Last Time
Harry was determined, though. Tonight, he would last more than one round with his mates and he'd surprise and tease them all. He wasn't at all tired, and he could convince his Dracken to come out to play a bit because of the earlier baby fantasy. If he worded it right to his Dracken side, he could convince him that they could get more babies if they had some serious sex with his mates. With his Dracken side on board, and wanting as many babies as possible after seeing them cuddling a newborn, he was sure he could, probably not outlast them, but he could give them a seriously good show. Either way, he was going to damn well enjoy his evening.
Chapter One Hundred-Thirty-Seven – Preparation
Harry was worried as he laid a hand over his growing belly. His placenta still hadn't moved up, out of the way of where he would tear himself open with his claws. He couldn't help but be worried about it, but as there was absolutely nothing that he could do about it, he tried not to let it affect his day-to-day life. He was going to have his mates, his family, and healers on standby when he had his baby. He might be in some serious pain, but he would live. He couldn't think anything else.
It was almost October and he had less than two months left to carry, but there was still time for the placenta to shift as his belly grew bigger, it was just looking less likely and everyone was preparing for the worst case scenario, which was, naturally, putting him on edge.
August had been hot and hard for him to deal with, Braiden's third birthday had been chaotic and Harry was glad that it was over. At three, Braiden was becoming a handful and the quintuplets were not far behind him in that regard, Calix especially. He needed the peace.
He had been surprised a few days after his own birthday with another gift. A day out to an aquarium with their children. Leolin had had a quiet day with his Uncle Sanex, but Harry had completely forgotten about all of the little hints that his mates had been dropping about an extra birthday gift in light of his proper introduction to baby Harell.
Harry had loved the day at the aquarium and so had the kids. His present this time, chosen by Draco, was a fish-themed photo frame, the picture inside had been taken on the day and Harry had immediately put it on the bedside table. His only complaint with the gift was that Leolin wasn't in the photo, but he wouldn't risk him by taking him out into public.
He was glad to be home, though, and he was glad that everything was quiet and he could take a rest. Well…as much as his nine kids let him, that was. He was a homebody at heart, as per his submissive Dracken nature, and though he did enjoy the days out, making memories, his favourite place to be was at home with his family.
Ezrah had popped in a dozen times over the last month. In the first week that Lathen had been back in work, Ezrah and baby Harell had been over every single day. Harry didn't mind as he saw the panic and uncertainty in Ezrah's gold eyes as he second-guessed everything that he did when it came to Harell. Harry was more than happy to encourage the young Fae to look after his baby while reassuring him that he wasn't doing anything wrong and that he was more than capable of looking after baby Harell.
Ezrah's visits had dropped off to every other day, then a few times a week, and now Ezrah popped in twice a week and he seemed to be much happier, settling into his role as a new mother. Harell was sleeping for a little longer now that he was two months old and he was eating more than an ounce of milk at a time.
Harry loved spending time with Ezrah and baby Harell and it was nice, on the days when all of his mates were out of the house, to have some adult company.
He was letting the kids trash the living rooms, he didn't have the energy to keep running around after them. He was making sure that they were fed and watered, that they had snacks and that they were safe and clean, but other than that, his sweethearts were running riot and making a mess for his mates when they came home, but they had assured him that they didn't mind picking up some toys as long as he kept himself relaxed and calm.
He'd had another two scans, but both had only confirmed that his placenta hadn't moved and he was in for a very rough, and painful, labour. It was scary to think about it and if he let himself get lost in those thoughts, he could wind himself, and his Dracken, up into giving a distress call. Because of his previous injuries and his removal from his mates under the Submissive Protection Act, the family were hyper-focused on his calls too, so they dropped everything to come running, just in case, but it was always just him worried and scared about his upcoming labour. No one minded, or that was what they told him, but Harry still found it embarrassing.
"Harry?"
Harry blinked and smiled, standing with a little struggle. He hadn't even heard the floo chime he was so distracted. He needed to do better to protect his babies. His Dracken side started to kick off about his distraction, but he calmed himself easily. No one but those who were keyed into the floo could get into their house.
"Ezrah! I was hoping that you'd come today. Draco got the job he wanted and he started this morning, so it's been me and Blaise, but he had one of his headaches and had to go to bed. He actually tried to hide it from me, but when he started losing his balance, I realised what was going on and sent him up."
The young Fae was carrying his tiny bundle, and of course, as had become customary, Leolin realised exactly who had come and started throwing a tantrum for Harry's attention.
"Mummy, baby Leo is sad." Braiden said, hurrying to him and tugging at his shirt.
"I can hear him, sweetie." Harry assured his oldest child, as he went to Leolin and struggled to bend and lift him.
"Should I do that?" Ezrah asked, happily making use of the bassinet that had been set up for him and Harell for when he visited.
"No, I have him." Harry said, though he accepted Ezrah's hand to help pull him back to his feet.
Leolin clung to him, nails digging in, his tiny teeth biting at Harry's neck.
"Not so hard, Leolin. I have you, you're not going anywhere." Harry assured him. "Are you hungry?"
"Ma, ma, ma." Leolin said, an indicator that he wasn't hungry. He happily answered with 'bop' now, if he was hungry. His Faerie baby just wanted to be clingy and didn't want him to hold baby Harell.
Harry sat down, moving Leolin to his lap, which his Faerie baby didn't like as he couldn't claw or bite at him. He became very fussy and started squirming.
"He is an absolute joy." Ezrah said with a wide smile…and no hint of sarcasm.
"Oh, yeah, an utter angel." Harry deadpanned, struggling to hold the fighting baby.
Ezrah laughed. "He is an Unseelie, though I am glad that Harell is a Seelie like I am."
"If I ever have another Faerie, as unlikely as that actually is, I hope they're a Seelie too." Harry laughed, finally calming Leolin by thrusting his light-up ball at him, distracting him.
Harry was able to sit Leolin on the settee and he stood, going behind the seat so that he didn't cross Leolin's vision.
"Do you want tea, Ezrah? I haven't had a cup in a few hours and I'm gagging."
"Why has it been so long since you had tea?" Ezrah asked, showing how much he trusted Harry and his mates, and how much he felt safe in their house, as he left Harell in the bassinet to follow Harry into the kitchen.
"Oh, I've got to drink water and less tea when I'm this heavily pregnant. Nasta insists." Harry rolled his eyes. "This heavy pregnant, I usually stop eating full meals and snack more, but I eat even less if I'm full of tea, or so Nasta says. But, I've already had my fruit snacks for today though, so a little extra after dinner later will put me in his good books. They're worried too, as much as they try to hide it."
