"Are you sure?" Sirius asked Eirene, sweat building on his forehead. The old woman just nodded. The dark hallway was barely lit by a candle. The redhead maid was long gone. "Should we tell him?"

"I don't know. If Hermione is not present for her duties, the prince is sure to ask."

"God, I should tell him. Did the palace physician come?"

"No," Eirene shook her head. "I sought another, someone that didn't recognize Hermione. The only ones that know about this matter are Ginny, you Sir, and I."

"And it should remain like that. Not one word to anyone, Lord Potter, Lord Nott, or God forbid, Princes Astoria." Sirius knew that hell was about to break loose. "Don't leave this room until I confirm it, I'm going to tell my nephew."

Draco woke up, a hand shaking his shoulder. It was the middle of the night, complete darkness in the room. A new moon was casting a dark shadow over the kingdom.

"Nephew, we are in deep trouble."

"Sirius? Are we under attack? What's wrong?" his heart began pumping adrenaline through his veins, all sleep forgotten in a couple of seconds. Draco stood from the bed and rushed to the window. But outside everything was peaceful, his kingdom sleeping.

"No, we aren't yet. But blood is going to spill."

"What? Just tell me already!"

"Be quiet! No one can know until we sort this thing out. Why do you think I came in the middle of the night? Well, maybe we can tell Remus…"

Sirius was pacing the room, his hands twitching.

"Are you going to tell me?"

"It's about Hermione…"

"Did she die?" Draco took a step closer to his uncle, facing him.

"Worse… She's pregnant. And unless you were faithful to Astoria…"

All the air left his lungs. He just stood there, looking into Sirius' worried eyes. No, it couldn't be. God. One of his hands ran through his hair. Hermione was pregnant. They would probably hang her.

"I don't know how she didn't miscarriage after the lashing. She's very ill, but she's strong…"

"They are going to kill her!" Draco took his uncle by the shoulders, shaking him, before pushing him so hard that Sirius had to take a couple of steps back. "I'm going to be forced to watch how they kill her and the… the baby."

"Calm down!" Sirius forced him to sit down. "I checked all the laws. There's nothing written on how bastards should be handled. The future heir to the crown is the first male born that the king recognizes as his son. That's what the law says. Nothing about marriage, nothing about blood, nothing besides that. If your father and grandfather were crazy shits it wasn't because of the law. Of course, it's never good to have heirs all over the place that could challenge the crown…"

Draco sighed, closing his eyes. "So, I don't have to sign Hermione's execution?"

"No, but you better pray that baby is a girl or your little wife could take the matter into her own hands."

"Now what?"

Sirius shrugged. "I think we should tell Remus. He always knows how to handle these things."

"I was not expecting this at all. But, it's good. In a few months, you could take the crown. No more dealing with your father's crazy war tactics," Remus placed a glass filled with whiskey in front of Draco. "Drink, boy. It will help with the nerves."

"So, no more Lucius the king. What do we do about Hermione?" Sirius crossed his arms.

"She's your protégée, Sirius. I think it's best if she moves to your chambers. Keep her by your side."

"You mean, like pretending the child is mine?"

Remus shook his head. "No, just keep her out of danger. You ought to forgive me, Draco, but your wife is capable of anything. I don't think she'll like the fact that another could take the crown."

"It's not like I'm going to take Hermione as my queen."

Draco placed the empty glass on the table.

"You could." Draco and Sirius turned to face Remus. "The mother of the heir has the right to be queen, over anyone. But I don't think that would be wise. It could disrupt Aerglo. The Greengrasses have a little too much power."

"Then what?"

"If the baby is a girl, there's nothing to worry about. If it's a boy, you can choose to claim him as yours or don't. It's up to you. And Astoria is a good asset, we need her family's influence if war is coming. Now, we ought to protect Hermione. Astoria and her mother would do anything to clear the way," Remus patted Draco's shoulder, trying to comfort him.

