What Ifs

Harry Potter flinched as the hat told he couldn't do that. "I cannot put you anywhere else. No matter that you don't like it, it is the best place for you. You will find happiness there."

"But I don't want to go there. I'm not bad."

"No, you're not, but you need the focus that they can give you. I will have a talk with your friend for you," the hat said gently. Then it pronounced his fate. "Slytherin!" The crowd gasped and Harry looked miserable. Those looking at his new friend Ron noticed he looked just as miserable too.

"It is done," Dumbledore said quietly, and the panic stopped. "The hat has it's reasons." He looked at Harry. Then he smiled at him and looked at Ron. "Mr. Weasley, do come here," he requested gently. Ron wandered up, still not looking happy. "What did the hat say, Harry?" He noticed the head of Slytherin moving closer. "Yes, come closer. You and Minerva both," he said tolerantly.

"It said I needed the focus," Harry admitted. "It said I'd be happy there, even though I begged not to be put into it." Ron nodded his agreement at that statement.

"Very well," Dumbledore agreed. "Mr. Weasley, for all things wizardry, you are his guide. I will expect you to help him since you apparently can handle his temperament and he can deal with yours." Ron opened his mouth.

"Do not protest," McGonagall said sharply. Ron nodded, looking down. "You have an unprecedented ability to handle a newly formed wizard, do so." Ron nodded, going back to his seat to tell his brothers. She smiled at Harry. "It will be fine, Harry. Even though everyone expected you to join my house." He nodded and trudged over to the table, sitting down as far away from the people as he could.

"Don't be that way," Draco Malfoy said, shifting down to sit next to him. "We'll take good care of you." Harry gave him a look. "Honestly."

"Do you know what that word means?" Harry asked. Draco laughed and clapped him on the back. "Don't!" He flinched away from him. "Just don't touch me."

"Fine, I won't touch you unless you ask," Draco agreed, doing his best to tramp down his smarmy nature. This boy clearly didn't want to be there and he really didn't want to talk to anyone. "You'll have the bed next to mine and I'll help you get through these next few weeks. How's that?"

"Depressing," Harry said honestly, looking at him. "Dumbledore said Ron could do that for me."

"I'm sure he did," he said with a sneer. "Remember what I said about the right sort and the wrong sort, Potter. Cling to the right sort until you find your feet."

"I'd rather cling to people who want to know me as a human being, not as a boy with a scar," he said dryly. Draco looked stunned. "Was there anything else? I'm hungry and tired."

"No." He moved back down to his former spot, watching the lone boy. He saw the Head of the House looking at him and shrugged. Snape nodded that he understood, Draco had done his best. He had tried, and his father would be pleased about it.

As soon as dinner was done, Harry followed the other first years up to his dorm, mentally groaning. He felt a hand clamp down on his shoulder and stiffened. "What?" he asked, looking at the professor.

"I am Professor Snape, I am in change of your education and life, Mr. Potter." Harry shrugged, putting on a brave front. The man could see the boy was in pain. "Come. I wish to talk to you before you go to bed tonight. There are things we have to clear up." He walked the boy down to his office, letting him proceed him. His wards lit up, showing him how strong the boy was and how mentally unprepared he was for this task. "Mr. Potter," he said as he sat down. "Tell me, have you known long?" Dumbledore had told him to be careful with this boy, not to use his usual instincts to revile him or he would have even more problems and the world would end quicker. He had to believe that advice after seeing how the boy had reacted to Malfoy.

"I found out on my birthday, just about three weeks ago," Harry told him. "Hagrid showed up and told me."

"I see." He revised his opinion down a bit. "Did you know anything?"

Harry laughed, a cold and empty sound. "My Aunt told me my parents died in a car crash," he said bitterly. "Then I show up today and suddenly I'm a national hero for no reason."

"I see," Snape repeated, mentally groaning. "That's fine. I understand why they did so. They were trying to spare you the knowledge."

Harry gave another, more bitter laugh. "If you say so," he said coldly. Snape flinched. "With all courtesy, sir, you don't know what I've been through and I'm really tired. Can you please grill me another day?"

Snape nodded, coming to the realization that the hat had done this boy a disservice, a great disservice. "Come, I'll show you down to your room. I've instructed Mr. Malfoy to watch over you and help you deal with things. That is in addition to Mr. Weasley. You'll find you'll have a number of classes with him. Do not let his attitude get to you."

"Yes, sir." Harry trudged after him, not caring where they were going. The portrait opened and he walked in, frowning at the boy waiting on him. "Fine, I'll follow you for a bit."

"Thank you. You do me a great honor," Malfoy said dryly. "Come." Snape glared at him and he flinched. "If you wouldn't mind."

"Mr. Malfoy, his nature was hidden from him," Snape noted. "Do be more gentle or else." Draco nodded quickly and led Harry up to their rooms. Snape went to chew the hat a new one. "How dare it put that weak little boy in my house!" he shouted. "He's damaged!"

"He has no training in how to deal with surges," Dumbledore said tiredly. "He's leaking magic and has been all day." Snape stepped away from him. "The hat placed him based on his power levels, nothing further. If he didn't need tutoring from you, I'd have overrode it." He looked up at his Potion's professor. "I take it you interrogated him?"

"I asked him a few simple questions. He'll be a victim to the house and from what little I saw that isn't what he needs."

"Then it's a good thing you stuck Malfoy onto his back the way I did Ron Weasley, isn't it," he said dryly. "Now, we'll all need our rest for what is coming tomorrow. Good night, Severus."

"Good night, Headmaster," he said stiffly, going back to his room.

***

Draco patted the bed beside his. "You'll sleep here." Harry nodded and crawled into it, pulling the curtains shut as soon as he was on it. "Are you all right?"

"Just tired." Harry yawned for effect.

"That's fine, I'll deal with any clothing issues tomorrow." Draco climbed into his own bed, staring at the boy across from them. "What, Zabini?"

"Be nicer to the kid, Draco. He's not part of our social circle. He doesn't understand."

"That's why I was assigned to help him about for the next month or so," Draco said, glaring at him. "Did you want to?"

"Stop it," Harry called, opening his drapes. "I'm not a little kid, I can find my own way around and I don't need teachers to help me make friends!" The blond boy across from him clapped. "Who're you?"

"Blaize Zabini. Alternate person to talk to when Draco gets boring," he said with a grin. "It all depends on how long you want to listen to his purity speeches."

Harry looked at Draco. "My mother wasn't a witch that I know about, would you mind leaving me alone now?" he asked. Blaize laughed. Harry shrugged. "I've had enough for the day so I'm going to hide now." He pulled the curtains again, hearing the sniff of disgust from the bed next to him. He looked around his space, noting it was about as big as his old closet. He could live in here for a while. It would be fine. Besides, maybe Ron would still be friends with him. He seemed pretty nice. He yawned and changed into his pajamas, sliding under the covers after dropping his clothes off the front edge of the bed. He'd deal with them tomorrow. Someone shifted a curtain and he looked at the big kid who had been following Draco around earlier. "What?" he asked tiredly.

"You're not pure?" Harry shrugged. "You don't know?"

"My mother's sister certainly isn't a witch," he told him. "I don't care. Bloodlines are for animals, not for people." He flipped onto his side, facing away from him, but he stayed stiff. The kid reminded him of Dudley and he didn't want to appear weak. He was surrounded by people who reminded him of Dudley and he was already loathing himself and wanting to take a long shower with a metal brush to scrub himself clean.

"Goyle, let him sleep," Draco ordered. "The poor boy's had a great shock."

Harry could hear his sneer and he didn't really care. He closed his eyes. "Pull the drapes please."

"Fine. We'll talk to you tomorrow." He pulled the drapes and walked back to his bed.

Harry watched the shadows on his drapes, learning this new prison. He would be spending a lot of time in here.

***

Harry gave Ron a look at breakfast the next morning and saw the anger on his face. He sighed as he sat down, at the very end of the table. The food in front of him was plentiful but he only took what he really wanted, he didn't want to look like he was pigging out.

"Eat more," a girl his age suggested. "It's a long time until lunch." She gave him a hopeful look.

"Malfoy get onto you?" he asked as he took another strip of bacon.

She nodded. "Yeah, but you look like you could use a friend, Harry." She moved so she was opposite him. "Don't listen to half of what Draco says. He's full of hot air most of the time," she confided with a smile. "I, on the other hand, am a good person to get to know. I'm fun and I'm decent with homework."

"Thanks," he said with a faint smile. "I'm not sure I'm ready for friends yet though." She looked disappointed. "Sorry."

"That's okay. Being sent away to school is hard for a lot of kids. So, where did your relatives hide you?"

"London."

"Wow. I only get there a few times a year. Did you get to wander around a lot? Down to the Palaces and all that?"

Harry shook his head. "Only on my old school's outings. We did Buckingham and the zoos every year." He was starting to feel a bit more at home so he leaned over. "Which bullies do I have to avoid?"

She laughed, reminding him of a hyena. "There's a lot of those in the house. You'd have to avoid nearly everyone." She reached over and he flinched. "Sorry. You don't like being touched?"

Harry decided to be evasive. "Not really, I'm kinda not real fond of anyone getting too close."

"That's fine, Harry, you're in the right house for lack of touching," she assured him. "If you had been put into Gryff like everyone thought then you probably would have been driven batty by the hugging. Or even worse, Hufflepuff, they do group hugs every night before curfew." She gave him another smile. "Hurry up, we've got Snape first and he's supposed to be nice to his own house."

He finished eating, still feeling a bit hungry but he was used to that, and followed her out of the hall and down to Potions. "You know most of the people we came in with?"

"In the house, definitely. We're all about the same social circle so we played together while our parents got chummy." She showed him the door. "That's it, but we wait out here." He nodded. She grimaced. "Goodie goodie alert."

Harry turned around and found Ron standing there. He gave him a hesitant smile. "Hi, Ron."

"Hi, Harry." He gave him a short hug. "I see you survived the first night." Harry nodded, smiling at him. "It's all right. We're all a bit confused about you," he teased. He gave him a friendly nudge. "Meet me for studying later? Percy and the twins both said I should try to spend time with you each day to keep you normal." He smiled nicely at Pansy. "Thank you for looking out for him."

"Not a problem," she said, looking confused. "I thought you didn't like to be touched."

"For some reason, Ron doesn't set off a panic attack," Harry said with a shrug. "That's why I wanted to be with him, that way we could get really close and he'd help me be a normal person." Ron snorted, turning away to hide his snickering. "Sorry, Ron."

"No, it's okay, you're not exactly normal," Ron agreed. Pansy looked more confused. "Dumbledore hid him among muggles," he said patiently.

"Yes, we know," Draco said from behind him. "Leave Potter alone."

"I like Ron, leave him be," Harry snapped. Ron looked at him, looking a little scared. "Sorry, Ron, but I'm going to jealously guard what few friends I have until I'm more comfortable." He hit him on the arm and grinned. "That's okay, right?"

"Sure, Harry," Ron said, mirroring Pansy's look. He saw Draco's scowl. "What?" he demanded. "At least I'm nice to him because I like him, not because I want something." Harry laid a hand on his arm. "Sorry, Harry." He looked at the classroom door as it opened and swallowed because Snape was glaring at him. "C'mon, Harry, maybe you can sit beside me. I'm not great in here yet either."

"You'll find the houses are separated," Professor Snape hissed as he walked past him. "Mr. Potter may sit *behind* you, not beside you. Mr. Malfoy will be his partner so he gets up to speed in here." Draco looked disgusted. He glared at the boy so the boy sighed and took the seat behind Ron and the Longbottom boy. He started into his usual spiel and noticed Potter wasn't paying attention. He bit his tongue because he didn't want to take points off his own house, but moved closer. The boy was taking notes? He slapped the quill from his fingers. "Now's not the time for that," he told him, moving back to finish scaring the rest of the class. Harry was now attentive, if glaring at him. He assigned the first potion and watched to see who he was going to have problems with. He moved Malfoy nearly immediately, putting someone less talented over there. "Goyle, trade places with Malfoy. He's doing better and I'm putting all the hopeless together." Goyle and Malfoy traded places. He rearranged people to suit himself and then sat down to watch the disaster happen.

"Try to make everything smaller and more even," Goyle told Harry. "He likes even pieces from what I've heard."

Harry tried, but this was not his thing. He put down everything and rubbed his eyes, but a cold hand stopped him. "Sorry, sir."

"Do not rub anything into your skin, it has deadly side effects if you do so." Harry looked up at him. "Go get a drink." Harry shook his head and picked back up the knife, trying again. He could see what the boy was doing wrong. "Did you ever cook, Potter?" he asked. Harry nodded slowly. "Consider this like that." He noticed he had given Weasley the means to succeed as well and sighed in disappointment. He was so looking forward to flunking another one. He walked around, nodding only at Malfoy. Of course he had tutored the boy when he was younger, so he expected him to know something. He sat down to watch Potter. There was something about that boy that wasn't adding up right and he didn't like the look in his eyes or what he had observed in the hallway. Not only did he resent being sorted into Slytherin, there didn't seem to be any point to it. He was a wizard, just like all the other first years. He noticed Harry getting frustrated at Goyle's 'helpful' hints. That's when he also noticed that his and a few other students hairs were starting to stand up. "Potter," he snapped, recognizing what it was. The Headmaster had warned him. Harry jumped and looked at him, looking ready to cry. "Go get a drink before you harm yourself." Harry nodded and walked out, going to do as he said.

"Was he leaking magic?" Draco asked, sounding astonished. "None of us have done that since we were in short pants."

"He hasn't had the extensive training that a wizarding family would give you," Ron said snidely. "Leave Harry alone." Draco glared at him.

"As much as I hate to admit it, Mr. Weasley is correct. He has not had any instruction in that skill. You will not pick on him for it!" His house shuddered and nodded. He nodded as Harry came back in. "Sit and try to start again."

"What's leaking?" Harry asked.

"That thing where things happen because you wished them," Ron said, shrugging at him. "We all do it sometimes, it's a matter of hormones at our ages." Harry nodded and went back to his seat. "Try the blue stuff, Harry, it's really good," he whispered.

Harry grinned and worked on that thing next, managing to get a taste off it from his fingers. Ron had been right. Even if it did make him tongue itch.

Snape stopped Harry before he could leave. "You are not to pick on the other Slytherins, Potter, no matter how bad they treat you. Do not let it get to you."

"Because I could hurt them?" Harry asked. Severus nodded. "Yes, sir, I'll try. But can't I pop Malfoy one just once?"

Snape smiled. "No, you may not. Fighting is not allowed. No matter what Mr. Weasley says." He let the boy go and watched as he walked out to his next class. It was a few hours later when he next heard about the boy. And that was from McGonagall, who was moaning because the boy was a natural seeker. He smirked at her and shrugged. Her loss was his house's gain. He went to find the boy and his team's coach. "Train him," he ordered, handing him over.

"Yes, sir," the captain said, looking fearful. He looked at Harry once he was gone. "What did you do?"

"I saved some kid's rememberball."

"Oh. That was you," he said, frowning at him. "You're a prissy showoff, Potter."

"Fuck off." Harry started to walk away, but the other boy caught the back of his robes. "Let go."

"Snape ordered and I have to follow it. We'll be training you tonight. Meet me on the field after dinner." He let the boy go and walked away.

Harry rubbed his arm and frowned at him. "Why would I want to play for you?" he called.

The boy turned to look at him. "Because Snape said so."

"He's not my parent either," Harry noted, walking in the opposite direction. Malfoy grabbed him this time, pulling him into an unused classroom. "What do you want now?" he asked, nearly defeated for the whole day.

"You have to follow all Snape's orders. It's the way the system works. Not even you are immune from it, Potter," he spat. "If I'm not then you're not." He forced the boy to stand in front of him. "The way the system works is this, Potter. We are temporarily shoved together for the next seven years of our lives. You have to uphold us and we have to stick up for you, it's the way things are done. If you have a problem with another house, then you tell one of the older, more powerful people so they can fix it for you, or so they can give you advise on how to best fix it and not get into trouble yourself. You may also come to me because I am very knowledgeable about the wizarding world. You don't get to throw a tantrum just because you were missorted. We all know by now that you were missorted and we hate it for you, but life sucks that way sometimes. The same as if I had been put into Ravenclaw by accident. Now suck it up and let's move on! Weasley and you can remain friends. It's obvious you've heard things about *our* house in the past. Not all of us are like that. Not all of us are evil gits. Some of us enjoy playing at it but only some of the time. If you let me, I will steer you through the minefield you've just created for yourself."

"I don't want to owe anyone, Draco," Harry said firmly.

Draco could finally see a glimmer of strength in the boy. "Good, wonderful, I'm not asking you to. You're strong enough to kick my ass if you really want to from what the hat told Dumbledore, that's why you were put in here. That's why Snape put you under *my* control and helpful guidance." Harry nodded, getting that much. "Now, can you abide by those rules for a few more months? Can you wait until you get home to whatever fabulous life you were leading and follow along for a bit?"

"You don't know anything about me," Harry hissed.

And suddenly, Draco got it. He knew what the problem was. He smirked at him. "You just gave it all away, Potter," he said with a fond grin. He reached out to pull the boy closer, but he got pushed away. "I take it you're living with a bully?"

"More than," Harry admitted, crossing his arms. The door opened and he smiled at the teacher standing there. "He's trying to get into my head."

"Good." Madam Hooch smiled and motioned him closer, handing him a small package. "This is yours, Harry. I've heard you were put onto the Slytherin team. Do you need instruction?"

"Professor Snape asked our captain to teach him, and I'll tutor him beyond that," Draco told her smugly. She looked at him and he flinched. "I'll try to make sure he follows all the rules."

"See that you do. His father was an honorable player." She nodded at Harry. "You may come to me for help if you can't understand them." Harry nodded and she left them alone.

"Youngest player ever to be allowed on a house team," Draco said smugly. "Just the first commendation I'm sure." He pulled Harry around to face him. "You can learn to live with this and pass or you can die where you sit, Potter. Choose now. I'm not known for my patience."

"Or your tact?" Harry asked.

Draco laughed. "Why have tact?"

"It makes people like you more," Harry said, getting free of him again. "I don't want to be manhandled."

"Fine. But you will accept my protection and guidance? Beyond what Weasley can give you?"

"With one exception. If you pick on any of Ron's friends, or Ron himself, I'm going to have to hurt you."

"Big words from the boy who doesn't even know a hex," Draco pointed out dryly.

"But I'll learn and I can live without sleep. Can you?" he asked, nearly quoting a movie he had heard a few years back.

Draco laughed, great loud laughter. "Fine. We'll work that part out. For now, work on your thing against being touched. It's disturbing to some of the girls, who are all very touchy with us." He smirked. "We're late for class, make up an excuse so we can get in there."

"I'd rather go play with the animals outside," Harry said dryly, heading out. "Where are we going?"

"Herbology."

Harry hefted the package. "This might do?"

"That would do," Draco agreed, leading the way out to the classroom. He nodded at Harry when the teacher looked at him. "I was helping him."

"Fine." She smiled at Harry. "What's that?"

"My team uniform," Harry told her, grinning slightly. Ron looked shocked and he shrugged as he moved to work beside him. "I guess I'm good. She mentioned my father. Do you know what he played?"

Ron nodded. "After class," he said, getting back to work.

Harry put up his things and started to do what Ron was, earning a nod from the teacher for doing so well.

***

Later that night, Harry sat on the end of Draco's bed. "What's the big problem going to be tomorrow?"

"Personal space," Draco informed him. "Off my bed." Harry sighed and got onto his own. "Thank you. I don't like my space to be breached. The same as you don't."

"I doubt it's for the same reasons, Draco," Harry said, a touch of frost coating his voice. He had already used it against him. He closed his curtains and laid down to think. He didn't like it here. He had been right to hate it here. No matter what big words Draco had tried to calm him down with earlier, he was just like all the others.

"Hey, Harry, can you come help me with something," Blaize called.

"Sure." He got out on the other side and moved over there, helping him tie the necklace around his neck. "That's nice. A present?"

"My grandmother gave it to me before I left," Blaize said, turning to face him. "Sit, you look uncomfortable." Harry carefully sat and Blaize winked at him. "I'm the nice one," he said with a grin.

Harry nodded. "Thank you, BLaize."

"Hey, not a problem. Some of us got the hint yesterday and we understand. Some of us may understand, but they'll push it back into your face at convenient intervals. How about we hang out together? I'll even let you bring Ron?"

"Sure," Harry said, starting to feel happier now. "Will you come watch me practice tomorrow?"

"If I have time. I can't play myself, but you're really going to be great with some training." He pinched Harry's nose, getting brushed away. "Sorry, couldn't resist," he said with a bigger grin. "Do you need any help with your homework?"

"Not yet. Thank you though."

"You're welcome. Some of us lower kids have to stick together or we get sucked into Malfoy's exhaust," he said gently. "Don't let that happen to you. You don't want to be like him, Harry. Trust me, I know him and his family." Harry nodded, giving him a smile. "Good boy. Now, help me figure out how I'm going to be more interesting tomorrow. I promised my mother I would wear my uniform correctly and I did, so now I have to figure out how to jazz it up a bit."

"We do not look disreputable," Crabbe said, shocked.

Draco opened his curtains. "You will not make the rest of us look bad," he ordered.

Blaize grinned at him. "If you look bad, that's your fault," he pointed out. "I'm going to be myself, one way or another, Malfoy." He looked at Harry. "Do you know *anything* about doing hair?"

"Just that mine won't quit growing. Even when my Aunt cut it, it grew over night back to this."

"Hmm. Vampires are said to have that skill," Blaize said, running his fingers through Harry's hair. "I think some gel would go well with you, Harry." He beamed. "Fortunately I've got some so we don't have to steal Draco's." Draco glared at him. "You, behave," he said snidely. "Harry's now under *my* protection as well." Harry blushed. Blaize thought it was cute. "You just keep that look and we'll have people dying to talk to us tomorrow, Harry," he assured him. "What you need is some self-confidence and a good set of external armor so only those you *like* can get closer." Harry looked interested. "Trust me, I am the best at that. There's not a person in this school who knows the real me."

Harry beamed. "I'd be happy to let you help me, Blaize."

"Good boy. Now go rest in your coffin over there. We'll figure it out in the morning. I'll even get you up a touch earlier so we can do our hair together. Maybe I can get yours to spike up a bit." Harry beamed and went back to his bed, closing himself in. Blaize gave Malfoy a glare. "Leave him alone," he mouthed. "You're going to hurt him worse and he'll kill himself. Then we'll all be in deep shit." Malfoy shuddered and withdrew. "Hey, Harry, want to switch beds with Crabbe tomorrow? That way you're on my side?"

"No, he stays here," Draco said firmly. "Snape ordered me to watch over him."

"Fine," Blaize agreed. "Then you can watch us and Ron as well." He smirked at the groan. "I'm sure our dear Head will agree." Someone pounded on the door. "Fuck you!" he shouted. The top Prefect walked in and glared at him. "Get over it! We're still young enough to stay up all night and not have problems tomorrow. Now leave my presence before you make Malfoy crankier." The Prefect glared some more but did slide out of the room.

Draco opened his curtains. "Do not use my name in vain," he said, but he was nearly smiling.

"You're not God yet, Draco, I can call your name anyway I want."

That made Draco laugh. "Just don't call it out in your sleep, prat. I'd hate to have to sic Goyle on you for dreaming indecent things about me." He smirked and withdrew, reminded why he had always liked Blaize.

Blaize settled down to figure out how to crunch his usual morning routine into under half an hour.

***

Harry appeared at breakfast the next morning on Blaize's arm, smiling and laughing at some joke he had just told outside the door. More armor he had said. Letting them see you not sweating meant that they felt like they couldn't touch you. His hair was lightly gelled into gentle spikes that probably wouldn't last the day and his uniform was a bit darker thanks to Draco's helpful input this morning. He looked like he was some sort of vampire wannabe, but it was a useful shield. No one came near him at breakfast except Blaize and Malfoy. Even during classes that day no one really talked to him. He found he liked it that way. He had a class with Ron after lunch and Ron did talk to him.

"What did you do to your hair?" he asked as they waited for the ladder to come down.

"Just some stuff Blaize helped me with," Harry said with a shrug and a smile. "Do you think it looks okay?"

"I think it lookscute," Ron said finally, grinning at him. "You look like a real boy, Harry. Adorable down to the bone. Mum sent me a letter and mentioned you. She apologized for Ginny's behavior at the train station and said it was good that I was getting to know you because you had obviously been missorted. She said she wanted to wreck the hat for you." Harry chuckled, leaning against his side. The ladder came down and up they went to Astronomy for their introductory lesson.

*** A Few Weeks Later ***

Harry looked over as Ron walked up to where he was leaning. He had just had another shooting pain through his scar. He was trying hard not to let anyone see him crying from the pain of it. "What's wrong?" Ron asked.

"Pain." Harry looked at him. "It hurts, Ron."

"It's all right, Harry, we expect freaky things from you," Ron said calmly, leading him away. "First let's get you checked over and then we'll figure it out. That Granger witch is really handy in the library and she'll probably help us some." He walked him up to the infirmary. "Madam Pomfrey?" he called. She hurried out. "For some reason he's been having shooting pains through his scar." She gasped and settled Harry on the bed. "Harry, should I get Blaize?"

"Please," Harry groaned, trying not to dodge the careful poking. "That hurts!" he whined.

"Sorry, Mr. Potter, but I had to check and make sure it wasn't your head itself." She bustled away. "You will stay, Mr. Weasley, to keep him calm. I'm getting the Headmaster."

"It's a lot of fuss over a bit of pain," Harry complained.

Ron hopped up to sit on the end of his bed. "Yeah, but we expect freaky stuff from you," he reminded him with a grin. "You're sticking to the nearly-dead look?" Harry nodded. "Good on you. What about when you have to go home?"

"Can't I run away?" Harry pleaded. Ron shook his head. "Blast! Then I guess I'm going back to the old Harry for a few months and then becoming myself again on the train." He shrugged. "It sucks, but it happens." He noticed his Head of House coming in and nudged Ron with a foot. "Snape got called too."

"Of course, they can't do anything to you without his permission." Ron straightened up when Snape walked over to them. "I brought him up."

"I heard. You may go back to class."

"I'd rather have him here," Harry offered, looking hopeful.

"I'm sure you'll have enough friends visiting you soon enough," Snape told him. He touched the scar and Harry didn't move at all. "Where were you?"

"In the hallway outside Defense," Harry told him. "Just around the corner from the doorway waiting on Blaize to finish with his test."

Snape nodded. "Then I believe I know the cause." He walked away, storming out into the hallways.

Dumbledore walked in a few minutes later, giving Harry a charming smile. "Harry," he said, giving him a fond pat. "What happened? Just some pain?" Harry nodded. "Very well then. I think we should have tea tonight to discuss that sort of thing." He looked at Ron. "You may come if you want since you're watching out for him. You and Mr. Zabini and Mr. Malfoy." He smiled at Harry again. "How's that?"

"I just want it to quit hurting," Harry said, then he hissed as another pain hit. A bigger pain, one that made him want to cry. Ron was holding his hand when the pain faded enough for him to realize what was going on around him. The nurse was looking very worried. "Is this like a tumor?"

"No, it's more like you're connected to You-Know-Who," Ron said firmly, staring at Dumbledore. "My mother said he's under *her* protection, sir. Since the hat goofed."

Dumbledore laughed. "That's one way of putting it. I'm sure it had its reasons." He helped Harry sit up. "Ron, go tell your friends to be careful as they move around in the halls. Anyone connected with Harry has to be for the moment. I believe someone's searching for him."

"Searching?" Harry asked. Dumbledore nodded. "But why?"

"Because you beat the old Dark Lord and there is probably a new one wanting his old job." Dumbledore let the nurse fuss over him, smiling at the unease the boy was showing. "It's all right. You'll be up here tonight until our tea, and then you'll be back in your room. There shouldn't be any long term effects on you, Harry." He walked away, going to make a few calls.

Ron patted Harry's leg. "See, it's worse than you thought," he said happily. Harry laughed, glad that his friend could help him through this.

***

Draco was the last one into the impromptu meeting and looked around at the gathered people. "What's happened now? Are you going to resort Potter finally?"

"There is no ceremony for resorting," Dumbledore said gently, putting him down as easily as he could. "Do sit, Mr. Malfoy, since you've taken care of Harry as well." Draco sat, looking expectant. "Tell them, Harry."

"Earlier my scar started to ache, a sharp, jabbing pain ran through it."

"Wonderful," Draco sighed. "Is he back?" Dumbledore nodded.

"Well, shit!" Blaize sighed. "Harry, I adore you, ducks, and I'd like to get closer to you, but I don't want to die."

Ron glared at him. "Why would you?"

"Because the Dark Lord is making his feelings known," Draco said dryly. "Where? Did you want me to inform my father?"

"I have no doubt that your father already knows," Dumbledore said smoothly, smiling at him. "As for right now, I want you to protect Mr. Potter, no matter what. You are to keep him out of trouble. The other teachers do not know anything." He stared down Harry. "Under no circumstances are you to get involved in this, Harry Potter. Do you understand me?"

Blaize snorted. "That's like waving a flag in invitation." He looked at Harry. "Ducks, I mean it. I love you, would love you be with you when we're older, but I'm not dying for you."

"That's fine, I don't anticipate dying, not for a very long time," Harry said calmly, staring back at Dumbledore. "Will I have to fight him?"

"We'll tell you if it's necessary. You as well, Mr. Weasley, promise me you're not going to jump in this time."

"I'm going to stick up for Harry, like my mum said," Ron defended.

"Then I'll tell your mother what's going on and expect her to exercise some common sense." He looked at Draco. "You are to watch out for more attacks. The both of you are closer to him and share many things with him." The Slytherins nodded. "Good," he said, much happier now. "Get Mr. Potter to bed, I'll have a small snack sent up to him. Mr. Weasley, you will have him again tomorrow?"

"I feel like I'm a cat being passed between owners," Harry put in. Ron giggled and snorted, as did Blaize.

Draco looked at him. "If you were my beast, you'd be better groomed," he noted dryly, making Harry laugh. "Good. Let's get you back to bed, scar boy." He hauled Harry up and walked him away.

"Mr. Weasley, I meant it," Dumbledore called after him. Ron waved a hand, having no intention of letting this go. "Maybe I should move that stone," he said grimly.

***

Harry spent the next afternoon after classes with Hagrid, laughing at some of the things he's done. That night, he and Ron studied, then Blaize pounced him and forced him back to the dorms for a talk. "What?" he asked.

"I wanted to talk to you," Blaize said, looking a bit worried. "Harry, are you mad at me?"

"Not at all, why?"

"I don't know, I guess it's because I revealed a lot of stuff last night in the Headmaster's office."

Harry grinned at him, unknowingly turning Blaize to mush. "It's all right, I like you too. I'm not sure about anything else, but I do like you. You're one of my best friends."

"Do you think you could like me that way?"

"Not a clue, Blaize. I've never even heard of two guys getting together."

"Oh." He pouted. "Why not? They have guys like that in London, a lot of them from what everyone's said."

Harry leaned closer. "For me to see them, I would have had to been allowed out of the house," Harry pointed out gently.

"Good point," Blaize agreed, giving him a grin. He decided to hug him for good measure and Harry didn't object. "Do you like guys, Harry?"

"I've never thought about it," Harry admitted. "How would you do stuff?"

"I've got a teaching manual to help," Blaize offered.

"I'm sure you do," Crabbed said dryly as he walked over from Draco's bed. "Gonna share around?"

Harry picked up the first thing at hand, his notebook, and hit him in the face with it. "If he does, it won't be with those who don't appreciate the gift," he said snidely. "Now go away. This is a private conversation." Crabbe looked hurt, he looked like he was going to cry. "I mean it, I'm not putting up with any disrespect toward any of my friends. Not Blaize, not me, and not Ron." Crabbe backed away from him. "Thank you." He looked at Blaize again. "May I have time to consider it?"

"Sure. Take all the time you want, Harry. But if you ever need a cuddle, I'm nearly as good as a teddy."

"Deal," Harry agreed, leaning closer to kiss him. He pulled back and licked his lips. "That felt odd. Now I'll have to kiss a girl to see if it's the same." He went back to his bed, closing the curtains around his private space. A few minutes later, someone tapped on his bedframe. "Come," he called. Crabbe moved in and Harry made room for him. "Are you going to apologize?"

"Yes, I am," Crabbe said, giving him a hopeful smile. "I think you're odd, but really nice and I don't want you to be mad at me, no matter what Goyle says about you."

Harry grinned. "Thank you, Crabbe. I think you'd make a decent friend once you lose Draco."

"I can't," he said, plucking the blanket. "I'm bound to his family." Draco opened the curtains and looked down at him. "He didn't know, Draco, don't be mad."

"I'm not." He moved in as well and closed the curtains. "He's not used to how the higher ups do things. I understand that." He looked at Harry, who looked somewhat confused and angry. He smiled to disarm him. "It's how Vincent's father chose to elevate his status, by joining him to be my bodyguard." Harry shook his head. "No, what?"

"That's slavery, it's wrong," Harry pointed out.

Vincent laughed. "I told you so."

Draco swatted him. "Be quiet." He looked at Harry again. "It's not slavery. He was indentured to me by our parents, but there are many more perks. My family has treated him like one of us for years now, and that simple exchange will allow him a higher social standing when we're grown and I release him. It's often done, but it's an older practice. We had no say in the matter, like Goyle didn't." Harry still looked upset. "I know you don't approve, but there's nothing I can do until I reach my majority and Vincent reaches his. That's the way life works in some social circles."

"Then I'm glad I don't live in them," Harry told him, looking very serious. He looked at Draco and frowned. "I thought you didn't want me that close."

"No, what I said was that you were violating my personal space. Even I have to have somewhere to get away from everyone, the same as you do, Potter. In this case, the only thing we have is our beds. Next year's room is a bit bigger and we'll be able to spread out more. For now, this is all that we can declare as ours. It's like our homes in a way."

Harry looked around. "It does feel like my old room," he admitted quietly. Crabbe grabbed him and hugged him. "It's okay, please let me go, you're squishing me," Harry pleaded. Vincent let him go with a smile for him. "Thanks." He saw Draco's furious look. "What?"

"Your old room was this big?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah, my original one. My newer one is a bit bigger."

Draco groaned. "Something is going to have to snap, Potter, and it can't be you so it's going to have to be your relatives." Harry grabbed his arm, squeezing it hard. He saw the panic and shook his head. "Not until you're ready," he promised, making him let go. He would be bruised in the morning. He really didn't understand this at all. "Go to sleep, you'll probably need it." He smoothly got to his feet and went to his own bed to fume in private. His father had told him that Potter was a spoiled brat, a child given every luxury in the world by his adopted family. That the spoiled nature was what was going to be Dumbledore's downfall. He would have to tell him he was wrong. Or possibly just tell him that Harry wasn't spoiled after all. That might help him.

*** Later That Year, After The Stone Incident. ***

Harry looked around the infirmary, frowning at the pile of presents at the end of his bed. Not one of his friends had been in yet. Not even Ron. He started to sulk, thinking about the things he was going to have to go through soon. Within a few days, he would be packed up and back on the train. Home. What a bitter sounding word. The door opened and he looked over, smiling at Draco. "Hi."

"You survived, I'm astonished," Draco said as he walked over to stand beside him. He could see the fear in his eyes. "I'm not mad that you went ahead and did it, Harry, just scared that you might have died. You barely know enough hexes to beat me in a fair fight, much less someone older and stronger." He brushed Harry's hair aside so he could look at the scar. "Don't do that again next year. All right?"

"Hopefully I won't have to," Harry reminded him. "Maybe it's over."

"It's not over," Draco sighed. He glanced down at the presents. "I saw Weasley earlier, he looks like he got the shit beaten out of him by a dragon." Harry winced. "He said he's coming up later, no matter who tries to stop him." He gave him a small smile. "Did you want me to have you packed up?"

"I'll be released tomorrow. In time for the leaving feast."

"Hmm. And then what?"

"And then we go home for nine weeks and then we come back and start again," Harry pointed out. He looked at his hands, then at his friend. "Draco, would you do me a favor?"

"What sort?" he asked calmly.

"Would you hit me really hard so I couldn't be released with everyone else?"

Draco laughed. "If you really want it, I'll bring Goyle with me later tonight. He hits hardest." He patted Harry on the head. "You get better. Blaize is so worried he actually wore his uniform properly today." Harry smiled at that and he left him alone, going to owl his father and suggest that Harry spend the summer with them. His father could read people, he'd see that Draco was right, Harry wasn't spoiled.

When Ron came in a few hours later, Harry was pretending to sleep so the nurse would leave him alone. He grinned at the bad acting. "It doesn't work, she's got funny senses that tell her you're faking."

"It let her go to dinner," Harry said with a grin. He reached out to touch the bruise on Ron's face. "Are you really all right?"

"Just fine, Harry," Ron assured him, leaning closer. "You're amazing. You blew him away like it was nothing. Now I know why they put you over there."

"I don't want to be there," Harry told him. "I want to be with you."

"I know, Harry, but we're still friends. I'll even try to get you sprung to our house this summer, how's that?"

"That'd be nice," Harry agreed, giving him a smile. "Immediately?"

"Maybe, why?" Ron asked, looking concerned. Harry shook his head, but he was rubbing a spot on his arm. Ron looked at it and then at his friend. "Who cut you?"

"I slipped and fell with the knife when I was six," Harry said, not lying. He only left out the part where he had been yelled at for being so clumsy and ruining Dudley's breakfast. Ron apparently knew though, because he gripped Harry on that spot. "I'll be fine."

"You'll be more than fine, I'm telling my mother on your family," Ron said warmly. Harry shook his head. "It'll help!"

"For how long?" Harry asked. "What about next summer?"

"Huh?"

Harry shrugged. "Next summer won't be any different than this one. I only have to go on until I'm eighteen and then I'm done."

"No, you should be done with them now," Ron said firmly. Harry nodded. "Who else knows?"

"Ask the Headmaster," Harry said bitterly. "He said I had to go back when we talked."

"My mum'll make sure you spend at least part of it with us," Ron said firmly. Someone coughed and he looked at the nurse. "He's well enough to talk."

"He doesn't need to be upset," Madam Pomfrey told him.

"I'm only upset about leaving here," Harry said bitterly. He flicked Ron on the unbruised side of his head. "I'll be okay. You'll sit with me on the train home?"

"Sure," Ron agreed, grinning at him. He left Harry after a quick hug and another glare at the nurse.

"Do you want something to eat?"

"I'm not hungry," Harry told her. "Thank you though."

"You're welcome, Mr. Potter." She walked away, going to make her report. She also called the Headmaster and told him about what she had overheard. He only nodded but didn't say he'd do anything about it. It was that reason that made her start a diary of Harry's injuries and the scars she could remember. She brought it later when she examined him, finishing the preliminary report. She was sure she'd be seeing more of him.

***The Next Year ***

Ron ran up to Harry in the hallways and skidded to a stop in front of him, looking desperate. "Hermione figured it out." Harry pulled him away from the students around them. "It's Ginny, Harry, they're using her."

"I'll follow her tonight," Harry said calmly, giving him a smile. "Don't worry, I'll help. You know that, Ron. I think of you like my brother." Ron nodded, relaxing for the first time since Hermione's note was understood. "Give me an hour after dinner. Are you coming with me?"

"I can't! McGonagall's locking us in tonight."

"Fine, then I'll go," Harry noted.

"You'll do no such thing," Malfoy said angrily as he walked up behind Harry.

Harry looked at him. "Bugger off." He looked at Ron again and smiled. "You'll hear, don't worry." Ron nodded and hurried off, going to class. Harry turned to face his 'helper'. "His sister's the next target, Draco, I have to help him."

"You'll get caught," Draco said stiffly. "We'll never win on points this year."

"Yay! Points aren't what I'm here for!" Harry stomped off, going to plan in peace and quiet in the Potion's classroom. He had it next and Snape never minded when he hid in there. Well, he did but he wouldn't say anything to Harry about it. He'd complain to Draco, who would then complain at him later. He nodded at the teacher as he took his usual seat, putting his head down to stare at the wall. He could still hear that voice in his head, the one that no one else could hear. Maybe it was what she thought. Maybe it was Ginny being used. Or maybe the voice had something to do with it. He grimaced and rolled his shoulders to force himself to relax. He'd have to play this one by ear.

Snape walked back to Harry's seat. "Planning something unusual?" he sneered.

Harry looked at him. "Tell me what else a parseltongue would understand?" he requested. "What other sort of animals."

Snape looked astonished. The boy hadn't asked anything about that gift since it had been found out. "Any animal that was a reptile or partially a reptile."

Harry grimaced. "That's a big category, but I never understood lizards when we had them in here."

"That is a point to consider," Snape admitted, moving to walk around a bit. "Why?"

"Because there's this voice I can hear and Ron can't." Snape looked alarm. "It's whispering things, there," he said, pointing at where he could presently hear it. "It moves around the school and I'm not always near enough to hear what it's saying, so I thought it might be something that I could understand as a parseltongue."

Snape looked impressed. "That is a reasonable assumption. Though not one you'll be able to test."

Harry used his wand to slam and lock the door, then faced down his Head of House. "I know you don't like me and I don't care, but I will do whatever I have to do to protect Ginny Weasley."

"She's involved?"

"Not willingly. Ron thinks she's the next victim."

"I see." Snape looked down at the young man, then shook his head. "There's nothing you, as a student, could do." Harry got that gleam in his eye, the same one he had last year when he butted in. "If you leave the house tonight, you'll be fined three hundred points," he said.

"Yay. Points aren't worth more to me than my sister's life." He sat down again, unlocking the door. "Sorry to have bothered you, sir, may I please be excused for the day?"

"NO!" Snape glared at him. "You will not move from either Mr. Zabini's or Mr. Malfoy's side tonight, Potter, do you understand me? Even if I have to chain you to one of their beds, you're not leaving their sides."

"Fine, sir." Harry glared back, but Snape could tell nothing had changed.

Snape grabbed both boys when they walked in. "You two are to watch Potter tonight for me. He is not to leave the House, he is not to leave one or both of your sides. There will be no wandering around tonight in his cloak." Harry snorted. "Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir," Malfoy said, frowning at Harry. "How much is his fine this time?"

"He said three hundred," Harry said with a smile. "Don't worry, I'm sure Ron won't gloat too much this year, Malfoy." Malfoy glared at him, making Harry laugh.

"I'm glad you think it's funny, Potter, but for the rest of us it's draining," Zabini warned. Harry said something in his ear. "No!" He backed away. "Malfoy, he's yours tonight. I'm not getting into that."

"That's fine, I understand," Harry assured him. "I'll see you tomorrow." He grabbed his books and slipped out before any of them could grab him. As soon as he was in the clear, he pulled his cloak out of his bag and swung it over him, not realizing that someone had seen him, or that someone could track him by his movements. He walked up to Dumbledore's office once he noticed it was empty, then grabbed the sorting hat, pulling it under his cloak. "Can you help me?" he asked it.

"Reach inside, I have something that will help you," it whispered. "Go now, it's going to get crowded in here. Take the back stairs behind Fawkes' cage." Harry nodded and reached inside so he gave up one of his precious hidden treasures, the sword. He was put back onto his stool and pretended that nothing had changed when the boy snuck out. Even when Professor Snape barged in with Malfoy, Zabini, and Weasley in tow. It did laugh at the Professor's ranting at him, it was a common thing these days.

***

Harry found the spot he needed and opened it, just like he had known he could. Earlier it had all come together in his mind. His Magical Creatures book had told him what it probably was and why he could speak to it. Hermione had figured it out another way and the piece of paper in her fist had proven he was right. Now it was time to do this.

***

Harry woke up in the infirmary, sensing the start of a pattern. He saw Ron sitting beside him sleeping so he tossed his pillow at his head. "Can I have a drink?" he asked when Ron woke up. Ron lunged over, hugging him as hard as he could. "You hug like Crabbe, let go," he groaned. Ron pulled back and grinned. "Ginny?"

"Fine. They've removed it all from her and she'll be fine, Harry. Mum said she's making you a cake each week that you're with us this summer." Harry smiled at him, and knew it wasn't the whole truth. He wasn't going to be there the whole summer. "She's just fine and they destroyed the book once they figured it out. Fawkes flew you up, do you remember any of it?"

"A lot of pain in my arm," Harry said, looking down at it. "It's healed?"

"Fawkes sobbed pitifully into it," Draco noted as he walked around to stand at the foot of his bed. "Professor Snape sent me to beat you so he doesn't get into trouble for it." Harry grimaced. "How wonderful you are, pulling Gryffindor's sword out of the hat."

"I couldn't let Ginny suffer, Draco. I'm not like that. I can't be a cold and murdering bastard like your father." Draco opened his mouth to protest. "Who gave her the book, Draco? Think about it," he snapped. He looked at Ron again, giving him a smile. "Can I hide under my cloak and just run to your house?"

"Nope, sorry," Ron said with a shrug. "Soon though. Not too long." He hugged Harry again. "I'm gonna tell Hermione that you're all right. You are all right, right?" Harry nodded. "Good." He hurried out, going to tell everyone the good news.

Draco sneered at him. "The Hero of Slytherin," he said dryly. "That's what some of the girls are calling you."

"Yay. I'm not ready for girls yet," Harry told him.

"Pity, they're fascinating creatures."

"I'm sure I'll figure that out on my own some day," Harry noted. Draco glared at him. "You don't even like me, why did you come?"

"Because I had to make sure you were still living. As one of the top people in the house, it's my duty to look out for the lesser beings."

"I'm not a lesser being," Harry pointed out.

Draco inclined his head. "If you say so. I only see a scared little boy who wants to run far away from all his problems."

"Yeah, and you're one of them," Harry said bitterly. "Go away, Malfoy. I don't want to see you. Send Blaize if anyone in the house wants to rough me up."

"Fine. I'll leave you alone, for now," he said quietly. "We'll be talking later."

"Try never. I don't want to be like you, Draco, I never have and I doubt I ever will. So let's just part company and be casual acquaintances in the halls."

"If you want, but remember what happens when I withdraw my protection."

"Yeah, gee, the others will pick on me. What a shock," Harry said in his most bland and monotone voice. "Like it doesn't happen now." He shifted under the covers, flipping onto his side. "Out!"

"Fine. I'll send *Blaize*." He stomped off, not sure why he was saying those things. Harry had only reacted to his words, he knew that's all it was. He ran into Goyle in the halls and glared at him. "Go away." Goyle nodded and left. "Get him Zabini, he wanted to see him."

"Yes, Draco," Goyle called as he ran off.

Draco went to find a place to sulk, choosing the cavern his father had told him about. It was dark and a bit damp in places, but the perfect place to be alone and pout. He pulled open one of the cases of wine and pulled out a bottle, deciding he could use some fake cheer for a bit. It was still good by the smell so he grabbed some of the treats as well, retreating into a corner to soothe himself.

***

Harry looked over as Blaize walked in, giving him a smile. "Hi."

"Hi yourself, ducks." He gave him a quick kiss on the forehead. "What's wrong?"

"I'm sore, I ache, and I'm tired of people like Draco. Would you like to run away with me?"

"Sure, not a problem," Blaize said, smiling at him. "I know just the place. All we need is an adult to rent it for us."

"That might be a problem, but maybe not. I might be able to get someone to forge a signature or three."

"Harry, you know it won't happen," Blaize said firmly, squashing any hope he might have. "They'd find you and force you back to those *people's* house. Unfortunately we have to live the life we have." He stroked his forehead. "I don't like it any more than you do."

"No, you get a real family that doesn't like you. I just get people who don't like me," Harry countered.

"I'd trade you any day, Harry; strangers couldn't use the littlest things against you because they wouldn't know them. My mother still uses the fact that I didn't pottytrain until I was nearly two against me." Harry gave him a sad smile. "I know, but it's another year off the calendar. You're one year closer to eighteen."

"I know, but I want to hurry up," Harry told him.

Blaize kissed him. "I know, Harry, and it'll happen soon enough. Enjoy what little free time we have here to be with your friends." Harry nodded, letting him up onto the bed. "What did you say to Draco?"

"He got snotty with me about what I did, so I gave it back to him," Harry admitted. "I didn't want to say some of those things, but they slipped out and he was so mean."

"I know, ducks. It's all right."

"Why do you call me that?"

Blaize laughed. "Because when you quack, everyone listens." Harry pinched him on the side. "Thank you." He settled in to hold Harry, something they did now and then because of their nightmares. He hated Harry's nightmares, he tended to thrash and yell if someone tried to wake him up. He felt Harry drift off and sighed in relief. Maybe it'd be a dream-free night.

*** One Month After The End Of Their Second Year ***

Draco opened the letter, not expecting the person it was from to be writing him. He frowned and handed it to his mother. "I want to do something."

She grimaced and handed it to his father. "We'll do what we can."

"His relatives spoil him, he's probably whining over nothing."

"Is that why he came back to the school with six new scars on his back last year?" Draco asked. Lucius glared at him. "Or why he suggested he run away?"

"We don't get involved in other family's business," Lucius said firmly.

"Bullshit! You tell half of my fellow yearmates' parents how to live their lives. You can come down in behalf of this one as well, or I will!" Draco demanded. Lucius tried to hit him but Draco stopped him. "Do not hit me, Father," he hissed. He saw the fear in those silver eyes and sneered at him. "If you won't stick up for one of your own house, then it means that we shouldn't be in there. Perhaps I should have been a Ravenclaw. At least *they* would have appreciated me."

"You are overstepping yourself," Lucius warned.

"At least I give a damn." His father sneered at him. "He was put into my charge, father, that means he's your problem as well. If he had to ask Weasley for food then there's something wrong. Especially if Weasley is sending what little they have to him," he reasoned at his coldest. "Why would they give up meager resources for someone who's not a member of their family if they didn't feel obligated to?"

"He saved their daughter, that's all that is," Lucius said with a wave of his hand. "It is no concern of ours."

"It is, because my Godfather made it my concern," Draco pointed out. "It is also my concern because he is a house mate and we should stick up for each other, shouldn't we? Isn't that the reasoning you gave to Crabbe's father when he wanted to leave your side? That he had to stick up for you after all you'd done together?"

Lucius laughed. "You have no idea what you're talking about, boy."

"Don't I?" Draco asked quietly, giving him a small sneer in reply. "Are you so sure of that?" Lucius stopped laughing and looked at him. "You would be surprised at what I've overheard at those boring events you drag me to. How many of your friends brag about this and that conquest and how much they screamed. How in the *old days* it was better, how they might even be returning. I know much more than you think, Father, and I've taken steps to make sure it goes to Ron's father if you so much as ever lay a hand on me again." Lucius looked shocked. "Yes, father, I'm *your* son. You taught me to be this way. Thankfully, someone's tried to teach me better now and again, though to most I'm not worth it." He stood up, bowing at his mother. "I believe I'm going to start taking my meals in my rooms. That way we don't have to fight and upset Mother. I'm sending Harry a care package today with some money, some food, and a portkey to get here if he needs to escape. Is that all right with you, Mother?"

"Dear, having him here might be difficult. Send one to him for, say, Diagon," she suggested lightly. He nodded at her wisdom. "Good boy, Draco." He left going up the stairs. "Lucius, if you harm him, you will lose him and his support. He is the only heir you have," she said gently. He glared at her and she saw his fingers twitch. "If you hit me, he'll know. You never taught him to value your judgement over that of everyone else's." She stood up and left, going to her rooms to work on something calming.

Lucius stomped off, going to beat one of the house elves to soothe himself. How dare his family stand up to him that way! He couldn't find a single elf anywhere so he took off out the back door, going to find a muggle or someone to torture, it would be just as good. They were about the same anyway to him.

From his window, Draco watched his father storm off. Someone tapped on his door. "Come in, Mother." He turned to look at her. "He's left."

"You're playing a dangerous game, Draco. You're siding with your father's enemy."

"My father's made me his enemy, Mother, not the other way around. Maybe if he had treated you decently, we wouldn't have argued in front of you." He gave her a smile. "May I send food to Harry?"

"Go ahead, but wait until tomorrow. Something's about to happen from the tingles I've been getting." Draco nodded. "Is he a good boy, this Harry?" Draco nodded again, sitting down on and holding out a hand so she's join him. "Does he do good like they say he does?"

"He went against clear and direct orders from the Headmaster and Snape to fight a few months back, all because Ron Weasley asked," he said quietly. "He is very good. He drew Gryffindor's sword out of the hat to kill the basilisk. He nearly lost us three hundred points by going off to fight it alone." She nodded, patting his hand. "And I don't know why he irritates me, mother. It's like I can't control my mouth around him."

She smiled and kissed his cheek. "Son, that's something you'll have to discover for yourself. Remember not to be jealous if you're not his first choice. You haven't supported him the way Blaize and his Ron have." Draco hung his head. "I see you understand."

"I don't think I like him that way."

She tipped his head up, making him look at her. "You do," she said with a smile. "Remember, he is a fragile young man. Much more delicate than you are. Treat him like you would Blaize. From what I've heard, they have a similar upbringing." Draco nodded. "Then why don't you help him?"

"Because he'd hate me for it. I played myself wrong at the start and he hates me."

"You're growing up, let him see that you're not that stupid boy you once were. Because, my son, you were horrible to be around. I have no doubt you nearly dug your own grave where Harry's concerned." She kissed his forehead. "Now clean yourself up and I'll take you shopping for whatever you're sending him tomorrow."

"Yes, mother." He went to clean his face and hands, then grabbed a robe to follow her out the door. He loved shopping with his mother, it always soothed him when he needed it.

***

Harry saw the strange owl and took the bundle it held, frowning at it. "Who sent you?" he whispered, not wanting to wake anyone down the hall. He untied the bundle, looking at the wrapped food. Then at the cash and the small note wrapped around it. "Draco," he breathed. He heard footsteps and hid it all, giving the owl a scratch before sending it away. He was lying on his bed staring at the ceiling by the time his door opened. "Yes, Uncle Vernon?" he asked.

"I thought I heard something," he sneered.

"No, sir, not at all."

"Good." He walked out and slammed the door, relocking it.

Harry waited until he heard his door shut and the man start to snore again before he unwrapped one of the sandwiches. He relaxed some, considering all his options. This was not going to be pretty and his aunt was coming next week. He shuddered in revulsion. He loathed her. He finished off that sandwich and had another one, finishing it quickly because Dudley had walked out of his room and was nearing Harry's door. He had probably smelled the food. The door opened and Harry looked at his cousin. "What did you want?"

"You're nothing but a freak," Dudley told him. "I saw the owl go by."

"It had a letter from a schoolmate, telling me where to find a few of my summer assignments," Harry told him. "Nothing more than that."

"That was too big a package for that. What did you get?" he asked.

"Nothing more than an assignment tutorial," Harry said again. The door opened and his Aunt walked in. "He thought I had something of his."

"Do you?" she demanded. Harry shook his head. Her eye caught the wrapper and she snatched it out from under his pillow. "Where did this come from?"

"My friend Ron cooked his first meal, that's the leftovers from it. He was so happy he wanted to share. It came yesterday," Harry lied.

"He's got money too," Dudley said, snatching the edge of the bill he could see. "A fifty!"

"Where did you get that?" she asked. "Are you stealing now?"

"No, ma'am. Count your money if you like. That's part of my scholarship fund for my new books." She looked down her nose at him, reminding him of Snape for some reason. He shrugged. "The letter came yesterday. I've got to buy all new books this year."

"What's going on?" Vernon said as he walked in. "Causing trouble?"

"He got an owl with a package and he has money," Dudley said, holding up the bill.

"Where did that come from, Potter? I don't keep bills like that in the house."

"He said it's from his scholarship," Petunia sniffed. "For his books."

"The letter came late yesterday. I've got to buy a whole new set since they've switched editions," Harry told him.

"Really? How much?" Vernon asked. "I'm sure you can make due."

Harry pulled out half the stack to show it to him. "That's for all my texts, an exact amount."

"I saw another one," Dudley crowed.

"That's for my ticket." He glared at his cousin but his uncle swatted him. "Ow!" He glared at him, and felt his magic start to leak. Not that he cared. Vernon handed back the money, minus a few bills. "Thank you. May I take the Tube next week or should I wait until the day before like last time?"

"You got that much last time?"

"No, last time there was a letter of credit. The school's switching over. Something about a Board of Regents," he said with a negligible shrug.

"Fine. You can go tomorrow, but I will be locking them up."

"Yes, sir."

"And I want a receipt as well," Vernon sneered. "To make sure you're not spending it on the wrong things."

"Yes, sir," Harry agreed, knowing he could convince the shopkeepers to write one for him, only for a higher amount. They tromped out and his door was locked again. "Stupid humans," Harry said quietly, glaring at the door. He heard the lock twist and smirked. "Good." He took the rest out and hid it in a different spot than usual. Inside his cloak. Since he knew what and where it was, they shouldn't be able to find it.

***

Draco flinched when he saw the morning paper a week later, handing it to his mother. His father hadn't returned after that fight and things were much calmer around the house. He had even gotten his homework done. "We need to stop his family, mother."

"We will wait and see when the best opportunity to act is," she instructed. "For now we will make sure he doesn't get into trouble." Draco nodded, liking that idea. "Eat, son. We have a bit of traveling to do today." Lucius slammed in like nothing had happened. He took the paper and stared at it, then burst out laughing. "It amuses you?"

"I was watching the boy," he admitted. "His aunt deserved it." He looked at his son. "Do you feel better now that your bit of charity has gone to waste?"

"It didn't," Draco told him. "It says he paid for a room at the Leaky with it." He ate another bite, staring at his father. His father hit him. "That was a mistake," Draco noted, standing up. "Remember, father, I am your *only* heir. The only one who can keep the family name going. And since I'm not very attracted to women, there's nothing in it for me right now to do so." Lucius' lips pressed tightly together. "Do not hit me again. There are untold consequences for your actions. Including the one that says I won't lie for you when someone asks how Ginny Weasley got that book." His mother gasped and he gave her a gentle smile. "The others can assume, but I was watching when he slipped it into her basket of books." He looked at his father again. "Do I make myself clear?"

"You are a child, you can't do anything without me."

Draco took off his shirt and pointed at the marks on his side. "This means I have just as much access to the family wealth as you do, Father. That means I can move it without your permission to a vault of my choice. One in which only I have the key. I even have a precedent with what you did to your father." He sneered at him. "Don't make me think harder about doing horrible things to make you uncomfortable. That was simply off the top of my head." He sat back down and blotted his lips with his napkin before picking up his juice and drinking it like nothing had happened. "What else did you see? Did you see the pampered little boy that you always expected to see? Or was I right? He's not pampered, he's seen about the same way I see you. A tragic necessity."

Lucius glared at him. "I saw enough to know that the boy won't last if the Dark Lord comes back," he sneered.

"He's met up with him twice so far and hasn't lost yet," Draco pointed out. "Leaving him there only makes him stronger."

"Enough!" Narcissa snapped. "I will not have you two fighting in front of me! It is disrespectful!"

"Yes, mother, you know I'd do anything for *you*," Draco assured her. "Shall I help you with your hair for today's tea?"

"Please," she agreed, calming back down. "Lucius, apologize."

"For what?" he laughed.

"For making your son start to think along the lines of revenge. It can't be taken back once it starts," she said coldly. He glared at her and she put forth her most icy mood. "If you continue to push him he will retaliate. He is your son after all." Lucius looked at his son, taking a new measure of him. "Draco, do you think the blue today?"

"I like the tan for today actually, Mother, it's supposed to be quite sunny and warm. The blue is thicker. With an updo for your hair?" She smiled and patted his hand. "Father, did you need help with your clothes today as well?"

"No, I can dress myself without help," Lucius told him, looking down at his son again. "Are you so weak that you need a doll, son?"

"No, but I enjoy it. It gives me great pleasure to see people looking their best. I'm working on getting Blaize into real clothes this next year, instead of his funny-looking uniform."

"I see. And why would you do that?"

"Because the house's reputation falls upon the strongest shoulder," Draco reminded him. "By the way, I drank all the chardonnay in the favor's cavern. Would you mind ordering me some more?"

"Dining a girl?"

"No, solitary drinking to get away from the stress of having to put up with Blaize," Draco told him. He finished off his juice and blotted his lips again, pushing back enough to cross his legs. "Thankfully I haven't needed to resort to the harder things you left in there.

Only some of the smoked meat and crackers and the wine so far."

"That was to go to win you favors and to woo a mate," his mother pointed out firmly, but gently.

"I don't need help getting favors or mates," Draco informed her with a smile. "I have plenty of both waiting for me as soon as I step onto the train."

"And the Potter boy?"

"He's a force in his own right. We trade minor favors back and forth. Homework help, practice help, things of that sort of nature. He won't come to me for the harder things because he distrusts the family." Lucius glared at him. "It's only the truth. With the whole diary incident last year what little ground I've captured with Potter was lost." He conveniently left out his own version of the mess he had created. His father's eyes narrowed and he shrugged. "We did have words on the subject of our friendship but nothing too major to get across with a paddle and a boat." Lucius shook his head. "He really hasn't trusted me since that first time he met me in Madam Malkin's. As I was spouting off some of your garbage, he decided I'm not worthy of him. Thankfully he happens to adore Blaize and Ron Weasley."

"He does?" his father asked, dropping his fork. Draco nodded. "Why?"

"Because Ron stuck by him even when he was missorted and Blaize has always tried to be his friend. They're very close now. They even comfort each other in the night when they have nightmares."

His mother sighed. "I'm sorry, son."

"It's not a problem, Mother. Blaize and I have something that won't be destroyed by that relationship and Harry is coming around again to see me as a decent enough sort to hang around with."

"Malfoys do not hang around," Lucius informed him. "Nor do we have friends," he said snidely. "Those are for the weaker sorts. All families bow to the Malfoys."

"Bowing gets to be boring, father. Why be bowed at when you can have interesting discussions about many topics with those around you? Fear isn't what I want, I want respect from my peers because I earned it." He looked at his mother. "What you used to have."

She laughed and patted his hand. "I'm sure you have it from everyone, Draco, it's just they're too afraid to show it."

"Yes, I'm seeing that as the problem as well," he agreed. He stood up. "I'm going to write Harry a note, see if I can't drop by one afternoon. He's been thinking about getting a new broom."

"Do you even know what respect is?" Lucius demanded.

Draco looked at him. "It's when people come to you because they value your opinion and you don't have to force it onto them," he told him. "It's people not being afraid to walk up to you and to ask you for the simple things in life, like 'may I borrow your pen because mine broke'." He walked off, going to write that letter. His owl flew out the window, making him smile at the grace it had.

***

Harry looked up as Draco joined him at the table. "Want lunch?"

"No, I ate at home. Our house elves cook very well." He smiled at the young boy across from him. "Any luck on the new broom?"

"I've been looking but they're really expensive. I've been thinking about leaving it off for another year if possible. The broom shop has next year's models out to show and I wanted to try a few of them if you wanted to help me look." He took another bite of stew.

"Slow down, the food will still be here and I'm not leaving for another few hours," Draco pointed out gently. "You'll only make yourself sick if you rush."

Harry shrugged and took another bite. "There's another store I want to visit and I think you can show me where it is. It closes earlier."

"Might this be a certain bookstore?" Draco asked, starting to smile. Harry nodded. "What were you wanting?"

"Something like what Blaize has."

"Then you're sticking with him?" Draco asked casually.

Harry stopped eating to look at him. "Why?"

"There are quite a few students who would fall over you for your affection, Harry. Almost all our girls would."

"I don't like our girls, they're icky," Harry told him, leaning closer. "There's a few guys that I get fluttery feelings for and only one girl, and she likes Ron, so I was going to go for the obvious choice until Blaize gets tired of me."

Draco felt his stomach twist. There were others in his affections. Possibly him? "Anyone in particular?" Harry blushed. "I see." He straightened up, forcing himself not to embarrass himself by dancing in joy. "Then I would gladly show you where that shop is if you'll let me be your confidant in such matters. It's only fair."

"I'd feel..." Harry searched for the right word, one that wouldn't insult him.

"Awkward since I'm one of them?" Draco asked gently. Harry looked stricken. "Am I wrong?" Harry slumped down and whimpered lightly. "I'm honored, Harry, and I feel the same, but," he decided what he wanted to say, making himself sound much more adult to the young man, "I don't want you to come to me until you're ready to see me as I am. Until you're ready to share confidences with me like you do with Blaize all those nights when you lay there whispering to each other." Harry blushed brighter so he touched his hand. "Some day, when you're ready, I'll be there. Or you could simply tell me I'm wrong and laugh at my foolishness," he said with a smile.

Harry shook his head. "You're not wrong, and thank you for understanding."

Draco shrugged. "Blaize and I have been friends now for years, Harry. I know what sort of attraction his personality has. It's much less difficult to date him than it would be to date me."

"You wanted to date?" Harry asked.

Draco nodded slightly. "If you wanted. I'm not ready to settle down yet though."

"Maybe some day, Draco. When we don't piss each other off for no reason," Harry sighed. Draco nodded, smiling at him. "You won't mind helping me?"

"I have no fonder desire. I'll look at it as training you for my future enjoyment." Harry snickered and shook his head. "What? You don't like that viewpoint?" he teased.

"No! That's the height of arrogance!" He kicked him under the table. "We might not even suit each other that way."

"I see you as taking it and enjoying it. Blaize likes it both ways, and I prefer to top most of the time." He gave him a naughty look. "Just you wait until we're old enough to go out on our own, Harry Potter. The world may tremble at our feet when we raise hell."

"The four of us?"

"If you feel the need to bring Weasley, we can do that," Draco agreed easily. "As long as he's not always there."

Harry nodded. "I wouldn't dream of letting my other friends get between myself and my boyfriends."

"Good." He pointed at the bowl of stew. "Eat. I want to try out a new broom myself."

"You don't play," Harry pointed out.

"I would if you weren't on the team," Draco said warmly.

"Oh. Sorry. I get hurt enough, you could be our backup seeker." Draco smiled at him for the suggestion. "I'll tell Flint."

"Go ahead and see if he says anything," Draco agreed. "I look forward to hearing what he thinks."

"He'll say it's brilliant since I'm suspended for the first game by Snape and Dumbledore," Harry told him with a shrug.

"For?"

"They won't tell me."

"Those stupid men," he said in disgust. "You're the best we have!"

"Everyone's been really worried about me this summer, it's like they're watching me or something," Harry admitted. "It's odd but even Ron's family is in on it. They're staying over the last night so we can all go to the station together." He took another bite of stew and put down his spoon. "I'm full."

Draco looked at him. "You only ate half of it."

Harry frowned at him. "My stomach shrunk over the summer."

"So I can see," Draco said gently. Harry scowled more. "Don't give me that look, I was only noting the obvious, Harry."

"How did you find out?" Harry ground out.

"Ron was so worried he wrote me to see if I could get you sprung sooner. I was formulating a plan when you ran away." Harry shivered. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," Harry told him, patting him on the hand. "Come on, day's wasting." He waved at the waitress and put some money onto the table, following Draco back into Diagon proper.

Little did he know that Draco's mother was paying his Aunt and Uncle a visit to scare the hell out of them. Or that Ron's mother knew and had approved of the secret visit.

***

Draco had once again blown his chance on the train up by laughing at Harry's reaction to the dementors and pouted through most of his third and fourth years as Harry and Blaize became more intimate with each other. They cuddled up all the time and usually slept in the same bed now, even though they weren't doing anything but sleeping. It made Draco's temper boil and his stomach heave each time he saw his perfect Harry and his former best friend, Blaize. That's why it surprised him so much when he caught the bad signs from Harry in the beginning of their fifth year. The boy was already under stress, he wasn't sleeping, and Blaize didn't seem to understand this time. Blaize was distancing himself at a time when he should be clinging to Harry and he didn't understand it in the least. Unless Blaize had bowed to his mother's geologic-strength pressure and decided to dump him. She was a Death Eater and her son had taken up with her Lord and Master's worst enemy, of course she was pushing. But why wasn't Blaize catching the signs that he was? He started watching Harry closer, which he knew prompted Crabbe and Snape to do so. He noticed Ron was watching him hard as well and decided to arrange matters so they could have a little talk. He caught Ron from behind and dragged him off to an empty greenhouse on the way to Herbology one afternoon, shutting them in. Not even his bodyguards were there. "You know something's wrong with Harry and I need to know what," Draco said calmly.

"Why? So you can pick on him more?"

"I haven't picked on him yet, Weasley. Now give!" he demanded. Ron glared at him. "Who do you think watches out for him in *our* house? Blaize is off with someone else right now, and it's just you, me, and that loony Ravenclaw!"

"Fine." Ron glanced back at the door, then back at Draco, not realizing he had shifted closer. "Harry's heard what they're saying and he's about ready to snap and break down in tears," he admitted. "Some of your older kids have been picking on him in the halls, where they know you and I can't hear him." Someone tapped on the door. "Pretend," he hissed, stepping closer.

Madam Sprout walked in to see them necking and blushed a bright red. "Boys!" she said sharply. "Wait until after school for that." She walked away.

Draco nodded, pulling back. "Thank you for that. I'll do my best to help him. Meet me later?"

"You wanted another snog?" Ron teased.

"No, and please brush your teeth the next time before you do that to anyone. I need to know what you know. Harry bought a knife this year for his school supplies and I'm rather worried he's going to use it on someone."

"More like himself," Ron said thoughtfully. "I'll see you tonight, after curfew. We can pretend to run into each other on patrol and argue or something." He walked out, going to class.

Draco touched his lips and smiled. "That was unexpected," he told himself, following after him. Pansy and Goyle gave him a knowing look so he glared at them. "What?" he demanded. "You wanted to slake my appetite today?" They both shook their heads. They had heard *rumors*.

***

Draco walked up behind Harry, stopping the shouting match he and Blaize were having outside the Slytherin door. "What is going on?" he asked.

Harry gave Blaize a bitter look. "My ex so thoughtfully told me just now that we broke up months ago and that he's been cheating on me." He slammed through the door, not noticing it didn't stick.

"You stupid bastard," Draco breathed. "How could you do that to him?"

"Draco, get off your high horse. You've started to sleep around yourself."

"Yes, but I wasn't dating anyone," Draco pointed out coldly. "I didn't make a promise to someone and then break it in the most vile means possible. You, however, did. Stay away from him."

"Why? He's not going to go for you," Blaize taunted.

Draco swung and knocked Blaize onto his rear. "If I had wanted him, I could have made my move ages ago. As of this moment, Harry doesn't need to be dating, he needs someone who gives enough of a damn to be there for him!" he shouted.

"What is going on here?" Snape demanded as he walked toward them. "I could hear the fight in my office." He looked at both boys. "Get up, Mr. Zabini and explain why you're in your second argument tonight," he ordered.

Blaize stood up. "My love life is no business of yours either," he said haughtily, stomping into the house. He found all his things neatly piled on the unused bed in the dormitory and sighed. "Harry, I'm sorry."

"Go away," Harry called from within his bed.

"No!" He walked over and opened the curtains, taking the candle away from the boy and blowing it out. He climbed in. "I'm sorry," he said, more quietly this time. "I didn't want to hurt you." Harry barked a bitter and cold sounding laugh. "Fine, don't believe me, but I didn't want to hurt you. It's just that you're extremely dangerous right now for me."

"Blaize, I'd be killed if my uncle found out I was interested in boys. If you can't handle a little bit of heat, there's plenty others out there who believe me."

"Fine," Blaize sighed. "But I still want to be your friend, Harry." Harry shook his head. "You need one."

"I have Ron," Harry said firmly. "I can even talk to Crabbe if I have more nightmares. Go away."

"Fine." Blaize climbed out of the bed and ran into a stunned Draco. "Of course he wouldn't go to you with his nightmares, you'd make fun of him," Blaize snapped, making him shake out of it. He looked in Draco's eyes and saw his protection of Harry, nodding at it. "Good." He walked over to his bed and stuffed his drawers, then grabbed his books and shut himself in for the night.

Draco tapped on Harry's curtain. "Harry?"

"Go away, Draco! I don't like people."

"I know, but you've told me often enough I'm not a real person so I shouldn't count," he said lightly, repeating Harry's taunt at him. Harry glared as he slipped inside and closed the curtain behind him. "Let me help," he ordered gently.

"You can't make them stop."

"No, but I can shield you." He leaned forward and kissed him gently on the forehead. "Blaize has always had bad timing, Harry. Right now, you need someone you can cling to. You need either me or Ron right there with you the whole time."

Harry shook his head. "I don't need watched."

Draco touched the recent burn on Harry's palm. "Don't lie to yourself." He made Harry look at him. "Have you talked to the Headmaster?"

"I don't want to. He's distracted and it won't do any good."

"It will. I promise it will do some good. Even if I have to go up there myself and tell on you." He shifted closer, pulling Harry into his lap. He was so much smaller. "Didn't you eat this summer?"

"I ate all the time, but the worry wore it out," Harry told him.

"Then let me worry. Remember, no matter what, a lot of people are counting on you. Even the idiot smearing you is counting on you." It was a slight lie, Fudge wanted the glory for himself. Harry nodded, resting against his chest. Someone started to move the curtain. "Go away!" he ordered.

"Fat chance," Ron snorted, sliding in and closing the curtain again. "Harry, Snape told me to come up and check on you. Said something about how I should kick Blaize's ass." Harry shrugged and leaned over to give him a hug. "You all right?"

"Better."

Ron noticed Draco's subtle head shake and raised an eyebrow. Draco nodded at Harry's hand.

"I can tell you're doing that silent talking thing, Draco."

"I simply feel he should know too," Draco explained, letting Harry move off him. "They were yelling at each other in front of the door."

"So we all heard. You could hear it all the way to the library." Ron looked at Harry's hand, gently touching the burn. "He's not worth it and neither is Fudge."

"I know," Harry sighed, shaking his head. "It's just getting to be too much."

"Then we'll use your cloak and sneak out this weekend," Ron said firmly. Harry brightened up a little. "That okay with you?" he asked Draco, who nodded briefly. "Anywhere you want, Harry. Where do you want to go?"

"Somewhere that people don't know me," Harry sighed, leaning against his best friend. Ron always had a great answer to problems. Unless they were about girls, Ron didn't understand them at all either.

"We can do that as well," Draco assured him confidently. "That's what disguise spells are for." Harry smiled at him. "Now then, why did Snape let you in?"

"He thought Harry might be close to the breaking point and I'd keep him from killing someone."

"I'm not like that," Harry complained.

"There are people who think you are," Ron gently pointed out. Harry looked shocked. "It's that whole destiny thing. But don't worry, those of us who know you know it's not true," he finished quickly when the hurt look didn't ease.

"It's the way they're trying to force him to go," Draco said thoughtfully. He shook himself. "Ron, did you want to stay tonight?"

"I'd never hear the end of it," Ron pointed out. He gave Harry a perfunctory hug and got out of the bed, letting one of the big goons escort him back to the door. He hurried back to his tower to talk to Hermione, maybe she could help them watch Harry.

Draco looked at Harry. "Tomorrow night?" Harry nodded. "Deal." He slid out of the bed, closing Harry back in. He suddenly cackled and his bodyguards looked at him like he was losing it. "I can start a reign of raising hell legitimately," he announced. He heard Harry laugh and grinned at them. "Don't worry, we're perfectly sane." He went to his own bed and shielded himself.

