The Potter girl

chapter 19

Draco scooped Addie into his arms, his heart hammering in his chest. The world around them moved in a blur as they rushed through the castle, the corridors seemingly stretching on forever. The whispers of the prophecy grew louder in his mind, but he pushed them aside, focusing solely on the woman he loved and the child they were about to bring into the world.In the infirmary, Madam Pomfrey took over, her calm demeanor belying the urgency of the situation. She checked Addie's vitals, her face a mask of concentration as she worked her magic. "The baby is coming 2 weeks early," she said, her voice steady. "But we're going to do everything we can."Draco hovered beside the bed, his hand clutching Addie's tightly. "You're going to be okay," he murmured, his voice filled with determination. "You and our baby." Addie nodded, her eyes squeezed shut against the pain. Despite the fear gripping his heart, Draco knew he had to stay strong for her. He whispered reassurances, his thumb tracing comforting circles on the back of her hand.Madam Pomfrey worked swiftly, casting spells and checking Addie's progress. "You're doing wonderfully, Miss Potter," she said, though the tension in her voice was unmistakable. Addie took deep, rhythmic breaths, focusing on the instructions the healer was giving her. Draco watched, his heart pounding in his chest, feeling utterly helpless."Alright, on three, I need you to push," Madam Pomfrey instructed, her voice calm yet urgent. "One... two..." Addie squeezed Draco's hand, bracing herself for the wave of pain that was about to come. "Three!"Draco counted with her, his eyes never leaving hers as she pushed with all her might. Sweat beaded on her forehead, and her knuckles turned white, but she never wavered. He could see the strength in her, the fierce determination to bring their child into the world."Ahh...ahh...ahh..." Addie's screams filled the infirmary, each one echoing through Draco's soul. He felt a tear slip down his cheek, a silent testament to the depth of his love and fear. He leaned in closer, whispering words of encouragement, his hand squeezing hers in a silent promise that he would be with her every step of the way.

The contractions grew stronger, and Addie's cries grew more intense. Draco could see the sweat glistening on her forehead, and the way she bit her lip to stifle the pain. Madam Pomfrey remained a picture of calm efficiency, casting spells and checking on the baby's progress. The room was a flurry of activity, yet it was Addie's agonized face that remained the focal point of Draco's world.

Each time she screamed, Draco felt a piece of himself shatter. He longed to take the pain away, to shield her from the agony that seemed to consume her. But all he could do was stand there, his hand in hers, whispering encouragements that seemed inadequate in the face of what she was enduring. His heart raced with every contraction, his mind racing through a whirlwind of fear and hope.

With trembling hands, he took a damp cloth and gently dabbed at the sweat beading on Addie's forehead. He felt the heat radiating from her skin, a stark contrast to the cold fear that gripped him. Each stroke of the cloth was a silent promise to be there, to bear witness to the miracle of life that was unfolding before him. He watched as her eyes searched his, looking for the strength she needed to keep going.

