Warning: A very strong T for violence and sexual themes. Nothing explicit as usual.

A/N: as always, a huge thank you to all who take the time to read and review.

Chapter 21: Revenge

"I can't wear this tonight," Sarah said, her hand on her slightly protruding figure. She was on about twelve weeks along but already showing. The past two months had been accompanied by nausea, vomiting and fatigue- often falling asleep at random times during the day. Voldemort helped keep some of the symptoms at bay (often for his own strategic purposes) so it wasn't quite the reprieve from sex that she was looking for. Though, she had to admit, she was grateful that intervened at all and she wasn't vomiting non-stop. He was beyond pleased that she was carrying his son and in a genuinely good mood most days, so much that he had decided to celebrate his birthday this year with a big bash at his manor and to ring in the New Year in style.

"What is wrong with it?" he asked, fiddling with his tie.

She turned around, "It's way too low cut. My breasts are huge these days. And I can't wear a bra."

"It's tasteful," Voldemort said, "You look stunning."

"But…" she turned back around and frowned. He was somewhat right. It was tasteful. It was a black v necked sleevless dress, the material cutting across her chest from the shoulders to gather into a jewel. The skirt was long and flowing and it was clear that she was expecting. But, on the other hand, she felt entirely exposed.

"You look like a woman, which is what you are," he said, "And the material isn't see through- designed to be worn without a bra."

"I don't know if this is a good idea," she said, frowning.

"I want you there," he came up behind her and turned her towards him, "This is the end of this discussion."

"I can't even drink champagne," she said. "It helps me in these social situations."

"If you feel overwhelmed you can take a break to the library or come to sit beside me," he said. "Otherwise, mingle. Make friends."

She gave a small laugh, "They still hate me."

"You are carrying my child and it's my birthday. They'll be on their best behavior."

"I do hope you are right," Sarah said.

"I always am."

"Sarah, dear," Narcissa gave her a small kiss on the cheek, "You are looking well. Pregnancy must agree with you."

She gave Snape a weary look, "I suppose. So good of you to come Narcissa."

"Of course. Where else would I be?" And then she stepped back to look at her dress, "Did he pick out your dress? I suppose some woman can pull it off…" she let the rest of the sentence hang in the air, but it was clear she didn't think Sarah was one of them.

Sarah turned to Snape, "Are Draco and Ginny here?"

He nodded and then gestured towards the opposite corner of the room.

"Is Draco still upset by the divorce?" she asked, but her tone was quiet pointed as well.

"Let's not talk of such unpleasantries," Narcissa said, "I'm going to get something to eat. No, no, Sev, you stay here and talk to Sarah. I know you well enough to know you want to." She went off without another word.

Severus frowned at her and Sarah raised up her hands, "I tried to be nice, but then she made a comment about the dress and I couldn't help myself. I don't know why you are in love with her."

"She is different with me."

"Clearly," Sarah said, dryly, "She would have to be."

"I don't want to quarrel with you," Snape said, leaning over to give her a fatherly kiss on the head. "How are you feeling?"

"Completely exposed and miserable," she said, "I hate these functions."

"I know you do."

"I can't even drink champagne."

"I know it is a trial, but how are you physically feeling?"

"Overall, much better," she said, looping her arm through Snape's. "I have read those articles you left- they are fascinating. I wish I could get back into the potions lab."

"I know," Snape said, quietly, "I wish you could too. After the baby, you can return to brewing."

"Is the dress really that awful?" Sarah asked, under her breath.

"As a father, I hate that dress," Severus murmured, "But you do look lovely. You shouldn't feel embarrassed."

"I do though," she said, "I feel that he chose it just to put me on display in front of his death eaters."

"Undoubtably he did, but that only means that he thinks you are someone worthy of showing off."

She nodded, knowing he was right on point.

"Do you want to go and say hello to Draco?" Snape asked, his voice gentle.

She shook her head, "I will later."

Snape patted her hand, knowing that where Draco was concerned, the separation between the two would always cause pain for both of them…but it was better to ignore it, rather than embrace it.

She needed a break. After an hour of mingling, she was feeling caged in. And it didn't help that she caught Draco and Ginny laughing at several points. They seemed to be getting along slightly better. And she should be happy for him, but still it hurt.

People were being so not genuine with her too. They were polite, but in that fake way. And she had to admit, she was forcing those pleasantries in her responses too. She would much rather be curled up in the library with a good book, reading in the New Year. She slipped away to the library, hoping to find peace and quiet.

