A Heart So Ravenous (Sequel to A Love So Belated)
folder
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
44
Views:
36,871
Reviews:
326
Recommended:
1
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
44
Views:
36,871
Reviews:
326
Recommended:
1
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.
Chapter 28: Christmas Surprise
Chapter Number/Total: 28/44
Chapter Title: Christmas Surprise
Words: 2844 Words
Harry kissed Draco gently as he pulled out of him with a quiet groan, both their bodies gleaming with sweat. "Wonderful Christmas morning," he breathed into his mouth, pushing fingers through his slightly damp hair.
"Yes, lovely," Draco answered, sappy smile upon his face. He was relaxed and wondering if he could doze off again before breakfast when the boys decided they would also say good morning – to his ribs. He winced at what felt like a particularly solid punch.
Harry smiled at him. "Are they moving?" he asked, sliding down to lie his head on Draco's belly.
One of the boys kicked Harry in the face. And Draco laughed.
Harry laughed as well and shook his head. "Happy Christmas, you two," he said amusedly.
"I think they are getting impatient," Draco observed, stroking his lover's hair with one hand and his own belly with the other.
Harry looked up at Draco from where his head lay. "Not too impatient I hope."
Draco sighed but smiled. "One of them might just be a Gryffindor," he said, and made a face.
Harry grinned. "Oh, most definitely," he said. "And I suppose you think the other is a Slytherin?" He raised an eyebrow, still grinning.
Draco arched an eyebrow to match. "Naturally."
"Wouldn't that be something," Harry said, kissing Draco's belly. "Twin brothers in Slytherin and Gryffindor."
"Maybe they will both be Slytherin," Draco smiled.
"Now, I won't have that," Harry said playfully. "One is already pushing it."
Draco chuckled. He knew better than to say it aloud, but at that moment Harry sounded a bit like his father.
Harry smiled and kissed Draco's belly again before scooting back up and then rolling onto his back to stretch. "I suppose we have a few hours before everyone starts showing up," he said. "Did your mum say when she was getting here?”
"Oh, she is likely to show up way too early," the blond said.
Harry snorted. "To put up even more decorations?" Since Harry and Draco had convinced Narcissa to come for Christmas with the Weasleys and Andromeda – which hadn't been easy in the slightest – she had been over to cover the house in Christmas decorations. They had three trees, lights in every room, mistletoe hanging in every doorway, wreaths, holly, poinsettias, and everything else remotely having to do with Christmas strewn about their house. Even the bathrooms had been bedecked in all things Christmas. Harry thought it was probably because she wanted to impress everyone, and maybe show them up a little with her superior skills in festooning.
"Won't be room for guests if she adds any more," Draco drawled. "So you are sure about telling everyone?" he asked – again. "I could just stay up here if it's too uncomfortable."
"No," Harry said. "It's why we agreed to have Christmas here in the first place and ... I want to tell them." He was more nervous after how Ron had reacted, but he knew he wanted the people he cared about most to know he was having babies.
"Good," Draco answered, shifting to try to sit up.
Harry automatically sat up himself to help Draco.
Draco had learned to accept the help. It was easier than arguing and, truthfully, he needed it. Once he was propped up with pillows, he looked expectantly at Harry, waiting for him to let Kreacher know they were ready for breakfast.
Harry called for the elf as usual and he brought up their breakfast tray, along with a few letters. Harry also fished in the bedside table drawer for Kreacher's wrapped present. The elf dropped to the floor and wept once he'd opened the gift Harry had given him – a pin with the Black family crest upon it. He wouldn't leave for five minutes straight, thanking Harry over and over with his eyes tearful. Harry was still chuckling as he reached for the letters.
Draco was sipping his tea. He rolled his eyes at the scene the elf made.
"Christmas card from Parvati," Harry said, placing it to the side. "And one from Luna." He eyed the strange pop-up contraption that was her card before adding it to the other. "Oh, and here's a letter for you." He handed Draco the envelope and went back to the rest of the mail.
Draco saw the handwriting and he nearly dropped the letter, his hands shook so violently.
