Hermione

"Did you want to come with me today Draco?"

He turned to look at me, a quizzical look plastered on his face. "Where to?"

"I have to go speak to Harry, remember?" I sighed, Voldemort still hasn't come back and it has almost been three days. I've tried to put off speaking to Harry as long as I could, but Harry finally sent an owl to me asking if we could talk so I couldn't put it off anymore. "I need to reassure him that I am not Voldemort's child. Easier said than done, considering its a lie."

"I know it's going to be hard to lie to your friends, but it is for their protection Hermione. And yours."

"Your right, but it still does not ease the guilt."

Draco smiled and wrapped his arms around me, I folded myself into him as much as I could. "If they are truly your friends Hermione, they will forgive you."

"You don't honestly believe that do you?" I asked, looking up at him. "Have you forgotten I am the offspring of the most hated wizard in all of the wizarding world?"

Draco smirked. "Of course I haven't forgotten, but you can change a lot of things."

"What are you talking about?"

He opened his mouth to reply when the doors burst open and Cissa came running into the room with a huge smile on her face and tears running down her face. "Cissa? What's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong!" She exclaimed. "Thank you so much Hermione." She babbled, pulling me from Draco's arms and throwing herself on me.

"For what?" I stared at Draco questionably, but he just shrugged.

"I know it was you and there is no way I could ever repay you." She kept on talking as if I never spoke. "You have made me the happiest woman in the world Hermione. I am forever in your debt."

"Darling, let the poor girl go, you are choking her." Lucius swept into the room, looking regal as ever but I noticed the glassy look to his eyes as if he was ready to cry.

"Could someone please explain what's going on?" Draco blurted exasperated.

"You are going to be a big brother Draco." Lucius announced. Draco and I looked at each other, equal amazement evident on our faces.

"Your serious?" Draco asked, cautiously.

Cissa nodded vigorously, throwing her arms around me again. "Yes, I am about three months pregnant." She squeezed me harder. "And I having twins!"

"What!" Draco and I exclaimed in unison.

"It is official, I am having twins, a boy and a girl."

"Wow, that's great mom." Draco smiled at the blonde still squeezing the life out of me. "Could you please stop hugging Hermione so hard?"

Cissa jumped back and gave me a sheepish smile, "Sorry dear, I am just so happy and it's all thanks to you."

"What did I do?" I asked, playing innocent.

"Do not act coy Hermione, it is unbecoming of a lady." Cissa chastised. "There is no other explanation for me to suddenly become pregnant."

"How do you know the Dark Lord didn't do something?" I asked.

I saw Lucius roll his eyes from the corner of my eye. "He is the one who suggested we ask you to help us." He was clearly uncomfortable the whole idea. "So naturally when we discovered the pregnancy we knew it was you."

"But you never asked me."

Lucius sighed, "I am well aware of that, but Draco has also known we were trying to have more heirs."

"Pretty sure they don't expect me to survive this war." Draco whispered into my ear.

"Draco!" Cissa screeched. "Do not talk of such things."

"Sorry mother." He muttered, not really meaning it.

"This is all great and everything, but I have somewhere to be. I will see you guys for dinner." I turned to Draco. "You still want to come?"

He nodded. "Yes, bye mother and father. Congratulations."


SCSCSC

Malfoy

"Why do you suppose she did not take credit for this?" Narcissa asked her husband after the teens left the room. "Is it perhaps she did not do anything?"

"No, I am sure she did. Draco told me she worked on the potion for months to make sure it was perfect." Lucius answered. "I believe she just did not want to take away your happiness."

"She is the reason why I am so happy."

Lucius shrugged. "I do not know dear, I can not read that girls mind."

Narcissa eyed her husband warily. "Do you still not trust the girl?"

"How can I trust someone whose best friend is the supposed chosen one?"

"She is marrying our son Lucius, she is no longer a mudblood but the Dark Lord's own flesh and blood. She is the reason why our Draco has been so happy. How can you dismiss her so easily?"

"She was raised by muggles, to me she is still the mudblood know-it-all."

Narcissa shook her head sadly, "She helped us to have more children Lucius. Aren't you at least grateful for that?"

"Of course I am." He replied gruffly. "I just know when the time comes she will not choose our side." He gave her an odd look and walked away, leaving her alone on the floor looking confused.

"Your wrong husband." She whispered quietly to the air. "She is the one that will change everything."


