Author's Note: Hello guys, how has it been, how is it going? I actually re-read "Stranger Than Your Sympathy" and it was just...God awful. So yes, now that I'm older and I'm taking Pre-AP English, I think my writing has greatly improved. That being said, I'm just restarting this whole story. So here it is, I hope you guys like it as much as you liked the first one.
Summary: After Draco left Harry for Astoria, the brunette felt as if his world was about to fall apart. Being kicked out of the house on his own birthday was not Harry's only problem: he was pregnant. Now, bumping into Draco ten years later, causes problem's that Harry wanted to avoid.
Warnings: Slash, MPreg.
Ratings: T (may change.)
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
It was a late rainy day of July thirty first, Harry stood idly by the window, attempting to count the rain as it hit the glass surface. Every once in awhile, he glanced at the clock and sighed.
Draco wasn't home yet, perhaps he had forgotten that it was Harry's birthday. Sighing once again, Harry made his way to the couch and sat down.
Unknowingly, he placed his hands on his stomach and grinned just a bit. Things, were going to be different, very different now, and he just needed Draco to hurry up so he could tell him. Sure, it was Harry's birthday but this little 'thing' would serve as a gift for both of them.
Like an answer from heaven, the front door opened revealing a very wet Draco Malfoy. Harry felt his heart race as the blond walked past him and swiftly placed his wet coat on the hanging rack.
"Draco," Harry stood up and walked over to him. "Do you know what day it is?" Draco stopped and didn't say a word, he inhaled deeply before looking at Harry. "There's something I have to tell you_"
"Harry," Draco interrupted. "We need to talk."
"Okay," Harry replied carelessly. "But first_"
The door opened and revealed a woman with beautiful pale skin, and long black hair. She was rich, Harry could tell that much from looking at her.
"This is Astoria Greengrass." Draco helped her take off her coat, ignoring how confused Harry looked.
"Not to be rude," Harry began. "But I'm confused."
"She is my fiance." Draco smoothly said.
Harry felt his throat go dry, and his fingers go numb. He stared at Draco with horror in his eyes. "Are you joking?" He asked. "You know like you usually do?"
But the blond didn't smile. He only shook his head. "I can't do this anymore." He exclaimed. "The Malfoy family is amongst one of the wealthiest pureblood families." He paused for a while. "We require heirs, pureblood heirs Harry. And you..."
"But..." Harry's head was spinning. "What are you talking about! You love me, not her!" He yelled at the top of his lungs. "Are you being mind controlled or something! Snap_"
"Silence Harry!" Draco's voice nearly shook the house. "Astoria Greengrass, is of a Noble pureblood family therefore it is fitting that we join together in wedlock." He sighed. "We didn't work out Harry."
"Draco...I have to tell you something!" Harry stammered. "It's important!"
"I don't care right now." Draco replied.
"Draco, I'm_"
"Harry," Draco rose his hand, as if to hit Harry. "You have an hour to pack your things and leave."
Like something had forced him from the house, Harry only turned around and ran from the Manor. He didn't care that he was wet, he didn't care that he might get sick...he just ran.
Tears filled his eyes as he stopped and meditated on the life inside his stomach. He never got to tell Draco what he wanted to tell him...he never got to tell Draco that he was pregnant. That he was going to produce an heir for the Malfoy family.
But it didn't matter. Harry wasn't good enough for Draco...and if he wasn't, neither was the baby.
"I'm sorry..." Harry muttered to his stomach. "For all of this..."
There was a rumble of thunder as he continued on. He paused and looked up at the sky as the rain fell and hit his face. "I can't provide for you..." He said, taking out his wand. "And...if you were born...you have to understand..." Another rumble of thunder was heard. "Things would just be bad for you...I'm sorry..."
He wanted to mutter a curse to kill it, but he couldn't bring himself to say it. He couldn't bring himself to kill it...no matter what the situation was. It was just a baby, it didn't know the pain it had caused Harry.
"God..." He muttered. "Why?"
He had to be strong, no matter what situation he was in. Time for crying and feeling sorry for himself was over. He was going to be a parent, and he had to. He wouldn't be like Draco and abandon their child. He would provide for it with out without Draco, no matter what the cost was.
Ten Years Later
Harry opened his eyes wide as the sunlight flooded his room. Yawning he groped on his nightstand for his overly large spectacles and finally got out of his bed. Slipping his feet into his slippers, he began his long walk downstairs.
"Good morning Mr. Potter." The pictures hanging on the staircase wall greeted, the same way they always had.
