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Harry didn’t know what made Dumbledore bring it up, but whatever he thought he was doing he was so far off the mark it wasn’t funny. Harry just stared at him, his fists clenched and his nails digging into his palm. The man had left him to fend for himself for the past nearly 15 years, and now, all of a sudden, he’s making plans for Harry for the rest of his life. Seriously? How did he even get Sirius to agree to a marriage contract without talking to him about it first.
“You will be married by Yule, Harry.” Dumbledore said firmly, seeing his resistance. Harry took a deep breath and forced his voice to remain even.
“Fine.” He bit out, and left the office, determined to get to the train with the other students. He paced in his compartment until Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, and Luna showed up. “We have a problem.”
“We just got done with a problem.” Ginny groaned.
“Yeah, well, you’ll love this one.” Harry said, handing over the contract to Hermione who’s eyes grew wider and wider as she read on.
“That bastard!” She exclaimed, shoving it into Ron’s hands.
“No fucking way.” Ron muttered, handing it to Ginny, who had her eyes narrowed at them.
“Well then.” Ginny said, smirking and looking up at Harry. “Looks like the five of us have a wedding to plan for you, Haz.”
“Why aren’t you upset?” Hermione practically shrieked, and Ginny rolled her eyes.
“See this here?” She pointed at a place in the contract.
“Oh my god!” Hermione laughed, realizing what she was pointing out. Harry finally lost the tension in his shoulders, glad that they seemed to figure something out while he was too strung up to think or focus.
“I get to tell them.” Ron demanded.
“No way,” Neville argued, stealing the contract to look it over, “no, you can’t do that without at least inviting me along.”
“Deal.” Ron shrugged.
“We can have it at my house on your birthday, Harry.” Luna offered.
“A week after my birthday.” Harry countered.
“Even better.” Luna sighed, looking as though she were already imagining setting a wedding up for her friends.
Harry sat down finally, and just listened as his friends planned everything out, laughing at how the old man could have missed such an obvious loophole to whatever stupid plan he was trying to enact. Thankfully, Sirius had read through it and had changed enough things that all that was Harry’s wasn’t suddenly in Dumbledore’s control once it was fulfilled.
He didn’t bother unpacking when he was back in his room on Privet Drive. There was no point when he wasn’t going to be staying there for more than a few weeks. Molly had sent a few letters letting him know how excited she was for him, and that she could finally get him out of his relatives’ house. She made it sound as if she were finally able to adopt him, not that he was being forced to marry into the family. He’d laughed pretty hard about that. Bill and Charlie were pissed at first, but once Ginny explained things to them, they went overboard helping set it all up.
A few days before Harry was meant to be going to the Burrow, Dumbledore showed up at the Dursleys. Harry was very confused, but not more so than his Aunt and Uncle who looked ready to spit fire by the time Dumbledore was done pointing out all their failings with raising Harry. Harry kept his face blank as the old man looked at the cupboard pointedly. So he had known what they did to Harry, he just didn’t care.
“Harry!” Ginny exclaimed, upon seeing him later that night at the Burrow with all of his things. “What are you doing here? I thought we were coming to get you in a few days?”
“Ah, well, the Headmaster showed up and took me along with him to hire a new teacher, apparently.” Harry shrugged. “We’ll talk about it later.”
“Alright.” Ginny nodded, dragging Harry upstairs to where Ron and Hermione were chatting and working on their summer homework.
Everything went perfectly, and Harry was surprised to find that he was actually really happy with how it had all turned out. He couldn’t wait until Yule for Dumbledore to figure out how much he’d messed up with the wording he chose for the contract.
The school year was not as pleasant as he had hoped it might be, though. Naturally, Dumbledore had alternative plans for Harry and was using private lessons with him as an excuse to show him memories in a Pensieve. He wrote to Fred, George, Molly, Arthur, and Remus constantly, telling them everything he was finding out. They were all suitably pissed that Dumbledore was attempting to put the outcome of the war on Harry alone. Tonks had had to respond for Remus because his nails had grown into claws and he couldn’t stop growling for hours after he’d gotten his letter. She mentioned bringing all of this to the DMLE and Harry told them to have fun with it.
