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Chapter Text

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Sunday, 18th April 1999

“Ah!” Harry squeaked in alarm when Rubeus hugged him, picking him up as if he weren’t seven months pregnant. He could see Draco fretting about this sudden embrace over Rubeus’s shoulder, and he waved at him, blowing a kiss. It felt odd to be in the half-giant's arms, dangling like a rag doll.

“I’m so proud of you!” Rubeus gushed. “Married!” He gently set Harry back on the ground, blushing. “Sorry, I have to remember that you’re not eleven anymore. I didn’t hurt you, did I?” Now, Rubeus was the one worrying, biting his bottom lip and looking anxiously at Harry.

“I’m fine!” Harry insisted. “Thanks for coming to the wedding!”

Rubeus beamed and patted him on the head before moving on to give his well-wishes to Luna and Ginny, but before he could reach them, he spotted Draco. Harry's eyes widened as he wondered how Rubeus would react, given their history. Draco flushed when Rubeus treated him similarly to how he treated Harry, hugging him and lifting him off the ground like a child.

Harry burst into laughter. Draco walked over to him, glaring with his hands on his hips. “You thought that was funny?”

“Yes! You should have seen your face!” Harry said, hugging Draco and kissing him, nearly knocking him over one of the folding chairs.

“Save that for later,” Lavender teased as she walked up to them. “I’m sorry that I can’t stay for the after party. I’m not feeling well.” She held her stomach and honestly looked as pale as a ghost. Padma and Parvati joined them, putting their arms around Lavender’s shoulders.

“I hope you don’t mind that we’re going back to Hogwarts with Lavender,” Parvati said. “I’m worried about her.”

“You like to mother all of your friends,” Padma teased, although she also looked concerned.

“No need to worry,” Lavender said, rolling her eyes. “It’s a stomach bug or something.”

“Well, whatever the reason,” Harry said, “we understand. You three travel safely, and thanks for coming to our wedding!” He opened his arms, and the girls hugged him and Draco.

As Harry and Draco looked around, they smiled and waved at the other guests, thanking them for attending. Harry received numerous hugs and affectionate hair ruffles, and he was surprised to see that Draco received almost as many.

Luna and Ginny ran up to them, embracing them warmly. “Come on,” Luna urged, pulling on Harry’s hand. “We’re going to party!”

“We kept the celebration small, just like you prefer, Harry,” Ginny added, noticing the slight panic flash across Harry’s face. “It’s just the people we’re closest with.”

Suddenly, Harry laughed, startling everyone. He flushed. “It’s nothing, just saw Oliver pulling Dudley into The Manor, and he looked absolutely bewildered.”

“Oliver doesn’t think twice about close body contact from playing Quidditch. Your cousin isn’t used to how affectionate Oliver is,” Ginny said with a smile.

“Bloody sentimental Gryffindor,” Draco teased, yelping when Harry and Ginny playfully swatted at him. “It’s not a bad thing!”

Minerva approached them, holding the paintings of Albus and Severus, both of which had been shrunk down in size. “We’re off to Hogwarts. Congratulations, everyone. I’m so proud of you,” she said with a small smile.

Harry burst into tears, and Luna wasn’t far behind, both of them crying and clinging to each other.

“Lovely wedding!” Albus cheered. “You all look wonderful. I love the glitter!”

“A bit gaudy if you ask me,” Severus commented, rolling his eyes, though he sighed and offered a slight smile.

“Thanks for coming,” Harry said quietly. He didn’t want to make things awkward on their wedding day, but he felt compelled to tell Albus and Severus that he had forgiven them for everything. Harry’s heart was healing, and he didn’t want to hold onto any grudges, no matter what had happened in the past. He understood that Albus and Severus had their reasons, even if some of them were misguided.

Severus nodded at Harry, and Harry could see the pain behind his eyes. He turned to look at Albus, and despite his usual hyper attitude, even Albus’s smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“You two came to me in a dream,” Harry blurted out. “Everyone who passed away during the war, including my parents, was in the dream! It was magical, and I believe it was a true personification of your mortal selves.”

Draco looked at Harry with wide eyes, rubbing his back and encouraging him to continue. This was something Harry had been keeping to himself, and Draco knew how much he wanted to share his dream and his forgiveness with Severus and Albus.

“Come on, Ginny,” Luna whispered, pulling Ginny toward The Manor.

Minerva sensed that this was a private conversation and cast a privacy barrier around Harry, Draco, and the two paintings.

Quietly, Harry shared everything with Albus and Severus, and when he finished the story, he smiled, wiping tears from his eyes. “So you see, I forgive both of you.” He wasn’t sure if the painted versions of Severus and Albus retained all their memories, right up until their last breath, but from the way they were staring at him now, Harry was confident they did.

“You’re a good person,” Albus said softly. “Thank you for saying that.” He looked down and sighed.

“No bad thoughts on our wedding day,” Draco said, holding up a hand. “He forgives you… We forgive you! Now, we’re going to enjoy our after party.” He motioned to Minerva to drop the privacy barrier. She did, and quickly gave Harry and him a hug.

Severus swallowed and smiled, his expression more unguarded than ever in life. “Have fun. Always,” he whispered.

“Always,” Albus repeated.

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“Look!” Jingle exclaimed, pointing at a man standing in front of a strange contraption that Draco had never seen before. Draco walked closer to the small platform that housed the unusual device, which featured spinning circular elements. He tilted his head to the side as he studied it. “We hired a JD for the party! He’s a Muggle-born wizard and plays all sorts of fun Muggle songs!” Jingle cheered, jumping up and down. She grabbed Draco’s hand, pulling him back. “Don’t touch the JD’s belongings, Dragon.”

Draco flushed, feeling like a little kid getting scolded. Harry covered his mouth, stifling a laugh. However, Dudley was unable to hold back laughter. Eyes widening, Dudley covered his mouth. “I’m sorry. That was rude of me.”

Harry snorted, patting Dudley on the back. “It was funny, don’t stress, Dudley.”

“Oh, well… alright,” Dudley smiled, blushing when Oliver bumped his side. Oliver was so casual about physical contact, and it was clear from witnessing people at the wedding that he wasn’t the only one like that. “I laughed because she said JD. It’s actually DJ, which stands for disc jockey.”

“The only jockey I have ever heard about was that time Dad was obsessed with Muggle sports, and he got into horse racing. Saying disc jockey makes me think of someone riding one of those shiny things Hermione puts in the boombox,” Ron said.

Dudley blinked. “Well, that’s an image.”

“This is a fascinating conversation. I’m DJ Toni. I take requests,” Toni said. “Shall we get this party started? Up first is a song for the Brides and Grooms!”

Ginny and Luna squealed. “Everyone, gather around us!” Luna exclaimed. She grabbed Ginny’s hand, then Draco’s. Draco took Harry’s hand, and they walked to the middle of the guests, dancing together, all holding hands as “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley started to play.

“Wise men say, only fools rush in, but I can’t help falling in love with you.”

They separated after a few lines of the song to dance with their new spouse. Harry beamed at Draco, hands shaking as he placed them on his shoulders. Draco smiled back, kissing Harry's forehead, and then he put his hands on Harry’s hips. Luna wrapped her arms around Ginny’s neck, pressing close to her as they swayed to the romantic beat of the music. Tears formed in Luna's eyes; she was so happy, and even though she was using spells to block feeling too much of everyone's magic, what she could feel was that the people in the room were just as full of joy as she was.

“Like a river flows, surely to the sea, darling, so it goes, some things are meant to be.”

Harry smiled, looking deeply into Draco’s eyes, and sang, “Take my hand, take my whole life too. For I can't help falling in love with you.” He hadn’t listened to much music growing up, but when he and Luna picked songs for the first dance, he made sure to memorise the lyrics, hoping to capture the sappy expression that was now in Draco’s eyes. 

Luna giggled, joining Harry in singing the final lyric. “For I can't help falling in love with you.”

“You two are impossibly cute,” Ginny said. “I don’t know… Draco, are you sure we can handle this?”

Draco grinned. “I think I’m up for the challenge.”

“A round of applause for our couples!” Toni yelled. “The next song is a tradition in Muggle weddings where brides have a dance with their parents. Brides and grooms, find the person you would like to share this special dance with.”

The DJ began playing some instrumental music as the couples prepared to find their dance partners.

The parent-child dance had been something they all rehearsed, but in secret, the two couples talked to their parents and asked if they would mind them changing up the Muggle tradition. As much as they were thankful for their parents, and in Harry’s case, his parental figures, parents weren’t the only ones who deserved a special dance at a wedding.

Ginny and Luna whispered to each other, giggling. Luna then said, “Sibling love, whether through blood or heart connections, shouldn’t be overlooked!” She glanced at her Papa, who winked back at her. Luna ran over to George and bowed. “May I have this dance, George?”

“Aw, Luna,” George whispered, genuinely touched. He bowed back and took her hand, swirling her around the room.

Ginny rushed over to Neville and grabbed his hand. “Redo, Neville?”

“The Yule Ball…” Neville laughed, spinning her in a circle.

Theodore held Pansy’s hand and grinned. “They get married, yet they steal our partners.”

“Cute,” Pansy whispered.

“Yeah,” Theodore agreed.

Harry approached Ron, holding out his hands. “You were there for me from the very first train ride to Hogwarts, so I’d like to share this special dance with you, my best mate and brother.”

Ron grabbed Harry’s hands and pulled him onto the dance floor, grinning like a fool. “You didn’t tell me about this! I thought you rehearsed all the first dance stuff… you were supposed to dance with my Mum!”

Harry laughed. “She said she didn’t mind!” 

Narcissa walked up to Draco. “I’m so proud of you.”

Draco looked up at her and smiled, hugging her and swaying to the instrumental music for a moment. “Thank you, Mum. I love you.”

“I love you too, my darling,” Narcissa murmured against his hair. “Now go ask someone to share this special dance.”

“Alright,” Draco said. He approached Hermione, who had her back turned to him, and tapped her on the shoulder. She spun around, eyes wide in surprise. “Hermione, I would like to share this dance with you, if that’s agreeable. You’ve been such a big help to Harry ever since he came to Hogwarts, and you were so amazing after he found out he was pregnant. Not only that, you’ve helped me out as well, and I’m just so very thankful.”

Tears welled in Hermione’s eyes. She reached out and took Draco’s hand. “I’d be honoured to share this dance with you, Draco.”

The DJ didn’t mind that they went off script, but now he had to find a song fitting for this special dance that highlighted love, though not the typical parent-child first dance song. Toni smiled as inspiration struck, tapping the turntable with his wand.

“You've been so kind and generous. I don't know how you keep on giving. For your kindness, I'm in debt to you.”

Luna gasped; this was the perfect song. She rested her head on George’s chest and sighed happily as he moved her around to the music. Ginny beamed at Neville, who expertly kept in time with the song. Neville had practised endlessly for the Yule Ball, and he was still a great dancer.

Harry and Ron fumbled around to the music, trying to find their rhythm, though Ron kept bumping into his pregnant stomach. “Oops,” Ron said, wincing, though Harry laughed.

“Sorry,” Harry said a moment later when he accidentally stepped on Ron’s foot, and this time Ron laughed.

Draco was elegant as usual, slowly dancing with Hermione and putting the other couples to shame. Hermione laughed and stuck her tongue out at Ron, who pretended to flip his hair and spun Harry around in a fast circle, making him dizzy.

“For your selflessness, my admiration. For everything you've done, you know I'm bound. I'm bound to thank you for it.”

Luna jumped back from George and bowed in time with the lyrics, reaching out her hand to him. George laughed and bowed back. The other guests chuckled as they began to dance to a different beat, purposely nudging Ginny and Neville a few times. “Watch out,” George warned. “Dancing through!”

“Hey!” Neville laughed. “Don’t knock into a pregnant person.”

“We’re pregnant, not glass,” Harry said as he and Ron danced by Neville and Ginny.

“Are any of them dancing to the beat of this song?” Draco asked Hermione.

“I don’t think so,” Hermione answered.

“Oh, I want to thank you for so many gifts, you gave with love and tenderness. I want to thank you.”

“Sing!” Luna said. She laughed as all the guests repeated, “thank you, thank you, thank you,” as the song came to an end.

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“Time for everyone to join us!” Luna cheered. “DJ, play some junky music!”

Dudley laughed, blushing because Oliver gave him a look he couldn’t quite read. “I think she meant funky?”

Toni leaned against the wall, with a smile on his face, waving his wand toward the tuntable. "She's a very kinky girl. The kind you don’t take…”

“That is not what I meant!” Luna gasped, running over to Andromeda and covering little Teddy’s ears. Teddy giggled, turning his hair red and silver to match Luna’s wedding skirt.

“Hopefully, September is a better option,” Toni said cheerfully, shaking his head in amusement. Nobody actually seemed to mind the first song; everyone was laughing.

“Dance?” Oliver asked, tugging on Dudley’s hand as everyone else started to find their partners and join the married couples on the dance floor.

“Do you remember the twenty-first night of September?”

“Uh…” Dudley was never very coordinated, but he followed Oliver onto the dance floor. As a professional sportsman, Oliver knew how to move to the music, while Dudley felt like a toad beside him. He looked around, blushing as everyone else seemed to find their rhythm effortlessly. Why couldn’t he?

“Don’t compare yourself,” Oliver said. “Look at me.”

‘Easier said than done! He’s used to being all up in people's personal space! I don’t know which foot to move or where to put my hands. Why did I never go to school dances? Oh, right…’ Dudley shook the thoughts away. There had been a couple of people who caught his eye growing up, but he was the class bully and overweight, a decidedly unappealing combination for winning someone’s affection.

‘I’m an adult now, and damn it, I’m trying to make the most of life,’ Dudley thought as he looked at Oliver. He smiled tentatively before attempting to match Oliver's movements, feeling a bit foolish.

If anyone knew Toni, the DJ, they’d understand that his favourite part of playing at wedding parties was searching the crowd for pairs of people dancing together who weren’t quite a couple. Toni rubbed his hands together, spotting two such pairs, though one of them was just a couple of kids, so he ignored them and focused on Dudley and Oliver.

“The next song goes out to all our friends navigating new relationships. May you one day follow in the footsteps of our fine married couples,” Toni announced, pointing at the brides and grooms. He gestured towards the turntable with his wand and grinned when “I’ll Make Love To You” by Boyz II Men started to play. He glanced at Luna, raising an eyebrow. She giggled and nodded, clearly approving of the song choice.

“Merlin,” Harry whispered to Draco, “Is he trying to embarrass Dudley and Oliver?”

Draco laughed, grabbing Harry and spinning him around as the slow, sensual song began. “Who cares? It’s not just them who are blushing like silly schoolgirls. The lyrics of this song… well, they aren’t super indecent, but they definitely...”

“You’re rambling, Mr. Potter,” Harry teased.

“I'll make love to you like you want me to, and I'll hold you tight, baby, all through the night.”

Dennis flushed and quickly left the dance floor to get a drink from the refreshment table. This was not a song he should be dancing to with his best friend. They had come to the wedding together as friends, and while it was fun to dance, songs like this reminded him that he and Miles were much younger than everyone else. ‘Only by three years for some of them, but still…’ Dennis gulped down his juice.

Miles walked over to him. “Why did you run off like that?”

“Thirsty,” Dennis said, his voice a bit high-pitched. “Um… very thirsty.”

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Dudley's eyes widened when the slow song started. It wasn't just any slow song; it had to be a sensual one about making love. Shouldn't that be a song for Luna to complain about little ears overhearing? Dudley looked over and saw that Luna was happily dancing with Ginny, while Teddy seemed completely unaware of the meaning behind the lyrics, for obvious reasons, considering he was a baby, and Dudley was stressing over something so silly.

Teddy, currently sporting black, shaggy hair, was being bounced up and down on a large man's shoulders. Dudley blinked. That was the biggest person he had ever seen in his life.

Oliver turned around and grinned. "Oh, that's Rubeus Hagrid. He's on staff at Hogwarts, the groundskeeper and Care of Magical Creatures professor. He's a half-giant, you know?"

"I..." Dudley's mouth fell open. Harry had mentioned giants, but to see one in real life was astonishing. What did a full giant look like if this man was already so large? "Wow..."

"We're not here to spy on Hagrid," Oliver said, turning back to Dudley. "Do slow songs make you uncomfortable?"

"No… well, maybe…" Dudley shrugged. "I don’t get out much."

“Me either,” Oliver said. He swayed to the slow song, smiling kindly down at Dudley, with a small smile spreading across his face.

“But you’re…” Dudley blushed. He almost said Oliver was hot. “...tall.”

‘Tall? Did I really say tall? What in the world is wrong with me? I sound like a fool.’ Dudley was so embarrassed.

“I’m… tall?” Oliver blinked, processing that. Then he bent over, laughing. “Oh! Yes, well, you see, my tallness… a lot of people only want to be around me because of it, and I would rather they like more about me than just my height.”

Dudley had a feeling that Oliver probably had difficulty dating because he was a famous person. Oliver was only on this date with him as a favour to Harry, so Dudley didn’t believe anything would come from their small introduction date at the cafe and then this date at the wedding. None of this meant anything. Why would a magical person want to be with someone as dull as him? Dudley had a quiet job at a bookstore; he rarely went anywhere, and his only friends were his coworkers.

“Hmm,” Oliver mused. “You’re a lot like Harry.” He placed his hands on Dudley’s hips, grinning as Dudley continued to blush. “You spend a lot of time in your head like Harry does. The first time Harry played for the Gryffindor Quidditch team, I could tell he was overthinking everything. Granted, some bad accidents can happen during Quidditch, but still. Relax, Dudley.”

‘How do I relax? You tell me, Mr. Famous Person! Where do I put my hands? What if I accidentally trigger some weird wizard custom?’

“There you go, doing it again,” Oliver said, leaning closer to Dudley’s face. “We’re just dancing. I’m not asking you to elope,” he said, winking at him. “Though this would be the perfect opportunity to do it. The priest is still here, after all.”

“Can’t do that,” Dudley said, shaking his head. He didn’t know if Oliver was flirting or if this was just a part of his personality. “I forgot to get rings.”

Oliver grinned. “Shame, I guess we should just dance then.”

“Where do you want me to touch… I mean… ugh…” Dudley glanced down, glaring at the floor. Why was he so tongue-tied? 

“You can put your arms around my neck, or rest your hands on my shoulders,” Oliver said, sounding as if he were reading from a grocery list. 

‘How can he be so casual while I’m a bumbling plonker? At least he’s nice and not laughing at me,’ Dudley thought as he looked up at Oliver. He placed his hands on Oliver’s shoulders and gathered the courage to step closer, just as the DJ switched to a faster song.

Instead of backing away to match the new beat, Oliver continued to dance slowly. Dudley was amazed that he didn't care if others thought it was strange that they were dancing slowly to a fast song. His heart hammered in his chest, and he seriously thought he might pass out or possibly die, and that was definitely not an excellent omen for Harry’s wedding day.

Chapter Text

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Sunday, 18th April 1999

“Catch him!” Seamus laughed as he tried to grab Teddy, who was darting between his legs. For a baby still getting used to walking, Teddy was surprisingly fast. He squealed with delight, zigzagging away, bumping into Dean’s legs. When he fell on his bottom, he gasped but quickly pushed himself back up.

“No!” Teddy giggled as Dean attempted to catch him.

“How is a baby outsmarting us?” Dean asked, snorting as Teddy’s hair changed to match his own short black hairstyle.

DJ Toni waved his wand over the turntable, switching the music to a hilarious chase instrumental. The dancers slowed down, laughing and pointing at Teddy, who was stealing the spotlight.

“Baby on the loose!” Luna exclaimed. She jumped toward Teddy, flailing her arms, trying to catch him, but Teddy dropped to his stomach and crawled through her legs. Ginny managed to snatch him up for a moment, but Teddy wriggled free, his hair turning red when he hit the floor again.

Harry and Draco leaned against each other, laughing as Teddy nearly pulled down Theodore’s trousers when he lost his balance.

“Whoa!” Theodore jumped back from Teddy, clutching his waistband. “This is not how I saw the day going,” he said, glancing at Neville, who was laughing so hard his face had turned red and splotchy. “Do you think it’s funny to have a baby attack you?”

“S-so… f-funny!” Neville gasped, pressing his palms against his knees as he leaned over to catch his breath. “Get used to the unexpected, Theo.” After regaining his composure, he straightened up, placing a hand over his slight baby bump.

“I’m looking forward to the unexpected,” Theodore said softly, placing his hands on top of Neville’s as they swayed to the silly chase song. “How do you dance to a song like this?” Neville shrugged but attempted to dance to the strange song anyway.

“Per-sa!” Teddy yelled, tripping next to Percy. He looked up at him, his eyes turning brown, and his hair still red and straight like Ginny’s, but as he gazed at Percy, his hair became curly.

“I think he’s trying to say your name,” Blaise said, smiling softly at the child.

“Out of all the people he’s been around, why would he learn my name first?” Percy mused, smiling down at Teddy. “It has to be a coincidence that it sounds like my name.”

“Give him some credit,” Andromeda said, dancing nearby with Xenophilius. “He’s at the age where he can pick up simple words. He might be trying to say your name.” Xenophilius spun them away before Percy could respond.

“There he goes again,” Blaise said, shaking his head as Teddy got bored with them and ran off to interrupt other couples dancing. Percy smiled, leaning his head on Blaise’s chest.

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Teddy screamed joyfully, waddling unsteadily across the dance floor. He tripped onto his bottom a couple of times but was determined, getting right back up, giggling and pulling away from people who tried to pick him up. Finally, the eleven-month-old reached his target, grabbing Dudley’s leg, as if sensing that Dudley was the only Muggle in the room, feeling out of place, and needing a distraction.

Dudley blinked, looking down at Teddy before glancing over at Oliver, who was smiling warmly at the child, giving Dudley a moment to study Oliver’s face openly. However, Oliver looked up and caught Dudley staring.

“Something on my face?” Oliver asked, reaching up to pat his cheeks.

“Uh…” Dudley flushed, cursing himself for being so reactive over such simple things.

Frustrated with being ignored, Teddy tugged on Dudley’s trousers, jutting his lip out in an exaggerated pout. “Ooup!”

Laughing, Dudley and Oliver looked down at Teddy. “I think he likes you, Dudley,” Oliver said as Dudley leaned down to scoop the baby into his arms. “Do you have much experience with kids?”

“No, not really,” Dudley admitted. The only kids he had ever really encountered were customers' children who occasionally got lost in the bookstore, and that was quite rare. His coworker sometimes visited the bookstore on her days off with her three-year-old son, Gary, but Dudley never spent much time with the toddler.

“Then I suppose you’re a natural,” Oliver said, smiling. “Though, I’m a bit jealous.”

Dudley bounced Teddy in his arms, eliciting giggles from the baby. Teddy’s hair changed to a dark blonde to match Dudley’s, and he reached up to tug on Dudley’s hair, tilting his head to the side. Dudley wondered if the baby was confused about why only he could change his appearance. Dudley didn’t fully understand how Teddy could do that; Harry had explained it, but it was all quite confusing.

“Why are you jealous?” Dudley asked, still focused on Teddy, smiling as the baby poked his cheek.

Oliver dramatically sighed. “I didn’t expect to be competing with a baby for my date’s attention.”

Dudley glanced up at Oliver, the tips of his ears turning pink, but he smiled slightly. “Poor Oliver.”

As if he understood Oliver, Teddy looked at Oliver and pointed at him, laughing. To Dudley, the laughter almost sounded mocking, but there was no way a baby was smart enough to understand what Oliver was joking about. 

Teddy’s hair changed to brown to match Oliver's, and more of the baby’s features began to resemble a miniature version of the Quidditch player. Dudley blinked, looking back and forth between Oliver and his new clone, shaking his head, surprised and amused at the same time. 

“Now we know what your future kid will look like,” Dudley said, confused when Oliver started grinning at him, looking a little tickled. “What?”

“Check him again.” Oliver nodded at Teddy.

“You cheeky baby,” Dudley whispered, embarrassed but finding it hilarious that Teddy merged his features into a blend of him and Oliver. Teddy’s hair was brown like Oliver’s, his eyes green like Dudley’s, but the thing that stood out the most was that Teddy’s giddy smile looked just like the smile Oliver was currently directing toward Dudley.

‘How would his Aunt keep track of him in a group of other kids if he can transform his looks like this?’ Dudley wondered. The concept of having a baby that could change how they appeared at will was actually horrifying. 

“How adorable!” George gushed, dancing nearby with Pansy. “Look, everyone, Dudley and Oliver had a baby and neglected to tell us!” George stopped dancing, smiling when Dudley gently handed Teddy over to him.

“You babysit then,” Dudley said. He had only been around George a couple of times since he came to The Burrow a few days ago, but he already knew George was the jokester of the group. He felt terrible after learning everything about Fred and wondered how much of George’s humour was the old him and how much was a coping mechanism.

“Pansy, we’re babysitting,” George said, dancing away with her, Teddy nestled between them. “Ah!” George exclaimed. “Flower, we have a baby!” He laughed, jumping around on the dance floor with Pansy and Teddy as the baby changed his features to look like them.

“And just like that, we’re empty nesters,” Oliver teased, grabbing Dudley’s hands. “Pay attention to me again.”

“I’ll think about it,” Dudley said, blushing as Oliver moved his hands to his hips. The DJ finally turned off the chase music and put on a slow song.

“I've been really trying, baby. Trying to hold back this feeling for so long, and if you feel like I feel, baby, then come on, oh, come on, ooh…”

Now, without a doubt, Dudley was sure that the DJ was trying to fluster him on purpose. Each time he and Oliver returned to dancing, the song would change to a soft, romantic or sensual slow one. Dudley wasn’t sure why he thought he was being singled out when there were so many people on the dance floor, but his suspicions were confirmed when he looked over at the DJ, and Toni wiggled his fingers at him before blowing a kiss in his direction.

‘Is he trying to be a matchmaker or something?’ Dudley wondered. He swallowed, his hands shaking as he stepped closer to Oliver, wrapping his arms around his neck. ‘It’s just dancing. Just dancing. It doesn’t mean anything. He’s doing a favour for Harry and Lee.’ Oliver’s body heat was overwhelming. Dudley always ran on the cooler side, so he appreciated being enveloped by Oliver’s warmth, even if he felt like he was about to melt into a puddle.

“Let's get it on, ow, baby. Let's get it on. Let's love, baby…”

Dudley recognised the song. It was one of the annoying songs his Mum used to listen to during the rare moments she cleaned instead of forcing Harry to do it. But now, he was struggling to see the song as annoying in the same way, especially when the lyrics made him think about things he probably shouldn't imagine doing with someone who was only hanging around him simply because he was nice. 

He could hear Sarah’s voice in his head as he began to doubt someone like Oliver could ever be interested in a boring Muggle. ‘Dudley, that guy thinks you’re cute! He winked at you! You should ask for his number.’

‘That guy was with his wife and three children. He didn’t wink; he had something in his eye. You’re barmy.’ Dudley shook his head, trying to brush the memory aside. Why was he remembering such absurd things anyway?

“Are you with me, or are you somewhere far off?” Oliver whispered into his ear, his warm breath making Dudley shiver.

Dudley laughed awkwardly. “I’m not sure where I am. Things have been…” he trailed off, licking his lips nervously as Oliver helped guide his hips to the beat of the music. “...otherworldly lately.”

The slow song came to an abrupt stop, and Oliver didn’t immediately step away from Dudley. The music was supposed to fade into a new song, but now there was only silence. Dudley quickly averted his gaze when he realised they had been staring at each other. His heart raced, and his throat felt dry. Why had the DJ stopped the music? 

What were they supposed to do now? Oliver's hands were still resting on Dudley’s hips, for crying out loud. If this were a school dance when Dudley was in primary school, a teacher would reprimand them for standing too close.

“Apologies, folks,” Toni said, smacking the turntable with his wand, a frown creasing his brow. “I’ll have the music back on in a moment.” He gestured towards the refreshment table. “Just a reminder that the brides and grooms set out food for everyone.”

“I’ll get us some drinks, alright?” Oliver asked softly, smiling at Dudley. It had been a long time since he had been around someone as shy about dating as Dudley, and it was nice to know it wasn’t because of his fame.

“Sure,” Dudley mumbled, stealing a quick glance back at Oliver. “But you can’t do that yet.”

