A/N: Happy early New Year!

Ethan sneaked back into the house late in the night. Once he confirmed no one was around, he went into the parlor and located the microphone Draco had told him about. After another quick check, he lifted it out of its hiding place and brought it to his lips.

"Uh, hello … This message is for Seth. Hopefully, you're listening because Draco told you to be and, if not, well, I'm afraid he wanted me to inform the universe that he is going to kill you." Ethan ears perked up. Someone was headed this way. "He has Hermione and Astoria with him. They are safe. They will be attacking the purebloods the day after tomorrow. Midday. I will break the shield down. I'm Ethan, by the way. Be prepared."

Someone approached the parlor. Ethan put the microphone back in its spot and sped out of the room. The moment he was gone, Blaise entered it, clutching tightly onto a bottle of firewhiskey. They had just told Daphne about her father's demise. It had not gone well. Of course, she had run right into Goyle's arms when she heard the news. Always into bloody fucking Goyle's arms. And then she kicked everyone else out, wanting to be alone with her grief and her husband.

And, the worst of it all was, Goyle didn't even care. He didn't even fucking care, yet he was the one she wanted there. He was the one who got to hold her and comfort her and be there for her. How was that fair? He didn't even love her. But Blaise … he did. At least, he thought he did.

His mother had always told him that love was excruciatingly painful and, therefore, not worth the bother. Yet, here he was, in excruciating pain, knowing very well that he had ruined any chance he ever had at winning her back the noble way.

So, what was next? A False Memory Charm? He had thought about it. But it could only work if Goyle and Astoria were out of the picture. For good. Otherwise, they would undoubtedly get in the way.

Blaise stopped by the fireplace and stared into the fire. He took a swig from his bottle of firewhiskey, his mind flooded with images of Daphne. After screaming out in frustration, he threw the bottle into the flames, making them erupt in a fury that could barely match his own. He hated this. Someone needed to fucking die. Whether it be Goyle and Astoria, or Daphne, he didn't care. If she was gone then maybe these damn feelings of his would go away too.

Only, he didn't think he could bare a world without her in it. It had to be them. Goyle and Astoria had to go. He had to kill them. Blaise could not rest until it was done. He was going to get revenge for Arron's death, he was going to get rid of the only two obstacles in the way of his and Daphne's future, and he was going to have her love. Whether it was willingly or not.

XXX

"Contego!"

Draco cast the spell he had created on his Patronus for Hermione to see. She watched closely as the translucent dragon absorbed the Protective Shield, causing a light to radiate off of it and engulf them. She cast a Stinging Hex on her own hand. It bounced right off.

Hermione was mildly impressed. The only problem was, she could walk right out of the shield and become unprotected. Which also meant the opposite; someone - an enemy - could walk right into it and become protected. This was a huge flaw.

"Is there any way for us to specify who it protects?"

"I've tried but haven't been successful," said Draco. "The only way to do that is if we cast the spell on each person individually, and that takes time we do not have. The spell lasts longer when combined with my Patronus but I'm actually not sure where to go from here."

Hermione looked at the dragon and pursed her lips. "Well … let's think for a moment. We're trying to somehow channel self-sacrificing love. Meaning, we need to put our hearts into this Draco," she said, putting her right hand over her chest.

"That's what I've been trying to do." He frowned.

"The prophecy, the Ever-Locked room, the spell. They all have to do with one thing."

"Yes, love," said Draco.

"We need to find a way so the spell only touches those most important to us. Maybe …" She scrunched her face up in thought. "Maybe if we add -"

Hermione was cut off by a drop of snow falling on her nose. She looked up and sighed.

"Great. Someone shook the snow globe again."

"They're having far too much fun with that thing."

All day, they had been dealing with snow falling on them while trying to work on their spell. It was a horrible hindrance.

Draco walked over to the chair where Hermione had set her cloak. He picked it up and helped her put it on, looking into her large amber eyes as he pulled up the hood. They began to mist as they stared back at him.

"Draco … we're running out of time."

"I know," he said, kissing her forehead.

A couple tears dripped down her cheeks. "I don't want the prophecy to be about our baby. We can't let it. If there's a way we can stop this -"

"Then we will find it." Draco pulled her close and breathed her in.

Hermione stretched up and snuggled her head into the crook of his neck. The baby kicked between them, causing a few more tears to fall from her eyes. "I've prayed every day that the purebloods were wrong about this. At first, I thought it was all ridiculous but then the baby started showing me how strong it was. What if they're right? Even if we win, he could never live a normal life."

"Of course he can," said Draco, bending down and rubbing his cheek against hers. Ever since he got her back, he could never get close enough. "We will find a way, Mione. I promise."

She nodded and kissed him. The butterflies made the baby kick harder. She laughed and kissed him again. "Always present."

"I suppose we should get used to it now." He put a hand on her stomach and smiled as his lips continued to move against hers.

Someone cleared their throat. They both turned to see Sophie standing in the smallest tent's entrance, grinning widely at both of them.

"We 'ave cleared ze space een 'ere so you can work on your spell wizout 'aving to worry about ze snow."

"Ah, brilliant," said Draco, taking Hermione's hand and leading her inside.

