A/N: This is a new story for my amazing readers. This is the second part to my two-part Fem Harry/Voldemort pairing. This idea was in my head for a long time, and I had to write it down.

Hope you guys would like this. I do not own Harry Potter; it solely belongs to J.K Rowling!

Warnings: Drama, angst, resolved feelings, some fluff, cute Harrie, Professor Marvolo is a warning on his own.

3 months earlier….

Excitement and nervousness coursed through his veins. He'd imagined this day a hundred times over in his head—when he'd have his own classroom and be able to teach at Hogwarts.

It had taken a lot of effort to be here, from the decision to sign the Peace Treaty to managing rebellions, it had taken a lot of time. Nonetheless, he stood there, as an esteemed DADA Professor of Hogwarts, waiting for his students.

His first class was with the 7th-year Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. He was excited to teach, of course. But there was nervousness too because he'd wanted to kill the majority of students in this particular class merely months ago.

Whether they would accept him as their teacher or not was the question.

The students filtered in—quietly and obediently taking their respective seats. There was no muttering or chattering of any sort. Of course, he was still the Dark Lord. It would take time for them to accept this. To accept him.

Then, Harriet had entered the sea of blues and reds, and Marvolo stiffened.

He'd felt her magic before he'd seen her. The way her magic had heavily cloaked her in a protective cover, shielding her from everyone else giving her nasty glances. Her magic was ready to defend her from any danger. Even if it meant him.

Marvolo was sensitive to magic, always had been, but he wasn't expecting the intense onslaught from Harriet's side. He wasn't expecting her magic to be so lucious and Grey. Didn't she have a Light core of magic?

He was confused when she took her seat on the front desk alone. None of her friends shared a seat with her.

Keeping that aside, Marvolo tried to make the class as comfortable as possible. It worked for everyone except Harriet and her friends.

Marvolo pushed the thoughts of Harriet away from his mind; he had more pressing matters to attend to because he needed to prove himself and the Dark Sect. The Potter Girl was the last thing he wanted to mess with.

Things progressed tremendously for Marvolo. He was able to gain the respect of not only students, but his colleagues as well. Many ideas he'd proposed to the Board of Directors were accepted.

He was even able to claim the Slytherin and Ravenclaw seats that were rightfully his. The Goblins too, were happy with this order, it seemed.

All was going really well, better than he'd hoped for.

Marvolo should have been happy and content, right? He wasn't.

It did not take him long to realise that it was the green-eyed girl that was troubling him. He was able to feel Harriet's feelings and magic more, with each passing day.

He was able to point out when she was feeling nervous and anxious, or happy and content. Though the latter feelings came at very rare occasions, they always left a warm feeling in his own soul.

These random thoughts started to confuse him, and so to put his mind at ease, he started to observe her.

Harriet used to attend her classes all alone, she had stopped eating her meals in the Great Hall. She practised quidditch with her team but was never included in group activities. In her free time, she helped Hagrid to tend to his giant pets. Other than Hagrid, Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom were the only people seen with her.

The whole school had boycotted her, of sorts, even her friends. Sometimes, some students have also tried to harm her, but Harriet had been quick to defend herself.

He did not like that—he did not like the bullying, it reminded him of his days at Wool's Orphanage.

So when Harriet had been hesitant in asking some questions related to a certain topic that was taught in class, Marvolo was the one who had taken charge. He saw her anxiety and hesitation, and approached her. He'd calmly clarified all her questions and recommended some books as well.

Harriet had given him a grateful smile, and that was the first time Marvolo had felt a tingling sensation in his stomach. Goosebumps broke out on his skin, and he was dazed.

Marvolo couldn't comprehend those feelings then. This happened a good two or three times before He had discussed the matter with Nagini at length; Nagini had told him that it was because he liked her, and Marvolo had hexed her in return.

Has his Familiar gone crazy?

The following days Marvolo had limited his contact to Harriet. Not that it was easy for him—there was uncertainty and restlessness. He couldn't understand his emotions. He wanted to talk to Harriet and tell her it was all a farce, that he was avoiding her because he didn't know what else to do.

How was he supposed to know?

