Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction ❯ Lucid Consequences ❯ Chapter 14: Relax child, you were there ( Chapter 14 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: DeityofDeath 
Non Anime: Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Hentai / Romance | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 02.28.2008 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 504 | Status: Completed
Non Anime: Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Hentai / Romance | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 02.28.2008 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.8K | Visits: 504 | Status: Completed
Title: Lucid ConsequencesAuthor: DeityOfDeathArchive: Yes please......Pairings: Lucius/Harry/SnapeCategory: Drama, romance, slashrating: NC-17/RSpoilers: Maybe.Warnings: Yaoi, Lemon, Rape, Non-con, Mpreg SPOILERS!!!!!! If you haven't read HBP then DON'T READ THIS FIC~!!!!!!!Disclaimers: I never have nor will I ever own Harry Potter or its chars. They are property of JK Rowling and major companies.
Note from Author: Thank You for reading and supporting fan fiction~! Enjoy and please review~!
SPOILERS AHEAD~~!!!!!!! You have been warned~!!!!
Chapter 14: Relax child, you were there
I sat on the couch for at least an hour, just sipping the tea that Draco had brought me while I thought how nice a TV would be. It got boring sit around and sometimes a television could help break the monotony. I watched Draco stare at the presents under the tree for most of the time, his face filled with curiosity almost like a child. Draco was a prat sometimes but thankfully he was no where near as spoiled as Dudley. Dudley would have woken the whole house with his loud demands to open his gifts and if that hadn't worked he would start stomping up and down the stairs until Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon woke up and came down to calm their spoiled child.
Sometimes I liked to look back on memories of my "family" and think about how normal it was compared to what I had experienced since I had left. Sometimes I would miss it and then my sanity would return.
"Good morning."
I was startled out of my thoughts by a tired looking Lucius. A very sexy and sated tired looking Lucius.
"Morning."
He smiled down at me and ruffled my hair playfully, "I'm glad to see you could wait to open your gifts Draco."
Draco blushed and frowned, "I'm not a child anymore father!"
Lucius gave a disbelieving look and then chuckled, "Severus should be down in a moment so I guess we can at least pass them out."
At that, Draco's blushing frown turned into a sneer that could almost pass as a smile and he stood up a little too quick in an almost happy jump before catching himself and trying to act more adult and demure. Lucius looked down at me and winked. I couldn't help but smile.
Draco sorted the presents into piles while Lucius sat down on my left on the couch. I nuzzled against him for warmth because it had just started to get chilly.
"It's snowing", announced Sev as he entered the room clad in a pair of black trousers, a white dress shirt and a black vest.
"That would explain why it’s suddenly gotten chillier in here", I said snuggling into Lucius more.
He looked down at me and gave a snarky grin before he settled on the empty cushion on the other side of me and Lucius. He was close enough that I was now in a nice warm sandwich. Speaking of sandwiches...I was beginning to feel very hungry. I was considering getting up and going in search of food when Draco started handing gifts to Lucius, then Sev and before I could protest I had a nice size pile of presents on my lap as well as in front of me on the table. Draco seemed to be beaming as he began tearing off the colorful paper; the rest of us just stared at him with his rambunctious energy and then back at the daunting work ahead of us. I shrugged and tore into the glittering green paper of the first present atop the pile in my lap. I had received chocolates and other small gifts from Neville and Seamus and a pair of mismatched socks from Dobby. Draco had gotten me an interesting pair of emerald green silk pajamas and a book on sexual positions for the very pregnant. I hid the book under the pajamas.
Lucius and Sev had both gotten me a set of rings that could be intertwined into one in a very interesting vine fashion. I also saw that each had a corresponding ring on their finger. Lucius' was a beautiful white gold and Sev's a deep gold. I intertwined the rings and placed them on my ring finger. It was then I had found a last box. It was small and wrapped in gold paper with flying red and orange phoenixes. It had no hint of who it was from on the outside so I opened it carefully, wanting to keep the beautiful wrapping paper.
