Seven Years Later...
Chapter 19
"Proposals, Predictions, and Premonitions"
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Author's Note: This a really trippy chapter, and you mayhae no clue what is going on, but keep reading, cause it all gets explained... In another chapter...
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Alexis came back to her senses, hearing loud cheering and many pained screams. She opened her eyes, growing dizzy with the bombardment of colors. Everything seemed a bit off color, but she didn't want to think about that, in fact, thinking about anything hurt. Gazing upwards, Ron's familiarly concerned face swam into view, blue eyes imploring. She smirked, his hair seeming to be turned a bright shade of violet.
"Thank goodness, you're awake... Lexy? You alright?" Ron questioned, seeing her amused expression. Alexis laughed softly, replying in a slightly slurred voice. "Oh, I'm okay.. but you're hair... it turned violet. Did Fred and George get to you again?"
Ron cocked his head in confused worry. Last time he checked his hair was still red... he shook his head, helping Alexis to a sitting position. Her vision swam some more, her head aching something fierce. She clearly remembered the stupid rock that had bloodied her head, and made it a mission to go find that damnable rock...
She gazed around, seeing most all deatheaters on their knees, clutching their arms in pain. That only meant one thing. "Hey! Did I miss Voldemort getting his ass kicked? DAMN! That really sucks..." She grumbled to herself, seeing Harry Potter passed out cold a few feet away from a very dead looking Dark Lord. Alexis sighed to herself, closing her eyes for a brief moment as she drank in this moment. Voldemort was dead... her vow required no more of her...
She felt Ron's arms lifting her to her feet, and she swayed slightly, dizzily looking up at him with gratitude, still snickering about his oddly colored hair. She looked around, pinpointing Artimis helping Severus to his feet. She saw the werewolf running up beside them, trembling as he came to a stop. Alexis watched in curiosity, wondering how his once grayish fur had turned green. She watched the change overtake him once more, restoring Remus back to his human form, pale and gasping for breath. Alexis's gaze traveled to Artimis, and Artimis gazed back wearily, smiling tenderly at her friend.
But before Alexis could even smile back, she froze in place, trembling slightly, her emerald eyes wide with confusion as she went rigid.
Bloody hell, what now! Can't I ever have a break... Alexis thought to herself gloomily as she lost control of her body, head throbbing painfully.
Severus, who stood beside Artimis, was staring at Alexis with bewilderment. Lupin staggered up beside him, also watching with concern. Feeling the vibe, the rest of the Aurors and fighters present turned to see what was the matter.
Alexis stood ramrod straight, staring straight ahead at something beyond anyone else's vision with an intense gaze, Ron letting her go and backing up a step in confusion.
"Alexis? What the bloody hell is wrong with you!" Artimis asked in amazement, stepping up and moving in front of her friend and waving her hand in front of her face.
She watched as Alexis's eyes pooled over in a solid shade of bright green, her body giving off a faint glow. A powerful surge of energy flared out from her, knocking Artimis back a few feet to the ground. Everyone watched in fearful amazement as Alexis spoke in a deep echoing voice not her own that carried out over the field.
"The death of the Dark One brings forth mirthful tidings,
Peace shall be returned to those once burdened by misgivings.
Fellowships will be forged by the most unlikely of persons,
pacts strengthened and renewed in reply to past reasons.
As Unions of the Daughters prevail,
Then shall the Secrets of the Mothers be revealed.
Stories long held secret by two will be presented,
Stories that will bring truth, that may even later be resented.
Dreams made with vain desires will yet surprise their beholders,
and obstacles will be triumphed over that once seemed as unmovable as boulders.
All shall be pieced together as one,
once all these deeds are done."
Alexis stopped speaking, still staring straight ahead as everyone gaped at her sudden and riddle-like predictions. Artimis stepped towards her warily, and Alexis's head slumped forward, her white hair falling to cover her face. Artimis stopped when Alexis went rigid again, bringing her head up slowly. Her body relaxed, but took on a graceful and proud stance, and when those near enough looked, they saw that Alexis's once green eyes were now a sparkling blue, only a shade lighter than Artimis's own. She smiled, a smile uncharacteristic of Alexis, and spoke in a deep feminine voice immediately recognized by several.
"My love, I am so very proud of you..."
Artimis's breath hitched in her throat as she stated in confusion, a second voice joined hers in the form of Apollo's.
"M... mother?"
Severus's eyes widened, meeting the blue eyed gaze he knew and remembered well. He received the feeling that those words were directed at him. He spoke in a quiet, pained voice never heard from him before. "Miranda..."
Artimis looked behind herself at Severus in wonderment, wondering why the hell he seemed so emotional, it was her mother!
Alexis, Miranda, smiled tenderly at Severus, nodding her head, then looking lovingly to Artimis. But before Artimis could take a step towards her, Alexis's head slumped forward once more, her body losing it's proud posture. Artimis stopped in genuine befuddlement.
