Saturday morning, the day of the Hogsmeade trip, dawned cool and gray. The skies were dark, and the air smelled of rain. Hermione wanted to stay at Hogwarts, but Draco persisted, and she eventually gave in. They walked, hand in hand, through the streets of the small Wizarding town. Eventually, they met up with Harry, Tanith, and Ron. The boys had been showing Tanith Wizarding London, and she looked like she was still in awe of it all. She stepped behind Harry when she saw that Draco was there, and looked the other way. Hermione hugged Harry and Ron, before standing next to Draco.
"I need to go pick something up. We'll meet you at the Three Broomsticks in half an hour, okay?" Hermione said, receiving nods. She smiled and pulled Draco off down the road. They stopped in front of a green shop. The windows were dusty, making them opaque, and the sign above the door read 'Earnest's Exotic Animal Shoppe.' Draco looked at Hermione suspiciously before she grinned and dragged him inside. A small bell rang somewhere in the depths of the store, and shortly after a small old man with a cane came out.
"Is someone there?" The man said. Taking a step closer, Draco could see the white circles covering his eyes. Moon blind, he thought to himself.
"Yes. Mr. Lynch, its Hermione Granger. I've come to pick up the animal I purchased earlier." Hermione looked at Draco through the corner of her eye. Ernest smiled.
"Ah, yes. Very lucky you are, he's a beautiful specimen…" The man chuckled slightly and went back behind the curtained door. Draco arched an eyebrow in Hermione's direction, but she just smiled and turned to wait for the man to emerge again. He came out quite a few moments later, carrying a glass box with a black cloth over it. "Careful now," Ernest warned, handing the box delicately to Hermione. "Now, I believe you've already paid, so go on now. Enjoy!" The man gave her a toothless grin.
"Thank you, Mr. Lynch." Hermione said, nodding her head to incline that Draco should follow. He strode out of the store, and into the bright sunlight. Blinking a few times due to the sudden light, he squinted and looked at Hermione.
"Care to tell me what this is all about?" He asked, watching as Hermione set the glass box on a nearby bench. She sat down and motioned for Draco to do the same.
"Well, I was looking for a present for you, seeing as how we missed our one-month anniversary. So I came upon this store, and what do I see but a little black milk snake." Hermione pulled the cloth back, revealing a two foot long black snake. It was coiled in the corner, sleeping. "His name is Nero. I thought you might like him." Draco stared at the snake, before leaning over to kiss Hermione lightly.
"He's stunning. Thank you." Draco said before picking up the tank and pulling Hermione to her feet. "But now, If I may, I would like to give you your present." He smiled mischievously and pulled a box out of his pocket. Hermione opened the box and gasped. A small pendant was on a silver chain, hidden by folds of satin. Lifting up her chestnut curls, Draco fastened the necklace around her throat. Hermione's hand went to the pendant that hung across her chest. "It's a serpent, wrapped around a dagger. There's a gryphon on the dagger's hilt. I thought you might like it. I'm sorry it's late, but I couldn't get it to you for our one-month, seeing as I was staying at the Manor." Draco whispered in her ear. Hermione's fingers traced over the intricate details. She turned and kissed Draco, a little more demanding than before. Draco returned her kiss, but broke away. "We have to meet some people, remember?" Draco explained to Hermione's disappointed face. She nodded and laced her fingers with his own, walking off to join their friends at the Three Broomsticks.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Narcissa wasn't planning on going to Hogsmeade, but when Severus told her that he would be going, she immediately agreed to come. She dressed herself up, putting on silver robes and twisting her long blonde hair up into a bun. Severus came to get her, and commented on her appearance.
"You look absolutely gorgeous, Narcissa." Severus said, placing an arm around her waist. Narcissa smiled, nuzzling closer to his body. Lucius never told me that, Narcissa thought spitefully. Their carriage stopped soon after, and Severus helped Narcissa down. They continued to walk through the village, stopping in shops along the way, and once, Narcissa let her hand slip into Severus' accidentally. He pulled away slowly, giving her a look that she seemed to realize meant 'not in public.' She blushed slightly and they continued on their way. After a while, Severus whispered to Narcissa that he had some things to buy for Hogwarts, and that she shouldn't come. She sighed, but agreed. Narcissa slowly made her way to the Three Broomsticks, thinking that a warm butterbeer could calm her nerves. She walked down a long alleyway, right next to her destination. It was dark, and Narcissa started to feel uneasy. She looked around; having the vague suspicion that someone was watching her. A clap of thunder resounded overhead, and an arm reached out around Narcissa's waist. A dagger went to her throat, pressing so hard that the skin broke. A thin line of blood issued from the fresh wound.
