HP

I.

October 31st

“Ah ha” Hermione grinned as she walked into the Hogwarts kitchens. “I thought I’d find you here?” She said. Ron was sitting on a bench, eating roast chicken.

“I was starving” Ron said patting his prodigious belly. “I did invite Hugo but he said no. It’d ruin his bloody diet” Ron said rolling his eyes.

Hermione slapped his arm playfully, “be supportive” she encouraged as she hugged him.

“I am. But he used to be my gut buddy. Staying up late and eating dessert until his stomach ached” Ron smiled. “But he’s growing up.”

“Wait till he starts dating” Hermione smiled hugging him gently.

“Yeah. Rose I knew would grow out of it. But I’m worried Hugo is Albus’ing?”

Hermione pulled away from the hug and looked at Ron judgingly. “If Harry hears you..”

“I dunno how else to describe it” Ron admitted. “He’s changing, and i..I don’t know” he looked at Hermione. “I don’t what I’m supposed to do?”

“You know when Rose first got her period” Hermione began.

Ron looked horrified, “Do I want to?”

“Are you still squeamish?” Hermione huffed.

“Well I’m married to you, Rose is my daughter. There are limits” Ron said shoving a handful of chicken to his mouth.

“Anyway” Hermione said, “I didn’t know for three months. She’d taken a small supply of my pads and tampons. The only reason I found out was because it turned out she’d been flushing them down the toilet”

Ron smiled, “Poor plumber” he said shaking his head.

“Our children are becoming teenagers. They’ll pull away and think we’re uncool and hopefully they’ll come back to us” Hermione smiled.

Ron smiled and kissed her gently, “I’m lucky I’m married to you and not Padma.”

“She’d have never let you get this fat” Hermione teased squeezing his love handle.

Ron grinned and kissed her warmly, “I do love you so much. I know I don’t say that enough.” He reflected.

“Ron” Hermione smiled, “You are wonderful, your supportive and work hard. You tolerate the long nights alone and empty beds, the photographers who rifle through our bins. You put up with so much.”

“I just want you to succeed. I want you happy” Ron smiled cupping her cheek. “Because your brilliant and I’ll know you never stop doing things.”

Hermione smiled, “you know if your being serious about doing a vow renewal ceremony. You’ll have to organise it?” She warned.

Ron gaped, “me?”

“I did the last one” Hermione said her finger pushing between the straining buttons to finger his bellybutton. “Then we could consider your other suggestions?” Hermione said reminding him.

Ron looked at her blankly. “Hermione? What suggestions?”

Hermione frowned, “I thought you’d been drinking” she sighed.

“Hermione I say lots of things. It’s been a long year” Ron said rubbing her hand with her plump fingers. “And I don’t day drink. I’m not an alcoholic.”

“Okay” Hermione smiled kissing his cheek. “To remind you, you suggested a baby or a holiday?”

Ron looked aghast. “I mean a holiday great. But a baby? I’m forty?” Ron insisted.

“You suggested it?” Hermione laughed.

“Merlin” Ron said taking it in.

“Well. I suppose if Draco keeps managing?” Ron nodded. “Start tonight?”

“Ron. Commitment ceremony, holiday and then baby” Hermione lay out. “I’m not menopausal yet.”

Ron grinned, “I knew you’d want to be involved.”

“You still have to plan most of it. Why don’t you ask Draco for help?” Hermione suggested. “If anyone knows how to throw a party?”

“I don’t think Draco has had any parties that don’t involve weird board games and dice” Ron pointed out. “But I’ll ask” Ron agreed smiling, rubbing her thigh warmly.

"Oh, and you might need to shed some belly too," she added, patting his gut.

Ron spluttered and gasped; the jiggle of his belly made the button pop.

❧

Albus looked at Scorpius as he knocked on the hospital wing door. They opened it slowly and peered in, looking around for Madame Pomphrey, she ruled the hospital wing with an iron fist. The pair crept in passing the open door to her office. “Boys” Madame Pomphrey’s voice rang out.

The pair stopped in their tracks. “Good afternoon Madame Pomphrey?” Scorpius said cordially. “We just wanted to say hello to Alice?”