Once the paper was off a small black leather box was revealed. I slid the top off of and saw a beautiful gold and topaz phoenix pendant attached to a gold chain. I gasped and gently took it out of the box and noticed a folded piece of old parchment where the pendant had laid in the box. I held it in my hand cautiously because caution is needed in my position wouldn't want to wear something cursed.
I lifted out the note folded parchment and read softly.
"Dear Harry,
I found this in Dumbledore’s old belongings and thought you would like to have it. From what his friends say, Dumbledore had planned to give it to you on your graduation day. I thought Christmas was a better time to give it to you. May it give you courage and luck?
Minerva McGonagall"
I looked down at the pendant that now lay in the center of my left hand and dropped the note onto the table with the other. My eyes grew hot and they trembled with unshed tears and I couldn't face the others at that moment.
I stood slowly and said in as normal of a voice as I could manage, "I need to use the loo, I'll be back."
I had left the room faster than I intended and ran up the stairs, my tears already making hot sticky trails down my cheeks and dropping off the edge of my chin. I had managed to make it to my room and locked the door before going into the bathroom and doing the same. I leaned against the bathroom door until my knees gave out and I slid slowly to the floor. I brought my knees to my chest and buried my face in them as I cried. I cried for Dumbledore and the fact that I was now sleeping with someone who I knew he had trusted, the person who had killed him without a second thought. The very person who I had avoided having this conversation with for so many reasons and one of them being the new found love I had found with him.
I also cried for the very man who had died for me and for many others in the wizarding world even though half of the wizarding world had branded him crazy. I cried for all the disappointment I had caused and for all I had ruined because of my stupidity.
I also cried for the graduation I would never see. I had thought about my graduation before Dumbledore had died and before Hogwarts had been closed this year. Now, no such things were possible.
I heard the distant echo of knocking on wood and ignored it and then a loud crack sounded along with the sound of thuds and crashing of wood and metal. I startled when someone called my name worriedly behind me and the bathroom door. I stood wiped my eyes and cleared my throat.
"Harry?"
"I'm in here", I answered.
"Are you okay", I heard Sev's worried voice ask.
I almost laughed as I stood and grabbed a roll of toilet paper and tore off a bit to blow my nose on, "I'm okay, hormones and the usual."
I opened the bathroom door and saw my broken bedroom door on the floor and splintered wood all over the floor, "Worried much?"
"Maybe....” Sev hid a bruised fist behind his back and I shook my head.
Someone cleared their throat from the doorway and I looked around Sev to see a worried Lucius and Draco, "I'm okay. All is well. Well....except my door...."
"That can easily be fixed. I'll take care of that and we'll leave you two to talk", said Lucius as he stepped back and chanted an incantation that caused the door to repair itself. Lucius bowed his head and then shut the door as he and Draco took their leave.
I stood there in awkward silence for a moment and heard rustling clothes and the familiar creak of my bed.
"Harry, come and sit and I will tell you why I did what I had."
I nodded and sat down a few inches apart so I could clearly see his face.
"I remember being up on that roof top and seeing you and Draco and I remember him begging and then you pulled out your wand....."
"I looked up to Dumbledore, he was the only one who believed me and he was the only willing to help get me out of the mess I had gotten myself into."
He paused, closing his eyes, "On that roof top with a contract with Narcissa and Draco having done something so dumb as to join the Death Eaters and then the worst happened. The man who had taken me under his wing and given me a job, cleared my name and heard my thoughts and worries was reduced to less than a shell of his former self and he stared at me with those usually sparkling eyes now filled with death and despair as he begged me. I knew what he was begging me for and everything in my soul cried out for him to find someone else but I knew it had to be me because Draco would be killed for his failure and with that my own life would end with the failure to follow through on my contract. So I did what he wanted. It was not just my life I was protecting, if it had been so simple I would have chosen death. How could I forsake a child who had made a mistake similar to my own?"
