Author's Note:
I am deeply saddened about the passing of the beloved Queen Elizabeth II yesterday. 🇨🇦Canada🇨🇦 has always had a wonderful relationship with her and Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, who visited our country more than any other (22 times is what they said on the news). It's her face on our twenty dollar bills and it's her face on our quarters. I cannot imagine a world where there isn't a queen on the British throne and the thought of having a king seems very weird to say. I remember coming home from school and mourning the loss of Princess Diana with my mum, but this… even knowing she was getting older, I think a lot of people believed her to be immortal in some way. Almost no one even remembers a time when she wasn't the Queen. She was a wonderful icon for people all over the world, even people not part of the British Commonwealth. The world will be a very different place without her. Rest in peace, Your Majesty. 🇬🇧
Now, onto ASC!
As some of you might have saw on tumblr, as of Wednesday the 7th of September, 2022 — I officially finished writing this story! Other than some final edits, A Second Chance will end with chapter 360! I feel so amazed by this and so incredible and so relieved! Thank you to all of you who have enjoyed reading even half as much as I have enjoyed writing! Thank you!
Reviews and Comments: To shuweet: Yes, I love the idea of Harry getting Ginny's handwriting of her name tattooed on him! Yes, Teddy is here and everyone is happy! I don't know what D23 is but I hope you have fun! Thank you! To AQuickRead91: Voldemort definitely has a lot on his mind! Thank you! To marauders_mowopapr: I love that you squealed when you read the title! Thank you! Yes, if Voldemort checks the ring he will be know. Thank you! To bandhoez9194: I'm glad you're super excited to see this battle, I am excited for it! I'm really proud of how it turned out. You will have to see if Theo and Sebastian made it to the dinner. Thank you! To briana_t: Ha, yes, neither Remus nor Tonks were able to stay calm during the birth lol. I've never actually seen Hermione as Minister of Magic myself, but she will definitely change the world! I loved having Bill play older brother, to both Ginny and Harry, and Fleur is just charmed by them! Thank you! To TatiRena: Thanks for loving my Remadora mismatched birth story, it was so fun to write! It is all coming to end, surely but slowly! As mentioned above, 360 will be the final chapter. Thank you! To AmericanDesi: No, Harry wasn't about to get snatched lol, but I'm glad I can keep you on the edge of your seat! Thank you! To BadWolfKris: Thank you! To lovemelikeyoudo: I loved the idea of Harry getting Ginny's name tattooed on his wrist too! Thank you! I'm glad you loved Teddy's birth scene! To katelyn453: Yes, Teddy is finally here! Will I kill off Remus and Tonks? My lips are sealed. I said Harry and Ginny are safe… no one else is. Ginny is not getting a tattoo any time soon, no. As Harry told her, she wears the necklace, he wears her name. Thank you!
To the Mandalorian terminator: Hermione will definitely do what she can to change the world, though I have never imagined her as becoming Minister of Magic myself. I like Harry and Hermione's friendship, even though I don't write it as often as I would like sometimes. Yes, I love Voldemort dismissing the Resurrection Stone. He believes he is smarter and wiser and it will be his downfall. I like showing a bit from Voldemort's POV, showing what his plans are to some extent. I find it easier to write battle scenes when I have both sides of the story. Thank you! To darkhk: Not in that chapter, no. Thank you. To Zarathos Morgenstern: Not the reaction you expected, good. I like surprises. Thanks for loving my Bill and Harry moment. I really wanted Bill to make it clear that he considers Harry a brother. Thank you so much and thank you for thanking Dusk, she works so hard for me! Thank you! To scrappy8: No, Voldemort doesn't think he had the Elder Wand and yes, Teddy is here. Thank you! To Katie2001: Remus is definitely funny as hell, thank you! To ahlem stelena: Thank you! Yes, Teddy's arrival is a reminder that the end is near. I hope you enjoy the final battle. I had a hell of a time writing it and I loved/hated every second of it. Thank you! Yes, Harry will get a tattoo like Sirius.
To Sirenstrong0617: Thank you for saying I leave you at the edge of your seat! To KingRajesh: Thank you and thanks for re-reading. As to your question, Voldemort is very full of himself and assumes that no one would ever consider he would have made Horcruxes and hidden them in powerful mundane objects that people wouldn't think of. He doesn't know the cup is in Bella's vault in Gringotts and it's something Bellatrix put there before she went to Azkaban the first time and didn't think twice about (not knowing the true importance of it at the time). He considered the Diadem being in Hogwarts dangerous because of Dumbledore's proximity and believes he has control over the others — he is wrong. We'll check in with Blaise soon. Thank you! To the frozen flame: I like that you're enjoying the bit about Rossi and Bellarosa. I loved Tonks being in labour so long and not knowing it was real and you're right, it was like Teddy played a prank on her in retaliation for her pranks on Remus lol. Sorry, no guarantees on who will live and who die in the final battle. Thank you! To akshutalankar: LOL, nope, no George this time, just Bill interrupting. Thank you!
To Sets: I like to see Voldemort as very full of himself and doesn't consider that he could be wrong or less powerful about things. Yes, the unsuspected crowing definitely told Remus it's time! Ha, we'll see more of Romione soon. No, Bill and Fleur aren't going to share their plans. Not until they have something to tell. Thank you! To pix25: Ha, Tonks having the baby in the middle of the family dinner would have been hilarious! Thank you! To ascfan: Yes, Teddy is here and nope, Tonks didn't quite trust her own body there! We'll find out about what happens to Snape's body soon. Thanks for loving Harry's tattoo and yes, Bill was rather amused and annoyed. Thank you! To alix33: Thank you! I think Mina and Leo will appreciate the treehouse the older they get! To Cassiopeia Anastasia Black: Thank you! To Nuno Neves: Thank you for saying Remus' reaction was so real and so priceless! I love Remadora and they deserve this happiness! Hermione definitely deserves this job and she's so excited and I love showing Harry and Ron being so supportive of her. Rossi and Bellarosa are fun to write. Harry and Ginny are so in love and I loved him getting the tattoo of her name. Thank you! To Slaidback: Thank you for saying that ASC is one of the best fanfics out there. Nope, sounds like you are just awesome! Health care professionals deserve all of the praise! Ian rocked it here. Thank you!
To A Huge Fan: I loved Tonks pranking everyone so much she didn't even believe herself lol, so thanks for also loving it. I really wanted Zee to get a tattoo just like that, to show her rising from the ashes to cover the trauma she underwent and the ugly scar Bellatrix gave her. Thank you! To puttyman24: Thank you! Harry loves those babies and yes, I loved having Harry and Ginny get interrupted by Bill and Fleur. Thank you! To ellyann13: We will learn more about Voldemort soon. No internships do not pay very well, but it doesn't mean Hermione can't be excited. It was a typo, Teddy was born Saturday April eleventh. Thank you. To Wolf's scream: LOL. Will Bellarosa discover Riddle's connection with the Gaunts? You will have to wait and see. Yes, the power Tom stole from Dumbledore was definitely more of a loan and its waning. I loved showing Remus and Tonks sharing different narratives of the events lol. Thank you! To ninaz08: Yes, Teddy is here! Thank you! I think Remus delivering the baby at home made it more special too! Thanks for loving the arse talk between Harry and Ron, when Harry says "were we thought?" I imagine his voice and tone and face exactly like Thor in Thor Ragnarok when he tells Bruce, "is it though?" LOL. Ha, I watched Smallville on and off when it was on tv years ago, but I did not know that! What a small world! Nope, my Sebastian is not based off of him at all! I had no I idea! Thank you! To EnigmaticEmperor: You think if Bellarosa doesn't switch sides, Rossi will die? Interesting. I love Ginny drawing on Harry and I agree, it shows her level of trust and comfort with him in using her full name, plus all girls do that, write their full name out when they are doodling their crush. I love Ron and Harry flirting and yes, they are friendship goals! Ha, you can never be prepared for childbirth which made this better! Yes, no tattoos of your lover but Hinny are the exception! I love the idea of Tonks' hair changing when she experiences extreme feelings. It's a reflection of who she is. Thank you for loving the Bill scene. Yes, he knows Harry truly loves Ginny and I'm glad you've enjoyed the character development there. Thanks for loving Harry's grandparents. It is coming to a close and I'm excited to share it! 17 to go! Thank you!