*** The Sixth Year, Right Around Halloween ***

Harry looked at his renewed boyfriend. Blaize had come back crawling, literally, and begging for Harry to take him back. Harry had held out for all of half an hour before giving in, Blaize looked so pitiful. He saw Draco's disgusted head shake but it hadn't affected their somewhat friendship. He and Blaize had made quite a name for themselves. They were known to be very playful with each other and even known to have been caught numerous times snogging in the halls. The whole of Slytherin groaned whenever Harry gave out a particular chuckle because they knew some pouncing was going to be going on. Especially when it happened in class. Harry had lost them a great number of points in Transfiguration because of his pouncing nature.

By the end of their second month back at school, everyone knew that Harry was again happy and sane. Everyone knew that Blaize was getting bored. Everyone knew that Harry was going to have to do something wild to keep his man in check. Even the more clueless about human relations, the most nerdy of the nerds in Ravenclaw, knew that Harry was about to do something really odd to help his man stay his. The only one who didn't realize this was Harry himself, because he was happy.

That's why it came as no surprise when Blaize leaned over during dinner and said the two little disastrous words, "I'm bored," that sent a shiver up and down the table. Even though no one but Vincent Crabbe had heard them.

Harry looked at him. "Bored how?" he whispered.

Blaize put his head on Harry's shoulder. "Do you ever fantasize about things, Harry?" he whispered back. Harry shrugged. "Odd things, things that make your whole body tingle."

"Yeah, but we do most of those at least once a week," Harry offered.

Blaize laughed. "I know we do, ducks, but there's something I've always wanted to try and I haven't been able to." Harry gave him a 'go ahead and tell me' nod. Blaize leaned closer so no one could overhear. "I want more than one at a time, just the once," he pleaded.

Harry's face went through many emotions. Shock, surprise, a bit of disgust, then interest finally won out because he forced it to the top. "How and who have you thought about?"

Blaize grinned and nodded at Harry's hand, the initials tattooed there as a reminder of their sneaking out last Yule. "Them. Mostly." He gave his best pitiful 'humor me' grin. "Please, Harry? Just the once?"

Harry looked into Blaize's eyes. "You want him, don't you," he said evenly. Blaize shrugged. "I'm not a surrogate."

"I just want a taste of the forbidden, just that once, Harry. Please?" he begged.

"We'll see." Harry stuffed his mouth as he thought. How would he even approach them? He caught Draco's eye across the table and blinked a few times, letting his confusion show. Draco nodded that they'd talk later. Harry sighed in relief. He looked over at Ron, who was laughing and carrying on with Neville and Dean. Then back at Draco. Draco's eyes bulged and Harry blinked a few more times, glancing at his lover. Draco held his fork tighter and Harry shook his head, nodding at him too. Draco rolled his eyes.

"Later, Harry," Draco assured him. He looked at Blaize, who was looking confused. He had learned to read Harry from many nights playing together, the same way Ron had. Blaize was at a serious disadvantage. He didn't read people well. He licked his lips and saw Blaize react, and he understood what this was about. A changeover done quickly and painlessly. Blaize wanted both of them and he couldn't have them. He finished his dinner and walked Harry out, taking him into a room they often used for quiet talks. They were both Prefects this year and had the run of the school. "What did he want?"

"You, me, Ron, and a special time all at once." Draco's eyes widened and Harry crossed his arms. "I'm not sure I shouldn't be upset. He wants you, Draco, not me. It's like I'm his security blanket."

"You are," Draco agreed. "He does like you but you're never going to be adventurous enough for him." He patted Harry on the shoulder. "Can you still get us into the Chamber of Secrets?" Harry nodded, starting to frown. "Is there a safe and easy way in that's not going to show up with slime trails?"

"Yeah, I found a back way," Harry told him.

"Good. Is the carcass gone?"

"I showed it to Snape last year and he snatched it like it was gold. The water's running clear again because it's a small river. It's cold as hell, and you have to put up with the statue, but it's clean and dry. Why?"

"What better place to do something that you don't want the whole school to hear about, Potter?" Draco asked blandly. Harry blanched. "Do you think you could?"

"Watch him do that?"

Draco stepped forward, eyes shining in the dim light. "That wasn't totally his idea, Harry," he breathed. Harry shook his head and stepped back. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm very sure," Harry agreed, shivering. He crossed his arms over his chest to try and find some warmth. He was really cold suddenly. "I'm not the sort to do that sort of thing," Harry assured him.

"Can you handle Blaize doing it?" Harry looked so miserable. "I know, Harry, it's him cheating but with permission. He's hoping it'll make you feel better."

"But I don't and I don't want to lose him again!" Harry said angrily, throwing his arms out to the side. He hit Draco on the chest. "Sorry."

"It's all right," Draco promised, giving him a smile. "Go find Ron and ask him. I'll do it if he will, and I'll bring the other two." He saw the look that could only mean that Harry's mouth was now dry. "Don't worry, he'll like it and he'll agree. I'll talk to the boy myself and make sure he understands what this is doing to you."

"I can't stop him from wanting it," Harry argued.

"No, but if he's with you then he should be with you," Draco reminded him. "Not off sucking half the school."

"He has?"

"Not yet," Draco said, giving him a grim little smile. "Go find Ron and talk to him. We'll do this the night of the Halloween party, after it." Harry nodded and walked out, going to find his touchstone to sanity. "Why me?" he asked the painting on the wall. "The boy's going to die when Blaize leaves him this time." He walked away, shaking his head. He knew the paintings gossiped but that was had been flowers. The little old lady that usually sat in it had left as soon as they had walked in. He tapped both his bodyguards on the way through their common room, leading them up to the Prefect's room he, Harry, and Blaize shared. "Crabbe, Goyle, Zabini has just asked Potter for the dreaded multi-partner experience." They looked interested. "That's what I thought you'd say. Pick a good costume that will cover you fully for Halloween. Mask and all." They nodded. "Nothing that would spook his boyfriend though." They nodded and went to discuss it. Draco laid down on his bed with a sigh of relief. At least he wouldn't be alone in this.

***

Harry found Ron in the library and smiled at Hermione. "Can I grab him for a few?"

"Go ahead," she agreed. "He's being a prat anyway." Ron glared at her. "You are."

Harry dragged Ron out into the halls and as far away from the library as possible. "Blaize just asked me to have you and Draco do him," he said matter-of-factly. Ron spluttered. "That was my feeling," Harry admitted with a smile of relief.

"That's just odd, even for him," Ron complained. "I'm with her!"

"I know, and I'll tell him that, but I thought I should warn you at the very least."

"No, that's a good thing," Hermione said as she walked up behind them. She smiled at Ron. "You've been wondering, I know you have. Go for it."

"Hermione, this isn't just a fling," Harry told her.

She looked at him. "I've read those books too, Harry. I know what's going to happen." Ron blushed. "It's up to you. If you want, I'll accept it and won't bring it up ever again. It's natural to be curious." Ron's blush picked up. "I won't have you coming home and expecting the same from me, but I can see you trying it out *once*."

"You're more understanding than I am, Hermione," Harry admitted.

"That's because I don't think Ron will like it all that much." Ron gave one of his scared looks to her and she smiled, kissing him gently. "Go, have fun, try it out. Come back to me and tell me why you don't want to do it again." She walked off, leaving them to discuss it.

"Where?" Ron ground out.

"The Chamber." Ron gave him the disgusted look. "Draco decided, that way no one could walk in on it."

"Good point."

"I've cleaned it up. You can come see if you want," Harry offered. "I was told I had to blindfold anyone I led in through the back way, but I'll gladly show you around."

"Maybe," Ron sighed. He scratched the back of his head. "I don't know, Harry."

"It's not until the party, Ron. Let me know the day before? That'll give you some time to think."

"Sure." He watched as Harry walked away looking really upset. "Harry." Harry looked at him. "I'd do it for you if it was you," he offered.

Harry grinned. "I know, Ron. I think it's really unfair of him to ask for you two. Anyone else but my best friends." He went back to his house and flopped onto his bed, closing the curtains around him.

Draco looked over at that bed. "You all right?"

"No."

"Do you want to talk?"

"Hell no."

"Fine. I'm over here if you want to." Goyle stuck his head in. "What?"

"Zabini just got back and he's giggling," he informed his boss. "Should I send him up?" Draco nodded. "Yes, sir." He left and Blaize strolled in like he owned the room, or like the room owned him.

Draco crooked a finger and Blaize sat on the end of his bed. "Why me?" Blaize blushed and mumbled something that he barely heard. "Fine. Why now?"

Blaize looked at him then leaned closer. "Because I saw what was in Harry's trunk," he whispered. He stood up and walked over to Harry's bed. "Can I come in?"

"Not tonight, I'm thinking."

"Fine. I'll be in my own bed." He strolled out, going back to his own room.

"Harry, were you planning on anything...special that might have spooked him?" Draco asked. Harry's hand came out and something was tossed at him. A ring. A very nice ring with emeralds and a large center diamond. Suitable to be an engagement piece. "Shit!" he sighed.

"Yup," Harry agreed from behind his bed curtains. "Put it in my trunk please? I don't want to look at it again tonight."

"Fine." Draco put it in the little box he found on top of Harry's broom. It was a beautiful ring. If it had been him, he would have accepted it and marked the boy right then. He went back to his bed to try and figure out how this could possibly get worse.

***

Ron nodded at Harry the next day in the only class they shared and Harry gave him a weak smile. It was Potions so he couldn't move closer to talk to him. He saw Snape's interested sneer and shifted over anyway.

"Ten points off for copying Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, do your own work," Snape said, looking very satisfied.

"I was going to ask him why he looked like crap, sir. We're working on different things." Snape scowled and he ducked his head. "Sorry, sir." He looked at Harry. "Are you okay?" he asked quietly. Fingers pinched the back of his neck. "Let go!" he said, batting at them.

"And another twenty for striking a teacher," Snape said smugly, dragging Ron out of the room. He noticed Potter following. "Did I give you permission to get up?"

"Go away," Harry begged. He kicked the door shut, making it slam. "Ron's worried. I was going to present my boyfriend with a ring last night and he decided he wanted to fuck other people. Best friends are like that, so please give the points back," he pleaded coldly. Snape gave him a look. "Want to see it? I've still got it upstairs. Draco's seen it."

"No, that's not necessary. Fine, fifteen points back for being so thoughtful to one's friends," he ground out, going back into the classroom.

"You were?" Ron asked. Harry nodded. "Oh, man." He hugged Harry gently. "Are you sure you want to let him do this to you?"

"He wants to try it out before he switches over," Harry said bitterly. "At least it'll thrill him to no end." He kicked the wall, making him wince when he felt a toe pop. "Ow." Ron grinned at him. "It'll be fine. I've dislocated it before." He forced himself to bend the toe and it did pop back in, but he grunted in pain.

"What are you doing now?" Snape demanded.

"He popped his toe out of joint on the wall," Ron told him.

"Then take him to the infirmary."

"The second grunt was it going back in," Harry said, pushing past him to go back to his seat. Ron joined him and he looked at him and shrugged. "Sorry."

"Not a problem," Ron said happily. "It's less than usual."

Harry laughed and shook his head, making Draco look at him. He shrugged and Draco nodded. "Tonight, we'll let you see it first," he said quietly.

"Thanks, Harry." Ron gave him a nudge on the arm, making Harry smile. "Butterbeers this weekend?"

"Yeah, I could use a few," Harry agreed, getting back to work.

"There's no outing this weekend," Snape hissed in Harry's ear. He got a shrug and a pleasant, mindless grin from the boy. "Do not sneak out, Mr. Potter. You could be in danger."

"I'll be fine," Harry sighed. "Really. I can handle myself."

"Like you did last year?" Snape asked. "When you lost your last relative."

Harry stood up and shoved him back into Draco's table, making it tip over and spill everything. "Do not mention him in front of me," he growled, stomping out.

Ron was carefully measuring. "No snide comment?" Draco asked, nearly laughing.

Ron shook his head. "Not a single one," he admitted. He added the powder to the potion, watching as it fizzed up. "Did I put in too much, sir?"

"No. Out! Leave! Now!"

"Yes, sir," Ron said, freezing his potion and gathering his things so he could chase after Harry. He heard the rest of the class leaving as well and knew where Harry was going. He was honorable enough to go up and tell on himself. So he waited at the bottom of the stairs for his best friend.

***

Harry led Ron in through the back entrance, the one that came around the statue of the head. He removed the blindfold. "I'm not allowed to show anybody the corridor we just passed through," he said with a 'sorry' shrug.

"That's fine," Ron said, looking around. He tested the water and shivered. "Ice cold. Where does it come from?"

"As far as I found in the research, it's a fully underground stream," Harry told him. He had purposefully stayed on this bank so he wouldn't have to see the dried blood on the other side, his dried blood. He watched as Ron looked around. "Think this is creepy enough for a halloween thing?"

Ron nodded. "It fits my description. Where does the light come from?" he asked, looking up. "There's a skylight?"

"It's under one of the greenhouses, masquerading as a floor vent," Harry told him. "Then there's some sort of lighting spell during the night." He walked over to Ron's side. "That's our wonderful founder I guess," he said, pointing at the statue of a head. "Doesn't look much like his paintings, but I guess it's different in statuary." He and Ron shared a grin. "Did you want to see anything else?"

"What's in the corridor?"

"Something that'll drive you insane if you haven't killed someone," Harry admitted. "Or so Dumbledore said." He shrugged again. "There's even a dressing room down here. Come see." He led Ron off to the left side, showing him the dressing and waiting area he had found. "I guess Slytherin used to hold camp meetings down here, or had cheerleaders or something like it. I got rid of the ratty old robes I found hanging around. A few turned to dust under my fingers." Ron looked impressed. "Here, look at this," Harry said, opening another door into a small bedroom. "It's the room Snape should have but doesn't. I caught him in here once and had to show him around." He closed and locked the door securely, just in case. "I don't know where the entrance to that room is or what the password is."

"Cool," Ron breathed, going back to look around. He grinned at Harry. "I hope your former boyfriend likes his night."

"Are you going to try?"

"Yeah, I guess. Just to see if I like it. I guess it's not much different."

Harry winced. "A bit. It's tighter for one. It squeezes better. You have to do a bit of preparation before going in. That and dicks taste different."

"Wonderful," Ron said, grinning at him. "Who'd you go with the last time you and Blaize had a spat?"

"No one. Not that anyone believed me, but I wasn't with anyone. Malfoy proved his mouth was ruled by a lower function and I couldn't touch him at all. I tried one of the nicer girls and it just didn't appeal to me in the least." He stepped closer. "I was hoping you'd take me in, but then you and Hermione got together."

Ron sighed and nodded. "She blind-sided me. Otherwise I might have made you beg me for it." He winked and kissed Harry on the cheek. "What are you going to do?"

"One last goodbye and then I'm going to wait in the cloak room. I can't get my mind past the cheating part, even if he wanted to come back this time. I nearly drove myself insane the last time, I can't this time."

"That's fine. We've always known you had more moral fiber than most of your housemates put together." He winked. "C'mon. Let's get me blindfolded and back into the main part of the school. Before someone decides we're missing. I had practice earlier and someone's bound to come looking for me to ream me a new one for missing so many shots."

Harry shook his head and put the blindfold back on him. He led him back into the safer part of the school and removed it, leading him the rest of the way so he'd know where Harry liked to hide. Then they parted ways and he went back to his room. He found Crabbe on his bed, looking at the ring, so he snatched it from his hand. "No."

"Sorry, Harry, I just wanted to look. Draco said it was really pretty. I'm thinking about buying one of my own some day you know." He grinned, making Harry relax. "Are you okay?"

"No," Harry said honestly, tossing the ring back into his trunk. "I feel like shit and like there's an elephant inside my stomach dancing around." He sat on his bed but didn't pull the curtains. "Aren't I a nice guy, Vincent?" Vincent nodded, he liked Harry a lot because Harry had always treated him well, even when he and Draco were fighting. "I'm good to Blaize, right? I've never denied him anything, never done anything to hurt or scare him, nothing like that?"

"Not a thing," Vincent agreed, patting him on the foot. Harry looked at him. "For some people, the nice guys don't do it for them. They need the bad boys. Draco seems to thrive on those sort. That's why he's always getting laid."

"He is indiscriminate," Harry agreed.

Vincent laughed. "Tell it like it is, Harry, the boy can be a slut when he wants to be." The door up to their room slammed. "I think he heard me," he said with a smile.

"Must have been with Pansy, it always puts him in a bad mood," Harry agreed, looking at the door as it opened. "Professor Snape, is there a problem?" Harry asked, shocked by the visit. Usually he left them alone. More precisely he left Harry alone.

"Did you go down there again?"

"I tend to spend a lot of thinking time down there," Harry reminded him. "But yes I was. Why?"

"Because Ginny Weasley just started having fits in the library."

"As far as I know, she shouldn't," Harry offered. "She never has before when I've been down there. Did she mention Ron?"

"You took him down there?"

"His sister was nearly killed, Vincent, I wanted him to be able to see it before...." He trailed off. "Did she?"

"No," Snape admitted. "Just started to throw a tantrum for no reason." He stepped in. "You really were going to ask him to marry you?"

Harry nodded. "Yup, and then he asked for something that he knew would make me cringe." He used his wand to summon the ring, showing it to him. "See?"

"It is very nice," Snape agreed, taking it to look at. He handed it back. "It is hard to be with someone who fights and who is expected to fight, Potter. Remember that."

"Yay," Harry said dryly, tossing it back into the trunk. "He's been with me this long and he hasn't minded it so far." Snape gave him a look. "What's going on this year? Another attack here or an attack somewhere else?"

"I believe it will be somewhere else this year. We're hoping so anyway," Snape admitted. "You will not be involved."

"If I can get him sooner, then I can have a normal life," Harry said simply. Snape frowned. "Yes, me. Normal. Even if I have to have plastic surgery on this stupid scar to get it to go away. I want to be unknown, normal, and just have a life. Is that too much to ask?"

Snape shook his head. "No," he agreed gently, "it's not. It may not be in your future though. You may have to give up yourself to kill him."

"Then at least I won't have to look at another picture of myself in the paper," Harry said coldly. Snape nodded and left the boys alone. "I want a drink," he said suddenly. "Something hard and nasty that'll put me to sleep tonight so I don't have to see anything."

Vincent looked at him for a moment then broke into Draco's private liquor stash, pouring him a large glass of scotch. "Here," he said, handing it over and relocking the treasure trove. "Don't tell anyone where you got it."

"I won't," Harry promised, gulping the strong liquid. He grimaced but finished it all. Within a few moments, his head was spinning. He saw the drapes being closed and grinned at whomever was doing it. He couldn't see straight enough to tell.

Draco turned and looked at his bodyguard. "What did you give him?"

"Some of the scotch," he said, handing over the glass. Draco looked at the line the liquor had left, then at him. "He wanted to not feel for a bit, Draco. I thought it'd be kinder to knock him out."

"As long as he doesn't die from it," Draco agreed as he put the glass away. "The rotgut or the older stuff?"

"The really old stuff. He gulped it like there was no tomorrow."

"He only wishes there wasn't a tomorrow," Draco sighed, settling himself on his bed. "What did Snape want?"

"To see the ring, to tell Harry he's not fighting this year if there's an official attack. To warn him he might have to commit suicide to stop the Dark Lord." Draco raised an eyebrow so Crabbe shrugged. "I don't know, Draco. That's what he said. I'm starting to think they want him to die after the battle."

"It'd be easier to brush some things under the carpet," Draco agreed, glancing at Harry's bed. The boy was giggling at something he had just said. "Sleep, Harry," he called.

"Yes, Dracie-poo," Harry called back, then he giggled more. "The bad man says hi."

"What?" Draco asked, getting up and pulling Harry's curtains open. He looked at Harry, seeing the red eyes. "Crabbe, Snape, now." Vincent ran from the room and Draco raised his wand. "You'll thank me later," he told him, casting a stunning spell. It knocked Harry out, making him gasp in pain. Snape came running up. "Vincent let him have a large drink. He was talking to Voldemort," he summed up. "His eyes were red." Vincent nodded his agreement for that statement.

"What did he say?"

"He was giggling about names and things," Vincent told him, looking worried. "I gave him some really old scotch, sir."

"Fine. I'm sure it weakened his shields. One of you get the Headmaster." He looked at Vincent, who nodded and left. "Scotch?" he asked Draco.

"Father's stores," Draco said simply. Snape understood, he had went to school with Lucius. "Vincent gave him a good tumbler's full. Like a fist and a half. He said Harry gulped it right down." The Headmaster walked in. "His eyes were red and he was laughing with Voldemort."

The Headmaster looked at him. "What made him drink?"

"Zabini's stupidity," Crabbe said candidly. "Shouldn't we be getting him somewhere? Like the infirmary?"

"Yes, we should. Get him up there, Severus. Draco, alcohol is not permitted in this school."

"My father sent it to me, sir," Vincent volunteered. "Harry needed a drink to make him forget, he asked for one."

"It's part of my father's stores," Draco admitted, patting Crabbe on the back for his attempt.

"I see. I'll be discussing this with your father later, when I can get to the prison," Dumbledore told him, following Snape out and up to the infirmary. "Poppy, he about drank himself to death," he told her.

"It's not his first time drunk," Snape told her. "Old scotch, about a milk glass full." She nodded, using her wand to make him expel the liquid. He quickly got out of the way. "What are we going to do, Albus? The boy isn't weak enough to take the suggestions."

"Then we'll have to be more pushy with him," Dumbledore said quietly. "He'll have to kill him."

"I think it's the 'he's supposed to die afterwards' part that's getting to him," Ron said from behind them. He was glaring at the Headmaster. "Why don't you let him decide that part, sir? He's already fighting when you don't want him to. It's not like he's going to back down from the challenge of the last battle." He walked over to take Harry's hand. "It's me," he said gently in Harry's ear. "Come on, I know you've had more than that before," he teased. "Someone went to beat up Blaize for being a pompous asshole." Harry cracked his eyes and looked at him, making Ron smile. "Hi, Harry." Harry mumbled something. "I did," he sighed. "Hopefully Goyle will stop them. Are you okay?" Harry whispered something else. "Why would *he* want Draco?" Harry lifted himself up and looked in Ron's eyes, whispering three words. Those three words made Ron blanche. He understood. "Dirt!" He looked at Snape. "You might want to keep Draco here, no matter what, sir. The Dark Lord seems to want an heir. He wants Draco to be the father of the heir. His bloodline and brains are looking good to him." Snape slowly went white and the nurse sat him down.

"I'll make sure he's protected," Dumbledore assured them, going back to his office. He called Molly and told her what had happened. She was in charge of the boy's welfare when he was at school.

***

Ron walked up to the Slytherin door and tapped gently. A first year opened it and sneered at him. "Prefect business. Where's Malfoy?" he demanded.

"I'll get him, you keep your cooties out there," the boy said, slamming the door in his face.

Draco came out a few minutes later. "Prefect business?" he asked, smiling slightly.

"Has Dumbledore talked to you yet?" Draco shook his head. "Good. Wonderful in fact. Harry was right. It seems," he said, drawing Draco down the hall. "Voldemort wants you to give him an heir, Draco. You're his prize this time." Draco grabbed the wall and slid down it. "That's what he was seeing. Voldemort was making plans and picking out the woman he would breed you to, and then he would raise it as his own, after you had died. Your line seems to have been going on too long for his tastes."

Draco looked up at him. "Harry's fine?"

"Right as rain, if rain had a hangover," Ron said with a grin. "He told Dumbledore and Snape. The Headmaster said he was going to talk to you."

"He is setting him up," Draco breathed, putting all the pieces together. Ron nodded. "You've suspected?"

"My mother did, she's been harping on me to protect the boy." He pulled Draco to his feet. "What do you want to do about this?"

"I need something that will convince the other purebloods not to go to him," Draco decided. "Does Harry know anything?"

Ron grinned. "We found it a few years back, during our first year. Voldemort was a halfling. His mother was a witch, his father was a muggle. His father tossed him into an orphanage to get rid of him and his taint." He tipped his head the other way and smiled coldly. "Is that enough?"

"More than," Draco agreed, his face hardening. "Where's Harry now?"

"The infirmary. Madam Pomfrey's watching over him and you know how she is about the boy." Draco nodded, going back to his house. "You're welcome." Draco waved a hand and Ron grinned. "Never changing, you ugly ferret." He went up to check on Harry again, making sure he was still all right.

Draco called his house to order, which bugged the top Prefect to no end. He glared at him. "This is important," he told the whining bastard. "As many of you know, a lot of our parents serve the Dark Lord." They nodded and there was some grumbling. "Well, word has just come to me about some of Potter's older research." A few people looked interested. "He's not a pure blood."

"He was in here!" the top Prefect shouted. "He has to be!"

"No, he doesn't. Potter's not and he's in here," Pansy pointed out, glaring at him. He wouldn't sleep with her and she hated him for it. "What is he?"

"His mother was a witch of unknown origins. His father was a muggle. His father hated him so much he tossed him away, letting the authorities have him."

"That's why he hates muggles," Millicent said, getting the point. "But what do you want us to do, Draco?"

"Not follow him. He's not worth our sweat, much less worrying over how he's going to screw you over. In case you didn't know, he and Potter connected minds tonight while Potter was drunk." A few of the kids shuddered and one got ill in the ash bucket. "Exactly. He's decided to toss over the Malfoy family now. I'm asking you to not follow him. If you don't, he will die off. He tortures his own people for shits and giggles."

"How do you know?" one of the third year girls asked. "Been to a revel? My mother said he's very sweet to her."

Draco looked at her. "Your mother's also been taking drugs since he came back. My father used to make them, Perfecta." She started to glare. "Ask her if you don't believe me. Get her first thing in the morning, before she's eaten or anything, and ask her. Watch her start to cry for some of the things she's done. She and my father used to roam around all the time killing children." The girl turned green. "This beast is attacking the pure blooded families now. He attacked Ginny Weasley in her first year." That got some grumbling. "The soul that took her over was his. He had it stored, just in case, so he could come back as a seventeen year old again. She's as pure as my family is, only weaker. If she was targeted, what makes you think you won't be."

"Pretty words, but you're avoiding your fate," one of the seventh year girls snorted. "If you don't want to take it, don't. No one's going to force you."

"Some of us don't have that option," a fourth year boy put in. "We've been promised."

"So was I. Do you see the mark on me?" Draco asked him. He shook his head. "Do you think you will?"

"Your father's as good as dead, Draco. You can get free of it. For some of us, it's a bit harder with living parents in debt to him."

"The final war is coming, people, and it's not going to be pretty," Draco told them. "It won't be too long now. Potter knew that, there are people pushing him to die instead of Voldemort. Including some of the higher ups in the Ministry." A few people looked skeptical. "Think! Why would they decry Potter when he told what happened?"

"Because Fudge wanted it for himself," Crabbe agreed. "My dad used to say he always wanted to be in control of the world. Look where that's gotten us." He stood up. "For those of you who feel you have to, go. For the rest of you, there are ways around it."

"The price is too high for some people," the top Prefect noted. "You as well?"

"My father joined because he was bound to Lucius and Lucius forced him to. Draco won't force me and my father can't. The only marks I want on my arms are nail marks from a girlfriend." That got a few tired laughs.

"Pick, people, it's only going to get worse. There have been three attacks in the last four days." Most of the students went pale. "Most of them on wizarding families with unpure blood."

"Being too pure weakens the strain," Ron agreed from the door. "Harry escaped from the infirmary, Draco. He was shouting something about an attack in town." A few of the younger kids started to cry. "Was his wand with him?"

"I think so," Vincent said, starting to frown. "Aren't you going?"

"Right now," Ron agreed. He waved toward his own house. "Malfoy, make sure my sister can't follow. You can't go," he said at the opening mouth. "Not unless you want to provide him an heir and then die." Draco shook his head. "Happy protecting. Can I have Harry's cloak?" Vincent ran off to get it for him, coming back with it and a spare wand. "Harry's?"

Vincent nodded. "It was wrapped up inside it," he said quietly. "Be safe, Ron. Bring Harry back."

"Of course," he said cockily. He hurried off, taking one of the tunnels that ran to the Shrieking Shack. As soon as he was out there, he put the cloak over himself and snuck down to where Harry was fighting. There were only about seven Death Eaters, but it was more than enough to start the town burning. "Here," he said, handing over the extra wand. "Just in case." Harry nodded and smiled as soon as Ron uncovered himself. They went back to back, fighting the nasty creatures off. When the last one fell, it was from outside assistance, and they looked over to find Remus Lupin standing there. "'Bout time," he panted. He saw Madam Pomfrey hurrying down and winced as he felt the welts on his flesh. Someone had a whip hex that had lashed him badly a few times. "I ache," he told her, letting her lead him off.

"Harry?" Remus asked, stepping closer. He saw the dead look. "What's happened?"

"He's around here somewhere, Remus. Not at the school, not yet. Fall back!" he called. "They're heading for the school!" Most of the able runners took off, the rest slowly formed a ragged line back that way, that way everyone was protected. The night passed and only a minor attack occurred. By morning, everyone was tired and looking at Harry. He shook his head time and again, staring off into the woods. He saw movement and clutched someone's arm, pointing. "There," he said finally. Everyone turned and the battle started for real. Harry was shoved into the background when it looked like Voldemort wasn't there. He locked the doors personally, making sure no one was coming in or out. The Headmaster looked at him. "There are little kids in there, Albus, I'm not having them killed if we fall."

"Thank you, Harry, but I don't intend to."

"Neither do I." Harry forced himself to start casting again, ignoring the strain he felt. His vision was starting to blur. He couldn't make out more than shapes. He wanted to cast something that would end this so badly, his whole body was aching with the strain of staying upright. Then a touch of power moved up his feet. He could feel it. It was benevolent. It was Natural. It was Power. He took a deep breath and did the stupidest thing in his life, aiming it at the others. "Duck," he croaked and everyone on their side got out of the way as he let it go. It flowed through him, making him glow. "Die!" he shouted, strengthened for that last second by it. As the power left him, he fell to the ground in a dead heap, barely breathing.

Their opponents all died, falling over with what would later be seen as grotesque and horrified looks on their faces. Someone got the door open and Harry was carried inside to be treated.

Madam Pomfrey started to cry as she treated him, but she went about it. She stabilized him, making his heart beat regularly again. Ron Weasley hobbled over. "No," she ordered.

"I'm feeding him energy whether or not you like it," Ron argued. "I'm man enough to do that without permission." He put the tip of his wand in Harry's hand and forced energy through it, just like Harry had told him to do if his sister ever got injured again. Harry coughed and settled in to sleep. Ron was caught before he fell over. "There," he announced. "Someone call my mother and Malfoy?" he pleaded, letting one of his older brothers help him back into his bed. "I ache," he admitted.

"I know you do, Ron, you rest for now," Charlie soothed, stroking through his hair with his good hand. One was limp with a hex. One of his legs was frozen in stone. But he was going to make sure his brother was fine.

Madam Pomfrey rounded on the Headmaster. "What did he do!" she shouted.

"He drew power from somewhere and released it at them, telling them to die," Remus said gently. "They did. He fell over."

She frowned at him. "It's his mother's gift, don't look so startled." Dumbledore looked amazed. "Maybe you should have told him about that, had him trained in it." She looked over as Hermione walked in. "Unless you can clear hexes and bandage, get out," she ordered harshly.

Hermione walked over and started to remove hexes. She wanted to be there and she could fit both demands if she had to.

Madam Pomfrey glared at the headmaster. "We will be speaking," she warned. She stared on the less serious patients, checking every now and then on Hermione's progress. "You did very good," she praised. "Now sit beside Ron and make sure he stays asleep. His flesh won't grow back if he doesn't."

Hermione nodded. "Who's guarding the front door?"

"Malfoy," someone told her, she wasn't sure who they were.

"Wonderful, the person they wanted," she told him. A few of the more able bodied went out to spell the guards so they could get checked out. Malfoy was dragged in by Remus Lupin and set at Harry's bedside. "Thank you, Professor," she said quietly. "Should I take a turn now?"

"Go ahead, I'll watch him," Charlie agreed, smiling at her. He liked this young woman. Not at all like how Ron had described her. She walked out, leaving Ron in his care. "Is anyone brave enough to call my mother? We could use the reinforcements for a bit."

Lupin looked at him. "I did, but Arthur answered. He threw something." Charlie nodded so he turned his attention back to his boss. "Did you know about his mother's gifts?"

"He's never shown any sign," Dumbledore told him. "Not a bit of one."

"Well, he's apparently got it now," Remus said bitterly. "You're going to have him trained, right?" Dumbledore nodded.

Draco looked at him. "Would that be like the promise to tell me that they were after me this time?" he asked. Dumbledore glared at him and he flinched. "Just a question," he said, going back to sponging off Harry's face. "He's still fevered." The nurse rushed back over to help him. "We need Professor Snape."

"No, we can handle this," she assured him. "Can you make him drink a potion?" He nodded so she got one for him and went back to her checking patients again. Ron got a nod and a smile for Charlie, and Charlie's arm was finally unhexed. Hermione hadn't gotten to it.

***

Harry woke up in the infirmary. He was definitely seeing the pattern now. He tried to sit up but a hand in the middle of his chest stopped him. He looked at Ron, seeing the worry lines on his face. "Who died?" he asked.

"You nearly did," Ron said, frowning at him. "It's the middle of June, Harry." Harry winced. "Yeah, you nearly died. Killed a lot of Death Eaters, but you nearly died in the process. Draco didn't want to leave." He leaned down to kiss Harry on the cheek. "Your uncle wasn't impressed when I and my mother went to tell him about how you were too injured from the battle to move. Apparently he's decided you're troublesome." He grinned. "So mum's gotten permission to have you all summer until you have to go back there." Harry groaned and pulled the pillow over his face. "Hey, now, don't waste all my good mothering acts," he said as he stole the pillow. He hit Harry lightly with it. "Bastard."

Harry laughed. "Thank you, Ron. You're very kind."

"Well, yeah, what else did you expect?" he said with a grin. He noticed a shadow outside the doorway. "He's awake!" Professor Snape walked in. "He just now woke up."

"Are you thirsty?" Snape asked quietly. Harry nodded. "I thought you might be." He poured some water and let Ron help him drink it. "Do you know what month it is?"

"Ron said June," Harry said between gulps.

"Slower, boy." Harry drank slower. "Good. Yes, it is the middle of June. Can you tell me what you did?"

"I was so tired I wanted to collapse and then the power sort of...climbed up my legs. Like ivy on a house," Harry said with a shrug. "It said I could do that."

"And you did," Ron agreed. "It's still June though, Harry." Harry gave him a pathetic look. Ron handed over the glass. "Here, you do that, I'm calling my mum. She'll want to come up and fuss with Ginny." He walked away, leaving them alone.

"Did anyone else die?" Harry asked as he held the glass with two hands so he could drink more. It was refilled for him.

"Two people in town from the fires. Hagrid's dog, Fang." Harry lowered his head at that, such an odd response for a dog. "None of the staff or students. Your locking spell nearly cost you your life but it did keep them from joining in. Apart from the few who fired out windows." Harry sighed, sliding down again. He took the glass to put it aside. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I just woke up from a long nap," Harry admitted. "Nothing more. I'm not weak, dizzy, or in pain."

"Good. Then the medicine worked. You will be going with the Weasleys as soon as you are released. Then you will check in with Mr. Malfoy each week until school starts again. You are going to be co-Head Boys. Feel honored, it's only happened six other times, and always with twins."

"Yes, sir, thank you," Harry agreed. "Who's the Head Girl?"

"Ms. Granger."

"I thought so," Harry said with a smile.

Ron rejoined them. "You heard about Hermione?" he asked, sounding happy. Harry nodded. "You and Draco will have a suite to yourselves, but she's decided to stay in Gryff for right now." He stroked over Harry's unshaven cheek. "Mum's on her way up. You're getting half of my room and I'm to watch out for you." He winked. "We'll talk about boyfriends later." Harry nodded, looking a bit happier.

"Mr. Malfoy did very good during his stint as a guard," Snape admitted.

Harry grinned at him. "I'll tell him you said that when I see him in a few days."

"I doubt he's going to come visiting," Snape countered, nearly smiling at the boy.

"Why not?" Harry asked.

"Because you need no stress and Mum said he couldn't come over," Ron told him. "Even though he has started his own crusade against the fucker." He stroked Harry's forehead. "You rest. When you wake up next time, you'll be in my room. Got it?" Harry nodded, yawning on cue. "Good boy, Harry." He waited until Harry was asleep to look at Snape. "What about his leg?"

"It's fine. Fully restored."

"Then why didn't he move it?"

"Because he didn't know he had to," Snape told him, walking away.

Ron sat down to watch Harry sleep. His butt had worn a spot in this chair, it now conformed to his body. He smiled as his mother walked in. "He's napping again. I said we'd move him while he was under."

"That's fine, Ron." She gave him a smile and created a stretcher. "Help me get him onto it and we'll take it now. Are his things packed?"

"I had one of the house elves pack it for him, his wand and the ring are lying on top," Ron told her. He went down to grab the trunk from Harry's new room and followed his mother outside so they could portkey away. Since no one came to say good bye, he guessed his mother had warned them all off. As soon as Harry was settled into his new bed, Ron put away his things and snuggled in beside him to hold him. Harry was having nightmares and it always seemed to help him in the past from what Blaize had admitted when he had told Ron to look out for him.

***

Harry had spent the last month recovering and he was much better now. He and Ron were shoving each other playfully in the back yard when the twins popped around to get Ron to do something with them. Harry gave them a pitiful look so they invited him along as well. They could use another observer. They sent themselves off to the space they rented for larger experiments, settling down on the floor to finish mixing the ingredients.

"This will give boys a chance to see what girls feel like," Fred assured them as he mixed.

Ron looked uneasy so George smiled at him. "Don't worry about it, Ron. I'm going to take some too. I'd never take anything I thought harmful, right?" Ron nodded and relaxed. He had been doing some spell testing for them anyway, it gave him some extra pocket money.

Harry sat back and watched as the mix was finished and formed into little balls. He watched as George ate one then as Ron ate his. Then he watched as Ron flopped around while having a seizure and George was stunned stupid. "Ron!" he shouted, moving closer to try and hold him still. "Isn't there an antidote?" he pleaded. The twins were staring in shock at Ron. "Guys!" he shouted. Still not luck. They had a small fire and Ron had snatched some floo powder so they could get back that way. He tossed it into the fire. "Malfoy!" he shouted. Draco's mother showed up. "We need Draco, now, please!" he begged.

"Get him to the hospital," Narcissa ordered. "I'll send him there." Ron started to have another. "Now, Potter!"

"Yes, ma'am." He called the hospital, getting the front desk. "This is an emergency, Ron's having a seizure and I can't get the others to move."

"Where are you?" the nurse asked calmly, clearly trying to get him to calm down.

"Can't you trace it or something? They apparated us here!" he shouted, frantically trying to help his best friend. "Please?"

"Just a moment. Step away from the fire." He nodded and moved back and she let a paramedic through. She did something and more people appeared.

"What happened?" the one who grabbed Harry asked.

"The twins were trying to make something new. It was to let a guy know what girls felt like. Ron took it and started to have seizures. I've got to tell his mother!" The paramedic stopped him from moving. "She'll need to know!"

"We'll send word from the hospital. Is that it?" he asked, pointing at the bowl. Harry nodded quickly. "Okay, and those are the notes?"

"As far as I know," Harry agreed, watching as Ron was apparated off by two guys with the stretcher. "Help him?"

"Of course. Come along, young man. We'll let you call his family. Are they family?"

"They're his big brothers. He's a Weasley." The paramedic grimaced but they got everyone else moving. Harry was shown to the floo for calls, and he did his duty. "Molly Weasley," he called. She appeared a few minutes later, mostly asleep. "Something happened with the twin's latest experiment. We're at the hospital. He's badly off!" he said frantically.

"You wait right there, Harry, we'll be right up," she said firmly, breaking the connection.

A few minutes later she and her husband walked in. They were shown back to their sons. Draco stormed in right after and he headed for Harry, pulling him up. "What happened?" he asked calmly.

"They were trying something to make guys feel like girls. It backfired. Ron had a seizure. The twins freaked out and just stared at each other."

Draco's face tightened up. "Fine. Get them, we're going to my house. Now, before anyone else learns of it." Harry looked confused. "This makes Ron the bigger target, Harry, we're going to protect him. Get him now! People will be coming to kill him."

Harry sprinted down the hall, running into Ron's room. He knocked out the doctor and forced Ron to stand up. "Come on. Draco said the bad people are coming for you," he told Ron as he started him moving. "You too," he told Arthur. "Now! He said they want to kill Ron!"

"Fine," Arthur agreed, frowning but he followed Harry down the hall. His wife got the twins. They joined Draco and he sent them all to his private floo line. Once they were at the house, he looked at Draco. "What were you talking about? You made Harry panic."

"Your son's a changeling, Arthur. What are they used for?" Draco snapped. Molly gasped and pulled George closer. "It was my father's favorite area of study, how to make one. He used to get me involved to help him, it's how I learned to research." He looked at Ron, then back at Arthur. "Get them settled, I'll show you what I have. You can use this room and the room next door if you need it." He walked down to suggest his mother take a long trip. He didn't want her in the way if this became a fight to protect Ron. Having Harry and Ron together was dangerous. His mother was already packing a bag. "You heard?" he asked, kissing her cheek. He helped by folding some of the clothes for her.

"I foresaw weeks ago," she gently corrected. He looked at her. "Let him come to you, Draco. You will be rewarded for your patience. Make sure you get what you need out of it, but otherwise they will be yours." Draco hugged her. She kissed him on the head. "Be safe. We'll write soon." She finished packing and left him to calm down.

Draco went down to his study and found Arthur and Molly waiting on him. "Sorry, I had to see my mother off." He pulled down a thick journal and handed it over. "My father's research," he said as he sat down with a grunt of irritation. He hated it when his mother got cryptic. "There are ones back in your family. There seems to be a Weasley girl born right before each major confrontation." Molly gasped and he looked at her. "Miscarried?" She nodded, letting her husband sit her down.

"That doesn't explain a lot, Draco. Why did you evacuate us that way? It only caused more attention."

Draco looked at him. "If they had treated him for his seizures, there's nothing else they could have done," he said simply.

"They were running tests on this new problem," Molly snapped.

"Those can be run with a home chemistry set," Draco said tiredly. "There are some standard facts about changelings. Any of them who change on a set schedule are in danger. Their blood is used to create power raising potions. The only thing stronger than a freely given sample is heart's blood." Arthur blindly sat beside his wife, clutching the book. "All changelings are considered female. The more corrupt they are, the less innocent of carnal things, the more powerful their blood is. Ron would have to be tainted in both areas to be fully initiated. The only thing more powerful than it being done freely is it being done with pain and fear." Molly moaned and covered her mouth. "There are other factors. If Fred and George are as close as they appear, you'll have to change whichever one wasn't done. Otherwise they'll start to pull apart. It can kill them because the other twin won't be around when necessary because they can't possibly understand," he said quietly. "When I got there, before I saw Harry, I snuck a look at the charts. Your new daughters had been discharged to Dumbledore." Arthur glared at him. "Fortunately they hadn't come yet. Dumbledore is so desperate to win because he's getting older and he doesn't see anyone he can pass on his skills to. He never had children and now he knows why that was wrong."

"But Harry," Molly pointed out, her voice barely above a whisper.

"We've seen signs that they're trying to get Harry to die, Mrs. Weasley. Snape said as much to him before the scotch incident, before that battle. They knew where he was living and what was going on. They knew that he had nearly died a few times in their care." Molly started to glare at the wall behind him. "The same as they know that you would take care of him if he was left to you most of the summer. It's classic brainwashing. Deprivation, giving them someone to cling to, then they're willing to do anything for you. Voldemort uses it himself for special cases he really wants in his ranks. The mother of his future heir had that done to her this summer. Pansy's still very ill because of it. She was his second choice. The first died during the battle." Arthur tensed up. "I can give you enough time to find a way to protect the twins."

"What sort did you have in mind?" Arthur asked.

"You have two choices. You can either hide them somewhere far away and make sure that no one ever sees them again. Totally uproot them and change their identities. You might even have to break contact with them to keep them safe." Molly started to cry. "Or you can find them a spouse that can't be taken out. Someone who will protect them, and which the public will raise bloody hell if they're taken as well." He noticed Harry at the door and waved him in. Arthur gave him the book to read. "I think they know someone, but I'm not sure if he'd be willing to."

"There's three of them," Harry pointed out.

Draco gave him a gentle smile. "A changeling makes it a legal trio, Harry. They could both go together." He looked at the parents again. "It is the best solution if you think about it. Get the rest of your family and come right back here." Molly nodded, hurrying off. "I'm sorry, Arthur, I truly am."

He shook his head. "Fred said they had gotten the idea a few years ago, in a dream. They'd been mulling it over for a while now." He stood up and looked at Harry. "George isn't on a schedule."

"I noticed," Draco said with a faint smile. "Do you think they'll care?" Arthur shook his head. "The bad thing will be wondering which side is coming for them. A changeling in their grasps is a powerful thing," Draco said softly. Arthur shuddered and left them alone, closing the door behind him. "Harry," Draco said, looking at him. "How much did you hear?"

"Most of it. I came in while you were giving the list of stuff." He shifted so he could face Draco. "Ron's in more danger?" Draco nodded. "Can it be reversed?"

"If he's a total virgin. Is he?" Harry shook his head. "I didn't think he was. Most changelings are done on children so their actions can be controlled." He leaned closer, tapping the top of the book. "That's mine and my father's research on the subject. You should let Ron read it. It's more for her than it is for George."

Harry gave him a weak smile. "He's going to hate to be called a girl."

"The female is always stronger, Harry. That's why they're called that. Having a changeling wife used to be a badge of honor, something to brag about. It was seen like having a Veela for a wife, but less dangerous. Veelas can kill, changelings start to like their mates. They start to crave their touch and their caresses." He touched the top of Harry's hand. "If you're thinking about saving her, it can't be you, Harry." Harry looked stunned. "They will go through you and Voldemort will only cheer more as he drinks the potion. If you take her in, you're going to have to find a protector for the both of you. You're going to scare those who know what Ron can be used for, especially those on the side of good. You're going to start to feel stronger. The mate of a changeling will do anything to protect them. It becomes as innate as the changeling's desire for their mate is."

"When was the last one?"

"During the Renaissance, there was a surge of making changelings for status. Not many of them were used because we weren't at war. Those who did use them, had to kill entire families sometimes, or they got it by consent by marrying a changeling and making her care for their cause. Since the late seventeenth century, the number of forced childhood changings dropped dramatically. It's nearly unheard of today. Since then, the only use a changeling had was in war. The stupid Puritans put most of them and the records to death and the practice was never revived. Those who knew were the ones who hoarded the knowledge for their own benefit. People like my father."

Harry looked down at the book. "What do I do, Draco?"

"For now, you tell Ron and think with her. Help her figure out what she wants to do. I doubt she'll run. She's not like that." Harry shook his head quickly and stood up, walking out. Draco leaned back and took a few deep breaths. Vincent walked in through the other door and gave him a confused look. "What? Just heard?"

"Yeah. I just heard Ron and popped in to see if it was really him. He's a girl, Draco."

Draco nodded. "The twins messed up and made another Weasley changeling. The family used to be known for it," he said quietly. "They have just painted the biggest target on their backs and they didn't even realize what it meant." He accepted the glass of sherry Vincent poured for him. "Thank you. Tell the house elves that no one gets in. Not unless I personally go retrieve them after all the Weasleys get here." Vincent nodded. "No one is allowed in or out without my authority."

"Yes, Draco. Are they coming?"

"It's a race to see which side gets here first," Draco agreed, looking at him. "If it comes down to a fight, you are to get Potter and as many Weasleys as possible to leave. You are to take them to the hidden spot we used to hide and play in. You are to make sure they do not return to that school without a protector." He grabbed Vincent's arm. "My mother foresaw it and didn't say anything."

"She probably didn't realize," Crabbe said with a shrug. "What about Goyle?"

"Send him to his father. He's becoming more like his father every day," Draco said with a wave of his hand. He picked up the sherry and sipped it. "Thank you, Vincent."

"Precious things are supposed to be guarded by the best, Draco," Vincent pointed out, leaving him with his thoughts.

***

Later that night, Harry walked to Draco's door and tapped lightly. Vincent opened it and let him in. "Is he still up?"

"He is. He's in the bedroom reading on the bed," Vincent told him, leaving the room so they'd be alone. He went to check on Ron, finding Goyle breathing down at her in her sleep. He had one hand on her blankets. So he broke that hand. Ron woke up and ran away from them, but Goyle was pounded into the floor and hit repeatedly until he gave up. "You're going to leave Ron alone," he sneered at his friend. "She's not for you!" He hauled him up and out of the room with a nod for Ron, going to toss him out the door into the garden. He turned and found one of Ron's older brothers, Percy, standing there. "He's very sorry," he said, slipping past him. "He won't do it again." He went to tell Draco, tapping gently on his door. "Draco?"

"What?" Harry called, opening it. "What happened? Ron ran in here like someone was breaking into her room."

"Worse, Goyle was starting to remove her covers before I stopped him," Vincent said, looking at Draco. "He's out back bleeding."

"I'll deal with him," Draco said coldly. Vincent nodded and went to take a turn around the halls to make sure everything else was fine. Draco looked down at Ron, stroking over her back. "Shh, it's all right," he said smoothly, trying to calm her down. "It's all right, Ron." Harry walked over and took Ron from him, holding her tightly. "She's more like that than tactile?"

"I don't know, but a hug usually makes me feel better," Harry said with a shrug. Draco gave him a short hug. "Thank you." He looked at Ron's face. "Are you all right? Did he touch you?"

"I woke up and Vincent was trying to kill him beside me," Ron told him. "I freaked, I'm sorry."

"It's normal to freak, as you put it, when someone's getting into a fight near you and you're woken by it," Draco assured him. He got a blanket and helped Ron onto his sitting area's couch with it. "There, you stay there."

Harry pulled Draco away. He looked at Ron, who nodded. Then he looked at Draco. "We talked earlier. Were you hinting?"

"About?" Draco asked.

"About you taking us in," Harry said blandly. Draco looked down at him, staring into his eyes. "I have never asked you for any real favors, Draco, and I will never do it again. All I need is an answer. Will you protect us?"

"The both of you?" he asked, a touch of smugness leaching into his voice. Harry glared at him. "Sorry." He kissed him on the forehead. "Things aren't that simple in my social class. There are things that have to be considered, Harry." He sat him down beside Ron so he could look at both of them. "Yes, I can do that. I am one of the few people on this earth that can get Voldemort to go away before he tries to attack my family. I am landed gentry, so making me disappear will alert both the muggle and the wizarding press." Ron nodded. "There are still other matters to consider." He looked at them. "It would be permanent. Not something that would last until the war was over. I cannot have a divorce by English law and remarry. Not unless I become a widow." Harry clutched Ron and shuddered. "Yes, I can have a consort and a changeling wife. I can easily do it, but that would mean that I would have the both of you as *mine*, not you as each other's with me added in. You would be mine," he said fiercely. "I am very protective, as Harry well knows. I dropped Blaize because he wanted to have fun with Goyle a few times."

"You don't share with them?" Ron asked.

Draco grimaced. "That was Goyle's doing, he was trying to impress someone enough to have them sleep with him." He pulled a chair over and sat across from them. "I would have to produce an heir, that means Ron would have to bear it. That means Harry might have to if you can't, Ron." Harry shivered and clutched Ron tighter. "Do you understand, Harry? What you asked is doable and even a decent thought to me, but you would become my husband. My legal consort. Ron would become my legal wife. Permanently. I would have complete say over your lives in almost every area. I would dress you, feed you, have sex with you, and hopefully you'd enjoy it." Ron laughed and pulled Harry onto her lap. "You would be mine and I would be yours, but you wouldn't necessarily be each other's."

"Would we have to ask?" Harry asked.

"No," Draco sighed, shaking his head. "I don't believe in that sort of marriage. Some people might think that, but I believe in a true threeway if you're going to have one. Do you really want to be Harry Potter-Malfoy and Ron Malfoy?"

"Why do I get my name hyphenated?" Harry asked.

"It's the custom, Harry," Ron explained. "Wives take their husband's names. Consorts take their lover's name partially." Draco nodded. "You would help me protect my family?"

"They would become mine," Draco agreed. "The same as my mother would become yours."

Ron nodded and patted Harry. "We'd have to be together, wouldn't we?"

"Fully," Draco agreed. "That means Harry would have to bottom for both of us, the same as you would, Ron."

"You don't?" Harry asked.

Draco rolled his eyes. "Very rarely. I'd have to on our wedding night, after that would be my decision. You would be my sex toys of choice," he admitted with a smile. "You're much more stunning than your sisters, George and Fred." Ron looked startled. "Harry didn't tell you?"

"I didn't know it had gotten Fred."

"Twins that close will be pulled apart if they're separated like that," Draco said gently. "Do they know what they're going to do?"

"They called Oliver Wood earlier," Ron admitted, blushing. "He was stunned by them telling him he was needed here. He's coming up tomorrow."

"That's fine," Draco agreed. "He's an excellent choice. If he's so much as late to a practice, there will be a deep cry from his fans. Those ladies are vicious." He smiled at them. "I'll ask you now. Do you want to bear the Malfoy heir, Ron? Harry, do you want to be considered my legal lover for life? That's what you would be."

"What about the war?" Harry asked.

Draco gave him a slight grin. "I've been doing some research and some sneaking around. Did you know that your parents had another vault? One where their most personal belongings were? They had been in hiding, were moving each week at that point. The manifest I found on Dumbledore's desk said there were spellbooks belonging to your grandmother, Harry."

"But my grandmother wasn't a witch," Harry said, frowning at him. "How can that be?"

"Don't you think you should find out?" Draco suggested.

Harry nodded. "I should." He shifted so he was sitting on his own. "My father would hate me for even considering this, Draco, but it's the only way to protect Ron."

"And you. Voldemort was trying to get rid of me because my family fortune is vast, my family's influence is thick, and my family controls some of the things he wants."

"That's why he wanted your child," Ron breathed. Draco nodded and smiled. "When did you have to have one?"

"As soon as humanely possible, though not while we're in school this year," Draco told him. He stood up and pulled Ron to his feet. "Do you think you could stand to see me every day for the rest of your very long life, Ron? Am I the one you want to wake up next to?"

"What about Hermione?" Harry blurted, then he covered his mouth.

"That's another problem," Ron agreed, giving him an encouraging smile. He looked at Draco and leaned in, kissing him gently. "If you hurt me, I'm going to kill you."

Draco laughed. "As I was telling Harry earlier, the stunning thing about changelings is that you will grow to desire your mate above all others. Both of them if there's two. The same as your mates will become fiercely protective of you. There will be nothing that can come between a mated and joined couple or trio. Not unless the changeling is frigid and allows her husband or consort to have a lover on the side for more kinky things," he said with a wink and a smile. Ron chuckled and shook his head. "No?"

"No, you'll find we're evenly matched for the most part. As long as you don't expect to give or want pain, we'll be fine. Harry?" she asked, holding out a hand. Harry stood up and stepped closer. "Will it bind us as well?"

"Definitely," Draco agreed, giving her a confident smile. "The person who takes your remaining virginities will be bound closer than the other one. I'll even be generous and let him have you first tonight."

"Tonight?" Harry asked, a little stunned. His eyes were wide and his nose was flaring as he breathed. "We have to do it tonight?"

"The faster the better," Ron soothed, stroking Harry's back. "I'm not fully changed over."

"That can be manipulated once we're joined," Draco assured him. He laid a hand on the side of Ron's face. "Trust me, I can make you fully female. I can help you be so stunning your mother won't recognize you. I'm going to dress you in clothes that will be pleasing and sometimes naughty. Harry as well."

"You want to dress me?" Harry squeaked.

"I like to dress my lovers, and my Mother when she needs me. I have very good taste, I simply like clothes," Draco told him matter-of-factly. "Does that bother you?"

"Will you let me pick out some things?"

"Some things," Draco relented. "The same as Ron can have her beloved worn out jeans. But I'm tossing most of the rest of it unless she hands it to Ginny."

Harry looked at Ron. "Your parents?"

"Will throw fits," Ron admitted. "I was going to tell them I've decided." He stole a longer kiss, earning a moan. Then he took one from Harry. They made up his mind for him. "I'll be right back." She slipped out of the room.

Harry leaned against Draco's chest. "What do you want for the favor?" he asked, looking up into the silver eyes.

"I want you to win," Draco told him. "I'll help you train and I want you to do your best. You are mine now, Harry, and not even Dumbledore can tell you what to do. Do you understand? You are my second-in-command in the family. You can rule Vincent and Ron." Harry shuddered and snuggled into the arms that came around him. "I know you don't want it. All I'm asking is that you try to care for me, that you don't interfere when Ron has to bear me an heir, and that you let me play with you. Is that too much to ask?"

"I was going to sneak into your room this year," Harry admitted quietly. Draco tipped his face up. "I have always desired you, Draco, but I couldn't be with you before."

"This is different?"

"Now we'll have a buffer, which we'd need to be serious with each other." Draco looked amused. "You have to admit, you and I can have some petty fights. Ron will stop that because you won't want to pick on me with her around."

"I don't like picking on you now, Potter, I don't know why I do it."

"Because it gives you attention," Harry said with a smile. "Does that mean I'll have to bottom for both of you all the time?"

"You'll get your share of time with Ron. I won't hog her."

"I didn't like being with a girl. She didn't taste good and I didn't like what she wanted me to do."

"Ah!" Draco smirked at him. "Try the taste of a nipple. You seemed to like Blaize's."

"Don't talk about him."

"Sorry." Draco kissed him again. "I promise, when you're between her thighs, she'll adore you, Harry. You'll be able to indulge all your oral fantasies with her. Hogwart's favorite bottom boy will definitely like it with a woman if the woman is only ours and if she likes to be licked. Besides, I am rather good and I can satisfy those urges you have to be taken hard and fast." He let one hand wander lower to brush against Harry's rear. Harry shivered and rubbed his cheek on Draco's chest. "Do you think you can take me?"

Harry touched the hard cock. "I think you're a good size but not enormous," Harry noted. "I should be able to do a lot with it."

"Not yet," Ron teased as she walked in. "My mother expected it. My father's drinking himself to sleep tonight because he's horribly depressed about what's befallen his beloved children." She walked over to take Harry's back. "What about my male times?"

"Harry's a confirmed bottom. He hates to top," Draco said with a leer. "You?"

"I've never had sex with a man. I don't know," Ron admitted. "Harry, is that true? Blaize always talked about what you did to him."

"That was more orally. Harry likes to suck on things. He even stroked him off one day during Transfiguration," Draco said with a shrug. "They liked to blow each other at every chance and Harry got to enjoy it. He also enjoys taking it on all fours." He could feel Harry's blush. "Sharing a room with him is very eye-opening about Mr. Potter's sexual habits. There was more than one night when they didn't close the curtains all the way."

Harry lifted his red face. "I think that's because Blaize wanted you to watch," he admitted. "Why aren't you with him?"

"He wanted too many times with Goyle. I might have indulged his playful nature, but I wasn't about to be compared with him." He kissed Harry until the other boy couldn't breathe. "Tonight, Ron?"

"If we have to," Ron sighed. "I'm not so sure I want to do that yet. I still have to tell Hermione." He looked at Harry. "Did you know someone told Ginny that Dumbledore had foreseen us together, that's why he made sure we would stay friends?" Harry giggled and hugged him. "That's what's being said about us. That we're already together."

"Then was Blaize really noisy window dressing?" Harry asked. Ron nodded. "Wow. Expensive window dressing." He looked around. "I guess I should find you another ring, huh?" he asked suddenly.

"Why? I helped you pick it out to suit my own tastes," Ron teased. "We'll have to find one for Draco."

Draco beamed at them. "Later. For now, we have a bit of a ritual to go through." He took off the signet ring he was wearing and twisted it, then blew on the white hot top. "Ron, come here." Ron stepped forward and Draco lifted his sleep shirt, burning the mark onto his side. "Once it's there, there's no going back," he said as he removed it. "The only more intimate place I could put it I won't because that's cruel and mean. Harry?" Harry took off his shirt and stepped forward, turning his head as the burning happened to him. "There, perfect as only the Malfoy marking can be." He pulled his wand off the table and touched Ron's mark with it, making her hiss and arch her back. "Harry, you as well." Harry moved closer, hugging Ron. He smiled at him and did the same to him, making him flood with the need to touch Draco. "One last thing," he promised, laying a hand on Ron's mark. They all watched as Ron's body sped up the change, becoming fully female. He locked it into place, starting the cycle from there. "There," he said happily. He led Ron to the bed by the hand, letting her undress and climb in.

Harry stood there and watched until Draco pushed him forward, then he kissed her gently. "I don't have much experience with women," he apologized. He moved down, playing with her neck. He found the spot that made her hiss and tip her head off to the side and sucked a mark on it for his later reference. Then he moved down to the nipples, making them hard and upstanding. He liked nipples, he always had. He would have adored it if Blaize had big nipples. He looked at Draco. "Take off your shirt?" Draco did so and his mouth watered at the sight of the large, dark nipples. He leaned over to take a lick, making a face. "Cologne."

"Sorry, I'll go bathe. You break her in for me and I'll be right back." He went into the bathroom to take a quick shower. This was not the time for good smelling skin. This was a time to be manly and to take what was now his. Harry had agreed easily. He heard Ron's wail of pain and winced. "Potter," he sighed, stepping out and drying off. He found Ron panting and scratching up Harry's back. "Wasn't he gentle?" he asked as he laid beside them.

"She did it," Harry panted, trying to hold on for dear life. Whatever he had done had turned Ron on so much she was trying to knock his head off with her heels. Ron squealed again and he felt a flood of liquid. It made him come and he flopped down on top of her. "Thank you, Ron," he breathed. She hugged him tightly. "Give us a few to recover, Draco."

Draco laughed. "Recover while you clean her up, Harry." Ron looked stunned. "Let him, Ron, he'll like this part. I promise." Harry slowly moved down between her thighs, looking at what he had invaded. "Start with gentle licks, like you used to do when you thought that was cute." Harry nodded and sucked some of the excess moisture off her hair then moved inward. He was liking this. Ron tasted much better than Pansy had. Soon he was energetic and Ron was wiggling to get his tongue in certain places that had felt good before. He found the little nub as it pushed up and licked at it. It made Ron groan the sweetest sounds. He decided to suck on it for a bit, and she screamed again, kicking her feet around his body. He moved lower, noticing that more fluid was coming out. He feasted on it, enjoying it wholeheartedly. He'd have to find some way to give Draco a present for telling him about this. Finally, someone was pulling him away. He came up for air, looking at his husband. "I do like it," he said with a messy grin.

"Good," Draco agreed, smirking at him. "Now do me, Harry." Harry leaned over and looked up at him as he took a lick. Draco nodded his contentment and Harry decided to show off a bit, taking all of Draco in.

"Don't expect me to be able to do that," Ron said, getting out of the way so Draco could lay down with them. She stroked his stomach as she watched Harry go down on him. Draco groaned and shifted under her hand. "You don't like?"

"I do," he said but he did pull her hand up to kiss it. "Harry, off. I have to have Ron now."

"I'm sore," she whispered in his ear.

He kissed her. "We'll be gentle and put you in a long bath in a few moments," he promised. He swatted at Harry so he would get off him. "I need that more than you do," he said with a smug look. "You'll get it again in a minute." Harry got out of the way so he pulled Ron on top of him. "Whenever you're ready. I'll take my time tomorrow so you can rest tonight."

"Thanks," Ron said, grinning at him. "Just climb right on?"

"However you want," Draco agreed. Ron straddled him and lowered herself, hissing a little. "Just relax and set your own pace, that's why I'm doing it this way. You'll find I usually like to play a bit more beforehand but we'll go quickly tonight for you." Ron nodded and finished sinking down with a groan. "Better?"

"Much," Ron agreed, smiling at him. "I could get used to this."

Harry moved up behind him. "Just wait until you feel it as a male," he whispered as he played with the large breasts. Ron groaned and arched against him, letting Draco thrust up.

"Harry, take me," Ron pleaded. Harry shook his head. "Please?"

"I...I don't like being on top."

Ron pouted at him but Harry stayed firm. "You should have been the girl, Harry."

"Don't pick on him," Draco warned. "Some people don't like being the one in charge. They prefer to lay there and take it. Harry's very much like that. He feels like he loses control when he's on top. We'll work on it, Ron." Ron nodded, getting on with her duty. Draco smiled at her and stroked her stomach. "Just think, in a few months, you should start a formal cycle," he said gently. "After that, we'll have to pick a good date." Ron blushed and looked down at his chest. "Look at me, Ron. This isn't the last time we're going to be doing this. I might like to pound Harry into the bed each day, but I'll be doing the same to you."

She shivered as one of his fingers moved lower, touching where they were joined. She shrieked and wiggled, liking that a lot. Someone pounded on the door. "Go away! I'm fine!" Ron shouted, then she let out a loud, long, satisfied wail of contentment, flopping down over Draco's chest. "Wow."

Draco kissed her. "As I said, soon," he promised.

She smiled at him. "Then what?"

"Then it would depend on your body and your maternal leanings. I certainly don't want as big a family as you have, but I wouldn't mind letting Harry have one if you're agreeable." Ron blushed. "I'm not going to turn you into a baby factory, Ron, don't worry about it."

"I'm not." Someone pounded again. "Let me get that. You please Harry since I've already had him." He grabbed Draco's robe and went to answer the door, staring at his big brother and his father. "What?"

"Are you all right?" Bill asked.

Ron nodded. "We decided earlier to ask Draco to protect Harry and I," he admitted, walking out and shutting the door. He could see Harry cleaning Draco off the old fashioned way and Draco preparing him. He moved the robe aside, letting him see the marking on his stomach. "It was the only way to get what we wanted, Bill. We're not leaving."

"You're also not fighting," Arthur said firmly, staring down at his son...daughter. "Changelings do not fight in wars."

"Fine," Ron agreed, nodding. "I'll help Draco and Harry with his training and then I'll sneak off to help from afar." Bill snorted and shook his head, hugging him. "I know it's going to be a big adjustment, but it's the only way we saw. Harry can't run away and I'm not leaving him here to face this alone." He looked at his father. "The twins?"

"Fred changed himself a few minutes ago." He nodded at Ron's chest. "You're changing quickly?"

"Draco shifted me ahead and said my cycle would start from here," Ron said with a shrug. "I guess we're figuring out cycles tomorrow." He heard Harry chanting and smiled. "Those two really do like each other, they're always at each other's throats though."

Arthur made Ron look at him. "As long as he's good to you. If he ever hurts you, even your feelings, you are to come home immediately and you will stay home for good. Do you understand me?" Ron nodded so he smiled. "I know he's not like his father, but I'm not taking any chances with you, Ron." He kissed him on the forehead. "Now go play with your new mates. Put a silencing charm on the door if possible." He led Bill back to their rooms.

Ron slipped into the room and found Harry curled up with a teddy bear asleep. "Where did he get that?"

"Blaize," Draco said, patting his chest. "He'll cuddle in a few minutes, he always did." Ron took off the robe and laid down across him, getting comfortable. Draco shifted her off to the side but otherwise let her settle herself. "Comfortable?" Ron nodded. "Good. Le's rest for now and then we'll figure everything else out tomorrow." He nudged Harry with a foot. "Potter, Weasley's back." Harry rolled over and hugged Ron's back with his bear between them. He smiled at Ron. "Are you ready to lose your last name tomorrow?"

"So soon?" Ron asked. Draco nodded. "Why are we hurrying?"

"Because otherwise we're giving the other side an advantage. I'll get Hermione here just after breakfast and then we'll do the ceremony in the afternoon. The twins can have their own if Wood agrees." He kissed Ron gently. "Then we'll send the forms to the school and you'll be moved down to my room. Of course, we'll have our own bathroom and all that, so it'll be wonderful."

Ron sighed and closed her eyes. "I think you're being jumpy but I understand, Malfoy. Thank you."

"This is as much a treat for me as it is for you," Draco reminded him. He felt the smile. "We will have to go tell my father," he noted smugly. Ron looked at him in alarm. "He'll kill himself over it." Ron snickered and laid his head back down on his chest. "Sleep. Tomorrow's going to be a long day." He stroked Harry's back, making him wake up. "Use Ron as your bear, Harry." Harry nodded and cuddled Ron, letting his friend have the spare pillow. Draco decided he could get used to being their bedtoy.

***

Draco woke up the next morning and yawned, then he felt the person in bed with him snuggle into his side and smiled. He remembered. It was a nice feeling. He could feel the bond they had established and they were both very calm. He decided to lay there for a bit longer in hopes of getting a better incentive to get out of bed. Harry was the first one up, giving him a big-eyed look he got most mornings when the other boy woke up. "How do you feel?" he asked, reaching over to touch the scar on his forehead. Harry brushed his finger off it. "You play with it."

"I hate the thing, I'm usually trying to scratch the skin around it to make it look different," Harry told him, shifting until he was closer. He looked down at Ron's back, then shrugged. "How are you doing this morning?"

"Well enough." He stole a kiss and Harry started to smile. "So that's what used to put you in such a good mood."

"I'm not a morning person without incentive," Harry pointed out, leaning down to play with a nipple. Draco let him, playing with his hair as he smiled. Ron was waking up and would soon turn to look at him as well. When she did, he smiled at her, pulling her up with a kiss. "Morning, Ron, " he said, a bit happier now.

Ron smiled at him. "It's good that you're not grumpy." He looked at Draco. "This really is real?"

"It really is real," Draco agreed.

"Okay then." Ron slid out of the bed and went into the bathroom, running himself a bath. She was sore.

Draco gave Harry free reign of his body, enjoying his skills very much. He would help Ron bathe in a few minutes. He would need to be closer to her before school started and it would take a few times before the protective benefits kicked in.

****

Oliver Wood walked into Malfoy manor, looking around in interest. He hadn't been here before and it was like nothing he had expected. There wasn't a single torture victim hanging from the walls. The decorations were tasteful, though obviously expensive. He was shown into a sitting room by one of Malfoy's thugs, one that looked a lot worse for the wear, and decided to sit down and wait on the twins. Why they were here and why he had been called here he wasn't sure. Their mother hadn't said anything when she had called him, and it had his curiosity peaked. The door opened and a woman who was obviously a Weasley, though he didn't know which one, walked in and locked the door. They turned and he thought they looked like the twins. So obviously a close relative. "Ma'am," he said in greeting, smiling at her as he shook her hand and stood up.

"Sit, Ollie, it's me, Fred," he said, sitting across from him. Oliver looked stricken, finding the couch by feeling behind him as he fell. Fred grinned at the look on his face. "We goofed badly."

"How?" Oliver squeaked, then cleared his throat.

"We wanted to make something so blokes could figure out girls. Well, now we can," he said with a grim smile. "That's left us with a few problems."

"What sort?" He cleared his throat again. "What is George.?"

Fred nodded. "He and Ron tested it. I had to change over so George and I wouldn't be ripped apart." He leaned forward. "Ollie, we've got major problems. We're now considered magical creatures."

Oliver's lips pressed together. "Did Malfoy do something?"

"No, he saved us from the people who wanted to cut us up and turn us into potion ingredients." Oliver frowned worse. "He snatched us from the hospital before Dumbledore could get there. From the paper this morning, there's a great call to find us so we can be," he coughed, "protected for our own goods. Which isn't the truth and we know it now." Oliver nodded briefly. "So we've got two options. George and I can run for our lives or we can find a protector that no one would *dare* touch."

"Malfoy?" he squeaked.

Fred laughed. "No, from the sound of things Ron and Harry decided to go that route. George and I are still trying to decide. We thought we'd explain it to you so you could tell the ladies we adored and make sure they know it's all right."

Oliver shook his head. "You can't give up the shop, it's your dream, Fred." He stood up and looked down at him. "You couldn't open a new one if you ran."

"Then that leaves us being married very quickly to someone that the public would lynch if they hurt us or would go on a rampage if they were lost," Fred said gently. Oliver's eyes widened. "George suggested you, but I thought you might freak so we're talking now."

"Me?" Oliver squeaked. Fred nodded. He sat down again, going back to shock. Fred nodded once he quit hyperventilating. "Why me?"

"Because we know you wouldn't hurt us," Fred pointed out. "Your fans are rabid and would shred anyone who dared come near us."

Oliver nodded, that was true. His female fans had egged his coach when they found out he had made him miss a family reunion. "But you don't like me like that."

Fred shrugged. "Draco said that wasn't going to be a problem." Oliver looked confused. "The formula we used is from something his father left in the library," he admitted. "Lucius was one of the foremost researchers on changelings today. He brought his son into it." Someone knocked on the door. "Not yet!" He looked at Oliver again. "Those are the only two choices we've seen."

"I...can't think." Oliver got up to pace.

"Calm down, Oliver, this is like planning a strategy for a game," Fred soothed.

"It's not! This is a war and it's bad!" Oliver told him. "You'd have to give up everything you've ever dreamed of because of a small mistake."

"Yeah, well, it's that or death. You find that death is the less enjoyed option in this case," Fred said dryly. Oliver glared at him and he shrugged. "Humor works in this situation too."

"Now's not the time to be funny," Oliver said firmly. He sat down, looking at him. "Ifif I do it, what would happen?"

"It's be the both of us. A changeling is an allowable third partner, fully legal and all that," Fred told him. Oliver nodded. "Draco should be getting up soon. He's got all the knowledge already and he's said something about a protective instinct that pops up as part of being married to one of us."

"Yeah, but what about games?" Oliver blurted out.

Fred grinned. "Season tickets?"

Oliver laughed. "Sure, of course you can have season tickets." He swallowed. "How is George taking it?"

"Not well. I found her crying in the bathroom this morning and had to put her back to bed." Oliver frowned at him. "According to the law, we're now officially females, no matter that we started out as guys."

"So I'd have two wives?"

"Who changed at a moment's notice," Fred agreed, nodding as he changed. He had felt the tickle that meant he was going to for a few minutes now. Oliver's eyes bugged out. "It happens this way to us. Ron changes on a set schedule from what little we know so far."

"What about when you want to have kids?" Oliver blurted, then he blushed. "Sorry, that was really personal."

"No, it's all right. It's one of those questions we have to answer too," Fred admitted. "We're not thinking beyond the main problem, running or not."

"You're not. It'd be too hard to write to you on your birthdays," Oliver said with a smile. "Though you'd better not prank me."

"I'd only do it when you needed it," Fred agreed. "You'll have to make your own arrangement with George on that matter. Plus, as our mate, we'd have to give you some interest in the store."

Oliver waved a hand. "I make an excellent salary, Fred." He smiled at him again. "Would you rather run or have me?"

"Personally, I'd rather have you. From what we heard around the school, you were really good to your girlfriend and happy to indulge her when she wanted to be touched. We like that in a prospective mate." He looked up at the loud screaming. "Either George is frustrated with her hair or Ron just did something spectacular again," he said dryly. He looked at Oliver. "The poor boy can't be quiet."

Oliver snickered. "I've met a few like him in my time." He shifted over to sit next to Fred, watching his friend for her reaction. She didn't seem to mind. He shifted a bit closer. Fred gave him a blush and a grin. "You're blushing!" he said in amazement.

"Oliver, I'm a girl half of the time, I'm supposed to do that," he pointed out. Oliver laughed and he smiled at him. "So, do I freak you out?"

"You look a lot like your mother," Oliver admitted. "You have that same gentle, yet steely nature that she does."

"I guess that's a compliment."

"Your mother's a very nice woman," Oliver pointed out. "Not as great as mine, but still nice." They shared a grin. "Come on, we should go talk to George."

"Sure. Malfoy put us up in a nice room upstairs." He led the way, knocking first. He found his mother standing in there hugging George. "The scream was him?"

