Chapter Text
“Do pay attention, Gaunt, this is important!” Draco’s voice was shrill with stress, which Harry had to fight to not snicker at despite the rib-bruising kick one of his children had just landed.
He winced, looking up at his blonde friend who stood before a wall of mirrors in his wedding clothes; particularly his shirt which was in its third iteration; high-necked emerald silk with sheer bishop sleeves and cropped to mimic the cut of a lengha, trimmed in pearls and tourmaline.
For all that he looked stunning, his face was twisted in displeasure as he glared at Harry through the mirror’s reflection.
:I’m watching, Draco: Harry signed, wheezing slightly as he gathered his breath, :Little monsters are just trying to kick their way out.:
“Well tell them to stop!”
“Give him a break, Malfoy,” Pansy chided, pouring herself another glass of champagne as she slid into the cozy loveseat beside Harry, “the later months are positively miserable, and he’s got two in there. This one is for you, Harry dear.” She cheersed Harry before downing the glass
:I like the way you incorporated the pearls and gems; it’s a nice touch.: Harry added, addressing the question his children had interrupted with their internal battle.
Draco twisted, examining the embroidery, in the shape of his birth constellations. “You’re sure it’s not too much?”
“Since when has that been a deterrent for you?” Pansy chided, then pushed to her feet, circling Draco, and tugging on his high-waisted black trousers, a rich fabric that Harry couldn’t have named had his life depended on it. “What are you doing along the seams?”
“Mother has ordered some specialty embroidery, in gold, I think. I have the mockups, here,” He pointed at a plush sitting chair overflowing with books and binders.
Pansy darted over and shifted through the contents until she pulled out a few sheafs of parchment splashed with color that Harry couldn’t decipher from his seat. Now eight months along, he did not have the energy nor inclination to get up and take a closer look.
“Stunning. The green is just perfect for you, and the entire look is much more autumnal with the hints of amber and gold, I must say.” Pansy complimented, “Your mother is a genius, as per usual.”
Draco huffed again, “We had to redesign when father insisted that we wait until the equinox.” He fussed with trim on his sleeves.
“I’m surprised your mother backed down.” Pansy admitted, and Draco gave a dramatic sigh.
“She said he had a point; Morty will be more settled in his career.”
Monty had done well on his NEWTs in the summer and been accepted into an apprentice position in the department of Accidents and Catastrophes in the Ministry. Only two months in, and he was already considered a rising star on his own merits, greatly pleasing Draco and, more importantly, Lord Malfoy. The older alpha had insisted upon the delay to ensure his son would be seen as marrying well, in light of the chaos surrounding the Potter family after Harry’s attack and subsequent elopement.
Harry’s father had retained his position in the auror force for a few months before shifting to a desk job. James had taken the unofficial demotion quietly, and pulled back from public life, only appearing at required Ministry events and Monty’s graduation. Harry hadn’t been able to attend—his body wracked with nausea too powerful to allow him to leave the bathroom, let alone the house—but he had heard the man looked worn and tired, if proud of his heir. His pitiful appearance had assuaged the public bloodlust.
Career-wise, his mother had fared better. Working in the Department of Mysteries, she was under less scrutiny, and so hadn’t lost her position, merely taking a small sabbatical before returning. Socially, however, she fared far worse, as the classist underpinning of society reared its ugly head. She didn’t have the Potter name, not in the way it mattered, to shield her from the worst of the poisonous gossip that spread about her involvement in Harry’s injury. All but her closest friends had pulled back from her, and she’d stopped accompanying his father to the few public engagements he’d attended since the winter solstice disaster. She’d been at the graduation but, according to Draco, hadn’t spoken.
Harry was uncertain how to feel about his parents’ public downfall. He knew that they had brought much of it on themselves, of course, but a part of him ached at their pain all the same. He hadn’t seen them since…The Incident, and heard most of the updates about them through Draco, who visited regularly as part of his and Monty’s courtship.
“Gaunt!”
Harry winced, returning his attention to Draco and Pansy who were comparing fabric swatches. Both were grey, one velvet, one brocade.
:Sorry, mind drifted.: Harry heaved himself up from his seat, forcing the musings away so he could focus on the pair, :Is this for the outer robe?:
“Yes,” Draco’s eyebrows were knit in concern, “The velvet looks stunning but I think it will be too heavy.”
“Make it sleeveless, problem solved!” Pansy insisted.
Harry leaned over to look at the robe design Pansy was sketching. :I like it, but I know your opinion of my fashion sense.:
Draco gave a beleaguered sigh. “True, but you are here to tell me what you think your brother would like. The tourmaline was your idea and it’s stunning.”
Harry smiled, then grunted and staggered as the twins kicked in near-unison, each hitting a different rib with startling force. Bloody merlin.
“Are they kicking again? Bloody hell I didn’t think Pansy’s was that difficult.” Draco observed, reaching out to steady Harry as he swayed under the discomfort of his children’s acrobatics in the womb.
“Ah, and to think, soon all this joy will be yours.” The witch sneered, holding onto Harry’s other elbow until he was able to stand upright.
Draco scoffed, “I’m planning to wait a couple of years, actually. Let my husband and I enjoy each other properly before we inundate ourselves with little Potter-Malfoys.”
Pansy’s eyebrows rose, “Oooh? How modern. Will you get a job as well?”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Draco waved a hand, “my job is to ensure my husband has all the right connections when we begin his political career in a few years. That is more than enough for me.” He looked thoughtful, “In fact, a pregnancy might give him the exact edge he needs to be taken more seriously.”
Harry chuckled, easing gently onto an ottoman that Draco summoned for him, breathing deeply to settle himself as the pain throbbed along his ribs.
:Have you clued Monty into his political future yet?:
“No, far too early for that,” Draco replied, draping the velvet over his shoulders, letting Pansy pin it in place to give the desired effect, “it won’t start until he can be taken more seriously, which will be a few years from now based on age alone. There’s no need to have him worry about it before then.”
“What about you, Harry? Are you still looking into wandlore?” Pansy asked, stepping back to let Draco admire himself.
:Once these two are in primary school, perhaps.: Harry shrugged, :I like the idea, but family comes first:
Now that I have one, went unsaid.
“Not me, I’m starting up my mastery program this winter. I love my pup, but I like him more if I’m not alone with him all day.” Pansy drawled; Draco snorted.
“Positively brimming with maternal instinct, aren’t you?”
“I am, it just has to have time to refill every day.” She replied blandly, then eyed Harry and raised an eyebrow, “Speaking of which, is your mum going to be there for Draco’s preparations?”
“She won’t,” Draco replied for Harry, not tearing his eyes away from where he was still comparing the brocade and velvet. “I offered, of course, but she will be coming back from a work trip in France and won’t be here until just before the ceremony begins.”
“Another? Wasn’t that the same thing she said about the engagement party?”
“She has been working with the French government on loan, apparently.” Draco replied blandly, whatever he thought about the absence unclear.
Before Pansy could dig further, there was a perfunctory knock on the door, and Narcissa swept in, Bellatrix and Theo on her heels, each carrying a large wooden jewelry box.
“It’s time to choose your wedding jewelry, Draco.” Narcissa proclaimed, summoning a small table and placing her box down. Some of the pieces would be a surprise, of course, but Harry knew the box Theo was carrying was filled with some traditional pieces from the Potter vaults, and a few new pieces that Monty had chosen specifically for Draco. Harry had sat with him for hours in a jewelry store picking out the earrings in particular and was eager to see how Draco liked them.
“Have you finalized the robes?” Narcissa asked as Draco carefully extricated himself from the pins along the velvet.
“Yes, mother.” Draco replied eagerly, eyes glittering with excitement as he focused in on the box Theo was carrying, knowing what was in there. “That’s his, yes? I want to see those first.”
Narcissa gave a small, indulgent smile and Theo put the box down, narrowly avoiding being pounced on as Draco flicked it open and immediately made an excited noise as he plucked the gold jhumka earrings, dripping with pearls and stars studded with diamonds. Delicate chains spilling between his fingers.
Harry pushed to his feet, shuffling forward, gently prodding his best friend to one side, plucking the earring out of his hand, and Draco went still, tilting his head expectantly to present his ear. Harry slipped the earring into place, picked up the maang tikka from the box, draping it over the middle of his hair and resting the tourmaline gem in the middle of his forehead, connection the earring chains just-so and stepping back, turning Draco to the mirror.
:It will look more finished on the day, but how do you like it?: Harry asked, catching sight of Narcissa’s eyes in the reflection, seeing they looked a little shiny as she stared at her son.
Draco was frozen, grey eyes wide as they flicked over his face, cheeks flushing pink. Harry turned to the box Bellatrix had set down and he made subtle gesture. The woman, who was looking at Draco with bemusement, obediently flipped it open and Harry reached inside.
:These bangles have been in the family for generations. Your mother had the idea to combine them with a few from the Malfoy family, and I think you’ll like them.
