ORDER ONLY: Private Message to Dumbledore and Poppy and Alice and Charlie

[alt_nymphadora]

I've been having contractions for the last hour and a half or so. Snape is working on something that should help calm things down, and we're looking up various diagnostic tests to make sure everything is as it ought to be.

Poppy, I know you're up to your ears in it. I'll keep you informed if anything else happens.

I'm wondering

I know it's been a stressful week for me, which might be part of it, but Cecelia might be in a similar position. It started not soon after the Octoboros business was supposed to happen. So just in case, Alice, you might want to track her down, see if she's all right. Snape's making a double dose just in case.

Comments

[alt_alice]

Yes. Of course. I'll go check on her now, and then come by Grimmauld if needed.

[alt_poppy]

Let me know if I'm needed. It would be better if it were now than close to the feast.

If you feel your health is at risk, I will come immediately. At whatever time.

[alt_nymphadora]

We'll be sure to let you know.

There's no spotting, which is something.

[alt_alice]

You were right to have me check in on Cecelia. She's been having similar issues. I'll be by shortly, Tonks.

[alt_charlie]

Oh, darling. I know you're in good hands with Snape. Let me know how you're feeling.

[alt_nymphadora]

Better now that I know it's the Octoboros, strangely.

We're keeping things low-key. It's unpleasant, but nothing like full-on labour. Every now and then I need to get up and walk around a touch.

[alt_charlie]

Well, you would know.

Do you need me? Or even just want me? I could go get bit by the Vipertooth. (Before you ask, yes, it's perfectly safe, we have an antidote and you build up resistance through exposure, it just gives you mandatory time off shift. Bill gets weird whenever I mention it.)

[alt_nymphadora]

Course I want you, always do, but I've got a fair share of hoverers at the mo.

I think you can avoid getting bit for now. I'll let you know if things change.

[alt_charlie]

Right, luv. Keep me posted. I'm off shift at one in the morning tonight, if you want me to I can come down then.

[alt_nymphadora]

Still waiting for a 'hallo mum' kick, but everything seems to be doing fine otherwise.

[alt_charlie]

I'm so glad.

But, ugh, all this today made me realise -- what are we going to do when it really is time for the Bap to join us? It's not as though you can go to St M's and say hi, wanted fugitive here, having a baby.

I've delivered plenty of dragons, but 'delivering a dragon' usually means hovering a few hundred feet away and waiting to see if they need you to come in and help break the shell. I don't exactly think that sort of experience is going to help here.

[alt_nymphadora]

It'll be fine, luv.

I'll have Sally-Anne and Poppy on call. It's terrifying, no doubt, but I figure babies managed to be born for ages and ages before St Mungo's. Alice was talking when she came by about how she had Evelyn in her mother-in-law's cellar, and that turned out just fine. So.

Had a 'Hallo' this morning, by the way.

[alt_nymphadora]

We're a little more settled now round here. Alice, I hope Cee is as well.

We're all following what's happened at Hogwarts. Bloody hell.