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Standing on the doorstep Lily hums as she considers how to get inside. She can’t reach her wand, as she has both arms wrapped around two large bags of Indian food, and her wandless magic has been utter crap lately. Leaning forward just a bit, she wiggles the doorknob with the tips of her fingers until she feels the latch come loose.
“Yes!” she congratulates herself, as the door creeps forward just enough that she can stick her knee in the gap and swing it open. Stepping inside she calls out brightly, “I’m home!”
She is feeling pretty proud of herself actually. She has spent the whole day out of the house with one-year-old Harry and managed to arrive home in one piece and with dinner in her arms.
She waddles into the kitchen and places the bags on the counter. She slings her purse over a dining chair, chucks her keys on the table and takes off her scarf, jacket and shoes. Bundling up the items in her arms she takes them to her room but before she can fling everything on the bed she notices the two big lumps cuddled up under the blankets. Gazing down at the familiar mop of brown hair and the shiny black locks that peek out from the rumpled quilt she smiles fondly. She deposits her things on the chair by the bed and before she has a chance to wake her boyfriends she hears a loud moan from the kitchen.
“Mmmmm, smells delicious Lils,” Remus calls out warmly.
Lily walks back to the kitchen where a rumpled Remus is leaning against the counter, sipping a tea. Sirius stretches out in the doorway, his pierced belly button flashes beneath a rumpled Fleetwood Mac T-shirt.
“Where’s my little guy?” Sirius says, stifling a yawn.
Lily smirks, “Did you all just snooze all day while I was out?” She teases before adding, “Harry’s in the car asleep, do you mind?”
Sirius smiles gleefully, “I’ve got him,” he calls out as he scampers off.
“Don’t wake him, he’s had a big day” Lily calls out after him but he is already out the door.
Remus pulls out a chair, “You’ve had a big day too. Sit down and put your feet up. I’ll set the table and we will be feasting in just a moment”
Lily sighs contentedly as she slowly lowers herself into the chair. The gentle murmurings of Sirius can be heard from the hallway as he sways through the door. Lily turns to see him carrying a sleepy Harry into his bedroom to put him down for the night.
Remus begins laying out plates and bowls, cutlery, glasses and napkins. He pulls boxes of food out of the large bag and places them in the middle of the table.
Sirius wanders back in with a goofy smile on his face. “That kid is the moon and stars.”
Lily smiles up at him, “Do you fancy waking James and Reg for dinner?”
Sirius scrunches up his nose a little, “Still can’t quite get over my brother and my best mate… you know…”
Lily laughs “Sirius, it's been almost a year now”
Sirius rolls his eyes, “Are they at least dressed?”
“Couldn’t tell,” Lily shrugs, “They were snuggled under the blankets.”
Sirius’ brow creases and Lily giggles at him, “Just throw something at their heads and don’t look too closely” she suggests.
“Or maybe,” Sirius holds up his finger, wiggling his eyebrows, “we let them sleep and then there will be even more food for us?”
“Rude,” mumbles James from the doorway, rubbing the heel of his hand into his eye. “Hey Lils,” he says leaning down to plant a soft and sultry kiss on her lips. “How are you feeling?”
“Pretty good” she replies. “I’m hungry though. I was going to have dinner out, but everyone kept asking me if I was ‘OK?’…” Lily rolls her eyes, “just because I had to keep stopping mid-sentence to breathe.”
James' eyebrows creep up at that, “Are you… having contractions?”
Lily smiles at James’ concerned look. “No,” she reassures him, “they are just tightenings. They aren’t even painful… they just sort of… take my breath away, you know?”
“Yeah, OK,” James says suspiciously watching Lily breathe her way through her own denial. “Anyway, you have had a long day out. It's late! Did you only just get back?”
Lily nods as James rubs her shoulders soothingly, “Well then, let’s get you fed and into bed for a rest. You never know! Tonight could be the night.”
Lily groans into James’ touch. He gives the best massages.
“Is Reg still asleep?” Lily asks
“He is just freshening up,” James says as he sits down beside her, “He’s not as effortlessly handsome as I am you know”
Lily giggles and James blushes as they both share similar thoughts about how their boyfriend is absolutely, hands-down, the best-looking man they know, regardless of the amount of primping (and there was always quite a bit) he performs.
