Lily smiled when Sirius came back (hours later than he said he would) with a smile and a laughter echoing through the solemn Black house. She would bet her last knut that Harry had agreed to the adoption. Already she and her siblings were having a remarkable effect on this world. The Black family was known for their interest in the darker side of magic. Even if Sirius did not always agree with them he would be able to help them show Harry that dark magic is not exclusively 'bad' magic. Just like her Uncle Draco.

All at once her green eyes widened and she spoke in a panicked whisper, "Uncle Draco."

Russell frowned, "That was a little random. What about Uncle?"

"We need to make sure he begins to get along with the Weasley clan. You know how much it hurt Aunt when they made her choose between her love and her extended family."

"I thought Aunt said they were horrible to each other in school. They only got over it because of a project at the ministry. How are we going to get them to be friends now?"

"We just have to convince Uncle to show his true colors sooner! They were still school rivals until next year after all. Maybe the Dark Lord won't give him that mission."

Sephy turned her head, joining the conversation for the first time, "Oh yes because our last request to the Dark Lord went so well…"

"Well he is writing to Harry like we suggested."

The girl stood up, "I say we just tell Harry that we need him to become friends with Draco. He'll listen to us."

"Of course he would. But Uncle Draco won't! He's much too upset about everything right now if I'm right this is the summer he gets Marked."

That's when Sirius' voice draws their attention to the fact they are currently sitting in the library with the door wide open.

"Draco Malfoy is going to be Marked? This summer? I have to tell Dumbledore."

Three voices chorused their vehement denials.

Russel was the one to rush to grip the older man's arm and pull him from the door.

"You can't! We're hoping he might not even be Marked at all. Things are already changing a lot around here, more than you guys can know and we have barely interfered at all. He may not be Marked. He may be turning against his family. We can't know for sure yet."

Sephy spoke up again, "Plus, even if he does get Marked, Dumbledore will already know. After all he has Professor Snape to tell him."

"There is no way that conniving cowardly snake has ever been on our side, no matter what Dumbledore says."

Lily stood up, her hair practically on end, "You have no idea what you're talking about. Severus Snape was a war hero. And unlike you he protected Harry, he has been there for Harry for years. So no he may not be loyal to you or Dumbledore but he will do anything to protect Harry and don't you dare call him a coward!"

And the redheaded girl disappeared from sight.

"She's a personal connection with Severus Snape."

"What is he her Uncle or something?"

"No. He just died to save her life. And the lives of others. Don't talk about things you don't know. I would suggest avoiding Lily for a few days."

Sirius stared blankly as the boy followed his sister from the room, "She's ten!"

"She'll be eleven in a couple of months."

Sirius startled when Sephy spoke up, turning to look at the quiet girl whose presence he had forgotten.

"That's not the point. Lily's temper is terrible, and she has really bad bursts of accidental magic still, especially when she's angry."

Sirius turned his eyes back to the now empty doorway and was silent for a few moments before he turned back to the young girl.

"Eleven? Will you all be going to Hogwarts this year then?"

She shrugged, "I don't know. Technically we turn eleven on October 16th but that's in 2010. Of course when we were in our time it was already August. Our birthday would be in August your time here, assuming we kept our own timeline for aging."

"That's…complicated."

"Yeah, it just gets too convoluted and dependent on too many unknown variables. We opted not to think about it until we got our letters or didn't as the case may be."

Sirius continued to watch the girl as she flipped another page in her book, "How are you doing that?"

"What?"

"Reading?"

Sephy's face broke into a wide grin, "My Aunt designed me a couple of spells. They are mostly just variations on ones that already existed, basically I can cast a spell on a book and it reads it out loud to me. Of course that makes it hard to enjoy our family reading nights. So she made one that works like headphones."

"Headphones?"

"Oh. Sorry, I forgot you guys aren't as integrated with muggle technology as Aunt and Uncle made us. Basically it's a way to listen to something like music or something but without everyone else having to listen to it as well."

"Wow. Your aunt sounds amazing. Do I know her?"

"I would assume so. I know you know both of my fathers. I would assume that meant you know my Aunt. But I can't confirm that, whole future and modified timeline thing."

Sirius snorted, "I have a feeling you three are taking advantage of your time here to do exactly that."

"I have no idea what you mean."

