"DON'T YOU KNOW HOW TO DRIVE THIS THING?!" she bellowed at Ernie. "YOU HURT A BABY, YOU MADMAN! YOU HURT HER PRECIOUS LITTLE HEAD! AND SHE'S ONLY THREE DAYS OLD! AND YOU! WHY COULDN'T YOU HAVE TOLD HIM TO SLOW DOWN A FEW HUNDRED MILES PER HOUR? I MAY NOT KNOW MUCH ABOUT CARS AND VEHICLES, BUT I KNOW THAT YOU CAN EASILY SLOW DOWN! My poor Emmakins, is Baby awe wight?" Mrs. Weasley said, turning very soft and cooing towards the crying Emma.
Stan looked winded. "Sorry, ma'am. Dint mean to - to 'urt 'er or anythin', did we, Ern?"
Ern grunted and shook his head.
After Emma had stopped crying and only sobbed, Hagrid began inspecting the damage. "I don' think it was anythin' ter worry abou', Molly. A bit o' a red mark, but not even a bruise. Don' worry, Emma, old Hagrid's got some dragon meat that'll make the sting go righ' away," he said gently to the baby. He pulled out the teddy bear and let Emma lay up against it. She snuggled up to it.
"Oh, an' this," Hagrid added, and pulled out the plush cow. He squeezed its middle, making Emma look up at the cow. She reached a tiny arm out to it. Hagrid held it right up to her face and nuzzled it against her cheek.
"Yes'm, Emma. Moo moo. Oh, look, he likes yeh. Moo moo moo. I think that means he wants ter be friends. Do yeh want ter be friends with Mr. Cow, Emma? Yeah? Okay, here yeh go. Okay, we're a little closer than friends. Emma, now yeh're goin' too far. Friends don't suck each other's snouts," Hagrid said, smiling at the baby.
"Aw, Hagrid, you're such a good father," Mrs. Weasley said, looking at the baby fondly.
"A better mum, I'd say," Ron whispered to Harry, who chuckled. Stan was still trying to apologize to Mrs. Weasley.
"Why don't Ern an' I takes you up to da castle? Will dat make up fer it?" Stan said, looking over at Mrs. Weasley cautiously.
"Only if you go very slowly!" Mrs. Weasley implored. Stan nodded.
"All righ', Ern, go real slow fer da lady," he said, looking over at Ern. Ern grunted unhappily and the bus began moving at about forty miles per hour. Harry found that this was still fairly fast, but at least they weren't going as fast as normal.
Soon they were headed up to the staff room of Hogwarts. Hermione, Harry, Ron, Lupin, and Mrs. Weasley entered first to try and give them hints about the minute surprise.
"Well? Is he getting his little boy?" Tonks asked immediately. They shook their heads.
"No, he's not getting his little boy, Tonks," Hermione said, barely able to keep her smile to herself.
"Is he getting a child at all, Remus?" McGonagall asked, looking sad for Hagrid already.
"Oh yes, Minerva, he's definitely getting a child," Lupin said, beaming.
"How old is the child, then, Molly?" Mr. Weasley asked.
"Well, it's got something to do with the number three…" Mrs. Weasley said, beaming.
"Aww, a cute little three year old. Not exactly what he was looking for, but still, a tiny little three year old boy!" Ginny said happily.
"Nope," Harry said plainly.
"Nope?" Ginny asked, looking confused.
"Nope. Not three years old," he said simply.
"Oh, a thirteen year old! Albus, we can teach Hagrid's little boy!" McGonagall said, looking slightly giddy.
"Sorry, Professor, but that's not right, either," Ron said, grinning.
"Well then what is it? Bring Hagrid out here, let him tell us!" Fred said, getting impatient. Harry shrugged and opened the door to let Hagrid in.
Hagrid looked more like he had his arms crossed in front of his chest than he was holding a baby.
"Well, Hagrid, where is he?" inquired Mr. Weasley.
"I didn' get a he," Hagrid said, smiling.
"A girl? Where is she?"
"Righ' here."
At this comment, there were many confused faces. Dumbledore, however, only smiled.
"May I hold her, Hagrid?" he asked.
Hagrid looked tickled pink. "O' course, sir, o' course," he said quickly, and walked over.
"Oh, a baby! Hagrid, a baby girl? That's like the opposite of what you were expecting! Oh, but she's adorable," Ginny said, smiling as Hagrid carefully set the baby in Dumbledore's arms.
"How old is she, Hagrid? Three weeks?" McGonagall asked, looking very pleased. She leaned over to admire the baby.
"Three days," Hagrid replied. "Tiny little thing, an' she's already had a rough life. This is jus' a trial run, though. She's stayin' the night with me in me hut, but jus' fer ternight. Harry an' Hermione said they're goin' ter help."
"What is her name?" Dumbledore asked, pushing back the blanket a bit.
"Emma. Lee is her middle name. I made up her middle name," Hagrid said, smiling.
"How clever. Emma Lee Hagrid it's going to be? Well, she certainly doesn't look like you, Hagrid. Well, except the fact that she's got a lot of hair for her age, and it is black," Dumbledore said, smiling down at the baby. Emma yawned. "She looks like someone I remember as a baby," he added, nodding at Harry. Emma kicked a bit and then found Dumbledore's beard. She whimpered a bit as she couldn't reach it. Dumbledore smiled at her.
"All right, m'dear, why don't we just come right on over to Uncle Remus?" Lupin said, gently stroking the baby's head.
"I would have thought that you'd be Uncle Remy, Remus," Tonks said, smirking at him.
"Well, I dunno about that, Nymphadora," Lupin shot back at her.
"Don't say that name! Oh, Hagrid, look at the little angel! She's all squirmy!" Tonks said, peering over Dumbledore's shoulder. "May I hold her, Hagrid? Please?"
Hagrid looked hesitant. "Er - sure, Tonks. Bu' yeh have teh be very careful with her. It migh' be best if yeh sat down with her first." Dumbledore gave the small infant a kiss on the forehead before passing her to Tonks very carefully. Tonks 'awwed' as soon as she got Emma. Tonks screwed up her face and with a small pop! her nose looked like a pig's. Emma was fascinated. She reached her little hand up to try and grab it. Tonks awwed more and put her head down so Emma could admire her nose.
