Chapter Text
Harry sat down heavily at one of the long tables in the Great Hall as morning dawned. He had no idea which house table it was, and didn't particularly care. All around him people were grieving.
The final stand off with Voldemort had consumed so much of Harry's attention that he'd missed a lot elsewhere on the battlefield. It was devastating to see such pain on the faces of his loved ones.
Parvati had sadly followed her sister in death. She'd been wild and reckless in her overwhelming sorrow, taking a killing curse when she'd separated from the pack to avenge Padma.
Daphne Greengrass, Adrien Pucey, Micheal Corner, Katie Bell, Cho Chang and more... All dead.
Ron approached slowly, his face twisted with grief and something Harry wasn't certain of. "We have a problem," he said tersely.
"What's wrong?" Harry asked, wincing as his head throbbed. From the corner of his eye, he saw Draco look over. The blond had been sitting and talking quietly with his parents but excused himself to go to Harry.
"Percy is the one who told the Death Eaters your plan," Ron admitted, his fists clenched at his sides. "I'm sorry Alphas."
"You have nothing to apologize for," Draco said sharply. "Where is he? Was he at the battle?"
Ron sighed, motioning behind him. Percy was walking toward them with his head down, followed closely by his, parents, Ginny and the twins.
Draco opened his mouth to demand answers but stopped when Harry squeezed his hand gently. He scowled and folded his arms irritably.
"Why would you betray us?" Harry asked, his tone so hurt that Percy winced while Molly sniffled.
"My supervisor was working with the Death Eaters," Percy said quietly. "I didn't realize until to late. They came in and used the cruciatus curse over and over, saying that they'd do worse to my family and Penelope if I didn't give them information."
"Nobody did anything to dad," Ron snapped, "and his office is only one floor up from yours."
Percy sighed, obviously troubled. "Maybe they realized that they'd never get anything out of dad," he muttered. "I'm the weakest link in the chain and they took advantage." He swallowed hard, meeting Harry's gaze. "I was afraid and clearly not strong enough to resist. I just wanted my family and girlfriend to be safe. I'm so sorry Harry," he said, barely above a whisper as tears spilled over.
"You could have gotten them killed," Draco hissed furiously. "People died last night. Good people with families." Before he could continue, Harry tugged him closer and rested a calming hand on the blond's hip.
"He saved me from a curse," George said helpfully.
"He did," Fred agreed. "He fought as hard as anybody out there. It doesn't change what he did but..."
Harry sighed, considering Percy. "I cannot trust you Percy," he said sadly. "But I can understand being afraid for the people you love. I just wish you could have trusted us enough to help you."
"I know," Percy nodded dejectedly. "I got so caught up in my job and-"
"I can forgive this mistake Percy," Harry told him gently, shocking everyone. "Fear can make you do things you wouldn't usually do."
"Harry," Draco objected, "he betrayed us."
"He made a mistake and gave sensitive information to the enemy after being tortured," Harry corrected. "Your own father was a Death Eater for years, and yet he sits among our allies."
Draco stilled, glancing over to where his father and mother sat. They were rather stiff in their seats, taking in the scene with wide eyes.
Of course Harry was right. Wonderful Harry, who always seemed so eager to show mercy whenever he could. Draco couldn't help but wonder how he could have been destined for someone that was just so good, certain that he didn't deserve someone so selfless and amazing. Draco had his father back thanks to Harry's forgiveness and willingness to welcome Lucius into their group.
"I trust your judgement Harry," Draco murmured, meeting Harry's gaze steadily. He turned to look at Percy and gave a short nod of acceptance.
"It'll be alright Percy," Harry said quietly. His breath caught in his throat when Percy stepped closer and hugged him firmly. He could see the rest of the Weasleys over Percy's shoulder, shedding tears of exhaustion and relief. Truthfully, he was a little surprised. It wasn't as if he had any power to punish Percy. Not legally anyway. He supposed that after so much time leading the Pack, his opinion carried significant weight even among those outside the Pack.
