A/N: Hi all, back again with another chapter. I have to say again a huge thank you for all the feedback I've received so far. I truly appreciate it and hope you enjoy the next chapter. By the way, I have made some minor changes/edits in the first couple of chapters. You don't really have to go back and read them again, but thought I should give a heads up just in case!

A/N2: Also, I should probably mention that this is AU. I had thought this was obvious due to the specifically non-canon nature of any Cross-over fic, however I recently had someone point out to me that Dobby is dead so I clearly made a mistake. I explained that any fic of mine would always have Dobby alive, regardless of canon, since I still tend to cry more over Dobby's death than I do over any other character that died in the series, with the exception of Severus Snape. To answer another question I had, I'm fairly sure that Dobby will be the only 'resurrected' character in this fic. So far, I have no plans to bring back any of the others that died in the war or the final battle.

Chapter 3

Harry looked up from reading the note this obviously loved child's parents had left for him to find. His need to save people kicked in and had him wondering if the parents were in some sort of trouble, if they needed help that he could provide. He looked back down at the boy in Molly's arms as he gurgled up at him, a soft look coming over his features immediately as he locked green eyes to green eyes with the child. No, this is the help that the parents had asked of him. This is what they specifically needed him to do for them, to ensure their child's safety and well-being. He would raise this child to be completely aware of how much he is loved, and exactly how much he was loved before he came to Harry.

He looked back up and met the gaze of the people around him. Everyone looked back at him fondly, as he reached out and gently took the baby back from Molly, cradling the little boy close.

Harry smiled at each of them in turn, then said, "He was obviously loved and wanted, despite what the circumstances looked like for our young one when he first got here. You can feel his parents' reluctance to part from him in every word of that note. I want to make sure that he is raised per their wishes. Kingsley, will you help me get the adoption pushed through? And by that I mean, I want to blood adopt him, not just do the paperwork. This child needs me, and I want to be there for him," he finished firmly.

Kingsley smiled at his young friend. "Harry, we all knew you wouldn't be parted from him the moment we saw you holding him. Of course I will help you. You have only ever needed to ask," he said as he placed a strong hand on Harry's shoulder, squeezing lightly for a moment.

Harry smiled again at Kingsley's almost predictable response. He had known that he would have his support if needed, but he really did hate to ask. Kingsley sighed as he stood, preparing to head back to the Ministry. "Come see me tomorrow morning Harry, I should have most of the paperwork ready for you to sign by then, and I'll have the potion ready so we can do the blood adoption straight away."

With that, Kingsley shook hands with the men in the room, and received grateful hugs from the women. He shook his head with a chuckle, turning to the front door to leave. "By the way, Harry," he said over his shoulder, "you really should get the floo hooked up in here. It's a pain having to go past your wards to apparate!"

Harry's laughter followed him out the door, cutting off once he closed the door. He straightened his shoulders and strode for the ward border, then apparated back to the Ministry. He had a lot to get done if he was going to have everything ready for Harry tomorrow morning.

Harry turned to the others left in the room with him after Kingsley left, finding them all looking at him with varying degrees of expectation. He startled for a moment, wondering if they had asked him something that he had missed. He mentally reviewed the last few minutes and couldn't think of anything. "OK, I give up. Did you ask me something?" he said, smiling wryly at them all.

Molly laugher and said, "No Harry, we're just wondering if you have any idea of what this little one's name is going to be. We can't just keep calling him 'the baby'!"

Harry stopped and looked back down at the child before looking back at Molly. "I don't know. I mean, I have an idea, since I had always wanted to use certain names for my children in the future, but I'm not sure if the name I chose for a boy would work for this little guy. I wanted to stay away from close family names, I honestly don't need the daily reminder that the people he's named after are gone and won't ever come back. However, I did want to honour the family traditions as well. So I always thought that Lachlan Orion Hadrian Potter would be a good name. What do you think? I mean, it's a big name for such a little guy, you know?" he asked uncertainly.

