Say Hello, Say Goodbye

Chapter 5

Harry and Draco both hugged Sirius and Remus goodbye before walking through the barrier between platforms 9 and 10. Once through, they were greeted by the site of the large red train with the name Hogwarts' Express. They looked around and finally spotted Hermione and made their way over to her.

"Hermione!" Harry greeted, hugging her.

"Harry, Draco!" She replied hugging both boys. "How was your holiday?"

Draco smiled at her. "It was good. Thanks for the book, I think it will come in handy during the next few months." He said, talking about the book on what a father should expect when their lover is having a baby.

"I'm glad you liked it. I wasn't really sure what to get you, especially since I didn't have much time to figure out what to get."

"And thank you for mine as well, Hermione." Harry said, butting in.

Hermione just smiled and helped the two boys to get their trunks into the empty compartment she had found at the end of the train.

Once the train got going there was a knock on the compartment door. The three friends looked at each other before shrugging and Harry walked over to the door and opened it. He was surprised to see Ron standing there. "What do you want?" He asked in a semi-cold voice.

Ron's face betrayed the shock he felt. "I...I was just wondering if I could talk to you?"

Harry sighed, but decided to give his friend the benefit of the doubt. "Ok, but you have to come inside and talk to everyone," he said as he stepped aside to allow Ron entrance.

Harry could tell that Ron was surprised to see not only Hermione in the compartment but Draco as well. Ron sighed. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised to see you here, Malfoy," he said in a resigned tone.

Draco sneered and went to get up but was stopped by Harry's hand on his shoulder in a silent plea to stay calm. "Ron, just say what you came to say, please."

Ron sighed and looked down at his shoes for a moment before looking Harry straight in the eyes. "I've been thinking a lot over the holidays and along with a talk with my Mum I've come to some realizations. You're one of my best friends Harry and I shouldn't let something like this and what my father says destroy it." He paused for a few minutes but then continued. "I know it will take some time to get over what my father has taught me but I'm willing to try if you'll let me," he finished quietly.

Harry stared at his friend for a minute or two in silence. "Ron, you were my first friend since Dudley bullied all those who tried in my old Muggle school and we've gone through a lot together but those things you said really hurt me and I'm not sure I can forgive and forget so quickly." He saw Ron's crestfallen look and quickly finished. "But I'm willing to try and forgive you if you are," he finished with a slight smile and held his hand out for Ron to take.

Ron's face broke into a grin and took Harry's hand gratefully. "Thanks Mate." Harry just smiled and led Ron over to the others. But Draco got up and stood in front of Ron.

"Look, Weasley. Harry may be willing to try and forgive you but I'm not so convinced you've changed. If you hurt Harry again...you don't even know what I can do to you!" Draco said dangerously.

Ron gulped and nodded quickly though his eyes flashed in annoyance but he wisely kept quiet. He moved past Draco and sat down next to Hermione and across from Harry and Draco.

After a few minutes of silence, Ron spoke up. "Hey, Harry what was the reason you quit the team?"

Harry looked over at Draco, 'should I tell him the whole truth or just the part we're telling everyone?' he asked himself. After a few minutes debating with himself he came to a decision. "Ron, I know this will be shocking and I need you to promise me that you won't tell anyone! Not a single person."

Ron's eyes widened. "Of course Harry! You know I can keep a secret."

"I know Ron. I just need you to realize that you can't tell anyone. It's very important." He stopped for a second and continued at Ron's nod. "The reason why I quit is because it wouldn't be healthy for me considering I'm pregnant."

If it was possible Ron's eyes got even wider. "Pregnant? Is that even possible?" he squeaked.

Harry laughed at his friend's reaction. "Yes, it's possible. It's a variant on the pregnancy potion for witches."

"Wow. How far along are you? When is it due? The baby's Draco's right? Wait a minute...this is Harry I'm talking about...of course that baby's Draco's." Ron rambled.

Harry laughed at Ron's rambling. "Yes, the baby's Draco's. Just a few weeks. I'm due at the end of September, but Madam Pomfrey said under the circumstances, the baby will most likely be early."

