A/N Let's go visit a witch doctor and find out what you can and can't do while pregnant with a magical baby. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
On Monday morning Constance called the clinic to make an appointment for the following Friday. It felt so strange for her to be referring to herself as pregnant, almost as though she was pretending or talking about somebody else. Then she immediately met with Amelia and arranged for her and Imogen's classes to be either rearranged or supervised for that day.
"Of course. If you leave the work that you want the girls to do Davina and I will cover your classes."
Pleased with her plans she went to locate her wife. "I hope you don't mind Darling, I just assumed that you'd want to come with me so it was easier to make the arrangements for both of us."
Imogen kissed her, not really caring that they were in the P.E shed, there were no students around. "Of course I'm coming with you. I'll be coming to every single appointment Sweetheart. I want to experience everything with you. Two questions though, did we really need the whole day off, not that I'm complaining? And what did you tell Amelia?"
Constance smirked back. "Technically no, my appointment is at 1PM but I thought thought that we could spend the morning together without rushing, eat a late lunch and then perhaps look at some baby things afterwards. We'll be back for when Jamie and Abby come that evening. As for Amelia, I said that we had an appointment, I believe she thinks that it is something to do with the adoption."
Imogen kissed her again, amazed that Constance was taking an entire school day off but to be fair, it wasn't everyday you went for your first pregnancy appointment and she certainly didn't have an issue with spending an entire school day focusing on them and their family.
Both Amelia and Davina and been delighted beyond belief that they were adopting Abby. In fact Davina's only issue was that it wouldn't be permanent until around Christmas.
"Thats WEEKS away", she had complained.
Amelia had already spoken to the principal of the local primary school and the arrangements were underway for Abby to join in the first week of January. They would bring her to visit in a couple of weeks so it wasn't completely new to her. She had also spoken to the married couple about their living arrangements but found that they were strangely reluctant to discuss too many changes meaning the topic would need to be revisited later.
On Thursday Constance informed all her classes that she would not be there the next day and that Miss Cackle or Miss Bat would supervise their work.
"Let me tell you now. I will be reading every single word and expect the highest quality. This is NOT a holiday."
The girls were all amazed. Nobody had ever heard of HB taking a day off and despite what she had said this was the closest thing to a holiday they could imagine.
"Wow, marriage has changed her.", Mildred commented at lunchtime.
The gang were wary of discussing the still massive news too much as Enid still had big issues with the relationship between their teachers. Some of the things she said made them feel very uncomfortable and other, more adult references, they didn't understand at all so it was safer to avoid the topic. This particular day she had been kept back after chanting to help Miss Bat tidy the room so they could talk about the classroom revelation without fear of invoking more nasty remarks.
"I wonder where she's going? It must be important."
Davina was looking after the first and second years while Constance was off and was receiving plenty of instructions.
"I do appreciate you doing this, however I am specifically asking you to stick to what I have laid out. There is no need for you to carry out any experiments, it will not benefit anyone. Least of all you."
"I am more than capable of supervising the junior girls. It's only potions, you make it sound so complicated", the chanting teacher huffed before she skipped into the cupboard.
Imogen only had one class on the Friday and as it was the fourth years, they were fine to go for a walk by themselves. That morning she left Constance fast asleep with hand on her stomach while she went out for a run. She returned an hour later to find that she was still asleep in exactly the same position but now with a small smile on her face. Imogen showered and then moved downstairs to the kitchen where she quickly added some breakfast foods to a tray and went back upstairs.
"Sweetheart, wake up."
It took a minute but eventually Constance opened her eyes, smiling when she saw who had woken her.
"What time is it?", she was amazed when she heard the reply.
"Nine."
After she had freshened up she came back to bed, laughing when she saw all that Imogen had put on the tray.
"How did you manage to carry that back up here?", she asked as she got back into bed.
"I am a P.E teacher you know, I'm strong. Anyway, I didn't know what the baby wanted to eat today."
Constance reached for a scone and a banana. "Well, this is what I want to eat. I think she'll be happy with the same." In fact the baby wanted a second scone as well as an orange before both she and her mother were full.
"Are you satisfied now?", Imogen asked, putting her cup down.
"No", she smiled, pulling her wife into a kiss. "I'm well rested and not hungry but I think I'd be more satisfied if we made use of our free morning."
Imogen had been so attentive and supportive in the week since they found out that she was pregnant. What was more, she knew that would be the case for the next seven months and beyond. There was nobody in the world she could imagine being married to or would want to have a family with. How had her life become so wonderful?
In between kisses Constance whispered. "I love you. You are the greatest wife I could wish for. Our baby is going to be so lucky to have you. I am so lucky to have you You are gorgeous, so perfect and you're mine."
Imogen lay back as she felt the kisses along with wonderful touches moving down her body. She instinctively opened her legs and before too long felt the firm strokes that she loved before two and then three exceptionally talented fingers entered her. As she moved her hips to match the rhythm that was set she opened her eyes to see Constance looking at her with such adoration, like she was the most beautiful thing in the world. The sensations combined with that look were all she needed and she arched her back, moaning with extreme satisfaction as she came.
