Hi everyone! I know it's been a while since the last update but I had so many things going on in RL. This is also going to be a pretty long chapter because lots of things happen. Just a warning: you might want to grab a tissue box.

Lori

******** ******** Chapter 46 ******** ********

Edgar Fabian Weasley was born late in the afternoon on the last day of May – just days before the group had been set to gather for the birth of Blaise and Luna's little girl. Harry and Draco were happy to make the short trip to the Burrow to meet the little boy and see how Gus was recovering partly because it served to distract them from Andy's condition. They didn't stay for dinner because Teddy and the twins were suffering several stages of a little cold and they didn't want the littler ones to catch it.

On the fourth of June, Draco received an owl from Blaise that Luna had begun having labor pains. Several hours later the other man sent another letter that they weren't to visit until Blaise confirmed that the baby had arrived because Luna was having a difficult time of it and the healer expected the delivery to take a good while longer.

The morning of Draco's birthday dawned with a delightful surprise in the form of a fluttery movement in his belly which woke him from slumber. Without thinking, he shouted his husband's name as loudly as he could while placing one hand where his daughter had just made her presence known.

Harry, having only heard Draco this way a few times, quickly dropped the book he'd just taken from the library shelf and took off running.

The thoughts racing through his panicking mind ranged from a fall to an intruder to a change in Andy's condition. He refused to name the only other thing he felt was worthy of a yell like the one he'd just heard. When he burst into the room, Harry raced to Draco's bedside and scooped up one pale hand. "Are you alright? What's wrong? Is it the baby?"

Draco was instantly embarrassed. "I didn't mean to alarm you, Harry..." He paused to place his husband's hand on his belly. "I just thought you should know our daughter moved."

"She…She moved?" Harry whispered as he waited for his heart to slow back down to a normal rate. "Really?" His green eyes lit up and he kissed the hand he was still holding.

Draco smiled and moved Harry's hand from one side of his stomach to the other just in time for Harry to feel the next slight flutter.

"Hi!" The brunette gasped and whispered a soft greeting to the baby. "Hello there, little one!"

Draco chuckled until he heard a throat clear near the door. When he looked up, he saw his parents standing there.

"I am glad it's nothing serious that caused your outburst, Draco." Lucius' eyebrow rose.

"I'm very sorry to worry everyone." His cheeks colored slightly. "It's just – Well, Harry has been so anxious to feel the baby move and I didn't want him to miss it."

"It was worth the momentary worry…" Harry grinned up at his husband. "But next time… please send an elf."

Draco chuckled for a moment and sighed before inviting his mother over to feel her grandchild move.

As she took Harry's place, Lucius handed his son-in-law the book on the running of retail businesses that he'd dropped in the library. "I know you were probably going to go back for that later, so I thought to save you the trip."

Harry smirked at the older man. "I'd actually planned to bring it up here and read in bed until Draco woke up. Thanks, though...I can keep it around to look at later."

"Draco's asked Dinki to send breakfast up to your sitting area. You don't mind the rest of us joining you...do you, Harry?" Narcissa interrupted them with a soft smile.

"Of course I don't mind, Narcissa. It's Draco's birthday after all." Harry grinned back and turned to his husband. "Whatever you like, Love."

The words came just as Dinki arrived with a large floating platter and three miniature high-chairs. The platter remained aloft while the elf set down the high-chairs and proceeded to enlarge them. Once that task was complete, Narcissa and Lucius went to the nursery to retrieve the children, while Dinki set the food on the coffee table. Teddy was placed beside Harry while Narcissa and Lucius split the twins between them.

Many moments in his life had seemed surreal before this but seeing his father-in-law sit on the floor and eat from his plate on the coffee table hit Harry's funny-bone in a way nothing ever had before. He snorted slightly and that turned into a chuckle which became a startling belly laugh.

Draco's eyebrow rose as he watched Harry struggle for breath and, when he turned to share a concerned look with his father, realized that Lucius had the same expression.

Harry seemed to catch his breath just in time for both Malfoy men to turn his way which set him off to laughing again.

Draco's amusement drained away as he got the notion that Harry might be laughing at him. He reached forward a little and pinched Harry's arm…hard.

"Ow." Shocked out of his fit of hysterics, Harry frowned and rubbed the red mark caused by Draco's attack. "That was unnecessary."

"What – may I ask – was so bloody funny?" Draco hissed.

Harry bit his lip. "Nothing…?" He said hoping that they wouldn't probe deeper.

"Nothing set you on a five minute giggle-fit?" Narcissa blinked at him bemusedly while Lyra babbled to her.

Harry sighed and resigned himself to explaining his – now embarrassing – thought processes. "I was thinking that... Well, even in the two and a half years since I..." The brunette smirked but had the grace to blush as he continued. "Erm – maneuvered my way into this family... I'd never seen Lucius sit on the floor to eat and that it was pretty surreal. Then I thought of all the things that have seemed just as surreal in the past few years." He met each of their gazes apologetically. "They're all good things, but I think it's because I've only ever seen you all in a formal setting before Draco and I married that I find them unusual or even remotely amusing."

As the other man had spoken, Draco could see what Harry meant. He took pity on his sheepish husband and showing his exasperation with a roll of his eyes and dramatic sigh, Draco looked at his father with mischief. "It's true, Father. You're not the type to sprawl on the sofa... I don't recall the last time I saw you slouch and – as someone who knows you well, I can tell that sitting where you are offends your sensibilities."

Narcissa bit her lip to suppress her mirth. "Now, boys..."

"No, my dear." Lucius sniffed. "They are correct. I am still not very comfortable in casual settings. It is the way I was raised. I fear that I will be a stodgy old man forever."

