Hi! I'm back for this the next to last installment of MI! I'm happy and sad about this as I've loved writing it but it does take up loads of time and effort. My hubby needs attention too and I need to give him some. I'll still write but I will be writing shorter fics from now on. No more than 20 chapters I think. Not sure which story will be posted next so just keep a look out!

I'm going on vacation for a whole week. Hopefully I'll be ready to post the Epilogue sooner rather than later…

Enjoy!

Lori

******** ******** ******** Chapter 49 ******** ******** ********

It was midnight on the night of September first that the floo flared green and frightened Harry. He'd been unable to sleep so he'd gone out to the garden for a late-night chat with Amice the viper. He was in his pyjamas, on his way toward the staircase when he saw the green flames light up and hurried into the room with his wand in hand.

Selene, who had been sleeping in the corner of the living room, jumped up and growled.

Harry was surprised to see a familiar face when the smoke cleared.

"Hello Mr. Malfoy-Potter…" Headmistress Minerva McGonagall met Harry's shocked gaze and greeted him warmly as he patted the dog to calm her.

Harry cast a Tempus charm before answering with a smile and slipping his wand into its holster. "It seems a bit late for a social call, Headmistress…"

"Indeed, Mr. Malfoy-Potter." She sighed but the warmth didn't leave her expression. "Harry…I need a favor."

Harry frowned. What could she possibly need from him this late at night on the day the students had arrived at Hogwarts? "What's wrong?"

"Mrs. Flint has just been placed on bed-rest, Harry." McGonagall told him before abandoning the pretense of formality with a sigh. "Their house elf is incapable of caring for Pansy's needs in addition to both of their older children. The Flints needs either a replacement teacher until Pansy gives birth or a borrowed elf to assist his current elf. I'm hoping for the former rather than the latter."

Harry plopped down on the settee in shock. "You're asking me to teach flying?"

"Just for a month, Harry…please?" She asked.

"What about Draco? He's due to give birth within that time as well. His parents have been helping so much but I don't know if I can ask them to take over entirely until the baby is born." Harry lamented. "At the very least, I'll have to speak with Draco before I give you an answer."

The older woman sighed. "Alright, Harry, but I'd like to know your decision by tomorrow evening."

Harry turned away just as the fire died. He rubbed his eyes and climbed the stairs with Selene on his heels. As soon as the door opened the black dog hurried inside to lie on her bed while Harry took his place beside Draco. Looking at the blond he knew he didn't like the idea of taking this post. Even the thought of being away from Draco and their children was a painful one and, with Draco due to give birth in under a month, he couldn't bear to do this favor. He'd speak to Draco and his in-laws at breakfast and then he'd fire-call the Headmistress to give her an answer.

The next morning Harry woke to the feel of feather-light kisses on his chest. He smiled sleepily at his husband before gently urging the pregnant man onto his back to ravish him. "Good morning, Dragon." He whispered to the blond as he lavished attention upon Draco's neck and chest.

"Morning, Harry." The blond's voice was low and breathy as he let Harry take over the encounter.

"The healer said no more intercourse but I can bring you off if you'd like…" Harry reminded his aroused lover with one loving brush of his palm over Draco's rapidly hardening member.

Draco gasped and arched his back so that his pebbled nipples brushed the light dusting of hair on Harry's chest. "Yes, Harry…please?"

The brunette grinned as he bent to lick one of the sensitive nubs. He teased and licked and rubbed his wonderful husband's body while gently frotting against it until the blond asked so prettily for his permission to orgasm.

"Of course, lover. Come for me." Harry whispered into Draco's ear as he nibbled lightly on the lobe.

Draco's moans spurred Harry to reach his climax soon after the blond had done so.

"After we shower I need to talk with you and your parents." Harry told him softly. "There's been a development."

