Author's*Note: Thanks for sticking with me, guys. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Please R&R! J Now, on with the chapter….
--To see this properly, you may want to maximize your screen…
Chapter 12: Revelations
*from where we left off….*
Zach, his eyes still wide from shock, couldn't even find words to describe what he was feeling. All he could do was pace up and down the hall and mouth wordlessly at Kathryn every few minutes or so.
"Zach…." Kathryn began, honestly not knowing what she could say that would make things any clearer for him at the moment.
He finally stopped his pacing and turned to look at her. "Heather….pregnant…….pregnant…Heather is….she's……wow, having a baby…and I…..Heather…pregnant….having a baby..I…..going to be a father…."
"Heather is pregnant. She is going to have a baby. You are going to be a father." Kathryn translated, wrapping her arms around her waist and eyeing him sympathetically.
Zach nodded in a distracted sort of way and resumed his pacing.
A few moments of silence passed, making Kathryn feel very awkward about just standing there like an idiot.
"Zach….do you want me to go find Heather?" She queried, trying to flash him an encouraging smile.
Zach once again stopped pacing and turned toward Kathryn. "Uh…..yea, Kate, that would be good."
She nodded. "Okay, then. Are you going to be all right by yourself?"
Zach paused. "I….Kate…um….do you....do you think I should come with you? Will Heath..err…well, be mad at me?"
Kathryn shook her head and let out a frustrated sigh. "Zach, think about what you just said. She's marrying you in a matter of days, for Merlin's sake. Get a grip."
Zach bit his lip nervously. "Kate…."
She tilted her head a little in agitation, her own nerves slightly on edge. "Yes?"
"I'm scared."
Kathryn had known Zach for what was going on 10 years. He had always been the "tough" guy. Nothing during their 7 years at Hogwarts had fazed him in the least. Yet, now he looked like a scared little boy, not wanting to face up to the challenge he'd been presented with. She'd never seen him look so small.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"So, who's first? Mum and dad or Zach?" Sirius questioned, eyeing Heather.
Heather bit her lip, thinking. She sighed. "I don't know. You pick."
"Okay. Mum and dad." Sirius shot back quickly, flashing his sister a satisfied grin.
Heather's eyes widened and she opened her mouth to protest, but was quickly silenced by a "you told me to pick" look from Sirius.
"Heath, either way it's going to be hard." Jenn admitted.
Heather raised her hand to her lips and began to nervously chew at her nails. "Well, um….tell me what you think they'll say."
"Well, it depends. If you face them like that, mum is going to say 'Heather, there are germs under your nails..you stop that this instant', and dad will say 'Heather, dear, listen to your mother before she has to once again recite to you that whole article from Witch Weekly about the dangers of nail biting'." Sirius mocked.
That earned a smile and slight laugh from Heather. "Sounds just like them."
She seemed to have missed the point of the spiel, however, for she continued to bite her nails.
"Heath, hon, that's not good for manicures. Trust me, Sarah once swallowed one of those little tiny gems that they stick on your nail and…" Jenn rambled.
Everyone stared at her, making her cut herself short. "All right, then. Anyway, just take your hand out of your mouth!"
Heather's hand dropped back to her side, then joined its counterpart snugly around her waist.
"You won't know how they'll react until you tell them." Sirius stated.
"I think I'd rather tell Zach first…." Heather voiced.
Sirius glared at her and opened his mouth to argue.
"Wait! I know what you're going to say…but, I'm NOT avoiding the fact that I'm going to have to tell them sooner or later. I know that. I would just like to tell Zach first. He IS the father..he deserves to be the first to know."
Jenn smiled slightly. "Uh..Heather, wasn't I the first to-."
"That's not the point, Jenn!" Heather snapped.
Jenn held up her hands in defense. "Of course it isn't."
"So………let's get this show on the road!" Remus enthused, motioning for them all to step out of their little corner and back into the main hallway.
Everyone just stared.
Heather cleared her throat. "Uh…Remus, this is one of the most important events of my life. If you keep on speaking of it as if it is a traveling circus, I will curse you faster than you can say 'my mistake'. Do I make myself clear?"
Remus gulped. "Yes, ma'am."
"God, those hormones kick in quick." Sirius muttered under his breath to Remus.
"You know what? I hope you get pregnant one day!" Mandy remarked viciously, crossing her arms and eyeing Sirius with a determined glare.
Sirius shook his head, unfazed. "Sure, why not? Me, too!"
Mandy rolled her eyes and turned toward Heather. "I'll go find your mum and tell her that you'd like to meet them in the main parlor in about an hour. Sound good?"