"I see you're not being too faithful to me, Narcissa." The cold voice hissed in her ear. Narcissa squeezed her eyes shut with realization.
"Lucius," She managed to gasp out. "Please, you're hurting me…" Tears started to form in her eyes.
"I can't have you crying, woman. Now please, spare me the sentiments. What is this infatuation I see growing with the Potions Master?" Lucius drawled coldly, still holding the dagger to her flesh.
"It's nothing, really. We're just friends…" Lucius spun her around and slammed her against the cold brick wall. Raindrops had started to fall and every so often a clap of thunder and a blot of lightning would illuminate the sky.
"You're lying to me, Narcissa. I can see it in your eyes. Deception," Lucius spat. His long blond hair fell over his face, shielding himself and Narcissa. "Now, tell me. Why Snape?"
"Because…" Narcissa whispered in fear. Suddenly, as though someone had opened a valve, she felt the rage bubbling inside her veins, begging for release. "I don't have to explain my doings to you, Lucius. I don't need you anymore! I don't want you…" Narcissa said coldly, looking into his eyes. His hand moved swiftly, smacking against Narcissa's cheekbone. She tumbled into the street, into the pouring rain, into the view of others. Narcissa cowered in fear, backing up from Lucius.
"You are foolish, woman! You would be no where without me, do you understand that?" Lucius yelled into the cold air, attracting attention from some of the guests in the Three Broomsticks. "You belong to me…" He spat coldly, drawing his wand.
Draco looked up when he heard the yelling. He saw his father, standing over his mother. He saw the cut on his mother's neck, the bruise forming on her cheek, and stood. Drawing his own wand, Draco stormed out the door into the thunder and lightning. He saw his own father, the man who had given him life, pull his wand against Narcissa. Draco pointed his wand at Lucius, and yelled, "Expelliarmus!" Lucius looked up, but was thrown back against the wall with the sheer force of the spell, and his wand was cast in a different direction. Draco ran to his mother, not bothering to check on his father. Narcissa sat up and rubbed her neck. "Are you all right?" Draco asked, lightly touching her cheek.
"I'll be fine. I just need to go back to Hogwarts, see Madam Pomfrey. Don't worry Draco," Narcissa reassured her son. She stood and made her way inside to a very worried daughter-in-law. Draco stood outside, overshadowing his father. Lucius had hit the wall with such force it had knocked him unconscious. Draco gave his father one last kick, dropped his wand next to him, and left. Hermione rushed over, staring at Lucius' crumpled body with wide eyes.
"No, unfortunately he's not dead. Just unconscious. But I swear, he will pay." Draco's eyes narrowed maliciously, the blue flashing with fire. "He will pay…"
* * * * * * * * * * *
Tanith was cowering in a corner when the fight started. She was sure that Lucius would recognize her. Harry looked at her quizzically, but she just shook her head. After Narcissa had dried off somewhat, the group went back to the castle, the cheery atmosphere gone. Hermione set up Nero in his little tank in the common room. Camille didn't seem too pleased, but the black serpent fascinated Dillon. Dillon was a quiet boy, and he didn't seem to talk to very many people. Draco and him were often found conferring in low voices, but they stopped abruptly when anyone came within hearing range. Camille was as ebullient as normal, throwing comments at lower students and those she felt weren't her equals. Camille reminded Hermione very much of Draco before he had changed, but she kept the though to herself. Late one night after Draco and Dillon had left the common room, Camille and Hermione stayed awake, talking about the war and just things in general.
"Camille, I know you're in Slytherin, and they're notorious for being Dark wizards, but what side are you on?" Hermione asked gently. Camille's icy eyes flickered a bit, but she hid her emotions well.
"I have no intention of fighting for Voldemort. My father is a Death Eater, but my mother is an auror. She raised me alone, and I haven't heard from my father in years." Camille looked away, her blue eyes clouding with tears. Hermione gently hugged her. Wiping her tears, Camille spoke again. "But, we shouldn't dwell on the past."
Hermione nodded. "Exactly. Harry and Ron always used to-" Camille looked up sharply.
"You know Ron Weasley?" She asked, her eyes dancing with mischief. Hermione nodded, inclining her head as if to ask why it made a difference. Camille blushed. "Oh, I…well…it's just…" She stumbled for words, but Hermione smiled.
"You like him, don't you?" Hermione asked. Camille nodded and blushed harder. "Oh, that is just so cute!" Hermione said, laughing.
"What is so funny?" Camille asked, slightly hurt. "He does not think badly of me, does he?" Hermione continued laughing, but shook her head.
