"…several of these ingredients are hazardous to the unborn," Snape was saying as Harry and the others copied down the potion they were making today, chilling his heart, "But there are substitutions that can be made. Mr Potter, you've just volunteered to make the potion with the substitutions. Let's see how much attention you've been paying this year."
Harry nodded in relief, gathering his things and moving them up to the empty space at the front of the room. He spent a few extra minutes adjusting the recipe, working through each substitution carefully, so as not to inadvertently brew up something that would explode or do something else just as dangerous. Malfoy was the only other person in the front row, but as always the Slytherin Prefect was working directly opposite the Professor's desk and therefore would be unable to do anything without their teacher noticing.
Harry had found a new pleasure in potion making. Once he'd decided to just ignore Snape's vindictive behaviour he'd found the lessons interesting. Charms and Transfiguration were simple in that cause and effect followed each other very predictably, but in potions there were so many extra factors that could affect the outcome of your brewing that the intricate reactions fascinated Harry.
He was aware that Snape was standing opposite him as he expertly diced the honeycomb that was a part of this recipe, thankful that his practice in the kitchen over Easter had allowed him to improve his technique. He'd taken over all the cooking during the holidays, finding it a restful activity that had a tangible reward at the end. Harry did his best to ignore the scrutiny of his teacher as he left the honeycomb to grind the dried griffin hamstrings into a fine powder.
"Mr Potter," Snape's voice was smooth and dark, and Harry had to quell his body's reaction to it. His hormones were not going to rule his gonads if he had anything to say about it. Especially not with Snape of all people!
"Yes, sir?" Harry looked up, pausing his preparations obligingly. Snape's eyes flashed with some unreadable emotion and the Professor crossed his arms over his chest, drawing his robes closely around him.
"What can you tell me about the recent practical jokes in the castle?" Snape raised an eyebrow and Harry frowned. He knew the youngsters hadn't been caught, nor would they be if they continued their discreet activities.
"Nothing, sir," Harry answered honestly. He couldn't tell the man anything, because that would get him in trouble, that much was true. Snape's eyes flashed at him and the Head of Slytherin sneered before sweeping off to glance over Malfoy's preparations and moving on to Finch-Fletchly. Harry wondered if Snape was following the old pattern of blaming Harry for every incident that occurred that he didn't like, or if there was some substance behind the accusation.
Harry took a deep breath and returned his concentration to his potion, shelving his speculation for when he could talk to his partner and have his worries soothed. Since Madam Pomfrey had told Ron he was going to be a dad, the redhead had been even more solicitous of Harry than ever before. Harry was reluctant to allow the spoiling, though Ron could usually get around him at the end of the day when he was tired.
By the end of the lesson, Harry's potion was the same colour and consistency as Hermione's - she was still the most accurate brewer in the class despite the extra tuition that Malfoy obviously got - and Snape made a show of checking his potion cautiously before nodding for Harry to clean it up. He joined Ron and Hermione in the corridor and told them in a low voice what Snape had asked.
"He's just blaming the stuff he doesn't like on you, Harry," Hermione said immediately, "Don't worry about it."
"Yeah, mate, he's just being his usual self," Ron chimed in, peering at him anxiously, and Harry smiled in reassurance, then grunted when a particularly active child jolted his diaphragm. Ron had gotten used to that noise, and waved Hermione's concerned look off easily.
/hey! Stop kicking your father/ his fingers stroked over the Bump sternly and Harry snorted, shaking his head. As Ron had stepped in to hug him, one hand between their bodies while they paused in the shadows of the stairs that led up to the castle proper, he wasn't too worried that people would notice where Ron's hand was. Hermione was used to this by now, and had even got into the habit of shifting to give them some cover.
"Come on, let's get going," she urged, "We're going to be late for Charms."
"Coming," Ron sighed, letting go.
/you will later/ Harry promised his partner's arm and followed Hermione up the stairs, ignoring the spluttering behind him.
0oo0oo0
Ron groaned as he caught sight of the Minister for Magic, waiting for them beside the Great Hall with a reporter and photographer in tow. He just wanted some breakfast and some time to wake up properly. Harry had shagged him into orbit last night and he needed time to recover his scattered wits before the day started with double Transfigurations. Harry needed time to eat in peace as well, Ron was still carefully monitoring his partner's diet, as was Hermione, Neville, Ginny and the teachers.
"Patience," Harry sighed, "Calm and adult."
"Bugger that," Ron replied under his breath and took Harry's hand firmly, tugging him along as the Minister stepped forward to waylay them. Harry's manners were ingrained deeply, and could be a bit of a hindrance at times.
"Harry! Ron! I was hoping to have a moment of your time," the Minister smiled, glancing at the hawk faced reporter beside him, while the short photographer - Ron thought it might be the same guy that had been taking pictures of Gilderoy Lockhart in his heyday - aimed his camera at them.
"Put that away," Ron barked, startling the man so badly that the camera jerked to one side and took a picture of the wall behind them instead. Ron ignored the mans curse, glaring at him with impunity. He didn't have to put up with this rot and neither did Harry.
"Minister, we've only got a short while before breakfast is finished," Harry was saying diplomatically. Fudge beamed at them in a familiar manner that had Ron's stomach roiling queasily. Couldn't the man take a hint?
"I'm sure your teachers won't mind if you give us a moment of your time. We can ask one of the house elves to bring you a tray while we chat," Fudge reached out to take Harry by the arm and looked astonished when Ron tugged Harry out of range. The reporter was watching keenly, and Ron had a very nasty idea.
"Well I'm afraid that we mind, Minister," Ron said before Harry could speak up, spotting Professor McGonagall striding towards them as well, "Firstly, we take our NEWT's this term and have a lot of work to do so we can finish creditably, so we don't want to miss any lessons, and secondly Harry and I aren't in the habit of making extra work for the house elves. They're busy enough without us making unnecessary requests of them."
"Boys, go in to breakfast please," Professor McGonagall had arrived and Ron moved immediately, keeping himself between Harry and Fudge. He didn't want the man to touch his partner, something about him made Ron's skin crawl.