She was fingering the titles along the shelf, looking for a book that interested her, when she felt her body being slammed against the bookshelf and thrust around, her arms pinned to her side.

It was all so shocking, but even more so when she came face to face with Wormtail.

"What are you doing, Wormtail?" She asked, her voice shaking. He had been looking at her for months now in ways that made her so uncomfortable. She knew he was angry at her for besting him so many months ago. She knew he was still in a frenzy at how the Dark Lord treated him at her exam. She knew that he blamed her. And she knew that she was completely and utterly helpless without her wand, who was still as always held in Voldemort's pocket.

"He refuses to see you for who you are," Wormtail said, his eyes angry. "He treats you better than any of us. You- the traitor- has become so favored…"

"He doesn't favor me."

"He does!" He slammed her back against the bookshelf again, the pain in her back significant. "he treats you as some sort of…wife…when really what you are is a whore."

Her stomach twisted as her mind raced to what he could do to her- when she was so defenseless without her wand.

"You think you have the upper hand, you always do, but not tonight. You will not win against me tonight. I have you right where I want you." She began to fight him, but his grasp was too tight.

"Be still!" he shook her violently and Sarah fearing for what the motion might do to the baby, stilled.

"Your mother, Merlin rest her soul, she thought she was too good for me too." he shifted his grasp so he could brush the hair out of her face and then she suspected where this was heading, "And your father…well, we don't have to talk about him…and here you are, their pride and joy, carrying the Dark Lord's baby. But you do not deserve the honor of that. You never have."

"What are you going to do?" she tried to shrink away.

"Oh, poor little dear," Wormtail mocked, "Are you afraid?" He put her hands above her and using his wand to make her unable to move them. He ripped her dress and then his grubby fingers were on her breasts…fondling her in the most unbearable way.

"He is going to kill you if you do this to me!" she cried out, her mind racing trying to figure out how to get out of this. "He doesn't share! He told me that!"

"You aren't going to tell him," Wormtail whispered in her ear, "because when it comes down to it, you are too afraid he wouldn't believe you over his death eater- the same trusted one who arranged for his return."

"I will tell him," Sarah cried, as his hands grew rougher. "I will. And he will believe me." She knew she should scream, but she also knew there was no way that anyone would hear her over the noise of the party.

"You won't tell him. He'll treat you as damaged goods. He'll discard you just like the rubbish."

"No, he won't. But he will kill you."

"Poor naive little girl," he mocked, "I asked him for you and would you believe it? He thought I couldn't handle you. If only he could see us now! I have you so thoroughly under my grasp. Look at you trembling."

He ripped the bottom part of the dress and cast a silencing charm to stop her from crying out when he violated her.

"And if you do tell..I'm going to say…I'm going to say that you asked for it. And how can I resist your charms? You lured me in here…for revenge for your father's imprisionment…and doesn't this revenge feel so sweet?" he grunted, pressing her against the bookcase, smothering her with his weight against her.

She could barely breathe from the pain of it all. She didn't have her wand. She was completely defenseless against him. And it hurt so badly, he was being so rough with her. Or maybe it was the dark curse Voldemort used that bound her to him working against all of this. She didn't know. All she knew is that she had to make him stop.

She gathered her magical energy and managed to cast a nonverbal, wandless choking charm causing him to pull away from her, but with a flick of his wand she was slammed back against the bookcases, them rattling, books falling off.

"Very clever," he said, coughing.

She reversed the silencing spell so she could speak again.

He pointed his wand at her stomach, "This is your insurance policy, this is what earns you his favor, but what if this is gone? What will you do then?"

"Stop!" she screamed but the blow against her stomach was fierce, toppling her forward in pain. But not for long as he pulled back up by her hair, the pins toppling out of them as it fell down her back and then his hands were on her neck, choking her. And once again he was doing the unthinkable to her as the pain flooded her. But her hands were free and she pushed against him, but he was too strong. It was then she saw his mark exposed on his arm when his sleeve pushed up. It was her only chance. She needed him to come. And for a moment, she thought about just letting Wormtail end it. But she knew that she couldn't allow him to best her like this. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

Summoning her magical energy once again, she dropped her hand enough to touch the mark, the magic coursing through her as she summoned the Dark Lord.

"What have you done, you bitch?" he shrieked but before he could make a move, the Dark Lord appeared, followed by Snape, Dolohov and Draco.

