Say Hello, Say Goodbye

Chapter 10

The last few weeks of August went by rather quickly for the expecting couple. Both boys were busy getting their lesson plans, or in Harry's case helping Remus with his, done and getting a second room in their set of rooms ready for the baby for when he was there at the castle. As Albus expected Winky was quite thrilled with the idea of helping Harry with the baby and Albus handed 'ownership' of Winky over to Harry.

When the term started Harry and Draco were busier then ever. The only time they really saw each other was at night when they crawled into bed and snuggled close under the blankets. The toll of a busy life as a professor at Hogwarts took hold of Harry early on causing the raven haired man to become tired much more quickly and thus much more crabby. Draco and Remus were the only two brave enough to approach him when he was in one of his moods.

The due date for the baby was getting ever closer and their appointments with Madam Pomfrey were now being held every 2 or 3 days to check the progress of the baby's drop into the birth canal which signaled the start of the birthing process. The long awaited day was only a week away and everyone couldn't be happier. Except for the Potion's master, however. He did his best to stay away from both Harry and Draco and all the happiness that an expected arrival brought with it. He was not looking forward to having a crying infant around the castle, though he was the only one to feel this way.

Harry found that he enjoyed his new job at Hogwarts immensely. He got to be around his boyfriend and his good friend Remus and he got to do one of his favorite things, teach. He never would have thought a year or two ago that he would be sitting here in his own desk grading papers his students had handed in. Not to mention that Voldemort was now gone for good and that he was also expecting a baby. Though his current condition limited his abilities as an assistant to Remus, the werewolf insisted that he was still quite useful to him. While Remus had been teaching the lessons for the last week and a half, Harry had been grading the students' assignments that were already handed in and getting some of the different dark creatures ready for when Remus wanted to use them in lessons.

The afternoon of September twelfth, Harry was sitting at his desk in the office he shared with Remus grading the first years' essay on the disarming spell. He shook his head as he made another slashing mark on the parchment.

"What are these students doing," he muttered to himself. "It's like they aren't even trying. It's no wonder that Snape is always in a foul mood after he's graded essays."

Harry sighed as a cramp went down his legs. He needed to get up and walk around for a bit or the pain would just get worse. Pushing back the chair he carefully lifted himself up and out of the chair using the arm rests as leverage. As soon as he was standing up on his feet Harry felt a sharp kick in his stomach. Placing a hand on his stomach he began to rub soothing circles along his swollen tummy.

"Hey, now, little one. What's wrong?" he whispered softly. He began to slowly walk around the office, still rubbing the area where he could feel the baby. After a few moments Harry felt another kick and this one was much harder and it caused a slight pain to go through his stomach. He stood still for a moment before walking slowly back to his desk to sit back down. 'Maybe if I sit down again he'll be calmer,' he thought to himself. Trying to get his mind off of the kicking baby, Harry began to go over more of the essays.

Two hours later, Remus and Draco walked into the office to find Harry fast asleep over the essays. Draco couldn't help but chuckle at the cute picture his boyfriend made. Not wanting to wake him up but knowing Harry needed to eat, Draco walked over to him and lightly shook him on the shoulder.

"Harry? Harry you need to wake up. It's time for dinner," Draco whispered.

Jerking awake at the light touch, Harry lifted his head and rubbed his eyes behind his glasses. "What time is it?" he asked through a yawn.

"It's six o'clock. We need to head down to the great hall for dinner," Remus replied.

Harry nodded. "Okay. Thanks for waking me. I can't believe I fell asleep." Harry slowly eased himself out of the chair with Draco's help. They had taken a few steps towards the door when the baby gave another fast kick followed by a slight pain rippling through him. Harry gasped and placed a hand on his stomach.

Draco and Remus immediately stopped at Harry's gasp and clustered around him. "Harry? Are you ok?" Draco asked, worry evident in his eyes.

Harry grimaced as the pain subsided. "Yeah, I think so. The baby's just really active today. This is the second time he's kicked me hard enough for it to hurt that much."

Remus and Draco exchanged a look. "Harry, I think we should take you to Madam Pomfrey just in case," Remus said.

Harry stubbornly shook his head. "No, really, I'm ok Remus. It's just the baby being active. No need to bother her with this."

