The Announcement
Athanasia paced back and forth in her living room, her hands clasped together nervously. She had called Lily over for advice on how to announce her pregnancy to James, and they had come up with a plan. But now that the moment was almost here, Athanasia couldn't shake off the feeling of anxiety that clutched at her heart.
Lily watched her friend with concern, knowing that this was a big moment for Athanasia. She had only been married to James for a few months, and the news of a pregnancy was sure to come as a shock. But Lily also knew that James loved Athanasia more than anything, and that he would be overjoyed at the prospect of becoming a father.
"Are you ready?" Lily asked, breaking Athanasia out of her thoughts.
Athanasia nodded, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be," she said, her voice shaky.
Lily gave her a reassuring smile, taking her hand. "You got this," she said. "And we're all here to support you."
Athanasia smiled back, feeling grateful for Lily's support. They had become close friends over the past few months, and Athanasia knew that she could always count on her for advice and guidance.
They made their way to the dining room, where James was already seated at the table, looking expectant. Athanasia took a deep breath and sat down next to him, taking his hand in hers.
"James," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "Lily and I have something to tell you."
James looked at her, his eyes bright with curiosity. "What is it?" he asked.
Athanasia looked at Lily for support, and Lily nodded encouragingly. Athanasia took another deep breath before she spoke.
"We're pregnant," she said, watching as James's face went from confusion to shock to pure joy.
"You're what?" he exclaimed, jumping up from his seat and pulling Athanasia into a tight embrace. "That's amazing! We're going to be parents!"
Sirius and Remus, who had been hiding behind the curtains, came out laughing and clapping. "Finally!" Sirius exclaimed. "Uncle Padfoot can't wait to spoil his little godchild."
Remus grinned, clapping James on the back. "Congratulations, mate," he said. "You're going to make an amazing father."
Athanasia felt a weight lifted off her shoulders as she watched James's joyous reaction. She knew that this was the start of a new chapter in their lives, one filled with love and happiness.
"Thank you," she said, her voice choked with emotion. "Thank you for being so supportive."
James kissed her on the forehead, holding her close. "I love you," he said. "And I love our baby."
The group spent the rest of the evening celebrating, discussing baby names and nursery ideas. Athanasia felt a sense of belonging she had never experienced before, knowing that she had found a new family in James, Lily, Sirius, and Remus.
As the night drew to a close, Athanasia felt a sense of peace settle over her. She knew that the road ahead would be filled with challenges, but she also knew that she had the love and support of her friends and family to guide her.
She looked at James, her heart swelling with love. He had given her a new life, a life filled with hope and joy. And she knew that she would always be grateful for the day she had met him.
As they walked hand in hand to their bedroom, James turned to Athanasia with a mischievous grin. "So, do we have any ideas for baby names yet?"
Athanasia smiled, feeling excited for their future. "Well, I was thinking maybe if it's a girl, we could name her Lily after your best friend who helped us come up with the plan to announce our pregnancy."
James chuckled. "I think Lily would love that. And if it's a boy?"
Athanasia thought for a moment before replying, "What about Sirius? He's been like a brother to you, and I know he'll be an amazing godfather."
James nodded, a big grin spreading across his face. "I think that's perfect."
As they settled into bed, Athanasia felt a sense of contentment wash over her. She knew that their lives were about to change in a big way, but she was excited for the journey ahead. With James by her side, she felt like they could conquer anything.
"Goodnight, James," she whispered, snuggling closer to him.
"Goodnight, my love," he replied, kissing her forehead.
And as they drifted off to sleep, Athanasia felt grateful for the love and happiness that surrounded her, knowing that the best was yet to come.