Author's Note: To address some emails and messages I've received, this story has not been abandoned. I do not write stories beginning to end, instead I write scenes as I get inspired. I have this entire story laid out clearly from start to finish, which, for the record, ends with the Battle of Hogwarts. So you can see that there is much more to come as this story is still in OoP territory canon-wise. I have many future chapters written already, but I still have to write the parts to connect them all. I also participated in NaNoWriMo this year and have been immersed in that project. Thank you to everyone following this story, the response has been so positive and I can't thank you all enough for all the kudos and kind words. -CJ aka WritinginCT
First Week of December - Fifth Year
Three hundred and eighty-four steps. That was all it would take for Severus to get from the gates at Malfoy Manor into the drawing room where Voldemort held court. He paused at the gates and took a moment to settle his thoughts before walking through the gate's wards as if they weren't even there. In three-hundred and eighty-four steps he would either protect himself, Hermione, and his child or sentence them all to death.
Three hundred forty-six. Nothing to hear but the crunch of gravel under his boots in the crisp winter air.
Two hundred ninety-two. An ugly gargoyle on a pillar standing watch with its roaming eyes that he forever itched to send a bombardi maxima towards.
Two hundred thirty-one. The start of Narcissa's snarled, now winter-bare, rosebushes which had thorns longer than his fingers and were the stuff of nightmares.
One hundred ninety-nine. A bit of open frost-laden lawn that always held obnoxious peacocks in the warm weather, those damn annoying birds a favorite of Lucius.
One hundred sixty-five. The serpent fountain that is as vulgar now as it was when crafted in 1746, something else that could use a good leveling curse thrown in its direction.
One hundred twenty-one. The stone-paved walk to the front door.
Eighty-seven. The top of the grand staircase, his footsteps silent on the stairs as always.
Forty-three. Halfway down the hall to the drawing room, not too late to turn around and rethink this plan entirely.
Twenty-six. Yet another repugnant portrait of a pure-blood male Malfoy ancestor, the antiquated blond bigot silenced with a glare.
Twelve. The light from the drawing room door up ahead, still not too late to turn around.
One. The threshold to either their salvation or the signing of their death warrants.
He stepped over that threshold decisively and into the drawing room.
"Severus!" the Dark Lord said warmly, his oily voice sibilant as ever.
Severus approached and knelt, head down, in an expected display of submission.
A gentle touch on his head both made Severus' skin crawl as well as let him know he could rise.
Severus stood and glanced around the room. The Malfoys were in attendance along with Bellatrix, Rodolphus, and Rabastan Lestrange, Yaxley, Dolohov, and Rowle, as well as several other lower sycophants of the Dark Lord.
Voldemort met his eyes and asked, "To what do we owe this unexpected pleasure, Severus?"
Severus was occluding all he could. He answered the Dark Lord with the words he had practiced a hundred times in his head. "My Lord, I would beg a private audience."
Voldemort froze and stared at Severus for a long hard moment. Never in the time since he had been resurrected had Severus asked for a private audience. He stared at Severus a beat longer before ordering. "Everyone. Leave us. Now."
Bellatrix looked to Voldemort and simpered, "My Lord, even me?"
Without taking his attention away from Severus, Voldemort said coldly, "Everyone."
Quickly, not wanting to incur Voldemort's wrath for disobeying, the collected group of Death Eaters exited the room.
Once he and Severus were alone, Voldemort threw locking and privacy wards at the door they had left through with a casual wave of his hand, knowing his Death Eaters well he was assured that at least one or two of them would attempt to listen in on the conversation about to take place.
"Now tell me, Severus, what is so important?"
"I find myself in a most unusual situation, my Lord. There was an accident, an explosion."
"I am aware and was told that you and the Mudblood girl were in the infirmary. Are you still unwell because of it?"
"No, my Lord, I recovered completely. However, the girl, she was affected by the rogue cauldron magic in an unprecedented way."
"Go on."
"When the cauldron exploded the wave of magic from it went first through me and then into her. She was then unconscious for a week and almost died had I not been able to brew a counter-agent. We have since discovered…," Severus paused for the slightest moment which Voldemort noticed.
Severus knew it was coming, Voldemort diving into his mind and digging through his memories, but it was a shock none the less. He had carefully tucked away all the things he didn't want the Dark Lord seeing, leaving free the informative memories which Voldemort was now rifling through- the explosion and their recoveries, then fast forwarding to finding her vomiting in the dungeon hall and passing out, his overheard conversation between she and Poppy, their subsequent bedside discussion about his theory. In particular, Voldemort played and replayed the memory of Poppy performing the paternitas revelare and virginemstatumia tests and their results.
He abruptly pulled out of Severus' mind leaving Severus standing there swaying a bit from the force of his departure. Voldemort started to pace around the room, his talon-like fingers cupping his chin as he thought through the situation. Seconds turned to minutes which turned into well past a quarter hour before Voldemort spoke again.
