Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or its characters, they belong to the lovely ms. Rowling
Surprise surprise! As there are a lot of references to humor from the previous chapter, maybe reread it before reading this chapter.
Chapter Thirty-Five:
Becoming Mr. Potter-Black Pt.1
If Harry expected his brother to be surprised at the news of their engagement, he was sorely disappointed. He Flooed him the next day, and James took one look at his face before shooing him out and coming through the fire himself, Lily in tow. Harry was slightly nervous and to his surprise, a strong arm wrapped around his waist and Sirius confidently stated they were engaged. Lily gasped but James just smiled happily, shook his hand, and said,
"Welcome to the family, Padfoot."
Harry stood there gob smacked, staring at his brother and fiancé (fiancé!) until he was pulled into a hug by Lily, "Congratulations!" Lily gushed and she hugged him, and then Sirius.
"You knew!" Harry accused while she was embracing Sirius. There was no way James would take such news this lightly without prior knowledge.
"I did," James shrugged.
"I asked his permission to propose beforehand," Sirius said calmly.
"You did?" Harry asked impressed. Perhaps Sirius was more thoughtful (or even tactful) than he gave him credit for.
"It was only right, Padfoot helped me pick out Lily's ring, and I got to help him with yours."
Harry looked back at James.
"Congratulations, little brother," and with that, he enveloped Harry into a hug.
"I'm not little," Harry mumbled into his shoulder, but unable to put anger into the comment.
"My little brother is going to marry my best friend. What more can a guy ask for?" James continued as if he hadn't heard him. He summoned a bottle of champagne and conjured four glasses and filled them.
"Oh, is that what you two went shopping for?" Lily exclaimed, not even looking up when a filled glass zoomed towards her, her hand already outstretched.
"I was wondering when you were going to give Harry that present, but you went shopping for the ring then?" She glanced at Sirius who nodded. Then she wrinkled her nose at the glass, vanished the alcohol and cast a nonverbal Aquamenti.
"What was the cover up?" Harry asked curiously. Surely he should have caught on to something before this. Marauders certainly kept you on your toes. He too stretched out his hand for his glass.
"James said Sirius was getting you a new set of pans," Lily said dryly, clearly resisting from rolling her eyes at the rather pathetic cover up.
Harry stared at her.
"But Sirius told me that James was getting you a set of pans."
The two turned towards the Marauders, where James was suddenly glaring at Sirius.
"I was bad at coming up with a cover story, huh? Well, you were obviously creative," James said sarcastically.
"Hey, I told Harry that after the shopping, I just borrowed your story," Sirius replied indifferently.
"After insulting it, mind you," James placed his hands on his hips, his glass preventing him from crossing them, but there was no malice in his gesture or tone. It was just the Marauders being Marauders.
"Well who comes up with buying pans to cover engagement-ring shopping?" Sirius said impatiently, "At least I used it in the context of a pregnancy present, much more logical."
James opened his mouth but Lily beat him to it.
"I think you both used a crappy cover up. You must be losing your Marauders touch, the time away from Hogwarts has clearly done little good."
Both of them looked highly affronted and shocked.
"Well, then, now that that's settled. Cheers to the soon-to-be newlyweds!" Lily smiled mirthfully.
They couldn't reach everyone they wanted to with their news. Sirius told Peter who seemed to offer a heartfelt congratulations, but Harry just smiled in response. They weren't able to contact Remus, but some of their friends in the Order were ecstatic at their news. Harry managed to get a hold of his old Hogwarts friend Noah, who was currently working at the Ministry, who was happy for him. Apart from the Marauders and the Order, they had few people with whom they were in close contacted or trusted. Sirius had his colleagues as did Harry, but they would find out on Monday. They decided to take a stroll through London and eat out on Saturday. Such outings had become rare in the war climate and therefore all the more enjoyable. After their meal and a few alcoholic drinks they roamed the streets as carefree as they hadn't done in a long time, strolling, teasing, laughing, and kissing. Only when some man in the streets whistled at Harry did Sirius's eyes narrow and he growled similarly to Padfoot, and Harry had to stop him from attacking the guy. He quickly shut his Marauder up by kissing him deeply and reminding him of the ring on his finger – which reassured him. On Sunday they went jogging together and Sirius went out to train, and during the evening they curled up on the couch.
