Subject: Ancient Runes
Task: Write about a twist of events that turn a situation upside down.
Event: Rowing: Quadruple Sculls
Prompt: A Birth
1000 Word Challenge: Purchase
Word Count: 637
Can't Do This Alone
Draco and Astoria ambled down the quiet Muggle street, making their way towards the shopping centre to purchase some last minute baby items.
Suddenly, his wife grabbed his arm and stopped him dead in his tracks.
"What's wrong, darling?" he asked, turning to face his wife of three years.
"I—I think the baby's coming, Draco," Astoria gasped, taking a sharp intake of breath as she felt a twinge in her lower abdomen.
Draco felt the air leave his lungs.
His baby was coming - now, and he didn't feel ready. He wasn't ready for the responsibility of being a father.
His mind began to race with all the things that needed to be done before the baby arrived. Had he done everything on the list, or was there something left to do?
Was the nursery completed and fully furnished?
Did they have—
"Draco, now is not the time to start over-thinking everything," Astoria snapped. "I need to get to a hospital. You know the place that has the nice pain relief potions."
"Yes, yes, of course, darling," he rushed out. "Which way is it to the hospital? Should I carry you?"
"No, you idiot," Astoria laughed, slapping him on the shoulder. "Apparate there."
"Oh, yes, of course, apparate," Draco said, feeling like a moron as he felt around for his wand in his robes.
Draco took hold of his wife's hand and twisted on the spot, trying not to panic at the thought that in just a few short hours he would be holding his son in his arms.
~o~o~o~
Draco paced outside the room. The Healers had sent him from the room over an hour ago when it had become apparent that all was not going to plan with the birth.
They hadn't told him why, all they had said to him was, "Mr. Malfoy, it would be best if you stepped outside for a moment."
He banged his fist against the wall in frustration.
What was going on in the delivery room?
What was so bad that they had to ask him to leave?
This was supposed to be one of the happiest days of his life, and it was being plagued by worry for the safety of his wife and son.
Draco collapsed into one of the chairs and threw his head into his hands. Please let them be okay, he thought to himself.
"Mr. Malfoy," said a Healer, quietly announcing her presence, and Draco jumped to his feet.
"What is it? Is my wife okay? My son?"
Draco noticed how the Healer's eyes flickered to the ground. Something bad had happened. He could tell.
"I'm so very sorry Mr. Malfoy, your wife—"
"No, no, please, no," Draco sobbed. "I can't do this without her."
Draco leant against the wall and slid down it, letting out a cry of anguish.
"What about my son? Is he healthy?" he asked.
"Yes and I think he would like to meet his daddy." The Healer smiled sadly at him. "I am so very sorry for your loss Mr. Malfoy. Would you like to come through and meet your son?"
Draco stood up and dried his eyes.
"Yes," he choked out, "I think I would."
The bereaved man followed the Healer back through the double doors that led to the delivery suite.
His eyes tracked over towards the bed where his wife lay. She looked so peaceful, almost as if she was sleeping.
"I'll be brave for him, my love," he whispered as the Healer handed him his son. "I promise."
This may not have been how Draco had foreseen the day to go when he brought his wife to the hospital, but now that the worst thing imaginable had happened he knew that he had to be the strongest version of himself - for his son.
