Author's Note: I know it has been FOREVER since a new chapter. Life is busy, Work is intense. Little ones schedules keep me on my toes. But I won't abandon this story. still much more to tell...this chapter seemed to write its own with a twist I didn't anticipate writing. see what you think. :)

Chapter 29: Family

Sarah stared at the Dark Lord for a minute, pursing her lips, working out how to proceed. She then went over to sit on the edge of his desk next to where he was sitting in his chair. "My Lord," she said, smoothly. "Family is undeniably important, is it not? We believe that, don't we?"

Voldemort paused, "It depends."

"On whether they are loyal to you, is that what you are thinking?" Sarah folded her hands on her lap.

"Something like that," Voldemort scratched through a line.

"This is my family. Snape and Narcissa and my sister. And they are loyal to you. So, why would you keep me from them when Snape needs me so? I know he must be a wreck while Narcissa is in labor. He needs me."

"I simply fail to see what you can do that Draco cannot."

"Draco must be worried as well, it being his mum and all."

Voldemort paused, "I would rather think that Draco's wife should give him comfort if he is anxious."

Sarah gave a short laugh, "Surely you don't think I am going over there for Draco."

"Are you?" he turned his head to study her.

"No," Sarah met his eyes, "I only meant that if Dad is worried and Draco is too, they may make each other more anxious. Draco may not be able to provide the proper support."

"And you can?"

"I can try...if only to man up and go in there with her."

Voldemort's jaw twitched. "Is that so?"

"After I sufficiently bolster him with fire whisky and brandy."

Voldemort continued to watch her and then let out a long breath, "There are other considerations, of course."

"Such as?"

"Delphi comes in two days."

Sarah looked in his eyes, "Did you think I forgot?"

"You have been busy with Dolohov."

"On your orders," Sarah countered. "And it wasn't exactly my idea of fun today, by the way." She twisted the end of her braid between both her hands.

"You survived Dolohov's more sinister side."

"Perhaps," she stopped fiddling with her hair and reached out to touch his arm, "because compared to you, he is nothing."

"You flatter me."

She smiled at him.

He studied her further, but she held her expression under his watchful eye.

"Very well," He relented, "But you must take Antonin."

"Dolohov can't always be my keeper," she protested.

"He can," Voldemort's voice was low, "and he will on my orders."

"Of course," she quickly replied, "I meant no disrespect to you or to Antonin. If you wish him to come, I enjoy his company as well."

"Are you worried what Draco will say?"

"Why should I care what Draco says?"

"He was rather harsh with you earlier, wasn't he?"

Sarah swallowed down the lump in her throat, willing her voice not to alter, "How much did you hear?"

"Enough."

She chewed on her lip, "Are you angry with me?"

"If I was angry with you, would I have relented to you so readily?"

She shook her head, "But surely..." she swallowed again, "You were so angry at our wedding at the thought of feelings."

"At the moment, if it is anything I feel, it is concern. Draco has a wife who has yet to bear him a child. Why is that?"

"I wouldn't know," Sarah shrugged.

"Wouldn't you?" he pressed, his eyes intent.

"I have moved on," she insisted.

"But has he?" Voldemort asked, his voice pointed.

"Of course he has."

"I thought he had, but then today. I do think he is more jealous of Antonin's relationship with you, than even mine. There is a friendship there that you used to have with him. Catching you in such an intimate moment with someone that I am allowing you to have that with when I denied him continuing, well, that must hurt."

"I don't think Draco feels anything for me but disgust."

Voldemort laughed, "His disgust was veiling his regard, little one."

"I doubt that, my Lord."

"Don't be so quick to dismiss it. You are my wife, but..." he paused, "you were his before mine. And I can imagine given his age, how difficult it must be to see how altered you have become, even if the change is for the better. I care for the boy, just as I care for you. Lucius has been a horrible role model for him, perhaps, it is time I take a more vested interest in Draco."

"That is quite understanding of you.."

"You know how generous I can be when it comes to the ones I care about," he reached to lightly touch her face. "Tell Snape that I will be inquiring after Narcissa soon."

"Very well." Sarah slid down from her perch on his desk, "By the way, my Lord..."

"What it is?"

"We don't have a child either yet and it doesn't mean anything, does it?"

"I think the operative term is yet, my dear."