On Monday Harry relayed the news at work – all his colleagues reacted enthusiastically.
"Aren't- aren't you a bit young?" Mike asked. Harry was still half a year away from his nineteenth birthday.
"Not if you already know you're going to stay together anyway," Harry said happily.
"I see. In that case, congratulations," Mike smiled and offered his hand.
On Thursday they finally got to tell Remus during the Order meeting.
"You?" he said incredulously when Sirius proudly stated the news, "Padfoot; married? Harry yes I can see, but you?"
"I'm not that bad, Moony!"
"Yes, but you always said you were going to stay celibate forever," Remus said dubiously.
"Why does everyone keep reminding me of that?" Sirius grumbled. "But," he slipped his arm around Harry yet again, "I guess I was wrong, wasn't I?"
Remus smiled "Well then, congratulations. You certainly got yourself one of the best."
Harry blushed while the two Marauders gave a manly hug.
"And you Harry, well, good luck."
Harry snickered at his fiancé's undignified look as Remus hugged him. He would never get enough of calling Sirius his fiancé.
The rest of the Order was happy for them, though there were others who came up to him and, with playful smiles, wished him good luck. Dumbledore also came up to them personally and offered his delighted congratulations. Harry endeavored to get a moment to ask Dumbledore for help concerning his parentage, but it was impossible. A prominent Wizarding family had been tortured and killed in their homes the previous weekend, despite their house having showed signs of extended warding. It was frightful if Voldemort and his Death Eaters could trespass them undetected so easily.
Sirius and Harry also had to settle on a date. It was currently the end of February. They set a date for the beginning of April, that way they had enough time for some preparations. It was clear the event would be small-scale and simple, very simple. Neither of them minded, it mainly meant less work and less of a wait. It therefore required less preparation, which fit perfectly with their hectic schedules and duties to their jobs, the Order and domestic life. Lily had already volunteered her help. Sirius said he didn't mind much about any aspect of the ceremony, as long as it was short he was bonded to Harry at the end of it.
Mysteriously enough, the only thing Sirius pressed for was a honeymoon.
"Are you sure," Harry asked uncertainly, "We're already so busy as it is, do you think we can find the time?"
"That's exactly the reason to do it, spend quality time together as a newly married couple. And you only get one wedding and one honeymoon, why split them up? They go together for a reason," Sirius replied deftly.
Harry just rolled his eyes, a smile playing on his lips, and agreed. It would be nice to travel together and be alone for a few days. It occurred to him it would be his first holiday with Sirius. When Harry thought out loud for locations Sirius stopped him and said he wanted to surprise him. Harry, in turn, said he wasn't sure if he trusted the Marauder enough to know nothing of the plans until they Apparated away, but Sirius waved his concerns away. Instead he promised it would be the most romantic spot ever.
The following weeks were taken up by work, Order assignments and meetings, and wedding planning. Dumbledore had been delighted to announce that the talking Patroni project was successful and the Order now had their own method of communication. Lily and Marlene couldn't completely hide their pleasure as people came up to congratulate and thank them. In between Sirius' training schedule (he had to keep up his physical work-out) and Harry's evening shifts, and the Order meetings and work, they were lucky if they had three evenings a week for each other. It was mostly on Saturdays that they worked on their wedding plans.
Harry was currently sitting on the couch, leaning back with his eyes closed. Padfoot was cuddled on the couch next to him with his head in Harry's lap and drooling softly. Then the fireplace went up in green and Padfoot sat straight up, alert, but it was only James coming through. Padfoot barked in delight and jumped off the couch while James coughed because of the soot, and at the same time Lily came through the Floo carrying a bag. Padfoot smelled the bag but quickly whined and withdrew. He transformed into Sirius.
"Merlin Lily, I like food, but that's disgusting!"
Never one for verbal tactics, Harry wasn't surprised when Lily gave him a pointed look.
"Lucky then, because it's not for you."
"Oh, ok," Sirius said, "What's it for?"
"Me."
Sirius stared at her, "I'm not sure that's edible for human beings, Lils."
"What's in the bag?" Harry asked curiously.
She took out a jar of pickles, a can of tuna en grated cheese.
"That's an, err, interesting combination," Harry offered.
"She's having cravings," James explained, which seemed to clear everything up. In her 4th month of pregnancy these signs were bound to come up.
