InsaneJournal

Unexpected - Chapter 24: Like Your Mother
Title: Unexpected
Authors: slashpervert and aveeno_baby.

Betas: brknhalo241, asm614, Mini Mouse, and Indie.
Fandom: Harry Potter
Rating: ADULT!
Genre: Fluff, Smut, Hurt/Comfort
Pairing: Harry/Draco
Length: 94,000 words (40 Chapters)
Warnings (Mark to Read): Language, Explicit, M/M Sex, Masturbation, Oral, Rimming, Anal, Mpreg, and mental health issues such as anxiety attacks. (Characters in this fiction are over 18.)

Summary: Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy have lived together for four years in their country house surrounded by a magical menagerie of unwanted animals Harry rescues. Yet, Harry wants more. He dreams of a family that includes children.

Notes: Post-war, AU after HBP, not DH compliant. Sequel to Undesirable, though can be read separately. Whereas, Undesirable was very dark, this one is very fluffy with some angst. Thanks to corvusdea for help with Latin for spells. Icon adapted by slashpervert from Passion by dirty_darella.
Disclaimer: This is a non-commercial work of fan fiction intended for adult audiences only. No copyright infringement intended. (Full Disclaimer!)

Chapter Number/Total: 24/40
Chapter Title: Like Your Mother
Words: 2830 Words



Harry led the way out onto the street and towards Balder's Baby Boutique, smiling the entire way there. He was thinking about the clothes they could get for Athena, and that maybe they should start buying nappies.

"I have a feeling we are going to be making the shopkeeper's day," Draco teased, looking at a display of nursery furniture and decorations.

"We really need to get ready," Harry said. He had been feeling the need to get everything all set up for Athena. They had another few months, but he didn't want to be caught off guard. "That's what the book says." Harry had been reading a book Hermione had given to him about pregnancy.

Harry's enthusiasm, as usual, was contagious. "As long as everything isn't pink," Draco insisted.

"Of course not. I'll get yellow, and pale green, maybe even a few red things," Harry said once they finally reached the place. "You'll have to make sure I don't get anything too ugly for our child, though."

"Certainly," Draco assured him. A little bell at the top of the door rang as they stepped inside.

Harry gripped Draco’s hand and immediately started to pull him towards the girl's section, stopping to look at a few interesting things along the way.

Mrs Balder, an ancient looking witch with round cheeks and a big smile came bustling over to them. "Oh, dears, looks like you'll have your hands full soon."

Harry smiled at her and nodded as he picked up a package of blankets, looking them over. "Soon, yeah," he said quietly.

Draco found himself oddly caught up in it. He picked out several lacy dresses, even a pink one.

"Girl?" Mrs Balder asked, looking at the dresses in Draco's hands. "And your first?"

Harry nodded in reply to both of the woman's questions, smirking at the dresses in Draco's hands. "Our first ...." That made him wonder if it would be their only one. They'd have to think about that. Harry certainly wanted more than one.

"Oh, then let's get you set up with the all the things you’ll need," Mrs Balder said cheerfully and started showing them an array of tiny clothes, toys and decorations that had Draco's head spinning. "I think we would like the animal theme," Draco answered when Mrs Balder showed them different decorations. Given Harry’s menagerie at home, it seemed to suit them. They purchased an entire layette with images of baby animals in pretty colours. The nursery furniture would be delivered to their home but the smaller items they carried in a large bag shrunk for easy carry.

"Thank you," Harry said to the woman once they were all done, smiling brightly at her. He couldn't wait to get home and start to put all these things together. Harry was beginning to feel overwhelmed, but he knew this was for the best. He wanted their baby to have a much better childhood than he ever had, so he wanted to be fully prepared. He wanted everything perfect for Athena.

Draco smiled, paying the bill with a draft from his Gringott's accounts and then steered them to the front door. They had just stepped out onto the cobbled street when there was a flash of light in their faces.

Harry blinked and gripped Draco's sleeve, looking down. He wasn't even sure what had just happened but his heart was already hammering and he felt his stomach flip.

"Malfoy, who’s the woman? Is that the new Malfoy heir?" The man who had just snapped their picture demanded.

Harry's head snapped up, and he nearly yelled at them that he was not a woman, but then he remembered the glamour. And his pregnancy.

Draco snarled. "Get away from us!" He reached, making a grab for the camera. The reporter dodged and snapped another shot. "Does Potter know about your affair? Have you broken it off with him or you doing this behind his back?"

Harry shook his head and tried to duck behind Draco as he saw people moving toward them. He didn't like being crowded like this. And it was weird having to listen to them thinking that Draco would cheat on him. This would be everywhere tomorrow.

There was a crowd gathering and Draco knew it was going to set off Harry's anxiety. If it weren't for the baby, he would have Apparated them out. He drew his wand. "Get the fuck away from us or I'll hex your arse off!"

"Draco," Harry whispered, face buried against the man’s back as he gripped Draco’s robes tightly. He needed to get out of there now.

