Puer Natus Est Nobis –Chapter 9
A/N—This chapter may be a bit shorter, but it's a direct continuation of Chapter 8.
Lucius and Healer Ashdown arrive back in the master suite in the Manor. The Lord of the Manor steps out first. He sees his wife in the midst of another contraction and rushes to her side. "Cissa."
"D'you bring Healer S..." she hisses as she trails off.
"I'm sorry, but..." He starts.
"What?! OHHHH! *hiss* I need Healer Sorin!"
"Healer Sorin's sick with Scrofungulus."
"SHE CAN'T BE! SHE'S GOTTA GET THIS BABY OUT!" she protests.
Lucius reaches to stroke her hair. "I brought Healer Ashdown. You know, the Healer you saw first?"
"DON'T TELL ME WHAT I KNOW AND QUIT TOUCHING ME OR I'LL HEX YOUR 'YOU-KNOW-WHAT' OFF!"
Andromeda gives her brother-in-law a look of pity.
Healer Ashdown decides to diffuse the situation. "Mrs. Malfoy. It's Hannah Ashdown. Carys has brought me up to date. Would you let me examine you so that we know the progress of your baby?"
Narcissa continues to frown, but Lucius and Andromeda nod. "All right," she relents.
"Mr. Malfoy, if you and, ummm..."
"Andromeda," the other lady supplies.
"Yes," the healer continues, "if you and Andromeda would step out for a minute..."
Narcissa clutches her sister's arm.
"Cissy, I'll be right outside," she reassures, as she rises from the chair by the recliner's side.
As Lucius bends down to kiss his wife on the top of her head, she closes her eyes as a painfully large contraction overtakes her. He waits as the contraction recedes before planting a gentle kiss on her head. "I love you."
All Narcissa can muster is a nod.
Lucius and Andromeda step out of the room as the healer begins examining his wife. "I need to send Draco an owl." He walks to the guest room where Andromeda is staying and pulls out a quill and parchment, writing:
Draco,
Your mother is in labour and it looks like the baby will be born sometime today or tomorrow.
-Father
He summons his owl, Cronus. "Take this to Draco," he commands, as he straps the note to the owl's leg. The bird nods and flies off. Andromeda smiles as Lucius sighs. "This is really happening, isn't it?" A small bead of sweat trickles down the side of his head.
"Yes, it is," she smiles. "Are you ready?"
"I...I think so."
"You sure?" she asks, as they make their way back to the master suite's door.
He shakes his head. "Even though I've had around nine months to prepare for her arrival, no, I don't suppose I'm ready."
"I don't think anyone can be completely ready," Andromeda chuckles. "I know I wasn't quite ready for Dora when I went into labour with her, but ready or not, she came."
Before Lucius could respond, the door opens. "You can come back in now." The pair enters the room and sees Narcissa in a birthing chair, resting. Lucius can feel his heart pounding in his chest. This is real! He thinks to himself.
"She's at a six. It's going to be awhile," Healer Ashdown explains.
"I...is she asleep?" Lucius asks, curious as to why Narcissa's eyes are closed.
"Yes. I've given her a potion to help with the pain and also to let her sleep for awhile."
"I...is it safe for her and the baby?"
"Perfectly safe," she reassures. "Why don't the two of you get something to eat and take a nap? I see that someone left a meal on the desk."
"I had Dippy fix meals," he answers. "Andromeda, there's one in your room too."
"Go ahead and eat," the Healer suggests, "I'll sit with your wife."
"How long will it be?"
"I can't say, but at the rate she's going, she'll be ready to push in about four hours."
"I'm going to eat and go back to sleep," Andromeda decides. "Please knock on my door when you need me or Narcissa asks for me."
Lucius nods as his sister-in-law slips out of the room. He makes his way to his desk and begins eating the dinner he had Dippy set out for him. Even though he could see that his beloved was fast asleep, he still has a hard time not worrying about her.
Because the potion Healer Ashdown gave Narcissa is potent, the Lady of the Manor continues to sleep. However, her contractions become increasingly more powerful and closer together. It won't be long until they exceed the potion's limits and awaken Narcissa.
