Dysfunctional At Best

The sun was out, the robins were chirping and Tom Marvolo Riddle wished he'd never asked for another heir.

Walking to the kitchens he rubbed his side. I'm never letting him use me as a cushion again, he sneered to himself. Last night Harry decided to use him as a kicking bag although it wasn't his little lion's fault that his little snake wanted to raise hell. Like mother like daughter.

"DADDY!" His reverie was broken by Rosslyn's screeching

"Yes, Rosslyn? Is there any particular reason you want all of Hogwarts to hear you?”

 "I need you to play the King.” she said, waving her King figurine in the air.

 “Rosslyn I am a very busy ma-”

 “You weren't so busy last week when you played that game with mummy.” she recalled fixing the dolls in place.

Thinking back to last week when he lifted Harry onto the kitchen table and did a few things, it looked like he would have to play the idiotic game in order to keep his daughter's mouth shut.

 “Only for half an hour and then I am off to a meeting. Are we clear?” He bit out

 Smiling wide, Rosslyn replied “Crystal.”

 Sitting on the rainbow-colored carpet, Tom snatched the doll and that's where his misery began.

 “Oh, my king! Please spare my Prince!” Rosslyn said in a pitched voice higher than her regular voice.

 “No.” he said monotone

 “Please oh please my liege. He has done nothing wrong!”

 “No.”

 “What can I do?”

 “Nothing, off with the head.” He checked his watch to see if he could find an excuse to go into the Ministry early.

 “Nooooo!”

 Feeling something odd, he looks around to see the rest of his children holding a muggle camcorder.

 Rising quickly he shouts “Enough!”

 Sensing danger they all ran to the master bedroom where hopefully their mother was awake to save them from their father's wrath.

~

The lights were dim...

 And then a bright light burst through

 Harry stood in the middle of the room where the spotlight seemed centered on him.

 “Harry Potter you have been challenged with the song: Believe by Cher.”

Raising his head and looking forward he began to smile

With this song, Harry would be able to eat all the ice cream he wants and that snake face couldn't do a damn thing about it!

Walking up the stage right in the front the music starts. He sings.

No matter how hard I try

You keep pushing me aside

And I can't breakthrough

There’s no talking to you

So sad that you're leaving

Takes time to believe it

But after all, is said and done

You're gonna be the lonely one

Oh

Do you believe in life after love?

I can feel something inside me say

I really don't think you're strong enough

“NO!” woken up abruptly from his moment of shine Harry saw his kids laughing at him.

“Really mother, Cher?” asks Damien

“Are you making fun of my queen?” Harry starts to braid his hair to tame the bedhead he was sporting.

“No, just you.” Emily cuts in for her brother with an impish smile.

Raising his eyebrows, Harry turned to his oldest daughter with a straight face.

“Oh really?”

Suddenly Emily had a face full of feathers and raging laughter all around her.

“PILLOW FIGHT!” Ekon and Adrianus screamed and ran to the pillows stacked in the closet.

Five minutes later the room is filled with feathers and tuckered-out kids.

Eight in the morning? New record. Harry looks at the feathers coming down from the ceiling and plucks them out from his hair.

“Well isn't this just wonderful! Twenty pillows and you all couldn't spare one.” Tom stood in the doorway with Whimsy.

“Besides that, you couldn't wait for me?!” she whips a pillow around, hitting Caius and Emily.

“Oh lighten up Whims you had a ton of fun with daddy right?” Damien picks her up, swinging her side to side while laughing at the memory of their Father playing dolls.

“Awe Tom you actually got up early for once!?” Harry's eyes bulged with his hands clapped together. Most of the time the lazy git got up towards the afternoon.

“Shush you two.” he grumbled, pulling Harry to his lap.

“Oh don't fret Father, no one wants to watch a grouch.” Emily rolls her eyes

“Watch?” Harry tilted his head to look at Tom

“Nothing you need to worry about,” tilting his head around, Tom put his head in the juncture of Harry's shoulder and rubbed the noticeable bump.

The kids watched in fondness at the serenity of the moment. Especially the three oldest who have seen one too many fights that erupted between their parents.

Too wrapped up in his little spouse, Tom continued to rub until Harry grabbed his hand to place it on the lower side of his stomach.

Thump

Thump

Thump

“That's her favorite position to sit in.” Harry nuzzles Tom’s face. For the first time today, Tom let out an actual smile.

“Mummy why does she move around a lot?” asked Ekon

“Well, dove she's probably uncomfortable.”

“Why would she be?” Rosslyn asks. Harry’s stomach growls answering her question.

