A/N: Hey everyone. Back from my holiday and it was awesome to log on to my email and see all the reviews! So here is the next chapter.
DISCLAIMER: I only own the plot line.
Chapter EightDraco glanced at his watch and gave an angry sigh. It was nearing ten in the morning and still he hadn't heard anything from Lupin. He stood from the kitchen stool he always sat on and headed upstairs to shower. It was the only sane thing he could consider doing at that moment. Harry, Ron, Ginny and Luna were in the lounge room keeping away from Draco. All knew he was on edge and any little thing would set him off.
Ginny peered at him as he stalked up the stairs. She turned to Harry and sighed.
"He is quite scary at times like this," said Ginny softly, "When he is angry… his whole being changes. Have you noticed that?"
"What, the stiff figure, tightened facial features and the darkened eyes?" said Harry, "Yeah, I have noticed."
"It's like he is replaced with someone else."
"I know," commented Ron, "He becomes a younger Lucius, to put it bluntly. Do you think we should say something about it?"
"No," replied Harry firmly, "Now is not the time. He wants what we all do: get Hermione home safely and finish Lucius off once and for all."
"Well this sitting around and waiting isn't achieving a thing."
"I know Ron. But you heard Lupin… let's not discuss anymore. It isn't safe."
HD
Lucius turned away from the viewing glass smirking. So, his son had inherited his power. That could only mean one thing: His future grandchild would inherit his power. Lucius walked out of his rather, small and shabby looking office and headed down the hall. He came to a stop outside a shut and locked door. He pulled a silver key out and unlocked the door. Walking in, Hermione was seen to be deeply immersed in her work. She looked up at him and glared at him in hatred.
"So… how are you feeling today, Miss Granger?" he asked walking towards Hermione slowly, "Morning sickness causing you problems?"
"What's it to you?" snapped Hermione, "My baby might not even be your grandchild."
Lucius looked at her curiously but decided to ignore her comment and move on to something more serious and possibly sinister, "Do I terrify you, mudblood?"
"You couldn't even scare a fly let alone a human being. Make them laugh in amusement at your patheticness but terrify anyone, that is a laugh on its own."
Lucius' lips formed into a snarling smirk before he brought himself up to his full height. Hermione didn't flinch back in fear, but merely looked at him in slight confusion.
"I am more terrifying then the Dark Lord was in his heightened days of glory. I am even more powerful then Dumbledore himself was. Each and everyday my power grows beyond your imagination. My power runs in my blood. Piece it together you mudblood."
Hermione's mouth dropped open slightly as realization struck her, "Your dark magic is in your blood… then it must be in Draco's… and maybe my babies… why didn't you say anything? Does Draco know this?"
"Oh Draco knows by now. Narcissa would have spoken of it. I'm surprised he never said a thing to you, seeing as he is meant to be in love with you."
Hermione looked down at her sheet of work. She felt betrayed beyond anything else. Yes, the news was surprising but Draco not telling her such vital information made her feel slapped in the face.
"Leave me alone," muttered Hermione glaring up at Lucius.
When Lucius remained standing, Hermione stood up angrily.
"GET LOST!" screamed Hermione as Pansy returned from a toilet break to continue her supervision. In her hand she held Hermione's wand, "If you want this spell I suggest you leave me alone to work on it."
Lucius turned and left, a look of satisfaction on his face.
When the door snapped shut a wave of dizziness overcame Hermione. She sat down and closed her eyes, one hand over her stomach. Pansy watched her closely but relaxed as Hermione turned to working with a tear falling down her cheek.
HD
We leave for H.S at seven tonight.
R.L M.M
Draco sighed and placed the note on the table. He left the kitchen as Harry stepped over to read the note. Glancing at his watch he saw they had two hours till leaving time.
"Gin, we should get home and pack some clothes," said Harry, "See you guys there."
Ron nodded as he quickly read the note and burnt it. Him and Luna headed up stairs and heard Draco in his and Hermione's room packing things and murmuring to himself.