Heather smiled. "Thanks, Mand. I understand the need to get away from him as quickly as humanly possible."
Sirius huffed.
"Good luck. Bye guys." Mandy flashed a last reassuring smile at Heather and then turned on her heel and strode down the hallway.
"Thank God." Sirius mumbled.
"Sirius….just don't." Heather warned.
He looked down and gave her a forced nod.
"So, what's the plan?" Jenn asked.
A short silence ensued.
"Well, I'm not exactly sure how I want to approach Zach. Should I make him lunch or something and then casually bring it up? Or should I just…well, sort of like pass him in the hallway and be like 'hey, we're havin' a baby!'?"
"I'd settle for a happy medium." Sirius suggested.
"Like handing him a sandwich and a note?" Heather questioned, biting her lip.
"It depends. Will the note be asking him if he wants to go the movies this weekend?" Sirius queried sarcastically.
"I'm sorry, Sirius, but I've never told someone that I was pregnant before!" Heather burst out.
"Heath, you told all of us-." Jenn began.
"Oh, you know what I mean!"
"Hey, Satan, if you want our help you better hop on the happy train." Sirius quipped.
Heather took a deep breath. "OK…sorry. My nerves are just completely frayed."
"Not to mention that you're a total psycho to begin with." Sirius mumbled.
"Sirius, I swear on my wand that if you mumble ONE MORE quippy little saying under your breath--."
"Oh, THERE YOU ARE!" Mrs. Ryan cried out from the bottom of the staircase that led into their hallway.
Heather's eyes widened. "YES, HERE WE ARE…and THERE YOU ARE!"
"Heather, dear, you look alarmed. Have I startled you?" Mrs. Ryan asked in her ever-so-polite tone.
"Heh….you could say that."
"Oh, well, I can assure you, dear, that that wasn't my intention. I was simply looking for all of you. You caused quite a disruption when you fled the breakfast hall in such a manner."
Jenn eyed the nervous group and bravely stepped forward. "Sorry, mum. We didn't mean to disturb everyone."
"Jennifer, sweetheart, what I'd like to know is why you all hurried out of their so quickly in the first place?"
It was Heather's turn to speak up.
"Well, you see, I had a little problem that I…um…had already told them about. I was reminded of it at breakfast and…….." Heather abruptly stopped speaking.
Everyone casually leaned forward, encouraging her to continue with her story. She did not.
"Heath…" Sirius prodded.
Heather looked down.
"Heather, dear, are you all right?" Mrs. Ryan questioned, concern etched all over her graceful features.
"Heather, are you OK?" Jenn asked, taking a step toward her.
Heather looked back up, except now her face was stained with tears.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Ryan."
Mrs. Ryan looked appalled. "Honey, it was just a minor disruption. It's nothing to be horribly upset over."
"That's not it." Heather murmured.
"What was that, dear?" Mrs. Ryan asked, stepping closer to her future daughter-in-law.
"I said that that's not it." Heather spoke louder that time, her voice gaining a certain edge.
"Then what is it?"
Sirius, Remus, and Jenn all froze as silence reigned over the hallway. There wasn't a sound to be heard, other then a few soft sniffs from Heather.
Then, finally she spoke.
"I can't lie anymore. There's something I need to tell you."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Meanwhile, Lily and James, finished with their little Quidditch lesson and now joined by Violet and Joe, were mingling outside. At the moment, they were chatting about various guests whom they observed strolling around the grounds.
"I wonder why Jenn's parents invited the Rosier's." Violet mused, a look of disgust forming on her face as she watched Lena and Brendan Rosier butter up several members of the Ministry of Magic.
"At least they didn't bring Evan." Lily reasoned. Evan Rosier was the one of the rudest boys in their year. He was foul-mouthed, cruel, and just thoroughly unpleasant. Lily had had the unfortunate experience of being his Potions partner in their 3rd year and had despised him ever since.
"Cheers to that." Joe commented, raising his glass of pumpkin juice.
"It's simple, really," James remarked. "The Rosier's are wealthy and influential in the Ministry. Even if the Ryan's don't like them, they're still obligated to keep up a good front and treat them as they do every other significant wizarding family. It's nonsense, isn't it?"
Lily nodded her head. "Rich people. I just don't understand them."
"Be careful how you talk, Lil. We're in the presence of 'rich people'." Violet responded coyly.
James rolled his eyes and remarked dramatically, "Ah, we are so very stereotyped, Joseph!"
Joe grinned. "Indeed we are, James. Indeed we are."
