Death or Death Eater

In the Name of Progress:

Hermione woke snuggled into Severus’ arms; she tensed a moment before taking a deep breath and blowing it out gently. Lying in their four-post, Hermione berated herself for not being able to enjoy just being held by the man she loved. She rolled over and took a look at Severus, remembering how wonderful he’d been last night, letting her map out his body at her own pace. She reached her hand out to run her fingers down his shoulder until she could lace her fingers with his, and nestle closer to him trying to relax in his arms. Looking at his relaxed face and feeling his warmth helped Hermione begin to differentiate Severus’ touch from the others. Hermione watched her hand travel down his naked skin, sliding over the smooth planes of his hip, caressing the lean muscles in his thigh to finally massage his morning erection. Her fingers danced over him, electing small sighs from his lips. When she felt more at ease touching him, Hermione wrapped her small fingers around his warm flesh, making gripping waves with her fingers. Massaging his hard length from root to tip, Hermione pulled soft moans from his lips as he began to wake under her careful touch.
“Mmmm! ‘Mione, that’s nice.” Severus murmured in her ear, encouraging her with small thrust of his hips.
“So glad you like it. I really want to please you, Severus. Tell me, what do you like? What kind of things could I do to make you feel good?” Hermione whispered into his shoulder, never changing her rhythm on his cock.
Severus reached down moving his hand over hers, slowing the rhythm and squeezing the base with every up stroke. His hips began slowly pushing into her soft embrace, creating gentle friction, building a slow burn through his body. On her own, Hermione began adding a small push to the head of his cock with each down stroke causing Severus to throw his head back, and moan as the sensation seared through his body. Hermione watched in fascination as his body began tensing like a bow ready to break with the amount of pressure being applied. Letting her instincts take over, Hermione began speeding up a little, adding more friction until Severus let out a high keening wail as he released, and let his muscles drop back onto the bed.
“Merlin, ‘Mione! That was perfect, love.” Severus panted.
Hermione smiled. The joy of being able to please her husband was spreading across her soft features. She curled up on her side, running her small fingers over Severus’ heaving chest, waiting for him to calm his breathing.
“So what do we have planned for today?” 'Mione asked absently.
“Nothing really. I need to teach you about etiquette and the responsibilities of a Death Eater’s wife. That and we need to work with your ability to be touched.” Severus said, moving his right arm slightly to touch her thigh, watching her jump slightly. He raised his eyebrow silently, pointing out exactly what he meant.
Hermione nodded, moving closer to his side than before, placing her hand over his heart. “I want to let you touch me. But at least now I can touch you with a little more assurance.” Her smile was weak but sweet. Severus very slowly leaned up to place a light kiss to her lips. Steeling herself, Hermione didn’t let him pull away, instead she rolled over on top of him tensely. As the kiss went on, Severus’ hands moved to her waist to stroke her hip, amazingly Hermione slowly relaxed on to his body, letting herself get caught up in the feel of him. She meant it when she said she loved him and wanted to be with him. Now she was going to do whatever it took to work through her fear. When they broke for air, Hermione began to move off him, but Severus gently wrapping her in his arms, stopped her movement.
“Please stay. It’s okay, we don’t have to do anything. I just want to feel you close; maybe we can spend some time just talking about some of the expectations for the parties.” Severus nearly begged; wanting so much for her to get comfortable with him the way she was the first night, even in the face of a life altering decision, she enjoyed his touch.
She smiled down at him, trying to ease the tension that his hands holding her close to him caused. He’d since relaxed his hold and she was trying to relax back into him.
“We could talk about our bonding instead. We don’t have a lot of time. I was thinking something very simple, maybe just in the Headmaster’s office with a couple witnesses?” Hermione asked, looking down into soft amethyst eyes.
“I think that’s a wonderful idea. To be honest, as much as I love you I really don’t think I could do a big wedding. I get rather nervous in front of all those people. I mean teaching is one thing, but this is something of a more private nature.” He said, smiling up into her beautiful face.
“Should we wear something special or do you think your teaching robes and my Yule ball dress would do?” She asked, forgetting all about laying so intimately with him in her excitement. Even if the thought of sleeping with anyone still scared her, marrying Severus Snape certainly did not.
