Life Renovations
Chapter Twenty-Three
Tom Riddle Returns
Hermione returned to Grimmauld Place to rest instead of at her parent's home. But only after she had seen that Amortia's eyes had been healed. Amortia told Hermione to go home, get some food and rest, and promised to owl her when Harry and Draco were moving again. Hermione had agreed, but said that she would be visiting with Sirius and Remus at the Black residence. When she arrived, she was surprised to come upon Remus in a close position with Nymphadora Tonks. They weren't in that bad of a position, just snogging at the counter in the kitchen, but Hermione giggled when she was finally sighted and Remus started to stammer and blush before rushing out of the kitchen.
"Wotcha, Hermione?" Tonks greeted.
"Hello, Tonks."
Hermione was uneasy and kept her hand near where her wand was stashed. She didn't know whose side Tonks was on, even if it seemed that she and Remus had some sort of relationship. Tonks was smiling, but her eyes were dead serious, and her hand was also hovering near her wand.
"So…um, you and Remus?"
"Yeah, isn't it great?" Tonks bounced on her toes, and her eyes went from serious to mischievous. Hermione recognized that she was in no danger and dropped her hand and relaxed. Only then did Tonks pull her hand away from where her wand rested in her back pocket. "And what about you and Severus, huh? Tell me all about it!"
"What?" She allowed the shock to show on her face.
"Yeah, Sirius has been harping on about how a brilliant witch like you has allowed yourself to be sucked in by Severus' nonexistent charms… But I say, Severus is dead sexy, isn't he?"
"Is Sirius here?" Hermione asked calmly. Tonks grinned and nodded. Hermione turned around and went to stand in the hall. "SIRIUS BLACK! You come down here and face me!"
Of course all that yelling woke up the portrait of Sirius' mother, and her caterwauling echoed throughout the house, waking up the other portraits and bringing the noise level up a painful degree. Sirius came bounding down the stairs and shut the portrait's curtains, ignoring the insults thrown at him and Hermione. "Merlin, Hermione. You've woken the dead with your yelling. What's wrong? Is it Harry?"
By this time Remus had returned, composed, except for the slight pink tinge to his cheeks. He and Tonks stood back to watch.
"How dare you! How could you tell people about my feelings for Severus? H-how could you?" Hermione was starting to feel panicked and slightly lost because of that fool Severus, and now Sirius had gone and told more people that she had a ridiculous attraction to the idiot. She felt her eyes swimming with tears and couldn't seem to stop the flow.
"I'm sorry, Hermione. I didn't know it was supposed to be a secret—hey, I'm really sorry!" He quickly moved forward when Hermione's chin dropped and started to tremble, and then she broke out in tears. "I only told Remus and Tonks," he went on desperately, hating to see Hermione cry sad tears. "And Remus already knew. Please don't cry!"
"Move back, you!" Tonks shouldered her cousin away and put an arm around Hermione's shoulders, leading the younger witch into the library.
"We'll take some tea, please," she called over her shoulder.
"I'll bring it," Remus offered.
"Thanks, love."
The witches went into the library and Tonks let Hermione cry until Remus came with the tea, and then hastily departed. While Hermione wiped her eyes with a lime green handkerchief Tonks had passed to her, the Metamorphmagus poured a good amount of Firewhiskey into the teapot.
"First, I just want to say that we are still friends, Hermione, okay?" Tonks passed the bushy haired witch some tea and smiled when Hermione took a large gulp despite the heat of it. "I'm still Harry's friend as well. So you shouldn't be afraid to talk to me. I know there are things you can't possibly discuss with me, and that is completely understandable. But we are still girls, and this is time for a girl talk. So spill!" Tonks poured herself some tea and drank while waiting for Hermione to speak.
"I am in love with a snarky stubborn bastard who only thinks of me as an immature brat."
"I doubt that's what he thinks of you. It's impossible to look at you and not see a woman. Sorry, go on."
Hermione blushed at the compliment. "He…kissed me, at Harry's birthday party. He kissed me. But directly after, he said it was a mistake. He didn't apologize, and he made it seem as if it were my entire fault! And now he keeps sending me mixed messages…"
"How?"
"He gets very jealous whenever I'm around…. erm…whenever I'm in the company of a certain man. And he's always acting possessive, but he refuses to acknowledge his feelings, or the way he's hurting mine. It burns me up inside, Tonks." Hermione went back to sipping her tea. She tasted the Firewhiskey and didn't mind one bit that it was there. In fact, she nicked the bottle where it had been sitting beside Tonk's chair and poured another shot in her tea. "It's very frustrating and I just don't know what to do."
"I can understand. Do you know how long it took for me to get Remus' attention? Ages I tell you! Ages! He was very stubborn. As if I care whether he's a werewolf or not! As if I care he's older!" Tonks snorted and shook her head, though she was smiling fondly at the thought of Remus.
Hermione smiled. "But you have him now. I'm happy for you."
"Yeah, he finally got a clue. But let's get back to snarky Snape. Are you sure of his feelings?"
Hermione bit her lip, and then shook her head. "No. Not one hundred percent."
"Hold on, Hermione, I'll be right back." Tonks jumped up and ran to the kitchen where Remus and Sirius were talking.
"Do you guys know if Sev has any real feelings for Hermione?"
Sirius scowled. "I'm afraid he does."
"No need to make that face, cousin. You married Lucius Malfoy."
"She's right, Padfoot. You have no right to criticize. And yes, Severus certainly has very strong, real feelings for Hermione…. Why?"
Tonks grinned and waved goodbye at them and hurried back to Hermione. "You know he must be scared, Hermione. I doubt he's ever really pursued a woman before. He's never been in the position to. His life is very dangerous and he's the type of wizard who doesn't want to include anyone into that if he doesn't have to. You shouldn't let it bring you down."
Hermione nodded her understanding. "Earlier, I had decided to become the pursuer, but I've lost my confidence. He can get so angry and unapproachable that I get scared."
"It's easy to be scared of the one you love. One way or another, the one you are in love with is the scariest most dangerous person on earth. But you can't let that frighten you away. You want him?" Hermione nodded. "Then you make it impossible for him to ignore you."
"I don't know how…well I do, but I'm not that type of girl. I don't know how to charm men, or dress to impress and all that rubbish. I mean, look at my hair! It's a rat's nest."
"No way! Your hair is so soft! I love it!" Tonks proved her point by burying her hands in Hermione's hair and changing her hot pink hair to look exactly like Hermione's. "Oh, I know! We'll go visit my mother tomorrow. She can help. Give you pointers. What do you say? Would you like to?"
"I don't know…"
"I promise it will be fun!"
"I don't want to have to change myself to get Severus. He should want me the way I am."
"As I've been told, he already does. And I'm not talking about changing you. Just tweaking you up a bit. He is a man, after all. You want him or not, Hermione?"
"Yes. All right," Hermione answered, still a bit reluctantly. "We'll go visit your mum tomorrow."
Tonks beamed at her and they resumed drinking their tea. Hermione had to admit, getting a little makeover sounded fun and exciting, and talking to Tonks had made her feel loads better.
The next day Hermione made a quick trip to the graveyard to check on her boys, and they seemed to be fine. An electric blue light surrounded everything within the circle, and Hermione could see ribbons of magic swirling around the Ukatae and the silver cauldron, and occasionally a ribbon would drop into the potion and would remain there. Hermione itched to be able to look in the cauldron to see what was happening, but resigned herself to the fact that it was impossible.
Harry and Draco were statues of glowing blue light. The light from their eyes seemed to surround them and made them seem like ethereal beings. Hermione spoke a few minutes with Lucius and Amortia, and completely ignored Severus, who seemed to prefer it that way, as he was still very angry with her. The night before, when he had gone to find her to inform her he was not gay, she began to speak quickly before he could start, and reassured him that she didn't care if he was gay, and that it didn't lower her esteem of him… so on and so forth, and never gave him a chance to speak. She quickly escaped back to the others when she had seen the anger about take him over. She didn't know if she was convincing, but it kind of looked like Severus was beginning to believe she actually considered him a gay wizard. Which was why she'd walked back to the circle with a smile on her face. A frustrated angry Severus was a beautiful thing.
And now, in the early afternoon, Hermione found herself with Tonks, standing in front of Andromeda Tonks in their nice home, and she was more nervous than she thought she should be.