Alexis shook her head roughly, then raised it once again, this time her posture more like her own, but a bit more feminine and teasing. Looking at her eyes, the people saw that they had now changed to a soft shade of lavender.
Lupin's eyes widened as the gaze turned to him, and tears welled in his eyes as a soft voice toned with a familiar hint of mischief spoke.
"Thank you... you have done a fine job with her..."
Lupin choked out with amazement. "Vanessa..."
Artimis's gaze shot from Alexis to Lupin several times before she stammered.
"Vanessa?... you mean Alexis's mother? But...how do you... and she said... b, but you know her, though she's a muggle... and you're a wizard... Ahh! What's going on here?" Artimis yelled in frustration. Severus looked at Remus, who was staring at Alexis with a mixture of emotion on his face. Remus looked back at him, and a knowing glance passed between them.
Alexis, or Vanessa, smirked at them, then Alexis's head slumped over once again, eyes fluttering closed.
Looking at each other once more, Lupin and Severus both ran forward as Alexis began to sway, her knees giving way. They both reached her as she collapsed, and they lowered her gently to the ground, kneeling with her. But upon touching her, a surge of magic coursed through them, making them tremble. Their vision of the battlefield around them melted away, being replaced with another vision.
They were curiously in Manor Dela Loyalty, and both had bodies. They looked at each other strangely, looking ahead into the Foyer, seeing a small woman standing in front of the far wall by the fireplace, curious gaze studying a large moving picture.
They walked forward, recognizing the woman as Alexis. She looked at them a bit oddly, then gazed back up at the long picture. They also looked.
It was the Family portrait of all the occupants in the Manor, Severus remembered it when he had first arrived at the Manor. But, it had been enlarged. Looking closely, they viewed not only the house's current occupants, but several new editions and new positions. Artimis cradled a small blonde haired child in her arms. Draco stood beside her, with one arm around her waist, the other resting on the shoulder of an older girl child with jet black hair. An odd scene was in the form of Severus kneeling on one knee beside the girl, an arm around her back, one the girl's small arms wrapped around his neck. And he was actually, kind of, smirking.
Alexis stood a few feet from them in the picture, smiling as she hugged a small boy with bright red hair and dazzling green eyes in her arms, Ron standing beside her with his arm around her shoulders, grinning crazily. Remus stood behind them both, smiling proudly, head held high.
Ginny Weasley stood beside Harry, both holding hands, gazing at each other tenderly. The Weasley Twins, naturally, had each other in a headlock as they struggled to gain control over the other. Aaron and Hailey stood together, Hailey wrapped in Aaron's strong arms as she blushed slightly. Hermione stood close to a tall, lanky fellow with glasses of which no one had a clue whom he was, but the three immediately feeling a deep annoyance to him. Crabbe and Goyle stood like sentinels at one end of the group, absolutely no emotion on their faces.
Severus and Remus gazed at each other in genuine bewilderment, then both looked down at Alexis in wonder. She stared at the picture, shaking her head as she smiled with amusement. She spoke without looking at them. "Hmm...is it just me, or does Snape's nose look a bit longer than usual?"
But before either of the Professors could reply, the vision of the picture and the Manor swirled and melted out of sight, their vision once again being replaced with the present day battlefield. They breathed heavily, still holding on to each of Alexis's arms. Ron was kneeling beside them, trying to pry their hands from her, Artimis standing behind him, gazing at the Professors oddly and with a bit of concern. They shook their heads and quickly let go of Alexis, looking down at her in amazement. Ron moved her head to his lap with concern, smoothing the hair out of her face.
"Alexis... are you okay? Lexy, please wake up... come on..." He urged her, shaking her gently. Alexis swallowed painfully, opening her eyes tiredly and gazing up at him with confusion.
"W, here... how... what just h, happened? Who drugged me this time? If they didn't, can they?" She asked quietly with a sore and dry throat, head aching to the point of making her nauseous. Ron smiled down at her with relief. He looked up at Artimis, who was staring down at Alexis with awe. Alexis watched as Draco walked up behind Artimis and Alexis smirked, rolling her head over to look at Lupin.
"I... I want Pizza. Meat lover's Pizza..." Alexis mumbled and Remus smiled, turning to look at Artimis and Draco.
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Artimis watched the odd scene that unfolded as Alexis gave her prediction. Artimis knew what it was she had spent enough time with the old bat Trelawny to know what it was. Artimis listened to the riddle, trying to put the pieces together. When Alexis finished speaking, Artimis drew toward her but stopped, watching Alexis drop her head forward. Then when Alexis looked up, Artimis froze.
The eyes that looked back at her were not her companion's green eyes, but the unmistakable eyes of her mother. Artimis was confused and awe struck when Alexis spoke in her mother's soft gentle voice.
