Chapter Text
January 16th, 1919
Small Heath, Birmingham
Solaris was brought home via apparation. Her eyes were puffy and tears had long since dried on her cheeks. Tommy was there as soon as she came through the front door, holding her to his chest as she clung to him sobbing. Phineas nodded his head with a tense look. He had tried to get there in time but Solaris had already seen the body.
Tommy's arms held her a little tighter. They had been gone for hours, and Tommy had already put the boys to bed. John took his kids back above the shop where Martha was forced to go back to. John had been gone all day looking for a new house just to make it work with his wife. Arthur was passed out at the Garrison with some of the lads, Polly and Tommy both agreed to just leave him there for the night to sleep it off. Solaris was their primary concern at the moment.
Tommy bid Phineas a goodnight, he let Polly hug Solaris and kiss her temple goodnight before he took his wife to bed. He helped her undress and pulled on one of her nightgowns over her head.
Solaris wasn't sure how to tell Tommy they were unexpectedly expecting again. Nerves were wrecking her body, she didn't know how he would react, and the mixed emotions of being terrified and excited all at once over how worried she was about the timing of it all. He hadn't quite been home for a month yet and already they were going to have another baby. The war had only ended almost three months ago, life was only just getting started back up.
But a baby... Not just a baby but two babies. Two very tiny orbs showed when Healer Redds cast an "infantes hominio revelio" spell on her. They were so faint but the two lights were there, glowing a soft pink. Healer Redds said they were glowing a more yellowish color as she progressed in her pregnancy before going blue.
She was excited and hopeful about the new lives growing inside her and the potential for their family to grow even stronger. She felt so vulnerable though the longer as time ticked on. As the clock struck midnight, Solaris sat on the edge of their bed, her heart heavy with grief over the loss of her friend in the lab explosion.
Tommy knew that she was devastated by the news, and he could feel in their connection that she was worried about something.
Taking a deep breath, Solaris turned to Tommy, who sat down beside her, she knew her eyes were still red and puffy from all her crying. "Tommy, there's something important I need to tell you," she began, her voice barely above a whisper.
Tommy looked at her, concern etched on his face. "What is it, Solaris?"
"I-I had such good news too..." She sniffled into his neck. "I only left to confirm it... I didn't expect it... I didn't think this--"
"Shhh, Luv," Tommy rubbed her back. "Take a deep breath, eh?"
"Tommy," She laid her palm on his cheek. He brushed the pad of his thumb under her eye, his blue eyes staring at her with such love.
She hesitated for a moment, trying to find the right words to say. "I...I'm pregnant again," she finally said, her voice trembling with emotion.
Tommy's eyes widened in surprise, a mix of shock and happiness crossing his face. "Pregnant? When did you find out? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I'm telling you now - And I only just found out yesterday morning." Solaris reached out and took Tommy's hands in hers, her eyes filled with tears. "I wanted to tell you as soon as it was confirmed... But after last night and everything that happened with Charlie. I wanted to share some good news at least. Something for us to hold on to amidst all the sadness."
"I'm sad for you, Angel. He was one of your best mates, eh? I know John shared a similar feeling." Tommy pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her close as he processed the news. "A baby." He whispered, his voice choked with emotion.
Solaris rested her head against his chest, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. Despite the sorrow of losing their friend, she knew that they had something beautiful to look forward to in the midst of their grief.
"Two babies, Tommy."
"What?" He leaned back just enough to look her in the eyes.
"It's twins, Tommy. We're having twins."
Tommy climbed into bed, pulling her lightly to follow him. He got behind her and drew her to his chest, kissing her head. He inhaled deeply, licking his lips and a smile curling on the edges.
"Babies?" He repeated.
"Yes," She huffed a laugh though it hurt her heart to even be happy right now. She just learned one of her best friends had died. She had sat with his mother and comforted her for the last five hours.
Tommy kissed her. He grasped her face and kissed her hard. She jerked back after a few moments trying to catch her breath - he moved his mouth to her neck and down her body until he was hugging her waist, pressing his face to her stomach and kissing her by her naval.
"I know you're sad right now, Rissy," Tommy looked up at her through his lashes, still not budging from where he hugged her stomach and was now rubbing his thumb across her. "But you're going to be happy when this is over. We all are. We're going to tell the family our wonderful news and then you're going to go through your pregnancy correctly this time - with me forever standing over you to make sure fate fucks off from doing anything this time around, eh? I won't leave your side for a minute."
Together, they lay in silence, holding onto each other tightly, finding solace in the hope of new life and the love they shared. And at that moment, even amidst the darkness, Solaris knew without a doubt that there was a glimmer of light shining through.
When morning came, Tommy let Solaris sleep in. He took care of the boys himself, bathing them and having Tinkie cook them up some breakfast. He fed them and changed them, worked on Marius's letters, and helped Sirius with his coordination.
Phineas had come down sometime halfway through breakfast and had a floo call with Edward Potter about Charles's funeral. They would be having it tomorrow at noon at the Potter estate. The Shelby family, all of them not just Tommy and Solaris was invited to attend. Phineas accepted the Portkeys through the flames that would activate tomorrow at eleven in the morning.