Draco blinked at the abrupt disruption of the bliss he'd just been immersed in. "You can't just say something like that, Harry! You've got me thinking the worst now. Tell me what the problem is and then we'll bring my parents in later if we can't solve it ourselves."

Harry sighed but nodded and broke the news that Pansy was ordered on bed-rest. "So because Marcus' house elf is incapable of caring for two children along with Pansy, McGonagall has asked me to step in until the newest Flint is born."

Draco had a strange expression on his face as he looked at Harry. "That's… Harry, wow!"

"I know…" Harry said quietly. "It's an amazing opportunity…but horrible timing."

"The timing is terrible." Draco agreed nodding slowly at him. "But that doesn't matter because I'm coming with you."

Harry sighed again. "Is that really the best idea?"

"I'm within a month of my due date, Harry! I'm not going to stay here while you go to Hogwarts." Draco insisted with a stubborn glare. "You'll be busy while we're there – and I understand that – but what if I crave your magic or something but you're so far away? It's important that I stay near you at this point in time."

Harry hadn't thought of that but it did sound reasonable. "And your parents? Will they be as amenable to this plan? Will they come with us too or will they stay here with the children?"

"My parents will understand." Draco laid a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder. "They won't mind staying here with the kids until I give birth and we can make it clear that if they need some time to themselves they can – and should – ask Molly and Arthur or someone else to help them out for a short while."

A pang of heartache hit the brunette as he realized how much he'd miss Teddy and the twins while they were away. "I suppose we can ask them to bring Teddy, Lyra and Caelum to visit a couple of times."

Draco agreed with a smile and then allowed Harry to help him bathe. Once both of them were clean, dry and dressed, they confronted the elder Malfoys together and were assured that the children would be well cared for in the absence of their parents, so not to worry at all and think of it as a pre-birth vacation. As a precaution, Harry sent an owl to Molly and Arthur Weasley as well as Ron and Hermione explaining the situation. Then he made the floo-call to Hogwarts and informed the Headmistress of his decision before heading upstairs to begin packing his things.

By the time Harry reached the bedroom, Draco was already coordinating the Malfoy elves to pack. So – with nothing to do – Harry realized that something had been overlooked. "Which elf should we bring to Hogwarts with us, love?" Harry asked his husband as he sat on the cushy bench at the foot of the bed. "Dinki is our head elf but I don't think she can handle that job from another country."

"I hadn't even thought of that – let's ask her and Dooley what they think." Draco frowned as he called their names.

The two elves popped into sight bowing low.

"Dooley, Harry and I are going back to Hogwarts for a few weeks." Draco told them in a very business-like fashion. "I know you take care of the Manor as well as the London Townhouse while Dinki is in charge of Nettlestone. In lieu of you two, which elf should we bring with us to the school?"

The elves looked surprised to have this decision placed in their hands but held a rapid conversation in their own language before once again facing their masters. "Dinki and Dooley are believing that Kreacher is the suitable elf to accompany the Masters to Hogwarts." Dooley bowed his head as he finished speaking.

"Although he is not knowing how to care for children, Kreacher is having knowledge of the school and other elves that be working there as well as being able to travel between there and home easily." Dinki added. "Lolli or Dinki can being sent later if Master's little one is being born before Masters are returning."

"Alright." Draco sighed but accepted this explanation. "We'll miss you, Dinki. Dooley, we'll speak with Kreacher now and let you know when we're leaving."

The two head elves popped out and several minutes later Kreacher popped into the room bowing deeply before scrambling forward to kiss Draco's shoes. "Masters be wanting Kreacher? Is Kreacher not obeying well enough? Is Masters unhappy with him?"

"I'll handle him. You relax." Harry patted Draco's shoulder and grabbed the distraught elf by the highest point of his pillowcase. "That's enough Kreacher! Be silent and let me speak."

Kreacher was panting with tears running down his face but he did obey.