"Mum, this is Hermione Granger and she needs an older witch's advice."
"Oh, yes. I've heard so much about you Miss Granger," Andromeda replied, coming forward to shake the young witch's hand.
Hermione smiled. "Please call me Hermione."
"And what do you need advice on?"
"Well…I…erm?" Hermione looked at Tonks, not sure what to say. Tonks smiled brightly at her mum.
"Our Hermione seems to be in love with Severus Snape, Mum. But he's being a stubborn git about the whole thing."
Hermione stared wide eyes at Tonks. She hadn't expected for her to tell her mum exactly why they were there.
"Oh, I see." Andromeda frowned a little. "I'm sorry you are in that type of situation, but I don't see how I can help." Hermione's shoulders dropped.
"No, mum, you don't understand. Severus has feelings for Hermione as well. It's not just one sided."
Andromeda's frown disappeared. "Really, well that's wonderful! Severus needs a good woman. I've always said that."
"Only he's being very stubborn. Hermione needs help capturing his undivided attention, so that's why we're here. For your help."
Andromeda nodded and circled Hermione, looking her up and down. "I don't see anything that ought to be changed. You're a lovely young woman, Hermione."
Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn't wanted to change herself that much just to get Severus. The thought seemed beneath her to even try, and she didn't think Severus would like it much either. "Let's forget about obtuse men for a moment and focus on you. Is there anything you want to change, dear? Something that would make you feel better about yourself?"
Hermione thought about it and could only come up with one thing. "I'd like to be able to tame my hair, but it takes so long. And I don't want to change it all that much. I don't want to keep it straight. I like my curls." Hermione sighed. "I'm sorry, I think I'm wasting your time. Maybe I should try something else to get his attention…"
"Have you ever seen my sister Narcissa?"
"Yes." Hermione tried to keep the venom out of her voice, but failed miserably. Andromeda smiled, not at all offended.
"Her hair is not naturally straight. In fact it's a bit like yours before she straightens it, and she has to do it every day. You don't think she uses Sleekeazy's Hair Potion every morning do you?"
"No, she would never leave the house otherwise. It takes hours! What does she use?"
"A very expensive magical device. You can get it only in Paris. Would you like to go with me and get one?"
Hermione thought about it. She still had plenty of Galleons left over from when Harry gave her some so she thought she had plenty of money, and she would really love to be able to fix up her hair every day. "Yes, I would love to. And can I get a haircut?"
"Of course."
Hermione had just enough money to by the enchanted comb that would be able to style her hair any way she wanted in a matter of minutes. She understood, after checking the price tag, why she had never heard of it before. It was nearly as expensive as the new top of the line broom, the Firebolt Xpress, which was dubbed the FireboltX by the Quidditch junkies. She promised herself, after buying the comb, that she would pay Harry back, even if it took her years. And she was sure it would take her years. He had given her a great amount of Galleons.
Hermione had thanked Andromeda and Tonks many times before rushing home to try out the new comb on her newly cut hair. Her hair was cut shorter to brush her shoulders, and she had it layered so that it framed her face in soft waves. Hermione nearly cried at how easy it was to style her hair, and she was very pleased with the outcome and couldn't wait to see Severus' reaction. Though she didn't hold her hopes too high, as this was Severus she was thinking about.
She didn't return to the graveyard until the next day, having been reassured by Amortia by owl that the boys appeared to be fine. They would be coming out of their trance soon to add the last ingredient to the potion, and hopefully that night, Voldemort would rise from the cauldron with a new, solid, and non grotesque body. As tonight was marked as a very special occasion, Hermione dressed for it by putting on a nice set of formal burgundy robes. Draco had persuaded her to buy them when they'd been in Diagon Alley last and he really hadn't had to push that hard, as Hermione loved the color and design; the cut hugging her form rather nicely, and she liked the way the soft fabric swished around her feet.
When she arrived in the Little Hangleton graveyard at half past six in the evening, Hermione was shocked to see many more Death Eaters in attendance than there had been two days prior and she hesitated just on the inside of the barrier. She could take on a couple of Death Eaters, sure, but a dozen? And already some of them had spotted her and were nudging the others. She blew out a breath when it became obvious that no one really recognized her, except for Lucius and Amortia, who were walking over towards her. Severus could be seen standing just outside the Ukatae circle, watching his nephew and godson carefully. Hermione was glad to see she wasn't the only one dressed in her best for the occasion. Everyone was dressed formally tonight.
"Hermione? Is that you?" Amortia asked. The Healer had let her hair down and it hung down to her waist in soft tame waves and she was dressed in very beautiful sparkling blue dress robes. "You look beautiful."
"Thank you. As do you, Amortia."
"Yes, you both look lovely." Lucius bent over her hand and kissed it. He pulled back and studied the nervous face that was framed by soft wavy hair. She'd gotten it cut, obviously. It hung down to her shoulders, where it used to be past her shoulder blades, and it framed her face perfectly, bringing out her cinnamon eyes and pink lips. Lucius looked over his shoulder at Severus for a moment. When he turned back to the anxious Gryffindor, he smirked.
"You look nervous."
"There are a lot of Death Eaters here, Mr. Malfoy."
Amortia snorted. "You have nothing to worry about. In fact, they all fear you now. It got around that you are the Dark Lord's new student. If they look at you the wrong way, it's probably because they are jealous."
Lucius nodded. "And should one of them do something to offend you, please tell us," he said lowly. "We will not put up with it. Or, and I prefer this, you can hex whoever you want. I enjoy seeing Gryffindor's know-it-all going evil. You and Harry and Ginevra Weasley. What a delightful surprise."
"I'm glad you only like us for our entertaining abilities, Mr. Malfoy," Hermione replied dryly.
Lucius' eyes went wide and then he began to shake his head. "No, no, no. Do not misunderstand me. I do find your skills and reactions entertaining, but that is not all. You are just different from what Draco had reported before he grew a backbone and decided to defy me. It is a pleasure knowing you. Honestly." Lucius took Hermione's arm, and they made their way over to Severus. Hermione noticed Lucius purposefully made their path directly through the center of the throng of Death Eaters so that they could all get a good look at her and see how well Lucius had accepted her.
"Who is this, Malfoy?" one Death Eater asked as they passed. "Is this the mud…err…" the man had the good sense to back away from Hermione when she glared at him, her wand appearing in her hand. "Is this the muggleborn Lord Voldemort has taken under his wing?"
"Why don't you ask her yourself?" Lucius drawled.
"Well, are you?" another man asked harshly. Hermione didn't like his tone and she narrowed her eyes on him.
"I am Lord Voldemort's apprentice, yes." Those around then shifted and murmured disquietly at the easy way in which she spoke the Dark Lord's name. "Hermione Granger. If you speak about me, then that is how you will refer to me. If I hear the word mudblood or even muggleborn in my presence again, that person will end up just like McNair. And for clarification, I went easy on him. Everyone is due a second chance, isn't that right, Mr. Malfoy?"
"Impeccably put, Hermione." He looked at the other Death Eaters. "You've all been warned. This is your second chance."
Lucius pulled her along and enjoyed the murmuring spreading through the ranks of the low ranking Death Eaters. "That is why I've come to enjoy your company. You are a strong woman."
Hermione couldn't stop the blush appearing on her face, and she was still flushed when they came to stand next to Severus. The Potions Master nodded to Lucius and only spared Hermione a glance. She felt her heart drop. But then he spun around to gawk at her. Must have taken a second for him to comprehend who he was looking at. Hermione pretended to be looking at Harry and Draco while Severus studied her. She grinned when Severus grabbed Lucius' arm and moved away from her.
"What have you done to her? What are you playing at?" Severus demanded. Lucius raised an eyebrow.
"I haven't done anything to her. She came that way. I haven't seen her since yesterday. Isn't she lovely?"
"Well yes…" Severus took a moment to study Hermione's back, and had to clear his throat before speaking again. "But that is beside the point."
"You should tell her. You should go over and tell Hermione she looks beautiful."
"No."
"You're being stupid, Severus."
"I'm not going to do it!"
"Merlin, it's like we're back in school again." Lucius sighed and crossed his arms over his chest. "You're going to continue to consciously hurt her? I cannot comprehend why you are doing this. Trying to remain unaffected…Forget the Dark Lord, I've seen some of the younger Death Eaters staring at her with interest since she arrived. And now that they all know she's the Dark Lord's apprentice, they'll be battling each other for her affections. And don't try and tell me you don't care! I can see you do."