"Yes. He changed fully and woke up in a panic," she said, smiling at Oliver. "Did they tell you everything?"

"Everything that I could," Fred agreed.

Oliver moved closer, smiling at George. "I'd hate to have to miss your birthday parties," he offered. George pulled him closer, letting go of his mother to hug him. "It's all right."

"No it's not. I'm a girl right now."

"Yes, but you're a cute enough one. A lot like your mother," Oliver said firmly. Molly blushed and left them alone. "Are you handling it okay?" George looked up at him and shook his head. "Then we'll deal, George. Want to talk about it?"

"I could use another ear," George agreed, hugging him again. "You're very comfortable."

"Thanks. It's all those exercises I started doing so I could sleep at night." The twins looked at him. "The howling outside the doors is getting extreme," he said with a shrug. "I had a fan break in last week."

"We'll protect you, Oliver," Fred assured him, hugging his back.

***

Hermione looked up as Draco walked out of her floo. "What are *you* doing here?" she demanded coolly. Her parents looked at her. "Mother, Father, this is Draco Malfoy. Harry's best friend."

"Harry and Ron's present savior," he told her. She grimaced, starting on a glare. "A new test prank backfired and it's endangering Ron's life," he told her. "Harry and Ron both want to talk to you."

"Is it contagious?" her mother asked.

"No," Draco told her, smiling at her. She relaxed. "Come along, Granger, it's going to be a long day for you as well."

She nodded, taking one last sip of her milk before hurrying back to her bedroom to brush her teeth and grab a robe. She came out and followed him through the floo, landing in his living room. "Why are we at your house, Draco?"

"Because it's a long explanation. Would you like to sit?" he semi-ordered. She sat, crossing her legs. "Would you like the shock or the explanation?"

"The explanation," she said firmly.

He sat down across from her. "Last night, Fred tested a new prank on George and Ron." She nodded. "It was to turn one into a girl for a bit. It backfired and they're now changelings."

She frowned. "I've only run across a few mentions of them. Do you know what that means?"

He nodded. "My father was the top researcher of changelings. He brought me into it at a very young age. A changeling is a person who changes gender." Her eyes opened further but she calmed herself quickly. "Ron and both twins are now. They're considered magical creatures."

"That's what's endangering them?" Hermione asked. Draco nodded. "Then why are they here instead of with Dumbledore and their parents?"

"The whole family is upstairs. Dumbledore will want to use at least one of them, probably Ron since he's a true changeling and the twins aren't. They're half because they're not on a set schedule." She shook her head. "Yes, Hermione, they will. Watch him when we go back, he's not as pure as you want to think. He's been trying to get Harry to commit suicide after the battle is over with. Even Snape's been helping him with that goal. That's why Harry drank so hard that night the battle happened, because Snape pointed out that fact bluntly." She scowled, but he didn't think it was aimed at him. "That left Ron and Harry with two options since they were dreadfully attracted to each other," he continued calmly. "Leaving and turning their backs on their family and the war, or joining with a protector strong enough to make sure no one could take them."

She looked at him, and he knew she had gotten his subtly worded 'I stole them from you'. "You?" she asked coldly. He nodded. "When?"

"Last night. It was the only way to protect both of them from everyone, Ms. Granger. Do not start to throw a fit at anyone. Ron's still processing what happened."

"You took advantage of them!" she said angrily.

"I did no such thing, they came to me."

"But you didn't turn them away, did you?" she sneered. "You've always wanted Harry, since that first day you argued before the sorting."

"Yes, and I could have had him this coming year without this. This only complicates matters greatly. If you want, Ron should be out of her bath and I'll bring her down."

"Her?"

"All changelings are female, no matter what," he informed her with a bit of chill in his voice. "You will not scream at her. She doesn't need it at this moment, Granger."

"Fine. May I see her, make sure this is what she wants?"

"Of course." He smiled at her and rang a bell. A house elf popped in, making her glare at him. "Would you request Ron join us in here?" he said. The house elf nodded and disappeared, going to tell Ron his message. He sat back and got comfortable, smiling as a house elf brought in some tea and small sandwiches. "I know it's barely breakfast, but eat if you think it'll help settle your stomach. As I said, it's going to be a long day."

"Why?"

"Because the wedding is today," he told her. She frowned at him again. "It really is the only way. Not hurrying gives them an advantage we can't negate. Dumbledore's already calling for them to be handed to the authorities for their own protection." He stroked his family crest and she looked shocked. "What?" he asked smugly.

"You marked them?" she asked. He nodded. "That's an archaic tradition, as outdated as having a family serve yours."

"That was my father's idea, not mine, and this way I could protect them better. Since I know now when they're in danger, I can react more swiftly." The door opened and Harry led Ron in. "Good morning. Granger wanted to make sure this was your own free will."

Ron flopped down beside her and noticed the tears. "What's wrong?"

"You really are a girl," she sobbed, getting up to move away from him.

He nodded. "Yeah, I am. Have been since last night. Why didn't you tell me it hurt you that first time? I would have been a lot more gentle with you." She looked shocked.

"It had to be done to set in the marking," Draco said calmly. Ron looked at him and he smiled. "Not that I didn't enjoy it."

"Good point," Ron said with a grin for him. He looked at his ex. "If there had been time, I would have told you before this happened, but we don't have the time for nice explanations." She sniffled and nodded, but didn't sit next to him this time. "Fine," he sighed, looking at Draco. "We have to do the whole wedding thing today?" He nodded. "That's fine I guess." He looked at his ex. "I know it hurts, but would you be there for me?"

She stood up and walked over, hugging him. "If you want. Even though I'm not dressed appropriately." She looked at Harry, then at Draco. "You had better treat her right for however long this lasts. Otherwise I will hurt you."

"This is permanent," Harry said quietly. "This is the only way to protect Ron and you know I'd never let her be hurt." She nodded, her face set as emotionlessly as possible. "Then you'll help explain things to Ron when she needs it?"

"Of course." She pulled Ron up. "Come on, we'll have to get you dressed."

"There's the traditional dress. The twins and their mother may need more help. Ron will only need help with her makeup and her hair."

"Fine," she agreed, letting Ron lead her away. "You're really like that forever?"

"Forever," he agreed, nodding. He gave her a smile. "He's not going to be mean to me. Harry will protect me if Draco loses his temper."

"With how those two fight, I suggest you find a room to hide in fairly quickly," she snorted.

"I can keep them from fighting," Ron assured her. Harry had told her that she would be the buffer that kept them from rubbing each other wrong. "Come on. The door to the bride's chamber opened when I walked into Draco's dressing room." He showed it to her, letting her see the old wedding dress. "Help me? Please? Mom's got her hands tied up with the twins."

"What are they going to do?" she asked quietly as she found the buttons and worked on getting the dress off the form it had rested on.

"They summoned Oliver Wood this morning to talk to him."

She stopped working and looked at him. "He's a good choice. He's got that whole team of his plus his fans to help him watch over them." She finished getting the dress free and lifted it off. "All right. Have you bathed?" He nodded. "A full one, Ron?"

"Yeah. I got up and soaked to take care of that ache," he said with a blush.

She shook her head. "Next time won't hurt as badly. Trust me." She let him pick up something marked 'bride's set' and followed him back to the room. "Out, Potter."

"Yes, Hermione," he sighed, taking the old suit with him.

"What was that?"

"I'm guessing that the males have a traditional outfit, the same as the brides do." He shrugged and let her help him into the dress. "What about deodorant?"

"You should have thought about that already," she pointed out, then she shook her head. "Ron!"

"What? It's a hot dress!" she complained. She helped her back out of it and into the underwear Molly had found for her. She let her ex guide her in all the necessities, including perfume and how to do her short hair. She lengthened it a bit, turning it into a chin-bob and then brushed it gently. "I'm sorry, Hermione. I should have tried to get you here last night."

"It's all right, Ron. You did what was best for you." She put down the brush. "Is it permanent?" Ron nodded. "Then I'll miss you," she said, stealing one last kiss. Ron started to cry, hugging her. "Shh, we'll still be friends. You can't get rid of me that easily. I'll be on you like mud after Magical Creatures." Ron laughed and pulled back to wipe her face off. "Good girl. That feels odd to say."

Ron laughed. "It does," she agreed. "Thank you for not throwing a fit."

"I'll have a fit with ice cream later," she soothed, stroking the beloved, yet different face. "We'll be fine. Where are you going to stay this year?"

"With the Head Boys," he said, giving her a smile. "We'll have a large room and our own bathroom."

"Wonderful." She patted him on the stomach. "What about that stuff? I know you want children."

"Draco set one of the conditions that I had to give him the Malfoy heir. So we both win." She shrugged. "I guess I can wrap my mind around it after it happens."

"That's fine." She hugged her again. "I'm so sorry, Ron. You shouldn't have to go through this."

"I know, but it doesn't feel that odd from this side. The only difference is that I have breasts," Ron said with a shrug. "My tool'll come and go. The breasts will come and go. I'll adapt as it happens." She shook her head, but was smiling. "How long do you think we have?"

"I don't know, let's work on your makeup," she suggested, sitting Ron back down to work on getting her made up. She would definitely need ice cream and pudding later. Possibly even for dinner.

***

Draco lifted his champagne flute to his new family. "Thank you all for coming. Not that I gave you much of a choice." Charlie and Bill laughed, they had been pulled from work by Percy. "Thank you for allowing your new sisters to make their own decisions. I'll do my best to make Ron happy."

"And Harry," Molly Weasley said firmly.

"And Harry," he agreed, smiling at her. "I also swear not to produce the heir to the family name this year." That got some laughter from Molly as well. "They are mine now, and no one had better try to get between us." He looked at his godfather, Snape, and knew he understood he was pass that back along. "You are welcome to stay in my house as long as you want. We'll be going shopping tomorrow for a bit and you're welcome to tell me I have wonderful taste then as well." The twins laughed and hugged their new husband. "We'll have you three moved to a larger room tonight."

"Our present one's fine," Oliver assured him. "Thank you for helping them, Draco." He paused. "It feels really strange to say that. I never really liked you before."

"I was living in my father's shadow. Thanks to Potter, I was able to move past that dreadful barrier and find my own light." He drank his champagne, watching his spouses as they talked to everyone. Music started on Molly's cue and he walked over, taking Harry's hand. "Consorts then brides get the first dance," he told him. They moved slowly, getting to know each other this way as well. Harry had taken lessons from some of the girls on the more formal aspects of dancing during his fourth year. They moved smoothly around the dance floor, smiling at each other as they chatted quietly about what would be happening over the next few days. Harry thought they should sit down and make emergency plans before going shopping, and Draco relented because it did make sense. Though he wasn't going out with them alone just yet. Harry even relented and allowed him to make a formal statement about their union to the papers. When that dance ended, Draco picked up Ron's hand and took he out to dance with her. She agreed with his plans and it made him happy. She agreed all the way up to the point of letting him buy her dresses. He had to remind her that she'd need them and as a married woman she couldn't wear those horrible little skirts the other girls wore because they were too short. He handed her off to Harry, watching as they danced off for a few minutes before going to talk to his Godfather. "Don't you think they're stunning?"

"Very," he agreed, sipping his drink. "Are you happier now?"

"Very," Draco agreed, smiling at him. "I'm also making a formal announcement." Snape looked stunned. "What better way to show that there's a 'no touching' zone around them?" He noticed one of his bodyguards staring and frowned at him. "I believe I'm about to have a problem. Excuse me." He walked off, taking both his bodyguards into the study with him. "Goyle, I want to know why you were watching my wife," he said in his most deadly and cold voice.

"We know you're doing this for some plan," Goyle sneered.

Draco slapped him. "I am not. You will treat her like you do my mother, Gregory, or I will make you the most miserable wizard on the face of the earth." Goyle continued to sneer so Draco walked over to the desk and pulled out a piece of paper he had written out after getting dressed. He signed his name and handed it to Crabbe. "For him." Crabbe looked stunned as he read it, handing it to Gregory. Goyle looked very hurt. "I will not have you disrespecting this family," Draco repeated. "Go tell your father I said so. I'll have your things sent home so you can pack for the train." Gregory slammed the door on his way out, his ears nearly steaming. Draco looked at his other bodyguard, his best friend in the entire world. "I was going to offer you your contract's end when you get married," he assured him. "With a good salary afterwards." He smiled. "Can you handle that?"

"Of course," Crabbe agreed breathlessly. "Thank you, Draco." He beamed. "Do you think Ron's ex would let me dance with her?"

"You're very smooth and manly, she might. You have only to ask," Draco suggested. Crabbe nodded and left, going to ask her to dance. Draco smiled at the other paper, then closed and locked the desk drawer before going back to his reception. He found Professor Snape. "We'll only need one extra bed," he said as he walked up to him.

"I saw Mr. Goyle leaving," Snape admitted. "Did you free him?" Draco nodded. "That was a good idea."

"Thank you. You will tell both your masters?"

"Of course." He smirked as Harry laughed, a true and joyous expression on his face. "He hasn't looked like that since he and Blaize got back together."

"That's another hurdle I'll have to cross," Draco agreed, watching his spouses play with each other. "They're quite lively."

"Good, you could use it." He looked at the boy. "I take it your mother agreed?"

"She foresaw it actually," Draco noted, taking a new glass of champagne from a house elf so he could sip it. "She's traveling about now, just in case something happens."

"Good idea." He nodded at Molly and Arthur as they walked over. "Are you satisfied with their unions?"

"It may not be love matches, but they seem content," Molly said happily. "Oliver was always such a nice boy to the twins. Ever since their first day he was a darling to them." She smiled at Draco. "You've always tried to guide Harry, even when he was in his blackest of black moods." She kissed his face. "Remember our talk, young man. If you hurt Ron, there are many things I can do to you that would be worse than your own father could dream up. Mothers are always more scary than Fathers." Arthur laughed and patted her on the back. She smiled at Snape again. "Will they be allowed to be together?"

"I'll be taking a copy of their license back with me to file it for them. Harry and Draco were already sharing a room, that will get Ron down with them. I'm sure Dumbledore will be most happy that he's being protected in such a strong manner." He sipped his drink, still on the first one. "Are you looking forward to the grandchildren?"

"There won't be any of those yet," Draco said firmly. "Not until we're out of school. Ron hasn't started a cycle yet so we've got to wait on that." Snape inclined his head.

Harry walked over and leaned against Draco's side, whispering in his ear. All the others got was that Ron had an idea. Draco smiled at him and shrugged. "Would that be possible or even helpful?"

"I'll consider the implications tonight," Draco agreed. He gave him a stunning kiss, making the new brothers-in-law clap. "Go tease Ron some more. I'm sure you're working her up quite well for me." Harry blushed but went back to teasing Ron. Draco smiled at the parents. "I made sure they knew they were mine," he admitted, walking away. He put an arm around Harry's waist, smiling as he felt him react to his presence. "You don't do that for her?" he teased, whispering in his ear.

"I made him stop thinking about my breasts," Ron said with a smile for him. "How much longer do I have to wear this dress?"

"For another few hours. I'll help you out of it myself," he said smoothly, winking at her. She blushed and Harry kissed her. Draco had his turn and Ron melted against him. "Good girl, Ron. Just a while longer and then I'll leash Harry to your thighs if you want. Of course, I'll get to really satisfy myself this time." She blushed brighter and cleared her throat, nodding behind him. He looked and saw Ginny. "Yes?" he asked pleasantly.

She scowled at him. "If you think my mother can do horrible things, it's nothing compared to what I and the twins can come up with. Remember that, Malfoy." He smiled and kissed her on the cheek. "Thank you. Now may I have Harry to talk to him? Percy wanted to tell him about what he had read over the years. He used to do the same research."

"Okay," Harry agreed, following her back to Percy's side. "What did you find?"

"Something a bit interesting. There may be problems if and when Ron gets pregnant," he said gently. "It's said that so many of them miscarry and die that it's not reasonable to expect it." Harry's face tightened. "Though that is only in the most recent times."

"Draco and I will research it fully. I'd never want Ron hurt, Percy."

"Good." He smiled at the boy. "See that you don't make her scream like she did last night."

Harry blushed. "That wasn't in pain," he admitted, then he scuffled off before he could become more embarrassed. He smiled at Oliver and held out a hand. "Welcome to the family," he said with a grin.

"You too," Oliver said, shaking it. He pulled Harry in for a hug. "I wish I had gotten to know you better, Potter. You're a neat little guy and you play great. Thinking about going pro?"

"I think I'm going to wait and see what the war brings," Harry said, looking sad. "I'd love to, but if I have to fight I don't want to lead on some coach."

"Good point. I'll tell my coach you said that." He ruffled the messy hair. "You be good to my sister-in-law or I'll get you when you do start playing pro. I started out playing beater you know." Harry shook his head. "I did, but then our keeper got ill and I found that I excelled there." He winked. "Go behave with your new mates. They looked like they could use a good hosing off." Harry blushed and he laughed. "Not like that yet. Save that for later."

"After we're gone so we don't have to hear it," one of the twins offered. Harry nodded, going over to hug his new mates hard. That twin laughed. "He's so see-through when it comes to them."

Oliver leaned closer. "And you're not?" he whispered. She blushed. "I'm flattered but I think we'll spend some time tonight talking instead. I want to know more before I dive in."

Fred kissed him and George hugged him from behind. "We can accept that," George agreed, giving him a squeeze.

"We're looking forward to it even," Fred agreed. "I never did understand why some women looked so bored."

"I'll show you later," George assured him. Oliver coughed. "With your help. I'd never dream of touching my own twin, Ollie."

"Good." Oliver kissed her and pulled her closer to hug her. Fred had been getting all the attention so far. He noticed Harry and Ron sneaking off and nudged them. "Maybe we should go talk now?" They nodded and helped him sneak away from their families.

Draco laughed and shook his head. "We're going to retreat for a nap. Celebrate for as long as you want." He strolled out, going to make the announcement to the press first. He wouldn't dream of interrupting Hermione and Vincent Crabbe while they were dancing together. Somehow, they looked like they fit together very well.

***

Three weeks later found Harry and Ron in their usual compartment and Ron changing back to an in-between spot. They looked at each other and nodded, going to find the women of Ron's house. She was going to need a few girlfriends and the Slytherin females were not to be trusted. They tapped on and entered one of the Gryffindor girls' compartments, sitting down near them.

"Harry, Ron," Parvati said, then her mouth opened. "RON?" He grinned and nodded. "YOU have breasts!" she said in shock.

"Don't you get the paper?" Harry asked. She glared at him. "Sorry, but it was in there."

"Whatever. Explain yourself."

Ron cleared her throat. "Due to a mishap with the twins, I'm now a changeling. That means I spend three weeks in each phase: male, female, or in-between. Right now, I'm in-between."

"You mean you have both?" another girl asked. Ron nodded, grinning at her. "That's got to be odd."

"Yeah, but it's kind of fun. That's why we wanted to talk to you lovely ladies before we landed at the school."

"What about Hermione? She's not into girls."

"I know. We broke up," Ron sighed. He looked at his hands. "There are three problems that are going to crop up. The first is this changing thing is going to cause some problems for me. I don't know what I'm doing most of the time and it's really odd. I'm not really fond of the skirts they put me in either."

"Who?"

"That's a shame," Parvati overrode, the other girl frowned at her for it. "We can help you with that though. It's not a big problem to talk to you and tutor you with the girl stuff. You are stunning."

"Thanks," Ron said with a light blush. "That leads to the second problem. This will make people want me very badly. I'm now considered a magical creature."

"Hagrid's going to love that," Parvati teased, earning another fabulous smile from Ron. "What's the third?"

"Why is Goyle looking in the window?" the other girl asked. "He's got a scary look on his face.

Harry coughed. "To protect Ron the best, we had two options. Find a protector or run screaming from the country and hide for the rest of her life." He held up his ring. "We both needed protecting."

She lifted Ron's hand to look at his ring. "That's the Malfoy crest," she said in confusion. She looked at Harry's held-out ring. "That is too, wrapped around your stone." She looked at Harry. "*You* had to run to him too?"

"He's protecting him from the people who only see him as a dangerous tool, to be used and then tossed away," Ron said firmly. "We both ran to him of our own free will. He's been wonderful about this so far."

"What do you have to do for him?" Parvati asked.

"Let him dress me, bear an heir sometime in the near future, and get a lot of sex," Ron said honestly, making the girls giggle. "I'm also officially Mrs. Malfoy now and Harry's a Potter-Malfoy. A changeling makes a legitimate trio to a couple." He leered. "I get woken up each morning and have someone help me with my hair and dress me."

"You get woken up for more than that," Harry said dryly.

"You mean." Parvati said, waving a hand.

Ron nodded. "I get a lot of morning wake ups for that. Harry's still a randy bugger."

The other girl laughed. "You mean the jump-happy Harry is back?" she teased him. He blushed and nodded. "Good. Do you do good things for her?"

"I'm having to wear undies to keep his fingers and tongue away," Ron said, blushing but felt she had to say it. "We're mostly happy. There has been a bit of adjustment but I'm going okay, mostly. I just need girlfriends and friends." They nodded. "Thanks."

"What about Hermione?" the other girl asked.

"She's upset, but she's sticking by us," Harry told her. "Can you start the rumors going the other way?"

Draco shoved Goyle, sending him crashing to the floor, then casually walked in. "Ladies," he said with a nod. He smiled at his mates. "You should probably change."

"Draco, do I have to wear a skirt when I'm between times?" Ron asked, nearly pleading.

"Just wear the appropriate underthings," Draco told him. "We'll make you stunning again in nine weeks." Parvati looked interested. "His schedule's set so that he's each phase for three weeks. So I'll do it in seven weeks." He blew a kiss. "Would you like to come sit with me? You are entitled to it."

"No, I want to sit with Harry like every year," Ron told him, smiling at him. He lost it when he saw Goyle staring at him. "He's doing it again, Draco."

Draco smiled confidently. "Let me handle it." He walked out and grabbed Goyle by the collar, dragging him away. He wouldn't dare hit him, it was too ingrained into his nature. He did try to struggle, but Draco's grip was cutting off his airway. He drug the boy into the compartment where the new Defense teacher was sitting. "Please keep him in here. He's staring at my wife and making her uncomfortable. If I catch him doing it again, I'm going to have to do something horrible and cruel to him." He strolled off, going back to the Prefect's compartment. He was the Head Boy, he ruled them all now.

Harry and Ron went back to their compartment after telling a few more of Ron's friends what had happened. Most of them took the paper and greeted him cautiously, but once they had it all explained to them they were fully behind Ron. They would spread it around the house so that nothing serious happened to Ron because of this necessity. Some of them even joked that this was a punishment of Draco for his smart mouth and ways. None of them picked on Harry, knowing he should have been one of them. He was even welcome in their common room if he was with Ron or Ginny.

***

Ron walked into the Great Hall and up to the head of his house, McGonagall. "Where am I sitting?" he asked quietly.

"Shouldn't you be in a skirt?" she asked.

"No, ma'am. I'm in a spot between either end. Draco said it was appropriate." She nodded her agreement on that. "I'm at three weeks in each phase and I'm two days into this one if it helps any. I have a schedule in my bags."

"That's fine," she agreed, smiling at him. "Are you satisfied with him?" Ron blushed. She laughed. "That's all the answer I need then. You may sit at either table, but we did honor your husbands' request that you be placed in his room. He'll know where it is or Snape will lead you down." She reached over to touch Ron's hair. "I like that look on you. Very sassy, which suits your nature."

"Thank you, ma'am." He beamed and looked at his table. Ginny pointed at the spot she had saved. Then he looked at Draco, who nodded at his old table. Ron nodded and went to sit beside his sister. "Thank you, Ginny."

"Shouldn't you be in your new house now?" a fifth year girl asked. "You did marry into it."

"That's what I was asking and McGonagall said I could sit at either table," he told her firmly. He saw Snape look at him and he shrugged. Snape pointed at his table and McGonagall had a quiet word with him. He shook his head and pointed at his table again. Ron sighed. "I guess I will go over there. Professor Snape seems to think it's more appropriate and I can't embarrass Harry."

Harry jogged over and kissed the back of Ron's neck. "They're debating it right now. A few of the sixth and seventh years don't want any of us over there." Ron smiled and kissed him for real.

"There will be none of that," Snape said as he walked over. "No public displays of affection of that nature." He looked down at Ron. "The teachers have decided that you can sit at either table, though I feel it is more appropriate for you to don Slytherin colors and sit at ours."

"Technically, we did marry into his house as well," Harry pointed out dryly. "I could don a Gryff outfit and sit with them." The kids around them laughed and cheered. "So could Draco."

Snape grimaced. "He is the stronger spouse, you married into his house," Snape said dryly. "Besides, there are two of you and one of him." McGonagall joined them. "Mr. Potter decided to be humorous and suggest they join your house," he told her.

She laughed. "They could. It has happened in the past." She smiled at Ron. "For special meals, you are to sit here, with your house. For the rest of the meals, you may be with whichever you want. Please do follow appropriate gender guidelines with your attire and everything should be fine," she assured him.

"Tell Draco that, he dresses us," Harry told her dryly. She smiled and Snape rolled his eyes. "Sorry." He gave Ron a kiss on the cheek then darted back to his seat on Draco's left. Crabbe was beside him. "They decided any event was to be over there and she could decide all the other times," he told Draco. "They also warned her to be in appropriate gendered attire. They're going to tell you that as well since I said you were in control of that."

Draco smiled at him. "Good reporting, Harry." He stroked Harry's thigh under the table. "Good boy." Harry moaned. "Just another hour and a bit and then we'll be in our rooms," he soothed. Harry swallowed. "Can you behave that long?" He looked where Harry was and saw Blaize. "Don't worry, he won't be upset."

"I didn't even think to write him."

"Why would you have? You've broken up," Crabbe pointed out.

"Yes, but we're still friends," Harry sighed. He felt the squeeze to his thigh and looked at Draco. "Sorry."

"It's all right. I understand. Look at the looks Pansy and the girls are sending our way." He smiled and kissed Harry gently. "There, that should prove it," he said with a smile.

"Snape said no PDA in the halls," Harry said with a grin.

"He can bite me, you are mine and I enjoy proving it," Draco said, his eyes lighting with an internal fire. Someone grabbed the back of his neck. "Yes, sir?" he asked, then had to revise his opinion when he saw it was Madam Hooch. "Sorry, ma'am, I was expecting Professor Snape."

"That is fine," she agreed stiffly. "You will find I am now your advisor. The Headmaster put me in charge of any married couples or trios in your case. I will see you in my office directly after dinner so we may have a discussion on proper etiquette." Draco nodded. "Good." She smiled at Harry. "I am always on your side, young man." She looked at them, then over at Ron, then back down at Harry. "Are you happy?" Harry beamed and nodded. "Then I will not be too hard on you. Being a newlywed is hard enough." She walked up to her seat, taking it regally. "They will be fine," she assured everyone. "Mr. Potter is happy."

"Wonderful," McGonagall said lightly.

"Yes. Wonderful," the Headmaster agreed. He watched Draco during dinner, he was so solicitous to Harry, being very careful with him.

After dinner, the trio came together and followed Madam Hooch down to her office. They were seated on a comfortable couch and watched as she filled out some paperwork, allowing them to switch among the houses when necessary. She handed over the blanket passes to Gryffindor and Slytherin. "I will expect those to be locked in a drawer," she told them. They nodded. "I was told you have your own room?"

"Harry and I are the co-Head Boys this year," Draco said proudly, though he felt it was only his due. He had worked hard to become the top student in the school. "I believe our room is now a single with a larger bed instead of the suite we nearly had."

"That's good," she agreed. "Mr. Potter, are you still playing?"

"Yes, ma'am." He pulled a letter Oliver had given him out of his pocket. "Mr. Wood sent this for you after his own marriage to the Weasley twins, Madam Hooch."

She smiled as she opened it, laughing at the good news it contained. "I shall send him a letter immediately," she agreed. She smiled at Ron. "What about now? You're not in proper attire."

"I'm in-between at the moment," Ron admitted. "Draco said pants were appropriate as long as I had enough male equipment." She nodded. "May I have a spare girl's uniform just in case I have to play while changed?"

"Of course." She retrieved it and handed it over. "You will want to practice, there are differences in balance between the male and female form." Ron nodded. "Good boy. If you need any help, let me know." They nodded and she dismissed them to their new dorm room. She smiled at their backs, they were quite cute together.

***

Draco looked around his room, smug that it was perfect for him. The house colors were everywhere. The bed was large enough for five people and they did tend to cuddle during the night so it would be more than large enough. The house elves that served Slytherin had already arranged everyone's things like they had them in their past rooms. For some reason, Ron was a slob since most of his things were piled neatly on the chest at the foot of the bed. He looked in each of the closets, they were full. No wonder Ron's things were piled on the chest at the foot of the bed. He found a small scroll lying on the personal desks, opening it to read the enclosed message. "We have a special hidden room," he said with a smile. "Plus access to a thermal spring." He walked over to where the note had said the special room was, opening the doors. He saw what was inside and shut it quickly. "That must have been Flint's influence," he decided, going back to the main closet. He found the portrait in the back, just like the note had said. When opened, it revealed a stone path leading down to a steaming lake. "Very nice," he said, smiling at whoever was looking over his shoulder. "Do you like it?" he asked Harry. Harry nodded. "We'll try it out this weekend."

He turned to find Ron napping on the couch and smiled. "Get her into the bed and I'll be right there once we figure out how to store her clothes." Harry nodded and walked over, gently waking Ron so he could lead her to the bed. It was interesting, she shrank three inches to her female form. Her feet were smaller, everything about her was smaller, except her chest. He saw the house elf popping in with a free-standing wardrobe and nodded them to put it against the desks. The remaining open space was meant for something he had in his pockets. They nodded and arranged it, quickly putting her clothes in there. It was a pitiful pile, but they had managed to pack a shrunken chest of clothes for her and they could always pop home and get more if they needed to change out.

He waited until they were alone then set up the privacy minders, the spells that would ensure they weren't spied up and couldn't be found unless they wanted to be. As soon as that was done, he reached into his robe pocket and pulled out a small case with drawers. In each one was a shrunken piece of furniture. The first to go up was the hidden cabinet. Unless the doors were open, it was invisible. The next was the bar set. He loved a drink now and again and Harry usually joined him these days. It helped him keep the nightmares away before tests. Then the hidden wardrobe and chest went up. They were full of his favorite Ron outfits and he would encourage her to wear them whenever possible. Last came his favorite reading chair and table lamp. It was the one he had always read under. It was a large whale oil lamp and it gave out wonderful, warm light that left creative shadows against the walls. He flopped down into his chair and put his feet up on the end of the couch. "There," he said in satisfaction. He decided to shift the sitting group one-hundred-eighty degrees so he could always face the door. That was more than enough and he was happy with that. Now no one not already in the room could sneak up on him and everything suited his finicky nature.

"Draco, come to bed, I need a cuddle," Harry called softly.

Draco smiled. Yes, everything suited his nature. He stripped off and walked into the bedroom area, climbing in to hold his husband tightly. "No bear?" he teased.

"I left it in the nursery," Harry whispered. Draco smiled at that. "I have two teddy bears now. I have a Ron bear and a Draco bear," he said with a naughty grin.

"I'm not that hairy."

"No, but you're definitely cuddly and perfect when I want something shaggy," he teased. Draco moaned at the word play but let Harry do whatever he wanted. He almost always enjoyed it and Harry was very well trained by Blaize for his pleasure. The only thing that ever bothered him was that Harry never gave suggestions about what he wanted. He stopped the boy from moving past his nipples. "What do you want tonight?" Harry looked stunned. "Have you never been asked that before?"

"Not often. Blaize and I had a routine. Why? I'm happy with whatever you want."

"I know, but I want to pleasure you. Give me some idea of what you want." Harry shrugged and Draco had to rein in his temper. He knew the boy wasn't being that way on purpose, but it was rather irritating. "What would you like me to do to you?" he asked again. "Should I kiss you?" Harry nodded, grinning as he leaned in for a long, slow kiss. Draco liked those, but it wasn't what Harry was craving and he could feel that through their bond. He could feel something interesting through the bond as well. "Harry, do you want me to tie you down?" he asked finally. Harry blushed and shook his head, not looking at him. "Shall I send away for something so I can do that to you?"

"Draco, don't read me like that," Harry whispered. "Please? I just want what's normal."

Draco laughed, waking up Ron. "If you want it, then it is normal. There's nothing wrong with that desire. If you want something like that, all you have to do is tell me. That's part of what a husband does for his mate." Harry looked stunned. "Did you never think about that? That I'm here to pleasure you as much as you are to pleasure me? Harry, consider it. I can wait to have you beg me for attention, but I will be treated like your equal in the bedroom."

"You're more than my equal," Harry said firmly. Ron goosed him, making him jump. "Don't do that!"

"Sorry," Ron said with an unrepentant grin. "What does Harry want you to do, Draco?"

"Just to please him I guess. Nothing special, nothing in particular; I suppose we'll have to teach him to be more demanding. At least until he gets his breast fix for the day." Harry drooled and swooped in to lick his again now that Draco had reminded him of what he had been doing.

Ron shook his head. "Don't worry, you'll get plenty of that when I'm nursing," he said, patting Harry on the back. Harry moaned and came without touching himself. "Hmm. A kink," Ron said with an evil smirk.

Draco felt so proud, he had corrupted Ron to his side of the house war. "I'm sure we can accommodate that as well once you're stuffed up," Draco agreed dryly. "Either that or do what he suggested and do it then."

Harry pulled back. "That was something I wanted to mention to you. Percy said he found a mention of most changelings having problems with being pregnant."

"I've found some mention myself, but the historical ones didn't. I doubt Ron will, Harry. She's a very strong girl and most of the ones who miscarried were either made to miscarry or they were attacked while they were pregnant. Since we won't let that happen, we'll simply spoil her rotten. That will be the only danger she'll be in."

"Yes, Draco," Harry said, believing him. Percy didn't like him and had never hid the fact that he didn't like him. He could have said that to upset him or to try and force space between them. He went back to his sucking, liking it quite a lot.

Draco patted the back of his head before pushing him off. "How about we play with yours for a bit?" he suggested. Harry's eyes lit up. "Would you like that, Harry? For me to torture your nipples like you do mine? So your shirt rubs them sore the next morning?"

"Yes, please," he said happily.

Draco laughed but he did lean down to play with them, teasing and licking them until they were in sharp points. He bit one and Harry arched up with a loud moan. "Good Merlin, he likes those things," Ron breathed. Harry latched onto one of his since they were in his face, making him look down. He reached past Draco but found the hand already stroking him. He had to pull away from the incredible mouth to shift around for a better grip. Harry grabbed him and turned him so he could taste his other favorite treat, making Ron wiggle and laugh. "Harry!"

"Tough," Harry said from between her thighs. "You like it."

"I know I like it, but you're being lewd."

Draco kissed her. "There's nothing lewd about that. Now if we had you in a sling and he was doing the same thing in front of strangers, that would be lewd." Ron shivered. "Really?" he asked, interested in that reaction. "You want to be watched?"

"No," Ron squeaked. "Tongue!" He grabbed Draco's arms to hold onto as Harry got her off the first time, going limp against the wiggling body. "That's it, no more tongue," he said, pulling away. Harry shifted down and sucked him in to give him a helping mouth there as well. "Draco, do something about him! He's going to make me faint."

"Harry," Draco warned. "Don't make her faint on top of you. She's the same size you are."

Harry pulled back. "I like the fact that you're both bigger than I am," he assured them, then went back to what he had been doing.

Draco and Ron shared a kiss and Draco caught her when she did indeed faint from the last spurt. He laid her carefully aside and attacked Harry the way he had done Ron, making him shriek and giggle, but he liked it. Draco pulled off and looked at him, a sneaky look on his face. "If you want more, you have to tell me what you want."

"Draco!" Harry complained.

"I'm waiting and so are you," Draco pointed out.

"Fine." He pouted at him. "May I please have more?"

"Yes, you may, Harry," Draco agreed, sucking him gently. He felt the gentle touch to his hair and pulled back. Harry was getting close, he could feel him tensing. His head was pushed back down and he mentally smiled. He played some more and his head was guided for him. He tried to touch his husband and he clenched up and actually told him not to do that. It was a clear victory for him. Now if only he didn't backslide after school tomorrow. Harry got off with a quiet groan and went limp under him. Draco lifted his head. "Did you want anything else?"

"Mark me?" Harry asked quietly, staring into his eyes.

Draco leaned down. "How, Harry? Should I nip you? Suck a mark onto you? Should I leak over you and rub it in? Tell me what you want."

"I want a sucked on mark," Ron said sleepily. Draco smiled at him. "And the rest of that," he said with a point at Draco's hardness, "if Harry doesn't." They both looked at Harry and he shook his head. "Does that mean that you don't want it or that you don't care?"

"I want it," Harry said firmly. "That and a small, private mark sucked onto me."

"I can do that," Draco agreed, shifting up to let him have his cock, and then turning to suck a mark onto Harry's stomach. It made him giggle because he had picked a ticklish spot, but he did suck one onto there. While Harry played he even gave one to Ron on his neck. "There," he said, satisfied with his handiwork. He stroked Harry's forehead. "You're going to be cranky tomorrow if you don't hurry up."

Harry looked up at him and swallowed hard, making Draco groan and come. "There, now I'm satisfied," Harry said happily. He snuggled against Ron's side, getting comfortable with him. Draco curled up against his back. "Thank you," he whispered.

Draco kissed the back of his neck. "You're welcome."

***

Snape looked at two of the people in his advanced class, sneering at them. "Mr. Malfoy. Mr. Potter-Malfoy," he said grimly. "Am I to be blessed with another year of your shenanigans?"

Harry smirked and nodded. "Yes, sir, just to make you beg for mercy." Draco snickered. "Well, it will," Harry pointed out with a wink for his mate.

"I see someone's managed to cure Mr. Potter-Malfoy's morning grumpiness. However did you do that, Mr. Malfoy?"

"By fucking him until he begged for mercy this morning before breakfast," Draco assured him. "It works wonders on Harry's bad moods." He heard Crabbe whisper in sotto-voice that it would probably help Snape too and had to hold in his laughter.

"Fine. I suppose you're beingcareful?"

"Of course. Harry and I do quite well together, even if he does appreciate nipples too much." He rubbed the sore one Harry had attacked after breakfast while they were waiting for the door to open. Harry grinned a naughty grin at him.

"In the future, do not share such incidences," Snape warned, going back to his desk. "As we are now blessed with a married trio, I feel it necessary to jump ahead. I'm sure you will all fail," he told the combined Advanced class. There weren't enough of them to warrant separating out the houses. "Mr. Potter-Malfoy, kindly move away from your husband and two seats down. Mr. Crabbe, behind him. Mrs. Patil, with Mr. Potter-Malfoy" He continued to rearrange the class to break up the friends. When he was done, he gave them the potion to work on, an infertility one. He had to have the last word. "See that you get yours right, Mr. Malfoy," he sneered.

"I'm very careful to get all sexual potions right, sir. As you very well know." Draco gave him a look that said he probably wouldn't want the potion they had worked on during a detention last year to get out. Snape went back to his desk, leaving him alone for the rest of the class. Of course, he had someone who didn't do things the way he did, but that was fine. He instructed her quite easily. She had always taken instruction quite easily when it came to doing things for him.

***

Ron looked up as the Care of Magical Creatures teacher, Hagrid, walked up to him outside. "Hi." He gave him a hug. "I'm not on the syllabus, right?"

"Not at all," Hagrid said with a smile. "I'd never do that to you, Ron." Ron giggled and let him go so he could teach the rest of them.

Pansy looked over at Ron. "Why aren't we studying him?" she asked, sneering at him as she stopped the class.

"Because she's not a creature, she's a person," Hagrid said firmly. "The same as you are most of the time." She huffed and stomped off. "Didn't want you in here anyway," he noted. He went back to his introductory lesson on what they would be studying this year, making sure they knew they were going to have a lot of homework. It was the best way really. They had to know a lot of things by the end of the year.

***

That night, Ron and Harry wandered into their room tired and sore. Harry had watched Ron flying around and one of his own teammates had tried to beat him up. Fortunately, Crabbe had beaten the other kid and no teachers had been around. Draco joined them a few minutes later and gave them quizzical looks. "Fortuna," Harry told him. "Ron was at practice."

"Wonderful." Draco walked over to give them both backrubs, but Harry winced and Ron shook his head. "Ron, why don't you take a long, hot bath? I'm going to take Harry up and have his ribs checked. One doesn't feel right."

"Sure, Draco. Are you locking the door behind you?"

"And I'm sending Vincent down to make sure you're fine. I'm not sure why they wouldn't let him have an accessory room off ours." He used the floo to call the house, starting Crabbe on his way, then took Harry upstairs once he was safely settled onto the couch. "Madam Pomfrey, I think he has a broken rib or two," he said quietly.

"I've seen his opponent. He probably has more than that," she noted, her lips pursed. "Onto the table and take off your shirt." She checked him and smiled. "Only some deep bruising this time. Tell me, who finished him off for you?"

"My bodyguard," Draco assured her. He helped Harry back into his shirt. "Liniment and a long hot bath?"

"Some gentle massages would probably help as well," she agreed. Vincent came running in. "What's wrong now?"

"Someone knocked me out to prove they could, Draco," Vincent panted.

"Ron?" Harry asked calmly.

"She's fine. I sealed the bathroom door shut so nothing could get in there."

"Good work," Draco praised. "Let's go see to the wife. Thank you, Madam." He accepted the liniment and walked down first. He found his Head of House waiting on him. "Was it you?"

"No. The general spell cleaning did it," Snape said, looking earnest.

"Bullshit!" Ron called. "Let me out?" Vincent let him out, making sure he had a towel to cover him. "The privacy spell's still on, I can feel it in the bathroom," he pointed out coolly. "Who was going to take me?"

Snape shrugged but he caught Potter's face. He could also feel him starting to build up magic again. "Enough," he said calmly.

Harry winced as he pushed him against the wall with that extra power boost. "WHO!" he shouted.

"Harry, calm down," Draco soothed, patting him on the back. "You'll have to excuse him, he gets a bit upset with people when they try to take what's his." He checked Ron over, smiling when she readily let him examine what was under the towel. "Thank you, Ron. You look wonderful." She blushed and wrapped herself back up so she could hit him on the arm. "Ow! Shrew."

"And don't you forget it either," Ron taunted, then he looked at Snape. "Do you trust him?"

"Not in that state," Harry said quietly. "That's not the usual Snape. He would have killed me if I had pushed him like that before."

"Good point," Draco agreed, walking over to him. "Harry, can you break spells? Unforgivables?"

"In theory."

"Then try to clean him up. Fight, sir, it's the only way," he said gently, nodding at Vincent to hold him in place.

Harry tried, but it was still sticking. "We need Hermione," he announced.

"Going," Ron said, slipping into some clothes. He jogged out of the room, heading directly to the tower. No one would dare snatch him in the middle of the hall. They were trying to be sneaky and he would be fine. Though he could feel the paintings watching him. He walked in and looked around. "Granger?" he panted. They pointed up the stairs. "Good. Thank you." He headed up to the top room, that's where she said she was earlier, and knocked gently. "Hermi?" She opened the door, looking at him. "We need your help," he said quietly. "Harry and Draco found Snape under a curse. Harry can't break it."

"He only fails with the...." she trailed off. "Really?" she demanded. Ron nodded. "Let me get my wand and my notebook, I'll come with you," she agreed. She grabbed the necessary things and followed him back down the stairs, only smiling slightly when she saw him rubbing his chest. "Yes, they get in the way, especially yours at that size." He grinned at her. "Let me in?"

Ron said the password so she could hear it and let them in, following her so he could lock the door. No one was in the room. There was a note on the table. "The Chamber," he said, trying to remember the way. "Okay, come on. They've moved him."

"Which chamber?" she demanded, following him out the door.

"The Chamber of Secrets." He smiled at her. "Harry led me down there before, don't worry about it." He managed to find the entrance and took off his shirt. "Here, we'll need to be blindfolded. Harry said it can drive you mad if you haven't killed something."

She nodded and ripped the shirt for him, taking half. "How are you guiding us?" she asked, taking his hand so he could lead the way.

"Easy, I'm homing in on Harry and Draco." He followed the feeling of the bond, getting closer. Until they ran into a wall. "Oi!" he yelled. "Come get us!"

"That's another way," she smugly agreed. Someone took her hand and she led Ron this time, just a few steps to the side, then the shirt was removed. "Wow." She looked around, blinking at the size of the cavern. "You fought in here?" she asked as she walked over to where Draco was sponging off Snape's face.

"Yeah, I did," Harry admitted, smiling at Ron. "I liked that shirt."

"So buy me a new one," Ron teased, stealing a kiss. "I don't remember a wall."

"A few stones fell," Harry said with a shrug. "You were going the right way." He walked Ron over, leaning against her side while they watched.

It was Vincent who noticed Ron didn't have a shirt on. He stood up and offered his to her then got back down to help. "Thank you for wearing it, Ron. Just put it into the wash."

Draco looked at Ron, watching as she put on the overly big shirt. "You had been wearing a shirt."

"We used it for a blindfold," Hermione said primly. "It's not like I wanted a peek at them. I know what breasts look like." She found the counter she was looking for and cast it, blocking him from having it cast on him again. It was something Bill Weasley had found for her in the course of his studies. She smiled at him. "Good evening, Professor, how do you feel?"

"I have a headache," he noted, sitting up. He looked at everyone. Then at the room. "Why are we in here?"

"You stunned Crabbe and entered my chambers to try and do something with Ron, sir," Harry told him. "We had to get Hermione's help to free you from the curse you were under."

"You were Imperious'd," Vincent agreed. Hermione smiled at him and he felt the earth lighten around him. Then he shook himself, this was a time to be serious. He did smile back at her though. "Do you remember what you were sent to do, sir?"

Snape nodded slowly. "I was sent to examine Mrs. Malfoy," he told them. "Earlier a boy was sent to the pitch and I had to check her over." He looked at Ron and used his wand on her. "I don't know what I was looking for."

"They might not have told you, only expected you to answer questions later," Harry soothed. He helped the man up. "We should probably move him to that bedroom area," he pointed out. "His head's got to ache."

"Fine," Snape agreed, letting him lead the way.

"How did you get in here before, sir?" Ron asked. Draco looked at him. "Harry said he had seen him in here before."

"There's a portal in the dungeons that leads in here," Snape admitted. "The password is Ritual." Harry nodded. "It's a picture of a river."

"Thank you, sir. We'll go out it and reset the password to something you'll know," Draco informed him. Snape nodded, letting himself be put into the bed. Once he was down, he led the way back next to the statue of the head. "What do we do now?"

"Either they think Ron is pregnant or they're hoping Ron's schedule could be found out," Vincent suggested.

"The second takes a test kit," Draco told him. "If it's the first, then there's a reason. Harry, we'll be researching tonight through my father's books." Harry nodded. "Ron, you are not to move from one of our sides. I trust everyone here and no one else. Do you understand?"

"Ginny," Harry put in.

"They could be using her and she wouldn't even know," Draco reminded him. "He can talk with his sister in our room. I've got a few more powerful shielding and protection spells I can use. I found them in my father's things. It was how he shielded his workroom so no one could find it."

"I have some as well," Hermione put in. "We'll compare notes, Draco." He nodded. "That's fine, now what?"

"Now we can either leave the new way and reset the password or we can stay in here and watch him," Draco offered. "Up to you, really; what do you want to do tonight."

"I think we should set up a small emergency pack down here," Harry put in. "We can always disable the other entrances. The one in the bathroom is keyed to a parsletongue. It gives us a safe place to hide."

"Plus, once we disable the other entrances, that means we could have the bed in case we needed to hide down here," Vincent put in, blushing when he saw Hermione's look at him.

"Just kiss her," Draco sighed. "Hermione, he's a very nice young man who never wanted to sleep around. He only did it to fit in with the other boys our age." She blushed but did let him kiss her on the cheek. "Thank you." Draco looked at Harry. "What did you find in your vault, the letter that upset you?"

"I found the notice that I was listed as a national treasure when I was a baby."

"Wow." Ron blinked at him. "That's wonderful. What does it do for you?"

"It means if anyone kills him they're guilty of treason," Draco said with a fond smile for Harry. "It also means that he has the authority to do things like marry couples and to speak in front of the courts on his own, without a councilor if he wants. It also means that any important birthday, like his next one, can be declared a national holiday and day of celebration, giving a lot of people the day off." Vincent snickered. "Harry, you're official, marry them," he said, waving at Hermione and Vincent. She squawked. "That way it's done and you can't escape us," he told her, smiling at her. "I think you'd make a darling couple. Vincent, propose."

"Draco, no offense, but I've only danced with her. I'd like to speak with her for a bit if I can." Draco grimaced at him. "Of course I will if you say so."

"I would never do that to you," Draco sighed. "Fine, take her into the cloak room and get to know her. Harry and Ron know her. She's got to trust one of the two of us." She glared at him, her lips white where they were pressed together. "Oh, do get over it," he sighed. "There's no need to get pissy. You will like him. I know you will. Vincent is not the thug everyone thinks."

"He's not," Ron agreed. "He's a really nice guy who likes to read a lot at home." Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Our friends should be friends," he said firmly. "At least talk to the guy and get to know him."

"Fine," she sighed, leading him across the river to talk to him. He put down his robe for them to sit on like a gentleman, impressing her greatly. "Thank you. Vincent was it?"

"Vincent," he agreed with a slight smile. "Named after my father. I'm a Junior."

"Wonderful." She smiled and patted his hand. "Don't worry, I won't let them force us to do anything like marry." She shuddered. "We're much too young for that activity."

He shrugged. "Half of our house was betrothed at birth. The other half is now picking their mates. This is the normal level of activity for us. Besides, Draco seems very happy and he wants that same happiness for me."

"You don't even know me, Vincent."

"So tell me," he said with a smile. "I know you're beautiful, you're intelligent, you read a lot. You're nearly as good at hexes as Draco is. You've got fire in your eyes," he said, shifting closer so he could take a sniff. "You smell like gardenias. You're very understanding and you're really hot," he finished with a hopeful smile. "Can I kiss you for real?"

She sighed and shook her head. "There's more to me than the fact that I'm stunningly smart and fast. What do you like to read?"

"Mysteries mostly, some fantasy stuff," he admitted, looking down at his own lap. Staring at hers would get him into trouble. "You?"

"I mostly like to read science fiction and fantasy," she admitted. He gave her a smile and she felt her insides make that motion that Ron used to cause in her. "Why me?" she asked.

"Because you're wonderful and you're caring. The way you stick by Harry and Ron is something that I understand. Even if I wasn't bound to Draco, I'd be beside him most of the time. He's my best friend and the closest I'll ever get to being a brother." She did smile, and it was a wonderful sight. "Also because you let me dance with you during the wedding and you never said anything when I stepped on your foot," he admitted with a shy look at her. It was an act but it seemed to help him a lot. He could not steam ahead with this one. "Besides, I think you're wonderful. Isn't that enough of a reason?"

"I suppose," she sighed. He pulled her over and kissed her, a long, hard, probing kiss that made her pant when she finally got away. "That was quite enough. I expected a small peck."

"Sorry," he said with a grin. "As Aunt Narcissa says, boys my age have problems with controlling their bodies. They tend to run us instead of the other way around." He ran a finger down her nose. "I still think you're more than stunning, you're splendid and wonderful."

"If you say so." She looked him over. "We can start having talks in the hallways and walking each other to class if you want."

"Sure," he agreed, even though it wasn't the shag he wanted. She smiled because she knew he wanted more. "It's enough for now," he assured her. "I won't jump you in the halls the way Harry used to do to Blaize."

She nodded. "That might be a good idea. I'd get a reputation."

He laughed and shook his head. "Your reputation is that you're frigid to all the blokes, Hermione. Not that you'd go out with any of us until we jumped through a lot of hoops for you. Besides, I don't brag. I haven't about either of my other conquests."

"Don't tell me, I don't want to know," she said quickly.

He laughed. "I wasn't going to. That is not gentlemanly behavior. Draco taught me that."

"He brags."

"No, others brag on him. He only teases Harry with them to get his goat." He shrugged and stood up, helping her up. "Come on, we should stop their cuddling before it becomes sex. I've seen more than enough of that already."

"You watched them?" she asked, feeling a bit warm.

Vincent noticed the flush on her cheeks and guessed she might want to see it. "We could stay over here," he whispered in her ear. "Pretend to be chatting and the like." She gave him a big eyed look and he grinned. "It's very impressive." She nodded and they sat back down, watching as Draco subtly moved Ron's underwear out of the way so he could enter her while she sat on his lap. Harry was pouting at them. Ron's voice echoed around the room, getting higher and higher. Harry started to pant and touch himself, making Hermione get a bit warmer. Vincent stroked a finger down her upturned arm. They were now lying against each other, blatantly watching, and she was more than shocked at herself. Suddenly, Harry pounced Draco, getting him onto his back and taking what he wanted for himself. He slid down the hard pole like it was greased and moaned the whole way down. They heard the quiet words Ron was soothing his husband with as she stroked his back, watching as well. Draco came and Ron shifted, pushing Harry onto his hands and knees, climbing behind him so he could finish him off. Harry wailed as he came, then he was put next to Draco while she teased herself for their pleasure. When she was done, Harry pulled her closer so he could clean her up with his mouth, making her come again.

Hermione blinked a few times. "I have never watched before," she admitted.

"I told you they were good," he whispered, stroking down her neck. "May I kiss you, Hermione?" She nodded, nearly attacking him in her eagerness. She felt a finger slide under skirt and panties but wasn't going to say anything about it. Not right then. He smothered the noises she was making. "Shh. Watchers have to be quiet," he whispered in her ear. "Otherwise your quarry knows." She smothered her noises against his chest, letting him get her off. "Good girl," he praised. He licked off his fingers. "You look wonderful like that." She blushed as she looked up at him. "You do. If I wasn't ready to blow myself off, I'd do more to you, make you make more sounds like those." She smiled and shifted around to give him a helping hand, making him come and cover his eyes in embarrassment. "Thank you, Hermione."

"Hermi," she whispered in his ear. "This stays between us," she told him. He smiled at her. "I will be seeing you again?"

"All the time. I even know a quiet place to do this with the other kids. I'll show you?" he offered. She nodded. "Thank you."

"No, thank you. That was brilliant." She kissed him again and snuggled up against his chest. "We should wait on them to wake up," she explained at his stunned look.

"I adore cuddling," he promised, holding her tightly against his chest.

Across the stream, Draco smiled at his sleeping mates. That had been a good show. He knew what Vincent liked and he had been right, Hermione liked it as well.

***

When they emerged the next morning, the new couple went their separate ways but they did give each other a longing look. Professor Snape went to breakfast, just like usual. The trio decided they'd had enough for the week and went out to get ice cream. It was what they usually did when they didn't want to be in class. This year they were just starting a bit earlier than usual - it wasn't November yet. They grabbed Harry's invisibility cloak and headed out through the tunnels, going to the town, where they bribed the owner of the sweet shop to let them use the floo. He even gave them some cocoa when they came up out of the basement. He seemed to enjoy their jaunts as much as they did. So they went to London to do some minor shopping. They went to Paris, courtesy of Draco, to do some major shopping and for lunch. They flooed back to Hogsmeade and ran up the tunnels so they could appear at dinner. Then Snape caught them afterwards, dragging them off by their collars to the Headmaster's office.

"Boys," the headmaster sighed, shaking his head. "What were you thinking? You're supposed to be a good role model, Draco."

Draco snorted. "I'm a Slytherin and I'm bored! What did you expect?" he asked with some humor. "Did you expect me to not cure the nagging itch of mental boredom with something more worthwhile?"

"Shopping for underwear was mentally worthwhile?" Snape asked.

Harry looked at him and nodded. "Very," he said smugly. "You should try it sometime, sir; it'd probably help you a lot. Help you imagine all sorts of new potions that you could torture the students with."

Snape frowned at him but his black eyes showed some amusement at that suggestion. "I have enough imagination for that task as is. You students give me all the reasons I need to think up new and horribly disfiguring potions. As a matter of fact, we made one today in the class you missed. It's worth half this term's grade."

Harry shrugged. "Yay. Like I'm going to be working for a living."

Dumbledore sighed. "That's not the point, Harry. Even if yourhusband does take care of you and decides that you aren't to work, you still have to know the class."

Draco gave him a harsh look. "Because I'm so unskillful?" he asked in a deceptively calm voice.

"No, because you may die before he does," Snape semi-promised. "Now, you have detention with me every day this month. We will have a lot of enjoyable times together I'm sure." He smirked at Ron. "You, of course, will get to scrub things. Mr Potter-Malfoy will get to do some of that as well." He smirked at his godson. "You can scrub all the cauldrons for all the classes."

"Yay," Draco said dryly. "That means I get to make them disappear as well, doesn't it?" he asked, giving him a look. "That would be an acceptable mental challenge, wouldn't it?"

Ron smacked him on the thigh. "Stop it before he robs his own house of points."

"Yay," Harry said dryly. "We don't care. The rest of the creatures in the house are on their own, they always have been, Ron. They don't like me, I don't like them, they tend to leave us alone." He looked at Dumbledore. "Anything else, sir? I'm rather tired after our trip to Paris today."

"I believe we should talk about your extra training, Harry," Dumbledore said quietly. "How is that going?"

"Draco's a whiz at getting him to work," Ron said, smiling at Harry, then at Draco. "You do very good in the motivation department."

"I should, I lived in the same room with the boy for the last six years. I know what motivates him the fastest." He touched his wife's ear. "Don't hit me again."

"Fine, sorry," Ron said with a small grin. "We like you."

"I like you as well," Snape agreed. "Are you drunk?"

"Nope, not today," Ron told him, standing up. "Are you taking their Head Boy status?" Dumbledore sighed and shook his head. "Then we're going to go back to our rooms and unpack our new clothes. Female clothes I might add." He tugged Harry up and Harry kissed Draco firmly, making him follow along. "Really," Ron sighed. "Two of us are adults, what do they think we're doing?"

"That's true, Mr. Potter-Malfoy isn't," Snape agreed from behind them. "Perhaps we should need a permission slip from his guardians?"

"He's married, that means I'm his guardian," Draco reminded him. "And I say Harry is to follow me all day every day for the rest of his natural and unnatural life." He put a hand on Harry's rear to make his point clear to his godfather. "Do try more things. It's not like you're going to win. We can leave. Us being married means that Harry can have our permission to leave and that's all he needs by Ministry standards." He blew a kiss. "Excuse us, I have to teach Ron how to wear a thong now. They so delight Harry. He drools." He walked them to his room, undoing both locks and letting them in. He relocked it and kissed Harry soundly. "You, behave in front of the people trying to mold you." He kissed Ron. "You, never hit me again or you'll be put over my lap and spanked like your mother should have. You may pinch, bite, nibble, or even suck, but you may not hit."

"Yes, Draco," Ron said, giving him a miserable look.

"Fine, you can give light love taps," Draco sighed, giving in. That's when he realized the protective part of the spell had kicked in. "Ron, are you *needy*?" he asked, purring slightly.

"I am!" Harry said, bouncing slightly.

Ron grinned at him. "We know that, Harry, you've been all but in my clothes with me all day." He looked at Draco. "I want you to touch me but it's not a *need* yet, why?"

"Because I believe that the bond has sparked," he said, giving her a kiss. "You are rather a special creature, Ron, you were even before you were changed." He pulled away and picked up Harry, tossing him onto the bed. "Stay there. No touching anything on yourself or on us until we're fully unpacked." Harry pouted but he did as he was told. Draco wouldn't play with him otherwise, he had already learned that lesson today. Draco had Ron put on one of the flimsy nightgowns they had bought and get onto the bed, but not to touch Harry, then he put everything away except tomorrow's outfits. He walked over to look at his prize possessions, remembering the question Harry had asked during the reception. He made it so anything said by them was inaudible to an outside and frowned. "Harry asked me a question and I think we need to discuss it," he said quietly. "He wanted to know if anything about this, that he could do, would help him in the war." He sat on the end of the bed looking at them, prompting them for an answer.

"If we did the process on him before the final battle and made him spend the day under us would it help?" Ron asked.

Draco nodded. "It will make him stronger. As it did you, Ron." Ron nodded, that was true. "What I'm concerned about is that he could be used if we did it."

"Or that old stinky butt will pant?" Harry asked.

Draco nodded again. "Also a good point." Ron groaned. "What?" he asked, looking worried.

"A thought. If you put me in a thong tomorrow, I'll have to wear it to detention."

"Harry, set her back on track," Draco ordered. Harry leaned over and kissed her then moved down to her neck. "Thank you." Harry didn't let go so he sighed and went on anyway. "There is a way to use Ron's blood without her dying," he continued. "It won't make him as strong as he would be on his own though."

"Is there a temporary one?" Ron breathed, getting into what Harry was doing.

"I don't know," Draco admitted, thinking about it. "I've never seen one."

"Could we make one?" Ron moaned as Harry moved down, bypassing her breasts for once.

"We might be able to make one, but we'd risk it not working or being permanent." Harry shrugged. He pulled him away from Ron's stomach and the new sensitive spot he had found. "Was that an answer?"

"Draco, can we do it while I train?" Harry asked. Draco nodded, thinking it sounded like a reasonable suggestion. "Then I'm willing to take that chance. Right now, it's a slim ray of hope in a dim future. If it's permanent, it is. If it doesn't work, we'll train me harder."

"Plus, if we can get the twin's notes it's started for us," Ron added, stealing Harry back. "Do more, Harry."

"Yes, Ron," he said dutifully, going down on her.

Draco rolled his eyes at those two's act. "Fine, I'll be the brains. It's not like I'm not the smartest anyway."

"Brilliant," Ron agreed.

"Genius," Harry put in between licks.

This time Draco stole Ron. "Brains now, brainlessness later, boys."

Harry attacked Ron where she was sitting on Draco's lap. "If I wanted to use my brain, I wouldn't be ripping Ron's clothes off."

Ron swatted at him. "No ripping clothes," he ordered.

Draco kissed her ear. "He can rip that one, that's why we bought it." Harry ripped the nightgown with a look of unholy glee and carnal delight. "Can we get the twin's notes?"

"I'll beg tomorrow," Ron moaned, spreading out for Harry's pleasure. "They'll agree if they think it'll help."

"You can't tell them why," Harry reminded him before moving lower.

"I can get around that," Ron groaned. "Draco, make him suck!" he demanded.

"Harry, quit teasing," Draco said patiently. "Or else you'll get it later and you hate being teased." Harry quit teasing and Ron suddenly stiffened on his lap, making him hold her up while her mouth opened and she let out an ear piercing wail of joy. "Banshee," he teased. She gave him a dopey grin and slid off onto the bed. Someone pounded on the door. "We're going to have to get you a gag," he said as he got up to answer it. He found a worried Snape on the other side. "She screams when she gets off. She even scared her father," he noted. Snape shook his head and forced his way inside. "Fine," Draco agreed, looking at the bed. "Harry, let her up for a few. You can finish licking her later," he said as he closed the door. Almost immediately someone knocked so he opened it again. "Granger," he said, letting her in. Vincent was right behind her. "What do we owe this pleasure to?"

"McGonagall just told us to come down here," Hermione said with a shrug. She saw Harry and Ron cuddling on the bed, Harry covering an obviously nude Ron. "You could let her get dressed, Draco," she said, turning to him.

"Harry just ripped her clothes off, why would she want to get dressed?" Draco asked.

"Good point," Vincent agreed, smiling and waving at the duo on the bed. "Maybe a robe? I don't want to leer at her but she's got a nice chest, Draco."

"Ron, robe," Draco agreed quickly. Ron sighed and let Harry grab her a robe and a new nightgown to lounge about in. "Thank you." He looked at Snape. "Why did you come?"

"Minerva heard something and she's worried," he said, getting comfortable. Someone knocked on the door. "That should be her."

Draco let in the other teacher, nodding at her for her look around. "I brought some touches of home," he admitted smugly. "Do sit, tell us what's going on."

She sat and looked at Harry. "Harry, I've found something out and you're not going to like it." He shrugged. She frowned. "I'm serious."

"What's happened now?" Hermione asked.

"His cousin was attacked by a Death Eater tonight. Fortunately the boy beat him senseless and took his wand before he got off more than a hex." Harry shrugged. "That doesn't concern you?"

"Dudley's a bully. Was he in a group or did they stalk him?" Harry asked.

"As far as we were told, he was in a group. They don't know about your aunt and uncle. Or about the boy's relationship to you. He did tell the muggle police that the man had a wand. That has been removed from the official reports." She smiled at him. "We thought there might be more to it so I sent someone to watch the house. For some reason, they're allowing him contact with them. I saw him chatting with one in full kit and mask." Harry's face hardened even as one eyebrow went up. "We don't know what's going on but we have to believe that he's consorting with them."

"Then that's his problem," Draco told her, moving closer to Harry, the same as Ron was.

"Why would they let a muggle that close and actually talk to him?" Hermione asked.

"Because they're searching for Harry's weaknesses," Ron told her. She slumped down a bit. "That means that they have to know and there's a leak in Dumbledore's office, right?" She nodded. "Do we have any idea who?"

"One of the house elves," Draco said, coughing to clear his throat. "Vincent, remember how many times we thought he was talking to a child?"

Vincent nodded, looking grim. "I do. It seemed like it was at least once a month until we started school, then we heard it every once in a while," he said thoughtfully.

"Well, we know it's not Dobby or Knuppy," Ron pointed out. "One's drunk most of the time and Dobby's too happy about being freed for it to be them."

"The school employs nearly eighty house elves," Snape offered. "None of the traditional truth methods work on them either."

"What is Dumbledore doing about this?" Hermione asked.

"He's letting it go for now. He doesn't believe the second report," McGonagall told her. "That's why I came to you directly. I know we're not exactly on the same side any more, but we are all fighting for the same reason." Harry nodded. "Let me say I am sorry. I thought it was necessary up until the end of your first year, Harry. After that I did push to have him let you go. I was very wrong about you."

"Hindsight is wonderful," Harry said bitterly. "I'm not going back there. They can run away like everyone else."

"I understand," she agreed.

"Understand what?" Snape asked.

Draco cleared his throat. "His cousin is a bully greater than Goyle only he has to have a pack around him. You could say he and my father share similar qualities of courage." Snape's face went paler. "Add to that the fact that his aunt and uncle support this behavior and encourage it. That's all he's shared with me about that person, but I fear there is more," he said, looking at Ron. "Don't you have more facts?" He kept Harry from saying anything or protesting.

"They decide not to feed him now and then for weeks on end," Ron added. "They put bars on his windows so he can't get out of his room. Little things like that too," he noted bitterly.

Snape slumped in on himself. "Lucius was the one who told us the boy was spoiled."

Harry gave a bitter laugh and Draco eased up on him. "I'm no more spoiled than you are," he said dryly. "Now if you wouldn't mind, we're planning things now. We'll factor this in as well. I'm sure my uncle and aunt support their son, if only so they can get rid of me in a more permanent fashion."

Draco suddenly smirked. "We never told your adoring relatives about our marriage," he told everyone. Harry and Ron burst out laughing. "With your permission, we're going to go out to dinner the day after tomorrow. I believe I should meet my adoring in-laws." McGonagall looked astonished but Snape did nod and look very smug. "Harry, find us somewhere suitably upscale where they can't throw a fit. Ron, love, may I fix your gender tonight?"

"Male or female?" she asked. "And for how long?"

"We'll be skipping the male part this time," he assured her, giving her a kiss. "I'll try to put you back this weekend."

"Is that wise?" Hermione asked.

"It will only hurry his cycle," Snape told her as he stood up. "I'll allow you out of your detentions tomorrow night for such an event. Do tell me how it went," he said with a nod before leaving.

McGonagall smiled at them. "If you do, remember she must be in an appropriate school uniform," she reminded. "That means she must be wearing the uniform."

"Technically, I don't have to," Ron told her. "I'm only in three classes, the rules say full time students." She smiled smugly. "The book was handed to me by Percy even."

She rolled her eyes. "As long as you are enrolled here, I will expect you to be properly attired as a student, Mrs. Malfoy. Until such a time as you drop out." She walked out, leaving them there.

Draco looked at his bodyguard and Hermione. "Did you know we have an extra room?" Vincent shook his head. "We do, but it needs cleaned up. If you want, you may have it for overnight stays. I'm going to get some of my father's stores up from the closet." He walked Vincent over and opened the door, showing him everything in there. "I suppose Flint left it. There's not enough dust for it to have been any other Slytherin Head Boy." He clapped him on the back and walked out, heading to get them the usual stockpile of liquor and treats.

Hermione walked over and looked inside, then gasped. "That's horrible!" she said firmly. "Help me take it down, Vincent." She walked into the small room, working on the first leather strap to get it free of the chain holding it up.

He walked in and the door shut. There was an exit marking so it should be fine. "Hermione, it's not for bad things. Otherwise there would be a drain. This was for people who liked to be whipped for pleasure." She scowled at him. "Sorry. Of course I'll help you take it down. The same as you can help me move in a comfortable bed and chairs?" She nodded and he found her something to stand on, helping the most by steadying her as she worked with his hands around her trim waist. Slowly the restraints and chains came down, piled in a heap on the floor. He'd have to send those to Blaize, he would adore having them. He kissed her lower back suddenly, making her wobble a bit. "You look hot doing that."

She looked down at him. "Why?"

"Because you're stretched out and I can see your breasts jiggle and I think you're really pretty."

"Vincent," she sighed. "Now is not the time for such sentiments."

"Now is the perfect time," he corrected, lifting her off and over his shoulder. There was a small mattress in the corner so he laid her on it, kissing her gently. "I'll try for romantic next time," he assured her, then he kissed her again. She moaned and arched up under him, making him wiggle against her a bit. "I do like you, Hermione. Draco was being pushy because he knew I like you. He wants me to be happy and you make me happy."

"I always thought you were more a man of action," she teased. He grunted and nipped her hard on the collarbone. "Sorry, I enjoy your voice."

"You wouldn't know this but I was forever asking for words to help me with my crossword puzzles," he told her, kissing her gently. "May I do what I did the other night?" he pleaded. "Without or with your clothes on if you want."

She laughed and pushed up against his hips, making him shiver. "I wouldn't mind at all, but seeing those straps disturb me, Vincent. Help me get them all down and I'll let you take off my clothes and kiss me some more."

"Like Harry does to Ron?" he asked, looking excited by the prospect. "Please?"

"What do those two do?"

"He licks her here," he said, touching that favorite spot. Her eyes widened. "Please? I'll even let you tie me up if you want."

She swallowed. "Is that something you want to have done?"

"No, but you're so forceful I thought you might want me to be that way."

"No, I like manly men, Vincent, you don't have to pretend for me." He kissed her again, rolling her on top of him and squeezing her. She whimpered against his lips so he squeezed her rear instead, making her moan. "Vincent, straps and then that," she repeated. "Then I'll tell you my treat."

"What treat?" he demanded.

"I found the spells that built the castle, including a scrying spell for inside," she whispered, staring down into his eyes. "For any room we choose to any room we choose." He noticeably hardened. "Now help me get the straps down and I'll be in the perfect position for that licking you wanted to do."

He nodded, helping her up. They had the wall-mounted cuffs left and she did have to lean up a bit. As soon as she was up on tiptoe, he knelt behind her and took down her panties for her, letting her step out of them. He noticed she had grabbed one of the straps to hold onto so he started licking, sopping up the juices she was producing. "You taste sweet," he told her, going back for more. She was resting her face against one of the straps, holding on for dear life now. He smiled and lifted her up again, one hand in a very convenient spot to touch her, and took her back to the mattress. "We'll be putting a good bed in here, one that doesn't squeak," he promised her. "We'll need it when we use that spell." She nodded, guiding his head back down underneath her skirt. "You want more?" he teased.

"Now, Vincent, or pay the price," she warned.

"What price?"

She pointed at the set of cuffs still on the wall. "You'll be staying there while I play with myself." He quickly got back to what he had been doing, making his girlfriend go gooey with lust.

***

Ron walked out of her first class that morning, glaring at her husbands. She wanted to pull the thong out of the crack of her butt so badly but she knew it wasn't polite. She stopped them so everyone else would pass them by and they could have a bit of privacy. "Can't I change?" she begged quietly. "These things are cutting me in half and I'm getting rubbed."

Harry started to drool. "Really?" he asked, glancing around before pulling her closer and putting her between them so he could get a quick grope in. "These are too tight, Draco," he whispered. "But she's very wet."

Draco nipped Ron on the shoulder. "We'll deal with that later," he promised them both. "Think of it as punishment for being naughty this morning, Harry."

"Why do I have to be punished when he's the one who told you he wouldn't blow you?" Ron asked, looking a little warmer than usual. Harry hadn't removed his fingers yet and he was gently teasing her. She was going to lose her mind soon, she just knew she would.

"Because he knows that he can't taste what you're putting out," Draco pointed out, smacking Harry's hand and taking its place with his own. She bit her lip, then grabbed Harry to kiss as Draco finished her off. He glanced around before pulling out his fingers and licking them off. "There, how's that feel, Ron?"

"Better," she admitted with a sappy grin. "Much better." She gave him a hard kiss. "I'll get you back for that some morning, Draco. Now I'll have to go through all my classes like this." Harry moaned, a pitiful sounding whimper. She kissed him gently. "I think we'll have to buy me the bigger size next time."

"Those were the smaller ones," Harry reminded her. He tried to cop another feel but she shifted out of the way. "Ron!" he pleaded.

"Lick your fingers off," Draco instructed, patting Ron on the rear so she could hurry off to class. Harry whined as he licked off his fingers, giving him pathetic looks. "Next time, give both of us a turn in your mouth in the mornings," he chided, walking Harry off to Charms.

McGonagall came out of her classroom, blushing hard. It was a good thing she didn't have a class this period.

***

Hermione looked at the book of spells she had found, giving it a smug look. This would be a suitable surprise for Ron and Harry's wedding present from her. She hooked into the spell matrix and talked to the castle, asking it nicely for what would make Draco and Vincent happier - to expand their room. She smiled when she felt it be done, thanking it politely. It told her where a room she had wanted to find was and switched it down so it was one of the ones in Draco's new suite. She thanked it again and gave it the mental equivalent of a hug, stunning it. She slipped out and went down to find Ron in his study hall. She slid into the seat next to his. "Tell your mate I just got you guys a bedroom door," she whispered. He looked at her, giving her a quizzical look. So she put the book in front of him. "The school's spells. You now have a dressing room for the three of you. It's my wedding present for you guys, and a prezzie for myself. Don't use the blue door, that's for me. Okay?" He nodded and she left to find a book for herself and put that one back on the shelf, misshelving it like it had been when she found it while looking for something for a Magical Creature's essay. She found the book she had been looking for in the Potions section and drifted off to check it out.

***

Ron stopped Harry in the halls. "Tell the blond one that Hermione did something to our rooms for a wedding present," he said with a grin. "We need to go look at it."

"I've got my next class with him, we'll go during our free time, or during lunch," Harry agreed, stealing a kiss. He went to join Draco in their second-half of double Charms, sliding in close enough to nearly be on his lap. "Hermione did something to our room for a wedding present," he whispered. Draco looked at him. "Ron told me."

"Ah." He smiled and stole a kiss. "Strawberry lip gloss. Got a kiss?"

"A brief and nice one," Harry admitted with a grin. "I said we'd go look during our free period or lunch."

"We'll go after this one and miss Sprout. We have to get dressed anyway. Where are we going for dinner?"