To Nightwing2013: I'm glad you're enjoying the reread and yes, Percy is a bit of a dirty boy lol. Thank you! To CherrySara: Thanks for saying that Teddy coming the way he did was equally unexpected and hilarious! Remus and Harry are definitely upping expectations of the ideal man lol. Thank you! To Rojmeen: Thank you! To Gigi87: Congratulations on your engagement! Yes, Bellarosa is a bit of a selfish lover and in general, a selfish person. Ha, Ron might be a bit jealous that Ginny marked Harry lol. No, Sirius and Dumbledore never made a replica of the ring because Bill made sure the wards and charms put into place around the Gaunt shack looked undisturbed so that no one would suspect they have made it through. Voldemort is very full of himself and thinks that he knows best because he's all powerful and all knowing. He would consider the cloak a tool he doesn't need when he has magic. I'm glad the runes are intriguing you! Yes, Harry and Zee are so adorable. Aww, I love that story about your new fiancé, the sweetest ever! It sounds like you found your own Harry! 😍 I've always loved Molly and I can totally see her stepping up for Tonks to make up for her losing her mum without question. Remus apologizing for knocking up Tonks is totally sometimes he would do lol. I'm glad you could picture the whole bathroom scene so well in your head! I love showing Harry getting time with the Weasley brothers as they all love him too and he's so adorable with the kids. I love Misha keeping his composure while sipping vodka, thank you! As for Misha, yes, Harry still has training with him in Defence Club and he still sends him spells and whatnot to work on. Thank you for such an amazing review!
To ravenclaw_rockchick: Thank you for finding the time to leave a review despite the busy week. Yes, Teddy arriving on the bathroom floor is kind of karmic for Tonks lol. Thanks for loving Harry and Zee's new tattoos! I love that I have finished the final chapter as well, but I'm excited all of the same! Yes, you will have ASC through the end of 2022. Thank you. To Bellmel: I do love the dramatics of Teddy's birth lol. Poor Tonks, she was missing Andromeda more than ever in that moment though. She's so lucky she has Remus who is just the absolute sweetest man alive. I love his excitement in introducing Teddy to Harry. It was so fun writing Hermione's excitement and showing the boys excited for her. Big brother Harry is definitely adorable and Zee loves him coming home. Thanks for loving the tattoo Harry gets and ha, Ron's reaction isn't going to be anything crazy, he won't even be surprised lol. Thank you!
My posting schedule: Weekly.
Thanks to Dusk for her amazing editing skills.
As always, thank you very much for reading and please, please review!
Your reviews give me life! They give me inspiration! And they make me want to keep writing for more than just myself! Thank you for all of your continued support!
CHAPTER THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY-TWO:
The One With the Baby Whisperer
The moment that Remus and Tonks stepped into Clevedon Court, they were surrounded by Harry, Zee, Sorcha, Misha, Colt, and Flo, all coming to take a peek at the baby. At barely a day old, he struggled to keep his eyes open as he slept peacefully in his mother's arms. Tonks passed him to Harry as soon as she saw him; he immediately moved to sit in the armchair in the living room, cradling the boy to his chest.
Harry couldn't quite explain how excited he was to spend time with his godson. He couldn't believe that he had a godson. He wasn't as tiny as Mina and Leo had been, but Merlin he looked so small. Harry felt like his hands were too big for him, but he cradled him close, careful to hold his head, his eyes wide in amazement as he looked down at the dark-haired baby in his arms with the grey-brown eyes.
"Hi, Teddy," Harry said, gently kissing the mop of messy hair that covered his soft head.
Tonks took a seat on the sofa across from him. "His hair is as black as my mum's was. But it often changes to turquoise right before he wakes up."
"Guess we can say that he definitely inherited your powers, Tonks," Harry said.
Tonks smiled. "What can I say? I've got good, strong genes."
Remus sat next to his wife and wrapped his arm around her, smiling when she leaned into him. "He's beautiful, just like his mother." He kissed her temple and linked his fingers with hers. "And he's been excited to see his godfather."
Harry smiled as he looked down at the baby. "I've been excited to see him, too. Do you think his eyes will turn more grey, likes yours?"
"No," Tonks said, turning to look at Remus. "I'm hoping they turn the colour of good whisky like his father."
Remus' lips curved. "We'll have to see."
Colt came to stand behind him and put his hand on Harry's shoulder. "It's a big responsibility, son. You're going to do a damn fine job."
"That he is," Flo agreed. "You get to be the fun uncle, the one who he tells his secrets too; the stuff his parents can never know."
"Hey!" Tonks exclaimed. "I told my mum everything."
"And I tell Uncle Remus most things," Harry admitted.
Remus chuckled. "This is true."
Harry looked down at his godson, smiling at the sweet little face and gently brushed his thumb over his soft cheek. He was beautiful and he couldn't wait to always be there for him when he needed him. He wanted to teach him how to do all of the things that Sirius and Remus had taught him. He wanted to be there for him for all the big things and he wanted to get the chance to show him how great life was. He didn't want to miss a second of that.
He listened with half an ear as Colt and Flo talked about their trip to Paris. Zee and Sorcha left to check on something in the kitchen and Flo followed, bringing Mina and Leo with her. Misha and Colt took Remus and Tonks outside for a walk to see the horses and Harry found himself alone in the living room with Teddy.
He stroked his finger over his cheek again, smiling down at the tiny baby in awe. "You are going to be so loved, Teddy," he whispered. "You'll get to grow up with your cousins, Mina and Leo, and I just know that you three will be the best of friends. Your mum will take you to rock concerts and your dad will share his love of reading. As for me, I promise to keep your secrets and show you how to ride a broom and a motorbike. I'll take you out any place your parents don't want to and I'll even buy you your first naughty magazine and tell you all about Uncle Sirius. I will always be there for you, okay? I promise. I love you."
Harry bent his head to kiss Teddy's brow. Teddy's mouth opened into a yawn before he settled again. Unable to stop smiling, he gently traced the baby's face with his fingers, unable to look away from him. It completely amazed him that he could love someone so completely so quickly, but he did. Looking down at this bundle in his arms, he felt a connection that he couldn't explain. He lifted him, holding him across his chest, his large hand running over his small back.
Teddy made a small whine before he settled, his little hand gripping the dog tags at Harry's neck as he drifted off to sleep. Harry pressed his lips to his head again, inhaling his sweet baby smell, his heart swelling in love.
"Leo!" Sorcha exclaimed as Leo came bounding into the living room, running as fast as his little legs would take him. He ran towards Harry and clambered up into the armchair next to him.
"Ah-ree! Ah-ree!"
Harry chuckled and put his arm around the boy, snuggling him into his side. "Hi, buddy. Are you running from Grandmama?"
Leo babbled something incoherent as Sorcha put her hands on her hips, picking up Mina as she moved past her to chase after her brother.
"It's nap time and he and his sister are not interested."
Harry smiled. "Well, I can see why." He looked down at Leo as he reached up to touch Teddy's leg. "This is Teddy. He's your cousin."
"Ba-ee!"
"Baby, that's right," Harry said, kissing Leo's temple.
Mina whined to be put down and Harry gestured for Sorcha to bring her over.
"Give her here, Grandmama," he said, smiling when Sorcha placed Mina on his other side. "Put on the lullaby music they like on the wireless. I bet they'll sleep here with me."
Sorcha leaned in to kiss his cheek. "You are such a good big brother, mo ghràdh."
She waved her wand and soft classical lullaby music drifted waved her wand so that shapes and sparks danced to the soft classical music. Mina and Leo stared up at it in fascination, snuggling into Harry's sides. He put his arms around both of them, wiggling his butt down on the sofa so that Teddy would stay sprawled on his chest. He kept the arm around Leo low so that he could keep his hand resting on Teddy's back while his other arm held Mina to his opposite side.
Sorcha told him that she would be in the kitchen and to holler if he needed anything. When she left, he pulled Mina and Leo in tighter to his sides as they stared at the dancing lights and sparkles of music notes that seem to prance and gambol in front of their eyes.
"Oook!" Leo said, pointing.
"I see them," Harry said. "Grandmama is making the music dance for you."
"Ah-ee!" Mina exclaimed, shifting to look at him.
Harry dropped a kiss to her chubby cheek. "Come here, give me a hug and watch the music dance."
