Seven Years Later...
Chapter 15
"The Calm Before The Storm"
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Draco lifted himself up off of the bench that the four men had relocated to and rubbed his head.
"I better go check on Artimis and hit the sack... yeah." Draco intoned to the three other men who were looking up at the sky with beers resting in their hands.
"Yep." They replied in unison and he shook his head, walking drunkenly to his tent, nearly falling once or twice. He entered the tent and heard no noise, no crying, no shower water, nothing.
"Hm... maybe she is asleep." He thought aloud as he sauntered to the bedroom, using the walls for support. He made it to the bedroom and noticed the bed still made from the morning before.
"Artttimissss... Where are you?" He called in a loud sing song voice. He stumbled back out of the tent and called out again. Hailey walked up to him and glared.
"You don't know where she is. She is pregnant, with your child, and you don't know where she is!" She yelled and he smiled at her slightly.
"Yep." He spoke and Hailey stormed off from him, mummbling about him being an irresponsible drunk. Draco walked around the back of the tent, every minute or so calling out in a sing song manner. He walked toward the trees and noticed a crumpled form under them.
"Artimis... Is that you?" He asked in his drunken singing tone. He approached slowly, noting Artimis curled up under a tree, tears stained on her cheek. He knelt down beside her, deciding to carry her to bed. He got his arms under her and tried to lift her, but found he didn't have the strength to do it at the moment.
"Help... Hailey... Somebody..." Draco sung out and Artimis rolled over to looked at him.
"Honey?" She asked and he looked down at her.
"Oh good, your up... 'cause I cant carry you." He sung and she shook her head.
"Are you drunk?" She questioned, sitting up and he shook his head at her.
"Nooooooooooo... I'm just not sober..." He replied and she shook her head as she stood, he tried to get up, but fell. Artimis sighed at him and helped him up walking him to the tent.
Hailey crossed their path and she smiled brightly.
"Artimis. Are you ok, where were you?" She asked and Artimis shook her head.
"Fine, Sleeping under a tree." Artimis replied tiredly.
"In this cold weather? Ekk you could have caught your death!" She shreeched and Artimis looked at her strangely.
"When did you sleep last?" She asked and Hailey shook her head.
"Since we left the Manor, I can't sleep, I'm the nurse." Hailey exclaimed and Artimis rolled her eyes.
"Go to bed." Artimis told her and Hailey began to shake her head.
"Don't argue. Go, or I'll call Aaron to make you." She threatened and Hailey sighed at her in submission.
"Alright, fine." She mumbled storming off and Draco let Artimis lead him to bed. She changed her clothes and he just plopped in bed, shoes and all. Artimis sighed and laid down, kissing him softly.
"I'll get about an hour more of sleep, you sleep too ok." She whispered and he smiled at her.
"Marry me?" He replied and she shook her head at him.
"God, you are drunk. Good night love." She replied as she rolled over and they both feel asleep contently.
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Ron yawned and stretched, pulling his arms back, his half finished book still in his hands. Outside, the morning sun rose higher into the clear baby blue sky, and Ron figured Alexis had slept for about four or five hours. Thinking that she must be hungry after the meager dinner the 'night' before, he decided to wake her and see if she wanted some breakfast. He rose from his chair, walking over and leaning down next to the couch. Alexis still remained deep asleep, unmoved since he had lain her there. He leaned over her, touching her cheek and softly speaking.
"Alexis... wake up, it's morning, almost afternoon. Are you hungry? ... Alexis?"
Alexis didn't stir, chest rising and falling steadily as she slept. Ron nudged her shoulder gently, trying to rouse her. Alexis didn't budge. He sighed, smiling tenderly as he looked her over. He then stood up, thinking.
Well, I can cook breakfast now I guess... she should be awake by the time I'm done... Ron thought to himself. He walked to his Kitchen, but halted before entering, just remembering that his fridge was empty. He frowned, but then came up with an idea.
Leaving his tent quietly, he sauntered over to Artimis's tent, entering it and glancing around cautiously. There was no movement nor sign of anyone, so he silently made his way to her Kitchen. Upon reaching it, he rubbed his chin in thought, wondering what he should 'borrow'. He walked over and rummaged through the fridge, pulling out a half dozen eggs and setting them on the dining table. He also grabbed a package of sausage, and what was left of a gallon of orange juice. He noticed some leftover ham, and decided that would add a nice touch as well. Seeing nothing else, he closed the fridge, scanning the Kitchen intently.