They sat comfortably on the floor and set to work on the wedding preparations. Sirius didn't care much for a color scheme, flowers, decorations, or the location of the reception. And truth be told, neither did Harry. They would have very few guests, it would be small and intimate, and wouldn't even require elaborate schemes. Basically none of Sirius' family would come, and the friends he had were pretty much Harry's family. Harry suggested to invite Andromeda, Sirius' favorite cousin, to which he agreed. Harry also wanted to invite Noah, but if he accepted they couldn't invite many people from the Order. After all, how would he explain to other guests that he knew the Bones or McKinnons so well when there was no reason (aside from the Order) for knowing them?
In the end they decided for the Marauders and Lily, some Order friends including Dumbledore and Hagrid, Andromeda and Noah. It brought the total to about fifteen people. They picked out a small, old location in London, surrounded by the business of day-to-day work, so as to draw as little attention as possible and minimize risks of being attacked. There wouldn't be many decorations nor any other pompous attributes. Harry would've even been fine with bonding in his best robes, but James and Sirius were aghast at the thought.
"No way, Harry!" James exclaimed, "it's your bonding day, you can't wear just anything!"
"Since when do you care for clothes," Harry, rather shocked at his brother's uncharacteristic stance and ruffled at the thought of being chastised on the topic of clothing.
"I don't, but there are rules when you're going to bond," James said, as if that explained it all.
Harry opened his mouth but Sirius interrupted him.
"Harry, the robes you wear at your bonding are very symbolic. There's a certain way of doing things, I mean, its not just exchanging rings… You're being bonded," he said, as if it explained everything "Our life, our magic, our love- everything is being tied together. I'm not one to follow protocol, but this is one of the most important moments in every wizard's life… I don't care about the decoration, but the robes are very important."
"Alright," Harry sighed, "I guess I'm not familiar with magical weddings. How does it work?"
"Well," James jumped in, "A wedding for two men isn't very different from a wedding with a man and a woman. The traditional roles will be the same-"
"What does that mean?" Harry questioned, suspecting the worst.
"Well, basically, Harry, you'll be doing a lot of the, ah, traditionally female parts."
"What?" he spluttered.
"Like, the color scheme of the robes and walking down the aisle-"
"Excuse me?"
Lily and Sirius were snickering behind their hands. Harry glared at them. Then he turned back to James who, to his disgruntlement, looked amused as well. He could have phrased things more sensitively, but no, his brother had to achieve his quota of daily humor. At the expense of his younger brother, of course.
"There's a reason," James said, at least attempting so make some amends, "It's because you're the younger one of the two, Har. That's all."
"Right," he said moodily. "Do I need to wear a dress, as well?" he added angrily.
"No, just your robes," James smiled.
"Hear that, Harry? You don't even have to wear underwear. I don't mind," Sirius winked.
Harry's smirked, and sent a furtive glance at his brother who, at that moment, shouted "SIRIUS!"
Payback was sweet. He should make sure to thank his fiancé later.
"Yes?" Sirius replied quite calmly for someone about to be murdered.
"Keep your perverted comments to yourself, and keep Harry out of them too!"
Sirius opened his mouth and Harry promptly shut it for him. He vaguely heard James mumble about not even wanting to think about Sirius thinking about Harry in a non-innocent way.
Harry nearly had a headache after James and Sirius finished the protocol part of their wardrobe. They were the Purebloods and they knew it better than anyone. Sirius would be wearing midnight blue robes (Harry couldn't help but mentally drool at how well his fiancé would look) while Harry decided on ivory. It would be a simple, flowing set of robes without any annoying ruffles or the like, the same for Sirius. The material would be a delicately woven cotton which prepared them for most any kind of April weather.
On a lighter note, James and Lily shared their ideas on the nursery. Lily had suggested going for a gender neutral color, but James had immediately vetoed her idea of a pale green.
"We should do red, it's the most substantial color," James nodded importantly.
"Red? For a baby? Do you want the poor thing to have the same malfunctioning eyes as yours?" Lily frowned, "A softer color is much nicer and easier as it adjusts to its surroundings. The baby needs a tranquil surrounding."
"Pfft, it's the first Marauder heir! It will have to get used to noise and the bustle. Honey, you want to indoctrinate them young – thus, red!"
