I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
Extended Family
Chapter 31 – A Bountiful Harvest
Takes place before the final chapter of Family.
"Do we have a special V.I.P. or something?" a medi-wizard asked.
"I don't know, why do you ask?" Healer Sita Patil replied.
"I just saw one of the private waiting rooms being used and it's a big one. And there seems to be a lot of people in it."
Sita looked down the hall to where the medi-wizard pointed and smiled. "Oh, well yeah you can say it's for a V.I.P. of sorts. Healer Bell's daughter is having her baby tonight."
"Oh that's wonderful! Didn't know her daughter warranted this kind of treatment though."
"She does when she's the wife of Healer Tonks' basically adopted son. Besides, Katie, Samantha's daughter, is a friend too and a sports healer."
Oh! She's married to Harry Potter, right?"
"That's right. And when their friends and family came in to wait for them, there were so many of them we opened up the room for them."
"Wow, they have a lot of well-wishers," he said admiringly.
"You have no idea."
-0-
Angelina walked into the room. "Still nothing?"
"Still nothing," Alicia sighed. "Are the babies okay?"
"Yup, Mum just couldn't find something and that's why she was looking for me. She said the girls are doing just fine and we don't have anything to worry about. Besides you know, the obvious."
Lyla looked at her mother. "We don't have anything to worry about, right?"
Samantha hugged her. "Nothing at all. It's barely been a couple hours since her water broke and you two took your sweet time. So it's probably the baby being lazy." Samantha smiled at Lyla's expression. "St Mungo's hasn't lost a mother or a child in years and Healer Grey is the best childbirth and childcare healer in the country. We have nothing to worry about." She fished out a small slate from her pocket. "Not to mention we have these."
"What're those?" Tonks asked. She chewed on her thumbnail, her hair slowly shifting colors.
"Emergency tablets," Andromeda said. "Whenever an emergency happens, the ones with experience or specializations are alerted. We have ours tied into the local Department master tablet so we can see if one is called."
"I thought you weren't supposed to have those when you're technically off-duty," Sirius remarked.
"I can have you sedated and stuck to a bed if you are going to panic," Andromeda said seriously. "Apparently your nerves are getting the better of you and you are running your mouth."
"Switch seats with me," Sirius said and moved around Amelia.
"Do you think I won't stop her?" Amelia asked.
"I think she'll spend more time getting around you while I run away," Sirius said frankly.
Ted chuckled and patted his wife's shoulder. "Take a deep breath dear."
"I will sedate you too," Andromeda said half-heartedly.
"Can you sedate Daphne?" Tracy asked. "She's starting to wig me out."
Daphne glared at her. "Allow me my pacing, it soothes me."
"It wigs me out."
The door flew open and everyone turned to look. Tanya and Shelia walked in and stopped, intimidated by everyone staring. "We just heard," Tanya said. "We came over as fast as we could."
"The whole team and the support staff wanted to come but we all decided we'd be the reps for the team so we don't crowd the space." Shelia blinked. "Good thing. How are they?"
"No news but no reason to be worried," Thomas said. "Just waiting as you see. Join us."
The waiting room was fairly close to full. The Bells were there with the Tonks family and Sirius and Amelia of course. The original team were there in full with Molly and Ron. The other Weasleys and Hannah came earlier but they left to give them more room and with promises to return when summoned. Hermione, Luna, Daphne, and Tracy waited with them and now Shelia and Tanya from Portree were there.
Conversations filled the room, a little nervous but mostly warm otherwise. People drifted in and out to stretch their legs and visit the tea shop and café for a bite or a drink. The twins started a card game that people played in for something to do. While on the surface they were not very worried, there was an undercurrent of tension for those that waited.
"Doesn't taste good?" Hermione asked Luna.
"It's not terrible," Luna said, looking at the biscuit she got at the tea shop. "I'm more nervous than hungry I suppose. I got it to have something to do but my stomach doesn't want it anymore."