Part of Harry had wanted to be angry for the betrayal. Percy had put their plans and their pack family in jeopardy. He hadn't trusted Harry and Draco enough. But at the same time, Harry knew that Percy had been terrified. And in the end, Percy had admitted his mistake and fought with them.
Looking around at all the mourning people, Harry wondered if Percy had been right not to trust them. Their pack would never feel whole again.
"You can't blame yourself Harry," Draco murmured, sitting down and gathering Harry close as the Weasleys moved away. His fingers carded through dark hair soothingly. "Everyone knew the risks. And so many survived. We did it love. And the lives of our families will be better for the sacrifices that were made."
All those that had been wounded in battle had been carefully tended to by Madam Pomfrey and Blaise. Those needing additional care were now resting in the infirmary. Blaise was now sleeping soundly, curled against Neville's side. It had been a long night indeed for the Slytherin but he hadn't wanted to leave the Great Hall. Neville had indulged him, leaning his back against a wall and drawing Blaise close.
Snape had managed to survive the battle reasonably in tact with a few new scars. So, he'd helped Blaise and Poppy with the potions and salves that their patients needed. He'd prepared an abundance of medicinal brews in advance, knowing that many injuries would need to be tended to quickly. The man spoke very little through the whole ordeal, but he was pleased when his assistance was met with heartfelt thanks and trust.
Dumbledore had been less fortunate. While he'd survived, he'd sustained a number of injuries in his stubborn insistence to fight. He was one of those that had been taken to the hospital wing for more extensive care. He'd been substantially weakened and Poppy had her doubts that he'd be able to continue to safely use magic without draining himself completely.
Narcissa had spent the battle in the Room of Requirement with the pups and anyone else not involved in the fight. She'd received frequent reports from the house elves, but she'd mostly spent her time convincing the young students to rest.
Now, Lucius and Narcissa sat huddled together, their hands clasped together firmly. Many of the others present were wary of them, but the Betas were completely aware of the Malfoys' loyalty and treated the couple with kindness.
As house elves began bringing breakfast out for everyone, Sirius came in supporting Remus. Harry spotted them and jumped from his seat, racing over to his fathers. Minerva quickly joined them and they spent a few moments embracing and crying together. "My sweet boy," Remus murmured, hugging Harry close and kissing his hair. "I'm so glad you're alright."
"What about you?" Harry asked, sniffling as he pulled back to look the werewolf over.
"We did our job," Remus said tiredly. "We lost two of our werewolves, but we kept any of Voldemort's werewolves from getting to you. And Greyback is dead," he added, sounding profoundly relieved. "The others were captured and taken to Azkaban with the other death eaters." He settled down at the closest table, so grateful to be safe with his family. "What did I miss?"
Harry, Minerva and Sirius exchanged miserable looks. "We lost a lot of amazing people today," Sirius said softly. "Percy Weasley told Voldemort our plans, hoping to keep his family safe. He told the twins everything... He was gutted about it."
Remus looked horrified. "Molly and Arthur must be devastated," he gasped. "What's being done?"
Minerva smiled, her gaze full of pride in her son. "Harry forgave him."
Remus relaxed a little. "I should have expected that from our son," he murmured, amused when Harry blushed.
"The ministry was attacked last night as well," Sirius sighed. "It was timed to keep the Order busy, and it worked. Snatchers went in and..." He shook his head. "We lost some ministry officials and aurors. We'll be feeling the effects of last night for some time."
"And... Voldemort?" Remus asked cautiously.
"I'm calling him Chad now. Luna said he had a tiny cock and then Saphira ate him."
Remus gaped at his husband in shock and then looked at Harry for confirmation. Harry smiled slightly, rolling his eyes. "We found out that he wasn't wearing anything under those robes. I guess Luna wasn't impressed. Said something about it being 'chilly'," he snorted. "Then he went to use the killing curse and Saphira didn't like that. She jumped in and snapped him up. She chewed him up, spit him out and then set his body on fire."
