A/N: I got a lo of people saying I should do what I want because this is my story, and I just wanted to say, I am. In fact, the more I thought about it, the more I realized just how funny it would be to have my idea reversed. I can't wait for the epilogue now. Anyway, so here's the next chapter, something sweet and something dark. I was rereading today, and saw I put in that Voldemort didn't want Hermione harmed at all and that if she was to be punished, Only Severus had that power. Oops. But I think the Bellatrix scene was justified in the sense that he almost had Potter if she hadn't intervened.

Chapter 36

Hermione had fallen asleep hours ago, and Severus just watched her. She had decided to permanently remove the pillows between them because she found it increasingly uncomfortable. Instead, after falling asleep she had found her way to him and cuddled up close. Her shirt had ridden up just enough to reveal her stomach, which looked more bloated than like she was expecting. Severus laid his hand softly on her stomach. He was still in shock. It was one thing to know she was carrying his child, but to be able to see that child, and hear its heartbeat, it was almost unbelievable. It had made everything seem so real.

"Yeah, I'll tell you something, I think you'll understand, when I say, that something, I wanna hold your hand. I wanna hold your hand. I wanna hold your hand," Severus sung softly, remembering what he read about the fetus being able to hear in the womb, "Oh please, say to me, you'll let be your man. And please, say to me, you'll let me hold your hand. Now let me hold your hand. I wanna hold your hand-"

Severus stopped, cut off by the familiar burning on his wrist. And this time he was to bring her. It was 4 o'clock in the morning. He found himself wishing that he had gotten some sleep. He took the time to get dressed before waking her, letting her get as much sleep as possible, not knowing what they would be doing or for how long.

"Hermione," He said as he placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a gentle nudge, "Hermione, we have to go."

"Severus, it's four in the morning, I swear to Merlin I will shrink your penis if you don't have a good reason for waking me up at such an unearthly hour."

Severus cringed at the thought, and made a note to never wake her up this early again if he could avoid it, "Hermione, there's no need for such threats. Besides, we're being summoned. You need to get dressed and I need to bind you."

She sat up slowly, wiping the sleep from her eyes. It was not going to be a good day. She felt bloated, and was happy she could hide under her robes and she got dressed in a pair of jeans and an empire-waisted shirt before throwing on her robes and zipping them up completely.

"Sed custodiat finire."

Hermione once again felt like she was being held back, but being as exhausted as she was, she didn't particularly care. Severus held out an arm for her to take and so she did, waiting to disappear, wondering what waited ahead for them.

They appeared outside of Malfoy Manor and walked through the gate, Hermione wishing more than anything to go back to bed. But as the door opened, she straightened herself. Fortunately it was Narcissa that answered the door, and immediately offered the young witch and her husband a hug.

"Narcissa, what is going on?"

"I do not know, Severus. But he's both furious, and pleased. You heard about what happened at the Ministry didn't you?"

"Yes, I did hear about Yaxley letting Potter and his friends slip through his fingers."

"Well, I know he wishes to speak to you immediately, I'll watch over Hermione."

Hermione watched as Severus left her behind, and although Narcissa had never attempted to do her harm, she knew if she was alone for even a moment, Bellatrix might try something.

"Hermione, how are you doing?"

"I'm fine. Mostly thankful that the vomiting has stopped."

Narcissa chuckled, "I remember that magical feeling. I think I celebrating by eating enough to make me throw up anyway."

It was Hermione's turn to laugh, "We're having a girl," she shared, slightly excited by the thought.

"I wouldn't share that with anyone else here, let Severus share it. Heirs are still typically supposed to be male."

Hermione hadn't thought about that. Severus had seemed happy enough. When they had discussed it over dinner, she heard a genuine excitement, even though they hadn't discussed names like she had suggested, they did talk about the baby.

"I just don't want anyone to hurt you, or her. Only when Severus announces his feelings on the subject, will you be safe."

Hermione nodded and placed a hand on her stomach. I will project you baby girl. No one will hurt you, and I know your father will protect us both.

A house elf popped into the room, "Mistress Malfoy, you and the mudblood are being summoned."

"Slivia, you will not address her in such a way around me, She has a name, and you will address her as such, Mistress Snape."

"Yes, Mistress, now the Master wishes to see you."

Narcissa and Hermione followed the elf into the dining room.

"Ah, there are your lovely wives. Pregnancy becomes you, Hermione," Voldemort commented as they entered the room.

Hermione curtsied and replied, "Thank you, My Lord."

"Now ladies, why don't you join us at the table?"

Hermione walked briskly toward Severus, who had pulled out a chair for her.

"Now this evening, I want to celebrate. Severus has shared the news that they are expecting a girl. And they of course will have several opportunities to have a boy, but Severus says he is pleased. And we know he has been training her, to be one of us, and today, we shall test it. Severus, you may remove your bind on her powers.

"Yes, My Lord."

Hermione felt the rush of her powers returning, and felt terrified. She knew that testing could mean only one thing.

Pettigrew stepped forward, looking terrified.

"Wormtail has displeased me, this should be an easy test."

Hermione swallowed, and stood up. You need to mean it. That's what Harry had said was the reason he failed to use a cruciatis curse on Bellatrix. She thought of Wormtail, how he had betrayed Harry's parents and how he had betrayed Ron and Remus and Sirius. But none of it made her angry. It made her pity him. But she had to mean it.

No one said I had to cast an unforgivable.

"Fregerunt eius crura."

Wormtail crumbled in pain as several of his bones shattered.

"Vis ad dimidium reformabit."

He screeched in pain as he felt what werewolves felt, being forced to transform against his will, and stopped at half way into a rat.

"Præcipitate."

And Wormtail went flying against the wall.

"Very well done."

Severus stared at Hermione, knowing she had inflicted more pain than the cruciatis curse without casting any dark spells. He didn't think she had it in her.

"Severus, I think your wife is exhausted, Severus. You should take her back to Hogwarts and let her get some rest."

"Yes, My Lord."