A/N: Thanks so much for all the reviews! And a special thanks to eternal vampire for giving me some ideas for how to continue the story. You rock! Oh and I've changed the rating in case you've missed it, just to be safe I've made it M. C'mon, could it be any less with Voldemort and Minerva now being 'involved'?
The following months were some of the most confusing times for Minerva; liberating but very confusing. She continued to play the role of Deputy Headmistress and Transfigurations Professor and did it exceedingly well. Severus, as always, out did himself with the performance which was required of him. The children and even the staff were well aware of the changes; however they only took it as a good sign. She was out of mourning and onto living life. Little did they know the real reason behind her sudden new found happiness.
The relationship between Minerva and Tom had quickly reasserted itself strongly. Not only did the Dark Lord and his Lady share a bed, but also a passion for exploring magic. Pushing the envelope had never felt so good; and push they did. While Minerva had staunchly refused to participate in any of the killing or torturing that Tom took so much pleasure from, she had wholeheartedly thrown herself into research; research that could one day help to tip the balance of power in their favor.
With every new conquest, she was allowed access to that much more information. It was quite a heady realization one night as she was perusing a vast library that housed more Dark Arts books than any she had ever seen. It was a personal library, "donated" by a family whose blood still shone on the entry hall's gleaming marble floor. She had barely glanced at the dark crimson pools before she swept forward. For what were a few lives compared to the knowledge that could be gained from within the library?
"You seem preoccupied," Tom whispered into her ear as she stood in front of a tall shelf filled with books. Her fingers were lightly tracing the spines as though she could hardly believe her good fortune. A few months ago she would never have thought it possible she would be standing where she was. Not only physically but also in terms of where her life had led.
"That's because I am," she replied distractedly. Her eyes had landed on a rather old, delicate, and most likely, priceless book.
"I do hope you can drag yourself away from these books long enough to have a proper conversation with me." Tom said dryly. He found it amusing how wrapped up she could become with books; albeit extremely rare ones.
"I suppose I could, given the right incentive." Minerva replied huskily as she finally turned to him. "But you do know that our solution could very well be tucked away in one of these." She picked up a book and shook it for emphasis. Tom sighed and grabbed the book out of her hands and replaced it on the shelf.
"The solution is simple and has already proven to be effective." He argued.
"Yes, but I simply refuse to do it. There has to be another way." She shivered slightly. "The thought of ripping my soul apart is dreadful," she noticed the dark look that flashed across his white face. "You may have been able to do it, but I am not a killer, nor will I ever be."
"Something I find mysteriously alluring."
Her laughter echoed loudly in the large quiet room and he found himself calming.
"I have no doubt as to your abilities to find another means of immortality."
Minerva smiled smugly and brought his head down so she could kiss him and that soon led to discarded clothes. Once both of them were completely devoid of clothing Tom pressed his body against hers so tightly that it was hard to tell where one ended and the other began. He entered her slowly, enjoying the look of pleasure on her face, before he began to thrust harder. Sweat began to form on their skin making their bodies shine in the lamplight. Minerva began to moan, the sound coming from deep in her throat. This caused Tom to growl and he began to pick up his speed. Minerva's eyes closed in pure ecstasy and she wrapped her arms completely around his back holding him as closely as she could.
The air around them sizzled and the force of their combined magic sent them into the air. There they were suspended as they physically exhausted their love, lust, whatever one wants to use to explain the feelings between them. Finally spent they slowly drifted back down to lie on the ground where Tom pulled her gently onto his chest. She lay sprawled across him, her hair fanning out around her.
"That was a very…pleasurable distraction." Tom said once he was able to catch his breath. He could feel Minerva smile against him and when he looked down to her face his heart leapt. The heat of passion was still very visible on her face and her eyes shown a deep devotion that belonged solely to him. She laid her head back down on his chest and sighed contentedly.
"However we really do need to talk."
"Must we? Can we not enjoy this for a moment longer without having to bring the outside world in?" Minerva asked softly as she traced circles on his skin. The sensation nearly made him roll over and begin to make love to her again but with extreme restraint he stamped the temptation down.
