Part Two
Chapter Fourteen
Brittany
Brittany sat at a table near the back of the library while Quinn wrote her latest potions essay. It was mid-December and a bone chilling draft kept the stone castle walls chilly, however the feelings Brittany kept sheltered inside kept her warm through the grueling months.
"You're doing it again" Quinn glared setting down her quill and closing her inkwell.
"Doing what?" Brittany asked, but didn't look up from her books. She knew she'd find it hard to keep a straight face when Quinn was looking at her so piercingly.
"'It'! You know what I'm talking about. You have that stupid little grin like your up to something and I want to know what it is even though I'm positive I wont like it. Did you find out more about Jayde yet?" The smaller blond snapped pulling out a few of her Herbology text books.
"Oh, so it's a crime now to smile? Forgive me master I didn't know" Brittany retorted sarcastically knowing just how offended Quinn would be by the comparison.
"I'm not up to anything and no, I haven't heard anymore about Jayde, but thank you for reminding me that I'm failing my sister."
"Well someone has to. You've been acting ridiculous for weeks now. Ever since Satan gave you a little bit of freedom, you've been acting like such a faithful little pet. You run on home to her every night like a good little dog. I'm starting to believe you actually like being her toy." Quinn growled in a loud whisper.
It was Brittany's turn to glare. Santana was nearly twenty weeks along and well into her second trimester of pregnancy. Everyday Brittany could feel the baby's life grow stronger inside of her and Brittany felt giddy because of it. She remembered how doting her father had been to her mother when baby Jayde was still inside her stomach. He was filled with so much pride for the life they were creating together. She could remember her father taking her hand and pressing it to her mothers swollen belly.
" Can you feel her my little unicorn? That's your baby sister. Can you feel how much she loves you?"
" Yes papa! I can feel it. I can feel how much you love mama and the baby too!" little Brittany giggled.
"That's because it's the mama's job to help the baby grow buy nurturing it inside her body. A papa must make sure that the baby feels as much love as possible from everyone, so that way when the baby is big enough it will know that it's safe to come out." Jack Pierce place a warm loving hand on his daughters shoulder.
" We are a people who are filled with love and our magic grows stronger the more our love is needed"
He bent down and kissed the tiny blond on the nose.
" I love you papa!"
" I love you too little unicorn."
"Of course I don't like being her slave, but I don't think she's as bad as I originally thought. There's more going on there. I just have to figure out what it is." Brittany argued back. " We have no leads on Jayde and until we do I'm going to stay close to Santana, so I can get as much information out of her as I can."
Brittany knew Quinn was more then concerned for her, she could feel the irritation radiating off the girl's pale skin.
" I don't want to fight with you, so would you please just drop it. I know what I'm doing." She mumbled trying to sound comforting.
" I don't think you do." Quinn huffed back and began scanning to text before really getting into the bulk of the reading. Brittany reached across the oak table and stole the text from under Quinn's nose.
" Hey-!"
" Did you at least pick up the things I asked you for?"
The taller blonde raised her eyebrows expectantly. She studied Quinn's features carefully, but her heart said everything Brittany needed to know. The former Ravenclaw reached under the table again and picked up her bag. From inside she pulled out several other large bags of various assorted candies from Honeydukes. Inside there were a few mini chocolate skeletons , a dozen sugar quills, a handful of cauldron cakes, several ice mice, and a handful of toffees.
" Brilliant, and the rest?" Brittany reached for the bag of sweets but was thwarted when Quinn pulled away. She dug in her bag once more and pulled out another bag full of wrapped ingredients.
"You don't get the candy until you tell me what the potion ingredients are for."
Brittany huffed out of annoyance toward her friend.
" Santana hasn't been feeling well. The ingredients aren't for potions they're for tea," she lied.
Most of the ingredients where things needed to create Santana's pregnancy potion. Santana's supply of herbs had run low and nether wanted to risk being discovered by ordering more. Especially since Avery's recent crack down on imports and exports from the school.
