Voldyismodly: now betaed by Yoaiholic28 they rock.
Disclaimer: Yes I own Harry Potter . . . Ok not really.
Voldyismoldy: I am shocked and amazed by how well this story has done so far and only the first chapter! I got ten reviews, 1 archives, 5 fav's and 34 alerts; as well as over six hundred hits! None of my stories have ever done that well on the first chapter and I am deeply flattered and thank you all. To those that archived it; a special thanks, and anyone else who wants to, you're welcome to. Just let me know so I can look at the archives. Thanks! Now on with the next chapter, enjoy, and please continue to review, review, review! They feed my muse.
Warning: Nothing really to warn about in this one except some more friend bashing and some Weasley bashing. Sorry. I like them too, but I need it for this story to work.
Chapter 2. Lost Family and New Friends.
It didn't take long for news of Harry's pregnancy to spread. Soon the whole castle knew about it and that the golden trio were no longer friends. The scene in the Gryffindor common room had spread as well, and now everyone knew that Ron refused to accept the baby as his. There were speculations among the students as to who the real father was. No one really believed it was Ron's because no one had known they had been together, even if for only one night. And they were certain it was someone else that Harry didn't want anyone else to know.
Harry himself, refused to answer any questions about it and started taking the secret passages to class when ever he could in order to get away from his annoyingly curious classmates. The Slytherins were the most pleased by Harry's predicament and took to teasing him relentlessly about it, and who the baby's father was. Their jokes and insults became nastier and nastier, until they had most of the castle believing that Harry was some kind of slut that had slept with so many guys he didn't know who the father was either, and had just chosen his once friend as the most suitable option.
Harry had tried to deny it, but it made no difference and after a while, he just chose to ignore it. No one was speaking to him now except Luna, who gave him what encouragement she could, and Neville, but only because he was dating Luna, who insisted that he remain on friendly terms with him. Neville wasn't really sure where he stood, or who he believed, but hadn't been willing to fully abandon his friendship with Harry.
Every week, Harry went to go see Madam Pomfrey as he had been instructed and took all the nutrient potions he was supposed to, and tried to eat as much as he could as to put on weight for the baby. His morning sickness has ended after another week or so and according to the school nurse, his pregnancy was going well. Although she did advise him that he was too stressed and needed to find some way of relaxing himself. Harry had agreed to try, though he didn't know how that would be possible because the only time he felt relaxed was at night when everyone was asleep and Hedwig came to visit him. Petting her always calmed him and made him feel better.
Of course, he could no longer fly with his condition and had to quit the Quiditich team; something else that angered the Griffindor's who hadn't wanted to lose their star seeker. He spent most of his time in the library, or the room of requirement, that had become his sanctuary. Sometimes, he would even sleep there; not wanting to return to the boy's dorm and the animosity that existed there. If McGonagall noticed that he wasn't always in the dorm at night, she didn't say anything about it. He figured she understood his need to be alone.
Most of the teachers had been surprisingly supportive of his pregnancy and had offered him what advice they could. Except Snape, who had been enraged when Harry had told him he needed to drop the class because the fumes from the potions they would be brewing could be harmful to the baby. He, instead, was doing only the written work for the class, that he would turn into Snape at his office rather than go to class. He was glad for that because he had never liked potions, and this way he was able to spend less time around the Slytherins. However, that also meant he couldn't pass the class without doing the practical part of it and wouldn't be able to take his owl for it. Which ruined his hopes of one day being an Auror.
Well, it wasn't like he could be one with a baby anyway. Despite all of the things he had to give up, he still didn't regret getting pregnant. Of course, he would have liked to have waited until he was older and out of school but he was still happy about it. He would have a family now. A child; that would love him as he loved them, and it was worth everything he had to go through for it. He just wondered if he would have any other family besides the baby, since he had yet to hear anything about the Weasleys and their reaction to his news. Fred and George were no longer in school, having skipped out on their last year to start their joke shop with the money Harry had given them last year. So, he didn't know any of their reactions yet, except Ginny; who had of course taken Ron's side.
