~December~
The Potter family sat cozily in their living room, the fireplace burning low, blankets spread across laps and the floor, and The Polar Express played on the tv, four pairs of eyes happily watching. James had his husband curled up on his right, with his four year old son on his left, with their six year old son next to Regulus. James loved Christmas Eve, he vowed that once he had kids, he would make every holiday special, and that’s exactly what he and Regulus have been doing for six years now.
“Daddy, how does the train drive on the ice?” Leo whispered, patting James’ thigh.
“Magic, duh.” Harry said, rolling his eyes. “Have you not been paying attention, Leo?”
“Harry, nice words, please.” Regulus mumbled to his son. “Love, it’s magic, because Santa really wants to see all the kids on the train.”
“And Santa is magic?” Leo asked, rubbing his eyes.
“Everything is magic, you just have to believe.” James smiled, ruffling Leo’s brown curls.
Regulus smiled at his husband, resting his hand on top on his stomach. He moved slightly, his hips cramping up as he did so. He let out a slow breath, gritting his teeth as he leaned back.
“Babe?” James whispered, looking at Regulus. “All good?”
“Mhm.” He mumbled, relaxing as the cramps went away. “Fine, I’m fine.”
“Okay…” James whispered, turning back to the movie. Eventually everything calmed down, and Leo had fallen asleep on James’ lap, and Harry was fighting with himself to finish the movie.
“Papa, stop moving, my head is bouncing all over.” Harry said sitting up slightly.
“Sorry, sorry…” Regulus shut his eyes as he pushed himself off the couch, slowly making his way towards the kitchen.
“Reggie, do you need something?” James asked, making a move to get up.
“Just walking around, Jamie, I’m f-fine-oh…” Regulus leaned against the counter and grabbed his stomach, breathing heavily as a contraction started. “Oh, ooh…”
James stood up and set Leo down on the armchair, Harry forgetting all about the movie as his parents were making noise in the kitchen.
“Reggie, love?” James asked, coming up behind him. “Ah, shite, contraction?” He asked, rubbing Regulus’ back.
“Mm…” Regulus nodded, rocking his hips side to side. “It’s over, it’s done…”
“Papa? Daddy? What’s going on?” Harry asked, peeking around the corner of the kitchen.
“Papa is just feeling a little ouchie, Haz, but he’s okay.” James said, helping Regulus back to the living room.
“Is it the baby?” He asked, following them to the couch.
“Yeah, yeah I think they’re ready to come…” Regulus sighed, not sitting down. “James, I can’t do it, I just want to walk around, I feel like…” a loud groan escaped his lips, and he curled over in James’ arms.
“Fuck…” James mumbled, putting pressure on his husband’s hips. “Okay, yeah, thought we could wait, Reg, but this baby is coming now.”
Regulus nodded repeatedly and stayed bent over until he knew he was okay. “M-my bag is upstairs, in the closet. And the only thing not in it is my pump, and I need that.” Regulus breathed, letting go of James.
“I’ll grab everything, what about the boys, Reg?” James asked, walking upstairs.
“I will make a plan, just give me a minute…” Regulus sighed, walking around.
“It’s Christmas though, Papa, do we not get Christmas now?” Harry asked, his eyes shining with tears. “Santa can’t come n-now if you’re at hospital.”
“No, no Santa will still come, he’s still coming.” Regulus breathed, rubbing Harry’s cheek. “We will still have Christmas, just, the baby is coming.”
“Baby?” Leo mumbled, waking up. “What baby, Papa?”
“The one in my tummy, love, and…and we really n-need to get going, James!” Regulus groaned, leaning on the chair. “Fuck…”
“I’m coming!”
“That’s a naughty word, Papa.” Leo mumbled, getting off the chair to stand next to Harry.
“Daddy says we can say bad words when we get hurt. Are you hurt, Papa?” Harry asked.
“Yes, ow, shite, fucking…” Regulus let out a choked cry, undecided between screaming and groaning.
“Okay, I have everything, and I have a bag for the boys, are they going to Sirius’?” James asked.
“No!” Both boys cried out, shaking their curls around.
“Santa won’t come if we leave!” Harry cried.
“I don’t wanna!” Leo cried.
Regulus breathed heavily and searched for his shoes before moving away from the chair. “Siri and Rem are too far from the hospital, Jamie, and this baby is in my hips, Harry and Leo will just come with us.” He made his way to the door, very aware of his waddling body.
“Right. Okay. Christmas in the delivery room. Perfect.” James nodded, sliding his shoes on. “Boys, come on, Papa needs us to leave right now.”
