Chapter Six
Harry and Voldemort returned to the manor after the press gathering that they had attended for the announcement of the new heads of departments at the Ministry, of Voldemort's Ministry. Harry knew that a lot of people had been shocked by the number of people that Voldemort had kept in place, but they had been the ones that were good at their job, and Voldemort believe that they were going to be able to adapt to his rule. Those that had been let go had either been overtly light or had been terrible at their job and had clearly bribed their way there.
Harry was proud of the way that Voldemort had gotten rid of the bribery and buying of ways into positions, he had placed the right people in the right positions that were best for the job and could be trusted. He had built a framework around him that helped him with the running of the wizarding world and made the running of it as smooth as he could make it for himself.
"Lunch?" Harry asked as he took off his outer robes and hung them over an armchair.
"Please, I have some paperwork to finish filling in," Voldemort said apologetically, already looking towards his office.
"No problem at all, I will send one of the elves for you once it is ready," Harry kissed him in sending him off, and turned to head to the kitchen, nerves biting at his stomach at what Voldemort was going to find in his office as Harry nodded to the elves to drop the items off before their master got there.
Voldemort smiled a little to himself as he made his way along the corridor to his office. Harry had stood at his side throughout the meeting and conversations that had taken place for the morning. He had looked gorgeous, he had been kind and gracious to everyone that they had talked to, he had held intelligent conversations in regard to the policies Voldemort had put into place, and assignments of different people. He had been the perfect consort, and he had looked proud to be standing next to him.
Voldemort was unsure what he had done to be so lucky in being able to have Harry in his life, that they had been bonded together. He thanked every diety that he could think of that his sanity had returned to him in time to realise what was in front of him rather than killing Harry. The thought of not having him in his life now made him ache as though he had been under the cruciatus curse for a month straight, and his heart that he had been sure that he would never be able to feel burned and shrivelled at the mere thought.
But he did have Harry in his life, and he was amazing every day at how happy Harry was with him, he was always smiling and laughing, he was content with their life together, happy, and that meant everything the Voldemort. He never wanted Harry to regret choosing to love him one day in his life,
Walking into his office he reluctantly went to turn his thoughts to the paperwork that he was going to have to do, and he smiled when he noticed the cup sitting on his desk steaming away, Harry had obviously already sent House-elves ahead of him to put his tea out for him to start work.
He was a little embarrassed later to admit that it took him half an hour to notice the cup, though in his defence he was trying to get through the paperwork as fast as possible so that he could have the afternoon with Harry, eventually, he looked up from his paperwork to try and work out where he had placed the mug down and frowned when he realised that it was not his normal mug. Picking it up he blinked at it, and then blinked again at the words that were written on the mug.
Happy Birthday, Daddy.
At first, he was a little baffled as to how Harry had found out it was his birthday today, his since had made no mention of it at all, and Voldemort had thought that he had hidden his birth date well. Then he clicked onto the words on the mug. He did not think that that was kink that Harry was really into, and it was a little bit of a strange time to bring it up.
He was startled out of his thoughts when a small wrapped gift box appeared in front of him, topped with a bow. Placing his mug down he reached out and quickly tugged the bow open and took the lid off of the box.
His fingers found the object inside of the box quickly and he withdrew it, his breath catching as he took in what he was holding in his hand, he didn't even have to turn it around to see the markings on the object, more than able to guess what it was considering it was being gifted to him and given the words on his mug.
He was on his feet in a second and racing out his office, through the manor and to their dining room where they had lunch, jumping down steps and flying around corners until his skidded, panting, into the dining room where Harry was standing waiting for him with a shy smile on his face.
The room was decorated with banners and sparkling lights, balloons and Harry waved his wand causing glittering sparkles to fall down on them as he came into the room, there was a feast laid out on the table, but Voldemort had eyes for nothing but Harry. Gripping the test in his hand he held it up and looked at Harry questioningly.
