SEHE; Chapter 11

NOTE: I'm saddened by the news of Alan Rickman's passing. My thoughts are with his family and friends during the days and months to come.

Wednesday November 12 [26w 2d]

Draco and I still haven't had a chance to really talk. In all honesty, I've been trying to avoid him. We only have a couple classes together so it's been pretty easy, but we both have Thursday afternoons off so I know I can't avoid this conversation any longer. He catches me as I'm finishing my lunch and gets a few looks as he sits beside me. "Hello, Bell."

"Good afternoon, Draco."

"Care to join me for a walk?" I contemplate this. It's getting colder and is starting to frost. I've already almost slipped once while walking to a class.

"Maybe just inside the castle. I almost fell on Monday." He nods and sits beside me as I finish my drink. I can hear whispers while we walk away from the table. "So what's on your mind?"

"I think you know already. Have you thought at all about what I told you?"

"Yes. Quite a lot." I can tell he's itching to ask but I know he's too proud to beg. "I had no idea how deeply your feelings run, but I am so very flattered. I'd be lying if I said I don't reciprocate, but as for how much, I'm not really sure yet. It seems like it's been a long time, but Keelan and I broke up only a couple months ago. I'm carrying his baby, I've had more duties as a Prefect, tons of homework, and so forth. I haven't really had time to sit down and dissect my feelings for you." I stop him and take his hand. "But I do know this. I know that I like you. I know that, given the time, I could likely love you. And I know that the thought of being with you after we leave school makes me happy."

A smile lights Draco's face. Without looking around to see if anyone is watching he leans down and kisses me right in the middle of the corridor. After a few seconds he pulls away, the smile still on his lips. "That's all I want, Bell. Just time with you." I smile up at him.

"Then time you shall have." I'm not sure how long, but we have one of those moments. Where nothing else exists. All too quickly, it's over and I'm aware of my surroundings. Ones that include Lena standing with her hands on her hips, grinning at us like an idiot. I smile shyly as Draco takes my hand. Lena walks over to us still grinning. "I think that smile is going to fall off your face if it gets any bigger." She laughs.

"Can't I be happy for my best friend? I do have a message for you from Flitwick. He'd like to see you at your earliest convenience. Nothing bad, I assume. He didn't look angry. In fact, he looked downright merry."

"All right. I'll head up and see him now. I'll catch you before dinner, Draco?" He nods and kisses my cheek before walking in the direction of his common room. "Want to walk with me?"

"Sorry, I'm meeting Melanie in the library. He's in the staffroom." I sigh in relief. His office is on the seventh floor. I don't really fancy walking all the way up there right this moment as it's getting harder to do so. I knock on the door of the staffroom and ask to speak with Flitwick. A few minutes later he bustles out of the room.

"Ah, miss Leed! Would you mind taking a short walk with me? I have a thing or two I'd like to discuss."

"Sure. Is there something wrong?"

"Oh no, dear girl, nothing of the sort. I wanted to inquire as to your immediate plans for the duration of your pregnancy, and after your baby is born."

"Oh! Uhm, well I hadn't really thought of that, I suppose. To be frank, I don't really know what I'm going to do."

"I've had myself a conversation with Professor Dumbledore. He has decided to give you one of the extra living quarters as a sort of temporary living arrangement until you deliver. Of course, afterward you will need to find somewhere more suitable for an infant." My head is spinning. I had no idea anyone really cared that much, let alone the headmaster using space in his brain to think of me.

"That would be fantastic, professor! Truly."

"Not a problem, not a trouble." I feel like I could hug him, I'm so happy. "How have you been doing?"

"Quite well. I'm really enjoying classes."

"Wonderful. Now, for the difficult bit, miss Leed. It is a worry as to how you will continue with your studies after the delivery." My heart falls to my feet.

"Right, of course."

"There is no shame in returning next year to finish up what you need. Plenty of students before you have done it and you won't be the last." I feel an intense need to cry.

"I understand, professor."

"I am sorry, miss Leed." I shake my head.

"Oh no, of course it happens this way. I couldn't possibly keep up my studies away from the school, with a newborn no less. I'll just have to graduate a little later than I'd planned, is all." Flitwick stops walking and turns toward me.

"You're a bright girl. You'll do very well. If you'll excuse me though, I have some matters to attend to." I nod and wait until he's around the corner to let the tears out. I slump down the wall and sit on the floor, letting the emotions of the last 10 minutes roll down my cheeks. First, the elation of a private living quarters and second, the devastation in learning I won't graduate on time.