"Wormtail, step away from her," he ordered, his voice echoing throughout the library.

At the sound of the Dark Lord's voice, he pulled away from her, Sarah twisting her dress around.

Sarah leaned over, her chest was still completely exposed, but she was so relieved to see help she didn't care. She was breathing heavily, gasping for air.

Wormtail turned slowly around.

"Wormtail, do explain what is going on here," Voldemort said, his voice low, but his anger evident.

"My Lord, how can I deny her charms? She lured me into here. When you take a whore as your mistress, what can you expect, my Lord?"

Snape rushed forward and grabbed him by the collar, trusting him against the bookcase and putting his wand to his temple, "Lies!"

Draco was wide-eyed, but she saw his hand trembling with anger. He took a step towards her, but Voldemort put out his hand stopping him.

"Severus, that's enough!" Voldemort barked.

"Surely you do not believe this pathetic excuse for a man!" Snape said, his wand still at Wormtail's temple, "Surely you do not condone this behavior. She is under your protection."

"I said enough." Voldemort's voice was firm. "Let him go."

Snape looked conflicted for a moment before releasing him and going to Sarah's side.

"Did he…" Severus paused and then took a breath, "did he violate you?" his voice was low as he spoke to her.

"Yes," she choked, a sob coming out. Severus took off his jacket and put it around her shoulders. His arms were securely around her and Sarah put her head on his shoulder only for a moment, needing Snape's comfort desperately at the moment. It was all too unbearable.

There was silence in the room before Snape looked to Voldemort, "Her dress is torn my Lord. Her neck is red. We saw him choking her. Clearly, this was not consensual."

"Wormtail?" Voldemort's voice was low.

"You said yourself how much she liked it rough. I was just giving it to her the way she wanted it."

Sarah gasped and Severus was once again lunging for Wormtail, but Dolohov had beaten him too it.

"Why would she want a rat like you?" Dolohov pinned him against the wall. "She has more magical strength in her little finger than you have in your whole body."

"For revenge."

Sarah's eyes grew wide. "I wouldn't do that!"

"No?" Wormtail asked, "The same woman who killed Bellatrix? The same woman who chose me to duel the night in April because of revenge? The same woman who has been trained by you, my Lord? This is what you wanted from her all along and you have achieved it. Because she did lure me in here."

"My Lord," Severus intervened quickly, "the curse would prohibit her from doing this."

"We don't know exactly how it reacts. If it was something causing her to stray from me besides attraction…"

"Which clearly it would have to be," Dolohov's mouth curled in disgust.

"You know how much she dislikes me," Wormtail said, "I caused her father's incarceration for so many years. She never got to know him well. Of course, she wanted revenge on me. And you, my Lord, put her in the position where she could get that revenge. She has betrayed you once again tonight...just like that night in May when she whored herself to Potter and his cause."

Sarah looked to Voldemort, incredulously, but still he said nothing.

"My Lord, this is ludicrous that you are even considering this!" Snape thundered, his arm still around Sarah, holding her against him, supporting her wobbly knees.

"I quite agree with Severus," Dolohov said. "Look at her, my Lord. He has done the unthinkable to her. And there is no way she would want to have sex with him...even out of revenge."

"You are just jealous," Wormtail spat at him, but Dolohov's grip tightened.

"Enough!" Voldemort snapped. "We will get to the bottom of this," he gestured to her, "Sarah, come."

She knew she couldn't hesitate, but still, she was safe with Snape.

Voldemort cleared his throat, "Look at me, Sarah."

She forced her eyes on him.

"Obey me. Come. Now. Let her go, Severus."

Snape released her and gave her a gentle push in the Dark Lord's direction. Her knees wobbled and she was clearly in pain still as she managed to not so gracefully walk towards him.

She glanced at Draco, their eyes meeting- both tortured. But Voldemort's hand was on her arm, squeezing it.

"Are you strong enough to walk to my room?" he leaned over to whisper in her ear.

"No," her throat was dry.

He wrapped his arm around her waist then and turned to the others. "Draco, go find Nott and Yaxley and bring them here. Dolohov, you and Snape watch Wormtail. In ten minutes, Severus, go find Narcissa and you and her come to my room." He paused, "Draco, you come too. Send your wife home."

And with those instructions, he apparated with her to his room.

"My Lord," Sarah's voice shook, "surely…Wormtail disgusts me. You know that."