They were a mix of silver and gold, something Harry wasn’t usually a fan of, but Draco pulled off like the little old-blood princess he was, delicate and thicker bangles accented by delicate chains dotted with emeralds. Harry slipped them over Draco’s delicate wrists and then stepped back again.
Draco blinked, looking owlish for a moment before he turned to Harry and cleared his throat. “Acceptable.”
Harry grinned and Narcissa let out a soft sound that Harry wouldn’t dare to call a snort before gliding forward to wrap her arms around him. Harry stepped back to let the two have a moment, heart aching as he saw their foreheads pressed together.
“Your brother did well,” Bellatrix praised before drifting closer to Harry, smiling and patting his belly, “how are the littlest Gaunts doing today?”
Bellatrix being overly touchy during Harry’s pregnancy was exhausting, but Harry tolerated it as a show of good will to a woman who was almost painfully loyal to his husband.
:They are kicking a lot today.: He replied, signing slowly so she could understand. She’d begun learning directly after his elopement.
“She would kill most any threat to our children and cover-up any atrocity we might commit to do so ourselves. Despite all her faults, she is a useful and loyal follower, my dear,” Marvolo had explained when Harry complained about her.
Loyalty was something Harry could respect, and so he had deferred to his husband’s judgement and tolerated her more than he had initially been inclined to.
The eldest Black sister beamed at Harry’s words. “You’re almost nine months? Nearly at the end now.”
:Thank the gods.:
Bellatrix cackled, and Theo slipped up to his side, eyes wary as they fell to Harry’s belly, many times the size of his own small bump. As expected, his immediate pregnancy after Harry applied his blood runes to Theo prior to their May Day wedding had raised Theo in his mother-in-law’s esteem. He was able to set boundaries with little resistance now, and demand private time with his husband without any pushback.
“We’ll see how our modern takes on parenting go over, but so long as we maintain the Old Ways, I’m confident we can weather it. And we are both very devout, so there’s no real issue there.” Theo had told Harry after coming back from his month-long honeymoon in Tahiti. “Deveraux is quite dedicated to me, and I’m confident he will side with me when it counts.”
Harry agreed. The stoic alpha had an obvious and charming soft-spot for Theo that made Harry wonder how long the man had been longing for his friend. There hadn’t been any signs that he could recall, but given the decisive way he approached Theo, and his steadfast loyalty since, it had to have begun long before.
Romantic love does take time, after all. Harry mused, petting over his belly.
It had been a few months into his honeymoon before he was confident that he loved Marvolo. He had cared and respected the man beforehand, of course. Lusted for him almost from the moment they met, but love had come slower.
I wonder how long it took him? Harry leaned into Theo as they watched Draco, having gathered himself, pour over the stunning necklaces inside the final box with his mother.
“How are you feeling, really?” Theo whispered. His breath held a hint of mint, telling Harry he’d been sick this morning.
:I’ve been better. They are fighting in there.: Harry patted his belly. :I can’t wait to sink into a bath and get a massage from my alpha tonight.:
“Sounds delightful.” Theo agreed, “Mine is out of the country for work this week. It’s his last trip before we’re a family of three. Hopefully just three.” He eyed his belly, and Harry gave a small smile.
:You haven’t checked yet?:
Theo sighed, “I’m nervous. I’m measuring ahead according to Narcissa, and I don’t know what I’d do with two.”
Probably end up marrying one into my family, if your mother-in-law has her way. Harry mused to himself, patting his friend’s shoulder in consolation.
:When is your next scan?:
“Next week when Devereaux comes back.” Theo sighed again, “Not that you don’t make it look beautiful, but I don’t know if I’m up for twins.”
“Don’t worry, Theo Dear,” Bellatrix slipped up on Theo’s other side, giving him an almost-gentle side-hug. “The family will help. We omegas all stick together, especially after pups. Narcissa practically lived with me for weeks after I had Deveraux.”
Theo gave her a weak smile, “I hate to be bother,”
“With so many omegas in the family now, we’ll trade off to help you rest. Trust me, rest is the thing that you’ll need most.” She said seriously, “having someone to take a few night feedings makes a world of difference. You’ll see when we help this one.” Bella dipped her head to Harry who gave a warm smile.
:You won’t hear any complaints from me:
“Well obviously,” Draco drawled, earning a gentle cuff from his mother, before Harry hissed at his friend theatrically. “I’m just teasing him, mother, he loves it.”
“Focus dear.” His mother chided, holding up a collar studded with diamonds to his throat, “which do you prefer?”
“Which do you think Monty will like, Harry?” Draco demanded, and Harry eyed the two options before nodding to the other collar, made from crisscrossing chains and dotted with emeralds coming to a point just at the center of Draco’s chest.
:It’s delicate and it draws attention to your chest, which if my dinner with you two the other night is any indication, is a favorite of his.:
Draco flushed but nodded, ignoring the cackling of his aunt and Theo, and his mother’s quickly-hidden smirk.
“Well, that’s decided then.”
Harry was limping when he stumbled out of the floo and into Gaunt Manor.
Bloody hell I will be so glad when Fellglade House is ready. He winced as he took another step, stilling when a shot of pain went up his hip. He and Marvolo were having their new home cleaned and re-warded in preparation for their newest arrival. Its primary selling point right now being that it was only two stories.
And the library was huge, but Harry doubted he’d have much time to spend in it over the next few weeks.
That’s what I get for being so popular. The dinner party next week, Draco’s Mehndi ceremony… Harry scowled as he shucked off his cloak, which a house elf popped in to take immediately.
“Would the Lady be wishing for a bath to be drawn up?”
~Yes, Lida~ Harry didn’t know how Marvolo had made it possible for the house elves to understand parseltongue, only that it was not a feasible spell/ritual to be done on humans. Harry wasn’t certain he wanted to know why, but he was relieved to be easily understood in his own home. ~Has Marvolo returned from work yet?~
“No, my Lady. Shall we hold dinner?”
~No, I’ll take it in my rooms, something small and light, if you please. I’m rather tired today.~
“Of course,”
Only two more flights to go. Harry huffed his way up the stairs, concentrating on making each step up without tripping over his own feet, sucking in air like he was climbing a mountain. He made it what felt like an hour later but was likely only a few minutes. He waddled into the massive bathroom suite, stripping as he did, tossing his clothes onto the floor without care, too sore to think about anything but sinking into the massive pool of water that Marvolo called a ‘bath’.
Bath my hairy arse. Harry thought fondly as he eased himself into the water that came up almost to his chest, moaning in relief as the heat sunk into his aching hips and knees. This is a bloody pool.
Harry waded over to a low stool Marvolo had introduced into the pool for him, a raised, lounger, so he could relax fully without sinking below the water. He groaned again, lower back popping as he relaxed into the stone, magically cushioned to provide maximum comfort. Harry stretched, arching his back, flexing his toes, shuddering at the pleasant sensation.
~You two feel lower today. Don’t think about coming too early. We want to get you to Samhain, at least.~ Harry murmured, petting over where he had last felt a kick, pressing in gently and got a nudge back.
Ugh, Marvolo might be right, I may need to rest tomorrow. Harry mused, wrinkling his nose. I can’t tell him that. Perhaps I could pretend to catch a cold?
It was a solid plan, but Harry put it out of his mind as the heat of the pool finally gave him the relief he’d been looking for. Harry soaked until his eyes started to feel heavy. Then, reluctantly, he eased himself out of the water and summoned a towel to dry himself.
He considered his silken robe Lida had laid out, and decided to leave it off, heading back into the main suite. There was a small table near the center of the room, a bowl of salad, peppered with chicken, and a side of bread waiting. Harry hummed, snagging both and padding over to his favorite omegan lounger, easing in and beginning to nibble at his food.
God I miss eating. Harry’s nausea had persisted in the past month, turning each meal into a struggle to keep his food down. I never truly appreciated how good food was. He sighed, stabbing a piece of chicken, relieved when it didn’t immediately make his stomach roil. He managed half of the bowl before his stomach rolled, and he put it away, lounging back into the cushions.
~I swear, when you two are out of me, I’m going to have your father take me to the most expensive restaurant in France, or maybe Italy, and I’m going to eat until I’m two sizes bigger~
~What a delightful image you paint, my love~
Harry peaked out from between his fingers as Marvolo slipped into the room, loosening his tie and vanishing it as he walked over to Harry, eyes glittering as they swept over the omega’s bare form.
