Once more The Boy Who Lived has rescued the Wizarding World from the depths of despair. We here at the Daily Prophet have it on good authority that Harry Potter wishes to avoid the impending discussions of his heroics. How can that be? Without Harry Potter and his entourage, surely we would be grovelling at the feet of the now deceased Tom Riddle.

I was tired. I didn't want to see my name splashed across the front pages of the Daily Prophet. I didn't want to be forced to wear my dad's invisibility cloak in order to grab a bloody cup of tea in Diagon Alley, but that's what's happened.

It's disgusting the way they flock to me now. Where the fuck were they then? Where were they when our numbers were drastically low? Where were they when we needed their support?

I'll tell you. They were hiding. They were hidden away in their family chateaus, villas, private fucking islands. It wasn't just the Slytherins either. It was all of them.

They ripped me apart when I was a child and I allowed it. I couldn't have done anything about it then, but now I'm an adult and they're lauding me? Fucking hypocrites. I can't abide to look at them. Hell, I can't stand to look at myself. Godric knows Hermione can't bear to look at me either and I don't blame her.

I don't know what else I was supposed to do, but I should have done something. There had to have been something I overlooked, but how was I to know without her? She wasn't exactly in the right frame of mind to help me with anything. I'm fucking useless without her. There. I've said it.

"How is she?" Andromeda was a great source of comfort. She just sort of eased into Molly's role and I appreciated the mothering aspect.

"I don't know. I tried to talk to her. I tried to explain. She listened a bit and begged me to stop. Then she asked me to leave and she's refused to speak with me again. I don't know what else to do."

I held my head in my hands and closed my eyes. It didn't last long. Every time I closed my eyes, I could see Draco Malfoy begging me to end him. Then, of course, I saw Hermione's big brown eyes pleading with me. I couldn't escape any of it.

"She'll come around eventually, Harry. She just needs some time." Andromeda gave me a quick half hug. "I needed time after…Nymphadora and Remus."

"Yeah, I know. I'm sure having Teddy helped. I mean you couldn't spend all day in bed with a newborn to tend." I sighed and thumped my forehead against the kitchen table.

"You'd be surprised."

She didn't say anything more and when I lifted my head, she was gone. She gave me loads to think about really. I consider Andromeda Tonks to be one of the strongest witches I've ever known. She lost her husband. She lost her only child. She lost her son-in-law and yet still she's managed to raise Teddy.

He's a happy, healthy, well-adjusted child. I still can't believe I'm his Godfather. I must admit that being around Teddy has helped me to be a better father. I'm a dad. I still can't wrap my head around it and sometimes I forget.

"You're thinking about him again," Luna. I'm so glad I have her.

It eases the sting of Ginny. That came out wrong. Luna isn't a replacement for Ginny, that's not what I meant. I loved Ginny, but it wasn't the same. It wasn't enough. I knew she loved me more than I loved her and I should have ended things long before I did. I shouldn't have continued the relationship knowing that my feelings didn't run as deep. I shouldn't have proposed to her. I shouldn't have a lot of things.

"I can't help it," I smiled and Luna sat on my lap without invitation, I might add.

I haven't been untoward with her, despite her offers of uhm sexual favours. I'm sorely tempted, but at the same time, I feel as though it's too soon. I rushed into something with Ginny and look how well that turned out? I don't want to make the same mistakes, especially where the mother of my child is concerned.

"I think I'd like to get married in a field of daisies," Luna bit my ear and I jumped. "Perhaps over the summer. He should be back by then. It could be lovely. How does that sound, Harry?" She shoved her hand between our bodies and stroked the growing bulge in my slacks.

"Uhm yeah, sure, sounds great," I don't know what the fuck I've just agreed to and I don't care as long as she keeps touching me.

"Do you remember how hard you fucked me against the wall after Slughorn's party?" Her voice was breathy and filled with desire.

Whatever I said before, I take it back. It's not too soon. It's never too soon as long as both parties are consenting adults and sweet mother of Merlin my cock was out in the kitchen.

"L-Luna…" I gasped.

"Shh, Andromeda took Jamie with her and I'm tired of waiting for you to figure things out." Luna straddled me and stared down at me as she sunk down onto me.

I had forgotten how fucking good it could be. It was like coming home. It was hot and fast, hard and heavy and I'm fairly certain we broke things. Doesn't matter. There's nothing like a good Reparo to put everything back into tiptop shape.

I forgot how good her arse felt in my hands. I forgot the little breathy sounds she made that turned into shrieks with a good hard thrust. I forgot the way her fingernails scraped down my back and the sting of sweat in the rivulets. I forgot the taste of her lips and the way her pale breasts bounced. I forgot the way she fucking begged me.