"Surprise!" Harry smiled, and then laughed when Voldemort raced across the room and scooped him up, spinning him around scattering kisses over his face. Carefully he placed Harry back onto his feet, looking down into his sparkling green eyes.
"Is this...are you...you are...is it…" Voldemort uncharacteristically stammered.
"Didn't you check the result?" Harry laughed.
"With the mug, and the fact you gave me this I thought…" He drew off nervously. Smiling beautifully Harry took the test from his hands and turned it so that he could see the shining golden writing on it.
Positive.
"We're having a baby in about five months time," Harry told him, and Voldemort stared at him open-mouthed.
"You're sure?" He found himself asking.
"This was the third test that I took, and my magic had been playing up recently, which is why I checked. I'm pregnant," Harry assured him.
"Harry…" He breathed out before he scooped his lover into his arms and kissed every part of him that he could reach, hugging him as tightly as he dared to. "A baby, we're having a baby! You're pregnant!" Voldemort said as though he had only just realised it.
"Come on, let's sit down before you fall down. I have cleared your diary for today and tomorrow, and we are going to celebrate your birthday, and we are going to celebrate the baby," Harry tugged him to a seat and eased him down before perching on his knee.
He could not stop himself from reaching out for Harry's stomach, feeling the swelling there that he had not clicked onto properly, he had just thought that Harry was putting on a little bit of needed weight, but now he realised that it was their baby forming inside of his lover.
"I love them," He breathed out with realisation, his heart thumping in his chest as elation swept through his system.
"The baby?" Harry tilted his head.
"Yes, I thought that I would be able to, but I was worried that I wouldn't be able to. A part of me thought that it might only be you that I could love, and how that would make you feel if I was unable to love our children, I was worried that what my mother did would mean that I would not be able to love our children. But I love them already, I love them so much, our baby, I love them," Voldemort laughed.
"I had no doubt, you and I are bound together, anything that comes from the two of us, a being that we create together, I knew you would love," Harry assured him. "Five months and our baby will be in our arms, your heir,"
"Our heir, heir of our legacy and everything that we are building together," Voldemort said breathlessly. "I never thought that I would have this, I never thought I would be lucky enough. Thank you,"
"I should be thanking you, you have given me exactly what I wanted most in this world, you gave me a baby that is yours and mine," Harry shook his head, leaning forward to kiss him. "Now, let's eat, and then I have a surprise for you for your birthday,"
"How did you know it was my birthday?" Voldemort asked as Harry piled his plate high with all his favourite foods before sliding into the seat next to him and filled his own plate.
"I bribed Abraxus to tell me," Harry grinned.
"What did you bribe him with?" Voldemort asked through a mouthful of food, and a heavenly expression on his face at the taste of Harry's cooking.
"Book from the Potter vaults," Harry grinned cheekily.
"That man, he would sell his soul for the right book," Voldemort snorted.
"I was going to tell you about the baby sooner, but then I found out we were due for your birthday and figured that it would be a nice gift for your first birthday together,"
"The best present! It is going to take some beating!" Voldemort shook his head, his eyes going to the test that was still sitting on the table.
"There is more to come," Harry promised.
Harry laughed at his grumbling fiance who was not happy about being blindfolded as Harry apparated them into the room. Reaching up he undid the tie on the blindfold and watched contently as his lover's eyes widened as he looked around, glancing out the window to confirm that they were in…
"Paris!" He turned to Harry.
"We said that we wanted to come here, but time has gotten away from us, so I thought we would have a couple of days here together. We're going to relax, enjoy ourselves, go to Versaille so that you can get some terrible ideas for the manor, and visit the Louvre. Our people know that they're only to get in touch with us for an emergency, and we only have to have lunch with the French Prime Minister tomorrow," Harry told him.
"My love," Voldemort cupped his face and kissed him.
"You're happy?" Harry asked, a little concerned.
"Incredibly, and as it is my birthday can I make a request for how I would like to start this holiday?" He asked a little huskily and watched delightedly as a flush crossed Harry's cheeks in response.
"Of course, anything for you," Harry licked his lips.