"I really meant no offense..." Harry grinned as Caelum grabbed the baby spoon that still had mushed peas clinging to it and began banging it on the tray of his highchair. This caused a small splatter of baby food to land on the older man's cheek. "…and I don't think your grandchildren will allow you to remain that way when they get a little older."

A genuine smile lit up Lucius' face as he simply wiped the mess off with a napkin and looked at the small children arrayed around him. "No, I daresay they won't."

"So I saw them after Adrian and I met with the Ministry's mind-healer, last month. We talked for a minute and then… Well, Harry got all, like, huffy with the secretary! It was so cute!" Daphne was saying to Hermione as Draco approached.

Their families were sitting at the same table in the back garden of Nettlestone Estate for Draco's birthday celebration.

"What's this? Gossiping, Daphne?" Draco's cheeks developed a slight blush. "Yes, Harry got a little snippy with Healer Shadowholm's secretary…"

"Why did he get that way, though? Harry's usually not like that!" Hermione laughed, astonishment evident in her tone.

Daphne smirked and opened her mouth to tell her but Draco cut her off as he perched on the chair across from his friends. "Well, the bint had dared to use our names separately. You know, like we'd never gotten married – Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy. When she did it the first time, I was a little surprised."

Hermione's eyes widened and she brought one hand up to cover her mouth. "The first time?"

"Yes, it happened several times and Harry gently corrected her each time… until the last." Draco chuckled. "When she told us that the healer was ready for us she did it again and I thought Harry would pop a vein! 'Our name is Malfoy-Potter and I'll thank you to use it' he said."

Harry heard the chatter from the next table where he was talking with Marcus and Pansy. He shook his head feeling his face flush a little and turned to comment. "Well, it's not like it wasn't publically announced! For Godric's sake, it was in the Prophet as well as the Quibbler! She was blatantly ignoring the fact that we're quite happily married and it's my personal wish to be known as Malfoy-Potter."

"Yes…it seems she had her own ideas about who Harry belonged with and it wasn't me..." Draco gave him a sidelong glance and fluttered his eyelashes. "But she should've known better than to insult us like that. You've always been a bit possessive and protective."

Harry leaned over to peck his husband's cheek. "And I always will be…"

Draco's silver eyes glittered as he winked at Harry and went back to his conversation. "I haven't even told you about this morning!"

"Hey!" Harry snickered in a token protest. "Don't go sharing all our secrets, Dragon!"

"The baby moved for the first time early this morning, so I called out to him…" Draco went on to tell their friends how Harry had rushed gallantly to his side.

Hermione giggled but gave a soft sigh at Harry's actions. Harry was such a sweet guy!

"Can't you think of better gossip to discuss?" Harry asked incredulously. "Blaise owled just after lunchtime and Luna was still in labor at the time."

"Cadence doesn't seem eager to join our world, does she?" Pansy winced. "I hope my little one just pops right out in September."

"Hugo only took a couple of hours but I had a letter from Hannah last month. She told me her youngest daughter took twenty four and a half hours from the first signs of labor until the end." Hermione cringed visibly but went on to say that the world record of the longest labor belonged to a woman in Poland who endured seventy five days of it.

Draco and Pansy gaped at her.

Daphne giggled nervously. "Was she a witch? I don't see a muggle or squib living through that much pain."

Narcissa joined the conversation then. "Actually she was a Veela – a member of the royal family and related distantly through marriage to the Blacks."

"Really, Mother?" Draco's eyes widened as he looked at her.

She nodded once before handing a slip of parchment to her son. "Blaise says she's almost there. The healer says she just reached the right point to begin pushing. Also, some more of your guests have arrived."

"I'll greet them, love." Harry stood and hurried into the floo room. Seeing his friends, he grinned and chuckled loudly. "Nev! Shay, how are you guys?"

Neville's eyes flew open as he looked over at his husband who was holding the younger of their two children.

"It's alright, Nev. I haven't taken the sleep spell off of Ali yet." Seamus was smiling.

"Good." Neville sighed as he turned to Harry. "It took her so long to get to sleep before that we knew we'd need the spell to take her through."

"Sorry. I wasn't thinking." Harry bit his lip. "Here – let me have Dinki or Lolli take Alison to the nursery."

"Sure." Seamus carefully handed his two and a half week old daughter to Lolli when she appeared. "I'll have to feed her in around an hour though."

"That's no problem, Shay. The elves are very helpful that way." Harry grinned as he led the way out to the garden. "I'm sure yours and Neville's elves are the same."

Draco stood to greet Neville and Seamus. "Hello, Neville. Good to see you, Seamus. I'm so glad you came! I see you've already let the littlest Longbottom go to the nursery. Tavin can join the others in the corner of the yard there and there are plenty of chairs."

"Yes, our little Alison is asleep for the moment." Seamus sighed happily taking a sip of lemonade. "It's nice to have a slight reprieve. She's been colicky lately."

"Draco, is Goyle joining us?" Harry asked his husband as he sat down next to him.

"Unfortunately not." Draco sighed. "Greg and Parvati's youngest daughter was only born a day or two before Charlie and Gus' little Edgar. They sent regards but also regrets."

"I'm sorry, love. It seems the closest of your friends won't be sharing your birthday this time." Harry smiled sadly.

"Oh, that's right!" Neville said with a jolt of surprise. "Luna's having her baby soon isn't she?"

"And Lavender is on bedrest because of what happened during her first pregnancy." Seamus rolled his eyes at his husband's forgetfulness. "I told you that, Nev."