Sirius scoffs and obtusely changes the subject. “If Harry wakes in the night, I’ll get up to him.” He starts spooning rice and palak paneer onto his plate, “I miss the little tyke anyway. I don’t like going a whole day without seeing my Harrikens”
Lily smiles and hums gently, “Thanks… That’s so…. Sweet of you, Siri…” Her eyes close as she breathes, long and deep. She lets her jaw relax and tilts her face back, looking serene. She continues to breathe in slowly through her nose, her shoulders rising gently before exhaling softly, through barely parted lips. A soft groan escapes her lips as she flutters her eyes open, “hmmm, I could certainly use a good night’s sleep”
Remus and James share a suspicious look. Sirius tears off a piece of naan and chews happily on it, not noticing the exchange. Lily nibbles on a piece of cauliflower, not acknowledging a thing.
Remus and Sirius are staying with James, Lily and Regulus for a few weeks while their house is being renovated. It is a convenient excuse to give Lily some extra care and attention and spend time with their godson.
Regulus appears in the doorway looking his usual put-together self. Lily and James look up adoringly at him. Sirius rolls his eyes dramatically and Remus stifles a laugh at the exchange. Remus leans toward Sirius and brings his lips to brush gently against the shell of his ear. He whispers something that makes Sirius bite his lip and squirm a little in his seat.
“Evening all,” Regulus croons.
“Hi love,” James returns, “You look… wonderful”
Regulus' cheeks pinken slightly.
“Yeah,” Lily agrees, “You clean up nicely Reg.”
A full blush appears on his face now at the loaded compliment. Lily and James are the only people who ever see him… undone… and they had recently confessed to him that the more formally he presents himself in public, the harder it was to stop the memories of him as a dishevelled, panting, mess from surfacing in their minds.
***
“I love seeing your hair all messed up in a tangled pile,” Lily groans into his ear as James’ tongue pressed insistently between his legs, up and up and up. “And those lips,” She continues, tracing a finger over his nipple, “all plump and swollen from sucking James' cock”
Regulus moans obscenely as James slips a lubed finger into his arse and Lily’s words shudder through him. She grabs a handful of his tangled locks, tugging roughly “You’re so beautiful when you have James’ cock here” she parts his lips with two fingers, sliding them over his tongue. Shiny tears clump in his dark lashes. Lily hums with satisfaction, “Yes,” she encourages, “So beautiful.”***
James reaches out to grip Regulus’ chin bringing his eyes up to meet his gaze. “You’re such a slut,” James says adoringly. “So beautiful on your knees for me.” James’ thumb strokes his cheek. Swiping through the tears, saliva and come shimmering on his face. James presses his thumb into Regulus' mouth, releasing a contented sigh, “My pretty whore”
***
Regulus knew that is exactly what the two of them were thinking as he stood there in pressed formal trousers, a dinner jacket, tie and perfectly coiffed hair.
Regulus coughs slightly. Lily and James really are drooling over him, “Yes, well I suppose I haven’t quite gotten out of the habit of dressing for dinner.” and then just to be playful he adds, “Lily, you’re looking a little… flushed. Is it too warm in here for you?”
Lily bites her lip and grins up at her lover. “Oh no, I am fine,” She says, “It’s probably just the food.” She picks up her glass and sips the cool water.
James chuckles and winks at Regulus, “come on love, sit down and eat.”
Regulus takes the empty seat next to Lily and leans forward to peck a kiss on her cheek, and then one on her swollen belly. “Did you have a nice day?” he asks as he spoons a little of this and that on his plate, listening intently.
“Molly’s baby shower was fun. Harry and Ron played well together.” She reached over to grab some Naan, “I got a lot of name suggestions actually. Not sure if it's helpful or not though. Nothing seems to be the right fit.”
“The perfect name will come along at the right time” Remus supplied philosophically.
