Chapter 9
The living room was filled with tense silence, broken only by Harry’s ragged breathing and occasional whimpers. He was propped up on the couch, pillows cushioning his back, but no amount of comfort seemed to ease the pain rolling through him. His contractions were coming faster, each one a relentless wave that left him trembling.
“Papa,” Harry cried out, his green eyes wide with tears. “Please… make it stop. No more—I can’t take it.”
Regulus knelt at Harry’s side, his hand gripping his son’s tightly. His normally composed expression was etched with worry as he brushed the damp hair from Harry’s forehead. “You’re doing so well, Harry,” he said softly, his voice laced with both reassurance and fear. “I know it hurts, but you’re strong. You can do this.”
“I can’t,” Harry sobbed, his body tensing as another contraction hit him like a tidal wave. “It hurts too much. I can’t do it, Papa.”
“Yes, you can,” James said firmly, his hazel eyes blazing with determination as he sat on Harry’s other side. “You’ve come this far, Harry. Just hold on a little longer.”
Harrison stood at the foot of the couch, his hands moving quickly as he prepared supplies. “His contractions are coming closer together,” he said, his healer instincts fully engaged. “Regulus, James, we’re in the final stages. He’s progressing fast.”
Harry let out a choked gasp, clutching Regulus’s hand so tightly his knuckles turned white. “What does that mean?” he whimpered, his voice barely audible.
“It means your body is getting ready,” Harrison said, his tone calm but serious. “You’re almost there, Harry. But things are going to move quickly now.”
As the minutes ticked by, the pain intensified. Harry’s cries grew louder, his body trembling with effort. The room was a flurry of activity as Harrison checked Harry’s progress.
“Harry,” Harrison said, his voice steady. “I need to check how far along you are. Just breathe for me, okay?”
Harry nodded weakly, his body sagging against the pillows as Harrison performed a quick examination. When he pulled back, his expression was one of mild surprise.
“He’s already at eight centimeters,” Harrison announced. “The baby’s moving fast. It won’t be long now.”
Regulus’s eyes widened. “Eight? Is that… is that normal?”
“It’s fast, but not unheard of,” Harrison replied, grabbing a fresh towel. “Harry’s young and healthy, and his body is responding quickly. But it also means we need to be ready. James, bring me the birthing kit.”
James nodded and hurried to grab the supplies, while Regulus turned his attention back to Harry.
“Harry, listen to me,” Regulus said, his voice firm but gentle. “You’re almost there. I know it feels impossible, but you’re stronger than this pain. I’m right here with you.”
Harry’s lips trembled as fresh tears streamed down his face. “I’m scared,” he whispered.
“I know, sweetheart,” Regulus said, squeezing his hand. “But you’re not alone. We’re all here for you. Just keep breathing, okay?”
A sudden, sharp cry escaped Harry’s lips, and he clutched his belly as a new sensation ripped through him. A moment later, there was a distinct gush of warm fluid, soaking the blanket beneath him.
“His water just broke,” Harrison said, moving quickly to assess the situation. “That’s good—it means the baby is coming soon.”
Harry whimpered, his body curling slightly as the contractions became almost unbearable. “It hurts so much,” he sobbed. “Please, Papa, make it stop.”
Regulus felt his heart shatter at the raw pain in Harry’s voice. “I wish I could take it away,” he said, his voice breaking. “But you’re almost there, Harry. Just a little longer.”
James returned with the birthing kit, setting it down beside Harrison. He knelt next to Harry, brushing a soothing hand over his son’s arm. “You’re so close, Harry,” he said, his voice filled with pride. “You’re doing incredible.”
Harry shook his head, his breathing uneven as another contraction tore through him. “I can’t do this,” he gasped.
“Yes, you can,” Harrison said firmly, positioning himself at the foot of the couch. “Harry, I need you to focus on your breathing. In through your nose, out through your mouth. You’ve got this.”
Harry tried to follow his uncle’s instructions, but the pain was all-consuming. He clutched Regulus’s hand as if it were a lifeline, his cries filling the room.