"Yes, Theo and Blaise are missing this year but that's alright. I got their greetings just before the party began." Draco smiled sentimentally. "It shows I was still in their thoughts and Blaise's daughter is being named for me, so that's as good as any material gift."

"Named for you? Really?" Seamus frowned trying to see the connection.

"Her middle name will be Etamina." Draco confided with shining eyes. "Etamin is the brightest star in the constellation Draco."

Seamus' eyes widened as he understood. He nodded and grinned. "Well, that's lovely! Cadence Etamina. I'm sure she'll be a sweet little thing."

Suddenly Hermione joined the group. "Harry, did you hear? Part of the reason Angelina started training as an Auror is so she could get away from Zack Smith! Katie just told me she got a letter from Angelina the other day. Seems Zack was abusive – not physically but mentally and emotionally he was a total bully."

Harry frowned. "That's horrible!"

"Healer Shadowholm authorized an expedited divorce proceeding as well as custodial assignment to her." Hermione told him. "He's also been arrested pending investigation as to how far it really went and how much damage he caused with her and Eugene."

Draco reached over and took one of Harry's fists into his hands. He massaged lightly until Harry relaxed a little and then spoke softly. "It's alright. She's away from harm now. We can invite her over if you like…so you can reassure yourself. I know she was almost family."

Harry's eyes closed. "To think Angelina could've been safe from that bully if only Fred had lived…"

"Harry, don't." George's face was grim as he let one hand rest on Harry's shoulder. "Don't go there. She's safe now and that's all that matters."

"None of this was your fault, Harry." Hermione broke in. "You do know that, don't you?"

"I know…" Harry sighed. "I had nothing to do with putting the Marriage Law in effect and I did speak out against spousal abuse, but still. She was a friend and almost a sister-in-law. I'm sad that she had to go through that."

"She's getting the help she's needed…" Ron's tone brooked no argument. "And that's thanks to you, as I hear it."

Harry felt a slight weight lift from his shoulders as he realized it was true. "That's right."

"Really, Harry?" Katie asked in surprise. "How?"

Harry's cheeks turned a pale pink. "It was me that suggested to Kingsley that after ending the Marriage Law they should have couples meet with a Mind Healer."

"So if you hadn't made that suggestion, Angelina might still be stuck with that bloody prat!" Ron told him proudly. "Good job, mate."

Harry would've said something but just then, Luna's Blue-jay Patronus flew into the room – or at least they thought it was Luna's patronus.

Blaise's voice surprised them as he spoke the words that came from the bird's beak. "Draco, look! My Patronus has changed! It's a match for Luna's!"

Luna's soft voice could be heard interrupting him. "Blaise, my dear – our friends might wish to know that our daughter has arrived."

Blaise laughed. "Oops. Guess I forgot to say that, didn't I? Cadence was born just a few minutes ago with a little surprise! Her twin sister!"

Draco gasped.

As if in answer to his friends reaction, Blaise chuckled again. "Yes, so it's our daughters' as well as your birthday, Draco. Come visit tonight after your party. Anyone else is welcome to drop in tomorrow afternoon."

The blue-jay hadn't fully dissolved before Draco's gyrfalcon was recording his response that he and Harry would be there at seven.

Blaise's mother met them at the door. "Hello! It's so wonderful to see you both! Happy birthday, Draconis!"

Draco blushed slightly under her attention. "Thank you. It's lovely to see you as well, Mrs. Zabini."

Harry just shook her hand silently as he'd only met her once or twice.

"The new parents are just this way, boys." She told them as she led the way down a corridor and into a small sitting area. She then knocked on a door that led to another room and Blaise grinned when he opened it.

"The birthday boy has arrived!" Draco's friend came out and hugged him. "When the healer said Luna was almost done, my darling wife said…"

Luna's soft voice called out inviting them into the birthing room. "I think you'll all be more comfortable for this conversation on the sofas in here. Honestly, Blaise – where are your manners?"

"Sorry, love." Blaise ducked his head sheepishly and motioned toward his wife. "So anyway, Luna – of all people snapped at the woman!"

"She said I was almost done when I wasn't!" Luna huffed lightly. "I think I know what childbirth felt like the first time and there was only one then! I can't explain it but I just felt it. I knew it wasn't the afterbirth but another child on her way out."

Draco and Harry tried to hide their amusement but knew they were caught when Luna turned her knowing gaze upon them.

"Go on, Blaise – introduce our children to Harry and Draco." Luna smiled at them with a wink.

Blaise brought over the bassinet and brushed a hand softly over one small head after the other. "This one is Cadence Lily and this is her sister, Etamina Marie."

Draco was speechless.

"We split the original name we'd come up with and then thought up a middle name for each of them." Luna told them letting Harry hold her hand as he sat beside her. "I've always been fascinated with what your mother did for you, Harry, and I wanted to express that."

Harry kissed her hand and just whispered a quiet 'thank you'.

Blaise smiled at Draco. "We're going to call them Cay and Mina for short."

"Beautiful…Marie is for your mother, right?" Draco asked quietly. "She doesn't mind?"

Blaise shook his head. "She agrees that it sounds better this way. She's very happy with our choices."

"Thank you…" Draco held a multitude of emotion and he was sure it was only Harry who heard it all expressed in those two words.

Blaise grinned suddenly. "Do you want to hold her? Them – er – one of them?"

Draco's lips curved at his friend's awkwardness. "I'd love to hold my namesake."

Blaise lifted Cadence out first and handed her carefully to Harry. He then went back to pick up little Mina and place her gently into Draco's arms.

"They're both so lovely." Harry whispered softly.

