Say Hello, Say Goodbye

Chapter 3

Harry stood there shocked that his best friend just reacted that way. Granted he knew he wasn't going to react well but this wasn't what he had been expecting. 'Don't touch me, freak,' kept running through his head and he couldn't help but remember all the times his relatives called him that over the years. That was all he was to them, just a freak they had to put up with. Suddenly, he felt a hand touch his shoulder and with his recent thoughts he gave an involuntary flinch and turned around but when he saw Draco standing behind him he relaxed.

"Are you ok, Harry?" he asked quietly.

Harry looked down, staring at his shoes, and nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. I expected him to react badly, but not like that," he admitted. Draco gently pulled Harry back to the couch and let him cuddle up to him. Sirius came over and sat down on Harry's other side.

"Harry, I'm so sorry." Hermione said, sounding as if she were about to cry. "I was really hoping he wasn't going to react like that. I can go after him if you want," she offered.

Sirius shook his head. "No, Hermione. It's better if you let him work this out himself. If he is truly your friend he'll come around."

Harry turned so he could see Sirius clearly. "I hope so."

Sirius smiled and ran his hand through Harry's unruly locks. "I'm sure he will, Harry. Actually I never told you this but it might help now. When Remus and I came out to our friends back in our 6^th year, your father reacted much the same as Ron did just now."

The three teens looked at Sirius in shock. "He did," Harry asked in dismay. 'If he reacted badly to his friends being gay...how would he have reacted to finding his son was as well?' he thought to himself.

Remus was the first to see the fear in Harry's eyes, "Harry, your father just needed time to get over the shock. Once he realized we were still the same as we were before he found out and that he wasn't going to lose us as friends he started to get over it. It took him a bit to get comfortable around us again especially when we started dating each other but it did happen."

"Yeah, and he only had one rule that he asked us to follow," Sirius said with a chuckle.

Remus smiled as well. "Oh, yes that's right. He just asked us to please not swap spit while he was around." That comment had everyone laughing and it eased the tension in the small room. "So, everything worked out in the end. I'm sure Ron will work things out in his head soon."

Harry nodded but wasn't completely convinced. "Alright, thanks guys."

"Anytime Harry," Sirius said, gently patting his godson's hand. "Now, what did you call us here for? Am I right in thinking it wasn't just for you to tell Ron about you?"

Harry sighed. "You're right, I had another reason for asking you here. Several things in fact." He paused, collecting himself, he didn't need another repeat of the last few minutes.

"Harry, what is it? You know you can tell us anything, right?" Hermione asked, concern evident in her voice.

"Yeah, yeah I know. I'm just nervous about this. I'm not sure how well you guys are going to take this," Harry said nervously, wringing his hands together.

"Harry, just tell us. It'll be over in a minute and you'll feel better." Remus said.

Harry nodded. "Right," he got up and began pacing again, after a minute he stopped and looked over at Draco who nodded to him. "Well, first off I need to tell you that Draco and I are dating and have been for a year now."

After a minute of silence Hermione finally spoke. "A year?" she squeaked. "When I figured it out earlier I thought maybe it was a recent thing since you were both fighting on the same side for more then a few months. But a year?"

Harry chuckled, he knew Hermione well and she was a lot like Dumbledore in that she prided herself in knowing what was going on or at least being able to figure things out quickly. It must be killing her to know this was going on behind her back for so long and she had had no idea. "Yes, Hermione a year. The summer after fifth year I realized a few things that I hadn't known before about the Malfoy family through my dreams and came to a new revelation about Draco and managed to get him alone long enough to talk to him during the first week back in our 6^th year and we talked for most of the night about things and even though I can tell in your eyes, Hermione, I can't tell you about those revelations. It's up to Draco if he wants you to know or not."

Hermione nodded and was about to say something but she was interrupted by Draco.

"Hermione, let's just say my home life wasn't as great as I pretended it to be. Not even Parkinson knew what it was really like for me. And I also found out a lot about Harry that I didn't know." The two boys smiled at each other.

Hermione smiled. "Well, I'm glad you found someone you love and who loves you back though I'm a little leary that it's Malfoy considering all that's he's done to us over the years. Though now that I think of it he hasn't called me a Mudblood in over a year. It's going to take me..." Hermione was cut short when Draco came up to her and shocked her by bending down on his knees and taking her hand and bent his head.

"Miss Granger, please accept my apology for all the rude things I've ever done to you and your friends." Hermione just stood there in shocked silence and Harry could see that Sirius and Remus were trying not to laugh.

"Well, I suppose it's a good thing I know that you're completely gay Draco or I would be worried." He said with a laugh, which got everyone else to laugh as well.