SCSCSC

Hermione

We met Harry, Ron and Ginny on the outskirts of the wards of the Burrow. I cringed as I noticed their stony stares and grabbed Draco's hand for support. He squeezed back and we slowly walked up to the trio. Ron's face grew redder when he noticed us entangle our hands together. I stared at him curiously, wondering why us holding hands would bother him when the pieces suddenly started snapping together in my brain. Was it possible that Ron was jealous of Draco?

"Hermione." Harry nodded in acknowledgement. "Malfoy."

"Hullo." Draco answered back.

"Is it true?" Ron asked through gritted teeth.

I sighed and shook my head, ignoring the pang of guilt that sliced through me. "No it's not. Why would you guys even consider the possibility of it?"

"We talked to Dumbledore-" My lungs found their way to my throat and my heart stopped beating. "-we asked him if it was true. We thought he would know... but as it turned out he had no idea if it was true or not and suggested we just ask you." Harry finished and my breath flew out all at once.

"Why would I keep something like that from you guys?" I asked, my heart breaking at every word.

Harry and Ginny exchanged glances, as if they were communicating with their eyes. It was Ginny who spoke first. "We figured if it was true you would be too terrified to tell us, thinking we would turn our backs on you."

I looked at Draco but he shook his head slightly that went unnoticed by the trio. "If it were true, I would be completely petrified of telling you guys. I would be worried you would think I was spying for him or worse."

Harry nodded in understanding. "We wouldn't have thought that of you Hermione. We know you better than that, I know we can't exactly choose who our blood is, but that's not all what family is about."

I forced myself not to cry. "You say that now, but you really have no idea how you would react if I just suddenly told you that the Dark Lord was my father."

"Point taken, but I would hope we wouldn't turn our backs on our best friend." Harry answered.

I smiled. "Well I guess it is a good thing we will never have to find out."

"Mum wanted us to ask if you wanted to stay for dinner." Ginny invited.

I looked at Draco again and then back at them, "I'd love to, but we have to get back to Draco's house. We have to celebrate."

"Celebrate what?" Ron asked angrily.

"Our engagement." Draco snapped.

"Draco..." I chastised when I noticed Ron looked murderous. "We are celebrating a birthday."

"I see. Well hopefully we will be able to see you soon." Harry answered, "have fun."

"Definitely. I will send an owl to enquire about a day you are free."

"Good bye Hermione." Harry and Ginny gave me a hug and started pulling Ron back through the wards.

"Make sure you don't bring the Ferret next time." Ron yelled before we apparated.

We arrived back at the manor before I could answer Ron, I fell to my knees, tears of frustration welling in my eyes. "What a stupid git." I gritted. "Why does he have to be like that?"

Draco helped me off the floor. "He will get over it Hermione."

"I hope you are right. I am getting tired of this." I sighed. "Come on, let's go help with supper."

"Are you serious?" Draco asked incredulously, making me laugh at his shell shocked face.

"Of course I am, cooking is fun." I grinned and grabbed his hand, dragging him to the kitchen.

Winky came up to us when we entered the kitchen, bowing and making her ears graze the floor. "What can Winky do for the young mistress today?"

"How many times have I told you not to bow or to call me mistress?" I sighed looking down at the house elf. "You can call me Hermione."

"Winky knows this miss, but young mistress has helped the elves and we respect you."

I smiled at her, "thank you Winky, but respect me by calling me my name please. Anyway, we are here to come cook."

"Cook miss?" Winky cocked her head to the side, confused.

"Yes, I want to teach Draco how to cook."

"Winky does not understand. Is Winky's food not good enough miss?"

Hermione laughed, "Of course not Winky. I used to cook with my mom all the time and now that she is gone it helps me to remember her."

Winky smiled at me. "Of course miss. Winky shall help you."

"Thank you Winky." She led us to the back of the kitchen and told the elves to start preparing dinner. I looked around amazed at the kitchen, it was almost as big as my room. I put my hair in a pony, rolled up my sleeves and got to work.


SCSCSC

Voldemort

"I hear congratulations are in order Lucius." I smirked at the man to my right.

"Yes my Lord, your daughter is truly a blessing." He answered. "We are having twins."

"Excellent, I am sure they will be fine children." I replied, then turned my head towards the rest of the people at the table. "I have not called you here to discuss baby names. The time has come for us to put our plans into motion. The summer will end soon and that is when we shall attack."

"Attack what my Lord?" A death eater named Owen asked.

"Hogwarts of course!" I answered gleefully. "In order to take over the wizarding world, I will first have to take over that ridiculous school, which should not be too hard as I heard the headmaster has finally died from that cursed ring."

