Seven Years Later...
Chapter 14
"Yep"
Author's Note: If you don't laugh at this chapter then you have some serious issues, cause we couldn't even keep from laughing as we wrote it...
Artimis stiffened as she awoke quickly. Images of green flame and spires of light filled her mind. She groaned as she felt that she was laying on the uncomfortable surface of a hospital bed.
"Crap, what am I doing here?" Artimis grouched, opening her eyes to extremely painful bright light.
"Artimis?" Draco was heard quickly rushing to her side, taking her hand. She turned to look at him and he smiled worriedly at her. Artimis turned to see Hailey step into her veiw.
"Well? Why am I in the hospital tent?" Artimis questioned and Hailey smiled at her while shaking her head.
"Well, the good news is that you're still pregnant, but the bad news is that you broke a few rubs and are bruised badly all over your chest. Odd area for the bruising, but its not spreading." Hailey informed her and Artimis rolled her eyes.
"Was there ever any doubt that I was pregnant. You know with the crying and the power and stuff..." Artimis questioned and Draco sighed at her, tracing her chin.
"When that boulder hit you in the stomach, we all thought the worst. Alexis lost it. She's better now, but she lost her damn mind and control. But I am just glad that you and our baby are ok." Draco spoke softly, still holding Artimis's hand and rubbing her knuckles. As Draco spoke, Artimis's mind flew back to an image of a large rock flying toward her. She remembered curling a moment before it hit, making it slam her full force in the chest above where she knew the baby to be, it knocking her breath from her. She shook her head to get rid of the image and looked at Draco softly, surprised at how caring he had become recently.
"Yes, we are both fine. I think. I'm not to sure about me, but the baby is ok. Hey, you know what I want?" Artimis asked after a moment.
"No, what?" He questioned already half standing to go get her whatever it was.
"Bacon. What time is it? Is too early for breakfast?" Artimis joked and Draco laughed at her, still holding her hand.
"No my love, its not too early for breakfast. I think Mum is already cooking." Draco chuckled at her as he helped her sit up. She turned her legs off the side of the bed and stretched her arms above her head, yawning loudly. Draco helped her her off the table just as a small body slammed into her, wrapping its arms around her and holding her tightly. Artimis gasped as the white haired woman nearly knocked her over. Draco put his hands behind her to stabilize her.
"You foolish person you! You scared the shit out of me. You are not allowed to fight anymore, you hear me, no more fighting." Alexis sobbed into Artimis's shoulder and Artimis wrapped her arms around her small friend.
"Huhs, I'm fine. Maybe I should start saying 'we' are fine. And I am still going to fight until every last deatheater bites the dust." Artimis informed her and Alexis backed up, glaring at her.
"You ignorant fool, you just almost lost your baby! You are in no condition to be taking on hordes of deatheaters!" Alexis told her in disbelief.
"God, Alexis. You are sounding like everyone else. I will fight, I have too many vows to keep not to fight And I will not raise a child in a world where people fear one man. He will perish or I will die trying." Artimis informed her short friend, who bowed her head in understanding.
"I too have vows, Artimis, you aren't just risking yours. I know that none of us can stop you, just please be careful." Alexis spoke, turning from Artimis and walking over towards a worried looking Ron.
"Me? Careful? I'm always careful." Artimis replied as Draco began to lead her out of the tent toward the Weasley tent for breakfast.
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Alxis weakly held onto Ron as he apparated them to the Manor's campsite. He halted, waiting to keep his balance, then started walking towards his tent as Draco rushed Artimis into the Medic tent, followed by several others. Alexis watched them in confusion, then looked up at Ron.
"Hold on. We're going that way."
Ron stopped, looking down at her with concern.
"But..."
"No. That way. To see if Artimis and the baby are alright. If not, I'll walk myself." Alexis stated calmly, making as if to let herself out of Ron's arms. He consented and turned towards the Medic tent, still holding Alexis, who nodded in approval.
They approached it as Hailey started pushing and shoving people out of the tent, glaring after them. Alexis stopped Ron, and he carefully set her on her feet. She swayed a bit, feeling dizzy. Ron steadied her and they both walked up to the Tent. Hailey saw them and stepped aside, letting Alexis and Ron enter without a word, watching Alexis a tad bit nervously. They both stopped in the doorway a bit, Hailey running over to Artimis's side.
