A/N: Did anyone else feel like grabbing Voldemort's throat, after chapter 20? I know I did (even had a dream of Severus whipping him instead of Gwen - now that would of been a turn of events). I hope that you will continue to enjoy this story and the direction it is taking.

As always, dearest gratitude and love to all of you who take the time to review - You don't know how much you affect my writing! - To my faithful readers, and those who have added this story to their favorite lists or alerts.

Playlist: Christina Perri's Lovestrong.

Disclaimer: I only own Hotch, my house plant. Everything else belongs to Rowling.

Draco turned his head sharply, seeing Pansy in the shadows. He slumped back into the common room couch.

"What do you want Parkinson?"

Pansy came around the couch, sitting on the edge furthest from him. Draco noticed her red eyes and her wrinkled shirt tails, like she had been twisting them. A nervous habit Pansy had yet to break. She would need to if she wanted to be a pureblood's bride.

"You heard... didn't you?"

"You're to marry my uncle." His tone was free of emotion. Completely detached. Pansy's shoulders fell.

"And you didn't stop it? Draco, we were—"

"Stop it Pansy."

She couldn't disobey him, lowering her head. Yes, Draco could of said something. He had, in fact, as Pansy was to be his bride. It was Draco who wrote his father, telling him that Pansy could no longer be his betroth. Not now. Not with his numbered days. Pansy didn't deserve to be a widow at so young an age. True, Rodolphus was not his first choice for Pansy. She needed someone strong (sane) and his aunt... Bellatrix would make Pansy's life hell. Why his father matched them, Draco did not know. He hoped that he didn't live to see Pansy's wedding day.

"Draco, I thought... you were pleased with our match. Even with your new honors."

Honors, Draco snorted to himself. He had been offered the chance to kill Hermione Granger, to marry into a purer blood line, and to be a part of the Second Circle. Unlike the Inner Circle, the Second Circle did more of the dirty work and less of the planning. Both were a curse. His mark seemed forever itchy — Draco thought he'd go insane.

"I don't have to explain myself to you Parkinson. Leave me be."

"I'm going crazy! There must be something I can do!" said an exasperated Gwen. She was lying on her stomach in her rooms, Poppy acting as her personal nurse. It was decided that Gwen could return home while she recovered from her beating. Once the Dark Lord was gone, the students had began sneaking out for a chance to see Gwen — to see if she was alive. After several House points deductions and detentions with Filch, Severus told Poppy to return Gwen to her own apartments.

"You might not be in pain Gwendolyn but that's from the pain-relief potion. Your injuries are very serious and need to heal."

With a small huff, Gwen dropped her chin onto her fist. It had been four days since the Dark Lord left. While her wounds were slowly healing, they were sealed close and not infected. Poppy told her it wouldn't be long before the stitches could be taken out and they could try to heal her scars. Gwen didn't care so much about the scars. Yes, it was an ugly sight to behold but Gwen wasn't vain enough to cry about it. Besides, it was only her and Severus who would ever see them.

Thinking of Severus, Gwen turned her face away from Poppy. Gwen held no grudge against her husband for his actions. Yes, it had been the worst pain Gwen had felt since Bella but in her mind, it was the Dark Lord who harmed Gwen, not Severus. Severus was the hand but the hate behind the whip was all Voldemort's.

Gwen knew Severus was distancing himself. She knew he blamed himself for things he had no control over. Gwen understood that had Severus disobeyed, he could be dead. The school would be at the mercy of Death Eaters like the Carrows or worse, the Dark Lord himself. Her skin felt clammy, thinking she would be made a Death Eater.

"Has Stacy asked about me?"

Poppy nodded. "She wants to see you but Severus insisted no visitors. She's distraught. This whole situation has affected her greatly."

Gwen felt bad for her sister-wife. Stacy watched Severus beat Gwen, not understanding why he would do it. The husband she knew wouldn't do such a thing yet, her eyes told her he had. Gwen would have to sit her down and talk it out with her, in hopes to mend Stacy's and Severus's relationship. Stacy had been staying with Poppy and Alaster since the Dark Lord left. While Poppy was with Gwen, Stacy was with Alaster. Strangely, Stacy had taken to the rough wizard rather well. It was a blessing really.

