Going Under

Chapter 4: Little One

The future is not a result of choices among alternative paths offered by the present, but a place that is created--created first in the mind and will, created next in activity. The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them, changes both the maker and the destination. ~ John Schaar, futurist

Small hands brushed the hair gently from her eyes as another pair pushed her softly back into her bed. She stared up into soft brown eyes as the teacher tipped a potion into her mouth. It burned slightly, making her know that it was a Calming Draught. She drank until the container was half empty, before the other put the bottle on the nightstand.

Hermione reached up and took the older woman's hand, who shook her head at the girl.

"You can't kill her, Professor," she whispered, pleadingly, eyes bearing into her. "You can't take her away from me."

"Are you aware of the power of the child you are carrying?" Madam Pomfrey asked in a hushed voice, looking across the room to where Draco, Snape and Dumbledore were in deep discussion.

"Yes…"

She let go of the hand she held and turned her fingers inward to feel the scar on her palm. She looked up into two knowing faces. McGonagall sighed and took the seat closest to her pupil. She slowly leaned over and took the girl's hand, facing up. She stared for a long time at the white ring in her skin.

"It is an Infinitas Bond." (1)

"Silly children, these days," murmured the mediwitch as she leaned forward to administer the rest of the potion to her patient. "…Not aware of how dangerous magic can be."

"What about my baby?"

"Under Wizarding Law, your baby would be killed for having a father with the Dark Mark or any evil incantation on his body. As I am aware, you know that the child would be killed only if an Unspeakable would be able to confirm that your baby is a Veneficus. We will not allow that to happen. You will be placed in the Order's hands."

"My baby will live?"

"Yes."

"Will I be able to stay in the castle?"

"No, Ms. Granger, you will not. The Headmaster will arrange the date for you to return to London and be in the Order's care."

***

"Draco, it is for the best."

"No, you just want to take her away from me."

Dumbledore sighed. He studied the boy, who had a dark sneer on his pale face. His long fingers were curled into tight fists. The boy gazed over at the girl. He growled and stomped away. The old wizard walked over to him and put a gnarled, wrinkled hand on the young man's shoulder, who tensed under his touch.

"She will be under my protection. She will be tutored by Severus and Minerva in her Potions and Transfigurations classes. She will be able to live mostly as a Muggle, except for her studies. She will be attending night lessons at a small magical academy in London used mostly for teenage mothers who are unable to focus on schooling. She will be able to contact you via Floo either in mine or Severus' office. You can write to her as well as I have become aware that her parents bought a family owl this summer."

Draco looked up, a broken, defeated look in his eyes. "Where will she be living? I don't want her to live in a Muggle community as it could be attacked. A pregnant teenage witch not even out of school won't do much good against twenty Death Eaters."

"Really," Snape drawled sarcastically. "You should have thought about her safety before you went and gave her a child."

"Shut it, Professor."

"She and her parents will be staying in an undefined location and Severus will be in touch with her."

"Will I be able to see her or the baby after it's born?"

"We'll see, Mr. Malfoy."

"…When will she be leaving?"

"I believe a week is long enough for her to say her goodbyes."

***

He felt empty, the cold making his fingers tingle. The darkness surrounded him, finding no light as he walked. He had walked for days, weeks, maybe months. He did not know as there was no sense of time where he was. There was no morning, no evening. There just was.

"Hello, Uncle."

He stopped and peered off into the blackness only to become blinded by a bright light. He shielded his eyes and blinked as spots corrupted his vision. He looked up, brushing ebony hair from his face. He saw a small figure silhouetted in the glow. He sensed great magic pouring from the person, making his head swim. He felt uneasiness settle into his stomach as the being beckoned him forward.

"Do not be afraid."

"Who are you?"

"I am your Little One. You are my family."

"What are you talking about?"

"Your time is coming, Uncle Padfoot. The present will be ready soon for the future. Sirius Black will return. You will be home."

***

(1) Infinitas is a Latin word meaning eternity, infinity, or endlessness. It is referred to as the Forever Bond in later chapters.

(2) Veneficus is a Latin word meaning poisonous. It is the correct term for a Dark Child.