Harry Potter and The Beloved Incubus (BP4)
folder
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
41
Views:
21,695
Reviews:
120
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
41
Views:
21,695
Reviews:
120
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Tempered
Chapter Number/Total: 16/40
Chapter Title: Tempered
Words: 3136 Words
"Damn it, what the hell are we doing here?" Harry asked. "We're not going to find bloody anything! We've been through enough books on the founders that even Ron's an expert on them!"
"Hey!" Ron said. "Just because you're in a bad mood - which I might add has lasted the past few weeks - it doesn't mean you have to put it on everyone else!"
Harry scowled. "Well, I'm just wondering why the hell we're sitting here doing nothing when there are more attacks and we can't bloody find anything in this damn Manor."
"Harry, please," said Hermione firmly and loudly, rubbing her temples.
Draco scowled, fingers pressing into the bridge of his nose. Harry's temper had been bad and it was fraying all their nerves. Not to mention, his magic flared erratically with his anger, giving Draco a headache.
Harry huffed and slumped back in his chair.
"While I wish he wouldn't yell about it," said Hermione pointedly, "Harry is right. And we already knew there wasn't going to be anything here. We have truly hit a dead end. There's nothing on Voldemort in any records or books - or at least nothing on Tom Riddle, and that's really what we need. I've looked everywhere in this place. We all have."
"Well, I suppose it's off to Snape then!" said Harry, sarcastically joyful. "So he can give us loads of stupid information that won't even mean anything!" He adjusted his too-tight trousers and scowled even deeper.
"Yes, because his last letter was so pointless," Draco snapped.
Harry glared at Draco. "Every time we've gone there for Horcrux information, he hasn't had anything we couldn't have figured out on our own, or he tells us what we already know," he growled. "And the last time we went, we were nearly bloody killed because he allowed himself to be captured by Bellatrix!" Harry knew he was being stupid and unfair, but he didn't much care.
"And he sent us the information that saved lives at Christmas." Draco huffed. "Potter! Stop yelling at us, we're right here in the same bloody room!"
Harry huffed again and closed his eyes. He clenched his fists when the huff made his trousers pull at his skin. He was getting so bloody angry with these stupid fucking trousers!
"Both of you stop!" said Hermione shrilly. "We're not going to get anywhere like this!"
Draco stood abruptly and nearly Apparated out of the room. "If one more person raises their voice," he hissed, "I swear I will cast Silencio on them."
Harry opened his eyes and glared some more. "Well, what do you suggest we do then?" he said, smiling sarcastically.
Draco walked to the window and looked out over the white landscape. It was turning into a long bloody winter. They had taken in more refugees at both the Manor and Hogwarts. More died everyday and they were not closer to finding another Horcux. They didn't dare attack Voldemort directly with them still out there. "Snape may have something," he said quietly. "I want to check in with him, see what else he may know. I can go alone if you prefer."
Harry rolled his eyes, but Draco's quiet voice and comment softened his mood. He sighed. "No, I want to go," he said resignedly.
Draco nodded, still facing outward. "Then we go tomorrow," he said, then turned back to them. "Harry, we need to find you something else to wear. Traditional wizarding robes would work better to hide your condition," he suggested.
Harry sighed again. "Whatever," he said quietly.
Draco walked over to where his sulking husband sat and knelt in front of him, looking worriedly up at him.
Harry raised an eyebrow at Draco. "What?" he said in response to his expression.
Without turning from Harry, Draco said to the others, "Hermione, Ron, will you excuse us? Harry and I need some time."
Ron nodded quickly. "Go. Please," he said.
Harry scowled at him.
"Take all the time you need," said Hermione, sounding weary.
Draco took Harry's hands in his and stood up, pulling his lover up with him.
Harry obediently stood with Draco. "Where are you taking me?" he asked, no bite in his tone, just that same resigned note.
Draco tilted his head, a small weary smile on his face. He reached an arm around Harry's waist and Apparated them to their room.
Harry took a deep breath and let it out slowly before shuffling over to their bed and flopping upon it, staring up at the canopy.
Draco took out his wand and spelled away Harry's clothes and then his own. "Get under the covers," he said.
Harry obediently did that as well. He pushed himself up from the bed, pulled the blanket down, and then climbed back in, pulling the covers up to his chin.
Draco crawled under the blankets and reached for Harry. "Come here," he said gently.
