Chapter Twenty Six

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!

A big thanks goes to my beta, Charmed Nay.

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"Good morning to you, too," she said with a small smile. "How long have you been awake?"

"Long enough to shower and order breakfast. Why don't you come join me?" he asked.

"I'll be right there," she said sleepily, stifling a yawn. He was already dressed impeccably, groomed, and ready for the day. How did he always just jump up and go about his normal routine as if he hadn't stayed awake most of the night talking or making love? She liked to laze around in the bed for a few minutes at least. Sighing, she made her way to the bathroom. She immediately noticed a new fleece bathrobe hanging on a hook. The color was a soft blue, and she found matching slippers propped against the wall beneath it.

Valentine's Day! Were these her gifts? Her eyes lit up. She loved them! The dungeons were quite chilly at times; they would be very useful. Hermione quickly completed her toilette and donned her new items before making her way to Severus. "I love these, Severus. I'm glad you bought it a little bigger. I should be able to use it for most of my pregnancy without having to charm it larger."

"I thought you might like it." He smiled lightly, rising to pull a chair out for her.

"Thanks," she said with a grin. "Oh, look!" She reached to the center of the table where three roses stood in a lovely crystal vase. "You've charmed them to stay this way. Brilliant!"

He cleared his throat. "The red rose is for love, passion, and respect. Three things that I most definitely feel for you, as you know. The burgundy rose is for unconscious beauty. I would like to think that you could never know how beautiful you truly are to me. The dark pink shade represents thankfulness. I thank you for marrying me, giving me a child, and being a part of my life."

Hermione was speechless. She knew that it wasn't easy for him to express himself, but for him to say those words to her, in the light of day where he couldn't hide behind the shadows of darkness, meant more to her than she could ever relay. "Severus, I should be thanking you. You've shown me things that I never thought possible. They are beautiful."

Severus nodded slightly and poured some juice into her glass. "We've been invited to have dinner with the staff tonight. We need only make a show in the Great Hall during mealtime. Our dinner will be served privately after. Would you enjoy this?"

"I don't see why not. I would like to visit with the others. We've been keeping to ourselves lately." Hermione took a sip of her drink. "How do you feel about it?"

"I do not mind." Severus took a bite of his omelet and chewed slowly.

"About yesterday," Hermione began. Noticing his expression, she stopped. He placed his fork on his plate and looked at her expectantly. She continued, "I still believe you should talk to Harry."

"Hermione, I d..."

"Wait, Severus. Hear me out." He nodded. "It's only my opinion on the matter. I will not tell Harry if you do not wish me to, but I simply do not agree with the secrecy."

"That's fine," he said, picking his fork back up to continue eating. "I do not ask that you agree with me, only that you do not betray what I tell you in confidence. I know that you care for your friends' well being, and I shall not hold that against you. I might find myself in the same predicament one day."

"Fair enough," she said. "I have something for you as well." She blushed. "Actually, two things. One is for later when we are in bed, and one can be out of bed, if you'd like it now?"

"You didn't have to get me anything," he said, half surprised that she had. Bed, did she say? "You know, we really have no place to be right now. Would you care to go back to bed?"

She smiled at his slyness. "I've got a bit of notes to put together."

"From your latest research?" he asked.

"Yes. I'm putting together all that we know about the visit of a Succubus, Incubus, or both. Once I am finished compiling everything, I will need your help," she said proudly. "You and I are going to make this public. We need to do this to warn people. There isn't enough information out there."

"Hermione," Severus began slowly, "if you do this, people will know."

"Exactly," she said with a smile. Once she saw the horror on his face, her smile faltered. "What is it?"

"They'll know that is why you are with me. They will think that..." He looked away.

Hermione stood up to go to him. "Severus, no, they won't think that!" She took his hand in both of hers, caressing it. "I am with you because I love you. They will read about the prophecies of the Succubus and how they know whom to seek out. A dual visit just proves that we would have been together anyway. We simply decided not to wait."

He seemed slightly mollified. "People will think that I'm a dirty, old man out to take advantage of a legend." He smirked. "As such, I'd really rather not disappoint them." He stood quickly, lifted her easily, and carried her to bed.

"Really, Severus! I need to do some writing!" Hermione protested halfheartedly.

"Later," he said with a growl as he began stripping away their clothes. "I believe you were the one that brought up something about being in bed." He laid down on the bed and pulled her on top of him. "Explain."

"Really?" she asked with a giggle.

He shook his head. "I don't know what I want more. Help me decide."

She reached over to the nightstand to get her wand. "I bought a book in Hogsmeade yesterday. It's about the different stages of pregnancy. It's part of your Valentine's gift by the way, as you've taken to reading more on the subject than anyone I know of." She grinned at his smirk. "In this first trimester, it's really rare to actually feel your child because of the size." She pointed her wand at his hands. "Sensus Maximus." She pointed the wand to each of her own hands and repeated the spell. "This will only last a few minutes, and you have to concentrate on what you want to feel, according to the writer."

Hermione saw that Severus was staring at his hands oddly. She laid back, pulling his hands to her soft stomach. "Think of the baby and try to feel him." She watched as Severus slowly moved his hands over her skin. The wonder that suddenly passed over his face was priceless. He had an odd expression of awe mixed with happiness, and a slight smile played upon his lips. Her hands reached down to touch her stomach as well. The sensitivity in her hands was unnerving for a moment, as she felt many things at once. Then, it changed. She knew what she was feeling. Her baby. Their child. It was moving within her. It felt as if her skin had turned into a lake, and waves were rippling across the surface. "Do you feel that?" she asked in wonderment.

"Yes," he said, voice choked with emotion. "It feels like she is drifting on a gentle current."

Most of the morning was spent casting the sensitivity spell on their hands, talking about their child's future, and having slow snogs with soft words. He'd even gone as far as to laugh at her now growing lock of hair that Higgs had cut. It seemed to be straighter than the rest of her hair. When Hermione finally moved from the bed, she felt his hand close over her wrist. "What is it?" she asked, seeing his face full of swirling emotions. She'd thought that he'd fallen asleep while holding her.

"Stay a little longer," he said.

Seeing that he was fighting internally to hide his emotions, she grinned deviously. "I still have that other gift to give you. I take it that you would be interested in it now?"

"What do you have planned?" he asked curiously. He was grateful for her tact in changing the subject. When she didn't reply, blushing instead, he asked in mock horror, "Little One! Are you planning to take advantage of me?"

"Rolanda brought me to a shop." She bit her lip for a moment. "It had some things there for married couples. I bought a little something that looked interesting."

Good Lord! Rolanda brought her to a shop? There was no bloody telling what the hell she'd bought. Visions of odd gadgets flashed through his mind. "Hermione, I'm not sure that Rolanda is one to take advice from. Her tastes have always been eccentric."

"I know that you know, thanks," she said tartly. "She didn't tell me to buy this though. She was off with the worker while I looked about." She moved to her wardrobe and pulled out a small jar. "This, husband, should be enjoyable for you."

"Let me see what that is," he said, sitting up. She reached the bed and gently shoved him back down.

"No. This is my Valentine's Day gift to you." She winked, opened the jar, dipped her fingers in, and began smearing small amounts of gel over his flesh.

Severus watched as she rubbed the red gel over each of his flat nipples, slithered a trail down to his groin, and smeared a fair amount over his genital area. What was he supposed to like about this? He only felt sticky. "What is this supposed to be?"

