Hey, Everyone! I'm BACK! I know it's been a long time since I updated but RL has been Kicking my booty lately!

The year began with losing my first beta and getting a new one. Then I had my wisdom teeth out and then I had to visit the local ER because of severe anemia due to feminine problems. After all of that, my hubby and I had car trouble! Now I have lots of doctors to visit and bills to help pay off so I'm working an extra day here and there.

On top of all that, my new beta disappeared on me and I haven't heard a word for over a month. Mrs. Agget has agreed to take over so hopefully I'll be able to go back to once a week updates. I'm crossing my fingers... Ok, read the chapter and there will be another short note at the end. Enjoy!

******** ******** Chapter 30 ******** ********

Draco woke first and quietly called for Dinki. He ordered a hot bath for Harry and himself to share as well as their clothes to be set out. Then, he set about waking his husband. His punishment had ended yesterday so he was free to seduce Harry from his slumber. With this in mind, Draco began to kiss his husband's chest and cuddle close to his body.

Harry hummed in his sleep and rolled onto his back, giving Draco a perfect view of his genitals.

Draco smiled fondly at the brunette and moved slowly down his husband's body. He began to nuzzle Harry's balls and, when the other man moaned, Draco took Harry's cock into his mouth. He knew the move would instantly awaken the brunette and was eagerly anticipating it.

Harry's eyes popped open as soon as Draco's warm wet mouth closed around his unsuspecting cock. He hardened quickly and soon began to guide Draco's movements. "Mmmm…Oh Draco! Yes!" He moaned. "Merlin, Dray! What a wake-up!"

Draco smiled to himself but kept his lips and tongue working to please his Dominant husband.

Harry felt the pleasant sensation of his balls beginning to tighten. "So close, baby! Oh, Godric, yes!" Harry shouted as he came down Draco's throat.

The blond licked his lips before sinking back into Harry's arms. "Good morning, love." He whispered.

Harry snorted, still in a daze. "Good morning indeed, Dragon. To what do I owe the extreme pleasure?"

Draco smiled. "I've got a bath being prepped and you needed to wake up anyway."

Harry sighed at the reminder. "Ah, yes."

"The Parkinson Crypt is our first stop," Draco said. "Then, we'll go on to Godric's Hollow and see your family's graves."

Harry nodded. "And lunch will be in Diagon Alley."

"Don't forget about our appointment at Madam Malkin's," Draco smirked. "That's at one."

"True…" Harry thought for a moment. "We'd best get started. Didn't you say something about a bath?"

Draco's smirk hid his excitement. "I did. Would you like to join me?"

Harry chuckled. "What I'd like is to repay the lovely favor you just gifted me. I can do that in the bath."

The blond grinned. "Well then, by all means, join me…"

Harry's green eyes sparkled as he followed his husband into the bathroom.

It was almost an hour before the couple emerged.

Wizarding apparition was forbidden to pregnant people because the baby was a variable not included in the spell and safety could not be guaranteed unless you were a house elf. So, Lucius had procured a Portkey for Pansy, Draco and Harry to take them to their first stop.

Harry was surprised at the simple style of the Parkinson Crypt. It was a small stone structure with a gate leading in. The inside was imbued with an undetectable extension charm which allowed for the whole Parkinson family to be interred there. Harry and Draco walked up to the front entrance but didn't enter with the young woman.

She came out a short time later with a sad smile. "I talked to my mum…She didn't answer, of course, but I feel like she knows I was here… you know?"

Harry just smiled and nodded while Draco hugged his friend.

As soon as Pansy was settled again, the trio walked to the nearest wizarding establishment and flooed to its Godric's Hollow equivalent. Harry pointed out the chapel and they all walked over.

Pansy went inside while Draco held Harry's hand and accompanied his husband to the grave.

As they stepped up to the stone, Harry wasn't sure if he actually wanted to say something or if it was that, this time, he had something to say, but the words began to pour out from his heart. Harry took a deep breath.

