A/N: Thanks for the reviews- another shorter chapter for you, but more action packed. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 38:

They had a wonderful two days leisurely spent preparing for Christmas. With the aid of Draco, Sarah decorated the tree and baked cookies and just relaxed enjoying both the company of her adopted father and husband without the stress and fear that came from living in Malfoy Manor under the Dark Lord's watch. There was so much freedom and joy in a life separate from all that darkness and Sarah was treasuring every moment.

Christmas Eve arrived- it snowing all day long, covering the ground.

That night, Snape had a headache and retired early. Draco excused himself to call his mother and father- Lucius and Narcissa insisting on having sometime with Draco during the holidays.

Sarah dressed warmly, retrieving her wand before grabbing her wool clock from the hooks by the door and slipping outside. In her hand were charmed flowers kept alive for such an occasion. She walked down the familiar path to the graveyard, her boots crunching in the snow.

"Hello Mum" she cleared the snow off the grave, causing her purple gloves to become wet, before putting a few of the flowers on her mum's grave. "I miss you"

Tears wet her face as her heart ached. She needed her mum so badly these days. "Life isn't the way I thought it would be. I love Draco though. I think you would like him too...at least I hope you would see what I do. Dad thought he was a prat. And he is, but he is good to me"

She sniffled, "I just wish this would end already. It's hard. I wish you were here to tell me what to do. I feel so lost at times and not even Uncle Sev can help me through it. He's trying though. I think he is scared for me too, but he is trying to be strong for both of us" She sighed, adjusting the flowers against the headstone before standing up. "I hope I can act in a way that makes you proud of me. I would hate to disappoint you. I love you so much. Merry Christmas, mummy"

She lingered a few minutes longer before leaving the graveyard. In her heart, she knew there was another grave she needed to visit tonight. She felt so strongly about it- like almost a premonition. She was supposed to be in Godric's Hallow tonight. With glance down the lane to Snape Manor, Sarah apparated to Godric's Hallow. She walked down the abandoned streets towards the grave yard, pulling her cape tightly around her, it barely blocking out the chill.

She had to look through the graves, weaving through them, taking in the wizarding names before coming to the one she was searching for.

"The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death" she read the epithet on the gravestone, standing there in silence for a few minutes before leaning down and putting the flowers on the grave, "I'm trying my best" she murmured, before adding, her voice louder, "Say hello to dad for me and Uncle James, let him win in quidditch this Christmas Eve. He'd like that"

"What a lovely thought"

She gasped and jumped, turning around to face a middle aged man and woman.

"I'm sorry, do I know you?" she asked.

"I'd should say, Paddy"

It took her a moment to register and then she squealed and launched herself into Harry's arms.

"Merry Christmas, Sarah" he whispered.

"Oh, Merry Christmas, Harry" Sarah responded, tears flowing freely, "I miss you"

He patted her back, "Are you alright?"

She pulled away, "I'm fine"

He looked into her eyes, seeing the pain she was trying to hide, "Thank you for putting the flowers on my parents' grave"

"I felt like I needed to see them tonight"

He put his arm around her waist, "me too"

"Did you read the epithet?"

Harry looked at it, "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death" he paused, struggling, "I don't understand. Isn't that a death eater idea?"

"No, Harry" Sarah responded, quietly, "Death Eaters want to conquer death so they can live forever and gain immortal power. This speaks of life beyond the grave- like I was talking about. Can't you see our fathers playing quidditch while our mums watch on?"

"I can" Tears streamed down Harry's face, "I should have had more time. They all should have had more time"

She slipped her hand in his, "I know"

They fell silent for a few moments, before Sarah turned to them, "It's strange looking at the two of you" she said.

"Keep your voice down" Hermione advised, "Harry, we have been standing here too long. Why would two strangers visit the Potters' grave?"

Sarah's stomach churned, "She's right. And I'm not in disguise"

"Yes, you need to get under the invisibility coat with us" Harry said, "I want to go see the house. Are you coming?" he asked Sarah.

"I'd like to see it too" she responded.

The pub was getting more crowded as they walked past it to the Potter's home.

Sarah's breath hitched when she saw it, "Harry" her voice faltered. The house was overgrown, one side of it blown off. She sniffled when she thought of James and Lily spending their last moments here, "Maybe we should rebuild it one day to honor your parents"

"Maybe you can't" Harry said, "Maybe when Dark Magic destroys something, you can't rebuild it"

"That's not much hope for me then" she murmured.

