A/N: The week has seemed to fly by! I still think it's Wednesday, but that may be COVID related. :) Hopefully, you're all well. Severus and Hermione celebrate New Years'... with Voldie.
Thanks to Amortentia in my Veins for the amazing beta work.

Chapter 25

It was New Year's Eve. Severus and Hermione had a party to attend at the Malfoy's that evening, but they decided they wanted to move all their belongings into the mansion during the day. Hermione and Severus looked around at Spinner's End, deciding what they wanted to take with them. The books, of course, were a no-brainer, but with the estate being fully furnished they found they probably didn't need most of the furnishings within their home.

"Most of this is so old, it's not worth keeping anyway," Severus said as they moved about the house.

"What about your reading chair?" Hermione asked.

Severus stopped in front of it and put his hand up to his chin, rubbing it as he frowned at the chair. It was comfortable, but if he were honest with himself, he didn't want to keep it.

"Maia, everything here reminds me of my parents. I honestly can't look at that chair without seeing my father sitting in it either passed out from drink or snarling at my mother." He looked around the room again. "I want nothing here."

Hermione's arms wrapped around him. "You're sure? Not even some of the things in your bedroom? Don't they have any sentimental value for you?"

His frown grew larger. "You know about my childhood, Maia," he replied tersely. "There is nothing I can look back at fondly except my association with Lily. Nothing here brings good memories back to me. They were all unpleasant."

Hermione kissed his cheek. "We can shrink all of it and throw it away if that's what you want."

He looked at her and nodded. "What of yours do you want to keep?"

She shrugged. "I had very little when we moved in together. Anything sentimental to me was left in the future. Other than the books and pictures, I'm fine with getting rid of all the furnishings as well."

Severus pulled her into a hug and rested his chin on her head. "Then it's settled. We'll just pack our clothing, potions items, and books and shrink everything else and toss the lot."

"Will your parents want any of this? Technically, it's their house."

He shrugged. "I would imagine they would have dragged anything they wanted with them. There were some things gone when I came back here once they'd left."

They began their task, shrinking everything. It really didn't take long to get everything sorted, and they were soon Apparating to the mansion with their belongings. Severus carried several cauldrons and other items that would not take well to being shrunk, and they made their way to the potions lab. They spent a long time getting everything set up how they'd like it. Severus took the most time debating on the placement of ingredients and supplies. When they were done, they turned to get the boxes with their books in them and found that they weren't set along the table where they'd left them. Hermione looked at Severus, who arched his eyebrow at her.

"I believe we have had some help," he replied and motioned her to follow him. They made their way across the hall to the library, where they found their books had been placed on several previously empty bookshelves. Miffy was putting the last few books onto a shelf as they entered.

"Thank you, Miffy," Hermione said as they moved into the room. "That was very kind."

The elf turned and gave a slight bow. "It is my pleasure to serve the House of Prince," he said before making his way out of the room.

"Lunch will be served in ten minutes," he said as he left the room.

Hermione and Severus looked at one another. They weren't used to being waited on. Hermione bit her lower lip.

"Maia," Severus said. "They enjoy what they do for us. It is in their nature to want to please others, and serving is the way they show that. They have all expressed their pride in being associated with the House of Prince."

Hermione nodded. "I know. I fought hard for their rights in my youth. It took me a while to realize they enjoyed their work. It's still a little odd having them wait on me like this."

"It's not really different than being at Hogwarts," Severus mused.

"That's true. It's just this is on a more personal level."

Severus reached out and grasped her hand.

"Come, let us go enjoy our lunch. There's no need for us to feel awkward, these elves have been here since way before we were even thought about. We will treat them respectfully, as they should be treated."

Hermione smiled at him, and they left the room hand in hand.

oooOOOooo

Hermione placed an earring in her ear and ran her fingers through her curls. She'd decided to wear her hair down for the party they were going to attend. She'd wrangled her curls with Sleekeazy's and some spells of her own creation to give her hair body and definition. Her hair was perfectly coiled and framed her face nicely. She smiled at her appearance. The gold, floor-length dress robes she wore molded to her shape, and she turned in the full-length mirror to make sure it looked perfect. She had found the earrings and a beautiful diamond necklace in her vanity when they'd moved in, and she was wearing those now too.

Severus came in and stopped short when he saw his bride. After composing himself, he quickly came to her and kissed her cheek.

"You look utterly ravishing, Maia. I swear, every time I look at you, you become more beautiful."

Hermione smiled widely at him. "Thank you, my love," she said and pecked him on the cheek as well.

Stepping back, she admired his black dress robes. She ran her finger down the long string of buttons of the suitcoat before reaching up and fluffing his black cravat.

