8:

Iggy walked into the Great Hall and looked around.  "Well, we're back," he announced.  Severus looked down at him.  "What?  I wanted another few weeks off," he protested, sitting down next to the Head table.  "How was your break, Severus?"

"Interesting.  Yours?"

"I got through to the gryphons about not being their slave.  Things are better now."

"I heard," Severus said with a smile.  He handed down a few bottles.  "Your potions for the night."

"Gee, thanks," Iggy said, glaring at the lemon one.  "I can't do things with this one in my system."

"I'm sure you can find a way around that," Severus said with a smirk.

"True.  And she likes most of them," he said, tucking them into his pocket.  "Did you get my updated schedule for days off?"

"I did and I'm still impressed with how much you've done.  Your further studies are nearly done?"

"With the exception of those six classes and the rest of my hours.  Do I report to you or Poppy tomorrow morning?"

"You report to her tonight," Snape told him firmly.  "She is to check you over and then you'll see me first thing in the morning."  Iggy nodded.  "You'll have two hours with me, three with her, and then a study session time."

"Cool."  Iggy looked over as Dumbledore stood up and the first years were brought in.  "Wow.  There's a lot of us this year."

"Indeed.  Now hush."

Iggy watched as the sorting ceremony went on, smiling when his niece made it into their house.  "Congrats, Tananda," he called.  She waved and smiled.  Then she did it at her brother, who grinned back.  Once everyone was done, the food appeared and Iggy dished himself up all the things he liked.  "Is our room still the same?"

"Yes, it is," Severus agreed.  "Thankfully I've managed to block off the vent again this year. Plus I've added a silencing charm so I don't get woken up when you make it past that barrier."  Raena snickered.  "How are you feeling?"

"Fine, sir, thank you.  She's a little active today, she liked the train."

"It's a boy," Iggy told her.

"It's a girl, Iggy."

"Dear, I'm nearly always right and it's a boy," he reminded her.

"Whatever."  She looked up at their mentor.  "When do I have to see Poppy?"

"All of you pregnant ones will be seeing her tomorrow," Severus told her.  "Do that first thing in the morning then join your husband in the dungeons."

"Yes, sir."  She grimaced as her plate had some potatoes put onto them.  "Simone, are you sure you're not the pregnant one?"

"The doctor said you needed to eat more vegetables," Simone pointed out.

"Ms. Malfoy-Weasley," Snape said with a lazy drawl.  "What are you wearing under your school robe?"

"A leather catsuit, which makes my ass look fantastic and my tits stand up proudly," she told him.  "It's the closest I was getting to a full uniform today, sir.  I hate our uniforms.  I'd rather go naked some days than have to wear another tie."

"It is not appropriate attire, young lady, and you will not be allowed to play or practice until you don your uniform for two straight weeks," Snape said with a cold smirk.

"Gee, then I can damn well wear what I please in between, can't I," she said happily.  He groaned. "I promise to stay covered, sir, and to wear a robe.  I won't get any less dressed than this."

"You are the new Head Girl, we expect more decorous behavior from you," Snape pointed out.

"Yay.  It wasn't my fault that you guys couldn't win."  She pouted at him, making him shudder.  "I promise to be good, Professor Snape."

"I heard your father say that exact thing once," Snape mused, looking down at Draco.

"Got caught with his panties around his ankles?" Denver asked.

Snape nodded.  "Definitely.  More than once."   The kids cracked up.  "Try to behave, children.  I would hate to have to make your father more nerve tonic this year."

"Daddy saw what I was wearing this morning and decided it wasn't worth the fight," Simone told him.  She smiled her most winning and charming smile.  "Don't worry, sir, I'm going to be good.  Getting caught is for amateurs and for not-well-thought-out planning."

"Is that why you were seen running through the halls last year?" he asked.

"Probably.  Though I believe I was just late to something else," she said thoughtfully.  She shrugged.  "I still need to talk to your stepson."

"He did return," Snape sighed.  "The Ministry is going to be his life."

"But Uncle Percy adores him," Raena put in.  "It's nice to have your spot ready for you, sir."

"It is," Snape agreed.  "Eat, now.  I will not have that child starved."

"Yes, sir," she sighed, digging into the potatoes so Simone wouldn't get upset.

Iggy smiled at his mentor.  "Thank you," he mouthed.  Snape inclined his head.

Down the table, Ron looked at Draco.  "You let her out wearing that?"

"It wasn't worth the fight," Draco sighed, cutting up some of his roast.  "We were already running late and it covered everything."  He looked down at his daughter.  "It does match her robe," he said in resignation.

"I'm sure she'll be back in uniform soon enough," Xander soothed, patting him on the arm.  "Andrea glows nicely, don't you think?"

"She does," Ron agreed, smiling at the girl.  Who had just yawned.  "I think someone didn't get a nap on the train."

"Pregnant people are often tired," Draco reminded him.  "I used to need a few naps a day myself."  He ate a bite of his roast and looked around.  "Who is that?" he asked, pointing with his fork.

"His wife.  He got married a few weeks after school got let out," Xander told him.  "Albus, rooms?"

"I've already figured that out, Xander.  Relax."  He nodded.   "The more free individuals will take over that extra tower space and the rest of them can be put into the auxiliary rooms I had set up last week.  Everything is set up already."

"Cool.  Are we hosting Melvin and Andrea?"

"No, they have their own room down near your son and daughter-in-law."  He smiled.  "Calm down.  It will be fine."

"Albus, don't jinx this year," Remus requested.   "We don't need an attack or some such."  He looked down at Xander.  "You either if possible."

"I'm going to try not to," Xander told him.  "I want this year to run as smoothly as possible as much as you do."  He looked around.  "Is Black taking a sabbatical?"

"He is," Dumbledore agreed.  "He said he'd be back at the holidays or next year.  He went to find a cure for his problem."  Draco opened his mouth.  "Not that one."

"Then he's on a useless search," Ron pointed out.  Lupin nodded.  "Oh, well."  He shrugged and scooped himself out some more asparagus, then some cheese sauce for it.  "Are schedules done or do we have to fight that out tomorrow?"

"Some of them are.  The returning seventh years will be held over to work on that tonight."

"Yay," Xander said dryly.  "How many am I getting?"

"Only three that I know of.  Your niece has of course requested your valuable time so she can continue to work out."  He cleared his throat.  "Was she wearing that outfit this morning, Professor Malfoy?"

"It wasn't worth the fight," Draco told him.  "It's clean, it covers her, and she looked decent enough in it, even though she does look like she's been turned."  He shrugged.  "It matches her robes very well."

Oliver looked over at him.  "How does she walk in that thing?  It's tighter than anything I've ever seen her in."

"Very well," Draco told him.  "With just enough swish to aggravate all the men around her."  Oliver smirked.  "Are you stealing her for flying classes?"

"She volunteered," Oliver reminded him.  "Are they playing on the house teams or are we moving them to the third tier?"

"I don't think all of the players are that good," Xander pointed out.

"Yeah, but the ones who are will want to continue to play and most of them already do play on the family team."

"Good point," Xander agreed.  "Albus?  Did you figure that one out yet?"

"Not really.  I know Gryffindor could do without them this year.  Slytherin is the only one which might have a problem filling all the positions if we moved that way."

"We could make it voluntary," Ron offered.  "That way the kids who are happier being the big fish in the little pond don't have to struggle so much."

"That is also a thought," Dumbledore agreed.  "How does this year's team look, boys?"

"Crappy," Ron admitted.  "We've kept the keeper, the second beater, and Ronnie if we lose the top three.   I have no idea who's going to fill in for anything else."

"We kept the third chaser if he's willing to come back," Xander reminded him.  "He took some hard knocks last year but he was determined to play."

"Then we'll figure that out next week," Albus decided.  "Let everyone settle in."  He coughed as Simone stood up.  "Sit down, Ms. Malfoy-Weasley.  That outfit is a bit outrageous for this dinner."

"Sorry, sir, but I like it," she told him, smirking at him.  "Besides, I look nice in it."

"You might, but the males of the school don't need that sort of visual image, young lady.  Please get back into uniform tomorrow or you won't be able to practice."

"Professor Snape said two weeks before each practice or game."

"Simone," Xander told her, giving her a look.  "Behave, sweetheart.  I know you hate the uniform, but please.  I'll even bribe you if I have to."

"Fine," she sighed.  "But I hate the ugly things!  They make me look bad."

"I know," Draco agreed. "They did me as well, but you have to put up with them, the same as the rest of us did."  He smiled at her.  "I'll make sure you get sprung often to go have fun and time out of your uniform."

"Can I wear my own clothes outside of classes?"

"As long as they're more tasteful," Dumbledore agreed.  "No more leather in the Great Hall.  If you uncle can't wear it in here, neither can you."

"Yes, sir," she said, pouting at him.  He shuddered and looked away.  "I'll be good."

"I'm sure you will," Lupin agreed, smiling at her.  "Where did you get that one?  I haven't seen it before."

"Anne Summers.  Their catalog had a lot of neat stuff that Raena got me for my birthday."

Raena looked at her. "I only got you the gift certificate.  You picked out the outfit, dear."  She smiled up at the professors.  "Can we wear our own tasteful clothes to classes?  Personally the uniforms are bothering my stomach and I can't get them altered enough to fit me."

