17.
Twilight fading…
(Sort of fluffy; like a bunny)
The Ministry Official stood in front of Severus and Hermione outside in the Snape Manor's gardens. His robes flowed out over the grass touching both Severus' and Hermione's at the hems.
" I bid you look into each others eyes." The official spoke.
Severus looked sincerely at Hermione.
"Severus, will you cause her pain?"
Severus shuddered. " I may."
" Is that you intent?"
He smiled. " No."
" Hermione, will you cause him pain?"
" I may." Unconsciously she bit her lower lip.
"Is that you intent?" The official
spoke.
She shook her head as her lips moved to
answer; " No."
"Will you share each other's pain and seek to ease it?" He asked them both.
They smiled at each other before they both spoke. "Yes."
"And so the binding is made. Please join your hands."
They reached for each other holding on tightly and quivering ever so slightly. The official draped a white linen rope over their wrist. Tying it securely around them.
He stepped back and spoke once more.
" Hermione, will you burden him?"
" I may." Her lips trembled.
" Is that your intent?"
" No." She barely spoke.
" Severus, will you burden her?"
" I may."
" Is that your intent?"
" Absolutely not." His eyes
narrowed at the thought.
" Will you both share the burdens of each so that your spirits may grow
in this union?"
Severus smiled as they both mouthed, " Yes."
The official tied another cord over their hands.
"These chords do not form the knots of this binding but instead by your vows. For as always; you hold in your own hands the making of breaking of this union."
The official then placed the tip of his wand over their hand and they were both engulfed in a wind of bright burning light, and the ropes blended into their skin.
" I love you." She heard him whisper as if he was standing right next to her ear. She smiled as she embraced him.
~~~~~~**~~~~~~~ (The fluff ends here)
Had he been anyone else, Severus felt that he could have looked at his wedding with such a wonderful woman as a blessing, a reward for his life well lived. However it was hardly the case. It was blessing in disguise, the joy he felt after their ceremony was all encompassing he felt euphoric and dare he say it happy. And he carried those thought with him throughout the week never minded the little nagging bug that ate away at his joy. In that fleeting week he had been normal… felt normal. Only to have it snatched away as his arm burned with a fiery vengeance for the pleasure he had sought.
His wife (through the pain he smiled a sorrowful smile at the title) came to him her own arm cradled to her chest.
" Love?" She questioned.
Severus, cursed himself, gritting his teeth. He had battled this for weeks now. Had discussed it with Dumbledore so thoroughly. Today would be the day that he went against his word, his vows, his love, to the only light in his life…Hermione. He had lied to her, feinted to the one person he held true. " All for the best." Dumbledore said. " She will thank you in the end." He called. " If your will is as strong as your love, no harm will come to her." The old fool coddled. " Bugger all." His mind spat. She trusted him with her life and he sold her out for the cause… the bloody cause. Now he was more than just a spy against Voldemort. He was spy against his word and his wife.
He pressed his lips into her forehead.
" Off we go?" He asked mentally sighing as the deceit wrapped its way around his heart, wrenching it tightly.
She smiled as they plopped out of his chambers and into the imp's lair.
~~~~~~~~**~~~~~~~~
(Slight fluff but not much considering the evil donkey is present :0)
This was a joyous day for Lord Voldemort; he always knew that Severus would make him proud. Make him delighted with the impressive extent he would go to for his master. Yes, today he was proud of such a union of bonding. Severus and Hermione would prove to be quite useful in fulfilling his agenda of rein. Their bonding was a gift that he bestowed on so few it was unheard of. It was such a strong and sound charm of magic that it let the couple communicate mentally. It was powerful and mighty charm befitted for the most deserving. Voldemort stood strongly as his most faithful appeared into his chamber.
Hermione heaved a contented sigh. Another reward, another recompense for her work, for her loyalty. Tonight she bonded with her love without worry. His vows meant the world to her. His love made her feel cherished, and the gift her master bestowed on them was only another manner for which she could give herself to him.