"What's going on?" Astoria asked, turning to Draco.

"Don't mind the maids, my uncle is getting a room ready in his chambers."

Draco folded a letter after the ink was dry. Astoria was sitting on a sofa, near his desk, a book with samples of fabrics on her lap. The maids had been running up and down the halls since dawn.

"Do you think a green dress would look good?" she asked, her fingers touching the fabrics.

"I think you have enough dresses, and we should spend less, we don't know how next months are going to be."

"You and your thoughts about war," she closed the book and walked over to him, standing behind with a hand on his shoulders. "I had all my dresses altered for the pregnancy, and now I won't be able to use them"

Draco just rolled his eyes.

"You better use them soon enough, Astoria," he hissed.

She frowned. But before she could respond Ginevra entered his office.

"Your Majesty, your uncle asks to see you," the redhead eyed Astoria but chose not to acknowledge her. There were things far more important than Astoria right now.

He quickly walked to his uncle's chambers, leaving both women behind. Sirius was waiting by the hall, standing outside the door that led to his private rooms.

"She's asleep, don't wake her."

Draco entered the room, closing the door softly behind him. Hermione was lying on the bed, covered up. Dark circles under her eyes, and her face deprived of the healthy blush. He knelt next to her, taking one of her hands between his. No one knew yet, but mouths were quick to rumor.

Hermione stirred. "Water," she whispered, her eyes still closed.

Draco grabbed a cup from the bedside table, bringing it to Hermione's lips. Slowly she took some small gulps.

"Hermione…"

"Shhhh. Draco, you need to keep an eye on Lord Potter," her raspy voice said.

"What?"

"I found some strange letters in his office, the right desk drawer. And, I saw him a couple of times performing secret meetings. You are in danger, tell Remus to keep an eye on him."

Draco just stared at her, her mouth slightly parted, heavy breaths coming out.

"You are in danger."

"I'll be fine. Just don't let Astoria know yet."

Her hand squeezed his. She was probably on her death bed, and she was still worried about him.

"I'm going to claim the child as mine," he promised.

"Don't be stupid, Draco. It'll only bring more trouble to the table. You have to think with your head, not your heart."

"Remus said I could. That way I'll have the crown. With that, my word would be last. I'll be able to protect my people. To actually prepare for war."

Hermione opened her eyes slightly. Brown irises staring into gray.

"Yes, but your in-laws are not going to be happy about that. A bastard prince first in line, while Astoria is yet to produce an heir… They will be chasing us down the hall with a blade. In less than a year, war will be knocking at our door, and you will need as many allies as possible."

"Everyone is going to know Hermione. You can't hide a pregnancy," he stood, letting go of her hand. "And I'm not sending you away."

"You should."

"But I won't!" he yelled, exasperated.

"Let me speak to Sirius."

"Don't try to be smart on me, Hermione."

Draco turned around and left the room, slamming the door behind him.

Hermione placed a bunch of papers in front of Remus. "Thanks. It's good having you back."

She just smiled and quickly exited the room. Now Hermione was working for his uncle and Ginevra was taking her place as his lady. Astoria was pleased with the change, and everything seemed to be quiet for a while. Too quiet for his liking. Hermione was around four months along. She had started wearing loose dresses, but her stomach was still flat. Not a hint of pregnancy yet.

"Now," Remus, said when the door closed. "I recovered some of the letters from Potter's office. But they don't make any sense. They are written in some kind of code."

"Why would he send coded letters?"

"He is the King's right hand, even though you've taken a lot more responsibilities. It's expected from him to write this kind of letters."

"So, there's nothing wrong with them?"

"Nothing that indicates he's a spy, no. But I found a letter," Remus took out a piece of paper from the bunch and laid it in front of Draco. "This one. The fibers from the paper… I've never seen this kind of paper produced in the kingdom."

"Is it from outside the kingdom? Why would he receive a foreign letter?"