Oliver tilted his head, raising an eyebrow. “Why ever not?”

‘Play it off. Act cool. It’s no big deal, remember?’ Dudley glanced around, hoping people weren’t paying attention to him and Oliver. Taking a deep breath, Dudley smiled at Oliver. “You can’t go get drinks because your hands are occupied.”

When Oliver looked down at his hands resting on Dudley’s hips, Dudley was surprised to see a flush rise in Oliver's cheeks. “So they are,” Oliver said, removing his hands and stepping back slightly. “Drinks… yeah, drinks.”

Turning away, Oliver hurried over to the refreshment table, leaving a bewildered Dudley behind. ‘Did he actually get flustered? Surely not. Why would he?’

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

Toni jumped when someone slid up next to him. He blinked when he saw one of the redheads smirking at him. “You know that enchanting Muggle items is restricted, and my Dad works for the Ministry.”

“Uh…” Toni rubbed the back of his neck. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, red.” How did he even know anything was unusual about his turntable?

“My name is George.” George laughed, shaking his head. “Relax, Dad will probably ask for your contact info so he can gush to you about the Ford Anglia he tampered with.”

Pansy walked up behind George, leaning against his side. “Are you giving the professional music man a hard time, Georgie?”

“Not at all, just noticing that his friend stopped working, and since I have experience in creating interesting items, all legal, might I add… somewhat…Well, I came over to offer my help in coaxing his friend to play music again.” George grinned, crossing his arms.

“She’s just sulking; I can get her to work again. Yes, I gave the turntable a gender, stop looking at me like that. Her name is Robota,” Toni said. He tapped Robota again with his wand. “Please, Robota, work for me.” He cast a couple of spells on her, but nothing happened. Toni glared, kicking the table the turntable rested on. This was what he got for enchanting a Muggle device; she could be temperamental sometimes. 

“Cute name. Well, I’ll be around if you decide to accept my offer,” George said, walking away with Pansy.

“Don’t make me transform you into a rubbish bin,” Toni threatened Robota. “Look, can’t we work together on this? I know you want to play your favourite songs, but I’m performing at a very important wedding party. Please don’t make me look bad. George might make you do something very strange if I ask him to help. We don’t know him, after all.”

Robota powered on again, and Toni sighed. “Thank you.” He waved his wand across her, and music started to play once more.

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

Oliver walked back over to Dudley, empty-handed. Dudley blinked and glanced at the table to check if the drinks had run out, but there were still plenty of options left. The music had started again, so that may be why Oliver came back with nothing. “Um… the drinks? Didn’t you say you were going to get us drinks?” 

“What?” Oliver looked at his hands, then at Dudley, and finally over at the food table. “I did. I’m so sorry; I don’t know where my head went.” He rubbed the back of his neck, shook his head, and then turned away, cheeks growing warm in embarrassment.

Dudley stepped up next to him. “Let’s go together so the drinks don’t get lost on your way back.”

“How kind of you,” Oliver said with a small smile, grabbing Dudley’s hand and pulling him along.

'Why is it that these people are so tactile?' Dudley thought, flushing but unable to resist Oliver’s charm and pull away, though Dudley knew acting this way was second nature to Oliver, so Dudley wasn’t going to read into the behaviour. 'Mum and Dad would have a fit if people touched them so casually.' He inwardly groaned. He needed to stop thinking about his parents; as sad as it was, they weren’t good people, and Dudley wanted to be a good person.

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

Harry walked over to Percy. “Percy, you shared a dorm with Oliver for seven years. Was he always so…” He nodded toward Oliver and Dudley, indicating how they were dancing. “...touchy?”

Percy looked at Harry, nodding. “Unfortunately,” he said, though he smiled. “I had to talk to him about that a couple of times before he stopped surprising me with random back pats, hugs, or hand-holding.” His peers often treated Percy differently, but Oliver was always kind to him. He was probably the only true friend Percy had during his Hogwarts days. Percy looked at Blaise and poked his nose. “He wasn’t flirting. Get that look off your face.”

Blaise laughed. “What look? I’m not jealous of something that happened in your past, even if it was flirting.”

“Oh…” Harry looked down. “So he probably is just being himself and doesn’t…”

“I didn’t say that,” Percy said. “He might have been quite an affectionate person around people at school, but I don’t recall him doing things like that.” Percy nodded toward Oliver and Dudley when the music stopped. They watched as the two awkwardly stood staring at each other, with Oliver’s hands still resting on Dudley’s hips, both of them flushed.

Harry chuckled as they spied on his cousin and Oliver. “Did Oliver really go to get drinks and come back with nothing?”

“He did,” Blaise said, laughing quietly against Percy’s neck.

“Luna,” Harry called out, grabbing her arm as she and Ginny approached. “We’re spying. Is Oliver attracted to Dudley?”

“That’s something I shouldn’t tell other people,” Luna said, putting her hands on her hips. “You don’t need my ability to understand people’s magic to figure things out, Harry. Just use your eyes, and I know you can sense some magic as well.”

Ginny kissed Luna’s cheek. “That’s my girl.”

“Besides, I couldn’t tell you much even if I wanted to. I’m using charms to black out most of the magic in the room. An exciting day like this has everyone’s magic acting more powerful than usual.” Luna smiled at Harry, patted his arm, and then danced off with Ginny.

“As Oliver’s friend, I’m going to say that he is not uninterested in Dudley,” Percy added.

Harry rolled his eyes. “Helpful, Percy.”

“I know you’re worried about your cousin, but they’re both adults, so maybe you should let them figure out whatever is going on between them, if anything is going on,” Percy advised. “It’s not appropriate to meddle, Harry.”

“I get that, but you need to tell that to George, because he’s noticed Oliver and Dudley’s behaviour and is now looking at them with a devious smile.” Harry pointed at George, who was watching Dudley and Oliver, whispering something to Pansy, both of them bursting into laughter.

Percy sighed, grabbing Blaise’s hand. “I saw nothing. Let’s go, Blaise. I need a break from the crowd.”

Chapter Text

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

Sunday, 18th April 1999

Blaise followed Percy out of the main area where the party was being held. They could still hear the music, but Percy wanted to find a more private spot for a little while. Blaise kissed his forehead and held his hands tightly. “Is the bracelet not working as well?” Blaise asked, twirling Percy around. He pulled Percy to his chest and then dipped him back, bringing him back up quickly so they were face to face, Percy’s eyes widening in surprise.

“It’s working fine,” Percy said with a smile. “I’m good.” He gripped Blaise’s hips, moving against him in time to the music. “I just wanted to be alone with you.”

“Oh, is that so?” Blaise asked, moving them in a circle. “You pull off rainbow quite well.” He stepped back and looked Percy up and down. The rainbow suit had been a surprise for everyone when Luna gave them their wedding attire, but Blaise was thrilled to see Percy looking so adorable, especially with the moon and star-shaped glitter all over his skin.

“I can’t wait to get this off, especially the glitter, even if I can’t feel it. I know it’s there,” Percy said with a grimace. 

“Understandable.” Blaise kissed him gently as the current song began to fade into another one. He danced Percy back against a wall and threw up a privacy barrier, knowing Percy wouldn’t want to be caught kissing like this.

“Blaise,” Percy whispered against his lips. He gently pushed Blaise back and smiled, his cheeks flushed. He adjusted his glasses, which had become crooked. “Some people require breathing, you know?”

Before anything else could happen, they froze when Neville and Theodore walked into the hallway, hand in hand.

“We'd better say something before we witness…” Blaise started, but it was too late. They watched as Theodore kissed Neville’s neck, pressing him against the wall, a knee wedged between Neville’s legs.

“Don’t watch, run!” Percy urged. “This is highly inappropriate.”

Blaise laughed, grabbing Percy’s hand, and they ran away from Theodore and Neville, who were completely unaware they had been seen.

“Theodore, someone is going to come out here,” Neville moaned, pushing him away. “Behave.” He leaned up, kissing him, in spite of his warning about getting caught.

“Thought you wanted to stop?” Theodore teased, pulling back.

Neville rolled his eyes, looking around with a sigh. They were in the clear. He smiled at Theodore and pushed his knee out from between his legs. “There is a time and place for everything, Theodore.”

“How can that be true?” Theodore asked. “You’re always delectable.”

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

Blaise and Percy burst into their room at The Manor, breathing hard. They looked at each other and laughed. Blaise nudged Percy further into the room and then cast a lock on the door, putting up a silencing charm for good measure. He turned to glance at Percy, kissing him after they both regained their breath. “Once again, we’re back in our old room at The Manor,” Blaise said, wrapping his arms around Percy’s waist. “You look like a vision right now, Percy. I know you’re dying to get that gunk off your body, but please let me look at you for a moment.”

Percy nodded, his cheeks burning. Truthfully, Luna’s protective charm worked wonders, and he couldn’t feel the glitter at all, even when he sweated while dancing at the after party. 

“I never imagined that I would one day walk a Slytherin down the aisle, wearing a rainbow suit, fairy wings, and body glitter. I can’t believe we kept wearing this at the after party,” Percy said, moving in a circle when Blaise motioned for him to turn. His enchanted wings fluttered, making Blaise grin as his own wings wiggled.

“Luna is a creative spirit. I think we look fabulous in rainbow colours, love,” Blaise said. “We should wear it more often.”

“I don’t think so. You can pull off anything, and I feel like a little kid playing dress-up,” Percy said, shivering as Blaise traced his fingers along his arm, following the stars and moons dotted across his skin made out of glitter. He appreciated that Blaise pressed firmly, but if he didn’t stop, the glitter would easily melt off Percy’s body, even with the magic keeping it in place.

Blaise pulled Percy over to the door, where a body-length mirror hung. “You do not look like a little kid, nor do you look like you’re playing dress-up.” He gently unstrapped the wings from Percy’s shoulders, tossing them onto the bed before shrugging his own wings off, throwing them to join the other pair. He leaned his chin on Percy’s shoulder. “You’re so beautiful. One day, you’ll believe me.”

“I-I…” Percy bit down on his bottom lip. “I believe you. How could I not when I trust you so completely? I know you’d never lie to me, Blaise. It’s just that my brain doesn’t always act logically. I have these intrusive… thoughts… feelings.” He lifted his arm, letting his bracelet jingle on his wrist, and stared as the light in the room reflected off the shiny metal. The engraved “love” seemed to call out to him. He almost imagined the word was glowing, but it was just the feeling in his heart for Blaise.

Moving his hand along Percy’s arm until his fingers wrapped around the bracelet, Blaise smiled against Percy’s neck. He cupped Percy’s chin with his other hand. “Well, I’ll always be here to remind you how I feel, especially on days when your mind isn’t playing fair. Kiss me?”

Percy turned his head, connecting their lips. It was the day of someone else’s double wedding, but this moment felt almost like his and Blaise’s honeymoon. They had walked down the aisle earlier that day during a Muggle-style wedding, danced at a party, and worn fancy suits all day; now, they were kissing in front of a mirror. It was as romantic as it could get, though Percy wished he knew more ways to be romantic.

Pulling back before they could deepen the kiss, Blaise gripped Percy’s shoulders and turned him around, nudging him backwards until he was pressed against the mirror. “Percy…” Blaise swallowed hard, his hands starting to shake as he placed them on Percy’s cheeks. His dark brown eyes swam with tears, a few spilling down his cheeks, which alarmed Percy.

“Blaise! What’s wrong?” Percy asked, sensing so much from Blaise’s magic, comfort, protection, and happiness. Blaise’s magic felt warm, like a blanket on the coldest winter day. Percy started to shake as well, his eyes widening as more tears fell from Blaise’s eyes. “Princess?”

“I l-l…” Blaise shut his eyes, trying to calm himself. He wanted to say it clearly. He didn’t want to mess this up. “Percy, you mean everything to me. Oh, damn, I love you so much,” he said, opening his eyes, hoping that Percy could see how genuine he was being. Blaise dropped to his knees, squeezing Percy’s hands. “I love you, Percy.” He leaned his head against Percy’s stomach, closing his eyes again, unable to stop crying. He never thought he would be able to say that to anyone.

Neither of them noticed Minna pop into the room, glance at them, nod, and then vanish again.

Percy gasped, feeling a lump form in the back of his throat. He joined Blaise on the floor, pulling him into his arms, kissing his eyelids, one at a time. “Open your eyes. Look at me, please.”

When Blaise opened his eyes, he smiled at Percy, his cheeks flushed. “D-do you l-love me, too? It’s alright if you don’t… if you’re not ready to say it yet. I don’t want to pressure you.”

“Oh, Blaise, how could I not love you? I love you more than I thought I could love someone,” Percy whispered, throwing his arms around Blaise’s neck, making him fall backwards. He lay on top of him, kissing every part of his skin that he could reach, his hands gripping Blaise’s suit jacket. “I-I have loved you for a while! I-I’ve been scared. Not that I didn’t trust you, but… It’s scary.”

“I know!” Blaise laughed, feeling the tension leave his shoulders. He hadn’t even realised he was so tense. “I couldn’t keep it in anymore, Percy. I know actions speak louder than words, but I wanted to say it as well.” He looked into Percy’s eyes, his own wide and earnest. “You believe me, right?”

“Of course. You’re not the type to lie about something like love, and besides, our magic is like a lie detector test,” Percy said, smiling as he pulled off his glasses to rub tears from his eyes, before putting them back on.

“What in the world is a lie detector test?” Blaise asked, blinking in confusion.

Percy laughed. “You’ll be an expert on Muggle things if you spend more time around my Dad.”

“I look forward to that.” Blaise squeezed Percy to his chest. “We caught the flower bouquets today, Percy.”

“We did,” Percy said softly, his heart pounding. 

“Do you know that flower bouquets are common in both Wizarding and Muggle weddings? But in Wizarding weddings, the flower toss is magical…they’re enchanted to find…” Blaise nervously licked his lips.

“…people who will be married next or at least very soon,” Percy finished for him. He took off his glasses and set them on the end table between the two beds.

Blaise sat up, pulling Percy with him. They leaned against one of the beds. “Do you think Charlie and Lee are thinking about the bouquet magic, too?”

“Yes,” Percy said. “Even Neville and Theodore are probably wondering about it, even if they caught the bouquets because Bill tossed the flowers again.”

“I’ve been thinking about it,” Blaise admitted. “I meant what I said before, love. I don’t know what happened when I saw you for the first time, but it was like…” He smiled softly and shook his head. “I honestly want to say soulmates exist because of how I felt when I saw you.” He blushed and dug his face against Percy’s neck, but then grimaced and pulled back, rubbing his tongue.

“That’s what you get for licking me,” Percy said, bursting into laughter. “Oh, Blaise, we were bonded quite early on with Minna’s familiar magic. What does that tell you? Of course, soulmates exist, at least for some people.”

Blaise's heart started racing; Percy believed they were soulmates. “I did not lick you! I barely touched your neck with my lips. We might not be able to feel the glitter, but she didn’t make sure it was tasteless.” Blaise rubbed his tongue again. “Ew, it tastes like a horrid Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Bean.”

“Then let’s help each other remove the glitter. Or have you forgotten that it’s all over you as well?” Percy reached out and touched the glitter on Blaise’s cheek, sighing when he couldn’t feel any texture. Luna must have used the same spell on Blaise because she knew he couldn’t stop hugging Percy.

“You don’t like full-body cleaning spells cast on you,” Blaise murmured. “How should we clean each other, love?”

Percy pushed himself off the floor and looked down at Blaise. “Not with our tongues, that’s for sure.” He laughed and ran into the connected toilet, turning the water tap for the tub on.

Blaise followed him in. “You know, Muggles have these things called bath bombs. I heard some kids talking about them the other day. They’re supposed to turn the water all sorts of colours and make rainbows and swirls with biodegradable glitter.”

“That would defeat the purpose of washing this gunk off,” Percy said. “We can enchant the water to be a fun colour if that’s what you want, Princess.”

“No, I’d much rather the water stay clear so that I can see you in your full glory,” Blaise said, leaning against the wall. He started to unbutton his suit jacket. Percy was so distracted by Blaise’s sudden striptease that he nearly forgot to turn the water off in time. He hurriedly turned off the tap and faced Blaise. He sat down on the edge of the tub, getting the bottom of his suit trousers wet.

“You, however, don’t mind when spells are cast on you,” Percy said, feeling breathless as Blaise tossed his jacket aside. “If you do that any slower, I’m going to vanish the whole suit.”

“Eager to get the glitter off, huh?” Blaise asked, licking his lips as he pushed off the wall and walked toward Percy. “Take my tie off.” He leaned toward Percy, bracing his arms on the wall behind him. Percy was afraid he’d fall backwards into the water fully dressed, but it would be almost worth it.

With shaking hands, Percy reached up and loosened Blaise’s tie. He looked at it, biting his bottom lip, and then glanced up into Blaise’s heated gaze.

“Blaise, move your face closer,” Percy whispered.

“Alright, love,” Blaise said, his heart hammering in his chest. He began to shake as Percy wrapped the tie around his eyes, securing it in place. “Percy! How can I help you wash if I can’t see?”

“You’re very good with your hands. You can manage, can’t you, Princess?” 

Blaise moaned, growing hard. “I can’t believe I’m getting used to you calling me that, and getting turned on from a blindfold.”

“Is it just the blindfold doing it for you?” Percy asked, unbuttoning Blaise’s dress shirt. He pushed it off his shoulders and threw it to the side. Percy smiled, loving that he felt bolder and more in control when things were like this. He loved the trust Blaise put in him. 

“You know the answer to that.”

“Do I?” Percy murmured, leaning forward to kiss above Blaise’s belly button, where there was thankfully no glitter. As he kissed across Blaise’s chest, he moved his hands to the front of Blaise’s trousers, unfastening them. He pushed both Blaise’s trousers and pants down, holding Blaise steady as he stepped out of his clothing.

“I feel underdressed.”

“Hm, I don’t mind that,” Percy teased. He carefully reached behind him, grabbed the bath sponge from the small toiletries holder, making sure it was new and clean. Then, he squirted some body wash onto the sponge. He placed the sponge on the ledge again and helped Blaise step into the tub.

“I thought I was washing you?” Blaise asked, though he was willing to go along with whatever Percy wanted.

“In time,” Percy said. He slowly started to take off his suit, rustling it loudly so that Blaise could hear what he was doing. Percy was discovering that he really enjoyed having this kind of control. His erection was proof enough of that, and they hadn’t even done anything yet.

Once he was naked, Percy climbed into the tub, settling in front of Blaise. The Manor had huge tubs in all the bedrooms, and Percy was grateful for that, as he was now comfortably straddling Blaise. 

Blaise panted, holding his hands behind his back.

“You can touch me, Blaise,” Percy said. He reached for the bath sponge and began to scrub Blaise’s arms, whispering the spell that removed the waterproof magic from the glitter.

Blaise gripped Percy’s hips, pulling their bodies closer together. “Percy, did you ever think you’d be doing this?” he asked.

“No,” Percy answered, gently wiping the glitter from Blaise’s cheeks. He pulled the tie off Blaise’s eyes. “Keep them closed.” Blaise did as he was told, sighing as Percy carefully cleaned around his eyes, removing every trace of glitter. “You’re free of the Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Bean glitter.”

“Can I look at you, love?” Blaise asked.

“Please,” Percy whispered, kissing the tip of Blaise’s nose. He vanished the glitter mess from the sponge and the water, smiling when Blaise finally opened his eyes.

“My turn?” Blaise asked.

Percy handed Blaise the sponge and reached for more body wash. Carefully, Blaise ran the sponge along Percy’s arms, making sure to remove every last bit of glitter. He smiled as he looked at Percy. “Eyes shut.”

Percy closed his eyes, enjoying the sensation of having someone wash him, especially because Blaise was pressing down just the way Percy liked it. “All clean. The glitter, I mean,” Blaise said.

“Is anything else dirty?” Percy asked playfully.

“Just my mind, love, just my mind.” Blaise reached between them, gripping both of their cocks. “This alright?”

“We have a code word for a reason,” Percy said, moaning deep in the back of his throat. He leaned back, pushing into Blaise’s hand as he stroked them. “Why is your mind dirty? What were you thinking?” In spite of asking, Percy could sense Blaise's intentions and reached behind for his entrance, knowing the pregnancy spell he had cast on them was still in effect.

Blaise’s eyes widened in surprise. “What are you doing?”

“I-I’m trying to prepare myself. I never imagined I’d be in a situation like this or that I’d be this flexible,” Percy admitted, moaning softly as he explored himself, pushing in one finger. “It's a lot h-harder than it seems,” he gasped.

“Let me help you,” Blaise whispered. He released his hold on their cocks and helped Percy to his feet. “Now, brace yourself against the wall, facing away from me.”

“B-Blaise!” Percy gasped, warmth flooding through him as he felt Blaise spread his cheeks. “Cast… cleaning there,” he urged, becoming breathless as the magic flowed over him, causing him to shudder. “W-what… Blaise!” His eyes went wide with arousal when Blaise began to tease him with his tongue. “Are you really…? Please, it’s… um…” The sensations were overwhelming in the best way possible, setting every nerve ending alight with delight, but it was too much. “C-Cesser! Please!” he cried, tears streaming down his cheeks.

“Percy,” Blaise responded immediately, pulling away. “Are you alright? I’m so sorry. I won’t do that again.” He gently turned Percy to face him, eyes wide in worry. “Come here, love. I’m really sorry.”

“S-stop apologising,” Percy said, trying to smile. “I’m f-fine. It just s-surprised me, that’s all. It was t-too much. I didn't dislike it; I just…” He shut his eyes, letting out a deep breath. “I got overwhelmed. The bracelet doesn’t help with sexual overstimulation.”

“Will it be too much for me to enter you, Percy?” Blaise asked softly. He leaned his forehead against Percy’s and held him tightly to his chest.

“I’m not sure now, to be honest,” Percy whispered. “I want you to. I do!”

“We can work up to that,” Blaise said, swirling his fingers in Percy’s hair. 

“I did like it,” Percy whispered. “We can maybe try it again…but not as a surprise.”

Blaise shut his eyes. “I’m so sorry.” He hugged Percy tightly against him, pressing his face against his neck. “I think that’s enough for tonight. I’m content just holding you.”

Percy didn’t know how he got so lucky. How did he find someone like Blaise? He never felt more understood in all his twenty-two years of life. “Me too, but can we do it somewhere dry?”

Blaise laughed, vanishing the water from the tub. He pulled Percy to his feet and grabbed a towel, wrapping him snugly. “Noted. No cuddling while we’re soaked.”

After drying off, they got dressed and sat on one of the beds. Percy leaned against Blaise’s side, smiling. “You said that you loved me.”

“I did,” Blaise confirmed. “I love you.”

“Say it again.” Percy shifted so that they were facing each other.

“I love you, Percy Ignatius Weasley,” Blaise said slowly, his eyes more expressive, soft and warm than they had ever been before.

“Even without the glitter?” Percy asked, pressing their noses together, the tips of his ears turning pink.

“Yes,” Blaise laughed. “Even without the glitter.”

Percy moved to sit in Blaise’s lap, and Blaise wrapped his arms securely around him. “I love you, too. Even without the glitter.”

Chapter Text

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

Sunday, 18th April 1999

Bill stood next to Draco, shaking his head. “It seems once again our spouses have decided to leave us to dance together. First at their baby shower and now at your wedding,” he sighed dramatically. Every Weasley had a playful flair for drama at times, and Bill was no different. He smiled fondly at Fleur as she danced with Harry, both of them trying to figure out how to avoid bumping their stomachs together. “They’re too cute for their own good.”

Draco laughed. “No sense in letting them outdo us,” he said, grabbing Bill’s hand. “Come on.” He pulled Bill out onto the dance floor, and they started to twirl around, making Harry and Fleur laugh at them.

“You’re only better at dancing because you’re stomachs don’t get in the way,” Harry said. “Stop trying to look better than us!”

“Beautiful form,” Fleur giggled.

“Jealous?” Draco asked, sticking his tongue at Harry. “You decided to leave me without a dance partner.”

Harry gasped. “How rude of me.”

“I like big butts and I cannot lie.”

“What kind of person writes a song about big butts?” Molly whispered to Arthur, her eyes wide as the song changed. Arthur shrugged and spun her around the room as the new song continued.

“...when a girl walks in with an itty-bitty waist and a round thing in your face, you get sprung.”

“Robota,” Toni groaned at the turntable. “I don’t know if that would be on the brides and grooms approval list.” He sighed, throwing his hands up in the air. “You know what, keep it mostly clean and have fun. The woman with the baby left anyway.”

“This is not exactly easy to dance to,” Bill said, laughing as he led Draco in a dance.  Before the song changed, they had been dancing to a slow one. Draco burst into hysterical laughter, his head falling against Bill’s chest.

“I’m so glad Jingle hired that man. Where did she even find him?” Draco asked. “Salazar, this is… oh, I’m crying.” He wiped tears from his cheeks. “Our parents look a bit horrified.”

Harry and Fleur danced over to them, grabbing their hands and joining them in a circle, dancing to the strange songs about large bums.

“What is this song?” Dean asked as Seamus jumped back from him and bent over, wiggling his ass. Dean laughed, smacking Seamus's rear, making him yelp. “No more firewhisky for you.”

“You’re no fun,” Seamus pouted.

“What do they mean by sprung?” Miles asked, looking up at Narcissa.

Narcissa put a hand over her mouth. “Oh, well, how old are you, dear?”

“Fourteen,” Miles answered. “Dennis is fifteen,” he added, looking at his friend.

“It means you like someone,” Narcissa said before running away to avoid further questions. What was it with Muggles and their phrasing? She had never heard the phrase before, but it was evident what it meant. It was no wonder that Miles didn’t understand either; he was both pureblood and young.

“Narcissa,” Molly said. “You should not have said that. I’ve never heard that line before, but it doesn’t take a genius to know what it means. Poor Miles might end up telling someone he’s sprung for them.”

Blushing, Narcissa grimaced. “I panicked. It’s been a long time since I was around kids that age.”

“Robota, next song!” Toni pleaded with her. “Please.”

"I'm too sexy for my shirt. Too sexy for my shirt. So sexy it hurts."

“Right… folks, we’re experiencing technical difficulties; please excuse any outlandish songs,” Toni announced. “Really, Robota? This is a paid job, you know?”

“Play them!” Seamus yelled. “We don’t care!”

“There are children present,” Hermione said, though she was hiding a smile. It helped that she was a bit tipsy. Ron laughed, grabbing her hand.

Dennis and Miles looked at each other. “We’re not babies,” Dennis said. “Ginny is only two years older than me.”

“Come on, let’s figure out how to dance to this song.”  Miles grabbed Dennis’s hand.

“I’m too sexy for my dress!” Ron exclaimed, trying to pull off his rainbow dress. Luckily, the enchanted wings he had strapped on prevented him from pulling it completely over his head. Hermione gasped and batted his hands away.

“Stop that!” Hermione laughed. “I know you’re drunk, but no stripping.”

“I’m too swexy to be sesy drunk,” Ron slurred, his cheeks bright red.

“Ronald, you will not enjoy knowing you tried to strip in front of all these people when you’re sober, so please trust me; you do not want to take off your dress, alright?” Hermione said. Even tipsy, she was the voice of reason.

“You’re so smart,” Ron gushed. “Did you knooow that I like yooou? Ron asked in a slurred, sing-song voice.

“I had an idea,” Hermione said with a blush. “Somebody told me.”

Ron gasped. “Who?” He looked around the room, glaring. “I wanted to tell you first!”

Hermione giggled. “A little birdie told me!” She jumped on him, hugging him.

“Which one? A Hogwarts owl?” Ron demanded again, hugging her back.

“A well a everybody's heard about the bird. B-b-b bird, bird, bird, b-bird's the word.”

“The bird!” Ron gasped, covering his mouth, his eyes wide with shock. He quickly looked around, trying to find the bird that the song was warning him about, but saw nothing. “Hermione, we’d better run away and hide!”

Bill shook his head, amused as he watched his brother running around the dance floor, looking quite out of it, with Hermione chasing after him. It reminded him of the time Ron got turned into a duck.

“Robota,” Toni said. “I love your sense of humour, but play something else. That kid thinks some killer birds are after him or something.”

“Psycho killer, qu'est-ce que c'est? Fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, fa, far better run, run, run, run, run, run, run away!”