"Aha..." He spoke to himself, seeing a loaf of bread on a counter. He snatched that, gathering the rest of the food in his arms clumsily. He cautiously made his way out of the tent, hearing slight snoring from the bedroom.
He walked quickly back to his tent, entered the Kitchen and dumped all the items on his counter, surveying the load. He peeked around into the Living room, checking on Alexis. She was still fast asleep. He shrugged, walking back into the Kitchen. He started bringing out pots and pans, starting up his stove and frying up some eggs along with the sausage. He warmed up the ham, cutting it up and mixing it with the scrambled eggs. The tantalizing scents drifted through his tent, and he toasted a few slices of bread, summoning plates and utensils. He filled two plates, setting them neatly at the places at his table as he cleared of the dinner dishes. He filled two clean glasses with the cold orange juice, stepping back to survey his work. He nodded with satisfaction, quickly putting the rest of the food in his refrigerator. He walked back into the Living room, but surprisingly, Alexis hadn't budged from her spot. He approached her side, kneeling next to the couch and grabbing her small shoulder, shaking her gently.
"Lexy... Breakfast is done... with orange juice..."
No answer.
"Alexis? Food? ... Meat? ... hellloo..." He called to her, a little louder this time. She didn't make a sound or gave any sign of acknowledgment. He sat back on his heels, frowning slightly. He thought she would've at least smelled the food and be up by now...
On a whim, he checked her pulse on her delicate neck, finding it normal. He placed a palm on her forehead, but she was perfectly fine. Just out cold. He shook his head.
"Damn... stunt took a lot more out of her than we thought, I guess..." He spoke aloud to himself, watching Alexis carefully, the rythmic rise and fall of her chest the only indication of her being alive.
He stood up slowly, still looking down at her. He shook his head again, then walked back into the Kitchen. He picked up her plate and placed it in the fridge, taking his own and his drink with him into the Living room. He sat in his armchair and set his breakfast on his table, pulling it up to him. He ate silently, concerned gaze never leaving Alexis for too long.
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Severus, Remus and Arthur all sat on a wooden bench, Draco having left them earlier. They were quite relaxed, leaning back and watching the sky with beers resting in their hands in thier laps. There was a long comfortable silence when Arthur spoke.
"That cloud... looks like a dragon." He intoned, pointing to the sky with his beer hand, tipping the bottle back and drinking once more. Severus looked in that direction and chuckled at him.
"That is a dragon." Severus replied in a drunken voice, taking a sip of his own drink. The three were silent once more for a moment, then Arthur spoke again.
"That is not a dragon. It is a black cloud of nothingness, much like you, Severus." Arthur spoke seriously, his eyes out of focus and Severus laughed at him. Remus then looked over to Arthur with a drunken, amazed face and smiled.
"Dude, that is deep." Remus stated, drinking the last of his bottle and tossing it on the large pile of glass bottles.
"Yep." They all sighed and they leaned back watching the sky once more as the morning commenced quickly. Severus looked up at the sky and squinted in his stupor, pointing to the sky.
"That looks like a balloon. Where'd they get a balloon?" Severus spoke and Arthur looked to where he was pointing.
"I wanna balloon. A green one. And then I'd suck the helium and talk in a little voice." Arthur thought aloud, laughing to himself and his companinons all giggled with him. Yes giggled. After they contained the humor, Severus looked at him and smiled.
"I'd get you a balloon, but my ass ain't getting up." Severus slurred in improper english, a sure sign that he was intoxicated. Remus snickered and looked at Severus.
"You are so deep, dude." Remus stated in drunken admiration. Severus sighed and leaned back again, looking at the sky contentedly. The other men did the same and soon after. Remus and Arthur discarded their bottles all three fell fast asleep on the bench.
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Severus awoke mentally, feeling a large hangover coming on. He felt a body on his lap and another person's head leaning on his shoulder. His first thought was Artimis and Alexis, because anything that had to do with him getting drunk was usually their doing, and they loved falling asleep on him. He turned his head toward his shoulder and opened his eyes slowly. Instead of seeing Artimis or Alexis, he veiwed a sleeping, drooling Arthur Weasley. He backed away quickly, tossing Remus off of his lap onto the ground. Remus just snorted in his snoring and continued sleeping.
"WHAT THE HELL!" He yelled, his voice echoing as Arthur awoke to the movement of his pillow. Arthur sat up and looked at Severus, smiling.
