By November, Ashlynn had fallen easily into being a mum, a wife, and a Professor. Sirius was a doting father but had also stepped up his efforts with the Order so he spent much time away from Ashlynn and Aludra. Ashlynn had also begun going on missions again and often they had to leave Aludra with Madam Pomfrey.
Tonight was one such night Ashlynn and Lily were patrolling the area of Hogsmeade. Since they had caught two Death Eaters, creeping around Hogsmeade members of the Order had taken to patrolling it. Not only to keep the town members safe but also to make sure no one got into Hogwarts.
Ashlynn was out patrolling most nights with one of the other members. Some nights there were only two people but other times there were four of them. She enjoyed the nights her and Lily got to spend some time alone.
"How is Aludra doing?" Lily asked as the marched up and down the street slowly.
Ashlynn smiled one of her favorite topics of conversation was her daughter. In the three short months since she was born her hair had darken to Sirius' color. Plus Aludra's grey eyes matched his perfectly. "She laughed the other day for the first time. Sirius was making a toy of hers float and she kept grabbing for it and when she finally got it she laughed!" Ashlynn said her face lighting up at the memory.
Lily smiled at her and grinned. "Well that's good. I think tonight will be my last night on patrol." She said sadly.
Ashlynn looked over at her best friend shocked. "What? Why?" She cried unhappily.
"Well James is going to come here in the morning and we are going to tell Dumbledore I'm pregnant." Lily said with a smile. She had already planned to stay with Ashlynn because Sirius and James were out on an overnight mission.
"You're pregnant?" Ashlynn cried happily.
Lily nodded happily. "Yeah I just found out today and I've been bursting to tell someone! Sirius already knows because James could not keep his mouth closed. He keeps telling Sirius that he's not going to have a daughter, but a son." She said with a laugh.
Ashlynn laughed and hugged Lily. "I'm so happy for you!"
"I thought you were going to be mad at me!" Lily said with a smile and wink letting Ashlynn know she was only joking.
"Come on it's time to go back." Ashlynn said. She was sick of being away from Aludra and there were two other members of the Order sitting in the Three Broomsticks.
"We should go warn them that we are heading back so they know it's their turn to walk around." Lily said with a smile.
Ashlynn nodded in agreement and turned towards the Three Broomsticks. Once they arrived, they knocked quickly and entered the bar. There Fabian and Gideon Prewett sat nursing mugs of pumpkin juice. "Well look if it isn't the two prettiest girls in the Order!" Fabian cried standing up.
Ashlynn laughed as Gideon pulled her onto his lap and kissed her cheek. "Why did you marry Black when you could've been Mrs. Gideon Prewett?" He cried laughing. Since Fabian and Gideon had been coming around a lot Ashlynn and them had become friends. Gideon was always torturing Sirius with jokes about stealing Ashlynn away from him along with Aludra.
"I think the name Ashlynn Black sounds more powerful then Ashlynn Prewett." Ashlynn said with a laugh. "We actually came to tell you guys it's your turn to walk. Lily and I are headed back for the night."
Gideon nodded as Fabian stood up. "We will walk you back up to the gates." He said with a smile.
Ashlynn shook her head and smiled. "That's not necessary Fabian. It is out of the way and a hassle. I'll send my patronus when we get there." She said and then hugged both men.
Gideon and Fabian saw them to the door of the Three Broomsticks; they turned in the opposite direction. Lily shivered in the cool November air and yawned. "I just realized how tired I was." She said with a smirk.
Ashlynn nodded slowly. "It's the morning sickness; it gets better and worse all at the same time." She said as they trudged up the hill towards the gate. They were silent until they reached the gates of Hogwarts. "You send your patronus to Filch and I'll send mine to the Prewetts."
Lily nodded as both held out their wands and yelled, "Expecto Patronum." Out of Ashlynn's wand popped out a jaguar, while out of Lily's popped a Doe. Soon both messages were on their way.
Ashlynn laughed as she turned to Lily. "My patronus can eat yours." Ashlynn said laughing.
Lily nodded as Filch came down and unlocked the gate. "I guess it can but mines prettier." She said teasingly.
Ashlynn chuckled and nodded. "I guess so." She said. "So are you nervous about being a mom?"
Lily thought for a moment biting her lip. "Yes, I am but I figured if you and Sirius can do it so can I." She said with a laugh. "Course I do have to deal with James and he's just like a child so I'm not sure!"