"That is supposed to be impossible, Severus," he finally said. There was no hint of anger in his voice or demeanor but Severus knew all too well that that could be deceiving.
"That was my understanding as well, my Lord. I researched extensively and have found no other recorded instance of a pregnancy formed solely through magic."
"Indeed, not, Severus. A child born solely of magic has long been a goal of many a failed wizard. So… what is it about this Mudblood which makes magic gift her something so special, Severus? And with you, a half-blood, of all people?"
"I do not know, my Lord, which is why I thought it best to seek your counsel."
Voldemort nodded. "Wise decision. And your thoughts on becoming a father with this Mudblood?"
"I had never planned on having children of my own, my Lord, but circumstances such as they are have made that moot. Looking at the positives, the girl is intelligent and is magically adept so it is unlikely that the child will either be a squib or intellectually stunted in any way. I have not let myself think any further than that, my Lord, I was awaiting your guidance on how best to handle the situation."
Voldemort mulled that over for a moment.
"And what of Dumbledore? What is his reaction to your joyous news?"
"He wants her to abort and is most adamant about it. It interferes with his carefully laid plans for Potter. In fact, he has already attempted to slip her an abortifacient," Severus said calmly even as he wanted to choke the life out of Dumbledore just thinking about what he had done.
"He what?" the Dark Lord demanded in a voice made of shards of ice. He turned and leveled his wand at an unoffending settee across the room that had graced Malfoy Manor for over two hundred years and blew it to bits to vent his anger. "He would dare try to kill this child magic itself brought into being?" he bellowed.
"Yes, my Lord," Severus said softly, "Thankfully, she was able to counter it immediately as I had produced a general antidote for her to carry on her person at all times once Dumbledore began pushing his preferred solution to her unexpected situation."
"Show me," Voldemort demanded and Severus was again subjected to the Dark Lord slithering around in his memories.
When he had viewed both Severus' discussion with Dumbledore on the balcony, a carefully abridged version of his discussion with her about Dumbledore, as well the aftermath of Dumbledore's poisoning attempt in the potions classroom, Voldemort pulled out of Severus' head.
"That was very prudent of you, Severus. You know that he will try again."
"Yes, and if he can't poison her I would not put it past him that she would meet with a stray hex or unfortunate accident causing her to lose the baby."
"You are keeping her safe from that old fool?"
"As well as I can, my Lord."
Nagini slithered close to Voldemort, sensing her master's ire and he reached down to gently stroke the serpent's head. "I want to see her, Severus. Arrange to bring her here for a visit at a time when she won't be missed. Do not let Dumbledore know of my interest as it will fuel his efforts towards her even more. We will protect this Mudblood and your unborn child and I will unravel the puzzlement of it all, Severus."
"Thank you, my Lord. The weekend after next is a Hogsmeade weekend and would perhaps be the best opportunity for me to bring her here without alerting the Headmaster."
"Very well. Is there anything else?" Voldemort asked as he sat back down at the head of the large table and adjusted his robes around him, Nagini curling up in her normal protective spot next to him.
"Umbridge is a problem. She knows of the explosion, of course, but does not know of the pregnancy. She is insistent upon proving an illicit relationship between Miss Granger and myself. It makes it difficult to protect the girl and the child, my Lord."
Voldemort waved dismissively. "She is a minor irritant easily handled. You worry about Dumbledore and his meddlesome ways and I will have someone see to Umbridge, Severus. Now we must also see to protecting the Mudblood from your brothers here," Voldemort said and flicked his wand at the doors, throwing them back open, "as most of them would kill her on sight if she were caught out."
It took all of Severus' power as an occlumens to cage his emotions, no, his rage, at the thought of any Death Eater harming her. The things he would do to any of them that would dare hurt her or his child would make them beg for the mercifully quick, simple death of an Avada Kedavra.
The former occupants of the room save for the lower level Death Eaters quickly filed back in and sat down, everyone glancing nervously at the remnants of the once beautiful settee which were scattered about the room.
Voldemort looked around the table making eye contact with each and every person sitting there. These were his fiercest lieutenants, his most faithful servants, and they would follow his orders without question or fail. "What I am about to reveal to you all does not leave this room," he said strongly.
Those around the table mumbled, "Yes, my Lord," and nodded.
Severus sat straight in his chair at Voldemort's left, his hands folded calmly on the table in front of him.
Voldemort continued speaking, "Most of you are aware that Severus and Potter's Mudblood were involved in an explosion earlier in the school term. What you do not know is that through the magic released in the explosion that the girl is now pregnant… with Severus' child."
Narcissa spoke up softly, "My Lord, you mean that she conceived without…," she couldn't finish.
"Yes, my dear Narcissa. I have seen Severus' memories of the paternitas revelare and virginemstatumia tests being performed by Madam Pomfrey. The Mudblood is indeed a virgin now pregnant with Severus' child."