"I haven't decided. Somewhere with a large bar or just somewhere nice?" Draco looked at him. "I couldn't find a listing for one with any stars of note, but the two I picked out are very nice sounding."

"Fine. We'll leave a bit early. Which one did you tell them?"

"I told them we'd be stopping by to pick them up, but not that we'll be in a limo," Harry told him.

"Oh, really?" Draco asked, shocked at that step up. "Why?"

"Because I've always wanted to ride in one and it's the one thing my uncle will respect most," Harry said smugly. "He always looks at the car the people drive."

"And how are you renting one?" Draco asked, giving him a rub of his thumb across his bottom lip.

"I have money, Draco."

"Really?" Harry nodded. "Well. I wish you had told me that." He stole another kiss. "That's fine, we'll leave after lunch and go find the perfect spot and make sure they'll accommodate us. What did you feel like eating?"

"I don't know. They'll judge it both by the rating and the price. I was going to get a tourist's guide when we picked up the ride." He smiled at the teacher as he walked back in after his break. "What is Ron wearing?"

"I'll figure that out when we go for lunch," Draco whispered back. The teacher looked at him and he shrugged. "Family business."

"Of course it is," Professor Flitwick agreed, smiling smugly at them. "The Headmaster wanted to speak to you two. Why don't you go now? You mastered this charm last class." They nodded and left, going up to the Headmaster's office. "For those of you who didn't get it, we're doing the same one again," he said happily. "Practice makes perfect and gives you good scores on your upcoming tests."

Draco led the way into the Headmaster's office. "You needed to see us?" he asked, sitting in the pointed-at chair, Harry behind him with his hands on his shoulders.

"It seems someone's adjusted your room for you," he said quietly. "Might you know who?"

"No, sir, we were in class," Harry reminded him.

"Fine. Could you ask the school nicely to return the extra rooms?"

"Would it work?" Draco asked.

Dumbledore shook his head. "Probably not. Oh, well, at least we'll be able to move Vincent down there with you three, Mr. Malfoy. I know you've had him down there until after curfew each night recently." Draco nodded. "That's fine. It appears Ms. Granger's Head Girl's room is also connecting yours. Remember to lock it at night." They nodded. "Thank you, boys. Return to class."

"Actually, sir, we had an appointment tonight with Harry's family for dinner, they wanted to meet me. Professor Snape said it was all right if we took the afternoon off."

"We did ask for permission," Harry put in. "He agreed."

Draco patted his hands. "He's a bit anxious. May we leave now and have the extra time to get ready? We'll appear for lunch and leave directly after that."

Dumbledore looked at him. "Why would you want to meet his family, Mr. Malfoy?"

"Because I told them about my marriage and they want to try and convince him he's an idiot, either that or they want paid back for keeping me," Harry said stiffly. Dumbledore slowly looked at him. "Just like they did last summer, sir." He pulled Draco up. "We're going to gather Ron out of Creatures and then get ready. We'll see you at lunch, sir."

"Harry, they are adults, you are not."

"He is married, that allows *me* to make the decision about letting him out or not," Draco pointed out. "We'll be bringing Vincent of course for our protection and we promise to stay in London and look like a normal Lord and his consort." He let Harry lead him away, not listening to the spluttering going on. "Pick the most expensive and I'll make the reservation," Draco promised, smiling at Harry as they walked outside. They found Ron digging in the flower garden and Harry hugged him, whispering in his ear. "Come along, you two. We've got to make you stunning in a muggle way." He led them back to their rooms, hissing when he saw what had transpired. "I do believe we have one of the guest suites," he said fondly, looking around. They now had a sitting room, a full bedroom, two guest bedrooms, a blue door, an open dressing room door, and a larger bathroom. "What's that one?" he asked, pointing at the blue door.

"Hermione said we can't go through it. It's hers," Ron said quickly.

"That's fine as well," Draco agreed, letting them go to take showers. He looked in the dressing room, smiling at the organization that was what he would have wanted himself. He opened the special cabinet and trunk, pulling down a gorgeous deep green dress for Ron and the attending accessories he couldn't resist. Then he walked over to Harry's side and pulled out a stunning outfit in deep blue so dark it was nearly black, laying it out as well. For himself he chose a wonderful black robe. Then he remembered where they were eating and put back both his and Harry's outfits, pulling out instead a suit in a forest green for Harry, it had been the one he liked the best when they were shopping for him, and for himself a pair of black pants and a medium gray shirt with a gray tie. He decided on a dull black jacket to go with it. Then he looked at Ron's dress. What was the current muggle fashion? "Granger?" he called when he heard the door open. Parvati walked in. "Oh, Patil," he said happily enough. Any port in a storm. "We're going to meet Harry's guardians. Do you think that dress is too much of ours and not close enough to muggle fashion?"

She walked over to lift it up so she could see it. "Yes, Draco, the fabric is moving itself." She put it back and pulled out a simple slip dress in rose pink, showing it to him. He shook his head. "No?"

"Dinner at a fancy hotel," Harry said as he came in. "Having trouble?"

"I don't usually dress to stun muggles," Draco admitted, starting to frown. He walked over to look in Ron's wardrobe, finding the perfect outfit between them. A gray slip dress with a flared skirt that fell just past the knees. It had a little jacket but he decided against it because it had been so warm recently. "Thank you for your help, Patil."

"Not a problem. Hermione sent me to tell you to leave the blue door alone." She shrugged. "Whatever that means." She kissed Harry on the cheek then left them alone.

"Ron, hurry up, we've still got to do your hair and makeup," Harry called. "Shoes?" he asked Draco. Draco held up a pair of fashionable mules. "Good enough then." He did all the necessary things before dressing, shaving, deodorant, all that personal hygiene stuff, and then slid into his new clothes. A pair of black socks was handed to him for his patent leather loafers and Draco helped him tie his tie to make sure it was perfect.

Ron came out swaddled in towels, letting Draco dry him off and work on his skin and hair before getting him dressed. Then they did the makeup and let him pack his bag while Draco finished dressing. By the time they were done, the lunch gong had rung. They walked up there together, Ron sitting with them this time. They got a few interested looks but Ron glared at most of them. "We have to go out on family business," he said loudly enough to make sure everyone heard. "We'll be back tonight before curfew." They ate a hearty lunch and then flooed off.

Harry rented the limo and the driver had an excellent suggestion. Not the best place but an up and coming place that was famous enough and expensive enough, John Burton-Race off Maylebone Road in London. They had a wide menu and were getting a lot of good press recently. They had a good wine list and they were a French place, but that could be excused because they served a lot of seafood. By the time they had reserved a space for themselves it was time to start toward Surrey. Harry gladly paid the fees for the limo out of his own accounts, he had always wanted to do this. He joined his mates in the back, smiling at them. He patted Ron's hand. "Remember, we're going fancy. Nothing that squirts," he said.

"I know, Harry," Ron sighed.

Draco patted both their hands. "Calm down. It will be fine."

***

Harry let Draco lead the way up to the front door, he even let Draco knock for him. He smiled at his aunt as she opened the door. "Nearly ready?"

"Almost. I hope you don't mind that we're bringing Dudley to meet your new spouses?" she asked dryly.

"No. We're going to a modest, yet fairly new restaurant that has been getting good reviews," Draco assured her. The limo door opened and Ron was handed out. "Come." Ron walked up to where they were, smiling at the woman in the doorway. "May we wait inside?"

"Please." She let them into the living room, watching as they sat. "I was surprised when I received your letter," she said, sitting across from them.

"It was rather quickly done," Ron agreed demurely.

"And yet you're not showing," Aunt Petunia noted dryly.

Ron laughed. "It wasn't for that reason, Mrs. Dursley, really. We're waiting until we're out of school for that." She looked over as the door opened and Harry's uncle walked in. "Hello."

"Sorry I'm late, a bit of traffic problem, those rubberneckers," he said, nodding at them. "Rented?" he asked.

"We have no need of vehicles," Draco pointed out dryly.

"You can get around through the fireplaces, I remember," his aunt agreed.

"That and for adults there's a method called apparating," Harry told her. "It's fairly quick. We went to Paris the other day for some shopping and it only took about half an hour to get there." She looked impressed. "Plus, we all are avid broomers. We all play quidditch," Harry told her.

"Isn't that a bit rough for a girl?" Petunia asked. It seemed like she was trying not to be condescending.

Ron shrugged. "No worse than Rugby or some of the other muggle games," she offered. "Though that is one of the reasons we married quickly. Me and my new twin sisters."

Vernon Dursley looked her over. "I thought you looked familiar. Changed genders?"

"A spell backfired and now I change on a set schedule. For now, I'm female."

"It's what allowed us to be a trio instead of forcing me to decide between them," Harry said smugly. "Oops, I forgot. Draco Malfoy, this is my Uncle Vernon and my Aunt Petunia. The young man who'll be joining us is my Cousin Dudley." He smiled at his Uncle and then his Aunt. "Aunt, Uncle, this is Draco, Lord Malfoy." She looked stunned but his uncle looked unimpressed by the title. "Are you ready, uncle? Our reservations are at six and it's about halfway across town."

"Give me a moment to clean myself up," he told him, heading up the stairs.

"You're landed gentry?" Petunia asked Draco. He nodded. "Wouldn't your own social class disagree with your union?"

"We don't know what Harry's father was," Ron pointed out. "He could have been gentry himself, only wizarding gentry. They were moving around so much during those last days that no one really reported anything on them and most of the records have been sealed. All we know is that most of their worldly possessions ended up in a bank chamber so they wouldn't have to move it all. Harry will be getting it next year."

"There's been a small inheritance that's paid for my education, but we're not sure about anything else," Harry said demurely, smiling at Ron. "I doubt he was, but they were well enough off that it wouldn't matter." He smiled as Draco brushed a hand over the back of his hair.

"Plus Harry is a national hero, listed on our list of National Treasures. We expect him to have nothing but more praise after he ends this upcoming war." He smiled at Harry, then at Ron. "Ron's family might have been poor, but their bloodline is impeccable and nothing can really be said about it." He looked Dudley over as he ran down the stairs. "Your cousin, Harry?" Harry nodded. "Very nice to meet you." He didn't offer to shake his hand.

"Who're you?" Dudley demanded. His mother glared at him.

"These are my spouses," Harry said, and he could see the jealousy spring up in Dudley's eyes. "This is my wife, Ron, and my husband, Draco, Lord Malfoy."

"Oh. You're royal then?" he asked.

Draco nodded. "A distant cousin; we've kept the family name, lineage, and purity for over twenty-six generations. Before that the records aren't scrupulous so we don't say much about them." He smiled at him. "Is your father nearly done? We've had a bit of a day today trying to figure out where to eat tonight. Harry couldn't find my dining guide for hours."

"You managed reservations within a day at a trendy new restaurant?" Vernon said as he came down the stairs. Draco nodded. "Flicked your wand?"

"Used my name," Draco corrected. He stood up and helped Ron and Harry up. "Come, the limo's waiting. We thought it best to use your method of transport instead of ours tonight." He led the way out, handing Ron and Harry in first, then Petunia since it didn't look like her husband was going to. His mother had been fierce in his protocol training. You always handed a woman in and out of any sort of vehicle. He climbed in and settled between his mates, taking both their hands to hold. Harry was nearly vibrating with the desire to show them up. "James Burton-Race," he ordered the driver. They took off, cruising through the early evening traffic. They could hear a bit of talking between the driver and Vincent, who was sitting up front.

"I've heard of that place, it serves wonderful seafood," Petunia put in to break the silence.

"So we've heard. It is French, but they serve enough traditional food for even the less discriminating eaters. They also have a good bar and wine list. We've reserved a quiet corner table so we can chat and get to know each other," Harry told her. He looked at Dudley. "You can order whatever you want," he assured him with a faint smile. Draco squeezed his hand. "So, Uncle Vernon, how is the factory?"

"Doing well. We're retooling a line to do oil drill bits since we won the bid earlier this year," he said proudly. "Quite a feat for us. It added sixteen new jobs and I got a bonus for it."

"Wonderful work," Ron agreed. "My own father is in government work. He's one who liaises between your kind and our kind. Head of his department and very happy where he is."

"And your mother?" Petunia asked.

"She's stayed at home with all us. It meant that there was a bit less money but she's a wonderful woman. You met her a few years back." Petunia nodded, she remembered that event. "Right now, the whole family's involved in helping the war end faster."

"Your kind are at war?" Vernon asked.

"Yes, we are," Harry said, looking directly at Dudley. His uncle caught his look. "As a matter of fact, we heard a report that said you were being visited by some of the other side." Dudley went pale. "Dudley, those people don't like you. They're using you and they like to hurt people like you," he said gently, with a somewhat sad smile. He had worked that part out with Draco earlier, though Ron did look a bit surprised to hear his sentiments.

"How did you hear about that?" Petunia asked.

"We have people who check on you now and again. It's all part of the protection you earned for taking him in," Draco said smoothly. "Harry, less talk of the war," he said gently. Harry nodded and smiled at him. "Sorry, but it does take up a lot of our attention these days. Harry's doing double training because of it and this is a wonderful treat for him to escape the school for a few hours." He patted Ron's hand. "She is just wonderful and so very supporting of us."

Ron smiled at him. "I think my hair pin's coming down, would you check it for me?" She shifted and he fixed the hair pin. "Thank you, Draco," she said, giving him an alluring smile. He smiled back, his eyes half closed at her sultry nature. Harry coughed. "Sorry. Newlyweds and all that." She looked at Petunia. "We would have invited you but it was necessary to be married as quickly as possible when the spell backfired. There are people who would hurt me because of what I am and can now do."

"That makes you more special?" Dudley scoffed.

"No, it makes her more powerful," Harry corrected with a smile for his cousin. The car slowed and he looked out the window. "I suppose we're nearly there?" The window between them and the driver went down. "What's going on?"

"It's a licensing check, sir, we're three vehicles behind the checkpoint. Should I call ahead and warn them?"

"Should we make it in time?" Petunia asked.

He looked back there. "Possibly, but they're very full recently."

"Then have Vincent call ahead," Draco agreed. The window went back up. "Sorry about that. It was an unexpected event."

"Who is Vincent?" Dudley asked.

"My bodyguard," Draco told him. "Now Ron's and Harry's as well. He's up front." He patted Ron's hand, then kissed Harry on the cheek when he leaned close. "He's been very good about helping them for quite a while now. Ron and Harry have been friends since we started school and I and Harry shared a dorm room. This year, we share a suite together."

"They're also the Head Boys," Ron said proudly, smiling at Harry. "For someone who can make certain teachers blow their tops, you do very well."

"I know," Harry agreed smugly. "Third highest in Defense and Magical Creatures."

"You study creatures?" Vernon asked. The limo started to move again then stopped. "This is bothersome."

"It's a planned event, they're cracking down again," Petunia soothed, touching him on the hand. "Have you studied many creatures?"

"A few of the ones you'd recognize from mythology. We have a centaur doing Divinations now." He stopped as the window lowered again. "Is there a problem?"

"Possibly, sir. They had the passengers get out of the car in front of us." They pulled up to the checkpoint and he left the window down.

One of the officers opened the back door. "If you would please step out, sirs and ladies, we'll have you on your way quickly. This is an initiative to raise awareness about bad driving."

"By having passengers get out?" Petunia asked. "Aren't you causing a problem instead of solving one?" She let him help her out and stood in front of her son.

Draco looked at the man and frowned at him. "Why would you need to see us? We obviously do not drive."

"Sir, we're looking at everyone's ID's," the officer said patiently. Only Harry handed over one. "The rest of yours?"

"Give them yours," Ron whispered. "The pretty one for the House of Lords." She watched as he looked it over then his eyes went wide. "We're newly married and meeting my in-laws," Ron told him. "Can't we hurry this up?" A hand was held out. "I didn't bring one," she scoffed. "I have no need to carry one." They looked at her.

Draco put an arm around her. "This is the Lady Malfoy, the twenty-seventh one. My wife." The officer nodded and let them get back into the car, waving them off. "Tiresome problems," he said with disgust.

Harry leaned closer, giving Draco a light kiss on the lips. "I'm proud of you, you didn't hurt him," he said gently. "You'll get rewarded later for being so good." Draco smiled and kissed him this time, a bit more hard and something guaranteed to make Harry whimper with need. "Thank you."

Ron shifted over and kissed him as well. "Be a good boy, Harry, and I'll let you give me a backrub." Harry beamed. "Good boy." He slid back into his original position. "Sorry, it has been a long day. Classes all morning and the settling in period, all that stuff." He looked at Dudley, who was nearly panting. "Something wrong?"

"I've never watched two guys go at it," Dudley said.

"Don't you even think about it," Vernon warned. He looked at Harry. "You're with both of them?" Harry nodded. "Do you think that's the right way to be?"

Harry grinned. "They love me, Uncle Vernon. They care enough to check on me throughout the day, to support me when I'm having a bad day, and to take care of me. Draco lets me be the needy and caring individual I am. He lets me take care of him and pamper him as long as I want."

"Harry really is very caring and loving toward us," Ron agreed. "Besides, with what I am, it made our trio legal among our kind," he said quietly. Draco put the separating window back up. "Thank you, dear." She kissed him and had to moan as his lips touched hers. "I think that part of our bond is kicking in."

"Good," Draco said with a small smirk. He looked at the other family. "Harry is wonderful to us and never demands anything. You might say he even had a problem expressing the fact that he wants things. At least he's easy to retrain so he expresses his desires, but also his wants on the more physical plane. We adore taking care of him, the same as he does us." He scratched his ear.

"You might even say that Harry is a lot like a puppy, always ready to give and receive attention and affection," Ron added.

"It's a gift that I happen to admire in a mate, that intense need for my attention," Draco agreed. "Thankfully he's kept it, even though he had to do more than every other student in the school to catch up and find himself." The limo stopped and the door opened, this time Vincent was helping them out. "Thank you, Vincent," he said as he stepped out. "This is Harry's Aunt, Uncle, and Cousin," he said with a wave of his hand. "Learn who they are." Vincent nodded, giving him a discreet smile. "Come, let's eat. It's been hours since lunch and it wasn't that wonderful today."

"Hermione got onto the house elves again," Ron said before they could enter the restaurant. She took Harry's arm, letting him walk her in while Draco led the way.

"We have a reservation," Draco told the hostess. "Malfoy, party of six?" She nodded and led them to an intimate table shielded by a small, decorative bush. "This is excellent," he said with a smile and a small tip. She left them to seat themselves so he helped Ron into a seat, then Petunia, then Harry on his other side. "Do get whatever you want," he said as he picked up his menus.

"Is your house on the tour circuit? So many manor houses have to resort to that these days," Petunia noted. "It takes the mystery out of the gentry."

"No. We have a few farms in the Caribbean that have supported us for centuries, plus a wide investment base. We don't need to give tours."

"It wouldn't feel like a home, more like you had to be careful in half the house," Ron pointed out.

"What sort of home does your family have?" Dudley asked.

"A three story out in the country," Ron said honestly, leaving out the unlevel nature of the house. "We have a pond and a bit of woods behind us. On the outskirts of one of those quaint little towns." He smiled at him. "It really is beautiful country."

"I'm sure it is," Vernon agreed. "Is it also a manor house?"

Ron laughed. "Not hardly, but it is a home. Very warm and inviting. Mum already adores Harry and he's been with us most summers you know." She looked at Draco. "What do scallops taste like? I can't remember if we had them as some of the functions dad had to go to."

"They're very delicate but with a slightly fishy taste," Draco told him. "That did look wonderful." He smiled at her and she grinned back. "Get whatever you want."

"I want the roast," Harry decided, putting down his menu. "With a salad beforehand and a small glass of wine."

"You're underaged," Petunia reminded him firmly.

"He is, but I do indulge over dinner," Draco assured her. He looked at Harry. "You can have a sweet later or wine now."

"A sweet later," Harry said, looking at Ron. Draco tapped his hand. "Sorry," he said with a blush. "I like the taste of her skin."

"I know you do," Draco agreed, smiling at him. "Later. When we're back in our rooms." Harry nodded, he could wait that long. "Thank you." He shook his head but he was smiling. "I never expected my newlywed year to be like this."

The manager walked over and smiled at them. "Lord Malfoy?" Draco looked up. "If you would come sign our register? We ask all nobility and famous personages to sign it for us."

"Of course." Draco followed him. "No, I'm not my father," he said quietly.

The manager laughed. "We have one here on staff who thought you'd be him. That's why I was asking. We had a rash of people pretending recently."

Draco nodded. "I understand." He looked at the man. "My father is presently... indisposed overseas due to his...intolerance." The manager's eyes widened. "He has been removed from the family for it," he said quietly. "I am the twenty-sixth Lord Malfoy, not the twenty-fifth." The manager nodded and let him sign the book. Draco smiled at the fountain pen and signed it with a flourish. "Is there anything else?"

"No, Lord Malfoy. Which one is yours?"

Draco smirked. "They both are. Ron is my legal wife by your standards. By mine they are both mine. A consort and a wife. I wasn't going to make Harry choose between us." He smiled as he went back to his table. "Sorry about that. Someone here knew my father."

"Is he still living?" Vernon asked.

"He's presently ...indisposed for his ...intolerance of things not of his own making and unlike him," Draco told him. "That's why he's been removed from the family."

"Since we're in town, we should stop by during visiting hours to tell him about us," Ron said with a small, cruel smirk.

"That would be a wonderful idea, if it wouldn't take too long," Harry agreed. "His sentencing is tomorrow."

"Good point," Draco agreed, patting him on the hand. He kissed Ron's cheek. "We'll see if we can do that before going back to the school." The waiter came to take their orders. "I want the steak and lobster dish with a large glass of water with lemon. The caesar salad as an appetizer."

***

Harry led a sleepy Ron back to their rooms, Draco behind him. "Come on, Ron, you can nap on me tonight," he suggested when she stopped to rest. "I'm much more comfortable than that wall." Ron nodded and followed behind him, letting him undress them both and put themselves into bed while Draco checked them back in.

Draco walked into the Headmaster's office, giving him a bright smile. "We're back. The other two were sleepy so I sent them immediately to bed."

"How did it go?"

"Very well. We rubbed their noses in all the hell they had caused Harry and proved to them that he is a wonderful young man, more than worthy of their love and respect. Oh, on the way home, Dudley's father told him he was not to see those, as he called them, masked freaks that kept popping up in the backyard again. Also, their plant is being bought out so Vernon announced he was going to be moved closer to the company headquarters in Japan." Dumbledore's mouth started to open. "Then we visited my father and watched him go ballistic for a few minutes because I had married Harry." He shrugged and turned away.

"Mr. Malfoy, your father committed suicide not thirty minutes after you left," Dumbledore said quietly.

Draco looked at him. "Good. One less thing I have to worry about explaining. We had to explain how I was now the Lord of the Manor to the restaurant's manager. They had a person who was obsessed with the nobility and she only knew my father." He strolled away, going to tell Vincent the happy news. "Guess what?" he asked as he walked into his house. Everyone looked up at him. "My father committed suicide instead of being sentenced." Many of them clapped, they all loathed Lucius. "As long as he stays dead, everything should be wonderful in our world." Vincent came down the stairs with his trunk. "Did you hear?"

"I did, I was closing the door after making Blaize sit on his bed," Vincent agreed with a smirk. "Nice going, Draco. And thank you for dinner by the way. It was very nice of you to have them bring me something out."

"You deserved it for listening to those 'popular muggle' stories," Draco noted. "If anyone needs anything, I've reopened the cavern and I can usually be found in my rooms." He followed Vincent down there, stopping to smile at his mates as they napped together like a pack of puppies, tangled up in each other. "What is behind that blue door?"

Vincent blushed. "Something to let us see things," Vincent mumbled, going to his new room. He firmly shut and locked the door. "Night, Draco," he called through it.

"Good night, Vincent. Remember, we have a bedroom door now," he called back, going to bed himself. He even remembered to close the bedroom door. Then he opened it and walked over, tapping on Vincent's door. His best friend opened it. "Why did you have to make Blaize sit on his bed?"

"He was pouting and whining about you being a man thief," Vincent said with a slight shrug. "I pointed out that he had lost Harry all by himself but he pouted more. He did appreciate those straps however, but said it didn't make up for the loss of his Harry teddy."

Draco rolled his eyes. "Fine. Thank you. The cabinet's in that obviously open space, the handles are still halfway down." He went back to his room and closed the door again, getting undressed so he could try to unwrap those two so he could climb under them. Harry felt him and rolled over top of Ron's body to land on top of him, then pulled Ron on top of him. "That's fine, Harry," he said with a smile for the sleeping antics of his husband. He kissed the top of his head and then switched off the lights.

***

Things went along pretty well for the next few days. Both boys were high on their subtle put downs, and from the death of Draco's father. Ron was in a good mood because she was changing back to a male and would get more time in that phase this time because Draco had promised not to help it along any. The good mood lasted through cranky teachers, and frustrating papers. It lasted through a long stint in the library researching Ron's condition. It lasted all the way up to the point where a first year Gryffindor tried to run through Draco before breakfast one morning.

Draco growled at the student, making him flinch and start to cry. "Thirty points off," he ground out.

Ron walked up behind Draco and kissed him on the cheek. "He's sorry, Draco. Please don't remove points from my house," he pleaded, whispering in his ear. "Please?" Draco glared at him, proving once again that he was not a morning person. Ron kissed him on the cheek. "If you don't take the points from him, I'll do anything."

"Anything?" Draco asked, starting to feel interested.

"Within reason," Ron consented with a grin. "Nothing *too* outrageous or kinky. Nothing in front of your house." He gave him a deeper kiss, making him groan and grab him. "Please? I'll be your personal body servant for a week."

"You already are and Harry would get jealous," Draco said thoughtfully. He looked at the crying boy, then at Ron. "One week, no complaints?"

"As long as there isn't any changing me back, doing something permanently harmful, and you don't push me too far," Ron agreed with a grin. "Nothing on your house's couch for instance, or in front of my sister."

Draco smirked. "Deal. We'll discuss details in Defense this afternoon." He gave him another kiss. "Feel lucky, runt, your elders stick up for you." He walked Ron away.

The boy looked at Ron's back, sighing in a bout of hero-worship. He went to tell all his friends about what the Prefect had done for him. That was just so special! Taking on Malfoy for him and making him smile!

***

Harry looked up as Ron plopped down beside him in Defense. "Have you heard the latest rumors?" Harry asked.

Ron nodded. "I saved a young one from thirty points being taken off because he tried to run through Draco before he had his morning tea."

Harry shuddered. He tried not to get noticed before Draco had eaten breakfast, unless he wanted sex. "What do you owe him?"

"We'll figure that out today," Ron said with a grin. The teacher this year was an auror and he was looking at them. Ron liked the guy, he was nice and supportive, he was even trying to get him to join Harry in his training, but Draco was very worried about that, and his mother had heard something that she wasn't sure she liked about the aurors at the moment. She was pushing Harry to train on his own or to end the battle in a fast manner before the war got rolling too fast to stop quickly. He raised his hand and the teacher nodded at him. "Sir, I need to work with either of my spouses today so we can have a discussion."

"Fine, Ron. You and your whole group can take the back room and pair off however." They nodded and tromped that way while the auror shook his head. He didn't understand married couples. Didn't they talk at night? Well, at their age probably not he supposed. He opened his notes and looked at the rest of the class. "Since they've already gotten this set of lectures, it's your turn," he said with a sneer at the slower students. They groaned and pulled out papers. "Remember, there will be a test on this as well."

Ron locked the door and did the anti-eavesdropping charm, then turned to look at his mates. "Have you figured out what you wanted yet?" Draco nodded. "Will I enjoy it?"

"Possibly," Draco admitted, smirking at the others. "It gets us out of a repeat lecture," he told the shocked people. They nodded, that was a good reason to have skipped back here for practice. "Ron, you're mine. Potter, deal with someone else and then I'll try to kick you about later." Harry raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. "No?" he asked.

Harry pulled his wand and got Draco faster, even though Draco had his wand in his hand. Then he watched as Draco inflated and started to glow. "You were saying about being better?" he teased, grinning meanly at him. He blew a kiss at Ron. "Okay, who wants to learn that one?" he asked happily. "I've broken open a new book." His favorite students gathered around as he pulled out the book to show them. There was some discussion then they started working their way up to the more fun hexes and curses.

"Let me down," Draco ordered. "Or you're sleeping on the couch."

Harry looked at him and grinned. "Can I have a dog?"

"We'll have children for you to lavish attention on," Ron soothed, stroking his back. "Can't you wait?" Harry shook his head. "Fine, you can have a dog, as long as you take care of it. I'm not feeding the beast." Harry beamed and they both looked at Draco.

"Fine," Draco sighed. "Let me down!" Harry released him and turned back to watch the group go at the new spells. He stomped over and turned Harry's face up. "Do not do that again," he said calmly. "You will not attack me."

Harry grinned. "Maybe you should have some more caffeine, Draco," he encouraged. Draco glared at him. "Sorry." He tried to give him a hug but Draco pushed him away. "Fine, be that way. It's not like I hurt you worse than our usual spats." Draco glared at him again. "Do you not want to learn this new one?"

"I'll take your book tonight," Draco said, retreating to the doorway to look out through a spying spell.

"I'm taking it," Hermione told him. She smiled at him. "You can learn it with the rest of us, we won't pick on you about being a blimp." He growled and her smile brightened up more. "Come on, you can help Ron learn it," she soothed.

Draco straightened up, deciding to enforce his place in the hierarchy of the group. "Potter, here," he said, pointing in front of him. Harry looked at him from about ten feet away. He glared at him. "Now," he said with a deadly calm. He was going to show who the master was and who the husband was.

Harry gave him a sly grin and touched the bond mark, thinking the nastiest thought he could. Draco's eyes widened. "I don't come when called, I'm not an animal," he said quietly, making sure Draco heard it. Draco looked him over. "If you want to talk to me, you can come to me or you can ask nicely. I'm not your beast of burden."

Draco pointed at the spot again. "Now," he said with a smirk. Harry crossed his arms and stood his ground. "Harry," he warned. Harry shrugged. "Do you really want to get into punishment?" he asked quietly. The other students started to move away from them. "Now," he repeated, pointing again.

Harry pulled his wand and immobilized his husband, then he stepped forward. "I'm just as big and bad as you," he noted with a slight smile. "And I'm more than capable of hurting you if you try anything against me, Draco. Do not try anything dumb. You won't like the consequences."

Draco's eyes were doing his ranting for him.

"Stop it," Ron warned. "I won't be the mediator when you two fight. I can always go sleep back in the House tonight." Hermione coughed and he looked at her. "On the couch." She shrugged and nodded. "Now, stop it. Harry, let him go. We all know you're not some beast and you're not being kept. Draco knows that. I know that. You're an independent being and you can give yourself orders without our input." Harry looked at him, and Ron could see the cold fury in those eyes, the sort that used to scare him until he had learned where it came from. He stepped closer. "Come on, we'll talk," he encouraged gently.

Harry shook his head and freed Draco, then let whoever was next to the door in. He walked past the teacher and out to get himself a drink.

The teacher looked around. "Did something happen?" he asked.

"Draco and Harry had a small disagreement about his training," Ron said with a cool smile. "Don't worry about it, we'll handle it later." The teacher nodded. "Guys, go back to your practice," he ordered. They followed his lead, he was Harry's second-in-command when it came to fighting and Defense. Ron smiled at the teacher. "We have it, sir."

"I'm sure you do. I'm only checking up on you. What are you guys working on today?"

"A new book," Hermione told him, showing him the cover. "We always start at the beginning because we figure there's an elementary progress needed to get to the harder spells. So we're doing fluff stuff right now." She lifted her wand and used it to do the puffing spell Harry had done on Draco. He smiled at her. "Next comes blowing someone past their ability to stand it and causing pain, or making them glow so brightly they blind someone in the middle of a battle. Then we move up from there."

"Good," he encouraged, taking the book to look through. "Not much in the defensive spells," he noted.

"No, but most of us won't be doing at standing duel either," Ron pointed out dryly. "Most of these kids, if they're going to be fighting, are going to be on the backs and edges and distractions are invaluable. That's what we're working on this month," he said. He noticed Draco looking at him. "Harry said so," he told him.

"Fine. I trust Mr. Potter to give you what you need to survive a fight."

"It's hard to hit a target when you're so bright you glow and blind yourself," Draco agreed, reluctantly holding up Harry's ideas.

"Fine. From now on, I'd appreciate a lesson line or something that tells me what you're doing?" he told Ron. Who shrugged and nodded. "Thank you." He handed Ron the book and left them alone.

Ron relocked the door and tossed the book back to Hermione before looking at Draco. "You'd think that living with the guy for six years would teach you his limits," he said quietly. "Harry doesn't take orders. It gives him flashbacks to his youth." He stepped closer. "You're going to be groveling for a while, Draco, and you knew it before you started."

"I'm the more powerful member of this trio," Draco reminded him, a bit coldly.

Ron smiled sadly. "If this was about power, you're not. If this is about influence, you are. Unfortunately, this relationship isn't about either of those for Harry or for me. Get over it." He walked away, going to help Neville.

Draco grabbed the book to read the section quickly, then went to work in his own corner. He kept looking at the door. Usually Harry had come back by now. He left the group, going to find him. He found him being talked to by the Headmaster. "Harry, I need to talk to you," he said, interrupting them.

Harry gave him a grateful look, but you could still see the anger. "Fine. Give me a moment, Draco." He looked at the Headmaster. "You'd be surprised, Headmaster, I'm working from the Elementary Auror's book at the moment." He walked away, grabbing Draco's arm and squeezing it so he wouldn't say anything until they were farther away. "What?" he demanded.

"Do not take that tone with me," Draco warned. "You are my consort, not the other way around."

"The last time I checked, that didn't make me your slave, Draco. If you want to give orders to a spouse, marry a house elf." He walked away, going back to class. "Sorry, sir, the Headmaster wanted a word." He walked in and slammed the door, making the blackboard rattle. "Ron, we're going off-campus tonight. We're leaving before Magical Creatures so I can hit the bank." Ron nodded, giving him a funny look. "I could care less, I can go by myself if you want," he offered.

"No, I'll go," Ron agreed, giving him a tentative smile. "Neville's figured out how to make the color change in the glow."

"Good job," Harry said, beaming at him. Neville smiled and he gave him a pat on the back. "That's very advanced. Congrats, Neville." He took the book to flip through then handed it to Ron. "We've got a double class, let's try to make it to there." Ron looked at the intervening pages. "They're not hard, it's the same movement with different words," he told them. All of them are personal insult and injury class spells; nothing fatal, only demeaning. If you can do that, then the roving stupidity that is the Slytherin sixth years this weekend are yours." They cheered and went back to work, taking the book to work through. Harry leaned against the wall and pulled out the book he was working through to read the next section. Severe injury spells required a bit more concentration and he wasn't going to be getting there with this group. Hermione walked over to look at his. "Cutting spells."

"That's rather sickening and forceful for a duel," she said gently.

Harry looked up at her. "Him or me, Hermione. You heard the prophecy yourself." She nodded, looking sad. "It has to be learned anyway. There's something in here that I need to learn after last year's problem during the battle." She gave him a smile and handed over a small piece of paper. "What's this?"

"I found a book on your mother's family, Harry. It's in the restricted section," she said quietly. "It might help you more since your father was supposed to be a pretty normal guy."

Harry beamed at her, losing his anger. "Thank you, Hermione. I'll check it out tonight." She nodded and went back to her practicing on the pillows. Harry looked at the title of the book and tucked it into his pocket. He'd go between classes, before he snuck out. He noticed Draco sneaking back in and went back to his reading, firmly ignoring him. He wasn't a toy. He wasn't a beast to be ordered about. He was a human being and Draco would learn that before anything else happened between them. Draco walked over and he glared at him. "Go away."

"Fine, I won't apologize."

"Don't apologize, learn the lesson," Harry said coolly. "I'm going out tonight. Did you need anything?"

Draco saw his happiness slipping away so he squatted down in front of his husband. "Have dinner with me?"

"I need to go to the bank first," Harry told him.

"That's fine, then I'll let you take me out to dinner. Afterward I'll leave you to your own devises for the night." Harry shrugged. "Thank you. Are we taking Ron?" Harry shrugged again. "Do you want him with you?"

Harry stood up. "Draco, this pretending to be concerned thing isn't you. Don't act with me either." He walked over to help Ron, who was stumbling over the unfamiliar word. He stood behind him and guided his wand movements, resting against him. Ron gave him a smile in thanks and Harry grinned at him. "Did you want to come with me?"

"I'd almost rather do the Herbology paper," Ron admitted. "It won't get angry and shout at me." Harry nodded, understanding that rationale. "If you want, you can bring me back some chocolate," he offered quietly.

"Sure, Ron. Thanks."

"You're welcome." He gave his husband a kiss and a grin. "Now help me with this. No one would believe I'm any good with the way things are going today." Harry nodded and guided his movement again, showing him. "Thank you." Ron did it on his own and got it right. "That's a great thing."

"You're welcome." Harry moved the group onto the next set of spells, smiling at them. "This one is to make them look like and feel like popcorn's popping under their skin." They gathered around to look at the spell then went for it on the pillows and dummies they had imported.

***

Harry looked across cart at his husband, then back at the vaults they were passing. Dumbledore had given him a set of keys today for his parent's hidden vaults and he was anxious to look through them. He had said it was mostly household stuff, but he could dream that there were more personal things, like photos, in them. The cart stopped and the goblin opened the door for him. He breathed in, looking at the whole house full of furniture, each in sitting groups to tell you where they went. "Wow." He walked over to the nearest table and ran his finger along it. "This is really old."

"Some of it is," Draco agreed, appraising it. "Decent copies mostly, but a few minor antique pieces." Harry's back stiffened. "Your mother had good taste. It's a beautiful and artful collection," he assured him. Some of the fabrics weren't to his taste, but they did look homey. He watched as his husband walked around, nearly smiling at his joy for finding a photograph sitting on a table. "Them?"

"Their wedding photo," Harry said, holding it up. He stuffed it into his bag and found the bookcase, running his finger over the faded covers. They were obviously well used. He found a defense book and pulled it down to look through it and decided to keep it. The goblin coughed and Harry looked at him. "Yes?"

"Special section in next cavern," he said, pointing. "We have security on that part."

Harry and Draco both walked over to that doorway, looking inside. On a small unfinished wooden table were two books. A book with an open silver box and a book with an open gold box. Harry slowly walked over to them, reading the letter lying on top. He started to tear up. "They were my mother's," he said, touching them. "She was supposed to teach me out of them when I turned sixteen." Draco moved closer, holding him tightly. He folded the letter into the gold box and closed them both, stuffing them into his bag, where they shrunk on their own. He looked around and saw the other vault door, walking closer to look at it. "Do I have the key to this?" he called.

The goblin walked over and took his keys to look at, pointing at one. "That one." Harry nodded so it opened it for him, letting him see the vault. "Not yours yet," he warned as Harry stepped closer. "Not until you're eighteen."

"That's next summer," Draco pointed out. "He's married."

"Other vault works," the goblin reminded him. "Another section as well. You go see?" Harry nodded, following him to it. The goblin took the keys and opened this other large sectional vault, showing them inside. "Mother's family," he told Harry. "Last in line."

"I know," he breathed, looking around. There were trunks and boxes everywhere. "What are all these? Can I get an inventory or something? I'm sure you don't have time for me to open everything."

The goblin snorted. "Inventories are available for a small free from the manager. It's a two sickle fee per month." Draco nodded when Harry looked at him; he had that feature on his vaults. He waved a hand. "From what I know, it's mostly clothes and books."

"Wow." Harry walked in and headed for the first trunk, smiling at the baby clothes he found. He found something with his mother's name on it and held it up. A little sundress. "Look," he said happily.

"That's held up very well," Draco noted, walking over to look inside it. "If Ron has a daughter, you may ask if he wants to let them wear some." Harry looked at him like he was odd. "If you wanted," he added.

Harry shook his head. "Only if I have a daughter," Harry told him simply. "Ron's mother has a bunch of stuff for any grandchild. This is only for mine." He tucked it in and found a small box marked 'family mementos'. He sat down to open it, smiling at the pictures. That was picked up and put into the cart by Draco. Harry looked around and found one old book that seemed to draw him. He pulled it out of an open box and glanced at it. He looked below it and found an ancient defense book. He put both of them into his bag. One was homemaker spells, Ron and Hermione might like to look through it. He walked out, going back up to the vault he usually had access to so he could withdraw a good sized bag of money. It had been announced that morning that they were having a Yule Ball again and he needed to find a robe and help Ron find one during their next trip to town together. Draco portkeyed back to the school, putting everything but the money in their room under Ron and Vincent's watchful gaze - with the instruction that no one touched anything until Harry agreed. When he came back they went to a modest and quiet restaurant up the alley from the bank, getting a back table so they could talk. Harry ordered a small drink and the waiter looked at him. "I've had a shitty day," Harry told him. "I'm not apparating." The waiter shrugged and went to get their drinks. When he came back, the boys ordered steaks and he went to bother other people. "Did you let them touch anything?"

"I ordered them not to," Draco said quietly. He watched his husband sip his scotch. He had given Harry the taste to enjoy that drink. "I'm sorry. I'm used to being the stronger member in my relationships," he noted. Harry shrugged. "Ron was correct, I shouldn't have ordered you about that way."

Harry looked at him. "Apologizing doesn't mean you've learned the lesson, Draco. If you *ever* do that again, you won't have to worry about taking care of me. Do we have a clear understanding?" Draco nodded quickly. "Good." He looked over as the waiter came back with salads. "Did someone tell you we had to have vegetables?" he asked.

The waiter smiled. "Deputy Headmistress McGonagall sent us a message as she knows you like to sneak away and eat here," he said gently. "The manager agreed, all young men need their greens." He bowed at Draco's laughter and left them alone.

Harry shook his head but he was trying not to smile. "I'll ream her a good one later," he decided.

"It probably won't do any good," Draco reminded him. He gave him a smile. "I have learned my lesson."

Harry gave him a penetrating look. "You're trying too hard to look innocent," he told him, digging into his salad. Draco snorted and shook his head. "With what you did last year, there's no way you're that nice or that innocent."

"I can be," Draco argued. "I can be very nice. I have very high standards and I'm nice to those who meet up with them." Harry shrugged and took another bite. "You usually do, but I won't have you not able to take orders."

"Draco, don't even start," Harry sighed. "I take my own orders and I give orders."

"There can't be two generals."

"What makes you think you're a general?" Harry asked dryly. "People aren't going to follow you during the upcoming battles. You can have an equal spot to Ron's, as my second-in-command, but people won't be following you."

Draco stared at him. "Are you sure our housemates will follow you?"

"Do you actually think they're going to be there?" Harry asked dryly.

"Some of them," Draco admitted.

"Then they'll probably be following me." Harry shrugged and gave him a mean smirk. "Let's face it, you don't have the disfigurements to prove that you're the leader." Draco reached over to touch his scar and Harry batted at his hand. "Don't. I hate it when people touch it."

"Sorry." Draco took Harry's hand to hold. "It's not that horrible," he said calmly, starting to see the upcoming fight. Harry had these bouts and they got bad, but not usually this bad. "I like your scar," he said with a faint smile. "It gives your face character."

"It's disfiguring," Harry said quietly, withdrawing. Draco caught his hand again. "Don't," he complained.

"Harry, listen to me," Draco said quietly. "It's not that bad. Your forehead is usually covered. Even without it, it's not that bad."

"It is, Draco. Don't lie about it," Harry complained, trying to pull away again, but his husband wouldn't let him. "Let go," he ordered. Draco gave him a smile. "Now please." Draco let him pull away. "Thank you." Harry stabbed a tomato and chomped it. "Draco, I don't take orders."

"I noticed," he said with a faint smile. "Do I usually give them?"

"No," Harry admitted, "but you enjoy giving them and playing the badass." The waiter walked in with their dinners and frowned at the lack of eating on the salads. "We'll finish it before we leave," he said calmly. The waiter smiled and left them alone. "I will get McGonagall later," Harry said quietly.

"I'm sure we can tell her that she doesn't need to watch out for your diet," Draco soothed. Harry shook his head. "Harry, would you mind relaxing? It's not often that we get to spend some time together without Ron."

"Maybe there's a reason for that," Harry pointed out. Draco looked hurt. "Sorry, but it's true."

Draco considered it. "I'm not sure that's a good idea," he said gently. "We have to learn to get along, Harry. My control issues, your anger and self-loathing about that scar, all of it. We're going to have to learn to get along. This is permanent." Harry nodded and grimaced. "Are you sorry?"

Harry looked at him. "Not usually. This morning I was more than ready to be a partial widow," he said honestly. Draco blanched. "Do not do that to me again. Not only did you undermine my authority within the group, you made me angry."

"I'm sorry."

"Again, learn the lesson, don't apologize. It doesn't make it any better for me." He stabbed into his steak brutally. Draco got the point that it could have been his arm. "Why would you even think that I would take that order?" he asked, starting to come back down from his anger. "I'm still not a house elf."

"I noticed, your ears are smaller," Draco said with a touch of humor. Harry grimaced at him but he had calmed down enough to not be upset with him for it. "From now on, let's talk about these things, all right? I'm not an ogre."

"Usually," Harry corrected.

"Usually," Draco agreed. "This morning was just a bad day all around."

"I was there, Draco, we had the same classes."

"I know, but you didn't see Snape glaring at me like I was an evil bastard when I leaned over to whisper in your ear." He gave him a hopeful smile and Harry rolled his eyes. "I promise, I won't order you about if you don't want me to. Not even in the bedroom. I'll try to be more thoughtful."

"Your mother get onto you again?" Harry asked, starting to smile. Draco nodded. "Why isn't she teaching Divination?"

"Because she turned the job down," Draco said with a shrug. "My father wouldn't have allowed that." He smiled. "I got the letter yesterday, telling me that I had to be more careful around you two, that I was being an ass. So I've been trying to figure out why for the last two days."

"Is that what made you decide you could order me around?"

"I started out being playful," Draco reminded him. "What put you into such a bad mood?"

"I don't need a therapist," Harry said firmly as he cut a bite of steak to eat. He grimaced. "It's dry today." He grabbed some of the red wine vinaigrette salad dressing and poured it over the dry meat. The next bite was a little slimy but much more tasty. "I'm fine."

"I'm sure, but you've been in a bad mood for the last two days," Draco said gently. "I know my mother didn't write you a letter so what happened, Harry?" Harry glared at him. "If you remember, I'm the persistent one," he said with a fond, but dry voice. "Even more so than Blaize was when he was hunting you." Harry shrugged and ate another bite and even ate more of his salad. "Please? I'm sure Ron would like to hear too."

"It's a bunch of things and nothing that can be solved. So drop it," Harry said quietly. Draco reached over to touch him and he didn't pull away this time. "I don't want to talk about it."

"If you tell me, I can shield you a bit. It's what mates do." Harry looked at him. "Really, it is. I can shield you from a lot of things if you'll tell me about them. I do the same for Ron when it comes to Goyle." Harry nodded, starting to frown. "If you tell me, I can help, or at least be there when it happens again."

Harry leaned back, forcing him to let him go. "It's not really one concrete thing. It's a bunch of little things and they're adding up again."

"Such as?"

"Such as... today Dumbledore came down on me about my training schedule. He doesn't think I'm doing it enough. Such as Snape agreeing with him and telling me that I couldn't be training because my work has gotten better this year." Draco grimaced, that had been his doing. "Between that, and all the crap with Blaize pouting at me and everything else I'm tired. That's all."

"Blaize is hunting you again?" Harry shrugged again. "That one I can stop," he said firmly.

"Don't," Harry said quietly. "He can't have me. He knows he can't have me. He's just playing."

"It's obviously upsetting you as much as the people trying to condition you to die," Draco pointed out. "I don't like either situation. I can have a gentlemanly talk with Blaize and it'll be fine," he encouraged with a bright smile. "Just a short one in the halls?"

"Draco!" Harry sighed, shaking his head. "I can take care of that. If you want to stop something, stop the Headmaster and Snape from breathing down my neck!" He wiped his mouth off. "I think I want another drink."

Draco moved his chair closer, clearly worried now. "Shh," he said, pulling Harry closer. Someone knocked on the door. "Go away!" He hugged his husband gently, trying to soothe him. "I will get between you and whomever you want me to," he reminded him. "All you have to do is tell me who I need to protect you from." The door opened and one of the twins walked in. "Oh, sorry. Didn't realize it'd be you."

"Not a problem," the twin said as he walked in and shut the door. "What's wrong?"

"They've been getting onto him about his training. Someone's actually remarked that he can't be training very hard because his school work has improved." Whichever twin it was snorted and sat down across from them. "Pick off our plates if you want."

"No, I came down to check on you because of Mum. She's decided something's up."

"Something is and I'm not sure what," Harry said quietly, his eyes closed. He finally pulled back and picked up his utensils. "I'd better eat."

"Yes, you probably should," Draco said firmly, smiling at him. "See, not an order."

"You gave him an order?" the twin asked.

"Fred, calm down, we've settled that one already," Harry said gently, giving him a smile. "He's since learned that he can't order me or Ron around."

George nodded. "Good. And I'm George, Harry. Where's Ron?"

"Not a clue," Draco admitted. "He said he'd rather work on his herbology paper than to come out tonight." George looked confused.

"I nearly threw a fit earlier," Harry admitted.

"Oh. I guess I can understand that. Draco, we need you to look over something that we found in our research. Would you come down tonight? Harry can come too."

"I'm going out for a long drink and possibly some dancing at a muggle place so I don't get recognized," Harry put in. "You can have Draco though." Harry looked at his mate. "That fine with you?"

"Not really," Draco told him. "I don't like you being without a bodyguard. You don't know what will pop up."

"We had some of that earlier," George admitted. "Just one single Death Eater and the whole alley shut down for the rest of the day." He shrugged. "It turned out to be a guy trying to be scary for Halloween." Both boys snorted and rolled their eyes. "It won't take more than a few minutes, Harry, then you can take him with you. I agree, I don't like you being out alone. Too many things can happen at a muggle place and no one would realize it until after the fight, or the arrest, or whatever was done with." Harry sighed but nodded. "Thank you," George said with a grin and a hug. "Now eat your salad and I'll go back with you."

"Not you too," Draco said with a bit of tolerance.

"You sound like your mother," Harry pointed out, but he did eat the salad. Too many people had told him to and he hated coincidences. They finished dinner quickly and Harry paid the tab, leaving a nice tip on the table. Then they followed George back up to the shop, slipping inside quickly when they saw the auror watching them. Harry thought it was odd, but he wasn't going to say anything yet. Draco, however, was giving the window a thoughtful look as he watched the auror watch the shop. "It's fine," Harry told him, patting him on the butt as he walked past him.

"It's not," Draco said firmly. "Do they think you were involved in that tasteless stunt?"

"They're probably stunned at Harry being here," Fred put in from his seat in Oliver's lap. He yawned and closed his eyes again. "Night."

"Knockout drops," Oliver said with a smile. "He spilled some on himself when the crowd ran in earlier to get away from the Death Eater." He patted Fred gently. "The books are on the kitchen table."

"We'll do that then we'll go out," Harry assured him, giving him a smile. He had always liked Oliver, he was a nice guy with a decent attitude and a smart way of blocking shots. They found the disturbing section quickly enough and it was one they were familiar with. They went out to explain the problems of pregnancy with the remaining couple, giving them everything they knew.

When they were ready to leave, Draco looked outside. "Two aurors, I feel honored," he said snidely. "Don't you?"

"No," Harry said honestly, walking out of the building and listening to the door lock behind him. Both aurors looked at him. "Sorry, family conference." He took Draco's hand and they disappeared up the street. Draco kept him from hurting them over their smug looks at them. He didn't like people who looked at him like he was some tool to be used and then tossed aside. It made him want to take the Dark Lord's place when he was gone, just long enough to get rid of all of them. Draco squeezed his hand and smiled at him. "Reading minds?"

"No, but I heard your rant at Ron the other day," Draco told him as they walked into the back of the Leaky Cauldron and through it. They waved at the bartender, smiling because even he knew they were going out to have a little fun. They did remember to stop and get Ron some chocolate, sending it home with their portkey. Harry had been apparating illegally now for a year thanks to Draco's tutoring, they could make it back to the school before breakfast.

***

Ron jumped when the portkey landed on the couch next to him, squeaking when he saw what was under it. "Why didn't they come back?" he said angrily, picking up the chocolates. He nearly threw them but Hermione stopped him so she could have one first.

"Because they went out to blow off some steam. I'm sure they heard about the attempted attack in the Alley." Ron slumped down again. "Where do they get this stuff? It's wonderful."

"A little shop about two miles away from the Leaky," Ron said, slumping down farther. "There's this immigrant from Russia and he makes it all by hand." He scowled at Vincent as he came out of the bathroom. "They're still out."

"I'm sure it'll be fine," Vincent said, giving him a hug. "Why don't you use the floo to call your family? It might make you feel better."

Ron nodded and got up to call his father at home. He got a smile and a hastily wiped mouth. "Dad, what happened during the attack earlier?"

"Not a thing," Arthur Weasley assured his youngest son. "It was someone picking out a Halloween costume in bad taste. How did you hear?"

"They canceled classes and sent us back to our dorms," Hermione told him. She stole another chocolate. "Speaking of, I'd better go patrol the halls." She kissed Ron on the cheek. "I'll check on Ginny for you." He gave her a smile and she left with Vincent, who wouldn't let her walk anywhere alone anymore.

Ron looked at his father again. "My mates are out having a night on the town."

"There's a curfew," Arthur sighed.

"No one told us that," Ron pointed out. "Dad, why are they trying to make Harry give up again?"

Arthur gave him a sad look. "Because most of the people who are worried about what Harry will do don't know him, Ron. There are even a few who think he's going to fill the power vacuum himself. Or that he'll let Draco have it. It's silly nonsense and no one with any sense believes that."

"Including the Headmaster?" Ron asked dryly. Arthur frowned at him and his mother's head joined his father's in the fireplace. "Really. I overheard him earlier going on about Harry having to sacrifice his life to train, not very subtle at all by the way. Harry's to the point where he's ready to walk away from the school and stay away."

"What happens if he does?" Molly asked. "Will you go as well?"

"I'd like to say no," Ron admitted, touching his wedding ring, twirling it on his finger. He looked at his parents again. "I can't lie though. Harry will pout himself to death if he stomps off. One of us will have to go with him and I doubt we'd be able to switch off without compromising his security." He shrugged. "I don't know, mum, do I stay in school?"

"It's a hard decision," she agreed, smiling at him. "I doubt you'll ever do anything that would necessitate your having a diploma. Even if Draco loses everything due to his father, Harry still has a nice income from his own inheritance. There's an equivalency if you really wanted to go for it. Or you could just be a housewife and mother. You'd make a wonderful mother, Ron."

He grinned. "Thanks, mother. I'm not really looking forward to that pain though." She laughed. "Really, I'm not. I did agree to have the Malfoy heir, and possibly one for Harry if he wants one. Oh, he wants a dog now."

Arthur laughed. "Of course. It'll be good practice for loving a child." He smiled at him. "You should help him pick one out if you and Draco don't gift him with one."

"Thanks, Dad. Can I tell the Headmaster?"

"Tell McGonagall. I told the Headmaster earlier," Arthur said with a shrug. He smiled. "Have a good night, Ron."

"Tell them they have to spoil you for making you worry," Molly encouraged. "Your father used to write some of the most lovely cards when he had messed up and made me worry."

Ron laughed. "I will, mum. I'll show you my results the next time I call." He waved and signed off, then stood up and dusted off as he headed for the halls. He found Snape just up the hall and cleared his throat. "Sir, I've got news from my parents."

"You of all people should be in your room," Snape said grimly. "You're much more vulnerable."

"You forget, Harry's training me too," Ron said dryly. "The attack earlier wasn't an attack. My dad said it was a bloke buying a tasteless costume for the holidays." Snape's eyes went wide. "So it's not really a danger to us."

"Unfortunately they found two real ones during the sweep," Snape said quietly.

Ron snorted. "Where else would they shop?" The professor looked stunned. "Even they've got to do some shopping. Clothes, trinkets for the missus and things like that, and they can't very well go to the village."

"That is an interesting point, but we still cannot risk you. Where are your husbands?"

"Wearing off some steam. I'm guessing they're teasing people at a dance club of some sort," Ron said bitterly. "I should have went with them."

"We would have hunted you down and forced you to return," Snape reminded him. Ron looked at him, a look that said he was trying to figure it out. "You are now the key to Harry succeeding in his quest to win this war. You can not be damaged or harmed."

"Bite me," Ron snorted. "Harry's got me, and my wand, whenever he wants it. The only way he's getting my blood is if he asks for it, in which case I'll give him a bit, or if he bites me like he normally does when he gets off and we're trying to be quiet and not wake you up." Snape's mouth fell open. "It's been like that now for a bit, sir. Don't worry, we've already gotten that part worked out. It's not a problem." Snape was still staring when Ron went back to their room to call his mother again and tell her what the professor had let slip.

***

Harry and Draco walked in during breakfast the next morning. There had been something that they needed to pick up before they could come back. Harry smiled at Ron and waved him over to their usual seats. Ron stood up and walked over, looking a bit upset with them. "I'm sorry," he said, giving him a deep kiss. "We got caught up in Monaco."

"You went to play cards?" Vincent asked.

"High stakes Baccarat," Draco corrected smugly. "Harry knows how to play cards."

"Dudley likes James Bond," Harry said with a shrug. "He's got all the movies and I've been forced to watch them more than once." He sat Ron down between them and pulled out his handkerchief. "This is for you. We didn't spend a dime on it," he said when Ron opened his mouth. "I won it from a guy who got to the point where he was going to try and bet his wife away too." He grinned. "She wasn't impressed and went to report him to the management. They let us leave with all his stuff and she's filing for divorce today."

Ron opened the present and his mouth fell open. He started to make squeaking noises and point at the bundle of present in front of him. "Harry! Draco!" he finally shrieked. "No!"

Hermione rushed over to support her friend. "What's going on?" she demanded. "Where were you two?" Ron shoved the opened present in front of her and her eyes bugged out. "Were you trying to go poor?" she demanded. "Ron doesn't need things like that."

"Ron deserves things like that and we won it in a few card games," Draco said smoothly, smiling at her. He tossed something at her. "We also won this as well but we thought it'd be more to your liking than Ron's."

Hermione opened it and squeaked, rewrapping it quickly so she could hit him. "Draco Malfoy! That was just mean!" She flounced off, taking her new mirror with her.

Draco shrugged at Vincent's curious look. "It's a platinum mirror. She could carry it around."

"Thank you, Draco," Vincent said with a smile. "Did I get anything?"

Harry pulled something out of his pocket and tossed it at him. "With a different sucker." He looked up as he felt someone older towering over him. "They wouldn't let us leave, sir," he told Snape. "There was a small investigation because the person we were playing cards with tried to bet his wife."

"I see," Snape said, picking up the diamond 'v' shaped necklace to look at it in the light. "This is very nice."

"I can't wear it," Ron complained.

"Nonsense, the Saudi Prince was quite charmed with your picture," Draco said with a smirk. "You'll wear it for us tonight," he said, stealing a kiss. "We'll even help you if you wanted to pierce your ears for the ones Harry won you."

Harry dug around in the small pile of gems, coming out with the large emerald-cut diamond solitaires. "I did buy these, but we won all that money back so I'm not counting it as buying anything," he said with a sheepish grin. "We're sorry we worried you, Ron."

"You'd better never do it again," Ron said, taking the necklace back so he could lay everything out and look at it properly. He smiled at the more tasteful pieces, deciding he could wear those. He put on the necklace he wanted for the day and smiled at his men. "Don't ever do it again. I don't need jewels." He wrapped everything but Harry's real present back up and carried them up to the head of his house. He trusted her. "Ma'am, would you please hide these for me? The gits won it in a card game," he said with a goofy grin. "How would I put on Harry's present?" he asked holding them up once she had taken the rest of them.

"Those are exquisite," she breathed, taking them to look at. "Very nice." She smiled at him. "You would come to see me later so I can open the hole and not make you bleed and swell." She handed them back. "You'll look stunning at the Yule Ball." He whimpered. "Is there a problem?"

"What do I wear?" he moaned.

She laughed. "Ask your main husband, he usually has decent enough taste." Ron slumped. "Let them spoil you. It is every new husband's fondest dream to do this for his new wife. They enjoy it and you're making good memories, in case something happens," she finished in a gentler voice. Ron's face hardened. "I'm sure he'll come out fine, but it is better to be safe than sorry," she pointed out. Ron nodded and went back to his seat, giving each of his men a hug and a kiss.

"I want a husband like that," Pansy complained to the person next to her.

Harry smiled at her. "Too late." She scowled at him. "You never liked me. I could have gone out with you and you could be in her place," he said as he stroked Ron's arm, making him shiver. "You decided I was awkward and not good enough. Pity." He smiled at Draco. "Can I have a kiss and then eat?"

"Yes, you should eat," Vincent agreed, smiling at them. "Remember, Draco, he can't go all night without food."

Ron grinned at Harry. "Eat a lot," he suggested, cracking most of their tablemates up with the lewd and suggestive tone he used.

Harry filled his plate and dug in quickly, before Ron could do more than wink at him for it.

Dumbledore called the trio into his office and sealed them in so they could have a bit of privacy. "Some things have gotten back to me that are rather worrisome," he admitted, looking at Draco. "I know you care for them and think you know what you're doing, but you cannot do certain things within this school."

Ron slumped down, rolling his eyes. "If this is about the sex thing...."

"Sex thing?" Dumbledore asked in a deceptively quiet voice. "Mr. Malfoy, you of all people should know how dangerous that is for your new wife and husband," he noted. "It makes them the biggest target and not even this school will be enough protection."

"Fine, we'll leave," Ron told him, standing up. "My mother's given me her blessings. Harry's married so Draco can give him permission." He looked at Draco, who nodded. "Do you really want to stay?"

"No. I happen to miss my house," Draco assured him, standing up as well. "If that's all," he said as he started for the door.

"Wait," Harry said quietly, stopping them. He looked at his tutor. "Why do you think I'm going to fight and then give up, Uncle Albus?" Dumbledore winced. "Do you really think I would ever let anyone have that sort of power over anyone else?" He stood up. "You don't know me the way you thought, Dumbledore. All these years I've already fought and won, and now you've decided I'm a danger." He tipped his head off to the side. "We'll be gone in a few minutes." He walked out, leading his family. He walked into McGonagall's classroom, where Hermione and Vincent were, waving that he was pulling them out. He walked them out into the hall. "We'll be back if anything changes. I'm sure you can find us, Hermione, it's never that hard." He looked at Vincent. "You're staying here," he ordered. "She's to be guarded because she's my secret keeper." Vincent swallowed as McGonagall joined them. "I'm not dying for anybody. I can fight and win without that being pushed onto me." He walked away, going to finish his packing. It was quickly done because he summoned Dobby and asked him to help. Dobby made quick work of everything and they flooed away from the school, changing stops at the Burrow.

Molly was surprised to see them but Ron shrugged. "They did it again," he told her. "We never filled out the paperwork, but I won't have him harmed, mum." They left again, whispering their destination into the fireplace before anyone could stop them. They could hear Charlie upstairs and Bill was somewhere in the house because he was whistling. They landed in an unfamiliar house and Harry took a deep breath.

"What is this place?" Draco asked, looking around.

"Mine," Harry said simply. He grinned. "My mother's family's home." He walked over and closed off the floo. "There. The bedroom's upstairs. I've moved back some of my parent's furniture." Ron was standing there, staring at him. "Hermione found my mother's family history," he said quietly, sitting on a covered couch. "It mentioned this house." He patted the table beside him. "It was up for sale," he said with a smile. "Tax debt so it was cheap. It only took about a day and the banker was most sympathetic when he found out why I wanted it." He looked at Draco. "I'm staying here, even if you two end up going back."

"Harry," Ron said, sitting down beside him to hold him. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I only did it three days ago. I barely got in under a company that wanted to buy it to put up a horrible factory and a parking lot, but since it had been my mother's they decided not to fight me on it. I had to pick up the keys this morning," Harry soothed, stroking his back. "Draco, there's an empty study next door. The main bedroom's upstairs. There's one other bedroom up there. "My mother and Aunt Petunia shared a bedroom. I sent her an owl." He gave them a happy look. "We can go grocery shopping later."

"Are you sure you want to do this, Potter?"

"Draco, look outside. If we have to make a stand, it's a wonderful place. This place was owned by muggles, there's no records in the wizarding world because all my parents records are still sealed. The only person who knows where this house might be is Lupin and if he betrays me, I'm done with the whole order."

Ron gave him a look, then a gentle kiss. "Show me around?"

"Sure, Ron. I think you'll like it. It's on some sort of mystical compass point. The woods are so calming to me." He stood up and pulled Ron out through the kitchen to the backyard. Ron fell in love with the shabby garden, he could tell by the look on his face. "Nice, huh?" he asked quietly, giving him a playful nudge.

"It's perfect," Ron agreed, smiling at him. He took off into the woods to run about, Harry following him, both of them laughing. It was wonderful to be free!

Draco watched them, shaking his head. "This could cause more problems," he noted, going to unpack some of their things. He'd have to return to the manor eventually. They'd figure that out later. He did like the bedroom, it was cozy but large enough for the three of them. Even the bathroom, which was so old it squealed in protest when he turned on a tap, was magnificent. Someone had done a lot of work to make this house feel special to the owners. He could learn to respect it. Even if it wasn't like his or as good as his family home.

***

Molly looked up as four teachers appeared in her living room. "I didn't hear where they went," she told them, sipping her glass of juice. "Is what they said true, Albus, do you want the boy to die?" The Headmaster flinched like he had been hit at her reasonable and unwavering tone. It was the tone any angry mother could pull up to chastize without yelling and without seeming to be upset at all. She finished her juice and set her glass aside. "You might want to tell me now, Albus. Harry's owl is here and I'll send on any messages you have for him."

Snape looked down at her. "They're being childish," he noted coldly.

"Maybe that's because they're children," Molly said in that same tone of voice. He shuddered and stepped back as she stood up. "I will say this once more so it can sink in. They are children," she said slowly so they'd get it. "Harry has no need to die in or after the battle. Nor do his mates. Nor do any of us. If you try to force such an event, I would hate to see what remains of you after my Arthur is done with you. Feel lucky I haven't told him yet." She looked at the lone female, making McGonagall swallow hard. "Get out."

"Molly, we only want to prepare the boy for what might happen."

"It will no more happen than Ron will end up having a baby this year," she said firmly. "Just ask Narcissa. We both saw the baby born in January and the fight next year." They flinched back farther as they heard the front door slam.

"All right there, mum?" Charlie asked happily, kissing her on the cheek. "I've got a few of the eggs like you asked.

"Thank you, Charlie. Put them away?" He nodded, looking at their guest. "They were just going."

"Not a meeting then?" he asked with a smile.

"No, the boys left school today before these *good* people could harm them," she told him. Charlie dropped the eggs and stared at her. She patted him on the side of the face. "It's all right. They went somewhere very safe. Ron's not going to be hurt."

"You're sure of that?" Snape asked. "They have been breaking her in."

"I know," Molly said with a smile. "Ron is rather loud." They goggled and she shrugged. "We were there the night they were marked and the wedding night. My son is very loud and very unashamed of the way he enjoys himself in any phase. I must say, he's taken it very well so far. Not so much as a breakdown." She smiled at her son. "We'll need a few more eggs, Charlie." He nodded but didn't move. "Now." He nodded again and left the house, going to do that for her. "Now then," she told them. "I know the boys are safe. Harry confided in myself and Ginny. Ginny doesn't know where anything is so you might as well give up on your plans to question her. Harry's found a part of his past and he's embracing it. If you so much as breathe on that boy before he's ready to talk to you again, I know he'll leave us all high and dry. So go back to the rest of the students and tell them that they're recovering from a short illness. Make it up if you have to. One of those contagious diseases that children get perhaps." McGonagall nodded at that wisdom. "That should give them at least two weeks," Molly told him. "Hopefully by then I can make the boys see that they were reading you wrong because you would *never* want to have Harry die. If we're all lucky, he'll continue to fight."

Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Molly, it may be necessary for him to die during the final battle to kill Voldemort."

She shrugged. "I'm not so sure of that, Albus. There are many ways for people to die, even people like him and Lucius. Did they ever find his body?" Snape shook his head. "Does his son know?"

"Not yet, I was going to tell them tonight," Snape admitted.

"Then I'll send that on with the message I was going to send Harry tonight," she said calmly. Charlie slammed the front door. She smiled. "You might want to go. Charlie's still a bit protective of Ron." They nodded and left her there, going back to their planning. She smiled at her son. "They're safe," she promised.

"Are you sure?"

"I am," Molly agreed. "They're very safe. Harry's managed to do something quite well and none of us knew he had that sort of notion. It will be fine. He's fighting for Ron you know." Charlie relaxed and let her hug him. "You're a good boy, Charlie, and we all adore you, but you need to quit worrying and find a wife, son. I want grandchildren," she whispered in his ear. He started to laugh, hugging her hard. "That's my boy." She smiled at him. "No eggs?"

"Not yet," he said, then he shrugged. "I'm sorry I dropped the last batch."

"I would have done the same thing," she promised as she used her wand to clean up the mess.

***

Draco started when he heard the knock on the door. Who had found them? He could hear Harry and Ron in the kitchen making lunch so he went to answer it, plastering his usual 'bored' expression over his surprise. "Come in," he told the skinny woman. "They're in the kitchen." He led her back that way. "Harry, visitor."

Harry smiled at her. "Which one of them came to tell on me?" he asked.

Petunia Dursley sat down and watched Ron cook. "Your Headmaster, Harry. Did you walk out of school?" Harry nodded. "Why?"

"Because he wants me to win, then conveniently die," Harry said bitterly, going back to his bacon for his sandwich. "Draco, yours is warming in the oven so the cheese melts," he said with a smile for his husband. "Aunt Petunia, I'm making myself a BLT, would you like one? Or Ron's making fried ham."

"Please," she agreed, watching as Ron fixed her a sandwich. "Thank you," she said with a nod as she accepted it. She looked around the kitchen. "This house hasn't seen this much activity in years."

"I should have thought to warn you," Harry said as he sat across from her with his own lunch, "but I couldn't think of explaining it in a way that wouldn't make your husband thrilled or make you angry. Sorry."

She looked him over. "The Headmaster said that it was necessary to win the war." Harry shook his head. "He has been fighting longer."

"And I know my enemy, I'm bound to him," Harry said with a flick of a finger at his scar. "I'm the one who sees his nightmares. Every thing he does will eventually hit my head. Draco's been working with me since last year to help me block him out most of the time since no one else would." He sipped his soda. "He's not immortal."

"I'm sure he's not," she said calmly. "Are you putting other lives in danger?" Harry shook his head. "Are you certain?"

"Very," Harry said calmly. "I never said I wouldn't fight, just that I won't fight and die for them. Ron will need me," he said, giving Ron a smile and a pat on the hand. Then he looked at Draco. "He'll need me to unstiffen him a bit more too." He looked back at his aunt, surprised that there hadn't been any screaming yet in this conversation. Maybe it was a funny dream? "Did you tell them where I am?"

"No." She shrugged. "It's no business of theirs where this house is and people who would force a child to die in battle aren't ones I want to help, no matter what the cause is." She smiled at him. "You have grown into a man my sister would be proud of, Harry. Do remember that you have responsibilities now." He nodded. She stood up. "Thank you for lunch."

Harry put a hand out. "I have the family books." She looked clueless. "The gold and the silver ones?" She still didn't look like she understood. "Your mother never mentioned them?"

Petunia gave him a sad smile. "I'm adopted, Harry. I know nothing of their gifts." Harry nodded, suddenly understanding. "We're leaving the country next month for Japan and taking Dudley with us. You won't have to worry about us or protecting us."

"Yes, ma'am," Harry said, smiling at her. "Do you like the furniture? It's from my parent's home. They had it stored in a vault while they moved around to hide." She looked around and nodded. "Thank you, Aunt Petunia."

"You're welcome, Harry. I free you of any obligation to my family." He nodded and she walked out, heading down to where her car was parked. She did hope that the boy won, the world would be so much worse if he didn't. And if she had to be supportive of his... things then she would be. Her husband would never know.

Harry ate his sandwich, staring at the empty chair. "That explains a lot," he said finally. Ron nodded supportively and gave him a hug. "Thanks, Ron." He smiled at Draco. "That was the nicest she's ever been to me."

"She understands, Potter, don't worry about it," Draco assured him. "We'll deal with all that family nonsense later." Harry nodded. "Though today you're going to have to help me with some Divination."

"We made up nearly everything," Ron admitted. "All the teacher wanted for us was to die in a horrible manner."

"Maybe Dumbledore picked it up off her," Harry said brightly. They laughed and shared a short hug, finishing their lunches. Afterward, Draco led the way back to the study and the papers laying about on the old desk. "What's this?"

"This is to predict the most perfect day for Ron to conceive," he admitted, touching it fondly. "I need the time and date of your birth, Ron."

Ron walked out and went up to his things. His mother had sent him a copy of his birth certificate and hinted he would be needing it. He looked at it, smiling at the sloppy writing on it and the few tear stains. He knew he had been a hard birth. He had come late and his mother had not been happy with him for it. He walked it back down to Draco, letting him record the time and date, then they watched as he made complicated calculations with a triangle and a pencil. Finally Draco stood up and smiled. "When?" he asked, steeling himself.

"The only time you're going to be female at the proper moment is this May," Draco told him, looking at him. "May first to be specific. That's the only time the full moon and your womanly cycle coincide for the next three years." Ron nodded, looking a bit numb.

Harry gave him a hug. "It'll be okay," he promised, giving him a harder squeeze when Ron didn't respond. "We'll pamper you and love you no matter what, Ron." Ron smiled at him, looking a little dizzy. He looked at Draco. "What happens if she hasn't started a cycle by then?"

"She will have started one by the holidays," Draco assured him with a confident smile. Ron looked at him like he was insane. "Trust me, the calculations aren't ever wrong. Though this does mean it will be a girl. Girl heirs are conceived in the spring and male ones in the fall." Ron nodded again and Harry helped him to a chair, getting him a small sniff of brandy to help him hit reality again. "Are you all right?"

"It's a bit soon," Ron pointed out quietly, staring at the liquid in the glass. "I'm not sure I've wrapped my mind around all that yet." He gulped the amber fluid, wincing as it burned into his stomach. He looked at Draco. "Will I be fine?"

"You'll be perfectly fine," Draco agreed, giving her a kiss. Ron relaxed against him so he pulled back. "Just for fun, Harry, do you have your birth certificate?"

"I found it in my mother's vault among those family heirlooms," Harry told him, going to get the family diary. It had all the births listed. He brought it back and handed it over. "I'm the next to last in there. Dudley's listed as well."

"Thank you." Draco looked at the scant notation. "No time," he said thoughtfully, looking at the chart. He cleared it of Ron's data, working from what he had. "Were you an night baby or a morning one? Would you happen to know?"

"I think it said morning," Harry offered, looking at the diary. He found his notations and smiled. "Here, seven in the morning." Draco looked impressed and added that in. A new line was drawn and he gasped. "My." He looked at Harry. "If my plan works, that would be the perfect time. Next fall, the night of Halloween." Harry swallowed. Draco pulled him closer to show him a date further up the calendar. "There?"

"That's not past the one month mark," Harry whispered. Draco nodded, looking thoughtful. "I'll call him out here," he whispered, pointing at a date later than that, in early December. "That way there aren't any problems."