"Yes, dear, you may.  Try to wear something that looks like a uniform," Dumbledore said with a smile for her.  Simone snorted.  "Were you pregnant, you could do the same," he pointed out.

"She's pregnant?" one of the Slytherins yelled.

"Yes, she is," Iggy said with a smirk.  "She left last year like that."  He looked at Andrea, who shrugged.  "As is Mrs. Weasley.  Raena is due around Yule and Andrea just after the new year."

"Well," Lupin said, smiling at Melvin.  "Congratulations, Melvin."

"Thank you, sir.   We're ecstatic about it as well."  He kissed his wife gently, earning an 'aww' from half of the students.

Andrea stood up.  "I was planning on starting a small meeting of the other pregnant women, just to talk about the problems that we're having since men will not understand.  Professor Malfoy, would you be over that club?" she asked with a smile.  He spluttered his water, but nodded.  "Thank you, sir."  She smiled at everyone.  "Melvin and Ignatius learned some excellent massage techniques from Iggy's father and we were going to share those with you at the first meeting.  Even if you don't have a partner, you're welcome to come join us."  She sat down and stole a kiss.  "Love you."

"I love you," Melvin assured her, kissing her more deeply.

"Not in the Great Hall," Ron put in.  "Wait until you're in your rooms."  He grinned at the disgusted looks he got.  "We don't need to put on a show for the younger students, who are confused by the opposite sex."

"Good point.  Hurry up and eat, dear, I want to snuggle," Melvin told her.  She giggled and dug back into her dinner.

"You will have to wait for a few more minutes.  The returning seventh years will be requested to stay for a few minutes more so we can work out schedules.  Then everyone will be shown to their rooms."  Everyone went back to their dinners, talking about the extraordinary events of the dinner.

Adrian looked over at his girlfriend and smiled.  She winked and started to eat again.  He smiled but his mother glared at him. "Mother, did you want to speak to me tonight?" he asked.

"Yes, Adrian, I think we should," she told him.  She looked around.  "Xander, your cousin?"

"Tomorrow night," he told her.  "She had some things she had to do."

"I guess we'll make that announcement tomorrow then," she said happily.

"It is for the best," Snape said quietly.  "Your year off will only help you, dear."  He patted her hand.  "Please don't be upset at us for forcing the issue."

"I'm not," she said, smiling at him.  "Get Iggy to run your class tomorrow."

"He already is," he assured her, smiling at her.

"Ow!" someone screamed, bending over in pain.

"Are you all right?" Xander asked patiently.  The girl nodded.  "Pains?"  She nodded again.  "Iggy, that's your thing, go for it."

Iggy ate one last bite and stood up, helping the poor girl into the hall.  "Let me see," he said in his most soothing voice.  "Oh, you are," he said, giving her a hug.  She punched him on the arm.  "What's wrong?"

"I'm not with anybody," she ground out quietly.

"So?  We'll still want you to come to the meetings and we'll all support you."  She looked up at him. "I heard he died.  I'm sorry."

"That's all right," she said, starting to pant and come down from the pain. "I get those occasionally."

"Some women do," Iggy assured her, rubbing little circles on her back.  "Madam Pomfrey wanted to meet you all tomorrow morning so I'll expect you to be there with the others."  The girl looked at him and he smiled.  "You're one of seven pregnant young ladies," he told her.  "Just relax about it and everything will be fine.  His fiery crash into that house was in the Prophet.  No one will say anything or they'll have to go through me and my father.  You're a widow, not like my aunt Ginny."  She nodded, letting him hug her.  "Now, let's go eat and get all the nasty practicalities out of the way, then you can go nap on your bed.  Got it?"  She smiled and nodded, letting him lead her back to her seat.   "She's fine, it happens."  He went back to his own wife, who looked rather jealous.  He whispered in her ear and she burst out crying, going over to hug the other girl.  "Hormones," Iggy noted.

"At least it's not a swing," Melvin said, sounding thankful.  The guys all looked at him and he shook his head.  "Just wait, I can't describe them.  It's horrible.  But you live through them and it moves on to something nicer."  He smiled at his wife, who blushed.  "You simply have to live through them."

Iggy nodded. "Definitely."

The adults who had gone through it laughed, understanding very well.

***

Melvin looked around their nice new room and smiled.  It was pretty nice.  And right across the hall from Iggy and Raena.  He looked over as that couple walked up to their doors.  "I didn't know there were rooms like this."

"That was Uncle Draco's room when he was hiding in his last year," Iggy told him.

"Wow.  So that bed is where Simone was conceived?"

"No, the house elves moved that one to Simone's room," Raena told him with a smile.  "Albus thought it fitting and that it might stop some of her more enthusiastic pursuits."

"It'd squick me," Iggy agreed.  He let them into his room.  "Hey, the family cradle is already down here."

"They moved it down for us," Raena agreed, touching his back.  "We'll see you two tomorrow.  Remember, there is a silencing charm for anything except for screaming 'help'."  She wiggled her fingers as they closed the door, then pounced her mate.

Andrea ran a hand over the comforter.  "I like this room," she decided. "It feels calm."

Melvin closed their double doors.  "It's the shielding, dear one.  So we can't blow up the school with our lust."  He pulled her into his arms and kissed her gently.  "Should we test the limits of it?"

"Only if you're going to give me a backrub," she offered with a sweet smile.

"I can do that," he agreed, leading her over to help her get undressed.  "I wonder why Raena couldn't get her uniforms tailored?  Yours look splendid on you."  She blushed.  "Dear?"

"It's null space charm," she admitted.  "I couldn't find any either."

"Then we'll have to do something about that.  You can wear regular maternity clothes if you want," he reminded her.  "I'll help you pick them out and everything.  That charm can't be good for the baby."  He stroked over her barely protruding stomach.  "I want this one to be healthy, love."

"I'm trying," she pointed out, kissing him to stop his worry.  "What are we going to do when we're too far along to use magic safely?"

"Believe it or not, Draco came up with the answer.  He found a shielding spell when he was up the duff with Lucien.  It'll allow you to still use magic, even heavy and strong magic, without hurting or tainting the baby."  He kissed her.   "Now, get out of those clothes and take off that charm.   I want to commune with our offspring."

She stripped for him and spread herself out on the bed.  "How's this?"

"If you're comfortable, I like that position," he said, sliding in beside her to work on her lower back.

She purred at him, making him blush.

***

Xander looked up as the ghost floated into his living room.  "Hey, Albus.  They already at it?"

"Yes, they are."  He moved closer.  "Did you see the spell Andrea had on her?"

"Yup, and I've already told Draco so he can fuss over their clothes," he said with a smirk.  "I'll expect to see his tailor up here soon."  He put his feet up.  "He was going to get them for Raena anyway because I beg cutely."

"Wonderful. How is Myan?"

"Fine.  She had a few things that needed to be finished today.  Some minor shopping for herbs, talking to some people that Tara set her up with.  I expect her early tomorrow morning."

"Wonderful."  He moved off to the side.  "How are your stress levels?"

"Fine, unless you're adding to them," Xander said wryly.

"No, just a general question.   With a gryphon flying up tomorrow, I didn't want you to do anything rash, like blowing up the school."  He winked and floated off.

Draco came out of the hidden bathroom.  "When did you convince me to spoil Raena and Andrea?" he asked.

Xander gave him the big eyed puppy look.  "Please, Draco?  I'll pay for it."

"I hate it when you do that, evil bastard," Draco muttered, flopping down onto the couch.  "It will be expensive to do that for all the pregnant women, Xander."

"You're switching arguments?" Xander asked, looking confused.  "Usually that's my line."

Draco threw a pillow at him.  "Bastard."

"Actually, I might be," Xander admitted.  "My conception was a drunken one during a party according to my mother when I was twelve."

Draco shook his head.  "I want to bring back your parents to wipe them out again some days.  Only those two?"

"Andrea had a on a null-space charm so her clothes fit and Raena is quickly outgrowing hers.  She's gained ten pounds since they were fitted."

"Wonderfully enough, she won't be gaining anymore in a another month," Draco pointed out.

"Yeah, but she still looked like an elephant squeezed into a prom gown earlier."

"Good point.  I'll arrange for my fitters to come up and fix that for them.  Should I even tell Percy that you're spoiling his daughter-in-law?"

Xander grinned.  "Nope.  He's already said he's going to do it.  I'm only allowed to spoil mine this time."

"I'll call him tomorrow then," Draco decided.  "How are class plans looking?"

"Done."  He used his cane to tap a folder.  "All there for the advanced battling class."

"Good job."  Draco picked them up to look through it.  "We're getting an auror back in?"

"They requested the pleasure of checking us out."  He saw a blond, nude body go zipping behind the couch.  "Lucien is naked again."

"Lucien," Draco snapped.  His boy laughed and giggled, but didn't come out.  "Now, son, before you get into real trouble."  The boy ran for the door, quickly followed by his father.  Who lost him after the first hallway.  "Blast!  Albus!  Lucien is streaking again, can you help me find him?"

"He's heading for Slytherin, as usual, Draco," Albus' voice floated down the hall.  "He's meeting William and Zach down near there after he goes inside and flashes the tower."

"I'll get him for that," Draco said, storming off.  He got there during the aftermath of laughter.  "Which way did he head this time?" he demanded.  "I'm going to ground that boy this time."

"He went to the left, Professor Malfoy," one of the sixth year males told him.  "He's impressive for such a young boy."