Hermione hugged her. "I know. It'll all be okay."
The door opened once more and they all turned to look.
"Fleur?!" Hermione exclaimed. "Aimee?!"
"Have we missed it?!" Fleur asked, breathing hard. "We took an emergency portkey and ran here." She bent at the waist, holding her side. "I think I need more exercise."
"How did you two find out?" Alicia asked helping Fleur sit.
"I was speaking with Luna on the mirror earlier when she got the news," Fleur said as she got her breath back. "I managed to get a portkey and Aimee came with me, everyone else was busy." She looked around and started to panic at the mood. "Is something wrong?"
"No nothing's wrong," Hermione said soothingly. "We just haven't heard anything in a while and we're waiting. Guess we look a bit nervous."
Aimee nodded. "It is only natural but we should be happy for them. A brand-new life is coming and we clearly adore them. Come, let's speak of bright things, yes? So we can welcome them with smiles."
"Excellent idea," Andromeda said approvingly.
The tension lessened a little and the talk became a bit more relaxed and lighter.
-0-
"Which one of us is the lazier one?" Katie grunted.
"I have no idea," Harry said. He wiped the sweat off her forehead. "Why do you ask?"
"She absolutely refuses to budge," Katie growled. "So I'm trying to figure out how to make it your fault. I was going to say she inherited someone's stubbornness but I think I'm more stubborn than you so that can't be the reason."
"I know I like it when you lump on me so she's probably the same. You're so beautiful when you do that, so comfortable. I lose track of time and can spend forever with you like that."
She scowled at him. "Stop being nice when I'm trying to blame you!"
Healer Grey snickered. "He's doing a very good job of it. Trust me, I've seen the range and he's high up on the positive side. Everything is going swimmingly, no reason to fret or anything."
"Why does it feel like it's taking a while?" Katie asked.
"Your body is being taxed right now and you're getting exhausted, all very normal things," Grey soothed. "The baby will come when she's ready and she's on her way. Just taking her time. I'd say she's taking the scenic route but that doesn't make much sense right now."
"Oh, can I try something to help with Katie's exhaustion?" Harry asked. "Her magic is in flux right now, right? From the birth and the baby?"
"That's right." Grey smiled broadly as she caught on. "Sharing your magic with her? That will definitely help. And it'll be nice and safe for the baby."
"Just like you did for me back after the game during my third year," Harry said as he took Katie's hands in his. He nodded and Grey incanted the spell for them.
Katie sighed with relief as she felt some of the strain leave her body, feeling more relaxed. "I didn't know you knew," she said softly.
"I remember feeling much more at peace for some reason and Madam Pomfrey told me a while later what you did." He smiled at her. "We're in this together. You're obviously doing the lion's share but I'm here for you."
Katie sighed, leaning into his touch even more. His presence and magic soothed her and she felt much better.
"Oh! Looks like she's ready," Grey said.
"Really?" Harry and Katie said together.
"Yup! Either she is ready now or maybe she's reacting to your magic too," she said to Harry. "Whatever reason, she's ready and on her way."
After some pushing, some minor swearing and more blame thrown at Harry, Dahlia Kaitlyn Potter joined them. Grey took the baby and did a series of gentle cleaning charms and stabilizing charms as well as an in-depth diagnostic charm.
"How is she?" Katie asked, worried and exhausted.
Grey's smile was wide and sincere as she brought her back to them. By then the little baby was crying and it was very loud and the sweetest thing Harry and Katie had ever heard. "She's splendid! The picture of good health and as you can hear, very eager to join you."
Katie took her and held her close, tears streaming down her face. "Hello Dally," Katie crooned. "Oh it's so nice to see you out here. Oh you are the most beautiful thing."
Harry reached out and gently stroked her head. "She really is," he said wonderingly. "Hey, she stopped crying." Dahlia was calm as soon as Harry touched her, laying their content in Katie's arms and making soft little noises.