“Because of that.” Harry points to his stomach and hops off Tom's lap but hunches over due to another sharp pain running across his lower back.

“Children go to the kitchens I'm sure one of the house-elves has prepared breakfast.” Tom orders. The children fall back in line to leave the room but look back in concern at their mother’s hunched form.

“Um…  “ Harry trailed off. He forgot to mention he had Dobby go run some errands and the others and well he hadn't gotten around to replacing them since Adrianus had that little burst during dinner.

“Harry?” Tom had an eyebrow raised meaning no bueno for his backside after this.

“Welllll remember how Adrianus had his accidental magic moment last week?”

“Of course we couldn't eat in the dining room for weeks because of the glitter ashes and Adrianus wouldn't stop vanishing. Why?”

“Remember how you asked ( read: demanded) me to get new ones?”

“Yes, and I haven't seen them since.”

“Well, they weren't ours.” Harry fully had his head down to avoid his husband’s scorn.

“ Explain” Tom had slipped into Parseltongue  

“Well, Professor Mcgonagall-”

“Headmistress” Tom corrected

“Right well she said Hogwarts had way too many house-elves to handle so the elves you saw last week were only here for a few days they went back after the Galla.”

“So who's been doing the cooking and cleaning?” Tom questions. By his tone right now he's not happy with the circumstances his spouse is putting himself through so needlessly.

“Well define who because you know there's this band Damien’s been listening to and they have this really good album coming ou-”

“Harry, have you this entire time been cooking and cleaning?” Tom bit out

“Well I mean it wasn't just me. The kids help.” Head down and twirling his fingers is a rare sight Tom likes to indulge in.

Tilting his lion’s head up he pecked Harry's lips to end that pouty face. Curling his arms his waist he pulled him closer and leaned down to his ear to renew some orders that should have been followed.

“Yes well, they are not seven almost eight months pregnant are they?”

“Still babies you know?”

“Darling it is only you who thinks they are babies.”

“Exactly, babies!”

“Love, they are growing wizards and witches. They can afford a scratch or two, yes you are a grown wizard but cannot afford a single injury due to your…..condition.”

“You say it likes it's a disease and our child is a parasite feeding of my innards.”

“Well I'm sure there will be some wear and tear-  Harry shudders in memory of the twins’ birth “but you'll recover and be able to do, not all, but some things you like again”

“So I can't go to Gringotts to just ride to my vault and back anymore?” Harry yelps at the smacks laid on his treasure chest.

“You never were supposed to. You just don't listen.” Tom grumbled.

“The kids love it.” Again Harry pouted.

Starting to rub out the sting he left behind, “You know I care for you especially like this.”

“Yes I do smarty pants b-uutt” Harry squealed at the palms harshly squeezing his money maker. So being the reasonable wizard he is, Harry sends a stinging hex to the offending hands.

“Paws off my arse you tosser!” Harry growls.

Rubbing his hands and placing them back on Harry's waist, Tom bites out “We agreed to no hexes.”

“No you said no hexes, I was indisposed.”

“Ahh yes, you were held up in certain matters.” Tom again slides his hand down to cup Harry's bunions

“Stop it ya nasty we have observant kids!” Sending another hex to his hands

“If you were only half observant as they are, you would notice they are downstairs.” Tom said taking on a husky voice and whispering it in Harry's ear.

“If you would think with your head up here ” Harry ruffles Tom's hair “You would realize you have a meeting in mhm five minutes.” Harry said checking his watch.

Fixing his trousers and tie, Tom steps away from his smirking husband only to grab his hand and kiss the delicate appendage.

“I'll see you later this evening.”

“Make it the afternoon and I'll let you get the silk” Harry rises up on his tippy toes to peck Tom on the cheek.

Brushing Harry’s hair back behind his ear, Tom palms his face, smiling “I'll try lovey.” With that, he snogged Harry and apparated away.

Starting his daily regime, Harry couldn't help but cackle at the thought of how much joy he'll have once the baby comes. Of course, he loves all his babies but they were all growing up and past the age where they need their nappies changed and couldn't retain their liquids. Infants had many reasons to be annoying and Tom would be the one to put up with it. Annoyed Tom was one of the many reasons Harry got up in the mornings.

Lightly patting his face Harry made silly faces in the mirror, leaving them for his husband to watch later.

He made his way downstairs in nine minutes instead of twelve, another new record, turned on the stove to start making some eggs with a side of toast. A simple breakfast for a simple morning.

Well at least for their family.

As Harry started to pour the eggs in the pan, Emily came in to serve the drinks since her younger three siblings couldn't reach the countertop without making a mess for their mother to clean up.