"Sarah?" he questioned.

"We should talk later" Hermione said, "Shall we go see Bathilda?"

Sarah looked at Hermione curiously, "Bagshot?"Why?" she questioned.

"To see if she can work out the clues Dumbledore left us, considering she knew Dumbledore well" Hermione explained.

"That makes sense" she nodded.

"Wait, look at this" he gestured to the memorial that stood honoring James and Lily. People had scribbled on it, wishing Harry good luck and safety.

"They shouldn't have done that" Hermione said.

"No, it's brilliant" Harry replied. "My parents would have like that I think"

Sarah nodded, "I think you are ri..." her voice trailed off as she gripped Harry's arm, murmuring, "look there"

A heavily clocked figure hobbled towards them.

"Harry" Sarah spoke under her breath, all three of them noticing the same thing- it was as if she could see them...and she shouldn't be able to. That was troublesome.

Harry lowered the cloak.

"Harry, I'm not charmed" Sarah panicked, but Harry reached for her hand, squeezing it, "It's alright. I don't think she has a connection with you know who"

The panic abated, but only slightly as she was uncomfortable by the way the heavily cloaked figure was looking at them. Snape had always taught her to be cautious and vigilant- to assess the situation...and this seemed...almost too convenient.

"Bathilda?" Harry asked.

She nodded and began to walk, gesturing them to follow her.

"I think she wants us to come with her" Sarah said.

"Brilliant deduction" Harry retorted and Sarah elbowed him.

Harry began to follow and Sarah lagged behind to fall in step with Hermione.

"Mione, I don't have a good feeling about this. This doesn't feel right to me. Why isn't she talking?"

"I don't know" Hermione frowned, trying to work out the situation, "but we have to talk to Bathilda. We are out of ideas to figure this out"

"Where is Ron?"

"Trying to get ideas from his parents"

"That's not a good idea to get the Weasleys involved" Sarah looked at her surprised.

"We have no other choice at this point" Hermione said, "We'll meet back up in a few hours"

They went to Bathilida's house and she gestured for Harry to follow her.

"I think she wants me to go alone"

"I don't think that is wise" Sarah said, reaching out to grasp his hand, pulling him back. "I should go with you at the very least"

Bathilda adamantly shook her head.

"What could she possibly do?" Harry shrugged, "I have my wand"

"Let him go" Hermione said and Sarah dropped his hand.

Hermione and her spent a tense few minutes in silence before Sarah grunted, "I'm going to go listen in"

"Sarah" Hermione chided.

"If he needs me, I want to be close by"

At that moment, they heard a thump and they raced up the stairs. Sarah's heart nearly thumped out of her chest as she saw the sight of a giant snake on Harry...a snake she recognized.

"Nagini" Sarah screeched, her wand in her hand. She blasted the snake off of Harry and Nagini lunged for her.

Hermione intervened, but the snake was persistent, seemingly incited by Sarah's assault.

"He's coming" Harry gasped, convulsing.

"He's bit" Sarah breathed heavily, "Go, Hermione. Go now. We don't have time to waste. I'll cover you"

"No" Harry screamed. "Come too"

"No, go, Hermione. Now" Sarah snapped, insistent.

Hermione didn't hesitate, lunging for Harry and apparating with him a split second before Voldemort appeared.

Nagini lunged towards her, and as she was caught off guard by Voldemort's arrival, there was an opening, but Voldemort, even though clearly furious, stepped between her and his snake. He spoke parseltongue, quick, harsh tones for several minutes before the snake slithered away.

Her eyes were on the floor, her feet planted when Voldmort came over to her. "You stayed"

"Yes"

"You may have wished you have left by the time I am through with you"

"I didn't know" Sarah's throat was dry as she looked at him.

"Didn't know what?"

"That he would be here"

"You see I find that entirely too convenient" Voldemort said. His movement was swift and physical, his hand crushing her, her pinned against the side of the wall.

"I didn't know" she cried again, twisting away from the pain, but it was overwhelming, simply from his touch on her.

"Nagini insists you did"

"How would Nagini know my motives for coming to Godric's Hallow? Come to the Potters' Grave. You can see the flowers I laid there. They are the very same I put on my mother's grave tonight. I'll show you that too. Examine my wand and the spells cast- I charmed those flowers"

The cruciatus was severe, crushing her into the wall and causing her to crumple to the ground as she convulsed. Voldemort entered her mind, weaving through her memories, Sarah careful to guard the most sacred.