Lily flashed them an irritated glare. "Now, we never said that you two are rich snobs."
"Ah, but you implied it." Joe corrected her.
"..and we prefer the term 'socially over-educated'." James quipped.
"How politically correct." Violet chirped.
"Hey, look!" Lily interrupted them.
The three turned their heads in the direction that Lily was staring toward.
"At what?" Violet queried, craning her neck.
"Barty Crouch is here."
"Barty Crouch? The oh-so-proper Mr. Ministry of Magic himself, Barty Crouch?" James questioned.
"How many Barty Crouch's do you know?" Lily asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Before James could answer, Violet cut in. "What's he doing here? He doesn't quite seem like the partying type."
"Are you kidding? With that tightly knotted tie and those perfectly pressed dress robes? He's an animal." James joked, grinning.
"Why don't we go ask him?" Lily suggested.
"I really don't want to be seen in his presence, hon." James admitted honestly.
Lily smiled at the term of endearment and tugged at his hand. "C'mon, I did a report on him. I've never spoken with him before and this may be my only chance."
"Lil, he's not exactly the man to meet."
"Please.." She prodded, standing up.
"I say we go," said Violet.
"Yeah. Think about it, James. We can mess with him." Joe enthused.
A broad smirk appeared on James's face. "All right. I'm in."
"Hey! There will be no 'messing', understood?" Lily questioned sternly.
James smiled angelically and nodded. Lily just rolled her eyes and waited for the rest of the group to stand up.
"If he tries to recruit me into the FWWOTM, I'm blaming you Lily." Joe warned.
"FWWOTM?" Lily questioned.
"Future Witches and Wizards of the Ministry." Joe explained.
"..a.k.a. Rich Kids Anonymous." James muttered.
Lily laughed and reached for James's hand, while Violet mockingly linked arms with Joe.
"Don't worry. I'll do the talking."
"Yeah, leave all the ass kissing to Lily." James stated seriously, earning himself a punch in the arm.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Have you seen Heather?" Kathryn, followed closely by Zach, approached the first guest that she spotted as she rounded the corner of the hallway.
The guest was a refined, middle-aged woman who regarded Kathryn as if she were a house elf.
"No, I have not, young lady. May I suggest that next time you decide to engage in conversation with an elder, you address them properly and use terms such as 'excuse me, may I have a moment of your time?'?"
Kathryn refrained from rolling her eyes by digging her fingernails into her side.
"I'm so very sorry, ma'am." She grumbled sarcastically.
It was then that the woman spotted Zach. "Why, hello, Zachary! Don't you look handsome today?"
"Thank you, Miss. Marbury. You look splendid as well." Zach responded in such a way that informed one that he was well-practiced in the art of being a gentleman.
Kathryn gritted her teeth, annoyed. Frankly, not caring in the least what the woman thought of her, she quickly snatched Zach's arm.
"C'mon, Zachary." She muttered, pulling him down the hallway.
"Kate…" Zach began in a scolding manner.
"Are we looking for your fiancée or sucking up to your grandmother's friends?"
She'd obviously hit home with that one, for Zach immediately shut up.
"I guess we'll just have to do it the old fashioned way." She sighed and stopped walking.
"HEEAAAAAAAAAATHHHHHHHHHEEERRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!" She screamed at the top of her lungs, startling Zach, who immediately covered his ears.
"Kate, what the hell?!"
"We need to find her!" Kathryn protested.
"Not by freaking out everyone within a hundred foot radius! Can't you just do a spell??"
She paused, and then let out a short giggle. "Oh yeah."
She pointed her wand at the wall and said, "Reveler instantanement Heather Ryan!"
As soon as the words left her lips, shiny green ink appeared on the wall and began to trace itself into a rectangle. Zach watched in amazement as the space inside the rectangle began to get more and more detailed. Within a minute, the ink had sketched a complete map of his home onto the wall. Every room, hallway, staircase, and floor was labeled with tiny green words.
Satisfied with her spell, Kathryn carefully perused the map. Within seconds she yelled, "Ah, and we've found her."
Zach focused in on the area that she was eyeing and saw a tiny green dot labeled "Heather Ryan" in the far left wing of the 3rd floor next to a staircase labeled '3-1'.
"Where did you learn that?! I would've tried my luck with an advanced 4-Point Spell." Zach asked in wonderment.
Kathryn grinned. "Just one of the perks of being a reporter."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Jenn's eyes widened dramatically as she stepped forward, shaking her head. "Heather, I really don't think you should do this."