Lucius left Severus when he caught sight of Sirius after the Animagus Apparated in and only managed to stop the broad smile that threatened to explode across his face at the sight of his husband. He was very glad to see Sirius had dressed in the formal robes he'd laid out for him because half the time Sirius never listened to Lucius when instructed to wear certain things for special occasions.
Severus stood alone and glared at the ground, his dark straight hair hiding his face from the world. What was he doing? Why couldn't he allow himself to be with Hermione? He wanted her, yet something was keeping him at bay. But he couldn't go to her; he couldn't give her an explanation until he figured out why he thought he should stay away.
He studied her again once returning to the Ukatae circle. Lucius was correct. It was wrong to hurt her. She needed to know how he felt and why he had to stay away. But she frightened him. He was man enough to admit it. He hadn't been this afraid to express how he felt to Harry when it was discovered that they were related. But this was a completely different situation.
He was about to ask Hermione for a moment alone when Harry and Draco began to move. At first they closed their eyes and their soft breathing turned into panting. And then their eyes opened and they blinked rapidly before looking around. Harry grinned when he spotted everyone outside the circle.
"Harry?"
"I'm good, Hermione. Draco?"
"Good here. Time for the last part."
Harry nodded and they backed away from the cauldron, dropped to their knees at the edge of the circle and began rubbing their hands together before slapping their palms down onto the ground. The earth began to tremble again, but not with as much force as the first time and the blue light around them began to slowly fade away, most of it sinking into the cauldron.
"What are they doing now?" Hermione asked.
"Bidding goodbye to the elementals. And now they will add the unicorn blood. This is a pivotal point. If the blood of the unicorn doesn't accept that Voldemort has paid enough, the potion will explode. But if it reacts well, then everything will be fine and Voldemort will awaken in a bubble, and he will be able to form the body however he wants it to look. The blood will help cleanse the new body and help piece back his soul."
Draco and Harry moved around the cauldron, peering into it and grimacing. Harry knelt down to pet Nagini, who hissed delightedly at him. "It's not pretty in there," Draco commented.
"Yeah, it looks like shredded meat; raw and bloody." Everyone who could hear grimaced. "Does that mean it's not working?"
"I imagine that's how it's supposed to look until the Dark Lord can wake and work his own magic to form a body around his soul."
As everyone knew how important this last step was, all the Death Eaters moved to stand around the Ukatae circle, watching intently, everyone's eyes gleaming from the light the Ukatae were unknowingly admitting from their bodies.
"Those are the markings the unicorn spoke about," Severus said, pointing at Harry's right arm, where a blue light was shining through his robes. "She said they've had those markings since birth."
"How is that possible?" Sirius wanted to know. Severus shrugged.
"If this doesn't work, we'll have to run before the cauldron explodes," Draco said as he brought the potion to boil once more.
"It's going to work, Draco. I know it will." Harry pulled the unicorn blood out of his robes. "Ready?" Draco nodded and watched as Harry poured the blood in. Everyone held their breaths and waited. No one knew how long it would take before the outcome was apparent. It took only five seconds.
"It's working! He did it!" Harry cried out suddenly. "Tom's getting a new body!"
Harry was so excited he forgot they were surrounded by an audience and pulled Draco into an impassioned embrace and kissed his mate heatedly. Draco didn't much mind. When they separated, they both stared into the potion. It was starting to turn a pearly white but the smell was awful and they had to back up a few paces. The top began to congeal before suddenly erupting into a fiery blaze. Everyone gasped and backed away, expecting the worst, but Harry and Draco remained where they were, apparently unconcerned.
"Supposed to do that, I guess," Sirius said.
They watched as the fire turned a bright shining green, the exact shade of Harry's eyes. The two Ukatae approached their family but did not step over the drawn line. They looked very pleased with themselves. Hermione looked down when she saw movement, and shuddered when she saw it was Nagini, coiling between Harry's legs. Obviously the big snake was very fond of the Gryffindor now.
"What happens now?" she asked breathlessly.
"We let the potion finish. Tom will appear at the exact time he went in two days ago. So that gives the potion and Tom four hours to work magic." Harry looked Hermione up and down. "You look stunning, Mione. I love your hair!"
"Thanks, Harry. Tonks' mum showed me a place where they have these fantastic items…"
Draco moved away to talk to his father and a glowering Severus. "Seems Harry and I are underdressed. Are we going to a party after this?"
"You know the Dark Lord, son. He's going to want everyone to see this accomplishment and immediately. Many Death Eaters are here, but once we return to the manor, I suppose it will turn into a grand event, and all of his followers will be called. Don't worry. I've had the house-elves lay out formal robes for you and Harry once you get home. Unless you two will be too tired?"
"No. We're fine. Probably have too much energy thanks to that bogroot drink and the remaining elemental magic within us."
"You'll need to ground yourself before returning to the manor," Amortia warned. "It won't be good to hold all that natural magic inside you after the spell is complete."
Draco grinned. "We've discussed that. We'll be late to the party, that's for sure."
Amortia knew of what he was speaking of and nodded. "Yes, that will work. An excellent way of dispelling any lingering effects of the spell. And fun for you, yes?" she added with a smirk.
"No details, please," Severus grumbled.
Draco frowned at him. "What's wrong with you, Uncle Sev?"
"Nothing is wrong. I'm fine."
Draco's eyes narrowed on his godfather and Severus suddenly felt like his soul was being bared to him. Draco moved around the circle, and bid Severus to follow him. When they were halfway around and away from Hermione, Draco stopped.
"Move," he ordered the Death Eaters standing there. Some of which would have laughed in his face months ago for such an order. But as Draco was now as good as their leader as well, they immediately obeyed, leaving him and Severus alone. "I realize this has been said to you many times before, but I'm going to say it again, and with all my affection for you. Uncle Sev, you are an idiot."
"I will curse the next person who says that to me!" Severus hissed.
"Do you want to know the answer to your question? About why you can't seem to let things progress with Hermione?"
"Stay out of my head, Draco. This does not concern you."
"Yes it does!" Draco hissed back. "You're hurting my friend!"
"What do you know of it?"
"C'mon, Uncle Sev… I can feel emotions. So do you?" Draco crossed his arms and took a relaxed stance.
"Tell me."
"You are letting your fear get the best of you-"
"Tell me something I don't already know."
"Would you let me finish, for Merlin's sake?" Severus waved his hand for Draco to continue. "You are afraid of what you could be pulling her into. Just like Father was worried about what he might be bringing to Sirius. But would you look! Just look at her."
They both looked over to where Hermione was still talking with Harry excitedly, and many of the Death Eaters had gathered behind her to listen, and they seemed generally curious about her. No one looked like they wanted to do her any harm, but just in case, Lucius and Sirius were keeping a keen eye open. And Hermione seemed to be enjoying herself. Severus felt his lips form into a soft smile despite himself.
"Hermione has chosen her path, and it's the same path as yours, isn't it?"
"She doesn't know me. Doesn't know what kind of man I am…"
Draco snorted. "Please…she's had to put up with your shite since first year and she still fell in love with you. She's perfectly aware-" Draco's eyes widened when he realized what he'd let slip. Severus' attention snapped away from Hermione and stared at Draco with new horror. Draco almost reached out to restrain Severus from moving away, but pulled back just before he breached the circle.
"Did you just say…she loves me?" Severus croaked.
"Fuck!" Forgetting about his Malfoy breeding, Draco spun away from Severus and pushed his hands through his hair. He realized he might have just pushed Severus farther away with that bloody slip up. It was important that he didn't let that happen. He spun back around and walked forward until his toes touched the edge of the line. He felt the currents of magic from the circle tickling his nose.
"Don't run away from this, Severus!" He told the pale wizard. "I'm sorry I told you, it wasn't my right or my place, but now it can't be helped. Don't run. You love her too!"
"I need to think…I have to go, Draco."
"Please don't…" Merlin, Harry was going to murder him.
"I'll be back in two hours." Severus turned and walked away, Apparating once he left the protective barrier.
"Bloody hell… Harry is going to kill me." Draco suddenly had the urge to curse something, and was very disappointed that he couldn't. Not while in the drawn circle.
"What did you do?" Harry immediately asked upon seeing the scowl on his mate's face. The scowl screamed guilty at him from all angles, so he was sure Draco had done something.
