Hey everyone! Sorry it's taking so long to get back into the groove! The first thing I want to say is that Ron will be calling Hermione 'Mi' as her nickname. I'm pronouncing it as 'My'. Harry still calls her 'Mione' or 'Hermione' but Ron is her hubby so he's got a special nickname for her.
Ok, next item: I've had some comments that I'm not being very realistic in some of the expectations I'm having for Harry and Draco's D/s relationship. People who don't like pain may or may not enjoy the clamps. Or perhaps they like them at the time but later find side effects like extra sensitivity or bruises. It's also a different type of pain than...say...an organ growing in his abdomen when it doesn't really belong there. Yes, I'm sure not everyone likes every aspect of BDSM or D/s life but some people do.
Draco may not be a girl but he's not going to pretend to like something if he doesn't like it. He's also not going to give in to something he feels is wrong or against his and his family's best interests. He hasn't felt the need to rebel but he did test Harry in the beginning of their marriage. He wants a career instead of staying home with the kids. He thought he wanted some sexual power but decided that he liked his submissive role too much to take it. Just because I'm giving him long hair and braiding it doesn't mean I'm going to make him into a 'Nancy-boy' character either so don't get scared. LOL! Maybe when the kids are born we'll see a more assertive Draco...or maybe he'll still enjoy being taken care of as the sub in the relationship...
We shall see...
******** ******** Chapter 32 ******** ********
After Harry had healed his spouse's bruised nipples, the day after the party was very relaxing.
Andromeda and Teddy were back for brunch and, after that short visit, Harry learned to braid Draco's hair while Dinki packed their things for the return trip to Hogwarts which would happen the next day. Narcissa was very patient, and so was Draco. Harry enjoyed playing with Draco's soft hair while Draco took great pleasure in having Harry pamper him that way. He even fell asleep from the soothing motions of Harry's hands.
Lucius didn't make a single appearance until dinnertime and it was a very simple affair with no drama at all.
Pansy spent the day by herself, though Draco insisted on her joining them for tea.
Draco slept in Harry's arms again that night but, this time, they both just slept.
The next morning, Dinki woke her Masters early so they could get ready for the train. Breakfast was not as leisurely as it could've been, but it did the job of nourishing their bodies and granting them energy for their journey. The limousine arrived soon after the meal's end and the wizard driver quickly loaded the trunks into the car. Two aurors waited inside as their escorts to the train station. In the company of the aurors, Draco, Pansy, Lucius and Narcissa were quite solemn but Harry did his best to lighten the mood.
He reminded his in-laws that they were welcome to visit at the school on weekends. It wasn't long until the Easter holiday so he asked what would happen then. The car ride took long enough for the group to decide that Draco would accompany Harry to the Weasleys for the week of Easter, but they would visit the new Manor by floo for two nights during that week. Pansy knew she wouldn't be welcome with Harry's family, so she announced that she would see about joining Blaise and Luna for that week.
They entered the station and hurried through to their platform. Once there, the famous couple said their farewells to Lucius and Narcissa and boarded the train with Pansy.
Harry and Draco were the first of their friends to arrive at the Hogwarts Express, so they got their choice of compartment. At first, Draco was still morose about leaving his parents but Pansy comforted him while Harry practiced braiding.
It wasn't long before Ron and Hermione joined them and Blaise arrived shortly after with Luna. Theo and Lavender showed up for a quick greeting just before the train began moving. Seamus visited with Neville a bit later. The feast was fantastic and the elves had remembered to have applesauce for Draco along with his favorite ice cream sundae. They slept and settled in that evening while recalling the recent events.
Classes resumed the next morning and everyone was back in their routines. The first weekend after the students' return, all of the pregnant men and women had check-ups with Madam Pomphrey. Being that Harry and Draco were the first couple to become pregnant, they were first for check-ups as well.