"She's almost here, okay?" Draco said through gritted teeth, his voice strained with emotion. The words seemed to resonate in the room, a declaration of hope in the face of the uncertainty that loomed. Addie's eyes widened slightly, and she nodded, her grip on his hand tightening. The contractions grew closer together, each one more intense than the last.The room was alive with the sound of Madam Pomfrey's incantations and the rustle of her robes as she moved swiftly from one potion to another. The air was thick with the scent of herbal concoctions, a stark contrast to the sweet aroma of the blooming flowers outside. Addie's breaths grew ragged, and Draco felt the warmth of her palm as she squeezed his hand, her nails digging into his skin. "One more," he whispered, his voice steady despite the chaos within him.With a final, powerful push, Addie's body went still, her eyes wide with exhaustion and anticipation. Madam Pomfrey's movements grew more deliberate, and a hush fell over the infirmary. The silence was deafening, a stark contrast to the symphony of noises that had filled the room just moments before. Then, a faint cry pierced the air, and time seemed to stand still.Draco's eyes filled with tears as he looked down at their daughter, a tiny, wrinkled bundle of life nestled in Madam Pomfrey's arms. She was perfect, with a head of dark hair and a pair of green eyes that mirrored his own. "She's here," he whispered, his voice hoarse from the emotional rollercoaster of the past hours. "She's beautiful."Addie's chest heaved with relief, and she managed a weak smile. "Emily," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "Her name is Emily."Draco's heart swelled with love as he leaned in to kiss her forehead. "Emily," he repeated, testing the name on his lips. It felt right, a perfect fit for the little life that had just entered the world. He looked down at their daughter, her tiny fingers clutching at the air, and felt an overwhelming sense of protectiveness wash over him.Madam Pomfrey carefully placed Emily into Addie's arms, and Draco watched as his fiancés face softened into a look of pure adoration. She was so small, so fragile, and yet she had brought them so much joy and fear in such a short time. Addie looked up at him, her eyes glistening with tears, and whispered, "Thank you."Draco felt a lump form in his throat as he leaned in to kiss Emily's forehead, feeling her warmth and the gentle rise and fall of her breath. The prophecy and the fears it brought with it felt a world away as he held his daughter for the first time. He was filled with a fierce love that surpassed any magic he had ever encountered.The room remained quiet, the only sound being the soft coos and cries of their newborn daughter. Madam Pomfrey stepped back, a smile on her face despite the earlier tension. "Congratulations," she said, her voice warm and filled with relief. "You both did splendidly."Draco couldn't tear his eyes away from Addie and Emily, the love between them palpable. The name "Emily" hung in the air, a declaration of their hope and a promise of a future they would fight for. He felt a weight lift from his shoulders, replaced by a new, more profound responsibility.The door to the infirmary swung open, and Sirius Black rushed in, his face a mix of concern and excitement. "How is she?" he panted, his eyes searching for Addie. Draco looked up, his grip on Emily tightening. "She's... she's okay," he managed to say, his voice still thick with emotion. "We have a daughter."Sirius's eyes widened, and a wide smile spread across his face. He took a step closer to the bed, his gaze falling upon the tiny figure in Addie's arms. "You've done it," he said, his voice filled with awe. "You've given us all hope." Addie looked up at Sirius, her eyes glazed with exhaustion but sparkling with love. "Daddy," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
Sirius's eyes filled with tears as he took in the sight of his daughter holding her own child. The emotions of the moment overwhelmed him, and he had to force back a sob. He leaned over the bed, placing a gentle hand on Addie's shoulder. "You're going to be an amazing mother," he whispered, his voice cracking. "I'm so proud of you."Addie looked up at her father, her own eyes brimming with tears. "Thank you," she said, her voice weak but filled with gratitude. She knew that her relationship with Sirius had been strained since her parents death, but in this moment, all that mattered was the love and support they shared. Draco felt a pang of emotion, watching the bond between them strengthen amidst the chaos of their world.Sirius's gaze shifted to Draco, and he nodded solemnly. "Thank you," he said, his voice thick with unshed tears. "For being there for her, for giving her this." He reached out and touched Draco's shoulder, his hand briefly squeezing in a silent show of gratitude. Draco nodded, his throat tight with emotion. They both knew the prophecy had brought them together in ways they never could have anticipated.As Madam Pomfrey finished her final checks on Emily, the room remained a sanctuary of quiet joy. Draco felt the weight of his promise to Harry, to keep Addie and their child safe, pressing down on him once more. But in that moment, holding his daughter, all he could do was cherish the love that had brought them to this point.The door to the infirmary creaked open again, and Harry's figure filled the frame. His eyes searched the room, and when they landed on Addie and the baby, they widened in surprise and happiness. "Is it...?" he began, his voice trailing off.Draco nodded, his own smile reflecting the warmth in Harry's eyes. "It's a girl," he said, his voice filled with pride. "Her name is Emily." Harry took a tentative step forward, his gaze flickering between Draco and the new family. "May I?" he asked, gesturing to the bed.Addie's eyes searched Harry's face, finding the same love and concern she had always known from her brother. "Of course," she whispered, making room for him beside her. Harry sat down, his hand reaching out to touch Emily's tiny fingers. "She's beautiful," he said, his voice filled with awe.With trembling hands, Harry took the bundle that was his newborn niece. Carefully cradling her, he felt a wave of emotions wash over him. The weight of the prophecy, the battles they had faced, and the fear that had once driven a wedge between them all seemed to melt away in the presence of this delicate life. "Thank you," he murmured, looking up at Addie. "For bringing her into the world."