Surprised laughter burst from Remus' mouth drawing curious looks from others around the Great Hall. "Oh, I love that cheeky lizard," he chortled, wiping tears from his eyes. "I'm grateful that she loves you so much, Pup."
"That makes two of us," Draco chimed in, approaching the little family with a tired smile. When Harry turned to face him, he settled himself in Harry's lap and kissed Harry's forehead tenderly. "You doing alright, Love?" He smiled when Harry just nodded sleepily.
"What did you get up to during the fight?" Minerva asked curiously. "I didn't see you until you destroyed Nagini, but I know that there's no way you left Harry alone."
"Ah- Well, I've got a few tricks," Draco offered. "The twins developed some... tools specifically for me to use in addition to some clever spells. I can blend into the shadows and get close to an enemy without detection. Most times anyway," he said with a shrug. "When the death eaters got through the wards, I got behind them and thinned their ranks a bit. Kept groups of them distracted to make them easier targets for our teams. I was able to protect some of our people without getting spotted, but obviously I couldn't shield everybody," he murmured regretfully.
"You were brilliant, blondie," Sirius assured him. "Never doubt that. We'll be proud to have you join the family officially."
Draco smiled his gratitude, accepting hugs from the three people who had loved his Harry in the way that he deserved. Knowing that they truly loved Draco as well made the anticipation for the upcoming wedding so much sweeter.
"Let's go give the pups some love," Harry murmured, pressing a kiss to Draco's lips. "And then I want to go home and take a nap."
Delighted with this plan, Draco stood up and pulled Harry to his feet. They made their way to the table where all the youngest students were gathered for breakfast. Their faces lit up with eager smiles when they saw the alphas approaching. In an instant, Draco and Harry found themselves surrounded and being pulled into hugs. Some of the children were still shaken from all the excitement, anxious tears spilling over.
"It's alright my darlings," Draco cooed, gently brushing away tears and soothing away sniffles. "Some of you will remember what we said last year... We told that we'd keep you safe. That you'd be taken care of."
"We stopped Voldemort and we'll do what we can to make sure that you don't have to be afraid anymore," Harry said, sitting down on the floor and letting the smallest girl, a little first year Hufflepuff named Anna, clamber into his lap while a few others clung to his sides.
Harry spread his arms to hug as many children as he could at once. The road to healing would be long and hard but, for the moment, he was content to love and comfort the youngest members of the family that he'd built.
It was just a few days later that Harry and Draco were summoned back to Hogwarts. The students would be returning home the next day, but the battle had left some of them without one or both of their parents. One such case was Anna, the first year Hufflepuff. Unlike the other students that had lost family members, she had nobody left to go to. It broke Harry and Draco's hearts to walk into Minerva's office to hear the little girls devastated sobs.
"I'm sorry to bring you in like this," Minerva told them quietly, glancing at the girl now curled up in one of the chairs in front of her desk. Kingsley Shacklebolt sat in another chair, watching the girl with a helpless expression. "We haven't been able to calm her down. I was hoping that you could soothe her so we can start talking about the next steps."
Harry gave Draco a nudge, urging him to go to the child. "What next steps?" Harry asked as he watched Draco kneel by the chair and reach out to stroke Anna's chestnut curls gently.
"There may be a family in our community willing to take her in," Minerva responded softly. "I hate to rush her, but she needs Guardians."
Harry nodded. He smiled sadly as Anna leaned forward into Draco's arms to cry against his shoulder.
"It's alright Anna," Draco said, shifting to sit in the chair and settle the child across his lap.
"No it's not," she whimpered. "I don't have a family anymore. They're going to send me away to people I don't know."
"We'll find guardians that will take good care of you," Kingsley offered. As the interim Minister for Magic, he was finding this task to be his least favorite so far. It was awful to cause orphaned children further distress. At that moment, his good intentions meant little to someone so grief-stricken.
