Hi! New chapter! I'm sorry if they starts coming less frequently, but I will go on vacation again next week, and then I'll move to the University I will begin in. I'll try to update two times every week, but I'm sorry if they have more errors than it should. I just have a lot too do.

And I don't think this was clear in the last chapter but Dumbledore did NOT try to kill Hermione. Like Voldemort thought, he tried to kill the thing inside her! Ah, well, on with the next chapter!

Warning; This chapter has not yet been betaed!

Chapter 37 – A helpful Ginny

Hermione lay on her bed with her eyes closed. Tears were running from the corner of her eyes and into her hair, but she didn't care anymore. Why had Dumbledore tried to kill her? Was it because of what she had done with Voldemort? How could he be so unfair? She had always looked up to Dumbledore, but now she understood why Severus hated him.

"Here." She could feel something against her lips. Severus had come back with some potion.

Hermione opened her eyes and drank it. The throbbing pain in her stomach disappeared.

"Is the baby okay?" she asked.

Severus nodded. "The Dark Lord saved it when he saved you."

Hermione sighed. "I guess that means I owe him again…"

"I would have saved you if I had been there first," Severus said, a bit aggressive.

Hermione took his hand and smiled sadly. "I know, Severus. I'm just glad I live."

Severus stroked some hair from her face. "I am too…" He bent down to kiss her, but something made Hermione turn her head away. The gesture was too intimate. She didn't want that. She didn't love him, it would feel wrong.

Severus sighed. "I wish you would give me a chance."

"I'm sorry," she said, but she didn't exactly know what she was sorry for.

"I think I need to go to the other teachers," Severus said coldly. "If I know the Dark Lord, he will want to talk to everyone…"

At the same moment, someone entered the room. "Severus?" It was Voldemort.

Severus sighed and kissed Hermione's forehead. She could see him bowing in the doorway. A moment later, the door closed. She closed her eyes, but only a minute later, the door opened again.

"Polyjuice Potion, works like a charm."

She opened her eyes and saw the Dark Lord standing in the doorway.

"Voldemort… But… Who was with Severus?"

He smirked and went over to the bed and sat down. "The only servant I trust enough to let her pretend to be me. She knows what to say, and what I want her to say."

"She?"

He chuckled and lay down next to her. "Are you jealous?"

"No… just surprise. I guess it's not Bella."

"No, it's not Bella. People would notice."

"I didn't know you had any other close female minions."

He put his nose in her hair right over her ear. "There is much you don't know about me, princess."

Hermione couldn't help but to tremble. Voldemort kissed her ear and placed his hand on her stomach. He started to caress it. "How do you feel?"

"I can't believe Dumbledore tried to kill me…" she mumbled. "And that you saved me."

"I told you Dumbledore couldn't be trusted…" Voldemort mumbled and kissed her jaw line.

Hermione closed her eyes again. His lips sent shivers down to her most sensitive areas. She could feel her heart starting to beat faster.

"What are you doing?" she whispered.

"Comforting you," he said a bit hoarsely. "You have had a tough day…" The hand on her stomach travelled up over her breast. She moaned quietly, but the hand continued up to her neck and under her head. He lifter her head so he could sneak his other hand under it. Then the hand travelled back down to her hip.

"But I hate you…," she mumbled.

"So you keep saying… But I don't know who you are trying to convince anymore…" He turned her to her side so she was facing him. His leg came on top of hers and she could feel his breath on her lips. They felt two times bigger because of all the blood that was gathering there, waiting for the kiss.

"But I do… You tricked me and…"

"Hush… It doesn't matter what I did… Remember that I know what you are feeling… And your feelings tell me that you want me to kiss you…"

Hermione sighed and his hand found the hem of her nightgown. He got under it, and when his hand came in contact with her naked back, it felt like she had got a shock. She breathed in and he took the opportunity to crush his lips on hers. They both moaned at the contact and he pressed her body closer to his as her arm came around him. She stroked his back hard and he deepened the kiss. Their tongues battled with each other before he won. He gently nibbled her tongue with his teeth. Hermione moaned and her hand came up to his hair… He had such nice hair. So thick and soft, nothing like Severus…

Oh. Right… Severus. Her husband. She shouldn't be kissing another man… No matter how good he was at it. She sighed and broke free from his kiss, but he still held her tightly. She bowed her head so her forehead rested against his chin.

"I'm still married," she muttered. "He loves me. This isn't right."

"I don't care," Voldemort said a bit breathlessly. "I want you."

"I don't want to hurt him."

"I could make sure he wasn't around to see."

Hermione looked up at him with terror in her eyes. "NO! You can't…"

He smiled. "At least you don't deny that there is something between us…"

She groaned. "I hate you."

"No you don't. You are only trying to convince yourself that you are. It would be easier if you didn't fight it."

"But… you are evil."