Draco pulled Harry back in the store and locked the door before anyone else could come in. He turned to the shopkeeper. "Do you have a Floo?"

Mrs Balder looked shocked but nodded. "Upstairs, in my flat."

"We need to use it," Draco insisted and she shuddered, eyes wide. He realised he was brandishing his wand and winced, lowering it.

Harry was paler and was shaking, still clinging to Draco. "Please," he said to the woman.

Mrs Balder still looked afraid, but her eyes softened when she looked at Harry. "Come on upstairs, dearie," she assured him, patting Harry's arm and then leading them to a door at the back and up some narrow stairs. Harry walked up slowly behind her, taking deep breaths to calm himself down.

Draco followed, a hand in the middle of Harry's back to steady him as the woman took them to a cosy sitting room filled with dolls and doilies. "Oh, you sweet thing, sit down and I'll make you tea," she cooed at Harry.

Harry glanced back at Draco, but went to sit down. Mrs Balder looked nice enough and he needed time to calm himself down. And now Athena was shifting in response to what was going on with his nerves.

Draco studied the old woman for a minute, deciding she seemed safe enough and well intentioned. "Rest a little until you are ready to Floo," he agreed, helping Harry to the sofa.

Harry settled down on the sofa, sliding a hand over his stomach to calm the baby down. The shopkeeper disappeared into the next room and they heard the sound of a kettle being filled.

Draco rubbed soothing circles on Harry's back and laid his other hand on top of his lover's. "You're safe," he whispered.

"We forgot to put a glamour on you," Harry murmured, feeling stupid for not thinking about that. He was so focussed on himself that he didn't even think that Draco would be exposed.

Draco's cheeks flushed and he winced. "Yes, I should have thought of that. I tend to draw attention. Could have been worse, though."

"They think you're cheating on me," Harry sighed, resting his head on Draco's shoulders. "It'll be in the papers.”

Draco groaned. It was true. That kind of scandal would be the front page of the Daily Prophet. "My reputation really doesn’t matter," he assured Harry.

"Still, Draco ... I care. Maybe we can make something up to explain it," Harry suggested.

Their host trundled back into the room, the tray with the tea service rattling as she carried it. Draco moved to help, worried it might all topple. Between them, they managed to set the service on the coffee table. "So what was all that fuss about?" Mrs Balder asked.

Harry glanced at Draco, not sure of what to tell her as she poured him a cup of tea.

Draco couldn't tell if the woman had recognised him or not. Most people became either angry or frightened when they did. Yet, she had taken his bank note with his name on it. "I am not very popular," he admitted.

"Oh, posh, that's all such rubbish," Mrs Balder assured him. "Your mother was such a wonderful woman and so fond of her pretty boy."

Harry looked up from his cup, looking surprised. "You knew his mother?" he asked.

Draco was speechless for a moment and nearly dropped his own cup. It rattled as he set it back on the saucer. No one other than Harry had mentioned his mother in years.

"Oh, Mrs Malfoy, she was such a sweet young mother, spent a lot of time in my shop. I remember this one when he was still in his pram," Mrs Balder assured them, putting several biscuits on plates and pushing them into both men's hands.

Harry took a bite out of the biscuit and hummed softly, chewing as he sat back. "Did you really?" he asked, taking another bite and smiling over at Draco. Harry was feeling better already.

Draco frowned, trying to imagine the woman years ago, to remember. He sipped his tea. Thinking of his mother made Draco’s chest clench and his eyes water. He realised he missed her. Missed her more than he liked to admit.

"I bet your little one will be as sweet and pretty as little Draco was," Mrs Balder assured Harry, patting his knee.

"I'm sure she will be," Harry said after he finished off the biscuit, reaching for another. "I can't wait to see her."

"I know who you are, too," the old woman assured him, a twinkle in her eye.

Harry paused then, stopping mid-chew. "Uh, are you sure about that?" He looked at Draco to make sure that his glamour charm was still working.

Draco eyed Mrs Balder suspiciously, his hand sliding toward his wand.

"Oh, don't you fret about it," she said with a laugh. "I read all about you two in the papers and you didn't change your hair. It looks nice long, by the way."

"How are you so sure?" Harry asked, still wary. He was a pregnant man, that couldn't have been a normal thing.

"I remember your mother, too," Mrs Balder went on as if everything was perfectly normal. "So excited about you. I was heartbroken when I heard what happened to her and to your father."

Harry blinked and looked over at Draco again, swallowing slightly and looking at the woman. "You ... you knew my mum?" he found himself asking without really thinking.

"The Potters came in together, like you two," Mrs Balder continued, a faraway look in her eyes. "Picked everything out together. Your dad bought a mobile with little Snitches and Brooms."

Harry couldn't remember a mobile, but of course he believed her, setting his cup of tea down. "Really?" he murmured, feeling a sudden rush of emotions and his throat tightened.

Draco was probably as awed by this as Harry. "You must have had hundreds of parents in your shop over the years. How can you remember?" he asked.