With great difficulty they settled on a warm yellow with tints of other colors. James complained that his child would now probably end up in Huffelpuff.
"What're you thinking for names?" Sirius asked, surprisingly eager.
"Padfoot, if we can't even decide on a color, how do you imagine we'll ever settle on a name?" James grinned.
"Well there are some names so universally popular and charming, it doesn't have to be a difficult choice. Oi, how about Sirius? Fits the criteria perfectly, I should say, and paves the way for a prosperous future."
James made a noise quite similar to a dying cat and Sirius had the gall to hold his hand to James' forehead to check he was alright.
James batted the hand away, "I think not, Padf-fff," however, the sentence could not be finished as Sirius conjured a magical thermometer into James' mouth, who was now glaring heatedly.
"There there my dear Mr. Prongs, best not make big decisions while you're unwell," Sirius said overly concernedly.
James spit out the thermomenter…
"You have officially forfeited your rights to participate in the discourse of our child's naming!"
Sirius shrugged, "There's always blackmail."
Lily looked aghast at bringing her child into the world under such circumstances. They playfully bickered more about the child, until,
"Aww," Sirius pouted, "I want one!"
James' eyes widened comically, "Don't even think about getting my brother pregnant at eighteen!" he pointed an accusing finger in Sirius's face.
"Let's take it one step at a time, Siri," Harry added, unsure of what to feel about becoming a parent quite yet.
"Yes, Sirius," Lily grinned, "Let's see how you fare babysitting first!"
After James and Lily left Harry exhaled deeply and leaned against the wall by the fireplace, his head spinning with wedding organization. He decided he didn't like weddings. At least he only had one of them in his life.
XXXX
With three weeks to go until their wedding, both Sirius and Harry were kept very busy. At St. Mungo's there was a noticeable decline in patients with domestically induced complaints. These were usually the easiest to fix, and as people were hesitant to step outdoors these days unless absolutely necessary. Minimum injuries that would normally have resulted in a St. Mungo's visit, were now fixed at home. On the other hand, patients who'd had accidents relating to the war climate, increased tremendously. These ranged from relatively minor to very serious cases, and it wasn't an odd sight to welcome Aurors into the hospital for questioning, or relent an office for such a purpose. Harry personally wondered how long this measure would hold up. He knew from Sirius that such visits required much manpower but yielded little new information – Aurors knew who the culprits were and how they operated, so unless the victim had a specific name, they were of little interest. But they both knew the procedures were still followed for propaganda purposes – to show the sympathy the establishment had for the people, that they were taken seriously, and that the war wasn't turning that badly because obviously Aurors were still able to take out this time.
As part of his practical training Harry was increasingly dealing with patients and Healing injuries and organizing the related paper work under the watchful eye of Mike. Unfortunately his trainer wasn't able to come to the wedding since had to visit his parents. They were elderly and wanted to see him often to make sure he was alright and not kidnapped by Death Eaters, or something.
"You're a natural Harry," he commented after they finished with one of the patients.
"Really?" he smiled elatedly. The sides of Mike's mouth curved up.
"Yes, didn't you see how that man took to you? Communicating in a professional, sympathetic yet confident manner is a very difficult feat Harry, but you build rapport with people as if it's the easiest thing."
Harry smiled embarrassedly.
He was right though, Harry realized. The patient had received some dampening news, but with the way Harry brought it the man had taken it quite well. He remembered Mike telling him of cases where patients had fits, started yelling, or went into shock somewhat. But Harry's poised and reassuring attitude, paired with some substantial opportunities the man could take to get better, he remained calm and accepting.
Harry happily ate his lunch in high tempo, and when he returned another man had been brought in. He winced as smelled burnt flesh in the hallway, and when he went to his own floor Mike approached him with urgency.
"He was found, probably tortured. I'll take them under my wing but I need your assistance," Mike said palely.
Harry quickly followed him. Mike checked their condition and gave instruction for Harry to get certain potions, and to instruct their Potioneer to make two more of a rare kind. Harry quickly got them and when he returned Mike had Healed the wounds he could, though there were still burn marks and limbs hanging awkwardly.
"Pour me some of the Skelegrow. Poor man, he's in for a rough day," Mike muttered.
Harry assisted Mike more than doing practical work like that morning. The next day the man was in slightly better shape, but almost completely bandaged up.
