Of Dresses & Babies

Daisy bustled around in the kitchen, getting tea and such ready. Lucy was already in the living room watching some muggle reality show on the telly while they waited for Louis to arrive with the dresses he had picked out for the two of them to try on for the ball.

Daisy had sent Wills away, wanting him to be surprised by her final choice.

"What sort of look are you planning to go for this time?" Lucy called out, looking into the kitchen. Daisy walked in, tea and all the fixings on a tray following her.

"Not sure yet. I usually just trust Louis," she said. "He always brings about five or so and the one is always in there." Lucy nodded and looked back at the TV.

"He should be here soon," she said, glancing at the time.

"As long as he doesn't get held up at the international floo. Or by the aurors outside," Daisy said with a sigh.

"I thought for a moment they wouldn't let me in," Lucy said, nearly rolling her eyes.

"Not sure why they get so hardcore about it. You wouldn't make it through the main door if it wasn't you," Daisy said. "The wards are tailored to your magic and DNA. So, someone disguised as you - even if they had your wand - wouldn't be able to enter."

"I don't think I'll ever understand Prostatis magic," Lucy said with a shrug.

"It's not that complicated," Daisy said with a chuckle.

"Says the Prostatis," Lucy muttered. A knock at the door had both of them silent. Daisy jumped up and made for the door as Lucy stood, a grin starting to fill her face. After checking through the peephole, Daisy threw open the door and hugged Louis, who was carrying a rather ordinary looking suitcase.

"You made it! I hope the aurors didn't give you trouble," she said.

"Not much," Louis replied as Daisy let him go and he walked in. "Good to see you, Luce."

"You as well. Feel like I hardly ever see you nowadays," she said, as she hugged him.

"The wedding wasn't all that long ago," he replied.

"I know. But with you being in Paris and all," she said. "How's work?"

"Good. I showed my boss some of my designs and he thinks I've got potential," he said, grinning. "I've got nearly enough saved up that I might be able to start my own design house in the next year or so. For the time being, he's letting me do some for his upcoming line."

"That's amazing, Louis!" Daisy exclaimed, genuinely meaning it. She knew he had always had a love for fashion since they were all at Hogwarts, constantly doodling things on his parchment rather than taking notes. "Perhaps next year you can design our dresses rather than pick them."

Louis chuckled and ran his fingers through his hair as a faint blush came over his face.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," he said.

"So, are those the dresses?" Lucy asked, looking at the suitcase. This was her first time allowing her cousin to dress her for the ball and she was already bouncing on her toes in excitement.

"Yes," he said. He put the suitcase on the ground and then opened it, allowing it to lie flat. He then stood back and the three watched as it expanded to reveal a rack with about a dozen garment bags of varying sizes. Louis then walked over and started pulling gowns out of their wrappings. "These over here are for Luce and these over here are yours, Pix."

The two women edged closer, their eyes lighting up. Lucy lightly ran her fingers over the delicate silk of one.

"These are fantastic," she said, pushing her glasses up her nose. "But… I'm not sure I can pull off pink." Louis chuckled.

"It's fuchsia and you'd be surprised. With the right shade, you'll look amazing," he said, smiling at her.

"Just trust him, Luce," Daisy said, smiling over at her.

"Didn't realize just how short your hair was at the wedding," Louis said, turning to Daisy. "Looks good."

"Thanks. Just needed a change is all. Not sure why I didn't cut it earlier. It's loads easier to deal with," she said, pulling a slinky silver dress off the rack and inspecting it. "Going for something more daring this year, are we?" She raised an eyebrow at her cousin.

"Why not? You're easily the top seeker in the League. You've come out about your amazing gifts - well most of them, anyway - and you've got the body for it. Might as well show it off," he said, arranging the dresses.

"That looks like something Dom would wear," Lucy said, looking over. Daisy had her head tilted to the side as she inspected it.

"Might as well make a statement," she replied, grinning.

"Go on up and change into the first ones. I'll get things arranged down here," Louis said, bending down to reach into the suitcase under the rack. The two women bounded up the stairs to Daisy and Wills' bedroom.

By the time they had changed and come back down, Louis had set up a three-paneled mirror with lights and a small platform. He turned to the two, smiling.

"Knew they would look brilliant on you," he said.

"Certainly seeing a bit more of Daisy that I'm used to," Lucy said, glancing at her cousin. Daisy walked over and stood in front of the mirrors, slowly taking the dress in from various angles.

"Suppose this is what years of quidditch will do to you," she said, glancing over at her cousins.

"Wish I had signed up," Lucy muttered, taking in Daisy's toned body. The dress was silver with a plunging neckline and see-through cutouts. There wasn't much to it.