A few minutes more of this and Mad-Eye was rolling his eye. "Tonks, you're going to spoil her with that nose. Come here, give me her," he growled. Tonks looked sad as she handed him the baby. "I know what'll make you happier than pie, Hagrid." Moody took out his false eye, dipped it in a glass of water, and handed it to Emma.
"What are yeh doin', yeh crazy?! Yer goin' ter scar her fer life!" Hagrid fretted.
"Calm down, Hagrid, she likes it," Harry said, looking wide-eyed at the baby with the magical eye. Emma shook it and the pupil hurried around in great circles over the eye. Emma laughed and sucked on it.
"No, no, no, no! That's not good for you, Hagrid. Don't eat my eye," growled Moody, taking the eye away from the child. Emma looked a bit disappointed, but continued looking at Mad-Eye.
"Oh, yuckie, sweetheart. Do you know where that's been? A rather grumpy man's eye socket!" Tonks said, looking piteously at her. "Poor baby."
"Hagrid, this little one is the cutest little one I've ever seen!" Ginny said happily. "Oh, it's kind of good that you don't have any family any more. That way Hagrid can bring you over to the Burrow often so I can cuddle and coo at you."
"Well - er - yeh see, she's still go' family. Really protective family," Hagrid said, looking a bit muddled in his thoughts. "She's go' an older sister, turnin' sixteen in a few days, and she's really protective. I set the poor thing off in tears 'cause she's only had a few hours with Emma. Yeh remember tha' girl tha' we met at the hospital? Yeh know, the one tha' was volunteerin' an' whatnot? Well, she's stayin' at the orphanage with her sister."
"Albus, come now. Can't we just help the poor girl out a little? We could teach her before the school year begins and she can take the same tests that the others did and then when she can go into her sixth year. Please? Please, Albus? She volunteers at St. Mungo's, Albus, that has to count for something!" McGonagall said, her eyes wide.
"I have already offered this to her, Minerva. I doubt that she'll agree to this now," Dumbledore said, sighing.
Hours later, Harry and Hermione were down in Hagrid's hut, setting up sleeping bags by the table. Hagrid was making a bottle for Emma over a burner. The baby sat in the bassinet that Maggie had borrowed him. Emma was hyper just then as she kicked her feet happily. Hermione stopped spreading out their sleeping bags and went and cooed at Emma for a while.
"Who's just a wittle baby boo? Emma is! Emma Wee Hagwid! Hagrid, can I hold her, please?" Hermione said, making the baby squeal.
"O' course, 'Mione, go righ' ahead," Hagrid said, looking over his shoulder for a minute. Hermione beamed and carefully lifted the little baby up into her arms, cooing frantically at the "darling angel baby girl," as Hermione had said. She walked back over by where Harry was straightening his sleeping bag, stepped on it, and sat down in one of the chairs.
"Hermione!" Harry said, glaring at her.
"Come here, Harry. Come look at the baby," Hermione said, completely oblivious to the fact that she'd ruined his work.
Harry sighed and sat down next to her. Emma opened her mouth to yawn. Harry had to admit that she was very cute. Harry gently stroked the baby's cheek. Emma began squealing and kicking.
"Hey now, cutie, don't get violent or else you'll be put to bed," Harry warned, chuckling.
"Poor tyke's probably jus' hungry. Come here, Emma, Hagrid's got yer bottle all ready fer yeh," Hagrid said, coming over with a bottle. Hagrid sat down next to Hermione and Harry and gently took Emma from Hermione. She squealed, upset about being moved so much. "I know, I know, Emmakins, here yeh are. Come on, now, don' fight the one who's feedin' yeh," he said, and gently nudged the bottle into her tiny mouth. Emma began to eat slowly and Hagrid beamed.
"Look at the li'l angel. She knows not teh rush or else she's goin' ter get a tummy ache. Such a smart li'l girl yeh are, Emma Lee," Hagrid cooed, looking incredibly proud.
"Aww, Hagrid! You're going to be a very good daddy and or mummy!" Harry said, trying to sound like Hermione. This worked and Hermione hit him while Hagrid laughed.
"Shut up, Harry," he laughed.
"Well you did say that you were Norbert's mummy, what? Isn't Emma good enough for you to be her mummy?" Harry teased. Emma began squirming and began to whine and Hagrid instantly pulled the bottle out of her mouth.
"Aww, whassamatter, Emma? Aren't yeh feelin' well, Baby? Hermione, wha's wrong, why's she cryin'?" Hagrid asked, beginning to worry as Emma began to sob softly.
"Dunno, Hagrid. Check her diaper," Hermione suggested. Hagrid gently leaned the crying infant against his chest and held her bottom with one hand while he pulled back on her diaper and peered inside.
"Nope, not even a bit wet. Oh, come on, Emma, stop cryin', please? Harry, do yeh think yeh could send an owl to Molly? I'm still not too good with this baby stuff yet," Hagrid said, gently bouncing her.
"Sure, Hagrid. C'mere, Hedwig," Harry said, and his snow-white owl flew to his arm.
"The writin' stuff is in tha' first drawer, Harry," Hagrid said as he and Hermione tried to quiet the small girl.
"Try patting her on the back. Very, very gently, Hagrid," Hermione said, looking concerned about Emma. Hagrid did this and also rubbed Emma's back.
This didn't help. From what Harry heard, Emma now had the hiccups. "Poor tyke. Hiccups and cryin'! Poor li'l thing," Hagrid cooed, gently bouncing her. Meanwhile, Harry quickly scribbled;
Dear Mrs. Weasley,
Hi, this is Harry. Hagrid's having a really rough time with Emma. She's started crying for no reason and now she's got the hiccups as well. Please come as soon as you can. Sorry for waking you up so late. Apologize to Mr. Weasley for me as well.
