A/N: Well...I couldn't do it. I can't stay away from you all. Writing a short, quick chapter then back to the books. Reviews please! I love you guys! PS. The story is kind of going to follow the last two novels.
Chapter 29: Blood
Hermione smiled when she awoke with Severus's warm, bare chest beneath her. They were both still naked, and Hermione shivered, as the sheets had slipped down to her waist.
She sighed and smiled kissing him lightly when he opened his eyes as well. "Good morning," he said, his voice rough with sleep.
She kissed his nose. "Morning to you, love."
"Ugh. I'm getting old. This whole staying up most of the night on a weekday isn't as easy as it used to be."
Hermione smiled and sighed. "I wish it were the weekend."
"Me as well, my love." He kissed her. "But it's not. I need a shower. Care to join me?" he asked, pushed the sheets back and heading to the bathroom.
Hermione watched him hungrily and nodded. "I would love to."
"Nothing naughty, love. Breakfast is in 45 minutes."
Hermione pouted as he turned on the water. He stepped into the shower, taking her hand and helping her in as well. They washed each other gently with soap, careful not to get too into the process.
They dressed slowly, neither wanting to go on with the day. Severus kissed her lightly once he was dressed. "Don't forget about your detention tonight...I figured we'll just brew since you have to participate in the actual detention."
Hermione smiled and nodded. She kissed him again. "See you tonight." She watched him leave the room and smiled. After a few moments, she left as well, heading to the Great Hall.
Hermione glanced up at the Head Table and smiled, seeing Severus grimacing as Sprout was telling him a long winded story. She couldn't wait to take her NEWTs and spend her entire seventh year with him.
Severus glanced at Hermione, not listening to Sprout's obnoxious story. "Severus..."
The man looked up, hearing Albus's voice. "Yes?"
"I've spoken to the Department of Magical Education. Miss Granger will not be permitted to take herNEWT exams early."
Severus frowned. "Why not? She is more than ready."
"They believe she is being given special treatment due to her relationship with Potter."
"That's absurd, Albus...and you know it!"
"I do not disagree, Severus, but there is nothing we can do."
"I suppose I will tell her."
Severus sighed when Hermione walked into his classroom for detention. "Hermione...love, I have some bad news."
The girl looked up at him, worry etched on her face. "What's wrong, Severus?"
"Professor Dumbledore spoke with the Borad of Magical Education. They're not allowing you to sit your NEWTs exam early."
"W-what?" She was confused.
"They believe we are giving you special treatment because you are Potter's friend."
Hermione sighed. "I...I suppose I'll just have to deal with it..."
"That's it?" He asked. "You aren't angry?"
"Of course I am...but being angry does nothing. I'm more upset than angry."
Severus embraced her and kissed the top of her head. They brewed together for several hours in silence. After some time, Severus hissed in pain, gripping his left arm.
Hermione bit her lip. "Am I to go as well?"
Severus nodded slowly. "I should expect so. They've sent you robes and a mask, by the way."
Hermione felt ill. She didn't want to put the mask on. But it would all help Harry in the end.
Severus took the girl's hand and led her to his rooms, where he gave her an elegant, short, black cocktail dress. He helped her put on the Death Eater robes before pulling his on. He held both masks in his hand and took her hand, thankful it was after curfew. He led the girl to the castle gates. They swung open slowly, and he moved forward, looking back when Hermione did not move.
"I-I'm afraid, Severus..."
Severus nodded and kissed her. "I know, my love..." He took a deep breath. "I-if you don't want to go..."
She shook her head. "No, Severus...I want to do this." She kissed him and took the feminine looking mask from his hand. She stared at the intricate, Celtic looking detail. She bit her lip before pulling it on. Severus did the same and took her hand, apparating them to the meeting point.
Hermione bit back a sob. "I'm sorry, my lord."
"No excuse, Mudblood. Crucio!"
Hermione screamed, unable to hold it back. She bit through her lip, blood running down her face. She could hear Bellatrix laughing.
"You were supposed to know more...to have more information. Potter must be up to something. Is there anything?"
Hermione gasped for air and nodded when he lifted the curse. Shaking, she spoke. "H-he suspects...Draco..." She began. "He says so every chance he gets. B-but no one believes him."
Voldemort didn't look too pleased. "That's it?"
"I'm sorry, my lord. I cannot stand the lot of them, and I haven't been around them as much lately. They, of course, have no knowledge of my dislike. I will spend more time with him, my lord...I am sorry for displeasing you."
"Crucio! No excuses!"
Hermione writhed in pain, jerking violently on the floor.
"Leave! All of you!" Voldemort demanded. "Except for you...Severus." He released the curse.
Hermione choked on the air she was finally getting again.
Hermione felt a large, clammy hand pull her to her shaky feet. "She is beautiful..."
Hermione cringed.
"She is, indded, my lord."
"But why, Severus? She is a mudblood."
"My lord...I believe that she is not, as you say, a Mudblood."
"Oh?" His hands were running along Hermione's side. The girl cringed, feeling everything under the material of her thin dress.
"I am researching it. She has traces of magical blood in her past. Her father's side. It has been several generations, but Hermione received the gift."
"I was proof, Severus." Voldemort's eyes studied Hermione carefully. "Does she satisfy you, Severus? Sexually, I mean, of course."
Severus nodded. "Very much so..."
Voldemort nodded. "I expect you'll need to prove that to me at some point."
Hermione shivered. Surely, he didn't mean...?
"I would just love to have a front row seat."
"O-of course, my lord," his voice was quiet.
"You two may go. I would prefer her to be...cleaner...when I next see you."
Hermione cringed as Severus took her in his arms and apparated them to the gates. The man lifted her into his arms, seeing the blood pouring from her mouth and the bruises lining her face. He walked quickly to the Hospital wing.
"Poppy!" He called out, laying the small girl on one of the white beds, her red blood staining the sheets quickly.
A/N: That's it for now.