Harry scooted until he was in Draco's arms and he felt better, but not all the way. He was sorry for shouting at him now though.
Draco kissed the top of Harry's head and then began petting his hair. "No more work today," he whispered. "No more hero today, just be my husband."
Harry sighed and nodded, closing his eyes. "I'm sorry," he whispered.
"No apologies needed," Draco said. "You push yourself too hard."
"I have to do it though," Harry replied. "I have to."
"Yes, I know," Draco soothed, "but not today. Tomorrow."
Harry didn't know why, but he suddenly felt like crying and that made him angry. He wasn't a bloody girl, but he bloody felt like one, and all he wanted to do was cry and he hated it right then. He hugged Draco closer.
Draco held him tight, making soothing noises and petting him. "I wonder what you were like as a baby," he said quietly.
"I don't know," Harry whispered, trying to swallow the stupid lump in his throat.
"Those big green eyes," Draco said. "I bet you were bloody adorable."
Harry sighed. "I have a few pictures," he said very quietly. "From when I was really small, with my mum and dad."
"I would like to see them sometime," Draco said.
Harry nodded. "Whatever you like," he said, relieved that the need to cry was slowly leaving him. "What were you like?"
"Depends on who you ask." Draco smirked.
"What's that mean?" Harry asked, genuinely curious.
"Remember that my mother called me her greedy dragon?" Draco laughed. "Father said I was too emotional, which is probably true."
Harry didn't much want to hear about Lucius at all. "You haven't heard from your mother, have you?" he asked.
"No," Draco said, "which is probably for the better at this point."
"Why?" Harry asked.
"Because I don't know where her loyalties lie," Draco said.
Harry winced. "Oh," he said quietly. He was silent for a little while, thinking. "What will we call him?" he said. "You asked that day we told Mrs Weasley, but I really don't know."
Draco smirked. "Malfoy."
"Oh?" Harry said, raising an eyebrow amusedly.
"The Manor's magic wants a Malfoy heir," Draco said. "It makes sense."
Harry nodded. "I don't care what his surname is, as long as I have him." He smiled gently. "What about a first name?"
"Do you have ideas on that?" Draco asked with a smile, happy he had gotten what he wanted.
"I don't know at all," Harry answered. "How does one go about choosing a name for their child?"
Draco took a deep breath, thinking about it. "Well, there are different approaches, I suppose," he said. "You can pick a name that has a specific meaning, like mine. Or you can pick a family name, or a name of someone you care about."
"I think I want him to have his own name," Harry said. "Maybe one that means something. What should it mean?"
"My name means strong dragon," Draco said with a laugh.
"You are," Harry said, smiling and kissing Draco on the cheek.
Draco snorted and rolled his eyes, but smiled all the same. "I guess you would name him something that means what you want him to be," he said.
"Well, I don't know if there's a name for what I want him to be," Harry said.
"Start with the words and we will find the name," Draco suggested.
"Well ..." Harry said slowly, "I want him to be strong, and caring, and loving, and good, and clever and ... hmmm ... loyal ... and ... Gryffindor," he finished with a smirk. "A Malfoy in Gryffindor." He was joking, but the thought made him chuckle.
Draco grimaced and shook his head. "Figures," he sneered, but it was playful in tone.
"You want him to be in Slytherin?" Harry asked, raising an eyebrow. "With those games you play in there ... I'm not so sure about that ...."
"You think that our child will be a prude?" Draco laughed.
Harry laughed too. "If we're anything to go by, then no, but I don't want him sucking anyone off at eleven."
"You certainly have benefited from that," Draco teased, "and he could pick truth instead of dare."
Harry rolled his eyes. "I guess ..." he said slowly, smiling a little. "But I don't know if I can honestly produce a Slytherin child. I'm Harry Potter, Gryffindor paragon, remember?" He smirked.
"Sure, Potter, you are such a paragon of virtue. Just how many times have you fucked me in front of others?" Draco retorted.
Harry mock gasped. "How dare you!" he said playfully.
"I dare a lot." Draco grinned. "Otherwise I would never have kissed you. Daring, clever, resourceful - Slytherin."
Harry snorted. "Watch," he said, "he'll be neither Gryffindor or Slytherin - just because we're arguing over it."
"We argue over everything, Potter," Draco said, laughing again. "Wouldn't know what to do with ourselves if we didn't."
