𝐀 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐒𝐎 𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐒

Chapter 42

Chapter Number/Total: 42/44
Chapter Title: A Parent's Desperation

Harry held very tight to Draco as they spun through emerald green flames, and he continued to hold him tightly, supporting most of his weight as they landed in the kitchen fireplace of Number Twelve.

One hand gripped Harry's arm and the other the head of his cane, as Draco nearly stumbled out of the fireplace with his lover.

Narcissa was waiting for them, having Flooed home from the hospital first. She gasped like the worried mother she was, hands fluttering over Draco before she gripped the arm with the cane.

Harry slid his own arm around Draco's waist, stepping carefully out into the kitchen.

Draco gritted his teeth. He hated being treated like he was helpless. More than that, he hated being so weak. He could walk now, but he was still unsteady on his feet and his legs had a tendency to buckle at odd times. They had even given him a cane to walk with. It was an uncomfortable reminder of his father.

"Are you all right?" Narcissa asked, dusting Draco off with quick hands.

"I think he's fine," said Harry with a small smile, kissing Draco on the cheek.

"Look, there's your daddies," said Hermione from where she stood a few feet away with Ron and the twins. She stepped forward, smiling. "Welcome home, Draco," she told him.

Draco felt overwhelmed but nodded, smiling at the sight of his children. "Home," he said, swaying slightly.

Harry gripped a little tighter. "Here, let's sit down," he said, helping Draco to a chair.

Draco allowed the assistance, and once he was seated, he sighed with relief. He accidentally dropped the cane and it clattered on the floor.

Harry bent to grab it and leaned it against the table before he sat down himself.

Narcissa sat too, still fussing over Draco and brushing soot out of his hair.

Draco suffered the attention, grimacing. He could smell something good cooking and figured that Kreacher would want them all to eat dinner at the dining table soon. He didn't know what to say to Ron and Hermione. He had heard how they had been helping. He settled for, "How are the boys?"

"Loud," said Ron, and Hermione rolled her eyes at him.

"They've been very good today," she said.

"He spit up on me," said Ron, indicating Caelum. "Twice."

Hermione rolled her eyes again.

Harry snorted at them both.

Draco laughed softly and held out his hands for the 'messy' infant.

Ron shook his head at the baby as he handed him off to Draco. Harry could see the spot on Ron's shoulder where it had happened.

"How long do you have to have that cane for?" Ron asked.

Draco held the baby, momentarily lost in the feeling, but then realised what Ron had asked. He scowled. "I don't know," he said.

"Ow," Ron said suddenly, turning his head to look at Hermione where she stood close next to him.

She shook her head, closing her eyes.

Harry wanted to tell Ron he had a big mouth, but thought it would probably be better to ignore it. He reached for Corvus, taking him from Hermione and kissing his forehead.

"They could probably eat before our dinner is finished," said Hermione. "It's been awhile."

Draco smiled again. "Somebody pass me a bottle," he said cheerfully. He had been able to feed the infants a few times when Harry had brought them in during the day. This was something he was getting good at and enjoyed.