Malfoy had two seats available opposite him and Harry led Ron over without pause, sliding into the first space and reaching for the toast. There were a few people whispering and looking at them, but Ron ignored it all in favour of getting on with their delayed breakfast. They said good morning to Malfoy, as well as to Justin Finch-Fletchly, who was sitting further up the table.
"What was all that about?" Malfoy asked, glancing over to where McGonagall and the Headmaster now spoke with Fudge in low tones. Harry sighed, but Ron beat him to the answer, shaking his head at his spouse.
"Fudge is trying to use us to get re-elected at Christmas. We don't want a bar of it. Besides, anything that gives the Daily Prophet an exclusive story isn't a good thing," Ron tucked in to the kippers on his plate, watching Harry add a dash of ginger marmalade to his plate, which he dipped his forkful of bacon and eggs in occasionally. That little craving still had Ron shuddering in distaste, and the look on Malfoy's face was priceless. The blonde Prefect shook his head and finished his cup of tea, moving as if to get up.
"Best way to stop that little plan is to hold an exclusive interview with someone else," he told them, wiped his mouth on a napkin and strode off with Crabbe and Goyle at his heels. Ron choked on his mouthful and Harry thumped him on the back in a friendly manner.
/Did Malfoy just offer us friendly, useful advice/ Ron asked Harry's wrist and Harry rolled his eyes.
"Yes," he answered aloud, "Don't be so surprised. Slytherin House is known for its ability to make the best use of circumstances."
Justin choked on his mouthful of toast and Ron shook his head. They watched as Colin Creevey paused on his way past to batter him on the back, desisting only when Justin shoved him away a bit.
"Wonders will never cease," he wheezed, "Did you just compliment Slytherin?"
Ron rolled his eyes and sighed, sipping his tea for a moment while Harry concentrated on his breakfast, anger in the set of his shoulders and arms. They had been under scrutiny for so long as they struggled to promote school unity, and after all this time people still thought they were pretending? It wasn't fair.
"Why not?" Ron scowled at the other boy, "There's nothing wrong with Slytherin House. It's got good and bad people, just like any other House."
Justin sat back, a look of concentration on his face. Ron sincerely hoped that meant he was thinking things over.
0oo0oo0
"Hang on," Harry stopped Ron reaching for the bottle of shampoo, "That's not right."
"What's not right?" Ron frowned. Harry had become a little paranoid about the shampoo he used ever since the twins embarrassing prank just before the wedding. He always checked the bottle before he used it. As Ron was about to wash Harry's hair - they had gotten up extra early to do this undisturbed - that meant that Harry was not in the best position to do his usual checking.
"The smell is wrong," Harry turned under the water, the Bump rubbing against Ron's flat belly. Ron sniffed the shampoo cautiously. It was supposed to be faintly apple scented, but it actually smelt like banana. Ron capped the bottle and put it back on the shelf, reaching for the hand soap instead.
"We'll use this instead then," he promised and Harry looked relieved that he wasn't protesting. The dye had finally worn out of Harry's hair and his partner's paranoia had abated - he no longer insisted on bringing his own shampoo to the shower, or warding the bottle to prevent tampering when he wasn't around. That didn't mean he was going to risk having purple and green hair again.
Ron leaned in and kissed the warm, wet lips before raising lather covered hands to massage Harry's scalp, loving the feeling of his partner's changing body as it pressed against him. Harry's arms were a warm weight around his waist and Ron hummed under his breath as he spread the lather through carefully, then rinsed it out. Harry kissed him in thanks and leaned over to lather his own hands, soaping them evenly and returning the favour.
They dried off quickly, replaced Harry's glamour charm and hurried back to their room, shutting and sealing the door before tumbling onto the bed and kissing each other fervently. Hands came into play and it didn't take long for them to reach mutual satiation. Ron let Harry clean them up and then slithered down the bed to kiss the Bump good morning, stroking welcoming messages into the swollen skin.
"Idiot," the tone was indulgent, though, and the green eyes that met his were very gentle. Ron grinned and slithered up to plant a kiss between them before getting up reluctantly.
"Come on, I want an early breakfast this morning," he held out a hand and Harry got up, dressing carefully, the expanded uniforms coming in handy. Ron sighed as Harry put the glamour back on, knowing he wouldn't see the children for the rest of the day, and wishing it didn't have to be that way. They weren't too keen to advertise Harry's condition, his partner simply didn't want the notoriety and publicity that would come with that piece of news being passed around the school. Once exams were over it wouldn't matter.
"I love you, Potter," Harry gave him a crooked smile, well aware of what the new last name did to Ron's insides. He picked up their bags as Harry unsealed the door, letting his spouse carry his own bag this morning, rather than fuss about it.
"Stuck with me," Ron replied simply and waved a greeting to Neville as they headed for the main corridor. When he was sure no one was around he shot an amused glance at his partner. Harry was a little forgetful this morning, and Ron's ego was swelling as a result.
"So, what do you think they did?" he reminded his friend and watched Harry pale a little in response before flushing and laughing. A glance at Ron showed his concern and Ron let his fingers do the talking, persuading Harry that if he prevented the prank from going through, he'd undo all the progress in morale that Slytherin House had made.
"I don't know, but I hope that however they got the stuff into the shampoo they left the teachers alone!" Harry grasped the banister for the descent, with Ron hovering a little to one side. They were both chuckling lightly, but calmed down before they got to the Great Hall. Ron didn't want to give anyone the idea that they knew about this ahead of time. If Harry's paranoia hadn't kicked in they'd have been the first victims of this particular joke. They settled in for a leisurely breakfast, joined by Susan Bones not long after they arrived.
"Hannah's upstairs, primping for her birthday," Susan revealed, "Her parents are coming after lessons finish and taking her out to dinner tonight. It's a surprise."
"Are you going with her?" Ron asked and Susan smiled, nodding happily. Harry passed her the toast while Ron dished up a couple of chipolata's onto his spouses plate. Harry grinned at him and added some ginger marmalade to his plate. Susan eyed it with disgust and Ron distracted her with a question about Charms. Harry's cravings were mild at the moment, though Madam Pomfrey had warned them that they would only get stranger as the pregnancy went on.
