A/N: Hello in the New Year. Okay I realize that last one was kind of sappy. Honestly I just needed to fill space. I'm running out of clichés…at least the ones that don't disgust me completely. So hopefully this one will be a little more meaningful. Thanks so much to all of those who helped put my reviews past 400. I love feed back no matter the content and constructive criticism is always helpful.
To Usagi the Mage: It took me about eight or nine months to write everything up to now. While I will not reveal the outcome quite yet, Harry will be the main focus in the Last Battle, though he will have help. As for a future Draco fic, it is a possibility but not in the immediate future. If the muse strikes me it will most likely be a Draco-Hermione shipper.
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Chapter 32: The Plot Thickens
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Tiny motes of dust danced in the stream of light peaking through the window. The first rays of dawn turned the pale green walls a rose-tinted yellow. As the sun cleared the surrounding hills, it lit upon a lone figure sitting in a rocking chair. Hermione watched as the sun warmed the golden wood of the cradle meant for her unborn child.
Of all the wonderful things that filled the nursery, the cradle was the most exceptional. The mahogany wood was almost lace-like in its intricacy. The silver shone in the creases of the scrollwork. The cross panel was silver embossed with letters that read, "May Your Dreams Take Flight On Gilded Wings". Below it there was a little silver engraved picture of a pair of spread wings that matched the silver gilded pair adorning the top of the headboard.
Fingering the little set of wings, Hermione noticed there was something written below them in miniscule writing. Leaning in closer she saw that it said, "Ramé and Saren."
"Do you like it?" Severus asked from the door, making her jump. "Given our other forms, I thought the wings were fitting."
She turned to look at her husband and replied, "I love it. It is very fitting."
He gave her a slow smile that made her bones quiver, and asked, "What were you thinking about?"
Her warm feeling evaporated as her mind returned to her previous thoughts. Quietly she answered, "I was imagining how easily this can all go away if Voldemort still lives. It took both of us too long to get to where we are and I do want to lose it because some insane wizard holds a grudge against muggles and anyone who won't follow him. I'm tired of having to escape from endless attacks and equally insane Death Eaters who are either besotted with the ideal of pureblood or too stupid or scared to say otherwise. But mostly, I am just tired. I just want it to be over one way or the other."
By the time she had finished she was no longer looking at him, so did not notice when he approached her. She leaned into the warmth of his hand as he caressed her cheek, taking comfort in the pleasant smell of residual potion ingredients and the spices of his personal soap. She looked at him when he knelt next to her chair and said, "I will do anything in my power to keep us free and well. I have spent even longer than you waiting to be free of that madman. You can never truly lose someone you love. I, more than most, should know that by now. Besides, who would keep you from being the insufferable know-it-all if I'm not here?"
She smiled wanly at the old joke and replied, "And who would have the audacity to raise a hand to you if I was not here? Thank you. I was beginning to become depressed. I suppose part of it was the baby." She paused for a moment before continuing, "You know we never did decide on a name for the baby."
Severus gave her a slight smirk and said, "Well, what would you prefer? Remember we don't even know if it is a boy or girl yet. Someone should really improve those charms. They tell you if you're pregnant but not the sex, it's quite inconvenient."
Smiling at his irritation, she replied to the first question, "I have been thinking since our last conversation and if it is a boy I would like to call him Anthony after your middle name. If it is a girl I would like to name her after my grandmother Eleanor. What do you think? Are those names okay with you?"
His smirk turned into a genuine smile as he replied, "Those are perfect names. Now since you are up anyway I suggest we go to breakfast. You are eating for two now." With that she allowed him to escort her to breakfast where she ate enough for two and then some.
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Two Days Earlier on Christmas Eve
Lucius stared at the stone floor just inches from his nose, not daring to brave a look at his master. He had just reported Snape as a traitor and his master was not exactly pleased. Indeed the anger seemed to roll off the Dark Lord in waves causing those in the room to cower unconsciously.
He shuddered slightly at the touch of a cold hand on the back of his bent head, as his master asked, "You are absolutely sure of Severus' loyalties? That it was not just an act for the bumbling old fool's followers?"
He reigned in enough control to stop his voice from shaking as he replied, "Yes, Master. I am sure. There were no others in the room and he prevented me from killing the little blood traitor Weasley. I only tried to do your bidding."