Please come quickly,
Harry
Harry quickly attached the letter to Hedwig's leg. "Take this to the Burrow as fast as you can, all right, Hedwig? Yeah, I know you don't like seeing Emma cry. Sooner you get this to Mrs. Weasley, the sooner Emma'll stop crying," Harry said to Hedwig before she flew out the window. Emma wasn't planning on stopping her crying any time soon.
"Here, 'Mione, hold Emma. I'm goin' ter sand down the corners on her - er - drawer," Hagrid said, handing Hermione Emma. She gently patted her bottom and cooed at her as Hagrid worked on Emma's crib.
"It's all right, angel, you're okay. Let me see your forehead for a moment, angel," Hermione cooed, and gently put her hand on the infant's forehead. "Oh, angel, you've got a bit of a temperature, kitten. It's probably just from your crying, huh, babes?"
About twenty minutes later, Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Weasley, Ron, and surprisingly Lupin and McGonagall and Dumbledore were knocking on Hagrid's door. Harry answered it and let them in. Hagrid was finishing putting blankets and cushiony things in the drawer. Emma was still crying and Hermione looked very stressed as she gently bounced the infant.
"Please, Emma, stop crying. Please, angel, Aunty 'Mione is getting quite tired," Hermione said, looking to be near tears herself. Mrs. Weasley hurried over and gently took the baby from Hermione. Ron went over and hugged Hermione.
"I know, 'Mione, I know. You tried. It's all right, precious," Ron cooed, gently rubbing her back. Mrs. Weasley was trying to calm the infant down.
"It's no use, Molly, she won't quiet. Poor li'l tyke's been cryin' fer 'bout a half hour now," Hagrid said, sighing.
"Oh, poor angel. Arthur, open my purse, I brought a baby thermometer," Mrs. Weasley said, making Harry cringe of the thought of poor Emma. Mrs. Weasley noticed this and smiled. "Under the arm, Harry, dear, I think that way's just too mean." Harry sighed relieved and Ron laughed at him. Mrs. Weasley undressed Emma from her pajamas a bit so her torso was exposed.
"Oh, someone's just kind of chilly, huh, Emma? Poor little thing looks pale," Mr. Weasley said, gently stroking her head after he had handed the thermometer to his wife. "I'll take her for you, Molly." Mrs. Weasley surrendered the baby and gently lifted the baby's tiny arm. Emma tried to pull away but couldn't, making her even more upset.
"Oh, I know, angel, I know. It doesn't hurt. See? There you go. Just try and hold your arm to your side, okay love? Okay? Okay. When did she start crying, Hagrid? Just after what?" Mrs. Weasley cooed at Emma, holding her arm to her side.
"Jus' as I was feedin' her. I tried the temperature meself, it wasn't too hot and not too cold. I did exactly as you and Maggie said," Hagrid said, looking very worried. After a minute or two of coddling towards Emma, Mrs. Weasley took out the thermometer. She tisked.
"Oh angel's near seven degrees below ninty-eight point six. I think we should take the poor angel to St. Mungo's. But maybe a quick warm bath would help her. If not, it would at least calm her down. And that would give me the chance to write to Maggie and tell her," she said, waving her wand so a small wash basin appeared on the table. She flicked her wand again and it began filling up with warm water. "Where's Emma's bath-time things?"
"Righ' here," Hagrid said, taking out the diaper bag and pulling out some baby soap and a soft washcloth. He opened his cupboard and pulled out a rubber duck, a toy sailboat, and a few plastic frogs and snakes. He began to undress Emma carefully, cooing at her all the while. He threw out the used diaper and gently held the naked baby in his arms, trying his best to keep her warm while Mrs. Weasley checked the water.
"Just a bit warmer so she'll warm right up," Mrs. Weasley said, flicking her wand again. A small fire appeared beneath the basin. A few minutes later, Mrs. Weasley flicked her wand again and the flame went out. She dipped her hand into the water and smiled. "Perfect for da tiny baby giwl." Hagrid went over and very gently placed the little girl in the tub. She looked shocked and her eyes went wide. She stopped crying and looked more curious than anything. Hagrid took out the baby propper upper thingy and slid it behind Emma. She reached over and tried to grab a frog that was floating nearby. Hagrid smiled and handed it to her. She instantly popped it into her mouth and Harry was glad that Hagrid had thought of getting big play toys. Even the snakes were too big to go into tiny Emma's mouth.
"Are yeh feelin' better, angel? Oh, I think yeh are. Yer lookin' happier. Yeh've gotten right back ter yer suckin' habit," Hagrid said, smiling at Emma. She looked up at him. "Look at those big green eyes. Yer such a pretty naked li'l baby," he said.
Ron walked over and leaned on the table, making Emma look over at him. He said slyly, "So, gorgeous, come here often?"
"Eeeeg!" Emma said happily, showing Ron her duck.
"Yes, that's a very lovely duck, Emma, but I want you, not your duck," Ron said.
"Urrrrg!" squealed Emma.
"Hyper little thing. You're so good with words, Emma," Ron said, winking at the baby. Emma sucked on her duck and watched Ron for a while until she got bored and reached for a snake, dropping her frog as well. "So that's it, huh? That's it for me and Mr. Frog? Well we have feelings too, Emma!" Ron said, pretending to be really hurt by this. She looked over again, the snake in her mouth and wide-eyed. "Caught you red-handed with another snake, eh? I guess it's really over then, Emma. You silly girl, what are you doing?" Emma was turning her head to the side very much and looking at them from the side.
Hagrid adjusted the cushion that Emma was leaning up against so she was up to her shoulders in the clear warm water. She yawned, and struggled to keep her eyes open.
"The sweet little dear. She looks quite warmed up. I think you can take her out now, Hagrid," Mrs. Weasley said fondly.
Hagrid carefully lifted the tired baby up out of the water and wrapped her in a towel. She yawned and snuggled up against him. He smiled. "Cute li'l thing. Why anyone would want ter give yeh up is beyond me. Too cute fer words, you are. An' now yer sick an' everything."
