Forever And A day

I do not make any money off of these characters. The books are not mine. Take my word for it, broke is my middle name.

Summary: Sequel to “Let It Be Me” Neville has his baby, but he’s depressed. Can Harry and Draco help him?

Forever and a Day


“Draco, why is Neville crying? Everything went so well yesterday,” Harry asked, concern and worry on his face. He was standing outside of Neville’s room at St. Mungo’s. Yesterday, the happiest day of both their lives, Neville presented Harry with the birth of their son. James Sirius Longbottom-Potter had a thick patch of raven hair and bright blue eyes, a perfect mixture of both fathers. Harry had stayed by Neville’s side, coaching and caring for him throughout the whole twelve hour labor. Neville was in control of himself and handled the birth as if it were his tenth, instead of his first delivery.
It also helped that Draco Malfoy, now a Mediwizard, delivered their baby. In spite of all their disagreements and animosity at school, Draco had cared for Neville throughout the whole pregnancy and stayed on call just for him. Neville had grown quite fond of Draco these past few months; enjoying the pampering and special care Draco had given him. Today, Harry and Draco were trying to understand Neville’s abrupt change into sadness.

“It’s post-partum depression, Harry,” Draco explained. “Sometimes it happens”
“Doesn’t he love the baby?” Harry questioned, folding his arms in his robes, a dark green that matched his eyes.
“Yes, he does. He adores him. The nurses can’t pry the baby away from him,” Draco replied, leaning against the wall, his white blond hair shorter these days, his silver eyes as bright as ever.
“What should I do?” Harry asked, helplessly. “I’ve already put in for paternity leave for the next three weeks to help him. What else can I do?”
“Listen to him,” Draco advised. “He’ll tell you” Harry nodded and turned to open Neville’s door. “And love him, Harry” Draco softly said.
“I do Draco. With all my heart and soul” Harry responded, and then entered Neville’s room.

Neville was lying on his side in bed, one arm around the baby, the other hand stroking James’ cheek. Harry sat down on the bed, in front of the baby, leaned over and kissed Neville’s head.
“Hey Daddy, how do you feel?” Harry tenderly asked, ruffling Neville’s hair.
“O.K., I guess,” Neville replied. “I still feel very sore”
“You were great yesterday. Draco said he never saw anyone do as well as you did” Harry said, a big grin on his face. “I am so proud of you. Our baby is just perfect, you’ve made me so happy” Suddenly, Neville sat up, cradling James in his arms, and burst into tears. Harry put his arms around Neville and held him. He kissed him, murmuring endearments in his ear, letting him cry it out.
“Harry, take the baby and put him in his cot,” Neville directed, tears choking him. Harry did as Neville asked, covering James with a blue blanket. He took Neville into his arms and rocked him back and forth.

“Harry,” Neville whimpered. “Harry”
“Yes Love, what is it?” Harry begged. “Tell me where it hurts”
“My Gran came last night after you left,” Neville said, shuddering.
“What happened?” Harry asked, gritting his teeth. Neville’s Gran had opposed him living with Harry. She had blown sky high when Neville told her he was pregnant. She had screamed that Harry had him good now, since he knocked him up. She refused to go to their bonding ceremony and didn’t go to Neville’s university graduation.
She told me it was a good thing that my parents were so out of it, they would be ashamed of the way I live,” Neville blurted out. “She didn’t like the baby’s name. She didn’t even look at him. She was mad that Draco delivered me. She yelled when I told her how great Draco was to me”
Draco stood by the half open door, listening to Neville. “Merlin! My family was a bunch of winners, but Gran here takes the cake,” he thought to himself. “What a bitch!”
“Don’t worry about her,” Harry soothed him. “It’s her loss, not ours” He softly kissed Neville on the lips.
“Harry, my parents wouldn’t be ashamed of me,” Neville pleaded. “I wish I could take the baby to see them”
“Why don’t you Neville?” Draco suggested, coming into the room. “That’s a good idea”
“I want to bring the baby,” Neville said, pulling himself together. “I want them to see him”
“Neville, are you sure?” Harry worriedly asked. “You just gave birth, you’re so weak”
“Harry, the Longbottoms are only two floors up. I know how they are,” Draco assured. “Nothing will happen to Neville or James”
“O.K., I’ll take you, Neville” Harry finally agreed.
“I’ll get a wheelchair, you get the two of them ready,” Draco said as he left the room in search of a chair. He found one and returned to the room. There he found Neville in a navy blue robe, trimmed in light blue, holding his baby.
“Let’s go,” Draco said, as he and Harry helped him into the chair, an extra blanket covering the baby. “I already called and told them we were coming”

