Chapter 50: Andromeda Lily
After kicking Remus out of the house, Cassiopeia ran upstairs to hear Tonks crying from inside the bedroom.
"Nymphie?" Cassiopeia called, knocking on the door.
"Go away!" Tonks shouted.
"Please, Nymphie, let me just talk to you," Cassiopeia pleaded.
"No! I don't want you to convince me to forgive him," Tonks protested.
"I'm not here to do that. In fact, I threw him out," Cassiopeia replied.
Reluctantly, Tonks opened the door. "You actually kicked him out? But…..But Why?"
"Well, first I yelled at him," Cassiopeia said proudly.
Tonks sat on the bed. "I guess thanks….I just don't want to see him right now"
"Hey, he shouldn't have lied to you all these years or messed with a pregnant Cassie Black," Cassiopeia shrugged. "He's in the dog house now."
"Really, dog jokes? I'm not in the mood." Tonks said with a crooked grin despite herself.
"Hey, he deserved it," Cassiopeia replied. "So you and him, really, you know?"
Tonks sighed. "We kissed, is all. It was an accident. I'm such a klutz I tripped. But it….it's not like I didn't want to…especially after the past few month I'm been, well drawn to him. Merlin's beard what it wrong with me"
Cassiopeia laughed. "Nymphie, listen to me, I've known the dumb dog longer than you. He's an idiot. Maybe he wasn't much of an idiot like James, but still, stupid."
"But why would he do this to me? He neglected to ask me what really happened that night and he made me forget one of the only people who gave a damn about." Tonks asked.
"Because he's a man, and all men have dumb ways of showing they like you," Cassiopeia laughed.
"He likes me?" Tonks said, surprised.
"Of course he does! He's been fond of you since you were little. Though I think his feeling have changed to something more mature at this point," Cassiopeia replied.
Tonks did a double take. "But he never talks to me. He only talks to you, or Sirius."
"Haven't you been listening?" Cassiopeia asked. "He's a dumb dog. He likes you, and it's as plain to see as the bump on my belly. Besides, if he didn't like you, he wouldn't have tried to sneak one under the mistletoe."
Tonks sniffed and brightened. "We didn't, I think we were a little well tipsy"
"Sure you were," Cassiopeia said winking.
"I just don't know if I can ever face him again," Tonks said sadly.
"I know, but it's his fault, not yours," Cassiopeia replied.
"How did he look when you kicked him out?" Tonks asked.
"Sad and pathetic," Cassiopeia laughed.
Tonks brightened, a smile returning to her face. "Well, that does make me feel a little better. Are you going to let him back in?"
"Maybe, but not today," Cassiopeia answered with a sly grin. "He's still in the dog house."
After defending her cousin's honor, Cassiopeia and Sirius still had not seen Remus since the holidays. Tonks had been doing more work in the Order and at the Ministry to avoid him, but she was doting on Cassiopeia as much as she could. Harry had prepared to start term again. Sirius and Cassiopeia were sad to lose their godson, but they were hopeful with their coming baby.
"Looking forward to starting term again, Harry?" Sirius asked.
"Yeah, I just worry about leaving you alone," Harry replied sadly.
"We're not alone, Harry," Cassiopeia replied. "There's Tonks, S.J., Remus, and soon, Little Andromeda Lily."
"Well, seems like you're in good company," Harry chuckled. "Now all I have to do is deal with how to pass my O.W.L.S and a teacher who calls me a liar."
"You'll pass your O.W.L.S," Sirius said confidently. "You're dad was an idiot, but he became a great wizard. You are even better."
"And if that old toad Umbridge gives you any grief, just remind her that your godmother is Cassie Black," Cassiopeia said with a smirk. "Even Umbridge isn't stupid enough to mess with me."
"I might just do that," Harry laughed.
Just then, the temperature in the room dropped a few degrees. Out of the fireplace came Snape, a glare upon his face.
"Potter, I'll see you alone," he said curtly.
"This is my house, Snape. I'd prefer it if you didn't give orders here," Sirius barked.
"I'm here on Dumbledore's orders, but if you want to feel more involved, then by all means, stay," Snape snapped.
Sirius jumped to his feet, but Cassiopeia was quicker. "What the hell does that mean?"
"You must feel frustrated by the fact that you can't do anything useful for the Order," Snape replied.
"Just spit it out what you're here for," Sirius snapped.
"The headmaster told me that it is his wish that you study Occclumency this term, Potter," Snape said.
"Study what?" Harry asked.
"Occclumency, Potter," Snape replied. "The magical defense of the mind against external penetration. An obscure branch of magic, but a useful one."
