A/N: Please forgive us for the rather nasty cliffie we're leaving you with- this is a more sombre chapter than the past few ones. As always please let us know what you think after reading!
Maddie was glad she got to have lunch with her sister in law- she and Allison had always gotten on well. "Thanks for coming with me," she said. "I've no idea what I should wear tonight."
Allison smiled. "My motives weren't entirely unselfish, Maddie. I needed to get out of the house. I was starting to get cabin fever."
Maddie nodded sympathetically. "I'm sure my brother is making you mad."
"He means well, but he won't let me get up to do anything," Allison said. "And with him going back to work today, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to make my escape."
Maddie laughed. "Sneaky Allison."
"If he asks, you and I sat at home watching movies all day, okay?" Allison told her with a laugh.
"He won't hear a word from me," Maddie promised.
"We should probably head over to the shops," Allison said. "I still can't believe...you and Ethan. And such a romantic first date? New Years Eve...it doesn't get any better than that!"
Maddie laughed. "I can hardly believe it myself. I want to take a time turner and go back to when I was four years old just to gloat."
"He finally wised up," Allison said linking arms with Maddie as they walked out of the restaurant. "Took him long enough, didn't it?"
"I suppose," Maddie still wore a smile. "But we're taking it slow."
"That's good," Allison said. "So do you have any idea where he's talking you?"
"I think we're just planning on staying at his place," Maddie said, holding the door open for her. "Just something nice and quiet."
"That sounds nice," Allison said waddling inside. She felt a sharp pain in her abdomen, but thought it must have been something she ate. "Ohhh..."
"What?" Maddie spun around. "What is it Allie?"
"Nothing," Allison said patting her stomach. "I don't think the baby liked the vegetable soup I just had. I'm fine, really."
"Are you sure?" Maddie was concerned. "Maybe we should go to the hospital..."
"I'm fine," Allison said reassuringly. "Besides, I'm not due for another three weeks."
"Okay," Maddie wasn't convinced. "If you feel any worse..."
"Believe me, you'll know," Allison said. "Come on. We didn't come here to worry about me. We're here to get you a nice outfit for your date, right?"
"Right," Maddie smiled. "But nothing too fancy. It's just us."
"Right," Allison said slowly making her way over to a rack of clothes. "I can't wait until I'm able to fit back into clothes like this."
Maddie laughed. "It won't be long Allie."
Allison started to laugh too, but felt another sharp pain in her abdomen. "Maddie..."
"Is it starting again?" Maddie tossed the shirt she'd been looking at back onto the rack.
Allison nodded and a panic-stricken expression came over her face. "Something's wrong, Maddie..."
Maddie's face turned white. "Come on," she said, taking her sister in law's arm. "Let's go."
Allison winced as she and Maddie walked as hurriedly as possible out of the shop and down the sidewalk.
"Jon's out on a flying lesson in Glasgow," Allison said, trying to keep calm. "We'll never be able to reach him."
"The important thing here is to get you to the hospital," Maddie said, also trying to keep her cool. "I'll take care of finding Jon once we have you to St. Mungos."
"Okay," Allison said nodding. "You're right. We need to get to the hospital."
Maddie guided her as best she could through The Leaky Cauldron without drawing attention to them. "Here we are," she said, biting her lower lip.
"Owww," Allison said clutching her stomach and trying not to double over in pain.
"It's only a few more steps Allie," Maddie said encouragingly.
"Right," Allison said allowing Maddie to lead her along. When they finally reached St. Mungos, Allison let out a sigh of relief.
"Excuse me," Maddie said. "My sister in law needs help!"
"What seems to be the problem?" a nurse asked.
"I'm having really sharp pains," Allison replied squeezing Maddie's hand. "They started about twenty minutes ago. I'm not due for another three weeks."
The nurse waved her wand and a stretcher floated in front of them. "Okay Allie," Maddie helped her onto it. "There we go."
