Misty eyes gaze at the two tiny heads -- one dark, one fair -- as they suckle noiselessly. Hearing a small sound, he raises his eyes, and sees her smirking.
"What?"
"They have huge appetites, just like their father." He smirks back.
Two tiny gurgles announce the completion of the meal. "Here, let me take them." He takes his daughter gently into the crook of his arm while she places his son into his other. Two pairs of light grey eyes stare up at him, innocent, completely trusting. He catches his breath. A kiss on one forehead then the other solemnly promises unconditioned love and protection.
A small yawn from Lachlan Thomas receives a loving, motherly caress on his cheek. "We've been selfishly enjoying them for two hours now. I think you should tell them."
"I suppose so." He hands his son back to her and reaches for his wand. Ignoring a surprised gasp, he smiles down at Emma Clarisse and focuses his mind on the one charm that had always eluded him,
"Vox expecto patronum!"
A large, silver lioness, with one cub between her teeth and another on her back, ambles regally through the door toward the anxious grandparents.
***
Disclaimer: The characters featured herein are the property of J.K. Rowling.