“No.” Harry pouted, stomping his foot. Leo watched, then copied him.
James sighed and grabbed the car keys, opening the door for Regulus. “I’ll come back for them, let’s just get you in the car.” He mumbled. Regulus nodded, holding onto James as they made their way down the driveway to the car. “Will you be okay until I come back?”
“Just be quick, Jamie.” Regulus said, resting his hands on his stomach.
James nodded and ran back up to the house, wasting no time to pick up both crying boys, grabbing their coats, and making his way back to the car. He buckled them up (Leo wouldn’t sit down until Regulus yelled at him) and started driving away.
“Eight minutes apart seems so wrong, but…that’s what I’m timing.” Regulus yawned about half way to the hospital. “This baby is not messing around.”
“Labor moves fast after the first kid.” James squeezed his hand, checking the two sleeping boys in the rear view mirror. “It’s okay though, you’ve got this, we’ve got this.”
Regulus nodded, taking a sharp breath before starting his timer again. “Just breathe, baby, deep breaths.” James soothed.
“Just…keep talking…” Regulus groaned.
“Okay, yeah um…well, it’s only like nine, so maybe we can get this baby out before midnight,” Regulus quickly shook his head in disagreement, “okay, so, Christmas baby, that’s fun, it’s good. Sirius will be excited, and so will mum, are we still planning on going tomorrow? I bet we could make it, we’ll be tired and you’ll be sore, but everyone would love a surprise baby.” James nodded. “Right? Surprise? Or do we need to call someone and tell them we’re having a baby?”
“Surprise, I don’t, fuck, I can’t even think about calling anyone right now.” Regulus sighed, rubbing his sides. “What about presents, Jamie?”
“I’ll figure it out.” James said. “I can leave early in the morning before you’re discharged, and set everything up. The boys will get their Christmas, Reggie, just worry about you and baby right now.”
“Okay, thank you.” He nodded, letting James kiss his hand. “How close are we?”
James checked his gps, “another seven minutes, is what my phone says. Are your contractions staying regular?”
“Seems to be, yeah.” Regulus nodded, shifting in his seat. “My hips kill, I can’t sit for much longer.”
“I’ll go faster, but if we get pulled over you need to start screaming so they let us go.” James smiled.
“Ha ha.” Regulus deadpanned, taking the hair tie off James’ wrist. “Borrowing this, thank you.”
“Go ahead.” James said, glancing back at the boys. Harry seemed to be awake now, just quietly watching out his window. “Hey bug, how long have you been up?”
Harry shrugged and rubbed his eyes. “Is Santa flying around right now?”
“I don’t think he’s here in London yet, but he’s gotta be somewhere else. Maybe Tokyo.”
“But he’ll come here soon, right?” He asked.
“Yeah, of course.” James smiled.
Regulus looked back and Harry and held his hand out. The six year old tiredly smiled and grabbed his hand, giving it a light squeeze. “Hey, I love you, Hazzy.”
“I love you too, Papa.” Harry yawned, letting go of his hand. “Will we be sleeping at the hospital?”
“Yeah, probably.” James nodded. “When Papa had Leo, they turned a couch into a bed for me. It’s pretty comfy.”
“What about when Papa had me?” Harry asked.
“I had you at home, love, so Daddy slept in our bed.” Regulus said, feeling another contraction starting. “Oh, oh this one is bad…ow, fuck it hurts…” he whined, leaning forward.
“You got it, you’re okay.” James rubbed his back and pulled into the parking lot of the hospital, finding the closest spot before turning the car off. “Let me know when it’s over and we’ll get you inside.”
“Daddy? Why does Papa have to hurt to have a baby?” Harry asked, his wide eyes watching Regulus.
“Honestly Haz, I don’t know, it just hurts. But, they’re gonna give Papa medicine to make him feel no pain.”
“Really?” Harry asked. “Like…magic?”
“Yeah, sort of. It’s a different kind of magic than what happens in the movies.” James nodded, noticing Regulus slump in his seat. “Okay, we have eight minutes to get inside, Harry, unbuckle Leo and put that backpack on, I’ll grab Leo and Papa’s bag, and Reggie? You can get out?”
“Mhm…” He nodded, forcing himself to stand up. “James, it’s freezing out here, make sure the boys have coats on.” He shivered, wrapping his arms around himself. Harry jumped out of the car with a coat and backpack on, quickly moving to Regulus’ side, a hand reaching into his sweatshirt pocket.
“So you don’t get lost.” Harry said, putting his palm against Regulus’ stomach.
“Thanks, Haz.” Regulus weakly smiled, ruffling his son’s hair. The last car door closed and James had Leo in one arm, and the hospital bag in his other.