When the holidays finally came, Harry was certain that Draco Malfoy was marked, though not by his choice, and Snape was being forced to keep an eye on him and help him somehow. Something about an Unbreakable vow, which was just a weird concept that Harry had fallen down a rabbit hole researching once he’d heard about it. Hermione had joined him, finding it interesting, though not entirely believing that Draco Malfoy, of all people, was a Death Eater. She finally conceded that he could be, as punishment for his father’s mess up at the Ministry.
“Good evening, Albus.” Molly said, sounding confused, as she let the Headmaster into the Burrow on Christmas eve while everyone was sitting around the fire playing exploding snap.
“Good evening, Molly. I hope you are all well.”
“Oh, yes, quite well.” She nodded, frowning at his back as he walked into the sitting room and took a chair.
“I apologize for the intrusion, but I thought my presence would be appreciated, as Harry’s magical guardian, for his wedding to your daughter.”
“I’m sorry, what?” Molly asked, looking angry suddenly. “Why would Harry be marrying Ginny? She’s only just turned 15 and he’s barely 16!”
“My dear, you and your husband both signed the contract that Harry would be marrying your daughter.”
“We did no such thing!” Arthur exclaimed indignantly.
Harry grinned when Ginny passed out a few snacks to all the 18 and under so they could enjoy the show better. Bill even sent everyone a butterbeer silently, winking at Harry as he and Charlie attempted to scowl at the Headmaster.
“We discussed it last Yule with Sirius.” Dumbledore said slowly, as if the Weasley parents were small children. Harry snickered quietly behind his hand at how the old man couldn’t seem to understand the anger coming off of the pair.
“We discussed bringing Harry into our family, yes.” Molly said tightly. “Sirius agreed that it would be good for him to have a family to come to should anything happen to him before he could get a trial. Which you NEVER set up! We agreed to adopt him! He’s already considered one of the family.”
“Sirius would not have agreed that Harry should be forced into a marriage he didn’t want.” Arthur said sternly. “He knew that James and Lily had wanted more children than just Harry, especially considering that they were already pregnant again when they were killed.”
“Wait, I was gonna have a little brother or sister?” Harry said suddenly, feeling bereft at the loss he never knew about.
“A little sister, yes.” Molly said gently to him. “We’d only just found out we were having Ginny and we were so excited that they would be the same age, just like you and Ron.”
“Severus was going to be the godfather and Minerva was going to be the godmother. You had Sirius and Alice Longbottom for your godparents.” Arthur added, patting Harry’s shoulder as he sat on the sofa behind him. “Everyone was very excited about it. Especially James. He hadn’t expected they’d have that many more children, but he hoped.”
“Oh, do you remember when he turned into that ridiculous deer in the middle of the kitchen when he was telling us over tea?” Molly chuckled.
“It was amazing.” Remus agreed, laughing lightly. “Sirius had trouble too, and kept turning into Padfoot.”
“Be that as it may,” Dumbledore interjected, drawing attention back to himself, “Harry must get married tomorrow or risk losing his magic.”
“Done.” Harry shrugged, grinning when Dumbledore looked at him with a proud look and opened his mouth to speak again, before Ginny cut him off.
“It was really a beautiful ceremony.” She said, smiling brightly.
“Says you.” Ron complained. “You didn’t have to be the bloody flower girl.”
“Awe, you did great though.” Hermione teased, poking him in his side affectionately.
“Of course I did.” Ron grumbled. “Doesn’t mean I had to enjoy the title.”
“I don’t think I understand.” Dumbledore said, frowning between the group of friends.
“Oh, I got married when you dropped me off here before school started, sir. Over at the Lovegoods. Luna was quite insistent that we do it there, and it was really quite nice.” Harry said, holding up his hand to show off the wedding band that he had been hiding since summer.
“The first of my babies to get married.” Molly said, sniffling.
“I already told you, mother,” Bill sighed, “Fleur and I are planning to get married next summer. We’re even having it here.”
“We know, son.” Arthur chuckled. “I think your mother was just overwhelmed by how happy everyone was. Be prepared for her to burst into tears constantly at your wedding like she did Harry’s.”
“She wasn’t near as bad as Fred.” Charlie teased, earning a frown from said twin.
“Excuse you, I was allowed to be emotional, thank you very much.” Fred sniffed.
“Well that’s … wonderful news, then.” Dumbledore said, cutting into the family discussion once more. “I expect we’ll have news within the year of an heir to be produced?”
“No.” Harry snorted. “No, because you have too many things that you are wanting me to do and I can’t be pregnant while dealing with all of that.”