"Has your placenta still not moved up?" Ezrah asked, also sounding worried.
Harry shook his head. "I went for my scan a few days ago, but though it has moved up just slightly, it's not enough to move it out of the danger path."
"You will be okay, won't you?" Ezrah asked him, his gold eyes wide with worry.
Harry gave him a touch and a soft smile. "It'll be painful, but I'll have everyone on standby, including healers, just in case. They're all going to look after me, but I am already preparing to be incredibly sore afterwards."
"You won't stay in your nest after this babe either, will you?"
Harry shook his head. "No. This will be consecutive births now where I can't preen in my nest after birth how I'm supposed to. The first time I came out willingly, this time I will be dragged out for my own good."
"Mummy, I have gwapes?"
Harry looked down at Farren, ruffling his brown hair as his big boy came to stand beside him.
"Of course, sweetie."
Harry went to the fridge and pulled out a little airtight box of prepared fruit that Max had done that morning and left for him and the kids.
These boxes, as small and simple as they were, had been lifesavers for him, so he could still give his babies snacks, but didn't have to stay on his feet for longer than necessary preparing anything.
He tipped some sliced grapes into a bowl for Farren, handing them down, before putting the box back in the fridge and getting milk.
Ezrah had gained so much confidence and he was helping to prepare the tea, as Harry poured some milk into a little pitcher for them both. He took the milk pitcher to the tea tray, where Ezrah had already filled the teapot, got a little bowl of sugar and a spoon, and had laid them out two cups.
Harry loved that Ezrah was no longer second-guessing himself, or asking if he could touch something with every step.
Ezrah carried the tray for them both and Harry slipped back around the settee, so when Leolin looked up at Ezrah's approach and turned to check where Harry was, he was right there, sat beside him still. Leolin then, instead of throwing a fit, went back to the ball in his hands.
"So, how has Harell been?" Harry asked, after getting his hands on some tea.
"He is a dream. I am enjoying parenthood so much more than I expected, Harry. I am so glad that the gods decided to bless me with a babe of my own." Ezrah said, smiling into the bassinet at his sleeping baby.
Harry smiled at that, and at how happy Ezrah sounded. Baby Harell was thriving and Ezrah and Lathen had settled, though some of Lathen's relatives had been forbidden from seeing the baby after attempts to steal him from his rightful parents. Those remaining hadn't tried anything of the sort, though both parents were very aware of such attempts now.
"I am worried that now it is getting colder that I am not wrapping Harell enough." Ezrah admitted.
"Put him in what you are wearing and then add a layer." Harry said. "If you're warm enough while wearing long sleeves, put Harell in long sleeves and then add a cardigan."
Ezrah nodded seriously. "What about for bed?"
"Oh, have you seen these amazing baby sleeping bags?" Harry asked, excitedly, standing up (with help from the arm of the settee) to go and get his laptop. "You can't use them once baby is walking, it's dangerous, but look how cute these are."
Harry loaded the laptop up, then went to his web browser and went through his shopping pages, showing the baby sleeping bags to Ezrah.
"I've got a load of these on order for Taren, Leolin, and the new baby."
"Would they work for Harell as well, do you think?"
"It should be swaddling until they start rolling, but once he has started rolling, I don't see why not." Harry said. "Some of them have these really cute designs on them."
They passed some time looking through the ones that Harry had already bought, cooing over the really cute ones.
"Oh, I love that one." Ezrah insisted. It was white, but really colourful with flowers, so Harry could see exactly how it would appeal to a Faerie.
Harell let out a thin cry from the bassinet and they both looked up.
"He is not due a feed for another half hour." Ezrah said worriedly, carefully scooping up his baby and checking him over.
"If he's hungry earlier than usual, think of it as him growing. Why don't you go and make him up a bottle?"
Ezrah nodded, though he looked fretful still as he passed him the baby and went to the kitchen to make a bottle up.
"Will Leolin or Taren need one?" Ezrah asked him.
"Not yet." Harry called back, keeping Leolin distracted with his favourite toy while he held the upset newborn.
Harell didn't like him, didn't want him, he wanted his mother, but he would have to make do for now while Ezrah prepared a bottle. Though the tiny baby made it known exactly what he thought of being held by someone who wasn't Ezrah.
"Come on, Harell." Harry said gently. "I'm not so bad." He promised the wailing baby. "It won't be long and you can have a nice, warm bottle." He promised the baby.
Harell stopped wailing to stare up at him, his gold eyes looking at him, and then he wailed harder when he realised that he was not, in fact, being held by his 'safe' person.
Ezrah came back quickly and he placed the bottle down and took his baby, murmuring to him softly and gently. Harell looked up at his mother, then settled when he realised he was being held by his safe person after all.
"Ma." Leolin said demandingly.
Harry pulled him back onto his lap, giving the ball a squeeze to set off the colours again.
Ezrah fed Harell a tiny little bottle while Harry looked over all of his little monsters, making sure they weren't doing anything dangerous.
Farren had shared the grapes, but that meant that Harry could see grape halves all over the floor, some of them with little nibbles taken out of them. Clean-up was going to be hell for his mates later.
They were all still playing. Tegan was at her doll's house with Regan, both playing nicely. Farren had a book and he was 'reading' it quietly. Calix, usually their most destructive child, had been distracted by the TV in the other room, which was playing his favourite show. Harry let out a breath and settled back down, lifting a hand to play with Leolin's hair.
The floo chime sounded and Harry looked up, his heart beating, but he knew that no one who wasn't already keyed into their wards could get in. He knew that, but it still set off his Dracken every time.
Nasta landed on his feet and was subsequently mobbed by kids, which made Harry smile.
"Kids, let me get over the fire grate!" Nasta chastised as he tried to keep his balance on one foot.
Harry stifled a laugh as the kids were all hugging that single leg, and of course, Nasta fell.
"Welcome home!" Harry called out teasingly.
"They hate it when we're all out." Nasta said, cuddling all the kids to his chest and rolling them around, which they loved and the room was taken over with shrieks and giggles.
Nasta was finally able to stand again and he came to kiss him and give him a subtle sniff to make sure that he was still healthy and unhurt.
"Where's Blaise?"
"He got a headache and he didn't say anything until he almost lost his balance, so I chided him off to bed." Harry explained. "How was your day?"