Harry frowned as his eyes were drawn to the letter trembling in Draco's grip. "What?"
Draco managed to open the letter, the parchment rattling in his fingers as he did.
Draco,
I know how long it has been, and it pains me that it has been that way. We've never gone so long without contact. I've been writing your mother, of course, and she has come to see me a few times, so I do know the things that have been happening. But I didn't know you were so ill. I'm writing this, putting this rift between us aside, to say that the knowledge of your illness has worried me. I wish you would have told me yourself, but I can perhaps see why you did not.
This letter isn't my way of saying I accept that you are still involved with Potter. I feel quite the opposite and I do still hold out hope that you will see reason, but I am not prepared to throw my relationship with my son away over a mistake he is making in his young life. As your father, I love you. As your teacher and mentor, I am still quite disappointed, but that is not what I want this to be about.
As I'm sure you know by now, your access to the accounts has been reinstated. Your inheritance has not been stripped from you. I was acting out of anger. I know that, and, to be quite honest, I am sorry for it. I did hope that it would work, but it obviously has not. I know you have to find your own way. You are grown and raised, and you are my son. I know you will do what you can to set things right eventually.
As I said above, I didn't know you were ill. I admit that finding out spurred me to write you. I have given your mother names of only the best healers there are, including those outside of the country. Rest, Draco. Do not exert yourself, and lie easier knowing that I am here, my son, and that I wish I could do more than I have to help you get well. I wish you a peaceful Christmas and that this letter finds you in good spirits.
Father
A tear slid down Draco's cheek and fell to the parchment before he had even finished reading the letter.
Harry had a feeling he knew who the letter was from now. He sat looking at Draco, waiting for him to say or do something.
Draco reread the letter as more silent tears fell. Then he handed it to Harry.
Harry read the letter silently. He wasn't surprised with the bits about himself, and had actually expected worse. He looked up at Draco when he was finished, and gave him a small smile.
"I wish ..." Draco trailed off, but closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.
Harry laid the letter aside on the bed and slipped an arm about Draco, holding him closely. He waited for him to continue.
"What if I never see him again?" Draco whispered.
Harry's arm around Draco tightened, and he wrapped his other arm around him as well. "Don't say that," he said quietly. "You will."
"I should have gone to see him before ... " Draco continued to whisper, his heart clenching.
"It isn't your fault," Harry told him. "It isn't a bit your fault."
Draco pressed his forehead against Harry's. "He still loves me," he said in a voice so small he sounded like a child.
Another small smile graced Harry's lips. "Yes," he whispered, "of course he does."
Draco kissed those smiling lips, feeling more whole now than when had woken up.
Harry gently brought one hand up to stroke Draco's hair, kissing him in return. "This will be," he said softly, "a wonderful Christmas."
***
Narcissa, indeed, arrived before everyone else, and, indeed, brought a few more decorations along with her, though she spent more time on inspecting the ones she had already put up. She brought Rusty along as well to help Kreacher with the elaborate dinner she had planned, and then even picked out Harry's and Draco's clothes for them.
Draco stayed up in the bedroom when people started arriving later, so that he and Harry wouldn't have to try and explain the pregnancy a dozen times. It was very, very strange to see all the Weasleys, Andromeda, Teddy and Draco's mother all in the same room, and Harry realised that these unlikely people made up his family – well, Draco wasn't down yet, but he was an obvious part.
Harry spent an hour, while people arrived at different times, avoiding questions about where Draco was and checking up on Draco himself. When Bill and Fleur had finally walked in the door, being the last to get there, Harry gathered everyone in the sitting room. He was starting to feel as nervous as he had when they had told Ron and Hermione. Then Harry quickly climbed the stairs, entering into their bedroom.
"Hey," he said, smiling at Draco. "Everyone's here now."
Draco was increasingly nervous. He was dressed in the dark green robes his mother had chosen for him. It had been so long since he had dressed to go anywhere, it felt odd to be wearing real clothes again. They fit well. How she had gotten robes made that would work with his swollen belly was a mystery to him. And it did nothing to hide it either. That wasn't the point of this party. He looked up at Harry. "I suppose I am as ready as I will ever be," he said, holding his arms out to Harry for the man to carry him.