"I'll let you call him tonight," Draco soothed, stroking his back. "We'll inform Molly at the same time?" Harry nodded, smiling at him. "Should we tell her the full plan?"

"No. Hermione knows, I think that's enough," Harry told him.

"What?" Ron asked.

Harry pulled him closer. "Remember what we were talking about that night we came back?" Ron nodded, vaguely remembering it. "Well, we've decided that's the best plan yet," he said with a smile.

Ron looked astounded. "Have we found a temporary solution?"

"Hermione and the twins are looking into it," Draco promised him. He stole Ron to hold. "Do you think you can hold up long enough to do this?"

Ron smiled at him. "I want to walk in the woods for a bit before I answer that question."

"Go for it," Harry encouraged. "The woods here are very calming. I knew you'd appreciate them." Ron smiled and kissed him before leaving. "Draco, are you sure?" he whispered. "That's a little over a year away."

"It's the perfect time," Draco promised, giving him a long hug. "It's a fortuitous day for him to die. We'll send word back to Vincent's father, asking for that day for the final battle, citing the auguries for the perfect battle date. We can point out that you'll be officially a man by that date, meaning he won't be criticized for facing off with a boy anymore - something my father said used to piss him off." He cleaned up the office, making notes of the three important dates. "Should I send out notices today?" Harry nodded, looking a little ill. "That gives you just over a year to learn everything you can," Draco reminded him. "Learn everything in your mother's books, learn every hex you can that Granger can find. All of it." Harry nodded, firming up some. Then he groaned. "What?"

"Dumbledore," Harry sighed, shaking his head.

"Did he die?"

"No, he won't ever accept this."

"He doesn't have much of a choice," Draco pointed out dryly. "He depends on Divinations in other areas. I'm sure we can get him convinced. And who knows, we might even be able to convince old moldy parts to give up and not attack anyone until then." He shrugged. "It's worth a try." He smiled and pulled Harry closer. "This will go fine. You will win and we'll retire and protect you from those nasty reporters." Harry nodded, relaxing against his chest. "Good boy, Harry. Come, let's work on some of those new spells." Harry nodded, leading him upstairs to get the books he had unpacked. They needed to find the offensive spells more than ever.

***

Molly looked up as the owl landed beside her on the wall, smiling as she took the message. She lost it when she saw what it contained, but she hurried inside to do some calculations of her own. She frowned at the parchment she had done the math on. "That will only work if he's got the strength of three wizards," she said warmly. "How dare he!"

Harry coughed from behind her and smiled when she jumped. "Sorry. Draco said I had to tell you now, because Ron mentioned that you have a firm grasp of this art." He sat her down and looked at her, telling her the whole plan. Her eyes went wider and wider. He grinned. "Of course, I'm going to have to block you from telling anyone," he said with a smile.

"Of course," she agreed, letting him put the charm on her. "Thank you, Harry. It will be a wonderful day." He beamed. "I'll give this to Dumbledore personally."

"Thank you. Ron was wondering if you'd make him some cookies. He's processing what's going on now and he said he needs them badly. We figured out his optimum date this morning too."

She laughed and hugged him. "Of course. You go back to wherever you're hiding. Did you hear about Draco's father?" He nodded, but didn't look concerned. "It doesn't bother you?"

"He's not really immortal. He can die too," Harry said with a shrug. "Or he can run and never come back." He hugged her again. "I'm going back home so I can send Hedwig tonight. Have fun with the stuffy people." He disappeared and the floo activated, letting Percy in.

"Mother," he said stiffly. "I just received this and thought you should pass it on to Ron." They weren't talking to each other really, but he was doing some research for her about the twins and Ron's conditions.

She looked it over, then smiled at him. She copied Harry's note. "He's called a date for the final battle, and a place," she told him. "I'll pass this on to Draco personally when I send cookies tonight."

Percy looked at the date. "That's next year," he pointed out.

She nodded. "They have their reasons. One of which is Harry won't be eighteen until next summer."

"Good point." Percy gave her a hopeful smile. "He is training, correct?" Molly nodded at her miserable son. "Thank you, mother." He left, going back to his boss, who took the news with a stunned expression and then a faint. Percy snorted and went to show it to his father, who was barely acknowledging him in the halls now. "Father?" he asked as he tapped on the door. "I've a missive from mother." Arthur looked up, giving him a bland look. "Potter sent this to her just now." He handed over the date, watching his father stare at it for a few minutes. "Minister Fudge passed out."

Arthur handed it back. "I'm not surprised, Percy. Did they do some Divination to figure that out?" Percy shrugged. "I'll talk to Molly during lunch then. Thank you for telling me."

"You're welcome. I also delivered some information to her about changeling pregnancies in historical context since Draco found out the most recent causes of the problems with them were other people interfering." Arthur smiled. "Did you need me to tell Minister Fudge anything?"

"No, I'm sure Albus will be doing so," he said calmly.

"Father, why did Potter leave school?" Percy asked bluntly, walking in and shutting the door.

"He did what? Molly said they were ill." He started to frown. "I'll find that out. Who wanted to know?"

"Just me," Percy admitted. "I'm a bit worried about Ron."

Arthur nodded. "I am as well, but you know Harry wouldn't ever hurt Ron. Thank you, Percy." He nodded and left. Arthur marked his time sheet and decided to go to lunch early. He apparated home and found his wife making him something. "Why did they leave school?" he asked gently, giving her a hug.

"Don't ask," she told him, giving him a look. Arthur sat down. "It's not Ron, though I'm not sure that she doesn't figure into their equation somehow." He stared at her until she sighed and sat next to him, taking his hand. "They want Harry to die after the fight, Arthur. He's twigged to it and it's upset him. He and his mates have went for a ...short vacation. I'm trying to get everything set up so they can go back to school soon, but Harry's adamant that he doesn't want to be around them anymore."

"I don't blame him," Arthur admitted. He took his hand back. "Does he think we want that?" She shook her head quickly. "Then we'll be the go-betweens for them and the Order."

"That's what I've been doing," she pointed out gently. He gave her a smile. "They really were upset."

"Which side?" he asked.

"Both," she admitted. Hedwig and Pig both flew in to join them, Pig chittering at them as he swooped around their heads. She reached up and he settled onto her hand, letting her take the message and pet him. "I don't know why Ron has such problems with him," she said as she put down the owl and took Hedwig's package. She opened Ron's letter first, he was hers so she should do it that way. She smiled and handed it over to Arthur. "They've figured out the perfect date," she told him.

"For both things," Arthur said, smiling at the point of Ron's letter. "He's a bit panicky now."

"Before it was easier, he could enjoy himself. Being a parent is enough to strike fear into normal people with normal lives," she reminded him, giving him a smile. "When I told you, you about passed out."

He laughed. "I remember. That's about all I remember of that weekend, but I do remember you telling me." He kissed her cheek. "What did Harry send?"

She opened that one and smiled, showing it to him. "The accumulated effects of his parents' estates," she said quietly, letting him read through it. "We should ask to see that house sometime."

"Hmm. Maybe we'll invite them to lunch or something and hint broadly," Arthur agreed. He kissed his wife again and ate a bite of his sandwich as he looked it over. "Ron will be very well protected."

"Fortunately," Molly agreed. "I'd hate to have to kill Draco to make sure she's a well protected widow." He laughed and she smiled. "Who's kidding?"

"I know, my love, but we'll get through him marrying a Malfoy while he gets through being pregnant. It will be a beautiful child, even if it is blond." She nodded.

***

Harry and Ron looked up as the fireplace discharged Hermione and Vincent, waving at them. "Were you followed?"

"No, and it's a Hogsmeade weekend so we took off from there," she assured them, giving each of them a hug. "How is the planning coming?"

"I was about to ask you that," Draco said as he walked in. She held up a vial. "Is it tested?"

She smiled and shook her head. "Not yet. A few mice. A stray cat we caught and took care of for a bit. Not on a human." She handed over the vial. "I found the potion last week. So far we've worked out the strength for everyone else but I'm not sure how we're to do it for humans."

"Give it a three month run," Harry suggested, putting his book aside. Draco put a bookmark in it and closed it so the spine wouldn't be broken. "Thank you, Draco," he said patiently.

"I'm surprised I hadn't noticed how disrespectful you are of your reading materials," Draco said, giving him a frown. "You should treat the accumulated knowledge of our kind more gently, Harry."

"Lecture again, sleep alone," Ron put in, stopping the mini-argument. "Again." Vincent snorted. "You think I'm kidding? I did it last night too because they wouldn't quit fighting." He stretched then curled up in the big chair again. "Can we do it correctly?" Hermione nodded. "When?"

"The beginning of December is the official date," Harry told them. "December 4th to be exact." They all nodded. "Draco?" He moved closer, touching him on the head. "Hermione, I want you to be defending Ron and any Weasleys who need it. Can you do that for me?" She nodded quickly. "Good. Vincent, I want you guarding her."

"My duty is to be at Draco's side, no matter what," Vincent said stiffly.

"Vinnie, I don't want to make you fight your father," Harry said gently, giving him a small smile. "I don't want to have anyone have to fight their parents." He nodded. "But that's okay because I'm calling for a private duel." Draco squeezed him a bit harder. "I know, he'll cheat. We'll ring the battlefield. Draco, you'll be leading in the reinforcements since Ron won't be able to at that time."

"Why not?" Hermione asked.

"Because she'll be eight months pregnant or so at that time," Harry said dryly. "We figured in those dates as well." Her mouth opened. "Yeah, so Ron's out of commission at that date and you're protecting her." She nodded, still looking upset. "What?"

"You used Divination?"

"It's a time honored tradition," Draco said stiffly. "Our primary heirs are all conceived the same way by the same birth chart formulas. I did the work myself, as my mother taught me."

"Fine," she agreed, stepping back from Ron. "Ron, are you okay with that?"

"The thought of me being pregnant is scaring the shit out of me," Ron assured her with a grin. "But I'll be fine. They're helping me a lot."

"Good," Vinnie agreed. "That kid's going to be hell, Draco."

Draco laughed. "Probably, but it'll be fun."

Harry looked at him. "I still want a dog."

"Fine, we'll pick you out a new friend later this afternoon, when we go shopping," Draco sighed, sitting himself down. "How goes everything else?"

"Crappy," Hermione said succinctly. The boys looked at her. "Half the school thinks you've abandoned them, Harry. Pansy's put that around." Draco raised an eyebrow and she shrugged. "I can't stop the wench. She's the main source of rumors about you three. She also has Ron pregnant with a horrible creature at the moment, something that only Hagrid could enjoy and love."

"I tried to talk to her," Vincent admitted. "She cackled like your mother after a pissing-off-your-father shopping trip, Draco."

"I'll have a talk with Ms. Parkinson myself then," Draco noted. He stood up and grabbed his cloak. "We'll be right back. Did you want to stay, Hermione?"

"No, I'll come back next weekend. Harry, Molly wanted to have lunch with you so she could snoop around up here a bit."

Harry smiled. "Sure. Tell her to tell Lupin to give them a map to Lilly's house. He'll get the point and I trust her." She nodded and followed everyone through the floo. "We were going shopping today?"

"Yup. Draco wanted something stunning to wear to the Yule Ball, just in case we end up going back. What do you think about his father's stunt?"

"I think he's trying to do what Voldie did and he's succeeded partially, but not enough to be worrisome," Harry said with a smile. "His head comes off and he can die. I won't make Draco fight him." Ron smiled and reached over, taking his hand. "Are you sure you're fine with this?"

"No," Ron admitted, "but it beats worrying about the line carrying on. And I enjoy the rest of it, even though skirts bother the hell out of me." He gave him a small smile. "Since I'm in that nice in-between spot, wanna have some fun until they come back?"

"Sure," Harry agreed, standing up so he could help Ron up to their bedroom. He had missed Ron last night. The room had been much too quiet. When Draco came back, he had to smile at the noise those two were making upstairs.

***

After the couple had woken up from their naps, Draco took them clothes shopping. They needed something stunning for the Yule Ball. He could tell people were getting impatient with them being gone and it was only a matter of time before someone got pushy or tried to kidnap them. So therefore they needed to shop now for the next month or so, plus anything special that would be needed. He found Ron a baby blue robe but she didn't like it. He found her a green one and she gave him one of those looks, the kind that meant he might be sleeping alone again that night. So he relented and pushed Ron into a cream colored one that was off the shoulder with a dipping neckline. Tasteful, yet still very appropriate for their ages. He had them add a small trim around the top and bottom hems, a simple string of silver embroidery that wasn't very noticeable but it was there if you were looking for it. Harry was easier; he and Harry looked decent enough in the same colors, all except for black. They decided together on a dark royal blue, a deep color that brought out their best highlights.

Harry smiled at Ron, then at Draco. "You're going to force her to wear more of our newly won jewelry?"

Draco shook his head. "Just the earrings. I have the perfect necklace to nestle in the scoop of her cleavage." He smirked at Ron. "Do not complain about wearing the family jewelry."

"I won't," Ron said quietly, looking at himself. Madam Malkin had them in a special back room. She had fitted all his other clothes so far so she knew what his body changed into. She wasn't upset at all that he was doing girl clothing. "What if I go off schedule?"

"You'll be female for the ball," Draco assured her with a smirk. Ron looked at him and he shrugged. "You will be. Your schedule's been dead on so far. If not, then we'll get you one in male clothing and you can go in a lighter blue." He stole a kiss and finished getting his robe fitted. "There, how's that?"

"It's too short," Harry said as he looked at himself. "I can see your ankles, Draco."

Draco looked down then at the fitter. "He's right." She fixed it for him and let him look again. "Very nice. Harry, we'll have to make plans for you later." Harry nodded, holding out an arm so the sleeve could be adjusted. "Good boy."

"Where are we going to get him his new friend?" Ron asked, reminded by the way Draco talked down to Harry every now and then.

"I saw a shelter just up the street," Harry told him. "We'll go in there." They both nodded. "Thank you." He saw a robe he liked and pointed at it. "Can I try on that one too? Just for general purposes?" The fitter went to get the deep red robe, letting him try it on. It didn't quite make him shine like he had thought it would.

"Get one that matches your eye color," Draco prompted patiently. "The dark red against your eyes is wrong."

"Sure." He handed it off and the fitter went to get one for him, coming back with a silk robe that seemed to shift to different shades of green in the light. "I like that one," he decided, trying it on. It did highlight his eyes and make his skin look less pale. Too many hours with Snape or in the House killed his tan. He nodded that they should fit that one as well.

"Where are you going to wear that?" Ron asked.

"I don't have any that fit and I'll probably need one," Harry sighed. "Better to be safe than sorry."

"Get the full outfit then," Draco decided. Harry looked at him. "You can afford it."

"I know," Harry admitted, "but we did do some other shopping for me. My green suit would work under this."

"No it won't," Ron argued. "It's too dark. Get him the outfit that would go best under that." He grinned at Harry. "We'll take mum and the twins out some night." Harry nodded, liking that idea. The fitter came back and he went to change, coming out in the full kit. His mates nodded that they liked it and he decided it was worth the price. When they were done, Harry led the way down to the little shelter he had seen before, walking in cautiously. The owner smiled at him and he grinned back. "I want a dog," he told her. "Someone to play with and pet and all that good stuff."

"Big or little?"

"Somewhere between a miniature or a toy and a great dane?" he suggested lightly. She laughed and led him back to the cages where the dogs were napping, letting him look them over. He pointed at a large black lab. "I like him."

"He's very nice, but a bit hyper," she warned. Harry shrugged. "Okay. It's your knees that'll get worn out."

"I jog," he assured her. The puppy woke up when the cage door opened, and immediately sniffed his held-out hand. It got an approving lick and the dog lunged forward to get his face as well, making his new master very happy. "Yes, we'll be good together," he assured him as he lifted the dog out of the cage. "What's your name?"

"We don't have one with him. What does he look like to you?"

"Ron's brother Fred," Harry said with a grin at Ron.

"He does drool that way," Ron agreed, snickering when the dog walked over and tried to hump Draco's leg. "Don't do that. That's mine." The dog barked and sat, his tail thumping. "You're a good boy, Fred," he said, taking a treat off the counter to give to him. The dog barked and went back to Harry's side. "What's his name?"

"He reminds me of Sirius," Harry told him, shrugging because he didn't have a clue.

"You can't call him 'dog'," Draco pointed out, leaning on the counter. The dog came back to sniff him. "Do not attach yourself to my leg again. That's your master's spot." The dog jumped, trying to lick his face. Draco relented and got down to pet him, making him sit. "That's much better," he told him. He got licked for it, right across the mouth. "Eeww." He wiped the slobber off and scratched the ears, making the dog groan and go limp in his hands. "Hmm. He even responds like Harry does," he told Ron. Harry glared at him, crossing his arms. He grinned at him to show he was doing it on purpose, just a little teasing.

"I can name him Snuggles," Harry offered.

"Too close," Ron said with a head shake. "I'm all for Fred, it'd knock the cocky sucker down a bit."

"We could name him Nimbus," Draco suggested. Harry frowned at him so he gave up trying to tease. "Then how about Dogstar or something?"

"No, I don't like it." The dog let out a wheezing noise. "Damn, he is like the twins," he noted, cracking Ron up. The dog looked at him and seemed to laugh. "Okay, you're cute. You're adorable. We're calling you... Snitch?" Ron and Draco both shook their heads. "No?" he asked, smiling at them.

"No," Ron decided. "How about after something that you like, like some candybar or something?"

"Hmm." Harry called the dog back to him. "Mars?"

"Sounds good," Ron agreed. Draco shrugged and nodded. "Do you like that name?" he asked the owner of the shelter.

She laughed. "Well, he is a tad bit protective. Remember, naming an object means that it takes on some of that personality. I don't think you want him aggressive. How about...Hershey? Or Cadbury?"

"How about Godiva?" Draco suggested.

"It's a male," the owner told him.

"See, and you thought it was only girls who fell on you like that," Ron taunted, smirking at him.

Draco gave him a bland look. "They do." He looked at Harry again. "He's your dog."

"Good point." Harry looked down into the deep eyes and smiled. "Okay, you're a black dog and you've got the biggest brown eyes. How about Sable?" The dog barked. "Do you like that?" The dog barked again.

"His former owner called him that."

"Any bad associations?" Ron asked.

The owner shook her head. "Not a one. She recently died and left him to me. Sable would do. If not, how about something like wand?" She smiled at Draco. "Like yours perhaps?" He resisted the urge to touch the one in his pocket. "Don't worry, I know and understand. I'm Wiccan." Harry relaxed from his alert pose and Ron seemed to relax as well, but Draco stayed stiff.

"He doesn't know what that means," Harry told her, giving her a smile. "I think we'll take him. Draco, she's a wandless witch." Draco's eyes noted his understanding and he nodded slightly. "She won't hurt us."

"Good." He looked down at the dog. "You still can't have relations with my leg. Or any other part of me." The dog barked and thumped his tail on the ground.

"I'll teach him to sleep on the couch," Harry promised, paying the nice lady for the dog and the gear kit she made up for them. "Thank you." He clipped on the collar and leash, leading the dog back with him. It followed along readily, even through the Leaky Cauldron, not trying to get away to investigate at all.

"Harry!" Hagrid called, walking after them. He heard the small groan and frowned at him. "Not happy to see me?"

"Not happy to get caught," Harry pointed out. "Did the Headmaster send you?"

"Nah," Hagrid said with a grin. "Came out for a pint. It's been a hard week all around." He looked at the dog, smiling at it, making it bark in alarm. "Who's your friend?"

"We decided to call him Sable," Harry told him, getting down to pet his dog. "We just got him from the shelter up the street. Sable, this is Hagrid, he's a very nice man."

Hagrid let the dog sniff him then patted him on the head gently. "You're a cute one," he said with a grin. The dog licked his nose tentatively and then with more gusto when it was well received. Hagrid laughed and petted him some more before pulling back. "So, where are you staying? We heard your relatives were moving to Japan."

"With family," Harry said, smiling at him.

"Your mum's house then?" Hagrid asked. Harry's mouth fell open and Hagrid laughed. "She used to invite me up to look in the woods for creatures for her," he admitted. "You took over the old place?" Harry nodded. "Good on you. I won't tell on ya. I figure you've got a good reason for leaving."

"Yeah, because I want to have a life before and after the fight," Harry told him. Hagrid nodded, understanding that. "You can pass it along that we're all fine and it's going well. I'm still studying hard. I've even found a few older defense books in my mother's things." He grinned and hugged the half-giant. "Thank you for not telling, Hagrid." He walked off, turning to wave. "We'll have you over for lunch sometime soon."

"You do that," Hagrid agreed, waving at them. He smiled at the picture those four made, the dog bouncing along like Ron used to. He sighed in relief. The boy was fine, it'd be okay again. No matter what the rumors were. He went to have that pint of ale, just for a happier reason now.

***

A week later, Harry, Ron, and Draco woke up and found themselves in their school bed, staring up at the school's ceiling, and the dog sniffing around the end of the bed with his leash on. Harry groaned and held his aching head. "I think we were kidnaped," he complained.

Draco rolled over to look at him, removing the hand so he could check his eyes. "You might not have a concussion," he said dryly. He turned to help Ron, finding her going back to sleep. "Wake up," he said, shaking her until she looked at him. "Don't do that. How is your head?"

"Fine," Ron said patiently. "You didn't let me sleep last night though."

"Harry's head hurts," Harry complained. "Talk quieter."

"What happened?" Ron asked quietly.

"Don't know. I feel like I took a bludger to the head."

Their bedroom door opened and Vincent walked in with a potion. "They dropped you when they were carrying you," he said as he handed it over. "How do you get the leash off? The house elves couldn't figure it out."

"You push in on the hinged part," Harry said, drinking the headache potion. "Am I fine?"

"Madam Pomfrey came down an hour ago and said that you should just have a headache of grand proportions," he agreed, smiling at them. "At least they brought everything back. By the way, Hermione doesn't like Ron's cream outfit, she said it looked like you were going to sacrifice her to some mean God."

Draco snorted, lying back down. "She would think that of me."

"You hexed her how many times in the halls?" Ron asked, yawning. "What day is it?"

"The day after they ambushed you," Vincent said simply. Ron looked at him. "Friday. Tomorrow's a Hogsmeade weekend for the seventh years but we're not allowed to go without an escort." He shrugged. "Snape's orders."

"Fuck Snape," Harry said grimly. "Draco, would you sign my papers so I could quit school?"

"If you want," Draco agreed. "After the ball?"

"Sure," Harry sighed, curling up on his chest. "After the ball if we have to." He took Ron's hand to hold. "I'm going to nap some more."

"That's fine, I'm going to be joining you," Ron agreed, giving him a little kiss. They fell asleep on top of their husband, he was quite comfortable for being so skinny.

"What else has happened, Vincent?" Draco asked once the snoring started.

"Hermione's side research project wasn't found out. Nor she and I and our little things," he said with a naughty grin. "Your cabinet was restocked by me personally. I've already asked the house elves to bring lunch since we're locked in here until dinner tonight. Snape said you were going to be waking up about now. They had you magically suppressed to bring you back instead of sedated. They said something about Harry and anesthesia not getting along." He sat on the edge of the bed, picking up the dog so it could curl up behind Harry's back. "He's very adoring. The house elves took him out for a walk just a few minutes ago." Draco undid the leash and tossed it to him. "Thanks, can I use this on her?"

"I doubt she'd like it," Hermione said from the doorway. "I got sent down here and locked in by McGonagall personally," she told him. "How's Harry's head?"

"Hurting. He took some sort of potion. Ron needed more sleep," Draco told her. She nodded. "Are the plans still going?"

She beamed. "Definitely. It was announced at breakfast that you three were back from your illness and would be returning to classes on Monday. I guess you've heard we're grounded to the school this weekend, until they can put a tracking spell on you three. Though Dumbledore did say that was a very nice house and had McGonagall seal it up for you. Only your things were packed up. Cream, Draco?"

"She looks good in it and we're wearing blue," he pointed out, frowning at her. "Wait until you see her in the outfit."

"I'm sure you three will look visually stunning," she agreed. "Can you help me with my outfit? Vincent's demanded that I escort him since he's being stalked by Pansy again."

"Of course." He smiled. "Ron has a wonderful red number if you wanted that one or something similar if you wanted your own."

"I probably should. My parents sent me money. I was going to go this weekend, but then this happened." He nodded. "Thank you. He said you do all his outfits."

"I tend to dress most of the people I care about, I can include you so you don't make him look bad," he assured her lightly. She and he shared a look, coming to an understanding quickly. She might be his intellectual equal, but he could and would destroy her if she hurt Vincent. Mutual attraction and kinks or not. She nodded and walked out to go to the room she was borrowing this weekend. The dog followed her, deciding to check out this room as well. "Move them," Draco whispered. Vincent helped him shift his two spouses so he could go to the bathroom. "Thank you," he said as he walked past his oldest friend.

Vincent went out to the hidden cabinet to get Draco a drink. They had many things hidden in there, including his guilty pleasure of root beer. Draco came out and accepted the small bottle, sitting down to make more plans. It was what he did when faced with a wall of opposition. Vincent sat down to read and wait; Draco would tell him when he was needed.

***

They were greeted warmly that night when they were allowed to dinner, with Snape following behind them to make sure they couldn't escape. Most of their house mates smiled and welcomed them back, all but Pansy. Most of Ron's house hugged and pounded on his back until he was sat down with them.

"Yes, they're back," Dumbledore agreed, smiling at his students. "Where they belong." He looked at Harry, who raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything to counter his announcement.

The Quidditch captain looked down at Harry. "We have practice Sunday."

"That's fine, send me a note on when and I'll be there," Harry reminded him. The guy hated him, they never talked. The only way he knew about practices was from quick notes or when Draco heard about them first.

Draco looked at him. "You might as well put a schedule in our rooms. It's not like we associate most of the time."

"I guess that's because you're *married*," the boy said bitterly, sneering at him. "Going soft in your old age?"

"No, why would you think that?" Draco sneered back. Harry put a hand on his thigh but he ignored it. If he had to prove his manhood and power status again, he would - no matter what his husbands thought of it.

"You skipped out because your little toy was scared," the captain told him.

Harry glared at him. "Scared? Of the person fucking your mother? The one who's been putting her into the hospital?" The man recoiled, but now turned on a full glare. "Being able to see his dreams when he's being pushy means that I get to see all sorts of stuff about your mother. And Pansy's mother. And Vincent's father. All sorts of things. I'm not scared of the suicidal bastard. I'm revolted by some of the things he tries to send into my mind. As for being soft, Draco isn't soft, nor has he ever been. As Ron and I can attest to most mornings." Even Pansy gasped at that one. "If you want to sneer at someone, I suggest you sneer at someone of your own class."

"Enough," Draco said quietly and Harry stopped. "That wasn't necessary."

"I don't like him," Harry said coldly, glaring at him. "Personally, I want to kick his ass. If you don't do it, may I?"

"No," Draco said patiently, giving him a bit of a smile for his acting job. "You can't use him as a practice dummy. I promise we'll find you one soon." Harry beamed and relaxed against his side. "Some of us don't need to use force to solve our problems," he told his house mates. "Do remember that the next time you want to pick on my spouses." He stroked Harry's hair for him, reinforcing the idea that Harry was not only his but that he was the only one who could control him when he was having a bad day. "Professor, did you happen to bring any of the headache medicine with you?" he called. "Harry's head is still hurting him and he's about ready to pound someone for making it worse."

Snape looked down at him. "I did not." He frowned as Hermione stood up and walked a small something over to them. "Did you make some?"

"No, sir, I took some out of my first aid kit," she said smoothly. "I would never brew outside of class. That would be against the rules," she said smartly. She went back to her seat, smiling with Ron about all the things she made that he didn't know about.

Draco made Harry drink the serum, watching as he fell asleep against him. He looked at Vincent. "I may need you to help carry him down to our room," he said quietly, continuing to stroke Harry while he ate with the other hand.

"Was he the sick one?" Blaize asked.

Draco looked at him. "No, Ron was. When they brought us back, Harry's head was hit on something. I'm still not convinced he isn't concussed. I'll be taking him to the infirmary later."

"Can I come talk with you later?" Blaize asked. Draco nodded. "Thank you, Draco." He dug into the food piled on his plate.

Vincent gave Harry a look. "He's fully out, you could let him go."

"He'd end up on the floor with his head in my lap. I seem to comfort him," Draco said a little smugly.

"Oy, Draco, send him over here, I'm done," Ron called.

"He's fine," Draco said calmly. Ron looked at him and he shifted so Harry complained, making Ron nod. Moving a sleeping Harry was a sure way to get hit, they both had been hit a few times because of that. Draco looked up at the head table, seeing the worry in McGonagall's face, then back at his plate so he could finish eating. They hadn't gotten any snack food before they had been snatched. They'd have to sneak out tonight and get it. There was now a door leading outside through their bathroom. They had found it when Filch had walked through it a few hours ago, startling them all. He had thought it went to a shed. Fortunately they hadn't been having noisy sex at the time, Ron had been being quiet.

***

Draco came back from the store, the bags safely stored in his pocket. He found Blaize waiting on him. "Harry?"

"Still sleeping," Blaize said promptly. "Madam Pomfrey agreed with you this time, he's got a mild concussion and she's adjusted his medicine accordingly." Draco nodded, walking over to open the cabinet. Blaize coughed and shook his head so Draco simply unshrunk the bags and put them out onto a dresser. "You got him snack food?"

"Ron likes to nibble when he studies. We'll have to watch that to make sure he doesn't bulk up." He took off his cloak and sat down in his reading chair. "What did you need?"

"I need to be sent somewhere away from my mother," Blaize admitted. "She has once again decided she didn't ever give birth and I'm not her son."

"I'll see what I can do," Draco assured him. They were old friends and he would help the boy. "I'd offer to take you in, but it might hurt Harry terribly to have to look at you each day."

"When will you need a nanny?" Blaize asked.

Draco smirked. "We did figure that out during our time off. We'll be needing one next winter." Blaize looked hopeful. "If Harry will agree," he reminded him.

"Yeah, I don't want to see a fit," Blaize agreed dryly. Harry could throw a good fit when he was really upset. Blaize had been the cause of most of them. "What about the war?"

"Harry's picked a date for the final battle. We've passed the message on to both sides." Blaize looked interested. "December 4th of next year. That way no one can say the dork was fighting a child and no one can say that Harry didn't give him an equal battlefield. For some reason, that's important to him."

Blaize snorted. "It's all that hero stuff, it warps a person badly." He stood up. "If you could help me with that, I'd really appreciate it and owe you badly," he said gently.

"Let me ask my mother and Harry," Draco told him. They hugged and Blaize left.

Vincent stuck his head out of the door. "Your mother's owl left a letter right before you got back. I left it in the cabinet." He saw the snacks and pointed. "What's wrong, they won't fit?" Draco shook his head, and Vincent frowning, knowing it wasn't an answer to the question. "Oh." He walked out and shut his door, showing that his shirt was fully unbuttoned. "Did you get me anything?"

"The second bag has your favorite ginger snaps," Draco said tolerantly, giving him a smile. "Blaize just offered to be our nanny."

"He's always been good with kids. He did most of the helping with his sister when she came," Vincent reminded him, hunting for his cookies. "Ah-ha!" he said happily as he lifted them out of the bag. "Thank you, Draco." He went back to his room and firmly locked the door.

Draco smirked. "I do not want to be kept up by her squealing," he called. He laughed at the groaning going on behind that blue door. Then he saw the edge of a cloak and knew what Blaize had seen. "Professor," he said with mock-fondness, grabbing the invisibility cloak. "Did my husband say you could borrow this?" He bundled it up and kept it. "Did you have fun following me?"

"Yes," Snape agreed, looking down at him. "You knew better than to leave. Voldemort has called for your extermination."

"Yay," Draco said dryly. "Did you give him the final battle's date?"

"Not that he was impressed. The reasoning and the date was something that made him laugh. He agreed he'd meet him there that day, if they didn't meet sooner."

"If he comes near my husband, I'm going to let Harry take care of his troops."

Snape sneered at him. "That boy can not fight well enough to do that."

"You'd be surprised," Draco said calmly. "Do you remember last year?" Snape went paler. "It's a gift from his mother's side of the family." Snape hurried out and Draco sealed the door with a charm that wouldn't let anyone that they didn't invite through. Then he put up the snacks in the hidden cabinets. The locking spell cloaked the room in silence and unscryability. Not even the spying spell he had felt when they woke up would work now. He walked into the bedroom and let Ron strip him, enjoying her version of stress relief a lot.

***

Draco curled up around his mates, enjoying their bout of morning laziness. "Blaize asked if he could be the nanny," he announced. Ron looked at him and blinked.

"Blaize loves little kids," Harry noted quietly. "He adored his sister before she drowned." He snuggled harder into Draco's stomach. "What's going on?"

"His mother." Harry looked up and frowned. "He wants to escape."

"I'm for it," Harry said with a shrug. "He'll get his own room and we won't see much of him while we're doing most of the work ourselves."

"Plus the training means that he could find another job after our children are grown," Draco noted, stroking Harry's back. He gave his consort a smile for being so nice to his ex.

"What's his mother doing?" Ron asked.

"Blaize's mother is a cunt," Harry said bluntly. "She kicks him out of the house all the time and then tries to blackmail him back with the family money." He shrugged to make Draco's hand quit, earning a slap to the back of the head. "Ow!"

"Easy on him, Draco. He is still concussed," Ron reminded, sliding over so he could lay against Harry's back.

"Get off," Harry sighed. "I'm not in a cuddly mood." He got away from them and laid on his husband's other side so he could look at them. "I'm having one of those 'feeling odd in my own skin' days. It's like my skin doesn't fit right. Cuddling only makes it worse."

"Sorry," Ron said, but he was grinning. "You know there's only one good way to deal with that, right?"

"Yes, but you're sore," Draco pointed out. Harry rolled his eyes and flipped onto his other side so he could go back to sleep. "Harry, are your shields up?"

"Not yet," Harry admitted, struggling to put them up. "I hate that stuff." He looked back at Draco. "Can I have a vivid dream about what I want to do to him? Maybe make him a bit paranoid?"

"Sure," Ron agreed quickly. Harry settled in to nap some more. They waited until he was snoring to pull him back against Draco's side. Ron beamed at Draco. "Think we should have fun without him?"

"You're still sore," Draco reminded him.

"Yeah, but not all of me," Ron teased, stroking a hand down his husband's stomach. Draco flinched when someone knocked on the door. "I'm going to kill Snape," he hissed, getting up to answer it. He opened the main door, not caring that he was halfway back to being female and naked. "What?" he asked Snape.

"You three are wanted in the office for a conference," Snape said, not staring at him. He was actually looking at the ceiling. "Preferably after you dress." He closed the door.

Ron sighed and went back to the bedroom. "We're wanted in the office."

"Fuck them," Harry said in his worst 'bored' tone of voice. "I was just getting to the good part, where I walked in with a big sword and cut everyone into little chunks."

Ron giggled and hugged him. "I'm sure it was a stunning one, Harry. Toss back up your shields and we'll walk you up." He went to his dresser, pulling out all the necessary equipment.

Draco walked up behind him, kissing him on the neck. "You're small enough, wear one of your new dresses," he requested. He gave him another kiss and a quick nibble on the throat.

"My chest won't fit in most of them," Ron pointed out, enjoying the attention until someone knocked. "Bugger off!" he shouted. Harry laughed as he went to his closet to pull out a uniform. "Harry, wear real clothes," Ron ordered, pulling down one of his favorite dresses. It made him look wonderful and his men appreciated it. Draco put that one back and looked at what was in Harry's hand, then pulled down another one to make him wear. "I don't like that one, it rides up."

Draco looked at him. "Since when?"

"Since that first time I wore it," Ron told him. "Or don't you remember having to push it back down all day?"

"Good point." Draco looked at Harry's outfit. "We'll do green today." Ron sighed. "You look excellent in it."

"Yeah, but the other Gryffs won't understand," Ron reminded him. "I still have to be with them."

"Good point." Draco looked at the wardrobe then shook his head and went out to the special one, coming back with a slinky blood red dress. "For some reason, this shade does go well on you. Put that one on," he ordered, working on hurrying Ron's state to the fully female side. "I don't like that in-between state."

"You said yourself that it'll go faster once he starts a cycle," Harry pointed out as he found a black outfit to wear. Draco nodded his approval so he went for a quick shower. "Ron, join me?"

"Shit, I forgot about that," Ron agreed, taking off his stockings to join him.

Vincent walked out and opened the door. "They're taking showers to spare you from the lust sticking to their skin," he told McGonagall. "Give them five more minutes?"

She smiled. "Of course. May I wait inside?" He let her inside, closing the door behind her. "Was that Mrs. Malfoy who yelled?"

"You interrupted a kiss, ma'am. You know how well Draco can stun him, he wasn't in his right mind."

"I suppose I'll let it go this time," she said as she settled herself in to wait. She noticed Harry and Ron coming out of the shower, dripping water as they walked by, and Draco heading in. "They went together?"

"It was faster that way," Vincent said with a shrug. "Hermione, it's your Head," he called, heading for the blue door. He tapped before walking in, closing it behind him. "McGonagall's on the couch."

"Shit!" She quickly got dressed and hurried out with a blush. "Let me clean up, ma'am," she promised, heading into Vincent's bedroom and his bathroom for a quick washcloth bath. She rebraided her hair with a charm and then straightened herself out before walking back out. "Sorry, Professor."

"That's all right," she said tolerantly. "I'm not sure if I should include you in this meeting or not."

"Harry tells me anyway," she pointed out.

"Good reasoning. What about your...friend?"

"Vincent? He's Draco's bodyguard and we've already figured him into all the battle plans. We've set it up so Harry gives the orders to Ron and Draco, and then they deputize to us." McGonagall looked impressed. "That way it gets around when necessary."

"That's a wonderful idea. What about the Headmaster and the rest of us?"

"I'm pretty sure Draco or Ron are sending you his plans," she admitted with a faint blush. The teacher looked stunned. "You've heard about his fight with the Headmaster?" she asked quietly. McGonagall nodded slowly. "He's still a bit pissed at him."

"Oh, dear." She stood up as Harry walked in, his outfit a dull black that fit his body well. Draco led Ron behind him, her arm through his. She smiled at Ron. "You look stunning in that."

"Thank you, ma'am," Ron agreed. "Draco got pushy, he doesn't like my in-between times."

"I do, but I could do with less time in them," Draco corrected. He let the other couple of Hermione and Vincent, and the teacher, lead the way up to the Headmaster's office. He settled Ron in Harry's lap, he was already giving off 'I'm pissed' body language and Ron would calm him down. He settled himself on Harry's other side. "You needed to see us?"

"Yes, we have to talk about your idea for a called final battle," Dumbledore told him. "I don't think it's going to stop anything."

"No, but it won't go on past that," Harry pointed out dryly. "It'll give the average person something to look forward to, a bit of hope." He stroked Ron's stomach, a subtle reminder to himself that he had to stay calm. Plus it irritated the Headmaster fully. "Besides, Voldie's been criticized how many times for fighting and losing to me as an infant? This way he gets to gloat and brag that he's going to be destroyed by a man this time."

"Harry, this isn't a game," Dumbledore reminded him.

"I know. We already have our plans in place. We'll be giving out the orders for that fight the day before, that way nothing can slip away." Draco stroked his arm. "Voldie's not getting anything done until then either and even he will realize the pointlessness of going out to fight since everyone's waiting on that final battle. I woke up this morning to a wave of frustration when he saw the paper."

"Yes, as did I. You never sent us a copy of that notice," Dumbledore pointed out.

Harry shook his head. "I sent it to Ron's mum and asked that she send it on. She probably gave it to everyone else and you missed it over dinner or something." He shrugged. "She can chat during meals."

Ron frowned at him. "I like that in my mother."

"So do I, it's a friendly thing, but even you have to admit she goes through a lot of topics," Harry said, giving him a kiss in apology. "I love your mum, Ron, she's a great woman who already thought I was one of hers before we married."

"Good." Ron looked back at the Headmaster. "Was there any question about that day?"

"It does give him an advantage," Snape pointed out.

"Not really. You'll find out soon enough," Harry assured him. "That way you can't be used by either side." Dumbledore looked startled and Harry gave him his blandest look. "You forgot my mother's books. I'll have to go back to retrieve them and the others I was working from. I'll let Draco and Ron tool around town until then."

"You're all grounded to the school," McGonagall reminded him.

"I still have my father's cloak. I can sneak off if you want," Harry offered. "But the longer they're there, the less practice I get in and the more you risk."

Snape nodded. "We'll be placing tracking charms on you in a few moments. After that, you can go finish getting ready for the day and get those. I will give you one hour to find them."

"Fine," Harry said with a wave of his free hand. "We're ready for the day."

"I didn't get a chance to do my makeup," Ron said quietly.

"I'll help you with that," Hermione told him.

Vincent coughed. "Sir, the plans are already set. Even if he tried a surprise attack, he's got to realize he'll be the weaker one. I know he's got a seer of his own."

"Plus, my mother's letter reminded me that my upcoming free time was to be spent wisely," Draco put in. Everyone but Snape looked at him, he had gotten too many cryptic letters from Draco's mother in the past to not understand. "My mother is a seer herself," he said gently, reminding them that she was one of the best ever. Dumbledore nodded. "So therefore, we're going to go to town. I think I'll call my mother to see if she'd like some tea." He stood up and helped Ron off Harry's lap, then helped him up to take his other arm. "Is there any news on where my father is?"

"He's back at Voldemort's side," Dumbledore told him calmly.

Draco shrugged. "Then his death sentence will be fulfilled." He walked his mates out, their friends following behind. "Ron, I don't like you in that dress after all," he said firmly. "There's one I liked more, I'm putting you into it. It should hang better and be less clingy."

"Is it warmer?" Ron asked.

"Definitely," Draco agreed with a smile. "It's velvet. We'll work on your Halloween costume today as well." He let them into their rooms, leading Ron back to redress him. The old dress went into Hermione's room.

"What do you want me to do with this?" she asked Harry, the messenger.

He shrugged. "Fit it to yourself or pass it on," he told her. "Draco didn't like how it fit Ron and you're the only girl around to get the wardrobe that he doesn't like." He went back to his own closet, deciding on a different shirt. It was a bit too chilly for silk today. He pulled on a velvet shirt and did it up, earning a frown from Draco. "I like it, it's warm."

"I don't." He took it off his husband and hung it back up, grabbing a long-sleeved dress shirt for him. "Wear that."

"Yes, Draco," he sighed, but he did put it on and make sure that Draco approved of how he buttoned it. Draco was very persnickety about their wardrobes. Ron walked out in the same color dress, but this one was in a light velvet and fit her wonderfully because it stretched a bit. "Wow." He saw the flawless makeup and hairdo, then grinned at him. "I'm going to enjoy messing you up later."

Ron giggled. "Sure, Harry." He looked at his shirt. "Don't we clash?"

Draco looked at Harry's green shirt, then nodded and found him a linen one that would look better, this time in a light gray. "Put that one on."

"I'm cold," Harry complained. Draco looked at him and sighed. "I need something warm, Draco."

"We need to finish shopping for you," Draco commented. "Put on the silver and the black velvet as an overshirt, we'll do some shopping for you today."

"I don't have any money with me. They left my money bag back at the house as well," Harry sighed as he did as he was told. Draco rolled his eyes. "I can buy my own wardrobe, Draco Malfoy."

"I know you can, but I enjoy it, so quit whining," Draco ordered. Harry blushed and ducked his head, doing as he was told. "Thank you!" He walked over to brush some fur off Ron's shoulder then looked at her shoes. "We'll have to fix those as well. Black's a bit too dark for day wear on you." He shrugged and took them both once they were done, leading them down and out of the school. Harry disappeared, heading back to his house to get his books and money, while Draco led the way to the clothiers. If his mother had anticipated him, she'd be there waiting on him. He found her browsing the winter brown collection. "Mother, not with your hair," he chided, smiling when she looked at him. "Really, it would make you look bad." He kissed her cheek and turned Ron loose so he could do the same.

"You are adorable," Narcissa Malfoy told Ron, who blushed. "My son has excellent taste."

"And she's not fully changed through yet either," Draco told her. He touched her mark and concentrated, finishing her change. "That's her in full female."

"Draco!" Ron complained, swatting at him. Draco kissed him until he went limp in his arms, then he simply smiled. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Draco looked at his mother. "Harry should be right back. He managed to leave some things at the other house."

"I take it you haven't shown him where he can access his money from here?" she chided. He shook his head, smirking at her. "Such games you play," she said, giving his nose a light pinch. "I need something for daily wear, Draco, would you mind helping me?"

"Not at all, Mother." He snapped his fingers and the shop's owner came over. "My wife needs to find something wonderful for her Halloween costume and for more daily wear. I'll be looking over her selections in a moment. Also, find her some shoes." The owner nodded, leading Ron off. He smiled at his mother and gave her a hug. "I'm happy, Mother."

"I noticed, Son. I'm very proud of the way you've handled most everything so far." She kissed him on the cheek. "Tan?"

"No, mother, you look bad in tan. Remember that summer tea two years ago?" She shuddered and he helped her pick out some stunning things, robes that would compliment her perfectly. When they were done, they went to help Ron and the newly appeared Harry. "Harry, bag," Draco ordered, making him move it. Harry rolled his eyes but did so. "Thank you. Harry needs shirts for warmer weather. He was chilled this morning," he told the owner. She nodded and led Harry off so he could look at what she had. "Mother, Blaize Zabini came to me the other day," he said as he helped her to her seat so they could watch Ron being fitted. "That green's too light," he pointed out. It was darkened for them. Ron looked at him. "You look good in the forest green instead of the Slytherin shade of green," he said with a shrug. He looked at his mother. "He wanted to know if we would be needing a nanny."

"I had heard his mother was pulling her stunts again," Narcissa said dryly. She patted Draco's hand. "You certainly will be needing one, Draco. He always did adore his little sister."

"What happened to her?" Ron asked.

"She drowned one summer while swimming in the lake by the school," Narcissa told her. Ron nodded, turning back to the fitting process. "Not so high on her hips, she looks like things ride up on her." Draco nodded at that, they certainly did. The fitter fixed it and she turned her attention back to her son. "I think he would be an excellent person to do that, if your husband could stand the sight of him every day."

"Harry?" Draco asked. Harry's head popped up. "Blues, greens, and reds, not tans." Harry frowned at him. "How do you feel about Blaize?"

Harry walked over, giving him a hug. "It hurts sometimes when I think about what he did, but I want to help him. Blaize was my first love, and the first person to give a damn about me." Draco gave him a gentle pat on the arm. "I think I can handle him being the nanny. If not, can't we help him find a spot like that?"

"Certainly," Narcissa agreed, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "That's a wonderful thought. I leave that up to you."

"Then we'll try him," Harry told her. He smiled at Draco. "You're not filling in my wardrobe. I can do that on my own."

Draco kissed him until he went limp. "I'm buying you clothes because I want to and because it will piss my father off," he pointed out. "No tan."

"Yes, Draco." Harry went back to his searching.

Draco looked at Ron's tan outfit, it was in a soft crepe fabric. It was the right shade to look good on her. "That fabric is more for hot summers," he said delicately. "The color looks good though."

"I liked that one," Ron told him. "I'll be pregnant during next summer and I'll need it."

"That's fine," Draco agreed, smiling at her. His mother got up and hugged her hard. "We picked out a date this May, mother."

"A girl?" she asked, smiling at them. Draco nodded. "How wonderful!" She hugged him then went to hug Harry as well. "And yours?" she asked him quietly.

"Thirty two days before the fight," Harry whispered. She gave him another squeeze. "You aren't going to argue?"

"It is an inspired plan, my new son, and I would adore having more than one grandchild," she assured him, letting him go. She pulled down a dark purple shirt but then put it back. "If you eyes were brown instead of that bright green, I would put you into so many colors," she promised, kissing him over top of the scar. "Give him many nightmares for me, son." She went back to Draco's side, noticing Pansy had walked in while they were talking. "Pansy," she said, giving the girl a handshake. "How are you, dear?"

"Just fine, Narcissa, thank you," she said politely. "How are you?"

"I'm wonderful. Draco just told me the best news." She smiled at her and went back to her son's side. "Where is Vincent?"

"Probably walking around with Hermione in the bookstore," he said dryly.

"Hermione? Is she one of the new girls in the house?"

Pansy coughed. "No, she's that Gryff genius and a mudblood," she said, glaring at Draco. "You're setting a bad example by taking up with one. I knew you would."

Harry walked up behind her and grabbed the back of her neck, making her squeal in pain. "Leave my husband and Granger alone," he hissed in her ear. She nodded, still crying. "Thank you. I do protect Granger." He let her go. "You're bothering Ron, leave for the other side of the store." She hurried off. He went back to his shopping, still frowning at her. She found a rack that she wanted to browse through.

"Really?" Narcissa asked her son.

"Yes," he agreed lightly. "She's one of the few I consider worthy of being able to speak to me. One of those miraculous individuals who is a true genius. She has to study where I don't, but still barely good enough. Her brains outweigh her bloodline."

"I'm going to hit you," Ron said warmly. "Do not say such things about my best friend."

"Yes, Ron," Draco agreed, giving him a tolerant look. He looked at his mother again and smiled. "That's also why, that and she has fought beside Harry the whole time."

"Hmm. Since he is bound to the family, I would like to meet this young lady," Narcissa told him.

Draco stood up. "I'll get her for you."

"I'll go," Pansy said quickly, wanting to get away from Harry. She had always known he was psychotic, he had simply proved it to her satisfaction. She ran out the door, heading down to where the other Gryffs were huddled around talking. "Narcissa Malfoy wants your Granger bitch and our Crabbe to appear in the clothing store," she ordered the mostly fourth years. They looked at her like she was beneath the dirt on their shoes. "Now."

Seamus Finnigan, one of the seventh year boys in Gryffindor, walked up to her. "Why would she want to talk to Granger?"

"Because Vincent is bound to Draco's family and Narcissa has the right to tell him who to date," she said coldly. "Now."

"Fine. She's in Honeydukes. I'll send her up." He walked away, clearly dismissing her.

She nearly screamed in disgust but held it in. Her mother would be getting a long rant about the disrespect she was getting. She went back to the clothing store. "She'll be right in. One of her own kind went to retrieve her."

"Thank you, Pansy," Narcissa said, giving her a warm smile. The girl cooled off. She did know how to read people, her son got it from her. The next people through the door were Hermione, Vincent, and Neville Longbottom. He went over to talk to Harry about something, making the boy smile and hug him. She quit paying attention to them, she didn't want to know about his side affairs. "Vincent," she said, holding out her arms. He hugged her and kissed her on the cheek. "Is this your new friend?"

"Yes, Aunt Narcissa. Hermione Granger, this is Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's mother," he said, shifting her closer. "Aunt Narcissa, this is Hermione." They shook hands. "She's an amazing witch, Aunt. We share many interests and can hold entire conversations."

Hermione blushed. "Vincent!" she complained, hitting him on the arm. It only made him chuckle and hug her. "He's in too good a mood today. One of my favorite books was in and he just bought me a new copy because mine was falling apart," she explained smoothly.

Narcissa stared into her eyes, then nodded. "You'll do. It's not a perfect match, but I doubt Vincent could find someone who made him that happy in our group." Pansy let out a squeak. "Yes, dear?"

"You're allowing them?" she said, looking stunned.

Narcissa looked at her. "Sometimes the old lines need a new infusion to keep them strong and only the best will do. She is clearly the best of her kind." Pansy clamped her lips together and stormed out. Narcissa rolled her eyes. "Now that the panicking people are gone, I appreciate that you make him happy, dear. Vincent is a very...difficult person to get to like sometimes."

"Just because he doesn't share your scholarly interests doesn't make him a bad person, mother," Draco reminded her. She smiled at him and he quieted down.

"I know. He does have some other faults as well, as do most men, and she appears able to deal with them." Hermione blushed a bright red. She chuckled. "It's good you share those interests as well, dear." She patted her on the hand. "I approve and I'll tell your father if you want, Vincent?" He shook his head quickly. "Are you sure?"

"I was going to introduce them during the Holiday," he told her. "Take them both to dinner or something."

"An excellent idea. Of course, Draco or I will have to help you find the most suitable place, somewhere quiet and in public so no one can make a scene."

"I like the new little family restaurant that opened up in Diagon," Hermione put in. "It has a few back rooms and the food isn't pretentious, but it is good."

Narcissa nodded. "That would set the right atmosphere for such an announcement. For an engagement I would think somewhere more fancy, but for meeting his family for the first time it is more than acceptable."

"Mother, Hermione's asked me to help them with their Yule Ball outfits. Would you do the honors so you can get to know her a bit better?" Draco suggested slyly.

"Of course," she agreed, leading the poor children away. She stopped to take two shirts from Harry's pile and put them back. "Not with your eyes, dear, they're too light."

"I was getting them for Ron to wear. I like her in my shirts," Harry told her.

Narcissa looked back at Ron, then at him. "That would be nearly obscene, Harry. Her chest is a bit bigger than yours." He blushed, clearly that's what he had in mind. She leaned closer to his ear. "I have a favorite shop for things of that nature, should I show her?" Harry nodded quickly and moved on. She laughed and hugged Hermione. "I'll show you as well, dear. It's quite a wonderful place." She led the girl directly to the robe she should wear, and with it in her size, they found one for Vincent quickly. She oversaw their fittings, nodding in appreciation.

***

Ron looked around the shop in awe. "Mother," she squeaked. Narcissa hugged him hard, not expecting that. He blushed as he looked at her. "I wasn't sure you'd like it," he lied. He had really been wanting his mother. There were things in there that he wasn't sure what they were for, but they were scary. She laughed and led him to a rack of lingerie. "I had one like this, Draco let Harry rip it off me," he complained as he picked up a flimsy nightgown.

"That's why they're created," Narcissa assured him. She noticed Hermione was in another corner, looking at a leather bustier. "You find them something wonderful and I'll buy it for you," she promised, heading over to talk the girl out of it. Vincent wouldn't like leather. She talked the girl into a Chinese dress, one that made her body look tiny and dainty. Then they compromised and found her something leather that she liked.

***

Ron put on the midnight blue silk corset bustier and walked into their bedroom. "Can one of you fit this for me please?" she asked, grinning at them. She wasn't wearing anything else.

Harry swallowed and leered. "Ron, I like that," he noted, coming over to touch where the fabric ended. Just above her nipples and just above her pubic line. "I like that a lot."

Draco climbed out of bed and came over to tighten it for her, liking the view as well. "You should have on panties and garters," he whispered in her ear. She blushed as he fixed the last knot. "How's that?"

"Not too tight," she said in appreciation. She undid one of the front catches, making Harry go off without any more prompting. "Do you like?" They nodded, both of them swallowing their drool. "I've got a bit more decorous one for Halloween." Harry fell to his knees, burying his face in her crotch, and Draco kissed her until her head was spinning. "If you help me fit into that one, I'll wear this one however you want."

"The panties would be good, I'm so distracted," Harry admitted between licks.

Draco pulled him off and Harry stood up, heading for her nipples. He rolled his eyes and pulled Harry off again, pushing him onto the bed so he could help Ron fit into this new outfit. It was a dark green, which he liked her in, and it had a skirt to go on over the bottom. The matching panties and slightly darker stockings made him drool but he did help her fit it. The skirt was a slim one, and he liked it and the slit in it quite a lot. "Harry would love it if he could climb under the table and lick you at dinner," he promised, leading her back so Harry could see. He whimpered and stroked himself harder. "No, wait for us," Draco ordered. Harry's hand stopped but didn't move. "Both palms on the bed. I'll put her into the other outfit." Harry nodded and both his hands hit the bed. "Good boy, Harry," Draco encouraged. He put Ron back into the dark blue one and helped her into the panties and stockings. His own personal kink, but he did like this. "Is it comfortable?"

"Very. It's only slightly stiff, like some of the dress robes you bought me," Ron promised, stepping into the heels Harry liked. They walked back into the bedroom and Harry groaned, coming without anything touching him. "I think I'll be wearing this a lot," she teased, bending down to lick up the cum. He groaned and his hands clenched the bedspread as tightly as he could.

"Calm down," Draco instructed, stroking up Ron's back. "We have all night. Tomorrow is Sunday." Harry nodded and let Ron do whatever she wanted.

"Hmm, our Harry playtoy," Ron teased, licking up his cock. He started to get hard again. "Draco, I think we hit on a kink of his."

"Only with you two," Harry ground out, trying hard not to grab her for a kiss and a long time with her nipples. He loved nipples.

"If you keep sucking on them, she might lactate," Draco warned, knowing what was on Harry's mind because he was staring. Ron's neck blushed so the front of her must be. "You are?"

She looked up and nodded. "A little bit of discharge. I asked Madam Pomfrey and she said it was because Harry liked to suck on them too much," she admitted sheepishly. "She also looked at my fertility levels. I won't be fertile until around Valentine's Day she thinks."

"That's fine," Draco agreed, smiling at her. "The less time we have to use contraceptive spells the happier we are." He stroked over the edge of her panties. "What would you like tonight, Ron? Since you went to all the trouble to get us a treat, you should be able to direct some of it."

Ron shifted off Harry and laid down, spreading herself out. "I want to be licked so much I keep the school up, and I want to be sore in the morning."

"Anal?" Draco asked.

She shook her head. "You know I don't like it in this form, Draco. It makes me feel odd."

"That's fine, Ron," Harry agreed. "Can I lick?"

"Please," she agreed, spreading her thighs for him. He flipped over her legs, starting to tease her over top of her panties. "You're good," she promised, smiling at Draco. "May I have a kiss?" He got down there to help her as well, teasing the rest of her. Harry was energetic but he knew what a clit was. As proven by her first orgasm. The first of many that night.

Across the sitting room, Hermione was giving the door a startled look. "What are they doing?" she asked.

"We could go into the other room and see," Vincent suggested, running a finger up her bare back. They were cuddling together naked on his bed while she read to him. She shifted and he could feel her interest. "Please?" he whispered hoarsely. He wanted that so badly. "I'll even let you do whatever you want to me."

She smiled at him. "Come on, let's go." She led the way to the other room, ignoring the house elf who was petting the dog. Sable barked at Vincent and he paused to give him an ear scratch, then they closed themselves in.

The house elf looked at the dog, eyes wide. "That room closed," he whispered. "Not been back for many years." The dog licked him, happy with his current friend. "They have fun," the house elf decided, going back to his playing. Ron's first scream of pleasure made him laugh. "Many peoples make that noise," he told the dog. "Hear it all the time."

***

Monday morning found the trio wandering into the Great Hall for breakfast looking very tired, but happy. Harry fell asleep against Vincent's side this time and snored along with the sounds of the rest of the table gossiping about them and what they must have done.

Draco pulled out a book on kinks and was openly reading it. McGonagall came down to take it from him but he snatched it back. "I'm trying to figure out why someone would have a certain one," he explained. "In case you hadn't heard, the Dark Lord has a few of his own and if they're exploitable it's a good thing," he hissed. She blanched and left him to his reading. He went back to reading about people who had kinks for breast milk and breastfeeding wondering which one Harry was. When he was done with the section, he marked his place and finished eating, then went to follow Ron out into the halls. Vincent would help Harry finish waking up. He found Ron on the walkway overlooking the pitch and gave her a hug, handing her the book. "Here, I marked the section."

Ron opened the book and looked at it, then at him. A quick glance at the title made him frown, but he did read the introduction. "Harry?" he asked, handing it back. Draco nodded. "Do you think we need to do something about it?"

"I'm not sure," Draco admitted. "For right now, it's more a comfort thing. I think we should watch for it to get worse. If it does get worse, then I will suggest we do something." He noticed Vincent walking a mostly-sleeping Harry their way. "What happened?"

"He tried to feel me up," he said grimly. "Made a few of the other kids laugh until Blaize got on them." He pulled the wet spot away from his shirt. "I think maybe you should ask him why he's so insecure, Draco."

"It's obvious why," Ron corrected. "It's the problem with the fight and all that."

"He's been this way since he and Blaize started to nap together," Vincent told him.

"Oh." Ron looked at Draco, who nodded. "Then maybe we should work on it. How would we do that?"

"Easy," Draco said with a smile. "We find a deaging charm and request a weekend off somewhere." Vincent looked stunned. "I promise we'll be safe. You can have the whole room to yourself for anything you want. As long as you don't have her in my chair." Vincent nodded quickly; Draco's reading chair was sacred and he didn't even sit in it. "The weekend after Halloween?" Ron shrugged. "Good. I'll make all the arrangements. Did he eat, Vincent?" Vincent nodded quickly and left them alone, he didn't want to know. "Ron, are you up for that?"

"It'll be odd, but if you're thinking about doing what the book was talking about it'd be helpful. It can only make him more secure in us." Draco nodded and he shifted closer to Harry, kissing him gently. "Wake up, Harry." Harry yawned and tried to latch onto his chest. "No," he said, backing off. "Wake up first. I want a real kiss before you grope me." Harry blinked at him, still mostly asleep, but he did smile and pull him back for a hug before trying to suck on him.

"No," Draco ordered. Harry pulled off to look at him. "Not in the halls, Potter." Harry shrugged and rested his head on Ron's shoulder, starting to drift back off again. "Potter, we have Snape in fifteen minutes. You've got to wake up."

"Fuck 'im," Harry said, then he yawned again. "Nasty bugger needs to be fucked up the ass a few times to become human again." Draco's eyes went wide. "Is he behind me?" he asked lightly.

"No, but that is a revolting thought! Get up now or I'm going to tell him you want to help his temperament." Harry forced himself to finishing waking up, giving Ron a hard kiss and a bit of a butt squeeze. "Thank you," Draco sighed, taking his own wake up kiss. "Now be good and you can drift off during our study hall before Defense." Harry nodded, resting against him this time. Ron giggled and rushed off to join her classmates before class. He didn't have Potions anymore. "Come on," Draco sighed, walking Harry down to the dungeon.

"How revoltingly cute," Snape sneered. "You're *cuddling*."

"He's half asleep," Draco told him.

"Then finish waking him up or we'll use him as part of this potion."

Harry looked at Snape and yawned. "Get fucked, sir, it'd help you a lot," he said in a near-whisper before going back to his seat. Snape spluttered, glaring at Harry's head where he had put it down on the table.

"You know he's not a morning person," Draco commented neutrally, going to take his own seat. He patted Harry on the back. "You can't sleep in here, husband."

"Draco, shut up and let me wake up on my own or no sex for a week," Harry mumbled. Within a minute he was snoring.

"What did you do to him?" Blaize asked, looking amazed. "I never made him that tired."

"There's two of us," Draco smugly reminded him. "Besides, Vincent kept us up." He looked at Snape and shrugged. "Remember, he hits when you try to wake him up by moving him," he said as Snape walked up to their table. He got out of the way, Harry hit hard.

Snape smacked Harry across the back of the head, making him grumble. "I should do an unforgivable on you. You'd wake up then," he sneered.

"I've been under it before," Harry mumbled. He suddenly laughed. "He liked the sword up his ass," he sighed, turning his head the other way.

Snape looked at Draco, who shrugged. "He's been doing a campaign of demoralization, sir. His fondest and most creepy wishes are being seen as certain people's nightmares." Snape's eyes widened. "I can't manage to wake him up and neither did Ron."

"Take him back to your rooms and put him to bed."

"You want me to let him sleep alone?"

"I'm sure he's accomplished that feat in six years."

"Not in four of them," Blaize told him. Snape rounded on him and he flinched. "Harry has nightmares and he hates to sleep alone, sir. That's what brought us together, I make an adorable teddy bear." The girls in the mixed class snickered but he let it go.

"We don't ever let him sleep alone," Draco agreed, tapping Harry slightly. "If you'll come with me, I'll put you on the couch."

"Couch bad for napping," Harry mumbled, reaching for him. Draco squeaked in alarm as he was pulled closer.

"For Merlin's sake. Float the boy up and to your rooms, Mr. Malfoy."

"Go right ahead," Blaize told him. Snape glared at him and opened his mouth. "Draco's arms are pinned, sir. He can't."

Snape floated the boy up and he flailed, which was why he had gotten the concussion a few weeks ago. Draco grabbed him, shooting a glare at him. "Fine. Now you can move. Take him to your rooms. I'll excuse you so your husband doesn't attack anyone else in the class to *cuddle*." He shuddered as the boys left, glaring at the rest of them. "You shall not do such disgusting things in front of me. It is not appropriate. I have no doubt that Mr. Potter-Malfoy was up studying late last night." The class held in their laughter at his assertion and he got them started on that day's work.

***

Ron walked in during his first study hall, smirking at the trapped Draco. "It's all over the school that you told everyone Vincent kept us up. He saw me and blushed."

"I'll tell him why later," Draco said flippantly. "Move him so I can go to the bathroom." Ron slipped in behind Harry's back, letting him flip over and snuggle up to his chest. "Thank you." He went into the bathroom to get cleaned up. He had spilled some punch on himself earlier. He came out and saw Ron's worried look. "What?"

"Goyle stopped me in the halls," Ron admitted. Draco started to frown. "He only said some things about my breasts and how I should be begging him since he was the only one who could do anything for me."

"I'll deal with him later," Draco decided. "Stay away from him. He's showing more signs of becoming unbalanced recently." He slipped back in and Harry didn't turn to cuddle him. "What is it about your breasts," he complained. Ron pinched him hard enough to leave a bruise. "Sorry." He looked down at Harry's back. "He gave up my chest for yours."

"It's the softness," Ron said, grinning at him. Harry shifted back, grabbing Draco to wrap around him. "See, I'm his pillow and you're his favorite blanket."

Draco rolled his eyes but relaxed and let Harry tug him closer. When someone knocked on the door, he had to struggle to get free, Harry wasn't letting him go. He did finally get free and went to answer the door, letting the Headmaster in. "Harry's still napping." Harry padded over to him and pushed him against a wall, rubbing his cheek against his chest. "See?" He led Harry back to the bed and let him arrange them however he wanted. He was once again the blanket. "It's keeping him calm."

"So I can see," the Headmaster said, watching Harry. "He'll have to wake up sometime. You do have to go to classes."

"Go right ahead," Ron told him. "I have a study hall."

"We have Defense with the Ravenclaws today," Draco said bitterly. Harry's 'shh' was clearly heard. "Sorry, love," he said, kissing him on the top of the head. Harry grinned and pressed back against him until he went limp again. "As you can see, it's pretty much a hopeless situation."

"Let me, I can wake him up," Dumbledore said, stepping closer. Ron tried to get out of the way. "I won't touch you."

"He hits!" Ron complained. "I don't need walloped today." He finally got free and Harry was mumbling angrily now. When the Headmaster tried a gentle shake, he had to duck away from the fist. "See!" He got back in and Harry settled down, firmly planting his head on Ron's breasts again. "He'll wake up in time for lunch."

Draco looked at the clock. "He'll be up in time for Magical Creatures," he told the Headmaster. "He's always up by ten."

Dumbledore gave them a thoughtful look. "In the future, do not create the condition that would force him to sleep in," he ordered gently.

"We didn't," Draco complained. "We went to bed at ten last night and were done by midnight. He's just sleepy."

"It's probably the nightmare campaign," Ron put in. Draco nodded, that sounded reasonable.

"Nightmare campaign?" Dumbledore asked.

"He's felt the idiot in his head again so he's been sending him nightmares."

"Today he mentioned something about a sword up the rear passage," Draco agreed.

Dumbledore's eyes went wide. "He's sending things to him? Is the rest of his mind shielded?"

Draco frowned at him. "Yes!" he said sharply. "I helped him using my mother's books. She's been watching over his training since this summer. She said she couldn't get into his shields this weekend when we had lunch. She said his were much stronger now, nearly as strong as hers."

"That's wonderful," Dumbledore agreed. "Do make sure he's being careful. Sometimes things can sneak through that you didn't mean to let out."

Draco shrugged. "There hasn't been an attack in weeks because he realized how futile it was. No one's as scared of him as they were. It's taking his fun away."

Dumbledore stepped away from the bed. "Thank you for telling me. I'll see you at lunch and do make sure he goes to the next possible class." He hurried out, going to talk to Snape. "The boy is sending him nightmares," he said as soon as the Potion's professor was in the hall with him.

"I know. I heard his earlier one. I have to admit, I couldn't get through his shields. Perhaps we should have let Narcissa train him in that skill from the start. She seems to have gotten the point across to the boy in a way I couldn't."

"Bitterness can be like that," Dumbledore agreed, looking toward their room. He missed the angry look. "Make sure they get to their next class. I want to look into his mind myself." He hurried away.

Snape snorted before going back to his class. Being forced to work with the boy was bad enough, this was just too much. Did the Headmaster think he had failed on purpose?

***

Ron accepted the tea tray with a smile. "Thank you," he whispered. The house elf nodded and disappeared again. "Harry, I have tea for you," Ron said gently, trying to sound happy. Harry blinked at him. "I promise, if you quit squeezing my tits, I'll let you have it. Lemon and all." Harry blinked a few more times. "We're already going to be late. Please sit up and drink the tea?"

Harry made grumbling, complaining noises but he let Ron fix him a cup of tea. He sipped it, slowly coming back to the waking state. He let Ron and Draco fix him a second cup and a third cup just in case to take with them, then let them walk him out to Magical Creatures. "Potions?" he said between sips.

"We missed that one already. You told Snape he needed buggered," Draco assured him. Harry looked at him and he nodded. "You did. Told him he needed fucked."

Harry gave him a sleepy grin. "He does," he agreed. He finished that cup and Ron handed him the one he had been carrying, making him wake up a bit more. "Thank you, Ron."

"You're welcome, Harry. Drink up. You can bounce around outside." Harry nodded, too much caffeine would make him bouncy. Ron and Draco shared a look, and Draco managed to take the cup when the caffeine took hold of Harry's body, making him jiggle in place.

"Let's go to Magical Creatures. You can bounce around with the animals today," Draco suggested.

Harry was in full bounce by the time they made it outside, and Hagrid gave him an alarmed look. "Harry?" he asked.

"Just fine. Too much tea," he said as he quickly moved past him. "Hey, a unicorn," he said, pointing at it. Everyone in the class looked at him so he shrugged. "Too much tea." The Slytherins backed away from him, remembering his first year when he did that twice in one week. He had lost them four hundred points within twenty minutes. From Snape.

"Today we're doing dragons," Hagrid told them, pointing toward the woods. "We've got a dragon handler there and he's got a specimen for you to look at."

"Charlie!" Ron said happily, running that way. His mates followed, Harry nearly as quickly. Ron launched himself at his big brother, hugging him hard. "Hi, Charlie."

"Hi, Ron," he said, grinning at him. "Why are you wearing that?"

"Because I look good in it," Ron said, smoothing a hand down the black dress Draco had put him in this morning. "Besides, all my uniforms are dirty." He shrugged and grinned. "Draco forces me to let him dress me."

Charlie blinked a few times. "You look better now than you did the last time I saw you." He unstuck his eyes from the cleavage and put an arm around his...Ron's shoulders to pull him against his side. "Got time to talk?"

"Sure, I can take time off. We'll hog our rooms."

"Your rooms?" Charlie asked.

"I'm married to both Head Boys, Charlie. The castle turned our rooms into a suite. It's bloody incredible. You'll love it." He beamed at Draco. "He's got stunning taste, even if he can be a bit grumpy now and then."

"A bit grumpy?" Charlie asked, looking at Draco.

Draco shrugged. "He tries to do things while I'm studying."

"I don't need to know about that stuff," Charlie said quickly. He looked at the other students, seeing the interested looks. "Gather 'round closer. He won't bite. He's an unmated Arkansas Steamer, from the States. Pretty rare and fairly happy today because he got to have a few goats once we got here."

Ron got free and stepped closer, smiling and making happy greeting noises like Charlie had taught him when he was younger. "Hi, you," he said with a fond look. "Do you like maidens?"

"You're not that pure," Draco warned. He flinched when the dragon steamed at him.

Ron stepped closer. "I know I'm a married one, but I'm still young and still not giving off fertility signs. That's what they pick up on, right, Charlie?"

"That's very true," Charlie agreed. The dragon grabbed Ron possessively and pulled him closer, licking up her neck. "My sister," he warned.

Harry moved closer and looked in the white eyes. "Mine," he warned. The dragon licked her neck again, making Ron giggle, it had hit a ticklish spot. "I killed a basilisk and she's still my wife." The dragon sniffed him then pulled him closer as well. "Charlie!" he complained, wiggling a bit.

Ron leaned over and kissed him. "If you struggle, he might bite."

"Fine."

Draco glared at the dragon. "Mine!" he said coldly. The dragon flinched back but kept his prizes. "I have a sword somewhere." The dragon eased his grip, he wasn't wrinkling their clothes. "Fine, but you may not keep them." He stepped closer, looking it in the eye. "I am of the line Malfoy, the line of Sir Kinisus," he hissed. The dragon steamed him and he coughed, backing up. "They're still mine."

"Hey now," Charlie soothed, stepping between them. The tail came up and pushed him away. "Okay, fine." He glared at it. "You're an odd shit today, George." Ron giggled. Charlie beamed at him. "He reminded me of him."

"That's okay, my dog reminds him of Fred," Harry told him. He got comfortable and the dragon gave him a squeeze. "Thanks, big guy. You guys can probably come closer. He can't grab with his back feet, he's laying on them."

Pansy approached but the dragon steamed in alarm and backed away.

Charlie hit himself on the head. "This type can also tell how many lover's you've had." Draco and Pansy both stepped back to the back of the group, though Draco stayed close enough to help his mates. He looked at Draco, then at Ron and frowned. "Really?"

"I'm not fertile yet," Ron reminded him. "That's why he likes me."

"Oh. Fine." He went on with his lecture, showing them how to take care of a dragon, including how not to get cut on the scales and how to skip rope with the tail. George liked to try and swish him off his feet. At the end, he had to sweet talk his dragon into letting go of Harry and Ron by bribing him with Ginny, who had the next class. It liked her enough to grab her with both paws and cuddle her. He grinned at her - it made his year that his sister was pure enough to attract dragons like this one. "It'll be fine," he assured her as Ron walked off. "Next class?" he called.

Ron turned to look at him. "Sure. Have fun, Ginny. He's got an itchy spot under his chin." He waved and jogged after Harry, who was still bouncy.

Ginny slowly reached up and scratched the deep chin, finding the itchy spot. "You've got a dry spot, George, Charlie should take better care of you." Charlie looked at her. "You should!"

"I don't get that close to him! He only likes girls and Harry!" The students waiting around laughed. He shrugged. "It did. Had him as tightly as it did Ron." He grinned at them. "This is an Arkansas Steamer...."

***

Charlie walked into the school and found the Headmaster waiting on him. "Ron said he'd spend his free time with me today," he said respectfully.

Dumbledore nodded. "He'll probably also skip some classes to have you around," he said dryly. "He did this morning because Harry wouldn't wake up." He led the way down to the trio's suite.

"Why do they have rooms? Ron said the castle shifted. It never did that for me."

Dumbledore shrugged. "All I know is that the castle saw fit to give them a multi-room suite, including one I can't see into. You might want to watch out for Harry's dog, he didn't bring it around with him today." He pointed at a hallway. "If you want, you can eat lunch with us, or dinner."

"I was gonna pop in on mum and surprise her," Charlie admitted. "Thank you, though." He was thinking hard. "Has Ron been picking up Malfoy manners?"

Dumbledore laughed. "Not really. They've been letting him have free reign over his impetuous nature mostly." He led the way down a darker hallway, frowning up at the missing candles. "The House Elves must be replacing them." He stopped in front of a portrait, or where it should be. He pounded on what seemed to be the wall and Ron opened it, grinning at him. "How do you do that?"