Anna sniffled, clinging to Draco's robes as her tears began to soak into the fabric. His own eyes growing wet, Draco turned to give Harry his most pleading look.
"Damn it," Harry sighed, though he offered his fiancé a reassuring smile. "Kingsley?"
Kingsley rose and followed Harry and Minerva into the hallway. Once the door had closed he was mildly surprised to see Harry's determined expression. "Harry?" he asked cautiously.
"Can she stay with me and Draco?" Harry asked before he could let himself over think it.
"Harry, you're barely adults yourselves," Minerva chided him gently.
"But we are adults nevertheless," he reminded her firmly. "We fought in the war. We've been responsible for ourselves for some time now. We can protect her and love her."
Kingsley folded his arms, suddenly exhausted. "It's a huge responsibility Harry," he said reasonably.
"It's a responsibility that I'm happy to take on," Harry assured him. "Most of the year she'll be at Hogwarts. During the summer and winter breaks, she would be with us. And we've got our families to help us out," he added, looking at Minerva expectantly.
"I- Well, of course we'd help in any way that we could," Minerva agreed, a little overwhelmed. She had no doubt that Sirius and Remus would pitch in. She really should have anticipated that Draco and Harry would respond in such a way. She'd only thought to calm a miserable child, and had ended up bringing a possible solution.
"We can do this," Harry insisted, looking at Kingsley. "She needs us."
Kingsley shook his head. "You need to be really sure about this Harry," he said warily.
"I am."
"Alright. I'll handle the necessary paperwork," Kingsley said, feeling a bit relieved. If Harry felt confident about his decision, Kingsley would support him. "Now, we only need to see if Miss Anna will agree to it."
Harry nodded, hastily going back into the office. Draco looked over at him immediately, relaxing a little as Harry approached. Kingsley and Minerva stood back and watched as Harry knelt on the floor in front of Draco's chair and reached over to give Anna's hand a little squeeze.
"I'm so sorry about your parents," he said gently, watching as Draco carefully brushed away her tears. "Nobody can replace them. But, if you like, you can stay with us."
Anna rubbed at her eyes, leaving her skin red and blotchy. "For how long?"
Harry swallowed hard. "Well, we could be your new guardians," he told her. "Whenever you're not in school, you'd be living with me and Draco. Would that be alright?" he asked her.
Anna stared at him in surprise and then tilted her head to look at Draco. She bit her lower lip, not daring to speak. She nodded as even more tears spilled over. She allowed herself to be guided into Harry's arms, letting him rock her back and forth right there on the floor. "Everything will be okay Anna," he told her. "We'll take good care of you."
Draco moved to lower himself to the floor as well. He wrapped one arm around Harry and the other around Anna to help support her weight. He knew that he and Harry would do everything in their power to be the family that Anna desperately needed. Draco couldn't stand the thought of walking away to hope that Anna would end up with a nice family. This way, Draco would know for sure that Anna was loved and cared for every day because he'd happily do it himself.
It didn't seem to be an ideal way to start their life together. Their wedding day would be upon them in no time. But, Harry and Draco knew that their lives would likely never be what most would consider normal. They kept a dragon in their yard. Nothing about that was normal. Impulsively adopting an eleven year old child into their family was probably one of the most "normal" things that the couple had ever done.
The wedding was beautiful.
Narcissa, Blaise, Hermione and Ginny had set up rows of chairs beside Harry and Draco's home. There was an abundance of flowers filling the air with their sweet scents. Fairy lights were woven between the blooms to offer a soft glow to the evening. The couple had spoken their vows beneath an arch covered in ivy and lilies. Dumbledore had officiated from a comfortable chair behind the arch, grateful to be well enough to participate.
A massive tent was set up a little further from the house. Inside there was a dance floor set up and many tables for guests to sit and eat. Even more tables were laden with food that the two grooms loved.
Draco felt as if he was floating for most of the day. As he glided around the dance floor in Harry's arms, he marveled at his new husband. "I can't believe I finally got to marry you," he murmured.