"It's a family trait," Draco muttered as he walked away, going to find them.  He found Severus first.  "They're together.  Lucien just flashed the house."

Snape looked at him. "You are going to punish him this time?"

"Yes, he's going to be grounded to my side for the next few days," Draco agreed.  They found the room the boys were hiding in and went to break up the tickle fight.  "Boys!" he snapped.  They grinned and hugged their daddies, and Uncle's, legs.  He grabbed William and Lucien, taking them back to his house.  One went to the other father and his own went to be put into bed.

"William, were you naughty?" Xander asked patiently.

"Nope."

"Then why are you naked?"

"Because Vinnie was right!  The girls do scream pretty!" he said happily.

Xander groaned.  "Ron?"  Ron hopped down the stairs from his room.  "Tell him that, son."

William looked at him.  "Vinnie was right, the girls do scream pretty when you wiggle your boy parts at them."

Ron groaned.  "I'll check the house while you put him down for the night."

"Thank you."  Xander stood up and carried his son up to his room.  "You are so much in trouble.  Guess what you get to do tomorrow, son?"

"Go to the shop?" William asked.

"No, you get to sit beside me all day in classes and behave."  He smiled and turned off the lights.  "Sleep, William."  He cast a charm on the door to wake him up if William opened it.  He heard the giggling.  "Sleep!" he ordered.  He headed for his bedroom and crawled into bed behind Draco, putting an arm over him. "Headache?"

"One of the sixth years said he was built impressively," Draco muttered.

"He is, he's a lot like you in that regard," Xander said diplomatically.  Draco snorted.  "Consider it a compliment on his physical beauty, the same as you would if someone said that to you."

"I am, but he's my son!   It's ...icky!"

"You'll have to deal with it some day," Xander soothed, patting his son on the stomach.  "He'll probably be the same sort of slut that Denver is."

Draco shook his head.  "No, he doesn't like girls.  He'll only work his way through the willing boys."

"Draco, with his will and charm, he'll turn some of the unwilling boys to the gay side."  Draco chuckled. "The same as you did, naughty."  He pinched him on the stomach.  "Now behave or I'll only give you cuddles tonight."

"No slobbering on my shoulder?"

"No, no slobbering unless you behave."

"Okay."  Draco rolled over and snuggled in.  "You're still wearing clothes."

"I was going to fix that," Xander admitted, getting back out of the bed to change into pajamas.   He came back and go under the covers, getting comfortable.  "Hopefully we'll get to sleep in tomorrow."

"Hopefully since neither of us have morning classes."

A while later Ron came in to report about William flashing their house and stopped to smirk at them.  He went for his camera and came back, taking a few pictures of the cuteness.  Those two were adorable together. It boded well for Lucien and William.  He snuck back to his room and laid down to sleep next to his wife, who had come up for the next week or so.

***

Draco looked over as his door opened.  "Yes?"  His son perked up and he patted him on the head.  The girl in the doorway blushed.  "Did you need something, Ms. Hawthorne, or did you decide to stand there and gape at us?"

"I saw your plaque," she said, walking into the room.  "I want you to fix mine too, sir."  She gave him her best begging look.

"You are much too young for me, Ms. Hawthorne, and you know it," Draco pointed out gently.  "I did that during my student years, when the young ladies were my own age.  As of this moment, I'm in a committed relationship and I think you had best set your sights on someone closer to your own age," he said as gently as he could.  How did one turn down such offers politely and not hurt the girl?

"Would....would your son....be....acceptable?" she stuttered.

He shrugged.  "You'd have to ask my son that, young lady.  He's presently in an advanced Defense class."  She nodded and hurried out of his room.  Draco put his head down on the desk and groaned.

"It can't be *that* bad, sweetie," Myan said as she walked in a few minutes later.  "Hello, Lucien.  Are you being naughty?" she teased.  He nodded, grinning at her.  "What happened to your daddy?"

"Girls," he told her.  "She asked for sex."

"Lucien, do not repeat that," Draco warned.   He lifted his head.  "One of the sixth years saw my plaque."

"What plaque?" she asked, sitting next to him on the desk.  She smiled at him.  "Did she flirt?"

"No, she asked me to break her in," Draco told her.  She chuckled.  "Back in my youth, I was fairly free with my attention.  Someone put up a plaque to tell the whole house about it."  He smiled.  "It's still there, they can't remove it from the wall, no matter how hard Severus tries."

"So she saw it and decided that you'd be the one for her?" Myan asked.

Draco nodded.  "I did my best to let her down easy, told her that I was in a relationship and that she should probably find someone closer to her own age.  I think she'll be going after Denver."

"I saw him.  He was playing with a hackie sack and two other boys outside."

"A what?"

"It's a little bag filled with sand and you kick it like a soccer ball, only in the air.  It's a muggle thing, dear."

"Oh."  He shook his head.  "Why?"

"I think they needed a third and he was bored.  Simone was watching him and sunning herself in a fairly tasteful white crop top and gray pants."  Draco groaned again.   "It could pass for a uniform if she covered up her midriff with a sweater."

"I know that outfit," he agreed.  He patted her on the knee.  "Lucien, back to my side," he said without looking.  No answer.  "Shit."  He got up and walked out, heading after his errant son.  Who ended up in the potion's dungeon getting hugs from William.  He snatched him and held him.  "Sorry, he snuck away."

Myan leaned in and waved.  "Hi, Iggy."

"Hey, Myan."  He smiled and patted William on the head.  "They're all grounded."

"Why?" she asked as she walked in.

One of the female students coughed.  "Because they were naughty and decided to flash a few houses last night," she told her.

"Oh.  That sort of naughty."  She tweaked Lucien's nose.  "Wait until you're attending to do that, little guy.  Then the girls won't laugh at you."

"They scream pretty," William told her.

"I'm sure they do," she said, patting him on the head. She smiled at Iggy.  "I'm going to head to the tower.  I'll see you at dinner?"

"Yup."  He watched as she walked out, keeping firm hold of the baby leash so William couldn't go help her.  The little boy gave him a pathetic look and he shook his head.  "You're staying with me today, little man.  That's part of being grounded."  William walked back and sat on the floor to play with his blocks.  "Thank you."

"Welcome," he said miserably.

"I want to know how Zach got into Hufflepuff," the girl said, looking at Iggy.

Iggy shrugged.  "He either overheard the password or he's made friends with the portrait.  Did they scream as well?"

"Oh, yeah," she agreed, nodding. "They're still talking about him, and how much like Professor Snape he might be."  She gave him a knowing look and Iggy shuddered. "Sorry.  Bad thought?"

"Scary mental place," he assured her.  "Remember, Tara can sometimes read minds."  She nodded and ducked back down to work on her potion.  He shuddered again.  He'd have to share that one to get it out of his head.  So when Severus came in about an hour later, he had to smile and look at him.  "Did you know Zach got Hufflepuff last night?"  The Master shook his head, looking upset.  "There's been some speculation about whether or not you're built along the same lines."  He stood up and handed over the baby leash.  "With that, the scary mental image is out of my head and I'm going to go play with the wife," he said with a grin.

"Scary mental image?" Snape asked, trying hard not to smile.

"Sir, I consider you an uncle.  I don't want to think about you naked."  He walked away, going to pounce his wife.  She was upstairs in the infirmary and her squeals brought the healers in training running.  "She's fine.  I'm playing with her neck."  He did it again, making her squeal even louder.

"Ignatius, behave," Madam Pomfrey said firmly, frowning at them.  "She doesn't need that sort of activity."

"Bet me," Raena protested.  "He's getting bad mental images out of his head."

"Bad mental images?" Poppy asked hesitantly.

"You know how Zach got Hufflepuff last night?" Iggy asked.  She nodded, looking even more hesitant.  "Some of the kids were wondering if he and his father were built along the same physical lines."

"That is a bad mental image," she agreed.  "Jump away.  I might have to do something similar myself now."  She glared at him.  "Don't say such things!  I've seen the man naked."

"He's like an uncle to me, I don't want to see him naked," Iggy pointed out.  "I've seen Zach."

"Good point."  She gave him a pat on the arm.  "Jump your wife and get that out of your head, young man.  Then we'll sit down and figure out what hours I can give you this year."  He nodded and attacked his wife's neck again.  Madam Pomfrey shook her head as she walked back to her office.  "Children will be the death of me yet," she muttered as she sat down.  Then she shook her head.  She couldn't get that image out of her head!  So she thought about the other delightful men, hoping it would help.  Unfortunately, it drew another parallel.  William, Zach, and Lucien.  She sighed and picked up a textbook to look through.  Hopefully she could eat dinner in the infirmary tonight so she wouldn't be able to peek at those three's fathers.

***

Dumbledore stood up once everyone was inside.  "Our missing professor has deigned to arrive," he said happily, motioning for Myan to stand up, which she did.  "This is Professor Myan Harris.  She is taking over Professor Maclay-Snape's for a year while our beloved teacher is doing some research."  The students clapped.  A few whistled.  Dumbledore looked at them.  "She is seeing someone so please keep that in mind, gentlemen, so you don't drool after her like you have been known to do after Professor Maclay-Snape."  He sat down and smiled at Myan.  "You could sit."

"I'm looking for Lucien.  I felt him sneak past me," she told him.  "Lucien, I want to cuddle.  Come on."  He came out from under the Slytherin table and ran for her to get cuddles.  "Thank you, little man.  I love your cuddles."