I felt my eyes grow hot again and this time I faced Sev as I allowed them to flow freely down my cheeks once more. His warm callused hand caressed my cheek and began to wipe away my errant tears until I rested both my hands atop his one. His hand was larger than mine and warm and covered most of the right side of my face.
"I'm sorry, Harry."
I shook my head and spoke through the tears that squeeze my throat tight, "I'm not just crying for him, I'm crying for you as well."
I saw the surprise in his eyes through my watery vision and then I felt myself pulled into his warm embrace. I let him hold me tight and I just sat there and let the tears fall. We sat there a few minutes before a ruckus reached our ears. It was then a loud knock on my newly fixed bedroom door caused us to separate.
"Thought you should know that the Weasley's have arrived and they forgot to bring their parade permit", replied a snarky Draco.
I laughed and rubbed furiously at my face.
"Don't do that! Your eyes will get even puffier."
He stood and went into my bathroom. I heard the water in the sink run for a few minutes before he came out with a wet rag.
"Wipe your eyes with this and then hold it on them both for a few minutes."
I took the rag and felt the cold water that was soaked into it before wiping my eyes and cheeks. I then lay back on the bed and set the rag across my eyes for a few minutes, letting the cold bring down the puffiness of my eyes. I flipped it over and set it there a minute or two before I finally took it off and sat up. Sev held out his hand and lifted my chin so that he could look into my eyes.
"The swelling is hardly noticeable. I wouldn't want the Weasley's to think we're abusing you and brainwashing you so let’s head downstairs."
I smiled and stood up, following him out of the room and down the stairs. I stopped short and slid the pendant over my head so that it now hung in the middle of my chest.
I entered the living room and was nearly knocked down by an overly happy Hermione and Mrs. Weasley.
"Merry Christmas Harry~!"
I laughed and embraced first Hermione and then Mrs. Weasley before I turned and gave Ron a big hug, "Merry Christmas everyone."
I looked around taking in all the ginger hair and realized the whole gang was here. Charlie and a very pregnant Fleur sat side by side smiling brightly on the couch next to a somewhat nervous Ginny. I walked over and leaned over hugging Ginny alleviating some of her concern and worry. I chatted idly with Charlie and Fleur for a while about our oncoming deliveries and name ideas. Soon I had to excuse myself when I saw the smile of Remus Lupin over his cup of coffee.
"Merry Christmas to you Harry."
"And to you Remus. How have you been? It feels like forever."
"I can agree with that statement. I hear from Molly and others that you are faring well here."
I smiled and automatically turned to look in Lucius and Sev's direction. As if sensing my eyes on them they both looked over and smiled.
"It might sound odd but...I believe this the first time I've felt so at peace. I mean I enjoyed being the Weasleys and Hogwarts became my real home after a while but now it actually feels like I belong."
"It's not odd or at least not odd for those that know you. We all saw how protective they were of you and we also see the heated looks and shy smiles and Severus' attempt at hiding his happiness. We only wish the best for you and when things get difficult we want you to know that we'll be there for you."
I blushed and absentmindedly placed my right hand on the slight bump of my stomach.
"So how are you fairing in your pregnancy?"
I kept my hand there as I answered, "It still seems un-real. I am nervous and antsy and at the same time excited and impatient. I can't wait for a sign other than my constant weight gain, to let me know there is actually another being growing inside me."
Remus had a sad wistful look in his eyes as looked at me, "Well, you are only in your fourth month. You won't feel anything for at least another month."
I wondered how Remus had known so much and if his knowledge had anything to do with the sad wistful look in his eyes. I had known he and Sirius had been close and perhaps they were closer than I thought. There was talk that they had been a couple before Sirius' death. I wanted to see Remus happy but I doubt that anyone could make him as happy as Sirius had, although it seemed as though Bill was willing to try and it seemed as if Molly were all too willing to help. As long as both were happy that’s all that mattered.