"Uneventful. I finished early too, so I made sure everything was as it should be, that everything was in hand, before I came home early."
"I love when you get to come home early."
"It doesn't happen often." Nasta said with a smile.
"You want tea?" Harry asked.
"Sure, I'll top up your teapot now. It's nice to see you, Ezrah. How's Harell?"
"He is just finishing his feed. He woke early for it today, so I am excited to see if he will grow again."
"That's good news." Nasta said as he gathered up their teacups and the tray before heading to the kitchen. "How much have you eaten, Harry?"
"I've had a good amount of fruit today." Harry assured him. "I had some crackers and soup with the kids at lunchtime, but nothing else. I didn't even want any biscuits."
"No biscuits?" Nasta gasped in faux shock.
Harry laughed. "Not a single one, Nas! Tea isn't the same without some biscuits, but I just haven't felt like stomaching any of them."
Neither of them mentioned that a decreased appetite was a sign of wanting to nest. Harry had almost finished building his nest and he wasn't sure if his mates knew that or not, but last week Nasta had decided, out of the blue, that he was going to stop building the treehouses for the kids despite the fact that it wasn't that cold outside yet. Harry figured that at least Nasta knew, and he had probably shared that with the others, but as long as they didn't go hunting for his nest then he would be happy.
Nasta came back into the room with a fresh teapot for them and he made up Harry's cup for him before he went and checked on Taren in his bassinet. He was asleep, but Nasta moved the blankets, checked the baby's temperature, and then checked his nappy, before covering him back over and leaving him be.
Nasta sat beside Harry and picked up his own cup of tea.
"Da." Leolin named him.
"Hello, Leolin." Nasta greeted, using two fingers to stroke over the baby's cheek.
Ezrah put down the bottle and he carefully eased Harell upright to wind him. Harry smiled at the small, squeak of a burp, memories of a newborn Leolin coming back.
The floo went again, but Harry was more secure with Nasta right beside him, but it was Lathen who came through this time, and he visibly relaxed upon seeing Ezrah and Harell, despite that every time Ezrah and the baby weren't at home when he came home from work, he was always here.
"Lathen." Ezrah greeted happily, his face lighting up to see his bondmate.
Lathen went and kissed Ezrah and then his baby.
"How has your day been, beloved?"
"It has been peaceful. I wanted to come to see Harry."
"That is not a problem, you know this." Lathen replied.
"Lathen, would you like tea?" Nasta offered.
"No, thank you." Lathen said.
"I will not stay for much longer." Ezrah insisted, as he rocked Harell to sleep and then handed him over to Lathen before reaching for his own tea.
"Thank you for your company today, Ezrah. I was feeling a little adult lonely." Harry said, smiling.
"I enjoy having your company as well. I've found that I am not overly fond of being in our home alone with Harell."
"That worry will pass, I promise." Harry told him. "You'll get more used to having a baby in the house, you'll both find a schedule, and then the only thing you'll miss is having another adult to talk to, but you can always come here."
Harry got a quick, last cuddle of Harrel before Lathen took Ezrah and the baby home and Harry stretched himself out happily, slouching.
"Did you have a good day?" Nasta asked him, sitting next to him.
Harry hummed. "Yes, but I can't feel baby, which makes me anxious. I feel so stressed, Nas. I need to carry this baby well because…"
"Because this baby is Draco's first?" Nasta finished when Harry trailed off.
Harry nodded sadly. "I can't disappoint him."
"Is that what you think Draco would feel if, for whatever reason, you lost the baby?"
Harry nodded.
Nasta shuffled over and pulled Harry to cuddle into him. "None of us, not a single one of us, would blame you if you lost a child, Harry. Not even Draco. He's more worried about you than he is about the baby. Since he's been healed of that suppressant, his dominant instincts are in full force. But he fears that the placenta being in the way will cause you undue pain and blood loss. He has written a list of things that need to be done when you go into labour so that he doesn't forget a single thing that could help you. He goes over it daily when he thinks you're otherwise distracted."
Harry hadn't known that and it made his fretting worse.
"Don't." Nasta said, giving him a look. "I can see what you're thinking, Harry, but don't. You're going to be just fine. I think Draco is just overly worried because of the argument at Valentine's, where they accused me of trying to kill you by getting you pregnant. He's facing the fear that it's his child that might cause you harm, but I know you're going to be fine, Harry. We'll have healers and family on standby and you'll be well taken care of, with lots of painkillers and even more rest."
Harry let out a big breath and he nodded, cuddling into Nasta tighter. "I'm trying. Healer Almus isn't worried, not like when I was having Taren through the court case. My worry hasn't affected the baby this time."
"I want you to just relax and take more time for yourself, of course it can't be helped when the kids need watching like today, but now that I'm here, I want you to rest, Caru."
Harry gave him a smile. "The kids have been really good today and the fruit prep that Max did really helped me with their snacks."
"I'm going to go and check on Blaise and get into something more comfortable, I'll sort them out with drinks and things when I come back down."
"Taren and Leolin will need feeds soon."
Nasta nodded, giving him a kiss, before hefting himself up and going to get changed. Harry settled on the settee and watched his kids playing and shrieking. They all played well together…for the most part. They were good kids, even if they did have their moments. Calix was half feral and Leolin was a challenge all of his own, but Harry wouldn't change them for the world.
They had been invited to a get-together at Alexander's home and as it had been a while since they had gone to one, they had decided to go. They all needed a break, a chance to wind down now that Harry's birth was imminent…and because his biggest mate was a literal child at times. Harry smiled as Max once again went chasing the kids down the garden, yelling and bellowing, waving his arms as the kids screeched and ran away from him, laughing their heads off.
The garden was teeming with Maddisons and it was loud and busy, but Harry was enjoying having someone else look after his kids for a bit.
He was feeling achy and tired and itchy and just plain uncomfortable. He shifted again, hissing through his teeth, pressing a hand to his bump.
"Harry, are you alright, son?"
He smiled up at Myron, but ended up wincing and pressing a hand to his back.
"I'm just uncomfortable. I can't feel the baby moving as such, but I can feel them bloody kicking and my back is really hurting and I've pulled my groin too."
Myron sat next to him, then opened his arms in offering.
Harry shuffled over, holding back a grunt. Myron swept him up and settled Harry on his lap like he was a child, but Harry snuggled in any way. He rested his head on a big, broad shoulder and then sighed happily as large hands started massaging his back, easing tense muscles.
