Endless Sacrifice

Chapter 1

I looked at myself once more in the full length mirror. I readjusted my long, dark curls that were cascading down my back, almost reaching my waist. My hands glided down the fabric of my silk dress, the material felt sleek beneath my fingers. I caught a glimpse of my sleeping angel in the mirror and I smiled. Oliver's mother beamed back at me as she rocked her gently. Iris came through the bedroom door holding a modest bouquet of yellow lilies in her hands, her eyes shined as she stared at me, she had never seen me look more beautiful.

"Thank you Iris."

Iris nodded but her awe quickly turned to worry, she had been so worried about me lately. She stood close to me as she spoke, not wanting Oliver's mother Evelyn to hear her but I knew Evelyn's attention was completely focused on my daughter.

"Mel, there's still time to change your mind if this isn't what you want."

I shook my head at Iris's worries because I had never felt more confident. "I'm certain Iris. This is the only way to keep her safe."

Iris smiled weakly as she handed me my flowers, she was unbelievably nervous for me but I grasped her hand reassuringly. I knew this was the only way to keep my daughter safe, my beautiful and perfect daughter. I held back the joyful tears as I reflected on the day my daughter was born, the most amazing day of my life.

I brushed the hair from my eyes as I continued to stare at the miracle I held in my arms, her petite hand grasped my finger tightly. She gazed back at me with the most beautiful bright blue eyes, they were identical to Draco's. The purest happiness was radiating from her little fingertips. I kissed her forehead lightly as Oliver and Iris peeked through the hospital room door. I waved them in enthusiastically, they both smiled radiantly as they gazed at my perfect daughter. Oliver set down another vase of lilies beside the one he had brought yesterday, he kissed my forehead and sat in the chair across from me while Iris sat at my bedside.

"How's Eliza doing?" Oliver asked sincerely. "I didn't realize you loved 'Pride and Prejudice' so much, to name your daughter after a character." Oliver teased gently.

"Not just any character Oliver. Elizabeth Bennet is one of the strongest female characters I've ever read about, my Eliza should only hope to be as strong willed as her. And Jane Austen was one of the most talented writers in existence. My daughter's name was a given." I sneered jokingly.

"Oliver, you can't deny that Elizabeth Austen Everard sounds beautiful and it seems to suit her already." Iris cooed as she touched Eliza's head. "I'm so happy she came a week late, I love being able to share my birthday with her."

I snorted and rolled my eyes. "You can shove off Iris, carrying her a week late was unbearable."

Iris and I laughed quietly, careful not to disturb Eliza who had fallen asleep. Suddenly Oliver gave Iris a serious look, it made her very nervous. I gazed bewildered at their silent conversation, their thoughts were distracted. Iris looked to me and touched Eliza's cheek.

"I better get going, I have work soon." Iris kissed mine and Eliza's head before leaving my hospital room.

I sighed as I stared at the door. It saddened me that Iris couldn't return to Hogwarts either for her sixth year, but it was far too dangerous now. Hogwarts may have become compulsory to all students this term but it wasn't the same place it had been while Dumbledore was Headmaster. The entire school and Ministry of Magic had been overtaken by Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Hogwarts could no longer be considered the safest place in the Wizarding World. With Harry, Hermione and Ron gone searching for Horcruxes, I couldn't risk Iris's safety by allowing her to go back. Even Oliver had turned down the hefty position Madame Hooch had offered him because he wouldn't leave me unprotected, it was too dangerous. I knew he was scared too, we all were.