"And perhaps it is the same for them. I am sure of it."


"We come bearing gifts," Sarah went to embrace Snape and then kiss him on the cheek.

"Sarah," Snape let his hand rest on her face for a moment, "I'm glad you are here." He looked past her to Dolohov. "Antonin," he greeted his fellow death eater.

"Dolohov has become my shadow, Dad." Sarah gave Dolohov what only could be described as a sassy look.

"Don't be so annoyed, mon petit chou," Dolohov retorted. "I thought you like my company."

"I do," Sarah finger her french braid, "When it is not ordered to spy on me."

"Hum," Dolohov grunted, "Hello, Draco," he turned to Draco who was sitting on the couch.

Surprised, Sarah turned as well. She hadn't seen him when she entered the room, "Where is Ginny?"

"Upstairs," Draco's tone was dismissive.

"Why don't you ask her to join us?" Sarah suggested, lightly. "I'm sure you would like her company."

"Are you sure?" Draco asked, his eyes meeting hers.

"She is your wife, Draco," Sarah retorted, "And if this was any occasion to offer you comfort, I think it would be now. Plus, Antonin and I brought alcohol. Go get her. It will be fun while we wait. We can get Snape plastered."

"Oh, Merlin," Snape put his hand on her shoulder. "Did you really think I am that bad off?"

Sarah smiled, "No, not outwardly."

Snape shot her a mock glare and then went to sit back down in his arm chair.

"Maybe, Mrs. Malfoy doesn't wish to covort with Death Eaters," Dolohov suggested, crossing his arms.

"A little late for that," Sarah retorted, going over to sit on the ottoman next to Snape. She pulled her cardigan closer to her and then smoothed down her long emerald skirt, tapping her heal against the hardware floor. "Go get Gin, Draco."

"Why are you so insistent?" Draco looked at her, quizzically.

She looked over at Antonin who had gone to sit next to Draco on the couch. "The Dark Lord has questioned things tonight. I think it could be helpful for Dolohov to report that Gin was with you waiting for news about your mum."

Draco groaned at that pronouncement but left to retrieve Ginny.

"What kind of things?" Snape questioned, concerned.

"Don't worry about it, Dad," Sarah twisted the end of her hair again, "I have it handled. And you need to worry about Narcissa now."

"Why don't you take two minutes to enlighten me? It will take my mind off things."

"Very well," She glanced at Dolohov again, "I think the Dark Lord thinks Draco might be jealous of," she looked to Dolohov one more time, "the relationship Dolohov and I have and the fact he is allowing it to develop within limits when he squashed Draco and mine."

Snape looked over her head to stare Dolohov down, "And should he be?"

"I doubt the Dark Lord would consent to sharing her beyond that one instructive lesson," Dolohov said, dryly.

"Maybe not sexually, though I am not entirely convinced. He seems to think it was productive. He may try again."

"Dad," Sarah blushed.

"Obviously, he feels this alliance is to his benefit, but is it to yours?"

Sarah looked againt to Dolohov, who responded.

"I do not wish to harm your daughter, Severus. I care for her. I want to help her with all of this, even when you cannot."

"She is young, Dolohov. Impressionable."

"I understand that."

"Dad, I seriously doubt that Dolohov can alter me anymore than the Dark Lord has. If anything, I need a friend and Antonin has become one. I know Draco doesn't understand, but it is what I need right now."

Snape nodded, but fell silent when Gin and Draco joined them in the study, Draco's hand in hers.

"Gin," Sarah forced a smile. "How good to see you."

"Hello, Sarah," GInny said as Sarah went over to hug her. "The Dark Lord could part with you, tonight?"

"For Snape and Narcissa, he is fond of them," Sarah squeezed her, "And I asked nicely. I'm sorry we haven't had the opportunity to talk these months."

"Are you?" Ginny asked.

"Of course," Sarah pulled away. "I am still me."

"Draco said you took the mark," her tone was matter of fact, but her eyes were accusatory.

"Yes," Sarah flushed.

"Harry would have been disg..."

"I'm aware," Sarah cut her off. "However, Harry told me before his death to do what I needed to do to survive. We knew it could have come to this and he trusted who he knew me to be."

"He wouldn't believe what you have become."