"I know it's suspicious, but some extravagant Lords like to waste money on imported things."

Draco scratched his jaw. As Remus said, there were no solid proofs. But still, something didn't feel right. "Just keep a close eye on him. Please, cousin."

"I'm scared."

Hermione whispered, her breath crashing with his face. Draco's hand moved up her naked leg, caressing her hip, and coming to rest over her stomach. Her baby bump was beginning to show. Nothing that could show with her dresses on, but laying here, in his bed, naked, the curvature of her lower abdomen was so obvious to him.

"I know. I won't let anything happen to you."

"We both know there's so much you can do."

Draco couldn't lie to her. Instead, he kissed her. Slowly, savoring every second with her. Her skin burned against his. Her hands caressed his chest, going up until they were in his hair, her fingers tangled with platinum blond hair. Softly he pushed her, so she was completely flat against the mattress. Her legs locked around his waist. He didn't stop kissing her. His hands caressing every inch of her body as he buried himself again and again into her warmth. Her back arched her chest against him.

He loved her. He loved her as his name fell from her lips. As she dug her nails in his back. As her heavy breaths mixed with his. As he stared into her chocolate eyes, praying to anyone that would hear, that he would give his life for her.

Hermione was carrying a tray, some wine cups, some quills, and some paper filling it. This pregnancy was making her tired all the time. No matter how much she slept or rested, she was always tired. Sirius had suggested sending her to de southern palace, where she would be out of sight and could rest. Draco told him that if he dared send Hermione a step outside the palace, he would dig Sirius' eyes with his bare fingers.

Maybe it wouldn't be so tiring if someone stopped moving things around the palaces, forcing her to go up and down the many flights of stairs multiple times a day. God, her stomach was barely showing and her back was already killing her.

She opened the door to Draco's office, finding Ginny going through some papers.

"God, I don't know how you keep all this mess in order," the redhead complained.

Hermione smiled, closing the door and placing the tray on a small table.

"I used to put them in order of importance."

"Everything seems important."

Her eyes scanned the letter in front of her.

"Let me help you."

Hermione took a seat next to her, taking some papers to sort them into different piles.

"How do you feel?" Ginny asked after a few minutes.

"Tired and hungry. I'm sure Daphne and Astoria are placing things all over the palace to annoy me."

"Seems like something they would do. I mean, she's crazy. Throwing herself down the stairs to trap you? God, she'll kill you when she founds out about your pregnancy."

In that moment the door opened, Lord Potter entering the room.

"Good afternoon ladies," he said.

He had heard about her pregnancy; it was impossible he hadn't. Hermione pressed her back against the chair, trying to put as much space between them as possible. As if that was going to help her.

"What are you doing here, Lord?" Ginny sneered. "His Majesty forbade you from coming near his chambers if he wasn't present."

Hermione wasn't aware of this new rule Draco had implemented. Why was Lord Potter here when Draco was usually in the main meeting room at this time of the day?

"I was just passing by, on my way to the meeting, and heard a very interesting conversation coming from here. I'll leave you to your duties now."

His smile was predatory, as he left the room.

"It's the third time I bump into him here," Ginny folded a letter, placing it in one of the drawers.

Hermione knew that Lord Potter was planning something, but no proof was found. Of course, they hadn't found anything, he was too smart to leave things around. Things that could incriminate him. But Ginny had seen him three times already. How many times had he come without anyone noticing? She was not there anymore to protect Draco's privacy.

"I think you should tell my Master."

"Yes, she's pregnant."

Hermione heard a male voice around the corner. She pressed her back against the wall, leaning out to see how was speaking.

Lord Potter was giving his back to her, speaking with one of the maids. She had seen the girl before, following Astoria around the palace, indulging all her whims. He had basically signed her death sentence. There was no way Astoria was leaving her alone if this information reached her ears.