"Harder, harder, yes just like that. Pull my hair. Slap my arse," Luna ground into me and damn she was a demanding witch.

I don't know how we managed to get on top of the table, but we did. Plates crashed to the ground, cups clattered, and all I could hear, all I could see was Luna. I don't know how I went so long without her. I'm such an idiot.

"Sounds like Little Potter is having a jolly good time, Fred," George interrupted and if I had to guess he just stood there and watched, but I couldn't stop.

"I'm more impressed with Lovegood's acrobatics," Fred chuckled.

"It isn't little," Luna grunted and then her toes curled.

Her head struck the table as her body arched. The sounds that escaped her lips were the sexiest things I'd ever heard. Despite the audience, which seemed to intrigue Luna, I spilt into her as she clenched around me. It's the best feeling in the world, trust me.

I wasn't even embarrassed. I was entirely too busy watching Luna catch her breath. I needed to see it and then it was there. Her smile was the sunshine on a cloudy day. The blush on her cheeks was simply a sign of her satisfaction and I wanted to shag her again. Preferably alone.

"It's time isn't it?" Luna sat up slowly and I wanted her to hurry and dress, but she just sat there.

At least Fred and George had enough sense to avoid looking at her delectable pink nipples as they stared straight at the wall. Well, since they weren't looking anyway, they couldn't judge me for tasting them. I might have moaned. I can't recall.

"Not sure, Lovegood. Hermione's at the Burrow and screaming loads," Fred coughed. "She's shouting for Zabini. Haven't any idea where he is, so we figured Harry was a safe bet."

I'd never dressed so fast in my life and that's saying a lot. I nearly caught myself in the zip of my slacks. Luna lazily thrust her arms through her blouse and I was still a bit enamoured, to be honest. If Fred and George hadn't been present, I probably would have dragged her straight to bed. I'm not even ashamed to admit it.

"Fred, George, would you mind venturing to a Muggle pub for me?" Luna wiggled into her knickers and slipped on her skirt.

"Why?" George asked.

"Blaise has taken to frequenting them. He's having difficulties adjusting to post-War normalcies." She placed a slip of paper into Fred's hand and dragged me to the back door. "Don't pay any mind to the horrible things she'll say. I won't even tell you how many times I cursed your name when I was having James."

"Wait, are you…are you saying Hermione's giving birth?" I was instantly filled with anxiety and it didn't abate when Luna nodded happily. "How, I mean, I didn't realise she was…I mean."

"Cissum suspected Hermione was further along, but they're not really on speaking terms. Cissum's being slightly…overbearing and it's driven Hermione mad. I'm terribly glad I don't live at the Burrow anymore." Fred faux shuddered and before I could say anything, the twins Disapparated.

I really hated when they did that. You'd think the novelty would wear off eventually, but not for them. I hoped for their sake they didn't Apparate directly into Muggle London. The amount of Obliviators that would be needed for such a stunt would be astronomical and Kingsley already has his hands full.

I didn't want to be here. I mean, I did when we first arrived. I've changed my mind now. I'm allowed to do that. I didn't need to be here. I wasn't wanted, but I couldn't leave either. If she changed her mind, I wanted to be close.

I spent most of my time in the garden, but it didn't block out the sounds of her screams. I could hear her sobbing and the guilt was overwhelming. He should be here. He should be holding her hand. He should be wiping her forehead with a cool damp cloth. He should be encouraging her and telling her, that he loves her, but instead…

Arthur and Ron kept me company. Of course, they were just as silent. Ron didn't even attempt to enter the house. I didn't blame him. I wish I hadn't, but Luna was insistent.

I have to say, I did enjoy the few moments I did sit with Hermione. She let me hold her hand as long as I didn't speak. My hand still throbbed with the force of her grip.

"I need a drink," Blaise stumbled into the garden and snarled at a particularly cheeky garden gnome.

"What are you doing out here? You're the only one she'll let near her! She needs you!" It was startling to hear Ron shout about Hermione's best interests.

"Oi, Weasley, Luna told me to take a breather. I have no desire to gaze upon Granger's girl bits," Blaise blanched and I didn't blame him. I definitely didn't want to see them either.

Arthur grunted and I would have been amused by the blush on his cheeks under other circumstances. I wondered how he was faring. I guess the last time a woman had been squalling during the midst of labouring a child, it had been Molly. I missed her, but nothing could compare to losing the mother of my children.

Children. I liked the idea of having another child. Though I'm not sure it was the proper time to discuss such things, or even think them. How Luna managed is beyond me. Gods, I wasn't there. I didn't even know she was pregnant. Why didn't anyone tell me? Why didn't she tell me?

Oh, that's right. Luna Lovegood is the sort of witch that thought it might interfere with my mission. She wasn't wrong. I would have been distracted and everything could have ended so much differently. It's no wonder she was able to break through Nagini's enchantments. She really is the purest soul in existence. I don't deserve her.

