******** ******** Chapter 40 ******** ********
October came with a jumble of pregnancy announcements. Hermione had told them early in September that she was twelve weeks along, so the official announcement seemed superfluous but Penelope Weasley was also finally telling people about her pregnancy. Draco supposed she had reason to keep it secret seeing how her first pregnancy had gone. If all went well, her child would be just two weeks younger than Ron's and Hermione's. Parvati, it seemed, had given in and gotten pregnant as well. She was only eight weeks gone. Padma had continued with her plan to have another child also and was expecting in February.
On October thirtieth, Luna and Blaise visited to tell of their news. They were expecting a girl to be born in early June. Cadence Etamina was actually due on Draco's birthday. The honor of them naming the child this way was not lost on Draco, who hugged them both tightly.
Although their anniversary passed quietly this year, Harry made sure to spoil Draco anyway. The blond had been bugging Harry to buy a new owl, so he gave in. Harry knew that Draco didn't propose this to replace Hedwig but to have a ready mode of communication between himself and the outside world. Draco needed to send his work to his mentor more often than the twice weekly visits Harry made to the post office in Diagon Alley. He wanted to send letters more often to his parents and Pansy as well and the floo wasn't his favorite way to speak with them. Harry also asked Dinki to make chocolate cake for the occasion – just because candy was forbidden, didn't mean cake was – and Harry fed the cake to his husband after a delectable French meal chosen by the blond. When the meal and dessert had both been consumed, Draco tempted Harry into their bed which led to a long passionate encounter.
To Draco, November was a blur of potions ingredient preparations and essays that explained which ingredients could be prepared in which ways and why some were of better use if prepared in one particular way compared to other ways. Now properly focused, the blond was able to catch up quickly. He passed the test for the end of the fifth level before the end of November allowing the sixth to begin at once on December first.
The sixth level of training in Potions Mastery was all about observing the chemical reactions and interactions, so Al came over on the first day and brewed ten potions. Each on their own was quite safe but when they mixed with each other… Well, from behind a thoroughly shielded window, Draco observed that 'BOOM' was a bit of an understatement, but he also learned why each potion would act the way it did. This level was clearly meant to teach him – or rather any student of this subject – what could happen if they randomly experimented.
It was December twentieth, Draco noted as he stared at the last page of his essay. Sighing in relief, Draco smiled secretively as he summoned several sheets of parchment and the smile got wider as he wrote each letter. The first letter he sent was to his mentor into which he enclosed his last essay in the sixth level of his training. The next one was to his mother, though he knew she would share the news with his father. The third was sent to Pansy as he knew she was waiting to hear from him regarding several subjects. A fourth letter, addressed to Kingsley Shacklebolt, included a Christmas card that returned the well wishes of the holiday season which the Minister had sent a few days before and invited him to yet another New Years event at Malfoy Manor as well as catching him up to their day to day activities. Draco assigned Dinki to send the letters off quickly and hoped to be rewarded with rapid replies.
Indeed, the replies were quick to arrive. His parents were delighted to accommodate his plans. Kingsley was happy to hear from him about his progress in the Mastery of Potions as well as receive an update on Harry and the children. His best friend Pansy gushed about being pregnant again, due in early September, and she wished they could share the experience as they had the first time. His mentor, Master Loveday, wrote back with congratulations on an Outstanding essay as well as a suggestion for weekly discussions during the next year – the schedule to be determined once Draco's imminent plan came to fruition.
Being that it was half eleven, Draco ate his lunch with careful detail paid to each item before biting his lip to suppress a giggle as he set to work on Harry's biggest Christmas gift. The other gifts had been purchased through owl-order but this had to be done himself. He'd collected the ingredients over the course of the past week and knew that it would take seven hours to brew so he instructed Dinki to set dinner for eight hours later. The potion also needed to sit overnight before it would be effective so he would have lots of time to tell Harry the news. He couldn't wait to bask in happiness with his Harry.
Harry and the children were in the garden and he was pointing out all sorts of things so the twins would learn new words. "That's a 'plant', Lyra."
"Pant?" She asked.
"Don't leave out the 'L', Sweetie." Harry smirked and repeated the word over. "Plant. La-la-la… Plant. Ok?"
She seemed to watch his lips and how his mouth moved around the letter 'L' as he said it before he heard her little voice repeat after him. "Pla-la-la ant. Pla-ant…plant."
"That's wonderful, Lyra!" Harry's praise and applause led to a high pitched giggle.
"Codors!" The little girl commanded.
"You lost your 'L' again, darling." Harry sighed. "It's colors…"
She pouted and pointed to the wand in his hand. "Colors, Papa."
"Wow!" Harry gasped as his wand shot sparks of purple even though she hadn't touched it. He dropped it to the ground and hurried to pick her up though she didn't seem startled in the least. He sighed and held her close to his chest. "Lyra – my darling Lyra… I am very happy you have magic, Sweetheart, but you have to try to control it. Just because you want something doesn't mean you'll get it instantly. If you'd just said the word correctly after me then I would've cast the spell for the colors."
Caelum happily watched his sister and father as they interacted before pointing to the top of the house. "Papa? What's it?"
Harry looked up where his son was pointing and grinned as their lovely barn owl – whom they'd named Altaira, after Draco's aunt – took off from the attic window. "That's our owl, Caelum. Owl…" He sounded the word out for the children as the bird got higher into the sky.
Caelum got it right on the first try but Lyra took a bit longer.
Knowing that Draco must have finished the essay that he'd been writing for days, Harry moved on to other words with the 'L' sound including the owl's name. He was packing the children's toys and blanket up less than an hour later when a smiling Caelum shouted his favorite new word and pointed at the sky.
"OWL!" Caelum shouted.
His sister joined him soon after. "Atara!"
Harry was a bit surprised to see, not just the one owl that belonged at his home, but three others as well. Then he wondered what was going on that Draco was getting so much mail because anything for Harry would be taken by the elves and brought to him directly. He shrugged and corrected his daughter's pronunciation of 'Altaira' before finishing what he was doing. He trusted that Draco would explain everything later. Until then, he'd be getting the twins some lunch before they went down for a nap.