"You're worried, Harry and you're heavily pregnant. You need to let yourself rest."
"I'm resting. They won't let me move by myself anymore." He said, nodding over to his mates.
"Good." Myron said, sounding pleased.
"Comfortable, sweetheart?" Richard teased, pushing Harry's hair from his forehead and kissing him.
Harry hummed. "Yes. My back hurts so damn much. Maybe having back-to-back pregnancies wasn't such a good idea."
Harry could all but feel the worried look that Myron and Richard shared.
"How painful is it, Harry?" Richard asked him.
"Not so much pain, but just uncomfortable. I can hardly sleep now and I'm eating less. I'm achy and tired. I'm just ready for this baby to be born, even though I know I have another month and a half to go."
"Maybe not, sweetheart. Not if you're in this much discomfort, with back pain too, you might find you go a little early." Richard said gently. "Are you prepared?"
Which was dominant code for 'is your nest built' and Harry nodded. "Yes. I've got everything I need, except the blood, but the guys aren't thinking of that yet."
"I'll have a word." Myron assured him. "They need to realise that you could nest at any moment and they need to have everything you need prepared."
"Not yet." Harry said, worried that Myron meant right at that moment.
"Oh, I think someone is enjoying your massage, My." Richard teased.
"I really am. It's the first time my back hasn't felt so sore. Blaise is good at massaging, but he's so worried about how much pressure he uses now with his memory issues."
"I thought he was getting better?"
"He is, but he doesn't want to hurt me, so he's not confident enough to touch my back or neck, which is where I'm carrying the most tension. He's put himself back into the massage classes so he can make sure he knows all the techniques."
"I'm happy to do this for you." Myron told him. "Richard and I were going to ask if you'd be happy for us to come over every day starting next week, though if you are in this much discomfort, perhaps we should start tomorrow?"
"In case I start nesting when my mates are out?" Harry asked.
"Yes, and to help you around the house and with the kids too." Richard told him. "Having a house full of under three-year-olds must be difficult and in your condition, having some extra help surely can't hurt."
"Would you mind?" Harry asked.
"Of course not. We have to look after you in your condition and I'm not on any major cases at the moment, so work is very dull."
"I can take a break whenever I want." Myron said simply. "Perks of being the CEO."
"I think…" Harry trailed off before starting again. "I'd like you both to be there. I'm very worried about this pregnancy. I can hardly feel the baby moving, everything is hurting, and I'm off my food. I think you might be right that I go early and the last thing I want is to drag all nine babies into my nest because I'm home alone when I get the urge to nest."
"How are those nesting instincts at the moment? I heard that Max told you off for cleaning."
Harry hummed, then chuckled. "Yeah. I think it was mostly because I offended him because I was cleaning the oven and that's supposed to be his job."
"Ah, so you unintentionally offended him by insinuating he hadn't cleaned the oven well enough?" Richard teased.
"Something like that. I didn't have the heart to tell him that I'd cleaned the entire kitchen from top to bottom while the kids napped. He only caught me cleaning the oven, so he thought that was all I'd done."
"He also said that you absolutely hate the cleaning fluid, but that you still used it." Myron said.
"The nesting urges are very strong. Strong enough to overcome my hate of the potent cleaning stuff which usually gets stuck in my throat. At least one good thing came from it, though."
"Max took over the cleaning of the house?" Richard guessed with a grin.
Harry nodded. "Yeah. He's deep-cleaned every room and that pleases me and appeases the nesting instincts too. I've been making sure all the baby clothes are fresh and clean instead. Thank Ashleigh for the lovely outfit and shawl she sent over, I love them."
"She's going to be fully released next month." Richard told him, sounding a little hesitant, as if Harry might be upset over it. He wasn't.
"That's wonderful news." He said. "I've missed her. You have been keeping her updated on everything, right? I've sent her a few owls, but I never heard a reply, so I wasn't sure if she was getting them or not?"
"Oh, she has been getting them. She clings to every one of them, but we weren't sure if you'd want to open continuous contact with her while she was still in recovery." Richard said. "She's…we're all hoping, that maybe, once she's out of recovery and home for good, that you might let her…that you might forgive her."
"I already have forgiven her, Richard." Harry said. "I just wanted her to get better and I can't wait to meet her, properly this time, as the woman she was before her grief stole her away."
Harry was hugged tightly by both men. He giggled as it put pressure on his chest.
"We love you." Myron declared.
"Love you too."
"I do love seeing you all so happy." Alexander said as he made his way over. "Harry, Max said that you'd like a hot chocolate."
Harry cooed happily and accepted the big mug with both hands. He took a sip and hummed.
Alexander sat with them and looked at Harry's heavy belly consideringly.
"Your bump has dropped." Alexander said.
Harry nodded. "A few days ago." He answered distractedly, licking some cream from the edge of the mug.
"We are going to be living with Harry and the boys from tomorrow morning." Myron told his father.
Alexander looked pleased. "Good, I feel that might be for the best."
"Was there another mate meeting?" Harry asked curiously. "None of the unmated dominants are here."
Alexander gave him a gentle smile. "Yes, there was a meeting called at the beginning of the week. The submissive in question is eighteen. She held her meetings back until she had graduated and then wanted a little extra time to set up her career path. She is a strong one."
"I'm just happy those damn twins aren't here, pinching at me." Harry grumbled.
"You spoke too soon, gorgeous."
Harry groaned and shifted to hide himself deeper into Myron as one of those terror twins appeared out of nowhere, making a pinching motion towards him with his fingers, laughing.
"If you touch him, I'll break your arm." Myron threatened.
"Nicodemus, if you touch him in his condition, a broken arm will be the least of your problems! Especially if it causes premature labour." Alexander threatened.
Nico just laughed, but he sat down at the table, away from Harry and Myron.
Nicodemus wasn't the only one to arrive at the gathering, as Harry heard Cassander's voice from across the lawn and Cepheus came to sit next to his twin.
"Is the meeting over already?"
"Yep. She chose her second mate in private and we were all dismissed."
"She must have known who she wanted before starting her second meeting." Alexander mused.
"I knew I wanted Nasta before I mated to Draco and Max too." Harry nodded. "Sometimes, you just know."
"You could have chosen me." Cepheus teased.
"Who in their right mind would want you?" Harry demanded.
Nicodemus laughed loudly. "See, Harry doesn't want you, he wants me."
Harry scoffed. "Not likely. I wanted Max and only Max."
