"Sacrifice"

an act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy

14 January 1998

Athena glanced up from the polyjuice potion, watching as Regulus set down their groceries with a peculiar silence. Normally, he would chatter excitedly about his haul, marvelling at the simplest items, a trait that always amused her. But today, his silence was unsettling.

"What did you get?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity as she continued to stir the potion.

Regulus met her gaze, his expression serious. "Your wife is in labour."

Athena's hand froze mid-stir, her eyes widening in disbelief. "What?" she demanded. "How do you know?"

Regulus took a deep breath, trying to soothe the growing panic he saw in her eyes. "Usually, when I run these errands, I check in on your family. I swung by the Ministry and found out. Your father left for the hospital, and I think your wife's mother went with him."

"But she's only 36 weeks," Athena said, her voice a mixture of concern and confusion.

Regulus reached into his coat and pulled out a folded sheet of paper. "That's why I took this schedule from the hospital," he said, handing it to her. Athena quickly unfolded it and scanned the page, finding her wife's name listed. She let out a soft chuckle upon seeing her best friend's name beside Fleur's.

"What do you want to do?" Regulus asked, his tone gentle.

Athena's mind raced. "I can't exactly walk in as myself," she said, her voice tinged with frustration.

Regulus nodded towards the potion. "I have two bottles of polyjuice potion that will last about six hours."

Athena's eyes lit up with determination. "Time to get to know some healers and nurses, then."

— | —

"What do you need?" the Healer asked, leaning closer as Fleur managed to grab her wrist and pull her in. Mackenzie had been called away to deal with other patients, and Alexis had gone to get food and drinks, leaving Camille by Fleur's side.

"I need my wife," Fleur cried, her head tilted back as the contractions intensified. Camille whispered sweet nothings, gently cleaning Fleur's sweaty forehead. Her eyes were pained, wishing her daughter was here.

The Healer tried to take her leave, but Fleur's grip tightened.

"Stay," Camille said, seeing how Fleur was holding onto the Healer for dear life. "I don't know who you are, but please stay for my daughter-in-law."

"Of course, Ministre," the Healer replied, her tone steady despite the strain.

Camille felt a sense of familiarity with this Healer. The way she looked at Fleur was eerily similar to Athena. For a second, she thought it was Athena—just for a second.

Alexis returned with Mackenzie, who quickly resumed her position. The Healer finally managed to pull herself away from Fleur to make room for Alexis, who was trying her hardest to be supportive.

"Baby's crowning!" Mackenzie announced, taking her place at Fleur's entrance with the Healer beside her. "Fleur, I need you to push very hard."

"I can't," Fleur cried, clutching Camille's hand as she tried to find comfort amid the pain.

"Yes, you can," Camille said, her voice soothing. "I need you to breathe, Fleur. Just breathe."

"Easy for you to say!" Fleur groaned, before letting out a scream. "You pushed out four!"

In the waiting area, Damon paced back and forth, his anxiety palpable. Ava sat beside Lucian, holding his hand and maintaining a calm facade despite her worry. Atlas stood nearby, his eyes fixed on the door through which Fleur and their friends had disappeared.

Inside the delivery room, the atmosphere was intense but focused. Fleur's contractions were becoming more frequent and intense. Mackenzie continued to offer guidance and support, her experience as a Healer evident in her composed demeanor.

Apolline rushed into the room, her eyes wide with concern. "Ma Bebe," she called.

"Maman," Fleur groaned as Camille and Apolline switched places.

"You're doing so good, baby. I am so sorry I was late," Apolline said, kissing Fleur's forehead.

"You're just in time," Mackenzie said. "One more push, Fleur. One more."

With one final, powerful push, a cry filled the room. Fleur's eyes filled with tears as she heard her baby's first sounds. Mackenzie quickly cleaned and swaddled the newborn before handing her to the Healer, who then gently placed the baby in Fleur's arms.

"It's a girl," the Healer breathed, her voice soft. Camille noticed her behaviour and questioned everything. She would surely recognize her daughter, right? "Meet your baby girl, Frenchy."

Fleur looked down at her daughter, her heart swelling with love and relief. "She's perfect," she whispered, tears streaming down her face.

Alexis noticed the use of 'Frenchy' and turned to look at Camille. The Healer excused herself and hurried out of the room, but Camille chased after her, with Alexis following closely behind.

"Excuse me," Camille called, and the Healer picked up her pace before Alexis caught up to her. Just before they reached her, the Healer turned and apparated away, but not before giving one last, lingering look back. "What the fuck?"

"Athena is dead, right?" Alexis asked, trying to make sense of the situation. "I am not being delusional, right?"

"I don't know," Camille admitted, the turmoil in her head driving her crazy. The idea that her daughter might be alive was both a blessing and a curse. "No one can know about this."

"Right, especially Fleur. She would go insane," Alexis agreed, her mind racing.

"How are you doing, Alexis?" Camille asked, trying to keep her composure.

"Not great—" Alexis started to reply when Lucian called out for his wife.

"Darling?" Lucian questioned, his sons and Ava now with him as they entered the hospital room. "What are you doing out here?"

