Harry Potter and the Womb of Requirement NOW CODED

A/N - Thanx Paganwoman, for your kind comment. You rock!

GeminiCancer: Forgive me for posting so quickly but I'm in a battle with my phone-line provider as to whether I can finish posting this before my phone is cut off!


Those Who Left Stars: Thanx. It's good to know you're enjoying this piece.

Cheers all! The Squig xxx


Part 4: Warriors All

34

The week passed. It was the day before Harry’s birthday. No sign of Voldemort. Harry had started to carefully re-open the channel at different times of the day, but no response. Draco shrugged as he was let back in, {Perhaps he doesn’t wank that often}, they both chuckled.

That morning, owls were arriving thick and fast. Hedwig sat on the dining table allowing Draco to untie the packages she bore. Harry looked at him questioningly, but Draco just stashed them about his person with a smile. The rest of that day he really didn’t feel that great, maybe it was something he’d eaten, but he seemed to spend rather a lot of the time in the bathroom. The boys stayed out of circulation that day, reassuring the others that it was no more than an attack of Delhi belly.

Hermione was sent to by her Magi in a little more detail, {I’d put Madam Pomfrey on alert if I were you, and send for the Doctor too, and didn’t you say, Draco, that your Mum wanted to be here?. I’d send to her too}. She felt a grip of excitement in her gut, but kept it to herself, trying not to grin.

The next day, Harry and Draco appeared at the breakfast table, glowing. Harry sporting a rather beautiful ring on the third finger of his left hand. A startled send. Hermione. {Harry, that’s the ring....}

Harry closed his eyes grinning like the love-struck teen he was, then sent his morning so far to his Elemental.

Draco kissing him awake, wishing him Happy Birthday. Harry fishing for his glasses as his day came into focus. Draco held a tiny box tight in his hand. An envelope with a card. Harry sat up, opening the card. The pictures moved, and a chorus of Veela sang to him. He recovered from the mild spell cast about the card to see Draco proffering the box.

Then opening it, removing the contents laying the box aside.

Draco took Harry’s left hand in his, gently placing the ring on his third finger. A heavy platinum band with three large diamonds embedded in it. He gazed deep into his lover’s eyes, {Be mine, Harry. Be mine forever. Later on this year, Hermione tells me that couples like us can, erm, get married. Marry me Harry. Please. Will you?}.

Harry was completely stunned, but held his lover’s gaze. He slowly nodded, his send hoarse and suddenly choked, {Yes. Oh gods, yes. Come here, please, babe}, he took Draco into his arms, kissing him, then dissolving into giggles, {You really want this?. For us to marry?}. Draco met his eyes, pouring out his love between them, {Oh, yes}, then captured his Harry’s mouth with his own, {We’ll be Mr and Mr Malfoy-Potter}, Harry moaned against him as they kissed, {I love you so much, my Dragon, and I’m honoured to be wed to you}, he stroked Draco’s belly, then his chest, his neck, the intensity growing. Draco gently batted his hand away. {Sorry, love, I need my breakfast}. Harry held him tight for a moment, then released him, snaking a protective arm around him, they made their way to the Hall.

Hermione got up from her place and hugged her Magi with main force, nearly knocking them both off their feet, {Merlin, guys, congratulations. Can I be your bridesmaid?. Ohmygod. This is so fab...}, the others could all feel the energy levels at critical, but had no idea why, then Ron saw the ring, he and Blaise glanced at each other, then Ron fell on his best mate, squeezing him hard. The rest of the Ten Picked up Harry’s breathless send making their announcement, {We’re engaged}, then showed his ring.

Hermione giggled to herself as she realised the reason for Draco’s secrecy a few days earlier. She glanced at her Girlie, whose eyes were trained on the middle distance, fondling the stone at her throat, {What was this, Missy?. I never was sure}. Hermione leaned towards her and kissed her, {The same, sweetheart. We’ve been unofficially engaged since Easter as far as I’m concerned, but I wasn’t sure what you made of it, ‘cos everything has moved so fast since then}. Ginny’s radiant smile was a joy to behold. {I thought so, but I wasn’t sure}. They kissed like there was no tomorrow.

