CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE- Preparations For the rest of the week she did not see Draco once. He spent morning, noon and night hidden in the caves doing something unknown to Hermione. She tried to think as little as possible about his role as a Death Eater but in moments like this it was impossible. "You look awful," Hermione said to her husband on the morning of their departure. He had great bags under his eyes and his usual kept self was messy. "And you look fat," he responded. That small moment they shared when the baby was kicking was long over and they were back to fighting and insults. The car ride was silent and Draco drove twice as fast to get home to Black Landing. Draco stalked off to his rooms on the third floor and Hermione headed straight to the library. She had to levitate books down from the top shelves that looked like they were personal journals or records. After twenty books she found one with a record of purchases for some old houses dated back to the 1800s. She replaced all the books and made it look untouched before sneaking off to her room with the record book. Hermione clutched the book so tightly to her chest that she thought the old thing may crumble in her fingers. Most of the pages were water damaged or too old to read anymore. Patiently she read though page after page of the giant old book and found nothing regarding a small home around Oxford. After reading through the entire book of purchases of curtains, furniture and supplies for the old houses she had to put it away and find another. A week after they returned from the shore she was in the library searching again for a book when Healer Tonnesen came in. "You shouldn't be lifting these heavy things!" He said shocked. "Come, come now put those down," the healer said taking books from her. She fretted that he would notice the nature of the books but Healer Tonnesen only cared that she put them down. "I thought we could have a chat today about your delivery," he started once all the books were away. "My delivery?" Hermione repeated. "Seven months is a good time to discuss these things. Soon you'll be so big you won't be able to walk down the stairs safely!" Tonnesen explained. Hermione did not hear a word of what he said because her body was on a deadline. She absolutely needed to find her parents within the month and find a way to leave the landing. * "Severus, how is our little vessel doing?" A low, dark voice cooed. "Healer Tonnesen reports the best, my lord. The girk is finally strong and the baby is moving constantly," Snape answered. The Dark Lord let a thin smile come across his face. "I suppose the babe is eager to meet me," he smiled. Snape shielded his mind from any thoughts of his plans to rescue Hermione and her child. Under no circumstances would Voldemort get Hermione's child and use it's blood to fulfill his prophecy. Snape had his promises to keep and his plans to stick to. "Tell me, how much longer must I wait for my early Christmas present," Voldemort asked. "Two months, my lord," Severus answered. "Then for two months I will wait. Summon me when the girl is ready. I will be away until then. I fear my little treasures are in danger as long as Potter and his blood traitor are running around," Voldemort said. "You will be summoned immediately my lord." Severs said lying. Gathering up his snake, Lord Voldemort left to protect what was dearest to him as Snape left to do the same.