"Artimis... fight... firewhiskey." He stated in a jumbled drunk mess and Severus shook his head, smelling the whiskey on his own breath. He saw the bottles and sighed.
"I'm going to bed." He mumbled, shakily getting to his feet. Arthur sat up on the bench and mumbled lowly.
"Yep." Arthur stated and Remus mumbled the same in his sleep. Severus, not knowing why, just started laughing and added his own 'yep' to the atmosphere. He shook his head as he walked to his pitch black tent, haphazardly making it to the tent flap. He made it to his bedroom in the tent and began walking to the bed. He got a few feet away and tripped on the rug, falling to the ground. He landed on his chest and coughed.
"Aw, screw it." He declared as he passed out on his floor right next to his bed.
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Arthur watched as Severus stumbled away and laughed, looking at the snoring Remus, who had curled up in the grass. Then he heard her. Molly Weasley was screaming his name. He rolled his eyes and laid down on the bench, closing his eyes. He heard her footfalls as she stomped towards him and stopped right in front of him.
"Arthur Weasley! You're drunk aren't you. You can't be doing this, you aren't a teenager anymore, and you can't go out drinking with your 'boys'. Get up damn it!" Molly screeched and he closed his eyes tighter as she took a breath.
"And you Remus, what kind of example are you showing Alexis! Drunk in the middle of camp! Both of you oaghta be ashamed of yourselves!" She yelled and Arthur opened his eyes and looked at his wife in his drunken stupor and sighed.
"Molly, honey... SHUT UP." He declared and he laid his head back down, falling asleep. Molly Weasley stepped back in affrontment and glared.
"Well, I never." She stated as she stormed off toward the Weasley Tent.
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Ron awoke comfortably, raising his head up. He was slouched in his armchair, and upon glancing at the clock, he saw that it was about four o clock. He yawned, guessing he had dozed off right after his breakfast. He sat up in his chair, turning to view Alexis. He frowned. She was still asleep, and still in the same position. She had been sleeping half the night and all day, without food or even a stretch. Ron stood, moving the empty plate from his lap onto the coffee table.
He kneeled next to Alexis, who had a small smile on her sleeping features.
"Alexis, you need to wake up..." He called to her, shaking her gently. She was oblivious to all though. He leaned down and kissed her cheek, speaking into her ear.
"Alexis, you're starting to worry me... wake up please." Still no answer.
He frowned deeply. He slid his hands behind her back and pulled her into a sitting position, moving to the couch beside her. Alexis hung limp in his arms, head resting against his shoulder. He shook her a bit more roughly, tapping her cheeks gently, trying to rouse her. No such luck. She was starting to scare him. Maybe something had happened to her last night when she had lost control, something he hadn't noticed. He scanned her face intently, thinking that he would have to get someone to make sure. He slid off the couch, laying Alexis back gently, where she lay there unmoving.
Ron quickly left his tent, looking about searchingly. No one was in sight, so he rushed over to Hailey's tent, sticking his head inside the tent opening. Hailey was asleep on her couch, looking exhausted. Well, she would have to catch up on her rest later...
He ran over to her, touching her shoulder gently. Hailey immediately awoke, looking around frantically. She saw Ron and relaxed, sitting up slowly.
"What's wrong Ron?" She asked quizzically.
"Think something's wrong with Alexis. She fell asleep last night, a little after getting back from last night's patrol, and hasn't budged since. Tried waking her, but nothing's working." He explained nervously. Hailey frowned with confusion, standing and leaving her tent, Ron following right behind.
He led her into his living room, gesturing to where Alexis still slept. Hailey walked up and kneeled next to her, scanning her over quickly. Ron hovered at her shoulder, watching her survey Alexis.
Hailey grabbed her wrist, checking her pulse and finding it steady. She felt her face, but she wasn't hot nor seemed to be running a fever. She pulled out her wand, mumbling a spell as she waved it over Alexis, stopping over her head. Ron watched anxiously, looking back and forth from Hailey to Alexis.
She stopped after a few minutes, putting her wand away and standing to her feet, looking down at Alexis. Ron backed up a step from her, asking quickly.
"Well? Is she alright?"
"I checked, and she's there mentally... but she's either ignoring you, or she's just exhausted." Hailey told him, looking up at him. Ron breathed a small sigh of relief.
"You are sure? She's been out a long time... when do you think she'll wake up?" Ron questioned with concern. Hailey furrowed her brow in thought.
