Puer Natus Est Nobis – Chapter 4 Alternate
A/N—Here's the alternate Chapter 4. I decided to go the other way because I could see how going this way could detract with the main part of the story. Still, this chapter's great, so I'm posting an alternate story here. This incorporates more Draco/Astoria, but is still somewhat Narcissa/Lucius centric.
Approximately two weeks later, the day of the New Year's Ball (New Year's Eve and into New Year's Day). Narcissa's 22 weeks along.
Draco sits in his room, pondering the last couple weeks and his relationship with Astoria Greengrass and the pregnancy scare they had. Whew! That was close! he thinks to himself. Every morning since the day he returned from Hogwarts, he got an owl from Astoria, either asking him to come over so they could do the test together, or the results of that day's test. For awhile, each time they did the test or she did it alone, it was grey. However, they were flooded with major relief just about a week ago when the test glowed a faint red. He wondered if they'd not done it right and then finally figured it out and got an accurate result. Whatever the case may be, he was glad that they weren't pregnant. He wasn't ready to be a father yet and she certainly wasn't ready to be a mother yet. Plus, he didn't know how in Merlin's name he was going to explain it to his parents had the result been positive. At least they don't have to worry about that.
Now the only things he has to worry about are getting through next term, graduating, and finding a job. He really hopes that he's accepted into the Auror internship at the Ministry, but he's got a lot of competition and strikes against him. Harry Potter and Ron Weasley have also applied; he's not sure who else has applied. Potter will be a newlywed or at least engaged when the internship starts, so that may give him an edge. Like he and Weasel need an edge! he grumbles, They're heroes in the Wizarding World. Heck, they're heroes in HIS parents' world too! Draco looks at his tattooed forearm and frowns. The mark's faded some, but he doubts it'll ever completely go away. The mark of a Death Eater. He'll always be known as a Death Eater. It doesn't matter that he was forced to take the mark; he's got the mark forever. Strike One!
The once respected or feared Malfoy name is now "mud." Strike Two!
And then had he become a teenaged, unwed father? Strike Three! You're out! Isn't that what some of the Mudlbl-, umm muggle-borns who were into this game called "Baseball" would say?
He sighs and reads the last owl from Astoria:
Draco,
Good news! We got red today! Now we can breathe a sigh of relief. See you in a few days at the Ball. Love you!
-AG
So, that's one less strike against him.
He looks at his timepiece and realizes he needs to get ready to pick her up for the Ball at the Zambini's. Normally, he would hate these dances. They used to be full of pomp and prestige and a bit of snobbery. They were basically celebrations of pure-blood supremacy. Yes, making a show at a Ball is something that "Malfoys have to do," as his father would tell him each time he'd balk, but he hated these things. He smirks, Well, that and I'd always get paired with Pansy Parkinson. I can't stand that girl! I don't know why I dated her. Yes, I do! It was expected of us. He looks at the picture of Astoria and him that weekend at Hogsmeade and smiles. How he loves this girl! This is the first time he's been able to take someone of his choosing. He can't wait to have her on his arm and to be able to dance the New Year in with her.
Draco carefully lays out his dress robes and begins preparing for the Ball.
Meanwhile, Lucius and Narcissa are also preparing for the Ball. He wonders what her dress looks like, although he knows she'll look good in it.. She refused to show it to him or model it, insisting it's a surprise. He did receive an owl from Andromeda (the first one ever), telling him that he'll love it. Of course he'll love it. She looks beautiful in everything she wears. Heck, she could wear sack cloth and ashes and she'd still look beautiful. He takes in the lovely image of her sitting at her vanity in her housecoat, putting on makeup and fixing her hair.
"So," Lucius begins, "do you know who Draco's taking to the Ball?"
"No," she replies, brushing her soft tresses. "I know he's not taking Pansy Parkinson. He told me not to pair him with her this time."
"Our son has a girlfriend," he smiles and plants a soft kiss on her neck.
She leans in closer and answers, "Mmm, Hmmm!"
"Wonder if it's that girl we saw him with at King's Cross Station?" he asks, walking to the wardrobe, and taking out his dress robe.
"I was hoping he would take Daphne Greengrass. She's a nice girl."
Lucius puts his white button up shirt and trousers on. "I don't really care who it is, as long as she's a nice pure-blood from Slytherin."
"Would you want him to date Millicent Bulstrode?" she asks, raising an eyebrow.
Lucius can't help but shudder in horror, which causes her to giggle.
They resume preparing for the ball in silence until Narcissa changes the subject. "You hear the newest on the guest list?" she queries, almost afraid to tell him.
