Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. The plot of this story is mine.

A/N: Thanks for all the follows and favorites, and of course the reviews, which were awesome as always. I'll make you a deal: rather than answering each review this time, I'll list the reviewers and work on the chapter after this one, since I haven't been able to update as often as I'd like lately (damn finals).

The wonderful reviewers for the last chapter were: phoenixqueen15; Peytonkmc; dutch potterfan; chupeechan; Calimocho; viola1701e; anidot90; SerpentofDarkness; SlytherinGurrl; Trelawney; Kimm Possible; LadyKahlan; DaniKae; and MissSocialPariah.

The "thou hast..." quote is paraphrased from the Rogue Warrior's Ten Commandments of Spec War.

Hermione and Narcissa heard twin cracks of Apparition in the living room. Their immediate reaction of relief at hearing both men returning was soon followed by confusion as Draco and Lucius mounted the steps with a marked lack of energy. When Draco stuck his head into the bedroom, trepidation and fatigue showed clearly on his face.

"Mother? Where is Scorpius?"

Narcissa glanced worriedly at her son. "He's playing in his room. Do you want me to get him?"

'No, no...I'll go see him for a moment." As Draco slipped away from the bedroom door, Lucius came around the corner and took a seat near his wife.

Hermione stared at the doorway then moved her gaze to her father-in-law. "Lucius, what's wrong? Did something bad happen at that meeting with Harry? If you need me to talk to him-"

"It was nothing like that. We'll explain everything just as soon as Draco returns." He gently took Cissa's hand in his. Hermione didn't miss the significant look that passed between them. She could feel her anxiety ramping up, but it was obvious no one would tell her anything until Draco came back.

She didn't have to wait long; her husband returned, shut the door, and covered the room in Silencing Charms. Quick as a cat, he moved her wand out of her reach.

"Draco, what are you doing? What if Scorpius needs us?"

"Not to worry, love. He'll be sleeping for a bit."

"Sleeping? He wasn't tired earlier." She drew back from her spouse. "Draco Abraxas Malfoy...WHAT DID YOU DO TO OUR SON?" Her shrillness increased in direct correlation with her fear.

Malfoy sighed and ran a hand through his hair as he came to sit on the bed next to her. "I did what was necessary. Granger, we need to talk."

"Okay, so talk. You're all really starting to freak me out." Her hands grasped and twisted the comforter.

"It's about the treatment avenue that Healer Randolf is suggesting. He, uh, was in contact with that colleague, and he's made an official recommendation."

Her eyes darkened as she took in her mate's obvious upset. "Go on."

"He advises using a magic transfusion spell. The energy given to you would enable you to carry the pregnancy, and give the baby the strength to survive."

"What are the risks, Draco? Why do you look so concerned?"

"It, er, takes a bit from the donor's lifetime when they give up part of their magic," he muttered.

She was horrified. "NO. No, absolutely not. Are you insane? No one is going to do that on my behalf-"

"The decision has been taken out of your hands, dear," Narcissa interjected as she saw her son begin to wilt.

"Like Hell it has!" She folded her arms across her chest. "I can say no. And I AM saying 'no.' This is wrong; I won't have anyone taking a risk for me. Just how do you think it's out of my hands? I have to approve doing this, don't I?" Emotion had her face flushed redder than a Weasley's.

Draco's temper finally flared, and his wife was reminded of the peculiar brand of cold Malfoy anger. "Not necessarily. We can tie you to a stake in the middle of the room, and proceed. And don't think for one fucking minute that I won't do it, woman. You're so bloody stubborn about going through with this pregnancy? As your husband and the father of the child we've already created, I'm telling you that we will be using any method available to get you and the baby through this safely."

"I will NOT-" He Silencioed her, impassively watching her eyes blaze in resentment.

"Let me tell you a few things, Princess," he ground out. "My father was prepared to be the sole donor."

Hermione's eyes became impossibly wider. She opened her mouth then shut it again. A question was obvious in her expression.

"The doctor said that his being the sole donor could have taken up to 24 years off of his life. Yes, you heard me correctly: 24 bloody years, Hermione. He was willing to do that because he loves you and the potential of another grandchild enough. So don't you DARE go getting self-righteous."

Lucius gazed at her somberly. "Lift the spell and give us a moment, son." Draco obliged, taking Narcissa with him. Hermione began to get out of bed and this time Lucius hit her with a sticking charm. She huffed in annoyance. The elder Malfoy left his seat to perch at his daughter-in-law's bedside. He locked eyes with Hermione to ensure that she was listening.

"There was no situation with Harry Potter today. Draco and I went to meet him at Grimmauld Place. Harry had overheard me talking to Cissa about the energy transfer, and he offered his participation. Healer Randolf confirmed that multiple donors are allowed, as long as their magic is compatible with you, the baby, and the other donors. So Potter assembled a large group of people who are willing to assist if found to be a match." Her eyes shone with unshed tears, and Lucius took her hands in his. "You have so many people that love you. Like it or not, this procedure is set to happen tomorrow. The donors will be tested at noon, and your appointment begins at 1:00. So stop being hypocritical about this: you would help without question if the positions were reversed. Respect the gift being offered to you by those you love. If you don't, I swear to Merlin I will Imperio you and make you cooperate."

Hermione chewed on her bottom lip thoughtfully. "Draco said this could have robbed you of 24 years."

"Yes."

"I don't know what to say about that. It's hard to fathom, Lucy."

"There is nothing to say. Simply cooperate."

"Does having more donors decrease the cost per person?"

"That is my understanding, though I cannot tell you if each donor will sacrifice the same amount of time."

She looked away. "We need to think about this. The consequences are too heavy."

"You don't have the time, I'm afraid. Healer Randolf said yesterday that we needed to have any potential donors ready to go by tomorrow. Originally, he said we had a week to work things out. Then he examined you, and was forced to shorten the timeline."

Hermione sat there pale and trembling as she processed the meaning behind the time change. "I just don't feel right about this. This gift is too..." She trailed off as her dream of Nana came back to her, and she remembered her promise. She sighed and squared her shoulders. "One o'clock tomorrow, then."

"Indeed. Someone from the donor pool will return to escort you a few minutes prior to your appointment."

"I still don't like this," she grumbled.

"Thou hast not to like it; thou simply hast to do it." Lucius turned to leave the room.

"Hey! You left the Sticking Charm on!" And a good one it was; all of her wriggling accomplished nothing.

"Yes, I did. And I assure you I won't hesitate to change it to a Petrificus Totalis if you don't stop bouncing around. I know the Healer told you no jostling allowed." He arched a brow at her.

"I swear I'll get you for this, Lucy. You have no idea what I'm capable of!" She loathed it when someone attempted to control her. The wiggling about had stopped, but she continued to send him a scorching glare.

"Fiend, if keeping you healthy and my granddaughter viable means enduring your revenge later, it's entirely worth it. I don't care if you dress me up in buttons and bows and make me do the can-can in the middle of the Ministry atrium." Lucius gave a mock bow and turned again. A small voice made him turn back.

"Lucius?"

"Evil One?"

"Thank you."

"Of course, darling. You're a Malfoy."

She melted a bit at that until he smirked, "And I'm already coming up with ways to spoil my granddaughter so rotten it will drive you mental. I can't wait for you to see them." With that parting shot, he left to find his wife and son. They would be relieved to know that she had seen reason.