"We talk about it later." Like when we're out of the circle and I can run away from you. Draco was sure to keep that thought all to himself. Harry nodded and Draco thought he'd gotten off… until his father opened his big mouth.
"Where has Severus gone?"
Draco looked around; pretending to look with everyone else, until he noticed Harry wasn't looking for Severus. He was staring hard at Draco.
You've done something. What did you do?
I'd rather not say.
Draco… Harry slowly approached his mate.
We can talk about it later…
Why has my uncle suddenly disappeared? Harry's arm flashed out and grabbed hold of Draco's collar, dragging Draco's face down to his so Harry could look directly into his eyes. Draco swallowed and tried to tell himself he wasn't afraid and completely turned on by the dark creature standing in front of him. The darker nature of the Ukatae seemed to be taking over Harry because his ears grew to more prominent points instead of the natural point, which was more rounded at the tips. His eyes were darker and the light from the fire cast dark shadows over Harry's face, making his green eyes stand out, his cheekbones more prominent…would there be no end to the amount of times they changed depending on their moods?
I may have scared him off…maybe.
How?
Could you let go of me? Everyone is looking… Draco didn't like being the center of attention in this type of situation when he wasn't in control, especially when it looked like his mate might rip his head off…literally.
LET THEM LOOK!
Draco flinched, and then scowled when he realized he flinched. Then his anger took over and he started to growl. He covered Harry's hands and squeezed. You better let go of me, lover. I can't be responsible for what I may do…
Harry ignored the fact that Draco's claws were out and digging into his hands. Are you threatening me, Malfoy?
Hermione watched her friends with mounting apprehension. It was clear they were in a silent argument, both allowing their anger to take a hold of them.
"Um, are they looking a little volatile to you guys?" Sirius asked. "It looks like they're going to fight. In a very nasty painful way."
"It's the pent up energy," Amortia replied. "I don't think they will be able to wait until they get home before they can ground. It's probably why they are letting the anger take control. Best thing to do is let them do whatever it is they need. Which means there is a likely chance they will need privacy."
"But what about the spell? Shouldn't they be concentrating on that?" Sirius asked.
"I think they've done the hard part and now all they need to do is just be in the circle. The level of energy they are giving off is still far more than usual."
"Dammit, where is Severus?"
"Come on, Lucius. Let's get everyone to leave. Have them return in two hours."
Amortia and Lucius quickly went around the circle, pulling and pushing the wizards and witches away. It was a tough task, as everyone knew the Ukatae were about to fight, and no one really wanted to miss such an occurrence. Especially when said Ukatae were mates and it was Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter.
I will not tolerate disrespect for you, Potter. Especially when we aren't in private. You know I don't react well to that. Draco's grip on Harry's hands tightened more and blood began to well up from the wounds he was inflicting. Harry didn't seem to notice.
Why? Because you're a bloody Malfoy and everyone should grovel at your feet?
That's it, exactly… You will let go of me.
"I'm not your fucking slave! I don't have to do what you say!" Harry shouted and roughly pushed Draco, letting go of his collar as he did so, and watched with a blank stare as Draco fell onto his back. Harry shrugged then and turned away, licking the blood off his hand while he did so. Gods, he was so bloody hot all of a sudden. He shrugged out of his robes and noticed that everyone had gone. Didn't really care though. He was still steaming mad. Draco had some nerve; automatically assuming he would bend to his every demand. Bastard!
Harry only turned around because Nagini hissed a warning at him. He turned to look at her and only caught sight of a flash of white blond before he was tackled to the ground. Automatically he went into defensive mode and tried to beat Draco off him. He caught the blond off guard when he struck Draco's jaw and then managed to kick his mate off of him, hissing as he did so. He scrambled onto his knees and crawled over Draco.
"Why couldn't you just tell me what you did?" he screamed into Draco's flushed face.
Draco growled and punched Harry in the ribs with far more force then he'd intended, but still Harry remained above him, so next he hit him in the face and was giddy with blood lust when he saw he'd cut Harry's mouth. Harry fell onto his back and brought a hand up to touch his lips. He pulled his hand away and stared at the blood smeared across his pale hand before slowly licking it off. Draco moved to lay over him and watched Harry licking the blood off. He slapped the hand away from Harry's face with a growl.
"You're an arse, Potter," he hissed when their lips nearly touching. Harry looked into swirling silver orbs and glared back.
"Get off me!" Harry bucked his hips to try and dislodge Draco, but soon learned that was a mistake when their hardened cocks rubbed together. Draco grabbed Harry's wrists and pulled them painfully over his head.
"Stop ordering me around!"
Draco bent down and started to lick the blood away from Harry's busted lip while his free hand wrestled with the buckle of Harry's slacks. Harry tried to wrestle away from Draco's hands but halfway gave in when a blood-covered tongue probed his mouth open and plundered within. Harry was half tempted to bite that tongue off… until he felt his cock grasped in Draco's warm hand. His legs stopped their feeble kicking and he thrust up into Draco's hand.
"That's right. You know who you belong to."
"You… bloody…. bastard!"
"Keep talking, Potter…"
"You let my hands go free and you'll regret it!"
Draco let go of Harry's hands and smirked before quickly shifting over him. Harry was about to make good on his threat by swiping his claws across Draco's face, when he suddenly stopped, dropping both arms to the ground and turning into putty when Draco's tongue started to do fantastic things to his cock.
Harry clawed at the dirt beneath his fingers as Draco was intent on driving him crazy with his warm wet mouth; humming low, sending shocking vibrations through Harry's cock and straight up his spine. All the extra energy was pooling low in his belly, preparing to break free. He cried out harshly when Draco relaxed his throat to swallow Harry's entire length. Then the bastard started growling, sending a whole new load of smoldering passion sweeping through Harry.
"I really hate you right now!" And just to prove it, Harry latched his hands into Draco's hair and started to fuck Draco's mouth, and it wasn't even two strokes in before he came with a ferocious cry that echoed throughout the graveyard. Draco had a hard time not gagging, but he maintained and milked Harry for all he was worth.
When Harry couldn't take anymore, he pulled on Draco's hair until the blond released him and slithered up his body. Their lips met and the kiss was painful, smoldering; their teeth clashed, someone bit someone and their mouths filled with blood. The taste clouded both their heads like a natural high. Draco dragged Harry's trousers down and lifted his hips and didn't say a word before he was inside Harry, stroking the brunet to a new height of passion. Draco cradled Harry's head in his hands and began to kiss him softly.
"You don't hate me, Harry."
"No."
Harry licked Draco's swollen red lips and then arched his back when Draco hit a particularly sensitive spot. Seeing Harry's reaction, Draco began to hit it again and again, groaning against his mate's mouth, his cock sliding in and out, the velvety warmth encompassing him, stretching and tightening around him. Draco's body began to tremble, the residual energy, just like Harry's, was begging to be released, and wasn't giving Draco the choice of going slow.
"Draco?" panted Harry. Glazed silver eyes met emerald. "Let's fight more often, yeah?" Harry dropped his head back to the ground and squeezed his eyes shut and missed the quick grin his mate flashed him.
"I cannot believe Severus left. He should be here," Lucius stated once again. He along with Sirius and Hermione were gathered in a cozy parlor within Malfoy Manor.
"He's probably what set Harry and Draco off," Sirius complained, and got a glare from his husband for it. "You know it's true."
"It's my fault," Hermione said quietly.
"No, Hermione. I won't tolerate you blaming yourself for the actions of that greasy bastard."
"Stop calling him that, Sirius!" She screeched and the animagus shrank back, causing Lucius to smirk. "And it is my fault!"
"It's not your fault. You may have been a part of it," Lucius said honestly, "but this isn't your fault. Men are always fighting over women, but this is different. Harry, Draco, and Severus aren't fighting over you. I assume Draco was arguing with Severus on your behalf, because Draco counts you as his friend. And Severus probably ran away. Harry got into it because he loves Severus and worried that Draco had somehow hurt his uncle. In actuality, this is all Severus' fault."
Lucius poured the distraught witch a drink and handed it to her. Hermione drank it without question. Her face immediately turned red and she started to cough as if a lung was trying to come up.
"What did you give her?"
"Only absinthe. It will do her good."
