Chapter 9: Another milestone

I don't own 'Harry Potter'

Harry watched through the window as the twins ran around like the little maniacs they were and shook his head, turning back to the table laden with plates and plates of food.

Children's birthdays were sheer insanity.

His beloved Ri and Al were already ten, meaning that next September they'd be off to Hogwarts. Harry was both excited for them and dreading their departure. They were his children; they were supposed to stay with him, not head off to boarding school for seven years. And yes, he'd done the same thing himself, but his childhood had been the very definition of 'crap'. And as a parent, he was allowed a certain level of hypocrisy.

He continued grumbling as he levitated all the various plates into better positions so the children would be able to grab what they wanted. It wouldn't be long until the hordes of tiny humans started acting out and demanding food, so it was best to get things sorted out now rather than later.

Thank Merlin for elves, he thought with a sigh of relief. Everything was in the appropriate place, so Kreacher and his fellow elves would now be able to transport the massive table to the gardens for the children to feast as they pleased.

He wandered through the manor until he got to the gardens and swept his eyes across the extensive grounds, talking note of where everyone was. At least none of the eighteen children were missing. He took a deep breath and, with the help of a Sonorous, called out across the garden.

"Lunch is ready!"

From the cheers and delighted screams assaulting his ears, each and every one of the brats had heard him. He quickly escaped the vicinity of the table lest he be run over by starving little witches and wizards, smiling at the sight the oldest kids – including his twins – helping the youngest and not leaving them behind. It was an adorable sight.

"Having fun?"

He shot a small glare at Orion and rolled his eyes when the man just chuckled at him, causing everyone else at the table to laugh as well. He just sighed and sat down next to his husband, accepting Elle and settling her on his lap. Their little Princess was sat up by herself, something she was rather confident doing now, waving her stuffed Hippogriff around while gazing up at Harry with a smile on her face.

Harry leaned forward and kissed his daughter's nose, beaming at her high-pitched giggles. He studied the girl's face, noticing how her face seemed to look more like his as she grew. Her blonde hair had grown around her ears in a mass of riotous curls, which paired with her silver eyes made her look like a tiny angel.

He did think it was entertaining how Elle had the same colouring as Draco Malfoy in the future, but his daughter was much cuter than the ferret. And happier. He couldn't wait for the summer holidays, having all of his children in the house together again. Perhaps they should go on holiday somewhere? Something to talk to Orion about.

"She is a beautiful child, isn't she?"

Harry turned to the woman across the table and smiled. "Well behaved, too."

Ekaterina Black nee Nazimova was a beautiful woman (a blonde bombshell, if one had to describe her), as well as an intelligent one. Marius had done well in marrying such a pragmatic woman. Kat was originally from Russia before being kicked out the family for not having enough magic, just like Marius. Both of them had magic, just not enough to use with a wand, so neither had been invited to attend a magical school.

Kat had given her family the metaphorical middle finger before going to live with relatives in America for about a decade, then had decided to come to England to work as an author. Harry knew they'd met while in the Leaky Cauldron, after literally walking into one another like a terrible cliché, and they'd gotten married a few years later.

Their oldest son Castor was a few months younger than the twins, and their youngest, Turais, was three years younger. Harry was quite glad that his sons were going to start Hogwarts with friends already in place.

Harry settled back in place with Elle's back to his chest, allowing his daughter to gaze around and stare at anyone she wanted to. Not that there seemed to be any problem with that; aside from he and Orion, seated at their table were Marius and Kat, Andromeda, and Charis' daughter, Ursula Yaxley nee Crouch. (Considering the last two had been in the same year at school, Harry wasn't surprised at their close relationship.)

The gardens were also home to two other tables of adults, all so that they could keep an eye on the children and stop them from getting into all sorts of mischief. Well, supposedly. Harry's table was totally focused on Elle, pulling faces and waving at her to get her to shriek with laughter. Not that he could blame them; his daughter was a gorgeous child.

Several feet away from them, Harry could see a heated discussion of sorts going on with a bizarre group split into even more bizarre sides. On one side of the table, Bellatrix was sat in between Rabastan Lestrange and Alexia Lestrange nee Crouch, Ursula's sister and Rabastan's sister-in-law. Facing the former Slytherins, Lucius had an angry finger pointed at Rabastan's face, with Ted Tonks and Arthur Weasley backing him up, enthusiastic gesticulating and all.

What in the name of Merlin is happening over there?

