Sorry this took so long to get out. My son came to town for the first time in two years so I spent most of my time with him.
Disclaimers et al in part 1
Chapter 17 - Hail, Hail, The Gang's All Here!
If someone were to look at the Hogwarts Express as it made its way back to the school, they wouldn't see anything out of the ordinary... unless, of course, they knew what they were looking at. Everyone of the sixth-year Gryffindors were sitting in one of the compartments. The topic under discussion, of course, was the article in the Prophet.
"How do we know it's true?" Lavender asked. "We all know how Skeeter lies about Harry."
"Not this time," Hermoine said.
"Mum called Professor Dumbledore," Ron said. "The article's true."
"I can't see why Harry would marry Malfoy," Dean said, "even if he is pregnant."
"Malfoy must have tricked him," Seamus said.
"But now Harry's carrying the 'legitimate' heir to the Malfoy estate," Hermoine said. "After Draco, this baby will inherit everything."
"Like Harry's not rich all ready," Lavender said.
"What do you mean?" Seamus asked.
"The Potters have been around almost as long as the Malfoys and almost as rich," Ron said. "I don't think Harry even knows how rich he is."
"I wonder if Malfoy does," Hermoine mused.
"Meaning what?" Neville asked.
"With Malfoy married to Harry, he has access to his estate," Hermoine said.
"Would Harry have the same access?" Dean asked.
"No, because Draco isn't Lord of the Manor," Lavender said. "If Draco has access, you can bet his father does."
"Doesn't seem fair, that," Neville said.
"Do you think that's why they got married?" Dean asked.
"I don't think the headmaster would allow that," Hermoine said. "He's the executor of the Potter estate."
"Still," Ron said, "we really need to talk to Harry."
"How do you know all this about Harry's inheritance?" Seamus asked.
"Harry showed us one of the letters he got from Gringotts," Ron said.
Another group of sixth-years was meeting in another compartment. This group was from Slytherin. The topic of discussion was the same as the other group.
"I can't believe Draco married Potter," Pansy fumed.
"You're just mad because now he can't marry you," Blaise smiled.
"We were practically betrothed," Pansy said.
"He might have married you," Zabini said, "but he wouldn't have been in your bed any longer that it took to get an heir. Draco's as pouf as they come."
"Like that matters," Millicent snorted. "From what I hear, his father has had as many male lovers as female ones, if not more."
"We're getting off-topic here," Pansy said.
"The only way Draco would marry Potter is if his father made him," Vincent said. "Besides, he might still have you as his mistress."
"All the perks, none of the problems," Greg murmured.
"He's got a point," Millicent said. The three seemed to forget what had been said earlier.
"We'll just have to get Potter out of the way," Pansy smiled.
"Which you can't even think about doing until after the baby is born," Blaise said. "Whatever else is going on, Potter is carrying Lucius Malfoy's grandchild. Anything happens to that baby and Lucius ever finds out who's responsible, that's one body they'll never find."
Everyone was quiet for a moment then Pansy spoke up. "So we can't get rid of him," she said. "Doesn't mean we can't make his life a living hell."
"Just make sure Draco isn't in the line of fire," Millicent said. "He's almost as bad as his father."
"Harry, are you ready?" Draco called. He was standing in the bedroom waiting for Harry to come out of the bathroom.
"I'm not going!"
"Harry, it's the returning feast," Draco said. "You have to be there."
"Everyone will be staring at me!"
"Harry, would you come out of the bathroom, please?" Draco asked. "I really hate talking through a door." It took a minute but the door finally opened and Harry walked slowly into the bedroom. "Now, why don't you want to go to the feast?"
"Because everyone will stare at me," Harry said. "I hate when they stare at me or point. They always whisper to each other while looking at me. Conversations stop when I walk into the room." He flopped face down on the bed. Draco sat next to him.
"I know it'll be bad but putting it off won't make it any make it any easier," Draco said. "In fact, it would be worse."
"What makes you say that?" Harry asked.
"This way, they'll be used to the idea before it becomes obvious you're preggers."
"I guess you're right," Harry sighed. He turned over on his back. "Our child will have a normal life."
"Sorry to be the one to tell you this but our child will not be normal," Draco said. "He'll be a Potter AND a Malfoy. He won't know what normal is."
"He won't be a clone of you," Harry said. He snorted. "'He'. It's not as big as my finger and you've labeled it a he."