" Really? Because I'm pretty sure if anyone were to drink Angle's Trumpet they would die. It's extremelypoisonous." Quinn retorted.
" What exactly does she have you doing Brittany and enough with the lies already"
Brittany opened her mouth to insist that she wasn't lying, but just as she was about to cause a scene Rachel rounded the bookshelf.
" You two would do better to be more quiet. The librarian is about ready to come over here and give you both a sound beating for disturbing the silence."
The annoying brunette said setting her books down next to Quinn who turned a small shade of pink. The small blonde's heart flipped and fluttered losing all train of thought for a moment, which Brittany used to snatch up her packages.
" What are you two fight about now?" Rachel asked with an odd sense of superiority about her that was uncommon.
She felt strangely confident and Brittany was suspicious to find out why.
" Brittany is doing something shady for Santana and she wont tell me what it is." Quinn managed to pout, yet still look utterly smitten by Rachel; who was smiling back at her.
"There is nothing, so just stop." Brittany exclaimed trying to convince both girls.
" Brittany, I think I know what's going on here and it's okay. I know it's difficult for to accept, but I think you are developing feelings for Santana and I'm pretty sure she has them for you too. It's called Stockholm Syndrome. It's when a prisoner becomes so reliant on their captor that they start to believe this person has their best interests in mind" Rachel said matter-of-factly with both blondes staring dumbly at her.
'That's what has her so smug?' Brittany thought privately
" B-Brittany is that true? Do you have feelings for Santana?" Quinn stammered looking totally shocked at Brittany. She could sense a hint of betrayal in her voice, but felt the heart lace around her heart.
Brittany looked at Rachel with her mouth slightly a jar. She couldn't believe her audacity let alone find the proper English words to refute it.
"You both are unfair to me and now I will go."
Hastily she closed the book she had been trying to read and stashed away the supplies in the new robes Santana had bought for her.
" If you think you are brilliant you are not. I would not say this to Santana if I were you." Brittany warned and stormed out of the library leaving her friends behind looking stunned.
The sun was setting over the gray and white campus grounds of Hogwarts as Brittany made her way back to the room she shared with Santana. She couldn't shake what Rachel had said to her and the confused angry feelings that poured through her childhood best friend.
There was no doubt in the young Veela's mind that her captor was beyond beautiful. Her creamy dark skin, shadowed by her long raven hair, and deep brown eyes always caught Brittany's attention. Though she often spoke in a harsh tone, Santana's voice felt like velvet to Brittany's ears making her hard to ignore or resist. However , these were all superficial qualities. Brittany had been raised to admirer what was in the inside more then just the outside beauty. The only problem was, she couldn't feel what was inside Santana. She could tell by a single look who a person was on the inside,but Santana was the first person to block her powers completely. Brittany could only base her affection on looks and Santana's treatment of her.
'This what everyone else must feel like. How frustrating.'She thought to herself as she passed a few students heading to their own dorms.
She rounded a corner and jogged up several flights of moving stairs until she reached the seventh floor corridor heading toward Gryffindor tower. Brittany had just passed an old unused classroom when two guards stepped out with lazy grins sweeping across their features. She knew that look all too well. Her ancestor's magic drew them to her like the insects they were. She could feel their lust for her spilling out of their jeans as she walked a little quicker.
" Hey! Stop! That's an order!" one shouted jogging after her.
The other flicked his wand and Brittany was pulled backward by an invisible string.
" No! Lemme go!" Brittany yelled trying to fight the effects of the spell, but without a wand it was hopeless.
" We just wanna talk to Mrs. Bitch Lopez's pet!" Snickered the first one again.
" This will teach her she's doesn't belong working here at Hogwarts. Hey, mud-blood. When we're done tell your mistress she's better off at home having babies and making supper." the love drunk young Death Eater chuckled.
