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“ Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Stella, happy birthday to you!”
Stella smiled sweetly at everyone as her mother squeezed her shoulders, head resting against Stella’s as she whispered, “Make a wish, Stella Bug.”
Closing her eyes, she thought for a minute before she leaned forward and blew the candles out. Everyone cheered in her father’s small living room in his chambers at Ilvermorny. When her eyes fluttered open, Stella saw her boyfriend grinning widely before he leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Happy Birthday, Stella!”
“Thank You, Tommy,” she stole a peck to his lips before accepting the hug her father pulled her into as she stood. “Daddy!”
“Our baby is 18, Tina!” Her laugh wasn’t stifled at her father’s happiness. Newt Scamander and Tina Goldstein both seemed happier these days. So she let her father hug her tight as her mother sent them a joyful grin.
Then she was cutting the cake Uncle Jacob had made, handing pieces to her brothers to pass out to her aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and grandparents there. It seemed like everyone had made the trip to Massachusetts. Even Great Nan Scamander was smiling at her. Her siblings and in-laws each wore wide smiles as the bragged about being proud of her, the boys groaning when their mother gave them a pointed look. “Boys, do NOT give those to your sister to hand out.”
“I’m pregnant, not an invalid, Mom.” Ellie singsonged as she came over to hug Estelle. Stella accepted the tight embrace, resting her head on her sister’s shoulder and pretending to ignore the wince Ellie had been fighting all day. “I can hand out my beautiful baby sister’s birthday cake.”
“You are due any day, Eleanor.” Their mother said dryly. “Sit down and relax. Please. For my sanity.”
When Ellie didn’t answer, Stella whispered, “It’s my birthday. And I want you to listen to Mom.”
“You’re lucky I love you.”
“I know,” she said, kissing her sister’s cheek before pulling away. Ellie laughed before letting Lyall lead her off to the small office attached to the chambers. “I’ll get your cake!” Her sister gave her a thumbs up and turned away, her hand falling to rest on her baby bump.
“Here,” Tommy handed her a slice of cake. “And I have our piece right here.” He held up the largest slice that she knew her mother had given her boyfriend purely because Stella would only want a few bites of her own. Tommy gave her a crooked grin before he nudged her. “Go, get that to Ellie. So you can open presents. I think you’ll love mine!”
Laughing, Stella leaned forward, kissing him softly before she murmured, “I’d prefer to get your present without my whole family watching.”
“You have an actual present, your goodnight kiss present will be saved for later, Stelle.”
A wicked smile pulled at her lips before she stepped away. Everyone was laughing and joking amongst themselves while she moved toward the little office. The door was slightly ajar and she looked inside, about to call to her sister when she saw Lyall’s look of deep concern. She leaned in and listened to their quiet whispers. “Starlight, you’re in labor.”
“No. I’m not.”
“Elle, you’ve been having contractions have five minutes apart for the last hour or so. Walt told you that-“
“It’s Stella’s birthday. I cannot take attention away from her on her birthday.”
“Love, the baby is coming whether-“
“We’ll go as soon as she finishes opening her presents. It could still be a while before the baby comes anyway and-“
“Eleanor, the baby’s due date was last week. Your mother told you it was likely he or she would come late, but we cannot ignore that this is labor. And I think Stella will understand that we didn’t want to or mean to steal her thunder by her niece or nephew coming into this world in the middle of her birthday party.”
Stella felt her breath catch as she saw the look on Ellie’s face. It was clear her sister was in pain, that another contraction was hitting, but the tears in Ellie’s eyes weren’t from labor. “She’s my baby sister. And today is her eighteenth birthday. I know she sometimes feels like she lives in all of our shadows and that’s not true or fair! We all made the trip up here this afternoon after classes so we could surprise her. And I just, I can’t take this away from her, Ly. It wouldn’t be fair.”
“Love, you didn’t plan this.”
“I know, but- Oh, fuck.”
Looking at the floor beneath Ellie, Stella saw the proof of just how far in labor her sister was. The puddle of liquid making it oh so clear. Before Ellie or Lyall could think, Stella was turning frantically and yelling, “JOE! ELLIE’S IN LABOR!”
