A/N: Sorry for the delay, but this was something that needed to be just right. Happy New Year everyone!

o.o.O.o.o

Sirius had gone and Rabastan disapparated with Daphne, leaving Hermione alone with her husband for the first time since the ceremony. They were due to arrive at Malfoy Manor in about half an hour and Rabastan had seemed to think they needed a little time to themselves before the reception.

"I really wish we didn't have to go," Hermione finally said, filling the rather awkward silence.

"I know exactly what you mean." He walked over and slipped his hand into hers. "I didn't get a chance to say so before, but you look beautiful tonight." His thumb stroked over her knuckles soothingly.

"Narcissa and Daphne did most of it." She dropped her eyes.

"No, it's just you." He gently tipped her chin up. "You are beautiful. The dress, the jewels, and whatever they did with your hair…it just highlights what's always been there."

"You know, in the muggle world, it's customary for the groom to kiss his bride at the end of their ceremony," Hermione said boldly.

"May I steal a kiss then?" He grinned, brushing his thumb across her bottom lip.

"You may." She shivered as he leaned down, brushing his lips against hers softly at first. She made a frustrated sound as he pulled away and gave her a teasing smile.

"I know better than to muss a witch's hair and make-up before an important event." He chuckled. "Though I promise to make up for it later." He led her over to sit down. "How have you been?"

"Trying to keep busy, and thinking about how upside down everything is right now. My best friends have no idea what's going on, and I'm having secret parties in the Prefect's Bathroom with strange Slytherins." She shook her head a little. "Everyone thinks I'm Sirius' daughter, and the one person I thought would hate me forever for marrying you…is being supportive." Neville's support had been shocking, but it meant a lot to her.

"Maybe you should try not fighting it, and just accept that things are a little strange right now." Rodolphus stroked his thumb along the inside of her wrist. "Everything that's happened since last June has changed you and how you see the world. It's only natural that your allies and confidants are shifting too. From everything you've told me about Harry, I'm sure he'll understand. I'm quite prepared to be the villain in this story, don't worry about letting them think that."

Hermione nodded. "I just don't know if I can stomach the way they're going to look at me, once they know. I don't want their pity."

"Then tell them that," Rodolphus said. "Wizards can be a little thick, so it might take a bit for them to understand, but they will."

"I hope you're right." Her biggest fear that Harry and Ron would walk away from her because of this. She'd been so alone before they'd become her friends, and was abjectly terrified of going back to that. Logically, she knew that it wasn't a realistic fear, she did have other friends now, but she also couldn't deny that it was still there.

"I am. You'll see."

o.o.O.o.o

Severus was standing in the Malfoy ballroom, trying not to feel ridiculous in his new dress robes. Lucius had sent them over, explaining that black was absolutely not permissible at a wedding, under any circumstances. The cut was the same as his teaching robes, but the material was a deep blue, edged in silver. As uncomfortable as he felt in them, he did feel a certain obligation to attend this evening to give whatever small support he could to his student. There were elements here that were not easily controlled, and things had the potential to go sideways at the drop of a hat. Rodolphus might well need the help to get Hermione out, should things devolve.

It was time for the couple to arrive, and Severus went to stand with Lucius as they awaited the supposedly happy couple. He couldn't imagine his student being particularly pleased with being forced to marry a man old enough to be her father, but he supposed there were worse fates.

"Narcissa certainly outdid herself," he said as he reached his friend.

"She always wanted a daughter, so I believe she is projecting a little." He chuckled. "I almost pity the witch that marries Draco one day." Lucius shared a look with Severus. "The blue suits you. If you want to truly terrify your students, you could try wearing them at the school. They might swear it was the end times."

Severus chuckled, considering it as the door opened and Rabastan came through.

"May I present Lord and Lady Lestrange," he said, looking quite pleased with the situation.

Severus watched as the newly married couple entered the ballroom. He imagined he wasn't the only man to see how beautiful she looked, and tried not to castigate himself for noticing. Her head was held high, and her expression carefully contained. As her teacher, he could tell that she was occluding, but he couldn't blame her for that. This was a test far beyond her skills, and she needed any advantage she could make use of.

"Merlin, she looks like Andromeda," Lucius said, frowning a little beside Severus.

