FIC: Just Starting to Crawl

[mpreg_fest_mod]

Title: Just Starting to Crawl
Author/Artist: drarryxlover
Prompt: PROMPT #3
Word Count/Art Medium: ~14.5k
Rating: NC-17
Contains (Highlight to view): *Mention of abortion as a real possibility, pregnancy related sickness, first time sex, lactation kink, mention of suicide of a character before the fic started.*
Disclaimer: Harry Potter characters are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No profit is being made, and no copyright infringement is intended.
Epilogue compliant?: Fuck no.
Who is pregnant?: *Draco.*
Notes: A huge thank you needs to go to my friend M. for all her help and support.
Beta’d by J, any remaining mistakes are my own.
A huge shout out needs to go to A Great Bit World ft. Christina Aguilera for their song Say Something which I listened to on repeat whilst writing this. It only seems fitting that the title has come from the lyrics of the song.
And you, Kitty, thank you for such a wonderful, and open, prompt. I hope you enjoy the direction I've taken this in. ♥
Summary: Unaware of the path it will take him down, Harry buys Draco.




Harry checked the date at the top of The Daily Prophet again and then looked back at the article. It was the first time anything had been printed about the auctions. And how the Ministry had kept it quiet from the Prophet reporters would be a mystery. But as Harry read over the list of names that were situated under the gaudy headline OWN A DEATH EATER his eyes were drawn to one.


Checking his watch, Harry swore, he’d missed the first couple of auctions and there was one he didn’t want to miss. Rushing to pull on a pair of jeans and a clean t-shirt Harry left Grimmauld Place and apparated to the Ministry of Magic. There he followed the signs and made his way to the auction room, it was packed.


As he looked at the platform in the centre of the room, Harry saw the only ones there were the auctioneer—a toad-like man with a disturbing resemblance to Umbridge—and the Death Eater. He was chained and kneeling, his head bowed and he was filthy but Harry recognised him immediately. Numbers were floating above his head, the price people offered kept it ticking over, fifty galleons, sixty galleons and so on. Harry tried to find who was bidding but couldn’t, he knew he couldn’t let this go on.


“Two hundred galleons.” Harry found himself saying loudly, doubling the price. Around him the jeering crowd quietened and the Death Eater looked up, his eyes straining to see. Harry stepped forward and watched as the Death Eater’s jaw clenched before he bowed his head again. “Two hundred galleons,” Harry repeated and the auctioneer peered around the room asking if there were any better offers.


When none were called Harry climbed up onto the platform and drew his wand, he pointed it at the chains and they broke, Harry knelt down and gripping the Death Eater’s arm he said “Come on, Malfoy, let’s get you out of here.”


“Mister Potter, you need to take your Death Eater to the first door on the left as you leave,” the toad-man squeaked. Harry sneered at him and helped Malfoy stand, he stumbled and Harry frowned at how thin he was. Placing an arm around Malfoy’s waist and his own shoulders under Malfoy’s arm, Harry helped him down off the platform and they walked towards the door, the crowd silently moving away from them.


They made their way to the first door on the left, and Harry helped Malfoy sit before speaking to the witch at the desk, “I was told to come here by the auctioneer.”


“Oh, wow you actually brought—” the witch broke off as she looked up, the laughter on her face draining away as she looked at him. “Mister Potter, I can’t—him? I didn’t know you were—”


A snort interrupted her and they both turned to Malfoy who was eyeing them with amusement, Harry dismissed him and turned back to the witch who was glaring at Malfoy. She then looked to Harry, “You need to sign here and here, and he needs to sign there and there,” she pointed to places on the parchment. Harry signed and took the forms and the quill over to Malfoy so he could sign too.


When Harry handed the forms back, the witch rolled up one of the parchments and handed it to Harry; the others she placed in a tray where they disappeared. A puff of pink smoke and little pink sparkles rained down over Harry and Malfoy and the witch said “Congratulations on your bond. A ministry official will be at your residence, Mister Potter, tomorrow morning to confirm the consummation has taken place. Have a good day.”


Harry frowned and tucked the parchment into his pocket and turned to Malfoy who was sitting with his eyes closed, he regarded Malfoy for a moment and the words ‘bond’ and ‘consummate’ floated in his mind but he shook his head. He’d look at the parchment when he got home, perhaps he’d even get Hermione to look over it. Laying a gentle hand on Malfoy’s shoulder Harry said “Come on, let’s get you home.”


Malfoy blinked and nodded once, his face as impassive as it had been since Harry walked into the auction room. They moved together, to the Ministry’s atrium ignoring the looks they got as they went. “Ready?” Harry asked, and he took a tighter hold of Malfoy as they apparated away.


Harry landed them one the front step of Grimmauld Place. After they entered the house, Malfoy moved to sit on the stairs.

“Um.” Harry stood over him. “Do you want to get clean or eat first?”


Looking taken aback by Harry’s offer or his civility, Malfoy said, “Clean.” It took him a couple of attempts, his voice hoarse and his throat was obviously dry.


Harry held out his wand and then sighed when Malfoy flinched. “I’m not going to hurt you. I promise you that.” Malfoy’s hand went to his chest and Harry felt immediately guilty. “I won’t hurt you again. I was just going to give you some water.”


He reached out and cupped Malfoy’s jaw holding his head steady as he whispered Aguamenti and let water flow from his wand into Malfoy’s open mouth. There was a strange intimacy about this moment that made Harry shiver as he caught Malfoy’s eye.


When Malfoy had drunk his fill Harry helped him stand and brought him to the first floor bathroom, where he filled the bath with hot water and bubbles and said, “Take your time. I’ll bring you some clothes and a towel.”


Harry turned to leave.


“Potter.”


“Yes?”


Malfoy leaned heavily against the vanity.


“Right.”


Swallowing Harry moved closer and lifted Malfoy’s shifted over his head, he tried not to stare at the pale, dirty skin or the ribs sticking out, but he couldn’t prevent his fingers from brushing over the Sectumsempra scars. Harry lifted his hand away and looked at Malfoy, he couldn’t find the words but he didn’t have to when Malfoy inclined his head to show he understood anyway.


With slightly fumbling fingers Harry undid the buttons on Malfoy’s trousers and pushed them down, his underwear went next. Harry didn’t look as he helped Malfoy step out of his clothes and into the bath. Malfoy hissed as he sat down.


“Too hot?”


“No.” Malfoy said, adding, “Just not used to it.”


After the constant cold of Azkaban, Harry assumed that a hot bath was both a luxury and torture; he hoped Malfoy would enjoy it. Harry left the bathroom saying he was just going to get Malfoy some clothes and towel. He came back with a pair of track-pants that used to belong to Fred or George—so they’d be long enough if a bit baggy—and a soft t-shirt of Ron’s, each had been left behind and forgotten. Harry also brought along one of his Weasley jumpers in case Malfoy got cold. Grabbing a towel, Harry knocked on the door and entered the bathroom. Malfoy was sitting with his head resting on the edge of the bath and his eyes were shut. His cheeks were pink and his hair was clean and light blond, dulled only by the water.


“Here you go. I hope they fit; might be a bit baggy, but it’s all I have at the moment.”


“Potter,” Malfoy was silent for a while and he kept his eyes closed. But eventually he whispered, “Thank you.”


Harry nodded. “I’ll be in the kitchen just call if you need help. I’ll hear you.” He left Malfoy to his bath and headed downstairs. In the kitchen, Harry set the kettle on to boil and started to reheat some chicken soup Molly had brought over the day before.


Sitting down Harry pulled out the parchment he’d signed earlier and read it, over and over again, feeling shock and horror at what he’d done.


Matrimonium Contractum


The following Matrimonium Contractum is issued between Harry Potter

Nationality: English
Blood Status: Half-blood
Date of Birth: 31/07/1980
Place of Birth: Godric’s Hollow
Address: 12 Grimmauld Place, London.


and Draco Malfoy


Nationality: English
Blood Status: Pureblood
Date of Birth: 05/06/1980
Place of Birth: Wiltshire
Address: Malfoy Manor, Wiltshire.
Notes: Death Eater, residence post matrimonium contractum will be 12 Grimmauld Place, London.


The two parties declare their desire to register their marriage. They are aware of the ever binding nature of this contractum and the following stipulations must be upheld:
A) We shall remain married until death parts us.
B) We can have children and create a family of our own.
C) Draco Malfoy will be unable to cause harm to Harry Potter, the reverse is acceptable.
D) Draco Malfoy will be considered equal to Harry Potter in the eyes of the law. Societal status ranks Harry Potter as higher therefore he has the right to forsake Draco Malfoy’s welfare and well-being.
E) The marriage will be consummated within twenty-four hours of this matrimonium contractum being issued.
F)Draco Malfoy is obligated to be ready for sex when Harry Potter wants or needs it.
G) Draco Malfoy is obliged to obey and please Harry Potter.


Signed:

H. J. Potter


Harry Potter


Draco Malfoy


Draco Malfoy

Wanting to crumple the parchment, Harry sat with his head in his hands for a long time. He came out of his stupor when he heard the door to the kitchen clang shut, Harry had his wand out and pointed at Malfoy in seconds.


“Sorry,” Harry said embarssed.