Ashlynn laughed and slung her arm over Lily's shoulders. "I feel the same way about Sirius. Sometimes I wonder if I have two children instead of just Aludra." Ashlynn said.
They made their way into the hospital wing where Madam Pomfrey was rocking Aludra. "Back so soon?" She asked almost sadly.
Ashlynn nodded and rushed over to her. Madam Pomfrey handed off the three-month-old girl to her mother. "How was she?" Ashlynn asked as she looked adoringly at her daughter. Even after three much she loved the little girl until it felt like her heart was about to burst.
"She was a perfect angel as always." Madam Pomfrey said with a smile. "Goodnight girls." With that, she turned on her heel and went to her office.
Lily smiled and held out her arms. "Give me my godchild." Lily demanded and took the sleeping child out of her best friends' arms.
Ashlynn grumbled with a smirk playing on her face. "I can't even hold Aludra when you or James are around."
"Tough luck, I need practice." Lily said with a wink. "Seriously I only got eight more months till I pop one out."
Ashlynn sat at the table in her apartment eating breakfast with Lily. She could take her meals here or in the Great Hall when she had guests or Sirius was home she took her meals in private. They were about halfway through when an owl flew in carrying Ashlynn and Sirius' post. Ashlynn sorted through it and saw something addressed to her. Happily, she ripped it open.
The Lady Ashlynn (De Lenfent) Black,
I write to you on behalf of your Grand-mère, and Grand-père Cherina and Theon de Lenfent. I am Jullien Reyes the keeper of Château De Lenfent. If you remember correctly, we met on your last trip to Orleans. Of course then I was just the apprentice to the old keeper of Château De Lenfent. Yet I do not write today to talk about my own accomplishments but of the Lady Cherina and the Lord Theon.
Your Grand-père Theon is at an age where his health is suffering. This is the cause of Theon and Cherina not coming to meet their new great granddaughter. Lady Cherina bemoans the lack of interaction with both you and Aludra. Often spending most of the afternoon staring at the few pictures she has, and rereading the letters, you have sent to her reliving each memory of yours about her petit-enfant.
As Lady Cherina cannot leave your Grand-père's side due to his ailing health, she has taken to a depressed mood, which gets worse as each day passes. She has expressed her wish to see you and the child many times to Lord Theon and myself but has refused to ask you, as the times are too uncertain and she could not risk the young babe's life just to make an old woman happy.
So I ask as a loyal servant of the De Lenfent family, please travel to the city of Lille where I shall then escort you the rest of the way to Château De Lenfent. When you are ready to return to Britain, I will escort you and the new babe back Lille and will not leave your side until you are in the safe hands of your other escort. Please owl me back as soon as possible.
Keeper of and loyal servant to Château De Lenfent
Master Jullien Reyes
Ashlynn set down the letter with a scoff and rolled her eyes. "I can't believe he would try to guilt me into leaving right now especially with Aludra!" Ashlynn cried unhappily. She certainly missed her grandparents and had wished to see them over the last couple of months yet it was too risky to travel with the three-month-old babe.
Lily picked up the letter and read silently for a few. She set down the letter with a small unreadable look. Suddenly she said. "It might be good for you and Aludra to leave for a week. I'm sure Dumbledore could find a substitute teacher for your classes for a week."
Ashlynn gasped and looked over at Lily surprised. "You can't be serious. It's too dangerous for me to take Aludra, I mean I would go but I can't leave her for that long."
Lily laughed a bit and looked around. "Well a bunch of us can escort you during the day. You know me, Peter, Remus, Sirius, and James will all gladly take you. Sirius might even go with you all the way to France. Who knows all you can do is ask." Lily said with a smile.
Ashlynn snorted as the door opened and in walked Sirius and James. "Sirius!" She cried happily. She jumped up and into his arms kissing him passionately. She loved this man more then ever.
"Hello love." He said as they broke the kiss. "How was our beautiful daughter last night?"
Ashlynn smiled as she sat back down and Sirius went and picked up Aludra. "She was perfect as always." She said as she cleared the plates away and looked up at James. "I here congratulations are in order."
James smiled from ear to ear. "Yes, I'm going to be the daddy of a healthy baby boy, just you wait and see!" He cried.
Lily smacked his arm and shook her head. "If our child is a girl you will be just as happy won't you James Potter!" She cried.
James frowned and nodded. "Yes if we have a girl she'll be daddy's little girl." He said in a false voice.