I realize right then that I hadn't really thought about just how much my life would change after the baby is born. I feel stupid for not coming to this sooner. I look up quickly when I hear footsteps coming down the corridor. I hastily wipe the tears off my face and stand up as fast as I can manage. A few 5th year Hufflepuffs walk by me and smile. I try my best to smile back but I know it's halfhearted.

"Bell!" I turn around at my name to see Lena walking up the corridor. "Oh no, are you okay?"

"Ah, no, not really. Well, sort of. I don't know. I have a couple things to talk about." She looks concerned.

"Want to head up to the dorm?" I nod and she takes my arm, steering me to the staircases.

"I really wish we didn't have seven flights of stairs to go up."

"I know, honey. Take your time, I'm in no rush."

+++

Once we make it to our dormitory I tell Lena about my conversation with Flitwick. She's equally as excited about the living quarters as I was. And sad for me about my delayed graduation. "Oh no! I'm so sorry, Bell." I shake my head and wipe a few more tears off my face.

"Well, really, what did I think? That I'd manage to keep up with studying and coursework and papers all while juggling the responsibilities of a newborn?" I sigh deeply. "I don't know what I'm going to do once she comes, really. I don't know if I can live with my mother and a baby. I know she'll try to force her opinions on me."

"Didn't Draco say he wants to live with you?"

"Well sure, but I'd rather live at home than alone. He'll still be here. I guess my only option really, is to live at home."

"You'll just have to explain to your mum that it's your baby and she's gran."

"You're right." Lena smiles so I nudge her leg with my toe. I also have a minor heart attack when an owl clatters at the window and screeches to be let in. Lena quickly opens the window, the owl drops a letter onto my lap, and then flies back outside.

"Who's it from?" I open the envelope and several pieces of paper come out. One is from my mother, the others are from Phoebe.

"Mainly Phoebe." I've been kind of neglecting my correspondence with her lately.

"I'll leave you to it." I start with the paper from my mum. I haven't written to her yet as I've been waiting for her to write to me.

Dear Annabel,

I hope you're doing well. Phoebe has kept us all updated on you and the pregnancy. I'm very excited to hear that the baby is a girl. You're going to love having a girl.

Truthfully I had expected a letter before now, but I'm not angry. I know I reacted badly. But, I've taken a lot of time to think.

You will always have a place here at home. Please don't ever feel like you're unwelcome. I would really like to help you once the baby comes. You're going to need a lot of it. I know I'm only the nan and I'll try my hardest to remember that.

I love you Bell. I look forward to your reply.

I stare at the paper, completely dumbfounded. I had never expected this of her. And for the first time today, I think maybe everything will be okay.

SEHE; Chapter 10

Sunday November 09 [25w 6d]

I spend the next week keeping to myself as much as possible. I even ignore Lena, preferring to work through my feelings on my own. I know no one will understand why I'm upset. Keelan cheated on me, spread rumours about me, and then backed out of being a father to his baby. Part of me doesn't understand why I'm so bothered. But there's a part that wishes he would step up and be a father. And that's the part I'm letting take over.

Now that everyone knows about the pregnancy it seems my belly is growing by the hour. Gossiping hasn't yet died down - not that I expected it to. I do wish they would find something else to yammer about. Going for meals is getting tedious. Looks and whispers.

After lunch I walk to the library to study and find myself cornered by Lena and Draco. Lena looks angry and Draco just looks nervous. "What's going on, Bell?" I shift my feet and shrug, looking at my books.

"I've been going through some stuff." I catch Lena roll her eyes.

"Well no bloody kidding." There's a few minutes of awkward silence. "Why are you shutting me out?" I glance around the library. This is hardly the place for this type of conversation.

"Can we go somewhere else and talk?" Both of my friends agree and we walk to a place down the corridor with a place for me to sit. I sigh and pick a piece of lint off my sweater. "I'm sorry for ignoring you both. It hasn't been entirely intentional. I just don't feel like you'll understand why I'm upset."

"Draco filled me in on what Keelan said. I know he isn't sticking around." I nod and look at my shoes.

"He's hurt me, yes. But he's still the father to my baby. It hurts me that he doesn't want it." Lena sits beside me.