“It’s fine. You’re bound to be jumpy.” Malfoy sank gracelessly into the seat opposite Harry, he was flushed and panting.


“You should have called me.”


Malfoy coughed anxiously. “I did.” The silence was awkward for a moment then Malfoy spoke again, “I assumed you didn’t hear so I managed.”

“Sorry,” Harry said again, uselessly. “I—Here,” he hands over the contract. “I didn’t realise what it meant.” Harry let Malfoy read it in silence as he moved to the stove to pour the soup into two bowls. He hears Malfoy let out a whoosh of air and that’s when he turns and takes the bowls over. “Lunch is served.” Harry tries to be cheerful but it comes out strained; he sits and doesn’t start to eat until he sees Malfoy eating.

They eat in silence for a while, Malfoy pushes his bowl away half empty but Harry keeps eating until he’s finished. Malfoy places a hand on the parchment. “If this is not fulfilled then the contractum will cease to exist.”

“And you’ll be back in Azkaban until the next auction,” Harry stated simply. Malfoy nods. “I can’t let that happen because you will probably get someone who is willing to neglect and abuse you. Do you know if there’s any way we can change the wording?”

“Why would you want to do that?” Malfoy sounds genuinely surprised.

“I’m not sending you back to Azkaban. I don’t like you, Malfoy, but I don’t know you. If we have to go through with this, as long as you’re willing as well then I want us to be equal in this—” Harry hesitated.

Malfoy smirked as he said, “Marriage.”

Huffing a laugh Harry said, “Yes, marriage. I want an equal partner not a slave! So I want to know if we can change this.”

“I’m not sure, this is something my father,” he stopped and gulped, “my father was good at legal jargon. I think Mother might know something. You could ask Granger.”

“I think because this is a Ministry of Magic thing that the best person to go to would be your mum. I don’t think she’d mind if we just popped in.” Harry smiled enjoying the way Malfoy frowned at him. Harry went round the table and helped him stand. Together they flooed to Malfoy Manor; they stepped out the fireplace and Harry watched Malfoy look around at his home.

Malfoy’s face was filled with both fear and wonder, it had been eight months since the end of the war and it had been at least that long since Malfoy had been in the Manor. Harry took hold of Malfoy’s waist and helped him walk to the drawing room, if he wondered how Harry knew where to go he didn’t say anything.

Narcissa was sitting on a chair and didn’t look up as they entered. “I hope you managed to land on your feet Harry and not get soot all over my floor.”

“Floor’s all clean Narcissa. I brought you a visitor,” Harry said smiling. He stepped away from Malfoy so he could stand on his own two feet when Narcissa saw him for the first time in almost a year.

“Draco! Oh my son!” Narcissa rushed to her feet and pulled Malfoy into her embrace, he stumbled and rested against her, his face buried in her neck. Harry looked away embarrassed and uncomfortable with the emotional display. “How is this possible? I saw the papers this morning and thought you were going to be lost to me forever.” She led Draco to the chaise lounge and moved to hug Harry. “Thank you, Harry.” Narcissa pulled away and lay a hand on Harry’s cheek. “I owe you so much.”

“No, you don’t.”

“You have saved me from going batty, you help me live comfortably and you brought my son back to me.”

“You saved my life.” Harry shrugged. “Nothing’s more important than that. Besides, I know how much you love your son.”

She nodded and drew Harry to sit in the chair she had just left then Narcissa sat beside her son, taking hold of his hand.

“Mother, we need your help.”


*^*^*

When Harry and Malfoy got back to Grimmauld Place, it was gone nine in the evening. They’d spent hours going over the contractum and Narcissa had suggested they make as few changes as possible, after much thought and discussion they had only changed a few words in four of the stipulations:

C) Draco Malfoy will be unable to cause harm to Harry Potter, the reverse is acceptable.

D) Draco Malfoy will be considered equal to Harry Potter in the eyes of the law. Societal status ranks Harry Potter as higher therefore he has the right to forsake Draco Malfoy’s welfare and well-being.


F)Draco Malfoy is obligated to be ready for sex when Harry Potter wants or needs it.

G) Draco Malfoy is obliged to obey and please Harry Potter.

These were amended to read:

C) Draco Malfoy will be unable to cause harm to Harry Potter, the reverse is unacceptable.

D) Draco Malfoy will be considered equal to Harry Potter in the eyes of the law. Societal status ranks Harry Potter as higher equal therefore he has the no right to forsake Draco Malfoy’s welfare and well-being.

F)Draco Malfoy is not obligated to be ready for sex when Harry Potter wants or needs it.

G) Draco Malfoy is not obliged to obey and please Harry Potter.

Narcissa had assured them that the changes were small enough they would not be noticeable until after the consummation had taken place, so long as it took place that night. Harry had struggled to look her in the eye after she’d said that, knowing that when he and Draco went back to Grimmauld Place she would know what they were going to do.


Shaking his head to dispel the thoughts, Harry ran a hand through his hair, “Are—are you hungry?”


“No, we ate dinner at Mother’s.”


“Right, yes, of course,” Harry said. He was flustered and nervous and he took a deep breath to try and calm himself, but it didn’t stop his palms from sweating or his heart from pounding in his chest. “I suppose we should, uh, you know. Get this over with.”


“Charming,” Malfoy said sarcastically. “Where do you want to do this?”


Looking around the room, Harry frowned before moving forward and taking hold of Malfoy’s wrist. “This way,” he murmured, and led Malfoy up the stairs and to his room. Malfoy immediately sat on the bed with a sigh of relief escaping his lips as he did so.


“Oh.” Malfoy seemed surprised as he looked over Harry’s room: the messily made bed, the clothes strewn on the floor, the pictures of his parents and friends on the bedside table.


Embarrassed Harry grinned, “Sorry, about the mess.”


“No it’s fine. I just wasn’t expecting—” Malfoy cut himself off and Harry looked at him closely realising that Malfoy thought Harry would bring him somewhere impersonal. It made Harry feel foolish, and he ducked his head. “I like it,” Malfoy admitted softly.


Harry smiled at him and stood between Malfoy’s open legs. He reached out a tentative hand to stroke the backs of his fingers against Malfoy’s cheeks before sliding his fingers into the blond hair and bending down to press their lips together. It was a brief kiss and when Harry pulled away he opened his eyes to see Malfoy’s were closed. Malfoy’s hand came up to hold Harry’s wrist, and he opened his eyes slowly as if making sure that Harry wasn’t going away. “You keep surprising me.”


“I hope that’s a good thing.”


Malfoy smiled widely. “It is.” He angled his head back and Harry leaned down to kiss him again, soft little pecks over and over until Malfoy’s tongue brushed his lips and they kissed tentatively. Tongues twining and exploring each other’s mouths then they broke apart panting, and Harry rested his forehead against Malfoy’s. He felt giddy, this was a man he’d been obsessed with for the better part of his Hogwarts years; and they’d never had a civil word to say to each other, but something changed after the Fiendfyre. The hostility they’d had seemed to burn out with the flames; and then Malfoy had been taken to Azkaban and Harry had holed himself up in Grimmauld Place, leaving only to go to funerals or to have tea with Narcissa or Andromeda or Molly.


Pushing Malfoy back so he lay on the bed, Harry began to pull his t-shirt off. He couldn’t look away from Malfoy’s face: his wide eyes were almost black, his mouth open, his lips shiny and wet with their mixed saliva. Harry found him undeniably attractive so he leaned in again for another kiss, breaking it only to pull Malfoy’s shirt off completely.


Harry moved his mouth off Malfoy’s—down his neck and his shoulders—he kissed and nipped at the pale skin. He accidentally grazed his stubbly chin across Malfoy’s chest and it cause Malfoy to let out a loud keening sound as his back arched pushing his chest into Harry’s chin. Making his way down Malfoy’s chest, Harry interchanged a graze of his chin, a nip with his teeth, a kiss and dragging the flat of his tongue over the thin faded scars that Harry had put there.


Malfoy’s hands had found their way into Harry’s hair, clenching and running through it as Harry kept up his ministrations. He paused when he came to Malfoy’s navel, dipping his tongue in crevice there. Harry let his nose and chin scrape against the soft hairs before he pulled up so he could take off Malfoy’s jeans. It wasn’t until he stopped that he realised Malfoy’s breathy gasps were actually his name; “Harry. Harry. Harry.”


Holding the elastic of the trackpants open, Harry waited until Malfoy—Draco—nodded at him before pulling them off, he took off Draco’s boxers as well and spent a long moment studying Draco’s cock. It was long and red, the tip was leaking and when Harry wrapped a hand around it he was shocked at how hard and yet soft it felt. It was so like his own and so alien at the same time, he squeezed once and Draco’s hips arched off the bed as he came with ropes of come spurting over Harry’s hand.


Watching Draco come, the feel of his body tightening as he did caused Harry’s own orgasm. He came, legs shaking and he fell on the bed beside Draco breathing heavily and utterly embarrassed. Harry tried to hide his face in the covers but Draco wouldn’t allow it, he held Harry’s chin firmly and kissed him gently. Relaxing Harry felt boneless and was happy for to Draco undress him, but Draco’s arms were getting weak and his face was showing exhaustion. Harry pulled him up so they were lying in the middle of the bed.