"Well isn't that lovely," Grey said. "She must recognize you already."
"That really is something," Harry said awed. At first, he was afraid of touching her since she was so small and fragile looking. However, the more he stroked her head, touched her cheeks, the fear left him. He only wanted to continue to keep her warm, to show her care and comfort and love. "She looks just like you." He chuckled as he rubbed her head gently. "Thank goodness she has your hair." He quirked his eyebrow at Katie. "What are you doing?"
Katie had one arm high in the air. "What do you think?"
Harry grinned. "Really?"
"This is our usual way of congratulating each other," Katie said with dancing eyes. She enthusiastically high-fived Harry. "We made a beautiful baby!"
"Yeah we did! You did most of the work though. Good job!" Harry kissed her sweetly.
Grey and the other medi-magicals laughed heartily. "You two are a lot of fun. That's one lucky baby," Grey said. "Let's get you into your room and your guests can finally see you."
-0-
Everyone turned once more when the door opened but when they saw Harry, they paid immediate attention, some rising, all tense.
His happy shout drove the tension away. "Katie and the baby are fine! Dahlia's here!"
The room exploded in cheers and shouts of relief. Harry was engulfed in the arms of those closest to him and everyone crowded around.
"Congratulations Papa!" Samantha said as she hugged him tight.
"You look so happy," Andromeda gushed, kissing him on the cheek.
Harry's eyes widened as he saw Fleur and Aimee. "What are you two doing here?!"
"To congratulate you and see you and Katie and the baby of course!" Fleur shouted as she hugged him. "Many congratulations my friend!"
"Colette and the rest of the Delacours will be coming soon, we managed to catch a last-minute portkey," Aimee said, hugging him.
"It's so good to see you both, Katie will be so happy," Harry said. He looked around. "I'll be taking groups back so we don't overwhelm the baby or Katie." He looked awkward for a moment.
Sirius chuckled. "We already worked out the groups ahead of time so don't worry. You won't have to choose. We even figured out the order and it only took a couple threats and duel promises to sort it all out."
Amelia pinched him before rolling her eyes. "Don't listen to him Harry. It was very cordial and no one is upset at the order."
"That's a relief," Harry laughed. "Well first group come with me!"
-0-
"My baby and her baby!" Samantha cried in a loud whisper as she entered the room. She rushed over and hugged Katie tight and gasped at the little bundle in her arms. "Oh my goodness, she's gorgeous!"
"Isn't she?" Katie gushed happily. "I know I'm biased but she's such a beautiful baby."
Thomas dabbed at his eyes. "She looks just like you and Lyla."
"Just one tiny but wonderful difference," Katie said. She gently tickled Dahlia's belly. "Look at your grandparents and aunt, Dally please."
"She has Harry's eyes!" Lyla squealed as Dahlia blinked up at them.
"Oh she is so precious," Andromeda sighed.
Samantha picked up Dahlia first, cradling the newborn carefully and lovingly. "Oh you are so beautiful. Oh hello, nice to meet you in person Dahlia. Good job you two."
"Did you two just high-five?" Ted asked, deeply amused.
"It's our usual thing," Harry grinned.
Lyla held Dahlia for a few moments before gently passing her to a waiting Andromeda. Andromeda's face was bright and shining as she smiled down at the baby. "Hello little one," she said softly. "Oh you are wonderful beyond words. Hello, hello."
Sirius sniffled as he gently accepted the tiny baby. "Gosh, I can't believe you have a baby of your own now Harry. It seemed like I was holding you like this not too long ago." He smiled tearily at Harry. "Your parents are so happy for you right now, I'm sure of it." He looked down at the baby. "She's a lot cuter than you were when you were first born though."
"Thank goodness for that," Harry said, wiping tears himself.
"Uh, I don't know if this is a good idea," Tonks said as Sirius offered Dahlia to her. "We all know that I'm a giant klutz right?"