Currently, their plan was to have Draco and Hermione work on the spell for the entire day. That was why they had decided to wait one before attacking. So they could be more prepared. But, either way, they were attacking tomorrow. The owl they would be sending to the purebloods was already written and awaiting delivery.

"So what is the Latin word for 'all'?" asked Hermione once they were inside. "Totum?"

"But we don't want to protect all, Mione. Just a select few."

"Yes, I'm aware. There's got to be a less complicated way to do this." Hermione lifted her wand, gave it a little wave and said, "Contego Totum."

Draco, Hermione and everyone who was currently watching them - Sophie, Phillip and Lucius - suddenly started glowing in a yellow light. Hermione smiled satisfactorily.

"Progress."

"Uhh, guys. Is there any reason we're glowing out here?" asked Pansy - who had been keeping watch outside with Narcissa - poking her head in.

"Yeah, us too," said Ron, walking into the tent with Astoria permanently attached to his hand.

Narcissa walked in behind them. "There is no way we are going to see anyone approaching through that snow. Someone must really be shaking it."

"My money's on Zabini," said Pansy, limping over to the sofa that had been pushed against the wall.

"I don't know," said Hermione. "Daphne seems thick enough to think the snowflakes are pretty or something. If they're looking for us, I can't imagine they want it snowing any more than we do."

"Fair point." Pansy took out her wand and started healing what was left of her wounds. Even though most of the visible ones were gone, she was still in a great deal of pain.

"Are you fighting tomorrow, Parkinson?" asked Ron, who was still very skeptical of her presence.

Pansy looked up at him and blushed slightly. "I don't know. I was thinking that maybe I would. If I can walk, that is." She immediately lifted her ankle and put her wand to it.

"Why wouldn't she fight?" asked Hermione, crossing her arms and looking at Ron.

Everyone but Pansy turned to her and raised their eyebrows.

"What? She has just as much reason to hate them as the rest of us. Maybe even more. In fact … yes, she has more reason."

"Parkinson, do you hate everyone we will be fighting tomorrow?" asked Draco.

Pansy fidgeted with her wand. "Hate is a strong word. I definitely hate that Skeeter bitch."

"And Blaise?"

"I dislike him immensely."

"Daphne?"

Pansy groaned. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I don't know."

The room was silent.

"I don't understand why that matters, though," she said, finally looking up. "Astoria doesn't hate her either and I'm angry enough to fight them, despite my feelings. I just … won't aim to kill."

More silence.

"It's not like all of you are cold and ruthless killers either."

"Excellent point," said Hermione, looking around at everyone sternly. "If Pansy wants to fight tomorrow, there will be no objections."

"Or …" said Draco, lifting a finger in his brilliance, "Parkinson can stay here with you. Two is safer than one."

Hermione narrowed her eyes at him. "Draco, we've already been over this. I'm fighting tomorrow."

"If we come up with a spell. If not there is no reason for you to -"

"No 'if', Draco. I'm fighting."

Draco groaned. "Mione, you're eight months pregnant."

"Seven and a half."

"Whatever! Either way, you are pretty damn close to giving birth to my son and this battle tomorrow has premature labor written all over it."

"It's true," confirmed Astoria. "Stress induces labor and there is nothing more stressful than a war."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. I'm not going to go into labor tomorrow. And I am fighting. I cannot sit back and do nothing while my friends and family risk their lives."

Draco groaned again. "You are always so bloody stubborn."

"You're one to talk."

"Yes, yes. You're both stubborn -" said Phillip.

"And pretty -" added Sophie.

"- but isn't it time you get back to the spell. If you come up with one then this argument is pointless, right?"

"I think the majority of their arguments are pretty pointless," said Astoria, laughing.

Draco and Hermione both turned to glare at her. She was quick to shut her mouth.

"Phil's right. We should get back to the spell," said Draco, turning towards his wife, who was still glowing in a faint yellow light. "It has definitely weakened, but the spell is still going. How long has it been?"

"Long enough for us to kick a few pureblood arses," said Hermione, readying her wand. "So you cast your Patronus and I find some way to only cast my spell on certain individuals. Is that it?"

Draco pursed his lips, raised his wand and said, "Contego Amare!"

A red light, brighter than all of the rest, flew out of his chest and into Hermione's. She grabbed at her heart, panting heavily.

"What the hell was that?" she asked after catching her breath.

"Something I have been playing with. Only, it never quite worked right without you."

"But … what was it?"

"A spell that allows me to protect you if we're, for some reason, separated. It doesn't work on my Patronus. Just on you."

"I don't understand," said Hermione, still clutching her heart. It felt strangely heavy.

"Let me demonstrate," said Draco, lifting his wand and pointing it at no one in particular. "Densaugeo!"

A spark of red light shot out of Hermione and straight at Phillip, who was in her line of vision. His teeth grew at an alarming rate. Sophie chuckled loudly and threw her hands over her mouth.

"Sorry!" she said, even though she continued to laugh.

"Dammit, Malfoy! Why am I always your bloody test dummy?" shouted Phillip, taking out his wand and trying to reverse the spell. When he was unsuccessful, a snickering Astoria assisted him.

Once that was settled, Hermione turned to Draco and glared. "You're not using that spell in battle, Draco. It will leave you completely unprotected."