Draco turned around slightly and just grinned up at his boyfriend. "Come on Harry, you know the girls can't resist me. It's just me who can resist them. Now you on the other hand I can't resist." This statement resulted in a chorus of 'Awws' from the peanut gallery and Harry blushed a Weasley red. Draco then turned back to Hermione and gave her a questioning look. "So...am I forgiven? At least some what?"

Hermione sighed and gave the blond a once over. "I don't know if I can forgive you for all the times you called me a 'Mudblood' but I'll try. You obviously make Harry happy and that's all that matters to me."

Both Harry and Draco smiled and Harry went over to her and gave her a hug, "thank you" he whispered quietly in to her ear. She smiled as he pulled back and told him it wasn't a problem. Harry then turned toward his godfather and Remus. "So, you guys haven't really said anything," he stated nervously.

Sirius and Remus looked at each other and after a few minutes of silent communication between the two remaining Marauders Sirius finally spoke. "Now, I know you know that Lucius Malfoy and I, not to mention your parents, never really got along. As a matter of fact I would say that it was worse then the one with Snape. Not to mention all your own encounters with the man. That being said, I'm shocked that you would consider getting into this type of relationship with his son." Sirius held up his hand when he saw Harry's face fall as he spoke. "But, I'm willing to get to know Draco for who he is since I can see that he means a lot to you. But I'm saying this Mr. Malfoy, that I'm reserving my right as Harry's godfather to come after you if I get even just an inkling that your not treating him right. Got that?"

Draco's eyes grew big and he nodded quickly. "Yes, sir. I wouldn't dream of hurting Harry. He means too much to me." Sirius nodded at this and Harry couldn't decide who he wanted to hug first, his godfather or his boyfriend so he finally settled on grinning like an idiot.

After a few moments Hermione spoke up. "Professor..."

Remus chuckled. "Hermione, how many times do I have to ask you to please call me Remus! I haven't been your professor in 4 years."

Hermione blushed. "Sorry...Remus, did you and Sirius say you were together?"

Both Remus and Sirius looked confused. "Didn't Harry tell you? Sirius and I were together back before Voldemort's first downfall and over the last few years have regained it back," Remus said.

Hermione looked over at Harry obviously hoping for an answer. "I guess I forgot to mention it with everything else that has been going on over the last few years. Plus, I found out before I knew what either of your reactions would be to my being gay and I didn't want to risk it," Harry shrugged.

Sirius stood up and stretched. "Well, if that was all you wanted to tell us how about we head to The Three Broomsticks for a Butterbeer?"

"Well, actually, there was something else I needed to tell you." Harry said nervously.

Hermione's eyebrows rose. "Is this about what Dumbledore asked you?" When Harry nodded, she continued. "Well maybe we should wait for Ron. He wanted to know too remember?"

Draco was the one to answer this one. "If Weasel reacted badly to Harry being gay, he would really react badly to this."

Harry noticed Sirius and Remus exchanging worried looks. "Before you say anything please just hear me out. It's nothing bad exactly...just unusual." Harry looked over at Draco and took a deep breath, he knew this wasn't going to go over well with his godfather.

"What is it Harry? What has Dumbledore asked you to do this time? I swear if he is endangering you again! I don't care how powerful he is he won't know what hit him once I'm through with him!"

Remus placed a hand on his lover's shoulder. "Calm down, Padfoot! Harry hasn't even said what it is yet. It could be something simple and you will be overreacting again." Remus looked over at his practically adopted godson. "Go ahead whenever you're ready Harry."

The boy took a deep breath before beginning. "Ok, earlier in the week Dumbledore asked to talk to me and he said he had been thinking a lot about creating a heir and that he wanted me to carry it." There was complete silence for about 5 seconds before the eruption started.

"What?" came Hermione's voice.

"Is the man crazy! You're only 17!" came Remus' voice.

"Is that even possible? I've never heard anything that would allow such a thing!" came Sirius's voice.

Harry chuckled. "Yes, Sirius it's possible. I'm surprised you don't know about. Then again, it's not widely known knowledge."

"Well, what is it? How does it work?"

Harry was about to answer but was stopped when Remus held up his hand to silence him. "Wait a minute Harry. Let me get this straight, Dumbledore wants an heir after 150 some odd years and he wants you to have it? This isn't setting well Harry, something doesn't seem right about this."

"I have to agree with Remus here Harry. It doesn't seem like Albus to suddenly decided something like this."

Harry knew Dumbledore didn't want this to get out but he would have to tell them what he knew and he hoped the Headmaster would understand. "Dumbledore told me that this was something he had been thinking about for some time and he knew now would be a good time to do it because our world is finally at peace and he knew that the child would be able to grow up without any dangers around. He also said he wanted it done soon because he fears he won't be around much longer." He said this part sadly, he didn't like to think about the possibility of his mentor not being around.