"Could you imagine Dad's face if I walked in wearing this?" Daisy asked, smiling. Lucy chuckled as Louis studied Daisy for a bit, stepping up and then moving around her.

"Makes a statement, but now that I see it on you, I'm not sure if this is the one," he said, crossing his arms in front of him.

"Yea. I like it, but I sense what you're saying," Daisy said, looking back in the mirror. "Not quite sure if this is 'Pixie Wood.'"

"Next one, then," Louis said. Daisy stepped over to the rack as Lucy stepped up and took in the dress, turning slightly to see it from different angles.

"You certainly were right. Never thought this color would work with my hair," she said.

"Sometimes you just need to take a risk," Louis said, stepping up and tucking in here and three. "The fit needs a bit of work, though. Could fix that easily if you want to wear it."

"As much as I love the color, it's a tad bit uncomfortable," Lucy said, pulling at it a bit. "And I'm worried I'll be pulling these straps up all night without a few sticking charms."

"Can't have you in something that's not comfortable, can we?" Louis replied, stepping back. "Let's see you in that black one…"

The three continued on for another hour or so, with Daisy and Lucy making their way through the dresses, with stories and laughter filling the flat. Louis told them about the new assistant brought on and how annoying he was. Giggles would often filter down from the bedroom every time the two went up to change until they suddenly stopped.

"Oh, Luce! That one's perfect!" Daisy exclaimed. There was a pounding of feet. Louis looked up as Daisy dragged Lucy down the stairs and then shoved her in front of the mirrors. Lucy smiled as she spun around and took it in from various angles. It was a soft cream color with tiny black, sparkling straps. The waist was trimmed in the same black and it ran along the top. The sides were open in a v-shape from her armpit to the waist. The skirt flowed out around her.

"Figured you'd like that one," Louis said, smiling. "A touch of daring, but not too much."

"It really is perfect, isn't it?" Lucy said, still studying it in the mirrors. "Yes, I think this is it." She looked over at Daisy, who was grabbing the last dress Louis picked out for her and already going back up the stairs. "But you didn't even look at that one in the mirror!"

"I already know it's not the one," Daisy said lightly.

"She's right," Louis said, watching her. Lucy looked over at him and hugged him.

"Thank you, Louis," she said. He chuckled.

"What are cousins for?" he asked. Lucy then hurried upstairs to change into her normal attire. She had come back down before Daisy was finished, carrying the dress. Louis quickly did it up in the garment bag and Lucy delicately draped it across the armchair.

"I knew it'd be that one," Louis said, drawing her attention. Lucy looked up, seeing a grinning Daisy stopped at the top of the stairs.

"Merlin, Daisy…" she murmured. Daisy made her way down the stairs slowly accompanied by the soft swish of the material and then walked over to the mirror, barely containing her grin. "Thought you hated ball gowns."

"It's not a ball gown," Daisy said, turning slowly. "It's not nearly as poofy." Louis chuckled as he walked over to her.

"Knew the fit would be perfect," he said.

"Can't wait for Wills to see it," Daisy replied, the gold sparkles on the dress glittering under the lights.

"You should wear your hair down," Louis said.

"I was thinking the same thing," Daisy replied.

"Good, now go get out of that so we can eat and catch up," Louis said. Daisy lifted the skirt and quickly made her way back up the stairs. After she had changed and the dress was safely in her closet enclosed in a garment bag with a charm to keep a curious Wills out of it, she came back downstairs to see Louis had packed up the suitcase and he and Lucy were busy moving food from the kitchen to the living room.

"How are you dealing with all the extra security?" he asked, glancing over at Daisy.

"I've slowly come around to it," she replied.

"Meaning she complains every so often rather than constantly," Lucy said. Daisy shot her a look.

"They've got French aurors checking in with me once a week," Louis said. "Just to make sure no one's kidnapped me or anything."

"Christos and Aunt Iris came over and reinforced the wards on our flat," Lucy said. "But we already get some of the extra protection just by being around Daisy so much. Suppose it helps that Witch Weekly's got a fair amount of protection on its own."

"Why?" Daisy asked. "Worried someone will steal next month's cover article?"

"Sort of," Lucy said. "And you know we cover more serious topics now."

"A bit. You still make your bread and butter off gossip," Daisy replied as she sat on the floor and reached for a crisp.

"Don't remind me," Lucy said, rolling her eyes slightly. "I'm still fighting off the gossip department on a nearly daily basis."

"Still out for stories on Daisy?" Louie asked.