Finally, there was one of those rare (these days) domestically induced injuries to be taken care of.
"Now, no more stealing your mum's wand," Harry grinned at the small girl before him. Three hours later and a poor woman had come in with her distressed daughter. She'd had a minor injury but the fright of the event had influenced her the most, probably. "Otherwise pretty little girls like you can get hurt," he smiled and patted her head. She looked imploringly at him.
"Okay," she said shyly.
Harry got up to talk with her mother, who was waiting anxiously next to the table. He explained what he'd done and that she would be absolutely fine.
She nodded, "Thank you Healer Potter, I'm relieved. When I saw she had my wand and refused to give it back…"
"Little children get up to that kind of stuff," he said, "Heck, my older brother still took our parents' wand when he was at Hogwarts."
She giggled and looked at the little girl who was sliding off the bench.
"You certainly have a way with children, Healer Potter, do you have any of your own?"
"Not yet, I just got engaged. I have a niece or nephew on the way though," he beamed.
"It seems a double congratulations are in order," the woman returned his bright smile. "Come now, darling, it's time to go," she held out her hand for her daughter and Harry looked on affectionately as she took it. Then she turned to Harry.
"Thank you, sir," she said shyly.
"You're welcome, and don't worry, wands don't always end up injuring people."
He saw them out and sighed. Out of all patients, he really liked children.
Later that evening Harry and Sirius were enjoying ice cream on the couch. Sirius was slouched down with his feet propped up on the coffee table, while Harry had his legs pulled up.
"I'm constantly tempted to flick something on his robes. They look unnaturally perfect, well-laundered and clean," Sirius gave a suffering sigh.
"I think you might just get fired for flicking things onto Crouch's robes," Harry answered.
"But it's so tempting! It's my inner Marauder calling out to me!"
"Well, go ahead then, but I don't see Crouch being so lenient as to give you a detention and be done with it," Harry grinned. "He's the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement!"
"You're not making it any less tempting here, Har."
Harry laughed before they quieted down.
"Siri?"
"Hmm?"
"Have you thought about," Harry hesitated, "when you want to have children? I mean, I remember you said you wanted them…"
Sirius sat up straighter, "I do," he said, "It would be amazing to have a child of our own… And be a real family. Not that I have much experience with that, mind you."
Harry smiled softly.
Sirius raked a hand through his hair, "But, just…not yet," he said simply.
"I was just wondering, you know, so we know where we both stand."
"I just don't want them to grow up like I did," he mumbled.
"They wouldn't," Harry said, slightly perplexed, "We'd love them for who they are… you're not like your family, Sirius."
"I know," Sirius sighed, "But the war would get to us, I just don't want to raise a child surrounded by threats of Dark Magic everywhere. What kind of a life would it have? Constant hiding and constant vigilance; we wouldn't be able to do something as simple as going out for ice cream. And there are our roles to consider, chances are pretty slim we will ever be anything other than hunted, unless we win the war, we lose and surrender (which I refuse) or lose it and perish. We will continue to be targeted, and I don't want to raise a child in that climate of uncertainty and threat."
Harry glanced down at their interlaced fingers, which had become so during Sirius' speech.
"I'd love to have a child with you," Sirius lifted Harry's chin and Harry looked into his fiancé's eyes, "Having our own family and unit, and experience raising our children together. But let's do that when we can ensure a peaceful upbringing, yeah?"
Harry smiled delicately.
"You know I like kids," Sirius justified, as if wanting to make this clearer.
Harry laughed, he sure did. Sirius had surprised all of them with his enthusiasm for the impending baby, and Harry knew how much Sirius valued and idealized the family unit. As Harry, Sirius would want for himself what he hadn't had in his youth. They were two peas in a pod, coming from not dissimilar backgrounds (especially considering Harry's previous childhood) and wanting what they had missed out on. Children would be an integral part of that. Come to think of it, he was slightly surprised Sirius was adamant about postponing it until after the war; who knew how long the war would last? Apparently the lasting impressions of his Dark upbringing won out on his deepest desire for a family, whose safety he would reassure at all cost. But he pictured Sirius would be great with children, though he could already sense he'd have to be the strict and responsible parent of the two. He leant forward in a gentle kiss.
"It works with a potion, right?" Harry asked, remembering what James had told him back in his fourth year.