"You've lost your mind giving her that!" Sirius hurried over with some water, but Hermione pushed it away. He watched in horrifying fascination as Hermione continued to drink the very hard liquor that was still illegal in some countries.
The three sat in silence, every so often consulting the grandfather clock near the door for the time. Hermione continued to sip the strong spirit until the glass was empty. After the first sip, the effects had immediately been felt, but by the end, she was exceedingly relaxed and light headed, and started to giggle.
"Where's Severus?" she asked.
"Merlin, Luce. You've gotten her drunk!" Sirius exclaimed and Lucius smirked again.
"I'm not drunk! Well? Where is he?" Hermione jumped to her feet, clumsily trying to brush out any wrinkles off her beautiful robes. Lucius' smirk dissolved into a smile.
"I'm going to take a wild guess and say he's sulking at home," he offered.
"Thank you, Lucius. I think I'll go visit him. Wouldn't want him to get lonely…. Oh! Do you think he'll be my date tonight?" Hermione smiled brightly and stumbled over to the large fireplace.
"I'm sure if you persuade him, he won't be able to refuse." Lucius stood and crossed to where she was standing by the fireplace and produced an urn of Floo powder for her. Sirius watched all this in a sort of sick fascination. He knew this was a bad idea, but Hermione looked so damn happy, and even though he knew it was due to the alcohol, he couldn't bring himself to dispute what Luce was saying.
"Persuade?" Hermione tilted her head, as if she were thinking about it. "Yes, I can do that! Thank you." She took a handful of powder and threw it into the fire. Lucius held her back until the fire had turned green. Then he helped her in.
"Snape Manor," he said to her.
"Snape Manor!" she cried, and was immediately whisked away to Severus' manor.
"That could have possibly been the worst thing you've ever done."
"Nonsense. One of them needs to lose their inhibitions, or nothing will get resolved." Lucius crossed over to his lover. "Since we have the time and are alone we might as well be productive." Lucius began to open the silver clasps of Sirius' robes. "Are you going to worry about a strong woman like Hermione or are you going to pay attention to me?"
"If I was going to worry about anyone, it would be Snape. But I don't give a rat's arse about him so I'm more than happy to pay attention to you."
Hermione tumbled out of the fireplace, both laughing and cursing her clumsiness. She stood up and dusted herself off. She knew she was drunk, damn Lucius! But she didn't care. She was a witch on a mission and she refused to leave until she got what she wanted.
"Merry?" she called. A moment later, the house-elf popped in and cringed when she saw who Master Severus' visitor was.
"Don't worry. I haven't come to lecture." Merry visibly relaxed. "Could you tell me where your master is?"
"Master is in library, miss."
Hermione grinned. "My favorite place!"
Merry nodded and giggled. She could see Miss Hermione was drunk.
"Merry will tell him you here."
"Oh no, Merry. That will not be necessary. I want to surprise him." Merry looked uncertain. Hermione knelt down so that they were looking eye to eye, and put a hand on her little shoulder. "Please. I won't tell Severus that I've seen you, and if you keep quiet, I'll stop talking about how you deserve more for all the work you do-"
"Yes, Miss Hermione! Merry will not tell!"
Hermione then headed for the library. She entered silently and sighed quietly when she spotted Severus sitting in front of the fire, brooding. Her hands went to her hair to smooth it down as she approached.
"Severus?"
Wide onyx eyes met hers and he quickly stood up, but did not approach. Hermione flushed as she studied him. She had never seen a more dashing and intimidating man. She slowly approached until she was only a few feet away. "I…you disappeared. Everyone wondered where you'd gone. We all had to leave."
Severus drank in her presence like a man dying of thirst. It took a moment for him to catch his breath and rediscover his voice. "You had to leave?"
"Yes. Harry and Draco began to fight after you left. Amortia thought it wise to give them some privacy." Hermione took another step closer. Severus looked back to the fire and Hermione hated that he looked lost.
"Why have you come here?"
"I was worried," she replied lightly. Far too cheerful for the mood that surrounded them. Severus studied her face and frowned.
"You've been drinking."
"I had a glass of something called absinthe that Lucius gave me." She took another step.
"Damn you, Lucius," he muttered darkly.
"Severus, I wondered…. well, forgive me if I'm too forward, but I wanted you to be my date tonight."
Severus smiled without humor. "But I'm gay, remember. Why would you want to be my date?"
Hermione's smile vanished, and he wished he'd kept silent. "But I was mad at you! I know you aren't gay."
"It's not a good idea." His gaze returned to the fire and Hermione felt her patience running away. She closed the distance until she was standing beside him.
"Please. I wouldn't enjoy it without you."
"Why?" they both understood the question meant more than what it was implying. And despite the alcohol, Hermione had a firm grasp of her feelings.
"Because it's never the same without you. My whole Wizarding life would not be the same without you." She turned away from the fire and faced him fully and placed a tentative hand on his arm. "I will not take no for an answer."
Severus looked down at the petite hand on his arm and then into her bright eyes.
"Please don't be afraid of me, Severus. I'm already afraid of you. I don't want to be without you anymore."
"You don't know what you're saying. You're drunk."
"I know exactly what I'm saying!" Hermione burst out angrily. "I'm glad Lucius gave me the drink! I can tell you what I feel without worrying about what you may think! I don't care anymore! You should never have kissed me if you didn't want to be involved with me. It's not fair that you opened the door and walked away, leaving me alone with the door wide open. It's not fair that you blamed it on me! It's not fair that you look at me with that hot look, but always turn away when I return it! You are a bastard, Severus Snape!"
Severus remained silent a moment. Taking in the sight of her. Of her flushed cheeks and her heaving chest as she battled with her anger. Of her flashing cinnamon eyes. "I am," he finally answered lowly, "and that's what this is about. You're far too good for me, far too bright. I don't deserve you. You're beautiful…you're beautiful in every way. I don't deserve you," he ended in a vehement whisper before collapsing into the chair and covering his face with his hands; wishing the vision in his library would leave him be to the darkness.
Hermione narrowed her eyes on him. Stubborn fool! I'll not let him shut me out! Not now that I know how he feels. Hermione moved to stand in front of him. She took a couple of steadying breaths and remembered Tonks words about making it impossible for a man to ignore her advances.
Severus thought she would leave, but he should have known better. Hermione was a Gryffindor, and she never gave up on anything.
"Open your eyes, Severus Snape! Look at me!" Severus looked at her, found that death glare aimed at him, and was embarrassed when his cock twitched in response. Now really wasn't the time. "Do I look like a bloody child to you? DO I?"
"No, you certainly do not."
"Do I look like I can't take care of myself? Have you ever seen me unable to withstand the greatest hardships?"
Severus grinned despite himself. "You mean besides that time in your first year with the mountain troll?" Hermione's glare turned fatal and he managed a low chuckle. "No, you are very competent."
"Do you think I would be here if I weren't confident about your feelings or mine?"
"No."
"Well then?"
"Hermione-" his tone suggested he was not done trying to argue, but she'd had enough of that and thought it was well past time for action. Without any warning, she climbed into his lap. Her warmth enveloped him, making him suck in a surprised breath.
"I've made the choice for you. You push me away now and I'll leave and there will be no looking back. It hurts too much…" She ran her fingers through his hair and smiled. It wasn't greasy at all. Her smile broadened when she noticed Severus was breathing erratically and it was very hard not to notice the twitching that was going on where his crotch was. She looked down and grinned. "Well, at least someone wants me."
Severus let his head fall back against the chair when she scooted forward so that she was flush against him. "You know damn well that I want you…"
Hermione was almost breathless. No wonder Severus was always so confident. Well at least with things that didn't concern her. She could feel how huge his cock was and found herself becoming increasingly aroused. "Show me."
"What?" He raised his head, and unconsciously leaned forward to brush his lips against hers before pulling back.
"You heard me."
"I will not make advances on you while you've been drinking. Lucius shouldn't have given you absinthe."
"Such a gentleman." Hermione's tone suggested she was not pleased that he was being so. "Then show me by being my date. At least try to be with me."
"Hermione, I don't have to try. I want to be with you."
"Then no more arguing, you snarky bastard."
"Twenty points from Gryffin-" he found his voice cut off by Hermione's sweet mouth. It was a light kiss and their tongues barely touched before she pulled away blushing sweetly. Severus was surprised at how soothing to his nerves that kiss had been. Had she known it would have that effect on him?
