Disclaimer: Again, Audrey Weasley belongs to JK Rowling. Her physical traits and family history/background belong to me, unless JK Rowling decides to disclose that information. Audrey's parents, sisters and brother belong to me.
Lucy – 12/18/08
Audrey stood at her kitchenette, tossing flour lightly onto the granite top and took out the dough that she had prepped in a glass bowl a few hours before. She placed it onto the flour and began to knead the dough quickly. One must not overwork bread dough. Her grandfather had taught her that years ago. Her daughter, Molly, now four years old, was drawing in her coloring book with a set of crayons. A light fluffy snow fell gently outside, perfect for the Christmas Holiday. Within a week, it would be Boxing Day, a holiday that she, a former American, still had trouble comprehending. When she had her first Christmas with her in-laws, she had assumed it was a sports holiday, similar to her Super Bowl back in the States. She was quickly ridiculed by George and had received some kind of boxing gag gift from her brother-in-law every year. Last year had been an apron that was cleverly embroidered with the term "KO" – knockout. It was that very apron that she was wearing now and held her wand in the pocket.
She quickly shaped the bread into a ball and scored an "X" into the top and placed it into a hot Dutch oven. It would be part of their dinner that night with their French Onion Soup that was slowly simmering on the stovetop. She washed her hands and walked over to her daughter to observe the picture. Molly had drawn a picture of a snowman surrounded by snowflakes.
"Mummy, I drew you a picture," Molly announced proudly, and showed her the drawing.
"It's beautiful," she declared and gave her daughter a peck on the top of her head, "Perhaps you can teach your baby sister or brother to draw as beautifully as your do."
Molly giggled and hugged her mother's belly. She looked up to her mother, "When will the baby be able to play with me?"
Audrey chuckled and sat next to her daughter, "Not for a while. The baby has to be born and he or she will be very tiny, but when they get older, you two will be the best of friends."
Molly squealed, "Like Unca' Harry and Unca' Ron?"
Audrey nodded, "Just like Uncle Harry and Uncle Ron."
Molly reached out and placed both of her hands on the baby bump, "Will baby like me?"
Audrey reached down and covered her daughter's hands with her own, "Of course, it will. Come now, dear. Let get the table ready for Daddy."
It was half past three and Audrey couldn't sleep. She turned over and a surge of anger overwhelmed her as she saw her husband fast asleep, snoring quietly. His mouth was slightly opened and his head was cradled into his pillow and the covers wrapped up around him like an Egyptian mummy. She considered smacking him awake with her pillow out of frustration, but decided against it. She decided to get up. No use trying to tempt fate into sleep. Perhaps during the quiet hours of the early morning, she could make peanut brittle. Even Mother Molly loved her family's sweet treat. She quickly arose and attempted to tie her cranberry-colored bathrobe around her waist, which she knew was pointless because of her pregnancy.
She grabbed her wand and waddled down to the bathroom and passed her daughter's room. She opened the door very quietly and saw the cherubic child, fast asleep, her right thumb in her mouth, and her body curled up in the fetal position. Beside her was her favorite stuffed animal; a plush teddy bear she called "Fuzzy Wuzzy". Her light purple blanket had been kicked off in the night and she looked cold. Audrey walked in and gathered the blanket and placed it carefully around her daughter. Immediately, Molly grabbed the comforter and gave a happy sigh. Audrey carefully slipped out of the room and peeked into the nursery down the hall. It was ready for the little one. In the darkness, she could see the outline of the wooden rocking chair, the crib, everything they would need. She quietly whispered an incantation, and the room filled with the glow from her wand. She walked over to the wall and placed her hand on the mural she had painted years ago. A beautiful rainbow entering into the sunbeams surrounded by clouds. She leaned forth and kissed the rainbow gently and then turned away from it and headed to the kitchen and tied the apron over her stomach.