“Okay, let’s go, quickly.” He ushered them into the hospital, right up to the front door desk where a tired looking lady sat. “Hi, my husband is in labor, Regulus Potter.”
The lady looked up and furrowed her brow. “Your…husband is in labor?”
“Is that not what I said?” James asked, shifting Leo back onto his hip. “Trans people exist,” he looked at her badge, “Barbara, and my husband is in labor with a child, so, please can we have a room.” James huffed.
“Please.” Regulus added.
Barbara nodded, checking them in and having them escorted to a delivery room. The nurses were a little puzzled with what to do for the two children present, but once a bed was made and both boys were tucked in, they were fast asleep, unaware of the room around them.
Regulus got changed into a gown and was hooked up to every machine and IV drop they needed, and while he was getting his vitals checked, James paced around the room, making sure everything was as it should be.
“You’re making me nervous, stop moving.” Regulus mumbled, standing up from the bed.
“I shouldn’t be nervous, this is our third baby, I just, it’s exciting and scary and it’s so soon? They said maybe three hours to go, and that’s so soon, Reggie.”
“I am aware.” Regulus nodded, walking over to James, his medical pole held tightly in his right hand. “I have to push the child out of me, I know how soon this is coming, but we need to not freak out. You weren’t like this with Leo.”
“I know, which is so weird, but maybe that’s because we had a baby two years before him, and it’s been four years since Leo, and, well I don’t want to forget anything, or like, mess it up.”
“Four years isn’t a long time, Jamie.” Regulus smiled. “Everything will be fine. It’s all good! Even I’m fine. For now.”
“Ha, for now, yes.” James said.
“Okay, you are going to go lay down with the boys, and I’m going to lay down, we’ll get some sleep, and the nurses will come check on us in a bit.” Regulus said, making his way back to bed. “I’m being serious, James. Try and rest.”
“That was a horrible impression of Sirius.” James tiredly smirked, sitting down next to Harry. Regulus glared at him as he wiggled his way into a comfortable position, pushing the red button on his bed.
“I hate you for making that joke, but I don’t care, so I’m going to get an epidural and sleep for as long as I can.” He nodded.
“Then that means I do have to close my eyes and try to sleep, because I hate epidurals.” James said, lying down.
“Well then, you’re in luck. Congrats.” Regulus stuck his tongue out as the door opened, revealing a nurse with all the supplies to get drugs into his system. James let out a small whine and buried his face in Harry’s hair, leaving Regulus to deal with it by himself.
“He doesn’t fancy needles that much?” The nurse asked, setting out her supplies.
“Nope, I have to hold his arm down when he gets his flu shot.” Regulus smirked, rolling onto his side. “Our four year old does better than him.”
“That’s a laugh.” She smiled. “So those are your boys? They’re absolutely darling, perfect mix of you and your husband.”
“Oh, thanks.” Regulus smiled, feeling her wipe down his back. “Harry is our oldest, he turned six in July. Leo turned four in October, but he acts like his brother.”
“My nieces are the same way.” She smiled, watching the monitor. “Just waiting for a contraction to start, love.”
Regulus nodded, taking a deep breath. “Now…ooh…” he hissed, barely feeling the needle go into his spinal cord.
“All done, now just wait for the contraction to finish, and we’ll carefully roll you back.” She nodded, placing some tape over the needle to hold it in place.
The contraction ended and she rolled Regulus over, and he could already feel the drugs working. “I never got your name.” He sighed, looking up at the nurse.
“Oh, my apologies, love. I’m June.” She smiled.
“Well, thank you, June.”
“You’re welcome. And I won’t be your delivery nurse, that’ll be Vivian, but if you need me, I’m here all night.” She smiled, gathering her things. “Just press the call button for anything else, love.”
“Sounds good.” Regulus smiled, giving her a thumbs up. June then left, and the only sounds in the room were light snoring and monitors beeping every few seconds. Regulus yawned and closed his eyes, hoping to get some sleep before anything else happened.
— - —
James was woken up to small hands hitting his thigh, wanting his attention in that very moment. “Daddy, wake up, I gotta go potty…” Leo whimpered, very close to tears. “Really badly, Daddy, I gotta go!”
James nodded, sitting up with full awareness. “Okay buddy, you’re okay, the potty is over here.” He got up and grabbed Leo, quickly carrying him over to the closed door. “Alright, hurry in.” He turned the light on and Leo ran in, leaving the door open so he wouldn’t be alone.
