Puer Natus Est Nobis –Chapter 7

A/N—I added some story to Chapter 2 as I felt it was too short. Thanks for reviewing and/or favouriting/following the story. I hope you're enjoying it.

A/N2—Some text comes from Deathly Hallows, but not a whole lot. This chapter's a bit dark, but nothing that warrants anything over a T rating.

Mid-May. Narcissa's nearly 40 weeks along.


Thunder roars and lighting flashes against the night sky as rain rolls down the windows of Malfoy Manor. Narcissa sits by the window in the master bedroom, head in her hands, watching the rain, hoping her infernal headache would just go away. Blast! I hate these headaches. My head feels like it's going to explode! She stands up and puts her hands on the small of her back. I'm ready to have this baby. I hope she comes soon. Her back is sore and she feels like her skin is stretched too tight. Sighing, she paws through the potion bottles on her vanity until she finds the Irie Capitis and smiles. The bottle still has some of the potion in it. Perfect! Maybe I can get this headache under control. She unscrews the cork and takes a couple drops.

A bolt of lightning flashes as she stands by the window, looking at the sky. The clouds remind her of the Dark Mark that the Dark Lord would create using the Morsmordre spell. She can't help but shiver from the memories. She used to love thunderstorms as a child, but ever since the Dark Lord first came into power, severe thunderstorms such as this, give her a splitting headache. Are these memories ever going to quit haunting me?

The potion begins to take effect, so she decides to lie down in the bed. Unfortunately, the baby's so big, it feels like she's pressing on her lungs and spine. It's hard to breathe and she wants to lie in her recliner instead. She tries to roll over on her side, but is unsuccessful. Sighing, she tries again, no success. "Dippy!" she calls.

A slight elf with a funny hat appears with a pop. "How can I be of service to Mistress?"

"Tell Lucius that I need him in here. Now."

Panic sets in the elf, "I...i...is m...m...mist...mistress h...h...having t...the b...b...ba...baby?"

"Not now," she sighs, exasperated, "just get him now."

"Y...yes m...miss...Mistress." She disappears and then reappears almost immediately. "M...m...master I...is o...on hi...his w...way."

"You may go now."

The elf disappears. Narcissa hears Lucius ascending the stairs.

"Cissa?" he calls, opening the door. He is attempting to hide the panic welling, but is unable as he sees his wife. "Cissa?" he rushes to her side. "The baby?"

"Not yet," she groans. "Help me up."

"What do you need? Can I get you something?"

"No, I want to lie in the recliner." She winces.

"Contraction?" he asks, wide-eyed.

"No, headache. Please, Lucius, just help me up."

"Have you taken your potion?"

"Yeah. It's helping some, but I may need more later."

"All right." He extends his arms as she holds onto him and together, help her stand up.

"Ouch!" she hisses as she holds the small of her back. Before he can ask she adds, "My back's just sore too from carrying the baby."

He helps her to the recliner. "Are you ready?"

"No, not yet. Let me stand here a moment." She lays her head on his shoulder and stretches her back. Instinctively, Lucius begins massaging her back. "Ah," she sighs, "that feels good."

"Do you want me to continue?" he asks, as she relaxes.

"No, that's good. Just help me sit."

He gently lowers her and she stretches out on the recliner. Then, he leans down to give her a soft kiss on her cheek.

"Please, don't touch me."

"All right," he states softly as he raises back up. "Do you want me to get you a blanket?"

"The one at the foot of the bed," she directs.

He grabs the blanket and drapes it on his wife. "Is this okay?"

"Mmmm, hmmm," she sleepily replies as her eyes close.

"I'm going back to the study to finish my work. I'll be back up in a few to check on you." He turns to leave the room. She's already asleep.


Flashback to the war

The battle between Harry Potter and the Dark Lord is fierce. Voldemort was furious when he realized Potter was alive. She'd betrayed the Dark Lord, but she didn't care. She and her husband's misplaced loyalties cost them dearly: their second son Cygnus's life, Lucius's imprisonment in Azkaban, Draco's having to take the Dark Mark and his assassination attempt of Dumbledore, and the Dark Lord using the Manor as his headquarters. The cost was too high!

So, when Narcissa realized Potter was alive, she didn't care that by lying to the Dark Lord, she became a traitor. All she wanted was to find her son and make sure her family was safe. She takes the chance to escape the crowd of Death Eaters, as soon as she finds an opportunity, running as if her life depended on it.