“Merlin, Robota!” Toni slapped a hand to his forehead and walked away from the turntable. This was Robota’s show now. He walked over to Jingle, bending down to her level. “I understand if you want to cut my pay. Robota has taken over the party.”

Jingle giggled, jumping up and down, her big blue eyes wide with joy. “Muggle songs are so weird and fun, but why do they sing about killing?”

“I have no clue,” Toni answered. “No clue whatsoever.”

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

“How did we get talked into this?” Bill asked, laughing as Fleur skipped around their guest bedroom at The Manor, her enchanted wings fluttering more the faster she moved. For someone so close to having a baby, she was full of energy, even after attending the after party. Bill was thoroughly impressed. He could remember his Mum’s pregnancies being less than ideal, though his memory of that was from the perspective of a child.

“Don’t pretend you hated being a Maid of Honour,” Fleur said, spinning around in a circle. “I think I drank too much sugar. No more fizzy drinks for me.” She groaned, flopping back onto the bed, wincing when the wings dug into her skin. Trying to sit back up, she pouted. “Help! I feel like a beached whale.” She kicked her legs out, grunting with the effort as she tried to push herself up on her elbows.

“I had no clue that beached whales were so attractive,” Bill teased, leaning down to pull her up. “Yes, it’s lovely being a Maid of Honour. I’m surprised Luna didn’t ask me to wear a dress to match yours.” He smiled, brushing a hand through his curly hair. “Let’s get this glitter off.”

“No! Keep it,” Fleur giggled. “I like how you look with sparkling stars and moons.”

“Hm, tempting,” Bill said. “Maybe I’ll consider this my new signature look, along with leather trousers.”

“It’s been a while since you’ve worn leather trousers, William. Did you pack any?”

“You would like that, wouldn’t you?” Bill asked, tugging Fleur toward the connected toilet. He pulled out his wand and cast a spell to remove the waterproof magic from their body glitter and Fleur’s makeup. “Shower, bath, or cleaning spell, chérie?”

Fleur looked at the tub. “If I sit down in the tub, I may never stand back up, even with the help of magic.”

Bill removed her wings and then his, placing them on top of the sink. He pulled her close and kissed her forehead. “Shower, then?”

“My back kind of hurts, and I’m tired, but I’d still like to take a shower,” Fleur murmured with a pout.

“No problem.” Bill looked around the toilet for something he could use and smiled as he grabbed an empty rubbish basket. He placed it in the tub and then transfigured it into a shower chair. “Your throne, my Queen.” He turned the showerhead on, adjusting it to the perfect temperature.

“So majestic,” Fleur giggled.

Bill unclasped the back of Fleur’s dress, pulling it over her head. He leaned down to kiss her bare shoulder before gently removing her bra and helping her step out of her knickers. “In you go,” he said, lightly tapping her on the bum and helping her get in the tub, ensuring she was safely seated.

“Are you going to sing Mickey?” Fleur asked, her blue eyes lighting up as she tilted her head to look up at Bill while he undressed.

“You have a big mouth,” Bill accused, stepping into the shower behind her. “That song is going to become a running joke, just you wait.”

“But it’s so cute! Muggles have the strangest songs.” She sighed as Bill started to shampoo her hair. “I’m going to fall asleep.”

“It’s not even that late,” Bill said. “Shut your eyes.” He tilted her head back and started scrubbing around her eyes with the bath sponge, removing all her glitter and makeup.

“I’m thirty-five weeks pregnant, Bill. Have you forgotten that thirty-five is eight months? I’m about to pop! My healer said I could deliver around thirty-nine or forty-one weeks! I’m almost there, so of course I’m exhausted, and it’s glorious to have someone washing you. So relaxing. It is strange how I can go from feeling full of energy to dead tired, though.”

“Then sleep. I’ve got you,” Bill said. “I’ll even sing Mickey like a lullaby.”

“I love you,” Fleur whispered, closing her eyes.

“Je t'aime plus,” Bill said. “Did I pronounce it better this time?”

“Parfait, Bill.”

“What’s a sweet treat have to do with my pronunciation?” Bill asked, making Fleur giggle.

“Perfect, Bill. I said perfect.”

Bill grumbled, “You can hardly blame me when the words sound the same!”

Fleur didn’t answer because she had fallen asleep. Bill looked down at her and sighed happily, humming Mickey like a lullaby as he said he would. He made sure she was stable in the chair, leaning against him, and quickly finished washing both of them. Then he turned off the showerhead and cast a drying spell on them before pulling Fleur into his arms. For safety, considering she was pregnant, he cast a feather-light charm on her. 

Even if he had the strength to carry a heavily pregnant person, he wasn’t going to risk it. It was times like these that he was thankful for being magical. He used a quick change spell, dressing Fleur in her soft pink t-shirt and sleep trousers, and then he carried her to the bed, tucking her in.

“Sleep, darling, I’ll come get you when dinner is ready.”

He pulled on a pair of trousers, not leather, and walked out of the room, heading toward the kitchen. There, he found Jingle sitting on the counter, swinging her small legs back and forth.

“Bill!” Jingle cheered. “Hi!” She was snuggled in her green Weasley pillowcase jumper, looking even smaller than she actually was. Ice cream smeared across her face and long nose, as she ate from a bowl.

“Hello, Jingle. Did you get any of that in your mouth?” Bill asked as he settled down at the table, laughing when Jingle stuck her tongue out at him. It was still jarring to see a house elf allowed to do as she pleased, even if she wasn’t technically a free elf.

“Bill shouldn’t judge Jingle’s eating habits,” Jingle said, vanishing the empty bowl. She jumped off the counter and walked over to Bill. “Wait until Bill has the baby and they get food everywhere! Is Bill hungry? Jingle can start dinner!” She dashed around the kitchen, pulling out pots and pans, using her magic to place everything where she wanted it. “What’s a good dinner for after a wedding?”

“Jingle,” Narcissa said, walking into the kitchen. “Do you want help?”

“Yes!” Jingle beamed. “Jingle and Cissa will make the wedding dinner. Are my dragons still here?”

“Are you calling Harry a dragon now as well?” Bill asked, leaning forward and resting his chin in his hands.

“All my babies are my dragons!” Jingle declared. “Harry’s our baby now, right, Cissa?” She looked up at Narcissa, a smile on her face.

“That’s right,” Narcissa answered softly, smiling back. “The brides and grooms aren’t going anywhere for their honeymoon until after they graduate,” she said. “They still have classes.”

“And Harry is due in about a month or so,” Bill added. His eyes widened after saying that, realising it meant Fleur was due in just a few weeks. He swallowed, glancing down at his hands, feeling a mix of terror and readiness. When he looked up, a hand rested on his shoulder, and he smiled at Narcissa. “Were you reading my mind?”

“Oh, no, of course not!” Narcissa gasped, alarmed that he would think that. Bill tilted his head in confusion, causing her to blush when she realised he didn’t mean it literally. “Call it parental instinct,” she said. “Don’t fret. Fleur is doing great, and both of you will be wonderful parents.”

Bill waved his hand dismissively. “I know you wouldn’t use Legilimency without consent. I know you can use that skill, though.” He grinned. “Draco has proven he’s good at it. We’ve caught him and Harry doing it a lot to communicate silently with each other.” He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Thanks for your encouragement, though.”

“Yes, you’re welcome,” Narcissa said softly, looking away from him. “It is a useful skill to have.”

“That and Occlumency,” Bill said casually. “Curse breakers need that to block out curses that try to mess with our minds, so it’s useful not just against people trying to…” He trailed off and smiled. “I’m rambling.”

“You’re feeling stressed,” Narcissa said. “Rambling seems like a natural response.” She walked over to the cabinets and began removing items needed to prepare dinner. She didn’t want to go into how she and Draco were taught to use Legilimency and Occlumency, but she was thankful that Severus dedicated so much time to ensure they knew how to keep their minds safe.

Jingle walked up to Narcissa and hugged her legs. Narcissa could feel Jingle's elf magic tickling the back of her mind, so she gladly dropped her barriers to let Jingle in.

‘Cissa, I love you!’ Jingle exclaimed, her thought voice loud in Narcissa’s mind.

Narcissa looked down at her and patted her head. ‘I love you too. Do you mind letting the others know when dinner will be ready?’

‘Not at all! Jingle is always happy to help!’ Jingle said with a smile before running over to Bill and hugging him.

“Bill is going to be an awesome Papa to his Little Avocado!” Jingle declared with a giggle before vanishing from her spot.

“She’s in a great mood,” Bill chuckled. “I feel a lot more reassured. Thanks again. I’m going to go check on Fleur.”

Narcissa looked over at him and nodded, watching as he left the kitchen.

Chapter Text

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

Sunday, 18th April 1999

Charlie sat on the bed, rubbing a towel through his wet curls. He leaned back against the wall and smiled as he listened to Lee singing off-key in the shower. He knew he needed to grow a backbone and take a chance to further their relationship; he wished he had the nerve to jump up and join Lee in the shower, even though he had already taken his own.

He looked down at his bare chest and ran a hand down to his stomach, giving it a little squish. Lee had told him he liked the way he looked. They shared a room at the flat and would soon be moving into a house together; they had seen each other without shirts on plenty of times. Why was taking the next step so daunting?

“I’m too sexy for my car, too sexy for my car…”

Laughing, Charlie shook his head. The songs that played at the party were definitely an odd choice. At least the Weasleys knew what a car was; some purebloods didn’t have any reason to know about them. “Lee, are you almost done?” Charlie called, getting up and leaning against the doorframe that led into the toilet.

“Why? Are you not enjoying my concert?” 

“It’s lovely,” Charlie said. “Please, continue.” 

Charlie walked back over to the bed and plopped down, closing his eyes. Even with Lee singing off-key, Charlie loved listening to his voice. Charlie knew that Lee was being silly on purpose. Lee had a great voice, which was one of the reasons he was such a popular substitute commentator for Quidditch games.

“...I shake my little tush on the catwalk…”

“What are these lyrics?” Charlie asked, laughing. “What is a catwalk?”

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

“I suppose we’ve never talked about the future,” Lee said as he came out of the toilet, a towel wrapped around his head, only wearing a pair of sleep trousers. “Considering we caught the flowers, maybe that’s a sign we should.” He rubbed his head with the towel; his short hair didn’t take long to dry, and then he banished the towel back into the toilet. It felt wonderful to have the glitter removed from his skin.

Lee smiled at Charlie, who was still pink-faced from scrubbing off his body glitter. Charlie tilted his head, watching as Lee approached, sitting next to him on the bed. “Do you believe in the…” Charlie trailed off, looking down at his hands.

“It’s a magical prediction,” Lee said, reaching out to touch Charlie’s chin. “Don’t be shy. Look at me. I know we haven’t been together for very long, but we’ve already decided to live together, and you know as well as I do that there is nothing wrong with having an instant connection with someone.”

“The matchmaking program said we were highly compatible as well,” Charlie murmured, letting Lee lift his head. “I like you a lot, Lee. I really do. Before I started to develop feelings for you, to be honest, I never thought much about marriage.” He shrugged. “The idea was always there in the back of my mind, but it wasn’t my number one priority.”

“What about now?” Lee asked, leaning closer to kiss the corner of Charlie’s mouth, making Charlie’s breath hitch in the back of his throat. Lee gently caressed Charlie’s bare back, bringing their chests closer together, throwing one of his legs over Charlie’s lap, straddling his waist.

“I’ve thought about it,” Charlie admitted. “The future, I mean. Us…” He closed his eyes and leaned his head back as Lee began to kiss his neck. “Catching the flowers doesn’t mean we have to get married. It’s not a definite prediction, but... I don’t hate the idea.”

“Your Mum might want to rush all her children into marriage, but there really is no hurry,” Lee said, pulling back so he could look into Charlie’s eyes. “It’s important that we talk about what we want, though. I want to marry you one day. I meant what I said when I filled out the matchmaking questionnaire; I do want kids, and that means with you.”

Charlie smiled, his cheeks flushing. “I meant what I wrote as well. I come from a large family, so I wouldn’t mind having children one day or getting married.”

“I’m thinking ten kids,” Lee teased. “We can give them all P names just like your dragons.”

Playfully, Charlie pushed Lee off his lap, causing him to land on the floor with a soft thump. “That’s crossing the line, Jordan!”

“Ouch!” Lee exclaimed as he lay on the floor, looking up at Charlie with wide eyes. “I know you handle dragons, so you’re probably used to roughhousing with the rowdy ones, but I am not a dragon.”

“Did that actually hurt?” Charlie asked. He didn’t think he had pushed him that hard, and the fall wasn’t very far.

“Yes, I may never recover!” Lee said, covering his eyes, pretending to cry.

Charlie dropped to the floor and hovered over Lee, looking down at him. “Hmm, you seem fine to me,” he said, lifting Lee’s arm to inspect it as he would one of his dragons. “No bruises. Scales are shiny.” He leaned in closer, pressing his nose against Lee’s, enjoying the way Lee’s chest started to rise and fall rapidly. “Breathing is concerning, however.”

“You are a strange creature,” Lee whispered. “You go back and forth between being shy and… whatever this is.”

“I have no idea what you mean. I'm just making sure I didn’t actually hurt you,” Charlie said. “Roll over. I’d better check your back.”

“How can I do that when you’ve got me pinned to the floor?” Lee asked, lifting his head to look down the length of their bodies. “Not to mention, your knee is pressed between my legs.” Charlie flushed, his eyes widening, making Lee laugh. “Oh, so you weren’t aware of that? Am I injury-free, oh, amazing dragon handler?”

Charlie dropped onto Lee. “I think you’re fine,” he whispered into Lee’s ear.

“Why, thank you! I am quite dashing,” Lee said with a laugh, wrapping his arms and legs around Charlie and shifting until he was on top. “You’re fine as well.”

“Is that slang I don’t understand as a pureblood?” Charlie asked.

“I guess having a Muggle-obsessed Dad isn’t everything, Charlie,” Lee teased. He leaned down and kissed Charlie’s neck, making him moan and arch up against him.

“D-Do not bring my Dad up while you’re attempting to seduce me!” Charlie moaned loudly.

“Is this seduction of mine working?” Lee asked, brushing his hand along Charlie’s bare chest. He frowned when Charlie flinched away from his hand as he reached his lower stomach. Pushing himself up, he looked at Charlie. “You don’t want me to touch you?”

“S-Sorry,” Charlie said with a sigh. “It’s not that I don’t want you to.” He grabbed Lee’s hand and held it firmly. “I’ve gone on dates before, but I was always really dedicated to my family or my job, and with everything that was going on with the war, I never got very far in a relationship, and you know how I feel about my stomach.”

Lee stood up and helped Charlie to his feet. “I’m not going to pressure you into anything. I’m sorry for coming on too strong.”

Charlie shook his head. “I started it! Don’t apologise.”

“So you did know you put your knee between my legs?” Lee laughed when Charlie swatted his head. He ran over to the bed and jumped on it. “No roughhousing with your boyfriend! You already pushed me onto the floor,” he said, bouncing up and down on the bed. “I’m not one of your dragons, remember?”

“That was hardly playing rough,” Charlie said, slowly walking over to the bed. “I grew up with many siblings, so I know a thing or two about rough play.” A slow grin spread across his face. “Do you want examples?”

Lee smirked. “I feel like wrestling with you will end a lot differently than when you do it with one of your siblings.”

Charlie blushed and crossed his arms. “You wish it would.”

“Guilty.” Lee dropped down on the bed. “Come torture me, Charlie. We can figure everything else out as we go. There’s no pressure for how a relationship has to be.”

“You’d better remember that you literally asked for this,” Charlie said, walking over to the bed. “Now, should I go with the 'tie you up and tickle you until you can’t breathe' method? Or maybe…birthday spankings…”

“My birthday isn’t until May 1st!” Lee gasped, his cheeks burning. “That’s not how you wrestled with your siblings. You’re having me on, Charlie.”

Charlie laughed. “You’re right. There were definitely more elbows and shoving involved. Fred and George were little monsters at times. Dad went through a wrestling phase, and they wanted to try every move possible.”

“Your Dad is so gentle. I can’t imagine him being a fan of wrestling,” Lee said.

“That’s why it’s called a phase,” Charlie said, smirking. “But don’t mention anyone else while I’m torturing you; that just makes things weird.”

Lee's eyes widened. “Um…Charlie. Did I hit a switch?” he asked as Charlie conjured a silver cord made from magic. It swirled around the room and then wrapped around Lee’s wrist, pulling his arm up against the bedpost and securing him in place.

“Comfy?” Charlie asked as he secured Lee’s other wrist to the bedpost.

“Merlin, you’re an evil mastermind!” Lee yelled, wiggling as Charlie started tickling him. “This is ruthless!”

Charlie climbed onto the bed and straddled Lee. “You told me to torture you. Tickling is the best way to do it,” he said, poking Lee’s side and lightly brushing his fingers down, watching goosebumps form on his skin. “How could I possibly be evil when you wanted this, Lee?”

“Hm… ahh! Ahaha… stop! You’re a brat!” Lee gasped, panting for breath. He wiggled, kicking his legs, trying to knock Charlie off balance, but Charlie’s legs were strong, firmly gripping Lee around his waist. 

Lee moaned louder, thrashing around as Charlie rubbed against him, arousing him, though the tickling sensations were making it hard for his body to decide whether this was a moment of excitement or panic. He attempted to shove Charlie off once more, laughing, unintentionally kicking the wall in the process.

Someone pounded on the wall from the room next door, and they heard muffled yelling, though it was difficult to identify the voice. “Merlin’s beard, put up a silencing charm before you start whatever it is you're doing, and it's almost dinner time!”

Charlie quickly dispelled the bindings around Lee’s wrists and then fell on top of him with a laugh. “Oops.”

“Who has the room next door?” Lee asked, eyes wide, his face flushed. How embarrassing. 

“I think Oliver is staying in that room.” Charlie covered his mouth. “Harry’s cousin is staying in the room across from us. I hope we didn’t freak him out.”

“If he wants to stick around, he has to get used to this sort of thing,” Lee said. He rolled out of bed and grabbed a t-shirt from his duffel bag. “I’m starving, let’s go!”

Charlie grabbed Lee before he could put the shirt on, spinning him around and making him drop it. “I like you a lot.” He backed Lee against the wall, their chests pressing together. “Please remember that, and don’t hold it against me too much if I subconsciously flinch away, Lee. It has nothing to do with you.” His eyes softened as he looked into Lee’s expressive brown eyes.

“I know that, and I would never hold anything you can’t help against you,” Lee whispered, wrapping his arms around Charlie’s neck. Charlie stood on his tiptoes and kissed Lee. “I like you a lot as well,” Lee said when they pulled back from the kiss. “I’m going to keep reminding you how lovely I find every part of you, Charlie.”

Leaning down, Charlie picked up the shirt and handed it to Lee. Lee put on his shirt while watching Charlie pull on his own. They shared a smile before leaving their room to join the others for dinner.

Chapter Text

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

Sunday, 18th April 1999

Charlie and Lee walked into the kitchen, exchanging glances and laughing over a silly joke that Lee had just whispered in Charlie’s ear. They were startled when Narcissa suddenly hugged them both. She radiated the joy of a mother who had just witnessed her child experiencing the happiest day of their life. Charlie smiled at her and returned the hug, while Lee, being more dramatic, squeezed both of them tightly, playfully wiggling them like rag dolls.

“Nothing better than a hug from a Mum,” Lee said, gasping as she returned his enthusiasm with a firm grip. “Ah! How are you this strong?”

Laughing, Narcissa stepped back and waved them over to the table, where they found Harry, Draco, Neville, and Theodore already seated, looking at them with amused smiles.

“Make room,” Charlie said, taking a seat next to Draco and across from Theodore. Lee sat on the other side of him, reaching under the table to hold Charlie’s hand.

Charlie soon noticed that Narcissa was giving everyone hugs; she was so happy that every person walking into the kitchen was welcomed with an embrace from her. Seamus and Dean accepted the hug, not batting an eye at all about it, and then went off to find a place to sit.

Percy walked in and stared at Narcissa with wide eyes as she hugged him unexpectedly. Although he awkwardly returned the embrace, he quickly made his way to the long table and sat down. Narcissa apologised when she realised she had hugged him without thinking, knowing he didn’t appreciate surprises. But Percy waved off her concern, shaking his head. It was nice to see everyone in good spirits. He smiled, leaning against Blaise’s side when he sat down next to him.

“Did she hug you, too?” Percy whispered, realising he had been too focused on his own reaction to notice if Narcissa had also hugged Blaise.

Blaise laughed. “Yeah, I don’t think she ever hugged us when we were kids. It’s…” He trailed off, looking thoughtful before shrugging. “…nice.” He glanced over at Percy and kissed him on the cheek, grinning widely. “Your parents are quite affectionate with everyone, and I’ve noticed how they always respected your boundaries. But lately…”

Percy blushed. “What?”

“You’ve offered hugs first several times recently,” Blaise said, smiling at him, his eyes filled with warmth.

“Oh, well… the bracelet helps, of course, but I also want to try more… when I can, at least.”

They turned their attention to the kitchen door as Dudley awkwardly shuffled in, followed by Oliver. Percy and Blaise exchanged glances just as Narcissa, on autopilot, hugged Dudley and Oliver, two people she didn’t even know. It took her approximately two seconds to realise what she had done. She blushed, her eyes widening. “Oh dear, I… I’ve been…”

“She’s hugging everyone who walks in,” Draco said, feeling his heart swell with pride. This was a side of his Mum he never thought he would see, and he was grateful that she was happy.

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t paying attention. How rude of me. Do you even remember who I am?” Narcissa asked. Some of her upbringing was surfacing; hugging a stranger wouldn’t have been considered proper etiquette for someone raised to be in high society.

“It’s fine, Mrs…” Oliver glanced at Draco, rubbing the back of his neck, uncertain about her last name now that Mr. Malfoy was no longer around. Draco mouthed, ‘Black,’ with a smile. “…Black. A hug like that is nothing compared to rabid fans on game days.” Oliver winced at the reminder; sometimes, fans could cause injuries worse than playing Quidditch.

Dudley raised his hands. “I’m also fine, Mrs. Black.”

“Narcissa, please. Everyone is free to call me that or Cissa, if you prefer,” she said, motioning to the table. “Find a place to squeeze in. It’s a tight fit, but we’ve recently expanded the table.”

She beamed before turning away to grab some tarts from the counter, placing them near Harry. When Harry tried to grab one, Narcissa playfully swatted his hand away. 

“Aww,” Harry pouted, though he didn’t mind when people around him cared about his health. “After dinner, got it.” 

Narcissa winked at him, and Draco laughed, shaking his head. “Mr. Potter, you just got scolded,” he teased.

“Shush, Dragon,” Harry said, blowing him a kiss. 

Draco grinned, snatching a tart and subtly handing it to Harry under the table. Harry laughed, shaking his head, amused. “Draco, are you going to let our kid get away with this kind of stuff?”

“Of course not. Is there anything wrong with a husband wanting to spoil his lovely spouse?” he whispered in Harry’s ear. “Don’t tell Mum.”

“You silly kids, I can hear everything,” Narcissa said. “Obviously, Harry’s an adult; he can eat a tart if he wants. I was only teasing him, anyway.”

Harry popped the tart into his mouth, grinning in delight. He glanced at Dudley and Oliver, who were still hovering near the door. “You know you can sit down, right? Or did you not hear Narcissa?”

Dudley blushed, quickly taking a seat, his cheeks burning even more when Oliver squeezed in next to him, their thighs pressed together.

Oliver looked down the table at Charlie and Lee, who were deliberately avoiding eye contact. He smirked, glancing at Dudley, wondering if Dudley had overheard Charlie and Lee roughhousing earlier.

George and Pansy walked into the room, and, of course, they were greeted with the same overly enthusiastic hug from Narcissa. George grinned as he patted her back, while Pansy’s eyes widened, looking like she might cry. Pansy was still getting used to parental affection. George kissed Pansy on the cheek, and they found a place to sit down.

“So, George, a little birdie told me that you once had an obsession with practising wrestling moves on your siblings,” Oliver said just as Ron and Hermione entered the room, getting a quick squeeze from Narcissa. Oliver didn't mean to overhear Lee and Charlie's conversation, but they weren't exactly being quiet.

Ron ignored the topic at hand, going straight for a tart. Hermione rolled her eyes, and they found a place to sit down.

“Oh, yeah, that was when Dad was into watching Muggle wrestling programs,” George said, grinning at Charlie. “Oi, Charlie, you could never handle it when Fred and I took you down.”

“I most certainly could. You guys were like six,” Charlie said. He looked at Oliver and raised an eyebrow. “Oliver, how was your date with Dudley?” He knew that Oliver had put him on the spot on purpose.

Dudley’s eyes widened, and he blushed. He glanced up at Oliver, wondering what he would say, feeling awkward about the question being brought up so suddenly.

“Wonderful. He’s a good dancer,” Oliver said, nudging Dudley’s knee.

“Why are you guys putting my cousin on the spot?” Harry asked, his protective instinct taking over. It was partly due to hormones, of course, but also because, now that he and Dudley were repairing their relationship, he didn’t want Dudley to think that Wixens were making fun of him.

“Do I really need to employ a time-out?” Narcissa asked, twirling her wand between her fingers. Her timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as Molly and Arthur entered the kitchen and overheard her. Following them were Bill and Fleur.

“Who are we putting in time-out?” Molly asked. “A mum's job is never done.”

“Charlie and Oliver,” Harry accused in a moody tone. “Possibly Lee.”

“Me?” Lee gasped. “I didn’t even say anything!”

“But you were exchanging looks with Oliver,” Harry said, crossing his arms, feeling grumpy. Damn hormones.

“Harry, it’s not a big deal,” Dudley said, trying to ease the tension.

“I’m sorry,” Charlie said, holding his hands up defensively. “It wasn’t malicious. I apologise, Dudley.”

“For the record, I did have a wonderful time on the two dates I’ve had with Dudley recently,” Oliver added, briefly touching the top of Dudley’s hand before grabbing his goblet to take a drink.

Dudley looked down at the table, hiding a smile.

“Where are Luna and Ginny?” Neville asked, scanning the table. Everyone else was there, but the brides were missing. He rubbed his stomach, feeling more worried than he probably should have. Sometimes his emotions made him overly anxious.

Theodore reached for his hand beneath the table.

“Luna fell asleep,” Molly explained with a smile. “She’s been running herself ragged today, full of energy as always. Even with the spells she uses to block people’s magic, there were so many people around that she must have still felt some of the effects, regardless of using dampening spells.”

“Ginny didn’t want to leave her side, of course,” Arthur added.

“Oh, alright,” Neville said, frowning. He nibbled on his pasta, trying to quell his worries. Theodore squeezed his hand and leaned closer to him.

Oliver looked at Dudley, just as confused as Dudley appeared, but it wasn’t their place to ask for an explanation about Luna and the way magic affected her. “Need a refill?” he asked Dudley, motioning toward his empty goblet.

“Uh,” Dudley jumped, having been lost in his thoughts again. “Sure.” He watched, eyes widening, as Oliver tapped his wand against the goblet, refilling it with juice. The jug of juice in the centre of the table was now noticeably lower. “That’s handy.”

Dudley rubbed the back of his neck, memories of his Mum coming to mind. He recalled how easily he had become jealous as a child. He learned that from her, observing how she interacted with others, always striving to be the best among their neighbours and making snide comments about those she perceived as inferior. That was jealousy, wasn’t it?

Now, seeing the wonders of magic, Dudley began to think that much of his Mum’s resentment toward it might have stemmed from jealousy. Jealousy that her sister got to be a witch while she did not. Then she met his Father, whose disdain for anything “abnormal” only fueled her jealousy and hatred.

Dudley picked up the goblet and took a sip, smiling at Oliver. “Thank you.” He was trying to be better and true to himself; he was determined not to turn into his parents. He wouldn’t let jealousy consume him just because he couldn’t perform magic.

“You're welcome,” Oliver said. “Just let me know if you need my help with anything.”

“I-I will,” Dudley said, flushing when he saw Harry looking at him. Harry raised an eyebrow, glancing between Oliver and Dudley.

“This pasta is wonderful,” Fleur said, happily slurping the noodles. “I must get the recipe.”

“Jingle is a great cook,” Narcissa praised. “Where did that elf get off to? She’s probably doing a jigsaw puzzle. Jingle, it’s time to eat.”