Later that night, the couple hosted a gathering in their suite. The whole gang enjoyed catching up and discussing their future childrens' names. Theo and Lavender's son would be named using his family's tradition of naming the child for its maternal grandfather. Eustace Theodore Nott was expected to be born sometime in August. The Boot family – Terry and Padma – would be having a pair of twin boys, but Rigel Wymund and Robin Polux would likely make their appearance late in September. Justin Finch-Fletchley had married Hannah Abbott two weeks before Harry and Draco had taken their walk down the aisle. Their daughter, Shannon Josephine, would come into the world in late August. Parvati had dragged her husband Gregory Goyle to the gathering because she'd missed her friendship with Hermione. Expected in early August, their daughter would be called Bernadine Clair, after Greg's great-grandmother and Parvati's and Padma's mother.
Draco had been happy to see the Greengrass sisters. He'd been engaged at one time to the younger of the two, Astoria. Luckily, she was as gay as he was and their parents had accepted that they would never be anything but friends. The war had separated them and Astoria had ended up marrying a Ravenclaw named Carina Winsome who would bear a son. The boy would be called Lorien Caleb Greengrass and he'd be born in late September. Daphne Greengrass, the elder sister, was totally straight and had been paired up with Adrian Pucey. Pucey was one of the older Slytherin students that had graduated the year before the war ended. Their daughter, Florestine Blythe Pucey, was expected to join the family in early September.
Emerson Fairchild was a Sixth Year Hufflepuff who had been matched up with Harry's old housemate, Oliver Wood. Although the age difference was difficult to deal with at first, they'd gotten through the first few months and were expecting a little girl in late August. They both seemed quite proud when telling Harry that she would be called Dahlia Jade.
Before the night was over, Blaise had graciously invited Pansy to join them in April so everyone had plans for the next week of holiday.
Being that most of the pregnancies were going well – with an odd case of flu or the common cold – January passed with little happening that was of note.
February, however, came quickly and Harry wanted to spoil Draco like crazy on Valentine's Day.
Madam Pomphrey had informed all of the men and women who were carrying twins that they needed two appointments per month and Draco's was on the fourteenth. So, before classes began, Harry made sure to have his husband awake, fed, and at the Hospital Wing doors directly on time at 8:30 AM.
"Well, we know you're all healthy, Mr. Malfoy-Potter, but we have to monitor to be sure the canal doesn't begin re-forming too early," the healer told them when Draco had asked if the second appointment was really necessary. "That's the sign of premature birth, or miscarriage, in male cases."
Draco gasped at the word and Harry felt his lips fall into a frown.
"You're doing just fine for now, so there's no need to worry as long as you eat healthy and get a good measure of rest. Avoid stress and you will all get through this, young man," Madam Pomphrey said, placing a comforting hand on her patient's shoulder.
Harry nodded to the woman and led Draco away. "We'll only go to Hogsmeade if we can floo there, Dragon. The walk isn't worth the stress it'll put on you."
Draco agreed quietly with a sigh. "But the walk is half the fun of going to town. I love seeing the trees and watching the birds fly."
"We can sit in the outside portion of the Three Broomsticks," Harry suggested, "That way, you'll still see the birds and trees."
As they stopped in front of the Arithmancy classroom, Draco smiled. "I hadn't thought of that. It's a great idea."
"I'll see to it during my free hour, love, and I'll meet you at the apartment after your last class." Harry kissed Draco's hand and waved as he hurried off to find the Headmistress.
When Draco got back to the apartment at the end of classes that day, Harry was seated on the sofa, looking disappointed.
"What is it, Harry?" Draco asked as he sat down beside Harry.
"The Headmistress said 'no', Draco," Harry sighed. "If you can't tolerate the walk, we'll have to stay here. So, I've arranged something else."
Draco's heart fluttered at the sound in his husband's voice.
"Come on, love, let's dress for dinner," Harry smiled as he led the way and opened the bedroom door for the blond. They dressed silently and when they were finished, Harry said nothing as he held out a hand. Draco smirked and took it, wondering what it was Harry had planned. The brunette remained silent as he led Draco out of the suite and up some stairs. They ended up on the seventh floor, where Harry turned to face the blond. "It's up to you. Where would you like to eat tonight?"
Draco huffed teasingly. "The important things are always left to me!"
Harry chuckled and motioned for Draco to get on with it.
