Ladies and Gentlemen:
Several points of interest:
I have a slight problem. Unfortunately, my beta has some RL problems that prevent her from continuing to edit MI! She doesn't know how long the situation will last and has resigned her post. Can anyone help me find a new beta? Please PM me ASAP.
In many stories, the author holds back on certain bits of info. I won't be doing that… Here is the next chapter:
******** ******** Chapter 25 ******** ********
After the morning meal was over, Draco took Harry and Pansy into the drawing room. "Sit here, Harry." He said pointing to a cushioned settee.
Pansy sat in a chair next to a nearby bookcase and watched as Draco began to pace and lecture his new husband.
"Now, listen up; the Malfoys have many family traditions." Draco said, focusing intently on Harry's face. "Most of them are associated with birthdays and deaths, but there are some for each holiday as well."
"Let's start with Christmas and New Years, Dray. We can go over the rest later." Harry suggested.
"Yes, that's what I thought, as well." Draco nodded. "Now, they're not magical rituals or anything too serious, Harry; just things we do every year. At seven o'clock this evening, the family – and Aunt Andromeda, if she stays for it – will eat in the formal dining room."
"Isn't that where we ate just before?" Harry asked with a frown.
"No, Harry, dear." Pansy smirked as she glanced up from the book she'd been reading. "That was the informal dining room. The formal dining room is only used on major holidays, weddings, deaths and important milestone birthdays or anniversaries. There's one in every pureblood family Manor and it magically changes décor for the appropriate occasion with just a spell."
"That's right, Harry. My parents' wedding was celebrated there as were my birth and my eleventh and seventeenth birthdays." Draco told the brunette. He knelt and placed a hand on Harry's wrist. "Our engagement and wedding celebrations would've taken place there also – if we'd done things normally."
Harry stared at the blond, almost disappointed to have missed it. "Ok – so dinner's in the formal dining room." He sighed. "What's after that?"
Draco chuckled as he stood. "After dinner, we adjourn to the drawing room for Brandy or Port. Then, we each open one gift and go to bed. In the morning, breakfast will be served in the formal dining room."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Yes? And after that?"
"That's when we gather in the parlor to open the rest of the gifts." Draco's eyes sparkled as he went on. "I usually hand out the gifts myself but this year we'll have the elves do it so I don't have to lift things that may be heavy. When that's over we each have some time to ourselves before luncheon which is served in the formal dining room."
Harry sighed and motioned for Draco to continue.
"After luncheon, we visit the portraits of our relatives and socialize until dinner which will be served…" Draco smirked and raised an eyebrow.
"Let me guess…" Harry shook his head and finished his husband's sentence. "In the formal dining room?"
Pansy applauded mockingly. "Good show, Harry."
"I don't know why you couldn't just say that all the meals in the next 24 hours will be served in the formal dining room." Harry glared; first at his husband and then at the dark-haired girl. "I guess it's the same for New Years?"
"Actually, for New Years it's just breakfast – but back to Christmas…On the day after Christmas, we go visit friends." Draco patted Harry's hand. "The Weasleys are expecting us for luncheon and I think Neville asked us over for tea. I might have those mixed up though; I'll check our calendar. Blaise and Luna are joining us here that night for dinner in the informal dining room."
"Don't forget we arranged to see the Tower of London on the 27th." Harry reminded his husband.
"I haven't forgotten, Harry." Draco smirked. "I placed it on our calendar as soon as we got home that day."
Harry was pleased that Draco cared enough about the plans they made with each other to make a calendar for them. "I'm glad…" He grinned at his husband. "Is there anything else I need to know about for the week, love?"
"I promised Pansy we'd visit her mother's grave on the 28th… Uhmmm…" Draco frowned and glanced at his friend. "Oh, the New Years Ball! My parents will hold a ball on New Years Eve in the ballroom – it may turn out to be just a small party this year – but other than that…we can do whatever we want."
Harry hesitated but, when he felt Draco's hand on his, he decided to speak his mind. "Draco… Would you accompany me to visit my parents' grave and Sirius' and Remus' as well? They're all in the same cemetery …We can go just after Pansy's mum's." Harry's eyes seemed to shine oddly.
Draco kneeled next to him. "Of course, love. I'd be honored."
"We can go to Diagon Alley afterward if you want." Harry smiled.
