Harry opened his eyes at the sound of a child's cry, his heart racing as he pushed himself up as quickly as his body allowed, considering he was in the thirty-second week of pregnancy. He walked to Teddy's room, opening the door to find those brown eyes locked on him, blue hair shifting to match his own.
"What is it, my little man?" he asked, scooping the baby up into his arms, feeling Teddy's legs wrap tightly around him. "What happened?" he asked in a softer voice, swaying gently until the sobs quieted. "Did you have a nightmare?" he offered, pulling the boy's face back from his shoulder to see his flushed cheeks streaked with tears. Teddy nodded. "It's alright, Teddy. Harry has nightmares too," he admitted.
"You do?" came the tiny voice, and Harry smiled faintly.
"I do," he confirmed, brushing strands of dark brown shot through with blue from the boy's eyes. "But that's all they are, just nightmares," he assured him. Teddy, a year and nearly four months old, nodded again and let his head rest against Harry's shoulder. "What does my boy want for breakfast?" Harry asked, and Teddy seemed to think for a moment.
"Pancake?" he asked hopefully, and Harry smiled.
"Pancake it is," he agreed, watching the boy's grin spread wide.
Harry carried him downstairs carefully, one hand steadying his belly, until they reached the kitchen. He set Teddy on his little chair, pressing a kiss to the strands of hair now fully blue again, then moved to the fridge and pantry to gather what he needed.
"What does my little man want on his pancake?" he asked, glancing at Teddy, who made a very serious face.
"Chocolate!" the boy shouted, excited, and Harry chuckled.
"Oh, chocolate, is it?" he teased, and Teddy nodded eagerly. "Hmm, I was thinking banana," he murmured, and Teddy's smile instantly dropped, his little head shaking furiously in protest. "Chocolate then?" Harry asked again, and Teddy's grin returned, bright and victorious. "Then my Teddy will have chocolate," he said, and the boy squealed in delight.
He began to cook, flicking his wand to turn on the radio, soft music filling the kitchen. His hand absently caressed his belly, smiling when Teddy's hair darkened to a shade of brown as rich as chocolate. Soon there was a small stack of pancakes, and Harry cut one into tiny pieces, setting it in front of Teddy so he could eat with his hands.
Harry was just serving himself when a flash of green light came from the living room. His heart jumped, wand tightening in his grip as he instantly moved closer to Teddy before he could even think, forcing himself to breathe, surely it was only the Floo. He stepped toward the living room and found Draco brushing soot from his clothes.
"Oh, you're already up," Draco said when he spotted him, moving closer to cup Harry's face, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead and letting his hand slide over the swell of his belly. "Teddy?" he asked, and Harry nodded.
"He had a nightmare," Harry said simply, turning back toward the kitchen.
"Hey, kid," Draco said, and Harry smiled as the chocolate-brown hair shifted into platinum blonde.
He served a pancake for Draco, watching him press a kiss to Teddy's hair, earning a soft giggle from the child. Harry sat down, eating slowly, sighing, his stomach bothering him, while the blond settled beside him, reaching for the plate and tasting the pancake.
"Thanks, Sweetheart," he murmured, placing his hand on Harry's thigh and caressing it. "What's with that face?" he asked, concerned.
"The skin on my stomach is way too sensitive," Harry admitted, rubbing the area.
"We can leave this for another day," Draco suggested, but Harry shook his head.
"Last week we didn't do it because we were both too lazy, the day before yesterday we didn't because I was busy helping Andromeda bring Teddy and some of his things, plus I wanted to spend time with him. Yesterday it was because my feet and back were killing me. If we keep this up, James will be born before we ever get it sorted," he said, and Draco studied him before nodding.
"Alright, but if you feel too uncomfortable, we'll just send everyone away," Draco said, and Harry agreed with a sigh, closing his eyes when another kiss landed on his forehead, enjoying the contact.
He tilted his face up, looking at Draco before pulling him by the nape and kissing his lips. It was nothing more than a brush of mouths, but even that seemed to ease a great deal of Harry's discomfort.
"Hazz." Harry pulled back from Draco and looked at his godson, whose hair had shifted back to chocolate-brown.
"Want some more?" Harry asked, and Teddy nodded.
Before Harry could get up, Draco did, cutting the pancake into small pieces and handing them to Teddy to eat with his hands, just as Harry had done earlier.