Alexis saw Artimis waking, and breathed a sigh of relief. Listening to Hailey's diagnosis, she smiled widely, feeling much better. Beside her, Ron breathed easily again, smiling also. If anything serious had happened to Artimis and her unborn child, Alexis had a feeling that everyone would see exactly what losing full control meant.
As soon as Alexis saw Artimis sitting up and looking more oriented, she shrugged off Ron's hand on her shoulder and ran at Artimis, locking her in a bearhug as she trembled ever so slightly with relief. She felt Artimis almost fall back, but Draco prevented it.
"You foolish person you! You scared the shit out of me. You are not allowed to fight anymore, you hear me, no more fighting." Alexis sobbed out, finding it hard to catch her breath to speak. She felt Artimis sigh with exasperation, wrapping her arms around her comfortingly.
"Huhs, I'm fine. Maybe I should start saying 'we' are fine. And I am still going to fight until every last deatheater bites the dust." Artimis informed her and Alexis backed up, glaring at her.
Did she honestly not realize the danger she was putting herself and her child through? Alexis didn't think Artimis was that ignorant of the risks...
"You ignorant fool, you just almost lost your baby! You are in no condition to be taking on hordes of deatheaters!" Alexis told her in disbelief, trying to express her frustration for her best friend and soon to be niece or nephew.
"God, Alexis. You are sounding like everyone else. I will fight, I have too many vows to keep not to fight. And I will not raise a child in a world where people fear one man. He will perish or I will die trying." Artimis informed her, and Alexis looked at the ground momentarily. She knew how important vows were, having a few herself. She also knew that she would do anything it took to fulfill those, and knew Artimis was the same way. Alexis sighed, still wary. There was a slight exception in Artimis's case this time though...
"I too have vows, Artimis, you aren't just risking yours. I know that none of us can stop you, just please be careful." Alexis spoke finally, turning from Artimis wearily and walking over towards a worried looking Ron.
"Me? Careful? I'm always careful." Artimis replied, and Alexis couldn't help but let out a small sarcastic snicker. She watched Artimis with slight worry as Draco led her out of the tent to Molly's. Alexis shook her head, then winced with dizziness.
"Are you alright?" Ron asked urgently, scanning her carefully.
"Yeah... I guess. Little stunt took a lot out of me. Really tired... but right now, food is on the top of my list." Alexis replied, yawnig widely. Ron nodded, opening the tent flap and gesturing for Alexis to exit. He followed out close behind her, Alexis smirking slightly at how he hovered about her like a worried mother hen.
They walked towards Molly and Arthur's tent, the smell of food drifting twards them along with a shrill, upraised voice.
"I am so ashamed of you! Knocked unconciuos by a rock! Almost losing the baby! What were you thinking!" Molly's voice could be heard throughout the whole camp.
"But Mum, Nothin-" Artimis was heard protesting.
"But nothing! Arthur say something!" Molly shrieked and Arthur was heard stammering.
"Molly, hunny, calm down. Artimis, I do have to agree with my wife though. You are acting very irresponsible for an expecting mother, but Molly you must remember, Artimis is not your daughter. You can't just yell at her like she is." Arthur spoke and Alexis looked to Ron, wincing slightly.
They both peeked around the side of the tent, quietly walking in to stand in the doorway. Molly was standing in front of a slightly wilting Artimis, hands on hips and glaring sternly. Arthur stood practically between the two women, watching the both warily, and Draco stood slightly off to the side, hoping to remain unnoticed.
Alexis and Ron exchanged a look, Alexis whispering. "Um, I think we should leave now..."
"Yeah, I'll find something in my Kitchen..."
They both turned, ready to slink off.
"And YOU two! I've been meaning to talk to the both of you..." Molly's voice yelled, and Ron and Alexis both cringed slightly, turning to face the small woman a bit fearfully. Artimis glanced back at them, then at Molly who was watching them with narrowed eyes. A strange look came over her features, and she frowned at Molly, standing straight and putting one hand on her hip as she pointed the other at Molly.
"Now You listen here... you can rant and rave at me all you want about my foolishness and what not, but leave those two alone." She scolded, glaring at her. Molly's eyes widened, and she spoke with incredulity.
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me. You can meddle all you want with my love life. At least that's public. But theirs is secret and they don't need you interfering!" She growled back.
