It wasn't sunshine and daisies. It wasn't hearts filled with joy and happiness. It wasn't happily ever after. It wasn't the things that were composed in the fairytales, but that's quite all right.

It was night terrors and screaming. It was shaking hands and stuttered breaths. It was soothing tones and soaked bed sheets. It was real and it was love.

The ground was still scorched black where the illustrious Malfoy Manor previously stood. Draco Malfoy had allowed the Ministry for Magic to remove certain items of interest for their coffers. Narcissa was remiss to return, yet with the aid of Arthur Weasley, she managed to retrieve a handful of keepsakes.

When the outside world, with all its bright lights and deafening resonances, grew to the crescendo to end all crescendos as they weighed down on his shoulders, Draco would return to the grounds of Malfoy Manor. He would stand beneath the tree where he first opened his eyes and spied Hermione weeping. He would take an invigorating breath and centre himself so that he would be capable of returning to his growing family.

Ah yes, the growing Malfoys, and grow they did. They all did. The couples that had been forged in darkness had embraced the New World filled with light and promises. The Wizarding community, especially the Ministry of Magic, was thrilled with the influx of children and dutifully placed the ancient Procreation Proclamation back on its dusty shelves, to the great relief of Kingsley Shacklebolt.

Ronald and Poppy Weasley continued to reside in the Burrow and were soon filling the rooms with their children and raucous laughter. Their daughter Clover was quite a bossy child and in some respects reminded Ron of Hermione, not that he would have dared to express such thoughts to his wife. The twins, Ivy and Iris respectively, were exceeding incorrigible, yet that was due to the influence of their forever prankster uncles.

"Girls, you've got to stop running about the house! You know how much your mother hates it," Ron attempted to be firm in his discipline, complete with a furrowed brow, but his daughters cackled in mirth and continued their antics.

"I told them to stop, Da, but they never listen to me," Clover Weasley pursed her plump lips and pouted accordingly.

"Yeah well, they don't listen to me either. When is mum going to be back?" Ron wrenched open the window and growled at the owl as it swooped near his head.

"Da, Mummy had to go see Aunt Ginny's Healer. She told you a billion times. You listen as well as my sisters," Clover harrumphed loudly and stomped up the stairs as her dark red waves bounced down her back.

Ron resisted the urge to crack the seal on the bottle of firewhiskey he'd hidden in the larder. He had promises to keep and it wouldn't do to break them the moment adversity was thrust in his face. He knew his drinking had gotten out of hand once the dust had settled. He had more than a little difficulty accepting the fact the remaining Death Eaters were gone.

In the end, Ron had resigned from his Auror position and opened a small Quidditch Shop that specialised in reasonably priced items for underprivileged children. He felt quite good about his contributions to the Wizarding World after that and fervently promised Poppy he'd set away the firewhiskey for good.

"I'm back, sorry I'm late!" Poppy Weasley entered the Burrow in a whirlwind of sacks nearly bursting at the seams with goods. "I wound up having tea with Ginny and Kian after my appointment. Then, of course, I had to stop at the market since the bloody gnomes ran off with the last of the potatoes. How's Peony? Has she been good for you?"

She untied her dark blonde wavy hair and offered her husband a brilliant smile. She loved him just as much then, as she had the day she married him. They had their ups and downs as any couple had, but they'd come out all right.

"She's still sleeping. You worry too much," Ron caught Poppy around the waist prepared to spin her 'round when she shook her head vigorously.

"No, don't. I'd rather not revisit tea if I can help it," Poppy nervously smiled and tucked a wayward strand of blonde behind her ear.

"It's confirmed then?" Ron carefully schooled his features to keep his trepidation from his wife.

He loved his daughters. He loved all of his daughters. However, the idea of a fifth daughter caused him to cringe, inwardly, of course. Vaguely, he wondered if this was how his mother felt after birthing son after son.

"A boy, Ron. We're having a boy."

"Finally!" Ron shouted.

He cringed away from the sound of Peony squalling from the safety of her cot. He grasped Poppy and pressed a sloppy kiss to her cheeks with a broad smile. He spun her quickly, forgetting her caution in his happiness. He recalled nearly immediately, but it was too late. Poor Ronald Weasley's loafers were soaked through with tea and bits of scone.

While Ronald and Poppy Weasley were cleaning up specks of vomit and celebrating their impending arrival, Ginny and Kian Stone stared at an empty cot with heavy hearts. There were no words to be spoken. There wasn't a need to verbalise their pain. It was palpable.

"Do you think if I—"

"No, Ginny. Don't. These sorts of things happen. It doesn't make it better. I'd love to be able to give you a reason. I hate that as a Healer I don't have all the answers. I hate that you're still hurting," Kian Stone embraced his wife and choked back the sadness lodged in his throat.

"She should be here," Ginny whimpered. "Do you realise how many children we'd have if they—"

"Hush love, there's no use looking backward, remember?" Kian said with a watery smile and kissed her temple.

They'd had a good life. He couldn't complain about any of it. He had met her under dire circumstances and while he couldn't say he was glad she had been a patient, Kian was glad he had met the fiery witch. Despite her angry exterior, she was quite docile and soft-hearted.