Her baby bump was starting to show and Sirius had maintained all suspicious at bay by distracting everyone with other rumors. She needed to tell him Lord Potter was spreading the truth.

She turned on her feet, trying to get away as fast as possible, but the hallway was too long, and before she could get out of sight Lord Potter called after her. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Just going to where I'm needed," she responded. Lord Potter observed her with attentive green eyes.

"I could have you punished for spying on private conversations," he took a couple of steps closer to her.

"It's not spying if you are gossiping about me."

Hermione stood her ground. She was not going to be intimidated by him. If she was guilty of spying, he was guilty of having private meetings with outsiders.

"It is if you get involved in actions that attempt against the crown."

"May I remind you of the occasions I found you in compromising situations with people not loyal to this kingdom."

Lord Potter frowned, taking a step closer, his chest pushing her a little.

"Be careful, you know nothing. I'm just doing my job, as you should."

He pushed her to the side, before stumping out of sight.

Draco was staring at some papers stating how much war was going to cost. "We could cut down on the exportation goods and save a percentage of the grain produced. That way we'll be able to feed the kingdom during the war."

"That sounds good enough," Sirius drank from his wine cup. He was standing by the window.

"We should also cut down on the wine," Draco arched an eyebrow, and his uncle just chuckled.

The door flew open, and before Draco could say anything, Astoria stormed into his office.

"Can you explain, why is your whore pregnant?!" she screamed, slamming her hands on the desk.

"Good morning to you too, Astoria," Draco exhaled. "Ginevra is not pregnant."

"Don't try to be funny! I heard some stupid maids talking about it. And I didn't believe it, because how on earth could that miserable kitchen maid be pregnant. But oh, what a surprise, I just saw her at the main garden, fat as a cow!"

At around six months, Hermione was indeed showing her pregnancy. The fact that Sirius had managed to keep her out of his wife's sight for so long amazed him.

"This is the last straw, Draco. I'm going to kill her with my bare hands."

Draco stood up, leaning towards Astoria, the desk separating them. "No, you aren't doing anything. You are my wife and are under my command."

"Watch me," Astoria hissed, all the venom spilling from her mouth.

A whistle was heard from the other side of the room. "I thought marital problems were to be kept private. But then again, I never married," Sirius mocked, lifting his cup towards them, before drinking.

"Stay out of this, you drunk rag."

"God, I didn't know princesses learned how to throw insults. Look how much I'm mastering today."

Sirius approached them, placing his cup on the desk. Astoria was fuming, face red.

"Well, you see, princess Astoria. The beautiful pregnant lady is not my nephew's fault. No, no. I was the one that had a little too much fun. Why did you think she's now working for me? My nephew here, didn't like much the fact that I was banging his Lady in waiting. But oh well, life goes on."

"Don't take me as an idiot, Sirius," Astoria claimed, between gritted teeth. "I know you are covering him, but I'm not leaving this like that."

"Well, you choose. You can lose sleep and beauty over something that you believe is true, or you can accept the truth I'm offering you and move on with your life. You're not getting any younger, and I see no heirs yet."

The smile Sirius gave her could've killed a legion, full of poison. Astoria just huffed and left the room in a storm of silk.

"Hmmm, I think I'll have a guard follow my little flower from now on."

Draco just stared at him as he poured himself another cup of wine.

"I heard congratulations are in order," a feminine voice spoke to his left.

"I don't know how to take your congratulations, Lady Daphne," Sirius answered, not turning to look at her.

"A baby is always a blessing," her voice almost made Sirius shiver.

They were standing in one of the living rooms, everyone having appetizers while waiting for dinner to be served. The last rays of the sun were entering the room through the window.

"I guess. You are a mother, you must know."

"Too bad you couldn't pick a more suitable woman."

The dark-haired woman took a sip of her wine. Sirius sniggered.

"Could say the same about your husband."

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Daphne frown.

"I know you are covering for him. But don't worry, you won't be much longer."