Lucius looks at her curiously, "No, who?"
"You're not going to like it," she warns. "and I want you to be on your best behaviour."
"Best behaviour?" he chokes out, laughingly, as he bends down behind her and puts his arms around her shoulders, planting kisses on the side of her neck. "I'm always on my best behaviour."
Doing her best to turn and look at her husband, she continues, "I'm serious. Promise me you'll be on your best behaviour."
"I promise."
"Lucius," she looks at him suspiciously.
"I promise, but you're acting like The Golden Trio and Arthur Weasley and the rest of the Weasels and Weaslettes will be there," he plays.
"Actually..." she trails off, sheepishly.
A look of horror spreads across his face. "NO!"
"Yes."
Fuming, he continues, "Oh, that's just great! We ought not to go if they're going to let all the riff-raff in."
"Lucius Abraxus Malfoy! We are going to the Ball and you promised to be on your best behaviour!"
"But? Arthur Weasley!" he begs.
Changing her tone, Narcissa decides a little bribery might work, "You know," she begins playfully, "if we don't go to the ball, I won't let you see me in my dress." She stands up, faces her husband and puts her arms around his waist. "and you know you want to see me in it." She leans in and kisses him seductively.
Lucius melts in defeat. "All right. I'll behave."
"Good!" she kisses him again in triumph. "Now, finish getting ready while I put on my dress." The baby takes this time to begin kicking, which makes Narcissa laugh.
"She's kicking, isn't she?" he asks. She nods.
"Alright, Adrastea Etoile," Lucius begins, "you've gotta go to sleep for awhile. Mommy and daddy want to be alone for a bit." He places a loving hand over the baby. "Daddy loves you." He looks up at his wife and notices she's in tears. "Cissa?"
Narcissa smiles, tears flowing, "I love you."
They pull in for a close embrace and passionate kiss.
A little while later.
Lucius and Draco are standing in the foyer, at the foot of the grand staircase, waiting on Narcissa to make her appearance. Both men are dressed in black dress robes, stark white button-up shirts and black satin cravats. Lucius's hair flows loose over his shoulders.
After a small wait, Narcissa appears at the top of the stairs. Lucius can't take his eyes off her as she descends the stairs. Draco smiles seeing his mother beaming.
She looks breathtaking! Lucius thinks to himself.
She is wearing a deep green floor-length gown with a soft lace bodice, ending in a plunging V-neck and three-quarter length sleeves. The skirt is a soft shimmery organza with a reverse V empire waist. The cut of the gown flatters her figure and shows off the baby without being immodest. Her hair is in a partial up-do with the rest laying softly past her shoulders.
She meets her beloved at the foot of the stairs. He takes her hand, giving it a soft kiss as he places his hand in hers. "You look stunning!" he remarks.
Narcissa beams.
"Yeah, you look great," Draco adds.
"Thanks guys!"
"Shall we?" Lucius suggests.
"I'll meet you there," Draco reminds, as he heads to the fireplace. Stepping in with a pinch of powder, he calls, "Greengrass residence!"
The couple walks out the door. Their carriage is parked at the gate. He opens the door and helps his wife in before taking his seat beside her. Soon, they're off to the ball.
Greengrass Residence
Draco descends the floo network and into the Greengrass's fireplace in the foyer. He dusts himself off and meets Astoria's parents and Blaise Zambini. Blaise and Daphne have been dating since the beginning of the school year and fixed Draco and Astoria up one Hogsmeade weekend so that they could double date. Blaise is wearing a black dressrobe, similar to Draco's, but with a sapphire satin cravat.
The boys are nervously waiting for their dates, but their wait is short as the girls appear at the top of the stairs. The boys' jaws drop in amazement, for their dates look lovely.
Daphne is wearing a sexy form-fitting floor-length sapphire gown constructed of a beautiful, stretch jersey fabric. The one shoulder style is encrusted with beads and crystals as it continues to the dramatic open back. The beads and crystals start at the bust, where there is a small oval cut out, drapes over the shoulder and diagonally down the back, wrapping around the front at the bust, and continuing the diagonal to a mid-thigh slit, showing off her lean figure and black princess-cut two-inch heeled slippers. The gown graces a semi-bare back, which ends in a deep V just above her hips. There is also a narrow strap of fabric traveling in an opposite diagonal from her waist, traveling across her back and joining with the crystal strap at the center of her back. Her hair is in a French-twist up-do, with a ringlet falling at each temple.