Sephy smiled as Sirius' laughter filled her head and turned her face back to her book, reactivating the charm. She listened to the detailed description of the incident and couldn't help but laugh. The author was good, but really- who would believe a random lawyer turning into a cockroach overnight?

(0,0)

The triplets were in the sitting room continuing the family tradition of spending as much time a week as possible filled with the knowledge pulled from pages of books, when the floo went off.

The three siblings froze and waited for the imminent arrival. The older two let out a breath of relief at the sight of a familiar form stumbling into the room out of the flames. Sephy's grin broke out at the cheerful greeting.

"Hey guys!"

"Harry! What are you doing here?"

The older boy chuckled at the unison greeting and grabbed each of them into their own quick hug before answering.

"Well. Remus asked about you all today and Molly remembered you when Remus mentioned you, even without the runes herself. We think that the spell, whatever it is, works less when a person has a personal memory with you. Such as my rescuing you and then interacting with you here and Molly over here that afternoon and Sirius obviously remembers you all."

Russell grinned, "Does that mean we can give them to everyone else?"

"Actually we wanted to try something first. Sirius mentioned you all going to Hogwarts this year, maybe, and we decided that you should be able to if we're right. But that means we need to test it, so we're throwing a birthday party for you guys!"

Lily frowned, "But I thought today was your birthday."

"It is. We'll throw you guys a party to test the theory next month, on your real birthday, more or less. But first we need memories, which means you all need to come to my party to make those memories."

The triplets all let out noises of excitement, but Sephy was the one who stood out, leaning over to grip Harry's sleeve and draw his attention, "We get to come to your birthday party? Really?"

"Absolutely. But that means you'll have to put down your books for a couple of hours this afternoon."

Harry grinned as the younger girls gave out a shriek. He shared a commiserating smile with Russell until he was startled by Lily's sudden shout.

"We have to go change! We'll see you at the Burrow, Harry. I'm guessing it starts at two?"

The sixteen-year-old Gryffindor's response was lost under the sound of running feet and high pitched giggling.

"I will never understand girls."

"Me either. But after living with those two and my Aunt I've learned that it's best to just sit back until they ask you a question."

"What do you know, Hermione taught me the same thing."

They shared a laugh before Russell pulled out a bag of familiar pieces.

"What do you say to a couple rounds of gobstones?"

Harry grinned, "You're on."

(0,0)

Countless rounds of gobstones, a few of exploding snap, and one round of chess (Harry's first ever win) later and the girls finally reappeared.

Harry smiled to see them both standing in summer dresses and their hair done in braids.

"Well, look at these two lovely ladies."

Lily giggled while Sephy's eyes rolled, "Really?"

Harry stuck his nose up in mock affront, "Well then, if you don't appreciate my comments, I'll just accompany this young lady through." He offered a cheesy bow to the taller girl, "Lady Lilly."

She laughed and let him pull her into his side, her arm tucked into his, just a little higher than was really comfortable. But the smile on both their faces indicated a complete lack of complaint, despite both discomforts.

Russell couldn't help but cringe when Lily went through with Harry. The older boy was not exactly known for his graceful exits, floo or otherwise. There was a ninety percent chance that he was going to end up on the ground and taking the girl with him.

Still, he could not let it be said that Harry Potter had more charm than Russell. With an extravagant bow he held a hand out to Sephy who grinned at the sound of his near stumble but held out her hand nonetheless and allowed her brother to escort her through the floo.

(0,0)

The party was going well. As well as could be imagined anyway. Not all of the Order members (okay, Moody and Shacklebolt) were happy to have the three triplets arriving with Harry Potter. But Molly was insistent that if Harry Potter wanted to have them at his party then Harry Potter would have them at his party. When Sirius backed her up the two other wizards let it slide, thought they were sure to keep an eye on the three supposed trouble makers.

The children were far more accepting of their new friends. Sephy catching their attention by pranking the Weasley twins and Lily fitting right in with the other redheads (although her hair was more auburn). Russell took a little longer to make his mark but between smiling and nodding at a rambling Luna and arguing quidditch with the older boys, he grew on everyone as well.