Harry moved so he was straddling Draco and yanked his t-shirt over his head, dislodging his glasses in the process. Draco laughed and took Harry’s glasses off and put them on the bed side table. “Is that okay?”


“I can see if that’s what you’re asking. Can’t see much else but I don’t want to.”


Draco let out a whimper and ran his hands up Harry’s thighs and then over his chest, his fingers tweaking Harry’s nipples causing him to roll his hips and moan. With a smirk Draco spent time playing with Harry’s nipples, going so far as to pull him down and start to lick and bite at them until Harry was hard again and panting as he held himself up above Draco.


“Fuck. Please, Draco.”


With one last lick, Draco pulled away from Harry’s chest and tugged at his jeans. “Get these off.” Scrambling Harry rolled off Draco and yanked at the button and zip of his jeans until he was able to kick them off, his boxers came next. Harry had turned to Draco who held him still with one hand and looked at Harry who flushed and hid his face in the pillow.


“You’re beautiful,” Draco said then he frowned as Harry peeked at him. “I mean—”


“Thank you,” Harry said shyly and he moved to kiss Draco again. As they kissed, their bodies came into contact; Harry felt a rush of emotion as he clutched at Draco's shoulder harder clumsily thrusting his cock against Draco’s and hissing when they brushed.

Harry pressed Draco onto his back moving with him to slide between his legs, trailing his fingers down Draco’s thigh Harry lifted it around his waist and put his own leg underneath to support it. He surged forward kissing Draco harder, more passionately as his fingers brushed over Draco’s balls until he found the furled entrance.

Simply pressing his finger there Harry let the pressure drive Draco mad and help him adjust, slowly, to what they were going to do. “I need lube,” Harry said shakily, as he squinted at the bed side table.

“What’s it in?” Draco asked, his voice hoarse.

“A tube,” Harry said.

Draco shifted to look for it in the nightstand and Harry drew his hands into his lap, when Draco stopped moving Harry assumed he’d found it. His head was tilted and he said, “I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

“It’s muggle,” Harry flushed. “If I can’t shop for books without it making the paper, Merlin knows what it’d be like if I brought lube.”

With a soft laugh Draco handed the lube over, his fingers brushing Harry’s cock and then his hands. It was intimate and it made Harry shiver. He looked into Draco’s face and they shared a smile before Draco lay back with his legs spread and hips angled upwards. It looked uncomfortable so Harry grabbed one of the pillows to put it under Draco’s hips.

Squeezing lube over his fingers Harry dropped the tube between the sheets and brought his hand back to Draco’s arse. He swept his shaking fingers down the crack, wetting it with the lube before pushing his index finger inside to the first knuckle.

He watched Draco’s face carefully and pulled his finger out, pushing it in further. He repeated this until Draco was moaning for more. When Harry carefully added a second finger and starting scissoring them—the same way he did on himself when he wanked—it didn’t take long for Draco to start pushing back on Harry’s fingers and the slide was easier, so he added a third finger.

Draco keened when Harry pressed deep inside and curled the tips of his fingers, finding a nub that he massaged. Harry was watching his fingers disappear into Draco’s greedy hole, and when he couldn’t stand it anymore and Draco was arching his back begging for “Deeper! Harry, harder!” Harry pulled his fingers free and fumbled in the sheets for the lube. He grasped it too hard and sent a squirt of lube onto the sheets, he swore before taking a deep breath and squirting it onto his cock.

“Ready?” He gasped when he’d got himself into position over Draco. His cock head nudged Draco’s entrance, their faces aligned and Harry’s weight was resting on his elbows.

“Yes,” Draco said soberly. He looked into Harry’s eyes as Harry breached him. When Draco’s face scrunched up in pain Harry stopped and pulled out, he’d press back in a little bit deeper each time until he was fully seated.

“Fuck, you’re so tight,” Harry gasped. He reached a hand down to tug at Draco’s cock which had softened, when he was hard again and panting, Draco nodded.

“You can move; just slowly, Potter.”

Harry nipped his lower lip. “I thought I was Harry.”

Draco let out a breathy laugh. “Harry, move.”

Sliding back carefully, Harry pushed inside again slowly; he did this a couple of times picking up the pace with each thrust as Draco’s leg wrapped around his hips pulling him in deeper. They moved together picking up the pace, and Harry’s thrusts got harder and erratic as he came close to his orgasm; he managed a momentary pause, but Draco didn’t look like he was in pain and he urged Harry on with his mouth and body.

It only took another few thrusts before Harry was shouting out wordlessly and coming inside Draco. He slumped on top of Draco and didn’t move for a few seconds. After he’d caught his breath, Harry reached down and grasped Draco’s cock, tugging it and sweeping his thumb over the head while sucking kisses down Draco’s neck. Draco came a second or so later. “Harry, Harry, Harry,” he chanted through his orgasm, quieting down as he came down from the high.

Harry pulled away, moving gently but it didn’t stop Draco wincing as Harry’s cock slid from him. “Sorry,” Harry said. He felt awkward as he reached over Draco for his glasses and then looking for his wand. Casting a cleaning charm over them, Harry then lay down next to Draco, leaving space between them.

When Draco struggled to sit up Harry said, “What are you doing?”

“I thought I’d leave you to sleep.”

“Don’t be stupid,” Harry said, “I—I want you here with me.”

Draco smiled and lay back down, turning into Harry so his head was resting on Harry’s shoulder. Harry stroked Draco’s hair and listened to his breathing even out, he took off his glasses and said quietly, “I could easily fall in love with you.”

Harry pulled Draco closer and closed his eyes; a smile spread across his face. Harry just had sex with Draco Malfoy, and he wanted to do it again. It had felt wonderful that time inside Draco, he wondered if Draco would mind them switching so Harry could be the one getting fucked. Calming his thoughts Harry went to sleep with a smile on his face and Draco’s body pressed to him.


*^*^*


When Harry woke the next morning he stretched and reached out for Draco, he frowned when he found only empty sheets. “Wha—” he started to say before opening his eyes and fumbling for his glasses. He slid them onto his face and looked around. The bed and the room was empty; Draco wasn’t there. Harry felt his chest ache. With a sigh he got up and pulled on a pair of boxers and started to make his way downstairs.


The house seemed oddly quiet, like no one was there at all, and Harry felt like a fool. He’d freed Draco from slavery and bonded with him to save him, and the git had run away at his first chance. Harry needed to think about what he was going to say to the Ministry official and for that he needed a cup of tea.


When he entered the kitchen, Harry froze. “Oh.”


Draco turned and flushed. “I wanted to make you breakfast.” He glanced at the mess around him and his lips quirked upwards in a sardonic smile. “All I’ve got that’s remotely edible is burnt toast and tea.”


Harry strode forwards until they were almost touching. “Well you’re in luck. Burnt toast is my favourite.” He tilted his head and waited, until Draco moved towards him, until they were kissing.


“Sit down, I’ll bring over your breakfast.”


Doing as he was told, Harry sat at the table and waited until Draco placed the toast down, before he started to eat. He hadn’t been lying, he did like burnt toast; Dudley had refused to eat toast when it got burnt and it went to Harry. Usually, that was the only hot breakfast he’d get. Draco watched him eat in confused amusement as he sipped at his tea.

“You’re not eating?” Harry asked between mouthfuls. Draco shook his head.


“I don’t like burnt toast. I don’t like eating this early either. Give me an hour and I’ll be breakfasting like a king.”


Harry laughed and had opened his mouth to say something else, but was interrupted by the floo flaring and a face stared out at them. “Mister Harry Potter?”


“Yes. Can I help you?”


“I am with the Department of Death Eater Bonds, and I have a colleague from the Department of Matrimonium with me. We were hoping this would be a good time to speak with you and Mister Malfoy.”


“Uh.” Harry glanced at Draco, who shrugged. “Give us ten minutes to get dressed and then you can come through.”


The man sent a disapproving look Harry’s way before withdrawing from the flames. Harry ran a hand through his hair and huffed out a breath. “I suppose we should get ready for them.”


“I suppose.”


They made their way upstairs where Harry gave Draco some jeans and a shirt to wear. He was surprised to see Draco picking up the Weasley jumper Harry had given him last night. There was something Harry found alluring about Draco in an emerald green jumper with a gold ‘H’ on it. He didn’t say anything to Draco, but judging by the way the blond was smiling at him Harry figured he’d been obvious.


He dressed quickly, in jeans and a t-shirt, and they headed back downstairs. As they were walking through to the kitchen Harry said, “You’re moving easier today.”


“I don’t know what it is but today I feel full of energy. Like I have all the magic in the world flowing through me. I feel like I could fly.” Draco grinned and Harry reached out to pull him closer, kissing him. They jumped apart when they heard the whoosh of the floo.


The man who had floo called earlier came through, and he was closely followed by a tall woman. Harry stepped forward and held out his hand. “Hello, I’m Harry.” They shook his hand. “And this is Draco.” The woman held out her hand for Draco to shake, but the man only sneered. “Shall we sit? Can I get either of you a cup of tea?”


“No, thank you,” The man said tersely, his bald head shining in the dim kitchen light and his beady eyes never left Draco. The woman also declined, but she did so politely and with a smile on her face; her blue eyes flitted from Harry to Draco as they sat on the opposite side of the table to the Ministry officials.