"You'll need to wait out here while a mediwizard examines her," the nurse explained to Maddie.
"All right," Maddie agreed. "I have to owl my brother to let him know. Can you tell me where your Owlery is?"
"Fifth floor," the nurse replied. "It's right past the hospital gift shop."
"Thank you," Maddie replied. "I'll be back in just a little while Allie I promise."
Allison nodded and tried to stay calm as she watched Maddie walk away. She just hoped Maddie would be able to find Jon in time.
Several minutes later, Maddie had sent owls to Jon, Cho and Neville, and her parents who she was sure would be arriving anytime. She hoped Jon would be there as soon as possible which seemed unlikely with him being all the way up in Glasgow that day.
Lizzy Mitchell had just finished up her rounds when she'd seen Maddie nearly run past her.
"Maddie?" Lizzy called after her.
"Lizzy!" Maddie cried in relief at her other sister in law. "Oh you have to come with me! I think Allie might be in labour!"
Lizzy tried to calm Maddie down just enough so she could explain just exactly what on earth was going on. Maddie was finally able to give her the details.
"It's going to be okay, Maddie," Lizzy said quietly. "It's lucky you were with her."
"It is?" Maddie asked as they nearly ran over to where Allison was being examined.
Lizzy nodded. "I'm sure you were a big help."
"Lizzy," Allison said trying to smile at her. "I didn't know you were working today."
"I just finished my rounds but it looks like I might have another," Lizzy teased her friend.
"I just hope everything's okay," Allison said patting her stomach. "They won't tell me anything. Some old wizard just came over here and waved his wand over my abdomen and said he thought they might have to induce labour. He scared me half to death and then walked away..."
Lizzy put a reassuring arm on her shoulder. "They might be false contractions but we'll have to wait and see what they say."
Allison nodded and looked over at Maddie, who was still white as a sheet. "Thanks, Maddie. For getting me here."
"No problem," Maddie said. "Is there anywhere I can sit down? I feel a little bit faint right now."
"There's a waiting room just down the hall," Lizzy said. "I can stay with Allison if you want to get your bearings, Maddie."
"Okay," Maddie said. "I'll... be right back."
Maddie sat in the waiting room for what seemed like an eternity. No one came to tell her about Allison's condition and she just wished someone would come out to reassure her that everything was okay. To her great relief and surprise, Neville, Harry and Ethan came into the waiting room.
"Maddie?" Neville asked. "Where's Allison? We came as soon as we got your owl...."
"She's in the room down there," Maddie said. The sudden realisation of what happened to Allison hit her and tears came to her eyes.
Neville nodded and quickly went toward Allison's room with Harry in tow. Ethan sat down beside her.
"I was with Allie's dad when we received your owl," Ethan said. "He was teaching my training session today. I..."
"It was really scary." Maddie said in a small voice.
Ethan put his arm around her and pulled her close. "It's going to be okay, Maddie. I promise."
"I hope so," she said. "She was in so much pain Ethan."
"But you got her here so quickly," Ethan said reassuringly.
"I don't know how I did it," Maddie leaned her head on his shoulder. "Luckily we were so close to The Leaky Cauldron. I didn't want to have to flag down the Knight Bus on a street full of Muggles."
Ethan could tell she was still shaken up by what had happened and he was glad he'd decided to tag along when they'd received Maddie's owl.
"I'm sure Lizzy's taking good care of her," Ethan said softly running his hand up and down her arm.
"I know but it was just so scary. I mean, it's my brother's baby and what if there was something wrong with it?" Maddie asked.
"I'm sure that your little niece or nephew to be is going to be just fine," Ethan said hoping he was right. "And someday he or she will tell everyone all about how their Aunt Maddie saved the day."
That finally got a smile out of her, albeit a small one.
"Where's Caroline?" Ethan asked.
"She's with Nana," Maddie answered. "Jon's up in Glasgow for the day and since Allie went shopping with me Nana offered to watch her."