"I need to enter your mind, little one. It will be painful. It is all so raw at the moment. But I must see for myself. Do you understand?"

"Do you not believe me?"

"I do believe you. But he has my mark. You do not. And he is right. You have betrayed me before. I must see if for myself."

She bit her lip and his voice was low, "Grip my forearms to steady yourself. And you must attempt not to fight me. The pain will be unbearable if you do because I will be aggressive to see what I need to. Do you understand?"

She nodded.

"Go on and hold on to me."

She didn't hesitate then and he entered her mind with a fury, strategically finding her memories. And when he saw the full of what he needed to, he left, leaving Sarah groaning from a pounding headache. He gently pulled his arms away and she released her grip on them. He moved his hands to her temples, massaging his healing powers into them, her headache easing.

And then his fingers were underneath her eyes, wiping the moisture from her and it was only then she realized she was crying.

He took Severus's jacket from her shoulder and tossed it onto the chair.

She quickly tried to adjust her dress, but he tipped her chin up, gripping it, "You know how I feel about you hiding yourself from me."

She sniffled again and he pulled her tightly into his embrace. "A wandless, nonverbal choking spell… that was brilliant little one."

"I couldn't fight him off," she stiffened in his embrace, but he still held her against him, his long fingers through her hair which had fallen out.

"And to think to use Wormtail's mark to summon me. That was very good thinking indeed."

"I shouldn't have strayed so far from you tonight. I'm sorry. I just wanted some peace."

"It was I who suggested the library as your place of retreat. And, little one, it is I who am sorry. I underestimated the vileness of my followers at your expense. It is not something I will do again," his voice was grave as he pulled away, "Let me see the damage."

She winced as his fingers moved to her neck, examining the redness and then her breasts. "He was quite rough with you, was he not?"

"He was," she said, "It hurt so badly. Was it because of the curse?"

"Partly so," he said, his frown deepening, "And he wanted to be rough so he was. I choose to be gentle with you and not so much of a bloody fiend. Those darker impulses should be controlled."

"Why?"

"You ask because I don't control my darker impulses on other occasions…with muggles, with my followers who betray me…"

She bit her lip. "Yes."

"You are a respectable witch from a good family. You are a lady and should be treated as such…unless, of course, on the occasion, you want to use techniques from Bellatrix's book."

"He said if you found out, you would throw me out like the rubbish."

"I heard," Voldemort said, dryly, "but clearly, Wormtail is not in his right mind at the moment."

"Do you think the baby is okay?"

He swiped his wand. "There is a heartbeat but it is still too early to tell."

She shifted, "I feel like I might be bleeding."

He frowned, "Let me look." He shifted the torn fabric and bent down.

"It's not blood," he said, grimly. "Apparently, Wormtail's fortitude has been greatly exaggerated."

She grimaced and then began to panic at the thought, "Please, get him off of me!"

"Shh," he flipped his wand to begin to run the bath and then picked her up in his arms. He led her to his lavatory, "This dress is ruined." He slipped it off of her.

"I was never comfortable in it any way."

"But you were beautiful in it."

He summouned a wash cloth and wet it.

"No, don't," she said, when she saw that he intended to wash her. She went as far as to push his arm away from her, to both of their shock that she would be so bold.

"Sarah," his voice was low.

"It's too intimate."

"And you are my mistress. It is appropriate."

"Use a spell like you always do."

"I don't wish to. I know you are in pain and I'll be gentle."

"Hand it to me," she said, her voice panicked.

"You are my responsibility. And this is partly my fault."

"It is beneath you."

"Yes, but I want to wash you. Let go of my arm."

She did immediately at the firmness of his tone.

He was true to his word. He was gentle with her.

"Do you need the loo?" he asked.

She grimaced and he gently pushed her down on it and turned his back, crossing his arms.

"I think I'm bleeding now," her voice was strained.

He turned towards her then. "Show me."

She showed him the bit of loo paper wanting to die on the spot from all the intimate things she was having to share with him now.

"Throw it away and wash your hands," he ordered.

"Aren't you going to say anything else?"

"Not at the moment," he responded and he gently lifted her into the bubble bath.

"Am I going to lose the baby?" she sunk down in the bath. He reached for her hair and summoned a hair tie, tying it up into a ponytail so it wouldn't get wet.

"I simply cannot anticipate what might happen. Women sometimes spot after intercourse and if he was especially rough with you, then that could be the cause," Voldemort said. "Or considering, he punched your stomach, there could be damage and you will lose the baby. But if you do, we will have another one. You got pregnant easily before. It shouldn't be a problem."