Now it was Draco's turn to be shocked. "Early? You never mentioned that to me! How early? Will you and the baby be ok if it is?"

"Draco calm down!" Harry said quietly. "I never mentioned it because I knew you would react this way. Babies are born early all the time, according to Sirius I was born early. Madam Pomfrey said it could be up to a month early and even if it's a month early both I and the baby will be fine."

"I just worry about you, Harry. I don't want to lose either one of you," Draco said as he placed a hand over Harry's stomach.

Harry smiled and placed a hand over Draco's. "You won't lose either of us. Everything will turn out well you'll see."

The four teens continued to talk about the pregnancy and the conversation turned toward their respective holidays and their concerns for their NEWTS completely unaware that another student had been standing on the other side of the compartment door who had heard everything they had said. The student chuckled to themselves before heading back to their friends.

Later that evening when the Hogwarts' Express entered the station in Hogsmeade the four friends walked to the horseless carriages and rode up to the castle. Once there Draco gave Harry's hand a squeeze before departing over to the Slytherin table. Harry, Ron and Hermione made their way to the Gryffindor table. Once they were seated Harry took a look at the staff table and quickly noted that Dumbledore looked even more tired and old then he did when they left just weeks earlier. Shifting his eyes to his boyfriend he could tell that Draco had noticed as well.

"Harry?" He turned around and noticed Hermione looking at him with a concerned look on her face. "Harry, what's wrong? You were staring at the Head Table for quite some time."

Harry shook his head. "It's nothing. I was just noticing that Professor Dumbledore is looking really tired."

Both Ron and Hermione looked up at the aforementioned professor and noticed right away what their friend meant. The older wizard was definitely looking tired.

The three teens ate the rest of their meal silently until Harry caught something at the corner of his eye and what he saw caused him to pale ever so slightly. The Headmaster was standing to get the students' attention so he could give his welcome back speech but that wasn't what worried the raven haired boy, it was the fact that Professor McGonagall had to have a hand under Dumbledore's elbow helping him to stand. Harry looked around the Great Hall quickly and thankfully no one else seemed to have noticed the Headmaster's weakening state.

Harry turned his attention back to the Head Table and was reassured slightly to hear that the Headmaster's voice (and sense of humor) was as strong as ever.

"Welcome back everyone! I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday and that your heads are suitably emptied. Now I just have a few words to say before we begin to eat. Tweak. Squeak. Squawk."

Everyone laughed as the tables magically filled with food and they began to fill their plates. The three friends talked none stop while they ate about how their different holidays were and what happened.

The next few weeks went by in a blur for Harry and soon he had his next appointment with Madam Pomfrey. He met Draco after lunch and the two made their way to the hospital wing. When they arrived the Mediwitch hustled them into a private room in the back of the wing so they could have some privacy.

"Ok, Mr. Potter, how have you been feeling?" She asked as she had Harry lie down on the bed.

"Honestly? I've been feeling a bit tired; more often then before." he replied sheepishly.

Draco, who had been sitting in a chair by the bed, was on his feet in an instant. "Harry! Why didn't you tell me? We could have been having you rest more!" he said, his eyes wide with worry.

Madam Pomfrey chuckled. "Mr. Malfoy, it's ok that he's feeling tired. It's perfectly normal for him to be starting to feel more tired right now. His body is still getting used to the changes having a baby in you causes. And Mr. Potter I wouldn't be surprised if I were you when you start feeling aches and pains occasionally. Oh and Morning Sickness should be starting within the next few weeks. When it does start I want you to come to me because I have a potion that will ease it slightly so it won't make you feel so ill."

Harry nodded, this was going to be one part of the pregnancy that he wasn't going to enjoy. He always hated throwing up.

Madam Pomfrey then started getting all his vital signs and things checked out so she could determine how healthy he was at this point. When she was done she smiled at the two boys. "You are in perfect health right now, Mr. Potter. Everything seems to be in order. Now, before you go I want to see you again in 4 weeks. I will send an owl when it's time to remind you."