"I think he would, Ginny. He was my best friend. I loved him dearly. And I'm trying my best. This hasn't be easy on me, you know very well that is true."

Dolohov cleared his throat, "Tread carefully, mon petit chou," He warned. "I am obligated to the Dark Lord and you are being quite candid at the moment."

"He knows all of this, Antonin. Feel free to report back. I invite you too," she raised her eyebrow at him, challenging him.

"Hum, sore spot, is it?" Dolohov stood and summoned glasses. "I think we all need a drink. What's your poison, Malfoy?"

"I'll take a shot of firewhisky."

"Mrs. Malfoy? Firewhisky, brandy, wine."

"I'll take a shot as well," Ginny said, straighting her spine.

Dolohov looked amused. "You may need it before the night is over, Mrs. Malfoy. Snape?"

"Brandy if you please."

"The Dark Lord thought you might. From his private collections," Dolohov pulled it out of the bag, "With his compliments and best wishes."

Snape nodded and then took the glass Dolohov sent over to him.

"And for Sarah..." Dolohov poured her a glass of wine and handed it to her, "My lady," he whispered in her ear and then winked.

"Thank you," Sarah went to sit on the ottomon next to Snape spot in his arm chair.

"Why didn't you ask her what she wanted?" Ginny's look was pointed. "Can't she have opinions?"

Dolohov shrugged. "I didn't need to."

Snape took a long sip, "You are quite talkative tonight, Ginerva," he commented, but his tone held a warning.

"I'm tired of being trapped in my room," she retorted.

"I wasn't realizing that Draco was holding you hostage," Antonin laughed.

Ginny looked annoyed and opened her mouth again, but Sarah quickly stood.

She took a long drink and then put it down on the sidetable by Snape, "Hey, Gin. I think Snape might have a book that you might like. You wouldn't mind, would you, Dad?"

"Not at all," Snape said.

Sarah practically reached and dragged Ginny along with her to the other side of Snape's study, away from the men.

She reached for a book, "This was always my shelf of my favorites. Snape kept this shelf for me," She fingered the spines, "this one is good. A little mystery, little romance," she lowered her voice while Snape expertly diverted Antonin's attention for her, "Dolohov came with me for a reason. He is my ally, but not yours. And even so, I know his loyality to the Dark Lord trumps his regard for me. He is supposed to be watching everyone's interactions and report back. The Dark Lord has concerns."

Gin's voice was low, "Draco still loves you."

"Then you must make him love you," Sarah whispered back. "For all of our sakes."

She handed Ginny the book, "This one," and she reached for another, "This one too."

She turned to Dolohov, "Do you think he would mind if I brought these two back for me?"

Dolohov walked over to where she was starnding and Gin went back to sit next to Draco.

"I don't think so," Dolohov said, "you can take it and then ask him."

"Could he hear that?" she said under her breath.

"No," Antonin assured her, "What did you say?"

"I'll tell you later."

Dolohov traced the side of her face, affectionately. Sarah could practically feel Draco's eyes burning into her. "Very well, dear."

"Stop teasing him, Antonin," Sarah grunted and sauntered back to her seat, her skirt flouncing as she did, "I want a shot."

"No shots," Antonin waved his finger at her, "his orders, not mine."

"Very well," Sarah reached for her wine again. She took a long sip, "How's Narcissa?" Sarah asked Snape, purposely steering the subject in a better direction.

"Not sure, I haven't gotten a report in hours," Snape took a long sip of brandy. "I'm concerned, naturally."

"Naturally," Sarah extended her hand and the firewhisky came over to her with a shot glass. She put her wine down on the floor and poured him a shot, "here, Dad, take this."

"Sarah, I have told you of the dangers of mixing alcohol."

"Yes, and that is why Dolohov is following the Dark Lord's wishes for my drink consumption tonight, but you are under no such orders," Sarah handed him the shot, "I think you should go to her, Dad."

Snape took the shot at her pronouncement, "I don't think that is allowed."

Sarah snorted, "Since when have you been one to let anyone tell you what to do, Dad? It is your house. She is your wife. And...I think she would want you there."

"Why would you say that?"

She should have let it go, made some generic reason, especially after what she just told Gin, but she simply could not. Sarah took a long sip and then her eyes went across the room and locked with Draco's. "Experience."

"I see," Snape rose at once, "Perhaps I should go check on her."