"No, that would be the sports department. Gossip come after me about James now," Lucy replied. "Apparently he's attempting to fill the shoes left by Wills and Alan. 'James Potter… the League's New Ladies Man?' He's been seen taking a few different women out on dates." Daisy chuckled and shook her head.

"Why does that not surprise me," she said.

"You lot have become too boring being locked up all the time," Lucy said. "Especially since you always go out in disguise on the rare occasion you're allowed."

"Quidditch Monthly wants an interview," Daisy said absentmindedly. "Curious to see how it is I'm breaking my own records from last season whilst under constant threat."

"Because you're bloody brilliant, that's why," Louis said. Daisy smiled at him appreciatively.

"Rather with the lack of a social life, the only thing I have to focus on is quidditch," Daisy said. "I can't even go out with the team after practice unless it's been approved and that takes a few days to coordinate."

"I couldn't do it," Louis said. "I'd go mad."

"I'm about to most days," Daisy said. "You should see my collection of potions and antidotes. I'm overstocked."

"At least you have quidditch," Louis said. Daisy nodded.

"Lily said they've started up a defense club at school. The new DADA professor has been teaching them all additional tactics and giving them more opportunities to practice," she said.

"New? What happened to Prof. Walden?" Lucy asked. Daisy chuckled.

"You do remember what a joke he was," she said. "I'm surprised McGonagall kept him as long as she did. Lily said he was sacked last year and they brought in this new one - Matilda Rickson. She's apparently loads better."

"That's good," Louis said. "Uncle Harry doesn't have as much time now to do additional tutoring like he did with all of us." Lucy laughed, remembering how he'd get all the older cousins together over holidays and breaks to work with them on their protective magic, determined that they would all be prepared just in case anything were to happen.

"My favorite times were always when Aunt Iris would help," Lucy said. "The triplets would be too afraid to pull a prank so we learned more."

"I'm sure those lessons were the only reason Jamie passed at Hogwarts," Daisy said. "And the reason why the class was a walk in the park for the rest of us." The three went silent a moment, their thoughts turning to the reason why McGonagall had increased DADA learning.

"I'm sure it's just a protective measure," Louis said. "No one thinks that the Network would actually attack Hogwarts. They've got no reason to." Daisy nodded slowly.

"Saw an article in the Prophet the other day. Seems the Chinese ministry arrested an operative that had managed to make his way to their auror department," Daisy said.

"There was a similar article about the Argentine ministry last week," Lucy added. "Since the forum all the world wizarding governments have been cleaning house. Been reading about arrests nearly every week since."

"At least everyone is taking it seriously," Daisy said.

"Hopefully it'll all be over soon," Lucy said. Louis took in the glum looks of his cousins and huffed.

"Can we please talk about something other than this?" he asked. "You two are depressing." Daisy shot him a small smile.

"Regal us with stories of married life, Luce," she said.

A few days later, Victoire chuckled as Lucy and Molly plumped the cushions behind her on the sofa yet again while Dominique brought her some tea.

"Seriously! I'm fine! I'm not even showing yet!" she exclaimed, pushing the two of them away. Daisy scrunched up her face, staring intently across the coffee table at Victoire's stomach, wine glass in hand.

"I can tell," she finally said before taking a sip. "Barely. But I can tell." Victoire rolled her eyes.

"When will we know what it is?" Dominique asked, sitting in an armchair with her own glass.

"In a few weeks, but we've decided to be surprised," Victoire said, sipping her tea. "So you lot will find out when we do – when he or she is born."

"Are you excited?" Molly asked.

"Of course we are. It's a bit unexpected, but we're happy," Victoire answered.

"I can't believe I'm going to be an aunt," Dominique said, smiling to herself. "I'm going to spoil her rotten."

"It could be a boy," Victoire said.

"Could. But I'm certain it's a girl," Dominique said. "Don't ask me how, I just feel it in my bones." Victoire chuckled.

"Whatever it is, it'll be spoiled rotten by the entire family," Victoire said. "Gran's already brought over a box of toys and we haven't even started on the nursery yet. Andromeda's also brought over a load of blankets and such. Mum swears she's not shopping, but I saw a ton of bags in one of the spare rooms the last time we stopped by Shell Cottage with Bromilda's Baby Shoppe on the side."

"The baby shower is going to be mad," Lucy said, tucking her legs under her. "I know for a fact all the aunts and uncles have started buying toys and clothes."

"And I'm sure Uncle George and Charlie have their bets placed on whether it's a girl or boy," Victoire said.

"Remus and Alan are in on it. As is Uncle Ron, I believe," Daisy said.

"Seems Ryan's already been hit by baby fever. Keeps dropping hints as to when we'd like to start," Lucy said. Her cousins laughed loudly.