"I hope he can get here in time," Ethan said. "I'm sure he wouldn't want to miss this."
"Especially if..." the words got stuck in Maddie's throat.
"Don't say it," Ethan said hugging her again. "Everything's going to be okay."
Maddie buried her face in his shoulder. "I'm so glad you're here."
Ethan just held her not sure of what to do or say and he said a silent prayer that everything would turn out okay.
A few minutes later, Cho and Chiaki came rushing into the waiting room.
"Maddie?" Cho asked looking out of breath. "I came as soon as I received your owl. Where's Allie?"
"She's in that room over there," Maddie pointed. "No one's come out to tell me what's going on yet but Uncle Neville and Uncle Harry went in there."
"Go ahead, Mum," Chiaki said giving Cho a hug. "I'll wait out here. If you see her, tell her I'm here."
"All right sweetheart," Cho said, hurrying away.
Allison was trying to stay calm as Lizzy looked over her charts with the nurse. It helped having her father by her side, but she really wanted Jon. She kept telling herself that he'd be here soon. When the door to her room opened, she was expecting to see her husband. When she saw it was her mother, she tried to not show her disappointment.
"Hi Mum," she said weakly.
"Allie," Cho rushed to her bedside. "I came as soon as I could sweetheart."
"I'm really glad you're...," Allison began, her voice trailing off as another sharp pain hit her.
Cho looked frantically to her husband for help as she grabbed her daughter's hand. "Allie it's okay, everything will be okay..." she tried to be soothing.
"It really hurts, Mum," Allison said as tears welled up in her eyes.
"I know sweetheart," Cho kissed her daughter's forehead. "You squeeze my hand as hard as you need to."
"I will," Allison said wincing.
"Maddie said she owled Jon," Neville was wiping his daughter's forehead with a damp cold cloth. "I'm sure he'll be here as soon as possible."
Allison nodded. "Do you really think so, Daddy?"
"Of course," Neville forced a smile at her. "He wouldn't miss this for the world."
"I should have stayed home today," Allison said. "I was just so tired of being cooped up, Mum. I just wanted to go out to lunch..."
"It's a good thing you weren't at home," Lizzy joined them. "Al- you'd be in far worse shape if Maddie hadn't brought you here so quickly."
"She was really great," Allison said nodding. "She tried to keep me calm. I can't thank her enough for getting me here."
Lizzy smiled at her. "I think soon we'll be able to move you up to a maternity room so that you'll have your own private waiting room. That way everyone can wait right outside and not all the way down the corridor."
"That's good to hear," Neville said. He looked back at Allison. "I can still remember how nervous that husband of yours was when you were having Caroline? Do you remember how he passed out right as you gave birth?"
Lizzy laughed. "Yeah, Al? Do you remember how they asked if he wanted to cut the cord and he turned all green?"
Allison smiled. "Who could forget that?"
As Neville and Cho did whatever they could to keep Allison's mind off of the pain, Harry took Lizzy aside.
"Any idea what's the matter?" Harry asked her.
"We don't know yet," Lizzy replied. "We should once she gets to the proper ward."
"She will be okay though right?" Harry asked. He was the godfather for all three of Cho and Neville's daughters and he loved them like they were his own.
"She should be," Lizzy replied, looking at her friend.
Over the next couple of hours, Allison's pains became progressively worse. Jon was still nowhere to be found. Thankfully, she had been moved up to the maternity ward where Lizzy kept a close watch on her.
The waiting room was nearly full with Weasleys, Potters, and Longbottoms. Everyone was trying to keep a brave face mostly due to the four-year old girl sitting in Ron's lap.
"Should I owl him again you think?" Maddie whispered to Ethan, whom she had stayed close to the whole night so far.
Ethan shook his head. "Josh went out to find him, Mads. I'm sure he's going to be here any second."
"Okay," Maddie tried to relax but she couldn't.
Caroline slid off of Ron's lap and reached into her toy bag and pulled out her crayons and colouring book.