"I realize that," he said, "but the point of all of this was to replicate self-sacrificing love. That's what I've done."

"The point, Draco, was to replicate self-sacrificing love without actually sacrificing someone."

"I'm only sacrificing myself if someone aims their wand at me."

"Don't use it!"

Draco gazed back at her very seriously and sighed. "I will do what I have to do."

"When did you even come up with that spell, Draco?" asked Lucius, watching his son curiously.

"Several weeks ago," he answered. "Only, I wasn't sure if it was going to work properly since Hermione wasn't there to use it on."

"Why only her?" asked Narcissa. "You love other people."

"It is only meant for a specific kind of love, Mother. I tried to broaden it but it didn't work."

"Probably because of your mindset while working on it," said Lucius. "I am afraid I am with Hermione on this one, Son. I do not think you should cast it, especially on a battlefield."

"If Hermione's life is in danger and this becomes my only option then I'm taking it."

It went on like this for several hours. Draco and Hermione would work on their spells, then stop to argue about one thing or another. Since Draco was so insistent on using that spell if necessary, Hermione tried to find a way to adapt it so he would not be left so vulnerable. Little progress was made.

When night came and Polly swooped into the tent, they knew it was time to stop and send out their owl to the purebloods. Draco reluctantly handed her the letter, knowing very well that they weren't ready for this. Polly took it and flew out of the tent and into the forest. There was no turning back now.

After a dinner that no one really ate, Draco and Hermione excused themselves to the small tent, which had been returned to normal. The two of them tried to be intimate at first, but quickly realized it just was not happening that night. They then tried to get some sleep, even singing a duet to calm the baby. Neither of them was especially good at singing and it sounded bloody awful, but the baby seemed satisfied. That was all that mattered.

Hermione fell asleep fairly easily in Draco's arms but he was not as lucky. Halfway through the night, he kissed her temple before climbing out of bed. He grabbed his cloak and headed outside.

Ron was currently the one keeping watch. Draco avoided his eyes while he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. He took one out and lit it with his wand, inhaling deeply and holding the smoke in his lungs before blowing it out into the cold air.

"Mr. Granger?" asked Ron, rubbing his hands together to get them warm.

"At first," answered Draco. "But, ever since Hermione disappeared, I've been buying them for myself."

"At a Muggle shop?"

"Yes."

"With Muggle money?"

"Yes."

Ron chuckled. "Okay. I'll admit it. You've changed, Malfoy."

Draco walked over and took a seat next to Ron, offering him a cigarette. He gladly took one, lit it up and took a puff, coughing slightly as the smoke traveled down his throat.

"Been a while," he said before taking another drag.

The two of them were silent for a long minute.

"I'm surprised Astoria isn't out here with you," said Draco. "I thought the two of you had been hit with a Permanent Sticking Charm or something."

"She needs her sleep. I don't think she's gotten any since I've … well, been back, I guess. Back from the dead. Is that what you would call it?"

Draco shrugged. "That sounds about right." He took a drag, then asked, "Why no sleep? Too busy shagging?"

Ron shook his head. "No, we haven't done anything like that. Just talked," he said, watching closely as a piece of ash fell to the ground. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "She lied to me, didn't she? About what happened to her in there?"

Draco looked the other way and sighed. "It is not my place to say."

Ron frowned. "It doesn't matter. I already know she did. Even just when holding my hand, she tenses. I just … wish she'd talk to me about it."

"She will when she's ready. This isn't really the time or place for a confession like that, Weasley. She hadn't even been out of there for twenty-four hours when you came back from the dead."

Ron shivered. "Let's find something else to call it. Saying it like that gives me the screaming habdabs."

"The what?"

"Nothing," said Ron, taking another drag. "So what are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be in there shagging your wife?" Ron shuddered, not because of the thought of Hermione and Draco doing it - though that image didn't help - but because of the thought of pregnancy sex. Gross.

"I probably should be."

"And why aren't you? Worried about tomorrow?"

"Not for myself."

"I figured as much."

Draco glanced sideways at him and smirked. "When did you become a smartass?"

Ron shrugged. "Spending too much time around you, I guess," he said. "I never thought I'd be saying this, but I actually agree with you. Without a spell, there is no reason for Hermione to be fighting tomorrow. Have you thought about binding her and leaving her here?"

"Of course I have. But, with that damn wandless magic, she would probably just get out and fight anyway, making sure to kill me after."

"Yes, that does sound like her," said Ron, nodding very seriously.

"You're damn right I'd kill you!"

Both Draco's and Ron's eyes widened as they turned towards the tent. Hermione was standing in the entrance with her arms crossed, her eyes narrowing as they fell upon Draco's hand.

"Draco Malfoy! Are you smoking?"

"No," said Draco, quickly dropping his cigarette on the ground and putting it out with his foot.

"And you too, Ronald Weasley!"

Now it was Ron's turn to hide the evidence.

"You're lucky I don't tell your mother!"

"Oh, Merlin," choked Ron. "Hermione, please, please don't tell my mum!"

"Honestly, I am so angry at my father for introducing the two of you to that disgusting habit!" she shouted. "Now, use your wands to clean yourselves off so I can come out. I don't want the baby anywhere near that smoke."