Lucius finishes his meal and returns to his wife's side. A concerned look spreads across his face.
"She's resting comfortably," the healer reassures.
"I just don't like seeing her in pain."
"I know, but look at her breathing. See, it's even and deep?"
"Uh huh," he answers, looking at his wife.
"That means the potion's working."
"Well, what about her grimacing when she's having a contraction?" he glarres.
"She will grimace like that because her muscles are contracting."
"Well, how will we know when the potion is wearing off?" he growls.
"She'll stir." Before he can respond, she adds, "I'll keep an eye on her and will let you know when it's time for her to deliver. Seriously, go get some rest."
He yawns and stretches. "I think you're right. I'm going into my office in the next room to lie down. Summon Dippy when it's time. She's my house-elf. Tell her to notify me and Andromeda when it's time."
The healer nods and Lucius bends down, kissing his wife on the forehead. Then, he leaves the room and settles in his office. Sleep overtakes him almost immediately.
Two hours later
Narcissa begins stirring. She opens her eyes and screams. "AAAAAAAAHHHHH!"
"Narcissa?" Healer Ashdown addresses, as she begins examining her patient. "You look to be at seven centimeters."
"I...I...I...I!" the Lady of the Manor tries to begin.
"Dippy!" Hannah summons.
A small elf appears in the master bedroom. "What can Dippy do...?" She trails off when she sees her Mistress in pain.
"Stay with Narcissa whilst I awaken Master Lucius and Miss Andromeda."
"Y...yes, Miss...uhhh...miss..."
"Healer Ashdown!" she fusses, as she leaves the room.
"Uh...uh...uh...Mistress Narcissa? D...Dippy's here." She nervously pats the Lady of the Manor on her hand.
"DON'T TOUCH ME YOU FOOL!" she barks.
Dippy jerks his hand away from Narcissa, as if she were burned. "I...I...I'm s...s...sorry, M...m...Mistress M...m...m...Malfoy."
Meanwhile, in Lucius' and Andromeda's Rooms
Healer Ashdown knocks on Lucius' door. "Mr. Malfoy, it's time."
He startles and opens his eyes. "Wha?" Rubbing his eyes, he shuffles to the door and opens it. "I...It's time?"
"Yes. She's awake. "Go to her whilst I wake your sister-in-law."
Lucius races to his wife's side, while the healer knocks on Andromeda's door. "Ms. Tonks, it's time."
Andromeda dashes out of bed and opens the door. "She's ready?"
"She's at a seven, so it won't be much longer."
Andromeda grabs her robe and the pair make their way to the master suite. They see Narcissa in full-blown labour. Lucius is by her side, holding her hand and wiping the sweat off her brow.
"Lucius!" Narcissa cries out, "this hurts! You're never getting near me again!"
"I know," Lucius replies, "and our daughter will be born soon."
Dippy cowers in a corner, in a panic.
"NO YOU DON'T! YOU KNOW NOTHING!" She experiences another contraction and promptly throws up.
Healer Ashdown rushes to Narcissa's side to assess her patient, taking her vitals as Andromeda cleans her up the best they can. Andromeda finds a large bowl and puts it on the bed just in case Narcissa needs it. "I'm going to need everyone but Lucius to leave the room," Healer Ashdown begins.
"Narcissa, I've got to examine you." Andromeda and Dippy leave and the healer examines her. Narcissa has another contraction, vomiting this time into the bowl. "Well, you're at eight centimeters, almost into transition."
"When's this gonna end?!" Narcissa screams.
"You've just got a couple more centimeters to go."
"OW! MY BACK HURTS!" She tenses up in pain.
"Let's try you in a different position. Lucius, let's get her up on all fours. Narcissa, we're going to have you change position so we can take some pressure off your back."
Narcissa nods as another one hits. After it subsides, Lucius and Healer Ashdown help her get up on all fours. They arrange pillows underneath, so she doesn't have to strain.
"How's that?" Healer Ashdown asks.
"Better."
"Do you want me to get Andromeda?" Lucius asks.
"N...no! Stay!"
"Would you like me to her?" Healer Ashdown asks.
"Not yet," the blonde witch replies.