"Well baby, I hope you enjoyed keeping me up," she said aloud, "For I certainly didn't." She grabbed a glass bowl and began to add sugar and corn syrup together and mixed it together. She flicked her wand and vanilla, peanuts, margarine, and baking soda flew over to her. She placed the mixture into the Muggle microwave that had been purchased when she and Percy inherited his Aunt Muriel's house, after she passed away two years ago. Together, she and Percy modernized the little house into a cozy home, that would be attractive even to Muggles. While it heated, she placed a tablespoon on the baking pan and began to grease it, to ensure the candy would not stick to the pan. Within an hour, she had made five batches of the candy, the delicious vanilla scent would explode in every batch when she added the ingredient and poured the mixture into the pan and placed on the tables to cool.
Audrey brushed her hands together, as if to get rid of flour on her hands, though none was there. It was her way to show her pride in her cooking and baking ability. Though she was a witch, she was also an American, and as such, was taught had to behave like a Muggle. Of course, it would have been easier to wave her wand and sit back on a chair and not worry about the food, but she enjoyed working with the ingredients and showing her family how much she loved them all. Later on, after the candy had cooled, she and Molly would break apart the candy and bag it for all of her Aunts and Uncles. She knew her brother-in-law, Ron, was quite fond of these candies and had tried to convince her to open a small candy shop in Hogsmeade last Christmas. She laughed the suggestion away; as if she could run a sweetshop while caring for a toddler, and before long, an infant!
"Now what do we do," she mused as she caressed her baby bump. She looked at the clock and noticed it was half-past four. She looked down at her bulging stomach, "Anytime you're ready, would be great," she chastised the child. The baby kicked angrily.
"Fine," Audrey grumbled and flicked her wand and the remnants from the candy returned to the cupboard from which they resided. She went to the refrigerator and searched for a light snack. She decided upon a frosted gingerbread cookie in the shape of a lion and as she bit into it, her stomach cramped. She blinked and looked down. Then she smiled.
"That was an excellent breakfast, darling," Percy congratulated her and gave her a small kiss, "I'll wash up the dishes. You go and rest in our room. I'll let you know when I am about to leave for the Ministry." Audrey smiled wearily and nodded as she wobbled back to their bedroom. As she opened her bedroom door, she felt another cramp. She had been having them for the last three hours. She had hoped that her water would have broken by now, but alas, nothing. She lay down and closed her eyes to rest.
"Mummy," came a high soprano voice. Molly. Dang. She forgot to lock the door.
"Hmmm," she murmured quietly.
"When's Grandma arriving?"
"Not until dinner time," she replied, her eyes still closed. Her mother had promised that she would leave by Portkey at noon their time. Her parents still resided in America, along with her elder sister Katherine, and younger brother and sister, Silas and Olivia. The time zone difference was a bit of a pain as they lived five hours behind England. It was 7:30 in the morning now. It was 2:30 in the morning back there.
She felt her daughter climb into the bed and cuddle up with her. "Mummy, why are you so tired?"
"I didn't sleep very well," she admitted opening her eyes, "The baby has been kicking me for a while now."
Molly tilted her head a bit confused. She then looked at Audrey's belly and placed her tiny hand on it. "Stop kicking Mummy," she commanded, "That's not nice."
Audrey couldn't help but laugh. "C'mon you silly goose. I…" her voice trailed off as a powerful contraction rippled through her stomach. She knew this feeling. And as confirmation, she felt the sheets get wet beneath her.
"Ewww... Mummy, you wet the bed," Molly exclaimed, scooting away from her mother, her face scrunching up in disgust.
"Molly, go and get Daddy," she commanded sternly, but steadily. She watched her daughter's eyes grow wide with concern.
"But…" she started.
"GO," she yelled and watched her daughter run out of the room. She breathed calmly. Her water had just broke and she was in labor. She knew it. And she didn't want to scare her own daughter. She was hoping someone would be here to take care of her daughter when she and Percy went to St. Mungos, but now she knew that plan had gone to hell in a handbasket. Like her firstborn, the child would be born here as the contractions were fast and shallow. Unlike her previous pregnancies, she had gone to a Muggle midwife to confirm that the baby was in the correct position. She had no desire to have another breech pregnancy.
