Chapter 14
"I can do this, I can do this…" I chanted to myself as Aberforth and I strolled along the cobblestone steps outside of Hogsmeade village. We were enchanted with an invisibility charm of course, but we had to walk slow as not to arouse suspicion…then again, nobody was present except us.
The area was dimly lit and the bulk of the shops in the area were boarded up. From my experiences at Hogsmeade, the village was constantly alert and alive, even at night…it was bizarre to see it so dead and ominous. Aberforth insisted on us not apparating but I was able to rule in that we should do it at least once so we didn't have to walk…I was growing weary of the walk and I hadn't told him why just yet.
But he turn, before leaving, informed me quite a bit. Firstly, it was the middle of April and I honestly hadn't realized how long it had been. During my capture, escape, and isolation in my childhood home, I lost all track of time. I didn't bother check nor did I care, I was alive and very fortunate for it. But in turn, it gave me a general idea of how far along I was: 7 months.
I rubbed my stomach again, still hidden from the world. So much time has past and I was unable to fully digest it all at once. My babies could be born at any time between now and the next few months, and I've done nothing to prepare for them. I was unable to take care of myself properly, make notes of any changes to my body, or document key moments. I actually stop walking then, feeling horrible. I still didn't think me a mother…I was doing horrible. God, what is wrong with me?!
"Hey!" Aberforth hissed a few feet ahead. "We have but one block left, do try to keep up!" He stated before turning to walk forward. I followed, shuffling my feet in the process. Yeah, I picked the perfect time to be knocked up; I even forget I was pregnant a good chunk of the time…at least Severus knew and was able to help…and I remembered to take my daily potions…maybe I'm not too horrible.
Further ahead, I could make out a sign that had a hog's head and dirt swinging away on a metal pole then figured it was safe to assume that was the place. Aberforth was waiting at a crosswalk and only moved when I appeared in his peripheral. The area surrounding the pup was still abandoned but Aberforth looked around anyway before opening up and entering.
The inside was even darker and twice as dirty. I ended up in a sneezing fit before we reached the stairs leading up to the inn. Once we entered Aberforth's personal quarters and he was able to re-secure the building did he allow me to set a few candles and remove our enchantments.
"Alright. Before I allow you to go through the passage, I have one last thing to ask," feeling puzzled, I nodded. "Good. Now…how far along are you kid?" My eyes widened at the question.
"Uhm, Aberforth…I believe I have no idea-" I began only to get interrupted.
"Yes you do! I am not daft and am fully aware of your situation. Where do you think Nymphadora Tonks was hiding and then assisted to her birth hmmm?" He asked while giving me a stern look.
"My gosh, she had her baby already? How is it? I mean, uh, is it a boy? Or a girl?" I asked, awestruck. I fired questions left and right still thinking of more to ask. Tonks had her baby already? Where was she now? I hope they're both ok…
"Cool your broom child! She is fine, had her baby nearly a week ago, and is currently recovering before the battle. And it's boy, she named him Edward or 'Teddy'…" he paused allowing a ghost of a smile to take over his features.
One or I should say two more questions plagued my mind at that moment: was Remus present and which parent did he take after? As if sensing what I was thinking, he held up a hand and I snapped my mouth shut, allowing him to continue speaking.
"Remus was with her if not the whole time unless the Order called him away. And…" he paused again, breathing deeply, "and thankfully, little Teddy takes after his mother if you catch my drift,"
I sighed, feeling relieved at his words. Not that I was disgusted or resentful of Remus and his…condition or curse? Whatever it should be called, I harbored no ill will towards him or what resides within. The only time that I considered it was when he nearly abandoned her nearly a year ago…I was happy that he stayed behind. But I'm not gonna deny that I was somewhat pleased that Teddy took after Tonks rather than Remus in certain genetics.
"Well, I guess that's good news…" I whispered more to myself than Aberforth who just gave me a look.