"This is a nightmare."

He sat on the edge of the tub. "I will ask Narcissa to take care of your bruises. She should be able to heal the ones easily…however, the curse…you'll be in pain for a while. Is it unbearable?"

"No, but it does really still hurt. Can you do anything?"

"Yes," Voldemort said, quietly. "but I am too angry right now to do what needs to be done. I would much rather take that anger and channel it towards Wormtail than risk it coming out with you. I am feeling violent, Sarah. And I am one who knows my limitations."

There was a knock on the door. "One moment," he said to her, "Stay here and I will get your things and help you out of the bath tub."

She leaned her head back, not daring to move.

He came in a few moments later with her nightgown and a robe. He reached for the towel and her hand, helping her up, Sarah wincing at the movement.

Voldemort frowned but didn't comment, only taking the towel and rubbing it against her to dry her off.

He helped slip her nightgown over her. "We'll put a towel on the bed in case you bleed more."

"Okay,"

He helped her with her robe and then led her out of the room to where Snape, Narcissa and Draco were there.

Sarah's eyes met Snape and she longed to run to him and launch herself in the safety and comfort of his embrace. The past hour had been unbearable in so many ways. And she was mortified by it all.

His arm still on her, Voldemort led her to his bed and she climbed in it on the towel that was already laid out. He put the covers over her.

"Narcissa, I would like you to work on making things comfortable for her. Draco, you are stand outside this door and guard it. Narcissa, if it looks like Sarah is going to miscarry, I want you to tell Draco and inform me at once. Severus, you will come with me to deal with Wormtail."

Sarah frowned, "Wait!" she swallowed hard. "What will you do?"

Voldemort turned slowly towards her. "How is that even a question for you?"

Her bile caught in her throat and then she swallowed it down, "I don't want him tortured and killed on my behalf."

"He chose to violate you in the most unforgivable way…against my order that not one of them will touch you sexually. Not only did he go against my orders, but he compromised the life of my child growing inside of you. And you would show him mercy?"

"I don't know," her voice cracked. She glanced at Snape- a look that didn't go unnoticed by Voldemort.

"I see," Voldemort twined his hands together, "You don't want Snape involved. It ruins this idealistic notion that you have of your daddy dearest."

"I just…" Sarah grimaced at Voldemort's angry look. "If Snape doesn't want to torture and kill Wormtail, then should you force him to?"

Voldemort turned towards Snape, "Am I forcing you to do anything against your will?"

"Of course not, my Lord. I want to see him suffer-a long and slow death…it is what he deserves and more."

"I thought so," Voldemort turned back to Sarah, "Satisfied?"

"No!"

"He nearly killed you, Sarah," Snape said, his voice low, "Are you really advocating to free him so he can succeed next time?"

"Lock him up."

"And how many of my death eaters have escaped Azkaban?" Voldemort asked. "No, I will set an example with him. If I spare him, it will show the others they can take advantage of you when and wherever they want- against my orders and without consequences. Is that what you want?"

"Of course not."

"And furthermore, if you dare question me further, there will be consequences for you. Severe ones. Show him mercy, indeed. Have you learned nothing?"

She glanced at Draco, who shook his head.

"I'm sorry," she murmured, "It's been a distressing evening."

He nodded, "I know that, little one." He reached out and patted her hand before turning, sweeping away, Snape following behind.

The bleeding and severe pains started in earnest an hour later. Narcissa went out to talk to Draco, who came back into the room, whispering quietly with Narcissa.

"I need to go get more towels," Narcissa said, "I think there is more in your room. Is that so?"

She nodded.

"Draco, will you stay with her?"

"Of course," he said, quietly.

Narcissa left them the adjoining doors between Voldemort's room and hers closing with a click.

Draco stood, his hands folded in front of him.

Sarah grimaced as more pain engulfed her and Draco moved instantly to her side.

"Is your pain terrible, Black?" he said, his hand on her head.

"It just mirrors the pain in my heart," she reached up to squeeze his hand. "What is going on down there?" she asked when the pain lifted.

"It's not pleasant," Draco said, honestly, standing beside her, his hand still in hers. "It's quite gruesome actually."

"What did he say to you?"

"He said to tell you that not fight the miscarriage and to let it happen. That the child is likely damaged by the blows he rendered which the Dark Lord thinks was infused with magic. And in that case, it is better to…" Draco cleared his throat, "cut your losses and try again later."