The pair met at the dinner table that night and Harry could see that his husband was excited about something. He wondered what it could be but watched Dinki serve the meal in silence. There were baby carrots and baby spinach along with new potatoes and a lovely roasted chicken. Harry told the blond how he and the twins had spent the day learning words with the 'L' sound in them.
"Oh? Like what?" Draco asked his son as he cut the chicken up on his plate.
"OWL!" Caelum shouted. He was covered in the macaroni and cheese that he and Lyra were eating.
Harry winced. "Caelum…that is the outside voice, remember? We are now inside the house so we use our inside voice."
"Sowwy, Papa." Caelum looked so sad Harry just chuckled.
"Tell Daddy more of the words we learned today." Harry prompted them, vowing to teach them more of their 'R' sounds soon.
"Altaira…" Lyra whispered. "Colors."
Draco gasped theatrically. "You learned those? Do you know who Altaira is?"
The little ones nodded and pointed up at the ceiling, "Owl!"
"She's our owl. That's right! You're so smart!" Draco kissed Lyra's cheek. "Did you know there are 'L's in your names too?"
Harry smirked and continued to eat. Their names had been the first word's he'd taught them properly that day because they'd been using 'w' sounds to butcher them.
Caelum looked at his sister and pointed. "La-la-Lyra."
Draco grinned with pride at his messy son. "That's great! What about you? What's your name?"
The little boy's face scrunched as he tried to recall his lessons. "Sky…Ky-lum. Caelum."
"Good job, Caelum!" Draco praised their son before tickling his daughter's feet. "What about you? Did you learn your name and your brother's name?"
The little girl nodded eagerly.
"Well?" Draco put a big smile on his face.
"Lyra." She said pointing to herself. Then she pointed to Caelum and spoke his name perfectly.
"You're doing so well, my sweetlings!" Draco's grin turned watery but he managed to control himself. "I'm so proud of you!"
"They did very well today." Harry sighed happily before his gaze turned sly. "Caelum? Can you tell Daddy why we learned the word owl today…"
Draco's breath caught for a moment as he fell silent and began to speculate.
Caelum pointed to the ceiling. "Altaira." Then he flapped his arms like wings and made a whooshing noise.
"And then…?" Harry asked.
"Owl! Altaira, owl, owl!" Lyra joined in.
"Our children are brilliant, Harry." Draco murmured staring at them. "So Altaira went flying, did she? And then she came back with three friends?"
The twins nodded excitedly.
"And you saw her?" Draco whispered in awe.
"And Caelum asked what she was…so I told him…" Harry squeezed his husband's hand, smirking. "So why all that mail, my love?"
"Well, I wrote to Mother and Pansy, of course, and the minister's Christmas card needed a response as well." Draco's trademark smirk appeared. "But most importantly, I had to send my last essay to Al before I could brew this." The blond lifted a small vial of shimmering blue liquid. It was corked and wrapped with a bright bundle of Christmas colored ribbons.
"What…?" Harry's eyes began to tear. "Is that what I think it is?"
Draco bit his lip and nodded. "I officially begin level seven on January second."
It was really happening! Soon they would have a third child. Harry stared off into space.
"Harry?" Draco sounded sad and slightly scared so Harry blinked and focused on his husband. The poor blond looked distressed by Harry's silence.
"I'm so happy, love. I'm sorry I got lost in thought." Harry stood and pulled Draco into his arms. "You've made me deliriously happy, Dragon!"
Draco relaxed. He'd thought Harry was regretting the decision to have another child this soon. Thank God he was wrong. As they went back to their meal, he told Harry his plan for the next few days. "I can't take the potion until it sits overnight, so Mother is coming first thing in the morning to get the children."
"Gamma?" Lyra's excited little voice chimed in.
"Gamma come?" Caelum's eyes lit up.
Draco grinned at them and nodded. "Yes. Grandma and Dinki will take you to the Manor."
"Where Gampa?" Lyra pouted.
"Grandpa will meet you there, sweetling." Draco was happy that his daughter was so fond of his father. Except for Harry's eyes, she was a mini replica of him at that age so she would cheer Lucius up if he ever missed Draco's presence. "They'll stay with my parents for a few days before we join them on Christmas Eve."
Harry smirked. "What ever will we do without the children here?"
"Make a new one?" Draco's cheeks flushed a pale pink as he primly returned to his meal.
Harry's eyes settled on the vial of blue liquid. "Good idea…"
After dinner, Harry and Draco carried the twins into the sitting room and cuddled while their children played. After a while Dinki took the twins upstairs to bed while Harry escorted his husband into the bath which would relax them both allowing their sleep to come quickly.
Harry woke to the whispers of his husband in the nursery. The brunette smiled as he recognized Narcissa's voice as well. They were dressing the children and discussing whether or not to wake him before she left with the twins. He stood quietly and drew on his bathrobe while creeping toward the doorway which he leaned against as if he'd been there for a long time. "Good morning."
Both blonds were startled and jumped before sharing a rueful glance. "Good morning, Harry." His mother-in-law tilted her face toward him and he smirked as he walked to her side greeting her with a light kiss on the cheek.
"Thank you for taking the twins for a few extra days, Narcissa." Harry took Lyra's hand in his as Narcissa finished snapping her outfit closed. "We'll miss them but it's only a couple of days and it's important for us to have this alone-time."
Draco's cheeks became slightly rosy at the mention of the next few days. "Yes, thank you, Mother." He replied quietly.
"We're happy to have them, darlings. Think nothing of it." She lifted her grandson – who had indeed inherited her ocean-blue eyes – and waited for Dinki to finish packing the suitcase. When the elf had completed her task, she lifted the young Lady Lyra and waited for her masters to bid them goodbye.
Draco kissed his daughter's cheek and his son's forehead before stepping back to allow Harry the same opportunity.
"We'll see you soon, loves. Be good for Grandma and Grandpa." Harry told the twins sternly.