Brittany grunted and yelled, but most avoided Gryffindor and the few who were around wouldn't dare help a half-breed against two death eaters. The rope pulled Brittany right into the first man's arms, who promptly started kissing down her neck.
" Hey, come on. Don't hog her all to yourself!" the second grunted impatiently.
" You'll have your turn, when I'm done."
Brittany grunted and struggled as much as she could, but the young man was much stronger then she.
" Brittany?"
Her name echoed off the walls as Santana called for her from down and around the corner.
" San—oohfoh" the thug covered her mouth and dragged her into a near by classroom.
" Not a sound bitch." He growled in her ear as they hid behind the door.
The distinct echo of Santana's heals clicked along the stone until it stopped just outside of where they hid.
The room was silent and Brittany feared Santana would walk by. She had to do something to let the women know where she was if she planned on getting out of here unharmed. She knew she had to take a risk. Without warning Brittany opened her mouth as wide as she could and bit straight down on the death eaters hand causing him to shriek out in pain.
" You twa-"
In another instant the door blew off it's hinges and a very pissed off looking Santana emerged through the smoke.
" Brittany!" She summoned in an unforgiving tone. Brittany coughed, but stood and moved to her mistress's side.
"Oui."
" You're late." She looked at Brittany with a cold angry stair which was impossible to decide if it was genuine or not.
It was only then that Brittany stopped to take a good look at the women. She seemed to be having a rough day. Her black hair fell down around her shoulders in an un-brushed mess. She wore a simple loose t-shirt to hide her baby bump and a light brown cardigan to keep her arms warm. To Brittany she looked sort of like a very deadly muggle soccer mom.
" I am sorry. These men …."
" I don't want your excuses. Return to our room and we will discuss your punishment later." Santana brushed Brittany off and turned her attention to the scoundrels who stood still cowering in the corner.
" The last time we met I warned you never to delay or even look at my property again or else there would be serious consequences." She glared and pointed her wand at the pair.
" Crucio."
Brittany sat on the couch waiting for Santana to return. As horrid as their intentions were, Brittany couldn't stand to watch Santana torture them without a second thought. She wondered if the baby knew what kind of magic Santana used and if it affected the little bean some how.
She pressed the small couch pillow tighter into her chest and watched the flames dance in the fire place. She thought of what her father had told her as a little girl, once more.
"...Our magic grows stronger the more our love is needed"
Rachel was wrong about Santana. She had no feelings other then those of proud owner ship for Brittany. Santana had no heart and no love to give anyone, not even her unborn child, but Brittany could not positively say the same. Every time she looked at Santana and the small person growing inside her Brittany was over come with strong feelings for them both. Weather she could admit it out loud or not, she loved Santana's unborn child. Her feelings toward the mother were still murky, but it was clear that Santana wasn't all bad.
The door to the room swung open and Santana stepped in looking exhausted. Unsure of the woman's mood swings Brittany thought it best to give her some space by sliding to the far end of the couch. Santana gave a thankful nod and sat, putting her feet up.
" Are you hurt?"
Brittany shook her head no.
" Good, they wont be bothering you anytime soon."
She laid her head back and closed her eyes.
" How did you know to come?" Brittany asked softly looking over at Santana.
The pregnant women raised her tattooed arm to show Brittany their matching mark.
" I told you this was more then just a sign of ownership. When you're in danger my wrist burns. They same will happen to yours if I am in danger, but that's never going to happen." Santana said with a cocky smirk.
"How was your visit with Quinn?"
Clearly Santana had been bluffing for appearances earlier and had no intention of punishing Brittany what so ever, not that she ever did to begin with, allowing the blonde to relax. There was something oddly comforting in that Santana would always know if she needed help.
" It was well, until Rachel. She is...upsetting." Brittany muttered bitterly.
Santana smirked with her eyes closed.
" Yea, she pisses me the fuck off too. What did she say this time?"
Brittany bit her lip. She didn't want Rachel to get into trouble, so she stuck with the half truth.