Chaos abounds in Hogwarts! Death Eaters, students, the Order, and other creatures are embroiled in violent battle. It looks like fireworks had been set off in the Great Hall from all the spells being cast back and forth.

"Draco! Draco!" she shouts, frantically searching for her son.

She sees Bellatrix dueling Molly Weasley. "Not my daughter, you bitch!" Molly's curse soars beneath Bellatrix's outstretched arm and hits her squarely in the chest, directly over her heart. Bellatrix's gloating smile freezes, her eyes seem to bulge: for the tiniest space of time she knows what had happened, and then she topples. Narcissa does not have time to react; she has yet to find Draco.

She runs out of the Great Hall and up a set of stairs. "Draco!" A Gryffindor student falls near her feet, victim of a Death Eater's killing curse. Panic wells within her as she leaps over a young Hufflepuff's body.

"DRACO! DRACO! Answer me, please!" she screams.

"Cissa!" She feels a hand on her shoulder and jumps. "Cissa!" Narcissa struggles to free herself from the hand shaking her. She's got to find her son! "Cissa! Wake up!" the voice yells. She looks behind her, but does not see anyone.

"Draco!"

"Wake up, Cissa!"

Suddenly, everything goes dark.


Back to the present

"Cissa!" Lucius is standing over his wife, trying to shake her awake.

"Draco!" She screams, thrashing about. "Draco!"

"Cissa!" He shakes her shoulder.

She startles, wide-eyed and throws a left hook. "Let me go! I've gotta find my son!"

Unsuccessfully dodging her punch, he continues, "Cissa. I've found Draco. He's safe."

Narcissa looks at her husband. "Oh!" she exclaims, as she realizes where she is.

"You were dreaming."

"I'm sorry," she blushes. "Did I hurt you?"

"Not too bad," he answers, massaging the side of his jaw. "You do have one mean left hook." Lucius kneels beside his wife. "Are you all right?"

"I...it was all so clear. The sights, the smells. I...I couldn't find him." Tears begin streaming down her cheeks. "Lucius, I don't know what I would have done if we'd lost him."

"I know, I know." He kisses her hand. "But he's safe at school."

"We've lost so much! Please Lucius, tell me everything's going to be fine for our daughter."

"Everything's going to be fine," he reassures. "the Dark Lord's gone. The war is over. With the exception of our probation, we're free."

"Thanks," she sighs in relief. "I want everything to be perfect for her." She smooths her blanket over her abdomen.

"It will be. Lucy's got an older brother who will protect her, and an aunt and cousin who will be there for her too." He places a gentle kiss on her cheek. "And she has us—her father and mother who love her very much."

Narcissa beams. "I love you."

"I love you too. How are you feeling?"

"My head still hurts."

He finds the potion on her vanity. "Here."

"Thanks." She takes another dose and relaxes.

"The storm sounds like it's breaking up, so you'll probably feel better in the morning."

"Yeah." She yawns and stretches. "Help me to the bed?"

"All right." He gently helps her onto her side so she can more easily rise from the recliner. She stands and then pauses. "Do you need me to wait a moment?"

"Yes," she sighs, as she feels a dull pain radiate across the small of her back.

"Your back again?"

This time, she nods and hisses.

"Do you need the healer?"

"No, not yet," she answers as the pain subsides. "I just need some rest."

"Are you ready for me to help you into bed?"

"Please."

Carefully, he helps her lie down on her side, and arranges pillows around her to take some of the pressure off her back. Then, he pulls the blankets up and tucks her in. "I'm going to get ready for bed. Is there anything you need?"

"No, just sleep," she mumbles, as she drifts back to sleep.


Flashback to the aftermath of the war

Voldemort is dead, killed by his own rebounding curse. The War is over. All is quiet.

The sun rises steadily over Hogwarts, and the Great Hall blazes with life and light. Death Eaters are fleeing or else being captured, the innocent of Azkaban are being released at that very moment, and Kingsley Shacklebolt has been named temporary Minister for Magic.

The Malfoys huddle together at a table in the Great Hall as though unsure whether or not they were supposed to be there, but nobody has been paying them any attention. Narcissa holds Draco tightly. She is afraid if she let go, he will disappear.

Lucius sits behind his wife and envelops her in a protective embrace. He spots his sister-in-law, Andromeda, weeping over the bodies of her daughter and son-in-law and wonders if his staunch loyalty to the Dark Lord and his views on pure-blood supremacy were worth it.