He understood the moment he'd seen Draco challenge Harriet in the library. He'd heard what Heir Malofy meant when he asked Harriet on that date. His blood boiled when Draco inched closer to Harriet, but when his girl beat his ass in the courtyard, Marvolo was on cloud nine.

Yes, his girl. Harriet was his, and there was no more denying.

But how would he act on those feelings considering their history? How was he supposed to tell Harriet?

Will she ever accept him—the person who'd killed her parents and ruined her life, the person who had tried to kill her multiple times.

Will Marvolo ever gain her trust and love?

A few hours ago…

The weather was a blunder, it was raining monstrously, so much that it was difficult to see 10 feet beyond their eyes.

How was the match still going on? No, this was wrong. Marvolo had a bad feeling about it.

It was the Quidditch match between Slytherin and Gryffindor—all the classes had already been canceled, and the whole school had come to see it. Something bad would, of course, happen.

The audience roared loudly as the Gryffindor chaser pulled another goal for his team. Marvolo saw as the teachers tried to make composure, but they were too far thrilled by the match. Professors Flitwick and McGonagall had placed bets on Gryffindor, and Professor Snape upon Slytherin.

Lucius, who had come to see Draco, sneered at Slytherin's poor goaling skills. Apparently, everyone was too hyped up by the match.

Marvolo, however, wasn't interested in anything except his green-eyed witch.

"WHERE IS SHE?" Theodore, Slytherin team's captain shouted regarding Harriet.

Yes, where was she? Marvolo had scanned the whole ground, but Harriet was nowhere to be found. It was already hard to see with all the downpour, and now Harriet was playing hide-and-seek with the opposite team.

"DID YOU FIND THE SNITCH?"

"NO, STILL LOOKING FOR IT."

"GET ONTO IT, YOU MORON. IF POTTER GETS IT BEFORE YOU, WE'LL LOSE!" Theodore roared at his seeker Blaise.

"There's the snitch!" A young ravenclaw shouted from the stands pointing at the golden ball floating near the Ravenclaw stands. As soon as he'd said those words, a blur of red caught Marvolo's eyes and his breath caught in his throat.

He had only heard about Harriet's flying skills, and had heard how ruthlessly and gracefully she rode the broom. He had heard how she was one of the finest seekers of Hogwarts.

He'd heard about Harriet's flying skills, but had never seen them. Now though, he had only one word to describe her—Goddess.

She flew like a goddess, without any fear and with wild abundance. Like she was meant to be this free always.

Harriet zipped past Slytherin seeker with ease, outstretching her hand to catch the snitch. The ball wouldn't have it, it flew away again, this time going and hiding between the clouds.

Marvolo's heart was in his mouth when Harriet disappeared between the clouds. He was on the edge of his seat, gripping the armrest so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

Was she crazy that she was risking her life for a stupid golden ball?!

"My Lord, are you alright?"

"Shut up, Lucius!" Marvolo hissed. The Malfoy head only looked at him with concern.

Moments ticked by and everyone waited in anticipation. In the background, there was another thunder roaring through the sky. Marvolo had experienced fear when he was little—the time when the matron would lock him up in a dark room because he had been a naughty boy; the time when there had been bombings near his orphanage; the time when he thought that Dumbledore understood the link between him and the Secret Chamber opening.

After that, Marvolo had vowed to never feel fear, and turned it into his greatest power. He became fearless, he became immortal.

Until now, when he could not see Harriet coming out of those clouds anytime soon. He was ready to go and get her himself, but again, his girl had a thing for dramatics.

Harriet swooshed back in the ground, drenched from head to toe, with the Golden snitch clutched tightly in her hand and a small smile playing on her lips.

"GRYFFINDOR WINS!" The crowd went maniac after that. It was loud, so loud that Marvolo couldn't make the curse words leaving Lucius' mouth. He saw in amusement when Lucius and Snape reluctantly passed 50 galleons each to Professor Flitwick.

Harriet was laughing whole heartedly, her heart soaring in pride, and seeing her happy made Marvolo feel the same.

His happiness was short-lived though.

