Ch 34
A/N: It's official. It has been one year that I have been working on this story. I would like to thank everyone who has stuck with me so far. You have no idea how much your kind words have helped me through one of the hardest years I've ever had to face. Once again a special thanks goes out to slenderpanda597 for being my beta, and dealing with all my crazy questions. Thank you all again and I hope you continue to follow me through the next few chapters to come. With that said, enjoy!
...
"Now for the last order of business tonight," Dumbledore said, standing at one end of the Weasley's table. It was the last week in August, the day before Victoria and Tonks were to go back to Hogwarts to start their guard duty once more. Nearly all of the members of the Order were seated there, save for Moody and Remus who were on special assignments. Looking solemn he looked around those assembled once again and continued on, "Although I have fought with the Ministry on this issue, I have been rebuffed. It seems that the aurors Proudfoot, Dawlish, and Savage are to join Miss Tonks and Victoria in their mission to keep Hogwarts safe this term."
Everyone was silent for a moment, curious to his argument on this. Finally Molly spoke up from the other end of the table, "But Albus, surely this is a good thing. More security must be better protection for the students."
Dumbledore bowed his head towards her for a moment, "Of course Molly, it is our greatest wish to keep the students from harm. Alas having these three aurors on the grounds could pose more problems than they will help."
"How do you figure?" Victoria piped up from a few seats down from him.
"Although having more people watching the students will be a great benefit, they are not part of the Order. They will be answering directly to the Ministry and will not be coming to the administration of Hogwarts with any concerns." Dumbledore answered looking slightly defeated.
"But isn't the Ministry on our side now?" Poppy asked, looking up at him with wide eyes.
Dumbledore paused for a minute then answered cautiously, "They are…" uncharacteristically trailing off, he had a faraway look in his eyes.
"So basically you still don't trust the Ministry." Victoria summed up quickly.
"I would not go so far as to say that. I would however be cautious with them," he answered rather cryptically.
"It is a well-known fact," added Severus, who sat across the table from Victoria, his arms crossed in front of him, "that Dawlish is susceptible to the Confundus Charm."
"Are you trying to tell us, Severus," Minerva said sharply, "that John Dawlish may be working for the Death Eaters?"
Severus answered, "On the contrary Minerva, I know that he is not. I would simply advise everyone to heed the headmaster's advice."
"Very well," Dumbledore said with a slight nod to Severus. "If that is all I would like to wish each of you a pleasant trip home and as always I implore you to stay vigilant."
As people started flooding out of the room as usual, Victoria remained rooted to her spot. The witches on either side of her also stayed behind, one being Hestia who was desperate to talk to her and the other being Tonks who barely seemed to notice that the meeting had ended. Tonks' head laid on her arms, her eyes were red-rimmed as if she'd been crying recently, and she was staring off into space.
Victoria looked at her curiously for a moment, putting a gentle hand on her back she asked, "Tonks, what's wrong?"
Tonks simply shook her head and wiped a tear from her eyes.
"Honey, you know you can tell me anything," Victoria said imploringly.
Tonks shook her head even more violently as more tears started to stream down her cheeks. Jumping up from the table a moment later she ran out of the back door.
Hestia looked at Victoria warily, "We can talk later if you want to go to her."
Victoria glanced between the door that Tonks had just rushed out of and Hestia. Her heart was telling her that she should go to Tonks, but her brain reminded her that when Tonks was pushed to reveal anything she would shut down.
Sighing Victoria shook her head,"No it's ok. She'll need some time by herself anyway." Turning her attention fully back to Hestia she tried to give her a warm smile, even though she couldn't help but worry about Tonks. "So how is everything going?"
"Well," Hestia said with a sigh, "after a lot of thinking, I have decided to keep the baby."
A smile lit up Victoria's face, "That's great."
"Yeah, I thought about it and I just knew it was the right choice. I mean Sirius might not be here anymore, but at least a part of him will live on. How could I give that up?" Hestia smiled.
"Give what up?" asked a familiar voice from the doorway. Both women's heads turned to look at the new person in the room. Minerva stood just inside the door, a teacup in her hand and looking curiously at the women. "I apologize for intruding. I was simply intending to return my cup."
"It's fine Professor, really," Hestia smiled nervously.
