Eve's POV
That could've gone better. But I guess it also could've gone worse. At least everything was out in the open now and I could relax and just worry about something other than this pregnancy I've gotten myself into. And my unyielding morning sickness.
James had left as soon as the whole fiasco was over and I couldn't really find him—not that I was looking very hard. I was too busy trying to stomach some lunch and finish a potion essay. I was planning on doing it during my after-breakfast break, but that plan fell through. I saw Scorpius sometime around noon, sitting with this new girl Helen I had been noticing. Apparently, he had moved on. He tried to catch up with me and I let him. I'd always liked Scorpius—sweet kid.
"Hello Mum," he said with a wink. I narrowed my eyes at him.
"I can't believe Rose told you!" I said, slightly miffed.
"Eh, I won't tell anyone, Eve." That's true, he wouldn't.
"So who's the new girl?" I asked, pulling my bag over my shoulders. Scorpius tried to take it from me. "I am not fat yet," I snapped. He just grinned and pulled his own bag closer to his shoulders.
"Helen," he said. "Don't tell anyone, but we kind of have an agreement to help get Rose to me."
"Are you using Helen to get Rose to feel jealous?" I asked, completely unimpressed.
"…well sort of," he said, rubbing his neck. I noticed James did that a lot. "But I mean, Helen's in on it."
"Well, Rose will just love that. I know I'd just fall for how romantic you are immediately," I said sarcastically.
"Oh shut up. She doesn't even realize she has feelings for me. She does though, she's getting jealous."
"Or annoyed. Anyway, I've got to get to Potions, I can't be late again," I said. Scorpius waved me goodbye and left.
"Good of you to join us Ms. Martin!" Slughorn's voice boomed as soon as I walked into the classroom.
/
Rose's POV
"Rose, can you plan a party?" James asked, running up to me.
"What?"
"Can you plan a party for tomorrow night?"
"You're joking right?" I asked, staring at my crazy cousin.
"Eve's birthday is tomorrow. I only know how to throw alcohol boy parties, but considering Eve can't drink and she's a girl… please?" James begged. I rolled my eyes and agreed.
"Can't believe you gave me such short notice," I grumbled. James kissed me on top of the head before running off. Stupid git. It was in this grumbling state that Scorpius found me.
"Rose, what's wrong?"
"I have to plan a party in one night!" I said, momentarily forgetting my annoyance with him.
"What?"
"Yeah for Eve's birthday," I said hurriedly.
"Is this a surprise party? Because we all know how well those go…" he said.
"I—um, didn't really ask. Maybe it's not…" I said, making a mental note to ask James.
"Here I'll send a memo," Scorpius said, pulling out a sheet of yellow paper, scribbling something, and charming it to fly toward James. "And, since I'm done for the day, I offer my services."
"Isn't Helen going to be mad?" I asked, trying to keep the mocking down to a minimum. He just smirked annoyingly.
"She's not the jealous type," he said.
"Whatever, fine. I need help," I said grudgingly. He smiled and put an arm around me.
"In that case, we will need some drinks to keep us going, no?" And he pulled out two bottles of firewhiskey.
"Damn you Scorpius. You know just how my mind works."
/
Scorpius's POV
"Okay, okay, I'm guessing we shouldn't put pictures of babies anywhere?" Rose said, laughing. I shook my head, and being the sober one, this party organizing had turned more into a babysitting adventure. The party planning was done—and Potter had confirmed it to be a surprise party. Now, Rose and I were the only ones left in the Gryffindor common room, with her having drunk both bottles of firewhiskey and talking complete nonsense. I probably should have brought her up to bed, or got a friend to do it or something, considering it was a Thursday night, but she was just too amusing—and much too beautiful for me to say goodbye. It was verging on one o'clock in the morning though, and eventually my sense of gentleman-ship (or so I'd like to have thought) took over and I leaned over and put my arm around her. She was telling some nonsensical story about house elves.
"Malfoy, what do you want?" she said, putting a hand on my hand. I grinned.
"You need to sleep Weasley," I said. "You have class tomorrow, you know how important class is to you."
"You just want to get rid of me," she accused, pouting at me with those fantastic lips.
"Never Rose," I said seriously.
"NO," she demanded. "That's what Helen's doing anyway. You don't want to be with me any longer."
"Rose, I'll always be your best friend," I said quietly. "Let's just get you to bed."