~I demand three years before we do this again. I miss food.~
~Make it four, darling.~ Marvolo sank to his knees, kissing the crook of Harry’s knee, hands sliding along his legs, up to his belly, ~I will ensure you feast endlessly while you recover.~
Harry smiled fondly at his alpha, hands reaching out to ruffle the man’s hair. ~Of course you will, you love me.~
Marvolo’s maroon eyes gleamed and he turned to kiss Harry’s palm, ~I do.~
Harry purred, wriggling. ~Take off your clothes, join me.~
Marvolo was a brilliant alpha, and so he obeyed with alacrity, sliding over Harry, bracing above him for a moment, pressing his nose into his bond mark, scenting him before he slid behind his omega, tucking around him. Harry shifted, pillowing his head against his alpha’s bicep, the other large hand sliding over his belly, tracing patterns that felt remarkably like protection runes.
~When did that start, do you think?~ Harry asked, relaxing into his alpha.
“Hm?”
~Loving me. When do you think it started?~
Marvolo’s hands paused, thumbing over one of Harry’s stretch marks as he cocked his head in thought. ~I believe when you held me at wand-point and made your demands regarding our relationship.~
Harry startled, twisting to look up at his alpha’s sincere expression. ~So early?~
Marvolo smiled, nuzzling Harry’s hair. ~You were radiant in your fury. I did not know what I was feeling, but my certainty that you were mine…I understood it to be love when you murdered that pathetic wizard who thought he could steal you from me~ The alpha sucked a kiss over Harry’s bondmark.
Harry shuddered, pleasure shocking down his spine, pooling between his legs. He hummed, arching to offer more of his neck, groaning when Marvolo’s hand slid to cup his cunt, finger teasing between the lips, apply just enough pressure to his clit with the heel of his palm to make the omega whine, demanding.
~And you, my darling?~ Marvolo hissed, nipping Harry’s earlobe, ~When did you fall in love with me?~
Harry gasped as another finger slipped inside him, trying desperately to answer honestly. ~I, I think it as, ah! The third week in the villa~ He groaned, biting his lip as his alpha growled eagerly into his shoulder. ~When you, when we found out about, the, the pups~
The memory was clear in his mind despite the pleasure fogging his brain.
Harry knelt in the center of their bed, casting a silent spell over his belly. His alpha knelt beside him, eyes glittering with avarice and pride as a blue glow began over Harry’s skin.
~Well, well. It would seem your rune-work is beyond reproach~ Marvolo purred, reaching forward to brush his fingers over Harry’s belly.
The immediate appreciation of Harry’s skills, as opposed to his own virility, sent a soft thrill straight to Harry’s chest. He smiled, reaching forward to brush his fingers through his alpha’s hair.
~Our pup is lucky to have you, Marvolo~
The alpha looked up, surprise and then affection flooding his expression. He pushed up to press a tender kiss to Harry’s lips.
~Far luckier that you will be their mother.~
A third finger pulled Harry back to his body and he moaned, letting his knees fall apart, purring when Marvolo tucked one over his hip to keep Harry open as he lazily fucked in and out of him, fingers crooking just-right—
Harry cried out, fingers digging into the cushions, unable to arch his back, only able to take what he was given.
~Have you been overworking yourself, darling? The elves said you were limping when you came home~ Marvolo purred into Harry’s ear, nipping the lobe, sending his internal muscles fluttering, earning a low growl.
~Please, please, more,~ He sobbed, desperate as the fire built low and slow between his legs.
~Answer me,~ Marvolo’s command was a tease, just a hint of sterness hidden beneath. Harry scrabbled to obey, knowing the man could tease him for hours if he wasn’t appeased.
~I haven’t been cramping, just sore, please, Marvolo, please, I want—noooo~ Harry threw his head back as the alpha’s fingers withdrew.
Before he could properly sulk about this disastrous turn of events, however, Harry found himself in his alpha’s arms and he let out a soft yelp. Marvolo strode across the room to their nest, climbing in with a grace Harry envied, even as he was tenderly laid amidst the blankets, the alpha’s hands gliding over him, slow and steady.
~Be good darling, and I give you what you need.~ Marovlo chided, then knelt up in the bed and reached out a hand, summoning a jar that Harry was quite familiar with at this stage of his pregnancy.
Oh, well, this is acceptable, I suppose. Harry huffed and Marvolo’s eyes lgittered like he was reading the omega’s mind as he vanished the jar’s lid and poured the contents into his palm.
Harry’s eyes went lidded at the first stroke of his alpha’s fingers over his thighs, strong fingers kneading gently but firmly into the yielding flesh. Harry’s low moan was almost indistinguishable from the other sounds of pleasure his alpha drew from him, and given the smirk on his face, he was equally proud of these as he worked his way down Harry’s legs, lingering over the always-tense muscles along his hips, down to his knees, calves, ankles, feet.
By the time Marvolo had worked over both of Harry’s legs, he was all but a puddle of jelly in his alpha’s hands, letting himself be gently maneuvered onto his belly, a flick of magic accounting for his belly and allowing him to lay without discomfort. Marvolo started at Harry’s neck, and he began to work his way down again. The omega was all out of sounds now, merely let out soft trills when Marvolo worked out a particularly tight knot.
Still, he felt himself slick up with his alpha’s hands linger along his ass, teasing at the crease, sliding between his thighs, just-missing where Harry might want them, if he could want anything. But he was just goo now, and all he could do was receive what he was given, lost in a haze of comfort and loose-limbs.
Harry didn’t even realize he was purring until Marvolo sat back, hands resting along Harry’s hips, thumbing over the dimples that had appeared as he’d put on weight with his children. The sound picked up as his alpha purred back, leaning over his back, kissing his nap.
~Do you feel better, love?~
Harry nodded, unable to stop purring. Marvolo growled in low approval, then he shifted Harry’s hips, sliding a pillow beneath them and gently parting this thighs.
Harry only purred louder as his alpha gently eased into him. Marvolo knelt behind him, hands still gliding along Harry’s ass, up his back, thumbs gently tracing his spine.
~Beautiful, perfect omega~ Marvolo whispered, kissing his hair, hips starting a slow, steady grind, ~working so hard, growing our children, taking care of your family. If it weren’t for the promise I made I made that night, I would lock you away until you whelped.~ The words and Marvolo’s next thrust pulled a whine out of Harry, something hot and embarrassing flooding him. Pleasure at the idea. At the idea of his alpha locking him away, and also at the power he wielded to force him to deny those instincts.
Harry managed to crack one eye open, meeting his alpha’s gaze, which was fastened on him, eyes blazing with lust, pace picking up when he saw Harry looking back at him.
~You’re mine. They take your time, pull you from this house where you should be nesting. Unworthy.~ He bared his teeth, leaning forward over Harry’s shoulder, ~But for you, for you I will keep my word.~
~G, good boy~ The words were instinctual, Harry didn’t even intend to speak them, but the moment they left his lips, his alpha’s eyes went wide, and he let out a soft, vulnerable sound before his hands clamped down on Harry’s hips, thrusting forward sharply twice, only-just locking his knot inside Harry’s body.
The pressure sent Harry’s already-sensitive body into a soft, easy orgasm. He shuddered, pressing his face into the blankets of his nest, whining softly as his alpha rolled his hips, guiding them through the waves of pleasure.
Harry sunk into the blankets as the orgasm tapered off and let his heavy eyes slide closed.
Gonna have to tuck that little revelation away for later use.
-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-
Having an omega had not been as much of an adjustment as Marvolo had anticipated, having heard from those few wizards he considered friends that going from bachelor to husband was a type of culture shock. Harry and he were so well-suited that living together, sharing space, meals, a bed, it had all come very naturally. What compromises he had been pushed to make were trivial and far outweighed by the joy of having his destined mate at his side.
The family that Harry had brought with him, however, were far more of a disruption.
Two days after moving into their new manor, freshly renovated and re-warded, Harry advised him over breakfast that his siblings were going to visit—with their father’s permission—this afternoon.
“I want to key them into the wards, so they can come to us if they are ever in trouble.”
Marvolo paused, butterknife poised over his toast.
“All four of them?”
“Of course,” Harry raised an eyebrow, “do you disagree?”
Being keyed into the wards would allow all the Potter siblings to apparate directly into their home, when they learned, as well as give them access to activate the private floo. It was a huge security risk.
The expression on his mate’s face demanded caution, however, and so Marvolo chose his words with care.
“Would that offer a great deal more access to your parents than you were comfortable with?”
“Our wards can be tweaked so anyone they bring with them can’t get past the floo room,” Harry took another token bite of his oatmeal, having already devoured the berries that came with it, the only foods he could tolerate in the morning.
“True,” Marvolo’s thoughts raced, trying to find another way to head this off. “Nagini is not fond of strangers, perhaps it would not be safe for the younger children—”
“We will introduce them to her today. She will need practice for our pups, after all.” Those mismatched avada-colored eyes finally snapped away from his food, pinning Marvolo, “she and Nakal are sunning in the courtyard, perhaps you could talk to them now?”
I’m being dismissed. Marvolo glanced down at his own breakfast, only half finished. However, being a Dark Lord required knowing which battles to pick and which to avoid.
“Of course,” He stood, taking a bowl of grapes and melon. “I’ll see that she understands. When will they be joining us?”
