Baby names

[alt_nymphadora]

Nearly baby time. I'm not due just yet, but I know we might get an early showing. Every time I feel a twinge I think Bump's on his or her way, but nothing so far. I wish we could just make an appointment for it, so I'd know when it's going to happen. What if I'm here on my own? What if I'm in the shop surrounded by customers? At least I know I won't be at the Ministry with my head down a bog, since I'm off on baby leave now.

I've been thinking about names quite a bit. Junius wants to call him Junius if he's a boy, of course. Old family tradition. That made me think about my family. We tend to mostly name our kids after stars or constellations, like my aunt Bellatrix. Astronomy was never really my thing at school. I did okay at it, but it was too much standing or lying still looking at stuff and not enough getting out and doing something. A remember a fair few though, and Junius got me a book with some more obscure ones, so I've been thinking about possibilities.

But then I think of Sirius Black. He was named after a star, and look how that turned out. I don't want my baby linked to that awful traitor.

Maybe we should go with Junius. Or Junianna, if Bump is a girl.

Comments

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[alt_nymphadora]

No offence, Sirius! Actually we'd like a chat with you, when you have a chance to pop down. I hear you're, uh, a bit busy at the moment. But when you can.

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[alt_alice]

How exciting! I cannot wait to meet the newest member of our little family. Please let me know if there's anything you need at all. I've sent along some more of that tea, you should get it in a day or so.

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[alt_poppy]

Bless.

How are you faring? I'm sure you're feeling the aches in all the obvious places, but are you sleeping at all? If there's leg cramping or alimentary distress I can recommend things to ease the symptoms, though warm bath, a bit of kindly massage, and a well-timed cup of warm milk can do wonders, too.

Do let me know if there's anything you need.

Junianna. Really. I've not met a single one in all my life. And I'm certain she will be a singular young lady--if she is destined to be one.

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[alt_nymphadora]

I'm not feeling too bad actually, Madam P. Perhaps I've just got used to it all.

I know. Junianna. I almost couldn't make myself write it. It's sort of growing on me though. Or maybe that's just the hormones talking. Honestly though, the women in my class at St Mungo's were all competing to have the most patriotic names for their babies. Name your child after the wrong person and you might as well hand yourself in to the Ministry as a traitor. That year at Hogwart's is going to be awash with Harrys and Harriets. I hope you're prepared.

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[alt_poppy]

I shudder to think of all the Bellatrixes and Luciuses we shall soon see. And not a few Bartemiuses, one imagines.

Yes. Junianna is a fine name, indeed.

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[alt_nymphadora]

Oh yes, not reacting when Bartemius was suggested as a lovely and charming baby name was a huge challenge!

Private message to Nymphadora Ponds

[alt_sally_anne]

Well I've seen your family tree (as it's Draco's and Hydra's as well, and I'm in Slytherin so everyone knows the family tree of anyone who's of any importance) and I think my favourite name on there is Cassiopeia, for a girl. You could call her Cassie for short.

For a boy I like Arcturus. Or you know, this isn't in your family tree but Perseus is also a constellation. Your baby will be far enough in age that you wouldn't have to worry about people getting him confused with Percy Weasley.

Or there are flower names in your family too, like your Aunt Narcissa. Of course you'd want something that wasn't Narcissa because too many of the same name is just confusing (that's why I think you shouldn't use Junius, they'd never know whether you were calling to your son or your husband, not that you should pay me any mind if that's what you really want) but the name Iris is lovely. Iris is in mythology even if she's not a star name AND it's a beautiful flower. And in mythology she's the daughter of a nymph, and your name is Nymphadora, so it would be perfect.

(I really like flower names myself but that's because my best friend is named Pansy!)

I'm so excited for you about your baby. I like babies and I'm good with them. If the Strettons let me during summer hols maybe I could come visit your shop and hold it for a bit and give you a break sometime?

Re: Private message to Nymphadora Ponds

[alt_nymphadora]

Hi. I like Cassiopeia, and Iris is pretty too. I don't know about Arcturus. I think that'd be a bit hard to shorten down into something manageable for a little one. Archie, maybe? I'll think on it.

I might go with something totally different though. New. Traditions are okay, but sometimes it's better to break them and start new ones of your own.

You're very welcome to pop into the shop over the summer hols, if you can get away. We might even be able to scrounge up a biscuit or two!

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[alt_lupin]

Junianna's rather growing on me.

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[alt_nymphadora]

No.

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[alt_lupin]

It's quaint and rather charming, I think. Almost Victorian.

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[alt_nymphadora]

NO.

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[alt_lupin]

Right. Back to Junius Ponds III then.

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[alt_nymphadora]

We are not naming our baby after your fake name!

Where are you? Come out here. I want to hit you and I can't do it if you're not sitting next to me.