Her brother pulled away from his wife, Maddie’s face stuck between shock and excitement just like everyone else for a moment. Then the entire family was spurring into action. Her mother was vaulting for the office right behind Joe while her father was barking orders about getting things put away. Everyone shot her an apologetic look as they each realized the party was coming to an end, but Stella was too busy flinging the door open to the office, moving to help hold Ellie up as she stared in shock. “You were listening?”
“Door wasn’t closed, think about that before trying to have private conversations. Especially once this guy is here,” she jerked her chin toward her sister’s protruding abdomen. Then she grinned up at Ellie, tears filling in her eyes. “You’re having a baby!”
“But it’s your birthday! And-“
“And I get the best present in the world.” Ellie’s brows furrowed. “I get to share my birthday with my niece or nephew.”
“Eh, Elle might still have several hours to go, bug.” Joe murmured from where he was kneeling on the floor, his healer kit that he’d brought just in case in front of him. “Want me to che-“
“You aren’t going anywhere near my vagina, thank you very much, Joseph.”
“Ellie,” their mother groaned. “Just let him-“
“Nah, I’m good. I think that’s a good boundary, Elle.” Joe said, standing up with a smile. “I’ll send a patronus to Walt so he has something ready at St. Rupert’s. But for now we need to get you, Ly, Mom, and whoever else you want to the hospital first. Then everyone else can head that way after they clean up.”
Stella pulled back, ready to let her mother step into her place as they hobbled toward the doors to their father’s chambers. But Ellie gripped her tightly. “Where are you going?”
“I, um,” Stella looked around the room. Making eye contact with their mother, father, and Pops, she felt their understanding of her decision. She still had classes the next day. And no one ever really left school if their sibling had a baby. Granted most other students didn’t have their siblings showing up to celebrate their birthday, but still. Stella knew she wasn’t going to be allowed to leave Ilvermorny. Not her, Danny, or Penny. They all were still students and would have to rely on news from anyone else in the room. Even Tommy looked slightly disappointed he’d have to stay behind too. “Elle, I have school in the morning and-“
“Okay, so,” She glared at their grandfather. “Estelle Scamander needs to be excused from classes tomorrow. So do those three.” She nodded to where their younger cousins and Tommy stood. “There’s an emergency. And as deputy chief Auror I need their help,” again a grimace of pain flashed across her sister’s features.
Their mother paused in front of her, worry filling her eyes as she whispered, “Breathe, Elle Belle.” Once the contraction was over, their mom whispered, “Ellie, you know Stella, Danny, Penny, and Tommy need to-“
“I suppose for such an exciting emergency, we can give them a pass. Considering most of the teachers will be too ecstatic that one of their favorite former students is having a baby.” Stella looked at Pops wide eyed. In front of her, she heard her mother saying something only for Elliot Fontaine to wave it off. “My oldest great grandchild is coming into the world, Teenie. If my Ellie Bear wants her sister by her side, you think I’m gonna say no? Who do I look like? Oliver?”
Oliver J. Scamander I looked at his friend in horror. “Leo! I would nev-“
“Okay as fun as this is, Pops, Geandad,” Ellie said in between a grunt of pain. “I really think I need to go to the hospital now.”
Ellie’s words were all it took for everyone to be moving again. Stella remained tucked into her sister’s side as they rushed through the halls. And all she could think was Best birthday ever.
**********************************************************
They’d been at the hospital for about two hours and the early evening they arrived in was quickly being replaced by nightfall. Checking the clock on the wall, Stella saw that it was almost 8:30 and the last update they’d gotten was Ellie was close. So close, just not quite ready.
She’d made it two steps into the room when Walt had asked her to go wait in the waiting room earlier, despite Ellie’s protests. But Stella hadn’t argued, just followed her father to sit in the waiting room down the hall with the rest of the family while Lyall and her mother stayed at Ellie’s side. Ever since she’d been curled up in a chair, leaning into Tommy while Joe sat at her other side, promising Ellie was okay. Jack and Ollie were sitting on the floor in front of them, listening too while Maddie and Parker watched the doors, watching for any word.
