Yeah…uh…Hi! Well I got bored and I started writing the sixth chapter. I would like you all to know that I usually update on Thursdays' so that the chapter comes up on Friday and is there all weekend.
Yeah well….
Claire Bear: yeah there is this GREAT story called THE FIRES OF BELTANE its great. Even that doesn't cut it though. My girl Sorceress is great. She inspired me a lot. Another might be HERMIONE MALFOY and KEEPING SECRETS and STAY WITH ME is also worth a read.
Athena Grace: I think of it as an honor anytime people review. It shows that take their time to have consideration for the writer. I am very honored by you review since you don't do it often.
Disclaimer: I don't own a damn thing. (Except the plot)
Chapter 6~ Her News, Their Return
Hermione had blazed out of her father's palace. She felt horrible for leaving like that and leaving Draco there, but her father had enraged her. He kept this huge secret from her all these years, what else could he be hiding? Draco had tried to talk to her, but she just left him there. She needed to think. Draco was her soulmate; she was a princess; her father was a king; Voldemort was after her; the situation could not progress to shoddier levels.
She had gone to the hotel and was looking out at the city from the balcony in the bedroom. Merlin, she really needed someone to talk to. Mother. She had very vague memories of her, but some how she knew that her mother loves her. Dante had known her mother and was close to her. He was Hermione's only confidante. Wait! DANTE! He could still come to me. Hell, I'm his princess, he had better get his ass here! She focused her mind on him and tried to summon him.
*Dante, come here at once.*
Not a second after she opened her eyes, blue flames materialized in the room. The white haired man stood before her wide-eyed. He bowed to her and then got back up.
"You called princess?" He said submissively.
Hermione glared at him as her temper flared. The bed sheets next to Dante caught fire.
"Don't you dare call me that again! I am not in the mood Dante." Hermione cautioned as she put out the flames with water she conjured.
Dante nodded. "So…you've talked to your father."
"Yes I talked to…him. Why the hell didn't he tell me sooner?! What other crap is he hiding from me?" Hermione snapped. Dante stepped closer to her. "He did it for good reasons Celes. You can't be angry with him for wanting to protect his daughter."
Hermione's eyes flashed a literal red, and for a split second Dante's breath fixed in his throat. The only time royals get like that is when pure hatred runs through them, usually to extract revenge or to kill a prisoner. Dante knew how Voldemort had caused Mundus to kill his wife. The Soul Shatter. He risked it and stepped closer to the vexed royal.
Hermione turned to face back out to the city. "How is it that he could have lied to me? Dante how can I trust him again?" She said quietly. Dante went out to the balcony and reached for his princess. He turned her around and saw that she had shed tears.
"Celes, I knew this would have you worked up, but this is ridiculous. Yes he lied to you, but for the good of you. If you had known what you were, where you ranked, Voldemort would have had you killed by now." He responded as he put his muscular arms around her trembling form. Hermione was now just breaking down. This was too much for her.
"Dante its not just my father. My husband…"Dante clenched his jaw at the thought that that little bastard had done anything. "…Dante he's my mate. My father is a king, I am a princess and to top it off, Voldemort is after me. How much more peachy can life get?"
Dante was shocked to hear that the little blonde wizard was her mate. It will be better then. More of an advantage for us. He hugged her tightly and just said soothing words into her ears. Hermione hugged him back and took comfort in his words; he always understood.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Draco had no way of getting through to Hermione. He was 18 and could apparate, but where to first? She had left him here with her father. Draco was pacing around the elegant throne room and Mundus was getting annoyed. He cared for his daughter, but he knew that he just had to giver her time. Hopefully he hadn't lost her.
"Draco will you desist. Hermione is fine she just needs time. I told her an overwhelming amount of information, she was bound to have this reaction." Mundus said put out.
Draco stopped and looked at the majestic man. "I know her Mundus. She doesn't just take things sitting down. Neither do I. I would do anything if I could just contact her." Draco said again attempting to reach out her with his mind but no such luck. Mundus eyed Draco vigilantly. He does bare a slight resemblance though not quite. His aura is different, stronger.
"Tell me….does you father also not take things sitting down?" Mundus asked aloofly.
Draco looked at Mundus puzzled. What the hell does my father have anything to do with this? Confused, Draco nodded.
"Yes he takes direct action. Always has." Draco said still wearing a dumbfounded look. Mundus knew that Draco didn't know what he was talking about. So his coward of a father never told him. I wonder if I should tell him.
"Draco, how long has your father been at the service of Voldemort?"
Draco thought for a minute. "About twenty years, why?"