“I was meaning your wife, Harry.” Dumbledore said gently.
“Don’t have a wife.” Harry shrugged, popping a piece of popcorn in his mouth.
“But you said you married over the summer.”
“Yes, I did.” Harry agreed.
“So your wife would be the one to carry your child.”
“No, that would imply I have a wife. See, being a Parselmouth, and one of the last ones, apparently there was a lot I didn’t know about the ability; moreso the magic associated with it. Like the fact that if the last member of a family line is a male, they would be the one to bear the child. Hermione helped me look it all up.”
“It’s true.” She agreed. “It took some digging because none of the books in Hogwarts or Flourish and Blotts had anything about it. I was glad that Sirius left me those books from his family library or I’d have gone mad for sure.”
“It was good information.” Ron nodded. “It’s part of why Sirius never wanted kids. He didn’t want to be pregnant, apparently, since he was the last heir of the Black family. Said as much in one of his letters to us. So the Black line of the ability just moved to Harry, same as the Potter line. He’s doubly doomed. If dad hadn’t given him the book about contraceptive spells, he’d definitely be pregnant by now. And I really don’t want to deal with a moody Harry on a good day, let alone a hormonal, pregnant one.”
“Rude.” Harry complained, flicking a piece of popcorn at him.
“It’s true and you know it.” Ginny added. “Besides, we need you on the quidditch team, Captain.”
“The contract said you were to marry Ginny, Harry. I’m highly disappointed in you for marrying someone else. You’re risking losing your magic, my boy.” Dumbledore said disappointedly.
“No the fuck he isn’t.” George practically growled, and Harry gave him a look that had him calming down. “Sorry.”
“It’s fine. But you don’t have anything to worry about.” Harry said, giving him a smile before looking back at the Headmaster and summoning the marriage contract with a wave of his hand and hovering it in front of him. “If you’ll notice, sir, the contract does maintain that I must marry a Weasley before Yule or risk losing my magic, but I think our fun at your cluelessness is done. Otherwise you’ll get hexed to hell and back by my family for your continued ignorance. Paying special attention to who the contract refers to, sir, you’ll see the name specified is G. Weasley. So I married a G. Weasley. You just didn’t consider that it would be George, not Ginny.”
“Thank god for that.” Ginny huffed, laughing when Harry scowled at her.
“Ass.” Harry muttered, grinning when she made a rude gesture with her hand.
Everyone sat patiently, watching the Headmaster go through a multitude of emotions as he read and re-read the contract. George had moved and sat behind Harry and held him against his chest possessively, causing the others to snicker at him. Harry only rolled his eyes. There was a loud popping sound as Dumbledore apparently attempted to destroy the contract.
“You dare …” Remus growled, standing in the corner and glaring at the old man.
“You set this up, sir.” Harry said, glaring at the man. “You set this up without my consent, without so much as talking to me about any of it. You hadn’t even talked to Ginny about it. Luckily for me, I have amazing friends who know how to work around such absurd restrictions as you were trying to put on me to steal, not just my money and heirlooms, but my power associated with the seats I have in the government. The Goblins were quite willing to fill me in on a lot of things that you purposefully kept hidden from me over the years when we went to get it certified and get our rings. For instance, did you know that Goblin magic is different from wixen? I figured it was, but not the extent. Imagine my surprise when they ran a health scan over me before the wedding and discovered a soul-shard in my scar. Thankfully, they got it removed and were able to use it to trace back the other pieces and destroy them as well.”
“Not to mention our own surprise at hearing that you have Harry in private lessons where you are showing him the life of Tom Riddle through memories that you collected over the years.” Arthur said in a low voice. He was leaning back, looking relaxed, but his eyes were hard with anger. “And imagine our concern for him when he told us that you had known the so-called prophecy all along and that that was what you were having us guard at the Ministry.”
“A prophecy that was fulfilled the night that bastard killed James and Lily before trying to kill Harry.” Molly added, glaring at the Headmaster so hard, part of his sleeve caught fire and he had to break eye contact with her to put it out.
“It was not fulfilled.” Dumbledore argued, getting to his feet and drawing his wand. Harry didn’t even think, just disarmed him and caught it easily, earning him a kiss on his head from George.
“The prophecy said I would vanquish him, not kill him. And I did. Said he would mark me as his equal,” Harry fingered his scar, “done. You, sir, were raising me to murder him, if not to lead me to my own death. And my family does not appreciate your meddling.”