"Of course, it's a he and no, he won't be my clone," Draco said. He laid down on the bed next to Harry propping himself on his elbow. "He'll be better." Draco got a faraway look in his eye. "He'll have a father that will let him choose his own path, not the one his father wants him to follow. His father will see him as his son not just his heir. He'll love him no matter what he does."
Harry reached up and touched Draco's cheek. "Why do I get the feeling we're not talking about our baby right now?" he smiled. He pulled Draco down for a gentle kiss. "We'll be good parents."
"We'll be the best," Draco said. "Now get changed so we can go down to the great hall." Harry moaned but got off the bed to get ready.
The great hall was slowly filling as the students made their way to their respective tables. The main topic of conversation was, once again, Harry and Draco's wedding and their baby. Just as everyone had taken their seats and Dumbledore had stood up to welcome them back, the doors opened and Harry and Draco walked in.
Harry was right. Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared.
Harry almost turned around and left but Draco grabbed his arm and steered him toward the Gryffindor's table. They came to a stop next to Ron and Hermoine.
"Mind if we join you?" Draco asked. It took a moment for anyone to say anything.
"S..sure," Hermoine finally said. They had left a place for Harry but she moved over so there would also be room for Draco.
"Thanks," Harry said as they both sat down. After they were settled, Dumbledore began to speak.
"I want to welcome everyone back from their winter holidays," the headmaster said. "I'm sure you are all ready to once again begin gathering knowledge. As I am sure you are all aware, there was an article in the Daily Prophet concerning two of our students. The article, for the most part, is true. Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy are bonded and are expecting." This caused murmurs to circle the room. Harry wanted to fall through the floor. Dumbledore held up his hand and the room quieted again. "For this reason, several things have happened. They have been given their own quarters," he continued. "Because of his condition, there are certain things which he is forbidden, most of which have to do with his classes. All those concerned have already been informed. I would asked that you refrain from casting any spells on Mr. Potter-Malfoy as they can harm his unborn child. Thank you. Now eat up."
"I could have done without that announcement," Harry muttered.
"Well, at least everyone knows now," Draco said.
Harry glanced at the head table and saw Remus and Snuffles sitting there. He gave them a small smile and Remus smiled back. Harry just hoped they never found out the real reason this was happening. He shuddered inwardly just thinking about what would happen if that came out in the open.
"You're not going to be living in the tower any more?" Ron asked.
"No," Harry said. "We've got our own rooms now. Dumbledore thought it might be easier that way."
"Easier how?" someone asked.
"Not as far from the classrooms or the hospital wing," Draco said. "It won't be as far for him to walk when he's farther along."
"Look, I really don't feel like making a public speech on what happened. Hermoine, why don't you and Ron come by our rooms this evening," Harry suggested. "It's in the faculty area behind the portrait of the Wizard's Fair. You can tell everyone after that." He whispered the password into her ear.
"You're not eating," Draco observed.
"I'm not hungry," Harry said.
"You need to eat," Draco said quietly. He brushed the hair out of Harry's eyes. "If not for you, for the baby."
"You can do guilt very well," Harry said.
"It's a gift," Draco shrugged. "Now eat."
"So it really happened like the paper said?" Hermoine asked later that evening.
"Just like it said," Harry nodded. Dobby had brought them tea and some snakes.
"I'd just like to know where she got the information," Draco said.
"I thought what you did to her meant she couldn't write about Harry," Ron said.
"It meant she couldn't write any lies," Hermoine said. "If she writes the truth or puts her name to something someone else writes, she can get around it."
"So how mad was your father?" Ron asked Draco.
"You don't want to know," Draco shuddered. "It wasn't pretty. If my Aunt Moria wasn't there, it would have been a lot worse."
"I can't wait for you to meet her," Harry said. "She's very nice."
"And she can't wait to start decorating the nursery," Draco reminded him. "If it hadn't been for her, Father would have probably had this big lavish affair that neither of us wanted."
"We hadn't planned on you finding out like this," Harry said. "We wanted to tell you in person."
"How did Remus and Sirius take it?" Ron asked.
"They were not pleased," Harry said, "although Sirius was the more vocal of the two."
"No surprise there," Hermoine chuckled.
"He calmed down quickly enough," Harry said. He turned to Draco. "You never did tell me what you two talked about."
"Oh, the usual," Draco said, airily. "Plans for after school, plans for the baby, threats of slow torture if I ever hurt Harry. That kind of stuff."