She adamantly refused to believe that her brother would have sex with Harry, when he knew she had a crush on him, and that there was no way he could be the father of his child. She claimed Harry was lying about who the father was in order to push her away, and would never forgive him for being so mean and callous. The only good thing about it was at least now Harry knew that she no longer had a crush on him, much to his relief.
Then, a few weeks after Harry had told Ron about the baby and him being the father, he was told to go the Headmaster's office. Quickly, he packed up his school supplies and left Professor Flitwick's class to follow the seventh year student. The short teacher gave him a smile of encouragement as he left the room, and the older student brought him to the gargoyle where he said the password of 'licorice whips' and let him go up. Harry tried to fight back his nervousness as he rode the stairs up to the Headmaster's office, not knowing what to expect, since the boy hadn't told him why Dumbledore wanted to see him.
He heard the man tell him to enter and slowly pushed the door open to go inside only to stop inside the door way. Within the office, sitting on an assortment of chairs, was the Weasley family, minus Charlie and Bill, as well as Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall. And Hermione, who was sitting next to Ron. So this was it then. When he would find out whether he still had a family or not and he gulped as he went inside, one arm coming up to rest on his stomach were a small bulge was still not noticeable beneath his shirt.
"Ah! Mr. Potter, I am so glad you could join us. Please, take a seat," Dumbledore said kindly, his eyes twinkling. Harry nodded and took the only remaining seat, keeping his eyes lowered and away from the redheaded family. "We are, of course, here to discuss your pregnancy and the baby's other father. Would you care to tell us who the baby's other father is, Harry? I assure you, no one will think any less of you for revealing his name, and you won't be in any trouble, and neither will he."
"I have already told everyone who the other father is professor," Harry said quietly, still not looking at any of them as his arms wrapped around his stomach as if to protect the small life growing inside it. "If you choose to believe me or not is up to you."
"Harry, why do you keep insisting that Ron is the father of your child?" Mrs. Weasley asked, distress and worry showing clearly on her face. "You know it's not possible! Ron is with Hermione and he has always wanted to be. He has never shown any interest in being with a boy, or with you Harry, dear, surely you know that."
"You don't believe me then?" the green-eyed boy asked unnecessarily as he glanced at the woman in disappointment before looking away again. "Well, I can't help that. Believe what you want."
"Harry, you must understand how ridiculous this all sounds," Arthur told him, holding tightly to his wife's hand as he looked sadly at the boy. "I can understand you wanting to be a part of our family. And I understand if the true father isn't someone you want in the baby's life. But putting this responsibility of a child, that isn't his, on Ron, isn't right and we can't support it, or your claim."
Harry nodded and saw the smug look on Ron's face and the pleased look in Hermione's eyes as they looked at him. It was obvious Ron had been able to convince his parents that he wasn't the father of Harry's child and that he would get no support from them. His older brothers, however, had remained quiet so far, and he glanced at them, wondering if they felt the same way there parents did. By the look on Percy's face, he was sure he agreed with Ron and there was no compassion or sympathy there. The twins only looked thoughtful and, of course, the two oldest weren't there. So he had no idea how they felt.
"Harry, I must ask you to tell me who the real father of your child is, or who you suspect it to be, so that we can speak with him," Dumbledore told him gently. Harry said nothing as he frowned and tightened his hold on his stomach. "Please, Harry. Otherwise, I will have no choice but to send you back to your relatives this summer, and inform them of your pregnancy, as I am sure you don't want."
"I . . . I can't tell you any different, so you will have to tell them," Harry replied fighting to keep his voice from trembling and the fear from showing on his face. He could just imagine their reactions to what he had done. "But, can't I stay here over the summer, professor?"
"I'm afraid not Harry. No one will be here during the summer and you can't be alone with your pregnancy," the Headmaster told him. The black-haired boy only sighed, nodding sadly, his last option other than his relatives gone. "I will of course, explain the situation to them and they will have to be told of the money your parents left you in order to pay for the things you and your child will need. It wouldn't be right to make them pay for your mistake, Harry. And after the child is born, we will decide what to do about you continuing your schooling here."