“He’s not gone.” Dumbledore said through gritted teeth.
“Mm. Not yet. We should be hearing from Draco in … what? Half an hour?” Harry asked, looking at Luna who had just arrived.
“Before midnight.” She agreed, sitting beside Ginny while her father stood by Charlie and Bill after shaking everyone’s hands or waving hello.
“Brilliant.” Hermione stated, grinning wickedly at the old man she once had so much respect for.
“He is a Death Eater, you cannot trust him.” Dumbledore argued.
“Like Professor Snape?” Harry asked, raising an eyebrow. “I’ll admit, it took us a majority of this school term to convince them we weren’t trying to use them, that we just wanted to help get rid of two dark lords at the same time.”
“Two?” Dumbledore finally looked confused.
“You can’t honestly think that what you are doing is right?” Xenophilius said with a raised eyebrow.
“I have always done what was necessary to protect the greater good.” Thankfully, Bill was pretty fast after his own encounter with a werewolf, so he was able to stop Remus from jumping across the room and murdering the Headmaster when he uttered those ridiculous words.
“I believe you’ve worn out your welcome, Albus.” Arthur said, getting to his feet. “Please, feel free to never come back if you are going to continue to press your own agenda on our children. Completely disregarding the actual adults who are trained to handle these things.”
“You are not welcome in our home.” Molly said angrily, and the house started rattling as Dumbledore was more or less picked up and tossed outside by the magic in Molly’s words.
“Did you see his face?” Ron said before everyone was laughing, even Remus who was able to calm down once the house expelled the man.
“Summer will be quite eventful.” Luna said, with a grin directed at Harry who groaned.
“Already?” He complained and put his snack down.
“Already what?” George asked in confusion.
“It better not affect me playing quidditch.” Harry grumbled, leaning heavily against his husband who was still rather confused. He frowned at Hermione who whispered a spell and started squealing, drawing Molly’s attention, who joined in.
“Will someone tell me what the hell is going on?” George said after shooting off some fireworks.
“Can’t you tell, brother?” Fred teased, snickering into his hand.
“Knew we should have stayed here when we got off the train. But no, had to let you convince me to stay in Diagon with you for the past few weeks.” Harry mumbled.
“Nah, this is perfect. Summer is a great time to have a kid.” Ron shrugged.
“Congratulations, cub.” Remus said, ruffling Harry’s hair.
“Oh god.” George whispered, going rather pale.
“Yeah, thanks for that.” Harry complained. He yelped when George poked his side before turning him around and kissing him hard.
“You’re pregnant.” George whispered.
“Apparently.” Harry sighed.
“You’re really pregnant.” George repeated.
“Good thing we’re both already well off.” Harry hummed, giving him another kiss. “Otherwise you’d have a shit time finding a nanny to help you while I finish school next year to get my NEWTs.”
“You’ll have a later start, Harry.” Ginny said, still smiling. “You won’t be due until August, so you won’t be able to come to school until about a month or two after you’ve had them. Maybe three.”
“November.” Luna agreed.
“Christ, I’m gonna have to play catch up.” Harry groaned, dropping his head on George’s shoulder.
“Nonsense.” Remus said, starting to bounce on his feet a little in his excitement. “We’ll get you a couple of tutors that will help you stay on the same path as your schoolmates so you will be right with them when you finally get there.”
“My first grandchild!” Molly screamed, startling them. “Oh my goodness, my babies are going to be parents!”
“Have we missed something?” Snape asked as he entered the room looking thoroughly confused about the celebrating women who were crying and shrieking uncomprehendingly still.
“Potter’s pregnant.” Draco said, rolling his eyes. “Keep up, old man.”
“I am NOT old.” Snape snarled, but Draco only snorted and sat beside Luna.
“All good?” Harry asked a little anxiously.
“All good.” Draco confirmed. “Didn’t even take much, in the end. Mother gave him a little something extra in his tea and he just keeled over. The idiots who had sworn their allegiance to him specifically dropped dead with him, which was just bizarre to see. Mother and Father are at the house in France and sent an anonymous owl to the Ministry to alert them of someone using the Manor in a malicious way.”
“They were quite surprised to find so many dead Death Eaters along with the Dark Lord.” Snape agreed, sitting down in the chair Dumbledore had vacated.
“I’ll organize the baby shower at school, obviously.” Draco sniffed.