“Oh, Mum I was wondering if Caius and I were able to go that art exhibit downtown?” Emily wanted to ask last night but of course, her mother was busy.

“Muggle?” Harry clarifies

“Yes I know they have terrible taste and are below our standards but everyone has perspective and I agree with theirs.” Emily stomped around the room then stopped to see her mother standing there with wide, blinking, green eyes and a spatula in his hand.

“Okay. I see you have your father's stomp and my temper, wonderful.” Harry turns to serve the eggs on the seven plates, then proceeded to make toast.

“I'm sorry Mum, you know how dad is…” Hearing her father's blatant hatred of muggles so much makes her forget her mother's past as being raised muggle.

“Darling do your mother a favor” Making sure to actually look at her mother, Harry continues “Stop listening to your father, he's killing off your brain cells.”

Looking down smiling, Emily replies “It's funny because Father said the same thing about you when we got in trouble for flinging paints on the shops in Diagon Alley.”

Harry gasps “That was a social experiment.”

Laughing, Emily asks “In what way?”

“I was trying to see how long it would take for them to do something.” Referring to the shopkeepers and patrons.

“Mummy they couldn't because Daddy showed up with the babysitters.” Adrianus says walking in the kitchens.

“And Daddy also said if anyone touches us he'll turn them into ash.” Both Rosslyn and Ekon say walking behind Adrianus to get their breakfast and juice.

“Also you lied and told them it was to spice up the shops.” Caius remembers.

“Don't forget you also lied to Dad saying you needed the paint because you wanted to do some remodeling,” Damien recalls.

“Well,” Harry sniffs “I seem to recall six Slythindors having the time of their lives throwing paint balloons and now I have six ungrateful little hellions, lucky me.” Harry pokes whoever is closest in their sides.

“Mummy you know we love you.” Caius comes to hug Harry's side.

“Well, it's nice to hear it once in a while.” Harry beams

~

After breakfast, Harry started the rigorous task of cleaning the mansion. He always gets complaints from all the Malfoys on acting as a house elf and always made sure to send some to help when he gets to the second floor.

It took most of the morning to the afternoon to get the house clean and sanitary. His kids weren't the cleanest little Mongols.

The kids as of now we're outside playing quidditch or just running around, maybe even taking care of the doves so Harry takes a break from cleaning to just sit down and relax until he felt a blanket of warm magic coming over him.

Harry started to hum then started to sing,

My boyfriend's back

And you're gonna be in trouble

(Hey la, hey la my boyfriend's back)

You see him comin’ better cut out on the double

“Why I have been downgraded to boyfriend?” Tom sits next to Harry leaning down to nibble on his ear.

“Seemed fitting.” Harry sighs turning his head to the side, making more room for Tom. Looking around the mansion was cleaned and sparkled which he was not happy about. Putting his hands on Harry's hips, Tom lowered him to lay on the couch and said,

“What did I say before I left this morning?”

“A lot of things,” he hissed as a smack was laid on Harry's behind again for the third time this day.

“ Tsk Tsk by the time our little girl comes you won't be able to sit, precious.” Tom smiles down slyly at Harry.

“Mmm, I can still sleep.” Harry snuggles into the pillows.

“Yes yes, rest love.” Tom gets up to cover Harry in a blanket and walks to the back porch to greet his children.

Caius seeing his dad in the doorway runs and hides in the nearby bushes, making sure to grab Emily along the way. The action made the three doves fly back into the cages of the gazebo.

Damien raises an eyebrow at his siblings’ odd behavior. Being the youngest of three, those two nerds would be the first ones to greet their Father with hugs and kisses.

The younger three pay no mind to their older brothers and sister and continue to play whatever game they've transpired.

“Aye, you'll never take me alive sir!” Adrianus shouts, hands held behind his back by Ekon.

“You fool!” Rosslyn shouts back, wearing an eye patch, a red plaid skirt, and a black tattered shirt belonging to one of her brothers because of its size. “That is madam to you.”

“I see you all took the time to get dirty again,” Tom comments, seeing the dirt and grime that's plastered all over his children. Adrianus and Ekon looking the worst because they both had cauldrons on their heads.

“Well, father it's not hard.” Damien smiles

“Oh really?” Tom raises an eyebrow

“Yea it only takes an average of fifteen minutes but for us, it takes eleven thus far. Mother would be so proud.” Damien laughs

“And pray tell Damien, you also seem to withhold that record.” Tom says when he's gotten the chance to look over his eldest son.

“Well, I gotta keep up with these little munchkins.” Damien picks up Adrianus and Ekon

“Scoundrel! Put me down!” Ekon kicks out

“Unhand me you fool!” Adrianus flails his arms

Chuckling, Tom opens his arms so one of his little cretins doesn't do too much damage to his son.