Hermione gave a little squeal and said, "Harry, I love it. It's perfect and I think he'll grow into the name. It has the added advantage of not announcing his entire heritage to everyone the moment he's introduced!" She bounced in place a little in her enthusiasm. Ron quickly placed an arm around her shoulders, stopping her from bouncing off the sofa altogether. Hermione just gave him a sheepish grin and looked back at Harry.

The others all chimed in, agreeing with Hermione's assessment of the name. It seemed they had a consensus. "Hello my little Lachlan, I'm going to be your Daddy now. I'll take such good care of you and you'll have so much family around you that you will never feel alone," he said, smiling down at baby Lachlan.

Just then Dobby popped into the room, startling everyone momentarily. Harry rolled his eyes at himself. You'd think he'd be used to it by now, but no. Every time Dobby popped in he still reflexively jumped. "Dobby is sorry to disturb the great Harry Potter Sir, but he has a bottle ready for the babe. Would you like me to feed him while you go and see the nursery that Dobby has made ready for him?" he asked.

Harry smiled down at his little friend. "Thank you Dobby, you always know what I need, sometimes before I even know I need it," he said fondly. "As much as I'm dying to see what you have done for the nursery, I think this first time I would like to feed him myself. Dobby, I would like to introduce you to Lachlan Orion Hadrian Potter, the newest member of our family. Kingsley will be arranging for the adoption to go through as quickly as possible."

Dobby hopped up and down, cackling with glee. "Dobby will take such good care of the littlest Master. And Winky will be so happy to have a little one around," he said happily.

Everyone laughed at Dobby's very obvious joy. Dobby handed the bottle to Harry and he placed the teat at Lachlan's mouth. The little one must have been hungry since he latched on and started sucking strongly. Harry chuckled, "I can see your appetite takes after your Uncle Ron!"

Ron huffed and said, rather indignantly, "Oy! I'll have you know that I haven't eaten for at least a whole hour now, and I haven't even complained about it yet!"

"Yes, well, there has been rather a lot going on, could just be the circumstances. I'll wait to see if it's permanent before I get all excited," Harry managed to get out around his laughter.

Lachlan soon finished his bottle, and Harry (with a little instruction from Molly) managed to burp him and get him changed again. Harry held Lachlan close as he stood and faced the others again. "So, ready to see what craziness Dobby has come up with for Lachlan's nursery room? To be completely honest, I'm a little scared. Dobby is wonderful, but he does tend to get carried away at times!"

Everyone else stood and followed Harry out of the room, up the stairs and to the closed door next to Harry's master bedroom. Dobby was waiting for them there, so they deduced that this was likely the room he had done up for Lachlan.

Dobby swung the door open once the group reached him, remaining in the doorway wringing his hands as he waited for his Master's thoughts.

Everyone stopped and stared at the room, amazed at what Dobby had managed in such a short time. He truly was a wonderful elf, for all his many quirks.

On the wall beside the door to the room, there was the beginning of a mural that stretched around to behind the crib on the opposite wall, 3 stunning natural scenes that made the room look truly enchanted. The mural began with a forest scene on the wall where the door was, although this was a far cry from the forests they had been in recently. This forest was beautiful, light and airy, sunbeams breaking through the leafy canopy to dance upon the ground. In between the trees and bushes, one could see various animals moving around, occasionally coming into view, highlighted by a sunbeam, only to disappear into the forest again.

At one spot, Harry saw a doe and a stag, accompanied by a tiny little fawn with big green eyes that perfectly matched the doe's, move into the clearing at the front of the mural. They stood there for a moment looking around then the adult deer herded the fawn back into the forest with them, surrounded protectively by the two bigger deer.

Harry felt a little choked up seeing that, and looking around at the others, he realised that they were equally affected by the scene. He quickly turned his attention to the next wall of the mural.

This one was of Hogwarts, showing the castle and grounds, and the beginning of the Forbidden Forest in the bottom corner. Looking more intently, Harry could make out tiny Quidditch figures zooming around on the pitch. After a moment he realised he was seeing Gryffindor and Slytherin uniforms on the players. He smiled seeing that, both sides of him represented in that one mural. Plus, Slytherin really were the only real challenge Gryffindor had in Quidditch. He turned his head a bit and noticed a centaur peeking from the forest edge. It looked remarkably like Firenze.