"I didn't have issues with Molly. I even travelled and it was fine."

Ginny extricated herself from Kian's soothing arms and sat on the white rocking chair nestled in the corner. She wrapped her arms around her expanded midriff and closed her eyes. She cringed against the sound of her daughter crying and shook her head.

"I'll see to Molly. Take as much time as you need, love."

For Kian, the losses melded together, but he knew for Ginny they were each a separate entity of pain and it grew harder each time. Ginny blamed herself. She always did. It didn't matter how many times her husband told her otherwise. Deep in her bones, she knew it was her fault.

The convalescence period after being hit with Zabini's Sectumsempra had been extensive. The team of Healers had informed her there might be lasting effects. Ginny had never believed the issues would extend to her ability to bear children.

She had met Kian during her therapies and he was a sweet, sweet man. He didn't care that she was once the fiancée of The Chosen One. He didn't care about her Hogwarts House or even what side she fought during the War. He claimed such things were in the past and they were to look to the future.

He was kind, even when she was cruel. No matter how many times she told him to go, Kian never left. His devotion was unending and Ginny believed if he had attended Hogwarts rather than Beauxbatons, he probably would have been Sorted to Hufflepuff. It didn't bother her in the least, which surprised her almost as much as her love for him.

Ginny dutifully removed Harry Potter from the pedestal of her youth and moved forward. It was difficult for her to allow Kian into her life, into her heart, but he was persistent. He sent her owls with chocolate frogs. He sent her flowers. He went out of his way to bring her lunch until finally, she agreed to dinner.

"Mummy?" Molly pushed open the door of the nursery with her dark curls bouncing on her head.

"Yes, baby?" Ginny offered a tremulous smile and wiped the tears from her eyes.

Molly carefully stepped into the nursery and looked around with her wide green eyes. She frowned at the empty cot and regarded her mother carefully. She didn't quite understand, but she knew her mummy was sad.

"Baby go bye?" Molly attempted to climb in her mother's lap, but Ginny was quick to stop her.

"No, Molly. The baby's fine, see?" Ginny took Molly's hand and gently placed it on her extended abdomen.

"He kick me!" Molly shrieked with laughter that was contagious.

Ginny's light laughter wafted into the corridor and Kian sighed in relief. He scratched his head and disrupted his dark curls. He hadn't wanted Ginny to step into the empty nursery. He wanted to redecorate it with help from her friends and family before their son was born, but Ginny had always been insistent.

"Thank you," Ginny Stone peeked into the corridor and startled her husband with a slow smile.

"I knew you needed it, but I can't pretend I understand why."

Kian lifted their four-year-old daughter into his arms and tolerated her sloppy kisses. He offered his arm to Ginny, but she was quick to slap it away. She moved slowly and carefully with her arms cradling her growing child.

"This is it, Kian. We've got our daughter after the horrors of our first loss. We're going to have our son and that's it. I don't want to try anymore and I needed to say goodbye. I know it doesn't really make sense, but it was something I needed to do," Ginny grimaced as she descended the staircase with one hand firmly placed on her husband's shoulder.

"Love, you do whatever you need to do. Are you sure you're alright?" Kian set Molly down and immediately helped his wife sit on the settee.

"I'm not sure. I'm just having a bit of pain, but it's too early isn't it?" Ginny's large eyes widened in immediate fear and she placed her palms on either side of her rather large bulge.

"Ginevra Weasley Stone, I'm a bloody Healer. I wouldn't continuously tell you that you could go at any time if it was too fucking early. Crickey woman, you're going to be the death of me!" Kian's deep timbered voiced raised to a level that apparently set his wife to tears. "Dammit."

Ginny tucked her head to her chin and her shoulders quivered until a horrendous groan escaped her lips. She gasped as water trickled between her thighs and soaked the settee. She was caught between fear and excitement until she spotted the blood.

"Key. Kian. I can't. You've got to—"

"It's alright. I'm here. Fleur will see to Molly, come on then. It's time to meet our son," Kian smiled so brightly, his green eyes sparkled and all of Ginny's fears were laid to rest.

"Did you get permission?" Luna Potter discarded her dressing gown with aplomb and a wicked smile full of promises.

"Luna," Harry whined, "I don't feel the need to ask my mother for permission to name our daughter after her."

His fingers itched to rake through her deliciously long hair. He wanted to embed his teeth in the supple skin of her throat. He wanted to shag her senseless, but his wife had other ideas.

"I visited my mother, Harry. It's simple common courtesy." Luna hefted her heavy breasts with her hands and studied her changing figure in the mirror over the sink basin. "I'm quite set on the name Pandora Lily and I can't in good conscience use it without permission."

Harry knew better than to point out the fact their mothers were dead. The last thing he wished was to be engaged in yet another conversation about how the dead had feelings too. It was almost as bad as Nargle hunting, but he would never ever tell her such things. He loved her too much.

"If I promise to visit and beg her permission first light tomorrow, can I shag you now?" Harry wasn't against begging.

It had been years since their unique wedding and his desire for her hadn't waned. He craved her. He needed her. He adored her and it was more than he ever expected to feel for anyone. There were moments, scant moments when he thought of Ginny.