Caelum seemed to understand that Daddy and Papa weren't coming and he started to squirm in his grandmother's embrace. Lyra, however, seemed fine with it as she waved 'bye-bye' from Dinki's arms. The group hurried down to the floo-room and left before Caelum could protest.
Draco had tears in his eyes when he and Harry reached the sitting area of their suite.
Harry let the blond sit on the sofa and then perched next to his husband to dry his tears. "It'll be fine, Dragon. We've been through this before." Harry reminded his husband as they stared at their Christmas tree. "Lyra and Caelum need time away from us as much as we need time alone. They have to learn to trust other people besides us. They have Dinki and your parents just now and they'll be fine."
Slightly mesmerized by the fairy lights and ornaments, Draco nodded slowly and took a few deep breaths before finally calming down. "I should take the potion now, Harry." He whispered as the fire burned in the fireplace lending a romantic glow to the room.
"Will it hurt again, Dragon?" Harry asked sighing softly at the feel of Draco stirring in his arms.
With a small grimace, Draco bit his lip before answering. "Yes…unfortunately that's one part of the potion that doesn't change between variations."
Harry grimaced as he summoned the vial and handed it to the blond before standing to remove his robe and pyjama pants.
Draco undressed before drinking the potion and Harry quickly wrapped himself around his beloved just in time. Draco shuddered at the pain as he felt it begin the same way it had the first time – a dull ache just above his pubic region – and again, it slowly transformed into sharp stabbing pains which rapidly became intense and caused Draco to sob in Harry's arms. This time Harry joined his love, clinging to Draco and letting his tears flow.
"I hate that it has to hurt you, Dragon." Harry whispered raggedly into Draco's ear. "I'm so sorry."
"Harry…" Draco murmured in an almost dreamy voice.
"Yes, love?" The brunette stroked Draco's hair with one hand as he used his wand to conjure a handkerchief with the other.
"There's something I didn't tell you…It's about this version of the potion…" Draco confessed while letting Harry dry their faces. "It works best in combination with Dominant/ submissive relationships because it will enhance submissive tendencies for a short time. We almost never get to play that way anymore and I really miss it."
"So that's why you had your mother take the twins." Harry smirked. "You know…You could've just asked me to be more commanding in the bedroom."
"I'm a Slytherin, Harry." The blond smirked. "We never use the obvious approach."
Harry grinned as he considered the options. "I'd thought to have you here on the rug next to the fire and beneath the tree but I find myself with some new ideas."
"Oh?" Draco sounded mildly curious as he gazed up at his Dominant husband.
"I think I might bind you to the bed and tease you for hours." Harry flicked one of Draco's sensitive nipples causing the blond to whimper. "So beautiful, my Dragon."
"H-Harry, please? I'm asking now…I want the rough stuff. I want my Dominant." Draco was already close to panting with desire. "Spank me if you want…withhold an orgasm or two. Anything you want is what I want too, Harry…please?"
"Withhold an orgasm? Spank you?" Harry's eyebrows shot up. "You hate being spanked and I love seeing you climax …Are you sure this potion…?"
Draco cut him off with a hand to his mouth. "This is just me. The potion isn't doing anything to change my thoughts or normal behavior. I swear to you I'm in control of my own thoughts." Harry was still hesitant so Draco prompted him. "I think I should tell you, Harry…"
"Hmmm?" Harry murmured into Draco's palm.
"The aspect I was talking about…" Draco nuzzled Harry's chest. "The one that enhances my submissive tendencies…"
"Yes?" Harry's voice was muffled but still understandable as he kissed Draco's palm before licking it.
Draco gasped. "It'll wear off in twenty-four hours."
"I guess I should take advantage of it then…" Harry made up his mind, smirked and pinched Draco's nipples. "Get onto your knees…I'll have you right here."
The blond shivered in anticipation and knelt on the rug before the fireplace.
Harry grinned as he slid the robe off his shoulders. "I want your mouth on me, Draco. Suck me."
Draco opened his mouth to allow Harry entrance and moaned at the taste of Harry's cock. He licked and suckled as he moved his lips over his husband's veined organ. He whimpered as Harry's fingers tangled in his hair to pull him away.
"You're so beautiful when you're like this…Well, you're always beautiful, but I…" Harry told the blond tenderly. "I want you, Draco. I want you so badly…want you spread out beneath me…Want to fuck you hard and slow. I've been aching to chew on those nipples of yours for a while too."
"Yes!" Draco panted. "Harry, please?"
"Lay down where you are, Dragon." Harry commanded, eyes blazing with emerald fire as he summoned lubricant from their bedside table. He lifted Draco's legs and made the blond hold his own limbs up. Then Harry opened the tube and squeezed a small amount directly onto Draco's pink hole.
The submissive man whined at the cold but soon he was whining for a different reason.
Harry hadn't wasted time. He used his fingers to rub the cold gel into Draco's anus before pushing one finger inside which is what caused Draco's whine. "I didn't want to ruin the surprise, but I bought a toy for us to play with. It was a Christmas gift for us both."
Draco whimpered. "W-What is it?"
Harry removed his finger from its intimate placement to summon the toy. After cleaning his hand, he put on an eager expression and carefully unwrapped the package before holding the object aloft.
"It…" Draco's eyes lost focus for one lustful moment. "It looks like you."
"It's a dildo that is magically molded to look like my cock. This will let me play with you without expending my energy before I really want to." The brunette didn't wait, but pressed the head of the dildo into Draco's barely prepared hole.
The blond mewled his husband's name as he accepted its perfect length.
Harry smirked. "We'll play with this a lot more later, love. For now, it's just going to stretch you for me while I tease… Can you lower your legs for me, baby?"
Draco didn't bother to respond as he allowed his legs to stretch out on the floor.
"How does that feel inside you?" Harry looked into the blond's grey eyes and lowered himself to be closer to his submissive's body.
"So good, Harry…" Draco whispered in a needy tone.
"Try and stay still for me, okay?" Harry smirked as his lips surrounded Draco's nipple.