"That sounds nice, Harry." Draco nodded as he slipped his hand into Harry's.
The sound of an elf apparating interrupted the moment. "Please excuse Dinki, young Masters. Master Harry has an owl."
Harry turned and held out his free hand to accept the letter. When he opened it, he sighed. "Andromeda will only accept your mother's invitation if I'm there to meet her at the floo. She says she won't feel safe otherwise." Harry rolled his eyes. "I can't believe her. Oh well, if it'll calm her fears then I'll do it."
"I'll join you and that way she'll be eased into the Malfoy experience." Draco squeezed his hand before letting go to allow Harry to write a reply.
Pansy snickered as she watched this. "Yes, Draco; your family is definitely an experience, alright."
Draco glared at her. "Now, you be nice, Pansy-dear."
Narcissa hunted the pair of them down soon after they left the drawing room. "Harry, Draco – come with me, boys. I'd like you to look at something."
Harry shrugged and began to follow but Draco hung back. "What is it, Mother?"
"The family tree on the wall of the Library has quite a few of the older…traditional…names that I think you should consider for the children." She smiled.
He gave in and followed his husband and mother. "Mother, we've discussed this between us and we don't want them named for anyone in particular. We don't want our children to be burdened by the reputations of the originals."
"I can understand that, dear – but if no-one who's alive now knew the people in question… Well, who's to say there would be an act to follow – so to speak?" She smirked.
Draco smirked back. "I like the way you think, Mother."
"Good, now I've been thinking of flower names and I truly adore the name Amaryllis. It's not commonly used as a child's name anymore, but your father's great-great something aunt was named that and she was a lovely woman – by all accounts." Narcissa went on. "She was a healer…a very gentle woman. She lived to be almost two hundred years old. You could call her Amy for short."
Harry bit his lip. "I kind of like that one, Dray…but I've been thinking of flower names too and I'm fond of Dahlia and Hyacinthe."
"Those are lovely…but;" Draco frowned. "I actually thought Zinnia was nice."
Harry gasped. "Oh, Draco! That's a gorgeous flower and not popular as a child's name, either…but it's also not easy to find a nickname for that."
"What about constellation names?" Lucius asked softly as he joined them. "Or simply names of stars…"
Harry grinned inwardly.
Lucius was joining them out of his own free will and not being demanding or overbearing. He seemed to be expressing a genuine interest in the important subject.
"What about Vega?" Draco asked.
"I think one of the Weasleys is considering that one – it's pretty though." Harry squeezed the hand he was holding.
"Vega Louise Malfoy was quite famous in the field of Herbology, Draco. She created a few well known wizarding hybrid plants." Lucius frowned. "But I don't want your child to share a name with another child, son. As you said, they should be originals."
"There's always Ophiuchus or Meridiana." Narcissa suggested.
Harry made a face. "No offense, but those are quite a mouthful. How is the poor dear going to learn her name if it takes an hour to say? I'd like something beautiful but a bit simpler. Linnea is pretty and so are Carina and Aster or Celeste."
"Lyra…" Draco whispered. "It's a constellation – the harp."
Harry got a tingle as he turned to face the blond. "Lyra Zinnia…"
Narcissa's eyes lit up. "Perfect!"
"Now for the boy's name." Lucius began.
"Not just now, Luc. Andromeda is due to arrive in a short while. I must prepare." His wife hugged their son and hurried off.
"Thank you, Harry." Lucius said quietly. "Thank you for letting us be part of this. You both have access to this room if you need it." He took a breath and walked away quickly.
"Harry…?" Draco had a tremble to his voice.
Harry hugged him. "We did it, Dragon! We named one of our babies and it's acceptable to all four of us – not just us or just them."
Draco laughed. "Our daughter will be Lyra Zinnia Malfoy-Potter…It's such a lovely name!"
"It is." Harry drew his husband close and started to point out male names on the tree.
A few hours later, Harry and Draco waited beside the floo for Teddy and Andromeda to arrive.
"Did I remember to tell you that Teddy's a metamorphmagus?" Harry asked before biting his lip.
"Yes, Harry – you've mentioned it several times today." Draco was nervously picking at his clothes. "Are you sure I look alright? This robe doesn't make me look fat; does it?"
"Draco, stop fussing! You look perfect. Andromeda will be very impressed." Harry tried not to sigh.