Astoria is wearing a floor-length glitter tulle ballgown. The gown has a sweetheart strapless neckline with dramatic peacock accents the bodice and skirt. The full soft material of the dress is infused with glittery detail. The bodice is a sweetheart strapless; ruched bodice with large appliqués of peacock feather, and zip closure. The skirt is a full ball gown with peacock appliqués scattered throughout; one layer of tulle is fuchsia, one is black, and then an overlay of fuchsia. Her hair is swept in a partial up-do with a similar peacock clasp and the rest falls to her shoulders in soft curls. She wears silver princess-cut two-inch heeled slippers.
The girls glide down the stairs. Each of the young men kiss their date's hand. "You look lovely," Draco remarks. He notices Astoria's smile seems a bit forced, and makes a mental note to ask later.
Blaise, placing a light kiss on Daphne's cheek, states, "And you look amazing!"
The girls blush and give their parents a kiss on their cheeks and leave with Draco and Blaise, as Blaise brought his carriage to transport the two couples to and from the Ball.
At the Zambini's house
As each couple arrives, the master of ceremonies announce their arrival through the threshold. Although Narcissa is ecstatic about the pregnancy, she is a bit nervous about how some of the other guests might react. Gossip travels quickly through pure-blood society, and this is the first formal outing since the war concluded. Lucius is trying to hide the disgust and dread over the possibility of running into Arthur Weasley. However, that is tempered a bit due to the pride he feels over his beautiful bride beside him.
"Announcing Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy!" the emcee announces as they cross the threshold. She can feel the eyes upon her, some in shock and others are smiling. The couple acknowledges the Parkinsons and the Greengrasses, and then heads to the dance floor. Lucius spots Arthur Weasley dancing with his wife. Ron and Hermione and Harry and Ginny are close by as well. He frowns, trying to manage his disgust.
"Behave!" Narcissa whispers.
Without saying a word, Lucius wraps his wife in an embrace and together, they glide across the dance floor. The baby starts kicking, which elicits a couple giggles from Narcissa. Lucius beams with pride.
The couple hears some of the women chattering in a corner, but it's hard to ignore it.
"Can you believe it?" Ms. Nott asks Violet Parkinson. "The nerve of them showing up here. Don't they know it's not proper for a pure-blood to be seen in public with child?"
"I know!" Violet echoes. "Shameful, isn't it?"
"What's shameful," Mrs. Crabbe spits, "is that there will be another Malfoy scum running around. The Wizarding World does NOT need another Malfoy."
"Maybe it'll be a squib! Wouldn't that be poetry?" Adrienne Puce chortles.
The other women nod in agreement.
About half an hour later, Blaise Zambini and Daphne Greengrass and Draco and Astoria arrive at the Ball. They walk into Blaise's house and the emcee announces their arrival.
"Announcing Blaise Zambini and Daphne Greengrass and Draco Malfoy and Astoria Greengrass!"
The couples head toward the dance floor. Draco can tell that Astoria still seems a bit worried, so he envelops her in a protective embrace as they dance to the music. Astoria lays her head near his left shoulder, facing in, taking in the scent of his cologne. He hopes there will be an opportunity for them to slip out so he can ask her about what is worrying her.
Meanwhile, Narcissa is getting a bit thirsty. "Lucius, let's go get some punch. I'm getting thirsty." The Malfoys make their way to the punch bowl. He fixes his wife and himself a cup of punch.
Lucius and Narcissa clink their glasses as he toasts, "to us, to our son, and to our beautiful daughter. May the New Year bring us peace and happiness."
Narcissa blushes, "to us!"
The couple takes a sip of punch. Lucius spots Arthur and Molly Weasley beside him at the punchbowl. "Weasley," Lucius growls.
"Malfoy," Arthur grunts.
Narcissa and Molly glare a warning at their husbands, before nodding, acknowledging each other. They lead their husbands away from each other before violence breaks out.
Approaching Midnight
The guests cease dancing as the music stops, so everyone can count down the New Year. Lucius and Narcissa look at each other, their eyes sparkling.
"I am the luckiest man on earth," Lucius remarks. "I have a beautiful wife, a handsome son, who has grown up to be a great young man, and soon, will have a little daughter to make our family complete." He places his left hand on the side of her abdomen and smiles.
Narcissa can't help but smile. "I think our son is dancing with the next Mrs. Malfoy."
"How can you tell?" he asks, puzzled.
"Haven't you noticed? He looks at her just like you looked at me when we were their age," she beams.
"He does?"
"Yes, and I couldn't be happier. She seems so lovely and if Draco's happy with her, then I am happy."
"Do you think they'll marry anytime soon?"
"Mmmm," she muses, "probably not. However, if he gets accepted into that internship, we and the Greengrasses may be throwing them an engagement party this summer."