Draco and Ron did as they were ordered. As soon as all traces of the cigarettes were gone, Hermione walked over to them and took a seat on Draco's lap, fidgeting with his pocket until she came out with the rest of the pack. She tossed it into the air and zapped it, leaving absolutely no remains.

"You can't smoke around babies, Draco, so you might as well kick the habit now."

Draco groaned but did not object.

"And you both need to stop worrying about tomorrow. I survived a war against You-Know-Who. A few purebloods we almost outnumber two to one will be no problem."

"But Mother said they sent the Parkinsons and Quincy Nott out to recruit for the war. For all we know, as soon as the shield breaks down, we are the ones who are going to be outnumbered two to one."

"Then we'll deal with that when the time comes."

"And what about premature labor? Can we at least consider that as a possibility?"

"Of course we can. I've already spoken with Astoria. She is bringing the necessary supplies."

"The necessary supplies for what? Birth on a battlefield?"

"Yes, exactly." She smirked.

"Hermione, I'm serious," said Draco with a straight mouth. "I'm not comfortable taking this risk."

"It will be fine, Draco." She kissed his cheek. "I promise."

Suddenly, there was a rustling in the trees. They all looked to see Ethan standing just outside of their barrier, glancing around unsurely. Ron stood up and stuck his head out to help guide him inside.

"Did you give the message into the microphone?" asked Draco as soon as he was through.

"I did," said Ethan, still glancing around.

"And did you speak with Theo?"

"Yes. He promises to find a way to wake me before they leave tomorrow."

Draco sighed in relief. "Good."

The only reason they were waiting until midday to meet up with the purebloods was because of how much trust they were putting into a vampire. He was their only option to find and break the snow globe, and, since vampires had a hard time staying awake during the day, the closer to evening they did this, the better. Still, they did not want to be fighting in the dark.

Ethan's eyes were now darting from tent to tent.

"My mother is in that one," said Draco, pointing. "With my father. You know? Her husband."

Hermione pinched him.

"Yes, I'd caught on to that," said Ethan before disappearing into the tent.

"Draco, it's time we head back to bed," said Hermione, climbing off of his lap and holding out her hand. He took it and let her pull him to his feet. "Goodnight, Ron."

"Night, Weasel."

As soon as they were back in the tent, Draco took off his cloak and hers, hanging them both over the arm of the sofa. Hermione walked over to the bed and stood there, waiting for him. When he approached her, she reached up and cupped his face, pulling his head down towards hers for a soft kiss. Only, it wasn't soft for long.

"I thought we weren't going to do this tonight," said Draco as both of their clothes were flying off.

Hermione stopped for a moment to look at him. "You're not the only one who's worried about tomorrow, Draco. We need to have this." She gulped. "Just in case."

As much as Draco hated the sound of that, he knew he couldn't object. There was a very good chance they weren't going to both make it out of this tomorrow and he'd be a fool not to spend these last moments showing his wife just how much he loved her.

As soon as all of their clothes were off, they fell back onto the bed, their hands feeling every last square inch of each other before Draco finally entered her from behind. Even like this, he still felt like he could never quite get close enough to her.

Draco lifted her body so it was sitting straight up, flat against his, kissing her neck and her jaw before finally meeting her lips. They moved slowly, making sure to keep their eyes open so they could continue to gaze at each other.

It was a soft finish for both of them and, afterwards, they continued to kiss while lying in each other's arms.

"I love you, Hermione Malfoy," Draco whispered between parts of their lips. "And baby Malfoy." He moved his hand so it was resting on her stomach.

Hermione smiled as she continued to kiss him. "And we both love you, Draco Malfoy."

She put her hand on top of his. The baby kicked.

XXX

Ethan only stayed for a short while that night. He wanted to try and rest early so that it might be easier for him to wake up midday. He wasn't sure if this was going to work, but he had to try.

As soon as he was gone, Lucius took over for Ron as lookout. He wasn't out there for long before Narcissa brought him a cup of tea and a blanket. She took a seat in the chair beside him and waited for him to take a sip.

It was clear that Narcissa had made the tea herself by the bitter taste of it. You would think that there was no way to ruin something so simple but, somehow, she always did. Still, Lucius had encountered this problem several times throughout their relationship and knew how to fake it well.

In fact, the repulsive taste only ever gave him fond memories of the first time Narcissa had ever made him tea. It was during their time at Hogwarts and, while they had been intimate for some time, they weren't exactly together. But he had gotten sick one week and she had made him tea so that he might feel better. It was one of the first times he remembered thinking that whatever it was they had going on between them might actually be something more.

"Care to tell me about Ethan now?"

Lucius looked into his cup of tea and sighed. So they were back to him again.

"If that is what you want."

"I just want to know why. You and I were not involved then. There was no reason for you to target him."

"It was not my idea."

"Then whose?"

"It was your father's," said Lucius, taking another sip of tea. "At Bellatrix's and Rodolphus's wedding, your father overheard me talking about you to Arron, Orson and Gorden. That was the first day I ever really noticed you and I was joking about how much I wanted to shag you, but your father misconstrued what I was saying and thought I had a genuine interest."

"Merlin forbid."

Lucius smirked. "I was very different back then, darling. I hadn't the slightest genuine interest in anyone at that time, especially not the pureblooded princess who had been gallivanting around our school with a Muggle-born for the past two years."