"When did you say she fell asleep?"
"Almost right after we got back here last night." He informed.
"Well, she should be up in time for dinner then." Hailey told him, turning back to the doors.
"So, just let her sleep for now?" Ron asked, making absolutely sure.
"Yes. And if you'll excuse me, I'd like to get back to sleep now too... Artimis was right, I did need to sleep..." Hailey sighed, looking back at Alexis, then leaving Ron's tent. Ron watched her leave, then turned back to Alexis. He ran a hand through his tousled hair as he shook his head, gazing down at her tenderly. He leaned down and pulled the light blanket back over her, pulling his chair a little closer before plopping into it with his almost finished book once again.
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Artimis awoke comfortably, streching in her bed. She opened her eyes as she felt a little kick in her stomach, telling her that her child was not happy with her streching. Artimis chuckled and looked at Draco, who was still passed out in his clothes. She sighed and sat up, leaning over Draco and unbuttoning his shirt, slowly peeling it off of him. She pulled the covers over his legs, up to his chest and she smiled contently at him. She crawled out of bed, wondering if the owl was there yet. She walked out to her kitchen in her pajama's and looked at the clock, seeing it as five in the afternoon.
"What the? Guess we have night patrol." She shrugged. She was looking around, feeling an intense craving for something but not knowing what it was. Then she smelt an alluring aroma and she followed her nose. She walked out of her tent in sweats and a tee and followed her nose to Ron's tent. She knew she smelt ham. She wanted Ham. She entered the tent without knocking and headed for the sound of snores. She found Alexis sleeping on Ron's couch, covered up and very, very unconcious. Next to the couch was Ron, who was looking at her from a book and she smiled at him.
"Did you cook ham?" She asked and he looked at her oddly.
"Yes?" He replied and she smiled even brighter.
"Is there any left?" She questioned and he smirked, standing up.
"Yes?" He stated and she sighed.
"May I have some?" She asked him and he walked towards his kitchen.
"Sure. Gotta save Alexis's plate for her though." He mummbled as he opened his fridge and pulled out a covered container of scrambled eggs with Ham in it. He handed it to Artimis and she smiled at him. She held the bowl and pointed to the door.
"You care if I go eat this in my tent? I'll bring you back your bowl." She asked politely and he laughed.
"Go ahead, besides, that's the bowl I borrowed from you last summer at the lake." He stated and Artimis looked at it laughing.
"Oh, right. Thanks." She told him as she left his tent walking back to her own with glee. She looked to see Arthur sleeping on a bench with Remus on the ground next to him.
"Weird. Oh well..." She said as she went into her kitchen and grabbed a fork, sitting at the table. She pulled the wrap off the top and just dug in, not even bothering to heat it up. After she finished the whole bowl, and it wasn't a small bowl, she put it in her sink and walked back to her bedroom, feeling the need for another nap. She crawled under the covers next to Draco and he rolled over. She felt him wrap his arms around her and place a hand on her stomach. After a moment the baby kicked softly and she looked over her shoulder to see a slight smile pull over Draco's face as he sleepily buried his head in her hair. She relaxed comfortably and fell asleep, feeling slightly rested.
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Alexis drew in a long breath, awaking from the deep abyss of unconciousness. She shifted on a narrow couch, pushing off the light blanket and groaning softly.
"Man am I... hungry." She spoke aloud quietly, opening weary eyes to view Ron's face about a foot from hers. She gazed at him in confusion for a moment as he smiled with visible relief.
"Well, hello. Where'd you come from?" She asked quietly. Ron laughed, kneeling beside her as she scratched her head and yawned.
"Nice rest? You slept half the night and all day." Ron mused, helping Alexis into a sitting position.
"Whoa, that long? Guess I needed it..." She spoke with surprise, seeing that the room was slightly darkening with the coming of evening. She hung her feet over the edge of the couch, Ron sitting next to her, watching her carefully. She looked around curiously. Ron gazed at her wonderingly, the room quiet for a moment. Alexis then gazed over at him, and Ron asked on a whim.
"Um, do you remember last night Alexis?"
"Rememberrrr... what?" Alexis replied confusingly, eyes widening slightly with fear.
"What I told you last night." Ron answered, giving her a weird look. Alexis sighed dramatically, putting her hand over her face as she fell back against the couch.
"Oh thank God... I thought... we had... whoo, scared me there for a minute ..." Alexis sighed with relief. She looked under her hand, viewing Ron giving her a slightly offensive look.
