For the Hogwarts Forum
Battle of the Black Lake (FrankAlice, "This is a surprise.")
Word Count: 455
Emotions flood through Alice's body when she receives the news. She's always wanted to be a mother, to start a family of her own, and excitement tickles her stomach. However, the grin that tugs at her lips quickly fades as something darker sets in. Her chest aches, and tears cling to her lashes. They're in the middle of war. As much as she wants a baby, a voice in the back of her mind whispers that this is not the world she wants to bring a child into.
"You're sure?" she asks the Healer.
The older woman beams. "The test doesn't lie, dear," she says brightly. "There's a little one growing in there. Your body is adjusting, and that's why you fainted."
"Alice? Where is my wife?" she hears Frank call.
The Healer offers Alice's hand a gentle squeeze. "I'll send him in," she says softly. "You two have quite a bit to talk about, dear."
She disappears through the door. Alice wishes she could have a moment to gather her thoughts, but Frank enters only seconds later. He rushes forward, wrapping his arms around. "Moody said you fainted," he whispers. "Are you okay?" He pulls back slightly, examining her, worry evident in his kind eyes.
"I'm…" She can't bring herself to say the word fine. Her mind continues to swirl; emotions battle within her head for dominance. "Frank, I'm pregnant."
She waits for the fallout. Surely her husband feels the same conflicting things that she does. He'll say it's too soon, that this is not the right time.
Instead, a small smile plays at his lips. His hand moves to her stomach, resting there for several moments. "This is a surprise," he says quietly. His voice sounds strange, dreamy, almost as if he's far away. "A wonderful surprise."
Relief rushes over her. Alice exhales softly. The conflicts bouncing around inside her mind eases at her words. "Are you sure?" she asks, still unable to allow herself to fully relax.
"I know it's not ideal," Frank tells her. "The war is ugly, but don't we deserve something beautiful now? Don't we deserve good news in all of this?"
Alice smiles, a small laugh bubbling from her lips. She pulls her husband closer, and all the fears die at the touch.
Maybe it isn't ideal. Maybe the war will continue, and they will have to attend funerals for those they care about. Maybe they won't make it out alive and will become casualties of war.
And yet, somehow, that doesn't matter. She has a husband who loves her, and soon there will be another Longbottom in the picture. The world is dangerous and grows worse every day, but now they have something to give them hope.