"Yeah, peachy. Now, are you gonna tell me your little news or are you gonna keep dancing around it?" He asked, leaning against the counter. I avoided his gaze, rubbing my belly absentmindedly. He sighed, "I got all night child, but I have a feeling you'll want to see whom I'm retrieving,"
I groaned and silently said the reversal before waving an arm in front of me. Aberforth tensed up and stared hard at my abdomen, letting the shock set in and also surprising me…I didn't think Aberforth was one to get shocked easily; then again, he did smile earlier at the mention of Tonks and Teddy.
"Do you even know the father child?" He groaned and I scoffed.
"How dare you?" I growled, moving to cover myself.
"Sweetie, you are a very pregnant seventeen year old girl; it looks inappropriate in whatever place, magic or non-magic," he stated and I said nothing. "I'm just hoping it wasn't one of those beasts that took you…"
"No, it wasn't, thankfully…" I stated before he could speak further.
"And is it safe to assume this didn't happen in school?" He asked and I nodded. "Then, when-", he paused then gave me a hard look, his cogs turning inside his head.
"What?" I asked, somewhat worried about the look he gave me.
"It's Harry's child isn't it?" He demanded and when I looked away, he got his confirmation. He sighed for the umpteenth time and began to pace.
Feeling froggy by his behavior, I opened my mouth to speak, "would you rather it be some stranger or a Deatheater?" I demanded and he huffed in response, glaring at me.
"Don't twist this around child!" He almost yelled. I backed away slightly, taking a defensive stance. He may have helped me, before and after my appearance to Albus' home. He's filled me on what's happening. And he's Albus' brother. But, he wasn't around for anything and I still question his loyalties…like I questioned Snape's.
"You never liked him did you?" I suddenly asked.
"He was Albus' golden boy. Makes me wonder why you would get mixed up with him…" I didn't answer him. I knew where he could've gone with this since it was something I questioned often in my own youth; why would Albus choose Harry over me?
"We are the same Aberforth. We understand each other's pasts, pain, and responsibilities of the outcome of this war," I shrugged. "I know him and he me", I paused, rubbing my bulging stomach, really feeling the difference now, "I love him and would lay my life down for him and despite your feelings towards him, I know he would do the same; we'd fight for and beside the other,"
He was quiet for awhile and continued to pace, glancing at me from time to time. He would shake his head and mutter a few words as if he was still processing my little speech. A few moments later, he stopped moving completely then looked down, pulling something from his pocket.
"Look, something is too happen and I'll feel a lot better if you are behind that painting before I do so," he stopped to gesture to a portrait of a young girl on the wall…a young girl that looked familiar, but I couldn't place it.
"Aberforth, what are you talking about?" I questioned. His face was serious and he seemed to be getting a little jitterier by the second.
"Ok, listen up; I have but a few minutes. Have you heard of the Caterwauling Charm?" He asked.
I nodded, "it causes any unauthorized person entering the perimeter of a certain area to set off an alarm which makes a high-pitched scream."
"Yes. The Deatheaters have it set up every evening at ten o'clock precisely, which is in another 3 and half minutes. I've been going out each night to hunt for stragglers, which have appeared to increase in the last couple weeks." He stated as he threw back on his cloak.
"How noble of you," I stated which earned me an eye roll.
"We need all the man power we can get. Now, go through there and just wait, I'll see you soon," he said as he pushed me forward towards the portrait. "And you may want to hide, that, erm…yeah,"
"Huh?" I replied then looked down, "oh, right." I said before waving an arm over my stomach.
Moving to stand directly in front of the painting, I was able to get a better look. The girl was young with blonde hair and small smile. She looked out with a vacant sweetness in her eyes…he very blue eyes. I gasped, realizing where I've seen this girl before; Albus had a similar painting back home!
"Aberforth! Is this-", I turned to see that he was gone, "Ariana." Her name fell flat from my lips and I turned back around, opening the portrait to reveal a long dark tunnel. "Well, he goes everything…" I stated before climbing inside and shutting it behind me.
Luckily, I didn't have to crawl, but it was dark enough that I constantly grazed the rough dirt walls. The air was cool and damp, giving me goose bumps as I walked. The tunnel seemed never ending and I almost jumped for joy when I reached the end before allowing claustrophobia set in. Taking a deep breath, I raised a fist to knock but before I could, the door swung open. My mouth fell open and I gasped at who was on the other side.