“And we’ll try and reign mum in for the one she’ll have here.” Charlie added.
“Rather you than me.” Draco said with wide eyes as Molly was practically running through the entire house still screaming. “Uncle Sev, can you please do something already?”
“She’ll go all night if you don’t.” Ron agreed, rubbing his ears.
“Very well.” Snape sighed, before getting up and handing Molly a calming draught before sitting back down and looking at Harry who was sitting back down with George still firmly plastered to his back and holding his hands over Harry’s stomach. “As soon as you notice the nausea, come see me and we’ll start you on the potion regiment that all magical pregnancies require.”
“How long before that happens, do you think?” Harry asked curiously.
“Everyone is different.” Snape shrugged. “Some never feel nauseous, but others feel it nearly immediately and constantly. Since you’re probably at least around two weeks, which isn’t far along, you’ll probably feel it before heading back to school.”
“Wonderful.” Harry groaned.
“He won’t be going anywhere alone.” George said, looking sternly at his younger brother and sister.
“Obviously not.” Ron scoffed. “The whole DA is gonna be guarding him once they find out.”
“Millie and Pansy are going to constantly be bringing him snacks, so that should help.” Draco added.
“I’m obviously going to be the godmother.” Hermione said, sitting down and taking Ron’s hand in her lap and linking their fingers, making him blush.
“Obviously.” Harry snorted, before he could stop himself.
“How do you think Remus would feel about being the godfather?” George whispered, still rubbing his stomach.
“He’ll be in tears worse than your mother.” Harry replied just as quietly.
“Perfect.” George said, smirking against Harry’s cheek before looking at Remus. “Hey, Moony?”
“Yes?” Remus asked, looking a little startled at the use of his Marauder moniker.
“You’ll be the godfather, yeah?” George asked, keeping his tone casual. Sure enough, Remus’ eyes welled up and tears started streaking down his face as he nodded before pulling them both up from the floor and hugging them tightly. The sudden movement made Harry’s stomach swoop and he had to run to the bathroom or he’d be sick all over the sitting room.
He gave Snape a grateful nod when he came out and was handed a potion that he drank without complaint. George started fussing over him instantly; feeling his head and checking his pulse. Harry just sighed, knowing that there wasn’t going to be any stopping this until everything was done and the kid was here. He really thought they had done everything they needed to do to keep this from happening while he was still in school.
When it was time to go back to school, George was barely willing to let him get on the train again until Fred intervened and gave Harry a light shove while holding his brother back. Harry was extremely grateful for the potions that Snape had given him before the train ride, because it was hell on his already upset stomach. His friends insisted that he lay down across the bench and Luna carded her hands through his hair while his head rested in her lap. Neville had his feet in his, grinning like an idiot the whole time. Crabbe and Goyle tried to join them, but Pansy and Millie shoved them out of the way and told them to watch the corridor while they, and Draco, took the opposite seat from Harry, Luna, and Neville. Ginny was off with Dean and Seamus somewhere, so there was room for all of them.
Madam Pomfrey cleared him to play quidditch until May, if he wanted to. But if they made it to the finals, he would need to find a sub because she wasn’t certain he’d be comfortable enough to be able to fly, let alone how much his balance would be affected. Ginny wasn’t thrilled to be the alternate Seeker, she preferred being a Chaser, but she agreed to do it if it became absolutely necessary.
He had no idea he was going to be so tired all the time. He was constantly falling asleep in the library when they studied or even in the middle of class. His friends had glared at anyone who dared to wake him, though. Even McGonagall. Which was why he wasn’t surprised to be in her office before the Easter holiday.
“Potter, what is going on? I know a lot must have happened over the Yule break, but honestly, why are you having such trouble staying awake?” McGonagall asked, handing him a biscuit.
“Because growing another person is exhausting.” Harry sighed, wincing when he shifted in his seat and something pressed on his bladder, even though he’d just used the bathroom before coming into the meeting.
“Well, yes, that’s why women are often taking breaks and resting throughout the day when they are expecting.” McGonagall said slowly.
“Professor, what do you know of Parsel magic or abilities?” Harry asked, eating another biscuit.
“Not much. It was never part of my Mastery programs, and any information on it disappeared from the library around 50 years ago.” She admitted.
“Well, suffice it to say, if the last of a line of a family of Parsel magic is a male, it doesn’t matter. The last heir will bear the children to ensure the ability and magic continue on.” Harry stated, taking a third biscuit.