Mina wrapped her little arms around him, her cheek pressed against his abs. Harry waved his free hand and the little throw blanket flew over to cover his legs and he carefully twirled his finger to allow the blanket to wrap up the twins in his lap. Leo snuggled closer into his other side, his hand reaching out to brush his sister's.
"If you two are good and have a nap here with me and Teddy, you'll get to play with Aydin later."
"Ah-da!" Mina said.
Harry was pretty sure that meant Aydin so he nodded. "That's right, Mina. But let's close our eyes now, okay?"
They babbled a little in his arms, but within a few minutes, he felt them start to doze. He pressed a kiss to the tops of each of their heads before doing the same to Teddy once more. He wandlessly moved the coffee table closer, slowly lifting his feet up onto the table to give him more leverage, than he rested his head back against the back of the chair in contentment.
It was oddly comforting to sit here with three kids all snuggled into him. A glance at the clock told him that he still had another hour or so before everyone else came over. He kept his eyes on the dancing shapes and sparks, watching as they moved into fruits, stars, and other shapes along with the music and it wasn't long before Mina, Leo, and Teddy were all fast asleep in his arms.
He let his own eyes drift close, resting his head back against the chair and wondered if he could just stay like this, with sleeping babies in his arms for the rest of his life.
It seemed like the exact kind of comfort and relaxation he needed.
~ ASC ~
When Ginny walked into Clevedon Court that afternoon with her parents, Ron, Hermione, Charlie, and Aydin behind her, she couldn't help but smile. Knowing that this was going to be her future home and knowing that she and Harry would host big family dinners like this here on a regular basis just felt right. She loved how inviting and warm it felt and she knew that once she and Harry moved in, it would only feel more so. She was looking forward to making this her home and it was such a nice thought that she knew she was grinning like a fool the moment she walked in the door.
But when she walked into the living room and found her boyfriend sprawled on the sofa with Mina and Leo each tucked into his lap and a newborn asleep across his chest, she was pretty sure that her womb contracted. Merlin, he looked so ridiculously sexy sitting there with babies all over him.
His messy black hair looked wonderfully windswept. His glasses were crooked on his face, half sliding down his nose as his head lolled off to the side. His eyelashes looked full and long with his eyes closed and the soft snores that were emitting from his half-opened lips was the cutest sound she'd ever heard. Teddy was asleep on his shoulder, Harry's hand on his back and bum, the large hand making Teddy look impossibly tiny. Mina and Leo were each sitting half in his lap, asleep against his chest, their hands touching each other. He had his arm wrapped around each of them, attempting to hold them close while his other arm was around Teddy. A throw blanket covered the twins and Harry's lap and Ginny had a sudden image of him sitting there holding a baby with his black messy hair and green eyes. She had to place a hand over her stomach to try to stop the sudden feeling of yearning that rushed through her.
She was pretty sure that if it was possible, she definitely could get pregnant just by looking at him. This was an image she wanted to keep forever and she desperately wished that she had a camera to capture this cuteness overload.
Zee's hand squeezed hers. "Dora and I already took a photo," she whispered. "He made himself comfortable with Teddy and the twins wanted to sit with him. Mama put some music on the charmed shapes and since it was about time for their nap, they just dropped off to sleep. Could he look any bloody cuter?"
"I need that photo," Ginny said, licking her lips. "He looks too damn good holding those babies."
Zee chuckled. "You'll be the first. He's so good with them. They just adore him, you know? And the way that he was looking at little Teddy… he's going to be such an amazing godfather to that baby. I couldn't be more proud of him. The four of them have been sleeping just over an hour now, so go ahead and wake them if you'd like."
Ginny didn't want to wake Mina and Leo, but she certainly did want to kiss her boyfriend. Well, if she was honest with herself, she wanted to shag his brains out at the moment and quite possibly have his children right this very second. She couldn't even begin to explain how attractive he looked in this moment. She tiptoed over to the chair and leaned in to kiss his cheek. He stirred slightly so she dropped a kiss to his lips.
Harry's eyes fluttered open slowly and when he saw her, his face brightened. "Hey."
"Hi, yourself," she whispered. "What are you the baby whisperer?"
He chuckled, glancing down at his chest and lap. "Pretty sure my arms and legs are asleep."
"You look so sexy right now."
"Yeah?" he teased. "Kiss me again then."
She did and when she pulled back, he pouted.
"Don't pout," she said. "It's bad enough that I want to do very naughty things to you right now."
"How naughty?"
Ginny leaned down to nip at his ear. "Let's just say so naughty that I can't speak it aloud."
He groaned. "Not fair."
Ginny pecked his lips once more. "I have never wanted to have your babies more than I do at this very moment."
His eyes darkened. "Fuck…"
Her lips met his for another long kiss and when she pulled away, the desire in his eyes made her lick her lips. "You holding a baby is very dangerous, Potter. Neither of us are ready for that just yet."
"Think we can sneak away for a bit?" he asked, his eyes hopeful. "It may be years off, but we really should practice how to make one, for the future."
"Don't tempt me," she said, her lips curving at how incredibly appealing that idea sounded. "May I hold Teddy?"
Harry nodded and smiled when she carefully took Teddy from his arms, cradling him over her heart. He shifted slightly, but didn't wake and Ginny's lips curved.
"Oh, he's so beautiful. Look at these little lips."
"Yeah," Harry agreed. "Hard to believe that these two were once that small." He shifted slightly and Mina snuggled closer into him. He wrapped his arm around her more, cradling her against his chest as Leo snuggled into his other side. "Who's here?"
"Just a few of us. The rest of my brothers should be arriving soon along with Theo and Sebastian."
"Oh, good. I wasn't sure if they would make it," Harry said.
"Sebastian's parents are spending the weekend in Paris with his sister Selene. He was going to go but he got tied up at work. Theo convinced him to come here instead instead of trying to drum up a last minute portkey. I think the draw of meeting little Teddy won out."
"I can see why," Harry said. "He's pretty adorable and Tonks will love it if he's here. He's wearing the onesie that Sebastian bought him."
Ginny moved her hand to peek down at the onesie and smiled when she saw it said MIA on it. "How cute."
She looked up when Remus and Tonks came into the living room.
"Hi, he's beautiful. Congratulations."
Remus smiled and moved over to stand next to Ginny, his golden eyes lighting up as they looked down at his son. "He really is perfect, isn't he?"
"Absolutely," Ginny said, passing him back to his father.
Remus carefully held his son in his arms, his eyes meeting Harry's. "I see you've added to your collection."
Harry chuckled, his arms around the twins who were still sleeping against him. "They were fighting against nap time, but they always like to snuggle with me. I figured it was worth a shot. And I got a little nap out of the deal."
"Not a bad deal," Tonks said, leaning down to kiss his cheek. "Thanks for watching my son."
"Anytime," Harry told her. "I can't wait to teach him all of the swear words that Uncle Rem taught me."
"Brat," Remus laughed, making him grin.
It was only a moment before Molly, Arthur, Ron, Hermione, Charlie, and Aydin headed into the living room. Aydin was half sleeping on her father's shoulder and Charlie met Harry's eyes.
"She just woke up. She's still in that clingy half-awake stage."
Mina and Leo stirred in his arms and Ginny moved to sit on the side of the chair that Harry was sprawled in as Ron and Hermione greeted Teddy and then Molly hurried over to hug Tonks. It didn't take long for everyone to settle into the living room and another few minutes before Mina and Leo woke up from their nap. Once they realized Aydin was here, along with a roomful of people, their snuggling was over. Charlie and Zee charmed an area in the middle of the room for the kids to play in, stopping them from running off as Mina, Leo, and Aydin immediately made a mess with some toys, babbling at each other in a language only they understood.
Within twenty minutes, the rest of the Weasleys had arrived along with Theo and Sebastian. Sebastian immediately crossed the room to Tonks and pulled her up into a hug.
"Congratulations, Mummy."
"Thanks, K," Tonks said, kissing his cheek. "Want to meet my son?" At his nod, she pointed to where Remus was still snuggling Teddy. "This is Edward Remus Lupin, our Teddy. Teddy, this is my work husband."
When Remus passed Sebastian the baby, his eyes widened, but he carefully took the newborn into his arms. "Hey, he's wearing my outfit!"
"Absolutely," Tonks said. "It was a good one. He's a Knight of the Auror, just like his Uncle Bas."
Sebastian's eyes lit up. "I get uncle status?"
Remus shrugged. "You are her work husband, aren't you? Pretty sure that gives you dibs on uncle status."