They pulled apart, both girls’ eyes wet. Harry came down a little, saw the tears between his Elemental and her bond-mate, their eyes fixed on each other, he sent gently, {Is everything all right?}, his concern plain. Ginny blushed, sending her last few minutes. He sat stunned for a moment, then rolled his eyes, {You pip me every time, ‘Mione}, he rose and held his Elemental and her betrothed tight in his two arms, {Let me be the first to congratulate you both. You kept this quiet, you naughty girls}. Ginny sent shyly, {I didn’t realise what it meant, and now I do. That’s what took so long}. Harry took hold of the jewel between tentative fingers. {This is really beautiful. Why haven’t we seen it before?}. Ginny smiled, {This is a six and a half carat rare Emerald, Harry. I keep it hidden. Come on, when would a Weasley ever have such a thing?}. Hermione whispered her next send, {I’d like to keep this quiet for a bit longer. Tell Draco by all means, but this is your day, Harry}.

Various presents came Harry’s way, a fine black silk shirt from Ron and Blaise, that he knew was going to fit perfectly, {I want to see you in that one day, Harry}, Ron gently sent on a lascivious mental chuckle. A beautiful bow tie and cummerbund set from Lavender and Seamus, exquisitely embroidered in fine blackwork tracery over stiffened white silk. A humorous book on the perils of parenthood from Pansy and Neville and a framed sketch from Hermione and Ginny. Harry lolling at one end of their sofa, Draco between his legs, leaning back against him, both of them looking out from the paper. Harry’s arm draped around Draco’s belly. Draco’s hand reaching behind his head, stroking Harry’s face.

{You looked at me like that one night, and I committed it to memory}, she shrugged, grinning. Harry was speechless. He swallowed hard, showing the drawing to Draco. His bond-mate sent,{This is beautiful, ‘Mione, and you did this from memory?}. She nodded, flushing. She glanced at Ginny briefly, {I’ve been practicing again since Ginny and I got together, erm, studies, you know}, she was a deep pink.

As the drawing was passed around, Hermione saw Draco wince. Again. About ten minutes from the last time. He was fully immersed in the fun around the table and only lost attention for a moment or so, then was back. She surreptitiously looked at her wristwatch. Then was caught up again in the party atmosphere.

The Order appeared in due course as did the staff, more presents landing in front of Harry and cards galore. They all sat about enjoying a lavish breakfast. Draco, however, just picked at a plate of fruit slices, melon, nectarine and peach with a small pile of fresh strawberries, and sipped water. He seemed restless to Hermione’s eyes, changing position regularly, Harry accommodating any alteration as second nature, moving an arm, creating a lap for his lover’s head as needed.

Hermione kept an eye on Draco, seeing him alternately wince then move. She timed the grimaces. Still roughly ten minutes apart.

She opened their private channel, sent, {Draco, are you okay, only you seem a bit restless?}. Draco smiled at her, {Just getting these damned cramps, like something gripping me around the belly fairly hard. I’m all right though, thanks for asking}. She regarded him a moment longer as he turned to reply to Neville, saw him fold over himself again, timed him again.

Her fingers were in front of her mouth, her eyes widening, she pushed back into Draco’s mind, {Erm, Draco. Sorry to interrupt, but I’ve been recording the frequency of your, er, cramps, and I don’t think that’s what they are. They’re happening every ten minutes, more or less. Draco, you’re having contractions. I think you’re in the early stages of labour}.

His head whipped round, his eyes saucer round, mirroring Hermione’s shocked gesture. Harry broke off his conversation with Ron, feeling the spike of emotion from his bond-mate. {What?, What is it, love?}. Draco was still too stunned to even send. Hermione smiled at her Mage, sending, {I think you may be sharing your birthday from now on. With your daughter}. This took a moment or two to sink in, then he started in surprise, casting gentle arms around his Dragon, {Are you really, babe? Are these real contractions, not just the cramps?}. Draco smiled up into Harry’s face, {‘Mione’s been timing them. Ten minutes apart. And I feel different today, lighter somehow, more restless. I can’t get comfy for long in any one position. It’s okay, she’s not here just yet, but I think she’s ready for us whether we’re ready for her or not}.

Harry leaned down and kissed his lover. {We’d better get Poppy to at least make sure}. Draco nodded, relaxing in Harry’s arms. He was starting to feel a bit spaced out. The warm day and the desultory sending floating around him served to cast him into a fuzzy trance. His attentions turned inwards for a while. He could feel pressure in his lower gut area. He stroked his belly, sending encouragement and a speedy delivery to his daughter. He came back to Harry leaning over him, cradling him, stroking his hair, then coiled around his belly as the strongest clench yet gripped him, he gasped, clutching at the edge of the table, squeezing his eyes shut, {Oh yes. Oh yes}, his send breathy, {That was real. She’s coming, Harry}. As the waves eased off, he giggled.