Mundus decided he didn't want to keep this from him. He hoped he didn't shake the young wizard. "Draco I know you don't why, but I loathe your father." Mundus said through gritted teeth and a quick flash of red in his eyes. Draco was stunned. How did Mundus know his father? What had Lucius done to piss off the Devilian king? Draco knew his father could be stupid, but to piss off a being more POWERFUL than him. Then his father had a death wish.
"I'll tell you why Draco, you deserve to know why. Lucius kidnapped the other part of my soul and practically severed you newly acquired power to The Mudblood Lord on a silver platter."
Draco kept his bewildered gaze on Mundus and tried figuring out what his little riddle meant. Other half of his soul is his wife. So my father kidnapped The Devilian King's wife. Alright so my father is suicidal. Now for the 'newly acquired power'…Hermione! Draco's expression turned to one shock and wonderment.
Reading his expression, Mundus nodded. "Yes Draco. Your father kidnapped my mate, my wife, and Hermione sixteen years ago. He is the one that led to Celesta's death. This is my reason for hatred."
Draco gaped at the king. Why in Merlin's name would his father do that? Sure he was insane, but to take a mother and child!? How could Mundus have talked to Draco all this time not having killed him already?
"Mundus how is that you have been able to live all these years without your other half here? I don't know how I could live on without Hermione by my side." Draco said in a sad tone.
Mundus probed his mind for that last comment held more to it. Mundus was shocked when he found the feeling of helplessness and foreboding in the blonde wizard.
"Draco I know what you think. You will not have to undergo the same suffering as me, but you cannot interfere with…decisions made. Like when Celesta was taken…."Mundus trailed off his expression pained because of the memory.
Draco, again, was stunned. How is it that Mundus had hit the nail on the head when he is in the dark? How does he know what I fear? Draco shook the thought off for later. He needed to find his wife. He had spent too much time here. He was about to apparate, but Mundus called out to him. Draco faced the king. "Yes Mundus?"
"There are two more things I did not tell you and Celes. The rings are a sort of foe detector. They electrocute the men or women who come near the ring wearer when the other half is not there. As long as the other half is present when the other is in contact with another that is not their corresponding half, the rings are not triggered. (I had a hard time writing that! :D) Another thing….don't tell Celes about the kidnapping. She doesn't know. Nor do I want her to." Mundus said with glazed eyes.
Draco nodded and then apparated to the first place he knew to look, the hotel.
~*~*~*~*~
Draco materialized in the common room. He didn't see her there so he walked down the hallway to the bedroom door, which he found ajar. He heard faint sobs before he went in and beheld the sight in front of him. Merlin how he wished he hadn't.
He saw his wife in a tight embrace with her mentor. She had told Draco that it was a platonic love, but all common sense had been thrown out the window the minute he walked in the room. Draco's blood was scorching hot and his feeling took over. Anger, jealously, and rage flared within him and caused something to happen which Draco never thought he could do. But he did no regret it. The only thing that was on his mind was to get that man away from what was *his*.
~*~*~*~*~
Dante had felt another aura arrive at the domicile, but he couldn't figure out whom. Hermione was still somewhat sobbing and even through that Dante heard the door open. He looked over and for the second time that night he saw those red murderous eyes, but now from another devil. Dante could tell that he was strong. Damn he could very well be stronger than the king. This was an impossible theory though. Mundus wielded the power of ALL devils. How could this devil be stronger than the king?
Dante didn't have time to finish his thought as he saw the other devil's eyes turn black. Alright now I'm in deep shit. Dante knew that black was not good at all. Red eyes meant that the devil was severely pissed, but black eyes meant that the devil was feeling pure hatred and ready to murder. He saw to his horror, the other devil produce a ray of lightning and aim at Dante, which was sent plying on impact.
~*~*~*~*~
Hermione didn't know what was happening. First Dante had been holding her, next she was flying through the air. In fact, whatever it was that had hit Dante made him push her hard. That action sent her over the balcony. Hermione had been so diverted and it happened so fast that she couldn't focus straight. She heard someone cry out her name and the next thing minute, warm familiar arms were around her again. Warm flames tickled her flesh and then she appeared in the bedroom. She felt the soft plush of a bed and looked up to see red melting away to reveal silver eyes.
"Draco?" Was all she could utter as her world lost color.
~*~*~*~*~
Draco had brought a healer from the Devil Kingdom to help his still unconscious wife. Draco was feeling so desperate he didn't know what to do. It was my fault that she flew over the balcony. If I would have just controlled my damn temper….she would be in my arms right now. Dante had forgiven Draco saying that he understood. Draco had been so ashamed that whenever Dante would come to visit Hermione, Draco would leave the room despite the nagging feeling inside.
It had been two days since then and they were to be at Hogwarts in a day. Hopefully she would wake up soon. The Healer spoke to Draco, taking his attention away from his thoughts.