This statement was followed by silence. After a few seconds Sirius spoke. "What do you mean Harry? Dumbledore is as healthy as ever."

Harry shook his head. "Dumbledore said he has been using a lot of well placed concealing charms so that he doesn't worry everyone. Since I've known I can see it in his eyes how tired he is."

Remus sighed at this. "I can't believe he's never mentioned this to anyone."

"As sad as that is I'm still not sure this is something you should be doing Harry, even if the Headmaster's ill. If this is so unknown how do we know its safe for you? Something could go wrong Harry. You know full well I can't lose you Harry."

It was Draco's turn to look over at Harry. "Yeah Harry. How do we know this will be safe? I can't believe I didn't ask this myself when we talked to him."

Harry smiled at this, he could never say these people didn't care about him. As a matter of fact they practically bordered on being obsessively protective. "We don't know 100% certain that something won't happen but I do know that Dumbledore wouldn't put me at risk if he thought I would be harmed in any way. And Dumbledore did say that it was semi-dangerous since the male body isn't designed for something like this and there is always a risk for something to go wrong but there always is a risk with everything in life."

It was quiet once more as everyone thought about Harry's words and it wasn't for another few minutes that Remus spoke in a hushed tone. "You sounded so much like your father just then Harry. Back when they attempted the animagus spell for the first time, he said almost the exact same thing when I told him it was much too dangerous for them to even try when so much could go wrong." Harry smiled sadly.

Harry noticed that Sirius had a sad look on his face as well before it hardened once more into a look of determination. "Be that as it may Harry, I still don't think this is a very good idea. It's much too dangerous, Harry and you have to remember you don't owe Dumbledore anymore."

Harry faced his godfather with a look of determination to match his. "Sirius did you think I haven't thought of all the risks that this comes with? I know all about that and I know I don't owe Dumbledore anymore. But did you even think that maybe I want this? That I might want the chance to have a family? It's all I've been thinking of since Dumbledore told me about this. If this proves successful Draco and I might be able to add more children to the family."

Sirius was shocked by the powerful words coming from his godson's mouth and it was a few minutes before he could speak and his voice was choked up. "I know you've always wanted a family Harry and I can tell you want this but I can't help thinking you're jumping into this blindly because of that chance to have a family. As I said before I can't lose you."

Harry sighed yet again. "I've thought about this a lot Sirius and I want to do it." Harry's voice had a tone of finality that no one could ignore. Harry then turned toward his friend and proceeded to explain how the procedure would be done.

When Harry was done explaining to Hermione, Sirius spoke up. "I can tell I'm not going to be able to change your mind so I will just ask you to please be careful and do everything Madam Pomfrey says you should do. I'm assuming that's who's going to oversee this medically?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, Dumbledore said he will tell her before he gives me the potion so she can be on hand to check me over once the potion and spell have been done."

"So, it will be the five of us, Dumbledore and Pomfrey who knows about the pregnancy?" Hermione asked.

"For right now yes. Dumbledore said he will have to tell the rest of the staff as well because they will have to know so they don't give me anything that could harm the baby or me. Unfortunetly, Snape will have to be told because he will be the one to make the potion."

This piece of information struck a cord with both Sirius and Remus. "What? Snape is making the potion?" Sirius asked, shocked.

Both young men nodded. "That's what we said when Dumbledore told us," Draco said. "But, he is the only one close by that would be able to make this potion."

"I still don't like this," Sirius said, shaking his head. "Snape could easily do something to the potion and make it look like something happened with the baby and it hurt you as well. If you were really wanted to do this Harry, there has to be someone else who could do the potion, isn't there?"

Harry shook his head. "Not that I'm aware of. Besides, even if we could find someone else it would be too big a risk for anyone else to know who's baby I'm carrying. Besides us, Pomfrey and Dumbledore, no one else will know. Not even Snape will know its Dumbledore's. We are going to tell everyone else it's Draco's baby."

"So, you're not going to hide the pregnancy?" Hermione asked shocked.

Harry looked at her confused. "Well, a pregnancy is going to be kind of hard to hide."

Hermione smiled and shook her head. "I know that, but couldn't you use concealing spells?"

Draco shook his head immediately. "No, concealing spells actually change the area you want to conceal. It would be too risky to do that with a pregnancy. It could easily harm the baby or Harry."

After another 15 minutes of conversation, the three students and two adults left The Shrieking Shack and entered the village. Since everyone was drained after their talk they decided not to go to The Three Broomsticks and headed off in two different directions, Sirius and Remus toward their shared home and Draco, Hermione and Harry toward the school. As it was just about dinner time the three students made their way to the great hall for dinner. Once they got there the trio spilt up and headed for their house tables.

