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Disclaimer: I own nothing but the storyline!
Author's Note: Hey all, I wrote this right before Deathly Hallows came out so it is completely AU. I hope you enjoy it! It will all be put up at the same time and it is only three parts!
Cheers!
Desolate03
Part One
He should have known that it was too good to be true. How many times had his godfather counseled him against hoping and wishing? Far too many times to count, and far too often; however he had still dared to believe that for once something good could come from his enemy’s presence in his life.
He was a bloody idiot.
Draco watched with narrowed silver eyes at the figure of his lover, well ex-lover, walking toward the gates of the exclusive high-rise penthouses before apparating away with a muted crack. Draco stood there for a long time, battling his own feelings, his own bittersweet memories.
All the things they had done together…most still making the cool Slytherin flush with unadulterated pleasure. The start had been rocky. The War was two years past, but the stigma of being the son of Lucius Malfoy still haunted him to this day. It didn’t matter that he had taken the lives of his parents, nor did it matter that he had bled and sweat for those who still were wary of him when they saw him coming. Some mothers hid their children from him, telling them that he was a bad man, and they shouldn’t speak to him.
Draco sneered, blithering idiots the lot of them, too cowardly to pull a dark spell or two from their back pockets in order to free themselves from a tyrant. Well, it was of no matter now; Draco was truly and utterly alone. He didn’t care what they had thought of him as long as he had had his partner beside him, Draco thought he was invincible. Sev had always told him his arrogance and over confidence would get him some day.
It had returned in spades.
Draco blinked as tears burned his eyes, and he cursed himself for the weakness. His lover was getting married, to a witch that Draco loathed and equally admired. In fact, his lover had explained to him that he had been dating this witch while seeing Draco as well. Two timing whore, Draco snarled in his mind. He turned away from the window at last. The house-elves had burned every piece of furniture in the bedroom because Draco couldn’t stand to look at the place where most of his nights had been spent pleasurable wrapped up in his lover.
He was through, love was a joke. And now he had more than himself to think about. He sighed and tossed some powder into the fire. He watched the flames turn a haunting color of blue and then disappear. Only moment later the austere figure of his godfather Sev stood before him.
“Good evening Sev,” He said coolly. Severus arched a brow and then his eyes softened in concern as he took in his godson’s state. Severus sighed heavily, if only he could kill the man that put Draco in this situation, however, it would land him in Azkaban for sure.
“How far along are you?” He asked. Draco grinned slightly and pressed a hand to his protruding stomach.
“Three months.” Draco replied.
“Did you tell him?”
“Of course not, especially not after he told me he was marrying Granger.” Draco sighed, “I was thinking of going to Italy, that seems far enough away don’t you think? At least for the birth,” Draco sounded tired and defeated and Severus didn’t like either.
“Italy would be a nice place,” Severus murmured, “Draco; I never wanted this to happen to you.”
“Then I shouldn’t have had an affair with Weasely. What’s done is done. I would like to leave tonight.”
“Any particular reason why?”
“He’s getting married tomorrow.”
An hour later, they were gone.
It was the latter that kept Harry on edge. Harry looked around the crowd and really couldn’t see anyone that was overly threatening. Hell, they’d invited Malfoy and Snape even, but the two declined their invitation just last night actually. Snape was going with Malfoy to Italy for a few months or so. It was a very evasive and vague explanation and Harry’s curiosity was piqued. Why were they rushing off now? It confused him but as he stood behind his best friend, he let it fade to the back of his mind.
“The wedding went off without a hitch Hermione, and you make a beautiful bride.” Harry told her smiling. Hermione laughed with him as he twirled her around the floor. Ginny and Ron were dancing at the other end of the room and it seemed that whatever was bothering Ron had finally dissipated and he was finally having a good time.
“I see you noticed that he was acting weird today.” Hermione said calmly. Harry jerked and then grinned sheepishly.
“Well, yeah, he was watching the doors as if he thought Voldemort would pop out and ruin everything.” Harry laughed uncomfortably. Hermione smirked, a bitterness showing in her eyes.
“Close enough.” She said harshly and then sighed. “Actually I shouldn’t say that; Ron did something stupid and probably angered someone to the point of retaliating by doing it.” Harry felt his stomach drop.
“What’s he done?”
