Disclaimer: I haz a bucket. No haz Harry Potter.
A/N: DAMN this came out long. Sorry about that, but I didn't know where to split it.
A number of you caught on to where I was going with this. Peytonkmc (Read on. Thanks! I love cookies); viola1701e (Interesting question. I'm still thinking on that one); dutch potterfan (Hello, my friend. Here); phoenixqueen15 (Glad you're back! Thank you for your kind words, and there's nothing to apologize for); chupeechan (TY! Glad you get it now. Never thought you were being mean, and I like the name Charlotte. My first name means "Reaper"); Grovek26 (Many thanks!); Calimocho (Thanks! The side effects are exactly why I'm going in this direction); Amber611 (Thank you!); anidot90 (Marsha Marsha Marsha! Sorry, it was the first thing that came to mind at your comment); Kimm Possible (I think they could make a fun team, and you're right); SerpentofDarkness (Aww. I always love your comments - tell me if this is any better); BigTimeGleekBTR (Thanks! How about now?); SlytherinGurrl (Good - and as the 150th review, per your request I WILL get Blaise in here somewhere); Trelawney (High praise, my friend. Thank you!); Beccarwen (Read on for your first questions. Glad you get it about the name now. Happy to hear you liked the chapter. And yes, reactions will be fun. At least on Hermione's part). And thank you to those who followed and favorited!
Chief Healer Randolf:
It has been requested that I inquire further into the details of the procedure. Please humor me by answering.
1. How many donors can be used for one case? Would I have to be the sole donor?
2. If multiple donors are acceptable, is there any selection criteria of which we should be aware?
3. Can this be done in a physical location separate from Hermione, so that she won't know?
4. How soon would this need to happen?
Please respond as soon as you can, so that I might inform the other interested parties.
Sincerely,
Lucius Malfoy
Three hours later, an unfamiliar owl swooped into Malfoy Manor. It dropped off Randolf's answer without waiting for a reply.
Mr. Malfoy:
1. We have had success with up to eight donors in a single case, so you would not have to do this alone.
2. Get together as large a pool as possible. We will check each volunteer's magic for compatibility both with Hermione and the baby, and with the other donors' energy. A power clash in the transfusion could be catastrophic. Family members and friends are both acceptable, as long as they feel genuine concern for mother and child.
3. Unfortunately not. The witches/wizards giving the magic will need to be in a circle around Hermione. I would advise explaining it to her immediately.
4. The sooner the better. I would say no more than a week after the first examination.
Speaking of which, my secretary just announced Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy for their appointment. I will be in touch soon.
Regards,
D.N. Randolf
"Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy! Do come in and have a seat." The Chief Healer moved smoothly around his desk to welcome the newcomers. The younger Malfoy assisted his wife in getting seated, then turned and shook hands before claiming the chair next to Hermione. Randolf noted the protectiveness young Malfoy extended his mate. She looked surprisingly fragile for a war hero.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Healer Randolf. I attempted to gather information on this clinic only to find there's disturbingly little available. Could you tell me why that is?" Draco's opening query was concerned without being rude, so Randolf was pleased to answer.
"Without putting too fine a point on it, sir, the "For the Future" facility is exceptionally exclusive. Much of our business is done through word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers."
"If you can afford this on word-of-mouth alone, either you have a multitude of happy customers, or the services are, erm..." Hermione trailed off as her gaze flitted about the room. Her attention had landed on the bookcase, and from where she sat she noticed several rare-looking tomes. What she wouldn't give for the opportunity to investigate! Draco squeezed her hand gently to get her to refocus.
Randolf chuckled as he observed her. "The services are indeed 'erm,' Mrs. Malfoy. Please don't trouble yourself about that. All costs have been covered. Your father-in-law insisted. We met yesterday to discuss terms and requirements, and he provided me with basic information on your past pregnancies and what you were told the last time."
Hermione leaned back a bit, relieved that she wouldn't have to tell the story all over again.
"Would you permit me to perform a basic diagnostic check? It will help me to better understand your needs in this case." The Healer approached Hermione, who began to stand. "No, that's all right. You may remain there. This won't take long."