“Potter, are you saying you’re pregnant?” She asked, looking equal parts shocked, excited, and confused. It was an interesting expression.
“It was a shock to me too, Professor.” Harry sighed, sitting back and rubbing his stomach which was only just barely starting to show any signs of anything.
“Oh this is wonderful!” She cheered, clapping excitedly. “When is the baby shower? And have you had any issues finding tutors to help you keep up for your studies next year? I presume you’ll be joining us a little later in the year.”
“Remus is looking for a few more tutors, but he’s going to do my History and DADA classes with me. Neville is working with Professor Sprout to find me an Herbology tutor, Professor Snape said that my mothers notes that are in the vault should be enough to keep me up and that he’d come by and check with me every other weekend for the actual brewing for Potions. Fred is doing my Charms with me. Wouldn’t mind you putting Remus in touch with someone about Transfiguration, though.”
“Excellent.” She nodded.
“To answer your other question, Draco is planning a shower here at school before we’re out for the year, and Molly is planning something for sometime before Bill and Fleur’s wedding.”
“I’ll have to pop by then and see if she needs any assistance.” McGonagall said, nodding as she thought. “Well, I won’t keep you then, but please know, should you need anything, anything at all, just come see me or Professor Snape. Or even Madam Pomfrey.”
“Have they decided on a new Headmaster or Headmistress yet?” Harry asked as he got to his feet.
“The Board of Governors decided to finish out the school year before assigning a new person over the summer so they can get a feel for the school and fix the wards and everything before they are bombarded with students.”
“Makes sense. I better go, or one of my self-appointed body guards will burst in here and demand that I be released for a nap or something else ridiculous.”
“It isn’t ridiculous, Potter. They are doing what they need to to ensure your health as well as that of your child. Now shoo. Take another biscuit and find your friends.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Harry chuckled, stepping out of the office and finding himself surrounded nearly instantly.
The weekend with George was everything that Harry needed. He was exhausted and had found that he slept better with George wrapped around him possessively. It was pretty funny to see how happy George was and how he was practically bouncing around the entire apartment that he and Fred shared. Fred had half-heartedly offered to get a new place to let them have their space, but they had both looked at him like he was crazy for even suggesting it.
He’d been dragged to Mungos for a check-up, which he supposed was probably needed, since he hadn’t actually seen a Healer yet about his condition. He wasn’t surprised that it was twins, if he were entirely honest with himself. They were slightly concerned about his current weight, though, and added another nutrient potion to the handful he was already taking from Severus. The man had been adamant that he address him as such outside of classes, which was bizarre. The man had really mellowed after Voldie was dealt with and he was free from that bond. The Goblins had even been able to find and break the curse that the idiot had put on the DADA position so that Severus could continue teaching more than just the one year. Plus the school was finally hiring different teachers to handle teaching the younger years instead of having one person designated to teach seven different years worth of classes.
Which was stupid that they hadn’t done it before, honestly.
The baby showers had all been great, and Harry and George were trying to figure out what they were going to do with half of the things they’d been gifted. The day of Bill and Fleur’s wedding was extremely busy, but Harry couldn’t do much to help. He’d been in a bit of pain all day, even though he wasn’t due for another few weeks. Luna came and sat with him, holding his hands and humming softly. Harry enjoyed one dance with George, but had to sit down afterwards. When he got up to get something to drink, he suddenly felt as if he’d messed himself, before a sudden pain shot through his body.
“Oh, shit.” Harry groaned, holding his stomach and looking at Luna.
“It’s alright.” She said gently. “Deep breaths.”
“Fuck.” He swore, startling several people nearby who looked at him with frowns before they realized what must be happening.
“It’s time.” Luna said, causing everyone to freeze, aside from Harry who was still trying to breathe.
“No, no it can’t be.” Harry shook his head, groaning again. “No, we have a few more weeks, still.”
“They’re ready, Haz.” Luna assured him. “It’s passing, but the next one will be worse.”
“Shit.” Harry cursed, taking a few shattered breaths. “I’m not ready for this.”
“Harry?” George said cautiously.
“George,” Harry gasped, reaching a hand out for his husband, “we gotta go. We gotta go now.”
“You can’t.” Luna said softly. “Go inside. He doesn’t have long now.” She directed to George who had gone rather pale.