They looked up at the rest of the table, to find all eyes on them and Poppy Pomfrey bearing towards them, grinning. Hermione sent to the table, {It would appear that Draco has gone into labour}, she left it at that, somewhat relishing the degrees of astonishment around her.

Harry, Draco and Poppy headed for the Hospital wing. She examined him briefly. {Only three centimetres dilated yet, but you are definitely in labour, Draco. No need to be concerned at this point, but let Hermione continue to monitor your contractions. You’ll know when you need to get back to your flat. I’ll have the stool there and a warm bath run when you need it, but now I need to Floo to St Mungo’s and bring back the Doctor}. Draco dressed again and the boys rejoined their friends and protectors. Harry gave a thumbs-up as they re-entered the Hall.

Draco re-seated himself, then leaned back against Harry, kicking off his shoes and placing his feet on the table away from everybody, wriggling his toes and rotating his tired ankles, {Sorry, folk, but this feels better for now}, he gasped as another wave hit him, keeping his breathing as close to normal as he could. He felt the dream-like mood wash over him again, a feeling close to euphoria bubbling under his skin.

Hermione was keeping time in her meticulous way.

Ron and Blaise were in a semi-huddle with the Order and the rest of the Six. Where would they place themselves to stave off a possible attack? As no-one had any idea they plumped for separating into pairs and patrolling the layers of Protection for the six and the Order and Staff patrolling the castle and the grounds.

The party broke up as various people went off to do their patrol duty. Draco was barely aware of any of this. Harry joined him in his mind and felt the next contraction right along with his lover, {Bloody hell, Dragon, they hurt}. Draco smiled lazily, {I’m sort of getting used to them. I feel like I’m opening out, to let her into the world. Each time my womb contracts I’m moving her into place. I’m turning her, positioning her. She’s moving lower and lower. She’s ready, Harry. I’m not sure if I am yet, though}. Harry held him tight, {Me either. I do know this}, he kissed Draco’s hair, {I’ve never been more in love with you than I am right now, this very minute}.

Draco tipped his head back and Harry kissed him, their tongues twining, both breathing fast, completely oblivious to their surroundings. A polite cough brought them round as did another spasm. Hermione had her head cocked on one side regarding them, a slight smile playing around her mouth. {The others are all on guard around the castle. Maybe it’s time you guys went back to the flat. Who do you need with you, Draco?}. The boys pulled apart, a bit red-faced. Draco sent, {No-one yet, but later, I’d like you two and if she’ll come, I would like to talk to your mother, Ginny}.

{Why?, Draco. I’m not sure I understand}. He beamed at her, {Come on, Gin. How many children are in your family?. A whole Quidditch team!. I would love the benefit of her experience, if she’s willing to give it}. Ginny immediately sent to her mum, receiving an affirmative reply. {She says it’ll be an honour}. His grin threatened to engulf his face, {Bugger honour. Of everyone I’ve met all this school year, she’s the only one with children, Think about it. I’ve had books and bits of parchment, but no first-hand chat}. That was the moment Molly chose to barrel into the Hall, full of advice and her own wisdom gained over many years and six births.

They all made their way back to the Protected section, keeping to Draco’s pace. They split up with Ginny leading her mother to the girls’ room, Harry and Draco going to their own with a promise to gather them when things changed significantly.

As promised, the birthing stool was in the bathroom, a note pinned to it, ‘If your waters haven’t broken yet, a bath is jolly nice. The water takes the weight off a bit. See you soon, P’.

They glanced fire at each other. A bath it was then. Harry bent to turn on the taps and a little lower to put the plug in, felt his Dragon’s hardness against his arse, pressing gently. Harry dipped slightly to accommodate Draco’s belly, bracing himself over the bath as Draco pulled down his jeans and prepared him with trembling hands. Then entered him blind, going on pure instinct and Harry helping as he was completely unable to see what he was doing. He had to arch back and really push Harry down to enter him but he was soon drilling him.

Harry cried out at the urgency, the force, and loved it. His Dragon pounding in and out of him, ramming his sweet spot over and over, as he pushed back answering each thrust. He rested his weight on one elbow as he took his own cock in the other, pacing his strokes to Draco’s thrusts. He felt Draco’s cock thicken inside him and knew his lover was close. He quickened his hand around himself as Draco sped up, incoherent with want, sending sexy thoughts into Harry’s mind and he cried out wetting his own hand with come, feeling his Dragon follow him seconds later, filling him up.

As they recovered, Draco withdrew and turned Harry in his arms, kissing him long and slow. They stripped each other and sank into the warm bath, laughing gently together, Harry holding his Dragon tight from behind, sponging his body down, washing his hair, gently massaging his head, Draco leaning into the touches, loving every moment.

