Chapter 32 - The Ultimate Sacrifice

Several weeks had passed since I used that Unforgivable curse on Sebastian. He didn't come looking for me, nor did Ominis or Anne. It was a lonely few weeks and I cried myself to sleep most nights. My sobs didn't drown out my feeling of guilt, of what I had done to Sebastian. I had taken his free will from him. But it was to protect him. To keep him safe. That's what I kept telling myself.

On the days where I could feel my magic surging, I practiced Occlumency as Professor Sharp had taught me. It helped calm my mind and I was able further my magic more and more with each passing day. Soon I was able to summon food, clothes, and general supplies as I needed.

I ventured through the rest of the Scottish Highlands, never staying in one spot for more than a day in case the Ministry ever caught up to me. I saw my face in the newspapers, the Ministry were offering a reward for any information on my whereabouts. I kept my face hidden beneath my cloak when I ventured into villages for supplies. Not that I needed their supplies, as I was able to summon anything I needed. It was more so that I could talk to people. To anyone, really. Sometimes I would just venture into the local pub to listen to the villagers' conversations. It was a distraction that I desperately needed. Anytime somebody recognised me from the newspapers, I'd just use Obliviate to erase any memory of my face from their minds. And so, I begun a new routine, of venturing to a new village each day, never going back to the same one. Never staying still.

Despite my ability to summon food, I felt nauseous most days after I ate. Perhaps I was summoning food that wasn't ripe? I noticed that it was only certain types of food that made me want to hurl my guts out. I avoided meat altogether and apples specifically. It was the oddest thing. I still had vivid dreams at night, but I was no longer plagued with the recurring nightmare at least. I kept dreaming of Professor Onai and she kept repeating the prophecy over and over to me.

"The ancient power corrupted brings forth ash and death. The love of the eagle shall bring balance. Notwithstanding, a dark curse forms with a final breath. The ultimate sacrifice must be borne, eyes of hazel will bring about your final downfall."

I played over the words of the prophecy most days. The ancient power corrupted was the sinister voice, and with it brought about the death of many. Oliver. Towe. Poppy. Every time I thought of Poppy and Fig I would start to cry. I kept reminding myself to think back to what Sebastian had said to me; about living a life that I would be proud to tell them of when I saw them again in the next life. The thought just made me depressed. I wasn't living a life anyone would be proud of. I was going day by day in a numb state.

The love of the eagle bringing balance was Sebastian, every time I was close to having my power break through uncontrollably, I would think of him. Think of his hands holding my own, his lips caressing mine. Him telling me that he loved me. Although it calmed my surging power, it made me miss him and my heart ached every time. A dark curse forms with a final breath. This had to be the cursed opal necklace. It was created by the spell my grandmother had used to extract the corrupted power from me. I only hoped that it was destroyed in the blast. I will never forget the torment on Towe's face before she left this world. I wouldn't wish that kind of ending for anyone, not even Towe. I contemplated going back to the scene to confirm if the necklace had been destroyed, but I couldn't risk it. Not with the Ministry still looking for me, even after all these months.

The ultimate sacrifice must be borne, eyes of hazel will bring about your final downfall. This had to mean when I sacrificed my freedom to the Blackhand so that Rookwood would cure Anne. She had to be the one the prophecy was referring to. But my final downfall? Was I supposed to die that day? Why hadn't I? Was it anything to do with my mother who I saw in that misty other world? Did she intervene and change my fate? I had an uneasy feeling that Professor Onai's prophecy was still not yet complete. Why else would I still be dreaming of her? I felt like I was going insane. How much longer could I go on like this? The rest of my life?

These thoughts plagued me as I sat at a pub at one of the villages, downing my drink as sorrow swallowed me wholly. The pub was a bustle of activity and was filled with merry village folk. I felt dizzy as I set my goblet down as the clock chimed behind me. Shit. How many had I had? I'd lost track, I shouldn't be getting drunk. I need to be focused at all times. I could feel my magic tingling at my fingertips, and I started to panic. Some of the villagers close to me started eyeing me cautiously. I quickly dropped some coin on the bar and ran out of the pub, out of that village as fast as I could. Winter was approaching and the cold air on my face helped sober me up. The village was close to the coast, and I made my way to the cliff edge so that I could breathe in the sea air. Clear my head. It seemed to help as my magic soothed back into a slumber. How could I be so stupid? All it would take was one moment of losing control and I could've killed all those innocent people back there. Heavy rains started to fall, and I didn't bother lifting the hood of my cloak. I let the rain hit my face, my soaked hair sticking to my forehead. I stepped closer to the edge of the cliff, peering down below. It was a long drop to the rocks below, the moonlight glistening against them, almost enticing you to touch them.