They were so fleeting it was pointless to reflect on them. Harry had cared about her, but it paled in comparison to the adoration he held for his wife. The fact they had James, Lorcan, and Sirius was more than he ever could have imagined and knowing their daughter was growing was enough to make his heart feel full.

"You can shag me now anyway, Harry, and perhaps after you return as well," Luna winked saucily and Harry felt his cock twitch in his trousers.

"Where are the boys?" Harry breathed and he tore his cotton shirt over his head and dropped his trousers to the floor.

"They're at the Burrow," Luna glanced over her shoulder as she bent to turn the taps on the bathing tub, knowing Harry's eyes followed her every move. "The twins are visiting with Ron and with their wives and children, I thought it would afford us a bit of private time before we joined them for dinner."

Harry nodded stupidly. He hadn't the slightest idea what the hell Luna had said. His eyes were locked on her delectable arse and her sinfully intoxicating legs as she carefully stepped into the lightly steaming water. He licked his lips and scrambled to follow her.

"You haven't heard a single word I've said and I'm not even surprised. You're quite happy to see me aren't you?" Luna's pale lashes blinked as she stared at Harry nude form.

"I'm always happy to see you. I usually just hide it. Can't do that when we're starkers," Harry grasped Luna's waist and groaned into her throat. "Aren't you glad I convinced you this tub was a necessity?"

"Do you suppose butterflies contemplate life?" Luna moaned as Harry brushed against her.

"I don't know, love. Why don't we catch some later and ask?"

Harry knew he would have agreed to a trip to an obscure island to hide in the trees completely nude while wearing a crown of flowers as long as he could fuck his wife right then. He sat on the submerged stone seat and gently pulled Luna onto his lap. He gently bit her earlobe as her soapy breasts pressed into his chest.

"I think I'd like to be a Magizoologist," Luna crooned as she lowered herself onto Harry's begging cock.

"Luna, you can be whatever you bloody desire."

It was his favourite moment. Harry wasn't the sort of wizard that would admit that to anyone, but secretly, it was his favourite moment. It was the anticipation. It was the feel of her body against his and the pounding of her heart. It was her strangled moans and the gentle humming that always accompanied their lovemaking.

Harry moved gently as the water slapped against the sides of the tub and splashed onto the floor. Luna's long dirty blonde tresses slapped against her back and her fingernails dug into his shoulders. He watched her lips part and her brows furrow as he held her hips to guide her. It didn't take long for Luna to reach her end, it never did when she was in the midst of carrying the next generation of Potters and for that Harry was grateful as he knew he couldn't hold on much longer.

"I don't care!"

"You should care! Your mother accepted the invitation on our behalf!"

"I didn't say we had to fucking go, now did I?"

"Yeah you say that now, but later you'll be whinging about it and I don't have the patience for it!"

Harry groaned into the side of Luna's neck and closed his eyes. He knew he should have closed the Floo. He was so enthralled with his wife, it had completely escaped his attentions, and he was absolutely regretting it.

"I believe the Malfoys have arrived," Luna whispered sleepily. "At least we got to finish this time, not that I mind an audience, but I'm not fond of your performance issues when that happens."

"Potter! Put on some fucking clothes and come settle this!"

Draco Malfoy had absolutely no qualms with entering the Potter household without invitation. He figured Potter owed him as the wizard had dealt the blow that nearly ended him. Draco supposed it wasn't fair to hold it over Potter's head after all these years, but life wasn't fair.

He rapped on the unforgiving washroom door with tense knuckles and glowered at his wife. Despite the fact he loved his wife, Draco was having difficulty reminding himself of such things. She infuriated him with her stubbornness and her temper. She always had to be right, even when she was unequivocally wrong and he detested the way she refused to admit it.

"I want to hear you say it, Granger."

"You'll be waiting a very long time, Malfoy. I'm not saying it. There's no need to say it. You're being ridiculous," Hermione Malfoy tossed her hands in the air and spun on her heel with fire in her golden brown eyes.

"Must you?" Harry emerged from the washroom with a fluffy blue towel draped over his hips and water dripping from his dark hair. "Shouldn't you two be home, shagging, like every other childfree couple today? Why are you here? Go away."

Luna didn't bother with a towel or even a dressing gown. She walked from the bedroom with her long blonde hair swinging down her back and a serene smile. Hermione's mouth gaped open in surprise and her eyes immediately narrowed as she observed her husband stare at Luna's naked arse.

"You can stop glaring at me, Granger. She's got a love bite on her arse."

"That doesn't mean you should be staring at it!"

"It's right fucking there. Gods, I wish I was blind again," Draco closed his eyes and wiped his palm down his face in frustration.

Hermione gasped and even Harry backed away from her. She didn't resort to violence as he expected. She didn't draw her wand and stab it into her frustratingly irritating husband's throat. Instead, she did the worst thing Harry thought she could do. Hermione cried.

"Shit. Bollocks. Fuck, Granger, don't cry," Draco cringed in the face of her tears and debated his options.

"Hug her, stupid," Harry hissed emphatically as he struggled into his boxers without flashing his bits.

Draco's sigh segued into a groan as he pulled his wife into his arms. She was stiff and obviously still angry, but he tried. His hands stroked her back as he nuzzled her hair. Hermione's fingers twisted in the lapel of his grey blazer as her emotions got the best of her.

