes."

"Maybe you can reinforce it," she said hopefully.

"Not according to this book. The only types that stay for truly long periods of time are solid transfigurations. I made her from air, so air she will be again." He smiled. "Have you talked to Ron lately?"

"I didn't see him yesterday," she said. "Why?"

"He's down having breakfast in the hall, but he said to tell you if you want to get out for a bit, he and the others will be down by the lake. I'm going to meet them there after I'm done here," he said. "I think they miss you."

She would have refused had he not said that. Hermione felt slightly guilty that she hadn't been spending as much time with her friends, but she was still newly married. She wanted to spend more time with her husband, more time learning everything about him, loving him, and planning their future. "All right," she agreed. Her reading would just have to wait until later. An outing would be nice.

"Brilliant," he said, reaching for another slice of toast. "Ron was excited about Luna's letter. It seems that she has gained a little magic with all that old witch has been doing to her. Her dad thinks they can go home and just take a weekly trip down for her treatments."

"That's good news. He seemed so hurt when she just took off," Hermione said. "I really thought that... never mind."

"He and Draco?" Harry asked softly.

"Yes. They sort of seem like a couple sometimes. It's hard to explain," Hermione said with a giggle. "I've seen them get on like Ron's parents and like my own."

"I thought so as well. I think they've talked about it, but they decided that it wasn't what they wanted. I know Ron wants a life with Luna one day." Harry smiled. "I just hope he gets it."

The opening door startled them. Severus walked in briskly. "Harry," he said with a nod. "You're a little early."

"I wanted to talk to Hermione for a while. I assumed it would be all right to visit," he said, feeling unwanted. "Should I leave?"

"No. Come to my office with me. There is much to discuss," Severus said. "I trust you have been practicing your calming chant?"

"Some," Harry said.

"I'll go out to the lake and visit with Ron and the others," Hermione said, following them to his office.

"All right. We won't be long," Severus said.

She nodded and quickly made her way outside. The air was cool still, but there was neither a harsh breeze nor any snow falling. Ginny met her halfway to the lake as her friends came into view. "Where are you off to?" she asked.

"I wanted to send a note home to mum," Ginny said with a smile. "I'll be back."

"All right," Hermione called. "See you then."

As she neared Ron and Draco, she felt uneasy. They seemed to be quarreling. "What do you mean you have a date?" Ron asked incredulously.

"I am going to Hogsmeade with someone," Draco said. "I told you that you are welcome to come. We'll be leaving at eleven sharp."

"Don't think I'd like to go and get in the way," Ron said. Hermione could see that he was sulking slightly. What really bothered him about Draco's date?

"Who is your date, Draco?"

"Hi, Mione," Ron said.

"Daphne Greengrass. She's nice enough."

"She is," Hermione agreed. "I'm glad you asked her."

"Er... she asked me," Draco said, shifting his feet about.

"You didn't tell me that," Ron chided.

"Does it matter?" Draco countered.

"No, not really, but you could have said that it wasn't you that went after a date," Ron said. "Maybe I will go with you then. I'm sure Harry and Ginny might come as well. What about you, Mione? You and Snape have any plans for Valentine's Day?"

"Oh! I haven't even thought about it! He never said anything, so I suppose not. I will keep my day open though, just in case," she said brightly. She doubted that Severus remembered it was Valentine's Day either. If he knew, he didn't mention it. She knew better than to expect anything, but maybe he wouldn't mind receiving something. A devious idea sprang to mind. "I'll talk to you later. I need to find something to give him." They seemed disappointed that she was leaving so quickly, but she didn't care. She had plans to make.

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

Severus wondered where Hermione had gone. He'd tried to search her out at the lake, but she was not there. He had no choice but to leave without letting her know where he was going. Lucius' owl had come back quickly. He wanted to meet with him for lunch. Severus left a small note on the table to let her know that he'd be home as soon as he could. He decided to Apparate over instead of sullying his person through the Floo, which he and Lucius had opened to each other.

