I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.

Extended Family

Chapter 59 – Jealousy

Takes place after Iris' birth, after chapter 55

Samantha smiled broadly as her mirror made a dull thunking sound, as if something feathery was headbutting something wooden. "Hi Harry," she said warmly as she answered the mirror.

"Hi SamaMum," Harry said just as warmly. "Do you have a few moments to talk?"

"I always have time for you. Is it serious?" she asked, seeing his expression.

"Kind of? I could use your parenting help."

"Of course. I'm at home right now. Come on over." She put the mirror down and flicked her wand, cleaning up some of the clutter and preparing a pot of tea. A few minutes went by before she heard the Floo fire roar to life. A yellowish blur ran by at knee height and Samantha smiled at the sight.

"Hello! I'm here-oh hi Bailey! Ack! Bailey! Good girl, calm down, oof!"

Samantha walked back into the sitting room followed by a floating tray and tea set. "Hey she let you get into the sitting room this time."

Harry was prone on his back with Bailey licking his face, pushing her muzzle into his neck and dancing about him, showering him in canine affection. Harry flailed a little, patting and petting the excited dog and chuckling. "Yeah, the ground's softer here," he smiled.

Samantha set the tea set on the low table and sat on the couch, smiling at the sight of Harry crawling into a sitting position and leaning against the couch. Bailey flopped over his legs and looked at him dolefully, whining until Harry started running his hands through her fur. Her tail wagged with obvious satisfaction as she sighed gustily, melting on him.

"She acts like you neglect her," Harry laughed.

"No she just adores you, much like everyone in the family," Samantha said warmly. She poured a cup of tea and handed it to him.

"The feeling is mutual," he smiled and took a sip. "Oh this is lovely."

"Another Daphne original. That girl has talent in making blends." Samantha sipped her own cup. "Is everything okay?"

Harry sighed. "I think so, but I wanted to ask your perspective on something as well as advice."

"Of course. What's going on?"

"Was Katie ever jealous of Lyla when they were little?"

"Ah, especially after Lyla was born?" Samantha smiled at his nod. "Is Dally feeling a little jealous of Rilly?"

"A little I think. She's been really good mostly and I think she does love her little sister." Harry shrugged awkwardly. "But lately she's been…a lot more clingy sometimes and sometimes she looks upset. Hasn't really thrown a tantrum or anything thank goodness."

"No she's a good girl," Samantha agreed. "You should hear some stories Thomas can tell. His brothers and him used to shut each other in closets and rooms, things like that."

"Yeah, I asked Ron and he and his brothers used to do that too. Or try to ditch each other in the wilds around their home."

"Not Ginny?"

Harry snorted. "I think the twins did that to her once and she screamed bloody murder and made them pay for it. Then Molly and Bill heaped it on them after."

"Sounds about right," Samantha smiled. She took another sip. "To answer your question, a little but it was more when they got older. Lyla used to steal a lot of Katie's things because she wanted to be more like Katie and Katie knew that and was a lot more patient about it. But they had their moments and had plenty of fights and rows."

She settled back into the couch. "Katie was so excited to be a big sister when I was pregnant with Lyla so she was really good. They're really close, as you know, but that also means their fights can get pretty vicious. They went at it a fair few times but when Katie left for Hogwarts, it definitely cooled. They missed each other."

She snorted. "Though every break they would have a big fight and a lot of times I think they fought just for the sake of fighting, as in they felt they should." She grinned when Harry laughed. "But they're good girls and I know they love each other. Dahlia seemed to be happy with being a big sister when Katie was pregnant if I recall."

"She was." He smiled fondly. "She's younger than Hailey and Hadley by a few months as you know and sometimes when they argue, the other two pull the 'I'm the older sister' thing. So when she found out it was her turn to be the older and bigger sister, she was excited. For Iris and Heather both."

"Ah, older by a few months, what a difference," Samantha smiled.

"Tell Hermione that," Harry grinned and they laughed.

"Question actually. Has Dally been jealous of Hailey and Hadley before? With you being their godfather and how attached they are of you?"

"One time she was a bit miffed by it," Harry said with a fond look. "She was upset that they tried to claim me too and that she was my 'real daughter'. Katie and I took the time to explain that I didn't love her any less than them and that it was our families being so close. She sees them as her sisters in all but blood as it is. But the difference between the other two and Iris is that Iris lives with us obviously."

"Whereas the other two go back to their own homes," Samantha said, nodding. "So while she shares you with them, she had you to herself at home. Now she has to share you with Iris at home."