Harry finished his meal, got up to wash the dishes the Muggle way, and was startled when Draco cleaned everything with a flick of his wand. He smiled at him, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
"I'm going to get changed, bring him up when he's done?" Harry asked, and Draco nodded.
Harry went upstairs, slipping into a pair of gray sweatpants he had been gifted, rubbed one of Molly's recommended oils onto his stomach, massaging the skin a little, then pulled on a white short-sleeved shirt and a matching gray zip-up hoodie, leaving it open. He managed to put on his socks, but didn't bother with shoes, his skin was far too sensitive for that.
Hearing footsteps on the stairs, he stepped out of the room and saw Draco carrying Teddy, the baby trailing a finger along the Sectumsempra scar on Draco's neck, his hair once again blonde, and the Slytherin didn't seem to mind.
"Hey, can you put my trainers on?" Harry asked, pointing to the pair tossed on the floor.
"Of course, Sweetheart," Draco replied, setting Teddy down and conjuring floating lights in shades of blue, pink, and lilac. They caught the baby's attention instantly, he sat on the floor, reaching up with chubby hands, his hair turning lilac as he tried to grab them.
Harry sat on the bed while Draco knelt in front of him, taking the trainers and carefully slipping them onto his feet, pressing a lingering kiss to Harry's stomach that made the Gryffindor smile.
"Shall we get you changed too, Teddy?" Draco asked, and the baby looked up at him, his hair now bright pink.
Draco picked him up, and Harry couldn't help but wonder how he would manage to take care of Teddy if the blond weren't there. He walked to his godson's room and pushed the door open. The stars on the wall weren't glowing, since the room was still bright, and they only came alive when it got dark, Teddy didn't like the dark.
Harry went straight to his wardrobe and opened it, glancing back as Draco set Teddy down on the changing table. He raised a brow, thinking that Draco Lucius Malfoy had probably never changed a nappy in his life, and even if he used magic for it, it would be something to see.
"Can you change his diaper?" he asked, and Draco nodded.
Draco did it with ease, just a few flicks of his wand, so Harry lost interest quickly and turned back to Teddy's clothes. He picked a pastel yellow onesie and a plain white short-sleeved shirt, along with a little white cardigan in case it got chilly.
Teddy was easy when it came to getting dressed, so it didn't take long, and soon the baby was standing by his crib for support, looking at the two adults with those adorable brown eyes. Teddy was a delight.
"How about some cake later, Teddy?" Harry asked as he scooped his godson into his arms, earning a hug.
"Chocolate?" Teddy asked, and Harry smiled.
"Yes, chocolate works," he agreed, watching the boy beam.
"What time did you set with the Weasleys?" Draco asked, wrapping his arms around them from behind and ruffling Teddy's blue hair.
"Twelve-thirty," Harry answered, turning to the taller man to press a quick kiss to his lips. "What about your parents?"
"One o'clock," Draco replied, and Harry nodded.
"Good, that gives Molly time to set the table. She insisted on making lunch, not that I tried to stop her, I love her cooking," he said with a grin, and Draco smiled too, leaving a kiss on his forehead.
"I'll try to keep my father in check. My mother knows how to be polite," Draco promised, and Harry brushed his hand along the blond's cheek.
"Remember to keep yourself in check too, Darling," Harry said, and Draco smirked.
"Say that again," he murmured, and Harry gave a small smile, feeling his cheeks warm.
"Darling," he repeated, and Draco kissed his lips once more.
"Dahlin," Teddy tried to mimic, and Harry chuckled, kissing his chubby cheek.
"Can we watch something in that magic box?" Draco asked, and Harry smiled.
"The television?" he asked, and Draco nodded eagerly. "Sure," Harry agreed with a nod.
"Shall we, Teddy?" Draco asked, stretching out his arms, and the baby leaned toward him, his hair turning blond to match, and Harry couldn't help but smile.
They went downstairs and settled onto the sofa. Harry picked a film he thought Draco might like, and the Slytherin conjured the glowing orbs again, immediately capturing Teddy's full attention. The boy laughed, trying to grab them as they danced away or vanished.
They had nearly reached the end of the film when the green flames of the Floo roared to life. Harry stiffened instantly, one hand flying protectively to his stomach, his wand in the other, and he moved toward Teddy, all in less than a second, before he managed a deep breath, reminding himself it was only the Floo.