Mrs. Ryan regarded the group curiously. "What exactly is going on?"
"Heather, Zach first, remember!?" Sirius grunted, trying to be inconspicuous by hiding it under a cough.
"But, I-."
"You need to get some rest." Jenn cut in, taking a hold of Heather's arm and turning her around so that they were face-to-face.
"Jennifer, I'm sure Heather knows what she does and does not need." Mrs. Ryan countered.
Jenn wordlessly shook her head at Heather, trying her best to convey that her mother was NOT a good person to tell.
"Your parents," she added under her breath, "not mine."
Heather nodded. "Jenn's right, Mrs. Ryan. I'm not feeling too well and I'm-I'm just saying some random things that really aren't important. It's nerves, I guess."
Mrs. Ryan's speculative expression turned into a warm smile. "Oh, don't worry, dear. The wedding will…let's see, how did my father once put it….go off without a hitch!"
Sirius let out the deep breath he'd been holding in, looking relieved.
Heather smiled slightly. "Well, I really should be getting some rest."
"Yes, you should." Mrs. Ryan agreed.
"If you'll excuse me, I'll be in my room." Heather turned and winked at Sirius before making her way up the staircase.
"Certainly, dear. It's good to know that you're all right!" Mrs. Ryan called after her. She then turned and eyed Remus, Sirius, and Jenn fondly.
"As for you three, why don't you come back down to breakfast with me. I assure you the food's not cold."
"Well, mum, we're kind of….er..in the middle of something right now. So we'll just stay here." Jenn informed her, trying hard to sound convincing.
"If you don't mind me asking, in the middle of what?"
A brief silence ensued.
"Study group!" Sirius burst out.
Jenn and Remus both turned toward him, raising their eyebrows.
"Excuse me?" Mrs. Ryan queried.
"Study group…" Sirius repeated.
"Oh, a study group! How delightful! I hope you don't mind me saying this, Jennifer darling, but you could use some extra help in Potions. I'm happy to see you showing such initiative."
Sirius chuckled softly. "Yes, Mrs. Ryan. Remus and I are tutoring Jenn."
"Lovely. Boys, I'm so glad that Jenn has found such caring friends. I better be off. I wouldn't want to insult my guests. Have a productive study session. I'll see you all later."
She smiled and turned on her heel, beginning to walk down the hallway.
Jenn turned to glare at Sirius and was just about to smack him when her mother turned back around.
"Oh, and Jennifer?"
Jenn moved her arm so that her hand was now playing with her hair. "Yes, mother?"
"Focus, dear."
"Yes, mum. Bye now."
Sirius snorted as Jenn's mom disappeared around a corner.
"Now, how shall we begin? Let's see, Jenn, what potion do you really suck at making??" He questioned innocently.
This time Jenn really did smack him.
"Jennifer darling, don't behave in such a way toward your ever so caring friend!" Remus mocked, grinning.
"Don't make fun of my mum, Remus Jopplin Lupin!" Jenn scolded.
Sirius burst out laughing. "Wait, what's your middle name?"
Jenn smiled deviously. "It's Jopplin."
"It's my mum's maiden name!" Remus whined pathetically.
"Yea…okay, Joppy!" Sirius quipped.
"Don't go there, Black." Remus threatened.
"What are you going to do if I don't, Jopp? Tell your mummy??!!"
Remus glared and muttered through gritted teeth, "Let's just go get Heather."
"All right. All right. Let's go." Jenn wrapped her arm consolingly around Remus's waist as he shot her a sulky glare.
"Ah, yes. Heather feather, here we come!" Sirius began to skip down the hallway chanting "Remus Jopplin Lupin", only stopping when he reached the stairs.
Jenn and Remus took their time in following after him, Jenn giggling at his antics.
"You just had to tell him, huh?! He's been wondering what the J in my name stood for for years! Now he's all giddy and happy. Nice one, Jenny dearest."
Jenn pushed her boyfriend up the stairs as Sirius yelled for them to hurry up.
Before she could climb the first step, however, she heard both a male and female voice yell "WAIT!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Hello, Mr. Crouch." James greeted as he, Lily, Joe, and Violet joined the man at his table.
When they arrived, Crouch was consulting a piece of parchment on his lap and muttering to himself. He looked up when he was directly spoken to.
"Uh…ah, Mr. Potter! Just the man I was looking for!"
James's brow furrowed. "Really?"
Lily shot her boyfriend a confused look.
Crouch sighed. "Well, actually I was looking for your parents, but I assume that you know their whereabouts, so you'll do well enough."