Randolf had her lean back in the chair to best expose her abdomen then he conducted a series of increasingly intricate maneuvers switching his wand between his right and left hands. When he finished, he assisted the young woman in sitting back up and he returned to his seat.
He remained silent long enough that both the Malfoys grew uncomfortable. It was obvious he was working out what he wanted to say.
"Please, Healer Randolf- what do you think?" Big brown eyes bore into his.
"Mrs. Malfoy, I would say that your belief regarding the conception date is accurate, and you are definitely carrying a female." The couple's faces lit up, then fell as he continued, "However, I am extremely worried about your ability to continue. The attachment of the fetus to your uterine wall is tenuous. I need to consult someone about the avenue of treatment I believe will be most effective. I will do that as soon as you leave. In the meantime, you are to go home, get into bed and stay there. You are not to be bounced or jostled. There are no, ahem, 'marital activities' permitted. You are not allowed to lift anything heavier than a pound. You may leave your bed to use the facilities, and that's it. No baths, and short showers only. Meals will be brought to you. Do I make myself clear?"
"Y-yes, sir. Quite. But what about our son? He's only six, and-" Hermione twisted a handkerchief in her hands. Draco considered rescuing it then thought better. It was easy enough to get another one.
"Your son may visit provided he is supervised and made to understand that at this time, Mummy may give him a gentle hug, but all other forms of physical contact could be too dangerous."
Tears welled up in her eyes, and Draco reached across to take her hand. "We'll work it out, love. You'll see. Healer Randolf, what treatment do you recommend?"
"I'm sorry, Mr. Malfoy- until I am certain of the best way to go, I must refrain from giving details. Mrs. Malfoy, please don't get upset. Mrs. Malfoy...Hermione- please: look at me."
She glanced up and the Healer held her gaze. "If I thought you were unable to keep the pregnancy for the time being, I would have recommended termination or placing you in a hospital at once. Chin up; this clinic has an outstanding success rate."
She favored him with a weak smile and he good-naturedly shooed the couple from his office with strict instructions to follow the bed rest conditions to the letter. As soon as they were gone, he owled Lucius again:
Mr. Malfoy-
I have examined your daughter-in-law. She doesn't have a week to wait. I'm sorry. Please come to my office at noon tomorrow with anyone you are considering as a donor. Testing will begin immediately upon arrival.
-Randolf
Cissa heard the howl from Lucius' study all the way in the atrium, causing her to bolt to him in a most unladylike fashion.
"Lucius?" She stopped to pant, "Darling? What's wrong?"
"Randolf's taken a look at Hermione. Things are too precarious to wait for a week. I have to move quickly."
"No."
"No? Woman, what are you on about?"
"We have to move quickly. Randolf said we could use a pool of donors."
"Cissy, no. NO. I forbid it. Not you." Lucius grasped his wife's upper arms, not realizing the strength in his hands. She would have bruises tomorrow.
"My love, you forbid nothing. They're my family too. Now quit being dramatic and contact Harry." She stepped away from him to seat herself in an armchair. Her posture made her meaning very clear: she wasn't moving.
"I'll try a fire-call. It's quicker than an owl." He knelt down and called for Potter, who thankfully was home and willing to answer.
"Lucius? What is it - is Hermione OK?" Potter's worried face filled the fireplace.
Lucius backed away. "Come through, Potter." Harry proceeded without hesitation. When he arrived, the Malfoys briefed him on the details of the program and Randolf's assessment. The brunette took in everything in before he spoke.
"We need a large pool of candidates. If you'll give me a couple of hours, I think I can assemble one."
"That's a tall order, Potter."
Harry grinned ruefully, "You've got the harder task; this is nothing."
"How so?"
A smirk. "You get to update Draco. Tell him not to say anything to Hermione until everything is set in motion. Meet me at Number 12 Grimmauld Place in two hours."
"The Black ancestral home?"
"Exactly. I inherited it from Sirius. Don't worry about any static from the Weasleys. You're trying to save someone they love like a daughter. Bring Draco." Harry turned and left without another word.
The senior Malfoy stood there dithering and his wife grabbed his hand.
"Where are we going?"
"You heard the man; we need to get our son."
"But Hermione-"
"Don't worry, dear. Just follow my lead," she winked at him and dragged him through the Floo.