Snape looked at me and nodded. "It is true my Lord, Dumbledore passed away a week ago from the ring he found. Several people attended the funeral, amongst his possessions is the wand you have been seeking."

"Most excellent." I replied, petting nagini.

"What about your daughter my Lord?" Bellatrix spoke up. "Will she be joining this fight as well?"

I narrowed my eyes at the jealous witch, "of course. Hermione has a very important role in the upcoming war."

"She does?"

"It is no matter of yours Bella." I turned my attention back to Snape. "Everyone is dismissed. Snape and Lucius, please stay behind."

"Of course." They replied together. We waited for all the others to disappear and I through some charms around the room so no one would hear us.

"Snape, I would like you to move into the manor." I started.

"My Lord?" Snape asked confused.

"My daughter will need protecting and two people are always better than one."

"Of course. Is that all?"

I nodded. "I shall get Winky to show you to your room after you have collected some items from your house."

"Right away my Lord." He bowed his head and disappeared out the door.

"Lucius." He turned to look at me. "Seeing as how you have family on the way I want you and Narcissa to stay here."

"And do what my Lord?"

"Protect this home, if our plan fails we will need a safe place to hide in order to rethink our plan of attack."

He bowed. "Thank you my Lord."

Winky popped into the room with a pop. "Winky is to tell Masters that supper is served." I nodded and elf popped back out.

"It seems it is time to eat." I sighed. "Has Hermione come back from her task?"

"I am not sure my Lord." Lucius hesitated. "She will be happy you are back my Lord."

"Why?"

"I think she was worried about you."

"Nonsense."

Lucius nodded and stood up, walking towards the door, I was right behind him. Who knew plotting to take over the world would make one so hungry?


SCSCSC

Hermione

"You did this all by yourself?" Cissa asked in shocked looking at the elaborate spread of food on the table.

"Draco and the elves helped." I shrugged.

"You... you got Draco to cook?"

I grinned at her. "Yep, and what do you know, he's a natural in kitchen."

Draco laughed, "if you call burning water natural talent."

The three of us were laughing when a throat cleared and Lucius walked in, Voldemort right behind him. Draco and Cissa abruptly stopped laughing and bowed. I stared at my father my eyes wide and tears threatening to come. He was home, he finally came back. I squealed and lunged at the man.

"H...Hermione... what do you... you think you are doing?" He sputtered while I clung to his neck.

"I am so happy you are back." I answered.

"You are?" He asked then shook his head and detached my arms and plopped me back on the floor. "That is inappropriate Hermione."

I blushed and instantly bowed. "I am sorry my Lord, it will not happen again."

I noticed he was looking around, not really sure what to do with himself until Nagini hissed in his ear. "Right. Good. Make sure it doesn't." He walked towards the table and sat down.

I stifled the laugh that bubbled in my throat and joined them. "Yummy."

"Why did the elves prepare so much food tonight?" Lucius asked no one in particular.

"It was a team effort. Apparently Hermione got our son to cook."

"Don't forget the elves helped too." I exclaimed happily.

"Really, Draco was cooking?"

"It's not that big of deal, drop it already." Draco muttered.

"Let's eat." I suggested.

...

Halfway through dinner Snape joined us at the table, muttering about over abundance and money. This was also around the same time Voldemort cleared his throat, making us all turn to look at him. "Hermione, I wish to speak to you about something."

"Okay."

"I would like it if you would watch over Nagini for me for a couple weeks."

"What?" I sputtered as Nagini started hissing at her master.

"Enough." He muttered. "I have an errand to run and it is too dangerous to bring her with me."

"Um, sure." I muttered.

"Nagini, behave yourself." The snake started hissing in his ear, too quietly for me to hear what she was saying. "No, you can not eat her while she is sleeping. She is also your master." He wiped his mouth with a napkin and stood up. "I will return in two weeks time." He announced and disappeared in his usual puff of black smoke.

"What a lovely dinner." Narcissa said to the air, smiling contently.

Nagini and I stared at each other and I sighed. This was going to be a long two weeks.


A/N: Here is another chapter. Whoo, the juices are really flowing these passed couple of days. Two chapters in two days. I know it is kind of slow, and I am pretty sure I suck at the mushy parts, I am not really into romantic things like that, so if you guys think I should improve on that aspect, please give me some ideas. As always, I love to hear from you guys so make sure you review! Until next time...

xoxstorii-gurrlxox