Chapter 17-Preparations & Tests of Loyalty

Draco woke early, the sun just peeking through the cracks in the curtains. No, it wasn't real sunlight, the 'windows' had been charmed to perfectly reflect the outside atmosphere and weather changes. He looked to the brown-haired beauty beside him, she was still passed out. Draco didn't know what she had done, but he trusted Sev and Sev had told him that she would be okay. He knew Severus would never lie when it concerned Mia. He smiled at that thought; Severus was obviously very tired when they had returned last night, he knew that Sev didn't even realize that he had let that slip again.

Hermione began to stir and she smiled slightly. She didn't know how she made it down here last night, but she was glad that Draco was with her. He looked down into her eyes and she raised a hand to caress his cheek. "Thank you for staying with me last night, Draco."

Draco grin widened, "Actually, hon, Uncle Sev was the one to bring you down here and ordered me to stay with you until you woke up." He almost started to laugh as he watched Hermione's eyes bulge.

She punched his shoulder. "I guess its time for breakfast then. I really could use something to eat and then we need to go see Professor Snape and the Headmaster."

"Yes, ma'am," Draco replied smartly.

"Bloody smart-ass," she murmured under her breath as she rose and made her way to the shower.

Severus woke as the sun was rising, sweating and uneasy. He was startled to find that he had not even managed to swallow the dreamless sleep potion, change his clothes, or even clean himself up at all. This was not a good way to start off the day. At least it was a Saturday he thought ruefully. He drug himself off of his bed and made his way to the shower…hopefully that would wake him and erase the nightmares that had haunted him throughout the night. Moreover, he wished that the subject featured in these horrific visions would cease to preoccupy him.

He sighed even as the hot spray rained down on his body. He had been dreaming of Mia again, but not pleasant ones. Ever since the night he had witnessed her take the Dark Mark and had heard the laughter that erupted from her during the process, he had not stopped envisioning her death. And that worried him; he didn't fear death, but he was more anxious about Mia being injured or killed than anyone else besides Draco and Albus. That scared him, even though he didn't like using that word, it fit. He was terrified that she would leave in one form or another: that always happened when he cared for someone.

He was still swearing under his breath when he began to get dressed.

After a quiet breakfast, Draco and Hermione made their way to the Headmaster's Office. Hermione was nervous, but went out of her way for her emotions not to be noticed. Draco sat down beside her, took her hand, and gave it a reassuring squeeze. She took a deep breath and looked into Dumbledore's twinkling eyes. "Headmaster, if it's at all possible, may I take my N.E.W.T.s instead of the regular exams?"

Albus was not surprised, Miss Granger could have taken her N.E.W.T.s in her fifth year and passed exceedingly well. "Of course, Miss Granger. It will be arranged so you can take them during the regular exam times." He paused for a moment. "Do you wish to tell me the reasons behind this decision?"

Hermione relaxed in her chair a bit, "The war, sir. After the Final Battle, I don't want to have tests to worry about. I'd rather spend my energy helping others recover and tutor if I can."

"Do you wish to continue your apprenticeship with Professor Snape?"

Something flickered in her eyes, but vanished before Albus could translate it. "Yes, sir, if Professor Snape doesn't mind too terribly."

Albus chortled at that comment. He smiled reassuringly at the young woman, "I'm sure if not I can coerce him into doing so."

Hermione and Draco both smiled at this. They rose, they had better things to do on a beautiful day like this and they were sure the Headmaster did too. "Thank you, Headmaster."

Albus nodded and followed the young adults out with his eyes. He leaned back and sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. When Severus arrived in a few minutes, he would have to request another batch of Headache Potion.

Severus was strolling up to the Headmaster's door just as Hermione and Draco were exiting a smile on their faces. Abruptly, their smiles were cut off as Hermione released Draco's hand and grabbed her left hip the same moment that Severus gripped his left arm. The Dark Lord rarely called the day after a night meeting. In fact, he rarely called them during the day. Severus sent a look towards the Headmaster, who had seen the exchange. "It would seem our presence is required elsewhere. Miss Granger, after you."