“Around eleven, then staying for lunch.” Harry replied, smiling warmly, “Thank you, my love.”
“Of course, darling,” Marvolo made a hasty retreat.
Generally speaking, Marvolo had little interest in the Potter siblings. Fleamont was set to become a peer in the Wizengamot, and, if Draco had his way, a political player within a few years. So, Marvolo was of a mind to get the other alpha on his side, however the younger two seemed ancillary to him, except in that they were clearly beloved by his omega.
“If I may, My Lord, Harry dotes on his younger siblings. It would mean a great deal to him if he felt you would protect them, if not care for them yourself.” Lucius’ advice had given Marvolo some pause, and so he decided, after explaining to Nagini about their incoming guests, to take this unforeseen event as an opportunity.
I can reassure my mate that I do not dislike them. That they will be safe so long as they are attached to him. For him I can survive a few hours placating them.
Thus-decided, he left his office in perfect time to arrive at the floo room precisely at eleven and greet the Potters properly. Only a few steps from his door, Lida popped into existence before him.
“Lord Slytherin, your guests have arrived. The Lady has taken them to the courtyard and wishes you to join them.”
“I am on my way,” Marvolo spoke while hiding his displeasure, casting a quick tempus charm to ensure—yes. It was not yet eleven. They must have arrived no less than twenty minutes early.
Discourteous. Marvolo schooled his expression as he descended the stairs from his office and made his way quickly to the courtyard that dominated the center of the Fellglade estate.
The courtyard had been Harry’s particular project when they chose this place as their home. It had been overgrown, but Harry had easily seen its potential, and while Marvolo would have insisted upon ripping it out and starting afresh, Harry had been determined to preserve the original stonework. It had been a wise decision, as in the work, they had discovered ancient runes in the central original ritual space. Marvolo and Harry had researched them while the team they had hired to refurbish the space—all friends of Marvolo’s to ensure privacy—and beyond being a true joy to work alongside his omega, Marvolo had been pleasantly surprised at the power the runes had still held.
As he emerged from the main doors, Marvolo focused his thoughts, eyes darting along the vibrant gardens to find his mate. He found Harry and his siblings in the low grass of the play area Harry had been trying to finish up before his pregnancy grew too advanced to do complex magic. There were a plethora of soft clambering and water toys for toddlers and infants, which the youngest sibling, Leopold, was currently enjoying, the elder three siblings watching from beneath the shadow of a birch tree.
Harry sensed him first, turning and smiling warmly, causing Marvolo to quicken his steps without thought. Fleamont and Eliana were more wary, expressions closing as he approached, both alphas shifting subconsciously closer to their brother, protective.
Admirable, if foolish. “My apologies, darling. I did not intend to be late.”
~No worries, they were early. Leo is trying out the playground for us, he seems to like it.~ Harry slipped forward, kissing Marvolo tenderly before gently tugging him forward toward the other two alphas. :I want to formally introduce you, this is Marvolo, my husband. Marvolo, you’ve met Monty, but this is Eliana, you two only spoke briefly the once.:
Fleamont dipped his head, offering a quiet greeting. The younger alpha straightened her shoulders and stepped forward with a determination that reminded Marvolo so intensely of Harry that he saw the man in her face as she held out her hand.
“Lord Slytherin, pleasure to meet you.”
“Marvolo, please. We are family after all.”
Eliana blinked then gave a nod. “Sure. This is…all very normal.”
Harry tweaked her ear absently, his eyes back on the toddler who was climbing up a set of wooden rungs toward a slide.
“This place is beautiful.” Fleamont offered, “Harry wrote about it, of course, but words don’t do it justice.”
“He has spent a great deal of time cultivating the courtyard in particular, we are quite happy with the results.”
:We are happy to just not have to climb a billion stairs while nine months pregnant.: Harry retorted, and Marvolo smiled despite himself.
“Indeed,” He ignored the bewildered looks on Potter alphas at beholding his expression. “How has your fifth year been progressing, Eliana?”
The alpha hesitated, then puffed her chest up, “I got made quidditch captain. Our first game is in October.”
:Brilliant!: Harry praised, :You worked hard for that.:
“I did, but bloody hell, OWLs are no joke. I’m only a couple weeks in and I already want to die.”
“Harry is the academic in our family,” Fleamont said with a warm smile, “I was great with being the quidditch captain, but I was lucky to scrape four OWLs. Eli is way smarter than me, but she doesn’t enjoy it like this swot,”
Harry went to smack his younger brother but the alpha dodged, then yelped as Harry shot a stinging hex at him. Eliana shot Marvolo a much-aggrieved expression.
“It’s always like this, if you were wondering.”
Before Marvolo could decide how to respond to that, the far door opened and Nagini glided outside, Nakal perched atop her hissing eagerly.
~Mother’s nestmates are here, faster Nagini!~
~You may go alone or you will be silent~
As impertinent as her mother, Nakal threw herself from Nagini’s back, slithering lightning-fast through the low grass to Harry’s ankle, then up his body to perch atop his shoulder. Harry reached over to pet her, cooing warmly.
~You remember Eliana and Monty, yes?~
~Yes, I will not bite them.~
~Nor will I~ Nagini stopped at Marvolo’s feet, likely scenting the fear from the alphas—
“Oh Merlin, she’s gorgeous!” Eliana dropped to her knees, “You are so pretty! What’s your name? What’s her name Harry? It is a she, right? She gives feminine energy.”
~I like that one~ Nagini declared, gliding forward to the waiting alpha, flicking her tongue out and getting an excited squeal in response, as Eliana held out her arm,
“Would you like to climb on me? Oh, I would be honored!”
“Her name is Nagini,” Marvolo answered Eliana’s question at a look from Harry, as the omega called for Leo and darted after the toddler who had gone too far from the main path to the water toys at the far end of the play area. Leaving Marvolo alone.
Lovely.
“Nagini, oh that’s a lovely name,” Eliana cooed as Nagini climbed up her arms to drape herself along her shoulders. “Wow you’re quite heavy, you must be a great hunter.”
~This one we should keep.~
“She says thank you,” Marvolo was not going to put that idea into the air. “You seem quite interested in snakes.” He ventured.
“Well, when your brother only speaks snake language it sort of comes with the territory. Monty used to read me books about them when I was little, I thought I could learn how to talk to Harry.” She rolled her eyes at herself. “I cried for days when they had to explain that was not how it worked.”
Admirable loyalty, if a lack of critical thinking.
“We would have gotten a pet snake for her, but mum and dad nixed that idea,” Monty agreed, smiling wryly at his sister, then summoning a camera with a flick of his wand, “I want to get a picture, er, is that okay Nagini?”
“She has no concept of photos, it will be fine.” Marvolo answered, bemused as Fleamont stepped back to get his sister and the entirety of Nagini in frame.
The snake had curled her tail around Eliana’s calf, as even though the young alpha had grown a good inch in the past year she had yet to hit her final growth spurt that would come after her first rut, and still stood a head shorter than her brothers.
She is quite strong, regardless. Marvolo mused as he watched Eliana dart over to her brother to look at the photo, seemingly unbothered by the seventy-pound snake lounging along her shoulders.
“Oh, I need a copy of that, I want to show Georgiana.”
“Ooo, this the new omega you’re after?” Fleamont teased good-naturedly, and the younger alpha flushed.
“You say that like I’m always bringing someone new up.” She muttered darkly, snatching the copy that Fleamont made for her. “It’s just been her since Mayday.”
Marvolo rolled through his mental rolodex of prominent family trees. “Is this Georgiana Prewitt?” He asked, and Eliana flushed a bright red before giving a quick look to him.
“Ah, yes.” She muttered, “We met at the big Weasley Mayday celebration…we’re just…talking.”
“Fully chaperoned, of course,” Fleamont teased again, and his sister rounded on him immediately.
“Like you chaperoned Draco at that ball where Harry met Lor—M, Marvolo?” She floundered, but her point clearly still landed as Fleamont also flushed.
:Hopefully not, she’s not even sixteen yet: Harry hissed as he signed, drawing his siblings’ attention as he returned, toting a very fussy toddler with him. :Has he had a nap today?:
“No, he wouldn’t go down after mum and dad’s latest row about us visiting.” Fleamont winced, and Harry huffed, resituating the wriggling child.
~He’s overtired. Let’s go inside and I’ll try to get him to wind down. Perhaps some tea?~
~Whatever you like my love~ Marvolo saw the other two alphas…smile at the sound of parsel.
Bizarre.
“We shall go inside for tea,” Marvolo switched to English, and tucked an arm around Harry’s shoulders, leading the way into the house, his gaggle of Potters in toe.
-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-
~Are you certain you are ready, my love?~ Marvolo murmured as he approached his omega, who was sitting before his vanity, slipping on a pair of gold earrings, the delicate chains clipping onto a cuff on the upper part of his ear. It made Marvolo ache to nip at the sensitive skin or fuck him hard enough to hear the chain jingle.