"Might I inquire as to what you were discussing?" Minerva asked putting her cup in the wash basin where it was instantly washed by the charmed brushes.
Hestia looked at Victoria with wide eyes, asking silently if she should answer. Victoria gave her an encouraging nod. Looking back at Minerva Hestia gave a small smile, "Well, I'm pregnant."
Minerva looked at her warily, unsure if she should be happy, "And this is a happy occurrence, is it not?"
Hestia nodded, "It is."
"Well then," Minerva said, a rare smile spread over her face allowing the younger woman to relax with her former professor, "my absolute best wishes are with you."
"Thank you Professor," Hestia smiled.
Minerva gave her a small smile, "Please call me Minerva."
Noticing the slightly faraway look in Minerva's eyes Victoria asked, "Is everything alright?"
Minerva nodded heaving a great sigh, "I was, myself… with child once," she said looking down at the surface of the scrubbed wooden table, unable to look at either of the other women.
"You were?" Victoria asked, astonished.
"Yes, sadly it was not meant to be." Minerva gave a sad smile, casting a surreptitious glance at Victoria. Snapping her attention back to Hestia she said, "That is enough about my sad history however, now the focus should be on your upcoming happy event. When is it to be?"
"I'm not sure," Hestia answered with a shrug. "I haven't been anywhere to be checked out yet. I just cast a simple diagnostic spell a few weeks ago."
"I see," Minerva said with a nod. "I would suggest at the very least to have Poppy take a look for you. She isn't as keen on prenatal care, however she would probably be the safest choice at present."
"Thank you prof… sorry Minerva." Hestia smiled at her small slip.
"You are most welcome." Minerva smiled, "Now I fear I must depart. I still have lesson plans to finish for the upcoming year and the headmaster will be wanting to see them."
Victoria laughed lightly, "I'm sure if you talked to Albus he would understand."
Minerva nodded, "I am certain he would, however it is still my job to be punctual. Good night ladies. Hestia, I will see you at the next meeting. Victoria, I will see you in the morning."
"You know it." Victoria smiled as Minerva disapparated with a pop. "Well I should get going too. I need to check on Tonks. But please owl me anytime."
"I will." Hestia smiled, "And thanks again for listening."
"Any time," Victoria smiled, disapparating as well.
…
After working eight weeks nonstop, Victoria was thankful to finally have a night off. Though it was true that there were more people to watch over Hogwarts than ever, she still managed to work just as much as she had before.
The Ministry decided that since they could handle watching over the castle with only two people the previous year that it would be sufficient to have two people again and three of them would go to Hogsmeade. They had also decided since neither Victoria nor Tonks noticed Dumbledore's Army meeting, although technically they only knew of the one time, that Tonks and Victoria would be separated. Now instead of doing everything much more efficiently since they'd established their rhythm last year, Victoria was forced to work with Dawlish.
Although the man was brilliant, and a wonderful Auror, Victoria couldn't help from rolling her eyes at him every time they spoke. He was more uptight than anyone she'd ever met. With Tonks, they could usually get their rounds done in about an hour and a half, each taking a side of the castle and merely sending a patronus if there was a problem. With Dawlish however, it took nearly four hours. The man was so meticulous that he would have them each do a complete sweep of the grounds and then do it once again together. There were days when it took all of her self-restraint not to put a Confundus Charm on him and be finished with it. Sighing she tried desperately to push the man from her brain, this being her only night to get away from him in quite some time.
Letting her mind wander, she realized that she had seen very little of her friends as of late. Poppy was training a new apprentice which severely cut into her time. Minerva was busy with additional deputy duties since Dumbledore was around less these days between the Order and his multitude of trips to the Ministry. Add to this the fact that Severus had chosen to basically alienate himself from everyone around him. She couldn't help but wonder what was going on with him.
Sirius's death still laid heavily on her. Although it was true that she'd already cried herself out, she couldn't help but miss his barking laugh, or his enormous smile. There seemed to be a hole in her heart that only he could fill.
The work she was doing also was more tedious than she'd ever found it before. The only time that she was able to see Remus or Tonks was when there was an Order meeting, which now with the additional assignments Dumbledore was sending everyone on was becoming less and less. To say that Victoria had been discontented with her life at the moment was a vast understatement.