"Sir, are you her mate?"
Draco nodded. "Well sir, then there is a very simple way to wake her. Simply use your link. Talk to her like only you can and the young Mistress will wake, but please make sure she gets rest in her fragile state." The woman smiled to him and then blazed.
Draco was bewildered. Talk to her like only I can? The link?….Her mind! Draco walked to the bed and sat down beside her. He took her small cold hand and caressed it. Merlin, how he loved her! Now more than ever did he feel that foreboding feeling. He reached out to her mind.
*Hermione, love, please wake up. Please I am so miserable without you.*
Nothing.
He waited a few more minutes and still nothing. *Please Hermione, I am sorry. Please don't make my nightmare a reality, please.* He implored.
More time went by and Draco was about to leave when Hermione's hand squeezed his. *Don't move you fool. It hurts if you leave.*
"Hermione! You're awake! OH THANK MERLIN!" Draco yelled as he hugged his wife. Hermione tried to push him off to no avail only to have him kiss her madly.
"You missed me that much huh?" Hermione said with a smile when they parted.
"Merlin, you have no idea what you put me through woman. I should punish you."
"Well you could you know. You could torture me very slowly." Hermione said suggestively as she ran a finger down his chest.
Draco smiled wolfishly, but then stopped. "No we can't. You have to rest, doctor's orders."
"Since when do I have a doctor?"
"You don't….not really. She's a Healer, a Devilian Healer. She said you have to rest so do that." He voiced firmly.
Hermione pouted and adjusted herself in the bed so that now she was propped up. "Alright but I can still talk. Tell me what happened last night."
Draco looked away. "It was actually two nights ago. I…I got back from your father's and I saw you hugging Dante. I …I went all jealous again. Only this time it got worse." He ended still with that far away gaze. Hermione put her hand on his chin and made him face her.
"Tell me what happened." She uttered softly. Draco saw no anger in her eyes only understanding. He sighed and continued.
"Well I lost control. I don't know how to explain it. It's like common sense flew out the window and anger was personified in me. I felt pure rage and jealousy and acted it out. A ray of lightning shot out from my hand and I aimed it at Dante who saw it and threw you from him….so that I wouldn't hurt you. I guess because you were caught off guard you went over the balcony. I saw you go over and with one thought of having to save you….I went from being in side the room to in the air with you in my arms. With one other thought I was back in the room with you and that's it." He had said all of the truth with shame and never once having looked at his wife.
Hermione pulled him closer to her and kissed him. Draco was bewildered for this was not the reaction he expected. Hermione parted and looked him straight in the eye. "I love you Draco, but please learn to control yourself. I swear you're going to be the end of me."
Draco froze and Hermione felt him tense. What had she said to get that reaction? Draco seemed to hug her tighter as if not wanting to let her go. Now Hermione was getting worried. This was not the first time he acted like she was dieing.
"Love what's wrong? If it's something I said I-"
Draco cut her off. "No you haven't. Its just that…ever since the first time we made love…I've always felt a foretelling feeling….I always feel that you will be taken away from me. Everyday I fear that you'll realize that you made a grave mistake by marrying me. Hermione I feel like someone is trying to rip you from my side. Hence the arm around you every morning." He finished with a tone of sadness.
Hermione again was aghast. This man was really scared. She would have to remedy that. She took Draco's hand and intertwined it with her own and looked into his eyes. "Draco you feel this. Its real and its not going away. Please don't feel like I will, I promise, I am not going anywhere." She said consolingly.
"You promise?" Draco said with a childish pout. Hermione chuckled.
"I promise. Now start packing babe, we go to school tomorrow."
Draco bowed. "Yes you highness. At once!"
Hermione smiled and threw a pillow at him.
~*~*~*~*~
They had slept in bliss and the next morning came all to quickly. Hermione was the first to get up and she bathed. When she returned to the bedroom she found Draco awake and frowning. Hermione proceeded to take off her robe.
"What's the matter? Moody 'cause you haven't gotten any?" Hermione said smiling.
Draco seemed to perk up as his wife walked around nude. "Partly…but my real concern is that when we go back to Hogwarts, will he have one room? If not it's going to be hard to-"
"Draco! I can't believe that is your concern right now." Hermione said incredulously.
Draco shrugged. "Then what should I be concerned about?"
Hermione rolled her eyes, as she got clothed. Draco's frown returned. "How about the fact that you've evoked Devilian powers?"
Draco smiled. "Well yeah there is that little thing to, I guess."
Hermione went to sit alongside of him and gave him a 'you –got-to-be-kidding-me' look.