The Hall was only half full as people trickled in for their first meal of the day. Several of the Slytherin first and second years had arrived already, their hair the usual colour. Professor Sprout and Professor Sinistra were already at the staff table, and as Ron watched Professor McGonagall joined them, leaned over and started whispering in their ears. Ron elbowed Harry, and his spouse watched the Head of Hufflepuff got up and hurried out, leaving Sinistra alone at the table, eyeing the students in the Hall speculatively. Ron was very glad that his and Harry's hair had dried by the second time they got up.
The Hall stayed mostly empty for breakfast, and Susan looked at the door several times in concern, finally putting some toast in a napkin for her friend to eat in class later. The Heads of Houses didn't appear for breakfast, and neither did the Headmaster. Ron hoped that the dye wasn't causing any problems other than concern about the colour of peoples hair and tugged Harry along to their first lesson of the day - double potions.
0oo0oo0
Harry cringed inwardly when he realised that Snape was wearing a very unusual piece of headgear. The pranksters had netted themselves a very important target. Harry hoped that the Potions master wouldn't dig too far. He had a feeling that the students who had pulled this off were on cloud nine, and having their Head of House come down on them would kill off any gains made in morale.
"Today we are going to concentrate on restorative potions," Snape growled at them. Malfoy was also wearing a scarf around his head, from which peeked strands of bright blue hair, "There are several different potions to be made today, and therefore I will hand out the recipes individually. Potter - you're to work up here with me."
That meant that the ingredients the others were using would be hazardous to Harry's children, and Harry moved with alacrity to the position indicated. He was making batches of hair dye, while Ron and the others were working on medicinal potions. He made sure that he had all the ingredients he needed and several additional cauldrons in order to make different colours of dye. He also made sure that he didn't look too hard at Snape in case the Potions master thought he was gloating or prying.
Snape prowled around the room, giving Harry a chance to see who else was sporting an interesting hair colour or new item of head wear. Neville's hair was a shocking bright green - and he was wearing it with a pride that had Harry smiling to himself, Neville was the least vain person Harry knew - and Hannah Abbott was wrapped in a scarf, bright pink hair peeking around her fringe. She looked a little tearful and Susan was hovering nearby, sending her anxious looks when Snape wasn't watching. Harry turned his attention back to his potions, making sure that the preparations were complete. It wouldn't do to let Hannah's day be spoiled by her unusual hair colour.
"Tell me Mr Potter," Snape's voice sounded in his ear as he filled the cauldrons with the precise amount of water, prior to heating them, "How is that you and Mr Weasley managed to avoid the new hair styles your fellow students are wearing?"
"The smell of the shampoo made me queasy," Harry said honestly, "We used the hand soap instead."
He honestly hadn't though about the ramifications of not warning his fellow students and guilt began to nibble at him, until he caught the gleam in Snape's eyes. The Head of Slytherin actually looked slightly approving of the prank - and probably would have approved a lot more if he hadn't been one of the victims. Harry lit the fires beneath his cauldrons and pulled his wand. The only way to brew these four potions simultaneously would be to use magic, though he thought that he wouldn't need the bond to do it.
He started murmuring under his breath, watching with an eagle eye as the first ingredients were added to the simmering water and the stirrers started the figure eight pattern that Snape insisted they use. His wand flitted from left to right, describing elegant figures in the air to ensure the ingredients and stirrers moved exactly as he wanted. The rhythm and challenge of the brewing took him over, sweeping him away as he worked the magic flawlessly, almost as good as the synchronisation that he felt with Ron in the bond. Time passed in measured increments, meaningful only when measured against the needs of his potions. He came back to himself with a regretful sigh when the fires were extinguished and the potions left to cool in their cauldrons.
He glanced back at Ron, knowing that his spouse was looking at him with concern, and sent the man a gentle smile, reassuring him without words that he and the children were just fine. He put his wand away and collected the now empty trays that had held his ingredients, stacking them precisely and taking them to the sink in the corner of the classroom, cleaning them quickly and putting them away according to Snape's exacting requirements.
"I think we'll have one of your own House test your potions, Potter," Snape's drawl greeted Harry as he stopped by his cauldrons, "Miss Granger, you're first."
Hermione stepped forward and took off the scarf her hair was hidden under, revealing locks as green as Neville's. She grinned at Harry, her shoulders shrugging a little as he choked trying not to laugh. Snape's glare helped with that and Harry watched the man collect the exact amount required in a dipper and motion Hermione over to the sink. When she stepped out of the corner her hair was the right colour. She kissed Harry's cheek and hurried back to her potion.
"Who is next?" Snape asked, and Malfoy's hand shot up instantly. The end of the lesson had returned everyone -including Professor Snape - that had been affected by the shampoo to their normal selves, with the exception of Neville, who had informed his teacher that he would like to keep his hair the colour it was.
"It makes a nice change," Neville explained as they walked out the door to their next lesson, and Hermione laughed, shaking her head fondly. Harry shot her a wondering look, hoping that she wasn't too upset. He couldn't believe that he hadn't warned his friends after he'd avoided the trap himself.
"It was pretty funny, Harry," Hermione seemed to read his mind, "Don't worry about it, no one was hurt and you brewed up enough dye for the whole school."
"Are you sure?" Harry looked at Neville who was chuckling as they walked. His friend nodded emphatically at him and Ron leaned in for a kiss to his cheek. Hannah Abbott walked past with her hair returned to normal, looking much more cheerful, and Harry sighed, letting the guilt go a little. It was a small burden - strange coloured hair for only a single morning - and it was true no one was hurt. How they'd managed to pull it off was another question, and Harry made a note to install wards with Ron on the Gryffindor quarters that would alert them to any further pranks.
0oo0oo0
Harry took his school robes and shoes off, hopping up to sit on the bed behind the screens that Madam Pomfrey had arranged for him. Ron was at Quidditch practice this evening, to his spouse's disgust, which meant that Harry was keeping his regular check-up appointment by himself. Hermione had offered to come with him, but he didn't want her to see him like this. Madam Pomfrey often had him half undressed before he knew where he was, and besides… it was one thing for Hermione to touch the Bump when it was hidden by his clothes, or a glamour charm, it was another for her to actually see it.
