It Started With A Kiss

Chapter 19

Julius sat in his small kitchen, eating what he could conjure up for Christmas Eve dinner, and remembered the events of a year ago. If his plans stayed on track, he would soon have his revenge against not only his family, but also the whole wizarding world.

Julius searched first for a quill; not one of those faux quills, he needed a real one. He went to the nearest library to access the Internet, and the results were numerous, but most were not useful to him. As he read through them, one caught his eye. The Quill Store. He clicked on the link, bringing up the site. The store carried bamboo pens, glass pens, inks, and feather quills.

This was what he was looking for. He clicked on the words ‘contact us’ and found that the store was in Dover, Kent. Well, it seems I have a trip to Dover to plan, he said to himself. He decided he would take the train to Dover, and perhaps make a day of it since it was only about 2 hours travel time.

It was a bit past 9:30 a.m., the Saturday after Christmas, when Julius stepped off the train at Dover Priory and made his way toward the street. He had been to Dover a few times over his many years living as a Muggle, so he knew his way around the city. He turned down Belgrave Road and easily found the shop. After a half hour spent examining the quills the store carried, he chose a black ostrich feather quill with a small sharp pointed nib; just what he needed. Placing his purchase safely inside his jacket, Julius headed out to explore a bit more of Dover. He eyed a voluptuous young woman who was looking him over. Who knows,he thought, I may even find some nice trim to spend the night with.

He returned to his flat the next afternoon, and started to prepare for the ritual that would be the catalyst for his revenge. On the table before him, he placed the black and blood-red candles, the book open to the blank page, quill, a sharp knife, and a small pewter cup to catch his blood.

The only thing left to do, was wait for the full moon to rise.

The radiance of the full moon illuminated the table upon which the now burning candles were placed. The book was open to the blank sheet of parchment.

Picking up the knife, he spoke the words, “The blood of my fathers I spill willingly.”

He placed the blade on his left palm, drawing it across. He watched his blood drip into the pewter cup as he continued.

“With the blood of my fathers I beseech that my desire be granted.”

When enough of his blood was spilt, he wrapped his hand to staunch the bleeding. He picked up the quill, dipped it in his blood, and wrote on the parchment, My deepest desire is to have the power to seek my vengeance on my father and the wizarding world. He watched as his blood faded into the parchment wondering what, if anything, would happen.

Suddenly, dark smoke started to rise from the book. Julius backed away slowly as he watched it swirl further up, then descend to the floor in front of him. The smoke slowly took shape and solidified into the form of a man. The being that stood before him could have passed for any human male except for the red eyes.

“So, Julius Malfoy, you desire power and vengeance. Such power does not come without cost. The vengeance you seek will require powerful magic. You will be the most powerful wizard the magical world has seen since Merlin himself. Are you willing to pay the price?”

“Who are you, and what is the price you demand?”

“I am called Abraxas. The powers you seek demand a hefty price. I will have your soul upon your death, and you will be required to make a sacrifice to me.”

“Who is it that I must sacrifice to you?”

“When the time comes, you will know who they are.”

“They? So it would be more than one person?”

“Yes. When the time comes, I will visit you again and tell you their names.”

“So, my soul and the sacrifices. Is there anything else you will ask of me?”

“No, nothing else.”

“Then I say we have a deal.”

“Excellent,” said Abraxas as he raised his hands toward Julius.

A blinding flash of light coming towards him struck him in the chest. Julius could feel the magic enter his body before he passed out. When he came to, Abraxas was gone. The ritual was a success, and the powers that were now his to wield were worth the price Abraxas set. Julius sat thinking of the look that would be on his father’s face when he learned that the powers he was unable to pass on to his son were given to him by the demon that shared his name. The irony of it was all too delicious.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Really, Severus. I’m pregnant, not ill.”

Hermione was becoming extremely exasperated with her husband’s insistence that she ’lie down.’

“The book said that you would tire easily and that you should rest often.”

“I’m not tired, Severus. I do not intend to stay in bed resting for the remainder of this pregnancy. It’s not feasible, I will have classes to attend when the new term starts.”

“Speaking of classes, I was thinking that perhaps---”

“Don’t even go there, Severus. I will not give up my classes.”

She took a deep breath, trying to soothe her nerves.

“I have an appointment with Madam Pomfrey later this morning. Why don’t you come with me and we’ll both talk to her about what I can and cannot do? Would that suit you?”

“Yes. I will abide but what Poppy has to say.”

To say that her appointment with the Medi-witch bordered on disastrous was putting it mildly. Hermione had never seen Madam Pomfrey turn that shade of red before, or mumble what she thought was rather colourful language for a witch her age. It was rather funny though, watching her escort Severus out of the infirmary and slam the door in his face.

“I’m sorry for that, Madam Pomfrey. He’s been like that ever since he read that book I gave to him when I told him I was pregnant.”

