Summary: While training to become an Auror, Draco faces more than just old rivalries and newfound duties. He knows Darkness is coming from more than one side, preparing to unravel everything he's worked so hard for but he will stop at nothing to stand in its way. Self-appointed double agent wasn't exactly on his list of future prospects, but he'll do whatever it takes to protect the one's he loves.

With the new year comes new responsibilities for Hermione Granger. She's feeling more secure in her decisions and for the first time in a long time, she is content. And while the baby's due date looms she knows that with the help of Luna, Blaise, and Ginny she can overcome anything that this life throws at her. She just wishes she could leave her feelings for Draco in the past.

The future for the witches and wizards looks bright indeed, but none of them are prepared for the threat that is lying in the shadows, biding its time and waiting for the right moment to strike.

So starts the Sequel of The Pitfall

Saturday, January 2, 1999

Theo could hardly contain his glee as he skimmed the pages of The Daily Prophet. While he knew the so called facts in the article were wrong, it did nothing to damper his mood. This would work so well in his favor. He knew he was one of the few who knew the truth on who exactly had fathered the Trio's golden baby. It was now just a matter of patience, timing, and tact. Yes, this year would be his to shine.

"That's all this country needs." Lucius scoffed, letting his fork clink against his plate as he dropped it. "More Weasley's running around." The Malfoy patriarch sneered and tossed the Daily Prophet onto the table.

A twinge of anxiety ran through Draco as the words sunk in. Curious, he picked up the discarded paper and found what had his father glaring at his food.

Wizarding Britain's Infamous Golden Trio is about to become a Quartet! Full photo's inside!

Draco stared at the headline in shock. Surely it hadn't gotten out this soon? He flipped through the pages until he came upon the center fold. He was glad the paper was hiding his face from his parent's prying eyes because he wouldn't have been able to keep the emotion off of it. She was there, in not one, but two full panels of photos. The biggest one was of her standing up from a diner table and waving at someone, her tight green shirt doing absolutely nothing to hide the rather obvious baby bump. The next had her embracing Lovegood and the one following had said girl placing an excited hand on Hermione's stomach. There were a few more of the two of them enjoying a meal and of Hermione getting up to use the loo, but they were small and minor compared to the first one.

What the fuck?

"I think Rita overdid it a bit." Ron sighed, leaning back in his chair.

Harry coughed into his hand. "Yeah, well what did you expect?"

"I don't know." He admitted, rubbing his eyes. "But not this."

"Hermione looks so cute in these photos don't you think?" Luna asked Blaise as she passed him the pepper.

He sprinkled some on his eggs and nodded, looking at the photo of Luna and Hermione embracing. "Yes," He agreed, taking a bite. "Can you cut that one out and save it for me?" He pointed at the one with her bent down, hand planted firmly on the other witch's swollen abdomen.

She raised her eyebrow in curiosity. "Why?"

"She's not the only one that looks adorable, love." He said with a flash of a smile. "Besides, you are both wearing my favorite color."

She rolled her eyes and took a sip of tea. "You are so weird sometimes."

"Maybe," He shrugged, "But that's why you love me."

They both stared at each other for a moment, silent. Then Luna smiled brightly. "Yes," She said meekly. "That's one of many reasons."

"So you admit it." He grinned. "That you love me?"

"Was it ever in question?"

"I suppose not."

She leaned over the table and gave him a peck on the cheek. "Finish your breakfast."

He gave her a small salute. "Yes, ma'am."

"Wow."

"Regretting your decision to reveal it to her yet?" Ginny asked a frowning Hermione.

She shook her head but felt her hands begin crinkling the paper between them. She didn't regret it, but she certainly wasn't going to be speaking the woman's praises any time soon.

Surprises for the New Year

Rita Skeeter reveals startling secret!

While dining in one of my favorite little eatery's, The Starling Café, I happened upon one of The Wizarding World's most beloved war heroine's, Hermione Granger. She was sitting a few tables away, looking over a menu and waiting for a friend, when I noticed her. Of course, I was curious as to what she'd been up to since we last spoke in July, so I struck up a friendly conversation. It seems she did return to finish her final year at the newly rebuilt Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and was enjoying the Christmas Holidays with friends so the rumors regarding her parent's untimely deaths are most likely true. She seemed in high spirits though, ordering tea and cake and speaking candidly about her plans for the future. There was a bit of a glow about her and it took me off guard, as many of our encounters had seen her on the more hesitant and downtrodden side. I didn't have to ponder the reasons for this long.

When the bell above the door chimed, indicating a new patron, Ms. Granger smiled brightly and stood up from her seat. I was so shocked by the vision in front of me that I scarcely noticed the arrival of Ms. Luna Lovegood, the friend she had been meeting for lunch. No, I didn't speak my greetings to her, rude I admit, but I was honestly trying to piece together the reels of a story playing out in front of me. The table between us had hidden a secret. A lovely little secret that none in the Wizarding World had the pleasure of knowing until this day. The secret that Hermione Granger, War Heroine and best friend to Harry Potter, is expecting a baby.

The glow of her skin, the smile on her face, and the happy atmosphere surrounding her should have been a sign, but it wasn't until she stood and showed off the round curve of her stomach under a tight green long sleeved shirt, that it became obvious. By the looks of the baby bump, I can only assume she is nearing the halfway point of her pregnancy. I wanted to ask a million questions, the journalist in me you know, but she was suddenly busy speaking with her friend and I decided it was best to leave the two alone. I ventured back to my own table to let the news sink in. I hadn't heard of a wedding, or of a committed relationship from the witch, but she's always been the most private of the three. The last time I did an interview with them, Ronald Weasley had looked more than a little enamored with her. The two of them had been seen holding hands and speaking quietly in secluded corners while repairs to the school were underway. One could rightly assume the baby belongs to him. But I am betting my galleons on Harry Potter. The two of them had spent a lot of time alone while on the run last year, and they've been best friends for years. Perhaps a dalliance had sprung up between them? Could the baby be the revival of the Potter family?

I'll leave it to you, dear readers, to decide.

So, what do you think? Decent prologue? Let me know! :D