"You have nice tits," Lucien told her, cracking up some people who heard him.  He looked at his father, who had just groaned. "She does.  You like snuggling them too, I've seen you, daddy."

"Lucien, that's not an appropriate topic for dinner conversation," Ron butted in.

"Yes, Uncle Ron."  He grinned at him.  "Do I get to tell you about the girls who smell like sugar roses?"

"No, dear, you need to point them out to your Uncle Severus," Ron said patiently.  "He deals with those people."

"Okay.  Uncle Severus!"  Snape looked over.  "I smelled that potion again.  The one that smells like sugar roses."

"Point them out to me in a few moments.  We'll keep the house here after dinner," Snape said calmly.  He noticed a few of the Hufflepuff females looking at him.  "Eat," he said warmly.  They went back to their dinners.

"Sir," Ravena said, standing up. "One of them has a perfume that smells like that potion but isn't.  She was supposed to tell you today."

"We had a discussion," he agreed.  "Thank you, Ravena.  Eat."

"Yes, sir."  She sat down and smiled at her brother before starting to eat again.

Myan smiled at Draco. "Potion?"

"Pixie lust potion," he said quietly.  "It smells like sugar roses and is irresistible to the other sex."  She looked like she got it.  "We have an outbreak of it every year, but sometimes it's worse than others."  He nodded at his son.  "He is very good at finding it and getting young ladies caught."

"I see."  She patted Lucien gently.  "He is a very good boy, even though he shouldn't go crotch diving."

Draco nodded.  "If you would like to train that out of him, I might not mind," he said with a smile.

"I think I can do that.  Lucien."  He looked up at her.  "You know that there are spots on girls that you shouldn't touch without their permission?"  He nodded, looking sad. He liked those spots.  "Anything under their pants is one of them."

"What about skirts?" he asked immediately.

"Those too.  That area is uncomfortable for many girls and we don't like boys touching it unless we ask them to.  Wait until you're older and then you can touch it all you want once you find a girlfriend."

"Won't she have to become a wife?" Lucien asked.

"Not unless she agrees to," Ron told him, giving him a smile.  "That step is only done when both people in the couple agree to it.  You can have a lot of girlfriends before you find a wife."

"Okay."  He smiled up at his stepmother.  "Does that mean I can't snuggle your tits?"

"Dear, call them breasts in front of me please," she chided gently.  He nodded.  "Thank you, and no, you're still little enough to snuggle up to my chest.  Just don't try to eat off them or anything."

"Okay."  He smooshed his head in harder, finding the comfiest spot.  "This is nice."

"You are very good with children," Draco noted.  "Thank you for helping him understand."

"You're welcome."  She kissed him on the cheek.  "Don't even think about knocking me up.  I'm infertile," she whispered in his ear.  He started and stared at her.  She nodded.  "I'm very happy with the state of my family right now.  Even yours."

"Thank you."  He reached over and touched her hand.   "I'm fairly satisfied with the state of the family myself."

Xander nudged Draco, handing him something under the table.  "I saw it yesterday and thought of you guys."  He winked at his cousin and stood up.  "Come, William.  Let's head back to the tower so you can have a bath before your other father pops around for a bedtime story."  William and Maeve both followed him out, happily talking to each other.

Draco looked at the little box, shaking his head.  "He's a pushy prat some days."

"What is it?"  She hissed when she saw the box.  "That's moving a bit fast."

"Open it," Ron encouraged.   He watched as Draco opened it and smiled.  "He'd never dare to pick out an engagement ring for you.  This one is for going steady."  He stood up.  "Guys, up the stairs."  They all headed to get cleaned up as well, running ahead of their father.

Draco lifted out the small smiley face ring and held it up for her to see.  "I think it's a pinky ring."

"It's either that or a toe ring," she agreed, letting him put it on her.  "Are we dating?"

"Yes," he said firmly.  "Unless you don't want to?"

"No, I want to."  She kissed him again, earning some 'aww's from the students.  "Yes, we're going steady or whatever you call it over here.  Get over it."

The students wisely went back to their dinners, all but those who were still watching Snape.  He eventually got up and left them there, heading back to his rooms to hide.   His wife looked up at him.  "There are students you'll have to beat off me I'm afraid," he said, looking around their comfortable quarters.  Should he ask for a room switch to somewhere more secure?

"Why?" Tara asked, gently wiping Zach's mouth off.

"Some students are fascinated with my physical build."

"Gee, but you're taken," Tara pointed out.  "Maybe I should come up to breakfast and make my claim clear?"

He smiled at her.  "It might help.  Apparently when our son went to flash Hufflepuff some of the girls decided to try and make comparisons," he said with distaste.  "They were staring."

"I'm sure they'll get over it," she soothed, pulling him down to sit with her.  "Zach, this is why you don't go flash the girls, because it upsets people."

"I'm sorry," Zach said, looking his most pitiful.  "Please don't be mad at me."

"We're not," Tara assured him.  "Never do it again though or next time we will."  Their son nodded, smiling as he took another bite of food.  "Thank you, son."

"Welcome, mommy."

Severus patted her stomach.  "How is this one?"

"Fussy.  It wants steak."

"I'll procure some for you," he promised, resting against her shoulder.  She wasn't making fun of him for it.  It was one less worry in his life.

She smiled and stroked his thigh. "It's okay.  They won't attack you."  He glared at her and she smiled. "Sorry, I couldn't resist.  You're known for being so scary. I can't imagine all those nice little girls chasing you down to rip your clothes off."  She chuckled and he stood up, walking into their room.  The door slammed hard enough to knock a painting off the wall.  "Oops," she told their son.  "Severus, I'm sorry."

"Infernal woman!" he yelled.  "Stay out there!"

"Yes, dear."  She helped Zach get the rest of his corn onto his spoon and watched as he ate it. "Good boy!" she said happily.  He hugged her.  "Come on, let's find a house elf and find some steak." she said happily, picking him up to take him with her.  He clapped. He liked the elves.   They were neat and talked to him.
 
 

 9:
 

Iggy looked down at the little person in the carrier and smiled.  "Come on, Spenser, let's go visit the unclies."  He lifted his son up and cradled him gently while he put on the complicated device.  His wife lifted her head off the bed.  "We're going to visit some unclies," he said with a grin.  "We'll be back."  He finally got his son strapped to his chest and headed out to go be naughtier than usual.   His first stop was in town so Madam Rosemerta could see him.  She cooed and touched what little hair he had.  After he was properly worshiped there, he took him to the more traditional uncles.  Uncle Harry made cooing faces at him that scared him.  And scared the baby too.  Uncle Oliver actually held the baby, getting over his fear of the 'little creatures' for a few moments.  At least until Spenser spit up on him.  He was quickly handed back and they went to visit the less traditional uncles.  Uncle Charlie was in the middle of something but they waited patiently until he was done.  It was only polite after all.  Charlie cooed at him and Spenser gummed on his finger.  He was declared the cutest yet.  Then they went back to Britain to visit the last non-traditional uncle.  Ethan opened the door and looked stunned.  "What?" Iggy asked.  "You didn't hear?"

"No, I did."  He let the boy in, watching as the boy was pulled out and presented.  "Well, you're very little," he said in greeting.  The baby promptly spit bubbles at him and dirtied himself.  "I see you're not going to enjoy my version of the craft," he said with fond tolerance.

"Oh, I don't know," Iggy said as he efficiently changed the diaper and tossed the old one away.  "It could be saying he liked you enough to present you with bodily fluids."  He grinned.  "Where's Spike?"

"He's out being a badass tonight.  He's at the usual pub as far as I know."  He watched as the infant was tucked back into the carrier.  "He is adorable, Ignatius."

"Thanks," he said with a grin.  "I think so too."  He waved and left, going to bug the real uncle they had come to see.  He found Spike in a small brawl and sat on a stool until he was done.  "Are you being naughty?" he cooed when Spike had put his opponent on the ground.

The vampire turned to stare at him in shock.  "What are you doing here?"

"I'm presenting my son to his soon-to-be-favorite uncles.  Feel lucky, I count you among those."

Spike looked stunned.  "You don't even like me."

"Actually, I never said that.  I said you were an annoying prat.  I said you were a bloody nuisance when I was trying to get laid.  I never said I didn't like you, Spike.  Now come worship at the altar of cuteness that is my son Spenser."

Spike walked over.  "I only watch over the triplets and Mary," he pointed out.

"Yay.  You like me."  He pinched the vampire on the upper chest.  "I know you do because my dad presented me to you and you liked me back then."  He grinned.  "Of course, you can protest all you like, my son will still come bug you on occasion to make you go 'grr' for his amusement."  He smirked.

"Bloody prat," Spike said, but it was said with fondness.  "Fine, let me see this one."  Spenser was pulled out and shown off.  "Well, hello there, little person.  Spenser?"

"Raena won the argument."

"Oh."  He touched the baby's cheek and it turned to suck on his finger. "You're a bit like me," he said fondly.

"He's hungry and your finger apparently looks like a tit," Iggy said with a shrug.  "He tried to eat Charlie too."  He let the vampire hold the baby and got up to kick the asshole trying to get up.  "Don't even think about it.  I kill over my children, the same as my father does."  He kicked him again for good measure.  "Harrises always protect to the death if necessary."  The man groaned and backed away from him.  He smiled and took his son back from his uncle.  "So, what do you think about him?"

