The Nothing I've Become (Areas of Expertise II)

Hi all, this was going to be posted when Jilliane got her computer up and running, but she tells me that it has gone completely kaputs, she's having to buy another, so I figured I'd not keep the rest of you lovely people waiting any longer! Thank you for staying along for the ride. As I've previously said, I will do the boring author's notes when I feel so inclined. SP

Dear reader, it's for you. (And yes, Mixed up, you were right about what the last chapter would be called!)

Chapter Thirty-Two - Save Me From the Nothing I've Become

Harry grinned softly as he watched Hope bouncing on her Papa's knee, a candle-lit cake on the table between them. Next to the cake were piles of presents, many of them from the extended Weasley family. He smiled, pleased as he always was to realise that almost no-one knew where he and Severus lived. The peace was nice after the chaos that had erupted after Voldemort's defeat.

He was watching his beautiful daughter, and seeing how happy Severus was, a slender gold and silver ring about his finger. Harry wore an identical ring; a sign, to those it mattered to, that they were a couple. He stroked his stomach, thinking how pleasant it would be to have a sibling for Hope. Although he hoped Severus didn't get too overprotective as he had been a little … hysterical during Harry's pregnancy with Hope. Harry understood that, he had been on tenterhooks the entire time himself. But nothing had happened, save for Severus being incredibly surprised to learn Harry was pregnant. He hadn't realised that Harry's wish whilst they had been at Kings Cross had come true out here in the real world as well.

Anyway, Ron had popped round earlier to drop the gifts off, and to deliver a book-shaped present to Harry and Severus. He hadn't stayed long - Hermione was pregnant and tended to be easily irritated if he was absent for too great a length of time.

'What's this?' Harry remembered asking.

Ron had looked uncomfortable. He shrugged. 'It's for you and Severus,' he had said, 'from Hermione.'

Harry had flushed; he had some inkling what the present was.

Severus cleared his throat loudly. 'Hope is tired. We should postpone her party until later.'

Harry nodded, still a little distracted, although he enjoyed the sight of Severus carrying their daughter, watching the strong body shift to delicately hold the child.

'Now,' Severus asked as he sat down beside his partner, 'what's this thing of Hermione's?'

Harry swallowed but ripped off the coloured paper. A thick hard-backed book slid out and thumped onto the table top.

The taller man picked it up, an eyebrow quirking as he read the title: ''Bonding for Life ' The Truth About the Bonding Process: A Case Study' by Hermione Weasley.''

Severus gave Harry a piercing look. 'This had better not be about us.' He warned, enjoying his lover's squirming. He opened the tome and read the dedication, ''To H, for allowing me to use you and S as my case study, and to S, for hopefully not murdering me or H when you find out about this book!'' Severus laughed, and Harry relaxed.

'At least it's likely to be accurate,' Severus observed as he began flicking through the pages, eyes opening a little in surprise at some of the words that caught his notice.

'So, you're not mad?' Harry asked tentatively, sliding one arm around his 'husband'.

'No. But no more surprises please.'

Harry looked disappointed. 'I do have one more,' he admitted, a little nervously, rubbing his stomach.

Severus sighed resignedly, 'Go on...'

'Well, we did talk about it, and I know we both want it, so I thought...'

Severus' smile split his face in two. 'Have I mentioned lately how much of a brat you are?'

Harry's face beamed. 'Git.'

-finis-

And no, I don't plan to write a third one!