“Please? We just finished with Professor Mcgonagall. We know it’s late?” Albus said begging.

“Ten minutes” Madame Pomphrey warned firmly.

“Yes! Thankyou wizzo!” Scorpius grinned.

Madame Pomphrey shook her head and watched as the two boys trotted inside. Albus and Scorpius found Alice sitting up in bed, a white nightie cupping all of her belly. She looked tired and had a bandage around his head.

“Hey? How are you feeling?” Scorpius asked.

Alice shrugged. “I have taken so many potions. Falling 8 foot off a staircase hurts” she grimaced.

“She killed Craig” Albus said quietly.

“I heard” Alice said nodding. “They brought his body in here until the Mortician could collect it.”

Scorpius went slightly pale at the mention. “You missed out…”

“Yeah, you could have had a front row seat to my grandparents deaths” Albus replied deadpan.

Alice looked horrified, “what?”

Scorpius prodded Albus belly and shot him a look. “Sorry I cope with dark humour” Albus said sighing. “It’s been a strange day. Two days?” He looked at Scorpius.

“Eighteen hours” Scorpius replied.

Alice grinned, “who needs a watch when they have you.”

“Next time you have an adventure. Your not allowed to leave me behind.”

“Noted and remembered” Scorpius smiled.

“Are you in trouble with your Dad?” Albus asked.

“He was just relieved I was alive” Alice admitted. “I’m glad you two are?”

“Trust me there was a good four hours where I thought we’d be stuck in nineteen eighty one?” Scorpius admitted.

“Also. Scorpius is fat now” Albus grinned pulling up Scorpius shirt. “Look a fifty pound belly. He can’t loose..”

Alice burst out with laughter. “You call that a belly? My arm weighs more than that” she said prodding Scorpius belly experimentally.

“Stop it. Both of you. Dad sight it might wear off” Scorpius insisted slapping their hands away.

“Big might” Albus grinned. “I can’t wait to see what August thinks.”

Scorpius groaned. “Maybe I should go back to nineteen eighty one. I can avoid my brothers calling me tubby for now until eternity.” Scorpius falling back onto the empty bed he was sitting on.

“See he jiggles now” Albus grinned at Alice. They both just snickered.

“Alright boys, you need to let her rest. Off you go it’s almost curfew” Madame Pomphrey said firmly looking at the watch attached to her gown.

“Right. Goodnight Alice” Albus smiled hugging her warmly.

“Night Albus” Alice smiled.

“Get well” Scorpius said hugging. “Should I hug you? Is that okay? I won’t hurt you?”

“You’ll cope” Alice said shaking her head in disbelief.

❧

“There’s tubs!” August beamed ear to ear. As he watched Scorpius walk up the stairs from the dorms.

“Oh. Go choke on something” Scorpius said giving him the finger.

“Come on. Your fat now it’s hilarious” August said jiggling Scorpius belly the moment Scorpius moved within reach.

“It’s a side affect of the time turner. I haven’t actually gotten fat. Anyway both Cassie and Herkie are fatter than me” Scorpius defended slapping his hands away.

“But they’ve always been fat. You haven’t.”

“Yes I have. I lost weight in first year, just like you did!” Scorpius said squinting.

“They’ve been loosing a heap of weight” Augustus insisted. “But you have a gut. And it’s hilarious because your stuck with it forever!”

“Come on. We’re gonna be late where’s Cepheus?” Scorpius asked.

“Doing his hair” Augustus said rolling his eyes.

“Speaking of hair. You need a hairbrush” Scorpius commented, as Augustus swept hair from his face. Augustus had been fiercely protesting a haircut since first year and his blonde hair was down to his shoulders. Although it looked in desperate need for a good brushing.

Cepheus finally appeared at the top of the stairs his white blonde hair styled into an impaculate quif.

“Finally” Augustus sighed. “I want to beat the traitors.”

“Just because Cassie and Herkie got sorted into Gryfindor doesn’t make them traitors. Just disappointments” Cepheus grinned. “Who we creamed during the last game.”