"I find that ironic, considering half of the prefect slags you shagged were Mud -" Narcissa cleared her throat. "Muggle-borns."

"Yes, but never more than once. You, my dear, were in a relationship."

"Yes, I was," she said with a sigh. "So, what then? My father asked you to dispose of him so that you might have a fighting chance?"

"Something like that," he said, taking another sip of tea. "We had all just turned seventeen and were eager to become Death Eaters. If we disposed of Ethan, he promised to get us into the Dark Lord's inner circle. So we did. Simple as that."

"But why a vampire?"

Lucius shrugged. "We thought it would be funny. We erased all of his memories beforehand so that we might convince him to fight on our side. Only, the Aurors showed up and we ended up leaving him mid-transformation. His maker hid him but was then captured himself. It was just a coincidence that Arron's father found him wandering around in the forest and made him a servant. That was never part of the plan. Mr. Greengrass didn't even know who he was and, when he heard the story, he forbade his son from ever becoming a Death Eater."

Narcissa sighed deeply. "So it is my fault. I had been hoping that, maybe, it wasn't." A tear slid out of the corner of her eye and down her cheek. She wiped it away quickly.

"No, Cissy, it is not your fault. It is your father's. And mine. I should have said no. I had nothing personal against him."

"Yes but, like you said, you were very different back then."

Lucius tried to smile at her. "I was."

"I am not angry with you, Lucius," said Narcissa, climbing to her feet, "but I am going to need some time. Is that all right?"

"Of course it is," he said, reaching his hand out.

She walked over and took it. Lucius brought her soft, delicate hand to his lips, brushing them against it. Narcissa smiled softly and kissed his cheek before heading inside. Lucius stared after her, praying to Merlin that the foolish things he had done in his past had not affected his future.

XXX

The next morning, Daphne sat on her bed alone with the snow globe her father had gotten for her sister in the Alps in her hands. She shook it roughly before looking out the window, smiling when she saw the falling snow. Ever since she got a hold of the thing, she had been shaking it constantly, trying to prevent the purebloods from going out and seeking Astoria. She had already lost one family member this week. Her heart could not bear the loss of another.

Suddenly, her door burst open and Blaise barged in. She tried to hide the snow globe under her pillow but he had already seen it.

"Give it here," he said, holding out his hand.

Daphne didn't move.

"I said, give it here!"

She crossed her arms.

"Dammit, Daphne! Your bloody snow doesn't even matter anymore. Malfoy sent us an owl last night. We're meeting them in a couple of hours. You can't protect your fucking sister forever."

Daphne sighed. She took the snow globe out from under the pillow and threw it at him. "Here!"

Blaise stumbled with it before finally getting a firm grip on the thing. "Are you insane? Be fucking careful!"

Daphne ignored him and stood up from the bed. "What time are we leaving?"

"We? Hell no! I already convinced Rita that it will be in everyone's best interest to keep you here!"

"What? Why? I want them gone just like the rest of you!"

"Not all of them. Astoria is just as much our enemy as Malfoy and the Mudblood. She killed your father."

"I don't believe you! If you just let me talk to her -"

"And that's exactly why you're not going! We will not be holding back today. For anyone."

"You cannot fucking kill my sister, Blaise!" shouted Daphne, lunging at him.

"I can do whatever the fuck I want!"

Blaise put the snow globe down on the dresser and grabbed Daphne's wrists, giving her one hard shove so she stumbled back and fell onto the bed. In one swift movement, he was on top of her, crashing his lips onto hers.

"No! No!" she screamed, turning her head away from his. "You can't have me this way!"

"Why not?" He licked her ear. "This is exactly how I had your sister." And then her neck.

Daphne burst into tears as she began pushing against him forcefully. "Get off! Get off you fucking rapist!"

Blaise pulled back and smacked her. He then rubbed at his forehead where the faint traces of the tattooed word were still visible. Daphne continued to cry underneath him.

"Relax, Daph. I was never going to fucking do it. You'll be willing again."

"Not unless you give me Amortentia, you fucking bastard!"

Blaise glowered down at her before climbing off of the bed. He went and picked up the snow globe before casting an Anti-Breaking Charm on the window. One that only his wand could remove.

Daphne sat up. "What are you doing?"

"Locking you in here," he said. "So you don't get into any trouble."

"Stop trying to pretend this is all for my benefit! I know you have an agenda, Blaise! You always do!"

Blaise narrowed his eyes before opening the door.

"Wait!"

He turned back around.

"If you're going to leave me in here then, please, bring Gregory in. I don't think I'll be able to handle not knowing what's happening alone."

"I'm afraid that will be impossible."

Daphne went white. "Why?"

"Because," said Blaise with a smirk, "Gregory is coming with us."

"W-what? But … why?"

"They have us outnumbered, Daph. We need a bargaining chip and he is the only thing we have that they might want. I am certain Parkinson -"

Daphne jumped off the bed, marched forward and slapped him.

Blaise rubbed at his cheek and looked into her flaming eyes with his. "Just for that, I won't even pretend that I'm going to keep him safe. Your husband is going to die today. I'll make damn sure of that."

