Chapter 13
That evening the two young boys lay beside each other on Draco's bed. Soft moonlight filtered into the room creating a romantic atmosphere but Harry's gentle occasional snores and gurgling noises from his sleep caused Draco to smirk and roll his eyes. "Romantic my arse," he mumbled lightly to himself. Cautiously, Draco pulled the emerald blanket over Harry's body and unable to resist placing a soft kiss on the boy's forehead, part of his lips grazing the lightning bolt scar.
The Slytherin sat up in bed, an incredibly fluffy pillow propping him up and dressed in classy, navy, silk pajama shirt and pants. Sighing, he recalled the day's events and reached for his quill and parchment.
Mother,
In a way, I am relieved to know that I was not the one to break the news of my pregnancy to father. Thank you. And yet, in a way, I was hoping that he wouldn't have to know at all. Perhaps, he has already broken the news to you of the slap upon my face and my refusal of giving my child over to Voldemort. We both know which side I am on.
I am so proud to be carrying this child. Not only is it mine but Harry's, the boy I love more than anything else. I am still trying to keep myself from finding out what the sex of it is and it is damn difficult to do to. I hope you will be a proud grandmother in March when it arrives; the perfect time for a new life. I love you, always.
Your son,
Draco
Draco rolled up the letter neatly and placed it on his beside table to be sent out in the morning. Quietly as possible, he laid the pillow horizontally and settled under the warm blankets. After one last glance at Harry's peaceful appearance, Draco snuggled closer and finally rested his eyes and mind for the night.
It was the day before New Years and the wind had died down a bit enabling Harry a pleasant walk beyond the school's walls as Draco rested serenely in the Slytherin dorm. The young Gryffindor journeyed around the Quidditch field, hands in pockets, robe billowing behind him, halfway off his slender shoulders. He thought of Draco more than anything as he strolled along; worrying about the safety of his child and his love as Draco was about to enter his third trimester of his pregnancy. Harry had done a fair amount of research in the library and learned more than he ever thought he would to know. Draco had explained to him the "birthing" process and that seemed rather simple. The doctors in the magic world would have no problem cutting him open and sealing him back up. The only complication would be keeping Draco's stress level at a minimum and maybe below the minimum to ensure the child survives.
As Harry was returning to the school, he noticed Hagrid returning to his hut and sprinted over to make conversation about his predicament. "Hagrid!" he exclaimed, slightly out of breath.
"Ey, Harry," the half-giant exclaimed happily. "Good to see yeh. Anything new going on?"
"Actually," Harry began and bit his tongue. This would be the first time he would be speaking it aloud to someone who didn't know. He stared back at Hagrid making it obvious to any onlooker that he was having problems spitting out what he wanted to say.
Hagrid chuckled heartily and stepped towards the boy. "Mrs. Norris got yer tongue?"
"No." Harry chuckled himself, a small smile cracking on his nervous face. "See, something happened between an old enemy and me that has now brought us close together, a lot closer."
Scratching his chin, Hagrid hummed. "Malfoy and yer, you say?"
Harry's face reddened slightly at the sheer mention of his lover's name. "Yes."
"You and the little git, ay?"
"But he's not a git anymore!" Harry exclaimed promptly. "He's pregnant with my child."
Hagrid glared back blankly, shocked by the joyous yet anomalous news. He blinked a dozen times in a row before it registered and he clasped his hands together. "Congratulations, Harry! Blimey, you're gonna be a father." He stepped forward and enveloped the boy in a hug, even though the information still rolled around in his big head, unsettling.
Harry pulled out of the hug and looked up to his large friend. "Thank you, Hagrid."
"Don't mention it." Hagrid turned to enter his hut. "Bout time for me to make myself some dinner."
"Alright," Harry responded, pulling his robe closer as dusk began to fall and headed back towards the school.
Harry planned on entering the room quietly, to slip into bed and wrap his arms around his love, inhaling the scent of Draco, and placing his hand protectively over the boy's stomach but was greeted with Draco wide awake, sitting at the mahogany desk near his bed.
"Hey, Harry," Draco greeted pleasantly. He was greeted with a delightful smile and a soft kiss upon the top of his head. He soon felt Harry's strong hands massaging his neck and shoulders. "Mother replied to my letter."
The Gryffindor leaned down to rest his chin on Draco's left shoulder. "And what did she say?"
Draco glanced at Harry out of the corner of his eye and smirked nicely. "She is tremendously happy for us."
"Tremendously?"
"That's what I said, did I not?" Draco rolled his eyes playfully and felt a playful swat on his upper arm.
Harry simply smiled, took Draco's head in his hands and tilted the other boy's head to join their lips in a passionate kiss. After several minutes passed, Harry slowly pulled away, licking his lips. "I want to ask you a small question."
Draco turned slightly, his shoulder supporting his weight against the back of the chair. "A small question?"
"Yeah." Harry took hold of Draco's hands and squatted in front of him. He was eye-level with Draco's stomach and found it difficult to suppress the incredibly goofy grin threatening to form when he wanted to approach Draco with this question in a serious tone. He cleared his throat and met Draco's inquisitive grey gaze. "After Lucius hit you, you cried more than I expected you to."
"I am simply more emotional now," Draco spoke quickly, figuratively jumping down Harry's throat over the question.
Harry choked back the smart remark he could have made. Instead, he took a calming deep breath and tried again. "I know you, Draco. Even if you hate your father, you still cherish your name. And according to your name, you don't sob and breakdown in my arms over a slap on the cheek." Reaching a hand towards Draco's face, he leaned closer and rubbed his thumb and the tips of his fingers over the other boy's precious pale skin.
Draco slipped his eyes closed and leaned into Harry's hand. "My father made a comment before he left that was fairly true." The Slytherin took a shaky deep breath. "Remember when I was in the infirmary? That is because I almost had a miscarriage."
The Gryffindor stood up on his knees and scooted closer, in between Draco's slightly parted legs. His hand snaked around the back of the boy's neck, resting there, his fingers twirling lightly in the blonde hair. "Hey," he whispered lightly. "I won't let anything happen to you or the baby. Trust me."
Hesitantly, Draco met the emerald gaze drilling into him. "I trust you," he practically exhaled and leaned forward to capture Harry's lips in a bonding kiss.
Unfortunately, the loving couple was interrupted as Professor Snape barged into the dorm room. He pulled a few loose greasy strands of hair from his face and stared at the two sternly. "Voldemort is rising even more in power. Harry, you are in grave danger. Draco," he paused and pursed his lips. "The only harm to you would be in three months if you are captured. The Dark Lord will not hesitate to rip that child from your stomach."
"Holy shit," Draco mumbled as he leaned over, prepared to throw up his lunch of vegetable soup.