Chapter 38

He was not happy. He was not happy at all.

Harry woke up feeling extremely nauseous. Without another thought, he dashed inside the bathroom and threw up all the contents of his stomach, or at least what was left of it.

He had been pregnant before, sure. Yet his morning sickness was never as bad as it was at that moment. It's been a week since they found out, and came with is was a week of morning sickness as well.

With a pathetic groan, Harry unceremoniously slumped next to the toilet, wiping the vomit off his mouth using his sleeves. He was so over this part of pregnancy. Actually, he was over all of it. He just wanted the baby to arrive already, and it was still in his first trimester!

"Harry? Are you alright?" called a worried voice from behind the bathroom door.

"I'm fine," croaked Harry. He pushed himself up to stand and quickly splashed his face with water and gurgled the taste of vomit away.

Severus had already entered the bathroom when Harry spat out the water. They stared into each other's eyes through the mirror for a second before Severus came up to hug him from behind, placing his hand over Harry's non-existent baby bump.

"Let's get you to bath. We still have two hours before our appointment with the healer." Severus placed a gentle kiss at the nape of his husband's neck. He knew Harry was frustrated with having to constantly throw up, sometimes having the blame directed to him for getting him pregnant in the first place. Severus only found Harry's temper quite amusing and adorable. He was just happy he could experience it now with his husband since he wasn't there for him when Harry was pregnant with Sebastian.

Harry let himself be manhandled as Severus ushered him towards the bathtub. He let Severus prepare the water to a suitable temperature, let him add whatever oils on it, and conceded when he personally took Harry's clothes off one by one.

Feeling very cared for and satisfied, Harry sank in the water, sighing happily at the warmth brought about by both the water and Severus.

"Aren't you joining me?" asked Harry. Though he had his eyes clothes in simple pleasure, he could still feel Severus' unwavering gaze on him.

The older wizard hummed and Harry felt a hand, probably filled with shampoo, card through his hair, making him moan appreciatively.

"Or you could do that too..."

Severus had a soft smile plastered on his lips as he massaged his husband's hair, liking how pleased and relaxed Harry looked. He couldn't stop looking at Harry's form, imagining how beautiful the man would be swollen with their child. He couldn't wait to be able to hear a heartbeat or feel a kick.

When the water turned cold, Severus helped Harry out of the tub. It wasn't that the man was an invalid. He knew Harry could very much handle himself well. It's just that, with the baby, Severus can't help but to be twice as protective. Their child would be the first out of a slowly increasing number of children conceived by males.

Harry wasn't too put out but Severus' attention. He rather liked that his husband was very hands-on. Harry had not experienced it with Sebastian, and found he liked being doted upon.

Their appointment was with Healer Ager, a good colleague turned friend of Severus. William Ager had the basic knowledge of the potion due to having had a hand in the creation of the male-pregnancy potion. Ager was a wizarding version of a muggle Obstetrician-Gynecologists. He specializes in childbirth and was best in the field, which was why Severus chose him as a consultant during their experiments.

It was also why Severus suggested the man to Harry. Their child should have the best care possible. Severus won't have it any other way.

"I will go check on Sebastian. We'll leave in half an hour," announced Severus, kissing the back of Harry's hand before stepping out of their room.

They would be taking Sebastian with them, having no one free to babysit. Molly and Arthur went on a holiday with Bill's family, the Hogwarts staff were busy with preparing for OWLS and NEWTS exams, all their other friends had work. They couldn't exactly leave Sebastian with Luna since she had little Estelle to look after.

Sebastian was thrilled he'd get to go with his parents to the healer. Severus had told him they would be hearing the baby's heartbeat for the first time, and that alone excited Sebastian to a degree.

When the boy saw his papa coming inside his room, he shrieked and ran to him, all dressed up. The elves must have helped him prepare because if Sebastian did it on his own, the almost four-year-old would be wearing completely mismatched clothes, probably a cape too.

"Inside voice, Sebastian," drawled Severus; yet his lips twitched in amusement at the boy's apparent excitement. He lifted his son up to his arms and settled him on his hip. Sebastian was starting to get heavy which both pleased Severus that his prince was healthy, and saddened him. Sebastian would be too big to carry around soon. Severus vowed to cherish all the moments when he could still hold his son this close.