"Yeah." He finished his cup of tea and accepted a refill.

"You said she hasn't acted out or anything though?"

"She hasn't. I just wanted to make sure it doesn't get to the point where she feels jealous or anything."

She smiled gently. "Harry, I know your obsession about being normal so let me tell you that siblings are jealous of each other for many reasons and it's perfectly normal. Even the most balanced and loving of families will develop jealousy over one thing or another. It's a natural human response."

"I figured," he said sheepishly. "I just wanted to know if there is something I can do to make it better."

She snorted deeply. "Harry, I've seen you with all your friends and pseudo-siblings. I'm personally amazed that you make everyone feel valued and important in equal measure. Now obviously you are different with everyone but no one feels left out. It's incredible. And to think that you wouldn't be like that to your children? That's laughable."

"You think?"

"I know." She patted his shoulder. "I have no doubts."

"I'm glad you don't," he said weakly.

"It's not just that, is it?" she pressed.

"I just…I don't want Dally or Rilly to ever feel…like that. I don't want them to be unhappy and jealous." He looked away.

"Like you did?"

He nodded. He looked surprised when Samantha took the tea cup from him, looking up at her questioningly.

"Bailey, get him," Samantha said firmly. Bailey perked up and pushed Harry over onto his back and went back to licking him with wild abandon. He flailed and coughed, trying to stop the dog from messily washing his face with copious amounts of dog drool.

"Why?!" Harry sputtered, laughing but deeply confused. He tried to push Bailey off but none would deny her and she continued her tongue-laced assault. She finally subsided, flopping down on him and going limp, making him cough from the weight.

Samantha sat beside him and took his hand in hers. "Harry James Potter, there is no way in hell that your children will ever feel like you did." Her voice was iron wrapped in cotton, firm in belief, soft in delivery. "You are so full of love and care and your children know that; we all know that. Nothing will ever make you act like those fucking bastards that failed to care for you."

"Thanks," he said wetly and not just from Bailey affection. "I just…I worry you know?"

"I do," she said and squeezed his hand. "But in this, you have nothing to worry about. Your daughters are loved and none love them more than you and we all love them dearly."

He smiled. "They are lucky."

"They sure are." She patted his hand. "Still, this is something we did with Katie and Lyla once they got to that age of being jealous of each other. We promised them separate days on top of family days, and they could decide what to do, within reason of course."

"Hey, that's a great idea. Thanks!"

"Any time," she smiled. "Have you talked to Katie about this?"

"Oh yeah and uh, I'm going to preemptively apologize but when we first started talking, I asked her about her experiences growing up. Apparently when she thought back, that seemed to open up some memories and she is going to have some words with Lyla."

Samantha snorted. "And they're going to go at it for a while, each with their own reopened wounds."

"That's what Katie said," he laughed. "So I guess I wanted to ask for your perspective and advice."

"And a more objective point of view," she remarked.

"Your words, not mine," he laughed again. "Thanks, I really appreciate you talking to me." He smiled when Bailey barked and licked him again. "Thank you for licking me," he said to the dog.

"Any time love," Samantha said warmly. "Really, the fact that you care this much before it even starts shows how much better you are and you have nothing to worry about."

"But what if I ruin things and-"

"Bailey, get him!"

Harry laughed as he once more was attacked by the incredibly affectionate Labrador.

-0-

Dahlia sat on her bed, playing with a couple plushies. She sighed as she moved them around, not quite feeling like playing at the moment but wanted to do something. She curled around the big thunderbird plushie, squeezing one of her grey cats and a bunny in her arms. She looked up when someone knocked on her door.

"Dally, may I come in?"

"Yes Daddy," she said, perking up. She smiled when he walked in. "Hi Daddy! Where were you?"

"I went to talk to Grandma Sammy," he said. He was wiping his face with a washcloth.

"Is she here?" Dahlia asked, looking around him.

"No but she will be later with Grandpa Tommy and Bailey." He sat on her bed and she immediately crawled into his lap. "They're going to have dinner with us."

"Oh good. What about Auntie Lyly?"

Harry smiled ruefully. "She'll be here a lot sooner. She and your Mummy are going to have words."

"Uh oh. Is she in trouble?"

"No, just adults needing to talk like adults." Harry hugged her soundly. "Are you okay, Dally?"

She nodded, not saying anything as she burrowed into him.

"Are you sure nothing's bothering you?" he pressed.

