Forever more my Lioness

Chapter Four

"I Hermione Jean Granger, swear to Marry Tom Marvolo Riddle. I will do my best to aid him in becoming Master of Death"

" And I, Tom Marvolo Riddle, swear not to Kill Harry James Potter nor the rest of Hermione's friends, and will not attack them unless they have attacked first. In such case I will to the best of my ability, not injure them fatally."

The glowing bond around their hands dissolved into their skin. It was finished. Upon completing their vow, Hermione saw two tiny silver snakes, one had a sizable gem in its mouth slither down Voldemort's arm, and over to her hand. She tried to pull her hand out of his grasp but he was too strong.

"Stop struggling dear, and watch." He commanded.

Hermione stilled at once. Not feeling like she was in any immediate danger. The little snakes found their way to the ring finger on her left hand. They began to coil themselves her finger, working together to manipulate the gem between them and finally settling it between their tails. The brilliant diamond now secure the snakes laid their head on either side of the diamond to further fasten it. A shimmer ran over her finger and they ceased movement, and small emeralds became visible along the ridge of their backs. The ring burned slightly and then stopped.

"Your engagement ring love... inspired by our families. Two serpents joining in union. Your band of lions might not approve. But I think it's fitting. Green really is your color, but you'll always be my little Gryffindor princess, don't you worry. Oh! And I'd caution you against trying to remove it, other than hurting my feelings... those snakes on your hand do bite and will if you attempt to take them away from where they belong." The Dark Lord said with a devious glint in his eye. 

"Thank you..." ignoring the threat of being bitten. "That was actually somewhat, or well really thoughtful of you. The magic you used was really quite beautiful to witness. And the ring... It's stunning! Truly, thank you erm... Voldemort."

Voldemort found himself pleased at Hermione's admiration for the ring and for his magic. He picked up her hand and inspected the ring carefully. Making sure every detail he envisioned was there. Hermione for a moment thought he was going to kiss her hand and felt her stomach tighten at the thought. Being in close proximity to him made her nervous enough, but being in physical contact with the Dark Lord brought her to a whole new level of anxiety reserved just for him. He let her hand return to her side and turned to Lucius who was still present in the room.

"Lucius, do we have a reliable agent in the media?" Voldemort questioned.

The elder Malfoy was lost in thought watching the exchange between the Dark Lord and the once thought mudblood, but shook himself from his stupor and attended to his master.

"Yes my Lord, shall I send for him?"

"Yes, he is to conduct an interview with my new fiancé and myself. Inform him that it is to be the front cover story in every publication we have available to us. I'd like it to be in tomorrow's paper. Go now." Voldemort Waved him off.

"Right away my Lord." Lucius bowed his head and departed, still thinking about the mudblood and his Masters new situation.

Hermione looked at Voldemort for some sort of explanation, and to her comfort he didn't need prompting to give her one.

" I expect you to be on your best behavior. What you do now reflects on me. And if you do anything to tarnish my reputation I promise you that you will regret it..." Hermione bit her lip from making a snarky comment. Like you have a pristine reputation with your favorite hobby being torturing and killing innocent people. She thought to herself.... or she thought it was to herself at least.

" I don't need to be in physical contact with you, nor do I have to look into your eyes to hear what thoughts cross your mind. Understand that what goes through your mind is no longer your own. This is will be your only warning... Respect." Voldemort said in a dangerous whisper mere inches from Hermione's face.