"I'm afraid not," he then began to trail his fingers down her back and up again causing her to shiver. "I think its time we move forward onto the next phase."
Minerva took a moment to think. "Do you think it wise?"
"Regardless of when we do it, they are going to find out sooner or later. Why not let it be now?" He countered with his own question and could see the wheels turning in her head.
"I'm not going to say that it has been easy, for it has not been, but I would like to point out that if we move too fast it could undo all the work we've done."
"I know, but it's hardly fair to either of us. We've been denied for so long and to keep up the pretense is harder than I ever imagined it would be. Besides, Bella has revealed to be quite forward."
Minerva once again found herself laughing.
"I do not see what is so amusing," he pointed out.
"Just the thought that she actually believes you in any way attracted to her is funny."
"I should think that several rounds of the cruciatous would convince anyone to stop. It seems as though she is doing it on purpose. You know I do believe she gets some sick pleasure out of my torturing her."
By now Minerva was shaking with silent laughter. When she had calmed down enough she chanced a look at his face and he looked completely perplexed.
"Look at it in her perspective. She is being tortured by the one person she looks up to, worships as though he were a god. To say that she's been given the attention, in whatever way it comes, must garner a fair amount of pleasure." Minerva explained.
"That may be true but nevertheless it is getting tiresome. If we were to finally make known our union it would surely give her reason to stop."
"Is this about my protecting you? I didn't know Lord Voldemort needed protection." Minerva teased lightly but sobered immediately. "The reasoning is not as important as the timing."
"Minerva I have waited far too long already, its time that my Death Eaters are introduced to their Queen."
***
The Malfoy manor had been converted into the headquarters for Lord Voldemort and his cause. So it was only fitting that he called only those he deemed worthy to witness the union between him and Minerva. The room in which his inner circle of Death Eaters was congregated was thick with tension. Most were apprehensive and only a few were merely curious. The Dark Lord did not call these meetings on a whim.
Severus Snape cringed inwardly. Had he not just spent the last several months being the only living soul to know of Minerva's change of heart he would have been as equally curious as some of his colleagues. As it was he was terrified. If the two of them managed to create what he suspected then all was lost. Unless by some miracle the Potter boy didn't get himself killed on the mission that Dumbledore had sent him on.
Upon entering the room Voldemort saw many anxious faces. All except for one who looked as though she were ready to faint from anticipation. Bella certainly did not lack devotion to him.
Minerva, with her hood obscuring her face, followed him into the room and all eyes turned to her, evaluating exactly who or what this meant. She took it in stride and took her place beside Tom, catching Severus' gaze. She smiled lightly and took pleasure in the fact that he was most likely horrified. For surely he was smart enough to surmise what was going to happen. Carefully examining the rest of the faces she came to realize just how many she knew; taught as well. There was the Malfoys, Draco included; such a young boy, too young to be caught up in this when he should have been finishing his schooling. There was also Bellatrix Lestrange and Minerva knew that the unguarded hatred that clouded the woman's eyes would have to be dealt with.
"You, my faithful followers, are granted a very special privilege. Tonight you bear witness to the union that will forever change the world." Voldemort fell silent and let his words sink in. "I present my Queen, your Lady."
All eyes were in rapt attention as the hood was lowered. Minerva's face was thrown into sharp relief by the many candles that floated about the room. There were audible gasps as well as some confused grumbling.
"Her?" Bella shrieked. Narcissa tried to grab her sister's arm but was pushed away. "My Lord you cannot possibly be serious. Minerva McGonagall?"
Voldemort felt white hot anger course through him as Bella finished her tirade. How dare she question him like that? The fact that she was questioning Minerva only heightened his anger. He barely heard the rising cascade of voices as he contemplated how he would punish Bella without actually killing her. He needn't have worried.
Without so much as raising her wand Minerva sent Bella flying backwards only to hit the stone wall with a loud thump. As her body slumped to the ground Minerva walked over to her, the crowd parting. They could feel the power radiating from her and did not want to test her. The room had fallen into a thick silence as Minerva studied the fallen woman at her feet.