Harry lightened him quickly with his wand, and lifted Draco up. He walked with him carefully down the stairs and then down the hallway, pausing before opening the door of the sitting room. "I love you," he told him softly, hearing the dim chatter from the room beyond.
"I love you. More than anything," Draco replied, leaning in to kiss him quickly. He had grown not only accustomed to being carried by his lover, but, perversely, to find it made him feel loved and protected. But the idea of being carried like a child into the midst of Harry's friends was still daunting.
Harry took a deep breath, nodding as he reached for the doorknob and pushed the door open.
The talking died out rather abruptly, and the faces in the room went blank or confused.
Draco took a deep breath and was relieved to see his mother had made sure that a portion of one sofa was clear for him. He unconsciously gripped Harry tighter as they stood with all those people staring at him. How did they see him now? How did he look to people who hadn't seen him in months – some since last year?
In the silence, Harry's shuffling footsteps as he carried Draco over to the sofa seemed much, much louder. He sat him down gently and Narcissa immediately moved to fluff the pillows she had laid out.
Harry sat down on the edge of the sofa and then faced the room. They all still looked the same, if not more confused. No one spoke at all until Mrs. Weasley said in a hushed voice, "It isn't possible."
Draco blushed, smoothing his robes down over the large mound of his belly with quick, nervous fingers.
"It is," said Harry, taking one of Draco's hands in his own. "Draco's pregnant, and they're my babies as well," he added for good measure.
Ron flushed and looked away.
"Wait a minute, wait a minute," said Bill, holding his hands up. "Pregnant?"
"Babies?" said Mrs. Weasley weakly. "Plural?"
"Yes, and yes," Harry answered.
Draco smiled, still blushing. He pulled Harry's hand closer, squeezing gently as he listened to them talk about him.
"Well ... surely you must be.... You must be ..." said Mr. Weasley, blinking rapidly and staring from Draco to Harry.
"No," said Harry. "No tricks, no lies."
"But how is it possible?" said Ginny quietly.
"A potion," Harry answered. "As simple as that really. A potion that Draco made because ... we both wanted children."
"As luck would have it, we will have twin boys," Draco added, smiling and still petting the place where they seemed to be resting.
George looked up at that. "Twin boys?" he said quietly. Several Weasley eyes looked shiny right then.
"Yes," Harry said, quiet too. "Probably fraternal, but twins."
Draco smiled at George, nodding also. "Rowdy ones so far, too," he added with a smirk as he met the man's eyes.
George actually gave a half-smirk back, and Mrs. Weasley sniffled.
"You're quite serious, aren't you?" said Percy, the only one to still look very disbelieving.
"Quite," Harry confirmed.
"It has been confirmed by a healer," Draco said. "And I can feel them," he added quietly.
"You will be a grandmother," said Andromeda to Narcissa with a strange sort of smile. She sat in a chair with Teddy, petting his – for once – brown hair.
"Yes, I will be," Narcissa replied with a similar smile. She patted Draco's leg.
Draco's smile grew as he looked between them. "Teddy will have two playmates," he said.
Andromeda turned her smile on him. "Yes," she said after a moment. "I suppose he will."
Harry smiled as well, still holding Draco's hand and giving it another squeeze.
Draco looked around at Harry's friends. "I have never heard this lot so quiet before. I know you have questions, so ask them," he said almost impatiently and a bit bemused.
They all did seem rather speechless.
"It's why I've been gone so much of the time," Harry said when no one spoke. "I don't like leaving Draco alone anyway, but now he needs me to be here. He's ... not well."
"His body isn't meant to carry children," said Hermione. "And the fact that it's twins makes it even more dangerous."
Harry sighed and nodded. "The healer he sees has ordered him to stay off his feet and rest as much as possible. It's why I carried him in."