"Draco's got a privacy spell set up," he told him. "Why? What's it doing?"

"It made the portrait invisible," Charlie said as he walked inside. "Thank you, Headmaster. I'll see you in a few?" The Headmaster smiled and nodded, leaving them alone. "Shut the door." Ron shut the door and hugged him. "I missed you too, dingbat." He pulled back and looked down Ron's body. "The twins did a damn great job on you, Ron. You look hot."

Ron giggled. "Thanks. Come sit." He walked them up the hallway that had appeared that morning and into the sitting area, letting him have anything but the chair he took, Draco's reading chair. He loved the comfy thing and Draco would only pout at him or force him to sit in his lap if he caught them. "The hallway showed up while we were in class."

"That is odd," Charlie admitted, looking around. He whistled. The suite had almost as many rooms as their mother's house did. "Wow."

"Tell me about it," Ron said happily, curling up. "We even have our own dressing room, Charlie, a room just for clothes." Charlie laughed and tossed a pillow at him. "Do you like? I changed. The other was a bit sweaty after the dragon huffed on me."

"It's cute. Even though it is green," Charlie pointed out.

"Draco keeps buying me green, even when I protest, because he says I look good in it," Ron said dryly. Charlie shook his head, smiling again. "He likes to dress me up. It's a weak request and I don't usually care as long as I'm mostly covered." He blushed a bit and forced himself to get it.

"Bought you naughty stuff already?"

"No, but his mother took me to the place where she bought hers and I bought myself some," Ron told him. They cracked up together. Weasleys were a force of nature, usually one called Lust. "How was the preserve?"

"Good. Quiet. No giggling kids around to taunt me. It's a good thing that you and Harry thought up the idea of formalizing the last battle. Mum said almost nothing's happened. It's like they're waiting for Harry to finish growing up."

"Yeah, Draco's mother told us that his father used to complain about his master not being able to beat a little boy. I guess he's waiting until we're adults to do anything."

"Good." Charlie got comfortable. "Why don't you have to wear a uniform?"

"I do most of the time, but they're all in the wash. Draco only made me buy four of them for each form and McGonagall has fits if I wear boy clothes when I'm in girl form. The note I got from her earlier this morning said for me to wear real girl clothes instead, with a large word, tasteful, circled in red in the center of the order." Charlie nodded. "Did that dragon like Ginny more than me?"

"Definitely. It thought she was really pure and you can't argue with unicorns or dragons. They know pure girls."

"Yeah," Ron said happily. "I think she's taken with Neville personally."

"Yes, but she hasn't acted on it," Charlie said happily. "I'm going to tell mum."

"Tell her I won't be fertile until around Valentine's Day. The nurse checked for me a few weeks back."

"That's wonderful I guess. Will that hamper any plans? I know Draco told you you'd be bearing the Malfoy heir if he took you in."

Ron nodded. "May first."

"Oh." Charlie blinked a few times. "So soon?" Ron nodded. "Okay then. What do you think you'll need for the baby?"

"Sanity," Ron quipped. Charlie shook his head and groaned, throwing another decorative pillow at him. "Sorry, but we should be okay. Send stuff with dragons so the baby starts to put you and dragons together."

"Sure, Ron. I can do that. Should I tell Bill?" Ron shook his head quickly. "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure," Ron agreed. "Bill's going to go ballistic when he sees my fat tummy. I'm kinda looking forward to the look on his face."

"I think you'll make a great parent. You used to instinctively take care of Ginny and Mum when you were little. It can only be easier with the Malfoys and a nanny."

"It's going to be Blaize Zabini."

"Wasn't he the one you told me was dating Harry?"

"Yup," Ron said, nodding. "He's really nurturing and his mum said he couldn't go home. Draco asked Harry if it'd bother him and he said no. The only problem I have is that Blaize can be a bit of a slut, but I'm sure he won't in front of the kids."

"Kids now?" Charlie teased. "Gonna have more than one?"

"No," Ron snorted. "But Harry might want one after the final battle."

Charlie nodded, that made sense. "I only hope he wins, Ron. Tell him we're all pushing for him at home." Ron nodded. "So, give, what's the nastiest part of being a Malfoy now?"

Ron beamed. "Draco has these ideas that are just naughty enough to be indecent. Mum would definitely shit bricks if she knew about some of them. He's going to have me in a naughty outfit for Halloween and all that."

Charlie gaped. "He's what!"

"I agreed," Ron said with a grin, running a hand over her stomach. "I'll be like this."

"I don't care! You don't need to be flaunting yourself, you're a married woman now, Ron!"

Ron laughed. "Charlie, I can be naughty and be married. I'll be fully covered, just naughty. My husbands will be with me the whole dance."

"They'd better be." Charlie frowned at him. "You should be more like mum, Ron."

"I am, Charlie. Even she had naughty clothes. Or didn't you ever play in her closet?" Charlie blushed. "Ah-ha! She said you had found those before me when I was helping her clean over the summer!"

Charlie laughed. "I found them as a kid and played dress up in them," he whined. "Besides, you're married."

"Keep it up, I'll find someone for you too," Ron taunted. Charlie scooted closer and pulled him over to tickle him until he gave in.

***

Draco looked over as Harry joined him for dinner. "Why is your hand bleeding?" he whispered.

"I hurt it in Herbology," Harry told him, moving it away from him. Draco pulled it closer to look at, making him frown. "It's fine, I've bandaged it."

"It's not fine, you're still bleeding," Draco countered. He put some pressure on the wound before looking at it, more to blot it than anything. "You are to go to the infirmary directly after dinner," he ordered.

"Yes, Draco," Harry sighed. He rebandaged himself and dug into a light dinner. "I have practice tonight."

"I saw. Did you see that we now have a hallway?" Harry shook his head. "We do. It appeared while Ron and you were snuggling the dragon."

Harry looked at him. "Don't worry, we like you more." A few of the nearby Slytherins laughed. He shrugged. "I do. His breath's not as hot when he breathes on my neck." Draco pinched him, making him flinch. "Sorry, Draco."

Vincent looked at him. "Harry, Millicent's sorry she said that." Harry shrugged and ate a small bite of mashed potatoes. "She really didn't understand."

"It's all right, Vincent. I doubt she could," Harry said with a touch of bitterness in his voice.

"What did Millicent do?" Draco asked calmly.

"She yelled...." Vincent let off when Harry kicked him. "Sorry, Harry."

"It's nothing, Draco. It's happened before and I'm fine."

"Is that why your hand's bleeding?" Harry nodded. "Did you stick yourself?"

"By accident," Harry admitted. "I'm fine." He went back to his meal, ignoring the stabbing pain in his hand. He'd have it checked out later if it didn't quit hurting. He was used to pain. Draco lifted his hand to look at but he couldn't pull it back. "Draco!"

"Stop," he warned. "You've probably got dirt in it or something nastier." He unbandaged it and looked at it again, noticing the dirt. The stab mark was in that space between the thumb and the first finger on Harry's left hand and it didn't look good. "We're going to the infirmary together," he decided, putting it back on the table. "It's got dirt in it," he said when Harry looked at him.

"I'll be late for practice."

"Cummings," Draco snapped. The team captain looked up at him. "I'm taking my husband to the infirmary, it looks like he broke his hand. He'll be late." The captain nodded and glared but went back to his meal. "There," he said, staring Harry down and daring him to argue. Harry glared back. "While we're in there, you will tell me what happened." Harry started to get up but Draco stuck him to his seat. "There will be no fits at this time; you can throw one later, when we're alone." He handed Harry his fork. "Eat."

"Bastard," Harry muttered.

"Yes, a pushy one," Draco agreed dryly. "One who cares enough to not let you lose your hand from an infection because I know you won't have it looked at." Harry looked down. "Thank you." He patted him on the back. "This is part of caring for someone," he said in a gentler tone of voice. "I know you won't get it looked at so therefore I am taking care of you by making sure it isn't hurt worse. I think you may have broken your thumb bone," he explained. Harry shook his head so Draco touched it, making him flinch. "Yes, I think you did. Hurry up and eat, we'll go up there early." Harry put down his fork. "Surely you need more than that."

"I'm not really hungry," Harry told him, waiting for Draco to unstick him from the bench.

"Eat the meat anyway. I'm sure you'll need it. I won't have you losing weight again this year." Harry slumped and he hugged him, kissing him on the ear. "Is it happening again?" he whispered. Harry nodded, stabbing his meat repeatedly with his fork. "Then shelter behind me. We handled it before and we can again." Harry gave him a look, his eyes looking hopeful. "I promise, you can shelter behind me, I won't have you harmed." Harry nodded, starting to eat slowly. "Thank you." He kissed him on the cheek. "We're taking off the weekend after Halloween," he whispered.

"Mr. Malfoy, remove your lips from your husband's face," Snape said coldly. "He can feed himself."

"I was encouraging him to eat, sir. He's got a painful hand and came here instead of the infirmary. But we're leaving now." He unstuck Harry and led him out by his good hand, cuddling him against his side on the way up the long marble staircase. "Madam Pomfrey," he called when they walked in. She was crying next to one of the beds. "What happened?" He let Harry go, watching as he walked over to look at the person. "That's Pansy," Draco said, looking stunned.

Harry touched her, frowning as he looked at her arm. "It wasn't by her will," he said finally. Madam Pomfrey looked at him. "I've seen a few marks, the more insipid the green on the snake, the more they wanted it. She didn't want it." He touched Pansy's head, finding the lump. "She needs an ice pack." The nurse went to get it for him.

Draco came over to take his place. "Your hand needs looked at," he ordered. The nurse gave him the ice pack and led Harry away, chiding him about being more careful with the tools. "Pansy," he whispered, waking her. She groaned and looked at him. "Wake up," he ordered.

"Hurts," she murmured.

"That's because your mother had you Marked, Pansy," he said quietly.

"I don't want it."

"I know, Pansy." He stroked her hair back from her squashed-looking face. "We'll figure it out." She nodded. He knew she had to have wanted it a bit, otherwise the Marking would have killed her, but she obviously didn't want to join her mother in Service. Vincent came running in with Snape. "She's fine. A bit banged up. She didn't want it."

Vincent stopped a bit away, afraid to touch her. "How are you feeling, Pansy?"

"Not great. My head's ringing," she admitted. She looked at Snape. "The last thing I remember was Transfiguration this morning. I'm sorry, sir."

"It's all right, Ms. Parkinson. We will be talking later," he assured her, then he tried to smile, scaring her.

"Can we test her for the Imperious?" Harry asked from the bed he was forced to sit on. Everyone looked at him. "If she was gone that long, it could be why it didn't kill her."

"That is a good point," Draco agreed, looking at Madam Pomfrey and his Head. Snape pulled his wand and did the check, closing his eyes before he was finished. The glow was noticeable to everyone within a few inches of her. She was not only under it, she was under more than one compulsion. Draco looked down at her. "Pansy, do you feel anything toward Ron?" She started to cry and he held her hands so she couldn't move. "I'm sorry," he whispered, giving her a hug.

"I won't go near her, Draco, I swear," Pansy promised.

"I know you won't. We'll make sure of it," Vincent assured her as he stepped closer. Pansy relaxed again.

Harry walked over. "Pansy, I hate this curse more than most of them, I'll do my best to find a way to break it for you." She nodded, blinking her big, wet eyes at him. "Just hold on, it'll be okay."

"I know. You save people," she told him. She sat up and started to hug him but Vincent caught the hand moving toward her hairpin. She started to cry again. "I don't want this!" she shouted.

"Shh," Draco soothed, using the pressure points on the back of her neck to put her out. He had found them when he was five and they had been fighting. She passed out under his gentle pressure and looked at his friends and Snape. "What do we do now?"

"Removing her is a sure way to protect Ron but it means she'll be in more danger and probably be made to do all sorts of icky things," Harry noted. "I say we leave her here and warn people. The house will watch out for her," he told Draco, looking at him. Draco nodded. "Thank you." He walked out, going to hit the walls outside the room. Madam Pomfrey rushed after him, stopping him from breaking more bones.

Draco nodded at a chair. "Get that for me, Vincent. I'll sit with her for a bit. She'll be panicked when she wakes again." The chair was gotten for him and he sat down. "You can tell the Headmaster that we'll deal with her, Professor Snape. She'll be protected from use."

Snape looked at him. "Do you think you're that strong?"

Draco nodded. "Yes, I do. It may be the fallibility of youth, but I think we can at least give her boundaries and keep her from hurting people." Goyle sauntered in and he frowned. "Out!" he ordered sharply. Goyle flinched but he didn't move. "Now!" He walked out again. He looked at Vincent. "He approached Ron in the halls about taking up with him."

Vincent's eyes narrowed. "Can I kick his ass again, Draco?"

"Let him be," Snape warned. "I will have a discussion with him." Vincent snorted in derision. "You don't think he'll listen?"

"No!" Vincent walked out, going to 'talk' to his old friend. Goyle hadn't changed since they were young, he needed to see the beauty of growing up. He found him staring at Ron and punched him. "You leave her along, Gregory. I won't have you anywhere near Draco's family, especially not Ron. He told me not to hurt you, but I will if you go near her." He walked off, going to watch Harry practice. He was pissed and the beaters weren't that nice to him, they were going to try for him again this practice. He saw Harry pull a Keeper's trick and use the tail of his broom to hit the bludger back at the beater and grinned. Harry would be fine. He flopped down beside Ron, putting an arm around her. "Goyle's been watching you again."

She picked up his fist to look at. "I take it you two talked?" He nodded. "Good. What happened to Pansy?"

"She's under the Imperious. Don't go near her without protection. We're pretty sure she's programmed to harm you and Harry both." Ron looked at him and he nodded. She let his hand go. "Just be careful."

"I usually am," Ron admitted, watching his husband fly around. He had already caught the snitch once but the Captain had told him to let it go, the rest of the team still needed practice. Harry caught it again and flew it down, then came to sit beside him. Ron looked at his injured hand, stroking it gently. "How many bones?"

"Four now," he said lightly. "I'm fine. I took the medicine."

"I'm glad."

"No you didn't," Vincent countered, frowning at him. "I'm going to tell Draco on you, Harry. You need to be in working order to soothe the savage Ron monster." Ron giggled, punching him on the arm. "He does! Otherwise you'll run right over top of the both of them and then have to do yourself when you wear them out."

"It wouldn't be the first time," Ron quipped. "Draco happens to like that."

Harry took his hand back. "I did so take the medicine and I'm sure I can please her greatly later, even if my hand isn't better." He shot a glare at Vincent, making him flinch. "I'm fine!"

"I'm sure you are," the captain said as he flew toward them. "We're still practicing."

"Unless you want me to train for another position, I've already caught it twice," Harry countered.

"He's got a broken hand," Ron told him.

"So?"

Harry growled as a bludger came their way again, grabbing the Captain's bat to hit it back at the idiot who had sent it their way. "I've had enough of that." He climbed onto his broom and went out to 'talk' with the beater. The captain flew after him but he had gotten a few good blows in before he was pulled away from him. "You will not try to hit me again!" he warned. "I do retaliate. Remember that!" he shouted as he was drug off by the Keeper, Blaize.

Madam Hooch blew her whistle from the ground. "What is going on here?"

"Potter's snapped," the beater called down. "He hit me with a club!"

"He's been hitting bludgers at me again," Harry countered. "He's damn lucky I haven't shoved one up him yet!" He struggled but Blaize had a firm hold on him and was nearly pulling him off his broom.

She pointed at the ground. "All of you, down here." They landed and she looked at the two fighting parties. "Maybe you should try each other's positions?"

"I'd be happy to be a beater, at least I know how to unseat a chaser," Harry agreed.

The captain glared at him. "Enough, Potter! You may be famous, but that doesn't cut it with us. One more word and you're off the team."

"Fine," Harry said, picking up his broom. "I'll send Draco out since he's our backup." He walked away, gathering Ron and Vincent with him on the way out. He found Draco in the infirmary. "You're wanted at practice as the official team Seeker," he told him, handing off his broom. Madam Pomfrey grabbed him and forced him to drink the medicine for his hand.

"He got hit in the shoulder too," Vincent offered. He looked at the confused Draco. "Patterson," he said in explanation. Draco nodded and relinquished his spot to Harry while he went out to go play. He was their backup and very good in his own right. Vincent held Harry still while the nurse checked him over.

"How did you hit him with a broken hand?" she shrieked, making everyone flinch.

"With a bat," Harry told her. "I didn't hit him with my fist!"

She swatted him and went to make sure she had enough potion for another bout of male stupidity. Then she called Molly Weasley to complain to her. She could usually control Harry.

***

Draco looked at Madam Hooch as he walked out. The team was still grounded. "Am I late?" he asked.

"Where is your husband?" Madam Hooch asked.

"Getting tended to. He was using a broken hand to beat the stupid idiot." He looked at the beaters. "Do try it with me," he encouraged. The captain started to sneer so Draco punched him, knocking him onto the ground. Then he ran a hand through his hair to make sure it was still perfect. "There, that should stop all arguments." He looked at the flying instructor. "Shouldn't we be practicing? Harry may not need it, but I could probably use a few minutes." The rest of the team flew up and he joined them.

The captain flew up. "Fine, Potter's given up this year. You're it, Malfoy." He flew off and didn't notice Draco's look at his back. "Everyone, let's do a toss up!" he ordered. Draco flew up to his position and the toss up went badly. Two of the chasers nearly banged into each other. "What are you doing!" he shrieked.

Draco whistled. "You," he said, pointing at the main chaser. "You catch any and all toss ups at the highest level. You," he said, pointing to the one on the left. "You have lower altitude skills and tricks, you catch the lower ones. Got it?" They nodded and the captain glared while Madam Hooch tried it again. This time there was no collision and they went off again. Draco noticed the left-handed thrower trying with her right hand and flew down. "Don't do that! Weasley can't block a left handed shot," he yelled.

"The England coach said I should be ambidextrous," she complained.

"Yay! We're playing Weasley, prepare for Weasley! Do that on your own time!" She nodded and tossed it, making the shot. They flew back off, aiming to come around again and try another goal. "Switch off! There's three of you!" he yelled. They passed and the first two did something to draw his attention until they were passed back to. Their most accurate shooter was that because she got all the shots. This time the unexpected shooter took it and made the goal. "Excellent," he said smugly.

"Malfoy, I'm captain!" the captain shouted.

"Then do your job!" Draco snapped. "You're a fucking beater, where're the bludgers?" The captain recoiled. "If I have to take the position from you, I will. At least I'll make sure we win!" He flew off, catching the snitch easily since it was being lazy today. He handed it to the captain, then flew off to talk to Blaize. He was watching the bouncing asses too much.

The captain glared at him then called an end to the practice. "Inside or shower," he demanded. They all looked at him, then at Draco.

Draco shook his head. "Not with as miserably as we lost last year to Gryff. We'll do ground activities for a bit." They looked stunned. "Yes, real teams do them too," he said in his best patronizing tone of voice. "Land!" They landed and he set up light targets for the chasers to throw at, while Blaize tried to block them. The two beaters were told to work with the bludgers in the air. They grumbled but did so, staying on the other end of the field so that it wouldn't get away from them, Madam Hooch orders. He looked at her. "Harry will be back tomorrow now that no one is trying to kill him." She laughed and went to help a chaser who was having a grip problem. He crossed his arms and watched both groups, back and forth. Harry didn't need the practice but these kids did.

***

Halloween came and Ron was back in her green corset and skirt outfit with a mask, walking in on Harry's arm with Draco walking behind them telling Hermione that she looked fine. She saw the appreciative looks as she was led to the Slytherin table. Hermione and Vincent stopped at the door and she pulled him to her side, which stunned a few of the Gryffs, but they had mostly heard they were going together this time to spare Vincent from some of the Slytherin females. Ron sat delicately on the bench, hoping that her top didn't come down any.

Blaize whistled. "Ron, you look hot," he assured her. "You've got a rack that I'd give up blokes for." She blushed behind her mask. He grinned when Harry looked at him. "What? I can see why you took up with her over me! It's really obvious."

She tugged futilely on the top but it was stuck in place. It didn't quite show everything, but nearly. Draco was dressed as an ancient Vampire and Harry was in his invisibility cloak up to his neck, being partially invisible. Most of the other girls had opted for similar formal outfits and masks. A few of the women had went for something more daring, one was dressed in leather with purple, spiked hair. Hermione's harem outfit won out for most daring though. No one came near her outfit. It was barely not transparent. Vincent was going to have a handful keeping her to himself tonight.

Snape walked down and stood beside him. "Stand, Mrs. Malfoy." Ron stood and let him look at her outfit. He looked at Draco.

"I put her into it," he said smugly. "That way I have something wonderful to look at tonight. I put Harry into the outfit he has on as well."

Harry stood up and flashed their teacher, showing off the simple tank top and boxer outfit. He quickly closed the cloak around himself. "I'm a bit chilly, sir. Isn't it dinner yet?"

He glared at Draco. "I should make you redress them."

"Then I'm coming back in something tinier," Ron pointed out. "He'll do it just to make you mad, sir."

"Good point," he said bitterly. "Make sure that does not dip any."

"It's stuck in place," Ron promised. He nodded and stomped back to his seat at the head table, nodding at the Headmaster. McGonagall was doing a similar check of Hermione and one other girl, who was sent back to change. Hermione was still being frowned at but apparently it barely fit within the rules. Ron sat down and curled up between her men. "You were right."

"Of course I was," Draco soothed, grinning at her. The Headmaster stood up and they pretended to pay attention. When the food appeared, Ron fed them both. "Thank you," Draco praised. She had picked their favorite foods. Harry had figured out a way to eat without exposing himself, his cloak was covering him and the table. He would be having fun with that outfit later. He could molest Harry in plain sight without anyone being any wiser.

When dinner ended and the younger students were dismissed, he led his mates out of the way, finding them a table. Harry and Ron went out to dance together, Harry's cloak was hitched together on the inside just in case it was going to slip. They made a cute couple, the well-dressed lady and the floating head. He laughed when someone tried to steal Harry's cloak, but Ron swatted her. When they came back, he led Ron out to do a small waltz. "Don't expect Harry to do many of these with you. He hates to dance," he whispered as they moved together. She smiled at him. "You are stunning in my favorite color," he noted, enjoying his view.

"I'm stunning in many colors, this is just one of them," Ron quipped, making her husband laugh. "You look handsome. Where did you find the old suit?"

"My mother sent it to me from London," he said with a shrug as they circled each other again. "Where did you want to go for the holidays?"

"Bed," Ron said simply, grinning at him. She licked her lips and he moaned. "If you're very good, I'll play victim for you, Dracie," he whispered.

"Don't call me pet names, Ron, and yes, you will be," he said, leering at her. "For the both of us I imagine. Did you remember to turn in our paperwork for next weekend?" Ron nodded, stepping back to clap as the song ended. They went again, then Draco went to steal Harry and force him to dance. When they were done with that, they went back to the table and Draco was covered with Harry's cloak, letting him molest his husband, who was trying hard to look normal. He got kicked for one thing and had to pull back, letting Harry come in his mouth instead. He checked before coming out from under the cover, appearing behind Harry to lean down and kiss him on the neck. "You taste good," he whispered.

"I'm going to suck you so hard you scream," Harry whispered back. "You're mean."

Draco kissed him again. "Of course I am, pet." He went to steal Ron from Vincent and kiss her, making her moan. "Let's go back to the table. I know Harry wants to retaliate," he whispered as he led her away. Harry had disappeared but Ron soon felt him playing with her thighs. She shifted and grabbed Draco's hand, trying hard not to make a scene. She knew she was loud. Draco kissed her hard, smothering all those noises she was making, including the final one. She pulled back and smiled beautifully. "Do you like my idea now?"

"I'll get you for it later," she promised. She felt Harry sneak off and made sure she wasn't on his cloak by lifting her feet to cross them. His head appeared at the doorway and he walked inside like he had been outside, picking them up some punch on his way over. "Thank you," she said sweetly. He kissed her, letting her taste herself. "Hmm. Drink the punch, Harry, before anyone figures it out." He sipped his and she watched as Draco drank his. She delicately sipped hers, she'd get her chance to tease her men later.

***

The next weekend found them traveling to a small inn. Narcissa had sent Ron a special bag of stuff for the experiment, and they were now stopped just out of range of sight. They turned to look at Harry, making him squirm. "We're worried about your deep-seated desire for breasts," Draco told him. "That's why we're up here."

"I overheard you," Harry admitted, looking miserable. "Do we have to?"

"We have to," Ron agreed, giving him a kiss. "I love you, Harry, but you're making me lactate. Besides, it'll make you less uncomfortable around people. Wouldn't you like to be more confident and self-assured?" Harry nodded, not looking any happier.

"It'll only last for one day," Draco promised. "Then we'll be going somewhere else." He pulled his wand. "Get one last kiss from each of us." Harry kissed them both deeply, just in case Draco messed up and he had to reage the hard way. Then he was shrunken back to an infant of about a year old. Ron picked him up to cuddle him close. "How is he?"

"A bit chilly," Ron offered, pulling her cloak around the both of them. "Come on, let's check in." She led the way, all the bags shrunken into Draco's pocket now. He got them checked in and she kept Harry occupied. He was a little fussy, struggling to get down. "Shh," she whispered. "Once we're in the room you can get down. I'll even give you a bath if you want." Harry looked at her, his green eyes studying this person he didn't really understand.

"We're going upstairs now," Draco said, taking Ron's arm to lead her up to their room. He unlocked the door and then locked them in. "Let him down, he should be walking." Harry was put onto the floor next to the bed and he pulled himself up, bouncing in place. Draco smiled at him. "This is good practice," he said, pulling Ron into his arms to kiss her senseless. Harry had walked over and was clutching his leg now. "Hello, Harry." He picked the boy up, looking at him. "How do you feel?" Harry patted his lips, then Draco's. "Do you want a kiss too?" He kissed him on the forehead. "There, how's that?" Harry seemed to glare at him. "Tomorrow, Harry. For today, you're our son." He put Harry on the bed and watched as Ron unshrunk the bags, pulling out an outfit for their new 'son'. Harry let Ron dress him, quietly sucking on his thumb. The little blue footed roamer was very cute on him and he took full advantage by going to look in the bathroom. Draco hurried after him, pulling him out of the toilet. "Don't do that, you don't know what's been in there," he chided gently as he led Harry back into the main room and closed the bathroom door.

"This is harder than it seems," Ron said as she laid down. Harry walked over and stood at the side of the bed, watching her. "Would you like a nap? I know it's been a long day for a guy your size." Draco picked up Harry and put him onto the bed, both of them watching as Harry snuggled up to Ron's chest, just like he did when he was an adult. Draco climbed in behind Ron, putting an arm around her waist.

***

Ron changed her fifth diaper of the day and looked at Draco. "I feel weird," she admitted. She did up the diaper and put Harry back down to play. "Yesterday I was touching him there and today I'm cleaning his butt."

Draco kissed her. "I feel the same way, but it's necessary." Harry was laughing as he hid under the bedspread. "Look at him, Ron. He's *happy*. I have never seen him that happy before. Have you?" Ron shook his head, biting his lip. "We should have called him by another name," Draco told her. "If we have to do it again we'll remember that."

"The spell said that doing it again would cause problems and he'd be stuck," Ron whispered. Draco nodded, putting his chin on her shoulder. "Do you really think this will cure him?"

"At the very least, this will teach him that he can trust us with everything." He kissed her cheek. "Come on, we should get dinner and bring it back up."

"We can't leave him," Ron sighed. "You can't leave a kid his age in a hotel room, not even for a few minutes." Draco looked stunned. "Yeah, that's what not having a nanny is like. You're constantly the parent, even when you're busy." She picked Harry up, holding him close to her chest. "Come on, let's get dinner sent up. Would you like some veggies?" Harry spit at her and stuck his fingers in her mouth, smiling as he pulled on her teeth.

Draco took their 'son' to hold. "We can order out or Harry can try to behave and we'll eat in the dining room. Your choice, Ron."

"Let's order up." Harry fussed and kicked Draco in the chest, making Ron take him back. "Shh. Fine, if you can behave, we'll eat downstairs with the people." She did a concealment charm on Harry's scar and made sure she had on her shoes, then they walked down, Draco opening doors for her. "Thank you." The hostess seated them in a corner booth, getting Harry a high chair, then left their menus. Ron smiled at Harry. "What would you like to eat? They have hamburgers, spaghetti, veggies, beans, pot pie, and some sort of chicken stir fry." Harry pounded his hands on the table, spitting at her. "If you don't give me an idea, I'm getting you veggies."

Draco suddenly smiled. "I can still hear him, he wants messy stuff. Get him the stir fry." Harry spit at him. "Fine, the spaghetti. We'll have to give you a bath anyway." Harry settled down until the nice waitress brought him a glass of milk in a magically tip-proof cup. He drank some of it, spilling a lot down his chest.

Ron 'tsk'ed and cleaned him up a little, then smiled as the waitress brought them a chilled pitcher of milk. "He's been such a good boy," Ron told her, smiling at her. He noticed Harry was trying to charm her himself.

"He seems like a happy baby," the waitress agreed, going to check on another table.

Ron pinched Harry on the nose, but smiled brightly at him. "No picking up women, Harry." Harry babbled at him and tried to grab Ron's chest.

"Maybe we should have went back farther," Draco muttered. Ron kicked him under the table so he shrugged. "It would have gotten the same point across."

"I don't think that would have been a good idea," Ron said dryly. "His favorite activity would have driven me nuts next week." Draco nodded, understanding what she didn't say. Their food was brought and they took turns feeding Harry, making him a very happy toddler.

***

Harry woke up the next morning and found himself in a different room. He yawned and stretched, running into someone laying behind him. "Morning," he whispered.

"Afternoon," Draco corrected, stealing a kiss. "How do you feel?"

"You were right, I do feel more connected to you," he admitted, letting himself be snuggled. "I feel better about a lot of things."

"That's because you know we won't abandon you," Ron said as she slipped back into bed in front of him. "Not even the cranky asshole can take you from us."

"Will we have to do it again?" Harry asked, snuggling down on Ron's breasts. The *need* to suck them was gone, but the liking of that act was shouting at him to have fun. He could ignore it now though, and that was what they had been trying to accomplish.

"If we do it again, there's every chance you won't reage," Draco told him. "There are other ways if we have to, but I doubt we will." He leaned across Harry to give Ron a kiss. "Do you want to suck on her?"

"Yeah, but it's more sexual now than it was," Harry admitted, nearly salivating at the hard peaks poking him. He turned his head and latched onto one, playing more than sucking this time. "I like this," he noted as he switched between them.

"We'll keep that in mind," Ron said dryly, pushing Harry's head down. "It was odd changing your nappies. Cleaning the stuff that the day before I had been sucking on." Harry shuddered. "Sorry, Harry."

"That's okay, Ron. In my head, you were different. You were Ginny. You can make me a nephew or something if it helps."

"It does," Ron agreed, forcing herself to think about yesterday like that. Draco smirked at her so she pinched him on the Adam's Apple. "You behave, Mr. Malfoy, or we're doing it to you next." Draco kissed her, then kissed Harry. "Thank you, Draco."

"You're welcome." He checked the clock. "We only have four hours before we have to go back to school. Let's make the most of it." Harry crawled between them and let himself be cuddled by them, making it worth it.

***

Harry looked up as someone knocked on the door. "Come!" he called, not lifting his head from the middle of Draco's chest. Snape walked in and he waved. "What? We still have two hours before we have to appear."

"You were not where you said you would be," Snape hissed. "Where were you?"

"Doing some psychological healing," Draco told him. "Get over it." He patted Harry on the back. "We were perfectly safe, simply in another inn for the night." Harry kissed his chest and closed his eyes. "If you wanted you could stay and watch, we don't particularly care." Snape's face turned splotchy and he started to make unintelligible noises. "Harry, do you want to show him what your favorite thing is?"

Harry beamed at him. "Sure, Draco." He lifted Draco's shirt, working his head under it. Snape disappeared with a pop. Not that Harry cared at the moment, he was having fun.

Draco pushed on his head. "I meant the other one."

"Fine," Harry sighed. "Make me do nasty things to you." He shifted lower and blew a raspberry on Draco's stomach, making him swat him. "Ha! Got you." He laughed and ran off, heading for the bathroom and Ron.

"I will stop that bad habit of yours," Draco warned, heading after him.

***

Ron led the way into their room, noticing that a few of the doors were missing. "Either the castle decided we had too much or the privacy spell burped again," he said as he headed for the bathroom. He locked the door so Harry could come 'help' him.

Draco walked in with their bags floating in front of him, looking around. "I see they've taken Vincent and Hermione's rooms," he said dryly. "Plus the dressing room." He shrugged. "Ron, we don't have any clothes, you'll have to go naked tomorrow," he said, after noticing the new picture on the walls. Obviously an attempt to spy on them. The bags were dropped onto the bed and a house elf appeared. "Where did the dressing room go?"

"Professor Snape stoled it, sir," she said, averting her gaze from him. "Him say he see you now or else." Draco patted her on the head, making her squeak. "Shiny put up?"

"No, leave them alone for now. Who knows where they'd end up." She nodded and disappeared, bringing them a small tray of drinks. He nodded his acceptance and she disappeared, leaving them alone. He walked out to the living area, finding Harry asleep in his chair. He tugged him up and forced him to finish waking up. "Ron, we're going to conference with Snape. All our clothes are in his rooms," he called.

"Give me a moment and I'll join you," Ron called.

"Follow us," Harry called. He let Draco take his hand and walk him out of the room, heading to Snape's private quarters. He even let him knock. It's not like their little experiment had made Harry like people more. Snape opened the door and let them inside. "You stole our clothes," Harry told him.

Snape looked him over. "I suppose the castle did move them down here," he admitted dryly. "Such accusations are not worthy of you." Someone knocked on the door so he opened it. His mouth fell open and he started to mumble again.

"Draco, I didn't have anything clean in the bags," Ron said as she walked in. "Where are the dressers?" Draco pointed at Snape. He hit him on the arm. "You took my clothes. That means I either have to wear this towel, something that I've worn in the last two days, or a leather outfit I found under our bed that makes my Halloween outfit look like one of McGonagall's nightgowns." Snape opened the door for her, letting her go find clothes.

Snape finally got himself under control. "I'll have that room moved back," he said quietly. "You did not need the rest, especially not that viewing room."

"Is that what it does?" Harry asked, looking at Draco. "What was Hermione viewing?"

Snape fell over in a dead faint. That had been one too many shocks to his system.

Draco shrugged and kicked him on the leg as he walked past him. He found the book to change the castle back and found the pertinent part in the index. He cast the complicated charm and felt the castle answer him. "May we please have back our things? We really would like it." It showed him a picture and he shook his head. "We have bad memories of those rooms," he whispered. "Anywhere but there." The castle shifted and they found themselves in a large hallway. He took Harry's hand and led him out of it, into their sitting room. The hallway shifted back to Snape's quarters, leaving them in their tower. "Thank you," he whispered as he unlinked. He heard one last comment and laughed, shaking his head. "If you want it, we won't object." The castle shifted one more set of rooms into their new home and then it disengaged, very pleased with its machinations. Draco opened the new wooden door behind them. "Granger!" he yelled down the stairs. A door on the next level opened and she poked her head up. "It's fixed. Figure out what part of the castle we're in." He closed the door. "Where is Ron?"

"In the dressing room," Ron called, coming out in the leather outfit. The outfit was mostly a leather bra connected by straps to a skirt so short she couldn't sit down in it without flashing people. Underneath, she wore a set of black stockings and a pair of four inch heels. "Do you like? Hermione helped me pick it out." She curtseyed to them and Harry nearly passed out. He wobbled but Draco forced him to sit before he blacked out. Ron smirked at Draco. "I sent my mother a description of the outfit and she said it sounded darling. Do you think we should send her a picture?"

Draco wiped the drool off his chin and stepped closer, kissing Ron as hard as he could. "You're not leaving the rooms with that on," he ground out.

"Rip it off her," Harry encouraged, struggling to get up. His knees were still shaking too much to allow much movement. "Then we won't have to worry about it."

Ron grinned at him. "I got one in dark forest green silk too," she teased. "It's got less material." She ran a hand over the bare spot on her stomach. "Are you sure I can't wear it around, Harry?"

Harry swallowed and whimpered, holding out his arms. She strolled over, sitting in his lap. He could feel that she wasn't wearing underwear. "If you wear that out of here, I'm going to have a heart attack," he told her. "If I don't, McGonagall will."

"Then what will the school do?" Draco quipped. He opened the door when he heard the footsteps. "Headmaster," he said happily, glancing back at Ron. She stood up and adjusted the skirt, then walked over to join him at the door. "We only asked to have our dressing room back," he said with a smile. "Otherwise Ron would have to wear that to dinner."

Dumbledore looked at her outfit, then blinked a few times. He turned and walked away. "I'll see you after dinner," he said firmly. He slammed the bottom door.

Vincent came out of their room and strolled up, stopping when he saw Ron's outfit. He turned around and went back to Hermione's side, kissing her gently. "You've got to see this." He led her up to where Ron was teasing Harry, letting her see it. "Stand up and show her," he encouraged.

Ron stood up and hugged Hermione. "Remember this one?"

"You helped her buy it?" Vincent said, sounding a bit hurt. "You didn't get yourself one?"

"Who said I didn't?" she teased, pinching him on the stomach. "We've got the Marauder's Map and it says we're in the old section of the school. If we walk out the door and down two flights, we're in front of the chamber where Fluffy was put." Harry nodded, remembering that. "Did you get a spying portrait too?"

"Dogs," Harry said, pointing. "Where's Sable?"

"Napping in our bathtub," Vincent told him. "He's been spoiled all weekend and hasn't missed you too much." He shrugged and pulled Hermione closer. "Can you put on yours for me?" he pleaded. "Just to let me see?"

"I'm still mad at you," she pointed out.

"Please? I'll apologize any way you want," he promised. She gave him a look and he knew he had just offered her a free pass to not only tease him, but also to get him to do anything for a very long time. Not that he would regret it. He had seen some incredible things in the house that she would think were too much even to watch. She smiled and beckoned him back to their rooms. He made sure the door was locked behind him and the silencing charm was applied. Draco would tease him forever about it, but he was going to enjoy this most likely.

Upstairs, Ron was sitting in Draco's reading chair accepting Harry's worship. Draco was preparing the bedroom for them to have some fun.

***

Dumbledore looked up as the young woman's portrait came back from the new suites, looking stunned at her blush. "What are they doing?"

"I dared not look with the noise that Head Girl was making. Shameful, simply shameful. Women shouldn't do things like that!" she said in consternation and embarrassment. "I peeked about but they were under something like a thick cloak, only in leather." Dumbledore stared at her. "They were making a lot of naughty sounding noises," she continued. "The boy with her was laughing, and he sounded happy to be doing it for her, but she wasn't doing more than squealing and tugging on his hair and making those noises." She started to cry. "That poor girl, what did he do to her?"

Albus gave her a warm smile. "I'm sure they're fine," he soothed. "Thank you for looking at them for me. What about the three upstairs?"

She looked at him, eyes wide. "She was in a little, tiny, indecent green outfit and shoes. One of the boys was doing nasty things to her stomach."

"Her stomach?" Dumbledore asked.

The woman in the painting sniffed. "I don't think about lower parts. The stomach is as far down as I care to consider."

Dumbledore nodded slowly. "Would you please pass along the message that I want to speak to Minerva? So you can report this to her as well?" She nodded, going off to gossip about those students. He groaned and shook his head. "This could turn out very bad," he muttered. A female in a painting, the first Headmistress ever, coughed and he looked at her portrait. "Yes, Headmistress Arabelle?"

"Leave them alone, Albus. They're grown enough to know what they want out of each interaction and are smart enough to take all precautions." He opened his mouth and she glared, showing just how much of a Grande Malfoy Dame she was. "Leave them be," she ordered. "I've watched over my own heir a few times, he knows all the associated risks and responsibilities of his position. Do you understand me?" He nodded. "Good!" She turned her back on him. "I shall instruct Minerva McGonagall the same way. It was brilliant of the castle to send them to that unused tower. That Potter boy will need unfettered practice space where he can't hurt anyone. They have an attic for that now."

"Yes, but we can't make sure they're protected over there," he pointed out.

She snorted. "You may want to use him as a tool, but his mates know him as a person and they will protect him. Leave the boys alone, they're behaving like their age for once." She looked over as McGonagall walked in. "You will leave those three alone or the backlash will be terrible," she told her.

"Backlash? What are they doing now?" McGonagall asked, standing in front of her. The painting that had come to visit in her office had made numerous references to dirty sex but she wasn't understanding. "I thought they were making out."

"They're making love," Arabelle agreed, smiling at her. "You need to remind that man over there that the boy is a human being, one with many needs that haven't been fulfilled outside of his relationships. Then that poor Blaize boy decided he wanted to be a bit kinky and Harry wouldn't stand for it." She sighed. "It's good that Ron has taken care of him for so long. Harry needs someone like Ron."

"Yes, but we need him to train, not to shag his husband," McGonagall pointed out.

"He is," Arabelle told her, giving her a faint smile. "They're also giving him a reason to fight and win." McGonagall nodded. "Really, you'll have to start treating the boy like a person, dearie. The boy has already had enough of people trying to 'convince' him to do things for them. In my heir he found a great guardian and someone who knows people. In his wife, he found someone who cares for him beyond most anything. Together the three are a formidable force, but some still can't see past the immediate needs and their desire to not have their mistakes known about. Try to teach him better, Minerva. Albus never did know people very well."

Minerva nodded. "I'll do my best. I've always like Harry for is strength of devotion. Even though the hat missorted him."

"Are you sure?" Arabelle asked gently. "It could have put him exactly where it needed him, in the path of two strong guardians. Besides, to fight you sometimes have to be a bit slippery. Being in Slytherin helped with that. If he had been yours, he would have been just as upstanding, but stiffer and it would have been harder for him to do what needs to be done. The killing you know," she said with a mournful sigh. "Try to keep him healthy. The boys have an excellent plan, one that will give them the control and power they'll need. Support them, no matter what." Minerva nodded so she got up and went to her other portrait, going to watch the students in the halls.

Dumbledore cleared his throat. "I think we still need to monitor Harry's training."

She shrugged. "I'm inclined to agree with our illustrious first Headmistress, Albus. The boys have Harry well in hand and Draco will push him if he starts to slack off. The Malfoy sense of duty and honor, though weak in the last few generations, has shown up in his demeanor recently." She smiled at him. "What did the outfit look like?"

"Two hands-width strips of leather with straps connecting them," Albus said coolly. "We still need the boy to fight."

"And fight he will, if only so his beloved Ron isn't taken," she pointed out gently. Dumbledore looked stunned. "Really, Albus, the boy loves her. He allowed them to deage him to help him with his breast addiction." She chuckled at the confused look on his face. "I've caught him at it in the halls when he and Blaize were together. I'm sure Ron's are a constant distraction."

"Why would he have an *addiction* to that particular organ?"

"Think, man," another portrait snapped. Dumbledore looked at him. "The boy was orphaned when he was one, he was probably still breastfeeding. I doubt those creatures you put him with would have been that decent to him."

"No, I suppose not," Dumbledore admitted. He frowned at McGonagall. "I still think he needs to train harder and he won't do that when he's shut up in there."

"Maybe you should try asking him how his training is going and what books he's gone through," she suggested lightly. "I asked him why he was looking through ancient Defense books and he said he had already gone through most of the Auror-created ones." She sniffed. "The boy is going to win, Albus, we have to have faith in that."

"He picked a day when he would be weaker."

"I believe he and Draco have a plan already worked out. Draco and Harry are both planners. Ron is a nurturer and Harry needed that in his life. Frankly, I would have sent the boy to the Weasleys from the start. At least they would have treated him right." She nodded then left him alone, going to wander around and check on some of her students. She found Neville and Ginny staring at each other. "Do talk," she encouraged. Ginny looked startled. "In the absence of your mother, I will give you some advice, dear. Men are fragile creatures who are easily bent and broken. They don't understand women, that's why your brothers tried to do that potion." Ginny smiled at her. "Neville is very shy. I will expect you to treat him correctly and honorably. If you so much as hurt the boy, expect to be seeing me for a very long discussion, young lady." She walked away, going to help more of her students.

Ginny looked at Neville. "You like me?" He nodded, blushing. "Wow." She grinned. "Come on, let's talk about that, Neville. I'll still help you with your new Defense paper." She took his arm and led him away to talk in private. Now that the intolerably cute trio had moved, their former room was empty and she still knew the password.

***

By the end of the year, Harry had settled himself down. He had passed everything, he and Draco had taken top honors among their house. Ron had done as well as he had wanted to and was satisfied with the results. Hermione had gotten top honors in the school. Vincent got high enough to earn a present from his father. It was two days before they took the train home and everything was set. They had already packed everything, Hermione organizing it all, and sent it back to the house. Ron was starting to glow and smile gently at them. Motherhood was agreeing with her greatly. She was still shifting but not as much. She never switched into fully male form anymore. She was either female or both all the time now.

In all, it was a nice life. The Yule Ball had gone off perfectly. Ron had looked stunning in her gown and jewels. He and Draco had looked splendid because Draco had decided to tame his hair. The only glitch they had gone through was the month before the night of conception they couldn't enter Ron at all. It was a family tradition and a demand that the only bodily fluids that touched her vaginally were the ones she would take in that night. Harry had raised himself to the occasion, finding all new ways of making Ron squeal in delight. Draco had been tolerant of him jumping him more often. It had been a bit more tense, but Harry had studied a lot more that month as well. He looked over at his sleeping spouses and sighed. Then why wasn't he happy?

He had this itchy, crawling feeling and it was bothering him to no end. He couldn't sleep. He wanted...something. Or maybe to do something. He wasn't sure. He didn't have a clue. All he knew was that he didn't want to be there for a few days. He had to work this out for himself. He looked over at Draco, nudging him gently. "Draco?" Draco made a humming noise and opened his eyes, looking at him. "I don't know what's wrong."

Draco pushed himself up onto one arm, reaching over to stroke Harry's stomach to keep him calm. "An attack?"

Harry shook his head quickly. "That makes me feel jumpy, this is more a twitchy, something's-not-complete-yet sort of feeling, like we got when we were revising and we missed that whole month worth of papers in Potions." Draco nodded, understanding that. "I don't know what it is!"

"It's where you haven't finished figuring out what sort of adult you are," Ron muttered as she flipped over to hug him. "Mum asked me in her last letter if you had 'found yourself'. I had to have Ginny explain it to me." She looked up at him. "You need to take some time off and do things that you've always wanted to do, to find the bedrock of who you are inside." Harry looked relieved, it must have been the right thing to say.

"We can announce that you're taking a short vacation," Draco suggested. "Say that you're finding out some facts about your family that you've been putting off until you were old enough to understand." Harry gave him a grateful look. "That only leaves one problem. The tracking spells. There's two: a wellness telltale, something to tell Dumbledore that you're fine, and the tracking component, which tells us where you are."

"Can you remove the tracking one and give me something so I can find you if necessary?" Harry asked. Draco nodded. "Now?"

"Right now?" Draco asked, smiling at him. "You can't wait three more days?"

"No," Harry said, shaking his head. "I can't. I have to go now." He gave him a kiss. "There's only six more months until the final battle and four and a half before I change my life so dramatically, Draco. I have to go now so I have time to settle in and figure out what it all meant."

"Fine," Draco agreed, getting up to grab one of the dressing robes. "Granger hasn't packed her books yet, I'll see if she has my Family Charms book. Then we can create a charm on you like Ron's mother's clock." Harry's mood lightened a bit more. "I'll also make you a portkey to bring you back to us." He walked out, heading down the stairs. He knocked gently and Hermione opened the door, looking at him, still dressed. "You're still packing?"

"No, I was reading. What's wrong?"

"Harry wants to go find himself for a month."

She walked over to a bookshelf and pulled down a book that looked like a journal, handing it over. "A personal tracking charm, a remove spell charm, and the one to make portkeys."

He looked at it, nodding. "I'll bring it back tomorrow."

"He's going now?" she asked. Draco looked up and nodded. "Then I wish him luck. Suggest he go to Canada or somewhere safe for a bit. Plus, you can make an announcement and head off any thought of an attack on our leaving day." Draco looked slightly impressed. She blushed. "It's common sense." She shooed him out and locked the door, leaning against it. Vincent was leaning in their bedroom's doorway. "I impressed him I think," she said gently.

"You do it to me every day," he assured her, holding out a hand. "Come to bed, Herm. I want to cuddle your belly." She blushed and walked over, dousing the lights on her way in.

***

Dumbledore looked around the breakfast, frowning slightly. "Mr. Malfoy," he called. "Come here." Draco languidly stood up and walked up to him. "Where might your husband be?" he asked quietly.

Draco handed over the notice he had been writing. "He'll be back in a month." He looked at Snape, who nodded. He seemed to expect that. He looked back at the Headmaster. "He asked that I accept anything of his and that you not be pissed. There were many things that he's always wanted to do and now might be the only time he would have been able to get them done."

"Fine." He handed it back. "Do you have him monitored?"

"I removed the tracking part of the charm you had Professor Snape put on him and put one of my own on him." He showed him the simple color-changing braid of thread, it was blue meaning Harry was calm and fine. "I also gave him a portkey so he could reappear if we needed him and a reciprocal charm to let him know if we were in danger."

"Very well thought out," Snape agreed. "Where is he?"

"All I know is that he's not in the UK, sir. He said he couldn't do this and stay here, he'd garner attention and he didn't need that." He walked back to his seat, smiling over at Ron, who was sitting and talking with her sister and Hermione. Ron suddenly squealed and hugged Hermione hard, making her complain. He stood up and walked over, Vincent right behind him. "What's happened? Did the baby kick?"

"It's much too early for either of their children to kick," Ginny said smugly, kicking Hermione under the table. "You have to tell mum."

Hermione blanched. "I still have to tell my own," she admitted. Ginny and Ron laughed.

Draco looked at Vincent. "When and where?"

"A month from now, in the Music Room," Vincent told him, he had been hoping Draco would get pushy about this and make his life much easier. He couldn't convince her to go for a quick marriage but she couldn't stand up to Draco and Narcissa. Hermione looked stunned. "Yes, I'm making an honest child out of it." He crossed his arms and looked down at her. "Do you object?"

"No," she said weakly, starting to wobble in her seat. Ron caught her before she passed out.

"We can do a preliminary here," Ginny suggested. "That should mollify both the mothers."

"All three of the mothers, my own will throw a fit," Draco assured her. He looked at Vincent, who was grinning. "Well, help her. I'll tell McGonagall? Have the formal announcement made?" Vincent nodded quickly, moving so he could pick up Hermione and sit himself under her. Draco shook his head as he walked up to the head table, smirking when he saw the curiosity. "I believe Ms. Granger and Mr. Crabbe will need you to mediate an agreement between them so they can sign a marriage contract," he told her, loud enough for the rest of the table and any nearby students to hear.

McGonagall squealed like a little girl high on sugar and rushed down to hug them both, assuring them she had a form all ready because some students in the past had needed one. Hermione's admission that they *needed* one as well made her blush but she was still happy for them. She led them to her office, getting to work on it after quick call to Draco's mother. She spoke for Vincent.

Draco went back to his seat, smiling at his housemates, who were blatantly staring at him. "They're signing the marriage contract today," he said smugly.

"YES!" Blaize shouted, grinning madly at him. "How far along is she?"

Draco shrugged. "Not very. She probably only just found out, Zabini. That means you'll have mine and Vincent's children to look after." Blaize nodded quickly. "Good. Excellent in fact." He continued to smirk all the way through breakfast. "I wonder if Mother foresaw this," he mused.

Blaize giggled. "Probably not. She never paid that much attention to Vinnie before, Draco." He tossed a muffin at him. "Where's Harry?"

"Taking a short vacation to do some family research. He had to wait until he was out of school. He'll be back in a month." He looked at the notice and finished writing it, sending it to the family attorney with the waiting owl. "There, the announcement's sent." He dug into his food, watching as Ron ran out holding her mouth. "I do loathe morning sickness. How much longer does it last?"

"Three months," Blaize said dryly. "If you're lucky it won't be five."

"Wonderful," Draco said dryly, taking another bite of waffle. "I'll have her checked over as soon as we get home."

"Did you announce that as well?" Pansy suggested slyly.

Draco looked at her. "No, we were going to do that at the official graduation party we're hosting in two weeks. That way she's out of danger."

"Danger?" someone else asked.

Draco looked down at the fifth year who had a crush on Harry. "Malfoys are hard to bear," he noted with a touch of humor. "We're waiting until she can't be hurt by it or used for it." He saluted her with his juice glass. "Don't worry, she's very well protected."

"Good. Ron's a nice girl," she said firmly. "It's clear she adores Harry." She nodded and went back to her meal. A few of the other girls laughed but she ignored them.

Draco smirked at his plate. That was one more crush broken by Ron's condition.

***

Harry withdrew three large bags of money and headed out of the bank, walking down to a travel agency for wizards. He walked in and looked around. "Hello?" A middle aged witch popped out of the back doorway. "I want to go somewhere."

"Be right there, sweetie. Let me put up my brekkie." She disappeared and came out a moment later. "Where do you want to ...." She stopped when she realized who it was and cleared her throat. "A short vacation?" she asked hopefully.

He sighed and nodded. "I'm taking a short turn to go somewhere and have fun before the final battle. Can you suggest somewhere? I'm looking to stay for a month." He sat down in the seat she waved a hand at. "Money's not an object."

She cleared her throat again. "Define fun?"

"There's a few things I've always wanted to do. I want to do something fun. I want to get really drunk just once. I want to see a naked cabaret. I want to ride a roller coaster. I want to go somewhere I can be anonymous and be myself."

She looked thoughtful. "I can do that. Not all in one city possibly. Not unless you want to go to America?" Harry shrugged. "You don't care?"

"I don't care where I go as long as I go for a month," he promised. "Though I wouldn't really mind some warm weather. The wind at the school has been cutting for the last week."

She gave him a gentle smile. "All young men want to find themselves, Mr. Potter-Malfoy. I know you're no different." She opened her book, using her wand to cross-reference as many of his requests as possible. "I have three options if you want to go to America. I can almost guarantee you won't be recognized. They've got their heads up their bums most days," she said with a smile. "You can go to New York, there's plenty of things to do and a lot of museums and libraries. It's a bit dangerous but nothing you shouldn't be able to handle." He nodded. "It has a good underground of bars and strip joints. I'm sure you'd like the second one a lot."

"Stripping?" Harry asked.

"Naked women dancing on a stage," she said bluntly. His eyes widened and he nodded. She smiled. "One of the other options is Florida. It's a state, but it has a number of amusement parks, all around the same area. It's also very warm and humid down there." He looked interested. "Or I can send you to the middle of the country. There's a few cities, namely Chicago and Las Vegas."

"Even I've heard of that one," Harry admitted. "Which do you think?"

"To just run wild?" He nodded. "Vegas or Florida. Florida has more roller coasters and amusement parks, but Vegas has the seedy underground you're thinking about as well, and it's all more compactly put together. Or you could do a few weeks in each." He perked up at that suggestion. "Would that suit you?" He nodded. "Good. When were you wanting to leave?"

"Now," Harry told her. She looked a bit stunned. "It hit me last night while I was watching Ron sleep."

"Ah, your woman," she sighed, nodding. "It's hard being young and in love. You can get burnt out so easily."

"Plus, she's knocked up," Harry admitted. She laughed and patted his hand. "Thanks. I love her dearly, but I want to think."

"Then we'll start you in Florida." She pulled out a few forms. "Just to make it legal to what little administration they have over there, fill these out and we'll create your temporary passport. You won't need a visa, they've got different rules for Wizards."

"Can I take my dog?" She shook her head. "Okay then, it's a good thing I left him with Ginny and Neville." He filled out the forms while she made the floo call to book him a room. When he had signed his name, he handed it back and pulled out a bag of money. "How much?"

"It'll be about seven hundred American dollars for the accommodations, Mr. Potter-Malfoy, and you'll have to budget about a thousand more for the food and treats you'll want to bring back," she said, not looking at him. "I charge a flat one hundred galleon transport rate." She smiled at him and noticed the bag, shaking her head. "You're ready to go?" He nodded. "All packed?"

"I'll buy clothes wherever," he told her. "I'm sure they've got clothing stores, or if I have enough time I'll do a little bit of shopping here."

"You'll have some. I can send you in an hour?" He nodded. "Good, then go change your spare money into American dollars at the bank and get a bag of clothes." He hurried out, leaving that one bag there. She smiled at her contact at Disney World. "He's looking for a way to find himself. I'm going to put you in charge of making his secondary reservations if he wants to change towns. I don't want to tie him down yet." The wizard on the other end nodded, smiling greatly. "Also, he wants to be anonymous. Can you set him up as an anonymous client?" He nodded again, making notes. "Thanks. One hour." She signed off and counted out the money, leaving the rest in the bag for him. Just in case he needed it. He came back forty-five minutes later, beaming like a loon and bouncing. "All right, I'm going to pop you into my contact's office, he'll get you signed in and all that, plus he'll make any other reservations you'll need if you want to go to another city or another resort. I'm putting you at the main Disney resort in Florida, that will give you access to all the parks in the area." He nodded again. She smiled. "Did you want to cover up your scar?"

"Will I have problems doing magic?"

"No," she said, waving her hand. "There's a mother load of fairy dust under the resort. You might even feel a bit overloaded. There had been a large colony there up until the turn of the century, then the person who built the resort bought it from the remaining fairy family. There's tons of magic, you'll be fine." She looked at his form, then at him. "You're sure you don't want to wait until after your birthday?"

"I'm married, I'm exempt from the underaged rules."

"Good point." She made the portkey and handed it to him. "Use this to get back to this office if you need anything."

"I have one for the house," he said with a grin before it activated. He felt the hook catch behind his navel and he was off, zipping through the ether to Florida. He landed in a spacious and sunny office, still smiling. "Hi."

"Good afternoon, Mr. Malfoy. How are you today?" he asked with a smile.

Harry chuckled. "It's Potter-Malfoy," he admitted.

"I know, but I thought you'd like to go by your married name here. Just in case and all that. There's not too many wizarding families here this time of year, but you can't be too careful." He shook Harry's hand and handed him a small rectangle of plastic and a small brochure. "That's your room key, I'll lead you to it directly. The brochure is the local tourism industry's synopsis of the area. I've stuffed the adult one in the center just in case you wanted to go that route." He waved at the door. "Shall we? I've got you set up to stay in tonight so you can get used to the time change and look around the resort's facilities, then you've got five days of passes to any and all of the resorts, however you want to handle it. If you want, I can get you more time," he said as he walked Harry down the halls. "I put you in a small suite, that way you could eat in your rooms if you wanted." Harry nodded, following the quick conversation as they walked. "I've also included a charge sheet of what you've paid for so far. If you need anything else, just let me know. You dial *592 and you'll get my office." Harry nodded again. "Give us a week, we'll manage to make you feel like a happy young lad again." He stopped in front of a cream-colored door. "This one is yours. You slide the key," he said, pointing at the rectangle of plastic, "into the holder," he said, pointing at it.

Harry did so and walked in, smiling at the simple furnishings. "I like this," he decided. He looked back at his tour director. "Do you have roller coasters?"

"There's a few in the resorts, plus a few other thrill rides, sir. Oh, you're in under the name Tinsel. It's the best I could do under short notice." Harry beamed and tipped the man, but he handed it back. "It's not necessary. I get paid a generous salary to do such things for people. Relax and get settled in tonight. The pass will be at the desk for you tomorrow."

"Thank you," Harry said, smiling as he was left alone for the first time in nearly eight years. He took a running leap and jumped onto the bed, bouncing around. "I'm free!" he said happily.

***

Draco checked his pocket watch again, Harry was due back sometime today. When he wasn't sure but he was due back today. Ron walked over and took the watch from his hand, putting it in a nearby drawer and walking away from him. "He should have been back by now," he complained, following her from the drawing room.

Ron turned to look at him. "What makes you think he stayed somewhere local, Draco? You said yourself he's far away, possibly even in Asia."

"I know," Draco admitted. "He still should be back by now."

They both felt the tingle that meant Harry was somewhere closer by. They ran outside, then to the other house, finding Harry riding up the road on a strange two wheeled vehicle. "What is that?" Ron asked.

Draco shrugged. "I don't know. Let's find out." Harry braked to a stop in front of them and gave them a sheepish grin. "Did you have fun?"

"Definitely," Harry agreed, giving them a bright, real smile. He looked at ease with himself. "Come for a ride, Draco? Ron, the guy I bought it off from said I can't take you for a ride until you've delivered. It could shake the baby loose or something." Ron shrugged. "Come on, Draco."

"Harry, that looks dangerous."

"It is," Harry admitted with a wicked grin, something they hadn't seen on his face before, "but it's fun. It's like flying on the ground. Come on, I'll let you ride behind me."

"I like to be in control."

"Then I'll teach you how to ride," Harry agreed. He patted the back sitting pad. "Come on." Draco walked over and slowly climbed on. Harry wrapped the tight arms around his stomach and took off again, making Draco's squeal echo behind them. He laughed. "See?"

"This even feels dangerous!" Draco shouted. "Slow down!"

"I'm an excellent rider and we're heading onto the bigger road." He made the turn with a small spray of gravel, nudging the Harley to go faster. He felt Draco relax. "See, just like flying!" he shouted, going as fast as he dared. Draco finally whooped so he stopped the bike, looking back at him. "See?" he said with that same wicked grin. "It's fun and dangerous."

Draco gave him a squeeze. "I'm glad you're back and you're still sane."

"I wouldn't say that," Harry admitted, then he laughed at Draco's astonished look. "I feel free, Draco. Really and truly free. I found out all sorts of stuff I liked. I did all the things I've ever wanted to do and I found myself a toy that I like. How is Ron?"

"She's fine. A bit pissed at you for being a little late," he said, fudging the truth a little. He gave Harry's stomach a squeeze, noticing the muscles. "Didn't you eat?"

"All the time," Harry agreed. He turned the bike around and started back to his mother's house. "I want to tell you guys all about it, but I think Ron might mind the naked women dancing for me."

"Why were you watching strippers?"

"Because I wanted to. They're great conversationalists. They listened to me." He pulled up in front of the house and parked, letting Draco get off first. His dog came running and he got down to hug him. "Hi, Sable. Daddy's home and he's staying home." Sable licked and jumped on him, excited for him to be back. "Get a stick, we'll play," he told him. Sable leapt off, finding a stick for a game of fetch. Harry sat on the front step and tossed it, watching as the dog ran off and brought it back. "Sit, Draco, I like talking with you."

"Let me get Ron," he chided, but he was smiling. This confident, smiling young man was not the Harry he was used to. He found Ron making them some lemonade in the kitchen and a few sandwiches. "That bike goes fast," he said in her ear.

"If you crash and make me a widow, I'm going to get Hermione to resurrect you so I can kill you again," Ron warned. She smiled and kissed his cheek. "Where is he?"

"Playing with the dog out front. Come join us." He carried out the sandwiches, nibbling on his. Neither Harry or the dog were outside, making him frown as he sat down. "Harry?"

"Coming," Harry called, walking back from the woods. "Sorry, Sable took off after a squirrel." He called his dog, bringing him back. He flopped down between his mates, smiling at both of them. "I had a lot of fun, thank you for letting me go."

"You're welcome," Ron said, kissing him gently. "What did you do?"

"I went to Disney World and rode most of the rides three times. I went to their zoo and the other parks they had and played there. I spent a lot of time on the beach thinking." He showed off his bronze tan. "I went drinking a few times and figured out hangovers not only hurt but they tend to color the whole world. Plus, I found out that a hangover in a park full of screaming and laughing children is so bad a torture I should inflict it on someone." Draco laughed, patting him on the thigh. "I went to a few clubs. I learned how to Salsa dance in Miami. I bought my bike and rode it around a lot. You wouldn't believe how easy it is to get a license when you have the right faked documents." He beamed at them. "I did some quiet thinking and some painful thinking, and then I did some things that I'll show you later." He kissed them each again. "I'm horny and I think it's about time I tasted Ron again," he said with a leer. Sable barked so he scratched his dog's ears, making him flop over with delight. "After I play with my puppy. I've been ignoring him and he deserves better."

Ron managed to stamp down her blush. "Harry, you're so different."

"I know." He looked at her. "I found that spot of inner happiness, Ron. The one that makes a better Patronius than all the other memories combined." Ron beamed. "Plus, I was a bit naughty." Ron lost his grin. "I didn't do anything *terrible*," he assured her. "I smoked a joint once. It made me dizzy and light headed. I tried a line of cocaine and now I know why so many people like it. I watched a few naked people dance around."

"Did you cheat?"

"I didn't even consider it," Harry said honestly. "I only looked because it was interesting how they were dancing. I swear, Ron, I didn't touch a single one. I tossed tips at them, I didn't even put the tips in their thongs."

"You're supposed to tip them?" Draco asked, looking confused.

"How did you think they made their money?" Harry asked patiently.

"I thought they did it for fun!" Draco said, hitting himself on the head. "So many people dance around naked and drink a lot for fun."

"No, they live off their tips and part of their drink sales," Harry told him, smiling at him.

"How were they dancing?" Ron asked.

"I'll take you to one and show you," Harry offered, smiling cutely. Ron's eyes narrowed. "Together, all of us if you want. We'll sit and watch the show and then we'll toss tips at one of them."

"Girls or boys, Harry?" Ron asked.

"I saw both," Harry admitted. "But we'll go to whichever you want, Ron. I want to share some of this with you."

"Fine," Ron sighed. "Remember, I can't drink."

"That's fine, we'll get you a soda," Harry agreed, kissing her. His dog barked, wanting his attention first. Harry looked down and smiled at him. "Greedy," he said playfully. The dog barked and stood up, giving him a pitiful look. Harry threw the stick, and Sable was off to chase it again.

"When did you buy the machine?"

"I did one week at Disney, then a week in Miami. I bought it there, then I drove it back to Disney. I got lost in the Everglades twice," he said happily. "I found a few really neat little restaurants too. Little family owned places. I even found some little old toothless ladies to chat with. They told me all sorts of stuff, including about their families and the areas I was stuck in. I did a few days in Vegas too. Did you know there was a Gringott's goblin working in one casino in case you needed more money?" His spouses shook their heads. "Only one and only in one casino. I lost four thousand dollars on roulette and poker, but I won about three hundred back on blackjack and about ten thousand on a few horse races. You really can bet on anything there. Someone was betting on how soon we have a kid." Draco spluttered, but threw the stick for the dog to calm himself. "I had to enter it and then I went to the local wizarding shop and found the copy of the paper with the announcement in it. The Daily Prophet gets over there a week and a half late."

"I'm sure they were thrilled with you," Draco noted dryly.

Harry blushed. "I did tell them who I was. They put up a big pool on whether or not I would win and how long the final battle would last. I put money down on me winning and it going over five hours but without specifying a final time."

Ron groaned and shook his head. "How big is the pot now?"

"Over seventy million," Harry said honestly. He beamed at Draco. "When I announced that Ron was indeed pregnant and when she had conceived, after telling them who I was, they shut that one down. I didn't tell them it'd be a girl though. I don't know if they're betting on that. I know they're betting on me having one or not with Ron."

"How did you want to do that?" Draco asked, stroking up Harry's arm. He felt a pad of some sort. "You're hurt?"

"No, that's covering a surprise," Harry admitted, swatting his hand. "I don't know. Did you want to be the father or would Ron?"

"You and I will have one the next time," Ron assured him. "Draco will need a spare heir."

Harry kissed her gently, making her moan. "I love you, Ron. I figured out you two and the dog were the only really great things in my life that I would miss if I lost." He stood up and went to play with his buddy.

Ron licked her lips. "I'm not sure if I should be insulted that the dog was in there," she said dryly. Harry laughed and grinned at her, that same wicked grin. She shivered. "Harry, hurry up, I want to see what you brought me." Harry gave her a panicked look. "You were gone for a month and didn't bring me a present?"

"I did, but I think I forgot it," he admitted, blushing slightly. "Let me pop to the travel agency."

"License!" Draco said quickly. "Arthur sent us a letter saying they had caught your last apparation, Harry."

"Then I'll floo over and take my license then get my bag," Harry agreed, smiling at them. "I'll be right back." He took his dog with him so they could spend more time together.

Draco and Ron shared a long kiss. "He's happy," Draco offered.

"Very happy. He's almost manic in his happiness. I think he's a bit worried."

"Or he's had too much sugar and caffeine again," Draco noted. Ron grinned and giggled, hugging him. "We'll fix him when he gets back, after he gives you your presents." He walked her into the house, leaving the sandwiches out there for the local creatures to nibble on. They ate roast beef, right?

***

Harry popped back, directly beside the bed. "They weren't impressed at all that I made my mark by centimeters," he pouted. He put three bags onto the bed and opened one, handing it to Draco. "Yours." The next one got tossed toward the closet, and the last one got given to Ron. "Yours." He sat down on the foot of the bed to watch them open their gifts. He hadn't put wrapping paper on them, he had wrapped them in t-shirts and things like that. He laughed at Draco's grimace when he saw the Mouse Ears but Draco put them on for a moment, then put them aside.

"New Orleans?" Ron asked, holding up the jar of hot sauce.

"I went for an overnight stay one Friday," Harry told her. "There was a blues band that I wanted to hear and they were playing there." He touched the bottle. "That is hotter than anything I have ever tasted, even those fire peppermint imps." Ron's eyes widened. "I thought you might like to put it in Fred or George's food."

Ron gave her best evil chuckle. "I like the way you think, Potter," she admitted. "We'll invite them up tomorrow. You missed Hermione's wedding. She decided to not wait since she was starting to show."

"She's stuffed up too?" Harry asked. Draco nodded, looking smug. "Well. I'll have to give her some of that hot sauce too."

"Her stomach's upset. She's only eaten toast and jam recently," Draco told him. He opened his next one, shaking his head at the Goofy tie. "What is this dog's name? I've seen him somewhere before."

"Goofy. He's a talking dog. You saw him on my boxers in our fifth year."

"I see." Draco put it aside. "Was there a special meaning to that one?"

"Snape's birthday present," Harry said with a leer. "It's charmed so he'll want to wear it at least once a year." Draco burst out in giggles. "There's a whole set of them in there somewhere. That's the last of the other people gifts though." Ron pulled out a beautiful velvet box, gasping when she opened it. She started to sniffle. "Don't do that," he soothed, getting up to hug her. "I thought they would look wonderful around you," he promised her. "If you don't like them, I'll get you something else."

"They have the Weasley family crest on them," Ron sniffled, hugging him as hard as she could. "I love you, Harry!"

Draco looked at the garnets, smiling at Harry for his taste. They would look stunning on her and would go with many of her outfits. He found his own piece of jewelry. "A watch?"

"A forty thousand dollar watch," Harry corrected, liking his Ron hug too much to give it up.

"Wow." Ron pulled back, making Harry pout. "I'll cuddle you after I finish opening my things." She looked at the watch. "Are those emeralds?" Harry nodded. "Wow."

"It is very pretty," Draco agreed. "How was the exchange rate?"

"Acceptable. Down about fifty dollars from the last time we had to exchange money." Harry watched as Ron pulled out a large stack of gold foil boxes tied together with a ribbon. "There's more coming in four days," he admitted. "I bought all their stock before I came back. Godiva's main store in London is shipping it to us."

Ron ripped open the first box and popped the candy into her mouth with a moan of delight. "That's it, I'm giving you twins, Harry." Harry giggled and hugged him. "Don't squish the chocolate." She upended the bag, coming out with another velvet box and one last small box. She looked at him. "More jewelry?"

"I didn't think you had any pearls and your mother told me how you had teethed on her good set. So either you keep those or you can give them to her from the both of us." He got to his knees and grabbed the last box, holding it out. "Since you're wearing his ring, I thought it fitting to get you one from me as well, to show you that I'm always there with you, Ron." He opened it and she whimpered. "It's a five carat marquise cut diamond ring with a platinum band. It's an antique and I found it at the jewelry store. It immediately made me think of your hand." He picked up her hand, smiling at her tears. "The first finger since you can't wear them both together? It is the traditional engagement finger among our kind." Ron nodded and let him slip it onto her finger, then she hugged him so hard he had to pant to get any breath. "I love you, Ron, and I always will," he promised her. He noticed Draco wiping off a subtle tear and smiled at him to show he had been caught. "You have one too," he promised. Draco dug around until he found the ring box, opening it to show off the emerald cut ring in platinum. Harry placed it on his finger and he was hugged by Draco as well. They were smooshing him between them. "Finish opening your presents," he told Draco. "I want to see your face."

"I only have one present I want to unwrap," Draco told him, pulling back to rip Harry's overshirt and t-shirt off him. He and Ron both gasped at the markings on him. "What did you do?" he asked, looking alarmed. "Will it come off?"

"The vines were done by wizardry," Harry admitted. He turned to show the heart on his left shoulderblade. It was red and had their initials on it. "That was done the normal way. As was the new one," he said, taking off the bandage to show the tribal ring around his arm. "It's Maori for fierce warrior," he said with a grin.

Ron traced the vines that started at Harry's wrists and worked their way up his arms, around his collarbone, and down his back to wrap around his waist. "It's odd, but I like this on you," he admitted.

"It was like meditation, Ron. The pain was kinda bad, but I learned so much while I was floating on it. It wiped out a lot of the petty concerns I had." He touched the vine on his left wrist. "This has another purpose. It was laid down with a protection charm and with a wellness charm. Draco, your new watch has a blinking telltale on it to show you if I'm ever in trouble." Draco nodded, looking stunned. "Ron, I couldn't do that to your ring or the new jewelry. I hope you don't mind?"

"No, not at all," Ron said, smiling slightly at him. "We can find me something."

Harry nodded, looking relieved. "I'll have to get another leaf done to add you in, but I can do that." Ron beamed. "We'll find you the linking object tomorrow." Ron kissed him. "There are a few other things," he admitted, finishing his stripping by standing up on the bed so they both had a clear view of his new piercings. "I liked the nipple ring but it fell out earlier. I'll have to get another one tomorrow." Draco touched his navel ring, it had been hidden by the leaves and the way Harry had been sitting. "That's kinda neat. It goes really well with the portkey." Ron chuckled. Harry lowered his boxers and they gasped. "I didn't like this one as much and I'm trying to decide if I should have it taken out," he admitted, touching the Prince Albert he now wore.

"Remove it," Ron ordered. Harry nodded and removed it for her, letting her heal the open spot. "Thank you."

"That was just bad," Draco said, shaking his head.

"Rather sickening," Ron agreed. "To do that to yourself! How much did that hurt, Harry!"

"I was drunk when I got it," Harry said with a shrug. They stared at him, looking upset. "I was in Vegas, alone, and missing you guys touching me. I could tell you guys were having sex. It was the closest I could get without breaking my vows."

"So you had a hole put in your dick because you wanted us to touch you?" Draco asked. "Is that an indication that we should start hurting you?"

Harry blushed. "It was the only legitimate way I could have someone hold the stupid thing for me." He sat down, looking at them. "I'm sorry you didn't like it. It was kind of interesting, but I didn't think you'd like it."

Ron grabbed Harry's chin, making him look at her. "Never again, Potter, or I'm never going to let you suck on my breast again. Got it?" Harry nodded, smiling at her. "Good. Now suck me." She ate another chocolate while he played and teased her. "You can have my breast."