The blond bit his lip and began to pace in front of the Room of Requirement. When he stopped, Harry opened the door to a small French bistro and called Dinki. The small creature took a look around and popped out, quickly returning with a selection of menus from Draco's favorite French restaurants. The pair made their choices and Dinki popped out to get the food. She came back quickly and left them alone to eat in peace.
"After dinner, I'm taking you for a walk along a beach I know that's on the outskirts of Tinworth," Harry told him.
Draco just grinned and sighed, savoring his food. He knew the tender chicken was really made in the kitchen by the house elves, but he pretended they were in France, looking over the Seine with the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Dinki came and got the empty dishes just before Harry and Draco exited the room to remake it into the beach.
Harry paced and paced and when he opened the door the next time, it wasn't just a beach. It was Bill and Fleur's home. Harry smiled sadly. "I guess I couldn't just keep it simple." He held out his hand and squeezed Draco's. "Dinki?" Harry called the elf.
"Dinki is being needed?" She asked.
"This is what Bill and Fleur Weasley's home looks like. I've permission to tell you the name of the place Dobby is buried because they've lifted the charm that was keeping it hidden. It's called Shell Cottage and it's on the outskirts of Tinworth," Harry told her. "We'll be fine here but you can visit the real beach…the real grave."
Dinki got tearful and nodded as she popped away.
"I know this isn't really a Valentine's Day thing, Draco, but I'd like to tell you what happened that night after I left the Manor." So, he walked with his husband down to the spot he recalled landing on after the apparition and relived that night. "Dobby died in my arms, right there…with your aunt's silver knife in his chest. Luna helped me close his eyes before Ron and the others helped me dress and cover him. I got a spade… that's a muggle garden tool…and buried him. Losing that little elf was what finally had me really feel the effects of occlumency because I was so focused on Dobby. Anyway, after that I went about planning the next steps of my attack. The newspapers printed most of the story but not the happenings at Shell Cottage because I didn't want to sensationalize Dobby and this place."
Draco listened to the story in silence and stood over the facsimile gravesite of his former elf. "I'm happy you feel able to confide these things to me, Harry."
"I don't know why, but I felt like tonight was the night to share this story and it just felt right to show it to you." Harry asked the room for a lounger and got a large one that could fit two. "You're so important to me that I need to tell you every thought I have and share every feeling. Last year at this time, I would've never believed it could happen but I'm so glad it has, Draco."
"Me too," The blond said as he snuggled into his husband's embrace.
They sat like that for another few minutes before Harry reminded him that they should get back to their apartment to sleep in their own bed. He gave Draco a box of Swiss chocolates before they got into bed and slept peacefully.
In early March, Ron received a letter at breakfast. He took the letter from the owl's leg and read it twice before letting out a loud yell. "Mione, look!" Ron had a huge grin on his face as he handed his wife the letter.
"We'll have to write a letter of congratulations to your father, Ron," Hermione beamed and turned to tell Harry what the letter said. "Arthur's been promoted, Harry! Isn't it wonderful?!"
Harry grinned at Ron. "That's so great, Ron! I'm so happy for him!"
"Do you think he'll take your suggestion to heart, Ron?" Hermione asked.
"What suggestion, Mi?" Ron frowned.
"The one you made at Christmas…" Hermione shook her head at his forgetfulness. "…about some things that need doing at the Burrow."
Ron's cheeks turned pink. "Oh, that one. Yes, Mi, I think it's quite likely he will."
Harry and Draco looked at the pair and back at each other with a roll of their eyes before getting back to their meals.
It was just a week or so later, right before the spring holiday, that Madam Hooch announced her upcoming retirement as flying instructor and coach of the house Quidditch teams. Her replacement would be former Hogwarts student, Marcus Flint. He would assist her for the rest of the year and take over in September.
Harry and Draco watched with amusement as Pansy wandered dreamily from class to class. When he asked the blond why their friend was acting this way, Draco told him about Pansy's longstanding crush on the former Slytherin Quidditch star. Rumor had it among Draco's Slytherin circle that the man had lost his first wife to a bout of dragon pox after the birth of their son Stanislas Hermes Flint.