"Oh, no. Of course not…" She managed to gasp between convulsions of laughter. "It's just, he had a crush on Fleur too, and he was looking at you in the dining hall the other day. I don't know, maybe I'm just sappy, but I think Ron would absolutely die if he knew you liked him!" Hermione smiled as Camille started to laugh too.
"Oh, but you mustn't tell him! I mean, isn't he going to be fighting in the war? And who knows when that will be, but I imagine soon!" Camille said, sobering.
Hermione looked at her gravely. Ron had relayed his dream, and Hermione had interpreted that when her child was but a baby, the war would start. And after her decision, she knew the months were drawing closer. "Uh, Camille? I'm not feeling too well, I think I'll just go for a walk and then get some sleep." Hermione said shakily. Camille nodded, and hugged Hermione.
"Goodnight," She said. "I hope you feel better." Hermione smiled and left through the portrait door. She walked silently down the hallways to the library. Easing the heavy wooden doors open, she slipped inside.
"Lumos," She whispered to her wand, lighting the tip. Hermione tiptoed through the shelves of books, looking for one book in particular she knew was here. Finding it, she smiled in triumph, but sedated at the reason she needed it. Flipping through pages in the near pitch black of the library, her wand light rested on the spell she needed. Hastily scribbling it down on a spare piece of parchment, Hermione placed the book back on the shelf and left. She turned left instead of going back up to her dormitory, and exited through the Great Hall's doors. The late October air stung Hermione's skin as she paced around the grounds. Her wand twirling in her fingers, Hermione thought of the prospect if the spell was positive. She knew that Ron's vision was true, but the details might have wavered. What if someone died? It certainly seemed as though Harry and Ron wouldn't make it out unscathed. Hermione shivered involuntarily, due to nerves and the harsh breeze. Cheeks flushed, Hermione went back inside and into her room. She sat on the edge of a chair, in front of the fire, staring at the parchment. She picked up her wand a good many times, but always ended up putting it right back down again. She sighed, leaning back into the chair and closing her eyes. A door opened in the common room, but Hermione ignored it. Shortly after, Draco brushed his lips against the exposed flesh of Hermione's neck. She gasped in surprise, but smiled at her intruder.
"What are you doing up so late, love? It's almost three in the morning." Draco said, his blue eyes full of worry. He stroked her cheek, but pulled back. "You're cold…" He whispered, pulling her onto his lap.
"Oh Draco…I'm so confused." She said softly, breathing in his scent. Draco pulled Hermione closer in an attempt to warm her.
"What about?" He asked softly. Hermione pulled back suddenly, and stood. Draco stood too, turning her face to look at him. "What's wrong?" He asked, voiced laced with anxiety.
"You know Ron's vision? The one about the attack?" Hermione said, sitting again. Draco sat beside her, holding her hands. "Well, I was carrying something. I presumed it to be our child."
"Hermione, don't worry. I promised you that I would protect you, and I hold to that now. Besides, we have plenty of time before we have to worry about a child." He said softly. Hermione turned away.
"No, we don't. Do you remember the night you came back?" Draco nodded. "Well, the next morning, I didn't put any charms to protect me. If that spell," Hermione said, pointing to the ripped parchment, "Turns out positive, we have a lot to worry about, and less than eight months to plan something in." Draco looked at the parchment, and then back to Hermione. She was close to tears.
"Shh…It's all right." He whispered, pulling her back onto his lap. Hermione collapsed against Draco's chest, crying. "Don't worry. We'll think of something. And even if you are pregnant, I promise I'll take care of you. I swear to you, I won't let anything bad happen to you or our child." Hermione hugged Draco hard.
"Thank you…" She whispered. Her sobs subsided, and she looked up. "Well, I suppose we ought to find out whether or not I really am going to be a mother before we get all worked up." Hermione smiled, taking her wand and the parchment. Pointing the tip of her wand at her abdomen, Hermione whispered the incantation. "Essere Perda." A blue light filtered into her stomach, and Hermione shut her eyes tightly. A soft red light proceeded to emanate from her stomach, before the room was dark again. Finally daring to open her eyes, Hermione looked at Draco. His blue eyes were locked on her face. "Was the light red?" She asked. Draco nodded. Taking a deep breath, Hermione spoke. "We're going to be parents."