The silences between Ron and I are strained at best. He's behaving strangely around me, almost as though he's afraid of me. I don't blame him, I was a little…aggressive when dealing with him, but he hasn't the slightest idea what he's stumbled upon.

He could ruin everything without even trying. He could get me killed. He wouldn't even do it on purpose. All he would have to do is mention the fact I knew he had ventured into the tunnels. The Minister for Magic would be bound to end me.

We had made promises. Hell, I'm even afraid to think about what we've done. You don't understand. This is the most underhanded I've ever been and I'm not sure I can ever come back from it. There's nothing I can do about it now. What's done is done.

I can say this much. When Draco Malfoy died the protections of the passageway disintegrated. I wasn't expecting that. We weren't expecting that at all. From what I've managed to glean from Narcissa without too much suspicion, it was Lucius Malfoy's doing.

Apparently, there was a bit of Blood Magicks involved and the passageway fell under the protections of the Malfoys, but upon Draco's death, they ceased. I thought they'd pass to Narcissa, but Lucius rescinded her permissions or something. I'm a little shoddy on the details, but regardless. Narcissa is a Malfoy in name only.

Gods, she's going to kill us. I can't think about that now. It's entirely too dangerous. I've never been very good at keeping secrets. At least, I don't think I have. Have I ever had to keep a secret? I don't know. I'm a solid 'think about it, do it, worry about the repercussions later', sort of bloke.

"Harry?" I nearly jumped out of my skin.

"Yeah, Ron," I tried really hard not to snarl at him and I haven't the foggiest if I succeeded, but at least he didn't flinch away from me or anything.

"D'ya think she'll let us see the baby?" He edged closer and whispered.

Now that was a really good question. I didn't know what to tell him. She wasn't nearly as put out with him as she was with me, but he's Ron. He irritates her by doing simple things, like breathing.

"I think we should leave her be. It's an emotional day for her. It would be any way I imagine, but the fact that ya know, Malfoy isn't here, well that makes it a bit worse for her." I felt really adult saying something that profound, but it was true.

"I still can't believe it. Our Hermione is going to be a mum," Ron sighed and glanced over at Poppy.

I knew he was thinking about his impending fatherhood and I didn't blame him for that. My thoughts often strayed to James. There are moments when I'm alone and I'm just whispering to myself 'I'm a dad' and it's amazing.

He's beautiful. Can a boy be beautiful? I don't know, but I think they can. He's sweet. He's gotta Slytherin streak in him, but it doesn't bother me. His laughter could keep the Dementors at bay.

I didn't know it was possible to love another human being quite so much. I'd lay down my life for him without a second thought. There it is. That moment. I think of my own parents and their willingness to sacrifice themselves for me. I finally understand it.

"Zabini!" Luna's shrill voice filled the silence and we were all startled.

We looked up at the open window and Luna looked haggard. She was waving toward Blaise and from what I surmised it was nearing time for Hermione's son to enter the world. Her grunts made me feel uncomfortable, but I imagine it was that much worse for her.

Blaise was half into his cups, but he managed to stagger to the door. He was going to need help. Perhaps if I were already there, Hermione wouldn't make me leave. I liked that idea and quickly followed him.

"Potter," Blaise hiccupped.

"Yes, that's me," I chuckled lightly and offered him a helping hand.

"I'm intoxicated," He laughed and we nearly tumbled down the stairs. "Did I tell you about my little adventure?" He leant on me heavily and I faltered under his weight. Blaise Zabini isn't exactly a small bloke.

"No, I don't think you have. Come on now, we're almost there," I propped him against the wall and took a second to recover my breath.

"I went into those horrible tunnels," He cracked his head on the wall and I swallowed hard.

"Why would you do that?"

"Well, I was tired of listening to all you Gryffindors celebrate the end of the War. Sure, it's over and whatnot, but my best mate is dead. I haven't got a speck of family left. What the fuck do I have to celebrate? Anyway, it's dark and wet down there, did you know that?" His eyes were blinking heavily and I was worried he was going to fall asleep, but I poked him sharply with my finger. "Granger mentioned missing something or other, I don't remember because of the drinks. I figured, eh I'll take a gander in the passageway."

"Did you find it?" My fingernails were digging into my palms and I could feel the pinpricks of blood seeping from the new wounds.

"Nah, but it looked as though someone had been in there. The little cave thing nearest the entrance or the exit depending on which end you're on had been used recently. I found that most interesting. It occurred to me that you and the Minister are the only ones I've known to go in there. It's very Slytherin of you both," Blaise nodded and his head dropped to his chest.