"She is jealous of me and Quinn. She tells Quinn I feel for you in ways I should not."
Santana peaks an eye open at her curiously, but Brittany shrugs it off like it was the most uninteresting thing in the world.
" I have the supplies for your potion now. I will brew for you, yes?"
Santana shook her head no.
"Not yet. You may in a little bit, but right now I'd like for you to lay against me and tell me what you feel." Santana said more as a suggestion then a command.
As the baby grew it's emotions became stronger and more defined to Brittany's senses. Brittany had made it a habit of: first rubbing oil on Santana's small baby belly to prevent stretch marks, then she would place her ear to Santana's stomach and whisper what the baby was feeling to Santana. It was an intimate routine between the two that nether addressed or questioned. Brittany enjoyed taking care of Santana, knowing she was caring for a small baby, and Santana enjoyed being taken care of like she had been her whole life.
Brittany rose from the couch and pulled the oil from one of Santana's many shelves around the room, while Santana stretched out on the couch and lifted her shirt just a little to expose the round bump of skin. Thankfully, despite being so far along, her stomach wasn't huge. It was easy to hid under baggy robes and with simple spells to expand her tighter fitting clothes.
Brittany knelt down beside Santana and gave her a small smile.
" I have other things for you."
She reached into the pocket of her robes and pulled out the large bag of candy Quinn had given to her.
" You have been wanting the sweet things a lot, yes?" She pulled out a sugar quil for herself to suck on. Santana's cravings had been out of control recently and chocolate was at the very top of the list.
Santana studied the gift for a moment before accepting it with a smile.
" Thank you. That was—erm-very thoughtful of you."
Brittany splashed a little of the coconut oil on her hands and slowly began to massage Santana's stomach, while also channeling the fetus.
" The little bean is upset at the moment. I think it's squirmed it's way into an uncomfortable position..."
Santana frowned.
" It's been swimming around in there doing back-flips all day. I-there he goes again."
Brittany giggled a little as Santana squirmed a little herself.
" Why 'he'? " She asked wondering if Santana had seen Madam Pomfry about the sex of the baby yet.
"Because only boys are this annoying." She said bitterly back.
Brittany stopped rubbing for a moment and thought about her father's words once again. A baby needed to feel as much love as it possibly could so he or she would know it's safe to come out into the world. Brittany already knew she loved the baby and gave it as much affection as she could, but she feared it wasn't enough.
" What's wrong? I don't like that look on your face Britt." Santana asked taking a small bite out of a liquorish wand.
" May I speak with no trouble?" She asked patiently.
Santana considered her for a moment, sitting up to give Brittany more of her attention.
" You may."
" My papa would say that babies need to feel loved or they will be to –um—shy—er – afraid to come out. You say you can not feel and I am not mama or papa. I can only give so much. I think it is important you take back your spell. For him. It is not safe." Brittany said slowly picking her words carefully so not to anger Santana more.
Her dark haired mistress sat quietly for a moment thinking over Brittany's words, before giving a simple answer.
"No."
Brittany clenched her jaw at Santana's stubbornness.
"Not because I don't want to, but because I can't." Santana whispered softly, but offered no more information on the subject.
Brittany looked back down at Santana's exposed belly and leaned forward, placing a small kiss lightly to her skin.
" I will try to give much." She whispered before climbing up on the couch and nestled her head against Santana's stomach to give voice to more of the baby's feelings.
"Thank you." Santana echoed as she ran her fingers through Brittany's long straw golden hair.
*A/N-- Enjoy the fluff while it lasts!! Next several chapters will be full of angst. I decided to to a small time jump from September to mid December to keep the major plot going. Sometimes I find myself stuck in the side plots. Sorry for errors they'll be flushed out eventually. We're going to start learning A LOT more about Santana's little "heart problem" which I'm excited for you to read!
Please review! Send me questions and comments on tumblr as well! Love you all and thank you so much for reading.