~Great Hall~
The first week of school passed pretty uneventfully.
Harry's lessons had run pretty smoothly as the first week always did. He generally taught theory in the first few weeks after a frightening demonstration on the first day for the first years. They didn't mess with him after that!
Draco, on the other hand, had a hectic week juggling his responsibilities as head of Slytherin house and as Potions Master. The first few weeks were always tough as he got to know the first years and establish his duel roles. It was difficult trying to be the Tough Professor and the Approachable Head Of House.
So far Draco had had six homesick students crying, two of whom had managed to work themselves up into such a state that they'd made themselves physically ill. Therefore he'd been running between the hospital wing, the dungeon and the great hall before falling into bed each night, totally exhausted. At least it had kept him from thinking and worrying too much.
Tuesday morning had dawned bright and clear as seen in the enchanted ceiling in the great hall. Draco glanced up at it absentmindedly, noting the bright blueness, as he ate his breakfast. Hopefully now those two students were back in their dorm he might be able to slow down a bit and concentrate more on his teaching (not to mention marking!).
"So then I told her to drop the attitude. I mean, honestly, what does she expect?" Hermione said, gesturing with her fork. Ron nodded and made the appropriate noises but he obviously wasn't listening. Draco could see him doodling on a piece of paper. Draco craned his neck to see what Ron was doing. He was writing down a list of names. Some had ticks next to them, some had crosses next to them. Draco wrinkled his nose in disgust. There was a tick next to Bernadette. Surely Ron had better taste than that. Draco glanced over again. Nope. He also had a tick next to Curtis.
The owls flooded into the great hall delivering packages and mail to the students and the teachers. A tawny owl flew towards the foursome sitting at the far end of the staff table. It landed elegantly in front of Draco, who untied the note and glanced questioningly at Harry.
"I'm not expecting anything," Harry said, shrugging.
Draco unfolded the note and scanned it quickly. Suddenly he screamed and jumped up out of his seat. He started jumping up and down on the spot, screaming all the while. "IT WORKED! IT WORKED!"
Hermione glanced over and suddenly joined him, screaming and hugging him as they both jumped up and down.
Ron and Harry exchanged confused glances. Hermione had been acting loopy ever since school had begun but this was new behaviour for Draco. Perhaps the stress of the last week had finally gotten to him.
Draco suddenly thrust the letter into Harry's hands as the entire school watched the Arithmancy and Potions professors grinning madly at each other.
Harry read the note quickly and passed it to Ron. He stood up and hugged Draco tightly and Hermione, overcome with emotion, threw her arms around the two of them.
Ron read the note, dropped it on the table and stood up to join his best friends and his wife. They all hugged each other jubilantly and started talking a million miles an hour as they wandered out of the hall.
"We can go shopping for baby things together!" Hermione said.
"Our children can grow up together, they'll be best friends," said Ron.
"Are you going to find out what sex your baby is?" Draco asked Hermione.
"Yes. That way I can plan and get everything ready before the baby arrives," Hermione said practically.
"I agree," said Draco. "Then we'll know what clothes to buy. I can't wait!"
*
The great hall was silent for a full minute before students started chatting again. Professor Dumbledore was still staring bemused at the door the four former students had left through. He stood up and walked down the end of the table to pick up the letter that had caused the fuss. He picked it up and glanced at it.
Dear Mr and Mr Potter,
We are delighted to inform you that the procedure was a complete success. We will keep you updated as to the progress of your child and will send reports and sonogram pictures as soon as they become available.
Congratulations,
Dr Anderson
Dumbledore grinned. This was indeed wonderful news. Hermione Weasley was pregnant (it had been announced at the starting feast) and now Harry and Draco were going to have a child. This called for a celebration.
~Harry and Draco's Rooms~
Draco was lying on his back on the couch in their living room. He was supposed to be marking Potions homework the students had completed over the summer break but he couldn't be bothered. Harry was sitting at his desk, dutifully marking homework but Draco was too distracted.
"Do you think we should find out who this woman is so we can make sure she's is alright?" Draco asked.
"Hmm," Harry said absently. "What's that?"
Draco rolled over onto his stomach. "Do you think we should find out who this woman is so we can make sure she's is alright?"
"What? No. It's anonymous for a reason, sweetheart. Can you imagine what this woman might do if she knew she was carrying our child?" Harry said as he turned to look at his husband.
Draco sighed. "I know. I just hope she's looking after herself."
"I'm sure she is. The agency checks up on her and I'm sure they are doing all they can for her. They're certainly charging enough for this service so they'd damn well better be looking after our son or daughter," Harry replied.
Draco yawned.
"Go to bed, Drac. I'll be there when I've finished the Hufflepuff fifth year essays," Harry said.
Draco was too tired to protest at Harry ordering him around so he merely got up, kissed Harry's forehead and went to bed.
Harry watched in amazement. God, he must be tired. I think I'll stay up a bit later, in case a Slytherin comes looking for Draco. He really needs a good nights sleep so I'll deal with them tonight.
Harry smiled as he thought of his husband's devotion to his students and then returned to marking the deplorable essays the Hufflepuffs had written.
TBC
A.N. I apologise to anyone who is named Bernadette/Curtis or knows someone called Bernadette/Curtis. Remember, it is not me who doesn't like the names – it's Draco!