"I want us both in that bath I can see through there, relaxed and then I want you to ride me in that bath before we make love in that bed,"
"That I can more definitely do!" Harry said breathlessly, grabbing his lover's hand and tugged him eagerly into the bathroom.
Harry panted as he came down from his second orgasm, his body tingling in pleasure, he was still lying curled on his side resting against Voldemort who had rolled off him so that he wasn't squashing him. As he came back to himself and his thoughts cleared he realised with a warm glow in his chest Voldemort was stroking his stomach gently, and when he glanced up he was looking at the soft curve of Harry's belly with awe on his face.
Harry hadn't thought that it was possible for him to fall even more in love with this man, but it seemed that it was entirely possible and even though it sounded cheesy he felt as though he was overflowing with love for the man holding him.
"What?" Voldemort asked seeing that Harry was watching him.
"I love you," Harry said simply cupping his face and pressing a kiss to his lips. "Are you ready for supper?"
"Hungry?" Voldemort smiled.
"Starving, you have worn me out. We have a table booked in the restaurant here, I thought it would be best so we weren't wandering around,"
"Good idea, let's get dressed, I am definitely craving a good steak," Voldemort hummed sliding off the bed and helping Harry to his feet. They quickly got dressed in comfortable but casual clothes and then headed downstairs to the restaurant.
"We have a reservation for Slytherin," Harry said to the Maitre de, whose eyes widened and she immediately straightened even more.
"Of course, of course, welcome! This way please," she motioned for them to follow her and led them through a quick walk in the restaurant to a huge bay window holding a table for two. It was surrounded by candles and had a private screen from the rest of the restaurant, a large cherry blossom tree framed the little bay they were in, and right outside the window was the perfect view of the Eiffel Tower lit up for the evening.
"Gentleman, you just place your order by tapping your wand against the menu, if there is anything at all you need please don't hesitate to send up some green sparks and someone will be with you right away. Enjoy," The Maitre de bowed a little, placing their menus in front of them once Voldemort had seated Harry and settled himself, and then left them alone.
They quickly chose their food and drink, placing their orders before they focussed on each other.
"This is for you," Harry said pulling the box from his pocket and enlarging it, passing it to his lover who blinked at him confused.
"But...you have already given me the baby, and this," He waved around them.
"Love, the baby would have been coming anyway, I just chose to tell you on your birthday to make it more special telling you. And this is just part of your present, I am allowed to spoil you, you deserve it," Harry shook his head.
"I am not sure about that, but I will never say no to something from you," Voldemort said taking the box carefully.
Harry absently wondered when Voldemort had been given a birthday present, or any present, last, but focused on his lover as he took the lid off of the box.
The first thing that he pulled out was a photo album, one with a beautifully embossed leather front cover in deep emerald green, the embossing in silver, with Family written across the front. When he opened it there was already pictures of him and Harry in it from different moments of their life over the last months together.
Next, he pulled out a piece of tapestry that had clearly been temporarily shrunk down, the embroidery was delicate and carefully, the colours beautifully classic. The patterns on the tapestry was the mixed heraldry of the Houses of Potter and Slytherin, a gilded rose for the Potter House and a crescent moon for the Slytherin House. There were beautifully embroidered snakes twined together repeatedly in a pattern over the tapestry, one with red eyes and one with green eyes clearly meant to represent the two of them. Throughout it small golden lightning bolts were embroidered so finely that sometimes they faded into the tapestry, and sometimes they shone on it.
At the top of the tapestry was the beginning of a family tree, starting with himself and Harry. Voldemort looked up at Harry awed the meaning behind it stunning him as much as the beautiful gift did.
"A fresh start, the start of our family, the start of our dynasty. Our ancestors were great people, in different ways, but they were great, our descendants are going to be even greater," Harry explained.
"Unum Vinctum," Voldemort read out the new family motto Harry had selected for them.
"Bound Together," Harry nodded, "do you like it?"