"Yeah, or a spell, but the potion is easier."
Harry hesitated, "How does it work?"
Sirius looked at him in amusement. Harry just raised his eyebrows in expectation.
"Well, one of us takes the potion, which will probably be you cause I don't see myself staying at home twiddling my thumbs while looking like a baby whale- ouch!" Harry had hit him on the shoulder.
"But you can see me looking like that?" he asked dangerously. Sirius seemed to realize he was on thin ice and quickly backtracked to his charismatic self.
"Pregnancy wouldn't look nearly as charming on me as it would you, you'll be beautiful."
Harry gave him a clear look that said he didn't believe him.
"Besides can you really see me, Marauder extraordinaire and Auror, being careful enough to carry a baby safely to term? " Sirius grinned and continued, "Then, we have amazing mind blowing sex," Harry felt himself blush at the imagery he conjured up, "you get knocked up, and voila! Baby." As if to emphasize the simplicity of the event Sirius sucked the last bit of ice cream off his spoon and extracted it with an audible pop.
Harry slowly looked up from the tantalizing and, he knew, talented mouth, back to his ocean-deep eyes, which were staring back at him. "You've really got a feel for the miracle and scope of making a baby, don't you?"
Sirius smiled sultrily.
"So, where does it come out?" Harry bit his lip and went in for another scoop if ice cream.
"Well there are two ways, either you can let Healers perform on your stomach and take it out, or you do it the natural way."
"Natural way?" Harry prompted, eyes questioning, not appeased by the likely answer.
Sirius smirked impishly, "The only way out."
Harry blanched. No… seriously? Harry's facial expression must have been amusing for Sirius let out a bark-like laugh.
"It's not funny!" Harry hissed, his face red. He glared at his fiancé, who was now holding his sides and let his head fall back onto the couch in laughter.
"You-your face! Oh Merlin."
"Were you joking with me?"
"What? No! It really does come out your arse. Of course, your body adjusts and makes yourself antiseptic, enlarging your opening and makes room for the entire process. It's part of the magic of men carrying children."
"I'll let the Healers take it out," Harry grumbled.
"Usually they don't do it unless it's an emergency… It's actually quite dangerous."
"Oh, because having a watermelon come out my arse is so much better!"
Sirius laughed again. Harry was still red and didn't know whether to laugh along or just glare heatedly.
"I'm glad someone's enjoying himself," he said sarcastically.
Sirrius looked at him roguishly and stretched out his arm, "I'm more than happy to return the favor…" he said huskily and placed a suggestive hand on Harry's thigh and slowly moving it upwards. Harry tried and failed to scare him off with a glare. Yet something in his face must have betrayed him, for Sirius sobered up and he moved his hand to stroke Harry's face instead.
"Like I said, for now we'll just enjoy each other and won't start with children at least for a few years. We can get you checked at St. Mungo's if you want, to make sure your body can handle a pregnancy, if it makes you feel better. But generally all wizards can carry. And I'll be there for you the whole way."
Harry smiled gently and turned his head to kiss the palm of Sirius' hand. He snuggled up to Sirius who embraced him, and smelled his unique Sirius smell. He instantly felt reassured and peaceful.
XXXX
On the 27th of March, about two weeks before their wedding, Harry and Sirius visited Godric's Hallow to celebrate James' birthday. It was a hurried event; James had to leave in the night for a project with Frank Longbottom and Harry had had to work until seven.
"Last birthday without a little kid around," Sirius clasped James on the shoulder, "How does it feel?"
The atmosphere was quiet, somehow. The Marauders weren't joking around for a change but were talking in serious tones, while Lily looked rather tired. When she saw Harry looking she smiled slightly.
"I've been very tired lately," she confessed.
"Is it the pregnancy?" He asked quietly.
"A bit, I suppose, but… I'm worried as well," she glanced in the direction for her husband, who hadn't noticed. Harry followed her gaze, before turning back.
"Is his mission dangerous? I haven't heard much about it."
"It's nothing out of the normal, it's Tracking. But the whole climate of the war, and the future…"
"This war has gone on too long," Harry said bitterly, "it's been ten years. People are losing hope and everyone just wants it to be over."
"Yet there's no end in sight," Lily sighed and wiped her eyes, "I'm sorry, I get more emotional these days."