"So… when are you starting?" Victoire asked.

"Not yet," Lucy scoffed. "We have plenty of time for that. I want a few years to enjoy married life before any little ones come around." She glanced over at Daisy.

"Don't even, Lucy Kelly. There will be no children coming from this body until I'm at least 30," she said seriously.

"Is that because of your dad?" Molly asked, smirking slightly.

"No, that's because I want to get as far as I can into my career before I have to start taking maternity leave. Plus, the reserve seeker is nowhere near ready to cover for me," Daisy said reasonably. "Thank Merlin, Wills gets it. If he's caught baby fever, he's been mum about it around me."

"That's surprising," Dominique said. "I was certain that as soon as he heard the news, he'd start hounding you about it."

"He knows he'd be a goner if he so much as utters 'baby' around Dad," Daisy said with a soft laugh. "How did Uncle Bill and Aunt Fleur take the news?"

"Oh, they were ecstatic," Victoire said. "I mean, Teddy and I have been married two years now. And we've been together forever, it seems. Teddy's hoping it's a metamorphmagus like him."

"Just what we need… another one of those in the family," Molly said with a chuckle.

"She'll be in good company," Daisy replied, staring at Molly. Victoire laughed.

"Not you too, Daisy," she said.

"Sorry, I'm with Dom on this. It's gonna be a girl," she said.

"You'll probably end up with all boys," Dominique said, looking over at the red head.

"Likely. It's all boys on Wills side. And well, just me and the triplets on mine," she said before taking another sip.

"Speaking of boys, how was practice today?" Lucy asked.

"About the same. Kingfisher's working wonders with Blanks. We'll be firmly in second by the end of the first half," Daisy said.

"And likely set for rematch this summer against Puddlemere for the final," Dominique added.

"Could be. The Falcons aren't that far off from us in third at the moment," Daisy said. "And then the Harpies and Wasps are hanging in there in the top five. The point difference isn't that large between the five teams, honestly, so there's no telling who we'll be up against." The four women exchanged looks and smiles, entertained by the fact that Daisy was so sure the Arrows would be in the finals again. They were enjoying her easy confidence. It was better than her ranting about her security detail. Again.

"Blanks getting any less annoying?" Molly asked.

"He's grown on me," Daisy said. "Once you get passed the smart mouth, he's actually a fair bit of fun. The team's been coming over to the triplets' flat a lot after practice since I can't really go out anymore. Get some of the Puddlemere folks over as well and it's pretty much a party."

"Why not at Wills?" Dominique asked.

"Still doesn't like to entertain," Daisy said, wrinkling her nose. "I'm working on him."

"You've got that amazing rooftop. If he'd be more open to having folks over, dare say his place would turn into the after party spot," Lucy said.

"That's exactly what he doesn't want. Says he doesn't like organizing and cleaning up," Daisy said with a small smile. "But I get it. It's been his inner sanctum for so long. He's not ready to give that up."

"But you're there now," Dominique replied.

"It's different. My living there is perfectly fine. But still a lot of folks haven't been or even know where it is. He likes it that way," Daisy said. "Besides, the triplets are more than happy to have the party flat. I don't think he wants to take that away from them."

"Figured Jamie would move in with Lila by now," Molly said.

"He's waiting until Marcus gets his own place. Says it's a bit weird to live with your fiancé and her father. She still ends up staying with him more often than not - even with the crowd at the flat," Daisy said.

"Marcus looking?" Lucy asked. Daisy nodded.

"He can't leave just yet - because of his probation. But he wants to get a cottage in the village near Mum and Dad," Daisy said. "So, once he's settled elsewhere, Jamie'll likely move in. Lila's got that big townhouse her mum left her, so it's perfect for them. Plenty of room for the children when they come."

"Are you and Wills planning on staying in the building?" Victoire asked, shifting on the sofa to get more comfortable.

"Don't see why not. There's enough space. We haven't really talked about it, but he's mentioned that it wouldn't be that difficult to turn it into one large home, should we want to. He's only been using the bit because it was just him. Considered converting the rest into other flats and renting them out but decided not to because he didn't want neighbors. And the two of us together can more than afford the keep-up."

"Why does that not surprise me?" Dominique said with a chuckle.

"I've… well, I've actually been looking at floor plans," Daisy said softly, staring down at her glass.

"What?!" her four cousins said at the same time, all their faces lighting up.

"Don't get so excited! I can't go out much, remember? I get bored. So, I wander around the building and start thinking about how it would look," she said indignantly.

"And just how is that?" Lucy asked, grinning.