"Yes, sir," He said quietly, knowing what would happen once the Durlseys learned of his parents money. They would take it all from him and leave him with nothing, he was sure. It was the thought of possibly not being able to return to the school next term that frightened him even more, though. "Thank you, sir."
"Of course, Harry. Everything will be fine, you'll see," Dumbledore assured him. Harry nodded knowing what he said was a lie, but not willing to admit it. "Well then, we have discussed everything, so you may all leave. I am sure you have things to do, classes to attend. And Harry, don't forget about your appointment with Poppy tomorrow."
"Harry, I'm sorry we couldn't help you. I think that with things the way they are now, it would be best for you not to come to the Burrow anymore. At least, not until you are ready to tell us the truth," Mr. Weasly told him sorrowfully. Harry nodded, fighting back tears and watched as he and his wife went to the fireplace and flooed away.
They were followed by Percy, who sneered at him before he left, as well and Ron, Hermione and Ginny left the office to return to the common room with Professor McGonagall. Harry got up to leave as well, but was stopped before he could, by two hands grabbing his arms and turning him around to put him face to face with the twins. They didn't look angry but Harry couldn't be sure and he braced himself for the rejection he expected from them.
"Harry do you truly believe . . ."
"Ron is the father. . ."
"Of your child?" They asked staring at him intently. He hesitated for a moment and then nodded and they smiled. "All right then, we believe you, and we will see what we can do about mum and dad, all right?"
"You believe me? Really?" Harry asked in amazement and relief. The two red heads nodded and he moved to embrace them in gratitude. "Thank you."
"Come on, Harry! We know you wouldn't lie about something like this," George told him as he released them "And we know how stupid little Ronnikins can be."
"He's a right stupid git most of the time. And Percy is no better. So don't let them bother you, or Ginny. She's just sore that you like blokes instead of girls," Fred continued, patting his shoulder as he looked down at his stomach in pleasure. "Don't worry too much, all right? Everything will be all right. You'll see. Just make sure you take care of yourself and our little niece or nephew! We can't wait to spoil them, as you know. We will, and you are welcome at the store any time you want! Got that mate?"
Harry nodded and smiled, one hand rubbing at his stomach as they turned to leave. He watched them floo away and then turned to leave as well, without failing to notice the slight smile on the Headmaster's face and the twinkle in his eyes. He inclined his head to him and then left the room as well. It was nearing lunch time now, but he didn't feel like eating. Despite the twins support of him and their words, he could not let the rest of their family bother him.
Of course, he had never expected Percy to be on his side nor did it hurt much to see that he wasn't. And he had already adjusted to the betrayal of his one time friends. But, he had hoped that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley would be on his side, or at least want to help him. Their words hurt the most and their decision not to let him come to their home anymore was even worse. He had always loved going to the 'Burrow,' and now he wouldn't be able to go there ever again. All because he refused to lie and claim someone else as the father of his child.
His chest ached slightly at the thought that he would never be able to escape to there again. There was now no one to care what the Dursley's did to him. There would be no more letters, or packages of food sent to him by them, and no chance at leaving his relatives home. What would the Dursleys do to him and the baby once they learned about what had happened to him? They would hate him even more for this, if that was possible, and he would have to keep his baby safe from them. Maybe he could find a way to take his parents money. Find some place on his own to live after the baby was born. He wouldn't be able to return to school if he did, because he would have to get a job to support his child, but it would be worth it! And there wasn't much to miss at this school anymore now.
"Oh look! It's little Potter," A voice said near him in the hallway. He looked up to find Pansy and Crabbe and Goyle along with some others he didn't know blocking his way and forcing him to stop. "What's wrong, Potter? Can't find anyone to sleep with you now that your knocked up? Little saint Potter isn't so saintly anymore is he? He's nothing but a whore now and a used one at that."