"Don't apologize," Harry clasped her shoulder, "you have every right to be upset. This should be the happiest time of your life, yet…" he admonished himself for his less that cheerful direction.
But Lily gave a laugh as she wiped her eyes again, "Yet, sometimes we may allow ourselves a small measure of despair… as long as it doesn't dominate, and we remember that the most important parts of life are often right in front of us."
Harry smiled, "Have you been talking with Dumbledore, or that all you?" he teased.
"Nope, all me," she grinned.
Harry nodded approvingly at her stomach, "That is one wise baby in there."
"Whatever it will be, we are very blessed," she stroked her stomach affectionately.
"So, has operation Nursery Decoration been launched yet?" Harry prompted, "My old room is yellow, now?"
It would be so weird to see his old room changed into a nursery. It would be filled with miniature, cute things, decorated in the softest colors. Somehow he imagined Lily having great taste for a baby room.
"It's the one closest to our room. Don't worry, yours is still as you left it," Lily smiled.
"What, empty?" Harry commented amusedly.
Lily giggled, "Partly, yes. But still yours. I know James misses you, sometimes I catch him glancing at it forlornly."
Harry's smile slid slightly. He sighed, "It's weird to think that part of our lives is really over. We'll never live together again, or have quite the same brotherly relationship."
"That's true," Lily acknowledged, "but you get something else in return. Just think, soon you'll be an uncle and when James is pulling out his hair, he'll come to you."
"Out of despair?" Harry grinned.
Lily pursed her lips, "For advice, of course."
"James, come for advice, to me?" Harry joked, "I think the last time he did that, was when I told him he should show his real personality to you more to get your attention. And what did he do? He became a jackass show off."
"You better not be talking about me," James threatened, butting in.
"Or what?" Lily and Harry asked in chorus.
James' eyes twinkled, but he didn't reply.
Later found James and Harry in the kitchen spelling the few dishes clean. There was a comfortable silence as they formed a familiar team, having done this many times before. But Harry was thinking how to voice his thoughts to his brother. Without fail his brother noticed something was up.
"Your thoughts seem occupied," James commented.
Harry rolled his eyes, but smiled. Now he had an opening.
"Yeah, they are."
"Wedding thoughts?"
"How did you know?" Harry demanded surprised.
James chuckled, "I got married too, you know. I did the whole prep thing and waiting out the date."
Harry nodded scrubbed a cup hard with the cloth, despite it already being dry.
James hesitated, "Are you having second thoughts?" he asked slowly.
"What? No!" Harry looked up, "Not at all."
"Are you nervous then?"
"Yeah, but the healthy kind," he answered, "Actually there was something I wanted to ask you."
He finally put the cloth and the cup down and glanced hesitantly at his brother.
"What's that?"
"Well, we've got so much of the day sorted already, but I thought it would be fitting," Harry bit his lip, "That is to say, you're the only one I'd ask…"
James took a step closer, "Ask me what?"
Harry took a breath and looked his brother straight into the eye.
"Will you give me away?"
James' eyes widened is surprise and a moment later a smile tugged at his lips. He looked down at the floor, taking in the moment, before looking back up.
"I will."
Harry grinned and hugged his brother. James was the only one who he could imagine walking him down that atrocious aisle. They had gone from cousins, friends, to the closest of brothers, and there was nothing either of them would not do for he other. And it mirrored the actual transition of Harry leaving Godric's Hallow, and in a way James, to start a new life with Sirius, whom James would be giving him to. There was no one more fitting and there was no one else whom Harry would like to have fill that position.
Dear Readers,
A special treat for you as we round up 2016!
The chapter had to be split into two parts due to uploading issues - the 2nd part I will probably post tomorrow or the day after; I'm sure it's what everyone has been waiting for! My chapters are usually around 10,000 words, though such big documents are not uploadable anymore - instead I have to edit my uploaded paper by adding 100 words per 'save' option, yet around 5,000 words it gives complete trouble and doesn't want to save anything anymore. Very time consuming, frustrating, and hence the chapters had to be split. Does anyone have experience with this and/or any tips?
Thank you for your reviews and continuous support! You have been great :)
Some of you commented on missing Remus; for now I've got him involved in missions, but how would you like to see him take more of a role?
I look forward to reading your thoughts! Next chappie will be up very soon!
Best wishes for the new year,
HPB7