Thinking about all of this led to her missing Tonks once again. She desperately needed the distraction of her best friend to liven things up. She hadn't had a chance to see much of her since they'd arrived at Hogwarts. They both were at the platform to greet the Hogwarts Express, but as they were shepherding the students to the carriages or the boats they didn't exactly have time to chat. Victoria couldn't help but wonder about her friend though. After rushing out of the Order meeting she still wouldn't talk to Victoria about what was going on. Brushing it off as something that would get better with time Victoria didn't think much about it again until she started noticing subtle changes. A few days after they'd arrived back at the castle Tonk's hair was slowly starting to turn a darker shade from the bubblegum pink that was customary on her. As the days progressed it finally changed into a mousey brown. Victoria had tried to talk to Tonks about it, but the younger woman refused to say anything on the matter. Then when Tonks started wearing darker clothing under her Auror trench Victoria knew for a fact something was out of the ordinary. She didn't yet know what it was, but Victoria knew that somehow she'd get Tonks to spill.
Her thoughts were interrupted a moment later when Victoria heard a slight tapping at the window. Looking up she saw a barn owl waiting patiently for her. She opened the window and untied the letter from its leg.
Reading it over Victoria couldn't help but smile. It was from Hestia.
'Hi Victoria,
I was so glad to get your owl yesterday. It's been rough the last few weeks. This little one has been pretty hard on me. Morning sickness every day, usually a few times a day, luckily Poppy tells me that it shouldn't last much longer. Unfortunately now the crazy cravings have started. I am dying for an acid pop and a butterbeer, sadly I don't think I'll be having either of them any time soon. I know it's only been four months, but I am already ready to have all of this behind me.
I'm sorry to hear that things aren't as fun this year at Hogwarts as they were before. Hopefully they'll get better.
Can't wait to see you at the next meeting,
Hestia'
She gave the owl a treat and watched as it flew away. No matter how long it had been, she would still never forget what had happened to her, nor would she stop wondering what her child would have been like. She'd come to the realization years ago that she was too young to take care of the baby herself, but she wished that she'd had the chance to at least give it up for adoption. It still tormented her each and every day to know what she had done.
Continuing to stare out of the window, a figure walking across the grounds caught her attention. The person was dressed all in black, which made it surprising that she'd noticed them against the light from the full moon. Recognising the familiar walk and the billowing of their cloak Victoria knew instantly who it was. Deciding to join him on his stroll Victoria made it quickly out of the castle.
Taking a few minutes to catch up to him, she finally found him next to the lake. He was standing there with his back to her, a rock in his hand, staring at the ripples on the water's surface.
She could tell that he was deep in thought and didn't want to startle him. Lightly kicking the rocks was enough to get his attention. He turned and looked at her, his expression unreadable. She smiled, "Penny for your thoughts."
He said nothing, but turned away from her to stare at the lake once more.
Confused by his brush off she walked up to stand next to him. "Is everything alright?"
Again he didn't answer, but this time threw the rock into the lake with more force that she thought was necessary. Looking up at him she saw a line form directly over his nose, a clear sign he was annoyed by something.
Placing a gentle hand on his upper arm she said, "Severus, please. What's wrong?"
He finally looked down at her, his dark eyes boring into her. For a split second she considered using Leglimency on him, but she also knew he was one of the best Occlumens there ever was. She could see the battle going on behind his eyes as he fought with himself to tell her or not. Finally he spoke in his slow drawl, "Why are you here, Victoria?"
"I saw someone walking outside, late at night. I may have the night off, but we're all still a little jumpy after what happened last month with the Bell girl." She answered, pulling her trench tighter to her against the chill wind.
Nodding, he said nothing. She knew whatever was troubling him was going to be hard to get out, but she was determined to keep trying. Taking his hand in her's he met her gaze once again.
Looking at him imploringly she said, "Please Severus, what's going on?"
He shook his head, "I'm afraid I must state once again this is a matter between the headmaster and myself."
"Yes, but you seem like you could really use someone to talk to," she said softly giving his hand a squeeze.
"There are times in which, that is not possible," he answered coolly.
Victoria nodded, "And there are times that it's better to talk to someone. Get a different view on the situation."