“Rose is loosing her touch” Augustus smirked.

“I would not tell her that” Scorpius pointed out. As they headed up to the great hall. Draco and Astor had sent owls and text messages, insisting they were going for dinner.

“Finally. I’m starving” Herkie groaned as they joined him and Cassie.

“Mum and Dad here yet?” Scorpius asked.

“Not yet” Cassie commented. “Do you think they’re bringing Reggie and Lyndon?”

“It would explain why they’re late” Cepheus said looking at his watch.

“Sorry. Sorry” Astor said coming down the stairs. “Your Dad got distracted talking to Professor Mcgonagall. He was holding Reggie’s hand while holding Lyndon to his hip.

“Cas!” Reggie said running and hugging Cassie tightly.

“Geez someone has their favourite” Cepheus frowned.

“Hi Mum” Herkie grinned, hugging Astor enthusiastically.

“Hello Sweetie” Astor smiled hugging him back. “Augustus do you not own a hairbrush?” He frowned.

“Yes” Augustus said defensive.

“I know your Dad had to teach you how to shave. But I didn’t expect we’d have to explain you have to brush your hair.”

“You know Dad usually starts with how proud he is of my quidditch skills” Augustus commented.

“When has Mum ever ever shown an interest in quidditch?” Alice pointed out.

Astor smirked. “I am proud of your quidditch skills. But I’m absolutely judging you for your lack of hair care. That doesn’t mean I don’t love you” Astor reassured. “Also I don’t like your already getting to my height.”

Astor was soon being hugged by his children.

“So Mum where are we going for dinner?”

“Not a musical right?” Cepheus begged.

“Just dinner” Draco said joining them.

“Dad” Alice said hugging him quickly.

“Hello Plumpkin” he smiled hugging her. “Augustus I heard you got ten goals against Hufflepuff?”

“Yeah. I wiped the smirk off their Keepers face” Augustus beamed. “See Mum…”

“Tell you want, I’ll show enthusiasm when you start a band with your siblings. Prove that I didn’t waste drum lessons.”

“I like playing drums” Augustus insisted.

“Well that’s something” Astor smiled.

“Come on. We’re gonna miss our dinner reservations if we chat much longer” Draco insisted.

“Tubs is getting hungry” Augustus grinned prodding Scorpius tummy.

“I will hex you!” Scorpius snarled.

“Enough Augustus” Draco said firmly. “Your brother put on a bit of weight. It happened to all of us.”

“You’ll get fat some point. The way you eat” Astor pointed out. Scorpius smirked noticing Augustus had gone very quiet. Astor put his arm around Scorpius reassuringly. “Don’t worry about this tummy. I think it’s going to be a good thing” Astor encouraged.

Scorpius blinked confused. “How?”

“Over do it tonight. Then show Albus when you get back” Astor said wryly, “I’ll Trust me.”

“Mum” Scorpius blushed. “We’re just..”

Astor shushed him, “your more than that. Be his and let him be yours. Don’t rush but exist for each other in a way your not at the moment.” Astor said as they walked at the back of the group. “You changed time to bring him back. Don’t forget that..”

Scorpius nodded understanding, “But what…if our…”

“You can’t hold yourself back because of what if’s.. okay?” Astor reassured.

“I understand Mum” Scorpius nodded,

❧

“Urrrrrrrrrrppppppp” Augustus belched piggishly. Rubbing his bloated belly as he and Scorpius walked slowly back to the common room.

“Urrrrrrpppppp” Scorpius burped feeling swollen. His pot belly, stretched and straining so tight. He felt he might pop.

“We ate like fat fuckers” Augustus said rubbing his gut. “Feels good man..” he smiled contented.

“I can’t think I ate so much” Scorpius groaned.

“You gotta stretch your capacity. I go wild on my cheat days. Really stuff myself. The rest of the time I eat normal” Augustus admitted.

“That seems like a lot of work” Scorpius admitted.

Augustus snorted. “Eating is never work. Eating is all pleasure tubs…”

“I need to lay down”

“Heh. You do that, I’m gonna talk to the fat blonde girl. Merlin she’s a pig” Augustus said enthusiasm.