"My love, I am so very proud of you..." Artimis heard the voice say and Artimis drew in a breath, knowing that her mother had somehow possessed Alexis. Artimis's breath hitched in her throat as she whispered in confusion, a second voice joined hers in the form of Apollo's.
"M... mother?" Artimis called out and Artimis noticed that Alexis wasn't really looking at her, but past her. Artimis turned around to see Severus, his eyes locked with Alexis's... well, Miranda's.
"Miranda..." She heard Severus choke out in a pained voice, one she had never heard from him before.
What the hell... Why is he so damn emotional... She thought as she turned around to see Alexis turning her head toward Artimis. But then Alexis's head slumped forward again and Artimis watched in wonder.
Alexis lifted her head once again and Artimis viewed eyes she had never seen before, tender lavender eyes. Then a smooth soft voice with a hint of playfulness emitted from Alexis and Artimis knew in an instant who it was, but what confirmed it wasn't what she expected. "Thank you... you have done a fine job with her..."
Lupin choked out with amazement. "Vanessa..." and Artimis turned her head quickly to him and then to the nodding Vanessa/Alexis and then back to Remus in confusion as she stammered.
"Vanessa?... you mean Alexis's mother? But...how do you... and she said... b, but you know her, though she's a muggle... and you're a wizard... Ahh! What's going on here?" Artimis yelled, rubbing some blood from her forehead as she rubbed it in frustration. Artimis turned back as Alexis slumped forward again, this time looking like she was going down. Before Artimis could move, or even Ron, Remus and Severus were at her side, letting her down to the ground. But once they landed all three of them went rigid and Artimis felt a wave of some kind of magic block her from Alexis completely. Artimis quickly moved to beside Alexis as she watched Ron try to get Severus's hand off of Alexis, but they were latched on and not letting go. After a second both Remus and Severus shook their heads, looking at each other in confusion and shock and then down to the passed out Alexis. Artimis looked at all three of them, feeling the powerful magic that had blocked her from Alexis subside. Artimis heard Ron frantically trying to wake Alexis up.
"Alexis... are you okay? Lexy, please wake up... come on..." He urged her, shaking her gently. Artimis watched as Alexis swallowed painfully, opening her eyes tiredly and gazing up at Ron with utter confusion, another sign of a true prediction. Alexis looked around and spoke once again in a pained voice.
"W, here... how... what just h, happened? Who drugged me this time? If they didn't, can they?" She asked quietly with a sore and dry throat. Artimis could feel a dull pounding coming from Alexis, letting her know that Alexis was paying for her power she had just wielded. Artimis looked as Ron looked up at her and Artimis just looked at Alexis in utter amazement.
How did she do it?... She has never ever shown signs of the gift... Artimis thought as she felt Draco touch her shoulder. She looked down at Alexis one final time and then turned around to be kissed quickly by Draco. Artimis backed away after he released her and she smiled at him.
"Artimis, I love and right now, I don't care who is here." She heard him say as he dropped to one knee, holding her hand gently as he reaching in his pocket.
"Artimis Marietta Callabella, will you marry me?" He spoke and Artimis froze. Her breath stopped as she looked down at him in utter surprise. She saw him searching her eyes and she began to cry.
"Yes..." She whispered though her tears and he smiled at her, slipping a golden band on her finger that had diamonds and emeralds on it. He stood up and kissed her deeply and there was a large amount of clapping. He let her go and she was still crying and she looked at him.
"I love you, but you have some, well, odd timing..." Artimis spoke and Draco laughed, backing away from her a bit.
"Timing... I've been trying all week to get you alone! Every moment we have alone, one of those buffoons interrupted. First, Hailey and the dying guy, then Remus with the owls, then Alexis after dinner and then today, Apollo with his worry. You are one hard person to get alone, so I gave up." He joked and the four people he mentioned looked at each other and blushed. Artimis smiled and looked at Alexis, who was sitting stiffly, looking at Artimis with the smirk. Artimis felt Draco wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her close to him.
She smiled at him and then Harry's delusional voice was heard from the hill by the body of Voldemort. Artimis turned her head to see Harry holding Voldemort's hand and singing "This is BOB. BOB says Hi. BOB can swim. BOB can fly. YAY for BOB. Oh no, BOB's dead. YAY again." He was heard and then he looked to Alexis and waved at her, and Alexis waved back, grinning almost drunkenly.
"I need a nap." Harry spoke as he fell backwards, still holding Voldemort's hand. Dumbledore was walking toward him and Artimis looked to her family, which was thankfully intact and of course she was happy.
"How about we go back to camp and begin the celebrations, I think we all have at least something to celebrate." Artimis spoke and they all nodded as she and Draco Apparated to camp.