He looked back at Harry who was starting to wiggle in his sleep, and then to Regulus who was knocked out. He checked his watch, seeing that it was past midnight, and Christmas. Leo flushed and washed his hands, scooting past James to go back to bed. As he laid down, Harry woke up, and James pointed to the bathroom.
“Haz, come on.” James whispered, and Harry ran in and closed the door. That woke Regulus up, and he weakly smiled at James, who smiled back and walked over to his husband.
“Time?” Regulus whispered.
“Half past 12.” James whispered, kissing his forehead. “Happy Christmas, my love.”
“Hm, happy Christmas.” Regulus smiled, running a hand through James’ hair. “Did you get some sleep?”
“About as much as you did. The boys woke up with bathroom emergencies.” James whispered, turning around at Harry sleepily getting back in bed. “How are you feeling?”
“Good, I’m eight centimeters dilated, last I was checked, contractions are every three minutes, and I can’t feel a bloody thing.” He giggled, pressing a hand to his stomach. “Baby is taking their time, but it’s alright, as long as we get out before eleven.”
“I’m sure we will, if you’re that close, we should be fine.” James smiled. “Do you need anything? Ice? Water? Food?”
“I’m okay, someone brought me water a while ago, haven’t really touched it.”
“Just let me know then.” James nodded, rubbing his thumb against Regulus’ cheek. “I love you.”
Regulus smiled, about to answer, when a loud pop came from below him, and the bed was quickly soaked in fluid. “That was my water.” He said, almost dumbfounded by the event. “Huh.”
“Um…awesome.” James nodded, pressing the red button. “Baby time?”
“Baby time.” Regulus said, giving James’ hand a squeeze.
A nurse came in - Vivian, Regulus remembered - and looked at the wet sheets.
“Your water broke, I’m guessing?” She asked, removing the covers.
“Yes ma’am.” Regulus said. “Was it a lot?”
“Looks like it.” She nodded. “We won’t worry about the mess though, you still have to give birth.”
“Ah, forgot about that part.” Regulus smiled, and James chuckled under his breath.
Vivian smiled and sat in front of him, checking everything down there. “I’m already seeing baby’s head, Regulus, not quite close enough to push out, but I say less than ten pushes and you’ll be done.”
“That’s amazing.” Regulus sighed, propping his legs up. “Did you hear that, James?”
“I did.” He smiled.
“We’ll wait for my neonatal nurse, and then we’ll start pushing.”
“Pushing what?”
James jumped as Harry appeared next to his side, looking at everything happening. “Papa, why are your undies not on?”
Regulus blushed, not knowing how to tell his six year old about childbirth. “Um, it’s just, well…”
“Harry, I thought you were asleep?” James asked, leading his some back to the bed.
“I’m awake.” He said, ducking under James to go back to Regulus. “Papa, why is the lady looking at your private parts? Isn’t that naughty?”
“Yes.” Regulus said, and his son glared at the nurse. “Or, well, sometimes it is naughty, Harry, because our private parts are only for ourselves and people we trust, but sometimes, you have to let people look if it’s to help you, like how nurse Vivian is helping me.”
“She’s…helping?” He asked.
“Haz,” James crouched down to his level and messed with Harry’s pajamas. “When a baby is born, they have to come out through private parts. Papa needs help getting baby out of his belly, and that’s is what Vivian does. She’s helping him through the birth.”
“Does that make sense, love?” Regulus asked. “It’s okay if it doesn’t, some things take time to understand.”
Harry bit his lip, slowly nodding at his fathers. “I think I understand, Papa.”
“Okay, Haz.” Regulus smiled. “Would you like to watch from the bed, or you can try and go back to sleep.”
“I will…sit and watch.” Harry said, moving away from James.
“You can look away at any time, love. Sometimes it can be a bit scary, and you don’t have to watch if you don’t want to.” James said.
“Okay.” Harry nodded, sitting down.
Regulus smiled at his son, not noticing the neonatal nurse coming in and setting up. “Alright Regulus, James, we’re ready.” Vivian nodded.
Regulus sighed and wrapped his hands behind his thighs, pulling his legs up as far as he could. “This will always be the worst position for childbirth.”
“You’re just mad because you’re not flexible anymore.” James smirked, running his hand through Regulus’ hair.
“I will always be mad about that. I was a professional dancer before you came along.” He said, putting his chin to his chest.
“Light pushes…very good. Go for five, four, three, two…one…excellent.” Vivian smiled.
Regulus took a deep breath, ready to push again. “Something’s definitely happening…” he mumbled, relaxing after another push.
“Baby is moving down very nicely, it’s almost like you’ve done this before.” Vivian chuckled.