"Uhm, I dunno," she muttered.

"Dally," he said gently.

She squeezed her arms around him tightly, trying to push her face into his chest and not look up at him.

"It's okay," he said soothingly. "It's okay to be jealous."

She liked the way his voice echoed in his chest and her ears. She finally looked up at him. "AngiMum and AliMum told Hailey and Hadley they shouldn't be though."

"No, you shouldn't be, but it's okay if you are here and there," he said softly, running his fingers through her hair. "Remember when you were jealous of those two and how they cuddled and hugged me?"

She nodded. "I didn't like being jealous of them," she said softly. "I don't want to be jealous of Iris. I like Iris," she insisted.

"I know you do. You're a good girl and a great older sister," he praised. "You help out a lot and Mummy and I appreciate it."

She wiggled happily at his praise.

"You know I love you very very much, right?"

She gave him a flat look as if he said Hedwig was white or water was wet.

He grinned at her. "Gosh, you got that look from Auntie Hermione. But you know that right?"

"Yes Daddy."

"I love you. Nothing makes me love you any less. Not Hailey and Hadley. Not Iris. Not anyone."

She felt much better hearing him say that. Knowing was one thing, hearing it was another and it soothed her prickly thoughts.

"You're my darling daughter, one I wanted desperately and will always want."

"Thank you, Daddy," she sniffled, pushing her face into his neck. "I love you very much and always want you."

"I know it's hard sharing sometimes but I have a suggestion for you."

"Like a com-pro-mise?" she said slowly.

"Yes, a compromise," he said, beaming at her. "Some days will be a Dally day. You can decide a few things to do and we will do what we can. If you want to include Iris or Hailey or Hadley or anyone else, we can. If it's just you and me, that's fine too. If you just want you and Mummy, that's okay too. It's your day."

"I like that," she admitted. "Thank you, Daddy."

"You're welcome, star flower. Don't forget you are loved."

"I don't," she said and burrowed into him once more. She sighed happily as he hugged her, rubbing her back. "I can share with Iris," she said softly, meaning it sincerely.

"That's my good girl," he praised once more, kissing her on the forehead. "Would you like to play in the Triangle with the other bunnies? I'll need to mind Iris when Auntie Lyly comes over though."

Dahlia nodded, feeling much better. She kissed Harry's cheeks and dashed out of the room and out the house, running to the Weasley and Wood homes to ask if Hailey and Hadley could come play. Soon they were swinging on the swings. "Hi Auntie Lyly!" she cried, waving when Lyla came walking past.

Lyla smiled and waved but kept walking straight for the Potter home.

"She looks angry," Hailey said.

"She and Mummy are going to have words," Dahlia said.

"Uh oh," Hadley said. "She's in trouble."

Harry came walking out of the home and smiled at Lyla. They exchanged a few words unheard by the small girls and after kissing Iris, Lyla went walking into the home. Harry shook his head and chuckled softly, bouncing Iris in his arms as he walked over to the Triangle.

"Is Auntie Lyly in trouble?" Hadley asked.

"No, hopefully."

"Is KatiMum?" Hailey asked.

"No, also hopefully." Harry grinned at them. "They're going to be like sisters and have words."

The three small girls looked at each other with big eyes but soon were distracted by Harry pushing them on the swings with Iris wiggling in a carrier across his chest. They played in the afternoon sunlight, laughing and chatting about this and that.

The backdoor to the Potter home was flung open and Lyla came running out. Katie followed in hot pursuit, whirling a lasso above her head. "Get back here!"

"Make me!" Lyla shrieked. She flicked her wand and shot jets of water at her older sister. She dodged Katie's first attempt to lasso her, flicking her wand and making the lasso shoot back at Katie. Katie spun in place, pulling the rope hard around her and making the lasso swing wide. She grabbed it again and started twirling it once more, keeping the loop open and wide.

"I knew you ate all my candy that year! I just knew it! You gluttonous pest! And you wrecked my favorite shirt!" Katie yelled.

"Then why did it tear when you put it on! Clearly I did you a favor by eating your candy and you said you were going to share so that's on you!" Lyla retorted. She shot more water at Katie, crowing in triumph when she caught Katie full in the face.

"I'm going to leave you tied to the post overnight!" Katie screamed and chased after a squealing Lyla towards the Quidditch pitch.

"I've never seen KatiMum like that," Hailey said, eyes wide.

"Why did she have a rope?" Hadley asked, eyes equally wide.