Alexis and Ron looked at each other, then Alexis nudged him, quickly leaving the tent as Ron immediately followed. They stopped in confusion as ten or so people crowded around the doorway, listening intently. They quickly backed away as the two walked out, acting as if they were going about their own business. Ron and Alexis shook their heads, walking away. Looking back momentarily, Alexis noticed all of them immediately flocked back to the tent entrance.
They hurried away from it, still hearing yelling as they quietly entered Ron's tent. He pulled out a chair for her, and she plopped into it wearily as Ron moved to his refrigerator. Rummaging through it, tongue between his teeth in thought, Alexis smirked at him. He looked so cute when he was flustered...
"Um... don't have too much... found a plate of Hot wings..."
"That's perfectly fine." Alexis hurriedly assured, and he smiled with relief. He pulled out the plate, setting in on the table and pulling out his wand. He warmed them up quickly, pulling a seat up next to Alexis this time instead of across from her. She smiled to herself, grabbing a wing from the plate as Ron did the same. They polished off the plate of chicken with content, Ron summoning two glasses of milk.
"All I have left..." He informed sheepishly.
Alexis smirked, summoning a bottle of chocolate syrup and pouring it generously into her glass. She offered it to him, and he took it gratefully, pouring some into his own glass. They toasted each other, downing the chocolate milk. They finished, leaving the dishes on the table for later. Alexis shook her head, trying to rid of her drowsiness as she stood, leaning on the chair for support. Ron stood slowly, watching her worriedly.
"I... I have to go lay down..." Alexis mumbled, eyes drooping slightly as she looked up at Ron tiredly.
"Well, let me help you..." Ron offered, moving around to her side. Alexis shook her head.
"No, I'm alright. I don't want you to get into any more trouble with your parents..." Alexis replied, moving as if to head towards the exit. Ron moved in front of her, looking down at her tenderly. He shook his head and spoke softly.
"That doesn't matter. All that matters is that you're alright and that I love you."
Alexis's eyes widened in surprise.
"Y, you... love me?" She spoke in an almost whisper, shining eyes locking with his, knees feeling weak, her vision going blurry. Ron gave her a smile, for once, not blushing. Alexis swallowed, a mixture of emotion swilring through her as she gazed at him. She swayed slightly, speaking softly.
"Oh... wow... Good night..." She murmured as she collapsed into Ron's waiting arms. He looked down at her in slight surprise.
"Lexy? You okay?... Alexis?" He spoke softly in her ear as he held her gently. She didn't stir. He shook his head in slight amusement, hoisting her into his arms and walking to the nearest peice of furniture, his Living room couch. He carefully laid her down, lifting her head gently and putting a pillow under it. He reached over on the edge of the couch and grabbed the light blanket, covering her as she slept.
He pulled up an armchair to the side of the couch beside Alexis's head. He sat in in comfortably in front of the warm fire, picking up a book from a coffee table. He leaned back with content, glancing over at Alexis once more with a tender smile, then turning to his book.
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Artimis let Draco lead her across the grass toward the Weasley's tent, the aroma of breakfast foods filling her nostrils and making her hungerier. Draco held the flap open for her and Artimis wlked in, seeing Molly Weasley turning toward the flap which she had just entered. Arthur sat at the table nursing a cup of coffee. Artimis smiled as she felt Draco walking up behind her.
"Hey mum. Breakfast ready?" Artimis asked cheerfully, feeling a warning flowing from Arthur. Molly turned to her and fixed her with a glare that meant a rant was coming.
"We need to talk." Molly stated, walking toward Artimis in the mother stride.
"Molly-" Arthur began as he got up and began walking to her side. Mrs. Weasley fixed him with a glare that made him stop in his tracks.
"Don't you Molly me. Artimis, I just heard about your accident." Molly spoke, turning her fiery gaze upon Artimis. Artimis cringed and Draco stepped off to the side.
"Should I leave?" He asked and Molly looked at him in anger.
"No, you stay right there." Molly declared, putting a hand on her hip and turning on Artimis.
"I am so ashamed of you! Knocked unconciuos by a rock! Almost losing the baby! What were you thinking!" Molly's voice vibrated of the tent walls as Artimis rolled her eyes at her.
"But Mum, Nothin-" Artimis began to protest, looking to Arthur for help.
