Voldemort smiled to himself as he walked leisurely through the Hogwarts school grounds. Bodies littered the grass, blood glistening on the ground like miniscule twinkling lights. Some of the bodies he recognized as Death Eaters and he frowned in displeasure at the loss of so many of his most loyal followers. Of course, the battle for Hogwarts had been harsh on Death Eaters and students alike, but it had been magnificent in its terrible beauty. And finally, after the long years of pain and strife, Voldemort had succeeded in taking over the Wizarding world.

Screams floated on the air to him from the castle. He smiled again and continued weaving his way through the mangled sea of bodies. A familiar face caught his eye and he turned warily, crouching down next to the body. He clenched his hand in anger as he saw the vacant expression of Lucius Malfoy gazing up at him. Malfoy had been one of his closest advisors and a key part in most of his plans. A wave of fury claimed him as he stood, shaking like a leaf with the loss of his Death Eater.

Voldemort walked swiftly through the grounds now, not caring where he stepped. He had wanted to come and be alone; admire the scenery of what was once his most treasured home. Now that would have to wait until later. Someone needed to pay for Malfoy's death and he didn't care whom.

The oak doors slammed open before he reached them, alerting anyone left alive of his dangerous mood. Bellatrix Lestrange and Antonin Dolohov warily approached him, kneeling at his feet.

"Bring a prisoner to the- my office," he hissed. "I don't care who it is."

He pushed past them, but not before he had caught their exchanged looks of fear and relief. He almost stopped then and cursed the both of them but forced himself to keep going. There was no reason to lose any more of his Death Eaters. Once reaching his new office, he seated himself at the newly installed throne and waited for Bellatrix and Dolohov.

They had hurried, sensing that the Dark Lord was in one of his murderous rages. They thrust the prisoner through the door where she fell onto the carpet, unmoving. Quickly, they shut the door behind her and ran as far from the office as they could.

"What d' you reckon's the matter now?" Dolohov asked Bellatrix once they were a safe distance away from their Master's rage.

"Dunno. But I'd hate to be her right now," Bellatrix replied with a nasty smirk.

Back in the Headmaster's office, Voldemort rose slowly to his feet. He kept his face impassive as he stared at the prisoner that had been marked for death. She groaned and lifted her bruised face off the carpet. As soon as her eyes had focused, they locked onto Voldemort's face. He fought the impulse to flinch away from her stare. Her eyes were normal enough- chocolate brown- but they seemed to sear a path straight into his tainted soul. He shook off the feeling, cursing himself for the weakness, his hatred growing.

"You must know why you're here, don't you?" he asked softly, his voice smooth.

The girl stood in defiance, her chin lifting in a show of bravery.

"If you're going to kill me, just hurry up and get it over with." There was only the smallest tremor in her voice.

Voldemort's eyebrows raised, an amused smile stealing onto his face. He circled around the girl, as a vulture would its prey before attacking. The girl ignored him, staring straight ahead, towards the picture of Dumbledore that still hung on the wall. Something about her seemed strangely familiar and he struggled to place her face. He came to a stop in front of her and on impulse grabbed her chin roughly, forcing her to look at him. He was met with such an intense hatred, the likes of which he had only seen mirrored in one other expression before. His own anger wavered at the strength and beauty he saw in the girl's face.

It was in that moment that he remembered her name.

"Hermione Granger."

He was so taken aback at this realization that he let go of her chin and stepped away from her. He had touched her, a filthy Mudblood! She glared at him as he retreated, her hands balled up in fists at her sides.

"Well, are you going to kill me or not?" she snapped.

Voldemort's anger flared up again; he refused to allow a Muggle-born speak to him in such a way. He slid his wand out of his robes and he saw her tense up the tiniest bit.

My God, she really is ready to die, he thought.

"Why are you looking for death, Mudblood?"

Hermione sighed, obviously frustrated that he had not acted on her yet.

"Everyone that I care about is dead. YOU and your precious Death Eaters took care of that. There isn't any reason for me to stay alive anymore."

She trembled as she spoke, a glistening tear escaping and rolling down her cheek. Voldemort felt nothing as he looked upon her anguished face, so clearly distressed. He felt a flicker of annoyance- why wasn't she dead yet? He felt nothing for the girl so why was he hesitating to administer the final blow?

No, he thought. I won't kill her now, not now when she so desperately wants it. Her spirit is much too strong to be wasted, and it'll provide entertainment for myself.

An idea began to form in his mind and he worked to keep a smile off his snake-like face. Voldemort stood again and approached Hermione, who stiffened at the nearness.

"No, Mudblood, I will not be killing you. Not today, in any case."

Horror crept onto her features as he pulled up his sleeve and summoned Bellatrix to him. A few moments later she poked her head in the door.

"My Lord?" she asked, her face hopeful.

"Take the Mudblood to her dormitory. Leave her there and see that no harm befalls her."

Bellatrix's expression soured, but she moved into the room and took hold of Hermione's arm like she was told.

"And Bella, when you're done, come back here and bring Narcissa with you," he said with a lazy flick of his hand, letting them know that they were dismissed.

"My Lord."

Bellatrix jerked on Hermione's arm, forcing her out the door. Voldemort leaned back in his throne, contemplating his first actions as supreme ruler of the Wizarding world.