Seeing her twin in Daddy's arms made Rosslyn feel left out so she runs into her Daddy's leg, hoping he would get the hint to pick her up.

Noticing his littlest girl pulling at the leg of his trousers, Tom picks her up so he has both of the twins in his arms to kiss hello.

"Alright, you little demons go inside and clean up.” With that, he sets them down but remembers to tell them to keep it down since their mother is resting.

“I'll take this one in.” Damien refers to a squirming Adrianus in his arms who is reaching out to his Father. Quickly Tom pecks his youngest son’s cheek so he'll stop and Tom can deal with his other two oldest children who thought they were sneaky enough to get away from their father.

“Emily, Caius please come out,” Tom calls out to them

Emerging from the bushes, Caius and Emily both sport cuts from the bushes and look down to try and ward off their Father's gaze.

“I've come to a realization that you two want to go to a muggle art convection, correct?” Tom asks. Both Slythindors nod and continue to look down, fidgeting with their clothes and hair, mumbling.

“Speak up” Tom commands

“We just want to see more, outside of what's in the books.”Caius sniffles

“Mother always raves about getting out there when the time is right. We believe now is the right time but we can't do it without your approval, Father.” Emily wipes her cheek. Far too distraught at the thought of being denied of this little request. They felt caged in this house, the Wizarding World, and so maybe it was time to explore outside of what they knew but how could that happen with their Father hated anything muggle?

“Come here.” Tom opens his arms for his children. Caius was the shyest and Emilia didn't ask for much. This little thing such as an art convention held really no effect so rubbing their backs he made his decision to let them go.

“Alright you two, calm down.” Both backing away, Tom used his thumb to wipe away their tears.

“I've let your older brother go out when he was in his prime-” Tom was interrupted by Damien yelling from the balcony.

“Still am!” a yelp came after since Tom sent a stinging hex at his son for yelling when Harry was still sound asleep and for butting into matters that weren't his own.

“But you two although still remain immature like your mother” Both children put their heads down “Prove you have mine and his qualities when it comes to the things you want and can show you are able to handle it.” With that that they both sprung their heads up and hugged their Father.

“Thank you daddy.” they sniffled together

“There, there now go clean up and help your brothers and sister.” with that Emily and Caius walked inside to head upstairs.

Closing his eyes, Tom sighed. He always acted like Harry when it came to those two. Overprotective and over-attentive. They were his youngest at one point and he still hasn't managed to let that go. He only let them go because he knew he would have to deal with Harry and something trivial as this wasn't worth fighting over with his little lion.

No matter. Turning around he went back inside to see someone that had no business being in his home.

Too many times Tom has had to throw someone out of his abode but it seems that would have to be in due time.

For now.

~

Waking up Harry heard a doorbell which doesn't happen often since people who come to visit normally send a letter two days prior, if not they earn a fun time going to the dungeons. But not this week since Tom had warded it off so Harry couldn't clean it this time around. Which he found odd but his family was an oddity so he would let it slide until later when the smell became too wretched to handle.

Forgetting he was seven, almost eight months pregnant Harry fell back. These types of instances made Harry feel helpless and very annoyed. It shouldn't be so hard to get up from the couch but with a baby bump the size of a watermelon and a body that was stunted due to years of neglect proved to be difficult.

Damien having the best timing walked down the stairs to wake up his mother. It was almost time for lunch and the schedule couldn't be interrupted for his younger siblings. They barely had gotten used to this new schedule and as much as it bothered him to do so, Damien had to wake up his mother.

But this time his mother was awake and struggling to get up. Rushing over Damien placed his hand on Harry’s back to gently nudge him forward. Trying as much as he did, Harry was still crying out in pain as he was pushed forward and his back aching.

Damien, for the most part, was cringing at the pained whimpers his mother was letting out. He didn't know how his mother was able to cope with being in so much pain all the time and then having to take care of the baby right after. Before he always saw Harry taking care of the kids by himself but hopefully it would be different this time around.

“Thank you, love,” Damien noticed his mother was sweating and panting so he dabbed along his mother's forehead with a handkerchief. Helping his mother get up, he escorted Harry to the door with one hand on his back and one on his arm to keep him upright.

Damien never really interacted with many people from his mother’s past and he will not start now.

His cousin, Theodore, from what he heard from his father’s grumbles, was very much the definition of a mindless follower who held no sense of judgment but his mother was very much a saint with his welcoming embrace.

