Authors' note: A special someone makes their debut in this chapter.
Maddie awoke the next morning to the smell of cinnamon. She smiled slightly. Her father had promised to make French toast. He had never broken a promise.
Both her parents had been really great to her in the aftermath of Ethan's kidnapping. She was happy to stay here with them because other than her own home, she felt safe here.
She also could help her mother with the two new foster children who were staying at the house. Eight-year old Brandon and five-year old Justine were siblings who had been in and out of orphanages over the last three years. Maddie's heart went out to them.
She felt movement in her stomach. "Don't worry," she told her baby. "I'm going right down to breakfast."
Maddie grabbed her dressing gown and put on her slippers. She could hear animated sounds coming from the kitchen.
"All right," Ron said. "Brandon, if you want two pieces, you can have them. You just have to sit up properly."
Brandon did as Ron asked. "I--I never had French toast before. Is it different from regular toast?"
"You are in for a real treat," Ron told him. "It's ten times better than regular toast."
"He's right," Maddie said coming into the kitchen. "He makes the best."
"Good morning sweetheart," Ron smiled at her.
"Morning, Daddy," Maddie said softly. She walked over to the icebox and pulled out the pitcher of juice.
"How are you feeling this morning?" Ron asked.
"Okay," Maddie replied. She poured herself a cup of juice and refilled the children's glasses. "Good morning, Brandon. Morning, Justine."
"Hi Maddie," Justine said. Brandon blushed a bright red before echoing the sentiment.
"Where's Mum?" Maddie asked.
"She's owling over some articles for the paper," Ron told her.
Maddie nodded as her father placed a plate in front of her. "Thanks."
"Eat," Ron told her.
"You know she's going to want more when I'm done," Maddie said, picking up her fork.
"You're having a little girl?" Justine asked excitedly.
"I sure am," Maddie forced a smile. "Any day now."
"What are you going to call her?" Justine asked.
"Kiera," Maddie answered.
Justine grinned. "That's really pretty."
"Thank you," Maddie replied. "I think Justine is a pretty name as well."
Justine beamed at her. "Thank you."
"Eat up," Ron said. "I have plenty more where this came from."
"Thanks Mister Ron," Justine said.
Maddie tried to eat her toast, but found herself pushing it around on her plate while her hand rested on her protruding stomach
"What do you think?" Ron asked Brandon who had been quietly eating his food.
"It's good, sir." Brandon answered.
Ron grinned. "I learned from the best. If you think mine's good, you should try my mum's."
Justine's eyes grew large. "Your mummy must be really old because you're old."
Ron felt his jaw drop and Maddie couldn't help but laugh at the look on his face.
"Really, really old," Justine continued. "Super old. Ow!"
Brandon shot his sister a warning look.
"Why'd you kick me?" Justine asked him.
"'cause you're not being nice to Mister Ron," Brandon told her. "You're not supposed to call someone old even if they are."
"Why?" Justine asked.
"Just 'cause," Brandon said with a shrug.
"It's just not polite," Maddie said softly. "But its okay, Justine. My dad knows you didn't mean anything by it."
Justine sighed in relief. "Sorry, Mister Ron."
"Its okay," Ron still felt disgruntled but let it go.
This is the bestest food ever.
"What?" Maddie asked.
"I didn't say anything," Justine said looking up from her plate.
"Sorry," Maddie murmured, realising that Kiera was reading minds again.
"Good morning," Luna said brightly.
"Hi Mum," Maddie looked up.
Luna gave her daughter a hug. "How are you feeling this morning?"
"All right, I suppose," Maddie put a hand on her stomach. "Jumpy..."
"Do you want some breakfast, love?" Ron asked his wife.
"I'd love some," Luna sat next to her daughter.
"Morning, Miss Luna," Justine said shyly.
"Good morning Justine," Luna smiled at her. "Do you like your French toast?"
Justine nodded enthusiastically. "It's the bestest food ever."
"Well there's plenty, so eat up," Ron replied.
"How are things at the Quibbler?" Ron asked his wife, as he set her plate down.
"Busy," Luna said, not wanting to get into the details of what that morning's headline had been in front of the children.
"Do you think we'll be here for Christmas?" Justine asked.
"I'm not sure," Ron said. "But if you are, we promise to make it extra special for both of you."
Justine smiled at him. "Thank you, Mister Ron."
Maddie felt a sudden pinch in her stomach. She closed her eyes and breathed out deeply.
"Are you okay, sweetheart?" Luna asked in concern.