"And Severus? How is this affecting him?"

Poppy gave Gwen a sad look. "You know very well that Severus isn't about to let on what he's feeling. He is, however, grouchier than ever."

When Poppy was gone for the night, Gwen slowly got out of bed. Her skin felt strangely tight but otherwise, Gwen felt fine. Taking caution anyway, she kept a hand on the wall for balance, going to the Snape sitting room. Gwen froze, seeing Severus pacing in the shadows. Gwen wandlessly lite the room more. Severus turned sharply towards her. His eyes showed surprised before he locked all emotion away.

"You should be in bed. Resting."

"I've been resting long enough." Gwen slowly went to the bookcase. "I'm going stir crazy with nothing to do. I'm beginning to see why the students think Poppy is so strict." Gwen glanced at him, seeing that Severus had backed away from her. She frowned before looking at the bookcase. "Severus, this isn't your fault."

He said nothing, turning away as if to leave.

"Severus."

Gwen's tone caused him to stop and he turned his head.

"This is not your fault. The Dark Lord did this." Gwen selected a book at random. An intense silence surrounded them. "I want to see Stacy. Tomorrow. She's having a hard enough time, without being separated from us."

"I'll think about it Gwendolyn."

Gwen looked down. "Tomorrow is Friday... what time is the ceremony?"

"I'm leaving at noon." Silence followed, both still looking away from each other. Gwen finally couldn't stand it and hugged Severus, pressing her cheek into his back.

"No matter what happens, tomorrow or the next day, Severus, know that I love you." Her voice cracked and she tightened her hold. "I love you Severus." Before he could respond, Gwen hurried back to her room, leaving Severus staring behind her.

"Little mother, do you think she'll like us?"

"Will who like us?" asked a distracted Gwen. They were sitting together on the couch, neither doing anything. Stacy was snuggled up to Gwen, mindful of her healing back. Gwen was staring into space.

"Iris."

Severus was at the Ministry right now getting married. Gwen didn't need an excuse not to go. Stacy on the other hand, had insisted she wouldn't leave Gwen behind. Severus had left them, a pained expression in his eyes. Gwen recalled the look he gave her before leaving. A look that pleaded for... something. Some emotion so powerful, that not even Gwen could name it. Sitting here with Stacy, Gwen couldn't help the churning in her stomach, at the very thought that this new bride could become Severus's favorite. Which was ridiculous, as he didn't have a favorite.

"I don't know Stacy but we will do our best to be her friend. Alright? She's our sister-wife now and we should get along. For the sake of the Snape name."

"Is she pretty?"

Gwen felt her stomach tighten more. "I don't know. I haven't met her Stacy."

Stacy sighed, snuggling to rest her head in Gwen's lap.

"I know she's pretty. Iris is a flower."

At midnight, Gwen roused Stacy to tuck her into bed. Walking their apartment alone, in the dark, Gwen felt suddenly alone. She fought the tears, till she saw the new door. The castle had made room for Iris, her room nestled right beside Gwen's. It was just a door.

Laughter made Gwen turned, her eyes widened in surprise and fear. Severus's face was serious, as the smiling blond beside him, looked down her nose.

"I didn't know the castle had servants."

Gwen felt instant dislike from this witch. Her eyes flashed in anger. Severus's voice was smooth.

"This is Iris, Gwendolyn. Iris, this is my first-wife."

Both witches sized the other with their eyes. Gwen had to admit, Stacy had been right on — Iris was drop-dead gorgeous. Her soft, shiny, hair was done up in a feminine bridal hairstyle. Her skin was flawless, her eyes a stunning green. Gwen felt her insides twist, knowing that this witch turned heads, while she did not. It would be easy for Severus to choose Iris other her. Even in her bridal robes, Gwen could tell that Iris was tall and lean — a perfect woman's body. They were opposites in almost every way.

"My, I can see why the Dark Lord chose me for you." Iris said lightly. Her words stung but Gwen smiled, a biting remark all ready to put Iris in her place. Severus however, beat her to it.

"I chose Gwendolyn." Gwen's heartbeat jumped at this. Iris's eyes flashed in anger towards Gwen. "As my first wife, you are to show Gwendolyn the respect she deserves. Her place is higher than yours in this household."