“Actually someone suggested ‘Regina’,” glancing at Reg, “she said we could call her “Gina’ for short. Molly seemed a little put out by that for some reason. I think it would be a little confusing anyway, and to be honest, sometimes I think people are just trying to figure out who the biological father is. It feels like they are asking without asking by suggesting we name the baby after Reg or James and then watching for my reaction”
“Well, I assume Witch Weekly will get the official scoop on that well-kept secret” Sirius says snarkily. Lily snorts
“The Quidditch Times are desperate for the exclusive!” James jokes, “Which of England's greatest, and most handsome, Seekers is the father? Regardless, the little one will be recruited before they are out of nappies!”
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After everyone had eaten their fill, Remus puts on the kettle for tea. James and Sirius clear the table and start on the dishes. Regulus holds Lily’s hand in his lap, gently tracing his fingers up her arm and rubbing small circles into the fleshy parts of her palm. She sits contentedly watching her love flick soapy bubbles at Sirius and getting a playful splash of sudsy water in return. Placing her free hand on the top of her belly she closed her eyes and breathes slowly in and out, in and out. Her belly is tight and her brow furrows as she softly whimpers.
“Breathe” Regulus whispers warmly against her ear.
“Mmm,” she murmurs gratefully and lets out the breath she has been holding in. Relaxing her jaw and dropping her shoulders she sighs and slowly blinks her eyes open.
“Are you OK love?” Regulus asks covertly, a soft frown on his face as he holds her hand in between both of his. Lily smiles up at him fondly.
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Regulus had not been at Harry’s birth. The last time she was pregnant, Regulus had been completely absent from all their lives. The war had ended rather abruptly and with little fanfare. Regulus had switched sides at precisely the right time. He had been in Voldemort’s inner circle long enough to discover the key to defeating him. Regulus, having had a change of heart, had swiftly gone to Dumbledore with the secret to defeating the Dark Lord. He had been a reluctant hero and to the best of his ability, he had managed to stay largely unacknowledged. He left Dumbledore and the Order (the real heroes) to the lion's share of praise and acclaim.
It was necessary for people to know that Regulus had been involved in the way things turned out. Enough of the truth was shared with the wizarding press to save him from the standard Death-Eater reputation. Dumbledore had testified at his trial ensuring he was acquitted of all charges. He had not really committed any crimes other than being a follower of the wrong regime and his actions had made up for that mistake and then some.
He had tried to mend his relationship with Sirius. James, Peter and Remus were welcoming without being pushy. Lily, Marlene and Dorcus were encouraging of bringing Regulus into the fold and he was slowly and awkwardly becoming part of their inner circle. This is why it was so jarring that he suddenly disappeared right around the time James and Lily announced they were pregnant with Harry.
Regulus had stayed away, offering a few flimsy excuses initially before completely disappearing, for a whole year. He suddenly appeared on their doorstep one night when Harry was just a few months old. James and Lily had cautiously welcomed him in and watched carefully as Regulus’ met Harry for the first time. They saw how his eyes shone holding the sleeping infant in his arms. Regulus’ rocked Harry in his arms sweetly, walking about the room with him. He mumbled apologetically down at the sleeping bundle, private words just between the two of them. After passing Harry back into James’ solid arms and accepting a gentle hug from Lily he resolved to be brave. When James returned from putting Harry down he had shared his true feelings for James and for Lily. He told them how he had been confused… envious… in love and without hope of it being reciprocated. He had not known how to handle the overwhelming clusterfuck of emotions that came with being in love with his brother’s best mate and his pregnant girlfriend. So he had run away, and it had been the most painful and terrifying experience of his life, and that was saying something after growing up Walburga’s son and serving as a Deatheater.
Regulus had spent years watching the two of them from afar… yearning for something. At the time he told himself he just wanted someone to love. That it wasn’t about Lily or James in particular. Over time he felt more and more. It was overwhelming. He loved Lily, her loyal and generous nature, her fiery temper and quick-witted retorts. His love for Lily explained why he was obsessed with James and his stupidly athletic body, obscene hair and charming smile.
Then he began to notice his feelings for James had deepened and become decidedly more lascivious in nature. He wondered if he had actually been in love with James this whole time and merely projected it on Lily? Maybe instead of wanting to be with Lily, he wished he could be her? The object of James’ affection and attention.