Madam Pomfrey had given him and Ron the titles of several books about being withchild and the names of several good midwives. He had talked to Ron about it though, explaining that he didn't want strangers around him during the birth. He felt oddly shy of his new body, and was cautious about revealing it to anyone, even Ron sometimes. Ron had suggested that the school Matron might be able to help them out, so at the end of the next appointment he'd asked her to be with him for the delivery. She'd agreed and kissed his cheek before shooing him out, telling him that her sister - one of the names she'd supplied - would attend as well. Madam Pomfrey's skills were excellent, but delivering children was not something she felt happy to do without an expert at her side.
"Right, Mr Potter," she was all brisk professionalism as she swept into the space created by the screens, "Trousers off."
Harry stood up again with a sigh and undid them, shaking them loose and off. It was getting difficult to bend to pull them on in the morning, but Ron was always there to help with a kiss and smile. He knew that Madam Pomfrey would help him out too, but it wouldn't be half as much fun. He climbed back up and lay on his back, drawing his knees up a little to take the strain off his back. It was starting to ache a little in response to the weight of the Bump, and lying on his back with his legs flat was a little uncomfortable.
"Right, so how are we?" the school Matron ran her wand over him and the white mist that Harry was so familiar with as her diagnostic tool settled over him comfortably.
"Going the loo every three minutes because they're still using my bladder for a trampoline," Harry told her, his cheeks pinking up a little, "And I've developed a craving for some of the nastier Bertie Botts Beans. Ron's absolutely disgusted with me, but he fishes them out for me anyway."
"Hmm," she nodded and Harry watched as the white turned it's various colours, settling over his internal organs and the Bump. From his reading of the medical texts in the library, Harry had a vague idea of what the colours meant, and right now they were showing a deficiency in something. He hoped that didn't mean more potions. Even now the school kept a pretty close eye on him, and if he started taking potions daily again the rumours would fly once more.
"You need more iron," she informed him, then turned to look at the Bump. A smile spread slowly over her face and Harry propped himself up on his elbows. She didn't mind if he moved once the mist had settled into its colours, and Harry was interested in tracking the colours that settled over the Bump.
"And… we have a nice surprise here," she patted his hand gently, "The sex of the babies."
"Really?" Harry exclaimed, "We've chosen names already, and we're ready for the birth ceremony, or as ready as we can be."
Madam Pomfrey chuckled at him and touched the colours on his Bump. Harry shut his mouth with a snap, all too aware that he was in the habit of babbling nervously when it came to the children and their impending arrival. He couldn't show Ron how nervous he was, especially as his partner was nervous enough anyway, and he had no one else to talk this over with except Molly Weasley. There was no way he was going to entrust his fears to a letter, though, so it would have to wait until they had graduated from school.
"You need to eat more red meat and I can give you a supplement that you can take at night in your dorm," the school Matron was as aware of the scrutiny as he was, and Harry thanked her with a smile. She guided one of his hands over the Bump, telling him what was where and then let him up, helping him with his trousers and shoes. He restored the glamour charm and then hugged her, his eyes shining. Ron would be very pleased with this news.
0oo0oo0
Ron hurried into the library, relaxing when he saw Harry sitting with Hermione, their heads together over a book. His partner had attended his fortnightly check-up without him, due to the final Quidditch practice of the year. Gryffindor played Slytherin for the House Cup on Saturday. From the smile Harry gave him, there had been no bad news, and Ron settled onto the library bench next to him with a peck to the cheek.
"Hello pet," Ron muttered, "Alright, there?"
"Mm-hmm, we're fine," Harry nodded and Ron paid attention to the charms that his friends were revising.
Harry sat close at dinner and ate a little more spinach than was his wont. Ron tried to remember what that meant - some kind of deficiency, he knew that much - but Harry's fingers soothed him before he could start to fret.
Hermione had them back in the library after dinner, and for a moment Ron thought that Harry had grimaced in frustration before turning his attention to their studies. Neville had joined them as they went over the Herbology. Ron still couldn't get used to Neville's bright green hair, though their friend seemed very cheerful over it. The group finally split to go their separate ways when curfew had them back in the dorms, and Ron sealed their door shut while Harry put their books away and poured a glass of water from the carafe that Dobby left out for them.
"What is that?" Ron pounced on the small red pill that Harry had in his hand, and Harry gave the bottle over without a fight, downing the pill and stripping off his robes, "Iron? Your iron levels are low?"
"Only a little, and Madam Pomfrey wasn't worried about it at all," Harry told him firmly, dropping his clothes onto an armchair and walking to the bed in his briefs. Thoroughly distracted - as Harry no doubt intended - Ron shucked out of his clothes and followed.
Dobby had provided Harry with several nightshirts - the old fashioned sleepwear allowing him a lot of room to move in - decorated with lurid stripes. Harry pulled one on now and climbed into the bed, waiting impatiently for Ron to get changed and climb in with him. Ron sat beside his lover and watched in fascination as Harry pulled the nightshirt up enough to reveal the Bump, his dark hairy legs and bright orange briefs looking rather odd beneath it.
"She told me some important news today," Harry started, capturing Ron's hand, and the redhead felt a flash of fear. Reassurances to Hermione aside, Ron was borderline obsessed with keeping Harry healthy and happy. This last term of school was stressful enough for people who weren't pregnant and being sort of stalked by the Minister of Magic, which meant that Ron had a lot to worry about on Harry's behalf.
"I knew it! What's wrong? Should we go to St Mungo's? Maybe you should wait until Christmas to sit for your NEWTs - you're over tired, right?" Ron stopped only when Harry's mouth covered his, the limber tongue tangling around his until speech was impossible. Harry held him in the kiss until Ron felt faint then broke free, panting into his mouth, making certain parts of him sit up and beg.
"Shut it, Ron, you're babbling," his spouses voice was amused, tender and loving, and Ron relaxed. That tone would not be in evidence if Harry were about to tell him bad news. The hand that Harry held was guided to the Bump and pressed firmly until the baby beneath kicked at the restriction.