"Poor guy," mumbled Luna sadly, "They only find each other again after such a long time and they get ripped apart again."
HD
Draco tensed a little at Luna's words. Him and Hermione had not been ripped apart. They were together, at a distance. He kept saying that to him self, it was the only way he could keep him self-calm half the time. During the night alone he spoke to the empty bedroom as though Hermione were beside him. It was silly but Draco knew he had to stay as civil and as calm as possible. He zipped his bag shut and found a suitcase for Hermione's things. He packed her work files, parent's pictures, clothes, a book she had been reading, and along with another two to be sure she had enough reading material when she came back.
Satisfied with his packing Draco carried the two bags down stairs and set them at the door. Ron and Luna came down with their things and Draco made his best attempt to smile at them.
"Listen," said Draco with a deep breath, "Sorry for being a jerk to you both and Harry and Ginny."
"Hey man. It's fine. I understand. I mean Hermione is like a sister to me and like you I am worried," said Ron honestly, "We will get her back. I'm sure we will."
As Draco was about to reply Arthur apperated in front of them looking rather grim. Ron looked at his father in worry before Arthur looked at Draco.
"We can't find Lucius, Pansy or Hermione," he said, "Get your things. We leave for Hogwarts now."
Without any questions or arguments Draco, Ron and Luna grabbed their bags and apperated to Hogwarts Gates. Harry and Ginny were arriving with Tonks at the same time with Hagrid standing guard at the gate. The half giant opened it for them. The seven ran into the safety of Hogwarts and up the path, panting as they did so. All were rather fit except the luggage was weighing them down. At the castle doors Filch took their belongings and all walked into the Great Hall. Once again, like four years ago the Order table had been set up looking as if it hadn't even been moved.
McGonagall and Lupin sat at the table in deep discussion. Around the table were all the Weasley's, Mad Eye Moody, Kingsley, Sirius and Narcissa. Draco took a seat opposite his mother, bedside Harry. Everyone looked up at the two people who had become the Head of the Order. McGonagall sat in her seat as Lupin moved to his at the other end of the table. He stood in front of his seat and looked directly at Draco before looking around at the other trusted members.
"As some of you may know, myself, Sirius, Narcissa, Arthur, Alastor, Kingsley, Tonks and Minerva went to the Malfoy Manor this afternoon after a day of planning – in secret," said Lupin as he got looks of anger from those who did not go or knew nothing of the planning, "Upon arrival we found the place strangely quiet. Too quiet. Narcissa found a secret way in and we soon discovered the place had indeed been abandoned, along with the missing viewing glass. It appears Lucius has taken Hermione to a secret hideout."
Draco immediately tensed up. His hands clenched into tight fists a sweeping, powerful sensation rippled through his body. He counted slowly knowing exactly what was happening and had been happening for four years.
"We have gathered paperwork left in the Manor's main office," said Lupin, "Draco. I know you know your father better then anyone else in this room. I want you too go over the paperwork and see if you can find any clues that may lead us to Lucius' secret hideout."
Lupin slid the folder down to Draco who caught it. He opened it as chatter started around him about the news. He looked up feeling eyes on him and saw Narcissa watching him in silence. Her blue eyes were full of love and worry towards her son. Draco looked back down to see if he could find any clues, and for once he did not have to look far.
"Latoka Grand," whispered Draco reading small writing in his father's hand on the top of a boring letter about his over due taxes. It was underlined three times, "He's hiding at Latoka Grand. It's written here and underlined. Lucius only ever does that if it is important or a brilliant idea of his. Latoka Grand is a house Pansy inherited from her grandmother. It's about an hour away from Brighton to the west. I just know he will have kept this a secret, even from his followers."
Everyone, including Draco looked at Lupin then McGonagall.
"Right. Let's get ready. We are going now," said Lupin with a nod from McGonagall.