Once her heart rate had come down a bit she knelt so she was facing her very happy looking wife,
"You look pleased with yourself Sweetheart." she whispered, pressing close and kissing her neck.
"Oh, I am. I just got to see one of my favourite sights."
Imogen smiled as she gently bit her lovers shoulder, careful not to leave a mark.
"You caused one of your favourite sights. Now, I think it's only fair that you show me one of mine", she whispered as she moved her hand down, stroking her lover in the exact way she needed it. As she did that she kept kissing her neck and throat, using her other hand to keep her secure.
"Please Darling, please, please, please" Imogen heard after some very pleasurable time. Then, knowing what to do she moved her touch entirely to one specific place. Within a moment she was seeing exactly what she wanted to. Constance, her head rolling back, chest heaving, every bit of tension visibly leaving her body as she found release.
"I love you."
They stayed kneeling on the bed as they kissed.
"Just think baby, you could be teaching potions to the second years just about now." Imogen laughed.
Swatting her, Constance pulled a face. "Please don't mention the second years after we've just made love. Now, I need a shower. Are you coming?"
Imogen who had already showered definitely needed a second one and so happily followed her into the bathroom so they could begin getting ready for their appointment. Once they had dressed and taken their vitamins it was time to leave.
"Tell me again what the appointment will cover?", Imogen asked as she drove to the clinic in the next town.
"The doctor said that they would do some tests,confirm the due date and talk through some information that we should know." Constance hated going to the doctors with a passion. In fact she couldn't remember the last time that she had been, but she knew that she would have to face up to it over the coming months.
They pulled up outside the clinic just before 1PM and were soon filling in the relevant paperwork. Imogen looked around in surprise. It was very modern, she had been expecting an old musty building so this was a happy surprise. When the doctor came out for them she was further surprised that she was around her own age and not an older witch.
"Now Constance, you said you believe you are around nine weeks pregnant." Dr. Ravenscroft had completed tests, a mix of magic and conventional medicine and reviewed the information that she had been supplied with.
"Yes, I took a pregnancy indicator potion last week and it flashed eight times." She was holding onto Imogen's hand as she spoke as the situation was making her slightly nervous.
"Well, I believe you are absolutely correct. All looks very well, you are healthy and your tests are all fine. Judging by what I can tell your baby is due around June 17th."
Imogen, who was already buzzing with excitement was fit to burst now. "That's wonderful. Now, what do we need to know moving forward?"
It was clear that the baby's other mother was very keen to make sure her wife and child were well looked after.
"Firstly, even though I am your doctor magical medicine follows a different format to the non magical world so I will be your midwife as well. Later on we'll talk about birthing plans but I suggest you start to think of what you would like to do from now. I will give you some information before you leave today. Aside from that there are a few things you need to be aware of. As you know, magic will protect the baby in regards to developmental or miscarriage risks. However, you do still need to take care of yourself and avoid unnecessary danger. You have already been taking the anti-nausea potion which is good, you'll probably find that in a few weeks you will no longer need to take it although sickness can occur at anytime.
"Fatigue is a natural part of pregnancy and there is no safe potion you can take to prevent that so you will need to ensure that you are getting adequate rest, eating properly and avoiding stress. You may also experience aches and pains as the baby grows. A painkilling potion is ok in moderation but be cautious about taking too much. Exercise will help and things like massage are fine as long as it's not anything too intense like deep tissue."
Imogen was relieved to hear this as she wanted to do what she could to help and this was something she knew her wife enjoyed.
The doctor continued, "As you move past the first trimester you will likely find your energy returns and remains high until the third. At the moment flying is fine but most women feel that they can no longer balance safely as they near their final stages of pregnancy. You'll come back in three weeks when we will do a scan and you should be able to hear your baby's heartbeat."
Both future mothers were very happy about this.
"Now you teach potions, if I remember correctly that also includes transformations."
Constance nodded, she had already read about this. "Yes, I understand that I cannot do any practical demonstrations on myself."
This wasn't an issue as she generally spent the first term concentrating on theory and basic work and she rarely used herself for demonstration purposes anyway.
"That's correct, however, based the abilities that you have highlighted on your form, there are other elements of witchcraft that I strongly advise you to avoid once you move to the next trimester."
As they got back into the car, Imogen was trying but failing to cover up her sniggers. Constance's face when the doctor had told her what she could not do was priceless.
"Baby, it's not that bad."
Constance was seething. "That is easy for you to say. You will not be affected like I will."
Imogen was laughing loudly at this stage. "So you won't be able to transport yourself around with magic for the next few months?"
Turning around her wife replied angrily, "Exactly, how am I supposed to monitor the students?"
The doctor had explained that with a magical pregnancy, this was the riskiest thing a woman could do once the baby was more fully formed as she would not know how to disappear and reappear in the same way that the mother did. Even if it was done successfully, studies had shown that it caused distress. As such it was strongly advised not do carry out this act once the baby moved from an embryo to a foetus which was about to happen. The ability to transport oneself wordlessly in the way that Constance did was rare and tended not to be covered in standard witch pregnancy books, therefore the doctor had wanted to ensure that she was aware of the risks.
