You Can Hold On or Let Go

"Boy or girl, Alice?"

A giggle escaped her as Frank's hands slid under her nightgown to caress the growing girth of her belly. Beyond their huddled forms and shared quilt dwelt the chill of that January night. The vicious winds that had begun to gust during the early evening persisted, rattling the very frame of the house.

"I would like a boy," she said slowly, turning around to face him.

He nuzzled her neck. "Personally, I think a girl would be far more enjoyable. So, you want a boy, then? Have you thought about any names?"

"I thought that Neville might -- " She stopped, noting the frown on Frank's face " -- what, do you not like it?"

"No, I like it."

"You're not entirely convincing." She pulled him in for a brief kiss. "I think it's a very strong name."

"I'd like to see him be a good Quidditch player -- not like me, of course, as I can hardly walk to the kitchen without tripping over my own feet."

"You're only saying that because you know James is going to raise his child to fly better than anyone else's."

"Speaking entirely for myself, I am not going to be outdone by James Potter, thank you very much."

Alice laughed. "Oh, you know James. His child will have be the best at everything -- but especially at Quidditch."

"I don't understand you men's fascination with the sport -- "

" -- and women are just unappreciative of life's greatest joy."

"Frank!" she exclaimed with mock hurt, thumping him on the shoulder. "It's just that we women care about the important things. Neville will go to Hogwarts, naturally."

"Of course."

"House?"

Frank stroked his chin. "Whichever one suits him best, but I certainly wouldn't object to Gryffindor."

"Oh, really, you Gryffindors are full of it. I want Neville to be in Hufflepuff."

"Hufflepuff! What good has Hufflepuff ever done?"

"Perhaps carry your child?" Alice offered.

"Ah. That. My apologies, dear, if I offended you."

"Not at all. It's all irrelevant, though, isn't it?"

"What is?"

"Quidditch, Houses, even Hogwarts. Do you think -- do you think our child will be a good person?"

Frank stroked Alice's hair, smoothing their knots. "Why wouldn't he be? I think he -- or she," he added with a nod, "will do great things."

Alice paused. "So does every parent."

"But I really believe it, Alice."

Through the darkness, she searched for his gaze. "Do you really think so?"

"Yeah, I really do."