"Everything is relative, my sweet," he purred and his hand stroked the side of her breast. "Some people would say this is evil and sinful… I say it's the beginning of something that could be incredible good."

"Well," Hermione said with a gasp. "Your area of expertise is how to make good things evil…"

He chuckled and captured her lips again while his thumb stroked her nipple in a way that felt too good to be true. Hermione sucked on his lower lips in response and he moaned.

"Hermione? Are you there?"

Hermione panicked and pushed him off her so he fell down to the floor next to the bed. Then she sat up and groaned when her stomach started to hurt again.

"Hermione!?"

"Ginny," Hermione mumbled and looked at Voldemort. He rose from the floor with a dark expression. "Sorry."

He grunted and went to the door. Hermione sighed when he opened the door.

"Miss Weasley," Voldemort said.

"What are you doing here?!" Hermione could hear Ginny say in a horrid voice.

"Ginny!" she called. "It's okay."

Ginny stepped inside the bedroom with a suspicious look at Voldemort. She sat down on the bed and took Hermione's hand, still looking at Voldemort.

"Tell me that isn't Lord Voldemort," Ginny hissed.

Voldemort arched an eyebrow. "In the flesh."

"Ginny," Hermione said and held her friends hand tightly. "It's okay; he saved my life from Dumbledore."

Ginny's eyes widened. "So Dumbledore did attack someone?"

Hermione started to sob. "Yes, I don't know why. He dragged me to his office and started to question me about Severus. I didn't want to answer him… So he forced himself into my mind and then he attacked me! I thought I would die."

Ginny still didn't look convinced, but she hugged her. "Oh, Hermione. I'm sorry."

"I was so scared…" Hermione muttered. "And the baby…"

"Is the baby alright?"

Hermione nodded. "Severus gave me something that will make sure I don't get a miscarriage."

Ginny looked at Voldemort again. "I'm still not sure why he is here."

Voldemort, who had sat down on the chair, looked surprised. "Me? Oh, I have just taken over Hogwarts and will be the new headmaster. I was just making sure Mrs Snape was alright."

"Why?"

"Because I'm nice."

Ginny snorted. "You can't fool me, Riddle. You are always after something, I should know."

Voldemort shrugged.

"Where is Harry, by the way?" Ginny continued.

"What about Harry?" Hermione asked, looking at Ginny.

"I saw him fight after he had come back from Dumbledore… and then he just wasn't there anymore. What happened at Dumbledore's office?"

Voldemort sighed. "I told everyone before. I found Dumbledore trying to kill Mrs Snape, I made him stop and was about to ask him what the hell he was doing when Potter came. Dumbledore got loose and said that he would kill Mrs Snape unless let Potter go. Of course I let Potter go. When Dumbledore saw that, he killed himself so I wouldn't get the chance to question him."

Ginny grimaced. "I just can't believe that. You have wanted to kill Harry since he was a baby."

"So you don't think a man can change? Potter is not on my to-do-list anymore."

Ginny didn't look convinced and neither was Hermione, but she was feeling very sleepy.

"Speaking of changes, what's up with this new looks? Harry said you looked like a snake."

"I got over it. Being reborn into a new body is a process… I promise you, this is the real me."

It was scary how easy he lied. Hermione yawned.

"And now it looks like Mrs Snape wants to sleep. I have to ask you to leave, Miss Weasley."

Ginny looked at Hermione who nodded.

"I will be fine," she promised."

"Okay… I will come back tomorrow…" Ginny hugged her again and then followed Voldemort out of the room. Sleep claimed Hermione just a moment later.

xxx

The next few days at Hogwarts were chaotic. Children wanted to speak to their parents, but weren't allowed due to "insecurity". Teachers had to comfort the students even if they needed comfort too. Voldemort spook to everyone three times every day too assure them all that they were safe and that nothing would happen. The war was over, they should be celebrating! But even if everyone did calm down by the handsome Dark Lord's word, they didn't feel like celebrating.

Hermione slept most of the time, dreaming wet, erotic dreams about Voldemort. She was sure he planted then into her mind, but still felt guilty every time she saw Severus. Not that they saw each other very often. He always had something to do and she usually pretended to be asleep when he was home. She didn't want to meet the rest of the school again. She felt like she had betrayed them.

"You won't become any healthier if you don't try to do something," Severus said to her one night when they were in bed.

"I know. I'm just too tired."

"No, you are hiding."

Hermione turned toward the wall. "I want to sleep."

Severus sat up and made her turn back to him again. "What's really the matter with you, Hermione? This isn't like you!"

She could feel the tears coming, but she forced them away. He stared into her eyes like he was trying to see her soul.

"I betrayed them," she finally said. "Ginny, Ron and Harry… I helped Voldemort to achieve this… I gave him his new powers!"

"Yes, but your friends aren't wounded. Mr Weasley came back last night. He and Miss Weasley were here, asking about you. They are worried. So am I… and the Dark Lord."