"Along with Rex, Eric, Natalie, and of course Mad-Eye. Though I'm going to get Teddy to call him Gramps just to annoy him."
Remus chuckled. "Troublemaker."
Theo looked down at the onesie that Teddy was wearing. "Knight of the Auror… aren't they mythical? Bas, are you really a knight?"
"Of course not," Sebastian said, quickly. "As you said, they're mythical. Dora just likes to tease me so, I had to buy the onesie for her son."
Tonks grabbed Theo's arm. "I swear he's really a knight and he just can't tell us because he's sworn to secrecy."
"I work for the MIA, Dora," Sebastian said.
"He's a knight," she whispered, making Theo grin.
Once everyone had greeted Teddy and settled themselves around the large living room, Dobby served up drinks to everyone, along with crackers, cheese, and fruit platters. Theo settled himself on the sofa next to Sebastian, his eyes on Fiadh who was sitting in Fred's lap. She gave him a sweet smile.
"It's nice to see you again, Theo."
"You, too," Theo said. "I heard that you and Fred are having twins. That's… wow."
"Wow for us too," she admitted. "Is this your new man?"
Theo nodded, his eyes lighting up as they landed on Sebastian. "Yeah. Bas, this is Princess Fiadh Alexander of Tara, Finn's older sister and Fred's girlfriend."
Sebastian extended his hand. "We've met. Unofficially."
Fiadh's lips curved as she accepted his hand. "Just so you know, you annoy Tiernan."
"Just so you know, I don't care," Sebastian said.
She chuckled. "I like you."
"K, come over here," Misha beckoned, placing his hand on Sebastian's shoulder as he introduced him to Colt. "This is one of my Aurors, Colt. Colt is retired from the Muggle police in America."
"Interesting," Sebastian said, shaking his hand. "Did you like it?"
"Loved it," Colt replied. "If you work for Misha, that must make you one of the best?"
"It does," Sebastian said, making Misha laugh.
"He is one of the best, da. His team is some of the best I've vorked vith. He's made my transition from Russia a very good one."
"I'm glad, Sir," Sebastian said. "Because I had no idea that you were related to Harry Potter until a week ago."
Misha barked out a laugh. "All the better. Surprises make life more fun, da?"
"So, do you two have any plans with the babies coming?" Zee asked, holding her glass of wine in her hand as she made herself comfortable on the sofa next to Misha and Arthur.
"What kind of plans?" Fred asked, his arm draped over Fiadh's shoulders.
Molly rolled her eyes. "Getting a serious conversation out of that one is like trying to walk through thick mud carrying weights on your back."
"Ohhh, you mean like marriage and moving in together or something? Nah. We like being sinful."
Fiadh bit her lip, her eyes twinkling. "We're still making plans. Fred's flat is two bedrooms so that's a possibility." When Fred reached for her hand, she smiled at him.
Zee took a sip of her wine. "Well, I know that your mother has more experience than me, but let me just say that twins are a handful and a half!"
"Some more than others," Molly muttered making Ginny snort.
"How are your parents taking the news?" Sorcha asked. "Have you met the king and queen yet, Fred?"
"No," Fred admitted. "There's been so much going on, but I've met her brother, Tiernan, and he knows about the babies."
"Bet he's thrilled," Theo teased. "Tiernan is kind of a stick in the mud, but he has a good heart."
"But I'm so lovable!" Fred exclaimed. "Anyway, we're making plans to let her family know, it just might not be for a few more weeks."
"My parents are so busy working with the Ministry and training our warriors," Fiadh explained. "Not to mention running the kingdom. It's hard to make time to sit down and talk with them."
"Tara is the most beautiful place that I've ever seen," Theo said. "You'll love it, Fred. Time moves differently there."
"How so?" Molly asked. "I don't think you told us that before, Theo."
"You can be in Tara for only a few hours and miss whole days here," Fiadh explained. "And vice versa. Sometimes you can be in Tara for days and only miss a few hours here. Time runs on a completely different plain there and it changes direction often. No one really knows how it works."
Theo nodded. "It's still beautiful. The palace was incredible."
"You'll have to come back again for a visit, Theo," Fiadh said. "You can bring your man there, my parents would love to see you again."
Ginny looked over as colour filled his cheeks and when she saw Sebastian reach for his hand, she couldn't help but smile. It was oddly lovely how sweet Finn's family could be to Theo still and seeing how Sebastian acted around him, it was different between them. She knew that Finn had loved her friend and she knew that Theo had been hopelessly in love with him right back, but Sebastian was a different kind of love. She wondered if either of them had realized it yet.
"Oh, yeah, Gabrielle is coming to stay with us for a week in the summer," Bill said, turning to answer his father's question. "She wants to see more of England and Fleur misses her sister."
"We're going to do so much shopping!" Fleur exclaimed. "It will be so nice to have my leetle sister around!"
"Shopping," Charlie said with a grimace. "That sounds terrible. Right, Dad?"
"Well, it's not my first choice," Arthur admitted. "But I'm sure that Fleur and her sister will have fun."
"Oui," Fleur said, her lips curving. "My 'usband will like what I buy, I can assure you of zat."
Charlie laughed. "I bet he will. How old is Gabrielle now, Fleur?"
"Thirteen. She's growing up so fast and I want to spend more time with 'er."
"She'll love spending time with you this summer," Bill assured her, kissing their joined hands.
"You'll have to bring her by the Burrow for dinner," Arthur said. "You know that Molly and I would love to get to know her better."
"Merci, Arthur. She will love it."
"How much longer are you in England, Charlie?" Harry asked, his fingers toying with the ends of Ginny's hair that tickled his forearm.
Arnold jumped out of her hair, burrowing more into her neck, but Harry didn't stop playing with her hair. He was too used to him moving around to even notice. It was one of the many reasons why she adored him. She curled up into him more, half in his lap and half in the armchair they were sharing. She kept her eyes on her brother as he answered Harry's question.
"Another week. I've officially been promoted as the Dragonologist Ambassador to England of the Romanian Reserve. I've been coordinating with the DRCMC and the Defence Department for plans on how to use dragons if necessary for defence measures."
"And what deems necessity?" Harry asked.
"War," Charlie said. "If there's a huge attack or I suppose I should say when there's a huge attack, we will have dragons on standby and ready to help assist."
"Dragons are incredibly dangerous," Flo said. "How can you control them?"
"You can't," Charlie admitted. "Dragon handlers have a handle on dragons. We know how to convince them to do what we ask, when we ask it. But dragons are incredibly intelligent creatures and when push comes to shove, they do what they want. However, when it comes to using them as defence, they trust us. And if you pair the right handler with the right dragon, it's a deadly combination that can be used well. And we're willing to use it if necessary."
"How far can dragons breathe fire?" Theo asked. "Isn't it dangerous to use them when there are other people around?"
"Up to two hundred metres," Charlie said. "And they only need seconds to recharge. Their flames reach up to eight hundred degrees Celsius. Trust me, you don't want to be behind their angry fire. That's the job of a handler, is to ensure the flames are going where they are needed."
"How can you control that?" Theo asked, curiously.
"Very carefully," Charlie assured him.
"You've been burned," Flo said, her eyes on the burn scars peppered over his arms.
"A few times," Charlie said. "Second degree and some first. The dragons will act out, but they know that we don't mean to harm them. Trust me, they would know and these little licks of flame they send our way, would be a hell of a lot more deadly."
"Dragons," Colt said, shaking his head. "Sometimes your world amazes me. I can't believe goddamn dragons exist."
"He means all the time it amazes him," Flo said, reaching for her husband's hand. "Zee found a baby unicorn in the woods and brought it home one day when she was about six or seven. You should have seen the pure astonishment on his face."
"Remember when he found me feeding that thunderbird?" Zee said, reaching out to touch her grandfather's arm.
Flo chuckled. "I do. He cursed so loud that the thunderbird covered you with his wing to protect you."
Zee grinned. "Grandpa's still new to magic even after all these years."
"Hermione, I heard that you and I might be working together this summer," Charlie said. "Bannerman mentioned that he had an intern starting in the new department that I will be corresponding with."
Hermione blushed. "Yes. I'm excited to get started. I sent in my acceptance the other day. I'll only be an intern, but I think it will open up to be a real job."
"We're all excited to have you," Zee said. "Harry, Ron, still nothing from the Academy?"