"Wow, I feel so convenient." James quipped. Lily glared and pinched his arm.
"Hello, Mr. Crouch. My name is Lily Evans. I'm so happy to be meeting you. I just did a report on you before spring break. In fact, I actually convinced Dumbledore to initiate "spring break" into the Hogwarts schedule. I'm president of the 'Muggle Representation Society'." Lily rushed out, reaching to shake Crouch's hand.
James's mouth dropped open. He was most definitely going to tease her about this later.
"Would you mind telling me who your inspirations are? I sort of had to guess for my report, but I'd love to get the real answer now that I have the chance to."
"Well, first of all, it's a pleasure to meet you, Miss. Evans. You seem like a very well-rounded young girl. I don't mind at all telling you my inspirations. First of all, I pledge my undying faith in our dearly departed ex-Minister of Magic, Aberman Alton. He had such a deep respect for all the laws and codes that go with magic."
Joe stifled a yawn, which luckily went unnoticed by Crouch and Lily.
"Alton was before your time, though. What year are you in Miss. Evans?"
"I'm a 6th year."
"A prefect."
"Yes."
"Splendid. Absolutely splendid." Crouch complimented.
"Thank you."
James's mouth dropped open for a second time when he saw Lily blush. He nudged her and she gave him a look.
"Anyway, you wanted to know where my parents are." James interrupted.
"Huh? Oh, yes, James, your parents."
"They're in the breakfast hall. I'm sure they'd be delighted to see you. Why don't you go join them?" James suggested in an overly pushy tone.
Lily glanced quickly at him, showing him her irritation with his behavior.
"Ah, yes, good idea. I have very important issues to discuss with them."
Crouch stood up. "Well it was nice seeing you James, Joseph, Violet. It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss. Evans. Glad to know I have a fan."
Crouch tipped his hat at the group before striding away.
"Bye!" Lily called out.
"James, there was no reason for you to be so rude." She commented once Crouch was out of earshot.
"You were all over him!" James jealously protested.
Lily's mouth dropped open indignantly. "First of all, calm down. Secondly, I was not!"
"Oh yeah you were!" James argued.
Violet grinned and whispered to Joe, "It's starting."
"James, he has a SON our age. What you're implying is nonsense."
"Not completely," Violet added, "He's handsome in a refined, mature sort of way."
"V., stay out of this." Lily commanded.
Violet giggled. "All right."
"Listen, James, he's like my idol. That's the only reason I was showing so much interest in him. TRUST me." Lily stroked James's hand affectionately as she said this.
James regarded her with apprehension. "You're sure, right?"
Lily laughed softly. "Positive."
"I wonder what he wants to talk to your parents about, J." Joe commented.
"Probably just ministry business." James shrugged.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Still fuming from her earlier encounter with Sirius, Mandy was sure to smooth out her hair and take a deep breath before she entered the dining hall.
"I'm back." She announced, trying to be perky, when she arrived at the table.
"Is everything all right?" Mrs. Black asked.
"Everything's perfectly fine. Heather is having a little….er…problem, though. She wanted me to tell you to meet her in the main parlor in about an hour."
"Oh, no. She hasn't spoken to the flower coordinator has she!?"
Mandy gave Mrs. Black a strange look. "Nooo…..why?"
"Let's just say we've run into a few more problems flower-wise. They'll all be sorted out by Saturday, though. I just didn't want Heather to find out. You know how obsessive-compulsive she tends to be."
"All too well…" Mandy murmured jokingly under her breath.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Jenn turned around and found herself staring right at Kathryn and Zach.
"Sirius, Remus, get down here. NOW."
The boys quickly descended the staircase.
"Zach!" Sirius shouted in surprise.
"Where's Heather?" Zach immediately questioned.
"Well, you see, she-."
"Sirius, no games right now, OK?" Zach's voice was stern and determined.
Sirius took a step back. "Zach, she's really not prepared to see you right now and-."
"Well, I was thinking thing's over with Kate and-. Well, I know something now and I need to talk to her."
A minute of silence ensued, during which Jenn, Remus, and Sirius all exchanged awe-struck expressions.
"You know what?" Jenn queried, wondering if he knew what she thought he knew.
"I can't really tell you."
"Wait, but if you know what we know, then it would be helpful if you just told us what you know." Jenn stated hurriedly.
Zach's brow furrowed and he held up his hands in confusion. "Wait, wait, wait. What do you know?"
"Hey, we asked first." Sirius pointed out.
"Well, I don't want you to know unless Heather already told you."
Sirius gasped. "You know."
