Chapter 7: Testing the Limits

Later that evening after Teddy had been settled in his newly painted, though not finished nursery. All of the couples in the house had moved to their respective rooms. More than once Harry had been thanked for having warded their rooms. Harry and Edward were in "their" room Harry's things had been added to the shelves and walls and his clothes to the closet and his chest of draws moved in. The wall of windows still had the Edward's white leather lounge in front of it. They had not moved a bed in yet, really there was no need they didn't sleep and had not moved to that point in their relationship that it would be needed or even used. Harry supposed that when they reached that point in their relationship everyone would know, like moving a bed in wasn't obvious. Ron and Cedric hadn't moved a bed in either, nor had Luna and Neville. Of Course Draco had moved his the night Jacob came into the family, but then Jacob actually slept. None of the new couples had closed their bedroom door yet. In time he guessed beds would be move in and doors shut.

As a matter of fact Harry had shut the door to their room when he came in. Edward was setting on the lounge, and Harry was very slowly looking through music on the shelves. He didn't have to look he knew Edwards was watching. He could feel his eyes on him and that might have something to do with that little extra sway in his hips as he moved. Smiling Harry asked. "Are you enjoying the view?"

Edward answered "Yes…but you are all the way over there."

Edward got the crocked smile that Harry loved, and Harry glided over to the lounge, but instead of taking his normal place next to Edward. He straddled him facing him as he sat on his lap and asked "Is this better?"

Edward nodded not sure of his voice at that moment. Harry leaned down and kissed him. He couldn't help but think that Edward was an amazing kisser. Running his hands over Edward's hard chest covered in a blue silk shirt, he depend the kiss as Edward moved his hands over his thighs. Harry decided to make his move, gripping Edward's hair as he pushed forward his raging erection brushing Edward's larger one. They both moaned as Edward's hands cupped his firm ass. This caused them both to moan deeply.

Harry worked his way down Edward's neck, licking, sucking and kissing as he whispered into his ear. "It's nice to know that you are as turned on as I am." Grinding against Edward as licked the sensitive shell of his ear and whispered. "So big…so hard…and for only me."

Swallowing and nodding his head he responded "Yours."

Harry continued to tease him as he ground against him till Edward grabbed Harry's ass and ground them together till they both thought they would lose their mind. With one final mutual thrust they both erupted into their pants with growls of "MINE!"

Harry slide down lying his head of Edward's chest, with a wave of his had they were clean and the air freshened as he said "That was…"

Grinning Edward said "Yeah."

Kissing the mop of unruly hair and laying his chin on Harry's head Edward whispered "Mine."

Smiling Harry whispered back "Yours."

The next evening found Edward and Cedric walking slowly through the forest, they had finished hunting and their group was heading home. There were too many of them now to all hunt on one night. The "twins" were talking quietly as they walked when they came upon Emmett.

On the spur of the moment Cedric asked "Emmett can we talk to you about…a private matter?"

Smiling and wiggling his eyebrows Emmett said "Sure little bros…do you need some pointers in the bedroom?"

Not thinking this was a good idea and not wanting to be teased by Emmett Edward told his "twin" "I don't know about this Cedric, maybe we should ask Jasper.

Emmett was between them in a flash his arms around there shoulders for once a serious look on his face saying "Come on I'll be serious…this is the brother bonding type of thing I had always hoped for…you can talk to me."

Deciding to give it a try Edward said "Well we were wondering…you know when you have…you know."

Embarrassed Cedric continued "What happens to the…fluid…I mean do you…"

"It's not like we go the bathroom…what happens to the…you know?" Edward finished looking anywhere but at Emmett.

Emmett nodded in understanding asking "You want to know if it comes back up like food or if it leaks out?"

"Kind of…you know just to know what to expect." Cedric said.

Emmett smiled reassuringly and answered "It doesn't come out."

They both looked at him as they all started walking his hand on both of their shoulders.

Continuing as they walked with Emmett saying; "Whether you c…your fluid enters orally or not it doesn't come out. It stays inside them. It is part of the bond; it is absorbed into their body."

Emmett got a glassy look in his eyes like he was far away; if they didn't know better they would think he was having a vision like Alice. And he spoke softer than they had ever heard as he said "It is the most beautiful thing…you literally become a part of them for eternity."