The fireplace sparked green and a single figure spun into view. It was a woman holding a child in her arms so they knew who it was in an instant. When the spinning stopped, Harry offered the woman his hand, expecting her to take it to assist in exiting the fireplace but she abruptly dropped the diaper bag she was carrying onto it instead. He smirked and placed it on the ground next to him as he looked the pair over. The woman resembled her twin a bit too much for Harry's liking, and the child's hair changed color every few seconds as it was wont to do while he slept peacefully.
"Hello, Harry." She nodded after casting a spell to clear the soot from her clothes and the baby's.
"Hi; how have you and Teddy been?" Harry asked softly as he touched the sleeping baby's hand.
"We're doing quite alright, Harry-dear. Now tell me – what on Earth led to this invitation?" She frowned at Draco. "Are your parents really going to welcome me – an outcast – and my grandson – the son of a werewolf – into their home? If this is a trick…"
"Andy, stop!" Harry grasped her hand. "Narcissa told us at breakfast that she's missed you and wants to reconnect. She asked me if I thought you'd say 'yes' to her invitation."
"It's partly to make Harry feel at home, Aunt. He's new to the family and she wants him to know that he can have visitors and they will be as welcome as he is." Draco jumped into the conversation.
"Draco." She nodded to him. "So Harry, how's married life treating you? I saw the news in the papers – that my nephew is pregnant. Congratulations!"
"Yeah, we're doing great and Teddy will soon have friends to play with." Harry squeezed Draco's hand.
"Will he wake up soon?" Draco asked as he reached out to touch the baby's hand as Harry had moments before. "I'd love to hold him; play with him."
"He'll awaken shortly." She turned to face the doorway just in time for Draco's hand to miss. "Where can I place my things, Harry?"
Harry's eyes narrowed. "Draco can show us where your suite is, Andy."
Draco nodded sadly feeling the effect of his aunt's 'cold shoulder'. He turned and led the way to a small visitor's suite. It had a queen sized bed and nursery attached as well as a bathroom and small sitting area.
Harry followed Andromeda into the rooms while Draco took a seat on the armchair near the door feeling quite rejected.
Harry kept an eye on his husband even as he watched his godson's grandmother laid the boy in a crib. He placed a silencing charm on the crib and the doorway of the nursery before confronting her. "Why are you being so rude to Draco, Andy? He's been nothing but nice to you and you won't even be civil. This is the Malfoy's home – they didn't have to invite you. They didn't even have to invite me and I'm their son-in-law!"
She huffed. "Don't be ridiculous, Harry."
"I'm not. I'm just calling it as I see it. Look at him! Draco is my husband and we're in HIS home and he looks like he's on the verge of tears!" Harry hissed at her. "You did that!"
"Oh, please! How did I do anything of the sort?" Andromeda scoffed.
"You barely greeted him, to start with. You wouldn't let him touch the baby. Your answers, when he speaks to you are curt and short – not to mention cold!" Harry glared. "If you're not planning to be civil then why bother coming at all?"
She sighed, seemingly resigned. "I'm sorry, Harry. I don't mean to be cold. I just – I'm confused at the invitation and very uncomfortable being in Lucius Malfoy's house. If you weren't here I'd be terrified that he'd harm us."
"Well, while I can understand that, I need you to try being nicer. Narcissa will be coming by in a few moments and when Teddy wakes up I'm taking him to the suite I share with Draco." He told her. "It's just down the hall next to a lovely watercolor painting."
Andromeda gasped. "You're going to leave me alone with her?"
Harry hurried to calm her. "Not right away; I promise! When Narcissa comes, she'll show us to the parlor or conservatory for tea. We'll take Teddy for a little while after you're more comfortable."
She took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright, Harry-dear. I suppose I'll be fine after a while."
"Good." Harry relaxed. "Now, could you please apologize to Draco? He's really emotional these days and while I do enjoy holding him – I don't want him upset."
She didn't answer but walked through the doorway to speak to the blond. Harry followed after releasing the spell.
"Draco, I'm very sorry I was so cold to you. I didn't mean to be." She told him softly. "It's just – I'm in an awkward situation and its put me in a bad way. I'm sorry I took it out on you."
Harry met Draco's eyes. They were moist with poorly hidden sadness so Harry produced a handkerchief from a hidden pocket and handed it to the blond.