Draco moaned and tried to obey. His muscles strained while Harry worked him over. As soon as the brunette's teeth found purchase in the sensitive flesh, Draco gasped loudly. "Gods, Harry!"
"I love your noises, Dragon." Harry breathed, lapping at his husband's nipple for a few seconds before moving onto the other. "Your noises and your body…you're doing so perfectly." He bit lightly into the opposite nipple causing Draco to squeak in surprise. "Are you almost there? I want to make you come, Dragon."
"B-But Harry!" Draco whined softly. "I want you inside w-when I come."
Harry grinned before kissing Draco's leaking cock. "I'll just leave this alone then…shall I?"
"OH!" The blond cried out as the brunette took his cock deep into his throat. "No, Harry, please don't stop!" Draco felt a bit lightheaded and even a little dizzy when the dildo began to move inside him. The feeling was more than a little scary but he was so close he whimpered. "But I need you in me Harry! Not this toy. You! Please?"
Harry could hear the slight undertone of fear so he withdrew the toy and lifted Draco's legs. "It's alright, love. I'm here…are you ready for me?"
"I'm so ready, Harry." Draco breathed softly as Harry settled himself in between the trembling limbs. "Please?"
Harry took hold of his cock and brushed the tip against Draco's opening. He smiled as the usually tight ring of muscle just softly allowed him entrance. It simply knew he belonged there and gave way under the light pressure.
Draco was enraptured by the feeling of his husband slowly filling him. His eyes closed but his lips parted into a soft 'o' shape and when Harry was fully seated inside him Draco allowed his eyes to open again before he took a trembling breath. Harry's eyes held Draco's attention as the dominant man began to move. He pulled out slowly before surprising Draco by slamming back into him. The blond beneath him cried out when Harry hit his sweet spot. He wrapped his legs around Harry's hips and thrust back, giving as good as he got from Harry. It wasn't long before Draco was hovering on the edge of his orgasm and he began to beg the brunette.
Harry simply smiled again before devouring Draco's mouth. He drove harder into his husband just a few more times before whispering the command to come. He held the blond tightly as they both rode the waves of bliss and, while he'd calmed down, Draco felt comforted by the closeness. Harry didn't pull out right away, preferring to cuddle a bit before moving on with the rest of what was sure to be a wonderful night.
On the morning of Christmas Eve, Harry sent a pleasantly tired Draco on to the Manor so he could bring Selene and the luggage without having to send Dinki back. He frowned out the window into the garden. They'd done the pregnancy detection spell and Draco had yet to conceive but they remained hopeful that it would happen soon. Harry wanted this to happen as much as Draco did but he'd heard things in passing that they couldn't make it happen by stressing themselves out over it. It would happen when they stopped worrying and just had fun. He shrunk the luggage before whistling for Selene and, when she calmly sat beside him, he grabbed her collar with one hand while wrapping one arm around her body.
They appeared just outside the gates of the Manor. The two large 'M's still dominated the ironwork but the garlands of holiday greenery lent quite a cheerful air to the stern looking sight. Harry used a light spell against the wards to declare his presence and the gates swung open.
Harry grinned mischievously and gave the pup a hand signal. Selene took off silently into the grounds and when he finally caught up, she was licking Lyra's face while his daughter and Caelum both stroked her fur to the consternation of the adults.
"Must you encourage this behavior, Harry?" Draco asked exasperatedly shaking his head. "It's time for luncheon and now we'll have to wash their faces and hands again!"
Harry chuckled lightly. "I just told Selene to find the children, not what to do after that. Besides, they're children and we were probably going to wash them again before we ate anyway."
Lucius sighed and was the first to return to the warmth of the house while Narcissa smirked knowing that Harry was correct but silently joined her husband.
Draco and Harry cleaned the children up and then brought them into the dining room. They placed the twins into their highchairs and sat in their own chairs. Throughout the meal, neither of Draco's parents asked about the days they'd spent alone, although they did tell them about the childrens' adventures.
"Yesterday, Caelum vanished the outfit I'd put him into and crawled around the nursery in just his nappy as if to escape." Narcissa said to Harry. "Lyra simply laughed and waved her arms around at the time but she has her own fun. That little one is a real firecracker, boys. She changed the color of my clothing last evening. I'd been wearing a lovely silver blouse with a long black wool skirt – do you know? She changed the blouse to gold and the skirt to navy blue."
Both men laughed but Draco managed to calm enough to tell his mother. "Yes, she's a bit of a fashion critic. If we dress up for something – say dinner out – she likes to change our tie colors or designs. She especially hates paisley."
"And Caelum has done that trick before as well." Harry confessed. "I usually just scold him and place him in a warded circle for a few minutes."
"That's what used to work with Draco also when he did silly but harmless tricks like that." Narcissa divulged.
"I did that?" Draco snickered.
"You hated socks, darling, so I'd put you to bed wearing them but when I'd check on you during the night they'd be gone." She smiled fondly at her son. "Hats were even worse. I'd put a hat on you for a cold day and they would miraculously change into something else. Once it was a toad and it hopped off into the garden pond. Another time it became a bird and flew away!"
Harry tsked. "You were a handful, Dragon."
Draco's face flushed with his embarrassment and his hair fell around his face. On holidays, the blond didn't always want to tame his pale locks.
"The worst was the time it transformed into a poisonous snake and scared both you and your mother to tears." Lucius contributed quietly.
Narcissa shivered lightly. "I remember that day…"
"I'll bet it was something to do with your hair…wasn't it, Dragon?" Harry asked to lighten the mood but he gave his mother-in-law a sympathetic look.
"Don't be ridiculous, Harry. It's called accidental magic for a reason." Draco narrowed his eyes at his husband's teasing and tucked one stray piece behind his ear. "Nobody really knows why it happens."
Harry noticed Narcissa bite her lip and wink at him covertly which caused him to choke on his coffee. Conversation remained light and comforting for the rest of the meal.