“Papa,” Harry whimpered, his voice raw with desperation.
“I’m here, Harry,” Regulus said, leaning closer. “I’m not going anywhere. Just keep breathing, love.”
As the minutes stretched into what felt like hours, Harrison kept a close watch on Harry’s progress. Finally, he looked up, his expression calm but urgent.
“We’re at ten centimeters,” Harrison said. “It’s time, Harry. When you feel the next contraction, I need you to start pushing.”
Harry’s eyes widened, fear flashing across his face. “I can’t,” he said, his voice trembling. “I’m too tired. I can’t do it.”
“Yes, you can,” James said, his voice steady. “You’re stronger than you think, Harry. Just take it one push at a time.”
Regulus pressed a kiss to Harry’s temple, his hand never leaving his son’s. “You’ve got this,” he murmured. “I believe in you.”
Harry nodded weakly, his breathing shallow as the next contraction rolled through him. With a shaky breath, he bore down, his entire body trembling with the effort.
“That’s it,” Harrison said encouragingly. “Good, Harry. Keep going. You’re doing great.”
The pain was overwhelming, but Harry clung to his family’s words like a lifeline. Each push felt like climbing a mountain, but he refused to give up.
“You’re so close,” Harrison said after a few more pushes. “I can see the baby’s head. Just a little more, Harry.”
“I can’t,” Harry sobbed, his body slumping back against the pillows.
“Yes, you can,” Regulus said, his voice firm. “You’re almost there, Harry. One more push. You can do this.”
With a final, determined effort, Harry pushed again, his cries filling the room. And then, suddenly, it was over.
A soft, sharp wail broke through the tension, and Harrison’s face lit up as he held the baby in his hands.
“It’s a boy,” Harrison announced, his voice filled with joy.
Harry collapsed back against the pillows, tears streaming down his face as relief and overwhelming love flooded through him. “A boy,” he whispered, his voice breaking.
Regulus leaned down, pressing a kiss to Harry’s forehead. “You did it,” he said, his voice choked with emotion. “I’m so proud of you.”
James wiped at his own eyes, his smile bright as he leaned over to kiss Harry’s cheek. “You’re amazing, Harry,” he said softly. “Absolutely amazing.”
Harrison cleaned and swaddled the baby before placing him gently in Harry’s arms. The tiny infant let out a soft cry, his dark hair sticking up in tufts, and Harry’s heart melted.
“Hi, baby,” Harry whispered, his tears falling freely as he cradled his son. “I’m your dad.”
As the family gathered around, the room was filled with love and awe. After months of challenges and fear, Harry’s journey had finally brought him to this moment—a new life, filled with endless possibilities.
The room felt still, as though the world itself had paused to honor the tiny life cradled in Harry’s arms. The newborn boy let out a soft coo, his little fists curling and uncurling as he snuggled into the warm blanket Harrison had wrapped around him. Harry stared at his son, overwhelmed by the flood of emotions coursing through him—relief, joy, awe, and a love so deep it almost hurt.
“Wow,” Harry whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. He gazed at the baby’s tiny features—his delicate nose, his soft dark hair, and the way his little mouth pursed as if he were trying to figure out the world. “He’s gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous.”
James, who was sitting beside Harry, leaned in to look at his grandson. His hazel eyes softened, and a proud smile spread across his face. “He is, Harry,” James said gently. “He’s perfect.”
Harry blinked back tears, his fingers trembling as he traced the baby’s tiny hand. “Aries,” he said softly, testing the name. “Aries James Potter-Black. That’s his name, Papa, Dad.”
James’s smile widened, his heart swelling at the honor of having his name passed down. “Aries James,” he repeated, his voice full of pride. “It’s a strong name, Harry. A beautiful name.”
Regulus, who had been quietly watching from Harry’s other side, leaned closer. His sharp gray eyes were unusually bright, and his expression was filled with love and pride. “You did amazing, Harry,” Regulus said, his voice steady but thick with emotion. “After everything you’ve been through, you brought him into this world beautifully.”