"Are we going now, papa?" Sebastian beamed at his father.

"Very soon, little prince. We'll have to wait for daddy."

Instead of a smile, Sebastian's lip curved to a small frown. "Daddy takes forever!" He moaned.

The father smirked. While forever was an exaggeration, it was true nonetheless. Harry does take a long time dressing up, more so recently. One would think someone who spent all his life vigilant and ready to run at any moment would prepare very quickly. Severus had seen firsthand how long Harry actually spent taming his hair. When Harry was a student, Severus assumed the boy never brushed his hair because it always resembled a nest.

He had never been so wrong. That nest of a hair was already his tamed one; though it did improve in time and he was a bit more relaxed to afford wasting time with his already perfect looks.

Harry came downstairs after a few minutes, looking his best even after having thrown up badly earlier. He had a plain black shirt on, faded blue jeans, and a black jacket over his shoulders. To anyone else, Harry looked so much like a typical teenager.

Severus arched his eyebrow at Harry's choice of clothing. Severus was wearing a white dress shirt under a grey vest; very formal. Between the two of them, they looked exactly the opposite.

Nevertheless, he conceded to Harry's fashion. The man knew he wouldn't be able to wear jeans when the baby gets bigger.

Harry rolled his eyes at his husband's expression before reaching out for Sebastian. The boy immediately transferred to his daddy's arms.

"Good morning, little man," said Harry softly to his son.

"Morning, daddy!" Sebastian placed a sloppy kiss on his daddy's cheek before squirming in Harry's arm to be put back on the floor. As always, the boy would floo with Severus.

With a small hand holding onto his father's big ones, the two flooed straight to St. Mungo's. As soon as they arrived, Severus stepped directly in front of the fireplace, ready to catch Harry if, when he falls over.

"Ugh," groaned Harry as he slumped into Severus' arms. He looked up to his smirking husband with a scowl. His flooing ability was still a teasing favorite for Severus.

"We can only hope our baby won't take after your non-existent grace, love," mused Severus, taking his wand to clean off the dust covering the man.

Severus held his son's hand and another placed at Harry's lower back as he guided him to Healer Ager's office.

They were greeted by a man in his late 40's, standing up from his seat and coming to shake Severus' hand. "Just in time, Severus, as always. Mr. Potter-Prince, please take a seat. My apprentice is still setting up the room."

Harry accepted the seat with a thankful smile and settled Sebastian in his lap.

"So, how is everything so far?"

"Not so great. I've had morning sickness since last week," replied Harry.

"I understand you've been through this before?" at Harry's nod, he continued, "That's fortunate. Basically, this pregnancy will be similar to what you have experienced. I, however, will be monitoring you throughout. We'll have to schedule an appointment every first week of the month."

Harry nodded, just as a young witch knocked on the slightly ajar door. "The room is ready, Healer Ager."

''Thank you, Michelle"

Healer Ager gestured the trio to follow him. Severus already contacted him about bringing Sebastian along. He didn't have any problem with it knowing little Sebastian was a well-behaved child.

"Alright, Mr. Potter-Prince, up to the bed." instructed the healer while he was preparing the instruments.

Harry gulped nervously, toddling over to the pristine white, sanitized bed. He should have felt confident, or at least relaxed considering it wasn't exactly his first time. Severus had followed him and sat next to the bed, looking completely unbothered. He glanced towards their son and found him already occupied with the coloring books they brought.

"Lift your shirt up." William ordered with a gentle voice.

When Harry had done so, he continued, "I assume you had an internal check-up the last time? Well, with this, we don't have to do that. It would act like a muggle ultrasound, if you're familiar with it. It's basically similar to the internal scan though we do it externally. Now, this will feel a little odd."

Harry gasped at the tingle accompanying the waving of a specialized wand connected to an odd-looking apparatus over his bare stomach. It didn't look anything like an ultrasound machine. It looked more like a gramophone but instead of the wide speaker, it had a metallic disk attached, probably where the baby would show its form.

