Unforeseen Bonds - Chapter 8 - AliciaSteinke15 - Harry Potter (2024)

Chapter Text

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Previously on Unforeseen Bonds

Harry's Pov

Harry's Pov

17 weeks pregnant

As I reached the 17-week mark of my pregnancy, I marveled at the changes within me. According to the books I'd been reading and the healer's updates, the twins were now each about the size of turnips, rapidly growing and developing. Their little bodies were forming more defined features, their fingers and toes were becoming more distinct, and their senses were beginning to develop. I could hardly believe that two tiny lives were taking shape within me, each day bringing them closer to entering the world.

But along with the wonder of their development came the symptoms that reminded me of the incredible journey my body was undertaking. The morning sickness had eased somewhat, but I still experienced bouts of nausea occasionally. Fatigue was a constant companion, and my growing belly made it difficult to find a comfortable position when I slept. My cravings had become more intense and specific, with pickles and chocolate ice cream becoming a staple in my diet. And then there were the mood swings, which seemed to come out of nowhere, leaving me feeling emotionally volatile and overwhelmed.

One evening, as Rabastan and I sat together in the library of Malfoy Manor, I found myself reflecting on the journey ahead and the promise we had made to each other to take things slow.

"Rabastan," I began, my voice breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between us, "I know we've been through a lot already, but I think it's important that we really get to know each other as friends first."

Rabastan looked up from the book he was reading, his eyes meeting mine with a warmth that made my heart flutter. "I agree, Harry," he said softly, setting the book aside. "I want to build a strong foundation with you, one that's based on trust and understanding."

I smiled, feeling a sense of relief and gratitude wash over me. "Good," I replied, reaching out to take his hand. "Because I want us to be partners in this, not just for the sake of the babies, but for us too."

He squeezed my hand gently, his touch reassuring. "I want that too, Harry. So, let's start by sharing more about ourselves. What do you want to know?"

I thought for a moment, considering the many questions that had been swirling in my mind. "Tell me about your childhood," I said finally. "What was it like growing up as a Lestrange?"

Rabastan's expression grew thoughtful as he leaned back in his chair, his eyes distant as he recalled his past. "It was...complicated," he admitted. "There was always a lot of pressure to live up to the family name, to uphold the values and traditions passed down for generations. But there were also moments of joy and connection, especially with my brother, Rodolphus. We were close, despite everything."

I listened intently, absorbing his words and the emotions behind them. "It sounds challenging," I said softly. "But it's clear that you found strength in your family, even in the midst of all that pressure."

He nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yes, I did. And what about you, Harry? What was your childhood like?"

I hesitated, the memories of my early years at the Dursleys' home flashing through my mind. "It wasn't easy," I admitted. "I grew up with my aunt and uncle, who weren't the most loving or supportive. But coming to Hogwarts changed everything. It gave me a sense of belonging, a place to be myself and find true friends."

Rabastan's eyes softened with understanding. "You've been through so much, Harry. But you've also shown incredible resilience and strength. It's one of the things I admire most about you."

His words filled me with warmth, and I felt a sense of connection growing between us, a bond deepening with each passing moment. As we continued to share our stories and experiences, I realized that this was the beginning of something extraordinary—a friendship built on trust, understanding, and a shared commitment to facing the future together.

As I continued to settle into life at Malfoy Manor, I found comfort in the presence of my friends and loved ones. One afternoon, as the autumn sunlight streamed through the windows of the drawing-room, I found myself sitting with Sirius and Remus, ready to delve into the history of my family—a history that had always felt like a distant, elusive dream.

Sirius and Remus had been patient with me, waiting for the right moment to share the details of the Potter family legacy. Now, as we sat together, a sense of anticipation hung in the air, mingled with a touch of nervousness on my part.

"Harry," Sirius began, his voice gentle yet firm, "we've been wanting to talk to you about the Potter family history for a while now. There's so much you need to know—about your heritage, your parents, and the legacy they left behind."

