Marriage, Muggle Life, and Babies

Chapter 52: Surprises Come in Twos

By jessebelle

Author's Note: Here there readers. So it's been a while, but it's entirely not my fault. Originally I had this chapter started, and a good chunk of it written two. Then the unthinkable happened, I lost my flash drive and all progress on this story, and my others was lost. Luckily I had started writing by hand, so a little bit was saved of my other stories. Therefore, I updated them first. Then it came time for this chapter, and the little I'd written by hand was also missing. Not my luck. I finally started rewriting it when school and homework took over, followed by a new job a few weeks ago. And it just occurred to me how funny it is: I'm working at Walmart. Hee Hee Hee! I plan to do a return of Walmart chapter. Now I know all the inside secrets it could be fun.

I also was given the chance to attend a Writer's Workshop in Steven's Point. There I met many like myself, and if any of my new friends are reading this, see above for why I haven't emailed you yet. It was fun and believe it or not, many authors start writing with what we're doing now…fanfiction! So Yay, no more guilt.

Now without further adieu, here's the next chapter.

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"It's weird here, without them." Harry and Ron sat on the couch in the Gryffindor sitting room, both commiserating. Across from them were Cordelia and Ginny, both rolling their eyes at the boy's antics.

"I know. Normally by now they'd be out here, Victoria playing with Xander, Hermione lecturing someone on something…usually me." Ron sighed, which was his forth in the last minute.

"You never realize how much you miss a person until they're gone." And both boys nodded in agreement with Harry's words.

But this was the last straw for the girls, who'd been listening in for over an hour to how miserable things were without the Malfoys. "Oh, come on! It's not like they've died or anything."

"Ginny's right; you two are being pathetic, and believe me it's not attractive. IF you miss her so much, she's right next door."

"But you don't understand! Without her here, we're incomplete. It's like I've

lost one of my arms."
Ginny shook her head at Harry's declaration. "Geez, Harry, I didn't know you were such a drama queen. Ron, yes, but you? Maybe we'll have to rethink this relationship thing. After all, if you've lost your arm then snogging won't be as much fun, and as much as I love Hermione, she can't join in."

"Ginerva Weasley!" But the red head just rolled her eyes at her brother's reprimand.

Harry meanwhile turned red. "I didn't mean it like that! It's just without Hermione, the trio is…"

"A duo." Ron finished for him.

The girls looked at the two boys and realized just how lost they were without their girl pal. They nodded. "We understand, but that still doesn't change how pathetic you sound." And the two girls collapsed into giggles at Cordelia's words and the affect they had on the boy's faces.

From over where they were listening in, the chaperones tried to hide their smiles. Molly then did her best of comfort her son. "The girls are right, boys, but I'm sure Hermione and Draco won't be strangers, either. As a matter of fact, here they are not."

As one everyone turned to look at the stairwell where Draco stood looking panicked. He held Victoria by the hand, and looked worriedly behind him. Shooing his daughter off to play with the other kids, he approached the group wearily.

Ron and Harry jumped up and ran to the blond. Then in an uncharacteristic display, Ron threw his arms around him. Draco jumped, startled and weirded out.

"Uh, hi?" His eyebrows disappeared into his hairline.

"I missed you." Still freaked out, Draco patted Ron's back slowly.

"Uh," he looked over Ron's shoulders at Harry and mouthed, 'what's with him?'

But the boy-who-lived wasn't paying attention. Instead he threw himself into the hug, scaring Draco even more. He gave a startled yelp and a gasp. "Oof!"

His exclamation caught the attention of the children. Anya watched as her father and Uncle Harry threw themselves on her Uncle Draco. Feeling devious, she grinned and shouted, "Monkey pile on Uncle Draco!" There was a second of pause as Draco's eyes widened, then chaos reigned and he was being mobbed. All of the kids ran over jumping on top of him. Sirius changed into Padfoot and joined in the game, Ginny did a spectacular jump, landing on his gut, and Cordelia, with a grin, placed baby Nicky on top of the pile. "King of the mountain!"

For a moment Draco was caught up in the fun. With his new stepfather barking and rubbing his cold nose on the back of his neck, Nicky on top of the pile, squealing and clapping in delight, Anyanka, who he was tickling in revenge, it was easy to forget why he was there. Then he heard her voice.

"Draco? A little help here?" Hermione's call came from the stairway.

Within seconds, Draco has sprung to his feet in an impressive move. Cordelia has sensed he'd do this, so Nicky had been safely out of the way, and the kids also had the foresight to move at the sound of their aunt's voice.

"Coming!" He rushed to the staircase, but was-

"Too late. What was going on?"

Draco stood in front of her, blocking her from view of the rest of the room. He opened his mouth to respond, but was but off by Ron and Harry. "Hermione!" They rushed over to the stairs, intent on sweeping her in a hug like they had Draco, but catching sight of her bulging belly, they halted inches from her.