"That is Edwina," Harry informed him and moved his hand, "…and that is Timothy," his hand was moved one more time, "…and that is Lawrence. Your two sons and daughter."
Ron felt tears prick his eyes and he bent, kissing the three spots that Harry had shown him before leaning up to kiss Harry passionately. For the time being all his worries and half formed fears took a back seat to this single moment. They'd discussed the names and picked out for boys and girls. With Harry naming the children to him now, the unborn lives became so much more real to him.
"You're a marvel," Ron husked, "A bloody marvel."
0oo0oo0
Harry watched with his heart in his throat as Ron swooped down and kicked the quaffle away from the hoops, into Ginny's hands. He cheered loudly, waving the corner of the Gryffindor banner he held over his head, making it roar in triumph. Hermione had looked at him in disbelief when he'd unfurled the thing and activated the charm, but the younger members of his House had laughed and begged for an edge or corner to hold. Harry had waited until it was properly spread to lean into his friend and whisper in her ear.
"This is my last chance to cheer my spouse on from the sidelines."
She'd given him an understanding look and grin, and then shifted so her arm was around his shoulder and they were sharing the corner he held. She was just as excited as he was - the teams were level pegging, the scores never more than a single goal apart. The Chasers and Beaters were almost blurs of motion out there as the plays came fast and furious, each team striving to outdo the other. Malfoy was zooming almost desperately from side to side, seeking the snitch, and Beth moved a little more slowly, moving in endless laps around the pitch. Harry had seen the snitch four times this match, and had to sit on his hands to avoid pointing it out to anyone. He may be grounded, but that didn't mean the skills weren't still there and still viable. Right now, for instance, the snitch was hovering over Slytherins goals, and Harry was avoiding looking at them altogether.
The Bump shifted a little restlessly and Harry put his free hand to it, stroking reassurance to the babies, telling them how clever their father was being right now with a glow of pride. Hermione and the banner hid the action, so he wasn't too worried about being spotted. With only a short time left at school, Harry didn't want the news that he was withchild floating around the corridors. It was almost embarrassing that he and Ron had been caught out like this.
Beth suddenly peeled off from her laps and zoomed past Malfoy - who was pointing in entirely the wrong direction - and Harry traced her course in the air, grinning when he spotted the snitch. Malfoy was on her tail now, and Harry cheered her on as she barged into her opponent, the action so unexpected she managed to knock him off course and gain some much needed ground. The snitch soared into the sky and Beth went after it fearlessly, stretching out her hand and plucking it from the air just as Malfoy barged into her as well.
"Yes!" Harry yelled and the banner roared its approval as Madam Hooch blew her whistle and the game ended. Dennis Creevey was cheering into his megaphone, and so was Professor McGonagall by the sound of it. Harry waved the banner wildly, cheering as his team converged on their new Seeker in a howling scrum of congratulations. The Slytherins were scowling as they headed for the ground and Madam Hooch spelled the first bludger back into its box. Malfoy, who was dawdling towards the ground - doubtless hoping to put off the remarks of his team captain for as long as possible - crossed the path of the second one, and didn't notice when it swung straight for him. Without thinking Harry whipped his wand out and vanished the bludger just as it headed for Malfoy's head, shouting the spell clearly and dropping the banner to stand for a clear shot. His Seeker reflexes stood the test as he beat even Madam Hooch to the spell - and her wand had already been in her hand. Malfoy jerked and almost slipped off his broom in astonishment, sending him a funny look.
"He's probably wondering why you didn't let it hit him," Hermione mumbled, "He's never believed that you don't hate Slytherin."
Harry shrugged in reply, putting his wand away and nodding once to his former opponent. He knew how painful a bludger hit was and didn't want to see anyone - not even an enemy - suffer an unnecessary hit. It was different in the middle of a game, you expected it; it was one of the common risks. He dismissed Malfoy from his thoughts and picked up his corner of the banner again, and shook it to make it roar once more as the Gryffindor's took a lap of honour around the pitch, Beth in the lead, the snitch still in her hand.
"What's the bet that she keeps it?" Harry asked with a laugh, seeing the tight grip she had on her prize. Hermione gave him a startled glance and raised her eyebrows in inquiry. Harry nodded in answer. The first snitch he'd ever caught was secreted away with his school things, he'd been very reluctant to give it back to Madam Hooch, though he knew that she had a pretty good idea where it was. She had very kindly refrained from demanding it back, giving implicit permission for him to keep it with her silence.
The Gryffindor's landed and the stands emptied as the House rushed to congratulate their team. Hermione helped Harry to fold up the banner, quieting the charm on it. Harry was a bit wary of going into that mob, even to congratulate his spouse, and a part of him wished that he didn't have to be so careful. He'd have preferred to be in the thick of things - in fact he'd have preferred to be the one to defeat Malfoy in this last match - but the Bump had to come first now.
"Harry!" Ron's voice shouted and Harry turned to look over the edge of the stands, grinning when he realised his partner was floating beside the stands, a hand held out. He took it without a second thought, climbing onto a bench and settling in front of Ron, sitting sideways on the broom. He wrapped an arm around his partner and laughed as Ron guided the broom away from the stands, relieved to be flying again, if only for a few brief seconds. Hermione's scolding faded away and Ron guided them towards the castle, flying low and slowly to prevent accidents.
"Madam Pomfrey better not catch us," Harry said breathlessly into Ron's ear, kissing it gently for good measure. Ron groaned and shifted a little in response, eliciting another laugh from Harry. His partner's ears were a sensitive spot - Harry could get him hard and aching just by nibbling and blowing on a single ear.
"Stop it or I'll crash," Ron growled and Harry stopped with a disappointed sigh. The steps loomed and Ron landed carefully, letting Harry slip from the handle to his feet lightly and shouldering his broom with a deft movement. He took Harry's hand and hurried him inside, ushering Harry up the stairs with a single-minded focus that had Harry tingling in anticipation. Scant minutes later they were hurrying past Wrestler and into the common room, their door slamming shut behind them. Harry pinned Ron to the door and blew in his ear again, getting his partner's undivided attention.