"Yes, we've already established that. What I'd like to know is what exactly it is that YOU know!"
"We know what you know." Remus confirmed.
"You do?" Kate questioned.
"Oh yeah." Jenn nodded.
"Heather's-." Sirius began.
"..pregnant." Zach finished in a calm voice.
"Oh my God, you know!" Jenn cried out, rushing toward her brother and embracing him in a tight hug.
"Yeah, of course I know!" Zach exclaimed, rubbing his head.
"You're going to be a father!" Jenn burst out happily.
There was a long pause. Jenn regarded her brother curiously, wondering how he was going to respond. Finally, Zach broke out into a grin. There was something about the way his sister had spoken that eased his nerves.
"..and you're going to be an aunt!" He finally gushed, hugging her back.
Getting into the moment, Sirius practically jumped on Kathryn, enveloping her in a humongous hung.
"AND I'M GOING TO BE AN UNCLE!"
Kathryn grinned. "Please..don't remind us."
Feeling left out, Remus shouted, "AND I'M NOT REALLY GOING TO HAVE ANY RELATION TO THE BABY, BUT I WANT A HUG!"
Remus ran over to Jenn, who had finally separated from her brother, and wrapped his arms around her.
"Gee, aren't we a merry bunch." Kathryn joked, observing the contagious smiles on all their faces.
"Still, we're missing a very important part of this equation." Zach informed them.
"Exactly. Let's put an end to this whole secret thing-it's been killing me." Jenn enthused.
"Killing you?!" Sirius raised his eyebrows and exclaimed, "Please, Jenn, Heather's going to have her first heart attack when she finds out that Zach knows!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Heather was trying her very best to wait patiently in her and Zach's room (his old bedroom), but being a calm pregnant woman was almost an oxymoron to her.
"Okay, just relax." She verbally commanded herself. Taking a deep breath, she began to slowly walk around the room, trying to calm herself by taking in her surroundings. Something that really struck her as odd was that she'd never really taken the chance to look at Zach's old bedroom. Sure, she'd been in it plenty of times, but she'd never actually taken a moment to just observe the place in which her future husband grew up.
She stopped her steady pace as she arrived at his bureau, on which lied several framed photographs. She smiled and bent down to study them. The first picture her eyes came across was one in which a young Zach was climbing onto a broomstick, his dad holding it steady. Ah, she thought, his first flying lesson.
Next, she watched him board the Hogwarts Express for what she guessed was the first time. He was grinning broadly as he climbed aboard the train, confident and excited. He waved at her, trying to keep a hold of all his luggage at the same time. He inevitably dropped everything when he waved. She grinned and moved onto the next picture.
Her eyes sparkled as she saw an adorably cute 15 year old Zach strike a pose with his prefect badge. The cocky teenager in the picture winked and flexed for Heather. She giggled, remembering how that was the first year that they'd took notice of each other. Well, of course, they'd known each other and been friends since their first year, but their feelings for each other had never gone beyond friendship until then.
The next picture made her eyes light up and a slight blush come to her cheeks. Inside a golden frame was a picture of her 17-year old self, smiling and laughing flirtatiously. Unable to resist, Heather picked up the photograph and gently pried off the back of the frame, pulling out the picture. She studied it more closely for a moment before flipping it over to see if it had been labeled. She immediately recognized Zach's neat writing.
Heather-7th year
Love feels no burden,
thinks nothing of trouble,
attempts what is above its strength,
pleads no excuse of impossibility...
It is therefore able to undertake all things,
and it completes many things,
and warrants them to take effect,
where he who does not love would faint and lie down.
Love is watchful and sleeping, slumbereth not.
Though weary, it is not tired;
though pressed, it is not straitened;
though alarmed, it is not confounded...
- Thomas A. Kempis –
HB & ZR-always and forever
Heather blinked a few times, her eyes glassy.
"Wow…" She breathed, sliding the picture back into its frame. She closed her eyes briefly before setting the photograph back on Zach's bureau.
Slightly overwhelmed, she took a deep breath before her eyes wandered over to another picture. This photograph was of a sweet little baby, smiling and laughing. Its smile seemed to light up the whole entire picture with joy. She quickly recognized its big, beautiful brown eyes.
He was handsome even then, she mused. This picture she did not set down. Instead, she carried it with her over to Zach's bed. She sat down on the smooth duvet and carefully set the photograph in her lap. Smiling slightly, her hand involuntarily flew down to her stomach, rubbing it gently. She took another deep breath.
Am I really ready for this?