Scorpius grimaced.

“Don’t judge. She’s fucking fat as fuck dude. Jiggling like a pig” he smiled. “I’m never going to date anyone skinny. They have to jiggle at minimum.”

“Good luck I guess” Scorpius shrugged.

“Don’t need it but thanks” Augustus grinned. Scorpius rubbed his belly as he slowly made his way downstairs leaning on the wall. He was so stuffed, he couldn’t believe I just gorged like that.

He used to do it when he was young, but he thought he’d grown out of it. Maybe he hadn’t, Scorpius counted the number of doors and opened the door. Gas churning in his inside forcing him to be oh from all the movements his unsettled stomach was getting. “Urrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrppppppp”

“Woah. That was a burp” Vinnie Goyle said smirking.

“What did you eat?” Albus looked up putting a bookmark in his book.

“Food” Scorpius groaned. “So much food. We went to an all you can eat Yum Cha place”

He sat down on Albus bed, groaning. Albus squinted at him. “You have sauce there” he said pointing to a spot on his own face.

Scorpius licked the other side of his mouth with his tongue missing entirely.

Albus rolled his eyes. “The other side.”

“Sorry. I just went a little crazy. I ate like a pig” Scorpius explained. “Urrrrrrrrpppp….sorry…”

“You are very gassy” Albus said amusing.

“I’m gonna shower” Vinnie said grabbing his towel and disappearing out of the room.

“Can you rub my belly?” Scorpius asked, it felt embarrassing to even ask.

Albus smiled, “are you really that stuffed?” He laughed dubiously.

“I really am” Scorpius winced.

Albus reached over and began making slow circles over the most swollen part of Scorpius belly. Scorpius relaxed, Albus massage felt good. He let out another burp, and slid his arm around Albus waist cupping his love handle. Albus stopped and looked up at Scorpius.

Scorpius just smiled back, “feels right.”

Albus nodded, and moved closer. Scorpius leaned against him, as he continued massaging his belly. “Urrrrppp…can I rub yours?”

“I’m not stuffed like you?” Albus pointed out.

“I just want to and sure this is okay” sscorpius reassured. “Your too important to screw this up with?” Scorpius revealed shyly.

Albus smiled and lifted his shirt. Scorpius smiled and began to fondle his belly. Rubbing it gently with one hand while cupping it with the other.

II.

Ron sighed and flipped a page in the glossy copy of ‘Magical Brides autumn edition.’ He shoved a sandwich into his mouth, savouring the mustard. The only thing that wasn’t making him frown. “This is nonsense” Ron insisted.

Draco sighed and looked across at Ron, “what is?”

“This?” Ron pointed at the magazine. “I’ve got no clue how this meant to help? Other than making me hope Rose never gets married.”

“Or Elopes” Draco suggested wryly.

“Why are you looking at bridal magazines? Unless you’ve had a concussion and have decided to divorce Hermione.”

“Worse. Hermione and I have decided to renew our vows. But because she’s minister of Magic, I have to plan it” Ron said glumly.

“Ahh” Draco said nodding, and pierced and swallowed a mouthful of leftover pasta.

Ron leaned forward and squinted. “Are those leftovers? How do you have leftovers? With the way you eat?”

“Because Astor is used to cooking for a bunch of greedy teenagers. And can’t seem to cut back” Draco admitted. “I tried to eat the difference once and all I managed to do was make myself sick.”

“No wonder Harry and I are fatter than you” Ron grinned.

“Morbid obesity is not a competion Ron” Draco clucked.

“Yes it is. Anyway Percy beats the lot of us, he’s too fat for his own good. Gets winded going up the two steps infront of his house” Ron grinned. “If I get that fat. I will diet in a heartbeat.”

“Oh, really?” asked Draco, prodding Ron’s belly to indicate he was already there “So diet after Christmas then?” Draco smirked.

“Would you help me plan this?” Ron asked.

“Why on earth would you think my expertise would be of use?” Draco questioned.

“Your pure blood. And snobby, you’ve been to a tonne of insane weddings right?” Ron insisted.