Hermione smirked as she lowered her mouth to his partial erection. She blew slightly along the trail of gel. With each breath of air, he felt suddenly warm and as if he was being caressed gently. The tingly feeling was not unbearable, yet it was already driving him mad. He wanted more. She kissed his lips softly and sat astride his thighs. With no answer forthcoming, Severus closed his eyes and enjoyed her hands, mouth, and the new sensations. A simple flick of her tongue over his nipple had him arching into her. Each caress of her hand or tongue sent jolts of desire through his body and straight to his erection. The closer she came to taking him in her mouth the harder it was to remain focused on what she was doing.

"Hermione," he said roughly. "It's too much."

"It's not enough," she said saucily. "Let me. Just go with it."

Her mouth closed over his tip for a gentle suckle. "Good Lord," he said with a moan. He pushed into her mouth involuntarily. The ministrations of her mouth and tongue combined with her caressing fingers and heavy breathing had him ready for release nearly immediately. "Hermione!" She moved away just before he could climax, and the feeling crept away. It was back a few minutes later as she slid down onto him. "Damn." He'd never felt anything so incredible in his life. He was even more surprised when she began bucking wildly on top of him and screaming out his name. They both reached culmination instantaneously. Panting breathlessly, she collapsed atop him.

"I used some on me. You seemed to like it," she finally managed. "It's bloody brilliant!"

"Indeed," he replied, trying to catch his breath. "I think, however, that we shouldn't use that often. I'm a bit old for such... stimulation."

Her lips found his briefly. "I agree. I'm still tingling and good Lord! You're ready again."

He smirked. "I think we should take advantage of this vivification while it lasts."

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

"Come on! I've never seen such a bunch of slow arses before," Ron said exasperatedly. "We need to get to the Three Broomsticks soon if we aim to have one of their lunches."

Harry grinned. "It's always about food with him." Ginny remained quiet, pulling his hand into hers. "Want to skulk away a bit and have a quick snog?"

"I think so," she said cheerfully. "See you guys in town!"

"Oi! Just gonna take off and leave us?" Ron asked incredulously. "Just bloody great!" He eyed Draco and Daphne for a moment. "I'll... uh... I'll go on to the joke shop. Meet you there."

"Wait," Draco called. "We'll come with you."

"No, it's all right. I won't be long," he said. "I'll be off to use an owl after. I want to send Luna's gift to her."

Daphne smiled lightly while Draco looked worried.

"We can go with you," he offered again.

"No, mate. It's fine. Go on." Ron left quickly, leaving Draco with his fellow Slytherin mates. It figured that Harry and Ginny would go off and leave him with them. He didn't care for Draco's other friends, and he sensed that Daphne felt he was intruding. He wished that Luna would be around. She'd sent a nice card to him, but she hadn't said much. He decided to buy her some of those sweets that she liked. He had some extra money and could buy some for her.

Before he made his way to the front of the store, he was pulled into the small alley next to it. "What the...?" Draco had pulled him in. What the hell did he want?

"We need to talk," Draco said hurriedly. "We've only a few minutes, but I need to know why you've been acting the way you have."

"Like what?"

"Jealous."

Ron started laughing loudly. "Is that what you think? I most certainly am not!"

"Laugh all you want. I know jealousy when I see it." Draco ran his fingers through his hair. "Look, Ron, I thought we agreed that this was not anything to think on."

"There is no this," Ron said, gesturing between them. "I just... Well, she's a bit quiet. Seems like you would be attracted to someone else. Why her?"

"Ron, it is just a little date. She asked me, and I figured that I might as well give her a go. If it bothers you, then you nee..."

"No," Ron interrupted with a chuckle. "Really. I was just surprised. Honest. Go on. I've got to send something to Luna for Valentine's Day."

"All right," Draco said, watching his friend scurry off. Ron had seemed jealous when he found out that he had a date with Daphne. That reaction had confused him again. Damn it! He didn't know what to think. Daphne was a really nice girl...for a Slytherin. Her family was well off, and they owned a classy place over on Diagon Alley that his father frequented. He'd have to call things off if it bothered Ron though. Ron had been really good to him this past year. When that bastard at Higgs' Manor molested him, Ron had listened and talked to him, truly concerned how he felt.

"What the bloody hell was that, Son?" asked his father, voice cold.

Draco spun around and eyed the man. "What are you doing here?"

"You mother has been really worried about you. She didn't want to owl your gift to you, so I offered to deliver it," he said, eyeing his son oddly. "Not that I minded escaping that horrid luncheon for a few minutes." They both chuckled.

He took the small parcel from his father. "Send my regards."

"You and that Weasley boy?" Lucius moved closer. "Do you know how disappointed your mother would be if she thought that her son was gay?"

"I am not!" Draco said hotly. "You saw and heard nothing. He was just concerned."

Lucius smirked. "Now, now, Draco, no need to be angry. I didn't say I don't condone your little indulgences. You will do as you wish, but I do suggest that you conduct your personal affairs in a less public place." His father smiled lightly. "Be sure to keep this private, and you be sure to not be caught up in anything unwise. It is your duty to produce an heir to carry on the Malfoy name. Find a reputable witch, we will make arrangements with her parents, and you will be married." When Draco tried to speak, his father held up one gloved hand to stop him. "Eventually. There is no rush. Take your time. Get this out of your system first. Understand?"

Draco knew by the tone of his father's voice that there would be no arguing with him. "Yes, sir." He looked down at the little parcel, likely sweets. "I'll go on to meet my date then."

"A very respectable young witch with a good family from what I saw. Excellent choice," Lucius said. "I suppose I need to be off. See you soon, Son."

Draco waited until his father Disapparated before he breathed again. That was close. And just bloody fucking great! His father thought he fancied men! Hang on! Had his father once fancied men as well? Seemed awfully indulgent, didn't he? He shrugged the thoughts aside as he made his way towards the Three Broomsticks. Something in the window of a shop caught his eye. One quick stop wouldn't hurt. He slipped into the store, grabbed the item, and paid for it. As soon as he opened the door, he saw Ron passing by. "Oi! Wait up!"

"What have you got there?" Ron asked, eyeing the bag.

"Here. It's for you. Don't say I never gave you anything," Draco said with a smile.

"Er? What the... bloody hell! I didn't know these were out yet. Thanks, mate!" He'd given Ron a book on the Chudley Canon's latest season. "It's got everything. Their new moves are listed, all the players are here, and it has tidbits on each. I really appreciate this!"

"I thought you might like it," Draco said airily. "Come on. I could do for a drink."

"Here you are," Ron said, handing Draco a bag of Fizzing Wizzbees. "I know you like those."

"Thanks," Draco said. The pair found their friends. Ginny had joined Daphne and the others, but Harry wasn't there. "Where's Potter?"

"He wanted some time to pick up something," Ginny said, seemingly relieved that they had arrived.

"What's that?" Daphne asked, noting the parcel in Draco's hand. He'd taken it out of his pocket to make room for Ron's treats.

"Oh, here you are," he said, handing her the delicately wrapped box. He was surprised that she quickly tore open the parcel. It was a fine box of liquor-filled chocolates.

"I do love these," she said excitedly, kissing his cheek. "Thanks, Draco."

Draco cleared his throat. "Right then. Let's order something to eat."

"Best thing I've heard all day," said Ron cheekily.

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

Harry smiled as Jonas approached. "Thanks for coming."

Jones extended a hand to Harry. "Not a problem. I owe you so much."