As the dancing winds down as the guests gather to ring in the New Year, Draco takes this time to lead Astoria to a secluded spot so they can talk. Once he has ascertained that they will not be disturbed, Draco begins to talk with his date.
"You don't seem to be yourself. What's going on?"
Astoria's eyes drift down and to the right as she fights back tears.
"Are you okay?" he asks, worried.
She shakes her head as tears stream down her face. "Dra..." she sniffs.
"What? You can tell me."
"I took the test again."
He's becoming increasingly concerned, "Why? When?" he chokes out.
"This morning."
Draco feels his stomach drop to his toes. "Why?"
"When I sent you the owl last week, the test was..."
"Yeah, you said the test was red." He fights back the annoyance he's feeling.
"It was only a faint red, so I decided to wait a few days and do it again."
He doesn't like where this is going and feels a great big Uh-Oh! coming on. "So, wh...what did it read?"
"Bright green," she almost wails. "Draco, I'm pregnant."
This is NOT happening! he thinks to himself. Oh Merlin, we're doomed!
Astoria sees the fright cross her date's face. "Say something, please!"
"W...we...we're g...g...gon...gonna have a, have a b...b...baby?"
"Yes."
Draco envelops her into an embrace and they both break down in tears. They hear the crowd inside count down and ring in the New Year. The New Year for Draco and Astoria is now much different from what they had anticipated.
"When do you want to tell our parents?" Draco asks.
"I think we should tell them tomorrow, erm, tonight, uhh, you know, as soon as possible."
"That...that's good. You and your folks can come over after dinner." he suggests.
"Okay."
"C...can we t...try the spell again? I wanna see for myself."
"Sure."
Draco finds a more secluded spot, one where Astoria can lie down. He takes off his robe and drapes it on the bench, so she won't get her dress dirty. Then he helps her onto the bench, draws his wand and begins waving it over her abdomen in a clockwise fashion. "Ostendere Gravidate." This time, they don't have to wait the full three minutes, for his wand glows a bright green almost immediately.
He helps her sit up, joins her on the bench and the couple cries in each other's arms.
Meanwhile, back on the dance floor, the mood is increasingly celebratory.
"Attention! Attention!" Mrs. Zambini announces. "It's time to ring in the New Year!"
The crowd counts down. "Ten! Nine! Eight!..."
The Malfoys take in each other's countenances.
"Seven! Six! Five!"
"I love you!" Lucius and Narcissa mouth to each other.
"Four! Three! Two! One! Happy New Year!" A shower of balloons and confetti rain down on the guests as they cheer.
The Malfoys pull into a deep kiss as confetti continues to rain. "Happy New Year, Cissa."
"Happy New Year, Darling." She cocks her head to the side, as if in thought.
"What?" he asks, curiously.
"We're gonna have a baby THIS year."
"And I can't wait," he grins, enveloping her in another kiss.
Malfoy Manor New Year's Night at dinner.
Lucius and Narcissa can't help but notice that their son seems incredibly nervous. He keeps picking at his food and doesn't say much.
"Is everything alright?" Narcissa asks, curious.
"I guess," he mumbles.
"It just seems that something's bothering you," Lucius interjects.
"Is there anything you wanna talk about?" she continues.
"Not now," he sighs, "but Astoria and her folks are coming over after dinner."
"What did you do?" Lucius asks, barely controlling his anger.
Draco is frustrated and huffs. "Let's not talk about it now. I just wanna get through dinner. Okay?"
The three finish dinner in silence.
Shortly after dinner, Astoria and her parents and sister arrive in the foyer fireplace. The Malfoys receive their guests. Draco approaches his girlfriend and envelops her in a wordless embrace. The couple try to push back the tears threatening to form.
Lucius extends his hand to Mr. Greengrass, "Adrian."
"Lucius," the dark-haired gentleman returns the greeting.
"Do you know what this is all about?" Calista Greengrass asks Narcissa.
"No," Narcissa answers, "he hasn't said a thing, except that you were coming over. Astoria hasn't told you anything either?"
"No, she hasn't."
Draco, still in an embrace with Astoria, whispers in her ear, "What's Daphne doing here?"
"I figured she needed to know, so I went ahead and asked her to come," she whispers back.
"You alright?"
"No. You?"
"Not really."
The couple break apart and Draco greets Daphne before ushering everyone into the sitting room. Draco and Astoria take the loveseat, direct the Greengrasses to take the couch across from the loveseat, and then he takes his wand and creates a second love seat for his parents, catercorner from the loveseat and couch. He takes his girlfriend's hand for support and inhales. Astoria nods.