I nodded, my heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. "I want to know everything," I said, my voice steady despite the swirl of emotions inside me. I've always felt like so many pieces of my past were missing, and I need to understand where I come from."

Remus leaned forward, his eyes filled with warmth and understanding. "The Potter family has a long and storied history, Harry. Your ancestors were known for their bravery, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to justice. They were also skilled wizards, with a deep understanding of magic and its many complexities."

Sirius nodded in agreement, a fond smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Your father, James, was a remarkable man, Harry. He was brave, fiercely loyal to his friends, and always stood up for what he believed in. He and your mother, Lily, shared a truly extraordinary love—a love that continues to live on through you."

As I listened to their words, a sense of pride and longing filled me. I had always known my parents were special, but hearing these stories from those who knew them best brought their legacy to life in a way I had never experienced before.

"What about my grandparents?" I asked, eager to learn more about the generations that came before.

Remus's eyes twinkled with fond memories. "Your grandparents, Fleamont and Euphemia Potter, were kind and generous. Fleamont was an accomplished wizard and a brilliant potioneer, known for creating Sleekeazy's Hair Potion. Euphemia was equally remarkable, known for her compassion and her dedication to helping others. They were deeply loved and respected in the wizarding community."

Sirius chimed in, his voice filled with admiration. "They were also incredibly proud of their son, James. They doted on him and were overjoyed when he married Lily. Your grandparents were over the moon when you were born, Harry. They adored you and cherished every moment they had with you."

A lump formed in my throat as I absorbed their words, the weight of my family's history settling over me like a warm embrace. "I wish I could have known them," I said softly, my voice tinged with sadness.

Remus reached out and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "They live on through you, Harry. Your kindness, bravery, and unwavering sense of justice are all qualities passed down through generations of Potters."

Sirius nodded in agreement, his eyes shining with pride. "You carry their legacy with you, Harry. And as long as you honor their memory, they will always be a part of you."

As we continued to talk, I felt a deep sense of connection to my family's past, a connection that had always felt just out of reach. I learned about the many challenges and triumphs my ancestors had faced, their sacrifices, and the love that had bound them together through it all.

"There's one more thing you should know, Harry," Sirius said, his tone growing serious. "Your family is descended from the Peverells through Ignotus Peverell. The Invisibility Cloak you possess is one of the Deathly Hallows, passed down through generations of Potters."

My eyes widened in shock at this revelation. "The Invisibility Cloak... it's one of the Hallows?"

Remus nodded, a knowing smile on his lips. "Yes, Harry. It's a powerful and ancient artifact that symbolizes your family's long and storied history. Your cloak is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Potter lineage."

I sat back, absorbing the weight of this new information. The Invisibility Cloak, a treasured heirloom that had saved my life countless times, was now revealed to be a part of a much larger and more profound legacy.

As the afternoon sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the room, I felt a sense of peace and contentment settle over me. The stories and memories shared by Sirius and Remus had filled the gaps in my understanding of my family's past, allowing me to feel truly connected to the legacy that had shaped me.

"Thank you," I said softly, my heart overflowing with gratitude. "Thank you for sharing all of this with me. It means more than I can ever express."

Sirius and Remus exchanged a warm glance before turning their attention back to me, their expressions filled with love and pride.

"It's our pleasure, Harry," Sirius said, his voice filled with emotion. "You deserve to know where you come from and feel proud of your incredible legacy."

Remus nodded in agreement, his eyes shining with warmth. "And remember, Harry, you're not alone in this journey. We're here for you, every step of the way."

As the evening turned into night, we continued to talk, sharing stories and memories that wove together the rich tapestry of my family's history. At that moment, surrounded by the love and support of my friends, I knew that I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, confident in the knowledge that I was part of something much greater than myself—a legacy of love, courage, and unwavering determination.

As the evening stretched on and the comforting presence of Sirius and Remus surrounded me, I found myself yearning to know more. There were still so many gaps in my understanding, so many questions that had gone unanswered for far too long. The most pressing among them was the night my parents died—a night that had shaped my entire life, yet remained shrouded in mystery and pain.