Severus was stiffly sitting next to Harry with his eyes focused on the disk. His face didn't show just how eager he was but his eyes betrayed it all. Harry secretly smiled at his husband's excitement.

Those eyes seem to widen a fraction and Harry refocused towards the disk, wondering what had Severus surprised.

There it was. A little blob which Harry cannot actually distinguish as anything. Then there was also the sound of a heartbeat.

It was a weird beating, Harry thought. He had heard Sebastian's and the sound won't ever leave his mind. This heartbeat was unusually fast and it worried Harry.

Severus also had his brows furrowed at the sound. He might not have any experience with a baby's heartbeat but that does not mean he did not notice.

"Oh!" Healer Ager squeaked. Quite uncharacteristic of him, to be honest.

"What is it? Is something wrong?" demanded Severus when Harry couldn't seem to talk. He just stared at the blip on the screen.

"No, not at all!" exclaimed William who was now sporting an amused grin. "Hear that heartbeat?"

Severus nodded. How could he not? It was his baby. His baby who had the most unusual heartbeat in the world.

"Well, that's two heartbeats to be precise."

"WHAT?!" cried Harry, having heard the conversation. "What do you mean 'two heartbeats'?!"

"Exactly that, Mr. Potter-Prince. You're having twins!" announced the healer cheerfully.

Severus wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. Harry simply wanted to cry. Pushing out one child was hard enough. Two would be double the fun.

"Bloody hell," groaned Harry

A finger quickly flicked him on the forehead before the stern voice of his husband echoed through the room, "Language, Harry."

"Twins. We're having twins..."

"Yes, Harry. That's what William said."

"It was painful enough having to push one out of this shit and now I had to do it twice in a row?!" hissed the younger wizard. "Oh God! You owe me so much for this, Severus Tobias!"

"Of course, love. Anything you want." "

Harry merely groaned again. "Twins? Seriously?" It was like he was stuck in a loop. He simply couldn't believe it. He openly glared at Severus before continuing, "This is your fault!"

"It's my fault then? I'll have you know we do not have twins in the Prince line. The Potters, however..." smirked Severus. He was, of course, smug about getting Harry pregnant with twins but that's for a later conversation, perhaps when they're alone. In bed.

"Daddy?" called a small voice. "Is baby alright?"

Harry winced at the singular form. Both Severus and Healer Ager were snickering. Traitors.

"Come here, love." When Sebastian was situated comfortably on Severus' lap, Harry said, "The babies are fine, Sebastian."

"Babies?" Of course, his son would notice. Who was he kidding? The boy was a carbon copy of his papa.

It was Severus who answered. "Yes, son, daddy has two babies in his tummy."

"Oh!" Sebastian glanced at Harry and gave him a dazzling smile before crawling over to Harry's stomach, "Hello babies. I'm your big brother, Sebbie!"

All of Harry's initial fears of having twins were thrown out the window. The mere sight of Sebastian getting excited at being a big brother to two babies made his heart warm.

Healer Ager continued with the check-up. He told the couple Harry was roughly 6 weeks pregnant. There was no question they conceived during their honeymoon. Harry was also advised not to work around potions during his pregnancy. While it saddened Harry, he was thankful Severus offered to brew all the potions for the apothecary for the time being. Severus also insisted all potions Harry takes should come from him. He even asked William for the list of potions Harry was allowed to have and the correct dosage.

The rest of Harry's first trimester was as bumpy as his first month. His mood swings were much irregular than when he had Sebastian. They still haven't informed the rest of their friends and family. Only Hermione and Ron knew Harry was pregnant though everybody knew they were trying. Everyone just assumed they won't conceive quickly. That's what they're told in the first place anyway. No one also noticed Harry's slightly bulging stomach as he wore loose clothing and robes every time they were out.

Severus was annoyingly patient. When Harry has fits about anything and everything, Severus would patiently wait until Harry finishes his rantings or dramatics then he would place a single kiss on top of his head. Harry won't ever admit it but that made his heart flutter.