"It is perfect," he responded, his eyes combing over the tapestry that would hold their family for generations to come, the start of a family legacy forged from two people who had had no family and had had no one.
"I'm glad," Harry smiled, relaxing a little from the nerves that he had clearly been feeling that Voldemort wouldn't like it. "There is one more thing,"
Voldemort reached in and then started laughing when he pulled out the extra-large box of his favourite chocolates.
"To keep you sweet," Harry grinned.
"And what looks like a year's supply of my favourite teas!" Voldemort chuckled.
"And last but not least," Harry winked when Voldemort looked up at him stunned as his fingers touched the item under the chocolates and teas, pulling it out and reading what was on the first page of the journal.
"How did you get this?" Voldemort asked.
"For a ridiculous amount of money, some exchanges and promises and a lot of name throwing," Harry snorted. "But I knew that you wanted them,"
"This is amazing, her potion work is revolutionary, she doesn't part with her notes hardly ever!" Voldemort was what Harry could only call geeking out.
"I had to make vows that neither of us would sell, share or write down any of her recipes anywhere else before she would even negotiate,"
"Thank you," Voldemort leant across the table to kiss Harry in his excitement.
"Happy birthday," Harry said as they parted.
"That feels amazing," Voldemort groaned.
"Wonderful," Harry agreed.
"This is truly heaven!"
"I had a wonderful time, and it was quite interesting, but I was thinking about this the whole time at the back of my mind," Harry sighed resting back against Voldemort as the jacuzzi bubbled around them.
"Me too," Voldemort dropped his head against the back of the bathtub. They had had their lunch with the French Prime Minister, and it had actually been enjoyable. They had gotten on well with them, and even though the Prime Minister clearly had had misgivings at first, he had warmed up to them quickly, and they had had wonderful conversations, the other leader giving them a lot of compliments about some of the changes that they had made, and the marked improvements that they had made to Britain already.
By the time they had left they were all fairly sure that a friendship had started and they had plans to host the Prime Minister and his wife for a visit in a few months after the baby was born.
But they had come back to the hotel and jumped in the jacuzzi eagerly, they had done a lot of walking on their holiday, and they were both eager to relax together in the hot water. Both of them content and happy to be here together, just relaxing after an enjoyable few days together, no worries or concerns, just getting to have a nice time together.
Voldemort smirked as he came to stop in front of the cell that was holding the dirty old man, in the cell next to him was a filthy werewolf who was looking more than worse for wear and would probably only have a few more moons in him.
The others in the wing were all those that had hurt, betrayed and used Harry, they all had had their magic stripped from them, their cells were magically isolated so that they could not see each other, hear each other, or communicate in any way with each other. Voldemort would ensure that they were not going to be of any threat to Harry, and their life together, especially not for the sake of his taste for revenge. They were going nowhere, and they would cause his love no more harm.
But he was ensuring that they were going to be regretting their choices for however long he allowed him in their miserable lives. Dumbledore...he wanted the old man to see how successful he was, to see his control on the Wizarding world, to see the life he was building with Harry and how they were flourishing together.
It had been easy enough to pick off the Order one by one, especially when they turned on each other. He had rounded them up, and he had separated out the ones that had hurt Harry, and he had sorted their punishment out himself by how much they had hurt and used his love.
"I just wanted to tell you that Harry is pregnant, he is carrying my heir, carrying my child. My bloodline will continue after all, and it is being safely held within my Harry. My dynasty is going to last because of all the mistakes that you made. All you had to do was treat him a little more kindly, care for him a little more, and he would never have chosen me, and I would never have been able to kill him. Now, we have a future to look forward to, we intend for many more children, congratulations, you have ensured the preservation of my life's work,"
The fury on the old man's face was so complete that Voldemort was sure that he was going to have a heart attack there and then. The others looked as though they were about to be sick and were horrified at the news, and he couldn't have been happier.
"You all need to survive for four months longer, don't worry I will bring you some pictures of our babe," He laughed, cackled Harry would say, as he walked away from them, leaving them to stew on the news.
