A/N: I have less than 5 chapters to go for this story! And now that I have seen this is chapter 47, I may try to stop on a nice, round 50. I am currently working on these chapters so hopefully I can tell you soon how many chapters we have left (and will definitely try to have that figured out by the next update).

Thank you Meg for betareading!

Harry had been fast asleep when there was a rap on the door. Both him and Ginny were up at once.

"Hagrid sent me," one of the stall boys said through the door. "Red is foaling. We are trying to separate Lightning but they're refusing."

"Don't separate them," Ginny said, pushing up with some difficulty. "I'll be right there."

Harry sat up too. " What do you mean you'll be right there? "

She stood up and got dressed impressively fast considering her massive bump. " She needs me ."

"No," he said out loud. "It's too risky."

She pulled her cloak on. "I am not discussing this with you. I am going, you can stay here if you'd like." She stepped out and started walking towards the stables. Harry cursed under his breath and quickly got dressed too.

By the time Harry arrived, Ginny had crept into the stall with the two horses. Red had her nose pressed against Ginny's bump. Both horses were restless.

"We thought it was safer to separate Lightning from them, but they did not allow it," Hagrid said.

Harry shook his head. "Separating these two is not a good idea."

"We'll be okay, Red. We're just going to have a baby," Ginny told her horse.

Harry shook his head. "No, she is going to have a baby. And you are going to have a baby indoors in a week or so."

Ginny's eyes landed on him. "Get in here with me, please."

Against his better judgement and under his wife's imploring gaze, he got into the stall too. He petted Red and then turned to Lightning.

"It'll be okay, boy. Red will be just fine," he told Lightning. He led him a little closer to Red.

He petted Red too and Ginny met eyes with him. He smiled at her. "It's going to be okay, Red. We're all right here for you."

This seemed to have put Ginny at ease too. They continued petting the horses until Red laid down and her waters broke.

"You need to get out now, they've got it handled," Hagrid told them. "We'll be right here to help if they need us."

Harry sensed Ginny's reluctance and gently took her hand and guided her out. He put a hand on her bump as they watched. Lightning looked nervous and stood protectively over Red.

Fifteen minutes later, Red gave birth to a black foal with a diamond-shaped marking on his head unlike his father's lightning shape. All of them held their breaths as Red took care of her foal, licking him clean.

Everyone fell silent as they watched the foal move for the first time. Lightning looked on at the foal, carefully walking closer until he could touch it, and then he nudged against it softly.

"What a proud dad," Ginny commented. "Look at them go."

Lightning backed up while the foal tried to stand. Red kept close to him.

"What's his name?" Hagrid asked.

Ginny smiled. "Thunder."

"Officially Thunder Pigwidgeon Linfred Henry of Henrosia," Harry told him.

Their focus returned to the horses when Thunder stood up on its shaky legs under his mother's watch. The little foal shook his head, seemed to stretch its back and then suddenly a pair of wings folded out of its back.

The shock seemed to wash over the horses as much as the people watching. Lightning inspected them with his nose, sniffing over them.

"Bloody—!" Ginny muttered. "A gift?! Is this the gift? It has to be!" she yelled at nowhere in particular. "You thought a horse with wings would be a nice gift for a baby prince? And I know you are listening so I hope you know I am pissed off! If he falls off his horse you better be around to catch him!"

Lightning lovingly rested his head close to Thunder and let him explore. The foal took a few wobbly steps towards his mother.

"How long do you think until that horse learns to fly?" Hagrid wondered out loud.

Harry shook his head. "Years, I hope."

"They can't even follow him," Ginny sighed. "They can't fly!"

Harry looked over at her. "I am sure Red will keep him in check." He looked over at Ginny. "I'll go in first to see how they react?" he suggested gently.

"Sure," Ginny agreed to his surprise.

He walked in and for a moment Lightning took a protective stance but then he relaxed and Harry was able to reach out to Red first. When both of them seemed to be calm, he reached out to the foal.

"Hello, sweet foal." He held out his hand tentatively. "You look just like your dad."

He carefully let his hand slip down the foal's side. The wings were nearly invisible against the black but Harry managed to inspect it.

"Curious."

Ginny stepped in carefully too. Lightning seemed less wary of Ginny than Harry and nudged his nose against her belly.

Ginny turned to Red. "Well done, darling. Look at the beautiful foal!" She looked over at the foal who walked to her and then put his head right against her. "That's your best friend in there."

