Since Higgs was on a 2-weeks business trip, Sue Li went back to Ed Centre, and frankly Hermione was glad that Sue was away. With a few attempts of persuasion, Luna finally agreed to get out of her room and went grocery shopping with Hermione.

"Do we need to buy oranges?" asked Hermione.

"…I don't know, you read it yourself," replied Luna, clearly not in the mood. She shoved the list into Hermione's palm and leaned against the wall.

"You're pale," said Hermione, alarmed to her bloodless face.

Luna just shook her head with her eyes closed.

"We better get you to Ed Centre—"

"I don't want to go there."

"At least they will keep you alive and healthy."

Quickly they went to the Apparation Portal after Hermione finished shopping. The Handlers seemed to have noticed how pale Luna had got. One of them swished her wand and Luna was levitated to the medication ward.

Feeling anxious, Hermione followed them into the ward. The Handlers flicked their wands and Luna's abdomen turned pink. The Handlers smiled and applauded.

"What's going on?" asked Hermione.

They did not answer Hermione's question. One of the Handler pointed at the parchment on the table, and Hermione could see the quill writing,

Dear Mr. Draco Malfoy,

We congratulate you on your maiden's pregnancy. The baby is expected to due in four months. We strongly advise you or your family members to attend monthly checkup at the Education Centre to ensure the health of your child-to-be.

Education Centre

An owl flew onto the window porch and the Handler swished her finger. Immediately the parchment folded and inserted itself into the envelope. Then the candlestick on the table levitated up and began melting, dripping the wax onto the envelope. Another flick of finger, the chop pressed onto the wax, sealing the envelope. With the last swish, the owl swooped through the room and grabbed the letter in mid-air, then swiftly flew out of the room.

"Congratulations," said the Handler. "Not every maiden has the fortune of bearing one girl and a boy at the same time, not to mention on their first go."

Luna did not say a word, the Handler continued,

"We shall notify the Malfoys to take you home. Please wait for a moment."

The Handler left the room, and Hermione pressed her fingers on Luna's palm, whispering,

"It'll be alright, you don't have to suffer anymore—"

"Living is a suffering," Luna snapped.

Hermione did not know what to say, so she remained quiet until the Handler notified them that they could leave.

Narcissa was waiting for them, with a wide smile on her face.

"Be careful," said Narcissa and ushered Luna into the car.

This was the first time Hermione had ever ridden a car for three years, and it was even more strange to see the smile on Narcissa's face. She looked a lot different, there was warmth in her eyes when she stared at Luna's abdomen. This made her shuddered, it was no surprise that Narcissa would only care for the baby, but what would happen after Luna gave birth?

Luna would not see her for the rest of the afternoon, and Hermione witnessed the Altruists and Narcissa started force-feeding her. They tied her to the chair and Narcissa flicked her wand, forcing Luna to open her mouth and swallow down the food. Then she would be untied and left alone in the room. Narcissa cast a spell which forbade Luna to leave the room, fearing that she would jump off the window.

Soon after dinner, she went towards Luna's door. Just then, the two Altruists stopped her.

"Put your hands up," snapped the one on the left.

Hermione did as told. The Altruist on the right searched her body before allowing her to go in. She knocked on the door.

"Luna, it's me."

No answer.

"Luna, are you alright?"

Still no answer.

She turned the door knob and went in. Then she was horrified.

Luna was hanging by the window, the curtain hung around her neck. Her feet hovered on the floor. Her face was as pale as the bed sheets, her eyes were sunken and hollow, as if they were desperate to find a way out.

Hermione tried to yell, but was unable to do so. It was too much of a shock.

The Handlers quickly rushed into the room and put Luna down on the floor, trying to revive her. Then Narcissa and Lucius came in, followed by Draco. Draco dazed with horror, not knowing what to do. Narcissa flicked her wand and one of the Handlers at the Ed Centre came in and checked on Luna. The Handler pressed the tip of her wand to Luna's black neck.

"Can we save the baby?" asked Narcissa.

The Handler shook her head and said,

"She hung herself two hours ago, it was too late."

The Handler swished her wand and Luna's body disappeared, she explained,

"We shall notify the panel, if you wish to get a replacement, please contact us."