Harry moved his gaze to the last scene, this one on the wall behind and around the crib. This mural showed a gorgeous fairy ring, buzzing with all types of fairies, big and small. There were the mythical High Elves milling about in between copses of trees that surrounded the small clearing that housed the fairy ring, their skin glimmering with a slightly blue sheen. This mural was light and colour and joy. Harry couldn't help but smile when he looked upon it.

Turning his attention to the very last wall, this one unpainted, he found another door, a bookcase, dresser and change table. The furniture in the room was all done in gorgeous redwood, the accent colours picking up the greens, golds and various other colours from the surrounding murals. The rocking chair sat beside the crib in the corner was the same redwood, with lush deep green cushioning. There was a floor lamp beside the rocking chair, decked out with an amazing stained glass rendition of the fairy scene. When lit, the lamp shade cast amazing reflections of colours over the whole room, even though it was lit by a single pillar candle.

Harry immediately got a bit worried about the idea of candles in a baby's room, the thought that it could be knocked over and possibly harm Lachlan had him tightening his arms fractionally. He turned to Dobby, the slightest of frowns on his face. Dobby immediately rushed in, "Dobby has charmed the lamp to be unmovable. Adults can pick it up and move it around the room, but it won't be accidentally knocked over either by adults or little ones. Dobby would never allow anything to hurt the little Master," he said, still wringing his hands.

Harry rushed to reassure Dobby. "Hey Dobby, chill, I have faith in you. I knew you would have taken precautions and was only going to ask about what they were. Now you have answered my question and I have no need to worry. Dobby, you have truly outdone yourself in here. I feel so much love and joy in this room, I know Lachlan will be happy growing up in here. Thank you, my friend, you truly are a marvel," Harry finished with a hug for his little elf friend.

Dobby immediately teared up and hugged Harry back just as strongly. Then he broke away and began flitting around the room. He pointed out the second door, which he told them was a connecting door to Harry's room. He opened the dresser and showed them the modest amount of clothes in there already. Dobby explained he had popped over to Diagon Alley and picked up a few things that he knew Lachlan would need. He had left the bulk of the shopping to Harry for later though, knowing that Harry would want to do that for his new son.

There were already a couple of children's books on the book shelf, and the change table was fully stocked with everything that they would need, at least for the few days until Harry could go out and do a proper shop.

Harry once again hugged Dobby, assuring him that he was well-pleased with the room and the supplies Dobby had purchased. He had got Dobby set up with access to his vaults as soon as he brought him home with him, and Dobby had blanket permission to use whatever was needed in the care of the family.

Harry noticed that Lachlan had dropped off to sleep against his chest while they were looking around the room, so he moved over to the crib and laid him down, covering him with the soft blanket that had been with him in the basket. He was pleased that Dobby had thought to include that link to his birth parents in his new room.

Harry cast a monitoring charm on Lachlan to let them know when he woke and herded everyone back to the hallway. They all moved back down the stairs to the sitting room, taking their original seats again. Harry was quiet, lost in his thoughts about everything that would need to be done tomorrow and leading up to Ginny's trial.

Molly and Arthur looked at each other, silently questioning if they should leave the new father to get things organised or stay and offer their help. As one they both nodded and turned back to Harry. Arthur cleared his throat and Harry quickly looked at him. "Harry, I think Molly and I will head home. You need to take some time to process what has happened here and your new status as a father. And we will need to call a family meeting and let everyone know what is going on. The last thing we want is for this to leak and for them to hear it from someone else."

Harry quickly nodded, realising that there was still a lot to be done. After a round of hugs, Molly and Arthur were gone and Ron and Hermione came and sat on either side of Harry, each putting an arm around him. "What can we do to help, mate? Just point me in a direction and I'm ready to go," Ron said seriously.