Ron shook his head. "Nope. No news."
"Within the next two weeks," Sebastian said.
"Definitely," Tonks assured them. "You two will definitely get good news."
"Papa won't tell us," Harry said, looking over at his grandfather eagerly. "I'm pretty sure that he knows exactly who the new recruits are."
Misha made a zipping motion over his lips. "It is not my job to spoil the news."
"The list has already come across Kingsley's desk," Audrey said. "He should be signing off on it this week and then the letters will go out."
Harry and Ron exchanged a look.
"Good luck," Tonks said. "I can't wait for you two to get into the academy. I could use some new recruits to do all of my scut work for me."
Sebastian chuckled. "Ah, exactly what trainees are for."
"Absolutely," Tonks said. "And for making them do all of the stuff that we don't want to. Like paperwork."
"Sounds fun," Ron said.
"It is," Sebastian and Tonks both said at the same time.
Audrey smiled. "You and Harry will find out soon. Don't worry."
"How are you and Percy doing?" Ginny asked. "Are you all settled yet?"
"Pretty much," Percy said, reaching for his girlfriend's hand.
"We still need to get a few things for the flat, but otherwise we're good," Audrey agreed. "It feels right and we're getting into a nice routine."
"What kind of routine?" Fred asked. "If Percy misbehaves does he gets spanked? Is there a spanking chart on the ice box? After ten spankings, does he get a free one or is that when the toys come out?"
Percy's face flushed. "Honestly, Fred! Must you always bring that up!"
"Yes! I was traumatized by your pale, freckled arse!" Fred exclaimed.
"I have news," George said, raising his voice above his brothers' before Fred and Percy could get into an argument. "I think that I finally found something worth standing on."
Angelina rolled her eyes, squeezing her fiancé's knee. "His jokes just keep getting worse, but he has chosen a leg."
"Is it a peg leg to match your ring?" Charlie asked.
"Sadly, no," George said. "I considered it, but voted a peg leg wasn't practical in the long run."
"Says who?" Tonks demanded. "Moody's had a peg leg for years."
"Yeah, but Moody only has a peg leg because he didn't think it was worth getting a better one due to how often he has curses and jinxes thrown his way," Charlie said. "He's mad."
"All true," Tonks agreed.
"What about a nice shapely woman's leg?" Bill asked. "That would turn heads."
"Angie shot that idea down straight away," George said.
"Angelina! Can you not let your man have what he wants?" Fred exclaimed. "He could borrow some of Fleur's sexy heels and really turn heads."
"I do let him have what he wants," Angelina insisted. "He has me, doesn't he?"
George's eyes twinkled. "That I do and she's all I need, but I did find a leg and it's not a woman's leg."
"Does it shoot sparks or blow up?" Ron asked.
"Why the hell would I want my leg to bloody blow up, Ron?" George exclaimed, his eyes widening in astonishment. "How would that help anybody?"
Ron shrugged. "I wouldn't put it past you."
"Me either," Harry said. "Or make it a trick leg of some kind."
"It is a trick leg," George replied. "As it's not real, is it?"
"Haha," Fred said. "He turned down my idea of making it hollow and full of sweets."
"I could stand by having a hollow leg full of chocolate," Arthur said.
"You don't need a leg full of chocolate, dear," Molly said. "You stuff enough sweets in your pockets as it is."
Arthur looked guilty as Molly tapped his knee.
George sighed. "Can I speak now?"
Molly reached out to touch her son's arm. "What have you found, George?"
"A leg," he said. "One that I really like. It's comfortable and it looks real. It's even charmed to look like my other leg."
"It even feels like his skin," Angelina said. "It's incredibly life-like and it doesn't hurt him to walk on it."
"It will take some getting used to," George admitted. "And I'll still use my cane for the first bit, but then I'll be almost as good as new!"
"You're perfect the way you are," Angelina replied, her hand on his thigh.
George pecked her on the lips before he turned back to the room. "I go for my final fitting next week. I'll be a new man!"
"But my man," she teased, sitting on his lap to kiss him more thoroughly.
"Oi! No one wants to see that," Fred complained. "Living with those two, I saw way more than I ever wanted!"
"He's just jealous because I'm sexier than he is," George teased, keeping his arm around Angelina to keep her in his lap.
"And bigger," Angelina said, winking at her fiancé.
"Lies!" Fred exclaimed. "All lies!"
Fiadh chuckled, her eyes landing on Ginny. "Are they always like this?"
"Yup," she said. "This is pretty much normal."
Bill cleared his throat. "We're not comparing sizes, boys. Now shut it and show some respect."
Fleur winked at Ginny. "If we were, we know zat your man would win, oui?"
Harry's face flushed red as Bill hissed, "Fleur!"
"What?" she asked innocently. "You saw what I did in ze kitchen ze ozer day and 'Arry 'as nothing to be ashamed of. Ginny is a very lucky woman."
"What are you lot whispering about over there?" Ron demanded.
"Yeah, why is Ginny a lucky woman?" Charlie asked, looking suspiciously between Fleur and Bill.
"Nothing. No reason at all," Harry said quickly. "Anyone want to play a round of Quidditch? You all brought your brooms, right?"
Ginny chuckled as Harry ushered people outside for a game, her eyes on her boyfriend and thought that she was a very lucky woman indeed and she certainly wasn't going to take him for granted.
Not for one second.
~ ASC ~
As the Quidditch game winded down, Sebastian sat in the garden with Theo, watching as everyone landed from their brooms. He smiled when Theo brushed his knuckles over his.
They were sitting on the patio in the back where wooden benches, lounge chairs, and comfortable sofas and armchairs made of wicker scattered around the area. The gardens were wild and clearly cared for, but not attended to. Sebastian thought they were full of potential and wondered what Harry would do with them when he moved in.
Clevedon Court, another home for a Marquess… Sebastian couldn't quite wrap his head around that one. He'd never imagined that he would ever meet a Marquess in his life and now here he was, invited to Easter dinner at the home of one and dating another. Life had a way of surprising him. Clevedon Court was just as grand as he imagined, but it was homey and not nearly as large as Norfolk Manor was. Theo's home was in a league of its own entirely. Harry's home was more sedated, softer, and much smaller in comparison. But Sebastian could still feel the grandiose feel of it and the wealth it represented.
It was definitely a world he wasn't used to.
They watched the Quidditch match in the distance, holding hands as they did. He'd been offered to play, but he was more of a spectator and he knew that Theo had no interest. Misha had come out to watch with them for a bit and they'd talked shop before he'd been called in by his wife to help with something in the kitchen.
It was an interesting mix of people.
Harry and Ginny were kind and he liked them. He liked their combined energy and he liked how both of them were so open and friendly with Theo. Hearing Theo call Harry 'lover' had given him pause, but the banter between them was highly entertaining. Having Misha and Dora here gave him two more people in his corner, which helped, and of course he knew Remus in passing. Seeing them with their new son was beautiful and it reminded him of the day his nieces were born. He needed to get out to France to see them; he missed them.
Then there was Zee Zacarias, the magizoologist and her American family. Zee had immediately hugged Theo when she saw him and asked how he was doing. The fact that she and Molly Weasley had shown up to support Theo at the parole hearing of Ernie Macmillan put the two women firmly in a good place in Sebastian's mind. He loved knowing that his man had so much support and love from this makeshift family he'd formed. Misha's wife, Sorcha, was very kind and immediately asked him about his travels, sharing stories of the places she'd been. He felt very welcome by all of them.
And then there were the Weasleys.
They were a family unlike any other. It seemed like they all talked over each other all the time. There was constant teasing and insults followed up by clear love and support for each other. He imagined if his own family was this big, they would be just as loud and overbearing.
He loved it.
"They seem like a nice lot," he said, tracing Theo's knuckles with his thumb.
"They are," Theo said, snuggling himself into Sebastian's side. Sebastian grinned, wrapping his arm around Theo to pull him closer on the wicker love seat they were sitting on. "They kind of just adopted me because I was friends with Ginny. Her brothers are great and Bill kind of looks out for me like he's my big brother or something. I don't even know why they like me so much. I see Bill and Percy in the Wizengamot all of the time."
"I can think of a few million reasons why they adore you," Sebastian teased, kissing him softly. "And a million more that are just for me to know."
Theo smiled up at him. "Thanks for coming here with me today."
"Thanks for inviting me."