"Hannah shouldn't have sent an invitation second hand. That was unkind," Luna thrust her arms into her surprisingly subdued yellow dress without a second thought.

"It doesn't help that my mother has taken the wretched witch under her wing, or the fact she married a Weasley. I can't say I'm particularly fond of an insecure Hermione Granger and I've tried to understand, but fuck," Draco looked to Harry for an answer and only received a wide-eyed shrug in return.

"Malfoy," Hermione whispered through her sniffles.

"What, love?" Draco bent closer and his blond hair brushed against her cheek.

"It's been seven years and you still call me Granger," Hermione's cheeks warmed and she hid her face in his chest.

"Seriously? I've always called you Granger," Draco frowned and attempted to pull her from him.

Harry waved his arms maniacally while Luna combed her tresses. Harry knew it wasn't the time to agitate the already emotionally compromised witch. He had born the brunt of her anger on more than one occasion and he did not wish a repeat performance.

"Hermione," Draco sighed into his wife's soft caramel curls. "We'll compromise, does that sound like something you can do?"

"I require details before I can make an informed decision," Hermione leant back in order to meet Draco's piercing gaze.

"Of course you do. We will skip my mother's ridiculous pre-Hogwarts soiree in favour of eating takeaway and those chocolate biscuits you can't live without," Draco smirked as her eyes lit with desire and she licked her lips hungrily. "Tomorrow, we'll see Teddy off with everyone else. Is that agreeable, love?"

"Would you care for tea? It's obvious I shan't be able to sit on Harry's co—"

"Luna!" Harry covered his wife's mouth and barely concealed his laughter. "Where are your boys today?"

Luna grasped the bulge of Harry's denims and squeezed until he released her. She pecked his cheek and flounced from the room without another word. She enjoyed shocking him and it hadn't grown the least bit old over the years. She imagined them old and grey chasing each other through their home, starkers, of course.

"Teddy Flooed over ridiculously early and scurried them off to the Burrow. Poppy is definitely going to have her hands full today. I expect my mother and Andromeda will lend a hand, but I'm keeping Hermione to myself."

Harry's lips parted with a small frown but the gentle shake of Draco's head caused him to pause. Apparently, there was something amiss and Harry would rather have tea than ask. He shrugged and gestured toward the stairs.

"Ginny had her baby, did you hear?" Harry attempted to converse with the eerily quiet Malfoys as they settled around the table. "She's supposed to be here last tonight. Looks as though we'll finally get to meet her husband."

Hermione settled at the table and sipped tepid tea and nibbled a freshly baked cranberry scone in silence. She wasn't interested in discussing Ginny. She didn't harbour any hard feelings toward the witch, but she couldn't claim they were particularly close either. She shifted on the unforgiving dining chair and winced.

"Lovegood, have you got a cushion?"

Harry's eyes narrowed as he watched the way Draco hovered near Hermione. He smirked when Draco helped Hermione stand in order for Luna to shove a pink gingham cushion beneath Hermione. Personally, he thought it was sweet the way Draco draped around his friend. It was obvious there was love there and it warmed his heart.

"Luna, where's the bacon?" Harry searched the spread for his favourites and realised all the meats were absent.

"I'm off meat, Harry. Our daughter would rather subsist on sweets if she had her way, but I've managed to trick her into quite a few vegetables," Luna tossed her hair over her shoulder sat across from Draco with a sigh.

"Is that why those fairy cakes were topped with mashed potatoes?" Harry gasped.

Draco kissed Hermione's temple as he listened to the Potter's strange conversation. His fingers stroked her shoulder and his other hand had strayed to her lap. While their fingers were entwined, Draco couldn't resist gently caressing her stomach, which earned him a glare.

"Hermione, are you?" Harry choked on the words, but only due to Luna shoving half a scone into his mouth.

"Why don't you tell me all about Ginny's new baby," said Hermione at the exact moment her husband snorted.

Harry watched his wife fix Hermione a plate with narrowed shrewd eyes. He knew exactly how Luna ate during each of her pregnancies, except the first of course. The identical plates piled with fresh fruit and crumpets gave him pause. It wasn't until Luna poured the golden syrup over both that he knew and was quite angry about it.

"Are you fucking stupid?!" Harry pushed away from the table angrily and slammed his fist on the table.

"Potter," Draco snarled.

"No, you don't get to fucking 'Potter' me. They told her. They told you. You can't do this, Hermione. You can't. You're supposed to be—"

Hermione closed her eyes and blocked out the sounds of Harry shouting and Draco growling. She knew it was a risk, a ridiculous risk, but it couldn't be helped. There were options. There were always options, but she couldn't do it. She didn't want to do it.

"It's my life," she finally whispered as she plucked a juicy bit of melon from her plate.

"It isn't just your life. What about Henry? What about Phoenix? What about your fucking husband? You're just willing to put it all at risk?" Harry slumped onto his arms and stared at Hermione with devastation in his watery green eyes.

"It's done, Harry," Hermione blinked and under different circumstances, she would have flinched away from his anger.

"Malfoy," Harry had turned to pleading and it was only then that he saw the fear and pain in Draco's silvery eyes.