Harry pushed the chair, his lover holding the baby. Draco walked ahead, getting them trough the wards. Neville was anxious, but determined to have his parents be a part of his new life. Just before they entered the ward, Harry kneeled down and spoke softly to his husband. “If at any time you need to leave, we will. Remember, I love you”
“I do Harry,” Neville replied. “I need to do this”
The Mediwizard, who was in charge, came over as they entered the ward. “Hello, Mr. Longbottom-Potter,” Healer Thomas greeted. He shook hands with Harry and patted the baby’s head. Draco stayed in the background, allowing Neville to see his parents in peace. Healer Thomas wheeled Neville to his parents’ corner. Alice and Frank Longbottom sat quietly, almost catatonic. Neither looked up when Healer Thomas took their hands. “Alice, Frank, look. Your son Neville is here. He needs to talk to you both,” the Healer told them. Harry stood behind Neville, hoping Neville would not be crushed. His parents had gotten worse since the last time Harry had seen them.
“Mum, Dad, I brought my baby. He was born yesterday. His name is James Sirius,” Neville said, taking his parents hands and placing them on the baby. James was awake and staring at his grandparents, his blue eyes shining with the newness of life. Neville kept talking to them, telling them about his graduation, his and Harry’s bonding and the birth of the baby. His parents barely looked at him, appearing as empty shells.
“Mum, Dad, I wanted you to see the baby. I love you both; I wish we hadn’t been cheated of you enjoying my life and your grandson. I’ll see you again soon” Neville kissed his parents’ hands and Harry wheeled him away.
“When you’re up to it, we’ll come back. Are you all right?” Harry asked, concerned with the tiredness in his face.
“I’m fine, I feel better” Neville told him.
“Someone needs to rest. I think that’s you, Neville. Harry will take care of the baby. I want you to get some sleep” Draco ordered as he stepped out of the shadows. He felt drained from the whole experience. He was so afraid that Neville would be worse, but surprisingly, now Neville seemed to be in peace. As Harry and Draco wheeled Neville to the door, Healer Thomas stopped them.
“Look!” the healer said as he pointed.
Alice Longbottom was making her way to Neville. Harry and Draco were stunned, as was the healer. Alice walked up to Neville. A slight spark glinted in her eyes as she touched Neville’s face, the first time since Neville was a child.
“Mum?” Neville asked.
“We love you Neville. Forever and a day,” Alice told him in a raspy voice, one that had not been used for many years. She turned and walked slowly back to her bed.
“Merlin! That is the first time I have ever heard her speak,” Healer Thomas said in awe. Harry took the baby and Draco steered the chair back to Neville’s room.

After settling Neville back in bed, Harry sat beside him in a chair, feeding James a bottle. “Harry?” Neville said in a sleepy voice, his eyes closed.
“Yes, sweetheart, what is it?” Harry answered gently.
“When I tell my parents I love them. I always say forever and a day” Neville explained.
“That’s a nice thing to say” Harry replied.
“I love you and James forever and a day,” Neville said, drifting off to sleep.
“James and I love you, Neville,” Harry responded, kissing Neville’s hand. “Forever and a day”