“I’m Mary Johnston from the Department of Matrimonium.”


“I’m Peter Faulkner from the Department of Death Eater Bonds. When you, Mister Potter, brought Mister Malfoy at yesterday’s auction the contractum that signed by both of you was registered with our departments.”


“Why both of them?” Draco asked, the man said nothing and looked as though he meant to continue on and ignore Draco, but Mary spoke over him:


“The contractum signed is legally a Matrimonium Contractum, a marriage contract, though the stipulations C, D, F and G were specifically designed by the Department of Death Eater Bonds.” Mary smiled and said, “So my part in this morning’s process is to confirm that the Matrimonium Contractum has been registered officially with the Ministry of Magic and—” she waved her wand and the contract appeared before her; waving her wand again, blue sparks flew out of it hit the parchment and turned purple.


“Well, congratulations gentlemen. You are officially married. I can confirm Mister Faulkner that the bond was consummated last night and Mister Potter, Mister Malfoy you are now equal husbands in the eyes of the law.”


Harry looked to Draco and grinned, reaching over to squeeze his hand in comfort, the moment was ruined by Faulkner clearing his throat. “My part in this is to ascertain how authentic this bond is and to be sure that Mister Malfoy is in the correct place in society.”


“What’s that supposed to mean?” Harry growled angrily.


“It means what it says in the contractum. Mister Malfoy is your equal in the law but not in society,” Faulkner sneered and yanked the contract away from Mary and pointed to stipulation D. “It’s right here in black and white.”


Harry raised an eyebrow. “So it is.”


Faulkner narrowed his eyes and he looked down at the parchment, his face turning red and then purple as he read over the changed contract. “You devious little Death Eater!” He hissed out at Draco, who shifted back in his seat. “You can’t change this! You are meant to be under his control!” He jabbed a thumb out towards Harry.


“I don’t believe in controlling people Mister Faulkner. That would make me no better than Voldemort and his love of the Imperius Curse. I will not control anyone, especially not my husband.” Harry stood and rested both hands on the table. “You will not speak to him like that in our home. I’m sure Mary, here, would inform you that no changes could be made without the agreement of both parties which it had. Besides, the contract is registered with the Ministry. There’s nothing that can be done to change it, by you or us.”


Faulkner gulped and said nothing as he glared from Harry to Draco. “This Death Eater has bewitched you! By potion or spell!”


“That’s not possible.” Draco said calmly, he leaned forward and rested a hand on Harry’s arm to calm him. “I have no money to buy any potion or ingredients and no chance to brew a potion like that, for it would take two to three months. I have been in Azkaban for the past eight months. As for a spell, I have no wand.”


Harry looked sharply at Draco before remembering the wand he’d taken at Malfoy Manor, his eyes went to Draco’s hand on his arm and he sighed relaxing his tense muscles. “I believe we are done here.”


“Not quite, Mister Potter,” Faulkner sneered, and Mary raised her eyebrows in shock. “There’s the money. You haven’t paid your two hundred galleons, if that’s not paid by ah—” he looked at his watch, “—noon, the bond will cease to exist.”


Harry clenched his jaw, gritting his teeth. “Wait here, one moment.” He left the room, and rushed up to his bedroom. Hermione had written down all the relevant information he needed about Gringotts, especially since the Goblins had banned him from entering the bank. He fingered through the parchment in one of his drawers, pushing aside letters and his copy of the contract and finally finding his account number, he cast a spell to duplicate the number before running back downstairs. Harry handed the number to Faulkner. “You can take two hundred galleons out of that account. Any more and I will know, if you do it later than noon, I will know.”


“I am a busy man Mister Potter.”


“Perhaps. But I am friends with the Minister and I will owl him to let him know you have the number and my permission to take out the necessary funds.” Harry pushed his fringe to the side and watched carefully as Faulkner eyed his scar.


“Of course, Mister Potter. I best do that now. Good day.” He stood and hurried out the floo. Mary followed suit after shaking both their hands and left.


“You need to be careful about who you threaten,” Draco said as he came around the kitchen table to stand by Harry.


“I didn’t threaten him. I just reminded him who I am and what I did.”


Draco smirked. “It was quite attractive.” He slid a hand up Harry’s shoulder and round his neck leaning in to suck Harry’s lower lip into his mouth.


“Really?” Harry swallowed heavily as he put his hands on Draco’s hips pulling their groins into close contact.


“Really.” Draco agreed and kissed Harry fiercely, pushing him into a chair straddling him and pressing his hard cock into Harry’s.


Harry groaned and said, “I really should owl Kingsley.”


Sighing heavily, Draco stilled his hips and pulled back to look Harry in the face. “I suppose you should, wouldn’t want this to end.”


“No, I don’t,” Harry said seriously. “Besides we have the rest of our lives to, uh, you know.” He flushed and Draco smiled softly nodding.

Draco got off Harry’s lap and started to clear the table, feeling as though he’d done the wrong thing, Harry grabbed his arm and kissed him deeply before heading out the room leaving Draco flustered.

Rushing to grab piece of spare parchment and a quill, Harry scrawled something out about his bank account and Peter Faulkner and wanting to keep his bond before whistling for his owl. The tawny owl came flying through the window and Harry stroked his chest. “Take this to Kingsley Shaklebolt,” he said and the owl flew away, as Harry watched it he thought about names for the bird, but none seemed right.

He dashed into his bedroom for one more thing before heading downstairs, Draco was still in the kitchen sitting at the table with the The Daily Prophet before for him, but he didn’t seem to be reading it.


“Hey,” Harry said.


“Hello,” Draco said laughingly.


Biting his lip, Harry kept one hand behind his back and wiped the other one on his jeans. “I’ve got something for you.” He watched closely as Draco sat back in his chair and eyed Harry’s face. “I know I should have given it to you earlier, but I didn’t think. I’m sorry I’ve kept it so long.” By the time Harry finished speaking Draco was looking rather serious, and his eyes were unblinking as he stared Harry.


Harry reached forward and put the Hawthorn wand on the table. Draco sat still for a long moment then tentatively he stretched out his arm and ran his fingers along the wood. “You kept it?”


“Yeah.”


“I thought I’d never see it again. I figured you’d throw it away or something.” Draco curled his fingers around the handle and lift the wand.


“I couldn’t throw it away. It doesn’t belong to me anymore, it stopped working for me after I fixed my Holly wand.”


With a slightly dazed look on his face, Draco flicked his wrist and sparks flew out the top of the wand. “Harry,” he whispered hoarsely. Smiling Harry moved around the table to cup Draco’s cheek and kiss him softly.


“You don’t have to say anything.”


Draco didn’t; he just kissed Harry again.



*^*^*



Later that day after they’d cleaned themselves up from sex in the kitchen, which Harry had found surprisingly exciting. He was still feeling the blissful effects from his orgasm when he suggested they take a walk.

“Let’s get some fresh air. Just in muggle London,” Harry said hurriedly when he saw the doubt creep into Draco’s expression. “What do you say?”


“Alright,” Draco agreed, smiling broadly and Harry assumed he was still feeling the happy after effects of sex, but he didn’t question it as they put on their shoes and left Grimmauld Place. Walking into the square Harry looked back to watch the house disappear when he stepped out from the protection of the wards—after the war Death Eaters raided the place, so he’d had Bill add them . The magic still marvelled him.

Draco was watching him quietly. When Harry turned to him, Draco held out his hand. Harry took it and threaded their fingers together, and they made their way out into London. Since neither knew it very well, they just picked a direction and started to walk that way. They didn’t speak much; Harry didn’t feel like there was a need to, and Draco seemed to be content just leaning into Harry’s body and walking with him.


Once in a while, Harry would pull Draco closer and press a kiss to his forehead, his cheeks or his mouth. Draco would smile and blush and glance around to where some of the muggles gave them filthy looks. Harry was beginning to feel as uncomfortable as Draco when the looks turned to stares. “Come on, let’s go home,” Harry whispered in Draco’s ear and sucked on the lobe at the same time, because he could.


Draco shivered against him. “Can we Apparate?” Harry frowned at him and Draco smirked. “I want you inside of me.”


“Insatiable!” Harry growled but ran, tugging Draco with him until they reached an empty alley. He pulled Draco into him, kissed him hard, pressing their bodies together and rutting against Draco a couple of times before whisking them away with a pop. They landed on the front step of Grimmauld Place. Harry fumbled with the door while Draco’s hands wormed their way inside his trousers to cup his cock and he sucked kisses onto Harry’s neck.


When Harry got the front door shut behind them, he pushed Draco up against it and started to yank his jeans down. Draco kicked them off and Harry pulled his wand from his sleeve and summoned the lube. Lifting one of Draco’s legs around his hips, Harry quickly spilled lube over his fingers and pressed two into Draco roughly scissoring them and adding a third when Draco started to moan loudly and press back.


Harry lifted up Draco’s other leg and braced himself, with a short sharp jab Harry pressed deep into Draco. “Merlin, Harry!” Draco shouted, his fingers scrabbling for purchase on Harry’s shoulders as he clenched around Harry.


It was messy and rough and neither of them lasted long, but Harry had worked up a sweat as he pounded into Draco, fucking him hard and quick. Draco didn’t need a hand on his cock; he came from Harry fucking him alone; he let out a whine and clenched around Harry.