Lucius and Narcissa had mellowed with their grandchildren around them. So much so, that Harry often found it difficult to get Draco alone while they occupied the manor because he and the children enjoyed the elder Malfoys' company. It wasn't that he minded sharing his family with his in-laws; he just wished Draco would split his time better and not be so insistent on supervising the twins.
"I want them in our suite, Harry." Draco protested stubbornly. "They're our children, not my parents'!"
Harry sighed trying to think of what would convince his husband. They were in the sitting area of their suite arguing over the elder Malfoys' offer to allow Lyra and Caelum to spend their nights in the nursery that remained attached to the master suite. Draco felt that the three nights they'd spent away from the children were already too much and wanted them in the suite that was designated for their little family. While Harry had missed his little ones, he felt that since he and Draco rarely got time alone, they should take Narcissa and Lucius up on this.
"I understand that, Draco, and you know that I love the twins as much as you do…but if we keep them with us then your parents can't help or they'll risk walking in on us. You know they want to help us." Harry reasoned softly. "I think your mother's idea has merit. We should spend our days with your parents and the children but reserve the nights for being alone…at least until we conceive."
Biting his lip, Draco sighed. "I suppose you're right. We'd be awfully distracted if the babies were here…I just feel guilty for letting my parents do so much for us."
"If they hadn't offered, then I'd feel guilty too, my love." He rubbed the blond's shoulders for a moment and when his husband looked up into his eyes with obvious mischief Harry suppressed a knowing grin. He'd won the argument.
"You know, Harry…" Draco placed a light kiss on his throat. "There's plenty of time before dinner…"
"Oh?" The brunette allowed one eyebrow to rise. "What do you think we should do with that time?"
Draco pouted playfully as he turned around and walked toward the couch. "Well, if you don't know, why should I make it easy and tell you?" He let his hips sway slightly on the way.
Harry chuckled to himself before quickly coming up behind the submissive man. He raised his wand and cast the spell to unfasten his clothes. Draco spun around just as Harry began to scoop him up and they ended up in a tangled mess on the floor. Their faces hovered close and Harry took the opportunity to lock lips with his beautiful husband.
Draco didn't resist and soon was writhing in pleasure under the man he loved.
The brunette sighed happily as he watched his family interact.
It was just after lunch and Andromeda had just arrived with Teddy. They were joining the Malfoys and Malfoy-Potters at the manor for the holiday meal and Harry couldn't believe how much his godson had grown. At just under three years of age, Teddy was already standing at 32 inches and reached Harry's hip. Remus' son had a wonderful disposition and – having outgrown his shyness – was a very friendly child. Andromeda was good for him and Harry was very fond of her. She was like a much older sister to Harry in the way that she tried to mother him.
"Unca Ry!" Teddy shouted as he ran across the room with his hair turning bright blue before settling into Harry's color.
Harry caught him and lifted the boy into the air. He spun around quickly and by the time he'd set Teddy back on his feet their eyes matched too. "You look like a miniature of me!"
"Gramma teached me!" He grinned at his uncle.
Harry bit his lip and threw a challenge. "I'll bet you can't match Draco…"
"Can too!" The small boy turned to look at Harry's husband before suddenly turning blond and, when Harry looked, he saw grey eyes.
Harry breathed in awe. "You have gotten so good at this! Can you match Grandma?"
Teddy nodded and looked at her. Instantly her hair appeared on the young boy's head and her features soon followed but the eyes came up last.
Harry shook his head. "Wow. Andy, I'm speechless."
"I also have him copying from pictures I've shown him." Andromeda nodded to Teddy who closed his eyes and, when he opened them, he looked just like his father.
Harry stared at the miniaturized form of Remus Lupin. His jaw worked but no sounds came from his lips.
Draco came closer to watch and saw Harry's shock. He took his husband's hand just as Teddy changed his face again.
Tears began to run down Harry's face at this sight. "You look just like your mum." He whispered as he gathered the boy into his arms. "You're too young to be this smart, Ted."
Draco could hear the quiver in Harry's voice. "Why don't you show us what else you can do? Can you …look like uncle Lucius?"
Ignoring him, Teddy squirmed in Harry's embrace. "Gramma said you'd be happy, Ry. Why you sad?"
Harry fought to stay calm as he forced a smile. "I'm not sad, Teddy. I promise. I'm happy. You're a smart boy and I'm so proud of you."
Teddy grinned again and ran to his grandmother. He hugged her and then asked where the twins were so Draco called Dinki to take him there.
Draco let Harry lead him away from the others and held him close.
"I haven't…They'd be so proud of him, Dragon…" Harry couldn't stop the tears but he spoke through them. "And I know they're still here and they still see him but I wish…"
"Remember what you said to me near the end of our first date, Harry." Draco asked him. "If we got caught up in wishes and dreams we wouldn't really be living our lives. Where we are now is the important thing and we wouldn't be here if the past hadn't happened the way it did."
Harry held his husband tightly and sighed. "Thanks. I needed that."
They hugged a little more and then rejoined the others where Andromeda apologized for upsetting Harry. The brunette waved her off and just explained how strange it was to see his old friends in miniature right in front of him again. He went on to tell her how amazing it was that she could teach him how to use powers that she didn't have herself.
"I went into my memories of when Nymphadora was young and took a small notepad into the Pensieve with me." Andromeda's eyes were soft as she told him. "I wrote down all the things I saw her do. She also left certain memories before she went to Hogwarts that night and those are in a safe in my bedroom at home. I'll give them to him when he turns eleven. Of course I'll expect you to do the same if I'm not here to do so by then."
Harry frowned at the older woman and he could see Narcissa sit more stiffly than she had been. "What do you mean, Andy?"
"Is something wrong, sister?" Narcissa asked.
"My blood pressure has been a problem lately." The older woman admitted. "The Healers have me taking a daily potion but they're also doing monthly tests and nothing is guaranteed. I had a will drawn up, Harry, and you will take care of Teddy when I pass…won't you?"
"Of course I will – we will." Harry told her comfortingly with Draco nodding behind him. "I don't want you to worry about anything. Teddy is taken care of, Andy. I promise."