"Well, if you're sure," Draco said uneasily. "But make sure to let me know if it gets any worse."

Harry nodded. "Of course Draco. Now, let's get down to dinner. I'm starving!"

Remus and Draco chuckled softly at this. Lately Harry was always hungry. The three wizards made their way slowly to the Great Hall. They immediately went up to the head table and sat down in their seats.

Harry looked around the table before piling food on his plate and noticed that Albus wasn't there again for the meal. He hadn't been eating in the Great Hall all week and everyone was getting worried.

"Professor McGonagall? The headmaster isn't coming down is he? How is he doing?"

McGonagall sighed sadly and glanced at the students to make sure they were preoccupied with their own conversations before answering Harry in a whisper. "No, Harry, he's not. I'm afraid he's getting worse. He barely has enough strength to walk across the room."

Harry nodded sadly. He had a hard time believing that the man who was a mentor to him all through his time as a student at Hogwarts was slowly dying and that there wasn't much he could do about it. Turning back to his plate he began to eat in earnest as both his stomach and the baby insisted on being fed.

Throughout the meal Harry talked easily with the other members of the faculty about different things happening in all their lives. He enjoyed listening to Professor Sprout talk about her grand kids and how the youngest was showing signs of magic. A child's first signs of magic were a time of celebration and Harry was looking forward to his own son's magic manifesting itself. It would definitely be one heck of a party if he allowed his godfather to plan it.

Harry was soon shook out of his thoughts when another burst of pain shot through him, this time not being proceeded by a kick from the baby. Harry's eyes widened and he gave a loud gasp of surprise and pain. He quickly got the attention of everyone close by.

"Harry are you ok?" Remus asked.

"I-I don't know. I just had a burst of pain go through me." Harry's eyes widened with fear when he realized there was nothing that should have caused the pain like before.

"Did the baby kick again?" Draco asked, his eyes widening when he saw Harry's fear.

"No."

"Ok, that's it," Draco said as he stood up. "I'm taking you to Madam Pomfrey." He helped Harry up and gave the other young man no opportunity to decline.

Remus got up as well and took Harry's other arm. "I'll help you and once we get you to the hospital wing I'll go to my office and fire call Sirius."

Harry turned wide eyed to Remus. "You don't have to contact him Remus. There's no reason to worry him when this is probably nothing." Harry pleaded.

"Harry," Draco said exasperated. "I doubt it's nothing. You don't gasp in pain over nothing!"

Harry involuntarily flinched at the sharp tone of Draco's voice and took a step back. "S-sorry Draco."

Draco sighed and gently took Harry's hand. "I'm sorry I snapped Harry but I'm worried about you. Will you please get checked out even if it's just for my piece of mind?"

"Ok, Draco."

The light haired young man sighed, relieved, and he and Remus helped Harry the rest of the way to the hospital wing. After making sure that Harry was comfortable on one of the hospital beds Remus left to go make several fire calls.

"Madam Pomfrey!" Draco called out once he was sure Harry was comfortable on the bed.

The matron ran into the room. "Yes, what is it?" When she noticed Harry and Draco she immediately went to action. "Mr. Potter? Mr. Malfoy? What is it?" she asked, concern in her voice. She would never admit it but she had grown rather fond of these two wizards over the last nine months.

Draco was the one who answered her. "He's having pain shooting through his stomach."

Pomfrey's eyes widened at this. "Mr. Potter why didn't you come see me right away? How long has this been happening?"

"The first time it happened right after the baby kicked me. I had stood up and I thought it was just because the baby was upset that I had moved after sitting for so long. Then it happened again while I was walking around the office trying to ease the pain in my legs. It didn't happen again until I stood up again a few hours later when I got up to come to dinner. The baby had kicked again that time before the pain started. Then it happened again during dinner and that's when Draco insisted on my coming down here. I didn't come see you right away because I thought the baby was just being active."

While Harry had been talking, Madam Pomfrey had begun doing some spells over Harry's stomach to specify where the problem was. After the final spell was cast, Madam Pomfrey sighed and began getting supplies out of her cupboards as she talked to Harry. "Well, Harry, it's a good thing Draco insisted on you coming down here because you have gone into labor and any later and the baby would have dropped too low for us to safely do a C-Section."