"He's got some good suction.  He'll make an excellent vampire," Spike told him.

"Simone already got him a little pair of leather pants."  Spike laughed.  "See, I knew you'd like him."  He punched his uncle on the shoulder.  "We've got to get the solstice baby back to his mom so he can eat."  He tucked him into the carrier.

"Solstice baby?" Spike asked, his brow furling with thought.  "When was he conceived?"

"Beltane.  Tara took us to a celebration.  We carry for about ten months instead of the normal nine.  He was a few weeks early but there wasn't any harm."

"You know there's a prophecy about him?" Spike asked, motioning for a beer.  One was slid down to him.  "He'll be strong."

"I know.  Hence me introducing him to Ethan earlier."  Iggy grinned.  "I am very much like my father in most things.  Speaking of father, when are you coming up next time?  Mary's been wanting to see you.  She asked for it for a Christmas present."

"I'll be up in a few days," Spike offered.

"Want a pick up?"

"Nah, I'll let the chit take me.  She's anxious to get away from Ethan as well."

"Cool.  I had forgotten that phoenixes can fly with passengers.  Oh, well," he sighed.  "We've got to get back to mommy.   Before my father worries and sends out a search party."  He looked over his shoulder but the bar's doors didn't slam in.  "That's a nice surprise."  He turned to find Spike in gameface.  "Try it," he teased.  "I can protect him and myself."

"What makes you think I didn't already nibble on him?" Spike asked.  He pointed at the small cut on the baby's arm.

Iggy leaned closer.  "Because my father already tainted him with some of his possession," he stage whispered.  Spike moved back and went back to his human guise.  "Besides, he got that at Charlie's.  He got scratched on Charlie's bracelet."  He settled Spenser more comfortably and stood up.  "Go back to being the badass, Spike.  I know you don't want them to see you being too soft and fluffy over my son.  Have fun eating them all."  He waved and disappeared, sure that Spike was going to cover for him.

Spike looked around and picked out a convenient target, making her scream as he latched onto her.

Iggy walked back into the tower.  "Daddy, Spike is feeding on a bar tonight," he called as he walked up to check on Andrea.  She was cramping again and had been moved to the tower where all the experienced parents were able to fuss and help.  "He said he'll be up for Mary's gift."

"Maybe I can talk Agatha into putting a soul into him," Melvin said, thinking about it.  "Hello, Spenser.  Would you like a ba-ba?"  He handed one over.  "Raena just expressed."

"Cool."  Iggy sat down to feed his son, who slurped greedily at the nourishing pale cream stuff.  "Spike went gooshy over my son."  He grinned as his fathers walked in and stared at him.  "Spike agreed, the prophecy could be him."

"That's wonderful, son, but you took our grandson to meet a vampire."

"And Uncle Charlie, and Uncle Ethan, and Uncle Harry, and Uncle Oliver," Iggy said patiently.  Xander shook his head.  "He's fine.  He got a small scratch off Charlie's bracelet and Spike licked it clean for him.  Spike's eating a bar because they saw him being light and fluffy over my son."  He grinned.  "He agreed, he's adorable."

"Good for him, but if he's attacking people what makes you think he wouldn't attack you?" Xander asked.

"Easy, if he had tried he knows he's be dead.  You still scare him, daddy, I promise you.  As a matter of fact, just saying our last name had the guy Spike beat up whimpering and silently pleading after I kicked him.  He was trying to get up."

"Son," George said, shaking his head.  He stole his grandson.  "Come on, Spenser, we'll go be around *normal* people.  We'll even let Fred teach you how to open the light toy."  He walked him off, heading down to the store.

"Iggy," Xander sighed.  "That was dangerous."

"I had it, daddy.  I had my wand and you did teach me how to fight.  Even with him on my chest.  Spike won't hurt kids."

"He used to eat them!" Xander told him.

"Not any more.  He knew better," Iggy said, sounding sure.  "Ask him when he comes up."

"Fine."  Xander gave him a hug.  "No more going around without telling me."  He left them alone.

Melvin nudged Iggy.  "A vampire?"

"He's a pseudo uncle to the kids in the family," Iggy reminded him.  "Anyway, I needed confirmation on the prophecy.  Now we'll get others working on it without having to beg and plead."

"Good point."  Melvin looked down at his wife, who was looking pale.  "She's not feeling well.  Can you check her?"

"Sure."  Iggy checked her gently, frowning.  "That's it, you're going to the hospital."  He stood up and picked her up, showing the blood on the mattress.  Just enough to be alarming.  "She'll be fine, but this is beyond my skills and Madam Pomfrey's as well.  Meet us at the hospital."  He teleported to his thumbtack in the halls.  "Yo, some help!" he called, heading for the ER.  "She's due in two weeks, she's bleeding slightly.  She's pale, been cramping now and then, and is in pain right now," he told the nurse who came running.  "She's also carrying Minister Weasley's first grandchild."

"Which one?" she asked as they walked.  "We can call him.

"This is Percy's son's wife."

"All right.  The doctor will be right with you, Ignatius.  Hold on."  She hurried away to call Percy's office.  And then the top office because he would want to know.

The family doctor came rushing in.  "What happened?"

"She's just started to bleed recently.  She's weak, she's cramping, and she's in pain.  I decided we've had enough and brought her in against her will.  Though she's passed out at the moment and couldn't complain."

"Thank you, Iggy."  He checked her gently, making her moan.  "I think we're going to do a c- section right away.  I don't like that bleeding."  He walked out and some orderlies came running in.  "Want to scrub in?"

"Sure!" Iggy sighed, following him.  "Daddy has Spenser."

"How is he?"

"Very well.  We just got done visiting some uncles.  The vampire one is being a bit naughty at the moment but he agreed that my son is adorable," he said as they walked behind the gurney.  They went into a side room to scrub in while Andrea was prepped for surgery.  "You know, I hate doing these sort of things.  Insides are nasty."

The doctor laughed.  "Yes, but you'll want to be able to tell Melvin I didn't screw up anything."

"Good point."  Iggy finished and walked out, letting the nurse help him into sterile gear.  He waved at his uncles watching from the observation deck and walked over to examine his patient.  "Uncle Percy's here."

"Wonderful," the family doctor said as he joined him.  "He'll keep her husband from panicking if he has to."

"Uncle Percy's first wife was here once, he might be having flashbacks."  Iggy thought at his wife, who groaned and called out to the friendly, family-loving ghost to spread the news.  "Do you want to cut or hold?"

"I'll cut, you make wobbly lines."   He smiled and grabbed a scalpel, starting the first incision.

Up in the observation lounge, Percy was holding his son tightly.  "It will be fine," he assured him.  "Your cousin is in there with her, Melvin.  She'll be fine.  You caught it in time."

"She protested, Dad, I wanted to bring her in sooner."

"Of course she did.  She was scared.  We'll talk with her once she's better and make sure that she knows she's not to endanger her health again that way."  He smiled as the baby was pulled out.  "I think it's a girl."

Melvin pressed his face to the glass, watching as his cousin cleaned up his child and did all the necessary weighing and measuring.  He laughed when she was held up, legs splayed, so he could see her.  "She's beautiful."

"Remember this moment for the nights when she won't let you sleep," Percy suggested, clapping him on the back.  Xander and Arthur came in at the same time. "It's a girl.  They're helping her right now."

Melvin wiped off his face and looked at them.  "She had some minor bleeding."

Iggy walked in with the baby.  "One daughter," he announced, handing her over.  "Her placenta was starting to separate.  It's not an uncommon problem and we'll watch her more closely next time," he assured Melvin.  "It's easily fixed.  She's fine."

"Thank you."  Melvin hugged him.  Then he looked down at his little girl.  "Hello, dear.  What shall we name you?"  She gave one mighty shift and settled into his arms to be cuddled as was proper for a goddess such as herself.

Iggy looked at the rest of the family.  "They're almost done.  It's pretty standard and she'll be in a room within an hour.  Head down to the waiting area on the second floor, that's where we'll be putting her.  Melvin, I've got to take her to the nursery, but you can meet me outside the green doors and we'll walk together, all right?" Melvin nodded, handing her back.  "Good man."  He walked down to surrender his cousin the nursery nurses, smiling and telling them that the father would be following his darling.  They nodded and smiled so he went closer to the table. "Is she fine?  I told them she was fine."

"She is fine, Ignatius.  Nothing out of the ordinary.  A simple problem that can be easily watched next time."  He glanced up.  "Go wait with the family."

"Yes, sir."  He saluted and went to clean up.  He joined the family as his own son was brought over.  "Hello, Spenser.  You have a female cousin, yet to be named," he cooed, sitting down to cuddle him.

Arthur clapped him on the back.  "I'm proud of you, grandson.  You're an amazing healer."  He smiled at Melvin as he rejoined them.  "How is she looking?"

"Pink and fussing," Melvin said proudly.  He watched as a gurney was rolled closer. "Is that my wife?"

"She's heading to recovery.  Husbands only," the nurse told him.  She noticed Iggy.  "And near- doctors so the family doesn't worry," she said with a sigh.

Iggy looked at her.  "Melvin can go in and tell us that.   It's his wife."  She smiled and let Melvin follow her.  "The doctor assured me she was fine when I went back in.   Hundreds of women every year have this problem."  He looked over as his grandmother hurried down the hall.  "She's in recovery.  A drifting placenta."