Both brothers' mouths hung open in awe of the implication….a part of them forever.

Edward had to know so he finally asked "Emmett…is it always…so intense?"

The brothers looked at him and Emmett nodded…yes it was always intense.

Cedric looked at Edward asking "What was it like?"

Doing his best to explain Edward said "Like the entire body exploded and became numb…even my mind…and then the most relaxed I have ever been…like every muscle in my entire body just…released."

Emmett smiled and thumped Edwards on the back asking "So you did the whole horizontal mambo?"

Mortified Edward replied "NO! We still had our clothes on it wasn't like that."

Nodding his head Cedric asked "Anything I should know?"

Looking very serious Edward answered "…Take you shoes off."

At this Cedric's eyes got huge and Emmett burst into laughter, and Edward stiffened. Emmett immediately calmed down not wanting his brother upset that he was making fun of him in something he was totally serious about.

Trying to be serious Emmett asked "I'm sorry bro…but why take your shoes off?"

Edward looked embarrassed as he answered "Well when we…you know…ejaculated…I ripped my shoes."

"How?" Cedric asked in awe.

Looking way Edward said "My toes curled."

In complete shock Emmett asked "Wait a minute…he made your toes curl? With your clothes on?"

Edward nodded his head looking down, Cedric not really sure how to react. Emmett suddenly slapped Edward on the back saying "Bro that is amazing…you need to hold onto him with both hands."

Time moved on for the family, everyone settling in. Neville had taken an interest in Esme's garden, which now rivaled any botanical park in the country. Alice and Luna had gone with Draco when he dragged Jacob clothes shopping. Rosalie had refused to go saying "Dog Boy will just ruin them what is the point."

Very few noticed when Harry tensed at the slur. Harry and Esme had taken to cooking together, and Jacob ate like a king. The pack and Billy had accepted Draco, his magic making him not smell like a regular vampire. Esme watched Teddy during the day and everyone took turns with him as night. Harry and Edward would play and sing him to sleep. Carlisle would read Teddy stories. Everyone showered him with love and attention. If Teddy was being held and saw someone else he wanted to hold him or play with him. He would scrunch up his nose and change his hair and eye color to match them, but once he got what he wanted they would change back. Teddy kept Harry's green eyes and Edward's bronze hair. Showing that he was their son…and he was in everything but blood.

Winky was beginning to show and everyone was excited. She and Dobby had decided on using a storage room in the basement that got lots of light. Of course all the girls had helped decorate it with miniature furniture, a table and chairs, sofa, armchair, rocker, bed and an area for the baby. Esme had even had Emmett who was an amazingly talented carpenter adjust the stairs into the basement so that the rise was half the height, making it easier for Winky to get up and down. Dobby had several fits about being to kind to house elves. But all was going well.

On a Friday evening Dobby came into the living room where they were all gathered with a paper and a note handing them to Harry saying "Harry Potter has a letter."

Dobby walked over to the doorway by Winky after handing Harry the letter and paper. Harry opened the letter and read it aloud.

Dearest Harry:

I am sorry to have to send this to you, but Severus and I believe that you must know what is happening so that you can stay safe. The Order is following the Headmaster and he is working hand in hand with the Ministry.

We do not know who to trust. Even if you think it is us use questions only we could answer.

Professor Minerva McGonagall

Opening the Daily Prophet Harry read.

Minister Declares State of Emergency

Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge who has been battling with the Wizengamot over his policy of requiring werewolves and vampires to register with the Ministry as the dangerous dark creatures that they are. Today has taken several steps forward in his effort to protect the future of wizarding Britain. The Wizengamot tried to block some of these steps. Thus forcing our Minister to take drastic steps, and as such the Minister has declared a state of emergency and taken emergency powers unto his officee.

As of noon today the Wizengamot is disbanded by order of the Minister. Minister Fudge said: "They are not thinking clearly in regard to safety of the wizarding population."

Along those same lines the werewolves and vampires that have been required to register with the Ministry are as of noon today no longer citizens of Wizarding Britain. And shall immediately begin being rounded up and taken to a detainment facility in Wales. Minster Fudge was quoted as saying: "These dark creatures are dangerous, and they will lead to the rise of another Dark Lord."

