Chapter I

The war was over. Bellatrix couldn't believe that just two hours ago she had watched as that wicked Potter boy killed her lord. First the seventeen-year-old brat decapitated Voldemort's precious pet, Nagini. The Dark Lord was understandably furious at losing his final Horcrux. He threw curse after unforgivable curse at Potter, but how can anyone expect to win such a fight with only a seventh of a soul? In the end, the kid triumphed.

Bellatrix was sitting in a deserted room, waiting. Any minute now, a group of Ministry lackeys or worse, the friggin Order of the bloody Phoenix would come bursting through the door. She didn't care. She was untouchable, for the moment at least.

The blast came. Millions of tiny pieces of what used to be the door rained down on Bellatrix. What seemed like about fifty Ministry workers and members of the Order surrounded her, wands poised.

Rufus Scrimgeour, the Minister of Magic, came before her and said in a commanding voice, "Bellatrix Black Lestrange, you are under arrest for crimes committed under the influence of one, Tom Marvolo Riddle."

Bellatrix smiled, "Going to send me to Azkaban? 'Fraid you're gonna have to hold off on that for a while."

Scrimgeour lifted a suspicious eyebrow, "Why's that?"

Bellatrix lifted her head and locked her dark eyes on Scrimgeour's, "Because I'm pregnant."

Harry was just released from St. Mungos. He had sustained some serious injuries in his final duel with Voldemort. But it didn't matter anymore. Voldemort was gone and Harry was finally free to live a life without worry. He had not seen his friends since before his encounter with the Dark Lord and now he was eager to celebrate.

One more corner to turn and he would be in the lobby of the hospital. The trip from his room had taken quite a while since the hallways were flooded with practically every patient wishing to congratulate and/or thank Harry.

Finally he saw her, the woman he knew he would love for the rest of his life.

"Harry!" Ginny ran into his arms, bombarding him with kisses.

"It's so good to see you Ginny. It's the best medicine I could have received in this place," Harry held her close.

Ginny showered Harry with affectionate kisses before gently pulling away. "Listen Harry, I need to tell you something really important. Remember three nights ago, before the final fight? When we . . ." the red-headed beauty began.

Harry blushed, "How could I forget?"

"Well, when I was getting treated for my injuries, the Healer told me that . . ."

"What is it Ginny?"

"I'm pregnant."

It only took one quick test at St. Mungos to confirm Bellatrix's story: she was carrying Lord Voldemort's heir. Scrimgeour knew that if he had any sense at all, he would instantly sentence her to receive the Dementor's Kiss, sacrificing the child. But Scrimgeour was a man of conscience, a firm believer that the sins of the father were not visited upon the child. That's what drove him to his decision.

"Bellatrix Black Lestrange, due to this recent development, your sentencing will be postponed until after you give birth. Until then, you will be kept in a high-security facility within the Ministry. Once the child is born, you will be granted several minutes to name the child, after which it will be sent to an orphanage and you will go to Azkaban. Do you understand?"

Bellatrix did not say anything or make any motion indicating she heard any of what Scrimgeour said, but of course she understood. She would not be allowed to raise her child, the child of her lord. Rodolphus had been dead for several weeks when Voldemort finally expressed his desire. She readily accepted his advances and now she would be unable to enjoy the results.

Scrimgeour motioned for the guards to take her away.

"I Harry, take thee Ginny, to be my lawfully wedded wife."

Once the couple informed the entire Weasley family of the unexpected, yet entirely welcome, pregnancy, Molly and Arthur immediately insisted on a marriage. Harry was more than happy to oblige, he had in fact planned to ask Ginny if she would do him the honor of becoming his wife once the war ended, considering he was still alive.

Harry could not believe, after seven severely close calls throughout his term at Hogwarts, he was actually experiencing the eve of his very own happy ending. He looked around at his wedding guests. He saw Ron holding Hermione's hand. Ron had finally professed his love to his best friend, worried he would never have a chance after the final battle. Sitting next to them—Harry still found himself surprised at this—was Draco Malfoy. The boy had finally abandoned his family and joined the "good side." His information had been indispensable to the Order this past year. Harry was able to form a strong friendship with Draco once he realized that the blonde boy had never meant to kill Dumbledore. Harry's old friend would probably still be alive if Severus Snape had not intervened. Harry shed no tear when he found out that Snape had become a casualty of war.

Nine Months Later

Bellatrix had once had the cruciatus curse performed on her yet that did not compare at all to the pain she was experiencing now. She could not believe that with all that magic could achieve, no wizard or witch had yet come up with an alternative to the crude muggle form of birthing.

"I can see the head. Give us another push," the Healer said, her hands poised to receive the child.

Bellatrix pushed. She heard a cry. It was loud.

"Congratulations Bellatrix. It's a beautiful baby girl," the Healer wrapped the child up in a blanket and handed her to her mother.

Bellatrix looked down. The child had a full head of dark hair and Bellatrix's eyes. She was definitely a Black.

"Um, excuse me ma'am, we're going to need a name."

"Darian. Darian Riddle Black," Bellatrix stroked her daughter's cheek.

The Healer came forward and reached for the child.

"What are you doing? I was told I'd have a couple minutes. You can't take my daughter! Please!" Bellatrix exclaimed. She had never begged for anything before in her life.

The Healer didn't look her in the eye, "I'm sorry."

Bellatrix was left alone.

Harry had never been this nervous before. Not even before his final duel with Voldemort. Waiting here was torture.

"Ron, do you think something's wrong?"

"I'm sure everything's fine mate," Ron assured his friend.

"Here Harry, try to relax," Hermione came up behind him with a cup of water.

Relax? Harry wanted to shout. How can I relax? My wife is about to give birth to my child and you're telling me to relax?

Instead he said, "Yeah, you're probably right."

Several minutes later, a St. Mungos Healer came out and gently handed Harry a small bundle, "Congratulations sir, meet your son. Your wife has informed us his name is to be James."

Harry looked down at the baby. It was obvious that James would follow in the tradition of his father and grandfather; his dark hair was already resting in messy wisps on his head. The boy also had green eyes, but they were Ginny's, not Harry's.

"He's perfect," Harry whispered after counting ten small fingers and ten small toes.