Draco sighed heavily and kept his wife firmly wedged into his side. He knew she wished nothing more than to flee, but he refused to allow her to travel unescorted. It was one of his many, many rules. He knew he couldn't dissuade her and believed it best to present a united front when he felt anything but.

"Hermione's personal Healer believes the risks to be significantly lower than originally presented," Draco pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head slightly. "Do you think this was an easy decision, Potter? Do you think we just went and did it on purpose with a fuck you, have a nice day? When has anyone been able to change Hermione's mind once she's set on something?"

"What the fuck do you care?" Harry Potter's anger burst forth and spittle flew from between his lips as his fury got the best of him. "You've already got your heir and a spare. Isn't that what you fucking Purebloods say? She's not your best friend. She's not your sister!"

"She's. My. Wife."

Draco Malfoy slowly pushed away from the table with a calmness he did not possess. He offered his hand to Hermione who knew better than to refuse. She could feel his tremble as she slipped her hand into his and rose to her feet.

"I didn't complain when you didn't take me to catch butterflies," Luna began. "I wasn't offended when you said Lysander was a stupid name and suggested Albus in its place. I've born you three sons, Harry Potter and I'm currently housing our daughter. I ignored every moment you roll your eyes when I speak of auras and Nargles, because I love you, but you've gone too far, Harry. You've gone too far." Luna Potter shook her head and Harry felt a pang of guilt as he watched a tear slide down her cheek.

"Luna, I—"

"No, I don't want to hear it, not this time. It isn't your life. It isn't your decision. You're not the Chosen One anymore. You don't get to dictate to anyone what sort of life they should lead, not even me," Luna sneered quite nastily and Harry was completely taken aback.

Hermione looked up at Draco and he silently groaned. He knew she wouldn't leave, not now. He had absolutely no desire to listen to Potter's sputtering, but he would do it. He would do anything for her, and so, they sat.

"When Draco and I were in that dingy cell of Malfoy Manor, I didn't get think we'd get to live the life we have now. I was fairly certain all my dreams of the future were going to end," Hermione toyed with her fingers in her lap and avoided Harry's blazing glare. "I had made peace with it, until Henry. Gods, I was terrified and then I was free, but I wasn't. My heart was still in that cell and then my best friend had to come tell me that he killed the love of my life for the greater good and I hated you. I didn't want to look at you, but I did anyway because you're my family."

"You're my family too and—"

"I'm not finished," Hermione hissed.

"Love," Draco's arm found its way around her shoulders and Harry watched the way they leant into each other.

"Harry's a bit of a bastard, did you know that?" Luna pointedly ignored her husband in favour of slathering her toast with lemon curd. "Do you think he asked me if I wanted to live here? He didn't. He just decided it would be best. I wanted to live in a cottage surrounded by nasturtium near the wood, but not Harry! I thought it would be loads of fun to have Blaise tossing flowers down the aisle, but not Harry! I've come to realise, I'm not living the life I'd like to lead. I want to take adventures, but Harry's had enough of that. Whatever Harry wants, he gets you realise? Arguing with him is pointless, he doesn't much listen anyway. I'm sure the highly esteemed Hermione Granger or rather Malfoy hasn't the ability to make a decision without Harry's approval."

"I didn't know Lovegood had that many words in her repertoire," Draco's ridiculous stage whisper broke the tension and they all managed a small smile.

The roar of the Floo interrupted whatever sputtering was going to escape Harry's lips and for that, Hermione was grateful. She didn't want to argue with him, or with anyone for that matter. She'd had her fill. She'd held off on telling Draco about her condition and their relationship was still slightly fractured by the mistrust. She couldn't bear any more disagreements.

"Oi! Potters! Malfoys! I know you bastards are here somewhere! No, no come on then Annalisa, don't worry so much. They're not going to be rude to you. They'll love you, I swear it."

Blaise Zabini dragged his nervous wife through the corridors of Grimmauld Place with the widest smile to ever grace his face. It was better than the end of the War and Yule all in one. He was absolutely giddy with excitement and he couldn't wait to introduce her to his mates.

Technically, he didn't consider Harry Potter a mate, but that was simple semantics, to which Annalisa could attest. He had stopped strangers in Diagon Alley to introduce his wife the moment they returned to England. She had nodded and smiled as was her gentle way, but she was far from comfortable with her husband's newfound exuberant nature.

"There you are! Lookit! I got married!" Blaise burst into the kitchen and pushed his pretty sun-kissed wife forward.

"It's about bloody time mate, Renata is nearly five, yeah?" Draco winked and squeezed Hermione's shoulder. "Lovely to see you, Annalisa."

Annalisa Zabini sat at the end of the table as from her vantage point, it looked as though there was a bit of tension between the other couples. She plucked the sleeves of her white cardigan and smoothed the bright orange flowers on her white dress silently. It was easier to remain quiet when Blaise was in one of his boisterous moods.

"She is four, thank you very much," Blaise huffed and poured himself a cup of tea. "Looks serious in here. Don't much like that. Tell Uncle Blaise what the issue is."

"Hermione's pregnant," Harry snapped.