Harry eyes widened at this. He was in labor? "What would have happened had I come later?" he asked though he wasn't sure he wanted to know the answer.

"Well, Harry, to be honest I'm not sure. But I do know that it could have easily cost you and your baby your lives."

Harry gulped at this. Why hadn't he realized that he was in labor earlier? How could he have been so stupid as to risk the life of his child? Maybe this was a sign that he wasn't meant to be a father. What if this was a mistake?

Draco watched as Harry's emotions played freely across his face and guessed as to the contents of his thoughts. "Harry, don't think like that. It's an easy mistake to make I'm sure. I doubt that most women realize that they're in labor when it first happens," he said, trying to calm his boyfriend.

"Yes, but with me it's different. Had you not got me to come down here when you did it could have been too late," Harry choked out. Both Draco and Madam Pomfrey could tell that Harry was close to tears.

"Mr. Potter, it's not too late just yet. We can still get that baby safely out of you. Now what I'm going to do is, I'm going to cast a spell that will put you into a light sleep so that you won't feel anything while I make the incision and take the baby out. Once I've gotten you healed up I will reawaken you. You will be a little groggy at first but that will pass quickly. Alright, Harry?"

Harry nodded nervously. "Will Draco be able to stay?"

Madam Pomfrey shook her head. "No, I'm afraid he will just be a distraction. Draco if you will please wait outside in the hall?"

Before he could even open his mouth to object, Draco found himself out in the hall. Realizing that it would be futile to try and barge his way into the room, Draco began to pace up and down the empty hall.

A minute later Draco heard footsteps running through the halls. Turning to see who was coming, he saw Remus, Sirius, Mrs. Weasley and Professor McGonagall approaching. Once they got to Draco they stopped to catch their breaths while Draco watched amused.

"Draco what are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be in there with Harry?" Sirius asked.

Draco smiled at Sirius's concern. "Madam Pomfrey kicked me out. Said I would be a distraction," he said, a pout forming on his lips.

"Why what's going on?" McGonagall asked.

"Harry's in labor."

"What?" came four screeching voices.

"Harry's in labor," Draco repeated. "Apparently the pain he has been having was the beginning of labor."

"But still, shouldn't you be in there Draco? I know that each time I was in labor I liked having someone besides the nurse being there with me."

"It's not a normal labor, Mrs. Weasley. Madam Pomfrey is performing a C-Section. She said that having a normal birth could easily kill both Harry and the baby. This was the safest way to get the baby out."

The four older adults nodded their heads, each with a different look of worry on their faces. Draco looked among them and realized that there were two missing faces. "Where are Ron and Hermione?"

"I couldn't get a hold of them," Remus said. "I'll try again after I've seen Harry and the baby."

Draco nodded at this. He knew it would mean a lot to Harry to have his best friends there.

"Draco, I've been meaning to ask you and Harry something," Mrs. Weasley said after a moment.

"Yes, Mrs. Weasley?"

"Please dear call me Molly. And I was wondering if you have thought of any names for the baby?"

The others nodded their heads as well. They had all wondered what the two had decided. "Well, we couldn't make up our minds really so Harry suggested we wait until we saw the baby to make up our minds."

The adults nodded their heads. "Sounds reasonable, Draco. I know that when Ron was born we had a hard time deciding on a name and we did just that."

The small group fell into silence once again. This time it lasted till they heard the soft cries of a newborn baby.

Draco instantly went to head for the door but Remus grabbed his arm to stop him. "Better wait for Madam Pomfrey to come out."

Draco nodded at this but kept an anxious eye on the door. A few minutes later Madam Pomfrey opened the door and ushered Draco through the door saying that everyone else had to wait in the hall.

Once Draco was through the door he rushed to the bed Harry was in. It worried him instantly that Harry was still sleeping. "Why is he still asleep?"

Rubbing a wash cloth over the baby's wrinkled skin she answered in a no-nonsense voice. "I woke him up but he fell back asleep. I told you two that he would be groggy for a while afterward. He should wake up momentarily." When she finished washing off the baby boy she swaddled him in a soft blue blanket and handed him to a stunned Draco.