"Audrey," Percy's voice exclaimed and as he saw the sweat beginning to bead on her head, he immediately stripped off his jacket. "When…"
"I've been having contractions since early this morning but my water just bro…" she trained off as a contraction hit, hard.
"Hush," he shushed her, "Molly is scared."
Audrey nodded. She didn't want Molly to cry. It was the worst feeling in the world, wanting to comfort her daughter and being unable to. "You…better…let…Kingsley know," she panted.
Percy nodded and pulled out his wand. With a wide sweep of his arm, he summoned his patronus. Three of them sprang forth. The beavers each glared at him as he sent one to the Ministry, one to his own mother, and the last to Audrey's mother to inform her of the baby. He immediately walked over to the door and locked it. Audrey nodded. She didn't want Molly walking into the birthing scene.
"Up you get, darling," he whispered and helped her up. Together, he helped her strip and she put on a nightgown.
"Should we send for a Healer," Percy asked as he helped her into the bed.
"No," Audrey whispered, reassuringly, "It's not as bad as Molly's birth. I feel fine. I just need you."
Percy nodded. "Mum should be here soon."
"I want my Mom too," she whispered, "Perc…I'm scared."
"I am too," he admitted, "You're the strongest woman I know, love. You'll be fine." He kissed her gently on her forehand
"Hold me Perc."
Percy climbed into the bed and wrapped his strong arms around his wife. He felt her fingers clench around his wrists every time a contraction hit. He whispered encouraging words to her and showered her face with kisses as she breathed deeply. When one particularly hard contraction hit, she grabbed his wrist, her fingernails digging in deep and she gritted her teeth to hold back her silent scream.
While it seemed like hours, in only a few minutes, the doorknob rattled. "Alohomora" came a determined voice, and the door clicked open. Mother Molly walked in and gasped quickly as she saw the intimate private moment. "I got word from your mother, Audrey. She will be here very soon."
Audrey nodded. Molly turned to her son, "Your daughter is wondering where you both are. You better go see her."
Percy looked at his wife, "I'll be right back," he promised, quickly kissed her forehead, and quickly left the room. Audrey looked at her mother in law, "Just like old times, huh," she joked as she remembered the last time she gave birth, as Molly had been there too.
"Oh hush," Molly laughed. She pulled out her wand, "Muffliato," The room became quiet and Audrey breathed a sigh of relief. She could now labor and scream as loud as she wanted and her young daughter would be none the wiser.
"Thank you," she panted. Molly smiled gently, "Now, let's take a look at you, hmm?"
Percy just left his wife and mother alone in the room and went into his daughter's bedroom. Molly was sitting on her bed, her face white as ice, her chubby arms gripping her teddy bear like a vice. Percy felt his heart skip a beat. She looked terrified. "Hey Honey Bee," he said, smiling at his daughter's nickname. Molly looked up and threw her bear down and rushed over to him. He scooped her up in his arms and give her a gentle kiss on the forehead.
"Mummy," she sobbed, "yelled at me."
"I know honey bee," he whispered, "she didn't mean it."
"Why did she yell at me," she asked, the tears still a steady stream. He walked her over to her bed and wiped the tears from her eyes. She was curled up in his lap and he began to reassured her.
"Mummy was scared," he said, hoping what he said was true, "Because Mummy is having a baby. When women are having a baby it can be…" he thought of a good word to describe it to his four-year-old, "scary," he finally said, feeling a bit stupid for saying the same word over again. "She didn't want you to know she was scared so she asked you to leave. To have a baby, Mummy needs to rest."
"Resting is good," came a fluting voice. He turned around to see a beautiful witch with dark brown hair, which was beginning to gray. She had light blue-grayish eyes and warm smile. Her half-mussed hair fell to her chin in waves and she was still wearing her slippers, but was fully dressed otherwise. Audrey's mother had arrived.
"Hi Mom," he smiled in relief of her quick arrival, "Audrey is in the bedroom with my Mum. Thanks for getting here so fast."
"GRAMMY," Molly squealed and threw the bear down and rushed over to her grandmother's legs and hugged them.