Out of nowhere, a dark blue jet of streak caught Harriet right in the chest, making her lose her balance and consciousness, and fall off her broom.

Everything after that was a mess, Marvolo remembered little.

He only remembered rushing to her side, cursing at everyone that dared to come in between, and carrying Harriet to the hospital wing.

It was a mess when Madame Pomfrey told the teachers that Harriet had been struck with a dark curse, it was a mess when she'd informed them that Harriet may or may not wake up.

It was all a mess when Marvolo had practically cursed Madame Pomfrey in Parseltongue, frightening the poor lady to death.

It was all a big mess. Marvolo was a mess, and he would kill the person behind all this.

Present scenario….

Marvolo stared in amazement as the moonlight kissed Harriet's face, the wind softly blew her curls and his magic surrounded her like a thick coat.

He didn't know when it had all started. Didn't understand how he developed those feelings for her- the kind of feelings that left his heart beating a little faster whenever he saw her, the feelings leaving butterflies in stomach when he heard laughter.

The feelings that he had never experienced once in his life.

If someone would have told Marvolo that he would grow to care so much about her, he would have scoffed at the idea. But now, she has wormed her way in his heart, and made a permanent settlement there.

And he never wanted her to leave.

Marvolo's gaze wandered from her face to the injured hand she was sporting. It had been a really bad accident. She had fallen down from a pretty good height, it was a miracle that she hadn't sustained any other injuries.

Anger bubbled up in his veins when earlier events kept rolling in his head like a record. He'd witnessed her almost falling to her death; he was so worried that he did not see from which direction the curse was fired on Harriet.

If he had, her attacker would have been long dead by now.

But it wasn't going to wake up his dearest, she lay unconscious and immovable as she had been a few hours ago.

Running a hand down his tired face, Marvolo sighed. He inched closer to her, taking a seat beside her. He didn't know what else to do, he was only waiting for her to wake up.

If she would wake up.

Time ticked slowly, and with it, the agony in his mind also grew.

The sound of rushed footsteps broke the eerie silence surrounding them, making Marvolo reluctantly break his gaze from Harriet.

He was surprised to see no one standing there, but he was sure he heard the sound.

"Is someone there?" Marvolo was quick on his feet, taking out his wand. He cast a protective spell on Harriet and took a defensive stance.

He could hear their labored breathing; focussing upon the sound, Marvolo started moving towards the source.

"Who is it?" He asked one more time, this time his wand pointing in an abstract direction. If Harriet's attacker had come here to harm her again, he wouldn't be leaving the premises alive. Marvolo would make sure of it.

"It's me, it's me...please don't fire!" An all too familiar voice of Miss Granger rang through the room, and Marvolo watched in stunned silence as her head popped out of thin air.

Slowly her body appeared too, slowly and steadily, but Marvolio's greedy eyes were on the cloth in her hands.

Salazar, could it really be?

"It's the Invisibility Cloak," Hermione tried to break the awkward silence as she nervously fidgeted in her place. "It's Harrie's."

Marvolo looked at the bushy-haired girl sharply, making Hermione still in her place

"What are you doing here, Miss Granger? Your curfew started two hours ago." Marvolo spoke in a firm yet hushed tone so as to not disturb Harriet.

"I came in to see Harrie….I couldn't leave her alone." There were worry lines on her face, and Marvolo could see how tired Hermione was.

Over the months at Hogwarts, he'd observed how the relationship between the two girls had become strained. But then, they were back to being friends since the past few days. In fact, Harriet looked chirpier and vibrant in Miss Granger's presence. He could give her the benefit of doubt seeing how many times the two girls had fought side-by-side against him.

"Please Professor, I'll only take a few minutes," Hermione requested again and this time, Marvolo complied, allowing her to take the seat beside Harriet's bed.

Hermione gently took Harriet's hand in her own and started telling her all about her day.

She told Harriet that Gryffindor had won the match because of her, and that all are so worried about her. At one point, she'd started crying, pleading with Harriet to wake up soon.

Marvolo stood silently, watching as Hermione lovingly catered to his dearest.

"Do you know who did this?" This time, the question was directed towards him.