"Yes, she does." It was uncanny. It was clear that Narcissa had done everything she could to keep the girl from resembling Bellatrix too closely, but in doing so…she had somehow turned her into a credible replica of the middle Black sister. With her head held up so proudly, and crowned with black diamonds…Severus found even himself questioning how much of a fiction her background was.

o.o.O.o.o

Hermione's heart was hammering against her ribs. Her fingers dug into Rodolphus' arm as they walked through the crowd toward the head table, where they were to sit for the meal. Her stomach was in so many knots, she doubted she could choke down even a single bite. Her eyes scanned the crowd, looking for friendly faces and finding only a scant handful. She did relax the slightest bit when she spotted Professor Snape. He gave her a barely perceptible nod, and she took a deep breath and tried to calm herself.

The tables were decorated with white roses and purple calla lilies, the china was bone white and edged in gold, and the silverware gleamed against the royal purple table clothes. Rodolphus held her chair for her, and she sank down onto it gratefully. She wasn't sure her legs would hold her upright much longer. The weight of everyone's stares pressed against her skin, making her feel like if she wavered for a moment it would crush her like a bug. Narcissa had warned her that these people were like sharks, and she understood just how true that was now.

Rodolphus sat beside her and took her hand, out of view under the table cloth. He leaned in to whisper to her.

"You're doing fine. I'll be right here beside you the whole time, I promise." He pressed a kiss to her cheek.

Now that they were seated, everyone else began to head to their assigned seating and Narcissa slid into the chair beside her. The fact that Narcissa's presence was a relief was telling to how alone she felt right now.

Lucius stood, as the last people took their seats. Everyone's glasses filled with champagne magically, and the Lord of Malfoy Manor lifted his glass high.

"The union of a witch and wizard is a rare and beautiful thing. It is the bond that holds our world together and brings the promise a new generation to pass along our power and knowledge to. So I ask everyone to raise a glass to the happy couple, and join me in wishing them a long, fruitful union, and many happy days ahead of them. To Rodolphus and Hermione," Lucius said, before taking a sip from his glass. His sentiments were echoed by the room as they drank in celebration.

Hermione gave a forced smile, and sipped her own, trying hard not to shake her head.

"While this year has been marked with tragedy, tonight there is only joy. This toast is for my new sister in law, Hermione. I welcome you to the family with open arms, and promise to help you keep my brother in line. We've lived in turmoil so long, that your presence is a welcome breath of fresh air. To the future of House Lestrange, may it shine as brightly as you do tonight." Rabastan's eyes sparkled with mischief, and Hermione had no doubt he was thinking less than polite things.

Daphne was the next and she gave Hermione a warm smile. Her friend was sitting with Adrian Pucey, and beside an older couple she assumed was Mr. and Mrs. Greengrass.

"Today, it was my great pleasure to witness the bonding of Lord Lestrange, to my dear friend, Hermione. I wish you both all the joy and happiness possible. Take care of one another." Daphne raised her glass and drank to them.

Hermione mouthed a soft 'thank you', to her as Rodolphus leaned over and kissed her cheek. She closed her eyes a moment and then turned her head to look at him. He wasn't showing a lot of expression, but warmth filled his gaze, letting her know how he felt. A little pop drew her eyes back to the table as the meal was served.

The appetite she'd doubted, appeared at the smell of the sumptuous feast. Aware that all eyes were on her, she observed her very best manners and left the conversation mostly to Rodolphus and the others seated around her. More than anything she just wanted this part of the night over, so she could escape. It would mean facing the realities of her wedding night, but that scared her far less than some of the people in this room. The fact that they were all sitting here, eating and laughing, alongside known fugitives made her want to stand up and scream. What was wrong with them?

"Is the meal to your liking?" Rodolphus asked, as the main course appeared on their plates.

"It's very good, of course I'd expect nothing less." She laughed a little. Narcissa was a perfectionist, and Hermione had a feeling that it would be a cold day in hell before there was a bad meal served here. The roast beef almost melted in her mouth, unbelievably moist and tender. She sipped at her champagne, nerves getting the better of her.

"I'm honestly surprised we aren't being served something exotic." He chuckled.

"She let me choose the protein," Hermione said. It was one of the few choices she'd been allowed to make on the menu. She didn't even know what her own wedding cake looked like, for Merlin sake.

"Well, it's delicious," he said.

She was instantly relieved when the dinner plates were vanished. Rodolphus offered her a hand and she stood, moving to the side as there was a little pop and a magnificent wedding cake appeared on the table in front of them. The tiers were white, and a veritable waterfall of purple sugar roses cascaded down the layers. On the very top, a silvery R was looped with an H.