Draco agreed quietly. "They're gorgeous – a truly wondrous addition to the Zabini line. What did Lawrence say about the surprise?"

"He likes to be called Larry because it rhymes with his Uncle Harry." Luna told them with a bright grin. "And he was only surprised that we were surprised."

Harry looked at Blaise with a frown.

"Yes he said he knew that he was getting two sisters and not just one." Blaise chuckled. "And when I asked him how he knew, he said that – and I quote – 'Nana told me'."

"That's what he calls my mother, you know." Luna said softly. "I showed him a picture of her once when he'd begun speaking real words. Marie and Blaise and I all call her Nana when we refer to her so he picked it right up."

Harry couldn't help but think of the way Luna had been back when he'd first met her. "He's so like you, Luna."

"I can only hope that he tones it down a bit though, Harry." Luna sighed softly. "I'd hate for him to be teased in school."

"The Slytherin side of him will develop sooner or later, Luna." Draco assured her. "I'm sure he'll be alright."

Luna could only smile and she took Cadence back from her friend. "Cay and Mina need to eat again in a few minutes. Please do visit again soon."

Blaise let Draco hand Mina back into his arms. "It was really good to see you guys. Thanks for coming."

Harry escorted Draco home in relative silence and listened as his lover related the news of the Zabini twins names to his parents.

"Harry?" Draco called out as he peeked into the library. He saw the brunette asleep in an armchair and walked over. A look at the cover made Draco smile. It was the book from the Windyvale University. Harry had been reading and studying it since just before his birthday and that was almost three weeks ago. He kissed Harry's cheek to wake him up but all the sleeping man did was groan and throw his arm over his face which made Draco chuckle. "Harry! Wake up, Husband!"

"Huh?" Harry woke with a start rolling off the couch and into an awkward crouch. "What – what's going on?"

Draco smirked at him. "You were sleeping! It's late and I wanted you to come to bed."

Straightening up, Harry blinked his eyes and Draco could see the resemblance to his owl form. "Sorry, lover. I was so absorbed by this book. The retail business is very complex and I need to capture the fine points if you're going to make a real go of it."

"You need sleep not more reading…" Draco paused trying not to discourage Harry while also trying to make the other man understand there was still plenty of time. "I've only finished the first six and a half levels of my training. I'm not going into business tomorrow, you know. I might have more children…I might not understand something and have to start a level over someplace down the line."

"Draco, no! Don't talk like that!" Harry stood up and hugged his husband tightly. "Positive thoughts, love. We must all think positively or things might fall apart. More children is positive – and wonderfully so – but only when you're ready. Thankfully the ministry won't rush you into it anymore…and you know I won't."

"Yes, I know, Harry. All I'm trying to say is that it will take some time before I can run an apothecary." Draco sighed softly. "And in that time, we can both learn our respective portions of that business. You don't need to know every little thing in that book before tomorrow …do you?"

Harry grinned at his platinum haired companion and gave a sheepish chuckle. "I suppose that's true, my dragon."

"Good." Draco said with a peck to Harry's cheek. "Now put that silly book away and let's go to bed."

Harry nodded sleepily and placed the book on the proper shelf before taking Draco's hand.

Together they strolled down the corridor and up the stairs. Just as they were passing the door to Andy's room, a low chime sounded three times.

Suddenly wide awake, Harry stopped in his tracks with an overwhelming sense of fear. "Get your mum, Dragon. I'm going in to check on Andy. That chime means there's been a change."

Draco nodded and hurried past him to knock on his parent's door while Harry knocked on the door in front of him.

Nobody answered so Harry pushed open the door into Andromeda's room – it made no noise as it skimmed the carpet. He frowned upon seeing that there was no elf sitting beside the older woman but he could clearly see that her chest was no longer rising and falling with her breaths. Harry shook his head not wanting to believe it. The window was open which made it easier for the early summer breeze to flow through the drapes. Harry looked around with the odd feeling that he was being watched when suddenly he heard an owl's call.

There on the ledge was a barn owl.

Instantly, Harry recalled the story of how Andy found her animagus form. Was this barn owl the spirit of Ted Tonks? He'd probably never know but it was here at the hour of her passing so it was possible…with magic in his life there wasn't anything else for him to believe.

The barn owl called to him again and as it turned to take flight, Harry noticed that there was something on the nightstand – an envelope. Stepping closer, he saw a list of names and as Harry took the envelope into his hands he heard another owl call which caused him to run to the window.

A beautiful eagle owl had joined the barn owl and they flew together across the sky.

Harry's eyes blurred but he blinked away the tears.

"Harry?" Draco peeked inside without entering. "Mum said…Is it true Aunt Andromeda is gone?"

The blond's voice reminded Harry that he had others to think about and so he wiped the tears away and hurried to the door catching his husband before he could become stressed by the sight of his deceased aunt. Harry didn't know why it hadn't occurred to him before.

Polli – the Malfoy house elf who'd been in charge of watching Andromeda – must've realized her charge had expired and gone to fetch her Mistress – which was why she hadn't been sitting at Andy's bedside when Harry had entered.

"It's true, love." Harry told Draco softly as he led the blond to their room. He walked quickly to the dresser and pulled a handkerchief from the top drawer before bringing it to his husband. "Now I want you to rest if you can. I need to talk with your mother for a moment, but I'll try to be back soon."

"Harry?" Draco called to him as he began to turn away.

"Yes, Dragon?" Harry asked glancing back.

"Please don't take too long." Draco whispered as he wiped away another tear.

Harry bit his lip. What he wanted to discuss with Narcissa could wait…Draco needed him now. He turned and hurried to climb into the bed. "It's alright Dragon. It wasn't as important as you."