"Draco that is not normal. I don't' really know how you did that, but since you don't know how to control you emotions right now, it could be really dangerous. I can only think of two reasons why this is. Alright, reason one: you might be part Devilian. I don't your mother could have….anyway. Reason two: you might have tapped into my powers since we have a link."
"I will go with reason two. My parents are gits, but they are in love. I don't really know if I have ever seen them without the other being there. Besides my mother is very pretty, but I don't think any man would have the balls to shag the wife of Lucius Malfoy." Draco said smugly.
"Right no man would….but what about a more powerful Devilian?" Hermione said all high and mighty.
Draco had trouble answering that one. He knew of course that his father would not challenge even a Devilian for his wife. Draco shook is head.
"Its just something I don't want to think about ok? Let's just drop it."
"No Draco. If we can't figure it out then we'll have to go to my father. We can go after we arrive at school. I'm sure that the headmaster wouldn't mind."
"No." He said firmly.
"What do you mean 'no'? We have to find why a wizard can access Devilian powers. This is not natural Draco." Hermione said now with her anger rising.
Draco's own anger was beginning to rise. "Look I had a talk with your father that day you fell. It wasn't a nice fuzzy one ok. I don't wish to speak to him….for now. Just let me think about some stuff and then we'll go ok?"
Hermione pouted and had no other choice….but to go behind his back! "Yes alright. I was just worried that's all. Anyway, what did he talk to you about?"
Draco started to dress himself and while having trouble with his zipper said, "One word: confidential. He doesn't wish for you to know and I agree with him. You are not ready to know….though I never think you will be." Draco said that last part to himself.
Hermione was now putting on some lip-gloss and doing her hair as Draco finished dressing. "Well then I'll just have to coax it out of him. It can't be all that bad. Well now, shall we go?"
Draco waved his wand and the luggage started to hover. "Yeah let's go. I'm still hoping for that one room."
Hermione just smiled and opened the door to leave.
~*~*~*~*~
They had arrived at Hogwarts after falling asleep on the train. They had arrived one before the rest of the students were to come. Hagrid had greeted them and told Hermione that Dumbledore wanted to see the both of them. Hagrid had eyed Draco suspiciously while talking with Hermione. He was present at the wedding. He couldn't help but wonder if Draco was leaking or planning on leaking information about the Order to Voldemort.
Draco and Hermione had finally gotten to the office door. Hermione muttered "M&Ms" and the gargoyle started to move. Hermione had an uneasy feeling like she always did when she saw the headmaster.
"You don't think he's going to tell us anything bad, do you?" Hermione asked nervously.
Draco stepped down and put Hermione into his arms.
"No, but I hope we still get a one bedroom dorm. Ow!" Hermione had elbowed him in the rib.
"Really Draco be serious." Hermione said with a look of disapproval.
"I am! I really don't want to have to sneak around to get lai-"
Hermione cut Draco off again. "Oh! Hello Professor. You wanted to see us?"
Hermione stepped away from Draco's embrace and instead just held his hand.
Draco had a tint of pink on his cheeks because of what he was about to say. They sat down in the chairs in front of Dumbledore's desk.
"Yes I did. I trust you had a nice vacation?" The headmaster inquired.
"Yes we did. Thank you for letting us leave. And to comfort your mind, no one saw us."
Draco responded.
"I actually did see someone and its been bothering me." Hermione said reminisceful.
Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, questioning Hermione. "Well I saw Viktor Krum there. I wonder what he is doing here?"
"Oh not to worry Mrs. Malfoy. He is here on business. Now on to what I have to tell you. I have given you a standard two-room dorm and you will be required to handle all Head's activities. You are now to go to the platform and greet the students. Understood? Good."
Draco inwardly groaned as the Headmaster said 'two room'. Damn. It could have been worse. Hermione got up and Draco followed.
When they reached the train station they gave each other a quick peck before departing and starting their lives with lies.
~*~*~*~*~
Hermione waited patiently for her three friends to appear. She was satisfied as she saw two heads of red hair. Hermione barely registered them coming at her when they jumped on her.
"Whoa! Did you miss me?" Hermione said sarcastically. Her friends got off all three of them blushing.
"Yeah well I did! Merlin! Being stuck in a house with two immature men! I am surprised I didn't wind up in St. Mungo's!" Ginny said laughing along with Hermione.
"Ah we weren't that bad were we? I thought you liked having me around." Harry said to Ginny pouting.
Ginny gave Hermione a glance and thought out to her knowing that she could hear her.
*You see what I mean! One day hot and others, cold! Damn this man he is driving me up the wall! *
Hermione laughed and nodded. "So where did you spend the rest of your summer holidays?" Ron asked as he put an arm around Hermione. Hermione didn't tense up, but she hoped to God that Draco wasn't watching.