She glanced back down at Zach's baby picture, his gorgeous eyes staring right back into hers. Her eyes flew across all the rest of his pictures, finally landing on one that she hadn't seen before. It was Zach and her on graduation day, smiling lovingly at each other, mushy as ever. His arm was wrapped around her shoulder as hers was around his waist. She watched the couple in the picture kiss, hug, laugh, tease one another; completely at ease with each other's presence.
Am I really ready for this?
Her eyes settled on her wedding ring, the shine of the beautiful emeralds contrasting perfectly with the sparkling centered diamond. Her mind took her back to the night Zach proposed, focusing on his face as he'd slipped the ring on her finger. The image swiftly changed into the back of the photograph he kept of her. It settled on the very last message he'd written on it.
HB & ZR-always and forever
Am I really ready for this?
"Yes." She answered aloud, her face breaking into a wide smile.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Zach paused when they finally reached his room. He turned around to face the group, anxiously nervous.
"What are you waiting for?" Kathryn asked, nudging him forward.
"I-I need something." He stuttered.
"Like a pill?" Jenn queried, baffled.
Zach gave her a look. "No, Jenn, not a pill. I need something for Heather."
Sirius shrugged, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "I'm still with the pill idea."
Kathryn smacked his arm, shooting him a glare. He winced and stepped away from her, pretending to be hurt.
"Like a box of chocolates?" Jenn suggested.
"Nah…..too cliché."
"Unless you plan on giving her a shovel, almost any gift you give her is going to be 'cliché'." Sirius quipped.
Kathryn raised her arm, glaring threateningly at him. "Sirius, shh!"
He held up his hands. "Yes, ma'am."
"For once, though, he's got a point." Remus stated reluctantly.
Kathryn laid her hand on Zach's shoulder. "You know, all she wants is your support. I'm sure there's nothing else more important to her right now."
Zach nodded, consenting. "You're right."
He reached out and gently knocked on the door. It swung open almost immediately.
"Well, thank Merlin that you guys are finally-." Heather stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Zach standing in front of her.
"Hi."
"Uh…heyy.." Heather greeted, her eyes still wide and her body rigid.
"Let's go inside." Kathryn suggested, pushing the couple forward as the rest of the group followed.
After shutting the door, Heather turned to face her fiancée.
"What are you doing here?" She asked bluntly. She had been ready to tell Zach about the baby, but he couldn't just sneak up on her like this. Frankly, she was in shock.
"I…well-." Zach mumbled, unable to find the right words.
Heather quickly glanced over at Sirius, Jenn, and Remus, who were all smiling so sweetly at her that she was almost a little freaked out. Her eyes then darted over to Kathryn, who was also grinning madly, her hands clasped in front of her.
Her eyes finally met Zach's again, this time locking onto his gaze. They both began talking at the same time.
"Zach, there's something I need to tell you-."
"Heather, I-."
Zach smiled, figuring that it would be better to let Heather break the news to him herself. "You go first."
She took a deep breath. "Now, listen, this going to be completely unexpected and..I….just please don't be too freaked out. I've been debating with myself over and over again through the past couple of days when I should let you know..and I just haven't been able to make up my mind. I really should've told you the second I knew, but, you see, the truth is…..I was terrified. I thought that it would change everything between us..it would scare you off..or I don't know..anything could've happened! I was just so scared that you wouldn't want this….but I've been thinking and I really think we can handle the..the responsibility. You know, we're good together…we're…we're really really good. Am I making any sense?"
Zach face broke into a smile. "Perfect sense. We're good…we are."
Heather smiled back shakily and stepped forward, taking both of his hands in hers. "All right. I can do this. Zach…."
She paused, choking up, letting her head drop to her chest. Zach let go of her hands so that he could lift up her chin, cradling her face in his palms. He leaned forward and gently kissed her.
"I love you, Heather. I'm ready to face anything with you by my side."
She smiled, a lone tear slipping down her face.
"I'm pregnant." She admitted shakily.
He immediately pulled into his embrace. "I know."
Those weren't exactly the right words, however, for Heather immediately pulled away.
"You knew?!" She exclaimed.
"Well, yeah…Kathryn and I figured it out."
Heather's eyes widened dramatically. "AND YOU STILL PUT ME THROUGH THAT?!"
He stepped forward consolingly, but she pushed him back. "Zachary Andrew Ryan, I cannot believe you!"
"Heather, I-I wanted us to have the memory of you telling me." He defended.
Heather turned around, sniffing loudly. There were a few moments of silence before she turned back around, the sides of her mouth quirking upward.
