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Heart of A Snake	By : articcat621 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Hermione/Voldemort Views: 13693 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 8
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor the characters from it. I am making no money from posting this story.

Chapter List
- 51
- 52
A/N: Phew, I can't believe we hit this moment: the Epilogue. I started this story about two years ago and during this entire journey, so many of you have been so supportive. Without your constant reviews and support, I don't know where this story or me would be now. But seriously, words cannot describe the amount of gratitude I feel for you all. So thank you. Thank you for giving me the strength to continue writing and for allowing my muse to take me where she would. This chapter is bittersweet for me, but I really hope you all enjoy it. Thank you, again, for being such a wonderful audience.
Disclaimer: JKR owns these characters, not me. I am making no money from the posting of this story.

Epilogue
Hermione glanced in the mirror, making sure her hair was perfect. A soft smile graced her lips.
Today was the day.
At noon, she would go and collect her husband from Azkaban.
Her husband, her sweet, sweet, Tom.
She would have the day and night to spend with him before they were due at King's Cross to pick up their twins from Hogwarts. The two had decided they wanted to come home for the Holidays so they could meet their father.
Not a day had gone by where she didn't think of his sweet smile or love. Hell, some days those were the only things that got her through.
"Ready?"
Glancing up, she saw Severus standing in the doorway. Severus moved into Riddle Manor the day after Tom's imprisonment. He had been there for her every step of the way and when the twins were born in February, he became Raziel's godfather.
"Yes, is Harry here yet?" she asked, summoning her robes. She slid them on.
"He sent me his Patronus telling me he'd meet us at Azkaban. I think he wanted to speak to Dumbledore before joining us."
Hermione made a sound of displeasure. Dumbledore had been sentenced to a lifetime in Azkaban. She thought he deserved worse though, but there was nothing she could do about that.
"Well, let's go," she said, reaching out to take Severus' hand.
The two of them Apparated to the prison. After checking in, they made their way along the long, dark corridor.
"Hermione!"
Turning, she saw Harry running towards them. She caught him in a hug, smiling.
"Are you excited?"
She nodded, but then paused, her fears swarming her mind. "What if he's changed? What if he doesn't want me anymore?" she asked in a small voice.
"Like that will happen," Severus said, giving her a stern look. "He did this for you, there's no way he'd have let you go."
"And once he sees Cassiel and Raziel, he'll fall in love with you all over again."
Harry was Cassiel's godfather. He loved her like a second daughter. Ginny and Harry had married and she had given birth to a son, James, two years ago. She was now pregnant with their second, another boy.
"Let's just go," she said nervously. Holding onto Harry's hand, she made her way along. She crinkled her nose at the nasty smell the place was radiating.
They stopped outside of a cell where a lone Auror was standing guard.
"Name," he stated flatly.
"Hermione Riddle," she replied, holding her chin up high. I will not be intimidated by this place.
"Ah, Mrs. Riddle," a voice said behind them. Turning, Hermione saw it was Charles Demur, the Head Auror of Azkaban. "I've brought the necessary paperwork for his freedom."
"Thank you," she replied gently, tears welling up in her eyes. He would finally be free!
Auror Demur waved his wand, removing the heavy layers of wards and enchantments upon Tom's cell.