"Kreacher, you are not a bad elf! Now, Draco and I are going to Hogwarts and you are going to accompany us." The brunette paused. "One of the reasons you were chosen is because we are very happy with your service. The other reason is that Dooley and Dinki also believe you can handle this duty." Harry had no humor in his voice. "The Malfoy elves have already packed so that's one less thing you need to do."

Kreacher bounced on his feet. "Kreacher is to be caring for Masters?"

"Yes." Harry nodded. "While I'm teaching flying to the first years, you're to make sure Draco has everything he needs whether that is cheese and fruit or a warm blanket or a cup of ice chips. I also want you to accompany him on his trips out of the apartment we've been assigned."

"Don't you think that's a bit excessive, Harry?" Draco frowned at his husband.

"No I don't." Harry said glancing his way before continuing. "Also, you're to come and get me if he goes into labor."

"Well, I can't argue with that one but does he have to tail me everywhere?" Draco grumbled with a glare. "Pansy has Marcus' elf, after all and the school has a million or so."

"The school has quite a few elves – that's true - but they're supposed to take care of the students and faculty and Marcus' elf is hard pressed to care for the ones in his charge so we will not be adding another to his list. Kreacher will assist me best by taking care of you…" Harry's voice took on a hard tone. "And you will let him."

The blond sighed but he knew that tone of voice well. Harry would not be budging on this. "As you wish, Harry."

"It's the best thing for everyone, love…not just you or me." Harry told him carefully.

Draco sighed but nodded to acknowledge his husband's words.

Only a few hours later – after saying a temporary goodbye to their family members – Harry and Draco used the floo to travel to Hogwarts. McGonagall met them on the other side with a warm welcome. Harry nodded to Dumbledore and waved politely to the other portraits as he escorted his husband through the office.

"Your quarters are just down the hall from Marcus and Pansy's." McGonagall told them softly as they walked past the classroom Harry remembered first coming across Draco and his parents.

Draco glanced the same way and blushed as he squeezed Harry's hand.

"I hope it's alright that I assumed you'd enjoy being in proximity to your friends…" McGonagall said with a smirk.

"Thank you, Headmistress. That's a welcome surprise." Draco smiled. "I hope to visit with her often during our stay."

Soon they passed the portrait of the Quidditch boy that guarded the Flint apartment and Harry sighed as he realized who inhabited the frame attached to their rooms.

"Your room guardian is familiar to you both, I'm certain." She gestured toward the frame. "The setting is customized for both his comfort and your convenience."

"Hello, Potter." Severus Snape sneered from his position behind a painted desk. On the desk sat a large glass tank containing a snake. The man's demeanor softened considerably when he addressed his godson. "Draco."

Harry snorted softly at the difference and lightly squeezed the blond's hand to give him support.

"Hello, Uncle Sev." Draco whispered running his fingers across the edge of his frame.

"I hear you're doing quite well for yourself, Draconis." The portrait said mildly.

"I think so…" Draco's smile was soft though confident.

"There is a frame in your sitting area where we might catch up comfortably." Severus commented and placed one hand on the glass tank at the side of his desk. "I'd like to meet with you once in a while, if you are agreeable."

"I'd like that." Draco swallowed a lump in his throat.

"The password will be whatever you choose." Severus continued to speak to Draco as if Harry wasn't there. "In case I'm not in my frame, the snake understands English as well as Parseltongue so you both may still access your rooms."

"I made sure to include the snake in the portrait so that Severus couldn't lock you out, Harry." McGonagall whispered with a wink as the frame swung into the apartment. "He probably would've tried it at least once."

"Per day, I'm sure." Harry chuckled, truly amused at her antics. "Thank you, Headmistress."

"No more of that, Harry. However temporary this arrangement is, you're a member of my staff." She patted his shoulder lightly. "You may use my name."

Harry smiled and gave her a slight nod. "Well then – thank you, Minerva."

"You're welcome." She said as she turned to leave. "Marcus usually has breakfast in the Great Hall once per week. You'll be expected to fill a seat there as well."