"Hi Mum and Dad…" He said softly, "I told you last year that I'd be back and here I am…I'm sure you know by now, but the war is over and Voldie is dead." He reached out and touched the engraved name of his mother. "You helped me live, Mum…Thank you so much…" He paused, thinking of how to phrase the next few sentences. "I love you both very much and I hope to never disappoint you. I think you should know that I got married. The Ministry made a law and so I had to, but I'm glad they did or I might never have had the chance to really get close to the man I love…"

Draco remained silent but held tightly in Harry's arms as tears fell from his husband's emerald eyes.

"So, I'm married to this exquisite creature beside me. His name is Draco Malfoy-Potter," Harry sniffed. "I know, Dad - he's a Malfoy and a Slytherin but he's a sweet and beautiful man and he's carrying my babies – your twin grandchildren…You'd love him as much as I do, if you were here. Godric, I wish you were here!"

Draco dabbed at his own eyes as he took over for a moment. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Potter. I just want to say that I love Harry very much. I'll take good care of him and our babies." A glance at Harry's face told him to go on. "We've decided to name them Lyra Zinnia and Caelum Orion Malfoy-Potter…"

"And, speaking of names," The brunette broke in after clearing his throat. "I've altered mine a bit and added Malfoy. I didn't seriously consider it at first but it feels right to have the same last name as my family. The Malfoys are really being good to me, Dad…" He glanced at the headstone for Remus and Sirius, as if including them in the discussion. "I never expected to be so…accepted…so much a part of their family, and it took some work to make it happen but Narcissa likes me and Lucius is... well, he's coming around."

The pair fell silent as Harry watched Draco kneel in the snow and pull out his wand. The blond wove an intricate pattern and soon a basket appeared before them. Inside the basket was an arrangement of lilies and zinnia along with many different colored roses and narcissus.

Harry's tears began again as he helped Draco stand. "Thank you, my love."

Suddenly, the bushes rustled near the churchgate and startled Harry, who instantly turned to place himself between Draco and the noise. He blushed in embarrassment when a small black puppy clumsily tumbled out from under the bush.

"Yes, love," Draco smirked rolling his eyes. "Please do save me from tiny black furballs."

Harry chuckled. "I think it's a sign. They're blessing our union with a pet that will make our lives complete."

"You mean you want to keep it?" Draco asked when the pup looked up at him with sad black eyes. He instantly felt bad and knelt to ruffle its fur. "We should really ask Mum and Dad. I don't know if either of them are allergic."

"Let's floo to the Weasley's. They'll hold onto the pup for me when I explain things and that will give us time to speak to your parents," Harry grinned.

Draco shook his head. "Alright, Harry, but let's get Pansy first."

So, Harry scooped up the puppy on their way to the doors of the church and waited while Draco poked his head in and whispered for Pansy to join them.

When she saw the pup, she let out a girlish squeal. "Oooh! It's sooo adorable! Are you going to keep it?"

Draco informed his friend of what had happened and their plans for the puppy on the way back to the nearest floo. They arrived at the Weasley residence in a quick and orderly fashion and Harry did all the talking while his pregnant companions sat for a refreshing glass of water. Molly and Arthur understood Harry's interpretation of the incident's implications and agreed at once to watch the pup.

The group went on to Diagon Alley where they ate lunch at the Leaky Cauldron. When they were through, Pansy was too tired to join them for the rest of the afternoon so she flooed back to the townhouse while Harry escorted Draco to Madam Malkin's. Harry happily watched Draco try on clothes and got measured again himself.

"Why Mr. Potter, your shoulders have gotten slightly broader! I'll need to adjust things for this set of robes," the seamstress said with a smile.

Harry's brow furrowed. "Really? I don't know how that happened."

"Oh, no worries, my dear boy," Madam Malkin told him. "I'm sure it…"

"Must be from all the discipline you mete out to your Death Eater." A strangely familiar man stepped out of the back dressing room, holding his wand in a shaky hand, but Harry couldn't place his face.

Harry whirled to face the man while Draco placed a hand on his belly and let his husband block the man's view of him.