"Have I ever told you," Harry whispered into Ron's ear, and then sucked on the lobe briefly while the redhead quivered in delight, "How much of a turn on it is to do this in your Quidditch robes?"
"You pervert," Ron moaned helplessly as Harry nipped his ear lobe, clever fingers worming under the red and gold material, unfastening the white breeches and dipping in for their prize. Harry hummed as he sucked on Ron's ear seductively, enjoying the moans and sighs he was getting in response while Seeker fingers stroked and pulled on their favourite toy. Ron was rapidly losing the ability to stand and Harry dropped to his knees, sticking his head under the hot robes and replacing his fingers with his mouth.
Ron roared like the banner, his hips bucking as pleasure crashed over him in waves and Harry hummed in smug pleasure.
0oo0oo0
NEWT's weren't that different to OWL's in that the stress and anticipation had rapidly reached fever pitch among the seventh years. Ron had almost come to blows with Hermione over the amount of study time she wanted them to do, eventually he'd hauled her into their room, cast a silencing charm - the juniors were staring with unmitigated awe at their normally calm senior Prefects as they screamed at each other - and told her flat out that Harry wasn't sleeping well and Ron needed her to lay off his partner right now before he got too tired to be any use for anything.
Harry had not been best pleased when Ron and his new ally ganged up on him and told him flat out that he was to start going to bed early and rest more. Ron had put that little rebellion down with some difficulty, and had finally been forced to drag Harry off into their room and make him stand in front of the mirror. The glowing colour that his partner's face once held was a little faded, and Ron's heartfelt pleas had finally worked. Harry slept a bit better now that he wasn't studying day and night and Ron slept a lot better seeing the colour still in his spouse's face.
The examiners arrived as they had before - turning up just as breakfast finished. Professor Dumbledore greeted them with smiles and offers of tea, ushering them off to the staff room while the seventh and fifth years waited outside the now sealed Great Hall for their first written examination in Charms. Ron stood with an arm around Harry's waist, rubbing the small of his back in last minute reassurance - for them both. Harry's hand was tangled with Hermione's, giving her some of the comfort that Ron was giving him. This was their final step towards adulthood in the wizarding world, and it was a little daunting for Ron to think that this time next year he'd be a father of three babies, and working for the Ministry in a variety of roles.
Then the doors swung open and Ron leaned in to kiss Harry's cheek, then Hermione's.
"Let's go," he smiled, and Harry disentangled from them both, kissing them both in reply and smiling in his own turn.
"Bring it on," that little bit of bravado had Hermione chuckling and shaking her head as Ron led his friends in. They were all seated alphabetically, and Ron glanced at his friends as the papers were placed on the table in front of him. He listened to Flitwick's speech about the anti-cheating spells in place on the Hall, quills and parchment and picked up his quill in readiness. The hourglass at the front turned over and he turned to the first question, brows furrowed in concentration.
Two hours later, they were ushered out for dinner, and then the practical would be held and they'd be free to indulge in last minute revision for the next test. Harry didn't seem too worried and Hermione had wisely refrained from asking what answers they'd given to each question, perhaps not willing to risk another shouting match with Ron, who hated taking the test twice.
Dinner was a hearty meal, and Ron felt better once his stomach was full. From the smile in Harry's eyes, his partner had also been drooping a little, and the meal was a timely reviver. He noticed that Harry pocketed several pieces of fruit for while he waited, and stroked approval of the idea into Harry's thigh, pocketing a few for himself. The seventh and fifth years waited in the Great Hall for their turn at the practical examination, the two side rooms that the castle had kindly arranged for them to hold their practical tests in reached by two new side doors.
Ron watched Hermione being summoned to her Charms practical and smiled reassuringly at her. There had been a rather loud noise from the fifth year's examination room about twenty minutes ago, and he hoped that whoever had blown up their eggcup had at least managed to demonstrate some cartwheels first. Harry waved the orange peel in his hand in salute and slipped a segment into his mouth, sucking for the juice and swallowing the remaining pulp.
"Potter, how can you eat?" Malfoy shuddered from the seat opposite, "If I tried to swallow anything now it would come back up."
"I can either eat an orange or faint halfway through from hunger," Harry replied absently, "I wouldn't have thought you'd be this nervous."
Ron watched as the blonde Slytherin shifted on his seat uneasily.
"Now that father is gone," Malfoy admitted reluctantly, "There's a lot more riding on my ability to get a good job. Mother needs a lot of support, and I won't let her down."
"You know," Ron mused, "The Ministry isn't the only employer going, Draco. If you needed to stay in England there are quite a few positions going at various Potion Laboratories. That's always been your best subject."
"Why do you care?" Malfoy sneered, "It's not as if you need to worry, Weasley. You've got a job custom made for you already."
"One that I had thrust on me without anyone except Harry consulting me if I wanted it," Ron returned evenly, "We were going to be Aurors, not Ministry Wizards. And maybe I don't care, but I've never liked to see anyone treated unfairly. It's always seemed stupid to pick on someone because of who their parents were."
Harry and Malfoy's names were called then and Ron leaned back to watch his partner head for the examination room. He hoped that Malfoy had at least listened to what he'd said. He didn't want to see his old enemy put in a bad position just because his father was a power hungry idiot. In a way, the death of Lucius Malfoy had been the best thing that could have happened to Draco. Now he had a chance to be his own person.
0oo0oo0
"I can't believe you talked me into this!" Harry muttered, his fingers slightly slippery on his wand as the school waited restlessly on the other side of the curtains. Ron laughed lightly and kissed his cheek, caressing the Bump as he pulled back.
"It's just a bit of fun. It's traditional," Ron soothed, and Harry rolled his eyes, shaking his head in disgust and folding his arms. Ron's eyes lit up in response to the wordless challenge and his partner leaned in to kiss the temper off Harry's face. They were wearing their leathers - Harry's greatly altered around the waist despite the glamour charms - and Hermione had nearly drooled all over them when she'd first seen them. Harry was close to drooling now Ron's talented tongue was tangling with his.