"No, come on, Harry, be truthful, if you could pick any of us, not Max, who would it be?" Cepheus teased.
"Ceph, leave him be." Alexander warned.
"Clearly he'd choose Myron." Nico pointed out.
"Xerxes." Harry said sleepily, taking another drink of chocolate.
"Excuse me, what?!" Cepheus demanded. "Why would you want that old bore?"
"Whose an old bore?" Max asked, wandering over to check on him.
"Xerxes, who your lovely little mate would have chosen if you were off the table and Xerxes was on it." Nico informed with a smirk.
"I could have told you that." Max answered with a shrug. "Harry has a thing for Uncle Xerxes."
"It's not a thing." Harry huffed.
"Of course not, love." Max teased, giving him a kiss.
Harry waved a hand to get his mate away from him, trying not to spill his drink.
"Do you want another one of those?" Max asked, smiling.
Harry shook his head. "It's so nice, but I'm struggling to finish it."
"You look ready to pop." Nico informed him.
"Piss off." Harry grumbled, even as he shifted uncomfortably.
"Has that pain still not gone?" Max asked worriedly.
Harry shook his head. "It's getting worse. I think I might…I think we might have to leave, Max."
"Are…are you going into labour?" Max asked, his eyes widening.
"No, but I might need to go to my nest, my Dracken is urging me to do…something. I'm not sure."
"Let me get the kids and the others and we'll go."
"I'll do that, you get Harry home." Myron insisted, standing and handing Harry over.
Harry moaned in pain as he was jostled, but being held by Max was so much better and he snuffled his face into Max's neck, inhaling his scent deeply as Max hurried him away, back into the house.
"Kyra, who are these?" Max asked, his arms holding Harry tighter. He felt his mate turn and stance his body to better protect him. Harry picked his head up to see Kyra, who had also been missing from the get-together because of the mate meeting.
Kyra was tall, strong, beautiful, but she was a lot like Myron. She had a small, young submissive with her and a taller, muscled powerhouse of a dominant. Harry had never seen either of them before and he curled up with Max.
"I…I was chosen, Max." Kyra said, her arm going around the submissive. "This is my submissive mate, Lottie and this is Gareth."
"That's amazing news!" Max said. "It's nice to meet you both, though, Aunt Kyra, maybe it wasn't the best idea to bring them to a gathering, your twin brothers are on form today." Max teased.
"Lottie, Gareth this is my nephew, Max and his submissive mate, Harry."
"Oh shit." Max said as if he'd actually forgotten that Harry was there. "I need to get Harry home, he thinks he's about to start nesting!" Max explained, even as he slipped around the trio. "Congratulations to all three of you, I hope to see you again soon!"
"Was that Harry Potter?" Harry heard Lottie ask.
Harry moaned unhappily.
"I got it." Max told him, cuddling him closer. "I'll get us home now, I swear."
Harry was flooed home and Max switched on the lights before sitting Harry down, hunching in front of him and immediately removing Harry's shoes to rub at his feet.
"How are you feeling?" Max asked.
"Sore, uncomfortable. Max, I'm going to be nesting very soon and I think labour will follow quickly. I'm worried. It's so soon."
"You'll be fine. I swear. We'll get everything ready for you, please, don't worry. Trust us to look after you and the kids. You just need to focus on preening and birthing our tenth baby."
Harry nodded, but, being home now, he was relaxing and he didn't feel so stressed…his Dracken wanted to be home, just in case he needed to nest. There would be no more leaving the house for him.
"Are you feeling better?"
"I'm so sorry, Max. I didn't mean to drag you from a family gathering, it's just…my Dracken needed to be here, to be home."
Max smiled at him, but moved forward to kiss Harry's heavy bump.
"You're probably a little too far along to go out, we should have thought."
Harry shook his head. "I enjoyed the small amount of time I had with your family. It just became too much and my Dracken needed to come home. Please, feel free to go back if you want to, I'm not going to nest tonight. It'll be soon, but not imminent."
"I'd rather be home with you. I love my family, of course, but damn, I'd forgotten how crazy they all were when they're all together."
Harry laughed and tugged on Max, getting his mate next to him and then he turned to snuggle in.
The floo went and, one by one, his mates came back carrying kids who were wild on cake and biscuits.
"Harry, are you okay?" Nasta asked seriously. "Alexander told us that you needed to leave."
"Everything's fine, I'm a little too close to nesting." Harry admitted. "My Dracken needs to be here, just in case."
Nasta eased down and relaxed.
"I'm glad that was all it was. Nicodemus was saying something about you going into labour and I panicked a little."
Harry groaned. "Bloody Nicodemus!"
"Mummy, are you okay?" Tegan asked him. "You need Pengy?"
"I'm fine, sweetheart, I don't need Pengy."
His daughter came for a cuddle and Max pulled her up and Harry gave her a soft kiss. She tasted of hot chocolate and it made Harry smile. The Maddisons spoiled his kids so much…he could even see the remnants of a toasted marshmallow smeared over Farren's cheek.
"Someone needs to get that off before it sticks." Harry said.
Blaise looked at the boy in his arms and then laughed, kissing the sticky mess.
"I like mallow-mallow." Farren told them.
"We can see that." Max said with a laugh.
"I'll get them into the bath now. It's a little early, but they can have more quiet playtime after." Nasta said, going to start running the first of five baths.
Harry stayed where he was, with Max, as his remaining three mates sorted out the kids and their baths. Taren was placed on the floor to roll around as he saw fit and Leolin was in Harry's arms, awake, but he was quiet.
"That little squirmy bug will be on the move soon." Max commented, looking down at Taren.
Harry peered over too, seeing Taren rolling and kicking his legs, waving his hands, strengthening his muscles. He smiled.
"If I'm in my nest when he does it for the first time, make sure you record it for me."
"Of course, love. You know we will."
"I hate that the nesting is so long. I hate feeling like I've missed anything." Harry admitted.
"We'll catch you up with everything that you miss, Harry."
"I don't want to miss little Bea's second birthday."
"It's on the twenty-fourth." Max said. "That wouldn't give you a lot of time in your nest, Harry."
"I'll have to come out straight after anyway, my placenta hasn't moved out of the way."
"We'll get everything prepared for you, Harry. Please, don't worry so much, we're going to look after you."
Harry sighed and cuddled into Max.
"At least we don't have any dragonpox vaccines to deal with. Braiden's fifth was bad enough." Max told him. "We wouldn't be able to handle that without you."