"I bet he is," Hermione muttered. Ever since they had kissed, she had gone from being cold to confused again. It bugged her that she couldn't find the coldness again.

Severus placed his hands on her shoulders. "What is going on between the two of you?"

Hermione swallowed. "I don't know… He is just… him."

"Do you have a crush on him now?" Severus asked in a hard voice.

"I…" Hermione tried to break their eye contact, but he wouldn't let her. "I hate him…"

"But you want to fuck him? Tell me the truth."

"I…" Hermione took a deep breath and then looked up at him again. "Yes. I want to fuck him. I know it's disgusting and he is twice your age and he is evil. But he makes me turn into jelly and I hate it."

Severus let her go and rose from the bed. "You are right, it is disgusting. And you are twisted. Why do you like Death Eaters so much? It's not healthy."

Hermione sat up. "I don't know! Why do you like me so much?! I never asked for any of this. You and Voldemort forced this upon me. I never wanted to marry you."

He crossed his arms and stared at her. "You didn't complain once we started to shag. Perhaps all you really need is a big cock."

"And you are so much better?" Hermione said and got out from bed too. "All you ever liked about me was my pussy!"

"Perhaps it is because it doesn't talk so much!"

"Oh!" Hermione felt like she had got a punch in her stomach. "I hate you!"

"Then why don't we fuck? You want to fuck the Dark Lord, right? And you claim to hate him."

"Stop it!" She screamed. "You are just mad because I don't love you anymore!"

"No, I'm mad because my wife is stupid enough to want to fuck the Dark Lord."

Hermione felt the tears starting to run. "Perhaps I will fuck him in exchanged for a divorce from you."

"Perhaps we should fuck him together then!"

"FINE!" Hermione stormed out from the bedroom and went to the sitting-room. She was about to throw some Floo-powder into the fire when Severus lifted her up from behind.

"LET ME GO!" she screamed.

"No," he said in a low voice. "If you walk to him tonight, don't bother coming back. Because you will have nothing to come back to. If I find out that you have fucked him, I won't care anymore. I will kill him. Or die trying."

He dropped her on the floor again. She turned around and stared at him. He looked deadly serious. Hermione swallowed and walked backwards to the fire. She held up the hand with the Floo and threw it into the fire. She stepped into the fire.

"Gryffindor tower," she whispered.

Severus looked relived.

Hermione stepped out into the Gryffindor tower. It was empty. She looked outside and realised that it had to be in the middle of the night. The moon was shining softly through the big windows. She missed the windows…

With a silent sob, she went up the stairs to the girls dorms and entered the one saying fifth-years. Ginny's bed was the one closest to the door. Hermione tiptoed to it and pulled aside the curtains.

"Ginny?" she whispered.

The younger girl awoke with jerk. "Hermione?"

"Can I sleep here tonight?"

Ginny moved aside to give Hermione space to sit down. Then she took her wand and cast a silencing-spell so the other girls wouldn't hear them.

"What happened?" Ginny asked once Hermione had crawled into the bed.

Hermione started to sob. "I don't love him anymore."

"Snape?"

"Yes! But he loves me… and everything is so confusing. He found out that I have a crush on someone else and he… He said the most horrible things…"

"Whom do you have a crush on?"

"It doesn't matter… He is just so protective… He said that he was going to kill the other man if I went to him. So I came here instead."

"Oh, Hermione," Ginny said and hugged her. "He is just sad because you don't love him."

"Then why can't he just cry like others?" Hermione muttered.

"Because he is a man. He probably doesn't know how to cry…"

Hermione sobbed a little more. "I just don't know what to do. I care for him… I'm expecting his child! I can't just leave him, even if Voldemort would allow it."

"Why would he allow it?"

"Because he is the leader now… I guess he is in charge of such things. And it is his fault from the beginning."

"Yes…" Ginny sighed and Hermione decided to talk about something else.

"How is Ron? I heard he was back?"

"He is fine… They took him to some kind of hospital. He said that they were nice and took care of him and then just sent him back. But I think they did something to him. He says that he is glad the war is finally over and that he can't believe that Dumbledore was such a double-crosser."

Hermione frowned. "That doesn't sound like him."

"No… It seems like he doesn't really care that Riddle is the Headmaster."

"Why do you call him Riddle?" Hermione asked confused.

"Because he looks very much like he did in the dairy… Do you think I should call him Voldemort?"

"I don't think he likes to be called Riddle… But I don't think he likes to be called anything but 'Lord' or 'Sir'…"

Ginny giggled a bit nervously. "He is dangerous."

Hermione nodded. "Yes… I don't know what we can do now… he is so powerful."

"Harry is still out there somewhere," Ginny said and sounded hopeful. "Perhaps he is building up some kind of rebel group?"

"Perhaps…"

For some reason, Hermione didn't think Harry could save them anymore… Voldemort was just so powerful. And it was all thanks to her…