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The apartment was the same as when Gwen had been healing. The livingroom was like the one in the dungeons, except it was larger and was clearly set up for visitors. They had a small kitchen which was fully stocked. The master bedroom's only addition was a vanity that was now beside the closet. While Severus was in his office working, Gwen went into the bathroom to get ready for bed. Gwen's eyes almost popped out of her head, seeing the large spacious bathtub, a separate shower and a double sink with mirror.
Deciding she couldn't wait for a bubble bath, Gwen filled the tub before shedding her clothing. Leaning back in the vanilla scented bath, Gwen let out a pleasurable sigh. The warm water soaked into her tired body, relieving any tension in the witch's muscles and allowing Gwen to relax completely.
The water didn't cool, so Gwen didn't know when it was that she opened her eyes to see Severus leaning in the doorframe. His expression was thoughtful and Gwen dipped her shoulders beneath the bubble's surface.
"Have you been there long?" she asked, feeling unnerved at Severus's ability to sneak up on her. Her husband said nothing, summoning a towel from the rack and holding it open to her. Gwen felt somewhat disappointed that her bath was over but she stood, allowing Severus to wrap her within the towel. Gwen met his eye, when his arms remained around her person.
Holding her gaze, Severus easily lifted Gwen out of the tub and placed her feet on the fluffy rug. Gwen didn't know what to do, as Severus continued to hold her against him. After what felt like a small eternity, Severus brushed his lips against her forehead.
"Tomorrow I have to report on the Hogwarts staff and spouses."
Gwen stiffened. "You mean, the Dark Lord is having you spy on them?"
Severus nodded. "There has been some talk about monitoring the relations between husband and wife with magic, so that we know who is faithfully following the Marriage Law and who may need punishment."
Gwen didn't know what she thought about this. It didn't surprise her, the Dark Lord clearly didn't care about people and their lives. He only cared about raising up a new generation that would be molded to his ideals.
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because I think, that come Monday, every witch and wizard will be submitting to a magical tracker. If they are found not to be meeting the quota the Dark Lord has set, they will be punished."
Gwen swallowed. "What quota?"
"There is a quota for each couple, depending on how many wives the husband has. If he has two wives, he must spend at least two nights a week with each and alternate one night between both. If he has more than two wives, he must spend each night with one wife during the week and may have Sundays to himself."
"What about wizards with only one wife?" It had not gone unnoticed to Gwen that he had skipped the quota that would be required of them. Severus's face was serious.
"No less then four times a week."
Gwen felt her spine tingle at this but only nodded her head. As she could count on one hand how many times she and Severus had been sexually active, Gwen knew they would really have to step up on their intimacy together. Knowing Severus didn't want to force her to have intercourse with him, Gwen knew she would have to communicate to him that she was comfortable being intimate with him. Yes, it was still very new to her and at times awkward but Gwen knew that with time, it would become easier for the both of them.
Gwen's wet shoulders felt cold and she tried to suppress a shiver. Severus's body was still pressed against hers, so her shiver was felt between them. Severus removed his arms from Gwen, who held her towel close.
"It's very late." Severus left Gwen in the bathroom. Drying off and combing her hair, Gwen poked her head into the master bedroom to see that Severus was already in bed and was reading from a potion magazine. His glasses were low on his nose and Gwen felt a small thrill run through her. Something about seeing Severus wearing his reading glasses was a turn on.
Gwen blushed to herself at this realization but also because she felt that now familiar warmth between her legs. Delaying going to bed, Gwen dried her hair with her wand and combed it again. Turning to the mirror, Gwen looked at herself. Her dark brown hair fell straight around her shoulders, almost past the middle of her back. Her peach skin was clear, slightly pink from washing her face earlier. Gwen's crystal blue eyes were the only feature that she liked about herself. Her lashes were naturally long, framing her eyes in a very feminine way.
Did Severus think she was pretty?
Gwen's height was average for a witch and her frame was on the curvy side. Her body was soft and her curves were proportionate. All the walking up and down stairs kept Gwen's legs firm and toned, much to her relief. Gwen enjoyed running for exercise but since coming to Hogwarts, she had not found the time to do her favorite past time.
Severus was still reading when Gwen walked to their closet to dress. Her heartbeat quickened and Gwen wondered if Severus had any idea what his glasses did to her. Disrobing, Gwen slipped into a nightgown before she moved in beside Severus on the bed. He continued reading as Gwen stared at him, her eyes focused on his lips.
Her eyes moved along her jaw, to his ear before meeting his eye. Severus turned his head, seeming to sense her look. His brow raised as Gwen leaned forward and kissed him. Severus didn't move, not till Gwen moved his magazine aside and moved above him. His arm encircled her waist, hugging her close, as he deepened their kiss. Gwen opened her eyes, meeting his and made a sort of purring sound. They parted for breath.
"What was that for?" his voice was husky. Gwen smiled, removing his skewed glasses and sending them to the night stand. Her fingers locked behind his neck. Gwen's gown had ridden up, making it easier to hug Severus's hips between her legs. Severus's hands felt large and warm through the thin material covering Gwen's body.
She didn't say anything and Severus tucked Gwen's hair behind her ear before stroking her cheek. Gwen closed her eyes, leaning till their foreheads rested together. Gwen continued to smile, as Severus's face softened and he slowly began to grin.
Severus opened his eyes lazily, Gwendolyn's warm body curled along his own. Gwendolyn had surprised Severus last night in her initiation (and he wasn't complaining). If anything, it had been a lot more fun for the both of them. Last night Severus saw a side of Gwendolyn he had never seen before. She was playful, even flirtatious, and bold in their love making.