"I think so," Maddie replied. "It just hurt for a moment."
"Maybe you should lie down," Luna suggested.
Maddie nodded. "Perhaps I will."
"I'll take you back upstairs," Luna said offering her hand.
"Thanks," Maddie smiled as reassuringly as she could at the two children. "I'll be all right."
"I hope you feel better," Justine said.
"Thank you," Maddie pushed herself up from the table.
Luna silently led her daughter back upstairs to her bedroom.
"I'm worried about you," Luna said to Maddie.
"I'm okay," Maddie tried to reassure her. "I just---this would be so much easier if Ethan were here with me."
"I know it would be," Luna said reassuringly.
Maddie pulled back the covers and slid back into bed. It wasn't an easy job with her stomach, but her mother helped.
"There you go," Luna said. "Just rest. I'll go get you a glass of water."
"Will you stay with me, Mum?" Maddie asked. "Please?"
"Of course I will, baby." Luna said.
Maddie smiled at her mother. "Thanks."
"Anything for you," Luna smoothed back her hair.
Maddie rested her head on her mother's shoulder. "You always did this when I was sick or felt bad."
Luna smiled. "I did it for all of you."
"It always made me feel better," Maddie remembered.
"Things are going to work out," Luna said. "One way or the other. And you'll always have your family, Madeline."
"I wouldn't have made it without all of you," Maddie said getting teary-eyed just thinking about all that they'd done for her. Jon had brought the kids by with Allie and they'd done everything they could to make her smile. Josh and Lizzy had stopped by with the triplets with all of her favourite foods. Drew and Darla had even taken her shopping for some baby things. It meant more to her than she could even put into words.
"I know this hasn't been an easy pregnancy for you- for anyone," Luna continued. "But I'm so very proud of you for the way you've handled it."
"I'm just---I'm really glad that I had you guys and that I didn't have to go it alone," Maddie said closing her eyes.
"Never, love." Luna kissed her forehead.
Maddie felt herself drifting off to sleep.
"Sleep," Luna whispered. "My sweet girl."
Maddie nodded. "I love you Mum."
"I love you too," Luna said softly.
Maddie fell asleep and Luna was drifting off as well when she looked up to see her husband in the doorway.
"How's she doing?" Ron whispered, so as not to wake her.
"She misses Ethan so much," Luna whispered back. "I don't know what to do to pull her out of this."
"Speaking of that," Ron said. "I was thinking I'd head down to the Ministry to see if they'll let me see Harry."
"I thought he was going to be released on bail," Luna replied.
Ron shook his head. "It just came over the Wireless. Bail was denied."
Luna looked horrified. "What are they going to do?"
"Make an example of him, I reckon," Ron said angrily. "I was going to head down there now. If you want to keep an eye on Justine and Brandon. They're in the sitting room now playing a game."
Luna nodded. "Sounds good."
"I'll give him your love," Ron said.
"Thanks," Luna carefully slipped out of Maddie's embrace.
Ron looked at his wife. "I'm really glad she's stayed here with us."
"Me too," Luna said. "I'd have been much more worried if she was living alone."
"She's strong just like her mum," Ron said fondly.
Luna gave him a kiss. "I love you Ronald."
"I love you too," Ron said softly.
In the Ministry jail, Harry was stewing over the fact that he had been denied bail. A simple assault case and he was denied bail. It didn't make sense .It wasn't as if he'd killed someone.
There was even some talk about transferring him to Azkaban.
Hermione had assured him she would never let that happen.
She was upstairs now trying to find some way to get him out of this. But, given the way things were going for him lately, he wasn't very optimistic.
"Hey," Neville said. "Brought you something to eat."
"I'm not hungry," Harry said quietly.
"You need to eat," Neville said firmly.
"I need to get the hell out of here," Harry grumbled.
"We're working on it," Neville said. "In the meantime I put three extra Aurors out to help find Ethan and Saffron."
"I haven't seen my little girl in six months," Harry said looking at Neville. "Did you realise that? Six months. I've never been away from her that long, Neville. Not from the moment she was born."
"I know," Neville said quietly. "If it were one of mine... I just don't even know what I'd do."
"I've let them both down," Harry said putting his head in his hands. "That----that bastard-----"
"We're going to find him," Neville said determinedly.
Harry was sick of saying that. He wanted to do it. There had been far too much talking and not enough action.
Neville set the tray of food down on the table. "I'll be back to check on you later, mate."
"Yeah," Harry muttered.
Neville looked one last time at his friend before leaving.
Harry shoved the tray aside before pacing across his cell.