Harry laughed as well. "Oh, we're not that bad," he said.
"Maybe, but we are certainly wicked," Draco purred as he leaned in and nipped his lover's chin.
Harry grinned. "I would have to agree, I think," he said.
"Good," Draco whispered, capturing Harry's mouth with his own.
***
Harry wasn't exactly in a good mood, but he wasn't in a bad one either, so that was something at least. He and Draco were standing out in the snow in Hogsmeade, Harry in traditional wizard's robes to hide the fact that his stomach was definitely getting bigger. He stepped inside the pub, not bothering to use the back way this time as it was too cold out and not the right time of day for there to really be anyone inside the pub. He was right, and there were only three people, besides Aberforth behind the bar.
The man looked up at the sound of the door opening and nodded to Harry and Draco, stepping into his back room.
Harry sighed quietly and, with Draco, followed him inside.
Nodding to Aberforth once the door was closed behind them, Draco said, "We need to talk to him."
"Well, I assumed that's what you are here for," Aberforth answered. "He's not in though. Hasn't been for a week. I'll need to send him a message."
Harry sighed and nodded.
"It may be a while before he is able to get away," said Aberforth. "Can I interest you both in a drink while you wait?"
Draco nodded again. "Something warm," he said, and transfigured chairs for himself and Harry.
Harry gratefully sat in the chair, cracking his back as he arched it, and rolled his shoulders.
Aberforth left the room to get them whatever it was he was getting them and to message Snape.
"How long do you think we'll have to wait?" Harry asked, feeling hungry despite having already eaten breakfast.
"Depends on where he is and whether he can get away," Draco said. Instead of sitting down, Draco stood behind Harry and rubbed his shoulders.
Harry sighed and nodded. "Hopefully not too long. I really want a hamburger."
Draco frowned. "A what?"
"A hamburger," Harry replied. He looked up at Draco's face. "You don't know what a hamburger is?"
"Sounds like some food with ham in it?" Draco ventured.
"Actually, it's beef," said Harry. "I wonder why they call it a hamburger ...? Well, who cares. I want one."
Draco eyed his partner, trying to figure out if he was teasing, and finally shrugged. "I suppose we will find you one when we leave here," he said.
"Okay," Harry said. He didn't know why, but that really did sound very good right now.
Aberforth returned a few minutes later with two pints of warmed mead and handed them to both men. "The message has been sent. You're welcome to wait here if you like."
Harry nodded, staring at the alcohol in his hands and knowing he couldn't drink any of it.
Draco knew better than to say anything about the mead, sipping his. He sat down next to Harry to wait with him.
"I'll just be out here," Aberforth said, stepping out of the room to resume his place at the bar.
Harry set his pint down on the floor and sighed, resting his hands on his stomach and slumping in the chair.
They sat quietly, Draco smiling as he watched Harry. He had to resist the urge to lay his hands on Harry's belly too. Keeping his hands off Harry was hard enough, but now his hands positively itched to touch the magic he felt there.
"You can touch it for a quick second," Harry said, smiling as he stared at Draco. He knew that was what Draco wanted to do. The blond hardly ever stopped touching Harry's belly when they were alone.
Draco looked toward the door to the tavern but scooted his chair closer and ran his right hand over the swell of Harry's belly. He sighed as he did, smiling happily.
"What's it feel like now?" Harry asked, moving his own hands to give Draco more room.
"Strong." Draco grinned. "He reacts to my touch."
Harry's smile grew to show his teeth. "Really?" he said. "I wonder when he will start kicking. I suppose he's too small right now."
"His magic shifts in response to mine," Draco said with grey eyes sparkling almost silver. "He will probably start moving soon," he added.
Harry, still smiling, leaned over and kissed Draco gently, running one hand along his jaw.
By the door, Snape cleared his throat and pulled his hood back.
Harry straightened immediately, pulling his hand from Draco's face very fast.
Draco sat up too and worked quickly to control his expression, trying to think of what Snape had or hadn't seen.
"You two sent for me." Snape shook his head and then shook out his cloak.
"Yeah," Harry said. "We don't know what to do about the Horcruxes. We've looked everywhere we could think in the Manor and there's nothing there. We're going to have to leave there soon to go looking; we wanted to know if you knew anything before we have to do that."
Snape transfigured a box into a chair and sat down, eyes narrowed and studying Harry for a minute.