"Have you the brochure?"

"Right here," he said, pulling it from the pocket of his robes. "Wanky's Familiar Outpost. Have you an interest in my uncle's business? Did you truly need a pet?"

Harry flipped through to the section with snakes. A broad smile broke out on his face. "Have any of these blokes in stock?"

Stebbins released a sharp breath. Snakes that size reminded him of the Dark Lord's Nagini. "Unfortunately, there is only one. It's not thriving. I give it a few days at the most to live."

"I'll take it," Harry said immediately. "Tell nobody that it's ill. That will be our secret."

"My uncle knows," he said. "Nobody else though."

"Tell him that I am able to heal snakes, as I am a Parselmouth. He'll not know any better." Harry smiled. "I would like this delivered to Hogwarts first thing in the morning. I don't have any classes until ten. Maybe eight? Have it in a large crate, if you don't mind."

"I can do that," Jonas said, pleased that he was helping Harry Potter with something. What did he want a snake for anyway? "Did you not keep the others?"

"I only have one. Nagini needs a mate. I think that I can lift her spirits. If the snake doesn't get better, Nagini will kill it anyway, sensing weakness. That alone will boost her spirits until I can find her a worthy mate. If it lives, well, then I suppose I'll not have to look any further," Harry said, smiling at the picture in the brochure. It was perfect. Everything was falling into place. He'd be sure that only Ginny was with him in the morning to receive the beast, and he'd ask her to go down with him. Brilliant!

"It's a female, so if you are interested in breeding, I don't think th..."

"No, Nagini has mothered enough. Any companion is fine," Harry said firmly. "I'm sorry to bring you here on Valentine's Day, but it's the only time I knew that I could get away alone while out of the castle. Here." He pulled a small box from his robes. "For your wife. Chocolate."

Jonas chuckled. "Thanks. My mum and my wife will enjoy these. They love sweets."

"Excellent. Who will be with you tomorrow?" Harry asked quickly.

"I could come alone, if you'd prefer."

"I would. Thanks again, mate. I'll see you in the morning." CRACK! Harry wasted no time getting back to the others. This was too good to be true. Perfect. He smiled at his friends as he approached the table. "Sorry it took so long. I ran into Jonas Stebbins for a bit. His uncle owns that last pet shop on Diagon Alley. I'm buying a companion for Nagini."

"Oh, well, that's good," Ron said thickly. "Now we can stop hearing about the ruddy vapor snake that disappeared."

"She was great, Ron," Harry said darkly. After they went back to Hogwarts, he'd sneak down to go over the plan with Bella once more. The snake was coming in the morning. People would see it enter. He would bring Ginny with him. He needed her if he was going to follow through with the plan. It was so lucky that he remembered about Jonas working in his uncle's business. He charmed pet toys and accessories, and he helped retrieve and deliver the animals. Harry smirked. Soon, Bella would be free to start her new life. She'd live without magic, but it was better than being dead or in Azkaban. At least she would have freedom. At least his conscience would be free. She saved Luna, mostly. Her information would help decipher what Voldemort's final revenge against him had been.

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

Rolanda winked at Hermione once they were seated. "How'd it go?" she asked conspiratorially.

Hermione's eyes left her friend's face for a moment to be sure that her husband was still engaged in conversation with Albus and Minerva. "Brilliant," she whispered finally. "I never imagined anything like it." She could see the gleam in Rolanda's yellow eyes.

"Is that so? Think I should try a bit that I bought on Stuart for our wedding night?"

Hermione nodded. "Definitely."

Before Rolanda could continue, Severus joined them. "What are you too looking so smug about?"

"Sev, old boy, you know how witches are. We like to talk about who's flying in what pitch. I was just telling your wife here," she nodded to Hermione, "that Sibyll has been seen leaving her tower more often lately. Would you believe that she usually ventures out to see Hagrid on these little excursions?"

Severus shuddered. "Impossible. That would be ghastly." The man would break Trelawny in half if they'd do anything like she was suggesting.

"To each his own, old boy. I always thought he'd go back after that French lass, but I suppose things change," Rolanda said cheerfully. "Now, as for me, I'm right glad that I landed this bloke." She nodded towards her intended; he was talking to Filius and Pomona. "He's a nice guy, won't ask me to change anything, eagerly accepts my preferences, I might add, and seems to really care for me. I figured that I might as well get married."

"I still have your wedding set," Hermione said quickly. "I should have returned them sooner."

"No," Rolanda said softly. "Those were meant for my wedding to another. I wouldn't dishonor Stuart that way. Keep them and do with them what you will."

"I'll always keep them," Hermione replied, smiling at Rolanda. It had been a bumpy start between the two of them, but the witch ended up being someone that she didn't mind talking to. Sure, she had her blunt tongue and odd ideas, but she was a true friend. Stuart was the perfect balance for her. "Severus," Hermione murmured quietly. "Are Filius and Pomona...?"

Severus chuckled. "If so, they would never admit it. It does appear that way, doesn't it?"

"Yes. I remember something said after that really bad row between Minerva and Rolanda. It was the next morning. She was saying that he told her something in bed. I saw when she tried to amend what she said, and I hoped that I'd misunderstood. I wonder how they... you know." She grinned at her husband's look of horror. "What?"

"Rolanda has poisoned you. First, you give me mental images of Hagrid and Trelawny, which I shall Obliviate from my memory later, and now, you give me a mental image of Filius charming Pomona to float above his bed." He smirked suddenly. "Dare we try that?"

Hermione laughed loudly, drawing a few glances toward them. "Maybe later, scamp."

"I am, aren't I?" he asked arrogantly. "But you love me."

"Yes. Hopelessly, I'm afraid."

"Good evening," Minerva slurred. "I've just wanted to wish everyone a happy Valentine's Day. Who wants to go first?"

"I'll do it," Rolanda said, standing up quickly.

"Go first?" Hermione questioned Severus.

He placed a finger over her mouth. "Listen. It's tradition."

Rolanda took a sip from her goblet before speaking. "I want to propose a toast to having a normal Valentine's Day." Most present took a drink. "The best thing about not having Lockhart here is that the Quidditch Pitch has not been affronted!" Nearly everyone laughed. "That bastard charmed pink and red ribbons to flutter in the wind on all of my hoops and the stands. He even charmed some ruddy falling hearts to continuously blow about the field!" She took another drink. "Cheers!"

Filius squeaked. "I say that the best thing about not having Lockhart here for the holiday is that the doors haven't been charmed to spurt horrible phrases such as 'Be mine,' 'I love you,' 'You're sweet,' "Marry me," and the like. It was funny at first, but it got old quick!" Everyone began laughing in remembrance. "I'm glad that Albus was able to limit it to Gilderoy's personal rooms only."

Madame Sprout stood up, sloshing a smoking green liquid from her glass. "The best thing about that pesky blighter not being here for the holiday is having undecorated greenhouses!" She giggled madly at her own memory for a moment before speaking. "I entered the first one to find that nearly everything had been dusted with pink, candy-smelling powder! The more I tried to charm it away, the sweeter the smell would become. That's when I noticed a ruddy banner that read, 'How sweet it is, Valentine.' I could have choked him."

Minerva laughed. "Luckily you were able to reverse it."

"Oi! He's lucky he could walk after what you did with him," Rolanda exclaimed suddenly.

"Rolanda!" Minerva chided.