"Leave me alone, Pansy," Harry said, wanting nothing more than to be alone. Absently, he noticed that Draco wasn't with them and how odd that was. "Don't you have anything better to do than bother me?"
"Ah, did I hurt your feelings Potter?" the pug faced girl asked as she chuckled. Harry glared at her in annoyance, that quickly turned to panic as her hand landed on his stomach resting over the small bump there. "Better take good care of this baby, Potter. It's the only one who will ever care about you. Although, I wouldn't blame it if it didn't. I, personally, would be ashamed if you were my father, Potter. Or should I say, mother seeing as you're carrying it."
"Pansy. Leave him alone," A voice said quietly before Harry could speak again. A hand grabbed her arm, pulling it away from his stomach and the baby inside it. "Go bother someone else. Better yet, go find Draco. I thought I saw Daphne hanging all over him a few minutes ago. You never know, she may take him from you."
Pansy looked at him in shock and quickly turned away to go after who she believed was her boyfriend and future husband. The others followed her after sneering at Harry and left him alone with his savior. It happened to be a boy, taller than him, with black hair and eyes and who wore Slytherin robes. His rescuer was a Slytherin. Harry wasn't expecting that, and he stared at the other boy in shock, not knowing what to say.
"Don't let those idiots bother you, Harry. They aren't worth it," The boy told him. Harry could only nod as the other held out his hand to him, smirking as he looked at him, perplexed by it. "I'm Blaise Zabini, and I know I am a Slytherin, and they have been incredibly cruel to you, but, I was hoping we could be friends. I think you could really use one."
"I . . . um, thank you," Harry replied and then hesitatingly, took his hand in a short shake before releasing it again. "Why do you want to be my friend? Don't think I am a whore and a liar like everyone else does?"
"No. Your not that type of person, Harry. Anyone with eyes could see that. You're not very trusting and incredibly careful with your feelings, so you wouldn't sleep with just anyone and you wouldn't lie about it either. You're too honest," Blaise explained with a small smile at the smaller boy. Harry blinked in surprise and then smiled as well. "And I want to be your friend because as I said, you need one, and I know what it feels like when the person you care about breaks your heart. I know Ron did but it is up to you, Harry. I wouldn't blame you for not trusting me."
"Um, all right. Like you said, I could use a friend," the black haired boy agreed as they began walking down the hall together. At this point, Harry was grateful for any friends he could get, regardless of who they were. "So, who was it that broke your heart, Blaise?"
"A girl I knew last year. I loved her and I thought she loved me, but then she decided that she really loved someone else and broke up with me," The taller boy explained, a pained expression flashing across his face as he spoke and Harry regretted bringing it up. He did not want to hurt him. "I was devastated, but Draco helped me get myself back together. You'd be surprised how compassionate that guy can be. I certainly was."
Harry was surprised to hear that Draco had been the one to help the boy get over his heartbreak, but then he thought, that of course he would be kinder to his friends than he was to other people. Especially Harry. However, the two of them hadn't really spoken much to each other that term, and as Harry thought about it he realized that the blonde hadn't really been teasing him much either. In fact, he had been strangely quiet. Almost nice to him. He wondered why that was. Maybe Draco was just tired of their fighting and decided it wasn't worth it anymore to continue their rivalry. Or maybe he was just growing up, and didn't want to waste time on petty fights. Harry didn't really want to continue their rivalry either and was glad the boy felt the same, if he did.
He and Blaise continued talking; their discussion now on the more neutral topic of their classes and teachers. Before he knew it, they were going into the Great Hall where he didn't want to be. He froze as all conversation stopped as they looked at them. Blaise ignored them and just grabbed his arm, bringing him over to the Slytherin table. Where no Gryffindor had ever sat before. They ate lunch together, ignoring the others. Then Blaise asked him if he wanted to go to the library to study with him. Harry agreed.
