A/N: I am SOOOOOOO sorry. I completely failed you. And this is why my author page says I won't ever promise to make continuous updates. I just haven't had the inspiration. So here's chapter 16.

Chapter 16

Hermione stayed in that room, alone with Narcissa. Event hought they had bonded some over the wedding planning, Hermione still felt uncomfortable.

"How are you feeling, Hermione?"

"It's a bit early for-"

"No, I mean, emotionally. How are you coping with this?"

Hermione collapsed to the floor. "I don't know what to do. This is going to throw off my entire school year. It's too much too fast. I'm no where near prepared for being a wife let alone a mother." By this point Hermione was all but wheezing on the floor in tears.

"Oh sweetie, you might not think you're ready, but your body is about to change. The hormones in your body will change all of that. The second you hold your baby in your arms the whole world disappears and there's an instant connection."

"But what if I don't feel that? I've never felt anything like that with anyone. It takes a long time for there to be a strong connection and it seems like they're easily broken."

Narcissa kneeled down to Hermione's level and placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder, "Sweetie, that's why it's nine long months. Because even through the nausea, the heartburn, the back aches, the cravings, and the inability to truly sleep again, a bond forms. It's a bond stronger than any other. Love. And yes, I understand how that sounds coming from me, a follower of the man who doesn't believe in love, but a mother's love for her child is real. More real than anything else. And it's stronger than anything else because it is completely unconditional."

Hermione pulled away. "Don't you get it? All of this is going to end. He's going to kill me eventually because of my blood status. My child will be raised to know hatred. I will be powerless."

"Maybe that's what's best." Narcissa said with a smirk as she stood and turned away.

Hermione's rage boiled in her soul as she stood again, fists clenching, "What did you just say?"

"Well, I mean, you've given up. If you're giving up so easily, maybe it's best everything you just said happens."

"Give up? You think I've given up?"

"Everything you just said reeks of giving up. You've given up on Your friends, on your freedom, on yourself. What happened to the Ms. Hermione Granger that stood up. The girl who always pushes for her friend, Harry Potter? What happened to the good girl willing to break the rules to do what's right? In all the years I've listened to Draco come home complaining, and heard Severus talk about work they both had the same to thing to say about you. That you're an insufferable know-it-all that never gives up, and is willing to always help her friends. Yet all I see is a sniveling little girl about to have a child, giving up before she even has a chance."

Hermione felt her heart tighten. They may have hated her at school, but Draco and Severus admired her. No one had to tell her that, the fact that they spoke about her, something harsh and kind at the same time, told her that. But Narcissa intended to hurt, and Hermione was done being targeted.

"You think this is me giving up, Narcissa? Everyone has a weak moment. But you, you live in that moment your whole. You feared defying your family and that's why you're in arranged marriage. You feared the dark Him and your husband so you became a death eater. You live in fear and yet you tell me that I could keep everything I just described from happening. Yet you haven't. Your son is full of misguided hate. Your husband is as much a coward as you are, and yet you some how are one of the most influential families in the wizarding world. I wonder what would happen to that reputation of yours if the world found out how cowardly you are."

And so Hermione stalked out of the room, hoping to wander around the mansion and learn some of it's secrets.

Severus pushed Hermione from his mind, knowing he couldn't have the distraction of worry in His presence. Voldemort's idea of celebration was never good and when they appeared in the small little village, he knew he was right.

However instead of drawing his wand, Vodlemort led them to a door.

"Men, the ladies are on Lucius. And Severus, seeing as we are celebrating your good news, you get first pick."

Severus took a look, realizing now that they were at a very high class wizarding brothel.

"My lord, this is too much. I am ever in your debt," Severus spoke with a bow.

He responded only with a coy smirk and Gestured for Severus to go in and choose a girl. He looked around, being used to having the company of a prostitute. And then he saw a young, scared looking girl. Meaning she was new, and probably a virgin. Which would set Lucius back a pretty galleon.

"Her," He spoke pointing and walking towards her.

"Ah, excellent choice sir. She is one 16th vela and a virgin."

The girl stood, shaking and scared. He held out a hand and when she placed hers in his, jerked her into one of the many rooms. Once the door was closed the silencing charms kicked in and he motioned for her to sit on the bed.

"I apologize for my abrasiveness. I have much respect for those who choose this profession. It is not easy."

"Wait what?"

"Dear girl, I do not take virgins. If I am spending good money, I want experience. A woman who knows how to please a man."

"I cou-"

"No you couldn't. I chose you because I could. I chose you because I had no intention of having sex tonight. I have a wife and she is pregnant. She feels alone and lost."

"Is it because you're a-a death eater?"

"Yes."

"Why did she marry you then?"

"She didn't have much of a choice. And as her professor, it was the only way to protect her. A professor must always protect their students."

"Really? Because mine is the reason I'm here."

"Unfortunately not all of them take the vow very seriously. If you would like, you can just talk to me. Or sleep."

"I think I'll choose sleep."

Severus waited until she fell asleep and altered her memory slightly enough so if anyone went digging, they'd see his prowess and she'd leave with a little more confidence.