Blaise sat heavily beside Luna and his hand shook as he attempted to bring his teacup to his lips. He spilt more than he managed to sip and finally gave up. He looked to Hermione with wide deep brown eyes and waited.

"I'm not going to tell you what to do. That's not the sort of friendship we forged. When Malfoy owled me, I nearly went mad trying to get a fucking Portkey. Annalisa can attest to that," Blaise blindly reached for his wife's hand and she stroked his forearm. "The Healers were going mad and Malfoy was losing his fucking mind. Now, I know that you and Phoenix came out alright and sure, we joke about heir and a spare and all that rot, but I don't think Malfoy could make it if you didn't."

"Annalisa, I'm so very glad to see you. It's been much too long. I do hope you've brought Renata to visit as I'm sure the boys would enjoy her company," Hermione continued to ignore Harry in favour of addressing the brunette beauty Blaise had finally married.

"Yes, we bring her," Annalisa replied in her soft-spoken broken English. "We leave her, how you say, giocare?"

"Play, love. We left Renata with the Weasleys. It was a fucking madhouse with all those children running about. If one hair is harmed on my daughter's head, I'm liable to kill him," Blaise kissed his wife's hand and returned his attentions to the Malfoys.

There was something in the air that caused Harry's anger to ebb. It might have been the way Zabini searched Hermione's eyes for an answer he desperately craved as well. It might have been the feel of Luna's hand gently stroking his thigh despite her ire. It might have been the worry etched in Draco Malfoy's forehead and the way the blond wizard's hand never strayed from Hermione's abdomen. It could have been anything really, but Harry decided it was time to place his feelings aside and listen.

"He's ready now, Hermione," Luna's nose crinkled in Hermione's direction and she offered a small nod.

"Draco asked me to end it. I considered it, I did. I also withheld the information longer than I should have in hopes it would sway his opinion," Hermione smirked and Harry didn't like that one bit. "It didn't, but that's no surprise really. He dragged me off to some of the best Healers in Europe until he was satisfied. The risks are less than expected. With Phoenix, his position and the placenta position made everything worse really. I'm sure you're not interested in the specifics and I don't feel as though I'm required to share them. I appreciate your love for me. I appreciate your worry, but I'm doing this with or without your support," Hermione laid her head on Draco's shoulder and Harry watched them breathe as one.

"We've actually consulted with Kian Stone quite a few times. He's quite knowledgeable and considering the issues he and Ginny had it made sense," Draco rubbed his cheek on the top of Hermione's head and inhaled against her curls for a moment. "We didn't meet them, but from the sounds of it, their children are doing well. They're very private and we didn't wish to pry. I'm sure you understand."

"Wait, children? I thought they only had Molly and the new babe?" Harry scratched his head in sudden confusion that wasn't helped by Luna's wandering hand.

"Harry! Does it matter? They have three children now. They asked us not to speak about him. He's delicate and spent loads of time in hospital, alright? Are you happy now?" Hermione tossed her hands up in exasperation. "We'll see them tomorrow I suppose, if Kian can convince Ginny."

"You were just trying to change the bloody subject! I can't believe it. You were just hoarding all this information and were planning on just—" Harry sputtered ridiculously and every last remaining trace of tension dissipated as they dissolved into laughter.

"You're so stupid," Hermione sniffed with a smile. "Anyway, this one's a girl. They're monitoring me closely and they've decided to take her when it's time rather than allow things to progress naturally. I'm not particularly happy about that, but it was Draco's one irrevocable condition and I can't argue with it."

"You're fine. The baby's fine. Everything's fine. Can we put all this depressing shit to rest now?" Blaise reached into the pocket of his black waistcoat and waggled his silver flask with glee.

Unfortunately, the sun was shining brightly as it peeked through the clouds. It wasn't cold or dismal or even remotely dreary. The air was crisp with the gentle tease of coming fall.

The Burrow was filled with the sounds of giggling children trying their damnedest to remain quiet. They knew it was too early to wake the surly adults, but they couldn't help it. It was always terribly exciting to see the Hogwarts Express and their heads couldn't help but be filled with dreams of the day they to would venture to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

"I go next," James Potter boasted.

His mussed dark waves stuck up in nearly every direction and Molly Stone was the first to laugh. James didn't know the little brunette, but he decided he didn't like her. She was the reason they were all laughing at him.

"I know the order of all of us, I bet you don't," Clover Weasley crossed her arms and glowered at James crossly.

"You sound like Aunt Hermione. Uncle Ron says that no one likes a know it all. I bet you haven't any friends at all," James snorted and threw himself back onto his makeshift bed on the floor.

"Thas no nice," Lucy Weasley piped up from beside her older brother Fred and threw her stuffed owl at James.

"She's right," Frank Longbottom piped up.

He shoved his dark hair from his forehead and struggled to his feet. He was a well-fed little boy and was often scorned, but he had the heart of his father. His mother often told him stories of his father's bravery and it helped Frank to burst from his cocoon of silences. He wore the scar on his forehead as a badge of honour and was quite proud to say his Uncle Harry had one as well.

"Oh shut up, Scarboy," James sneered.

"Your dad said not to call me that. He said it's mean and my mum says that's why you'll be Sorted to Slytherin," Frank snarled.