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Alexis watched from the comfort of Ron's arms as Draco distracted Artimis's attention. She was still thoroughly confused as to what the hell just happened, and she noticed that Severus and Remus had retreated far enough away that she couldn't question them about the vision, which was strangely enough, getting harder and harder to remember. She watched Draco kneel curiously, then heard a mumble of words that included 'marry me'. Artimis followed up with a choked 'yes', teary eyed and smiley.
Alexis sat bolt upright, scaring Ron, and spoke in disbelief. "Dude! No way!"
But, no one seemed to pay her any attention as Draco slipped a really shiny, but oddly blue colored, ring on her finger. Still... Alexis thought dizzily... it's a really pretty ring...
Her head swam and she leaned against Ron, who thankfully supported her. She yawned widely, wishing her head would stop throbbing so she could see straight, everything was kind of swirling together. And for some odd reason, she wanted a rock... oh well... She tried to get to her knees, but her body wouldn't cooperate. So instead, she looked up, meeting Artimis's gaze. She felt so happy for her friend, she deserved to finally have her happy ending.
Suddenly, Alexis heard a familiar voice from the direction of Voldemort's body. She turned slightly, grinning at a semi conscious Harry Potter. She laughed to herself, hearing his interesting little spiel, while he held the Dark Lord's cold, dead, hand. "This is BOB. BOB says Hi. BOB can swim. BOB can fly. YAY for BOB. Oh no, BOB's dead. YAY again."
Harry trailed off, unfocused gaze drifting to Alexis's. She smiled widely at him as he smiled, watching him wave to her. Alexis raised a hand and waved back, grinning crazily for no reason in particular. She looked up at Ron after Harry decided to take a nap. "You know. I think Harry's the only one who can really make a connection with me tonight..." She slurred, and Ron cocked his head in confusion, shaking his head afterwards in amusement. She grinned up at Artimis, who smiled tenderly and spoke softly. "How about we go back to camp and begin the celebrations, I think we all have at least something to celebrate."
"But, what about BOB... I want a turn to play with him..." Alexis mumbled dejectedly after Artimis and Draco apparated away. She looked up at Ron with questioning and he sighed, holding her tight and apparating them both back to camp.
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Severus looked at Remus and tugged his arm as he watched Draco kiss Artimis.
"What?" Remus whispered and Severus nodded his head to back away and Remus nodded, following and backing away with him a few feet.
"What the hell just happened?" Severus asked and Remus shrugged at him, scratching his head.
"Well, I think we were just dragged into a premonition. A very odd one, but one none the less." Remus spoke and Severus shook his head, sighing.
"It's Vanessa all over again." Severus hissed and Remus glared at him in anger.
"Will you get over that. She didn't know that-"
"Not here. You heard what Alexis predicted. We will not let them know anything. Are we clear Remus?" Severus spoke, looking at Draco kneel and ask Artimis to marry him.
"Yes, You are clear. But you know, if fate wants it that way, they'll find out, one way or another." Remus spoke and Severus glared.
"Don't speak to me about fate. Fate robbed me... I never expected that Draco would propose." Severus spoke, changing the subject quickly as Hailey looked their way.
"That's funny, I did... Proper thing to do with the baby coming and all... What the bloody hell is Harry doing?" Remus spoke as he turned toward Voldemort's corpse. Severus turned and listened for a moment hearing Harry's spiel as he flopped Voldemort's hand around. He snickered and Remus did as well, especially when Harry passed out. They listened to Artimis's declaration of going home and Severus and Remus waited till almost everyone had left, Crabbe, Goyle and Harry being the last, the two men carrying the delirious Harry.
"Remus remember, not a word." Severus demanded as he apparated away leaving a stern looking Remus. Severus apparated to his tent and then walked out of it, going and sitting on the all too familiar bench, wearily watching the loud celebrations going on as he thought about what had occurred that day. He lifted his sleeve to see that his arm was nothing more but his own skin. No more brand of his sins, no more reminding him of what he forsake, nothing. With that, he let his sleeve fall down and he leaned his head back, looking at the stars.
"Miranda..." He sighed as he closed his eyes and drifted into a half sleep.
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Ron apparated him and Alexis back to the campsite, appearing in the middle of Ron's tent. Alexis closed her eyes tight, wincing with all the movement. She gazed around curiously, wondering aloud. "Hey, I didn't know you're favorite color was pink... hm... learn sumthin new everyday..." She laughed lowly, gazing up at Ron.
Ron looked concerned, wondering how bad she had actually hit her head. He stood from his kneeling position, gently lifting Alexis in his arms and exiting his tent, making his way to the Medic tent. He was followed almost immediately by Harry being carried by Crabbe and Goyle. Ron entered to see an anxious Hailey waiting for them, gesturing to two cots. Ron nodded, laying Alexis gently on one, Harry being laid on the other, whom was still muttering something about Bob.