"Yes,do give us an update," Sarah pushed him forward a bit.

"I will," Snape leaned down to give her a kiss. "I'm so grateful that you came, my daughter."

Sarah reached for his hand, "Dad."

He squeezed her hand, "Do behave."

"Yes sir," She said and then took his seat in his chair. Antonin pulled up a chair to sit beside her, while Gin and Draco was on the couch. It was undeniably ackward.

"More wine, mon petit chou?" Dolohov asked.

"Sure," Sarah stretched out her legs and held out her glass while Dolohov poured.

Ginny raised her eyebrows at the familarity and ease between them. "I didn't realize that the two of you were so friendly."

"I didn't realize the two of you were not," Dolohov gestured between her and Draco. "You are quite combative tonight. Perhaps, Draco needs to properly subdue you."

"I'd like to see him try," Ginny retorted. "Some of us are stronger than all of that. Some of us wouldn't dare betray who we are."

Dolohov bristled, but Sarah put a hand on his arm. "Don't. I don't blame her."

"Blame her for what?" Voldemort's voice rang through the study as he stood in the entranceway.

"My Lord," Sarah sat aside her glass and gracefully rose quickly to greet him, "What are you doing here?"

"I decided that I too am concerned about Narcissa and wanted to join the waiting party," Voldemort said. "And I had thought better of having Dolohov and Malfoy in the same room wtih you, especially if Snape was called away and was unable to intervene."

"We are fine, my Lord," Draco said, bowing.

"Yes, my Lord," Dolohov said, rising too and bowing.

"Here my Lord," Sarah reached for the brandy and poured him a glass, sending it over to him as he sat on Snape's chair and Sarah returned to the ottoman.

"You never answered my question, little one," Voldemort said, "What did I walk into just now?"

Sarah shrugged, "Nothing particularly interesting."

"I doubt that," Voldemort said. He turned to Dolohov, "Antonin, perhaps you can shed some light?"

"Mrs. Malfoy is just opinionated tonight," Dolohov said, taking a sip of his brandy.

"I see," Voldemort's eyes turned to Ginny, "About what, may I ask?"

"Nothing, my Lord," Ginny demured. "I'm sure you are concerned about much more than my opinions."

Sarah poured two shots and handed them to Draco and Ginny. "Here take another one."

"Thanks," Ginny for a moment, faltered in her veiled frustration with her.

"Dolohov will just tell me later, so why don't you enlighten me now. Sarah," Voldemort gestured back to her. "Come sit, my dear."

Sarah took a breath, "If you wish."

"Now, Ginerva, what would you like to express?"

"I am just confused by things," Ginny said, quietly, her cheeks flushing slightly.

"In regards to?" Voldemort asked, lightly.

"Why you insisted that Draco and Sarah part, when you are happy sharing her with him."

"Well," Voldemort took a drink, "that does seem like a contradiction, but my wife's liason with Antonin was at my orders and it was mutually beneficial to me."

Ginny looked skeptical and Voldemort continued, "it made her a far better lover, something your husband failed to do in his union with her." Draco bristled and Voldemort continued, his eyes on Draco, "not that it was his fault. Antonin has far more experience with these things. As for the open affection they have at times for each other, I don't mind it. For Sarah to act on in, puts her under a considerable amount of pain. She is simply exploring how charming and sensual she can be, which is all the benefit for me if she does broaden her horizons just a bit."

"It seems to me as if she is your property to do as you wish," Ginny smoothed her skirt, "but she is willing to be so these days."

"Hum, then I don't believe you are fully aware of how I had to sufficiently break her to do so," Voldemort said, " a task that I could instruct your husband to explore with you, if you insist on being so high handed with the ones that are supposedly your friends."

"She was Harry's friend, not mine."

"Gin!" Malfoy snapped at her, breaking the silence. "Just stop already. You are toying wtih him in ways that you should be very afraid to do."

"I'm just talking wtih him, Draco. What's the harm?"

"You don't know what you are doing."

"Clearly, neither do you."

Voldemort's jaw twitched, "Antonin, perhaps, you and Mrs. Malfoy should have a conversation upstairs so you can see how far that spunk takes her."

"My Lord," Sarah quickly intervened, "That isn't necessary. This is all difficult right now. Ginny has been forced into this and of course, she might feel resentment to me for arranging it."