"Is that a threat, Lady Daphne?" Sirius turned his face, so he could look at her properly. She turned to him, smiling.

"You can take it as you like."

"I could take it as a threat to the crown, and we don't like disloyal people. You know, all those rules and stuff. But executions are sometimes fun."

The smile was washed from Daphne's face. Without another word, she walked over to where her husband was sitting. Draco sought his eyes, and when his gray eyes met Sirius', his uncle just winked at him.

Draco entered his uncle's chambers, going directly to the office. He needed to speak with his uncle. The air was getting thicker, he couldn't believe Deneb had waited so long to attack. He opened the heavy wooden door, but Sirius wasn't sitting behind the desk. In his place, Hermione was reading and organizing papers, making annotations in booklet. He checked no one was coming, and closed the door.

Hermione looked up and smiled.

"Sirius is outside talking with some general."

"Good."

He approached the desk and took her hand to help her up. Her belly was on full display, the soft cotton blue dress stretching over it. He hugged her, resting his head on top of hers, as close as her belly would allow.

"How are you feeling?"

"Good, just hungry all the time. Sirius is feeding me everything he can get his hands on."

"Finally, he's doing his job right," Draco teased and her chest vibrated with laughter.

His hands traveled to her belly, caressing it from side to side.

"Astoria came here yesterday, but Remus was here grabbing something. She left as quickly as she came."

Draco frowned. "Good thing Sirius has a guard standing by the door."

Under the palms of his hands, he felt movement. He pressed a little harder, relishing the feeling of little feet kicking.

"You woke her up."

"So now it's a her?"

Hermione shrugged. "We won't know until a couple more months."

"I have to speak with Sirius," Draco kissed her forehead. "Come sleep with me tonight. Be safe."

He left Hermione there, stepping out of the room to go search his uncle.

The sun was going down, tinting the sky of a deep blood red. Hermione was sitting at the library, on the second floor, going through Sirius' plans for war. They had been working on new strategies, it was the only way she could help. She still had almost two months left before the birth. No threats had come from Deneb yet, but something in the air had changed. With every passing day, it seemed like there was not enough oxygen to breathe like the wind was changing directions like someone was about to step over the frontier.

Hermione wrote an annotation on the paper's edge, for Sirius to look at later. Her left hand resting over her stomach, while writing.

"Look who we have here," a feminine voice snickered. Hermione looked up and saw Lady Daphne standing before her.

She quickly stood up, leaving the desk as a barrier between them.

"How may I help you, Lady?"

"God," Daphne stepped closer. "Stop with the little theater already."

Daphne took a step closer, coming around the desk. Hermione stepped back, putting as much space between them as possible.

"I don't know what you are talking about lady."

"Please, everyone knows that thing you are carrying is not Sirius'."

Slowly, they continued their game, Daphne approaching her little by little, and Hermione receding.

"You are wrong…"

"Don't try to make a fool of myself," Daphne spat. "Astoria may have left you to take everything, but I won't. I've worked too hard to have my family get a hold of the crown. I'm not letting a damn bitch take it."

"If you do something, you are going to regret it."

"Oh, so now you are threatening me? Don't make me laugh," Daphne's face was distorted with a crazy smile.

Hermione pressed a hand to her stomach, taking another step back.

"You know Draco won't let you get away if you do something."

"Only if you survive to tell."

In a swift movement, Daphne stood in front of her, pushing her over the railing of the second floor. Hermione screamed and her body fell to the floor with a tun.

"Draco…" Theo tried to speak.

"I'm executing you wife. I don't care."

Draco was walking briskly through the hallways. It seemed that with every step the corridors became longer. He couldn't reach Sirius' chambers quickly enough.

"I know. What she did is unforgivable. But she's the mother of my child…"

Draco stopped abruptly and turned to face Theo.

"Your wife," he pressed his index finger against Theo's chest. "Your wife tried to kill my child and attacked a Lady of my court."