"Shall we go now?" she asked, removing herself somewhat slowly and provocatively from his lap.
"I think that would be best."
They returned to Malfoy Manor quickly enough, as Severus didn't like being completely alone with Hermione. He was afraid his control may snap. And to keep Hermione from flirting with him in her inebriated state, Severus had produced a sober up potion for her to take. She pouted at first, but when he threatened to take away all the extra credit work he'd promised to give her for the coming school year, she immediately took it. When she was sober he noticed that she was extremely embarrassed, and he could tell she expected him to say something snarky about her behavior, but as he really had nothing to complain about and was reluctantly pleased that she'd sought him out, he remained silent about the whole thing and allowed Hermione lead him to where Lucius was supposed to be.
They were halfway down the correct corridor when they heard the passionate cries. Hermione stopped dead, refusing to budge another inch. "Let's go somewhere else and leave them alone."
"No. I want a word with Lucius."
"But-but you can't!" Hermione started sputtering. "They're busy! You can't just walk in on them. They are newlyweds!"
"Look at my face." His face was completely blank. "Does it look like I care? If you're so squeamish about things like that then stay here."
Hermione drew herself up to her full height and glared at him. "I am not squeamish! I just think it would be rude to interrupt them."
"Yes, it would be rather rude of me."
And with that Severus continued down the corridor, amused when he heard Hermione slowly following him. Nothing would stop her curiosity. However, she did stop five feet away from the door and tried to not listen. She failed. There was something so erotic about listening that she couldn't help herself. Severus was just about to knock when he felt Hermione's presence right beside him. Looking down, he saw she was staring at the door with a mixture of embarrassment and intense interest. Then she licked her lips.
"Merlin, save me." Severus grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the door. "Would you please stop looking like that. And stop listening." He went back to the door and started to pound on it. "Lucius! I want a word!"
"Go away, Snivellus! Lucius is busy!" came the barked reply from within the parlor. Severus sneered at the door. "I really hate that mutt," he muttered. "Hermione and I will enter in one minute regardless of what you're doing!"
"I will not!" Hermione whispered furiously.
"Quiet," he hissed back.
Hermione muttered under her breath, but otherwise remained silent. They could hear Lucius and Sirius talking inside, though their tones were too quiet to hear what was being said. The door was yanked open five minutes later by a snarling Sirius.
"We were busy," he hissed. His hair was in a state of disgrace, his lips swollen, and his eyes had yet to recover from a state of passion, though now that passion had turned into furious anger.
"So we heard." Severus shifted just enough to allow Sirius to see Hermione blushing madly behind him.
"Hello, Sirius…" she couldn't even meet his eyes. Sirius sighed and opened the door wider, and Severus swept past him. Sirius moved over to Hermione.
"You okay? He didn't hurt you did he?"
"Hurt me?"
"Well, you know…he is a bastard most times. Don't want him hurting your feelings anymore, Hermione."
"Oh." She finally looked at him and smiled. "We're fine."
"You're sober too. That's good. Come in."
"I'm really sorry we interrupted."
He waved Hermione in before him. "No need to apologize. It's always easiest to blame Snape."
Hermione and Sirius took a seat across from Severus and Lucius. Severus was laying into Lucius about giving Hermione the absinthe, albeit, quietly. Lucius looked impeccable and unconcerned by his angered friend. If it wasn't for the swollen lips and the smug smirk on his face, Hermione would never have guessed he'd just been having sex.
"Quit your grumbling," Lucius finally said, having enough of Severus' harping. "I helped you out. You should be thanking me."
"I should curse you!"
"Excuse me, but don't you think we should check on Harry and Draco?" Hermione asked. "Knowing them, they probably beat each other bloody."
"That depends." Lucius sat back and crossed his legs. "I'm fairly certain it didn't end like you think it did." Sirius grinned at his husband's words. Hermione looked confused.
"What do you mean?"
"What else do they love to do beyond fighting and flying and being overly romantic with each other?"
Hermione giggled. "Oh."
"It's been about an hour and a half. I suppose we can return," Lucius said, standing.
Severus nodded and stood as well and offered his hand to Hermione. She looked shocked at first, then smiled and took it, rising from her seat. She caught Sirius' scowl but glanced back to Severus when he began to squeeze her hand. She began to get worried when the hand squeezed harder and his eyes closed tightly.
"Severus?"
"Lucius?" Sirius was at his husband's side in a second when Lucius fell to his knees clutching his arm. Severus released Hermione's hand and also fell to his knees. Hermione realized he must have let go because he was afraid of doing her hand harm, as his knuckles were turning white from the fist he was making.
"What's happening? Talk to me!" Sirius barked as he knelt down in front of Lucius and pulled his hand away from his arm.
"The Dark Mark," Severus hissed through his teeth.
"Is Voldemort calling you?"
"I don't think so. This doesn't feel like it," Lucius panted and watched as Sirius pushed his sleeve up. The Dark Mark was burning red and smoking. Over by Severus, Hermione was seeing the same thing. And she worried when the mark began to make sizzling noises and the skin started to bubble. She looked at Severus' contorted face in horror, knowing how painful it must be.
"It's destroying itself," Hermione realized after a moment of further study and looked at Severus with worried eyes. "Does this mean something went wrong with Voldemort? Does this mean he's dead?"
Severus looked into her frightened eyes. "I don't know."
"Malfoy!" The door banged opened. "Something is wrong with Bluemoon!" Parkinson stopped when he noticed Severus and Lucius were kneeling, gripping their arms as Amortia was doing. Hermione quickly crossed to him and pulled back his sleeve, ignoring his blatant hiss of disgust.
"You're not feeling any pain?"
"No." He ripped his arm away from her. "Don't touch me again, mudblood."
Despite the pain he was in, Severus got to his feet and crossed over to Parkinson, pulling the stocky man up by his collar until he was only standing on his toes. "Do not talk to her like that again. Her cutting hex will be nothing compared to what I will do to you if you do not show her respect! Is this understood?"
Parkinson nodded and Severus shoved him away. "Now, is there anyone else having problems with their Dark Mark?"
"Not that I know of."
"Gather everyone and return to Little Hangleton," Lucius said as he stood up, quickly composing himself. "Something is happening." Parkinson nodded and rushed off.
"Severus! Look at your arm!" Hermione cried. They watched as the Dark Mark seemed to rise off his skin. And then it turned to dust and fell to the floor. Lucius had a similar pile of ash by his feet as well. Severus and Lucius stared at each other in shock.
"What does this mean? Has the Dark Lord decided we aren't good enough for him now?" Lucius demanded angrily.
"I think it's the opposite, actually," Severus replied softly. "But we won't be sure until Voldemort returns."
Harry and Draco were fully dressed and sated, lying on their backs with their feet pointing in opposite directions, while their heads were side by side. They were looking up at the sky when Hermione and Amortia appeared outside of the Ukatae circle, followed closely by Lucius, Severus, and Sirius. They weren't talking and an uneasy silence surrounded them, but they preferred to remain close together regardless of the tension between them.
"You see, Hermione? They look better than fine to me."
"Harry, Draco! Come here!" Severus ordered.
The Ukatae rose and hurried over. Before anything could be said, the three Death Eaters held out their arms.
"Your marks are gone!" Harry cried out in wonder.
"Has there been any change in the potion?" Severus asked staring over Harry's shoulder at the gleaming silver cauldron. Harry shook his head.
"We looked in a minute ago but we couldn't see anything. The potion is too thick," Draco said looking back to the cauldron. "But everything is happening as it should."
"You look to be settled down now." This came from Amortia. Draco turned back and grinned at Harry, who unconsciously licked his lip where Draco had busted it. It wasn't hurt anymore, as Draco had healed it after their 'little fight' had ended.
"Yeah, we're fine," He muttered, avoiding Draco's gaze.
Draco understood that Harry wasn't looking at him, not because he was embarrassed, but because he was still upset with him. And because Draco didn't want another fight at the moment, he decided to let it slide. Harry gave everyone a small smile and went back to stand near the cauldron to talk with Nagini. Draco sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.
"Harry's mad at me and it's your fault, Severus."
"I fail to see how it's my fault. You're the one who opened your big mouth."
"Yes, but at least it seems to have done you some good." Draco pointedly looked at Hermione who stood beside the Potion Master, but thankfully was engaged in a conversation with Lucius.