Harry looked at Ron gratefully, "I don't know Ron, there's so much to think about. Where do I start? I have to get ready for the meeting with Kingsley tomorrow morning. What do I even need for that? I need to go see Gringotts and setup a trust vault for Lachlan, and rewrite my will to include him. Oh blast, Griphook has been pressuring me about accepting the Black and Potter Lordships too, he'll want an answer when I go back next. I suppose I might as well go ahead and accept them, since I now have an heir. I was happy to just ignore it before until we were ready, but now I want Lachlan to know all aspects of our family," he said, feeling quote overwhelmed.

"Harry, why don't you take the opportunity to get Gringotts sorted out while Lachlan is asleep. Ron and I can stay here and help Dobby watch over Lachlan. I'll sort out a list of what will need to be done for tomorrow and the next few days as you both settle in to being a family. We can work on this a few days at a time for the moment, that will help to give you time to breathe. You can do this Harry. You will be the best father to this little guy, and we will always be around to help," Hermione said gently.

Harry hugged both of his friends to him for a moment and said, "Thank you. I don't know what I would do without you both." He released them, standing and calling for Dobby as he moved towards the front entryway. He told Dobby where he was headed, and let him know to come find him if anything came up while he was out. Harry apparated to Diagon Alley, striding determinedly for the doors of Gringotts, managing to get almost all the way before the surrounding public even thought of swarming him.

Harry went to the first available teller. "I'd like to speak to my account manager please," he asked pleasantly.

"Right away, My Potter," the goblin said. "He snapped his fingers and some paperwork appeared in front of him. "Your account manager is Griphook, I see. One moment," the goblin finished as he called an assistant to him. He murmured to the assistant for a moment, then turned back to Harry. "Please, my assistant will show you the way," he said, gesturing for Harry to follow the other goblin.

Harry followed down a long hallway to where Griphook's office was. The goblin knocked once on the door then opened it, waving Harry in before closing the door behind him.

Harry stopped in front of the desk at the head of the room, bowing to Griphook. "May your enemies tremble before your axe and your gold continue to multiply," he said formally.

Griphook bowed his head to Harry and returned the greeting, before gesturing for Harry to take a seat in front of him. "What can I help you with today Lord Potter-Black?" he asked.

Harry grimaced, realising that Griphook would never give up on trying to get him to accept his inheritances. Finally, he gave a little smirk, looking Griphook in the eye, and announced, "Griphook, I'm here to make your day. I will be accepting my Lordships and my inheritances today, as well as asking your assistance to setup a trust fund. I am adopting a child, a son, and want to see him provided for. I will also need to update my will to include the new estates and ensuring that my son will receive his due when the time comes."

Griphook aimed what looked to be a rather feral smile at Harry. Upon looking closer, Harry snorted inelegantly. He could also detect a hint of smugness in the goblin's grin. He shook his head at Griphook, "Don't think you wore me down. It was the reality of becoming an instant father, and had nothing to do with your so-called powers of persuasion. Now is the right time to step up and consolidate my family's holdings and positions. That's all there is to it," he said, putting his nose in the air snootily before giving up and grinning wickedly back at Griphook.

Griphook gave a raspy chuckle. "Of course, My Lord, of course." Griphook cleared his throat as he looked down at his desk, fiddling with the quill in front of him. Once he felt he had himself back under control, he looked back at Harry. "Now, you mentioned a son? How and when did this come about?" he asked curiously.

Harry launched into the tale of the baby's arrival, the mess with Ginny, the upcoming adoption and Ginny's trial. Griphook looked rather amazed by the time he finally finished. "Well, I can help you with all of this, of course. One moment while I gather the necessary paperwork for both estates. As you know, the bequests to other people were all done at the original readings of the wills for both your parents and Lord Black. The only thing left is for you to sign off, accepting both inheritances."

Griphook opened a drawer on his left and snapped his fingers. Immediately a thick file levitated out of the drawer and onto the desk in front of him. He closed the drawer then opened the file, beginning to list the properties, money and items Griphook had been managing for him since the wills were read.