"I can't pretend to know how you feel, Bell, but I'm not a complete dunce. I'm your friend and if this upsets you then I'll do my best to sympathize. Even if I do want to kick his ass." She takes my hand and I smile at her, tears leaking their way down my cheeks. Draco squats down so he's eye level with me.

"I also have no idea what this is like for you, but I wasn't lying when I said I was in this with you." There's a sudden intensity in his eyes that kind of scares me. He takes both my hands and squeezes them lightly. "In fact I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little jealous of Richards because he's spent the last 6 years as your best friend."

"What are you saying?" I can feel my heart beating in my entire body.

"I'm saying that I love you, Annabel. I'm saying that I want to spend the rest of my life being your best friend and your partner." My heart seems to stop and I just stare into Draco's eyes.

"We're 17, Draco. I'm pregnant." He clutches my hands a little tighter.

"So what? I've always wanted to be a father. My mother would love to have a grandchild."

"I'm not a pureblood." We both know it would be an issue for his family for him to be involved with someone that isn't 'pure'. "I know you don't care about my blood, but you'd be cast out and I won't do that to you." Draco stands up. There is anger in his eyes.

"You know what? I don't care. My family hasn't done anything that I consider to be great. They support Voldemort and ruin other people's lives. I don't want any part of that life. If being with you means that I'm exiled then so be it. I choose a life with you in it." I'd all but forgotten about Lena when she suddenly shifts beside me. I look at her, not knowing what to think.

"I think I need to think about what you've told me, Draco." He looks hurt so I stand up and rest my hands on his shoulders. "It's a lot to take in. I just need to mull it all over." He smiles shyly and nods. "I'll see you tomorrow in class, okay?" He hesitates, gives me a quick hug, then walks off down the corridor.

+++

It's near 11 that night before Lena and I get time to talk properly. It has given me time to think to myself about what Draco's told me. I'd honestly rather just go to sleep but I know Lena has been bursting to talk with me about it all. "So, Bell, was that as unexpected for you as it was for me?" She's currently painting my toenails a vibrant shade of purple.

"Yes. I mean, he's told me he likes me and has for a while, but I didn't know how deeply until he said all those things. I always assumed his family's opinions about Muggle borns ran deeper."

"He certainly hasn't acted to the contrary." There's silence as she concentrates on my toes. "How do you feel about him?"

"I like him. I haven't had enough time to love him, but I'm sure I could." She nods. "He seems to be completely accepting of the fact that I'm a teenage mother. Her own father hasn't even accepted it."

"I'm sorry about that, Bell, really. I seriously dislike the bastard, but if it upsets you then it upsets me." She gives an unpainted toe a small squeeze and I smile down at her.

"I know it doesn't make any sense. I don't really understand it myself." I pause, wondering if I want to admit this out loud. I decide I do. "If I'm completely honest, Lena, I really did think we were going to last forever. I had my life planned out and he was in every bit of it. I guess I'm still trying to come to terms with a future that won't happen anymore." She sighs deeply.

"I know, honey."

"I wish he wasn't such a prat that he could at least be a father, even though I don't want him anymore."

"I guess he's just not strong enough to realize he can be one without the other."

"Maybe." I suddenly feel weepy and deeply grateful that I have Lena. She's helped me through so much and continues to prove that she's a great friend. "I want to thank you."

"Oh please, this is nothing, Bell. Can you even reach your feet anymore?" I chuckle.

"Not about that. About you. You're a wonderful person and an amazing friend. I'm very lucky." A smile lights up her face.

"It's been my pleasure. I know I can be a handful at times, and it isn't difficult being your friend. You're a lovely person." I feel a swell of friendship in my chest and it spills over into tears. "Now for an important question: What colour should I paint my nails?"

SEHE; Chapter 9

Friday October 31 [24w 4d]

"Have a wonderful afternoon, everyone. I hope to see you all at the dance later this evening." I gather up my books and leave my last class of the day before heading to lunch. We get the afternoon off because it's Halloween. I'm hoping to catch a nap before the dance.

"Bell!" I stop and turn around, surprised to see Keelan jogging up behind me. I hug my book to my chest. "Uhm, so are you going to the dance with anyone?"

"Lena and I are walking down together, but I'm not going with anyone specific." He nods while looking at his shoes. "Why do you ask?"

"Well.. I mean, we've always gone together so I wondered if this year would be the same." What?

"Keelan, we're not dating anymore. As far as I can see you're with Penelope. Does she know you're asking me this?" He grimaces a little.