“Mum!” George shouted, and Molly and Arthur were there in a heartbeat, helping get Harry inside.
“No, no, it’s too soon.” Harry groaned, holding George’s hand tightly.
“All mine came early, darling.” Molly said gently, patting a cool cloth on his head once they got him to a bed. “I thought we had a few more days, though.”
“The Healer is here.” Remus announced at the door to the room where Harry was lying.
“Ok, all of you out.” Madam Pomfrey demanded, ushering everyone aside from Molly and George out.
“Stay, please.” Harry pleaded, looking at Molly.
“I won’t leave until you’re done, dear.” She assured him, while Madam Pomfrey started setting up with an assistant.
“This is going to hurt, Mr. Potter, but you need to try and breathe through it as much as you can, alright?” Madam Pomfrey said gently, casting diagnostic and monitoring spells.
“I’ll try.” Harry gasped.
“Good. Do what you can to distract him.” She directed at George, who nodded fervently.
“Hey, remember how this all started?” George said softly, rubbing the knuckles of Harry’s hand.
“Remind me?” Harry asked, trying to focus on the sound of his voice instead of the pain wracking his body.
“A greedy old man thought he could trick the great Harry Potter into a marriage contract and take over all of his assets. He didn’t pay attention to minute details, such as specific wording or names.”
“G. Weasley.” Harry groaned, gritting his teeth.
“Yeah, G. Weasley. He didn’t expect you’d ever choose me, Haz.”
“Of course I chose you.” Harry said, taking a few more deep breaths once the pain paused for a bit.
“Do you know how incredibly happy you made me, darling?” George asked, kissing his knuckles. “I was sure, once we got the apartment and Fred and Angelina were always together, that I’d be the weird one who never got married or had kids or anything. Now look at us. We’re the first ones to do it all.”
“I’m not ready for this.” Harry shook his head. “George, I’m not ready, I’m not.”
“You aren’t alone, Haz. It’s me and you together, alright?”
“Together?” Harry asked, feeling his magic start to swirl up inside as the babies were ready.
“Together.” George promised.
Harry gasped and groaned as his magic filled the room, only settling when two little cries were heard. Madam Pomfrey handed him both babies, two pink blankets, one in each arm, as she continued to work on him, healing what she could to ensure he was going to recover just fine. He was so drained when it was over that it didn’t take much to convince Molly and George to take the babies out to meet everyone while he rested with Madam Pomfrey watching over him and Severus joining her to provide the necessary herbs, potions, and other healing medicines.
He woke up a few times, finding Hermione and Ron sitting with him once, before dozing off, and finding McGonagall and Severus chatting the next. When he was finally fully awake, and less muddled by the pain potions, George was beside him feeding one of the girls, while the other was in the cradle that Molly had gotten out. Harry hummed as he just watched his husband for a little while.
“How are they?” Harry asked, sitting up carefully, feeling stiff and sore, but not bad.
“They’re perfect.” George said, leaning forward and kissing him firmly. “Everyone started arguments on names earlier, so we came in here where it was quiet so we could all rest together.”
“You didn’t tell them what we chose?”
“Nah, wanted to surprise them with you. Feeling up for a short walk to the sofa and maybe get something to eat? Mum made you some soup, so it isn’t anything heavy.”
“I can try, but you’ll have to bring the girls.” Harry agreed, setting his legs carefully out of the bed. George set his daughter down and helped Harry stand, waiting until he wasn’t wobbling so much and picked up both girls, leading Harry out to the living room. They only made it a few steps before Fred and Ron were helping Harry walk the rest of the way. Once he was sitting again, George handed one of their daughters over to him and put his arm around him. “Sorry if I ruined the reception.”
“Are you kidding?” Bill asked, placing a blanket over Harry’s lap. “It was probably the greatest end to a wedding I’ve ever seen. Not only did the reception end, which, it was winding down anyway, but you gave me and Fleur our first nieces as a wedding present.”
“Well, then, you’re welcome? I guess?” Harry chuckled, grinning when Bill ruffled his hair.
“You probably have about an hour that you’ll be allowed out here. After that mum’ll come and herd you to a bath before back to bed.” Ginny said, sitting on Harry’s other side. “Now out with it already.”