Harry grinned. "'Bout time, right?" he teased.
"Absolutely," Draco confirmed. "I've been waiting for this since I was six."
Harry nearly stumbled, his eyes wide. "Six?" He'd assumed that had been a little joke, but Draco seemed perfectly serious.
Draco offered a tender look as he said "I've wanted to be yours since nearly the very beginning. Somehow I just always knew..." he added, sliding his fingers over firm shoulders to slip his fingers into Harry's dark hair.
Harry nodded slowly. "I guess I can see that. To me we always just... were. I love the bond we share." He leaned in to kiss his beloved sweetly. He glanced over Draco's shoulder with a smile. "Maybe we could take a moment for the newest member of the family."
Sitting at a table at the edge of the dance floor, Blaise, Neville, Hermione and Fred watched as Draco walked over to Anna and cajoled her into dancing. Harry coaxed Anna's friend, a young Slytherin named Emma, into joining him on the dance floor. "They'll make such good parents," Neville remarked, grinning when Draco managed to make Anna smile.
"They really will," Hermione agreed, relaxing into to Fred's gentle hold. "They always were wonderful with the younger students."
Blaise nodded absently, his mind occupied. He jolted when Neville poked his arm questioningly. "Sorry," Blaise said, refocusing on his tableside companions. "I was just thinking... Maybe we could do something for them. I'm sure they'll end up with a house full of stray children and strange pets, but don't you think they might like a child of their own?"
"I'm sure they could find a surrogate," Hermione offered.
"But a surrogate would still require a genetic contribution from someone else," Blaise argued. "They can only produce sperm, but they need an egg to have a child."
"I do love a good biology lesson," Fred sighed, "but what's your point?"
Blaise leaned forward a bit, his eyes bright with excitement. "What if we could figure out a way to allow them to have a child that is biologically theirs?"
Hermione frowned at him. "That's not-"
"Why not?" Blaise asked excitedly. "We're wizards. Nobody has figured out how to do it, but I bet we could. We'd have to do some research but this could benefit couples like them. Or Ron and Viktor. Or us," he added, gesturing between himself and Neville. He bit his lip, suddenly a little nervous. "If- if our relationship gets to that stage," he amended sheepishly.
Neville just grinned at him, squeezing his hand.
"Are you suggesting that we convert sperm into an egg?" Hermione asked uncertainly. "That would be-"
"Pretty damn brilliant," Fred muttered thoughtfully.
"So, are you in?" Blaise asked apprehensively. "I want to put together a team. We need the best minds on this project."
Hermione and Fred shared a look before nodding their acceptance. "I'll talk to George, but I'm sure he'd be glad to pitch in," Fred assured them.
"Wonderful," Blaise responded, relieved. "I'll speak with Snape to see if he'd be willing to lend a hand. Sirius and Remus are pretty damn creative, so we need them too." He turned to Neville hopefully.
"Anything you need," Neville assured him. "Maybe I can help with high quality ingredients. I'm very good with plants." He blushed when Blaise drew him into a sweet kiss full of gratitude.
"Perhaps I could be of assistance."
The group jumped a little at Lucius' voice so close by. They hadn't realized that he was near.
"Such an endeavor will surely be... costly," Lucius said tersely. "I could assist with providing you with resources." At their stunned expressions, he heaved an impatient sigh. "I am willing to put forth the galleons needed to enable the birth of my grandchild. Whatever you need, you shall have."
"You'd do that?" Hermione asked, awed.
"I'd do anything to ensure Draco's happiness," he responded somberly. "And Mr. Potter has earned my respect." He paused and then added "And I do wish to have grandchildren one day."
Blaise smiled, and happily went off to find Snape while Hermione hurried to locate Sirius and Remus.
Oblivious to the scheming of their friends, Harry and Draco spent the rest of the evening blissfully happy.
As night fell, all the guests finally left. Draco tucked Anna in for the night while Harry spent a few moments with Saphira. The dragon had remained stretched out near the tent for most of the day, watching all of the action.