Aunt Queenie was quietly knitting next to Aunt Lally as she regaled the room with the story of where she was when Stella’s mother had sent word that Ellie was born. Ava and Penny listened enrapture as Uncle Tree, Nan, Grandad, and Pops threw in their own perspectives of when Ellie was born. Great Nan was entertaining Lyall’s family who her father had gotten word to not long after arriving at St. Rupert’s and had forced MACUSA’s hand on getting an emergency portkey for her brother-in-law’s grandmother and brother. Lawrence had beelined for her when they’d arrived, pressing a kiss to her cheek and whispering a “Happy Birthday, Estelle.” She’d given him a grin before letting her eyes train on the door. Uncle Jacob was distracting a bored Noah and Danny.
Which left her father to pace. As if this was the scariest thing his oldest child had ever faced. And Stella supposed in some ways, parenting would be Ellie’s both scariest and greatest adventure she’d ever been on.
A present being placed in her lap forced her out of her thoughts. Glancing over at Tommy, she saw his smile. “I know Ellie is going to be pissed she missed it, but I think it’s present time, Stella.”
Looking around the room, she saw her entire family giving her boyfriend an approving nod. But her eyes landed back on her father, that lazy grin she’d seen grace his lips many times back in place as he looked at her. “You can open Mum and I’s next, kneazle.”
Nodding, she carefully opened the delicately wrapped present. The little box opened to reveal a compass. It was a beautiful compass, but she still furrowed her brow as she looked at Tommy. His grin was massive as he whispered, “So even when you’re out adventuring without me this summer, you can find your way home.”
The decision to go with Jack that summer for a magizoology research trip had been an easy one when her brother had presented it to her. And Tommy still wasn’t sure what his plans were. But they both knew they’d include each other. Even if for now they’d be separated for a bit. So the compass was an incredibly thoughtful gift.
“I love it. Thank you.”
Before Tommy could say another word, her father was handing her a gift, a new necklace with a kneazle charm as well as a promise of letting her pick out a case for her upcoming adventures with Jack. Then her brothers and their significant others if they had one. A gift came from each of them. Even if she knew Maddie had been the one to help all three pick them out since it was each a variation of the perfume and makeup she preferred. Her sister-in-law had held her finger to her lips when they’d made eye contact and Stella gently popped into her mind to thank her.
Her grandparents went next, Nan and Grandad gifting her a beautiful journal. Pops gave her a satchel. “Sometimes it’s easier to carry with you when you are in the field than a case.” He’d said with a wink. Great Nan had gifted her a set of quills. Her aunts and uncles presented her with a coat that was similar to both Ellie’s and their father’s old, well loved blue ones. Yet it was still entirely something different with its light blue hue. Finally her cousins gave her a smile as they gave a few different types of chocolates that she was known to snack on.
Grinning around the room, Stella said, “Thank you. Truly, I appreciate everything. And thanks. For the surprise earlier,” she shrugged as she looked at the ground. “For a minute I thought everyone forgot it was my birthday when I didn’t get any letters this morning.”
“Us forget your birthday, Stelle?” Ollie crowed, yanking her up and into a hug. Their older brothers grinned as they joined the embrace, Joe keeping Jack or Ollie from messing with her hair. “Stella, we could never forget your birthday.”
“Never ever,” Jack said as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “You’re my favorite sibling. Ellie, sure forget her birthday every year! Joe, only remember because he’s my womb buddy! Ollie, does he have a birthday? You, Estelle Ariadne Scamander? Your birthday is one I will always remember.”
“Wait a minute.” Ollie pulled back from the hug with indignation. “Are you telling me that you forgetting my birthday this year wasn't like a joke? You said it was a joke!”
“Ollie, of course I didn’t actually-“
“Actually, Jackie,” Parker jumped in, ready to throw Jack under the bus. Only for Lyall to come bursting into the waiting room.
Everyone was on their feet, but his eyes scanned the room until he found her. His grin was wide as he waved to her. “Stella, come with me!” Slipping out of Joe’s lingering hug, Estelle hesitantly moved to follow her brother-in-law. Glancing about the room revealed everyone nodding in excitement, offering her signs of encouragement. Her father kissed her head before he ushered her to follow Lyall.