"Where is Dad?" he suddenly heard his youngest daughter's voice. "Where is he, Ethan? Where is he when we need him the most?"
"Saffy?" he whispered.
Harry turned around and saw his beautiful 18-year old daughter looking at him with tears shining in her eyes.
"Saffy," Harry said putting his arms around her. "Is it really you?"
"How could you not come find us?" Saffron asked accusingly.
"Baby," Harry said pulling away to look at her. "I---I've looked for you every single day. I didn't eat. I didn't sleep---"
"Come here," another unfamiliar voice said in the distance.
Saffron turned around. "Daddy?"
Harry looked on in horror as she pulled away from him and turned around. "Saffy---"
"Why are you over there now?" Saffron asked. "Daddy--"
"I'm right here," Harry said reaching for her, but she pulled away.
Gordon Devereaux appeared out of the darkness. He held open his arms and Saffron ran into them.
"NO!" Harry shouted. "YOU SON OF A BITCH!"
"That's my girl," Gordon said hugging her tightly.
"Dad!" Ethan called out.
"No," Harry shook his head as Ethan appeared and put his hand on Gordon's shoulder.
"Chip off the old block," Gordon said proudly. "And where is my lovely Julie?"
Harry could hardly stand watching this anymore.
"Dad, we're right here," Julie said. "I was just helping Mum get ready. Just wait until you see her."
"My beautiful Hermione," Gordon said, leering at Harry.
"It's so romantic," Saffron said dreamily. "You're renewing your vows."
"So many years wasted," Gordon said triumphantly.
"Not anymore," Hermione said emerging from the shadows wearing a beautiful white dress.
"Hermione," Harry said weakly. "No... No, no, no!"
"You look lovely," Gordon said offering her his hand.
"And you are so handsome," Hermione said lovingly.
"THEY AREN'T YOUR FAMILY!" Harry yelled. "THEY'RE MINE!"
"Hey, shut the hell up in there," a gruff voice commanded.
Harry awoke with a start.
"What?" he asked, panting. "Where--"
"Potter!" the guard yelled.
Harry didn't answer as he sat up, wiping his sweaty forehead.
That had all been just a dream.
He laid back down with a sigh of relief.
"You've got a visitor," the guard said. "Keep it short."
Harry looked up hopefully.
"Hey," Ron said coming around the corner.
"Ron," Harry got off the bed. "What are you doing here?"
"My best mate gets himself arrested," Ron said dryly. "I think I should show up."
"Thanks," Harry said quietly. "How's Maddie? How's the baby?"
"She's hanging in there," Ron replied.
Harry sighed. "I'm letting everyone down by getting myself thrown in here."
"I would have reacted the same way," Ron told him. "That wanker should have kept his mouth shut."
"And he's reaping the benefits for it," Harry answered bitterly.
"Is there anything I can do?" Ron asked.
Harry shook his head. "Nothing anyone can do." he answered gloomily.
"We have to get you out of here," Ron said.
"The sooner the better," Harry agreed grimly.
Ron hadn't seen his friend look this bad before. There were dark circles under his eyes as if he hadn't slept in weeks. His face was pale and unshaven.
"Come on mate," Ron said. "It's all going to be okay. We have to try and stay optimistic."
"Right," Harry said nodding. "Easier said than done."
"I know," Ron said. "But Hermione will get you out of here."
"She's been amazing," Harry commented.
"You're lucky to have her," Ron told him seriously.
"I know," Harry said quietly. "Ron, if something happens to Ethan or Saffy---"
"We won't let it," Ron replied.
"Weasley!" the guard called out.
Ron rolled his eyes. "Isn't be just a ray of sunshine?"
"Your wife just owled over," the guard said gruffly. "Your daughter's gone into labour."
"WHAT?" Ron shouted.
Harry's eyes grew large. "What? When?"
The guard shrugged. "I don't know. Do I look like a healer? Alls I know is your wife owled over and asked you to meet them at hospital."
"I've got to go, Harry." Ron said a panicked look in his eyes.
"Of--of course," Harry said wishing he could go, too. Ethan's first child was about to be born and Ethan was going to miss it.
Ron took off and made it to the hospital in record time. The receptionist at the front desk shot him a death glare when he made a move for the door.
"Excuse me, sir!" she barked at him. "Where do you think you're going?"
"My daughter is in labour," he retorted.
"Stand behind the red line," the receptionist told him firmly.
"What?" Ron asked in disbelief.