Later. He soothed himself, as his omega met his eyes in the vanity mirror, softening as they read the lust pouring off him.
~Yes. I won’t have it come out at Monty’s wedding; I want it done before and have time to settle.~
The Malfoy-Potter wedding was two weeks away, so they were cutting it close, but Marvolo was confident that their event tonight would serve its purpose. And he would make sure that not a word of gossip or scandal would taint Harry’s brother’s wedding.
Marvolo leaned down to kiss the top of his mate’s head. ~I will ensure they behave themselves~
Harry smiled. ~I have faith in you, alpha~ He crooned, then looked back at himself in the mirror, lining his eyes with kohl, ~They may be too distracted by your proposal to even care about my scandals~ The omega mused.
~We shall soon find out~ Marvolo checked his pocket watch, ~The first few guests have arrived, I have Lucius and Narcissa greeting them under the assumption that I am helping you in your advanced state.~
Marvolo’s eyes trailed over Harry as the omega pushed back from the vanity, still only wearing an under-romper, the breathable cotton of it nearly sheer over his darkened nipples and the red stretchmarks now decorating his thighs and breasts, stretched tight over the swell of his belly, which he cupped as he steadied himself.
Marvolo’s mouth watered. His omega paused, then raised an eyebrow.
~And do you intend to assist me, alpha? Or are you intending to make us quite late to our own event?~
Marvolo paused, considered.
Fuck it.
He strode forward, vanishing his omega’s romper before scooping him up in his arms. It was more of a challenge for Harry to wrap his legs around his waist now, his ankles could no longer cross, but he didn’t resist, winding his arms around Marvolo’s neck with a bemused smile.
~Fashionably late we shall be, my queen.~
The omega giggled, tilting his neck to offer his mark for Marvolo to mouth over.
~As you wish, my husband~ Harry purred as Marvolo pressed him into their bed, rolling onto his side and then his hands and knees, as he was no longer able to comfortably lay on his back.
Marvolo’s hands hovered to help his mate stay steady, then he summoned pillows to support his mate’s belly, sliding his trousers open just enough to free his cock before sliding up behind him.
~I’m tired, alpha, so you’ll have to do most of the work~ Harry sighed, then arched into a perfect omega presentation, pillows supporting his womb, legs splayed, spine arched as he stretched.
~It will be my absolute pleasure, darling~ He hissed, kissing up his mate’s spine, now thoroughly hidden.
My mate is well-fed; I care for him, provide for him. His alpha instincts purred beneath the surface, and he sucked bruises into the soft, brown skin. He’s mine and I protect him. He growled and slipped a hand down his mate’s belly and over his cunt. Wet. Ready for me. Marvolo snarled in his mate’s ear as he covered his back, nipping the earring chain.
~Mmm, alpha, sensitive, ah~ Harry’s hips hitched sharply at the barest touch of Marvolo’s fingers, ~please, just, I want you in me~
Marvolo hummed, letting two fingers slide into his mate, earning a sharp whine as the heel of his palm pressed against his mate’s clit. Pregnancy had made his mate ravenous in the past few months, but as of late, he’d grown almost too sensitive to enjoy much foreplay. It was a pity, as Marvolo loved to tease his mate mercilessly before fucking him, but this level of sensitivity made that impossible.
Except…
~I’m going to eat you out until you cry tonight, my love. But we don’t have time for that now~ Marvolo growled and Harry groaned, glancing over his shoulder, eyes glimmering with want. ~Shall I have you sit atop my mouth? Work yourself into an endless wave of pleasure? Drown me in your slick?~
Harry whined, nodding blindly then shrieking as Marvolo thrust into him. Marvolo kept a quick pace, driving his omega toward orgasm with steady, sharp thrusts that had him rocking up the bed, held down only by the alpha’s grip on his waist, chain on his earring tinkling pleasantly.
He snarled, leaning forward, nipping the nape of his neck, earning a soft trill. ~You are divine~
Harry shuddered beneath him, turning his head just enough to peer up at Marvolo from beneath his lashes; his scar-covered eye glowed with Marvolo’s magic.
~A, alpha, th, that’s blasphemous~ But Harry was purring. He liked it. Delighted in Marvolo’s worship.
~The goddess blessed you; I am but her humble servant who takes notice.~ Marvolo reached down, hand sliding under his mate’s belly, to his chest, gently squeezing the swollen flesh. Harry mewled, rocking back into the cock working steadily into him. ~Can you cum for me like this? Am I worthy of watching you in your pleasure, beloved? Have I earned such a blessing?~
Harry shuddered again, then shifted, taking Marvolo’s hand and guiding it up to his throat, eyes wide and beseeching.
Perfect, stunning thing. Marvolo needed no more instruction, he picked up his thrusts, let his hand come to cradle Harry’s throat, and as he drove him closer and closer to orgasm, he squeezed.
It wasn’t enough to completely cut off his air supply, Marvolo would never risk such a thing while his mate was so heavy with child, but it reduced it, and that was enough for his mate’s oversensitive body. Within a few thrusts, Harry went rigid, a strangled cry escaping him before cutting off, his eyes rolling as Marvolo snarled, biting deep into his mate’s mark, only-just not breaking the skin.
His mate’s body spasmed around him, and Marvolo released his throat, grabbing his waist with both hands and pounding into the omega’s body, reveling in the way his plush rump bounced, chasing his own pleasure. It only took a few moments for his knot to thicken and catch, and he groaned into his mate’s skin as he came.
Harry made a wounded sound as the knot caught, rocking sharply back on it for a few thrusts before shuddering and cumming again. Marvolo unlocked his jaw and kissed over the bruise blooming over his mating mark.
~Perfect, stunning creature~ He purred, bracing himself over his mate to avoid pressing him into the pillows. ~Are you still comfortable, my queen?~
Harry hummed and nodded, internal muscles flexing over the knot, pulling a groan deep from Marvolo’s throat. Minx. Marvolo nipped at the earring chain again and Harry smiled, opening his eyes just enough to look up at his alpha. A low purr vibrated out of the omega’s chest. The sound soothed something deep in Marvolo, urging him to settle protectively over his mate, and wait out his knot.
Once it released and Marvolo shifted, Harry stretched beautifully, cum seeping out from him. Marvolo found himself entranced as the omega rolled onto his side, shifting his knee up to ensure his alpha still had a good view of him.
~Incredibly efficient, alpha~ He purred, flicking a hand to cast a quick tempus, ~We’re only going to be half an hour late if you help me with my hair~
~I’m yours to command~ Marvolo chuckled, reaching down and sliding his hands over the omeag’s thighs and ass, teasing at his cunt. ~We must cover you up before I make it an hour~
Harry laughed and held out his hands. ~Help me up~
It was closer to forty-five minutes before Marvolo and Harry left their bedroom and entered the ballroom. The only indication of why they had been late was the fresh bruise over Harry’s bondmark, which was on display with low neckline he’d chosen for the event. Marvolo loved it when his mate showed off his body, despite how covetous he was of it; watching other alphas hunger for what they would never claim was its own sort of pleasure.
Still, the neckline of his white top with its subtle snake embroidery was at risk of driving Marvolo to distraction as they descended the stairs, immediately capturing the attention of their guests.
Focus. He chided himself, smiling winningly at their guests. “Thank you for your timely arrival, my friends. I apologize for our tardiness, but I was loathe to join you before my mate was comfortable.”
“Not at all,” Lucius answered, joining them as they reached the bottom of the stairs. “we are happy to wait, Lord Gaunt.”
“Well, let us wait no longer,” Marvolo made a quick gesture, and the quartet began to play in the far corner, house elves filtered into the room, plates hovering over both their hands peppered with delicious hors de vours.
Lucius and Narcissa drifted closer, greeting Harry and Marvolo formally. As she leaned in to kiss Harry’s cheek, Narcissa murmured, “Your father is planning to come,” in his ear. Marvolo saw his mate’s expression flicker, but he kept his face warm as he kissed her cheeks in return.
~Thank you~ Harry said, and Marvolo felt a sharp burst of delight when he saw the wizards behind the Malfoys—Lord and Consort Smith—startle at the sound of a hiss from his lover’s mouth.
“You’re welcome,” Narcissa replied flawlessly, and she and Lucius glided away onto the dance floor.
The Smiths approached cautiously, fighting to retain their cool demeanor. Lord Smith gave Marvolo a tight smile and held out his hand.
“A pleasure to be invited, Lord Gaunt.” The man blustered. He was intolerable on the best of days, but frankly that was part of the fun of inviting him. Baiting a man into making a fool of himself was one of Marvolo’s favorite pastimes.
“Of course, Lord Smith. My husband and I are thrilled to host you.”