"Well I spent them at Diagon Alley. My mum and dad wanted me to know how it would feel to live on my own. From what Ginny complains about, you guys spent it at the Burrow?"
Ron didn't let go of her and Hermione was beginning to get uncomfortable, more like frightened. "Yeah we spent it there missing you Herm. Why didn't you visit?"
"Well I was running errands while I was there. I took a job and I was busy. I obviously quit now."
Hermione heard and angry growl in her head knowing whom it came from. She quickly turned to see Draco's eyes turn a faint red. Hermione moved from the dangerous position that Ron had put himself in unknowingly. Ron cocked a brow at her and Hermione blushed.
"Sorry Ron. Its just that you're arm is heavy and I am kinda sore."
Ron's eyes turned to ones of understanding. "Well then maybe later I can give you a massage. C'mon lets get going I am starving."
Hermione turned a deeper hue and nodded her head. Hermione turned to see if Draco was still angry. But what she saw made her seethe.
*I swear to Merlin I will hex her! * Draco heard Hermione growl.
He was in a compromising position as Pansy was leaning on his shoulder. He tried to get her off before Hermione could see, but as he could very well tell, it was to late. He saw Hermione walk over to them and with her wand out. Draco thought for a minute that she was aiming it at him, but the next thing proved him utter ably wrong.
Hermione's blood was scorching. She walked up to the 'happy couple' and said the only thing that came to mind.
"You two know the rule of public affection. I would appreciate if you didn't put on a floor show for the rest of the students." Hermione said through clenched teeth. She could tell Draco was a bit intimidated. He had never seen HER mad before.
Pansy stuck up her nose. "Sod off mudblood. Our rendezvous did not include you."
That did it.
Hermione elevated her wand a bit higher but the magic really came out of her hand. With all of the anger and jealousy she felt she let out a powerful blast of "Impedimenta!"
Pansy was sent flying from Draco's side and landed with a thud on top of Crabbe and Goyle. Draco shot up his eyebrows. He was NEVER going to piss her off!
Hermione just gave Draco a warning looked and turned right around as if nothing happened. When she returned to her friends they just looked at her in amazement.
Hermione shrugged her shoulders.
"What are you looking at? She broke the rules."
"Right. Never let me brake the rules woman." Harry said to Ginny.
"I don't know…if you're acting like a prat, then watch out!" she taunted.
"Alright Hermione that's the second shot you got on a Slytherine since third year! I am very proud." Ron said admiringly.
Hermione turned a red hue. "Thanks. Well let's go shall we?"
Hermione led the way to the castle with her friends still in awe of her and a little scared.
~*~*~*~*~
When they arrived in the Great Hall for their feast, Dumbledore gave the introductory speech after the first years were sorted. Hermione took note of their being an empty spot at the table.
"Hey you guys. Look at the teacher's table. There is still one spot empty." Hermione said. Harry and Ron twisted their necks to see what she was talking about, and sure enough there was an empty seat.
"Do you reckon we won't have Dark Arts this year?" Said Harry a little put out.
"I hope we don't. Extra time to loaf around." Ron said happily.
"No I think there is a teacher, but they might not be here yet. You two honestly don't think that Dumbledore would go without a Dark Arts teacher when Voldemort is still running amuck?" Hermione asked incredulously. Harry and Ron just shrugged.
~*~*~*~*~*
They had arrived in their Transfiguration class to find McGonagall looking a little weird.
She stood up from her desk and hastened the students to sit down. Hermione quickly noticed what was different….or at least one of the things.
"Professor, what is on your finger?" Hermione asked still looking at it in bewilderment.
McGonagall glanced away and muttered something incoherent.
"What was that Professor? I did not catch it." Hermione said.
"I said that I got married." Said the professor while fiddling with her robes.
Ron and Harry sat with big black holes in their faces. "Who did you marry Professor?" Harry mustered up the courage to ask.
Again McGonagall answered while playing with her robes. "Well lets just say that if I were to change my surname it would be Snape."
The whole class went unbearably quiet. McGonagall got angry and broke the silence. "But I did not change my name so as to not arouse confusion."
"I thinks it's a little late for that Professor." Hermione supplied. She squinted to get a better look at the rather pudgy teacher. Wait…pudgy? MERLIN! She's pregnant. My gods she is with Snape's child!!
"Congratulations Professor on both accounts." Hermione said smoothly.
McGonagall looked quizzically at her. "What do you mean on 'both' accounts Ms. Granger?"
Hermione regretted that Draco didn't have this class with her this year. He was missing a lot of action! Hermione just shrugged and spoke.
"For your marriage and the child." She said nonchalantly.
The class gasped and Hermione just smiled as McGonagall paled. The professor composed herself and hushed the class.