"That's wonderful news," Molly agreed, giving him a hug.  "Where is the baby?"

"Nursery, and Melvin's in with Andrea right now.  She's in recovery."

"Good."  She took her great-grandchild and smiled at him but her grandson took him back, making her laugh.  "I did tell you that you could snatch your own from my hands," she agreed.

"We had a long visit earlier with a few uncles.  Uncle Ethan, and Uncle Spike were very nice to him.  Uncle Charlie gave him a little scratch but he was in a good post-coital mood. Uncle Harry cooed and scared him so he puked on Uncle Oliver in retaliation, but he didn't mind too much."  Spenser blew another spit bubble and cooed happily.  "Yes, you're a good boy, Spenser."

"Give," Xander said, taking him.  "Go check on Andrea.  We trust you guys, but not that much."

"Oh, fine."  Iggy stood up and went into the recovery room, waving at the nurse.  "The family's getting demanding again."  He watched his cousin's wife wake up and waved when she opened her eyes.  "The placenta slipped and you started to bleed slightly. You're fine.  They only took the baby out."  She nodded, smiling at him. "Next time, you're going to have to be less stubborn, Andrea, or else I'm going to have to pout and stomp my feet after I tie you to the bed."

She giggled lightly.  "Yes, Iggy.  Baby?"

"Girl.  Healthy as far as I could tell.  Nearly everyone's outside but your parents.  Want me to call them?"  She nodded.  "Okay, you rest.  You'll be moved in a few minutes."  He walked back out.  "She's awake.  She's asked about the baby.  Wants me to call her parents and get them here.  It'll be about another ten minutes or so before she's moved to a regular room."  He headed for the muggle phone, pulling out his wallet to find the number she had given him.  He dialed it quickly.  "Hi, Mrs. Reams, it's Iggy.  Yeah, him.  No, she had a slight complication so we did a c-section just now. No, she's fine," he assured them.  "I helped in the surgery myself.  Yeah, I'm him," he said with a smile.  "It's all good.  Can you get to St. Mungo's?  I'll have them let you in and shown up to her room once you get here.  No, a girl."  He smiled.  "You're welcome.  Yeah, Melvin's in with her right now.  No, not a major one.  Fairly common and easily fixed the next time."  He pulled the phone away from his ear.  "Of course only if she wants it.  Hell, Melvin would offer to carry for her if she wanted."  He smiled. "Don't worry, just get here to see her.  I'm sure she's fine but you can see for yourself.  I'll even write an order so she can have visitors after hours."  He laughed and hung up, turning to go back to the nurse's desk.  "Mrs. Weasley's parents, the Reams, are coming in.  They're muggle," he told her.  She nodded and made a note.  "Let them up no matter when they get here.  She's their only daughter."

"That would be fine, Ignatius."  She patted the side of his face.  "Once again, you were impressive.  Good job."

"Thanks.  Have you seen my son?"

"Yes, when you brought him around on rounds the other day," she said in a light and teasing voice.  "Go back and wait with the family."

"Okay, spoil my fun," he sighed, going back to steal back his son.  "Her parents are on their way.  Don't mention her having more yet.  Her mother was a bit worried when I said that.  She screamed at me."

Xander patted him on the back. "Parents are like that.  You'll find out some day."  He sat down and looked at his sleeping grandson.  "Where did you get the nibble marks, little one?"

"Uncle Charlie scratched him with his bracelet."  Xander touched a small bite mark.  "Oh, I guess Spike did bite him."  He grimaced.  "I'll have to get him for it later.  Maybe give Mary a *really* naughty idea and have her go for it."

"You're not worried?" Arthur asked.

Iggy looked at him.  "Uncle Spike would *never* hurt my son. He knows he'd be instantly dead.  He was probably marking the baby for protection.  He did it to Minnie if I remember right."  Xander nodded.  Melvin was shoved out of the recovery room.  "Not letting her breathe?"

"No," he said with a sappy grin.  "Come on, let's go look at my daughter."  He led most of the family away. "Iggy?"

"Later, Spenser's napping and I'll wait for her family."

"Cool."  Melvin smiled and trotted off to catch up.

The nurse came over and handed him a cup of water.  "You look like you need a drink."  She touched Spenser's head.  "Did you come to greet your new cousin?"

"Oh, yeah.  He'll love her.  I'll make sure of it."  He winked and she laughed, walking off.   He tensed as he heard a code called over the announcement system, starting to get up.  That wasn't in the nursery, it was in the neo-natal unit.  The nurse took the baby before he could go see if it was his patient.  He rushed in and smiled at the baby coding. It wasn't his, but he was the first one there.  "What happened?" he asked.  "I'm here with a family occasion."

"Iggy, he stopped breathing," the student nurse told him, starting to cry.

"Stop it," he ordered.  She nodded and pulled herself together.  "Get me some suction stuff and find another doctor to help me, or at least one of the senior nurses.  The announcement went out, I don't know why they're not here yet."  He accepted the suction tube and started sucking at the wetness in the baby's throat.  A senior nurse ran in, holding down her stethoscope.  "Swampy lungs.  He quit breathing."   As soon as he ad it cleared, he inserted a breathing tube and flicked on the respirator.  The nurse looked at him.  "Orders against?"

"No.  That was quick."

"I'm good," Iggy said with a smirk.  "Trying to figure out which one I am?"  She nodded.  "I'm Iggy.  The prodigy."

"Oh."  She shook his hand.  "I'm Thelma, senior sister in the nursery.  I had to get someone else in there before I could leave.  We're short tonight.  There's a union meeting."

"Wonderful," he said dryly.  He patted the baby on the chest, making it wiggle.  "Want me to tell the parents?"

"If you wouldn't mind, they tend to get very upset with me."

Another doctor walked in, roll stuffed in his mouth.  "What happened?" he mumbled through it.  He stopped to look at the baby.  "She's okay now?"

"Swampy lungs.  I suctioned, I inserted breathing tube as a just in case.  It should be set on the 'in emergency stoppage only' setting."  The nurse checked and nodded.   "I'm letting you tell the parents.  I'm not officially on right now."  The doctor looked at him.  "My cousin's wife just had an emergency c-section.  I'm going to rejoin my family if you wanted to force me to talk to the family."

"No, I can do it," the doctor said, pulling the roll out.  "Let me check her over and then we'll talk with them."  He looked at Thelma.  "You're not supposed to be in here."

"There's that union meeting tonight," she pointed out.  "I'm heading back to my spot and I'll send the student nurse back."  She walked Iggy away, watching as he waved at the little baby.  "Your cousin?"

"Yup.  She's a Weasley," Iggy agreed.  Thelma laughed.  "You mean you couldn't tell with the red hair?"

"No, I figured it might have been with most of your family out there.  Where is your son?"

"Nurse's station in recovery."  He headed back that way to grab his son, bringing him back to let him see his cousin.  "There you are.  This is your cousin, Spenser."

"Where did you go?" Melvin asked.

"Crashing kid next door.  I'm required by law to run for it unless there's enough suitable people there."  He shrugged.  "Hope that another one doesn't happen."  He listened as someone was paged back to recovery.  "Was that me?"

"No, I think that was your son," Xander said dryly.  "Are you already hitting on the nurses?" he teased, taking his grandson.  "Go ahead and check, Iggy."

Iggy jogged back to the recovery desk and smiled.  "Hi, Doctor Spenser.  Just making sure it wasn't for my son."  The doctor looked at him.  "They were just watching him while I did a code in NICU."

"Oh.  How is young Spenser?"

"Curled up in his grandfather's arms napping while they coo over his new cousin."

"Wonderful news.  Am I here to see Andrea?"  The nurse nodded.  "I'll pop around on her.  Where is everybody?"

"Union meeting," Iggy told him.  "It was me and a student nurse in NICU until Thelma came over."

"They should be done soon," the nurse soothed.  "Are you sticking around?"

"For a bit," he agreed.  "I scrubbed in and helped if you wanted to talk to us."

"No, that's all right, Iggy.  Go back to the family."  He walked into the recovery room and smiled at the young woman. "I see we had a small problem?"  She nodded.  "How are you feeling now?"

"Less fat," she told him.  He chuckled and checked her over.  "Where are my parents?"

"They're probably on their way.  I'm sure Iggy called them."  He smiled at the nurse.  "Let's move her to a room and let the family come bother her."  The nurse called for some orderlies.  "We're a bit thin tonight, but I'm on call so you'll be seeing me."

She nodded.  "Was Iggy really in with me?"

"He said he helped cut out your daughter.  Like I said, we're a bit thin tonight," he said with a gentle smile.  "Let me get out of the way.  Which room?"

"Ward four, Doctor Spenser," the nurse said, smiling at him.  "Her husband got removed for a serious lip lock that raised her blood pressure."

"I figured as much.  I like Melvin, he's a nice boy."  He walked away, heading for the nursery.  "Iggy, she's being moved to ward four now.  Lead everyone up there and let the poor babies sleep."  He touched Spenser's hair.  "You're a good boy, Spenser.  Grow up to be brilliant, but normal."  He smiled at the young trainee and winked.  "Go ahead up."

"Okay.  Guys, up one floor and hang a right off the elevator."  They slowly moved that way.  "Why is the union up in arms tonight?"

"It's contract time," Doctor Spenser told him.