"Blaise, no!" Daphne reached out for him but he pushed her back. "Blaise!"

He ran out and slammed the door, quickly casting a Locking Charm on it.

"Blaise, please! Please, don't kill him! I'll do whatever you want! Whatever you say! Please! DON'T KILL MY HUSBAND!"

Blaise scowled at the door. It was too little too late. He was doing this, and there was nothing anyone could do or say to stop him.

XXX

The purebloods all gathered in the parlor right around the time they were supposed to leave. They had considered not going at all, making the Mudbloods and blood traitors in the forest come to them instead but, in the end, Rita decided that it was time for them to finish this. Obviously, things weren't ending as quietly as they had originally hoped but that did not mean they still couldn't win. You-Know-Who was hardly secretive with everything he did. Every wizard and witch knew of his existence. Why should this be any different?

Goyle was bound at the wrists and sitting on the sofa, still unsure as to why they were bringing him along. He was hardly a good bargaining chip. Draco hated him. Probably wanted to see him dead just as much as Blaise did.

He could still hear the faint sound of Daphne's screams echoing through the halls. She had been at it for hours, only fueling Blaise's anger. He walked by Goyle just then and smacked him hard across the head. Gorden opened his mouth to say something but one stern look from Rita shut him right up.

Rita looked around and counted. It was her, Blaise, Quinn, Gorden, Wiley and Theo.

"Six to nine. That's not so bad," she said confidently.

"Eight," said Quinn. "I doubt Pansy's in any condition to fight with them after what we did to her." He looked at Blaise and laughed. His friend did not share in his amusement.

Goyle cringed in his seat. He really hoped she was there. Just so he could make sure she was all right.

"Are we all ready?" asked Rita.

Blaise moved to yank Goyle to his feet but Theo beat him to it. He smirked. "Shall we?"

Blaise glared after him as Theo guided Goyle out of the room and to the front door. They all walked outside and across the snow-covered lawn, Blaise taking the lead as soon as they entered the forest, since he knew it best.

Once he wasn't keeping such a close eye on them, Theo slipped Goyle's wand into his pocket. He had taken it from him after Hermione and the others escaped, knowing very well that Rita would have him searched. Now seemed like as good a time as any to give it back.

On the other side of the forest, Sophie, Phillip, Ron and Astoria worked on taking down the tents while Draco, Hermione, Lucius and Narcissa removed the shields. Pansy was still inside the largest tent, waiting on a healing potion she had started the night before to finish brewing.

"We need to move, Pansy!" Astoria shouted inside at her as they just finished packing up the second tent.

"Sorry!" said Pansy, running outside with a limp and several phials in hand. She drank one down before slipping the others into her pocket.

"Is it only temporary or something?" asked Hermione, looking over.

"No, not exactly," said Pansy as she sat down against a tree and waited for the potion to kick in. "It's not actually a healing potion."

"Then what is it?"

Pansy looked at Hermione and pursed her lips. "You're not going to freak out, are you?"

Hermione's eyes widened. "Well, with an opening sentence like that, how can I not?"

Pansy smiled and said, "It's not a healing potion. It's a numbing potion. It just makes it so I don't feel the pain quite so much. It will wear off in a few hours, so I'm bringing a few extras with me, just in case."

"Are you mad?" shouted Hermione. She stopped what she was doing and put her hands on her hips. "That's a surefire way to hurt yourself even further!"

"Do you want me to tell you a surefire way to induce premature labor?"

Hermione stood up straight and said, "That won't be necessary." She quickly returned to removing the shields.

"So you're coming then, Parkinson?" asked Draco as soon as all traces of them being here had been removed.

"Yes, I'm coming," she said, climbing to her feet. "I didn't fight in the last war. I'm probably overdue for a good battle."

Draco smirked. "Aren't we all?"

Sophie found a tree with a hole in its center and they all stuffed their backpacks into it, since they were an unnecessary burden. Once that was done, Draco took Hermione's hand and gave it a squeeze before guiding everyone towards their meeting point. They wanted to be near the edge of the shield when it was broken, so that they would be immediately joined by the others. Hopefully, nothing too exciting would be happening between them and whoever it was the purebloods had recruited. Who even knew if they had decided to attack yet? Maybe they were waiting.

When they got to the spot, they all stood around nervously. Draco and Hermione continued to hold hands while the others all stood in a battle stance. Soon, they could hear several footsteps crunching leaves a bit of a distance away. Then they were closer and, soon, seven figures were walking into their clearing. Draco furrowed his brow when he saw Theo dragging Goyle along with him.

"What did you bring him for?" he asked curiously.

Blaise grabbed Goyle away from Theo and held his wand to his throat. "To even out the masses. Now, bind three of your people or we kill him."

Draco could hear Pansy whimper behind him.

"Do you think we're fucking idiots? There's no way we're binding anyone."

"Then I'm afraid -"

Suddenly, a burst of white light shot at Blaise.

"Ah!" he screamed as a Stinging Hex hit him in the neck.

He released his hold on Goyle slightly, but it was all his former friend needed to push away from him, pull out his wand and hit him with a Stunning Spell.

"Oh, that was too bloody easy," said Draco, glancing back at Pansy and winking. She really had come ready to fight.

Goyle stood away from everyone, in a sort of limbo between the two sides.