"But nothing! Arthur say something!" Molly shrieked as she saw Artimis pitoeusly looking to Arthur and he began stammering, shaking his head.
"Molly, hunny, calm down. Artimis I do have to agree with my wife though. You are acting very irresponsible for an expecting mother, but Molly you must remember, Artimis is not your daughter. You can't just yell at her like she is." Arthur declared steping between Artimis and his wife, looking between the two woman cautiously. Artimis cringed slightly, not really liking to be critized right now. Artimis heard a whisper from behind her, noticing Alexis's voice and Artimis hoped Molly didn't see them. Then Ron's voice was heard a little louder and Artimis watched Molly turn her gaze upon them
Not now... Artimis thought as she listened to Molly yell at them.
"And YOU two! I've been meaning to talk to the both of you..." Molly's yelled, and Artimis watched as Ron and Alexis both cringe slightly, turning to face Mrs. Weasley a bit fearfully. Artimis glanced back at them, then gazed at Molly, seeing her watch the two of them with narrowed eyes.
The things I do for Alexis... Artimis thought as she drew herself up proudly, preparing to let loose on her step-in mother. She frowned at Molly, putting one of her hands on her hips as she lifted her hand to point in Molly's face. She knew she was going to pay for what she was about to say.
"Now You listen here... you can rant and rave at me all you want about my foolishness and what not, but leave those two alone." She scolded Mrs. Weasley, glaring at her in warning. Molly's eyes widened as she focused on Artimis and she spoke with incredulity.
"Excuse me?" Molly asked an insulted look upon her face.
"You heard me. You can meddle all you want with my love life. At least that's public. But theirs is secret and they don't need you interfering!" Artimis growled back, feeling the anger fill up in her. She heard Alexis and Ron's quick footsteps away and she listened as Molly yelled.
"I do not interfere!" Molly screeched and Artimis rolled her eyes.
"Right, as long as it's not Ron. I mean, god, Harry and Ginny could be getting it on behind your back and you wouldn't have a clue or care as long as you know what is going on in Ron's love life. Leave the poor guy alone." Artimis declared seeing disdain on Arthur and Molly's features. She knew that Arthur's was because he agreed and Molly was just true disdain. It took a moment for Artimis's words to sink in to Molly's head and she looked at Artimis.
"Harry and Ginny?" She questioned, stepping closer.
"I'm not speaking literally here. I'm just saying. Do you ever wonder why your son never had girlfriends? It's not that he's bad looking, it's cause he is afraid of you. Alexis and Ron deserve each other, they deserve happiness and somebody to love them. Don't bloody mess it up for them. Alexis has been through enough and that is probably why they are being cautious about what ever kind of relationship they have. It is not any of our jobs to nose in their business. Not yours as a mother or mine as a sister. Leave them alone!" Artimis declared, inhaling, knowing she had gotten a lot off of her chest and feeling much better. Molly just looked at her smuggly.
"You finished yet?" Molly asked in a daring tone and Artimis nodded her head. Molly moved aside and pointed to chair.
"You might wanna sit." She hissed and Artimis nodded, walking over toward the chair and sitting as Molly cornered her in the wooden seat.
"Now, you listen here YOUNG lady... I don't care how old you are or what you are about to become. You do not speak to me in such a manner. And you, you above all people, have no right to lecture me about my mothering of MY son. I am terrified for your children and what they could become with your idealisms on parenting. It is a parents job to know what thier kids are doing. The fact that you are pregnant frightens me, espcially since I doubt you will carry to term. And IF you do have the kid, then I am pertrified as to what kind of children you will bring up. You have no respect for the position that you or Draco or about to take on. It is a big job and neither one of you take it seriously. " Molly stated, hovering inches from Artimis's face. Artimis was enraged, hurt and upset, she was not going to take this one silently.
"How dare you! I will be a good mother! and I do know it is a big job. Just because I don't tell you every thing in my head doesn't mean I don't think of it. I know a parents job, I also know that it has finer lines as children grow older. And the thought that you would say I won't have this baby is... is... ludicris. I came here, wanting some food and maybe some comfort for the ordeal I just went through and what do I get. A lecture on how I am irresponible and going to be a bad mother. " Artimis choked on tears, feeling them beginning to stream down her face.