Theo looked away and sighed.

"If my child survives, I'll think about executing her privately instead of doing the whole show."

Draco turned and resumed his path, leaving Theo behind. He didn't care Daphne was his wife, Astoria's sister, or whatever. The guards had caught her as soon as they entered the library. Hermione's scream had alerted half the palace. Now he just wanted to know if Hermione was fine. If his child was alive.

A hand grabbed his shoulder before he could enter the room, stopping him.

"Nephew, wait."

"I don't have time for this Sirius."

"I know, just… be prepared. She's bleeding a lot. They are forcing her into labor. I… I don't think you should watch."

"I'm leaving her to die alone."

He pushed the room and entered. Eirene was between her legs, clothes full of blood. Another maid pressing a cold cloth against Hermione's forehead. Tears were rolling down her cheeks.

"Hermione, I need you to push!" Eirene said, urgency in her voice.

"It hurts, it hurts," Hermione cried.

Draco approached the bed, taking Hermione's hand in his own. The maid pressed another damp cloth to her forehead. He couldn't help. He couldn't ease her pain. She did not open her eyes, her skin felt clammy against his.

"I know it hurts, but I can't keep you like this much longer," Eirene exhaled.

The old woman turned to Draco. Her eyes worried. Eirene tried to make Hermione push enough for another hour, while the girl only cried and kept bleeding.

"Enough! I'm not letting you die on me, Hermione. You," the woman took his hands and placed them on the upper section of Hermione's belly. "Don't move. Pass me another cloth!"

The maid hurried to take another sheet from the pile, passing it to Eirene.

"Okay, when I tell you, you are going to push Hermione. With all the strength you have left. And you," she turned to Draco, "You are going to press downwards."

He couldn't respond, just stared down at his hands over Hermione´s body.

"Breath… get ready… Now!"

Hermione screamed; her voice seemed to tear her throat, more tears coming from her eyes. He pushed, pressing down as hard as he could. He could almost hear her lower ribs cracking.

Complete silence followed a stillness that chilled him to the core.

And then a cry.

Eirene enveloping the small bundle in the sheet. Hermione moaned, opening her eyes. She seemed disoriented.

The old woman walked around the bed, standing next to Draco. Without saying a word, she passed the bundle to him. He cradled the bundle in his arms. A tiny baby was in his arms. With rosy skin and fluff of shockingly white hair over its head. The little face frowned, before the tiny slightly twisted in his arms, getting more comfortable.

"It's a boy," Eirene whispered.

"He's so tiny."

"Let's give Hermione time to rest."

…

Hermione woke up in the early hours of the morning. Draco saw how she sat down with a brisk move and looked around. The terror in her face gave him an idea of what was running through her mind.

"Shhh, I'm here."

He stood up from the sofa, slowly walking to the bed, and sitting on the edge. Hermione extended her arms, and Draco placed the thick blanket in her arms. She unwrapped the baby, touching his little hands, chest, legs, and feet, making sure everything was okay.

"It's a boy," Draco whispered and she just pressed the tiny body to her chest.

All her body relaxed, as she softly caressed her baby's back.

"How are you feeling?"

"Sore. My whole body feels like it was mutilated."

"You fell quite hard," he caressed her cheek as her chocolate eyes turned to look at him. "But, don't worry. I'm taking care of that."

"Don't."

"What?"

"Don't do it."

"I won't let her just go after this!"

The baby moaned.

"Don't yell. Look," she sighed. "I know you want vengeance; they are probably waiting for the guards to drag her to main square. Killing her will earn you a lot of enemies, but if you forgive her the Greengrasses will be in your debt for the rest of your life. They will have to support you and follow your every order."

Draco just stared at her, she moved to a more comfortable position, slowly rocking their baby.

"I'm going to claim him as mine."

She just shrugged, shaking her head. "I'm too tired for this. Just think about making more allies."

