Hermione was waiting when Moody came into the manor. She was calm and collected like she had practiced. She needed to act surprised to see them. Of course she had no idea why they were there. Her husband had gone to work and told her he would be out with clients. She wasn't expecting him home for hours and she was confused why aurors were in the manor. The manor hadn't been raided in years and her husband brought down Voldemort.

Moody eyed her as he came in with two men. In all his years and two wars few things surprised him any more. The news Hermione chose to marry Lucius Malfoy caused a lot of talk among those who once knew her. She wasn't the same innocent girl from the golden trio or maybe she never was.

Hermione met them in the front hall "Alastor it has been too long."

So she was already playing the Lady "You need to accompany us to the hospital."

Hermione was playing her part well "What has happened? I need to leave word for my husband."

Moody cut in "Your husband has been poisoned."

Hermione looked faint and Moody was not convinced or humoured with her performance at all. He noticed for the first time Bill was there. He thought it would save them a trip. Bill came to her side and made an excuse about the fact she was pregnant. The shock of being told her husband of less then two months had been killed. There was an odd look on Moody's face. He motioned for Bill to come along.

Hermione knew not to over do it but she could pass off most as the baby she had. She was expecting to be taken to the morgue but she was mistaken. She wasn't even taken up to the ICU. She was led into one of the private wards for richer patients.

Moody motioned to the door "Your husband is waiting. Luckily he was called away from his coffee after only a sip or two."

Hermione tried to hide her reaction as best as she could "Thank Merlin. My son will have his father."

Moody stopped Bill "You and I will be talking."

Hermione came into the room unaware Bill was being arrested. Her husband was sitting up in bed reading some papers like he was home in bed. The only sign he had been poisoned was the magic IV in one arm. Hermione was fuming inside that the snake was still alive. She should have known the old bastard would be harder to kill then that. Well she would simply have to try again. The man had enough enemies out there.

Hermione came and kissed him on the cheek "I was shocked when Moody told me. Thankfully you will be around for our son. I am sure they will arrest your attacker."

Lucius sneered "Your former boyfriend and his eldest brother should be in prison soon. I plan to press for the black cell."

Hermione didn't have to pretend to be shocked. She could see Bill being led away. "I can see Ron but not William. He works for you."

Lucius was not the fool she thought him. She had a lover he knew and he figured it had to be someone who would raise no suspicion. He had doubts Ron was involved but he could keep his brother company. After his former pet escaped him he was out for some pay back.

He pulled her in and whispered "Our son saved you. But you even look at another or I get a paper cut I will when our son is born make it so no one ever finds all of you."


Severus knew he had to do something. He cared deeply about Remus as well as Harry. He wouldn't allow Harry to be sent back into that life. He hoped he could not allow the man to threaten that. Tom may have been a powerful teen but still a teen and his powers were at that level. The man had to know he was a dead man if the world found him to be alive. He would be kissed if the wizarding world knew he was not killed.

In such a small town it hadn't been too hard to find the man. Most of the families had been there for a generation or two. He found the small two bedroom cottage on the edge of town. There was a garden full of plastic gnomes and bright flowers. One would never believe to find the man here.

He entered the house and found Tom in the kitchen. His back was to Severus "Severus just in time for some lemonade."

Severus watched as the man motioned him onto the patio with a tray "I didn't come here for cookies and lemonade."

Tom put down the tray "I can see why you brought my precious here. I must say I never considered the novelty of a simple muggle life."

This was a man who killed countless dozens of people. He had tortured Severus into the mark. He had raped children. But he was acting like tea time. Severus knew the Lord Slytherin and black magic had been destroyed by the spell from Remus. He would never be convinced the man was no longer a threat. He may not be a killer but he was after Harry again. Harry deserved to be happy and move on.

Severus turned down a glass "I have come to tell you to stay away from him. Harry is not an animal. I will now allow you to threaten him."

Tom sipped his own "I know he is no animal. He is my little love. We are linked. His blood is in me. He is literally my soul mate."

Severus realized "Remus used your love for Harry to work the spell. And you used a blood charm to find him."

Tom handed him a glass and applauded the man. He would have thought it would occur to Remus. He had agreed to set them free as he knew Voldemort would never be free. He knew as Tom he would be free to pursue his little love. He had known no matter where they went he could follow.

He reminded Severus when he mentioned a blood adoption "But then you would have to tell Harry I'm alive. And I know you haven't told him the little secret."