January 17th, 1919
Potter Manor
Caithness, Scotland
Charles Potter's funeral in the wizarding world was a somber yet beautiful affair. The lawn in the Potter's gardens was filled with witches and wizards from all walks of life, gathered to pay their respects to a man who had touched so many hearts - or in some cases just to look bloody decent. Stupid pureblood snootery.
The atmosphere was heavy with grief, but there was also of unity and solidarity among those in attendance. The speakers at the funeral shared touching stories of Charlie. The loss of such a beloved young wizard had brought people together in a way. He was a prankster just like his little brother Fleamont. All of Hogwarts Professors who taught Charlie were there. Professor Dumbledore had seen to it to bring Fleamont and Anna to the funeral.
Anna clung to Solaris's side, crying the whole time. She did not want anyone but Solaris right now. Tommy stood among the sea of robes and wands, dressed in his muggle clothes just like the rest of his family, they looked very out of place but he had come to support his wife. Some other Wizard with shaggy curly hair and a thin body in dark blue robes came over, Solaris pulled away from Tommy and Anna to hug him. The wizard wrapped her up in his arms - Polly put a hand on Tommy's arm. "That's Newt, Tommy. Give her a moment."
Newt pulled away, touched Solaris's cheek, and nodded to Tommy with an awkward smile. Solaris grabbed Newt's hand. "You'll come to Watery Lane for tea won't you?"
"I'll come July 1st before I leave. I need to take care of some things. Charlie's forced me to be his beneficiary when the war started..."
"You were his favorite Froggy," She teased. He blushed.
"Don't start, please." He smiled at her, his gaze flickering to Tommy. "I'm sorry this is a very poor way to meet. I'm Newton Scamander. It's a pleasure to meet you, Thomas."
Tommy held his hand out and Newt paused for a moment and took his hand to shake. Muggles have very odd customs. Normally one shook hands on an agreement... Not a greeting.
"Come for tea, Newt." He stared hard at him.
"I- I will," He bowed a little at them and left to go back towards his family.
As the funeral procession made its way towards the forest edge, Tommy held his wife's hand tightly. He felt out of place in this world of magic and wonder, but he was there to support his wife over Charlie's passing. Despite not fully understanding the magical world, Tommy knew his loss had hit Solaris hard. She had lost one of her best friends, and he knew how much Charlie meant to her. He couldn't help but think about Rori, another witch from his Angel's time, a best mate, who had died. But unlike Rori, at least, Solaris can actually attend Charlie's funeral.
Tommy stood by her side, offering her a comforting presence as they made their way to their seats. Little white orbs floated above their heads giving up a soft glow over the assembled crowd. The air was heavy with the scent of incense and the sound of soft, mournful music. Tommy watched as wizards and witches paid their final respects to Charlie, casting spells on his body before laying him to rest in the Forest. He couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the rituals and traditions of the wizarding world, so different from his own. He held his wife close as she wept for her friend.
The service itself was a moving tribute to Charlie's life, filled with stories of his bravery, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to those he cared about and his potion genius that he inherited from his grandfather, keeping true to the Potter legacy. Wizards and witches from all walks of life spoke of his kindness, his sense of humor, and his fierce determination to stand up for what was right.
Phineas stood up and gave a little speech about how Charlie, Newt, and Solaris in last July had set one of the greenhouses on fire in their chase to catch a dodicrawl that thought to eat all his grandson's favorite blackberries. The crowd laughed, Solaris blushed when a few people turned to look at her. Newt had slunk a little down his chair where he had been made to sit by his parents.
"Solaris used her gift to turn into a rabbit to chase it. Charlie had forgotten what color of rabbit she turned into and he was so set on making rabbit stew! Newt, the Puff that he is-" There was a lot of laughter at that. "- panicked and used the wrong spell. We may have lost a whole greenhouse of Blackberries that day but at least Charlie proved he is a terrible hunter and Newt loves animals way too much for his own good."
"At least he didn't barbecue, Rissy!" John shouted.
Phineas pointed at him. "Aye, there's that!"
After the service, as the mourners began to disperse, Solaris wiped away tears as she clutched his hand tightly. She had been grateful for his support throughout the ceremony. They approached Charlie's family to offer their condolences. Tommy thanked them for allowing him and his family to be a part of the funeral, and to say goodbye.
Some older Wizard with a funny look in his eye that set even Tommy at unease came over before they could say their goodbyes. Henry stared blankly at the man. The man, with what was in very poor taste, was grinning.
But they; Marigold, Phineas, and Fleamont heard what was said. Henry reeled back, his face redding in anger. Nora's father, Lord Max, approached him with news of a new contract to marry Nora to Gilbert Burke.
Henry lunged.
Phineas and Edward shot forward to intervene before someone got killed due to running high emotions. Sensing Henry's rage and desperation, even poor Newt and his brother grappled with Henry, yanking him back as the normally composed Wizard screamed profanities that had several witches gasping - damsels.