"We never talked about names," he changed the topic.

"He's just little Scorpius," she kissed the top of his head.

A knock was heard, and Ginny entered the room with a tray with food. She stared at them, placing the tray on the table, and left the room without a word.

"Your Majesty, we've been informed of outsiders approaching the castle."

The soldier announced. They were in one of the main salons. Sirius, Remus, Theo, and him arranging tactics. Hermione, Luna, and Eirene were quietly working on a corner of the room. More than working, she was just sitting there. Draco just needed an excuse to keep her close to him at all times. Their one-week-old sleeping in a crib, not making a sound.

She stood up, staring at Draco

"Just prepare by protocol, try to stop them before they enter the town," he commanded. The guard nodded and left the room.

"I think it's best if you go to your respective places," Remus advised.

Hermione took the baby in her arms, and Sirius ushered her out of the room. Quickly they began walking to the other side of the castle, trying to reach Sirius' chambers. A commotion was heard on the lower floors. He pulled her behind him, trying to reach the rooms as soon as possible.

A few yells were heard.

"Shit, I think I have to go down," Sirius said. "Just go up to the room, hide in the small room near the closet. Don't open the door. Just wait for one of us to get you."

He softly pushed in the direction of the chambers, before turning and going down the stairs. Hermione ran, pressing her baby against her chest.

She stopped abruptly; two men were standing in the hall. Lord Potter turned to see her, but she didn't take off her eyes from the other man. A foreigner. Deneb's coat of arms embroidered in his jacket.

She turned, and began running, trying to reach one of the safe rooms. Lord Potter hot on her heels, running after her. He reached her, grabbing her by the upper arm, shoving her into a room. The door closed with a slam.

"Don't get near me! You traitor!" she yelled, creating as much space between them as possible.

"I'm not a traitor! God, you've been interfering with my plans all these months!" Lord Potter took a step forward, his hands facing her, as to show he didn't mean harm.

"I've seen you with Deneb people too many times! You've been spying on the plans and selling our lives! You told Astoria about me!"

"No, he didn't," a voice came from one of the corners. The door leading to the secret corridors closing.

Lord Potter moved to stand before Hermione, as a barrier.

"I was the one that told Astoria! I made sure she heard me when I told Luna. I was hoping she would get rid of you! But she's so stupid," Ginny took slow steps towards them.

Hermione couldn't believe her eyes.

"But I heard Lord Potter speaking to that maid!"

"I was trying to make sure Astoria was nowhere near you! That girl was helping me keep Astoria occupied!" Lord Potter defended himself.

"You've been the one sneaking information," Hermione realized, turning to the redhead.

"Yes. Putting Aerglo against Deneb was so easy. Just a couple of infiltrators on each of the courts and you are already preparing for war."

Ginny smiled, mad.

"You helped me, Hermione," she ran her fingers along the wall as she approached them. "You told them to be aware of Potter, freeing my way."

"He was keeping in touch with Deneb!"

"Yes! I realized there were outsiders, rebels, trying to instigate a war between the two kingdoms. We were trying to stop them!"

"We were going to kill the crown, but you had to come along and have an heir," Ginny spat.

Hermione hugged the baby closer.

"I'm not letting you harm her!" Lord potter said.

"Too late."

With a swift move, she took a dagger out and stabbed Lord Potter directly into the heart. He fell to the ground, clutching his chest and gasping for air.

Hermione looked horrified. She was corned in the room.

"Now, I have to get rid of you," Ginny took a step closer.

Hi! Sorry for the wait. Writing a 5k+ word chapter was harder than I expected. Sorry for the spelling mistakes. English is not my first language and I'm trying to write as fast as possible.

I'm still debating between a sad or happy ending, you can make suggestions as always.

I love to read your theories hahaha. But no, Hermione is not the lost princess of a kingdom and Astoria will not just magically disappear.

Read you soon!

Please comment as much as you can, don't let this story die 3