"Cissa," Lucius begins, "do you still want Andromeda in the room for the birth?"
"Yes. Don't talk to me!"
Narcissa's contractions are becoming more and more intense. Two hours pass and she's getting very tired. Healer Ashdown examines the witch. "Narcissa, you're nearing the end of transition and it's about time for you to start pushing. You're at nearly ten centimeters. Do you want me to get Andromeda?"
Narcissa nods. Healer Ashdown leaves the room to get Andromeda. The couple is alone. Lucius smiles at his wife. "What?" Narcissa asks, relaxing for a bit.
"We're gonna have our baby tonight!" Lucius replies, grinning from ear to ear. "I love you."
"I love you." Another contraction hits.
Healer Ashdown returns with Andromeda. "Okay, let's get this baby born." Healer Ashdown announces.
Narcissa sees Andromeda enter the room behind Healer Ashdown and she tries to smile, however another contraction hits. After it subsides, Healer Ashdown examines her. "You're at ten! Whenever you feel the urge to push, go ahead. Lucius, I want you to get in behind your wife, so she can lean against you. Andromeda, I want you to stand by Narcissa's side over here to help her hold her legs." They do as instructed. Narcissa's contractions come one on top of another, with her pushing with each one. However, her pushing looks to be ineffective.
"Narcissa, stop pushing," the healer instructs.
"I...I can't!" she screeches.
"Breathe, Cissa," Lucius coaches.
"Oh, stop it!" She barks as another one hits.
"After this one releases," the healer begins, "I want you to push with your next contraction from below, not with your neck." Narcissa pushes again, but still doesn't have it quite right. "Push, like you're going to the bathroom." The witch pushes again. "That's right!"
Narcissa starts breathing hard, which concerns Lucius. "Cissa, are you okay?"
"Thirsty! I'm thirsty!" she answers, breathlessly before another contraction hits.
"Okay, Andromeda, could you get Narcissa some cool, not ice cold, water?" Healer Ashdown asks.
Andromeda quickly goes back up the stairs and back in the room. She sees Narcissa throwing up with this contraction.
"I...I can't d...do this!" Narcissa cries.
"You're doing great," Healer Ashdown assures her.
Andromeda takes the bowl from Lucius and sets it aside. "I've got your water, Cissy." Narcissa nods and Andromeda puts the straw to the blonde witch's lips. She takes a few sips, and nods to let Andromeda know she's had enough. Andromeda sets the water on a nearby table.
Narcissa leans back on Lucius to rest. "So tired."
"C'mon Cissa, you can do this," the blond wizard encourages.
"No, I can't!" Narcissa cries.
Healer Ashdown examines the witch again. "The baby's coming down fine. Keep going."
"I...I need to...to rest."
"Okay. Rest a bit and then we'll continue," the healer allows, "Are you hungry?"
"I want a pumpkin pastie ," she answers.
"Andromeda," Lucius begins, "there should be one over..."
"...on the nightstand," Andromeda replies, "I know." She finds the plate, unwraps the treat, and hands it to Lucius. He holds it as his wife eats a few bites. Narcissa hands him the plate to let him know she's finished. "Water," she requests. Andromeda hands them the cup of water and takes it when the younger witch signals she's finished. Narcissa reclines on her husband and takes a few breaths. The contractions are still intense, but she's not fighting them anymore.
"Are you ready to go again?" the healer asks.
"Yes."
"Okay now. Give me a good push!"
Narcissa does as instructed.
A couple hours later
A couple hours pass; it is early in the morning and Narcissa is getting tired. "So tired." Her contractions have varied in intensity, decreasing for awhile, but they've picked back up.
"C'mon Narcissa," the healer encourages. "Give me another push."
"Can't!" She cries. "Gimme a C-section!"
Lucius wipes the sweat off her brow and massages her shoulders. "You can do it, Cissa."
"Do...don't ss...Cissa m...me!" She yells as hard as she can, through a contraction.
"It's too late for a C-section," Healer Ashdown states. "Push, Narcissa. The baby's about to crown."
Lucius feels his spirit soar with excitement. His baby is about to be born! Andromeda, too is excited to see this baby. "C'mon, Cissy. Let's get this baby born. She wants to meet her mama." Lucius can't help but smile.