Once he entered Malfoy Manor, Narcissa accosted him. "Severus, where is your wife? I thought she was to come for a visit?"

"I apologize, but she was otherwise engaged," he said immediately. He would not admit that he had no idea where his wife had gone. If he hadn't seen her group of friends, he would have thought her to be sneaking about the damn Chamber again.

Narcissa sighed. "Well, I had hoped to find out how my son was truly faring at school. His letters seem distant. Do you know that he is planning to not come home? He says he wants to move into a flat in London!"

Severus nodded. "I heard him mention it once."

"It's unacceptable. He should be here with us, grooming for his duties," she said.

"That's enough, Narcissa," Lucius said from the door of his study. "Leave us."

"What have you to discuss that I cannot hear? Have you found out anything on my sister's whereabouts or who released her from Azkaban?"

"Nothing of the sort. Go on now," Lucius said gently, closing the door. He looked to Severus. "I think she is suspicious, Severus. We must end this. I want to know that Bella will never make an appearance again."

"I know," Severus said in disgust. "Too bad she can't just be locked up to rot with Mulciber and Higgs."

"Forget locked up. The bitch needs to die," Lucius said blandly. "What's keeping us from destroying her?"

"It's Harry. She's helping him with some spells that our old Lord placed upon himself. He refuses to accept that she will need to be terminated."

"So we do it anyway," Lucius said firmly. "I'll do it. Can you get me in?"

"I have found a way in," Severus said with a smirk. "It's a tad tricky, but we can get in. We won't have long to get to her before Harry is alerted to our presence. There is also Nagini and the other snake there. The second snake won't be around much longer. Nagini is going to attack anyone who wishes Bella harm."

"Why?" Lucius asked incredulously.

"Harry's orders."

"Has he gone mad?"

"No, he has a big heart, I fear. Something he should learn to control," Severus said grimly. "He will not like this, but it will be done. Albus gave me the leave to do as I must."

"Very well. When do we do it?"

"Tomorrow."

"It's Valentine's Day! I have to go to a ruddy luncheon with Narcissa. The day after perhaps?" Lucius asked eagerly. "It will give you time to be sure that we can get in."

"I hadn't thought about the holiday," Severus admitted. "Monday night will be fine."

"Severus, tsk, tsk, man!" Lucius mocked. "A newlywed forgetting a special holiday? Might I suggest jewelry or chocolates?"

"I believe that I can find a gift on my own," he returned dryly. "I shall send you a letter with the time and place to meet me."

Severus quickly made his way to Diagon Alley. What the bloody hell did a man give a woman for Valentine's Day? He looked around to see what others were doing. He noticed young men scurrying about the shops. He was even able to overhear a few of them talking and was able to come up with a few ideas. Jewelry? Chocolate? Flowers? Words of love? Clothing? He raised an eyebrow. Interesting idea, that. It was strange to care about a holiday. He'd always associated Valentine's Day with disgusting fluffy pets, candy, sweetness, and everything he despised. Now, it meant buying something for his wife, sharing an intimacy with her, and maybe getting something in return. He had a perfect plan. Hermione never was the materialistic type.

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

"Where were you earlier, Hermione?" Severus asked, an hour later.

"I went off to Hogsmeade with Rolanda. We had a couple of things to get. Didn't you get my note?" she asked. "You were still with Harry when we left, so I put a note on the nightstand."

Severus scowled. "I saw no such note." In honesty, he hadn't looked for one. He'd just brooded over the fact that she wasn't there or anyplace he'd looked. "I left a note for you."

"I found it, thanks," she said, leaning up to kiss his cheek. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Something most certainly is. Tell me," she pried.

"I had a meeting with Lucius."

"And?"

"It's time."

"Severus! It's time for what? Bella?"

"Yes, Hermione," he said, knowing a small disagreement would follow. "We have to do it before he gets too caught up. He pities her, and she will use that to her advantage. If she ever finds out that she's been duped, she will wreak havoc on all she comes near. We can not risk her escape."