Draco finally grinned for real he stood up closing the folder. He changed his clothes in one of the bathrooms to something more suitable for a possible battle. As he walked to the Entrance Hall he caught up with Harry.
"Do you think this place is safe from the viewing glass?" asked Harry curiously, "Lucius could have heard every single detail just then."
Draco shrugged, "It's the safest and most secure place we've got. If we need to hide we've got the Chamber of Secrets."
Harry nodded remembering when he had to bring the terrified back from the Chamber. Most were relieved to be away from the dank and dark place, others seemed excited that they got to experience such a thing.
"I suppose you are right and listen. Tonight I am staying by your side. I am not letting you pull that stunt like you did last time. Hermione won't handle it and I won't see her go through the pain again."
"I wasn't planning on doing that again."
"Just warning you."
Draco nodded as they reached the Entrance Hall. After ten minutes Lupin gave a signal to silence everyone.
"Now listen. We will be breaking into teams of five with one group of four. Group one is: Draco, Harry, Sirius, Tonks and Moody. Group two: Ron, Minerva, Kingsley, George and Ginny. Group three: Narcissa, Charlie, Fred, Luna and Arthur and group four will be myself, Hagrid, Bill and Percy. We will apperate too Brighton and walk to Latoka Grand."
The groups formed and the teams began walking for the castle gates.
HD
Hermione glared at the door as it shut behind her. She changed into her pajama's set on her bed, ugly bright pink pants with white puffy clouds and a bright yellow shirt with stars on the sleeves. Hermione hated being dressed in such shabby clothing. All her life she had made herself look decent for every occasion. With a sigh she sat on her bed as Tortura arrived with her dinner, a meal of a meat patty, beans, carrot and mashed potatoes. Hermione thanks the elf and went about eating her meal. She glanced out the window watching the storm clouds begin to roll in. Lightening flickered through the sky. Pushing her half eaten meal away, Hermione walked over to the window hugging herself.
Her thoughts went to Draco, wondering how he was coping. They had been through so much already and still, they couldn't even spend a long period of time together. They really were star-crossed lovers… yet Hermione still felt betrayed and hurt that Draco hadn't told her about the dark magic he had inherited.
Her hand moved to her stomach as she bit her lower lip. Did she really want the baby to be Draco's now? Knowing that Draco would forever be dealing with dark magic his entire life? Could Hermione even live with Draco now, be with Draco knowing he had a dark side that could consume him at any given time?
Hermione turned from the mirror as a wave of dizziness over came her. She swayed on the spot before stumbling forward and falling to the ground, her head narrowly missing the corner of her bedside table.
HD
The wind whipped around them in cold blows sending everyone stumbling to the side, except Hagrid who didn't seem bothered by the galling winds.
"Which way?" shouted Lupin over the wind to Draco.
Draco squinted and read the sign for the name of the road. Finding the one he wanted, he pointed towards it. With a nod to the ground began moving quickly, against the wind towards Latoka Grand. Harry kept to his word and stayed by Draco's side as they ran ahead of the others, Sirius, Tonks and a rather agile Moody behind them. Rain began to fall in a slow trickle before it became heavier. Glancing over his shoulder Harry saw the others were falling behind.
"We should stop!" shouted Harry, "They've fallen behind!"
"We are almost there!" replied Draco brushing back his blonde hair from his eyes, "They will be fine. Follow the road, you can't miss the house. It's the only one."
"Oi!" shouted Sirius catching up with Tonks and Moody, "It's dangerous to run ahead in this!"
"Where are the others?" asked Draco glancing past Sirius.
"About five minutes behind," said Tonks glancing behind her, "Let's go ahead. We can handle it."
Draco nodded in agreement as the three others gave in with Moody grumbling the whole way. The five ran up the road to the lone house standing on the edge of the cliff. The wind was stronger and Draco was amazed at how the house remained standing, but soon put it down to magic. Harry walked beside Draco up the gate. It creaked open but the sound didn't travel far with the wind billowing around them.