"Neville?" I cried.
"Hey stranger," He smiled, opening his arms to me as I jumped into him.
"My Gods Neville! It's so good to see you!" I cried, tears now soaking his sweater. "I've missed you so much!"
"And I've missed you Emma. But next time, let me go last ok?" He stated and I pulled away to look at him. He was smiling wide and I did too, catching the joke.
"Yes, you should go first so that way we don't worry about you!" A female voice called behind him. I looked around him to see Ginny, smiling even brighter in my direction. Letting go of Neville, I moved to hug her much like I did Neville just moments ago. "I thought mum was gonna murder me when I told her we lost you,"
"I'm sorry…" I stated, pulling away. "I promise to stay together this time,"
"Isn't that what you promised last time child of Winter?" I looked around to see others emerging from the portrait, among them were Luna and Dean.
"You all are gonna give me a bloody heart attack if ya'll keep appearing at once!" I yelled, moving to hug Luna while Dean rushed past me to Ginny.
"You'll be ok, how do you think we feel?" Neville asked, looking between Luna and I. He did have a point. From my peripheral, I could see Dean holding Ginny close, kissing perhaps? And Neville looked like he wanted to hide Luna somewhere. Pulling away from her, she moved to give Neville a hug, lingering for a few extra moments.
While each reunion commensed, I was able to look around the room, seeing it wasn't just us. There were small groups of kids scattered about the room. Most of the kids present were around 4th or 5th years and older. Aberforth had mentioned that a bulk of the younger ones were sent home or didn't come back at all. They all looked at me and questioned my roll, judging by the looks on their faces; they were all scared, worried huddled in their sleeping bags.
"Can I really do this…" I whispered to myself.
"Do what?" Two voices stated from beside me and I jumped. Turning around, I was pleased by the sight of Fred and George Weasley in front of me.
"Damnit you two! Of course one of ya'll would be the source of my heart attack!" I stated angrily yet still happy to see them. Both of their jaws dropped open in mock shock.
"Who?!"
"Us?!"
"Why would you say such a thing?!"
"We haven't seen you in months and this is our greeting!"
"We noticed all your hugs and came over for the same treatment!"
"Then we get such a horrible accusation!" They said together finally. Rolling my eyes, I grabbed both of their necks and pulled them in for a group hug. Despite the brewing war, Fred and George were still as I left them.
"I wouldn't expect anything less of you guys…I've missed you both so very much," I said as they hugged me close.
"We'd never hurt you Emma,"
"Not intentionally anyways,"
"Maybe for a prank..."
"Hurt pranks are always good!"
"I know and we'll have to do plenty of them once this is all over," I smiled, pulling away to look up at them both. Intertwining my arms with theirs, we moved back to the original group as if waiting on us.
"Ok boys and girls, what did I miss?"
A week passed without incident. Then another. And another. With each passing week, more would arrive; not only former students, but members of the Order as well. We were growing in numbers, but also increasing in restlessness. Most would take to training in a small part of the room while others moped around. As of late, I was slowly standing in as a co-leader amongst them and how it happened, I did not know. Word that I was their Savior spread to each ear which forced me to step up sooner rather than later.
So I helped with training. I was able to use my powers at full strength and showed them off regularly; in a way, it helped with various training exercises and proper spell casting, especially with how they should be executed. And in between that, I still meditated along with a few others, helping them center and control their own magic as well.
On this particular day, I was seated with Fred and George Weasley who both made it extremely difficult to concentrate. In between various pranks, they do whatever in their power to distract me…and it didn't help that they knew my little secret now; I was still mad at Ginny for spilling the beans the other day.
"C'mon! People were gonna find out sooner or later despite how awesome your concealment charm was!" Ginny fussed and I just growled, walking faster not like I could really hide anywhere…or avoid constant stares.
"It was my secret damnit! I already have enough strangers staring at me cause I'm the Savior and nor did I need to add the 'oh look at the pregnant teenager' pitiful glances!" I huffed before crossing my arms.
"Look, I'm sorry ok? I wasn't thinking, I was just so excited that they were ok! And I figured that it would help somehow ya know?" She replied soflty.