"MY TEDDY BEAR!!!" Harry launches at the six-foot teen

"It's nice to see you too Harry." Teddy chuckles, wrapping his arms  around his petite, but very pregnant godfather

"Aww, how's my Teddy bear been?" Harry coos at him, squishing his cheeks so he'll have fish lips. Damien makes his escape by planting his hand on Harry’s shoulder and nods to Theodore in departure in order not to be rude and give his mother albeit of privacy.

"Fine Harry" Teddy mumbles. He feels as though this is punishment for not visiting as often and his cousin’s departing glare doesn't help either.

"That's just great." Harry lets out a sigh of relief. 

"So how's Andy been? I know she's been on vacation and I made sure to send the money this month in case of an emergency." Harry sprouts off

"Grandma's fine, Harry. In fact, she wishes you would stop sending in money." Teddy rolls his eyes at his worrisome godfather.

"Well, how about you? Do you need anything? Food, clothes, money, a broomstick, books, an artifact? Which one, light or dark? Oh, wait Tom moved my light artifacts into my vault. I can give you my key if you want to?" Harry questions rapidly, ready to give Teddy the whole Black estate if he needs to.

"Harry! I just wanted to check up on you." Teddy exclaims

"Why would you need to do that Teddy bear?" Harry tilts his head to the side, looking confused.

"Harry, have you gone mad?" Teddy questions. Harry only blinks in return.

"Harry you already have six kids and another one on the way. Everyone's worried about you." Teddy sits down next to Harry

Putting his hands on his tummy, Harry starts to rub, "Why would they be?"

"Oh, Harry we see it every time you and the kids come to visit Diagon Alley. You always look like you’re one step away from death!" Teddy exclaims. His godfather was starting to look like he spent a year in Azkaban.

"Well… Teddy, you have to realize being a parent is never easy. Especially when having six, almost seven kids….” Harry never really thought of his appearance outside of his home. And to be honest he never really cared. He was happy as long as his kids had everything they ever needed and could ever want. Being a parent was far more important than flouncing around in fancy robes made out of silk and other microfibers that sold for one too many galleons. The life he lived, if he was honest just wasn't made out for him anymore as he got older. These expensive Gallas, the interviews, were beginning to be too much as the years passed by and they weren’t getting any better.

It annoyed him to no end when he had to hoist the younger three onto the oldest three. It wasn’t their job to take care of the kids but with these events taking place he couldn't watch all the kids like he wanted to and he'll be damned before he hires a nanny. But still, it isn't right for Damien, Emilia, and Caius to take care of them all the time. The three had their own stuff to deal with. Damien with his betrothed who already didn't like their family and moving into the house he and Harry have been designing. Emilia and her upcoming tests not including her own betrothal which Harry let her choose on her own accord. And his shy little Caius who had his potions apprenticeship coming up and still wasn't prepared or mastered the required skills but yet put in all his free time to practice.

They were all leading their separate lives and Harry didn’t want to be the one who hindered their growth by saddling them with their siblings. It simply wasn't what Harry wanted for his children. If only the git could put down the superiority complex and attend to the kids more often.

"That's what I'm saying Harry you don't have to do this alone. We can help." Teddy stands up

Harry didn’t like the sound of ‘we’. ‘We’ had always involved unnecessary people and Harry didn’t know if he had the patience to deal with the unnecessary, unwanted, and quite frankly, unneeded.

“Hm, ‘we’ you say. Who is ‘we’?” Harry really hoped it wasn't who he thought it was.

“Well, I talked to Mrs. Weasel-” And that friends, is where Harry Potter wishes he wasn't pregnant so he could chug a bottle of firewhisky but a light chuckle would have to suffice.

"What's so funny Harry?" Harry sets his face to stone cold as he remembers not so nice words said about him on the day after his wedding.

"Oh nothing" Harry sighs. He's really not in the mood to play nice, especially when his baby is insistently kicking. Pushing himself up from the sofa Harry waddles up the steps to wordlessly escape the topic of his two old friends and their not-so-pleasant mother. She was a lovely woman when you were in agreement but when you don't return the feelings of her only and youngest daughter, she turns angrier than a cat dunked in water. 

"Harry?" Teddy questions and follows him 

"I was supposed to send it in months ago but then I felt the opportunity would be wasted.” Teddy finds Harry going through his hutch to see him holding a leather-clad photo album. Placing it on the desk the book opened itself up to the most recent picture of the kids. It was most likely taken off-guard as it looked like Damien and Tom were in a heated argument. Both men stood with their hands placed on the table. Harry, Emilia, and Caius looked bored as they watched on and the younger three were jumping on the table.

"Was this the Potter album?" Teddy asked, wide-eyed at the thickness of the book and at the picture.

