1144 Delphini Lestrange

In Wiltshire, down a wide driveway, there is a towering green curved hedge that runs far off into the distance with the impressive wrought-iron gate tightly shut barring any guests. A pure-white magnificent peacock dozes majestically along the top of the hedge. Occasionally it cracks an eye open to check against intruders before falling asleep again.

Past the great iron gates is a handsome manor at the end of the straight driveway. It is evening and the lights glint through diamond-paned windows. An enchanted fountain as water flows with music like tinkling water. The manor is tastefully decorated with magnificent lavish carpet covering the stone floor. The eyes of the pale-faced portraits of the Malfoy family occasionally peek around awaiting the pending news.

Past the grand hall is a drawing room where the roaring fire crackles underneath a handsome marble piece with a surmounted gilded mirror above. On the elegant royal purple walls hang elaborate family portraits and grand scenery. The impressive ceiling is 30 feet high and two grand golden chandeliers hang with candles brightly lighting the room. In the back of the drawing room is an organ propped against the wall that plays a gentle lullaby softly on its own.

Resting in a cradle being gently rocked is the angelic cherub of Aurora Malfoy, who innocently dozes next to her father, Lucius Malfoy. Lucius' blue-gray eyes lack their usual coldness. They are rather soft and gentle as he lovingly gazes down at his slumbering daughter. His daughter's adorable silky blond hair has a small blue ribbon therein.

Glancing up to gaze at the time on the mantelpiece, Lucius frowns at the growing late hour. Mind you, it wasn't his child being born, but he still felt a sense of nerves. His long, silky pale blond hair is pulled back lest Aurora decides to chew or pull on it. He had learned a thing or two about the incredibly determined and impossibly painful grip of babies.

The Death Eater attacks had made the Black family member a tad more paranoid. Since a midwife and healer are to be in residence rather than having the family all in danger, it was determined that Andromeda would give birth at Malfoy Manor. It would ensure that if something went wrong, the premises could be much more easily evacuated.

Lucius feels a familiar tugging on his leg to see a stocky red-haired four-year-old with freckles clinging to his foot. "Up pleaze, Uncle Lulu." The little boy pleaded holding a storybook in his arms.

Already used to being called "Uncle Lulu', Lucius sniffs in patient suffering. He hadn't had much of a choice, especially with the children being so young. "Fine, you troublesome thing," he grumbled before bending down to gently pick up the child along with the storybook.

"Pleaze read the Beedle Story!" Charlie excitedly patted the cover of The Tales of Beedle the Bard.

"Quiet you," Lucius said without force as Charlie hurriedly clapped his little hands over his mouth and whispered back loudly, "shh."

Lucius arches a brow at (the red-headed) Arthur Weasley, who is sitting on the couch with his eldest son, "William" who was usually called Bill. The thin six-year-old has fiery red hair, and blue eyes, and is a rather handsome lad. The six-year-old still suffered from the occasional nightmare (after the destruction of the Weasley home), the child could be clingy at times. However, the child in question is fitfully dozing.

Arthur Weasley's blue eyes are tired as a grateful smile appears on his freckled face. Frankly, he could use all the help he could get. Work was busy and Charlie was a bustle of energy. Bill was still recovering from the attack on their home, and Molly was expecting their third son in August. Frankly, he felt like he hadn't gotten much rest as of late.

A trace of understanding flashes through Lucius Malfoy's eyes, before beginning to read softly to Charlie. As he reads, he allows Charlie plenty of time to ooh and ahh over the moving pictures. He glances at his brother-in-law, who paces in a corner of the living room.

Edward (Ted) Tonks holds his snoring daughter just a little over three and a half, "Nymphadora", who everyone calls Dora. The distraught fair-haired wizard did not even notice Lucius's gaze. The little metamorphmagus's hair had returned to its true fair hair color rather than its usual red colored hair it turned when around her cousins, the Weasley children. Apparently, Dora was under the impression that Charlie was her brother from another mother and vice-versa. It was difficult to keep the two apart as the two of them were the best of friends.

Soon enough Charlie falls sound asleep and snores against Lucius' chest. Lucius sees that the hour grows even later. "Well, I suppose, we best put the children to bed," he said from experience. "It may be many hours until the child is born."

"I think I will also tuck in for the night," Arthur admitted as he pulled Bill into his arms with a groan at the weight. Bill didn't weigh what he once used to. "Molly too, she needs to rest, and knowing her she'll want to stay, but it's not good for the baby."

"Dobby please quietly enter," Lucius carefully instructed, and a very faint pop is heard almost inaudible. Bill slightly stirs in Arthur's arms but does not awaken.

A tiny creature with large, bat-like ears and bulging green eyes the size of tennis bulbs stands before them. Dobby, the Malfoy house elf wore a neat black jacket accompanied by a glistening white toga dress. His uniform is sharp as is a proper house elf. He is improving his service!

Lucius nods in approval and says, "Please gently and quietly tuck in, Bill and Charlie into bed, while Arthur goes and gets Molly."

"Yes, sir!" Dobby resolutely said as his elf magic gently raised the slumbering children into the air, before he vanished with an almost inaudible pop with them in tow.

"Thank you, Lucius," Arthur gratefully said, before hurrying to find Molly. Molly needed her rest even if she wanted to be present for the birth. She had been on her feet long enough as it was!

"I am surprised you did not ask Dora to be taken as well," Ted asked amused in a mellow voice.

"Yes, well, I think that you are tense enough as it is, Edward. I do not need to be adding any additional worries," Lucius smugly grinned.

Ted tiredly grins and rubs the back of little Dora's back. She lets out a content sigh and turns her head to better rest. The little girl remains dozing without a care.

"I must admit though, I still have no idea why Dromeda (Andromeda) was asked to be the godmother of Rodrigo Prince, have you, Lucius?" Ted pointedly asked.

"Naturally, Edward," Lucius proudly said having been made the godfather of Rodrigo Prince. "If you must know, Georgine Prince said it was that we possessed a perfect balance of unique characteristics which she wished for her child to have."

"In other words, a pureblood and a rebel," Ted muttered under his breath. Ted didn't personally know Georgine Prince that well. But apparently, those were two of the main characteristics used to describe Georgine Prince. It made perfect sense in that regard.