Harry came a few thrusts later, biting onto Draco’s clothed shoulder to muffle his shout. They sank to the floor afterwards, panting and sated. “That was—” Harry started.


“Intense,” Draco said, then he chuckled. “I can hardly keep my hands off you.” Even as he said it, Draco was running his fingers up and down Harry’s chest under his shirt.


“At least, it’s not just me then.” Harry tugged Draco down for a kiss. They stayed in the hallway like that, kissing for a long time, before they were interrupted by someone calling up from the kitchen.


“What?” Harry lifted his head and peered down the hallway. Draco straightened Harry’s glasses and shifted to start to re-dress. Harry followed suit and the two of them made their way to the kitchen, wands drawn.


“Harry?” The voice was male, and extremely familiar to Harry who stuck his wand in his pocket and ran into the kitchen.


“Ron! What are you doing here?”


Ron grinned; it slowly faded as he looked behind Harry, who turned to see Draco standing just inside the door. “Malfoy.”


“Weasley.” Draco inclined his head, but stayed back.


“What’s up? I thought you were staying at the Burrow til Hermione got back.”


Ron nodded and sat. “I was. I am, mum sent me after seeing the special Evening Prophet and told me that I’m to invite you—” He looked over at Draco. “Both of you—over for tomorrow afternoon. Mum wants to make a big deal out of your, ah, marriage.”


Harry looked to Draco, whose face was impassive as he eyed Ron. “Thanks Ron, course we’d be there. Do we need to bring—” he was interrupted by Draco’s voice.


“What was in the Evening Prophet?”


“Pictures of the two of you. A story saying how you,” he nodded at Harry, “had barged into the auctions and brought him,” he nodded at Malfoy, “for a large sum of money. Someone in the Ministry said you’d cheated the Death Eater bond and were now in a marriage bond.”


“Faulkner,” Harry growled.


“Who?” Ron asked.


“You don’t know that. You can’t prove it either, Harry,” Draco said softly as he moved to stand behind Harry, resting a hand on his back. “It doesn’t matter.”


“It does matter!” Harry shouted and pulled away from Draco’s touch. He stood, scowling, with his arms folded.


Ron, who knew Harry better than Draco, stood and headed for the floo. “I’ll see you tomorrow, mate. Don’t worry about bringing anything; you know what mum’s like. She’s started baking already, and I think she’s knitting you a jumper Malfoy.” He smiled hesitantly, before flooing out.


Moving closer Draco peered at Harry who turned away. “I don’t understand,” Draco whispered, and Harry closed his eyes trying to ignore the hurt he heard there. “You were so happy when no one but Mother knew and now…” Draco took a deep breath.


“No. Draco that’s not it.” Harry spun and clutched at Draco. “I promise you, Draco, that’s not true.”


“Then, what is it?!”


“I don’t like everyone knowing—”


“You are ashamed!” Draco tried to pull out of Harry’s grasp, but he was weaker than he used to be and Harry was strong.


“No!” He tried to calm Draco’s vicious movements, tried to stop the punches that hit his chest but Draco was fuelled by anger. Harry was feeling frustrated and he thought perhaps it would be best to leave Draco to calm down. He stepped away and Draco toppled, most of his weight having been resting on Harry.


Harry caught Draco who pulled away, his cheeks were pink and his eyes red though he’d shed no tears. Harry reached up to cup his cheek, but Draco yanked his head around and Harry paused. He said quietly, “I don’t like everyone knowing I paid for you.”


Draco froze.


Harry looked him in the eye. “I feel like everything you do is to pay me back one galleon at a time. Realistically, I know it’s not true, but now, they’re going to call you a whore.”


“Oh Harry. They’ve called me much worse.”


“Not when you’re my husband they haven’t.” With a sad smile Draco moved forward, wrapping one arm around Harry’s shoulders, the other around his waist. “I hate that I bought you, that I had to buy you.”


“You didn’t Harry. You paid for my freedom, yes. But you didn’t buy me. I assure you everything I do, I do because I like you and because I want to.” Draco leant in and pressed his lips softly to Harry’s. “I promise.”


With a sigh, Harry let go of the hurt that Draco’s ‘like’ caused and he forced a smile lifting his arms to hug Draco back.



*^*^*



Harry couldn’t find Draco. He thought in a sea of red hair the one blond head would be easy to spot. He went from room to room, smiling at everyone pausing to talk to Weasleys. He eventually found Draco sitting in the kitchen with Molly at the stove and Arthur hovering in the doorway.


Draco was staring out the window, a slight smile on his face and sort of low about him that made Harry smile. Arthur noticed what Harry was looking at and chuckled. “I remember Molly looking like that before we found out about Bill, it’s an instinctive happiness, you know, a kind of magic.”


“What?” Harry asked, suddenly hot all over.


“He knows, Harry, subconsciously at least. Get him to a Healer, she’ll confirm it.” Arthur clapped him on the shoulder before heading out into the garden. Molly gave Harry a knowing smile as he moved to sit by Draco.


“Hey,” Harry said as he nudged Draco softly. “Penny for your thoughts?”


“Penny?”


“Oh, Muggle thing. Knut for your thoughts.” Harry smiled.


“I was just thinking.” Draco smiled.


Harry huffed out a laugh. “I know the Weasleys are a loud bunch, but they’re family.”


“I know, Harry. I’ve been talking quite happily with Mrs Weasley, though she won’t let me help,” Draco said the last part louder and Molly clucked her tongue.


“I told you I won’t accept your help until you call me Molly!” She winked at them before turning back to the stove.


Harry let out a loud laugh, and gazed at Draco as he, too, laughed. “You can’t cook.”


“No, I can’t, but she didn’t know that.”


“She does now,” Harry said looping a hand around Draco’s neck and pulling him closer for a hug. As he held Draco tightly, Harry couldn’t help but let his mind wander to the frightening possibility that Draco was pregnant. How Draco was pregnant was also another question that popped up, but Harry didn’t dwell on it; instead he thought of their child that Draco might be carrying.


Draco pulled away and said quietly, “You alright?”


“Great,” Harry said happily, “I’m absolutely wonderful.”


With a slight frown, Draco just shook his head, and Harry didn’t know whether to bring up what Arthur had said or to leave it until they got home. The decision was made for him when Charlie came into the kitchen. He went up to Molly and put an arm around her shoulders whispering into her ear. Molly’s face turned sad and she shook her head, muttering an excuse before disappearing upstairs.


“Everything okay?” Harry asked.


“We don’t know where George is. We don’t like to leave him alone for too long, he’s…” Charlie hesitated, his eyes flicking to Draco. “He’s not coping.”


“Do we need to look for him?”


Charlie ran a hand through his hair and Harry found his eyes drawn to a scar on his forearm. It stood out among the burns and Harry knew it had come from the Battle of Hogwarts. “That’s what we’re doing. Mum’s gone up to his room. Ginny’s looking in dad’s shed. I’m about to check the orchard.”


Harry stood and offered to go with him. Draco waved him off as he turned to him. With a quick kiss to Draco’s forehead, Harry left with Charlie to check the orchard for George. They strolled briskly through the trees, peering through the branches to try and see any sign of George.

“So,” Charlie said conversationally, “Malfoy doesn’t seem as bad as you and Ron painted him out to be.”


“He’s not. Not anymore,” Harry said. “Not as caustic as he was at Hogwarts. Still a sarcastic git, though. Something happened to him and he’s changed, mellowed.”


“War will do that to a person, Harry.” Charlie sent him a sideways glance. “Love will too.”


“Draco doesn’t love me,” Harry said. Surprised by the amount of bitterness in his own voice he explained, “He only recently said he likes me.”


Charlie slung an arm over Harry’s shoulders. “He loves you Harry. He came here didn’t he? To the home of a family his has had a feud with for decades. He’s been polite. He apologised to Bill.” Harry shot a look up at Charlie who grinned and nodded. “It’s true, heard it myself. You know how awkward it was when you two got here, Fleur was a right bitch to him and he took it. Ginny won’t speak to him. Mum and dad are trying and so’s Ron, in his way. But when he took you away to show you Hermione’s letter, Malfoy waited for everyone to go back to their business before approaching Bill.


“He apologised for letting the Death Eaters into Hogwarts that night and for how his actions had affected Bill.”


Harry stumbled as he stopped, but Charlie kept walking for a moment. He let Harry go and Harry said, “What did Bill say?”


“Not a lot. Just nodded, clapped Malfoy on the shoulder and walked over to Fleur who was complaining about something. Probably Malfoy, I just think she doesn’t like the fact that his hair’s blonder than hers!” Charlie winked.


Harry couldn’t help but let out a loud bellow of laughter. Soon he and Charlie were in fits of laughter hanging onto each other's shoulders. They sobered up when they saw Ginny creeping towards them, waving her arms and putting a finger to her lips. “Shh!” She hissed, “You’ve got to see this.”


The three of them made their way out of the orchard towards the back garden, Harry froze and felt Charlie do the same when they saw them by the chicken coop. George with silent tears rolling down his cheeks had his hand clenched around Draco’s, who sat next to him staring ahead pretending he couldn’t see George’s pain but offering silent support.


Quietly, Harry, Ginny and Charlie made their way around to the front of the house letting themselves in. Everybody was in the kitchen watching Draco and George. “How’d it happen?” Charlie asked.