"Good morning." Harry replied, yawning and then stretching. "Is she up yet?" He asked one of the pictures.
"Yes Sir, she's trying to cook again. Better go stop her before it ends up like last time..."
A mental image of a burnt kitchen popped into his head and quickly Harry made his way down to the kitchen where he already smelled smoke.
"Gregoria!" He yelled suddenly as he noticed someone else in the kitchen with her, Pansy Parkinson.
"Good morning Harry." Pansy greeted. "You woke up later than usual. Late enough for Greggy and I to cook something real nice."
Harry smiled slightly as he entered the kitchen. Sitting at the table, reading an instructions booklet was Gregoria Potter, better known as Greggy. "Daddy!" She yelped as she saw Harry walking towards her. She jumped from the chair and ran to him, engulfing him in a hug.
"Good morning dear." He greeted, looking into her large grey eyes. "How was your sleep?"
"Great, what about yours?" She asked. "You look saddened."
He paused and released her. "Just had a bad dream." He half smiled. "What's for breakfast?"
"Pancakes." She replied. "Pansy and I made them all by ourselves."
"Did you?"
"Yes, Mr. Potter." Pansy joked. "You've been asking too many questions this morning. I suggest you get ready and come back down when it's ready."
"Yes ma'am." Harry mocked as he turned around and made his way back upstairs.
The last ten years were not nearly as hard as he had expected. He had an amazing home, and was Head of the Auror Office. The only problem was his broken heart, which was easily patched up years ago by his friends.
His daughter, Gregoria Potter was the light of his life. Ever Since she was born, every little thing he did was for her. She was kind hearted and very sweet, never asking Harry for many things or never giving him an attitude. He loved that about her...she was like him...not...Draco...
Greggy was nine in three quaters, at least that's what she thought. She was turning eleven soon meaning that Hogwarts was an option. Presently, she attended a muggle school and liked it just fine. Nevertheless, things were happening around her, strange things.
Harry made it to the bathroom just in time before an Owl flew in through the open window. "Good morning, Joanna." He said, shutting the door behind him. "What do we have for today?"
The snowy white owl, carried mail in her beak and kindly handed it to Harry.
"Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and..." He muttered, shrugging slightly.
Already knowing the rest, he opened the envelope and read through it. He wasn't surprised when he saw Gregoria's acceptance letter, and school supply list.
He placed it on the sink top as he got ready, not really sure whether to show her it or not. Things were fine the way they were, but he wouldn't mind a little change.
Harry arrived downstairs fresh and clean.
He wore a plaid shirt and some jeans, very casual, it was a Sunday. Pansy, in her pink dress fixed his plate for him and placed it on the table. Greggy seemed to be absent, and Harry guessed that she was upstairs getting ready, so he spoke.
"I received the letter." He said, causing Pansy to turn around. "The letter for Hogwarts...for Greggy."
Pansy smiled and rolled her eyes. "Being your daughter, it was only a matter of time. You should go shopping today, there is a discount Sale in Flourish and Bolts."
"She may not be going." He admitted. "I don't see why she should."
Pansy was silent for a while and crossed her arms. "Harry..." she softly spoke. "As much as you cling to normal life for her, away from magic...she is a witch. I know who ou are thinking about, and what you are thinking about...but don't make your daughter an outcast. I mean, she knows that you are a wizard...she knows about magic, and about everything. This morning she was asking me about school and I let Hogwarts slip. She said she would love to go there Harry."
"She did? She seems to like the school she's in now." Harry sighed as an image of a familiar blond popped into his head.
"Did she tell you about the bully that she made into a balloon?"
Harry nearly choked on his food as he held back laughter. "It's not funny Potter." Pansy said. "It's serious."
"I know." Harry regained himself. "And you're right." He admitted. "I'll talk to her about it today...and we'll shop around a bit."
The timing could not have been better because Greggy fully dressed in a button down shirt and black skirt came rushing down stairs. Her grey eyes were open wide and her curly blond hair flew behind her as she ran.
"I heard it all!" She exclaimed happily. "Pansy told me about it, and I heard you two talking from upstairs."
"What about your old school?" Harry asked. "Do you want to leave your friends?"
"They think I'm weird now." She sounded saddened. "So I guess."
Pansy, at that moment laughed and made way towards the door. "I have to go dears." She said. "But I'll look forward to seeing you tomorrow."
She didn't use the door, she apparated.
"'Wow!" Greggy exclaimed, touching the air where Pansy had previously been. "Can you do that?"
Harry nodded.
"Can you show me?"
"No." Harry laughed. "You're too young...Now how about going with the Weasley family." He said. "With Rose."
