Chapter Four: Adjusting

I rocked back and forth in the rocking chair as I fed Zi. Lyra and Ginny, since her mom was helping us out, was already asleep in her crib and Sirius was attempting to get Al asleep while Harry was playing with Ron and the twins in the living room with Molly. Thank god for that woman. I don't know how we would have made it if she hadn't been there while we tried to get the younger ones asleep.

They were barely a month old and already I've had my hands full with juggling a hyperactive almost two-year-old and three whiney babies. Harry's birthday is in five days and I really need to plan his party, but I've also have to take Zi to the hospital to make sure his rash is healing up, do the laundry, wash the dishes, and make sure Sirius packs his lunch correctly! I'm going to lose my mind!

"Hey honey?" Sirius asked. "How about when Al's asleep I take care of Zi and you sleep. I know you haven't sleep through the night since they were born and I'm sure Molly will help you plan Harry's party when you wake up,"

I sighed and shook my head. "There's too much to do Sirius," I said. "I have to clean the house, do the dishes, and get Zi to his appointment today at six. I can't sleep now!"

Molly came into the room with Harry and Ron on her hip with the twins trailing behind her. "I did the dishes and the laundry already Rose," she said. "I can finish up the rest of the house while these rascals take a nap. You can take a nap with them. I'll make sure your up in time for the appointment,"

"I owe you Molly," I said. "How can you do this Molly? I can barely keep my temper when Sirius is helping me! You do it all by yourself!"

"It becomes natural instinct after a while dearie," Molly said. "Now, go get some sleep! Sirius and I can handle it from here,"

I smiled at her and left for my bedroom. I was so tired. Why hadn't anyone suggested this before? I guess Sirius was right; we needed a house-elf to clean if we were going to be able to keep up with the kids and not kneel over from exhaustion!

Sirius' P.O.V

I smiled in relief as my wife finally went to bed. I put the now sleeping Alcor in his crib and then put Zi in his. Molly put the twins down to nap while I took care of Harry and Ron. "Are you sure about the house-elf?" Molly asked. "I know you had a bad experience with Kreacher,"

"I'm sure Molly," I said. "I'll do anything to make my wife relax. She's been through a lot and I think she shouldn't worry so much. Besides, if she's asleep and one of the kids wake up and I'm at work, the house-elf can take care of him or her while she catches up on her z's,"

"But don't get too reliant on a house-elf," Molly warned. "The children need you too,"

I laughed and nodded. "I'll be back within the hour," I said. "Got to pick up the house-elf and Harry's birthday present,"

Molly nodded and I left through the floo. When I landed at Trevor's house he was waiting with two house-elves. "Sodapop won't leave without Fizz," he sighed. "It's either both or none. I can't separate them. Their brothers, it would just be too cruel,"

I looked at the two house-elves clutching each other like a lifeline. I knew what it was like to lose a brother and I wasn't going to let anyone else feel my pain if I could help it. I stared at the two and I began to laugh. "Do you honestly think I mind?" I asked. "We have four babies; we can use every hand we can get!"

Both Sodapop and Fizz launched themselves at me. "Thank you Master Black!" they shouted in unison. "Sodapop and Fizz won't make Master Black upset!"

"Please, just Sirius," I said. "Master Black makes me feel like my father,"

"Master Sirius is too kind!" Sodapop said. "Let's Sodapop keep Fizz and call him Master Sirius! Much too kind!"

I looked up at Trevor. "I'll owl you on how their doing twice a month, promise," I said.

"Go on," Trevor said. "I know you have a present to get your godson,"

"Sodapop and Fizz," I said. "Go to the Black Ranch," They disappeared with a pop and I left for Heilon Lane.

Heilon Lane is the Diagon Alley of the United States. They have Mister Holloway who makes wands and Madame Rosetta who makes robes. But I was heading for Play Things for Tots. Inside were the teddy bear and the toy broom I had picked out last week for the tyke. "All set to go Mister Black," the shopkeeper said. "Please come again!"

I quickly muttered a charm to wrap the gifts and went back home. Molly was getting her family ready to leave and I saw Fizz playing with Harry on the floor. "Welcome back Master Sirius," Fizz squeaked. "Master Harry and Fizz just playing,"

"Thank you Fizz," I said. "Nothing from the triplets?"

"Sodapop went to check," Fizz said. "Madame Black is still sleeping,"

"It is Madame Rose, Fizz," I said. "She hates sounding like my mother,"

Fizz smiled and took a block out of Harry's mouth before he could choke on it. "Block nots for eating Master Harry," he said.

"Uncie Pad'oot!" Harry screeched and came running over once he saw that Fizz had been talking to me. "Play with Fizz too!"

I laughed and joined the tyke and the elf on the floor as Sodapop came down with Zi. "Is somethings wrong with Master Zi?" he asked.

"He has a really bad rash," I said. "We're going to take him to see the healer in a few hours,"

He nodded and went to change the fuzzy baby's diaper. I smiled as he left. Everything was going to be just fine.