"No. I'm not with her, really." I sigh and spot Lena down the corridor, waiting for me.

"Look, I don't know what's going on with you and her and frankly I don't care. I'm moving on, Keelan, and I suggest you do the same." I walk past him. As I near Lena I can see she's glaring at a point behind me. I suspect it's Keelan. I don't stop and she joins me to the Great Hall.

"What did he want?"

"He asked if I'm going to the dance with anyone."

"Are you serious? Has he gone mental? What does it matter to him? Isn't he going with Penelope?" I shrug.

"I don't know. It all gave me a headache. I told him to move on."

"Good. Right git. Does he assume that you're going to just be fine now that he knows you're pregnant?" I look around quickly.

"Quiet, Lena." She dismisses me.

"Come on, don't be stupid. The dress you're wearing later hides nothing." I sigh.

"I'm freaking out, okay?" We sit at the Ravenclaw table and I take a sip of water. I haven't been able to hold much down the past few days.

"When do you see Madame P?"

"Tomorrow."

"Any movements?"

"Some. They're kind of like nudges, but from the inside. It's hard to describe." Lena gets a wistful look on her face. I just smile at her.

"I can't wait to feel them from out here." I laugh.

"No one is touching the belly, sorry." She grins and stuffs a sandwich in her mouth.

I eat as much as I can before heading up to the tower and my bed. The fates have decided to be kind because I get a few hours sleep and bonus; I don't throw any of my lunch up.

+++

"Almost done, Bell. Just a few more minutes." I scoff.

"You said that 15 minutes ago. I'm leaving in 5 whether or not you're done." I see Lena roll her eyes in the mirror. She's spent the last hour working on my makeup and hair. The other girls above 4th year are crowding the mirrors and gossiping about who knows what.

I'm still very nervous about going to this dance at all. Lena was right - the dress hides nothing. Everyone will know once I step outside my dormitory. "Okay, done! Now put this on so I can see the full masterpiece." She hands me the dress and all but shoves me into a toilet stall. I change as quickly as I can, which is getting more complicated by the day, and emerge from the stall in the dress Lena picked out. It's silver, has a plunging neckline, an empire waist and ends at the floor. It's beautiful. "Oh, see, look at you! You're gorgeous. Let me just change and we can walk down."

I turn and look at myself in the wall mirror. I'm suddenly acutely aware of how quiet the bathroom has gotten. I feel myself turn a deep shade of red. "Uh.. Bell.." I look at each of the girls in turn.

"I'll just say this once. Yes I am pregnant. No I will not tell anyone who the father is. I will not even confirm or deny that he goes to this school. If anyone has any questions I'll be happy to answer them. The only thing I ask is that no one makes up any rumours because I will know who started them. You girls are the only ones who know." The silence continues for a few awkward moments before I'm bombarded with questions.

"How far along are you?"
"Is it a girl or a boy?"
"When are you due?"
"How will you keep up your studies after it's born?"
"Are you excited?"
"How have you kept quiet for so long?"

Luckily Lena steps in and saves me. "Okay ladies. That's enough for now. Bell and I are going down to the dance." She hooks my arm with her own and leads me out of the dormitory. I squeeze her hand.

"Thank you for that." She squeezes mine back.

"You did amazing. I'm very proud of you."

"13 girls down, only everyone else to go." I get a lot of stares as we walk down to the Great Hall. Plenty of people don't even bother to hide the fact that they talk about me. I hear a lot of whispers. I'm about to back out when I round the last corner to see Draco, standing and waiting for me, looking handsome in his deep emerald dress robes. When he sees me and Lena his mouth kind of drops a little before he regains his composure. I hear Lena snicker.

"Good evening, Draco. You're looking very dapper. Why yes, it is a pleasant evening, Annabel. And I do say, you're quite ravishing yourself." Lena gives my arm back to me. "There, now that that awkwardness is out of the way, you two can enjoy your evening."

"Where are you going?" Her eyes dart quickly to Draco before settling back to me.

"I heard a rumour that Justin Gharrity said he'd like to get with this, so I'm going to see if it's true. I'll find you later, Bell." I watch her walk off and I just shake my head.

"What am I going to do with her?" Draco chuckles and offers me his arm.

"I haven't a clue. I do, however, have a table reserved for us." I take his arm and he leads me into the Hall.

"What?"

"I asked Goyle to get us a table while I waited for you."