Out of the corner of Narcissa's eye, she spots all too familiar blue and gold robes approaching them. Kingsley Shaklebolt! No! Please no! she screams inside, as she tightens her grip on her son.

"Lucius Malfoy," Shacklebolt booms.

"What?" he spits, glaring at the Minister.

"Stand up. Now."

He leans over and places a light kiss on the top of his wife's head before complying. Shacklebolt's deputy places Lucius's hands in restraints behind him.

"Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, you are hereby under arrest," the Minister declares. "Guard, remove his wand."

"I have no wand!" Lucius glowers. "The Dark Lord took it."

"Search him."

The guard searches his prisoner, and finds nothing. "He's telling the truth."

The Minister turns his attention to the youngest Malfoy. A second guard begins to pry him from his mother's embrace.

"No!" she shouts, trying to keep her grip on him. "Please! Not my son! You can't take my son!" As the guard rips Draco from Narcissa's grasp, she wails as if her soul is being ripped from her body.

"Draco Lucius Malfoy," Shacklebolt declares, "you are under arrest. Take his wand."

"It's not my wand. It's my mother's," Draco hisses.

The guard restrains the young man and confiscates the wand, depositing it into his robes.

"No! No!" Narcissa panics, ignoring the stares from around the room. "You can't take my son!" She leaps up and enfolds him into a protective embrace.

"Cissa," Lucius sternly whispers. "Get a hold of yourself."

"He's just a boy!" she continues to protest.

"Guard," Shacklebolt orders, "take him."

A third guard pries her off Draco as the second guard takes him away. Narcissa is reduced to tears. "Please!"

"May I?" Lucius asks the Minister.

Shackelbolt nods his assent.

"Cissa, come here."

She approaches her husband and throws her arms around him. "Take good care of our son."

"I promise." He places a light kiss on her lips.

The third guard grabs her wrists, pulling her off her husband, and places them in restraints.

"Unhand my wife!" Lucius booms.

"Narcissa Anwen Malfoy, you are under arrest."

"For what? She is not a Death Eater." Lucius hisses. "What is her charge?"

"Aiding and abetting the enemy," the Minister answers.

"But she told the Dark Lord Harry was alive. She betrayed him. Surely that should count for something."

"Don't worry about me, Lucius. Just take care of our son."

The guards walk the couple out of Hogwarts and apparate them to Azkaban.


Back to the present

Tears stream down Narcissa's face, soaking her pillow. "Take care of our son," she mumbles. "Please Lucius, just take care of our son."

"Cissa?" Lucius whispers, gently shaking her awake.

Her eyes open, wide with fright. "It was so real!"

"I know. I've had these dreams myself."

"Hold me." She stretches her arms out.

He puts his arms around her as she snuggles in. Thunder continues to roar as lightning flashes across the night sky as another storm system moves through. Narcissa frowns as the pain has not receded.

"Do you need more potion?"

"I don't want it. I don't want to sleep anymore," she sobs. "Every time I fall asleep, I'm back there."

He plants gentle kisses on her cheeks, kissing away her tears.

"I just want to forget."

"I'm afraid we can't forget." He looks at the faint Mark on his arm. "But things will get better."

"I feel like I failed Draco...and our other baby. I don't want to fail this one."

"What are you talking about? Are you mad? You kept this family together. You made sure Draco was safe and you are not to blame for the loss of Cygnus." He smiles with pride. "You are the strongest, bravest woman I know."

Narcissa blushes. "Oh, Lucius."

"And you're going to be a wonderful mother to Lucy."

"I hope so," she sighs as she strokes her abdomen. "I suppose I'm just scared."

"I understand," he replies, placing his hand on top of hers. "I'm scared too, but we did all right with Draco. We'll do our best with this one too."

"I love you." She gives her husband a quick peck on the lips.

They snuggle together and quickly fall asleep.


Azkaban

A chill runs up Narcissa's spine as the guard and she appears at the perimeter of Azkaban. It is as gloomy and scary as she remembered it from visiting Lucius and Bellatrix. She looks up, searching for dementors, but to her relief, does not see any. Even without them, the prison still looks menacing. They walk to a pier, and she spots a small rowboat bobbing up and down in the choppy water.

"Get in!" the guard growls, as he pushes his wand into the middle of her back. She steps into the boat and loses her balance due to the rocking of the waves. It is difficult to support herself because her arms are still restrained behind her.