Harry frowned. "Well ... do you know anything?" he asked after a few moments of silence. He didn't much care for the way Snape was looking at him.
"Have you put on weight, Potter?" he asked.
Harry's eyes widened considerably. "Er ... I don't - I - maybe a bit," he spluttered, having not expected the question at all.
"Severus," Draco said, "we need to find those missing pieces."
"You do, and soon," Snape said. "I heard you two talking when I came in. You really should be more alert when you are in a place like this."
Harry simply stared and nervously tried to remember what exactly he and Draco had said.
Draco's face was set immobile as his heart raced. He had let his guard down and now he didn't know what to do to fix it.
"Who is moving and responds to your magic, Draco?" Snape asked, looking at Harry as he did.
Harry swallowed and tried to look nonchalant, although his breathing was quickening. He had no idea what to tell Snape that would sound plausible.
"Why do you want to know?" Draco asked, his voice cold and even.
Snape smiled. "Because it may confirm a theory of mine," he answered.
Harry frowned confusedly, but he kept his mouth shut, not wanting to mess up any chances Draco might have of getting them out of this.
"What theory?" Draco asked, voice still even and almost brittle.
Snape had a strange half-smile on his face. "Didn't you wonder why the Ancestral Magic at the Manor accepted Potter, a half-blood and a male?"
He knows, Harry thought. He knows and it's our own fault. He felt the colour drain from his face while becoming embarrassed at the same time.
"Yes, I did," Draco said quietly.
“I have been waiting for this actually," Snape said. "Ever since you told me. It was the only thing that made sense."
Harry looked up at Snape, raising an eyebrow. He still wasn't going to say anything unless Snape confirmed what he thought he knew and Draco acknowledged it.
Snape shook his head, sighing and closing his eyes for a moment. "Something I saw a long time ago didn't make sense until now," he said quietly. "Not to mention some of the things that Albus has said."
Harry's attention was very piqued now. "What?" he asked, frowning.
"You, like you are now," Snape said, "belly full to bursting with what I now presume to be the next Malfoy heir."
That rendered Harry speechless and he had no idea what Snape was talking about. He looked to Draco, eyes wide.
Draco took in a quick breath, his eyes widening as well. "Tell us," he whispered.
"I first met Mr Potter here on October 31st, 1981," Snape said, watching Harry as he said it.
Chapter Title: Tempered
Words: 3136 Words
"Damn it, what the hell are we doing here?" Harry asked. "We're not going to find bloody anything! We've been through enough books on the founders that even Ron's an expert on them!"
"Hey!" Ron said. "Just because you're in a bad mood - which I might add has lasted the past few weeks - it doesn't mean you have to put it on everyone else!"
Harry scowled. "Well, I'm just wondering why the hell we're sitting here doing nothing when there are more attacks and we can't bloody find anything in this damn Manor."
"Harry, please," said Hermione firmly and loudly, rubbing her temples.
Draco scowled, fingers pressing into the bridge of his nose. Harry's temper had been bad and it was fraying all their nerves. Not to mention, his magic flared erratically with his anger, giving Draco a headache.
Harry huffed and slumped back in his chair.
"While I wish he wouldn't yell about it," said Hermione pointedly, "Harry is right. And we already knew there wasn't going to be anything here. We have truly hit a dead end. There's nothing on Voldemort in any records or books - or at least nothing on Tom Riddle, and that's really what we need. I've looked everywhere in this place. We all have."
"Well, I suppose it's off to Snape then!" said Harry, sarcastically joyful. "So he can give us loads of stupid information that won't even mean anything!" He adjusted his too-tight trousers and scowled even deeper.
"Yes, because his last letter was so pointless," Draco snapped.
Harry glared at Draco. "Every time we've gone there for Horcrux information, he hasn't had anything we couldn't have figured out on our own, or he tells us what we already know," he growled. "And the last time we went, we were nearly bloody killed because he allowed himself to be captured by Bellatrix!" Harry knew he was being stupid and unfair, but he didn't much care.
"And he sent us the information that saved lives at Christmas." Draco huffed. "Potter! Stop yelling at us, we're right here in the same bloody room!"
Harry huffed again and closed his eyes. He clenched his fists when the huff made his trousers pull at his skin. He was getting so bloody angry with these stupid fucking trousers!
"Both of you stop!" said Hermione shrilly. "We're not going to get anywhere like this!"