"Harry come and sit a while", I heard Mrs. Weasley call.
I smiled and looked over at the couch where the middle cushion was left open and both Ron and Hermione sat on either side smiling widely. It was time to torture Harry.
"Don't dilly dally, Harry", the dual voices of Fred and George commanded. I grinned and shook my head.
"Let the torture begin...” I said to Remus who winked and walked behind me and then stood behind the couch and directly behind me.
I was handed Mrs. Weasley's gift first and opened it to see a sweater that lacked my initials or my usual 'H'. It was just a deep maroon and seemed to be wide in the middle.
"It's made of a special expanding yarn, dear", replied Mrs. Weasley smiling happily looking at my midsection.
I smiled and laid it on my lap, "Thank you Mrs. Weasley."
She smiled brightly causing her entire face to light up, "Your welcome Harry dear. I also made two pies and some other goodies for you. They’re in the kitchen."
Fred and George handed me their gift which I opened and held at arms length, making sure nothing too harmful would pop out.
"It's basically all of our new samples and products. We've made a new type of extendable ears as well as a candy version of vertaserum. The rest are little treats to enjoy,” said George.
"We also added in a little coupon that says you can pick any two items from our shop", finished Fred.
"Thanks Fred. Thanks George. I will be certain to make use of these."
Charlie handed me his present next and I immediately opened it and smiled upon seeing not on a nice set of Dragon salt and pepper shakers but an adorable baby set of dishes, cups and bottles that all had animated dragons on them.
"Thank you, Charlie! I love them, as you can see the Dragon coffee mugs are used quite often."
He smiled and nodded.
I had unwrapped all presents in what seemed to take an hour or more and looked at my present and paper scattered living room. It was a mess but a nice kind of mess.
All in all I had gotten quite a few things. I had gotten a wolf plushy for the baby and a nice set of books on defense against the dark arts from Remus, a set of books on male pregnancy and baby care from Hermione as well as plush orange cat that in my opinion was cuter than Crook shanks, A set of Quidditch posters from Ron and a few gifts of chocolate and candy from a Tonks and the others in the Order. We chatted and had fun and when dinner was served we all piled into the kitchen and sat down while Mrs. Weasley forced Ron to say grace. We ate happily and after dessert had been served and we had all eaten our fill and settled our stomachs, including Ron who had managed to somehow eat at least 3 servings.
As it got later I found myself sitting in the kitchen, dozing off upright in my chair. I would wake up whenever my head tilted to far to one side and I would open my eyes wide in an attempt to stay awake. I was fighting a losing battle. It wasn't until I heard Mrs. Weasley's soft voice that I realized others had noticed.
"Poor Harry, we've seemed to tucker the dear out."
"I'll take him up to bed", I heard Lucius' voice say.
"M' awake...D'nt take me anywhere."
I stood up and padded slowly out of the room. I had no idea where my feet were leading me so I followed obediently.
"Come Harry, lay on the couch."
That was definitely Mr. Weasley's voice. Why was he in the study? Why was I in the study? I shrugged my thoughts away and found the soft plush cushions of the studies couch more than an acceptable place to sleep.
I lay down and snuggled into the small pile of plush pillows and sighed happily as sleep began to pull me down. It was then that a voice that I recognized as Mr. Lucius' began speaking to Mr. Weasley.
"I know we've had our differences Arthur and I have said some rather cruel things but please know that I do care for Harry and I intend to care for him and my child."
"He's not a tool. He is human and if it wasn't for him, we wouldn't be having this talk. Merlin knows I don't hold you in high regard and yet here I stand and face you. Not for your sake or because you've made some pretty promises but because Harry is as much mine and Molly's child as Ron and the others and I will not let you hurt him. I will give you the benefit of the doubt but if any...ANY harm befall that boy because of you or something that’s your doing... I will NOT forgive you."
"I understand."