Ron stood beside Alexis's bed, looking down at her and caressing her cheek while she grinned up at him. Artimis waltzed in a few moments later, looking worried, yet oddly content at the same time. Draco followed her in, gazing after Artimis giddily.
Hailey quickly scanned over Alexis and Harry, making sure they weren't gravely injured, then turned to Artimis with a stern look.
"They are delirious, I can fix them. So first I want to make sure you and the baby are alright." Hailey spoke in a calm, demanding voice, which was odd for her. Artimis fixed her with a half hearted glare. "I am fine. We are fine. Check on them."
"No. I heard you scream, I saw you fall. I want to make sure. Sit the hell down." She ordered, hands on her hips. Artimis glared for a few more moments, then sighed and gave in, taking a seat on the nearest counter. Hailey nodded approvingly, walking up to her.
Alexis smiled wearily, scanning Artimis with wonder. Speaking aloud to no one in particular, she declared. "Hey, when did Artimis change her hair color..."
"Yeah, blue is not a natural color, I'm pretty sure." A man's slurred voice joined hers, and Alexis turned her head to meet Harry's unfocused green eyed gaze in the bed next to hers. She frowned intently at the man, snapping back. "No, her hair isn't blue you moron... it's yellow. Which is way more possible than blue."
Harry looked away a bit dejectedly, nodding. Alexis hmped with satisfaction. Harry spoke up once more. "I think you're right. Cause it seems as if Remus is the one who looks bluer."
Alexis stared at him in confusion, looking around until her gaze rested on Remus, who had just walked in the tent, watching her in bewilderment. She turned back to Harry and spoke matter of factly. "No, he's more of a greenish color. But if it makes you feel any better, the roof is more of a bluish shade."
"Ooohhh... okay." Harry replied, gazing up at the roof tiredly. Alexis did so too, ignoring Ron's head that was in the way and staring down at her strangely.
Ron leaned in next to Remus, who stood beside him, looking amused. "Um, how hard did she actually hit her head?" Ron whispered quietly. Remus shrugged.
"How am I suppose to know? You expect me to taking inventory of things in the state I was in!" Remus exclaimed, looking between Harry and Alexis with a smirk on his features. Artimis snickered as she watched too, shaking her head as Hailey poked and prodded her.
Harry gave a loud sigh, speaking to Alexis once more, since she was the only one capable of understanding him. "Speaking of roofs and such... how do you feel 'bout chairs?"
Alexis turned and looked at him wonderingly. "You know, I've never really put much thought into them..."
"Well, I have. And I don't like them." Harry informed with a stern expression. Alexis was fascinated.
"Is that so?"
"Yep. I mean, think about it. Those things are capable of eating you alive." Harry spoke forebodingly, looking to Alexis seriously. Alexis's eyes widened slightly as she drunk in his every word. She heard a loud laugh that sounded like Artimis's, but was too occupied with Harry's story. Harry continued, looking quite knowledgeable despite his delirium.
"Yeah. I mean, with those backs on them and all, and the four legs... they could really do some damage."
"Wait, you mean to say that the backs close up on you once you sit down, and then they take you away?" Alexis spoke, voice quavering slightly.
Harry turned more on his side. " That's exactly what I'm saying."
"B, but... then, what do they do to you?" Alexis asked quietly, watching him intently.
Harry whispered in a haunting voice. "No one ever really knows..."
"You know what, that's it. Once we get home, I'm burning every chair in the Manor. You with me Harry?" Alexis declared a bit frightfully.
"All the way, Alexis..." Harry trailed off, nodding his head. Alexis smiled as she saw Hailey put Harry to sleep with a spell and she smirked.
"That's settled then." She mumbled as Hailey came to her and spoke a quick spell, sending her careening off to LaLa land.
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Artimis watched as Alexis was put to sleep and she herself felt like dozing as well, though she was still stuck in her 'I'm Getting Married' trance. She was still sitting on the counter, having been poked and prodded enough to make anyone hate medics and was, as she expected, given a clean bill of health. Suddenly she felt a warm arm around her back and she leaned her head on the shoulder that provided comfort.
"Honey, how about we get you to bed. You've been through a lot today." Draco whispered and she nodded at him. She felt him slide his other arm under her knees and he picked her up. She wrapped her arms around her neck and let him carry her out of the Medic tent and into their own. She watched the shadows on the ceiling of the tent as he carried her to their room and he gently sat her on the bed. She watched him as he knelt on the floor in front of her, crossing his arms over her knees and looking up at her.
"Artimis?" He asked her a deep thinking look on his face.
"Yes?" She replied, smiling down at him, think to herself how she would be seeing that face for the rest of her life.
"You aren't um... disappointed... that I um... asked you in front of everyone and that it wasn't well, romantic?" He asked and Artimis shook her head smirking at him.