"No, we are still trying to find the culprit." Marvolo answered, but he could see that Hermione was as affected by the attack as he was. "Don't worry, we'll find them soon enough."

"McLaggen. Cormac McLaggen, it has to be him," Hermione answered with certainty.

"Why do you say so, Miss Granger?" He was confused by the sudden outburst of anger from Hermione.

"I just….you know."

"If you are going to accuse one of your fellow classmates, then I'll need a good reason from you side. I'm sure you understand." Marvolo reasoned with her. He had strived hard to get this position of 'Professor', which meant that he had to act within certain boundaries.

The girl hesitated, but she had no other option. Professor Slytherin was right though, or else the matter would not reach any conclusion.

"McLaggen had been after Harriet for a few years now, even after being rejected multiple times, " Hermione sighed as she continued. "Last year, at the Slug Club party, Harriet refused his advances publicly which did not settle well with him. Since then he'd been acting resentful and crazy. He has this group of admirers; with their help, he was able to douse Harriet's juice with love potion."

Now that did not settle well with Marvolo. He might have looked calm on the outside, but on the inside, he was seething. It would take him only a few seconds to snap McLaggen's neck into pieces.

"Any proof?" Marvolo asked seriously, because even if Cormac had not attacked Harriet tonight, his little love potion fiasco wouldn't be going unpunished.

"One of the kitchen elves witnessed it," Hermione answered truthfully, knowing that Marvolo would now take care of everything. She was a bit happy about it, to be honest.

"Do whatever you want with him, just please don't kill him. Harriet wouldn't like that," Hermione smiled at him.

Marvolo stiffened a little. Did she somehow know?

"I know that is very inappropriate of me and I shouldn't interfere, but you exactly haven't been subtle in hiding your care towards Harriet," Hermione apologized earnestly, but still pushed the topic a little because she knew that neither Harriet nor Marvolo would take that leap of faith.

They would have to be pushed, just a little.

Hermione was right. Marvolo hadn't tried to hide his feelings, especially today when he'd kept Harriet close to him the entire time. Too close.

"I think you should tell her; she would like that." With that Hermione stood up, collecting her things and ready to go back to her dormitory.

Marvolo didn't know what to say or do, per se. He was being schooled on romantic matters by a teenager, for Salazar's sake!

"You don't think it's inappropriate?" Now that was something Marvolo was dying to know. He didn't care what others thought of him, but pursuing Harriet meant considering the feelings of her friends too.

Hermione only passed a knowing smile at him, something he didn't understand. "You're human, Professor. Besides, I wouldn't have supported the idea of you two together if I would have thought otherwise."

Marvolo only stared at her, his heart beating wildly at the possible prospect of hope in future.

"You two are too much alike."

"Did she….did she say anything to you?" Marvolo stumbled upon his words. Had Harriet talked about him in that way? Did she want him as much as he wanted to be with her?

"That is for you to find out," Hermione chuckled seeing how nervous he was.

"Please take care of her, Professor. I'm putting my faith in you."

Marvolo held Hermione's gaze in confirmation, silently promising her that no matter what the situation, he wouldn't leave his dearest alone. Not anymore.

His gaze turned soft and slight warmth came upon his cheeks when Hermione bid him farewell along with an 'All the Best'.

Oh boy, he did need all the luck now because he had no clue what to do next.

A week later…..

Marvolo all but rushed towards the infirmary, taking as long strides as possible.

He'd gone to Gringotts to attend to some private matters. It had only been a few hours since he'd left Harriet's side reluctantly, but Hermione had assured her that she would take Harriet's care.

Then, Hermione's Patronus appeared in between his meeting, with a message to come back to Hogwarts immediately. All rational thoughts were thrown out of the window then and there.

Did something bad happen when he was away? Was his dearest okay?

The thoughts swirled in his mind, and it hadn't taken him more than 5 minutes to apparate and reach Hogwarts infirmary.

Marvolo threw the doors open wide, his eyes scanning the whole room for any signs of imminent danger while panting heavily.

He was alert and terrified.

Until his eyes fell upon his dearest, who now sat awake on the bed, with a soft smile adorning her face as Harriet looked at him.