"Oh come on! You don't honestly think I would do something like that to you while you were injured and incapable of remembering." He spoke gently but sternly. Alexis smiled sheepishly, shaking her head. She knew that Ron would never take advantage of her like that... how she knew, she would never guess, but, she knew.
Ron looked away for a moment, mumbling under his breath. "No, that's something I would make special..."
Alexis gazed at him oddly, not sure if she had actually caught that. "What?"
Ron looked up quickly, ears slightly turning red. "Um, nothing... nothing at all..."
Alexis smirked oddly "Well, um... ookaayy. But uh... what did you tell me then?" She asked again, more curious than ever.
Ron gazed at her silently for a moment, locking eyes with hers. Alexis shivered, not from cold, but from the rush of emotion and energy she felt from staring into his soulful blue eyes.
"I told you that... that I loved you." Ron replied in a tender voice, smiling at her.
Alexis's breath caught in her throat, and her eyes brightened oddly. "Y, you... said that to me? R, really? You love me?" Alexis whispered back, staring at him. Ron's smile merely widened, and Alexis knew it was true.
"Now you know... but, what about you? How do you feel about... me." Ron questioned quietly, gazing at her intently. Alexis swallowed nervously, unable to tear her eyes from his. She couldn't say that she needed time to think, she had had time since the day before they were called to fight. And she admit to herself, she did feel a lot for Ron... she actually did like like him... a lot... She sighed, still keeping eye contact with him as she finally made up her mind.
"Well, I think I love you too Ron. Yeah... I think I do..." She answered, and Ron's eyes widened happily. They gazed at each other, discreetly scooting a bit closer, the atmosphere charged with the emotion.
Ron spoke, sounding almost giddy. "Well... does that mean... that we're... together?"
Alexis smiled back tenderly, leaning in closer to him. She thought a moment, then replied softly. "Yeah, I guess we are."
Ron grinned, looking as if a weight had been lifted off his mind. Alexis felt oddly light too, heart fluttering wildly. They leaned in closer, gazing deep into each other's eyes. Suddenly there was a loud 'Ahem', and both of them slowly turned around on the couch, seeing Artimis step into the Living room.
"Hey you two. Good, you're awake. Molly wants us all, everyone, to join her in her tent for dinner in like, five minutes. Oh, and you two... OWE me..." She finished. She stopped, gazing at them oddly, then shook her head. She smirked, then quietly left them.
Ron and Alexis turned back around, smiling at each other. Finally, Ron sighed, making as if to rise from the couch.
"Well, we better be-"
He was cut off as Alexis pulled him back onto the couch, turning his head around and kissing him. He froze up in surprise, then relaxed, his hand traveling to caress her back as she wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing her back passionately.
She pulled back after a moment, and he gazed at her in slight surprise. Alexis smirked.
"What? Isn't that what couples are supposed to do?"
Ron opened his mouth to say something, but realized he had no comment. He closed his mouth and instead grinned widely. Alexis laughed, standing up and pulling at Ron's hand, making him stand as well. They walked hand in hand to the tent exit, but stopped before leaving. They looked at their locked hands, then back at each other.
"Um, maybe we should keep this quiet for a little while... till... things, settle down..." Alexis spoke quietly. Ron nodded, and they let go of each other, leaving the tent and walking towards the Weasleys', a foot or two of space between them to avoid 'talk'.
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There was a large amount of hustle in the cleared out dining room of the Weasley tent. Remarkably, Molly had managed to fit a large enough table for everyone to sit at. Molly bustled about, instructing people on where they were to sit at her table. The table was laden down with large amounts of enticing looking foods. Molly had Arthur sit to her one side, seeing as she sat at the head of the table and she had Ron on her other side. Next to Arthur was Remus, then Severus, then Draco and Artimis, Alexis, Fred, and finally Crabbe. Apollo sat at the other end of the table. On Apollo's other side was Hermione, George, then Goyle, then Harry and Ginny, then Hailey and Aaron, and then Ron brought up that end of the table. After everyone was seated Molly took her seat and smiled.
"Everyone WILL hold hands as Arthur says the blessing." Molly spoke and Severus looked at Remus and Draco, who shrugged at him as he took thier hands, fearing the small red-headed woman. Everyone bowed their heads as Arthur gave a nice long blessing and they all ended it with an echoing 'Amen'.