"Well , fucking excuse me for trying to make sure my world is a safe place to raise my kid by SAVING the world from that bastard Voldemort. I'm sorry if my planning is not Molly enough, so excuse me. I'll cook my own damn bacon and you can't have any." Artimis sobbed loudly, still yelling as she got up and stormed out of the tent, vaugely feeling that a ton of people had just flocked from this place. She witnessed several people just wandering around and she stormed off toward Ron's tent, still crying. She opened the flap and walked into the living room, feeling Alexis's presence. She witnessed Alexis under a blanket sleeping on the couch and Ron looked up at her.
"You two... OWE me..." She told him, tears still streaming down her face as she turned and stormed out, runnning into Severus as she bowled out of the tent. She looked at him and wrapped her arms around him, crying on him and startling him. He held his arms up and asked cautioiusly.
"Artimis, are you ok?" She heard him and she sobbed.
"No, nobody understands what I am going through, they all just keep yelling at me and telling me I'm doing it all wrong." She sobbed on his shoulder and he sighed.
"Well, I'm sure I'm no help. I don't even understand the words coming out of your mouth with all that crying and sobbing. Will you kindly let me go?" He questioned and she shook her head, looking up at him and glaring, backing away.
"Gee, thanks." She snarled as she stormed off. She stopped at a tent away and looked at him staring at her and she swept her hand out, knocking Serverus off of his feet with a wave of shadows knocking him over. She nodded her head in approval and stormed off toward the forest. She got to a tree and sat down, crossing her arms and pouting as she watched a dragon fly over head. She let the tears keep falling as she leaned aginst the tree, trying to figure her life out.
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Arthur and Draco stepped out of Arthur's tent, a cooler in Draco's hand. They walked over to the side of the tent and leaned back, Draco leaning down and pulling out two bottles of firewhiskey. He handed one to Arthur and they both opened them and leaned againt a wooden support. Arthur turned to Draco after downing a sip and rolled his eyes.
"So, how long till they talk again?" Arthur questioned and Draco shrugged.
"A day, Molly'll wanna know how the baby is." Draco replied, tipping back his bottle.
"Yeah, and Artimis can't resist the porkchops." Arthur joked and Draco laughed lightly as they both drank. They leaned there for a few moment, Arthur standing with his hand in his pocket and his beer in front of him as Draco leaned back with one arm crossed over his stomach as he held his beer up to his head scratching his head with the bottom. Remus walked up, looking exsaperated and smiled.
"Can I have one of those. I was just attacked by Severus, who was ranting about Artimis and crying." Remus questioned and Draco looked down at the cooler.
"Sure." Arthur replied and Remus grabbed a bottle, opening it and taking a long relaxing swig. He walked over and stood beside Arthur, leaning on the board and placing one hand on it for support. He took another swig and Arthur and Draco joined him.
"Artimis and Molly?" Remus asked and Arthur and Draco nodded. Remus shrugged and chuckled.
"Bound to happen sometime." Remus quiped and they all chuckled.
"Two hard headed women and a baby, bad combination." Arthur stated and they all nodded. Suddenly Severus swooped towards them with a look of exhaustion on his face.
"May I please have one of those? Artimis hugged me, cried on me, told me no one understood and then knocked me on my ass with her damn shadows. I need one." He stated and Draco gestured to the cooler and Severus walked towards it, leaning and getting his own bottle. He walked over to stand by Draco and opened it, gulping down a drink of the alcohol.
"So, looks like Artimis has stressed all of us out." Remus spoke and they all looked at him. Arthur looked up at the sky, watching a dragon fly over and stated lowly.
"Yep."
His 'yep' was echoed slowly by all three of the other men leaning on the fence. Draco looked at the men around him and realized he was the youngest there.
"God, Artimis and all of this pregnancy crap has made me feel like I've aged thirty years. I don't even feel old hanging out here with you guys." He spoke and Remus, Severus and Arthur all looked at him. Arthur was the first to speak.
"Pregnancy only gets worse. And I completely understand the aging thing." Arthur declared and Draco leaned back comfortably.
"Yep." He stated and there was another chorus of 'yeps' after him. The four men just leaned there, drinking beer, and watching as the sun rose slowly over the what seemed to be miles of tents around the most magical place in England, Stonehenge. The four of them rested in their drunken comaradarie on the wooden plank, every once and a while them chorusing another 'yep' to the silent dawn. This was the beginning of the first day of true rest for Manor Dela Loyality and the Weasley Family.