“Hardly, before the war I was too young. And after we weren’t exactly high on any ones invite list frankly. And anyway Astor and I got married at the ministry Registry office by Luna.”

“Luna” Ron noted making a note on the cover of the magazine. Then paused and squinted at Draco.

“Did you have? what’s the muggle term. Oh yeah…A Shotgun Wedding?” Ron grinned.

Draco didn’t answer.

“You did! Oh that’s brilliant” Ron said falling into hysterics.

“In our defence. I had proposed to him before he revealed he was pregnant with Scorpius.”

“Do you ever wish that you’d done things differently?” Ron asked.

“Not particularly. I have a husband who while can be very silly at times. I adore him, and I love our rather large fanily” Draco smiled amused.

“I still think it’s abhorrent your kids have self control” Ron agreed.

Draco chuckled with a grin, “You just don’t want to admit I’m a better parent.”

“Hardly” Ron smirked finishing off his sandwiches. “Do you think we should get burgers too?” Ron suggested not feeling full enough.

“I’m right” Draco replied.

Ron sighed. “This is why your not elephant sized. Because you have self control”

“I have young children who as fat as they are still love being active. I have to keep up with them” Draco insisted.

“Having burgers once more won’t kill you. We’ll order them and eat in our office…” Ron encouraged. Tempting him.

“Fine. Fine” Draco gave in.

Ron grinned and raised his fattened fists in satisfaction.

“Uncle Ron. Your brother is here” Teddys round face peered around the door, he was overdue for a shave.

Ron gestured with his hand for more information. “Which brother?”

“Uncle Charlie. I’m certain Uncle Bill or Uncle Percy wouldn’t fit through the door” Teddy smirked.

“Let me go see what’s going on with Charlie and then burgers” Ron insisted heaving himself up with an audible groan.

“We’re the same age. Your getting no sympathy attempting to sound like a feeble octanagrian” Draco said shaking his head, before swallowing a heaving mouthful of food.

“Bloody Hell Charlie! What the hell happened” Ron’s horrified voice exclaimed.

Draco paused before heaving himself up and following after Ron. Charlie was one of Ron’s older brothers who predominantly spent ninety percent of his time at a dragon reserve in Romania.

Ron was staring open mouthed at Charlie, who was standing there in shorts. He was okay looking on the scale of Weasley attractiveness. Heavily covered in freckles, with broad shoulders and a swollen stomach that looked like he’d eaten a couple of quaffles whole. I suppose the bigger and obvious change was the missing leg. Or missing from knee down, like a footless stump. Instead a prosthetic was in place.“Where’s your bloody foot?” Ron questioned horrified.

“In the belly of an Antipodean Opaleye. It wasn’t adjusting well.”

“Given Romania is very far from Australia, I’m hardly surprised” Draco commented.

“Have you been?” Charlie asked curiously.

“A few years ago, after Scorpius first year” Draco smiled.

“Does Mum know?” Ron said trying to get back to the important part.

“No that’s why I’m here” Charlie admitted. “I know with Covid things are difficult. But I need somewhere to stay that isn’t Mums” He explained.

“Because no doubt if she discovers your missing a limb, you’ll never be able to leave?” Draco guessed.

“Exactly” Charlie huffed.

Ron considered, “I’ll have to talk to Hermione first. But maybe” he admitted. “Did you ask anyone else?”

“No. I’d have asked bill but Shell cottage is a bit remote. Hopefully it’ll only be for a few weeks, I’m trying to find a place in London” Charlie explained.

“Right. I’ll fire call Hermione now then” Ron nodded glancing back at Charlie’s leg.

“Who did you ask first, really?” Draco asked curiously.

“Harry and Ginny, said no. And George said no, I think he and Angelina are not in a good place” Charlie explained.

“I figured as much. Although I’d warn that you’ll end up putting on more weight” Draco warned.

“There is a long way between my size and Bill and Percy” Charlie insisted.

“Good luck then” Draco commented.

“Hermione said it’s fine” Ron grinned waddling back in. “We’ll set up a mattress in Hugo’s room.” He said handing Charlie the spare key.