"Once per week?" Harry asked lightly.

She nodded and swept out of the room once he agreed.

After she left, Harry helped Draco settle into the rooms and directed Kreacher to unpack for them.

The Malfoy-Potters decided to check in with their friends as soon as they could. Draco set his soft fleecy blanket on the chaise lounge, which had been brought from Nettlestone and then joined Harry for the walk down the hallway.

They knocked on the frame and were met by a harried Marcus. "Hi guys!" He said, waving them in as he gave a tired smile.

"Hi." Harry replied with a slight frown. "Are you alright?"

"My elf, Eckles has the cooking and cleaning so I've got the kids and Pansy. He's getting old. I'll have to see if I can find a younger well trained elf…" Marcus nodded with a sigh. "I was playing with the boys. Do you want to join us? Where are yours?"

"My parents have the kids until we get back home." Draco told his friend. "I was hoping to check on Pansy."

"I'd love to join you and the boys though." Harry said. "What have you been up to?"

"Pansy would love to see you. Go on ahead into our room. The boys are playing Gobstones at the moment…well Tanis and I were trying to teach Amby… but Marion had introduced me to some Muggle games so we do have several board games." Marcus told him. "Chutes and Ladders, Monopoly and Boggle were Marion's favorites and Pansy has taken a liking to both of the latter two but we also have Connect Four and Magical Candyland."

"Candyland isn't supposed to be magical!" Harry laughed.

"The board is animated and the pieces move themselves." Marcus explained. "When you enter the Lollypop Woods, you get an actual lollypop and in the Gumdrop Mountains you get a couple of gumdrops. The swamp is inhabited by chocolate frogs and so on…so we usually play that after dinner or in the mid afternoon." He glanced at his pocket watch and gasped. "Speaking of dinner! Eckles! It is getting on toward dinnertime! Harry and Draco are staying. We'll be playing with the boys until the food is ready."

"Does your elf need help? We have Kreacher with us." Harry volunteered.

"That might be helpful, Harry. Thank you." Marcus sighed.

Harry called Kreacher and instructed him to assist Eckles. He then went with Marcus to greet the two little ones and play a short game of Connect Four. Draco had his meal on a tray in Pansy's room while Harry helped Marcus feed Tanis and Ambrose. After dinner, Harry played Candyland with the kids and Marcus had a restful cup of tea with Draco and his wife.

As they walked back to their own rooms, Draco was snickering and glancing sideways at his husband.

"What?" Harry wanted to know.

"Nothing!" The blond said biting his lip.

Harry sighed. "What?"

"Just that a gumdrop seems to have gotten stuck in your hair." Draco chuckled and reached up to remove the candy. "I think someone had a bit too much fun playing a child's game…"

Harry's smile died. "I only got to play muggle board games when I was with Mrs. Figg. She never had something like Candyland…and the magical version is probably ten times more fun than the muggle game."

Draco sighed. "I'm sorry. I should've remembered."

"It's alright. I have plenty of fun now." Harry smiled at his husband. "Both adult and kid versions of it."

"Good." Draco smirked at him. "Now let's go to bed. I'm tired."

Classes began for all students the day after Harry and Draco moved in. Flying lessons for the little firsties began that very afternoon and Harry still vividly recalled his own first lesson.

Harry decided that he would make this his first breakfast in the Great Hall as a faculty member also. So he kissed Draco goodbye for the next few hours and left as Kreacher served Draco his morning meal.

The Headmistress grinned when she saw him and announced him to the students. They all applauded and then sat down for the meal.

Harry smiled as he saw the owls fly in and swoop around delivering envelopes and packages. He was pleasantly surprised to see Altaira among them. He waited to greet her until she set down on the back of his chair. He stroked her feathers once and then took the envelopes. One was a letter for both himself and Draco from his in-laws. He would read that with his husband in a little while. The other one was from the Ministry. He'd open that one now and show it to Draco later.