Draco had thought his tearfulness was waning but when Harry talked that way he always turned into a puddle…while he was pregnant anyway. He let Harry gather him into a tight cuddling embrace and cried himself to sleep.

When Harry realized that his pregnant spouse was asleep, he asked Dinki to find out if Narcissa was still awake and feeling up to talking. A few minutes later both of his in-laws were knocking on the door of the Master suite and Harry fired off a quiet spell to open it for them.

The elder Malfoys summoned armchairs from the sitting area and set themselves up next to their son.

"Draco needed me…or I would've come to speak with you earlier." Harry said as quietly as possible. He related the events from the early evening and asked what they made of it.

Lucius turned the envelope over in his hands to read the list of names. He began mentally composing the letters he would send out just before breakfast.

Narcissa, on the other hand, was explaining to Harry what she thought of the events that had taken place in her sister's death room. "Owls in dreams are usually indicative of a bad omen but I know several dream specialists who say that owls are just very misunderstood in that context."

"But this was real – not just a dream, Narcissa. I think these owls were the embodiment of Andy and Ted's animagus forms." Harry looked down at his husband sadly. "I think Ted came back to get Andy so they could be together one last time."

Narcissa sighed with a slight smile. "That's a very romantic notion, Harry…"

"But unlikely." Lucius told them. "Especially since Ted never learned the process."

"Oh, Luc, don't shoot down Harry's theory. I quite like it." Narcissa scolded lightly. "Now on with the other important details…We'll probably be contacted in the morning by her solicitor about the funeral arrangements. I believe – last time we spoke of this matter – she wished to be cremated and her ashes scattered in your garden. She wanted to help yours and Draco's business by enriching the soil where you'll be growing your ingredients as well as remain close to Teddy as he grows up."

Harry felt tears fill his eyes. He was touched by the sentiment. "She always liked the flowers the best – though she was also a fair hand at potions. I suppose we could mix the ashes with the mulch next time Draco takes care of that process."

His in-laws both nodded but Lucius spoke softly to Harry and his wife. "I think we should get our rest. Polli is preparing Andromeda's body for the viewing and I'll be sending off letters just before the morning meal so that the names on the list will probably arrive by luncheon. The Minister is among them."

"I'll talk to Draco and Teddy in the morning." Harry told them. "Draco will want to know about Andy's wishes and Teddy needs to know that she's gone to be with his Mum, Dad and Grandpa."

Harry woke with a sniffling Draco tucked in close to him with an arm laying across his stomach. "Dragon? What's wrong, love?"

"Mother woke me when she came to help with the children." Draco told him "She told me Andy's solicitor is joining us for breakfast and it seems that she's written letters to each of us."

"I was expecting that. She told me during that conversation a while back that she'd write to you since you weren't able to handle talking about it that day." Harry said softly. "She also said she'd write to Teddy because he wasn't really old enough to understand just yet."

"I thought you said she'd told him the basics." Draco frowned.

"She told him that she was sick and that she might be going to heaven soon. She also told me that she mentioned missing her husband and daughter." Harry informed the blond. "Teddy's four years old now. I wonder if he'll ask about her or still want to talk about her…"

"I'm sure he will." Draco smiled a little through his tears. "She raised him for most of his life so far and he loves her…"

Harry nodded sadly. "Yes, I'm sure you're right, love. Do you want to be with me when I talk to him?"

Draco shook his head. "I want a bath before we meet the solicitor. My mother said she'd help me get in and safely out again."

"Alright, love. I'll see you in a bit." Harry said, kissing his husband soundly on the lips.

"I might need a little of your help too, lover…" Draco panted, failing to suppress his arousal.

Harry smirked. "I don't know how long this will take, Dragon. I'll try to make it before you leave the tub." He loved getting a reaction like that from the blond.

When Harry reached the nursery he saw that Lucius had arrived before him. The older man was just finishing up with Caelum who always woke before the others.

"Good morning, Lucius." Harry's lips curved slightly as he came over to greet them properly.

Lucius nodded his greeting but Caelum squealed with happiness to see his Papa. "Papa, Papa!" The little one chanted.

Harry grinned and kissed his son on the nose. "Grandpa has you, my little hunter. I'm going to wake Teddy."

"Harry, about young Theodore…Teddy – he has been four years old for several months now and most parents with multiple offspring choose to separate the nursery by age or gender at such an age." Lucius suggested. At Harry's confused expression Lucius held back sigh. "Perhaps he might be ready for his own room?"

Finally understanding, Harry paused to think it over. Teddy was old enough for his own room if he wanted it. That was true, but would that make the boy feel alone in his new family? There wasn't much more than a year between Teddy and the twins so maybe he could just let the boys share a room while Lyra shared with the new baby. She was so sweet with her dolls and the newborn babies in their circle. Perhaps if he told her she was needed to help while her baby sister was still little… "I'll speak with Draco about the matter a little later." He turned to look at the little boy in the small bed at the far end of the room as Lucius picked up the little Malfoy heir.

"Don't tax yourself, Harry. Speak with Draco and Teddy at your leisure. Dinki will listen for Lyra and call me when she wakes." The older man said as he took Caelum out onto the balcony.

The little boy had always been a light sleeper so, when Harry sat on the side of his godson's bed he didn't have long to wait. Eyes fluttering open, Teddy sat up and looked around while rubbing his eyes. "Hi, Unca Harry!"

Harry chuckled and ruffled his godson's hair good naturedly. "You should finish your words, Teddy. It's 'uncle' not 'unca'. Now, up we get. I want to talk a little before you can play with the twins."