~Always a pleasure, you pompous git~
It took all of Marvolo’s incredible self-control not to laugh at his mate’s words. Truly, he only managed it because of the rage that erupted from him when Lord Smith’s face twisted in revulsion at the sound of Harry’s voice.
“Ah, hmm, is, is that, parseltongue?” Consort Smith murmured, the male omega’s eyes huge with shock as they flickered between his husband, whose face was growing purple, and Harry, who was smiling serenely at them both.
“Indeed,” Marvolo replied, then glanced over their shoulders to the Parkinsons who were watching with equally wide but not horrified eyes. “please, enjoy the festivities.” Marvolo gave them an out and Consort Smith muscled his alpha away to take it with a tight smile.
Lord and Lady Parkinson approached next, faces neutral again. “A pleasure to see you again, Lord Gaunt, Consort Gaunt,” Lord Parkinson greeted with admirable aplomb.
“I hope you enjoyed your holiday, where did you go?” Lady Parkinson asked, eyes flickering to Harry curiously as she asked them both.
~I finally got laid, what do you think?~
“We spent our time in Greece at a private villa.” Marvolo replied easily, hand sliding along Harry’s waist, “it was blissful.”
“Greece is stunning, the perfect location for a honeymoon,” Lady Parkinson agreed, “Pansy and Lord Agarwal went for their babymoon.”
“They recommended the villa we chose, actually.” Marvolo confirmed, “I hope you enjoy your evening,”
“You as well, Lord Gaunt, congratulations again,” Lord Parkinson guided his wife away.
One by one, the Lords of the Wizengamot arrived, and one by one their eyes popped in shock and confusion as Harry greeted them in parseltongue. His beautiful mate remained serene throughout the ordeal, his eyes occasionally flicking through the crowd, looking for his father, who did not appear.
Once they had greeted the guests, Marvolo saw a few of his followers hovering, eager to speak with him again. “Are you ready, my love?” He murmured in his omega’s ear, kissing the back of his hand.
~Always~ Harry replied wryly, nosing at Marvolo’s jaw.
It was a classic omegan appeasement gesture, only-just considered polite for public. Marvolo was not surprised by the mild show of possession, but he was deeply aroused by it. He let out a low growl and his mate giggled, then looped their arms together.
~Be good alpha~ The omega chided.
“Never,” Marvolo retorted, and Harry’s eyes glittered as he leaned into him. It was tempting, as always, to sweep him off and back upstairs. His hand teased at Harry’s belly, and he redoubled his resolve.
We have a goal. Let us get this over with.
Harry watched his alpha struggle and then triumph over his instincts to whisk Harry away from the ballroom filled with people. It was always impressive to watch the man work, minute as his expressions were.
Well, let us get this over with.
Harry turned to see the Shafiqs standing nearby, trying not to be obvious as they eyed Harry curiously. They were a neutral family, friends of the Potters though Harry hadn’t spent much time with them as a kid since they didn’t have children near his age. He offered an inviting smile to Lady Shafiq and she guided her alpha over, the taller woman approaching warily.
“Lord Gaunt, Lady Gaunt.” Lord Shafiq murmured, her amber eyes flickering over the pair, expression unreadable.
“Lord and Lady Shafiq, I’m thrilled that you found the time to join us.” Marvolo greeted them.
“I am always eager to hear your ideas before you present them at the Wizengamot, Lord Gaunt.” Lord Shafiq replied, referring to the reason Marvolo was hosting this party, “They are complex and require a great deal of consideration.”
“I always appreciate your nuanced analysis during debates,”
“Your ideas deserve them. Though I admit, your husband may earn more attention at this gathering.” She gave Harry a considering look.
“Unavoidable,” Marvolo admitted easily, “I am eager for my husband to be appreciated, and he has recently inspired me with this newest proposal. It is his as much as mine.” That was true enough.
When Harry had put his foot down about Marvolo utilizing blood politics, even if he didn’t believe in them, the alpha had agreed to switch course and push his agenda in a new direction. While brainstorming ways to push Britain toward a more profitable model, Harry had come up with this as a potential first step. Marvolo had spent days plotting a new strategy and turning it into actionable reform. Harry found himself incredibly proud of the result.
“Indeed? Spousal inspiration is often one of the strongest foundations for true change. I find myself curious.” Lord Shafiq queried, her expression neutral but tone intrigued.
“Harry and I were speaking about modern alternatives to the concerns for muggleborns that led to the conflicts a few decades ago.” Marvolo began, and both women’s eyebrows rose.
“Ambitious, given your…history.” Lord Shafiq offered cautiously and Marvolo gave an agreeable nod.
“Certainly, and not something I thought to approach again. However, my husband has strong opinions, and ideas born from growing up during peace time.” He smiled down at Harry who leaned into him.
~You were quite agreeable given you don’t give a shit about blood purity~
“Indeed, my love.” He replied easily, and the two Shafiqs exchanged quick glances. “Harry brought up the primary issues is the division between those who grow up in the muggle world. Much of what we consider disrespectful behavior on their part comes from a fundamental misunderstanding of culture.”
Lord Shafiq cocked her head, but her expression was thoughtful. “Indeed, a valid viewpoint.” She glanced at Harry, “Was that a belief your mother shared or simply born of observation?”
Harry smiled at her sincerity and signed as he spoke, not sure if either of them understood BSL. Her wife began to quietly translate, which was a mild surprise.
~Both. My mother often spoke about how difficult it was for her to understand the Old Ways and our religion because she was raised to believe magic was fiction. It felt like playing pretend to her, and because she didn’t partake in any rituals or Circles until she was in school, she didn’t get the full benefit of them. I watched as her friends would invite her, but it never felt to me that she got the immersion I was born into with my godfather taking a strong hand in my early education~
Lord Shafiq nodded as Harry spoke, posture relaxing and growing more open. More importantly, the eyes—and the ears—of the room were on them.
“And what is the proposed solution?” She glanced to Marvolo again, and Harry’s mate gave a charming smile.
“A school.”
“A school?” The women asked in shocked synchronization.
“Yes, a nursery school, specifically,” Marvolo elaborated, “I believe we should introduce muggleborn children to our world beginning at age three, for nursery school.”
A hush flooded the room. Lord Shafiq hesitated, eyes wide before she schooled her features. “Ambitious might have been too weak a word.” She murmured, but it was her wife who spoke next,
“Integrating muggleborn children early will necessitate the integration of their non-magical families.”
“No more than it already does.” Marvolo countered, “and there are a plethora of countries already doing so, to much success.”
“And what do we do if their parents are resistant?” Dowager Longbottom called, hobbling over on her grandson’s elbow, sharp eyes fastened on Marvolo.
“I would imagine the same thing that happens if they attempt to refuse sending them off to Hogwarts now.” He paused for effect, “What is that procedure, by the way?”
“They are removed from the home, and their parents’ memories altered.” Lady Shafiq murmured, eyes burning in a way that made Harry’s heart ache.
“Ah, well, I suppose that is a compromise from my recommendation a few decades ago, if only just.”
That blow landed with several of the light members of the Wizengamot present, who glanced sidelong at one another. It was a brutal, if practical solution.
“I daresay that by interfering earlier, we can protect muggleborns from the trauma of being rejected by their loved ones at eleven, when they have a much more defined sense of self.”
~It should also be noted that the provision will include the creation of a liaison department headed by muggleborns to ease the transition for reticent parents, which we hope will reduce the occurrence of rejection.~
“I daresay it will be a far kinder and more civilized way of introducing them to the magical world.” Marvolo drawled.
“I would agree,” Lord Shafiq took a sip of her wine, “would you be willing to show me what you’ve drafted?”
“I would be honored.” Marvolo kissed Harry’s temple and held out his arm to Lord Shafiq, who bid her wife goodbye, and the two alphas went off, trailed quickly by other interested parties.
“If it’s not too bold, you influenced him a great deal, it seems.” Lady Shafiq murmured, coming to stand beside Harry, who gave an easy shrug in response. “I suppose that makes more sense now. Congratulations,” She added, nodding to Harry’s belly. He gave the other omega a tired smile.
:We are well suited: He signed, :I’m grateful we found one another.:
“I was nervous when we got the invitation.” She admitted carefully, quietly, so no one but him could hear, “but my alpha wanted to believe that you would not have chosen him if he did not have hidden depths.”
Harry chuckled, :He has many. However, this solution benefits everyone, including himself, so there was little influence needed.:
Lady Shafiq held out her hand, “Tiffany. I hope we’ll be seeing more of each other at these things.” Harry shook it.
:I hope so.:
The omega dipped her head, smiled, then glanced over Harry’s shoulder and dipped her head. “I’ll let you go.”
Harry frowned, then—
“Harry,”
I’m not ready. Harry stiffened at the sound of his father’s voice but forced himself to turn.
