It was a week before school began again, and the tension within the castle was almost tangible. Hermione had almost forgotten Voldemort completely, with her lessons to plan and hiding from the female population of the staff. Since Draco had forced the confession from her, nearly all of the women of Hogwarts have been following her around checking on her. Was she comfortable? Had they picked a name yet? How far along was she? Etc. Etc. She couldn't take it anymore! Right now she was on her way to see Poppy to set her first check up. The medi-witch was delighted when Hermione and Severus had asked for her help in the baby's care. Hermione shuddered at the thought of muggle hospitals. Whenever she entered one all she could feel was death and that was not a place she wanted her child to be born. Hermione smiled at little as she clutched the small crystal beneath her robes. The warmth of her daughter's life tingled through out her body. While she and Severus thought about different names they conceded to calling the baby Ray. Just so everyone wasn't always saying "it", "the baby", or "she". That and she was of course a ray of light in their lives. Finding that she had reached the hospital ward, Hermione reluctantly let go of the crystal and walked in quietly. Poppy was at one of the shelves restocking the potions there. "Morning Poppy." Hermione said softly, trying not to scare the stout witch. Poppy Pomfrey turned around with a very large grin on her face. "There's my mother to be." She said kindly. She motioned for Hermione to sit on one of the nearby beds. "How are you feeling?" Hermione laid down as the medi-witch began to take readings. "Just fine." Hermione said in the same soft voice. "It's only been a week Poppy."

Poppy's brow creased as she looked over then scans she had just performed on Hermione. Hermione sat up slowly, trying to look over her shoulder. Poppy scanned her again quickly, letting out a sigh of frustration with the results. "Are you sure, you've been feeling okay?" Poppy turned around to look Hermione in the eyes. "Yes. Why?" Hermione asked, worry settling over her. Was Ray okay? What was wrong? "It's just that I can't seem to get a good reading." Seeing the concern on Hermione's face, Poppy rushed forward. "Ray is just fine though. I think it has more to do with her bloodline. The magic surrounding her is very strong." "Oh." Hermione said as she remembered something her mother's memories had shown her. "It's somewhat of a protective shell, so dark curses can't be cast on the infant." She explained slowly. "Umm...I'm not sure what to do about it though. You can see Ray's progress, right?" "Yes, of course I can." Poppy said a little huffily. "It's just not as clear as with normal witches." Hermione smiled at her kindly before hoping off the bed. She patted Poppy's arm lightly giving her an apologetic look. "I never meant to insult your capabilities. I'll try to find someway for the images to be clearer if it will help." Poppy nodded her head and went back to her shelves as Hermione made to leave. "See you in two weeks Poppy." She called over her shoulder as she closed the door behind her. ***** Draco lounged in his sitting room shivering even though it was a warm summer day, and the fire in the grate was burning. He rubbed his arms trying to think of what could be wrong. He wasn't sick as he had seen Poppy a few days ago and she said he was fine, but there was something definitely wrong. He was having nightmares every night, that even the dreamless sleep potion could not cure. Nightmares of Voldemort's return, the death of his friends, or of Hermione screaming for his help. His body would ache for no reason, and the chills were becoming more frequent. It was almost like someone or something was trying to take his body over. Draco was ripped from his thoughts by a knock on the door. He quickly extinguished the flames and opened the door. Not to his surprise he found Hermione at his door, and she was absolutely glowing. He moved to the side to allow her in and she frowned upon entering the room. " What's with the sauna?" She asked punching him lightly in the arm. Draco smiled at her slyly. "Nothing." He watched with interest as she started to back up towards the door again. "Would you like to go for a walk by the lake?" She nodded, backing the rest of the way out. They walked in silence through the halls and out to the grounds. When they reached the edge of the lake Hermione levitated a few rocks and skipped them across the water's surface. Draco watched her for several seconds, before a pain gripped his stomach and he had to use all his will power to keep from falling to the ground. Hermione turned to him in concern. She gently put her hand on his shoulder and was shocked when Draco yelped as if in pain. He took a step away from her and dropped to the ground. Hermione fell to her knees next to him, trying to get closer. "Draco, are you okay?" She asked as he moved away from her touch again. "What's wrong?" Draco put his hands over his ears as Voldemort' laugh echoed through his mind. His red eyes were burning brightly. The image kept growing stronger and stronger, before it melted away to a young man with raven black hair, and piercing blue eyes. He almost looked like Harry in a way. Draco was faintly aware of Hermione coming closer and he moved away again. When she had touched him , Voldemort had appeared, and the mark had started to burn more intensely than when it had first been burned into his skin. "Draco!" Hermione shrieked in panic as he started to change. His body was filling out more. His shoulders broaden, his hair grew to his shoulders and from the roots began to change from icy blond to hair as black as Severus'. She was finally able to get a hold on his shoulders, causing him to look up at her. Hermione gasped as his eyes became a dark sapphire blue. "What happened?" She whispered in awe.

A/N First I must apologize for taking so long. I have a major bout of writer's block, which I'm kicking in the arse right now. Now I must apologize for this being so short. I'll try to get more up in a day or two, but I'm in the process of moving and I have no idea when my computer will be packed. And I couldn't remember what color Voldemort's eyes were before red so if it's wrong tell me. Anyway, how do you like it? Good, bad? I need reviews! Please!!!!