The blond sniffed a little, trying to look unaffected but failing. "I'm quite prone to that type of behavior as well, so I suppose I can forgive you."
His aunt smiled as she sat in the love seat next to his chair. "Alright, nephew…so tell me how married life has been for you?"
Draco's face brightened. "Well, you probably already know how Harry is – but he's so sweet and romantic with me! I'm really enjoying being married!"
"That's wonderful, dear!" She grinned. "How is your pregnancy going? Are you and the babies healthy?"
"Oh yes! Harry's been taking good care of us." Draco smirked over at the brunette as his hand rested on his baby-bump.
"Well, I try." Harry laughed just as they heard the baby begin to fuss.
"Harry, would you like to get Teddy?" Andromeda asked.
His face lit up. "Really?"
"Of course; it'll be good practice." She laughed.
Harry nodded. "Yes; you're right!"
"I changed him before we left the house but check his diaper anyway." She told him.
"Ry!" Teddy squealed and changed his hair to match Harry's as soon as he saw his godfather.
Harry did as he was told and lifted the little one into his arms. "He's ok for now, Andy."
"Good; bring him over to us." Andromeda directed him.
As Harry did so, the toddler waved his arms and grabbed his godfather's nose. Harry laughed. "Do you know what that is? That's my nose! Where's Teddy's nose?"
The baby didn't answer but looked confused for a moment before covering his own nose with his other hand.
Draco let out a giggle and the baby looked over at him. "Hi Teddy; I'm Draco."
The baby's hair changed to a bright pink as he babbled, "Rayk!"
Draco's eyebrow shot up. "No – no, little one; I am not a garden tool. My name is Duh-ray-co."
Harry tried to hide a chuckle but was unsuccessful so Draco glared at him.
"Well, don't feel too bad, Draco-dear; I'm Ga." Andromeda smirked.
A soft voice spoke up behind the young blond. "You know, Dragon; you had trouble speaking certain letters and sounds as well. Your children are lucky though; they'll only have to learn Dada and Papa. It took months for you to learn 'Mama'."
"Hello, Mother." Draco smirked as he turned in his chair.
Harry reached out with one hand and took Andromeda's before she could panic. "Narcissa… I'm sure you know who this is…"
The blond woman nodded hesitantly. "Hello, Romy… I've missed you…"
The older of the two, Andromeda held her head stiffly. "I have also missed you, Sister…"
"I was very upset when you were disowned, Romy. I cried for a week." Narcissa confessed. "But I couldn't deny that the choice you made to defy our parents made me happy. I was able to marry the man I loved because of you."
"I knew Lucius and I would never suit each other, so I broke the betrothal to marry the man I loved. That they relented and allowed you to marry him was unexpected but I was very happy for you, Sister. You wouldn't know this but…" Andromeda smirked. "I attended your wedding ceremony in disguise to avoid Lord and Lady Black."
Narcissa's eyes began to tear up. "Romy, please say you'll stay for the holiday! I want so much for your company! Lucius has agreed to keep away if you want him to – except for the meals."
Andromeda sniffed until Harry handed her a handkerchief. "Oh, Cissy… I'm sorry to be such a mess! He does make me nervous but it's his house and I'm just a guest."
"You're not just a guest, Romy; you are my sister…and Harry's godson's grandmother…and I'm going to be a grandmother soon too!" Draco's mother gushed, surprising Harry. He'd never seen his mother-in-law so animated.
"Harry, you and Draco may take Teddy for a little while." Andromeda said softly. "Cissy and I have some catching up to do."
"Yes; I've ordered tea here and Dinki is bringing yours to the suite." Narcissa beamed. "Pansy will be joining you."
Grinning, Harry called for the diaper bag and it flew to his side.
Draco stood and held his arms out for the one year old.
"Draco, I thought you remembered what Madam Pomphrey said. No heavy lifting because of the pressure it can create on your stomach. The baby would qualify and I don't want you hurt." Harry reminded him gently. "You can hold him when you're sitting or lying down."
Draco sighed and settled for placing his hand on Harry's arm. "Alright, Harry. Let's go to our suite."
Harry nodded. "Yes, love – Teddy has lots of toys and we can play with him."
So the young couple took the child down the hall and did just that.
Thank you all for your patience. I hope you liked it!
Lori