Harry and Ginny crept into bed for a few more hours. Ginny was completely exhausted and fell asleep before he was even back in bed. He made sure her dagger was by her hand and then wrapped an arm protectively around her.

In the morning she woke up briefly. "I think I'll sleep some more." She blinked sleepily. "You can rule the country without me for a bit, won't you?"

Harry kisses her softly. "Yeah, go ahead. Sleep for me a bit as well?"

"Okay," she mumbled.

She was asleep again by the time he got dressed. He spent at least a minute by the door to look at her sleeping form, but then got going. He quickly walked by the stables first and the horse family was doing beautifully. Thunder was nursing well and had two doting parents watching his every move. Hagrid promised to keep him updated.

It was eerily quiet in his office as he got some paperwork done. It was strange how accustomed he had become to her constant chatter, both out loud and in his mind. He was glad when Neville stepped in to chat around lunchtime.

"Hagrid said the foal has wings?" Neville asked.

Harry nodded slowly. "As if we didn't have enough worries, I now have to think about the heir to the Henrosian throne potentially taking off on a flying horse! As if walking toddlers aren't enough of a challenge."

Neville laughed and then quickly stopped. "I am sure it will be okay. You'll figure it out."

"I hope so," he mumbled. A sudden cramping took over and he clenched his stomach though he knew it wasn't him who was hurting. "I need to go."

"Is it starting?" Neville asked.

Harry started briskly walking towards the door. "I don't know."

He was about halfway when he felt Ginny's water break and he started running down the corridor. He opened the door and met her eyes.

"I think we're having a baby," she said, cradling her bump with her hands.

He looked at her. "I think we are."

He walked to her and she wrapped her arms around him. Neville walked in a moment later and looked at them.

"Neville, call for Greta. Tell her my water broke and I am having contractions. Let Seamus know—"

Neville nodded. "Yes, plan Prince is in motion. I know what to do."

It seemed like the news travelled faster than fire. First, her brother came by with Hermione to wish her good luck, and then Seamus dropped by to assure them he had everything handled. Hagrid came by to give an update on Red. While Luna was with her, servants came to bring them food.

There were too many people in the room.

"Out," Ginny said. "Everyone out." She closed her eyes but noticed Harry affixing everyone with a stern gaze.

Greta stepped inside. "She is right, everyone out. We'll let you know if we need you."

Everyone who had been in the room quickly escaped and the last servant closed the door behind her.

Harry stepped back from her to let Greta examine her.

"Everything is progressing well, but you have a good few hours ahead of you," Greta informed her after she had examined Ginny. "Try to rest, I'll come by and check on you regularly. I will be close-by the whole time, you can call on me anytime you need."

She nodded to signify she heard the Head Healer.

"You are a healthy, strong Queen," Greta assured her. "You are going to do splendidly."

Ginny slumped back on the couch as Greta left.

"Aren't you more comfortable on the bed?" Harry gently offered.

She shook her head promptly. "Not for now." She looked at him. "How is the pain for you?"

"I can definitely feel it," he told her. "But it's okay, manageable."

She breathed out. "Good. It's rather searing on my side."

Before she could ask, Harry was by her side, holding her and supporting her. He'd offer her a drink before she could ask. He continued to be where she needed him for the following hours, picking up on her thoughts before she had consciously thought them. It put her at ease and allowed her to relax, working through the contractions together.

When it came time to push, Greta summoned two more Healers to make sure they were ready. Harry took place behind her on the bed, his body against her comforted her and the soulbond soothed her.

She was unsure at first but then she felt the urge to push and she trusted her body. She pushed with every contraction. It was more tiring than any battle she had fought, but she knew the outcome and it motivated her.

" You are doing so well. I am so proud of you. "

Harry told her encouragements the whole time, silently in her mind just for her to know and hear. The anticipation in the room was palpable, and she didn't even want to know about the people outside of the room. To them she was bringing an heir into the world, she wanted to meet their son.

She lay panting, feeling like her lower half was being split open. The pressure was immense and the contractions were so close together she hardly got time to take a breather.

"Do you want to catch him, Your Highness? He is almost here."

She nodded and Harry helped her sit up enough to catch him. With two more pushes she could feel it. Her hands reached out for her baby and she pushed. She grasped the boy firmly and seconds later he was in her arms as immense relief washed over her.

His strong wail a moment later told her she had a healthy boy. Her tears flowed freely as she cradled him in her arms and took him in.