"Disappointed? It was perfect. Just when all my vows had been fulfilled you go and make a dream come true. Disappointed, no not at all." She told him and she watched the smile draw itself over his face. But she had one question of her own, one that had surfaced as he had spoken his own.
"Draco?" She questioned quietly and he looked into her eyes as he replied.
"Yes sweetheart?" He asked, lifting his hand to rub some dirt off of her chin.
"Why now? Why after all these years, did you decide now that you wanted to marry me?" She asked him and a sigh was her first reply. He then stood up and took her face in both his hands, rubbing her cheek bones.
"I almost lost you, twice. When you were captured, I thought you were never coming back. And then, when you did come back, you didn't even know it was me. But both times you came back and both times you were gone, I felt like I was empty. And I never wanna feel like that again." He spoke and Artimis opened her mouth to speak and he put his thumb over her lips.
"And then you told me the greatest and most scariest news in the world. I was going to be a father. That night, when we came here and you were sleeping, I thought a lot. A lot about how much you had put up with me over the years. And how your love for me never seemed to end. And then I realized that mine for you would never end. That night, with you sleeping softly in my arms, our baby growing within you, I decided that there would never be another woman I loved more, so I would do whatever it took to make sure we were together forever. So I decided that I was ready to make you my wife, and ready to finally treat you like you deserve to be treated." Draco told her and the tears streamed down her cheeks as she realized how much he did care. She couldn't speak, all she could do was smile at him as she cried. He took his thumbs and wiped away the tears.
"Don't cry baby." He told her and she smiled, lifting her own hands to wipe away the tears. After a moment the tears stopped and she could speak.
"Draco. I love you so much... And now, I think I need a shower." She joked and he smiled softly as he kissed her forehead.
"I love you too. And go take your shower." He told her, taking her hands and lifting her up from the bed. She shook her head at him and walked into the bathroom, taking a quick shower. She got out of the shower and dressed into some soft pajamas, walking out into the room. She chuckled at what she saw. Draco had washed up and changed into his pajama pants. He was sprawled half on and half of the side of the bed, he had obviously been sitting there waiting for her. She sighed as she sat on the bed beside him and shook him slightly.
"Draco, get up." She told him and after a moment he stirred, looking up at her.
"What's the matter?" He asked her and she rolled her eyes, pointing to how he was lying, preventing her from lying down. He laughed and sat up, rolling over to lie right on the bed and Artimis laid down, smiling at him. He put his hand on her face, rubbing the side of it with his thumb as he spoke.
"Better?" He asked and she nodded. He moved his arm around her back and pulled her close to him as he laid down on his back. Artimis moved comfortably beside him and put a hand on his bare chest. He leaned over and kissed her forehead.
"Get some sleep." He spoke as he put out the candles and she snorted.
"Not a problem, you get some as well. Night." She quipped and he inhaled deeply, yawning.
"Night." He spoke and then she felt him falling asleep. She tucked her head on his shoulder and she dozed off to sleep.
In the middle of the night a shadowy figure stalked into Artimis and Draco's tent, making no noise at all. Artimis awoke lightly, felling a presence in her room and she adjusted lightly, drawing her wand. She felt who ever it was sneaking toward her side of the bed. In an instant, she rolled over, casting 'Lumos' and flashing the light in her intruders face. Draco simply grunted and wrapped his arms around Artimis tighter.
"Shh, Artimis, It's me, Molly." The startled voice of Mrs. Weasley echoed and Artimis lowered her wand to see it was true. Artimis sighed and turned the light off, rolling her eyes as she tried to get Draco's arms off of her. After a bit of struggling she got the sleep grip around her off and she crawled out of bed, walking out of the room and gesturing Molly to follow her. Artimis walked into her kitchen and turned the lights on turning to look at Molly, wondering what the hell she wanted.
"What is it Molly?" Artimis asked and Molly looked at her face and then took to looking around the kitchen.
"Well, Honestly, I'm sorry Artimis." Molly spoke lightly and Artimis looked at her in disbelief.
"What?" She asked and Molly looked at her with a slight smile.
"I am sorry. I was treating you like that because I was scared for you. I guess I just went overboard." Molly stated and Artimis stepped toward her in disbelief.
"You're sorry. No, I'm sorry. I acted like a little girl, who wasn't getting her way. I am the one who is sorry." Artimis told her and Molly hugged her tightly.
"No honey, you are pregnant, acting like that is normal. I have no excuse. Let's just say it's a truce." Molly spoke softly and Artimis just melded into the comforting motherly embrace and smiled.
"OK Mum. Truce." Artimis spoke and then Molly backed away, still holding her shoulders and smiled at Artimis.
"I heard about your engagement. Congratulations dear." Molly told her and Artimis smiled, holding her hand up for Molly to see the ring.
"Thanks Mum." Artimis spoke as Molly looked at her hand, and looked back at Artimis.