A miserable thought came into my mind. My heart was beating uncontrollably as I stepped right up to the edge. I wanted to jump. I wanted to end it all here. The power would be destroyed. It would end with me. No more needing to control it or to hide it. No more pain. No more grief. I could feel the fear prickling down my spine as I continued to stare at those sharp rocks below. I was afraid. But I was desperate. I lifted a foot and made to step forward.

That's when I felt it.

A slight nudge within me.

Again.

And again.

I peered down and placed my hands over my belly where I felt that nudge, and almost as if in response, it nudged again. My heart was beating fast. I realised then that I hadn't kept track of when I last got my period. It must've been weeks. No, it can't be.

I felt the nudge again as if answering me.

I was with child.

And I had no idea if Ominis or Sebastian was the father.

²

I managed to locate a midwife in another nearby village, and she confirmed that I was with child. She was certain that I had just moved into the second trimester because I was able to feel the baby kick. She said that the pregnancy would start to show now in the second trimester, but that any morning sickness should start to subside now. Well, that would explain the nausea I was experiencing.

I didn't hang around long enough for her to finish explaining the rest of the pregnancy. I couldn't believe it. I went into shock. I immediately left the little coastal village and carried on my usual routine. I was in denial. I did make sure to stay away from anything that could harm the baby, like raw foods and alcohol. I stayed away from any pubs and tried to refrain from using too much of my magic. I felt tired on the days where I did use it. As the midwife had said, my belly started to show that I was with child. My back started to ache as the weeks went on, and I felt overly emotional most days. I had to focus on mediating and keeping myself calm to keep my magic under control. I thought about writing to tell Sebastian. Or should I be writing to Ominis? What would it mean for either of them? I had been with both with them only days apart. Either one of them could be the father. What if this child possessed my ancient magic? Would they be safe? I prayed that it would not pass down to them, only so that they would be safe and have a normal life. But what would a life on the run with a child be like? Would that be fair to them? I didn't know whether I was carrying a boy or a girl. I started just calling it "little one" when I spoke to it. I started to bond with the life within me as time went on and I grew bigger and bigger.

As the months passed, I know I needed to plan for the birth. By my calculations I was probably just weeks away from giving birth. I needed to plan what to do with the little one after it was born. It wouldn't be safe with me. I didn't know if I should leave the baby with Sebastian or Ominis. What if the Ministry was still watching them? All I knew was that I needed to keep this baby safe. My baby. My little one.

Something in the back of mind made me extend my travels up to northern Hogwarts region. It was dangerously close to home, and I was almost tempted to walk to Feldcroft, into Sebastian's arms. But I ventured on. The region bordered the Forbidden Forest and I made sure to avoid it all costs, sticking to the main pathways. I was always keen to face any danger that came my way, but not when it meant compromising the safety of my child. I didn't risk Apparating and walked most of the distance. My feet were swollen, and I had to stop to rest many times along the journey. The sun was setting and I sat down leaning against a large boulder along a fork in the path. Darkness was approaching and I should've probably setup a secure camp. I just needed a few minutes to rest. The signs on the path pointed North for the Forbidden Forest and West for the North Hogwarts region, my destination.

Something was calling me to this region. Something tugging my soul here, like I was meant to be here all along. The path to the Forbidden Forest looked familiar. I realised I had been here before. Last Christmas when I encountered The Blackhand for the first time. When I saved that muggle woman from them. It was the first time I managed to heal someone with my magic. I'll never forget the kindness of that woman, to me, a stranger. That wasn't so long ago, where I was a young woman unaware of what the future would hold. And here I sit, a soon to be mother. Still so unaware. I drifted off to a sleep as my thoughts became blurry and eyes closed.

I was abruptly woken from my daze when I felt a firm hand grab the front of my cloak. My eyes shot open to a man with yellow stained teeth smiling at me. His whiskey breath burned my nostrils as he spoke.

"Give us your coin girl."