Bella's eyes were unfocused and Minerva whispered a spell that brought her focus back. With renewed indignation the younger witch stared up at her assailant and as she opened her mouth to no doubt spit more insults her eyes began to bulge and she grabbed at her neck. She seemed unable to breath and Voldemort mentally applauded Minerva's tactics. He watched as she kept Bella from breathing for a few more moments before finally releasing the spell.
Minerva bent down and placed her finger under Bella's chin and lifted her to stay suspended in the air. Keeping her finger there Minerva gave her a scathing once over before finally addressing her.
"I will say this Bellatrix, you certainly haven't changed. Still impossibly conceited."
Bella's answer was to growl but could do no more. Minerva had quite a hold of her and no amount of struggling could repel her magic.
"The only reason you are still breathing lies in your usefulness to Your Lord. But if I see you so much as flutter an eyelash in his direction you'll have lost those pretty eyes." Minerva hissed, her own eyes flashing in anger. She had lived so long under the guise that Dumbledore had tricked her into that she would no longer hide her power. That power was now shining through and by the look in which Bella was regarding her she knew her point had been made.
To make sure she pulled her wand out, let Bella fall to the floor and cried, "Crucio!"
The force of the spell hit Bella and she gave an inhuman scream as the pain shot through her body. She began writhing and crying out as the intensity of the curse increased by the second. Minerva kept it up a moment longer and then stopped. Bella lay on the ground breathing raggedly, sweat glistening on her upper lip. When next her eyes opened they were no longer full of scorn but respect. She now knew not to cross Minerva and understood why Voldemort had chosen her.
Minerva turned to find a sea of stunned faces. Obviously they had not expected her to perform an Unforgivable on one of the more powerful Death Eaters. They had also not expected the Dark Lord to simply look on approvingly. They had better grow accustomed to it for she was not just any follower; she was to be their Queen.
"Is that all we may expect from you Bella?" Voldemort asked quietly breaking the thick silence that had settled after Bella's screams had died down. She nodded vigorously and Minerva was amazed at the speed at which she had recovered from the curse.
"My Lord I am delighted to call her my Queen." Bella rose to her knees shakily and bowed her head to Minerva.
"Need there be anymore demonstrations?" Voldemort questioned the room with a sweep of his arms and the raising of his eyebrows. No one spoke and he continued, "Now that there is to be no question as to the worthiness of your Queen, we shall commence the ceremony."
Minerva strode and took her place by Tom. They had planned for this moment, researched it and fine tuned the technique; nothing would go wrong. The ritual they were about to perform was ancient and some would even call it dark magic. It's all in the eye of the beholder.
Voldemort took out his wand and the room was suddenly thrown into darkness as the candles were extinguished. No one dared to speak, even their breathing controlled lest they disturb their master and soon-to-be Queen.
Out of the darkness came two voices speaking in exact accordance with one another. Voldemort's high cold voice meshed with Minerva's husky Scottish brogue. They were speaking in a language that none present had ever heard and were unlikely to ever again. Still, they could well imagine what the words meant by the emotion in which they were being said. It was as though one person were speaking in two distinct voices.
Minerva felt the magic pulsing through her veins as she spoke the spell that would bind her very essence to Tom's own. They had practiced the words but only when separated and if they misspoke one word the results could be disastrous. However, neither of them was worried in the slightest; this was their destiny.
They both felt it at the same time, the crescendo of their magic reaching out and entangling itself to the other. The space around them began to glow a deep red, soft at first but growing steadily in time with the words they were chanting. Soon the Death Eaters who were gathered to witness had to shield their eyes from the brilliance.
Tom and Minerva clasped hands instinctively and when it came time to say the last words they both stopped for the smallest instant. Looking deep into one another's eyes they spoke the final words; words that every wizard and witch on the side of Light feared. For once this bonding ceremony was complete there would truly be no stopping the Dark Lord; not without going through his Lady.