The Weasleys once again met them at the train; though this time it was only Charlie, Arthur, and George because the others were home setting things up. Arthur had driven the new car over to get them so George just shrank all the luggage to be pocket-sized.
When they arrived, Harry noticed a large difference in the house he'd known as the Burrow. The ground floor of the house had been widened and the resulting structure appeared much more balanced.
Noticing the object of Harry's attention, Arthur smiled and told Ron to explain things.
"Well, Harry, it was the promotion, see?" Ron asked his friend. "There was more money coming in and repairs that needed doing, and they took advantage of the opportunity."
"What opportunity, Ron?" Harry understood making renovations and repairs but had no idea what Ron was talking about. The group got out of the car and began to circle the house.
"Bill's moved out completely and has bought a tent for when he brings his family to visit. Charlie has taken over the room he used to share with Bill and moved Gus in. Percy and Penny have a house in town so they can just walk over now…" Ron started before glancing at George, who took over as Arthur went inside.
"Dean and Ginny will be moving in here so Mum can help with the twins. With Freddy gone, Katie and I moved into the flat above the store in Diagon," George said, sticking his hands into his pockets. "Ronniekins and Hermione will be staying here for a while, also. That's four families that need to share the same space, not to mention all the guests that might visit."
Ron hurried his wife inside before ushering Harry and Draco in the door. "Mum and Dad's room is bigger and down the hall from the kitchen and living room but now there's a room across from theirs." He put Harry's hand on the knob and motioned for his friend to open the door.
"Happy belated Christmas, Harry." Molly and Arthur said together.
Looking around the room, he didn't really understand at first. It was supposed to be the guest room but the walls were covered in collage frames and the frames had pictures of everyone Harry loved. The biggest one was above the headboard of the queen size bed. It held pictures from the New Years celebration and had Harry dancing with Draco at the center while the smaller pictures depicted Draco's parents and Molly and Arthur as well as other guests. Another collage frame had photos of Harry with Ron, his siblings and Hermione all through school. Harry's breath caught as he noticed his parents and their friends in another frame above a dresser. "You're giving me a…room?"
"Now, we know you've got your own plans for living elsewhere, Harry," Arthur began. "But you've always been like a son to us."
"And all our sons have a place here to call their own," Molly had a tearful smile.
"B-But…Bill's been displaced! He's going to live in a tent when visiting his childhood home?" Harry asked in shock. "That's not right! I mean, I'm not even a blood relation and I'm pushing him out of his own childhood home!"
"Harry, mate, we all agreed. Bill doesn't care and Fleur loves the outdoors. They can cast warming or chilling charms, depending on the weather, or they could even just floo in for whatever occasion they'd be visiting for!" Ron protested.
"So could I! Draco and I could do those things too, you know!" Harry volunteered.
"It's not just Bill, Harry. Percy's moved out and eventually so will I," Ron asserted. "After the holiday is over, Charlie's room will be merged with Percy's to make it big enough for him, Gus and the baby to have a whole floor. George's room will be combined with Ginny's to give them a whole floor as well. This is just a room, Harry."
"Harry…" Draco's quiet voice almost startled Harry because he'd said nothing until this point.
Harry bit his lip and tried to calm himself.
"It both is and isn't just a room that they're offering," Draco told him softly. "It's just a room compared with what the others who will be actively living here are getting."
Ron nodded slightly to accept Draco's interpretation of things.
"But what they're really offering is a place of permanence when you've never had one before. This room will be yours whether you – we – use it or not." The blond could tell that Harry was rethinking what was being said.
"Whether you're blood or not, Harry, you'll always have a place in this house and this family." Molly came over and hugged him. Then she turned to Draco. "And so will you, Draco…"
"Well, thank you then, Molly. It's amazing." Touched beyond measure, Harry watched the Weasleys slowly vacate the room.
Some went to settle in for the week while Molly headed to the kitchen to finish cooking dinner.
Harry sighed. "I just don't want to take anything away from someone it belongs to more than me."
"It's not for you to decide who it belongs to, Harry," Draco said softly as he took a seat on the bed.
Harry looked down at the blond. "You're right. Although, I did decide that you belonged to me when you were actually your own man."