Hermione, unable to contain herself, pushed herself by as soon as the heavy brass door had swung open. She stumbled forward into the darkness, catching herself on the bars. It was dark so she produced her wand and whispered, "Lumos."
A bright light filled the cell. Sitting there in the corner was a thin figure, huddled over. Hermione, summoning her courage, whispered his name. The figure stirred.
"Tom, sweetheart, it's me… it's Hermione," she answered gently.
Tom lifted his head, his gaze meeting hers. "Hermione?" he croaked.
She nodded, the tears pouring down her face. She gripped the bars tightly. "I've missed you so much."
"Hermione!" he cried, stumbling to his feet. "Are you real?" His hand reached out and touched her cheek. "So warm," he murmured.
"Tom, it's really me. I'm here to take you home," she said, reaching through the bars to touch his grimy face. "Oh, Tom."
He shook his head. "I can't leave… I need to serve ten years," he whispered, backing away. "Don't taunt me demon!"
Hermione let out a sob. "Tom, it's been ten years. You're free now."
Tom started to pace back and forth, talking to himself.
"What's happened to him?" she whispered, horrified at what was happening.
"He's been alone for a long time, Hermione. I'm sure he doesn't even realize who we are," Severus said gently. "He'll adjust though. He just needs some good sleep and some proper food."
"All right," she whispered shakily.
Auror Demur came in, unlocking his cell. "You're free to go, Riddle. Auror Potter has finished all the necessary paperwork."
"Thank you, Harry," she said, giving her friend an appreciative smile.
Hermione slowly stepped into the cell, holding out her hand. "Come on, Tom, it's time to go home."
"Home?" he repeated disbelievingly, watching her warily.
Hermione nodded. "Yes, home."
His eyes flicking about quickly, he stepped forward and took her hand. They walked in silence to the atrium, where Hermione Apparated them home.
Severus returned with her, but went to his rooms. "Just allow him to rest," he had told her.
So with a heavy heart, Hermione lead Tom to their rooms. She glanced at his grimy appearance. "Why don't we give you a bath first?"
Tom nodded dumbly, too dazed to speak.
Hermione lead him into the bathroom, where he waited as the water filled the tub. Glancing at his vacant expression, Hermione figured he was in some sort of shock. She could only hope that it would wear off at some point.
Filling the tub, she waved her wand and vanished his clothing. She never wanted to see those dirty rags again.
She helped him in, giving him a few moments to adjust to the temperature.
"Your hair has gotten so long," she mused. "I think I'll cut it after."
Tom said nothing; he just stared at the wall ahead of him.
Begging herself not to cry, she started to wash him. His hair was full of knots and tangles so it took her almost four washes to get it clean. As she washed her husband's body, she allowed a few tears to slip out. The grime was so imbedded into his skin it was almost impossible to get out. And he was so thin… skin and bones was all she could see.
Hermione knew he was treated badly, but seeing how bad it was broke her heart. Her poor, sweet Tom was broken. And now she had to put the pieces back together.
After showering and drying him off, Hermione summoned some of his old clothes. They were a bit small for his frame but she adjusted them magically so they would fit. Grabbing a brush, she began to comb his hair. Once she finished, she summoned pair of scissors.
His hair was far too long. She cut it so it was just past his ears. It took a bit because of all the excess hair but eventually she finished. "There, done."
He didn't say anything.
Taking his hand, she led him towards the bedroom. Mitsy had brought a bowl of broth for him to drink. She wasn't sure what sort of diet he had been on, so she and Severus decided they would start him on a liquid diet before working their way up to more solid foods.
Helping him sit comfortably, Hermione fed him the nourishing broth.