"I want your lower parts," Harry assured her. "I'll play with the rest of you in a minute, once I get you to the point of getting off and watch you eat chocolates in that state." He reached behind himself and pulled out the plug he had been wearing, grinning wickedly at Draco. "I'm more than happy to help wear you out too."

"Suck her first so I can open everything else," Draco ordered, sitting down to go over the rest of his presents. He had to erase the image of that hole before he could touch his husband. That was just wrong! He'd have to tell Hermione and have her chastize him.

***

Harry walked Ron into the Burrow, holding her by the hand. "Hi, mum," he called. Arthur popped out of the living room. "And Dad," he said with a grin. "Mum in there?"

"Of course, Harry, come in," Arthur invited, going back in to sit with his wife. "Harry, we've got a bit of news. Minister Fudge was assassinated yesterday by Draco's father."

"Wow." Harry nodded. "I guess he got tired of the boot licking then." Ron pinched him. "Sorry, calling it like I remember him. The man tried to have me put in a loony bin, Ron, I'm not all that sorry he's gone. If they hurt him badly, I'm sorry about that much, but not that he's dead."

Molly smiled at him. "No, it was a straight killing curse." She noticed the box in Ron's hands. "What's that? A present from your trip?"

"I remembered how you once told me that Ron teethed on your good pearls," Harry told her with a grin. "And I found this beautiful set. I gave Ron first choice, I love to dress her up you know, but she said she wanted to give them to you."

Ron handed over the present, smiling at her mother. "For all the hell you're going to go through as a new grandmother to mine, Harry's, and Hermione's kids."

Molly let the present fall from her fingers. "Harry's?" she asked.

Harry coughed. "It's time for us to tell you two about the rest of the plans, Molly. You know that I have special gifts?"

"What happened in your sixth year," Arthur said slowly.

Harry nodded. "That's my mother's side of the family. According to her diaries, it's passed on to the first born in each generation. My mother had both types of magic and so do I thanks to my father." He smiled at her. "So I have to pass it on. It's imperative that I do so, it's tied somehow with the balance of nature and the like."

Molly gasped. "I never realized. She was always sitting under the trees!" she told him.

Harry nodded. "She had the gift of helping things grow. I have the gift of changing the nature of something. I can put a curse onto something and have it sitting there and harmless until I want to use it on someone, and I can use it as many times as I want." He looked at Arthur. "I need Gryffindor's sword."

Arthur nodded. "I'll have it sent to you, son." He smiled at Harry. "Who's having your child?"

"Me," Harry told him. The parents looked at him and he grinned. "You said yourself, Molly, I'll need to be stronger than the average *wizard*."

"I'm about six times stronger than I used to be," Ron admitted quietly. Molly gasped, getting it suddenly.

"When?" Arthur asked.

"The problem with that is the fact that a changeling's blood can be used up until the time when they're a month pregnant," Harry told him, shifting so he could cross his feet. "After that, they're immune from their blood ever being used again. Their mother's milk is another matter," he pointed out. Ron put a hand on his thigh and he took a deep breath. "Before the fight. I'll be past that critical date but not far enough to kill me if something happens during it."

Molly started to cry, getting up to hug him. "I'm so sorry this is the only way, Harry." He patted her gently as she pulled back. "Is that why you took off?"

He shook his head. "Not at all, mum. I took off because there were things I always wanted to do and to do some thinking. I went to Disney." The adults laughed and Molly sat down to open her pearls. She looked stunned when she got the box open. "Do you like them? They're about twenty years old, so I guessed they were the right age to replace the ones Ron gummed up." He grinned. "They're natural and not-cultured. They were gathered the old fashioned way and strung for me." Ron looked at him, looking confused. "The pearls were in a chest in the jewelry store. I picked out the ones I wanted and they strung them for me," he explained.

Molly beamed at them. "You didn't have to, Harry. These should go to Ron."

"I bought Ron a garnet set with the Weasley family crest on them, though I didn't know it at the time, they simply felt right to buy." Ron showed off the pendant he was wearing of the set. "See?" he said happily.

Arthur smiled at him. "I've very happy with the way you treat Ron, Harry. I couldn't ask for a better son-in-law."

"Does that mean Neville hasn't asked you yet?" Harry asked. Arthur's eyes opened wide. "He asked my opinion on how to approach you. I said do it over a dinner or directly afterwards. To let you two get to know him first."

"I thought we had seen a lot of the boy," Molly said, looking at her husband. "I think it's time you had a talk with the boy, Arthur."

"He's a charming guy," Ron assured her. "Very good at defense and very upstanding. He wants a family more than anything, mum." They looked at him. "He really is a nice guy."

"I know, dear, he's training to be an auror at the moment." Harry looked confused. "He wanted it and they admitted him in spite of his potion's grade. We'll be very delicate with the boy. Invite him over for tea or something," she assured them.

"How was America, Harry?"

"Crowded, hot, and sweaty," he admitted. He pulled off his shirt. "The real reason we came today is because Ron wants to be linked into the wellness check spell I've got woven into these," he said, touching the ivy going up his arm. "We can't find anything though. I've linked it into Draco's new watch."

Molly looked at them, her eyes going wide again. "How long is that?"

"Up both arms, around my collarbone and down my back to wrap around my waist," Harry said proudly. He turned to let her see the one on his arm and his back. "Those were done the muggle way."

"Didn't that hurt?" Arthur asked.

Harry turned back around and nodded. "All of them, but it let me clear my head of some crap while I was lying there being quiet." He put back on his shirt.

"Harry, why was your nipple pierced?" Molly asked in a faint voice.

He shrugged. "I liked it. It feels pretty nice. So does the navel one. It makes the portkey feel...different I guess is the best way to describe it." Ron squeeze his thigh and he didn't go on. "Yes, Ron."

"I don't think they want to know about your drunken piercing," Ron said quietly. Harry gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you."

"Drunken?" Molly asked archly, recovering her composure. Ron shook her head so she stood up. "I'll put these up and make some tea," she told them, bustling out of the room.

Arthur shifted some, putting his arm across the back of the couch. "What sort of talisman were you looking for, Harry?"

"I don't know. Ron can't seem to find it and I was going to let her choose."

"I've never been picky before, Dad, but I can't seem to find anything that sparks it for me."

"We've gone through four jewelry stores and the talisman shop itself," Harry continued. "She still can't find anything."

"What about using some of Harry's hair and having one made," he suggested.

"The shapes were somehow wrong," Ron told him.

"Ah." Arthur nodded. "I know it has to remind you of Harry. Do you have to have more added on, Harry, or is it already laid?"

"The wizard who did it couldn't lay a quiescent one without a talisman at hand. I'll have to have at least a leaf added. The more I have added, the stronger it gets. I'm thinking about letting it run down my legs. It'll go very well with my motorcycle."

"You brought back a motorcycle?" Molly asked as she walked in, followed by Charlie and Bill. Bill had been away for a bit and had gotten back last night. She had called him back from the twin's shop to see Ron.

Bill pulled Ron up and looked her over, then touched her barely showing stomach. "Already?" he demanded, glaring at Harry.

Harry held up a hand. "It's not mine, it's Draco's. He promised me twins because I bought him sixty pounds of Godiva chocolate," he said with a smirk. He waved at Charlie. "Hi."

"Hi, Harry," Charlie said, looking at his wrist. "What's that?"

"A wizarding tattoo with a wellness charm imbedded," Ron said, staring at Bill. "I'm really mostly happy," she said quietly. Bill hugged her hard, making her go 'oomph'. "I love you too, Bill."

"Where's mine?" Charlie asked. Ron hugged him as well, making him grin at Bill. "Mine's gentle."

"That's because I'm letting you be the midwife," Ron teased. She sat down again, smiling at Bill. "If my husbands can't take it, you're going to be the stand-in father, Bill. I figure Charlie's seen more things giving birth than you have. Narcissa is getting overly demanding with the midwife she chose so I figure she's going to quit soon." Charlie and Bill both stared at him until Harry coughed.

"She quit during that shouting match over breakfast," he said, patting Ron's hand. "I'll be there, even if I can't watch it, Ron."

"Harry, you'll be flinching and worrying about what you'll be going through," Ron pointed out, smiling at him. "You and your dog can go play outside and wait on us. Take Draco with you."

"Yes, Ron," Harry said patiently, kissing her gently.

"I didn't need to see that," Bill announced, flopping down onto the couch. "You're sure, Ron? I might be in Egypt again."

"I thought you got the job in Germany," Ron said, starting to frown.

"I do, but it's only for six months."

"Yay! You're going to be there helping Mum and Charlie. Otherwise I'll pull you back to help with Hermione and her baby too."

Harry shook his head. "Talk about a twittering mother-to-be. She's so fussy Vincent needs to escape."

Molly came back with the last of the stuff she had left to get. "Sit," she ordered, sitting on her husband's other side so Charlie could have the rest of the couch. "Ron, you could deliver in a hospital."

Ron shook his head, screwing up his face. "No Malfoy heir has ever been born anywhere outside of the manor house, except for Lucius. Draco won't let it happen."

"He said the nurse dropped his father on his head and that's the reason he went bad," Harry added. He accepted cups of tea for both of them, handing Ron hers.

"Harry, do you know how to use a sword?" Arthur asked, taking a sip.

"After I killed the basilisk, I took a few lessons from some of the school's ghosts. I'm not proficient enough to face off against someone who knows what they're doing, but I'm more than good enough to work with it in battle for as long as I need it." He gave Arthur a confident smile, stunning the family. "I'm going to call for a private combat. If he won't accept, I'm going to be in the front row and I'll work my way back to the coward."

"What happens if you hit someone on our side?" Charlie asked. "Wildly swinging a sword could get any of us."

Harry beamed at him. "My mother's books have the spell to let me control who dies. I'll make sure it only works on my enemies." He took a large sip.

"So please keep the Headmaster and Snape back," Ron quipped. Molly glared at him. "He decided to send a howler this morning to Harry, all about doing his duty and how dare he take time off to think and do what he had always wanted to do, things like that. It went on for over an hour and it reminded him that he might have to give up his life seventeen times, mother. Keep him away from Harry."

Charlie put down his cup. "He's been in battles before."

"So have I," Harry told him. "More than I care to remember. Ron was in a few of them beside me even, and so were Draco, Vincent, and Hermione. We're just as experienced as any of the new aurors they're putting out. If not more so. I've talked with Mad Eye about my plans and swore him to secrecy. He said it was a brilliant and unexpected plan, that it would put the bastard off his stride and it would make sure I had the upper hand. All things he admired in a battle plan." He looked at Ron. "You and Hermione are running the fall back spots, Ron. If you have to be there, you're going to be tending the wounded. Do you understand?" he asked calmly. Ron frowned but she nodded. "Thank you." He kissed her gently on the cheek. "I refuse to see you or baby Malfoy hurt. Draco wants to chain you two to the bed but he thought Hermione might like it too much and not let Vincent follow him." Ron blushed and everyone else laughed nervously. "You're the official person giving out information to anyone coming in. New fighters joining and the like. Draco's going to be my Lieutenant on the field. Molly's going to be the one we're giving the instructions and orders to for the Order." Ron nodded, looking a little less happy. "I expect her to be there with you." He looked at Molly. "I won't have you on that field, Molly. I don't care if you think you can beat the sucker yourself because he's already dead. If I see you on that field of battle I'm going to zap you back here into a locked closet." She blushed and nodded, but Arthur nodded, looking much happier. "Arthur, I'm going to use you and Tonks to give orders to the aurors. Can you do that?" He nodded. "Good, you're going to be with Molly and Ron." Bill opened his mouth. "You two I don't want to risk, but I'll take it if necessary. I refuse to lose any more family members to this ancient battle. Got it?" Charlie and Bill both nodded. "Good. No arguments?" They shook their heads. "Excellent. Now who gets to tie Ginny up?"

Charlie snorted. "I'll let her beau give that order. If we have to, she can guard the hospital area and float in people for treatment." Harry nodded, liking that idea. "When and where?"

Ron pulled some coins out of her pocket, tossing them over. "Hermione made these back during our fifth year for DA. We can set any message on them and they'll warm up when the message is set. Her first act is to set up the apparation point and manage it. She'll get you all there in more than enough time."

"The battle was called for December 4th at two. Be ready that day. We'll give you the spot by ten that morning so you can say anything to anyone and get there on time. I'm hoping he takes the single combat and then the rest of the Death Eaters only put up a small fight."

"Are you counting on that?" Molly asked.

Harry shook his head. "Not in the least, Molly. I'm counting more on them trying to struggle and realizing they're idiots to our larger force. But if we have to make do with only the Order, I'll do whatever I can to take more of them out." Everyone nodded. "Good." He finished his tea and stood up. "I've got a meeting with Tonks and Mad Eye. Ron, chat and I'll come get you in an hour?" She smiled and nodded, lifting her face up for a kiss. "Love you," he said with a grin before he disappeared from that spot.

"I take it he passed his test?" Charlie asked dryly.

"They weren't even impressed when he only missed the mark by centimeters," Ron agreed happily. "He's got the full license, passed all the parts within an hour. Did you know that you had to walk out of the building and back in to get your different sorts of apparation licenses?"

Molly laughed. "I'm sure it's a bureaucratic test of patience, Ron. He really did all of them? All the way up to emergency levels?"

Ron nodded, taking another sip of her tea. "He even got the emergency evacuation level apparation license. He thought it might be necessary when they told him what it was. It only took him a few minutes to learn the trick to that. That one he botched the target by a bit, nearly sending someone into the river, but he recovered them. The person giving the tests wasn't impressed at all."

"I guess they expected it of him," Arthur noted. "How are you feeling, Ron?"

"Touchy. My stomach's finally settling down but I have this massive craving for fish."

"It's a girl," Molly sighed in happiness.

Ron nodded. "All Malfoy girl heirs are conceived in the spring and all boys in the fall."

"Then Harry will have a boy?" Arthur asked. Ron nodded. "Wonderful news, Ron," he said happily, smiling at her. "You are going to be an excellent parent."

"Just remember, you can't do any of those wild things any more," Charlie teased with a grin.

"Said who? Draco's already arranged for a nanny when we want nights off." She held up a finger and dug a picture out of her pocket. "Remember that green outfit I told you about, mum?" She nodded. "This is the black version. I know you said you wanted a picture of it. Harry did like it quite a lot." He passed it to Bill, who blushed and handed it directly to her.

"I don't think she needs that sort of encouragement," Bill said, blushing a brighter red.

Molly beamed. "I had one like that but mine was in silk," she told him. "Poor Charlie tore it while he was playing dressup." Arthur and Charlie both blushed and Bill started to cough. "Sorry, Bill, I'll change the subject." She touched his hair. "It's even longer, dear, just a trim?" she asked with her usual motherly smile.

"Mum!" he said in disgust, glaring at her. "I like my hair, it's fashionable. Girls like my hair."

"Then we should be meeting many more of them," Arthur said happily. "It's a shame the younger four got married before you two."

"Four?" Charlie asked. "Percy's married?"

"Ginny's got a strong fiancé," Molly told him. "We'll be inviting him over to talk with him this week. Percy's former girlfriend decided he was strange, as you very well know."

"Percy, strange?" Ron asked. "She'd have loved this situation then, wouldn't she?"

Molly nodded. "Definitely. He said he saw her in Diagon and she pretended not to see him, even after he called her name." She finished off a little sandwich. "Ron, eat, dear."

"I just had brekkie, mum. It's not like I had to get up and do stuff early this morning. I was enjoying having Harry back." Both older brothers blushed and she grinned. "Perverts," she teased. "I was getting cuddled."

"That's all I want to think about you getting," Bill admitted, glaring at her. "What's the rest of your day like?"

"We're still trying to find me a talisman to link into Harry's wellness charm." She grabbed one of the sandwiches and nibbled on it. "We can't find anything."

"When we were first married, during the first war, I made your father get one. We linked it to the river stone pendant he had me made while we were dating," Molly told him. "Find something that says 'Harry' to you, dear, and it'll be perfect."

"I can't find anything like that. We never got a chance to date." She held out her hand, showing them the new ring. "He got it for me while he was gone, to show that I was married to him too. Draco got a square one and they're about the same size." Charlie whistled. "He said it was older, he found it where he found the rest of it." She pulled out her pendant to show it off. "This came with earrings, another, fancier, necklace, and a bracelet. He got lonely." They 'aww'ed and smiled at her. She shifted, holding her stomach. "Mum, how long did you have these expansion pains?"

"Every few weeks," she said calmly. "You'll get used to them. It's the nightmares you have to worry about."

Ron nodded. "I've had a few of those. Mostly about my daughter being raised by Harry's Aunt and Uncle. Oh, did you hear?" They shook their heads. "Their first week in Japan and Dudley got hit by one of those little cabs pulled by those boys. Ran him right over and kept going. Broke one of his legs," he said happily. The family laughed. "He swore up and down that Harry put a curse on him. One of their people sent us a letter about it and Draco had to tell them who Harry was to them." He beamed. "Apparently Japan will agree very well with the great, hulking bully."

"Speaking of," Molly said delicately. "Have you heard anything about that one boy? Goyle?"

Ron shook her head. "Not recently. Draco banished him again the other day when he tried to show up to the party. It pissed Pansy off to no end because he was her date. He's taken the Mark as well."

"I want you to be careful around him," Arthur said seriously. "I won't have you hurt, Ron."

"I won't have me hurt either, dad, it's all right," Ron promised. She stole another sandwich and nibbled on it. "The baby's hungry," she told Bill when he looked at her.

"Oh." He nodded slowly. "Best to feed it then." He handed over another sandwich. "So she can grow big and strong so she can defend herself against Harry's dog."

"I'm sure Sable will love the babies. Just another person to pet him." Ron beamed but ate that sandwich as well.

***

Ron walked out into the garden with her mother-in-law, chatting about the nursery. There was always one set up, just in case an indiscretion came back to haunt a member of the family, and Ron wanted to decorate in something other than white and silver - the family colors. "What about some murals on the walls," Ron suggested. "That could be very pretty. Even if we only put a few pictures here and there."

"We have some of those in the playroom but they're still mostly silver," she told her, smiling down at the younger woman. "I'm sure we can accommodate any reasonable request, Ron. A few figures wouldn't be so bad. Especially not with Harry's child coming shortly afterwards." She heard a noise and stopped Ron by putting a hand on her arm. "Did you hear that?"

"No," Ron said slowly, listening. "Let's go back inside, Narcissa. If you have to say something like that, you're usually about to get into trouble." They turned and found three figures in black and silver standing behind them. Ron glanced back and saw one behind them, a bigger one, and she knew who it was. She turned to face him. "You might as well take off the mask, Goyle. There's only a few people your size and the other is presently giving his..." Narcissa put a hand on her arm so she stopped. "Leave, now. Draco's right inside the door." She pointed at the study windows.

"If you scream, I'll kill all of you," Goyle said, the sneer coming through the mask. "I can't wait to see the new Malfoy heir." He stepped closer. "Hi, Auntie. Why don't you join us?"

"Because such things are beneath me," she said, pulling herself up to her most regal and imposing stance. "I want you to leave, Gregory. You are not welcome in this house or on our lands. You know this."

Gregory laughed. "They'll be mine some day." He held up a little vial. "I've got something for my future heir, Ron. Why don't you drink it?"

"Why don't you eat shit and die," Ron countered, hand already on wand. She gripped the right end, prepared to cast. Someone kicked her in the knee, making her fall with a scream of pain. "I'll kill you all," she hissed, glaring at that one.

"Take them," Gregory ordered.

"Try it," Harry said from behind him. Goyle spun to look at him. "You're touching my wife, Pansy, I'd quit now. Before I leave you like that," he called. "DRACO!" Draco came running, just in time to see them disappear. "I'm going after Ron."

"I've got him," Draco agreed, waiting until Harry was out of the way to start the fight with his old friend. "You dirty bastard," he swore. "How dare you try to touch my wife! Or my heir!"

Goyle laughed, throwing a punch. Draco's head spun but he stayed on his feet. "I have a potion to make sure it's *my* heir, Draco. Your father made it for us. He doesn't like your family either. Ron's not good enough for you." He took off his mask. "Or maybe she's too good. Playing at being a good boy? Don't worry, I'll handle her and teach her the right way to act."

Draco calmly lifted his wand then tossed it aside, leaping at the other guy to rip him with his bare hands. It was an instinctive urge and he wasn't about to fight it. By the time he got done pummeling the corpse, you could barely tell it had been human.

***

Harry landed right behind the trio and Ron, hexing them before they knew he was there. Their screams as the pain of their skin popping up and blistering like popcorn was popping under it was beauty to his ears. He grabbed Ron away from them and glared at the other person in the clearing. "Look, it's our father-in-law," he said coldly. "Hi, dad." He stroked Ron's stomach. "It's too late. She's protected, the both of them." Lucius crossed his arms and glared at him. "You and I will meet some day soon, Lucius. December 4th. Be there." He took Ron back to the house, landing beside the bloody puddle. "Eww," he told Draco, handing Ron off. "Narcissa?" he called. He found her collapsed in a bush and felt her neck for a pulse. "Draco! We need help, your mother's poorly off," he called. Draco rushed over, helping by lifting her. "I'll call the hospital or I'll take her," he told his husband, holding out his arms.

"We'll be right behind you," Draco promised, handing over the precious burden. He had to trust Harry to take care of her. He disappeared and he went to get Ron, who was throwing up, and take her to the hospital as well.

Harry landed in the Emergency Department. "Help! She was attacked!" he called, bringing mediwitches running to take her from him. "That's Narcissa Malfoy." A few of them looked at him. "Her son's coming with our wife," he said as he followed them, looking grim. She was so still. She barely looked like she was breathing.

One of the healers looked at him, doing a double take. "What happened? We haven't seen an attack recently."

"One of her son's former best friends decided to try and get her pregnant daughter-in-law to make Draco mad. It worked, he's a puddle in the garden." He crossed his arms. "They're coming as soon as Ron quits throwing up." The healer nodded and he was gently pushed out of the cubicle to wait in the hallway. Draco came running and he hugged him, but he got pushed away. "They're working on her. Where's Ron?"

"Coming with her big brothers. Molly's called someone to get Goyle's body." Draco looked at him. "Why didn't I hear?"

"Because they didn't shout. I wasn't that far away and even I didn't realize it," Harry said calmly, sitting Draco down on a chair he stole from behind a desk. "We'll give them twenty minutes then bother them again. That should give them enough time to figure everything out." Draco nodded, clutching his hand now. "Shh, I'm here and Ron's coming," he soothed, stroking Draco's hair. Ron and Charlie came running. "They're working on her now." They settled in to wait as well, Ron clutching Draco as hard as she could.

***

Draco knocked on Snape's personal door, giving him a bland look as soon as it was opened. "You're my mother's caregiver if something happens?" he demanded. Snape visibly swallowed but he did nod. "She's in a coma at St. Mungo's. Goyle and his goon squad were going after Ron while they were walking together." He took a deep breath. "The only reason I'm not in jail at the moment is because Goyle was wearing Death Eater clothing and had the mark. That and I had to fight them to make sure they didn't get Harry. Come along."

"Let me get my cloak," Snape ordered, walking back to grab it. He followed the boy out and to the hospital, nodding at the people gathered. "How is she?"

"She got hit with a beater's club or something," Harry said tiredly. "She's got a big spot on her skull that's been fractured. About a fist wide." Snape looked at him and he shrugged. "I listened while Draco went to get sick. That's where the Law Enforcement people found him." He glanced around but he knew Ron was safely with the twins. He looked at Snape again. "Draco was nearly destroyed when he found out you had control over her decisions and not him."

Snape gave him a grim look. "She and her former husband both did that because I could make unemotional decisions." He looked down at her. "I will speak to the healer." He walked off, going to find someone who could give him technical facts and odds. What he heard didn't please him. She was all but dead, her brain wasn't working. It was only a matter of time. He nodded his thanks and went back to the room, finding only Draco there. "Did you send them off?"

"Harry escorted the Weasleys home," he said quietly, looking at his mentor and Godfather. "What?"

"Her brain's already stopped working, Draco. She won't recover from this. It's only a matter of time so say your goodbyes now."

"How can you be so cold!" Draco spat. "You were her best friend, her confidante, even her lover at one point in time!"

"I was, that's why I know she wouldn't want to stay this way," Snape said quietly. Draco shook his head and tried to push past him but he stopped the boy, making him look at him. "It is time, there is nothing anyone can do. Even if we pulled some of the darkest magic up and resurrected her, she wouldn't be herself and she wouldn't want it." Draco started to cry and he held the boy stiffly, trying to soothe him. When Harry came back he gladly handed him over to his husband's care, weathering the glare. "Her brain is no longer working," he explained. Harry nodded, understanding. "We can only wait for the inevitable."

"Thank you, Professor. May Draco have a moment?" He got a nod and looked at his husband. "If I could do something to spare you this pain, I would," he whispered. Draco nodded and wiped his face off. "Talk to her now. It's said that the dead can hear you if you're sincere enough." He left Draco alone, knowing he didn't want to be overheard or watched. When his husband came out, he reached out to him but Draco shook him off and stomped off, heading back to the house. Harry sighed and settled in to wait for the end. Narcissa had welcomed him to the family and had taken good care of him, it was the least he could do. He looked at Snape. "Hermione and Vincent are in Paris," he said quietly.

"I'm sure they'll be found and told," Snape told him, patting him on the shoulder. This boy stood up to so much pain without flinching. This was the man everyone was pinning their hopes on and for the first time he could see a glimmer of hope. They walked into the room, taking seats on each side of the bed to hold her hand so she wouldn't be alone.

***

Hermione giggled as she led the way inside, but stopped when she saw Molly. "Ron?" she asked, fear making her drop her bags.

Molly smiled and shook her head. "It's a bit worse than that. Where is your mate?"

"He's coming. He's trying to get Sable inside." She opened the door, noticing Vincent on the stairs with Draco. She shut the door and looked at Molly. "What happened?"

"Goyle came to hurt Ron. He only had her for a few seconds, Harry went after her, but Narcissa was in his way. She died about thirty minutes ago." Hermione shook her head. "Yes, dear."

"No. I had breakfast with her this morning," she said, still shaking her head. She shook it more fiercely. "She can't be dead!" She grabbed Molly. "She isn't!"

"Shh," Molly soothed, pulling her into her arms. "I know you liked her because she accepted you but she is gone. There wasn't anything anyone could do." The girl sobbed on her, only letting go once her husband was inside. She stopped Draco before he could walk off. "If you need any help or to talk, I'm here, Draco," she pointed out, staring into his eyes. She saw no emotion in there. He gave a curt nod and got free, going into his study and locking the door behind him.

Vincent looked at her. "He idolized her, Mrs. Weasley. He'll be okay eventually."

She hugged him. "If any of you need me, you only have to call, dear." She went home, going to spread the bad news throughout the Order.

***

It was seven days after the funeral and Harry was giving the closed study door a worried look. The house elves were delivering food and Draco was eating it, but he hadn't come out since his mother's casket was covered. He looked at Ron, who shook her head and pulled him into a sitting area next to the study. "He'll be fine," she said calmly. "It's a bad thing to lose one's mother."

"I know," Harry said, holding her hand. "I should have seen it happening, I was only on the other side of the garden."

"You got there as fast as you could and you got me back," Ron soothed. "You did all that you reasonably could, even getting her to the hospital almost as soon as you found her. He'll be fine in a few days or so."

"Now isn't the right time," Harry sighed.

"There isn't a good time to lose a mother," Ron pointed out.

"No, but he didn't need the additional strain. He was already stressed by everything else and he didn't need this on top of it." He looked toward the study. "I do wish it hadn't happened, but if it did, I wish it had happened some other time."

"I know," Ron agreed, understanding what he meant. Draco threw something against the wall separating the two rooms. "He only meant that you didn't need the additional strain and wished that you had more time," he called. Something else hit the wall. "Shit." She started to move but Harry kept her in place. "He could use some comfort."

"The door's locked, Ron. We've all tried to get in there, not even Hermione can open it." He stroked her stomach while he thought. He could barely feel Draco through their link today. "I should go kill Lucius now, save some problems for him."

"I doubt he'd want you to do that. Not right now, Harry." Ron smiled at him. He was earnest, but he had such bad timing. He always had. It was all part of who Harry was and he had learned to live with it even if Draco hadn't. "Some day we'll have to do this for me too," he pointed out gently, stroking Harry's back. "Harry, let the baby sleep," he ordered. He had just been kicked, the third one ever. Harry removed his hand and shifted until he was laying with his head in Ron's lap. "Thanks."

"You're welcome. The baby doesn't need this stress and anger." He closed his eyes, letting his mind drift as he ran over all his spells. He was going to have to do a few soon to practice them. He'd also have to practice with the sword. "I need to see Hagrid this weekend."

"That's fine," Ron soothed, stroking his hair. She touched the ancient pendant Bill had found them. It had a warrior hefting a spear on it and it did remind her of Harry. It was how she was linked to his wellness spell. "We can both go if you want." Harry shook his head. "No?"

"No. I don't want you near me in case I got the spell wrong on the sword. That part will have to wait until the battle to test. I'm not putting anyone in danger yet." He patted her on the knee. "I'm going for a ride." He got up and headed back to his mother's house and his motorcycle. He was spending a lot of time on it while he thought. That and in the woods surrounding the house.

***

Draco came out of the study the day they were to start the spells on Harry, looking around. He saw Hermione and nodded at her. "Harry?" he asked calmly.

"At his house riding," she said, looking him over. "Are you feeling calmer?" He shook his head. "Then maybe you should go for a fly."

"I might, but we have to start this," he noted, carrying the small pill with him. He went to Harry's mother's house and found him riding around the driveway. He saw Harry look at him and then saw him take off down the road, then come back and park. As soon as Harry walked up to him he held out the pill. "Here."

"Draco, we don't have to. I can find another way if you're not up to it," Harry said gently. Draco glared at him. "I don't want to hurt you more, Draco. I'm trying to be sensitive and we both know it's not in me most of the time." The pill continued to be held out so he took it, swallowing it with a sip from his water bottle. "How long?"

"Maybe ten minutes," Draco told him, sitting down on the step to look at him. "You thought killing my father would make me feel better?"

"I think he's behind that and taking care of him leaves you with one less problem to worry about," Harry corrected. He could feel it taking hold and he sat down, clutching his stomach. "Ron didn't say anything about pain," he said lightly, not trying to look like he was complaining.

"I had to redo the formula. The old one was too old. I may have added too much bile," Draco admitted, looking at his hands. He didn't want to see this happening. "I'll understand if you want Ron." Harry hit him on the thigh, then grabbed it and squeezed, making him wince. He could feel the pain radiating through their bond so he watched it happen. Harry was shifting already, his facial bones getting slimmer. He was nearly unconscious with the pain from the look in his eyes. He could only imagine how bad it had to be to feel it personally. "Shh," he comforted, moving closer. "It was in Ron's family, that's why it was so easy for him." He held Harry until he passed out, wincing at the sickening noises his body was making as it rearranged itself into a more pleasing shape. Finally it was done and Harry threw up on the walkway, emitting something that ate through the concrete. He had expected that and pulled a small bag of powder out of his pocket, neutralizing it quickly before it got down to the dirt. He picked Harry up, forcing him into the house and up to bed. Then he went to get some cloths to give him a sponge bath. Harry was very sweaty and getting warmer by the minute. He came back and found Harry awake. "This isn't normal."

"I guess it was the snake," Harry whispered hoarsely, her voice a tired alto. "Surprise package."

"What?" Draco asked, stopping his wiping. "Who sent you a snake?" Harry looked at him, then reached up to touch the family crest he wore on a chain. "My father sent you a snake?"

"A deaf and blind one stuffed inside a box," Harry whispered. "Came by muggle mail. Vincent killed it before it could hurt anyone else. I thought I was okay."

"You stupid idiot!" Draco shouted. "How can you do this to me!"

"I didn't know," Harry whined. "The message was under the snake." He coughed and grabbed a cloth to wipe his own forehead. "I'm sorry, I thought it was from my family."

Draco took the cloth to rewet and went back over the sweaty areas. "Did you take an anti-venom?" Harry nodded. "When?"

"Breakfast."

"Then this is probably an interaction." Harry shook his head. "You aren't that good in potions and Granger was gone. I heard her return an hour ago."

"Snape came to visit and he mixed it for me," Harry whispered. He clutched Draco's arm again. "I asked."

"Wonderful. Remind me to hurt him later for not telling me."

"Ron wanted to but I didn't want to intrude."

"Stupid," Draco said, glaring at him. "I would have come out for either of you." Harry gave him a look and he knew he had been caught in the lie. "Fine, I might not have listened but you could have tried. I would have held off forcing it down your throat today."

"It had to be today," Harry reminded him. The pain started to ease and he relaxed, still holding onto Draco's arm but no longer squeezing it. "I'll be fine."

"You won't be fine because I'm going to hurt you for not telling me," Draco countered, working on cleaning him some more. He had missed taking care of someone.

"If you're going to be pissed about the only thoughtful thing I've done in eighteen months, then I don't want you near me until you calm down," Harry told him. Draco looked shocked, his mouth hanging open. "I'm sorry, but I know your temper and I don't need that right now."

"No, you need spanked," Draco said coldly. "Fine, I'll get Ron."

"No, you'll go hug Ron. The baby's being demanding and she's in bed. She's supposed to be staying there. Go curl up next to her and come back here when you're calmer." He forced himself to roll onto his other side and close his eyes. "Good night, Draco."

Draco stomped off, going back to his house. He found Vincent at the bottom of the stairs. "Why didn't you tell me!" he demanded.

"How? You wouldn't let us in," he said with a shrug. Draco slumped and he caught his friend. "They had it until about five days ago, Draco. Then the baby nearly killed Ron and the snake thing happened this morning. Hermione's in a snit with her mood swings and I'm really lost because I can't talk to anyone." Draco looked at him. "You can't go bother Ron unless you're calm. The baby kicks harder when she's upset. The midwife said the baby bruised her with a really strong kick and she's to stay in bed and calm for the next month or until she allows her to get up."

"They needed me and they didn't come for me."

"Draco, you're not in any shape to do anything to help them now and it's been over a month," Vincent said softly. Draco glared at him. "You're not. You look like you haven't bathed in days. You smell. Your clothes are dirty. You need a shave. What part of this do you think your mates need? They wanted to be here for you and you wouldn't let them so they were there for each other and me." He let him go. "Go use my room and clean up first. Where's Harry? I know today was the day."

"He sent me back here," Draco said bitterly. "I'm not some child to be cosseted."

"Then quit acting like it," Ron said from the top of the stairs. She slowly walked down, clutching the railing. "Where's Harry? I felt him in pain."

"Apparently he had a mild reaction to the pill," Draco said, stopping her to look at her. "You're huge."

"That happens when you don't see your daughter for a while," Ron told him, stroking through his hair. "We gave you the time you needed to grieve. Don't yell at us for being nice and good spouses."

"I wanted to be here," Draco said, touching her stomach. Something pushed on his hand and Ron grunted. Vincent picked her up and carried her back up the stairs. "Where are you going?"

"I'm putting her back to bed like the midwife ordered," Vincent told him. He gently tucked Ron in. "Want some soup?" Ron shook her head, grimacing. "Pasta?"

"Do we have any of that Thai food left?" Vincent shrugged. "If we do and we have some of that sweet and spicy noodle dish, I want some of that and the fortune cookies."

"You got it. If we don't have it, I'll run out," Vincent promised, heading to get that. Hermione was on a Thai food kick and it looked like it was contagious.

Draco sat on the edge of the bed, stroking his wife's stomach. "Are you all right?"

"A bit bruised internally. Mum said I did the same thing to her." She gave him a smile. "Go get Harry and bring him back here, Draco. Now is not the time to be separated. Remember, she's vulnerable, I'm in the shielded bedroom." Draco hurried off and Ron got comfortable, accepting the carton when Vincent came back a few minutes later. "Hey, fresh," she said with a smile. "Thank you, Vincent."

"We adore you, Ron. You're the one I'm watching to see how bad my own wife's going to get." He grinned and walked away, going to check on his wife. She was napping and it was so cute because she was stroking her own stomach. He curled up behind her, sure Draco could handle this by himself.

***

Draco got back to Harry's house and found no one in it. Not a single sign that Harry was supposed to be in bed. Nothing. He frowned and tried their marking but it seemed to be blocked. He tried the wellness charm and found Harry in a snit and panicking, but doing okay and fighting. He concentrated, using that as an anchor for where to head to. He landed in the clearing and saw what was going on. Harry was fighting his father. He cast the hex, making his father scream in agony. "Mine," he said coldly, walking closer. He wiped some of Harry's blood off his arm, licking his fingers. The zipping of the extra power made his lips tingle. "You've failed yet again, Father." He led Harry away but something wasn't right. He checked the bond again, still feeling the panic coming through. He cast a summoning charm. "Accio Harry," he said, flicking his wand. Harry appeared, then disappeared again. Now he knew where was though, it gave him a goal. It would even help him work out his anger and rage at his father. He tore apart that clearing, ripping down each spell and making anyone he found hurt. He finally found Harry behind a dressing screen, like one you would have in a bedroom, that had been laced with a concealment charm. Harry was tied between two stone pillars so he destroyed them as well, glaring bitterly at his father. "Next time, don't think about touching what's mine. Mother's death may have affected me but I am back." He led Harry off, taking the fake Harry with him to see what could be done with that one. Harry started to retch as soon as they landed in the garden. "Not on Mother's roses," he complained, steering him to a paving stone.

Hermione and Vincent came running, her a bit slower and holding her stomach. "What happened?" Vincent asked.

"We're putting shields around the house and staying in until the battle," Draco announced. He handed over the fake Harry. "I don't know what this is, I reacted to her."

Hermione looked her over. "It looks like an infusement. They put some of Harry's blood into her so you would." She led the poor girl away, taking her to the hospital. When she came back, Harry was unconscious in their bed and Ron was trying hard not to fuss. "They've got her under a watch." She sat down to stroke Harry's face. "She doesn't look that different."

"It's a temporary spell, it wouldn't have forced everything to change," Draco said grimly. "I don't like this."

"I knew I should have let Harry kill him," Vincent said bitterly. Draco looked at him. "I caught him planning how to do it and stopped him. I thought you wouldn't want him to do that without telling you first, Draco." Draco shook his head as he slipped into the bed next to Harry's limp form. "Is he all right?"

"No," Hermione said gently. "The potion was too strong. He's still reacting to the change." She stood up. "Let him sleep. I can call Molly if you want." Draco nodded and Ron looked relieved. "Good. I'll have some drinks sent up." She left them alone, going to call in the family who knew what was going on. Molly came immediately with Percy for some reason, and they ran up to help Harry. Hermione sent word to one of the house elves to send up a light snack and a tray of drinks. She grabbed the bottle of scotch and the tray of glasses Draco liked herself, not trusting that to the elves.

***

Draco woke up when Harry shifted against him, startling himself by kissing him before saying anything.

"I'm fine, I think." The voice was that same tired sounding alto. "How do I look?"

"Bloody amazing, you're not half as fat as I am," Ron complained. But she did grin when Harry looked at her. "Just you wait, you'll get this way too."

"Not yet he won't," Draco reminded her. "We'll have to do some things before we get there." He stroked Harry's face. "I'm sorry I vented on you. I was wrong to do that. Everyone's said so."

"You could have let us help," Harry admitted, "but I understand being angry. Hell, I still get angry and it's been seventeen years." He stole a kiss. "I'm hungry." The door crashed into the wall, making him flinch.

Draco slid open the curtain, looking at the man standing in the doorway. "It's my Godfather," he said dryly. "What?"

"What have you done?" Snape demanded, walking over and pushing open the curtains hard enough to rip one.

"You're going to fix that," Ron noted. Snape looked at her and she glared back. "Do not start with me. I haven't had chocolate in ages." She flattened the sheets around her stomach, making him flinch. "Out!"

"Shh," Harry said, curling up around her side. "It's all right. I'll make sure he doesn't bother you, Ron," he whispered. He pulled his wand from under his pillow and looked at it, then at Snape. "I can hurt you."

"No," Draco said patiently. He slid out of the bed and pulled his Godfather away from his mates. "What is worrying you?"

"He knows," Snape hissed, glaring at him.

"Knows what? That Ron's pregnant? Or about Harry?"

"Your wife," he spat. "Your father told him."

"Knew I should have killed him," Harry said as he padded over to them. "Get out. I'm well aware of what he knows and exactly how odd he feels at the moment. He's not sure why he's uneasy but he is." Snape glared at him so Harry kicked him on the shin, making both of them wince. "Out of our bedroom! You can wait in the drawing room like the rest of everybody who comes to visit."

"He is my family," Draco pointed out gently, pulling Harry closer.

"Mood swing," Ron said in a sing-song voice, smirking at Draco. "Don't worry, they'll level out tomorrow, or after a good shag or six." Snape looked alarmed. "Though I agree, I'm not exactly dressed to impress and you're upsetting the baby. She's still kicking gently."

Draco looked at her. He had been told earlier by Hermione exactly what had been going on with his offspring while he had been locked in his study. "No pain?"

"Not yet."

"Fine, I'll take him down to my study." He kissed Harry gently. "Try meditation," he suggested. "We'll do some shopping for you later."

"We can't leave," Harry pointed out quietly. "It'll ruin the surprise." He swished his wand. "I will need a new one, it doesn't feel right."

"We'll get you one as soon as we've done the ritual," Draco promised, smiling at him. "Climb back in with Ron, Harry." He led his Godfather down to his study, noticing the sounds that meant his house was full of people. "Who did you bring with you?" he demanded as soon as the door was shut.

"That would be the Weasleys," Snape told him, crossing his arms. Draco glared at him and went out to check. "Paranoid now?" he called after him. Someone down the hall screamed in pain and he headed that way, stopping him from hitting Pansy again. "She's under our protection."

"She had a knife held over Vincent's body, I doubt I'm going to allow it," he said coldly. He flipped his hair back, glaring at the other people who came running. "Put her in a room and take care of her up there. Blaize, go check out the nursery. You can baby her until she's free." He looked at the others, then at Snape. "The battle's not for another thirty-six days."

"Our other house was found out," Molly said, wringing her hands. "Draco, how's Ron?"

"Calm." Ron screamed, belying his words. "Of course, Harry is on a rip at the moment," he noted calmly, heading out to the bottom of the stairs. "Ron?"

"Nothing!" Ron yelled. A pause. "Draco, there are disgusting things in here!"

He jogged up the stairs, finding the large spider. He frowned at it. "Out!" he ordered, pointing at the windows. It had to be one of Hagrid's. It crawled out the open window and he shut and locked it. "There, how's that?" he asked. Ron nodded, pointing at the little ones. "You as well," he ordered. "She doesn't like spiders." They scurried off, heading for an unused closet so they could watch over Ron for their human friend. Draco rolled his eyes. "Most of the Order's here, along with Blaize. Harry, he's checking over the nursery." Harry nodded, curling tighter around Ron's stomach. "I'll understand if you wanted to talk to him," he suggested.

Harry shrugged. "Why? I wrote to him last week."

"Oh." Draco sighed. "Fine. I'll quit trying to be so nice."

Harry slid out of the bed and was kissing him as a reward when Molly and everyone walked in. One of the twins pulled Harry off him and put him back into the bed. He pouted at her. "Meanie."

"I know, but give it a few hours," whichever twin hadn't moved him encouraged. "Curl up around Ron. She's got to be feeling nasty." Ron nodded. "You okay?"

"Big spiders," Ron said grimly. "I don't like spiders."

"I remember," the twin who had moved Harry soothed, patting her on the hand. "Oliver said we're to take care of you for a bit. He's tired of being fussed over."

"Fuss over Harry," Ron encouraged. "He'll need it." Everyone stared at Harry and he ducked under the sheets. "Fine, be that way." He patted the Harry-lump, smiling at her older sisters. "I don't like being fat."

"It'll get worse before it gets better," Molly assured her. "Then you can get back into any shape you want, Ron." She patted the Harry-lump. "I was making lunch, Harry. Would you like some?"

"I want my husband for right now," Harry called. "Thank you though, mum."

She laughed. "Fine, dear, I'll send up lunch in a few minutes." She turned to find Draco and Snape staring at each other. "Everyone out! Ron doesn't need the stress or the strain." She shooed everyone out, smiling at her daughter before she closed the door.

Ginny popped out from behind a curtain. "Are they gone?" she asked. Ron nodded so she ran over and jumped in on her other side, patting the lump of stomach. "How does it feel?"

"Odd. Why? Considering it?" Ron teased.

"Well...." Ginny said, blushing slightly. "Too late." Ron's mouth fell open and Harry's head appeared from under the blankets. She smiled. "Maybe," she conceded. "I'm late."

"I'm going to stay up here if you have to tell mum," Harry told her, hiding again because footsteps were coming closer.

Arthur looked in and smiled at Ginny. "There you are, your mother was wondering why you weren't helping. Come on, let Ron rest."

"Ron's rested out," Ron said helpfully. "Dad, maybe Ginny should have a pre-wedding exam by someone," he suggested. She pinched his arm. "Ow! Grumpy." She kissed her younger sister, making her smile. "It's the only way to know."

"Your mother said she's not, it's just the stress," Arthur promised, taking Ginny to lead downstairs. "You can come out now, Harry." Harry's head appeared and he smiled at her. "You look very pretty." He shut the door, locking it behind himself.

Ron pulled Harry closer to cuddle, smiling down at her. "Now you'll know how I feel."

"I'll probably be a horrible mother," Harry told her, stroking her stomach. The baby kicked so he quit. "She'll still be the first baby."

"It'll be fine, Harry. Quit worrying. Everything will go as close to plan as possible. Now all we'll have to do is find you something stunning to wear during the battle."

"I found a dress I liked," Harry admitted. "It was in my suitcase." He looked up. "I figured that and a heavy cloak to hide everything."

Ron grinned. "I like that idea. The unveiling should be a lot of fun." The door was unlocked and Draco walked in, slamming it behind him. "Your Godfather being a prick?"

"Oh, yes," Draco agreed, sneering at them. "He's ever so much a prick of the greatest magnitude."

"DRACO!" Harry screamed, pulling her wand again. The door imploded and Snape was standing there. "That's not our husband," he said, pointing with his wand, just in case.

Draco strolled in. "No, it's not," he agreed dryly, smirking. "Hello, father. I see we are more alike than not. Though I've done things you've never been able to, including conceive an heir without doing dark magic to make me fertile." He glanced at Harry and Ron. "Calm down."

"I've had enough of him," Harry said as he slid from the bed to stand in front of the young Lucius. "I should get rid of you now," he said calmly, staring into the silver eyes. "I don't like you and you're upsetting my husband. I don't like it when he's upset." Everyone stepped away but Draco.

"Harry," Draco soothed. "Leave the idiot alone. He's not upsetting me that much. His continued existence will be solved soon enough." He patted Harry on the back, kissing him on the neck. Harry moaned and arched up under his careful stroking. "Do you see, Father, I am so much more than you could ever be. I'm better at everything, more powerful, and even much more knowledgeable. Now leave so I can break in my new wife. We're doing a lot tonight and she'll need a nap between." Lucius looked shocked. Draco laughed and stroked Harry's stomach. "I've removed you from the family line. You are nothing to anyone, most of all to me." Harry shifted against his hand. "Shh, precious, soon. You'll be mine in every way soon." Harry nodded, tipping his head back for a kiss. Which he received. "Out. I want to spend time alone with my spouses. They need to stay calm." Lucius was dragged out and only Snape remained.

"Did you want to watch?" Harry asked as he turned around to get a real kiss. "Draco, you know that need thing you said about Ron? I'm feeling it badly," he whispered, making his way down to Draco's stomach, and then lower. He didn't even realize when Snape left. He was having fun. "Hmm. I want this even more than usual."

"Save me some," Ron called.

Draco smiled at her. "I always have some for you, Ron. Don't worry about it. This new one won't take me away from you." He pulled Harry off and led him to the bed, settling him on top of the sheets. "For now, can you watch while I teach her the perfect things she'll need to know how to do?" Ron nodded eagerly, shifting so she could hold Harry's hand and kiss him. "Thank you, Ron." He beamed at Harry. "It's good that you want this so much."

"I do, Draco, and not because of later either. Just for me." Draco beamed, leaning down to take a lick of the sweaty skin before undoing his pants.

***

Five days later, Draco rested his head on Harry's shoulder as he did the test to confirm that the ritual the night before had taken. He smiled at the small telltale. "Congratulations."

Harry turned to hold him, letting himself shake. "I'm scared."

"Of course you are. Ron's had a bad time of it, but you're stronger, Harry."

"Not because of that. I want that part."

"Ah." Draco pulled back and put down the test kit, pulling Harry's face closer. "You are brilliant. I won't have you going back into your insecure spot again. You are a fierce warrior." He touched the tattoo around his arm. "You are the same Harry who came back from that vacation ready to rip someone a new one and I love that about you. Got it?" Harry nodded, starting to smile. "Good boy. Now let's go have some more fun and let Ron help this time." Harry giggled and they walked out, having fun together until Ron woke up to help them.

"Bloody earthquake," Ron complained as she woke up. She looked over to see Harry riding Draco, holding onto his arms so tightly his knuckles were white. "Where's mine?" she asked.

Harry pulled off and gently spread her legs, licking her to make her happy. "I live to serve you, Ron. You know that," Harry teased, smiling at her.

"Good, suck," Ron encouraged, pushing his head back down. She pulled Draco closer. "I want what he was getting."

"You can have anything you want," Draco agreed. He had never realized how demanding being with two women could be. How did those men who did this every day for life deal with it?

Harry giggled, noticing the look on his face. "Doesn't live up to the fantasy?"

"Not exactly," Draco agreed, reaching down to pinch her breast. "You behave. I want to watch you two play with each other."

"I'm huge, Draco."

"You're beautiful," Harry corrected, licking over the extended stomach. The baby fluttered and he beamed. "Even she wants me to be licked by you and for me to do the same." Ron shrugged, she couldn't refute that one. They shifted around so they were on their sides and went back to the mutual happiness.

Draco shifted around, getting in behind Ron so he could slide into her. She moaned into Harry's body, making them all hard. "Shh, let me," he whispered. Harry switched to playing with both of them and he enjoyed it immensely. He had nine more months of this, then Harry would get to switch back. Unless he breastfed, then they'd have a few more months. He could stand a year of this. Hopefully.

***

Harry followed Draco under his invisibility cloak as they made the few errands Harry had to run in Diagon. The last one was into Ollivanders. Draco thoughtfully pulled the blinds, startling the old shopkeeper. Harry came out from under his cloak, looking at him. "I need a new wand for the battle," he said quietly.

"Of course." Ollivander led the way to a workshop. "Let's test it back here, young lady." He looked Harry over. "This was unexpected." Harry grinned. "I know you'll do marvelously, Mr. Potter. Or should I say Mrs?"

"Technically, he's a Potter-Malfoy now," Draco said smugly. "And he's pregnant." He put a proprietary hand on Harry's stomach. "Three days now."

"Excellent," Ollivander said, his eyes sparkling. "I can't wait until this child is born. I have the perfect wand for him." He walked away, pulling out four boxes. "One of these should be most wonderful for young Harry." He laid them out on the table. "I'd say it was the navy box," he said, touching the top of it, "but I can't tell exactly yet. Try the first one, young woman."

Harry opened the navy box and the wand seemed to leap into his hand, making his arm tingle. "I'm going numb," he said, trying to put it back down. Draco took it from him and he gave him a grateful look. The next box quivered and felt the same. The next one seemed to dance in place, but it made his arm numb too. The last one laid there and when he picked it up, he felt a hum. He closed his eyes and swished it. The sparks were something spectacular that he saw even with his eyes closed. He opened them. "This one?" Ollivander nodded, smiling at him. "Does it have a twin?"

"Yes, but I believe it's been buried with its owner. You'll be able to use both of them together."

"My original one feels odd," Harry told him, pulling it out. Ollivander looked at it, then tapped it three times. He took it back and swished it. "Thank you. How much?"

"Four galleons," Ollivander said, smiling at him. Draco paid for it. "When you're done, if it doesn't fit, bring it back. It might go to your son or your mate's daughter." Harry nodded, smiling as he covered himself back up. "Brilliant," he said happily. "Good hunting, Harry. Be safe and win." Draco nodded, smiling at him as he walked Harry out. Ollivander leaned on the table, looking at the three dejected wands. "When the baby's old enough, it'll come back to you," he soothed, stroking each one. "Until then, we'll just have to be patient, loves." He went back to his newest creation, working to smooth the outer wood down. "Yes, you'll go to a fine witch, dear one," he told it.

***

The day of the battle came and it seemed as if the world was holding its breath. No one was in any of the shopping areas and almost nothing was open. Draco found that out when he went to find fresh berries for Ron's breakfast. She had woken him up for some. He finally found a shopkeeper and they got him some, waving off the price.

"Don't worry, you and your mates will win, that's payment enough," he said, smiling at Draco.

Draco nodded. "We plan on it." He walked away, heading back to the house to report what he had seen. He saw an owl ready to go and patted it gently. "The place?" Hermione nodded. "Where?"

She stole a raspberry. "The hill beyond Hogsmeade." Draco nodded. "We're staging at the school and the foreign ones are staging at Stonehenge." She stole another berry. "Ron's in the shower. Harry's brushing his hair."

"Good." Draco went up to present his prize to his wives, making them both happy enough to indulge him in some stress relieving activities. When they came back down, Hermione handed Harry the key coin, the one that set the messages. She had set the message and was waiting for him to lock it in.

He touched his wand to it and it sent the message to the other coins. The owl was sent to the Death Eater camp to tell them where the fight would take place. Harry took a deep breath and then screamed. "I feel better now," he said when everyone came running. "Stress is bad for me." He kissed Draco soundly. "Come on, we'll head up to the school to help lock it down."

"You need to save your strength," Hermione told him. "Ron and I will go. That's where we're doing the hospital and all that." Everyone nodded and she took off to get Ron.

Molly patted Harry on the back. "I'll inform everyone else, Harry." She hurried off, giving them some last minutes of privacy.

Harry looked at Draco. "If I fall, I want you to take Ron and run the hell away," he said quietly. Draco shook his head but Harry kissed him stupid. "I won't have Ron hurt, Draco, and I won't have you hurt. You can regroup if you have to. You know all the things that I do. If I fall and Voldie's not dead or dying, then you run like hell and regroup for a later attack. That's an order."

"One I won't be taking," Draco said grimly.

"That leaves Ron to raise her daughter alone. That's not fair to her," Harry said quietly. "You can wait that long." Draco started to protest but Harry shook his head. "Promise me, Draco. I can't be worrying about either of you."

"Fine, if something happens to you and the battle looks to be a total loss, I'll regroup the troops at the school and we'll make a new stand there," he allowed. Harry nodded, that was good enough for him. "Are you feeling a bit of a foreshadowing?"

"No. I've written final orders just in case. It's in your study in your desk drawer. Read it after I leave." Harry gave him one last kiss and then went to finish getting ready. Presentation was everything today. He finished and headed for the field, looking around it. It was a great spot. There was a hill in the center so they could do the single combat if it came to that. The field was open and the woods could be blocked off. It was far enough away to give Draco time to get back to the school and the people there would have enough time to get ready if the worst happened. He felt someone popping in and turned to look at Dumbledore, the only person who hadn't popped into the manor to check on him recently. He nodded at him, then went back to his calming routines. He heard footsteps and looked back at his company.

"You look well, Harry," Dumbledore said, handing him the sword that had been prepared.

"I am. I don't have a bit of morning sickness," Harry admitted, sitting down to charm the sword. He had been practicing this on other blades for months now. He felt it take and the guardian that wouldn't kill anyone on his side, then stood up. He put it under his cloak and closed it again, looking at his former teacher. "Are you ready?"

"I am. Are you?"

"I have been. Draco has my final orders." He turned away, feeling the magic building. "They're coming." He activated the coin's second message, sending his troops word to get ready. Voldemort and most of his army appeared on the other side of the field. "Morning," he said, nodding cordially. "Are you ready to die?"

"Are you?" Voldemort sneered. "You can't fight in that."

Harry undid the clasp and let his cloak fall to the ground. "So I won't," he said in the stunned silence. He didn't have a great figure but what little he had was clearly visible. He nodded at Lucius, who simply looked stunned. "It's a boy, Dad," he said dryly. He heard someone behind him laugh but didn't look, figuring it was Draco or Charlie. He felt a familiar hand against his back and smiled at Lupin. "Hi, Uncle Remus. Step back." He looked at Voldemort. "You have two choices. It's just us and then the general battle, or just a general battle. Your choice. I'm honorable enough for that."

"You're giving me an advantage?" Voldemort asked with a laugh.

"Said who?" Harry asked smugly. He shook his head and clicked his tongue. "Tom, you really should have paid attention to my mother and what she did. You have no idea who you're taking on," he said smugly. "My mother was an elemental witch. It's passed onto the first born in each generation." A few of the Death Eaters mumbled. "If we fight, this area is going to be blocked for centuries, but it'll be worth it to get rid of you. Even if I have to destroy the whole fucking island, it's worth it to get rid of you." He pulled his new wand and held it up. "Ready?"

"Fine, we'll duel," Voldemort agreed, pulling his own wand. They went back to back and stepped off, watched by everyone. He turned before the final count but he found Harry missing. He looked around wildly until he caught sight of him, firing at him. "Crucio!"

Harry waved a hand then his wand. "Scalpere!" Voldemort screamed as the mirror spell sent his own pain back at him and his wand hand was cut off. Harry apparated back. "I'm not that dumb, Tom. Just think, if you hadn't somehow bribed the hat to put me in Slytherin, I might have been an honorable fighter and wouldn't be playing dirty." He stroked his stomach. "Until then, the son and I are going to kick your ass." He cast another one, catching him and the Death Eaters behind him in a sucking spot of void. He felt more people pop in behind him and realized it was the rest of Riddle's army. He put up a shield around him and Remus, fighting as well as he could. He activated the third sign and his army, what there was of it, appeared. He jumped when they roared, looking around to see a lot more people than he had expected. Aurors, the whole group, most of the Ministry heads, nearly everyone was there. He turned his attention back to his main task, killing Voldemort. He had picked up his wand with his other hand and was still cursing people, just not as effectively. Harry got off a few lucky shots around Dumbledore when he got in their way, then ran around him and went after the coward running through his ranks. He stuck his wand back in his pocket and pulled the sword off his back with a primal scream of rage, hacking at anything around him. He was surrounded by the Death Eaters but he didn't care. They were all going to die! He saw a flash of platinum blonde hair and swung that way suddenly, cutting into Lucius' chest. Then he decapitated him most of the way. He continued on his path of destruction, leading him to face Voldemort again. "You're mine," he sneered.

"Mercy," Voldemort sneered.

"Why? Did you show my parents any?" He swung, taking off the arm that came up to try and protect him. He moved in closer, the clean cut spell working hard as he took swing after swing. By the time he was done, Voldemort's head was in bits and his body was twitching on the ground. He stuck his sword in the heart and started to chant an ancient spell he had found in his great-great-grandmother's diary. She had his gift. He changed the nature of the man's magic, making him like a house elf. A few people screamed and grabbed their heads, they were now free of his control. Harry struggled but got the sword unstuck then used the clean cut spell one last time, to sever the ribcage. He bent down and picked up the heart, holding it up. "HE IS DEAD!" he yelled. The people fighting on his side yelled. A few of the Death Eaters fell to their knees and people stunned them until they were unconscious. He walked back to Dumbledore's side and tossed the heart at him. Then he pulled his wand and went after the rest of them. He could feel Ron getting upset and sent a soothing thought. But the answer made him even more angry. "Malfoy!" he screamed. Draco dispatched someone and looked at him. "The school, now! Take anyone you want with you. Ron said they're trying to break in." The teachers and Draco disappeared, along with most of his friends and a few of the Aurors. Harry looked around at the mess, counting heads. He closed his eyes and pulled up that touch of magic, then opened his eyes and looked at them. "Pain," he hissed. The remaining Death Eaters screamed and grabbed themselves to try and stop the pain from ripping them apart. "We are done!" The group roared.

Dumbledore came back, walking Arthur up to him. "What are you going to do now?"

Draco appeared beside Harry, and Harry smiled at him, kissing him. Then he knelt in front of him. "You are mine," Harry told him as he acknowledged him as his leader.

"I am yours," Draco agreed, pulling him up. "There will be no more Death Eaters tolerated!" The few of them still conscious nodded, giving them bitter looks. "If the man who beat your pitiful leader consents to let me lead him, so do you all!" A few less people roared their approval. "There will be no more attacks, or else!" Arthur had found Harry's cloak but it was covered in someone's blood. He shook his head. "We're going home," he told Dumbledore. "Do not come near us again." He looked at Arthur. "I want you to be the next Minister of Magic and your wife to help you. Do you have a problem with that?" Arthur whimpered. "Good."

Harry smiled at his troops from his protected position. "Thank you. It is done!" He apparated off, going to find Ron. He jogged up to the school, grabbing Ron to hold. "You're okay," he breathed.

Ron smiled at Draco as he appeared. "How was it?"

"Short and bloody. Harry, the sword?"

"Dumbledore," Harry whispered. He had his eyes closed and their stomachs pressed together. "I want to get sick."

"I know, Harry." Draco held him, steering him to a bush. Any of the returning fighters saw Harry getting sick. Someone took a picture but Ron stopped him from hurting them.

"Harry's son did not like the fight," he told that person. The reporter's eyes bugged out and she ran off. He smirked at Draco. "It fits." He patted Harry's back, helping him calm down. The rest of the troops came back in large clumps of people, most of them not looking at Harry. "The fighting bothers him," Ron explained a few times.

"Let him give an interview," Draco said dismissively.

"If he wants, I can do that," a familiar voice said from behind them. Draco looked back and found one of the Creevy brothers, the boys who had pursued Harry to take his picture. "I can do a freelance piece. You created a big stink. There are people who want to know what you plan on doing with your newfound power, Draco."

Draco smirked. "I plan on going home and fucking both of my mates into orbit." Ron giggled. "Really." He looked at her and smiled. "I think we should put Harry into a bed."

"The infirmary is full, Draco. There isn't one for him."

"Then we'll find a couch so he can rest," Dennis Creevy told him, coming out to join his brother. "The Gryff common room is pretty quiet." They nodded, helping Harry up to his feet and up to the common room. As soon as Harry was asleep, he looked at Ron. "You look stunning like that, Ron. Harry does too." He smiled at Draco. "Congratulations. Do you want Dumbledore?"

"No. We're going to retire. The only power I have is over the other pure-bloods. I already had most of it thanks to my father and now I'll keep them in line."

"Like the Godfather movie?" Arthur asked as he came in. He handed over a blanket and a mug. "Poppy had me bring it," he told them. "It's a restorative."

Draco sniffed it and handed it to Harry. "It's licorice flavored," he encouraged. Ron took the mug, helping Harry sip it. Draco looked at his father-in-law. "I think that would be the perfect analogy," he pointed out. Arthur smiled. "Send anyone who wants us up here in small groups please. Harry's worn himself out."

"The baby?" Harry pleaded.

"I'll bring Poppy and Molly both," Arthur told him, hurrying out.

Draco pushed Harry's head up and sat under it. "You can get your interview later, Creevy. Give us a few." Dennis nodded, taking his brother with him. "Would that suit you, Harry?"

"I've seen the movie. I think you could do that," he agreed, then he yawned. "I'm so drained, Draco."

"I know, Harry. You pulled a lot of magic. You never notice in battle until you fall over, but afterwards is always a good time for a nap." He stroked through the black hair, dislodging some dried blood. "I saw my father fall."

"I couldn't let him hurt you."

"Thank you." He smiled at him, then at the opening door. "Madam Pomfrey, he needs you to check his unborn son."

"Of course. How far along is he?"

"Thirty-two days," Ron told her, getting out of the way. "Can you check mine as well? She's not kicking and she should have put me in bed by now."

"Of course, Ron." She checked Harry over and smiled at him. "You're both fine, you need some rest in a real bed, young man. It may have to wait until after the dinner, but you'll be fine with some rest. I was one of the ones watching from afar and I must say you did better than I expected. I expected the battle to go most of the day and into tomorrow, not only for two hours."

Harry smiled. "Me too," he admitted.

"You rest," she said briskly, checking Ron over. "She's perfectly fine, Ron. She knew you needed to do that and worry without her input. She's very intuitive." She glanced at Draco, seeing his stunned look. "Not that we can tell about such gifts before the child is born," she said with a smile. She left them alone, telling Molly to watch over them. She walked into the Great Hall and everyone stopped talking to look at her. "Harry's fine, just tired. Ron Malfoy's is doing extremely well also," she announced. The family cheered. She smiled at the Headmaster. "He's resting quietly in Gryffindor, Headmaster."

Albus nodded. "It's a safe place for him to be. I say he's earned the right to go in there." He looked around then stood up. "Harry has said that he gave Draco the power over the remaining children of the Death Eaters. Not over everyone." He gave them a sad smile. "I must also make an announcement. As of this moment, I am retiring. I am an old man and I need to rest as much as the future parents do." There were a few head shakes. "Today reminded me of my age and what little time I had left was precious. So I now turn over the school to Minerva McGonagall."

"I don't want it," she said, clearly audible in the silent room. "I have no desire to take on your position, Albus."

He smiled at her. "Tough. Sometimes we must all make sacrifices for the cause." Her lips tightened. "Yours is to start this school year up again and find yourself a successor if you don't want it." He sat down. "We shall celebrate," he announced, clapping his hands. Food appeared and slowly people filled their plates. The talking starting and soon the hall was filled with noise.

Minerva looked around the hall, seeing all the former teachers. She glared at him for a moment. "I do not want it, no matter what penance you are doing," she told him simply. "Name someone else."

"You'll help whomever make a smooth transition," Albus instructed. "Then you can go back to your former job. It's important that the students see you in control, you provide security for them." She nodded, accepting that. "Just until you can find someone else." She nodded, going limper. "Thank you, Minerva. I will be on call for whatever you need. You should know how everything works." She nodded again. "Good. I'll leave tonight, after the dinner for Harry and Draco."

She smiled at the Slytherin table. The people at it were mostly Slytherins but not everyone had decided to segregate themselves by houses at this meal. "I'm sure they'll be fine."

"They will be. That son of his will be quite something. Do protect him from everyone. The man is dead but the spirit isn't."

She nodded and blinked, but he was gone. She frowned at his empty seat. "How did he do that?"

"Albus has always had strange skills," Madam Spout said delicately. "How are they really, Minnie?"

"They're fine. Two of the three are napping and Ron's making sure they're fine while he tells his daughter a story." The Herbology teacher smiled at that. "Find me a replacement, Dorothy. I don't want this job. Get with Severus tonight and find them." She nodded. "Good." She looked down the table at Professor Snape. "Severus?" she called quietly. He looked at her. "Come here." He stood up and walked over, ignoring the looks they were being given. "You will be staying," she promised, touching him on the hand. She could see the pain in his eyes. "Are you free now?" He nodded quickly. "Of both spells?" He nodded and smiled. "Excellent. Then you will help Dorothy find me a replacement quickly so I can get them trained and go back to my own job."

He inclined his head. "Of course, Headmistress. Who did you have in mind?"

"Someone who can handle the little tragedies that happen around here. I don't need the stress."

"Fine." He went back to his seat, accepting the plate passed from Remus Lupin. "How are they?"

"Harry's probably worn out if he hasn't shagged them all into a coma yet," he admitted. "It was the way his father was as well." He smiled at him. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine now, thank you," Severus said civilly. "All the Imperious were removed."

"You were under some by Albus' hand?" he asked gently. Snape nodded. "Then I'm sorry you had to make that sacrifice to the war, Severus." The man looked at him like he was odd so he smiled. "No one should have to be used. Not you, not Harry, and not Draco."

"Thank you." He looked down at his new boss, then at the man. "She wants us to find a new Head for the school. Want it?"

Remus burst out laughing. "No!" He punched him on the arm, giving him a mischievous look. "Me? Doing something like that?"

"I accept," Minerva called. The rest of the table laughed, understanding what she had said. She looked down at him. "In fifty years, you too can be like Albus. All you need is some practice." She smirked at him. "Meet me later."

"Yes, Minnie," he sighed. "You know there's going to be protest."

"So? We seem to thrive on it around here," she said firmly. "Buck up, you'll have my help." She dug into her meat loaf, eating heartily now that she had found a person to take over the school from her. She would make the announcement later.

Arthur Weasley stood up and cleared his throat. Molly dinged her glass to get him his attention. He smiled at everyone. "Harry and Ron gave me some wonderful news earlier and said I could share it if I wanted to. Ron's having a girl." The crowd cheered. "For those of you who didn't notice, Harry took a temporary changeling potion last month." He grinned. "He said he wanted to see what Ron felt like." That got some laughter. "I found earlier today that he's pregnant himself, with a boy!" That got a lot of applause and cheers. "They're heading home tomorrow to hide Harry until he feels like coming out to let people rub his stomach." A few more people laughed so he sat down and kissed Molly on the cheek. "I love you, Molly."

"I love you too, Arthur, but you will not spoil the grandchildren too much." She patted him on the hand. "Behave, dear."

"Yes, Molly." He smiled at Minerva, who saluted him with her glass. "Draco gave me an order earlier," he said conversationally. She put her fork down, knowing that tone of voice. "He wants me to take Fudge's job." She squealed and hugged him, drawing some attention. "Draco said he wanted us to try for the Minister position," he told the people watching.

"You've got our vote," someone on the other side of the room yelled, Vincent, though Arthur couldn't identify him. The crowd cheered and clapped, liking that idea.

Arthur beamed at his wife. "Would you like that, Molly?"

She nodded. "I would, Arthur. You're always going on about the things you want to change, now you'll be able to." She counted the Ministers she knew. "There seems to be a few openings."

"I noticed," he agreed, taking her hand to hold. "I'll put myself in the ring tomorrow then." She smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek.

***

Harry firmly shut the curtains around his bed to block out Draco telling someone off for waking them up at dawn. He snuggled against Ron. "This is why I didn't want to be well known. Can we go back to Disney for a bit? I want to show it to you."

"Not yet, Harry. Next summer. When the babies can go," Ron said calmly, stroking his back.

Draco opened the curtains. "We've got to go to the shop. Oliver was badly hurt in a game."

Harry immediately climbed out of bed and put on an over-robe. They helped Ron get dressed and headed out, going to support the family. They found Fred crying and George leaning against a corner doing her impersonation of a statue. Ron gathered them to her and the guys went back to check on Oliver. Harry looked at the healer looking him over. "He's a strong man," he told him. "He once told me he got knocked out ten minutes into his first quidditch game by a bludger to the head."

"This one was a bit more intentional," the healer admitted, smiling at him. "You played?"

"We both played seeker," Harry assured him. He leaned down to look at Oliver, smiling when he opened his eyes. "Fred's crying her eyes out, you'd better not hurt her."

"I don't take orders from you," Oliver pointed out politely. "Why are you here?"

"Draco said you were hurt." He pinched him, making him wince. "How do you feel?"

"My arm hurts now," Oliver said dryly, looking at the healer. "Would you let the fussy ones know I'm fine?"

"You're not," he said firmly. "You've got a great concussion. I haven't seen one that big in nearly fifty years and that one was from the first war. You're staying there or I'm taking you directly to the hospital."

"Which would be better?" Draco asked.

"Quiet and rest should do it. We can't do more for than we can here," the healer assured him. He smiled at Oliver. "Behave. For once." He went to tell the twins.

Harry looked at Oliver. "If you have to retire, I'll let you help me," he offered. "I'm thinking about training to play again."

Oliver's face lit up. "I'd like that. You always were good. But don't you have to wait?" he asked with a point at Harry's stomach. Harry and Draco both nodded. "Then we should about be healed at the same time. I'll gladly help you train. The league needs more decent players."

"You will not talk the game when you've nearly had your head taken off," Fred said as she walked in. "Our future child will not be fatherless."

"Future child?" Oliver asked weakly.

"Fred!" Harry sighed. "Not now!"

"It's incentive to get better," Fred sniffed. George rushed in and climbed on top of Oliver to hug him. "Tell him yours."

"The both of you?" Oliver asked, looking even more stunned.

"Twins," George agreed. "I had her confirm it." She kissed her husband. "I'm due in the summer, in June."

"I'm due around the start of the next school year," Fred offered with a smile.

Harry walked over and put a hand on Fred's stomach, then he winced and shook his head. "Oliver, if you need to escape two sets of twins at once, just come on over and play with our kids." He led Draco out of the room, letting them pass out together. He smiled at Molly. "I'm pretty sure both twins are having twins." She squealed and hurried in to check on them herself. Ron laughed from her seat and Harry grinned. "I can't wait to see their kids," Harry told her, giving her his wicked grin.

Arthur cleared his throat. "Harry, don't encourage it. We'll be driven mad by them." He patted Harry's stomach. "How is he?"

"Hungry," Harry decided. He looked down at himself, then shrugged. "Screw it, I'm rich enough to be eccentric. Draco, feed us?" he pleaded, giving him a pitiful look.

Draco shook his head and rolled his eyes. "If you ask like you usually do, I'll gladly gather food for you, Harry. Don't try to charm me into it, I don't like it."

"Sorry, Draco," Harry said with a grin. "Maybe that's why the hat made us roomies?" Draco laughed, shaking his head, but he went to get breakfast. "Hey, Ron, how do you feel?" Harry asked, walking over to check on her. She had been having some false labor pains and they were very careful with Ron.

"Just fine. Not a single kick," Ron said happily. "New Years you think?"

"I think you're going to go early so expect a baby around the holidays," Molly said as she came back out. She checked on Harry, then on Ron, smiling at them. "Of course, I could be wrong." She smiled at her husband. "The vote's today," she reminded him.

"I know, Molly. We'll be back in a few hours to tell you how it went." He led her off, going to the Ministry while the people in it voted. They found Percy and he gave them a hug and a blush. "Son," Arthur said gently. Percy looked hopeful. "There's a bit of family news if you want it."

"I do," Percy agreed, stepping close again. He was trying so hard to get back in their good graces. He missed his family. "What's the news?"

"Oliver got clipped with an intentional foul," Molly told him. Percy went pale. "He's fine. He's got a bad concussion but he's resting at the shop."

"The twins are both pregnant too," Arthur said happily. "We're sure they're both having twins. A few months apart."

Percy gasped. "That poor man, and recovering too! How will he deal with them when they get fussy?"

"They're fussing over him and Harry offered him a place to hide," Molly said, patting him on the cheek. "Go be a good boy and vote."

"I already have," Percy assured her. "I voted for father because he's the best choice of all of us." He walked away, going to talk to his new boss. He would make sure the man voted correctly.

***

Draco looked up as he read the letter someone had sent about the final results of the election. It had gone on two months due to people being out of the country and revotes. "Two people had the bad taste to put my father's name on the ballot," he told his spouses.

"That sounds too tasteless even for the twins," Harry pointed out. Ron was napping against his side.

"I think so too. Dumbledore won by about six votes." He put the letter aside. "I may have to convince them to do a revote."

"He won't take it," Harry pointed out. "Does that leave Ron's dad?" Draco nodded. "How did he take so many votes?"

"Someone reminded a lot of people that he was responsible for helping raise you correctly," Draco said, smiling at him. "Not me, Percy." Ron snored louder at that name. "Apparently it swayed a lot of people. You're being looked on like Dumbledore did in his youth."

"I don't want to be looked at by anyone," Harry whined.

"You're not fat."

"It's not that! And yes I am," Harry retorted, frowning at him. "I don't want to be famous. I want to be normal."