Madam Malkin pushed him into his dressing room and while he cast locking and hardening spells on the curtain, she hurried into her back room through a hidden door in the mirrored wall.

Harry heard the floo activate but didn't waste his time paying attention to anything but the man. "First of all, Draco was never really a Death Eater. He was just a scared kid who was put in a horrifying situation. Second, I do not appreciate, nor will I tolerate, such nasty rumors being bandied around about my husband. We have done nothing to you, so just leave us in peace."

"He should've been disciplined further!" The man raved, waving his arms emphatically. "You testified and let his whole family get away with murder! They assisted their 'Lord' and my wife paid the price! Death Eaters need to be properly punished!"

"I see. What was it that happened to her – your wife?" Harry asked gently. "Did Draco or his father have anything to do with it?"

"I don't know their specific identities, do I?" The man glared at him, pointing the wand. "They all wore masks and I couldn't see their faces as they took her! We got away from the Ministry that day but when we got home, there were men in black robes with masks. They took her just because her parents were Muggles! We have children and she was pregnant, but that didn't stop them from taking her and hurting her!"

"My best friend is Muggle-born. I understand your anger, sir, but terrorizing me and my pregnant husband is not the way to get justice for your wife," Harry told him. "Have you found her? Is she alive?"

"Sh-She's alive but I-I had to take her to St. Mungo's…" The man broke down into sobs as he dropped his wand and collapsed on the sofa near the door. "I-I don't know how to help her! The nightmares – they won't go away! She can't get away from them!"

Harry had a sudden desire to hold Draco but he restrained himself. "I can only recommend seeing a mind-healer. I needed one last summer and I rarely have to endure the nightmares anymore."

"Oy! What's going on in here?" The voice of George Weasley shattered the tense silence that had followed Harry's words.

"It's alright, George," Harry said, finally realizing who he was looking at. "Mr. Cattermole was just venting to me about the injustices of the war. He needs help getting to St. Mungo's. I need to get Draco home, so would you mind?"

"Of course not, Harry! Ron and I will help him out," George smiled tightly and waved at the door where Ron was standing with his wand out.

"C'mon then, Mr. Cattermole." A look of understanding overtook Ron's face as he slowly walked over and looked down at the sobbing man. "We'll take you to St. Mungo's. What's been going on with Mary?"

"You! You were the one who kissed her that day!" Reg Cattermole stared at Ron wide-eyed.

George's eyes just about bugged out of his head. "Ronniekins kissed someone other than our Hermione?"

"Hey! I was polyjuiced! She kissed me when she thought I was him! Not like I seduced her or anything!" Ron said defensively as he picked up Cattermole's wand. "Look, come with my brother and me. I'll explain things on the way."

Cattermole stood slowly and let himself be escorted out of the clothing store with no further trouble.

As soon as the door closed behind them, Harry was at the dressing room curtain. He reached out to touch the curtain but it was hard and immovable. "Draco, are you okay? Baby, come out. The craziness is all over."

Suddenly, the curtain was soft fabric again and Draco was in his arms. "Harry! I was so scared! The way he kept waving his wand around…"

"Hush, now! You're okay…I've got you." Harry took him back into the dressing room and just held him for what seemed like a few moments but ended up being about half an hour.

When Draco got up the courage, he pushed slightly at Harry's chest and they exited the small room hand in hand only to find Lucius and Narcissa as well as Molly and Arthur waiting for them.

"We're alright," Harry told them, nudging Draco toward his parents while he shook Arthur's hand and hugged Molly.

Narcissa hugged her son tightly. "Oh, I was so worried, darling! When Maryellen fire-called with the news, I wanted to rush right over but your father said we should call the Weasleys first."

"Apparently, Harry's two friends dropped off a man named Reginald Cattermole at St. Mungo's and returned to their parents home only a moment before we called," Lucius raised an eyebrow.

"There was an incident with him and his wife during the war. This was nothing more than his stress and frustration at his wife's situation overwhelming him," Harry met his father-in-law's gaze head on. "He made a comment and I talked to him after getting Draco out of sight."