Dear Mr. Harry James Malfoy-Potter,

This letter is to inform you that your marriage to Mr. Draconis Lucien Malfoy-Potter has officially passed through the Ministry inquiry. All testimonies and arguments have been heard and the Ministry officially ratifies your marriage as a stable and loving home for all involved. Congratulations and enjoy your life together.

Have a lovely day.

Mafalda Hopkirk
Ministry of Magic, Department of Marriage and Families

Harry shook his head. He couldn't believe these people. The inquiry had taken place months ago and he was – only now – being sent the official letter? He sighed. At least they'd passed and there wouldn't be more of their bothersome interference. He gave Altaira a piece of sausage before finishing his meal. She took it and flew off through the window.

When he got back to the apartment, he greeted Snape and the snake before giving the password and slipping through the portrait. "I'm home, Dragon!"

Draco came out from the bedroom to greet him. "I was just about to relax with a book, Harry. How was breakfast?"

Harry smiled and told him. "Look what I got in the mail."

Draco frowned. "Letter from the Ministry?"

"Yes. The official letter stating that we're a in a stable and loving marriage." Harry handed it to the blond.

In return, Draco gave him a heart stopping smile. "It only took them three years, eleven months, two and a half pregnancies, the Ministry approved councilor and the Minister vouching for us!" He chuckled. "I'm glad they sent us this, though, Harry. It's nice to have the official word."

Harry grinned and kissed his husband lightly. "I also received this." He handed Draco the letter from his parents.

"Wonderful." Draco grinned widely as he opened it and read. "Father says that the twins are doing fine and Teddy misses us but he's not having any problems adjusting to the new routine. He asked about Andy yesterday and Mum told him a story from their shared childhood to appease him."

"I'd told Lucius that I was worried about this upsetting Teddy. I'm glad it hasn't caused trouble." Harry sighed his relief and then summoned his broom. "Class will be starting in around half an hour. I want to take a quick flight beforehand."

Draco nodded. "I told Pansy I'd be over while you had class so I'll see you over there."

"Are we joining them for dinner again?" Harry asked.

"No. Just stop in, say hi and I'll be ready to go." Draco kissed the brunette on the cheek and grabbed his fleecy blanket before joining Harry at the door. At Harry's worried frown, he commented. "I was chilled sitting in their rooms last night so I'm bringing this today. Relax, I'll be fine."

Harry sighed but agreed and went out to the pitch.

Harry thoroughly enjoyed teaching the eleven year old Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs how to fly. One of them was almost taken away by their broom – reminding him of Neville – but Harry quickly cast an Immobulus at the runaway broom and it stopped at just the right height for Harry to pull the student down to safety. Most of the students had a good firm grasp on their brooms so there were no further incidents.

The next day he would see the Gryffindor and Slytherin students. He hoped that class was even less eventful than today but he doubted it would be.

Hurrying toward his apartment, he couldn't wait to tell Draco all about the class. As he got close to the Flint apartment, Harry started to have a bad feeling… When he got to the portrait of the boy in Quidditch gear and found it open with nobody in sight Harry almost had a panic attack. "Draco?" He called tentatively.

Suddenly Harry's arms were full with a pregnant blond. "Harry! I'm so glad to see you!"

Harry sighed in relief. "I'm just happy you're alright! I was so worried when I saw the door open."

"Pansy went into labor!" Draco told him. "It just happened. Marcus only just called Madam Pomphrey. That's why the portrait is open."

Marcus suddenly peeked out of the bedroom. "Is she here yet?"

Harry shook his head. "Do you need us or can I take Draco back to our rooms?"

"I'll take good care of my nephews, Mr. Pott… Sorry – Mr. Malfoy-Potter." A lovely woman looking slightly older than their friend swept into the room. "I'm Marcus' sister Madeline. I have things well in hand. We will notify you of the birth so that you may visit."

