Mother Daughter Lunch

"You and Vincent being best friends? Now that I want to see," Khaat laughed. "Well, I haven't gotten any owls or howlers saying you were back in detention again, so I figured either you two called a truce or that you were staying out of each other's way. I'm glad you're getting along, at least for now. Mis, can I make a suggestion?" Khaat asked. "It's just my thoughts, and you're free to reject it. But here it is. I know you have gone through a really rough time, losing your mom and dad. No one can blame you for being upset and lost about that. You certainly have a right. I won't ever tell you that you don't. And, I'm sure you have a lot of fear and nervousness about this baby you're carrying. Plus, school, and all the rest.

"But, I'm not sure you're keeping your life in balance. If I have learned anything, your grandfather has taught me that when your life is not in balance, it is easy to get depressed or to start thinking negatively, or both. It sounds to me like you need to start treating youself well. Pamper yourself. It doesn't have to take money or a lot of time. Let me give you an example. I don't know about you, but my baby is driving me crazy with this huge craving for pistachio ice cream. I mean, it just never stops." She laughed talking about how badly she wanted pistachio ice cream. "So, maybe, for me, just getting a scoop of pistachio ice cream and letting myself take my time with it and enjoying it might be one way I could treat myself well. And, yes, the ice cream shop in Diagon Alley does carry pistachio ice cream, although I know Rob and I can find better for Sparks.

"Plus that, I think we need to start buying things for a really nice nursery for your baby. I'd like to buy those things for you. I'd like to help--if you'll let me. Rob and I would really like to help you put together a room for your baby that is the room of your dreams. How about it? Will you let us help? We know you're going to need help with your baby anyway. You're going to need to leave the child to us during the days during the week while you're in school anyway. Or with your grandmother. We want you to know you're not alone. We're a family, and being there for each other is just what we do. It's just that simple. Maybe if you felt like you had more of our help, you wouldn't feel the need to lock yourself away and to be so alone. Mis, I just want you to know how very, very much we all love you. Especially me. I could not ever love you more, not if I had been the one to have had the honor of giving birth to you. And it would have been an exceptionally wonderful honor if I had been. But, I feel so blessed by having you in my life. Nothing is ever going to change that for me. I will always love you and I will always, always be here for you."

"Pay me? For goodness sakes! I'm your mother. I don't expect to be paid. " Khaat frowned. "Mis, I am not sure who put this into your head about not being able to leave your baby for the first year, but mothers all over the world need to either go to school or work and have to hire sitters. Just how do you think you can go to Hogwarts and take your baby with you? That is totally against school policy. They'll never let that happen. You're going to need our help, and we're delighted to give it. You don't have that much school to finish, and its important that you do finish. Let us help you. Let the baby stay at the house in Hogsmeade and you can stop by daily when your classes are over and on the weekends. It will all work out. Besides, for the first bit of it anyway, babies sleep a lot. You'll be fine going to school. I have taken care of babies before, you know. Wouldn't you rather have a hand at it than being so scared about it and feeling so confused and alone? And your grandmother? Well, she's just a pro. Your baby couldn't be in better hands than with her. She can help teach you what you want to know, and she'd be delighted to do it. She teaches new mothers all the time. She does that as part of her midwife duties. She's been teaching moms how to take care of babies for almost 40 years. Mis, you will get through this, but you can't do this alone. You need to let your family help you."

"Not to worry," Khaat laughed. "She isn't that old. Not yet. She's healthier than a lot of muggles my age. Wizards tend to age slower for some reason. I don't know why. Yes, I'm sure she'll be fine with it. You realize, your baby is going to be her great grandchild. She is going to welcome your baby every much as mine. And, yes, I think I can handle two babies. It isn't such a big deal once you know what you're doing. It'll be fine. And you'll get plenty of time wth the baby. Trust me. It'll all work out."

"Now, I want you to think about what you want your baby's room to look like. You'll need a nursery for it. It'll need its own space. Consider that a gift from Rob and me. We'll help you with that. We can either shop for it together, or you can tell me what you want, or, if you really trust us..." Khaat laughed, "we could surprise you. It's your choice. You decide. Have you had Andrian or anyone checking you periodically to make sure that you and the baby are healthy?"