"Madam Malkin helped, too. I was kind of frozen and she prodded me," Draco whispered to his mother. "I cast the locking and hardening charm on the curtain just before she went for the floo."

"You did well, Draco. You helped me to help you when you protected yourself and the babies," Harry told Draco soothingly.

Lucius nodded. "Harry is correct, son. Your mother would've done the same in your state."

Draco nodded, distractedly reaching out to Harry again. "Where's Pansy?"

"She was asleep when we left," Narcissa assured him as he went, once again, into his husband's comforting arms. "An elf will inform her of our whereabouts when she wakes. Maryellen says she'll come by the town house tomorrow to finish taking your measurements, Harry."

"No," Draco said quietly. "We're not hiding from this. Harry had me burning the Howlers back when our matchup was first announced and just ignoring the rest of the mean letters. I won't let people with issues like Cattermole's keep me hidden away from life."

"While that is admirable, Draco, I think it's best that we do hide until the babies are born." Harry ran his hand up and down Draco's back. "We can challenge their issues at a later date, love."

"If we hide instead of living, they win, Harry," Draco looked into Harry's face. "As long as neither of us is alone, I think we'll be fine. Can't we at least try?"

Harry sighed, thinking about it.

"Perhaps if you simply allowed either Arthur or myself to accompany you when the two of you venture out," Lucius offered.

"You're still supposed to be under guard, Lucius, and Arthur... Well, would you want to play chaperone to a pair of youngsters when you've got things to be doing at home?" Harry chuckled.

"Well, first of all, Harry, helping you is more important than fiddling with my hobbies," Arthur smiled. "And as you're married men, you don't need a chaperone!"

"So you'd rather play third wheel than be home tinkering?" Harry joked. "Alright, if you insist. I'll stay here for the rest of my fitting, if Arthur agrees to stay."

"We both will, dear," Molly smiled. "It'll all be fine."

"Thank you, both. We'll see you at home, Draco, Harry," Lucius nodded regally as he and Narcissa apparated.

The remaining time at Madam Malkin's robe shop was much quicker than Harry had thought it would be and, after they were finished, all four of them strolled through the Alley. Harry remained tense until they reached George's shop and flooed back to the townhouse.

Dinner was a somber affair but not nearly as formal as it had been during the past few days. Each person seemed to keep their thoughts to themselves as they ate, though Harry and Draco sat close enough to reassure each other of their presence and safety. It wasn't until later, while everyone socialized in the drawing room, that Harry brought up the puppy.

Lucius had just tromped Draco in chess so Harry thought it was a good time to ask a favor.

"I don't think I told you all what had happened in Godric's Hollow, did I?" Harry asked casually.

Draco smirked. His father wasn't usually one to believe in superstitious stuff and nonsense like the story Harry was about to tell. The blond truly didn't think the pup would be joining their family anytime soon.

"No. Did something happen, Harry?" Narcissa asked softly.

"Nothing bad or freaky, but yes, something did happen," Harry said earnestly. "We stood beside my parents' gravestone and I spoke to them. It was very emotional. I told them all about Draco and the marriage law and the babies…"

"And you were mentioned too, Father," Draco smirked mischievously.

Harry glared playfully at Draco. "So then, Draco conjured a basket that was filled with narcissus, roses, lilies and zinnia."

Draco nodded with pride. "It was very colorful."

Harry took a deep breath. "And then, we heard the bushes rustling."

Draco interrupted again, this time affecting a dramatic damsel-in-distress stance with both hands lying over his heart. "And, just like in the robe shop, he stepped forth to protect me!"

Narcissa and Pansy giggled and, although the older man tried to hide it, Harry could see Lucius was also quite amused.

Harry chuckled too before going on with the story. "So, I started to walk toward the bushes with my wand drawn, when suddenly a small black puppy rolled out into the pathway."

"It was an adorable ball of fluff, I must admit…" Draco bit his lip.

