ORDER ONLY

[alt_lupin]

POPPY!

BABY!

NOW!

That is to say, Alice has gone into labour. You're needed. Urgently.

Frank's taking her to ... oh hell, let me check...

Comments

[alt_sirius]

You're not going to turn into a great nancy about it, are you? Not that it's not amusing, but don't these things usually take hours?

Then again, it is her third. But it's also her third, Moony. I think she's got the gist by now.

[alt_lupin]

Her third, perhaps, but the first I've been involved with. I'd rather not be responsible for buggering the whole thing up. I know we've got Poppy out here, and it'll all be fine, but it's not like we can floo to St Mungo's if it goes wrong.

Not that it will, of course. It'll all be absolutely fine. But you can't blame a chap for being somewhat on edge.

[alt_sirius]

Oh, you'll be fine. The least flusterable person I know.

[alt_lupin]

Don't feel it at the moment. I'm not sure Alice would really appreciate it if I nipped off for a soothing cup of tea though. Perhaps if I make one for her too ... Does tea help? I'll consult Stephen, and Poppy, if we ever find her!

[alt_alice]

We're on the way to my room.

Poppy might be in the nursery.

[alt_lupin]

Right, yes, of course. I'll check there. She'll be along any minute. No need to worry.

[alt_poppy]

Merlin's bones!

I was just cleaning sick off my pinafore in the nursery. I'll be there directly.

If someone will come here and cover for me in the nursery, that is! Is Laura about? or Lucinda? one of the boys if necessary!

[alt_lupin]

Oh thank god.

Don't worry about the nursery, I'll sort it out.

[alt_alice]

we're in my room

[alt_poppy]

Remus.

Where is Alice's room? I thought I knew, but I'm in some blind alley in this place. An attic of some sort.

[alt_poppy]

But where is that, dear?

Oh, dear!

[alt_sirius]

Once you've changed a nappy you never quite forget.

[alt_kingsley]

I hope you don't mind my snickers as I observe how satisfying it is to see member of the Order snapping to attention in such a well-drilled fashion.

Settle down, Remus. Women have been having babies for thousands of years, and somehow the human race has managed to survive.

Alice, best of luck to you, my friend. Remus, make sure Frank doesn't have a heart attack. The Players will be monitoring the journals for the news.

[alt_poppy]

Oh, bless!

Frank.

I can hear him, but it's no good. I've gone up and down these steps thrice and can't see how to get out of this wing.

[alt_lupin]

Come back down the stairs, Poppy. I'll meet you at the bottom and show you the way.

[alt_lupin]

Do be quiet, Pads. You're not helping.

[alt_lupin]

The human race has, but not all the women make it through in one

I know, I know. I think we'll all feel better once Poppy's on hand to keep an eye on things.

[alt_poppy]

Remus.

I've found them. All's well here.

Are you in the nursery, then? Or did you find someone to go?

[alt_sirius]

That's just my point, Kingsley! As eventful as it certainly is, and as much as we all turn into nervous nellies around new babies being born, Alice is something of a pro at this....

I think this is the part where if we were there in person, mate, we'd go get a swift pint until things go further along.

[alt_sirius]

Wot? All I mean is, you know how to take care of sprogs. It's nothing you need to fret about.

[alt_lupin]

Laura's there. Don't worry about it.

[alt_lupin]

I don't think I'm in any fit state to be responsible for the care of children right now. Besides, wouldn't be right to abandon Frank just when I've located this lovely bottle of firewhiskey.

[alt_sirius]

See? NOW you're talking about soothing!

Wish I were there. I'll just hoist one in Frank's honour.

[alt_lupin]

I wish you were here too.

[alt_arthur]

Well, if it's any comfort, I've delivered a baby in a pinch. Ginny arrived in the middle of a night in a great hurry, and the midwife was out on another call. The woman finally arrived just as I was tying the cord off. Not that difficult.

[alt_molly]

Of course not, since I was doing all the work!

[alt_arthur]

And a splendid job you did of it, too, Molly, dear.

(Better not tell Frank that, though, Remus, until after Kevin's safely arrived.)

[alt_lupin]

Were you over here with us, Arthur, that would be a great comfort.

As it is, I think Poppy has it all in hand.