“Thank you Ron” Charlie grinned.

0o0o0

Draco inhaled a mouthful of ice cream as he sat on the couch. He was eating it out of the container.

“More?” Reggie asked holding up a bowl to Draco.

“Don’t tell your Mum” Draco said scooping it into his bowl. “Your becoming a big boy Reggie. Your taking after me.”

Reggie grinned and lifted his shirt. His stomach was taught and round although his chest was flabby. Fat in the way that pre puberty children were. “Fatter than Hercules?”

“The way your going. Absolutely” Draco nodded wryly.

The patio door clicked open, “Draco dear are you in?” Narcissa’s voice called.

“Merlin” Draco swore, and pulled his wand which had rolled between the seat cushions and disappeared their mid morning snack to the kitchen.

“Hey” Reggie protested.

“Mum. In the lounge” Draco said licking his lips and hoping he got all the ice cream.

Narcissa appeared. Her hair white and brushed and dressed in elegant bejeweled robes. “Oh Draco really” She said when she caught sight of his gut hanging out.

Draco felt his stomach gurgle unhappily his feasting cut short. “Urrrrpppp” he belched.

“What that husband of yours sees in you destroying yourself” Narcissa tutted.

“He see’s a loving husband” Draco replied. “Who showers him with affection, a foreign concept to you Mother”

“Sarcasm doesn’t suit you you Draco.” Narcissa said cooly. “Where my grandchildren?”

“It’s just Reggie. Astor has taken Lyndon out with him” Draco commented.

Narcissa looked at Reggie. His blonde hair messy and he sat bulging out of his pyjamas. “You ought to make him diet. The size of him Draco?”

Draco turned to his mother, “Reggie is perfectly fine. He has an appetite nothing more. I see no reason why I should force a seven year old to diet.”

“Cassie sent me a sweet letter telling me she was dieting” Narcissa replied as she sat, “I remember when you couldn’t leave food within arms reach or she’d gobble it up. Honestly your children becoming such greedy things. I don’t know how you ever expect them to marry.”

Draco looked at the ceiling wishing for this conversation to end. “Mother. None of them are remotely old enough to even be dating, let alone be considering marriage.” Draco replied. “And if Cassie wishes to diet I’m not going to prevent her. However your comments aren’t helping.”’

“Draco she’s the first daughter born into this family in generations.”

“I know. You keep reminding me, and she won’t be marrying a pure blood. That time is over and frankly all the ones you’d approve of are assholes. I could tolerate if she married one of Flints children, but frankly they’re more obese than we are.”

“Don’t be snide. Your sons ought to consider there options. Scorpius is fifteen? I’m sure he’s considering girls.”

Draco rubbed his temple, “does your visit have a point? Or are you just probing my childrens love life.”

“Your father keeps asking why you haven’t been by. He’s becoming quite concerned about the Estate being neglected” Narcissa commented.

“The estate is far from being neglected” Draco rolled his eyes. “Your just looking for an excuse to make me visit.”

“You can’t ignore your father forever..”

Draco hesitated, he and Astor had been trying to shield their children from all of this. Reggie attention was glued to the television. “Reggie. Would you mind finishing your snack in the kitchen while I have words with your grandmother? Perhaps you could get dressed?” Draco suggested.

Reggie heaved himself to his feet. His belly was spilling out of his pyjamas. A big round roll of flab that was swollen and caused the boy to waddle slowly. His round face and almond shaped eyes, aching for more food. “What about lunch?” Reggie asked licking his lips.

“Lunch will happen soon. Don’t worry” Draco smiled reassuringly patting his sons protruding belly. “We could order burgers?” He whispered.

Reggie smiled grinning. “Yes Please Dad..”

“That’s my boy” Draco grinned as the boy lumbered away. No doubt to eat his weight in something.

“He is enormous Draco. Can you not see that” Narcissa frowned.

“He is enormous, it’s rather hard to miss. But I couldn’t be prouder” Draco smiled. “Our family is cursed, one day all my children are going to be enormous. It’s no bother if they start early” Draco reassured.

“Really Draco” Narcissa huffed.