"You will monitor them the same way I do, by using your legs and walking around. Sweetheart, I know you rely on that power but it's not the end of the world. Besides, I don't want you stressing about what the students are up to. Remember, when we thought I was carrying her you were worried about the second years causing me distress. Well I fell the same way about you. You heard what the doctor said, no stress. You're going to have to take a step back and allow the rest of us to take on the more disciplinary jobs. Your health, as well as our baby's are paramount and I'm not having you take a chance with either. Those girls will be gone in a few years, replaced by new ones but we're going to have this family forever and we need to start off properly. Does this change how you feel about being pregnant?"
She knew the answer but wanted to make a point.
"No. Of course it doesn't." Constance immediately felt guilty and reached down to stroke her currently non existent bump for fear the baby had heard her and needed reassurance. Imogen was completely right. "I'm sorry Darling, I know I'm being silly, it's just that it's as natural to me as running is to you. It will be strange but you're correct, it's not worth any risk to the baby. I'll stop straight away. Mildred Hubble will think all her Christmases have come at once."
Agreeing and pleased that the issue had been resolved faster than expected, Imogen drove them to lunch. As they went to enter the restaurant she whispered, "It could have been worse, she could have told us we couldn't have sex."
Constance stopped dead and shuddered, yes that would have been far, far worse.
After lunch they looked around to see what type of items they would need for the baby. "Darling, there is just so much. Will we need all of it?"
Imogen thought back to what she had needed for Abby although she hadn't actually lived with her until she was a bit older. "No, we will need some basic things, a crib, a car seat, a pram, clothes, blankets, a changing table or maybe just a mat, sheets, changing bag, a bath. Then when she's older we'll need a high chair, a buggy maybe a playpen. We'll make a proper list later on, it's just good to get an idea of what's here and what colours we might like for her nursery set."
Constance didn't even really know what all of these items were and it still seemed like an awful lot. Then something struck her. "I don't know how to change a nappy."
Imogen, who had plenty of experience with nappy changing gave her a quick squeeze. "Oh Sweetheart, you'll be doing it in your sleep by July. Literally."
As Imogen went to pay for a few things she had picked up, Constance wandered around the baby department again. She looked at the prams and imagined herself pushing one around the castle grounds or the park next summer. Rather than thinking it strange the thought was very appealing to her, she was so curious about this little person inside her and could not wait to find out more about her. What would she look like? What would her personality be like? In both cases she hoped primarily like Imogen but she couldn't deny that she loved the idea of their daughter being a combination of them both.
"What do you think? Will we wait until after the scan to tell everyone?"
Constance, who previously had no exposure to pregnancy and had only recently found out about scans, was highly excited that they would see their daughter growing inside her throughout the pregnancy. And they could hear her heartbeat? This was better than any witchcraft, even transportation.
"Why then Darling?", she asked Imogen as they travelled back to the school.
"Well, I double checked with the doctor and she told me that we can have a picture printed at every scan. I think it would be nice if we can tell them and show them the scan. I think Abby especially will benefit from that."
This sounded like a very good idea to the witch. Plus, it meant that they could keep the special secret between the two, well three of them for another few weeks which she was very much enjoying.
At around 6PM Jamie and Abby arrived at the castle to find Imogen and Constance waiting for them in the hallway.
"Hello honey", Imogen beamed as Abby ran into her arms. They had invited Jamie to come for tea as they were keen that Abby would know that she could still see him even when she moved here permanently. As it was Friday the students had a relatively free evening so the teachers were also free although Constance would still do a bedtime check later. They brought Abby to the staffroom where Davina and Amelia were waiting and had arranged a belated birthday tea and gifts for her.
Amelia smiled at their soon to be permanent resident. "We're very happy to have you come and live with us dear and I know you're going to like your new school very much."
Abby was relieved to hear this. Even though she had already been told that this was the case, she was glad to hear Amelia say that it was okay for her to live here, after all it was her school.
"And you can use my cupboard anytime you want", Davina offered, again to Abby's excitement.
"We will expect you to sleep in your bed though, unlike some people.", Constance retorted to the amusement of almost everyone at the table.
It was a lovely little party and Abby felt even more excited to be moving to her new home after Christmas but wanted to wait until everything was finalised before telling her other new friends at the school. Later on Imogen brought her up to her bedroom while Constance did the nighttime supervision round, promising to come in and say goodnight to her when she was done.
Once it was just the two of them Amelia and Davina sat in the staffroom chatting about the day.
"Things are so different around here now Amelia, not that it was bad before but I feel Constance and Imogen's relationship and the changes that it has brought to them and to the school have been such a good thing."
Amelia, who had her suspicions regarding where the two teachers had been that day smiled back at her friend.
"I agree Davina and if I'm right, I don't think we've seen the last of the changes to come."