"Yes well thank you Ms. Granger. Very perceptive of you. Now class on with the lesson. Please open up your books to page 557…"
The class got over the shock, but it would take some getting used to the idea that there was Slytherine/Gryffindor union. Hermione smiled. At least they could show their affections in public. And now there was a little miracle to come. Wow a woman McGonagall's age conceived.
~*~*~*~*~
When they saw that they all had Dark Arts after Transfiguration, they were intrigued.
"Two hard classes! One after the other!" Ron whined.
"Merlin Dumbledore bust be mad at me this year." Harry said. Hermione rolled her eyes at the complaining of her two male friends.
"Goodness. Give it up will you! You act like you never had those two classes before." Hermione snapped.
Harry thought for a moment. "Did Dumbledore say who the new Dark Arts teacher was?"
"Come to think of it…no." Ron said tapping his chin.
"Well come on we have the git next." Hermione said.
After that peculiar Transfiguration class, the trio was off to Dark Arts class. Hermione was thinking about what Ginny had said earlier. 'Sometimes hot the others, cold.' Now would be ok to ask.
"Harry what is up with you and Gin?" Hermione asked casually causing Ron to perk up and Harry to go red.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked not making eye contact.
"I mean you two have been acting weird. You both seem…distracted." She reasoned.
Harry still red, answered. "Well, yes, ok. I like her, but I don't know how to tell her."
Ron remained silent all this time hoping that the direction of the conversation was heading a good way.
"If you ask me, all you would need to do is go straight up to her and without saying a thing, kiss her. Then after however long you take…doing that, then you talk." Hermione said excited.
"Really? Without words? That would be more ideal. Thanks." Harry said still red.
By the time they had finished talking they had reached the classroom. Hermione swore her heart had stopped. When she entered she saw the familiar head of dark brown hair and no longer slouched position with now straight feet.
Viktor Krum.
As she and her friends walked to take their seats, she glanced over at Draco to se him glaring at the man; he had not sensed her walk in. Hermione could only think of one thing that would put this man here. Teaching. Could Viktor be the new teacher?
"Please settle down class. Let's begin yes?" Came the thick accented voice of Viktor. Question answered. Viktor was shuffling some papers on his desk. Then he came to face the class again.
"I am your new Dark Arts teacher. My apologies for not being at the feast. Vell now for my personal history, I used to and still do play Quidditch. I studied to be a Dark Arts teacher from Professor…vell Alastor Moody, the auror. The real one…" Viktor started and then proceeded to answer student questions. AS in the fourth year, girls were swooning over him. Hermione had to admit that he did look good this time around.
*Really Hermione I thought you had better taste. * Came Draco's voice in her mind.
*Well I do have you don't I? I was just…admiring the view. * Hermione retorted amused.
*Well why don't you take a damn picture then. * Draco responded sounding somewhat hurt and very irate. This made Hermione worry. She took a chance to look at him and saw his eyes start to turn red.
*Draco please calm down! You're in front of other people with your eyes turning red. *
Hermione thought out to him panicked. Draco nodded and she saw the red start to dissipate.
Hermione went on to listen to the rest of what Viktor was saying.
"Vell now I vill pair you up and you vill demonstrate to me vat you know so far in defending yourselves. It vill be a little like a vizard's duel." Viktor said looking at the list of names.
"Ah yes…Potter, G Weasley…Weasley, Brown…Granger, Malfoy…" Viktor continued listing coed pairs. Hermione glanced up to Malfoy and gave a quick smile. He smiled back and the pairs started to scatter out in the room. There were pairs that were being tapped on the shoulder by Viktor signifying that they did not show sufficient knowledge.
Harry was actually having a challenge with Ginny and same with Lavender and Ron. They glanced at each other with the face of incredulity. Both guys were getting their butts kicked by girls! Hermione and Draco however, have not yet commenced. Suddenly Hermione had an idea. Smiling wickedly she said, "What if we trained a little?"
Draco puzzled questioned her. "What do you mean?"
"You have acquired Devilian powers and you should train. Where better than here?"
"You think we should I mean we're in front of other people who don't this for a fact."
"Well then," Hermione said with her smile getting wider, "we'll give them a show."
"Alright, but don't cry if you get hurt." Draco cautioned through a grin.
Hermione smirked. "You mean don't YOU cry if *I* get hurt." She quipped with her arm rising and aiming it at her husband.
"Fine let's see what you got Granger." Draco said loudly so the class could hear.
Not shifting her poise, Hermione retorted with, "Alright, but only 'cause you want me to keep your secret of your impotency."