"Strike?"

"No.  They wouldn't dare.  They can be removed and arrested for harming lives.  They'll be back soon, relax.  I'm on call tonight anyway."  He walked away, letting the boy look in the nursery.

Iggy finished looking at his cousin, who was taken by a nurse for a quick check, and then headed up to join the family.  "The baby's being moved to the high-risk section because of how she was born.  You'll have to ask to see her from now on," he told Melvin.  He nodded and Arthur looked disturbed.  "Babies born by surgery run more of a risk of infection and the like.  They just moved her.  All you have to do is pop your head in and ask to see her."  He clapped him on the back.  "Andrea," he said happily.  "What's her name?"

"I don't know," she admitted with a smile.  "Melvin, smack him for me," she whined.  "He promised not to fuss when I was in labor."

"Dear, he kept me from panicking by being in there," Melvin told her.  She looked upset.  "You were unconscious when he brought you in.  I nearly collapsed.  Let Iggy be about it this time.  Next time he won't be there, okay?"

"Fine," she sighed.  "I don't want him peeking at my naughty parts."

"Honey, I only saw your stomach and your insides," Iggy assured her, giving her a hug.  "Nothing naughtier than an intestine or two."

"If you say so."  She kissed him on the cheek.  "Thank you."

"You're welcome.  You rest.  Your parents are on their way.  Your mother screamed at me when I said it was easily watched out for next time."

Andrea laughed.  "I think we'll be waiting for a while," she agreed.  The door opened and her father walked in.  "Hi, daddy.  Did you see her?"

"Not yet."

"I'll take you down in a moment," Melvin told him, smiling at him.  "She's beautiful."

"She is," Iggy agreed, stealing back his own son.  "With that, I'm going to clock in since we're short right now."  Everyone looked at him. "Union meeting."  He shrugged and strolled away.  "I'll be down in the staffroom on this floor if anyone needs me for anything.  Hopefully I'll be back in a few hours."  Spenser woke up and yawned at him.  "Hey, you.  Hungry again?"  Spenser flailed an arm so he put the thumb into his son's mouth.  "There, suck on that until you get back to mommy."

Simone walked past him and stole the baby.  "Good morning, Spenser.  Your mother sent me with a wonderful and nummy bottle."  She stuck it into his mouth.  "And now we're going to coo at the new cousin and her mommy so your daddy can go be a doctor again."  She smiled at Iggy.  "Daddy said so."

"Fine."  He kissed her on the cheek.  "I'll see you in a few hours."  He headed down to the staffroom and called down to the ER. "I'm here, up on two in the staffroom if you need me," he told the shift nurse.  He smiled.  "Yeah, it's me, Iggy.  No, she's fine.  Little girl.  No, common problem.  She's in ward four right now.  Yeah, I heard, that's why I'm here now.  Not a strike, right?"  He laughed and hung up, sitting down and grabbing one of the books he had left in here to read.  This way he didn't have to listen to the stupid overhead system and he didn't have to find a pager.  The phone rang within minutes and he answered it.  "Yeah?"  He smiled.  "Sure.  I'll be right there."  He hung up and headed down to NICU to talk to the parents.  "Hello."  He shook their hands.  "Ignatius Harris-Weasley.  I took on the code when your baby stopped breathing within normal parameters."  The mother teared up.  "Don't worry, this is from the pneumonia he came in with.  He'll be fine.  The breathing tube is only in case he has problems again. It'll come out in a few days at the most."  He walked them in to look at their son, who was healthy and happy looking.  "You can touch him, but be careful of the tubes."  He nodded at the nurse to watch them and checked on his own patient.  She was happily sucking on a bottle.  "Good morning, Amber.  How are you today?"  She belched.  "Good, huh?  My own son likes those a lot too.  Not as great as mommy, but mommy's still a bit sore."  The mother smiled at him.  "How is she?"

"She's good.  She's gained another few grams.  We'll get to go home with another six grams."

"Wonderful news."  He kissed her on the cheek.  "I'll be around for a few hours if you need anything."  He went back to the other family, smiling at them.  "See, much better."

"Thank you, Doctor Harris-Weasley," the mother said, hugging him.

"How long?" the father asked.

"Probably not more than a few days.  Hopefully by tomorrow morning if we're being *really* optimistic."  The parents nodded and went back to staring at their child.  "Not too much longer, you need to be sitting," he reminded the mother.  She nodded and smiled at him.  He waved at the nurse.  "I'm back up on two in the staffroom if anything happens."  She nodded and wrote it down, letting him go back to his favorite waiting spot.  The phone was already ringing.  "Hey," he answered.  "Yup, I'm here.  Nope, the family's on this floor.  Did you want me down there?"  He laughed.  "Sure.  I'll be down there soon."  He hung up and went to pop into Andrea's room.  "Sweetheart, I'm going to be down on one instead if you need anything."  She nodded and he hurried away.

"He's very active," Andrea's mother said with a smile.

"No, that was a calm Iggy," Simone assured her from the corner.  "I wonder what's going on?"

"There's some sort of meeting so they're short," Andrea told her.  "Can you get a nurse, Si?"

"Sure."  Simone stood up and went to get a nurse.  "Mrs. Weasley wants one of you if you're not too busy," she said with a smile for their crossword puzzles.

"The baby will be up in about an hour," the nurse told her.  "We have orders that you're allowed in whenever.  Don't worry about it."  She looked over.  "Is that Spenser?"  Simone nodded.  "Which one are you then?"

"I'm Simone.  The oldest female Malfoy heir.  Iggy's down on one waiting until everyone comes back."

"Oh, that's good."  She patted Spenser's head.  "You be a good boy."

Simone snorted.  "He's a snot already.  Just like his daddy was."  She grinned and went back to Andrea's room.  "The baby will be up in about an hour.  Iggy's down on one.  He said they've moved the baby to high-risk because it came out surgically."  Melvin nodded.  "Did Iggy seem distraught to you?"

"He wanted to be at home," Melvin pointed out.  "Or at least with Spenser today."  He waved at his cousin.  "Why don't you go back to sleep, Spenser?  Your daddy will be back soon and you'll be spoiled then."

Simone snorted.  "Sure, because the rest of us aren't going to get in on that gig at all, Melvin.  Expect some stuffed animals coming your way."  She sat down on the window bench again, cuddling the baby.

Andrea smiled at her husband.  "When can I go home?"

"In a few days," her mother told her.  "You'll need time to rest and recuperate.  You might even have to spend a few days in the infirmary at school."

"Which means Iggy will fuss more," Andrea said with wide eyes.  "Melvin, save me?"

"I'm sure he'll give it up soon enough," he assured her, giving her a gentle kiss.  "No one can stop the fussier members of the family, not even Simone's father.  He'll give up when Raena decides to pout at him."

"Maybe I'll ask her to do that the first day," she mused.  She smiled and took her husband's hand.  "Dear, I'm feeling light headed."

"NURSE!" Simone yelled, waking the baby in her arms.  The nurse came running.

"She's feeling lightheaded," Melvin said, getting out of her way.

Simone looked up.  "Iggy's in the ER right now, but he'll be up as soon as he can.  Doctor Spenser is on his way up already."  Melvin nodded, smiling at her.  "Come sit, you'll only be in the way."

Melvin sat down and watched as the nurse checked her over.  "Is she all right?"

"Her blood pressure's a little lower than average, but it's probably because of the medicine she got," the nurse soothed.  The doctor came in.  "Her blood pressure's a little low and she's feeling lightheaded."  She looked at Simone. "You have impressive lungs."

"I often have to yell at my team across the field," Simone told her with a smile.  "Is she going to be all right or should I call in the rest of the family again?"

"Dad's downstairs making calls on the public floo," Melvin said quietly.

"Let's put her on a monitor and then...."  Iggy rushed in and put his head on her stomach.  "Something you wanted to share?  A new gift perhaps?"

"She's gurgling.  She had a placental slippage."  Doctor Spenser looked astonished.  "Gurgling is bad, right?"

"Gurgling isn't great, but it's easily cured.  Nurse, let's move her back to the OR for a quick check.  I think my esteemed colleague thinks she slipped an internal stitch or three."  The nurse nodded and ran off to get someone to move her.  "Good catch, Iggy."

"I fuss," he said with a grin.  "No matter how bad she fights it."  He kicked off the brakes and got the bed moving as the orderlies came in.  "Let's go back and open your stitches to check," he said soothingly as he followed along behind her.

"You hate surgery," Simone called.

"I'm not sitting this one out," Iggy called back.  "Melvin, don't worry, this is a small, *minor* problem and she'll be fine.  Go find your dad."  He disappeared down the hall with her. He scrubbed in again and hurried in to go help.  "Andrew cut.  I did the baby and the holding."  Doctor Spenser nodded and clipped open a stitch.  "Oh, yeah, we slipped something."  He smiled at their patient.  "Not a problem.  It happens to the best of us.  I slipped one in my stomach once.  They had to do mine by tube."  Andrea rolled her eyes.  "Just don't look until we get the shield up, Andrea.  Insides aren't pretty, especially when they're yours."  She snorted but kept still, the local they had given her earlier was still working.  "Double stitches or those muggle staples?"

"Staples.  Unless you want to heal it," the doctor offered.  Iggy shrugged.  "You're sure?"