"This is not one of those times," he said, looking away from her once again.
They remained quiet for a few moments, both watching the reflection of the moon and the stars on the lake's glassy surface. It seemed as if nothing was moving underneath although they both knew this to be untrue. Finally he broke the silence, startling her, "Victoria, might I have my hand back?"
She was thankful for the darkness as a brilliant blush crept across her features while she dropped his hand, "I'm sorry."
He gave a nod, "I should return to the castle. Good night Victoria."
"Night Severus," she said quietly watching him stride quickly towards the castle. Sighing she knew that there was still something bothering him, but she knew if she kept trying she wouldn't get anywhere. He would tell her when and if it was time.
Looking once again across the glassy surface she saw a star shoot across the sky. In spite of herself she couldn't help but make a wish, a wish to simply be happy, whatever that entailed.
…
The sounds of the Weird Sisters' Christmas Album filled the flat as Victoria busied herself with the usual holiday chores. She'd just finished wrapping all her gifts and was now starting to work on the Christmas tree. She had bought a small tree a few years ago and this was the first time that she'd actually left Hogwarts to use it. Smiling as she gently placed multicoloured neon ornaments on the little silver tree, she stole a quick glance at Tonks.
Tonks had been sulking on the couch for the last few hours, choosing not to partake in any of Victoria's holiday cheer. Occasionally she would make a snide comment about the decorations or the 'bloody cheerful music'.
Finally Victoria stopped what she was doing and gave Tonks a dark look, "That's it. What is wrong with you?"
"All this bloody crap that's what," Tonks grumbled waving her arms around the room indicating the decorations and the music.
"Well I'm sorry if you're not enjoying it, but this happens to be my favourite holiday. If you don't like it just go into my room for a while. I just have the tree to finish," Victoria answered, slightly annoyed at her friend's sour disposition.
Tonks didn't say anything but picked up a magazine that had been sitting on the table next to her and started to flip through it. One last snide grumble coming from her didn't go unnoticed by Victoria, who chose to ignore it and go on with her decorating.
Just as Victoria had placed the last strand of pink garland on the tree she heard a knock on the door. Casting a quick glance at Tonks, who shrugged, Victoria made her way to the door. Walking over she stopped before opening it and asked, "Who is it?"
"It's Molly Weasley, dear," she heard a familiar voice answer.
Opening the door slowly, still cautious, she saw the short plump figure of Molly Weasley on the other side. Dressed in her usual flowered apron with her wand sticking out of a pocket, a knitted robe, and a plate covered in tin foil in her hands she smiled as Victoria let her in.
"Thought you could use some provisions," Molly smiled handing the plate over to Victoria.
Pulling back the foil Victoria's eyes grew wide as she saw the multitude of pies and cookies Molly had managed to cram onto one plate. Setting it down on a low table in front of the sofa she said, "Thanks Molly. Please have a seat. Can I get you anything to drink?"
"A cup of tea would be lovely dear," Molly smiled back setting herself in the blue paisley chair.
Victoria had to stop herself from rolling her eyes as she set a kettle to boil. "So to what do we owe the honour of your presence tonight?"
"I was hoping to talk you girls into joining us tomorrow. It's always much more fun to share this time with others," Molly said sincerely.
Tonks looked at her, trying to keep tone neutral, "We're not alone, we've got each other."
"Yes dear," Molly smiled patting her leg gently, "but with just the two of you it may still get a bit lonely."
Victoria handed Molly a cup of tea and took a seat on the sofa next to Tonks, "We really do appreciate the thought Molly, but I think we'll be alright."
"Are you sure?" Molly asked lightly, "Remus will be joining us."
Victoria felt Tonks stiffen next to her. Tonks grumbled quietly, "Then I definitely won't be going."
"What was that dear?" Molly asked putting down her tea cup.
"Nothing, don't worry about it," Tonks answered getting up and making her way to the kitchen.
Victoria looked at her curiously, not able to understand her strange behaviour towards Remus, "Tonks, what's going on between you two?"
"None of your business," Tonks snapped back, taking a butterbeer out and slamming the refrigerator door closed.
"Is everything alright, dear?" Molly asked gently.
"Just peachy," Tonks answered flatly, flopping back in her position next to Victoria.