"You smell happy," Sapphira rumbled.
Harry laughed in delight. "Didn't know that had a scent." He chuckled again when the dragon nodded her great head. He reached out to stroke the scales on her neck. "You know, I would understand if you ever wanted to leave," he said, parseltongue slipping out easily. "You could be with your own kind."
Sapphira shifted to carefully push her snout to Harry's chest. "I belong with my Harry. I will not go."
Relief flooded Harry's heart. He'd never keep Sapphira from leaving if she chose to do so. But he loved her fiercely and was so glad that she wanted to stay with him. "Will you be alright while we're on our honeymoon?" he asked.
"Do not worry."
Harry leaned in to hug Saphira's neck. He smiled as she held still for him, clearly enjoying the contact. "I love you," he hissed to her, smiling at the happy, purring rumble she gave in response.
After a while Harry made his way into the house. He walked down the hall, pausing to check on Anna, and went into the bedroom he shared with his new husband. He found Draco wearing nothing but soft pajama bottoms while hanging up his wedding robes. Harry tiptoed closer and slid his arms around Draco's waist. He pressed a soft kiss to the blond's shoulder.
"I nearly thought that you were going to spend the night with the dragon," Draco teased, leaning back against Harry's chest.
"I just needed a few moments with her. I wouldn't miss this for the world." His hands drifted slowly over a pale chest before gently turning his husband to face him. "You look incredible Draco."
Draco blushed, cupping Harry's jaw to draw him into a sensual kiss. "Then come make love to me," he murmured, starting to back up toward the bed.
Harry pressed Draco into the mattress, lavishing Draco's throat with gentle, moist kisses. His hands drifted across pale skin, moving lower until he could brush his fingers over Draco's hardness. He smirked when the blond writhed, letting out a shaky sigh.
Harry sat up and hurriedly undressed himself. Once he was bare, he pulled off Draco's pajamas and tossed them aside. Ridiculously pleased with their nakedness, he settled himself against his new spouse to cup his jaw. "I'm going to spend the rest of our lives loving you," Harry said softly. "Every moment, every day, no matter what happens."
Draco smiled, pressing a loving kiss to Harry's lips. "I love you too Harry. And we've got forever to share that. But for now, stop talking," he smirked, shifting to straddle his lover. "I've got something better for you to do with those lips right now."
Harry couldn't think of a single reason to say anything else for the rest of the night.
"So, old toad face is going to Azkaban," Draco said, grinning at Harry as he peeked over the top of a copy of the Daily Prophet. The article was on the front page and Draco had been quick to read every word. He'd always hate that woman for leaving those scars on Harry's perfect hands.
Harry smiled, pleased. "That's a pretty great wedding present," he chuckled. They'd found out from Kingsley that some of the captured death eaters had admitted to conspiring with Umbridge to push certain anti-muggleborn policies. The woman had been gleefully splitting families apart and arresting innocent people while collecting a tidy sum from Voldemort's supporters. Harry hadn't wanted to attend the trial, but he'd gladly offered a statement about his terrible experience with the woman.
"She is a vile woman," Lucius said, sipping from his teacup. Next to him, Narcissa nodded primly.
Lucius had avoided serving time in Azkaban thanks to testimony from Harry, Snape and Dumbledore. And his loyalty to Harry saved him from most of the hatred from the wizarding public. Harry had been quick to declare that the Malfoys were family. Despite their past, Harry and Lucius quickly learned to respect one another. In fact, Lucius was slowly growing fond of Harry Potter.
"Can't I come with you?" asked a sad little voice. Anna was sitting right across from Lucius and looking over at Draco pleadingly. She was still struggling with the loss of her parents, but seemed content enough with Harry and Draco. She wasn't pleased that they'd be leaving her behind for a week.
Sirius walked into the kitchen and headed straight for the little girl when he spotted her tears. "What's wrong Poppet?" he asked kindly.
"I want to go with Harry and Draco," Anna whimpered, effectively breaking Draco's heart.
