HI! Okay so all the text wouldn't cooperate when I copy-pasted it. I think I fixed it now :)

Barty had definitely kept true to his word, and he had certainly not wasted any more time getting married. Within a week after the last school day, Hermione had married Barty during a very small and secretive ceremony, just to make their marriage official as quickly as possible without too much planning that would take up a lot of time. The two weeks after that, Hermione had mostly focused on redecorating her own quarters in their new house, if you could even call it a house. It was so immensely big that you could easily get lost in it. And they didn't even need all the space, it was just for showing off. She also got the impression that the Muggle servants were not pleased at all with their new masters. Of course they would never speak up for themselves, as Barty would undoubtedly lose his temper if they did. He wanted them to be submissive and obedient and silent, he wanted them to act after the ideals of the Death Eaters, that Muggles were less than wizards and witches. Even worse than that, they were less than slaves in his eyes. He had made Winky the head of the household, a gesture that indicated that a house-elf was ranked higher than Muggles. But Hermione still tried to treat them humanely, even though her husband refused to do so. She still paid them fair wages, and she offered them plenty of free time. An amount of almost two hundred servants was already more than enough to run the household smoothly, so they could also take their rest every now and then.

The grandparents of Skye were still in Crouch Manor, but Skye had to come and live with her father, where she got her own quarters as well. But she seemed already quite comfortable with the fact that everyone around her was running to do her bidding, while addressing her with 'ma'am' or 'lady'. Hermione found it slightly less easy to get used to that. But she could certainly get used to all the luxury around her, everything in the house was so expensive and chic, and even the estate around the house that you couldn't even see the end of it when looking outside. She did, however, still sleep in the same room as Barty, in the same bed, even though she had her own quarters. Now that he was treating her like a goddess, she didn't want to leave his side anymore.

But not every day passed so peacefully as if the outside world didn't exist anymore. One stressful day came up when Skye indeed had decided to invite her new boyfriend over. It was indeed the Ravenclaw Lucius had been talking about. And while Skye didn't seem to be nervous at all, Hermione feared for the boy. The poor guy would have to meet a Death Eater who was known for his violent mood swings and unstable temper, and on top of that, Barty was very protective. Skye couldn't see that coming, but Hermione could. She could see on Barty's face that he was nervous too when it was almost time for dinner. He wouldn't even look at her anymore, and he wouldn't talk to her anymore.

"Barty... Are you alright?" Hermione asked him when he was just sitting on the couch in front of the fire place in their bedroom in the afternoon, staring at the fire.

"The boy didn't even think it necessary to introduce himself properly," he growled, clearly preoccupied with Skye's boyfriend.

"Think of how this must be for the boy. Come on, don't be like this. Give him a chance at least. I am sure he will be worthy of your daughter, or else Skye wouldn't even have offered him to come over for dinner."

She sat down next to him, taking his hand in hers.

"Look a bit happier, Barty, what is the worst that could happen?" Hermione said. "She needs to lead her own life."

"He may be a bad influence for her. She may become weak."

"Weak? Is that what you are afraid of? You are afraid that he is a good person? Really, you should be happy it is not some sort of snobbish and arrogant Pureblood- no offence- or even worse, a Death Eater," Hermione said fiercely. "Still, no offence," she added quickly.

"Hmm, you are probably right," Barty said.

"I am most of the time," she smiled in return. "Now let's go downstairs, that guy is no doubt already waiting for us in the entrance hall."

"Fine," he agreed grumpily, but nonetheless he took her hand and stood up, following her downstairs. Hermione smiled inwardly when she thought about how much their relationship had really changed over the last year. He would never have taken her hand and followed her somewhere and letting her take control, let alone listen to her advice.

There was indeed a boy waiting in the entrance hall. He was staring at the high ceiling with wide eyes, and he looked pretty nervous in general. His hands were clasped together, and his forehead was visibly sweaty. He was quite handsome, with a well-built posture and piercing blue eyes. His blonde hair was quite untidy, but it looked like he had done his best to make it presentable. Under his arm he had his coat, which he apparently had not wanted to give away to the servants. When he looked away from the ceiling, he jumped slightly when he saw Barty and Hermione approaching him.

"Sir, ma'am," he said politely with a nervous smile. "Thank you for inviting me here for dinner."

"We didn't,' Barty said, not sounding as polite as the boy. "My daughter did."

He extended his hand, though, something which Hermione had not expected from him. She would have thought that he would still be rude to the boy.

"Kyle Anderson, sir," Kyle smiled, ignoring Barty's gruff appearance and shaking his hand.

"I know," Barty responded, not even bothering to introduce himself out of formality.

"Hermione," Hermione introduced herself, offering her hand as well, smiling at the younger boy. "You don't have to call me ma'am, Hermione will do."

"Kyle," he replied politely, with a small bow. "It's a pleasure, ma'am- I mean, Hermione."

"As long as you don't think you can address me by my first name," Barty growled, "because I will cut off your tongue if you do."

Barty turned around and he left the hall towards the Dining Hall.

"Don't mind him, he doesn't mean that," Hermione said to Kyle, who was even more nervous than before. "Okay, maybe he does. I think he would actually cut your tongue off for that. But still, don't provoke him in any way and don't challenge him, and I am sure the two of you will get along just fine."

"I-I am a Halfblood, though," Kyle whispered. "Does he know that?"

"Of course he knows. Besides, he married me. He would not have done that if he only wanted his family to be Pureblood."

"You are kind, m- Hermione," Kyle said. "Thank you."