Draco stood abruptly and nearly Apparated out of the room. "If one more person raises their voice," he hissed, "I swear I will cast Silencio on them."
Harry opened his eyes and glared some more. "Well, what do you suggest we do then?" he said, smiling sarcastically.
Draco walked to the window and looked out over the white landscape. It was turning into a long bloody winter. They had taken in more refugees at both the Manor and Hogwarts. More died everyday and they were not closer to finding another Horcux. They didn't dare attack Voldemort directly with them still out there. "Snape may have something," he said quietly. "I want to check in with him, see what else he may know. I can go alone if you prefer."
Harry rolled his eyes, but Draco's quiet voice and comment softened his mood. He sighed. "No, I want to go," he said resignedly.
Draco nodded, still facing outward. "Then we go tomorrow," he said, then turned back to them. "Harry, we need to find you something else to wear. Traditional wizarding robes would work better to hide your condition," he suggested.
Harry sighed again. "Whatever," he said quietly.
Draco walked over to where his sulking husband sat and knelt in front of him, looking worriedly up at him.
Harry raised an eyebrow at Draco. "What?" he said in response to his expression.
Without turning from Harry, Draco said to the others, "Hermione, Ron, will you excuse us? Harry and I need some time."
Ron nodded quickly. "Go. Please," he said.
Harry scowled at him.
"Take all the time you need," said Hermione, sounding weary.
Draco took Harry's hands in his and stood up, pulling his lover up with him.
Harry obediently stood with Draco. "Where are you taking me?" he asked, no bite in his tone, just that same resigned note.
Draco tilted his head, a small weary smile on his face. He reached an arm around Harry's waist and Apparated them to their room.
Harry took a deep breath and let it out slowly before shuffling over to their bed and flopping upon it, staring up at the canopy.
Draco took out his wand and spelled away Harry's clothes and then his own. "Get under the covers," he said.
Harry obediently did that as well. He pushed himself up from the bed, pulled the blanket down, and then climbed back in, pulling the covers up to his chin.
Draco crawled under the blankets and reached for Harry. "Come here," he said gently.
Harry scooted until he was in Draco's arms and he felt better, but not all the way. He was sorry for shouting at him now though.
Draco kissed the top of Harry's head and then began petting his hair. "No more work today," he whispered. "No more hero today, just be my husband."
Harry sighed and nodded, closing his eyes. "I'm sorry," he whispered.
"No apologies needed," Draco said. "You push yourself too hard."
"I have to do it though," Harry replied. "I have to."
"Yes, I know," Draco soothed, "but not today. Tomorrow."
Harry didn't know why, but he suddenly felt like crying and that made him angry. He wasn't a bloody girl, but he bloody felt like one, and all he wanted to do was cry and he hated it right then. He hugged Draco closer.
Draco held him tight, making soothing noises and petting him. "I wonder what you were like as a baby," he said quietly.
"I don't know," Harry whispered, trying to swallow the stupid lump in his throat.
"Those big green eyes," Draco said. "I bet you were bloody adorable."
Harry sighed. "I have a few pictures," he said very quietly. "From when I was really small, with my mum and dad."
"I would like to see them sometime," Draco said.
Harry nodded. "Whatever you like," he said, relieved that the need to cry was slowly leaving him. "What were you like?"
"Depends on who you ask." Draco smirked.
"What's that mean?" Harry asked, genuinely curious.
"Remember that my mother called me her greedy dragon?" Draco laughed. "Father said I was too emotional, which is probably true."
Harry didn't much want to hear about Lucius at all. "You haven't heard from your mother, have you?" he asked.
"No," Draco said, "which is probably for the better at this point."
"Why?" Harry asked.
"Because I don't know where her loyalties lie," Draco said.
Harry winced. "Oh," he said quietly. He was silent for a little while, thinking. "What will we call him?" he said. "You asked that day we told Mrs Weasley, but I really don't know."
Draco smirked. "Malfoy."
"Oh?" Harry said, raising an eyebrow amusedly.
"The Manor's magic wants a Malfoy heir," Draco said. "It makes sense."
Harry nodded. "I don't care what his surname is, as long as I have him." He smiled gently. "What about a first name?"
"Do you have ideas on that?" Draco asked with a smile, happy he had gotten what he wanted.
"I don't know at all," Harry answered. "How does one go about choosing a name for their child?"