Harry's hand came under hers, cradling him too and his other hand rubbed softly over his head. "Hi, James."

She knew he was crying too.

"Congratulations on the little Prince," Greta told them.

As the umbilical cord was cut, her glow disappeared as described. She was sure Harry was going to miss it, but he was too busy staring at his baby.

In the few moments it took for them to check James, she didn't stop looking at him for a second. Harry ran his fingers soothingly through her hair.

"Look at our little boy," he told her softly. "Our son that you grew. He's perfect."

"He really is," Greta agreed, returning the baby to her arms. "He is a very healthy baby boy."

The world outside stopped existing for a while. It was just her and Harry and their little boy. She let him drink, and admired his dark hair.

"I'd kill for him."

Harry chuckled. "I know," he told her endearingly. "I am right there with you."

She knew Harry had to go present him downstairs in a little bit, but right now she was happy to keep the boy in her arms.

Harry cradled the baby.

"Don't let anyone get to him," Ginny instructed him.

He smiled at her. "I likely have more blades on my body right now than is recommended when caring for an infant. Seamus is right outside the door to walk with me. He is safe."

"I know," she told him with a frown.

"I know," he returned. "We'll be back before you know it, and I keep my mind open."

"Thank you."

He pressed a kiss against her forehead and then he walked out with the little bundle in his arms. Greta closed the door behind him.

Seamus quickly walked up to him and Harry proudly showed off his son.

"Looks just like you, Sir."

Harry smiled. "Please protect him."

"Sir," Seamus said seriously. "If something happened to that boy I would kill everyone in the room and then myself."

"That won't be necessary, Seamus."

Seamus bowed his head. "Ready when you are." His hand wrapped around the hilt of his sword to indicate how ready he was to protect the little Prince.

As he walked down the stairs, James whimpered lightly and Harry quickly tucked him closer against him. Neville met him halfway.

"Congratulations," he told Harry. "What a handsome little boy." He walked back down ahead of Harry. "Please welcome our first Henrosian Prince and heir to the throne!"

At the foot of the stairs, Ron and Hermione, the council and any other guest had gathered and looked at the little bundle. As Harry came to a halt, Seamus stopped two steps behind him.

"I want all of you to meet our son, James Henry Arthur Xydus," he announced proudly. "Both him and the Queen are doing well."

Ron walked up first with Hermione in tow. They bowed and curtsied and then looked at James. Hermione was immediately cooing at the baby.

"See that red hair like mum's, James?" Harry told him. "Red hair means family."

Ron nodded. "Indeed, little one."

The council all walked closer to look at him too. While Harry was proud to show off his son, he also wanted James back safely upstairs, guarded by his mother. And he knew Ginny wanted him back too.

He excused himself and carried little James back. Ginny had changed and was resting on the bed. The Healers were just taking their leave when he walked in.

Harry walked back to Ginny and sat on the side of the bed, handing the baby back over. She took him into her arms again easily.

"Come here," she asked softly.

He leaned against her, their heads tucking against each other. He could feel how it soothed her to have him close. He got onto the bed beside her so he could lay closer to her.

"He is such a handsome boy," Harry mumbled.

Ginny smiled. "I think he looks like you." She brought the baby closer to her face. "Mum and dad love you a lot."

Harry felt an overwhelming surge of love for both of them. Ginny turned her head and kissed him softly. Both of them looked back down at James. She opened her mind to him completely and he sat there silently listening to all her thoughts.

"Did you suffer much?" she asked after a long time.

He shook his head. "Not as much as you, but I could feel it."

"It helped me," she said softly. "You seemed to know how to help me without me having to say." She looked back up at him.

"I'm glad." He took James' tiny hand in his. "Did you check if our son has wings yet?"

"Don't joke!" she told him off. "You may give them ideas." She pointed up to the sky. "He does not have wings. He is perfectly normal." Ginny looked back at him. "Well… perhaps not that normal, but he did not sprout wings."

"Yet." He chucked and then kissed Ginny's temple. "I'm joking."

Ginny had thought the first real visitor would be her brother, or perhaps Neville, but that didn't end up being the case. The two first visitors slipped in when one of the Healers left and then snuck up to the basket that was placed next to Ginny on the bed.

Summer and Winter crawled into the basket with James without warning, though it would hardly fit them, just to inspect the newest arrival. They seemed to be aware they needed to be gentle because they moved slowly.

Harry was about to pick them up when Ginny stopped him. She wanted to see what they'd do.