Ultimately it was both, and as time went on he grew to love them solidly, fiercely. His love took root and flowered and would not be tamed. The thorns of jealousy prickled and the news of the pregnancy was a piercing blow. Unable to stay away forever, wondering what could have been, Regulus had come back to try. To be brave and to be honest.
Lily had been beyond shocked that Regulus thought of her that way. She knew James adored Regulus. She knew they had fooled around in school once or twice but had never really made a go of it, never really even discussing it.
When James had divulged that information, Lily had shared that she found his bisexuality to be a huge turn-on. They had even discussed having an open relationship and Lily had been very encouraging. Lily herself had fantasised about Regulus. Particularly him with James, and then the three of them together.
When Regulus had confessed his love in the form of an apology and an explanation for why he had gone away, Lily took James’ hand and pulled Regulus in towards them. Their bodies swayed slightly, buzzing with the sensation of being so close. Sparks flew for all of them and it was James who leaned into Regulus for a long steamy kiss. Lily had watched in awe, practically panting as James’ hands crept around Regulus’ waist pulling him closer. When James finally pulled back he grinned broadly at Regulus. Regulus turned to Lily, wincing slightly before he brought his eyes up to meet hers. She was gazing lovingly at him and he blew out a shaky breath as he pulled her into his and James’ arms. Pressing their foreheads together, he closed his eyes and softly brushed his lips against Lily’s. He nipped at her lips and the embrace heated up until they were clutching at each other, breathless and giddy.
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This will be Regulus’ first time seeing Lily give birth and he is doing a good job of containing his fear and anxiety. He has James, of course, to lean on, talk to and ask for advice. Lily and James are much more relaxed about the whole thing and so Regulus is trying his best to stay calm too.
“I am fine.” Lily reassures, “It’s nothing really. Just a few tightenings. It’s been like this for weeks now and they aren’t painful. I’m just getting a little tired,” She adjusts her position on the chair, bringing a hand to rub her hip, “and a bit sore”
Regulus stood, still holding Lily’s hand. “Let's get you into bed then, love. I’ll come and give you a cuddle and James can bring your tea in when it’s ready.” James looks over when he hears his name. Regulus sidles up to him and puts his hands on James’ lower back pressing his lips against the side of James’ mouth, “I’m going to take Lils to bed for a rest, can you bring her some tea in a bit?”
James smiles warmly at Lily and nods at Regulus giving him a wink, “Sounds good, take care of our girl and I’ll be in shortly to supervise”
Lily rolls her eyes as Regulus lets a hand slide down momentarily grazing James’ arse and gives it a sharp tap. James turns his attention back to the sink smirking at a grumbling Sirius while Regulus escorts Lily out of the kitchen and into the bedroom.
“Goodnight Remus, Goodnight Sirius,” Lily calls out as she is led away by her raven-haired lover.
“Night Lils” answered Remus as he searched in the cupboard for the teapot
“Sleep well Red,” called Sirius, blowing a kiss her way.
Once Regulus gets Lily into their room he helps her out of her clothes and into an oversized t-shirt. She lays down on the side of the bed closest to the door. Usually, the three of them would swap places in the bed randomly with James, in particular, enjoying the middle spot but lately it had been necessary for Lily to be on the side so she didn’t overheat and could get up to the bathroom frequently in the night. Regulus cuddles up behind her pressing his body against hers. Kissing the back of her neck Lily arches her back pressing her arse against Regulus’ crotch. Lily groans and presses her face into the pillow. Regulus responds by rubbing his growing cock against her, whispering in her ear, “Have you missed me, baby?” Lily moans in assent, “Do you need my cock?” he asks sweetly.
Lily gasps, “Yes!” she whispers
Regulus runs his lips over the shell of her ear, grazing down her neck to the soft skin of her pulse point. “Always wanting it… wanting me to breed you, even when your belly is already full growing my baby… you still want more…”
“Mmmhmmm” Lily snuggles against the pillow whilst wriggling her arse against Regulus.
“You’re tired baby,” Regulus coos, “I’m going to fuck you quickly, give you what you need and then you need to get some sleep.”
Lily is panting, pressing herself back into Reg.
He lifts up her t-shirt to reveal her pale skin and her round perky arse. He tugs her underwear to the side and lines himself up, rubbing the head of his cock against her slick cunt before thrusting in. Lily gasps audibly, covering her mouth with her hand before moaning “fuck-yes!”