He carefully set her on the table and began to dry her off. Once he did, Hagrid wrapped the blanket around her and held her to keep Emma warm while he looked for pajamas. He pulled out a pair of minute yellow pajamas with feet in them. They had stitching on them that looking like two ducks on the chest. Little red ribbons had been placed at their necks.
"Oh, look at these, Emma. Footie-pajamas an' everything. Yeh don' even need socks. That'll be easier fer both o' us," Hagrid said. He gently set her down with one hand while he held onto the small pajamas. He sized them up to Emma.
"Well, they're still going to be rather big, but bigger is more comfortable, right, Emma?" Hermione said, smiling at the small infant. Emma "gooed" in response.
Hagrid began fixing her diaper, and Mrs. Weasley gently slid the thermometer under her arm. After about a minute, she looked at it and frowned. "It only brought her temperature up a degree. I think we'd better bring her to St. Mungo's just to be sure it's nothing serious," she said, and put the thermometer back into her purse.
Hagrid looked panicked. "Oh, I'm the worst parent in the hist'ry o' parents," he moaned.
"No, you're not, Hagrid. Unexpected things like these just sometimes happen. Get her bundled all up, Hagrid, I'll write Maggie while you do that," Mrs. Weasley said, gently patting his arm.
"I'll probably mess tha' up, too," Hagrid said sadly as he began to dress Emma in warm clothes and finally wrapped her in his moleskin coat.
"We'll have to Floo to the hospital. I don't want to go on that horrid Knight Bus. Poor baby got a bump on her head. Hagrid, Remus, Harry, and I will go. Arthur, Ron, Hermione, stay here in case we send an owl. If she has to spend the night or anything awful like that," Mrs. Weasley said decidedly.
"Right. Good luck," Hermione said, looking nervous.
Soon, the five were up at the castle and Flooed to St. Mungo's. As Harry stepped out of the fireplace, he heard Emma crying. Hagrid was frantically trying to calm her.
"Ssh, sweetie. It's only a little bit o' fire. It couldn' o' hurt. Aw, yer jus' a dizzy li'l thing, huh? There there, honey. Dad's right here," Hagrid said. He paused as the baby stopped crying and snuggled against his chest. He smiled. "I like the sound o' that. Dad. Suits me, I think."
Harry smiled. "I like that on you too, Hagrid," he said. He suddenly thought of something and smirked at Hagrid. "So Madam Maxime is going to be her mum, then?"
Hagrid instantly turned red. "Wha' - Wha' do yeh mean, Harry? Why'd she be Emma's mum if I was her dad?"
"Don't play dumb, Hagrid, everyone and their uncle knows that you fancy her and she fancies you. So, is she going to be the mum?" Ron said, sighing. Hagrid chuckled.
"Thought it wasn't all that obvious, but no. I think I'm jus' goin' ter be her dad and Madam Maxime can - don' tell her I said this - bu' she can go adopt her own li'l angel if she wants one. She already said tha' she's not goin' ter have babies, any. So I think Emma'll jus' be a li'l surprise."
They walked up to the Welcome Witch, who looked fairly old and motherly. "Uh oh, sick baby? All right, sir, go up to room two hundred and fifty-six and I'll send down a Healer. You have to fill out all of her information as well, but you can do that in the room," said the witch, handing Hagrid a clipboard. He looked worriedly down at it.
"Er - ma'am, I can' do this paperwork. Yeh see, she's jus' supposed teh stay with me fer tehnight b'fore I adopt her. Bu' the woman who took care o' her b'fore me is comin'," Hagrid said worriedly.
"All right, what's her name?" the witch said kindly, taking out a notepad.
"Maggie Hilts," Hagrid replied.
"Maggie … Hilts … room … two fifty-six. All right then, just go up to the room and I'll send her there when she get here, all right? Poor little darling," the witch said, looking at the very over-wrapped baby in Hagrid's arms. "Oh, it'd be a help if when you get up there, you could strip the poor little thing down to her diaper. You can wrap her in one of the blankets you've got there."
Soon they were in the room that the witch had said to go to. Hagrid was undressing Emma on the metal examining table that was in the room.
Emma was beginning to whine at the cold of the examining board. "I know, sweetheart, it's kind o' chilly, isn't it? Up we go, angel, back into ol' Hagrid's arms," Hagrid cooed, gently holding Emma close to his chest. He held her bottom in one hand while he rubbed her back with the other.
"I hope she's not very sick. Poor little darling. If she were to get sick and since she's only that big, then it's going to take the poor little sweetie to get better," Mrs. Weasley said, gently stroking the infant's cheek.
There was a gentle knock on the door and a man who looked to be in his mid-thirties entered with a clipboard. He had sandy-brown hair and a kind expression. "Hello all, and of course Miss Small. The crazy man who just entered would be Dr. Brownhill," he said, chuckling.
"Doctor? I'm not so sure she should see a doctor," Mrs. Weasley said as if it were something incompetent people did.
"Sorry, ma'am, but I would be the only one here that takes care of - er - basically everything. And I have been given some Healer training, if that helps. I specialize in obstetrics, gynecology, and neonatology. Come here, little angel," Dr. Brownhill said. He walked over and carefully took Emma from Hagrid. "Now, what's her name?" he asked.
"Emma," supplied Hagrid, who looked rather worried.
"Emma….?"
"Mead," he replied.
"Ah ha! Saw you just a couple days ago, didn't I, Emma? Such a smooth delivery and everything. Now, you're feeling a bit ill, pumpkin?" Dr. Brownhill said cheerily as he gently set Emma down on the examining table. He unwrapped her from the blanket, but left it on the board so she wouldn't get cold. She kicked her foot and wiggled as Dr. Brownhill picked her up.
"Her temperature was down about six degrees when we checked it a few minutes ago," Mrs. Weasley said, looking very worried.
"Easy, ma'am, it's probably just a little chill. Did she have anything cold by her?" Dr. Brownhill said, smiling reassuringly.
"Nope. She was drinkin' her bottle an' by the fire ter boot. Then she jus' stopped drinkin' and started cryin'," Hagrid sniffed. Emma gave Dr. Brownhill a very funny look.