Victoria turned to look her in the eyes, "Seriously Tonks, what is it? You've been sulking around here for two days now and you haven't really been yourself since we left for Hogwarts."
"Maybe this is me. Maybe this is who I truly am," she answered annoyed.
"Tonks," Victoria countered gently.
"No! Save the mothering Vicky! You're not that much older than me," Tonks retorted sharply.
"Well you may not be my daughter, but you are the same age as my son," Molly said, her temper beginning to rise, "and I will not be leaving here until we get to the bottom of this."
Tonks gave a great sigh, but didn't answer.
"What is it dear?" Molly asked gently.
Tonks still refused to answer, turning away from them, covertly wiping a tear from her cheek.
"This is about Remus isn't it," Victoria asked putting a hand on Tonks' shoulder.
Tonks nodded, a few more tears streaking down her face.
"What happened?" Molly asked handing Tonks a box of tissues.
"He… he doesn't want me," Tonks sobbed into a tissue.
Pulling her into a hug Victoria let Tonks cry for a while, rubbing her back gently. Once the tears had slowed, Victoria said gently, "I don't believe he would have said that. I've seen how you two are together."
Tonks sniffled and choked out, "He didn't say it exactly like that, but that's what he meant."
"What was it that he actually said dear?" Molly asked softly.
"He told me not to waste my time on a man who was too old for me and isn't whole," she answered with a small hiccup.
"It sounds to me as if he's simply trying to protect you," Molly offered.
"I don't want to be protected. I can protect myself just fine," Tonks argued.
Victoria asked, "Did you tell him that?" handing Tonks another tissue.
Tonks gave her a dark look, "Of course I did Vicky. I told him he was being barmy. He didn't need to protect me from anything, but he wouldn't listen."
"I take it this was after the kiss?" Victoria asked gently.
"They kissed?" Molly gaped.
Victoria nodded, "Yeah just before the battle at the Ministry."
"I couldn't help it," Tonks said softly. "If there was a chance that either one of us was going to die I wanted to make sure I did something before it happened."
"So when did you two talk?" Victoria asked, trying to figure out when the change in her friend had been.
"A few days before we left for Hogwarts, when he left on a mission," Tonks answered looking down at her hands.
"Have you tried to talk to him since?" Molly asked.
Tonks shook her head, "No, I haven't had a chance to. He's been out on missions and I've been working."
"Perhaps you could talk to him again. If you are persistent enough he may come around," Molly said encouragingly.
Victoria couldn't help the smirk that came over her face as Molly spoke, "Speaking from experience Molly?"
Molly smiled coyly back, "Let's just say Arthur was not the one to propose to me."
"Really?" Victoria smirked, imagining the scenario.
"Yes," Molly answered back proudly, "Arthur was working in a menial job at the Ministry at the time and didn't think he could support a family on his salary. After a fair bit of convincing he gave in."
Victoria chuckled, "And what kind of convincing did you have to do?"
"Never you mind," Molly answered quickly, a slight blush creeping over her features. "It's simply the point that it worked."
Tonks shook her head, "I don't know if I'll be able to convince Remus though. He's pretty thick headed."
"Do you want us to talk to him?" Victoria asked gently.
"No!" Tonks shouted, her eyes growing wide. "It would embarrass him to no end. I couldn't do that."
"Alright," Molly said getting up from her seat. "Well I must be going. I've got plenty to do before tomorrow. Are you sure I can't persuade you girls?"
"Thanks Molly, but no. We'll be alright." Victoria smiled, giving the older woman a hug.
"Happy Christmas Victoria," Molly said pulling back from her and giving Tonks a hug, "and you too Tonks. You're both welcome at the Burrow anytime you wish."
"Happy Christmas Molly," Tonks answered squeezing her back.
As Molly walked to the door Victoria held it out for her, "Give everyone our love, Merry Christmas."
…
The next day dawned clear and bright. The light streaming in through the windows, however, was not what woke Minerva up that morning, but a sharp, incessant knocking on her chamber door. Yawning and getting out of bed she pulled the door open to be pulled into a passionate kiss. She didn't even have time to register who it was before their lips were upon her's. Her body seemed to recognise the person before her mind did as she responded quickly. Running her fingers through his long hair she smiled into the kiss instantly knowing who the intruder was. Pulling back she looked into his brilliant sparkling blue eyes, "I must say, that is a wonderful wake-up call."