"Then let's not dwell on it." Andromeda nodded solemnly before glancing at the younger woman. "I'm fully aware that you have something to say, Cissy but I'd rather not deal with it right now. It's Christmas!"
Narcissa graciously allowed her sister to avoid the subject for the moment but the moment she got her alone they would have words. Andromeda should've spoken to her – should've asked for her company when she attended the healer appointments at Saint Mungo's. Andromeda should've been getting the best care from the Malfoys' private Healer if the ones at the hospital weren't good enough. She'd argue with her sister later, though. As she'd said – it was Christmas.
Lucius watched his family carefully. His wife was almost vibrating with concern and he knew his son and son-in-law were trying to conceive again. This added stress of Andromeda's ailment…well, he was sure it wouldn't help. He decided to call the private family Healer at the earliest opportunity and he'd insist that she allow a second opinion…for the sake of his own family, of course.
Christmas morning dawned and as Draco's eyes opened he felt something deep inside himself – a kind of relaxed certainty. He looked over at his sleeping husband. "Harry…" He whispered poking lightly at Harry's shoulder. "Harry…" Being that the brunette wouldn't wake up; Draco took the liberty of calling Dinki and requesting his mother's presence.
Regardless of the early hour when the lady of the house arrived, she was beautifully dressed and there was not a hair on her head that was out of place. She hurried over to her son and bent to hold a whispered conversation. "Mother? Could you cast the spell for us?"
"Oh, darling! Do you really think it's happened?" Narcissa spoke barely louder than a breath.
Draco nodded with a blush. "I do. I just can't explain it. I only know this strange feeling came over me when I woke."
"Your husband would want to be awake for this, you know." She nodded in Harry's direction.
"I tried to wake him…" Draco whined. "I'm just too impatient. I want to know."
Narcissa turned a disapproving stare upon her offspring. "Dinki, bring me a small serving of treacle tart from last evening's meal." Within seconds, she held a small dish of Harry's favorite dessert. She cast a light warming spell and placed the dish on Harry's nightstand.
"Mmmm…" Harry moaned and his eyes began to open as he rolled over.
Draco's eyes widened as he realized that Harry wasn't quite decent yet. To remedy this, the blond quickly pulled the blanket up high to cover his husband's bare chest.
Startled that he was so abruptly being smothered and awakened at the same time, Harry blinked rapidly and quickly recognized the scent. "T-Treacle? Dragon, what's going on?"
"You can have it with breakfast, Harry. We just wanted to wake you." Draco cringed at his nerves.
"Is something wrong? You – the children?" Harry gasped softly and turned to his mother-in-law. "Teddy or Andromeda?"
The blonds both quickly shook their heads and Draco hurried to calm him. "No, Harry! Nothing like that!"
"Gods…I was so scared for a moment – but what could've woken you this early if not an emergency?" Harry felt his heartbeat become steady.
"It was just this strange feeling I had and I wanted Mother to cast the pregnancy detection spell." He reached over to hold his love's hand. "I tried to wake you but became impatient."
"And I insisted on trying again before casting the spell." Narcissa's voice took on an apologetic tone. "You can both go back to sleep after we see what the spell finds."
Still bleary-eyed, Harry held Draco's hand tight as his mother-in-law's wand skimmed his husband's belly button. A misty white cloud formed but it didn't stay white. It roiled inside itself for a moment becoming a lovely silver color before finally turning a sweet pale pink.
Narcissa giggled through trembling lips. "So much for the idea that the Malfoy line is devoid of female children."
Harry bit his lip and gathered his husband into his arms. "Lyra and Caelum are going to have a sister! Oh Draco…" He scattered kisses over the blond's shocked face.
"A girl… I'm going to have another girl…" Draco whispered in awe as Harry settled their hands on his belly.
"I just hope this pregnancy goes as smoothly as the last one, my sweets." Narcissa grinned at them.
"I don't think it will." Draco's face fell as he looked around frantically. "Quickly, I need a basin!"
Harry looked around as if he'd forgotten that he was a wizard, but Dinki saved the day by conjuring one in a flash of elf magic and it appeared just in time to catch Draco's first bout of morning sickness.
"Narcissa, if you wouldn't mind calling the healer so she can tell us which potions he needs to brew." Harry suggested softly while banishing the contents of the basin.
"We'll tell Lucius at breakfast." She nodded and hurried away to floo-call the Healer.
When Lucius awakened to an empty bed, he asked one of his elves as to the whereabouts of his wife. Upon finding out she was with their son, he calmly got up and dressed for the day. He reached the dining room without incident but when he remained alone past the appointed time by more than five minutes, he called an elf. "Is something going on that I should know about, Dooley?"
"The Mistress has called a Healer to see young Master Draco, Master." Dooley bowed low.
"Keep breakfast warm." Lucius commanded before stalking off toward his son's suite. He knocked on the door and was let in by the Healer's assistant. "What's wrong with Draco, Cissa?"
She waved him away while continuing to speak with the Healer, but Harry hurried to his side. The younger man was a bundle of nervous happiness as he divulged the news. "Draco's pregnant again. Narcissa cast the spell for us at dawn." He described the cloud of silvery pink and instant bout of sickness and went on to tell how they'd called the Healer so she could recommend any potions.
"Now, Draco, this is two weeks worth of vitamin potions and stomach calming draughts." The Healer was wearing a large grin as she enlarged the box she'd taken from her pocket. In addition to the box she handed Harry two sheets of parchment. "I've drawn up the recipes myself and I'm certain you can brew the rest with no trouble. Another Malfoy girl! I was so happy to hear it."
Lucius stared at his son. "A girl…"
"Perhaps it has something to do with who is siring the child, Luc. Perhaps that old tale your father told you simply meant that a Malfoy couldn't sire a girl…" Narcissa smirked.
"But they can bear girls. This is wondrous, Cissa." Lucius shook Harry's hand before doing the same with his son. "I told you both once that 'girls are rare in the Malfoy line' and I was not lying but not many of our heirs have had siblings nor have they been allowed to marry a male spouse and never have they become the submissive of the pair."