Anxiety increases as the approach the prison. It's even more menacing up close! Soon, they reach the banks.

"Get out!" The guard laughs as she gets her foot caught on the bow of the boat, which causes her to stumble and fall flat on her face. "Not so high and mighty now, are we?" He grabs her by the wrist restraints, and pulls her to her feet.

She tries to dislodge the sand from her lips by blowing out, but she winds up with a lot of sand in her mouth. It tastes rancid, like rotting fish! She gags and vomits her lunch.

"Hurry up! We haven't got all day." He grumbles, as he pulls her along.

They enter the building and he leads her down a long, narrow hallway until they get to the processing center. Fear courses through her body as she spies a large burly man waiting for them. She looks around to see if Lucius and Draco are nearby, but they're nowhere to be found. Sighing, she assumes that they're being housed in another part of the prison and hopes that they're together.

"Bring the prisoner here!" the warden yells. The guard does as commanded.

"I hope you and your no good husband and prick of a son rot in here," the guard whispers in her ear before departing.

"Ah! So we have the great and powerful Malfoy family here now!" the man sneers as he encircles her, studying her. His demeanor is creepy and she feels like a piece of meat. "It's the lovely Narcissa. Once so beautiful, but now, garbage!" His eyes survey every inch of her, licking his lips as he is looking her over. A string of his saliva drips onto her shoulder, causing her to gag.

"I have just the cell for you!" He announces, voice slow and direct, his index finger tracing her jawline. "Come now, 'Prisoner 925.' Let me show you to your new home." He leads her through a maze of narrow hallways, with cells filled with prisoners, until he stops at an empty room, which resembles a dungeon. "Get in there!" He throws her into the room, her feet unsteady as she stumbles across the room, falling onto the bed. Panic wells as he walks across the dingy room and bends down until there are mere centimeters between their faces. She can smell his stale breath on her cheek, which repulses her.

"NO!" she screams, wishing she could push him away. Unfortunately, her arms are still bound in restraints.

The warden begins to remove the restraints from her wrists. "Do not fight me and do not scream," he warns. "No! No!" she begs, "Don't do this!"

He ignores her pleas and places a deep and angry kiss on her mouth. She screeches in pain. Rising, he slaps her across the face and sneers, "You are nothing!" Then, he leaves the cell, locking it behind him. She curls into a foetal position, her back to the door and sobs.


Back to the present

Narcissa wakes as she feels that her pillow is wet. She put her hand to the cheek which the warden slapped that first day and notices that it's streaked with tears. She opens her eyes and sees her husband asleep beside her, and sighs with relief. The dream was so vivid; the sights and smells felt so intense. I wish I could forget. Not wanting to wake her husband, she flips her pillow over and cries herself to sleep.


The Day of the Trial

The weeks went by in a blur, one day running into the next. Narcissa never saw Lucius or Draco, nor anyone else, save the unit's guards during those weeks. Most of the time, she either slept or paced in her cell. Part of her was glad that she never saw anyone else, but at other times, she wished she could have seen a friendly face.

She was always afraid the warden would return and violate her further than he did that first day, but much to her relief, he never did come back...until the day of her trial. The key turns in the door, prompting the door to creak open, awakening her from her sleep. She sits up as she sees the warden walk through the threshold, her eyes wide with fright.

"Get up!" he barks.

She does as instructed. "Wha...what's going on?"

"Did I tell you to speak?! I don't recall telling you to speak." He swiftly crosses the room and slaps her hard across the face, causing her to lose her balance and stumble backwards. "Get up!" the warden booms as he jerks her up by her arms. "It's time to get you cleaned up for your trial."

"T...trial?"

"The Minister of Magic has decided to put you, your no account husband and weasel of a son on trial," he explains, "You will take a shower and put on fresh clothes. You're filthy." He spins her around so her back is facing him and puts her wrists in cuffs. "I will take them off once we get to the showers. Now, lets go."

The shower feels heavenly and if she closes her eyes, she can momentarily forget where she is. She is relieved that the warden did not watch her shower; a female guard supervised. Soon, the guard shuts off the water and hands her a towel and clothes. She quickly dresses, brushes her hair and then the warden returns. He puts shackles on her wrists, this time with her arms in front of her, and her ankles, making it difficult to walk.