Forget Arthur and Lucius sat together, they were apparently agreeing with each other. Were arguing for the same point. Harry blinked rapidly. He couldn't quite understand how this had come to pass.

"What's wrong?"

He turned to Orion, and upon seeing his questioning face, nodded towards the table that had to contain Lewis Carroll's rabbit hole. There was no other explanation.

Orion pulled a face and frowned. "What are they arguing about? And are … is that Lucius, Arthur and Ted on the same side?"

At his words, everyone spun to study the insanity several feet away. Harry just shook his head and stroked Elle's curls. Please don't end up like them, Princess.

"Ah, I think I understand what's going on," said Ursula. She looked at Andromeda. "What Quidditch team does Ted support?"

Andromeda frowned. "The Falmouth Falcons, why?"

"Because I'm fairly certain that Lucius and Arthur also support the Falcons. And I know for a fact that my sister is a massive fan of the Tutshill Tornadoes." She sent a sly look at the brunette next to her. "What about your sister?"

Andi groaned loudly, a hand over her eyes. "Bella's loved the Tornadoes since forever."

Ursula nodded regally, a smug look on her face. "I think you'll find that they're … discussing the upcoming match between the Falcons and the Tornadoes next week."

Marius snorted into his drink. "Bloody ridiculous children."

Harry laughed lightly and sought out the remaining table of adults, desperately hoping that they wouldn't be as awful as the Quidditch fans. Not that he was holding out much hope. All of the adults here today were related to the House of Black in one way or another; there wasn't much hope for mental stability.

Oh, there they are. In some ways better, but in others, so much worse.

On the other side of the children was a table of older women who were clearly gossiping together, instilling in Harry a deep desire to avoid them at all costs. It would probably work out better for him. Honestly, anyone who thought that women were weak and posed no threat deserved to be hexed within an inch of their life. Even when Ginny had been his fangirl, he hadn't wanted to end up on the other end of her wand.

Harry could see Callidora Longbottom, Cedrella Weasley and Charis Crouch, the three sisters looking far too smug for his blood pressure. As long as they kept their plots away from him, Harry was happy to plead ignorance. Callidora's daughter-in-law, Augusta Longbottom nee Jones, was deep in conversation with the older witch, looking a lot happier in this time than she had during Harry's childhood. (Considering she wasn't a widow this time around, it wasn't hard to see why.)

Rounding off the gossip table was Lady Mara Burke nee Macnair, and Mrs Ariel Nott nee Burke. The former was the daughter-in-law of the late Lady Belvina Burke nee Black, and Ariel was Belvina's only daughter. Ariel also just so happened to be Lucius' maternal grandmother. Harry had met the paternal one years ago, and he'd genuinely felt sorry for the Malfoy. His paternal relatives were such miserable gits.

Harry turned away from that table and pretended he hadn't seen anything, resolutely ignoring Orion's knowing smirk. He pulled out his wand and shot out some floating lights that changed colour every few seconds, grinning at Elle as she giggled and clapped, trying to capture the lights in her hands.

The sound of screaming laughter made him crane his neck to look over at the children, snorting as he saw his twins running around with Andromeda's twin daughters on their backs. Apparently, Al and Ri were having a race, with all the other kids running after them and shouting encouragement. It was the furthest thing from 'proper' behaviour, and Harry laughed at the childish cheering. They might have been the future of the magical aristocracy, but they were only children at the moment.

Harry would do whatever it took to ensure his kids got the childhood he'd been denied.

He leaned into Orion's side and slipped back into the conversation about Hogwarts reforms.

His children were happy, and that was all that really mattered.

"Dad! Papa!"

Harry braced himself, holding himself still as a taller body slammed into his, pulling him into a tight hug and lifting him off the ground.

Harry laughed as he was spun around. "Siri! Put me down, you little brat!"

Siri dropped him on the floor with a massive grin before darting to Orion, trying to do the same thing with his older father, squawking as Orion jabbed him in the ribs. Siri pulled back with a pout, rubbing his chest all the while grumbling at something being unfair or whatever he was saying. The teen stopped when the Heir Black wrapped his arms around Siri and quietly congratulated him, a proud smile on his face.

Harry smiled at the emotional sight and spun around, stifling his chuckles as the twins tried and failed to climb onto Reg's body. His second son was mock glaring at his younger brothers, but Harry could see his lips twitching as he fought a grin. Reg ruffled Al's hair, causing him to jump backwards like he'd been shocked. Ri laughed at his twin, only to scream a little as he received the same treatment. The boy stumbled back, glaring up at his brother with green eyes that promised Reg a world of pain. It might have been an effective expression if they hadn't all been raised in the House of Black where such looks were rather commonplace.