"Do you even know their first names?" He shrugs.

"Not really." I laugh as I look around. The Hall looks incredible. There are small tables scattered all over the place, a large dance floor, and a few larger tables with all types of food and drink on them. Draco steers me to the left side of the room, to a table nearest the food. He pulls my chair out for me and I sit. "Do you want anything to eat?" I shake my head.

"No. Stomach is still a tad queasy." Instead of getting food for himself he sits down beside me. "You can eat if you're hungry, Draco."

"I'm fine. She was right, by the way. You do look lovely." I feel myself blush.

"I believe the word she used was ravishing." Draco grins and his eyes spark in a way that makes my stomach flip. He pushes some stray hair out of my face and I swear we're the only people in the universe at this moment. My blush deepens and his grin turns into a smile.

"You're really cute when you blush." I laugh, the spell is broken and the noises come rushing back in. Just in time for me to spot Keelan walking toward us. He looks troubled. Draco's eyes narrow as Keelan stops a few feet away from the table.

"Could I talk with you for a minute, Malfoy?" I look at Keelan in surprise. Never would I have guessed he'd want to talk to Draco, much less ask to. Draco and I look at each other and I shrug.

"Okay, but only a minute." I watch them walk toward the wall before Keelan speaks. It's too loud to hear what they're saying, but neither look angry or murderous. Draco's arms are crossed and he's leaning against the wall. Keelan is doing most of the talking. Draco looks my way a couple times and at one point he actually smiles. Smiling, while talking to Keelan? What is going on? After a few minutes Draco walks back to me and Keelan just watches him. Even from here I can tell that he's sad.

"What the hell did you two talk about?" Draco is silent for a few seconds before answering.

"It's been requested that I don't tell you. Really, I have no reason to respect his wishes, but I'm going to anyway." I stare at him incredulously, my brain not seeming to compute this information. "I will tell you, though, that he isn't going to bother you anymore."

"What do you mean; bother?"

"I think you know what I mean, Bell." I look at the spot Keelan was standing but he's gone now. My heart drops a little as I realize what Draco meant.

"He's backing out." Draco's silence confirms it. I sit back in my chair, tears threatening to spill over. I suddenly want to be out of the Hall, away from everyone. "I'm going to go back to my room, okay?" Without waiting for an answer I get up and make my way out of the Hall.

SEHE; Chapter 8

Thursday October 16 [22w 3d}

"You need to tell him. Now before he finds out some other way." I sigh and put my textbook down. Lena has been trying to convince me to tell Keelan about the pregnancy.

"How else is he going to find out? Only you and Draco know."

"It's a big school, Bell. Someone could hear something and gossip travels faster than light."

"I'm just not ready."

"Well you need to be ready. You're starting to show through your regular clothes. You won't be able to hide it much longer." I groan and look down at the offending bump.

"Curse it, I know. Fine. How do you propose I do this?" Just as the question leaves my mouth who should walk into the common room but Keelan himself. To my surprise he walks right over to me.

"Can we talk?" I look at Lena and I don't know for sure, but I suspect I see a hint of guilt on her face.

"Uh, sure, what about?" Keelan glances at Lena who stands up.

"I'll be up in the dormitory, Bell." I glare at her back as she retreats up the stairs. Keelan sits down on the armchair across from the couch I'm sitting on.

"So what's up?" He looks very uncomfortable.

"Lena told me you have something you need to tell me?" I was right. Damn her.

"Lena needs to mind her own business. But yes, there is something." He looks at me expectantly. "It's hard to say."

"Not to rush you, but I've got something to do soon." I sigh and rub my forehead.

"I'm pregnant." I look up quickly to see the expression on his face. It takes a few seconds for him to react.

"You're shitting me. Who's is it?" I frown.

"Yours, you idiot. What do you think I wanted to tell you the first night we were here?" A flicker of shame crosses his face before anger replaces it.

"And you waited this long to actually do it?"

"You haven't exactly been welcoming lately, Keelan. Or alone, for that matter." To his credit, he looks guilty.

"What are you doing with it?"

"Keeping it obviously, or we wouldn't be talking right now." He rubs his face and sighs deeply. We sit in silence for a few minutes.

"What do you expect of me?" I take a minute to think about it. What do I expect? I know pregnancy is the easy part, but I've gotten along just fine without him so far. I have Lena and Draco here, and Phoebe and my family at home.