"I could not resist a moment longer," Albus beamed handing her a small wrapped package.
She smiled carefully unwrapping it, "What is it?" she asked before her task was complete.
"Open it and find out," he answered, watching her carefully.
Finally getting the paper off, she saw that it was a small jewellery box. Giving him a quick inquiring look, she opened it. A gasp escaped her when she saw what the box held. Inside was the most exquisite ring she'd ever seen. It was white gold with a diamond in the centre and two small emeralds flanking it. Running shaky fingers over it, as if to make herself believe that it was true, she looked up at Albus.
He dropped down to one knee, his smile still firmly in place, "Minerva McGonagall, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. You have held my heart for over thirty years, and I continue to love you more with each passing day. Now that we are at war once again I cannot entertain the thought of losing you without asking. Will you let me rectify the mistake I made so many years ago, when I should have asked you this, will you marry me?"
Tears were streaming down Minerva's face as she pulled him back up and kissed him soundly. She still couldn't believe it was all true, but as she pulled back from him she couldn't help the smile that broke out on her face. "Of course Albus, I would love nothing more than to be married to you."
He took the ring from the box and easily slipped it onto her finger before pulling her into another kiss. A sudden thought tugged at her as she broke away from him. He could see the change in her demeanor as she pulled away, "What is it my love?"
"Victoria," Minerva answered quietly. "Albus, I simply can't marry you until we can tell her. I want her to celebrate the day with us, but I want her to know how much she played a part in bringing us together."
Albus raised a hand to cup her cheek, running a gentle thumb across her jawline, "I understand. We do not have to act immediately."
She smiled, putting a hand over his, "Thank you Albus. You are much too good to me."
He shook his head, "No, you are the one who is too good for me," he said pulling her to him, once again capturing her lips in a sweet kiss.
…
It was nearly two months later and Victoria was sitting in on yet another Order meeting. The meeting had lasted for nearly an hour already and Hestia, who was nearing her due date, was starting to fidget next to her. She was rubbing her lower back when Victoria looked at her curiously. Victoria whispered, "Hestia, are you ok?"
"Yeah," Hestia whispered back, a grimace still etched across her face. "My back has just been bothering me today."
Minerva who was sitting on the other side of Hestia heard this and turned to look at her. "How is it bothering you?" Minerva whispered cautiously.
"It's been cramping on and off for the last few hours. It's getting worse now though," Hestia answered honestly, still rubbing her back.
Minerva's eyes grew wide, fearing she knew what was going on. Turning to Poppy who sat on her other side she whispered, "Poppy, you need to check on Hestia. I think we may have a… situation."
Poppy's head whipped around upon hearing this to look past Minerva to Hestia, who was now breathing heavily. Taking her wand out of her pocket she sent a diagnostic spell at the younger woman from under the table, so as not to disturb anyone else. Within seconds a small strip of paper emerged from the tip of her wand. Even from Victoria's position a few seats away she could see the bold red writing indicating an emergency.
Interrupting Dumbledore, who had been droning on about the Death Eater's latest moments, by clearing her throat, Poppy spoke quickly, "I'm sorry Headmaster, but we have a situation here," nodding her head in Hestia's direction.
"Indeed," Dumbledore said quickly noticing the woman's demeanor. "We shall reconvene next week at the same time." He quickly ushered the others out of the room, leaving only Minerva, Poppy, Victoria, Hestia, and Molly.
Hestia groaned, "How am I supposed to get to St. Mungo's now? I can't apparate."
"You're not going anywhere," Poppy spoke in an authoritative voice that Victoria knew to be reserved for her students. "It's too late for that."
"Do you want to use one of the bedrooms? She would be more comfortable." Molly said nervously.
"No time," Poppy spoke quickly, moving to help Hestia to her feet. "She's almost ready."
"Oh Merlin!" Molly exclaimed, now realizing how serious things were, "What do you need Poppy?"
"Get me towels and a blanket, as fast as you can." Poppy answered firmly.
Molly nodded, nearly sprinting out of the room.