"Do you even love her? Helen Shmelon?" she asked, resisting my arm.
"I—no," I said honestly.
"Scorpius, do you love me?"
I looked at her, a complete wasted mess, and wanted desperately to tell her the truth. And she wouldn't really remember in the morning anyway.
"Yes, Rose. Way too much," I said. She took her arms, wrapped them around me and looked like she was pulling in for a kiss. Her lips were slightly puckered, and it was reminding me how much I wanted to do this. How her lips were on my mind for the past few weeks. And I just wanted to lean down and kiss her.
I almost did it too, before I remembered that she was not sober. This was not sober Rose that wanted to kiss me, and I wanted sober Rose to kiss me. I wanted sober Rose to figure out she has feelings for me. I wanted sober Rose to remember in the morning. So I turned my lips away and she landed an awkward kiss on my cheek. I brought her to a sofa, laid her down, and left the common room as quickly as I could. If I had stayed a second longer, I might have given in.
/
Eve's POV
Seventeen. Finally legal. I got up and stretched, going over to the window to look at the hazy dawn. I didn't even know why I was up so early—maybe because it was the first birthday I was allowed to celebrate by myself. I made my way down to breakfast just as the morning post came in. James gestured me over and I sat next to him. He gave me a one armed hug and wished me happy birthday, pressing something into my palm. I looked at him in surprise. "You didn't have to," I said, but he just shushed me away. Two owls landed in front of me, dropping two envelopes. I looked at James curiously, but he just shrugged, so I reached for the envelopes and ripped them open.
Dear Evelyn
Happy birthday darling! You're finally an adult, how exciting! I've started a Gringott's account for you and put some money inside—yes I have a job. It's a small receptionist job really, and it's within the center, so I'm still under careful eyes.
I hope you are doing well. Please write more, it does get lonely in this joint. Did you try and speak with your father yet?
Love,
Your mother
I put it aside, feeling pride for my mother and didn't even object when James asked if he could read. I saw a smile come on to his face as he was reading and felt that much better. My mom was actually getting better. I picked up the other scroll and opened it, expecting something like a letter from Neville: instead a magically contracted bag of galleons fell out—
Eve,
Happy seventeenth birthday! I'm sorry I didn't get you anything but money, but I figured you'd find it more useful anyhow. I understand that you're still not speaking with me, but I still love you and want you to write back to me. I'll understand if I don't get a letter though.
Happy birthday again. Have a wonderful one.
Love,
Your father
James was reading over my shoulder. I turned to him and he looked ashamed. "What do you think?" I asked. He looked completely thrown by my question.
"I… you want to know what I think?" he asked. I nodded. "I think you should write back to him. He's blood. It means a lot. Thicker than water and all that."
I nodded. "I think so too."
/
James's POV
I left Eve to write her letters, feeling good that she was finally warming up to the idea of her dad, and went off to find Rose to make sure the party planning was done. I found her still snoozing in the middle of the Gryffindor common room. I must have not noticed her on my way down. I went over and shook her awake. She looked up and a panic came over her.
"Oh my God, am I late for class?"
"I guess—I'm on break right now. But class doesn't start for another," I checked the watch dad gave me for my birthday—"five minutes." Rose let out a little scream and jumped up.
"How'd the party planning go?" I asked, running behind her. I couldn't run any farther than the girl's dormitory stairwell though, lest I wanted it to turn into a giant slide.
"Fine, fine, make sure Eve comes to the room of requirement at 7:30. Everyone's coming at seven, but I have to go and get ready!" she yelled, before bolting up the stairwell.
/
Eve's POV
I told him. I told my father that I was pregnant. And I also referred to him as my dad.
Dear dad,
I forgive you. I didn't know you tried to reach me every year. Mom just told me that. I still think you could've tried harder, but at least you tried. I'm sorry I never gave you a chance to talk to me.
I'm pregnant. James Potter is the father. I have not told mom—she has enough to worry about, but I figure that I'll need a parent somewhere along the line. If you could be that for me, I would be grateful.
Eve
I sent it off with a school owl, as Hedwig was nowhere to be found. I didn't know what to expect. He probably wouldn't lose his head like Ginny, because frankly—he doesn't have much of a right to. I was putting my money on his awkwardness.
"So, I have a birthday dinner for you. Meet me at seven thirty in the common room," James said, coming up to me in the Great Hall right after lunch.