"He is very protective of me," Harry said with a smile.
"Now, Harry," Hermoine started.
"Yes, I'm seeing a medi-witch," Harry said. "I've already told McGonagall I'm quitting quidditch. I'm following the diet Madame Pomfrey gave me. I'm being very careful when I'm practicing for class" He looked at her. "Did I forget anything?" She just glared at him while Ron and Draco chuckled.
Ron and Hermoine stayed for a little longer then headed back to the tower. Once they were gone, Harry looked at his husband.
"Thanks," he said.
"For what?" Draco asked.
"For being nice to Ron and Hermoine," Harry said. "I appreciate it."
"I just thought since I had probably lost whatever friends I may have had in Slytherin because of that article, I best make some new ones," Draco shrugged.
"Well, for whatever reason, I'm glad," Harry said. "We're going to need all the friends we can get." He yawned. "I think I'll turn in. Classes start in the morning. Coming?"
"Yeah," Draco said as they stood up. "We've got potions first thing." Harry just groaned as they got up and walked into the bedroom.
Rita Skeeter dropped onto her couch with a sigh. It had been a very long day. She was still getting several howlers a day about her latest article about Harry Potter. She had just kicked off her shoes when she noticed a man sitting in the shadows.
"Who the hell are you?" she asked. "And how did you get past my wards?"
"Who I am doesn't matter," the man said, "and as for those pathetic excuses for wards, I just hope you didn't pay too terribly much for them. I'd tell you to ask for your money back but after tonight, it won't really matter."
"What do you want?"
"Sorry, you've had your allotment of questions for the day," the man said. He snapped his fingers and two men walked out of the next room. "These two gentlemen are going to be escorting you to another location where you'll meet some of my... colleagues." He got up and walked over to her. "You should have learned by now who you can and cannot write about. Now, I fear it is too late. Stupefy." One of the other men walked over and picked up the reporter.
"Make sure she's not found for a very long time," the first man said. "My client doesn't want anything that would lead anyone to even suspect him."
"Not a problem," the third man said. "By the time anyone finds her, most people will have forgotten who she was." With a pop, he and the second man disappeared. The first man looked around.
"I take such pride in a job well done," he said then disappeared himself.
TBC...
Disclaimers et al in part 1
Chapter 17 - Hail, Hail, The Gang's All Here!
If someone were to look at the Hogwarts Express as it made its way back to the school, they wouldn't see anything out of the ordinary... unless, of course, they knew what they were looking at. Everyone of the sixth-year Gryffindors were sitting in one of the compartments. The topic under discussion, of course, was the article in the Prophet.
"How do we know it's true?" Lavender asked. "We all know how Skeeter lies about Harry."
"Not this time," Hermoine said.
"Mum called Professor Dumbledore," Ron said. "The article's true."
"I can't see why Harry would marry Malfoy," Dean said, "even if he is pregnant."
"Malfoy must have tricked him," Seamus said.
"But now Harry's carrying the 'legitimate' heir to the Malfoy estate," Hermoine said. "After Draco, this baby will inherit everything."
"Like Harry's not rich all ready," Lavender said.
"What do you mean?" Seamus asked.
"The Potters have been around almost as long as the Malfoys and almost as rich," Ron said. "I don't think Harry even knows how rich he is."
"I wonder if Malfoy does," Hermoine mused.
"Meaning what?" Neville asked.
"With Malfoy married to Harry, he has access to his estate," Hermoine said.
"Would Harry have the same access?" Dean asked.
"No, because Draco isn't Lord of the Manor," Lavender said. "If Draco has access, you can bet his father does."
"Doesn't seem fair, that," Neville said.
"Do you think that's why they got married?" Dean asked.
"I don't think the headmaster would allow that," Hermoine said. "He's the executor of the Potter estate."
"Still," Ron said, "we really need to talk to Harry."
"How do you know all this about Harry's inheritance?" Seamus asked.
"Harry showed us one of the letters he got from Gringotts," Ron said.
Another group of sixth-years was meeting in another compartment. This group was from Slytherin. The topic of discussion was the same as the other group.
"I can't believe Draco married Potter," Pansy fumed.
"You're just mad because now he can't marry you," Blaise smiled.
"We were practically betrothed," Pansy said.
"He might have married you," Zabini said, "but he wouldn't have been in your bed any longer that it took to get an heir. Draco's as pouf as they come."