"And we hafta visit Gramma." Teddy reminded him.

"Draco would have a fit if he heard you." Harry chuckled. "It's 'have to' not 'hafta'…and well, that's one of the things I want to talk about, buddy."

Teddy bit his lip and looked up at his uncle. "Why? What's up?"

"I want you to use the toilet and then we'll talk and get you dressed." Harry instructed the four year old who hurried off to obey. Upon seeing Teddy walking back into the room, Harry rattled off the usual questions. "Did you make a mess?"

"Nope! No messes, Uncle Harry." Teddy shook his head proudly. If he'd said yes, the next question would've been to see if he had remembered to clean the mess or at least call Dinki for help.

"Brilliant!" Harry's eyebrow rose in a Malfoy-esque fashion. "Did you put the seat and your foot stool back the way they were?"

"Yes, Uncle Harry." Teddy knew that the stool he stood on to reach the toilet got tucked into the cabinet under the sink and the seat belonged flat on the toilet rather than up against the tank but sometimes he needed to be reminded to put them back.

Harry nodded thoughtfully but then smiled and asked. "Did you wash your hands?"

"Oops!" Teddy's cheeks turned pink and his hair soon followed as he ran back to the bathroom.

"Don't forget to dry them too!" Harry called after the boy, chuckling. That's the one thing that Teddy always forgot and it's one of the most important. Finally finished with his morning trip to the loo, Teddy came and sat on his bed next to Harry who looked at the very grown-up way Teddy was sitting and decided he had to be upfront with his godson…the way nobody had ever really been with him. He sighed as he summoned a chair so he could sit facing Teddy. "Teddy, you're very smart and grown-up for a four year old."

Teddy smiled at his uncle. "Thanks, Uncle Harry!"

"Sometimes that's a good thing and sometimes it isn't, Ted." Harry began by setting a hand on Teddy's knee. "Buddy, I need to tell you something."

The little boy frowned. "Sumfin 'bout Gramma?"

"Yes...something about your grandmother." Harry swallowed uneasily but nodded. "I'm really sorry, Teddy. Your grandma has gone to heaven to be with your mum and dad and grandpa."

Teddy took a deep breath and glanced away before letting it go. "Ok…Does that mean I won't visit her today?"

Harry hesitated and shook his head. "Heaven is very far away, Teddy. We won't be able to visit her."

Teddy's eyes blinked several times in surprise. "Not ever?"

When Harry saw the tears begin to form, he fought to keep his own back. "Ted, there's very little communication from Heaven." Harry told him, remembering the incidents with Selene and the necklace. "You can talk to her and your mum, dad and grandpa anytime you want from wherever you are but most times they can only send signs back."

Teddy frowned but nodded that he understood or at least that he was processing this information.

"Now Teddy…" Harry started again. "I want you to know something. Are you paying attention?"

Teddy nodded with a solemn expression but thankfully the tears that had threatened to fall didn't.

Looking into his godson's eyes, which had changed to match Harry's emerald ones, Harry matched Teddy's expression perfectly. "You are safe and loved here with me and Draco and the Malfoys. Your parents and grandparents wouldn't have left if they didn't know you'd be alright. You have all four of us – seven with the twins and the new baby – and we all love you. So you have nothing to worry about, ok?"

Teddy sat nodding for a moment before bringing his gaze back up to focus on Harry's face. "So Gramma's in Heaven and you're taking care of me."

"With Draco and Auntie Cissa and Uncle Luc and the Weasleys…yeah…we are all taking care of you." Harry nodded hoping reassure Teddy that all was well.

"And the Wheezeys too?" Teddy's eyes widened as Harry confirmed this. "That's a lotta people!" The little boy sat quietly for another moment before nodding his sad acceptance. "So what's the other things you wanna talk about?"

"Just a moment, Ted." Harry frowned looking closely at his godson. He wasn't sure if this was a real change of subject or just the resilience of kids Teddy's age. "There's some other things I want you to know first."

Teddy's eyes rose up to lock with Harry's but he remained silent.

"It's very important that you know this, Ted." Harry held out his arms and waited as Teddy climbed into them. He hugged the little boy tightly and whispered into his ear. "I love you, Teddy. I love you and I loved your daddy and mummy, too. I miss them and I'll miss your grandmother, too, but I still have you…and I promise that I'll take very good care of you."

Teddy smiled widely and hugged him back. "I love you too, Uncle Harry."

Harry thanked him and kissed the boy's cheek. "Last thing and then we'll move on, ok?" At Teddy's soft nod, Harry continued. "I want you to know that it's ok to talk about them – all of them – your mum and dad and your grandparents." Harry paused in mild panic. "I only ever met your grandfather one time, so I'll have to find someone you can talk to about him… but I will. I promise I will."

Teddy cocked his head to the right as he put one hand on Harry's shoulder. "Uncle Harry, do big people need to be taken care of too?"

Startled, Harry blinked. He wondered where the question came from. "Sure, Ted – everyone needs help sometimes. Why do you ask?"

"Well, if you take care of me then who takes care of you?" Teddy asked as his hair turned dark like Harry's.

"Oh, kiddo!" He sighed softly. "I'm sorry. I went from thinking of you as a baby to thinking of you like a teenager! Like I was. You just let me know if you want to talk or if you need anything and one of us will help you out alright?"

Teddy bit his lip. He knew Harry hadn't answered his question but maybe he could talk to Uncle Draco or even Uncle Luc about it later.