"Oh, dearest," Sirius sighed sympathetically. "Honeymoons are not for sweet little girls like yourself. They deserve a bit of privacy after their wedding, right?" He grinned when she nodded morosely. "You'll have so much fun with me and Moony and Minnie. Lucius and Cissy too. We'll have a great week and then they'll be back."
The couple was thrilled to be taking a week for themselves and enjoy their new status as husbands. They planned to spend their time enjoying Italy but it also seemed likely that they'd spend most of their honeymoon in bed. Between their activities the night before and their delightful morning shower romp, Draco was starting to suspect that he'd be incapable of walking by the end of the honeymoon. Being married to Draco was evidently a huge turn on for Harry.
"We'll do something special when we get back," Draco assured Anna. "We'll floo call at bedtime as well."
"Of course," Harry agreed with a sweet smile. "We'll talk every night before you go to sleep. It's just a week."
Anna sighed but offered her new guardians a small, dimpled smile. She was a very sweet child. Harry kissed the top of the girl's head and hugged her gently. "You'll be alright?" he asked her quietly. As desperate as he was to spend an entire week alone with his new husband, he could wait a bit longer if his young charge needed them to stay.
Anna nodded, returning the embrace and tucking her face into his chest.
"Don't worry," Remus chided, bringing Anna a cup of pumpkin juice. "You two go and enjoy your honeymoon. You've already shortened it once. Let us look after the little princess here," he said.
Harry hugged Remus tightly. "Thanks for breakfast," he murmured. "And I appreciate you keeping Anna."
"Think nothing of it, Pup," Remus responded. "Enjoy yourselves. Take care of each other and then come back to us." Harry nodded before embracing Sirius and then Minerva. Draco hugged his parents too, receiving assurances that they'd look in on Anna during the week as well.
The couple spent a few final moments hugging and reassuring Anna. She managed another smile for them and held Sirius' hand as she watched them take hold of their portkey and disappear.
Harry and Draco took in a few more children as time passed. Their summers were spent in a house full of children's laughter. Three years after the final battle, they were blessed with a child of their own. Their friends had worked tirelessly, researching, brewing and hoping. Finally, a combination of clever spellwork, a complex potion and a bizarre ritual allowed them to turn Harry's sperm into a viable egg for conception. Hermione had carried the child herself, happy to do so for her dearest friends.
Baby Scorpius was doted on by the other children in the home. He had Draco's pale blond hair and Harry's stunning green eyes. Both of his fathers were utterly convinced that there had never been a more sweet tempered baby.
Hermione and Fred had gotten married in that first year after the war. Hermione was taking the ministry by storm and none of her friends had any doubt that she would one day be the Minister for Magic. To her surprise, Lucius ended up being one of her biggest supporters. Fred and George continued to run the joke shop, though they'd also gained some popularity with magical law enforcement for some of the equipment they'd developed. George and Angelina Johnson had gotten married just a few months after Harry and Draco, and then had twins almost exactly nine months later.
Blaise and Neville's relationship flourished and they were so happy together. Neville was training to take over the herbology post at Hogwarts while Blaise was starting an apprenticeship with Poppy Pomfrey so that he could take over as the school's mediwizard once Poppy retired. The couple planned to marry in a few months.
Ron and Viktor's relationship had been less blissful. They had struggled and broken up a few times, when their careers kept them apart. Finally, they figured themselves out. Strangely enough, it had been seeing Ron holding little Scorpius for the first time that had done it for Viktor. After all those years of caring so deeply for Ron, Viktor could suddenly picture more. A house. Marriage. Children. Family vacations. He wanted it all and there was no better person to share all that with. Viktor had proposed the very next week and Ron's acceptance had been heartfelt and enthusiastic.
Vincent and Pansy dated for a while after the war, but they had eventually drifted apart. They remained close friends and felt no resentment when they met at gatherings. Pansy was now dating one of Viktor's Bulgarian friends from the Quidditch team. Vincent was now seeing Astoria Greengrass, much to everyone's surprise.