"Harry, dear," Molly said, setting a dish down on the table before coming closer, and Harry stood up to hug her. "How's little James doing?" she asked, stroking his belly.
"Good," he laughed, his face being caressed.
"Teddy, my love," she moved away to go to the baby, who turned ginger.
"Hi, Harry," Arthur greeted, giving him a hug. "Mr. Malfoy," he added as he stepped back, and Harry noticed Arthur extend his hand, unlike Molly, who ignored him.
"Mr. Weasley," Draco replied, shaking Arthur's hand.
"All set for James's arrival?" Arthur asked, clearly trying to make conversation.
"My mother organized his room in my flat, and I can see you did a wonderful job here," Draco praised politely.
"We only followed Harry's directions," Arthur said, patting him kindly on the shoulder.
"Did you say flat?" Molly asked, coming back near them with Teddy in her arms.
"Oh, yes, I don't intend to let James set foot in the Manor," Draco replied simply, and Molly nodded, seeming to study him.
The green light flared again, and once more Harry instinctively shielded his stomach with his arms, only to see Ron and Hermione step out, each carrying a dish and setting them on the table. Harry didn't need to ask to know Molly had made plenty of food.
"Hey, mate," Ron greeted, giving him a quick hug. "And hey, ferret-face," he said to Draco, and Harry saw Draco's jaw tighten.
"Don't start, Ronald," Hermione warned, hugging him.
"Teddy," Ron said, and the boy looked at him, as if judging, before reaching his little arms out and leaving Molly's embrace.
"Will Lucius and Narcissa be coming?" Hermione asked, turning to Draco.
"Yes," he sighed, and Harry noticed how worried he looked.
"I'll set the table," Molly said, grabbing her wand.
"Don't worry about cleaning, Kreacher's here," Harry told her, and she nodded.
"Are you nervous?" Hermione asked, and Draco exhaled.
"I'm wary my father might make unpleasant remarks," he admitted, and Hermione nodded in understanding.
"How did he react to the pregnancy?" Ron asked while bouncing Teddy gently.
"I don't know, my mother was the one who told him," Draco shrugged. "We only spoke weeks later," he explained, glancing at his watch, then at the table Arthur and Molly were arranging. "Do you think Kreacher would fetch one of the wines from the Black cellar?" he muttered half to himself.
"If you ask and say it's for your mother, he'll bring the best one," Harry answered with a shrug.
He didn't get the chance to ask, because the very next second the wards triggered, signaling an unauthorized Floo entry. Harry had to approve the arrival, and through his peripheral vision he saw Draco speaking with Kreacher.
The first person Harry saw was Narcissa, scanning the room as if assessing the house, no doubt noting all the changes to the place. Then Lucius entered, making the same deliberate inspection as his wife.
"Father, Mother," Draco greeted, and Narcissa smiled, small, but genuine, opening her arms, and Draco embraced her.
"Weasleys," Lucius said.
"Malfoy," Arthur replied, the two of them locking eyes in silence.
"Quite the work you've done here, Potter," Narcissa remarked, still glancing around.
"Yes, I made it feel more like mine. I believe Sirius would've liked it," Harry commented, meeting her gaze, and she nodded slowly. "Kreacher left some things in the attic, feel free to take a look after lunch," he offered, a gesture of peace, and he studied her grey-blue eyes, so close to Draco's.
"Thank you, Mr. Potter," she said, inclining her head.
"Oh, you've arrived," Molly said, approaching.
"Mrs. Weasley," Narcissa greeted politely.
"Hazz, Hazz!" a little voice called, and Harry turned to see Teddy running toward him, his hair once again bright blue, Ron laughing behind him. "Choc'late caee," Teddy chirped excitedly, arms outstretched.
"Chocolate cake only after lunch, little man," Harry told him, scooping him up. He saw Teddy's brown eyes widen at the sight of the unfamiliar faces, and the boy clung to him more tightly. "It's all right, Teddy," Harry soothed, rocking him gently.
"And who might this be?" Narcissa asked, her voice much softer now.
"My godson," Harry answered, and the blonde seemed to remember, Andromeda's grandson, her great-nephew.
"You are adorable," she praised, and Teddy's blue hair turned blond, the same shade as hers.
"That means he wants you to hold him," Draco explained, and Narcissa glanced at her son and then back at Harry.