NEWTs and the Leaving Feast were over, and the teachers dais had become the 'stage' for the traditional seventh year entertainment, complete with velvet drapes to allow them to change the props and such in privacy. Each student in their year was somehow involved in putting on a display of magical prowess and 'talent'. There would be all sorts of acts, plays, tricks, comedy and singing, and their peers had decided that Harry and Ron would open the show.
"Oi!" Hermione hissed as she walked onto the stage littered with musical instruments, "Will you two get over it already!"
Harry grinned sheepishly as he pulled back. His hormones were still stuck in the 'horny teenager' stage, and the whole withchild thing had only enhanced the affect. Ron had certainly never complained about it. Ron nuzzled him one more time, and leaned back, grinning at their friend.
"You're just jealous," he teased lightly, "You want a Harry of your own."
"Well, he's taken, so I guess I'll have to look elsewhere," Hermione teased in return and leaned in for a kiss of her own, laughing as Harry blushed bright red in response. She pulled back and headed for the curtains, "Time to show everyone what we're made of."
"Literally?" Harry asked, looking at her costume in amazement. Hermione was a beautiful young woman and her very tight and short school uniform showed that off very nicely indeed, "Hermy we want them concentrating on the show, not your… attributes."
"Neville wasn't complaining," Hermione smiled sweetly at them and slipped through the gap to get the audience's attention. Harry laughed, listening to the wolf whistles and yells of approval from the school as Ron chuckled and moved away to his mark. He was still laughing as Hermione stepped back inside and hurried off stage, turning at the last minute to wave her wand at the curtains, causing them to rise slowly.
The bond hummed and Harry turned partially so he could see the audience and the instruments lying on the ground. Ron was in place opposite him and grinning in sympathy. The bond hummed easily to life and Harry took a deep breath, waving his wand almost casually. Ron had chosen this Muggle song for them, and Harry had agreed in a heartbeat. If they were going to be stuck opening the show they might as well open it with a little style. The music reached its crescendo and Harry took a deep breath for the first verse as Ron took over the bond to keep the instruments in time.
"Hell is gone and Heavens here, there's nothing left for you to fear, shake your arse, come over here, now scream!" Harry sang strongly, glad his throat was well and truly healed despite the amplification spells put on the stage. He sent a jet of sparks into the air, singing the next bit with a grin and a wink at the audience as the sparks swirled around the stage, forming the vague outline of a man, "I'm a burning effigy of everything I used to be, you're my rock of empathy, my dear!"
He blew Ron a kiss and swayed his hips a little, transforming the sparks into a chorus line of knee high pixies that danced around gleefully while he sang the chorus to the crowd.
"So come on! Let me! Entertain you! Let me! Entertain you!" he stepped back, banished the pixies with a casual flick and let Ron take over the second verse, grinning as the bond surged at his touch to keep the instruments in time with the driving beat. Ron's tenor voice picked up the lyrics without a pause, swaying his hips in reply.
"Life's too short for you to die, so grab yourself an alibi! Heaven knows your mother lied, mon cher!" Ron sent a second shower of sparks in the green and silver of Slytherin into the air, letting them swirl around the instruments in dizzying pattern as he sung the next line with all his heart. Unity was the school's aim here, and he didn't want to see it die because it's founder's were gone, "Separate your right from wrongs, come and sing a different song, the kettle's on so don't be long, mon cher!"
The sparks transformed to furry little critters that started tumbling all over the stage, hopping about in a series of lively acrobatics and Ron took a deep breath and launched into the chorus.
"So come on! Let me! Entertain you! Let me! Entertain you!" he winked at the audience and relaxed back into the bond, the hum vibrating from Harry to him, leaving behind an enervating tingle that Harry used to keep the sheer energy on the stage going. He conjured up a copy of the Muggle yellow pages as he started the third verse, his wand whipping smartly through the air to manipulate the object into a series of spins which shot illusions from the pages, showing Colin Creevey's pictures of school life, especially the seventh years until all their faces were floating on the stage, mouthing along to the words he was singing.
"Look me up in the yellow pages! I will be your rock of ages - your see through fads and your crazy phases, yeah! Little Bo Peep has lost his sheep, he dropped a potion and fell asleep, the dew is wet, but the grass is sweet my dear!"
Ron took a deep breath and joined the bridging passage, the bond shared equally between them as they sung and swayed with the sheer energy they were generating. Sparks were shooting from the tips of their wands now, showering the stage in the overflow of Magic they were creating.
"Your mind gets burned with the habits you've learned, but we're the generation that's gonna be heard! We're tired of our teachers and our school's a drag! We're not gonna end up like our mums and dads! So come on! Let me! Entertain you! Let me! Entertain you! Let me! Entertain you! Let me! Entertain you!"
Harry could hear laughter from the audience and flicked his wand, levitating the leaving presents that the seventh years had brought for their teachers, giving them easily to Ron, who sent them into the laps of the staff. There were a few cheers and they sung the last verse together, eyes bright with humour and their bond. The faces of their peers faded away and the sparks that had been sheeting over the stage floor whirled up to take their place, taking on the House colours and forming the school crest, sparkling between them as they sung.
"He may be good, he may be out of sight! But he can't be here, so come around tonight - here is the place where the feeling grows! Ya gotta get high before you taste the lows! Let me! Entertain you! Let me! Entertain you! Let me! Entertain you! Let me! Entertain you! Come on, come on, come on, come on! Come on, come on, come on, come on! Come on, come on, come onnnnn! Come on, come on, come on, come on! Come on, come on, come on, come on! Come on, come on, come onnnnn!"
The crest blew out over the audience, raining sparks down on them lightly, causing a few squeals, but mostly laughs and applause as they lowered the curtains on the finale, letting the final notes fade out. Harry gasped for breath as the audience on the other side of the curtain yelled and cheered and smiled at his partner, using the fading bond to banish the instruments they'd used so the next act could prepare. Ron walked across the stage and folded Harry into a sweaty hug, kissing him soundly.
They moved off the stage, sneaking into the empty row of seats at the back of the Great Hall to watch their peers, hands tangled and speaking complex messages of love and fidelity.