“Cissa!” Jingle cheered when she popped into the kitchen. “Sorry, Jingle lost track of time.” She looked over at Bill. “Hi, Bill.” Jingle hoped Bill wasn’t still stressing about the baby coming. 

“Hello,” Bill said, waving at the elf. Fleur smiled at Bill, leaning against him.

Minna walked into the kitchen, meowing. She weaved through the legs beneath the long table, stopping to play with people's trouser hems. Suddenly, Dean yelped and pushed his chair back. “Bloody hell.” He leaned under the table and laughed. “Percy, your cat scared me.”

Seamus snorted. “Lame, Dean.” Dean stole Seamus’s tart, stuffing it in his mouth, making Seamus gasp in offence. “How could you?”

Dean grinned at Seamus, shrugging. He slowly licked his lips to tease Seamus, eyes widening when Seamus pressed his palm against his thigh, squeezing him suggestively. 

“Sorry, but Minna is not technically my cat,” Percy said with a smile. “We don’t own our familiars, you know?” He leaned against Blaise while eating, laughing when Blaise tried to feed him a bite. “I can eat on my own, Princess.”

“Yeah, Princess,” Draco teased.

“Do be quiet, Dragon,” Blaise teased right back, gloating as Draco blushed, which made everyone start laughing.

“Oh!” Fleur suddenly gasped. “Little Avocado is awake.” She giggled. “They’re dancing.” She winced, leaning against Bill. “Ouch.”

Harry smiled at Fleur. “I feel your pain…and joy.” They both looked at Neville, making him blush.

“I suppose I’ll feel your pain soon with the sharper kicks,” Neville said. “I already feel your joy.”

“We don’t want to scare you, Nev. Most of the movement is wonderful, but yeah, they can deliver some powerful kicks,” Harry said, and Fleur nodded in agreement.

“I can’t wait to feel them move,” Neville said softly, glancing down at his small baby bump. “Hear that, Little Berry?”

Theodore jumped up, pulling Neville to his feet. “You’re so cute! Everyone look away if you’d rather not see me get extremely soppy.”

“You’re a wizard, throw up a privacy barrier,” Dudley said, blushing when everyone looked at him. “What? Oliver told me all about the different ways to hide yourself around people with magic.”

Oliver grinned, nudging Dudley’s leg. Dudley nudged him back, stuffing a tart in his mouth.

“Excellent advice,” Theodore said, throwing up a barrier and then pulling Neville in for a lingering kiss.

“Has everyone had their fill of food? I need to say something before you leave the kitchen. Some rooms are blocked off, and I ask you not to try to find a way to enter them,” Narcissa said softly. This statement was mainly for Oliver and Dudley’s benefit. The others already knew about the Sad Rooms.

Dudley wondered why everyone seemed to look sombre all of a sudden. He glanced at Oliver to see if he was confused as well, but noticed that he also had a haunted look in his eyes. There was something off about The Manor that everyone knew, but him. It made sense, considering who he was. Dudley didn’t think it was his place to be nosy about it, though, so he tried to push away the strange feeling the sudden mood shift gave him.

Hermione jumped up and began gathering the plates. Nobody questioned why she was doing it the Muggle way. Harry grunted with the effort of standing up and started to help her, feeling a strong urge to clean everything. He smiled at Hermione, understanding her need to do things like this; up until they came to Hogwarts, this was how both of them lived.

“Sit down, let us take care of it,” Draco said.

“I can clean just fine,” Harry said, lightly tapping a spoon on his head. “Everyone, go relax; let Hermione and me clean in peace!”

“You heard him, shoo,” Hermione said, gently nudging some people toward the door. “Go, go.”

“I don’t have to be told twice!” Seamus said, laughing as he jumped up and pulled Dean along with him.

Ron hugged Hermione and kissed her before stumbling out of the kitchen, still feeling the effects of having drunk too much.

“I-I can help if you’d like?” Dudley asked, not wanting to overstep but eager to be useful.

Harry smiled at him. “Sure, thanks, Dudley.”

Chapter Text

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

Sunday, 18th April 1999

Harry pulled Dudley aside, dragging him to the library. “Do you like Oliver?” Harry asked, a huge grin spreading across his face. He placed his hands on his hips and tapped his foot impatiently. “Well, go on, tell me!” He bounced up and down on the balls of his feet, his energy reminding Dudley of an energetic wren bird. 

He was quite a sight for Dudley to see. A heavily pregnant, short man wearing red fuzzy pyjama bottoms and a green jumper with a "D" on it. Harry’s behaviour made Dudley imagine what Harry might have been like as a child if he’d been treated properly, because Dudley was witnessing someone letting some of his inner child out.

It was clear that Harry had come a long way and was comfortable being himself, regardless of who was watching. Dudley wondered if anyone ever thought of him in that way; the truth was, not many people in his life knew about the personal struggles he was working through.

“Get out of your head, Dudley! Did you hear my question?” Harry asked.

“We went on a short date to meet before the wedding, and then again at the wedding,” Dudley said. “That’s me meeting him twice… how could I like someone after just two encounters?”

Harry rolled his eyes. “Haven’t you ever heard of fate? Use your imagination!”

“Harry, that sounds like something magical people would say,” Dudley said, looking down at his feet.

“Muggles can have fates, too,” Harry insisted. “It’s normal to meet someone and like them based on their looks, lust, and all that.”

“Could you not?” Dudley said, starting to feel uncomfortable, but at the same time, it was kind of nice talking to Harry like this. He was just so awkward around Oliver, and talking about him was a little embarrassing. 

“Excuse me, I’m making up for lost time, so get used to me being a bit annoying about some things,” Harry grinned. “You think Oliver is sweet and cute, don’t you?”

“I mean… he’s not ugly or anything,” Dudley mumbled, his face flushing. “But don’t try to play matchmaker. Do you know how awkward that would be? He’s famous, and I’m just a retail worker at a bookstore. Non-magical. I don’t even have any talents to make up for… well, I’m fine with being a Muggle, don’t misunderstand.” Dudley sighed, rubbing a hand over his eyes.

Harry put a hand on Dudley’s shoulder. “I know you’re alright with being a Muggle. If you weren’t, I don’t think you’d have so easily accepted my invite to meet up again, unless you wanted to… well, you know?” Harry pulled Dudley further into the library, motioning for him to sit down at the table in the middle of the room. 

“Unless I wanted to come here to give you a hard time,” Dudley said what Harry wouldn’t. “I promise that I am only here because I want to be your proper cousin, and I want to know you and your world. I’m not my parents.”

“I want to be proper cousins as well. Now, Dudley, let’s talk about romance. Do you know about the birds and the bees? Your parents obviously never told me anything.”

“Good… what’s that phrase I’ve heard people around here use… Merlin!” Dudley exclaimed, laughing. “Sounds strange saying it, but maybe I’ll adapt to some of the lingo. Harry! We’re both almost nineteen! We should know all about that stuff.” He flushed and covered his face. “Mum and Dad about died… um… well, they hated having the “talk” with me, but it happened.” He frowned, looking away from Harry.

Dudley had taken things like that for granted. How hard would it have been for his parents to discuss milestone life lessons with them at the same time?

“Don’t feel bad for how they treated me.”

“I know,” Dudley said, waving his hand. “It’s hard to believe it took so long to recognise their behaviour for what it was.” He sighed, standing up. He reached for a random book on a shelf, flipping through its pages, but jumped back when it suddenly screamed at him in what sounded like an alien language. Eyes widening, he slammed the book shut and put it on the table. He slowly pushed the book away, swearing that it said he was being rude.

Harry levitated the book back onto the shelf and then looked at Dudley. “To be blunt, you were… well, you were brainwashed. You could also call it being groomed.” He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands. “I can’t share personal details, but Draco went through something similar with his upbringing. The important thing is that both of you grew up and fought your way to the top.” He smiled encouragingly.

“You’re right,” Dudley said with a bittersweet smile. “Do all books in your world scream at you? How can you concentrate enough to read them?”

“Some magical books require something from you before they allow you to read them,” Harry explained. “Now, let’s get back on topic. Do you want to go on another date with Oliver?”

Dudley glanced at his watch. It was seven in the evening. “Since Mrs. Bla… Narcissa invited us to stay the night, I’m not sure when my second date with Oliver officially ends. Is there some magical custom I’m not aware of?”

Harry laughed. “Oh yes, a third date will seal the ritual for your future nuptials.”

“Ha, ha,” Dudley mock-laughed, rolling his eyes.

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

Dudley stayed behind in the library to think while Harry went off to find his new husband. He got up from the table, running his fingers along the spines of all the books. He smiled, surprised that being around books now gave him a sense of comfort; they had become his safe place, even these strange, magical books. Even the ones making creepy moaning sounds.

‘If my friends saw these books… they’d freak out for sure, but then get really excited,’ Dudley thought, feeling amused. Books were just books, though Dudley was cautious about opening a random one after the first one screamed at him and called him rude. ‘I was probably just hearing things,’ he reasoned as he looked toward where Harry put that book and walked over to it.

“Did you call me rude?” he asked the book. Was he really talking to a book? What was his life now?

The book wiggled on the shelf and barked at Dudley, making a hissing sound that definitely resembled human speech mixed with an alien language. “Yes, very rude of you to slam me shut like that, boy!” 

Blinking, Dudley backed away from the shelf. “I… well, I apologise.” This was absurd. He rubbed the back of his neck and tried to find a section of books that wouldn't be so grumpy. 

“Which of you has a good attitude?” Dudley asked as he faced a shelf full of what looked like guidebooks on various magical practices. The books snickered at him. “Never mind, then.” Dudley turned away, blushing from head to toe when he saw Oliver standing in the doorway with a grin on his face. 

“I wondered where you got off to. Did you decide a book is a better conversationalist than I am?” Oliver asked as he walked toward him. 

Dudley laughed. Oliver was quick-witted, and Dudley liked that. “Harry wanted to speak to me, and then I got distracted by…” He looked around. “Well, books.” He pointed to the grumpy book. “That one called me rude.” 

Oliver picked up the offending book and grimaced. “Yeah, you don’t need this book to like you.” It wasn’t a dark arts book; all of those had been confiscated, but this book wasn’t nice, either. It was a novel about a blood purist, and Oliver was willing to bet that Narcissa didn’t even realise it was still in the library. 

“How dare you, you Mud-” 

“I don’t think so,” Oliver interrupted, casting an immobilising charm on the book. 

“What was that?” Dudley asked, frowning. Oliver appeared to be upset. 

“Jingle!” Oliver called. He smiled at the house-elf when she popped into the room. “Sorry for the trouble, but this is a very nasty book. Do you think Narcissa would still want it in the library?” 

“Oh! Horrid!” Jingle cried, tears welling in her large blue eyes. “Jingle promises Cissa wouldn’t want it around!” She snapped her fingers and made the book vanish. “Thank you, famous man!” 

“Stop that, Jingle. Call me Oliver,” he said, smiling at her. They exchanged goodbyes before Oliver turned to Dudley with a sigh. “The book was about to call me a slur because I’m Muggle-born. It was a fictional book about a blood purist, so that’s why it’s nasty.” 

“I’m sorry,” Dudley said. “I guess it was grumpy with me because it could tell I was a Muggle?” He looked around at the books, feeling more wary of them. ‘To think, a book can hate you! That’s hard to fathom.’

“Probably,” Oliver said with a shrug. “Do you like books?” 

Dudley smiled, looking down. “I didn’t use to, but yeah, now I do. I work in a bookstore. I know that probably sounds boring to you, but it’s cosy and doesn’t really feel like work to me.” 

“Not at all,” Oliver said. “Just a word of warning, be careful around magical books. They can be unpredictable. Some bite, some breathe fire, and some hurl insults, like that fiction book.” 

“Fire, biting?” Dudley asked, shaking his head. “Alright, enough of the library for me.” 

“Finally decided I’m a better companion than a book?” Oliver teased, smiling when Dudley blushed. 

“I’m thinking about it,” Dudley said, crossing his arms. ‘Is he flirting or not? Is this the Twilight Zone? He doesn’t seem like the type who would play around in a way that could hurt someone else, so he’s probably just being himself, and it means nothing.’ 

“You’ve gone into your head again, Dudley,” Oliver said, grabbing his hand and pulling him out of the library. “Wait…” He suddenly stopped. “George! That isn’t funny!” 

Dudley looked up, puzzled, when he saw mistletoe hanging a few feet in front of them. 

“I didn’t do it,” George’s voice echoed from down the hall. “I’m innocent!” 

“You’re lucky I noticed it! Dudley has no idea about mistletoe!” Oliver groaned as he waved his wand toward the ornament, vanishing it.

“What’s wrong? It’s mistletoe… why is that…” Dudley stumbled over his words, thoroughly confused.

“Nobody thought to give you a heads up about it. Harry should have. Mistletoe is quite common, even during the off-season, as there are some people, who shall remain nameless, that love to prank others year-round.” Oliver smiled at Dudley. “It’s not a terrible thing, but for a Muggle, it might sound strange. Wixen are not usually bothered by it; it’s all in good fun.”

“You’ve neglected to tell me what the mistletoe does!” Dudley exclaimed, raising his voice without intending to. He was puzzled when he saw Oliver’s cheeks turn pink.

“They’re enchanted. When people find themselves beneath the mistletoe, it compels them to kiss. The kiss is harmless; it usually reflects how you’d want to kiss the person. It can be chaste for friends or siblings, or more passionate if you have feelings for someone.”

Dudley blushed but couldn't help but laugh. “George was trying to prank us?”

Oliver rubbed the back of his neck. “You’ll need to get used to the weirdness.”

“Would it even work on me? I’m not magical,” Dudley said, looking down, realising they were still holding hands.

“Let’s experiment!” George yelled.

“Some people can’t mind their own business,” Oliver said. “Who knows? But if you stick around, you might find out one of these days, because George is relentless with his mistletoe pranks.”

Dudley was almost disappointed that Oliver spotted the mistletoe before they could find out if it would work on him. ‘Kissing under an enchanted mistletoe sounds like a great ice breaker to me.’

“It would be a great ice breaker,” Oliver said with a grin. “Did you mean to say that?”

How was Oliver able to respond so casually like that? Dudley wanted to find somewhere to hide; the embarrassment was overwhelming, yet Oliver looked pleased as punch as he leaned against the wall.

Eyes widening, Dudley blushed, turning away from Oliver, his hand slipping away from his. “I’m going to die now.” ‘What the hell? Why would I… how could I say that aloud? What is wrong with me?’

“Please don’t do that,” Oliver said. “Dying would be an awful way to end this date.” He nudged Dudley gently. “Hey, you don’t have to be flustered by it. I mentioned before that you tend to go into your head a lot, so it’s only natural that you’d voice some of those thoughts aloud eventually. It seems like your mind takes over and makes you space out from everything around you.”

‘Don’t overthink… Don’t go into your… damn it, I’m doing it!’ Dudley pressed a hand over his face and slowly turned back to Oliver, dropping his hand. His cheeks and the tips of his ears were bright pink. “The wedding is over, so when does this date end?” he mumbled, avoiding direct eye contact with Oliver.

“Eager to get rid of me already?” Oliver asked with a grin, grabbing Dudley’s hand again and pulling him down the hallway. “I suppose this date will end when we go our separate ways tomorrow.”

“A-alright. Do you… commonly hold people’s hands like this?” Dudley stuttered.

Oliver stopped walking, causing Dudley to bump into him. “Oh?” He looked down at their hands. “I guess I do. Sorry.” He smiled and let go of Dudley’s hand, but Dudley grabbed him again.

“Holding hands is normal date behaviour, not that I’ve been on many dates. I don’t mind if you hold my hand.” 

‘Who are you kidding? You’ve been on exactly zero dates, and Oliver knows it!’

“Is that so?” Oliver asked. “Right then, what shall we do on this date?” He pulled Dudley down the hallway.

“The date was the wedding and after party,” Dudley said softly. “What else is there to do around here?” What exactly was Oliver up to? He didn’t have to play along anymore. Surely Dudley wasn’t that interesting to hang around, considering Oliver was a wizard and a professional athlete.

“Oh, I know,” Oliver said, stopping to face him with a huge grin. “Have you seen anyone fly on a broom yet?” Dudley shook his head. “Perfect! I’ll show you how to fly…”

“W-what? But I’m… did you forget that I’m lacking a certain component to make a broom move?” Dudley asked, flustered as Oliver squeezed his hands and started running with him down the hallway, drawing the attention of others. Dudley’s face couldn’t possibly be redder if he tried.

“Where’s the fire?” Seamus asked, stepping out of his room, with Dean following closely behind.

“Where’s Charlie?” Oliver asked instead of answering. “I need another Quidditch player. We’re going to show Dudley how to fly and teach him about Quidditch.”

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

In the back of The Manor, where Draco’s Quidditch Pitch was, a small group gathered, holding brooms. Charlie set down a trunk filled with the game balls and wiped a hand across his forehead. It had been a while since he played Quidditch, but he was looking forward to the impromptu game.

Oliver zoomed down, executing a perfect nosedive, and then landed next to Dudley, who was looking at him with wide eyes. “How did you not hit the ground?” Dudley asked, his mouth slightly agape.

“Years of practice, broken bones, and determination,” Oliver answered. “Now sit in front of me so I can show you what flying is like!” he said enthusiastically.

Dudley backed away from him as if he’d just thrown several snakes at his face. “You can’t be serious. I’m too large. I’d break the broom… anyway… what… how could I possibly…” Flushing, he looked down at his feet.

Reaching out, Oliver picked up Dudley’s hand. “You’re not too big to ride a broom. What are you talking about? You’re lovely the way you are. Come on, don’t be scared. I’ll keep you safe. The brooms are enchanted, you know? They can hold far more than what the two of us weigh.”

Charlie patted Dudley’s back. “Listen to him. He knows what he’s talking about. Go on, take a flight, and then we can show you how the game works.”

“W-what if I fall off?” Dudley asked.

“We’re well-equipped to protect you if that were to happen,” Ron said, brushing hair out of his eyes and twirling his wand between his fingers. “We’re not going to let anything happen to you.”

“Go on!” Seamus exclaimed. “Oliver is eager for you to ride his broom.” Dean playfully smacked the back of his head.

“Seamus,” Dean whispered in his ear, “You’re cheeky. Keep that up, and Dudley might never visit again.” Seamus laughed, nudging Dean in the side.

Choosing to ignore Seamus, Dudley warily eyed the broom. “I don’t know how to do it.”

“Easy, just throw your leg over and sit. It won’t hurt,” Oliver said. “Trust me.”

‘What is my life now?’ Dudley thought as he carefully stepped over the broom, standing in front of Oliver. He flushed when Oliver wrapped one of his arms around him, leaning forward to grip the broom with his other hand right in front, near Dudley's thighs. Oliver’s stomach pressed firmly against Dudley’s back.

“Here we go,” Oliver said. “Hang on!”

“Ahh!” Dudley yelled as they soared upward. He leaned forward, gripping the broom, but that made things more awkward; now his ass was in full contact with Oliver's body, pressed between his legs.

‘This is so weird. I’m not sure I can enjoy this with how we’re touching! He doesn’t seem fazed by it; he’s probably used to flying with a partner… maybe? How common is it to fly two to a broom? He’s so warm. It feels nice.’ Dudley licked his lips nervously, turning his head to look around as Oliver raced the broom around the property. Malfoy Manor was huge. 

“You alright?” Oliver asked, leaning forward so Dudley could hear over the wind rushing past their ears. “It feels amazing, right?”

“I’m g-good,” Dudley stuttered. “I don’t know how to describe how it feels. It’s scary. Actually, bloody terrifying!”

“Shh, relax. I’ve got you, Dudley. We’re going down,” Oliver said, gripping Dudley tightly around the middle as they descended toward the ground.

They landed with a soft thud, but Dudley was too frazzled to move, his entire body shaking slightly. Oliver let the broom drop to the ground and stepped around Dudley, reaching out to hold both of his hands.

“Th-that was c-cool,” Dudley mumbled, avoiding eye contact. “I don’t know why I’m shaking.” He was so embarrassed.

“It’s normal,” Oliver said softly. “Squeeze my hands. Look at me. Focus.”

“Wizards aren’t adapted to it the first time they experience it either, even purebloods,” Charlie added. “You’re coming down from the high of your first time flying.”

“O-oh,” Dudley said, squeezing Oliver’s hands as instructed and looking up at him. Oliver’s eyes were warm and kind; he didn’t seem to be judging Dudley at all.

“Here,” Ron said, handing Dudley a goblet of juice.

Dudley didn’t even question where it came from; he drank it down. “Thank you. I’m good now. Show me the game,” he said with a smile at Oliver before handing the goblet back to Ron. He plopped down in the grass, watching in amazement as they explained all the different rules of the game, detailing what each ball was called and the various positions. Then they all got on their brooms and started to play a modified game since they didn’t have enough people for a full match.

“Wow…” Dudley whispered as Charlie nosedived, catching the golden snitch, right as Ron hit the Quaffle into the goalpost. “That’s bloody brilliant!” He clapped, laughing when Oliver halfheartedly complained about missing the save. Ron gloated about it with a laugh.

“I’m supposed to be the professional! Good job, Ron. Dang, Charlie, you’re not rusty at all. Way to catch the snitch,” Oliver said, landing next to Dudley. He sat down beside him and bumped his shoulder. Dudley grinned and bumped him back.

“I had no clue I still had that in me,” Charlie said, landing next to them, followed by Ron, Seamus, and Dean.

“Thanks for sharing this with me,” Dudley said. “I was never into sports, but a flying one? I think I can get into that.” He flopped onto his back and looked at the clouds.

Oliver lay with him, pointing up with his wand and shooting strands of colour from the tip. The colours flowed around, making fascinating shapes. Dudley turned his face to glance at Oliver’s side profile, blushing Oliver turned his head at the same time, their eyes locking.

They didn’t even notice when everyone left them, laughing in amusement.

Chapter Text

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

Sunday, 18th April 1999

“There you are,” Draco said, grabbing Harry from behind and making him jump in surprise as he was carefully dragged into Draco’s old bedroom. “I’ve been looking for you! How is it that you’re so elusive and fast when you’re seven months pregnant?” He grinned at Harry, reaching out to brush the dark hair from his eyes.

Harry shrugged. “I don’t know. I just have this feeling that I need to move a lot!” He bounced up and down on the balls of his feet. “It’s a strange mixture of feeling overly energised, but at the same time, I’m as knackered as I can be.”

Draco pulled back from Harry and looked him up and down. “Your magical core is full of beans, because the core is what allows wizards to get pregnant, but the rest of you is tired because you’re so close to giving birth.”

“Where did you get the phrase?” Harry asked, face lighting up with laughter. Hearing Draco using Muggle slang words was hilarious. 

“Hermione. She was talking about the puppy her parents have. It means energetic.” Draco grinned and gasped when Harry swatted his head. He jumped back, running over to his bed, bouncing up on it.

“Did you really compare me to a dog?” Harry asked, trying to climb on top of the bed but struggling. He groaned in frustration, though he smiled when Draco reached down for his hands and pulled him up.

“Be careful, and yes, I did,” Draco said, jumping up and down on the bed. “Get your energy out, Harry! Jump!” He laughed as Harry began to jump with him, holding his hips to keep him steady.

“Poppy Seed does not like this!” Harry gasped loudly. “They’re kicking like crazy!” He groaned, grabbing the side of his baby bump, and smiled when Draco helped him settle down on the bed. “Sorry,” he said, patting his stomach. “You can’t blame me. It’s your fault for making me want to run around!”

Putting his hands on Harry’s baby bump, Draco smiled, his eyes widening. “Merlin! They are active right now.” He leaned down, placing his cheek on Harry’s stomach, laughing each time he got kicked in the head. 

“How adorable. Draco’s first time getting beat up by a baby,” Harry teased.

Draco leaned back, holding his cheek. “After several hits, that actually started to hurt. How can you handle it?” He rubbed Harry’s baby bump, smiling down at the little hand imprints he could see. The baby moved so quickly. Draco was incredibly proud of Harry for making it this far, but he wished Harry would be more vocal when he was in pain; Draco knew Harry was used to keeping things to himself.

Even now, Harry’s feet were red and swollen, yet he ran around all day, dancing and smiling without a hint of discomfort. Draco looked down at Harry’s feet and then back up into his green eyes, unable to detect a hint of complaint from his new husband.

Harry shrugged casually, as if Draco had merely asked him about the weather. “I don’t know. I guess after seven months, you get used to things.” He grinned. “Of course, I couldn’t feel Poppy Seed right away, but you know what I mean.”

“That’s it. Clothes off,” Draco said, banishing Harry’s lovely silver suit to the dirty clothes hamper. Harry stared at him in wide-eyed shock, his cheeks turning pink.

“Draco! I know this is our wedding night, but a little warning wouldn’t hurt, you know?” Harry exclaimed. “Look, um… if we have to have sex to complete the magical union, can we… I… um…”

“No, no, no,” Draco said, holding a hand up. “I’m sorry; you misunderstood.” He laughed, shaking his head. “Alright, that was my fault. Of course, you would assume… I’m sorry,” he repeated. “We are not having sex, wedding night or not. As delicious as you look, I know you’re tired and in pain.”

“What about the union magic?” Harry asked softly, looking away from Draco. He sighed, rubbing a hand over his baby bump. He was tired, and his body did hurt, but he didn’t want to make a big deal about it. Wasn’t it expected for newly married couples to have sex on their wedding night? He could push past his pain if he had to. Harry knew that Draco would be gentle.

“It’s complete,” Draco said simply. “There isn’t anything about the union magic that says we have to have sex, Harry. Not all couples even want a sexual relationship.” Draco scooted off the bed and gently pulled Harry with him, leaving Harry feeling bewildered. “There are more ways for couples to experience intimacy, even on their wedding night.” He leaned down and kissed Harry’s shoulder.

“Oh,” Harry mumbled. “What are you doing?” he asked as Draco studied his canopy bed critically, wand in hand.

“I had an idea,” Draco said, grinning widely as he looked at Harry. “This is our first night as husbands, you’re carrying our child, and you’re in pain, so…” Draco tapped his wand against his lips and nodded to himself, imagining how he wanted the bed to look. He pointed at it and started to transfigure it. The bed ended up looking mostly the same, except for a strange area that had sunk in.

Satisfied with how the bed looked, Draco cast a cushioning charm on it for good measure.

“The bed looks like it has a sinkhole,” Harry said, confused.

“I don’t know what a sinkhole is, but go on, get on the bed, and lie on your stomach,” Draco instructed. “Trust me.” Draco gently removed Harry’s glasses, kissed his forehead and then kissed him again lightly on the lips.

“My stomach! That would…” Harry's mouth fell open when they pulled back from the kiss. “You made it so I can lie on my stomach without… Oh!” Smiling and still unsure of where this was going, Harry allowed Draco to help him position himself correctly, with his baby bump resting in the “sinkhole” on the bed.

“Great!” Draco clapped, feeling almost as giddy as Luna sometimes did. “You stay there. Relax. I’m going to grab something. Be right back.”

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

Draco raced down the hallway and knocked on Narcissa’s door. “Mum, let me in!” He pounded on the door and jumped back when it swung open, revealing Narcissa standing before him in her Weasley jumper, a pair of sleep trousers, and her ridiculous crocodile slippers that Arthur had given her for Christmas.

Her long blonde hair was pulled up on top of her head in a messy bun. She didn’t look her age at all. Draco blinked up at her, seeing a glimpse of what his mother must have looked like when she was much younger. Of course, age worked differently for Wixens. Someone in their forties, fifties, or even sixties wasn’t considered old at all.

“Draco Lucius Mal… excuse me… Potter!” Narcissa scolded. “What is the meaning of this? The last time you acted like that, you were eight.” After regaining her composure, she smiled, shook her head, and allowed him to come inside her room.

“Sorry,” Draco said, bending over to catch his breath. “I… you’ve been pregnant before, right?”

Narcissa laughed. “I think so. Let me think.” She looked up at the ceiling, humming as she tapped her lips with her index finger. “Yes, yes, that’s right. I have been pregnant before.” She looked at her son, pride in her eyes. “How did you know about this?”