"Here you go, Draco. A healthy baby boy. He weighed in at 6 lbs 8 oz and 20 inches long. A little small but perfectly healthy."

Draco brought the baby close to his chest and couldn't help but be mesmerized by the tiny being. He brushed a hand over the blanket to get a closer look at the baby's face and was surprised that he was a good mixture of his beloved Harry and the aged Headmaster. He was relieved to see that the baby had Harry's nose and a tuft of black hair. After a few more minutes of staring the baby opened his eyes and Draco found himself staring into a set of bright blue eyes.

"He has blue eyes," he whispered more to himself then to Madam Pomfrey but she heard him anyway.

"Yes, Mr. Malfoy, all newborns have blue eyes. If they are going to change colors they will within the first month."

Draco nodded and went back to staring at the baby. He couldn't help but hope that the baby would have Harry's green eyes though it wouldn't matter to him if they stayed blue. After a few minutes Draco heard a groan coming from the bed next to him. Turning around quickly, Draco suppressed a smile. Being careful not to jar the baby too much, Draco moved closer to the bed and sat down on the side of the bed. Cradling the baby in one arm he caressed Harry's forehead with the other.

"Harry? Harry it's time to wake up," he whispered. He was answered with another slight groan. "Come on Harry, you want to meet your son don't you?"

This time Harry opened his eyes and looked up at Draco. "Draco?"

"Yes, Harry. It's me," Draco said with a smile. "How are you feeling?"

Harry shifted slightly in the bed to test out his body and grimaced when he felt slight aches and pain in his body. "I'm a bit sore but otherwise alright."

Madam Pomfrey chose this moment to shuffle into the room and heard Harry. "Harry, good you're awake." She reached into her cupboard of potions and came out with a potion bottle filled with a mint green potion. She handed the bottle to Harry. "Take a sip of that and it will get rid of any aches you may have."

Harry gingerly took a sip and was surprised when he realized that it actually tasted sweet. He immediately felt all the aches and pains go away and he leaned back in the bed much more relaxed.

Madam Pomfrey, after noticing that her patient was feeling better, handed Harry a baby bottle filled with a formula. "This is for the baby. I'd suspect he will be getting hungry soon." With that she left the room.

Harry stared at the bottle for a moment before the reason for him being in the hospital wing came back to him. He looked up at Draco horrified that he would forget such a thing. "Draco...my baby..I can't believe I..."

Draco just chuckled at his boyfriend. "It's alright Harry. I was wondering when you would remember. And as for your son he's right here," he said indicating the bundle in his arms.

As if he knew he was being talked about, the baby boy began to cry. Harry chuckled and held out his arms to take the baby. "Hey there, baby," he cooed as he cradled the baby close to him. "Are you hungry, hmm?" Shifting the baby around so he was holding the bottle in his right hand, he held the bottle to the boy's mouth and he quickly took it in his mouth and began suckling hungrily.

While the baby drank, Harry took the time to get a good look at his son and he couldn't believe how perfect he was. "Oh, Draco. He's perfect. Absolutely perfect."

Draco smiled at the lovely picture the two made. "Yes, you have a beautiful son, Harry."

Harry's head snapped up at this. "You mean our baby. You're his father, too." By this time the baby had finished its bottle. Harry gently shifted the baby so he was resting on his shoulder and proceeded to burp the baby like Madam Pomfrey had showed him.

When he was settling the baby back in his arms a thought crossed Harry's mind. "Hey, Draco, did you contact Sirius and everyone?"

Draco's eyes widened. "I can't believe I forgot! They were waiting with me out in the hall." Draco got up and opened the door to usher everyone in. "I'm sorry. I guess I got caught up in talking with Harry."

Sirius. Remus, Mrs. Weasley and McGonagall walked into the room. "It's alright Draco," Mrs. Weasley said reassuringly.

"Speak for yourself Molly," Sirius said jokingly. "That's not your grandson you're waiting to see." Sirius hurried over to Harry's bed and gave his godson a gentle hug, making sure not to jostle the infant. "Hi, Harry. Can I hold him?"

Harry smiled at his godfather. "Sure, Sirius." He handed the bundle over to the man and couldn't help but be fascinated by the emotions playing freely over his face.