"It's all right," Harry agreed, giving her permission with a nod. She opened her arms, and Teddy easily went to her.
"Goodness, I'd forgotten how heavy children are," she said, smiling at the boy, who studied her intently, perhaps noticing a resemblance to his grandmother. "What a sweetheart you are," she cooed, her voice even gentler now, and Harry caught the tender look Lucius gave her.
That look, coming from Lucius, made Harry uncomfortable, and he turned away, walking to the dining table where lunch was set. Before he could pull out his chair, Draco did it for him, and Harry smiled as he accepted, settling down as Draco adjusted the seat. Everyone else began to gather around, the atmosphere heavy with discomfort, Draco sat on one side, Ron on the other. Teddy was placed next to Molly, who promised to help him eat.
Kreacher appeared, pouring wine for everyone except Harry and Teddy, who were both served pumpkin juice instead. Draco began helping himself to food, filling his plate with a bit of everything. The smell of Molly's cooking was all Harry could focus on, until Draco reached over, swapped Harry's empty plate with his own full one, and Harry smiled at the thoughtful gesture.
The start of lunch was filled only with the clink of cutlery, heavy and awkward. At times Harry rubbed his belly, at others he touched Draco's thigh under the table, seeking to calm his nerves.
"So, Mr. Potter," Lucius finally spoke, and Harry almost wished for silence to return. "Have you decided whether you'll have James here or at St. Mungo's?" His tone was oddly peaceful.
"I don't know yet, I was thinking of St. Mungo's," Harry admitted, unsure, it seemed obvious he'd have the baby at the hospital.
"If I may, Mr. Potter, I believe here would be more comfortable. We can bring the Healers to you, and you would still have all the comfort and magic of your home," Narcissa suggested.
"I had Bill and Charlie at St. Mungo's, but there wasn't time to get there with Percy, and I found it so much more comfortable to have him at home, dear," Molly said, supporting Narcissa, it was strange.
"Do you really think so?" Harry asked, uncertain, stroking his belly.
"I think we could go after some of your parents' belongings to place in the room you choose for James, so you can feel their magic," Narcissa suggested, sounding sincere.
"And Draco needs to be there in that moment," Molly added, and Narcissa nodded in agreement.
"Your magic will settle better here, and it will be a delicate moment for him. Besides, you'll be much more comfortable here than in a ward at St. Mungo's," Arthur said.
"I don't even need to mention that the best Healers will be here, along with your current Healer," Lucius added, and Harry bit his lower lip, thoughtful.
"I do have some of my father's things, just two, but still," he confessed, glancing at Ron and Hermione, knowing they understood about the Marauder's Map and the Invisibility Cloak. "But I don't have anything of my mum's," he swallowed hard.
"Do you think the Muggles didn't keep anything of hers?" Draco asked. "Your aunt, maybe?"
"If she kept something, we'll take it from her if we have to," Hermione said firmly.
"Then I think I'll have him here," Harry said at last, looking at his belly and caressing it, imagining what it would be like to finally hold James in his arms.
"We can go there, try to find something of your mum's. You can stay here with Teddy," Ron offered, and Harry quickly nodded, he didn't feel capable of stepping into that house in his current state.
"Everything will be fine, sweetheart. Even if you were alone, which you won't be, it would still be fine," Draco reassured him, brushing his hair gently. "I'll be by your side the entire time," he promised. "And Weasley and Granger will be there too," he added, and Harry gave a small smile.
"Does Teddy live here?" Narcissa asked, and Harry turned to her.
"I don't know if it would be ideal to have him here. His magical signature doesn't match yours or the baby's, and all the movement might stress him," she explained.
"He lived with Andromeda while I was at Hogwarts. The plan is for us to share him, so I can ask her to come and pick him up," Harry said, ignoring how Narcissa stiffened at her sister's name.
"Even if we didn't have Andromeda, little Teddy knows The Burrow well. He could spend some time with George," Molly said, brushing Teddy's now-red hair after it shifted from blue.
"In any case, only the people you allow will enter this house, and nothing will happen without your permission," Draco assured, caressing Harry's thigh.
Lucius remained silent throughout, though Harry could see his clenched jaw, holding back from saying something unpleasant, probably thanks to Draco. Motivated by that, Harry leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to the blond's cheek.
It wasn't so bad after all.