"Yup." Harry popped the 'p' "Here you go." Harry said plopping the book in Teddy's hands which made the young teen blink.

"Give this to aunt Hermione for me.” Harry kisses Teddy on the cheek and walks downstairs, snickering but settles into a cheeky smile when he sees his husband.

"Love." Tom comes to lay his hand on Harry’s shoulder "Theodore." he greets the young metamorphmagus.

"Oh um it's Teddy." he says nervously at his godfather's husband.

"Hm," Tom turns to Harry “Anything you want lovey?" stroking his hair. It was roughly a couple of hours into the afternoon and the kids were in due time for lunch where they sat and ate in the garden. After that, they continue on with their daily activities.

"Well, our little beater here has been craving something sweet."

"Pickled sundae?" Tom questions Hearing that Teddy pulls a face while Harry is beaming at the deliciousness of the sweetness from the ice cream and the sour of the pickle.

"Well, I gotta get going, Harry." Teddy bends down to kiss Harry’s cheek

"Mm bye, my Teddy bear." Standing on his tippy toes he gives his godson a big hug because he knows he won't see him for a while after this. Who knows if he'll grow a couple more inches. It must be nice.

"Come...Teddy, I'll escort you out." With that, both make their way to the double doors

"I hope you realize Teddy...he's not in the right state of mind." Tom refers to Harry who was looking at the high-rise ceiling, rubbing his tummy.

"I wanted to see that for myself instead of rags who'll say anything to get a good story." Teddy straightens his back. The propaganda that followed his godfather was insane. After all these years, you would think they've exhausted his godfather’s name but no. His sweet godfather was still hounded day after day and now they've resorted to living far into the outskirts of both Muggle and the Wizarding World.

"Ah, that I wasn't..mistreating him perhaps?"

"What do you expect!" Teddy snaps and turns to Tom "Look at him!" This time Harry was swaying, eyes closed, and a whimsical smile was adorning his face but all Teddy was looking at his godfather's frame. Malnourished and exhausted.

"Yes, I suppose my standing in the world raises some question."

"I can't help but worry about him, he hasn't made any appearances." That was the only way they could check up on him since Tom made it clear Harry was no longer allowed to go outside the boundary lines that circled the mansion unless given explicit permission. Though that rule wasn't ever followed.

"He's been busy," Tom said absently because he was too busy himself watching his pregnant husband waddle up the stairs to help the kids clean up most likely. It was the reality of their family and no one ever really sought out to change it.

"Yes raising the kids and by what it seems, all by himself." Teddy just really hopes his godfather went upstairs to nap.

"Teddy let it be known that although I was involved in the conception -" obviously those kids were his! "Harry made sure our children would be raised with, what you people think is most important, love "

Yes, he was Lord Voldemort and yes he controlled all aspects of this house but his husband was the one who raised his children to be who they are today. His title was invalid when it came to the dynamics of family life. But this did raise a few questions.

"But I have to ask, does seeing your godfather, savior of the Wizarding World, in this state, make you want to turn away?" His pet, although strong and independent, has been rejected one too many times for Tom's liking. His being pregnant is the last thing his little one needs right now with how busy he'll be.

"I can admit, I made a grave mistake when I let them manipulate me into thinking he was someone else but now I just want him taken care of." It was a stupid mistake and Teddy could see it did take a toll on his already burdened godfather. The guilt of ever thinking malicious thoughts of godfather made him want to throw up. The lies were so unrealistic that Teddy had to be under an imperious curse. "But I will not make that same mistake again." With that Teddy aparrated out.

Tom made his way up the stairs. Teddy did make some points. He could see his lion was tired but what could be done? His lion was stubborn and the fact remains that once their littlest snake was out Harry would have to remain on bed rest for a couple of months due to the intensity of the birth but it does show that Tom hasn't been taking care of his pet as he should.

"Oh, Damien I'm sure it'll be fine." He hears Harry coo at his son. Eighteen years old yet Harry still treats him as if he's four.

"But mum" Damien whines

"Now now don't act like your father." He scolds lightly while rubbing cream on Caius and Emily.

"Ow" Emily groans

Looking up at his daughter, Harry smirks

"Rule number one of making a hasty escape my loves is to check your surroundings." Putting the cream down and wiping off their faces of dirt.

"Especially when it is your father involved." Tom makes his presence known

Smiling Harry makes his way to his husband and wraps his arms around his waist and plants his hand on his chest.

"True but stick to places that won't do too much damage." he pecks Tom's jaw. Making his way to the children's room Harry sees his little Whimsy asleep. Bending down, he jostles her softly.