The journey from Azkaban to the holding cell at the Ministry of Magic is a blur. Before she knows it, she is in a small cell, with shiny black tiles on the walls and floor and a bench seat in the back. She does not know how long she is alone until she sees the door open. Two shackled figures are pushed into the cell with her; they look like her husband and son, but she is not sure.

"Cissa?" a familiar voice sounds.

"Lucius!" she cries in relief as the men reach the back of the cell. "Oh Lucius! I can't believe it's you!" Narcissa exclaims as Lucius approaches his wife.

The couple leans toward each other and manage to land in a kiss.

"I've missed you so much!" Narcissa cries.

"Did they hurt you?" a concerned Lucius asks.

"No."

He sighs, his fear eased.

"Mum?" Draco calls out.

"Draco! My baby! Come here." she directs.

He sits on the other side of his mother, puts his head on her shoulder and does not speak.

The door opens again, revealing Percy Weasley and a pair of guards. "It's time. Come with me." He instructs the guards to escort the trio into the courtroom.

The Malfoys appear stoic, but are worried, for they will discover their fate in a short while.


Back to the present

Lucius opens his eyes and studies his wife's sleeping form. He notices tear stains on her face and frowns. What sad memory is she reliving now? he wonders. Her experiences during and after the War pain him greatly. More often than not, he wishes he could go back in time and not join the Dark Lord in the first place. Then perhaps all the shite he put his family through would not have happened. His eyes trail down her body to her abdomen. It's all confusing now! Yes, if he went back in time and changed everything, his younger son may have lived. But, would they have their little girl that's due to arrive at any time? He would give almost everything to have Draco keep his innocence and Cygnus to have lived, but he wouldn't want to do anything to jeopardize Lucy. Since he does not own a time-turner nor has he ever taken the time to comprehend the complexities of time travel, there is no way he would consider altering anything.

Narcissa stirs, which breaks Lucius from his train of thought. "Hold me," she mumbles, arms stretched out toward him, still asleep. He settles back down in the bed and holds her close.


After the trial

The Minister thumbs through his papers until he finds the one he needs. "I should sentence the lot of you to the maximum amount of time allowed under the law. However, you have someone who has come to your defense. Harry James Potter has submitted testimony on your behalf, citing each of your roles in the defeat of Lord Voldemort. He has requested leniency. If it were completely up to me, I would throw the book at each of you, but it isn't. Under the spirit of reconciliation, Narcissa and Draco will be sentenced to two years probation, and Lucius, to sixty days in Azkaban and ten years probation with time already served. So, the three of you are free to go. You have been given a gift," he warns, looking each of them in the eyes, "now don't mess it up. If I ever see any of you in my courtroom again, I will throw the book at you!"

The bailiff unchains the trio. Narcissa, weak and unsteady from the weight of the chains. collapses into her husband. He envelops her in an embrace. "Come here," he motions to Draco. He enfolds his son into the embrace. The Malfoys do not even hear the hisses and protestations of the audience.

"We are adjourned!" Shacklebolt announces as he walks off the bench.

The Malfoys can't believe their good fortune. They never in their wildest dreams would have thought that Harry Potter, the "boy-who-lived," would have come to their rescue, saving them from any more prison time.

"Let's go home," Lucius suggests, as the three walk out of the courtroom.

On the way out, Narcissa spots Mrs. Zambini. "Narcissa," she calls.

"Yes?"

"I thought you might want to know that the Parkinsons and I arranged for Bellatrix's burial."

"Thank you," she responds, softly.

"We thought it was fitting to inter her in the Black family mausoleum."

Narcissa tries to hold back tears, as it dawns on her that she had totally blocked her sister's death out of her mind. "I...I appreciate it. Thank you. I...I have to go. Th...thank you."

Lucius puts his arm around his wife, and walks her out of the Ministry. Draco follows behind. It is heavenly feeling the warm sunlight on their faces. The sun may be setting, but after being housed in a dank, dark dungeon for weeks, feeling the sun is definitely something to cherish.

They finally arrive at the apparition point outside the Ministry. In a flash, they disappear from the Ministry and appear outside the Manor gates. They haven't seen their home since the Battle at Hogwarts. Fortunately, nothing appears damaged.

Lucius opens the gates. "We're home!"

"Oh Lucius! It's a dream come true."

As they walk up the pathway to the Manor, they notice that the hedges are trimmed; nothing seems in disrepair. It appears that the house elves have continued their duties in the family's absence. Lucius unlocks the front door and sweeps his wife off her feet into his arms.