"I'm glad we've come to an understanding. And also, just so you know...I know where all of your estates are so don't even try fleeing", Mr. Weasley said a little too cheerfully.
I could only imagine the look on Lucius' face but I knew for a fact that Mr. Weasley's held a very pleasant smile.
To Be Continued....
Why is this chapter so late?
Well I have a new addiction currently and that addiction is called "Animal Crossing". If you own this game for the DS then you can totally relate, right? LoL
So anyway...hopefully chapter 15 will be done this week.
Note from Author: Thank You for reading and supporting fan fiction~! Enjoy and please review~!
SPOILERS AHEAD~~!!!!!!! You have been warned~!!!!
Chapter 14: Relax child, you were there
I sat on the couch for at least an hour, just sipping the tea that Draco had brought me while I thought how nice a TV would be. It got boring sit around and sometimes a television could help break the monotony. I watched Draco stare at the presents under the tree for most of the time, his face filled with curiosity almost like a child. Draco was a prat sometimes but thankfully he was no where near as spoiled as Dudley. Dudley would have woken the whole house with his loud demands to open his gifts and if that hadn't worked he would start stomping up and down the stairs until Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon woke up and came down to calm their spoiled child.
Sometimes I liked to look back on memories of my "family" and think about how normal it was compared to what I had experienced since I had left. Sometimes I would miss it and then my sanity would return.
"Good morning."
I was startled out of my thoughts by a tired looking Lucius. A very sexy and sated tired looking Lucius.
"Morning."
He smiled down at me and ruffled my hair playfully, "I'm glad to see you could wait to open your gifts Draco."
Draco blushed and frowned, "I'm not a child anymore father!"
Lucius gave a disbelieving look and then chuckled, "Severus should be down in a moment so I guess we can at least pass them out."
At that, Draco's blushing frown turned into a sneer that could almost pass as a smile and he stood up a little too quick in an almost happy jump before catching himself and trying to act more adult and demure. Lucius looked down at me and winked. I couldn't help but smile.
Draco sorted the presents into piles while Lucius sat down on my left on the couch. I nuzzled against him for warmth because it had just started to get chilly.
"It's snowing", announced Sev as he entered the room clad in a pair of black trousers, a white dress shirt and a black vest.
"That would explain why it’s suddenly gotten chillier in here", I said snuggling into Lucius more.
He looked down at me and gave a snarky grin before he settled on the empty cushion on the other side of me and Lucius. He was close enough that I was now in a nice warm sandwich. Speaking of sandwiches...I was beginning to feel very hungry. I was considering getting up and going in search of food when Draco started handing gifts to Lucius, then Sev and before I could protest I had a nice size pile of presents on my lap as well as in front of me on the table. Draco seemed to be beaming as he began tearing off the colorful paper; the rest of us just stared at him with his rambunctious energy and then back at the daunting work ahead of us. I shrugged and tore into the glittering green paper of the first present atop the pile in my lap. I had received chocolates and other small gifts from Neville and Seamus and a pair of mismatched socks from Dobby. Draco had gotten me an interesting pair of emerald green silk pajamas and a book on sexual positions for the very pregnant. I hid the book under the pajamas.
Lucius and Sev had both gotten me a set of rings that could be intertwined into one in a very interesting vine fashion. I also saw that each had a corresponding ring on their finger. Lucius' was a beautiful white gold and Sev's a deep gold. I intertwined the rings and placed them on my ring finger. It was then I had found a last box. It was small and wrapped in gold paper with flying red and orange phoenixes. It had no hint of who it was from on the outside so I opened it carefully, wanting to keep the beautiful wrapping paper.
Once the paper was off a small black leather box was revealed. I slid the top off of and saw a beautiful gold and topaz phoenix pendant attached to a gold chain. I gasped and gently took it out of the box and noticed a folded piece of old parchment where the pendant had laid in the box. I held it in my hand cautiously because caution is needed in my position wouldn't want to wear something cursed.
I lifted out the note folded parchment and read softly.