“Didn’t you know? I surprised he didn’t tell you, but then again I doubt he’d tell you because of your history.” Hermione glanced around and then murmured lowly. “He was having an affair with Malfoy.” Harry very nearly tripped and sent them sprawling, it was only his quick reflexes and Hermione’s haste to cover his discomfort that saved them both.
“Are you bloody mad?! Malfoy!” Harry hissed quietly. Hermione nodded.
“Apparently they had been seeing each other for nearly a year. It was right after Ron and I had that big spat last year about this time.” Harry remembered that. Ron’s jealousy had gotten the better of him yet again and he’d accused Hermione of rubbing his face in the fact she was smarter and cleverer, and that she was seeing someone else. It had been apocalyptic. Harry thought they’d never get back together. “He just never ended it.” She spoke up, shaking Harry from his thoughts.
“But surely Malfoy knew that…” Hermione shook her head and her blue eyes filled with pity.
“Ron didn’t tell him, that is, until last night.” Harry winced, “Yeah, and that’s why he was so worried. Just think of the problems it would’ve caused if Malfoy had shown up here.”
“He would’ve hexed his balls off.” Harry muttered as he looked over at Ron. His eyes hardened; he may not like Malfoy that much, but nobody deserved what Ron had done to him. “Ron would’ve bloody deserved it.” Hermione nodded but then she smiled.
“He swore it was over so the wedding is going on as planned. Besides,” Her eyes sparkled with delight, “I’m pregnant!”
“That’s great!” Harry exclaimed and picked her up, swinging her around. Hermione laughed.
The reception went on long into the night. Harry’s anger at Ron faded into the background and it was forgotten months later.
“I’ll bloody hex his balls off and then shove them down his lying throat!” Draco groaned in pain. Severus chuckled darkly.
“I’ll hold him down for you. Now recline back; it will take some of the pain off your lower back. I want you to breathe as steadily as possible and get through the last of the contractions. Afterwards I will give you this numbing and sedative potion. It will knock you out so that I can work and in a few hours you should be as right as rain for someone who’s just given birth.”
“I understand.” Draco gasped as a white hot shock of pain shot through him. He took a few deep breaths, reclined himself back against the mountain of pillows behind him. He breathed much easier as the contraction subsided, but he knew it would come sooner the next time.
The time in Italy had been good for him. He was much calmer with the prospects of being a single parent and he was every grateful for Sev’s presence in his life and the life of his little one. He still felt hurt by what Ron had done to him and then on top of that Draco read in the paper some months ago that Hermione too, was pregnant and that set off his rage again. He’d be looked on as a whore if he ever stepped foot back in England again with Ron’s children in tow. He knew that they’d be able to tell, even with the Malfoy genes being a strong as they are.
Bloody bastard.
The pain started up again and Severus pressed a small cup to his lips. Draco drank it gratefully and let it run its course. Draco gave a nod and small smile to Severus before falling blissfully into darkness.
When Draco came too, it was to the cries of a child. He opened his eyes and blinked slowly in the dim light. Severus was smiling gently, a rare thing, as he handed the child to Draco. “Congratulations, you had a boy.” He murmured. Draco gave a breathless smile but as the baby opened his eyes the pain returned briefly. The boy child had Ron’s eyes, that endless rich blue Draco could have drowned in forever. “And,” Draco looked up and was struck silent as Severus laid another babe in his lap. “You had a girl as well.”
“Oh,” Draco said quietly. Severus looked at him in concern but then as tears appeared in his godson’s eyes as he looked on both of his children he finally understood. Draco had loved Ron Weasely. Severus closed his eyes against the tide of rage that swept through him.
“What are their names?” Severus asked through a clenched jaw. He’d deal with Weasely later, for now; he had a son to dote on and a few grandchildren as well. Weaselys and Malfoys; they could never do anything by halves.
“Dmitri Xavier and Alexandra Lillian Malfoy.” Draco murmured.
“Strong names.” Severus murmured.
“They will be strong people.” Draco said with quiet pride.
Ron and he had come back to his house to talk and catch up on everything. Ron and Hermione had gone to the United States and the Caribbean for their honeymoon and stayed for two months before coming back and starting their lives. So far both were extremely happy and Harry was very happy for them. But it was as quiet times like this, when the conversation lulled that thoughts of Malfoy and Snape intruded.