“Mother. Let me be plain, I haven’t visited father. Because frankly it’s taking all my self control not to exile the pair of you.” Narcissa stiffened. Draco could see the frown of confusion and her mouth opening to protest. He raised a hand to silence her. “You are not escaping blame either. We are very lucky I have such a strong relationship with Harry. That the whole episode with Delphi has been largely put behind us. But I will not forget that it was set in motion by the pair of you. “You kept the birth secret from the whole of the wizarding world. Voldemorts daughter was born here” Draco grimaced. “And frankly Father spending god knows how much on a one of a kind time turner to do what exactly? Keep on the shelf and gather dust.”

“It all turned out well”

“A boy died mother” Draco said frowning. “Scorpius was tortured by the imperious curse. How dare you say this turned out well” Draco said darkly. “If the pair of you could for one moment ignore your egos and reflect. You might understand my anger with the pair of you.”

“Draco” Narcissa begun.

“I don’t want to hear it right now. I hope the pair of you get dragged infront of the Wizenmagot” Draco said sneering.

Narcissa got up, “I’ll give you some time” She said before departing.

Draco sighed and relaxed staring at the ceiling. Reggie waddled over and prodded Draco’s belly. “Lunch?” He requested.

“Lunch. Yes” Draco smiled, as he pulled Reggie into a cuddle. Belly to belly, “why don’t we go for a drive. I need to get out of the house a bit..”

“Can I sit in the front seat?” Reggie said hopeful.

“I don’t see why not” Draco smiled.

❧

Astor took a sip of tea from the mug, as he watched Will heave himself up the ladder. “This is going to end badly” he commented. Will gave Astor the finger when Audra who was standing beside him, wasn’t looking. “Why don’t you just hire someone.”

“You know what your father’s like?” Audra commented.

“Ah. Lyndon dirt is yucky” Astor said noticing his son prodding a hole in the grass.

Lyndon made a face. “Yuck.”

“I warned you” Astor muttered shaking his head.

“Dirt is healthy. Builds the immune system up” Will called down as he reached the second story.

“Uh huh.” Astor said handing his mug to Audra as he heaved Lyndon up and led him into the kitchen.

“How blocked are the gutters?” Audra called.

“Blocked” Will replied his considerable gut leaning against the ladder.

“There we go Lyndon. All clean” Astor said putting him down on the grass and handing him a ball. “Why don’t you play with your ball?” Lyndon threw the ball and then ignored it. “Can’t really blame you for that. I hate sports too” Astor said shaking his head.

“Will, your going to injure yourself. It’s not worth it” Astor called up.

“I’m fine” Will replied as he began scooping up wet leaves out of the gutter.

“I’m thinking of taking a yoga class” Astor commented.

“Really? That doesn’t sound like your kind of thing” Audra said a little too surprised.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Astor commented.

“Your fat Astor that’s what it means” Will grinned. “And you actively avoid exercise”

“I’ve jogged before” Astor frowned. “And I live in an enormous house, I do a lot of walking.”

“I suppose it’s better late than never” Audra reassured. “You’ll have to diet..”

“I’m aware” Astor mumbled cooly. “I’ll manage, I might try one of those muggle food boxes.”

“My brother was doing one of those before he caught Covid” Will commented.

“Your brother caught covid?” I asked alarmed.

“Yeah. I mean he’s an anti-vaxxer which is amusing given he’s in the health industry. But I’m not gonna act surpised.” Will commented as another handful of wet leaves was dumped on the ground.

“Just use magic” Astor called up. “You’ll be up there all afternoon” he warned. As he manuvered Lyndon away from the pile. “Lyn not those leaves” he encouraged.

“Will Draco join you on your diet?” Audra asked curiously.

“No. He’s fine with his weight” Astor admitted.

A spark exploded out the end of Will’s wand, and the leaves that were clumped in the gutter where all summoned into a bundle and fell to the ground in a wet pile. “That’s no where near as enjoyable.”

“But it’s quicker” Astor replied

Daphne waddled out carefully stepping over the pile. “How’s it going?” She asked, she was starting to show her age with flecks of white in her blonde hair and her body rounder than it had been in her teens, more curvy and well fed.