“I see no reason against either way. I do think, however, if you are going to wear that beautiful dress the least I could do is wear my dress robes.” He chuckled enjoying just being with Hermione.
“That sounds wonderful, Severus. I can’t wait to be yours in name too. We won’t have to consummate in front of the other Death Eaters will we?” She asked, fearing it would be another part their sickening ritual.
“No, my sweet. We will be doing that in the privacy of our own rooms. The Dark Lord would probably love for that to be part of our wedding ceremony, but all of us refused to watch the first time he tried it. He stopped making it part of the ritual from that moment on. Even Death Eaters have the ability to love our families and respect our friends. You know if it weren’t for the Dark Lord, a few of the Death Eaters would simply be like Muggle protesters. None of us ever wanted to become what we are, I’m just pretty much the only one that had nothing to lose, so we took a vote and I became the one to go back to Albus. Believe me, there are very few Death Eaters that really want to bow to something as pitiful as The Dark Lord. But at the same time, most of us also really don’t want to see the Ministry run by idiots like Fudge. Why can’t Arthur be Minister? You know I would sell the rights to the Wolfsbane potion to him. Then every werewolf that wanted to be part of society would get the potion every month. They could work and have homes, get married and have children…” Severus’ passionate speech brought tears to Hermione’s eyes when she thought about Remus being able to get married.
“You know, if you all feel that way, when this is all over, a little Veritaserum should allow freedom to those who feel the same way you do and if we can get Arthur in as Minister, all trials will be fair.” Hermione now held hope for some of the people she would be spending time with in the future.
Severus smiled and rubbed his left hand up and down her back silently, thanking her for understanding that not everyone was what they seemed. She was so open to people and while that could be dangerous, Severus knew he would be there to help her. He would also not be stupid enough to not trust her instincts.
“When would you like this marvellous wedding to take place?” He asked, twining his right hand with her left.
“Soon. I want to have plenty of time to consummate our marriage before the ball. Of course, I have a feeling that if I can muster up my Gryffindor courage and let you take me, I’ll never want you to stop.” She smiled coyly at him.
“Well then, why don’t we go talk to Albus later today? He should be done with his Sunday tea with Minerva around two o’clock.” Severus said looking at the clock; they would need to get something to eat soon too.
“Why don’t we try a nice shower together so that I can get used to you touching me?” Hermione asked with a shy smile.
“I think that sounds like a perfect idea. That way we will be all cleaned up for tea time.” Severus said, rolling Hermione off him and dropping his feet over the side of the bed.
They both moved into the bathroom where Severus turned the water on to get it warm for them, while Hermione got towels. When everything was ready, Severus leaned in and slowly kissed Hermione trying to distract her as he unbuttoned the top of her pyjamas. After most of her maroon shirt was unbuttoned, leaving the little gold buttons to lie against her skin, she ran her hands up and down his upper arms and back as he pulled the shirt from her arms. She pulled away smiling at him. She took in his body just as she had their first night together. She removed her own pants and he snickered at her hunter green knickers with tiny silver bows. She smiled and bent down to remove them from her feet before slowly standing back up, shyly still looking down at the floor.
“Beautiful.” Severus breathed as he stepped forward, and carefully took her chin in his hand, lifting her breath-taking honey eyes to his. He leaned down and kissed her while manoeuvring her into the shower. Blood pounding through his body, and his heart racing, Severus picked up the flannel and began slowly washing Hermione’s arms and shoulders, easing the tension as much as he could. Only when he’d washed everything else did he hand her the flannel to let her wash what he thought might tense her up again. She smiled and handed the flannel back.
“I need to get used to you touching me and I want you to touch me. I’ll let you know if I can’t handle it.” Hermione assured him.
Taking the flannel back, Severus began running the cloth from her right shoulder down her collarbone and to her breasts. Giving them the same gentle care he’d given the rest of her. When he was satisfied that she was clean, he ran the cloth lower feeling her muscles tremble as he neared her apex. Severus didn’t linger any longer than he needed to, and laid the cloth aside to wash her soft tresses.