"He's not ready yet, Severus! You need to give him time. Let him decide," Hermione pleaded. Harry was so confused about things. She did agree with Severus, but her first concern was Harry. Bellatrix couldn't escape from the Chamber. What did it matter how long she was kept there? "Give him some time. She won't escape."

"Hermione, he might end up letting her escape. We can't allow her to poison his mind," Severus said softly. "If you are his friend, Hermione, you should want what is in his best interest."

"Excuse me? Never accuse me of not having his best interest at heart! He's the reason that I'm worried." Hermione threw her robes aside angrily. "You better tell Harry what you are planning, Severus. It's only right that he knows."

"I think you need to decide where your loyalty lies," Severus said coldly, folding his arms in front of his chest. "I am your husband."

"You may be my husband, but that doesn't mean that you are always right!" Hermione backed away from him, tears in her eyes. "How dare you question my loyalty?"

Before he could say anything, she fled from the room. There was a resounding slam from the bathroom door. Perhaps he had gone too far with the loyalty comment. What should he do now? They'd never had a row such as this. Severus narrowed his eyes. He wasn't the one that had been ranting what sounded like threats. Hermione had more or less implied that if he wouldn't tell Harry, she would.

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

Harry backed away slowly. He had come to show Severus a book that he'd come across, and instead, he'd heard a plan to go behind his back to kill Bella. It sounded as if it would be soon. He had a plan of his own. He would simply have to take action sooner than he'd planned. Harry quickly made his way to Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. Oddly enough, the ghost never seemed to be around. He opened the Chamber quickly and slipped inside. This would be the first time that he'd gone to Bella alone. The Phoenix song played lowly around him to calm him. Harry collected his emotions. He had a feeling that, if he didn't calm down, Fawkes would show up.

There was something that he had to do. This would be done on his terms. As soon as he got close, Nagini came out to greet him. He exchanged a few words with her, and to his disappointment, Looney had vanished. He told Nagini that he would soon have a companion for her. He dropped the wards to Bella's room. When he entered, he found her curled up on the davenport. She'd fallen asleep while reading.

"Wake up," he commanded. She was so startled that she nearly fell over.

"My Lord?" she asked. "What brings you here?"

"I have something to tell you," he said firmly. "You need to pay attention." A few hisses brought Nagini in to rest at Bella's feet. "I have been using you."

"It's my duty to allow it," she said.

"No, Bella, I have had every intention of using you and turning you over to the authorities of Azkaban. I simply wanted to know what you did to Luna Lovegood. There was no research. She was simply a friend that I wanted returned to the way she was. I needed you to give me that."

Bella's dark eyes lowered, and he could sense her hurt and anger. "And now that you've gotten that?"

"You will look at me when I speak to you," he said.

Her eyes lifted immediately. "Yes, Master."

"Bella, I needed you to find out what Voldemort did to himself, so I used you again."

"And now that I have done that?"

"They want to terminate you."

"What do you want?" she asked softly.

"I want you to live."

"Why? I'm a murderer. I like hurting people."

"I thought you could change given a chance," he said.

"Why are you telling me this? Why didn't you just let them kill me? Who is it? Severus? Lucius?" she asked shrilly. "I would have followed you to the end."

"Would you still?" he asked softly, twirling his wand slowly.

"Have I a reason to?"

"Life."

"With you?"

"Do you want to live, Bella?" he asked pointedly, pointing his wand at her.

"I don't know," she said honestly, swallowing. "Where could I go that you couldn't find me?"

"I could find you at any moment, in any location," he said smugly. He stepped forward, lifted her chin, and looked into her eyes. "Legilimens!" Many flashes came to Harry's eyes. He could feel everything that she felt though he couldn't hear what was being said. Bellatrix Lestrange was loyal to him, would die for him, and wanted to live. He broke eye contact with her. "I have a plan, Bella."

"I don't know why, but I trust you," she said. "Tell me." Harry sheathed his wand, sat down, and began to talk to her about his decision.