"Rose is going to?" Greggy asked, have a mental image of her best friend.
"I should've probably told you all these things years ago but yes...Rose is going to Hogwarts to." He knew that his daughter was confused, but it was still funny.
"Come on to the fireplace." He said, grabbing her arm. "You remember how to travel using floo powder?" He asked, as he walked over to the fireplace and took powder out of what seemed like a large flower pot.
"Yes!" She grabbed some powder in her hand.
"And, you do know where we are going?" Harry asked.
"Yes!" She stepped into the fireplace and threw the powder down, clearly announcing, "Weasley Household!".
Hermione nearly screamed when the fireplace erupted into green flames. Harry and Greggy stepped out looking excited.
"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Hello!" He replied. "Has Rose gotten her list yet?"
"Why in fact she has." Hermione replied as her daughter made her way from behind her, and towards Greggy. "Why?"
"I was wondering if we could go to Diagon Alley together...this morning." Harry said, shrugging.
"That would be wonderful!" Hermione pulled Harry from the furnace. "But Ron is at work." She sighed.
"He is...but it's Sunday." Harry replied.
"Oh you know him." Hermione pulled Harry into a hug. "You stay here, while I get ready. It won't be long."
The three watched Hermione vanish upstairs, and Rose turned to Gregoria. "What house do you want to be in?" She asked.
"House?" Greggy replied, crossing her arms.
"You don't know? The four houses of Hogwarts?" Rose asked as Greggy shook her head. "Well, when they put the sorting hat on your head, you'll say 'Anything but Slytherin.' Okay?"
"Sure." Greggy sounded unsure.
Harry looked at the two girls and smiled lightly. "Our parents were in Gryffindor." Rose said. "We should be to." She looked at Greggy. "Promise you'll be in it, if I am?"
"Promise." Greggy grinned and looked up as she saw Hermione heading back down the stairs.
"Was I long?" She asked Harry, who shook his head.
"Okay then...let's go."
Flourish and Bolts was different from anything Gregoria had ever seen. Things floated around here and there, people were dressed in strange clothing...it was just pure magic.
When the five (including poor Hugo) arrived in the store, Rose, Hugo and Gregoria left their parent's and went to look around the store.
As they made their way around the shop, they bumped into one of their friends that went by the name, Anthony Snape. He had black hair that covered his face, making him look like a shaggy dog.
He eventually ended up joining their trio.
"What house do you want to be sorted in?" He asked Greggy, as the four walked.
"I'm not sure." She softly replied. "Rose told me not to go into Slytherin."
Anthony shrugged. "My dad was in Slytherin...but I wouldn't mind being in some place different." He looked at the two Weasley's ahead of them.
"I think I'd be in what ever house_"
"Look here!" Rose yelled as she signaled the four to a large bookshelf that read 'Forbidden'. "D.A.D.A., Defense Against the Dark Arts."
"Dark Arts?" Gregoria asked. "What's that?"
"That's advanced." Anthony said. "Even for you Rose."
"We shouldn't be over here." Little Hugo grabbed the hem of his sister's dress. "Let's go!"
"Hush!" Rose said, taking the book from the shelf.
"Don't open it!" Greggy yelped. "It looks threatening!" And it did, the book was big, dark and full of dusty old pages.
"Stop!" Anthony yelled. "It may be enchanted!"
"Cowards." Rose grinned as she unlatched the lock.
"I wouldn't do that." The voice was male and it was soft.
The four turned around and saw a boy in a suit, with pale blond hair and grey eyes.
"Excuse me?" Rose asked. "By no body consulted you."
Hugo gripped Greggy's shoulders and looked nervously at the two girls. "Who are you?" Greggy asked.
"Scorpius Malfoy." He replied, crossing his arms. "And I don't think that's a good idea."
"Malfoy?" Rose asked.
"Yes." Scorpius replied. "Do you have a problem with it?" He looked at each of them with a judgmental stare. "Let me guess, you two redheads are Weasley's? My mother told me all about you."
"What did she say?" Rose asked. "I don't believe she spoke as bad about us as my father does your family." She smirked.
"My mother tells me that your mother is a dirty, stinky mudblood." He replied.
"Hey!" Hugo yelled. "Take it back!" He left his sister and clenched on to Greggy's shoulders.
"Why should I if it's true?" Scorpius laughed.
"Because it's mean." Gregoria had stepped before the Weasley's. "No matter who your mother is."
"And who are you?"
Greggy felt her heart pound as he directed his question towards her.