" Welcome and congratulations to my most dedicated. It pleases me so to see this union. I trust you both know the importance and rarity that goes with this?" The snake seethed over his words smiling benignly.
" Yes, My Lord and our gratitude's are too humble for such a gift." Severus said bowing his head slightly willing his body to cease its trembles.
Voldemort reached out to the young mans shoulder caressing it gently.
" Severus, I had my doubts in you, but your willingness to serve is all the appreciation I need." He let his hand run up Severus shoulder to his cheek. " Now, let us start I am sure you are eager to whisk your new bride away." He smiled at Hermione who beamed with joy.
" My lord, it is I who am eager…" Hermione spoke wrapping her hands in Severus' "I am honored to receive this gift from you My Lord."
" My Hermione,' Voldemort hissed.
Severus winced at this endearment she was his; he wanted to scream but bit the inside of his cheek to steady his fury.
" It is I who am honored of your servitude, you have made me so very proud. Now on with the ceremony, please join hands."
They joined hands, Hermione noticing how Severus trembled she squeezed him reassuringly. Severus nodded in thanks, endeavoring to keep himself calm. He watched as Voldemort stood in the middle of them tracing his wand over their hands.
"Vos mains liées par le voeu grandiront par le charme.' A flame rose off their hands as the vow cords lifted from their skin. Severus whole body tensed as they rose as the fire spread through his body.
'Votre corps adhéré par la convoitise élèvera par l'amour.'
Hermione swayed on her feet as Voldemort reached for the cords an overpowering hum ringing in her ears.
' Vos esprits unis par l'affection prospéreront par le désir.'
Voldemort twisted the cords around his wand as he muttered the spell. A black ribbon seeped into the bright white of the cords.
'Votre série d'âmes prospérera ensemble par la loyauté et n'importe la tâche que vous ferez face à demain ensemble.'
A flood of air washed into Hermione's mind as Voldemort placed the vow cords back into their skin. She could feel the fabric twisting around her bones in her wrist. She breathed in deep as the spell worked its way up her arm and into her whole body. She looked tenderly to Severus.
" I love that I can feel you, every part of me is aware of you. Only.…'
She hesitated. ' I can't hear what you're thinking." She whispered in her mind sending him her thoughts.
She could see him smirking as he answered. " Nor can I hear what you are thinking unless you send it to me directly." He heard a faint " oh." As she took him his words.
They were broke out of their tête-à-tête when Voldemort started speaking again.
" Let no one know of this. It is sacred and for you only." He warned.
" Yes, My lord." They both spoke as they bowed out of sight.
~~~~~~**~~~~~~~~
They collapsed into each other's arms as they returned to his-their chambers. He sighed as he watched the joy gleam in her eyes from under him.
" This is wonderful." She said playfully. " I'm going to have so much fun with this while you're out teaching classes."
"No your not." He teased kissing her lightly. He winced as he remembered the betrayal he was attempting.
" You should go back to your rooms now. Its almost curfew." He said sliding off of her.
She narrowed her eyes. "I suppose." She said. Walking towards the door.
He could tell she was hurt, and he walked up behind her gently.
" Soon, love. Soon it'll all be over and it'll just be us." He said into her ear his voice faltering slightly.
She smiled at him and his heart twisted painfully. " I know." Her voice whispered through his mind as the door clicked behind her.
A/n 1: So what do you think? The next chapter is coming soon. I promise. I'm sorry it's taking so long. It'll get better soon…well kind of… :0)
A/n 2: The French you read (in case you wanted to know. I'm not sure I got the grammar down.. I don't know French very well. So if its wrong just nod and smile and pretend its right. :0)
Your hands tied by vow will grow by charm
Your body bonded by lust will breed by love
Your minds united by affection will thrive by desire
Your souls set together will thrive by loyalty and no matter
The task you will face tomorrow together.
