Chapter 5 - [Harry]
Summer 1999
If you had asked Harry not even five years ago what he dreamed of growing up to be, he would have proudly stated he'd be an Auror, like his Dad. Fighting criminals, learning all the spells he could get his hands on, and being on the front page of the newspapers time and time again as he took part in daring duels. His Dad was his idol from a young age, a man to look up to, funny, charming, and most of all, he was Harry's rock. There was never a time he felt he couldn't go to the man with his worries, his Dad was just such a steadfast and strong presence in Harry's life.
With a little more digging, he would have sheepishly revealed he'd much prefer to be a professional Quidditch player, already showing his prodigal aptitude for Seeking. And, maybe, he'd take part in Duelling Championships in his spare time, as his Mum did. Whenever he was brought along to watch those, all he could do was look on with awe. His Mum was an amazing dueller, fast on her feet and even quicker in mind. She won and won and won, filling the trophy room of their Manor with her own collection, kept shining by Harry, who was more than proud to call her his. After her tournaments, she always handed off any medals and trophies to him with a ruffle to his hair, green eyes shining as she stared down at him with fondness.
Harry might have even revealed his love for potions, to be as good a potion master as Severus, despite how mediocre he was at creating them. The man had helped him improve over the years, tolerating his presence even within the private sphere of his potions lab.
However, under all that, another truth would have been uncovered. Something he never spoke of, not even to his parents and closest friends.
In reality, all Harry wanted was a family to take care of. To stay at home and be there for them, no matter if that was just a spouse or a hoard of children that he'd love with all his heart. Harry had the means to support such a lifestyle, being the heir to two of the largest fortunes in Britain, and he was responsible enough to know that perhaps sometimes he'd have to sit in the Wizengamot chambers to vote alongside the other Lords. But he'd prefer to stay within the home he'd surely create, taking care of his family to his utmost ability.
Staring down at the small, fragile, innocent being in his arms, softly snuffling into the crook of his elbow, Harry felt complete in a way he hadn't felt before.
He had always wanted children and dreamed of a big family unlike his own, where he had spent his days as an only child tottling around their large Manor house with only adults for company. Harry didn't begrudge his parents for that, they were busy and had him young, before they were truly ready to settle down and start a family. Still, as the years went by and he stayed an only child, he felt his loneliness grow.
It was only when he was old enough to leave the Manor on playdates that that void was finally filled, spending the rest of his childhood up until Hogwarts in the houses of his many friends. Then, when he joined Hogwarts, his circle only grew.
Hermione, Draco, Dahlia, Blaise, Pansy, Ron, Neville, Susan, Hannah, Luna, the list went on. He had so many friends from every house, and even a few outside of Hogwarts.
But it had never been enough to quench his longing for a family that was his.
And now, he finally had it. His beautiful baby, his firstborn of hopefully many, and the beginning of the family Harry had always wanted.
He ducked his head to rub his cheek gently across the red hair that adorned his baby's head, the shade matching that of his Mum's, cooing as they snuggled closer, their eyes blinking open. Unfocused as they were, their shade was bright and breathtaking. Harry kissed their cheek carefully, whispering softly until those glistening eyes closed once again.
September 2004
Harry watched as his eldest child ran about in the garden, toddled after by their half-siblings and Harry's other children of a similar age. He smiled as they babbled to each other, hisses dabbled throughout, in the language their father's family was so renowned for. Their family.
He was glad his children had inherited that trait, it brought them ever closer to their elusive father, who was often too busy to entertain his younger children outside of special occasions.
He was a good Father, Harry would give him that; he was just inept at dealing with those under a certain age. However, he was hopeful that as they grew, they would become closer to the man. Their Father, the Emperor.
"Daddy," A whine from his side drew his attention, and Harry looked down to spot his youngest child. Little Lis, at two, was by far his most withdrawn child. Unlike their elder twin, Lis preferred to stay by Harry's side or cradled upon his belly, which had become ever harder as he swelled further as his latest pregnancy progressed. "Up?"
Harry frowned sympathetically down at his youngest, staring at a face that was almost identical to his own, only rounded with youth. "Sorry sweetheart, Daddy can't do that at the moment."
"Why?" They chirped, and Harry could already sense the impending argument and subsequent tantrum when they were once again denied.
"Because my belly is too big. Why don't you go and play with Lai instead, hm?"
They pouted, opening their mouth to argue, before their green eyes lit up with joy. "Father!" They screamed shockingly loud, causing Harry to rear back and grab his wand. Then, the word registered. "Father, Father, you're here! Pick up!" Lis ran as fast as their little legs could carry them and was safely swooped up into Thomas' arms.
The man smiled adoringly down at the squirming toddler in his arms, although looked a little concerned as a muddy hand reached up to tug at his hair. He chuckled indulgingly, and Harry watched on with misty eyes. He sniffled slightly, wiping at his eyes with a frown, drawing the attention of his husband.
"I didn't know you were coming today," Harry stated bluntly, and Thomas leaned down to press a soft, sweet kiss on his lips, one hand reaching down to brush over the swell of his stomach.
"I promised Lis and Lai I would." His voice had grown huskier over the years, finally relenting on some of the magic that kept him eternally young, which had removed some of that smooth silkiness. Harry loved it, especially with how a few strands of silver were now beginning to fleck his hair. Thomas was adamant, however, that he wouldn't allow it to go past this.
"Keeping promises, are we?" Harry snarked, and basked in the chuckle he received.
"They're two, I didn't want you to have to deal with a tantrum if I didn't show. I annoyed quite a few on my council skipping the meeting, however." Harry tutted and smacked him slightly.
"You shouldn't have to miss such a thing-"
"Harry, I go to those meetings every day, missing one is fine. I'd much rather spend the time here with you and our children."
Harry smiled softly, reaching up to ruffle the black hair of Lis. They giggled, burying their head into Thomas' shoulder.
"Tickles!" Then, with a more determined squirm, they leapt free of their Fathers' arms. Harry watched as, giggling, his youngest ran away, shouting as they went. "Father, play catch!"