She beamed at the young girl and scooped her up into her arms and smiled, "You're lucky I am a light sleeper," she told Percy, "John is still asleep though. I left him a note. And I sent word to Katherine, Olivia, and Silas."
Percy smiled at the thought of his brother and sisters-in-law. Katherine, also known as Kate, was the eldest, worked at MACUSA as an Auror. Silas, Audrey's younger brother, worked with Josef Jonker, a famous wandmaker in the Americas. Olivia still was a student at Illvenmorny, completing her final year. "Will Olivia take a Portkey?"
"I expect so, but she won't be here until at least tomorrow. Although, knowing her, she'll try to leave as soon as possible once she wakes up. Now," she proclaimed, "we really should check on Audrey." She set the little girl down on her bed.
"Stay here, Molly," Percy sternly told his daughter. He turned and walked towards their door, unlocked it with a flick of his wand and was met with a loud groan from his wife. Molly was at the foot of the bed and adjusting the blanket. She turned and smiled, "8 centimeters. It won't be long before she starts to push. Shall I get a spot of tea?"
"Really," huffed Audrey, "Tea? Now?" Her chastising was cut short as another contraction hit.
"Is the baby positioned correctly," Percy asked his mother, remembering Molly's birth.
"Well, it's hard to tell," Molly admitted, "She's not fully dilated, but it certainly looked like it upon my exam. And Aubrey said that when she visited the Muggle doctors they confirmed that she was. If there is a problem, we can always send for someone. Perhaps Penelope can come again…" she trailed off as she saw her son shake his head in response to his old flame making another visit. The last time she had arrived, Penelope had left heartbroken.
Audrey looked at Percy, determination in her eyes, "Perc…come here."
Percy walked over and knelt at her side, he took her hand and she clutched it like vice. He grimaced, but understood that she was in pain.
"Someone really should be with our daughter," he told his mother, "she's terrified."
"I told your father before I left," Molly assured him, "I'm sure he will be here shortly. Plus once word gets around at the ministry, there will be many people here to entertain her."
"In that case, I'll take a cup, Molly." Audrey's mother requested, "Black. No cream or sugar."
Molly shook her head in despair. Americans and how they prepared their tea was an absolute abomination.
Audrey looked at her husband, amusement and irritation sparkled in her eyes. Percy couldn't help himself and he said, "I'll have meade." Audrey smacked him.
John woke up as the sun rose and woke in astonishment at the empty bed. "Honey," he called and heard nothing excepting the singing birds. He got up and put on his bathrobe and went to the kitchen. His wife always loved a cup of tea in the morning. Maybe she was heating up a cup. As he entered the kitchen, he blinked in surprise. Her warbler patronus was sitting on their tea kettle.
"John," it stated, "Audrey went into labor early this morning. I left to be with her. I already informed the children. Please send word to me when you wake up." The bird tucked its beak in its wing as if to clean itself and disappeared.
John beamed. Another grandchild was on its way.
Within an hour, the house was filled with all of Audrey's family except for Olivia. Arthur Weasley had also arrived shortly after, having skived off work upon hearing word from Shacklebolt at the Ministry. Molly was busy playing with her Uncle Silas and Aunt Katherine.
"Again, again," Molly demanded of her Aunt Kate. Kate smiled, her brown eyes twinkling and she raised her wand; fir with wampus cat whisker as its core, and flicked it. An explosion of snowflakes showered down on her niece, catching in her flaming red hair. Molly let out a shriek of delight. Silas stretched out on the chair and chuckled at his sister's doting. She placed her wand down and outstretched her arms and began to tickle the little girl.
"Nooo," she shrieked in mirth, "Stop!" Kate immediately complied, but not because of her niece. The door had opened and in walked another person.
"Olivia," she gasped and welcomed her sister, "What are you doing here?"
Olivia was still in her uniform; a dark blue and cranberry robe. Her fawn colored hair was pulled back into a solid low bun at the nape of her neck and was wearing a simple golden heart shaped locket. She was holding the handle of a large trunk in one hand and in the other a simple hand mirror, which must have been made into a Portkey.