Harry nodded and the two boys picked up their bags and headed off to their next lessons. Transfiguration for Harry and Charms for Draco.

A week later Harry woke up in his dorm and almost instantly began to feel nauseous. Getting up shakily he ran to the bathroom and promptly threw up everything that had been in his stomach. A few minutes later Harry walked back into the room and was met by his obviously worried best friend.

"Harry? Are you ok?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah, Ron. I guess Morning Sickness has arrived." He added this last part quietly as he didn't want the other boys in the room to know just yet.

Ron nodded. "Yeah, Mum did say to watch out for that as it starts some time in the second month. You're what? 6 weeks now?"

Harry nodded as he shrugged off his red flannel pajamas and proceeded to change into his school robes. He stopped when he felt eyes on him. Looking up he saw Ron's amazed expression. "What?" He followed his friend's gaze when he didn't say anything and saw that he was staring at his still exposed stomach. He raised a hand to his stomach and felt the small bump that had begun to show. "Oh yeah, I'm beginning to show a bit," he said shyly.

Ron finally shook his head to clear it. "Yeah, but I didn't think it would be so soon."

Harry chuckled. "Madam Pomfrey said I would show earlier then most cause I'm so small. The skinnier and smaller you are the more a pregnancy shows." Harry finished getting dressed and ready as he talked.

The two boys went down to the Common Room and found Hermione and Ginny sitting in their usual chairs in their corner talking quietly. "Hey Hermione. Hey Ginny," he greeted as they walked up.

They looked up and smiled at them. "Hi Harry, hi Ron." They chorused.

Hermione got up to give them both hugs but stopped when she got a good look at Harry's face. "Harry? What's wrong?" Her eyes widened. "Is it the..." She asked in a whisper.

Harry smiled tiredly. "Yeah it is. But don't worry, Madam Pomfrey said I should be expecting it soon anyway. She said to go see her when it did. I'll stop by there before heading to the Great Hall."

Hermione nodded but still looked worried but Ginny looked confused. "What's going on," the red haired girl asked. "Are you sick Harry?"

Harry chuckled. "In a matter of speaking I guess you could say." Harry dodged slightly when Hermione moved to punch him lightly. "Anyway, I better go see Madam Pomfrey, could you two explain it to her? Just don't let anyone else overhear okay?"

Ron and Hermione nodded and sat down next to Ginny and began speaking in low hushed tones.

Harry went out the portrait hole and walked quickly to the Hospital Wing. 10 minutes later he arrived and was thankful that besides the Mediwitch it was empty.

"Madam Pomfrey?"

The witch in question looked up and smiled at Harry. "Mr. Potter? What are you doing here? Nothing's wrong is it?"

Harry shook his head. "No, I'm fine but you said to come to you when I started getting Morning Sickness."

Madam Pomfrey nodded recognition. "Ah yes. I did say that. Did it just start this morning?" she asked as she began rummaging through her potion supplies.

"Yes it did. And I still feel awful. How long does this last anyway?"

The older witch chuckled. "Yes, this is one of the worst parts of being pregnant. To answer your question it usually lasts through the second trimester though it depends on the person. But thankfully this potion to soothe the stomach was created a few centuries ago. The only downside that they haven't been able to fix is that it only lasts a week or two and then the pregnant witch would need to take it again. You will know when it stops working and will need another dose. But here you go, just take it in one quick gulp," she instructed.

Harry took the phial and grimaced before tilting his head and drinking the potion. "Yuck, why do potions have to taste so terrible?"

"Because anything that could be used to sweeten the taste would counteract with the potions ingredients and make the potion useless. Trust me, there have been many potion masters who have tried to make them taste better. Now how do you feel?"

Harry thought for a second and quickly realized that the potion had worked, his stomach no longer ached. As a matter of fact he was feeling pretty hungry and told the matron so.

She nodded. "Good. Now get out of here and I will see you in 3 weeks."