"You won't hurt her," Harry said firmly, confidently. "I know you won't."
"If you say so," she gulped. She cast several cushioning charms around her. "Can someone stick her to me just in case?"
"Just take her," Andromeda said severely.
Tonks gingerly took Dahlia and when Dahlia yawned in her arms, Tonks' heart melted. Her spiky pink hair turned long and soft and black, her eyes became aquamarine. "Oh dear Merlin," she sighed as she looked down at the baby. "Oh…you beautiful little thing. I adore you so much little Potter," she said, her voice trembling.
"I told you, Auntie Dora is the best," Harry said happily.
Amelia was deeply touched when they asked her if she wanted to hold Dahlia and she did eagerly, smiling down at her before passing her back to the grandparents.
"Well, that's a relief then. We'll head home for a nap and to give you time with the others," Samantha said. "I'll be back in a bit though with some things. I took the next few days off to help and to be a nuisance."
"I did as well," Andromeda said. "Oh and Fleur and Aimee will be staying at Grimmauld if they need it, do not worry."
"Fleur and Aimee are here?!" Katie asked excitedly.
"Yeah! They came to see you," Harry said. "Thanks MumAndi and Sirius, I appreciate it."
"No problem at all," Sirius said warmly. "Kreacher will fetch them when they're ready."
"If they leave," Lyla said as she gently rocked Dahlia. "I kinda wanna stay myself."
"There will be plenty of time later. We shouldn't hog all of the time," Samantha said reluctantly.
"Thank you all for coming and staying," Harry said with Katie agreeing.
"This is our first granddaughter," Andromeda said looking at Dahlia, "We would be nowhere else."
-0-
Angelina and Alicia had their hands over their mouths to contain their squealing. "She's so precious!" Angelina managed to say. "Ahh lemme hold her!"
Alicia glared at her when she took Dahlia. "Hurry up then!"
Angelina picked up Dahlia and cooed at her. "Hi little bunny, oh you are too cute. Oh my goodness. Look at you."
"I hope this doesn't create some resentment," Harry smiled weakly at George and Oliver.
Oliver snorted. "Not at all, your baby is seriously adorable. Hadley was the most beautiful baby I've ever seen but yours is a seriously close second."
"I'd take offense to that but I agree," George said easily. "I of course find Hailey to be the most beautifulest but your sprog is really really cute."
Fred laughed when Katie and Harry high-fived. "Glad some things don't change. Congratulations you two!"
Katie dabbed at her eyes as she watched Alicia cradle Dahlia carefully. "Thank you! I'm so happy and I'm so glad you guys are all here." She hugged Angelina back hard.
"Wouldn't be anywhere else," George said.
"Yeah if you had her during the day we'd close the store and run over," Fred smiled. "Some things are more important and an addition to our family will always be at the top."
"My goodness you are gorgeous," Alicia said softly, swaying with Dahlia. "See, I told you a blonde Potter would work."
"She looks more like Katie though," Harry laughed.
"That's good in the hair department," Oliver chuckled, ruffling Harry's hair. He carefully accepted Dahlia from Alicia. "Hey there mini-seeker." He smiled at Katie's glare. "Or mini-chaser. Heck, mini-whatever position." He grinned at Dahlia's inquisitive look. "She's really good with people."
"She recognizes her family is all," Harry said softly.
The twins took her next, first Fred then George. They smiled down at her but did not try to make any faces or silly noises. "She's a beaut," they said together.
"Mum's going to go crazy making stuff for her," Fred laughed.
"She already has," George laughed. "Oh whoops, guess she's getting tired of me," he said as Dahlia began to fuss.
"I got her," Harry said and he carefully took her from George. "See? She already knows you to fuss at you," he said and the team roared with laughter with George laughing the hardest.
