Disclaimer: Hmmmmm….nope….still not mine.

A/N: This is the end of the ridiculously short chapters...yay! I really just wanted to leave you all hanging with a little suspense for a bit or I would've combined this chapter with the last, I needed to manufacture some drama though...did I do a good job-was it sufficiently cliff-hangerish? And again to all who reviewed THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! They've really made my days.

9.

The stuttering echo in the room startled them all.

The next half hour was tense as Madam Pomfrey and Healer Daniels worked complicated healing spells over Draco's body. Finally satisfied that he was stable, she escorted them from the room, leaving Healer Daniels to perform additional diagnostic and strengthening spells.

In the anteroom Harry slumped against his chair, "Is he—"

Madam Pomfrey smiled wearily, "He has a strong will to live that one. I am cautiously optimistic that with time Mr. Potter he will make a full recovery."

Harry cried, "A-are you sure?"

The matron stroked his hand, "Nothing in life is certain Harry. But he's beaten the odds time and time again today. He survived the delivery. He was revived several minutes after his heart stopped and he's been stabilised. The next 48 hours are critical, but we'll get him back on the potions he needs which will help tremendously. His body has already started to heal from the birth. The birth canal opening is sealing on its own, he's responding well to the blood-replenishing potions. And his heart his beating regularly if a bit weakly. I have every confidence he will live to see morning and that is the first major hurdle he must overcome. The strength of his heart rate will increase by that time and we can make more accurate assessments of his needs."

Harry wiped his face, "Can…Can we stay with him tonight?"

Madam Pomfrey smiled, "I doubt I could keep you away Harry. I've already expanded the room and apparated in another bed for you, along with a sleeping cubicle for the twins."

Harry looked confused.

"Your children are quite healthy, but newborns of course are fragile Harry. It will be a few days before they're ready for a crib. The cubicle is self-regulating for optimum temperature and oxygen levels, it also monitors their bio-rhythms including heart and respiration rate, and assesses their feeding and waste needs it chimes when their chemical signatures indicate hunger or wet nappies. The cubicle will be right next to your bed so you can reach out to them anytime you'd like," she smiled gently.

"I-I want us all to be close."

"I understand Harry. Now why don't you slip out of that robe and let Mr. and Mrs. Weasley help you into bed. Once you're settled I'll bring in the cubicle."

The between the battle high and his fear for his lover adrenaline had burned through Harry at an astounding rate, he was crashing and he knew it. Almost eagerly he gave himself over to Ron and Hermione's care. They got him out of the sterile robe quickly and settled him into the bed next to Draco's. A strong hand clasped his shoulder and soft lips brushed his forehead just as darkness fell. He would wake to a new day of infinite possibilities.

Tbc…