The pain stopped, abruptly.

He reached for her, helping her up to stand.

"I can't" her knees wobbled. Her hands reached out to grasp him and he held her steady while she shook. "I can't stop shaking" Her teeth chattered.

"It wasn't an ordinary cruciatus" he murmured, his voice soothing. "You did well to not faint"

"Is there more coming?" her stomach revolted, from the crutiatus or that she was practically limp in Voldemort's arms, but she managed to swallow back down the bile that had risen to the top of her throat.

"No, I believe you"

When her legs finally stilled, he pulled back, his long fingers capturing her face, holding it so she was looking at him. "Why didn't you summon me?"

"I'm not a Death Eater, my Lord" Sarah reasoned. "How would I summon you?"

"We can remedy that"

Her heart beat out of her chest. "I..." she took a breath, "If I wanted to get a tattoo, sir, I would prefer flowers or butterflies"

"It's not a tattoo"

"Brand, tattoo...it's ghastly" she wrung her hands, opting for humor to try to snake her way out of this precarious situation. She didn't want the Dark Mark. She couldn't have it, but she was powerless if he chose to brand her.

He chuckled, "You amuse me, Sarah and few things do in this world"

"Please don't put your mark on me"

"No, I don't think I will now, but by the time I'm done with you, you'll have much more than my mark"

She swallowed hard, knowing the future implications of that statement and hoping it would never come to that.

"Nagini is out for your blood" Voldemort said, "I'm staying her off"

"I didn't mean to hurt her" she said, "when I saw her hurting Harry, I reacted"

"What would you do if I was the one hurting Harry?"

"You know the answer to that" her voice was small.

"He is the enemy. You will have to choose" he told her, his voice low.

"He's my friend"

"You would step in front of him"

"Yes as I would for any number of people I care for"

"For your husband?"

"For him, I wouldn't just step, I would run in front of him" she said, adamantly.

"Even if it was members of the Order?"

"Of course"

"I see. At least that pleases me" He put his hand over her heart, "But this blasted thing is your worst enemy"

"My mother always said it was my greatest gift"

"That sounds like something the old fool would say" Voldemort scoffed.

"Dumbledore?"

"Yes"

"My mother liked Dumbledore" Sarah offered. "I did too"

"Don't be cheeky" Voldemort frowned, "you are lucky you are not still under the cruciatus, you foolish girl"

"Why aren't I being punished? I still aided Harry"

"I have my reasons" Voldemort said, cryptically.

"Will you not tell me them?" she asked. "It is Christmas"

"No, child" Voldemort traced her face. "Come, let us return you to Snape Manor"

"My Lord" Sarah knees wobbled again at that thought of apparating, "I can return on my own"

"No" Voldemort shook his head, swiftly though he didn't miss Sarah's address- she was being submissive. "I want to talk to Snape and your husband. You shouldn't be roaming out alone at night like this. It's dangerous" he said, dryly.

"I have my wand. I can take care of myself"

Again his fingers rubbed her face, causing her stomach to almost churn. She struggled to remain impassive. "You are strong, Sarah, but against my death eaters, you still have more to learn. And you are quite tempting from some of them"

She knew he was right- she was under the Dark Lord's protection and good will whether she liked it or not.

"Very well" she acquiesced and she took his arm, he apparated to the steps of Snape Manor.

Snape's temper was explosive- the minute Voldmort left them after a stern talking to at both Snape and Draco...telling them if he can't trust him to control her that he would have to take her in hand himself.

Draco remained silent as Snape's railed at her, his lecture scathing.

"Dad" she tried to cut him off.

"Go on. Offer justification" Snape challenged her, his eyes lit. "You were foolish, little girl. And attacking Nagini ... do you have a death sentence? You must have known the minute Nagini showed herself that the Dark Lord was on his way"

"I had to save Harry" her voice was soft, but it didn't waver. "I would do it again" She turned to Draco, "You are quiet"

He shrugged, "I'm not your father"

"What does that mean?"

"It means" Draco stood, "you make your own choices, Sarah, but don't expect me to risk myself for you if you are going to act stupidly. There was no reason you should have gone there tonight"

"I didn't know he was going to be there"

Snape crossed his arms. "She's telling the truth, Draco. Otherwise, she would be in much sorrier state than she is now"

"Still..."

"I felt like I had to go" Sarah whispered. "Like I needed to be there"

Draco stood, "he bloody kissed your forehead Sarah. What the hell was that about?"