Draco stepped toward her, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Mum, I know we don’t really talk about… him, but surely… well… did either of you keep any pain potions around to help with… um…”

“You don’t have to skirt around mentioning him,” Narcissa said softly, running her fingers through Draco’s hair. “He’s still part of our past.” She sighed and led him over to the bed, sitting down with Draco in her arms. “I’m going to assume you’re trying to ask me for advice on what I used to reduce the aches and pains during my pregnancy with you?”

“Yes, I should have done something sooner, but so much has been going on, and time really flew by!” Draco said, his eyes wide. “Also, Harry is so quiet about his discomfort, so… am I a bad boy…husband, Mum?”

“Of course not, sweetheart. This is all new for both of you. You’re learning to navigate a new relationship, you just got married, your husband is pregnant, and so much drama seems to keep finding us… It’s a lot for anyone to handle.” She smiled gently. “I do keep a lot of potions on hand. Severus always made sure we were well-stocked and taught us most of what we know.” Her expression grew sombre as she looked away. 

“I’m sorry for bringing up hard memories, Mum.”

She shook her head. “It’s alright, Dragon. Your Father did love us in his own way, but he wasn’t as attentive toward me during my pregnancy as you might have gathered. However, Severus was there for me. He was there for both of us.” They wouldn’t have survived without Severus’s help.

“Yeah,” Draco said, looking down. “I have Harry waiting. He’s currently confused because I made him rest face down on the bed.” Draco laughed, slightly blushing. It felt strange to talk to his Mum about this on his wedding night, even if it wasn’t a sexual thing. “I transfigured the bed to accommodate his stomach.”

“That’s…” Narcissa trailed off, trying not to think about how something so simple could have made her feel good during her pregnancy with Draco. Instead of dwelling on what she didn’t have in the past, she decided to focus on what she had now in the present. Smiling, she patted Draco’s shoulder. “You’re a wonderful son, husband, and soon we can add Papa to that list.”

“Thank you,” Draco whispered.

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

“Are you awake?” Draco asked as he returned to his bedroom, arms full of various items to help Harry, surprisingly including some Muggle-made products. He set the items on the end table and sat on the bed next to Harry, rubbing a hand along his back and smiling when Harry shivered beneath his touch.

“Mm, barely,” Harry murmured.

“Let me take care of you on our wedding night. I love you.” Draco leaned down, placing a kiss between Harry’s shoulder blades. He summoned a tub of pain cream that was Muggle-made and infused with a pain potion. It was one of Severus’s inventions that he created for Narcissa during her pregnancy. The cream also had a warming effect. Draco smiled, dipping his fingers into the cream and breathing in the soothing citrus aroma that came from it.

“Mmkay,” Harry mumbled. He opened his eyes, turning his head to see Draco, and smiled. “I love you, too.”

Draco rubbed his hands together, feeling the heat in his palms; it was a pleasant sensation. With a smile, he began on Harry’s feet, firmly pressing against the pad of his left foot, rubbing the pain potion everywhere he could and massaging as he went. Harry gasped, not expecting Draco’s hands to touch him like that.

“D-Draco… what is that?”

“A secret recipe created by Severus,” Draco explained, feeling pride that his Godfather was such a good man, even if he rarely showed it around others. “He made the pain potion for my Mum when she was carrying me.” Draco rubbed the potion up along Harry’s legs, his smile growing wider the more Harry squirmed and moaned appreciatively as he worked out painful kinks in his muscles.

“Feels… uh… wow!” Harry groaned. “I forgot… um… words.”

“We don’t always need words,” Draco whispered, moving his hands to Harry’s lower back. He started gently, rubbing in small circles, though his massage became firmer as he dug in more. It was easy for him to figure out which areas needed work based on Harry’s reactions. Draco smiled, moving his hands up to rub Harry’s shoulder blades and knead his muscles.

“D-Draco… ow… yes… ow… more…”

“Even though you're saying ouch?” Draco asked, pulling his hands back.

“Yes,” Harry laughed. “I can’t explain it. It hurts, but in a good way.”

“If you’re sure,” Draco said, returning to work on his shoulders. When he felt satisfied he had tended to every possible area on Harry’s back, he gently nudged Harry, instructing him to turn over, and quickly transfigured the bed back to normal.

Harry lay on his back, blinking up at Draco, his cheeks flushed and gasping, eyes widening when Draco started to massage his baby bump, moving his hands around the curve of his stomach. Tears filled Harry’s eyes. “Thank you.” He wiped the wetness from his cheeks, but more tears flowed. “Thank you,” he repeated.

“Anything for you,” Draco said. “Anything.”

Chapter Text

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

Monday, 19th April 1999

Luna woke first, feeling fully refreshed now that there were fewer people around, and those still present were no longer as hyped as they had been the day before. She smiled, enjoying the magic that surrounded her. For the most part, being near the magic of her family was always comforting, except during times when one or more of them were going through a stressful experience. She glanced down at Ginny and gently nudged her shoulder. “Ginny, I know it sounds horrible to say this the day after we got married, but we do have school today. It’s time to get up.”

“Nooo,” Ginny grumbled, rolling away from her. Luna crawled on top of her, lying flat against her back. “How can I get up if you’re squashing me?” Ginny pushed her hips up, trying to knock Luna off balance, but that only made Luna hang on tighter, causing her to giggle. “I thought we had class.”

“I can’t help it!” Luna wrapped her body around Ginny and kissed her neck. “Minerva might overlook it if we’re late.”

“She can’t start making things like that a habit,” Ginny said, finally managing to wiggle free from Luna’s embrace. “It’s so early.”

“It’s seven,” Luna said. “There’s plenty of time to get washed, dressed, have breakfast, and make it back to Hogwarts in time for our first class.”

“Boo!” Ginny flopped out of bed, moving around like a rag doll. She was definitely not a morning person. Laughing, Luna bounded after her into the toilet. Ginny glanced at her, shaking her head. “You feel better?”

Luna banished their clothes onto the beds and smiled brightly. “Yes, I’m well recovered. Yesterday was amazing, Ginny. We’re married!” She giggled as she turned on the showerhead, pulling Ginny into the tub with her.

“I know we pretended to be forever wives when we were younger, but I never imagined getting married at this age,” Ginny said as she began to scrub Luna’s back. “I’m not complaining, though. I feel so lucky.”

Sighing happily, Luna turned around and wrapped her arms around Ginny in a tight hug. “I’m so thrilled as well.”

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

George wrapped his arms around Pansy, resting his face against her chest. Pansy yawned and returned the embrace. “Good morning to you, too, Georgie,” she said with a smile. “You’re so heavy!” She tried to push him away, but he snuggled closer to her, laughing.

“I’m well muscled, of course, I’m heavy,” George teased, climbing further on top of her. “Are you complaining about my cuddle methods?” His question was met with her wrapping her legs around his waist, effectively trapping him in place. She hadn’t actually wanted to push him away, and his weight on top of her was comforting, to be honest.

“Oh no, I can’t get away! Whatever will I do?” George mock cried dramatically, halfheartedly attempting to escape, but she held on tighter. “Someone help me…Flower turned into a venus flytrap!”

“Nobody is coming to your rescue,” Pansy said. “You were caught in my trap the moment we met in 1986. I wish we could remember that day, but just knowing we met back then is still shocking to process.”

George kissed her neck, his hands tangling in her hair. She tilted her head back, giving him better access. The intimate side of their relationship was still new to her; she wasn’t sure she’d ever fully get used to it. She enjoyed how it made her feel, but she was unsure of what to do and tended to shy away from George whenever he seemed to want to take things further. Thankfully, he never pushed her beyond her comfort zone, and Pansy was grateful for that.

“I think my neck has had enough kisses,” Pansy said, removing her legs from George's waist. She pushed him back and sat up, stretching her arms above her head. “Ugh, I don’t want to go back to Hogwarts.”

“I’d rather you stayed with me as well,” George said, cupping her chin and pressing his lips to hers. Pansy smiled into the kiss, parting her lips to let his tongue dart into her mouth. She tried to keep up with him but found herself becoming breathless far too quickly.

“G-Georgie!” She pushed him away. “Air is essential to a healthy relationship.” She jumped out of bed, calling, “Ladies first!” for old times' sake as she dashed into the toilet to take a shower.

Laughing, George shook his head, fondly remembering the first time they shared this room.

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

Seamus sat up in bed, swinging his legs over the side. He stood up and walked stiffly across the room, bumping into the wall. He turned around, blinked a few times, and continued moving, colliding with the toilet door and hitting his head rather hard, but he pressed on as if nothing had happened.

“Ah…” Dean startled awake, blinking in confusion at first. When he saw Seamus with his eyes half-open and unfocused, repeatedly walking into the wall, he jumped up. Dean put a hand in front of Seamus’s forehead just as he attempted to bang it against the door again, unaware of what he was doing.

“Sleepwalking again, are we?” Dean asked in a quiet voice. He yawned and vanished their clothing. Then, he quietly led Seamus into the toilet. He transfigured the rubbish bin into a shower chair and settled Seamus into the tub. “I’ve got you.”

“Mmm,” Seamus mumbled, raising his arms, still not fully aware of what was going on. His body was moving on autopilot, accustomed to this routine.

“I could just use a cleaning spell, but…” Dean shrugged. It felt more meaningful to help Seamus this way. It was also cute when Seamus finally woke up and realised he had sleepwalked again. The shower was the gentlest way of waking him up.

As expected, when Dean began washing Seamus’s legs, Seamus's eyes fluttered open, and he started to blush. “Again?” he whispered.

“Yeah,” Dean said with a fond smile. He loved how bashful Seamus looked. They had an agreement that Dean could take care of Seamus this way when he sleepwalked in the morning, even though Seamus still felt shy about it.

“Sorry,” Seamus said.

Dean looked up from where he was kneeling, scrubbing Seamus’s feet. “You never have to say that to me, Seamus. Not about this.”

“Thanks for taking care of me,” Seamus said.

“I’ll always take care of you,” Dean said earnestly. “I genuinely mean that.”

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

“Hello!” Hermione exclaimed too loudly when Ron woke up. He winced and held his head. “You still seemed a bit tipsy during dinner last night. I figured you’d be paying for your actions today. Here,” she said, holding out a hangover cure.

Ron gratefully drank it and then jumped on her, wrapping his arms around her neck. “If you were going to be so sweet and give me that, why did you yell at me?”

“That wasn’t intentional,” Hermione answered. “I was just so happy to see you.”

“You’re so cheesy. We see each other every day.” Ron kissed her cheek and then moved to kiss her on the mouth, but she pushed him away.

“Not until we brush our tee-”

Ron cast a full-body cleaning spell on them and then grinned cheekily. Hermione rolled her eyes and pulled him to her chest, kissing him deeply. Ron’s eyes widened, and he started to flush when her hands pressed beneath his pyjama top.

“Did you enjoy yesterday?” Hermione asked after they stopped kissing.

“The best part was the baby chase,” Ron said. “That was glorious. Oh, and how awkwardly cute Dudley and Oliver were acting. Did you notice?”

Hermione smirked. “I think everyone noticed, even Teddy.”

They looked at each other, laughing so hard that tears came to their eyes.

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

Charlie swished his wand through the air, watching as words and numbers floated in front of his face. He smiled as he went through all the statistics of the dragons he was monitoring. This was something he did every day, though it wasn't strictly necessary since his monitoring charms would alert him if anything went wrong. He still enjoyed looking; it was fun to see how the dragons were progressing.

Lee sat up in bed, leaning against Charlie’s side. “Oh!” he pointed to a line blinking toward the bottom of the list. “Did you know about that already?”

Rubbing his eyes, unsure if he was imagining things, Charlie looked again, his mouth falling open before his expression shifted into a wide smile. “Pearl is with child again! This will be her second group of hatchlings. Dragons only mate again when they believe their previous hatchlings are thriving well enough to survive on their own in the wild.” He looked at Lee and hugged him.

“You’re excited,” Lee laughed against his neck.

“Of course I am! I need to get back to Romania to inspect her in person. Do you have any games coming up?” Charlie asked, reaching for Lee’s hand and squeezing it tightly.

“Are you asking me to go with you to Romania?”

“Yes! You’ve already got clearance to be around the dragons, so… can you come?” Charlie asked softly.

“I want to, but let me check my schedule. I know I’m free today, but sometimes I get called in for last-minute replacements. I am on call, which is how I get a steady paycheck even when I’m not covering games. Not many people are willing to be on call twenty-four seven.” Lee leaned across Charlie to grab his wand from the nightstand and pulled up his schedule. “Ah… well, it looks like I got called in for the game on Wednesday.”

“Then can you spend today and tomorrow with me in Romania?” Charlie asked as he climbed out of bed.

“I would love to.”

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

“Mm,” Harry groaned, slowly starting to wake up. He blinked and turned his head, squinting at Draco, who was a complete blur, a beautiful blur, but a blur nonetheless. “Accio glasses,” he said, catching them easily. He put them on and smiled as Draco came into focus.

“Are you staring at me?” Draco asked, rolling over to face him. He scooted closer, pressing their noses together. “Good morning, Mr. Potter.”

“How could I not stare at you, Mr. Potter?” Harry asked with a grin, though his eyes suddenly widened. “Ah, bladder!” He struggled to sit up, groaning in frustration. Without a word, Draco sat up and helped him to his feet. Once steady, Harry rushed to the toilet, sighing with relief after taking care of himself.

“You alright?” Draco asked, leaning against the doorframe.

“The baby seems to be pressing on my bladder more today,” Harry pouted. “Kind of rude, if you ask me.” Wincing, he held onto his back. It hurt much worse than it had yesterday, although it had felt great after the potion massage.

“Do you need another massage?” Draco asked, retrieving the pain cream.

“I’m fine…”

“Harry…”

Sighing, Harry nodded. “Alright, but just a quick one. We have to get to breakfast, and we still have class today.”

Draco helped Harry remove his clothing and guided him into the shower. He gently washed Harry, taking extra care around the areas where Harry was experiencing the most pain. “Lean against the wall,” he instructed after Harry was clean.

Harry sighed and closed his eyes as Draco spread the pain potion all over his back, his ass, and around the front, covering his baby bump as well. “Draco, you have magical hands, and I don’t just mean that because you’re a wizard using a pain potion.”

“Are you trying to flatter me?” Draco asked.

“Is it working?” 

“Yes,” Draco said, pressing against Harry and kissing his neck. “How does it feel now?”

“Hard,” Harry said, bursting into laughter. “In more ways than one.”

Draco pulled back and smacked Harry's ass. 

“That won’t help!” Harry exclaimed. “You’re insane. I’m glad I married you.”

“That’s my line,” Draco said softly.

Chapter Text

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

Monday, 19th April 1999

“Good morning, Sleeping Beauty,” Percy teased, poking Blaise’s nose. Blaise blinked up at Percy, groaned, and tried to pull the blanket over his face. “Come on, Princess Buttercup, it’s time to get up. You actually have to attend classes to graduate.”

“We skipped two days and were excused for it,” Blaise said. “We even made up the work we missed.”

“You know, George and I will never forget how you and Pansy made us feel that day,” Percy said softly. “Come on, let’s get ready.”

“I don’t want to leave you,” Blaise pouted. “Also, please don’t add Buttercup to your list of nicknames for me. And Sleeping Beauty? What’s that all about?”

Percy laughed. “She’s a fairy tale princess who... well, she sleeps.” He grabbed Blaise’s hands. “You don’t have much school left, and then we’ll be living together.”

Blaise didn’t even have a job lined up, and truth be told, he was used to living without worrying about money because his Mum had given him an extravagant allowance since before he could walk, which was probably the only parental thing she ever did for him, making sure he was set for life. He wondered if Percy even realised how wealthy he was and if Percy would feel strange living with someone who didn’t need to work to make ends meet.

He didn’t want to be bored, so he needed to find something he wanted to do after Hogwarts, but what? He didn’t have a major interest in any subject, unlike Ron, who was passionate about the medical field, or Draco, who was drawn to the creative arts. Blaise sighed as he climbed out of bed.

“What was that sound for?” Percy asked as they walked into the toilet to get ready for the day.

“I just realised how boring I am,” Blaise said. “I don’t know what I want to do after I graduate, other than live with you, of course.”

“There’s no rush to find a job, Blaise. If money is a concern, you don’t need to worry! George, Charlie, and I make enough to maintain a household, and the house and property are already paid for. Not to mention, Lee makes a lot of money with his job as a substitute commentator.”

“Wait, no…” Blaise placed a finger on Percy’s lips, smiling fondly. “Money isn’t the issue. Thank you, though.” He leaned their foreheads together. “I’ve got enough money.” In fact, he had more money than he knew what to do with, possibly even more than Harry, which was saying something.

“What’s the problem then?” Percy asked as they started to undress. Percy turned on the showerhead, adjusting the temperature just right before stepping under the spray of water. He smiled, leaning back against Blaise’s chest as he got in behind him, wrapping his arms around Percy’s waist.

“What’s my passion? What do I want to do? It sounds pompous to say that I don’t need to work because my Mum’s lifestyle afforded me so many luxuries, but it’s the truth. I never thought about a career before. I was a spoiled kid who expected…” Blaise trailed off. “I don’t know what.”

“Some people don’t know what they enjoy until they experience it,” Percy said. He turned around to face Blaise, pressing their lips together, pushing him up against the shower wall.

Blaise gently moved him back, his cheeks flushed with desire. “We’re on a time crunch, or did you forget?”

“No, I didn’t,” Percy said. “It was only a quick kiss.” He grinned and went back to washing himself. “We can figure everything out as we go, Blaise. There’s no need to stress about it.”

“But you like knowing how things are going to go! You’re moving in with a person who has no plan whatsoever,” Blaise said, kissing Percy’s shoulder and then resting his chin on him.

“I know how things are going to go,” Percy said. “You’re going to graduate, and we’re going to move in together and have fun trying to survive living with two other barmy couples. We’ll fall even more in love with each other. We’ll witness ourselves and all our family members going through milestones. We’ll be happy. Is that a good plan?”

“It’s honestly the best plan I’ve ever heard,” Blaise whispered, feeling overwhelmingly blessed.

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

“Knock, knock, can I come in?” Oliver called from outside Dudley’s door. It was a little after seven-thirty, and everyone was up and moving around The Manor, heading to the kitchen to eat breakfast before the Hogwarts students had to leave.

Oliver leaned against the door, yelping when it swung open, and he tripped inside. That wasn’t his greatest moment as a supposedly athletic sportsman. He flushed, looking around the room, not seeing Dudley, though he heard the sink running from the toilet.

“Dudley, sorry to intrude, but you didn’t lock your door, and I basically fell in,” Oliver said, walking further into the bedroom. He smiled when Dudley poked his head out of the toilet door, a toothbrush sticking out of his mouth. “Sorry,” he repeated.

“Thsoalrt,” Dudley mumbled around his toothbrush, his cheeks turning pink.

“I’m afraid I don’t speak whatever language that was,” Oliver teased, following Dudley into the toilet and watching him spit out his toothpaste and rinse his mouth.

“To be fair, it’s not an easy language to learn,” Dudley said as he patted a hand towel to his face. His hair was damp, and his skin had that freshly scrubbed, rosy look. “I said that it was alright.”

“Are you ready to go? Can I walk with you to the kitchen?” Oliver asked.

Dudley grabbed his travel bag, slinging it over his shoulder. One thing he could say about Oliver was that he was definitely a gentleman since their second date was technically over by now, wasn’t it? Dudley glanced at Oliver and nodded. “Thank you. That would be nice.”

Harry’s words echoed in Dudley’s mind as they walked to the kitchen, standing so close that their hands brushed together every few steps. “Dudley, do you like Oliver?” Harry had correctly assumed that he did. Who wouldn’t be attracted to someone like Oliver? He was kind and attentive, and Dudley knew that even if Oliver didn’t have conventionally good looks, he would still feel drawn to him. There was something about Oliver that made Dudley want to get to know him better. It wasn’t because Oliver was a wizard or famous; it was something more profound.

‘How in the world do I even suggest a third date? It seems ridiculous to think he’d be interested. Why would he? Let’s set aside that I’m a Muggle, he’s Muggle-born, so we can relate somewhat there.’

‘He’s got a proper job, he’s fit, he’s famous, and I… well, a bookstore isn’t a bad job, but it’s quiet, and some might say dull. I’m overweight, and I definitely don’t know my way around any sport, let alone a wizarding one. I suppose my face isn't too bad… but how does a person really judge their own appearance? His face is gorgeous.’

“Dudley!”

Jumping, Dudley gasped, his heart racing so fast he thought he might need to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist. He blinked and reached out to steady himself against the wall, looking over at Oliver, who was watching him, his brown eyes filled with concern. Dudley swallowed, his face flushing, and glanced down at the floor. “I’m sorry. I…”

“You stopped walking and were just standing there with your head in the clouds,” Oliver said, placing a hand on Dudley’s shoulder. “Are you alright?”

“Mm,” Dudley nodded. “You’ve already figured out that I share this with Harry. Apparently, it’s more of an issue for me, though. I do get lost in my thoughts quite a lot.” He nibbled on his bottom lip and shrugged. “I can’t help it.”

Sarah mentioned that it was a coping mechanism because he didn’t grow up with someone to communicate with openly, so he talked to himself instead. It wasn’t something a person could simply shut off just because they grew up. She didn’t know the whole story of how he was raised; it wasn’t like he could tell his coworkers much, or he’d risk them finding out about Harry and magic. His friends knew enough to understand that he’d grown up as the golden child, while his cousin was a scapegoat. Something that left scars on both of them.

“I’m not judging you for doing it,” Oliver said. “We all have our moments or things that set us apart from others. I was concerned because I had to try to get your attention three times. You were so far into your head. Do you need to talk about anything?” 

His kind eyes and smile almost made Dudley want to spill his entire life story, but he held back. Half of it involved Harry’s personal details.

“I came into Harry’s world on the fifteenth. I’m still processing everything I’ve seen and learned about the world you and Harry live in.” Dudley glanced at his hands. “So, I guess I was going over a lot of that in my head.” He couldn’t admit to Oliver that the main thing he had been contemplating was how to gather the nerve to ask if they could see each other again.

“What’s been the most shocking?” Oliver asked, leaning against the wall so close that Dudley could smell the hair wash he used. It had cinnamon undertones; the scent was comforting.

“I suppose…flying, obviously, talking books that insult Muggles and Muggle-borns. Oh, and the fact that paintings can have moving people in them. I think the man in black, did he say his name was Snap, might have recognised me somehow.” Dudley laughed awkwardly, feeling daft.

“Snape,” Oliver corrected. “I don’t know how he could have recognised you. He probably thought you were cute.”

Dudley blushed. “Don’t say that! He looked like he was in his forties!”

“Late thirties, I think... well, he’s actually dead now,” Oliver said. “It’s a long story, and it’s not mine to tell, but I can say that those two paintings at the wedding were of Headmasters at Hogwarts. When they die, a painting is created to hang at Hogwarts, and the painted version retains all of their memories.”

“I’m lost,” Dudley said, his eyes wide. “There’s so much more to magic than just saying hocus pocus.”

Oliver took out his wand and had Dudley open his hand. He pointed at Dudley’s palm and said, “Hocus pocus,” conjuring an emerald crystal dragonfly. “Yes, it is true. There is much more to the magical world than that.”

“You're having me on. That wasn’t a real spell, was it?” Dudley asked, bringing the dragonfly closer to his face for a better look. It was beautiful, resembling the dragonflies from the wedding ceremony.

Laughing, Oliver put his wand away. “You caught me. It was a bit of nonverbal conjuring.”

“Will this vanish?” Dudley asked, hoping he could keep it as a reminder of his time with Oliver. He smiled at the little trinket.

“No, it’s yours now,” Oliver said, reaching out to close Dudley’s hand around the dragonfly.

“We saw that,” George said as he and Pansy walked past them in the hallway. They exchanged amused glances and giggles. “Oliver, I didn’t know you followed pureblood rituals…”

“George, mind your own business,” Oliver said, groaning. He grabbed Dudley’s hand, pulling him into the kitchen.

“What was he talking about?” Dudley asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

“He’s a good person, don’t get me wrong,” Oliver said, glancing at Dudley. “But some of the things that come out of his mouth are just nonsense. I’m allowed to say that because we’re friends.”

Dudley laughed. “Alright, I get it.” He smiled at Oliver and carefully placed the dragonfly in his travel bag, tucking it gently between his clothes to prevent it from breaking.

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

Narcissa waved as the last person passed through the fireplace. She sighed and looked down at Jingle. May couldn’t come soon enough. Her house arrest would end in mid-May, and at the beginning of June, Draco and the others would graduate and move into their new homes.

“Cissa, it won’t be long, and you’ll be able to do whatever you want,” Jingle said quietly. She didn’t mind being Narcissa’s eyes and ears during her time on house arrest, but she knew how lonely Narcissa felt when there were no visitors. “Draco and Harry will let you stay with them often! I’m sure of it.” She smiled up at Narcissa, reaching out to hold her hand.

“I know,” Narcissa said. “I’m alright, Jingle. Don’t worry about me.”

But how could Jingle not worry? She loved all her family: Narcissa, Andromeda, and their mother, Druella, had been her babies the longest, though she tried not to think about Bellatrix. Her poor Bella could not be saved from the madness that consumed her, and she did unspeakable things that could not be forgiven.

“Shall we clear out more of the Manor?” Jingle suggested. “It’s almost time for us to leave this place.”

Narcissa nodded, and they turned to walk away from the fireplace.

Chapter Text

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Tuesday, 20th April 1999

Harry opened his eyes, feeling disoriented and in considerable pain. He groaned, rolling over onto his side, wincing as the skin on his stomach felt like it was on fire whenever it rubbed against something. “Tempus,” he mumbled. It was almost 5 PM. Draco had gone to send his Mum a letter, and Harry fell asleep the moment he left. He felt awful. In spite of that, the urge to jump up and tidy the room was overwhelming. Magical cleaning wouldn’t suffice, and without access to Muggle cleaning supplies, he was at a loss for what to do about his desire to clean.

“Ah…” Harry painfully rolled out of bed and wobbled into the toilet, crying out when he accidentally urinated himself before reaching the loo. His face turned red with shame. He knew it was nothing to be embarrassed about, but he couldn’t help it.

“Harry? Where are you?” Draco’s tired voice called from the bedroom. “Are you alright? I just got back… Hey…” he said, finding Harry in the toilet, hunched over as much as he could with his stomach in the way.

Harry was physically tired, but mentally, he felt like he could bounce off the walls. His mind screamed at him to be doing something. ‘Run, run, run,’ it seemed to chant. He didn’t want Draco to see him like this. What if Draco looked at him and no longer found him attractive? What if he regretted marrying him? Angry tears spilt down Harry’s cheeks as he swiped at them. 

“I’m fine!” Harry insisted. “I’m…” Harry wasn’t fine. He couldn’t stop shaking with embarrassment and fear of rejection. Deep down, he knew these feelings were illogical. Draco had proved time and again how much he cared for Harry and their baby. An accident wouldn’t change that.

Draco walked further into the toilet, frowning. “You don’t seem fine.”

“Don’t look at me. I’m disgusting!” Harry turned away from Draco, crying harder, his shoulders shaking. His hormones were especially uncooperative today, and he felt guilty for treating Draco this way.

“Oh, Harry,” Draco said softly. “You’re not disgusting. Let me help you.” He walked closer to Harry, his heart constricting when Harry tried to scrunch down to hide even further, which was impossible with a thirty-two-week pregnant belly.

“Y-you’ll never want me again. I’m g-gross!” Harry covered his face, refusing to look at Draco.

“I love you so much, Harry. I promise I would never think that,” Draco reassured him, placing a hand on Harry’s shoulder. “You’re carrying life inside you. You’re amazing. I’m so proud of you.”

Harry lowered his hands and blinked up at Draco, his bottom lip quivering. “A-are you sure you still want me?”

“Every day, throughout this journey, I look at you and fall more in love with you,” Draco said, gripping Harry’s hands and looking earnestly into his eyes. “We’ve both come a long way to get where we are! I’ve wanted this with you before I ever knew I would be allowed to have it. That will never change.”

“I-I made a mess,” Harry sniffled, pushing his hands beneath his glasses to scrub at his eyes.

“Oh, that’s alright, you’re thirty-two weeks pregnant; I’d dare say you’re allowed to make messes!” Draco leaned down and kissed his forehead. “I’ll be right here to help you clean them up. I promise.”

