Author's Note: Thanks for reading! Keep your eyes out for a sequel in the future, and Happy Holidays to you all!
The next week passed with mother and son growing ever closer to one another. By the end of the week, Narcissa and Draco were closer than they had ever been before. Lucius came home to the manor, usually so depressing and darkened with a glum aura, was filled with laughter and happiness. It was the best welcome home present he could have ever hoped for. He sat on the couch as his wife and son regaled tales of their week together. They spoke of picnics taken to the countryside, reading books together by the fireplace, and even doing a little shopping.
Lucius had become an entirely different person. Once closed off and cold, he had followed his son's example and finally let his emotions free. A week away from his family was far too long. He had made the enormous jump from workaholic to family man with virtually no steps in between.
The weeks flew by, and Narcissa's stomach had grown big with child. It was her final month of pregnancy, and the house was abuzz with baby fever. Draco had spent an hour per day helping his father set up the nursery. At 36 weeks in, it was finally finished. They asked Narcissa to wait a day or two before doing a final walk through, just to make sue the paint smell had completely aired out. Lucius covered her eyes as he led her inside, with Draco following them with a smile. He was confident his mother would love it. When Lucius removed his hands, Narcissa gasped.
It was perfect. The walls had been repainted a beautiful light blue with white trim. There was a crib against one wall, and there was a dresser against the back wall. The changing table was next to that, and a closet on the next wall.
"Oh Lucius, it's wonderful! Oh, thank you both so much!" She held both of her boys tightly in her arms, so filled with pride that she could barely choke out the words of praise. She had to be careful not to get too excited, otherwise she could go into early labor. The baby, feeling her excitement, started kicking excitedly.
"The baby's kicking!" She announced. Lucius knelt down so that his head was level with her stomach. He put his hands on it, then started talking to his son.
"I wish I knew just what to say to you, but I know I want to thank you for bringing joy back into my family. You have brought us all closer together and have made us whole once more. I can hardly wait to meet you." Narcissa had to wipe the tears from her eyes as her husband kissed her stomach where their son was kicking wildly.
The next two weeks were spent on bed rest for Narcissa. She only saw the world through the opening and closing doorway of her bedroom. Lucius had used some vacation time to make sure he would be there when his wife went into labor. Her son often came into the darkened room to be near her as long as possible. Lucius lay next to his wife, hands intertwined as they spoke quietly to one another, occasionally laughing and smiling at one another.
When the time came, She was as prepared as she could ever be. She had almost forgotten how agonizing contractions could be- almost. Lucius was incredibly calm as he got his wife to St. Mungo's. Draco tagged along, deciding to sit outside as his mother began to beg for something, anything to make the pain stop. He didn't want to get caught in the crosshairs of that battle. When Narcissa was finally allowed her painkiller, Lucius breathed a sigh of relief. He had the sneaking suspicion that his wife was about to lay into him before she was relieved of her excruciating pain.
Hours passed. Draco, who had brought a few books with him, ultimately found staring at the wall more enticing. He couldn't concentrate enough to read. Seismic life change was occurring in the room behind him, and he wasn't able to do anything to help. He sighed, reflecting on the idea that these were his last moments of being an only child. Despite his inability to concentrate on a simple task, Draco couldn't help but feel a jolt of excitement rush through him at the thought of having someone looking up to him.
Narcissa, now free of pain, still felt pressure. The healer instructed her to to push. She shared a glance with her husband, then took his hand and squeezed it as she began pushing. She shrieked as she was being ripped apart from the inside out. Sweat was pouring down her face as she gasped for air between pushing.
Hearing the scream sent shivers through Draco, but he forced himself not to look.
One final cry, and it was over. Narcissa's body relaxed.
"It's a boy!" Cried the doctor. "Dad, would you like to cut the cord?"
Lucius nodded and did so, looking at his son for the first time. He was the spitting image of his older brother, and therefore himself. He was very pleased. He handed their son to his wife, and watched her face light up.
His hair was the lightest shade of blonde, with fair haired skin the color of honey and snow. Chubby fingers and matching cheeks furthered the idea that he looked like a cherub. He cried, face red as a tomato. She gently stroked his cheek and kissed it. Draco popped his head in. Narcissa ushered him in.
"Meet your new brother, Eridanus Severus Malfoy."
Draco held him in his arms, mystified by the small, innocent life shown before him. It gave him hope that he could be a good brother to him. The baby reached up and wrapped a hand around his finger. It was in that moment that he finally felt sure of his place in the world. All he could do was smile, and whisper the phrase:
"Welcome home, little brother."