Together they cut into the cake, and there was polite applause as they fed each other a bite. It was a rich chocolate cake, and she couldn't find anything to complain about. While everyone was getting their piece, most of the tables were vanished and the floor cleared for the dancing portion of the evening. Her stomach was in knots thinking about having to dance with the other guests. Other than Rabastan and Professor Snape, she'd honestly rather gouge her eyes out than smile and let them touch her, even if it was just for a waltz. Sadly, her participation was expected. Joyous.

She gave Rodolphus a look as Rabastan went over to where a grand piano had been placed by the orchestra.

"He thought you'd appreciate this." He offered her a hand and escorted her out to the floor.

Hermione slipped her hand into his, and let him walk her into the middle of the floor. As soon as Rabastan began to play, she understood. The strong cords made her smile, he'd somehow gotten the sheet music from her favourite musical. It was from Beauty and the Beast. She felt tears sting her eyes a little as Rodolphus pulled her close and began to move them across the floor.

It was like night and day to dancing with Viktor. Rodolphus made her glide, almost like her feet were barely touching the floor. He used the natural swells of the music to sweep her through turns, and she couldn't help the smile that took over her face. His hands were firm at her waist as he lifted her, and when she spun, he was always there to catch her. It was effortless and better than she could have asked for in this moment.

What made it all the sweeter was knowing that none of the purebloods in the room would have any idea where the music was from, or what it stood for. It was just for her. His brother had certainly sold him short, when he'd mentioned that Rabastan played 'a little'. The music was flawless and she wished that it could go on forever.

There was polite applause as the song ended, much too soon for Hermione. Rodolphus bowed to her formally, kissing her hand.

"My Lady," he said warmly. "I regret I must relinquish your hand for a few dances."

"I wish you wouldn't," she muttered under her breath.

He just chuckled, as Lucius came forward to claim his dance. He inclined his head respectfully.

"Madame Lestrange, may I have the pleasure?" Lucius asked.

"It seems you may," she replied, and allowed him to take her waist. His grip was light, and very respectful as the orchestra struck up again. It was a more spirited waltz, and she had to focus to keep pace with him. To Hermione it almost felt like he was trying to see if he could trip her up. Before she knew it, she was being passed off to Rabastan.

"Sister." His eyes sparkled, clearly enjoying being allowed to call her that.

"Brother." She rolled her eyes a little. Knowing what he was, she hadn't wanted to like him, but Rabastan made it impossible not to. "Thank you, that song was beautiful," she did say as they wove through the other dancers.

"I'm glad you liked it, and my brother is something of a beast." He winked. "Alright, off you go." He laughed and passed her off again.

"Professor." Hermione smiled as Professor Snape, caught her in a careful grip.

"How are you managing?" he asked, looking a bit awkward as they danced.

"I'm holding it together, at least for the moment," she admitted. "I both want this over with, and not."

He nodded, as if understanding perfectly. "For what little its worth, you look quite lovely. I wish you the best, at least…the best that can be expected in this situation." He looked very regretful.

"Thank you, sir," she said, and after a few turns more, she found herself dancing with Draco.

"Granger," Draco said with a smirk.

"Malfoy." She rolled her eyes. "And I think it's actually Lestrange now. Merlin, that sounds bloody bizarre." She felt a little green just saying it.

"Disturbing, more like," Draco said. "I…"

"You don't mind if I cut in, do you boy?" A voice said and Hermione was spun hard, and came face to face with a wizard that made her blood run cold. Dolohov. His hand smoothed down her back, pulling her tight against his body. This close she could smell the fire whiskey on his breath and it turned her stomach.

Hermione reacted faster than her brain could really process. Her hand flashed out, striking the man as hard as she could across the face. The slap echoed in the room, the music coming to a halt as everyone stared.

"Get your hands off me!" Her eyes narrowed dangerously as she ripped away from him.

"Come now, its tradition…just one little dance." He reached out for her, hesitating as he saw her wand was now in her hand.

"You were not invited here…" Hermione said, the world narrowing down as she looked at the man hatefully. The memory of the attack swam up in front of her eyes and everything came flooding back to her, the blinding pain, the fear, but most of all the look in his eyes. He'd wanted her dead. Without consciously deciding to, she cast an avis charm and the raucous call of cackling ravens filled the ballroom. All of her repressed rage at the situation suddenly boiled up, searing and wild.

"Oppugno," she said and the massive black birds attacked. His screams echoed through the room. Quickly, the guests scattering backwards from the unexpected duel. The scent of blood perfumed the air, as they tore at him with talons and sharp beaks. All of her hate and anger was focused completely on Dolohov, the birds working her will.