"But will he be all right?" said Mrs. Weasley, her kind eyes filled with worry that she probably couldn't help but feel.
Draco shrugged. "I can do this," he repeated his declaration from before.
Narcissa patted his leg again. "Yes, he can," she said.
"And zee babies?" said Fleur.
"They're healthy," said Harry, nodding. "They're developing fine and are about the right size for the stage they're at. He's nearly seven months along."
"Seven months," said Mr. Weasley, shaking his head in amazement. "You've been keeping this secret for that long?"
Harry nodded again. "I ... would've told you, but ... well, I know it's sort of hard to believe and I wanted to wait until we were all ready for it."
"And we don't want anyone outside this room to know. Not until after they are born," Draco added.
Harry nodded again. "There's been enough in the papers about us as it is."
The rest nodded their agreement.
"Not a word from us, Harry," said Mrs. Weasley.
"Nor from me," said Andromeda.
"Thank you," Harry said with a small smile, and then Mrs. Weasley smiled too. "I suppose congratulations are in order," she said. "I'm sure you will both have beautiful children."
Harry's smile grew and it felt like his heart grew with it. "Thank you," he said again.
Draco smiled as well, nodding his thanks and squeezing Harry's hand again. He gazed fondly at Harry, his heart always feeling full when he did.
As everyone else gave their congratulations, Teddy, who was now walking, chose right then to climb down from his grandmother's lap. He stood, listening to everyone's voices, and then toddled over to Draco. "Ball," he said, laying his small hand on Draco's belly.
Harry and anyone who heard Teddy laughed.
"Babies," Draco told him solemnly. "Two babies."
"Babes," Teddy repeated, patting lightly.
Harry smiled at him, lifting Teddy into his lap. "Yes," he said. "And you can show them the ropes."
Draco took Teddy's hand and pressed it to his belly. "Caelum and Corvus, Teddy's cousins."
Andromeda smiled knowingly at the names.
"Oh, are that what they're going to be called?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Yes," Harry answered. "Caelum and Corvus Potter-Malfoy."
Draco had thought this was going to be awkward. And maybe it was a little. But most people seemed happy with the news. He relaxed, playing with Teddy.
Harry felt the same way Draco did, and was relieved.
Chapter Title: Christmas Surprise
Words: 2844 Words
Harry kissed Draco gently as he pulled out of him with a quiet groan, both their bodies gleaming with sweat. "Wonderful Christmas morning," he breathed into his mouth, pushing fingers through his slightly damp hair.
"Yes, lovely," Draco answered, sappy smile upon his face. He was relaxed and wondering if he could doze off again before breakfast when the boys decided they would also say good morning – to his ribs. He winced at what felt like a particularly solid punch.
Harry smiled at him. "Are they moving?" he asked, sliding down to lie his head on Draco's belly.
One of the boys kicked Harry in the face. And Draco laughed.
Harry laughed as well and shook his head. "Happy Christmas, you two," he said amusedly.
"I think they are getting impatient," Draco observed, stroking his lover's hair with one hand and his own belly with the other.
Harry looked up at Draco from where his head lay. "Not too impatient I hope."
Draco sighed but smiled. "One of them might just be a Gryffindor," he said, and made a face.
Harry grinned. "Oh, most definitely," he said. "And I suppose you think the other is a Slytherin?" He raised an eyebrow, still grinning.
Draco arched an eyebrow to match. "Naturally."
"Wouldn't that be something," Harry said, kissing Draco's belly. "Twin brothers in Slytherin and Gryffindor."
"Maybe they will both be Slytherin," Draco smiled.
"Now, I won't have that," Harry said playfully. "One is already pushing it."
Draco chuckled. He knew better than to say it aloud, but at that moment Harry sounded a bit like his father.
Harry smiled and kissed Draco's belly again before scooting back up and then rolling onto his back to stretch. "I suppose we have a few hours before everyone starts showing up," he said. "Did your mum say when she was getting here?”
"Oh, she is likely to show up way too early," the blond said.