"Why do I have to study Occlu-thing?" Harry demanded.
"Because the headmaster thinks it's a good idea," Snape explained. "You will receive private lessons once a week, you will not tell anyone. You understand?"
"Yes," Harry replied. "Who's going to be teaching me?"
Snape's lips curled in disgust. "I am."
"You?" Sirius demanded, trying not to vomit.
"Why can't Dumbledore teach Harry? Why you?" Cassiopeia demanded.
Snape shrugged. "I suppose because it is the headmaster's privilege to delegate less enjoyable tasks. I assure you I did not beg for the position. I expect you at six o' clock, Monday evening, Potter. If anyone asks, you're taking Remedial Potions."
Snape turned to leave, but Sirius and Cassiopeia stopped him.
"I'm warning you, Snape, if you use these classes to give Harry a hard time, you'll have me to answer to," Cassiopeia said coldly.
"I don't care if Dumbledore thinks you're reformed," Sirius added. "I know better."
Snape sneered. "Why don't you tell him so? Or are you afraid that he might not take the advice of a couple hiding out for months. You know, I believe Lucius Malfoy recognized you two from your little jaunt outside. How perfectly convenient that you have a little one as an excuse not to come out of your hidey-hole."
Sirius drew his wand, but Cassiopeia stopped him. "I warned you, Snape. You've delivered your message now get the hell out of my house."
Snape's lips curled in defeat as he turned on his heel and left up the fireplace.
The next week, the start of term approached. Harry, Ron, and Hermione had packed their things. Before they could make their way to King's Cross, Sirius and Cassiopeia pulled Harry aside.
"Harry, I have something I want you you to have," Sirius whispered.
Sirius placed a small package into Harry's hands. "Don't open it here. Later. Don't let Snape give you any trouble with these lessons."
"If he does, you tell us straight away and we'll sort him out," Cassiopeia said protectively.
"Don't worry, I will," Harry assured them.
With one final hug, Sirius and Cassiopeia watched as Harry left for the train.
Four months later…
Spring had come, and the approaching heat did nothing for Cassiopeia's mood. In the past months, her belly had swelled to the size of a watermelon and her ankles the size of apples, making getting around the house an impossible feat. Tonks had arrived at the house to find her cousin not answering calls.
"Cassie? Sirius?" she called.
Tonks looked about the hall to find Cassiopeia collapsed at the middle of the stairs in her dressing gown.
"What happened to you?" Tonks asked.
"I only made it halfway down the stairs and couldn't get up again," Cassiopeia replied, "And S.J. got scared off by the stupid elf so Sirius has him. You gonna help me or what?"
"Just a second," Tonks replied.
Tonks conjured a camera.
"Hey, put that away!" Cassiopeia shrieked.
"Smile!" Tonks said as she snapped a picture of the invalid Cassiopeia.
"You're an arse sometimes," Cassiopeia laughed.
"But I'm here for you," Tonks said with a smirk.
Tonks took both of Cassiopeia's hands and helped her struggle over her enormous belly to her swollen feet and escorted her to the couch.
Tonks felt Cassiopeia's belly. "No word yet on when Andromeda Lily will arrive?"
Cassiopeia shook her head. "I've tried everything. I've tried spicy foods, warm baths, tea, even...shagging."
"Cassie!" Tonks cried in disgust. "I asked how long before the baby comes, I didn't need to know how often you two have been in the sack!"
"Well, obviously it doesn't work," Cassiopeia commented.
Sirius came down with S.J. on his hip. "Nymphie! How have you been?"
"Learning things I wish I didn't," Tonks replied, shaking her head.
"You'll get used to it one day," Cassiopeia said with a wink.
Before Tonks could say another word, there was a knock at the door.
Sirius opened the door. "Remus!"
Tonks froze where she was as Remus came in and sat by Cassiopeia. Remus tried to pretend that Tonks was invisible as he sat next to Cassiopeia.
"Remus, what brings you here?" Sirius asked.
"I was just checking up on Cassie," Remus replied. "I heard the last few weeks of the pregnancy are giving her grief."
"It's nothing I can't handle," Cassiopeia replied.
"Any idea when the new little pup will come?" Remus inquired.
"Said the werewolf," Cassiopeia chuckled. "It could be any moment. I hope it's any second."
Just then, Harry's head popped into the fire. "Sirius, Cassie!"
"Harry," Cassiopeia greeted, wobbling over to the fire. "How have the lessons been going with Snape? Has he given you any trouble?"
"No, in fact he's stopped giving me lessons," Harry replied.
"He what?!" Cassiopeia shouted, her face turning the ugliest shade of red.