Lily groaned and decided to change the subject she picked up the latter from Jullien Ryes. "Look at this Sirius." She said. "Ashlynn's grandparents want her and Aludra to visit France."
Sirius read the letter over and shrugged. "I'm sure we could arrange something." He said as he set down the letter absentmindedly. Ashlynn cocked her head to the side surprise.
"What?" She asked wondering if Sirius had read the letter right. "They want me to go there love, not them to come here."
Sirius chuckled and kissed her. "I know. I think it will be good for you to get out of here for a while. You've been coped up in Hogwarts for way too long." He said with a smile. "Give me a few days to arrange everything alright?"
Ashlynn smiled and nodded. "If you think its safe love then we will go." She said with a smile.
"Oh no not me. I have to stay here and do something. It would be easier and safer if you're not in the country." He said.
"What are you doing?" She cried unhappily.
"I can't tell you love. Please understand this one time I can't tell you."
Ashlynn glared at him and said. "Fine, then you can just forget about sharing my bed tonight." With that, she turned on her heel and left. She hated when Sirius hid stuff from her. He had been doing that a lot lately and it was starting to hurt her.
Ashlynn was preparing for her next class when Albus Dumbledore walked into the room a small smile played on his face. "Good afternoon Professor Black." He said.
"Good afternoon Professor Dumbledore." Ashlynn said with a small smile. Dumbledore had never visited her during school hours. "What brings you here today?"
Dumbledore smiled. "We are in need of a new Divinations teacher." He said with a smile.
Ashlynn looked at him oddly. "Professor I'm not a Seer. In fact, if you remember right I had to drop Divinations because I kept failing it. Madame Summerhill said I did not even have the hint of a third eye." Ashlynn said confused as to why Dumbledore would approach her about becoming the Divinations teacher. Madame Summerhill had stepped down in the middle of the semester due to the fact her whole family had gone missing.
Dumbledore chuckled softly and shook his head. "No, no my dear you misunderstood me. Tonight I am traveling to the Leaky Cauldron to interview a candidate. I would like you to accompany me on the journey." He said with a smirk.
Ashlynn smiled and nodded. "I can do that sir." She said with a smile.
"Excellent, then come to my office around eight o'clock please." Dumbledore said with a smile.
Ashlynn nodded and smiled. "Alright then sir, I will see you then." She said.
"Have a good rest of the day Professor." He said and left the room just as students began to pour in.
Ashlynn and Dumbledore stepped off the Knight Bus and into the pouring rain of London. They moved quickly into the Leaky Cauldron and were greeted by Tom. "Good evening Tom." Dumbledore said with a smile. "I'm here to see a guest of yours Sybill Trelawney."
Tom smiled and nodded. "Right this way sir." He said with a smile.
Ashlynn stopped and waited for a moment until Dumbledore waved her towards him. "Come along Ashlynn you're going up to."
Once they reached the room Ashlynn stood in the back as Dumbledore began interviewing the Trelawney woman. Ashlynn rolled her eyes as the woman predicted death and destruction repeatedly. She was a raving old bat but Dumbledore allowed her to continue for some time.
Finally, Dumbledore began to rise and thank Trelawney for her time. Ashlynn sighed in relief, as she never liked Divinations as she found it a silly waste of time for a school subject. That is when it happened Sybill went ridged her tone of voice changed. Ashlynn paid more attention as the woman spoke. "The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches...Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies…" That is when she heard the big bang just outside the door.
Dumbledore was too engrossed to see what was the matter so in just a few seconds Ashlynn was out the door wand in hand. There Severus was being dragged away by Tom and the bar tender.
She closed her eyes and knew that Severus was about to run and tell the Dark Lord what he had heard. "What have you just done Sev?" She wondered aloud.
The next evening Ashlynn sat with Alice and Lily. Alice had just told them that she two was pregnant. Ashlynn grinned happily, as she hugged Alice. "I'm so happy for you."
"Ashlynn you should get pregnant again so our children can be in the same year at Hogwarts!" Alice said with wink.
Ashlynn gasped and shook her head. "Oh no! One is enough for me." She said with a laugh. "Maybe with Aludra's a bit older I will have another one but for now one is enough."
Alice laughed and smiled. "Oh fine be no fun!" She cried and winked. "Then the next time we have to plan this better!"
Ashlynn laughed and smiled. "So when did the Healers say you both were due?" She asked happily.
"End of July." Both replied in unison.