“I feel weird,” Harry mumbled. “I’m so tired, but I want to run around and clean everything the Muggle way.” He rubbed his eyes again, wincing in pain as his back seized up. “Ow, fuck… it hurts! My back is killing me.”

“After we get cleaned up, we can go see Poppy, alright?”

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Poppy stood over Harry, her lips set in a straight line. Her eyes gave nothing away, making Draco inwardly fume. He understood why she had to maintain a neutral expression, but it killed him not to know what she was thinking.

“Alright,” Poppy said quietly. “I know you don’t want to know the gender, and you told me not to mention anything concerning the baby unless it was an emergency, but I have to say something now.”

Harry whimpered, and Draco’s face paled. That only meant one thing. Something was wrong with the baby.

“I’ve respected your wishes by not saying anything, but it can no longer be kept a secret because you have to know before you give birth.” Poppy walked over to her desk, rummaged around, and came back with a folder containing the progress reports from each check-up Harry had undergone, along with the ultrasounds that Harry and Draco had decided not to look at, wanting the gender to be a surprise. “I’ve blurred out the genitals so at least that can still be a surprise,” she said with a smile.

Confused, Harry opened the file, his eyes widening as he flipped through the ultrasounds. “Draco, am I seeing this, or do I need to update my eye prescription?”

Taking a shuddering breath, Draco took out the most recent ultrasound. Clear as day, two babies. Twins. Draco’s eyes rolled into the back of his head, and he fainted, hitting the hard tiled floor with a loud thud, making Harry gasp in alarm. If anyone should pass out by the news, Harry would have thought that he would be the one to do it, not Draco.

“D-Draco?” Harry tried to get up, but Poppy held him back.

“Merlin, Mr. Potter, are you quite alright?” Poppy asked, leaning down to check on Draco. Her shock at Draco’s sudden fainting pushed Poppy back into the professionalism she was supposed to have around students.

It took Harry a moment to realise she didn’t mean him, and in spite of his anxiety over Draco fainting, he couldn’t help smiling.

Poppy cast a diagnostic spell on Draco before turning to Harry. “He’s fine, just a slight bump on his head. No lasting damage. As for you, Harry… I’d rather talk about this when he wakes up, but I don’t want you to worry, you understand?”

“Y-yes… is something wrong with the babies…?” Harry felt a wave of dizziness wash over him at the thought of twins. Two babies! He was overwhelmed. Poppy gently urged him to lie back on the bed.

“Sweetheart… Harry, you’re in the stages of early labour. Twins often come sooner than singleton babies,” Poppy said softly, rubbing his back where she knew his pain was located.

“Is that why my back keeps seizing up? Is that why… uh…” Harry trailed off, his mind fixated on the fact that there were two babies and that Draco was currently passed out on the floor. Poppy hadn't even levitated him to a bed. Harry thought they would probably laugh about that later.

She nodded. “The problem is that you’re in active labour, but your water hasn’t broken yet. I’m going to have to help you with that.”

Harry gasped, squeezing his eyes shut as another sharp pain coursed through him. “Ahrg! OW! Was that a contraction?” The pain was worse than the backache he had experienced earlier in the toilet. Did that mean the pain would get worse during labour? Harry shuddered, tears forming in his eyes.

“What the hell is going on?” Draco groaned, pushing himself off the floor. “Why am I on the floor… Harry!” He jumped up and grabbed Harry’s hand. “Was I dreaming?”

“N-no! Ahhrgh! FUCK! S-sorry for cursing so m-much!” Harry groaned as another wave of pain hit him. “Twins. Draco. Twins. Ahh!” He squeezed his eyes shut again, shaking as he gripped Draco’s hand tightly. He worried he might break Draco’s fingers, but Draco didn’t mind, enduring the pressure without complaint.

Poppy waved a hand. Cursing was nothing. She’d heard a lot worse in her line of work.

“What’s wrong with him?” Draco asked Poppy, anxiously biting his bottom lip. “Why does it hurt so much? Why did you have to tell us about the twins? Does that mean something is wrong?” His voice was high-pitched and frantic.

“He’s in labour, Mr. Potter,” Poppy explained, using his new last name, thinking it might help distract him from his fear, but he barely registered that she used the name.

“What? But they will be so tiny!” Draco looked back and forth between Harry and Poppy. “Is it normal? Does this happen a lot? W-what can I do?” The last question came out as a panicked squeak. Draco felt powerless seeing Harry in so much pain.

Poppy walked over to the potions cabinet on the wall and took out a vial. “The first thing you can do is take this poti-”

“No! I don’t want my mind altered!” Draco interrupted loudly. “I’m fine. Sorry, I’m calming down. I am.” He took a deep, shuddering breath. “Alright, tell me… tell us…”

Poppy repeated what she had already explained to Harry and then went to gather the tools she would need to break Harry’s water.

“What is that?” Draco blurted as she emerged with a frightening-looking device that resembled a long hook. “That’s Muggle… it doesn’t look Wizard-made at all!”

Harry didn’t respond, feeling too weak to do anything but whimper and squeeze Draco’s hand.

“Some things are best done the natural way,” Poppy explained gently.

“I-I get that, but after you use that tool, how long until Harry has the baby… babies?” Draco asked.

“Labour varies quite a lot. A first child often takes longer, I’m afraid. I’ve known people in labour longer than a day,” Poppy said as gently as possible.

Harry groaned, finally finding his voice again. “Merlin, but we’re wizards! Can’t you speed the process up?”

“I’m afraid not. You don’t want to mess with the birth of a baby too much. It has to be done mostly naturally, similar to how Muggles deliver,” Poppy answered with a small smile.

“That’s not fair! I’m already a man who is pregnant!” Harry pouted, then screamed as another sharp pain hit him. “Fuck!” He squeezed Draco’s hand again. Draco winced but didn’t complain.

“Do you want a pain prevention spell or potion, Harry?” Poppy asked.

Even while writhing in pain and seeing Draco's struggle to hold back tears, Harry shook his head. “Ahh! N-no! I don’t want anything altered, either! Ah! Ahh!” Harry pressed his face against Draco’s side, trembling as the contraction pain subsided. It hurt immensely, but he wanted to feel everything; he wanted to remember this moment and knew that taking pain relief could blur the memories of his babies being born.

“You’re doing great,” Draco whispered. “You’ve got this, darling.”

“I understand, natural birth, it is,” Poppy sighed. “I know this is uncomfortable for you, but I’ve seen everything, so many body types, all ages and genders, so there’s no reason to feel weird about this, alright?” she said. “Now, I need to remove your robe, trousers and pants.”

“F-fine, g-go ahead,” Harry said in a small voice, his cheeks flushing. He shivered as everything but his shirt vanished, fighting the urge to cover himself, which was impossible given the size of his stomach.

Poppy cast a warming charm on Harry. “Draco, help me roll him onto his side,” she instructed.

Draco gently gripped Harry’s side, and together with Poppy, they positioned him correctly. “There is going to be a spell to expand you and add lubrication. Then you’ll feel a pinch and some wetness, alright? Don’t panic,” she said soothingly.

This was humiliating. A sixty-something-year-old woman he had known since he was eleven was putting her fingers up his bum, along with a freaky-looking hook tool. Harry gasped, feeling a sudden pinch, and with a whoosh, some pressure in his lower stomach was released, and his legs and the bed became soaked.

“There you go, good job, Harry,” Draco said, rubbing Harry’s forehead. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

“You do it then,” Harry grumbled. “Then you tell me if it wasn’t so bad!” He glared at Draco and then burst into gasping sobs. He didn’t like feeling so mean, especially to his husband.

“I’d take all the discomfort from you if I could,” Draco said, squeezing Harry’s hand. He leaned down and kissed Harry’s brow. “You know I would.”

“I know,” Harry whispered. “Sorry for being grumpy.”

Poppy vanished the mess and straightened up with a smile. “Now we wait.”

Chapter Text

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Tuesday, 20th April 1999

“How are you feeling?” Hermione asked as she and Ron walked into the room. 

Harry and Draco still hadn’t told anyone that it was twins, deciding to keep it a surprise until they were born. Their family were so concerned that he was in labour at thirty-two weeks, but Poppy had reassured them that, so far, the scans did not indicate anything was wrong. The babies should be fine, unless unforeseen complications arise. Harry was too high-risk because he was having twins, so he wouldn't be transported to St. Mungo’s; Poppy was going to deliver the babies, and afterwards, Harry and the twins would have a short stay at St. Mungo's for observation. 

“Peachy,” Harry snapped. He flushed and rubbed a hand over his face. He looked at Hermione, squinting to see if she was angry at him, but he couldn’t tell because he wasn’t wearing his glasses. “I’m sorry!”

“Don’t stress it,” Hermione said, walking over to his bed and sitting in the chair next to him. She looked across at Draco, who was slumped over in a chair on the other side, sound asleep, his face pinched. “He hasn’t slept at all, has he?”

“No, who knew this would take so long?” Harry glared at nobody in particular and sighed. He hated being so moody, but Poppy said it was normal; his body was going through a lot of changes.

“It’s because this is your first baby, and it’s different for wizards giving birth than it is for women,” Ron said. “I read about it.” He looked pretty proud of that fact. “You’re made of tough stuff, Harry. Twelve hours. I can’t even imagine.”

It was five AM, and Draco had exhausted himself running around, informing everyone, constantly worrying over Harry. It was no wonder he had passed out, and Harry wanted to let him sleep as long as possible, so he asked Poppy to cast a silencing charm over him, one that would drop the moment Draco woke up or when Harry requested it be taken off.

“Harry!” Fleur exclaimed, waddling into the room, her stomach huge but still not as big as Harry’s, even though she was three weeks ahead of him. “You beat me to it,” Fleur mock-scolded. “You mustn’t try to win everything. This isn’t a race!”

Bill laughed. “She’s been worrying herself sick since we found out, which is why we’re here when she should be sleeping!” 

“Five AM is morning, Bill! I can be awake now,” Fleur said, rolling her eyes.

Bill noticed that Draco was asleep and winced. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to yell.”

“He can’t hear us,” Harry said. “I’m letting… Ahhghh… Ooh… ow…” He squeezed his eyes shut, grunting out as a contraction hit him. Hermione and Ron were at his side in an instant, holding his hands and helping him breathe through the pain. “...him sleep!”

“Breathe, Harry,” Ron said, his voice calm and practised. “In and out, hoo hoo heee! Copy me.” His cheeks filled as he drew in air, then emptied as he released it in a long breath.

Harry tried to downplay the pain, not wanting to scare Fleur or Neville if he showed up, but considering the time, he doubted Neville would visit, and Harry didn’t blame him. Then again, Fleur showed up, and she was nearly ready to pop. “Thank you,” Harry said after the contraction passed. “Ron, when did you learn that?” He smiled, wiping a hand over his forehead. 

Hermione jumped up, went to the sink in the room, and filled a goblet with water, helping Harry sip it.

Ron blushed and rubbed the back of his neck. “I might have read some books.”

“Don’t be modest,” Hermione said proudly. “He’s been studying up on pregnancy practically since the day we found out you were pregnant, but he’s too shy to admit it.”

“Hermione!” Ron covered his face. 

“He could check and tell you how dilated you are, Harry,” Hermione said. “It’s nothing to be shy about, Ron. You’re interested in how babies are born!” Hermione gave him a challenging look, daring him to deny it. She was still surprised that nobody had caught on to how much Ron was studying these days to get good marks in his N.E.W.T.s exam. Ron wanted to be a Healer and specialise as a Midwife Healer. Hermione was helping him in any way she could.

“Ronald, something you want to tell us?” Bill asked with a huge grin. 

“I don’t want to carry our babies,” Ron blurted, flushing. “I mean… uh…” He looked down. Hermione smiled softly. If there came a time when they wanted to have children and, for some reason, she couldn’t carry the baby, she knew that Ron would step up. That was just the kind of guy he was. It didn’t matter that they were a heterosexual couple; gender norms be damned.

“Not that, silly. You want to go into healing, with a focus on being a Midwife Healer, don’t you?” Fleur asked. “It sounds like you do.”

Poppy walked into the room, overhearing the last part of the conversation. “Who would like that?” she asked with a smile.

Everyone, including Draco, who had just woken up and heard everything, pointed at Ron, who flushed deeply.

“I don’t have an apprentice yet, Ron.” 

Harry gasped as another contraction hit him. The veins on his neck popped out, and it felt like his whole body was being hit by every curse imaginable. Draco jumped up from his chair and clasped Harry’s hand.

“Breathe,” Ron said, shaking off his embarrassment. He demonstrated the breathing technique again, but then backed away. “Sorry,” he said to Draco, “I’m not trying to take over your role.”

“Pffft,” Draco said, waving his hand dismissively. “It takes a village to raise a family, remember?”

“That’s what I’ve been saying!” Hermione exclaimed with a laugh. “And we’re literally building a village.” She giggled and patted Ron on the back as he and Draco helped Harry breathe. It was so endearing to watch.

Poppy smiled. “With Draco and Ron here, I might be out of a job,” she said, shaking her head in good humour, making Harry laugh through the pain.

Fleur doubled over with laughter. “So funny!” She straightened, leaning against Bill’s side. He wrapped his arms around her, oblivious to the sudden widening of her eyes.

“Mon eau! Le bébé, oh mon Dieu!” Fleur exclaimed, slipping subconsciously into French. She looked down, mouth falling open in shock. Her legs and feet were drenched, with water spreading across the floor. It was strange; she felt no pain at all. If she weren’t pregnant, she would have thought she had urinated herself.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Bill groaned as he helped Fleur over to one of the empty beds.

Fleur giggled despite the situation. “I told Harry he can’t win everything. The baby agrees with me. It’s a race now!”

“Poppy, will she be okay at thirty-five weeks?” Bill asked, his eyes wide with worry.

“Hey, I’m here at thirty-two weeks!” Harry shouted, panting through another contraction.

“Sorry,” Bill said, “but I have to ask.”

Poppy could tell at a glance that Fleur wasn’t going to have the baby in the next few minutes, let alone hours. She looked perfectly content, while Bill paced anxiously near Fleur’s bed. “Ron, you know the spells, don’t you?” Poppy asked, putting Ron on the spot.

Ron blushed but nodded. Bill watched his brother with wide eyes but didn’t protest when Ron cast some basic pregnancy diagnostic spells on Fleur. “Vitals for the baby are normal. Fleur’s core is strong,” Ron said quietly, his cheeks growing pinker.

“Do you have an estimation for when the baby will be here?” Poppy asked. She easily slipped into instructor mode.

“What is with this abrupt hands-on training?” Bill muttered, throwing up his arms in frustration.

“Between ten and twelve hours, most likely,” Ron answered. “It’s her first baby, after all.”

“Congratulations, Ron,” Poppy said. “You’re going to be my new apprentice. You will shadow me at least up until you pass your N.E.W.Ts, and then we can decide where to go from there.” Hermione beamed, and Ron looked like he might faint.

“Harry, who do you think will win?” Fleur teased. “I think I just might.”

“Don’t rub it in!” Harry pouted. “I've been here for twelve hours! If you think it will take you ten or more hours and you’d still win, then that means… AGHHH! FUCK!” he screamed, grabbing onto whoever was closest to him, which happened to be Draco and Hermione. They almost lost their balance because he didn’t realise how strong he was at that moment. 

They would have fallen on top of Harry, but Poppy acted quickly, conjuring a gust of wind with her wand that made them stumble in the opposite direction. Luckily, no one fell and got hurt.

“S-sorry,” Harry said, crying as the pain began to subside.

Fleur winced as a small contraction started, feeling guilty that her pain was nowhere near as intense as Harry’s. She didn't even need to hold Bill's hand, although he was still gripping her tightly, offering his support. She smiled at him, grateful nonetheless.

Poppy approached Fleur. “Do you want an anti-pain potion, Fleur?”

“Um…” Fleur considered the question, biting her bottom lip. She didn’t want to end up in the same predicament as Harry, so she slowly nodded. “Please.”

“Alright,” Poppy said, summoning the potion. She handed it to Ron, who blinked, turning red again. “Remember, you can’t administer potions unless I approve of them first. I assume you’ve read about all the pain management methods, Ronald?”

Ron nodded. “Yes.”

“Are you confident you know what you’re doing?” Bill asked, his eyes wide in disbelief. After all, this was his wife they were experimenting with.

“Bill,” Ron said earnestly, “I am very confident.”

“A-alright,” Bill relented, glancing at Fleur. “Are you fine with this?”

Fleur smiled. “Of course. I trust Ron.”

Ron beamed, looking puzzled when Poppy held her wand out to him. “What?”

“Place your wand tip to mine so we can make this official and legal,” Poppy explained. Ron nodded and complied. Poppy murmured a few words, and a white light shot out from their wands, coiling around their arms like a snake before vanishing. “You’re now legally allowed to assist me, Apprentice Ron, future Midwife Healer.”

Poppy pulled Ron aside, whispering to him what he was cleared to do now that he was shadowing her. He could administer approved potions and conduct inspections, such as checking dilation and casting basic diagnostic charms.

Hermione squealed and clapped her hands, becoming more animated than usual. “I’m so thrilled! Ron, you’ve wanted this!”

“Congr… ahh… fuck… uh… ulaationnns!” Harry screamed, crying and laughing at the same time.  Draco gripped his hands, helping him breathe, wandlessly drying his forehead as it became soaked with perspiration.

Ron gave Harry a worried glance and then helped Fleur take the anti-pain potion, careful with the dosage. He smiled at his sister-in-law, patting her on the head. Bill put his arm around Ron’s shoulders. 

“You do know when Mum hears about this… she’s going to burst into tears,” Bill said with a laugh.

“You mean Fleur being in labour as well?” Ron asked.

“Sure, that, but also about you wanting to become a Healer,” Bill said, feeling proud of his little brother.

Poppy walked over to Fleur, casting some spells. “You’re safe to be transferred to St. Mungo’s. But you must go now if you decide you want to.”

“No,” Fleur shook her head. “I am trying to win a race.” She giggled and closed her eyes, falling into a peaceful sleep. 

Harry pouted, seeing how easy she was having it, not that he wanted anyone else to be in pain like he was. He couldn’t wait to drop the news that he was having twins; that alone made all the pain worth it.

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Harry cried against Draco’s chest. “Why is it taking so long?” he whimpered. “At this rate, Neville will have his baby before me, and he’s only fourteen weeks along!” He sniffed and pulled back, looking over at the next bed where Fleur was sitting up, looking like a Queen on a throne, not a hair out of place. She frowned at him, and he tried to smile, not wanting her to feel guilty.

“Shh, don’t say things like that, do you want to put a bad omen on Neville?” Draco asked gently. Harry’s eyes widened, and he shook his head. “I’m sorry that it’s painful, but think of what we’re gaining at the end of this, Mr. Potter.” Draco smiled, brushing hair out of Harry’s eyes.

Blushing, Harry smiled. “I know… I know, Mr. Potter.” Even though he was in so much pain, he couldn’t help laughing at the way Draco’s face flushed whenever they teased each other about being Mr. and Mr. Potter. 

“Spread your legs further, Harry. Draco, Hermione, hold his knees back.”

Harry looked down at Ron and then watched as Hermione and Draco grabbed his legs, pulling his knees back as far as they could comfortably get them. Ron was between his legs, a privacy charm over the bottom half of Harry’s body, so that nobody but they could see, and Harry was past feeling embarrassed that his best friends were seeing everything, and was surprised that Ron wasn’t acting bashful at all, either. 

It was heartening to see Ron taking his unexpected apprenticeship so seriously. Harry was confident that Ron would pass his N.E.W.T.s and get into a great school and become the best healer the world has ever seen.

“Alright, let his legs down,” Ron said.

“I’ll get you more water,” Hermione said, rushing over to the sink. She came back and helped him sip from the goblet in her hands.

“Harry, you’ve been stuck at eight centimetres,” Ron said, pulling back and covering Harry’s lower body back up, before removing the privacy barrier. “It’s been seventeen hours now, and I know this is hard on you, but everything is fine.”

“Doesn’t feel fine,” Harry grumbled. “Why can’t I push?” He pouted, tears pouring down his cheeks. “I want to push! I want th… the baby out of me!” He almost said ‘them’ and gave away that there were twins. 

“Poppy said we have to do this mostly naturally, the Muggle way,” Ron explained. “Remember? If you tried to push now, that would only tear you and harm the baby.” He walked over to Harry’s side, patting his shoulder. “You’re breathing too shallowly. Draco, keep him distracted so he doesn’t panic.”

“Oh! Yes,” Draco said, grabbing Harry’s hands. “Harry, after this and when you feel healed enough, we can start moving into our new home. It’s finished! Remember?”

Harry’s eyes lit up. So much had happened in the last few days, making up with Dudley, getting married, he was in labour, and he learned he was having twins. He forgot about the house. “I’m so excited.”

Chapter Text

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Tuesday, 20th April 1999

Fleur yawned, rubbing her eyes as Ron walked over to her and Bill. “How are you feeling?” Ron asked, sitting in the chair beside her. Ron still felt uneasy about Poppy letting him monitor them, but she had her own monitoring spells in place and would be in as soon as she was needed. That was also the case at Muggle hospitals. The delivering doctor wasn’t in the room as much with the woman giving birth. It was the nurses who did most of the work.

Poppy was showing him a lot of trust and faith, taking his word that he had been studying properly for a job in the medical field. It meant a lot that she was so confident in him.

“Sleepy,” Fleur answered. She was in active labour, but it was going so easily for her. Some people were a lot luckier during birth, but everyone was different. “Hungry!” she added.

Bill jumped up. “Oh, I’ll get food.” He kissed her forehead and ran out of the hospital wing.

“He could have called a house-elf,” Hermione murmured. She was coming around to the fact that the Hogwarts elves loved their job, and in that case, it would be cruel not to let them do what they liked. Hermione jumped, squeezing Harry’s hand when he started screaming as another wave of pain hit him. She and Draco helped him breathe through the contraction, whispering soothing words of encouragement to him.

“He wants to feel useful,” Fleur said softly. “He’s very sweet and attentive, but probably going crazy because there isn’t more he can honestly do right now.”

“Salazar, I understand that so much,” Draco groaned, dropping his head on Harry’s shoulder.

Ron cast a Tempus, looking at Fleur. “I need to check your progress now, considering we’re at the five-hour mark for you. Are you alright with that?” Just as he said that, several people burst into the room.

“Sorry!” Neville said, eyes wide. “I wanted to come sooner, but…” He looked down, flushing. “Somebody let me sleep in on a school day, and I even missed class!”

Theodore rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, you looked so comfy, I couldn’t possibly wake you. Minerva understands.”

“Now we’re all skipping,” Ginny said with a laugh.

It was ten am now, and Harry looked absolutely pissed that things were going so slowly for him.

Luna nodded, reaching out to hold Ginny’s hand. “We’re sorry we didn’t come…”

“Don’t be,” Harry said, waving his hand dismissively. “I’m not expecting people to drop everything for my sake.”

Dean and Seamus walked over to Harry’s bed, peering down at him. “Oi, Harry, you look…” Dean started.

“Sweaty,” Seamus finished.

“Disgusting, you mean?” Harry asked, rolling his eyes, biting his tongue hard, trying not to cry out in pain. Fleur didn’t seem bothered by his screaming, but the last thing he wanted was to scare Neville when he still had such a long way to go before he gave birth.

“Beautiful, he means!” Luna declared, leaning down, kissing Harry’s forehead. Ginny smiled and ruffled Harry’s damp hair, grimacing and then casting a cleaning charm on him, making Harry laugh and glare at the same time.

“You guys!” Ron groaned, “Be quiet and sit down.” He put his hands on his hips, tapping his foot. He reminded everyone of Molly. “I’m trying to check on Fleur, and she doesn’t need an audience!”

Fleur giggled. “I don’t mind! They can look. Giving birth is beautiful and a gift.”

“Wait a minute…” Dean tilted his head, blinking in confusion. “Why is Ron…huh?”

Hermione jumped up from her seat and shot her wand in the air, making words spell something the newcomers didn’t expect. Luna was the only one not surprised. 

“Meet Apprentice Ron, the future best Midwife Healer in the world!”

“Yay!” Luna clapped. “You finally asked Poppy!” She spun around, delighted by the news.

“Apprentice? Midwife Healer?” Ginny’s mouth dropped open. “Wait, you want to go into the medical field?”

“Yes, but Poppy is the one who asked me after she overheard us talking… well, Hermione put me on the spot about my interest in healthcare,” Ron admitted. “Now, let me work. Shush.”

“So, if we get pregnant one day, can we get a family discount?” Seamus asked, winking at Dean.

“Oh, no!” Dean poked his boyfriend. “If, I mean, if we were to have children, it won’t be any time soon, Seamus Finnigan.”

Seamus shrugged, but didn’t say anything, going over to a chair and sitting down. Luna glanced back and forth between Seamus and Dean, hoping they were on the same page about the future. It was hard when one partner wanted something the other one didn't.

“Considering health care in the UK is free, no discounts,” Ron said, rolling his eyes. He walked over to Fleur, casting a complete privacy barrier around them. “We’ll wait for Bill.” He sat next to her, holding her hand. “You alright?”

“I am doing amazing, but I feel bad that it doesn’t hurt,” Fleur admitted with a sigh.

“Whyever for?”

“Harry’s in so much pain.” Fleur lifted the blanket away from herself, raising her shirt. “There’s nothing here, no pain or anything, which makes sense because I took the potion, but there should still be a little pain, right? Maybe there is a little pinching during contractions, but… is the baby alright, Ron?” She looked at him, her eyes wide and fearful.

“May I?” Ron asked, reaching out. She nodded. He placed his palm on her stomach while tracing his wand along the curve of her baby bump with his other hand. “She’s fine, strong heartbeat, this little one.”

Fleur giggled. “She?”

“My guess for the gender!” Ron said, smiling widely.

“Victoire Weasley. If the baby is a girl, that is the name we picked,” Fleur said, her eyes shining with awe. “It was estimated that I’d have the baby in May, so we chose Victorie to symbolise hope and triumph after the war, you know?”

“It’s a beautiful name.”

Bill walked back into the room with a tray piled high with food, looking around anxiously when he didn’t see Fleur. “Where is my wife?”

Waving his hand outside the barrier, Ron said, “Over here.” He pulled Bill inside as he approached. “We were waiting for you. The lot out there was getting loud and annoying, so I put up the shield.”

“Ron doit vérifier mon vagin!” Fleur said, maintaining a straight face. She loved teasing Bill in French. He was picking up the language quite well. “I told him I didn’t mind if people saw because giving birth is a gift!” she said, switching back to English.

“Wha…” Bill set the tray down on the table near her bed. “Merlin, Fleur.” He chuckled, shaking his head. “If you’re sure.” He looked at Ron and shrugged. “Drop the barrier.”

Ron dispelled the barrier and tilted his head, looking at Fleur. “What exactly did you say? I caught the vagina part.”

“Why are we talking about vaginas?” Seamus asked, laughing as everyone looked at him.

“Seamus!” Dean playfully swatted his head. “Could it possibly be because Fleur is giving birth to a baby?”

Hermione covered her mouth, leaning against Ginny, unable to stop hysterical laughter. It had been a strange time since the battle, with many ups and downs, but the future everyone desired was now within reach, and she was overjoyed.

“Amour,” Fleur said, waving her hand to get Bill’s attention. “Maybe you should send messages to the rest of the family, my parents and sister as well, please.”

Bill slapped his forehead and laughed. “I’ve been so frazzled, I didn’t even think about that. It’s been five hours since you’ve been here and… damn, Mum’s gonna kill me.”

Poppy walked out of her office. “How are we doing?”

Harry glared at her and then flushed; she just laughed. “So great,” Harry said, groaning as a wave of pain hit him. “Fleur is a model pregnant person. She needs to be studied,” he said moodily.

“I’m sorry, Harry!” Fleur said, pouting. “In my defence, I did take the pain potion, and you refused it.”

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

“Let’s check you out now before more people show up and the room becomes even more like a zoo,” Ron said, smiling at Fleur. “Are you sure you don’t mind people watching?”

“It’s educational,” Fleur said, flipping her hair with a laugh. “Let them watch and learn what they might have to experience eventually, even if it’s through the back door for some of them.” She glanced over at Neville and raised an eyebrow, making him blush.

“Alright,” Ron said. “When you’re ready, remove your dress and knickers.” He looked at Bill. “Stay on her left side and hold her knee up. Ginny, you're on the other leg.”