"Oh my goodness," Alicia said, clutching her chest. Dahlia immediately stilled in Harry's arms and she smiled up at Harry, making satisfied noises.
"Right?" Katie said, her heart bursting. "She's been like that whenever Harry holds her." She gently took the baby from him.
"Remember what you said the night you proposed to Katie?" Angelina asked Harry as she wrapped him in her arms. "You have absolutely nothing to worry about."
"Yeah?" Harry asked, his eyes bright and his tone hopeful.
"Yeah," Angelina replied firmly. "You're going to be an amazing father." She sighed happily at his tight embrace and kissed him on the cheek back.
"As if there were any doubt," Alicia smiled brightly.
-0-
"Oh you're a sweet dumpling! Yes you are!" Molly said as she held Dahlia. "My goodness! Such big beautiful eyes you have! I might have to adjust some of the colors on the things I'm making."
"You don't have to," Harry began.
"Mate, don't ruin Mum's fun," Ron snickered.
"I'm going to cover you in blankets and things," Molly declared.
"I still love my jumpers," Harry said with a big smile. "Dahlia is going to love them from Grandmum Molly."
Molly blinked tears away. "Oh and Grandmum Molly is going to love it and you," she said gustily. She finally handed Dahlia back to Katie. "Oh, my heart! I'm so happy for both of you."
"Thank you for coming," Katie smiled as Molly hugged her.
"Wouldn't have missed it for anything. I better run now but I'll be back with Arthur and Ginny and Percy at the least soon. I'm glad everything went well and see you soon!" She waved and left, happily humming.
"Thanks for coming, Captain," Harry said to the next person waiting. "That's really cool of you."
"I didn't want to miss it," Tanya said as she gently held Dahlia. "I basically watched you grow in your mummy. You're a part of the Portree team, little one. Yes you certainly are."
"Meggy is excited," Shelia said happily when she took Dahlia from Tanya. "She wants to play with her new little friend. I told her it'll be a while yet but she can't wait."
"Awww," Katie said. "That's so sweet."
"She loves her Uncle Harry and Aunt Katie," Shelia said. "So of course she thinks Dahlia as a cousin already. My goodness you are the cutest thing," she praised Dahlia.
"We'll tell everyone else the good news," Tanya said. "They all wanted to come but we said we'd be reps first. St Mungo's wouldn't have appreciated all of them coming I imagine. Oh and Boss and Coach say don't you dare come in for a while yet unless it's to visit. Then you have to come a lot but no work for a while."
"Are they sure?" Harry asked, surprised.
"Definitely. We are rank two in the league now and Shelia is fine to play and we got our reserve training up really well. You two take all the time you need but seriously, we want you to come once every few days to let us see her," Tanya smiled. "And you two I suppose."
After a bit longer, they left and Ron walked out with them to bring back the final group. Hermione and Daphne fought each other for a moment at the door, trying to push their way in before Luna shoved them both. Katie exclaimed with delight seeing Fleur and Aimee who rushed to her and hugged her.
"Well, who's next?" Katie asked, giving Hermione and Daphne an amused look.
"Hermione first," Daphne said bitterly.
"Technically Hermione was a friend first," Tracy said, patting Daphne's hand.
"Only because Malfoy was a prat and Harry did not want to be in Slytherin," Daphne complained.
"The only time I'll ever thank Draco for anything," Ron snorted.
"Oh my God," Hermione said as she looked down at Dahlia. She sat on Katie's bed as if her legs were giving out. "You are so beautiful. Hello little Dahlia. I love you already." She squealed when Dahlia gurgled. "Yes I do!"
"How are you feeling?" Luna asked Katie.
"I'm tired as you might imagine but otherwise, I feel great. Maybe more sore and achy when the potions and charms wear off. I'm super relieved everything went well and honestly, seeing everyone here visiting is incredible and it makes me really happy." Katie smiled at everyone in the room.
