Disclaimer: I own none of the characters, just my own ideas

Warnings: See previous chapters…

Chapter 22

A lot of adjustments had been made for the newest additions in the family. Their rooms had automatically added another bedroom for the triplets (separate cots of course). Even though the triplets had only been home for a few weeks, Severus noticed that Harry didn't seem all that fussed with the changes in schedules. He seemed to take it all in stride. Harry seemed to be in his element. Severus brought Harry his schoolwork so he could do it. There were usually a few days between when Severus would give Harry his Homework and when Harry would hand it back (which was understandable). Despite Harry taking longer to do his Homework, everything seemed to be going well.

"Is it scary Mami?" Draco asked Harry at Dinner. It was just the 2 of them. The triplets were down and Sev, Luc and Neville were in the Great Hall for dinner.

"Is what scary Poppet?" Harry asked after swallowing his mouthful of food.

"Being a parent…" Draco mumbled.

Harry looked at Draco with affection and understanding. "It has its moments. I mean I'm constantly worried that something may happen that may cause the kids to be scarred for life. Most of that worry steams from me thinking that I'm going to be a terrible parent though. I know all parents make mistakes but I haven't with you yet and I know that isn't going to be the case with the triplets because I am raising them whilst when we became family, you were already old enough to make your own decisions. But I am sure my worry is fear of the future. It's a lot to suddenly take on."

"But you've been handling it so well…" Draco mumbled.

"Have I? I'm tired all the time. I feel like I'm barely keeping myself afloat. Especially with the schoolwork that Sev has been bring back for me to do. I mean, it's not like I can take the kids to class. And Sev and Luc won't allow anyone into the rooms right now to help. Not until the bubs are older. And I can't blame them at the moment. I get where they're coming from. Just the thought of someone else in here with us that isn't family right now just makes me want to lock the doors and not unlock them until the time is right." Harry explained. "You'll understand when you have your bubs."

They continued to eat in quiet for a little bit while Draco pondered on what Harry had told him.

"Poppet?" Harry questioned.

"Yeah?" Draco responded.

"Why are you eating here with me instead of with your other half?" Harry asked.

"I don't know. It just felt right. I saw what Dad and Sev went through when you were pregnant, and I don't want Nev to attack anyone for looking at me wrong at dinner." Draco answered

"And Sev and Luc have to be in the Great Hall for dinner and they didn't want me here alone with the triplets. Just in case, right?" Harry guessed with a slight smirk.

"Yeah." Draco admitted, smiling.

"Thanks Poppet." Harry smiled. "So, will you be here every day or is there a rotating roster?"

"It'll mainly be me. However, Neville may pop in once a week as well-while I'm here, of course- and Sev will be here one night a week and Luc will be here on a different night." Draco explained.

"Of course." Harry smiled. "Thanks. Did you volunteer or were you told?"

"A bit of both." Draco giggled. "But I'm okay with it. After all, they are my younger siblings and it'll help prepare me for mine."

"I doubt you'll be having triplets Draco." Harry commented

"Maybe not, but you never know." Draco pointed out.

"True. So, how's school?" Harry asked

"Meh. You know how it is. Same routine, different stuff with the same people. Granger and Weasley are looking antsy though." Draco replied.

"Okay. Be careful, yeah?" Harry reminded

"I will. I promise." Draco promised

"Good. Now, Let's go get Lily and Abaraxas before they wake Oscar with their cries." Harry smiled.

After Harry and Draco picked up Lily and Abraxas, they spent some time on the couch with the 2 babies discussing what they thought the future held now that Draco was pregnant with his own young. How long were they going to stay at Hogwarts? Hogwarts wasn't really the place to raise one's young. After all, the year ended in June and they were only in January, almost February. Who knew what could happen between now and then?

Sev, Luc and Neville came in with scowls on their faces.

"Great timing. Luc, can you grab Oscar please?" Harry asked. "What's happened Sev?"

"Just McGonagall being McGonagall. I'm surprised her and Dumbledore didn't get together."

"Maybe before your time Sev." Harry smiled tilting his head up to get a kiss. Severus obliged before sighing.

"There are somethings that they do so similarly. Like how they are able to irritate me and how much they talk before getting to the point." Sev explained in a vague way.

"Where's Nev?" Draco asked.

"In your rooms." Sev replied, taking Abraxas from Draco. "We'll see you tomorrow. Night."

Draco kissed Harry's forehead goodnight and kissed his dad and godfather/stepdad on the way out.