Molly sniffed and Bill said softly, “Mum came down from George’s room emotional and Malfoy excused himself. We’re not sure after that. Gin came out the shed and saw them first.”


“George was sitting with the chickens,” Ginny started up as soon as Bill stopped talking. “I was about to go over when Malfoy joined him, he didn’t say a word just sat in the hay and chicken shit with George. George started to cry.” Ginny sniffed and rubbed at her eyes. “And—and Malfoy took his hand. Just like that, they’ve been sitting like that ever since.” She sniffed loudly and Molly let out a sob. Harry felt his own throat tightening; he knew as well as everyone else how stoic George had been. He’d not cried or gotten angry, he’d just been existing. But now he was reacting, and Harry hoped it was enough for him to get some semblance of closure.


The kitchen was empty except for Harry and Arthur when Draco and George came back inside, Arthur looked at his son and said, “Alright, George?”


George just shrugged and stepped away from Draco as Harry came closer, he pulled Draco into his chest but reached out a hand to clasp George’s shoulder for a brief moment. George nodded his head and ducked out into the hallway. Arthur smiled at Draco and said, “Thank you. You’ve done more for George in ten minutes than we have in eight months. We failed him.” Arthur’s voice broke and he sat down heavily, his shoulders curving inwards as drew his glasses off and rubbed at his eyes.


“You didn’t fail him, Mister Weasley. He just needed someone who wasn’t grieving for Fred,” Draco said as tactfully as he could without offending Arthur who smiled tightly.


“Perhaps, you’re right, but I thank you nonetheless.”


Draco seemed uncomfortable and Harry drew him up the stairs onto the first floor landing. “What you did for George—” Harry said. Draco opened his mouth to speak Harry but continued, “Hush. Let me finish. George hasn’t coped with Fred’s death. He hadn’t even cried until today. I know you don’t think you did much but, Draco, you did. It means so much to this family.


“I know it’s hard for you here but the fact that you’re trying and helping and apologising. It means a lot to me.” Harry took a deep breath. “It makes me love you even more.”


They stood in silence for a brief moment. Harry held his breath until Draco smiled widely. “Daft sod,” he said affectionately and threw his arms around Harry’s shoulders. “Love you, too,” Draco whispered into Harry’s ear as he squeezed tightly.


“Come on, dinner’ll be ready soon and we need to set up the tables.”


“In a minute,” Draco said and Harry wrapped his arms around Draco’s waist hugging him tightly, he tilted his head into Draco’s neck and pressed wet kisses there working his way up to Draco’s jaw and then to his lips. Draco opened his mouth easily under Harry’s and they kissed languidly until a throat was cleared.


Harry turned to look at Ron, who was red and staring at the floor. “Uh, mum wants you to know that dinner’s ready…and don’t you have a house for that!”


With a chuckle Harry said, “You’re just jealous because Hermione’s in Australia.” He kissed Draco again, before taking his hand and they headed downstairs and outside. The feast Molly had cooked was on the tables outside with the family all seated around it.


As Draco sat down between George and Charlie and Harry opposite between Fleur and Ginny, Arthur stood and raised his glass. “To Harry and Draco, we wish you every happiness in your life together.”


“To Harry and Draco.” The rest of the family toasted. Harry stood as Arthur sat and raised his glass.


“To those we have lost; Fred, Remus and Tonks, Mad-Eye, Snape and Lucius. We wish you were here to celebrate with us today.”



*^*^*



It was gone midnight when Harry and Draco got back to Grimmauld Place. Draco was half asleep and leaning heavily on Harry’s shoulder.

“Come on, let’s get you up to bed.”


“Mm, ‘kay,” Draco mumbled and he let Harry drag him up to their bedroom and manoeuvre him out of his clothes. Harry admired Draco’s naked body; his eyes lingered on Draco’s stomach before he impulsively pressed a kiss there and Draco snored softly.


With a soft laugh, Harry striped his own clothes and got into bed, pulling the covers over both of them he snuggled down so his head was resting on Draco’s shoulder. He curled an arm around Draco’s waist before closing his eyes.




*^*^*


They spent the next month getting to know one another better; they'd take walks and go out for meals. Every Saturday they would go to the Burrow for lunch, it was something Molly had started to keep track of all her children and for the family to be altogether once a week.


Sundays were Narcissa's day, they would arrive at the Manor early afternoon and leave late at night and Harry would usually lie awake for a bit trying to replace his bad memories of Malfoy Manor with the new, happy ones.


One Sunday it hadn't been easy. Harry had stumbled onto the room where Hermione had been tortured. The chandelier was in pristine condition on the ceiling but Harry remembered it, he now knew why Narcissa had been keeping him away from that part of the house. He didn't tell Draco he'd found the room but he'd spent the night sulking.


It took Harry a long time to get to sleep.


It seemed to be only a second later, when Harry was being pushed away from Draco, who—by the time Harry had put on his glasses— was stumbling out of the room. He rushed from the bed to find Draco crouched over the toilet heaving. Harry grabbed a facecloth from the cupboard and wet it. When Draco’s heaving stopped, Harry knelt beside him and wiped his face gently. Draco looked tired and paler than usual. His body looked just as weak as it had when Harry first seen him.


“Feel up to going back to bed?”


“I—” Draco paused and swallowed. “I think something’s wrong.”


Harry felt his heart stop at Draco’s admission. “Why do you think that?”


“I feel terrible, my nose is all blocked and I’ve had a headache for days, I’m so tired and look,” Draco turned to face Harry who frowned in confusion. “My nipples are huge! And dark. Harry, what’s happening to me?”


Gathering Draco in his arms Harry pulled him in close. “I think, well, Mister Weasley mentioned it last month. He thinks you’re pregnant.”


“Pregnant?” Draco said in a small voice.


“Yeah.”


Neither of them said anything for a while, they just sat together on the bathroom floor which was cold under Harry’s legs, but he was happy to have Draco’s skin against his. Harry ran his hands up and down Draco’s thighs and torso trying to keep him warm. Eventually, Draco dragged himself off Harry’s thighs and he stood on shaky legs. Harry scrambled up behind him, his cock half hard and hanging heavily between his legs.


“Oh Harry, I’m not—”


“I know,” Harry said, embarrassed. “I just find you irresistible.”


Draco smiled shyly and Harry put his arm around Draco’s waist. “Let’s get you back to bed and I’ll see about getting a Healer to come here.”


Once Harry had Draco settled in bed, he pulled on some clothes, set some basic wards so he could hear Draco in case he called and rushed down to the kitchen to floo Narcissa. It didn’t take long for her to answer. “Harry, dear, what can I do for you?”


“I need to know the name of Draco’s regular Healer? Or can I just get anyone?”


Narcissa turned pale. “I’ll bring the Healer with me, if you don’t mind me coming through.”


“Not at all, you know you’re always welcome here.” Harry heard a cry come through the wards. “I have to go, just come up to the third floor bedroom.” Harry rushed out and saw Narcissa nod before breaking the connection. He ran up to the bedroom and rushed in to see Draco throw the covers off him and use the sheet to wipe down his body which was shining in the dim light with sweat.


“I’m all sweaty. Harry, it hurts.” Draco moaned and Harry conjured a cup and filled it with water.


“Drink this. Your mother is on her way with the Healer.” Harry felt hopeless as he watched Draco curl in on himself an arm wrapped tightly around his stomach. “Do you want to put some clothes on?”


Draco didn’t answer. He just started to breathe heavily his face scrunched up in pain. Harry stroked down his back and watched as Draco’s pain seemed to come and go. It seemed to take forever before there was a knock on the door followed by Narcissa and a man Harry didn’t know entering the room.


“Hello, I’m Healer Eric Johnson.” The man had short grey hair and a kind face. He spoke eloquently but firmly. “Draco I need you to lie on your back.”


It was a testament of how much Draco trusted the man, that he almost immediately turned to lie on his back with his legs coming up to curl around his stomach. “Mister Potter, I need you to leave the bed for a moment. I can’t have your magic or life signs interfering with Draco’s.”


“Oh. Right,” Harry said and got off the bed to stand by Narcissa. She gripped his hand as they watched Draco curled up into himself his face contorted with pain as Eric waved his wand casting an orange haze around Draco. As soon as it was gone Harry was back on the bed turning Draco onto his side and stroking a hand down his back.


“What is it?” Harry asked. “Is he pregnant?”


Narcissa gasped and Harry realised he forgot to tell her that’s what they thought. Eric smiled, “Congratulations.”


“Then why’s he in so much pain? I thought this part didn’t happen until labour or something.”


“He’s experiencing cramps which are being caused by his magic creating a uterus. I’ll prescribe a potion to help ease the pain; it’ll help with the process and help it expand. The excessive sweating is natural, I’m afraid. Just a by-product of the amount of magic he’s using. As for the darkening of his nipples, that’s natural too. It simply means that his magic is making an area for milk to be stored until the baby needs it.”


“Breastfeeding!” Harry exclaimed, partially horrified and partially curious, Draco’s fist thumped against his leg.


“It’s natural.” Draco muttered, he turned his face towards Eric who quickly rustled through his bag eventually pulling out a potion vial.