Summer licked James' hair and Ginny chuckled. After a thorough inspection, they curled up on either side of the basket and remained there, like two guards.

"Do you think they can already tell he can talk to them?" Ginny wondered out loud.

Harry looked at the cats. "They do seem rather fond of him right away." He settled back down by Ginny's side. "It will be interesting to find out for sure."

There was a knock on the door.

"Enter," Ginny said.

Neville popped his head in and she immediately waved him over. He looked at the baby again.

"Congratulations. Your best work yet," Neville said teasingly.

She couldn't help but smile proudly. "I know."

"How are you feeling?" he asked her.

She shook her head. "Been better, been worse. It was really scary right before he was born, it hurt a lot but then the moment he was out, it was such a relief."

"Good. I won't stay long and let you rest, I just wanted to see how you were doing," Neville told her.

"Is there anything you need from us?" Ginny asked; she was so focused on the baby that she hadn't given the rest of the country much thought.

Neville smiled. "Not today, no. Most important is for you to rest up."

"And keep the little Prince alive, right?" she told him.

"Yes," Neville told her with a little shake of her head. "But I have full faith you'll take good care of him."

Harry walked Neville out and Ginny already scooped James out of his basket. She just wanted to hold him.

"How am I ever going to sleep?" Ginny asked when Harry walked back up to her.

Harry squeezed her hand. "You'll keep him safe, but I'm here too and there are guards. We've got this."

She looked at him. "Things still happen."

"They are out of my hands, but we're going to make sure he grows up well, won't we?"

Her chest felt tight and she could feel her eyes well up with the swell of emotions. She nodded. "Yes. Of course we will."

Harry scooted in closer and wrapped his arms around her and James. "I think the boy with a flying horse and a Knight for a mum will be alright. We'll train him, and he'll be strong and smart—which he both got from you evidently—and he's going to be able to protect himself too. Until he does, we've got him."

"I know." She nodded quickly.

"If he'd had another mother, I would have hired a Knight like you to protect him," Harry continued. "But even our advisor can protect him, and our guards are very dedicated and there is us."

She breathed in. "I know," she repeated. "I love you."

"I love you too," he said easily. "And I love our baby."

"Ginny! Just because Greta said you are fine to walk, doesn't mean you should walk all the way to the stables."

He watched as she stubbornly tucked her sword into her belt before she picked up James.

"I am going. You can stay here if you'd like." She walked out of the door.

Harry grabbed his dagger from under his pillow and tucked it under his vest and then followed her.

She smiled at him, because she had known he would give. "While you're here, you can carry our son."

At least that he could agree on. He paused in the corridor and Ginny carefully placed the baby into his arms. They walked down the stairs together slowly.

"Ernest," she said. "I will need four guards to escort us."

Immediately Ernest gathered four guards including himself.

"That'll do," she said and together they walked outside. She continued in his mind. " I rode home on Red two days after getting slashed across the chest. I can walk the way to the stables. "

" I simply want you to be well ."

She looked over at him and smiled. They walked into the stables.

"Queen Gwyn! I didn't expect you to be up and about," Hagrid commented.

She smiled at him. "I just want to check on our little foal and Red."

"They're doing well, come on."

They walked to the stall and Harry looked in. Thunder was standing between his parents with his long legs and looked up as they stopped.

"Look, James, that's your horse," Ginny told him. "I'll take him. You go in first."

Harry nodded and walked into the stall, but Red looked quite relaxed at Harry. Thunder was a little hesitant but then came up to greet Harry.

"Hi, boy. Aren't you adorable?"

He looked up and Ginny entered too, holding James close to her chest. Red walked up to her and sniffed the baby.

"We both had babies, Red."

Red looked incredibly fascinated with the baby. She butted her nose against Ginny's hand.

"I swear all the animals seem to be able to tell he's different," Harry remarked. "They just behave differently."

Ginny nodded and turned to Lightning who inspected the baby as well. He gently leaned his head against Ginny's shoulder. Harry took James back and showed him to Thunder.

He hopped excitedly after he sniffed James and then his wings popped open in excitement.

"They're going to be the best of friends," Ginny said. "I just need to figure out how we prevent them from flying off. There is no parenting advice that covered that ."

Harry looked at her fondly. "You've always been a special case."

"Are you going to pretend this is just me?" she retorted. "Soulbond. Take it up with the gods."

Harry leaned over and kissed the top of her head.