"Draco? Hermione? Are you in?"
Malfoy descended the stairs to greet them. "What are you two doing here?"
"We wondered how the visit with Healer Randolf went, and, while your father hates to impose on you, a situation has arisen involving Malfoy Industries and the Auror Department. He needs you to go along to reason with Harry Potter immediately. I'll stay here and keep Hermione company."
The young man regarded his father with suspicion. "What did you do? Dark Objects in the office or something? Illegal ownership of a magical creature?"
"Really, son; it's something best explained along the way. Your mother will stay with Hermione and Scorpius, but you could say this is a matter of life or death."
"Let me say my goodbyes and I'll get my coat," and Draco left the room.
Malfoy Sr. turned to his lovely spouse. "Well done, love. And with a completely straight face."
"I'm a Malfoy by marriage and a Slytherin by nature; did you expect anything less?"
"You're incredibly attractive when you're scheming."
"Then I'll be gorgeous for the next couple of hours. Please pass along that I've volunteered, too."
Her husband pulled a face.
"Lucius, I mean it." In the meantime, Draco had returned. She faced her son, straightened his scarf and said, "Later during the meeting a vote will be taken. I'm informing you that I voted to participate."
His father dragged him to the Floo before Draco could ask any questions. Seconds later, the Malfoys entered 12 Grimmauld Place and Harry spotted them as soon as they arrived. A startling number of voices echoed from various rooms, causing Draco to turn to his father skeptically.
"How, exactly, does this tie in with Malfoy Industries?"
"It doesn't. I just didn't want to state the real nature of this visit within earshot of your family."
In the meantime, Potter had reached them and held out his hands for their coats. "Go ahead and have a seat in the dining room. It's just through those doors. Almost everyone else is here."
'Almost everyone else' included Arthur, Molly, Charlie, Bill, Percy, George and Ron Weasley, Luna Lovegood, Seamus Finnegan, Dean Thomas, Neville Longbottom, Hannah Abbot, and at least a dozen more young witches and wizards. Most surprising were Minerva McGonagall and Pomona Sprout standing off to the side.
A hush fell over the room at the sight of the former Death Eaters, broken by Luna making room for them by nudging everyone else over. Harry returned shortly after they were seated.
"I'm pretty sure none of you know why I called you here today, and I have to make a strange request of you: take a Wizard's Oath that you will reveal nothing of what we're about to discuss. I know you're curious about the Malfoys' presence. Let's get the Oath over with and we'll explain everything."
Hands were raised and the oath repeated with everyone swearing on his or her magic not to divulge the conversation.
"Right, then." Harry continued as the Malfoys sat quietly. They weren't fools; the group assembled was there because The Boy Who Lived had asked. Harry pushed his glasses tighter onto his face. "Everyone knows that Draco Malfoy married Hermione some time ago." Ron grumbled unintelligibly and received a swat for his trouble, causing Harry to grin wryly. "Regardless of your opinion of their union, 'Mione is happy, and Malfoy's been a good husband to her. What most of you don't know is that Lucius and Narcissa have been working to mend bridges with Draco and Hermione. It's gone well," he glanced at Lucius for confirmation and received a nod.
"They just found out that 'Mione's pregnant. This isn't necessarily a good thing. Trying to carry a baby could severely harm or even," he gulped, "Kill her. Mr. Malfoy has been working with a private clinic using a magic transfer spell that could give Mione and the baby the strength they need to get through this." Whispers broke out around the room. Draco looked at his father, shocked.
"Wait! Please listen to the rest," the group quieted. "The spell takes a toll on any magical donors. Anywhere from months to years can be lost from the donor's life. I happened upon Mr. Malfoy talking to his wife. He was going to do this alone. I can't let him go through that, and I'm hoping that some of you will feel the same. We figure that the more donors there are, the smaller the cost to anyone. We can have up to eight donors for the procedure, but any potential volunteers will need to have their magic checked for compatibility at the clinic. So if we have more than eight offering that would be best. Please think about it, though, we haven't much time. The doctor told Lucius today to bring any potential matches to the clinic by noon tomorrow. At one point or another, Hermione has been there for each of us. Please consider being there for her now."
Harry took a seat next to Draco whispering, "Now we wait."