"As for the other thing I wanted to talk about…" Harry sighed as he rushed on to the next subject. He knew he should talk to Draco first but right now all he wanted was to talk about something that had nothing to do with the death of yet another parental figure in his life. "Uncle Lucius has suggested that you're old enough to have your own room if you'd like it – and I agree…but I think you'd have more fun if you shared a room with Caelum. I wanted to know what you think about it."

"My own room?" Teddy was shocked. He thought for a moment. The words 'his own'…did that mean he'd be by himself? Did he like that idea? Teddy wasn't sure about that. If he shared a room with Caelum…where would that leave Lyra? "What about Lyra?" Teddy asked suddenly. "She'll be all alone if Caelum and me move out! She'll get scared!"

"Lyra will soon have the new baby to share the room with." Harry pointed out. "The new baby is a girl so it'll all balance out – you see?"

"I dunno, Uncle Harry." Teddy shook his head with a very serious expression. "Maybe I should think about it."

Harry hid a grin. "That's a good idea. I'll think about it some more too."

"Maybe we should ask Uncle Draco too?" The little boy suggested sounding hopeful.

"Good idea. The more people thinking on it the better!" Harry chuckled at that. "Now, what do you want to do today?"

"Can I just play with Caelum and Lyra?" Teddy asked.

"Of course." Harry said, standing up and moving toward the chest of drawers where Teddy's clothes were kept. "Let's get you properly dressed and then I'll bring you down to the yard."

Teddy hurried over to join him and help pick his outfit for the day.

Harry was glad his godson was toilet trained and able to help dress himself. The mornings went much more smoothly with those things accomplished.

By the time the pair made it to the garden, Lyra was awakening also and Lucius left the boys with Harry while he went to see about his granddaughter.

Around an hour later, the elves had charge of the children in the garden while the adults met with Andromeda's solicitor in the dining room.

"I am from the law firm of Goodman, Langston and Wolfe." The solicitor told them as he entered the room. "My name is Anthony Goodman."

"It's nice to meet you, sir." Harry told him as he stood and offered his hand to shake. "I am Harry Malfoy-Potter. This is my husband, Draco, and his parents, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy. Narcissa is Andromeda's recently reconciled sister."

"I've been made aware of that happy news, Mr. Malfoy-Potter. Now then, Harry – you are named executor of Andromeda's will." Goodman said nodding calmly. "There is a letter here for each of you as well as a few others. Two are for your godson, Teddy, which you are tasked to deliver on his eleventh and seventeenth birthdays – they are each dated."

Harry nodded. "I'm sure Andy was thorough with her instructions."

"The list of people you received last night should be present for the reading of the will." The solicitor went on.

"They will be arriving at midday." Lucius told him lightly. "I sent the news with this morning's post and the time was confirmed after your letter announced your imminent arrival."

"Excellent. That means there's plenty of time for me to go over a few things with Mr. Malfoy-Potter." The solicitor was very business-like as he spoke to them. "The letters will be handed out when the others arrive."

The elves delivered a simple meal for each member of the family as well as their guest. After the meal, Draco and his parents left the room to wait for their other guests while Harry remained to get a rundown of his executorial duties.

"All you really need to know today is that you were named executor as well as Legal Guardian of young Theodore Remus Lupin." Goodman droned. "This envelope holds a spelled document that will read out Andromeda's wishes. I want to warn you because it may be a slight shock – it will be read in her voice. Also within the envelope are the letters for each of your expected guests. This other envelope holds the letters for yourself and your family. All the legal matters – basically anything that would land the estate in court – were left to be handled by my firm while you are tasked with distributing her property and finances. Your letter will explain her reasoning."

"I'd imagine it has to do with having a pregnant spouse and three children under five years old to help care for." Harry commented sadly knowing Andy would've likely thought to save him from any unnecessary work.

"Yes, I'm certain that had something to do with it." The solicitor looked at Harry. "If you have any questions about this or any other legal matter, I'd be happy to answer them. Andromeda had indicated that you might but at the time our firm wasn't taking on new clients."

"I understand. Thank you." Harry smiled at the man. "You know… before the war nobody gave me that sort of guidance, and after the war ended I've just been relying on the advice of friends and my Gringott's agent. I've done alright, I think, but I could be doing much better."

"Why don't we set an appointment for the first week of August?" Goodman suggested. "I can come here to make it easier on your schedule."

"That would be great." Harry smiled. "The summer is the busiest time of year for us. The whole of our year gave birth between July and the end of September so we have many events to attend. That's not to mention my own birthday and Draco's which just passed."

"And I've heard your husband is studying to be a potions Master." The solicitor frowned. "That's a difficult line of study – not usually one taken by the carrying partner."

"I know." Harry grinned proudly at the man. "He's already behind because he had to wait until the twins were born in order to participate in the practical Potions NEWT. Luckily, we were able to wait until he reached level seven before beginning this pregnancy."

"He's begun level seven?" Goodman sounded stunned as he asked this. "He's only been working at it for two and a half years and he's reached level seven?"

Harry frowned uneasily at the tone of the solicitor's voice. "Yes. He began the training in mid-September just after the twins' birth. Why?"

"My younger brother has been trying to achieve a Mastery in Potions for a lot longer than your Draco and he's only just this week reached that level." Goodman's eyes were wide in his confusion.

Harry smirked inwardly. He was hardly surprised that Draco was excelling in this training. He'd known his husband was smart and dedicated. He'd known how well Draco had done during classes at Hogwarts. "I wouldn't worry. Every person learns at their own pace. I'm sure he's doing the best he can."

Goodman seemed to shake himself. "Yes, I've seen how hard my brother works at it. He hardly spends any time with his wife and children but the work always gets done. My mother is disappointed that our families aren't more of a priority but we didn't know our wives before the marriage law was introduced so we're not all that close."

