Written for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry (Challenges & Assignments)
Written for Monthly Challenges for All Fem Power Challenge
Written for The Houses Competition, Round 2, Year 3
House: Hufflepuff
Position: Head Student
Category: Drabble (200-750 Words)
Prompt: [Colour] Royal Blue
Representation: Astoria Malfoy; Fertility Issues; Motherhood
Bonus Challenge(s): Not A Lamp; Second Verse (Wabi Sabi; Clio's Conclusion; Tomorrow's Shade)
Term 9 - Assignment #1 - Mythology Task #9: Write about someone going through the motions of trying to become pregnant.
Word Count: (Per Google Docs) 578
Struggles of Purity
"I'm scared, Daphne." Astoria took a sip of herbal tea to stall herself. "I want us to have a child, but the curse—"
"Is not guaranteed to even trigger, dear sister," Daphne finished, placing a reassuring hand on her arm. "The difficulties you're facing now is not a sign of it."
"How are you so sure?"
The question lingered in the air for several seconds. Astoria continued to drink the special tea in her hands as she waited for a reply. Healer Hale (and her sister) said it helped with fertility – she'd be a fool to ignore their advice.
"Because, 'Stori, purebloods have a long history of conceiving complications." Daphne threw a hand in the air as she spoke. "No one talks about it, but it is an unfortunate side-effect in the name of keeping family trees clean."
The younger witch flinched slightly at the last word. Draining the last bit of tea, Astoria placed the ornate royal blue designed cup on the table in front of her. "If you say so."
"I know so, Astoria," Daphne assured. "You two will make great parents, just give it time. And you know that Tracey and I will be the best aunts that little bundle will ever know."
Astoria gave a hesitant laugh, absentmindedly placing a hand over her stomach. "I sure hope you're right. You'll be the only ones, after all."
Astoria sat by the window of their bedroom, an unfinished royal blue blanket crafted from yarn draped over her legs. Her hands shook as she slowly knitted the next row, face stained and red from tears as she focused on the task. Another royal blue blanket lay folded and finished beside her where a dusty rose one laid nearby.
Draco entered their room, finding Astoria hidden in an alcove. He quickly went to her and knelt beside her, combing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"It isn't your fault, Astoria."
She broke down at his words, dropping the knitting needles to bury her tear-stained face in his shoulder. Astoria wept for what felt like hours before she was calm enough to choke back the sobs. Daphne was wrong. Their curse triggered as soon as they started trying for a child, and each loss she faced took its toll on her body.
"But it is, Draco." She inhaled heavily, swallowing hard. "This loss… I thought I could... but—"
"Shh." Draco pulled her back and cupped her cheeks with his hands. Their eyes connected instantly. "You've been very brave, and I worship your strength for it. But you don't deserve to suffer like this. Not only is it hurting you emotionally, but physically, and it is killing me to know I am causing this."
He kissed her forehead.
"Am I enough for you?" Astoria whispered after several seconds of silence.
"You're more than enough."
Astoria was weak, labor had cost her all her strength as the pregnancy had done before it. She smiled despite the effort it took, knowing that she had done it, she was able to give Draco someone else to love.
He stood beside the bedside, cooing at the royal blue bundle of blankets he held and rocked. She watched them with half-closed eyes, unable to look away.
"Let me see him," she said, reaching toward them.
Draco sat down on the edge of the bed, offering the infant to her. Astoria held him close to her heart.
"Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy, my titan. My star."
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