"Yeah, nobody will think I can do my job and have to protect me…" I grumbled.
"Or, it could be an added motivator?" She tried and I still refused to look at her. "You've probably heard this already, but if Tonks can do it, then there's no doubt in mind that you can't; if anything, you are so much stronger and like Tonks, have something worth fighting for,"
"Even the future of magic?" I deadpanned and it was her turn to roll her eyes.
"Yes, even magic," she replied and I shrugged. She moved closer then and kept bumping me slightly till I looked her way. "C'mon, forgive me? I'll give you my dessert for the rest of the week," she teased.
"As long as its treacle tarts…" I mumbled as she pulled me forward to mingle with various D.A./Order members.
Which lead me to being their current victim of merciless taunting…
"So, since you're having twins."
"You should name them Fred 2 and George 2!"
"And if they are girls-"
"Which would be highly unlikely if we say so ourselves,"
"Fredericka or Georgina would be acceptable!"
"And we would graciously accept being Godparents-"
"If either of you kicks the bucket,"
"Which we don't want to happen, ever!"
"But I'd say we'd raise them to the highest of excellence!"
"In our joke shop of course!"
"When does it end?!" I screamed and they both looked at me like I was the one that went bonkers. But before they could continue, I saw Dean running towards us out of breath. With the assistance of Fred and George, they heaved me up to greet him. Since the cat was out of the bag, my very prego belly was revealed to all…and I was feeling how much I missed tenfold.
Once Dean reached us, he was hunched over, gasping for air. "Hey guys! Ginny sent me to get you!"
"Dean, did you really run that far?"
"Yeah, this room isn't that big,"
"Sh! Not now!" I hissed then turned back to Dean, "what's happening?" I asked concerned. He broke out a big grin and gestured for me to follow.
"Just come, you'll want to see this!" Shrugging, the three of us followed behind. The small crowds that were present converged in front of the portrait hole and I had to shove my way past.
Once up front, I had to blink a few times, even rub them thinking that I was hallucinating. It had been months, nearly a year since I'd seen them. All three of them since being at Grimmauld Place. So long since I plotted with Hermione. So long since I ate and goofed with Ron. So long since the other half of me was gone. And here they were, in the flesh…he was back.
I looked to Harry first and his eyes locked with mine. Time stopped and it was just us. My eyes watered and I wanted nothing more to walk into his arms, but I couldn't. I was still in shock, frozen in place. Thankfully, Harry wasn't and he moved towards me. He stopped barely a foot from me just staring at me for a moment longer, neither of us saying a word.
"Emma," he whispered. I lost it and fell into him, positioning myself so not to bump him. I laughed and cried as he held me tight. I choked somewhere in between it all but, he was there to pat my back. Thank the Goddess, my love was back!
"I can't believe it," I whispered, moving to touch his face, his hair, whatever I could.
"I'm here love," he whispered back, his voice sounding deeper than normal. With one hand, he moved to caress my face and the other to my stomach. I stiffened at the feel of his palm resting on my stomach. "I'm here for you and them my love; I'm here to fight for us, our family," he stated making me smile.
"We all are," I heard a voice say from behind Harry and then it wasn't just us. Hermione glanced at Harry's hand on my stomach then back at me, smiling softly.
"Yeah prego, we have a lot to fight for…got to protect my future God kids," Rona stated moving to stand beside Hermione, fingers laced together.
"And that fight is happening now! You better conceal yourself and quick, there isn't much time." Neville stated in a rush. I felt Harry tense beside me, pulling me closer to his side. "Ok Harry, what's the plan?"
Harry looked at me then the crowd. "I'm not gonna sugar coat this," he began, "this situation sucks a bit. I was just reunited with my love, my friends, and found out how to bring down Lord Voldemort," he sighed. "But it's almost done. We will stand together!" He yelled and so did the crowd.
Looking over me, he gave me a grim smile and I returned it. With a quick wave of my arm over my belly, my children were protected. Facing the crowd, I said three simple words before Harry set everything into motion; there was no turning back.
"IT ENDS TONIGHT!"