“This is a mild sedative and painkiller that won’t harm you or the baby, Draco.” Eric held the vial to Draco’s lips and tipped it. Draco drank the potion and rather quickly his muscles relaxed so he could sleep. Harry pulled the sheets up over his body and pressed a kiss to Draco’s sweat soaked hair.


“Would you like a cup of tea?” He offered Eric and Narcissa.


“That would be wonderful, we have a few things to discuss about what you can expect from Draco’s pregnancy as well.”


“Shall we head for the kitchen then?” Narcissa suggested, she too bent to kiss Draco, and the three of them made their way downstairs to discuss what Harry needed to know.




*^*^*



Harry lay awake next to Draco who was sleeping peacefully again. The first potion he’d had lasted two hours and in that time Harry and Narcissa had found out from Eric just how hard the pregnancy would be on Draco’s body. He hadn’t fully healed or regained his strength that he’d lost in Azkaban; he was living off Harry’s magic through their marriage bond.


Picking up his wand Harry cast a soft Lumos and let the light bathe Draco’s features; he was thin, his ribs were still sticking out, his legs and arms were like twigs, his cheeks weren’t as hollow as they had been but—Harry couldn’t help but think about what would happen if he lost Draco.


They’d only been married a month, but Harry couldn’t picture his life without Draco. He didn’t want Draco to die and he didn’t want to lose their child. Eric had made it clear that if Draco wasn’t coping as well as they’d hoped after eight weeks, then they would have to seriously think about abortion. Draco’s body, health and magic may not be strong enough to sustain nine months of pregnancy.


He laid his wand on the bedside table and rested a hand on Draco’s side, stroking the skin softly as his clouded over with tears. Harry cried silently praying and hoping that he wouldn’t have to choose between his husband and his child.




*^*^*



It had been a tense month for Harry. He felt like he was constantly on a knife’s edge every time Draco moved. Their relationship had become strained and Harry knew it was his fault. He withdrew from any physical contact. Only at night, when Draco was asleep, would Harry allow himself to touch. He didn’t talk to Draco much anymore for fear of saying something that would give him away. Saying something that would make Draco realise how scared Harry was to lose him or their child.


The potions Eric had given were working, Draco wasn’t in pain anymore but he was still tired and his appetite was all over the place. One day tea would make him sick and the next he couldn’t drink enough of it. Harry did all he could to cater to Draco’s changing tastes buds, but it was difficult when he got bombarded by the press every time he went out his front door.


Narcissa had started to come round every day with food her house elf had prepared. and Harry started to make himself scarce to avoid her disapproving looks. He’d leave the house so he wouldn’t have to hear Draco’s sobs.


Some days Andromeda and Teddy would visit and Harry would sit holding Teddy, pretending not to see the hurt in Draco’s face as he watched them.


Finally the time came when Eric would let them know if Draco would be able to carry the pregnancy to term. Draco was lying on the sofa in the drawing room, Narcissa stood beside him while Harry sat in the chair across the room.


Eric cast the spell and Harry held his breath.


“Well, Draco,” Eric started, but Draco interrupted him.


“I don’t want to know Eric.”


“What?” Harry snapped.


“I’m having this baby.”


“You can’t just decide that!” Harry shouted, he flung himself out of the chair and left the drawing room, slamming the door viciously behind him. He ran up to Sirius’ old room, hiding in there had become a habit of his lately, and he sat staring at the photo of Sirius, Remus, James and Peter. Harry covered up Wormtail with his thumb and looked at the three other men. “I don’t know what to do anymore. I can’t live like this.”


The door opened, though Harry didn’t look up. He stayed gazing at the photo, the three men would wave at him and shove each other laughing.


“I think it’s best if I move into the Manor with Mother.”


Harry didn’t say anything and Draco was quiet for such a long time that Harry thought he’d left. When Draco spoke again his voice was quiet and tight with emotion. “If I’d known how much you didn’t want this baby, I’d have used a contraceptive potion.”


“I do want it.” Harry looked up to face Draco, his chest ached when he saw the tears on Draco’s cheeks.


“Do you? I suppose after seeing you with Teddy that makes sense, I guess it’s my half of the magic that you don’t want.”


“No!” Harry shouted. “No, Draco that’s not it at all.”


“Then what is it?” Draco’s knees buckled and wiped his nose with the back of his hand, taking the time to calm himself. “You told me you loved me, but you won’t touch me. You won’t even look at me. How can I believe anything you say, Harry, when you lied so easily?”


Draco waited for Harry to say something, but when he said nothing Draco turned and left. Harry stared at the empty doorway for a moment before hurrying after Draco. “I didn’t lie!” He shouted. Draco paused at the top of the stairs. “I didn’t lie.” Harry ran and tripped over his own feet, landing on his knees in front of Draco. “It because I love you that I don’t—” Harry swallowed heavily and looked at the wall, not wanting Draco to see his tears. “I can’t lose you.”


When Harry’s voice broke he hung his head. Soft hands stroked over his head, fingers ran through his hair and Draco pulled Harry close. Harry rested his head on Draco’s hip his tears soaked into Draco’s clothes as he finally let himself face the reality and he showed his husband just how much he meant to Harry.


Draco sank to his knees before Harry and clung to him, rubbing his back and whispering into his ear. Eventually they sat back and looked at each other. Draco’s face was flushed and his nose was red and runny, his eyes were bloodshot and his cheeks wet with tears. Harry knew he looked the same, but he just cupped Draco’s cheek and said, “You’re so beautiful.”


“I’m not giving up my baby.”


“I don’t want you to,” Harry said, “but I don’t know how I’m going to cope without you.”


“You don’t have to.”


Frowning Harry breathed out. “What?” Not daring to hope about what Draco was suggesting.


“Eric told me before I followed you up here. It’ll be hard, and I’ll probably be on bed rest most of the time, but I do have the ability to see this baby to term. I’m not going anywhere.” Draco was smiling and Harry stared at him in disbelief before pulling Draco to him and kissing him hard.


Draco kissed him back then pulled away and wiped his face clean. He stroked his fingers over Harry’s cheeks before taking his glasses and cleaning them. When Draco put them back on Harry’s face, he said, “Talk to me. So it doesn’t get this bad.”


“Okay,” Harry said hoarsely, “okay.”




*^*^*



The following few months were both tough and tedious in turns. Draco was on almost complete bed rest to reserve his magical energy; he was growing bored and frustrated. Harry would walk with him around the house and sometimes outside in the small garden.

Occasionally, they would visit Narcissa at Malfoy Manor which Draco loved to show Harry around: the gardens, the art gallery, his old bedroom. It would take them a long time and Draco would stop often to rest, but it made him happier to be with his mother and out of Grimmauld Place, so Harry would push aside all uncomfortable feelings he had with the Manor.

Even fewer times they’d visit the Burrow, Draco would often spend his time in the kitchen with Molly or George who was starting to get back into developing new products for Weasley Wizarding Wheezes and Draco was ideal to bounce ideas with. They talked about the possibility of using potions instead of spells and Harry learnt to stop hovering and would leave Draco with George or Molly to chat with Ron or Ginny about Quidditch.

Harry knew one good thing had come from Draco’s bed rest, they weren’t seen in public—though someone had leaked Draco’s pregnancy to The Daily Prophet—and because they weren’t being seen the news had died down and people stopped reading about Harry Potter and his Death Eater.

They spent a great deal of time together just themselves. Harry still struggled with guilt and terror when he saw how difficult the pregnancy was on Draco. Some days it was beautiful, though. They would stay in the bed, getting up for Draco to go to the bathroom and Harry to get food for them both. One day when Draco was seven months pregnant, they were naked in bed together. Harry was rubbing a lotion into Draco’s stomach to ease the stretch marks.

Draco said, “I want to know if it’s a boy or girl.”

“Hasn’t Eric told you?”

“He can’t find out. There’s no spell that’ll magically make an image of our baby, Harry.”

Harry frowned. “We can hear the heartbeat.”

“That’s different. Sound is easier to identify through magic than a picture as complex as a growing baby in the womb.”

“Oh,” Harry said and then he smiled. “Narcissa told me something the other day.”

“What’s that?” Draco asked smiling gently. Pregnancy had made his face glow. He’d put on a bit of weight which made him look healthier. Draco ran a hand through Harry’s hair, and Harry caught it bringing Draco’s fingers up to his lips.

He sucked the ring finger into his mouth, drawing Draco’s wedding ring from the finger and holding it between his teeth as he reached into the drawer of the bedside table to pull out a piece of string that had been cut from the Malfoy Family tapestry, with Narcissa’s permission. Harry took the ring and tied it to the string, then sitting up he pulled the covers from Draco’s naked body and bared his pregnant belly.

“Ready?” When Draco nodded, Harry said, “If it goes in a circle it’s a boy, if it swings side to side it’s a girl.” He let the ring drop, holding his hand steady over the bump, the two of them watched closely as the ring started to move from left to right, side to side.

“A girl.” Harry exclaimed. “We’re having a little girl, Draco.”

He turned to look at Draco who was staring at his belly with something akin to wonder. “Hello little lady,” Draco whispered as he stroked his stomach. He grimaced in pain when the baby kicked him hard.

Draco pulled Harry towards him and kissed him softly; he ran his hands down Harry’s body to hold his cock, pumping it a few times making Harry hard.