I shoved him into the nearest bedchamber with a heavy heart. This wasn't good at all. There was nothing I could do about his snooping, but I fucking told the Minister we should place some enchantments and heavily ward the tunnels. He wouldn't hear of it and now what? Ron and Zabini had been snooping. This was going to end badly.

"I can't do this," Hermione sobbed and my heart broke for her.

Her curls were pasted to her face with sweat. It was going to be a nightmare to detangle. Her nightie was plastered to her chest and her cheeks were bright red. She was breathing funny, but Luna was doing the same. I'm not going to pretend I knew what the hell was happening.

"You can, you're nearly there," Luna rubbed the small of Hermione's back and Narcissa stood at the foot of the bed.

She looked incredibly excited. It was strange to see such a wide smile on Narcissa Malfoy's picture perfect lips. She was peering between Hermione's legs and I am ever so grateful I moved away from that mess. I had absolutely no desire to see my mate's lady bits.

"He should be here and he's not. He should be here," Hermione kept chanting the words and I felt sick. "I don't want to do this without him. It isn't fair. It's not fair. Why wouldn't he come with me?"

"This isn't the time, Ms Granger," I baulked at the tone Cissa used towards Hermione. "There's no need to be quite so dramatic. You have a job to do and you'll do it. It's the rite of passage. I will help him enter the world and present him with his name and…"

"GET OUT!" Hermione grasped her knees and from the looks of it, she was pushing. "Harry, if you've ever loved me, get her OUT of here. RIGHT NOW!"

I didn't need to be asked twice. Hermione is scary when she's angry. I wasn't going to end up on her bad side, not now of all times. Honestly, Cissa could have chosen a better time to be her usual prissy self.

"Come on then, Cissa," I didn't hesitate in grasping her elbow and pushing her quite forcefully toward the door.

"This is ridiculous. I have every right to be here. It's tradition!" Narcissa struggled slightly, but never too much. It probably would have been unbecoming a Pureblood or some other such nonsense.

"Granger doesn't give a rat's arse about tradition," Zabini approached the bed with a drunken stumble and offered Hermione his hand.

As I shoved Narcissa into the corridor, I watched Hermione squeeze it and he winced. It didn't take me long to ward the door against reentry and I was hesitant to invade her space. Part of me wondered if I should step out as well, but then she was reaching for me.

"Push!" Luna wrenched open Hermione's knees and I was really, really glad I was near her head.

She broke my hand. I swear she did. I didn't know she was that strong. At least I know Zabini felt the same. We winced silently together. Perhaps there was some rite of passage for men attending births as well.

I don't know why I thought babies came into the world all pretty and clean, but trust me, they don't. It's rather disgusting actually. There's way more blood than I expected and some sort of white, sticky bogies in the creases of the squalling potato.

That's right. Newborn babies look like potatoes. Don't tell Hermione I said that. I'm rather attached to…all of me.

"Gross," Blaise muttered and the look of utter rage on Hermione's face would have made me run away if she hadn't been holding my hand so tightly.

Hermione flopped back onto the sea of pillows and held her arms out. We watched as Luna carefully wiped some of the muck off the baby's face and then there was the screaming. Gods, that child could bring down the house with the decibels of his shrieks.

"Here is your son," Luna carefully laid the baby in Hermione's arms and she cried.

Maybe there was some sort of spell cast on the room or something. I don't know, but we were all wiping our eyes. It was an emotional time.

I would have given anything to have had this sort of moment with Luna and James. I lamented the loss of Draco Malfoy, for Hermione's sake. He should have been able to see his son enter the world. He should have been able to hold her as she counted their child's fingers and toes. He should have…

"He's beautiful," I sniffled.

"He really is, isn't he?" Hermione smiled so brightly the sun had competition that day.

He looked much better now that he was cleaned up. His face was sort of smushed, but that was to be expected. I mean he had just made his way through…well, I'd rather not think about that. His hair was damp, but it looked like a light brown. Maybe he'd look like Hermione. I doubted it though, I had it on good authority those Pureblood genes were mighty strong.

"Has he got a name?" Blaise leant over the baby and I knew he was searching for traces of Malfoy in the tiny features.

Hermione smiled through the sadness in her eyes. She had chosen a name, I could tell from the set of her lips. I also knew it wasn't something she was prepared to share with us. That's alright, I could wait.

Luna wandered over to me and held my hand. She laid her head on my shoulder and sighed. She was my beacon. She would always lead me home. I really couldn't ask for more.

"Of course he has a name. I've simply decided to inform his father before anyone else," Hermione half shrugged and then she looked at me.

There was something cold and calculating in her eyes. I didn't like it. She knew something. She suspected something. This was bad. This was all bad. Hermione's eyebrows escaped into her hairline as she stared at me and I squirmed. My blood ran cold.