Harry snorted. "To put up even more decorations?" Since Harry and Draco had convinced Narcissa to come for Christmas with the Weasleys and Andromeda – which hadn't been easy in the slightest – she had been over to cover the house in Christmas decorations. They had three trees, lights in every room, mistletoe hanging in every doorway, wreaths, holly, poinsettias, and everything else remotely having to do with Christmas strewn about their house. Even the bathrooms had been bedecked in all things Christmas. Harry thought it was probably because she wanted to impress everyone, and maybe show them up a little with her superior skills in festooning.
"Won't be room for guests if she adds any more," Draco drawled. "So you are sure about telling everyone?" he asked – again. "I could just stay up here if it's too uncomfortable."
"No," Harry said. "It's why we agreed to have Christmas here in the first place and ... I want to tell them." He was more nervous after how Ron had reacted, but he knew he wanted the people he cared about most to know he was having babies.
"Good," Draco answered, shifting to try to sit up.
Harry automatically sat up himself to help Draco.
Draco had learned to accept the help. It was easier than arguing and, truthfully, he needed it. Once he was propped up with pillows, he looked expectantly at Harry, waiting for him to let Kreacher know they were ready for breakfast.
Harry called for the elf as usual and he brought up their breakfast tray, along with a few letters. Harry also fished in the bedside table drawer for Kreacher's wrapped present. The elf dropped to the floor and wept once he'd opened the gift Harry had given him – a pin with the Black family crest upon it. He wouldn't leave for five minutes straight, thanking Harry over and over with his eyes tearful. Harry was still chuckling as he reached for the letters.
Draco was sipping his tea. He rolled his eyes at the scene the elf made.
"Christmas card from Parvati," Harry said, placing it to the side. "And one from Luna." He eyed the strange pop-up contraption that was her card before adding it to the other. "Oh, and here's a letter for you." He handed Draco the envelope and went back to the rest of the mail.
Draco saw the handwriting and he nearly dropped the letter, his hands shook so violently.
Harry frowned as his eyes were drawn to the letter trembling in Draco's grip. "What?"
Draco managed to open the letter, the parchment rattling in his fingers as he did.
Draco,
I know how long it has been, and it pains me that it has been that way. We've never gone so long without contact. I've been writing your mother, of course, and she has come to see me a few times, so I do know the things that have been happening. But I didn't know you were so ill. I'm writing this, putting this rift between us aside, to say that the knowledge of your illness has worried me. I wish you would have told me yourself, but I can perhaps see why you did not.
This letter isn't my way of saying I accept that you are still involved with Potter. I feel quite the opposite and I do still hold out hope that you will see reason, but I am not prepared to throw my relationship with my son away over a mistake he is making in his young life. As your father, I love you. As your teacher and mentor, I am still quite disappointed, but that is not what I want this to be about.
As I'm sure you know by now, your access to the accounts has been reinstated. Your inheritance has not been stripped from you. I was acting out of anger. I know that, and, to be quite honest, I am sorry for it. I did hope that it would work, but it obviously has not. I know you have to find your own way. You are grown and raised, and you are my son. I know you will do what you can to set things right eventually.
As I said above, I didn't know you were ill. I admit that finding out spurred me to write you. I have given your mother names of only the best healers there are, including those outside of the country. Rest, Draco. Do not exert yourself, and lie easier knowing that I am here, my son, and that I wish I could do more than I have to help you get well. I wish you a peaceful Christmas and that this letter finds you in good spirits.
Father
A tear slid down Draco's cheek and fell to the parchment before he had even finished reading the letter.
Harry had a feeling he knew who the letter was from now. He sat looking at Draco, waiting for him to say or do something.
Draco reread the letter as more silent tears fell. Then he handed it to Harry.
Harry read the letter silently. He wasn't surprised with the bits about himself, and had actually expected worse. He looked up at Draco when he was finished, and gave him a small smile.
"I wish ..." Draco trailed off, but closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.
Harry laid the letter aside on the bed and slipped an arm about Draco, holding him closely. He waited for him to continue.
"What if I never see him again?" Draco whispered.