"It's uh…a Bell sister tradition," Harry said evasively. "I want you three to promise me that you will never play with ropes like that. I'm making it a Papa Harry Promise."

The three small girls stood up straight. Papa Harry Promises were serious and the consequences of breaking those promises were especially dire. "We promise," they said sincerely.

"That's my bunnies," Harry smiled and kissed them. "I better follow after to make sure nothing happens."

"Can I come?" Dahlia asked.

"I suppose," Harry said after thinking a little. "It is a family thing apparently. See you later, Hailey and Hadley." He took them back to their respective homes and walked towards the pitch, one hand patting Iris on his chest and the other holding Dahlia's hand.

"What was Mummy going to do to Auntie?" Dahlia asked.

"Well, one of their uncles, your granduncle, taught them to lasso each other when they were little girls apparently. So whenever they were upset with one another, that's what they do. But I don't want you doing that to your godsisters or Iris, okay flower?"

"Okay Daddy." She looked thoughtful for a moment. "What can I do to Hadley and Hailey and Iris?"

"Let's discuss that at another time."

They came up to the pitch. It was a lot like the Quidditch pitch back at Hogwarts. Just shy of being an official League standard in dimension, and lacking the grand stands that could fit the entire school of course. However, the ground was well maintained and there were plenty of comfortable seats around on the ground, angled towards the pitch.

Harry sighed and Dahlia giggled as they saw Katie and Lyla. Both were entangled in ropes and their wands out of reach. They struggled and fought and argued, tangling themselves up even more as they rolled about in the middle of the pitch.

"Let me guess," Harry said with deep amusement and Katie and Lyla looked up guiltily at him. "Lyla tried to banish the lasso back at Katie but Katie did that rope trick thing so Lyla missed the lasso and banished the end of the rope. Lyla still got lassoed but because Katie got hit with the banished rope, it yanked you with her and you both fell over and got wrapped up."

"That's a really good guess," Katie said, face red from embarrassment and exertion and emotion. "Dally, don't do this to anyone ever by the way."

"Daddy already told me," Dahlia said proudly.

"Since I'm the obvious victim, you'll untie me first, right?" Lyla asked. She squawked when Katie dug her feet into the ground and pulled on the rope connecting them as hard as she could.

"Get over here," Katie growled, trying to twist and turn while pulling Lyla closer. "Obvious victim, my ar-fanny."

"Derriere?" Dahlia offered.

"Yes, thank you Dally. Obvious victim, my derriere!"

"Dally! Save your auntie!" Lyla cried, trying to crawl away ineffectually.

Harry waved his wand and Katie and Lyla yelped as they levitated into the air. Another wave untangled the rope mostly but left the two sisters tied together. He directed Dahlia to pick up their wands and he took them and tucked them into his pocket. "I think some quality sibling bonding time is in order," Harry smiled. "At least until your parents come over for dinner." He started walking back with Dahlia hanging off his arm and the two women floating alongside him.

"This is humiliating," Lyla moaned.

"You know this means we'll team up against you," Katie said, glaring at Harry.

"I'll protect you, Daddy!" Dahlia cried.

"That's my girl," Harry smiled and lifted her onto his shoulders.

Katie sighed and shook her head, unable to stop from smiling. "I guess it could be worse."

"How so?" Lyla asked indignantly.

"We could be hogtied and floating upside down," Katie said prosaically.

Later that evening, Thomas sat at the table, rolling his eyes at Katie and Lyla rehashing another argument while bouncing Iris in his lap. Dahlia sat beside her grandfather, pinned beneath Bailey. Harry smiled softly as he finished washing the dishes, his smile growing when Samantha hugged him from the side. "Good talk with Dally earlier then?"

"Yeah. She likes having a day for her and she understands that things are okay with how she feels. She told me she doesn't like being jealous and she can share."

"Told you she's a good girl," Samantha said proudly. "Just like you're a good father. You helped make her how she is, you know."

"Yeah, you're right," he said warmly and hugged her. "Thank you."

"Of course my boy," she said warmly.

-0-0-0-

DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - I did not. I purposely did not make the title a pun. Sometimes the joke happens enough as it is and I take very careful care in naming my chapters.

CrystalKaouri - Thank you. I'm glad you still enjoy reading. I don't take suggestions per se right now. Lately a lot of people throw a suggestion at me and it makes me feel like they don't read what I write at all. That being said, I will keep that idea in mind. I am planning on doing another movie chapter so we will see. Thank you.

alix33 - Sebastian is a very practical person.