"You should be silent, Draco."
"Just thank me and get it over with." He smirked and Severus scowled.
"It will be a cold day in hell."
Murmuring swept throughout the crowd surrounding the circle when Harry suddenly sprung to his feet and peered into the cauldron. "Draco!"
Draco hurried over and looked in. The liquid was changing color, turning translucent and they could see a body moving around. Suddenly an arm shot up and grasped the edge. "What? It can't be over yet. There's still an hour left to go."
"Apparently Tom doesn't want to wait."
"The body wouldn't have matured enough…" Draco's eyes widened in comprehension and he hurriedly shrugged out of his robe and held it out as the other arm came out.
Harry reached out to give Tom a hand. The Death Eaters were standing around watching silently with rising excitement. Draco and Harry stood in front of Tom so no one could see his body except for his back as he came out of the cauldron and both Ukatae gasped as they gazed upon the Dark Lord and his new body.
"Merlin, Tom. I didn't expect you to go that far back!" Harry exclaimed as Draco wrapped the cloak around Tom's broad shoulders. Tom reached up to pull the hood over his head to hide his face from view. He studied his hands as they came down, his light brown eyes wide with pleasure at seeing them a healthy shade and shape.
"Get me inside somewhere and send everyone to await me at Malfoy Manor," came Tom's reply in a silky baritone and then he shuddered and leaned against Harry. "That was an experience I hope to never live through again."
"Your voice is even sexy now!" Draco observed and then grunted when a carefully aimed elbow got him in the ribs."Not as sexy as yours, love. No one else's voice could make me want to throw them down and fuck for years like yours can, Harry."
Harry hummed and passed Tom to Draco, who wrapped an arm around his shoulders to support him. Harry went to Lucius and Severus and told them to get everyone back to the Manor. "Hermione, Amortia. You two can stay. He'll need you."
Severus didn't like that one bit, but as Hermione turned and gave him a reassuring smile, he didn't stop and complain. "Just a minute, ladies. Let me undo the circle." Harry began to walk around clockwise, his wand pointed at the burnt line, and as he walked, the line disappeared, leaving the area looking as it had been before it had been burnt. Hermione and Amortia followed him back to Draco and Voldemort. But the Dark Lord had his back to them and didn't turn around until it was only the five of them in the graveyard.
"Sir?" Hermione asked carefully. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, Hermione. Everything is as it should be." Voldemort turned around and dropped the hood. He marveled at the dark curls that fell into his eyes. He touched his face, almost fearfully.
"It won't disappear this time, Tom. You did well," Harry murmured soothingly.
"You certainly did," Hermione said. "You're so handsome!" She blushed when he smirked at her. "Didn't I say you would make me blush?"
"My lord, will you allow me to check you over?"
"Yes, Amortia." The Healer pulled out her wand and began to scan his body. Voldemort hid the relief he felt when she announced him better than healthy.
"Your energy is below average, but I expect that will change in a couple of hours once you are used to your body and have rested."
Voldemort nodded and allowed himself to be Apparated into Malfoy Manor where he was ushered into his private wing at the manor so that he could shower and change. The Ukatae stayed with him to make sure he would be all right.
"I can't believe Voldemort ever looked like that," Draco said to Harry as they waited for Voldemort to finish with his shower.
"I can… This changes a lot of things."
"Opens up a lot of possibilities."
Harry nodded but said nothing more. He was still semi ignoring his mate, which was getting on Draco's nerves. "Look, Harry. If you have something to say, then say it!"
Harry barely glanced at him. "Don't know what you're talking about."
"Are you trying for another fight? Because I would be glad to accommodate you. There's a bed right here!"
Harry hissed and moved away from him. "Not everything can be solved by having sex, Draco."
"No, but at least it will get you relaxed enough to tell me what the hell is wrong with you. I'm not mad anymore, so why are you?"
"I'm not your slave," he replied quietly. "But sometimes I feel like it. I hate that feeling… it reminds me of the Dursleys."
"Who said you were my slave? You don't have to do anything you don't want to. You don't take orders from anyone, Harry! I never want you to feel as if you have to do something just because someone tells you to. Never!"
Draco wanted to go to Harry, but knew he would have to wait for Harry to come to him. He'd always been expecting a conversation like this; for Harry's horrid past to barrel its way into their lives. He knew it had to happen before they could truly move on. Harry turned to look at him. Finally more than just a glance.
"I'm sorry I'm so possessive," Draco went on. "But I can't help it. It's taken us years to get to where we are, to have what we have. I just never want to lose that."
Harry visibly relaxed. "You say certain things just to get a rise out of me, don't you?"
Draco grinned. "Yeah, it's so easy. But some things I say are the truth."
"Like what?" Harry sat down between Draco's legs and let his head fall back against the seat. Draco's fingers were immediately in his hair, massaging away the tension that had built up.
"Like the fact that you-you're with me." Harry grinned. He knew damn well Draco was thinking the words belong to me when he spoke the words with me. But that suited Harry fine. That wasn't the problem. If anything, he was more than happy to say he belonged to Draco. It made him feel loved and protected. "And that you're an idiot Gryffindor," Draco went on. "And you punch like a girl-"
"I do not!" Harry pulled his head away and turned to glare at Draco, who wore a wicked grin. "Whatever." He leaned back and sighed. Harry supposed now was as good a time to talk about his fears. He didn't noticed that Tom had come back from the shower, already immaculately dressed, and was hovering in the shadows of the doorway.
"I was always locked up in the cupboard under the stairs before I got my Hogwarts letter. The Dursleys were so afraid of magic and the fear that someone would come to complain about where I was kept that they moved me into the small room upstairs. The one that was usually used for Dudley's old broken toys." Harry's laugh was dry. "I was worth less than old broken toys. When the letters from Hogwarts came I didn't know what it was because Vernon refused to let me see them. I wanted to see them so badly because they were addressed to me. Someone in the world knew me, was acknowledging my existence. That's all I ever wanted…acknowledgement from them, something that let me know they knew I really existed. That's why I did everything they wanted. I thought if I could show them how important I could be to their lives, they might love me. So I basically became their slave."
"They used the insecurities of a little boy desperate for love." Draco's claws came out and started to bite into Harry's skull. Harry reached up and brought Draco's hands to rest around his chest. Draco dropped his chin on Harry's head.
"I cooked all their meals, cleaned the entire house daily, and did the gardening, the laundry, the shopping… It started so early in my life that I can't remember a time when I didn't do that stuff. I wanted everything to be perfect so that when Vernon came home I wouldn't have to worry about his anger. Nothing ever worked. Even if everything was perfect, he always found a way to beat me down. After fifth year, they put me back in the cupboard because they were afraid of what I was becoming and the abuse escalated after that.
"Vernon enjoyed hitting me, spewing his words of hatred. I was nothing." Harry's chin dropped to his chest. "Before Hogwarts, I was alone all the time, even when I was surrounded by people. I couldn't have any friends; Dudley always chased them away. I never had anything for myself. I was a slave in every sense of the word. That night you and Uncle Sev found me, Vernon was hell bent on killing me because he knew after my birthday I would leave and never return. He hated me so much that he couldn't just let me go. By that time, I knew I was nothing, and I didn't care that I was dying. I wanted to die. My friends were gone; my life seemed already over before it had begun…. You know the rest."
"You're amazing," Draco said after a time of silence. He tried to keep his anger out of his voice. The damn Dursleys needed to pay.
"What?"
"I said you are amazing. Even after all that, you persevered though, didn't you? You didn't allow yourself-"
"Draco, I would have died without you. I don't know if I would have left that coma otherwise. I had thought about it. I wanted to make sure people were safe from Voldemort, but I don't know if I would have left if you hadn't come."
"I know you would have come back, even without me. It's not in you to give up, is it?"
Someone cleared their throat. Harry and Draco looked up to find Tom standing in the doorway, his face impassive, but Draco recognized the anger in his eyes. He must have been listening to the whole thing. Draco wondered what Voldemort would do now that he'd heard how Harry had grown up.
"We were never that different. I wish I had known that."
"No worries, Tom. That's all in the past." Harry stood up, feeling much better for having talked to Draco. And he wasn't even that upset that Tom had been eavesdropping. Maybe it was a good thing that he had heard too. "You ready to go down and shock everyone?"
