Chapter Five: Labour (Warning: Slightly Graphic)
Over the next few months, Constance was a lot more careful and taking much better care of herself. She managed to make it to 34 weeks gestation. She made her way to the Staffroom and sat down, looking as though she saw a ghost.
"Are you all right, Constance?" Davina asked, as she came out of the cupboard.
"I'm fine, Miss Bat." Constance said through gritted teeth. She knew how Davina could get into a state of hysteria. She was easily excitable. Constance didn't want her to make a scene. The slightest upset would send Davina Bat back into the stationery cupboard from whence she came. She didn't want to excite the Chanting Mistress, nor did she want Davina to dote over her, treating her as some invalid, simply because she was pregnant.
Constance got herself a drink and left the Staffroom. She went to Amelia's office.
"Ah, Constance, what can I do for you?" Amelia asked.
"I am not feeling entirely myself, Headmistress." Constance said, which made an alarm go off in Amelia's head.
"Constance…Is there something you're not telling me?" Amelia asked her Deputy.
"No,Headmistress… I have a Potions class to run." Constance said, avoiding the question. She turned on her heel and rushed out. Amelia raised a brow. This was not like Constance at all. Either, Constance was nauseous, or she was going into labour…
Constance walked to the Potions Lab where the Fourth Years were waiting.
"Today, we will be learning…" Constance began and paused, taking a deep breath. She haddn't gotten to tell the pupils about the day's lesson yet. Mildred was on edge. Her thoughts echoed the Headmistress' thoughts. She was afraid that Constance Hardbroom, Deputy Headmistress of Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches, was going into labour… That thought was confirmed when Constance's water broke.
Constance gasped as amniotic fluid began trickling down her leg. Mildred was on her feet in a flash.
"Ethel, get Miss Cackle, please." Constance asked, closing her eyes. She knew it was not long until contractions began. She gripped the chair in front of her.
When Constance felt the first contraction, she gasped. She inhaled sharply, beginning to recite her Lamaze training. She winced, panting. Mildred couldn't contain herself anymore. She was in front of Constance in a nanosecond.
"Enid, could you please get a glass of water for Miss Hardbroom?" Mildred asked.
"Of course. Sit down, Miss Hardbroom." Said, Enid leaving the room. Constance did as told. Enid returned a couple minutes later.