Undersecretary Umbridge has assured this reporter that "These necessary measures are being taken to insure the public's safety from dangerous creatures…additional steps may be necessary.

When questioned Headmaster Albus Dumbledore former member of the Wizengamot said: "These actions must be taken to ensure the greater good."

There was no music that night and no dancing everyone was lost in their thoughts. Citizen of a nation no longer had any rights. Worse, those same people who fought to defend the nation were now being rounded up and taken to detainment facilities. No one said it but they all thought the same thing this is what happened with the Nazis and the concentration camps.

That night when Harry put Teddy to bed him and Edward sat all night watching over him, as Draco did when Jacob finally went to sleep. They all stayed on guard as if the Ministry would show up at any moment to take their loved one.

It was a subdued group that gathered in the dining room the next morning. Jacob sat down thanking Esme and Harry for breakfast. Cedric was feeding Teddy when Rosalie blew into the room with her glare at Jacob and said "Cedric don't get Teddy near the table Dog Boy may eat him."

The house went silent as the platter of pancakes Harry was carrying through the kitchen door dropped to the floor. He stormed over to Rosalie and got in her now shocked face and said "That is all I am going to listen to. Do you remember that Teddy has the blood of a child of the moon in him? Is this how you will treat him? When he gets bigger will you call him Dog Boy? Will you work to see how much it takes to make him cry? Why not just call him FREAK or BOY!"

"Harry!" Ron shouted.

Harry moved to stand in front of Edward and buried his face in his shirt, by the shaking and gasping no one doubted that he was crying the tears that would never come. Cedric and Luna were trying to calm a now screaming Teddy, big fat tears running down his red face. Neville and Ron had taken positions on either side of Harry. Draco stepped forward and said "Take them up stairs…and shut the door…NOW! Jacob."

Jacob rushed to Draco who took his hand. Cedric and Luna took Teddy upstairs followed by Edwards who was carrying Harry bridal style.

The minute the door clicked shut Draco spoke. "I have let this go on long enough. Because, Jacob is a man and can handle himself. But you have crossed a line. You will tell me now if this is the way things will be. If this is how you are going to treat Jacob, Teddy and Harry."

"I have said nothing to Harry." Rosalie said defending herself.

Neville shook his head saying "You did not have too…you made him feel like 'those people did'."

"His relatives?" Esme asked in horror.

Nodding to Esme Ron continued "Yes, he told you they could never call him by his name. When he entered muggle primary school was when he found out what his name was."

"They called him FREAK and BOY till he thought that was his name and you knew it." Draco fumed at her.

The Cullens and Jacob stood in shocked at the reminder that this loving man had been treated that way as a child…and Rosalie was exposing his child to the same thing.

Looking Rosalie in the eye Draco very coldly spoke "You will tell me now if this is how it will be."

"He's a werewolf it's natural to hate him." Rosalie protested

Jasper shook his head as he spoke "But he has done nothing to you."

"But he's a werewolf." Rosalie again tried to defend herself.

Emmett spoke softly to his mate "He is Draco's mate and he makes him happy."

"And that makes him part of this family." Carlisle stated.

Sighing Alice said "You have to judge him as a man not what he is."

Ron added in the firmest tone the Cullens had ever heard from him "And if you cannot then you are no better than the Nazis at the Ministry of Magic."

"If that is the case then I cannot subject my family to that." Draco announced.

"What are you saying?" gasped Esme.

Smiling sadly at the only mother figure any of them had Neville said "That if Rosalie is going to continue this…we will have to leave."

"I'd like to hear the answer to that." Cedric said from behind them.

Everyone turned to were Cedric was reaching the bottom of the stairs, as he walked up to Ron and announced "Because if they leave Edward and I shall be going with them."

"Carlisle do something!" Esme shouted.

Carlisle grabbed Esme and pulled her to his chest as she nearly collapsed. Her hand over her mouth in horror, as she watch the possible collapse of her family, before Carlisle could say a word Emmett was in front of Rosalie.

He knelt down taking her hands into his massive ones and looking up at her and said "Rosy, baby I know that you just want to protect the family. But Jacob isn't a treat to the family…Baby look what is happening mom and dad are upset…this could rip the family apart. I don't want to lose my brothers."