James Potter clenched his fists. There was nothing he wished more than to pummel Frank Longbottom, but he had promised his mum he would behave. He bit his tongue until it bled and ignored the boy until Frank sat down.

"I don't think we've ever all been together like this," Clover concentrated on each and every face peeking up at her just before she scratched her nose.

"Course not, Aunt Ginny and Uncle Kian hardly ever come for a visit. Dad says it's cos they've got the new baby and all," James offered as he stared at the ceiling.

"Two baby," Molly crinkled her nose at James and sidled closer to Ivy and Iris.

"I've no idea what she's trying to say," Clover sniffed quite haughtily.

"Oh, who cares? Why don't you impress us all with your vast knowledge, Clover?" James enjoyed teasing his snooty cousin and it showed.

Ron and Poppy sat on the top step smiling as they eavesdropped on the children. They hoped it wouldn't turn into yet another brawl. It hadn't helped matters that Fred and George added to the disharmony.

"Are they up yet?" Astoria Weasley knelt beside Poppy and attempted to peek down the stairs with Fred coming up behind her.

Ron grunted as was his nature when faced with Slytherins. Despite all the years that had passed, he still wasn't comfortable with them. He had been shocked into silence when Fred had wandered home with a pretty little curly headed blonde on his arm. Their relationship had been strained ever since, not that Fred cared.

"They're having a mini-row about who goes to Hogwarts first," Poppy hissed.

"That's easy enough," George interjected and caused them all to jump.

"Does it matter? They're all going to go eventually," Hannah Weasley offered from the safety of her husband's arms.

Ron's blue eyes narrowed dangerously and his upper lip twitched in disdain. He'd never forgiven Hannah for her interference in Hermione and Draco's relationship. Poppy had attempted to explain it to him time and time again, but Ron didn't care how much Hannah was hurting at the time. The barmy witch still managed to needle the Malfoys and Ron could barely stand to be in the same room with her.

"I asked you to meet us at King's Cross," Ron grumbled at his older brother George as the tips of his ears turned red.

"You're never going to get over it, are you?" George sighed and jerked his head toward the empty bedroom at the end of the corridor. He waited until Hannah was gone before he turned to his youngest brother. "It's different now, Ron."

"It isn't, that's the thing. If she had stopped going on and on about him, I might have been alright with it. Instead, she befriended Cissa and practically ruined Hermione's marriage because she couldn't stop gossiping about them."

"You're being dramatic," Fred interjected.

"Am I? I'm fairly certain I'm not. In fact, Cissa organised all the kids to come here, and bloody Hannah took it upon herself to invite Hermione. It wasn't her place to do that and it upset Hermione so much, she declined the invitation here for breakfast. Dad is sposed to bring Henry and Phoenix to King's Cross rather than us. Think about that, yeah?" Ron angrily stomped down the stairs and didn't even manage to crack a smile when the children hid beneath their blankies.

Poppy sighed and hoped the baby wouldn't wake. She recalled when the sounds of the Burrow were only filled with Ron's eating habits and the dishes washing themselves. She missed those days as much as she didn't.

The joy on Ron's face when she told him about their son was burned into her memory. Every moment they'd spent together was carefully kept recorded in her picturesque memory. When she was exasperated with him, angry with him, adored him, hated him, loved him, Poppy relied on those memories to carry her through.

"Perhaps we should go."

The whispered voice drew Poppy back to the present and she shook her head. She heaved herself to her feet and wished she had the physique of her youth. She wasn't old by any means, but she felt it, in her bones.

"Stay. Ron is being Ron, I'll just feed him a full English and it'll be fine. It's a day for family and you're all family."

Poppy made her way down the steps and mentally counted off the gaggle of children in her midst. Teddy. James. Frank. Henry. Clover. Sirius. Lorcan. Ivy and Iris. George. Phoenix. Fred. Molly. Renata. Peony. Lucy. Roxanne. Hope. Sage.

"Poppy! I can't think with all these bloody tots!" Ron's face was flushed and his eyes wide with terror as the youngest of the bunch squealed with delight.

"Alright then!" Poppy clapped her hands loudly and suddenly all was quiet. "Come on, it's a beautiful day. Let's have brekkie in the garden."

"How does she do that?" Astoria whispered as her crystal blue eyes lost sight of George and Lucy amidst the cousins.

"I don't know, but she reminds me of my mum," Fred sighed happily.

It wasn't long after that the children were properly dressed and making quite the mess with their breakfast. The Weasleys were never quite so thankful for magic as they were that morning. Ron even managed to pass Hannah the crumpets without an ugly sneer. It was going to be a beautiful day.

Arthur and Narcissa arrived just after the mess was cleaned to collect the incorrigible Henry, whose resemblance to Draco was startling and his equally quiet brother Phoenix who was a perfect meld of his parents. They placed the dutiful kisses on their grandchildren's heads and waved a cordial hello and goodbye without dallying. They were anxious to leave the bustle behind before they ventured to King's Cross.

As for Harry, he woke on the sofa with a wicked crick in his neck that his wife decided was exactly what he deserved. He took his punishment silently as was in his best interest. Harry skipped breakfast, showered, dressed, and kissed Luna goodbye without a word as to his destination.