* * * * * * * * * * *
Tanith paced slowly around her room. They had gotten back from Hogwarts w few weeks before, but her mind was still troubled. She had seen three Malfoys and Severus Snape, but none of them recognized her. Except Draco, her mind told her. But that didn't surprise Tanith. They had, after all, spent many childhood years together, occupying themselves elsewhere while their parents conferred. Tanith knew that Dumbledore and Moody knew her secret, but she wanted them to be the only two. Eventually she would tell Harry, for he had become like the brother she had lost. Two years her senior, Harry felt it his duty to protect Tanith and keep her safe. Tanith smiled, sitting on her bed. She needed to get out, go somewhere and leave everything behind. She stepped outside her door, closing her eyes in anticipation. Right where the sixteen-year-old had been standing, a small black garter snake now sat, coiled. She slipped down the stairs and out the door, savoring the fresh night air.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Lucius woke up, wet, cold, and angry. He stood up, wiping the water from his face, and picked up his wand. It was night, and he silently damned the villagers to hell for not noticing him. His back hurt from the impact on the wall. He quickly apparated to his manor and stormed inside. A small house elf was walking by, and she turned to accept Lucius' coat, but was instead kicked across the hall, landing with a small whimper. Lucius simply smirked and went up the stairs. Changing into dry clothes and healing his back, he went downstairs to his parlor. In the corner of the room was a mahogany bar, and Lucius searched through it before settling on a glass of sherry. Sitting in front of the fire, Lucius sipped his intoxicant and sighed. Narcissa had betrayed him and his trust; who knew what secrets she had leaked to the professor. Draco was as violent and headstrong as Lucius himself had been as a boy, but that audacity and disregard for rules would get him in trouble. Letting the glass fall and shatter on the stone floor, Lucius stood and walked to his dungeons. He entered a small room lit only with one candle, and bowed.
"My Lord," He whispered, standing up again. "It is as we feared. Narcissa has betrayed us, and Draco is working with them. He has not gone to find Potter at all." Lucius spoke coldly of his son.
"Ah, well, things will not always be in our favor, Lucius," A cold voice hissed. "But we cannot act now. As I am to believe, Miss Granger is pregnant with your grandchild, and when it is born, we will act. But for now, all we can do is wait." Voldemort's forked tongue ran over his thin lips, his red eyes glinting. "You have been beneficial to me, Lucius. And you shall be rewarded when the time comes." Voldemort nodded, dismissing Lucius. He left immediately, bowing again, and walked upstairs. He knew that Draco was staying at Hogwarts, and that Potter and the others were mostly there too. Infiltrating my old school, Lucius thought, smirking. Oh, the possibilities…
* * * * * * * * * * *
Hermione closed her eyes as Draco sat next to her, speechless. He said nothing, remained motionless, and his face was void of emotion. The only clues to what he might have been thinking were his ice blue eyes, gleaming with unshed tears.
"Draco, I-" Hermione started, but Draco held a finger to her lips.
"You have quite possibly made me the happiest man alive." He whispered, removing his finger to kiss her lightly. "But are you sure you want to go through with this? You looked so worried earlier…" His blue eyes grew dark with concern.
"Yes," Hermione whispered, moving closer to Draco. "I am very sure." She rested her head on his chest, feeling the slow rise and fall of his chest. Hermione could faintly hear the beating of his heart. "I love you, Draco." She whispered, close to slumber.
"I love you too, Hermione." Draco said softly back, stroking her hair. She fell asleep slowly, a smile dancing on her lips. Draco sat there for a long time after, thinking. He was nothing like the small boy of eleven that had first come to Hogwarts. Back then he was a selfish bastard, controlled by his father and Voldemort. Time progressed, and he learned to fight his father's influence. It all led up to seventh year, when he left home…and met Hermione. Draco looked down at her. She was hugging his waist, softly breathing. A strand of chestnut hair fell in front of her face, and with each breath it fluttered. Draco smiled and tucked the loose curl behind her ear. His eyes left her face and rested on the fire. The flames were licking the walls, casting a dancing orange light. The shadows were flickering on the walls, softly illuminating the couple. Draco sighed, picking Hermione up and placing her in her bed. Kissing Hermione's head lightly, Draco turned out Camille's light and softy shut the door. He put out the fire, and went to his own room. Dillon was awake, sitting on his bed with a leather bound book. He shut it quickly when Draco walked in.
"Oh, you're awake." Dillon said quietly, placing his book in a drawer next to his bed. Draco nodded, sitting on his own bed.
"Dillon, you know the war is coming, but what part do you intend to play in it? I know plenty of people who are hiding, but more that are fighting. I can nearly guarantee you it will be in less than a years time, and most likely will be fought here, at Hogwarts." Draco locked his eyes on the younger boy's face. He showed no sign of fear, and he never flinched. "I hate to put this pressure on you, but you are a powerful wizard. All of the Head students are. I believe that you can help us Dillon, but you have to be willing to." Draco said softly.