She muttered a spell and a bolt of lightning came towards Draco who dodged it. He recovered and sent a wave of fire her way. Hermione stopped the fire with water she conjured and said, "Impedimenta!" By now the whole class including Viktor was watching the amazing spectacle with mouths open. Draco had been sent hurling back and the class 'ooohed'. He got back up and looked at Hermione telling her he was getting even. Draco conjured up a huge gust of wind and Hermione was blown back into the desks.
She quickly recovered and got up to fight again, but Viktor intervened. "Alright. Obviously both of you are qualified. Now please-" He didn't get a chance to finish as he was next to Hermione who had just fainted into his arms.
Hermione's world was going dizzy and a wave of nausea hither. Viktor was right next to her, she fell into him. She heard the class gasp and suddenly she couldn't hear them anymore.
*Hermione are you alright? * She heard Draco, but was too weak to respond.
*I…yeah. * Then she went unconscious. Viktor had picked her up and was now carrying her.
"Please stay here. I vill be back." He said to the class before leaving to the med wing.
Viktor got there and laid her down in tone of the beds. Madam Pomfrey came bustling out asking what had happened.
"I had paired up the students and they vere dueling each other, under my supervision," he added as he saw her gaze turn steely, "Hermione and Malfoy I guess vere strong and she fainted from the power drain after the duel."
Pomfrey looked at him disapprovingly. "Alright just be more careful. It's your first day. Alright go back, I'll have to run tests." Viktor gave Hermione's hand a tight squeeze and left.
Pomfrey commenced the tests.
~*~*~*~*~
After Poppy had sent Hermione back to class telling her she was fine, she quickly headed up to Dumbledore's office. Without knocking, she entered. She noticed a rather handsome man with a big build and dark brown hair sitting down, but disregarded him. Dumbledore looked up to the see the mediwitch in such a state.
"Yes Poppy what is it?" He asked patiently.
"I am very sorry Albus, but the young Mrs. Malfoy came to me today because she had a dizzy spell then fainted. Well Mr. Krum brought her up and I took tests…"
Dumbledore waited for her to proceed, but noticed her fixed stare on the other person in the room.
"My apologies Poppy. This is King Mundus, Hermione's father." The headmaster said while presenting the king.
Mundus turned to Poppy with concerned eyes and asked, "What is wrong with my daughter?"
Poppy continued. "Well like I was saying, I ran the tests. Well what I found, to say the least shocked me. I told Mrs. Malfoy to return to class and I didn't say anything. Albus, you highness Hermione is in a…." Poppy explained the rest and watched Mundus' expression change to one of extreme worry.
Mundus analyzed the situation and consulted Poppy. "Madam, if my daughter is to figure this out, for I think she will, tell her. If she is to suffer another symptom then tell her anyway and have Albus call me. Understood?" Mundus said in a business like tone.
Poppy nodded and left. Mundus again returned to Albus. His tone one of caution. "Things have just gotten more intricate." Dumbledore nodded.
"Indeed. I will do as you have requested Mundus. But I will caution that there are hazards." The old wizard warned.
Mundus looked contemplative, but then resolute. "Yes I know…proceed with it."
~*~*~*~*~
Nothing eventful happened all through September after Hermione had fainted. She had talked with Draco as to what happened and he was cursing himself for hurting her all month. Draco was now more mistrustful of Viktor than ever. He went with Hermione everywhere. They had been relatively busy with training, classes, and her friends, plus head's duties, they were both feeling sexual tension. Hermione especially. She couldn't help but look at other guys around the school or wanting to tease Draco.
They were now reaching Halloween and Hermione and Draco were still training. His powers had developed beautifully during the last month and a half while Hermione's were worse than ever. Ever since my seventeenth birthday…
She had yet to visit her father again. She would probably go to that Healer as well. It was now Thursday and Halloween was that Saturday. Ginny had been wanting to go shopping with her as seventh years could leave to Hogsmeade on Fridays in lieu of their high marks.
Today Hermione was feeling particularly crappy. She woke up to the toilet and was now eating lunch making her want to visit her porcelain friend again. Harry and Ron just thought like Hermione that it was a simple bug. Ginny however, knowing that Hermione was a married woman, begged to differ. She noticed Hermione swallowing to keep the bile in her throat down.
*Go to Pomfrey you dolt! * Ginny thought out to Hermione who looked back at the red head.
*How about no. *She responded.
*Hermione you will march straight up there or I'll tell Harry and Ron about Draco. * Ginny thought out as she looked at her food. Hermione glared at the petite woman.
*You wouldn't dare. Its not in you. *
"Hey guys do want to know what Hermione really did this summer?" Ginny asked pleasantly. Hermione's jaw fell. *Alright damn. I'll go. *
Ginny smiled and Harry and Ron both asked, "What?"
"She came to train here," the red head said smiling still.