“Once or twice.” Regulus shrugged, bearing down again. He could feel light pressure, and pushed a little harder, knowing the head was nearing the outside world.
“There we go, one more strong push and we’ll have the head.”
“Harry, you doing okay?” Regulus panted, looking over at his son.
“Uh huh…” Harry nodded, his head tilted to the side as he watched.
“We aren’t traumatizing him, right?” James asked.
“He’s fine…I think. And if not, he’ll have a great story to tell when he goes back to school.” Regulus said, before pushing hard.
“There’s the head, Regulus.” Vivian smiled, and Regulus let out a weak laugh.
James chuckled and looked down, reaching a hand out to touch his baby. “Reggie, you aren’t going to believe this…”
“Hm?” Regulus hummed, getting ready to push again.
“They’re blonde.” James laughed.
Regulus choked out of surprise, unable to think as he gave one last push and the baby slid right out, giving out loud cries. “Blonde? Blonde hair?” He asked, unable to stop his happy tears.
“A blonde baby girl, might I add.” Vivian smiled, unbuttoning the top of Regulus’ gown, quickly placing the baby down with a blanket on top.
“Blonde.” Regulus laughed, his tears continuing down his cheeks. “And a g-girl, Jamie, we have a girl.” He cried, wrapping his arms around the crying child. “Oh, oh sweetheart, oh it’s okay…”
“A girl!” James cried, peppering his husband in kisses. “Oh, look at you, you sweet angel, oh sweet darling…” he laughed, wiping the baby’s face with the blanket. “Look at you, look how beautiful you are.”
“She so perfect…” Regulus cried, looking up at James. “We m-made her, Jamie, we made her…”
James laughed, kissing his husband once more. “I know, oh how I know.” He smiled, running a gentle finger along her scalp. “Blonde hair…”
“It’s so lovely.” Regulus smiled, wiping his eyes, only to start crying again. “She looks like a baby angel, Jamie…”
“She does…” James smiled, watching his daughter calm down and relax against Regulus’ chest. “She already loves her Papa.”
“She likes listening to her Daddy talk, that’s all.” Regulus smiled, kissing her head. Little hands reached up around the bar of the bed, and a mess of black curls bounced up and down.
“My baby?” Harry asked, only able to see the blanket.
“She’s right here, Haz.” James smiled, lifting him up on his hip. “This is your baby sister.”
“She’s very dirty.” Harry scrunched his nose at her.
“The nurses will clean her up, she just needed to be held by Papa first.” James smiled, wiping his eyes.
“When can I hold her?” Harry asked.
“After Papa and I spend some time with her, and after you wake up. You need to go to sleep so Santa can come.” James whispered, brushing Harry’s hair out of his eyes.
“Santa!” Harry gasped, scrambling down to the floor and back to the bed. “I gotta go to sleep, Daddy, right now.” He got under the covers and pulled them over his head, forcing sleep to come.
“See, he’s fine. Not traumatized at all.” Regulus smiled, looking back down at his daughter. “Hello, love, ooh, hello…” he cooed, rubbing his nose against hers.
“Are you ready for baby to get cleaned up? The afterbirth is almost ready to be delivered, I just need you to push.” Vivian said. “Candace can take baby and clean her right over there, she’s not even leaving the room.”
Regulus gave his little one a light squeeze before passing her off, letting James follow her to the sink. “Here love, so you can wipe yourself off.” Vivian smiled, handing him a wipe.
“Thanks.” Regulus breathed, wiping his chest off. He felt something move down through his body, so he gave two hard pushes before fully relaxing back into the bed. “I can’t believe it’s all over.” He breathed, pulling his hair back into a short ponytail. “Pregnant for nine months, in labor for five hours, and now I have a little girl…” he giggled, wiping his eyes.
James smiled over his shoulder at his husband, waiting for a diaper to be put on his baby before Candace took her back over to Regulus. He gladly held out his arms, welcoming the clean infant back onto his chest. “There you are, love.” Regulus whispered, kissing her face.
James sat next to him on the bed, taking in the scene before him. “Reggie, we still have to name this little one.” He whispered, placing a hand on his daughter’s back.
“Yeah…nothing cheesy though, like for Christmas? No Carol, or Noelle, or whatever.” Regulus whispered, looking up at James. “It needs to be a name that fits our family.”
“So…astrological?” James asked.
Regulus looked at his baby, then shook his head. “No, not for her. It worked with Leo, but…she needs an angelic name, I think.”
“Sounds like a Christmas name.” James chuckled quietly, and Regulus glared. “Just, because of the angels…anyways…” he ran a hand through his hair, looking back at his daughter. “What about…Evangeline?”