Iris's posture showed submission to Severus but her side glance to Gwen was hostile. This is going to be interesting, thought Gwen.

"Is Stacy still awake?"asked Severus, removing his outer cloak. Gwen thought he looked very sharp in his wedding robes.

"I put her to bed. She was exhausted."

"Isn't Stacy your second wife?" asked Iris, walking around the sitting room with a critical eye. Gwen rolled her eyes, taking Severus's cloak and putting it away, irritated.

"She is. You will met her in the morning." Severus motioned to the new door. "Your rooms."

Iris lifted her head, in a way Gwen was familiar with, as many purebloods were arrogant. She took the arm offered to her before she glanced at Gwen, the message clear. Iris was determined to be made Severus's favorite or at least, get between Severus and Gwen.

"Good night Gwendolyn." Severus led Iris to her room, closing the door softly behind him.

"Good night Severus."whispered Gwen, staring at the closed door. It was just a door. Gwen's eyes stung, as she moved around the Snape's small kitchen. It was almost noon and Gwen had just gotten out of bed. Last night had been hell for her. She tossed and turned, her head buried under a pillow, as Iris screamed next down. It churned her stomach, thinking of Severus being with her. Gwen couldn't stamp out her growing dislike of Iris. If last night was any judge of character, Iris was of the worst. Not only was she disrespectful but clearly stuck up. As Gwen boiled water for tea, she tried to keep her feelings in check.

"Afternoon."

Gwen screamed, jumping, only to see Severus leaning in the doorframe. Her hands griped the spoon she had been holding.

"Afternoon." Gwen turned away from him, her cheeks losing color. Severus hadn't missed her emotions nor the fact she was still wore her dressing gown.

"Gwendolyn, the day is almost over and you still aren't dressed?"

"I had trouble sleeping," she replied, pulling the whistling kettle off the stove. A side glance showed the concern in Severus's eyes.

"Restless?"

"No," Gwen poured the water into her cup, dripping in a tea bag.

"Dreams?"

"No."

Silence surrounded them. Gwen jumped, as she was suddenly aware of Severus being right behind her. His hands smoothed over her hips before holding her in place. She swallowed, as his touch went straight through her. Gwen could feel his breath on her neck.

"Tell me."

Gwen closed her eyes, his lips touching her ear causing her whole being to come alive. She swallowed, shaking her head.

"You mustn't keep secrets, wife." His voice was a purr. It was seductive. Gwen had to fight her desire to give in.

"Don't deny me some privacy." she asked. Severus's body stiffened behind her.

"This is about Iris."

"You might want to consider silencing spells." Gwen's tone was pointed. Severus's grip tightened on her.

"It's improper for you to refer to such things."

Gwen snorted. "Even when it keeps me up?"

Severus spun Gwen to face him, mindful of her healing back. Gwen flinched at his hard expression.

"It didn't mean anything." Gwen raised a brow at this. "It was only to validate our marriage contract."

"I think your wife would disagree."

Severus sighed, pain clearly visible in his eyes. Gwen's anger and hostility vanished, and she pulled herself close to him. Gwen hugged his torso, the sensation of tears making her nose tickle.

"I'm sorry Severus. I... I was jealous and hurt. I shouldn't of said those things or imply that you..."

"Gwendolyn..." Severus titled her face up, wiping her tears away before pressing his forehead to hers. Her eyes closed, inhaling his scent. They held each other like this, till they heard footsteps. When Iris entered the kitchen, Severus was accepting the tea Gwen offered him.

"Good afternoon husband." smiled Iris, coming over to him and kissing him wetly on the mouth. Gwen felt sick seeing another woman kiss Severus, even if it was his wife. Iris glanced at Gwen, draping her arms around Severus's neck. "My dear, Gwendolyn, are you alright? You're still undressed."

The words were meant to hurt, though the tone didn't show it. Severus couldn't see Iris's face, so he didn't see the ugly look in his newest wife's eye. Gwen took in Iris, shifting slightly in her slippers. Iris's hair was perfectly straight, the sweater she wore fitting her curves well. With stylish jeans and boots, Iris looked like she was about to step out on the runway. Gwen resisted the urge to touch her messy bed braid.