"It has been months."

"We are under strain because of Narcissa, of course. Emotions are higher than normal."

"Mrs. Malfoy doesn't care one bit about Narcissa," Voldemort retorted, twining his hands around his glass, "Antonin," he gestured to him.

Dolohov stood but Sarah shot up, "No, Antonin,that isn't necessary." She reached for his arm and held him fast, her magic making her stronger.

"Are you using magic to hold me here?" Dolohov searched her eyes.

"Of course," Sarah grunted.

"Sarah, release Dolohov at once," Voldemort snapped.

"I'll do it," Sarah said, quickly. "If you are insisted that she must be taught a lesson for tonight, I'll take it for her."

"You are awful eager to do so," Draco drawled from his spot on the couch.

Sarah whipped around at him, "Draco Lucius Malfoy, for Merlin's sake, this is as much your fault as anybody's! I told you to be nice to her. To move on."

"You don't give me the orders, Sarah," Draco stood, his hands fisted. "You always think you know best. You arrange everything to make things better for everyone...well, things aren't better. You forced me to do this. You begged me to save Potter's girl. Ginny is right, we could have had what you have now with Dolohov, if you would have been patient and played your cards right."

"It would have never been that way!"

"It was supposed to be that way! If you had bloody well stayed out of his way, that night in May!"

"What was I supposed to do, Draco!?" her voice rose.

"I don't know. Chose your husband. Give into those motherly insticts to protect your child instead of being so bloodly selfish."

Sarah practically lunged for him, but Voldemort stepped in front of her.

"Draco," his voice was low, warning. "I see it is long past the time for us to talk. I have let you stew for too long without properly addressing all of this. I'm sure your mother's confinement is bringing up feelings that we felt were long past us."

"I gave her up to you, my Lord, but Dolohov...I didn't betray you in the last battle, she did! Why does Dolohov get her?"

"You have a wife."

"He has a consolation prize," Ginny said.

"And you are damn lucky that was the case," Dolohov growled, reaching for her.

"Do not touch my wife." Draco snarled.

"Which one? Your current or former?" Antonin asked, evenly. "I must admit, I am partial to the former, but I would never pass up the opportunity for some fun, though I doubt it would be quite as enjoyable. She really is delectable, Draco. You never knew what you had."

"Don't act like she enjoyed it."

"Oh, she did," Antonin said, "thoroughly."

Voldemort looked between the two men. "Antonin, I think that is enough harrassment."

"Very well my Lord. What do you want me to do with the girl?"

"My Lord," Sarah stepped over him, "Please. I will go with Dolohov, my Lord. If you insist that Ginny must be punished. Draco is right, I have caused so much of this."

"You do not have to sacrifice yourself for everyone." Voldemort said, his voice low.

"They are not wrong," she said quietly, "and if Gin has wrong anyone tonight, it has been me and Draco. I don't believe it was a slight against you..." She swallowed hard. "I..." her voice trailed off. "just please." At the moment, she wasn't sure what she was asking for, she just knew she had to ask it of him.

"Antonin, take Ginerva upstairs and watch her, but do not touch her."

"Of course, my Lord."

He left, practically dragging Ginny out of the room.

"Sit, both of you," Voldemort ordered, his tone stern. "Beside each other... on the couch there."

Draco went to sit on the couch, but Sarah couldn't force herself to move.

"Wife, move." Voldemort pushed her towards Draco. How many times had they sat together on the couch in the study of Snape Manor? Yet, she didn't want to be near Draco. She didn't want to remember.

She gathered her courage and moved to sit next to him as not to incite the Dark Lord.

Voldemort paced the study for a while, not saying anything to him before turning back to them.

"I want peace between the two of you."

"I want to throttle him, my Lord, so I don't think peace is possible at the moment."

"The feeling is mutual, Black," Draco retorted.

Sarah turned to him, "Is it really? If your mother wasn't about to deliver my father's baby, I would challenge you to a duel and Merlin help you, I wouldn't hold back."

"If my mother wasn't about to deliver your father's baby, then I would accept and I wouldn't hold back either. I have been practicing by the way."

"So, have I...with Dolohov."

"Oh, I have been practicing with Snape. Just like old times."

"Not quite," She grunted.