Marvolo couldn't believe what he saw, for a moment it felt like a dream. It had been long, so fucking long that he forgot how many times he'd prayed to Mother Magic to wake her up.

He took steady steps towards her when his eyes fell on Dumbledore standing not too far from Harrie.

"Oh, good. Right on time you are, Tom." Dumbledore spoke with a slight twinkle in his eyes. On the other hand, Hermione too passed him a reassuring smile.

"Good morning, Headmaster."

"We are still waiting for Madame Pomfrey to fetch Harriet's reports." Hermione spoke. Marvolo nodded.

"I'm sure you would have wanted to hear the reports as well. That is why I told Miss Granger to send you the message this early," Dumbledore said, and then turned his attention to Harriet.

"Did you know Miss Potter, Miss Granger and Professor Slytherin, both were very kind enough to take care of you. None of them left your side even for a moment."

Marvolo stiffened, feeling very awkward; he could feel the blood rushing to his cheeks though.

"I know, Professor. I could hear them everyday." Harriet spoke quietly. Her voice was scratchy after not speaking for so long.

Just then, Madame Pomfrey entered bringing the reports and a warm glass of water for Harriet. The poor woman did get scared for a moment after seeing the Dark Lord.

All of Harriet's reports came out normal, there was nothing of concern for now. Madame Pomfrey explained that Harriet's magic was able to defend the curse, but she'd been in comatose because her magic was recovering from the sudden attack and trauma.

It did not take much time for Marvolo to start all types of questions, but Madame Pomfrey was patient enough to explain everything to him.

"Thank you, Madame Pomfrey. Also, I'm very sorry for my rude behaviour that day." Marvolo sincerely apologised. The woman accepted his apology, but then warned the three of them that Harriet needed her rest and that they should all disperse soon.

"Very well, Madame. Though, I do think that Professor Slytherin should stay here for a while," Dumbledore spoke as he stood up and silently signaled Hermione to leave Harriet and Marvolo alone. Even Madame Pomfrey got the hint to his proposition, allowing Marvolo to extend his stay.

Salazar, even Albus Dumbledore was playing the matchmaker now?!

Both Harriet and Marvolo were left speechless.

"Good night, Miss Potter. I hope to see you in classes soon," Dumbledore spoke. "It is truly a great gift to have friends who care about you. Keep them close, Miss Potter. Do not let them go."

"I won't, Professor. Good night." Harriet spoke. She knew well what Dumbledore was insinuating.

It was silent for a few minutes after all others had left. Minutes tucked down, but neither Harrie nor Marvolo knew where to start.

"I'm sorry," Harriet muttered finally, grasping Marvolo's attention at once.

"For what?"

"For making you worry."

Marvolo moved closer to her, his eyes never leaving her face, and sat beside her bed.

"I was worried from the moment you were flying recklessly for that stupid ball. Even more so when you disappeared between the clouds and I could not see you."

Harriet listened quietly. She could clearly see the worry on his face; the slight stubble that had grown on his face made him look exhausted.

"I saw you almost fall down to your death, but I couldn't do anything. I couldn't do anything either for you to wake up. So yes, I was worried and you should be sorry for that. But, I'm sorry too for not being able to protect you."

"It wasn't your fault." Harriet was quick to clear all the misunderstandings. The only one responsible here was the person who attacked her, and who was still not found. But from what she'd heard from Hermione, an investigation was undergoing with Marvolo and all the other Board Members being a part of it.

"Swear it, then. No more stunts like this again, not even in Quidditch. Swear it, love." Marvolo was very demanding on his proposition.

But Harriet simply smiled at him. It was the first time he'd called her with an endearing name, unconsciously reflecting his own feelings for her.

"I can't promise anything related to Quidditch, but I promise to be extra careful in future." Harriet spoked earnestly.

Marvolo wasn't satisfied with her reply, but since Harriet loved the bloody game so much, he could adjust a little for her. Nodding his head at her, he retrieved a small box from his coat pocket. From the box, Marvolo took out an oval-cut emerald locket embedded with small diamonds surrounding it.