"Severus," she sighed. "You look so sexy in this outfit. I'm not sure if I'll be able to keep my hands off you tonight."

He smirked at her. "We can always leave early… or not even go." His eyebrow arched, almost involuntarily, and she snickered at him.

"You know Narcissa would throw a fit if we didn't show up or left early, and you don't want to be on Narcissa's bad side," she chided

"Heaven forfend," Severus said dryly. "The last time I disappointed that woman, I was banished from Malfoy Manor for six months."

Hermione chuckled as her arms went around her husband's waist. "Are you ready to go?" she asked.

He nodded, and she began to move away, only to be yanked back against Severus' chest.

"You forgot something," he said slyly.

"Oh?"

His eyebrow arched at her again.

She giggled and kissed the corner of his mouth.

"Ah, ah, ah," he said. "Your aim is off."

"Was it?" she said saucily.

He nodded his head.

"Let me try again, then."

She kissed the other corner of his mouth.

"Woman, do you need kissing lessons?"

"Maybe I do."

His mouth came down on hers, and he kissed her properly, making Hermione's toes curl as he did so. They stayed like that until Hermione thought she would explode with passion. She pulled away from him, gasping for breath.

"You are a masterful teacher, Severus. I wish we had more time to explore this deeper."

He leaned in and placed his forehead on hers. "You'll just have to wait until the party is over, then."

"Midnight can't come fast enough," she murmured as he moved away from her and guided her out of their room and to the party.

A few minutes later, they appeared in front of the manor. Severus looked cocky as he stared at it.

"Our estate is more beautiful," he said simply.

"I agree," Hermione said.

The reality of where they were and who they would be spending the evening with crashed around her, and she grasped Severus' hand.

"Will the Dark Lord make an appearance tonight?" she asked with a frown.

"He will probably be here for a little while. Be sure your walls are secure, Maia."

"I hate this," she said under her breath.

Severus squeezed her arm. "You do it perfectly, though. I am proud to be by your side in this."

She smiled and nodded as they proceeded to the door. Severus knocked, and they were soon being admitted by a house-elf. They moved into the home and soon found themselves mingling with their fellow Death Eaters, making small talk. It was a while before Severus pointed to Lucius and Narcissa, who had appeared in the corner of the room, greeting guests. They moved towards them.

"Ah, Severus, good to see you, old friend," Lucius said with a genuine smile.

"As it is you, Lucius. How have you been?"

Hermione marveled at how this man who could be so caustic, could be such a gracious host. She found that if she completely ignored her past, he was someone she could see herself liking. This younger Narcissa wasn't as snooty as she was in Hermione's past either. Narcissa didn't have the pained look she had back in the future.

Hermione tuned back into the conversation. Severus was speaking about his work with Master Tumblo. Narcissa turned to her and smiled thinly.

"How have you been, Maia?"

"I've been well. My work at the Ministry keeps me busy."

"I don't know how you can stand working there. It just seems that there's so much bureaucracy."

Hermione chuckled. "You're absolutely right. I find that to get anything done, you have to go through seven people before it's approved. Luckily, my department has a bit of autonomy, so I've been able to get more accomplished."

At that moment, the Dark Lord decided to make an appearance. Hermione stiffened as she noticed his entrance. Severus' arm came around her waist and squeezed her, helping her to calm herself. They watched as Voldemort made his way to the center of the room and turned in a flourish before addressing the crowd.

"Ah, my friends, it is good to be with you tonight!"

As Voldemort spoke, he circled the room, making eye contact with everyone as he moved. Hermione felt him enter her mind quickly as he swept by. So, this was his purpose tonight, taking advantage of the light atmosphere to find out the true thoughts of his minions. The Dark Lord continued with his self-serving rant.

"As we approach the new year, I have great hopes for our future. This will be the year that we take over the ministry and bring our world into the present. No longer will we be hiding our abilities in the world. We will show the Muggles that we are in charge!"

Hermione cheered with everyone else and tried to bury her revulsion. Voldemort turned and stared right at her, making her stomach drop. She thought greedy thoughts of power as he raked through her mind. He then turned to Severus and did much the same. She noticed he did the same to Regulus and Mulciber, and then Bellatrix.

Not suspicion, then. He'd never question Bellatrix; Hermione knew that. She sighed in relief as the Dark Lord ended his parading and moved to Lucius and Narcissa to congratulate them on their party.

Hermione felt Severus' hand in hers. She looked to him with relief in her eyes. She saw the same reflected in his gaze, but also a warning not to let her guard down. She gave Severus a quick nod. They moved to the nearest couple and began to make small talk.

They made their way around the room, chatting with everyone. They wound up next to Regulus, discussing his final year at Hogwarts.

"I'm hoping to be able to be an Auror," Regulus said.