"Very well, Lucius, that will do. Severus will be dealt with later. The plan must continue on schedule though. We will need a replacement in the circle." The creature paused as he contemplated, red eyes glowing menacingly. Finally he gave a smile that was devoid of mirth and only made him look more evil, it that was even possible. "Lucius, it is time I think to bring young Draco into the fold."
"Yes, Master," he replied as he crawled, backing up into the ring of black cloaked figures. Half way there he stopped as his master spoke again.
"And Lucius never take it upon your own initiative to usurp my plans again. Crucio." The gut wrenching screams that tore from the blond man's throat were counterpoint to cruel laughter that chilled the souls of all who heard it.
Miles away, the Boy-Who-Lived fell out of bed clutching his scar.
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"…can't just go where ever I like. It would look suspicious if I was suddenly snooping around a rundown neighbor hood or was seen talking to Weasley or Potter civilly in public. I hold the name Malfoy, as much as I dislike that right now, it comes with a certain reputation. I would love to be able to tell you everything the Dark Lord is up to, and while my new status in the fold allows for better info even they don't get told everything. My father is less forthcoming with me than he used to be," Draco explained to the Weasley twins.
Dumbledore sighed, and said, "We understand, Draco. Is there anything new you can tell us?"
Draco frowned as he said, "Unfortunately the only thing that I am sure about is that Snape is wanted dead or alive. There is even a price on his head. 5,000 galleons alive, 1,000 dead. It is also said that if Hermione can be captured or killed as well, another 500 galleons will be added to the prize."
There was a short round of muttering and head shaking at this news, though it was to be somewhat expected. Severus looked bitter while Hermione looked worried. Everyone else was a mix of worried or angry. Finally Dumbledore interrupted the babble, "While I am sorry to hear that one of us is a wanted a man, and sorry to loose such a valuable source of information, Severus' safety is of top priority. I believe you know what that entails already Severus."
All eyes turned to the black clad figure as a sour look came over his face, "Yes, Headmaster, I do. I am not to leave Hogwarts grounds. If I go outside it must be where there are other people or be accompanied by an Order member on staff. I don't use my floo or write letters pertaining to sensitive material. Test my food for poison and ward every room I enter. Yes, I know what it entails."
Some of the younger members looked appalled at the restrictive measures, but the older staff new that those steps were the difference between staying alive and being unpleasantly surprised the next time you sit down to eat.
Arthur spoke up, "Thank you for the warning Malfoy. I'm sure Severus will be able to prevent his untimely demise. Is there anything else you can tell us or shall we adjourn the meeting?"
Draco looked at Mr. Weasley kindly and said, "Yes. It is not much and I don't have many details. I overheard a conversation between Father and Rookwood. Apparently there are a few Death Eaters who are working on obtaining property from which the Dark Lord plans to lead an attack of some kind. But they didn't say where or how much property and said nothing about a target. The only other thing is that Father was confirming that it would be purchased by New Year's Day. So I'm guessing the attack is planned for some time just after that."
Dumbledore replied, "Thank you for your report, Draco. Please try to find out as much as you can about this property and attack. But right now I think we have done all we can. So I call this meeting to an end. If I am not mistaken Mrs. Weasley had offered to cook for anyone willing to stay."
As everyone began to depart for the kitchen or other engagements, Hermione stood and turned to Severus, "Did you want to stay or just go home?"
He pulled a face and replied, "I will be spending plenty of time at home in the near future. Despite what some may think I do like to leave the castle to socialize, in my own fashion. I will take it as long as I can before being confined to stone walls."
Hermione gently put a hand on his arm, "I'm sorry you have to go through this. You have protected yourself before without hiding in the dungeons. I find it a bit extreme."
Severus took her hand in his and said, "But this time I am not the only one being risked here. I would give my life to see you and our child safe."
In a sudden mood swing, her melancholy expression evaporated to be replaced by barely contained anger. Wary of her temper, he stepped back as she, voice clipped, asked, "And what the hell is that supposed to mean?"
He fumbled for a reply in the face of her anger, "I …just what said, that I will do anything to keep you safe." Unfortunately this seemed to be the wrong thing to say.