"Like that matters," Millicent snorted. "From what I hear, his father has had as many male lovers as female ones, if not more."
"We're getting off-topic here," Pansy said.
"The only way Draco would marry Potter is if his father made him," Vincent said. "Besides, he might still have you as his mistress."
"All the perks, none of the problems," Greg murmured.
"He's got a point," Millicent said. The three seemed to forget what had been said earlier.
"We'll just have to get Potter out of the way," Pansy smiled.
"Which you can't even think about doing until after the baby is born," Blaise said. "Whatever else is going on, Potter is carrying Lucius Malfoy's grandchild. Anything happens to that baby and Lucius ever finds out who's responsible, that's one body they'll never find."
Everyone was quiet for a moment then Pansy spoke up. "So we can't get rid of him," she said. "Doesn't mean we can't make his life a living hell."
"Just make sure Draco isn't in the line of fire," Millicent said. "He's almost as bad as his father."
"Harry, are you ready?" Draco called. He was standing in the bedroom waiting for Harry to come out of the bathroom.
"I'm not going!"
"Harry, it's the returning feast," Draco said. "You have to be there."
"Everyone will be staring at me!"
"Harry, would you come out of the bathroom, please?" Draco asked. "I really hate talking through a door." It took a minute but the door finally opened and Harry walked slowly into the bedroom. "Now, why don't you want to go to the feast?"
"Because everyone will stare at me," Harry said. "I hate when they stare at me or point. They always whisper to each other while looking at me. Conversations stop when I walk into the room." He flopped face down on the bed. Draco sat next to him.
"I know it'll be bad but putting it off won't make it any make it any easier," Draco said. "In fact, it would be worse."
"What makes you say that?" Harry asked.
"This way, they'll be used to the idea before it becomes obvious you're preggers."
"I guess you're right," Harry sighed. He turned over on his back. "Our child will have a normal life."
"Sorry to be the one to tell you this but our child will not be normal," Draco said. "He'll be a Potter AND a Malfoy. He won't know what normal is."
"He won't be a clone of you," Harry said. He snorted. "'He'. It's not as big as my finger and you've labeled it a he."
"Of course, it's a he and no, he won't be my clone," Draco said. He laid down on the bed next to Harry propping himself on his elbow. "He'll be better." Draco got a faraway look in his eye. "He'll have a father that will let him choose his own path, not the one his father wants him to follow. His father will see him as his son not just his heir. He'll love him no matter what he does."
Harry reached up and touched Draco's cheek. "Why do I get the feeling we're not talking about our baby right now?" he smiled. He pulled Draco down for a gentle kiss. "We'll be good parents."
"We'll be the best," Draco said. "Now get changed so we can go down to the great hall." Harry moaned but got off the bed to get ready.
The great hall was slowly filling as the students made their way to their respective tables. The main topic of conversation was, once again, Harry and Draco's wedding and their baby. Just as everyone had taken their seats and Dumbledore had stood up to welcome them back, the doors opened and Harry and Draco walked in.
Harry was right. Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared.
Harry almost turned around and left but Draco grabbed his arm and steered him toward the Gryffindor's table. They came to a stop next to Ron and Hermoine.
"Mind if we join you?" Draco asked. It took a moment for anyone to say anything.
"S..sure," Hermoine finally said. They had left a place for Harry but she moved over so there would also be room for Draco.
"Thanks," Harry said as they both sat down. After they were settled, Dumbledore began to speak.
"I want to welcome everyone back from their winter holidays," the headmaster said. "I'm sure you are all ready to once again begin gathering knowledge. As I am sure you are all aware, there was an article in the Daily Prophet concerning two of our students. The article, for the most part, is true. Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy are bonded and are expecting." This caused murmurs to circle the room. Harry wanted to fall through the floor. Dumbledore held up his hand and the room quieted again. "For this reason, several things have happened. They have been given their own quarters," he continued. "Because of his condition, there are certain things which he is forbidden, most of which have to do with his classes. All those concerned have already been informed. I would asked that you refrain from casting any spells on Mr. Potter-Malfoy as they can harm his unborn child. Thank you. Now eat up."
"I could have done without that announcement," Harry muttered.
"Well, at least everyone knows now," Draco said.
Harry glanced at the head table and saw Remus and Snuffles sitting there. He gave them a small smile and Remus smiled back. Harry just hoped they never found out the real reason this was happening. He shuddered inwardly just thinking about what would happen if that came out in the open.