"No, let's tell the new ones, shall we?" Minerva nodded her agreement reluctantly. "He walks into the staff room, starts to Transfigure some of the chairs into pink, fluffy lounges. Well, he gets to the table that Minerva and I were sitting at, and he tries to switch our chairs even though we still sat in them." Rolanda began laughing. "Minerva shot up as soon as he uttered his spell, and I've never seen her do such quick wandwork, even against me. Lockhart's arse and other bits had been Transfigured into who knows what, his ears were turned into hearts, his hair had been dyed pink, and his voice sounded like a little girl's voice. I never laughed so hard. Do you know he stayed that way for fifteen hours before Albus went to right him?"

Hermione laughed at the image the tale brought to mind. The staff really did get on well with each other, didn't they? Most took turns bashing Lockhart for his atrocities during his stint as a professor at Hogwarts. Severus told his story and maintained that even though Lockhart had enchanted some little cupid to follow him around his chambers, he hadn't meant to spill any Sleeping Draught into his tea. Nobody believed that, not even Hermione. She could see by the satisfied glint in his eyes that he'd do it over again if given the chance.

She looked around with watchful eyes. There was more going on behind the scenes than she'd ever imagined as a student. It was odd that students never really thought of their professors as having lives other than teaching. There was a kinship between the staff that no outsider could understand. Rolanda and Minerva quarreled often, but once you got to know them both and watched them together, you could see that they truly respected each other. Valentine's Day had been one of her most memorable yet, and if each holiday with Severus would be as enjoyable, she knew she would cherish them always.

"I think we should take our leave," he said, standing next to her. "We've early classes in the morning."

"I don't mind. You seem to be having a good time," she said sweetly, eyeing his tumbler.

Severus took her hand. "I'd prefer to be somewhere private for the remainder of the evening."

"Have plans, do we?"

"Only to hold you," he said softly. "Thank you, Hermione."

She didn't have to ask what he was thanking her for. She knew already. He was happy to have someone to share holidays with. She imagined that he'd always felt alone on such gatherings even though he would never admit it.

Once they were in their chambers, he picked up the book that she had bought for him. "I'm going to the loo. I'll read on this," he said, handing her a small parchment from his pocket. "This is for you." She noticed that he seemed suddenly flustered as he sped off to the bathroom. She changed into her nightclothes and slid into bed before reading his note. It was a simple acrostic poem forming her first name. Tears of emotion flowed freely down her cheeks as she read his words.

Higher beings sent this woman to me.

Emotions loosened, setting me free.

Regrets are now a thing of the past.

Matrimony ensured that we'd last.

I know she has helped my soul to heal.

Only for her could I again feel.

Never will I curse fate for sending my wife.

Each day I'll cherish her for all of my life.

Hermione,

I know that I don't always express my feelings as I should, but I will always cherish you and be grateful for having you come into my life. Do not, however, expect saccharine word declarations often, as I still have a reputation to uphold. Considering that I already appear excessively sentimental, I shall end this by saying that I love you, and I love our child.

Severus

She'd thought that the roses, slippers, and the bathrobe had been her gifts for the day. This was worth more to her than anything else. His words. She hurried over to place the parchment in her chest. She would keep it for always and read over it often. Hermione lay back down and eventually drifted off to sleep, never knowing that her husband had been too embarrassed to face her after she'd read his letter. Her body instinctively spooned against his as he pulled her close and whispered his words of love.

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

Lucius allowed his wife to pull their duvet up over him before he spoke. "You always please me."

"I'm glad," she said, getting comfortable. "Did Draco look well?"

Damn! She'd spoke about their son the entire day. Did she have some maternal instinct alerting her to his sexual frustrations? "He was fine, Narcissa. Do stop badgering me. I've told you that he sent his appreciation for the sweets."

"Does this Greengrass girl appear worthy? Has she lost her mousy appearance?" she asked worriedly. "We still have our family image to uphold."

"She was the picture of a perfect Malfoy bride. However, I would not pressure him. I sensed that he might try to rebel if we push him too far. I think we should allow him to get his flat in London once he finishes school. He can still learn his duties with me and feel as if he is on his own. When I feel he is groomed enough, then we shall persuade him to marry the girl." Lucius kissed his wife's hand. "Sleep."

Narcissa turned away from her husband but snuggled against him. "Pleasant dreams, Lucius."

"Same to you." He hoped that she would leave well enough alone. She need not know that her son enjoyed both wizards and witches. She had been most upset when she'd found out that he, like most intelligent wizards, enjoyed sexual pleasures with either gender. It was something that most did but kept quiet. He'd have to be sure that Draco learnt the importance of subtlety.

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

"Are you sure, Master?" Bella asked sweetly.

"I am. The snake will be delivered in the morning in a large crate. I will bring Ginny down with me. Are you sure you can handle this, Bella?" Harry asked, searching her eyes.

"I've really no other choice. If I want to stay alive, it will have to be done," she said. "If I use magic, the Ministry will only find me. You have a right to take it from me to pay for all the suffering I have caused and will never atone for."

"Good answer," Harry said. "I am glad that you have been so understanding about everything."

"I have a final request," Bella said. Her black eyes began gleaming.

Feeling uncomfortable, Harry asked, "What is it?"

"Look into my mind. I dare not voice it," she replied demurely.

Harry looked into her eyes and immediately found what he sought. He pulled his eyes away from hers. A last request. Would it be so horrible to grant? It could well be the last time that she would ever ask anything of him. She helped you with Luna. She helped you to find information on Voldemort's curses. She adores you. She has changed. The voices in his head rambled about why he should fulfill her request. He knew that the sensible thing to do was to walk away. Ginny's face flitted through his mind. His lover was so sweet and faithful to him. So is Bella. "I love my girlfriend," he said, though his voice faltered.

"I know," replied the dark witch, sounding disappointed.

"Nox!"

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

Severus woke up earlier than normal and quickly got ready for his day. Something had been plaguing him. He knew that it concerned Harry. Why was he feeling guilty for going forward with the plans to terminate Bella? Hermione's disappointed face flitted through his mind, followed closely by Harry's. Hermione did not approve of his decision. He shrugged. They would not always agree on everything. It would do well for him to have a quick talk with Harry. Maybe Hermione was right. He did have a right to know, but he didn't want the boy to do anything foolish, such as helping her to escape. He kissed Hermione's sleeping face twice before he left.

She would understand that he had things to do before it was time for breakfast. The first thing he did was to retrieve a small box from a shelf in his office. He then made his way to Gryffindor Tower. "Open," he instructed the sleepy portrait's occupant.

"Yes, fine," she murmured.

He entered the common room with narrowed eyes, looking for any signs of inappropriate behavior or improper items. Two students were already awake and sitting at a table reading over assignments. They stared openly, wide-eyed and mouths agape, at Severus as he made his way up to the boys dormitories. He could hear horrendous snoring before he even opened the door. "Good Lord," he said in disgust. Upon entering, he followed the sounds to find Longbottom! Of course, it would be that lout making such a ruckus. How did Harry and the others sleep? He quickly muttered a Silencing Charm on the brat before finding Harry's bed. "Harry, I need you to come with me."

Severus stepped back in shock as he saw the wide-awake green eyes watching him, and the wand pointing in his direction. "Sir, sorry," the boy said. "I didn't know who had come in."

"I have something to show you," Severus said. "Meet me in the corridor after you're dressed." He quickly strode from the room and made his way down the stairs. A few more students had wandered down. He heard someone whispering about him being there, but he didn't pay attention to the little gossipmongers. It didn't take long for Harry to find him.