Harry Potter Apparated to Godric's Hollow with a lump in his throat and a sting to his eyes. As much as he missed the idea of his parents, he didn't enjoy visiting their final resting place. There was something so fucking final about it, which is a stupid thought, but Harry already knew that.

He paused near the cemetery where his parents laid and took a deep breath. He could do this. He would do anything for Luna. If she wanted him to stand in the cemetery of Godric's Hollow and ask his mother for permission, he would do it. Even if he felt like an idiot. Even if passersby were looking at him oddly.

Harry considered lying about it, but Luna had this second sort of sense or something. She always bloody knew when he was telling tales. He wasn't willing to risk it, not with her, not with this. And with that thought fresh in his mind, Harry Potter spoke. The words flowed forth as if she were before him and when he was done, he felt better about everything.

He Apparated to King's Cross, with a clear conscience and a fullness to his heart. Of course, that was completely obliterated upon spying the ridiculously large gathering of his family. He was nearly overrun by the squeals and almost knocked off his feet from the force of the hugs in all directions.

"Harry's here," Luna smiled happily.

"Thank you, Luna. I never would have worked that out on my own," Ginny Stone rolled her eyes heavenward and bit her tongue.

"Good thing I provided the information then, isn't it?" Luna patted Ginny's arm and manoeuvred her way through the throng of excited children.

"I asked her," said Harry, the moment Luna was at his side. "I think it'll be fine."

Harry's heart nearly burst when Luna beamed at him. She grabbed his hand and forced him to feel their daughter tumble about. He was fairly certain this is exactly what happy felt like.

"Ron! The least you could do is keep a firm hand on the twins. I've got Peony and Sage, but Clover has wandered off again," Poppy shouted.

"She's just there with Ginny. Stop shouting at me," Ron waved his hand in irritation and continued his amicable conversation with Blaise Zabini.

Blaise kept his eyes on Annalisa and Renata, but it wasn't the worst thing in the world to listen to Ron Weasley ramble. It was harmless and it made his wife happy. He liked it when she was happy. When she was happy she didn't mind the firewhiskey he drank and Blaise would always love firewhiskey.

"Ginny!" Hermione Malfoy weaved through the children with a bright smile and a hand on her protruding stomach.

"Hermione, thank Merlin," Ginny sighed heavily in relief and patted the bottom of her babe in arms.

"Is this Hope?" Hermione's eyes twinkled with delight until Ginny shook her head.

"No, this is my son. This is Hermes," Ginny carefully pulled pack the soft woven blanket covering the baby's head with held breaths. "We weren't sure he would make it. He's a bit delicate. Hope was hidden behind him for so long, we didn't even know she was there."

"You named your son Hermes? Really Gin?" Hermione gently stroked Hermes dark hair.

"Well, I couldn't very well name him Percy, could you imagine? He'd be a mockery, at least Hermes is associated with good luck, and as it was Percy's middle name. It's a nod in that direction." Ginny waved to Kian who had an active Hope in his arms while Molly screeched with Lorcan.

"He's beautiful, Gin. I'm glad he's alright. Gods, twins," Hermione shook her head, "better you than me. Did Kian tell you we're having a girl?" Hermione itched to hold Hermes, but she didn't ask.

"Oh, a little girl! You're going to love it and hate it, trust me. Have you got a name?" Ginny's arm waved over her head at Teddy Lupin as he stood on the steps of the Hogwart's Express.

"Stella. Don't look at me like that. You've got your nod to Percy and I've got my nod toward the constellations my husband is obsessed with. This'll be our last one I wager."

"Did you think our lives would turn out like this? I'm not unhappy mind you, it's just nothing that I ever imagined." Ginny held her son just a bit tighter, but her radiance shown through.

"No, it's nothing like I thought it would be. It's better," Hermione leant down and kissed the top of Hermes' baby fresh head and caught Ginny in a one-armed hug.

She didn't like to leave Draco to his own devices for long. It made him exceedingly ill at ease. Hermione pretended she didn't mind the boisterous crowds and the shrieking children in the echoes of Platform 9 ¾, but it weighed heavily on her. She much preferred the silences of their toll house to the cacophony of anywhere else.

Draco Malfoy stood stiffly beside his wife, still uncomfortable with large crowds and dark corners. His tension barely ebbed when Hermione returned to his side and he wondered how much longer he'd be forced to socialise. He gazed over the heads of the sparse students boarding the train, feeling a sense of relief upon spying his sons. He was fairly certain there were more Weasleys than students, but he knew better than to voice such things.

"Draco, look there, it's Hannah and Neville's son." Hermione breathed softly, twining her fingers through his.

Draco glanced over at the dark haired boy, curious. The boy smiled shyly at his mother, offering a small wave as he turned toward the train. He spun toward the Malfoys, excitement in his eyes, causing Draco to sigh. Hermione looked up at her husband with a knowing smirk painted on her lips.

"Go on then, say it," She said as she rolled her eyes with a laugh.

Draco bent near Hermione's ear and breathed deeply. His grey eyes roved over the gaggle of children and he finally resigned himself to one simple fact. This was his family. Of course, it didn't stop the words from spilling forth nor did it quell the temptation of his wife's lips.

"Lovely, just what the world needs, another boy…with a scar."