"Maddie! Draco is a very good friend of Pansy's and mine. Do be nice." Marcus came forward to hug his sister while scolding her mildly. "Draco, you and Harry will be the first to know when the baby gets here. Go home and have your dinner. Get some sleep if we don't contact you by nightfall."

Harry smiled. "Tell Pansy we're looking forward to meeting your daughter. Good night."

Draco took comfort in having Harry beside him as they walked down the hall. "I was so worried for her. One minute we were talking and the next she was grabbing my hand as if her life depended on it detaching from my arm."

"It was probably like that for her too, Dragon." Harry said.

He was a lot calmer with his arm around his husband. They entered the apartment and Kreacher greeted them with dinner on the table.

While they ate, Harry told Draco about how his class had gone. It was morning before they got the news from Marcus himself that Peony Sage Flint had arrived just after midnight on the fourth of September. She had no hair to speak of yet but neither had Pansy when she'd been born.

Marcus was still looking for a new elf when Harry mentioned to him that he wondered if Dobby's old friend Winky was still around. They asked the Headmistress, found that Winky was indeed still a member of the Elven staff, and still wished she had a family to care for. With the help of Minerva McGonagall Marcus had a new elf and was able to return to teaching.

This meant that Harry and Draco could return home if they wished but Draco pleaded with Harry and the Headmistress to stay just a short while longer. He wanted to spend more time with his godfather's portrait and visit Pansy and the new baby.

Harry agreed but wrote to his in-laws that they should come up for a visit. He missed the children and if he was honest, he missed Narcissa and Lucius as well.

They did make the trip and when Teddy saw Harry he ran right into his arms. "Uncle Harry! I really missed you!"

The twins got sidetracked by seeing Draco so Harry didn't feel bad for greeting his godson first.

"I really missed you too, Ted." Harry grinned as he hugged the little boy.

Teddy was bouncing, he was so excited. "Can we fly here? You usually take me flying, Uncle Harry!"

Harry grinned. "Sure, Teddy. You can even see the Quidditch pitch!"

If it was possible, Teddy got even more excited. That's when Harry noticed that his godson's hair hadn't changed once in the whole time since the group had arrived.

"Teddy? What's happened with your hair?" Harry asked with growing curiosity.

"Uncle Luc said I should try to chanenge myself." Teddy told him. "So I decided to see how long I can keep my hair one color."

"Oh! You mean 'challenge' yourself. That's with an 'L', Ted." Harry grinned. That was a good 'next step' for Teddy to take in training his metamorphic powers. Lucius was proving true to his word of being there for his family. Harry smiled at the older man and then greeted his children with big bear hugs.

"Yeah and it's been all the way since breffast." Teddy had a huge smile on his face.

Draco cringed at the butchery of the word. "That's very good, Teddy. I'm glad you've done so well…but I do believe you meant breakfast."

Narcissa interrupted with a slight smirk. "Dragon, how much longer will you and Harry be staying – now that Harry's substitute teaching role is at an end?"

"I don't mind staying as long as he wants." Harry commented lightly. "I know he's happy here…perhaps its because of his godfather's portrait."

"Well, that's easy to fix!" Lucius frowned as he turned to look at the portrait frame beside the chaise lounge. "Severus? Do join us, won't you?"

There was silence for a moment before Severus Snape stepped into the painting of a large comfy armchair and sat down. "May I help you?"

"Would you care for a portrait in Draco's potion's laboratory?" Lucius inquired. "He seems reluctant to return home and we speculate that the reason for this is that he gets to see you here but he wouldn't if he were at Nettlestone."

"Draco?" Snape said softly. "Is this true?"

"Well…I suppose so…" The younger blond said. "But it's also Pansy I don't see much of anymore. Now with a new baby, she'll be even busier and we'll see each other even less. I'm not lonely by any means just…"

"Surrounded by Gryffindors." Snape said the word as if he had a bad taste in his mouth.