While Sirius cooed at the baby Remus gave Harry a hug as well. "How are you feeling Harry?"

"Tired," he answered honestly. "The spell Madam Pomfrey used to knock me out for the C-Section really made me tired."

Mrs. Weasley, who had managed to get the baby away from Sirius nodded at this. "Yes, I remember that spell. I had to have a C-Section with Ginny. Tonight will probably be the last night for a while that you get a lot of sleep, Harry."

Harry settled back in to the blankets while the older adults fussed over the baby. He was just about asleep when Sirius's voice penetrated through his cloudy mind. "Harry, did you two decide on a name for this little one?"

Harry furrowed his brow and pictured his son in his mind. "Edward Sebastian Albus Potter," Harry mumbled sleepily. "That's his name."

Sirius smiled at this. "That's a perfect name, Harry. It fits him I think."

Draco sniffed. "A very Muggle name but I think you are right Sirius. It does seem to fit him doesn't it?"

The last thing Harry heard before falling asleep completely was murmurs of consent from everyone else.

An hour later, Harry awoke to find the room empty and that a cradle was positioned by his bed. Peering in he found his son fast asleep. It wasn't until he leaned back into bed that he saw a figure leaning heavily on a cane as he walked. Harry reached for his glasses and gasped when he realized that it was the headmaster.

"Albus? What are you doing here? You should be in bed! You don't have the strength for this!" he whispered furiously. Getting up he helped the older man to a chair by the cradle.

"Harry, my boy. I heard that the baby was born today and I had to come and see it for myself. And don't you worry I have enough strength for this."

Harry sat back down on the bed and watched as the aged man peeked into the cradle. "He's beautiful Harry. It looks like he's got your nose," he finished with a smile.

"Yeah, yeah he does."

Albus looked up after a moment and fixed Harry with a stare. "So, what did you decide on for a name?"

"Edward Sebastian Albus Potter."

Albus smiled, eyes twinkling. "Ah fine name. Fine name."

The two talked for a few minutes before Albus stood up to leave. "Well Harry, I should get back to my room before Minerva realizes I'm gone. I'd really hear it then," Albus said, eyes twinkling like mad.

Harry chuckled. "Well you better be off then." He stood up and took Albus's arm to help him.

"It's quite alright, Harry. No need to help me. You stay here incase little Edward needs you."

Harry nodded and went back to the bed. He checked on his son one more time before settling back down in the bed. His life after Hogwarts was really starting now.

********************************

The next morning Minerva McGonagall walked into Albus's private rooms to check on him before going down to the Great Hall for the morning meal. She knocked quietly on the door before entering the room.

"Albus?" she called out quietly. "Albus, you need to wake up so you can eat." When there was no answer she went over to Albus's right side and shook his gently in the shoulder. When there was still not even a twitch from the man Minerva began to get worried.

"A-Albus?" she stuttered. She put a hand on his cheek and realized that the skin was cool to the touch. With shaking hands she felt on his neck checking for a pulse. When she didn't find one, a hand flew to her mouth to muffle a gasp.

"Oh, Albus," she choked out, tears filling her eyes. She lightly kissed his forehead before leaving to let the rest of the faculty know.

That evening there was a special edition to the Daily Prophet. On the front page there was a large title that said:

HOGWARTS SAYS HELLO AND GOODBYE TODAY

by Rita Skeeter

This evening newly appointed Headmistress of Hogwarts has informed us that the wizarding world will be saying goodbye to a well respected wizard, Albus Dumbledore. Headmaster Dumbledore has been the headmaster for over 50 years and has done many things for our community. Most known triumph of his was his work in defeating the dark lord Grindwald. He will sorely be missed.

Headmistress McGonagall also informed us that yesterday also marked the birth of Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy's baby boy. He was born at 6:14 pm and weighed in at roughly 6lbs 8 oz. McGonagall says that the happy couple is pleased to finally have their son with them as are the rest of the Hogwarts' staff. The last thing this reporter was able to get out of the tight lipped Headmistress was that the couple has named their son Edward Sebastian Albus Potter.

This reporter and the rest of the staff at the Daily Prophet would like to share their congratulations to Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy on the birth of their son. They would also like to share their sorrow on the passing of a beloved wizard.

finis