At night, Severus would always spoon Harry, his hands protectively covering the baby bump and softly caressing it. Sometimes, when he thinks Harry was sleeping, he would talk to the babies, telling them how much he loves them and how excited he was to meet them. And if anyone ever accuses him of doing so, he would vehemently deny. Probably turn them into cockroaches for the fun of it too.

Harry had began liking the idea of having twins though it still made him anxious. Sebastian on the other hand was simply ecstatic. He already had some of his toys divided into two, one for each baby. He even announced proudly to the portraits that he was going to be a big brother. The portraits were thrilled for the new additions of the Prince line especially when they learned Harry was carrying twins. They never had twins in the family before. Even Severus' grandfather was secretly pleased.

At the end of his first trimester, Harry and Severus decided to have the sexes determined. Severus was nothing but a planner so he wanted to have the nursery prepared as soon as possible. He even had names in mind but he wanted to wait until they know for sure whether they'll be having girls, boys, or both.

Severus though they'd get two boys while Harry wanted one of each. In Severus' reasoning, both the Princes and Potters produce males more than females. In fact, the Potters have not had a daughter since Margaret Potter who married into the Longbottom family in the 1800s. Eileen Prince was the first daughter in three generations.

As usual, Severus was right. They were indeed having two little heirs. Harry didn't show it but he was actually happy with how things turned out. They had not idea how to care for a little girl so having two boys was a blessing. Plus, they now have an heir for all three lines: Prince, Potter, and Black.

They did eventually annouce to everyone else that Harry was pregnant, with two boys at that, during one of the Weasley Sunday lunches. Severus had written to Minerva while Harry had written to Linda the night before. They were unsurprisingly bombarded with congratulations and questions. Severus had answered most of them, looking very proud of his accomplishment as if he was the one carrying the children.

Severus had also talked to Harry about the possibility of naming the boys after his ancestors, specifically Gaius and Cassius. Of course, Harry was all for it but he did insist he choose the second names.

Halfway through the second trimester, the excited parents already had a nursery prepared. The three house-elves were bursting of joy when they were informed, and had personally carved the cribs for their little masters. Harry refused to have Sebastian's crib used. He wanted each child to have their own so that they can pass them down when they'll have their own children.

That wasn't to say everything was peachy. Being pregnant with twins was anything but. He had to stop going to work altogether. Dennis assured him he could handle it well on his own. On his third trimester, Harry was not even allowed to move as much. Severus was an overprotective bastard. Surprisingly, Sebastian was one as well. The little boy, now four, won't let his daddy stand for too long. He was exactly like his papa, always following Harry and asking him if he or his little brothers need anything.

Despite it all, the constant back pain, the endless trips to the toilet, the emotional breakdowns, the weird cravings, the inability to move without cursing Severus seven hells, it was all worth it. His babies were definitely worth it, thought Harry, running his hands over his bulging stomach, one he can surely say was a lot bigger than when he had Seb.

Harry could feel his presence before even hearing him, a smile heard from his whisper in the dark, "I thought I'd find you here."

Harry could hear his husband coming closer to him, feeling his comforting warmth surrounding him in the midst of their distance. "I'm thinking."

"That's a surprise," Harry swore he could feel the smirk on Severus' infuriating face. Harry felt strong arms wrapping around him and a hand resting above his own, caressing his stomach where their little boys were growing. "Only a few more days, my love."

"They're going to be so perfect. Our little Caius and Cassian, daddy and papa's precious angels," sighed Harry happily.

Severus couldn't wipe the smile on his face as he imagined finally holding his two tiny boys in his arms, something he never experienced with Sebastian. "Don't let Sebastian hear you or else he'll think he's not daddy's precious angel anymore."

"Sebbie will always be my precious angel. Even when he's twenty, he will always be my baby boy, my first son, the love of my life."

"I thought I was the love of your life," joked Severus, pressing a soft kiss on Harry's lips and slowly swaying them without music under the moonlight peering from the window.

"You are and always will be the love of my life, darling, you and our boys, to the end of times," He leaned towards his taller husband and locked their lips together in a deep, sweeping kiss, thanking Severus of the most wonderful gifts in life, one softly snoring in his own room and two other waiting to be welcomed in the world.