"Sirius, Remus," I began, my voice hesitant as I grappled with the weight of my next question. "Can you tell me more about the night my parents died? I feel like there's so much I don't know."

Sirius and Remus exchanged a glance, their expressions somber as they considered my request. After a moment, Sirius nodded, his eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and determination.

"You deserve to know, Harry," Sirius said softly, his voice heavy with emotion. "It's not an easy story to tell, but it's an important part of your family's history."

Remus nodded in agreement, his expression reflecting the gravity of the conversation ahead. "We'll tell you everything we know, Harry," he said gently. "But just know it's a painful memory for us, too."

I nodded, bracing myself for the emotional journey that lay ahead. "I understand," I said quietly. "I just need to know the truth."

Sirius took a deep breath, his gaze distant as he recounted the events of that fateful night. "It all started with the prophecy," he said, his voice steady despite the sorrow in his eyes. "A prophecy that foretold the downfall of Voldemort at the hands of a child born at the end of July. It could have referred to either you or Neville Longbottom."

I listened intently, absorbing every word as Sirius continued. "Your parents went into hiding with you, using the Fidelius Charm to keep their location a secret. They chose Peter Pettigrew as their Secret Keeper, believing he was the least likely to be suspected."

A surge of anger and betrayal welled up within me at the mention of Peter's name, but I forced myself to stay calm, focusing on the story Sirius was telling.

"Peter betrayed them," Sirius said, his voice trembling with emotion. "He gave their location to Voldemort, who came to Godric's Hollow that night. Your parents fought valiantly to protect you, Harry. They loved you more than anything in the world."

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I imagined the fear and desperation my parents must have felt, the courage it took to stand up to Voldemort in defense of their child.

Remus picked up the story, his voice soft and filled with sorrow. "Lily and James died trying to save you, Harry. Your father tried to hold Voldemort off so your mother could escape with you, but he was overpowered. And your mother... she sacrificed herself to protect you, casting a powerful protective spell with her love. That spell is what saved your life and destroyed Voldemort's physical form."

The weight of their words settled over me like a heavy blanket, the enormity of my parents' sacrifice sinking in. "They died because of me," I whispered, my voice choked with guilt and sorrow.

Sirius reached out, gripping my shoulder firmly. "No, Harry," he said fiercely. "They died for you, not because of you. They loved you more than anything, and they wanted to give you a chance at life. Their sacrifice was an act of love, not a consequence of your existence."

Remus nodded in agreement, his eyes filled with compassion. "Your parents were heroes, Harry. They faced unimaginable danger to protect you, and their love is what has kept you safe all these years. Never forget that."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to overwhelm me. "Thank you for telling me," I said quietly, my voice filled with gratitude. "I needed to hear it, even if it was painful."

Sirius and Remus exchanged a glance, their expressions reflecting a shared understanding of the weight of my request. "You're welcome, Harry," Sirius said softly. "You have a right to know your family's history, the good and the bad."

As the conversation continued, I found myself asking more questions, driven by a desire to piece together the fragmented memories of my past. "What were my parents like?" I asked, my voice filled with longing.

Sirius smiled, a fond look in his eyes as he remembered his best friends. "Your father, James, was a bit of a troublemaker, always getting into mischief. But he had a heart of gold and a fierce loyalty to his friends. He was brave, talented, and loved you and your mother more than anything."

Remus nodded, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "And your mother, Lily, was one of the kindest, most compassionate people I've ever known. She was incredibly intelligent, a gifted witch, and had a strength of character that was truly remarkable. She had a way of seeing the good in everyone, and her love for you and James was boundless."

Their words painted a vivid picture of my parents, filling in the gaps of my memories with stories of love, bravery, and friendship. It was as if they were bringing my parents to life before my eyes, allowing me to feel a connection to them that had always seemed just out of reach.

As the hours passed, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, filled with anecdotes and laughter as Sirius and Remus shared stories of their adventures with my parents. We talked about their time at Hogwarts, the formation of the Marauders, and the many pranks and escapades they had embarked upon together.