"Which way should we go in?" asked Harry to Moody and Tonks.
"Through the front," said Moody with a nod from Tonks, "Wizards never suspect the front entrance these days."
With quick quiet steps the five ran up the path, avoiding lights coming from a few windows. Draco groaned as he looked up at a window and saw his father and Pansy locked in a passionate embrace.
"That is gross," commented Harry seeing it as well.
They brought their attention back to the situation as Moody unlocked the door and opened it. The entry was small, leading directly into the lounge room. A staircase led up to the second floor in the lounge room. Draco ran up it with Harry and Sirius as Tonks and Moody checked the lower floor together. They walked along the hall upstairs in silence. Quietly they opened doors searching for Hermione. Almost opening a door, Draco stepped back upon hearing Pansy's squealing laugh. He ran back, yanking Sirius and Harry into what was a toilet as the room's door opened. Silencing Harry and Sirius with a look, Draco put his ear against the door and heard Lucius and Pansy walk past, heading down stairs.
"I only hope Tonks and Moody get a chance to hide," whispered Harry.
Draco opened the toilet door and peered out. He stepped out when the coast was clear and beckoned Harry and Sirius to follow. The three recommenced checking the rooms. Before long Sirius gave a soft call. Draco ran lightly down the hall with Harry behind him and into the room.
"Hermione!" cried Draco softly seeing her passed out on the floor, "Merlin… what's wrong with her?"
Sirius checked her pulse and other vitals.
"She's just passed out. We need to get her to Hogwarts though. Her condition is delicate being pregnant," said Sirius.
Sirius looked as anxious as Draco. Harry stood and told them to stay before he ventured out to the hall and downstairs. He walked down the stairs quietly with his wand at the ready. He ran into Moody and Tonks exiting a bathroom down stairs.
"We found Hermione," whispered Harry, "Where are they?"
"Dining room," said Tonks, "I'll go find the others. You go with Moody up to Sirius and Draco. Will you apperate from here?"
"Yeah," said Harry nodding, "Let's just hope no alarm signal goes off."
Tonks nodded and slipped back out into the wet weather. Moody and Harry raced silently back up stairs and into the room. Upon entering Hermione was beginning to wake.
"Mione," whispered Draco clutching her hand tightly, "It's me…"
"D-Draco," said Hermione looking at him with confused eyes, "My wand… I need my wand."
"Where is it?" asked Harry quietly.
"His office. He always keeps it in his office."
With Moody, Harry left to find Hermione's wand.
"How are you feeling?" asked Sirius with a frown.
"A bit light headed," mumbled Hermione as Harry and Moody, returned with Hermione's wand.
"Let's go," said Moody, "We can't linger any longer."
With a nod, Draco lifted Hermione into his arms and the five left with unison pops.
HD
Outside the Hogwarts gates the party of Order members were waiting. Hermione forced Draco to let her stand so she could hug Ginny, Luna and Narcissa. Draco stood back and watched Hermione be assisted into Hogwarts. She glanced over her shoulder at him giving him a confused and hurt look. Draco frowned and began walking towards the castle as his mother walked beside him.
"I saw what happened in the hall today," said Narcissa, "Your power is getting stronger."
"I know. But it won't consume me," replied Draco, "Hermione helps me."
"Does Hermione even know about your… well curse?"
Draco shook his head silently, "How can I tell her? She has enough to worry about as it is. I mean she is pregnant and the baby might be mine or Oliver's."
"And if it is yours have you even considered that fact?"
Draco frowned, "What do you mean?"
Narcissa sighed and pulled Draco to a stop and looked at him sternly, "If that is your child it will inherit your curse. The curse will be in its blood like it is in yours."
Draco felt himself pale and he ran a hand through his damp and knotty hair, "I have to tell her."