James looked tired, there were specks of silver at his temple and in his beard, which he had grown out since their last fateful meeting. His hazel eyes flickered over Harry, lingering on the bruise over his mating mark, then the swell of his stomach. Something like grief flickered of his face, and Harry felt a moment of sympathy, imagining his pups vanishing and mating without him. Then he recalled the way his father had looked at him when he’d last spoken parsel, and that sensation faded.
~Father~ He hissed quietly, and the man startled, then glanced at the witches hovering nearby, their eyes wide and curious.
“Harry,” He repeated, sounding lost, gaze falling down to his belly again, “You look…happy.”
Harry stared for a moment, then gave a nod, :I am:
“Good, that’s, that’s good,” James took a breath, tugging his kurta mindlessly, “I, ah, I wanted to…talk to you, if, ah, if that would be alright.”
Harry hesitated, then nodded, and held out his arm. His father’s relief was palpable as the alpha stepped forward, linking arms and letting Harry guide him out of the main ballroom and into one of the small sitting rooms across the hall. The moment the door closed, Harry disentangled himself from his father, lighting the fireplace with a flick of his wand, and leaning against the mantle, soaking in the warmth over his aching joints.
“I’m sorry.”
The words made Harry spin, staring at his father as a mixture of shock and a more complex tangle of emotions he couldn’t fully parse out. The alpha’s eyes were filled with sorrow as he stared at Harry.
“Truly, I, I made so many mistakes, Harry.” He whispered, “I thought…it doesn’t matter what I thought,” He caught himself, “I failed you. I had people around me telling me I was wrong and I thought I knew better, and you suffered for it.”
Harry stared at the alpha sensing nothing but sincerity pouring off of him, and his mouth opened before he could stop it.
~You did hurt me.~ He signed as he spoke, saw his father’s eyes flicking between his fingers and his face. ~You hurt me in ways I’m still discovering. You isolated me. Made me feel so…guilty, for just existing.~ Harry paused, swallowing around a sob he didn’t want to let the other man see, ~And when I finally found someone who understood me, you refused to listen…~ Harry took a steadying breath. ~I don’t know how to look at you without thinking about how I could have missed out on all of this if I had listened to you~
“Harry,” His father’s voice was wrecked, and Harry glanced up to see the man was crying now. The sight shocked him, throwing his train of thought off track. “I thought…I was so focused on protecting you, and instead I put you in such a dangerous position,” He wiped his eyes, laughing hollowly, “if someone wanted to hurt you, I made you so vulnerable…and I was such a fool, I didn’t even stop to think about how much you and, and Lord Gaunt would have in common. Outside the, the parsel,” He added the last with a flush.
It was so awkward in that way his father had always been. Familiar. Warm. It made Harry’s heart ache. The alpha shook himself, then set his jaw, looking determined.
“I know it won’t be…simple. We can’t just go back to what we had…what we had wasn’t honest anyway. Not good for you. I want to do better, show you I am worthy of being your father.” He paused, “I know you don’t need me anymore…but I love you. And I want to do whatever I can to support you now. Whatever that looks like.”
Oh shit. Harry’s eyes burned, grief and hope swelling up inside him, sending tears pouring down his cheeks. His breath hitched, and he turned away, biting his lower lip. I’m blaming this on you, pups, mother above, get a hold of yourself!
“Harry? Are you—”
The door cracked open and Harry scented his alpha before the man overtook him, a low growl filling the room as he drew Harry into his arms, tilting his chin up to look over Harry’s face.
~What has happened, my love? Did he say something?~ The alpha demanded, and Harry felt his mate’s magic flux, heard his father choke at the oppressive wave as it rolled over him.
~He was apologizing~ Harry reassured, ~I just, got emotional about it. I think he’s sincere~
Marvolo hummed, thoughtful, and his magic receded as he turned to eye James; the two alphas facing off for the first time since their last meeting during the war. The tension was palpable, the two men eyeing each other, James with wariness, Marvolo with judgement. Finally, James let out a breath and glanced away.
“My son looks healthy,” He said, swallowing audibly, then glanced back to Marvolo, “You make him happy.”
“I do.” Marvolo agreed simply.
“You treasure him,” That was both question and demand. Marvolo didn’t hesitate.
“I have waited my entire life for him, and I will protect and love him for eternity.”
His solemnity almost made Harry tear up again. Harry’s father gave a slow nod, eyes locked with the alpha as if trying to read him.
“Right, well, that’s good,” James finally murmured, “he deserves the world…and I suppose you are the best sort to give it to him,” he added dryly, and Marvolo gave a sly smile.
“Indeed,” he slid his arm around Harry’s waist, gently thumbing his belly. The other alpha’s eyes lingered on the movement, and he glanced up, giving a small smile.
“Congratulations,” James murmured. “Blessings of the Mother upon you both.”
Knowing his father was not devout, Harry couldn’t help but smile at the courtesy of the traditional greeting and blessing.
:Thank you:
Silence stretched for a moment, somewhere between awkward and cautious. To Harry’s surprise, James cleared his throat and broke it.
“I didn’t intend to derail your night, believe it or not.” He tried for a smile, with moderate success, “I, ah, wanted to see Harry, of course, but I also wanted to, to hear your ideas.”
He’s trying. Properly trying. Harry squeezed Marvolo’s arm, and felt the alpha sigh softly even as he spoke.
“Indeed?” The alpha murmured, expression neutral, and James gave a determined nod.
“Yes, I thought, maybe, my being here could help move some of the Light members to be more open…assuming this plan is approved by Harry, I imagine I’ll like it as well.”
Marvolo gave a small smile, “Your faith is inspiring,” His voice was just bland enough to not give away any sarcasm, but James appeared to be undeterred, and Marvolo finally let out a soft breath, “Shall we rejoin the lords in my den? We were just reviewing the finer details when I stepped away.”
James gave an agreeable nod, “My apologies. I suppose we could just say you were, ah, greeting me? Formally? Or something?”
“Gryffindor,” Marvolo muttered quietly, and then louder, “A formal greeting of my husband’s father would absolutely suffice as explanation. This way, Lord Potter.”
James flashed Harry a thumbs-up as he turned to follow Marvolo away, and Harry pet over his belly, hope fluttering to life in his chest.
As the alphas left, Sirius and Narcissa poked their heads into the room.
“Bloody hell, ten minutes late and I miss all the good shit,” Sirius muttered as he strode in.”
“You are over an hour late, Sirius. Harry and Marvolo joined almost an hour late on their own.”
“Only an hour? Weak sauce, pup,” Sirius eyed the bruise along Harry’s bondmark, “tell him to put his back into it next time.” Narcissa let out a soft sound of exasperation as Sirius hugged Harry gently, eyes roving over his face worriedly. “Cissy told me what was going on, you alright?”
:Yes, good, actually. He was, he apologized.:
“About bloody time.” Sirius gave a warm smile, “you going to give him a chance?”
:Yes: Harry ran a hand through his hair, the other resting on his belly. :I would like to think he would still be a good grandfather.:
“Oh he’s going to hate it when he realizes he’s a granddad. Can I say it first?”
:If you vote for my husband’s proposal, yes:
“Ahhhh, that’s blackmail! Your man is turning you Slytherin already,”
:Via injection.:
Sirius cackled so hard he choked, and Narcissa shot a stinging spell in lieu of patting his back.
“If you two are quite done,” She tucked her wand away, “The ladies are gathering and we need to charm them. Sirius, go to the lords, I won’t have a repeat of last Yule on such an important night.”
“Lady MacMillin has no sense of humor.”
“And yet her husband still has a vote, now go,” She commanded, Sirius huffed and scuttled out. Narcissa plucked dust from Harry’s robes, then threaded her arm through his, “Are you ready?”
Harry nodded, and they waded back into the political fray.
News of Harry’s parseltongue ability burned through society like fiendfyre. To Harry’s horror, however, with it came a plethora of invitations to dinners from families wanting to assert their continued support of him and his husband. Marvolo wanted to dismiss them all until after Harry had their pups, but practicality demanded they take the most important ones now to avoid over-clogging their post-partum social calendar.
Between the dinners and pre-wedding events—with the couple choosing to honor some Hindi, some Old Ways, there were several—Harry and Marvolo found themselves too busy to do much more than trade tired greets and chaste kisses. At his advanced state, Harry was getting to the point of being entirely sexless, so he found this less of a trial than his alpha, who was possibly hungrier for him than ever before.
:Is it a proper fetish, or just an alpha thing, do you think?: He mused as he sat at Draco’s Mehndi ceremony, feet propped up on a cushion while Padma and Parvati sat beside Draco, doing his bridal mehndi. Leo was snoozing on his lap, having exhausted himself with the Weasley grandchildren during the lunch before the ceremony began.
“Very normal alpha thing,” Pansy replied easily, her son snoring in her arms, having just finished a bottle.