Regulus presses his forehead to the space between her shoulder blades as he grips her hips tightly, thrusting in and out hard and fast the way she likes it. Letting one hand slide up to her breast along hot skin, he plucks and squeezes at the nipple feeling it go hard. Lily writhes in pleasure, “Please Reggie, don't stop, Please…”
He holds the nipple between his thumb and middle finger using his index finger to stroke and tap at the sensitive nub whilst thrusting up into her relentlessly. Regulus sees the way her mouth falls open, a silent cry, her body tensing up before shuddering through her orgasm. Regulus holds her close to him as he finds his own release, filling her up with his seed, biting down into her shoulder as her body shudders.
“Fuck Lil” Regulus rasps
“Mmmmm” She moans smiling into the pillow, “Mmmm…So good… Thankyou Reggie”
He smiles against the bite mark he made on her shoulder and peppers it with kisses as his cock slides out of her. He began to rub her hip, kneading her ass cheeks with his thumbs.
“Oh yeah, that feels so good,” she exclaims, humming and groaning when he finds a tender spot.
There is a gentle knock on the door and it opens, James enters with a mug of tea in hand.
“How’s it going in here?”
“Oh good, just giving Lils here a bit of a massage” Regulus replies smoothly
“Honey, your cock is out. Did I miss something?” James winks
Reg smiles up at James, “You missed round one,” He admits while rubbing circles into Lily’s thighs, “couldn't help myself” He places a lingering kiss on Lily’s neck as James places her mug of tea next to the bed and climbs into bed on Regulus’ other side.
“Well, I can’t blame you for that,” James replies running his hand up Lily’s leg as he presses himself into Regulus, “She is magnificent, isn't she?”
Lily smiles groggily and hums with satisfaction.
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1 Week Later
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NOOO!!” Lily digs her fingers into the couch, pushing herself up on her toes, squirming and writhing through the intense pain. “No no no no no, I can’t, I can’t do this anymore” she begs, fat tears streaming down her cheeks. Her body shakes as she sobs.
There isn’t even anyone else in the room to hear her complaints, Regulus is down the hall in the study fire calling the medi-witch and James has taken Harry to Remus and Sirius’ place so they can watch him while she is in labour.
The pain is easing now and with each breath, she feels calmer. Regulus appears in the doorway, his face plastered with concern. She smiles at him, relief flooding her body. “Hey” she breathes
“I just called the medi-witch, she will be here soon. Can I get you anything?”
“Help me into the bath?” She asks
“Of course” He takes her hand and leads her to the large birthing pool in the corner of the room, helping her step into the warm water.
She hums appreciatively as she sinks into the water, resting her head in her arms. She melts as she lays over the edge of the pool. “Mmmmm… So much better”
Regulus kneels down next to the pool and smoothes Lily’s hair as she groans and breathes through another contraction. “That’s it darling, so strong, so brave” he enthuses
When she opens her eyes again she spies James in the doorway smiling at them warmly. Regulus turns his head and sighs in relief as James comes over to join them. Kneeling on the floor and placing a supportive arm around Regulus, he leans into Lily’s ear to whisper, “You are amazing, love”
“How was Harry?” Lily can’t help but ask
“He was grumpy at first, not keen on being woken so early in the morning but you know what he is like with Siri,” James chuckles, “Kid’s going to be spoiled rotten today, probably won’t even want to come home to meet his sister.”
Lily smiles at the image of Harry’s pouting frown morphing into a wide grin at the sight of his godfather. Then she pictures one-year-old Harry meeting his sister for the first time, probably not even knowing what he was looking at. She pictures him on James’ lap with a bundle of blankets held up to him as he curiously inspects her fingers, perhaps stealing her dummy. Suddenly she feels her belly tighten again and the pain consumes her. She gasps and grips hard to the edge of the pool and Regulus’ hand. Groaning loudly she mumbles into her shoulder, pleading, as the wave hits her. Regulus grips her hand firmly and James rubs circles into Regulus’ lower back as he softly murmurs loving affirmations at Lily. It is not as bad as it had been before getting into the water. In fact, the peak has passed already and she sobs and shakes as the contraction subsides. James plants a kiss on her head.