"Long day then?" Harry asked, turning to his mates.

"Only because of how long we were away from you." Luc answered, kissing Harry's neck.

"Cute, but it's not going to happen. I haven't fully healed yet." Harry responded, cutting the question off before it was asked. Luc pouted for a little bit before smiling and steered the conversation into less tempting subjects before they put the triplets down and turned in for the night.

The following day was Saturday and Harry needed some air. That meant that after Lunch, he left the triplets with Sev and Luc and went to see if Draco wanted to join him. Draco did, along with Neville which Harry fully expected. They were Neville's only family after his Nan had disowned him and told St. Mungo's not to let Neville near his parents. They walked down to the Lake at a leisurely pace (more for Draco's sake than anything else) and rested beside the lake. Despite the snow, it was a surprisingly nice day.

"So how are you holding up Neville?" Harry asked, breaking the peaceful silence.

"I'm good. She hasn't written to me and I don't expect her to." Neville answered, staring into the dark abyss within the lake.

"Now tell me how you really feel." Harry remarked, looking at Neville. "And don't tell me an excuse because you don't want Draco to know because he wants to know as well." Neville looked at Draco to see if Harry was being honest and Draco nodded, holding out his hand.

"Alright. I'm overjoyed that Draco and I are starting our family. I can't wait to meet our child or children. But Nan's disownment hurt. I mean, our relationship has always been complicated, as you know, but I guess I just thought that at the end of the day, when I'd really need her to be there and support me, she would. Instead, she threw me to the wolves and tried to kill one of the only people I've ever loved. On top of that, I can't even tell my parents because she's barred me from seeing them. All because of who Draco has in his family. I wish that they were sane enough and awake enough to make that decision for themselves." Neville took a few deep breaths, looking up at the sky.

"Don't fret Nev. She won't live forever." Draco said, trying to make Neville feel better. Neville gave his mate a small sad smile.

"Give us a moment, Poppet?" Harry asked, seeing Neville's saddened smile.

"Sure." Draco got up, gave his mate's hand a squeeze before walking past Harry and giving his shoulder a squeeze in thanks. He then continued a little way before sitting on his coat, but in a way that Neville could still see him while looking at Harry.

"Nev, Draco does have a point. As painful as it is to hear and think about, she will die eventually. At that point, you will be able to see your parents again and tell them everything that they missed out on. As for your Nan, if you still want that relationship, you could send her an Owl. Or if you want to call her out, send her a Howler." Neville chuckled, wiping his nose and sniffled. "Either way, you need to tell her how you feel because it's eating you up inside and it's affecting Draco. You've been my friend for a while now Neville, that is why I'm telling you this. We don't have a lot of secrets from each other, and as your friend and father-in-law, it is my right to tell it like it is."

"And you need to look out for your son-in-law." Neville surmised.

Harry wrapped his arm around Neville before saying "I do, but he is capable of letting you know these things himself. Yes, I have noticed Draco's thoughts elsewhere the last few days, so I thought this needed to be dealt with. Sooner, rather than later. With you being a father soon and all. But this decision will take you a while to answer. So now would be the time to bring it up so by the time Draco gives birth, the situation is handled and solved, in whichever way you want. And I will be there for you, regardless of your decision."

"Thanks Harry." Neville hugged Harry before getting up and taking Draco back up to the castle. Harry wasn't offended. He knew Neville needed to think long and hard on this decision and he probably wanted Draco's opinion as well. Harry watched them head up to the castle until he couldn't see them anymore before he turned his gaze to the lake. Harry sat for a little bit longer, reflecting on how much he had changed since he had first sat here, back in first year. In no way did Harry ever think he would be where he was at now. He had hoped for a loving family one day but now it was here. The person he was supposed to kill he had killed. What did he want? Did he want to be a stay at home parent? Did he want to work? As soon as the thought entered his head, Harry shook his head. It didn't feel right, working. He felt like he'd done a lot more work in his school years than most people did in their lives. Besides, Harry didn't know of any submissives that worked out in the world after they had found their mates and mated. It was something he should discuss with his mates, soon. As Harry turned to head back up to the castle, he was stunned from behind.

Author's Note: Cliff-hanger. Sorry guys. Some light reading for those of you stuck indoors with this virus around. Got a couple of assignments to do (one of which is some forum posts) for Uni and I promise I will update the next chapter. Stay safe all of you lovely readers, and if your feeling up to it, review. Lots of love to you all and thank you.