Narcissa nodded and walked with her son into the castle. They learnt from Professor Sprout that Hermione had been taken to the Hospital Wing. Narcissa placed a reassuring hand on Draco's shoulder as they neared the wing. He walked in ahead of his mother and saw Harry and the Weasley's milling around Hermione's bed. When they saw Draco all said goodbye and left hastily. Narcissa left with Arthur after checking on Hermione quickly.
Draco stepped closer to the bed and gave Hermione a small smile, although he wanted nothing more then to hug and kiss her with all he had in him, "How… how are you feeling?"
"Better," replied Hermione moving herself into a seated position. She gave Draco a hard stare that had a lot of hurt and betrayal in it.
"What's wrong?" asked Draco frowning at her look.
"Why didn't you bloody tell me?" snapped Hermione angrily, "Why?"
"What are you on about?"
"Oh only the fact that you inherited dark magic in your blood from your evil spawn of a father! And now, if this is your child, it will inherit the same evil!"
Draco paled again, "How do you know?"
"Lucius informed me today. Damn it Draco! You say you love me but you didn't even have the decency to tell me about this?"
"I was coming to tell you now!"
"Well you are a bit late now, aren't you?" cried Hermione standing up out the bed and pulling on a cloak beside the bed, "You must take pride in hurting me! I can't believe you would do this too me!"
Hermione walked past Draco but he reached out and grabbed her pulling her back to him.
"I'm sorry," whispered Draco looking her in the eyes, "I really am. I just didn't know how you would take it."
"If you knew me at all, you would know I would have dealt with it and accepted it. I love you Draco, but how can I trust you if you keep important secrets from me?"
Hermione pulled herself from his hold and left Draco standing alone in the hospital wing.
HD
Lucius frowned as he looked at the toilet door half opened. He always kept every door shut. Pulling his wand out he pushed the door wide open but found it empty. Suddenly he stepped out of the toilet and ran down the hall before cursing and walked into the room.
"PANSY! SHE'S GONE!" he roared before running to his office. He opened the door and opened his bottom desk drawer, "She got her wand… bloody hell."
He turned again and ran over to a painting. He pulled it down and sighed in relief to see the viewing glass still in place.
"Show me my son," ordered Lucius.
Instead of fogging up and doing as he said the viewing glass remained the way it was, looking like a mirror.
"Show me my son!"
Again the glass remained the same, unmoving.
Lucius nodded knowing their destination: Hogwarts. Lucius turned around as Pansy ran in looking pale and worried.
"What do we do?" asked Pansy watching Lucius hang the painting back up.
"We continue with the war. Tomorrow we return to the Manor and wait… I want that grandchild more than some spell."
"Lucius, I could give you a child," said Pansy hopefully.
"No. This one will be special. I will, reluctantly, compliment Granger on one thing. She is a powerful, smart witch. That along with my power, my son's power… that child will be greater then Merlin himself."
HD
Hermione wrote her name on the sign outside her bedroom. She walked in and shut the door behind her. This room had only one double bed. Narcissa had given her, her suitcase as she walked past the Great Hall. Hermione grabbed her own sleepwear and had a long shower. As the water cascaded down her back Hermione let out a sob. She cried over everything from Draco keeping a secret from her and not knowing whose baby she was carrying.
Why was her life so dramatic? It was like being in one of the pathetic muggle soap drama's she liked to watch. She was Brooke and Draco was Ridge from Bold and The Beautiful. Or maybe she was Hayley, Draco was Scott and Oliver was Kim from Home and Away. Either way, Hermione wanted her life to take a go in the normal lane for a while. After venting her emotions out, Hermione dressed and climbed into bed glad this day was over. Now all she had to do was face tomorrow and whatever it threw at her.
A/N: There you all go. Another drama filled chapter with some more secrets revealed. So whose baby is Hermione carrying? Well I know, but you all don't. It will be revealed, in time. I actually only just worked out who is the father myself, ha, and I am the writer! Anyway please review!
Until next time…
Love yas!
Love Coz!