“Want some water?” He asks
“Mmmm, please” Lily breathes. James gets up to fetch some. Regulus looks at him, worried and confused. He could just accio the water but he wants to stretch his legs and knows crowding Lily isn’t what she wants. James knows his role, Lily had instructed him privately that he was to keep Regulus calm and let her do her thing. James gives Regulus a squeeze on the shoulder and leans in and pecks a kiss on his cheek. He whispers in his ear, “I’ll only be a minute love.” Then glancing at Lily he adds, a bit louder, “isn’t she phenomenal?” Regulus smiles up at James, his eyes shiny with tears not yet spilt. Nodding he turns his attention back to Lily and watches her adoringly.
James stands back and looks at Reg and Lily. The loves of his life before him, one giving birth to their second child like the fucking champion that she is and the other supporting her beautifully despite being completely out of his mind with worry. His heart swells with gratitude that he is lucky enough to go through life with these two. He allows the slight sting of regret to pierce through as he remembers Lily’s last labour and birth with Harry.
Regulus wasn’t part of their family back then and it was just him and Lily facing this big moment together. It seems inconceivable now that there was a time when Regulus wasn’t with them. Every time he remembers the pain of their separation it takes away his ability to breathe for a moment. Then a crushing wave of anger fills him. Anger at the heartbreak, the wasted years and everything they missed out on. But then he reminds himself that Regulus was with them now. That he loves him and Lily so much and they loved him in return. Harry will never remember a time when Regulus wasn’t in his life, even though he was almost a year old when Regulus finally came to stay. When he finally came home.
He goes to fetch the water from the kitchen. Watching the cup fill as he holds it under the faucet he thinks about the night Harry was born.
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The medi-witch arrived just in time. The labour is very short and Harry is born mere minutes after her arrival. James watches from the doorway of the tiny bathroom as the competent older woman sets out a few things in preparation and hums sweet, encouraging words into Lily’s ear during a contraction. She smooths her brow as the words have their intended effect. He gazes at Lily as she nods. With gentle determination and a sound that is half gasp-half sob, she lifts baby Harry up out of the water and onto her belly. The jelly-like cord is looped over his leg and Lily giggles and cries as she untangles him and lifts him up to her chest.
It is one of James’ most cherished memories.
That first time he and Lily were fairly relaxed because that is the kind of people they are. James recognises now that they probably didn’t know enough about what could go wrong to be worried in the first place. After what Alice and Frank had gone through with Bridget being born so early and taking such a long time to be well enough to bring home they all felt just a little more cautious. Lily and Molly in particular felt the prickle of fear. They had all become so close after having their boys in the same year and then all falling pregnant again with girls. Such a happy coincidence and such a painful shock when Bridget was born more than two months early.
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Turning off the faucet he wanders back into the room while Lily is clearly going through another strong contraction. She has half heaved herself over the edge of the birthing pool. She grips Regulus’ forearm with one hand while the other has a fist full of his robes. She sobs into his neck and as Reg looks up at James he sees a look of utter terror on his face.
James sits cross-legged next to him, “Relax my love, Lils is doing great. Look at her! Bloody Goddess!” Lily groans loudly as she comes down from the peak, releasing Regulus’ robes and reaching for James. He takes her hand with his and lifts the cup to her lips. “Here, love, drink some water.”
She takes a large sip and presses her cheek against the side of the pool humming. Her face softens and her hips sway beneath the water. The three of them sit in the dimly lit room, listening to the sound of the water moving around Lily’s body and the hypnotic sounds of her long breaths. A moment later she rolls her head pressing her forehead hard against the edge of the pool. As the contraction builds she sobs loudly and then screams, “Fucking hell! No! This is too much! I cant… I CAN’T!”
Regulus turns to James, his face wild with desperation. James was not unaffected but he gives Regulus a gentle smile. “It’s OK,” He says (to both of them), “It’s going to be OK”
Lily lets out a gasp, her eyes springing open wide. “James!” She calls urgently, “James, the baby is coming soon.”