"Dear Harry,
I found this in Dumbledore’s old belongings and thought you would like to have it. From what his friends say, Dumbledore had planned to give it to you on your graduation day. I thought Christmas was a better time to give it to you. May it give you courage and luck?
Minerva McGonagall"
I looked down at the pendant that now lay in the center of my left hand and dropped the note onto the table with the other. My eyes grew hot and they trembled with unshed tears and I couldn't face the others at that moment.
I stood slowly and said in as normal of a voice as I could manage, "I need to use the loo, I'll be back."
I had left the room faster than I intended and ran up the stairs, my tears already making hot sticky trails down my cheeks and dropping off the edge of my chin. I had managed to make it to my room and locked the door before going into the bathroom and doing the same. I leaned against the bathroom door until my knees gave out and I slid slowly to the floor. I brought my knees to my chest and buried my face in them as I cried. I cried for Dumbledore and the fact that I was now sleeping with someone who I knew he had trusted, the person who had killed him without a second thought. The very person who I had avoided having this conversation with for so many reasons and one of them being the new found love I had found with him.
I also cried for the very man who had died for me and for many others in the wizarding world even though half of the wizarding world had branded him crazy. I cried for all the disappointment I had caused and for all I had ruined because of my stupidity.
I also cried for the graduation I would never see. I had thought about my graduation before Dumbledore had died and before Hogwarts had been closed this year. Now, no such things were possible.
I heard the distant echo of knocking on wood and ignored it and then a loud crack sounded along with the sound of thuds and crashing of wood and metal. I startled when someone called my name worriedly behind me and the bathroom door. I stood wiped my eyes and cleared my throat.
"Harry?"
"I'm in here", I answered.
"Are you okay", I heard Sev's worried voice ask.
I almost laughed as I stood and grabbed a roll of toilet paper and tore off a bit to blow my nose on, "I'm okay, hormones and the usual."
I opened the bathroom door and saw my broken bedroom door on the floor and splintered wood all over the floor, "Worried much?"
"Maybe....” Sev hid a bruised fist behind his back and I shook my head.
Someone cleared their throat from the doorway and I looked around Sev to see a worried Lucius and Draco, "I'm okay. All is well. Well....except my door...."
"That can easily be fixed. I'll take care of that and we'll leave you two to talk", said Lucius as he stepped back and chanted an incantation that caused the door to repair itself. Lucius bowed his head and then shut the door as he and Draco took their leave.
I stood there in awkward silence for a moment and heard rustling clothes and the familiar creak of my bed.
"Harry, come and sit and I will tell you why I did what I had."
I nodded and sat down a few inches apart so I could clearly see his face.
"I remember being up on that roof top and seeing you and Draco and I remember him begging and then you pulled out your wand....."
"I looked up to Dumbledore, he was the only one who believed me and he was the only willing to help get me out of the mess I had gotten myself into."
He paused, closing his eyes, "On that roof top with a contract with Narcissa and Draco having done something so dumb as to join the Death Eaters and then the worst happened. The man who had taken me under his wing and given me a job, cleared my name and heard my thoughts and worries was reduced to less than a shell of his former self and he stared at me with those usually sparkling eyes now filled with death and despair as he begged me. I knew what he was begging me for and everything in my soul cried out for him to find someone else but I knew it had to be me because Draco would be killed for his failure and with that my own life would end with the failure to follow through on my contract. So I did what he wanted. It was not just my life I was protecting, if it had been so simple I would have chosen death. How could I forsake a child who had made a mistake similar to my own?"
I felt my eyes grow hot again and this time I faced Sev as I allowed them to flow freely down my cheeks once more. His warm callused hand caressed my cheek and began to wipe away my errant tears until I rested both my hands atop his one. His hand was larger than mine and warm and covered most of the right side of my face.
"I'm sorry, Harry."
I shook my head and spoke through the tears that squeeze my throat tight, "I'm not just crying for him, I'm crying for you as well."
