A/N: Another little glimpse into the events of the past and how progresses the pregnancy in the present. :)

An Inconvenient Truth and A Convenient Deception

Part VI

When we returned to Hogwarts in 1998, former prefects (including the students who were returning to repeat their seventh year) were given the option of being prefects again; Hermione agreed, as did I.

Therefore, as Hermione and I were both prefects for Opaleye House, we spent much time together. My fragile health didn't allow me to participate in physical activities, and I much preferred to read or needlepoint, much like Hermione preferred to read and knit.

We studied together, too, occasionally. I excelled in some subjects, but knowing that I was not going to live to have a long, successful career in any capacity made me disinclined to work hard at anything I had no interest in. I didn't even take the N.E.W.T. Hermione, of course, graduated with honors, as did Draco, who had declined a Prefect position, deciding instead to focus on his studies and Quidditch. He was the Reserve Seeker for Opaleye House, and, after everything that he'd done and been part of, he was thrilled to be able to be on the team and compete, though it was infrequent.

Hermione and I became so close that, at times, I felt as though she—and not Daphne—was my sister. Halfway through the year, she and Daphne even traded rooms in the girls' dormitory so that Hermione could room with me and so that Daphne (who had chosen to room with me initially just because we are sisters) could room with the older girls (the Seventh and Eighth Years).

When I (a 'late bloomer') had my first period, Hermione was there to help me through the first time. She advised me on the best brews and spells I could use for the mood swings, cramps, and acne, and she made me a special tea and conjured a hot water bottle for my abdomen before teaching me the spells to do so for myself next time. She, however, tended to and doted on me every time thereafter.

When Hermione had nightmares, I was there for her. Luna Lovegood, one of our roommates, was also plagued by her wartime trauma; Hermione would console and cry with Luna, and when Hermione was exhausted and emotionally fragile from that, I was there for her. When Ronald Weasley (the eternal imbecile) forgot her birthday and Valentine's Day and didn't reply to her letters for weeks on end, I was there.

And because of all of that—because of her—I wouldn't miss being here for Hermione through her pregnancy for the world! It just feels right to be at my sister's side at the happiest time in her life.

Having her so near these past few months has made me realize how I've missed her these last few years. The consolation is that I know that she will be able to live her life without me once again; that makes my looming departure from this world easier to face.

Now, I only need worry about how my Draco will fare.

-Journal entry

My Dearest Draco,

We saw the babies—our children, Draco!—on the Muggle and Magical Ultrasounds today. Sometimes I can hardly comprehend that there are three babies in Hermione's tiny belly! Weren't they amazing? Their tiny hearts beating like hummingbird wings. Their tiny little bodies, stretching and kicking!

I wouldn't trade that special moment with you and Hermione for all of the riches and magic in the world! I loved every second of it, and I will treasure it for longer than I shall live!

I'm so thankful and so thrilled that you were there to experience it with Hermione and me!

Thank you, my love, for taking a bit of time away from the shoppe to be there. There's always more time for work, but not always more time with those we love.

Just as you have always made me your first priority (and how I love you for it, Draco!), the people we love—our family and our friends who are like family—must always be our priority. Please promise me that you and I will keep them close, Draco.

Thank you the gift of our children, my heart's desire, and your love! I will treasure them, too, for longer than I shall live.

All my love, Always,

Astoria

I hope you enjoyed this part! Thank you for reading!