As they walked through the halls, she saw his excitement and the spring in his step. “Is the baby here?”
“Not quite yet.”
“Then why-“
“Oh you know your sister, she’s scheming and not telling me anything.”
“Why do I not believe you?”
“Because you shouldn’t,” he slung an arm around her shoulders, tugging her into a side hug. “Have you had a good birthday, Stella?”
“I have.”
“I hope you know your sister has been having a stern one sided conversation with your niece or nephew about spoiling your party.”
“Ellie needs to get a grip.”
“Ah, that’s why she has me, Stelle,” he pressed a kiss to her head before opening the door to the room he’d led her to. “Starlight, one Estelle Ariadne Scamander just as you requested.”
Ellie gave her a smile as her mother held open her arms. Stella stepped into her mother’s embrace. Her sister whispered, “How’s the birthday girl?”
“Good. How are you soon-to-be mom?”
“I’ve threatened Lyall already.”
“Twenty five times. It’s a new record, really.” Lyall said with a happy, tired smile. An eyebrow raised on her sister’s face. “It still doesn’t beat the record of your threats against Jack, Evan, Alastor, or Pete, love.”
“Keep digging, Wolf Boy.”
Lyall winked at Stella while her mother let out a melodic laugh. But Stella’s eyes were trained on Ellie in confusion. “Wait, why am I here?”
“Because my favorite patient here was adamant that we ask the birthday girl if she wants to be in here when her niece or nephew joins us for her birthday.” Stella looked at Walt with wide eyes as he came into the room, moving toward the end of Ellie’s bed. Her mother tugged her closer to Ellie’s head, letting Ellie have some privacy while Walt performed a pelvic exam. “Told you you should have let Ly warn her, Elle.”
“Shut up, Walter.” Her sister grabbed her hand, squeezing. “If you don’t want to be in here believe me I understand, but I’d love it if you stayed.”
Seeing the sincerity there, Stella knew where she needed to be. She was the youngest, the baby of her family. She would never have the very first day of school between her siblings, she’d never be the first to get married or have children. And that was okay, she was a lot of the lasts and that had a whole different meaning, but getting to be there by her sister’s side for this first, this was something that Stella wanted to be there to hold Ellie’s hand for.
So she squeezed tight. “Just promise you’ll break Ly’s hand. I need mine for class still.”
“Deal.” She leaned over and kissed her sister’s cheek. Their mother smiled down at them both.
“Oh, I love you two.” She pressed a kiss to each of their heads. “So much. My girls.” Then Tina Goldstein tilted Stella’s chin up. “Happy Birthday, Stella Bug.”
“Thanks, Mama.”
“Ladies, I hate to interrupt,” they all three looked up to see Walt grinning. Lyall stood from his chair, grabbing Ellie’s hand and Stella knew what Walt would say before he said it. “Who wants to meet baby Lupin?”
**********************************************************
“He’s perfect, Elle,” Stella heard her mother whisper as she stood next to Lyall who was now holding the squirming baby. Stella remained at Ellie’s side, holding her sister’s hand while Walt took care of her through the afterbirth.
“Can I see him?” Ellie hoarsely asked and Walt gave Lyall the go ahead. Stella squeezed Ellie’s hand as Lyall leaned down to settle the baby on Ellie’s chest. “Oh, hi there,” her sister’s voice was watery and Stella leaned her head against Ellie’s. “I’m your Mama. And you’ve met Daddy and Nan.” Lyall and Mom smiled softly as Ellie maneuvered to hold her baby. “And this is Aunt Stella.” Her sister nodded to the little strip of bed next to her and Stella carefully sat next to her. “She’s your birthday buddy, bub. And she’s the best birthday buddy to have. She’s going to be the cool aunt. Don’t tell Aunt Maddie I said that. Or Aunt Mia. They’ll get upset.”
“Especially Aunt Mia.” Lyall whispered, his eyes locked on his wife and child.
Ellie moved so her head was resting against Stella’s. “And Aunt Stella is dating Uncle Tommy. Who will no doubt help you prank all your other uncles. Those two are the cutest, buddy. And you get to witness their fall into being like Great Nan and Great Grandad where they’ll just be happy and in love for years before making anything too official.”