Harry himself could not help grinning as they all got along splendidly. Although he was not surprised nor all that disappointed when the youngest Weasley children called for yet another quidditch game. He rose to his feet and for the first time noticed Sephy grow distant. Her siblings racing for brooms as she settled on the grass by the adults, as if to watch.

"What's wrong, Seph?"

She gave a half-hearted shrug, "I'm not a big fan of quidditch games."

"Well why not?"

"I only hear the commentary."

Harry frowned, "I still like listening to the football game on the radio. It's not the same but I can still do it, and you listen to a whole bunch of other books."

"It's different."

"Why? I don't mean to push, but you're acting strange, Seph."

"I can't fly, okay? I wanted to and Uncle offered to fly with me, but Aunt thought it was too dangerous, she doesn't like flying, you see. She was just worried about me."

Harry bit his lip, "Well, I may not know your Aunt, but I have heard from a well-credited source that I am the youngest seeker in a century, or I was anyway. I doubt your Aunt would really mind my taking you up."

"I don't know…"

"Well I mean if you're scared we don't have to fly. But we could at least go a little ways, give you something to remember."

The girl shot to her feet, "Just because I haven't done it before doesn't make me scared. I'm nervous. It's perfectly okay to be worried about something new."

"Worried is one thing. The trick is knowing whether or not you're going to get on the broom anyway."

"Well of course I'm going to get on."

"Oh good, because the only broom I have is the Firebolt and it is not exactly known for being a slow broom."

The ten year old swallowed but allowed Harry to pull her over to the makeshift pitch nonetheless. He gave her a few basic safety spiels, don't lean away from him, if she's ever worried just say something and he would land, they were going to start slow, all of that jazz. But now that she had decided she was going to do this, Sephy just wanted to get on the broom.

"Jeez, Dad. I'm ready already."

Russell whipped his head around at her words, becoming more shocked as he realized that she was actually getting ready to get on the broom.

"Lily."

The red head turned her own head and saw Harry laughing off something Sephy had said as he guided her over the broom. She went to protest but her brother caught her arm. She met his eyes and at his small head shake allowed herself to be pulled back into the proper game, it looked like Harry was going to be sitting this one out.

"Okay, Seph. First I want you to hold out your right hand. Now call 'Up.'"

"Ummm…up?"

The broom shifted on the grass and Sephy flinched slightly. Harry put a hand on her shoulder.

"The broom is just going to go into your hand. But it won't unless you're confident about it. You have to tell it to come to your hand, don't ask."

She nodded and rolled her shoulders, sticking her right hand out once more, "Up!"

She rocked slightly when the broom smacked against her hand but the grin on her face was undeniable.

"Great! Now put your other hand on it and you're going to swing your right leg over the handle until you're straddling it."

Soon enough the girl was set in place, nerves still obvious despite her excitement.

"Okay, now I'm going to get on behind you. I'll grab just behind your hands, so I'll be reaching around you."

Sephy nodded and waited patiently as the older boy slid into position, "Are we going to fly, now?"

"Yep. On the count of three we're going to kick off from the ground. Then you're going to relax and I'll steer and we'll go for a ride."

"Let's do it!"

Harry grinned and counted. On the final number Harry and Sephy both kicked off and the girl gave a little shriek as her feet left the ground.

"Oh God!" She tightened her grip on the wood as she was pretty sure that her stomach had stayed on the ground.

Harry's laugh echoed around her and she took comfort in his arms. He slowly guided the broom around the pitch and Sephy began to relax. Then she felt Harry stiffen behind her, she could have sworn she heard the smirk but before she could protest they were diving.

Her scream echoed around the pitch and blended into a laught as Harry did a complete reverse and they took off into the sky. With the air whipping past her and the sun warming her face Sephy could not help the smile and laughter. She leaned into Harry as he led her through loops, spins, and barrel rolls, squealing every time she felt the shifting of the broom. When they finally registered the voices of the others, she felt Harry begin the decent and although she couldn't stop her smile she couldn't help but regret the end of their ride.

When her feet were firmly on the ground she spun on her foot and leapt into the air, wrapping her arms around the taller boy's neck.

"Thank you, Harry."

She felt his own arms around her, "Anytime, Sephy, anytime."

When he set her down, she felt a hand reach out and brush her cheek, "Hey, what's up with the tears?"