There were three other men behind him, they looked a little younger than the man before me, but they all looked like low life's whose sole purpose was to steal any coin they could find to spend it on whiskey. The sun had set and there wasn't even moonlight to brighten the night sky. I should've set up my secure camp. My hands instinctively went to my belly, protecting my little one.

"I don't have any coin." It was true, I didn't need it.

The man noticed my hands move towards my belly and he ripped open my cloak. I don't think he even noticed I was with child, he must've thought I was trying to hide my coin purse. I tried to fight him off from me, but I felt so tired, so weak. I hadn't managed to summon magic these past few days without shaking from exhaustion. I needed it now more than ever.

"Don't lie to me! Give us your coin or you'll regret it." He was roughly trying to pull my cloak from me, trying to search for coin.

Anger was prickling my skin, I could feel my magic bubbling beneath the surface.

"I said I don't have any! Leave me be, or you will regret it." I shouted at them, the others behind him just laughed.

"If you don't have coin then this perhaps other things you can provide us with." My mouth dried as his eyes lingered over me. Bile crept up into my stomach.

"Don't you dare touch me." The others started to move closer to me, their eyes filled with a look that would frighten any woman. I kept eyeing them as they approached.

I needed to scare them off, I would not let them touch me. My magic was still building, I needed more time. The older one before me took advantage of my distraction and landed a punch on my jaw. He was surprisingly strong. The knock sent me falling backwards, I tried to land on my back, but ended up falling on my side. Pain stung at my belly and tears swelled my eyes. The others had gathered around me and the older one was standing in front of me. I instinctively kicked and my foot landed in his groin, causing him to wail in pain and fall to his knees.

"You bitch!"

I tried to stand but the others held be down by my arms and I felt a swift kick to my belly. I screamed out in pain. My little one. My magic was failing me, I was seeing stars. I was already exhausted from trying to fight them off physically. What was the point of having all this power if I couldn't even protect myself? Protect my little one?

The older one was standing again, pure hatred and wickedness etched in his face as he started to undo his belt. Fear swarmed me and I felt the tears stream down my face. I screamed and swore at them as I struggled against their grip. My magic wouldn't release. I had never felt so powerless.

I looked at the man's hideous face before me as he stared down at me. His look of satisfaction changed to one of pain. Someone was behind him and had hit him across the head with a rock. He crumpled to the floor. My eyes were still hazy, and I tried to focus more clearly on the scene before me. I heard growling and I could see a large dog with its hairs on end as it bared its teeth at the men still holding me down.

"Release her immediately," a man with a deep voice said.

The others swiftly released their grip on me. I tried to lift my head as I heard the man whistle, and the dog attacked the three men. I heard their screams, and they ran into the Forbidden Forest, that large brown dog barking and chasing after them. I could hear hurried footsteps approach me and someone kneeled next to me. The deep voiced man was still standing, he whistled for his dog to return.

Gentle hands reached behind my neck and lifted my head slowly.

"Charles, look." It was a woman's voice.

The pain in my belly pulsated and I cried out at the pain. I could feel my eyes rolling into the back of my head. I sensed the man kneel over on the other side of me and inspect my belly. I felt his hands move gently over my belly, something inside of me told me not to fight him.

"We need to get her back to the house. Quickly Ella." The deep firm voice from before was now more panicked.

"There's so much blood…" The woman's voice was even more panicked.

It made me lift my head and look down. There was a massive pool of blood in between my legs, my trousers were soaked through. Horror coated my heart.

"My little one…"

I felt hands lift me from my shoulders and hug around my waist as they carried me quickly down the path. My screams echoed in the night sky.

"Please, my little one," I pleaded.

"We're going to help you, just try stay awake dear." The woman, Ella spoke to me. "What is your name?"

"Riley. Riley Dagworth," my voice was hoarse from the screaming.

"Riley, how far along are you do you know?" Charles asked.

I tried to think straight, I was losing feeling in my legs, and I rested more weight on the two angels beside me.

"I think thirty-six weeks. I fell on my side, and they kicked me." I wept as I said it.

"Be strong Riley, we are almost there."

I don't know how long they carried me, but every step felt like agony as the sharp pains ran down my back and through to the front of me stomach. Eventually we made our way through a small village and stopped at the doorstep of a small cottage.