“Your hair tangles easily, doesn’t it? We’ll have to make you some smoothing potion so that it doesn’t hurt so much to wash or brush.” Severus noted easing out another tangle as he washed her locks.
Finishing with Hermione, Severus was ready to let her out of the shower when she picked up his flannel and began the same gentle strokes over his body that he’s used on her. When she was done, he knelt in the tub with a cushioning charm under his knees to let her wash his hair. Though there were fewer knots in his hair, he thought it might be wise to start using a smoothing potion on his own hair.
Standing, Severus turned off the water and cast a drying charm on Hermione’s hair then dried himself in much the same way. The two made their way into the bedroom to dress for the day. When Hermione sat at her vanity to do her hair, Severus used a detangling spell and began brushing her hair into long waves down her back. With a simple silver rose clip, he pulled the front back and let the rest fall down her back. Severus looked over his soon-to-be wife and bond-mate; her soft purple sweater and curve-hugging jeans made her look like a Veela begging for attention.
She sat him down at her vanity and pulled his hair back into a black leather thong at the nap of his neck, showing off his angular face the same way his black trousers did his hipbones. She loved the crisp, green button-up shirt he wore to relax, but also be ready to leave the room in a hurry if one of his Slytherin’s needed him. She was just leaning in to kiss him when a knock sounded on their door. Cursing softly Severus went to see who needed him on a Sunday when they should be getting ready for lunch. This better be important, he grumbled under his breath, as he composed himself and opened the door.
“Sorry to bother you, Professor, is Hermione up for visitors?” Harry asked standing politely in the doorway.
“Who is it, love?” Hermione asked stepping from the bedroom like the deity she was.
“I believe Hermione would be up for some visiting. I have potions I need to brew.” Severus said, turning to Hermione to wait and see what she would do. This was the first time anyone would see them in a more intimate setting together. Hermione moved to him and gave him a quick kiss and flashing him a winning smile, greeted Harry and Ron.
Shaking his head Severus called over his shoulder. “I only have three potions to brew today if you would like to have dinner out this evening.”
Hermione watched his retreating back with a sigh. She turned expectantly to the first two really good friends she’d ever had.
“Must be really weird to be so close to a professor? He’s not… there’s nothing… bad happening is there? I mean I saw you kiss him and I know that was your choice I just have to be sure you’re ok.” Harry rushed out, trying not to offend one of his closest friends.
“Not to worry, Harry. Severus has had ample time to intimidate or humiliate me and he has done neither. He’s been very wonderful to me; I just don’t know what I’m going to do about class. I can still take classes with you, I suppose, but someone else will have to grade my work” She beamed, showing both of them into the sitting room and summoned tea and biscuits from the kitchen.
“Are you really getting married even though you’ve been bound?” Ron asked eyes shinning with true curiosity.
“Been talking to the Headmaster about me have you.” Hermione teased. “Yes we are getting married because I am to become his First.” At both their shocked looks, Hermione hastened to explain. “Death Eaters tend to have harems; collecting muggle women to service them and their friends at parties. The only women exempt from this treatment is a Death Eater’s First or his wife if you prefer. The good thing about being a wife and not just a harem member is you aren’t forced to service others, nor are you demanded to perform. I could choose to do a little song and dance if I wanted.” Hermione grinned looking at the surprised faces of her friends.
“Not that kind of dance, jeez, what kind of girl do you think I am? I was thinking something sassy, but that’s beside the point. Harry did you know that there are a few of the Death Eaters that want to help take down Voldemort and all they want in exchange is a better Minister of Magic.” Hermione said raising her eyebrow much like her beloved.
“I did not know that. Well I think that can be arranged seeing as I intended on taking Fudge down after Voldemort is gone anyway. Any idea which Death Eaters I can get help from?” Harry asked hoping something in his life could be that easy.
“The only one I’m sure of is Severus. I suspect the younger Malfoy and his mother will be of great help, but those are the only ones I could even wager a guess at.” Hermione sighed; she really needed to talk to Severus about this.
“You know this could make all of our lives a little easier. Hermione, do you think there’s a way I could get into those meetings with you? I mean it would give you added protection and I could let my parents know how Percy is. Mum still thinks about him a lot even if he is a traitor.” Ron asked trying to get a strategy.