Eventually they climbed out of the bath, Harry lovingly towelling his beloved dry, kissing all over his big belly, love swelling in his heart. He kept his channel open. Draco felt it all and revelled in it even while regular spasms shook him. He felt so relaxed. He let Harry lead them both to bed. Although he wasn’t in the least bit tired, he held his Dragon as he slept, a tiny smile around his mouth as he gazed upon his lover’s blond beauty in sleep. As he kept watch, every now and again, he bent and placed tiny kisses on Draco’s face, not enough to make his lover stir, then resumed his vigil.

Lunch came and went. Harry unwrapped himself from his beloved to partake of a quick sandwich, then was back, keeping watch, as the afternoon wore on into evening, massaging Draco’s belly, feeling the contractions beneath the skin, using the Patel girls’ oil. The next one woke Draco up. He doubled up, Harry still holding him. Draco rose properly to the surface, {She’s nearly here. She’s sneaked up on me in sleep}. Another spasm shot through him, this time through his back. Harry switched his ministrations from front to back, Draco moaning as he massaged him with balled fists easing out the kinks in his lover’s back. Draco arched back into the touch, nearly in tears at Harry’s responsiveness.

A shy tap on the door, and Harry climbed out of bed to admit Poppy. She took a quick look at Draco. He was nearly ready. Harry ran the bath, Summoning his Elemental and her bond-mate. They were there in seconds, pink of cheek and bright of eye. Molly Weasley appeared minutes later.

Draco climbed into the bath once more, Harry behind him, bracing him for the big pushes, giving him something to push against. On a count of three that he could just hear, Draco bore down with a roar. Poppy, leaning over the edge of the tub, squealed in delight. She grabbed Draco’s hand, pushing it beneath himself. He felt a hard lump. {That’s her head. Another one of those and she’s here. When you’re ready, Draco}.

He could feel the whole world gather into his chest, descend into his belly. Several deep breaths and he pushed, hard. He was barely aware of Harry kissing his cheek, {Almost, babe, just one more}. Draco was nearly sobbing with the effort this was costing him, but a few minutes later, he found the last bit of strength in his being and pushed, one last time, collapsing back against his Harry. Vaguely he felt a warm weight pressing on his chest, the world receding from him in a warm glow.

Harry brought him partially back, but it was the insistent tug on his left nipple that brought him all the way back. Looking down, his daughter at his breast, suckling, Harry holding them both. Vision slowly returning, Draco wrapped his arms slowly about the baby lying on his belly and breast, tears springing to his eyes, {She’s here}. He looked up, then. Not a dry eye in the room.

As the baby suckled, Draco felt one last urge to push, the afterbirth emerging. He felt truly empty again. As Cariad finished her first feed in the wide world, Draco relinquished her to Poppy, who cut the cord, tying it off, then bathed the baby. They emptied the bath and refilled it with clean water and Harry bathed them both clean. He helped his beloved out of the tub, dried them both again and wrapped them both in their gowns and helped an exhausted Draco to bed. Poppy returned, having weighed her, wrapped her and laid her back in Draco’s waiting arms.

{Eight and a half pounds. Nine thirty two pm on the 31st of July}, she grinned as she told them, {A thoroughly healthy weight. The cord wasn’t around her neck. A textbook birth, Draco. Did you enjoy it?}. One arm curled around Cariad, the other about a delirious Harry, Draco could do no more than nod before he burst into tears. As he recovered himself a little, he sniffled and sat up a bit. He turned to his lover, passing him the baby. With a look of wonder lighting his face, Harry took her into his arms. Draco sent, {Happy Birthday, Harry. I love you}.

Harry held Cariad on one arm and a tired Draco in the other as the Six were admitted to admire her, oohing and aahing over her perfect little form. From out of nowhere the sound of a cork popping and Hermione produced glasses for all ten, just a drop for Draco, but they had to wet the baby’s head. A mood of celebration prevailing. One of her Owls had produced this. The one from her parents. The card attached had been signed, ‘With great affection’, from her mum and dad.

Somewhere during the celebrations, Draco fell asleep. As soon as Harry noticed, he shooed everyone from the room gently. No-one objected, leaving immediately. Poppy dowsed the new parent and child, declaring everything all right, leaving them alone. Harry slipped under the covers with his bond-mate and their child, wrapping his arms around both of them and slept.

Around them, the vigilance wasn’t relaxed for a second. As one pair came off duty, another replaced them, nodding to each other solemnly as the watch was changed.