Poppy turned to Minerva, "Are you ready for this?"
"What do you mean?" Minerva asked, fear creeping into her voice.
"You and Molly are the only ones who have been through this before. I know what to do but I haven't experienced it," Poppy answered as if were an obvious statement.
"I… I can't," Minerva said backing away so she wouldn't get splashed as Hestia's water broke.
Victoria shook her head, "Poppy what do you need, just tell me what to do."
Poppy smiled, "You just take a seat there. You're going to hold the baby as it comes out. I need to keep running diagnostics so we can monitor if everything is going alright."
Victoria nodded and took a seat.
"Minerva would you find some towels to clean this up?" Poppy asked, slightly annoyed at her friend's sudden cowardice.
Minerva nodded and started to rummage through the drawers.
Finally returning her attention to Hestia, Poppy said gently, "Alright my dear. I need you to take off your knickers and lay back on the table."
"You want me to do what?!" Hestia gaped.
"Well we can't take the baby out with your underwear on," Victoria answered plainly.
Hestia nodded, turning a brilliant shade of red as she took them off and assumed the position Poppy had instructed.
Poppy gave her a reassuring smile, "You're doing great. Now I'm going to move your legs up so we can actually see what we're doing."
Hestia gave a groan, although due to another contraction or to the embarrassment Victoria couldn't quite tell.
Molly came bustling into the room at that moment with an arm full of towels and blankets. "I hope this is enough," she said earnestly.
Poppy nodded, "It'll be fine." Poppy placed a towel under Hestia and looked at Victoria, "It won't be long now. When you see the head start to come out, support it but do not pull."
Victoria nodded and watched in silence as Hestia's face contorted in pain. Hestia let out a long moan, causing Molly and Minerva to rush to her side, each taking one of her hands.
It wasn't exactly a position that Victoria relished being in, but she knew it was necessary. Looking down she realized she could see the baby's head starting to press against the opening. "It's crowning," she said simply.
Poppy nodded, running another diagnostic spell, "Just place your hand over it and wait for the head to completely come out. Ok Hestia, now push hard."
Victoria watched in astonishment, not entirely believing it was true. "The head's out," she said quickly.
"Make sure you support it's neck," Poppy answered watching her closely.
Victoria nodded, placing her hand gently under the newborn's neck. After another great push from Hestia one of it's shoulders came, and then the other. Before long the baby was completely out. A loud wail broke the tense silence in the room, this time not from Hestia, but from the baby. Minerva took the little one and quickly, but carefully wiped them off and handed the little screaming bundle over to Hestia. Victoria couldn't help the smile that broke out over her face as she stood up, "Congratulations Mommy. It's a girl."
Hestia smiled down at her daughter, secretly counting fingers and toes. Finally she said, "Happy Birthday, Carina Melodia Black."
...
The echo of Victoria's footfalls rang through the empty corridor as she approached a familiar office. Stopping in front of the dark wooden door she paused for a moment, listening for any sounds from inside. Finally she raised her hand and knocked tentatively.
The door swung open as if on its own with no one to greet her on the other side. "Come in," she heard a cold voice drawl from inside.
Stepping warily inside, she saw him standing in front of the fireplace. Closing the door behind her she stepped closer to him. He seemed to be staring into the flames. "Severus," she said gently, not entirely sure what was going on.
His head raised slightly, just enough to train his dark eyes on her, "Victoria," he drawled casually.
"What's going on?" she asked, her gaze still locked with his.
"Merely reminiscing," he looked away from her once more and back into the flames.
Tilting her head to the side she studied him, "Is that a good thing or bad?"
"I suppose that would depend on the memories," he answered still not looking up.
Placing a gentle hand on his arm she got him to look back at her, "What kind of memories are these?"
He shook his head and pulled away from her slightly, "Not of the best variety."
"What is it?" she asked fighting the impulse to place her hand on his arm once again.
He remained silent for a moment, making Victoria wonder if he was actually going to answer her or not. Finally he spoke in a low tone, "Mainly I was thinking of my sixth year."
"What happened in your sixth year?" She asked leaning up against a nearby shelf to see his face better.
"I assure you, this will not be… pleasant to hear," he stole a glance back up at her for a moment, giving her the option of backing down if she wasn't ready to hear.