"Morning," the boy said, sounding tired.

"This way," Severus said. He led Harry into the first available classroom, taking out his small box. "I am sure you will remember this," he said, smirking slightly. He took out his Pensieve and set it down on the desk nearest them.

"What do you want to do with that?" Harry asked curiously.

"I want to show you something, Harry. This has a memory of Bella at her best. I thought maybe you needed to see her in her glory, as we all remember her." Severus noted that Harry's face turned stony. Severus held his wand to his head, extracted a silvery strand, and placed it inside the Pensieve.

"Fine," he said shortly.

"Go on," Severus said encouragingly. "You need to see this, Harry. You need to put things into perspective." Harry nodded and leant forward to view the Pensieve. Severus sat down to wait. He knew what Harry would be seeing. He hoped it would remind Harry exactly who the woman was that he'd come to favor. The memory, slightly obscured, came back to him.

Bella was sitting in the lap of Rodolphus Lestrange, cackling madly. "It is good to have you back," she said happily. "Our Lord will be pleased to see his servants returned to him." They'd just broken out the last of the Death Eaters from Azkaban again.

"What has happened since we have been captured? They didn't tell us anything," said Rodolphus bitterly. "How has our Lord's work been fulfilled as of late? Have we lost anyone?"

"No," Bella said happily. "Do you not remember who fell at the Ministry? Sirius Black. I killed him. Poor, pitiful Potter tried to seek me out for revenge, but he's just a little baby. He couldn't even send the Cruciatus the right way."

Her husband laughed loudly. "That little brat will die. Our cause will dominate, and we shall be victorious!" He looked over his wife's body for a moment. "It has been a long time since I've had you."

Bellatrix began peeling her clothes away. "Would you not rather someplace private?" He looked around to see Lucius, Severus, Rabastan, and Antonin watching the display.

"Stay," a high-pitched, cold voice commanded. "We shall watch."

The wizard dared not disobey his Lord. He allowed his wife to disrobe completely whilst he only unbuckled his trousers. He had always hated having others watch him. Having been denied sexual pleasures for so long, it didn't take him long to find release. His wife began screaming wildly. "Is that all you can give me after so long? Is that it? You call yourself a wizard!"

Their Dark Lord spoke. "Antonin will give you pleasure." Antonin moved forward, throwing aside his robes and trousers proudly.

"On your knees, Bella," he said boldly. She smirked and did as he requested. After a few moments, it was clear that the witch was bored.

The Dark Lord stood up, went to her, and placed one hand upon her brow. Within seconds, she was panting and bucking wildly against Antonin. "Master," she began chanting frantically. She continued her intonation even after Antonin had finished his ministrations and pulled away. Finally, with a final screech, she slumped to the floor in exhaustion.

"This is how a powerful Lord rewards his faithful servants. He gives them whatever they desire, if it is within his ability to do so. Bella has developed a plan to ensure our victory. I will continue to bestow my favoritism upon her whilst she pleases me," Voldemort said, looking upon those gathered through his slitty eyes.

Severus watched as Harry stepped away from the Pensieve. The memory seemed to have the effect he'd hoped for. The boy's face was reddened with anger, and his breathing was uneven. "Do you understand now, Harry, why she must pay the ultimate price for her deeds? That is who she was and still is."

Harry nodded. "She was laughing about Sirius, her own cousin! She was laughing about me."

"Don't," Severus commanded, as Harry clutched his wand. "Let Lucius and I handle it."

"I need time to think," Harry said. "Thanks."

Severus simply nodded. He hoped that the boy would appreciate what he'd shared with him, and he hoped that the boy wouldn't share the memory with anyone else. It had cost a lot to show him any portion of the past, but Harry needed to see how Bella was again. Severus gathered his memory, picked up the Pensieve, and made his way back to his chambers. After placing his box back on the shelf, he made his way to his chambers. "What is it?" he asked with concern, seeing a pale Hermione slumped over on the bed.

"I feel terrible," she said. "I don't have class until nine this morning. Do you think you could find me a safe potion to take to curve my nausea?"

"Yes, do you need anything else?" he asked.

"No," she said, shaking her head slightly.

Severus went back to his office. He pitied her. He knew, thanks to the many books he'd read, there would likely be a few more weeks of this sickness. For one dark moment, he nearly questioned if it was worth it. How bloody horrible! Of course it was worth it. This would pass. He found the potion that he was looking for and grinned wickedly for a moment. At least if she wasn't feeling well, she couldn't question him about that ruddy poem that he'd written!

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

"Harry!" Ginny called. "I've been looking for you. Did you still want me to go down to the chamber this morning once your snake has arrived?" She didn't like the sad expression upon his face. "What's wrong, Harry?"

"I just have a lot on my mind. Maybe you shouldn't come down with me," he said.

"No, I want to," she pressed. "We don't have much time alone. Let's go wait for your friend."

"You're right," he said softly, taking her hand. "Ginny, lately I've not been myself. I do love you."

"I love you." She giggled. "Come on."

They only had to wait for twenty minutes. Jonas Stebbins walked up to the front gate while hovering a large rectangular crate alongside him. Ginny smiled at the boy. She barely remembered him from his time at school. He'd always seemed pleasant.

"Hello, Harry," he said easily.

"Hi," Harry said. "This is my girlfriend, Ginny Weasley. Ginny, this is Jonas Stebbins."

"Hello," Ginny said easily. "Is it in there?"

"Yep. She's a beauty. Do you want me to open it up?" he asked, looking to Harry. Harry nodded. "Right then." He allowed the crate to settle onto the ground, and with a wave of his wand, the top opened. Ginny jumped back slightly as the large viper snaked its way upward to have a look around.

Harry began conversing in Parseltongue with the snake. Ginny had always been fascinated by his ability. It was odd to remember that she once spoke the language when Tom had possessed her though the diary. She wished that she knew what was bothering Harry. He had such a disposition of melancholia this morning. Why? They'd had a nice visit to Hogsmeade the day before. He was gaining a new familiar. It just didn't make sense.

"Oi!" Ron called. "Is that the new snake?"

Ginny turned to see her brother and Draco making their way over to them. "Yes," she said since Harry was still talking to the snake. "We're going to take it down in just a minute."

"We'll come, too," Ron said eagerly. "Maybe it'll have a go at that bitch."

"We can't," Draco said, elbowing him. "Remember what Snape said."

"Oh, right. Guess we'll just have to go and have a spot of breakfast. You two going to join us after? Have you early classes?" Ron asked, eyeing Harry oddly. He made a few hissing noises to mock Harry, but they went unnoticed.

Ginny grinned. "I have one at nine. Harry doesn't go until ten."

"See you then," Draco said, turning towards the Great Hall. Ron simply waved and followed his friend.

Harry looked at Jonas. "Brilliant. I'm glad you've brought her to me. What do I need to sign?"

"Sign here, and we'll be able to charge it to your account at Gringotts." Jonas handed Harry a quill and parchment. "I really appreciate that you did business with us."

"Not a problem. If I need anything else, I will let you know." Harry shook his hand. "Did your wife enjoy the chocolates?"

"Yes, her and mum both. Thanks, mate."

"Anytime. Take care of yourself." Ginny smiled at the young wizard before he left. Harry lifted his wand to shrink the crate. After putting it in his pocket, he hissed at the snake again. He stooped to stroke it on its head. "Ready then."