The two spies had left five months ago and here it was Christmas Day and they were still gone. Harry’s eyes narrowed, something wasn’t adding up. According to their cancellation they said that it was just a short vacation. Five months wasn’t short to him and then there was the fact that Minerva had received a letter of resignation from Snape not two weeks ago.
Something was definitely up.
“What has you thinking so hard mate?” Ron asked jokingly. Harry turned back to him a frown marring his handsome face.
“You had an affair with Draco Malfoy.” Harry said bluntly. The color leeched out of Ron’s face.
“How did…?”
“Hermione told me, on your wedding day.” Harry said quietly. “How could you do that to them both?”
“I didn’t mean for it to happen, it just did.” Ron protested. “Besides, it’s Malfoy; he really didn’t mean anything to me anyway.”
“He meant enough to you to keep it going for a year or more!” Harry snapped growing angry. “Obviously he meant a great deal to you.” He said quieter. Ron swallowed thickly and turned to the roaring fire.
“For being a damn ferret the man is gorgeous and actually quite compassionate to boot. He listened to me, even if he did make cutting commentary, but he still listened. And through all the sarcasm he gave good advice. One thing just led to another that’s all.” Ron shrugged. “Hermione and I were going through rough times; I didn’t think we’d get through it so I thought; what the hell? By the time we did get back together I…I just thought…damn it I don’t know what I was thinking!”
“You weren’t! That’s the point. And then you broke it off with him the day before you get married! That’s low Ron even for you. The bloke didn’t even know you were back with Hermione did he?” Ron shook his head. “Bullocks, Ron!” Harry shook his head and tossed back his whiskey. “Well it’s old news now. But Snape just resigned and then there’s a rumor that Malfoy is planning to live in Italy.” Harry narrowed his eyes as Ron didn’t meet his gaze. “He obviously cared for you and you basically treated him like a whore you dumb ass.”
“It’s just Malfoy.” Ron finished lamely and Harry just shook his head.
“Yeah, well, just Malfoy killed his father and mother for the Order, just Malfoy saved the both of our asses more than once spying for the Order, just Malfoy deserves more than what you gave him Ron. You’re lucky he wasn’t a woman and pregnant or something just think of how that would make him feel.” Ron made a strangled sound in the back of his throat and Harry narrowed his eyes. “What is it now?”
“Well, uh, he could get pregnant.” Ron said and Harry’s eyes widened. “We’re wizards Harry basic muggle stuff doesn’t apply. With magick, just about anything is possible.”
“Well, do you know if he was pregnant or not?” Harry asked. Ron shook his head.
“He never said anything. And you know he would love just to rub Hermione and my face in it.” Ron muttered. Harry kept his thoughts to himself, but he didn’t think so. Malfoy would’ve just left, like he did, but he couldn’t have been pregnant.
Could he?
Harry was in Italy during Christmas. It was quite beautiful especially here in Rome. Witches and wizards passed him on the streets with their families, bundled together against the crisp cold. In Northern Italy, it had snowed briefly but here in the southern part it was just a very crisp cold. He smiled at the vendors and then hurried into one of the cafes that were within walking distance of the Coliseum. Getting a hot chocolate and sat by one of the windows and watched the people scurrying around picking up their last minute gifts for Christmas.
Hermione, Ron, and their daughter Bridget, were having the perfect family Christmas with the Weaselys at the Burrow. Harry had stayed as long as he could but, things were strained with him and Ron. He just couldn’t reconcile what he’d done. Hermione seemed forgiving enough, but Harry and Ron both knew better. She was keeping tabs on his activities. If Ron breathed out of place Hermione was on him like a bad rash. So Harry had left and went to France and now Italy. He tried to tell himself he was moving aimlessly throughout Europe but he knew he wasn’t.
He was looking for Malfoy.
“How are my beauties today?” Draco murmured as he bundled up the twins. Lilly just sat and smiled up at him and her brother Dmitri stared at him with quiet eyes but was grinning.
“Papa ice ‘ream!” Lilly said and Draco laughed.
“No, today is far too cold, how about hot chocolate?”
“Coco!” The twins cheered.
“You spoil them Draco.” Severus said from behind him. Draco laughed and took the twins’ gloves and hats from Severus and placed them over their strawberry blond curls.
“I guess, but they do have impeccable manners.”