"What are you doing?" she shrieks in surprise.

"Can't I carry my bride over the threshold?" He smiles and places a quick peck on her lips.

Draco blushes and smiles from amusement and a bit of embarrassment.

Lucius opens the door and carries Narcissa as they enter the house. They survey the foyer and see that everything is clean and in its place. Even the damage that the Dark Lord caused is repaired!

"Okay," she protests, "you can put me down now."

Draco takes this time to slip away and head for his bedroom.

He gently sets her down on her feet. A wry smile crosses her face as she takes his hands and leads him up the stairs and into their bedroom.


Back to the present

Faint thunder rolls in the distance and the rising sun peeks through the clouds on the horizon, signaling that the storm is passing. Narcissa wakes from her slumber, relieved that her headache has dissipated. She looks over at her husband who is also stirring from sleep.

"Morning," he greets. "how's your headache? Do you need more potion?"

"No," she smiles. "It's just about gone away."

"Good." Grinning, he leans in and kisses her on the lips. She strokes the side of his face as she deepens the kiss.

Suddenly, she breaks the kiss, giggling.

"What?"

"Lucy's kicking," she laughs.

"Our daughter has impeccable timing." He gives her a peck on his wife's cheek and places his hand over the baby. "You were smiling when you woke up," he observes, "So, what were you dreaming about?"

"Oh," she responds, amorously, "about the night that we were able to come back home..."

"And?"

"...and we went up to our bedroom and made love."

Lucius smiles at the memory. They hadn't made love like that for a long time; probably not since before they lost Cygnus.

"You know," she continues, "that was when we made our little girl."

"Really?"

"That's what Healer Ashdown said at my first appointment."

"That's perfect," he remarks, still grinning from ear to ear, "we get freed from prison, go home, and make our beautiful daughter. I can't wait to see her."

"Me too."

"How are you feeling? I mean, you told me your headache's going away, but other than that, how are you feeling?"

Narcissa shifts in the bed, "I feel fine, I guess. I'm ready for her to come out. I feel like I am about to pop and I probably look like I am too."

"You look beautiful."

"How can you say that?" she scoffs. "I look like I swallowed a Hippogriff!"

"You do not," he roars, laughing. "You always look beautiful."

"Did I ever tell you how much I love you?" She smiles and stretches. The baby takes this time to give her bladder a swift punch. "I've gotta get up."

"Need some help?"

"Please?"

He gets out of bed, walks over to her side and helps her up. She races as best she can to the toilet. Fortunately, she gets there just in time.

"Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," Narcissa replies, as she exits the bathroom. "Your daughter knows exactly where to kick or hit to get my attention."

Chuckling, Lucius places his hands on her shoulders. "My daughter? Whatever happened to 'our' daughter?" he asks, feigning offense. "Let me guess. When she does something you like, she's your daughter, and if she does something you don't like, she's my daughter?"

"That about sums it up," she quips in a mock-arrogant tone of voice.

"The things I do for you!"

"That's why you love me," she giggles, placing a quick peck on her husband's lips.

"So, what do you have planned today?"

"Besides my appointment with Healer Sorin, I don't have anything planned."

"What time's your appointment?"

"It's not until ten."

"I'll let the Board know that I won't be in until after lunch."

"You don't have to come if you've got work to do," she suggests.

"It's all right," he replies, "I can reschedule the Board meeting until two." He walks over to his desk and takes out a quill and parchment. "Let me just write Cadmus and let him know."

"Really, you don't have to."

Lucius puts down his quill and turns around to look at his wife. "Why do you sound like you don't want me there?"

"It's not that I don't want you there," she begins, "it's that I know you've got a lot of work you want to get done before the baby's born."

"Let me worry about that," he smiles. "Lucy will be our last baby, I suppose. I've been to most of your appointments; I don't want to miss this one."

Narcissa beams. "Healer Sorin's agreed to come here for the remainder of my appointments. That way I don't have to floo and risk going into labour in the floo network."

"You are still planning on having her here?"

"Yes. I don't want to give birth to my daughter in that dreadful place," she frowns.

"St. Mungo's isn't that bad," he chortles.

Playing along, she continues, "I'd rather not have her in one of those small, drab rooms. It's not fitting for a Malfoy. Besides, I had Draco here at home."

"Very true." Smiling, he lays the side of his face over the baby. Narcissa caresses her husband's other cheek, gently holding him close. Lucy kicks her father's cheek. "Impeccable timing," he remarks.