For some reason, a feeling of unease washed over her. She hated going down into the chamber with Harry, but she knew that it proved to him that she could handle his past. He was the only one that could handle her past with Tom. She needed to be with him even though she didn't want anything to do with his creepy snakes or that bitch, Bella. They made their way down quickly, and after Harry unwarded the room, they entered Bella's chambers. She sat on the couch and watched. The dark-haired woman glided over to Harry immediately.

"Greetings, my Lord. What brings you here so early in the day?" she asked.

"I've brought another familiar for Nagini to have as a companion. She's out there. I'll go hunt down Nagini and introduce them," Harry said, turning away from the witch. "I won't be long," he told Ginny.

"All right." As soon as Harry left, she looked towards Bella. The witch seemed angry. "What? Why are you staring at me like that?"

"Do you know that the only thing between him and me... is you?" Bella looked at her nails casually. "I think, Ginny, that we should come to an agreement."

"W-what sort of agreement?" Ginny asked suspiciously as the woman came closer to her.

"Oh, you know. The kind where you share your body with me until I can be rid of you. I'll have a new life to look forward to, and it will be me that ends up with Potter, not you."

"You bitch! I knew it," Ginny said, pulling her wand. To her horror, Bellatrix was faster than she thought possible. Her wand was wrestled away from her quickly, and she found herself looking down the length of her own wand. "You wouldn't dare! He'll know."

"He won't know! You forget that I have long practiced in the ways of the dark. My old Lord taught me well." Just as Bella was about to cast a hex at her, Ginny pushed forward with all of her strength, toppling each over. The table next to the settee crashed loudly as they fell. Ginny prayed that Harry would hear and come for her. Bella was stronger than she looked.

Ginny screamed as loudly as she could, but her scream was halted as a jet of red light hit her squarely in the chest. She could feel the air slowly working its way in and out of her body. She could move no part of her body, and all she could do was watch and listen as the evil witch began chanting something. "What the fuck?" It was Harry. He'd heard her and come for her. In the next moment, she saw Harry roughly grab Bella and wrestle the wand away from her.

"Master, stop!" the witch screamed. "Stop! It is for you that I do this!"

"You are nothing but Voldemort's whore! I saw Snape's Pensieve. You laughed about Sirius! You laughed about me!" Harry had never yelled so angrily at anyone before. Ginny couldn't see anything other than a slight scuffle just out of her line of sight to her left.

Things began to get slightly fuzzy for Ginny, and the light seemed to be fading. She could hear Bella's pleas and Harry's angry retorts, but one thing she heard made her shudder mentally. Hissing. Nagini had come and had slithered over her body to get to the ruckus. In a moment of sheer panic, Ginny lost consciousness.

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

"Thanks," Hermione said taking a scone from the offered plate. "I feel much better. Honestly. We could have even gone to the Great Hall for breakfast."

"Nonsense," Severus insisted. "You were not fine earlier. I admit you do look better now that you've taken the potion and freshened up. Are you sure that you can teach today?"

"Yes. What was in the mail?" she asked curiously.

"Oh, you've a letter from Krum again."

She reached over and picked up the letter. Hermione read it quickly. "Oh, look. It says that he will be here tomorrow. He's coming with his coach. They want to have a look at Harry and a few others while flying! He wants to have dinner. What do you think?" she asked.

"Dinner. With him?" Severus' mouth formed a pale line. "I think not."

"Oh, Severus, you are invited. I'm certain of it," she said, holding back a giggle. He seemed truly distraught. What was the big deal?

"Hermione, I am glad that you find humor in the situation. I assure you that I do not. How would you like for me to constantly exchange letters with a past lover? How would you like for her to invite me to dinner? Hmmm?" He raised an eyebrow.

"We were never lovers, Severus. There is a difference," she said tartly.

"But he longed to be your lover. Still does, I would think." He smirked. "You also dream about this young wizard. What am I to think?"

Hermione looked hurt. "Are you serious?"

"About him wanting you? Yes, I am." He reached over and took her hand. "I would never believe you to want him though. No, I was teasing."

"Don't tease like that, Severus. I thought you were serious. I... wanted to cry." She wiped a tear away. "Ruddy hormones!"

Severus chuckled. "I shall not deny his request for you to join him at dinner, but I will guarantee that I shall be present."

All amusement left his face, and Hermione knew that he spoke the truth. "Maybe we could mention a little about our research while he is here."

"We shall see," he said firmly. "Come here, woman."

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

Ginny woke again on the cold chamber floor. The blurry image of Harry was leaning over her, chanting something in Parseltongue. "H-Harry?"

"Yes," he said excitedly, pulling her into his arms. "What is it with you and this chamber?"

She smiled weakly. "I'll be fine as long as I have you to rescue me. What did she do to me?"

"Some sort of Stunning Spell," he answered immediately. "Ginny, I love you. I am so sorry. For everything. Please believe that."

"It's not your fault, Harry. She is an evil woman," she said. Her voice still sounded weak.

"There has just been so much more," he said softly, looking towards the room. She saw his eyes narrow. "Don't you dare move, Ginny. I want to see if they are finished."

"What do you mean?" she asked, as he lowered her back to the floor.

"Bella is no more. Nagini... I ordered her to handle things." He smiled softly. "Stay here."

She tried to see what he was doing, but there wasn't much to see. She could hear some shuffling, and then she heard some cackling. Moments later, Harry spoke, sounding unlike himself. "Like that, do you, Bella? Never thought I would live to see you end this way. You should have behaved, Bella. You've been a naughty girl. I do hope you find your peace."

Ginny made out a shining purple light, and she could hear his hissing and spitting. He was communicating with his snakes. As she mustered the strength to sit up, Harry came back out to sit with her. "It was brilliant. Nagini was magically altered by Voldemort to be able to eat nearly anyone he requested. That way, he didn't have to worry about the body mass percentage and what have you. Her bottom jaw dislocated itself, and she slid Bella right in. That unhinging was bloody fucking amazing!" He chuckled, giving her gooseflesh. "She'd had the life squeezed out of her by then unfortunately. Her eyes even bul..."

"I don't want to hear it, Harry," she said, suddenly horrified at the images she was seeing. "That's disgusting." She began to cry softly. "She was going to kill me or take my body. I don't know what she was doing, but it nearly worked, Harry. Why did you leave me alone with her?"

"Gin, there is nothing I can change. I am sorry. I wanted to be sure that Nagini and my new snake got on well," he said softly, kissing her cheek. "I would never endanger you. I promise."

"You were going to set her free. Weren't you?" she asked through sobs.

"Yes, I was... until this morning, that is. I had a look at something that made me think things through," he said, before pressing his lips to hers. He pulled away a moment later. "Kiss me."

"I... can't right now. I feel horrible." She'd never let herself show such emotion to anyone, especially Harry. "I'm sorry, Harry. I'm really not weak. I just don't know what to think right now."

"Don't worry, Gin." He stood up and pulled her up with him. "Let me carry you to Madame Pomfrey. She'll know what to do."

She nodded, feeling exhausted. Bella's nasty hex had left her feeling extremely weak. Harry guided her away, but she was able to have a glimpse into the room. She saw the new snake curled near the couch while Nagini was sprawled along the floor. There was an unmistakable bulge in her body that could only be the remains of Bellatrix Lestrange. "Oh, my God," Ginny breathed before fainting.

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

Severus walked his wife to her class and squeezed her shoulder lightly. "I'll meet you for lunch in the Great Hall, then?"