Once again he stepped back as he moved forward practically yelling, "So apparently your life means less than mine does it. You can risk your life but I can't mine. You would give your life you say. Well I don't want you too. I don't want to loose you anymore that you do me. And if you say one word about the 'women and children first' crap that the muggles profess, you have another thing coming. You want to keep me safe well I want to keep you safe too."
As she paused for air, he was overcome with his own defensive anger, and shouted back, "Well, you're the reason I can't spy anymore. If you hadn't faked your death in the past I would never have gone over to the Dark Lords service and we wouldn't even be in this mess in the first place." As he finished his back hit a hard surface.
Remembering the last time they had argued like this he thought, Back against the wall again. I never learn how to escape this kind of thing, will I? She's beautiful when she's angry. Unconsciously his thoughts had escaped to his expression and he had begun smiling. Unfortunately this was not a good time to be smiling.
Her face darkened even more as she screamed, "You're just making fun of me. You think this is just some big joke that you can win with your sly comments and placating gifts to me later. You don't even care about my feelings do you?"
Just as suddenly as her anger had come, it fled as she collapsed on the ground crying. Worriedly Severus approached her and rested a hand on her back. This seemed to only make her cry harder. He tried to talk to her soothingly but her crying drowned it out.
Neither noticed as the light dimmed with a grey mist that was swiftly turning into dark clouds. Severus only noticed when it actually began to rain inside the house. A hair lashing wind started from nothing and shook the windows and knocked over chairs. Vaguely he noticed that outside the window the sky was clear and the tree branches were still as stone.
Suddenly everything stopped. The wind was no longer whistling around the furniture. The clouds were gone and the lamps shone with light. Only the wet carpet and overturned chair gave any sign of the unusual happenings. Tentatively Severus turned his attention back to his wife, to find her fast asleep.
With a relieved but guilty sigh he picked up the prone form and turned towards the door. He was surprised to find that over half of the Order was standing near or in the room, staring at him with amused or horrified expressions. Mr. Weasley stepped forward and said, "Welcome to the joys of pregnant witches. Judging from that little display I suggest you do everything you can not to make her cry. Or we all might end up a little wet. Just wait until after the baby is born. I suggest a soundproofed room."
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Hermione let Ginny in to the living room. The redhead had seemed kind of nervous but that seemed to be pushed aside as she looked around the quarters. "I was kind of expecting something a little more Slytherin-ish. I like the blue and brown combination though," she said.
Hermione smiled. She had gotten similar reaction from her other friends, "It was a bit different when I first got here. Sev eventually let me do a little redecorating. He only refused to let me do red." After a moment of silence she went on, "So not that I don't like you visiting, but did you have a purpose to the visit or just wanting to catch up on old times?"
Suddenly Ginny looked nervous again and was idly twisting a ring on her left hand. Abruptly she said, "Do you still love Harry?"
Hermione was taken aback for a moment but replied, "Yes, but more like you would love a brother. Why? He hasn't said anything did he? He didn't break up with you and blame it on me did he?"
Her friend was quick to stop her, "No, not at all. I just wanted to be sure before…before I go through with the engagement."
The two girls sat there speechless for a moment, before Hermione smiled widely and leaned over to hug the younger girl. "That's wonderful Ginny. I'm so happy for you. Honestly, I had expected this sooner. You've only been dating the guy for over two years and known him even longer. Have you set the date yet?"
Ginny smiled relieved and replied happily, "Well, that's the thing. We want to keep this private so we figure the sooner the better. Plus Harry would like to know we were married before anything else happens. We want to get married on New Years Eve."
In a stunned voice, Hermione replied, "But that's in three days."
"We know. It will be small. We'll have it at Grimauld Place with only the Order and a few others. But I mostly came here to ask if you would like to be my Maid of Honor. And come shopping with me today for the dresses?"
Hermione smiled again and responded, "Of course. I always did love a challenge."
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"Is the premises secured, Rookwood?" hissed a cold voice.
Rookwood's voice was muffled by the mask and stone, "Yes. My Lord, just as you ordered.
"Is it with in view of the town? I want no one remarking on the comings and goings there," Voldemort said.
"It is well hidden in the trees, Master but with in easy distance of the target.," the subservient man replied.
"Good. It would not do for a denizen of Hogsmeade to find us preemptively."
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A/N: Okay so there it is. For a better idea of what the cradle looks like I have posted it under the fanfic pics on my website. I will eventually have a few others up soon but they are in the editing stages.