"No James, I don't—"
"Oh come on, there won't be any alcohol so it's not like you can take advantage of me," he said, with a playful grin. I rolled my eyes and agreed to meet up. He ran off happily.
/
I showered and went down around seven thirty and found James lounging on the sofa. He let out a low whistle when he saw me. I must admit, I looked swell.
"You look beautiful," he said, winking and leading me out of the portrait hole. "So the thing is, I got the house elves to cook us up a delish meal in the Room of Requirement."
"Rose wouldn't like that," I said, thinking about her feverish support for higher wages for House Elves.
"Yeah, well Rose won't be there will she?"
/
"Surprise!"
I stared out into the vast crowd all gathered around and turned to James. "What the hell?"
"It's a surprise party!" he said, but slightly faltered, probably at the look on my face.
"I…" I swallowed and looked around at everyone's faces. There were mostly people I didn't know. The place was beautifully decorated in light pink and there was alcohol—though not for me. But there wasn't just alcohol. There were tables lined with food and sweets—poor house elves—and balloons, and a very hopeful looking Rose standing front and center, with Scorpius right behind her. I looked back at James who looked like he was deflating and I decided to swallow my pride. "Thank you!" I said loudly, forcing a grin and waving regally. Everyone burst out into relieved talk and Rose and Scorpius hurried over to me.
"So do you like the decorations? I know there's alcohol James, don't give me that look, but I couldn't ignore other people's needs! I also have butter beer and lots of pumpkin juice though!"
"I love the decorations. And thank you. You guys feel free to drink though," I said, actually smiling. I liked them—the whole lot. Scorpius took Rose's arm and they went off to the drinks. I turned back to James who had his eyes narrowed toward the two of them.
"I'm going to kill him," he muttered. "Anyway, I'm not going to drink if you're not. Want butterbeers, pumpkin juice, water—"
"Butterbeer is lovely," I said. It was nice of him not to drink. At least I wouldn't be the only one pathetically sober at my own birthday party. I sat down and watched all the people who weren't really here for me dance drunkenly, and sighed.
/
"Welcome to the second match of the season—Lions vs. Badgers, with the Lions favored to win! Yeah Gryffindor! Oh, sorry, not supposed to take sides—oh well then go Badgers—" I saw Rose shoot Daniel Jordan, the current announcer (and a seventh year Gryffindor), thumbs up, to which he grinned. Scorpius was sitting with Rose this time and I was sitting with Laney and Dona. This game was considered for formalities, basically, because apparently Hufflepuff had a history of having a terrible team. Jordan read out the names as usual and as usual, when James flew out there was an enormous amount of cheering. I wondered if the baby in my stomach was a born chaser like him. Al flew out right behind him to almost as much screaming. Maybe the baby would take after his seeker uncle. His uncle. What is my life? I looked toward Lily, who had stood up from where she was sitting a few rows down from Rose with her nails to her teeth, her eyes wide with fear and realized how pretty she was. That would be this kid's aunt? I hope it had inherited their looks. The whole Potter family was beautiful. My family… well I sure damn hope this kid isn't like my family. My family. I sort of had a mother and a father now. That was rich. This kid had grandparents. Or wait, I guess it didn't. I was putting it up for adoption. I needed to stop calling this kid it. I began thinking about a gender-neutral name I could call it. Like Jesse or Germaine. Or Stacy. Oh who am I kidding—Stacy is a girl's name and anyone else who named their boy that has got to be kidding themselves or desperately wanted a girl.
"EVE WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?" I snapped out of my reverie to find everyone around me on their feet, Dona cheering like mad, and Laney looking at me like I was insane. I quickly stood up and saw through all the commotion that Al had caught the snitch. It had been minutes!
I watched Al do some awesome loops, take off his shirt like an idiot, and pull his brother into an Earth-shattering hug. I smiled. James Jr. I'd call it for the time being. JJ to make it gender neutral. No one had to know, right?
A/N: Your reviews are making my weeks, seriously! Also, spread the love if you want-the more the merrier! On your tumblrs and to all your fanfic friends! I would love it :D & here's a little something to look forward to for all you loyal fans, who've been there from the beginning, sending in all the awesome reviews. I had a preview here, not going to lie to you, but I changed my mind. A kind reviewer brought me some honest criticism and I decided to change the angle. Don't worry, there will definitely be some delicious drama in the next chapter!