"You're not going to be living in the tower any more?" Ron asked.
"No," Harry said. "We've got our own rooms now. Dumbledore thought it might be easier that way."
"Easier how?" someone asked.
"Not as far from the classrooms or the hospital wing," Draco said. "It won't be as far for him to walk when he's farther along."
"Look, I really don't feel like making a public speech on what happened. Hermoine, why don't you and Ron come by our rooms this evening," Harry suggested. "It's in the faculty area behind the portrait of the Wizard's Fair. You can tell everyone after that." He whispered the password into her ear.
"You're not eating," Draco observed.
"I'm not hungry," Harry said.
"You need to eat," Draco said quietly. He brushed the hair out of Harry's eyes. "If not for you, for the baby."
"You can do guilt very well," Harry said.
"It's a gift," Draco shrugged. "Now eat."
"So it really happened like the paper said?" Hermoine asked later that evening.
"Just like it said," Harry nodded. Dobby had brought them tea and some snakes.
"I'd just like to know where she got the information," Draco said.
"I thought what you did to her meant she couldn't write about Harry," Ron said.
"It meant she couldn't write any lies," Hermoine said. "If she writes the truth or puts her name to something someone else writes, she can get around it."
"So how mad was your father?" Ron asked Draco.
"You don't want to know," Draco shuddered. "It wasn't pretty. If my Aunt Moria wasn't there, it would have been a lot worse."
"I can't wait for you to meet her," Harry said. "She's very nice."
"And she can't wait to start decorating the nursery," Draco reminded him. "If it hadn't been for her, Father would have probably had this big lavish affair that neither of us wanted."
"We hadn't planned on you finding out like this," Harry said. "We wanted to tell you in person."
"How did Remus and Sirius take it?" Ron asked.
"They were not pleased," Harry said, "although Sirius was the more vocal of the two."
"No surprise there," Hermoine chuckled.
"He calmed down quickly enough," Harry said. He turned to Draco. "You never did tell me what you two talked about."
"Oh, the usual," Draco said, airily. "Plans for after school, plans for the baby, threats of slow torture if I ever hurt Harry. That kind of stuff."
"He is very protective of me," Harry said with a smile.
"Now, Harry," Hermoine started.
"Yes, I'm seeing a medi-witch," Harry said. "I've already told McGonagall I'm quitting quidditch. I'm following the diet Madame Pomfrey gave me. I'm being very careful when I'm practicing for class" He looked at her. "Did I forget anything?" She just glared at him while Ron and Draco chuckled.
Ron and Hermoine stayed for a little longer then headed back to the tower. Once they were gone, Harry looked at his husband.
"Thanks," he said.
"For what?" Draco asked.
"For being nice to Ron and Hermoine," Harry said. "I appreciate it."
"I just thought since I had probably lost whatever friends I may have had in Slytherin because of that article, I best make some new ones," Draco shrugged.
"Well, for whatever reason, I'm glad," Harry said. "We're going to need all the friends we can get." He yawned. "I think I'll turn in. Classes start in the morning. Coming?"
"Yeah," Draco said as they stood up. "We've got potions first thing." Harry just groaned as they got up and walked into the bedroom.
Rita Skeeter dropped onto her couch with a sigh. It had been a very long day. She was still getting several howlers a day about her latest article about Harry Potter. She had just kicked off her shoes when she noticed a man sitting in the shadows.
"Who the hell are you?" she asked. "And how did you get past my wards?"
"Who I am doesn't matter," the man said, "and as for those pathetic excuses for wards, I just hope you didn't pay too terribly much for them. I'd tell you to ask for your money back but after tonight, it won't really matter."
"What do you want?"
"Sorry, you've had your allotment of questions for the day," the man said. He snapped his fingers and two men walked out of the next room. "These two gentlemen are going to be escorting you to another location where you'll meet some of my... colleagues." He got up and walked over to her. "You should have learned by now who you can and cannot write about. Now, I fear it is too late. Stupefy." One of the other men walked over and picked up the reporter.
"Make sure she's not found for a very long time," the first man said. "My client doesn't want anything that would lead anyone to even suspect him."
"Not a problem," the third man said. "By the time anyone finds her, most people will have forgotten who she was." With a pop, he and the second man disappeared. The first man looked around.
"I take such pride in a job well done," he said then disappeared himself.
TBC...