The Appointment

Narcissa is lying in her bedroom recliner, reading a book. It's hard to concentrate on the material because Lucy is kicking and moving around. "Settle down, child," she chuckles, "Mercy! If you're like this now, there's no telling how you'll be once you learn how to walk."

Lucius walks into the room and sees his wife smiling. How he loves to see her smile! Shehasn't smiled like this in years.

"Lucius!" she greets, "how long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough to see how beautiful you are." He moves to her side and kisses her on the cheek. "Headache still gone?"

"Yes. Thank heavens."

"From where is Healer Sorin arriving? The floo or will we need Dippy to show her in?"

"She'll arrive..." Narcissa begins, as Healer Sorin appears in their fireplace, "... by floo!" She greets the healer, "Healer Sorin, it's good to see you."

"Mrs. Malfoy, Mr. Malfoy," she greets, "How are you feeling?"

"I had a severe headache last night due to the storms."

Lucius shoots his wife a look, saying and what about the nightmares?, which Narcissa ignores.

Healer Sorin notices the exchange. "Lucius, you look upset. Is there something else?"

He inhales to speak, but before he voices his observation, Narcissa casts a warning glance and shakes her head 'no.' Ignoring his wife's response, he continues, "She had a few nightmares last night too...about the War."

"Lucius!" Narcissa hisses in disapproval.

"What? You were thrashing about almost all night." He approaches his wife and kisses her on the cheek. "I'm just concerned. I don't want anything to happen to you or the baby."

Narcissa glares at him in silence.

"It's understandable, Mrs. Malfoy, to have nightmares this close to delivery. You have been under a great deal of stress these past few years. If you want, I can mix up a mild sedative potion for you."

"No, I don't think that will be necessary," she replies.

"That's fine. Let me know if you would like one." Smiling, the healer continues, "Now, I'm betting you're ready to get this examination over with."

"I'm ready to have this baby."

"Well, let's see what's going on. Mr. Malfoy, help your wife to her bed and we'll get this examination started."

Lucius helps his wife from the recliner to the bed.

"I'm not seeing any changes from your last appointment," she observes while she examines her patient.

"So, that means?" Lucius asks as Narcissa sighs in frustration.

"It means," Narcissa barks, "that I'm no closer to having this baby than I was nearly a month ago." Tears begin streaming down her face.

"I know you're ready," the healer soothes, "but I suppose your little one isn't quite ready to make her appearance."

"Can you give us any idea of when Narcissa might give birth?"

"Again, it could be any day now or it could be another two weeks."

"Two weeks!" Narcissa shrieks. "I can't go another two weeks!"

"I doubt you'll have to wait two weeks. Although it is common to deliver after the due date, it's somewhat uncommon to go to forty-two weeks."

"I...is there anything she can do to hasten labour?" Lucius inquires.

"Well," she begins, "you are nearly forty weeks along and you and the baby are in good health, so yes, there are some things that might help you. Remember, there are no guarantees. She may be bound and determined to stay for awhile."

"Well?" he asks, a bit impatient.

"Massage, an herbal potion I can make for you, and there is one activity that's always a favourite..." she trails off as the couple realizes to what she is referring.

"We may have to try that one, darling," Narcissa purrs.

"And it won't hurt the baby?"

"No. Since the two of you are in good health, there is very little danger to the two of you."

Narcissa wipes the stray tears from her cheeks, "Thank you."

"I'll want to see you every three days until you go into labour. You're still planning on having her here, or at the hospital?"

"Here. I'm not having my child at that infernal place."

"All right. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

"I don't think so," she smiles.

The healer makes her way to the floo. "I'll see you in three days. St. Mungos," she calls, and disappears in a whoosh.

Lucius approaches the bedside. "Cissa," he strokes her cheek. "I'm sorry I defied you and told her about your nightmares, but I was concerned about you and Lucy."

A wry smile crosses her face, "I'll forgive you if..."

"If?"

Crooking her index finger and pulling him close, she answers, "If you'll come here and make love to me."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." Her smile widens. "You know," she adds in a sultry voice, "after she arrives, it's going to be at least six weeks before we can..." She whispers details in his ear.

His eyes widen. "What are we waiting for?"

"Climb into bed and make love to me, Mr. Malfoy."

He walks to the other side of the bed and climbs in beside her.


-End of Chapter 7