"Your father once turned Severus Snape's hair green for an entire week," Sirius said with a chuckle, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Snape was furious, but your dad managed to charm his way out of detention."

Remus laughed, shaking his head at the memory. "And your mother once saved a group of first-years from a particularly nasty hex. She was always looking out for others, even when she didn't have to."

Their stories filled the room with warmth and laughter, weaving together the rich tapestry of my family's history and allowing me to feel a sense of belonging that I had longed for my entire life.

As the evening drew to a close, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the love and support of my friends, and for the opportunity to learn more about the legacy I carried within me.

"Thank you," I said softly, my voice filled with emotion. "Thank you for sharing these memories with me. It means more than I can ever express."

Sirius and Remus smiled, their eyes reflecting the depth of their love and pride for me. "You're welcome, Harry," Remus said gently. "Your parents would be incredibly proud of the person you've become."

Sirius nodded in agreement, his expression filled with warmth. "And remember, Harry, you carry their legacy with you every day. Your love, courage, and strength live on through you."

As I lay in bed that night, the weight of my family's history settling over me like a comforting blanket, I felt a sense of peace and contentment that I had never known before. The stories and memories shared by Sirius and Remus had filled the gaps in my understanding of my past, allowing me to feel truly connected to the legacy that had shaped me.

As I drifted off to sleep, my hand resting on my growing belly, I knew that I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, confident in the knowledge that I was part of something much greater than myself—a legacy of love, courage, and unwavering determination.

The next morning, I awoke with a sense of determination coursing through me. After learning so much about my family's history and the events that had shaped my life, I felt the need to confront another crucial part of my past. I knew I had to speak to Voldemort about the night he attacked my parents and me.

As I made my way through the labyrinthine corridors of Malfoy Manor, my thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions—anger, confusion, and a deep-seated need for answers. I had to understand what had driven him to commit such a horrific act and how he felt about it now. With every step, my resolve grew stronger, and I knew that I would not back down until I had the answers I sought.

When I reached the door to Voldemort's chambers, I took a deep breath and knocked, my heart pounding in my chest. A moment later, the door creaked open, and I was greeted by the sight of Voldemort sitting behind his desk, his expression inscrutable.

"Come in, Harry," he said, his voice smooth and commanding. "What brings you here so early?"

I stepped into the room, closing the door behind me. "I need to talk to you," I said, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging within me. "About the night you attacked my parents and me."

Voldemort's red eyes narrowed slightly, and he gestured for me to sit. "Very well," he said, his tone calm and measured. "What do you wish to know?"

I took a seat across from him, my gaze never leaving his. "I want to understand why you did it," I began, my voice filled with a mixture of curiosity and anger. "What drove you to target my family? And how do you feel about it now?"

Voldemort leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled as he regarded me thoughtfully. "The prophecy," he said simply. "The prophecy that foretold my downfall at the hands of a child born at the end of July. It could have referred to either you or Neville Longbottom, but I chose to act on the information I had."

I nodded, already knowing this part of the story. "But why my parents?" I pressed. "Why did you feel the need to kill them as well?"

Voldemort's expression remained impassive, but I saw a flicker of something—regret, perhaps?—in his eyes. "Your parents were in my way," he said slowly. "They were members of the Order of the Phoenix, actively working against me. They posed a threat, and I believed that eliminating them would remove an obstacle to my power."

His words filled me with a surge of anger, but I forced myself to stay calm, my need for answers outweighing my desire for retribution. "And how do you feel about it now?" I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper. "Do you regret what you did?"

Voldemort's gaze softened slightly, and he looked down at his hands, as if considering his response. "Regret is a complex emotion, Harry," he said quietly. "I regret the loss of potential, the lives that were cut short because of my actions. But at the time, I believed I was acting in the best interest of my cause."

His words hung heavy in the air, and I felt a mix of emotions—anger, sadness, and a strange sense of understanding. "You believed you were doing what was necessary," I said slowly, my mind grappling with the weight of his confession. "But it doesn't change the fact that you took my parents from me."