Looking into Emmett's eye to see if she was missing something Rosalie asked "Then you accept Jacob as a brother?"

Emmett looked at Jacob then back to Rosalie as he answered "Well…I don't know him well enough for that, but in time. Here in the right now I can tell you that I accepted Draco as part of this family…as my brother. Jacob is good to him; all you have to do is see Draco's face when he walks into a room. That smile could light the whole house. As long as he makes Draco happy I can accept him as a brother-in-law."

Emmett looked to Draco and Jacob who shook their heads that was good enough for them.

"It's just ingrained…werewolves are the enemy." Rosalie protested weakly.

Neville wanted her to understand what she was saying so he said "In the wizarding world it is ingrained in people that vampires and werewolves are 'dark cratures', monsters and evil.

Alice asked in a small voice, like she was afraid of the answer, "Do you believe we are monsters…that we are evil?"

Emmett stood and put his arm around Rosalie as she shook her head, she didn't believe that.

"Do you believe that Jacob is a monster…that he is evil?" Ron asked.

Rosalie shook her head as she said "No."

Cedric did not want Rosalie to feel bad but she had to understand the importance of this. So he said "It is also ingrained in wizards that house elves are slaves…property…to be treated and abused as their owner pleases."

Interrupting Neville added "Do you think that is okay…that you could treat Dobby like that…or Winky…or their child?"

Rosalie buried her face in Emmett's chest as she whispered "No…I'm sorry…I…I didn't…I would never…"

Jasper stepped forward feeling the self loathing pouring off Rosalie told her; "You are not a bad person Rosalie! You do not trust easily and that comes from a desire to protect your family. I know that you fear that Draco will turn his back on your friendship now that he has his mate. But, it is you who is not willing to give Jacob a chance that is driving a wedge between you and threatening to rip this family apart."

Somewhat disappointed in his daughter Carlisle said; "Rosalie, you must decide if what is ingrained or other peoples perspective is what is important…or is it the person? Do you want to be judged for whom you are or what blood runs in your veins? And can you judge others the same way?"

Rosalie conceded that she wanted to be judged as a person and not just as a vampire. She would then along with everyone else get to know Jacob as the newest member of their family. Calm returned to the house and true to her word not another unkind word about Jacob or anyone in the family passed her lips. Thursday brought a new light to relationships in the house when Jacob offered to fix Carlisle's car that would not start. Rosalie was a complete and total car nut…a motor head. The two not only reached an understanding but bonded while the worked on the car, which ended up not only running but getting and oil change and tune-up. Carlisle said that it now ran better that when he bought it.

It was still a hard week on Rosalie, while everyone had settled and relationship were being healed or built, there was one exception. Teddy would have nothing to do with her after the argument. If she went near him he would cry. If she reached for him he would scream bloody murder. And Rosalie whose long dead heart had been captured by the little boy had been devastated. Only Jasper and Emmett knew the depth of her despair, as Jasper could feel it and Emmett held her each night as she sobbed tears that would never come.

Friday after school Harry had decided it was time to fix this. If they were going to be a family they were ALL going to be a family. Picking up Teddy he went looking for her, and found her in the family room setting on a couch. Setting down next to her he held Teddy up to look into his reddening face as he spoke, "its okay Teddy…Auntie Rosalie is sorry. She didn't mean to scare you."

She sat dumbfounded; she could not believe Harry was doing this. He was giving her another chance with her nephew.

Not taking his eyes off Teddy Harry continued "Auntie misses you Teddy. She loves you Angel. She is very sad that you cannot forgive her."

Teddy looked back and forth between Harry and Rosalie, as if trying to see if this was the truth. Then he leaned toward her, his hair changing to blonde and his eyes changing to topaz as he grabbed for her. She took him in her arms for the first time in a week and he cuddled up on her chest playing with the button on her blouse. She leaned down and kissed the top of his head, then laid her cheek in his hair and whispered "Auntie loves you so much Little Angel."

She looked at Harry saying "Thank you…I …thank you."

Harry stood and kissed her on top of her head and told her "We are family…no matter what."

And with that Harry exited the room looking for his husband. Esme stood in the kitchen where she had been listening and smiled. The last of the peace had been made, her family would survive.

Cedric turned at the sharp knock on the front door.

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