Narcissa's mouth fell open a bit. The Dark Lord did not chastise her for questioning as most of them gathered knew that Lucius and Narcissa had tried for years for another child, with her suffering many, many failed conceptions before they finally stopped trying. Magical conception was the Holy Grail for Pure-blood women who were conceiving less and less with each generation but thus far it had been but a myth.
"I am ordering all of you here and now to ensure that no harm comes to this girl and the child she carries. Tell the others not present here the same but do not tell them why she is to be protected, that information stays here. You should also inform your children as I would be most displeased should she come to harm at the hands of one of her schoolmates."
There were more mumbled, "Yes, my Lord," from around the table. With a final piercing glare at each person, Voldemort dismissed them all with a wave of his hand. As the room cleared once again, Voldemort stroked Nagini's head as he mulled over all that he saw in Severus' memories.
Severus had gone as well making it to the corridor when his name was called out in a familiar feminine voice. "Severus."
He paused and turned to see Narcissa walking towards him in her elegant, stately pace. She surprised him by slipping her arm around his and starting them walking down the corridor arm-in-arm.
Softly she asked, "Is it true?"
He nodded and replied equally softly, "Yes."
"And is the… the girl well?"
He thought her attempt at civility interesting and tucked it away for future thought. "She was in a coma for a week after the accident but recovered completely once I was able to produce the appropriate counter-agent to the rogue cauldron magic."
"And the baby?"
"According to Madam Pomfrey all is quite well with the pregnancy, nothing amiss or out of the ordinary. Miss Granger does suffer day-long morning sickness which was resistant to the standard nausea potions but I have since brewed her an alternative which has alleviated the problem."
"The matris deiectionem drops?" Narcissa asked.
Severus nodded. "Yes. She is now able to eat properly without purging."
Narcissa chuckled. "You know how well I know that potion, Severus, how many months did you brew it for me when I was pregnant with Draco? She has my sincere sympathies for needing it. Do you have all you need to keep making it for her? I know the ingredients are rare and costly."
Severus was not insulted by Narcissa's words as they were not meant as insult to his ability to provide for Hermione and his child, but rather as something, anything, she could personally offer to help. He knew how desperately Narcissa had wanted another child, still wanted, in fact, as she was not yet out of her childbearing years.
"I have adequate supplies," he replied simply.
"Let me know if that changes, I can have ingredients brought in from the continent if need be."
"Thank you, I will."
They had reached the grand staircase and stopped walking. They turned to face one another and Severus was trying to decipher the expression on her face to no avail.
"Severus, this has the potential to change so much. Keep her safe."
"I fully intend to, Narcissa."
She reached over and gave his hand a little squeeze. He noticed that her touch did not have the same effect on him as Hermione's did, there was no heat, no draw for him to keep holding Narcissa's hand like there was with Hermione. He didn't know what it all meant. It had to be a side effect of the explosion somehow, this irresistible pull and protectiveness he felt towards her that he could no longer deny. He forced himself to stop analyzing the simple touch and refocused on what Narcissa was saying.
"And, since I doubt anyone else has said it, congratulations. I know you hadn't planned this, and certainly not with… well, not with her for so many reasons, least of all that she's your student, but having a child is life altering in the best sorts of ways, Severus. And for what it's worth, I think you will make a fine father. If there is anything I can do for you or her, you have but to ask me."
His expression softened and he gave her a slow tic of his head, her specific wording on the last intriguing him. "Thank you, Narcissa. I will keep your offer in mind and know that I appreciate it."
She nodded and turned to go back to the drawing room. Severus headed down the stairs and out the front door at a hurried pace.
Two hundred and ninety-seven steps later he was at the main gate and apparating back to the edge of the grounds of Hogwarts.
Back in his own sitting room, Severus had a snifter of brandy in his hand, untouched, as stared into the fire lost deep in his thoughts. The evening had been both stressful and curious. The Dark Lord's interest in the baby he had foreseen. Not that Severus deceived himself into thinking for one second that it was actually the baby he cared about but rather the puzzle of it all and always wanting to be in direct opposition to Dumbledore. Still, his orders to his Death Eaters took away one sphere of danger surrounding her and his child and he admitted to himself that he felt more than an iota of relief over that.
No, what was curious was Narcissa's reaction. Her words were too precise, too careful, and so very Slytherin. Narcissa would bear observing. She was perhaps not as committed to the Dark Lord as her husband and sister after all. On his side she could be a powerful ally, someone he might, just might, be able to trust would help him keep Hermione and his child safe.
He stood with his brandy in hand and went to his desk in the corner. He pulled out a sheet of parchment and scratched out a quick note to her asking to meet tomorrow afternoon. They had much to discuss and occlumency to practice. Their very lives depended on her mastering the skill before she faced the Dark Lord within the fortnight.
He sipped his brandy as the wax seal on the note cooled. When it was hardened he summoned a house elf and had the eager-to-please elf deliver it.
He finished his brandy after the house elf left and took himself off to bed wearily.
tbc...