It Started With A Kiss

Chapter 20

Harry’s’ reaction to her pregnancy was distressing to Hermione. She knew that her husband and he did not get along, but she wished her best friend could find a way to be happy for her.

“Have you told your parents yet, Hermione?” Molly asked.

“Not yet. I’ll write my Mum soon, though. I doubt my father will be ecstatic over this news, particularly after his reaction to my marriage.”

“Having a grandchild just might change his mind, Dear. Holding a sweet, innocent babe can melt even the coldest of hearts.”

She could only hope Mrs. Weasley was right as she remembered how angry her father had been that night.


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


Julius retrieved his wand from his sleeve. He had trekked to Knockturn Alley to purchase it just days after he was given his powers. The aged wizard told him the core of the ebony wand was a mix of dragon heartstring and thestral hair.

It took months of study and practice for him to learn to use the wand properly. He was ready now, though, to seek his long overdue revenge upon his father and the rest of the wizarding world.

After donning his wizarding robes, Julius Apparated to Wiltshire. Keeping himself hidden in the forest surrounding his former family’s, estate he watched and waited. The manor had not changed since he last saw it. He wondered if anything had changed inside.

Using a Disillusionment Charm, he approached the gate. He carefully placed his hand on it and gave it a gentle push. To his utter amazement, the wards still recognised him, granting him entrance. Julius made his way around the side of the manor, where he remembered his father’s study was located.

The drapes were open, and he could see a fire burning brightly in the old fireplace. He moved close to the window, and peered inside, noticing no change in the décor. However, the wizard behind the desk was definitely not his father. The only man it could possibly be was his younger brother, Lucius. There was no denying that they were brothers; they could almost pass for twins.

A slim woman with long blonde hair entered the study. He did not remember seeing her before. She was gorgeous though. He watched as she walked around the desk to Lucius placing her arm around his shoulder and kissing him. She must be Lucius’ wife. She should have been HIS wife.

Leaving the study window, Julius walked around the manor until he came upon another occupied room. He saw a young man, perhaps sixteen or seventeen years old, in the library. He surmised that this must be Lucius’ son, his nephew. The boy was a Malfoy; there was no mistaking that.

So, Lucius had everything that should have been his; but where were father and mother? He continued around the old manor but could not see his parents’ presence anywhere. Julius walked away from the manor towards the back gardens to Apparate back to his flat.

The old family cemetery caught his eye. He approached the area where many of the Malfoy ancestors were laid to rest. His eyes roamed over the old tombstones, when one in particular caught his attention. Abraxas Malfoy, Loving Husband and Father.


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


Severus wrapped his arm around Hermione, bringing her back up against his chest. The winters in the dungeon were always the chilliest. His hand inched downwards until he was caressing the small bump where his child grew within her. Her even breaths let him know she was in Morpheus’ care.

Sleep for him, however, was like an elusive lover tonight. Thoughts of what lay ahead for him and Hermione littered his mind; thoughts about the danger, not just to their unborn child, but also the threat to their world that brought them together in the first place.

Some things were starting to make sense to him now, like the rune on his hand that stood for protection. It was up to him to protect his wife and child. He would do so by any and every means possible; even at the risk of own his life.

Hermione was having a marvelous dream about Severus, when suddenly the dreamscape changed. She was back in the dark forest, and the thick fog surrounded her.

“Hermione Snape,” the now familiar voice called to her. “The evil is coming close, you must keep watch for it. He will show himself soon.”

“How will I know? What do I have to do to stop him?”

“You will know.”

Hermione awoke from the dream, finding herself wrapped in her husband’s arms. She tried to nestle closer to him. This last dream frightened her more than the any of the others that preceded it.

“Bad dream, Love?” her husband asked sleepily.

“You could say that.”

“What did they say this time?”

“That it’s coming closer, and he will show himself soon.”

“Not a very enlightening message is it?”

“They never really are.”

“It’s still early. Try and get some more sleep,” he said, as he placed a soft kiss on her shoulder.

“Easy for you to say,” she mumbled, as she closed her eyes.

At breakfast, a letter arrived. Severus immediately recognized the Malfoy seal, and knew it was from Lucius. He opened the letter and quickly read it, scowling deeply.

‘Dinner with the Malfoys. Oh joy,’ he thought.

“Bad news?” Hermione asked.

“You could say that. Lucius and Narcissa have invited us to dinner tomorrow evening at the manor.”

“As much as I detest the idea, Severus, I think we should accept.”

“I agree. Just promise me if Lucius makes a pass at you, you will not hex him. It’s bad form to hex your host.”


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


Severus and Hermione took lunch in the Great Hall and discussed the invitation from Lucius with the headmaster.

“Even if you cannot find out anything else from Lucius about his brother, at least it will get the two of you out of the castle for the evening.” Albus said.

“We are hardly hermits, Albus.” Severus retorted.

“It should be an interesting evening though, I’ve never been to Malfoy Manor,” said Hermione.

“Let’s hope it is not too interesting,” Severus said.

He had a feeling that the next evening was going to be anything but uneventful.


A/N: Sorry for the short chapter. The holidays take up much of my time and writers block hasn’t helped either. I will probably not be posting a new chapter till after the New Year. I wish all my readers and reviewers a Happy and Healthy Holiday.

Thanks to all who did review, your feedback is very much appreciated.

To my beta, takemeaway, my never ending gratitude!