"Just checking on Alexis," Camille replied, giving her husband a reassuring smile.

Lucian pulled Alexis into a hug, his emotions raw. "Where have you been?" he muttered, holding her tightly.

"Just trying to make sense of everything," Alexis admitted, tears welling up in her eyes.

Camille patted her husband's back, feeling a surge of love for his emotional openness. "Time to meet our granddaughter, yes?" Lucian chuckled, pulling away from Alexis.

Alexis nodded, and Lucian led her back to the delivery room. Camille lingered for a moment, staring down the empty hallway where the Healer had disappeared.

"I love you, my sweet daughter," Camille muttered, allowing herself a moment of hope and delusion, praying that somehow, somewhere, Athena might hear her.

"I love you too, Ma," Athena softly chuckled, she didn't go far but just into another room with the Auclair's spell protecting her. "And I am so sorry."

— | —

20 February 1998

The Ashryvers decided it would be better to move back to Auclair's Castle, given that most of their friends and family had left Britain. The grandeur of the castle offered not just a haven but a sense of continuity and heritage that felt increasingly important. 

Alexis, who had been invited to stay, eagerly accepted the offer once she managed to get Allison out of Britain. Meanwhile, Mackenzie chose to remain with Nicholas, finding comfort and stability in their shared life. They will always be family. 

In the cosy living room of the castle, Fleur sat on a plush sofa, gently breastfeeding her baby, Christine. The soft glow of the afternoon sun streamed through the large windows, casting a warm light over the room. Fleur's eyes occasionally flickered to the TV screen showing a duel match between Russia and Ireland. The peaceful scene was suddenly interrupted by Atlas barging in, his presence as lively as ever.

"Oh dear Merlin," Atlas exclaimed, quickly closing his eyes in embarrassment. Fleur laughed, her voice light and melodious, as she covered herself.

"You can look now," she assured him, pulling his arm to guide him to a seat beside her.

"I brought us burgers," Atlas announced, his voice filled with excitement. "Spicy Korean chicken burgers for you, with curly fries and a double chocolate milkshake."

"Merci Beaucoup," Fleur replied with a warm smile.

"Mon plaisir," Atlas said, leaning in to place a tender kiss on her forehead. "How's Christine?"

"She's good, just hungry. Do you want to check on your niece?"

Atlas hesitated, a playful grin spreading across his face. "If you don't mind me seeing your boobs, yes, please."

Fleur chuckled, pulling the blanket down to reveal Christine still nursing eagerly. "Look at her cheeks."

"Oh my gods," Atlas squealed, his voice unexpectedly high-pitched. He quickly cleared his throat, attempting to deepen his voice. He never realised how his niece looked so much like his twin. "She's so cute. So greedy."

"Reminds me of Thena," Fleur said softly, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. "She was always greedy with her food."

Atlas nodded, caressing Christine's chubby cheeks before covering her again. "Olivier sent a letter."

Fleur sighed, taking the milkshake Atlas handed her. "How long are you going to avoid him at work? You know you work in the same office, right?"

"Well, I don't want to put him through—"

"Like Athena did with me?" Fleur interjected, her eyes serious. "He knows the risk, and he's willing to take it."

"Would you take it?" Atlas asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I would—in every lifetime. I love your twin so much that I would cherish the little time we had over and over again."

Atlas pondered her words, handing her the burger. Just then, Damon walked into the living room with Ava, both carrying bags of groceries.

"I thought I was cooking," Damon remarked.

"That's for dinner," Fleur said, leaning back on the sofa as she took a bite of her burger. "This is so good."

"Can I see Christine?" Damon sighed, setting the groceries down while Ava stole a fry from Atlas.

"Not unless you want to see my boobs," Fleur chuckled. Ava grinned and joined her side, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "She's quite hungry."

Damon shook his head, taking a seat on the sofa chair. "She's either hungry or sleepy, just like Athena."

"I want to see her, please," Ava said, patiently waiting. She knew Fleur didn't mind if anyone saw her breastfeeding, but she always respected her privacy. "Oh Salazar, her cheeks are so chubby!"

Damon muttered to himself, frustrated that he was missing out on the sight of Christine's chubby cheeks, while his eyes were fixed on the duel, critiquing every move and betting with his brother.

"Oh yeah, Corvus apologised for not being there when Christine was born and is very grateful for the pictures," Damon informed. Fleur waved it off, thanking him while Ava wrestled with Christine's strong grip.

"When can I play with Christine?" Damon asked, his eyes still on the duel.

"In 20 minutes," Fleur replied. "I just started feeding her. Remember to keep her upright; she needs to digest."

"You know we get the baby lecture from Mum and your mother," Damon scoffed. Fleur rolled her eyes at him, trying to enjoy her burger, while Ava threw a cushion at him.

"Darling, what do you want for lunch?" Damon asked.

"Whatever you desire, my love," Ava replied, too engrossed in playing with Christine's cheek and grip to join him in the kitchen.

Damon sighed, heading to the kitchen while Ava stayed, focusing fully on the baby.

— | —