"Are you making a picture for Mummy?" Ron asked.
Caroline nodded. "It's a picture of her and the new baby," she replied.
"I'm sure she's going to love that," Ron said smiling down at her.
"I hope so," Caroline said. "Do you think Daddy's here yet?"
"Not yet sweetheart," Ron said reaching down and playfully pulling at one of her brown plaits. "But I'm sure he's going to be here soon."
"Okay Grandpa," Caroline said. "Want to help me colour?"
"Sure," Ron said getting down on the carpet beside his granddaughter. "I even promise to stay in the lines."
"That's good Grandpa," Caroline giggled. "Daddy doesn't always stay in the lines."
"He never did," Ron said with a laugh. "He used to tell me all the time how he liked to think outside the box."
Josh came back into the waiting room, his twin brother in tow. "Finally found him!" he said.
"Daddy!" Caroline said dropping her crayons and getting to her feet. She practically launched herself at her father. "Mummy's having the baby, Daddy!"
"Hi sweetheart," Jon hugged his daughter and looked at everyone else in the room.
Ron looked gravely at his son wanting to say more, but not daring to talk about how bad things were in front of Caroline.
"I'm going in there." Jon kissed his daughter's forehead. "You stay out here while I go visit Mummy all right?"
"I want to see Mummy too!" Caroline said. "Please?"
"Maybe in just a bit," Jon looked to his brother for help. "For now, let me go in by myself to see Mummy."
Josh walked over and took Caroline from his brother. "Hey?" Josh asked. "How about I take you down to the cafeteria and we get one of those big blueberry muffins? I know they're not as big as Nana's, but..."
"Okay Uncle Josh." Caroline agreed.
"I remember when Saffy was born and I got one of those for Mum," Ethan replied. "It was bigger than my fist."
"I remember how I wanted to stay and keep you company," Maddie said. "I even turned my dad down when he wanted me to go down to the cafeteria with him. It was one of the few times you actually sat down with me."
"He actually made Mum and Dad promise not to name the baby, Maddie," Julie teased.
"You what?" Maddie looked at Ethan, who turned red.
"I was eight at the time," Ethan said sheepishly. "I thought all girls had cooties."
"Except for Kiki," Julie teased.
"Sod off," Ethan replied, turning even more red.
Jon went into the maternity room and saw Allison on the bed. "Hey gorgeous," he said, forcing a smile onto his face.
Allison let out a weak laugh. "You're such a liar."
"I am not," he brushed back her hair and kissed her forehead. "I'm so sorry I wasn't here Al."
"It's okay," Allison said weakly. "You're here now."
"And I won't leave until you feel better," Jon said, giving her a kiss on the lips.
"That's good to hear," Allison said. "Just don't pass out on me this time, okay?"
"You'll never let me forget that will you?" Jon teased gently.
"I don't think so," Allison said grinning at him. "I plan on holding that over your head for at least another forty years or so..."
Jon was glad to see that whatever pain she seemed to be in had dissipated, for the moment anyway. "Caroline wants to come in and see you." he said.
"I want to see her too," Allison said tearing up as she thought of her little girl.
"Everyone's a bit worried about you," Jon stroked her hair back.
Allison nodded. "I'm a little worried about me too. I just wish someone would say what was going on. Lizzy said something earlier about how they might have to induce labour. She's a little worried that my waters haven't broken."
"When did this start?" Jon asked.
Allison looked sheepishly at him. "Now don't get angry. I know I said I was going to take it easy, but I was about to lose it at the house, Jon. Maddie invited me to lunch and to help her pick out..."
"You were out?" Jon's eyebrows knit together.
"Yes," Allison said biting her lip. "But I was going stir crazy, Jon. And I wasn't due for another three weeks..."
"But Al..." Jon said and sighed, realising he couldn't get angry. "I suppose I was making you a bit mad wasn't I?"