Artimis turned to Alexis, who was glancing across the table at a smirking Ron, and smiled.
"This feels like Thanksgiving... In July..." Artimis quipped and Alexis giggled lowly, rolling her eyes at Artimis. Artimis reached across the table and grabbed a porkchop, feeling eyes watching her. She looked up to see Molly glaring at her. Artimis took in a breath and went back to her food. Artimis went to eating her food and then she looked up to Molly.
"Mrs. Weasley, this food is excellent." Artimis spoke softly, trying to tide over the mood.
"Are you sure dear? I would think that you could find something wrong with the way I prepare it." Molly replied fixing Artimis with an icy glare. Artimis took a deep breath and Draco looked over and grabbed her hand gently.
"Not here love." He whispered to her and she nodded to him, going back to her food.
"What no smart alec reply?" Mrs. Weasley taunted Artimis, and Artimis focused on her food, ignoring the taunting. She ate without a word, her head down toward her plate. Artimis felt Alexis elbow her and she looked up to her friend, Alexis giving her a reassuring smile. Everyone else quietly began sidebar conversations, feeling the animosity between the two scary women. After about fifteen minutes, Molly spoke.
"So, Draco, do you and Artimis ever plan on getting married, or are you going to continue this shacked up thing." Molly asked and the whole table grew silent as all heads turned toward the pair. Draco went to speak but Artimis cut him off.
"That was out of line. My marital status is none of your business. I don't want to fight you tonight Molly, let's just call it a truce." Artimis replied, giving Molly a stern look which was returned.
"Molly, Honey, she's-" Arthur began and Molly turned on him.
"Oh, Arthur, just Shut Up." She emphasized as she turned back to Artimis. Artimis felt a growing anger, one she fought to control. Severus must have sensed it, because he turned and looked to Artimis with a stern look.
"Artimis, calm down." He demanded and she grew angrier, feeling sparks of shadow snap out of her skin. Draco held her hand tighter and looked at her softly.
"Dear, it's not good for the baby." He told her and Artimis looked at him and nodded.
"Oh, and fighting is?" Molly demanded and Artimis stood up quickly, the shadows forming around her as her eyes went black. She pushed her chair back and looked at Molly as her hair snapped.
"Molly, don't push me any farther. Wait, I won't give you the chance. I'm leaving." Artimis declared as she turned and stormed out of the tent in wild fury. Everyone watched behind her and then turned back to the stunned Molly.
"What... What did she just do?" Molly asked in amazement and Severus shook her head.
"Pregnancy side effect... She has a power..." Remus spoke as Draco stormed out of the tent after Artimis.
"Oh... dear..." Molly spoke, going back to her food quietly. Suddenly Arthur began chuckling as he looked at a blushing Ron, who was looking across the table happily at Alexis, whom was grinning slyly. Arthur turned to Severus and Remus and at the same time all three echoed.
"Yep."
Everyone looked at them like they were insane and they just laughed, going back to their food. Ron and Alexis looked at them like they were fruitloops and went back to eating, slyly looking at each other from across the table. Everyone finished thier meal in silence and they all left when they were finished, all worried about what had conspired and how big of rift it had made.
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Artimis rushed into her tent, having calmed herself down to the point that the shadows were gone, but the tears had come on. She sat on the floor in the middle of the hallway, crying, when Draco came in. Suddnely she felt strong arms around her shoulders and Draco was kneeling behind her, hugging her tightly.
"Don't you listen to her. I love you, that's all that matters. " Draco whispered and Artimis nodded, feeling comforted by the strong arms holding her in place.
"Come on, stand up." He told her as he put his arms under her and lifted her. She stood and turned, burying her face in his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close.
"You know I love you right." He spoke softly and she nodded in his shoulder. She felt him inhale deeply and kiss her head.
"I've been want to say this for a long time, but I never thought I could. I love you, I have always loved you. And I love you even more now that we know we will be parents. But that is not why I am saying this." He told her and she stayed in his arms. She held him closer, feeling a deep moment coming on.
"Artimis. Will you, If you want to... And I am not asking this because of the baby and definitely not because of what just went on, but would you..." He spoke as a loud worried voice entered the tent flap.
"Artimis! Are you ok? You almost lost it in there... oh, sorry..." Alexis was heard as Artimis drew back from Draco, tears on her cheek. She looked up at Alexis and smiled.
"I'm fine. Draco is taking care of me. Now what was it you wanted to say to me dear." She asked looking up at him with a smile. She looked in his eyes and saw disappointement.