Voldemort cleared his throat, "Enough. What has gotten into both of you tonight?"

"He thinks I am a whore!"

"Sarah!" Voldemort chided, "Enough, I said."

Sarah took another breath, trying to quell her emotions.

"Draco," Voldemort said, quietly, "do you honestly think you could have shared her with me like we had originally intended?"

Draco looked at him, evenly, "I do. Snape has shared my mum with you..."

"And it nearly undid him!" Sarah crossed her arms. "What the hell are you getting out, Malfoy?"

Draco shrugged.

"Are you not satisfied with your wife?" Voldemort asked, quietly.

"She forced me into this farce of a marriage, my Lord."

"To save Ginny!" Sarah exclaimed.

"And maybe you should have thought about me."

"I did think about you, Draco! You were supposed to fall in love with her!"

"You mean it was supposed to be neat and tidy. Well, I'm sorry it did not work that way."

Sarah took a deep breath, "Draco, please see reason. I think you have had too much to drink."

"I'm quite sober. And it irks me everytime I see you cozy up to Dolohov, conspiring with him."

"I don't!"

"You do," Voldemort said, startling them both. They had both forgotten he was here. "And Draco is right to be annoyed. It wasn't fair to him."

"And what about me?"

Voldemort cleared her throat and gave her a look. She swallowed hard.

"Draco would never have been happy with sharing me."

"You never would have been happy, little one, but perhaps you cannot not assume that your limitations are the same as Draco's," Voldemort said, "Draco is right. You had to make it neat and tidy and in doing so, you wronged Draco. Perhaps it is time to make it right."

Sarah's heat began to beat fast, "What do you mean make it right?"

"Do as you wish with her, Draco," Voldemort said, "for one night. We'll start there. But, I will expect a child from you and your wife within a year. That is my bargain."

Sarah jumped up, "No. You can' t just loan me out like a library book on a whim! I did everything you asked, my Lord. I married you. I carry your mark. How can you even do this to me?"

"Do you fight my missions?"

She froze. "What?"

"Do you fight my missions?" he repeated, evenly.

"You told me I didn't have to," her voice was low.

"And you don't. But Draco does fight my missions."

"I fail to see..."

"This isn't about you, little one. It is about him. And he has potential, similar to yours. Sure there will be some pain for you, but I can remedy that afterwards."

"Some pain? It's bloody well hell!"

"Well, that can't be helped," he said, matter of factually. "For some reason, he can't get passed the notion that I let Dolohov have you for the night...and that I would consent to let him have you more if I so wanted. And part of him is right. I told him that his marriage had to end because I wouldn't share. And when it came down to it, I can share from time to time. I can be generous."

"What's next? Carrow? Avery? Yaxley?"

"Don't be so dramatic," he chided. "You know very well that I have my limits. I will not give you to anyone that I know will have the pension to harm you. What do you want, Draco? Do you want her for the night?"

"His mother is having our sister tonight! We can't just go shag," Sarah reminded them, aghast. "Draco, you must see reason."

"Well, then, after we have made Narcissa is safe."

"My Lord!"

"This is not your choice, little one. It's Draco's. What will it be?"

Before there was any time for her to argue further he made his choice, "Yes."

"Then she is yours."

"I..." she turned to the Dark Lord, "may I speak to you in private please?"

He nodded. "Draco, why don't you check on Narcissa for us?"

He left without another word, or a glance at her.

"Come sit with me, little one," Voldemort said as he sat on Snape's arm chair and pulled her down to sit in his lap. He summoned her wine for her. "Take a sip."

She obeyed.

"Now, what is it?"

"What did I do to make you so displeased with me?"

"I'm not displeased with you per se."

"But," Sarah frowned.

"You have said you moved on past Draco."

"I meant it."

"Then prove it," Voldemort said, his longer fingers rubbing her cheek. "Have your liason and prove it doesn't mean anything to you."

"Why are you testing me?"

"It isn't about you."

"But you just said..."

"It is just a shag, Sarah," Voldemort twisted the end of her hair, "you'll be fine."

Sarah held up her hand, her rings glistening by the fire, "Does this mean nothing to you?" she looked at him, intently.

He leaned over to kiss her forehead, "Perhaps, it is meaning too much to me. I need to restore the balance of my emotions as well."

She frowned, "I thought you would protect me."