"Wake up my dragon." Harry coos.  A few more times Rosslyn opens her eyes

"Hi mummy" She yawns

"Did you have a good nap, my love?" Harry stokes her curls

"It was much needed," She says still sleepy it seems

"Alright, my little love" Harry then makes his way to Adrianus who was on the floor. Although he shouldn't Harry picks him up to place him on the bean bag.  

"Mummy" Ekon wakes up 

"Have a nice nap darling?" Harry sits on the couch

"Yes Mummy" he places his head on his mummy's lap

"Well it's good you woke up love, it's time for lunch." With that Ekon pops up, his hair disarray and standing in all directions.

"Wake up your brother for me please and no putting his hand in warm water this time!" Harry calls out going down the stairs to bring out lunch. Going to the kitchen he takes the sandwiches and puddings out and sets them outside on the bench out in the garden. 

"It looks delicious as always Mum." Caius hugs Harry from behind

"If so then eat up." He hands his son a plate

Tom arrives with the rest of the kids while arguing with Damien and Emily about Skeeter.

"All I'm saying that you would benefit, in fact, everyone would benefit from doing away with her." Emily tried to convince her father

"As much as you hate her, child I can't kill her without a cause." Tom draws out

“Like it hasn't stopped you before.” Emilia crosses her arms and raises an eyebrow at her father like she didn’t cry in front of him an hour ago.

“Yes, you are right however that was before I had six child-”

"She said your robes were last season!" Damien cuts in

Tom blinks "Do I look like Lucius?"

"She said you looked better without a nose!"

"We-"

"She also thought you would carry!"

"Now that's just absu-"

"Don't forget she said mum looked like a whale!"

"TOLD YOU SO!" Harry shouted while putting down a platter of pudding.

Turning around Tom shouts "I'll deal with you later Darling."

"When you get that job at Hogwarts, sure!" Harry turns around to give the twins another sandwich.

"Anyways Skeeter will be dealt with accordingly at the right time. Now eat." Sitting down on the bench he wraps his arms along Harry’s waist.

"Mummy, what time are we going to Diagon Alley?" Adrianus asks- mouth full of sandwich.

"After breakfast darling." Harry wipes the crumbs off Adrianus' mouth

"It's been a while since we've been able to go Mum." Damien spoons a dollop of pudding in his mouth.

"Yes, it will be quite a show," Caius smirks, looking at his older brother and sister. All three share a knowing glance.

"Now now don't get any ideas you three" Tom points a gaze at his mischievous children while he noses Harry’s hair.

"Mummy are we gonna be able to see that cutie pafootie," Rosslyn asks

Raising an eyebrow, Tom looks to Harry for an answer "Cutie pa-what?"

Cleaning off his mouth Harry snickers  “It's patootie Whimsy, tootie."

"Well, are we gonna be able to see him? Are we? Are we?" Whimsy bounces in her seat at the thought of getting free fairy floss.

"I’m quite sure he'll be in, yes" Tom taking his hand away from Harry's waist, places his hand on Harry's thigh in warning of his next words. Putting his hands into his lap, Harry curses the old bats who stand outside the shop and gossip about the workers. Now Whimsy has learned a new word and will use it in the worst situations. One of them being this instance.

Clapping his hands Harry stands "Okay early start tomorrow my hooligans " The kids rise, and rush inside. The atmosphere had become tense and it was better for everybody to not get involved in their parents’ problems as they always were told. It was time to obey and not instigate.

Standing up Tom crowds behind Harry to nose his neck. His arms were still in an iron grip around Harry’s hips "I was uninformed of your little visit."

"He just gives them free fairy floss." Harry murmurs

"How long?"

"Oh over a year perhaps." Harry yelps as the grip on his hips get tighter.

"Who is it" Now Tom growls

"He's just working there part-time I don't know his name nor do I care to ask when I have a child who still hasn't gotten control of his magic." Harry shuffles away from Tom's arms to the kitchen. Pretty faces didn't last long anyway. Look at his husband, for example, he was a snake face half the time and when he wasn't...well Harry was very fond of that face.

"So for a year, you have been seeing this man with my children in your care?" And it seems that's the only thing his husband cared about.

Letting out a sigh Harry starts to wipe down the water-drenched countertop.

Never let the kids wash the dishes

"Harry"

 Maybe it would be better to get another house-elf?

"Harry I asked you a question."

 But how long would that last?

 Speaking of, when did Emilia say the convention would start and be? And how long is it? Caius has his examination for his potions and then Emilia goes in for her tests, the twins have... 

"If you don't answer I'll be forced to assume the worst."