Addie's eyes held his for a long moment, and Draco felt a pang of jealousy at the connection that had always been there between Harry and his sister. But it was a fleeting feeling, overshadowed by the warmth of the moment. He watched as Harry held Emily, his thumb gently stroking her cheek, and realized that this was what they had been fighting for—a future filled with love and family, not fear and darkness."Do you want to hold her?" Addie's question hung in the air, directed at Sirius. Draco felt his heart clench, unsure of how Harry's godfather would react. After a moment, Sirius nodded, his eyes never leaving the baby. Carefully, he took Emily from Harry's arms, cradling her with a tenderness that belied his rough exterior.Sirius held Emily close, his gaze locking onto hers as if searching for a piece of himself in her delicate features. The room was still, all eyes on the man who had played such a significant role in Addie's life. His calloused hands, used to combat and the harsh realities of their world, were now the gentle cradle for their future.The quiet was shattered by the sound of rapid footsteps, and the door to the infirmary swung open with such force that it banged against the wall. Draco's heart skipped a beat as his parents, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, strode in, their faces a mask of shock and disbelief. The tension in the room spiked, the warmth of the moment dissipating like a charm under the cold scrutiny of their gazes.
Narcissa's eyes swept over the scene, and when they fell upon Addie holding the baby, they filled with a mix of love and concern. "Cissy?" Addie's voice was weak but hopeful. The woman who had been like a mother to her rushed to the bedside, her own eyes brimming with tears. "Is it true?"Narcissa reached out tentatively, her hand hovering over Addie's. "Yes," Addie nodded, her smile tremulous. "This is Emily."Narcissa's hand trembled as it touched Addie's, and she leaned in to see the baby. The love in her eyes was unmistakable, and Draco felt a knot loosen in his stomach. He knew his mother had a soft spot for Addie, despite the prophecy's shadow. "She's beautiful," Narcissa whispered, her voice full of wonder.Addie looked up, her gaze finding Lucius, who had remained near the door, his expression unreadable. "Hey," she managed to say, her voice a mix of nervousness and hope. Draco held his breath, waiting for his father's reaction.Lucius's eyes softened as they met Addie's, and he took a step closer to the bed, his gaze shifting to the baby. "Congratulations," he said, his voice gruff but not unkind. He reached out and gently touched Emily's cheek with the back of his hand. Draco felt a swell of pride as he watched his father interact with his daughter for the first time.Narcissa's hand slipped from Addie's to cover Lucius's on the baby's cheek. The unspoken love between the two of them was as clear as the crystal chandeliers that hung in the Manor's halls. "You're going to be a wonderful mother," she said to Addie, her voice filled with genuine warmth.Draco's anxiety spiked at the sight of his father's expression. He had hoped that Lucius would show some sign of affection, but he had never expected this. "Thank you," Addie whispered, her voice barely audible. "I just want to keep her safe."Lucius's gaze never left the baby, and for a moment, Draco saw a flicker of something in his eyes—not just love, but a fierce protectiveness that mirrored his own. "We all do," he said, his voice low and serious. "The prophecy...it doesn't define her. It doesn't define any of us."The room grew quiet again, the gravity of their situation settling in like a heavy blanket. They had all been so focused on the joy of Emily's birth that the prophecy had momentarily been forgotten. But it was always there, a looming presence that threatened to cast its shadow over their happiness.As if on cue, the door to the infirmary burst open once more, and in stormed a gaggle of red-haired figures—Mrs. Weasley at the forefront, her eyes scanning the room with a fierce protectiveness. Behind her, the twins, Fred and George, bickered playfully, and Ginny looked on with a soft smile. Addie felt a rush of warmth at the sight of her adopted family. They had been there for her through everything, especially after she found out she was , and their presence brought a sense of comfort and belonging she hadn't realized she needed until now."Oh, Addie!