"You're welcome honey. Now, you go get yourself back and bed and get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning." Molly spoke, letting Artimis go. Artimis nodded, turning off the lights. Artimis watched as Molly exited the tent flap into the twilight and then Artimis headed back to bed. She crawled next to Draco and he wrapped his arms around her, kissing her neck softly in his half-slumber and murmured.
"It took you a long time to go to the bathroom dear."
Artimis chuckled and laid her head down, feeling Draco fall deeply asleep. She felt herself drifting off to sleep again, feeling even more content than before. She smiled as she fell asleep.
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Remus, after seeing Alexis and Harry safely knocked out and being treated for, decided he could do with a bit of sleep too. Making sure Ron was there to watch over his daughter, Remus wearily trudged out of the tent, still snickering to himself over Alexis's and Harry's... conversational pieces.
He made his way tiredly to his tent, narrowly avoiding furniture as he approached his room, plopping sorely onto his bed. He kicked off his shoes, staring up at the ceiling, waiting for sleep to take him. But, no such luck. He turned on his stomach, then to his side, sighing with frustration, his mind to busy for him to pass out. Finally, he just sat up, rubbing his head as he wondered why he couldn't sleep. And then, a confusing predicament brought itself to mind. He spoke aloud to himself in the darkness.
"How the hell did Alexis do that!" He asked himself, thinking on how she had pushed back his werewolf side enough for him to grab control. He thought hard, trying to find away around that. No spell he had ever heard of could help him with his problem, but she comes along and in a matter of minutes, it's as if the werewolf was just an Animagus form to him!
He stood up, pacing the room for a minute as he pondered his daughter's ability. He stopped, thinking that the only explanation to Alexis's odd talents would be compliments of her equally odd mother. Geesh, Vanessa had been a... Remus shook his head roughly, pushing those thoughts aside. He didn't want to start thinking about Vanessa, not now. Hopefully, he would never have to bring that up to anyone, least of all Alexis. He just hoped she wouldn't come up to him, questioning about it.
Remus sighed, rubbing his temples as he left his room, heading to the tent's exit. He had a feeling he would be getting no sleep tonight with these thoughts running through his head. He left the tent, staring up into the clear, black sky, gazing curiously up at the full moon. He felt a quivering within him, the familiar adrenaline rush coursing through him. Remus closed his eyes tight, holding the Change in check. He smiled as it subsided, feeling a great accomplishment, and gratitude for his daughter.
He strolled through the camp, finding himself being drawn towards the bench that he had once woken up upon.
He approached it, seeing a black mass already seated upon it, pale face upturned to the stars. Remus recognized Severus with a passing glance, plopping beside him and leaning back against the bench, sighing to himself.
"Hey, Severus." He greeted tiredly without looking at him.
"Remus." Snape acknowledged quietly, eyes still trained wearily on the sky.
After a silent moment, they heard footsteps and the familiar sloshing of ice in a container. Both simultaneously looked behind their shoulders as Arthur approached, smiling and dragging the cooler behind them. Remus and Severus smirked, turning back around and sighing contentedly as Arthur sat on Severus's other side, pulling the cooler around in front of them.
"Good evening gentleman. Care to join me in celebration?" Arthur asked as he opened the cooler, pulling out three firewhiskeys.
"I'm not sure about the celebrating, but I will drink with you." Severus replied, looking down and taking his beer from Arthur and opening it, taking a sip.
"Remus?" Arthur asked and Remus smiled.
"I guess I have at least something to celebrate." Remus spoke as he took his and opened it with his teeth, spitting the cap out and taking a sip.
"Charming Remus." Severus spoke as he took another drink, looking back at the sky. After a few minutes footsteps were heard behind them and a voice spoke out.
"Got one of those for me?" Draco asked and Arthur nodded, kicking the cooler as he continued looking at the starry sky. Draco walked over to the cooler and then sat over by Arthur, opening it and taking a drink with a satisfied sigh.
"Draco, you know you just signed your death warrant, man, Marriage. Welcome to my world." Arthur spoke, obviously a little buzzed.
"Thanks. Hey Arthur, you know what?" Draco spoke, tilting his head back to look at the sky.
"What kid?" Arthur asked and Draco sighed.
"I'm scared." Draco spoke and before Arthur could answer, Remus and Severus at the same time spoke.
"Yep." They chimed and then all four of them began laughing, Arthur and Draco adding their own yep. There was a good amount of silence, the only sound being the drinking of alcohol. Remus flopped his head back, tilting it to look at Severus.
"Ya know... I think I'm starting to see your whole point on the no wife thing." He slurred, looking serious. Severus nodded.
"Of course. I am Severus Snape, I am always right." Severus slurred, raising his bottle in emphasis. Arthur and Draco looked at each other, and burst out laughing, holding their sides as Severus glared at them with drunken affrontedness. Remus smiled, looking up at the sky once more as he spoke.