"Honestly? Nothing." He raises his eyebrow. "Seriously. We're both young and made a stupid decision. I've come to accept the repercussions of that choice. If you decide to walk away, I won't hold it against you."

"I've never seen myself as a dad. I don't think I could do it." I sigh sadly. Secretly I'd been hoping he would decide to be a part of this baby's life, even if I don't need him.

"Take a while to think about it." He nods and stands up.

"I will. Thanks." I watch him walk out of the common room with a sudden urge to cry. I sit back against the couch and let the tears fall for reasons I don't understand.

+++

Saturday October 25 [23w 5d]

"Lena, come on."

"Just one more, please." I let out a frustrated sigh. We're in Hogsmeade today with the school and I've been pulled into a clothing store against my will.

"Last one, and I mean it. I'm starving, the sales woman is creeping me out, and I'm cranky." Lena rolls her eyes.

"Stop whining. Try this on and I promise I'll leave you alone." She holds out a dress and I grab it then stomp back into the dressing room. She's made me try on 15 shirts, 6 pairs of pants, and 3 dresses. 4 including this one. I tug it on and exit my clothing hellroom without looking at myself in the mirror. "Oh, Bell, that's perfect. I'll buy it if you don't."

"Deal. I'm putting my own clothes back on now." I change back into my clothes and exit the dressing room feeling quite a bit better. I managed to look at myself before yanking the dress off and have to admit that Lena was right. It flatters my height, build and bump together nicely.

"I've got the stuff you're buying and the things I'm getting for you."

"You don't need to do this."

"Hush, I'm doing it." I shut my mouth and after we exit the store I lead the way to the Tea Shop. I'm dying for something to eat. "What's after this?"

"I want to visit Honeydukes and Tomes. Maybe Scrivenshaft's. I need some new quills. Then I think I was supposed to meet up with Draco near the Shack."

"I hate that place."

"You know it isn't actually haunted, right?"

"Of course I know. Harry's uncle or some such. It's just creepy with the scratches all over the place." I snicker and flag Madam Puddifoot for some food.

+++

I sit on a log and wrap my coat tighter against my body. It's beginning to get cold during the day. I smile as I spy Draco walking up the path to the Shack. I've thought a little about what he told me. I can't say I've reciprocated any of those feelings, but I know him enough that I suspect it wouldn't be hard to let myself like him. I just don't want to add another book to the already teetering pile I've been holding.

"Hey stranger." The smile I receive makes my stomach do an odd little flip. Oh yeah, it could totally happen.

"Hi there. Where's Lena?" Draco sits beside me.

"She hates the Shack so she took our loot up to the castle."

"I saw you coming out of Tomes. Did you empty out the clothing store?" I laugh.

"Almost. I tried on 25 different articles of clothing this morning. I bought 5 of them and she bought a few as well."

"Jeez." We lapse into a comfortable silence. I wonder about grabbing his hand and holding it. Then I remind myself about the book pile. Funny thing is the more time I spend with him, the more I think I can handle it. As I finally talk myself into taking his hand, he looks at me with a thoughtful expression on his face. "Can I try something without it being weird after?"

"Uh, what?"

"I want to do something, but I don't want things to be awkward after."

"Oh, uhm, okay." I tense a little as he raises his hand, but he only touches it lightly to my cheek. I'd never really noticed before, but his grey eyes have blue flecks in them. My heart speeds up a notch as Draco moves his face closer to mine in what seems an excruciatingly slow pace. With a sudden boldness I close the gap and gently press my lips to his.

His hand tightens a little on my cheek and he hesitates a second before kissing me more firmly. My breath catches and I close my eyes, completely immersing myself in Draco and his kiss. He tastes like butterbeer and smells like soap. My heartbeat quickens some more as I shyly place my hand against his chest.

He suddenly breaks the kiss and rests his forehead against mine, breathing a little heavily. "Just. Wow. I've been waiting 4 years to do that." I feel myself blush and he smiles. "You know you're very adorable when you blush." He laughs when it deepens. I receive another light kiss before Draco pulls away. All I can think is, boy, do I have loads to tell Lena.

SEHE; Chapter 7

Sunday September 28 [19w 6d]

"Lie back for me, Annabel, and we'll take a look at your baby." I lie back on the cot and the doctor places the tip of her wand against my stomach. A second later she flips it toward a grey space on the wall and there the baby is. Lena clutches my hand.