“NO, Ron! You will not being going to meetings. It’s bad enough I can’t stop my best friend having to go I wont let my…” Harry stopped realizing what he’d just revealed without consulting Ron before hand.
“It’s okay, Harry. We should tell her. But sweetheart, if I can get in and help ‘Mione we can end this a lot faster and live a happy life.” Ron said hoping Harry would let him help and not try to keep him safe.
“Well whatever the argument between you is it doesn’t matter because the only safe way in is to be the first of one of the Death Eaters and I’m fairly sure they are all married or have chosen a first. So now with that settled what is this all about?” Hermione asked eyeing them both carefully.
“We sort of got bonded. We’ve been close since we first met and then well we just let ourselves go where we would. Kind of like letting fate take over and finding out you were right.” Ron said sliding closer to Harry.
“That’s wonderful! Hermione exclaimed.
“You know there is one way to let them get closer to the Dark Lord but I don’t think any of the involved would be too happy about it.” Severus said leaning in the doorframe leading to his lab.
“Severus, you can’t be serious! Don’t you think the Dark Lord would be pissed if he found out Harry has been picked by one of his followers first?” Hermione spoke letting her nervousness show.
“Maybe, but I don’t think so cause having me belong to one of his underlings makes me much less of a threat. If I can prove myself one of the meekest Firsts, perhaps he will lose interest in me and get down to his real agenda, if he even has one, then I can strike from within.” Harry said thinking for the first time this might not be such a bad thing.
“Aren’t all the Death Eaters either married or have a first already though?” Hermione asked Severus as he took the empty seat next to her on their tan swayed couch.
“All the current inner circle members are but there are a few younger members that would rise straight to the top by being bound to Potter before they take the mark. I know two young men that would be more than willing to help and I trust them both. They are part of the faction against the Dark Lord. Unlike our bond, they will not wear the gold anklet to make them obey. However, the Dark Lord will never allow Potter to be there without some type of device to keep him in line. Your choices are Gregory Goyle or Draco Malfoy. I am sorry that I cannot offer you anything better, but if this is what you intend to do I can at least help make sure you are as safe as you can be.” Severus said noting the blatant look of anger on his bonded’s face.
“I know that you don’t like this Hermione but I have to do something and I won’t let Ron go into something like this alone and you know how stubborn he can be.” Harry smiled apologetically at Ron “Do you really think one of them would be willing to be bound to both of us? Cause I won’t be bound without Ron we’ve been together to long and I love him too much.” Harry said turning to Severus.
“Well I know that Gregory has his eye on another member of your house but I think he would be willing to help to end the nightmare. However, Draco has no interest in anyone at the moment, and has longed to be in your company since you first refused his friendship. I’m not sure how he would feel about getting both of you perhaps we should all go to diner and talk this through. I’ll call Draco and we can all go to Albannach. I know it’s one of Draco’s favourites.” Severus said leaving for the Slytherin common room.
“Don’t be angry with him ‘Mione, he knows that if he doesn’t help us we will find a way without him. I know I have to end this and what better way than to be part of the inner circle? Besides tonight is just about getting to know Mal… Draco, we don’t even know if it can work with the three of us.” Harry pleaded with her.
“You know my past with him and I’m not making too much of a fuss. I think that given a chance, we might be able to work things out between ourselves. I love Harry and I trust that he thinks we can get along. You trust Sna… Severus, don’t you?” Ron asked trying to help things along smoothly.
Hermione nodded as Draco and Severus entered the room.
“Hope we aren’t interrupting.” Draco said with no hint of a sneer seems Severus had told him at least a little about what’s going on.
“Not at all.” Ron said taking a deep breath he motioned for Draco to sit next to him.
A few moments later Severus joined them reclaiming his seat next to Hermione on their tan suede couch. “The carriage should be here in a few moments to take us to Albannach. We should get down to the front hall.” Severus said standing and holding his hand out to Hermione.
The four walked up to the front hall together in silence, waiting for the carriage to arrive. When the Pegasus drawn carriage arrived, Hermione gasped, “Severus, you didn’t say anything about flying!”