“Draco—” Harry moaned.

“Eric said it’s fine. You won’t hurt me or her. I want this Harry. I need you.”


“You sure?” Harry said hesitantly. They’d not had sex since they found out Draco was pregnant. Harry hadn’t wanted to hurt the baby or exhaust Draco. He’d wanked Draco a few times but kept himself at a physical distance when he was hard and had learned to control himself when they were in bed together.

Harry got the lube out the drawer and dropped Draco’s ring onto his finger, before situating himself between Draco’s thighs. He eased a pillow under Draco’s hips then slid a slick finger inside Draco’s tight entrance, pausing when Draco moaned. Harry glanced up quickly to see Draco’s eyes roll back into his head with pleasure as his hard cock jutted up against his belly.

Taking his time, Harry stretched Draco open before slicking his cock and sliding into the tight heat. Draco threw his head back into the pillow and let out a shout of pleasure, he gripped the pillow above his head as Harry started to draw back and thrust in slowly. It took an embarrassingly short amount of time for both of them to come. Harry pumped Draco’s cock and relished in the way he looked with his head back, his belly bulging and then getting smeared with Draco’s own come.

As Draco’s channel convulsed around Harry, it drew his orgasm from him forcefully. He carefully withdrew and lay on his side. Harry ran a hand through the come on Draco’s belly and saw that his nipples were wet, curiously Harry bent his head forward and lapped at the nearest one.

Draco’s hand came to grip his hair viciously and he tried to arch off the bed. “Merlin, Harry! Don’t stop.” Draco whined as Harry pulled away to look up at him, immediately Harry went back to lapping up the liquid that seeped from Draco’s nipples. He teased it with his teeth and tongue raising his come covered hand to play with the other nipple.

It didn’t take long for them both to be hard again and Harry, keeping his mouth on Draco’s nipple, shifted to slide into him again. Harry held himself above Draco’s stomach and moved to suck the other, come-covered, nipple into his mouth.

“You like me like this,” Draco said breathlessly, as Harry fucked into him with long, slow drags of his cock. “Full of your child, your come easing the way, drinking my milk.”

Harry let out a moan around his mouth full and his thrusts started to get hard as he got out of control. Draco’s dirty words were making him hot with shame, and he came with a whimper as his body shuddered through his orgasm. Draco groaned and tried to push Harry’s hands down, when he finally took hold of Draco’s cock it took a few pumps and then Draco was coming again over his belly.

Leaving off his nipples, Harry mouthed his way down to Draco’s belly and lapped up the come there. He took care to tongue each of the stretch marks that Draco had become worried about, but Harry thought they only made him more beautiful.

“I love you, so much.”

“I love you too, Harry.”

*^*^*

Since they’d had sex, Harry found he couldn’t get enough of Draco’s body. He loved to worship him with his mouth and hands. Draco seemed to be embarrassed by Harry’s attention, but he wasn’t uncomfortable and he relished in it. However, when Eric came to see them a month later, a couple of weeks before Draco’s due date, he told them they needed to stop.

“I have to inform you that sex at this late stage may, for a male pregnancy, cause early labour.” Eric smiled at them both. “I’m pleased you’ve reconnected your physical intimacy and I’m loathe to put a stop to it, but we need Draco in good health for the birth.”

“Can we do other stuff?” Harry asked, his face hot.

“Any non-penetrative sex is fine until labour begins. Orgasms won’t hurt the baby.”

Harry nodded and grinned at Draco who was smirking. Eric cleared his throat they turned back to him, “I need to perform a spell that will alert me to when you go into labour. You may not realise it until the contractions start, but for a woman labour starts when her waters break. That won’t happen with you, Draco, so this spell will monitor you and I’ll come by so we can get you over to Saint Mungo’s for the birth.”

“Thanks Eric” Draco smiled, leaning back into the pillows his hands resting on his bump.

“You’re welcome, I’ll see myself out.” Eric shook Harry’s hand, as always, and left. Harry waited until the door was shut before he looked at Draco.

“Are you nervous?”

“About the birth? No, I’m not going to be conscious, remember.”

Harry shook his head. He still found it hard to express what he was thinking and feeling into words, but he tried. “I mean. When she’s born, after the birth. She’ll—We’ll—”

“We’ll have a baby,” Draco said.

“Yeah. Doesn’t that frighten you?”

“In some ways, yes. In most, no.” Draco paused. “Are you scared?”

“Yes,” Harry admitted. Draco stayed silent letting Harry get his thoughts in order in his own time. “What if I can’t protect her? What if she gets hurt?”

“She will get hurt,” Draco said softly. “It’s part of growing up, you can’t keep her away from anything that might harm her. She’ll know that if she does get hurt she can come to her daddy and he’ll make her feel better. That’s your job, Harry. It’s not to protect her; it’s to make her feel safe and loved. Let her know she can come to you with any problem and you’ll do everything in your power to fix it.”

Harry nodded and then asked quietly, “What if you love her more than me?”

“I won’t. I’ll love you both the same, but you need to remember Harry, she’s ours. Without you she wouldn’t exist, and for that I’m forever grateful. You’ll always have a place in my heart, it’s big enough for the both of you.” Draco tilted Harry’s chin to look into his face. “And all the Weasleys, and Mother and Aunt Andromeda and Teddy, but I’ll love you and her the most.”

With a laugh Harry leant in and kissed Draco. “I’m being irrational, I know.”

“It’s okay. Mother told me to expect something like this, apparently Father had similar fears.” Draco’s smile turned sad and Harry clasped his hand tightly. He didn’t like Lucius Malfoy, but he had been Draco’s father and he had died in a crude manner; he’d hung himself by his sheets in Azkaban not wanting to face the court or the Dementor’s Kiss. Draco didn’t talk about it, but Harry knew it had been a terrible shock and it hurt him more than he’d say that he hadn’t been allowed to go to the funeral.

“He’d be proud of you.”

Draco snorted with disbelief. “He’d disown me.”

“For marrying me?”

“For falling in love with you.” Draco smiled dopily and kissed Harry gently.


*^*^*


Saint Mungo’s was the last place Harry wanted to be right now. He was in the corridor outside Draco’s room with Narcissa, Molly, George and Ron waiting to hear from Eric if Draco and their baby had survived the birth.

Harry had been pacing up and down in front of the chairs since Draco’s contractions had started getting close together. He’d begun sweating and swearing at Harry and Eric had asked him to leave.

“Mate, sit down,” Ron said.

“Hush, Ron,” Molly chastised him. “He can pace if he wants.”

Ron glared, and said, “Fine. I’m getting a cup of tea ‘cause you’re making me dizzy. Anyone else want one?”

“That sounds lovely, thank you,” Narcissa said, and Harry and George nodded their agreement.

Molly stood. “I’ll help you, Ron.” She patted Harry on the shoulder as she left.

“Draco is strong Harry. He’ll be fine,” George said. Harry glanced at him and George nodded seriously. Harry smiled wanly. He threw himself into the seat Molly had left empty and stood up almost immediately as the door opened. Eric stepped out.

“Congratulations, Harry, you have a daughter.”

“Oh.” Harry let out a whoosh of air. “And Draco?”

“Is just waking up, if you want to come through.”


Harry entered the room after Eric and his eyes went to the pink bundle in the cot next to Draco’s bed. Draco’s eyes were open and he too was staring at their daughter. “She’s beautiful, Harry.”

“Must take after you already.” Harry joked weakly and he moved to sit by Draco, wiping a hand over his forehead and kissing him chastely.

“I want to hold her,” Draco said and Harry nodded. He moved to shift Draco’s pillows and he helped Draco sit up against them before picking their daughter up from the cot. The blanket fell away from her head which was covered in black hair. Her little face was red and her eyes were closed, but as Harry pressed her to Draco’s chest he thought she was the most beautiful thing in the world.

Draco curled his arms around her and Harry’s hand. Harry shifted forward to put his free arm around Draco’s shoulders. He hid his face in Draco’s hair and he let himself smile giddily. “Thank you.”

With a soft sniff Draco shifted his head so their foreheads were resting against each other’s as they looked down on her. “Can you let in our family?” Draco asked Eric softly.

“Of course.”

The three of them were alone for a few seconds before Molly and Narcissa came in. Ron and George hung back by the door. Narcissa immediately pressed a kiss to Draco’s temple and then to Harry’s. Molly had tears falling from her cheeks and her hand gripped Harry’s shoulder tightly.

“Have you decided on a name yet?” Narcissa asked.

“Cass. Cassiopeia Lily Potter-Malfoy,” Draco said and Harry smiled as he ran a finger down Cassiopeia’s warm cheek.

“Welcome to the world, Cass,” Molly said leaning forward to press her thumb to Cass’ cheek. Narcissa did the same. “May you live long and prosperously.”

“May you be protected and cared for,” Narcissa said.

“May you forever bring light and love into your home.” The two women said together before each kissed her son’s cheek.

Harry frowned and Draco whispered, “It’s a traditional blessing.”

Meeting Draco’s lips with his own Harry then moved to whispered, “I’ll keep you and Papa safe. I promise you that, Cassiopeia.” He pressed a gently kiss to each of her cheeks. “My little girl. My beautiful little girl.”

*^*^*





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