"I hope you will allow us, when you are ready, to have a part in naming this child as you allowed us the last time." Narcissa smiled tearfully at her son and son-in-law.
The two simply nodded and returned to their own little world. They didn't notice that Lucius was in the corner speaking with the Healer or that Narcissa left soon after they'd agreed.
Draco had high hopes for this new daughter and didn't really want to think of names just yet. Of course, he hoped she would be healthy and happy in her life but he also hoped she would be as beautiful and brilliant as her sister and grandmothers.
Beyond the shared hopes of health and happiness, Harry hoped his new daughter would be as smart as her siblings. He also hoped she would learn 'Dada' first because Draco deserved to have at least one of his children do that. With Lyra's demanding attitude and Caelum's eagerness for life…and mischief…Harry also held hope that this newest member of their family would be an easier going child.
He bit his lip as he held the basin for Draco again and thought to himself. Maybe the smoothness of the pregnancy is in direct opposition to the temperament of the child? Gods, I hope so. I'll have to ask some of the others.
As soon as Draco swallowed the stomach calming draught he and Harry dressed to attend breakfast. Lucius announced to the elves the news of Draco's pregnancy and called for sparkling wine and juice to be available all day.
The holiday continued with little difference to the last two years. Having switched off with the Weasley family last year, this Christmas Day was spent with Draco's parents, Teddy and Andromeda. The children had received many toys and Draco was happy to see a voucher to the apothecary in Diagon Alley for potions ingredients. Harry's favorite gift…besides Draco's pregnancy…was from Lucius and Narcissa. It was a portrait of Abraxas Malfoy for their home.
After the gift giving was over, Harry and Draco took Teddy to their suite and explained about the new baby. The three year old was thrilled that he'd be getting a new playmate even if she was going to be a girl. When they'd returned Teddy to Andromeda, Harry and Draco retrieved their own children from the nursery in the master suite. Upon returning to their suite, the twins wanted to play with their new toys but Harry and Draco needed to tell them about the baby so they sat down on the couch, each holding a child. They knew at some level that it would have to be explained again, but Harry thought it was necessary. It didn't really impress Lyra or Caelum to hear the news explained so Harry shrugged it off and let them play. The twins became cranky soon after so Draco helped Harry put them down for a nap which allowed them to enjoy a short break from the festivities.
Dinner was wonderful though Draco's apple sauce craving returned and Harry was happy to supply relief.
Lucius remained stoic but Narcissa knew that he'd spoken to the elves and they, in turn, had stocked up on all the same items as Draco's first pregnancy. She knew her son would probably crave different things this time but love for her husband kept her silent.
Travel by floo was a bit tedious but Boxing Day was spent at the Burrow where they announced Draco's pregnancy and found that Hermione and Penny both looked ready to pop despite their due dates being in March. Hermione and Ron gave Harry a carry-bag imbued with an undetectable extension charm – not unlike the small purse Hermione used during the war.
During the visit, Lyra took her first unassisted steps. The Weasleys were ecstatic to be witnesses but Harry felt a bit guilty that the Malfoys had missed it so he had her demonstrate it for them later that night and this time Caelum joined her.
A few days later, Harry escorted Draco and the twins by special Portkey to the cemetery at Godric's Hollow. After thorough discussion, they'd made it tradition each year to visit the sight and summarize the previous year's important events. Last December he'd introduced the twins and this time he told his parents, Sirius and Remus all about the new baby. As part of the tradition; at the end of each visit, Draco volunteered to conjure an arrangement of flowers with narcissus, zinnia, lilies and roses. This time however – the flowers disappeared and a small jewelry box appeared. Inside laid a necklace with a silver pendant in the shape of a flower. Neither man needed to ask what it meant and Harry was once again assured that his loved ones were content with how his life was going. Upon their return to the Manor, Draco became nauseous but was still able to help Harry tell the elder Malfoys what had happened.
Lucius demanded to see the necklace. He tested it for any spells, hexes, jinxes or curses and found only protective spells and wards. Narcissa had a small grin as she handled the silver flower. She was certain she knew what Harry and Draco would choose to call their family's newest addition and she approved.
New Years Eve approached quickly and, when the Malfoy-Potter family awoke that day, it was to see a thick blanket of snow on the ground.
Recalling that their children had been too little to play in the snow last year, Harry became excited. "I'm so glad we packed the snowsuits, Draco! Lyra and Caelum will have so much fun today! I hope you'll join us."
"But it'll be cold!" Draco grimaced as he watched Dinki dress Lyra.
Harry hid a smirk while slipping Caelum's shoes on and fastening them tightly. "Don't whine. You'll set a bad example for the babies." Caelum giggled as Harry placed him into one side of a double occupant pram.
Draco glared and stuck out his tongue but then he sighed while putting on his own clothing. "I think I'll read with Mother in the sitting room. You can join us for tea and hot chocolate when you're through outside." He picked up a novel, shrunk it and placed it in his pocket as Dinki buckled Lyra into the pram and allowed Harry to take control.
The family reached the breakfast table at the same time as Draco's parents. Harry expressed his delight at the snow and told his in-laws about his plans for the morning.
Draco asked for scrambled eggs but, when they appeared, he went scrambling for the basin and Harry mentally checked off another former craving that had been reversed. The only one that seemed to remain was the apple sauce craving. To counter the former cravings Draco had developed new ones. He had asked for spinach during dinner the night before and bananas with strawberries and chocolate syrup for dessert. If the first pregnancy was smooth sailing, this one was all high seas and troubled waters.
Draco freshened up before returning to his spot at the table. "I'm so sorry for that."
"We know, Dragon. It's not your fault." Harry squeezed his husband's hand.
Draco looked around and made a face. "This is ridiculous…"
Harry looked up at him and frowned. "What's wrong?"
"I suddenly feel…No! I will not be one of 'those' pregnant people. Forget it." Draco huffed and took a slice of toast.
"Draco, talk to me." Harry said softly. "I can't take care of you if you don't talk to me."