"Yes, I'll be there. I'm going to use my free hour before to catch up on some assignments. If you get away sooner, come back up here," she said with a smile.

"Agreed." He turned away and paused, glancing back. "I still say he fancies you."

"Severus!" she exclaimed quietly. "This again?"

"I do enjoy teasing you," he said with a chuckle before walking off.

Hermione went into the classroom, grinning broadly. She was secretly pleased that Viktor was coming for a visit. Something about his letters seemed odd, and she wanted to ask him about the dreams he had mentioned. It was such a coincidence that he would be having dreams about her as well.

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

"What's wrong with her?" Madame Pomfrey exclaimed. "She looks horrible."

"She fainted," Harry replied. "There has been an accident, and I'm afraid she's received a bit of a shock. Oh, hello, Headmaster Dumbledore. I didn't see you there."

"I've only just come. I felt the need to visit Poppy. Tell me, Harry. What has happened?" he asked, looking at Harry directly over the rims of his glasses.

Harry laid Ginny onto a bed while she was checked over, and he led Dumbledore away from Pomfrey's range of hearing. "Bella tried to attack her. I fought her off, and Nagini finished her."

"Indeed?"

"Yes."

"I see, and how is your new familiar?" Albus asked softly.

"Nagini likes her."

"Have you picked out a name for her?"

"In hopes that I won't sound morbid, I think I should like to call her Bella."

"Interesting. No, not morbid at all, but simply a reminder," the elder man said, putting a hand on Harry's shoulder. "This is a reminder that some people are no better than the serpent they serve, and those people deserve to live a life slithering about the feet of their betters." Albus smiled at Harry's shocked look. "Return my book to me tomorrow evening for our weekly meeting. Check on your young woman and be off to class."

"Thank you, sir," Harry said uneasily.

Albus watched as he spoke soft words to his girlfriend and fled the infirmary. "How do you feel, my dear?" he asked quietly.

"Sick," she muttered. "Better than before. Madame Pomfrey says that I just suffered a bit of shock, and they aren't sure what sort of Stun Bella used. It is likely one of her own making, but I seem fine otherwise."

"I am going to ask that you do something for me," Dumbledore said softly. "I would like to retract this memory from you, and I would like your permission to view it along with Professor Snape. Would you mind?"

"No, of course not," she agreed quickly. "What do I have to do?"

"One moment," he said. He walked to the fireplace in Poppy's office and threw in some powder. "Severus Snape's Office." A moment later, he exited the grate. He neared the door leading to the classroom.

"What kind of fool are you, Ackerley? You do not add the scales in until after it has simmered for five minutes! Ten points from Ravenclaw. Begin anew," Severus said, clearly irritated. "Who can tell me what happens when you add the scale of a dragon too soon? If I had not witnessed this boy's idiocy and extinguished the potion, what would have become of Mr. Ackerley and most of those surrounding him?" He looked around. Not one hand was raised. His eyes narrowed as they landed on Whitby. "Mr. Whitby? Perhaps you might want to enlighten us, as you seem to be amused."

"I don't know, sir," he replied promptly.

"Really," Severus said, sneering impatiently. "Ten points from Hufflepuff. You will all turn in an essay on the very question that I just asked. Your parchment will be no shorter than two feet, and I warn you now, I shall check for magical margins. Carry on." As he made his way back to his desk, he saw Albus waiting for him. He walked to him immediately. He heard a few whispers behind him. "Silence," he hissed.

"I need you to come with me, and I need you to bring your Pensieve. Do you think you could leave them?"

Severus really didn't like to leave fourth years alone, but he would brave these two Houses being alone together. He had the perfect plan. "Where should I meet you?"

"I'll be in the infirmary," Albus said abruptly. "You may Floo in. I will leave it open."

"All right," he agreed. He turned to face his class. Several curious heads lowered. "Baron," he called lightly. Within moments, he felt the temperature near him drop slightly.

"Yes?"

Loudly, Severus said, "I have to meet with the headmaster about something important. I would like to leave these students in your care. Do you agree?" The specter nodded once. He turned to the class and saw that most had heard. Expressions of fear were on everyone's faces. He did enjoy terrorizing the little dunderheads. "The Bloody Baron will oversee the class. If I do not return, I expect you to turn in labeled samples at the end of class. You are to remain silent. I am giving the Baron leave to do as needed. Do not forget your assignments."

"I will try not to harm anyone," the ghost said with a wink. Severus nodded. He quickly retrieved his Pensieve. Who would have thought that he'd need it twice in one day? Within moments, he was in Poppy's office and made his way to where Albus stood. He was shocked to see Ginny Weasley lying in a bed.

"What has happened?" he asked, handing the Pensieve to Albus.

"A great deal," came the reply. He watched as his mentor instructed the witch on how to extract a memory. "Thank you, Ginevra. We do appreciate this. Now, take the potion that Madame Pomfrey has instructed, and we shall check in on you later."

Severus silently followed the headmaster to his office. Albus held up his hand to stay his questions. "Just watch with me." They both allowed themselves to be drawn into the Pensieve to see Ginny Weasley's memory of the day's events. Severus was shocked to see that she had gone with Harry down to the chamber and what had transpired. He remained silent until the memory was over. He allowed himself to be pulled back out of the Pensieve.

"What do you think?" Albus asked. His face displayed no emotion. Severus couldn't sense his feelings on it either way.

"I have to tell you something," Severus said quickly. "I allowed Potter to see a memory that I had of Bella this morning. That is true. I wanted him to see her as I remember her. I think maybe it made a difference."

"What do you think about this, Severus?"

"I am unsure," he admitted. "It seems too clean, too sudden. He seemed resigned to her fate this morning, and he was righteously angry. However, seeing him dictate her death in such a manner, I am unsure."

"I thought that you might have your doubts. Whatever the case may be, Bellatrix Lestrange is gone from our lives. She will never return. The only Bella here, as we've seen, is his snake. Is that clear?" he asked softly.

"It is. I shall send news to Lucius at once, Albus," Severus said, standing up.

"Did you give him information on how to enter the chambers via the cliffs?"

"I did not."

"Excellent." Albus stood to pat Severus on the shoulder. "Rest easy, my boy. She is gone for good."

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

"Severus, you're late," Hermione said, turning away from Stuart and Rolanda as her husband took his seat next to her. "Has something gone wrong with your classes?"

"No, it's Harry," he said quietly. "I shall explain it to you after we have eaten. I am famished."

"Of course, love," she said softly. She eyed her husband thoughtfully. What had Harry done now? Had he and Lucius decided to put off Bella's demise to give Harry a bit more time for research? She turned to Stuart to give Severus peace as he ate. "So, do you think you will like Egypt?"

"Oh, most definitely," he said cheerfully. "I am a well-traveled man. I have skirted through only once before, purely an accident though. The wizards there have such fascinating tales. I am glad that I shall be able to stay longer."

"We'll not have much time to be hearing tales," Rolanda said suggestively. "I imagine we'll be doing a bit of bodily exploration if you know what I mean."

Hermione flushed as the witch licked her lips at her intended. Stuart swallowed heavily. "I believe I do know what you mean."

Hermione grinned as he picked up his napkin to wipe his brow. If she had to guess, she would say that they'd never had sex before, but how could that be? Rolanda surely wouldn't put up with that, would she? She shrugged slightly. How refreshing though to wait until marriage before becoming lovers! She was glad that she and Severus hadn't waited. Not that we had any choice, she thought bitterly. A hand drifted down to caress her stomach lightly. She would always cherish Christmas even more than before. It was their special time together.