0oo0oo0
"Well, if you ever get fired from the Ministry, you could take up entertainment," Malfoy drawled as he joined them and Ron laughed, too happy to take any offence.
"We'll start a band," he agreed, "You've got a decent voice."
"Thanks," Malfoy looked a little startled at the compliment, and then sneered in a more familiar manner, "Better than yours, Weasley."
Ron laughed, and Harry relaxed at his side. He knew his partner had been waiting for him to react angrily to the comments, but was determined not to spoil their last school night with a fight. Crabbe and Goyle settled into the seats besides Malfoy, nodding to the partners in hello, but more interested in the skit on the stage where several Ravenclaws were practicing quick change in order to give a caricature of their teachers.
"You look good in a skirt, too," Ron added, waving to the hot pink sheath that Malfoy was wearing, "Though you could have shaved!"
"I did!" Malfoy ran a puzzled hand over his smooth chin and Ron chuckled, leaning down to run a hand over the blonde Prefect's leg, careful not to go above his knee. After all, teasing was well and good, but he was loyal to his Harry.
"I wasn't talking about your chin!" he teased lightly, and was amazed when Draco went beet red and spluttered in response to the touch. Ron left his fingers resting on the blonde's knee, tracing the kneecap to get a better response. Malfoy squirmed in his seat.
"Potter! Control him!" the embarrassed man snapped and Harry reached over absently, capturing Ron's hand and giving him a more familiar leg to touch.
"Now dear, don't tease," Harry said quietly, and Malfoy went even redder when he saw the redhead's fingers flexing idly on the leather-clad thigh. He coughed and looked away and Ron leaned into Harry with a smile and whispered apology. The audience howled with laughter and Ron looked up in time to recognise that the people on stage had just recreated Boggart Snape.
Ron's head whipped around and spotted the glare his Potion master was wearing, laughing as hard as anyone else. Neville's grandmother was in the audience and her hat shook wildly with the force of her hilarity. The group from Ravenclaw changed back to themselves and took their bows, running off the stage lightly as the audience clapped and cheered.
"Ten points from Ravenclaw," Snape called after them to light hearted boos. The point system was over for the year, so it was an empty threat. Ron had the distinct impression that their irascible Potions master was rather enjoying himself, and had his suspicions confirmed in the form of a chuckle from Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle.
"Listen," Malfoy said to Ron quietly, "There's a rumour that Fudge is going to make some sort of announcement at the end of all this about you two working for him at the Ministry."
"Bugger," Ron frowned, "Thanks for the warning."
"I had an idea you might like to try," Malfoy continued, waving the thanks off. He outlined it and Ron chuckled in appreciation. It was a true Slytherin touch, and one the bond could manage easily.
"Why are you interested?" Harry's question was lightly asked, his face as friendly towards Malfoy as Ron had ever seen it.
"I talked to Professor Snape about what you said. He's arranging an apprenticeship for me," Malfoy shrugged, "I think he was… relieved."
"None of us wants to see you… you know…," Ron shrugged, "We might not like you, but we don't hate you either."
"Fair enough," Malfoy nodded, and then fell silent as the Ravenclaw group reached them. Ron settled in next to his partner to watch the rest of the show, laughing and applauding with the rest, enjoying the stress relief as much as anyone. Hermione and Neville took off their partnership, lampooning them as terribly inept and clumsy, which they stood and applauded for, tears of laughter streaming down their faces. Harry sent a stream of flowers showering down on their friends, then yelled,
"Whoops! That was supposed to be toads!" to screaming laughter from the audience.
0oo0oo0
/ready/ Harry asked as Fudge swept onto the stage, beaming in a most revolting fashion at the audience. From the restless shifting of the audience and the teachers this was not a popular move on the part of Minister. His beam faltered a little, showing that he hadn't failed to notice, and Professor Dumbledore shifted uneasily in his seat.
/ready/ Ron's fingers were shaking with laughter, and Harry grinned, casting the first illusion spell above the Minister. The puppets strings and crossbar had people snickering in their seats as Fudge droned on about the 'talented generation of young Witches and Wizards about to make their way in the world'. Ron changed the strings to a chorus line of dancing pixies, which performed a series of impressive acrobatics behind him. Titters and giggles broke out through the audience, and Fudge faltered in his speech for a moment and Ron vanished the pixies before the Minister spotted them.
Harry created an illusion behind the Minister next, a reflection of the audience, altered so they were all asleep from boredom, reading a newspaper, playing Wizard chess, and a few other diversions that had them laughing outright. Neville's grandmother actually copied her reflection, pulling out some knitting and sending the needles flying busily.
Fudge whipped around and scowled at the illusion that Harry left for him to see. The Minister went a bit red and turned back to look at the benches where the seventh years sat. Harry and Ron's wands were clearly visible, though they didn't need them for such simple magic anymore. Ron created a small image of Fudge in his underwear, casting it behind the students in clear warning of what would come next if he didn't close his remarks right now, without making any reference to the partners. The Minister swallowed and closed his remarks swiftly. Harry and Ron banished their illusions and clapped politely with the rest of the school when Fudge finished up.
/that was far too much fun/ Harry sniggered into Ron's waist /we're going to pay for that/
/it was worth it/ Ron's fingers rubbed over his and Harry nodded his agreement. He looked up as his partner stood and got up too, following along at Ron's silent request. Ron led him to the middle of the aisle and turned to face him. Harry's eyes widened when he realised what Ron was doing - honouring a promise made a year ago to his despondent lover. Ron's warm lips and strong arms were a welcome haven and Harry enjoyed the kiss thoroughly, though they kept it fairly chaste.
"Ron and Harry, sitting in a tree!" Hermione's voice rang out and the rest of the Muggle borns from all the year levels joined in, shouting the rest of the verse gleefully, "K I double S I N G! First comes love, then comes marriage! Here comes Harry with a baby carriage!"
Harry's fingers asked permission, and Ron gave it lovingly. He dropped the glamour charm, bowed to his friends in the back row and led Ron out of the Great Hall with a huge smile.
0oo0oo0