Harry nodded and thanked her before grabbing his bag and heading to the Great Hall. If he hurried he'd be able to eat something before going to Care of Magical Creatures. He smiled to himself at this, Hagrid had promised that their new project would be something tame. What Hagrid thought was tame wasn't what anyone else would think of. He'd have to be on his guard. At least Draco would be in the class as well along with Ron and Hermione.

When he got there the Great Hall was very crowded with students, who had obviously just got up, eating. He quickly found his friends and went to go sit with them.

Hermione looked up when he sat down and smiled at him. "Did you get what you needed?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, but unfortunately it only works for a week or two and then I have to take it again," he replied with a pout.

Hermione giggled. "You'll be fine. At least you will be able to get rid of it even if it is just for a little while."

Harry nodded and looked over at Ginny who had been quiet since his arrival. Turning back to Hermione he asked. "Did you two tell her?"

Ron nodded this time. "Yeah we did but she's been quiet since we told her. I don't think it's because she disapproves. I think it's because she's saddened that she can't have you herself," Ron said that last part with a chuckle.

Harry was confused. "But I thought she got over her crush back in our 5th year?"

Ron shook his head. "I don't think she did entirely or she just got better at hiding it," he said, shrugging his shoulders and going back to his food.

Harry copied his movements and began filling his plate with food. Though he stopped and looked around the table. "Are there any more strawberries?"

Hermione and Ron looked at him in confusion. "But Harry....you hate strawberries!" Hermione whispered.

"I know...but I have the strangest craving for them," he said simply like that explained it all and truthfully with his condition it did. "Ah there they are," he stated and walked over to the other end of the table and brought back the bowl full of the fruit and dumped a few onto his plate and began eating in earnest.

Ron looked shocked and confused at his friend's behavior but Hermione suddenly understood and began to whisper furiously to Ron and Harry caught a few words such as: pregnant and cravings. Any other time he would have been annoyed that they were talking about him as if he wasn't sitting right there but right now he was too busy filling his stomach with the delicious food.

When it was time to be heading to Hagrid's class they picked up their bags and made their way out of the Great Hall. 5 minutes later they were in front of Hagrid's hut with the rest of the Gryffindor 7th years that were taking the class waiting for the Slytherins to arrive. A few minutes later they got there and the class began assembling themselves around the hut. As they hadn't yet told anyone about their relationship, Draco and Harry couldn't sit next to each other but Harry knew if something happened then Draco would be by his side in an instant. Sitting in between his friends, Harry waited for Hagrid to arrive. Just then the half giant came out from his hut carrying a large crate. The seventh years held their breaths and tensed when they heard movement from the box. Hagrid was notorious for giving them dangerous creatures to look after.

"Good mornin'!" the half giant said cheerfully. "As I was sayin' at the beginnin' o' the term we will be doin' a project fer the remainder o' the term. We just had to wait for 'em to arrive and as you see 'ere they arrived jus' yesterday. Now, there will be enough for everyone to 'ave one and your assignment is to take care of 'em and observe 'em. You will be keeping a log that you will fill in everyday on the day to day life o' the creature. What they eat and when, when they sleep and 'ow long and so on. I also want you to put two or more o' 'em together and see how they interact with each other. Also watch how they interact with you and with other people."

Pansy Parkinson interrupted Hagrid just then. "What will we be taking care of? You still haven't told us," she said in her snotty voice and the Gryffindors scowled at her but it was obvious they were curious as well.

"Ah yes." He opened the crate and put it down on the ground so the students could see in. "We will watching and taking care o' Puffskins. They are very gentle but also amazin' animals to study. They make great pets as well. Professor Dumbledore has talked to the ministry and they agreed that if you want to keep your puffskin after the end of the project then you may fill out a form and get a license for it. Now I am goin' to let them out. Just let them wander around, they like to choose their owners. If it comes up to you and allows you to pick it up then that means its chosen you as its owner." Hagrid lifted the gate and the puffskins began spilling out.