"Give me another push," the healer instructs. Narcissa does as instructed. "The baby's crowning!" The healer prepares to receive the baby. Lucius and Andromeda grin from ear to ear upon hearing the news.
"Tired! Can't!" Narcissa pants. "Rest." She tries to lean back on her husband, but her contractions start coming one on top of another.
"Push!" Lucius encourages.
"SHUT UP!" Narcissa yells, pushing again.
"I've got the shoulders!" Healer Ashdown announces as the baby continues to emerge from her mother.
Narcissa continues to push with every contraction, with Lucius encouraging along the way. Andromeda helps hold Narcissa's legs out of the healer's way.
The healer speaks up again. "Hang on. Don't push." Narcissa looks at Healer Ashdown, afraid. "Pant. Like this." She shows her what she wants her to do. "The cord's wrapped around her neck. Lemme get it loosened." She unwraps the cord from around the baby's neck. "Okay, give me a couple more pushes and you'll have your baby."
The excitement that Lucius is feeling is very much obvious as he is just about to jump out of his skin in anticipation in seeing his daughter for the first time. "C'mon baby," he encourages, choked up, "she's almost here!"
Narcissa pushes again and the baby finally emerges from her. Andromeda watches the baby emerge and squeals from delight. Lucius feels like his heart has just leaped out of his chest.
"Mommy, hold your baby!" Healer Ashdown directs as the baby is born. She helps Narcissa pick the baby up and place the baby on her stomach.
"Oh baby! It's your mommy!" Narcissa cries, almost giddy with delight. The baby cries; Narcissa breathes a sigh of relief.
Healer Ashdown clamps off the cord. "Daddy, do you want to cut the cord?"
Lucius nods, not being able to take his eyes off his baby. Andromeda takes his place behind Narcissa as Lucius cuts the cord. Healer Ashdown wipes the baby clean. "Let's get this little one clean." She picks the baby up to clean him off; she cradles the baby and the four look at the baby in awe.
"It's a girl!" Andromeda declares.
They couple is in awe of their baby girl.
"Oh, she's so beautiful," Andromeda exclaims, with a grin.
Narcissa beams.
"She sure is," Lucius replies. "She looks just like her mother." He studies his daughter. "She's got your eyes, your nose, your mouth." He places a gentle kiss on the baby's head and then another on Narcissa's cheek.
"Would you like to hold our daughter?" Narcissa asks.
Lucius nods as he receives his child. He is still in shock as his daughter rests in her father's arms. "I can't believe she's mine, umm, Merlin! umm mine and Narcissa's. Oh! She's just so beautiful!" He thinks to himself.
"She looks good in your arms," Andromeda remarks.
"And if I can help it, that's where she'll stay," he replies.
Narcissa chuckles. "You know she'll grow up eventually."
"Well, I want to keep her little as long as possible," he answers, never taking his eyes off the baby.
"Mmm Hmm!" the blonde witch agrees.
Healer Ashdown has finished tending to Narcissa and takes her leave back to St. Mungo's. Andromeda retires to the next room, leaving the new family alone. Narcissa has just finished nursing and burping the baby. Now the infant witch is asleep in her mother's arms. Lucius sits on the bed beside his wife, admiring their child. "She is a beauty."
He puts his little finger in the baby's palm, allowing her to grasp it. "See, she's already got herself wrapped around my little finger."
"She may be a daddy's girl after all," she comments, laughing.
"Daddy's girl. I like the sound of that. She's a daddy's girl." He gazes at his daughter.
"We've gotta get Miss Narcissa Lucine in her bassinet so that we can get some sleep. She'll be waking us up soon enough."
"I know. I just don't want to put her down." She looks at the bassinet.
As if on cue, Lucy yawns and stretches. Narcissa reluctantly lays the baby in the bassinet and kisses her head. "Good night, Lucy baby. Mommy loves you."
Lucius follows suit and kisses his daughter's head. "Daddy loves you too."
The couple settles down in bed. They exchange a quick peck and fall asleep in each other's arms.
-End of Chapter 9