"Mother, father," Draco begins, "remember when you told me about my baby sister and I suggested the name Electra?"
"Yes," the elder Malfoys say in unison, as they figure out where this conversation is going.
"And mother," he continues, "you said when I'm grown and have a child, that if my wife allows it, I can use that name?"
"Yes," Narcissa answers.
Draco feels like he is losing his nerve. Astoria figures this out and gives his hand a little squeeze. "Well, we may be using that name around August or September."
"WHAT?!" Lucius and Adrian boom.
"Is this true?" Calista asks.
"It's true," Astoria affirms, meekly, "I'm pregnant."
Daphne turns ashen and wishes she could disappear. "Uhh, Uhh, I...I've gotta go...uhh...do something." She stands up and begins backing out of the room, "yeah, I'll see you later, sis."
After Daphne leaves, Narcissa speaks up, "Draco!" Tears are streaming down her face. "I...I thought we taught you better than that."
"What are you planning to do?" Calista inquires, "You'll still have two more years at Hogwarts after the baby is born. You're not getting rid of it; you will carry it to term."
"I know, mother," she scowls. "We haven't thought that far yet."
Draco pipes up, "I wanna keep it!"
"And just how are you going to do that?" Lucius growls. "You know you'll have to get a job and that your chances at the Auror Internship have just gone up in smoke."
Draco hears a big ole Strike Three! in his head. Before he could reply, he hears, "Maybe not, Lucius." Then he realizes his mom came to his defense.
"And Astoria," Calista interjects, "are you sure you and Draco want to keep it?"
"YES!" the couple shouts.
Draco looks at his mother's pregnant abdomen and then back at his parents. "I know this is a great disappointment to you both and with your baby coming a couple of months or so before mine, but I just can't imagine giving up my baby and letting someone else raise it."
Lucius inhales to speak, but Draco interrupts him. "Father, I know it'll be hard, but we'll make it. If I can't get the internship, I'll get another job."
"So, what are your intentions with my daughter?" Adrian barks. "Are you gonna marry her and be involved in the baby's life or are you going to just send money and visit the baby every once in a while?"
"Dad!" Astoria shrieks.
"Mr. Greengrass, I love your daughter. I wanna marry her someday, but one thing at a time. I am going to be involved in my baby's life."
"We're not gonna solve this tonight," Narcissa yawns. "I think we need to take this up at some other time."
"I agree," Calista echoes.
The Greengrasses say their goodnights and Adrian and Calista enter the fireplace. "Coming, Astoria?" he asks.
"Go on ahead," she directs, "I wanna say goodbye to Draco." Her parents glare at her. "Please? Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy can watch us. Please?"
They floo back to their house, while the elder Malfoys stand, with crossed arms. "Okay, hurry it up," Narcissa warns.
"I'll see you later," Draco says softly, enveloping Astoria in an embrace.
"Please, owl me," she replies.
"I love you," they say in unison, before ending the embrace in a gentle kiss.
Suddenly, Lucius clears his throat, and the couple take that as a signal to say goodnight.
"Goodnight, Astoria," Narcissa states.
Draco leads Astoria into the fireplace and gives her another gentle kiss. "Goodnight."
"Greengrass Manor," Astoria ascends the floo network in a flash.
Wordlessly, Draco walks past his parents, his head hung down, and heads to his bedroom.
In the Malfoy Master bedroom
Lucius and Narcissa enter their bedroom silent and in shock. They're still trying to absorb the conversation their son just had with them. As Narcissa approaches her wardrobe to retrieve her nightgown, tears begin streaming down her face.
Lucius walks up behind her and wraps his arms around her in an embrace. "Hey,"
She turns around to face her husband and can see tears are threatening to fall from his eyes as well. "Oh Lucius, this can't be happening!"
"I know," he inhales, as this is feeling surreal.
"Our son!" she can't finish the sentence.
"It feels so surreal."
"Our son and his girlfriend are having a baby," she hiccups. "For the life of me, I would never have guessed this."
"Me either."
"I mean, this isn't what I wanted for him."
"His life's going to be much, much different from any of us had planned," Lucius sighs. "This may cost him the internship."
The mention of the internship causes Narcissa to cry harder. "It could cost him his career."
"I don't think that would happen," he assures, "but I have a feeling the Greengrasses will insist that he marry her before the baby is born."
"He's not ready for marriage!" she insists.
"I know, but he's a grown man. He's not ready for a baby and yet, he has one on the way."
The couple continue in their embrace and cry in each other's arms.
-End of Chapter 4
A/N—Hope you enjoyed the alternate chapter. I plan on continuing the alternate story as well as the regular story. Enjoy!