Griphook passed him the Potter and Black family rings, which he placed on his left index and middle finger respectively. All in all, it took over 3 hours for him to go through everything and provide Griphook with instructions on what to sell, what to keep and what was able to be put aside to be decided on later. As it turns out, Harry was rather more than quite well off now, had his choice of properties to holiday in if he wanted to, and had considerable investments turning a tidy monthly profit for him.

He was relieved that he would be able to remain a stay-at-home Dad during Lachlan's years before Hogwarts. Truth be told, he wouldn't ever have to work again if he chose not to. However, Harry knew it wasn't in his nature to remain stagnant, he would eventually find something that triggered his need to get back out there and do something useful. For now, he would stay with Lachlan, and concentrate on being the best Daddy he could be.

The trust vault was created and setup with a sum of 10,000g, topping up in August each year to that same amount. This would increase to 15,000g when Lachlan started at Hogwarts. Harry knew it was excessive, but he was having a hard time being reasonable about it. He wanted to make sure that Lachlan would always have what he needed.

Harry bid Griphook good day and made his way out of Gringotts, apparating away quickly once he got to the front steps. He landed in the entry way at his home, immediately going to the sitting room, expecting to see Ron and Hermione there. His expression turned puzzled once he looked in and realised no one was there. Harry called for Dobby, asking him, "Where are Ron and Hermione, Dobby? And is Lachlan still asleep or has he woken?"

Dobby hastened to reassure Harry. "Little Master is awake, Harry Potter Sir. Ron and Hermione are in the nursery with him, getting him changed and ready for dinner."

Harry thanked the elf and headed for the nursery. As he neared he could hear Ron and Hermione talking. He was about to push the door open wider when he caught something Ron said that made him stop to listen for a moment more.

"…..and we really do have to tell him Hermione. I feel awful keeping this from him, and there's no longer a wedding to worry about interfering with. He's my best mate Hermione, I just can't keep this from him anymore. When he comes back, I want us to tell him," Ron finished.

Harry pushed the door open, stepping into the room as he said, "Tell me what, Ron? What's going on?" Harry's eyes immediately gravitated to Lachlan while he waited for Ron's reply, just generally checking to make sure he was ok. Lachlan seemed quite content curled up on Hermione's shoulder, dozing, while she was gently moving the rocking chair in a steady rhythm.

Ron looked up at Harry, a little startled as he hadn't noticed him there. He then looked at Hermione. She smiled at him and gave a slight nod of her head, letting him know it was ok.

"Well, you know how I went with Hermione when she went to find her folks? 'Course you do, stupid question. So, we realised over the course of the trip that we're really not suited as a long-term match. It was a mutual decision, mate. We just didn't want to waste our time when we both could possibly miss out on meeting that one person that would be right for us. Know what I mean, Harry?" Ron said haltingly.

Harry looked stunned, then seemed to think for a bit, before he finally smiled at Ron. "Yeah, I can understand, mate. I promise, no problems from me. I'm happy if you're both happy. If this is what feels right to you, then it's best to do it now."

Harry continued into the room, giving Ron a quick back-slapping man-hug. He then leant down to where Hermione was, giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. As he straightened up Hermione stopped him, lifting Lachlan for Harry to take. Harry instinctively grabbed Lachlan and snugged him on his own shoulder, his head settling in the crook of Harry's neck, little puffs of air warming Harry's skin. He reached a hand up and cupped the back of Lachlan's head, gently carding his fingers through the baby-soft black hair.

Harry couldn't wipe the smile of contentment off his face when he raised his gaze to find Ron and Hermione staring at him. He shrugged helplessly. "It all seems so natural. He just…fits, you know? He fits perfectly in my arms, his head fits perfectly in the crook of my neck. He just…fits," he said, still reeling at how perfectly content he felt, holding Lachlan, smelling that beautiful baby-scent.

Hermione smiled at him, her eyes suspiciously glassy. She nodded her head, "I can see that Harry. You look as if he has always been yours. He looks as if he belongs, right where he is. You make a lovely family Harry," she said softly.