With a crack, the Handler apparated. Narcissa patted Draco's shoulder, then she turned to Hermione and said,

"Go to the bedroom. Lucius' bedroom."

Nodding her head, Hermione went out of the room, holding back her tears as she made her way to Lucius' room. If only she went to find Luna earlier, then she would not have to die. It ached her further upon the thought of her able to save Luna.

As she turned around and buried her face on the duvet, she could no longer hold back her tears. It quickly soaked the duvet and she tried to muffle her sob, since people outside could easily hear it.

When the door opened, she sniffed and tried to calm down as quickly as possible. Then she could feel the weight on the other side of the bed. Quickly wiping away her tears, she was glad that the room was dark enough so Lucius could not tell if she was crying. The thought of having sex even when her best friend had died made her annoyed, how she had wished to be left alone, but no one would care for a Maiden. After all, Maidens could be replaced upon request.

But immediately, slow soft snores rang and Hermione was surprised Lucius did leave her alone for the night. But she could not sleep. Two months later and she would be sent for examination, if she could not get pregnant by that time, she would be killed, or worse sent to the North Sea. Death was not so unbearable after all, but hopelessness could drain a person's soul. Living dead was the last thing she would want to be. Even after nights and nights, she was not still pregnant, and how could it be possible unless either one of them were infertile?

And Hermione knew she would be the one announced to be infertile rather than Lucius even when it could be him, he would never allow such scandal be known. She had to find a way to save herself, and the baby had to look like Lucius. The only possible candidate would be…

For the rest of the week, Hermione was spared for the nights. Lucius did not request for her presence. As she went past the living room, she could hear Narcissa saying,

"We can always get another one, once your father comes back from his business trip."

"I wish to focus solely on my career for more. Maidens can wait."

"But you and Daphne—"

"We can manage it."

Soon after she finished grocery shopping, she went back to her room and after trials of self-persuasion, she began writing on a parchment slip.

I will meet you tonight at eight.

It was a deadly gamble, if Draco were to report her, she would probably end up tortured and punished with a Dementor's Kiss, constantly living in a catatonic state. But she had nothing to lose, she was never treated like a human, it would not matter if she was caught and punished.

After dinner, she stared at the clock on the wall. Half an hour until eight, she thought. She had plenty of time to walk to Draco's room.

But her thoughts were distracted by the knocking on the door. Alerted, she carefully walked towards the door. The moment she opened the door, she was fairly surprised by his presence. Draco came in, looked around and said,

"If you have anything to say, just say it and don't waste my time."

"I need a baby," she blurted out, which surprised Draco but he remained calm, just like what his father always did.

"So?"

Seeing that he had no clue what she wanted, she took a deep breath and said,

"I need your help."

Draco raised his brows, Hermione further explained,

"Only you can help me, there's no one more similar to your father than you."

Judging by his expression, Hermione knew Draco was not quite sure what he should do.

"Why should I help you?" he asked quietly.

"Look," began Hermione. "I came here as a Maiden because i am capable of reproduction. If the Healers found out the problem is your father, you know what would happen to the reputation of your family."

Draco gave a dark chuckle and said,

"I hope you haven't forgot we are very capable of keeping their mouths shut with money."

"Or maybe it's true that your family are not really that capable of conceiving babies," said Hermione. "Like father, like son."

Something in her words sparked Draco's fury. Without warning, he quickly pushed Hermione onto the bed and pinned her down with his hand grasping her neck.

He pushed her gown onto the floor. Feeling a little awkward, Hermione moved herself closer to the wall, and Draco took the perfect opportunity to get onto the bed. He moved closer and closer, until his face was barely inches away from Hermione's.

"You're going to regret what you said," hissed Draco darkly.

Despite feeling slightly scared, she remained calm and said,

"I don't think so."

The moment when Draco took off her clothes, cold air rushed past her body and fear immediately emerged. And Draco noticed it, but surprisingly, he stopped and asked,

"Are you sure you won't regret?"

Hermione stared into his eyes, for once Draco was actually kind to her. All those years in Hogwarts, he had always been nothing but a brat and a bully, never had he cared about anyone's feelings, especially not hers.

Without directly answering his question, Hermione began unbuttoning his shirt, then unbuckling his trousers. Her breath went shallow and she could not focus on his face. At instant, Draco began kissing her neck and Hermione was confused.