"Gregoria, Gregoria Potter. People call me Greggy..."
"What an ugly name." Scorpius said. "Well the, I've tried to help you and you only insult me."
"We didn't insult you!" Anthony yelled. "You jerk!"
"I don't have time for you." Scorpius said.
And with that, the young Malfoy left the insulted trio standing there.
"We didn't even ask for his help!" Rose yelled.
"He was mean." Greggy frowned. "Really mean. I hope we don't see him at school."
Meanwhile...both Harry and Hermione were in different ares of the shop, getting things for their children.
Hermione, as usual had vanished, leaving Harry alone.
He didn't mind at all, he only walked around carrying books in one arm and a list in the other. This vaguely reminded him of his childhood years going to Hogwarts. Those fun days he would spend with Ron, Hermione and everybody else...the battles that were held, the love that was lost...
Shaking his head, he quickly went up to the front desk.
"Hello!" The front desk lady turned around with her bright red hair, instantly she recognized Harry as an old student of hers. "Harry!" She yelled. "What are you doing here?"
" Juliet!" He greeted. "I'm shopping for my daughter.I'm guessing you own the shop now?"
"My father passed it down to me , and in his honor I'm giving everybody here discounts." Juliet grinned and looked about. "Everyone seems to enjoy it..." As she trailed off, Harry saw her grin fade. She was staring dead at someone.
"Who is it?" He asked, turning around.
"Look for yourself."
Harry turned around to see three people. A family of three. There was the father, he had pale blond hair and he wore a dark suit, his son was just a smaller version of himself. Then there was the mother who had long black hair and a dark dress on. Her son was whispering something in her ear, causing her to laugh.
Strange enough, they reminded Harry of the Adams family, just the lot of them.
"Who are they?" Harry asked Juliet.
"The Malfoy's." Juliet spat. "That's Astoria, the mother. Every other week she placed ridiculous orders on my clothes, my books ugh..."
As she trailed off, Harry felt a vein in his heart contract. Swallowing hard, he turned towards Juliet and softly spoke, "I'll come back later.".
And without another word he quickly left the front desk and bolted down the isles, looking for Hermione. As usual, he didn't see her anywhere, but luckily the kids were quicker to spot.
"Gregoria!" He yelled, quickly grabbing her hand.
"Daddy?" She asked, noticing the anguish in his voice.
"Let's go..." He said. "You kids, stay here and wait for Hermione."
"Why don't we just go with you?" Anthony asked as Harry pulled his daughter away.
"Whatever." Harry replied nervously. "Just..."
"Daddy?" Greggy asked. "What's wrong?"
Harry never acted like this, at all. He was shaking and sweating badly, as if he was trying to get away. "Is someone after us Daddy?" She asked.
"No!" Harry wasn't even paying when he bumped into a woman nearly knocking her over.
"Mum!" A boy yelled as he helped her keep her balance. "Watch where you're going!" He looked at Harry.
"I'm sorry..." Harry replied, breathless.
"Don't apologize to him!" Rose said. "It's that boy!"
"That mean one!" Hugo corrected.
Astoria, catching her balance stared at the children. "How dare you?" She asked. "Insult my son like that?" She then addressed Harry. "You need to keep these children on a leash!"
"Don't say that to my dad!" Gregoria yelled. "You...you_"
"Astoria!" The voice was distant but loud. It came from a man, who was approaching them quickly. "What's going on here?"
He stopped suddenly when he saw the group there, about to argue with his wife. "Who do you_" He stopped short when he saw Harry, then his eyes moved from the Weasley and Anthony, all the way to the blond girl with grey eyes.
"Sorry..." Harry said, beckoning the children out. "I'm sorry..."
"Serves her right." Rose said. "That_"
"Children go outside...just..."
He didn't want Draco to see him at all, but presently the blond stared at him with huge eyes.
The children left, and Harry quickly followed them, evading the Malfoys.
"Wait..." Harry heard Draco say to his family, briefly excusing himself. This only caused Harry to go outside faster than he intended to, nearly tripping over something.
Gaining his balance, Harry heaved a heavy sigh and stopped, looking at all the people walking. There were families, children, animals, everything that he was used to, everything that made him happy. Draco was just a bad memory...Harry didn't need him. His life was wonderful, he was the Head of the Auror office, he had friends and most of all, he had his daughter.
As the wind flew through his hair, he attempted to walk, but felt something hard grab his shoulder. Forcing back tears, already knowing who it was, Harry turned around and face him.
"Harry." Draco spoke, holding tight to the brunettes arm.