"I will protect you, dearest. You don't need protection from Draco. It's Draco, not Carrow or Yaxley."

"My Lord...this is simply a horrible idea. I fail to see your reasoning."

"My reasoning is that there is no reason for me not to honor Draco's request. Why are you fighting this so much?"

"I just fail to see how this will help."

"Perhaps, I do not wish to futher share my thinking with you. And you need to accept my judgment and move on. You are under orders, Sarah. And I suggest you follow them or bear the consequences of your defiance."

"Which would be?" she challenged. "He may try, but I will fight him. I'm already pissed."

"You will obey me. Draco better have the ability to bear children after tonight. You will be submissive to him because in doing so, I know you are submitting to me, understood?"

She grunted but there was a small clearing of a throat and she looked up to see Snape at the doorway, a bundle in his arms.

"I do not mean to interrupt, my Lord."

"Not at all, Severus," Voldemort gently eased her off his lap with a swat on her bottom, "is it done?"

"Yes, thankfully," Snape replied, "Draco is with Narcissa now."

"Narcissa is well."

"As well as can be expected."

Voldemort stood, "May I see her in a few minutes?"

"Of course, my Lord. May I introduce Sarah to her sister?"

"I think she has been waiting to meet her," Voldemort said, a steady pressure on her arm, warning her to control her emotions.

"Indeed, I have," Sarah smiled. "Who do we have here?" She looked over to peek at the bundle, "She is beautiful."

Voldemort came up behind her, "A fine child, Severus. I have some business to attend to with Antonin. I will return for you shortly, Sarah. Severus, will you make sure she stays with you?"

"Of course, my Lord."

Voldemort left them alone and Sarah let out her breath, "May I hold her, Dad?"

"Of course you may," Snape said, gently easing the baby into Sarah's arms, "Mind the head."

"Of course," Sarah awkwardly held the baby, "she is so tiny, I feel like I might break her. Hello, little one."

Snape's arm came around Sarah, "Sarah Grace, meet Elara Grace Snape, your sister. I do hope you don't mind share a naming with her."

Tears rushed to Sarah's eyes before she could stop it, "Considering it was mum's name, how could I mind?" her voice cracked. "Dear mum."

Snape paused for a few moments, before saying firmly, "You do know it's for you too."

"What do you mean?" Sarah looked over to him, confused.

"Yes, it's Grace's name, but it is yours as well. Our reasoning was twofold."

"But I am me, how could you say that?"

"Of course, I can say that. You are my daughter who I am immensely proud of. If Elara grows up to be anything like you, I'd say I have been lucky indeed."

Sarah sniffled hard, "How I love you! You are the luckiest girl in the world, sweet girl. To have Snape as a father from day one of your life. You will have the most beautiful life, we shall see to it."

"Is something wrong, Sarah?" Snape asked, studying her as she was staring at the baby.

"Of course not."

"You seem overwought."

"I had too much wine and how can I not be looking at this precious one? It almost makes me want to have my own and naturally that is a confusing notion all things considering."

"Is it nothing else?"

"Nothing of your concern, especially tonight of all nights." She eased the baby back into Snape's arms. "Hold onto her tight, Dad. And for Merlin's sake, keep her away from all this darkness. Please."

"Of course, sweetheart," Snape reassured her, "What can I do for you tonight of all nights, Sarah Grace?"

"Be happy, Dad."

"I will be, Sarah. As much as I can be. My heart is full tonight, but my happiness cannot be complete without knowing that you are settled and safe."

"Do not worry about me, Dad."

"Of course, I worry. What kind of father would I be not to worry?"

She kissed his cheek. "Thank you for that. Somehow that helps knowing that, not that I want you to worry..but it means I'm not forgotten."

"How can I forget you?" Snape said, tenderly. "You are my life, Sarah. You and Draco..." he didn't miss her wince, "Narcissa and this little one...what is it, Sarah? Did something happen with Draco?"

"I can't tell you."

"Can't or won't?"

"Both"

"Then sit with me and Elara for a while until you feel strong enough to do what you must."

She dropped her head on his shouder as she watched the baby, them sitting in silence, Sarah taking comfort in Snape's closely, even as she couldn't fathom what laid ahead.

She remained there like that until Dolohov came to retrieve her.

A/N: Please review! :)