Rodolphus came up behind Hermione, wrapping his arms around her waist and brushing his lips against her ear. "I think he's learned his lesson, love," he whispered, eyes locked on the sight of Dolohov trying to fend off the large predatory birds.

She leaned back into his arms slightly, considering his request. It was hard, but Hermione cancelled the attack with a harsh move of her wand. She was shaking with the need to finish him off, knowing that if she didn't, she'd regret it someday. There were streaks of blood on the marble floor, and she tensed as Dolohov got to his feet, drawing his own wand.

He never got the chance to aim it, as Rabastan was suddenly behind him, blade at his throat.

"You're not thinking of attacking my brother's wife, here at her own wedding? Are you, Antonin?" Rabastan's teeth were bared, his expression feral. The sharply curved blade dimpled the Russian's skin, the slightest bit of pressure away from making him bleed.

"Not at all…" Antonin swallowed thickly, careful not make any sudden moves.

"Good. Now, I think you owe an apology to all these fine people and then you should probably go, before my dear sister in law finishes you off herself." Rabastan released him, and shoved him away hard enough that Dolohov stumbled.

"My apologies," he bit out, and stormed out of the ball room.

Hermione's eyes flicked over to Narcissa who nodded ever so slightly. Lucius vanished the blood and was coaxed the orchestra into playing music again. Slowly, people seemed to move off to speak in groups and a few brave souls took to the floor to dance again. Hermione turned and looked at Rodolphus.

"Can we please leave?" she pleaded quietly, wanting nothing more than to be out of here.

Rolphus nodded, and took her arm. "Let's say our goodbyes to the Malfoys and then we can go."

Hermione nodded, and it took everything in her to maintain her calm and collected appearance. She wasn't sure whether to laugh over the memory of the man shrieking on the ground like a child, or cry over the fact that she'd have happily killed him.

"Leaving so soon?" Narcissa asked, moving close and brushing a quick peck on her cheek. "You did well, my dear." She added, her tone softer with the praise.

"I should get my Lady back to the Chateau. It's been a very long day for her, and she needs rest," Rodolphus said.

"If she doesn't need it now, I'm sure she will soon enough," Lucius said with a smirk, purposefully ignoring his wife's glare.

"Thank you again, for hosting the reception." Hermione's cheeks flushed in embarrassment, and she was eternally grateful as Rodolphus made a show of picking her up and carrying her out of the hall. She just buried her face against his neck and tried to ignore everything else as he apparated them back to the Chateau.

o.o.O.o.o

Hermione's heart was pounding against her rib cage as Rodolphus carried her into the Chateau, and up the grand staircase. Lucius' words were still ringing in her ears, making her even more nervous about what was to come. It was one thing to know that she was going to have to sleep with Rodolphus, and another to actually do it.

"Are you all right?" Rodolphus asked as they headed down the dimly lit hallway.

"Not really," she admitted, feeling her stomach twist into knots.

A heavy wooden door opened and he carried her into a large suite. The walls were covered with dark wood, and rich blue insets. A fire was burning merrily in the fireplace, and Rod carried her over to a plush sofa. He settled her down gently and brushed his thumb along her cheek bone.

"You're shaking," he said.

"I can't help it," she averted her eyes, not able to look at him. She felt him move to sit beside her, and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Slowly, some of the tension began to leech from her and she leaned into him. It had only been five months since this crazy situation had started, but it felt like a lifetime. He was her husband now. The word felt foreign and strange, but it was true. She could feel his magic woven through her own, hovering there in the background.

She turned her face against his chest, and just tried to focus on the moment. The more time she spent close to him, the more the bond was pulling on her. Over the last months, she'd felt flushes of arousal when she'd been close to him, but this was overwhelming.

"I won't hurt you." His lips brushed her temple, and he stroked her arm. "I don't want you to be afraid of me, Hermione. Besides, I'd hate to end up like poor Dolohov." He teased a little.

Hermione couldn't help the laugh that slipped passed her lips. "It's too bad you stopped me."

"I agree." He smiled and shifted a little to tip her face up. "Now, I believe I owe you a proper kiss."

Hermione's eyes closed as their lips met. It started off slowly, and his hand carefully threaded into her curls. This time, he didn't pull away. It grew hungrier, more demanding and she parted her lips under his. A wash of heat crept up her neck as his hand tightened in her hair. His other hand moved to shift her up, straddling his lap. She broke the kiss, and let her eyes search his face. She wasn't entirely sure what she was looking for, but the expression in his eyes make her heart skip a beat.