"I like seeing you talk with Auror Lupin and holding her baby. You're a softie, Auror Arsehole."
"Lies," he teased, kissing him again. "It's all an act."
"Absolutely," Theo agreed. "But only I know that it's the arsehole part that's the real act."
Sebastian pinched his hip and he yelped, laughing.
Theo pecked his lips again and stood up. "I'll be right back. The loo is calling. Their game should be ending soon."
Sebastian nodded as Theo hurried into the house. He watched as everyone else came up from the little makeshift Quidditch pitch a moment later with their brooms over their shoulders. The house elf named Dobby appeared with pints of beer and pints of cider for everyone and Sebastian saw Percy and George come out of the house, the only two Weasley brothers who hadn't joined the game.
They settled around him, joking and ribbing each other over the game, conjuring more chairs for each other on the patio. Apparently the team that had Harry and Ginny on it had destroyed the other team.
"I told you not to put them together," Ron insisted. "When you add me as Keeper, you're bound to be destroyed."
Charlie laughed. "Been too long since I've had a good game and Harry, you're a great challenge out there. I was damn close to that Snitch!"
"Not close enough," Harry said. "Better luck next time."
Ginny kissed Harry's cheek. "You boys keep Sebastian company. I'm going to help Fiadh and Theo."
"With what?" Harry called out, but Ginny only blew him a kiss and skipped off to the house with Angelina following her.
Bill leaned back in his chair, the bottle of beer dangling from his fingertips. "So, Sebastian, you work for the MIA? That must be exciting."
"It has its moments," Sebastian said. "I love being an Auror. It's what I always wanted to do."
"And you get to travel a fair bit?" Bill inquired.
"Yes," Sebastian said. "Sometimes more than I like, but it's always a new adventure."
"I miss the travelling that I did before I transferred to England," Bill admitted. "I was originally in Egypt, but I often left to visit other tombs or sites for work expeditions. Fleur tells me that you went to school together?"
"We did. We didn't really hang around with the same people, but I knew of her, of course. She was always the most beautiful witch in the school and one of the most intelligent. When she was chosen as the TriWizard Champion, everyone knew that she was the best choice. You're a lucky man."
Bill smiled, sipping his beer. "That I am. You're not from France though?"
Sebastian shook his head, taking a sip of his beer. "No. Born and raised in Ireland, but my mum is French. She wanted my sisters and I to go to Beauxbatons, which was her school, so we did."
"If you went to school with Fleur, how did you meet Theo?" Charlie asked. "Bit of an age gap there, isn't it?"
"Three years," Sebastian said. "And I met him at the Ministry of Magic. I was working on assignment in the DMLE with Dora when he came in."
"Wait, aren't you the one he called Auror Arsehole?" Fred asked.
Harry rolled his eyes and shoved his hands into his pockets. "I told them that you're a great bloke, Sebastian, and that Tonks thinks the world of you. Don't let them try to intimidate you."
Sebastian chuckled. "Is that what's happening here?" He leaned forward in his seat. "As noted, I work for the Magical Intelligence Agency, which is a highly trained organization that only takes the best of the best. I've been taught how to not only be a highly trained Auror, but to withstand torture and intimidation techniques of every variety. I was invited here by Harry and Theo today and I appreciate the invite, but if you lot have something to say, say it."
Percy exchanged a look with Charlie before he cleared his throat. "We like Theo."
"Can't say I blame you, I like him too," Sebastian said.
"Theo is one of the kindest souls that we've ever met," Bill said, his eyes on Sebastian. "He's kind and intelligent and he deserves the world. He's been through hell the last few years."
"I'm aware," Sebastian said.
Charlie crossed his arms in front of his chest. "He's not family, but he's as good as."
"I won't hurt him," Sebastian said quietly. "I appreciate the fact that all of you are so willing to look out for him. He adores all of you and considering that he doesn't really have any real family left of his own, you adopting him makes him happy, but what goes on between me and Theo is our business, not yours."
"Theo is our business," Bill exclaimed, his eyes narrowing.
"Absolutely," Sebastian agreed. "But he's my man and I plan to take care of him however he'll let me."
Harry's lips twitched. "So far, he's not complaining."
"When he does, you lot can do what you want. Until then, back off," Sebastian insisted, standing to his full height. "Now, excuse me, I want to talk to Dora a bit more."
He could feel all of their eyes on him as he walked away and thought that Theo was lucky to have so many people who cared for him. It only proved to him how lucky he was to be in Theo's life. He caught sight of Tonks sitting with Remus in the living room and started to head that way when a short, redheaded woman stepped out in front of him. Molly, he remembered, the matriarch of the Weasley family.
"Oh, I'm sorry dear," she exclaimed. "Sebastian, isn't it?"
"Yes, ma'am," he said, offering her a polite smile.
"Aren't you polite, dear," Molly exclaimed. "We just adore Theo, you know. He's been such a lovely friend to our Ginny over the years and ever since you've come into his life, he's always so happy. He just lights up when he talks about you. You must be a special young man."
"Er…"
Molly reached up to pat his cheek. "We're so pleased that you came to celebrate with us today. You are always welcome."
When she walked away he couldn't help but smile after her and thought that she rather reminded him of his own mum. He caught sight of Theo talking to Ginny and Fiadh by the window and when Theo turned, those brown eyes meeting his, he couldn't help but smile back at him.
He had a sudden desire to want to bring Theo round to Sunday dinner to his parents house and he rubbed a hand over his heart. He'd never brought anyone home for Sunday dinner before and he wasn't sure how his parents would react to that. But he suddenly wanted to see Theo sitting on the beat up sofa of the living room with his dad and sharing stories with his mum. He'd mentioned it in passing to Theo as an idea, but he didn't actually think he was ready to do that yet.
Sebastian closed his eyes. Fuck, he thought. He wasn't falling anymore. Hell, he'd probably stopped falling eons ago and had been too blind to see it. He was in love with him. He was completely head over heels in love with this man and nothing terrified him more.
No, he wasn't going to hurt Theo, not for a second, but he was worried that Theo could hurt him.
After all, Theo was the special one and Sebastian still wasn't entirely sure what he'd done to get this man into his life. But Theo had been in love before and not just love, but an intense all consuming love with a bloody fae prince. Sebastian would never be able to compete with that.
No, he couldn't tell Theo how he felt. He wasn't ready to get his heart broken because he knew that this time, unlike the heartbreak he'd experienced in his past, he would never get over Theodore Nott.
~ ASC ~
By the time they sat down to dinner in the dining room, Harry loved that everyone was here celebrating with him. The long table was big enough for everyone due to an expansion charm and the table was groaning under the weight of Molly, Zee, Sorcha, and Flo's amazing cooking.
He reached for Ginny's hand under the table and when those brown eyes met his, he smiled back at her. This was the future that he wanted with everyone he loved in one place. McGonagall hadn't been able to stop by today, but she'd come over the night before to see Mina and Leo, bearing new outfits and books for them for the occasion. Harry loved seeing her dote on them and he knew that Zee had come to adore the woman as well.
But this, with all of the Weasleys and his family, it felt like home.
Fred and George were arguing with Ron about something. Hermione was speaking to Audrey and Percy about her upcoming internship about the Ministry. Fleur was speaking to Sorcha, Colt, and Flo about travelling and growing up in France. Misha, Sebastian, and Tonks were talking about work. Charlie was trying to coax Aydin to eat some vegetables while Molly assisted him. Mina and Leo were shoving mashed potatoes in their mouths faster than they could chew it as Zee tried to get them to slow down. Theo and Ginny were talking about something or other under their breaths that made them both grin widely. Fiadh and Angelina were talking about weddings and babies. Remus was holding Teddy in his arms as he ate one-handed, a huge smile on his face and when his eyes met Harry's, he couldn't help but grin back.
This was the kind of holiday that he loved best. Everyone was talking over each other, conversations flowing freely as people interrupted and spoke over each other and to each other while stuffing their faces with the amazing food prepared for them.
And the food was amazing.
Between Zee, Molly, Sorcha, and Flo, they quite honestly had a feast. There was honey glazed ham, turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes with garlic and cheese, cornbread, green bean casserole, devilled eggs, freshly buttered corn, green beans and red peppers in garlic butter, carrots with butter and brown sugar, steak and kidney pie, Yorkshire pudding, and fresh buttered rolls. There was more food to choose from than Harry could decide on, and he was already feeling delightfully full.