“Yes, for being one.” Severus said sarcastically. Draco grinned up at Sev before he strapped them into their stroller and tugged on his winter cloak. It was quite brisk for Rome this year. Usually it was around 15 to 20 centigrade. However sometimes it did get down to around 10 and it seemed this was one of those times. Draco placed the hood of his cloak on his head and then turned to Sev who was already dressed and waiting.
“Ready?” Draco asked and Severus nodded. Severus opened the door and Draco pushed the stroller out into the elevator. They were quiet going down the elevator of the exclusive high rise condos and when the elevator doors opened, Draco and Sev walked towards the entrance sedately.
A man nearly bumped into them, but he did hit the stroller. “Oh Merlin, I’m sorry, little ones, I’m such a klutz.” Severus stiffened slightly at that voice. The children began laughing and giggling with the man and Draco got the strange vertigo feeling, like his life was about to change forever…again. The man looked up and Draco looked right into emerald green eyes.
“Oh shit.” He muttered.
“What a pleasant surprise Potter.” Draco murmured. He looked down at his children and smiled. “Lilly, Dmitri, say hello to Mr. Potter.”
“Hi!” They said together. Harry was smitten; he grinned at them.
“Hello,” He said and then looked up at Draco and Severus again and nodded. “Malfoy, Snape, how are you doing?” Severus snorted.
“What are you trying to pull?” Severus muttered darkly as he motioned for Draco to go ahead with the kids, Severus and Harry brought up the rear. Severus waited until Draco was further ahead of them on the way to the café before speaking. “Draco has been through enough already so if you’re coming here for Weasely…”
“Ron doesn’t know I’m here.” Harry said shortly. “He didn’t even know Malfoy was pregnant. Hell, I didn’t even know a wizard could get pregnant. I just wanted to make sure that everything was okay. Especially when you sent in your resignation letter. Minerva nearly hexed someone.” Harry chuckled. Severus sneered and then snorted.
“Ridiculous, I can’t believe you didn’t know. It is well documented Potter.” Severus sighed, “It is of no import now. I sent in my resignation as soon as Draco decided that he was going to stay here permanently for more than a few years.”
“Why?” Harry asked. Severus looked at him and rolled his eyes.
“Can you see the ramifications of him coming back to England with two children that he definitely didn’t leave with? Though the twins have blond locks, that strawberry color came from a red head and if you put that together with the eyes,” Severus looked heavenward, “it would be a disaster. I can see it now. ‘Death Eater Seduces Ronald Weasely…’ blah, blah, blah. They’d tear those children to shreds and put the title of ‘Whore’ on Draco before we could all blink. All because of that simpleton you call a friend.” Severus cut Harry a hard glare that made him feel eleven all over again. “Just what were you thinking making such a dumb suggestion?”
“I’m just trying to help.”
“We don’t need your help. Draco has been hurt enough in this life time, just leave him alone.”
“But I want to make it right.” Harry protested. Severus sighed and looked at Harry.
“You can’t make everything right all the time Harry.” Severus said surprisingly in a calm voice. “What Ron did was inexcusable; he can’t make up for it and he won’t be able to apologize for it either. But would it really be okay for Draco to really and truly go back to England? Do you really think so? What would Hermione Weasely say, or his parents, or any of those in our part of the world? They wouldn’t look on it favorably. It would hurt everyone involved. It is almost best this way to be here. Draco will not have to be reminded of his lover’s lies and the children will never have to know how much their sire hurt their father.”
Severus and Harry stopped outside of the café and watched as Draco quickly and efficiently sat the children in their high chairs and began breaking cookies and pastries into smaller pieces. He was smiling and laughing and Harry was loath to break up the small bit of happiness that Draco had here. “You know he loved him.” Harry felt bile build in is throat. “It devastated him that Ron would betray his trust and think so little of their time together. We may be cold, but for the most part we aren’t heartless.”
“Hey,” Both of them were startled when Draco’s voice reached them. “Are you both going to stand out there and freeze? Come in here, I ordered tea and coco all around.” Harry smiled when he heard the twins cheer, ‘coco!’ from behind their father. Severus looked at Harry telling him without speaking that they would speak again. Harry nodded and really it could wait for that day.
And as he walked in to sit with the family he realized that this was what he wanted; a family. But more specifically…
…he wanted Draco and the twins.