"Do you need anything?" Severus asked from the doorway.
Hermione glanced down at his sleeping form. "No, we're all right. I'm going to read then probably sleep as well."
"Don't lose faith, Hermione. He'll be back to normal before you know it," Severus said reassuringly.
Hermione nodded, closing her eyes. They'd get through this.

Tom groggily opened his eyes. The bed was so warm and soft, he didn't want to get up. Wait, bed? Where am I?
He sat up and looked around the room. The memories all came flooding back. A soft snore caught his attention. Turning, he saw Hermione buried beneath the sheets.
"Hermione," he whispered, gently reaching out to touch her. His wife. He studied her for a moment, looking at the worry lines etched onto her forehead. It seemed in ten years she had grown more beautiful. Her face was a bit rounder and her hair was longer and a thicker as well.
"So beautiful," he said as he reached out and grasped one of her curls. He wound his finger around it, enjoying the silkiness of her hair.
Unable to contain himself, he shifted closer and gently pressed his lips to her forehead. He then kissed her cheek… her nose... her bottom lip…

Hermione awoke to someone peppering kisses all over her face. Opening her eyes, she saw Tom grinning down at her.
"Tom?" she whispered, hoping he'd be back to normal.
"Hermione!" he shouted, quickly kissing her lips. His arms wrapped around her body, pulling her closer. "Oh Merlin, I've missed you so much."
"I missed you too!" she sobbed, burying her face into the nook of his shoulder. "I've missed you so much."
The two of them kissed, touching each other's bodies. It had been so long since she had felt the warm caress of Tom's love and now that she had it… she didn't want to stop.
"Mmm," she murmured as he moved down to her neck, kissing the tender flesh there.
"So sweet, so beautiful," he panted, his eyes filled with lust.
"Gods, I've missed this," she said, tangling her hands into his hair. Her head rolled to the side where she saw the clock on the nightstand. Abruptly she pushed him away. "Crap!"
"What? Don't you want to do this?" he asked, looking hurt that she had pushed him away.
Hermione gave him a quick kiss. "I want to do this, Tom; I want this more than anything. But Raziel and Cassiel are going to be at King's Cross and we need to pick them up!"
Tom froze. "Raziel and Cassiel?"
Hermione nodded, her eyes full of tears. "The twins… oh, Tom, they're so beautiful."
"Raziel and Cassiel," he repeated.
"Yes, my sweet little angels."
"We have children," he repeated softly.
"Yes!" she said excitedly. "Oh, Tom, wait until you meet them! They're perfect."
Hermione got up and quickly brushed her hair.
"Don't they hate me?" he whispered after a moment.
Freezing, Hermione turned to him. Placing the brush down, she moved and took Tom into her arms. "No, they don't hate you. They actually can't wait to meet you."
"But don't they know who I am? Don't they know what I've done?"
Hermione nodded. "They do. But they love you, I know they do. I used to tell them stories when they were younger."
"About what?"
"Our fairytale romance of course," Hermione answered with a cheeky grin. "Cassiel and Raziel love you Tom; you simply have to let them in."
He sighed, nodding. "Can I come to King's Cross with you?"
"Of course! Severus and Harry will be joining us as well."
"Why?"
"Well, Severus is Raziel's godfather and Harry is Cassiel's. They both love our children and are excited to see them."
"Oh," he said dejectedly.
"Oh shush, don't get jealous, Tom. There is no need."
"You haven't replaced me?" he asked in a small voice.
Hermione looked at him. What had happened to her confident lover? Tom was now shy, almost as if he was afraid of everything.
"No, I could never replace you. I haven't even looked at another man since you've been gone."
Tom nodded dumbly. "I'm sorry," he said after a moment. "I trust you, I'm just so afraid. So much has changed."
"Nothing has changed for me. I love with all of my heart, Tom."
"And I love you."
Hermione gave him a quick kiss. "Don't worry, time will fix things."
"You think so?"
Hermione grinned. "I know so. Now come on, let's get dressed. Our children are waiting."

