Severus Snape: The Half Blood Prince

*(71) Draco Lucius Malfoy

After weaving through the passageway and throughout the castle, her body eventually collapsed on the bed she had slept on for the past few years and dreamt of the warmest of colors and feelings after her adventures today.

When Sophie awoke, she found herself in a different bed, the soft morning light streaming in through the window and cascading into the backs of her pupils as she arose. Her past few memories were a blur, the result of intense hours spent in the Hogwarts library, diligently stocking up on knowledge before her vacation commenced in the first week of June.

Time seemed to have flown by, and she marveled at how far things had come since the mere celebration of Ron's imminent arrival. Now, he had been born—healthy and surrounded by love—the days of his incessant crying fading into the past.

She felt relieved that she wasn't currently at the Weasley residence, as she imagined the intensity that accompanied having a newborn, especially if it wasn't her own. Instead, on this fine morning of June 4th, a Wednesday, Sophie found herself waking up in the grandeur of the Malfoy Manor. Narcissa had kindly invited her to be by her side when she gave birth to Draco, which was supposedly happening the next day. Sophie had happily accepted the invitation, eager to experience the miraculous event of a new life entering the world.

Not only would she be able to witness the trucking audacity of a stubborn redhead child—Ron—but also the gory birth of a bleach-headed boy—Draco—who would undoubtedly love to complain about individuals to his father. It was a curious and intriguing prospect, the kind of wonderful world that wizards inhabited.

With a sense of anticipation, Sophie glanced out of the partially opened curtains, squinting against the bright morning sun. The summer breeze had already begun to rustle the thick grass that swayed gracefully in front of the Manor, setting the scene for the day's events.

As Sophie prepared herself for the day ahead, she couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehension in the presence of her moral superiors. Even though she had known Narcissa and Bella for years, the atmosphere around them still felt rather intimidating. She reminded herself to remain composed, knowing that any sign of weakness or hesitation would not go unnoticed.

As they strolled together, Sophie walked alongside Narcissa and Bella, each step seemingly echoing with the weight of their roles in the wizarding world. Their graceful strides and elegant postures were a stark contrast to the casualness of her own movements. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider in their refined circle.

Bella, ever the impulsive one, jumped in front of both of them and began walking backward, her eyes dancing playfully between the two women. "So, do you think it will be painful?" she asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes, clearly trying to get a reaction out of them.

Narcissa, the epitome of poise and grace, replied first, her voice composed and measured, "Well, I can only imagine that once the proportioned parts are shoved, it won't be as frightful." Her matter-of-fact tone almost made it seem as if she was discussing a mundane everyday activity, rather than the impending birth of her child.

Sophie, trying to conceal her discomfort, nearly gagged at the thought of Narcissa speaking so calmly about her insides being torn apart. "Ugh, I don't even want to imagine that, and I pity that you have to go through it in a short time." She attempted to add some levity to the conversation, hoping to ease the tension.

Bella, never one to shy away from direct questions, turned her attention to Sophie. "When do you plan on getting knocked up? You're old enough, ain't you?" Her raised eyebrow and blunt inquiry left Sophie feeling slightly caught off guard. Narcissa also looked at her, waiting for an answer.