“No need to apologise, my dear. I’ve dealt with fathers-to-be like him before. I swear they read one book, and think they know better than a trained professional.”

“I know he means well, but he’s driving me bonkers. He even started talking about me giving up my classes!”

“Now, now. Don’t get yourself all riled up. There is no need for you to give up anything. You’ll just need to be a bit more careful is all. I want you to lie back and relax, while I do a thorough check on you and your little one there.”

The Medi-witch took out her wand and began waving it in complex movements while chanting a spell Hermione never heard before. Areas of her body began to radiate in different colours as Madam Pomfrey’s Dict-O-Quill recorded her findings.

“Everything looks right as rain. Your weight, pulse, blood pressure are fine. The baby is growing at the proper rate as well. Have you had any morning sickness yet?”

“No. My breasts do feel a tad sore, though.”

“That’s normal dear. If you do start feeling queasy, have your husband brew an Anti-Nausea Draught for you. A spoonful each morning will take care of that.”

“Could you please tell Severus I do not need to be lying down resting all day and night. I swear, I’m sorry I bought that book.”

Laughing gently, Madam Pomfrey made her way to the door.

“I’m going to let him back in and do my best to assure him that you and his child are fine.”

Opening the door, she found Severus standing there, arms folded with a severe scowl on his face.

“That look doesn’t work with me, Severus Snape. I’ve known you for far too long. Now, get in here and sit down next to your wife.”

His robes billowing wildly, he made his way over to the cot where Hermione was seated. Poppy watched him, rolling her eyes at his display of childish indignation.

“Now, Severus, I’ve examined your wife and everything is fine. The pregnancy is coming along as expected. She is in fine health and has no need to be off her feet, no matter what that book says. You will do more harm with the stress you’re causing her than anything else. Have you informed the rest of the staff of her condition yet?”

“Not yet, no. I suppose we should, perhaps today at lunch. If that’s alright with you, Hermione.” Severus said, feeling somewhat chastised by the mediwitch.

“That will be fine, Severus. I should go to the Burrow today and tell everyone there. This way they will have some time to adjust to the news before term starts again.”

“Alright then, Hermione. I want to see you back here in one month’s time for your routine pre-natal check-up.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The next afternoon, she talked Severus into escorting her to the Burrow. It didn’t take much convincing after they made their announcement to the staff at lunch. He couldn’t wait to get away from his colleagues and their enthusiastic reactions to the news of his impending fatherhood.

They flooed to the Burrow and were greeted first by Molly and Arthur.

“Hermione, Severus, how wonderful to see you both,” Molly said as she hugged Hermione.

Arthur approached Severus and shook hands.

“Good to see you again, Severus.”

“Are you hungry? There’s plenty left from lunch.”

“We’ve already eaten Molly, but thank you anyway. Severus and I came here because we have some news to tell everyone.”

“The boys are outside playing Quidditch. Arthur why don’t you call them in, and I’ll go make some tea for everyone.”

The boys rushed in when they heard that Hermione was there.

“Hermione!” Harry yelled as he rushed through the door and hugged her close, ”Merlin, it’s good to see you.”

“Hey Harry,” she said “good to see you too.”

“What are you doing here? I thought you were staying at Hogwarts for the hols.”

Harry’s enthusiasm paled when he saw that Snape was there, too.

“We’re here because we have some news we wanted to share with everyone.”

Letting Hermione go, he acknowledged Snape’s presence with a nod of the head and a brief “Professor.”

Ron greeted Hermione with his usual hug and smile. “Hey Hermione, Professor. What’s this news?”

“Let’s wait till everyone is here, I’d rather just have to say it once.”

All too soon, the entire Weasley family and Harry had gathered at the table, waiting to hear Hermione’s news. She took Severus’ hand and started to speak.

“I want to say first that this was as much a surprise to Severus and myself when we found out. We didn’t plan on this happening so soon. In fact, we never really talked about it.”

A smile came to Molly’s face. She had a good idea what this news was.

“Hermione, dear, are you…”

“I’m about 2 months pregnant.”

Molly and Ginny squealed with delight, while Arthur smiled and offered his congratulations

The twins both started to laugh, and Ron’s jaw hit the floor and he seemed unable to speak.

Harry looked at Hermione with disgust, and quietly left the room.

A/N Yes there really is a place called The Quill Store and it is located on Belgrave Rd in Dover, Kent.
My beta tells me that the ritual I wrote for Julius is quite similar to the one in GoF, (re: Voldemort’s’ resurrection) I did read the book but had not realized that some of the wording was very similar to that part of the book. Hence I’m mentioning it to ‘cover my butt’, it was unintentional. I also want to thank her here for all her help and support, no matter what others have said she has never let me down.

To all my reviewers and well wishers a big thank you. My husbands surgery was successful and he is on the road to a complete recovery.