"I'm ready," her husband's silky voice said, interrupting her memories of their first coupling. "A Knut for your thoughts."

"Are you so cheap to offer only a Knut?" she asked cheekily, following him out the side exit of the hall.

"A Galleon then," he replied, taking her hand once they were alone in the corridor.

"I'll tell you for free because I love you," she said softly. "I was remembering the first time that we made love together." She giggled. "I was so afraid. Not of you, but of the thought of doing something wrong."

"Hermione, you are nothing less than perfect for me. Never think that you can do anything wrong," he said honestly, trailing her cheeks with his index fingers. "We need to talk, Hermione."

"Is he all right?" she asked uncertainly.

Severus quickly told her everything that he'd seen in Ginny's memory. "In conclusion, I am suspicious. I wish that we could have seen it all, but unfortunately, she wasn't conscious the entire time. You know Harry as good as anyone. What do you think?"

"He was so adamant about letting her live, but I think since you allowed him to see that memory of her, he realized that she was still the same person that she's always been," she said, trying to reassure him. He seemed so doubtful. "If you are unsure, Severus, why don't you go down with him to check on things? Won't Nagini excrete some of her remains? Maybe you could check it out."

"Perhaps," he said. "I will have a talk with him, but I would like for you to also let me know if you notice anything odd. You would, wouldn't you?"

"Yes," she answered instantly. "Of course. Why didn't you and Albus just walk through the door to see for yourselves what was going on while in the memory?"

"We can't go any farther than her memory allows. She can draw her own conclusions about what has happened, but it wouldn't be true unless she witnessed it. We merely stayed with her to view things from her perspective." He shook his head slowly. I just wanted you to be aware of everything. I have already Flooed Lucius. He is not as skeptical as I am. He is relieved about Bella's fate." He grinned. "It's always been in my nature to disbelieve something unless I've seen proof."

"But, Severus, you have seen proof. Ginny's mem..."

"No, I did not see Nagini kill Bellatrix in that memory. I saw what appeared to be her death."

"You said that Ginny saw the body outline in Nagini's form. That is proof, Severus. I think you are just afraid to let your guard down. We are finally free. I think we owe it to Harry to work on his research, but as far as Bellatrix Lestrange is concerned, we are free."

"Mmmm," he said noncommittally. "I shall see you after classes. Go see to your friend if you'd like." He placed a small kiss on her brow before descending the stairs that led to the dungeons.

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

Hermione sat next to Severus in the staff box as they watched the fliers pass by quickly. They were all making a few laps around the pitch before starting. Classes had been cancelled so that the entire student body could be present. Viktor Krum flew nearby on his broom and waved at her. She waved back, happy to see her friend again. When she noticed Severus' surly glare, she put a hand upon his thigh. "You know you are the only one for me, Severus."

"Yes, I know," he said, trying to smile but failing. That bastard doesn't know it though. "Look at their formation." They watched as the players began showing their talents. Harry, of course, blew everyone away.

Hermione could see Krum and his coach watching him and a few others with interest. Ron seemed to impress them as well. She was happy. Ron really wanted to play Quidditch after school. Hermione was sure that Harry had changed his mind, but he wouldn't pass up the chance to fly. Maybe if he saw an interest from a professional team, he would want to go on to play professionally. He and Viktor practiced the Wronski Defensive Feint, which Harry won each time. Harry also practiced the Plumpton Pass. She found herself standing to cheer for her friends more than a few times. Severus seemed embarrassed slightly, but that changed when Stuart began jumping up to cheer for Rolanda as she would pass on her broom or direct players.

Severus whispered, "Here I thought you were the most exuberant of the staff." He nodded to Stuart. "This idiot isn't even cheering for players."

"Shush," Hermione said playfully.

"I think you are exhibiting favoritism! I don't see you cheering for Draco or any other Slytherin as enthusiastically," he said in mock anger.

"I have been cheering for Draco. The others, well, they've not been doing so well." She smirked slightly. "Besides, as their leader, I don't see you cheering very much."

The next couple of hours passed by quickly while they watched the players have a couple of mock games. When it was over, Viktor flew straight for Hermione. "Herm-own-ninny," he said in greeting. "Vill you have dinner vith me?" He barely glanced at Severus, intent on her face only.

"Yes, we will. Where do you want us to meet you?"

It was then that Krum flicked a surly gaze at her husband. "Ve are staying in town. I vill send an owl."

"Excellent. Great flying, Viktor!" Hermione said sweetly.

"Vell, thanks," he said with a wink before flying off to meet his coach.

"Do you see what I am talking about?" Severus asked in annoyance. "He is disappointed because you clearly told him that I would be there."

"I'll explain things," she said quickly, trying to quell his temper. "Don't be upset, Severus. I think it's just how he treats close friends. It might be some odd custom. You're coming with me. That's all that matters."

He allowed an arm to snake around her even though most of the school was still about the pitch. "I hate another man giving you attention."

Hermione sighed. "Ho, ho," she said in a bored voice. "I think it's time that we moved on from this subject, Severus. I understand how you feel, and I would likely feel the same way. I have felt that way, in fact. Rolanda? Remember that?"

Severus chuckled. "Indeed. Point taken."

"Have you talked to Harry?" Hermione asked quickly, hoping to change the subject.

"Not yet, but I shall."

"Let's go down and freshen up. Viktor will send an owl for us soon."

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

Harry reached down to stroke Nagini on the head for a moment. "Ginny, are you sure you want to be down here after what happened?"

"Yes, I just want to prove to myself that I can," she said, forcing herself to look around. "Thanks for bringing me."

"Anything for you," he said. "Are you about ready?"

"Yes," she said, looking around again. She'd never fear this place again. She had been rendered helpless here twice, and Harry had rescued her both times. She looked over to watch her lover as he moved on to stroke and fondle his new snake, Bella. She didn't like that he named the snake after that bitch, but she supposed it was ironic. Each time she saw the creature, she would remember that her nemesis had met the perfect end. Who was she to think she deserved Harry's affections? That whore!

Harry was talking to the snake in Parseltongue and stroking it softly. She could swear for a moment that the snake looked directly at her and smirked. Bloody hell! She was imagining things. "You know, I am proud of you, Harry. You did so well today. Everyone was talking about your flying." She touched her temples slightly. That potion she'd taken earlier was now taking effect. She actually felt a little dizzy.

"Well," he began, "I still say that you should have been out there with us. It was for all sixth and seventh years."

"Even if I had wanted to, I couldn't have. I am starting to feel odd. The medicine," she said by way of explanation. He held out a hand to her. "Thanks."

She watched as Harry looked around once, smirking evilly. "I do like this place. It makes me feel good about being me. I triumphed over something horrible here. It makes me feel alive."

Ginny didn't like the eerie breeze that blew around them suddenly. "Come on," she said. The Phoenix song sang out around them as Harry led her away.

---

Southern's Notes: So... what do you think about Bella? I hope I didn't confuse anyone with the Pensieve stuff.

I would like to point out that the sensibility charm that allowed them to feel the little one was not an original idea. I was greatly influenced by Ramos in her story, "Hinge of Fate." If you've not read that, please do. It's brilliant.

Up Next: Dinner with Krum, Harry's side of what happened in the Chamber, a talk with Albus, and Succubus information (Viktor's view of things). Cheers!