"Well I know I'm not as pretty as you are to look at, Emma, but it's not very nice to make faces," he said, propping her against his chest. She reared her head back for a moment, and then sneezed, burying her face in Dr. Brownhill's shoulder. "Bwess you, Emma. And again. And once more. Hey, cut that sneezing' stuff out, Emma! Okay, now we're coughing. Was she like this much before?"
Stan looked winded. "Sorry, ma'am. Dint mean to - to 'urt 'er or anythin', did we, Ern?"
Ern grunted and shook his head.
After Emma had stopped crying and only sobbed, Hagrid began inspecting the damage. "I don' think it was anythin' ter worry abou', Molly. A bit o' a red mark, but not even a bruise. Don' worry, Emma, old Hagrid's got some dragon meat that'll make the sting go righ' away," he said gently to the baby. He pulled out the teddy bear and let Emma lay up against it. She snuggled up to it.
"Oh, an' this," Hagrid added, and pulled out the plush cow. He squeezed its middle, making Emma look up at the cow. She reached a tiny arm out to it. Hagrid held it right up to her face and nuzzled it against her cheek.
"Yes'm, Emma. Moo moo. Oh, look, he likes yeh. Moo moo moo. I think that means he wants ter be friends. Do yeh want ter be friends with Mr. Cow, Emma? Yeah? Okay, here yeh go. Okay, we're a little closer than friends. Emma, now yeh're goin' too far. Friends don't suck each other's snouts," Hagrid said, smiling at the baby.
"Aw, Hagrid, you're such a good father," Mrs. Weasley said, looking at the baby fondly.
"A better mum, I'd say," Ron whispered to Harry, who chuckled. Stan was still trying to apologize to Mrs. Weasley.
"Why don't Ern an' I takes you up to da castle? Will dat make up fer it?" Stan said, looking over at Mrs. Weasley cautiously.
"Only if you go very slowly!" Mrs. Weasley implored. Stan nodded.
"All righ', Ern, go real slow fer da lady," he said, looking over at Ern. Ern grunted unhappily and the bus began moving at about forty miles per hour. Harry found that this was still fairly fast, but at least they weren't going as fast as normal.
Soon they were headed up to the staff room of Hogwarts. Hermione, Harry, Ron, Lupin, and Mrs. Weasley entered first to try and give them hints about the minute surprise.
"Well? Is he getting his little boy?" Tonks asked immediately. They shook their heads.
"No, he's not getting his little boy, Tonks," Hermione said, barely able to keep her smile to herself.
"Is he getting a child at all, Remus?" McGonagall asked, looking sad for Hagrid already.
"Oh yes, Minerva, he's definitely getting a child," Lupin said, beaming.
"How old is the child, then, Molly?" Mr. Weasley asked.
"Well, it's got something to do with the number three…" Mrs. Weasley said, beaming.
"Aww, a cute little three year old. Not exactly what he was looking for, but still, a tiny little three year old boy!" Ginny said happily.
"Nope," Harry said plainly.
"Nope?" Ginny asked, looking confused.
"Nope. Not three years old," he said simply.
"Oh, a thirteen year old! Albus, we can teach Hagrid's little boy!" McGonagall said, looking slightly giddy.
"Sorry, Professor, but that's not right, either," Ron said, grinning.
"Well then what is it? Bring Hagrid out here, let him tell us!" Fred said, getting impatient. Harry shrugged and opened the door to let Hagrid in.
Hagrid looked more like he had his arms crossed in front of his chest than he was holding a baby.
"Well, Hagrid, where is he?" inquired Mr. Weasley.
"I didn' get a he," Hagrid said, smiling.
"A girl? Where is she?"
"Righ' here."
At this comment, there were many confused faces. Dumbledore, however, only smiled.
"May I hold her, Hagrid?" he asked.
Hagrid looked tickled pink. "O' course, sir, o' course," he said quickly, and walked over.
"Oh, a baby! Hagrid, a baby girl? That's like the opposite of what you were expecting! Oh, but she's adorable," Ginny said, smiling as Hagrid carefully set the baby in Dumbledore's arms.
"How old is she, Hagrid? Three weeks?" McGonagall asked, looking very pleased. She leaned over to admire the baby.
"Three days," Hagrid replied. "Tiny little thing, an' she's already had a rough life. This is jus' a trial run, though. She's stayin' the night with me in me hut, but jus' fer ternight. Harry an' Hermione said they're goin' ter help."
"What is her name?" Dumbledore asked, pushing back the blanket a bit.
"Emma. Lee is her middle name. I made up her middle name," Hagrid said, smiling.
"How clever. Emma Lee Hagrid it's going to be? Well, she certainly doesn't look like you, Hagrid. Well, except the fact that she's got a lot of hair for her age, and it is black," Dumbledore said, smiling down at the baby. Emma yawned. "She looks like someone I remember as a baby," he added, nodding at Harry. Emma kicked a bit and then found Dumbledore's beard. She whimpered a bit as she couldn't reach it. Dumbledore smiled at her.
"All right, m'dear, why don't we just come right on over to Uncle Remus?" Lupin said, gently stroking the baby's head.
"I would have thought that you'd be Uncle Remy, Remus," Tonks said, smirking at him.
"Well, I dunno about that, Nymphadora," Lupin shot back at her.
"Don't say that name! Oh, Hagrid, look at the little angel! She's all squirmy!" Tonks said, peering over Dumbledore's shoulder. "May I hold her, Hagrid? Please?"
Hagrid looked hesitant. "Er - sure, Tonks. Bu' yeh have teh be very careful with her. It migh' be best if yeh sat down with her first." Dumbledore gave the small infant a kiss on the forehead before passing her to Tonks very carefully. Tonks 'awwed' as soon as she got Emma. Tonks screwed up her face and with a small pop! her nose looked like a pig's. Emma was fascinated. She reached her little hand up to try and grab it. Tonks awwed more and put her head down so Emma could admire her nose.