"Do you think I want him touching me, Draco?" Sarah's voice raised, "It turns my stomach"

"Draco" Snape's voice was low, admonishing.

"I'm not saying you want it" Draco said, "but if he is doing anything to you..."

"Doing anything?"

"Yes..."

"I swear to you, he's not" she responded, adamantly.

Draco shook his head, wearily, "I'm done here. Uncle Sev, may I sleep in my own room?"

Sarah's eyes widened, "Draco"

"I need space" he said.

"It's Christmas"

"And you think this is how I wanted to spend my Christmas Eve?" Draco said, "We knew you were missing Sarah. Do you know all the things that went through our head tonight? You are so bloody inconsiderate at times"

"What was I supposed to do?"

"Try leaving a note" Draco said.

"You would have just searched for me"

"Damn right I would have" Draco said, "Why the hell would you want to go there anyway?" he questioned again.

She looked at Snape, who didn't offer any reproof to Draco's colorful language.

She turned back to Draco, "I visited Mum's grave tonight and since I couldn't go to Dad's, for obvious reasons, I just felt that the closest I could get to him was through visiting his best friends. I'm sorry, Draco if I worried you. I had no idea Harry would be there and the Dark Lord was setting a trap for him, but I suppose that explains Nagini's absence from Malfoy Manor of late"

"It's plausible scenario, Draco" Snape offered, "One that the Dark Lord himself accepts as the truth"

"Draco, please. It's completely true. I wouldn't compromise what I'm trying to do here for something as foolish as meeting Harry for Christmas Eve. I'm smarter than that"

Still, he wouldn't budge and they remained at a standstill for several minutes. Finally, Snape spoke.

"Let's all get some sleep" Snape suggested, "Draco, of course, you may sleep where you desire"

"Then goodnight" Draco went to the door, but the sound of Sarah's voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Draco"

He turned, "Yes?"

"The bloody dark Lord gave me a kiss goodnight"

"He must like you more at the moment than I do"

Her eyes flooded with tears, but Snape's hand on her shoulder stopped here from responding and Draco left them alone.

She slumped forward, Snape turning her around.

"He'll come around" Snape soothed.

"Don't be nice to me" she sniffled.

"Oh, I'm still mad at you myself" he retorted, but then his eyes softened, "Thank you for putting flowers on Lily's grave. She deserves someone to remember her and honor her, especially during this time of the year. She loved Christmas time"

She searched his eyes, "do you miss her, Dad?"

He nodded.

"I wish I could have met her" she said, "well, met her and remembered her" she amended.

"She loved you as a baby and she would have loved you now" Snape said, "your feistiness and bravery and especially how loyal you are to her son"

"I was so scared when I realized it was Nagini" Sarah whispered, her breath hitching as she remembered the horrifying moment. "I reacted out of instinct, but I have a feeling that Nagini and I are not through yet"

Snape frowned, "Do you have a foreboding about the snake, Sarah?"

"You told me not to take divination, how would I know?" Sarah commented.

"It's foolishness"

"Still, it's a feeling" she told Snape, "and especially after tonight, the Dark Lord is the one protecting me from her"

"He has to keep your womb safe"

She cringed, "What a bloody horrible thing to say!"

"It's the truth, Black"

Her shoulders slumped again, "I know"

"It won't come to that" Snape tried to reassure her, but the both knew that something had to change and quickly. Their situation and that of the Order was looking more and more dire.

"Bellatrix, thank you for coming"

"My Lord?" Bellatrix bowed, "You summoned me?"

"I have a task for you" Voldemort said, twining his bony fingers together. "One that requires access to Malfoy Manor and your nephew's quarters"

"They put privacy charms up"

"That should be nothing for you, Bella, my dear, bribe a house elf if you must"

"Quite so, my Lord" Bella said with a giggle, "What is it for?"

"I want Sarah to bear Draco's child. Her loyalty to Potter will surely be nothing compared to her loyalty to her child"

"You want me to switch her potion?" Bella started to laugh, "Oh goodie. This should be fun"

"Your sense of humor is twisted, Bella" Voldemort laughed as well.

"You love it so, my Lord" she gave him a look that caused Voldemort to eye her differently.

"I do" he said in a low voice before offering his hand to take her away, them spending Christmas Eve together...

...while meanwhile Sarah and Draco spent Christmas Eve apart- Draco lying awake in his room, aware of Sarah's muffled tears coming from their shared wall...but refusing to go to her.

A/N; Please Review