"I would enjoy it very much if you joined me in my lab, Uncle Sev." Draco bit his lip and looked hopeful.

Harry stayed silent. He only wanted his husband to be happy.

"You would have several landscapes to enjoy…" Lucius wheedled his friend. "We could request the frame at the door from the Headmistress if you like…my father and his sister would be there to keep you company as well."

Severus sighed heavily and glared at the elder Malfoy. "I suppose the possibility of a change in scenery would be appealing to someone in my position."

Harry rolled his eyes unseen by the others and proceeded to sweeten the deal. "I'll even have a potions lab painted for you – with ingredients in a cupboard and everything. Master Loveday will probably enjoy speaking with you sporadically also."

"Master Loveday?" Snape frowned in Harry's direction. "Aloysius Loveday?"

Harry chuckled and sent Teddy and the twins into the large bedroom to play while the adults settled things. "Yes. I found out that Draco dreamed of being a Potions Master and did my research. Since it is a dangerous field of study and I wanted my husband to be safe, I looked for a knowledgeable Master that would train him properly. Master Loveday has been a wonderful teacher. Draco is already in his seventh level of training. Did he not tell you that?"

"He did not." Snape narrowed his eyes at his godson.

"I was being modest." Draco grumbled glaring at Harry with pink cheeks. "Uncle Sev took several years to reach this point. I didn't want to seem as if I was bragging."

"Well then let me brag for you. I'm very proud of the accomplishments you've made." Harry grinned at the blond.

Draco was touched by Harry's words. He bit his lip and nodded. "I know you are."

"I believe I would benefit greatly by accepting this offer, Potter." Severus nodded formally and stood up to leave the frame. "I will see to the details involving the Headmistress. Good day."

Lucius smirked at his son-in-law. "You willfully bullied Severus into joining your household."

"I did." Harry mirrored his father-in-law's expression.

Lucius' lips twitched. "Why?"

"It makes Draco happy." Harry said simply. "Besides, he'll probably haunt Draco's lab or the library."

"Indeed." Narcissa giggled as Draco threw his arms around Harry's neck.

"Thank you, Harry!" Draco was vibrating with happiness.

Harry took the children flying and let Draco catch up with his parents for a while.

By the end of the day, Lucius had permission to obtain copies of Severus' portrait and several scenery frames that were favorites of the potion master. Draco agreed to go home a few days later and Harry was thrilled to be going home to their children. It was during their last visit to Pansy before going home that it happened.

Draco was helping to change Peony and suddenly stood up straight and placed a hand to his lower back wincing in pain. "Ouch."

"Cramping, Draco?" Pansy asked with a frown. "Should I call Harry?"

"No, I don't think that's necessary." Draco told her but, as he bent to pick the baby up, he felt a sharp pain. "I'll call him myself. Kreacher get Harry, please?"

Kreacher popped in holding Harry's arm.

"Draco? Are you alright?" Harry hurried to his husband's side.

Draco shook his head. "We need to get home. I need the Healer, Harry. Now."

Harry scooped baby Peony up and deposited her into Pansy's arms before lifting Draco into his own arms. "I've gotten us a permanent Portkey that will take us to Nettlestone from anywhere. Kreacher, meet us there."

The elf bowed low as his masters disappeared.

Harry and Draco appeared in their sitting room.

Lucius happened to be sitting there with a book when they dropped in and instantly called for Narcissa to call the healer.

Moments later, Draco was ensconced in the Master Suite and under the care of his healer.

"Your canal has begun to form." The Healer informed Draco. "Keep to bed, just like last time…and call me when labor pains begin."

"Yes, Healer." Draco sighed.

"I will check in every morning, just in case." She smiled at him and squeezed his hand reassuringly.

Harry walked her out and received more advice on how to care for his husband.

I look forward to reviews!