"This locket belonged to Salazar Slytherin's wife. It was a gift from Salazar to Nerezza when she agreed to his courtship proposal. They married 3 months after his proposal." Marvolo explained the history of the jewelry piece to Harriet who seemed fascinated by it.

"It's beautiful." Harriet muttered, delicately touching the locket. But there was something else about the locket she couldn't put a finger on.

"It reminded me of your eyes," Marvolo spoke and he was proud when he saw the blush creeping upon her face.

"That is so corny," Harriet said, trying to cover up her awkwardness. She couldn't keep the smile off her face when she saw Marvolo confused.

Had the man even flirted before?

"I'm not joking. It did remind me of your eyes, so I had to take permission from Salazar and Nerezza to lend me this locket for you."

"What?" Harriet was speechless now. He talked to Salazar Slytherin himself, and that too for her?!

"How?" she asked.

"How what?"

"How did you talk to him?" Marvolo was confused by her sudden outburst, but understood quickly.

"There's a portrait of him and Nerezza in my Family Account at Gringotts, one in the Scriptorium and one in the Slytherin Manor. I do talk to them often."

"That is so cool."

Marvolo chuckled at her response, but continued. "In the Olde days, it was a tradition for men to give a courtship gift to the woman they wished to marry. I guess, I'm following that tradition."

Harriet's breath hitched in her throat. She was so wrong, the man could not just flirt, but he was bloody smooth at it.

Without ever saying anything out loud, he'd practically told her that he wishes to marry her one day.

There were moments of silence passed between them, with Harriet still processing his proposal and Marvolo growing a little disheartened.

"I'm not going to force you into anything. With our history, it is perfectly understandable if you reject me," Marvolo said with a sad smile and got ready to get up, until a small hand wrapped around his very firmly.

He looked back at Harriet who was now equally worried and scared at the prospect of losing him.

Maybe this is what Dumbledore was hinting at.

"I can't….I can't lose you,"Harriet pleaded; there were tears in her eyes as she spoke. "But I'm scared of what others might say. What will happen then?"

"Then I burn the whole world down if it means keeping you close to me. Don't forget I'm a killer, love. I'm not afraid of bloodshed." Marvolo's crimson eyes flashed as he gave his word to her.

Harriet on the other hand pondered over her choices—what else can she lose?

Hermione supported her, Dumbledore and even Remus knew about her feelings for Marvolo? Then, why was she scared?

Why was she scared when Marvolo was by her side?

She delicately took the locket from his hand and spoke, "Will you help me put this on, please?"

Marvolo smiled at her, bending down and pressing a hard kiss on her forehead. He could feel the tears of relief rolling down her face.

"This locket is doused with my magic. Everyone will know now, and no one will be able to harm you. My magic will work as a protection," Marvolo explained to her as he fastened the locket around her neck.

"Thank you," Harriet whispered. With as much courage as she could muster, Harriet pressed a light kiss to his cheek. She basked in his magic and presence, knowing that things were not going to be alright for them, but at least they would face them together.

Marvolo stepped away when he heard footsteps approaching them.

"Professor Slytherin, Miss Potter needs her rest now," Madame Pomfrey spoke in a firm tone, till her eyes fell on the locket around Harriet's neck and an understanding dawned upon her.

Marvolo was reluctant to leave her side. His magic wouldn't allow him to move.

"Your Lady is in safe hands, Lord Slytherin." Madame Pomfrey assured him, and Harriet was shocked as to how she knew so early.

"Thank you, Madame Pomfrey. I'll see in the morning then." Marvolo thanked the mediwitch for her assuring words before bidding farewell to his dearest.

"Take care, darling. I'll come in the morning as soon as I can, alright?"

Harriet nodded at him sweetly.

"Bye….I…I love you." Marvolo finally spoke the words she'd been so longing to hear, but before she could reply, he'd already turned around and left in a hurry.

"I love you too," she whispered in the quietness of the night.

"He's a keeper, that one." Madame Pomfrey said, helping her with the blankets.

"I know."

Oh yes, she knew. And this time, she wouldn't let anything come between them.

-A/N: Let me know what you guys think about this one! Reads, followers, favorites and reviews are always appreciated! Good day to all! :)