Sephy took a step back reaching her hand up to her own face, "Oh. I didn't realize. Probably just windburn or something. I'll go see if I can help with anything, thank you again."

She felt Harry's eyes on her, but as she walked towards the sounds of her sibling's voices she couldn't help but wonder what Harry would think if he knew.

(0,0)

It was after cake and dinner that people began carting out the presents. He played it off as nothing, but anyone could tell by the slow and careful way he pealed back each piece of paper that he felt far more than he let on.

After getting a new chess set, another set of robes, some candy, a couple of books, a series of new Wheezes and blatant permission to come and check out their store, Harry could not imagine a more perfect day.

Which was when the horned owl swept through the window and dropped the letter and package on Harry's lap. With an affection nip the grumpy looking owl disappeared without a trace.

"Harry?"

The family looked tensely at the package Harry was holding, but the boy was already tearing into the paper. He couldn't think of anything that Darcell could be sending him but seeing as he hadn't the foggiest idea as to why the man was still writing him in the first place… The gift wasn't exactly the first question on his mind.

When he opened a book a letter writing etiquette he couldn't help but laugh. Definitely a Slytherin then. As if he had any doubt before this.

He showed everyone the book but the only eyes that seemed interested or amused were those of the triplets and he gave them a big grin despite the worried glances from the adults.

"I did this thing and I ended up with a pen pal who just so happened to be a wizard. He and I have been writing to each other for a while. I promise I checked the letters for spells and such."

"What about that last one, Potter? You had no way of checking."

"Dobby has a habit of showing up whenever I'm in life threatening conditions. Every once in a while it goes in my favor."

As the day drew to a close the siblings reluctantly returned to number 12. They could only hope that the experiment was a success as they really did not want to miss those memories should everyone else forget and they really wanted the chance to go to Hogwarts. They spent the hour or so before bed reliving the exciting day in great detail.

"Of course, Sephy here, got the best deal out of it."

"Yeah! How'd Harry talk you into getting on the broom?"

Sephy shrugged, "He basically called me a coward. I fell for it, but it was amazing! I almost wish I could do it myself, but Harry was amazing."

"You do realize that you are getting attached, right?"

The girls looked up at their brother, "What do you mean?"

"We may be going back. Anytime, for any reason. I don't think it's such a good idea to get this close to them when we could just disappear."

Lily gave a sad smile, "We could, but I think I would rather them have happy memories of us and have memories of our own to share then toss them away on a chance."

"Besides, it could be years before we 'disappear' as you say. I'm not going to waste the next three years or more because I could be gone the next day."

"Exactly." Lily, smiled at her sister, gripping her hand in her own, "We should live each day like our last, you know since it may be."

Russell snorted, "We'll be going back to a future that is hopefully better than the one we had. Not dying."

Lily laughed and Sephy forced her own uncertain smile.

(0,0)

Two weeks later the children woke to the smell of chicken and waffles. They sped down the stairs, suddenly starving at the smell they all equated with Sundays at home. Lily squealed when she caught sight of the familiar head of brown curls.

"Aunt Mione!"

She swarmed forward, but instead of being greeted with a hug in return, the girl she was holding awkwardly patted her on the back.

The voice that spoke was as uncomforting as it was familiar, "Well a good morning to you."

Russell was the one to grip Lily's shoulder and pull her back, "We're still in 1996, Lils."

"Oh…"

Hermione was suddenly distraught when she caught sight of tears welling in the youngsters eyes, "Oh, love. It's okay."

She got down on her knees and pulled the girl into another hug, this one meant to comfort. The poor things must miss their family something awful and to come running in expecting someone. That would be terrible. She knew how she felt some mornings when she woke up and realized she was at Hogwarts and not with her parents.

Sephy was the next one to speak, standing behind her brother with her hand clutched firmly in his.

"It's the chicken and waffles. Our Aunt used to make them for us when we had holidays or something to celebrate. And Sunday mornings."

"Well. I do like my chicken and waffles to start the day."

Russell tried to backpedal, "You wouldn't have made them otherwise. Our Aunt loves them too. She learned to make them-"

"With my mother and aunt after she came back from America." Hermione finished.

The two older triplets shared a look, worried obviously about giving something away. It was a smart decision to avoid that, Hermione had learned about the dangers of time travel two years ago herself. Although she was a little bitter to discover that there were no more time turners after their trip to the Ministry. They were terrified of messing everything up.