Harry's arm around Draco tightened, and he wrapped his other arm around him as well. "Don't say that," he said quietly. "You will."
"I should have gone to see him before ... " Draco continued to whisper, his heart clenching.
"It isn't your fault," Harry told him. "It isn't a bit your fault."
Draco pressed his forehead against Harry's. "He still loves me," he said in a voice so small he sounded like a child.
Another small smile graced Harry's lips. "Yes," he whispered, "of course he does."
Draco kissed those smiling lips, feeling more whole now than when had woken up.
Harry gently brought one hand up to stroke Draco's hair, kissing him in return. "This will be," he said softly, "a wonderful Christmas."
***
Narcissa, indeed, arrived before everyone else, and, indeed, brought a few more decorations along with her, though she spent more time on inspecting the ones she had already put up. She brought Rusty along as well to help Kreacher with the elaborate dinner she had planned, and then even picked out Harry's and Draco's clothes for them.
Draco stayed up in the bedroom when people started arriving later, so that he and Harry wouldn't have to try and explain the pregnancy a dozen times. It was very, very strange to see all the Weasleys, Andromeda, Teddy and Draco's mother all in the same room, and Harry realised that these unlikely people made up his family – well, Draco wasn't down yet, but he was an obvious part.
Harry spent an hour, while people arrived at different times, avoiding questions about where Draco was and checking up on Draco himself. When Bill and Fleur had finally walked in the door, being the last to get there, Harry gathered everyone in the sitting room. He was starting to feel as nervous as he had when they had told Ron and Hermione. Then Harry quickly climbed the stairs, entering into their bedroom.
"Hey," he said, smiling at Draco. "Everyone's here now."
Draco was increasingly nervous. He was dressed in the dark green robes his mother had chosen for him. It had been so long since he had dressed to go anywhere, it felt odd to be wearing real clothes again. They fit well. How she had gotten robes made that would work with his swollen belly was a mystery to him. And it did nothing to hide it either. That wasn't the point of this party. He looked up at Harry. "I suppose I am as ready as I will ever be," he said, holding his arms out to Harry for the man to carry him.
Harry lightened him quickly with his wand, and lifted Draco up. He walked with him carefully down the stairs and then down the hallway, pausing before opening the door of the sitting room. "I love you," he told him softly, hearing the dim chatter from the room beyond.
"I love you. More than anything," Draco replied, leaning in to kiss him quickly. He had grown not only accustomed to being carried by his lover, but, perversely, to find it made him feel loved and protected. But the idea of being carried like a child into the midst of Harry's friends was still daunting.
Harry took a deep breath, nodding as he reached for the doorknob and pushed the door open.
The talking died out rather abruptly, and the faces in the room went blank or confused.
Draco took a deep breath and was relieved to see his mother had made sure that a portion of one sofa was clear for him. He unconsciously gripped Harry tighter as they stood with all those people staring at him. How did they see him now? How did he look to people who hadn't seen him in months – some since last year?
In the silence, Harry's shuffling footsteps as he carried Draco over to the sofa seemed much, much louder. He sat him down gently and Narcissa immediately moved to fluff the pillows she had laid out.
Harry sat down on the edge of the sofa and then faced the room. They all still looked the same, if not more confused. No one spoke at all until Mrs. Weasley said in a hushed voice, "It isn't possible."
Draco blushed, smoothing his robes down over the large mound of his belly with quick, nervous fingers.
"It is," said Harry, taking one of Draco's hands in his own. "Draco's pregnant, and they're my babies as well," he added for good measure.
Ron flushed and looked away.
"Wait a minute, wait a minute," said Bill, holding his hands up. "Pregnant?"
"Babies?" said Mrs. Weasley weakly. "Plural?"
"Yes, and yes," Harry answered.
Draco smiled, still blushing. He pulled Harry's hand closer, squeezing gently as he listened to them talk about him.
"Well ... surely you must be.... You must be ..." said Mr. Weasley, blinking rapidly and staring from Draco to Harry.
"No," said Harry. "No tricks, no lies."