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, rushing to the bedside and enveloping her in a warm embrace. "You've had the baby!"The twins, Fred and George, fought to get a glimpse of the newborn, their faces alight with excitement. "Can we hold her?" they chorused, practically bouncing on the balls of their feet. Ginny, more composed, offered a gentle smile to Addie and Draco, her eyes sparkling with happiness.Addie laughed weakly, the sound a delightful music to Draco's ears. "Yes, of course," she said, her eyes pleading with the twins to calm their exuberance. "But one at a time, okay?"Fred and George looked at each other, and with a mischievous grin, they both nodded in unison. Mrs. Weasley handed the baby to Draco, who took her with a surprising ease. He watched as his fiances smile grew wider with each twin's step closer to the bed. The room was alive with the chatter of their friends and family, and for a brief moment, the prophecy's shadow retreated, allowing a semblance of normalcy to seep in.Addie took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving Draco's as he held their daughter. She could see the love in his eyes, the same love that had been the cornerstone of their relationship. Despite the tumultuous journey they had faced, she knew that together, they could conquer anything.Draco, noticing her gaze, offered her a small smile. He was swaying slightly from side to side, a gentle bounce that seemed to soothe the newborn Emily. His eyes never left hers, filled with a mix of exhaustion and elation. It was a dance they had practiced before, but never with so much at stake. Each movement was careful, deliberate, a silent promise to keep their little girl safe from the chaos that awaited them outside the infirmary walls.The twins, unable to contain their excitement, took turns holding the sleeping Emily. Each time one of them approached the bed, their boisterousness was replaced by a surprising tenderness that had the room holding its breath. They whispered sweet nothings to their newest family member, and for a brief moment, the weight of the prophecy lifted from Draco's shoulders. It was as if their laughter and love were a shield, one that could protect Emily from the destiny that seemed so determined to claim her.Mrs. Weasley clucked her tongue, a look of pure joy lighting up her face. She reached out to smooth a lock of hair from Addie's forehead, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You did so well, dear," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "Both of you." She glanced at Draco, her expression one of gratitude and acceptance.Addie's gaze remained fixed on Draco, his tall frame now seeming more gentle and loving than ever before. His usually sharp features were softened by the awe in his eyes as he looked down at their daughter. The sight of him, holding Emily with such care, was more than she could have ever imagined.Draco caught her looking and offered a weary smile, his eyes never leaving their daughter's peaceful face. He leaned closer, their foreheads almost touching. "What do you think, Addie?" he whispered, his voice filled with hope and fear. "Can we do this?"Addie's heart swelled with love for him, for their baby, for this unconventional family they had created. She reached out and laid her hand over his, her thumb brushing the back of his knuckles. "We're already doing it," she said firmly. "And we're going to do it together."The twins, having had their fill of holding the baby, stepped back, allowing Ginny to take her turn. She approached the bed with a gentle grace that belied her fiery spirit, her eyes filled with the same love and protectiveness that her mother had shown. "Can I?" she asked softly, holding out her arms.Draco carefully transferred Emily into Ginny's embrace, his eyes never leaving hers. "Be careful," he said, his voice a whisper of concern. Ginny nodded solemnly, cradling the baby with a tenderness that surprised even herself.Addie watched the scene unfold before her, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. Her eyes were drawn back to Draco, who had returned to her side, his hand reaching out to gently stroke her cheek. "You're incredible," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. She leaned into his touch, her eyes fluttering shut for a brief moment. "We're going to be okay," she whispered back, her belief in their future unshaken.