"I know what I'm going to do. Dumbledore has talked to me about it many times. I will be staying at Hogwarts the rest of the summer, because the headmaster also believes Voldemort will attack here. I am fighting, to the death if need be." Dillon said the words with such finality and emotion that Draco only nodded.
"You have a strong spirit, Dillon. Just watch yourself, it may be the death of you." Draco whispered, turning out the light.
"I know, but there will be nothing to prevent it. I have nothing to live for, nothing to gain, just the defeat of Voldemort." Dillon said so softly that Draco didn't hear. Dillon sighed, taking out his journal. Lighting his wand, he wrote.
October 23- 4:12 a.m.
I told Draco that I am fighting for his side in the war. I know it's coming soon; Dumbledore and I have talked many times, alone and with Camille. She is fighting too, trying to prove herself, that even Slytherins can be moral. She is quite the girl, but her love lies with a certain Gryffindor, Ronald Weasley. I have nothing to live for anymore but the friendship of few select people and my family's name. But that will do nothing if evil is allowed to prevail. I will die in this world fighting for my cause, or I will kill myself after. There is no hope in a world where Voldemort rules.
Dillon put out his wand's light and placed the book in his drawer. Sighing, he turned over and lay on his back, staring at the ceiling. Draco had a wife and possibly a child, how could he risk all that? Swearing to himself that he would protect his newfound confidant and his family, Dillon fell into an uneasy sleep.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Tanith came in around dawn. She had spent the night slinking around the grounds. She slipped under her door, and hid under her bed. Harry was standing by her window, his emerald eyes dark with worry. Tanith just watched, seeing in him the brother she had lost to the Dark forces. She quietly came into the open and transformed. Harry turned at the sudden movement, and breathed a sigh of relief, but looked at her questioningly.
"Where have you been, Tanith?" He asked, his voice strained with anxiety. "I've been so worried…" Tanith smiled.
"I, well…I was outside. I couldn't sleep." She half lied. Harry furrowed his brow.
"But how did you get in here so quietly? I didn't even see the door open…" Harry searched her face for answers. Tanith sighed, sitting on her bed and motioning for Harry to do the same. He sat, but continued to watch her.
"Harry, now, you mustn't get angry at me, but…" Tanith finished, and transformed. A small black snake slithered up the bedpost and sat on Harry's lap. "I'm an animagus. My brother was one too, he was an eagle. He taught me when I was fourteen, in hopes that it would one day help me." Harry looked at her in amazement.
"So you're the snake I've been talking to." Harry said with slight amusement. Tanith went back to the floor and transformed. "And all that time I thought I was going crazy…" Harry smiled, and Tanith hugged him.
"So you aren't angry?" She asked, pulling back from the embrace and locking her gaze on Harry's emerald eyes. He shook his head. "Thank you." She laughed, and turned back to Harry. "I may just have to teach you someday!" She joked.
"Oh, and what would I be? An elk like my father? Or perhaps a dog like my uncle…" He teased her, pulling her in for another hug.
"No, you'd be lion. Brave, daring, afraid of nothing. Powerful, dangerous, but caring for those he protects." Tanith said very seriously. Harry stepped back.
"Symbol of Gryffindor house." He whispered. Tanith turned her head to one side, questioning his statement. "There are four houses in Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. They were created by the four greatest wizards in their time. There's a sorting hat that decides what house you belong in. When I was being sorted, it told me that I would do well in Slytherin, but that my bravery was more like Gryffindor. It only put me in Gryffindor because I asked it to." Harry paused, closing his eyes for a moment. "I suppose I know that I am a true Gryffindor." Tanith stood there, watching Harry intensely. He shook his head lightly, but turned back to her, smiling. "Anyway, we ought to get to sleep. Moody wants us to meet him outside at noon, so we might as well rest while we can." Tanith nodded, and moved to Harry.
"Goodnight," She whispered, kissing him lightly on the cheek.
"Night Tanith." Harry responded, returning her gesture. He walked to his room, collapsing on his bed. It was nice to have someone so close to him, yet have her feel like a sister. Hermione wasn't like a sister, but a very good friend nonetheless. With Tanith, he felt the obligation to protect her, help her, be there for her. He sighed, turning over. The sun was just peeking over the horizon a Harry fell captive to slumber.
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*authors note* yeah, okay, I'll admit it, I'm tired, so this is gonna be short and to the point. Review or I won't write anymore. And there won't be too many more chapters left, so you better review or I just won't finish. So ha! Anyway, hope you liked it. Review. Please. I'm tired and I don't want to beg you people. So just review.