"Nothing, never mind. I forgot." He told her and she had a feeling he was lying to her. Alexis smiled and gracefully bowed out of the tent and Artimis drew away from him.
"Oh, alright dear.When you remember, you can tell me. I am going to sleep. Are you coming." She asked him as she headed to the back bedroom. He nodded and smiled.
"Ok, dear. Be there in a minute." He told her and she went to bed and curled up in it. Draco stayed behind in the kitchen, pacing, hitting himself in the head.
"How bloody hard is it to say 'Will you marry me?' God." He growled as he shook his head and headed toward the bedroom Artimis just entered. He crawled in the bed behind her and wrapped her in his arms. She sighed contently and snuggled to him.
"I love you Draco." She told him and he smiled.
"I love you too." He whispered to her as she drifted off to sleep, knowing that Draco had something on his chest he needed to get of and tomorrow she would get it out of him.
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After a rather uncomfortable dinner at the Weasley tent, Alexis quietly excused herself from the table, glancing over at Ron. He smiled smally and nodded, and Alexis left the tent, waiting outside the entrance. After a moment, Ron sauntered out, meeting Alexis outside. They smiled at each other, and Ron asked.
"Um... you, wanna go sit with me for a while back at my tent?"
Alexis shook her head. "No. First I have to check on Artimis."
Ron nodded, and Alexis added. "Walk with me?"
Ron smiled, and Alexis nodded, starting off towards Artimis and Draco's tent with Ron in tow. They approached it, and Alexis turned to Ron, halting him.
"Wait out here for a moment. I'll be right back." She told him, wanting to prevent any questions. Ron smirked and nodded. Alexis smiled gratefully, hearing whispers from within the tent. Cocking her head with curiosity, she thought to herself.
To barge in or... Barge in.
She resolved quite quickly, entering the tent, looking slightly concerned for her friend.
"Artimis! Are you ok? You almost lost it in there... oh, sorry..." She started, but immediately trailed off at the scene before her. Artimis stood in the middle of the hall, locked in Draco's arms. He was whispering into her ear as she buried her head into his shoulder. Upon hearing Alexis, Draco shut his mouth abruptly, and Artimis looked up at her friend, tears stained on her pale cheeks and with slightly reddened eyes. Alexis knew she had just interupted something deep, but it couldn't be reversed now. Artimis smiled smally and replied.
"I'm fine. Draco is taking care of me. Now what was it you wanted to say to me dear." Artimis turned to Draco expectantly, but Draco lamely ended that he forgot. At least knowing that she was taken care of by Draco, Alexis decided it was best that she leave so Artimis and he could have their own bubble space. She gave a parting smile and quietly exited the tent, letting out a dramatic sigh.
Ron stepped up to her, gazing down at her. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah, she's being cared for."
"That's good... so, still want to go sit in my tent?" He questioned hopefully.
Alexis smiled apologetically as she replied. "I would, but I'm still kind out worn out. I think it would be a good idea if I went to bed. Would be good if you got some sleep too."
Ron nodded, seeing her point. "Alright. But I'll walk you to your tent."
Alexis smiled and nodded, both walking away, slightly touching shoulders. They entered into the front room of Alexis's suite/arsenal tent, stopping in the weapon crowded Living room.
Alexis was stopped as Ron grabbed her arm, pulling her around in front of him. She gazed up at him, emerald eyes shimmering like jewels as Ron gazed into them, entranced. She gave him a slightly confused smile, and he smiled back, leaning down and kissing her softly. Alexis's eyes fluttered close as she wrapped her arms behind his back as he did the same, standing there in a loose embrace as they kissed. Ron felt her heart beating quickly against his chest, his going at pretty much the same pace. Alexis pulled away, looking up at him giddily and grinning as Ron gazed back longingly.
"Why'd we stop in here?"
Ron was silent for a moment, then spoke softly. "I can't go back there into your room... y, you understand, right?"
Alexis replied a bit oddly, kind of catching his point. "I think so..."
"I don't want be a fool and do something stupid in my excitement..." He replied quietly, and Alexis understood his meaning. She nodded gratefully, and he nodded back.
"Well, good night Alexis." He spoke tenderly.
"Night Ron." She also said, smiling as he kissed the top of her head. They parted, Ron's hand lingering on Alexis's for a moment longer as he gazed at her in pure happiness. She smiled as he let go, quietly leaving her tent.