"What do you want?" Harry asked, trying not to lose himself. "Is that your family?" He motioned towards Astoria and the young Malfoy. "They look happy..."
"Hey!" This was a loud high pitched voice.
Draco released Harry as the two stared at Gregoria, who came running over to Harry. "Don't hurt him!" She yelled at the oldest Malfoy.
Draco stared at her curiously noticing her long curly blond hair and her large grey eyes. She looked familiar, strangely familiar...
Quickly Draco's mind raced back to that night, July 31st, the day he had abandoned Harry for Astoria...and that day, Harry had something to tell him.
Draco's eye's opened wide in realization as he stared at the little girl, his daughter...
"Gregoria come on!" Harry commanded, pulling her by her arm. He noticed that terrible look in Draco's eyes. That look of disgust and fear.
"Wait!" Draco said, grabbing Harry's arm.
"No!" Harry yelled, yanking his arm away. He looked down and noticed the hidden fear in Greggy's eyes. As usual, she was attempting to be just as strong as her Auror Father. "Leave me alone!"
"Harry who is she?" Draco demanded, stepping in front of them. "Is this what you had to tell me that night?"
"What is he talking about?" Greggy sounded confused and looked at her father in bewilderment. "Daddy?"
"No! Draco shut up! No she's not!" It was obvious that it was a lie. "Leave us alone!"
Before Draco could say another word, Harry and Gregoria had apparated, leaving him alone in Diagon Alley.
Draco stared at the place the two had been once before. Harry was pregnant all those years ago, and Draco had cheated on him. He had left him on his birthday of all days it had to be that one. He knew that he didn't love Astoria at all but it was the duty of a pure blood to marry someone who was of the same status, to keep the line going.
Seeing Harry was hard, seeing his daughter and not knowing a thing about her on the other hand...was unbearable. He couldn't tell Astoria nor Scorpius, but what could he do? He saw the distressed look on his old love's face and how he remembered how quickly he'd left the store. What was Harry feeling, jealousy, anguish?
Astoria had come to join him outside clinging on to his arm and resting her head on his shoulder, he felt sickened by her presence.
"What are you doing out here dear, come now, let us get robes." She said in a voice with so much demand hidden behind its sweetness.
"Yes..I'll be there shortly, go on ahead." He replied, smiling. Draco began to walk ahead, looking for some type of gift shop and then he saw it, the flora shop. Quickly, without even thinking he rushed inside buying a bouquet of twenty four roses. He requested they'd be put in a box so Astoria wouldn't see them.
She didn't question what was inside when they got home, instead she helped herself to ordering the house elf around as usual. As the day went on and the sun began to set, Draco retrieved his quickest owl and handed it the roses.
"Send these to Harry, Harry Potter." He said placing a letter in its mouth. "Hurry, please don't bug him about food or water, I'll give you extra." And with that, the owl flew into the sunset.
The kids were playing outside as Harry sat in his room and fought back tears.
"Let them out." He heard Hermione say. "You need to."
And without warning, he burst into tears, crying harder than he ever had. "Why!?" He bellowed. "Why did I have to bump into him?"
She sat on the bed, and rubbed his hair. "It's okay." She said. "Just forget about it..." Sighing she sat there for a while before standing up. "I have to go, Ron will be back home soon, he'll be hungry."
Harry only nodded, wiping away tears as she kissed his wet cheek and vanished downstairs.
Harry fell on his bed, face first and trembled heavily. He prayed that Greggy would stay outside because he couldn't bare to be seen like this.
Stopping for an instant, an image of the Malfoy family popped into his head. He pictured Astoria and Draco kissing, hugging...making love. Everything that the two of them, Harry and Draco used to do together. Why was Draco there for Astoria, but not Harry? Was Harry's love just a joke to him, didn't Draco feel anything for him?
Before he sobbed again, a pure black owl flew into Harry's room through the open window, carrying a note in its beak and a bouquet of red roses. Without staying to long, it dropped the letter and flowers in Harry's lap before flying away.
Slowly, Harry opens the beautiful envelope before reading the letter it carried:
"Harry, we need to talk...you don't know how sorry I am...please reply as soon as you can so I can know when you'll be available.
Your Love,
Draco Malfoy.
PS: Happy Birthday, I'm sorry I couldn't get anything sooner."
Harry let the note and roses fall to the ground and before he knew it, he was crying harder than he had been earlier.
OKAY! That was a long chapter, and I am exhausted. Please tell me if there are any grammar mistakes or if anything just doesn't make sense. Tell me if you like it better than the original, and just review, give me your opinions etc. I hope you really do like it.
