Chapter 22: Baby Business

Networking is always the worst part of a party. The buffet was delicious, the jazz band Bellatrix had dragged in made beautiful music and the little dancing I did with Neville was fun. But having to circle the room so many times and try to remember the names of all Tom's boring associates was melting my brain and hurting my feet. I made an excuse as soon as I could to leave that responsibility to Lucius. Our bedchamber acted as a sanctuary from the people, a silencing barrier clouding the music. The peaceful beginning to my first night as Tom's husband had started. A night I'd been looking forward to for forever, finally, the time when he truly becomes mine.

I wanted to be ready when he came upstairs. I showered, cleaned any place he might touch, and covered myself in sweet-smelling lotions. I was shaved, fragranced and lotioned to the perfect softness. I threw on one of his ratty T-shirt that I knew I could wear like a dress to show my legs how he likes. I took a classic position, on my side with my head propped up. Like a model in a sexy magazine, or that was the attempt.

I was laid on my back when he came in, staring at the canopy. I was glad he liked his gift, but I was pissed he made me wait. I'd waited long enough.

"I'm sorry my love, I was caught up by morons trying to kiss my ass." Tom smirked, "don't you look delicious."

He trailed his hand up my leg, and it took all my self-control to wait for him to pull them apart. I didn't want to look so eager or take control away from him. Tonight was just as much about him claiming me as I was claiming him. I brought the vial of fertility potion to my lips. His eyes took in every detail as my throat bobbed with each swallow. He caressed my Adam's apple, then assaulted my neck with his lips. I rested my hands on his shoulders while his traced everything in his reach. A slick spell from my lips left him without a stitch on, my skin burning where it touched his. His spell of choice was one to lubricate his fingers for preparing me. The process burned a little but didn't last long as Tom worked quickly. I wasn't the only eager one.

"Tonight, we join as we always desired." He breathed, husky from ecstasy. "Just relax. I'll start slowly."

I was diseased. I'd caught a virus or something because the sickness never ended. All day I felt nauseated, and I was physically sick just before and after bed. Like clockwork. A week in and I was storming through St. Mungo's demanding a healer to give me a pregnancy test. Unless I really had contracted a virus that was slowly killing me, I was experiencing morning sickness from Tom's gift. Luckily, my health seemed in perfect condition. I'd live to see my grandchildren one day. Now I needed a dramatic way to tell Tom.

I saved the positive piss stick and bought a bracelet from the gift shop for the box. It looked like I'd bought him a watch. Want a lovely surprise he was in for when he got home from the Ministry. He'd get the chance to gossip about having a baby to the rest of the Wizengamot. But his mood didn't shine when he came home.

"I have bad news." He scowled.

"And I have good news, but you go first," I frowned.

He began pacing, "That bastard Aberforth intends to storm the manor for his brother. He's set up a rebellion, foolish students wanting to join the Order of the Pheonix. He wanted Xenophillius Lovegood to support him, but his daughter convinced him to trust in you, so he revealed their plan. That family has obtained my good favour."

I almost didn't want my baby bombshell to be soured by this development. I thought getting rid of Dumbledore would get rid of obstacles in his way, but there's always something getting in the way of him being happy. But a piss covered stick in a gift box will get worse the longer I keep it. I held it out to him and he hardly looked as he ripped it open. But then he smiled, raising an eyebrow and throwing the stick away.

"You could have merely said, 'Tom, I'm pregnant' rather than giving me a test that smells like pee."

"But where's the fun in that." I grinned, "I get 8 more months to be as dramatic as I want before I have to be responsible.

"I want to hold the little angel."

I grinned to Neville as I passed Xavier Quentin Slytherin over. I was a natural mum, I was always cautious about supporting his head and I understood what each of his cries meant. He was a sweet angel, and I worshipped every little thing about him. I haven't left his side in 3 months, since he left my inside.

"I hope graduating to being my full-time guard hasn't reduced your time with dear Severus?"

He blushed as he spilt all the details he'd held on to since just before my wedding, a long overdue story. He hadn't trained with him that day, they'd started making out as soon a the door closed. It turns out our beloved Potion Master thought there was a gross problem with the age gap, a concept that had me doubled over in laughter. The age gap between Tom and I was so much bigger than theirs, it seemed so stupid to me. Neville had used my relationship as evidence against him, and he hadn't stopped until I was giving is tutor a blowjob. I was amazed, but also pleased. The old crow would be easier to deal with now he was less pent up.

"You can't say things like that, especially in front of Xavier." Neville chuckled.

Everything was so good. I had my loving husband and darling baby, my best friend happy in a relationship, and everyone around me was a positive influence. The raid on the manor never actually happened, which really just made it stick in my mind. The plan must have been adapted, so there was every reason to not relax. I knew I was safe, and with everyone wrapped around Xavy's little fingers, he was protected on all sides. But every time things were going good, there was a storm around the corner coming to ruin it.

"Don't be so cynical. Things are fine."

The drawing room doors slammed open, Bellatrix entering ruffled and panting. "Harry, it's my Lord. They attacked the ministry, he got hurt. He's upstairs."

I looked to Neville, rage barely contained as I insisted he stay where he was with my baby. Magic crackled around me, making floorboards groan from the pressure. My feet paced steadily out of the room and upstairs to bed. I wanted to see what they'd dared to do to the man I love, so I could know how much pain to inflict to make us even before they died. Things are fine. Are they fucking ever?

N/A: School is kicking my ass, I haven't had a chance to update and my anxiety is calling this half-assed and terrible. But enjoy, and another update will come as soon as I have the time.