That was true enough. Braiden had been incredibly clingy and he had cried and sobbed and he'd only wanted Harry. He'd had a little shadow all day, clinging to his leg or cuddled up on his lap and trying to pass him off to anyone else caused a mini-meltdown.
"Unless I go over my due date and miss Taren's third vaccine."
"Don't curse us." Max insisted, giving Harry a light poke.
"Taren is probably the best one to miss, he won't want me, he'll want his broad-shouldered Daddy Max." Harry teased.
"Don't miss it." Max pleaded. "He will want you. He only wants me to sleep, when he's upset he only wants you."
Harry laughed happily. Leolin looked up at him with a frown. A little hand came up and slapped at his chin.
"Don't hit your mummy, Leolin." Max said, slipping his hand between Leolin's and Harry's face.
"Bop." Leolin demanded. "Bop."
"You're hungry?" Max asked. "That's sooner than usual. Let me go and get that and I'll sort us all some tea."
Max split away from him, which made Leolin very happy as Harry wrapped arms around him and settled him on his lap more securely and Leolin snuggled in.
Harry wondered if Leolin had asked for a bottle just to get him to himself. No, surely not.
Max came back first with a bottle and Harry took it trustingly, not checking the temperature as he offered it to Leolin, who turned his head and raised a hand to help guide the bottle to his mouth. Leolin latched on and started eating and Harry rocked him as much as he was able in his condition.
Max picked Taren up from the floor when the first of the kids came charging into the room, their hair damp, but in their pyjamas, ready for bed.
Their loud, bright, interactive toys had been locked away and their quiet toys remained and Harry watched as the twin girls immediately gravitated towards the same doll.
"Max." Harry called out warningly.
Max had already seen them, however, and he went for the doll, picking it up and stopping both girls, who looked up at him.
"Daddy, want dolly." Eva told him.
"I want it!" Ave insisted.
The girls turned on each other and Draco waded in, picking Ave up and holding her away from her sister.
"There are eight dolls in this house." Draco said sternly. "I can see five of them from where I am standing. You are not going to argue over the same doll."
Draco took Ave over to another doll, scooping it from the floor and passing it to their daughter.
"Want a blue one, Daddy." Ave insisted stubbornly.
Draco sighed, but went to another doll, this one dressed in blue, and he gave this doll to Ave, who scowled, looking at the doll that Max still held, which was also dressed in blue. Eva wasn't allowed it either.
Max put the doll up on the sideboard and handed Eva a different doll, which she accepted unhappily.
"Save me from almost two-year-olds." Max said.
Their twin girls were now twenty-one months old and, as Drackens, they were very forward and thriving. They were proving to be more willing than Harry liked to commit acts of violence, particularly against one another. They needed to find a way to stop that while they were still so young.
Max went back into the kitchen and fetched a tray of cups and Harry, who had passed a feeding, drifting Leolin to Nasta, was handed a mug of honey tea, which he sipped on so happily, watching his babies play and…yes, they were making a damn racket and a mess too, but Harry didn't care. He loved his family. He wouldn't change a single thing about any of them.
The next morning Harry woke up late, after he'd woken a dozen times in the night to use the toilet, and he was still tired, still feeling exhausted.
"I love you, but I can't wait until you're out of me." He said, patting his belly.
He rolled out of bed with a bit of difficulty and a grunt. He needed the toilet again and he sighed. He had another scan in three days and he hoped that his placenta had moved. If it moved up just enough, then he wasn't looking at a month or more of recovery from the birth. He could drink his mates' blood and let that heal him, and he could spend some time just resting and being doted on by his mates and family and he would be fine. If he had to slice through the placenta, he knew the loss of blood was going to knock him for weeks after. The pain and soreness of that was going to take weeks to get over. He was going to be either bedridden, as a best case scenario, or hospital-bound until he recovered as a worst case scenario. He refused to think of any scenario where he didn't survive.
He inched down the stairs and the first thing he heard was Richard laughing. Harry grinned as he remembered that Richard and Myron were moving in as of that morning. It wasn't a moment too soon either, as Harry's Dracken was getting antsy, a sure sign that his nesting period was imminent.
"There you are, sweetheart." Richard greeted. "How are you feeling?"
"Achy." Harry complained, even as Richard came and picked him up, straight off his feet. "I can walk." He groused.
"Oh, Care Bear warned us that you were always grumpy this heavily pregnant." Richard teased.
"Good morning, Harry." Myron greeted.
Taren was stretched out over one massive shoulder, fast asleep and looking oh-so-very happy for it. It made Harry smile.
"Morning." Harry said as Richard settled Harry next to Myron.
"Are you hungry at all?" Richard asked. "Max said that it was hit-and-miss for you now."
Harry shook his head. "No. I'm not hungry at all even though I merely picked at dinner last night."
"Draco was very worried that you hadn't eaten much last night."
Harry snorted a laugh. "Maybe he should be this heavy pregnant and see how much he can eat."
"Harry."
Blaise smiled at him as he came in with Tegan on his hand.
"Mummy, I went on toilet." Their little girl informed him.
"You're such a good girl, Tegan." Harry told her.
Blaise bent over him and gave him a kiss and Harry hummed happily.
"I'm so glad you allowed Myron and Richard to come over." Blaise said. "They've been such a massive help and I'm not as stressed."
"You boys need a hand and we're more than willing to offer it." Myron said.
"I knew we'd need some help." Harry said, giving a small smile. "We have too many kids and I'm not much help anymore."
"No one expects you to lift a finger." Myron told him, shifting closer and slipping an arm around him and cuddling him in closer.
"You won't lift a finger either while we're here." Richard added.
"I'd probably kick off about that if I felt able to lift a finger." Harry told them. "But I don't feel able to. I feel really heavy and tired and sore and achy."
"In that case, I don't want you moving unless you have to, Harry." Myron told him firmly. "Richard and I are here to be used."
Harry gave a dirty little chuckle at that, which made Richard giggle and caused Myron to scowl.
"We are here to help you. To do everything that you can't. Let us do that, Harry while you rest and focus on just you and the baby."
He nodded and held onto Myron, snuggling in and letting his uncomfortable body rest.
Blaise was more relaxed and happy as he spent his time just playing with the kids. Richard dealt with anything the kids needed; snacks, drinks, toys, though the kids only went to Blaise to ask for the toilet as that was habit. Everything was taken care of, without Harry or really Blaise, needing to do anything at all.