Gwendolyn's breathing changed and Severus watched her slowly wake up. She opened her eyes, smiling at Severus.
"Good morning." Gwendolyn stretched her body like a cat before she snuggled up against him. Severus brushed the hair from her face.
"It certainly is, Gwendolyn." Severus enjoyed the deep blush that covered his wife's cheeks before he pressed a kiss to her forehead, holding her close. He moved his kisses along her face, stopping at her mouth. Gwendolyn's lashes fluttered. "I have to work."
Gwendolyn looked disappointed but said nothing as Severus left her embrace, pulling on a dressing robe. By the time Severus was fully dressed and groomed, Gwendolyn was fast asleep.
It was convenient for Severus and Gwendolyn to live in the headmaster's apartment. Severus only had to open a door and there was his office. He went right into his work, sorting important matters from those things he could care less about. Severus was well into his paperwork, when Professor Alastor Moody knocked on his door. Severus mentally checked himself, as any conversation with Moody would be strained.
"Enter."
Alastor Moody, Ex-Auror, had suffered much since the rise of the Dark Lord. Many Death Eaters were thrilled at the chance to dismember the auror who had sent them to prison. Moody's was hideous to beheld, covered in scars from spells and knifes. His one good leg was now gone, leaving Moody with a very odd looking walk. He still looked half starved.
It took Severus several weeks to convince the Dark Lord that Moody was better alive than dead. It took another month to convince him that Moody would be a good resource for Severus at the school. Not only did Moody have experience in the Dark Arts but he was still connected with the Order of the Phoenix. For Severus to still play his role and while Dumbledore dead, Moody would act as Severus's go between with the Order.
Moody hated the idea but as Dumbledore had discussed the matter before his death, the ex-Auror didn't have much of a choice. Moody didn't trust Severus, just as Severus didn't trust Moody. It was only Dumbledore's trust in the both of them, that allowed the two wizards to be in the same room together. The fact that Severus had saved Moody from a horrible death, was never mentioned between the two of them.
"Have a seat Moody." Severus placed a Silencing Spell around the room as the professor took a chair. Moody's fake eye darted around Severus's eye. It was clear that this meeting could be very tense.
"Tonight I will be reporting to the Dark Lord." Severus leaned casually back in his chair, fingertips together. "I will be reporting on the staff marriages and any... disloyalties shown. It was brought to my attention by an anonymous source Moody, that you verbally discredit the Dark Lord in your classes."
Moody lifted his head in a defiant way.
"I'm not about to change my views because that bastard is in charge."
Severus's face grew very serious.
"While here in the school, you will not voice such opinions. You are here under the pretense that you have submitted to Imperius. Meaning that you are no longer capably of falling into your old ways of thinking. If anyone, here at school, in Hogsmeade, even at the bloody train station, thinks otherwise, you are dead. As will many others who are part of the resistance against the Dark Lord. Do I make myself clear?"
Moody bit his tongue.
"Now on to other matters. Have you heard from Potter recently?"
Moody nodded.
"They found another Horcux and are in the process of destroying it. Hermione seems to have some ideas as to how. He's to check in after it is destroyed."
Severus nodded.
"Are they aware they were sighted last week?"
"Yes and they are taking extra precautions. They preformed a memory charm on the Death Eater that was following them so he was unable to remember exactly where he had seen them. Their supplies are running very low, which is why Ron risked going into the wizardry world in the first place. Harry wanted to know if it would be possible to send money or supplies soon."
"We will deal with that latter." said Severus. "What about the Order? Last week you reported that Lupin may have some interesting developments."
Moody nodded.
"Remus has been hired — with the use of some Polyjuice potion — by the Ministry, to act as one of Lucius's secretary. He will have access to important meetings, documents and overall workings of the Ministry. When the time comes, he will be in position to head our attack on the ministry."
"An attack on the Ministry is unnecessary. As I have stated many times now." growled Severus. Moody didn't look convinced.
"How can we possibly trust your man to turn when the time comes? By what I hear, he's thriving under the bastard's new rules. He has power, position — and how many wives now?"
Severus sat up straight.
"It is important that he also plays his part to the fullest, Moody. The Dark Lord is awarding brides to all he deems most faithful. It's a sign of his trust in them and their bloodline."
"Yet you still only have one." mocked Moody. Severus's finger twitched as he reigned in his anger. Yes, he only had one wife but what Moody didn't know was that the Dark Lord was constantly suggesting who would be suitable to be wife of his most trusted follower. Severus had been able to find something discrediting in all, without the women having to loose their lives but it was enough that they were not deemed suitable to marry. Ironically, the majority of Lucius Malfoy's wives were originally going to be Severus's.
"I would hold my tongue Moody. Only last week, Lucius and I were discussing your marriage status."
Moody's lip curled.
"Even under a Imperius curse, no one is safe from the Dark Lord's wish to boost the population." Severus sneered.
"Do you have any information for the Order?" Moody's tone expressed his distaste but that was all. Severus leaned casually back in his chair.
"Tomorrow a law will be finalized that will dictate how often wizards must have intercourse with their wives. Wizards and witches will be subjected to a wedding ring that will keep track and report back to the Marriage Department whether or not they are compiling. If found lacking, the wizard will be punished."
Moody's face was disgusted.
"Why does the bastard want the population to boost so quickly? To take over the world? We can do that any time we want."
"True but I suspect that the Dark Lord has alternatives motives. Be it a generation brainwashed with pure blood propaganda or an army, Potter needs to destroy the remaining Horcruxes. Our world may be irreversible to change if the Dark Lord remains alive long enough for that to happen."
A/N: Hope you're all enjoying your Friday night. I thought I'd treat you all to an update!
Thank you Madmad237 for your review!