A few minutes more of this and Mad-Eye was rolling his eye. "Tonks, you're going to spoil her with that nose. Come here, give me her," he growled. Tonks looked sad as she handed him the baby. "I know what'll make you happier than pie, Hagrid." Moody took out his false eye, dipped it in a glass of water, and handed it to Emma.
"What are yeh doin', yeh crazy?! Yer goin' ter scar her fer life!" Hagrid fretted.
"Calm down, Hagrid, she likes it," Harry said, looking wide-eyed at the baby with the magical eye. Emma shook it and the pupil hurried around in great circles over the eye. Emma laughed and sucked on it.
"No, no, no, no! That's not good for you, Hagrid. Don't eat my eye," growled Moody, taking the eye away from the child. Emma looked a bit disappointed, but continued looking at Mad-Eye.
"Oh, yuckie, sweetheart. Do you know where that's been? A rather grumpy man's eye socket!" Tonks said, looking piteously at her. "Poor baby."
"Hagrid, this little one is the cutest little one I've ever seen!" Ginny said happily. "Oh, it's kind of good that you don't have any family any more. That way Hagrid can bring you over to the Burrow often so I can cuddle and coo at you."
"Well - er - yeh see, she's still go' family. Really protective family," Hagrid said, looking a bit muddled in his thoughts. "She's go' an older sister, turnin' sixteen in a few days, and she's really protective. I set the poor thing off in tears 'cause she's only had a few hours with Emma. Yeh remember tha' girl tha' we met at the hospital? Yeh know, the one tha' was volunteerin' an' whatnot? Well, she's stayin' at the orphanage with her sister."
"Albus, come now. Can't we just help the poor girl out a little? We could teach her before the school year begins and she can take the same tests that the others did and then when she can go into her sixth year. Please? Please, Albus? She volunteers at St. Mungo's, Albus, that has to count for something!" McGonagall said, her eyes wide.
"I have already offered this to her, Minerva. I doubt that she'll agree to this now," Dumbledore said, sighing.
Hours later, Harry and Hermione were down in Hagrid's hut, setting up sleeping bags by the table. Hagrid was making a bottle for Emma over a burner. The baby sat in the bassinet that Maggie had borrowed him. Emma was hyper just then as she kicked her feet happily. Hermione stopped spreading out their sleeping bags and went and cooed at Emma for a while.
"Who's just a wittle baby boo? Emma is! Emma Wee Hagwid! Hagrid, can I hold her, please?" Hermione said, making the baby squeal.
"O' course, 'Mione, go righ' ahead," Hagrid said, looking over his shoulder for a minute. Hermione beamed and carefully lifted the little baby up into her arms, cooing frantically at the "darling angel baby girl," as Hermione had said. She walked back over by where Harry was straightening his sleeping bag, stepped on it, and sat down in one of the chairs.
"Hermione!" Harry said, glaring at her.
"Come here, Harry. Come look at the baby," Hermione said, completely oblivious to the fact that she'd ruined his work.
Harry sighed and sat down next to her. Emma opened her mouth to yawn. Harry had to admit that she was very cute. Harry gently stroked the baby's cheek. Emma began squealing and kicking.
"Hey now, cutie, don't get violent or else you'll be put to bed," Harry warned, chuckling.
"Poor tyke's probably jus' hungry. Come here, Emma, Hagrid's got yer bottle all ready fer yeh," Hagrid said, coming over with a bottle. Hagrid sat down next to Hermione and Harry and gently took Emma from Hermione. She squealed, upset about being moved so much. "I know, I know, Emmakins, here yeh are. Come on, now, don' fight the one who's feedin' yeh," he said, and gently nudged the bottle into her tiny mouth. Emma began to eat slowly and Hagrid beamed.
"Look at the li'l angel. She knows not teh rush or else she's goin' ter get a tummy ache. Such a smart li'l girl yeh are, Emma Lee," Hagrid cooed, looking incredibly proud.
"Aww, Hagrid! You're going to be a very good daddy and or mummy!" Harry said, trying to sound like Hermione. This worked and Hermione hit him while Hagrid laughed.
"Shut up, Harry," he laughed.
"Well you did say that you were Norbert's mummy, what? Isn't Emma good enough for you to be her mummy?" Harry teased. Emma began squirming and began to whine and Hagrid instantly pulled the bottle out of her mouth.
"Aww, whassamatter, Emma? Aren't yeh feelin' well, Baby? Hermione, wha's wrong, why's she cryin'?" Hagrid asked, beginning to worry as Emma began to sob softly.
"Dunno, Hagrid. Check her diaper," Hermione suggested. Hagrid gently leaned the crying infant against his chest and held her bottom with one hand while he pulled back on her diaper and peered inside.
"Nope, not even a bit wet. Oh, come on, Emma, stop cryin', please? Harry, do yeh think yeh could send an owl to Molly? I'm still not too good with this baby stuff yet," Hagrid said, gently bouncing her.
"Sure, Hagrid. C'mere, Hedwig," Harry said, and his snow-white owl flew to his arm.
"The writin' stuff is in tha' first drawer, Harry," Hagrid said as he and Hermione tried to quiet the small girl.
"Try patting her on the back. Very, very gently, Hagrid," Hermione said, looking concerned about Emma. Hagrid did this and also rubbed Emma's back.
This didn't help. From what Harry heard, Emma now had the hiccups. "Poor tyke. Hiccups and cryin'! Poor li'l thing," Hagrid cooed, gently bouncing her. Meanwhile, Harry quickly scribbled;
Dear Mrs. Weasley,
Hi, this is Harry. Hagrid's having a really rough time with Emma. She's started crying for no reason and now she's got the hiccups as well. Please come as soon as you can. Sorry for waking you up so late. Apologize to Mr. Weasley for me as well.
Please come quickly,
Harry
Harry quickly attached the letter to Hedwig's leg. "Take this to the Burrow as fast as you can, all right, Hedwig? Yeah, I know you don't like seeing Emma cry. Sooner you get this to Mrs. Weasley, the sooner Emma'll stop crying," Harry said to Hedwig before she flew out the window. Emma wasn't planning on stopping her crying any time soon.
