Nova's Universe

Chapter 4 (2003)

Charlie

The hallway outside the operating room stretched before me, a relentless track for my frantic pacing. I felt like fainting if I stopped moving for even a second. No clock graced the wall, and the chaos had stolen my chance to check the time. How long had they been in there? What was happening? All I had were Nova's last words echoing in my head, trapped behind the now-closed door.

Her decision felt unbelievable. Anger bubbled up, but it was overshadowed by a gnawing panic. Not for a second could I entertain the thought of the doctor returning with news of her being gone. The thought was unbearable. We were a team, and our girls needed both parents.

Stopping my pacing, I doubled over, gasping for breath. Dizziness swirled around me, my breaths coming in ragged gasps. Never had fear gripped me so tightly. This was a moment I wished I'd insisted my dad stay for. Nova's mum had been there for Aoede's birth, and Bill for Luna Dora's. Here I was, alone in this sterile hallway, bracing for the worst imaginable outcome.

Just as I considered resuming my frantic walk, the door swung open. Doctor Nightingale emerged, cradling something swaddled in a blanket.

"Mr Weasley, would you like to meet your son?" she offered, her eyes meeting mine with a gentle smile as she approached.

My reply ignored her question entirely. "How is my wife?"

"She's quite weak," Doctor Nightingale responded honestly. "We're monitoring her vitals closely. But she's a fighter, Mr Weasley. We're confident she'll pull through." Her smile widened as she reached me.

Relief, like a tidal wave, washed over me. The crushing weight in my chest eased, and my dizziness subsided. I leaned against my knees again, staring upwards at the harsh hospital lights, squeezing my eyes shut for a fleeting moment. They snapped open as the doctor's earlier question registered.

"I have a son?" My voice cracked, and tears welled up for reasons I couldn't explain. Was it the overwhelming relief of Nova's recovery, or the sudden reality of fatherhood for the third time?

Doctor Nightingale chuckled. "A very healthy baby boy, yes. You certainly know how to keep us on our toes with each hospital visit." With a playful giggle, she partially unwrapped the blanket, revealing a head of hair boasting an unusual colour.

"Is that... purple?" I blinked repeatedly, stunned by the sight.

"After Luna Dora's blue hair, your son's locks definitely pique our curiosity," the doctor admitted. "We'd love to speak with your wife's aunt to unravel the mystery behind her spell. We've never seen anything quite like it."

He was flawless. Curly locks, just like mine, sported a brilliant, unexpected hue. It shimmered somewhere between purple and burgundy red. I simply nodded at the doctor, speechless at this impossible shade.

"Can I see my wife?" I finally managed after a minute of pure wonder, my newborn son's tiny fingers wrapped tightly around my index finger.

"Of course," the doctor agreed. "But please keep it short. She needs rest."

I acknowledged her with a nod and followed her back inside the room.

"We'll keep them both for observation for at least a week, just to be safe. They've been through a lot," Dr. Nightingale informed me as I settled into a chair beside Nova's bed.

"Thank you, Dr. Nightingale. We're fortunate to have you." I offered her a grateful smile.

The anger I felt had vanished the moment I knew Nova would be alright, replaced by a wave of relief. We'd have our talk at home, but for now, respecting the doctor's orders, I let Nova rest.