Draco flushed. "If I remember correctly, I believe you gave me a choice, Harry. You made it clear that you wanted me but let me choose to give myself…and I did."
"You still do," Harry chuckled. "You give yourself almost every night."
Draco moaned at the implication of those words. "Should I ward the room, Harry?"
Harry grinned and leaned down to kiss him hard and longingly. "Not now, love. Dinner will be ready shortly and we shouldn't keep our hosts waiting."
Draco pouted. "You could just be quick."
"I'll make it up to you later, Dragon." Harry kissed him again, this time also caressing the bulging five month baby-bump. "Nice and slowly…a sweet and careful love making…"
Draco whimpered. "Yes, please Harry."
"I promise, after you floo your parents tonight." Harry cupped the blond's cheek and kissed it before beginning to unpack his things.
"Dinki can be doing that, Master Harry," Dinki popped in and snapped her fingers, sending all of their things into the proper drawers or into the closet as necessary.
Harry stared. "I can't believe I forgot."
Draco looked confused. "What did you forget?"
"I never told them I have a second elf, Draco," Harry hung his head at the thought of the coming argument. "Dinki, come with me."
Out of curiosity, Draco followed Harry and the elf into the kitchen.
Harry cleared his throat. "Molly, everyone… This is our elf, Dinki. Lucius and Narcissa gave her to us for Christmas and she's a really big help. She's Dobby's sister."
Hermione looked at Harry in shock and, just as she seemed about to say something, Ron stopped her. "I'm sure it's nothing against you and your views, Mi."
"Of course it isn't!" Harry frowned at the pair. "Mione, I've told you my opinions don't match yours. I'm not cruel to her and neither is Draco."
"Oh, no, Miss! Masters are being very good to Dinki!" The small creature defended Harry and Draco. "Dinki is never being mistreated and is even having a whole day to herself each month!"
Hermione huffed. "Well, fine then! We'll all just give in to slavery, shall we? I suppose you still have Kreacher as well?"
"I do actually," Harry admitted. "He doesn't hate me anymore, as you well know, Mione, and he loves Grimmauld place. I'll not be the one to throw him out of his home."
"Do you punish her?" Hermione asked contemptuously.
Harry grimaced. "I haven't needed to, but if she did something that required punishment, I'd take minutes to hours from her day off. It's the Malfoy family rule."
Draco smirked at the girl's shocked expression.
"Harry, there's someone here to visit with you," Arthur nodded toward the door, breaking the tension in the room.
"Dinki you can go for now," Harry frowned and looked out the door.
A black dog sat with a purple collar around her neck. She sat perfectly still and proud.
"Selene! Her training is finished?" Harry grinned and opened the door. "She's gotten so big!"
Arthur handed him a sheet of parchment. "These are the hand motions you need to memorize. That's the way you'll tell her what you want. Look there – the man in the distance is her trainer, Jon Turner. He's got a dummy and they want to show you what she can do. Using the hand signals, tell her to disable the bad person."
Harry looked at the sheet and gave the proper command.
Selene growled and took off into the marsh.
When Harry and the others found her, she had her teeth sunk into the dummy's left hand where a stick could be seen acting as a wand. "Wow, that's great! Does she do normal dog things too?"
"Just look at the list, Mr. Malfoy-Potter," the squib said.
At Harry's signals, Selene sat, gave her paw, and lay down before rolling over.
"Now let's show you her indoor manners," Jon said, leading them into the house.
The table held a feast to end all feasts and the dog sat quietly next to Harry where he stood at the door. She looked perfectly calm.
Harry smiled. "This is amazing, Mr. Turner."
"Jon, Mr. Malfoy-Potter – please? It's both my job and pleasure to train dogs," he informed them. "If she tries to get up on any furniture, you'll only have to tell her 'no' once, but she should be fine as long as you give her a soft resting place in each room and a good run in the mornings. She's been wonderful with my wife and kids, so she won't likely harm yours. She only barks or growls when there's a 'bad person'."
"Father will be impressed, Harry." Draco grinned.
"How does she do with house elves, Mr. Turner?" Hermione asked, sounding smug.
"I-I don't know, miss. I don't have any so I couldn't test that." Jon looked uneasy.