“Wow, look at Ron taking perfect control,” Ginny said, nodding in approval. “Impressive. Mum really is going to cry when she hears about this.”

Poppy stood behind Ron, watching as he, Ginny, and Bill began to work on Fleur. She felt proud to see how calm and collected Ron was about the whole situation. He truly had what it took to be a Midwife Healer.

Kneeling in front of Fleur after she undressed, Ron tilted his head to the side, genuinely surprised that he didn’t feel more awkward. Though that was how it should be, because feeling awkward would mean he shouldn’t consider a career where he’d be seeing naked people regularly. 

“Hold her knees back further,” Ron instructed. “Fleur, I’m going to cast a sanitation spell on you, my hands, and my wand. Are you alright so far?”

Fleur giggled. “You haven’t even touched me yet. I’m fine,” she insisted. “It’s Bill you should be worried about. He’s going to pass out if he sees any blood.”

“Blood?” Bill gasped. “Why is there blood?”

“Chill!” Ron responded. “There isn’t any blood. Fleur, please refrain from freaking out your husband. Casting the spell now.” He waved his wand, sanitising everything.

“Froid!” Fleur exclaimed, jumping and almost kneeing Bill in the face. “Cold,” she repeated.

“Sorry, checking now,” Ron said, gently inserting two fingers and the tip of his wand, casting the appropriate spells. He pulled back and sanitised everything again. “Two centimetres.”

From the other bed, Harry laughed. “I’m winning.” His laughter turned into a high-pitched scream, sounding like a deranged, dying animal. He started panting and grabbed the front of Draco’s shirt, his eyes wide and wild, pulling his face toward him. “YOU. Did. This. To. Me!”

Alarmed by how quickly Harry went from laughing to looking like he might kill Draco, Ron jumped up and ran over to Harry. “Get Fleur dressed again, but keep her knickers off,” he instructed Bill before turning his attention back to Harry and Draco. “Harry, calm down; don’t choke him.”

Poppy stood back in case she needed to step in, but so far, everything was going well, even a pregnant person turning into a murderous spouse was perfectly normal. She smiled and leaned against the wall.

“Harry, please, I’m sorry!” Draco exclaimed, tears welling up in his eyes. He looked at Ron. “Let him choke me. I deserve it!”

“It’s no longer satisfying if you want it,” Harry said, starting to calm down. “Draco, I’m sorry… really… I don’t know what came over me.” He slowly released Draco’s robes and sniffled, tears spilling down his cheeks. “I’ve turned evil!”

“No, no,” Draco assured him. “You’re pregnant, in pain, and hormonal.” He brushed Harry's hair from his forehead and leaned over, kissing the top of his head. “I love all sides of you, even when my life is at stake.”

“Don’t joke!” Harry whined. “Call Azkaban! Put me away.”

Luna walked over and leaned her head near Harry's baby bump. “Harry, Poppy Seed is thrilled right now. They can’t wait to be born, and they’re so proud of you for doing this for them. Their magic is beautiful. Evil can’t create life with magic this special.”

“Thank you,” Harry said softly. “I-I’m sorry for acting-”

“Don’t apologise,” Ginny interrupted, walking over to hold his hand and nudging Draco aside. She smiled. “My turn.”

Draco held his hands up and smiled back. He moved to the end of the bed, sitting near Harry’s feet. They were swollen and splotchy red, causing him to frown. Harry hardly ever complained about discomfort. He picked up Harry’s foot and began to massage it.

“Ohhhh,” Harry gasped. “Can I get foot massages even when I’m not pregnant? That feels so good.”

“Yes, foot massages for our platonic husband,” Luna giggled, working on his other foot.

“Fucking Merlin…” Harry closed his eyes. “Now I need a baby bump massage. Ginny?”

“Harry’s at a massage pitstop,” Hermione said, laughing. “Alright. Ginny, you take that side, and I’ve got this one. Don’t you worry, Harry. We’re going to massage away all the pain… well… you know what we mean.”

“I do, and I’m so platonically in love with all of you, except Draco. He gets extra perks,” Harry said with a happy sigh.

Thirty minutes later, Gabrielle and Fleur's parents came into the room, with Minerva behind them. Fleur's family rushed over to Fleur's bed, hugging her and Bill. Minerva walked over to Poppy and smiled as they looked at Harry, who glanced at them with a tired smile.

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

Molly and Arthur walked into the hospital wing just as Harry was entering his 30th hour of labour and Fleur was in her eighteenth hour, apologising for not getting there sooner. Ron's estimation had been wrong about Fleur, which meant Harry was about to pull his hair out in frustration because his was lasting far longer than anyone ever expected. Molly rushed to Bill's side and threw her arms around him, while Arthur approached Draco and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. Arthur glanced down at Harry, who had his arms crossed over his baby bump and looked absolutely disgruntled.

“He's going back and forth between cursing my existence and saying how much in love with me he is,” Draco whispered to Arthur, sighing deeply. “We never imagined it would take this long, and I feel horrible for him.” Draco ran a trembling hand through his hair.

“I can assure you that that is completely normal,” Arthur said, nodding toward Molly. “She went through so many different emotions… imagine that happening six times.” Molly rolled her eyes at Arthur, turning her attention back to Bill and Fleur.

“I’m not cursing you, Draco,” Harry grumbled, gritting his teeth as another contraction hit him. He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to shift on the bed to relieve some pressure from his stomach. Instinct compelled him to move, to run even. He was so close to the end, nine centimetres dilated the last time he was checked.

“Breathe,” Ron said gently, holding onto Harry’s hand. “You’ve got this. It’s almost over, Harry!” He sighed and helped Harry into a proper sitting position. “I think you need to walk. Walking can help speed the process.” He looked over at Fleur. “Care to walk with Harry?”

“Harry’s angry with me,” Fleur said with a pout. She looked around at all the people in the room. Nearly everyone looked like they were about to pass out. It had been a long day. 

“I’m not!” Harry practically whined. “But how did you dilate quickly? It’s not fair.” He knew deep down that everybody's labour was different, but he still felt grumpy. He dramatically huffed and swatted Ron and Draco’s hands away. “I can stand on my own.”

Molly hugged Fleur, kissing her cheek, then turned to Harry, fretting that he wasn’t letting anyone help him stand up. She felt a strong maternal instinct toward Fleur and Harry, and was worried Harry might hurt himself. Molly glanced at Fleur, surprised to see how unaffected she seemed by everything. If she didn’t know better, she wouldn't believe Fleur was in labour at all.

Fleur bounced out of her bed and stepped toward Harry, who was still struggling to stand. “Harry, if you’re not upset with me, will you walk with me?” She held out her hand and made an exaggerated pout. 

“Alright,” Harry said, his eyes softening. He began to feel less grumpy. He took her hand and yelped when she easily pulled him to his feet. Harry almost lost his balance, but Fleur steadied him and linked her arm through his, beaming at him. 

“Good! We can walk up and down the corridors and have our men at our beck and call, eh, Harry?” Fleur winked at him, making him laugh.

“Sure,” Harry said, accepting Draco’s support on his other side. Draco looked at Fleur, his eyes shining with gratitude.

“Before you go,” Dean began, standing up from his chair, “some of us had better get to bed. I know you two don’t want a whole zoo in here when you give birth, and Seamus is barely staying awake.” He gestured to Seamus, who was sprawled across two chairs, blinking sleepily at them.

“Same goes for Neville,” Theodore said. “Only, Neville’s been asleep for at least thirty minutes.” Neville was sitting in the chair next to Theodore, leaning against his side, his chest gently rising and falling. Theodore smiled at him, brushing his fingers through his hair.

“It’ll be midnight in an hour, so we understand,” Harry said with a small smile. He tightened his grip on Draco and Fleur as his back began to seize up. “Everyone, go get some rest!”

“Are you sure, Harry?” Hermione asked. She shook Pansy’s shoulder and gently kicked Blaise’s foot. Pansy woke up, rubbing her eyes, confused for a moment, but Blaise remained sleeping next to her. Pansy pulled on his hand, and he finally woke up.

“Yes, get out of here,” Harry answered. “We’ve got our husbands, and I guess I’ll keep your boyfriend as well.” Hermione laughed, and Ron rolled his eyes.

“You heard the man,” Ginny said, standing up and pulling Luna to her feet.

“Aw, but…” Luna pouted, yawning and blushing. “I guess we are tired. Sorry, Harry.”

Harry stuck his tongue out at her. “Stop apologising. You can meet Poppy Seed as soon as possible after they’re born!” Everyone hugged Harry and Fleur, leaving them alone with Draco, Fleur, her family, Bill, his parents, and Ron, though Hermione lingered for a moment, hugging Ron longer, before she too had to go, barely able to stay awake.

"Sorry, sœurette," Gabrielle said with a yawn, kissing Fleur's cheek. "You know I have a hard time staying up late. I love you. We will be back to see the baby when you're released to St. Mungo's!"

"I understand, vas-y, vas-y ! Maman, Père, go rest, I know you've been working a lot of overtime," Fleur said as her parents smothered her in kisses, before they turned to leave.

"We're staying," Molly said before Fleur could insist they leave. "We just got here, after all."

"No arguments," Arthur teased as Harry and Fleur opened their mouths to insist they get some sleep.

Molly turned to Ron. “Why are you sticking around, Ron?” she asked as they left the hospital wing and started walking. Poppy rushed out after them, her hands on her hips.

“Don’t leave without informing me,” Poppy said. “You know how alarming it is to have both of your monitoring spells go off, saying that you left your beds?”

Ron flushed, looking down. That was his fault; he had suggested they take a walk and forgot to inform Poppy. “Sorry.”

Poppy smiled, shaking her head. “No, you have the right idea. Walking does help, but I need to add more monitoring spells on Harry and Fleur before you let them race around Hogwarts.” After performing the spells, she patted Ron on the shoulder and returned to her office.

Molly and Arthur watched everything, clearly confused. They turned to Ron. “Well?” Molly asked. “Something is going on with you, Ron.”

Smiling, Ron encouraged Harry and Fleur to keep moving. “Bill, Draco, be prepared for anything. Walking can speed up dilation for some people, and Harry is already at the end of his birthing journey.” He turned back to his parents and shrugged. “Oh, it’s nothing… just…”

“FOR FUCK'S SAKE…” Harry shouted, flushing. He hadn’t meant to yell those words in that tone, but another sharp contraction struck, causing his brain to short-circuit. “Uugh… I mean, fuck..aggh… sorry, Molly…” He gripped Draco’s side, letting go of Fleur, not wanting to bring her down with him if he fell. Draco kept him upright, and Ron jumped in to lend a hand.

“I’m Poppy’s apprentice!” Ron blurted. “I’ve been studying to pass my N.E.W.T.s to become a Healer, and I want to focus on being a Midwife Healer. Surprise.”

Molly's eyes widened. "That's wonderful, baby.” She blinked back tears. "We're so proud of you!" Molly and Arthur tried to pull Ron into a hug, but he playfully swatted them away, his eyes just as wet as his Mum's.

"I'm kind of busy, Mum. Don't distract me."

"Oh! Right, of course," Molly laughed. "That’s right, apprentices get paid. This is a job. Oh, Merlin, it's so... wow, so out of the blue."

"He’s getting hands-on training," Bill said, rolling his eyes, though he wasn't actually annoyed. He could see for himself that Ron knew what he was doing, and it was impressive. "Poppy just threw him right into the work, but he’s only allowed to do simple things."

"He is very good at measuring dilation," Fleur added. "He has lovely bedside manners."

"H-he's a good b-breathing partner," Harry panted as he started to come down from his contraction. "He'll be the best uncle... and father when his time comes." Harry smiled at Ron.

“Thanks,” Ron said, rubbing the back of his neck. “That means a lot.”

Chapter Text

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

Wednesday, 21st April 1999

“Midnight!” Harry glared as he kicked the wall, shoving away anyone who tried to help him. Draco trailed behind like a lost little duckling, but Harry dodged his hands. “Thes…” he trailed off, careful enough not to reveal that he was carrying twins. He kicked the wall again and groaned, confused when something near him started to beep. It took him a moment to realise the beeping was coming from him. Looking down, he noticed that his wrist was glowing bright red where Poppy had placed the monitoring charm.

“Harry, Harry…” Ron gasped. “That’s the dilation charm Poppy put on you. We need to check you now.” He glanced at Bill and their parents. “We need to return to the hospital wing. Fleur, are you alright?”

“I’m fine!” Fleur insisted. With her labour not hurting much and the pain management potion in effect, she had a hard time believing she was in labour. It was no wonder Harry kept getting grumpy with her; she couldn’t blame him.

“Alright, let’s go. Harry, please let us help you,” Ron said. “Think of the baby.”

Pouting, Harry nodded, tears streaming down his cheeks as he sniffed. Sighing in relief, Draco wrapped his arms around Harry, helping him walk back toward the hospital wing. Harry leaned heavily against Draco, crying more openly as another wave of pain surged through him. The urge to push was overwhelming, and he was terrified.

As they approached the hospital wing, Poppy rushed out to assist Harry to his bed, issuing orders with firm professionalism. It was time. The twins were ready to be born. “Ron, you can’t deliver as just an apprentice, but you can assist and learn,” she said. “Now, Draco and Bill, do you mind holding back Harry’s knees?”

Draco and Bill jumped into action. Fleur settled onto her bed, watching with open curiosity. This would be her soon.

“W-wait…” Harry cried. “I changed my mind! I… back! L-like…the…and-and…” He sobbed, his chest heaving, eyes wide and frantic, struggling to speak coherently. “Mum!” he screamed. “Dad!”

“He’s a little hysterical,” Poppy whispered. “Shh, Harry, it’s alright. Your parents are with you, I promise.” She patted his knee and then looked between his legs. “He’s fully dilated.”

“No!” Harry yelled, turning to Molly and Arthur. “You! Go… them… please!”

“Your parents…?” Molly shook her head, confused. “Harry, but they’re…”

Frustrated, Harry clenched his fists. “No, my family! Please, Mum. Please, please!”

“Oh,” Draco whispered, understanding first. “He meant you and Arthur when he said Mum and Dad.”

“He was referring to us?” Arthur asked, looking at Molly and smiling, eyes wide. A few tears trickled down his cheeks. “Did you hear that?”

“Y-yes, oh, Harry, darling,” Molly said softly. “Please calm down. I know it hurts, but we can’t help you unless you tell us what you need more clearly.”

“He’s talking about us,” Ginny said from the doorway, rubbing her eyes and yawning. “We felt his magic about five minutes ago, nearly choking us. We all ran out of our rooms at the same time!” Standing next to her were Luna and Hermione, with Neville, Theodore, Blaise, and Pansy behind them. Dean and Seamus followed closely, running down the hall, quickly pursued by Lavender, the Patil twins, Dennis, and Miles.

“We all felt it,” Seamus said. “Modified Pepper-up potions, please? We want to be awake for this since Harry’s magic won’t let us sleep.”

Poppy nodded to Ron. “Alright, you can have the potion, but do not overuse them. Pregnant people can only have half a dose.”

Harry finally started to relax, a smile breaking through his pain. “My family… but…” His smile faded. The family wasn’t complete.

“I’ll fire call them,” Molly said, rushing out of the room toward Minerva’s office.

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

Xenophilius walked into the hospital wing, hugging Luna and Ginny, and then startling Draco with a hug. He walked over to Harry's bed to congratulate him and then stood to the side so that he would be out of the way. Hermione’s parents greeted everyone and went to join Xenophilius.

Jingle popped into the hospital wing, smiling at Harry as he grunted, trying to push his first baby out, his eyes wide and every muscle in his body tensed. “Cissa said she loves her Dragons!” She nodded toward Draco and Harry. “Jingle, Harry’s personal messenger!” She grinned and then vanished again.

Minerva walked to Harry’s bed, patting him on the head. He smiled tiredly up at her. Rubeus waved from the doorway, not wanting to get in the way. George, Percy, Charlie, and Lee walked into the crowded hospital wing, with Dudley shuffling awkwardly behind them.

“Merlin,” Percy said. “Harry, how can you stand giving birth with this many people around?”

Harry laughed through his pain. “I’m insane!” he exclaimed. “Ahhhgh! FUCK! This baby is being so rude!” He took a deep breath and waved a hand at Dudley. “You’re getting a major culture shock, aren’t you?”

Dudley smiled and found a chair near Harry’s bed. “It’s perplexing, I’m not going to lie. Thanks for…” He flushed, looking down. “Just… thank you.”

“No… fucking… problem!” Harry screamed. “Sorry! Ugh…”

“Ouch,” Charlie winced, moving toward the back of the room. He loved Harry, but he didn’t want to watch the actual birth. Lee followed him, chuckling. Charlie debated joking that this could be them later, but decided against doing that.

“You’ve got this, Harry,” Draco encouraged, holding Harry’s knee back with one arm while squeezing his hand with the other. “Deep breath!” Harry closed his eyes and did as instructed, his face splotchy and drenched in sweat. “That’s right, good job. I’m so proud of you.”

“You’ve got the next one,” Harry grunted, pushing harder. “Uggghhh!”

Dudley couldn’t help but quietly laugh when Draco paled. He did not blame him at all for making an expression like that, considering Harry sounded like he was being tortured.

“The head is crowning,” Poppy said. “You’re doing great. Keep at it, Harry.”

“Like I have a choice!” Harry snapped. “Ooh, sorry.”

Hermione patted Harry’s knee as she held it back. “I see hair! Oh, Harry, red hair like your Mum! Curly!”

Despite the pain, Harry smiled. “Really?” He sniffed and became even more determined to get this child out of him. “GET OUT OF ME!” He pushed, screaming. “Dudley, did you ask Oliver out for a third date?” Harry grunted out as he pushed.

“This is hardly the time or place,” Dudley said, eyes wide, his cheeks turning pink. “Focus.”

Bill clung to Fleur, feeling more terrified than she was about her turn to give birth. Neville watched everything with wide eyes, his hands resting on his baby bump. Theodore was trying hard not to pass out. 

“Head!” Pansy exclaimed, grabbing George’s hand. “The head is out! Ah!” She jumped up and down. “I’m officially an auntie to a redhead! Oi, Dudley, you’re an uncle to a head!” She laughed at the aghast look Dudley gave her.

“Goodness, that sounds scary when you say it like that,” George said with a shudder. “Don’t tease Muggles.”

Blaise squeezed Percy’s hand, glancing at his bracelet. “You alright?” he whispered into Percy’s ear. Percy smiled and nodded.

“I need a few more really good pushes,” Poppy urged. “Someone take Draco’s place so I can hand the baby to him.”

Ginny took over, holding Harry’s knee back and squeezing his hand, while Draco crouched near Poppy, focused on the arrival of his child. Tears streamed down Draco’s cheeks as Harry pushed again and again.

“Now,” Poppy instructed, hands ready. “Big one, Harry! Hard! Push!”

“AAAARGGH!” Harry screamed, nearly breaking Ginny and Hermione’s fingers, but they endured the pain. He gasped, his whole body shuddering as the room filled with the high-pitched cry of a baby.

“She’s here,” Poppy whispered, handing the squirming baby to Draco. “Gently, there you go…” She looked at Ron. “Clamp.” Ron gave her the tool, watching as Poppy clamped the umbilical cord. “Scissors, Luna. Take the baby. Draco, take the scissors and cut here,” Poppy instructed, pointing to the area where Draco needed to cut.

Luna gently took the baby girl, and with shaking hands, Draco carefully snipped the cord.

"She's a beauty!" Rubeus sobbed from the doorway, wiping his eyes with a handkerchief.

Miles and Dennis craned their necks to get a better look, but didn't want to get too close to the people near Harry. Minerva and Xenophilius exchanged smiles, while Hermione's parents still looked a bit overwhelmed by everything happening.

“Now we just wait for the afterbirth,” Ron encouraged. “The worst is over, Harry.”

At that, Harry snorted and rolled his eyes. “Hardly.”

Everyone was confused as to why Draco and Harry were suddenly laughing despite the chaos and the pain Harry must have been in. Even Poppy started to laugh.

Seamus shook his head. “I get it, they’ve gone hysterical.”

“Makes sense,” Dean said. 

“Are they alright?” Lavender whispered.

“I’m never giving birth,” Parvati whispered back. “I’ll adopt.”

Miles and Dennis looked at each other, sharing the sentiment, though they were far too young to have to worry about this yet.

“Don’t lie,” Padma said, nudging her sister. “You hope one of us has twins to carry on the twin legacy.”

“Funny you should say that,” Draco said. He made sure his daughter was content in Luna’s arms and then looked at everyone before glancing at Harry, receiving a small nod in response. “He needs to keep pushing, and we’re not waiting for the afterbirth yet.”

Hermione gasped. George put a hand over his mouth. Anything related to twins hit close to home for him.

“Wait, what?” Dudley asked. Though he saw how confused everyone was, he wasn’t just puzzled because he was a Muggle. 

“Twins?” Neville asked, surprised.

“Ah!” Fleur yelled suddenly. “I need to push! Bébé arrive!” She couldn’t help slipping into French; it was obvious what she was shouting.

“Now?” Bill exclaimed. “You were only seven centimetres an hour ago!”

"Yes, now! We've waited long enough," Fleur said. 

Harry rolled his eyes. He felt like he'd been in labour for days. “I won the race, Fleur,” he said. Luna leaned down so Harry could see his daughter. “I feel my body gearing up to push again. I’m going to win this fully, so take your time.”

Fleur laughed. “No matter who wins, it’s a victory for all of us.”

“Harry, you’re good. Continue pushing. I’ll check on Fleur.” Poppy stood up, casting cleaning spells over everything, including the new baby, then went over to Fleur. “Bill, George, hold her legs.” Poppy bent between Fleur’s legs and quickly measured her. “She’s right. Fully dilated.”

“You monster!” Harry teased. “How dare you have such an easier time!”

“Harry, Draco, focus. What are you naming her?” Luna asked, already completely in love with the little girl in her arms.

Looking at Draco, Harry smiled. He motioned him closer, confusing everyone when he put up a silencing barrier between him and Draco. They watched as they talked. Harry looked joyful in spite of the pain he was in.

“What are they doing?” Hermione wondered.

“It looks like he had second thoughts about her name,” Luna said, looking down at the little baby in her arms. “I already think I know you, little one.”

Draco nodded, putting a hand over his mouth. He glanced around at everyone, taking a moment to rest his eyes on a few people, giving them the impression that the name was going to be related to someone in the room. Draco wiped tears from his eyes, nodding again. He leaned forward, kissing Harry’s forehead.

Harry dropped the silencing barrier and took a deep breath. “Are you sure, Draco?”

“Yes, one hundred per cent, yes. It makes perfect sense,” Draco said, wiping more tears from his eyes. “Nova Poppy-Lily Potter.”

Everyone looked over at Poppy, whose eyes were wide. She blinked a few times, and then tears fell down her cheeks. Minerva hugged her, but quickly stepped back, because she was still on the job.

“That’s so… are you sure?” Poppy asked. “Why?”

Harry grunted as another contraction started. “You’ve… ahghhh… been like…a…” He looked at Draco, pleadingly as he gasped for breath.

“You’ve been so helpful, beyond what you needed to do. You cared for us like a Mum would, and I know it’s your job, but it felt like it was more than that, and it means so much to both of us, so Harry wanted to have part of her name to represent you, and I agree. I think it’s wonderful,” Draco explained. 

“I don’t know what to say,” Poppy whispered. “I mean, thank you, of course.”

“Hello, little Nova,” Luna gushed. “You used to be a Poppy Seed!” She brushed back the red curly hair on little Nova’s head. “She’s so beautiful.” Nova opened her eyes slowly, tears trickling down her cheeks as she whimpered. “Grey eyes just like Draco’s, hair like Harry’s Mum… Aw…I’m keeping her!”

Draco laughed, shaking his head. “I don’t think so.” He leaned down and kissed Nova’s forehead. “Hey, baby. Papa’s been waiting for you.” He didn’t even mind that she looked like a Weasley. He was already so in love with her.

“Ahhhh, as touching as this is… Ugh…fuck… sorry, Nova…,” Harry groaned, pushing hard. Ron looked between his legs and shook his head.

“You’re still good, Harry; keep going,” Ron encouraged, patting Harry’s leg.

Everyone watched Ron and Poppy moving back and forth between Harry and Fleur. Ron couldn’t do much but observe and call out when something was happening, but it was still impressive to witness him fully focused on helping his best mate and sister-in-law give birth.

“Fleur’s crowning!” Ron yelled. “Poppy!”

Poppy ran over to Fleur, wiping sweat from her forehead. She quickly cast a cleaning charm and then inspected Fleur. “Great. Everything is going well.”

Fleur moaned, “It doesn’t hurt, but the pressure is a bit uncomfortable.” Bill held a goblet of water to her lips, helping her sip from it.

“Head! Harry! Head!” Pansy screamed. “How did you go from nothing to… ah…”

Poppy ran back over to Harry, casting a sanitising charm as she knelt between his legs. “The second twin is usually easier.”

Molly scoffed and then covered her mouth. “Sorry. It’s not easier for everyone.” George hugged Molly, burying his face against her shoulder.

“How is Poppy multitasking, delivering two babies at the same time?” Charlie mumbled. “No offence, but she’s a school Healer.”

“I heard that,” Poppy said. “I’m well-trained, I can assure you of that.”

Charlie blushed. “S-sorry.” Lee grinned, wrapping his arm around Charlie.

“Not offended,” Poppy said. She glanced up, her eyes meeting Minerva’s.

“She’s the best at her job,” Minerva said. “Why do you think Albus hired her?”

“Shush,” Poppy said. “Harry, almost there. You’ve got this. Ginny, Hermione, keep his legs back. Harry, big, big push!”

“Ahhh! Fu… darn!” Harry cried, making everyone laugh because he was trying to censor himself in front of a baby that wasn’t even a day old. “OUT! OUT! OUT!” Squeezing his eyes shut, he grunted, sounding like a dying animal as a feral-sounding scream ripped from his throat.

The sound of a second baby crying made all the pain worth it. Harry opened his eyes, panting. He looked down, astonished as he saw Poppy standing up with a tiny infant in her arms.

“A boy,” Poppy said. “Neville, you hold him while Draco cuts the cord. No time like the present to get some practice in.”

Neville flushed but stepped forward, gently taking the baby into his arms. Draco cried as Poppy clamped down on his son’s cord. He carefully snipped it.

“We have twins, Harry,” Draco whispered. “A boy and a girl.” He looked at his son. His hair was silvery blonde, just like his, and his eyes… oh, his eyes! They were bright green and perfectly matched Harry’s and Lily Potter’s.

Before they could react or do anything else, Jingle popped into the room. “News for Cissa?”

“Meet Scorpius Cissa-James Potter,” Harry gasped out. 

Draco looked at him, his eyes wide. He smiled and nodded, agreeing to the sudden addition of his Mum’s nickname. “Our son,” Draco said proudly. He nodded toward Luna and Nova. “Nova Poppy-Lily Potter, our daughter.”

Jingle beamed. “Jingle is so happy to have more little dragons! Cissa is going to be so overjoyed!” Jingle cried, gasping in shock when Draco gently took Scorpius from Neville and bent down to Jingle’s level, holding the baby out. “Jingle can hold little Dragon?”

“Yes!” Draco said, smiling widely. He was so proud of Harry. He looked back at Harry and felt himself falling in love all over again as he watched Luna settle Nova into Harry’s arms.

“She’s so small,” Dudley said, standing up to get a good look. He looked at Harry and then back at Nova, reaching out, tentatively touching her tiny hand. 

After Jingle held Scorpius, Draco took the baby back and walked him over to Harry, helping him get both babies comfortably in his arms.

“See if you can get them to latch,” Poppy instructed. “They must be quite hungry after that journey.”

Harry laughed, tears streaming down his cheeks as Luna and Draco helped him position the babies correctly. He winced in pain when they latched, but soon got used to the new sensation. He was nourishing his babies.

“Great job,” Poppy praised. “You’re going to feel the need to push again, keep at it until we get this afterbirth out.”

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“Harry, you can let them sleep on the cot next to you,” Draco whispered, kissing his browbone. “You need to rest as well.”

Smiling tiredly, Harry shook his head. “I’m fine.”

Beside them, Fleur yelled, panting as she pushed. She was getting so close. “Shoulders!” Ginny exclaimed. “You’re almost there, push!”