"Well… there's enough space… we could have a few guest rooms… and then a large hall for parties or holidays… and still enough left over for a few rooms for children… should we have any… and… oh would you all stop giving me those looks!" she exclaimed before taking a large drink.

"I feel like I've got some money coming my way in the near future," Dominique said. Daisy just rolled her eyes.

"Have you and Cunningham been looking at flats?" she asked, an evil glint coming into her eyes. Dominique went wide-eyed and sputtered slightly.

"Why would you ask that?" she said loudly. The four other women chuckled.

"Because we all know it's only a matter of time," Victoire sang. Dominique scowled at her older sister.

"But… Molly needs me here," she insisted.

"Oh, please. We both know I can afford this place on my own now that I'm in the auror department," Molly said. "Even if I do end up going back to the transportation department, my salary will stay at the same level. Granted, Lily thinks she's moving in when she graduates."

"Really?" Lucy said. "Why would she want to live here?" Molly frowned at her younger sister.

"Suppose she's just taking stock of all the open rooms among us," Molly muttered. "Though I'm sure Uncle Harry and Aunt Ginny have more than enough to set her up with her own place if she wants it."

"Might not be open by then. She is only in her sixth year and there's no telling who you'll meet before then," Victoire said.

"At the rate I'm going, I'll be the spinster of our generation," she said with a sigh.

"That's not true," Lucy said. "Even Uncle Charlie got married… eventually." Molly chuckled and shook her head.

"You know, it's fine. It was a bit difficult, being surrounded by all my cousins pairing off and finding the loves of their lives. But I'm okay with it… at least, I'm learning to be," she said.

"How very modern of you, Molly," Dominique said. "To be honest, I always figured you'd be the first of us to settle down - after Vic and Teddy, that is."

"Why's that?" Molly asked.

"Because you always were more sensible and domestic than the rest of us. I was so sure that you'd find the man you'd marry right out of school and that would be that," Dominique replied. "If you didn't marry McGregor, that is." Molly just shrugged.

"Suppose it'll happen when it's supposed to happen," she said lightly. "I always thought I was more career-minded than that."

"That's true as well," Daisy said thoughtfully.

"What about John?" Lucy asked. All of them stared at her a moment and then started laughing. "What? He's single! And we all know he's a good catch! Not to mention the family already loves him so I doubt Dad would go crazy about it like he did with me and Ryan."

"Been there, dear sister. We do not match," Molly said. "He's a good friend but learned my lesson."

"Oh, that was just because he was in love with Daisy at the time. You never know - it could work out now," Lucy said.

"You're just trying to make quidditch wives of us all," Molly said, still laughing. "I'm fairly certain whether or not he's in love with Daisy, he'll still not be attracted to me. And that's perfectly fine. I'm not sure I'm cut out to be a quidditch wife."

"True. She does hate quidditch," Dominique said.

"Do not. I just don't live and breathe it like the rest of you," Molly replied.

"You know… there's a healer on my team. About my age. Really nice bloke. Handsome. Very sensible. You might like him," Victoire said, looking over at Molly. She just rolled her eyes as she got off the sofa to go to the kitchen to refill her glass.

"No. I do not need you all to set me up. I'm perfectly fine being single and meeting men on my own terms," Molly shouted. Victoire shrugged.

"Just a suggestion," she said.

"Can we please move on to something like baby names rather than focusing on my lack of a love life?" Molly groaned from the kitchen.

"Fine," Victoire replied, smiling. "Whatever makes you happy."

I'm finally getting into finishing up the ending, and yea, the action is definitely about to pick up. Up next, the Wills' Wood Family Christmas - which was a hoot to write.

AleenaBean - I know! I thought that was rather funny and brilliant, myself. And James is the only person who could pull that off. Honestly, I had planned for Richards to be the mole, but then I thought it was too obvious, so I came up with that twist and felt it worked better with the story. I have a feeling you'll like the ball chapter. ^_^

cjconnor326 - Haha, the twins definitely balance each other out. I wanted to make them their own characters - obviously - but it's fun giving Aleka a bit of a darker edge. She's still a good guy, for sure, but she's willing to go that extra bit when she feels it's necessary where Alekos is more by-the-book. Again, they balance each other out - he reins her in when needed and she pushes him forward when needed - which we'll see a bit more of in upcoming chapters. And of course there's going to be Oliver-Daisy drama. She is his only daughter and he's always going to have a hard time letting her go and do her own thing. I'm glad you've enjoyed it! I'm getting a little sad now that I'm nearing the end of writing it... thank goodness I've got "Father of the Bride" after this one...

As always, thanks for reading, following and reviewing!