"Of course, she's our Dally," Luna said brightly. "We wanted to make sure she had lots of love when she arrived." She blushed happily when Katie and Harry hugged her.
"She is seriously cute. Like, I thought Hailey was really cute, somehow despite George," Ron said as he smiled at the baby over Hermione's shoulder. "But you guys have a really cute baby." He laughed at Katie and Harry's high-five. "That fits."
Hermione reluctantly let go of Dahlia and Daphne took her eagerly. "Hello little one," Daphne said softly. "You really are wonderful."
"I never really found babies to be cute," Tracy said. "Puppies and kittens, absolutely. Human babies though, not really. In fact, my mum told me that I said my little brother was ugly when he was born but I mean, he's still ugly now so I'm not wrong. But dang, Dahlia really is cute."
"How did you two know I was in labor?" Katie asked Fleur and Aimee.
"I was talking to Luna on the mirrors," Fleur said. "Then Luna received your message and rushed away."
"Sorry about that," Luna said sheepishly. "I broke things off abruptly."
"Do not be sorry! It was very funny to see you react so," Fleur laughed. "But I called Papa and asked if there was a way I could get a last-minute portkey and et voila, here we are."
Luna's eyes shone as she carefully accepted Dahlia. Luna looked down at the baby with wonder before very gently hugging her. "Hello Dahlia, it is so very nice to finally meet you out here. You are very sweet," she said in a shaky voice. "I have to agree with Hermione, I love you already."
"Such a lucky girl," Harry said. "So many aunties and an uncle in here, not counting all the other ones."
When it was Fleur's turn to hold Dahlia, she smiled so brightly it seemed to light the room. "You are so beautiful. There are no words in English that can describe you adequately."
"Hey!" Katie laughed. "I guess you're not wrong."
"Not wrong at all," Aimee whispered when it was her turn. She sighed as she cradled her. "What a beautiful baby."
After some time, the visitors finally left, letting the happy parents rest with their daughter. Harry walked around the room slowly, talking softly to Dahlia and Katie's heart throbbed with love as she saw them. She made room for him on her bed when he sat beside her, setting Dahlia down gently in the bassinet beside them within arm's reach.
"I'm so thankful everything went well," he said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
She leaned into him. "Me too," she sighed. "And Dahlia is perfect."
He kissed her. "Good job today."
"Thank you for being here with me." She snuggled against him. "What's that face for?" she asked, looking at him.
"I'm just a little overwhelmed," he confessed. "I never imagined so many people would show up in the middle of the night and wait for us for the whole time. They were really excited to see Dally."
"And us, and you."
He looked at her. "You think?"
"You're being delightfully thick right now," Katie said, patting his cheek. "Of course, Harry. They came for you too. They love you and love me too of course, but as you can see, some of my friends didn't come even when they were told. Others I've told said they were happy and want to see me after but everyone here today was with us the whole time and were legitimately super excited. It's because of all the love and care you've shown them all these years and they are giving it back to us many times over."
"I never thought about it like that," he said with wonder.
"This whole time I haven't been as scared as I thought I'd be because of you and them." She cuddled into him. "They've taken amazing care of all of us and yes, I've become good friends with them too but it was through you. You've made an amazing family around us Harry, and you deserve it all."
"So do you," he said and kissed her. He sighed happily, a deep sound that traveled all the way through him. "We're really lucky."
"We are," she agreed fervently. She grinned when he held his hand up one last time. "We're awesome," she said, clapping her hands against his.
"You're awesomer," he replied, hugging her.
-0-0-0-
diffident-serpiente - I think that is why I enjoy writing this one. I don't have to worry about pacing as much and making everything connect. I can just focus on an idea and create a fun chapter out of it while occasionally adding on to other ones. Luckily I crafted a good setting with the original fic that gives me plenty of room to play around as well as plenty of people liking it. Thank you. You're far too kind.
alix33 - Dahlia is Harry's honor defender.
DOOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - Doing my best to.