"I'm well shot of him. He said he'd never teach me again," Harry replied.
"Harry, you need those lessons," Sirius said sternly. "I should come down there and have a word with Snape."
"If anyone has a word with him, it's gonna be me!" Cassiopeia shouted, growing angrier by the minute. "I'll drag him by the ear if I have to!"
Harry flinched as there was a loud bang! on his end. "I've gotta go. Someone's coming."
Cassiopeia was furious as she wobbled to her feet. "That greasy little git! He's putting my godson in danger. I'm gonna have words with Dumbledore, too! If Harry gets hurt then…"
Cassiopeia trailed off and almost lost her balance.
"Cassie, darling, are you alright?" Sirius asked.
"Nymphie, get Molly," Cassiopeia said shakily.
"She's at my Mum's. What's going on?" Tonks asked.
"I'm going on holiday. What do you think is going on?" Cassiopeia snapped. "My water broke. I'm in labor!"
In that moment, an instant panic washed over everyone.
"You're having the baby now?" Remus asked in disbelief.
"No, next week. Yes, now, you hairy idiot!" Cassiopeia shouted.
Tonks immediately sent out a Patronus to Molly, urging her to come back to Grimmauld Place. "Molly is coming as fast as she can. The Floo Networks are blocked and Arthur can't Apparate."
Cassiopeia screamed and squeezed Tonks' hand so hard, Tonks thought she heard the bones crunch.
"Owwww! Aunt Cassie, my hand!" Tonks cried.
"F*** your hand!" Cassiopeia shrieked, not caring that her two year old was still in the room. "I'm having a baby right now, and I need someone to bloody deliver it!"
All eyes turned on Remus, who did a double take. "What are you looking at me for?"
"Remus, you're gonna have to," Sirius said.
Remus turned green as he knew what Sirius meant. "Oh bloody h*** no! I can't do that! Why can't Tonks?"
Remus looked up but found Tonks had left the room with little S.J. in tow.
Cassiopeia screamed again in agony and reached for Remus' hand, just in time for him to protectively pull away. "Not my hand!" he cried.
"Remus, get your f***ing head down there before I give you a reason to howl at the moon!" Cassiopeia shouted.
Not wanting to delay the inevitable, Remus helped Cassiopeia lay down on the couch and conjured a towel over her legs. Cassiopeia was dripping sweat and her hair was matted to her head. Sirius was conjuring washcloths and cooling Cassiopeia's brow as Remus kept watch.
"I wanna push!" Cassiopeia shrieked.
Remus, trying not to vomit, looked between Cassiopeia's legs. "You can't yet. The baby isn't far down yet."
Cassiopeia groaned in pain. "I hate you."
"Don't take it out on me!" Remus shouted. "Come on, Cassie. Try to stand. It'll force the baby's head further."
"This is because I kicked you out, isn't it?" Cassiopeia grumbled as Sirius helped her to stand up.
Cassiopeia waddled on jelly-like legs, hoping it would force her deeper into labor. For nearly an eternity, Cassiopeia struggled to move about the room before she collapsed to the couch.
"I can't bloody take it!" she screamed. "What the hell's going on?"
Mustering all his courage, Remus took another look at the progress between Cassiopeia's legs. "Okay, this is the tricky part, Cassie. Time to push."
"For f***'s sake!" Cassiopeia groaned with a hint of relief in her voice.
With Sirius' help, Cassiopeia sat up and screamed through a push. She screamed so loud Remus thought he might go deaf.
"Good, good, Cassie, keep going. Push!" Remus cheered.
"Come on, darling. You've got to keep pushing," Sirius urged her on.
"I'm going to make your jewels disappear!" Cassiopeia groaned through another bout of pushing. "I'm never shagging you again!"
Cassiopeia screamed and pushed for nearly hours. She shouted obscenities at Sirius and Remus as she continued to push and shriek.
"Come on, one more push, Cassie," Remus said cheerfully.
Cassiopeia was exhausted. "Do I have to?"
"You're almost there, my darling, come on! One more push!" Sirius cheered.
"I f***ing can't!" Cassiopeia screamed. "I can't!"
"Yes, yes, you f***ing can, Cassie!" Remus countered. "Come on, one more. Push!"
Holding Sirius hand, Cassiopeia shrieked through one more push. Remus screamed and his eyes bulged as he eased the tiny head out. Cassiopeia fell back against Sirius as tiny cries filled the room.
"Oh thank God for that," Remus sighed as he conjured a blanket and wrapped the wailing, wiggling form in it. "It's Andromeda Lily."
A/N: Ta-da! Andromeda Lily is here! What do you think? Keep favoriting and reviewing!