Ella left Charles to hold me on his own as she hurried to open to the door. He led me through, basically carrying my entire body weight over the threshold into the cottage. It was warm from a fire in the corner and candles dimly lit the room. Charles ushered me to the bedroom and gently laid me on the bed, I screamed once more as another shooting pain flew through me.

"Ella, fetch my things quickly. She has gone into labour."

"What? It's too soon?" I finally managed to get a good look at my saviour. He looked to be in his late thirties, he had curly brown hair and he wore glasses where kind eyes shone through.

"You have gone into early labour from the trauma Riley. You're haemorrhaging, that's what's caused all the blood. We need to get your baby out now."

Ella returned with what looked like doctors' utensils in her arms and she placed them on the table beside the bed. She hurried over to the washroom and returned moments later with a bucket of water and cloths. I glanced nervously at the knives Charles pulled laid out on the table.

"I'm a Doctor, Riley. You can trust me. Will you allow me to inspect you?"

I nodded. Ella removed my blooded pants gently. She then used the cloths to soak up as much of the blood as possible. Charles felt my belly and then he moved to in between my legs as I felt him inspecting me. As he did another roaring scream escaped my lips as my back spasmed.

Ella was now at my side, holding my hand and dabbing a damp cloth on my forehead.

"You are so brave Riley," She whispered in my ear. I squeezed her hand and turned to look at her. She was smiling at me and there were crows' feet forming around her green eyes. Her curly brown hair falling below her shoulders.

"It's you-" I recognised her now. The muggle woman I saved from The Blackhand. She just smiled as squeezed my hand once more. Charles looked up after inspecting me and spoke quietly.

"Riley, I need you to listen to me very carefully. Your baby hasn't turned yet."

I stared at the Doctor, and I could see the concern on his face.

"What does that mean?" My voice was husky and my throat dry.

"It means your baby is breached Riley. There is a risk that the baby's head or shoulders may become wedged against your pelvis. You are not dilated enough for you to give natural birth now. We only have one choice." I could see Charles give Ella a worried glance before he looked back at me.

"I have to cut you open and perform a caesarean. It's the only way."

"So do it." I said bluntly. I didn't know why he looked so worried.

"Riley, I have to warn you. It will be painful, I don't have any pain relief medication to give you right now. There is also a very high chance of infection. If we were at the hospital, it would be different, but we're running out of time."

Ella was still stroking a damp cloth against my forehead.

"If we don't do this now my little one won't make it?" I knew the answer before Charles even had to nod.

"Do it," I didn't hesitate.

"Ella, we are going to need more cloths, as soon as the baby is out, I'll need to stitch Riley up as quickly as possible. She's already lost a lot of blood." Ella nodded and released my hands, she returned with more cloths then once again knelt beside the bed, holding my hand. Charles pulled a sharp blade from his supplies and lifted my shirt. He gave me one last look.

"Are you ready?"

"Just save my little one."

And with that the blade carved into my skin.

I became numb to the pain, my only thought was on my little one. Within minutes Charles cut through the layers in my abdomen and I used all my strength to look up as he pulled my little one out. I sighed in relief as I heard the screams of a newborn fill the room.

"He's ok Riley, he looks healthy," Charles cut the umbilical cord as he spoke.

He? I had a son.

Ella released my hand and took the baby from Charles, cleaned him, and wrapped him in a blanket before coming back to my side. "Would you like to hold your son Riley?" Ella was smiling down at me. I just nodded as tears filled my eyes.

I took the bundle from her and looked for the first time at my son.

As soon as I saw his hair and his eyes, I knew exactly who his father was. And he was beautiful.

"He looks just like his father," I said through a teary smile. I didn't even pay attention to Charles stitching me up as I held my son.

"Hello my little one." I kissed his little forehead. My body felt numb, but heart had never felt so full.

Charles and Ella cleaned me up as I smiled down at my beautiful son. He was alive, he was safe and that was all that mattered. I eventually looked over at them both as they cleaned the blood from their hands.

"Thank you. Thank you both. For everything."

Charles gave me a small smile and nodded. Ella had an even bigger smile on her face, and she watched me as I held my son. I felt so tired, but I all I wanted to do was stare into his beautiful face. He held onto my finger tightly and love swelled in my heart.

Ella sat down in a chair beside the bed, "Do you have a name for him?"