Dessert, he knew, included treacle tart, Eton mess, rice pudding, apple pie, and chocolate chip biscuits. He was already trying to make room for a little bit of everything as he rubbed his stomach. He definitely needed to save room for treacle.
Ginny's hand ran over his thigh under the table and her lips brushed his ear, making his cock twitch in his jeans. "What are the chances of us making it away unnoticed?"
"I could go to the loo first," he whispered back, suddenly feeling rather ravenous for something that wasn't their Easter feast.
Her lips curved. "I'll follow you in two minutes."
Harry grinned and slowly stood up to head to the bathroom as inconspicuously as possible. No one made notice of him leaving so he snuck into the half bath just just past the living room and closed the door. He ran his hand through his windswept hair and wondered if his hair would ever lie flat. He washed his hands and was just drying them on the towel when the door opened and Ginny slipped inside.
His grin widened at the sight of her; before she could speak, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. Ginny's hands slid up his chest, her lips meeting his as she stood on her toes in an attempt to get closer. Harry put his hands on her hips, basking in her taste, in her touch, in her smell. He pulled her even closer to him and they both groaned.
Ginny's mouth moved over his jaw and down his throat and he let his head fall back in ecstasy. Merlin, he loved it when she sucked on his skin, when her mouth travelled over his pulse points. The feel of that soft wet mouth sucking on his pulse made him harder than he could explain. He was completely at her mercy and she knew it. Her hands moved to his belt buckle and he groaned.
"No," he murmured.
Those brown eyes met his and he lifted her, twirled around, and sat her on the small counter, hovering her over the sink as he held onto her hips.
"Me first."
Ginny's eyes widened and then she clutched his hair as he his hands slid under the gypsy cut skirt she wore and found the cotton knickers beneath. He licked his lips as he inched them down and off and Ginny bit her bottom lip.
"Oh, gods…"
Harry knelt on the floor and kissed her ankle. "I doubt our absence will be tolerated long, so you better come fast."
Then he spread her legs and ducked his head beneath the skirt. The first stroke of his tongue had her fingers clutching him tighter. He smiled and eagerly used his tongue over her, in her. By the time he suckled her clit into his mouth, she was sucking on her bottom lip desperately; one hand on the counter to hold her balance and when she came, the sound echoed around the bathroom.
Harry couldn't wait any longer.
He undid his belt and his jeans and slid into her right there on the counter. Ginny's hands gripped his arse, her legs locking around his waist, and those brown eyes stared right into his as he filled her again and again and again. He kissed her as he finished, moaning into her mouth as he did. They stayed where they were for a long moment, kissing softly.
Harry kissed her forehead. "We better get back."
Ginny nodded, running her fingers through his hair. "It's a good thing you always have sex hair."
"Haha," he said, pulling up his jeans and boxer briefs.
Ginny snatched her knickers off of the ground and slid them back up her hips. "Do I look presentable?"
Harry took a moment to take in her swollen mouth and flushed cheeks. He tucked her long hair behind her ears and kissed her lips. "You look like you were shagged within an inch of your life and you liked it."
Her smile flashed quickly and made his cock twitch in his jeans. "I did like it."
She kissed him again and fluffed her hair before turning to the sink to splash cold water on her face.
"You go out first."
He grinned and leaned down to kiss her neck before he unlocked the bathroom door and snuck back through the living room. He quickly moved back into the dining room.
He definitely felt hungry for some more food now.
~ ASC ~
Ron watched Ginny sneak out of the dining room a few moments after Harry left, and he rolled his eyes. The two of them were seriously rabbits. There was no way that they had snuck off to shag again, he thought. It was bad enough when they had done it at the Burrow, but here… bloody hell, Harry's whole family was here too.
"What is wrong with them?" he mumbled under his breath.
Hermione's lips curved. "What's wrong with who?"
"Harry and Ginny," Ron hissed. "They've both disappeared. Again! Just like at the Burrow and we both know what they got up to right there in Ginny's room while we were eating dinner."
"What's this about Harry and Ginny disappearing?" Fred asked, leaning towards them. "Ginny mentioned something about some wine that Mum needed to try."
Ron snorted. "Yeah, right. And Harry just happened to need the loo at the same time? Please."
Fred's eyes widened. "Wait… are you saying that they're… fuck, when did Potter lose his virginity?"
"What does it matter?" Ron hissed. "The point is, the two of them are randy buggers and need to learn some self control!"
Theo poked Ron with his foot, making him turn to look over at him. "Stop whispering down there, you aren't as quiet as you think."
Sebastian chuckled as he filled up Theo's wine glass for him. "I believe they are gossiping."
"Of course they are!" Theo exclaimed. "Harry and Ginny have gone off to shag again."
"Again!" Fred hissed. "How long has Potter been defiling our baby sister?"
George snorted. "I think you better check yourself there, Fred. Who do you really think is defiling who?"
Fred opened his mouth to protest before he leaned in his seat. "Bloody hell. You're right. He's an innocent! We should go save him."
Theo grinned. "Trust me, I don't think he wants our help."
"Neither does Ginny," Hermione said. "You lot are being ridiculous. Leave them alone."
Ron scowled. "It's them who are bloody ridiculous, Hermione! We're here having this big family dinner and they've gone off to bloody bugger each other in the middle of it!"
"Well, Ginny did say that she was rather looking forward to a big dessert," Theo teased.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Ron grumbled. "We all know that Harry has a big cock, there's no need to keeping bringing it up in conversation all the bloody time."
"Um, yes there is," Fred said, his eyes widening. "What is this about Harry having a big cock?"
"Massive actually," Theo said. "Seriously, our boy's packing."
Fred exchanged a look with George. "No way." He tossed a buttered roll at Bill, who caught it without even turning his head. "Bill!"
Bill took a bite out of the roll before he turned to look down the table at his brothers. "What are you lot gossiping about down there?"
"Our missing dinner guests," George said. "Theo and Ron are claiming they've gone off to shag somewhere."
Bill grimaced. "Well, can't say that I'm surprised. I caught them at the Burrow yesterday snogging in the kitchen. If I'd been a minute or so later, they would have been naked on the kitchen table."
"'E exaggerates," Fleur said. "Zey were only snogging."
"Trust me, from what Harry was trying to hide, it was more than that."
"So, it's true then," Fred hissed. "He is packing?"
Bill nodded, grimacing. "I'll say."
"What are you boys all whispering about down there?" Molly demanded. "Your sister has gone off to find us this special wine and you lot are acting like she's doing something scandalous."
"I wouldn't say she's doing anything scandalous," Fred said.
"Just Harry," George added under his breath making Angelina choke.
Ron turned back to his food. As much as he would love to sneak off somewhere with Hermione and shag her brainless, he knew better than to do it at a family dinner. Merlin, anyone could walk in on them! He was almost afraid to find out where they had gone.
"Did Harry go with her to find the wine?" Colt asked. "He's been gone a while, hasn't he, Flo?"
"He went to the loo," Remus said quickly. "But I'm sure that he's helping her find what she needs."
Theo's foot found him again and Ron turned to look over at him.
"What?"
"Pretty sure Professor Lupin knows what his son is up too," he said, grinning. "I almost feel bad for them."
"Don't," Ron said. "It will only encourage them."
When Harry came back into the room a few minutes later and took his seat at the table, Theo wiggled his eyebrows at him.
"And where have you been, lover?"
"Digesting this amazing dinner," Harry said. "Can you pass me some more of that turkey?"
Theo did as he asked, smirking at him the whole time as Harry filled his plate again. "You two aren't as inconspicuous as you think you are."
"What do you mean?" Harry whispered. "I just went to the loo."
Fred and George gave him a look.
"What?" Harry asked, staring blankly back at them.
George leaned in. "We've told you, Harry. You have to learn to tell Ginny no. You are a grown man who doesn't need her pawing at you."
"Who's pawing at who?" Charlie asked.
Percy pursed his lips. "I don't think that we want to know, Charlie."
"Let's just say that Harry's really big on Ginny," George said.
Charlie frowned. "Yeah, I think we know that."
"No," Fred said. "I mean, he's massively into Ginny, if you know what I mean."
Charlie started to say something, but Audrey leaned around him to help herself to some more cornbread.
"Your brothers are trying to tell you that Harry has a huge cock. Ginny told us," Audrey said. "Cornbread?"
