CHAPTER 3

The news of Anastasia and Snape's engagement spread quickly, as did the news of the baby.

'It's horrible' Ron declared. 'If she's pregnant, that means her and Snape have.ugh, I don't want to think about it.'

'Don't be silly, Ron.' Hermione replied. Her, Ron and Harry were walking between classrooms. 'Maybe Snape's not that bad, once you get to know him'

Ron raised his eyebrows. He'd been at Hogwarts for five years now, plenty of time, he thought, to get to know Snape. There was nothing so far he'd found to like about him.

It was funny, Harry thought. Even though Hermione and Ron were a couple now, nothing had changed. Well, except that they held hands while they bickered.

'I suppose Hermione's right' Harry interjected. 'Professor Moss is really nice, so there must be something likeable about him.'

'I doubt it' Ron replied. 'And, even if there is, I still don't like the idea of a baby Snape running around.'

'Whether you like the idea or not, Mr Weasley, it is going to happen, so I suggest that you get used to the idea. I also you suggest that you and you're friends stop gossiping about things that don't concern you and get to your next lesson.'

The three of them turned around to find Snape standing behind them.

'He didn't mean it, Professor' Hermione glared at Ron. 'In fact, we'd like to say that we're happy for you and Professor Moss.'

Snape looked down on them.

'As I am in a good mood today, I will let it pass. Now, move along and stop blocking the corridors.'

The three hurried away.

'Happy for them?' Ron said disbelievingly? 'Since when?'

'Since I thought it might get us out of a detention.' Hermione replied 'And it worked, didn't it? Come on, we're going to be late.'

Voldemort sat in a chair caved from rock; Nagini curled at his feet. The room he was in was cold and windowless, and smelt of the sea. There was a knock a door.

'Enter' he commanded.

'My Lord, I have something to tell you.' It was Lucius Malfoy. 'I have a plan to bring revenge on the traitor Snape.'

Voldemort leaned in, intrigued. Malfoy explained.

'I have heard that Snape is planning to marry. Now, as you are aware, Lord, the very place we are based now is a popular location for Wizard weddings. In fact, I believe that the Potters were married here.

Malfoy saw the look of hatred that passed over his master's face at the mention of the name 'Potter', and hurried on.

'Now, with the help of your followers working at The Daily Prophet, I think we may be able to lure the traitor and his bride here. What happens to them after that is up to you.'

Voldemort's face twisted into an evil parody of a smile as Malfoy outlined the plan in more detail.

'Excellent, Lucius. You have my permission to act upon this plan immediately.'