"Thank you for your concern Iris but I am recovering from a recent... accident." Gwen's tone was polite. Iris's lips looked ugly when she smirked.

"I heard about what happened. You were rewarded with a position within the Inner Circle. A great honor." Iris's eyes showed her jealousy and distaste.

Gwen suddenly was curious why the Dark Lord chose Iris to be Severus's bride. Was Iris a believer? Was she committed completely to his cause? It would explain why Gwen felt she had to be careful around her new house buddy.

"Yes. Yes, it is an honor. If you'll excuse me."

Gwen left the kitchen, her tea abandoned on the table.

After a shower and fresh robes, Gwen felt more human and less depressed. Yes, if she'd admit it to herself, Gwen was feeling depressed about Iris's presence in the Snape home. Where before, it had been a place of peace and comfort, it now felt like a minefield. Gwen didn't know what to expect.

"Is Ron alright?" asked Harry, when Hermione came out of their tent. Her skirt was stained in blood, her eyes puffy from crying.

"He's sleeping. He just needs rest." Hermione hugged him for comfort. She pulled back, wiping her cheeks, when she realized Harry still held the cup in his hand. "Without the sword, how will we destroy it?"

Harry's face was serious. "I don't know but Hermione, it's time we went to Hogwarts."

"No Harry, it's too dangerous. Moody said —"

"Moody said that You-Know-Who was there, torturing students. Hermione, we can't let him ruin our world more. We have to put a stop to this."

Hermione's face was sad and tired. Harry wanted to comfort her but knew now wasn't the time. Ron was nearly killed (again) and they had another Horcux to destroy. Now wasn't the time to cry tears, but the stop them from coming back.

A shadow disappeared into the Forbidden Forest unnoticed by Hagrid, who was past out in his hut. The night air was chilly, the moon bright. The cloaked figure stood waiting, his companion restless beside him. When the shadow finally met them, it dropped into a low bow.

"My lord."

"You are late." hissed Voldemort. The figure bowed in shame. "Never mind that, have you made any progress?"

"It has been only a few days but, I have found that their discipline was faked. They do not torture any of the students for misbehaving."

Voldemort smiled. "I knew Severus was hiding something. Keep a sharp eye on him, I want to be informed of his misdoings before I reveal them Christmas Eve. What of your other assignment? Have you found her?"

"No my Lord. Please, give me time. The castle is very large."

"You have till Christmas Eve — I must have her by then. You will not fail me."

A/N2: Yes! Gwen finally said those three little words! But what is Severus thinking? Does he love her in return? How will we know?

Iris doesn't seem to be a charmer, if I do say so myself. Clearly she will get in the way.

Tell me what you think - do you like where it's going? Thoughts on this Iris person? Gwen's feelings for Severus? Severus's feelings about Gwen? Should the snippets of Harry Potter be less, ambiguous? I am open to suggests on Gwen's and Iris's relationship - not to leave out, our favorite potion master and his first-wife's relationship :o)

Nessa: You hit the nail on the head - Iris is going to be a pain for the Snape household. As to Gwen and being pregnant, we'll have to wait and see :o)

Madmad237: Sorry, Iris isn't a good wife but her negative presence will serve it's purpose, I promise. But I totally agree, Severus needs a normal witch as a wife - not that he wants another (I mean, come on, he has three! That's three grouchy PMS women he has to please - male nightmare!).

Katherine Sparrow: I totally agree, life is truly a suck-joy for Severus and Gwen right now. As for Voldemort and his death eaters, one, thank you for the comment! and second, I agree but then again, this series was written for children. As my audience is more adult (including all my dear 14+ readers), I wanted them to actually fit that darkness I imagined was around them. Looking at history, sadly, we can see what cruelty people are capable of and I wanted Voldemort and his followers to fit into that mold.

karahalio14: Thank you - that is one of my biggest challenges. Most fanfic I read are either too OOC or stiff when it comes to Severus. I wanted to find a medium - to show that side of him that was capable of loving Lily for all those years, but also to show the spy; masking his true feelings in all situations (like what happened with Gwen).

Element Guardian: Why, thank you, you made my day with your review :o)

MJ Potter Black Weasley: That is the question everyone seems to be asking. Wahahahaha

lilly321: Thank you!