"You are so beautiful," he said and lifted his other hand, wandlessly vanishing the hundreds of bobby pins holding her curls into its intricate style. The Black bridal crown he levitated off her head and onto the nearby table. He then spent a few moments carefully fanning her curls to lay around her shoulders.

Hermione trailed her fingers along the detailed embroidery on his jacket, surprised that he didn't manage to get his fingers tangled in her hair. His hands trailed down her back, coming to rest on her hips. It drew her attention back to the fact that she was straddling his lap quite suggestively and that he seemed to be enjoying it.

"We didn't get a chance for a second dance, would you grant me one now?" Rodolphus asked, his thumb tracing over her hipbone through the layers of silk and tulle.

"A dance?" She couldn't help but laugh a little.

"Did you have something else in mind?" He grinned then, a roguish expression on his features.

Her cheeks burned with embarrassment at the implication and she instantly shook her head.

"Then a dance, my Lady." He helped her up off his lap and took her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm.

Hermione felt the last bits of tension drift away, reassured that he wasn't going to just drag her off to the bedroom. He put a record on and then returned, pulling her into his arms, much closer than he would have dared at the actual reception. A smile settled onto her lips as he dipped her playfully. Here it was easy to pretend that he wasn't a Death Eater, and just for tonight she was going to hold onto the illusion.

One song shifted into another, and she let her eyes fall closed when he brushed a kiss against her temple. The material of his robes was a little rough against her cheek, and she could smell his cologne. It reminded her of the woods, bringing to mind layers of old pine needles and fallen leaves. His hand on her back brushed the laces holding the dress closed.

She felt the tug at the back of her bodice, but he caught her in a kiss before she could protest. He picked her up, carrying her back towards the bedroom. The blood was rushing in her ears and it was hard to focus on anything. His hands seemed to be everywhere at once, a finger trailing down her spine as he eased the dress down her body.

Hermione shivered as the cooler air pulled her out of the daze she'd been in. She looked up at him, and pressed a hand against his chest. Things were going too fast.

"Are you ok?" He covered her hand with his.

"I just…it's too fast," she said, feeling a little dizzy.

"It's ok. There's no rush, Hermione." He gently rubbed her arm. "Come and sit down." Rodolphus led her over to the bed. Once she was sitting, he went and poured her a glass of wine. "Drink this, it will help."

Hermione was shaking a little, but she accepted the glass. He was being good about it, but she knew there was something of a rush. They only had twenty-four hours to consummate the bonds, or the contract would be unfulfilled. She swallowed a rather large gulp and closed her eyes. She felt the bed dip as he sat beside her, and pressed a kiss to her temple.

"Why don't I give you a few minutes alone, while I get ready for bed, mmm?" He spoke softly against her curls. "Finish your wine and get under the blankets."

"Ok." She felt a bit of the panic ease as he left the bedroom, and headed into the adjoining bathroom. She finished off the glass of wine and set it off on the bedside table. She walked over to the dressing table and saw that there was a night gown laid out for her. She mentally thanked Dily for thinking of it.

She finished undressing and slipped it on, before returning to the bed and sliding under the covers. The sheets were cool, and she laid back against the plump pillows. This was really not how she'd pictured tonight going, nothing like the fictional romances she'd fallen in love with in books and in films. Even up until last night she'd had dreams about Rodolphus sweeping her off her feet and sweetly seducing her into his bed. This was real.

The door to the bathroom opened again, Rodolphus was wearing just a pair of pajama pants, riding low on his hips. He extinguished the lamps with a non-verbal nox, leaving only the flickering light from the fireplace to illuminate the space. Hermione's eyes wandered over his naked chest, appreciating the view. He'd put on a bit more muscle since the last time she'd seen him like this, not looking nearly as half-starved. He got into the bed on his side and held out his arm to her.

"Let's just get some sleep, we have the time and…I don't want to rush this," he said.

Hermione moved to curl against his side, but felt her head shaking. She didn't want to wait, and right now this was what she wanted. She bit her bottom lip nervously and shifted a little to be able to brush her lips against his in a simple kiss.

"I don't want to wait," Hermione said, looking down at him. She brushed her free hand over his chest, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. She wasn't going to end tonight by being demure and shy, she wanted him and she was going to tell him that.

"You only ever have to tell me to stop," he said before taking her lips in another searing kiss.

Stoping was one thing that she didn't ask him to do.