"Here, 'Mione, hold Emma. I'm goin' ter sand down the corners on her - er - drawer," Hagrid said, handing Hermione Emma. She gently patted her bottom and cooed at her as Hagrid worked on Emma's crib.
"It's all right, angel, you're okay. Let me see your forehead for a moment, angel," Hermione cooed, and gently put her hand on the infant's forehead. "Oh, angel, you've got a bit of a temperature, kitten. It's probably just from your crying, huh, babes?"
About twenty minutes later, Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Weasley, Ron, and surprisingly Lupin and McGonagall and Dumbledore were knocking on Hagrid's door. Harry answered it and let them in. Hagrid was finishing putting blankets and cushiony things in the drawer. Emma was still crying and Hermione looked very stressed as she gently bounced the infant.
"Please, Emma, stop crying. Please, angel, Aunty 'Mione is getting quite tired," Hermione said, looking to be near tears herself. Mrs. Weasley hurried over and gently took the baby from Hermione. Ron went over and hugged Hermione.
"I know, 'Mione, I know. You tried. It's all right, precious," Ron cooed, gently rubbing her back. Mrs. Weasley was trying to calm the infant down.
"It's no use, Molly, she won't quiet. Poor li'l tyke's been cryin' fer 'bout a half hour now," Hagrid said, sighing.
"Oh, poor angel. Arthur, open my purse, I brought a baby thermometer," Mrs. Weasley said, making Harry cringe of the thought of poor Emma. Mrs. Weasley noticed this and smiled. "Under the arm, Harry, dear, I think that way's just too mean." Harry sighed relieved and Ron laughed at him. Mrs. Weasley undressed Emma from her pajamas a bit so her torso was exposed.
"Oh, someone's just kind of chilly, huh, Emma? Poor little thing looks pale," Mr. Weasley said, gently stroking her head after he had handed the thermometer to his wife. "I'll take her for you, Molly." Mrs. Weasley surrendered the baby and gently lifted the baby's tiny arm. Emma tried to pull away but couldn't, making her even more upset.
"Oh, I know, angel, I know. It doesn't hurt. See? There you go. Just try and hold your arm to your side, okay love? Okay? Okay. When did she start crying, Hagrid? Just after what?" Mrs. Weasley cooed at Emma, holding her arm to her side.
"Jus' as I was feedin' her. I tried the temperature meself, it wasn't too hot and not too cold. I did exactly as you and Maggie said," Hagrid said, looking very worried. After a minute or two of coddling towards Emma, Mrs. Weasley took out the thermometer. She tisked.
"Oh angel's near seven degrees below ninty-eight point six. I think we should take the poor angel to St. Mungo's. But maybe a quick warm bath would help her. If not, it would at least calm her down. And that would give me the chance to write to Maggie and tell her," she said, waving her wand so a small wash basin appeared on the table. She flicked her wand again and it began filling up with warm water. "Where's Emma's bath-time things?"
"Righ' here," Hagrid said, taking out the diaper bag and pulling out some baby soap and a soft washcloth. He opened his cupboard and pulled out a rubber duck, a toy sailboat, and a few plastic frogs and snakes. He began to undress Emma carefully, cooing at her all the while. He threw out the used diaper and gently held the naked baby in his arms, trying his best to keep her warm while Mrs. Weasley checked the water.
"Just a bit warmer so she'll warm right up," Mrs. Weasley said, flicking her wand again. A small fire appeared beneath the basin. A few minutes later, Mrs. Weasley flicked her wand again and the flame went out. She dipped her hand into the water and smiled. "Perfect for da tiny baby giwl." Hagrid went over and very gently placed the little girl in the tub. She looked shocked and her eyes went wide. She stopped crying and looked more curious than anything. Hagrid took out the baby propper upper thingy and slid it behind Emma. She reached over and tried to grab a frog that was floating nearby. Hagrid smiled and handed it to her. She instantly popped it into her mouth and Harry was glad that Hagrid had thought of getting big play toys. Even the snakes were too big to go into tiny Emma's mouth.
"Are yeh feelin' better, angel? Oh, I think yeh are. Yer lookin' happier. Yeh've gotten right back ter yer suckin' habit," Hagrid said, smiling at Emma. She looked up at him. "Look at those big green eyes. Yer such a pretty naked li'l baby," he said.
Ron walked over and leaned on the table, making Emma look over at him. He said slyly, "So, gorgeous, come here often?"
"Eeeeg!" Emma said happily, showing Ron her duck.
"Yes, that's a very lovely duck, Emma, but I want you, not your duck," Ron said.
"Urrrrg!" squealed Emma.
"Hyper little thing. You're so good with words, Emma," Ron said, winking at the baby. Emma sucked on her duck and watched Ron for a while until she got bored and reached for a snake, dropping her frog as well. "So that's it, huh? That's it for me and Mr. Frog? Well we have feelings too, Emma!" Ron said, pretending to be really hurt by this. She looked over again, the snake in her mouth and wide-eyed. "Caught you red-handed with another snake, eh? I guess it's really over then, Emma. You silly girl, what are you doing?" Emma was turning her head to the side very much and looking at them from the side.
Hagrid adjusted the cushion that Emma was leaning up against so she was up to her shoulders in the clear warm water. She yawned, and struggled to keep her eyes open.
"The sweet little dear. She looks quite warmed up. I think you can take her out now, Hagrid," Mrs. Weasley said fondly.
Hagrid carefully lifted the tired baby up out of the water and wrapped her in a towel. She yawned and snuggled up against him. He smiled. "Cute li'l thing. Why anyone would want ter give yeh up is beyond me. Too cute fer words, you are. An' now yer sick an' everything."
He carefully set her on the table and began to dry her off. Once he did, Hagrid wrapped the blanket around her and held her to keep Emma warm while he looked for pajamas. He pulled out a pair of minute yellow pajamas with feet in them. They had stitching on them that looking like two ducks on the chest. Little red ribbons had been placed at their necks.
"Oh, look at these, Emma. Footie-pajamas an' everything. Yeh don' even need socks. That'll be easier fer both o' us," Hagrid said. He gently set her down with one hand while he held onto the small pajamas. He sized them up to Emma.