"And it seemed like a sign to me," Harry murmured. "Sirius' animagus form was a black dog and I just think it was like them accepting my choices…as if by sending this little pup, they were telling me that they approved of the way I was living my life."

"Aww! That's so sweet!" Pansy sighed.

"So, Mother and Father…" Draco took pity on the brunette, "What my darling husband is trying to ask is, are either of you allergic to dogs?"

Lucius' eyebrow rose. "You took in a strange dog?"

"No. It's at the Weasleys for now and they'll keep it if we can't, but I'm asking you because…yes, I'd like to keep the puppy," Harry stated with a soft wistfulness.

"Hmmm…" Lucius looked at his wife.

"You know, Luc, I recall you once saying it would be nice for Draco to have a pet," Narcissa's lips twitched.

"I meant something quiet and helpful, like a kneazle or an owl," Lucius glowered at Draco's mother.

Pansy held her breath. This would tell them just how much influence Harry had with the older man.

"I also recall you telling me about a sign just before Draco was conceived, so don't pretend that you don't believe in signs," Narcissa sipped her cordial.

Lucius' glare deepened. "I suppose that you may keep it…"

Harry's eyes widened and his heart swelled with excitement.

"Only if it gets proper house and obedience training!" Lucius told them. "I don't want to know it exists beyond the sight of it."

Draco's jaw started to drop but he caught himself. "Really?"

Much to Pansy's surprise, Lucius nodded curtly. "If trained properly, it will also prove to be a wonderful protector for you and the children. Why don't you send a note to Arthur that he can bring the dog over tomorrow afternoon?"

Harry's eyes sparkled as he and Draco hurried to their suite. "Wow, Draco. I really thought your dad would say no!"

"I'm quite shocked as well, Harry, but I see his point," Draco told him as he watched Harry write the letter on a small piece of parchment. "Oh, he's not to sleep on the bed, Harry. I'll allow him to stay in the room with us but absolutely not in our bed."

"I promise not to allow him on the bed, Dragon," Harry grinned indulgently and called for Dinki to owl the letter at once.

"Good," Draco said softly. "Now join me in bed and hold me."

Harry frowned. "Are you still feeling out of sorts? I thought I chased all those thoughts away."

"I just feel the need to be extremely close to you, Harry," Draco confessed as he disrobed and slipped in between the covers. "I like the way it feels in your arms."

Harry hated when Draco got vague like this. "Tell me, Dragon. Please tell me? I want to know how I make you feel."

To confess this, the way his very soul seemed to be owned by Harry, Draco still resisted this but tonight, in light of all that had happened, the blond knew he needed it. He turned to face his husband. "Do you truly want to know how you make me feel?"

Harry nodded.

"You'll never ask again and you won't mock me about it?" Draco asked desperately, staring into the emerald eyes he loved so much. "I'm warning you, Harry, it's going to get pretty mushy, so you'd better not mock me."

"Well, being that I feel pretty bloody mushy about you as well, I swear," Harry tapped his heart.

Draco fell into silence but not for long. "When we're in company, your arms and the way you hold me makes me feel so safe. Your eyes and the way you look at me, that's what makes me feel like I'm the only other person in your world. I feel so loved." Harry started to speak but Draco gently placed his hand over Harry's lips. "I'm not finished…"

Harry nodded silently and let Draco keep going.

"It's ever so different when we're alone," The blond whispered. "You know just how I need you, Harry, and it makes me feel treasured. It's like you have a permanent Legilimens attached to my mind and even though that unsettles me at times, I love that you can tell when I need gentle Harry and when I need my Dominant husband. I love that your arms can cage as well as protect me – does that make sense? I love that while your eyes give me the feeling that you treasure and cherish me they can also flash with a possessive fire that makes me want nothing more than to fall to my knees in submission. I've resisted telling you this because it's such a personal secret that my soul feels so exposed. Please don't say anything, Harry." He hid his face in Harry's chest. "Just make love to me?"

And so, with tears in his eyes and love in his heart, Harry took his husband to heights they'd never reached before.

I hope it was up to my previous standards! Please don't forget to review?

Lori