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

Hermione shifted uncomfortably in her bed. Where was Severus? Would he not come to bed? Was he so angry still? Did he truly believe that she was more loyal to Harry than to him? She sat up quickly. From Severus' point of view, she could understand how he felt. But she had a point of view as well. Why did she have to choose? Couldn't she be loyal to her husband and her friends?

She laid back roughly and suppressed a howl of exasperation. She needed him with her, but she wouldn't beg him to forgive her for her words. She would not take back her words either. Harry deserved to know. Instinctively, she reached down to caress her stomach. "Sorry, baby," she whispered. "Mummy is unsure about what to do. I should go to him, but I don't feel that I did anything wrong."

Severus was sitting in his chair reading about a pregnant woman's emotions. It seemed that they could change from happy to sad to angry all within the space of a few minutes. He'd been thinking about their argument. Perhaps he had been a bit harsh. She had always been loyal to Harry and Weasley, and since they'd found each other, she'd been equally loyal to him. He'd never really had many friends before, but he could see her point. Could she see his?

This was ridiculous. She'd not come out of their room since she'd gone in. He could tell that she was in bed. He'd planned to either sleep on the couch or slip in after she'd fallen asleep. This was his home as well. Why should he be denied his bed? Going to her didn't mean that he was giving in first, did it? Hell no! It meant that he was going to his bed. He closed his book and set it on the table next to his chair. It was time for bed. He opened the bedroom door and was surprised to find her trying to open it as well.

"Sorry," she mumbled.

"Where were you up to?" he asked curiously.

"I was just going to see if you were here," she said, raising her chin defiantly. "What were you doing?"

"Going to bed. Do you mind?" he asked sarcastically.

"Not at all," she said, moving aside.

He nodded and went to the bathroom to change. Severus felt guilty suddenly. She had been trying to check on him, and he'd been rude to her. Why couldn't he just say that he might have been wrong? Why did it have to be so hard? This was his wife. She wouldn't hold anything against him. After cleansing his teeth and pulling on his nightshirt, he made his way to their bed. She was curled up on her side, and her eyes were closed.

He turned the lamp down and slid in beside her. After lying on his back for a few minutes, he turned to his side and pulled her to him. Severus could not sleep next to her without holding her. His hand slid down to cup her stomach slightly. His child was in there. The thought still amazed him. Would they have many more arguments as they had earlier? As a child, he'd witnessed far worse, but his parents' fights had to have started out small. Before he would let his child grow up in such a home, he would send Hermione and their child away.

"Severus?"

"Yes?"

"I love you."

He tightened his hold on her. He would never send her away. How could he think such a thing? He would never hurt her. "I'm sorry, Hermione. I may have been a little rough."

"It's all right. I can understand what you meant. Do you, in return, see what I meant? Harry has been like a brother to me for seven years."

"I do," he said, kissing the hair on the back of her head. "I do love you. Sometimes I think my love is too strong. It feels as if it will consume me with the need to possess you and protect you. I wonder if it's me that you need protection from."

"Severus," she said, turning around. "Never be ashamed of how deeply you feel. You are not the only one that feels that way. I can relate." She kissed his sealed lips softly. "Kiss me."

He pulled back to try to see into her eyes. The darkness shadowed her too much. "Hermione, why do you love me?"

"You are my everything," she whispered, bringing her lips back to his. This time he allowed the kiss to continue. Why deny what he wanted most? His felicity was in his arms. Hermione began kissing him fervently. "I need you." Severus sat up and pulled his nightshirt away. "Make love to me."

He helped to pull her nightgown over her head before sliding her knickers away. With both hands, he traced her stomach. "I can't wait until I can feel it moving within you." He placed a soft kiss before gliding up over her to kiss her mouth.

"It won't be long," Hermione said with a giggle. "You'll likely be saying that you wish that my big tummy was out of the way."

"Never." His fingers moved to pleasure her. "Feeling randy?" he asked cheekily.

"Yes," she said honestly. "I have no idea what's come over me. Don't bother about all that. I want you inside of me."