“Evangeline…” Regulus whispered, starting to cry again. “Baby Evangeline, Jamie, it’s perfect…” he cried, letting James kiss his tears away. “Stupid emotions, I can’t stop.”
James laughed and moved to kiss his daughter. “Hello, Evangeline…”
— - —
After Regulus fell asleep, and James got his skin-to-skin time with his baby, it was nearing four in the morning. James couldn’t find it in himself to sleep, he was to excited from everything happening, so he took this time to leave and set up Christmas at home. The drive was quiet, almost no cars around him, so he got home quickly and entered his home.
“Shite, where did Reg put everything?” He mumbled, walking to the hallway closet. There was a big tote box, and James opened it to reveal lots of wrapped presents. “Bingo…” he smiled, taking the box to the living room.
He set everything up, making sure every present was out and positioned nicely before putting the box away. He smiled at his work, only stopping when he felt his phone buzzing in his pocket.
“Reggie? Everything okay, love?” He asked, trying not to panic.
“Everything is fine, Jamie, Evie needed to be fed, and while I was looking for my pump I saw that I don’t have clothes in the bag, can you grab me my green sweat set, and then the boys need new clothes, I don’t want them going to mum’s house in pajamas…”
“Oh, yeah of course, I will do that.” James said, making his way upstairs. He went to their closet, looking for Regulus’ sweats. “Um…oh found it, do you want the boys in anything specific?”
“Something comfy, check the clean clothes in the laundry basket, I think their Christmas sweaters are in there.”
James nodded and went back downstairs to the laundry room, searching through the clothes until he found two red sweaters. “Got them, is that everything?” He asked, putting everything into a bag, along with pants for the boys.
“I think so…yeah, it should be.” Regulus yawned.
“Okay love, well I will be back soon, I’m gonna shower and change, then I’ll be back over.”
“Is everything set up at home? You found the presents?”
“Yep, everything is ready.” James smiled. “I did very well, in case you are wondering.”
“Good job, James.” Regulus chuckled. “Okay, go shower, I think little miss is ready to be burped, so I’ve gotta go.”
“Okay, I’ll see you in an hour! I love you!”
“Love you too, Jamie, bye!”
James hung up and headed upstairs, taking the quickest shower he could before grabbing everything once again and making his way back to the hospital. When he got back, it was just past six, and Regulus was back asleep, his daughter in the cot next to the bed, and his sons still asleep where he last saw them. He smiled, making his way over to his little girl and gently picked her up.
“Hello, Evie…Happy Christmas…” he whispered, rocking her softly. “You are the best gift ever, you know that? Perfect timing too, but I know you made your Papa worry.” He chuckled, walking around the room. “You are going to be so loved, baby, you have two brothers, Harry and Leo. They are going to protect you, and love you, and make sure you are always cared for.”
Evangeline smacked her pink lips together, turning her head to James’ chest. “And your Papa and I love you so very much, you were kind of a surprise when we found out you’d be joining our family, but we wouldn’t change anything, because now you’re here, and you’re perfect, love. Absolutely perfect.” He smiled, kissing her forehead. “Okay, I’ll let you sleep now, because you have a big day ahead of you.” He laid her back down, then moved over to the bed to lay down next to Harry.
— - —
“I wanna hold the baby next!” Leo whined, climbing onto the bed next to Regulus. “Papa, Harry’s been holding her for too long! I want a turn!”
“Okay, okay, you can hold her now.” Regulus sighed, moving Leo into a better position. “Daddy, help Leo please.”
“On it.” James smiled, taking Evangeline from Harry. “Alright bud, hold your arms out…there you go.” He placed the infant in Leo’s arms, and he squealed in excitement.
“My baby!” He giggled, kissing her face with toddler kisses. “She smells so yummy, Papa.”
“They use special soap to make her smell good.” Regulus smiled, holding up Evangeline’s head.
“Can I hold her again after Leo?” Harry asked, sitting on his knees to get a better look. “Please?”
“Well, we actually have to go, we’re just waiting for the doctor to tell us everything is okay.” James said, ruffling his son’s hair. “And then we’ll go to grandma’s house, and then we can go home and open presents.”
“I really hope Santa brought me new legos.” Harry said. “And a puppy.”
“I want a puppy!” Leo said, forgetting about the baby in his arms as he started getting up. Regulus was quick to grab her before she rolled off his lap, and held her against his chest.
“Okay, no more holding baby until we are home and on a bigger bed.” He breathed, glancing at James, who was just as frightened. “And no puppy, boys. You just got a sister.”
