Hermione traced circles on the bedsheets, her nose dangerously close to her husband's arm. It always seemed he was asleep before midnight the nights she couldn't sleep and that she was always asleep the nights he returned home late. She mused that their entire relationship fell into symmetry, never in the same place at the same time.
Hermione's hand stilled when his breath quickened, he winced, his lips parted. Another nightmare. She wrapped her fingers delicately through his hair, her lips whispering at his ear, "It's alright my love. No harm will come to you here." Hermione didn't know what the nightmares were about. He'd outright refuse to talk about them, or refuse to admit that he'd had any. She was careful never to press the issue, lest she incur his wrath. He was always scathing the next day.
Hermione smiled as her husband visibly calmed under her touch. She returned to lay on her stomach, her nose level with his this time. It was then that he started twisting, small moans emitting from the bottom of his throat. "Baby? Baby wake up," Hermione coaxed, shaking him gently. "Come on."
He rose with a jolt and caught her neck n his hand, pinning her down on the bed. Hermione struggled to breathe and felt her throat quickly drying out. She felt panic start to rise in her chest. He wouldn't let go in time, he would kill her here in their bed, he was capable…he awoke slowly on top of her and finally he released his hold and collapsed on top of her, his body shaking.
"Hermione, my lovely, beautiful Hermione," he said quietly. Even though his voice was strong Hermione could hear the apologetic undertones. She felt wetness on her neck and reached up to feel. He'd pierced her skin with their wedding ring. He stared at her neck where it bled. "Blood on snow…"
"It's okay," Hermione purred. "I understand, it's okay. You thought you were in danger…what were you dreaming about? Was it him? You know he's not com-"
"I know, lovely," he said, stopping her short. Hermione melted into him and he collected her in his arms and she kissed his cheek gently. "My little witch," he said, "my little innocent queen." Hermione smiled in spite of herself.
"I'm not so innocent anymore," she rubbed the outsides of his arms. He bent and kissed her. His kiss was rough and full of hunger as it has always been. Hermione knew full well that tomorrow someone would pay for his suffering a nightmare, but for now Lord Voldemort was pleased with having his queen. "I love you," she whispered.
"I know," he said. "You are mine."