I saw the surprise in his eyes through my watery vision and then I felt myself pulled into his warm embrace. I let him hold me tight and I just sat there and let the tears fall. We sat there a few minutes before a ruckus reached our ears. It was then a loud knock on my newly fixed bedroom door caused us to separate.
"Thought you should know that the Weasley's have arrived and they forgot to bring their parade permit", replied a snarky Draco.
I laughed and rubbed furiously at my face.
"Don't do that! Your eyes will get even puffier."
He stood and went into my bathroom. I heard the water in the sink run for a few minutes before he came out with a wet rag.
"Wipe your eyes with this and then hold it on them both for a few minutes."
I took the rag and felt the cold water that was soaked into it before wiping my eyes and cheeks. I then lay back on the bed and set the rag across my eyes for a few minutes, letting the cold bring down the puffiness of my eyes. I flipped it over and set it there a minute or two before I finally took it off and sat up. Sev held out his hand and lifted my chin so that he could look into my eyes.
"The swelling is hardly noticeable. I wouldn't want the Weasley's to think we're abusing you and brainwashing you so let’s head downstairs."
I smiled and stood up, following him out of the room and down the stairs. I stopped short and slid the pendant over my head so that it now hung in the middle of my chest.
I entered the living room and was nearly knocked down by an overly happy Hermione and Mrs. Weasley.
"Merry Christmas Harry~!"
I laughed and embraced first Hermione and then Mrs. Weasley before I turned and gave Ron a big hug, "Merry Christmas everyone."
I looked around taking in all the ginger hair and realized the whole gang was here. Charlie and a very pregnant Fleur sat side by side smiling brightly on the couch next to a somewhat nervous Ginny. I walked over and leaned over hugging Ginny alleviating some of her concern and worry. I chatted idly with Charlie and Fleur for a while about our oncoming deliveries and name ideas. Soon I had to excuse myself when I saw the smile of Remus Lupin over his cup of coffee.
"Merry Christmas to you Harry."
"And to you Remus. How have you been? It feels like forever."
"I can agree with that statement. I hear from Molly and others that you are faring well here."
I smiled and automatically turned to look in Lucius and Sev's direction. As if sensing my eyes on them they both looked over and smiled.
"It might sound odd but...I believe this the first time I've felt so at peace. I mean I enjoyed being the Weasleys and Hogwarts became my real home after a while but now it actually feels like I belong."
"It's not odd or at least not odd for those that know you. We all saw how protective they were of you and we also see the heated looks and shy smiles and Severus' attempt at hiding his happiness. We only wish the best for you and when things get difficult we want you to know that we'll be there for you."
I blushed and absentmindedly placed my right hand on the slight bump of my stomach.
"So how are you fairing in your pregnancy?"
I kept my hand there as I answered, "It still seems un-real. I am nervous and antsy and at the same time excited and impatient. I can't wait for a sign other than my constant weight gain, to let me know there is actually another being growing inside me."
Remus had a sad wistful look in his eyes as looked at me, "Well, you are only in your fourth month. You won't feel anything for at least another month."
I wondered how Remus had known so much and if his knowledge had anything to do with the sad wistful look in his eyes. I had known he and Sirius had been close and perhaps they were closer than I thought. There was talk that they had been a couple before Sirius' death. I wanted to see Remus happy but I doubt that anyone could make him as happy as Sirius had, although it seemed as though Bill was willing to try and it seemed as if Molly were all too willing to help. As long as both were happy that’s all that mattered.
"Harry come and sit a while", I heard Mrs. Weasley call.
I smiled and looked over at the couch where the middle cushion was left open and both Ron and Hermione sat on either side smiling widely. It was time to torture Harry.
"Don't dilly dally, Harry", the dual voices of Fred and George commanded. I grinned and shook my head.
"Let the torture begin...” I said to Remus who winked and walked behind me and then stood behind the couch and directly behind me.
