𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤. ʀ. ʟᴜᴘɪɴ

thirty-five

"I wrote to Mary, I'm not sure if she'll answer back, though," Remus said to Evangeline over the phone, "I've also got a job at a bookshop not far from my cottage. Pay is alright, but it's a rather relaxing job."

"That's good," Evangeline said, twirling the phone chord. 

"How have you been feeling?"

"Fine. A little tired."

"I should let you get some rest, then."

"I'm not sick, Remus. Fatigue is just a side effect of pregnancy."

"I know, I've been reading. You're taking care of yourself and a child now, it's a great excuse to sleep as much as you wish. And besides, it's late."

"It's a little hard to sleep alone now."

Remus was quiet for a few moments, "good night, Evangeline."

She sighed lightly, "goodnight."

The line went dead, and she put the phone back on the hook before heading to bed. 

The next afternoon, she set out to the Burrow. When she arrived, she found Fred, George, and Ginny all flying around on their brooms. They quickly landed at her arrival, "Professor, if you're here about me cheating on your exam, it was George's idea!" Fred exclaimed. 

"Was not!" George nervously defended. 

"I know you cheated, and that's not why I'm here."

"Wait, if you knew they cheated why didn't you say anything?" Ginny asked. 

"They still managed to fail the test."

Ginny laughed at the twins as they rolled their eyes at her, "so, what brings you here?" Ginny questioned. 

"I've actually come to speak with your mother, is she around?"

At that moment, the door flew open and Molly ran out, "Professor! How lovely to see you again!" she said loudly, bringing Evangeline in for a hug. 

"Mrs Weasley, just the woman I wanted to see."

"Really? Is everything alright?"

"Uhh, sort of," Evangeline quietly said as the three walked away, "can we talk?"

"Of course! Did you want to come inside?"

"I'd rather we walk if that's alright."

The two began to walk away from the Burrow and through the filed, "Remus and I split up and I found out that I was expecting two weeks later, I'm due around March. I've told him and he's going to be there for me throughout this. I just... my mother is a bit emotionally unavailable. I wasn't sure who else I could speak to about this who already has children, but then I bumped into Bill at the Ministry and he suggested I come to you."

"I'm glad you did," Molly said, "I am sorry you two split, but congratulations on your baby. That's very good that you two are staying in touch through this."

"I'm just frightened, I want to be a good mother. I want to give this child the upbringing I never got, but I'm worried I'm going to screw everything up."

"Every expecting parent has that same fear, and the truth is you learn as you go. Seven children in and I'm still learning how to be a better mother everyday. Parenthood is a classroom, Professor."

"No need to call me Professor anymore, Mrs Weasley. I've resigned, so has Remus. I do plan to return after I've given birth, though."

"Will Professor Lupin return with you?"

She shrugged, "I don't know, I don't think he will. He's resigned for other reasons."

"I don't mean to pry, but how do you plan on raising a child if one of you will be at Hogwarts for months on end while the other stays back?"

She tensed up, "we haven't thought that far ahead..."

"It's something to think about. If you think being away from Hogwarts is best for your pregnancy, then so be it. Looking after yourself first is the best way you could look after this child. It all starts with keeping yourself healthy, mind and body."

Evangeline smiled, "good advice, I'm glad I've come to you."

"Don't ever be too shy to show up, we all enjoyed your company during New Year's Eve."

Her smile faltered at the memories, thinking back to how well her and Remus were doing then. How fresh everything was, how exciting it was. 

"I hate that we aren't together, he broke up with me for my safety and wellbeing but it's all so frustrating. I almost wish he did it because he fell out of love with me, at least then I'd be able to think about moving on. I miss him so much yet we see each other nearly every day because of this damned child."

"Heartbreak is arguably the worst pain in the world."

"It certainly is," Evangeline said sadly, "I desperately want to be back with him but I don't want to push him. This is enough for him as it is. I'm surprised he didn't pass out when I told him."

"Just wait for labor, I reckon he'll be placed in a hospital bed right next to you."

That earned a small chuckle from Evangeline, "oh, I look forward to that day. How bad does it hurt, by the way?"

"I cannot exactly say it's comfortable, but if you get a good midwitch it makes things a lot easier. Have you thought about a midwitch?"

"No, shit, I really haven't been planning this well. Well, I didn't plan this."

"I can recommend a lady to you, we were only able to afford a midwitch for my last three pregnancies, but it was worth it. Her name is Lucy Benton, you can request an appointment with her at St. Mungo's."

"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley, truly."

Molly stopped and stood in front of her, "of course, I'm sorry that this is happening under the circumstances but I promise you that child is going to change your life for the better. Also, I've got tons of books on parenting and pregnancy, should you want them. I cannot say the parenting books will take you far because it really is something you learn about as you go, it's worth the reading."

"I'll gladly take them, I truly do appreciate it."