"I have two elves in my possession, Jon." Harry bit his lip. "She'll have to get along with them or at least not bring them harm or I won't be able to take her into my home."
"I'll place the training leash on Selene and then you should call one of them, Sir," Jon swallowed nervously as the leash snapped onto the purple collar.
The dog's demeanor changed from proud and confident to cautious. She seemed to know she was being tested.
"Dinki, please come?" Harry called.
"Dinki is being needed?" She asked, popping into the room.
Selene was startled but only looked curiously at the elf.
"Master Harry is having a dog? Oh, what a pretty dog you are!" Dinki looked excited. "What is doggy's name being?"
"Her name is Selene. I called you so we could see how she'd react to you since she's never seen an elf before," Harry told her.
"Elves be getting along well with most animals, Master Harry, sir," Dinki smiled and walked slowly toward the dog.
The dog sniffed her and relaxed quickly while being petted.
Harry sighed in relief and shot a grin at his husband. "I think we are suitably impressed, Jon."
"Let's just see how she does without the leash before we overestimate her, Mr. Malfoy-Potter." Jon reached forward, carefully removing the leash from the collar. After a moment of watching the dog allow herself to be petted by the creature, Jon extracted a small sack from his pocket and held it out to Harry. "You can give her something from this sack as a treat, sir."
Harry knelt down and held out his hand. The dog picked up her head and sniffed the treat before gobbling it up. "Good girl, Selene!" Harry grinned and scratched behind the dog's ears. "This is such a great surprise, Jon. Thank you! Is she done with training?"
"There are a few more things I'll teach her before she can come home to you, Mr. Malfoy-Potter," Jon grinned. "I'll bring her here in late May and then Arthur can bring her to you where she'll stay."
"I don't know how to thank you, Jon," Harry shook the man's hand. "And you can call me 'Harry'."
"Well then, Harry, just send anyone who wants a dog trained to my little corner of Ireland and I'll count that thanks enough!" Jon took a firm hold of the dog and activated a Portkey.
"C'mon you lot! Dinner is ready!" Molly hollered.
Once Harry had washed his hands and gotten to the table, the meal was wonderful. Hermione didn't bring up house elves again for the rest of the vacation, but Harry and Draco left for the Manor just four days later.
Lucius came in through the floo and greeted his son and son-in-law as well as the Weasleys before showing the boys a Portkey. "It will activate upon use of the password. Shall we?"
Dinki had already taken the luggage to their rooms at the new Manor so all Harry and Draco had to do was hold on to the blue baby shoe. They hugged Molly and Arthur once more before taking hold of the shoe and each other. Lucius spoke a word in French which turned out to be the password.
The group landed at the familiar hedges and large wrought iron gates which were adorned with two large black letter Ms.
"It doesn't look all that different, Lucius." Harry felt cold.
"The house is different, Harry, not the gardens or grounds," Lucius informed them as they turned a corner.
He was telling the truth. The house that was so overwhelming in its inherent darkness was now bright and cheerful. The façade was brick while the door was bright white. The structure had been more like a cold castle or jail but now seemed much more welcoming. Harry smiled at the tracks of ivy and climbing roses that were decorating the walls of the monstrous house.
"It does have drawing rooms and a ballroom, but the interior has been cleared of dark energy," Lucius commented quietly. "The cellars only contain wine and liquid spirits. The old dungeons have been filled in. I don't want my grandchildren to get lost or hurt in any way. Dinki knows where your rooms are, boys, and Cissa will give you the tour when you're settled."
"Thank you, Lucius," Harry sighed, relieved that he and Draco could be comfortable here for the rest of their holiday as well as the first week of summer.
The next two days saw Harry and Draco exploring the new Manor between meals and enjoying their suite during the nights. To their delight, neither Harry nor Draco experienced any nightmares during their stay. Before they left, Harry showed Lucius Selene's progress in the Malfoy's Pensieve and all in all it was a very peaceful holiday.
There we have it!
Next chapter: Does Pansy get a shot at the man she'd cruched on a few years ago or does Marcus Flint give her the brush-off?
Wait and see...
Lori