Harry looked up at his papa, his green eyes shimmering with gratitude. “I couldn’t have done it without you and Dad,” he said, his voice cracking. “You both were with me every step of the way. I don’t even know how to thank you.”
Regulus smiled softly, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from Harry’s forehead. “You don’t have to thank us, Harry. Seeing you and Aries safe and healthy is all the thanks we need.”
Harrison, who had stepped back to give the family space, returned with a fresh cup of tea for Harry. “You did great, kiddo,” he said, handing him the cup. “I hope you’re proud of yourself because we’re all incredibly proud of you.”
Harry took the cup with a small, grateful smile. “Thanks, Uncle Harrison. For everything.”
“Anytime,” Harrison said, his tone light but sincere. “Now, let me check on Aries while you rest a bit.”
Harrison carefully lifted Aries from Harry’s arms, his healer instincts kicking in as he performed a quick but thorough examination. The baby let out a soft cry at being moved, his little face scrunching up in protest.
“Shh, it’s alright, little one,” Harrison murmured, his hands gentle as he checked Aries’s heartbeat, breathing, and reflexes. “He’s perfect,” Harrison announced after a moment, his smile warm. “Healthy and strong.”
Harry let out a shaky breath of relief, leaning back against the pillows. “Thank Merlin,” he said softly.
Harrison placed Aries back in Harry’s arms, and the baby immediately calmed, his tiny hand reaching out to grasp Harry’s finger. The small gesture sent a fresh wave of emotion through Harry, and he blinked rapidly to keep from crying again.
“Hi, Aries,” Harry whispered, his voice full of wonder. “I’m your dad. And this,” he said, glancing at Regulus and James, “is your papa and granddad. You’ve got the best family in the world, little guy.”
Regulus chuckled softly, brushing a gentle hand over Aries’s head. “He’s already spoiled,” he said with a faint smirk. “And I suspect it’s only going to get worse.”
“Of course it will,” Sirius said, appearing in the doorway with a mischievous grin. “I mean, have you met us? This kid’s going to be adored by everyone.”
Harry laughed, the sound light and genuine. “I think he’ll be able to handle it,” he said, glancing down at Aries. “He’s got that look already—like he knows he’s the center of attention.”
James chuckled, resting a hand on Harry’s shoulder. “He’s a Potter-Black. It’s in his blood to be charming.”
As the evening wore on, the family took turns doting on Aries. Sirius held him for a while, rocking him gently and muttering something about teaching him to fly as soon as he was old enough. James snapped a few photos, unable to resist capturing the precious first moments of Aries’s life.
Regulus stayed close to Harry, his protective instincts still in full force. He watched his son carefully, making sure Harry was comfortable and didn’t overexert himself.
“You need to rest, Harry,” Regulus said softly, tucking the blanket around him.
Harry nodded, though his eyes remained glued to Aries. “I will, Papa,” he promised. “But I just want to hold him a little longer.”
Regulus sighed but didn’t argue. Instead, he placed a hand on Harry’s shoulder, his touch grounding. “You’ve done something incredible today, Harry,” he said quietly. “You’ve brought a new life into the world. Don’t forget to take care of yourself too.”
“I won’t,” Harry said, his voice soft but full of gratitude.
As the night deepened, the house grew quiet. Harry eventually drifted off to sleep, Aries cradled securely in his arms. Regulus and James stayed close, their hearts full as they watched over their son and grandson.
“You know,” James said, his voice low so as not to disturb Harry, “we always said our family would grow someday. I just didn’t realize it would be this soon.”
Regulus smiled faintly, his gray eyes fixed on Harry’s peaceful face. “It’s not the path we expected,” he admitted. “But it’s ours. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
James reached out, lacing his fingers with Regulus’s. “Neither would I.”
As the family settled in for the night, the warmth of love and new beginnings filled the house. Aries James Potter-Black was here, and with him came a future full of endless possibilities.