They managed to subdue him before he could act on his impulses, calming him down and preventing a potential disaster. The situation was diffused for the moment but the tension lingered in the air as Henry struggled to come to terms with the loss of his son and the prospect of Nora marrying another man. It was heartbreaking all around...
"That fucking bastard!" Henry spat. "At my son's funeral! He fucking got a new marriage proposal at my son's funeral! For the witch, he was to marry!"
"Let's go home, Angel," Tommy said when Newt hissed it was best to get his family out before people started looking at them.
Tommy saw the looks they were already getting. Same looks he was used to getting when they learned he was half gypsy. Only these people had wands that could do more damage than a gun or knife. He was thankful Ada stayed home to watch the kids with Martha.
"Anna," Solaris walked up to her little sister. "Sweetheart, we're heading home. Go to Professor Dumbledore, yeah?"
"No!"
"Anna, you got to go back to school. Your teachers were generous in letting you have the day to mourn but life must soldier on," Solaris crouched in front of her. "Please, Annie. We're getting looks. I need to make sure our family doesn't get attacked."
Anna's eyes drifted over her shoulder and saw Aunt Hesper and Cousin Arcturus had their wands in their hands. Newt and his brother were not that far either.
"Alright. Be careful," Anna hugged her. "And tell Marius I'm sorry. I was so foolish. I was... I was jealous... He has all your attention now."
"You'll always have my attention, Anna," Solaris kissed her head. "Go. Now. I love you."
"Love you."
Solaris stood up and reached into her pocket. She took out the portkey and beckoned John and Arthur to come over quickly. She activated it as soon as everyone was touching it - just as a bright jet of purple shot toward them.
January 18th, 1919
Small Heath, Birmingham
Solaris and Tommy gathered their two sons, Marius and Sirius, around them, excitement bubbling in their hearts as they prepared to share the news that would change their family forever. Marius, at three years old, was full of energy and curiosity, while Sirius, a year and a half old, was just beginning to explore the world around him.
"We have some very exciting news to tell you," Solaris began, her voice filled with joy. "Mummy is going to have another baby!"
Marius' eyes widened in wonder, his imagination already running wild with thoughts of a new sibling to play with. "Another baby? Like me and Sirius?" he asked, his face lighting up with a smile.
"Yes, just like you and Sirius," Tommy confirmed, ruffling Marius' hair affectionately. "You're going to have two little brothers or sisters to love and take care of."
Sirius, too young to fully understand the concept of a new sibling, simply clapped his hands in delight, mirroring the excitement radiating from his family. Solaris scooped him up in her arms, showering him with kisses as she continued, "You're all going to be the best big brothers, helping to look after the new babies and showing them the ropes."
As the reality of their expanding family sank in, Marius and Sirius shared a look of mutual excitement, already forming a bond with the sibling they had yet to meet. Solaris and Tommy exchanged a knowing glance.
"Now, it's a secret, eh?" Tommy said sternly to the two of them. "Mummy and I want to tell the family at dinner. So you must be quiet about it."
"Yes, sir!" Marius saluted him. Sirius tried to copy it. "Es, er!" He giggled.
"Very good," Tommy ruffled their hair.
🕊
Dinner later that night, after everyone ate and moved to the parlor for drinks, Tommy cleared his throat to gather their attention. Polly shot Solaris a knowing smile.
"Rissy and I have some news," Tommy began, he put a hand on the back of her neck where he was standing behind her.
"What news?" Arthur frowned.
"Solaris is pregnant." Tommy took a sip from his whiskey glass.
The boys went quiet. Ada jumped up. "WHEN DID YOU GET UP THE DUFF? I will win this bet!"
"Oi!" Finn shouted.
Arthur and John's eyes widened in surprise, their expressions shifting from confusion to joy as the news sank in. A flurry of congratulations followed from the two, Arthur shouting they needed another bottle of the good stuff to celebrate. As usual, Solaris declined a glass just as she did when she was pregnant with Sirius. Tommy had even begun smoking less around her since they found out. She told him smoke and alcohol were bad for the babies.
"I conceived around Christmas," Solaris admitted to Ada. Her sister-in-law, such the mature adult she is proceeded to blow a raspberry in Finn's face.
"Ha! Little shite! I won! You and Anna owe me!"
"Why couldn't you get nailed at New Year's," Finn grumped.
The Shelby brothers barked a laugh, Solaris blushing, her hands trying to hide her face.
"For fuck sake, Finn," Polly hissed.
"What!" He pouted. "I was so close!"
"I for one am excited for another grandchild!" Phineas grinned, "Come here, my daughter."
Solaris hugged her dad. Arthur and John were already eagerly discussing names and nursery ideas behind her with Tommy rolling his eyes at them.
Arthur and John embraced their brother and Solaris, offering their full support and love as they welcomed the newest addition to their growing family. The room filled with laughter and excitement, as the impending arrival of the new baby brought a sense of hope and happiness to the family.
The Darkness seemed to finally be over for the Shelby Family. Solaris and Tommy shared a sweet kiss, smiling against each other as he touched her belly where their new little ones were safe and growing.
"We can only go up from here, Angel," He murmured.
"Yes, I believe you're right."