Poppy smiled, hands ready. “One more huge push, my dear! You’re doing great. Push!”

Bill bit down on his bottom lip nervously as Fleur pushed, tears on her cheeks. He knew she wasn’t in too much pain, but it sure looked like she was, and it hurt him to think she was in any sort of pain at all. “We’re almost there, mon chéri.”

Fleur smiled, nodding. “I-I know.” She squeezed Bill’s hand and grunted. 

“Out! A girl!” Poppy shouted happily. A crying, wiggling baby was now in her arms. “Ron, hold her. Bill, cut.”

Crying in overwhelming Joy, Bill helped cut his daughter’s cord, crying harder when she opened her eyes and seemed to focus on him, even though he knew she wasn’t actually focusing on anything yet. “My daughter…” He looked up at his Mum and Dad. “Your granddaughter.”

Molly burst into tears. “How lucky am I that I got three grandbabies on the same day?” Arthur wrapped his arms around her, eyes wet as well.

“Meet Victoire Gabrielle Weasley,” Fleur said, eyes shining with pride.

Ginny sniffed. “She’s got light red hair. Strawberry blonde!” She looked between Victoire and Nova. “You both had little Weasleys.”

Draco rolled his eyes, but he was smiling.

Pansy clapped and ran out of the hospital wing without warning. George blinked in surprise and walked toward the door, curious about what she was up to. He didn’t have to wait long before she returned, panting, red in the face, and clutching tiny handmade onesies in her shaking hands.

“Auntie Pansy is prepared!” Pansy gasped, bending over to catch her breath. She held out the clothing to George. “Take over for me. I can’t go on… uh… I need to work out.”

Smiling, George handed a pastel pink and blue onesie to Bill and passed a matching pair to Draco. “Why did you make three pairs?” he asked.

“G-Georgie… twins… family… runs…” Pansy panted, still struggling to breathe. Neville brought her a goblet of water and rubbed her back. She straightened up and smiled gratefully at him as she sipped from the goblet. “I wanted to be prepared… um…” She blushed. “Twins can run in families, so Fleur could have…” She glanced at Draco and Harry. “Who knew it… would… b-be them.” She gasped, gulping down more water.

Poppy didn’t bother to tell her that that was usually only true for fraternal twins, not identical like Fred and George. The sentiment was endearing all the same.

“Oh, Pansy, you’re so wonderful,” Molly gushed, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Fred must be so proud to look down and see all this.” She cried onto Pansy’s shoulder. George walked over and hugged them both.

“Fred is here,” Luna said quietly. “Not like he was last time, but he truly is, and he’s so happy.”

George’s throat tightened, and he choked back a sob. Harry and Fleur, still overwhelmed with hormones, both burst into tears.

Molly pulled away from Pansy and George. “This is a happy day.” They missed Fred and, of course, felt sadness about that, but the day held promise and joy for everyone present.

“We came prepared as well,” Arthur said, handing out nappies to Bill and Draco.

Draco picked up Scorpius, laying him flat on the end of Harry’s bed after Poppy sanitised everything. Harry watched with adoring eyes as Draco put the nappy on him.

“Good thing he isn’t a demon doll,” Pansy whispered to George. Draco looked up at her, and she giggled. “Sorry.”

Smiling, Draco put on the handmade onesie and then smirked at Pansy. “Here.”

“Ah! No, thank you, I…” Pansy blushed. “I mean…what if…”

“You’ll do fine,” Harry said. “Not a demon doll, remember?”

Tentatively, Pansy cradled Scorpius in her arms and smiled down at him. 

After kissing Harry’s forehead, Draco helped him dress Nova in her nappy and onesie, both of them beaming at each other. Bill kissed Fleur and then gently began to dress Victoire. Fleur smiled and cuddled her daughter close to her chest.

Draco settled Scorpius back in Harry’s arms and gently picked up Nova, bouncing her in his arms. He kissed her forehead and walked around the room, whispering the promises he had already told Scorpius. His children would never want for anything.

Feeling out of place as everyone smiled, laughed, and started hugging each other, Dudley’s eyes met Harry’s. “Scorpius has eyes like ours and like my Mum’s,” Harry said softly. “Do you want to hold him?”

“Can I?” Dudley asked. “Y-you don’t mind?”

“Definitely not,” Draco said. He handed Nova to Percy, who looked at her with wide eyes, but gently cradled her in his arms with a smile forming on his lips. Then Draco carefully took Scorpius from Harry and helped him settle into Dudley’s arms. “You’re family, aren’t you?”

“I-I am.” Dudley looked down at Scorpius’s green eyes when he opened them and blinked up at him, stealing Dudley’s soul.

They were all family. The world conspired to make it impossible for them to be together in happiness and hope for a bright future, but they won the battle anyway and found victory.

Chapter Text

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Dudley walked into Harry’s hospital room, followed by George and Percy. He rubbed his arms, feeling awkward to be in a wizarding hospital, but everyone had treated him kindly so far. He sensed that most people might not even know he was a Muggle; aside from the staff he had to sign in with, no one else seemed to give him a second glance.

He was grateful that after reaching out to Arthur, he was able to connect with Percy and George, who kindly agreed to escort him to visit Harry before his shift at the bookstore began.

“Hey, Dudley!” Harry cheered, waving at him. “Ah, George and Percy, too.” He jumped off the bed and rushed over to them. He hesitated, almost initiating a group hug, but then backed off with a smile. “Sorry, it’s good to see you guys.”

“For someone who just gave birth to twins, you’re certainly full of energy,” Percy said, stepping forward to give Harry a brief hug before walking over to the cot to look at the babies.

Harry smiled at Percy and then gave Dudley and George a hug, pulling away quickly since he knew Dudley might feel uncomfortable with the affection. Harry was in a fantastic mood, and he simply wanted to hug everyone. The Healers had warned him that his mood could still fluctuate, so he wanted to take advantage of this good feeling.

“The Healers are good at their jobs,” Harry said. “I feel mostly alright.” He touched his stomach, which was still obviously large. “They said I’ll have this for about a month, but it will start to go down gradually.”

Dudley laughed. “I wish I could say the same thing.”

“Oh, Dudley, you look just fine the way you are. No self-deprecation allowed in front of my children,” Harry said, pulling Dudley over to the cot.

George walked over and grinned. “I have a feeling these two will be a handful once they start moving around. Call it twin intuition.” He gently touched the top of Nova’s head. “She really has the Weasley red, doesn’t she?”

“It’s the Potter red as well,” Harry said softly. “My Mum, you know?”

As if knowing they were talking about her, Nova opened her eyes and began to cry, startling Scorpius, who blinked and then started wailing, flailing his little arms and legs. George jumped back from the cot, raising his hands defensively.

“I didn’t do it!” George exclaimed, his eyes wide.

Percy rolled his eyes. He glanced at his bracelet and sighed, clearly recalling how he used to react as a kid when his siblings cried like this. At that moment, however, he was fine and hoped it was a good sign for his future parenting abilities. He did want children one day and hoped nothing would hold him back from making that a reality.

Harry gently picked up Nova, cradling her to his chest. “Dudley, can you soothe Scorpius?”

“M-me? Alright,” Dudley said, picking the baby up. He mirrored Harry’s actions, cradling Scorpius’s head and carefully rocking him in his arms. A smile spread across his face when Scorpius looked at him. “Hi, little baby. Shh, it’s alright.”

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After getting back from visiting Harry, Dudley walked into Waterstones ten minutes before noon, ready to start his shift. He headed straight for Sarah, surprising her with a hug. He got to spend the whole day yesterday with Harry thanks to her help. “Thank you for taking over my shift yesterday. I know it’s not easy to cover a shift at the last minute when you have a three-year-old, but it meant a lot to me.” He smiled at her, wishing he could tell her the whole story, but he knew he’d have to change many details if he did.

Sarah shrugged casually. “It’s really no big deal. My Mum always wants an excuse to babysit Gary. Why did you need yesterday off?”

‘My cousin gave birth to twins! And his sister-in-law, well, more like an adopted sister-in-law, gave birth on the same day. The babies were premature, but magic is quite advanced, I guess, so I suppose they’ll be alright. The nurse didn’t seem too worried, at any rate. It was pure chaos. There were so many people in the hospital room. I saw moving stairs and floating candles where they served food. And get this, the guy I went on two dates with used to attend the school. It’s a magical school, can you believe that?’

“Oh, my cousin had a…um…” Dudley didn’t want to lie, so how could he tell her without really telling her?

“Stop,” Sarah said, holding out a hand. “From the way you’re acting, I can tell it was something private. I’m sorry for prying. Is everything alright, though?”

“Y-yes,” Dudley said. “More than alright. I’m so happy I could have yesterday off. Thanks again.” He clocked in and pulled his nametag out of his pocket, placing it on his chest, rolling his eyes as he read what it said. He didn’t know what to put on it when his boss told him to put something interesting beneath his name. “My name is: Dudley - I would be happy to assist you. I like movies and the beach.”

Sarah tapped his nametag. “That sounds like something people say in cheesy dating videos."

“Ha, ha, so funny.” He rolled his eyes and looked around the storeroom as they entered, noticing another box of The Hobbit. “Alright, I get it; I’ll read the book. It must be good if it keeps selling out.” He put the box on a pushcart and pushed it out to the shelves.

“Dudley!” Kel yelled dramatically. He crushed Dudley in a hug, fluffing his hair. “Jesse was worried sick about you. He’s off today, but I’m meant to report back on everything. Why did Sarah take over your shift? Now, tell me the whole story.”

‘I went on two dates with a famous magical person named Oliver a few days ago. He’s kind of… no, alright, he’s really hot, but saying that sounds juvenile. Then again, who cares? We’re both still young. Anyway, this guy plays a wizarding sport. Wait, I forgot to mention, magic is real, and Oliver is a wizard. My cousin got married, and he was pregnant. Yeah, barmy, I know. But he gave birth yesterday, and I had to have the day off because he gave birth right after midnight, and I was going on no sleep by the time I got home! I was raised to hate him and magic because my parents are dirtbags. How was your day?’

“It wasn’t much,” Dudley said with a smile. “Just a small family thing, but everything is great now. Tell Jesse he can breathe; I’m good.” Jesse was truly a mothering sort, not that Dudley didn’t appreciate his care.

“I’m glad to hear that it wasn’t anything extreme. Rachel is back from vacation. She goes by Ra now, just so you know.” Kel smiled at Dudley, patted his shoulder, and went to the front to man the till.

Dudley began reshelving The Hobbit, smiling as he worked. He couldn't stop thinking about Oliver and the dragonfly he had made for him. He wished it meant something.

“Boo!” Ra jumped behind Dudley, grabbing him, which made Dudley shriek in an unseemly manner. She dressed all in black and listened to goth music, but she had a sunny personality. She would roll her eyes at those who pointed out this contrast, explaining that being goth had nothing to do with how you looked or your personality. The only thing that mattered was the music.

“For crying out loud!” Dudley clutched his heart. “I don’t fancy dying today, Rachel… I mean… Ra?”

She grinned. “Yeah, isn’t that better than Rachel? Ra! I love it.” She brushed dark hair out of her eyes. She pulled an earbud from her ear, moving her Walkman closer to Dudley so he could hear. “Listen to the best song in the world.”

“I went looking for trouble, and boy, I found her…”

Dudley nodded along to the music, tilting his head to the side. It was interesting, and the singer had a voice that sent chills down his spine. Ra laughed and nodded. “I know! I can see your reaction. He could sing the white pages, and it would sound lovely.”

“I like it.” Dudley took the earbud out and returned it to her.

“Dudley, you’ve got a crush,” Ra said. “I know it when I see it.” She grinned and took off before he could respond.

‘What in the world, Ra… How could you say that? I don’t have a crush. It’s impossible to have a crush on someone you went on two dates with, one of them being rather short. I mean, Oliver is nice-looking and very kind, but… Stop it, get out of your head. You’ve got work to do!’

Shaking his head, he tried to focus on his task, but he kept thinking about Oliver. ‘Damn it, Ra, now I’m going to be thinking about that.’

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Dudley headed to the front to relieve Kel for his lunch break. They exchanged pleasantries before Dudley leaned against the cash register. It was a slow day, though usually Waterstones was packed at this hour. He sighed, sitting down in the chair the cashiers were allowed to use during long shifts or for those with disabilities. Even during short shifts and with no apparent ailments, the bosses never complained if their employees took a break and sat down.

He heard someone approaching in front of him, so he stood up and put on his best customer service smile. “Thanks for shopping at Waterstones. Did you find everything alright?” he asked before looking up. He glanced up when books were placed on the counter, his eyes widening. Dudley wasn’t the only one shocked. Oliver was looking at him with his mouth hanging open. “Is this a case of stalking?” 

Oliver laughed, shaking his head. “No! I swear. My parents live in this neighbourhood. I visit them during my off-season. Dad asked me to pick up some books for him.”

Looking down at the pile of books, Dudley laughed. Of course, The Hobbit was sitting on top of the stack. That book was essentially haunting him at this rate. “Sorry, I’m not laughing at your Dad’s choice in books. Honestly. It’s just The Hobbit has been everywhere as if begging me to read it.”

“The author is a wizard,” Oliver said in a low voice. “That kind of makes The Hobbit and his other books magical, though these are printed the Muggle way.”

“Come again?” Dudley asked as he began to ring up Oliver’s books. “The four books come to seventy pounds.”

Oliver handed over the notes, their fingers brushing together a moment longer than necessary. “I meant what I said about the author of The Hobbit. It’s a well-known fact… well, among…” He leaned closer to Dudley, lowering his voice. “…Wixens.”

“So this book probably was haunting me. Noted. I’ll read it for sure.”

“I heard Harriet had her baby. How is she doing?” Oliver asked just as more customers approached the till. Oliver stepped aside but lingered nearby as Dudley rang up the customers.

When the last customer was gone, Dudley turned to Oliver. “Great! Twins, can you believe it? Harriet? Really?”

“You never know who might be listening. Wow, twins! That’s shocking.” Oliver glanced at the exit and back at Dudley. “So… how have you been?”

“Great, I can’t complain about anything,” Dudley answered. Why was Oliver even asking? He was nice, so he was probably just making conversation. After all, Oliver was friends with Harry. It wouldn’t look good if he were rude to Harry’s cousin, not that Oliver had any obligation to engage in small talk. Dudley was at work, after all.

“Alright, well…” Oliver shuffled awkwardly near the exit, looking at the door and then back at Dudley a few times. Dudley watched him, thoroughly bewildered. Wasn’t he a confident, famous sportsman? Why was he acting so strangely? “Thanks for checking me out… I mean, checking the book… ringing me up.” Oliver’s face flushed, and he waved before turning and rushing out of the store.

“Who the fuck was that?” Sarah asked, making Dudley jump. She brushed a hand through her short sandy hair. “He was cute! I haven’t seen him around; he’s not a regular. I hope he becomes one.”

“Sarah, don’t sneak up on people. That was… well, that was Oliver.” Dudley covered his face when Sarah started to smirk. She didn’t know the full details, obviously, but she was aware of the wedding and the blind date, not to mention that his date was named Oliver. She was the only one at work who knew he was bisexual.

“Why is your blind date showing up at your place of employment?” Sarah asked.

“Coincidence,” Dudley muttered. “His parents live near here.”

“Why was your blind date doing a weird dance near the exit?” Sarah added, walking over to the door and imitating the way Oliver had been acting, darting her eyes back and forth between Dudley and the door, shifting her feet, and pretending to squeeze a shopping bag awkwardly.

“Sarah! You think that if a person sneezes toward someone, it must mean they’re in love. Get a grip. You live in a fantasy world.”

‘Harry lives in a fantasy world, well, what people would call a fantasy world. Merlin… haha… no, it sounds weird even to think that word. I should start using it around these… Muggles… and see how they react to my behaviour.’

“Get out of your head and tell me exactly what you were just thinking.”

“Merlin, no,” Dudley said, snorting. He started laughing, unable to stop because Sarah was looking at him as if he had grown two extra heads.

“Dudley, what does Merlin have to do with this?” Sarah asked calmly, as if she were talking to a senile old man. “Honey, did they serve anything strange at the wedding?”

‘Do you count Healing Draughts as strange? Well, that was before the wedding. They had a drink called Firewhisky, but I decided not to drink any Wixen drinks after the calming potion made me act like a fool…’

“Of course not; it was a… normal wedding.”

‘I just got blasted with magic from four magical families. Quite normal, I’d say.’

“You’re acting weird,” Sarah said. “Why do you keep blushing? Are you certain nothing is happening between you and your blind date? Was it really happenstance that he showed up and then practically ran away looking like a fire hydrant, the red variety, of course?”

Dudley looked up when he realised what song was playing, just as the lyric caught both his and Sarah’s attention.

“I just called to say I love you. I just called to say how much I care.”

“Whoa, that timing was brilliant,” Sarah said. “Someone must have cast a spell on you, Dudley.” She shook her head, amused, and then walked away without waiting for a response from him.

‘You have no idea!’ Dudley groaned, slapping his forehead. 

Chapter Text

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Friday, 23rd April 1999

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Harry slammed the Daily Prophet down on the table beside his hospital bed, taking deep breaths to suppress his rising panic. Everything was alright. The twins were thriving, even if they had been born early. Rita was nothing more than an annoying bug. She respected nothing, and her tagline about being dedicated to the truth was ridiculous. “The only reason you can’t say more about the wedding is that the Daily Prophet has received too much hate mail since you last spewed nonsense,” Harry muttered.

They lost many subscribers because of that incident. At least she wasn’t still insisting that he was in a relationship with Charlie Weasley; however, he should have expected that she wouldn't correct her mistake in her article, let alone apologise.

Sitting up fully, he leaned over to look down into the cot next to his bed. “Don’t listen to people like Rita Skeeter, alright?” Nova and Scorpius opened their eyes; the green and grey colour comforted Harry. “You look like a mix of me, my mum, Draco, and surprisingly, Uncle Dudley.” He reached in to hold their tiny hands. “Rita is wrong about your uncle. Please don’t take her seriously at all. Do you understand?”

The twins smiled at him, but he knew it was just gas. He couldn’t wait until they could actually smile. “You’re absolutely right,” Harry said, shaking his head. “I shouldn’t have even read the paper.” He smiled, patting them on the head. “I love you, my babies.”

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It was the second day at St. Mungo’s, and Harry missed being surrounded by everyone, though he loved spending time with the twins. He didn’t realise how much he had come to rely on having so many people around him. Sighing, he lay back on his bed and closed his eyes. It was early morning, and the babies had fallen asleep again, making adorable little gurgling sounds. Harry never imagined he would enjoy the random sounds infants made, but he guessed it made a difference when the babies in question were your own children. Turning his head to the side, he smiled at their cot, reaching out; it was close enough that he could touch the twins without getting out of bed.

A soft knock on the door caught his attention. He wondered who his visitor would be this time, as it was unusual for someone to visit this early. He cast a Tempus and saw that it was six in the morning and the twins would probably wake up soon to demand feeding time.

“Come in,” Harry said. He tensed when someone he didn’t recognise walked in, feeling instantly defensive. He jumped up, standing protectively in front of the cot, wand in hand.

“Oh! Sorry, it’s a glamour,” the visitor said.

Harry relaxed when the glamour dropped, revealing Oliver. He supposed they were friends, having hung out during their time at Hogwarts and played on the Quidditch team together. Still, it seemed odd that Oliver was visiting without prior notice, especially so early in the morning.

“The front desk recognised me by my wand signature, but I didn’t think to drop the glamour before entering your room. I’m sorry,” Oliver repeated. “How are you doing?” He smiled at Harry and walked closer, feeling guilty for startling him.

Sighing, Harry dropped back onto his bed. “My heart is still racing. Oliver, why didn’t you write first? I’m doing alright.” He took off his glasses and covered his eyes with a hand, willing himself to calm down. There was no threat. They were safe.

Oliver dropped into the rocking chair near the cot, looking at the babies. “I was in the area for a photoshoot. The sponsors who arranged it mixed some things up, so it had to be done early. Ugh, I think I’m still half asleep.” He leaned over to get a closer look at the babies. “I guess I’m too spontaneous. I didn’t even think about writing first.”

“Don’t fret,” Harry mumbled, putting his glasses back on. “I’m fine.”

Nova started to whimper, triggering a chain reaction; both babies began to cry, big fat tears rolling down their cheeks. Oliver looked alarmed, but Harry calmly stood up and approached the cot. “It’s feeding time. Do you want me to use a privacy barrier so you don’t have to watch?” Harry asked, gently picking up Nova. He cradled her in his arms and glanced over at Oliver.

“What? No, why would you?” Oliver asked, bewildered. “Breastfeeding is natural. The babies shouldn’t have to be covered while they’re eating. That’s… well, it’s your choice if you want to, but that’s just how I feel about it.”

This comforted Harry, and he smiled. “In that case, do you mind helping me get both of them settled at the same time? I always feel bad when I have to feed them one at a time.”

Oliver jumped up and gently picked up Scorpius, ushering Harry back over to the bed. Harry climbed onto the bed, feeling a bit awkward as Oliver helped him position himself so that the twins could latch on simultaneously. It took a couple of tries, but the twins were quick learners and eager for food. Harry beamed down at them, cuddling them in his arms.

“Lean forward,” Oliver said, propping some pillows behind Harry. “Does that feel better? Or you could move to the rocking chair?”

“I’m good. Thank you,” Harry said, smiling at the twins as they ate. He ran his fingers gently over their heads, feeling the softness of their hair. Turning his attention back to Oliver, he noticed that he had a thoughtful look on his face.

Walking back over to the chair, Oliver sat down. “It turns out my parents live near the Waterstones where Dudley works,” he said casually, as if discussing the weather. He leaned back in the rocking chair, gently rocking himself with his foot.

“How did you find that out?” Harry asked. He tried really hard not to smirk. He noticed how Oliver and Dudley behaved around The Manor during the after party and how close they were during their stay. Everyone knew that George tried to prank them with the mistletoe, so it was clearly not only Harry who thought one or both of them might be interested in the other.

“Dad asked me to pick up some books,” Oliver answered with a shrug. “I visit them from time to time when I’m not busy with other things.”

“You never saw Dudley before?” Harry asked, coughing to mask a laugh. He looked down at the twins, noticing they had stopped eating. He began rubbing circles on their backs to help them burp. “I mean, he’s worked there since 1997.”

“No,” Oliver said softly. “I never went in before yesterday.”

“They have a loyalty program, so you should make a habit of getting your books there,” Harry suggested. “I heard Petunia mentioning it before. Uh, that’s Dudley’s Mum. Anyway, yeah… You should sign up for that program. I heard it’s free.”

Oliver stood up and walked over to the bed. “I don’t read much, but maybe I’ll start since I’m bored out of my mind during my off-season.” He touched Nova’s hair and smiled. “They’re so cute.”

“I have no idea how that happened,” Harry said. “I mean, look at me! Well, I guess they got the good looks from Draco.”

“Harry, are you dense?” Oliver laughed, shaking his head. “You’re gorgeous. I should go; it’s early. Do you need anything before I leave?”

“Don’t let Draco hear you flirting with me,” Harry teased. “I’m good, thanks, Oliver.”

“If I were flirting with you, you would know,” Oliver grinned. “See you around.”

“See you,” Harry said as Oliver left the room. “But would Dudley know?” he mused, looking down at the twins. “Would your Uncle Dudley know if Oliver was flirting with him, Scorp? Hmm, you’re not sure? What about you, Nova? Do you have any female intuition to share?”

The twins remained silent.

“Keeping your knowledge to yourselves, I see.”

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Draco walked into Harry’s room at St. Mungo’s. He smiled at Harry, who was sitting on a rocking chair near Scorpius and Nova’s cot, reading a book. “It’s going to be hard to be away from you and the twins so much, but Minerva said I can come visit after classes every day. Sadly for you, that means you have no excuse not to catch up on missed work.”

“Joy,” Harry said. “Just what I wanted to do, classwork while I’m in the hospital because we had premature babies. How are Fleur and Victoire doing?” Harry smiled at Draco, thankful that he made sure to visit every chance he got, ever since Harry was admitted. Harry knew that Draco would skip every class if he could get away with it.

“Bill said her Midwife Healer was confident that Victoire is doing great because she was close to her due date, but she scolded Fleur and Bill for not calling her in or going to St. Mungo’s,” Draco said, shaking his head and laughing. He pulled another chair over and sat down, reaching out to hold Harry’s hand, gently taking the book away from him, tossing it on the bed.

“It was kind of daft for Fleur to decide to stay at Hogwarts for a so-called race, but Poppy is good at her job, so Fleur was in good hands,” Harry said, yawning. It was later in the day, and he was knackered. The twins were sound asleep. He looked over at them and reached out, touching Scorpius’s hand, loving how his little fingers curled around his pointer finger.

“Poppy said she is trained in various healthcare areas, but in the end, she decided to be a Healer at Hogwarts,” Draco said, bringing Harry’s hand to his lips, kissing his fingertips. “She’s a good person for Ron to shadow, but after he takes his N.E.W.T.s, I wonder what he’ll end up doing. He’ll learn things in a school setting for sure, but not much about midwife healing. Neville will no longer be at Hogwarts when he delivers, and we’d probably know if someone else was close to having a baby.”

Harry shrugged. “That’s for Ron to figure out.”

Draco stood up and moved toward the cot, looking down at the twins and gently caressing Nova’s cheek.

“They’re good sleepers, but they were only born a couple of days ago, so this is probably misleading,” Harry said, laughing quietly.

Returning to Harry’s side, Draco took a parchment out of his pocket and a box, expanding them to their full size. “This is a list of all your assignments for the week, plus the supplies you’ll need to complete them. The professors modified some of them to accommodate the fact that you’ll be around babies.”

“So, no exploding potions?” Harry asked. “That’s good. Thanks, Draco. Can you tell the professors thanks for me?”

“Of course.” Draco leaned down, kissed him, and tangled his hands in Harry’s hair. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

💍🐉⚡🐉💍

“Harry!”

Hermione winced at Ron’s loud voice, but thankfully, the twins didn’t react. They were awake and looking at the mobile a Healer had brought in to hang above their cot. They weren't actually focusing on the mobile yet, but it was cute thinking that they were.

“You just missed Draco,” Harry said with a tired smile. “Why are you visiting so late?”

“It’s late?” Ron asked, casting a Tempus to check the time. When he saw that it was nine at night, he added, “I guess for you, that is late now, old man.” He grinned and walked over to Harry’s bed, sitting beside him. “So?”

“So?” Harry repeated, nudging Ron’s side. Ron laughed and nudged him back. “So what?”

“How does it feel to be a Daddy?” Ron asked, glancing from Harry to the cot, where Hermione was cooing at the twins. He smiled at her and then looked back at Harry.

“Ask me in a month,” Harry said, rubbing his eyes beneath his glasses. “They eat a lot and cry occasionally, but for the most part, they’ve been really subdued.”

“Don’t get used to that,” Hermione said. “But don’t worry too much. You’ve got so many people here to help you and Draco whenever you need it.”

“Thanks,” Harry said. “It’s going to be strange having babies with us when we go to class.”

“You’ll need to remember to use protective barriers, especially in potions class,” Hermione advised. “There are fumes that might not be safe for babies. Also, use cushioning charms, though I doubt you’ll make a habit of dropping them. Oh! And don’t worry about letting others handle them. It’s great for building immune systems and getting them used to sudden changes and new people.”

“Hermione, relax. I’m sure Harry appreciates that you care, but he and Draco will figure things out as they go,” Ron said.

“I’m just trying to be helpful,” Hermione said with a frown. “Is it too much? I’m sorry.”

Harry waved a hand dismissively. “It’s fine. I’m not offended at all. I’m not going to freak out if someone without children tries to give me useful advice." He smiled at her. "Especially when that person is one of my very best friends, who I know loves to learn and share her knowledge.”

Beaming at them, Hermione turned her attention back to the babies. “Their eyes are so vibrant. The green and grey really stand out.” She leaned down to get a closer look. “Little Nova has more of a tanned complexion like you, Harry, and Scorpius is a mini Draco, except for the green eyes!”

She walked over to the bed and sat down next to Harry, throwing her arms around him. Ron grinned and hugged both of them. No matter what life threw at them, they would face it together, just as they had been doing since the first year they met.