“Done now” Will said climbing down the ladder.

“Good. Good, now there is a floorboard I want you to take a look at” Audra commented.

“Mum” Astor said rolling his eyes. “Just because Daphne married someone who can fix things. Doesn’t mean you can get him to fix every little thing” He said shaking his head.

“I don’t mind. Anyway you could always help?” Will pointed out.

“Not likely” Daphne laughed. “Astor is useless.”

“Rude” Astor frowned.

“Not wrong” Daphne replied. “The only thing you do manage to do successfully is get pregnant.” She reached over to prod his stomach and found it firmer than she expected. “Are you pregnant again?”

“Me? What no?” Astor said trying to brush it off.

Daphne squinted, “Your a terrible liar. You are aware of that.”

“Fine. Yes I’m pregnant I’m in my second trimester” Astor said explaining. “Don’t make a big deal out of it.”

“It’s your eighth child. If you have anymore we’re gonna start doing combined Christmas presents” Will said shaking his head.

“Honestly Astor why haven’t you said anything? Second trimester, when are you due?” Audra said unimpressed.

“Mum. This will be my eighth child, I’ve had four miscarriages over the years. I don’t want to make a fuss, no one’s that shocked” Astor said shrugging.

“Don’t be so glib” Audra frowned horrified.

“I’m just saying. It’s not a big deal even the kids aren’t that impressed” Astor said trying to play it down. “And I’m due in March.”

“March?” Audra said. “Are you sure? You usually carry bigger?”

“It’s March. And I’m fat, it’s not always that obvious” Astor said.

“Astor you’ve been pregnant five times. It’s always obvious. You get big” Will grinned patting Astors belly.

“You are fatter than me” Astor replied squinting. “Tubby.”

“Hey at least we’re both skinnier than………” Will grinned, Astor grinned amused.

❧

Astor slipped off his shoes as he climbed out of the floo. “Ohh that feels good” he groaned tiredly. Before he plopped Lyndon down on the floor

“Urrrrrrppppppp” A rather impressive burp escaped from Reggie as he sat on the couch relaxing lazily.

Astor squinted and looked at the much larger belly that frankly dwarfed Reggie in comparison. “Busy day?” Draco questioned amused.

“I made us lunch” Draco smiled proud of himself.

“How many drive through’s did you visit?” Astor said raising an eyebrow.

“Eight? Although we only got desserts on the eighth occasion” Draco admitted. “These Muggle lockdowns, make for a pitiful day out.”

Astor shrugged. “I was at Mums watching her make Will do all the odd jobs around the house. While Dad was at work. And stop Lyndon from eating dirt.”

Draco smiled wryly, “I’m sure you had fun at your illegal gathering”

“We’re all vaccinated” Astor said chuckling, as he felt their swollen bellies curiously. “How much did you eat?”

“So much” Draco said wryly.

“Oh good I wasn’t in the mood to cook dinner” Astor said sitting down.

“Mum!” Reggie whined, “we have room for dinner.”

“Look. Let me rest my feet, and then I’ll do something easy” Astor said tiredly.

“Why don’t we figure out something eh Reggie?” Draco said groaning, as he leaned forward. “Your mum is busy growing a baby, so he’s going to be tired a lot” Draco explained.

“I know Dad” Reggie huffed, “why do you want another baby anyway?” He questioned.

Draco hesitated, “Well…we like our family.”

“Yeah. But aren’t you too old for another baby?”

Astor raised an eyebrow, “Excuse me?”

“Astor” Draco said calmly. “We are more than young enough to have a baby” Draco explained.

“This is the last one though?” Reggie squinted suspiciously.

“We promise” Astor smiled.

“You won’t mess up?” Reggie asked.

“Mess up?” Draco queried.

Reggie nodded. “Yeah, August and Ceph said I was an accident?”

Astor shook his head, “you weren’t an accident. We both wanted you very very very much” he promised.

“Lyndon too?” Reggie asked.

“Yes, and this one” Astor reassured. “Next time they say that you. Tell me, I will have words with them.”