The Party

Tom looked at Hermione from across the room, her eyes met his and she blushed. The beautiful green dress hugged her curves, including the new, small bump on her stomach. He smiled.

"You look lovely." He came towards her, and placed his hands on her hips, "I know you don't like parties, but I throw the best ones." He said, remembering some of the nights he had spent with his friends.

"Well, I suppose I could get over it." She looked at him quizzically for a moment, "Who all is going to be there?"

"Everyone," he said mysteriously and started walking away, "Be completely ready in twenty minutes."

She sighed and turned to go into her bathroom. He watched her hips sway, reveling in his newfound happiness.

One hour later, Tom had gathered everyone around the grand stair case in his house. The lights were low and sultry; there was music in the background. The low hum of people talking and moving around the room settled his odd nervousness.

He wasn't sure why he was nervous; he was never nervous, but it was something about the way his followers acted around Hermione. Except for a select few, Jack and Cygnus, many of his followers rejected her. They only put up with her because of Tom's power and the fact that she was carrying his son.

So, he walked up the stairs, to where Hermione was waiting to be led into the ballroom and smiled. He loved her, and she was his. It was an unbelievably pleasing feeling.

"Tom, they don't like me," she whispered near his ear as they descended down the steps.

"Nonsense, they love you."

"Only because you'd kill them if they didn't." she said sadly, a shadow in her eyes. He frowned; worried that she was displeased, once again with his power over people.

"No, not at all." He waved his hand in the air. She smiled slyly.

"Happy Birthday, Hermione," Cygnus burrowed through the crowd towards them. Tom smiled, Black didn't seem to care that everyone was against Hermione.

"Hello, Cygnus, it's been so long since I saw you last. I never got to say thanks." Hermione smiled beautifully.

"For what?" he said looking at Tom, confused.

"For taking care of me when … I fell down, all those weeks ago."

"Oh, that, don't mention it. You were easy to care for." He laughed, "You were out for most of it."

"Well thanks anyway."

"My pleasure," he bowed and offered his hand, "Dance with me?" he said looking more at Tom then Hermione.

"Of course." She smiled and took his hand, Tom made his way to Jack.

"My lord," Jack said as Tom neared. "How is the birthday going?"

"Wonderfully," Tom sighed, "Jack I wanted to give you my apologies for the earlier, er, problem." Jack's mouth hung open for a minute before he regained his composure. Tom realized he had only ever told Hermione that he was sorry.

"It's quite alright, you were just worried."

"Yes, well, I'm glad she ran to you, instead of someone less trustable." Tom coughed awkwardly and sighed.

Then there was an incredible scream. Tom turned to see Hermione lying on the floor, gasping in pain. Cygnus was at her side, hands fluttering, trying to find the problem.

Tom was immediately beside her as well.

"What happened?" Tom asked, voice breaking. No, nothing could happen to her, he would die.

"She… s-she," Hermione gasped, trying to breathe.

"Who? What?"

"B-bel-bellatrix." She winced and clutched at her side, her other hand on top of her stomach.

Tom reared, angry, furious, she hadn't even been invited.

"Bellatrix?" he felt his eyes burn, turning to red. He just didn't know that they would be forever red after that.

Suddenly there was a red flash and Jack was on the ground beside Tom. He gasped too, "Tom, don't let her go."

"What-"

And then he was dead, his eyes were peaceful and Greta was screaming, crying and flailing her arms around.

"What happened?" Tom asked, still looking at Hermione, who was recovering.

"Somebody fired again, and Potter jumped in front of it." Cygnus said sadly, looking at his old friend. A deep pain settled in Tom's heart. His oldest friend lie dead on the floor behind him, a smile in his eyes.

"Damn Gryffindor." He said sadly, "Hermione, can you hear me?"

"Tom, the baby," a tear fell down her cheek, "I think he's hurt."

"But are you okay, Hermione?" he asked caringly.

"Tom, he's gone."

"Who?"

"The baby."

"Where?

"I don't know, Tom, he's just not here anymore." She cried, but her physical pain seemed to have subsided.

"It's okay," he said, although he was confused.

"You want to know where your baby is, Tom?" Bellatrix said sexily, evilly. She walked towards him and he stood up, pulling out his wand.

"Get out, Bellatrix, now." He threatened, she didn't move.

"But don't you want to know where little Tommy is?" she said, laughing.

"Where?"

She bent down and placed her hand on Hermione's forehead, she pushed the hair back from her eyes. Tom immediately reached out and pushed her back.

"Don't you dare touch her!"

And then there was another flash, something Tom hadn't anticipated coming. He flew back away from Hermione forever.

A/N: REVIEW!!!!!!!!! There are only one or two more chapters left! The ending is going to be interesting. I hope you like it.