"Draco…" she uttered.

"Sshhh."

His palm was massaging her breasts and his hot breath was on her ears. Hermione tried to withhold her moans, it was not her first time but it felt so different. Every of his move was asking for her passionate response. His breath went quicker as his hand reached down to Hermione's pelvis. Hermione was shifting her legs, trying to calm herself. Draco stared into her eyes, seemingly seeking for an answer.

Hermione nodded.

It all felt wonderful when he was inside her, and moans finally escaped from her as Draco began rocking his hips. When Draco finished with a gasp, he slowly moved out and fell beside Hermione, regaining his breath. Hermione was also gasping for breaths.

"I…I better go," Hermione managed to say. Quickly she got off bed, dressed herself and sneaked back into her room.

As expected, the next month her period did not come and she increasingly felt exhausted and nauseous. Feeling nervous and relieved at the same time, she went to Narcissa's study and said,

"My period did not come."

Narcissa straightened her back, then immediately she swished her wand. After the silver foxes glided out of the window, she stood up and said,

"Hold my wrist."

Soon as Hermione touched her wrist, they were apparated to the Ed Centre.

"Good morning, Mrs. Malfoy," said one Healer. "I believe you just made an appointment?"

"Yes," she replied.

The Healer led them to the examination room and Hermione was asked to lie down on the bed. The Healer walked towards her with a jar full of translucent gel in hand, then said,

"If it's positive, this will turn red."

Slowly, the Healer applied the gel on her abdomen. The gel remained as clear as before, just when Narcissa let out a sigh, the gel turned purple and the Healer could not be happier

"Congratulations, Mrs. Malfoy!" announced the Healer. "A baby boy and a girl."

Both Narcissa and Hermione were shocked to hear the news. Narcissa quickly propped her up and said,

"Be careful, get dressed and wait outside."

Hermione did as told. As she opened the door, she saw Ginny sitting by the bench on the other side.

"Ginny!"

Ginny showed a weak smile. Hermione looked at her abdomen, it was big and round.

"How long was it already?" asked Hermione.

"Still have four months to go," answered Ginny, showing no positive emotion.

The door on the other side swung open and Mrs. Nott went out, and ordered,

"Prop her up."

The two Altruists behind her propped Ginny up and moved her downstairs. Hermione felt awful for her, if only she had the power to change it…

When Narcissa and Hermione arrived home, Hermione was ushered to her room and was forced to lie on the bed. Every time she tried to get up, the Altruists would kneel before her and beg her to stay in bed. To make sure Hermione won't leave her room or harm herself, the windows were enchanted and the Altruists would stay in her room, taking shifts every two hours.

When night fell, Hermione could hear someone walking up the stairs and approaching her room. It was Lucius.

"You may go," said Lucius to the Altruists.

He closed the door and sat on the bed, smiling at Hermione. He took out a pendant from his pocket and help Hermione wear it.

"This will keep safe and unharmed."

Then he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, and left the room. Hermione had never been so confused. Was he doing this for her, or for the babies?

Come on, Hermione. Nobody here loves you. They are only doing this for the babies.

Before she went to bed, Narcissa knocked on the door and came in. She immediately spotted the pendant on her neck, and said,

"When I had Draco, he also gave me one like this."

Hermione could sense the anger in her tone, despite of her appearing to be calm. It was a warning, to warn her not to pass the line.

"The primary results for your sister was out," announced Narcissa.

Hermione had never felt so hopeful, she immediately asked,

"Where is she?"

"A few girls matched our requests and it will take time to eliminate the unsuitable ones," answered Narcissa. "And I believe by the time of the babies' birth, the results shall be out and we could perhaps have Olivia in our family."

Hermione nodded, despite knowing that Narcissa was threatening her. She could not risk it, she had to be patient, Olivia was more important.

I'm terribly sorry for not updating since April. My workload this year increases so much and for the first time I found myself finally truly enjoying studying and doing research. I still have five essays waiting for me and I am not even half-way through. Good luck to me. ^_^'

I am also trying to remember what I have written, thankfully I have written down the summary for each chapter so I won't lose myself and end up abandoning the story. This chapter might seem a little strange though because I wrote the first half seven months ago.

(See you soon! I hope!)