Chapter 18- Surprises

Hey y'all. Sorry this one is a little short, but it was necessary. I've had some stuff going on but I am working on the next chapter, which will be the battle. I want to make sure it's perfect before I post it, so it could be a while. Reviews would definitely motivate me to work faster! :-)

~Don't own HP!

You know, classes really are pointless when you know that the school year is going to end early. I've been so unfocused lately. At lease Draco and I are smart enough hat we can get by without paying much attention. This morning I woke up and was immediately sick. I ran to the bathroom and threw up. I lay on the floor until I heard Draco com in from Quidditch practice. I think I'm going to have to see Madame Pomfrey soon. This can't be good.

[x]

Draco has an afternoon practice, so I'm going to se the nurse today. I work up again this morning feeling sick. It's January 31st- my seventeenth birthday. I've been showered with presents all day. I especially liked Draco's gift. He got me a bracelet with seventeen emeralds- one for each year. Classes were boring as usual but I just planned the party for tonight in the Slytherin Common Room. Soon, it was time for Draco to go to Quidditch practice and me to see Madame Pomfrey.

"You gonna come watch?" Draco asked.

"Nah, I need to finish our essay for Binns." I said hoping it was a good enough lie.

"Kay. See you later." He walked out to the grounds and I headed up to the infirmary. As soon as I got in the door, I heard Madame Pomfrey bustling about.

"What can I do for you dear?" she asked looking at me.

"I haven't been feeling well. I'm tired all the time and I've been throwing up in the mornings." I said trying to describe my symptoms.

"Well, dear, have a seat. We'll just check you over." She waved her wand a bit then asked, "Is there any chance you may be pregnant Miss Riddle?"

I thought a moment. Draco and I were careful. Then I remembered Christmas. "Oh my God."

"I'll take that as a yes. Here take this. It will tell us for sure." I did as she asked and a puff of green smoke came out of my ears. "Congratulations," she said and walked away- no doubt to tell Dumbledore. I just walked out of the infirmary. I went up to the astronomy tower and slid down the wall to the floor. I was lost in my thoughts when I heard someone sit down beside me.

"Haven't seen you much this year." I said not bothering to look at the intruder.

"You've been busy with Draco and your family. What's the matter? You look like someone killed your snake."

"I'm pregnant," I said still not believing it.

Is Draco…"

"Yeah."

"When?"

"The Malfoy Christmas Ball"

"Are you gonna tell him?"

"How can I? He's got so much to deal with right now. And the big day is soon. He can't be distracted right now."

"Plus he wouldn't let you fight if he knew."

"Ugh. Don't remind me Sav. I have to be so much more careful. This changes everything." I said look off across the grounds.

"Well," he said standing bringing me up with him, "When the time comes, I'll look out for you."

"Thank you Savion."

"Any time love. Ready to go to your party?" he asked looking at me.

"Now I am." We headed down to the dungeons.

[x]

The party was great. After everyone had had a few drinks, no one noticed that I was pouring mine out. I have to say, it was pretty funny to see everyone falling over themselves. Most of the party fizzled out around midnight. Draco was completely trashed and trying to whisper nonsense things in my ear. When I finally got fed up I said, "Come on Loverboy, let's get you up to bed." At least I wouldn't have to tell him tonight.

[x]

[ 8 hours earlier- Draco's POV]

Quidditch practice had just ended and I was headed back to my dorm to change before finding Rachel. We were throwing a huge bash. One thing's for sure- Slytherins know how to party. After I had changed, I noticed an owl on my bed with a package. There was a note:

Draco,

I took the liberty of pulling this from our vault at Gringotts. It is a Malfoy heirloom that is said to have protection properties. I trust you'll find a use for it.

Your Mother,

Narcissa

I opened the package to find a beautiful engagement ring. The large emerald was surrounded my sixteen diamonds- very Slytherin. Leave it to Mother to figure out I was planning to propose to Rachel. Now all I had to do was find the right time.

[x]

The weeks sped by and I had managed to keep my secret from Draco. I began leaving in the middle of the night and going back to Draco after I had been sick in the morning. Tonight was the last briefing before the attack tomorrow. Daddy wanted everyone to be ready and prepared so nothing would go wrong. The Death Eaters were to cause as much damage as possible and take out the members of the order. We were to gather the loyal Slytherins and relay the message from the meeting. Draco was dressed when I got to his room. We went through the secret passage leading to Hogsmeade. Before I had a chance to apparate, Draco stopped me. "Rae, before we go I need to ask you something."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong. I just really need to do this before tomorrow." He got down on one knee.

"Draco…"

"I love you with all my heart and I want to be with you for the rest of my life. I can't go into battle tomorrow without knowing that you'll be by my side when it's over. Rachel Annabelle Riddle, will you marry me?"

I was crying now. "Draco, I love you. Of course I'll marry you." He jumped up and kissed me.

"You realize you've just made me the happiest man on Earth."

"Yeah? Wait till we tell father. He'll be ecstatic." I kissed him again. "We need to go. We're going to be late."

"I think he'll excuse us this time," he smiled as he slid the ring on my finger.

[x]

The meeting was a success and Daddy was thrilled when Draco and I told him the news. The Slytherins were waiting for us when we got back. I put my hood down and looked around. "The plan is set. If you are in sixth or seventh year, you are allowed to participate. The other students are to go to the forbidden forest tomorrow when everyone is leaving for Hogsmeade. Don't go in big groups. Our people will be there to help you. The last thing we want is for you all to be caught in the crossfire. Go to bed tomorrow will be a long day. Draco."

He stepped forward and proceeded to lay out the plan for tomorrow to the remaining students.

Tomorrow the war would begin.