Forever more my Lioness

Chapter Three

Once again Hermione woke up with a severe headache. Cracking open her eyes it seemed to be late morning. "Have I really managed to sleep that long? What happened?" Then the events of the day prior hit her like a tidal wave. She looked fearfully around the room. The walls were a color somewhere in between a pink and red, with white intricate crown molding and baseboards, she noticed the curtains were a brilliant silver that seemed to shine when the light hit it. The bed she was on was massive and she was dwarfed by the sheer size of it. Four pillars that were made to look like basilisks held the bed and the bedding was pearl coloration with flower detailing. Above her a great chandelier with sparkling diamond looking stones with silvery snakes connecting them all. Everything about this room screamed regality. Her eyes locked on two floor to ceiling bookshelves near the window. Tracing the shelves from the very top to the bottom, she finally made out a figure clad in a robe so black it seemed to absorb light itself. Hermione felt herself stop breathing but couldn't manage to will her body to continue. Lord Voldemort sat reading on a chair near the bookshelves in a Victorian style white lounge. He stood out in stark contrast to the rooms decor.

" Are you happy with your accommodations little one? The colors and decor aren't to my taste, but Narcissa was instructed to create a room she would have her own daughter stay in and this is what came to be." He moved his hand as if presenting the room again. Voldemort say his book to the side and looked directly at her

"You really should start breathing sometime soon. From what I hear, you're the smartest witch of your age and I wouldn't want your mental capacity affected by lack of oxygen."

Without a word Voldemort rose from his seat and closed the distance between him and Hermione. And that's all Hermione needed to wake up from the shock induced state she was just in. She threw herself off the bed as soon as he sat on the bed. Or... that's what she intended to do until he wandlessly levitated her back on it. 

"Get away from me! I don't know what you want from me you snake-faced lunatic! Harry and the rest of the order are probably already on their way!" She screamed and thrashed in the air.

"Hermione dear... I've already told you what I require of you. And it comes with the prize of knowing your little friends will be safe from harm. All you have to do is say "yes"... and soon after "I do." I've been more than kind to you. I've even been courteous enough to set you up with your own set of rooms. I do consider myself a gentleman Miss. Granger therefore I will not have you join me in my chambers until after we are wed."

Hermione paled and she felt herself shake involuntarily. " You weren't trying to shock me before... you really do want to take me as your wife? I... I... what game are you playing at?! You said I was the answer to all your problems, and I don't suppose you mean living a domestic life will cure you of your deranged blood lust and ideology."

"There you are using your brain my little Gryffindor Princess... You really should have been put in Ravenclaw you know. I'm powerful beyond imagination, I have more masteries than even your precious Dumbledore, and hold the title of Mage in several studies. I have the intelligence and skill to do great things Hermione! The one thing I lack is time. I'm sure the great white oaf as already informed your little golden trio. I am somewhat immortal. But that's not enough. You destroy my horcruxes, and I become vulnerable again. I'll age and deteriorate just like the rest of humanity. But... if we join our great houses, I'll finally have the power to stave off Death for good. We will become equals in a way. As will you my wife to be..." Voldemort finally giving Hermione some perspective.

She had a million questions she still needed to ask but one stood out more than others. " I'm a muggleborn, that's well known by you and your little cronies. I'm not even a descendant of muggle royalty? I'm from no great house?"