Daniel Agarwhal was perhaps the most charming child Harry had ever met other than his own siblings. His dark hair dusted his ears, big brown eyes lidded as he lolled against his mother’s shoulder, little green kurta rumpled, and slippers long-since discarded. Almost without conscious thought, Harry reached over to tease the exposed, chubby foot and got barely any response from the milk-drunk infant.
“Tristian was insatiable near the end, honestly I was so tired that after a good massage I would let him have at it, barely noticed.”
Harry snorted, and then let out a bright laugh when he saw Tristian choke as he walked past them, carrying the drink Pansy had sent him to fetch.
Traditional mehndi ceremonies were omega-only, but Draco and Monty had decided to make it a family affair. Harry couldn’t help but think it was more fun this way, especially as Monty was also getting some mehndi and they were going to do a joint reveal at the end.
“It’s our party, we can do what we want. Besides, how different is it to traditional spousal runes, really?” Monty had reasoned when he had told Harry his plans.
“Is he wearing you out? He’s got two hands; tell him to use them,” Pansy continued, taking the drink from her husband, whose face was flushing and then paled at her words.
“Pansy,”
:No, no he’s quite polite about it, but I just assumed he wouldn’t…want to? I look…I don’t know I don’t think I look very attractive.: Harry ignored the alpha, and Pansy huffed.
“First, you’re gorgeous. Second, it’s proof of virility, they get real instinctually boned-up about that.”
“Dear god,” Tristian sipped the champagne in his glass with desperation.
“Are you two terrorizing Tristian?” Theo teased as he made his way over to them, Deveraux prowling behind him.
“It’s what he gets for being over here, not over there with the other alphas,” Pansy retorted, “Go check on Monty, hm? The both of you, let us chat about sex in peace.”
“There are children!”
“Sleeping toddlers, they won’t remember, now shoo,”
Tristian threw his hands up in surrender and obeyed his wife, Deveraux hesitated a little longer before Theo convinced him.
“They are the most overprotective in the middle. You’re still not viable, but showing, it gets their backs up,” Pansy reassured the other omega, who let out a long-suffering sigh as he sat on Harry’s other side.
:Speak for yourself, Marvolo doesn’t let me out of his sight anymore.:
“Well, yours is a Dark Lord, darling, that’s different.”
“She has a point,” Theo backed Pansy up before Harry could even pretend to protest and he rolled his eyes.
“Your dad seems to be doing better,” Pansy said the moment the silence seemed ready to stretch, her eyes on Draco, which Harry was grateful for.
:We are…trying to make amends.:
“How’s it going?” Theo asked softly,
Harry glanced over to where his father was on the other side of the room, surrounded by several of his and Monty’s friends, chatting and smiling, eyes warm with pride as he watched Monty get his mehndi, the process hidden from the other side of the room by the screens that had been put up to keep the couple separate.
:Good. I’m going to invite him to the Blessing.:
:Your mum?: Theo switched to signing to avoid prying ears, and Harry sighed, trying not to let his smile dim.
:Haven’t heard from her:
“Bitch,” Pansy muttered and Harry chuckled despite himself, touched at his friend’s protective anger.
“Harry, come here, I want your opinion,” Draco called, and Harry held out his hands.
Luna darted over, gently taking Leo, while Theo and Parvati puled Harry to his feet with ease, Parvati covertly supporting him as he waddled forward.
The patterns painted over Draco’s pale arms were a mixture of traditional mehndi and runes, including the Malfoy and Potter crests on the back of one hand, blended with stunning florals.
:Gorgeous.: Harry approved, beaming at his brother-in-law-to-be. Draco smiled, admiring the work. :You guys are geniuses: He added to Parvati and Padma.
“I still haven’t forgiven you for skipping this part, Po, Gaunt,” Parvati teased, flicking Harry’s ear. He ducked his head, obediently chastised.
:You’re doing the mehndi for my blessing in like two days!: He reminded her, and her eyes softened, patting over his belly.
“Which is the only reason you didn’t get a howler.”
“Okay, now, can you find the groom’s initials?” Padma encouraged, and Draco blinked at her,
“What?”
:It’s a thing, she hid Monty’s initials in the pattern.: Harry explained, and Draco eagerly began to look over the work again with a closer eye.
Harry heard some movement and turned to see his father approaching, expression soft when he looked over Draco. Harry slipped over to the man as the girls teased Draco about ‘bad luck’.
“He looks like he’s having fun.” James murmured nodding to Draco.
:He is. He enjoys being fussed over: Harry replied easily.
“He always has.” James agreed, smiling.
Harry hesitated, then. :I’m surprised mum missed this.”
James’ expression dimmed slightly and he took a sip of his drink before replying. “She has been very busy with work.” He wet his lips, glancing to see if they were being listened to, but the other guests were focused on Draco and Eliana could be heard boisterously teasing Monty across the room. “I didn’t want to say anything, this is a marriage celebration, but…I wanted you to know, in case you were worried about…” James took a breath, looking frustrated and finally managed, “we are…separating. Nothing will be official until after the wedding, of course, we didn’t want to draw attention away.”
Despite Draco having alluded to this months ago, Harry found himself still shocked to hear the words, his stomach dropping in a moment of sorrow and dread. He glanced to see his father looked…tired. Not as bad as the night he’d come to apologize to Harry, in fact he’d seem to improve greatly after that dinner. True to his word, he’d helped Marvolo to promote his bill, and the words of The Lord Potter had gone a long way to assuaging the nervous members of the Wizengamot when the bill was proposed. It was in review now, with debates scheduled for the December meeting.
We’ll have pups by then. By the gods. Harry shook himself, refocusing on his father.
:Are you okay?:
James gave a soft smile. “I’m…coping. She’s officially moved back to France. She’ll be back for the wedding, but not before then.” James replied, his expression wistful. “If we’re being honest, it’s been a long time coming.”
:I’m sorry: Harry offered, and he meant it. His parents losing each other was the last thing he’d anticipated, let alone intended when he’d made his choices last year.
James sighed, “It’s not your fault, Harry. We turned a blind eye to a lot of things for a long time. When we were forced to deal with them…well.” He gave a wry smile, “It turns out we weren’t on the same page anymore.”
:Are Leo and Eliana staying with you?:
“Yes, Eliana is back in school now anyway. Getting her time off for the wedding celebration in her fifth year was a trial, I’ll tell you. Dumbledore was not wanting to bend.”
:I’m surprised. I heard mum is still friendly with the Headmaster: Harry probed after a moment.
This was something that Draco hadn’t been able to give him much intel on, and even Marvolo was hearing very little about the Headmaster since the scandal. It was the thing that had made his mother’s absence a little more bearable, the thought that perhaps she wasn’t safe acting as a buffer to his sadness.
That and Sirius and Narcissa bullying their way to fill the space she’d left behind.
James scowled. “Last I heard, yes. She feels very indebted to him, apparently.” The sour tone almost made Harry smile, getting a little petty pleasure from his father’s bitterness toward the Headmaster.
:As I understand it…he helped a lot of muggleborns back before there were…systems in place for them.: Harry knew this, his mother and many other muggleborns had championed the man loudly during and after the war.
Only the successful and powerful muggleborns seem to have earned his special attention. Must be an oversight. He snarked to himself before continuing.
:Hopefully being in France will put distance between them.: Harry offered, and James ran a hand through his hair,
“I can only hope.” James murmured sincerely. “She does love you, Harry, but I think she’s so convinced that Dumbledore is right about…Lord Slytherin, that she isn’t thinking clearly. I’ve tried to talk to her about it but she’s…I think she has her own things to work through.”
Harry hummed, turning to look back to Draco, who had found the initials and was sipping champagne with the Patils and Pansy, heads bent together, mischief leaking off them, Theo and Luna having slipped over to the other side of the room to their alphas, Leo still snoozing away in Luna’s arms.
:I hope she gets to meet my pups.: Harry hadn’t really meant to say it, his hands moving before he really thought about the consequences, looking down to his belly. Jame sucked in a tight breath, then turned to Harry eyes dark and sorrowful.
“I have to believe she will sort herself out, Harry. Even if it’s over for us as a couple, she will come around for you, Monty, Leo, and Elli. She’s brilliant. She’s just…lost.”
Harry nodded, then offered a soft smile. :Speaking of which…Marvolo and I wanted to invite you to the Blessing:
James’ eyes widened, “Really?” He breathed, and Harry felt warmth suffuse his chest at the genuine joy and shock in the man’s eyes.
:Yes. We’re holding it at sunrise to avoid interfering with the wedding:
“Of course, of course, where is it? Do you need me to do anything?” James asked eagerly, a boyish grin stretching over his face.
:It will be at our home. Our new home, Fellglade. You can portkey over with Siri, if you like?:
“Yes, I will, oh, pup, thank you, I know…I’m sure you weren’t…I promise I will bring nothing but the best energy to this blessing. I’ll make offerings the night before to the ancestors.”
Harry smiled, gently leaning over to bump his father’s shoulder with his own. :Thank you.: