Chapter 31: The Next Generation is born
The next morning Delaney woke up first in the usual position with Neville's handing resting on her bare stomach protectively. She glanced at the clock it was half-nine.
"You awake love?" Neville asked.
Delaney turned to smile at her husband and said. "I'm awake."
"Do you think I'll be a good father to this baby?" Neville asked rubbing her stomach as their baby kicked softly.
"I'm sure you will be, you're great with all the kids in the extended family," Delaney smiled, resting her hand over Neville's
"I suppose so, you can always make me feel better," he smiled kissing his wife passionately.
The couple broke apart and got up.
A few days later they were at St. Mungos for Delaney's healer appointment.
"It looks like you're having a boy, Delaney." her co-worker Michael Corner said.
"We have a son, Nev," she smiled resting her hand on her stomach.
Neville grinned and said. "I know."
The couple left St. Mungos and apparated home.
After the New Year, Neville went back to Hogwarts. Kennedy had her next child in the middle of February. It was another baby girl named Jacqueline. Lee was completely out numbered but he wouldn't have it any other way. It was now Susan's second time giving birth. Delaney was eight months along while Hermione was seven months.
"That's going to be me in a month's time," Delaney cringed as their son kicked.
Neville rested his hand on her stomach and whispered. "I know, I can't wait to meet our son."
"Me too but I'm not looking forward to the pain," Delaney said leaning her head on Neville's shoulder.
"Neither am I," Hermione said.
"I'm officially outnumbered!" Zach exclaimed walking out of the delivery room.
"Merlin, we need more testosterone in this family. We have so many girls," Harry laughed.
Neville and Delaney shared a smile. They haven't told anyone except their parents that they were expecting a boy.
"You don't have to get up, Delaney," Zach said rushing over to hug Delaney.
The baby kicked. Both women waddled to the delivery room to see the newest addition.
It was now a month later and Delaney was due any day now. It couldn't come any faster she wanted to meet her baby. Neville had returned a bit early from Hogwarts. They were sitting on the couch blissfully napping or at least Neville was Delaney had been woken up by sharp pains in her stomach which she knew were the beginnings of labor and then her water broke.
"Nev?"
"Hmm."
"The baby's coming."
His blue eyes flew open and he jumped up from the couch and panicked. If Delaney wasn't in pain she would laugh. Once he was done panicking they apparated to St. Mungos. They got Delaney situated.
"This is it," Delaney smiled.
"I know, we'll be parents soon," He said kissing her forehead and taking her hand.
Labor continued.
"It's almost time to push."
Delaney groaned and said. "I don't think I can, it hurts so bloody much."
"Yes, you can."
Delaney clenched the bed sheet and gave one big push.
"That was a good push, love."
Delaney glared at her husband and said. "That's easy for you to say, Neville. You're lucky I don't have my wand."
"See what I mean, you can be just as venomous as the snake I killed."
"Not helping, Nev."
His blue eyes twinkled mischievously.
"Just a few more pushes."
Delaney did as she was told until she heard a cry. Delaney leaned back in exhaustion and Neville kissed her forehead.
"Say hello to your, son." Michael said, handing Neville the small baby.
Neville smiled at the small baby and said. "Welcome to the world, Isaac Ryan Longbottom."
"What does he look like, Nev?"
"He inherited your eyes, I'll never be able to say no to him now."
They wheeled Delaney into recovery room with her new son.
"I'll go grab everyone to come visit our little boy."
Delaney nodded. Neville walked to the waiting room.
"So, is the baby here?" Susan asked holding her one-month old daughter Haley.
"He is!" Neville grinned.
"So, you're the one to break the cycle of girls in our group."
Neville nodded and said. "Yes, where are Harry and Hermione?"
"Funny you say that, Hermione went into labor while you were in there with Delaney."
"So, our children are going to be either born on the same day or a day apart. Just like me and Harry."
"So, can we see the baby?"
"Oh, of course."
Neville led them to the room.
"Hey everyone," Delaney greeted sleepily.
Neville greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.
"So, this is the big guy who broke the cycle of girls."
Delaney smiled and said. "Yes, this is Isaac Ryan Longbottom."
"He's beautiful."
Neville smiled and said. "We make beautiful babies."
"Not as beautiful as our two girls," Zach grinned.
Isaac cried as if to say. "I beg to differ' and the adults chuckled.
"Where are Harry and Hermione?"
"Hermione is in labor," Neville informed his wife.
Delaney nodded. They waited for news on Hermione. It turned out that James Sirius Potter was born at one am on May 31st while Isaac Ryan Longbottom was born at two pm on May 30th. Just like their fathers before them.
"I suppose this means double birthdays each year?" Neville asked Harry.
He nodded. Both husbands smiled at their wives. They couldn't be happier.