He lifted his eyes and looked around the platform, rather happy at how informal everyone seemed to be at the moment. The end of the school year was always an emotional time to witness, parents overcome at the sight of their children after months of no face-to-face contact. It was especially easy to see which students were the first years; their parents were clinging to their children, overwhelmed with sentiment and relieved at being reunited once more.

Not far from the Black party, Harry could see Clitus Carrow, the cousin to Amycus and Alecto. The man was from a branch of the family and had married a half-blood, so he was barely tolerated by his House. If he hadn't had such a well-respected job in the Ministry, there was no doubt he would have been disinherited. The man currently had his daughter Marta wrapped in a tight embrace, the cheerful girl babbling about her year so far, even if her words were muffled by her father's chest. If there was any proof the Slytherins did indeed have a heart, this would be it.

A few feet away from the Carrows was Rodolphus Lestrange. Harry didn't like the man one bit, but he didn't appear to be a murderous, torturing bastard this time around, at least. He was stood with his wife Alexia, one hand warmly squeezing his son's shoulder, a proud glint in his eyes. He seemed to be a good father, even if his personality left much to be desired. The good thing was that Alexia was the complete opposite of a passive woman, having been raised by her Black mother. If Rodolphus ever did anything untoward to Alexia or their three children, she would retaliate with interest. Harry thought she was a riot.

"Papa?"

He blinked at the tug on his sleeve, turning to see the twins peering up at him. Sort of. The little shits were already 5'. He sighed internally. They were going to be massive by the time they'd finished growing.

"Yes?" he asked with a smile, the expression widening as two sets of green eyes rolled exaggeratedly.

"It's time to go home, Papa!" said Ri emphatically.

Al nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and we're going to get cake after!"

"It's nice to know you've got your priorities straight," he replied dryly.

Orion chuckled lowly and turned to the side, calling out for their oldest sons. "Sirius! Regulus! Finish saying goodbye to your friends, we're going home!"

Siri was wrapped around Marlene where they were stood with their friends, though thankfully he wasn't doing anything that Harry didn't want to see. Reg was in the middle of yet another spat with James, the latter grinning at him mockingly. Well, he was until Lily decided to jab him in the waist, making the taller teen shriek like a girl and jump a foot in the air. Harry smirked at the sight; life would have interesting if he'd been raised by that woman.

Their older sons quickly bade their friends farewell, Siri pressing a quick kiss to Marlene's cheek like a gentleman – it was rather adorable – and walking back over to their family.

Harry wrapped an arm around Siri's waist, feeling warm from the happy grin he got in return. "Well, you're no longer a student. How does it feel?"

Siri tilted his head to the side. "It's definitely weird, but it's not like I don't have any plans going forward."

"Aside from Marlene?"

"Papa," his son groaned with a blush. Harry smirked. I love being a parent. "You know what I mean."

"Are you finally going to tell us what you're really doing?" Harry asked.

"Soon. First, it's cake time!"

Those words caused the twins to cheer in front of the fireplaces, and even Reg grinned at the prospect of gorging himself on sugary goodness. Orion huffed quietly, but Harry caught the amused glint in his silver eyes and smiled, feeling giddy at being surrounded by his family, the people he loved most in the world. All they needed now was to go home and pick up Elle, then they'd be complete.

He was happy.

Harry saw his children through the floo, waiting for the twins to go after Siri and Reg before peering up at Orion with a bright smile. "Our children are growing up."

"Thanks to you."

He laughed and shook his head. "Don't discount your part, Orion. Our sons idolise you, you know. They want to grow and be just as respectable as you."

"Perhaps," his husband murmured, a gentle look in his eyes as he looked at Harry. "But they also want to be loving and strong like you. If you hadn't appeared when you did, our lives would have been ruined.

"You saved us all."

Harry blushed furiously, all the while swallowing the lump in his throat. This man … Orion Black was such an incredible man; he was intelligent, willing to do whatever for their children's happiness, and he was so loving that even now Harry felt his breath catch when he thought of his husband.

Never had he ever thought that he'd be this lucky.

Harry cleared his throat and took Orion's hand, smiling softly up at the man he loved with all his heart.

"Let's go home, Husband."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea, Husband."

Harry stepped forward into the fireplace, very much aware of the taller body just behind him.

It was time to go home.

A/N: Harry and Orion's relationship is sappy and cavity-inducing, and I love it.