Ashlynn dropped her cup of tea and it landed on the floor with a loud crash. "Ashlynn!" Lily cried as she stood up. "Are you okay?"
Ashlynn shook her head quickly and began shaking. Why were both due at the end of July? The words Trelawney had spoken came back to her. 'Born as the seventh month dies…'
"Ashlynn are you okay?" Alice asked.
"I'm fine. Sorry lack of sleep." She mumbled and then pulled out her wand and cleaned up the mess she had made.
"That wasn't a lack of sleep! Tell us what upset you." Lily cried frowning.
Ashlynn sighed and shook her head. "Last night Dumbledore had me go with him to the Leaky Cauldron to interview the new Divinations teacher." She began.
"Oh that Trelawney hack? I met her this morning and she seems a bit off." Lily said with a smile.
Ashlynn nodded. "That's what I thought a complete hack! Until right as Dumbledore was getting ready to leave she went into this trace like state." Ashlynn said softly.
"Oh what did she say?" Alice asked.
"Well I only got to hear half of it because Severus Snape was listening at the door!" She cried.
"Well what the half of it?" Lily asked intrigued.
Ashlynn laughed and shook her head. "I know all of it Dumbledore told me the rest of it on the trip back but I don't think I should tell you." Ashlynn said a teasing smirk played on her face.
"Come on Ashlynn you can't keep something like that to yourself!" Alice cried.
"I haven't told Sirius." Ashlynn said proudly.
Lily laughed. "Well then you just better tell us because Sirius will tell James who will tell me and I'll just tell Alice." Lily said with a raised eyebrow and a laugh.
Ashlynn sighed and rolled her eyes. "Fine!" She said and the other two women shirked with giddiness. "The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches… Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not...and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives."
Both girls were quiet for a moment and then Lily forced a smile. "Well she can't be talking about us! None of us have defied him three times."
Alice agreed and the conversation continued for a while but Ashlynn knew that they had. Alice and Frank had captured two of his Death Eaters, and had helped Ashlynn escape.
While Lily and James had helped capture one Death Eater, they had married each other even though the Dark Lord had said any Muggleborn and pureblood that married would be hunt, and they had helped Ashlynn escape. She knew that if one of them had a son that boy would be the one the prophecy had talked about.
That night Ashlynn and Sirius lay in bed cuddling. Ashlynn had expressed her fears about the prophecy to Sirius who had quickly calmed her nerves. Dumbledore would warn both the Longbottoms and the Potters if they were in any real danger he said. They had only been quiet for a few moments when Sirius said. "So you'll be going to France in two weeks. Remus and Peter will escort you to Lille. Is that okay love?" He asked with a smile.
Ashlynn nodded slowly and smiled. "Is Aludra going to come with me?" She asked hopefully.
"Oh yes." He said with smile.
"How long will I be staying in France?" Ashlynn asked as she turned around to face him.
"Just one week I can't be without my girls for too long." Sirius said with a smile.
Ashlynn reached up and ran her hand through his shoulder length hair. "I'm glad love because we need you around. Our Aludra is always going to need her daddy, and I'm always going to need you."
Sirius smiled and kissed her deeply. "Good because I need both of you around." Sirius pulled away and chuckled.
Ashlynn smiled and snuggled into his chest fighting back a yawn. "My arm burns today." She whispered as she pulled off the leather brace that covered her dark mark.
Sirius looked at it. "It's so dark today." He mumbled as he ran his fingers over it. They had not discussed her mark much since he had given her the leather brace that covered it up.
Ashlynn nodded slowly and mumbled. "He is calling every one of his death eaters to him. Something big happened Sirius. It scares me."
Sirius pulled his wife closer to him. "Nothings going to happen to you or Aludra. I promise you that love." He said with a forced smile.
"Promise me you'll be safe too love. I have no life without you and you know that Sirius Black!" She cried unhappily.
Sirius smiled and kissed her. "I promise I'll be safe too."
Ashlynn smiled and closed her eyes. She knew that Sirius had just said it to make her happy but she did not care. It made here feel better to hear him say those words to her. With a smile still on her face, she began to drift off to sleep, thinking of seeing her grandparents soon.
Just a few notes: I know that the prophecy was predicted in the hogs head but since I already had the order patrolling there was no way to get Snape in there. Therefore I changed it to the Leaky Cauldron.
Second note: Please leave some reviews! I didn't get any for my last chapter! It makes me sad. Thank you for your support! -Lena Knight