Song Of The Guardians

The Interview And The Streaker

Hermione sighed in relief as she followed the other Harbingers to the door of Malfoy Manor. Cadence trotted along next to her while the other cats ran ahead and Severus kept his hand against Hermione's lower back. She pressed her hand gently against her lower abdomen, grimacing at the mild cramping pain.

"Are you alright?" Severus asked, eyeing her anxiously.

Hermione offered him a tired smile. "I'm fine," she assured him. "It's only a bit of cramping."

Of course, Severus didn't find that explanation to be comforting. Their exposure to the Cruciatus curse had been very brief, but little was known about it's effects on an embryo. His stomach clenched uncomfortably when he considered the damage that such a dark spell could do to their unborn child.

Once they were all inside, Andy closed the door and immediately turned to Severus and Hermione. "Don't panic," he told them firmly. "We're safe now and I'm sure Poppy would be happy to check on the baby. Just breathe," he added, resting a comforting hand on Severus' shoulder.

"Cramping can be normal, especially at the beginning of your pregnancy," Ginny said. "I had a bit of trouble with it and when I told my mum, she said that she was the same way."

A wailing cry and the sound of scurrying feet made everyone look toward the stairs in alarm. Poppy appeared at the top of the stairs, clutching James who was squirming and sobbing piteously. When he spotted his mother at the foot of the stairs, his sobs grew louder and he reached toward her while his chubby hands opened and closed frantically.

Ginny's breath caught in her throat at the sight of her young son. During battle, her mind had been occupied, but in the aftermath she found herself overwhelmed with the idea that she might not have survived to see her son again. She didn't generally dwell on what-ifs, but at that moment she felt such a rush of relief when she took James into her embrace. Ginny burst into tears and held her son close. Harry wrapped his arms around both of them, his own eyes brimming with tears.

The others waited patiently, allowing the little family to compose themselves. Poppy patted James' back fondly and then approached Hermione. Poppy set to work casting diagnostic spells once the Harbingers had summarized the events of the last several hours. The Mediwitch had looked alarmed by some of the details, casting anxious looks at the expectant mother. After several tense minutes, Poppy sighed and pressed her trembling fingers to her lips.

"It's alright," Poppy murmured, smiling slightly as Severus made a strange sort of choked sound and pulled Hermione into a hug. "I was able to detect the magic embedded in these robes, and additional protective charms," Poppy went on. She peered at Hermione thoughtfully. "You do have some muscle tears and some bruising, so you need to rest for a few days. I don't generally treat pregnant witches that rush into battle, so we won't be taking any chances," she concluded sternly.

"Of course Poppy," Hermione replied, smiling happily when Severus kissed her temple while gently running his fingers across her stomach.

Lucius and Narcissa arrived back at the manor, along with the Sirens, as Poppy was finishing up with her examinations of the Harbingers. Lucius swiftly made his way to Hermione, his face creased in a concerned frown. His eyes flicked to Hermione's abdomen before darting back to her face.

"The baby is fine," Hermione said, grinning when Lucius released a heavy sigh of relief. "Poppy said that I need to rest a few days to allow my body to heal properly."

"And I will make sure that you do," Poppy said, tucking her wand into one of her pockets. "All of you need to go rest now."

Ginny looked doubtfully at James who was whimpering and struggling in her grasp. "That's easier said than done," Ginny commented with a weary sigh.