Harry had to take charge of Leolin when he woke from his nap, he wouldn't go to anyone else, but feeding him was easy and playing with him was as simple as using a cushion to play peek-a-boo, though Harry had to time the games as sometimes, if the game was extended for too long, Leolin got overly distressed at Harry's 'disappearance'. That was as simple as distracting him with his favourite light-up ball though, and Harry could have a bit of a rest, with a lot of bathroom breaks spaced between.
Draco came home first, happy and exuberant as only the first few weeks in a new job could produce. Max was home early, just behind Draco and, after assuring Harry that he wasn't home because of injury or almost fatality, he greeted the kids.
"It literally was because we finished early, love." Max told him, even as he grappled Calix and rolled around with him.
Harry eased down a little and snuggled back into Myron.
"How have you all been?" Draco asked. "Max, welcome home."
Draco was freshly showered and in his 'home' clothes, and not the robes he wore to work, and he looked so relaxed and happy.
"How was work?" Max asked in a teasing tone. He likely knew that Draco's 'fresh-eyed enthusiasm' wouldn't last for very long.
"It was amazing!"
"You work in finance!" Richard said, laughing.
"He gets to tell others how to budget and where they waste money." Harry said. "Of course he likes it."
"It's a little more than that." Draco said, but he was smiling and so damn pleased that he finally had a job and could contribute to the household pot, as if it was even needed given that Max and Nasta alone were pulling in very decent wages, Blaise had the money left to him by his father, and Harry was exceptionally wealthy given that his parents had left him everything and so had Sirius. Harry technically still owned two properties, Grimmauld Place and Godric's Hollow, which, despite being made into a memorial, the deeds still named him as the owner.
Nasta, as usual, was the last home in the evening. The kids had had their dinner and Richard and Draco had bathed them. Max was in the kitchen, making dinner for the rest of them and Harry was cradling Taren, who was already asleep after his busy day being doted upon by his grandfathers and being encouraged to move around and crawl. He was eight months old and he was babbling and moving more. It was almost time for him to start moving…he might even go straight to walking. Harry was excited about that.
"Nasta, welcome home." Harry said, smiling.
"How are you feeling, Caru?" He asked as a priority, fending off the kids to give him a kiss first.
"Daddy, up! Up!" Eva demanded.
Nasta bent and lifted her easily, snuggling her into his neck, but he didn't take his eyes from Harry.
"I'm fine, Nas. Nothing untoward has happened and me, Blaise, and the kids have enjoyed our day with Myron and Richard."
"Our baby still okay?"
"Still in place and making it difficult for me to eat and I need a wee every five minutes, but other than that, we're fine."
"I'm glad that Myron and Richard were here to help look after you."
"They've been a really big help." Harry said, nodding. "Blaise was really stressed that I would go into my nest and leave him to deal with the kids alone…and protect me alone. You know he's still not overly fond of punishing any of the kids. We really need to get him more comfortable with that."
"We'll work on it before the kids get too much older and start running rings around him."
"They already have." Harry pointed out. "They see him as weak link Daddy Blaise."
Nasta chuckled. "Let me go and get a shower and into my comfy clothes and we'll see about getting Blaise more comfortable with punishing the kids."
Harry rested back into the chair and Taren came with him. The baby sleeping so late in the afternoon was what he and the guys usually deemed a 'danger nap' because nine times out of ten, if Taren slept this late then he had Max up for half the night. Myron had waved it off, however, and had insisted that if Taren was going to be awake all night, then he, himself, would tend to him all night if needed. It was amazing to have them around to help out.
"Dinner is in an hour, we need to get these kids up into bed." Max said, coming in from the kitchen.
"I want a story." Braiden demanded. "A lion one."
"Alright, love, you can have a lion story." Max assured him. "Come with me."
"Carry me." Calix demanded, holding little arms up to Max, who stooped down to the floor to pick him up.
"Mummy, kiss."
Used to this routine now, Harry bent forward and kissed a little mouth. Then all of the others who also rushed to give him a goodnight kiss too.
"Goodnight, sweetheart." Harry said, brushing some hair from Tegan's face, then giving another cuddle to Regan and kissing his little mouth.
"Come on, you've all given your mother a kiss, up the stairs." Max told them, ushering the older kids ahead of him as he carried Ave, Eva, and Calix.
"Oh, a bit of peace." Richard said, stretching and then sitting forward. "Do you need a break, Harry?"
Harry hummed, shuffling forward and passing over Taren. "I need the bathroom again." He complained.
Richard took Taren and held a hand out to pull Harry to his feet. He waddled to the bathroom and happily relieved himself.
He went back to the family room and sat next to Myron and he snuggled into that muscled bulk, smiling as a big arm was wrapped around him.
"Be careful, My, if you carry on being such a good pillow you might never be allowed to leave." Richard chuckled as he cradled a still-sleeping Taren. He was definitely having a danger nap and he would be awake late and then throughout the night, but Harry didn't like waking his babies up if they fell asleep. He preferred to give them a schedule, but if they did deviate from it, he let them.
"I wouldn't mind the change of pace." Myron insisted. "I might pack in the CEO position and just become Harry's pillow full-time."
Harry laughed and gave Myron a tight squeeze.
Nasta came back down and smiled to see Harry cuddled up and happy.
"Have you managed to eat much today?" He asked.
Harry shook his head. "A bit of chicken for lunch and an apple. I didn't want breakfast, but I had an orange."
"How much tea have you had?" Nasta asked, his eyes narrowed.
"Honestly, not much, love. Maybe two cups. I've had mostly water."
"I've been so surprised by how quickly he's been refusing tea, Nasta." Richard said.
Nasta eased down a little, even as he sat down.
"I don't want anything." Harry said softly.
"You're getting closer to nesting." Myron told him. "Just do exactly as your instincts tell you, Harry. Don't force yourself to do anything."
Harry nodded. "I'm glad you're both here. I feel that it won't be very long. I didn't want to go early, but as long as the baby is healthy then…"
"And you." Nasta cut in quickly.
Harry gave a small chuckle. "And me." He said, smiling. "But I'm not worried. We have family to watch over us, you're going to call the healers the moment I start nesting. I'm going to be fine and so is our baby."
"Keep that positive attitude." Myron told him, giving him a gentle squeeze. "Don't underestimate how powerful the mind is. Keep thinking that you can do it, that you and the baby will be fine, and believe your words, Harry, because they're true. We are going to look after you all and even once you come out of your nest, we are not going anywhere. We are going to be on hand for as long as it takes you to recover, sweetheart. You're our son too and we will not abandon you."