“But she’s not a puppy.” Harry pointed out, and Leo nodded along.
“She’s not, but - whatever, ask again next year.” James chuckled, helping Leo and Harry off the bed. “Get your shoes and coats on, I’m going to go get the carrier from the car, is that alright?”
“Yeah, we’ll be good here.” Regulus smiled, laying Evangeline back down. James left as a doctor came in, handing discharge papers to Regulus.
“Just sign these, and then you are welcome to go. All scans and tests came back perfect, your nurse said you’ll heal nicely, and baby girl is in tip top shape.” He smiled, and Regulus quickly signed everything. “Thank you, Happy Christmas.”
“Happy Christmas.” Regulus echoed, pushing himself off the bed. His body was definitely sore, and his feet were a bit tingly still, but he sucked it up and started walking around to get everything moving.
“Papa?” Leo asked, struggling to get his snow boots on. “Why do you still have a baby in your tummy?”
Regulus stopped and squinted at his son, trying to figure out what he means. “I’m not following, Leo.”
“Your tummy is still big, Papa.” He said, coming up to pat his stomach. “See? There’s still a baby in there.”
“Oh, love, there’s no baby in there, my body just isn’t used to not having something happening in my tummy, so it’ll be a while before my tummy gets smaller.”
“Oh.” Leo nodded, hanging on to Regulus’ sweatshirt. “That’s okay then, I like it when your tummy is squishy, it makes a good pillow.”
Regulus smiled, pushing Leo’s curls out of his eyes. “Well thank you, buddy, that makes me feel happy.”
Leo smiled with satisfaction and went to stand by the baby’s cot where Harry was already watching their sister sleep. Regulus sighed and rubbed his stomach, trying not to feel upset about the missing flatness he was so use to for many years. It’s okay, Regulus. This body gave you three beautiful children, and you can still dance, this is okay. This is healthy.
“Carrier has been brought!” James said, coming back into the room. He smiled at Regulus, trying to catch his eye. “Babe?”
“Hm?” Regulus mumbled, coming out of his thoughts. “Oh, yeah sorry, thanks.” He took the carrier and set it on the bed, carefully taking Evangeline from the cot to her seat.
“Everything okay? You seem…”
“Just, thinking. We can talk about it another time.” Regulus nodded, buckling the straps around his daughter. “There you go love, and here’s your blanket, and…I think we’re set - oh!”
James captured his lips in a kiss, gently wrapping his arms around his waist. “I love you. You are amazing.” He whispered.
Regulus gulped, not wanting any more tears falling. “I love you too.” He whispered.
“Thank you for these three kids. And for loving me.” He smiled, kissing his cheek, then his nose.
“Stop, I’m done crying.” Regulus whispered, wiping his eyes quickly. “You are the worst, James Potter.”
“And I love you, Regulus Potter.” James kissed him once more then let go, grabbing the carrier and two bags. “Ready you two?”
“Grandpa and grandma’s house!” Leo cheered, following James out of the room. Harry stayed back with Regulus, holding his father’s hand.
“Are those happy tears, Papa?” He asked.
Regulus nodded, wiping his eyes once more and smiling down at his six year old. “They’re very happy tears, Hazzy. I’m very happy right now.”
“Me too.” Harry smiled, and the both of them walked out of the room.
— - —
Regulus loved going to the Potter’s house during the holidays. Euphemia and Fleamont lived in a large brick home in the country, where it was green grass during the summer, and beautiful white fields during the winter. They decorated their house to the max every year, with green garlands hanging from the windows, big red bows on the doors and railings, and Christmas lights outlining the house in a warm yellow glow.
The inside was even more decorated with bows and lights, along with a Christmas tree in every room, even miniature ones in the bathrooms. The Potter’s loved Christmas, and Regulus loved it too.
When they parked, he noted that Sirius and Remus, along with their eight year old Teddy, were already at the home, and probably have been for an hour or two. He checked the time, nodding at the fact it was only 11:15, and got himself out of the car.
“Faster, faster!” Leo yelled, wiggling in his car seat too much. “I wanna go inside, Daddy!”
“Leo, if you held still, I could unbuckle you faster.” James chuckled, releasing his toddler from the seat. “Don’t go inside yet, we want to go in as a family.”
“Because of the surprise?” Harry asked, getting out of his own seat as James got the carrier out of the car.
“Yes, so no saying anything until Papa and I can show everyone our surprise.” James nodded.
Regulus pulled the blanket back up onto Evangeline’s chin, doing his best to keep the cold air off her skin. “Okay, I’ve got the presents for every one, we are good to go.”