It was nice to have someone who actually wanted to be around him. And as the weeks passed he and Blaise became closer friends. Closer than he and Ron had ever been. They studied together a lot and sometimes, Draco joined them. And surprisingly; the two of them got along well. They even sent letters to each other. Harry found himself telling him things he had never told his other friends about. His worry over the baby, his fear of returning to the Dursleys, though he didn't tell him why exactly he was afraid. He was still too ashamed to admit to the abuse and rapping, and feared what would happen if he did tell him about it.
Blaise assured him that he would be all right, and that he would write to him during the summer to check up on him. And that if he needed help, he need only send him an owl. Harry was grateful for that, and many of his fears were relieved by his words. He was glad that he had chosen to be friends with Blaise that day, since no one else was speaking to him. And hoped they would be able to keep their friendship.
Harry's pregnancy was still going well and when he was three months along. Madam Pomfrey informed him that he was having a healthy boy. He was delighted to know he was having a son and immediately owled Blaise with the news, who was away for the Christmas holiday. The bump in his stomach was now quite visible and it continued to grow as the months passed. Harry put on the necessary weight, though he continued to take the nutrient potions and it soon became difficult for him to walk around the castle without Blaise's or Luna and Neville's help.
Soon enough, the fifth years were taking their owls and Harry struggled with his, hoping he would pass some of them, even if he wasn't able to return next year. Dumbledore had already told him that he had informed the Dursley's as to his current state and though they had been angry the knowledge that Harry was in fact rich. They would be able to take whatever amount they wanted to care for their 'dear nephew,' and certainly improved their moods. They had agreed to continue to care for Harry and the child he would bare. Harry was certainly dreading the time he would have to go back to them.
So far, it seemed the twins had been having no luck with their parents despite the fact that Harry had stuck to his story even with everyone hating him and teasing him. They had, however, sent him gifts for the baby. A stuffed owl and rattle, and Bill had sent him something as well, much to his surprise. The older man said he wasn't sure who to believe, but he still thought of Harry as a younger brother and would help him if he could. He sent him some cute baby clothes in blue and green. He hadn't heard anything from Charlie, but wasn't surprised as the two didn't really know each other. He was only glad that some of the Weasley's still cared for him.
He had gotten no gifts from any of the others at Christmas, and had only received a few gifts from Remus, Hagrid, and Blaise. His relatives hadn't even bothered to send him anything except a note asking him to send them some money to 'furbish' the room for the baby when he returned for the summer. He had done so, and then connected his account to the one at their bank per his uncles instructions, too afraid to do anything else. His money would be gone soon enough, he knew, and he would have no chance of escaping them unless he somehow convinced them to let him get a job while his aunt watched over the baby for him.
Those were his thoughts as he rode the train back to Kings Cross with Blaise and Draco. As he left the station to meet his uncle, the black haired boy made him promise to write to him as often as he could. Harry agreed and found his uncle waiting for him by the car. The big man sneered at him and then immediately grabbed him and shoved him in the back seat, throwing his stuff into the boot of the car. Harry sat silently as they drove back to 4 Privet Drive, knowing that regardless of the money they would be getting for him this summer, it would be no better than any of the others. His arms wrapped around his now bulging stomach wanting to protect the baby within it from the relatives that had long ago broken him.
A/N: Okay, I know this chapter had a lot in it and it seems to be going really fast but the reason for that is because this story really takes place outside of Hogwarts and after the baby is born so I hope it is ok. The rest of the story won't be so fast and the friendship between Bliase and Harry will be shown more plus the relationship between Harry and Draco will start to form very soon. I know he hasn't really been shown yet but he will be a lot more soon so just hang in there. I hope the friendship between Blaise and Harry is believable and the reason I made him straight was because it would have been to tempting to put him in a relationship with Harry otherwise which I don't want with this story though I do like both and we will be seeing more of Pansy later. She plays a big role so watch her and she will continue to be mean. I like her as both mean and nice but for this story she needs to be mean so sorry Pansy lovers. Also I hope the reviewer who wanted the twins and Bill to support Harry is happy cause I did it for you plus I love the twins and Harry needed someone to believe him right. Anyway this note is getting to long so I hoped you enjoyed and please review, review, review! Thank you.