Harry cuddled in and he rested against Myron until Max called them for dinner.
It was nice to have Myron and Richard with them and dinner was a little more lively than usual because of it as everyone recounted their day.
Harry ate minimally. He wasn't even hungry and he nibbled mostly for the sake of his mates, who were watching him worriedly, but Harry felt completely fine. A little too heavy, he ached, and he was ready to birth now, but he was perfectly fine still.
Taren woke very late, crying for a feed.
"Mama." He cried out and Harry eased himself from his chair and picked his baby up with a smile.
"I've got you." He said soothingly. "Your bottle is ready, I have it here."
Harry sat back down, tired and sore, but he smiled for his baby as he fed him.
"I love you, Taren."
Nasta's eyes looked up at him from that tiny face. A touch more gold than Nasta's, but still hazel-gold. Taren watched him as he fed, and in that, he reminded Harry of Leolin, who needed to have constant eye contact to feel safe while he fed.
With his older, more boisterous siblings up in bed already, Taren had the run of the room to himself and it was safe to place him on the floor and let him roll as he wanted.
"He'll be on his feet in no time." Richard commented.
"He's coming on so well." Myron agreed, watching Taren with a soft smile.
Harry puffed up a little with pride as his Dracken preened under the praise given to his baby. Taren was coming on really well and he liked that others were noticing.
"Here you go."
Max handed Harry a cup of tea, but he could only manage a few forced sips before he put it down.
Max served everyone else as well before sitting down himself and drinking his own tea, smiling down at their baby as Taren squirmed about on the floor.
It was peaceful, not quite quiet as everyone was talking and Taren was burbling down on the floor, reaching out and grabbing each soft toy and pulling them, one by one, to his face to inspect it before reaching out for another, but it was perfect to Harry as he sat and watched them all.
It really wouldn't be long now before he went into his nest, but it wasn't going to be immediately. He had a little time left to enjoy his family before he added another new addition.
It was just a little more than twenty-four hours later that Harry woke suddenly in the night, alert and confused for a moment, before his Dracken side urged him to give up control. Knowing what was happening, he did just that, letting his Dracken take over and slip them silently from the bed. It was time for them to go into their nest.
He had forgotten about the others in the house and when he slipped into the kitchen, someone was awake, at the counter, feeding their youngest baby.
"Harry, are you okay?" The man muttered sleepily.
Harry cocked his head and, deeming the man as family, as not a threat, he carried on to the back door, jiggled the key until it unlocked, and he stepped out.
He went down the garden, through the trees and out to a clearing. It was cold, the wind tugging at his clothes and hair in a way he didn't like, but as he slipped into the tunnel, the wind was blocked completely and the numerous blankets he'd padded his nest out with were warm and comforting as he tugged off his human clothes and used them as extra padding.
He squirmed until he was settled, wrapping his wings tightly around his body, and then he exhaled deeply and let himself rest. This was his time with his baby and anyone who dared disturb him was going to feel his claws.
Myron finished feeding Taren and made sure the back door was locked again, before heading back up the stairs with the baby in the crook of one arm.
Taren had been moved into the room that had been dubbed the 'infant' nursery. The room that connected to the master suite. There was another nursery just opposite that Eva and Ave had been moved into, all in preparation for the new baby.
Taren was getting used to his new room and the large cot he now had to himself. He'd been moved out of his bassinet as he could now roll over and it was too dangerous to keep him in it and he certainly appreciated the added space. He still loved to stretch out all of his limbs like a starfish.
Myron made sure he was tucked in securely, his feet to the footboard and a light, thin blanket tucked over the hilarious sleeping bag with shoulder straps that Harry dressed him in to sleep. He wished they had these things when he'd had his kids. It even unzipped from the bottom for ease of midnight nappy changing, so he didn't even have to undress the baby to change him.
He stayed just long enough to watch as Taren settled back into sleep before he went into the master suite, knowing that it would wake Nasta immediately.
The growl was to be expected, Myron would have done the same.
"Nasta. It's Myron." He said as quietly as he could so he didn't disturb the others, even as Nasta sat up, his claws already out.
"Is it Taren?" Nasta asked, slipping his legs over the side of the bed and going to stand.
"No. I was feeding him in the kitchen and Harry went past and out into the garden. He was in Dracken form and showed no reaction to me. I think he's nesting."
Nasta sat back on the bed and sighed, throwing a hand, now absent his claws, through his hair.
"I knew it was coming." Nasta said in a whisper. "Thank you for telling me."
Myron nodded and left the master suite and back down the hall to the room that he and Richard had been allowed to use for their stay. At some point during the night, Braiden had migrated to their room on his own and he was snuggled up with Richard. Myron smiled at the sight, even as he carefully got back into bed.
"Taren okay?" Richard asked, blinking open one eye to check it was him before holding Braiden closer, stroking a hand through black hair.
"Yeah. He should sleep until morning now, but Harry went past me, out into the garden. He's nesting now."
"The boys are going to be hell tomorrow." Richard complained with a yawn.
"The kids too. Remember ours when Ashleigh used to nest?"
Richard let out a dramatic groan. "Yes. The endless questions of when she was coming back, damn, it used to drive me mad. No one knows when a submissive will actually go into labour or birth. Or when they might come out of their nest afterwards."
"Though we know when Harry will come out of his nest." Myron said softly, an edge of worry to his tone. "The moment he's given birth."
"He never made his last scan, it was supposed to be today."
"Of course our boy started nesting before that last scan." Myron shook his head.
"I did say a scan a week wasn't often enough." Richard said sleepily, his eyes closed, though his hand was still stroking slowly through Braiden's mussed hair. "He should have at least gone for a scan every few days, especially as he's been so off his food. We knew he would start nesting any day."
Myron hummed. "There is nothing for it now, he's already in his nest and whatever will happen will happen. Go back to sleep, Richard, we'll be helping those boys to look after the kids in the morning."
Richard hummed and reached over Braiden to lay a hand on him.
Tomorrow was going to be hectic, just looking after the kids who would be missing their mother, particularly little Leolin. It was going to be loud and the kids would be upset and the boys overwhelmed and up to their eyes in everything. He would make time to call in the reinforcements. He also needed to call the healers and have them here, ready and waiting for when that baby was born…it could be the only difference in Harry surviving the birth or not.