"You're happy?"
"Yes, very happy." He grinned.
She finally let herself smile again, jumping into his arms.
"I love you." She proclaimed.
"I love you, too." He stated, kissing her once more.
It was then that Sirius jumped into the heartfelt conversation, running toward them and joining in on the hug. "AND I LOVE YOU BOTH, TOO!"
"So do I…" Jenn admitted tearfully, following Sirius.
"Yeah, me too." Kathryn wrapped her arms around her two friends.
"Oh, hell, I do, too!" Remus exclaimed, joining the group hug.
"You know, now there's only one thing left to do…" Zach trailed off.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
30 minutes later…
"You-you're…..you're what?!" Mrs. Black exclaimed, covering her mouth.
"You're sure???" Mr. Ryan questioned, blinking.
Mrs. Ryan couldn't respond, for she was passed out on the floor.
The couple nodded.
"Oh…oh my. My little girl is pregnant." Mrs. Black stated, taking a deep breath.
"Are you….all right, mum?" Heather questioned.
"Oh, sweetheart, I'm going to be a grandmother!" She responded, running forward to give her daughter a hug. Heather broke away from Zach to embrace her mother.
"You're not angry?" She asked wearily.
"Oh, hunny, you're a big girl. You're getting married in two days, for Merlin's sake. Oh, I've always wanted grandchildren and it's not like I'm getting any out of Sirius within the next decade. Of course I'm not angry! We are, however, going to have to break the news gently to your father."
"And you, dad…" Zach bit his lip nervously.
Mr. Ryan paused, then asked seriously, "I have to admit that this news is quite shocking, but…will I get to teach the baby Quidditch?"
"We'll share the responsibility." Zach reasoned, grinning and hugging his father, who heartily clapped him on the back.
"I'm sure your mother will be very excited also once she regains consciousness." Mr. Ryan chuckled.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The next day…
Heather and Zach were sitting at one of the tables set up in the backyard, joined by Lily, James, Violet, Joe, Sirius, Jenn, and Remus. Kathryn had flown over to London to retrieve the rest of the bridesmaids and groomsmen, who had all been delayed at work.
"Wow…I can't believe we're one of the firsts to know!" Lily exclaimed, flattered.
"Actually, you're 8th down the list." Sirius corrected.
Heather kicked him and responded sweetly, "We know that we can trust you."
"Aww…this is wonderful. I love babies!" Violet gushed. Joe, whose lap she was sitting in, turned slightly pale, and excused himself to go get a drink of water.
"Congrats, Zach." James reached out and shook the father-to-be's hand.
"Do you have any names in mind?" Lily asked.
The couple glanced at each other.
"One thing at a time, now, Lily." Heather joked.
"Yes, wedding first." Zach corrected.
"Speaking of weddings, only 24 hours to go." Jenn informed in a sing-song voice.
"Actually, it's 17." Heather interrupted.
"And 5 until my mum wakes up." Zach added with a laugh.
"She's not still unconscious, is she?" Remus questioned.
"She just took a few sedatives, earlier. She'll be fine." Jenn assured them.
"Let's just hope everything goes off without a hitch tomorrow." Sirius replied, grinning at Jenn and Remus.
Heather glanced at Zach, then smiled sweetly and turned to face the whole group. "Oh, don't worry-it's our wedding. It won't."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
…………….and that's all for now! The next chapter is the very last of this story..the moment you've all been waiting for-THE WEDDING!
Author's*Note-Wow. It took me over 2 months to get out this chapter. I am so sorry, guys. Thanks to all you readers who have stuck by me through this whole story--you guys are great. I'd like to announce that I have a job for anyone who is willing-----I'd really like a new summary for this story. If any of you can think of something catchy that suits the plot, post it in your review and I will be extremely gracious-J
As for the final chapter-what can I say?? It would be a miracle if I got it out before the new year. I'm just so busy with school-I rarely ever get time to write…and when I do, sometimes I'm just not in a creative mood. I would like the final chapter to be the very best, so I don't plan on posting it until I feel that it's perfect. I promise that I won't take too long with it, though.
I'm thinking of making a special message for each reviewer and putting them all at the end of the next post. If you want a message, be sure to review this chapter—it would be crazy to have to go back and look for every single reviewer.
Oh, and to AcidAngelTears- Mr. Ryan is very influential at the Ministry-he convinced them to let the older teens attending the wedding use magic just during this spring break. The whole wedding celebration is basically a big party and he wanted them to have fun..and knew they'd be responsible-well, most of them :-D
hope that helps..I tried J