Voldemort nodded, his expression grave. "I know," he said softly. "And for that, I am truly sorry."

His unexpected apology brought a sense of closure to the wound that had been festering in my heart for so long. It didn't erase the pain of my loss, but it allowed me to see the man before me in a new light—a man driven by fear and ambition, but also capable of reflection and, perhaps, redemption.

"Thank you," I said quietly, my voice filled with a mix of gratitude and sorrow. "Thank you for being honest with me."

Voldemort nodded, his gaze meeting mine with a newfound sense of respect. "You deserve the truth, Harry," he said solemnly. "And I hope that, in time, we can move forward and build a better future together."

As I left his chambers, my mind was a whirlwind of emotions, but I felt a sense of peace that I hadn't known in a long time. The conversation with Voldemort had brought me a step closer to understanding my past and finding a way to reconcile with it.

After my intense conversation with Voldemort, I wandered through the dimly lit halls of Malfoy Manor, my thoughts swirling with everything I had learned. My mind kept drifting back to the idea of safety and stability for my growing family, and I knew I needed to talk to Rabastan about my concerns.

I found Rabastan in the sitting room, a fire crackling softly in the hearth as he read a book. His presence was a comforting beacon, grounding me in the midst of my turbulent emotions. Taking a deep breath, I approached him and sat down on the sofa beside him.

"Rabastan," I began, my voice soft but steady, "there's something I need to talk to you about."

He looked up from his book, his eyes warm and attentive as he set it aside. "Of course, Harry. What is it?"

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "I've been thinking a lot about our future and where we should live once the twins are born," I said, my gaze meeting his. "I don't want to live at Lestrange Manor with Rodolphus there. It doesn't feel safe, and I want us to have a place of our own, where we can build our life together without any outside influences."

Rabastan's expression softened, his eyes reflecting a mixture of understanding and concern. "I understand, Harry," he said gently. "Rodolphus can be unpredictable, and I don't want you or our children to feel unsafe. We can find a place of our own, somewhere where we can create a stable and loving environment for our family."

A wave of relief washed over me at his words, and I reached out to take his hand, squeezing it gently. "Thank you, Rabastan. It means a lot to me that you understand and support this decision."

He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead. "Of course, Harry. Your safety and happiness are my top priorities. We'll find the perfect place to call home, a place where we can build our future together."

As we sat together, discussing our plans and dreams for the future, I felt a sense of hope and excitement growing within me. Despite the challenges we had faced and the uncertainties that still lay ahead, I knew that we could overcome anything with Rabastan by my side.

"We should start looking for a place soon," I said, my voice filled with determination. "Somewhere quiet and safe, where we can raise our children without fear."

Rabastan nodded, his eyes filled with a warmth that made my heart swell. "Agreed. We'll start searching right away. And I promise, Harry, we'll find a place that feels like home for all of us."

The thought of finding our own home, a sanctuary where we could create new memories and build a life together, filled me with a sense of peace and anticipation. It was a new beginning, a fresh start that symbolized hope and possibility for our growing family.

As the fire crackled softly in the hearth and the shadows of the room danced around us, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the man beside me's love and support. With Rabastan, I knew we could face whatever challenges lay ahead, united in our determination to create a future filled with love, safety, and happiness.

Later that evening, as we lay in bed together, the sense of contentment and peace from our earlier conversation lingered. The warmth of Rabastan's embrace and the gentle flutter of our unborn children within me served as a comforting reminder of the life we were building together.

"Rabastan," I said softly, my voice barely more than a whisper in the quiet of the night.

"Yes, Harry?" he replied, his voice filled with gentle curiosity.

"Thank you for understanding and supporting me," I said, my heart swelling. "I couldn't do this without you."

He gently kissed my temple, his voice filled with love. "We'll face everything together, Harry. You, me, and our children. This is just the beginning of our journey, and I wouldn't want to share it with anyone else."

As I drifted off to sleep, my heart filled with hope and love, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together, united by the unbreakable bond we shared and the unwavering love that bound us as a family.