She gave into her desire and pulled the other two into her hug as well, "It's okay. I'm the smart one, remember? I'm not going to do anything, except maybe try to get Ron to befriend Draco. He's your Uncle right? Harry and he must become good friends if that's what you call him. I'm sure Ron isn't ever very supportive of that."

Lily and Russell exchanged a look from over Hermione's shoulders. Ron was not ever supportive, but that was because Hermione left him for Uncle Draco. They wouldn't tell her that though, but maybe having someone from their future would be nice.

"What do you mean about Uncle Draco and Harry?"

Hermione rolled her eyes as she bopped Sephy on the nose, "I'd have to be as thick as Ron to miss the fact that you all look a whole lot like him. He's one of your fathers. I have guesses as to who the other is."

Russell looked distinctly panicked at that, "But you can't know!"

"I don't want to know. But Harry hasn't even realized that he's at least a little interested in guys yet. It hasn't occurred to him yet that you three could be his."

"Yeah, he's are 'mum' sort of."

"I'm going to hope he has damn good reason for leaving the three of you with Malfoy. But obviously this Aunt of yours has done him some good if the three of you are any indication."

They grinned at her but refused any more information and Hermione laughed at there stubbornness.

"Good. Now sit down and eat your waffles. Happy Birthday, kids."

And as the triplets sat down and dug into their breakfast they couldn't help but think that this was the best birthday they could have ever hoped for. More so when they were interrupted during seconds by the sound of an owl rapping on the window.

Hermione lifted the pane and the bird soared in, dropping three nearly identical letters in the middle of the table.

The older witch was gleaming as she handed them their respective envelopes, "Looks like they go by your age rather than birth date."

Sephy broke her seal and nearly squealed with joy when she discovered the small bumps on the page. They had written to her in Braille!

"This is amazing!"

"So I take this means that you three will need to join us for our Diagon Alley trip then?"

Three squeals of delight had the Hermione covering her ears even as her smile nearly split her face.

"What's all this about, then?" Sirius' sudden appearance did nothing to curb the delight of the youngsters.

"They got their Hogwarts letters. I think they decided to go."

Sirius smiled at all of them even as his nose scrunched at the sight of their breakfast.

"Who puts chicken on waffles!"

(0,0)

Lily, Sephy and Russell were ecstatic throughout their day at the Burrow. They couldn't have their party at the Black house because of the Fidelius, but they had gotten permission for another gathering at the country home.

Mrs. Weasley had been overjoyed at the thought of hosting yet another party and had eagerly gotten into the swing of things. She had been dismayed to discover she knew next to nothing about the three little ones and had been spending the last two weeks rectifying that fact.

She now knew that Lily was as big on quidditch as anyone in her family, although she lacked the natural talent of Harry or Charlie. Russell was very interested in muggle things, but unlike Arthur he understood them all and was active in the idea of implementing some of the muggle technology into the magic world. Sephy was more interested in people, learning how and why they reacted to things the way they did. But would settle for anything sweet or a good book.

So with gifts prepared and cakes laid out the Weasley matriarch eagerly awaited the arrival of the missing guests of honor. Their faces when they laid eyes on the three small cakes that looked as though they could make one larger cake. Brought joy to everyone else's faces in tandem.

When she handed them each knives and they started divvying up their cakes they were delighted to find that each was made in their favorite flavors. Lemon for Russell, white with strawberry filling for Lily, and red velvet for Sephy. The designs on top reflected all of their favorites and when they were given their gift they all couldn't help but smile.

Everyone was chipping in so that they could get all of the gear they would need for their first year at Hogwarts.

It seemed that they had discovered a family despite being so very far from their home.

Okay, that got incredibly sappy there, I wasn't really sure where this was going, but I think I like it! Thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far and a congratulations to semantics who was the first to guess that Hermione was The Aunt the triplets kept talking about and to everyone who figured out who the other father is. Next Chapter will be up one week from today and we'll see the end of the summer. I wanted to dedicate a chapter to the triplets since they are supposed to be the stars of this story, but we'll see more between Harry and Voldemort too!

Thanks for reading everyone and I'll see you in a week, let me know if there's anything you want to know and place bets on who will be housed where!