“Wait, let me get the other adults.” Bill said, running outside to holler at whoever was there. Harry smiled and waved at each person that came in; Pomfrey, McGonagall, Severus, Molly, Arthur, Mr. and Mrs. Delacour, Gabrielle, Charlie, Remus, Tonks, Shacklebolt, Flitwick, and even Hagrid was standing just at the doorway, smiling at him. Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Draco, Luna, Neville, Charlie, and Fred were already sitting on the floor or other chairs.
“How are you feeling, Harry?” Severus asked, running some diagnostic spells on him without waiting for an answer.
“Little sore and stiff, but overall alright, I think.” Harry replied. “Heard we needed to make things a bit official.”
“Finally.” McGonagall grumbled, winking at him.
“We’d like to officially introduce everyone to Lily and Lyra Potter-Weasley.” George said proudly, indicating who was holding who. Harry had Lyra while George had Lily. “Lyra is just a few seconds older than Lily, because they had a hold of each other.”
“Just like you and Fred.” Arthur said, wiping a tear from his eye as he hugged Molly.
“We got this for you.” Hermione said, sniffling and wiping her face with a tissue. “Happy birthday, Harry.”
“Thanks guys.” Harry said gratefully. Ginny helped him unwrap it and then Harry was fighting not to cry with everyone else. It was a copy of the Weasley family clock with Harry, George, Lily, and Lyra’s names on it.
“The pieces were spelled so as soon as you announced their names they would appear.” Draco said, rolling his eyes when Luna leaned her head on his shoulder.
“I know you said you don’t want me to move out,” Fred started, but held up his hands when both Harry and George were going to start talking, “but you’re going to need the space. Because business has been doing so well, I spoke with Gringotts and we bought out the shop next door so we can do the expansion we wanted. Angelina, Lee, and I went and moved our things over while you were busy and the others came and helped set up the nursery so it’s ready when you get home.”
“We have been wanting to expand.” George said slowly before looking over at Harry. “And they’ll still be right next door.”
“We had plans for your birthday, but since, well, the girls wanted to come early, we’ll just have to do it when you’ve recovered.” Ron said, hugging Hermione as she leaned against him.
“Sirius helped me pick this out after last Yule.” Remus said, handing him a small package. “It’s customary, in the magical community, to present a gold watch to a wizard or witch when they come of age. Since your parents and godparents can’t be here to do it, I hope it’s ok that I’m giving it to you.”
“Well, you are the girls’ godfather, so it works out.” George said, grinning when Remus looked ready to burst into tears.
“Speaking of godfathers,” Tonks said, stepping forward, “Remus and I got married.”
“What? When?” Harry demanded, waving his hand so confetti fell on their heads.
“Few months back.” Remus admitted sheepishly. “There was a lot going on, and we didn’t want to do anything big anyway.”
“As I was saying,” Tonks continued, taking Remus’ hand in hers, “we’re expecting now, too. And, well, Harry, we want you to be the godfather.”
“Me?” Harry asked, feeling a little breathless.
“Yes you.” Tonks said, rolling her eyes.
“Of course I’ll do it.” He agreed, sniffling a little. “Blimey, I’m already a mess of hormones, then you pull this shit.”
“You need to give your body time to heal, Potter.” Pomfrey said a little sternly. “I better not find out you’re pregnant again for at least two more years.”
“I’m sorry but equally not sorry about that.” George said sheepishly.
“You’ll be wanting more by then anyway.” Molly said certainly. “Bill and Charlie are about two years apart, same with Charlie and Percy and Percy and the twins.”
“What are Ron and I, then?” Ginny demanded, looking amused.
“Happy accidents?” Arthur offered, grinning when everyone started laughing.
“Two years, you two, before you even try again.” Pomfrey said sternly. “Not two years between having them, if it can be helped.”
“We’ll do our best.” Harry agreed, trying not to laugh when he heard the others start making bets under their breath.
“George, dear, hand me Lily so you can get your husband some soup.” Molly demanded, holding her arms out.
“I’ll take Lyra.” Draco offered, getting and taking the little girl carefully.
Harry accepted the soup that George brought him and just relaxed as his family surrounded him. He’d never have thought, not in a million years, that he’d be able to outwit Dumbledore and gain a whole family out of the blunder. He was a lot younger than even his parents were when they had him, but he wouldn’t have traded it for anything. He could still work toward a Defense Mastery while also being a stay at home dad. He’d gone so many years thinking he should be alone, that he felt incredibly blessed to have gained the loyal friends he had.
And all of it happened because one idiot old man didn’t think he needed to spell out a name.