Ron nodded, chiming in with his own to cents, "Harry mate, you're going to be an amazing father. And I'm going to be the best Uncle there is," he said proudly, puffing his chest out and making the other two friends laugh.

"Of that I have no doubts," Harry said seriously, knowing that these two would always play a big part in his life, even if it was not the way he originally thought they would. He had always assumed the two would get together, get married and give him lots of nieces and nephews to dote on until Ginny felt ready for them to have their own children. Oh well, things change and all they can do is go with it and make the best out of what comes.


After another cup of tea, Harry saw Ron and Hermione out. Hermione had, indeed, left him with a list of things he would need to take to his meeting with Kingsley tomorrow. It was a fairly short list. The basket, the blanket, the note, Harry was to wear and display his Lordship rings (this item having been added once Hermione noticed that he had accepted both Lordships). Harry headed to the kitchens, Lachlan still in his arms but now wide awake and seeming to be taking interest in his surroundings. He knew that babies this age couldn't see very far in front of them, so he made sure to get up close to things as he pointed them out. Lachlan seemed to be fascinated by everything. His head kept bobbing back down to Harry's shoulder occasionally when he got tired of holding it up, but at the next thing Harry stopped at, up would come his little head again, as if determined not to miss anything.

By the time Harry made it to the kitchen, his original destination, Lachlan was contentedly chewing on Harry's collar and gurgling away to himself. Harry couldn't help laughing at some of the sounds coming from the baby. He was most likely going to be quite the talker when he grew up.

"Oh, Master Harry Potter Sir, you brought the little Master! Oh, he's so beautiful, Master Harry Potter Sir! He really does look like you!" exclaimed Winky in a rush, jumping up to stand on the table in front of where Harry had sat himself while he talked to the elves. Dobby quickly popped in and joined Winky on the table.

Winky had improved so much now that she had a family to look after again. No more butterbeer, she took pride in her appearance once again, and she had refused, politely though still firmly, to be a free elf. Winky told Harry firmly that she needed to be part of a real family again. She missed having her own family to bond with and take care of. Harry had, of course, complied with the elf's wishes and bonded her to the Potter household, rather than himself personally. That way she could stay with the family as long as she lived and work for any living Potters while she was able.

Harry turned Lachlan around and sat him upright on his lap, leaning him back against his chest for support. Winky leaned in closer, running a gentle hand over Lachlan's hair. Harry sighed for a moment before addressing a topic he had been hoping to avoid.

"Winky, Dobby, I need you to do me a favour. Please, from now on, you need to call me just Harry. It's just that 'Master Harry Potter Sir' is quite a mouthful. Just Harry will be much faster, don't you think? And it would mean a lot to me," he said gently to them. "Also, I've taken on the Potter and Black Lordships now, there will be enough people calling me 'Sir' to last me a lifetime when I finally get around to making any kind of lengthy trip out in public. But here, at home, I just want to be Harry. OK?" he asked.

Winky and Dobby looked at each other and eventually nodded. Dobby spoke up for them both. "Yes, Harry, we will do as you asks." With that, they both nodded once again at him and turned back to Lachlan, cooing at him and tickling gently under his chin. Lachlan chortled away, loving the attention.

Harry spent a quiet evening in the kitchen with the elves making dinner, then joining him to eat at Harry's insistence. He reminded them that he would no longer be getting married, and he didn't want it to be just him and Lachlan at every meal during Lachlan's childhood. They gave in gracefully, seeing again, how much it meant to him. They vowed there and then that they would do whatever was needed to keep Harry and Lachlan, their family, safe and happy.

A/N3: Quick note about the name chosen for baby Loki:

Lachlan - meaning "Warlike. Land of Fjords (referring to the Vikings). From the land of lakes." Origin: Scottish
Orion - tribute to the Black family using the constellation name, and a nod to Sirius, whose middle name was Orion.
Hadrian - This is what I always hoped "Harry" was short for! Just a way of including Harry in the name without actually putting the name "Harry" in there :)

I felt it fit the story and background of said baby.