Greg still had no interest in a sexual or romantic relationship. He was perfectly happy with his friendships and never lacked for company when he wished it. His friends accepted him exactly as he was and it was all he really wanted. The children that had been taken in by Harry and Draco appreciated his calm presence and quiet patience.
Dumbledore had only survived for roughly eighteen months after the war. He'd only grown weaker as time passed. He died in his sleep, drawing his last breath with Harry holding his hand.
The Wolf Pack within Hogwarts became a mentor program. Older students from all four houses, took care of younger students regardless of house affiliation. It resulted in the house rivalries settling into healthy competition and good sportsmanship, as it always should have been. First years felt safe in the hallways when older members from other houses passed by them. Anyone holding on to old grudges was quickly rebuffed by the other students. Hatred had no place in Hogwarts. It would never be perfect, but there was at least hope for a better future for all students, no matter their blood status.
Outside of Hogwarts, the pack dynamic had mostly dissolved. What remained was a network of profound, loving friendships. They'd walked through the fire and found a way to hold on to each other through all of the struggles life brought. They all gathered at Harry and Draco's house frequently, happy to be together whenever it was possible.
As for Saphira, she remained at Harry's side, stubbornly refusing to go to the Dragon reserve in Romania when it was suggested. Her place was with Harry, Draco and whatever children they saw fit to take in. She remained gentle and docile though she very obviously favored Harry. She did eventually go to Romania, but it was a temporary arrangement with Harry when he went. Harry's parseltongue abilities were quite useful and he made frequent trips to the reserve to help Charlie with the dragons. The dragons became surprisingly cooperative for Harry when they saw him interact with Saphira so easily. In the end, it improved the relationships between the dragons and the other trainers as well. Dragons were pretty reasonable when they understood your intentions. Mostly. A few of them were rather more prickly.
"Alright, go find your seats," Draco said, urging three children toward the Hogwarts Express. "Be on your best behavior and write to us."
Anna, Derek and Adam each offered a last hug to Draco and Harry before pressing gentle kisses to two year old Scorpius' round cheeks. The hurried to the train, calling out greetings to friends as they boarded the train. It would be so quiet in the house without those sweet children to laugh and giggle.
Scorpius waved one chubby hand, wiggling excitedly in Harry's arms when Anna turned and waved back enthusiastically. "Say bye," Harry said in a sweet voice, kissing the toddler's hair.
"Bye," Scorpius called out.
Draco kissed their son lovingly before sharing a kiss with his beloved soulmate. "Come on darling," he murmured, wrapping one arm around Harry's waste. "Your fathers are looking forward to spending time with our little one."
"I'm sure they are," Harry agreed with a smirk. "Almost as much as you're looking forward to getting me inside you."
"That is... accurate," Draco admitted, his fingers teasing at the waist of Harry's trousers..
Harry chuckled, balancing Scorpius on one hip and pulling Draco close with his free hand. Their lips met in a tender kiss, their soul bond flaring brightly within them.
"Ew," Scorpius said.
The couple's surprised laughter put an end to the kiss, but that was alright. They had the rest of their lives to enjoy the peace that they'd fought so hard for. They wouldn't trade their beautiful life for anything.
As they made their way to the apparation point, Scorpius stuck his thumb in his mouth and snuggled in against Harry's shoulder. Harry smiled, immeasurably grateful for his family. His gaze shifted to Draco who was looking ahead with a contented smile.
"I love you so much," Harry said warmly.
Draco smiled. "I love you too Harry. Certainly more than Saphira does, no matter what the scaly arse hole says."
Harry laughed. He laughed even harder that evening when he was obliged to translate Draco and Saphira's argument on the same subject. Saphira ended up winning the argument when she nudged Draco until he fell over, since he was giggling too much to dispute any further.
It was a strange life they lived, but they'd walked through fire to get where they were. Harry wouldn't trade it anything.