“There will be nothing to worry about I will be with you the whole time nothing will happen.” Severus said pulling Hermione to his side. With a nod from Draco, his two companions climbed into the grand, white carriage sinking into the soft, shimmering, blue seats. When the three were settled, Severus nudged Hermione up the stairs and onto the other seat facing Harry, Ron, and Draco. They made the trip in a semi-comfortable silence, the only real tension being Hermione’s fear. When they landed on the front parking lawn, the four made their way out of the carriage. Hermione and Harry gaped at the grand building before them. Beautiful white brick walls adorned with ivy stood four stories high, the drive around drop off covered with a bright white roof held up by simple Ionic columns. Severus took Hermione’s arm and began leading her to the greeting stand behind him, Draco linked his arms through Ron and Harry’s leading them into the restaurant. Once seated the four made their dinner selections and Severus ordered a bottle of wine and they began filling Draco in on Harry and Ron’s suggestion.
They ate and laughed, while Harry, Ron and Draco got closer, there would be a long way to go but tonight they began a bond that Severus hoped would help them end a war that he never wanted to be part of in the first place.
Full and relaxed from the wine, all four climbed back into the carriage and took off for home; the atmosphere was now calm and comfortable. Reaching the castle Severus took Hermione back to their rooms and the boys went their separate ways with a quick hug and a promise to talk more tomorrow.
When Severus and Hermione reached their chambers he swept her into his arms and in her relaxed state Hermione didn’t flinch.
“Severus, I think tonight would be a good night to try again. I might just be tipsy enough to not let my body override my mind.” She smiled up at him hoping that she could let him touch her tonight.
“Are you sure?” He asked standing her back on her feet beside their bed.
At her nod, he touched her shoulder testing her level of comfort. When she didn’t flinch, he moved around her and unsnapped her bra, tugging it from under her sweater. He removed his own shirt deftly letting the material flutter to the ground around him. When he moved back to Hermione she ran her hands up his side and flicked her small fingers over his nipples several times making them tighten in anticipation. He worked his hands under the fuzzy sweater, cupping her now free breasts. She moaned into the heated kiss, her hands travelling to his trouser’s closing. When she had his trousers and pants dropped around his ankles, she pushed him back onto the bed and kneeled down to remove his shoes and let everything else puddle on the floor. Taking initiative while on her knees, Hermione sucked his hard cock into her mouth.
“Not that I don’t enjoy that, love, but I don’t know if I can hold out very long if you keep that up.” She smiled up at him from under her eyelashes, sucking harder, trying to give Severus some of the pleasure he’d been giving her. Dropping back on the bed Severus let his instincts take over thrusting gently into her mouth. Hermione stayed on her knees nuzzling her nose into Severus’ crotch. Regaining his senses, Severus pulled Hermione up onto the bed beside him taking her lips in a sweet kiss, filled with all the love he could muster.
“Now it’s my turn.” He said pushing Hermione back onto the pillows. When he dropped kisses on Hermione’s jaw she whimpered slightly allowing sensations of protection and love wash over her while Severus nipped and lapped at her neck, sucking lightly over her pulse. Ignoring her sweater-clad chest Severus made his way down to the tops of her thighs releasing the button and zip he slid the jeans carefully down her bandaged thighs. He kissed both bandages apologetically before working his way to the centre, lapping lightly at her body. He moved his thumbs to her lips and opened them slightly moving down to lap her semi-engorged clit, spilling whimpers from her mouth. Lapping in earnest, Severus slid his tongue down to pierce her very core, using his tongue to do what he hoped soon his cock would be able to. Hermione was healing swiftly but that was only to be expected from a very strong willed woman. Working his tongue in and out, sporadically nipping at her quivering mass of nerves, Severus felt her tensing against him. His right hand traveled up her body to pinch her nipples in turn taking her mind off what he was doing to her. Within moments, Hermione was coming, letting out a high keening sound that might have been Severus’ name, but he wasn’t sure. Casting a few cleaning charms and pulling the covers up with him Severus joined Hermione on the pillows spooning against her and they both fell asleep, almost instantly.