She nodded encouraging him to continue, although she wrapped her arms around herself for comfort.
"I had become friends with students of… shall we say an unpleasant nature. Most of which are currently Death Eaters. One of which was Wolfram Wilkes, who was already a Death Eater. He had received his dark mark that summer and was trying to recruit people to the cause." He paused, taking a deep breath. Seeing how hard it was for him to remember this it took everything in her not to go over to him. Continuing on he said, "I knew at that time that I had wanted to join the Death Eaters at all costs. Being young and ignorant you will believe practically anything. I had decided to devise a spell that would make people take notice of me for the first time in my life. It took me nearly the entire year, but I accomplished it."
"What was it?" she asked cautiously.
"It was a spell that could inflict… horrible damage to an adversary within a flick of the wand," he answered quietly, unable to look her in the eyes.
Her eyes grew wide, "The spell that Harry did to Malfoy?"
"The very same," Severus nodded solemnly. "I wrote it into a text book of mine so that I could keep it near me if I should need it."
"But why would you want to make a spell like that?" she asked still shocked.
"As I have said, these were not the most savory of characters. The only way to be noticed was to make something of a grand and terrible nature," he said still staring into the fire.
"If you wrote it into a book when you were in school, how did Harry get it?" she asked.
"When I left school that year, I unknowingly left the book behind. It wasn't until I got home that I realized it was missing," he answered quietly.
"So when you saw Harry use the spell against Malfoy…"
He nodded, "Yes, I knew that my book had resurfaced. That spell can do no nothing save for harming someone. I had always wished that somehow it had been destroyed, however, now I know it still exists."
Victoria shook her head. It wasn't as if she didn't know about his past, she had seen it for herself. But knowing that a spell that dangerous and powerful had been developed by him made her wonder if she really knew him.
As if reading her mind he looked up at her as he said adamantly, "I am not the person I was at that time. That person did heinous, despicable things that make me ashamed to think of."
She took his hand in hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I believe you," she said quietly. "But there's more to it than just this incident." He looked away from her and she knew that he understood her words. "Severus," she spoke softly, "there has been something going on with you all year."
He nodded pulling his hand from her's and turning away from her, "I do not think I can tell you."
"Please Severus, maybe I can help," she offered placing her hand on his shoulder.
He turned back to her, his eyes searching hers as if for the answer. Taking a deep breath he said, "I have made the Unbreakable Vow."
Her eyes grew wide, taking a step back from him she gaped, "You did what?!"
He looked at the ground between them like a small child, "I have made the Unbreakable Vow with Narcissa."
"Wait a minute," Victoria looked at him incredulously taking another step back. "You made the Unbreakable Vow with Narcissa Malfoy! What were you thinking?!"
"I had no choice. The Dark Lord had already instructed me to complete the task. This was the only way to keep Narcissa and Bellatrix from discovering the truth."
"Ok, ok, what vow did you make exactly?" she asked still trying to wrap her head around what he'd just told her.
"I must kill Albus if Draco is unsuccessful," he answered gravely.
"Please tell me I'm going insane, that I'm hearing things. You are going to kill Albus Dumbledore if Draco can't!" she stood looking at him in complete astonishment.
He nodded, still staring at the spot on the floor.
"That's… I mean… how can… Are you insane?!" she finally managed to say through her shock. "Severus, how… how can you do something like this? Albus trusts you! You're in the Order for Merlin's sake!"
"I will do what I must to ensure my cover with the Death Eaters remains."
"So you're willing to die for their cause? What side are you on?" she asked now more scared, angry, and confused than ever. She couldn't lose him, not now.
His head shot up at her last question. He stalked over to her and took both of her shoulders, pulling her so that their faces were mere centimeters apart. He growled directly into her face, "Do not attempt to call my loyalty into question."
She didn't back down or even attempt to look away. "Then prove it," she said in the same low growl. "If you are on our side, tell Albus what is going on."
He released her from his grasp and took a step back, "To what end?"
"He may have a way around this that we don't know," she answered almost pleadingly.
"Very well," he shook his head and looked back up at her, "however, I do not see a way around this."
She took his hands in her's once more, "We don't, but he might. Trust me, we'll find a way."