"Harry, you're a pregnant male, you're not normal," Draco pointed out gently. Harry had developed a disturbing reaction to being reminded he was pregnant, he burst into tears. This time he held it in. "I want someone to look you over."

"Molly said I'm fine," Harry defended.

"Which is wonderful but she's not a trained healer or a midwife," Draco reminded him gently. "Just for my own piece of mind?" Harry pouted and he sighed. "Please?" he tried again. Harry was disturbing. No wonder women had the children.

"Fine," Harry said, pouting worse.

"Thank you, Harry," Draco said, smiling at him. "If you're good about it, I'll take you both out to lunch and buy Ron a pretty dress for the holiday party. I'll let you pick out the jewelry tomorrow." Harry perked up at that, he liked playing with jewelry. "That's my boy," he said with a fond smile. "Let me see more of a smile?" Harry grinned at him. "Good boy. Come cuddle me too or should I move over?"

"I don't want to move Ron," Harry told him.

"That's fine." Draco stood up and walked over, sitting next to Harry. He laid a hand on the lump of baby, barely able to feel him move around. "I envy you this sometimes," he said quietly. "You're doing something that I could never match and I will never have this experience." He kissed him. "You are stunning and brave, Harry. Our son is going to be wonderful."

"As wonderful as your daughter?"

"Just as stunning," Draco agreed. He hadn't heard this one before. He felt the baby kick and smiled, patting him. "Calm down in there. When you come out, you'll have three loving parents and a new older sister. I'm sure you'll idolize her and create much hell in our lives." He smiled at Ron as she woke up. "How is the daughter?"

"She's fine. I've got a crick in my neck," Ron told him.

"Let me," Harry said, shifting so he could work on her neck. "Draco wants me to get checked out tomorrow."

"So do I. If only so you quit worrying about the babies being equally loved. No one's going to put him on a pedestal and worship him like some hero, Harry."

"Ron, someone's already suggested we celebrate mine and the son's birthdays as a national holiday because he was there."

"True," Draco agreed. "I had to do some fast talking to make them stop." He moved over to the other end of the couch, working on Ron's feet. "Harry, I will love both children equally, the same as I love their mothers that way. Do not worry about such things. They will be shielded from nearly everybody because they are Malfoys."

"What about when I get to have one with Ron?" Harry asked quietly.

"They'll still carry the name and I'll love them just as much," Draco agreed gently. Harry nodded, giving him a hesitant smile. "Relax, it'll be fine. I can keep people from wanting the children. No one is coming near them except us and they'll only know love. You've learned a lot about that subject from your dog. Trust yourself."

"Yes, Draco." He looked down at Ron, kissing her on the head. "We need to work on names. Hermione's trying to give her daughter the name Hymenphia."

"After Vincent's grandmother?" Draco asked. Harry frowned at him and he smiled. "It is a family name."

"The kid's going to be picked on," Ron pointed out gently. "How would you shorten that? Hymen isn't exactly something you want to call a child."

"I'll suggest she use it as a middle name," Draco told them. "We don't have any strong family names. Harry, did you want to name him after yours?"

"Between my dad and my two uncles I'm not sure how I want to do it," Harry admitted. "If I name the kid after Sirius, it'll be looked at funny. If I name the kid after Remus, he'll protest that I should name it after my father. My mom's diary said she tried to name me James Junior and dad threw a fit, he thought it was pretentious."

"Ask Remus his suggestion," Ron said, then she yawned. "Dawn Marigold needs another nap."

"No flowers," Draco said firmly. His face softened at Ron's hurt look. "I like Dawn. She will be a turning point in the family. I will not raise her like my father did me." Ron smiled sleepily. "You rest, Ron. We'll make sure you make it to bed tonight."

"Thanks." She struggled onto her side and closed her eyes, happy with Harry's thigh as a pillow and Draco's legs as a footrest. "Did you know your mother's name means 'Daffodil' in French?" she asked, nearly asleep now.

"How about Dawn Lilian and Andrew Arthur?" Harry suggested.

Draco considered it. "I might like the girl's name, but I'd rather not have a child named with two consecutive same letters," he said delicately. "It gets confusing."

"Syrian James and Remus Tyrone for the twins we'll have, Harry?" Ron suggested.

"You had me up until the Tyrone part," Draco said with a smile for her. She shrugged. "Remus Arthur?"

"I like that," Harry agreed. "It's going to be a few years before we can use those though. How about we suggest Miranda for Hermione's daughter's first name? It's like hers, from Shakespeare." Draco nodded. "Miranda Hymemphia Crabbe?"

"I do like that," Draco admitted. "I'll suggest it to him tomorrow." He smiled at Harry. "Why don't you use one of those suggestions for our son? That way you won't be disappointed if it's not twins."

"Your mother said we'd have twins together," Ron said quietly. He looked at Draco. "She also said I'd be giving you another son and you'd better learn patience before he gets here because he will be the Weasley that will be all of us rolled into one. Trouble, stubborn, and smart."

Draco laughed. "I'll take that into account. When is he due?"

"In about ten years. She said it'd take you that long to learn that level of patience. And she liked Ariel better than Miranda in the Tempest." She closed her eyes again. "She said she liked Ciara, but it means 'black and mysterious'."

"Dawn Ciara Malfoy," Draco mused. "It could work. What did she say about naming one after her?"

"She'd haunt you and make sure you never got any again," Ron said dryly, opening her eyes halfway to look at him. "She said you could add it as a second middle name, but not as a use name unless you called her Cissa. The closest I found to that was the name Cissy, with a 'c' and it means 'blind' in Latin."

"Baby name books must be fascinating to read," Draco said thoughtfully. "Dawn Ciara Narcissa Malfoy?"

"That's a mouthful, but it means the baby will be mysterious, a daffodil, and a new beginning," Harry said, grinning at him. He called over the baby name book, searching a section. "How about Cassandra, which means 'prophet', or Cassara, which means 'prophet and/or princess'?" He looked at him. "The first is Greek, the second is American." Draco held out a hand so he handed over the book. "Dawn Cassara? She will be the first Malfoy Princess in a long time."

"I like that," Ron agreed. "Dawn Cassara. What if she doesn't have the sight?"

"I have it," Draco told him. Ron looked at him. "Not much, but I have enough to know about big events. I knew about the train ride up, I just never thought I'd nearly fuck up everything." He handed the book back. "I like that. Dawn Cassara. It's close enough to Cissa to be a tribute to her. Of course, if we have another daughter, she's going to have to be Molly Narcissa."

Ron nodded. "Cool. Ask Harry." She smiled and fell into a gentle sleep, letting Draco take care of that nasty leg cramp that was starting.

Harry shrugged. "That's fine with me," he agreed. "Some anonymous suggestions were sent to us for the son. Chad, Mordecai, Donovan, Ewan, or Kael. They all mean 'warrior' in one form or another. Those came with the most suggestions of all of the warrior names."

"One of the twins suggested you name the boy Loki," Draco said, looking amused. "They're hoping to be a good influence on him."

"They're having four, they can name their own kids after Trickster Gods." Harry looked at him. "I got another one suggestion Dionysus or Gwydion."

"What does that one mean?"

"It means 'God of Magic' in Welsh," Harry said dryly. "Apparently they think I'm evolved that high now." Draco swatted him on the arm, making him smile. "Another suggested Herne, 'God of the Hunt' in Gaelic."

"You're not a God," Draco pointed out.

"They seem to think I might be." Harry grinned. "I was thinking Fallon, it means 'of a ruling family', but it's a female name." He shifted a bit, making Ron pinch him. "I found one similar sounding, but it has a different meaning. Faolan?"

"Which means?"

"'Wolf' in Gaelic. It's a male name, but hard to pronounce."

"How would you shorten it?" Draco asked.

"I was thinking for a middle name," Harry admitted. "I can't imagine yelling it out the back door."

"If we use that, we could name the first name something like Lynx or Jaguar," Draco pointed out, making Harry laugh. "It'd almost fit."

"We could name him Hart or Herschel, though I'm not fond of that second one," Harry suggested.

"Why would you name your son that?" Draco asked.

"Because my father's animagus form was a stag."

"Ah." Draco nodded. "No, neither of those." Harry shrugged, he had tried. "If we use Faolan, we'll have to have something that matches it."

"There's Chase," Hermione said from the doorway. "It means 'hunter'. He'd be 'one who hunts the wolf'." She smiled at Harry. "Which means he'd be the one to jump on Remus every chance he got."

"What's that nationality?" Draco asked.

"English." She came in and sat down. "Draco, I need a new name suggestion since we're on that topic."

"We were thinking Miranda or Ariel," Harry told her. "From the Tempest, a Shakespearian name like yours."

"Hmm." She relaxed.

"Plus, you could use his grandmother's name as a middle name," Draco pointed out. "Keeps it in the family but out of the public ear."

"Miranda Hymenphia. Ariel Hymenphia." She shrugged. "I like both equally. Thank you."

"I like her suggestion," Draco offered. "Chase Faolan. It's in line with both our heritages and it's not too much for the baby to live up to."

"Has Ron picked a name yet?" Hermione asked. She smiled as Vincent joined them with a mug of tea for her. "Thank you, Vinnie. What do you think of the names Miranda Hymenphia and Ariel Hymemphia?"

"Where did the first names come from?"

"Shakespeare," Draco told him. "One's a wind spirit and the other's the daughter of a magician."

"I like them both," he admitted, then he shrugged. "Either's fine with me."

"Good," Hermione said firmly, giving him a smile and a pat. "We're talking about Chase Faolan for Harry's son."

"Which means?"

"Chase means 'hunter' and Faolan means 'wolf'," Hermione said with a grin.

Vincent laughed. "Sure, Harry, then we can tell the new Headmaster and watch him choke."

"Remus adores me," Harry said with a grin and a wave of his hand. "He'll think it's cute." He grinned at Draco. "What was wrong with him the other day?"

"He was tired and stressed. I doubt he considered stopping to chat with you." He reached over to stroke Harry's hand. "It'll be fine. Give him a while to get adjusted. We'll send him a nasty note if we have to." Harry frowned but he relented, letting Draco handle it. "Did you want to ask him to be a Godfather?"

"Yeah, I think so," Harry agreed. "Him and McGonagall?"

"That's who I'm choosing," Hermione told him.

"She can have more than one Godchild. I'm sure she's already got a few," Draco pointed out." He looked at Harry again. "I won't fight you on Remus, but we'll have to ask someone else to be the Godmother. She and I don't get along."

"You could ask one of the girls from the house," Vincent suggested.

"We could ask Madam Hooch," Harry offered. Draco looked at him, frowning. "What? She was always very nice to me."

"Fine," Draco agreed. "She can be this one's Godmother. The next one I get to choose them both."

"Okay," Harry said, smiling at him. "I'll go up and ask them tomorrow." Draco nodded, giving him a patient and tolerant look. "Thank you, Draco." He blew a kiss.

"You're welcome, Harry. Behave and let Ron sleep." Harry settled in to be quiet for a bit. Ron stroked his thigh in her sleep, she often petted him when she slept on him and he was relaxed. It was like a reward.

Hermione looked at Vincent. "Do you still insist on Snape?" He nodded, giving her that same tolerant and patient look. "Fine. I'm sure the child will be witness to many fights."

"They should be able to control themselves at their ages," Harry pointed out quietly. Ron quit stroking his leg for a moment, then started again.

"We'll figure it out," Draco soothed. He and Vincent shared a look as the only two sane people presently in the house. Hermione was even driving the house elves insane. They had to stick together.

***

Harry waddled into the school, smiling at the teacher who met him. "Can I talk to Remus for a few minutes?"

"Of course," Madam Sprout told him, walking him to the office. "Why did you want Madam Hooch?"

He leaned closer. "I'm going to ask them to be my son's godparents," he whispered. She laughed and hugged him. "Do you think they'll mind?"

"Not in the least," she said happily. She kissed him on the cheek. "If it couldn't be me, I'm glad it's them." She left him there after opening the door.

He waddled up the stairs, pulling out the letter. "First, the official stuff," he said, handing it to Remus. "From Draco." He sat down with a sigh of relief as his uncle opened the missive. "That's better. My ankles are swollen." He looked at the silent flying teacher. "The reason I asked you both to be up here is because I want you to be my son's Godparents. Madam Hooch, you've always been wonderful to me. You've figured in a big part of my happiness in school." She smiled and he looked at Remus. "You're my uncle and might as well be my Godfather. I don't know why my father didn't pick you but I am now. Chase Faolan will need someone strong willed to placate his stubborness."

"Chase Faolan?" Madam Hooch asked.

"It means 'he who hunts the wolf'," Harry said with a grin. "If I had wanted to go outside of Brit and Celt names, I would have named Elsu, which means flying falcon, but we decided to keep it in the heritage. You're not upset?" She shook her head and hugged him, making him grin. "Thank you."

"No, thank you, Harry. First Oliver Wood and now you. I've never been so honored before."

"You kept us both sane by letting us fly, otherwise we'd both be weirder," he said with a grin. "I also have news. I'm trying out for a spot with England once I pop. Oliver's going to help me get back into shape." She clapped and patted him on the hand. "I thought you might like that."

She kissed him on the cheek. "I adore it and I accept," she told him. She stood up. "I'll see you at graduation, or at an upcoming game. Do behave and take care of my Godson." She left the semi-family alone.

"I'm sorry I didn't stop the other day, Harry," Remus said, putting down the letter. Draco had verbally told him off for ignoring the boy. He was the only family Harry had left and Draco had been right to rip him a new one, he realized it now. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm starting into the eternal napping phase," Harry told him, still smiling. "Do you like the name?"

Remus smiled. "I like it quite a lot. I expect the child will torture me by making me play chase and tag all the time." Harry giggled. "Are you happy? I wasn't going to say anything but I only want you to be happy and safe."

"I'm both, Uncle Remus. Draco adores me. It may not have been a love match, but we respect each other and he likes me enough to humor my oddness. Besides, we've both come to love Ron and she holds us together. We don't fight nearly as much as we did in school."

"Then I'm happy for you," he said with a gentle smile. He finally saw the real boy behind the man and it saddened him, but he knew Harry was slowly figuring out what real happiness was. "Is he treating you well?"

"He gave me the most incredible backrub this morning. I went positively limp under his talented fingers, and then he fed me pancakes." He gave his uncle a goofy grin. "I'm really happy with him, Uncle Remus. Don't worry about it."

"I won't then. Chase Faolan?"

Harry shrugged. "I was trying to find some subtle way of tying him to Dad, but I didn't like Stag, Hart, or Herschel. I figured that was part of the family though since you are and I happen to like and respect you a lot. Besides, mom's diary said dad threw a fit when she tried to name me after him."

"I remember that fight. She threw the tea kettle at his head and bruised him," Remus admitted, starting to laugh. "Those two were fiery together, Harry. Your mother would take a mood where she hated the very sight of him so he would ultimately try to seduce her during those times, saying the fire in her would warm him forever." Harry sniffled and he handed over a tissue. "Your mom had some of the worst mood swings," he said with some humor.

"Draco's worried about mine. He's making me see someone this afternoon." He blew his nose and tossed the tissue away. "Sorry about that."

"It's all right. You're a lot like your mother for all you look like your dad." He grinned. "I heard a rumor that you were sent names."

"I was," Harry said, rolling his eyes. "I got a number that said I should name him the Son of God, or a God in his own right. Apparently a few people thought I should be elevated." Remus chuckled. "A few more suggested names meaning warrior or guardian, but I didn't want to do that to him. I want Chase to have a happy and carefree childhood, not to burden him by being the next Champion of the school."

"You have your father's luck. He'll end up being the spoiled creature Draco was when he started and make fun of anyone who wants his help."

"I'll kick his ass," Harry said dryly. Remus laughed a bit more. "Oh, Narcissa gave us a head's up. Ron and mine's, when we get around to having ours together, are going to be twins. We've decided they're going to be Syrian James and Remus Arthur."

Remus sniffled and came around the desk to hug him. "I love you, Harry. You didn't have to do that."

"I thought I was the one who had mood swings," Harry joked, patting him awkwardly. "You're my Uncle, I'm supposed to do things like name my kids after you." He beamed. "Besides, Draco and Ron both liked it. Ron's daughter is going to be Dawn Lilian." Remus nodded, still choked up. "Are you okay?"

"You really are happy," Remus sighed, smiling at him. "I will be the best Godfather and Uncle I can, Harry. You have my word on it."

"Thank you, Uncle Remus. You've done very well so far. You didn't even flinch when you found out I was a Slytherin."

"Sirius did?"

Harry nodded. "Visibly. He refused to touch me, kept going to and then pulling back like I was toxic. It took about six meetings before he felt comfortable enough to pat me on the back."

"That man," he sighed in disgust. The door opened and McGonagall walked in. "Harry has wonderful news. He's named me his son's Godfather."

She smiled. "Am I in there?"

"I was thinking about it but Hermione protested because she wants to monopolize you for her daughter. But you have to act surprised when she tells you."

She hugged him. "I will do my best. Who is the godmother if not me?"

"Madam Hooch. She was the biggest part of my happiness here in school."

"That's wonderful, Harry. Do you have a name picked out yet?"

"Chase Faolan," Remus told her, smirking as she tried to work it out. "Chase means 'hunter'."

"Faolan means 'wolf'," Harry said with a grin. She burst out laughing and hugged him again but he grabbed her arm and held on. "Ow, pain," he hissed, squinting. "Why is it that I can take a Cruciatus and I can't take expansion pains."

"You're doing things your body isn't happy with," she said calmly as she checked his pulse. "Remus, call Poppy," she said gently, not wanting to alarm the boy.

"It's nothing."

"It is not and it's better to be safe than sorry. I will not have that future Gryffindor harmed, Harry Potter."

"Yes, Professor McGonagall," he said, falling back on old habits as he tried to suppress the pain. "It's not Ron's," he noted. "It's my own pain."

"Shh," Remus said once he had found the bell to summon Poppy to the office. He came around to hold Harry as well, gently stroking his hair. "I'll call Draco once you're on your way," he soothed. Harry nodded, giving him a look. "I promise, it'll be fine, Harry. Like you said, you took the Cruciatus once or twice, you can take this now." Harry nodded, clutching his hand as another wave of pain washed over him.

Poppy walked in with a bottle but put it aside and knelt in front of Harry to check him over. "I thought it was another migraine," she said calmly, frowning. "Harry, I need you to calm yourself. You have to stay calm for a few more minutes, all right?" He nodded. "Good boy." She stood up and summoned a stretcher, putting him onto it. "I'm putting him into a bed. His blood pressure is very high and he has some sort of infection somewhere."

"My leg," Harry groaned. "I nicked it the other day while I was gardening."

"You and those dangerous gardening implements," she teased. He laughed weakly and made another grab for Remus. "He'll be right up, just as soon as he calls your mates."

"I'll do that," McGonagall promised. "The boy needs Remus more now." Remus nodded, walking out with Harry. She got down by the fire. "Malfoy Manor," she called out. Vincent's head swelled in the fire. "Where is Malfoy? Harry's having some sort of blood pressure problem. They're taking him to the infirmary."

"I'll get him right there," Vincent promised. "He's putting Ron to bed." He cut the connection and went running up the stairs. "Draco!" He opened the bedroom door before Vincent could slam into it. "Harry's having blood pressure problems. He's in the school's infirmary. McGonagall just called."

"Shit," he swore, heading for the outgoing floo in their room. He flooed directly to the infirmary, walking over to where Harry was trying to curl up. "Shh," he said calmly, stroking Harry's back. "Let them work on you." Harry shook his head. "No what?" he asked calmly.

"If we don't get it under control, he could lose the baby," Remus said quietly. "He can't calm himself."

"The solution to that is to knock him out," Draco pointed out. He used a pressure point on Harry's neck, knocking him out within a minute. "There." He was shoved out of the way so Madam Pomfrey could work on him. "What caused the surge?"

"He's showing signs of having had high blood pressure for a while now. Merlin knows he had bouts of it while he was in school." She looked at Remus. "Take two steps back."

"He's my nephew, I'm not going anywhere."

"I'm going to get the healer we were supposed to see today," Draco announced. He and Remus shared a look and Remus nodded for him to go. "I'll be right back." He used the floo, sending himself to the Healer's office. The receptionist squeaked when she saw him. "I need to see the healer now. Harry's having more problems. He's in Hogwart's infirmary." She ran to get the healer and he was shown back to the office to wait while he finished with his last patient.

***

Harry woke up and realized it was morning. "I thought I had broken this pattern," he groaned.

"It wasn't a fight you were part of this time," Draco said gently. "This time it was an infection on your leg getting out of control and your high blood pressure helping to gang up on you." He stroked down Harry's arm, over the wellness charms. "Madam Pomfrey and the healer were both impressed with how comprehensive those were when activated. I thought I was getting the pain from Ron." He stood up and stepped closer. "We're going to have to do some lifestyle modification, Harry. No more getting overly excited."

"I can't play with the dog?"

Draco gave him a look, then he smiled. "No, that's acceptable. It relieves your stress levels." He gave him a gentle kiss. "I'm under orders to not do more than that to you until after you deliver." Harry looked struck. "Even if we're gentle, we can't until the healer clears you. You're also on bedrest until the healer says otherwise. I'm going to let you help me with some of my research."

"Ron?" he asked.

"She's fine. She's so very worried because the healer said the family can't descend on you at once. Oliver and the twins are trying to keep her calm and sane." He stroked across Harry's forehead. "It's been six days now, Harry. It took five days to get your blood pressure back down to normal." He gave him another gentle kiss. "If you're good, we might be able to spring you for the holiday ball we hold at the manor each year. If not, I'm going to call it off."

"It's tradition," Harry reminded him, squeezing his hand.

"Yes, but with Ron being due around then and you being so ill, it's acceptable to cancel it. I have about two days to decide but I will not have you stressed out by a party in the house that you can't attend and all those people wandering around looking at the decorations. I won't let you or Ron be harmed by this sudden change." He smiled at him. "Molly's twittering around in Remus' office. Would you like to see her?"

Harry forced himself to sit up a bit, letting Draco help him. "Sure," he said, giving him a brave smile. "I didn't mean for the infection to get so bad. I didn't even realize it was infected."

"I'm going to check you over each night from now on," Draco promised. "I should have caught that. I was rubbing it not even a week ago." He gave him one last kiss then went to get Molly.

Harry watched in alarm as Molly walked in. He must really be sick, Molly wasn't twittering or being the least bit anxious. "I'm going to be okay," he promised.

"I know you are, dear, we're just going to have to be careful," she said calmly, giving him a smile. "Ginny's even offered to hold off her wedding for a bit."

"Absolutely not!" Harry said firmly. Draco looked at him, giving him a smile. "Ginny will not delay her wedding because I'm in bed. Which I won't be for that. I'm sure I can get sprung for special family events." Molly shook her head. "Tough, I'm going to be Neville's groomsman. The healer can leap."

Molly gave him a patented 'mother knows best' look. "You will not stress yourself out, Harry. I won't have you or my first grandson hurt by your stubbornness. If the healer says you can't do it, then you can't. That's the end of it. Draco can go in your place and you can attend."

"But Neville hates him," Harry whined. Molly frowned at him. "Fine, I'll work on getting better so I can get out of bed faster."

"Thank you," she agreed, giving him a short hug. "You behave and I'll try to sneak you in some bread or something like that."

"I can't eat bread?" Harry asked.

"Low carbohydrates," Draco said patiently. "I was going to lie to you about that until you got frustrated."

"Too late," Harry told him. "Madam Pomfrey!" She came running. "I can eat bread if I want to and I will be going to Ginny's wedding. I'm not feeble and I can take care of myself," he said firmly.

"I've had enough of that, young man," she warned. Harry frowned at her so she knocked him back out. "There, that should keep him calm for a bit longer. We'll try again tomorrow, Molly." She gave her a hug. "Pass that along to Arthur and make sure he knows Harry's going to be fine." She handed over a copy of the paper to Draco. "Try to do something about that. I don't want him to be alarmed when I let him wake back up." She went back to the girl with the bloody nose.

Molly looked at the headline. "I'll take care of that," she said, taking it from his hand. "Being the Minister of Magic's wife has some clout." She gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Check on Ron soon," she reminded him. "Ron can wait up here with you if necessary." She went to her husband's office, showing him the paper. "I'm doing something about this." He smiled at her. "Poppy had to knock him back out again, he got a bit fussy with the restrictions."

"Which one?" Arthur asked.

"Harry. Draco's going to wear out his frustration on a wall again." She waved and smile. "I'll be back soon." She walked out, heading out to the Daily Prophet's office to correct their thinking. Harry was not near death's door. He wasn't even in the same zip code as that address.

***

Harry woke up and found Remus looking down at him. "Don't let her do that again," he pleaded.

"If you need it, you'll rest one way or another," Remus promised. He smiled and patted Harry on the head. "How do you feel?"

"Hungry, tired, like I need to piss." Remus laughed and helped him up and into the bathroom, then back. Madam Pomfrey tried to stop them but he gave her a look. "I don't use urinals," Harry reminded her. "I always manage to make them overflow after a long nap." She quit and left them alone for a few minutes. Once he was resettled in the bed, he looked over at her. "Can I get up on my own and get more than kisses?"

She shook her head. "Your blood pressure went back up this morning. Your husband had to be sedated by your healer because he mentioned the possibility of a stroke if this kept up."

"Surely there are medicines," Remus told her.

"We're considering it, but with his fragile state...." she said, then she shrugged. "We're not sure which will harm the baby."

"The muggles have fifty different types of blood pressure medicine. I'm sure we can find something," Harry said firmly. "Draco's the one who keeps me calm."

"When he calms himself, he'll be bringing your wife and himself back. Do not make them wait while you take another nap," she warned. He gave her a horrified look. "Your healer said I could sedate you as necessary, young man."

"Yes, Madam Pomfrey," he said, shuddering once she was gone. "Uncle Remus, let me go to Mom's house," he hissed. "I'll be fine there."

Remus kissed him on the forehead. "That probably would calm you down," he agreed. "I'll suggest it to Draco. First snowfall there is very beautiful." Harry relaxed and his grip slowly eased off as he drifted off again. "Poppy, he's drifting again," he called. She hurried back to check on him. "Is it the feared for stroke?"

"No," she said with a sigh of relief. "His body's making him nap. He woke up too soon the last time." He nodded, smiling at her. "What plan does he have cooked up this time?"

"His mother's house. It's very calm there. It's over a power spot. The first snowfall is a beautiful thing to behold, Poppy, and it would keep him calm and away from everyone."

She considered it. "If you have it set up with a portkey back to here, or to the hospital, and an unlisted floo address, plus someone to handle all his mail for him, then I'll allow it," she decided. "The healer did say I could release him when he had finally calmed himself."

"I'll tell Draco when he comes. Hopefully it won't be more than a day or so." She smiled and handed him the headache medicine. "Thanks."

"You're welcome. When do you go in for surgery for that lump?"

"Next week." He drank the potion without protest for the taste. "They said I should be fine. My accelerated healing should help a lot." He looked down at Harry. "I wasn't even going to tell him."

"Tell him after the surgery," she suggested. "After you know for sure how everything's going to turn out. The boy can't be worried too much now and if it's benign he won't have to." Remus nodded. "It's tragic that the wolfsbane potion has this effect on you. I wish they had found another way."

"I'm not taking it anymore," he said quietly. "I'm staying locked in a little room without windows each month." She gave him a smile. "Does Arthur know?"

"Molly does. She'll handle Arthur." He nodded so she went back to her desk, giving him some privacy.

"You poor boy. If this turns out wrong, you'll lose me too and you'll only have Molly and her family to support you," he whispered, smoothing some of the unruly hair down. Harry shifted and grunted in anger in his sleep. "Shh, no nightmares," he whispered. "He's dead and gone this time. We made sure his soul was destroyed." Harry settled down, letting himself be soothed. Remus gave him a sad smile. "It will work out for the best," he promised. "I will play with your son."

***

Draco strolled into the infirmary, giving Harry a brilliant smile. "Come on, I'm taking you home."

"Really?" Harry asked, sliding out of the bed with some help. "Like the house, home?"

"Like your mother's house," Draco corrected. Harry pouted at him. "It'll be more stress free for you."

"But I don't want to stay there by myself," Harry complained.

"Who said you were? We're coming with you."

"But the Manor," Harry said, looking confused.

"That's what commuting is for," Draco said, giving him a gentle kiss. "Ron and I have worked for the last two days to lay in supplies. Remus said it's about to snow there and he praised the sight quite a lot. Fortunately, the floo can and does go out there. Owls won't, but the floo will. I'll floo back to the manor each day and come home each night like all those people who go to work every day," he teased, giving him a small smile. Harry laughed and hugged him. "Come on. Ron wanted to cuddle you in your own bed."

"Our," Harry corrected, letting Draco help him dress and lead him out of the infirmary. He waved at the nurse, getting a wave and a smile in return. "I think she hates to see me."

"Oh, yes," Draco agreed. "You were out seven days this last time." Harry stopped to look at him and Draco nodded. "Seriously. The healer agreed."

"I need a new healer," Harry said as he started walking again. Snape met them near the entryway. "More problems?" he asked.

"Lupin never told you," he said grimly. "He should have been here to send you off. He asked me to stand in."

"Why?" Harry asked patiently. "Is there a problem in the school?"

Draco coughed. "No, the wolfsbane potion creates small benign tumors, Harry. Remus had one removed a week ago and suffered a small complication." He caught Harry when he started to sit down. "Shh, he's fine. Benign means it's not cancerous. It's simply a lump of abnormal tissues. He's really fine, they're being silly and making him stay there."

"But he's fine?" Harry asked, looking at Snape. The man never lied to him. Snape nodded quickly. "You're sure? You've seen him yourself?"

"Yesterday. He had a small fever so they won't let him out," Snape told him. "As soon as he can he will be seeing you at your mother's house." Harry nodded. "So you are to stay there until he comes." Draco shot him a look over Harry's shoulder, making him mentally groan. He realized Harry might never leave that house if something happened to Lupin. "It should be within a week. If not, you may call me and I'll take you to the hospital."

Harry nodded, giving him a brief hug. "Thank you, Professor." He looked at Draco. "You weren't going to tell me?"

"I was going to hook you two up by floo tonight," Draco said smoothly, taking Harry's arm again. "I knew you'd worry if you didn't see for yourself. How about we do that after dinner? He's on an enforced nap schedule too."

"Okay," Harry agreed. He waved at Snape. "Thank you, sir. Tell Madam Hooch I'll write her soon to let her know when we're taking ultrasounds if she wants to come." He let Draco lead him out of the school and down to the barrier around it. "What aren't you telling me?"

"The fever was a bit higher than was normal, but he's been up and joking with the nurses. He even managed to hit on one."

"Remus?"

"Well, sometimes he thinks he's Sirius," Draco admitted. "Someone thinks he might be possessed but they can't fix it with his condition."

"Sirius was a nice guy most of the time," Harry admitted, thinking about it. "I really can see him?"

"Definitely," Draco said firmly. "I agree, you don't need coddled as much as everyone thinks, it will only make you fret more. We'll floo over tonight, in person. How about that?" Harry nodded, giving him a squeeze. "Good, now let's get back to your mother's house." He activated the portkey, sending them there. "Technically, you're not supposed to be flooing," he said as they walked through the living room. He pointed at seven smooth, semi-precious gemstones laying on a side table. "Each one of those goes somewhere. The blue one goes to wherever the stone Remus has is. The green one goes home. The purple to Ron's parent's. The white one to the hospital. The sickly yellow goes directly to the infirmary at Hogwarts."

"I thought it looked like mucus," Harry noted.

Draco kissed him on the temple. "Behave or we'll have to have a nap now." Harry nodded, looking attentive. "The black one goes to the twin's shop. The plain yellow one goes to the Leaky. Got it?" Harry nodded. "Good. Each one should get you somewhere safe, and the one for Diagon is so you can run if you need to."

"Or if I need to go shopping?" Harry asked, sounding hopeful.

Draco shook his head. "Not a chance. You're not to be on your feet more than a half-hour at a time." He led Harry up to their bedroom, showing him how to operate the floating platform. "Ron's ankles are so swollen she's having trouble walking," he explained at the hurt look. "It's not you this time. We'll all be staying here because she doesn't need the stress either. We've gotten seven hundred letters recently asking what she wanted for baby presents and more with presents attached." He opened the bedroom door, noticing Ron was napping again. "There you go, curl up with Ron and I'll get us some lunch." He smiled as Harry waddled over and laid down, curling up behind Ron. Ron quit snoring and patted him on the hand. Draco went down to tell the house elf he had brought over what to fix and then take it upstairs. It was the only one allowed here. No one would know where this house was if he had his way.

***

Harry looked at Remus, giving him a smile. "So you're really okay?"

"We're fine, Harry," Remus assured him. He saw the worried look. "It's a confirmed possession now and we do get along most of the time. He understands I'm in control of the body," Remus said firmly, making Harry laugh. "Good boy. How are you feeling?"

"Better now that I'm not in the infirmary." He stroked his stomach. "Chase has been beating the stuffing out of me most of the afternoon because each time he kicks Dawn she kicks back so he has to retaliate." Remus laughed, shaking his head. "At least they like each other so far."

"True. You be safe and I'll see you as soon as I get out of here. We'll have a long chat and..." his voice seemed to change, "I'll get to pat my Godson."

"Sure thing, Remus," Harry said with a grin. "You and Uncle Sirius play nicely and I'll see you soon." He waved as the floo was cut. "Thank you, Draco."

"You're welcome," Draco offered, pulling him close for a hug. "See, nothing to worry about."

"Yeah, I know now," Harry sighed, closing his eyes. "He's going to die someday."

Draco had a sudden vision. A dreadfully sick Harry using the blue stone to portkey to Remus for comfort and ending up in the coffin. Him having to dig him up after a day's search and the worry that he was dead too. He shook his head and called over the blue stone, hiding it in the couch for now. "When he does, I'll be there for you," he promised. "The same as we will be for Ron when his parents go."

"Have a sudden thought?" Harry asked with a weak grin.

"No, but now I know how my mother felt when she had those disturbing visions." Harry opened his eyes to look up at him. "It's fine. It's easily solved. We don't have to worry about that one." He kissed him on the head. "What do you say to liberating Ron?"

"I think she's still napping," Harry told him. "She's sleeping a lot, Draco."

"The healer said her body wasn't fully ready for it. It would be like a third year getting pregnant. She's fine, but her body needs the extra time off right now. It should be fixed within a month." He looked out the window and smiled, pointing. "Look. Snow."

Harry heaved himself up and wandered over to stare out the window. It was a beautiful sight. He heard a 'pop' behind him and smiled at his Uncle. "Did you escape?"

"Definitely. I can't stand nurses," Remus told him. He came over to look out the window, putting an arm around Harry's shoulders to watch the sight with him.

Draco went to get Ron up so she could see it for herself. She liked to play in the snow.

***

Ron and Harry looked around the Yule Ball they were throwing, smiling at the happy people. They had a record turnout this year and everyone seemed really happy to be there. There weren't too many people hanging in the corners and they were the people you'd most expect to do that - Moody, McGonagall. Snape surprisingly came with a date, and they were chatting at a table. He had said someone had called in a favor with him but she seemed very nice and it looked like they knew each other. Who knew Snape spoke Romanian.

Harry looked at Ron, who was blinding in the outfit Draco had picked out for her and the jewels he had decided upon. He figured out he really did like jewelry and Draco had unsubtly suggested that it was a nice career if he wanted one, one that wouldn't make his blood pressure go up like playing Seeker would. Or one he could do part time while he played if he wouldn't give that up. Harry was thinking about it after talking to a few jewelry store owners. He did have the money to invest right now but he wanted it to go on to his own kids. He saw Ron wince and raised an eyebrow. "Another pain?"

"Still a false pain," Ron assured him. "The midwife said the real ones were more intense." She gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Relax, it'll be fine. You'll get to avoid all this by having him cut out." She wiped off her lipstick and then smiled as Draco came back from dancing with Ginny. "We want some," she mock-whined, making him smile at them. Draco pulled her out onto the floor, letting her pick which side she wanted in the next waltz. "Harry looks tired," she said gently.

"He is, but he's fine. I set the telltale to go off if he so much as gets upset," he pointed out, shaking the watch down his wrist a bit. Ron smiled and nodded, wetting her lips. "Keep that up, I'll make sure you go into labor tonight," he teased. "You know what the midwife said about sex starting off real labor."

Ron giggled, leaning over to kiss him out of step with the music. "Yay. The baby can be born now." She continued to move, catching up quickly. The couples dancing with them smiled and they danced on, enjoying themselves.

Harry looked over as Ginny and Neville plopped down at his table. "I don't need watched, go dance."

"My feet hurt," Ginny assured him. "Besides, this way mum and dad can come nag us all at once."

Neville laughed. "They're nagging the twins right now. Oliver's having a time keeping them in check." He stroked her hand, giving her a smile. "How are you feeling?"

"Neville, I'm only six days pregnant, don't fuss," she complained. Harry blinked a few times at her. "Sometimes witches know. Mum said she always did." She shrugged. "We're waiting for the official announcement from the mediwitches next month."

"There's a home test," Harry told her. "I used it and it came out the next morning. I've got an extra upstairs."

"Nah, we want to have it for Neville's birthday," she told him, patting him on the hand. "When do you think Ron's going to pop?"

"New Years."

"Ah," Neville said, nodding. "That would fit with her name and it would only be two weeks early."

"Plus I don't think Draco can hold off touching her for much longer," Harry agreed, smirking at him. "We can't touch her at all because it could send her into labor."

"How long did that restriction last?" Ginny asked, looking a bit upset and alarmed.

"For the last month. The midwife said so," Harry told him with a shrug. "Ask your mother."

"Mother!" Ginny called, forcing herself to get up. She could tease the twins with this, Oliver loved to touch them right now. Molly smiled at her and motioned her closer. "Harry said Ron's midwife said they can't have sex for the last month."

"That is usually advised," she agreed, patting her on the back. "It can set you off into labor. Not that most of us felt like it while we were that far along. Do you still think you are?" Ginny nodded, nearly snickering at the struck looks both twins were giving Oliver and the panicked look he was giving them. "It's fine, dears," Molly soothed. "It's only the last month." They hugged Oliver tightly, comforting him. Molly winked at Ginny. "You'll get many more backrubs during that time than anything else, though most upcoming fathers seem to be fascinated when you start lactating."

"Mum!" Ron said from behind her, laughing at her guilty look. "We'll discuss that tomorrow. You're staying tonight, right?" Everyone nodded. "Good!" She hugged her mother. "I think I just had a real pain," she whispered.

Molly put a hand on her stomach and concentrated, then shook her head. "Not yet. If they're getting stronger it means it'll happen soon."

"Neville and Harry both thought it'd be New Years," Ginny offered.

Molly nodded. "I think so as well." She gave Ron a hug. "Go back to your dancing, dear, I know how much you enjoy it." Ron headed back to her husband, blatantly stealing him from Millicent. Molly rolled her eyes. "I wish I knew why all pregnant women get jealous and paranoid about their husbands straying," she sighed. Oliver looked at her. "It's a natural reaction. You'll figure out how to best soothe them." She hugged the three of them. "Come, Ginny, let's tell Neville all about pregnant women while we check on Harry." She walked her daughter to the table but Harry wasn't there. "Did he have to suddenly leave?"

"There was a message," Neville said dryly. "I don't know why." He sat Ginny in his lap so he could get a cuddle. "Is she, mum? I'll accept my birthday present early."

Molly checked her daughter, then shrugged. "I can't tell. We'll see if Draco can make you up a tester."

"Harry said he has one under his sink," Ginny told her.

"That's fine, we'll be stealing it tonight," Neville promised. He noticed Harry walking back in but he went right to Draco and whispered in his ear. Draco and he walked out together, leaving Ron looking upset and confused. "I think I'll go calm Ron down," he said, getting up and going out there to dance with her. "It's fine," he promised.

"No, it was bad news," Ron said, still frowning, but she did let him lead her around. "All I got was something about a wannabe attacking Diagon." Neville looked at him and he shrugged. "They went to talk to my Dad, who's in the study on a floo call." He shrugged again. "There's nothing I can do at the moment and they're not leaving." He suddenly lightened. "I think it was just a head's up from the Ministry."

"Let's hope so. Harry shouldn't be fighting in his condition," Neville teased. Ron grinned at him. "How are you feeling?"

"Just fine. We're a little tired but it's all right." She stroked her stomach. "I think I like being pregnant, except for the swollen ankles and all that."

"Then you can do it again," Neville suggested lightly. "After all, you're better built for it than Harry is." Ron laughed at that, nodding. "Does it feel odd being kicked?"

"Very," Ron agreed, leaning closer. "I can't wait until I pop. Then I get my male side fully back and I can use it again." Neville burst out in giggles, hugging her tightly. "Thanks, Neville."

"You know I adore you, Ron. You and Ginny both." He led her over to their table, sitting her down. "Do we know what the message is yet?" he asked his wife.

She nodded. "Draco has a little sister. The Ministry in Barbados just contacted ours about her. Lucius made her one of the true heirs. She's about a year and a half." She looked at her sister. "It seems he killed the mother before he came back for the final battle, leaving three other children without her."

Ron sniffled. "We'll do whatever we can," she said firmly. Neville handed over a tissue and she gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you." She went to talk to her husbands, smiling when Draco instantly pulled her into his arms. "Can we bring them here?"

"The older three are in school right now," Harry told her, giving her a smile. "We just talked with the oldest and she said they want to stay down there."

"Then can we at least go visit?" Ron asked.

"We're bringing my sister up here," Draco soothed. "We'll see them during the summer holiday. They'll be coming up then." She smiled at him and calmed down. "How are you feeling?"

"Just fine. Mum said it was a false pain. They think I'm going to go over New Years." Draco gave her a squeeze. "What about Harry? You know there are those intolerant gits around here who are making fun of him; what will those kids say about his son?"

"Not a bloody thing," Draco calmly promised. "We'll be working it out so if they want to they can come up, and if not we'll provide them with a house and all that down there until they're all out of school plus one year to get themselves set up however they want." Ron nodded, smiling at him for the extra generosity.

"They don't like their little sister," Harry continued. "They think she's the reason her mother died." He shrugged at her upset look. "They know it's not really, but still, it's an emotional reaction. Your dad caught it. He's gone to get her and bring her back here. We'll clean her up and bring her into the dance to meet Blaize and tell everyone who she is immediately. The faster she gets on with your mum, the better," Harry said firmly.

Ron lunged over and hugged him. "You are so wonderful," she whispered in his ear. "I love you, Harry."

"I love you too, Ron." He gave her a squeeze. "Come on, I want to dance with you. The babies miss kicking each other." He led her off, smiling at Draco. "Join us whenever you can."

"Fine," Draco agreed, smiling at their backs. He sat down to think about it. His father had created an heir so he could get rid of him. How very trite and impolite of him. If he was still living, he'd have to kill him again. Arthur came back a few minutes later with a little cloaked being and he stood up, smiling down at her. "Good evening, Melantha. How are you this evening?" he greeted, trying to start off right.

Arthur removed her hood. "She doesn't seem to talk much," he explained.

He looked her over. Her skin had that bronze glow that most people got with a great tan, but hers was natural from both parents. Her mother must have been stunning with the bone structure her face had. She was going to be stunning when she grew up. He'd have to make sure she was protected from all the men. Her platinum hair was only to her shoulders, but it was a bit curly. Her pert little nose was almost exactly like his and her mouth was shiny like she had been licking her lips. "With what happened I wouldn't either," Draco assured her. She gave him a hesitant smile and held up her arms. He picked her up to hold, making her feel safe. He would not let this child live in the sterile, cold house he had. Harry and Ron would kill him if he did that to her. "Are you dressed or should we fix something for you?"

"I think we should probably put her to bed, Draco. It's mid-afternoon where she was."

Draco frowned at him. "She'll have to be acknowledged and Blaize is in there dancing with someone." He set her down and looked at her dress, changing it to a white silk robe. She giggled and clapped so he quickly charmed her hair into a braid and took her hand, leading her off. "Come with us, Arthur. I'm going to do this subtly." He walked her into the room, smiling at his spouses. They smiled and waved so he brought her over. "Melantha, this is Ron," he said, pointing at her, "and Harry," he said, pointing at him. "I'm married to them." She hugged each of their bellies, smiling at them. Then she looked up at him and gave him a shy smile. "Come, let's dance. There are many people around here who would love to meet you." He took her out onto the floor, smiling as he danced with her. Pretty soon everyone was looking their way and smiling. "You must always be aware of what impression you make," he instructed gently, picking her up. He looked around and noticed the music was stopping. He smiled at them. "We just found out my father had another child in Barbados." He tickled her lightly. "Melantha, welcome to your new home as one of the many Malfoy heirs." The guests clapped politely and he led her over to where Molly and Arthur were sitting with the rest of the family and now Ron and Harry. "This is your family. The redheads are all Ron's relatives. You may call Molly and Arthur grandmother and grandfather if you wish," he instructed. She wiggled so he let her down, watching as she walked over to Ginny and hugged her stomach, then the twin's tummies. "I think she has a gift," he said dryly.

Molly smiled and picked the girl up to look at her. "You are very pretty, Melantha. How old are you?" She held up two fingers.

"She's twenty-months," Arthur said gently, smiling at her. He tickled her a bit, making her laugh. "You are adorable. I'm sure you're going to charm many boys all around the world."

"So am I," Harry agreed, smiling at her. "Would you like to come pat the baby, Mellie? He's been a bit upset since you hugged him. He seems to like you." She scooted over into his lap, patting his tummy for him. "Thank you, dear." He smiled at Draco. "Where did Blaize go? He hasn't come over yet."

"He's fairly soused," Oliver told him, pointing at him where he rested against the drink table. "I doubt we need him right now."

"Stupid idiot just got dumped," Draco said bitterly, glaring at Blaize. He got a wave and a smile in return. He looked back and saw Harry's look at him. "Sorry, but he picks some of the most outrageous idiots to date," he reminded him. "You were about the only good one I think." He kissed Harry's cheek. "We can take care of her ourselves for tonight."

"Okay," Harry agreed, smiling at him. She seemed to jump so he looked down at her. "What's wrong?"

"You boy," she said, blinking a few times.

He nodded, smiling at her. "Yes I am, that's very good," he praised. "We'll help you figure all that stuff out later, Mellie, I promise."

She beamed and settled against his chest. His lap was bigger for now. She could play with the other babies she could feel soon. She slowly fell asleep, still patting her new brother.

Harry beamed at Draco. "I think I'm going to stay here."

"I'll take her up with me," Ron whispered. "I'm about for a nap myself." They looked at her and she winked. "You know how much Dawn likes to nap." She took the new one gently and carried her upstairs to their room. She could sleep with them tonight so she wouldn't wake up alone in a strange place. She got into an actual set of pajamas and climbed in with the little girl, cuddling her close. "Good night, Mel." She giggled in her sleep.

***

New Years came and went, and then Ron's due date, and then the start of February. Even the midwife was starting to get concerned. They talked about inducing but that would mean a trip to the hospital and Draco refused because it wasn't allowed for a Malfoy heir to be born outside the family home. The healer taking care of Harry was consulted and he decided the baby was fine, but they could use a home inducement potion if necessary. It was an ancient potion but it had worked for centuries. Draco worked to make one, more to wear out his frustration than out of duty. He could have hired someone to make sure it was perfect but he needed something to do or he was going to fuss his spouses into oblivion; Ron had said so. Harry just got embarrassed and went to play with Mel instead of complaining.

It was now nearly Valentine's Day and Ron was tired of this pregnancy. They would be starting the potion at midnight if she didn't start on her own. He heard a shriek and dropped everything onto the table, heading up to check on them. Ron was panting and grabbing the bed posts. "Really?" he asked happily. Ron glared at him so he took a few steps out of range of her fingernails. Molly had warned him what labor was like for a woman. "Let me get the midwife and Molly," he said calmly. "You get into the bed and I'll be right back." He rushed off, going to make some calls. Arthur was notified at work since he wasn't sure where Molly was. She had taken Hermione and the twins shopping for baby stuff. "It's started," he said excitedly, then he hung up and called the midwife. "She's screaming and panting, that's the sign, right?" The midwife gave him a patient nod. "Then get here!" He cut off that and called Remus for good measure. "It's started." He ran back up the stairs, going to help his wife through this.

By the time everyone else got there, Ron was swearing and cursing at him while trying to hit him with a pillow. Molly got her calmed down and undressed enough. Draco was sent to get some boiled water. Harry came in and he was sent to make sure the baby's first bath was ready. The midwife came and Molly let her handle everything else. The pregnant women in the family all came back in, including Harry, to do what they could and to figure out what it was going to be like for them. Oliver tried to help too but he was shooed out by Fred, who told him he didn't want to drive the poor man insane with worry. Draco pushed his way back in to help Ron once he was calm again, stroking her hair and feeding her ice chips whenever she said she wanted some more.

This went on into the night and the next day. All the way to Valentine's Day. When Ron finally screamed that she was going to push, the whole house woke up and tried to get a peek of the new baby. Mel managed to sneak in, being small enough to walk between legs, and popped up to pat the baby through Ron's tummy, telling her it would be okay. Of course, she was talking to the baby because she kept saying it would like the outside world, but Ron didn't care. At precisely two minutes after noon, Dawn Cassara was born screaming and kicking. Ron went limp and nothing was going to wake her for a bit. Draco got to cut the cord and Harry got to hold her, cuddling her close.

"Shh, it's all right," he soothed. He let Mel help him calm her down, and Mel seemed to do the trick. Dawn yawned at Mel, making her giggle. "You're very good with babies," he told her. "Which is good because Hermione's about to pop and I'll have Chase soon." She smiled at him and kissed him on the cheek, then went to check on Hermione. "Molly, go with her," Harry called. Molly looked at him, frowning slightly. "Mel's given up helping the baby to go wander and check on someone else, probably Hermione."

Molly hurried, finding Hermione in the middle of a labor pain. "Oh, dear." She ran back to get the midwife, and Draco to handle Vincent, then they started the process over again with her.

Harry looked at his daughter. "I am so glad your baby brother is getting cut out," he confided. Oliver, who was in the doorway, laughed and shook his head. "What? That's got to hurt!"

"It probably does," he agreed, smiling at him. "How's Ron?"

Harry looked over at her, then shrugged. "Napping. It's been a long three days."

Oliver nodded. "Too true," he agreed. He closed the door so they could have some privacy.

Harry locked it and then snuggled in beside Ron. "Your daughter is adorable," he whispered. Ron patted him on the head. "We're both going to cuddle her."

"Shh," Ron complained. The baby tried to latch on, that got her attention. She looked down at the round, red face. "Hungry?" Her mother had told her how to do this so she bared one breast and let her daughter latch on, helping her find a comfortable spot. She grinned at Harry. "You're just going to have to share."

"That's fine," he agreed, kissing her. "All I want to do is hold you. You're wonderful," he sniffled.

"No crying," Ron warned. Harry nodded, but he continued. "Bloody mood swings," she said, but she was grinning. "Just think, you get yours cut out."

"And I'm so glad!" he said, wailing now as he hugged her. "I love you, Ron."

"I know you do, Harry. Shh, it's all right," she promised, petting him until he calmed down and fell into a short nap. She looked at her daughter. "Don't worry, you'll get used to your other father's mood swings. He's a lot like his mother from what we've heard." They curled up around Harry until Draco kicked the door in. "Forget your wand?" Ron teased.

Draco nodded. "It's in the study." He closed the door as best he could then curled up behind Ron's back, holding her gently. "What happened to Harry?"

"Mood swing. He'll wake up soon." She got comfortable once her daughter was done, and they all snuggled in together for a bit.

***

Draco watched Harry as he paced. He was a month early. It was only late June. Harry had been hoping the baby would hold out so they had the same birthday. Unfortunately he was showing definite signs of going soon. He caught Harry on his next pass and forced him into his lap for a cuddle as long as he could. Harry struggled free and started to pace again. "Calm down, it's fine," he soothed. "Everything is set up."

"Draco, something's not right," Harry told him. He stopped to look at him. "I haven't felt the baby today and something's wrong."

"Then I'll call the healer and we'll get you checked over again," Draco agreed quickly. Harry had another bout of this earlier in the month and the healer had said the baby's heartbeat was a little low. He called the healer, getting told he was in with a patient. The nurse took the message to be passed on. He got Harry settled in the room they were going to use for the birth, it was sterile and the best they could do for the birth.

The healer strolled in a half-hour later. "Sorry, I was up to my elbows in another delivery," he said with a smile. "Another bout of not feeling the baby?" he asked as he pulled his wand.

Harry nodded. "Plus I can't get comfortable and I'm pacing. I feel really odd."

"That could be the false labor. I looked at your mother's records and she didn't have very much but she did report being agitated." He checked Harry over, nodding as the results came back to him. He looked at Draco. "I think we're going to do this now," he said quietly. "Go call for a set of paramedics." Draco stood there, still. "Draco!" he snapped. He hurried off and the healer looked at Harry. "The baby's heartrate is a little lower than I like so I'm going to take Chase now, Harry. Then we'll be putting him in the hospital for a few days of observation." Harry bit his lip and nodded. "Good. Now out you go," he said, knocking him out before his patient could protest. He didn't want to have to deal with a panicking parent if something was really wrong with the baby. He was cutting open the skin with a separation charm when Draco and Ron both rushed in. "Stand back," he ordered. "The baby's coming." Ron went to get a blanket to hold the baby in. Draco stood there, staring as Harry's stomach opened. He was used to it. He severed the uterus Harry wasn't going to be needing, it was going to have to come out anyway, and pulled it out. He laid it on top of Harry's chest to open it, finding the baby easily. There hadn't been a lot of fluid in there with him. He handed him off to Ron. "Rub," he instructed. "Get him breathing." Ron nodded, working with Draco for now. "Did you get the paramedics?"

"They're on their way," Ron assured him. She glanced at Harry. "Did you knock him out?"

"Yes, it's fine. Let me remove the rest of this like we had planned." He quickly severed everything else and put it into a holding bag, then closed him back up. "There." He turned to help with the baby, finding a paramedic already helping. "Where's the other?"

"Getting the portkey ready."

"I have one to the hospital," Draco told him, popping off to get the stone from the other house. He came back and handed it over. "It should go directly to the emergency department. I made it when he had those blood pressure spikes."

"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy," the paramedic said, tucking it into his pocket. He floated Harry up, followed by the healer. "We'll take them now, you call anyone you need to and meet us there." He hurried Harry and the baby off.

Ron looked at Draco. "I'll get my mother and father, you get Remus." They rushed off to separate floos, Ron taking Mel and Dawn with him to his father's office. "Dad," he said as he appeared. He smiled at the person in his father's office. "We just took Harry's baby out and it's having problems. They're both at the hospital."

"That's fine, Ron, I'll be right there," he promised. "Go tell Percy and get him to help you over there." Ron nodded, heading down to Percy's office. Arthur smiled at his employee. "As you can see, nothing stops family emergencies, that's why I'm not upset about yours. Go have lunch and I'll see you after I check on Harry."

"Harry Potter?" the man asked weakly.

Arthur smiled. "Yes. That was Ron just now. You know Harry's married to her and Draco?" His employee nodded. "Go ahead and have lunch. I've still got to find my wife." His employee hurried off, letting him make the important calls. He tried the shop first, Molly was hovering over Fred recently. "Oh, good, George."

"I'm Fred, Dad. George is in bed thanks to Mum. What's going on? Did you want to have lunch?"

"No, I want you to meet me at the hospital with your mother. They took Chase out early and he and his father are in the hospital."

"Harry?" he asked, going pale.

"Ron didn't say anything." Fred nodded, going to get her mother and sister, and close up the shop. Arthur hurried to the hospital, smiling at the medi-witches he passed. "Potter-Malfoy?" he asked one behind a desk. She pointed and he hurried that way, realizing Ron was screaming at someone the closer he got. "Ron!" he said sharply, making her stop. "What's going on?"

"They won't let us see Harry because we can't prove we're married," she said bitterly, glaring at the nurse in her way.

Arthur pulled out his official Identification. "Harry is my son-in-law, as you very well know. This is his wife Ron and their children. The husband is Draco Malfoy. Now get out of our way." She refused to move.

Oliver walked in and moved her, making her scream. "Shut up!" he ordered. "Harry's got enough blood pressure problems without being deprived of the things that keep him calm!" He walked in, helping by taking the strange little Mel to hold. She got away from him and went to cuddle the twins. He looked at his wives, both of whom were wincing. "Beds, now!" he ordered. The nurse looked at him. "George is due in about a week and Fred's due in two months, they're twins," he told her.

"Twins often go on the same day," she admitted, leading them, and Mel who wouldn't let go, away to check on them. Oliver stomped after them, sending word that George was indeed in labor and Fred was having sympathetic labor pains and cussing Fred and their mother for making them twins.

Harry woke up to find Ron and Draco with him in the room. "No family?" he asked.

"George decided to steal Chase's thunder by going today," she soothed, smiling at him. She stole a kiss. "How do you feel?"

"Woozy."

"I'll get another medi-witch," Draco promised, going to do that and check on his son. The nurse came quickly and no one knew anything about his son yet. He went back and watched as Harry was fussed over until he saw the pleading look. "Suck it up," he said with a fond smile. "You're only getting fussed over today, Harry."

"I know," Harry sighed, holding up his arms. "Can I at least have a cuddle?"

"Not with your medicine," the nurse said firmly, glaring at Draco. "He's just had major surgery."

"I know that, I'm his husband." He laid down beside Harry, being careful of the tube that had been put into his arm earlier. "How's that?" he asked gently.

"Perfect," Harry admitted. He looked at Ron. "I want cuddles from you too, but the bed's too small."

"When they move you upstairs, Dawn and I will cuddle you," Ron promised. The nurse looked at him. "Ron Malfoy," he said, shaking her hand. "His wife."

"You're male," she said, stating the obvious.

"I'm a changeling," he corrected. Her face lit up. "Yeah, so I'm the wife."

"Oh. All right, I'll make a note on his chart." She hurried out, going to make sure the other people on the floor knew to leave them alone. *Everyone* in Britain knew how overprotective Harry Potter was of his wife. He had nearly hurt someone a few months back while she had been pregnant because they had said something mean to her. The nurse from earlier glared at her but she ignored it, she was a cranky bitch anyway.

***

Draco finally got to see his son, walking into the nursery like he owned it when they wouldn't tell him anything. "I'm here to see my son, Chase Malfoy," he said bluntly. "Brought in earlier with his other father?" The nurses looked at him. "Now," he prompted. They hurried to check the records and his son was brought to him. They even let him hold the tiny thing. He smiled at his son. "Good evening, Chase," he said gently, touching the tiny hand. "You're a bit chilly." Someone handed him a blanket. "Thank you." He wrapped him up. "Why isn't he fussing?"

"He was sleeping and was just fed," the nurse hovering near him told him. "We were trying to figure out who to notify."

Draco looked at her. "His other father is Harry Potter, my consort, and our wife Ron is in his room right now." Her eyes lit up, apparently she recognized at least one of the names. "Is he all right? His heartrate was a bit low earlier."

"He's just fine, Mr. Malfoy. He's a good, but quiet baby. Not a bit of a problem." She looked over as another infant started to cry.

He waved a hand. "I've got a five month old, we'll be fine." She rushed off, leaving him with his son. "Shh," he said at the opening eyes. "It's all right. You can see your mother soon," he promised, stroking the squished face. He removed the baby bonnet, smiling at the silver hair and the black streak down the center. "Well, you're definitely the best of both of us." He put the bonnet back on and stroked down the bare arm. "Why are you naked?" he whispered.

"Because we weren't sure what to mark him," the nurse said as she came back. "There's a small problem that wasn't mentioned." Draco looked at her, frowning. "How was he conceived?"

"Harry took a temporary changeling potion before the battle, he conceived during it."

Her face lit up. "That would explain why it looks like he's got both." Draco's mouth opened. "Do you know anything about that potion?"

"Not a lot, but I have all the research at home." He stood up and walked his son over to a changing table to look for himself. He burst out in giggles. "Your mother is going to love you even more," he promised, putting the diaper back on. He looked at the nurse. "We knew from the beginning that he was supposed to be male. Consider him that." She nodded, smiling at him. "We'll see if it a temporary thing. If not, then legally we'll have it changed or we'll deal with it however."

"Technically he's only a changeling if he changes," Ron said from the doorway. "What's up? It sounds like he's one."

"No, he's got both," Draco told him.

Ron's eyes went wide. "The potion did what?"

"It could have been all the energy Harry had to put out," Draco pointed out gently. "Come see." Ron walked over to look down at their son. "You're right though, he's not officially a changeling unless he changes. If he doesn't I suppose we could decide it's a boy."

"There is a test among the muggles to tell that," a nurse put in. "They usually use it to change them one way or another."

"You're not doing that to her," Ron said firmly. She smiled and he shrugged. "Sorry, I'm a new mother myself." She kissed Draco on the cheek. "The twin's came out one from each at a time. Coyote is female and so is Loki. Coyote is George's." She grinned. "The boys are still to be named. Oliver's getting demanding about them. They'll be up soon." She stroked down Chase's arm. "Your daddy is going to love you even more than the dog will," she promised, cutting the nurses up. They were still fussing over him when the two sets of twins were brought in with Oliver behind them. "Come see," Ron called. He walked over, clapping them both on the back. "Chase Faolan, this is your Uncle Oliver," she introduced.

Oliver picked him up, looking at him. "You're a tiny bit," he greeted, smiling at him. Chase blinked at him. "Quiet, huh?" He handed him off to Draco, smiling at them. "One of each from each of them," he said happily. "Bill and Charlie are having fits about which one gets named after them. They both want George's since hers has red hair." He walked them over to look at his darlings. "Sweetlings, these are your Aunt Ron and Uncle Draco. Their tot is Chase, you'll be seeing a lot of him." The babies started to cry and he bent down to tickle them. "None'a that now. Or else I'll not let Grandma come fuss." He smiled at them. "How's Harry?"

"Enforced nap," they said in unison, grinning at him.

"Ah, getting the little one all to yourselves then, huh?" Chase wet himself. "Want me to get that? I have no idea how to do it."

"If you want," Draco agreed, he didn't like changing diapers and what better way to show off their surprise. The nurse came over to help Oliver while they watched the twins, looking down at them. "George and Fred junior?" he suggested. Oliver groaned. "No?"

"I refused that set of names," Oliver told them. "Fred's'll be named after my father and grandfather, George's after my mother and her mother if I have my way. What is that?" he asked. "Draco?"

"We think it was the energy from the fight and the potion together," Draco said with a shrug. "As long as he's not changing, he's probably going to stay a boy."

"Well," he said, then he shrugged, too happy to care at the moment. "That's kinda cool over all." He finished and carefully pinned on the diaper, handing the baby boy back. "There are you, one new heir. I noticed he had Harry's hair."

"It's probably a cowlick as well," Ron agreed with a grin. He looked at the nurse. "We're going to check on our husband. Can we take him?"

"We'll bring him down tonight in case your husband wants to breastfeed," the nurse helping them said as she took Chase back. She smiled as they walked out, and turned to look at Oliver. "Which one are you married to?"

"Ron's just older siblings, the twins who run the joke shop," he said happily. "Oops, we'll have to change the sign on the door since they won't be coming in anytime soon." He grinned and shrugged. "I'll talk Percy into it." He bent down to touch his kids again, very happy even if they were going to drive him to distraction.

***

Percy was ganged up on as soon as he appeared. He looked at all the eager faces. "Fred and George won't be in today," he told them. The crowd groaned. "They've had their children and they're recovering." The whole crowd slumped and whined in near unison. He smiled and shook his head. "I'll pass on your well wishes." He changed the sign to show what was going on and that it was a boy and girl from each. Some of the older kids clapped and hooted, happy with the news. "They're physically fine and so are the children. The experience has even given them a lot of new ideas. They said they'd have the new line out in a month." He watched as the children wandered off chatting to each other, shaking his head. "Those two and their fans," he said fondly. He saw a few adults, including one stunning woman walking toward him. They stopped to look at the sign. "They had their children late yesterday," he explained. "One of each for both of them." The women smiled at him. "They said they'd be back in about a week and they had a whole new line planned out because of what they went through."

"Are you a relative?" the stunning woman asked.

Percy straightened himself up. "I'm Percy, their next oldest sibling. Did you want me to pass on a personal message?"

She smiled. "No, I was wondering if you knew how little Chase was. It was in the paper that he was born as well."

"His birth started both twins off into labor," Percy admitted. "Chase is wonderful, a very quiet baby. He and Dawn like to sleep together already and their older aunt Melantha is very gentle with them." She smiled, making his insides go gooey. "Draco's making an announcement and accepting visitors tomorrow afternoon at the mansion if you wanted to pop around. I dare say half the world will be. Harry might be hiding but he'll have the baby there."

"That's fine." She held out a small business card. "I'm the one assigned to cover your whole family now," she told him. His face fell and she giggled. "I still think you're adorable, Percy. You don't remember me?" He shook his head. "I was the Prefect three years ahead of you."

"The last time I saw you, you were wearing glasses and had a ...." He trailed off, not wanting to say anything more.

She laughed. "I had buck teeth, acne so bad it covered my face, and I was fatter," she agreed. "I grew up, just like you did. Off the record, would you like to get a cup of coffee? The Prophet agreed to assign just one of us to your whole family, that way we wouldn't react to so many rumors. There's hope that we'll get close enough to be told things first," she said as she took his arm and walked him away.

"That does seem reasonable," he agreed, smiling at her. She really was stunning.

***

Draco looked up as the door opened and Percy led a woman in. "You're bringing in the reporters here?" he asked patiently. "Ms. Rebecca Horowitz I do believe?"

She smiled. "Actually, Mr. Malfoy, I'm the only reporter you'll be seeing. The Daily Prophet decided that just one of us should cover your whole family." Harry looked at her. "That way you don't have to hide from me and you don't have to worry about the idiot who got caught in your shrubbery."

"My mother's roses?" Draco breathed.

She gave him a gentle touch to the arm. "The ones out in front. He was in the spiny-leafed cactus."

Harry snickered. "Served him right."

She nodded. "It did. That's why my editor agreed that only one of us should cover your whole family, thinking that we'd get juicier details that way. Of course, I'll accept any official announcements you want to make and I can take any official photos you want as well." Ron looked impressed. "And with your permission, I'd like to date Percy but not use it to bother you too often. I figure I liked him when he was a snot-nosed kid and he's better now." Ron giggled, holding Harry tightly. "I can be as close or as far from the family as you want, Mr. Malfoy. I know how protective you can be."

He nodded. "Thank you for being honest. It is a good idea," he admitted. He looked at Harry, who nodded. He smiled at her again. "You can keep all the leaches off our back?"

"I can keep all the Daily Prophet's leeches off you, but the freelance ones I can't promise about. If you accept me, I can put it around that all things newsworthy come through my office."

Harry looked at her. "What about the Creevys? They were our friends in school."

"Dennis just got assigned to the Arabic desk, which is a rather large promotion. His brother is doing the party circuit right now to take pictures of all the beautiful people having fun and whoring about." Draco snorted, shaking his head. "If you don't want me, I can and will step down," she said firmly.

"No, I seem to have a tolerance for you," Harry admitted. "Dennis and his brother were the only reporters that I haven't gotten a case of hives from dealing with. You may be joining that rank." He looked at Draco, who nodded, then at Ron, who also nodded. "Okay, you've got it. Just don't make us keep stuff from Percy."

"That's fine," she said with a wave of her hand. "I might report on the little achievements, but in an off-hand manner if at all. Things like noting your son sat up on his own or walked for the first time."

"I can accept that," Harry agreed. "It won't really be an invasion of privacy. I'd like to see him fade into obscurity."

"Not for a very long time," she pointed out. "It's too close to that final battle for that to happen, but I can make this as unobtrusive as possible."

"Then I'd appreciate that," Harry agreed. He looked at Draco. "Can we do an official picture?"

"If you want," he agreed lightly. "I was going to wait until tomorrow, when you could be seen as being on the couch resting instead of in a hospital bed."

Ron cleared her throat. "Should we warn her now, Draco, just in case?"

"She could help it from slipping out," Draco agreed. Harry frowned at him. "If she knows then she can not tell and not let it get out of hand."

"Fine," Harry sighed. "I just want him to be a normal little guy though."

"That's fine," she said quickly. "What's wrong with him? Is he ill? An effect of the battle?"

"We think so," Ron admitted. "He's not a changeling, but he has both sets of organs." Her eyes went wide.

"I want him to be known as a boy," Harry said firmly. "The tests said he was. The changeling test came up negative."

"That's fine," she agreed, nodding. "I can see how that's something you want to keep out of the press for as long as possible. I won't be printing that. I don't personally care one way or the other what sort of sex he'll have." She smiled at Harry. "Thank you for this test of trust." He nodded. "I'll see you tomorrow. Today there will be an announcement that we'll be running the first official pictures tomorrow. Can we get Dawn and Mel in the same shot?"

"If they cooperate," Ron told her. "Dawn hates cameras so far. She's even pissed on one."

The reporter laughed. "I understand. You guys must see all too many of them." She nodded at them. "I'm going to kidnap Percy and take him to dinner so I can legitimately kiss him later. I'll see you tomorrow around four?" They all nodded. "Thank you." She tugged on Percy's arm, bringing him with her. She smiled at him. "See, I'm very nice and likeable. You didn't have to worry," she said as the door shut behind them.

Ron grinned at Draco. "Why didn't you suggest that earlier?"

"I hadn't thought they would have let it happen that way," Draco admitted. Chase woke up and complained about being covered so he took him from under Harry's blankets, kissing him on the nose. "Good morning, Chase."

***

Rebecca came the next morning with a single camera and a notepad, smiling at Mel when she met her. "Hello, dear. I'm Rebecca." Mel looked up at her, her wide silver eyes taking her in. "You are adorable." She tweaked her ear, causing the girl to blush and run away.

"This way," Vincent said as he walked down the stairs. "They're changing clothes for the visitation." He led her into the room Draco had decided on using, letting her get set up however she wanted, but watching her in case she did anything odd.

"You're still his bodyguard?"

Vincent nodded. "Yup. Draco set me free of my father's obligation but I still work for him. We're best friends."

"That's wonderful." She smiled at him. "How is your daughter?"

"Ariel is fine. The next one will be Miranda since we couldn't decide," he admitted with a grin. "You're very nice for a reporter."

"I try to be, that's why I was allowed to take this job. Because people like me and I'm not pushy." She smiled as Ron came in with Mel and Dawn. "Sit," she encouraged. "I met that one at the door," she said, smiling at Mel. She shyly hid her face against Ron's arm. "She is adorable."

"Thanks. Draco thinks her eyes are going to turn a bit more blue eventually." He grinned at Vincent. "Hermione's throwing a fit, big guy. Is she up again?"

Vincent nodded. "I think so." He grinned. "At least the kids'll be close, Ron."

"Good point. We're waiting on having any more. I want to be able to sleep for a few months before Draco even thinks about it."

Vincent laughed. "Considering Narcissa said you'd have twins next time, I'm not surprised." He remembered Rebecca and blushed. "Sorry."

"It's all right," she promised. "I never report on what might be. Only on what is. Speculation gets you fired." She shared a conspiratory grin with Ron. "How are the twin's twins?"

"Hell," Ron said simply. "They take turns getting up, one an hour."

She laughed. "I'm sure they named them correctly then." She smiled as Harry and Draco walked in with Chase. "Good afternoon," she greeted. "How's the setup look to you?"

"If it works for you," Harry said with a shrug and a yawn. "Sorry."

"That's okay. All new mothers do that from what my sister tells me. She's got four now." She smiled as they arranged themselves, taking a few pictures, managing to get one without Harry yawning. "There, that's out of the way. Do you have any special things you wanted in the birth announcement?"

"Just that he's a healthy, if small and quiet, baby," Ron told her, stroking down Dawn's hair. She wailed, which made Chase jump, but he didn't cry. "See?" She soothed her daughter and eventually she calmed herself. "There we are. If you're good, I'll put you on a cushion with your brother and aunt." Mel perked up at that, reaching for the baby to hold her. "In a moment, Mel." Mel pouted so Ron let her have the baby to hold. "You're very good at that," she praised.

Rebecca took another picture. "I bet she charms your mother all the time, Ron."

"All the time," Ron agreed. "Mel's like her shadow most days. She wants to help her cook and change diapers." She stroked Mel's hair flatter. "She's a very good girl and we adore her just as much as we do the babies."

Hermione walked in and handed over her daughter. "Here, I can't make her stop," she said, looking at this new person. "I thought the visitation was in an hour."

"This is Rebecca Horowitz," Harry told her, waving a hand. "The whole family has one reporter to deal with us."

Hermione shook her hand. "As long as you're decent to them, you don't have to worry about me," she told her. Rebecca smiled and nodded. "Good. Draco?" she asked, turning to look at him. "I need help deciding which program I want to go into. Do I want medicine or law?"

"In law you get to threaten people," Vincent pointed out dryly. "If you go into medicine to be a healer, you'll just end up taking care of kids."

She nodded. "Good point." She kissed him gently. "It'll mean a lot of long hours."

"We have half the books here in the third library," Draco assured her. "Apply, I'll see that it hits the right desk." She looked at him. "I won't force them to take you, just make sure it hits the right desk." She smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you."

Harry looked at her. "Are you stuffed up again? You've got that same happy and goofy thing going."

She glared at him. "That was tactless," she pointed out.

"Yay," Ron told her. "It's true. You do have that bouncy happiness you had the last time."

Hermione sighed. "Fine, I am. We messed up the contraception charm. Are you happy now?"

"Definitely," Draco agreed. "We'll be renovating a few rooms next to the nursery to give it more room." She gasped and he gave her his most patient look. "We'll need it."

"Good point," she agreed, smiling again. "I'm going to look through the law books." Vincent resisted her taking their daughter so she went off with the dog, who followed all the kids as much as possible.

Ron looked around Harry at Draco. "I want earplugs if she is. She threw some awesome fits last time at you."

Vincent chuckled. "You and me both, Ron." He snuggled his daughter. "We're going to show her your mother's garden." He walked out, leaving them alone.

Draco shook his head. "We're going to be buried under children," he pointed out.

"Harry and I are waiting at least two years," Ron promised.

"Good," Harry said, smiling at her. "I didn't like how tired you were last time."

"Yes, dear," she said, kissing him gently. Chase let out a low wail so she pulled back. "I can kiss him, get used to it."

"I think he's hungry," Harry offered, smiling at her.

"Here, let me," Ron said, switching kids to breastfeed. "Sorry," he said when he saw the reporter looking. "Harry never started to lactate. He seems to like me enough though."

"I never get tired of watching that sight," Draco sighed with pleasure. "We need a good photo of that for my desk."

"Later," Ron agreed. "When you can put me into your favorite outfit."

Draco nodded. "Of course. We'll have to stage it just right for it to be the best." He snuggled Harry closer since he couldn't have Ron at that moment. "I am satisfied."

Harry reached up to touch the side of Draco's head. "You're getting a bare spot," he told him.

"I do not have a bare spot," Draco said firmly, moving the fingers out of his hair. "It's a thin spot." Ron looked at him. "My father got a few hairs once but my mother kicked his ass for it."

"Good," Ron said happily. "You don't have a thin spot that I can see," she said, content to let him have his illusions. "I'm taking your gel away."

"Ron!" he complained. Harry straddled his lap, kissing him hard. "I want to run my fingers through your hair like I do Ron's when I grab her," he whispered against the soft lips. "No more gel." Draco relented for that reason alone.

THE END.