This surprised Harry. "Really? You don't strike me as the type to remain a bachelor forever. You never met anyone you loved enough to marry?"

As the conversation went on Harry learned that Goodman had been married and widowed once before the law had been passed. He'd been deeply in love with his first wife and then forced by law to marry again. He'd already been approved for an expedited divorce for reasons of irreconcilable differences while his brother, who had been betrothed to his wife for years without his knowledge before the law was announced, was therefore stuck.

"Feel free to tell me to butt out but I'm curious…" Harry leaned forward to ask in a soft voice. "Did you have a child with your first wife?"

The other man nodded with a sentimental glint in his eyes. "Katrina's the light of my life. I sent her to Beauxbatons in September for her first year. My son was born at the end of June in the same year as your twins – a premature birth by almost a month."

"Why was he born early?" Harry wanted to know.

Before Goodman could answer there was a knock at the door. It was Lucius announcing the arrival of the first wave of guests.

"Harry, the Minister and his wife have arrived with the Weasley family on their heels." Lucius spoke softly through the opening of the door when Harry peeked out.

"Alright, tell them I'll be right there." Harry sighed as he turned to let Goodman in on the news before he turned to fuss with his tie. "I can never do this right. Ask Draco to meet me in the hallway, will you Lucius?"

"I'll do it." His father-in-law chuckled as he came closer letting the solicitor finish setting up the room. "Who did this for all the other formal occasions if not you, Harry?"

The brunette blushed at the affection in the older man's question. "Before I married Draco it was Hermione or Molly and then…well, my Dragon seemed to take pleasure in it so I let him."

"As it was with Cissa…" Lucius smirked twisting the tie lightly into the correct position. "I wonder how I never saw it…"

"Saw what?" Harry asked standing tall to see himself in the mirror.

"That Draco was…" The older man paused to consider his phrasing. "Not dominant as I'd always thought him to be."

Harry frowned at Lucius. "It has nothing to do with clothing or position during sex, Lucius. It's the fact that he wants limits and someone to make the important choices for him. It's the fact that he wants to feel protected rather than being the shield that protects someone else."

Lucius' cheeks flushed slightly pink. "He wants to be directed instead of being the one to direct others."

Harry sighed happily. "What he doesn't seem to realize is that I've gently coaxed him to make many important decisions. His behavior is where I get my directions from."

"That's why you were the right choice for me, Harry." Draco said coming into the room from the other side of the door.

"You…" Harry's jaw went slack.

"I was just outside since Father blushed." Draco looked at the elder blond man. "I would hardly call myself a Slytherin if I couldn't figure out how a Gryffindor formed his plans. Your tie looks perfect, love."

Harry chuckled and placed a light kiss on his husband's cheek. "Your dad fixed it for me."

Draco flashed his father a grin. "You make me open up when I want to hide my feelings. You protect me from everyone including myself…and yet some decisions – like when I asked Healer Shadowholm to swear the oath – you allowed my request to stand when you could've contradicted me."

"I supported your choice to ask for the oath with only a token protest and you clarified your reasons later. They were good solid reasons with concrete fact behind them." Harry smiled at his husband. "Most of the times you've protested at something I've said or done there has been at least one good reason. Besides that, it's important for our relationship that we always present a united front."

"I agree." Draco returned the smile momentarily. "Everyone has arrived, Harry…Mr. Goodman."

"Wonderful." Goodman nodded and tugged on his shirtsleeves. "You can ask them to join us when you're ready, Mr. Malfoy-Potter."

During the reading of the will, Harry held Draco's hand and several times the blond even took full refuge in his husband's arms. Hearing Andromeda's normal and healthy voice after all this time and knowing what she'd gone through in the interim made the loss of such a strong woman seem much more profound.

She gave several of her things to old friends from before the war, and a few former members of the Order of the Phoenix. Teddy got most of the Black family heirlooms in order to keep them in the family as well as all of the money in her vault with the exception of one small chest of coins which had been given to the Weasley family and explained as repayment for 'assistance rendered' at some point or another in Andromeda's life. The rest of the heirlooms were divided between Draco and Narcissa. As promised, Harry received a book filled with cooking recipes as well as a small trunk filled with diaries on how Tonks had trained her metamorphic abilities.

Harry wasn't surprised to find out that his mother-in-law had been correct about Andy's wishes regarding burial versus cremation and he intended to follow her wishes to the letter. As per Black family tradition, she would be cremated but, against the same tradition, her ashes would be scattered where she'd requested rather than rest in an urn for the rest of eternity.

The guests were also asked by the deceased to keep in touch with Harry and Draco so as to provide them with support while raising Teddy who would most likely not remember much if anything of his birth family. They all gladly agreed to write on a monthly basis.

Let me know what you thought! Hope you enjoyed it even with the sad part...

Lori

FYI:

A)The mention of the World Record for the longest labor is absolutely real.

B) Executor/Executrix Duties in RL

1. Get a copy of the will and file it with the local probate court

2. Notify banks, credit card companies and government agencies of the decedent's death

3. Set up a bank account for incoming funds and pay any ongoing bills

4. File an inventory of the estate's assets with the court

5. Decide what kind of probate is necessary

6. Maintain property until it can be distributed or sold

7. Pay the estate's debts and taxes

8. Distribute assets

9. Dispose of other property

10. Represent the estate in court

I got this list from Googling Executor Duties (Executrix is the word for a female in this position). The full article is titled: The Other Side of the Will - Top 10 Duties of an Executor and written by Michelle Fabio, Esq.