Draco took a deep breath, thinking about it. "Well, there are different approaches, I suppose," he said. "You can pick a name that has a specific meaning, like mine. Or you can pick a family name, or a name of someone you care about."
"I think I want him to have his own name," Harry said. "Maybe one that means something. What should it mean?"
"My name means strong dragon," Draco said with a laugh.
"You are," Harry said, smiling and kissing Draco on the cheek.
Draco snorted and rolled his eyes, but smiled all the same. "I guess you would name him something that means what you want him to be," he said.
"Well, I don't know if there's a name for what I want him to be," Harry said.
"Start with the words and we will find the name," Draco suggested.
"Well ..." Harry said slowly, "I want him to be strong, and caring, and loving, and good, and clever and ... hmmm ... loyal ... and ... Gryffindor," he finished with a smirk. "A Malfoy in Gryffindor." He was joking, but the thought made him chuckle.
Draco grimaced and shook his head. "Figures," he sneered, but it was playful in tone.
"You want him to be in Slytherin?" Harry asked, raising an eyebrow. "With those games you play in there ... I'm not so sure about that ...."
"You think that our child will be a prude?" Draco laughed.
Harry laughed too. "If we're anything to go by, then no, but I don't want him sucking anyone off at eleven."
"You certainly have benefited from that," Draco teased, "and he could pick truth instead of dare."
Harry rolled his eyes. "I guess ..." he said slowly, smiling a little. "But I don't know if I can honestly produce a Slytherin child. I'm Harry Potter, Gryffindor paragon, remember?" He smirked.
"Sure, Potter, you are such a paragon of virtue. Just how many times have you fucked me in front of others?" Draco retorted.
Harry mock gasped. "How dare you!" he said playfully.
"I dare a lot." Draco grinned. "Otherwise I would never have kissed you. Daring, clever, resourceful - Slytherin."
Harry snorted. "Watch," he said, "he'll be neither Gryffindor or Slytherin - just because we're arguing over it."
"We argue over everything, Potter," Draco said, laughing again. "Wouldn't know what to do with ourselves if we didn't."
Harry laughed as well. "Oh, we're not that bad," he said.
"Maybe, but we are certainly wicked," Draco purred as he leaned in and nipped his lover's chin.
Harry grinned. "I would have to agree, I think," he said.
"Good," Draco whispered, capturing Harry's mouth with his own.
***
Harry wasn't exactly in a good mood, but he wasn't in a bad one either, so that was something at least. He and Draco were standing out in the snow in Hogsmeade, Harry in traditional wizard's robes to hide the fact that his stomach was definitely getting bigger. He stepped inside the pub, not bothering to use the back way this time as it was too cold out and not the right time of day for there to really be anyone inside the pub. He was right, and there were only three people, besides Aberforth behind the bar.
The man looked up at the sound of the door opening and nodded to Harry and Draco, stepping into his back room.
Harry sighed quietly and, with Draco, followed him inside.
Nodding to Aberforth once the door was closed behind them, Draco said, "We need to talk to him."
"Well, I assumed that's what you are here for," Aberforth answered. "He's not in though. Hasn't been for a week. I'll need to send him a message."
Harry sighed and nodded.
"It may be a while before he is able to get away," said Aberforth. "Can I interest you both in a drink while you wait?"
Draco nodded again. "Something warm," he said, and transfigured chairs for himself and Harry.
Harry gratefully sat in the chair, cracking his back as he arched it, and rolled his shoulders.
Aberforth left the room to get them whatever it was he was getting them and to message Snape.
"How long do you think we'll have to wait?" Harry asked, feeling hungry despite having already eaten breakfast.
"Depends on where he is and whether he can get away," Draco said. Instead of sitting down, Draco stood behind Harry and rubbed his shoulders.
Harry sighed and nodded. "Hopefully not too long. I really want a hamburger."
Draco frowned. "A what?"
"A hamburger," Harry replied. He looked up at Draco's face. "You don't know what a hamburger is?"
"Sounds like some food with ham in it?" Draco ventured.
"Actually, it's beef," said Harry. "I wonder why they call it a hamburger ...? Well, who cares. I want one."
Draco eyed his partner, trying to figure out if he was teasing, and finally shrugged. "I suppose we will find you one when we leave here," he said.
"Okay," Harry said. He didn't know why, but that really did sound very good right now.