Harry watched as the little creatures began to wander around the students occasionally skirting out of the way when one would try and pick it up. So far none of them had chosen an owner yet. He watched, fascinated, as one light green and light blue colored one came over to him and stood in front of him and looked at him with its little head cocked to one side as if considering. Suddenly after what seemed like hours it gave a little squeak and scurried over to him and promptly jumped into his lap shocking him and gave off a soft cooing/purring noise. Harry did nothing for a full minute, still shocked at the little creature. The little creature began to rub its head on Harry's hand. Harry smiled and started petting the creature.

"Oh, you're so cute!" Harry turned when he heard Hermione. He turned to her and chuckled when he saw one of the little creatures making itself comfortable in her lap. This particular one was soft blue color all around. It almost reminded Harry of the sky.

"I see you have one now too," he said with a smile. He looked over at Ron and saw that he had one that was the same color as his hair and with the same amount of energy as his miniature owl Pig.

While Harry was playing with his Puffskin and trying to think of a name for his new pet he heard Hagrid's booming voice calling on someone who raised their hand.

"How do we know if its a boy or a girl?" Parvati Patil asked.

"Well, you can tell their gender by lookin' at the color of their fur. A boy has darker colors where as a girl has lighter colors."

Harry looked down at his Puffskin. "So you're a girl huh? That should make it a little easier to name you then. Hmm. I can't really think of one now so you will have to go nameless for now."

After a few more minutes Hagrid let them go with a reminder to begin their papers. Harry, Ron and Hermione trekked back to the castle. "So have you thought of a name for yours yet?" Hermione asked the two boys. Ron shook his head as did Harry. "Me neither," she said. The three teens made their way up through the castle to their next lesson.

The following day Harry woke up to feel the warmth of the morning sun on his face. Sitting up in bed he reached to his bedside table for his glasses and placed them on his nose. He was relieved to note that there was not a trace of morning sickness that had greeted him the morning before. Looking around at the other boys in his dorm he was surprised to see that he was the first one up. Usually someone had to practically pry him out of bed. For some reason he was feeling pretty cheerful. Shrugging it off he gathered his shower things and went to take a shower.

15 minutes later he emerged from the shower and noticing that the others were beginning to wake he drew the curtains around his bed and proceeded to get dressed behind them for fear that the others may see his growing stomach.

Feeling particularly hungry that morning, Harry gathered the supplies he would need for that day and headed to the Great Hall. Hoping that his early arrival would ensure that he'd get the best strawberries that the House Elves had. When he walked through the doors all conversation halted and all heads turned towards him before chatter continued at a much higher degree. Raising his eyebrow in confusion he continued to the Gryffindor table but was soon intercepted and steered back to the hall by a certain blonde haired Slytherin.

Once in a deserted hall Harry turned toward his boyfriend and asked in a very annoyed voice. "Draco? What's going on? Why'd you drag me out of the there?"

Sighing sadly he handed him a copy of that week's Witch Weekly magazine. "I thought you'd want to read this in private."

Giving Draco a confused look he opened the magazine to the suggested page and began to read.

The Boy Who Lived....Pregnant?

by Rita Skeeter

It seems to this reporter that the famous boy didn't want to stop at being the only one to survive the killing curse. He has now decided that he will be the only male known in recent medical history to become pregnant. Yes, that's right. You heard it first here....the boy who lived is pregnant.

Now you may ask yourselves who is the other father...or mother perhaps? Well I found out from another Hogwarts student who overheard them talking on the train ride to the school back on September 1st that Potter's boyfriend and second father to the baby is none other than Draco Malfoy. This reporter has to ask how such a match was made? A Slytherin and a Gryffindor? Such a match hasn't been seen in decades.

I have yet to uncover how far along Potter is or when the baby is due but we can speculate the arrival to be sometime in late summer or early autumn. Next this reporter wonders if the pair will hold a wedding and when it will be.

*Information provided by Zacharias Smith

Harry stared down at the magazine in shocked horror. Their secret was out and everyone knew. "Great..." he said sarcastically. "And I was in such a good mood when I woke up."