I looked over at her kind face and smiled. I did. I had one in mind for months now. Secretly hoping that it was a boy.

"Hector. Hector Dagworth."

"That is a lovely name," she said as she stroked his little head. "How are you feeling Riley?"

In truth I didn't care how I was feeling, only that Henry was safe. Now that she asked the question, I suddenly realised how hot it was, and the pain in my abdomen was a dull ache.

"I'm a bit sore, and tired. It's quite warm in here is it not?" Charles placed a palm to my head to feel my temperature.

"You should rest Riley, I need to go to the hospital. I want to get you some medication just in case there is infection. Your temperature is quite high. But I also need to go speak to law enforcement about what those men did to you." Charles had a serious look on his face, Ella just nodded as he exited. I could feel my head dipping and my eyes felt heavy. Ella noticed my drowsiness.

"I can take him while you sleep if you like. I'll arrange a cot for him so that he can sleep right beside you." Although I didn't want to let him go, I needed to sleep. Exhaustion was creeping in. I nodded and she took Henry from my arms.

"Thank you, Ella. I am indebted to you and Charles for what you did for me, and Henry tonight."

"I don't know why, but I have the strangest feeling that it's me in fact that should be indebted to you Riley. I know we met in the Forbidden Forest last year, the memories of that night are still a bit hazy for me. But I feel like you saved me that night for some odd reason." I tried to not let my face give away anything.

"As far I remember, you were more concerned for my safety, wondering around the Forbidden Forest at night. Your kindness to a stranger took me by surprise." A small smile escaped me.

Ella just smiled at me, "Mr. Granger always says to me you cannot do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late."

"Mr. Granger?" I asked, my eyes starting to close.

"Yes, my husband, Charles Granger. He is the kindest man I have ever met. I am very lucky to call him my husband."

"He's lucky to call you his wife." I managed to mumble before sleep claimed me.

²

I awoke with a fright. Even though Ella Granger had managed to clean the bed from all blood, I managed to soak it with my night sweats. I felt hot and cold at the same time. The pain in my abdomen hadn't subsided and I tried to ignore it. I looked over to find Hector sleeping peacefully in the cot next to me. His presence calmed my beating heart. I could hear the Grangers in the next room speaking in hushed voices. I tried to listen carefully to what they were saying.

"What do you mean you couldn't find any medication at the hospital Charles?" Ella had an edge of panic in her voice.

"The hospital is out of supplies, they are only expecting to receive shipment next week." The doctor sounded defeated.

"She has an extremely high temperature Charles, and she keeps clutching at her belly. I think she's in severe pain, but she won't admit it." They were both quiet for a moment.

"It's childbed fever Ella, I've seen this too many times."

More silence followed.

"What do we do? How long does she have?" Ella sounded tearful. Goosebumps coated my pale skin.

"She has lost so much blood, it's a miracle she's still alive."

"What about the baby? Hector?"

Charles sighed, "Let's just focus on Riley for the moment. Make her as comfortable as possible."

Their voices disappeared into another room, and I couldn't hear anymore more that was said. I didn't need to hear anything more.

I gazed numbly out the window and noticed that snow had started to fall. A small breeze fluttered through the window, and I shivered at its touch. I still felt so tired, but my mind was restless after what I had just heard. Part of me already knew that I was dying, even before Doctor Granger confirmed it. I barely felt the ancient magic within me, and my heartbeat felt slower than ever. I looked over to the table beside the bed and spotted a pitcher with some water, I leaned over and groaned from the pain as I reached for it. I drank heavily from it. As I set it down, I noticed some parchment, a bottle of ink and a quill. I knew what I needed to do. And I didn't have much time.

It took all my strength to write, by the end of it I was sweating again, and my hands were shaking. I folded the letter and placed it on the bedside table. Then I slowly rolled over and looked at Henry, his eyes wide open now. His little hand was outstretched as he looked at me. I caressed his face and settled his little fingers around my own. I smiled at him as he just stared at me.

"I love you, Henry. I want you to live the most extraordinary life. I can't wait to hear all about it when we meet again."

I felt my breathing slow, and my eyes started to close. The shivers had stopped, and I could've sworn I felt a warm hand on my shoulder and a soft whisper in my ear.

"It is time my Alina."

It was the most peace I had ever felt in that moment when I closed my eyes for the very last time.