"But how is it possible?" said Ginny quietly.
"A potion," Harry answered. "As simple as that really. A potion that Draco made because ... we both wanted children."
"As luck would have it, we will have twin boys," Draco added, smiling and still petting the place where they seemed to be resting.
George looked up at that. "Twin boys?" he said quietly. Several Weasley eyes looked shiny right then.
"Yes," Harry said, quiet too. "Probably fraternal, but twins."
Draco smiled at George, nodding also. "Rowdy ones so far, too," he added with a smirk as he met the man's eyes.
George actually gave a half-smirk back, and Mrs. Weasley sniffled.
"You're quite serious, aren't you?" said Percy, the only one to still look very disbelieving.
"Quite," Harry confirmed.
"It has been confirmed by a healer," Draco said. "And I can feel them," he added quietly.
"You will be a grandmother," said Andromeda to Narcissa with a strange sort of smile. She sat in a chair with Teddy, petting his – for once – brown hair.
"Yes, I will be," Narcissa replied with a similar smile. She patted Draco's leg.
Draco's smile grew as he looked between them. "Teddy will have two playmates," he said.
Andromeda turned her smile on him. "Yes," she said after a moment. "I suppose he will."
Harry smiled as well, still holding Draco's hand and giving it another squeeze.
Draco looked around at Harry's friends. "I have never heard this lot so quiet before. I know you have questions, so ask them," he said almost impatiently and a bit bemused.
They all did seem rather speechless.
"It's why I've been gone so much of the time," Harry said when no one spoke. "I don't like leaving Draco alone anyway, but now he needs me to be here. He's ... not well."
"His body isn't meant to carry children," said Hermione. "And the fact that it's twins makes it even more dangerous."
Harry sighed and nodded. "The healer he sees has ordered him to stay off his feet and rest as much as possible. It's why I carried him in."
"But will he be all right?" said Mrs. Weasley, her kind eyes filled with worry that she probably couldn't help but feel.
Draco shrugged. "I can do this," he repeated his declaration from before.
Narcissa patted his leg again. "Yes, he can," she said.
"And zee babies?" said Fleur.
"They're healthy," said Harry, nodding. "They're developing fine and are about the right size for the stage they're at. He's nearly seven months along."
"Seven months," said Mr. Weasley, shaking his head in amazement. "You've been keeping this secret for that long?"
Harry nodded again. "I ... would've told you, but ... well, I know it's sort of hard to believe and I wanted to wait until we were all ready for it."
"And we don't want anyone outside this room to know. Not until after they are born," Draco added.
Harry nodded again. "There's been enough in the papers about us as it is."
The rest nodded their agreement.
"Not a word from us, Harry," said Mrs. Weasley.
"Nor from me," said Andromeda.
"Thank you," Harry said with a small smile, and then Mrs. Weasley smiled too. "I suppose congratulations are in order," she said. "I'm sure you will both have beautiful children."
Harry's smile grew and it felt like his heart grew with it. "Thank you," he said again.
Draco smiled as well, nodding his thanks and squeezing Harry's hand again. He gazed fondly at Harry, his heart always feeling full when he did.
As everyone else gave their congratulations, Teddy, who was now walking, chose right then to climb down from his grandmother's lap. He stood, listening to everyone's voices, and then toddled over to Draco. "Ball," he said, laying his small hand on Draco's belly.
Harry and anyone who heard Teddy laughed.
"Babies," Draco told him solemnly. "Two babies."
"Babes," Teddy repeated, patting lightly.
Harry smiled at him, lifting Teddy into his lap. "Yes," he said. "And you can show them the ropes."
Draco took Teddy's hand and pressed it to his belly. "Caelum and Corvus, Teddy's cousins."
Andromeda smiled knowingly at the names.
"Oh, are that what they're going to be called?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Yes," Harry answered. "Caelum and Corvus Potter-Malfoy."
Draco had thought this was going to be awkward. And maybe it was a little. But most people seemed happy with the news. He relaxed, playing with Teddy.
Harry felt the same way Draco did, and was relieved.