She nodded, lifted her head defiantly, and marched past him. She transformed when the coast was clear, knowing that Severus would meet her at the apparation point, and ran. She had an idea of what was going to be required at this particular meeting and she was not looking forward to it.

She had transfigured her clothing again, Severus noted as he reached the Forest. "Are you mentally prepared for what might come of this meeting?" Severus asked quietly, with none of his usual bite.

She looked up at him and solemnly replied, "Yes."

"Good." Severus said as he drew her close. He told himself that he was just doing this because the Dark Lord believed them lovers.

They separated reluctantly, bowed in union, and responded with "My Lord."

"Rise, Severus, and step over against that wall," he indicated the wall with his hand and kept his eyes locked on Hermione.

Severus was not happy. This meeting was inside and he knew exactly what would be required, he felt sorrow for Mia, she should be able to make love with the man of her dreams, not be submitted to this vile creature's intentions.

"Hermione, as you know, I cannot, in my current form, enjoy the pleasures that the rest of you take for granted. As a reward for services and information, I am giving Lucius to you; feel free to abuse him in any way you see fit." The Dark Lord looked towards Severus, who was humbly waiting for his 'Master's' next command. "Severus, I wish you and Hermione to put on a show for me after she finishes torturing Lucius."

"Yes, my Lord," they replied together.

Voldemort waved his wand and a table rolled in, with Lucius tied down to it. "Let the fun begin." The Dark Lord took a seat in a dark corner, his red eyes glittering queerly.

Hermione certainly put on a good show. Severus felt himself being aroused just by the way she ran her hands down Lucius, the way she moved, the way she bit, the way she clawed, the way she murmured softly, the way she teased and tortured, even the way she ran her dagger up and down Lucius' flesh. Ripping and slicing things he was sure Lucius considered vital. It was completely mesmerizing; she was utterly prepared to bleed Lucius dry. No great loss for the wizarding community.

"Enough of that," the Dark Lord spoke as he noticed that Hermione was ready to finish the kill she had started. "Severus, take the lady to bed."

"Yes, my Lord." Severus replied softly, his eyes only for Hermione.

She glided across to where he was standing, moved so close they were almost touching. Hermione could feel his breath on her, could feel his heartbeat. She slowly unbuttoned his shirt and pulled it off his shoulders. She leaned in, feigning that she was nibbling on his ear. "I placed modified glamours on us; our Lord will only facial expressions that he expects; we'll both see the real ones. And don't worry," she purred into his ears as she nipped at one of his sensitive spots on his jaw, "I don't have a problem doing this with you if you don't have a problem with me." She bit his shoulder, hard, flicking her tongue to taste him, to drive her final comment home. Out loud she haughtily mocked him, "Severus, must I do everything for myself?"

Severus framed her face and drew his lips to hers in a violent, ruthless way. His mouth demanded, lost in the scent, the taste of her. Only his Mia. He didn't care that there were two other people present, she had placed glamours on them and he trusted her; his true feelings would not be revealed. He felt himself melt away as his demands were met with a stunning passion. For the first time, so he thought, he let himself melt away, let himself relax, these moments were only for him and Mia.

Even as they lovingly kissed their partners Dark Mark, showing them their total acceptance, their true emotions were not visible to the Dark Lord. They brought the other to completion once and set about beginning again. They were harshly interrupted.

"Severus, Hermione," the Dark Lord said as he applauded them, "I have other matters to attend to, feel free to continue for a few more hours. I will come for you when you can be dismissed." He swept out taking Lucius with him.

"Yes, my Lord," they responded even as the door closed behind him.

Hermione didn't hesitate, she pulled Severus in for a kiss, rolled over so he was on top, and left him no time to think. Their blood was already pounding; their hearts beating as one and all they could sense was each other.