"Goyle, get over here," said Draco, motioning with his head.

"But … aren't you mad at me?"

"I'm bloody fucking pissed. You lied to me for months."

Hermione squeezed his hand and cleared her throat.

"But Hermione told me everything that happened. So, today, you fight on our side and, tomorrow, I beat your arse. Got it?"

Goyle smirked before walking cautiously towards Draco, not stopping until he was standing beside Pansy. She looked at him and smiled.

"Ten to six," said Draco, glancing slightly at Theo. "I like those odds."

Blaise was back on his feet now, Quinn having reversed the spell. He scowled at Hermione as she kept glancing at him and chuckling.

"What's so funny, Mudblood?"

She chuckled again and pointed at his forehead. "I was just admiring your ink, Zabini. Who did that for you?"

"That would be me," said Lucius proudly.

"Well done."

"Enough of this," said Rita, stepping forward and pulling off her hood.

Everyone on the other side cringed.

"Hermione warned me you weren't looking well, Ms. Skeeter but, I must admit, I was not entirely prepared," said Draco.

"Obviously, we did not come here to talk, Mr. Malfoy. What do you say we get this thing started?" She raised her wand.

Draco had been hoping to stall them until Ethan broke the shield down, but it looked like that wasn't going to happen. Then, suddenly, his and Hermione's hands were glowing in a faint blue light. He started to lift them but she yanked them back down. Draco looked around to see everyone in their party was now glowing.

Theo was about to say something when he noticed his own hands were glowing too. He looked at the other purebloods but none of them seemed to notice, so he thought it best to keep his mouth shut.

Draco grinned widely at Rita. Seth must have gotten their message because this was, undoubtedly, the work of Katie's spell.

"I'm ready if you are," he said, stepping slightly in front of Hermione.

"Avada Kedavra!"

To Draco's surprise, the first Killing Curse thrown was not aimed at him, but at Astoria. She was not quite prepared for it but, luckily, Ron was. He pulled her out of the way and shot a Stunning Spell right back at Rita. She blocked it successfully.

"The little bitch is going to die today for what she did to me!" she shouted before getting into a full-on duel with the two.

Meanwhile, Blaise had shot his own Killing Curse at Goyle. He just missed him and Pansy retaliated with another Stinging Hex.

"So … what? Are you two a couple now or something?" asked Blaise, shooting a Jelly-Legs Jinx at her. "He's still fucking married, Pans."

"Yes, and you were still my boyfriend when you fucked his wife, but that didn't stop you, did it?"

"Why are you fighting?" he asked, trying to stun her but missing. Goyle tried to do the same to him but he blocked it.

"You fucking tortured me, Zabini! Maybe not as much as the others, but you still did it! If they hadn't gotten me out when they did, I'd probably already be dead!"

"So you're saying you owe the Mudblood your life?" Another Jelly-Legs Jinx.

Pansy blocked it. "Yes, that's what I'm saying."

Blaise pursed his lips. "Well … then this just got really real. Avada Kedavra!"

This time, he was aiming for Pansy. She barely dodged it, accidentally running into Sophie, who was dueling Quinn with Phillip.

"Sorry." She ran back to her own fight.

Momentarily distracted, Sophie noticed Lucius struggling slightly with Wiley. She shot a Stinging Hex at him before moving her wand back to Quinn.

Draco was just behind his father, helping his mother fight against Gorden. He was keeping a close eye on Hermione, who was only pretend-dueling with Theo. Neither of them was very good at it. Their constant misses were blatantly obvious. Luckily, no one from the other side was paying them much mind.

"How long are you planning to keep up this charade for?" Hermione asked during the quick moment both of them were ducked behind trees.

"I figure until the shield is down and I'm able to locate my father. When I show my true colors, I would prefer it to be on his arse."

Hermione smiled and shot a Jelly-Legs Jinx at him. He let it hit - just to make it look real - and quickly removed it.

Once Theo was back on his feet, he moved closer to her and softly said, "So while no one's listening," he lifted his hand, "what's with the glow?"

"Draco said it was Katie Bell's idea. To, uhh … make sure no one went after her spy boyfriend." Hermione winked. "When this is all over, I'm going to want to hear how that one happened."

Theo blushed and smirked before shooting a Stunning Spell at her. It just missed.

XXX

Back in the house, Ethan was having a hard time walking. He kept bumping into walls as his groggy eyes failed him. There was a reason vampires were not supposed to be awake during the day.

In the distance, he kept hearing the faint sound of someone screaming. He started walking towards it. His head thumped against the door when he finally located it.

"Hello? Is someone there?" a voice called from the other side. "My wand isn't working on the door! Please, let me out!"

Not thinking properly, Ethan saw no reason not to obey. He turned the knob but, when it didn't budge, he pulled the entire door off of its hinges. Daphne stood wide-eyed on the other side.

"Ethan? W-what are you doing awake?"

Finally, gathering his senses, Ethan shook his head clear and noticed the wand she was holding at her side. In a panic, he grabbed it from her and instinctually cast a Binding Spell on her hands and legs. It was a bit of a shock when it actually worked.

"Ah!" Ethan dropped the wand and backed up against the wall. "What … what the …"

He rushed forward and untied Daphne before speeding down the hallway.