"Yeah, I can do that."  He looked at a nurse.  "I left my wand in the second tier shelf.  Go get it for me."  She hurried off, coming back with the wrapped wand.  Only the tip was uncovered.  "Okay, Andrea, this'll feel really strange, like it's crawling.  I'm healing it closed."  She nodded, biting her lip.  "Here we go."  He slowly worked on the bottom layers, heading up to the top layer of skin.  He stepped back and let the nurse mop his forehead off.  "There, mostly healed."

"Does this mean I can go home sooner?" she pleaded.

"Sure.  Tomorrow if the daughter is fine," Iggy told her.

Doctor Spenser looked at him. "I want to be able to do that."

"Healing this way isn't that hard," Iggy told him.  "I'm surprised you can't."  He stepped back.  "Check her now, doc, so I can go repossess my son."

The doctor checked her over.  "I'd say it's almost fully healed.  You skipped the first four weeks of healing, young lady, feel very lucky."

"Oh, I do.  Can I go home now?"

"Nope."  Iggy walked back and kissed her on the forehead.  "One more day to make sure I didn't screw up majorly and to make sure the daughter's fine, then you can go visit Poppy for two whole days, and then you can go hide in your room."

"Fine."  She smiled at him. "Thank you, Iggy.  I'll never complain about you fussing again."

"I don't mind, as long as you let me do it anyway," he said with a wink.  "I'm off to get clean and steal back my son.  I'll pop up to Melvin after I'm clean," he said, his voice raised so Melvin and Percy could hear him.  Percy nodded.  "You behave."  He headed to go clean up and clean his wand.  "I like cases like that, easily fixed."

Doctor Spenser laughed.  "So do I.  That was a good job, Iggy.  I'll be sure to mark it on your monthly report."

"Thanks."  He yawned.  "I think I'm still logged in."  He got cleaned up and headed out to meet the worried people.  "She slipped a few stitches so I did it the wand way."

Her mother turned him around.  "How bad will it be?  Will she have to stay longer?"

"No, she'll get to go home tomorrow."  Her mouth opened.  "I'm one of the few people around here who learned how to seal skin together with my magic. I did four weeks worth of healing in about ten minutes.  She'll be hungry, she's still partially under the drugs from earlier, and she'll be fine.  Baby?"

"Is on her way up to the room," Melvin said, relaxing.  "You're sure?"

"I'm sure.  She slipped some stitches, that's all.  It happens.  Remember when I did it in my stomach?"  Melvin smiled and nodded.  "Same thing, only in the deeper muscle tissues.  She'll be right out and back into recovery, then back up to her room."  He waved at Percy as his name was yelled.  "Coming!"  He jogged that way, stopping to get a drink of water from the fountain.  "Yes, you lovely women who know way more than me?" he asked the nurses.

She giggled.  "I'd file harassment charges against you but you're too cute and so very married.  I know you don't mean it."

"You do know more than I do.  You've been doing this longer than I have," Iggy pointed out with a grin.  "What can I do for you?"

"We have a young boy coming up for surgery.  Face went splat into a wall."

"Parental splat or otherwise?"

"He was trying to build a catapult and it didn't quit get him over the house," the second nurse told him.  "Want to sit in?"

"Sure!  If no one else is available."  They shook their heads.  "That's fine.  Let me go get dressed.  Which room?"

"OR three," the first nurse told him.  "Spenser went back with Simone.  She sent down a message."

"Cool.  Hopefully I'll get to join him soon," he said, still looking upbeat.  "How splat did he go?"

"Very splat.  His nose is flat.  His chin has some pretty breaks.  Doctor Socoran is doing it."

"Eww," he said, shuddering.  "She hates me."

"Yeah, but I'll let you in this time," a young woman said as she walked past him. "Just coming out of one?"

"My cousin's wife had a slight emergency," he agreed, turning to follow the Druid plastic surgeon.  "What do you want me to do, heal or not?"

"Not, this time," she said as she walked into the scrub room.  "But keep the wand handy just in case."  He put it into a cubby and changed into a new set of scrubs.  "How many times was she in there?"

"Twice.  Catapult?"

"Catapult," she agreed grimly, smiling though.  "Kids do dumb things, we all know that."   She watched as he stood up and scrubbed in himself.  "Good technique, but a little fast for my tastes."

"I want to get home to my son," he reminded her.  "And my adoring wife, and my cousin who's probably panicking right about now.  How long is this one looking to be?"

"Just half the night if we're lucky.  A few bars here and there, and reconstruction of his nose."  Iggy shuddered.  "You don't do much facial work?"

"Nope, I usually do a lot more of the pregnant people and little kids," Iggy reminded her.  "It's my thing."  He smiled at her.  "I saw Severus' arm.  Nice work."

"Thank you.  How is he doing?"

"Fine.  He's happier now.  Tara's picking on him at the moment because some young women are hot for him, but otherwise he's good."  He backed away from the sink.  "She's pregnant, a boy we think."

"I heard.  That's wonderful."

"For her. She's a terror when it's a boy," he told her.  But he smiled.  "She's got some horrible mood swings.  Severus had to hide the other day."  He walked out, letting the nurses help him back into the sterile gear.  "Yes, it's me again," he said at the look the nurses gave him.  "That looks like it hurt," he said when he saw the kid's face.  "Is he ready?"  The nurses nodded.  "Then let's start with the chin.  It'll be fastest and we may need it stable to start on his nose.  She can do that," he said with a smile behind his mask.   The other doctor came out. "I'm leaving you the nose, I don't have the artistic capabilities to make it cute and right."  He opened the skin and sighed at the breaks he could see.  "Can I smack the parents for not watching him closer?"

"Her," a nurse corrected after looking at the forms from the emergency department.

"Her then."

"No, Ignatius.  I'm sure they thought she was being good, not trying to create a weapon."  The doctor split open the skin where the nose should be and sighed.  "Suction."

***

Iggy walked into his room and slid into the bed.

"You smell like you did surgery," Raena mumbled.

"Three of them.  One kid decided to try her homemade catapult and ran into her house."  His wife snorted.  "Where's the son?"

"Grandparents."  She put an arm around him, cuddling him closer. "Sleep, Iggy.  No sex yet."

"I wasn't going to even suggest it for a few more weeks," he said innocently.  "I can take care of that for now."  She laughed in his ear and snuggled in closer.  "Can I get undressed?"

"Should have thought of that before you climbed in," she murmured, nearly back asleep.  He smiled and let her snuggle him. "Night."

"Good night, love.  You rest."  He stroked down her nude back, smiling down at her.  She was so great.  He was so happy.  His portable floo device, a present from his uncle Percy, rang and he summoned it over with his wand.  "Yuppers," he said to the face on the other side.  "How is she, Melvin?"

"Fine," Melvin said with a smile.  "You left before coming back."

"Sorry.  I got to put back together a kid's face."  He smiled. "Is she awake?"

"No, she's napping.  Can I ask you how you stop the baby from wailing pitifully?"

"Pacifier, finger, or cuddles and singing.  Unless the baby's hungry or needs changed."  The picture changed to show the baby.  "Wow, you're even red."  The baby slowed down and sniffed. "Yeah, you're a good girl.  You can come spend some time with us if you want.  Calm down for the daddy, he loves you and wants you to be happy and cooing.  You're scaring him."  Melvin laughed and his face came back.  "Hold her closer to you.  She listened to her mom's heartbeat for the last few months.  That and try a bottle, she might be hungry."

"Thanks, Iggy."  Melvin signed off.

"You're good," Raena said, shifting up to rest on his chest.  "What's her name?"

"They haven't decided yet."  He kissed the top of her head.  "It'll be okay, I promise.  They'll be as close as Simone and I are."

"Hopefully without the trouble."

He laughed.  "Not in this family."  She hummed and rubbed his chest with her cheek, making him hard.  "I'll deal with that tomorrow," he said when her hand started to move.

"Mine."

"Okay.  I won't argue with that."  He relaxed and smiled.  His wife was so great.

***

Salazar floated up to the baby, smiling down at it.  "Hello, Spenser.  How are you, my boy?"  The baby looked up at him.  "That good?"  The baby made a small noise and tried to move.  "Would you like to know something, young man?"  He leaned down.  "You are a very special baby.  You will blow the socks off most everybody in this school.  You and your cousin are going to be the most talked about creatures to ever come through here.  You will be famous and drive your family insane."

"He'd better not," Xander said from the doorway.  "What's up with this prophecy?"

"He'll be the helper that Morgana will need.  Those two will be close and they'll be wonderful together."

"It'll be the Iggy and Simone show all over again?"

"Possibly," Salazar admitted with a bright smile.  "With the new one, they'll definitely be wonderful together."

"Good.  I worried about them being close."  He waved.  "Go away so we can sleep.  Melvin's daughter will be back tomorrow."

"Even better," Salazar said with a smile.  "I'm going to bother Lucien, explain to him why he shouldn't torture the women in his future house."  He floated through the wall, going to talk to the little boy.

Xander leaned over his grandson.  "Don't worry, we'll protect you from getting too famous.  You'll grow up to be a normal boy and we'll all be happy with you."  He went back to bed, curling up next to George.  "Salazar likes Spenser."

"Yay," George mumbled.  "Tomorrow."

"Okay."  Xander gave him a kiss and his husband pushed him away.

"Tomorrow, Xan."

"Yes, dear."  He smiled and settled in to nap.  Their grandson would be up soon.
 

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