"Mom sent word that Audrey was in labor." She replied, setting her trunk down, "I went and told the Headmistress as soon the sun rose. She agreed that I should be with family and considering the circumstances and the fact that I am doing so well in my classes, she agreed that I could leave early as I had no classes scheduled today anyway."
"Lucky," Silas muttered.
Olivia stuck her tongue out at her brother, "Always good to see you too Silas." She walked over and sat beside her father, "How is Audrey?"
He shrugged, "No news yet. Your mom has been in there since before I arrived. We're just waiting it out."
Olivia looked down the hall as if expecting her mother to suddenly appear with the good news. "I wonder what is taking so long," she mused.
John chuckled, "Look who's talking Miss-18-hours-of-labor."
Olivia flushed scarlet, and dipped her head in embarrassment. Katherine smirked at her youngest sister, remembering that day all too well.
"I wonder if it will be a boy or a girl," Silas mused, "I would like a nephew to spoil."
"I don't know," Kate pondered as she opened her arms in time for Molly to run into them, "I have a feeling that it will be another girl."
"Unfortunately, I also have a feeling it will be a girl, though I really would like a boy," Arthur declared, "One of my daughter-in-laws has a sister who has a gift for predicting this sort of thing. And she has not been wrong yet. I wouldn't bet against her."
"I will," John quipped.
Arthur asked, his eyebrows raising to show possible interest at winning, "You have yourself a bet. What are the stakes?"
"If I win," John began, "you buy me a new cauldron. Nothing too fancy; a pewter one will do nicely."
"Agreed," Arthur nodded, "And if I win, I would like…"
"How about a pair of Crocs," Olivia suggested, "They are a kind of No-Maj shoe and it they are the latest No-Maj craze in America."
Arthur's grin widened, "Yes indeed, those sound absolutely marvelous!"
John traded a look of pure exasperation with his daughter who sat back, quietly snickering.
"One more push Audrey," her mother encouraged, "you are doing a fabulous job dearest. The baby is almost out!"
Audrey gritted her teeth. She had heard this promise for the last fifteen minutes and still the baby was no were close to being born. She looked at her husband, "Boy or girl, this is the last. I'm done. I'm sooo done."
Percy looked at his wife, his eyes full of remorse for her pain and love for her bravery, "I'm okay with that," he promised, "You know how I hate seeing you in pain."
Audrey nodded, panted quickly and gave a final push.
"A girl," Molly exclaimed as she caught the child as she made her appearance, "another girl." Percy smiled and looked down at his wife, "She's beautiful, love."
"Is she ok," Audrey asked, worry edged in her tone.
"Looks right as rain to me," Molly replied as she quickly cleaned the child off, Audrey's mother assisting her. As if to confirm this, the baby let out a lustful cry.
"Give her to me," Audrey requested. Her mother wrapped her in a blanket and placed her gently into her daughter's outstretched arms. Percy and Audrey looked at their daughter with amazement. She had dark brown eyes eyes and a dark tuft of black hair. Her eyelashes looked like butterfly wings. The baby nuzzled against her mother's skin, content with her surroundings.
"She's not a red-head," Percy replied mournfully, "Dad will never forgive me."
"Oh hush," Molly admonished her son, "She's healthy and strong. You can't have everything."
"What will you call her," Audrey's mother asked as she sat next to her daughter and began caressing her daughter's hair affectionately.
Audrey looked at Percy and he nodded encouragingly, "Well, we decided that since our first daughter was named after Percy's mother, we wanted our other daughter to be named after mine; Lucy."
Her mother stopped stroking and gaped, "Me?"
"Oh course," Percy replied, "I will never forget how you were so kind to me when I met you. I was filled with so much anger, hurt, grief, and guilt and you were so patient and understanding. You brought me back from a very dark place."
"He's right," Molly agreed and smiled at Lucy Proctor, "You brought my son back to me. I will always be indebted to you for that."
Lucy's lip began to quiver with emotion, "Thank you," she replied, her voice barely a whisper.
"And her middle name is Renee." Audrey continued.