Hermione gripped Tom's hand tightly as they walked towards the entrance hall.
"The Manor looks the same," he commented, looking up at the walls.
Hermione smiled weakly. "I didn't want to change much while you were gone. It didn't feel right."
Tom stopped and pulled her into his arms. "I love you."
She closed her eyes, sighing. "Say it again."
"I love you." He pressed a kiss to her lips.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. She gripped the small hairs at the nape of his neck, enjoying the kiss.
A small cough broke them apart.
Turning, they saw Severus and Harry standing there.
"Tom," Severus said, giving him a small smile.
Tom walked over and pulled Severus into a hug. "Thank you, my friend."
"And you, Harry." Tom hugged Harry too, who was somewhat uncomfortable with the situation but hugged him back anyways.
"So, shall we go?"
The four of them Apparated to King's Cross. They made their way to Platform 9 ¾. Many people pointed and stared and Tom found himself growing uncomfortable.
"Don't worry, you'll get used to it," Hermione reassured him.
"So, tell me about my children," he said as they waited for the train.
"Well, Raziel was born first and he makes sure everyone knows it. He was sorted into Slytherin and is doing wonderful with Potions. He loves Quidditch and hopes to make the team next year."
"He's quite loud, often speaking before he thinks about what he's saying," Severus added.
"And he's very protective of Cassiel," Harry added.
"He's perfect," she said with a smile. "Cassiel is a little princess. She was sorted into Ravenclaw and would rather spend hours in the library than talk to anyone."
"She's quite shy," Harry said. "But she takes her studies very seriously, much like Hermione did."
"Her best subject is Charms although she really enjoys Herbology."
Tom nodded, absorbing all the information.
"Cassiel will take a while to warm up to you, but she will, don't worry," Severus said, gently laying a hand on Tom's shoulder.
"I'm nervous," he admitted.
"Don't be," Hermione said giving him a quick kiss. "They will be so happy to see you."
"And what will we do tonight?" Tom asked.
"Well, it's Christmas Eve. We have a large Christmas party. The Malfoy's come over; Severus invites his woman over, the Lupins, Potters, and Weasleys. A few others, such as Kingsley, Ron, etc."
Tom arched his eyebrow. "I never took you as a party thrower."
She blushed. "Well, after you left the Malfoys, Severus, and Harry all spent the night. It just become tradition and every year more and more people come. Narcissa does most of the planning."
"And you? I just realized I didn't even ask if you worked!" he practically shouted, embarrassed of his forgetfulness.
"It's fine," she said with a smile. "I'm a Healer at St. Mungo's."
"She's actually the Assistant Director. Once old Hobbs retires, Hermione's got the job in the bag."
"Stop," she said, blushing. "But I love it. I often spend my time in the children's ward, but the hospital has become my life."
"And you, Severus?" Tom inquired.
"I'm a private Potioneer, often providing potions to St. Mungo's and other facilities."
"And you have a woman?" he asked teasingly.
Hermione grinned. "Go on, tell him!"
Severus shifted nervously. "Well, she's a bit older than me, but I've started seeing Andromeda Tonks."
"Wasn't she married?"
Hermione frowned. "Ted died during the war."
"Oh, I-"
"No, it's all right," Severus reassured him. "It was personal thing from Bellatrix. Andromeda has healed and cares for Hermione and your children very much."
"And you, Harry?"
"I'm the Head Auror for the Ministry. I married Ginny Weasley and we have a son named James. We have a second boy on the way as well," Harry said proudly.
There was a loud commotion as the train pulled into the station. Reaching over, Tom gripped Hermione's hand tightly.
"Don't worry," she said, giving him a kiss.
"There they are!" Harry shouted, pointing to a spot on the board.
Tom watched as two small children approached them. The boy, Raziel, had brown hair that went down to his shoulders. His eyes were a piercing blue and his posture was relaxed. He had a goofy grin as he embraced his mother.
Cassiel was small, her eyes cast down towards the floor. When the flicked up to meet his, he saw they were brown. Her hair was also brown, but she had inherited her mother's wild curls. "Hello," she said softly, looking up at him once more.
"Hi," Tom replied, not sure what to say.
"I'm Cassiel," she said sweetly, Tom's heart instantly melting. She had only spoken three words but already Tom was wrapped around her little finger.
"I'm your father."
"I know," she replied. "I recognized you from Mum's wedding picture."
"I'm pleased to meet you," he said, holding forward his hand.
Cassiel giggled. "Dads don't shake their child's hand, they hug." With that, she wrapped her arms around Tom's middle, hugging him tightly. "I'm glad to finally meet you," she whispered.
Tom felt tears well up in his eyes. Looking towards Hermione, he saw her and Raziel smiling at them.
Cassiel stepped out of the hug. She smiled at him before turning to Harry. "Uncle Harry!" she shouted, jumping into his waiting arms.
Hermione put her hands on her hips and pretended to pout. "Why does Uncle Harry get a hug before your Mummy?"
"Because you write every day! Uncle Harry never writes," she said with a pout, going on to scold Harry.
"Raziel," Tom said, looking over his son.
"Dad," Raziel replied, arching his eyebrow. "You going to hug me or what? It wouldn't be fair for you to already favor Cassiel."
"I would never!" Tom protested, immediately worrying that he broke some unspoken father rule.
"Relax!" Raziel said with a laugh. He hugged his father tightly. "Just joking," he explained.
"Raziel is a little joker," Hermione said affectionately, kissing the top of his head.
Raziel beamed before moving to speak with Severus.
"They're beautiful," Tom whispered in awe. "So perfect."
Hermione took his hand. "And we're together now, a proper family."
Tom nodded. "I'm not ever letting you go woman."
"Good, I don't want you too," Hermione replied, giving him a quick kiss.
"Why don't we all head back to the Manor?" Tom suggested, looking at the group.
Everyone nodded in agreement. Hermione took Raziel's hand and Tom took Cassiel's. The two of them looked at each other and knew that they were together finally, and nothing would change that.
Their love had survived so much and would continue to flourish in their future.

Fin.
- 51
- 52
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Heart of A Snake