Alexis sighed with blissfullness, waltzing happily back to her room, grabbing a tank top and some pajama bottoms and skipping into her bathroom to take a quick hot shower. The hot water made her even more drowsy, and she immediately plopped onto her bed as soon as she got out.
She lay sprawled across her bed, gazing up at the canvas roof, watching shadows lazily move across it. But, even with how tired she felt, Alexis didn't fall asleep. She lay staring up at the 'ceiling', thoughts and voices buzzing through her restless mind. She soon picked out that most were all tips and quotes that had to deal with the guy population, and also recognized most being from Artimis's own mouth.
Over the course of the next three hours, Alexis lay there uncomfortably, constantly hearing Artimis's voice dishing out warnings and hints on what she should do in a certain guy predicament. And no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't make them go away. She tossed and turned, fighting to go to sleep, her mind buzzing, unmercilessly keeping her from sleep. Finally she just sat up, white hair a tousled mess, eyes slightly unfocused with exhaustion. She growled aloud to herself.
"Damnit! Why can't you just leave me the bloody hell alone? Even in sleep you manage to find a way to bug the hell out of me!"
She sat there for a moment, pouting, realizing it must be around one in the morning. Suddenly, a thought bubbled up through the constant buzz in her mind, a theory of Artimis's that Alexis had never been able to prove wrong or right.
"Any time you crawl in bed with a guy, they will automatically wrap their arms arund you, no matter what."
Now, this bugged the hell out of Alexis for over the course of the next fifteen minutes as she sat there in her messy bed, pondering if Artimis was actually right or not. Her eyes widened suddenly at a thought. She could very well test that theory, if she really wanted to...
But then again, she would probably wake him, causing many awkward silences and stammering explanations that she wasn't in the mood for. But she remembered how deep a sleeper Ron could be... that had already been tested, of course, by the Twins.
Alexis sighed to herself, rubbing her temples. She finally dropped her hands, speaking aloud to herself.
"And why not? I'm allowed to... I'm a grown woman, and he's my... boyfriend... whoa, that sounded... different."
Alexis finished quietly to herself. She shook her head, knowing this damn theory of Artimis's would nag at her until Alexis actually proved her right or wrong. So, she made up her mind and quietly slid out of bed, silently leaving her eerily empty-feeling tent and sneakily making her way towards Ron's.
It was just as dark in his, and Alexis was careful not to make any noise as she made her way to Ron's room. She stopped in the doorway, making out Ron's sleeping form sprawled across his bed, snoring slightly. He was clothed only in his boxers, laying atop his blankets.
Her eyes adjusted, and she sidled up a bit closer to the side of his bed, standing beside it and looking down at him tenderly, smiling. He looked so calm and happy... almost without a care in the world.
Alexis whispered quietly to herself, smiling. "Aw... he looks so cute when he's sleeping..."
He drew in a deep breath, shifting slightly, creating a small space open beside him. Alexis smirked, looking behind her towards the door in a paranoid manner, then around the room in a quick scan. Eased by her survey, she shrugged, crawling onto his bed slowly and laying down, snuggling close to his chest. She stiffened as he shifted again in sleep, cuddling against her, and instinctively wrapping his arms around her waist. Alexis relaxed, smiling widely.
Damn... Artimis was right... Alexis thought to herself. She relaxed in his embrace, grinning as her eyes drooped tiredly. This was different... comfortable... but, different. But he was so warm and cuddly... She snuggled int him, shifting to get situated.
I think I can get use to this...
She thought as she happily drifted into sleep, held protectively in Ron's arms.
Deep Shadows: Waves Hey guys, There is a lot going on...
EckoStalker: Yeah, with all the love, the emotion, and Severus being nice... Shocked look on face
Severus: SnarlsI was not being nice! I was drunk...
Remus: They got you admit it. Laughs.
Severus: Never. I am going to see Dogedoos, maybe she is better that the two of you...Dramatic exit
EckoStalker: Rolls eyes Drama Queen... Anyways
Deep Shadows: You guys fight like children. Oh,I have a recomendatino to make.
EckoStalker: Here we go. Puts hand on forehead.
Deep Shadows: For those of you who have not read it, you need to locate and read "Not Only A Granger" By FerPotter on
EckoStalker: The story isafter HPB, so there are spoilers.
Deep Shadows:Yes, so for now, we bid you ado.
EckoStalker: Yeah, Go, review!Toodles.