James smiled and walked faster than usual, obviously just as excited as the boys were. Regulus had fallen a couple steps behind, but walked in with his family to the smell of food and cinnamon candles.
“We’re here!” James yelled into the home, kicking off his shoes.
“In the family room!” Effie called back, and Regulus quickly helped the boys with their shoes, hoping his husband wouldn’t run off with the baby.
“About time, Prongs! You’re late!” Sirius yelled.
“You get here early, that’s not my fault!” James chuckled, making sure Regulus was ready before walking to the back of the house. The boys ran in front, wanting to see their family (and the presents under the tree).
“Sorry we’re late, we had something come up.” Regulus smiled as the walked into the living room. Sirius dropped his drink, his jaw hanging wide open.
“No way.”
“You had a baby?” Remus gawked, and started laughing.
“Surprise!” James smiled, sitting down on the couch.
“Oh, let me see! Oh you two naughty boys, why didn’t you say anything?” Effie asked, wiping her eyes. “You had a baby and didn’t let us know!”
“It was kind of last minute.” Regulus chuckled, slowly sitting down.
“How last minute?” Remus asked, getting closer to the carrier.
“Like she was born at 1:24 this morning, last minute.” James laughed, taking her out of her seat.
“You just had a baby, Regulus! Let me make you tea, and I’ll get you a hot pad.” Effie said, quickly moving to the kitchen.
“Mum, I’m okay, promise!” Regulus said, but she had already started on something. “Sirius? You good?”
Sirius shook his head, his eyes fixed on the baby in James’ arms. “I thought you weren’t due for another week?”
“Yeah, but she wanted to make an early appearance.” Regulus smiled, and Sirius squeaked.
“It’s a girl?” He whispered. “Reggie, oh you had a girl!” He cried, moving to hug his brother. “Not - not that I don’t love your boys, I really love them, but you had a girl! She’s a girl!”
“I know, I know, Siri.” He laughed. “James, take her cap off.”
James removed her cap and Remus choked on his drink. “Where’d the blonde hair come from!” He laughed. Sirius froze and quickly turned to the baby, falling to his knees in front of James.
“She’s blonde!” He laughed wetly. “You had a blonde baby!”
“We have no idea where it came from.” James smiled, playing with the blonde wisps. “But she’s absolutely beautiful.”
“Can I hold her? Please?” Sirius asked, sitting on his knees. “I’ll be so careful.”
“Of course, Pads.” James smiled, handing his baby over. “Teddy, did you see her?”
“Mhm, she’s very cute.” Teddy nodded, sitting on Remus’ lap.
“She’s my new sister!” Leo smiled.
“And mine!” Harry said from Monty’s lap. “I got to watch her be born.”
“Really?” Remus asked, looking back at Regulus. “Your six year old watched the birth?”
“He was very intrigued by the whole thing, watched until he fell asleep.” Regulus nodded.
“Well, good for him. Sirius could never.” He smirked, and his husband glared at him.
“Regulus, here is your tea, and a hot pad for your stomach. These should get you feeling better in no time.” Effie smiled, putting a blanket over him as well.
“Thanks mum.” Regulus smiled.
“So, what is this beautiful baby’s name?” She asked, sitting down next to Remus.
“We have named her Evangeline Sirius Potter.” James smiled, and Sirius cried harder.
“You named her a-after me?” He sobbed, holding her tighter. “This is so uncool…”
“I just wanted to see how much you would cry.” Regulus smirked, petting his head. “We love you, Siri.”
“I love you t-too, Reggie, and Prongs…” he cried, kissing Evangeline’s head.
“You fueled his ego for the next year.” Remus smiled.
“Probably longer.” James laughed.
“Well isn’t this just the best Christmas gift ever, I’m so happy for you two.” Effie smiled, kissing James’ cheek. “But next time, please call when you’re in labor.”
“I will remember to do that.” Regulus chuckled, leaning back into James’ arms.
“She’s right, you know.” James whispered into his ear, his lips brushing against his skin. “This is the best Christmas gift ever. Thank you.”
Regulus smiled, turning his head to kiss his husband. “I love you and our family very much, Jamie.” He whispered.
“And we love you.” James smiled, turning back to his family. Regulus stared at him for a moment longer, taking in the smile on his husband’s face before looking back at the family in front of him. His brother cradling his new daughter, his sons chatting and laughing with their cousin, his parents soaking in the love in their home, and his brother-in-law smirking at him.
Regulus tilted his head and smiled, and Remus patted his stomach and winked. It took a moment, then Regulus gasped loudly.
“Remus!”