Flowerpot

Ritual after Childbirth

Harry was ecstatic, just two days ago, his and Fleur’s daughter entered this world. She was beautiful, amazing, beyond words, as it often is when it comes to fathers describing their first child. She was perfect, from her charming little beak to her delicate little wings.

Now she rested in a crib in their quarters at Hogwarts castle with Fleur excitedly watching over her while Harry tried to focus on teaching his students. They too sensed his nervous energy and many, especially the younger students, were jubilant too, sharing in that joyous moment. Finally his lessons ended for the day and he rushed to his quarters. Upon entering he did a double take, it seemed that in his absence Fleur did some redecorating. There was now much more space around the crib, enough for a few people to dance around it. A few feet from the crib Harry spotted a new trapezoidal table.

Fleur explained to him that it was in preparation for a tradition among the Veela, one of the oldest that all Veela families carried with them wherever they went. She would need his help to prepare the room, for on the dawn of the third day since childbirth, the room would have to be prepared and only their darling daughter would be allowed to reside there. Long candles would be lit around the crib and bread, cheese, salt and porridge with honey would be prepared on the new table, along with their daughter’s first feather. The food would be to welcome the Orisnici, the fates that would come to examine their child. The feather a sacrifice to them. They would measure their daughter’s life and decide what gifts she would be blessed with, accompanied by dancing around her.

Harry, long used to unusual magical traditions simply smiled at his darling wife and went to help.

The next day, he could swear he noticed a flash of three, white clad figures, three maids, leaving the room, smiling at the proud parents.