Harry and Hermione sat at their usual seats in the center of the table and noticed that Ron wasn't there. They looked around and spotted him at the far end of the table sitting by himself. The two teens looked at each other and sighed. It was obvious that he didn't want to be bothered. This hurt Harry more than he could have realized.

Seeing Harry's hurt look, Hermione patted his hand and gave a reassuring grin. "I'm sure he will come to his senses soon Harry."

"I hope so," Harry said quietly. The two continued eating and then went up to the common room to work on their homework.

It was three days later when Harry received and owl from Dumbledore telling him that the potion was ready and to please come up to his office after classes. He looked toward the Headmaster and nodded his head and did the same to Draco. He showed the note to Hermione and she looked up at him concerned.

"Do you want me to come up with you?" She asked softly.

"No, that's ok. Draco will be coming with me, thanks though," He replied with a smile.

After classes, Hermione wished him luck as he left to go to the headmaster's office. When he got to the entrance he saw that Draco had beat him there. The two smiled at each other and Draco grabbed Harry's hand and gave it a squeeze. Taking a deep breath, Harry said the password, Bubblegum, before the two began climbing the stairs.

When they got to the office they saw Professor Dumbledore sitting behind his desk sleeping in his chair. They could clearly see the weariness and the extra lines on his face. They gave each other concerned looks. Harry coughed lightly hoping that would be enough to wake him.

Dumbledore jumped slightly in his seat and looked around confused. When he spotted the two boys he smiled gently though they knew he was embarrased to be seen sleeping. "Hello, Harry, Draco. I am sorry for that. I suppose I just..."

"It's alright sir." Harry said, but his eyes showed that he was immensly worried for his aged mentor. "Sir? Are you alright?"

Dumbledore looked up at him and smiled. "Yes, Harry. I'm just...getting tired easier. I shall be fine."

Neither boy really believed that but didn't mention it. "Professor, you said that the potion was ready?" Draco asked.

"Yes, Professor Snape delivered it to me this morning." Dumbledore opened one of the desk drawers and produced a goblet filled with a steaming liquid. He handed the goblet to Harry and looked him in the eye and held it. "Harry are you absolutely sure you want to do this? Once you take this potion there is no turning back." Harry nodded and he could feel Draco tighten is hold on his hand. "Good. Now, once you take this potion you should feel a warm sensation in your stomach for a few minutes. Once that sensation stops tell me and I will cast the spell that will impregnate you. Alright?"

Harry nodded and took the goblet and gulped it down as quickly as he could, knowing it was the best way to take a potion. As Dumbledore said he felt a warm sensation almost immediately. It lasted for a good 5 minutes before it stopped. He told Dumbledore so and the older wizard stood up and walked in front of the desk and stood in front of Harry. He motioned for Harry to stand up straight and Dumbledore pointed his wand at Harry's stomach.

"Ok, Harry, I need to be as relax as you can. I'm going to tell you that this will cause some discomfort. But it shouldn't last long." When Harry nodded Dumbledore began to chant words neither 7^th year could understand before saying the final words of the spell. A blast of yellow light shot out of Dumbledore's wand and hit Harry in the middle of his stomach. When the light ended Harry could feel the magic making its way through his stomach before stopping and everyone present could see a small bright ball of light settle in one spot in his stomach letting them know it found where it needed to go. A few seconds later Harry felt a jolt in his stomach that made his hand flutter to his stomach. Draco, who had been looking at Harry in concern, asked. "What happened?"

"I don't know. It felt like a jolt went through my stomach," he replied in awe. He could now feel the life forming inside of him. It was very weak but he could feel it. He knew from the books Hermione had found for him in the library that the feeling would just get stronger as the baby grew.

Dumbledore nodded at this. "That was mostly likely my genes finding yours and connecting to form the baby." The old man's eyes twinkled merrily. "Now, I think it would be wise if you were to go down to the Hospital Wing so Madam Pomfrey can give you a once over so she can get a good reading of your over all health. She will also be telling you what you can and can't do through out your pregnancy. You will also no doubt be wanting to tell your godfather, Remus and Miss Granger that all is well."

Harry smiled and nodded. "Yeah, I should send an owl to them to let them know. Hermione will also want to know it went well, but I will do all that after I see Madam Pomfrey."

"Good, good. You two better head down now while everyone is mostly in their common rooms," he said as he guided the two to the door. Before they reached the stairs Harry turned around when he heard the headmaster call his name. "Keep me updated won't you Harry?"

Harry nodded and smiled. "Of course Professor." With that Draco led Harry down the stairs.