I was handed Mrs. Weasley's gift first and opened it to see a sweater that lacked my initials or my usual 'H'. It was just a deep maroon and seemed to be wide in the middle.
"It's made of a special expanding yarn, dear", replied Mrs. Weasley smiling happily looking at my midsection.
I smiled and laid it on my lap, "Thank you Mrs. Weasley."
She smiled brightly causing her entire face to light up, "Your welcome Harry dear. I also made two pies and some other goodies for you. They’re in the kitchen."
Fred and George handed me their gift which I opened and held at arms length, making sure nothing too harmful would pop out.
"It's basically all of our new samples and products. We've made a new type of extendable ears as well as a candy version of vertaserum. The rest are little treats to enjoy,” said George.
"We also added in a little coupon that says you can pick any two items from our shop", finished Fred.
"Thanks Fred. Thanks George. I will be certain to make use of these."
Charlie handed me his present next and I immediately opened it and smiled upon seeing not on a nice set of Dragon salt and pepper shakers but an adorable baby set of dishes, cups and bottles that all had animated dragons on them.
"Thank you, Charlie! I love them, as you can see the Dragon coffee mugs are used quite often."
He smiled and nodded.
I had unwrapped all presents in what seemed to take an hour or more and looked at my present and paper scattered living room. It was a mess but a nice kind of mess.
All in all I had gotten quite a few things. I had gotten a wolf plushy for the baby and a nice set of books on defense against the dark arts from Remus, a set of books on male pregnancy and baby care from Hermione as well as plush orange cat that in my opinion was cuter than Crook shanks, A set of Quidditch posters from Ron and a few gifts of chocolate and candy from a Tonks and the others in the Order. We chatted and had fun and when dinner was served we all piled into the kitchen and sat down while Mrs. Weasley forced Ron to say grace. We ate happily and after dessert had been served and we had all eaten our fill and settled our stomachs, including Ron who had managed to somehow eat at least 3 servings.
As it got later I found myself sitting in the kitchen, dozing off upright in my chair. I would wake up whenever my head tilted to far to one side and I would open my eyes wide in an attempt to stay awake. I was fighting a losing battle. It wasn't until I heard Mrs. Weasley's soft voice that I realized others had noticed.
"Poor Harry, we've seemed to tucker the dear out."
"I'll take him up to bed", I heard Lucius' voice say.
"M' awake...D'nt take me anywhere."
I stood up and padded slowly out of the room. I had no idea where my feet were leading me so I followed obediently.
"Come Harry, lay on the couch."
That was definitely Mr. Weasley's voice. Why was he in the study? Why was I in the study? I shrugged my thoughts away and found the soft plush cushions of the studies couch more than an acceptable place to sleep.
I lay down and snuggled into the small pile of plush pillows and sighed happily as sleep began to pull me down. It was then that a voice that I recognized as Mr. Lucius' began speaking to Mr. Weasley.
"I know we've had our differences Arthur and I have said some rather cruel things but please know that I do care for Harry and I intend to care for him and my child."
"He's not a tool. He is human and if it wasn't for him, we wouldn't be having this talk. Merlin knows I don't hold you in high regard and yet here I stand and face you. Not for your sake or because you've made some pretty promises but because Harry is as much mine and Molly's child as Ron and the others and I will not let you hurt him. I will give you the benefit of the doubt but if any...ANY harm befall that boy because of you or something that’s your doing... I will NOT forgive you."
"I understand."
"I'm glad we've come to an understanding. And also, just so you know...I know where all of your estates are so don't even try fleeing", Mr. Weasley said a little too cheerfully.
I could only imagine the look on Lucius' face but I knew for a fact that Mr. Weasley's held a very pleasant smile.
To Be Continued....
Why is this chapter so late?
Well I have a new addiction currently and that addiction is called "Animal Crossing". If you own this game for the DS then you can totally relate, right? LoL
So anyway...hopefully chapter 15 will be done this week.