His words jolted Draco from the trance he'd been in. "You were going to do this," he hissed at his father. Lucius nodded. "Alone." His father concurred wordlessly again. "And when the bloody HELL were you going to tell me about it?"
"I wasn't. You had enough on your mind."
"How many years could you have lost doing this by yourself?"
"Alone? Possibly up to 24. Mr. Potter convinced me to see reason about sharing the load."
"You were willing to give up 24 years of your life for my wife and child."
Lucius smirked, "Not supposed to call her 'your wife.' She has a name, remember? Hermione." Draco looked like he was caught between laughter and tears. He bit his lip and promised himself to corner the old man later, in private.
The murmurs were coming to a halt, and everyone faced the head of the table.
"Neville, Luna, Dean, Hannah and I vote 'aye,'" Seamus' Irish brogue lilted their assent.
"You can count the Weasleys in as well, dear." Molly's expression brooked no backtalk from any of her family. "Though Ginny will have to abstain due to her own delicate condition."
"Pomona and I volunteer too, Mr. Potter." Merlin bless McGonagall, Harry thought.
The witches and wizards unknown to the Malfoys also voiced their support.
Harry turned to Draco, "you've got me as well." The blond nodded. "Me too."
"What? Draco..." Lucius didn't bother to finish his protest when he saw his son's face.
"Father, do you honestly think I would allow all these people to offer up part of their energy, even their lives and not do the same?"
Lucius looked at the table and sighed, "Of course not. And we've long established that I will be participating. Narcissa has offered as well."
"That gives us quite a pool of matches. All right, everyone. I'll see you at noon tomorrow. Get a quill; here's the Floo address."
Faint scratches could be heard as volunteers copied the information. Draco stood and faced the assembly. "I know you're doing this because you love my wife, in spite of her being married to me," chuckles could be heard, "but I need to tell you how grateful I am. She's a wonderful woman who doesn't deserve this difficulty, and I don't know how I'd live without her. Thank you all so very much."
Any tension in the room thawed at the younger Malfoy's words. He regained his seat and nudged Harry.
"Potter? Who were all of the others? I thought I recognized some from other Houses, but couldn't put names to faces."
"Dumbledore's Army. We all kept our charmed Galleons that Mione created for communication. I mustered them earlier using it, banking on the fact that Mione's would still be in her jewelry box. So, how soon will this procedure happen after donor selection?"
"Possibly tomorrow. He's already ordered her on bed rest. Potter, I'm fucking terrified." Harry could see Lucius' face broadcasting his fearful agreement in the background.
"It'll all work out, Malfoy. You've got a bunch of damn strong magical folk willing to help, including the two of you."
"I just thought of something, Potter. I'd like to ask Blaise and Pansy if they would be interested."
"OK."
"Saying 'thank you' seems inadequate, but I haven't got any better words."
"You don't need them, Draco. Your point came through loud and clear."
Luna stopped next to Harry and looked at the Malfoys. "It's nice to know there is goodness in you after all. Everything will be fine." She patted each Malfoy lightly on the back and floated away.
"That is a truly strange girl."
"No argument there, Lucius."
The Weasleys were next. Lucius and Draco stood.
Arthur considered them in silence for quite some time before he reached out and shook hands with Lucius. "It's a good thing you're doing."
Malfoy shifted uncomfortably. "Good has nothing to do with it. She's family."
"I can remember a time when she wasn't."
"Sadly, so can I, but I'm fixing that."
The rest of the Weasley clan filed past until Ron halted, looking at Draco. "Bet you don't want me helping, do you?"
The blond rolled his eyes. "Don't be an ass. I wouldn't care if Voldemort himself joined in. I just want my wife and baby safe."
"Huh. You might be learning, Malfoy."
"Lovely. Now show me that you've done likewise, and perhaps we can have a family gathering in peace." Malfoy smirked, but it lacked the usual edge. Ron shrugged, gave him a half-smile and followed the rest of his family out.
"We should be going, Father. I need to send an owl to Blaise and Pansy. Potter, we'll see you tomorrow at noon."
"Yep. Incidentally, has anyone told Hermione yet?"
"Not yet. Just listen for a shriek like a banshee with PMS, and you'll know we have."