"A little," she said relieved that he wasn't angry. "I just wanted to get out for a couple of hours."
"It's okay Al. I'm just glad Maddie was with you." Jon reassured her
"Me too," Allison said. They both looked up when Lizzy walked back into the room. The look on her face didn't bode well.
"Hi," Lizzy said quietly.
"Hi Lizzy," Jon said. "What um... have you found out?"
Lizzy folded her arms. "Allison has a condition called pre-eclampsia. It's causing her blood vessels to constrict and her blood pressure is very high. It's also affecting the blood flow to the baby. I think we're going to need to induce labour..."
"So we'll be having the baby tonight instead of three weeks from now?" Jon asked, holding his wife's hand. "Is the baby... will the baby be okay?"
Lizzy didn't know how to tell them this. Not only was Allison a patient, she was also Lizzy's best friend. This wasn't easy to say, but she and Jon needed to know the risks.
"If we don't induce now, I'm afraid both Allie and the baby could be at risk," Lizzy replied quietly.
"Then induce me," Allison said immediately. "Do anything you have to do."
Lizzy nodded. "The nurse will come in shortly to prep you. Jon, I assume you'd like to stay?"
"Of course," Jon replied. "I'll go and uh... tell our parents what's going on okay? And then I'll be right back."
"Can I see Caroline?" Allison asked. She could hardly bring herself to say this. "In case something..."
"She went with Josh to go get a muffin but they should be back by now," Jon interrupted, not wanting to hear those words.
"Bring her back with you," Allison said softly. "I want to see her, Jon."
"I will," Jon promised.
When Jon walked back out into the waiting room, everyone stopped talking. Caroline ran toward him again.
"Daddy!" she said giggling. "You should have seen the muffins! They were so big! Uncle Josh bet me a galleon that I wouldn't be able to eat it all, but I did!"
"That's my girl," Jon said with a strained smile. "Ready to go see your Mum now?" he asked.
Caroline nodded. "Let me just go and get my picture I made for her."
"Okay," Jon replied. "Lizzy... can you fill everyone in? I'd like to be with my wife and daughter right now."
"Of course," Lizzy said putting a hand on his shoulder.
Caroline clutched her picture in one hand and walked over to her father. She noticed for the first time that he didn't look happy. "Why are you so sad, Daddy?"
"Don't you worry about it angel," Jon said. "Come on, Mummy can't wait to see you."
Allison wiped the tears from her eyes as she heard the door open and Caroline bounded into the room.
"Hey angel girl," Allison said forcing a smile. "Look at how pretty you look!"
"Mummy!" Caroline chirped excitedly. "Look what I made you!"
"You made this for me?" Allison asked. "Why don't you sit up here with me and tell me all about this picture?"
"Okay Mummy," Caroline pulled herself up with her father's help. "Me and Grandpa Ron coloured it together. He said Daddy doesn't like to stay in the lines. He said he's out of the box!"
Allison laughed. "He sure is."
She looked over at her husband who was watching her and Caroline with tears in his eyes.
He reached out and took her hand and she squeezed it. "It'll be okay," she mouthed.
Jon nodded and he tried to put on a brave face for his wife and daughter, but he was scared.
It had been a few hours since they had induced Allison's labour. Ron and Luna had taken Caroline back home with them to get some sleep and Maddie, Ethan, Cho, Neville, Chiaki and Frankie were the only ones awake.
"How much longer do you think it'll be?" Frankie was pacing.
"I don't know," Neville said quietly.
Frankie's lower lip was trembling "What if--" she began.
"Don't say it," Cho snapped harshly and her eyes filled with tears. "Oh Frankie sweetheart I'm sorry."
"It's okay," Frankie said. "We're all on edge, Mum."
Maddie was twisting her hands around. "Guess this isn't quite the first date we expected aye?" she asked softly.
"No," Ethan said shaking his head. "But I'm sure neither of us expected to spend New Years in the maternity ward, did we?"