"I think you're suited to being an Auror, Regulus," Hermione said.

"Thank you, Maia. I'll be a great asset to the Dark Lord if I can get a placement among the Aurors' ranks."

"Yes, you certainly will," Voldemort's voice came from behind Severus. "I can definitely use you among the Aurors. I have big plans for you, Regulus," Voldemort hissed.

Hermione turned to see the Dark Lord standing there like it was a normal occurrence.

"I have Maia set up in an obscure department, but once the Ministry is taken over by us, she will have a more active role."

"I am honored, my Lord," Hermione uttered and bowed her head.

Voldemort was in her mind in an instant again. She pictured herself leading the Wizengamot and how powerful she would feel. Voldemort smirked. Turning to Severus, he nodded to him.

"Did you know how power-hungry your wife is, Severus?"

"She never ceases to amaze, my Lord," Severus answered with a deferential bow to the Dark Lord.

Voldemort held out his hand. "Walk with me, Maia," he ordered.

Hermione hesitantly took the Dark Lord's hand, trying not to shudder at his touch. He pulled her along beside him, holding her hand high as if they were dancing. He guided her along the center of the room. Everyone moved out of their way as they walked.

"I find your position useful, Maia. What have you heard from your Ministry friends?"

"Those in my department are very involved in their work. They have little time to fraternize with one another, and they don't really talk about much with anyone. However, I have heard some others in different departments express concern that you are trying to take over the Ministry."

Voldemort threw his head back and laughed. "They don't realize how close to a reality that is!"

Hermione turned to look at the Dark Lord. "When will you be ready, my Lord?"

"The ministry will fall at the end of February. It will be glorious!"

Hermione's mind raced. She didn't want to ask specifically what Voldemort's plan was to avoid him becoming suspicious of her.

"How can I help, my Lord?" she asked finally.

"Keep your ears and eyes open. There will be some new appointments soon. Get close to these people. They are the key to the Ministry falling."

"I will be looking out for them, my Lord," she said.

Voldemort glared at her. "Be sure that you do."

With that, he released Hermione's hand and stalked off. Hermione kept any emotion from her face, but all she could think about was how unhinged Voldemort was. She watched him move to Regulus and pull him into a darkened corner.

She quietly returned to Severus' side and whispered to him, "Is it midnight yet?"

Severus chuckled. "Almost," he said as he kissed her cheek.

"Thank Merlin," Hermione said with a sigh.

"What did our Lord want?"

Hermione whispered to Severus. "He's planning to attack the Ministry at the end of February. He wanted me to keep an eye out for any new people installed in high positions and rub elbows with them. He said they would be the key to bringing down the Ministry."

"He told you all that on his own?"

Hermione smirked. "I asked how I could help, and he just told me his plan."

"Well done, my love."

They continued to make small talk with the other guests until finally, midnight came. Hermione sighed in relief as she lifted her glass with everyone else and counted down the final ten seconds. At long last, the New Year had come.

"Happy New Year!" everyone cried as one.

They all took a drink from their glasses, Hermione only pretending to sip at the alcohol. In an instant she found Severus' arms surrounding her. His lips came down on hers, and she basked in his love as they kissed. He drew his head back, love filling his eyes as he gazed at her.

"Happy New Year," he said to her softly.

Hermione gently pulled his head down so she could whisper into his ear.

"May this New Year mean success for us," she said.

"It will, I promise," he whispered back before kissing her once again.

"Let's get out of here," she said once he'd released her lips.

His half-smile was her answer. He wrapped his arm around her waist and led her to the exit. He bowed his head slightly to Lucius as they passed him, and Hermione gave him an elegant wave. Once they'd exited the manor, they twisted quickly and Apparated away.

Hermione had never felt so happy to be home. They appeared in the main entrance, and she hugged Severus to her.

"That was unbearable," she said.

"You were magnificent," Severus told her.

"As were you," she agreed. "I'm just glad it's over. I'm so done with being in the company of all those people. There are only a couple of them that I actually enjoy speaking with."

"Well, we've done our part, and the Dark Lord saw us mingling with everyone. He obviously trusts us somewhat or he'd have never told you when he plans on attacking the Ministry."

Hermione nodded.

Severus ran his hand down her side and rested it on her waist. "Now," he said sultrily. "I believe we had plans to enjoy each other now that our New Year duties are completed."

"Oh yes, that's right," Hermione said seductively. "I've been looking forward to enjoying you more fully all night. You're so sexy in those robes, Severus."

"And I've wanted to see you outside of your robes all night, Maia."

With that, he scooped her up into his arms. Hermione yelped as she felt her feet leave the ground. Severus carried her up the stairs and to their bedroom where they truly enjoyed the New Year.