"Yep, but maybe only on the whole no wife thing though. Don't agree with the whole no kids thing. You have to admit, Alexis makes things interesting." There was a chorus of 'yeps' from the group of men, as Remus added.
"And you, you would be Kibbles and Bits by now without her." He spoke, pointing in Severus's face. Severus glared at him half heartedly, but looked away and nodded slightly, seeing his point.
Draco giggled to himself. "Hm... Kibbles and Bits... that's good..."
Arthur laughed, then turned to Remus. "Yeah... hey, what was with the whole 'smirking at me with a mouthful of fangs' thing back there when you went wiggy on us? Almost made me piss my pants..."
Draco and Severus laughed as Remus replied quietly. "Dude... that's deep."
More laughing quickly ensued until the four men were out of breath, and clutching almost empty Firewhiskeys bottles. Arthur looked at Remus, studying him, then looked back up at the sky before questioning. "Hey, aren't you supposed to be fuzzy right about now?"
Remus looked deep in thought for a moment, then answered quietly. "Well, yeah, But... I don't really like the fleas..."
Severus stared at him, itching his arm closest to Remus in worry. He snapped at him. "Man, you're making me itch just thinking about it..."
Remus shrugged, replying. "You itch! You don't have to put with them for several days after the full moon either..."
The four men exchanged a glance, looking down at themselves in case they had caught any. Remus ignored them and nodded in approval of his words, taking another drink. Arthur nodded also, satisfied with the answer after a moment. Then Remus shifted uncomfortably, feeling something in a deep cloak pocket on his side. He reached in it, pulling out a rather large rock. He studied it in confusion as the other men looked over at him. Draco asked curiously. "Hold on a minute, isn't that the rock that 'Lexis used to clobber you in the head when you went all wolfy on us?"
Remus's eyes widened in remembrance, also remembering that he had picked it up before coming back to camp. Severus suggested tiredly. "You should give it to her as a gift. It did happen to knock some sense into her after she ran at Voldemort... or, knocked the sense out of her... whichever one sounds cooler."
Another chorus of 'yeps' echoed from the four men as they all gazed intently at the rock. Arthur laughed to himself, then decided to share his thought. "You know, I'm gonna start calling Alexis 'Pup' from now on..."
Draco and Severus laughed, raising their bottles to that and taking another swig of the alcohol. Remus continued to stare at the rock.
"I'm gonna carve something into this... then give it to her. Yeah..." He mumbled to himself, putting the rock carefully back into his pocket.
All four were quiet for a moment, finishing off the last sips of their alcohol. Draco looked down at his empty bottle, then sighed. "I better be getting back to bed. Artimis wakes up and I'm not there, she'll get scared."
"No, she wakes up and you're not there, you'd be scared in case she killed ya." Severus informed him, and Draco nodded.
"Yeah, either one... night guys." He grunted, sorely pushing himself onto his feet and stumbling back into camp. Arthur, Severus, and Remus answered together. "Yep..."
Remus stretched and yawned, scratching his head. "Guess I should be gettin' to sleep too... catch ya on the flip side." Remus slurred, stumbling to his feet.
"See ya wolfy... and don't tell Molly." Arthur mumbled, taking a last gulp of his alcohol. Severus waved his bottle, replying to Remus's farewell. "Sure, whatever that means... wait, I'll go too." He added quickly, using the bench to pull himself to his feet. Remus looked to Arthur and smiled, slurring.
"Whatever happens on the bench, stays on the bench." Remus laughed. Severus got to his feet and took a step tripping over the end of his cloaks, and Remus reached out and steadied him. Then they both weaved back towards their tents. Arthur watched them go, looking down at the cooler after a moment.
"I'm just gonna leave it. Couldn't carry it if I wanted to..." Arthur mumbled to himself rolling off the bench and getting to his feet. "Now, to my doom I go..." Arthur spoke dramatically, trudging towards his tent, knowing an angered Molly awaited him.
Arthur managed to make it to his tent without much injury, seeing it was still dark inside. He crept inside, grabbing onto walls for support. Suddenly, the lights flicked on, blinding him temporarily. He shielded his eyes, holding on to an armchair as he squinted towards the bedroom door. Molly stood there in all her womanly fury, one hand on a hip as she glared daggers at him. She raised an arm, pointing to the couch. Arthur stood straight, wobbling slightly and raising a hand.
"Yes... to the couch I go..." He slurred, doing an about face and almost falling on his face. He made his way to the couch, followed by mumbled curses and angry scoldings. He plopped onto the piece of furniture, sighing contentedly.
"You know, this isn't so bad... actually pretty comfortable..." He spoke to himself, then immediately passed out, snoring loudly as Molly shook her head at him, turning out the lights and stomping back to the bedroom.
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