"Definitely not," Maddie said, her tone quiet and tired. "I wish someone would come out and bloody tell us what's going on here."
Ethan looked at her. She'd been so quiet all afternoon. She'd even refused to go downstairs when most everyone else went to grab some dinner.
He stood up. "Come on."
"What?" she asked.
"Let's go and get you something to eat," Ethan said offering her his hand. "Come on, Maddie. I'm not taking no for an answer."
"But what if something happens?" Maddie asked feebly.
"You heard Lizzy earlier," Ethan said. "It'll be hours before we know anything. And besides, if anything happens, I'm sure Kiki would come and get us, right?"
"I suppose you're right," Maddie agreed softly.
Ethan smiled and took her hand as they made their way to the cafeteria.
"Not exactly a five-star restaurant, but I read in Witch Weekly that hospital cafeterias are quite the romantic place," Ethan said grinning sideways at her.
She giggled a bit. "I already know how much you love their muffins."
Ethan said. "Just you wait until you try their Meat Surprise..."
"Gross," Maddie made a face. "I'd rather drink that Firewhisky you love so much."
"You don't know what you're missing," Ethan teased.
"I'll just take your word for it," Maddie replied.
As they walked into the near empty cafeteria, Ethan looked at her. "How about you grab us a table and I'll get us something to eat? I promise I won't get you the Meat Surprise."
"You promise?" Maddie smiled at him.
"Aurora's honour," Ethan said. "You go find us a table, okay?"
"All right," Maddie chose one near the high windows that looked out over Diagon Alley.
A few minutes later, Ethan joined her and two trays laden with food levitated behind him.
"I didn't really know what you were in the mood for," he said as he guided the trays to the table. "So I took one of everything...but sadly, no Meat Surprise."
"I'm crushed," Maddie shook her head. "Ethan you didn't have to do this."
"I have to impress you," Ethan said modestly. "This is our first date after all."
"You don't have to impress me," she took a roll and nibbled on it. "You did a long time ago."
"I was just playing hard to get when we were kids," Ethan joked.
That made her laugh. "You certainly did a good job of it."
"I'm the son of two over-achievers," Ethan said winking at her.
Maddie smiled and continued to nibble at her roll. It suddenly hit her how hungry she was and she reached for a turkey sandwich, taking a huge bite.
"I always like it when girls eat on a date," Ethan said smiling at her.
"I haven't eaten anything since lunch," she replied, gulping down the pumpkin juice before returning to her sandwich.
"Me either," Ethan said helping himself to some chips.
"That was really good," Maddie said. She spied a bag of crisps on the other tray and dug into it.
"You are definitely Ron Weasley's daughter," Ethan said laughing.
Maddie smiled. "And proud of it."
"I guess I could tell you what I had planned for tonight," Ethan said. "Seeing as we aren't going to get to do any of it..."
"Sure," Maddie said. "Maybe we could do it another time then..."
Ethan smiled. "You'll be leaving for school in a couple of days though..."
"I know but..." Maddie blushed. "Now I'm the one who sounds like I'm rushing things. You've never even come out and said you were my boyfriend or anything."
He reached across the table for her hand. "I don't know what you and I are really, Maddie. I know we're more than friends."
"I should think so," she replied with a small smile.
"But we have all the time in the world to figure it out," Ethan said softly.
"We do?" Maddie asked shyly.
"Yes," Ethan replied. "Unless you go back to school and fall head over heels for some Ravenclaw."
"Please," she scoffed.
"Slytherin?"
"Well I always have liked green and silver," she joked.
Ethan clutched his heart and leaned over the table. "You're killing me, Madeline. I could have taken anything, but a Slytherin."
"You mean you're not as tough as I always thought you were?" Maddie shook her head.
"It's mostly an act," Ethan admitted.
"Well don't you worry Ethan Potter," Maddie said. "I've always preferred Gryffindor boys over all others."