"We knew that. Merlin woman," Harry said disappointed.
"You know Gin if it weren't for the hair, I'd think you were not related to me," Ron said shaking his head.
"Thank you Ronald. Coming from you that is a splendid complement," Ginny said.
Hermione laughed and motioned to get up and a wave of dizziness descended on her. Harry who was next to her, caught her and looked at her carefully.
"Mione I think you should go to Madam Pomfrey. This has been going on for a month now." Harry pointed out as Hermione steadied herself.
"That is obvious and is just where I was heading. Can you go with me? I'm afraid of falling down the stairs with my clumsiness and all," She asked still holding on to him.
"Yeah sure. I'll be back guys," Harry said and they left the Great Hall and just happened to cross the Slytherine table. Draco saw that Harry was holding Hermione up. Could she be ill? She had been off for the past month. Draco hid his worry and continued talking to the rest of the Slytherines.
~*~*~*~*~
They had reached the med wing. Hermione sat at one of the tables and fought down a wave of nausea that washed upon her. Madam Pomfrey came up to the both of them and spoke to Harry first.
"Harry I will call for you when she is better ok?" The mediwitch said caringly. Harry looked a little crestfallen, but smiled nonetheless. Harry gave her a tight hug and left.
Hermione clutched her stomach as the nauseas got worse. Pomfrey frowned and questioned Hermione to see if she could figure it out.
"Hermione how long have you been feeling like this?" The med witch asked taking out her wand.
Hermione thought for a minute. "Ever since that day that Vik- I mean Professor Krum brought me here. Why?"
"Well that day I ran tests on you and well the results I found startled me. Then I remembered that you are a married woman," Pomfrey said as she pushed Hermione so she can lie down.
"What do you mean? What were the results?" Hermione was now a little more concerned. The med witch always had a manner of making things sound worse that they were. "Its better if I show you," Pomfrey lifted Hermione's shirt, " this might feel a little weird. Ultrio sonus!" Above Hermione's was an image of a tiny alien looking creature.
Hermione couldn't believe it. Good Lord. Please don't let that be what I think it is. Although…its something I made.
"This is the result of the tests. I have known since September, but please don't be angry. I went to talk to the Headmaster and found you father there. He told me that unless you figured it out or came to me first, I should maintain silence. Speaking of your father…"
The med witch jerked her head to where Mundus was standing. Hermione looked at him with now tear filled eyes.
"Why didn't you let her tell me?" Hermione questioned softly.
"Because your pregnancy is far more complicated than a normal one. Remember you are Devilian. That means everything is different," Mundus said approaching his woe-begotten daughter. Hermione couldn't get up because of the image above her or else she would have hexed her father by now.
"What do you mean its different? I will still gestate and give birth won't I?" She said now bitterly.
"Yes, but the symptoms are different. Think of normal pregnancy, but amplified by two. Morning sickness, back pains, labor pains, nauseas, dizziness, fainting, all of the symptoms are amplified…especially when the child will be powerful. And in your case, he or she will be very powerful. So thus worse is your pregnancy," Mundus explained taking his daughter's hand.
Hermione thought long and hard about this. I want this child, no doubt about that. Will Draco though? I mean we are both young and he may not want to be tied down. She thought of all the possible scenarios in which he would reject her. Screw it. If he didn't want this child, then he doesn't want me either. Mundus saw the torrents of emotions flashing through his daughter's eyes. Then one stood out the most…determination.
"So I take it you will be keeping the baby?" Mundus said still hold her.
"Yes I will. If Draco doesn't want the baby, then screw him," Hermione thought angrily.
"That will be a problem indeed," Pomfrey interjected. Mundus and Hermione both looked at her quizzically.
"Well it would be hard to want a baby, when its babies," she elaborated and Mundus paled even more than Hermione.
Hermione blanched. What!! TWINS!! Hermione was now crying for joy. She had something of Draco's. She hoped to Merlin that he would be happy.
"What are you going to do dear?" Came Pompfrey's sweet voice.
She looked up at her father and laughed when she saw his expression, which she imagined would be much like Draco's.
"I will keep them of course. Though I don't know how in the world I will handle them both!" She said cheerfully getting used to the idea that she would soon be mom.
~*~*~*~*~
"Bellatrix, is he in position?" Came the high voice of Voldemort.
"Yes Lord he is already stationed where you wanted him to be." Bellatrix responded in a submissive voice.
"Good. Tell him to proceed with the plan."
"At once Lord." Said Bellatrix before leaving.
Voldemort stayed with a huge grin on his face. There is no escape for you now princess.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Yeah ok I have decided the ending and I think you all will kill me when it comes out, but anyway there are only nine chapters left.
Please review the more the sooner I update!!!
Flamewriter008