"Indeed," he said, guiding his hardness into her. "Little Succubus," he growled. "I cannot deny you."

She hooked one leg around one of his thighs while he slid one leg up over his shoulder. "Ah," she cried out as he thrust at the new angle. "Sev...erus?"

"Hmmm?" he asked distractedly.

"Let's not, oh, God, yes, fight again. Good Lord. Don't stop," she said with a series of moans. It felt as if he was filling her more completely than ever before. There was an odd sensation building within. She knew it to be the beginning of her climax. It never ceased to amaze her that he knew exactly what to do to make her feel good. She pushed all thoughts from her mind and began to give in to the feeling, grasping at his hair, shoulders, back, and anything within her reach.

"Sorry," he moaned, as he began spilling his seed into her.

She smiled and continued to grind against him to find her release as she was nearly there. He continued to thrust into her as long as he could, and she finally exploded around him. "I'm here!" Hermione exclaimed with a triumphant shout. A few moments later, her leg slid down, and her lover collapsed on top of her. "Love you."

"Always," he murmured sleepily, kissing her throat. "I couldn't wait. You felt too good."

"It's all right, as you noticed," she said with a small laugh.

"Hermione, I can't promise that we'll never fight again, but I do know that I shall never fall asleep angry." He suckled her collarbone and then the top of her right breast, leaving a mark on her creamy flesh. He moved to the other breast and suckled roughly, leaving another mark there as well. "Mine," he grumbled, moving to lie beside her.

"Always." She stayed on her back, slipping one leg between both of his. She was able to reach for her wand and chanted a cleaning charm on each of them before being able to comfortably relax. "Happy Valentine's Day, Severus."

"It is after midnight, isn't it?" he stated lazily. "Happy Valentine's Day to you as well. I must admit, I never thought I'd have such a gift on a day such as this."

She swatted his arm lightly. "Nor I. Good night, love."

"Pleasant dreams."

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

Jonas Stebbins took the parchment from the snowy, white owl. "Thanks. Want a treat?" he asked kindly, petting her feathers softly. She simply hooted and flew away.

"Who's that from, love?" his wife asked.

"I don't know," he said honestly. He nearly dropped the parchment when he saw that it was from none other than Harry Potter. "It's Harry Potter," he told his staring wife. "He wants to meet with me tomorrow."

"Oh, great! Can I go along? I would love to meet Harry Potter!"

"I'm sorry, love. He wants to talk business, but I'll ask if he'd like to get together this summer." He hoped that his wife wouldn't ask anything about his business. She normally knew better, but her eyes began gleaming at the mention of the name of the Wizarding world's hero.

"That's fine."

After his wife left, he looked down at the letter.

Jonas,

I do hate to bother you on such short notice, but I need a favor. If you could meet me in Hogsmeade tomorrow, alone, at noon out near the Shrieking Shack. I have something to talk to you about. Bring a brochure from Wanky's Familiar Outpost for me to browse through. There is no need to reply. I'll just assume that you will meet me. I do apologize for disrupting your holiday. I won't keep you long. Thanks!

Harry

Why did he want a brochure from a pet shop? He had no choice. He would have to meet Potter. He didn't mind. The boy had greatly helped him by destroying his ruddy mark. He'd been able to impress his wife with a tale of meeting Potter in London and having tattoos together in honor of Cedric. Jonas felt that he owed Harry for his new lease on life. He would definitely do what the wizard wanted.

"Jonas?" his wife called. "Could you bring me something to drink?"

"Be right there, honey." He left the note on the table so that his family could find it. They would be impressed. There was nothing that could be used against either of them. To them, they would think he needed help acquiring a familiar.

---

Southern's Notes: Valentine's Day is upon all our couples (time for a couples chapter). Harry's plan forms beautifully. Who will he involve? Who finds out? More up soon!

A big thanks goes to Ginny W for brainstorming with me about the Wizard of the Snakes information. She rephrased that bit for me. Thanks, Ginny!