"You have never done anything to me, why wouldn't I be kind?" Hermione replied. "You're welcome. Please, follow me to the Dining Hall, I am sure Skye will be waiting for you there as well."

"Oh, wait, I have... brought..." Kyle murmured, while searching for something in his coat. "I have brought something with me, for you, and for Mr. Crouch, of course."

He offered her a small box, wrapped in blue paper. Hermione took it from him and she opened the box. When she did, a huge bouquet with all sorts of flowers grew out of the box.

"Wow, this is beautiful, thank you. I am sure it will look lovely on the table," Hermione said. "Come on, I will show it to Barty. Mr. Crouch for you, of course," she winked.

Hermione led the way to the Dining Hall, where Barty as well as Skye were already sitting. They were surrounded by servants who were ready to serve the needs of the people sitting at the table. Hermione kindly asked one of them to fetch a vase in which she could put the flowers Kyle had given her, as she gestured for Kyle to sit down. She noticed that Barty was following Kyle's every move, even when Kyle was already sitting.

"Barty," Hermione said, more to distract him from Kyle for a moment. "Look at this," she showed him the flowers, "don't you think that is really kind of him?"

"Very," Barty replied curtly before returning his cold stare back at Kyle. "Before we start this fun family gathering, I need to make you something clear first. If you are an enemy of the Dark Lord, then I want you out. If you are his enemy, my enemy, then please, feel free to tell me now. Because if I find out later, you are in big trouble, I can assure you."

"No, sir, I am not choosing sides, I am completely neutral," Kyle smiled nervously.

"Is that so?" Barty said coldly in return, staring the boy down.

"Dad..." Skye now said softly, furrowing her brows to show her disapproval of this interrogation.

"Quiet," Barty snapped. "From what I recall, your father is, excuse me, was, really good friends with Dumbledore. Wasn't he?"

Kyle gulped, his face losing color again.

"I know your family, boy, and if I see that you or your parents are connected to the Order and plotting against the Dark Lord, then I will hunt you all down. And I will end you all in a most horrible way. There is no way that I would let a traitor anywhere near my daughter," Barty growled darkly. "But... I am willing to give you a chance... If you are prepared to swear to me that you are not connected to the Order in any way."

"Sir, I-"

"Ah, ah, quiet," Barty said, taking out his wand. "Swear it with an Unbreakable Vow."

"Okay, enough, Barty," Hermione said softly, knowing fully well that she shouldn't cross Barty like that, but she felt that she was the only one in the room who could actually influence him. Skye wouldn't try and stop her father. "Sweetheart... you are being paranoid. He is sixteen, you can't make him do this. Would it hurt you to just trust him?"

"Dumbledore still has his loyal followers who would do anything to cross the Dark Lord, I can't just trust him in my family if I am not certain," Barty growled. "Or I could make your parents make the Vow..." he said, a dangerous glint appearing in his eyes.

"Don't give him that evil look or you'll scare him to death," Hermione scolded. "Now, if you find out that he is acting against you or the Dark Lord, I won't stop you. I know I couldn't. Then you can do with him what you want. But he is here for Skye, out of love. Please just accept that."

"You are way too compassionate, my love," Barty said, now finally looking at her. "Fine. I'll trust you on your word then... Kyle. For now. I suggest you don't test me. Welcome to the family."

"Thank you, sir," Kyle said with clear relief.

Even Skye seemed to be more relaxed now. Now that the tensions were gone, more casual talk about hobbies and interests came up. It was mainly Hermione who did the talking, but Barty was not trying to be intimidating anymore. On the contrary, he was actually joining into the conversations and showing some genuine interest in what Kyle did in his spare time. It was very clear that the main reason why Barty was being so hostile towards Kyle was his distrust regarding the side Kyle was on. And that combined with his protectiveness over his daughter had made him quite unpleasant company. But luckily, Kyle had been nothing but polite throughout the entire dinner, which had a positive effect on Barty's mood. Skye wanted Kyle to stay for the night, but Kyle declined the offer even before Barty could open his mouth to object.

"I really should go home, my love," he said when they were standing in the Entrance Hall to say goodbye to each other. "My parents are expecting me home."

"I understand... But please come back soon," Skye said.

"As soon as I can," Kyle said, placing a kiss on her cheek, making her blush slightly.

"You should bring your parents next time. I'd like to meet them," Barty said with quite a serious tone.

"It's very kind of you to invite them, sir, but I am not sure if they-"

"I insist," Barty interrupted him. "It would be very impolite of them to decline my offer, don't you think?"

"Yes, sir, I shall bring them along next time," Kyle said.

"Good. And, one more thing. Let's just drop the 'sir' for now," Barty said.

"Of course, Mr. Crouch, and thank you for having me for dinner," Kyle replied, shaking Barty's hand. "And Hermione, thank you for your kindness and company," he said, taking her hand as well. But instead of shaking it, he placed a kiss on the back of her hand.

Hermione returned him a warm smile. "You are very welcome. I hope to see you soon."

Then Hermione took Barty's hand, and she started dragging him away. Barty obviously did not get the hint, as he was protesting all the way to the drawing room where she sat him down on the couch.

"Honestly," she sighed while sitting down next to him. "You really don't understand anything that has got to do with romance. They need some alone time, they will only feel uncomfortable if we are staring at them while they say goodbye to each other."

"But-"

"It's okay. I know you are a cold man with no knowledge about love," Hermione teased. "That is why you have me."

"Aren't I lucky," Barty said sarcastically.

"You are. Don't you forget it."