"Well, they're still going to be rather big, but bigger is more comfortable, right, Emma?" Hermione said, smiling at the small infant. Emma "gooed" in response.
Hagrid began fixing her diaper, and Mrs. Weasley gently slid the thermometer under her arm. After about a minute, she looked at it and frowned. "It only brought her temperature up a degree. I think we'd better bring her to St. Mungo's just to be sure it's nothing serious," she said, and put the thermometer back into her purse.
Hagrid looked panicked. "Oh, I'm the worst parent in the hist'ry o' parents," he moaned.
"No, you're not, Hagrid. Unexpected things like these just sometimes happen. Get her bundled all up, Hagrid, I'll write Maggie while you do that," Mrs. Weasley said, gently patting his arm.
"I'll probably mess tha' up, too," Hagrid said sadly as he began to dress Emma in warm clothes and finally wrapped her in his moleskin coat.
"We'll have to Floo to the hospital. I don't want to go on that horrid Knight Bus. Poor baby got a bump on her head. Hagrid, Remus, Harry, and I will go. Arthur, Ron, Hermione, stay here in case we send an owl. If she has to spend the night or anything awful like that," Mrs. Weasley said decidedly.
"Right. Good luck," Hermione said, looking nervous.
Soon, the five were up at the castle and Flooed to St. Mungo's. As Harry stepped out of the fireplace, he heard Emma crying. Hagrid was frantically trying to calm her.
"Ssh, sweetie. It's only a little bit o' fire. It couldn' o' hurt. Aw, yer jus' a dizzy li'l thing, huh? There there, honey. Dad's right here," Hagrid said. He paused as the baby stopped crying and snuggled against his chest. He smiled. "I like the sound o' that. Dad. Suits me, I think."
Harry smiled. "I like that on you too, Hagrid," he said. He suddenly thought of something and smirked at Hagrid. "So Madam Maxime is going to be her mum, then?"
Hagrid instantly turned red. "Wha' - Wha' do yeh mean, Harry? Why'd she be Emma's mum if I was her dad?"
"Don't play dumb, Hagrid, everyone and their uncle knows that you fancy her and she fancies you. So, is she going to be the mum?" Ron said, sighing. Hagrid chuckled.
"Thought it wasn't all that obvious, but no. I think I'm jus' goin' ter be her dad and Madam Maxime can - don' tell her I said this - bu' she can go adopt her own li'l angel if she wants one. She already said tha' she's not goin' ter have babies, any. So I think Emma'll jus' be a li'l surprise."
They walked up to the Welcome Witch, who looked fairly old and motherly. "Uh oh, sick baby? All right, sir, go up to room two hundred and fifty-six and I'll send down a Healer. You have to fill out all of her information as well, but you can do that in the room," said the witch, handing Hagrid a clipboard. He looked worriedly down at it.
"Er - ma'am, I can' do this paperwork. Yeh see, she's jus' supposed teh stay with me fer tehnight b'fore I adopt her. Bu' the woman who took care o' her b'fore me is comin'," Hagrid said worriedly.
"All right, what's her name?" the witch said kindly, taking out a notepad.
"Maggie Hilts," Hagrid replied.
"Maggie … Hilts … room … two fifty-six. All right then, just go up to the room and I'll send her there when she get here, all right? Poor little darling," the witch said, looking at the very over-wrapped baby in Hagrid's arms. "Oh, it'd be a help if when you get up there, you could strip the poor little thing down to her diaper. You can wrap her in one of the blankets you've got there."
Soon they were in the room that the witch had said to go to. Hagrid was undressing Emma on the metal examining table that was in the room.
Emma was beginning to whine at the cold of the examining board. "I know, sweetheart, it's kind o' chilly, isn't it? Up we go, angel, back into ol' Hagrid's arms," Hagrid cooed, gently holding Emma close to his chest. He held her bottom in one hand while he rubbed her back with the other.
"I hope she's not very sick. Poor little darling. If she were to get sick and since she's only that big, then it's going to take the poor little sweetie to get better," Mrs. Weasley said, gently stroking the infant's cheek.
There was a gentle knock on the door and a man who looked to be in his mid-thirties entered with a clipboard. He had sandy-brown hair and a kind expression. "Hello all, and of course Miss Small. The crazy man who just entered would be Dr. Brownhill," he said, chuckling.
"Doctor? I'm not so sure she should see a doctor," Mrs. Weasley said as if it were something incompetent people did.
"Sorry, ma'am, but I would be the only one here that takes care of - er - basically everything. And I have been given some Healer training, if that helps. I specialize in obstetrics, gynecology, and neonatology. Come here, little angel," Dr. Brownhill said. He walked over and carefully took Emma from Hagrid. "Now, what's her name?" he asked.
"Emma," supplied Hagrid, who looked rather worried.
"Emma….?"
"Mead," he replied.
"Ah ha! Saw you just a couple days ago, didn't I, Emma? Such a smooth delivery and everything. Now, you're feeling a bit ill, pumpkin?" Dr. Brownhill said cheerily as he gently set Emma down on the examining table. He unwrapped her from the blanket, but left it on the board so she wouldn't get cold. She kicked her foot and wiggled as Dr. Brownhill picked her up.
"Her temperature was down about six degrees when we checked it a few minutes ago," Mrs. Weasley said, looking very worried.
"Easy, ma'am, it's probably just a little chill. Did she have anything cold by her?" Dr. Brownhill said, smiling reassuringly.
"Nope. She was drinkin' her bottle an' by the fire ter boot. Then she jus' stopped drinkin' and started cryin'," Hagrid sniffed. Emma gave Dr. Brownhill a very funny look.
"Well I know I'm not as pretty as you are to look at, Emma, but it's not very nice to make faces," he said, propping her against his chest. She reared her head back for a moment, and then sneezed, burying her face in Dr. Brownhill's shoulder. "Bwess you, Emma. And again. And once more. Hey, cut that sneezing' stuff out, Emma! Okay, now we're coughing. Was she like this much before?"