"Look down, sir," the woman said in no-nonsense fashion. "You see that red line on the floor? Stand behind it and I'll be happy to help you."
Ron rolled his eyes but toed the red line and glared at the woman.
"What is the patient's name?" the woman asked.
"Madeline Potter," Ron said sharply.
She looked over her charts. "I'm sorry. I don't see her name."
"She was just brought in!" Ron said impatiently.
"Sir, this is a hospital," the woman reminded him. "I will ask you to keep your voice down."
Ron exhaled sharply. "What. Room. Is. My. Daughter. In?" he asked.
"Ron?"
Ron looked up to see salvation in the form of his daughter in law. "Lizzy."
"Healer Weasley," the receptionist said. "Do you know this man?"
"I do," Lizzy said. "He's my father-in-law."
"Well, why didn't you say so?" the woman asked a fuming Ron.
Ron only glared at her in response.
"Maddie's just this way," Lizzy said. "Come on with me."
Ron shot a triumphant look at the woman just before following Lizzy through the double doors.
"How is she?" Ron asked.
"Nervous," Lizzy replied. "But she'll be okay."
"My baby is having a baby," Ron said with a grin.
"Healer Parkinson is with her now," Lizzy told him.
"Can I see her?" Ron asked.
"Of course," Lizzy said leading him down a corridor. She stopped at a set of doors and knocked.
"Come in," Pansy called out.
Ron poked his head in. "Hi sweetheart."
"Hi, Daddy," Maddie said offering him a slight smile. Luna was sitting by her bed.
"Ronald," Luna said. "I'm so glad you're here. Maddie's water broke right after you left. We came here straightaway. Your mum came by to sit with the children."
Ron nodded. "How are you doing?" he asked, coming closer and taking her hand.
"A little scared," Maddie admitted.
"That's okay," Ron assured her.
"I'm really glad you're here," Maddie said wincing, as another contraction hit her.
"Just squeeze my hand," Ron said. "And I wouldn't be anywhere else."
Maddie looked over at her mother. "I can't believe you went through this four times, Mum."
"It was worth it," Luna smiled at her.
"I have to check on some other patients," Pansy told Maddie. "But I'll be back in a few minutes and we'll give you some potions for the pain, okay?"
"Thank you," Maddie said breathlessly.
Lizzy smiled at her sister-in-law. "I'll owl Josh to let him know how you're doing."
"Where's Frankie?" Maddie asked.
"She should be here any minute," Luna told her.
"Good," Maddie nodded.
"How was Harry?" Luna asked Ron.
Ron shook his head. "Not good. The judge denied bail."
"This isn't fair," Maddie said. "He's just trying to protect his children."
"I know," Ron said.
"Nothing about this is fair," Luna said softly. "But, when Ethan comes home, you'll be able to present him with a wonderful welcome home present."
Maddie's eyes filled with tears. "His daughter."
"That's right," Luna said squeezing her daughter's hand.
The door flew open at that moment and Frankie came rushing in. "Maddie!"
"Frankie," Maddie said. "I'm so glad you're here!"
Frankie rushed to the bedside. "Of course I'd be here. Will's in the waiting room with the kids."
"I just wish Ethan was here," Maddie sobbed.
"We know," Frankie said.
The door opened again and in came Drew and Darla.
"How does she do it?" Drew asked. "Look so pretty while in labour?"
"Stop," Maddie said, wiping her eyes.
"Stop what?" Darla asked grinning at her. "You are gorgeous and glowing, Madeline Molly."
"Hardly glowing," Maddie said, happy to see her sisters.
"Hiya, Grandpa," Darla said giving her father a hug.
"Again," Ron smiled.
Maddie groaned as another contraction hit. "Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!"
"Just breathe," Frankie coached. "Breathe... it really helps."
Maddie nodded and breathed through the pain.
Thankfully, Pansy chose that moment to return. "I think it's time for the potions now."
"Thank you," Maddie said, her head falling back.
"I'm afraid we're going to have to limit visitors from here on out," Pansy said.
Drew and Darla knew that Maddie wanted their parents and Frankie with her.
"We'll go," Drew said giving her baby sister a hug. "We'll be just outside. We love you, Mads."
"I love you too," Maddie said. "I'm glad you both are here."
"We can't wait to meet our niece," Darla said.
Maddie nodded. "I'll have them bring her out."
"I'll walk you out," Ron said to his older daughters.
"Chloe wants to see you," Drew told her father as they headed for Maddie's private waiting room.
Ron didn't have a chance to respond when they opened the door and the little redhead toddled over to her grandfather. "Gampa!"