"Renee is such a pretty name," Lucy said as she stared at her namesake, "What inspired that?"
Aubrey fidgeted a bit with her daughter, "I was looking through book of names and it caught me eye. It means 'reborn'."
Molly and Lucy both inhaled sharply at the meaning. Only a year and a half after their daughter, Molly, was born Aubrey suffered a miscarriage at five months along. It was determined that the baby would have been another girl. They had named her Iris, after the Greek Rainbow Goddess. Aubrey fell into a deep depression and Percy was inconsolable. It had taken time and surprisingly, Luna Lovegood's kind words, to help them over this loss.
"We wanted to honor our second daughter too," Percy said, tracing his newest daughter's nose, "boy or girl, the middle name was already picked. I'm just glad that she's healthy."
Molly dabbed her eyes with a clean handkerchief, "I think it's a beautiful name. And I think Iris would have been happy to know that you still think of her."
"She's with Uncle Fred," Percy replied automatically, "and he is doting on her hand and foot."
Percy held his newest daughter in his arms. While he was hoping that the whole family could come into the room to see newest Weasley, his mother made a convincing argument that the bedroom simply wouldn't be big enough for all of his siblings, their spouses, and their children, plus Audrey's family. Audrey also agreed and was resting after the long labor. She agreed that he could show the baby off to her new family alone.
"She looks just like you," he whispered to Audrey. She hmmed in agreement, sleep fast overtaking her consciousness.
"And I think that I might take her down to Diagon Alley for a Butterbeer," he joked.
"Sounds nice Perc," she replied, her voice filled with exhaustion. He chucked quietly, kissed his wife's head, took a deep breath and unlocked the door and opened it. He began to walk down the hall and the happy chatter that he heard immediately stopped. A pin could be heard if it dropped at that very moment.
Percy turned around, considering that the family could in fact wait until his wife was ready and present their new daughter together and saw that his mother Molly and mother-in-law Lucy walking behind him. They nodded, encouragingly. He took a deep breath and turned the corner. His father, John, Silas, Katherine, Olivia (that was a surprise), Bill and Fleur with their three children, Charlie, George and his wife and their son Fred, Ron, Hermione, and their two children, and Harry holding his two boys and Ginny holding her baby girl, all stared expectantly at him.
He withdrew his wand and mentally muttered the incantation, 'Rosillious'. Pink sparks burst forth. Cheers erupted throughout the room, but none more loudly and excited than that of his own father.
"YES," Arthur shouted in glee, "I GET MY CROCS!"
I'm so glad I waited until now to upload this chapter. Firstly, the ending was inspired by a Tweet I read not long ago (I'm sorry, I don't know who the author is) who considered Harry and Hermione giving Crocs as Christmas presents to all of their Pureblood friends (Ron, Neville, et cetera). And of course, I immediately thought, "Who is the most obsessed Muggle collector in the HP universe?" So I knew I had to weave it into my story somehow.
Secondly, the miscarriage. I didn't plan to incorporate it into the story at all until I was editing the story. I began to research the name Renee and discovered the meaning. I immediately felt the need to incorporate the idea of reborn/rebirth into the story somehow. The sad fact is, some women have trouble conceiving and some loose their children due to miscarriage or stillborn. I felt it hasn't been discussed enough in literary works and that it is a bit of a stigma to those who experience it. If you are, you are not alone. Reach out to a therapist, family members, friends, someone you can share your grief with.
Also, the recipe is my own. Feel free to copy the recipe.
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 cup raw peanuts
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp margarine
1 tsp baking soda
Mix sugar and corn syrup in a glass bowl until smooth. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. At end of time, mix again. Microwave for another 2 minutes. At end of time, add peanuts. Stir. Microwave for 3 ½ minutes. Remove and add vanilla and margarine. Stir. Microwave for 1 minute. Add baking soda. Stir until the mixture looks white/gold in color and foamy. Immediately pour onto pre-buttered (I use Crisco) baking pan. Spread mixture out evenly with back of spoon. Let cool for half hour. To break apart, use back end of butter knife. Break into pieces about the size of a quarter or knut. Enjoy!