"How amazing is that." I nod a little. The baby is wiggling and kicking and moving but I feel none of it. Dr Shima points at the projection.

"There's the head, spine, bottom, legs and feet. Great heartbeat. Lots of movement which is wonderful. Your placenta is anterior and quite low. That can be cause for concern closer to delivery but isn't a worry yet. We'll keep an eye on that."

"What will happen?"

"A cesarean would be our best course."

"I'd like to avoid that if at all possible."

"Of course, as would I. We'll keep a close watch. Hopefully the placenta migrates up or back. It's quite common for it to move."

"Can you tell us the sex now?" I grin at Lena. She's far more excited than I thought she would be. Draco, however, is looking kind of dumbfounded. He hasn't said a word since we left Hogwarts. Dr Shima moves her wand around a bit until she's satisfied.

"Obviously I can't be 100% positive. But here I am about 90% certain you're having a girl." I smile and nod; something I didn't know I'd been thinking suddenly confirmed.

"Oh congrats, Bell!" I squeeze Lena's hand.

"Fantastic. Thank you Dr Shima." She stops the projection and I sit up.

"No problem at all. I'd like to see you back here next month. Take good care of yourself."

+++

"So Draco. What's up?" Draco looks up at me from his Potions work. We're in the library. I'm studying and he's discreetly copying my work.

"What?" I raise an eyebrow.

"Earlier today. You were very quiet. What's up?"

"It may come as a surprise to you, Bell, but I'm not on the up and up with this baby stuff. I don't know what a placenta is or what anterior means. I'm kind of lost here."

"I know, I'm sorry. I feel like I've kind of thrust you into this with me. I hope you know that I don't expect anything from you." His face softens a little and he takes my hand awkwardly.

"I'm here for you, Bell. I may be a blundering idiot when it comes to this stuff, but I'm in it with you." I feel my face get hot and I know I'm blushing. I'd never thought about Draco as more than a friend before. Mainly because I'd been with Keelan, but that isn't really an issue now.

"Want to clarify that statement so I don't blow it out of proportion?" Draco gives me one of his rare smiles.

"I'm saying that I've liked you since 3rd year. I kick myself for not telling you back then." I kind of just look at him.

"What?" His grin gets a little bigger.

"You heard me, Leed."

"I don't know what to say."

"You don't need to say anything. I didn't tell you this to change anything. I told you because it was finally time to. I just want you to know that I'm in your corner." I feel tears well up. I contemplate giving him a kiss on the cheek when I see Keelan stroll into the library with Penelope attached to his side like a leech. At the look on my face Draco turns around. I see him frown. I still haven't told Draco about the conversation I overheard earlier in the week.

"Come on, let's go somewhere else, Draco." I start to gather my books and shove them in my bag. "Draco." He's still siting, glaring daggers at Keelan; who still hasn't noticed us. "Come on, please?" At my please Draco finally looks at me, then grabs his books and stalks out of the library. As I'm walking out I receive a dirty look from Penelope. She's alone, Keelan must have gone off. The mature thing would be to let it go and walk past her. "What exactly is your problem?" She sneers at me and I catch myself thinking that she's got such an ugly personality.

"Look at you. Flaunting your relationship with Malfoy, only weeks after you've broken up with Keelan. It's so disrespectful." I stare at her incredulously.

"Excuse me? I did not break up with him. He left me." She shakes her head.

"That's not what I've heard. I've heard you slept around all summer, came back and broke it off, then went and screwed Malfoy the very same night. People saw him walking you to the tower." All I can do is stare at her. I have no doubt who's been spreading these rumours.

"And let me guess. You're just supporting poor, pathetic Keelan."

"Matter of fact, yes. You broke his heart." I laugh at her.

"I wish you luck. I really do." She sniffs and walks off. I shake my head and leave the library. I could go for a nap but I really need to finish this work. As I'm wandering down the hall, deciding what to do, Draco turns the corner and walks up to me. I stop and lean against the wall. I'm suddenly very tired.

"Should learn to follow your own advice eh?" I smile up at him. "You look exhausted. You okay?"

"Actually, no. It came on just now. I feel like I could pass out standing here." Draco takes my arm and steers me toward my common room.

"Let's get you to bed then." We walk in silence to the tower. "Get some sleep. I'll see you tomorrow." He walks away before I can say anything. Somehow, I make it to my dormitory and into my bed before falling asleep.