"Hey you," Ron picked her up and swung her in the air. "How's my little Chloe?"
"Good," Chloe said giving him a hug. "Missed my Gampa."
"I missed you too," Ron kissed her cheek. "How about we go down and get you a chocolate chip muffin?"
Chloe beamed at him. "Really?"
"Right now," Ron smiled at her.
"That sounds good," Drew said. "In fact, I think I'll come with."
"Mummy eat too," Chloe said.
"Darla, do you want to come?" Ron asked.
"Sure," Darla answered.
"This is so surreal, isn't it?" Drew asked. "Our baby sister is about to give birth. I still remember her pretending Dolly was her baby."
Darla smiled. "And Ethan running as fast as he could in the other direction..."
Drew laughed. "They were always so cute together."
"I want Sassy," Chloe announced to her mother.
"I know, sweetheart," Drew said softly. "We all want her and your Uncle Ethan home."
"Now," Chloe said.
"She'd be here now if she could," Ron tried to reassure his granddaughter. "She loves you and Emma and Caroline and Adam and Casey, Noah, and Aidan so much."
Chloe buried her little face in Drew's shoulder.
Drew rubbed her daughter's back. "Everything will be okay, love. I promise."
Upstairs, Maddie had just gone through another contraction. "Why does it still hurt?" she asked, her head falling against the pillow.
"It lessens the pain," Pansy told her. "It doesn't take it away, Madeline."
"It'll be okay," Luna assured her. "It won't be long now, sweetheart."
"And if I can get through it, I know you can," Frankie reassured her. "I hate pain. I have the lowest threshold for pain the known universe. Just keep telling yourself if Frankie can do this, I can do it."
Maddie nodded as Luna wiped her forehead with a white towel.
Pansy smiled at her. "The baby's heartbeat is strong, Madeline."
"That's good," Maddie said, closing her eyes for a moment. "Good..."
"You're fully dilated," Pansy said. "I think it's time we begin."
Maddie swallowed nervously. "Now?"
Pansy nodded. "Your daughter is ready for her big debut."
"What you've been waiting for," Frankie said, taking her best friend's hand in hers.
"Right," Maddie said, nodding. She couldn't believe this was actually happening. The thing that she'd wanted most in this world was about to happen.
"All right Maddie," Pansy said. "I need one really good push from you, okay?"
Maddie did as Pansy asked, pushing as hard as she could.
"That's a girl," Pansy said encouragingly. "I need one more."
Maddie squeezed Frankie's hand so hard that her friend winced.
"Ohhhh!" Maddie yelled as she pushed.
"The head is out!" Pansy announced.
Maddie looked at her mother, feeling more exhausted than she'd ever felt in her life. "Mum, I can't do this..."
"Yes you can, love." Luna said. "You can do this."
"Maddie, I really need you to push," Pansy said.
Maddie gathered all her strength and pushed as hard as she possibly could.
The small room was suddenly filled with the sound of a baby's cries.
"Here she is," Pansy said. "Your healthy baby girl!"
"She's okay?" Maddie asked, tears welling up in her eyes.
"She's perfect," Luna said, her eyes also damp. "Oh Maddie..."
"We just need to clean her up a bit," Pansy told Maddie. "And then you can hold her."
"Okay," Maddie said breathlessly, her head falling back.
"I'm so proud of you," Luna said kissing her daughter's cheek.
"Thanks Mum," Maddie whispered as one of the nurses brought the tiny baby over to her. "Ohhhh..." she breathed, taking in the sight of her daughter for the first time.
"Would you look at her?" Frankie said softly. "She's gorgeous..."
"She's amazing," Maddie said, wiping at her eyes with her free hand. "My beautiful little Kiera..."
The baby looked up at her with wide eyes.
"Your---your daddy is going to love you so much," Maddie whispered.
"Look at that," Luna said. "One brown eye, one blue."
Frankie peered over Maddie's shoulder. "She's right."
"I wonder if it has something to do with her abilities," Maddie said, gazing down at the infant.
"You'll have to ask Smythe about that," Luna said thoughtfully.
"I will," Maddie nodded, tracing a finger lightly over her daughter's smooth, soft cheek.
"I should go and tell your father and everyone," Frankie said.
"Thank you," Maddie said gratefully.
"You never told me if you came up with a middle name for her," Luna said once they were alone.
"I haven't," Maddie admitted. "Part of me wants to wait for Ethan..."
"There's no rush," Luna reassured her.
"No," Maddie said softly. "No rush..."