Charlie's mouth opened in surprise as Percy's face flushed.
Harry turned beet red and stuffed a huge forkful of turkey in his mouth. Ron knew that was Harry's way of desperately hoping that no one else could hear the conversation happening at this end of the table.
"All right, all right," Ron said. "Ginny just went off to find that wine for Mum. Harry was making room for more food. No need to pick on them."
"Thanks, mate," Harry mumbled under his breath as Ginny came into the dining room with two bottles of red wine.
"I finally found it. Mum, this is the wine that Harry was telling you about. It's from the winery that his grandparents started. It was buried in the cellar downstairs. You'll love it."
Zee opened the bottle for her and when Harry's eyes met Remus' he flushed. Ron was pretty sure that Remus knew exactly where Harry had disappeared to. Not to mention his extra sensitive hearing. Shit, Ron thought, Remus definitely heard all of their conversation.
"I'll have a glass of that, Zee," Remus said. "Since Harry and Ginny went to so much trouble to find it for us."
Ginny blushed and Harry squeezed her hand under the table.
Ron snorted. "As long as you two didn't shag on the bottles, I'll take some of that as well."
Harry flushed and Ron shook his head. His best mate and his sister really needed to learn how to keep their hands off of each other — at least at these kinds of gatherings. He didn't care what they did in their own time as long as he didn't have to take note of it.
~ ASC ~
Remus cradled his son in his arms as he and Tonks left Somerset and returned to Wrexham. They curled up on the sofa together and Remus stretched his long legs out, making himself comfortable as Tonks crawled on the sofa with him, her cheek resting over his heart. Teddy lay on Remus' chest, both of of their hands on his back as he slept peacefully.
"He's such a good baby, isn't he?" Tonks said. "I feed him and he goes right to sleep."
Remus chuckled. "He's perfect, Nymphadora. He's ours."
Tonks turned her head to kiss him. "It was so lovely being at Clevedon Court today. It's funny how it feels like Harry's place already even though he doesn't live there."
"It does," Remus agreed. "But I've always felt at home there. Fee and Monty were the kindest people you could ever imagine. Their home was always so inviting and warm. I think when Harry started renovating it and making it his, that warmth just lingered and stayed. He and Ginny going to make a great home there."
"And fill it with children," Tonks said. "The way Ginny was looking at him when he was holding Teddy, Mina, and Leo… pretty sure that girl's womb was contracting."
Remus' lips curved. "I'm pretty sure those two disappearing had nothing to do with finding a bottle of wine."
"They weren't gone that long," Tonks said.
"Oh, they were," Remus said. "The Weasley boys noticed and were teasing him about it rather mercilessly."
Tonks' eyes widened. "You mean they snuck out and had sex? While we were eating!"
Remus nodded. "They did."
Tonks wrinkled her nose. "Molly made a comment about them having disappeared and Zee said something about them finding wine. You know, Ron, Hermione, and Theo were snickering about it now that I think about it. That little brat! Sneaking off to have a good shag while we're all at dinner."
"I give them credit," Remus admitted. "It was bold of them."
"It's that damn chameleon tongue of his! Ginny can't resist him."
"I don't think Ginny resisting Harry is the only problem. He stares at her like he's drowning and she's his oxygen."
Tonks sighed. "If they weren't so obviously madly in love, I'd be annoyed, but they deserve these moments together. The two of them have been through so much and I know it's silly, but I'm oddly proud and happy that he's finally getting laid."
Remus snorted. "You would."
She rested her cheek over his heart, her hand gently running up and down Teddy's back. "Well, I am. I wasn't a virgin at his age, and you weren't either, so it's hardly fair to penalize him. He's of age and with the woman he plans to spend the rest of his life with. It would be different if he was going out and using that chameleon tongue on just anyone."
"Will you stop calling it a chameleon tongue?" Remus grimaced. "He is my son after all."
Tonks grinned. "Don't worry, I'm sure that he takes after you in all sorts of other ways. You might not have a freakishly long tongue, Rem, but you certainly know how to use it."
Remus kissed the top of her head. "And I'm counting down the days until you're better down there so I can use it again."
Her cheeks heated. "Ginny is a lucky woman because he clearly adores her and cares about her pleasure. I'm proud of him for that. I suppose that's because you and Sirius made sure of it."
"Yes," Remus agreed. "He was given a rather embarrassing and extremely detailed sex talk. Sirius felt it was our duty to make him a sex god."
Tonks laughed. "A sex god? Oh my Godric, that is so something that Sirius would have said!"
"That's why James and I told him he wasn't part of the Big Cock Club. He always was too damn cocky."
Tonks' body shook with laughter and stroked her hair with his free hand. "Oh Merlin! Wait, are you saying that Harry has a chameleon tongue and a huge cock?"
"No, I'm saying that Harry and Ginny deserve their moments together."
"I hear what you're not saying and Ginny's a lucky witch, Rem," Tonks said. "I love that she makes him so happy. Do you see how he just lights up when she enters a room?"
"I do," Remus said. "So, if they want to sneak off and shag, I suppose we can't be upset about it, can we?"
Tonks kissed Teddy's cheek. "Definitely not. Come on, let's get this little tyke in his bassinet. I want to take a hot shower before he needs to eat again."
Remus nodded, standing when his wife did, still cradling Teddy in his arms. He carefully lowered his son into the bassinet, watching the way his lips twitched in sleep before he heard the shower turn on. He stripped down and pulled on a pair of pyjama bottoms and waited for his wife. It didn't take her long to come out, a towel wrapped around her and short hair, bright bubblegum with dark purple highlights, spiked and wet from her shower.
"Is he awake?" Tonks asked.
"No, still asleep," Remus said.
Tonks bit her lip. "We'll have to wake him. My tits are aching something awful." She lowered her towel, wrapping it just around her waist before she took a seat in the rocking chair next to the bassinet. "Will you bring him to me?"
Remus picked up Teddy and passed him over to his wife, standing next to her and watching in fascination as she coaxed him awake and urged him to take her nipple. It took a few tries, but once he latched on, she hissed.
"He's strong."
Remus brushed his finger over his son's cheek, his other hand reaching over to squeeze her breast. "Does it hurt?"
"A little," she admitted. "Mostly, it feels kind of funny and… a bit of relief."
When Teddy was done, Tonks patted his back until he belched loudly and then they put him back down into his bassinet. He fussed for a moment and then went back to sleep. Tonks climbed to her feet, fixing the towel she was wearing.
"Do you remember where I put my pjs?"
Remus reached around and opened her towel, taking in her full swollen breasts. Merlin, she was breathtaking, he thought. He'd thought that she was the most beautiful woman in the world before but now, seeing her body go through pregnancy and after… he was enthralled by her. Her scarred belly from the Gaunt property still had what looked like a small baby bump and her breasts were larger than normal, engorged. He stared at her big pink nipples, admiring the way they'd darkened; the hint of white milk that seemed to be trying to escape made him him lick his lips.
"He didn't eat enough. You're still swollen."
"I know," Tonks said. "But Ian said that's normal. It's why I have to remember to alternate breasts when I can."
Remus nodded and then he bent his head and suckled her nipple from the breast that his son hadn't touched. The sound that escaped her made him instantly hard as he used his tongue to flick her nipple and let some of the milk dribble out.
"Oh, gods," she murmured, her hand holding his head to her breast.
Remus figured that was all of the encouragement he needed. He scooped her up into his arms and carried her to their bed, suckling her as he did. He lowered her down onto the soft sheets, drinking the sweet milk eagerly until she let out a soft sigh that told him she felt relief from the engorgement. He carefully pressed a kiss to her nipple, lapping up the excess.
"Better?"
Tonks reached up to cup his cheek. "You are the most amazing man."
Remus kissed her softly on the lips. "You're the most beautiful creature on the planet." He climbed off of the bed, grabbing her nightgown and knickers from the chair and passing them over to her. Once she was dressed, he climbed into bed next to her and opened his arms.
Tonks snuggled close, kissing his cheek. "As soon as I get the okay from the healer, I am going to shag you until you can't think straight."
Remus chuckled. "I look forward to it."
And when her light snores vibrated against his chest, he held her closer and thanked the gods for giving him such an incredible wife and baby boy to cherish.
End Author's Notes:
I based Sorcha's charm off of the Hey Bear Sensory videos on YouTube. My niece and nephew love those LOL.
Thank you for reading and please review!