"Did Emily and Caius say when they were going to that convention?" Harry asks. He needs to know if he needs to packs some snacks and juice boxes just in case.

Feeling his patience wearing thin, he stalks over to Harry, Tom snatches the dish towel from his hand and throws it to the ground. He was tired of Harry acting like a house-elf to get out their arguments.

"You tosser I just mopped!" Harry grumbles. Grabbing his wrists in one hand, Tom tugs him forward. Using his other hand Tom grips Harry's chin to make him look into his eyes. His grip tightening enough for Harry's lips to protrude into that of a fish.

"Go upstairs" he commands

Despite his face getting squashed Harry still tries rebuttal "I still have to-"

"Now" he says with one last squeeze and his eyes flashing with the threat of punishment. Harry's eyes drop to the floor.

"Oh pooh." Harry pouts, heading up the stairs with his hand rubbing his face.

Letting out a sigh again, Tom goes to the cabinet tailored just for times when he and Harry disagree. Grabbing the Firewhisky, he heads to his upstairs office and paces. Shaking his head, he remembers it's only a couple of hours in the afternoon.

It's essential to not fight with your spouse when they are pregnant and not very healthy. Of course, he just had to throw that form of common sense out the window. 

Making his way to their bedroom he sees his children whispering through Damien’s door. Seeing this, Damien goes to close the door while his father still looks on.

Scheming. And not so well either. No matter.

Turning on his heel he opened the door to his bedroom. The sight he gazed upon was pitiful and oh so innocently adorable that he wanted to slam the door behind him while he went to crucio himself in the backyard.

His little one was sound asleep in the middle of the bed, cuddled up with Tom's pillow. A stab of guilt enters and another sigh leaves as he sits next to Harry's slumbering body.

He knows it isn't easy to take care of six children who will throw tantrums and blackmail. He lives it almost every day but on the other hand, he's not pregnant and having to live it every day while on top of that having to deal with hate on both sides of the spectrum for marrying the enemy. And then on top of that fill in the demands of Wizards and Witches who didn't respect him or appreciate anything he did.

This was why Tom kept him inside half the time. The masses couldn’t understand the burden of looking after everything but yourself. They’ve never had to sacrifice as much as Harry did and if Harry could help it, they never will but that's not the part they see anyhow. He saved their pathetic hides and yet they still grasp at anything to complain about.

The bags under his eyes and the tiny structure of his little snake is heart-wrenching. It makes him feel even worse for his temper getting the better of himself. Unfortunately, anger was something that came quickly and it seems Tom still hadn't controlled it after all these years.

Skimming along his cheek down to his lips, Harry's eyes flutter open so Tom can see the brilliant emerald his husband possesses. Leaning down Tom noses Harry's temple while stroking his face that he cruelly squeezed. 

"I've neglected you." Tom whispers 

"Don't sweat it." Harry nuzzles into Tom's chest 

A moment of silence blankets the room before Harry speaks quietly "You know she heard it from the old women who talk in front of the shops."

Tom looks down at Harry, "I'm sorry for my overreaction, sweetheart." Tom kisses Harry's head.

"I know you are, just don't doubt me, Tom, you know I only have you and the kids on my mind, always."

"I'll be sure to remember that, dearest." 

"I'm sure you will love." Harry stretches to place a kiss on Tom's lips.

"Mm, you always have been more forgiving after a nap." Tom helps Harry sit up, caressing his lion's back.

Ahh, it was nice to have a boy who would rather forgive and forget.

"You're right, off with the head!!" Harry screams, cackling at the end.

And of course, by now Tom should know that always comes with a price to pay.

Raising an eyebrow, Tom turns to see the door-busting open, and a pillow launched at his head.

"ATTACK!!!" He hears while he was hit again in the chest.

“What.” He was hit on the head

 “in” Now he was hit in the face

 “The name” One was aimed at the tail between his legs

 “of” He was being pelted from both sides now

 “Merlin” And now he was being attacked from the rear end.

Fed up with the incessant attacks he grabs one of them, only to be hit in the face again.

"AHHHHH!!!!!" And it was Adrianus with his famous war cry being yelled in his face. Suddenly he is pulled off his Father's chest where he was smacking his face with a pillow and tossed but it didn't stop the others from their attack on their Father.

Having enough with their nonsense, Tom wordlessly cast immobulus on all of them except Harry who was in tears laughing.

Again, wordlessly he transports the kids to their room while sending a rictusempra to all of them, including Harry.

Laying down he takes deep breaths and all Tom hears are shrieks of laughter from throughout the house, even beside him as he pulls a still laughing Harry to his side.

.....

What a lovely afternoon.