"Oh, I remember all of them. But I wouldn't have to try hard to remember your two mothers, would I?" she assured them. "The Potters were a charming couple and died so tragically. And Narcissa Malfoy, well she was both beautiful and rich, and her whole world seemed to revolve around her little boy. You were both so loved. How can I see you two today and not think of them?"

"I don't ... remember," Harry whispered, his eyes welling up with tears before he could stop it.

Draco wrapped his arms around Harry, pulling him against his chest. His throat felt tight too and he could feel his own eyes sting as he fought back his own urge to cry.

"Oh, I'm so daft, upsetting you like this," Mrs Balder scolded herself.

Draco was still trying to figure out how anyone would assume it was a man who was pregnant, let alone the unexpected surprise of these reminisces.

Harry shook his head against Draco's chest, sniffling as he fought back the tears. "No, it's okay," he said to her. "It's good to know someone who knew them."

Mrs Balder was smiling sweetly at them. "It’s been one of my favourite things when the babies come back with babies later," she admitted. "I miss most of the parts in the middle, but I love the rest."

Harry sniffled again and wiped at his eyes, taking another deep breath. "We'll come back once she's born," he said, not exactly sure how she didn't seem to care that he was a man, but he didn't question it.

"You can take off the charm if you want, Harry," Draco told him.

Harry nodded slightly and pulled his wand out, tapping his chin as he released it. He blinked and settled against Draco's chest, smiling over at the old woman. "Still don't know how you figured it out."

She rolled her eyes as if it was obvious. "Well, you don't live as long as I have without learning a thing or two about people. And I don't think this one," she waved a hand at Draco, "would be messing about with anyone else. Lot of rubbish, that."

"Yeah?" Harry asked, nudging Draco gently. "He didn't want her to have his last name because of what people think."

The elderly witch looked sad but nodded. "Trying to protect her. That's so much like your mother." She looked between them for a minute. "Our kind live a long time. That's mostly good, but sometimes wizarding folk don't know when to let old hurts go. I think that's why I like babies so much. They aren't born with hate in them at all."

"Yeah, I like that, too," Harry said with a small nod. "I just don't want him to hide who he is. I understand that he wants to protect her, but ... you know."

Draco wasn't entirely comfortable with being talked about like he wasn't there, and with a stranger. But, he realised that there were few people Harry could talk to about these things, especially now that he was pregnant. "That mob outside and they way they reacted is exactly why I am worried," Draco explained. "Imagine them doing that with Athena."

"And they wouldn't act like that if her last name was Potter?" Harry challenged his lover.

"People admire you and want to know about you. That's not the same. Malfoy means evil to them. Remember how you used to think about it," Draco argued.

Harry shook his head, not wanting to give in yet. "People need to move on," he murmured and then gave another sigh that quickly grew into a yawn.

Draco huffed and then leant over to kiss his lover's cheek. "I should get you home. You look tired."

"I'm not that tired," Harry said. "I want to go back and start setting things up."

Mrs Balder and Draco both laughed at that. "Well, he's just like most new mothers," she observed. "I will make sure the rest of your things get there by tomorrow," she assured him.

Draco helped Harry to his feet. "Thank you for your hospitality and kindness, Mrs Balder," he said.

"Yes, thank you," Harry said, smiling at the woman. "We'll visit, I promise."

"Can't wait to meet your little girl," she assured him and held out a small jar with the Floo powder.

Harry grinned and nodded. "Thank you again." He reached into the pot and got a good handful of the powder, throwing it into the fire.

Not wanting to leave Harry anywhere without him, Draco waited until his lover had gone through first. The animals came running, as they usually did when they heard the Floo activate and Draco set the packages aside while they greeted them.

"Well, that was an interesting trip," Harry sighed, walking over to the sofa to drop onto it. The animals piled all over him, competing for room now that he didn't have a lap.

Draco smiled and nodded. "I'll put this in the ice box," he said, indicating the bag of ice cream.

Harry laughed softly and picked up Puck, resting the cat on top of his stomach while the other animals curled up next to him. "Sorry I haven't been giving you the attention you need," he murmured, petting them.

"I imagine they'll get jealous of the baby when she comes," Draco observed as he returned to the room, set the bags of baby things beside his lover on the sofa and unshrunk the packages.

"Probably, yes," Harry said, reaching to look through one of the bags.

Draco sat down beside him, watching as Harry unpacked the baby clothes and toys.

"I love this dress," Harry said, holding up one Draco picked out.

It was blue and dripping with lace. Draco smiled at him. "I wonder what she will look like," he mused.

Harry shrugged, really not having a clue. "A mixture of the two of us, I guess," he said, thinking that he was a mixture of his own mum and dad.

Draco still didn't understand how Harry had got pregnant in the first place. What if Harry's child was only Harry's? He knew he would love her regardless, because he loved Harry. "Our own child," he said wonderingly. "I hope she likes animals."

[A lot to deal with here.]

Chapter 25

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