“Just like your Mommy and Daddy did,” Stella whispered, lifting her hand to trace her nephew’s cheek. “Can I know his name? Since he is my birthday buddy?”
Ellie glanced up at Lyall, their mother snorting a laugh as if she’d heard the suggestions. “It would seem Mr. Lupin wants to carry on the tradition of naming our children after someone in mythology.”
“And who is our newest little buddy named after?” Her eyes remained transfixed on the baby squirming in her sister’s arms, a content smile tugging at Stella’s lips.
“Remus.”
Her head shot up to look between her sister and brother-in-law. “Like as in Remus from the myth of Romulus and Remus.”
“Yes,” Lyall said, teeth already gritted.
Stella held up a hand. “First, booooo, we all have Greek-“
“Most of the myths are tied to both the Roman and Greek versions of the pantheons plus several of you are named after people in the Torah and Bible, Stella.”
Stella glared, crossing her arms. “And two, you guys are really leaning into the whole ‘Wolf Boy’ thing?”
Her sister winked. “Always.”
“Middle name?”
“John.” Ellie said before Lyall could argue. Stella saw her brother-in-law frown slightly, immediately knowing Lyall was thinking of his father who he was technically named after. “John, for his father and Pops. Not for that jackass in Azkaban.”
“Eleanor,” their mother muttered, her eyes trained on the little boy in front of them. “That criminal in Azkaban. Watch your language in front of my grandson.”
“Of course, Mama.” Then Ellie looked at her. “So, do you want to hold him?”
“What?!” Stella froze, looking around the room. Walt was fighting a laugh from where he’d come to stand next to Lyall. Her brother-in-law was nodding with pride and her mother squeezed her shoulder. But Stella let her eyes fall back on her sister. “Elle, are you sure you don’t want Mom to-“
Her sister didn’t give her a choice, moving to settle the baby in her arms. “Remus John Lupin, meet your Aunt Stella. Your godmother.” Tears pricked her eyes as she met her sisters again. Her mouth opened to ask, but Ellie, already reaching out and acting like the mother figure she’d been longer than any of them gave her credit for, whispered, “Joe, Jack, Maddie, and Park understand on this one. You and Ollie are Remus’s godparents. So long as you both agree.”
“But why?”
“Because,” Ellie said with pride shining in her face. “You and Ol, you two are the youngest. And as much shit as we give you, you two are so amazing. Even when you drive me up a wall. If something happens to Ly and I, there’s going to be a whole host of people ready to protect Remus. But I already know who will be his fiercest defender because I know who has the fiercest heart,” Ellie reached over her hand resting on her chest. Stella blinked back tears. “So what do you say, Stelle Belle? Want to be Rem’s godmother?”
Stella looked down at the precious little bean of joy in her arms. Remus squirmed and she swore he already seemed to be smiling. It wasn’t even a question, Ellie knew what her answer would be the moment she posed the question. Still she whispered, “Hey, Remy. I’m Aunt Stella,” everyone around her quieted, truly listening. “I’m going to protect you the same way your mom and dad have protected and looked out for me my whole life. Your parents saved me when I was three,” there was a sharp intake of breath from both her mother and sister, but still she whispered, “And I never truly thanked them. I’ve never truly thanked your mom for all she did when that all happened.” Her gaze rose to meet Ellie’s. “But I know this right here, this task, well, it isn’t a task, it’s an honor. One that I can’t believe they want to trust me with and I only hope I can make you feel as loved as they make me feel all the time.” Smiling back at her nephew, Stella murmured, “So Happy Birthday, Remus. And I’m so happy you crashed my birthday party because YOU are the best gift I could have asked for this year. In fact,” her voice low and happy as she added, “My wish was for you to come today. And since my wish came true I can say that.”
“Happy Birthday, Stella,” Ellie said through tears, draping an arm around her.
Then all their focus returned to the baby as Lyall quietly promised to go update everyone and bring a few more members of the family back, namely Ollie. But their eyes were trained on Remus J. Lupin. Because he had quite a future ahead of him. Stella just knew it.