Harry grasped Draco's hand and pulled him towards the door. Silver eyes met brown and the unspoken words passed between them. They would be having a discussion about the Dursleys, and in private.
It was a gala of sorts, Hermione supposed, looking around at all the well dressed wizards and witches mingling together in the large ballroom of Malfoy Manor. Many who were in attendance were very high up in the Wizarding Government, and they all had ties to Voldemort. Severus had left her with Sirius while he and Lucius discussed things, making sure everyone knew why they were all gathered and what to expect. Some people just plain didn't believe the Dark Lord had returned with a new body. Many believed Harry and Draco had destroyed him and were now prepared to take over. Hermione only laughed.
Even Bellatrix had been allowed to attend but her magic was bound, wrapped up tight so that she couldn't do anything with her wand. But Bellatrix still had her fun by annoying Hermione until the Gryffindor witch sealed Lestrange's mouth shut. On several occasions Hermione had to put herself and her abilities on display so that everyone understood part of the reason why she was there. She couldn't contain her amusement when she and Sirius were recognized with shock and then disdain. This coming from the elite wizards and witches, all of which refused to accept her until she'd had to prove that she wasn't afraid of anyone.
"Stop looking at me like that, Sirius. It's not like I'm turning into a Dark Lady or something."
"Can't help it. You seem so different now."
"You think it's bad?" she took a sip of her champagne to ease her nerves.
"No! Good Merlin, no!" Sirius threw an arm around her shoulders and hugged her to his side. "We all need you to be strong, don't we? Especially that git over there." Sirius pointed a finger in Severus' direction. Hermione refrained from replying.
This was supposed to be a date, right? So why did it seem like Severus was purposely putting distance between them again? It had been happening the entire night. He had hardly said two words to her since arriving at the graveyard and if it weren't for the looks he kept sending her, she would have thought he changed his mind about her. But those looks expressed all she needed to be reassured. Hermione supposed he was just trying to come to grips with how he felt and how he would progress with their relationship.
"Are you sure you want Snivellus? There are better wizards…better wizards with better looks."
"Sirius, I've made my decision. Besides, there is no better wizard for me. And he has very distinguished looks."
The Animagus snorted. "That's a very nice way of saying you don't care that he's ugly."
"He isn't ugly."
"Yeah, whatever…"
The tension in the ballroom suddenly spiked and all movement stilled for a moment before heads began to turn to the stairway at the ballroom doors. Harry and Draco stood at the top with a cloaked figure standing in front of them. While the Ukatae were dressed in black formal robes, the hooded figure standing in front of them was cloaked in blood red. No one dared utter a word as the three descended the stairs, and the crowd silently split in two as the three swept past them all and headed for the raised dais at the other end of the large room. Hermione and Sirius moved towards the dais and stood off to the side. Hermione wanted a good vantage point to see all the faces in the crowd when Voldemort removed his hood. When they were on the dais, Harry and Draco stood at each side of Voldemort, smirking at all the patiently waiting faces.
"Those of you who no longer have the Dark Mark will join me now," Voldemort commanded. His voice alone startled the crowd. It was low and smooth and commanded immediate attention. Everyone began to look around. No one knew what he was talking about, but when Lucius, Severus, and Amortia climbed the dais to stand beside Harry and Draco, the quiet murmuring resumed.
Hermione was startled when Voldemort looked at her. "You as well."
The room erupted into chaos when Hermione climbed to stand beside Severus, who gave her a reassuring nod and placed a hand at her lower back. She didn't think anyone aside from Severus noticed when she leaned into him a bit. She was a little wary of what was about to happen and kind of uncomfortable with the entire room staring at her with such looks, though she made sure not to outwardly show it. Severus seemed pleased and allowed his hand to move over around her back to lightly grip her hip in support. Voldemort allowed the furious whispers and accusation to roam around the room. It was pretty clear what everyone was saying. There was no way their Dark Lord would have invited a mudblood up to join him.
"Silence," he finally stated. When he had everyone's attention, Voldemort pulled back his hood. "I am Lord Voldemort."
The look of shock on everyone's faces was enough to make Hermione start to giggle, but she shut up when the hand on her hip squeezed lightly. Not only did Voldemort form a perfect body, but also he'd chosen to revert back to the age of eighteen. He looked exactly as he did at the end of his seventh year. His form was tall and straight, standing the same height as Draco. His dark hair was a bit wavy and was swept away from his handsome aristocratic face. There was a cold smile on his face and in his brown eyes as he surveyed the crowd.
"Does anyone dispute my existence?"
One could have heard a pin drop. Many in the crowd recognized this as Tom Riddle, as they had gone to school with him. They were old now of course, but they were quick to squash any doubts of the younger generation around them. This was their Dark Lord.
"Usually I will not explain myself or my actions, but for tonight, I will explain why these witches and wizards stand by me and do not bare my Dark Mark. They have proven their loyalty to me beyond any doubt." Voldemort held his hand out to Hermione, and after a little push from Severus, she took his hand and allowed him to draw her to his side. "I trust these people beyond anything. They do not bow to me. Should anyone have a problem with this, please feel free to say and you may leave."
Harry snorted quietly. Tom was not about to let anyone walk away without losing their lives. Tom needed to prove he was still their Dark Lord. Harry wondered who would be stupid enough to test him. He didn't have to wait long.
"How are we supposed to believe you've allowed half-bloods and mudbloods to stand with you?" a tall wizard yelled from the middle of the crowd, many around him nodding. "I want nothing to do with mudbloods!"
Tom looked at Hermione and noticed her frown. He didn't like seeing her frown.
"Do you want to leave?" he asked the wizard
"Yes."
"I as well." There was a murmur of agreement from a quarter of those present, and those who did not like what was happening banded together in the middle of the ballroom.
Making themselves easy targets, aren't they? Harry asked. The blond's smirk grew and he and Draco drew their wands, just as Tom did.
"That is fine. You will go." He flicked his wand and the objectors were immediately surrounded by fiendfyre. Those around them hurriedly scurried away and pressed themselves against the walls, knowing how dangerous and volatile fiendfyre was. Hermione unconsciously firmed her grip on Voldemort's hand.
"Do you wish me to stop?"
"No. You must do what you must. I just know how dangerous fiendfyre is. It is very hard to control." She closed her eyes against the screams of pain and terror coming from those the fiendfyre was consuming. But after a moment, she made herself look. She didn't want anyone to think she was weak.
"We can control it, Hermione. It will not move on to anyone who is not the target," Draco murmured.
Voldemort flicked his wand and the fire vanished, leaving a pile of soot where the unbelieving Death Eaters had stood.
"Well that was exciting," Lucius announced. "Do you think anyone has any doubts anymore?" His voice carried across the crowd.
"I very much doubt it," Hermione said, equally loud, smirking at all the faces staring at her. "They would be ignorant disgraces to this organization and we can't have that, can we Voldemort?"
"No, we cannot." Voldemort smiled at her. "You may continue, Hermione."
Harry grinned as he felt the surprise and shock swimming around and snickered when Hermione pulled out her wand and pointed it at a Death Eater close to the dais. The witch backed up quickly when Hermione smirked. "Do you doubt our abilities? Do you doubt mine?"
"No," the witch hurriedly said. "You are the Dark Lord's apprentice. No one could doubt you."
"Does anyone hear think that just because I'm a muggleborn that I do not have the capability of killing you without blinking?" In actuality, she didn't think she could kill someone just for the sake of killing, but they didn't need to know that. And no one seemed to want to test her. Hermione was very convincing.
I think Hermione is having fun, Draco said.
Harry nodded and looked at his uncle. Severus was trying very hard not to smirk, and Harry was amused to see that he had to shift and pull his robes around to cover the front of his body. Harry didn't have to guess at what he was trying to hide. Hermione nodded to Voldemort, and then returned to Severus' side and he immediately returned a hand to her waist. His grip was more possessive this time. She looked up at him and gasped when she caught that look in his eyes that clearly said that he wanted to take advantage of her that very second. Their attention returned to Voldemort as he began to speak again, his statement ringing throughout the room.
"I am Lord Voldemort, also known as Tom Riddle. You will bow to us." Those beside Voldemort looked at him. They hadn't expected him to include them in such a manner. But they all masked their surprise well as the entire room bent to their knees, bowing to all seven standing on the dais. Everyone was aware of the change. A new era had begun.
A/N: Edited 10/18/2011