Aberforth returned a few minutes later with two pints of warmed mead and handed them to both men. "The message has been sent. You're welcome to wait here if you like."
Harry nodded, staring at the alcohol in his hands and knowing he couldn't drink any of it.
Draco knew better than to say anything about the mead, sipping his. He sat down next to Harry to wait with him.
"I'll just be out here," Aberforth said, stepping out of the room to resume his place at the bar.
Harry set his pint down on the floor and sighed, resting his hands on his stomach and slumping in the chair.
They sat quietly, Draco smiling as he watched Harry. He had to resist the urge to lay his hands on Harry's belly too. Keeping his hands off Harry was hard enough, but now his hands positively itched to touch the magic he felt there.
"You can touch it for a quick second," Harry said, smiling as he stared at Draco. He knew that was what Draco wanted to do. The blond hardly ever stopped touching Harry's belly when they were alone.
Draco looked toward the door to the tavern but scooted his chair closer and ran his right hand over the swell of Harry's belly. He sighed as he did, smiling happily.
"What's it feel like now?" Harry asked, moving his own hands to give Draco more room.
"Strong." Draco grinned. "He reacts to my touch."
Harry's smile grew to show his teeth. "Really?" he said. "I wonder when he will start kicking. I suppose he's too small right now."
"His magic shifts in response to mine," Draco said with grey eyes sparkling almost silver. "He will probably start moving soon," he added.
Harry, still smiling, leaned over and kissed Draco gently, running one hand along his jaw.
By the door, Snape cleared his throat and pulled his hood back.
Harry straightened immediately, pulling his hand from Draco's face very fast.
Draco sat up too and worked quickly to control his expression, trying to think of what Snape had or hadn't seen.
"You two sent for me." Snape shook his head and then shook out his cloak.
"Yeah," Harry said. "We don't know what to do about the Horcruxes. We've looked everywhere we could think in the Manor and there's nothing there. We're going to have to leave there soon to go looking; we wanted to know if you knew anything before we have to do that."
Snape transfigured a box into a chair and sat down, eyes narrowed and studying Harry for a minute.
Harry frowned. "Well ... do you know anything?" he asked after a few moments of silence. He didn't much care for the way Snape was looking at him.
"Have you put on weight, Potter?" he asked.
Harry's eyes widened considerably. "Er ... I don't - I - maybe a bit," he spluttered, having not expected the question at all.
"Severus," Draco said, "we need to find those missing pieces."
"You do, and soon," Snape said. "I heard you two talking when I came in. You really should be more alert when you are in a place like this."
Harry simply stared and nervously tried to remember what exactly he and Draco had said.
Draco's face was set immobile as his heart raced. He had let his guard down and now he didn't know what to do to fix it.
"Who is moving and responds to your magic, Draco?" Snape asked, looking at Harry as he did.
Harry swallowed and tried to look nonchalant, although his breathing was quickening. He had no idea what to tell Snape that would sound plausible.
"Why do you want to know?" Draco asked, his voice cold and even.
Snape smiled. "Because it may confirm a theory of mine," he answered.
Harry frowned confusedly, but he kept his mouth shut, not wanting to mess up any chances Draco might have of getting them out of this.
"What theory?" Draco asked, voice still even and almost brittle.
Snape had a strange half-smile on his face. "Didn't you wonder why the Ancestral Magic at the Manor accepted Potter, a half-blood and a male?"
He knows, Harry thought. He knows and it's our own fault. He felt the colour drain from his face while becoming embarrassed at the same time.
"Yes, I did," Draco said quietly.
“I have been waiting for this actually," Snape said. "Ever since you told me. It was the only thing that made sense."
Harry looked up at Snape, raising an eyebrow. He still wasn't going to say anything unless Snape confirmed what he thought he knew and Draco acknowledged it.
Snape shook his head, sighing and closing his eyes for a moment. "Something I saw a long time ago didn't make sense until now," he said quietly. "Not to mention some of the things that Albus has said."
Harry's attention was very piqued now. "What?" he asked, frowning.
"You, like you are now," Snape said, "belly full to bursting with what I now presume to be the next Malfoy heir."
That rendered Harry speechless and he had no idea what Snape was talking about. He looked to Draco, eyes wide.
Draco took in a quick breath, his eyes widening as well. "Tell us," he whispered.
"I first met Mr Potter here on October 31st, 1981," Snape said, watching Harry as he said it.