"You have excellent taste," Ethan said puffing out his chest. "We are the best in everything. I doubt a Slytherin would take you out to such a fine establishment as this. No, he'd probably take you to the snootiest, poshest place in London."
"Right well, those snooty, posh places don't rank very high with me," Maddie said. "I like a place where I can twirl- excuse me, SPIN around in the snow or rain for hours and I don't have to get dressed in anything special."
"So I guess my pizza and a movie plan for tonight would have been okay with you?" he asked her.
She grinned. "More than okay Ethan."
"Okay," Ethan said thoughtfully. "If you come home for Easter break, that's what you'll get."
"What about Hogsmeade weekends?" Maddie ventured. "Will you come out for one of those? I think the next one is near the end of February."
"My training schedule is pretty full, but I'll try to make it," Ethan said squeezing her hand.
"I'll owl you with the date when I go back." she replied.
"Speaking of going back," Ethan said. "We should probably get back upstairs. But, you and I have a date at midnight, Miss Maddie. I have a little surprise for you..."
"You do?" she asked.
"Yes I do," Ethan said. "But you're not getting anything out of me. It's a surprise."
"Not even a tiny hint?"
Ethan considered this as they loaded their trash onto the trays. "Okay, I guess I could give you one teeny, tiny hint. You'll find out at midnight. How's that?"
"Ethan!" she cried, laughing.
"You will," Ethan said, leaning in for a kiss.
She kept his mouth to hers for a moment before pulling apart. "Okay I can be patient," she said. "As long as you promise to kiss me in addition to this surprise at midnight."
"I might," Ethan said mischievously. "Or I might not. You never know with me, Madeline."
"You'd better kiss me," she crossed her arms.
"And if I don't?" he countered playfully.
"You don't want to know," Maddie leaned in.
"If I kiss you now, won't it spoil the surprise for later?" Ethan asked.
"No," she whispered. "Not at all."
"I was hoping you'd say that," Ethan said pulling her close and kissing her softly.
Maddie almost forgot why they were at the hospital in the first place as she wound her arms around his neck and kissed him back.
"You're getting really good at this," Ethan said smiling at her when they finally pulled apart.
"You told me Christmas night that I was already good," Maddie teased gently, still in his arms.
"I thought it needed to be said again," Ethan whispered. "We, um, should really get back."
"Right," she said, initiating one last peck on the lips.
Upstairs in the waiting room, Neville was pacing. Chiaki and Frankie were trying to comfort each other and Cho was sitting on one of the sofas feeling about as helpless as she'd ever felt in her life.
"Neville?" Cho asked looking at her husband. "Why don't you sit down, love?"
"I can't," Neville said. "Just... my baby girl is in there and we don't know what's going to happen to her."
"I'm sure Lizzy's doing everything she can," Cho said quietly. "Merlin, I keep seeing little Caroline. She had no idea how bad things were and my heart was just breaking when we said goodbye to her, Neville."
"I know," Neville finally sat down. "Damn it Cho... I can't do anything and it's killing me!"
"I feel the same way," Cho said. "But Jon's with her, Neville. And Lizzy. If anything goes...oh, please don't let anything go wrong!"
Neville hugged his wife and kissed the top of her head as she cried.
Frankie looked over at her parents. She'd never seen them like this.
"Chi?" she asked looking at her sister. "Allie's going to make it, right? She and the baby both?"
"She's a strong girl," Chiaki said. "Remember when Mum and Dad wouldn't let her and Jon see each other and they went and got married?"
Frankie nodded. "And they're still together after all this time."
"They even got Dad to join the Jon Weasley fan club," Chiaki joked softly. "I think they'll pull through this too."
Frankie smiled at her sister, but that smile quickly faded when she saw her brother-in-law come out of Allison's room. He was white as a sheet.
"What happened?" Frankie asked getting to her feet. She wasn't so sure she wanted to know.
"Al uh..." Jon's knees buckled and he sat down hard in a chair.