“I know love,” James says calmly, “It won't be much longer”
“No,” She says, her tone businesslike and focused, “The next contraction… baby is coming”
James looks unsure but he smooths her hair out of her face and just says “Ok Lils, did you want to get out of the bath? The medi-witch is on her way.”
“No, I can’t get out of the bath… the baby’s…she’s…” And then she scrunches up her face and pushes, a guttural moan coming from deep inside and she pulls her hands away from the two men. Gasping she grips her hair at the top of her head while the other hand reached down. “The head is out” she breathes, then her eyes pinch shut and her chin drops to her chest. Another push and she pulls their baby up out of the water into her arms.
James smiles proudly and grabs a towel from the nearby stack.
“Is…” Regulus says quietly, “Is she OK? Why isn’t she crying?”
“She is fine,” Lily gushed, “She is breathing and turning pink, see? She is perfect”
Regulus exhales long and sniffling a bit he wipes his eyes where tears threatened to spill over.
“Here, let's get her dried off,” James says stretching a towel over the baby and rubbing it along her body. The baby starts wailing at this which makes all three of them smile fondly. Regulus exhales a shaky sigh, tears now streaming down his cheeks.
Just at that moment the medi-witch bustles in with her bag and takes in the happy scene. “Ah, seems like you managed fine without me!” She jokes beaming at them, “What do we have here?”
Lily smiles up at her dreamily and says, “A girl… our little baby girl…”
Regulus and Lily shared a look and turning to James Regulus says, “Mia, short for Euphemia”
James holds his breath as tears well in his eyes, “Really?” He stutters, “After Mum?” Regulus and Lily nod and James falls into Regulus’ arms sobbing. Reg strokes his hair and presses a kiss to his temple. “Thank you.” He murmured into Regulus’ shoulder. Regulus holds James in his arms and looks at a smiling Lily and wailing baby Mia, his baby girl! And he thanks the gods for everything he has.
The next day Lily, Regulus and James sit on the couch staring at baby Mia as she sleeps. Reg holds her in his arms. In fact, he has barely let her go since she was born, begrudgingly handing her over to Lily when she needs feeding. They sit waiting for the last three members of their family to arrive, Harry, Sirius and Remus. The flames in the fireplace turn green and out tumble a giggling Harry in Sirius’ arms. Remus follows after a few seconds and steps gracefully onto the rug, eyes rolling at Sirius on the floor with a squealing Harry.
“Harry!” James says excitedly, “I’ve missed you, buddy!”
“Daddy!” Harry exclaims, toddling over to James, climbing up onto his lap for a cuddle.
“Harry, we have someone for you to meet.” James says sweetly, turning him toward Regulus and the bundle of blankets in his arms “This is your baby sister, Mia”
“Oh how lovely,” Remus says, slinging his long arm around Sirius.
James smiles at him and then looks into Sirius' eyes as he adds, "It's short for Euphemia."
Sirius curls into Remus' arms with shining eyes now squeezed shut.
“She’s beautiful” Sirius whispers to James, then nodding at Lily he adds, “Well done, Red”
“Cheers, Black,” Lily replies with a grin and presses a kiss on his cheek.
Harry peers into the bundle on Regulus’ lap and tilts his head, his ringlets bobbing about his little face. Everyone watches as the siblings meet for the first time, wondering how Harry will react. Leaning over baby Mia Harry places both hands on her and pushes at her, saying sternly “My Papa!”
Baby Mia continues to sleep soundly as all the adults in the room giggle at this display. Harry attempts to crawl into Regulus’ full arms so Lily gently lifts baby Mia up and stands to pass her to her uncles. Harry thrusts his little arms around Regulus’ neck and the man laughs as he pulls his boy into a warm cuddle, kissing his head, telling him how much he had missed him.
Lily crosses the room to stand by James who gets up and snakes his arms around her. The two of them share a kiss and sigh contentedly as they look around the room. Their best friends cradling their baby girl and the man they both love holding their son.
“Well, well, well,” James says to Lily, “If it isn’t the consequences of our own actions”
Lily giggles at what had become something of a family motto, used for everything from hangovers to positive pregnancy tests, and now the domestic bliss of the family they have made together.
“Yes,” she sighs contentedly, “Yes it is.”