"Ethan, wait!" she called, grabbing her wand and running after him.

It wasn't hard for Daphne to find him. All she had to do was follow the noise. Ethan was in the room her father had setup for Astoria, looking from snow globe to snow globe, trying to find the proper one.

"Ethan, you're not … helping the other side, are you?"

"Of course I am," he said. "I am sick of being your family's slave."

"I never considered you a slave," she said, stepping into the room. "Are you going out to the battlefield?"

"That's a silly question. It's the middle of the day. You know I cannot."

"The forest is thick enough that it shouldn't affect you."

"And how do you propose I get to the forest?"

Daphne glowered at him. "Why are you being so sharp with me? You've never treated me this way before."

"Yes, well, you didn't see the condition Pansy was in before they took her out of here. I watched the two of you grow up together. What would ever motivate you to do something so horrible to her?"

"She slept with my husband!"

"You mean the husband you once told me you could never love and didn't want to marry?"

Daphne blushed. "I -"

"Yes, I suppose she deserved months of torture and rape for that."

Ethan sneered while continuing to shuffle through the snow globes. At one point, his head began to spin and he had to lean against the wall to keep himself from falling over. When he stood back up straight, Daphne was standing beside him with a snow globe in hand. He looked inside to see a snow dragon flying around the Alps. He reached out for it but she pulled it back.

"Ethan, listen to me. Blaise is planning to kill Gregory, and I'm sure he has the same fate planned for Astoria. I can't let that happen," she said with tears in her eyes. "If I give this to you and I help you get to the forest, will you please take me to the battlefield as quickly as you can? I need to get there."

In a flash, Ethan had the snow globe out of her hands and in his, waving it to her from clear across the room.

"No deal," he said, getting ready to smash it.

"Then what if I offer you something more?"

"I already plan on taking my freedom."

"No, not that," she said stepping forward. "A moment ago you used my wand. It felt familiar, right?"

Ethan said nothing.

"And when you see Draco's mother, you get that same familiar feeling, don't you?"

He looked away from her quickly.

Daphne smiled. "That's what I thought. It's because you know her, Ethan. I heard my father talking about it. The reason you don't remember your past is because someone cast a Memory-Erasing Charm on you. But, if you help me, I know how to reverse it."

"I know enough about magic to understand that when memories are erased, they don't come back."

"They can if you have the original wand." Daphne reached into her pocket and pulled out a second wand. "This was my father's. Blaise went and fetched it for me to try and make me feel better or something."

Ethan stared at it with wide, curious eyes. "So … your father's wand …"

"Is the one that did this to you, yes," she said. "So what will it be, Ethan? Will you help me get out there in exchange for your memories?"

Ethan looked at the wand and then at the snow globe. Over the years, he had come to the realization that maybe he didn't want to know his past. But if it included Narcissa …

In one swift motion, Ethan threw the snow globe against the wall, shattering it. A weird, gust of wind shot around them, knocking them both to the floor. Before Daphne even had a chance to prop herself up, Ethan had her on her feet.

"You have a deal."

XXX

Back on the miniature battlefield, not a whole lot was getting accomplished. Everyone was fairly evenly matched.

However, Narcissa had just hit Gorden with a successful Binding Spell when a heavy gust of wind shot through the forest, knocking all of them to the ground. Then there was a very distinct, very clear cracking sound.

Draco looked up from his spot on the ground to see a large fracture in the sky, growing longer and wider …

"The shield is breaking!" someone shouted, but Draco didn't have a moment to figure out who it was. He was already crawling on hands and knees towards Hermione, pulling her close to him. Suddenly, there was a loud shattering noise. Without looking up, both of them cast a Protective Charm above their heads.

All of the other members of their party did the same, just as planned, Pansy making sure to pull Goyle down with her and casting her charm over both of them.

Wiley ran over and unbound Gorden, just in time for them to use their wands to send glass shards flying in every which direction.

Rita, Blaise and Theo had caught on to the other side's brilliance and were shielding themselves, but Quinn was a little slower and followed Wiley's and Gorden's methods.

When all of the glass had finished falling, there were several loud bangs and the sounds of people shouting. Everyone removed their shields and stood up straight, all eyes widening as they noticed the size of the war now happening around them.

The entire forest was surrounded with wizards, witches, giants, centaurs, and anything else you could think of. Currently, Charlie Weasley was riding on the back of the dragon, Summer - Hermione and Draco had met and named her when they had worked for Ollivander - leading a pack of Hippogriffs and Thestrals. Dementors were sucking the life out of people while members of the D.A. went around, casting their Patronuses.

Then, all of a sudden, the entire war froze, everyone stopping to stare at the people now standing in a place that had been shielded and bare only moments earlier.

"Ron!" shouted several of the Weasleys and Harry, who had been standing right near the glass wall, obviously making sure to be close when this happened.

Then their eyes all drew to Hermione.

"Merlin, what …? Hermione, you're …?" shouted Ginny, who was now pointing at her stomach.

Hermione instinctually put a hand on her baby bump.

"There will be time for explanations later," said Draco, taking her hand back in his. "For now … carry on."

Ginny nodded and the fighting immediately recommenced. Now that everyone was present, the real war could finally begin.