Draco's eyes teared up. His lip trembled.
Harry glanced at his father-in-law who instantly took over helping Caelum with his cheerios and pulled his husband into the hallway. "Dragon please…if it's enough to make you cry then it's enough to tell me about."
"I made fun of Luna for her insane cravings. I will not give in to mine." Draco's stomach rumbled even as he denied himself.
Harry put two fingers under Draco's chin and lifted the pale face so their eyes met. "What do you want Dragon? We don't care if what you want sounds silly. I'll get you peanut butter and pickles if that's what you want! I'll get you mandarin oranges and tuna. If you're really that embarrassed then we'll take our meals in our suite." Harry soothed the blond. "If you want muggle Chinese food and ice cream, I'll go out and get it! Talk to me!"
Draco giggled but remained tearful. "Nothing that bad I suppose. I just thought how nice a steak might be…but it's barely eight in the morning. I'll just order it at the party tonight."
Harry's relief was palpable. He hugged Draco and helped him wipe his tears before leading him back to the table. "Dinki, we'd like steak please. I'll have mine in pieces with my eggs and Draco will have his with…How do you want them, love?"
Draco kissed Harry on the cheek before asking for it well done but sliced thin on a roll with chunky Bleu cheese dressing.
Lyra and Caelum seemed oblivious to their bearer's troubles and the adults were very happy about that. As soon as breakfast was over, Harry escorted his husband to the sitting room before taking the children and Dinki outside.
Last year, Harry had been happy to find that he could alter Dinki's pillowcases to fit certain occasions without having them become 'clothes', so what he'd done was spell washcloths with warming and impervious charms and tell Dinki to tie them onto her feet. She did it in such a way as they appeared to be booties. Harry enlarged a pillowcase and spelled it with a warming charm before handing it to her with a side-note that she'd need a length of rope to make it fit. It became her winter uniform since it was inexplicably warmer than all the others…and that's what she wore outside to play with the children now.
Dinki helped them get out of the pram and their gloved fingers took handfuls of snow. Harry knelt with them and showed them how he made a snowball. They just giggled and scooped snow at him like they splashed in the bath. Harry didn't give up and tried again but it wasn't until Harry saw Draco in the window and tossed the snowball at him that he got a reaction.
Caelum waved at Draco and the snow in his hand dropped on his little face. The baby's face scrunched up and he began to cry. Harry scooped him up and calmed him down and then he helped his son use his own hands to shape a proper snowball. Dinki conjured a small target circle and Harry demonstrated how to throw it. "It's just like at home, my little hunter. Swing your arm like with the rubber ball at home…and then let go." Harry's snowball hit the left side of the target but Caelum's didn't make it. Harry frowned but then conjured an actual rubber ball. They played catch for a minute but Caelum didn't understand so he sat and piled the snow in front of him.
Lyra watched silently and Harry thought he saw understanding in those green eyes so while Caelum built a snow pile, he watched her through the corner of his eye. She stayed quiet next to her brother but Harry could see those little hands molding what looked like a ball of snow.
Over the past few days, the twins had taken more than 'a few steps'. They'd gotten used to walking a few steps and plopping down on their little bottoms before getting back up and doing it again. It still took a while to cross the room but they got where they wanted to go.
Dinki watched the little girl. Lyra would be the devious one…not the new heir…and Dinki knew it. Master Harry bent to show young Master Caelum something but Dinki saw Lady Lyra throw the snowball at the target. It didn't get all the way there but Dinki knew that – whenever it happened – Lyra would be first to do it.
Harry noticed the time shortly after helping Caelum make his first snow angel and grinned at his children. "Are you tired, my darlings?"
They both screamed at him 'no', so he tickled them and laughed as they giggled. When they did get tired, Harry put them in the pram and shaped a snowman while his children watched. By the time they were done, it was lunchtime, so Harry brought them in and was greeted by Draco.
"Give the children to Mother, Harry – please?" He asked as his arms surrounded Harry's cold body.
Harry grinned and kissed his husband. "Alright. Let's get ready for tonight, love."
They got to the suite after giving Narcissa the pram. She'd put the twins down for their nap and let them enjoy the small period of time left before the party.
After a light snack, Harry and Draco got into a warm bath and soon made love before getting into dress robes for the New Years Eve ball. Harry gathered Draco's hair into a neat but masculine braid before leading the way down to the formal dining room.
The party was nearly as large as the one that had heralded the first year of their marriage. Once again they were announced and once again the happy couple led the dancing. When it came time, Harry did the honors.
He cast a spell to make a loud bell sound and when everyone was paying attention, he cast a Sonorous charm and spoke. "Lucius is allowing me the honor of making the New Year's Toast."
The guests laughed and applauded but soon quieted down.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to confide in all of you my hopes for the year to come." Harry said as he pulled Draco up next to him. "We haven't made a formal announcement in the papers yet but you can expect it soon…Draco and I will be having a new addition and she will arrive in September."
The crowd took a moment to figure out what he meant but when they did, their applause rang through the room.
"So I hope the world remains at peace." Harry told them with a shrug. "I hope my family – and yes I'm including all of you – stays happy…and healthy…and safe." Harry glanced at his friends – the ones who were affected by the Ministry's decrees. "I also hope that the world goes – somewhat – back to normal and allows its young people to make their own decisions regarding marriage and children. We're twenty years old and we've fought a war to stay free from evil. I think we deserve some respect and freedom. Here's hoping we get some."
Draco bit his lip and winced at the political statement. He'd wait until later to scold Harry. This was about being with their loved ones not politics. "To health and happiness…and love and life. Happy New Year!"
The party ended soon after that with George and Ron and their fireworks display. Everyone kissed their spouses and went home happy but thinking of what Harry had said.
I'm back! LOL! Hi! I guess it happened! I ran behind because of the fest pieces I did. Sorry! Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed my return! There is an official count down until the end of the fic. 9 more chapters and an Epilogue are left as of now. I'll be sad to see this one end but I do have other ideas that are already in the works so that's something to look forward to...Right?
Lori