"Leave it to him to say the most awful things," her lip trembled. "He'll never love our children, Draco. What hope do I have for giving them a normal life?"

He squeezed her hand, "I'm sorry, Sarah. So very sorry."

She reached up her arms for him and he sat on the bed and took her in his arms, Sarah sobbing into his chest, him rubbing her back.

"I didn't want him to kill Wormtail. Even for what he has done. I don't know…the thought it disturbs me so much."

"I know it does."

"And then he can be so tender with me…and that almost disturbs me more because in those moments, I feel…I don't know…safe with him. And I know he can protect me. He is the only one who can now."

"I don't know what to tell you," he whispered, "there is nothing I can do or say to make this better. I did think he would protect you. And I think he sees this torture and murder of Wormtail as a way to protect you."

She groaned, more pain hitting her, "Oh Merlin, Draco, help me!"

His grip tightened around her, "Take a breath. That's it, Black. Now another one. There you go. Don't fight it."

"It's the damn curse! It's making the pains so unbearable."

"I can go tell him…"

"No," Sarah pulled away. "Hand me your wand."

Draco looked at her wearily. "You really want to get me in trouble, don't you?"

"Then you do it!" she said, "You can block the pain with a spell."

"But that is dangerous if I do it wrong," Draco said, "He or Snape are the only two I would trust with that spell, especially if it is pointed at your spine."

"He won't come to me even if you ask. I pissed him off earlier."

A throat cleared. "Do you think?"

Sarah and Draco both looked over, shocked.

"I need to return in a few minutes."

"My Lord," Draco stood, "I was just…"

"Helping me," Sarah said, groaning again. "Like you asked."

"I am wound up, Sarah," Voldemort said, "from torturing Wormtail and we have only just started. I would tread carefully at the moment."

"How long are you going to drag it out?"

"Until I deem it long enough," he said, "leave us, Draco. Stand guard by the door."

"Where is Narcissa?" Sarah asked when Draco left.

"She came and got me…impressed into me the need for me to see you at this moment. And to give you relief from your burden."

"It's the curse." she mumbled.

"Unfortunately, yes. Magnified by the fact that this is happening in addition to you having intercourse with someone who is not me. It is rather unbearable, is it not?"

She nodded.

"Turn on your side then," he said, "And I will try to block the pain. But do not wiggle. You must stay still so I get the position just right."

She followed his orders and he lifted her nightgown.

"I didn't think you would come."

"Apparently," He ran his wand up and down her spine, using a spell to access the right spot. "because I am pissed off at you."

"Aren't you?"

"Hush for a moment," he said. A few seconds later, he asked, "Can you feel anything?"

"No," she said.

"Good," he turned her back over. "I need to get back to it."

"My Lord," Sarah's throat was hoarse, "Why did you come?"

"You needed me to take care of you. And you are my responsibility. Try to rest."

"So you are not angry?"

"I'm not happy that you chose to question me in front of the others, but I'm quite sure, all things considered, you have been punished enough." He reached to squeeze her shoulders, "I will see you in the morning."

"My Lord!" Sarah called as he reached the door.

"Yes, little one?"

"Thank you." Her voice caught. "I know you didn't have to come, but I am grateful."

He inclined his head at her, his look unreadable, "You are welcome."

"Severus," Voldemort beckoned to him hours later, "Will you go sit with Sarah?"

"Of course my Lord."

"I need Narcissa now."

Severus paused. "My Lord, surely…"

"I need to unwind. It was right to end it then, but I am still wound up from using the dark magic. Narcissa can help me release the energy. You said you would be willing to share."

"She is carrying my daughter."

Voldemort stilled, "When did you learn of the gender?"

"A few days ago. I wasn't sure you would be interested."

"Congratulations, my friend," Voldemort clasped his shoulder. "Do not concern yourself so. I will not harm your child, Severus. I will not harm Narcissa. Surely, you know me better than that."

Severus's look was grim, "Very well. If that is what you require from us."

He nodded, "Good. And…one more thing. Tell your daughter about Narcissa's condition. She should know that she is going to be a sister."

Snape couldn't help his intake of breath, "The timing for that is all wrong."

"On the contrary, Severus, I think it is the perfect time," Voldemort said, lightly, walking away from him with another pat on the shoulder, his mood suddenly lighter.

A/N: Does Voldemort sense an opportunity?