Ron's eyes widened to an impressive size. "Her-Hermione! You're, you're…"

"Pregnant? I'd noticed." And as she spoke she stepped to the side of Draco, revealing herself to the rest of the room.

Gasps were heard, but the loudest response was Severus. "How?" He gripped the arm of the chair he was sitting in tightly.

Hermione cocked an eyebrow. "That's what I'd like to know!"

There was a stunned silence as everyone stared at her stomach, before Severus stood up and faced the other chaperones. "Did Albus say anything to you about this?" His glare was a throwback to his Evil Potion's Master/Death Eater days. Before anyone could respond, however, Fawkes flashed into view above Hermione's head and dropped a letter into her hand, and then flashed out of view.

Draco, who'd never seen the phoenix before turned to the rest with a shocked expression. "What was that?' his question was echoed by the most of the kids.

It was Nicky who came up with the surprising answer. "Pwetty Chicken!" He was smiling and clapping his hands in Cordelia's arms.

Everyone laughed and Harry took his son from the red head's arms. "No, that Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix."

"Fwee-nik?"

Harry nodded with a chuckle. "Sure, little man."

Severus turned to face his new daughter. "It appears Dumbledore has your answer." He gestured to the parchment in her hand, and then went to sit back down.

Hermione stared at the letter in her hand. Slowly Draco reached out and the letter. Taking a deep breath, aware of all the stares he was getting, he opened it up and began to read it aloud.

"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy,

As you have no doubt noticed by now, and if you haven't let me inform you, Hermione is at the moment pregnant once again. At the time she is nine months pregnant with twins. Nat all pregnancies are planned and prepared fore, as Mr. Weasley and Miss Evans found out earlier, and sometimes there are multiple babies to contend with. I ask you not be upset with your chaperones, for they were as clueless in this as you were, and I suggest you prepare yourselves for the birth as they should arrive any time now."

"Draco." Hermione tugged on his arm.

He shook his head. "I'm not done yet." And he continued to read aloud.

"I hope this clears up the mystery of your new dwellings. And I would like to bestow my congratulations on you, Miss Snape, and your father. I'm glad this has brought you together. Congratulations again to all the new couples and I hop for a nice reception when the project ends.

Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore"

Draco looked up. "Well, you were right about it being twins. I guess we have a lot to do before you go into labor." He turned to her. "What did you want to tell me anyway?" He looked at her expectantly, as did the rest of the large group.

Hermione waved her hand dismissively. "Nothing important really. Just wanted to let you know my water had broken."

Draco nodded calmly. "Oh, that's-" His eyes widened and panic set in as he registered her words. "You're water's broke….You're in labor!" His hysterical voice was accusing.

Hermione nodded complacently. "Yes, thanks for noticing."

"Why didn't you say something?" He took hold of her arm and dragged her over to the couch. Ron jumped up and he sat her down in the vacant place.

Hermione, however, was not amused. "What do you think I was trying to tel-Oww!" Her first contraction had come. Her yell of pain broke through the shocked silence, and suddenly everyone sprung to life.

"I'll get the skirt!" Molly jumped up.

"I'm going to be a grandmother!" Narcissa followed her.

"Hermione's having another baby!" Ron turned to Harry.

"Hermione's having two babies!" And Harry held up two fingers.

Ron paled. "Bloody hell!"

Sirius had jumped up and was trying to calm down Draco, who'd become a bit catatonic in his shock. Meanwhile, Anya had gone over to her mother to ask The Question. "Mommy, where do babies come from?"

Cordelia's eyes widened before she smiled down at her daughter. "Go ask your father."

Hermione sat on the couch next to the redhead, and hearing Cordy's response, grinned. "That was mean." Ginny giggled in agreement.

Cordy just smirked. "I know." Then the three turned to watch the show.

Sure enough, Anyanka walked over to her father, who was still panicking about the latest news. She tugged on Ron's shirt, and the taller red head looked down. "Yes, Ahn?"

The girl just looked up innocently. "Daddy, where do babies come from?' the rest of the room had stilled at her words.

Ron's eyes had widened, before he sighed in relief. "Go ask your mother." He looked up again at Harry, but Anyanka wasn't done.

"But she told me to ask you!" The only sound was Harry's stifled laugh, then exclamation of pain as Ron hit him. Ron looked over to Cordelia, who just grinned back looking just as evil as her daughter. A cough made him look back down to the reason for his panic. Anya had her hands on her hips and was tapping her foot. "Well?"

"Uhh." He struggled for an answer. "Um." Offering his assistance, there was a subtle cough from Remus. :cough:stork:cough: Again, Ron's eyes widened, then relaxed in relief. "Well, it's simple really. The stork brings the baby to parents who love each other very much. That's how you got here."

His daughter looked up at him disbelievingly. "You expect me to believe I was delivered by a bird?"

"That's right." He smiled at the memory.

His daughter, however, didn't believe it. "Yeah right! Then how come everyone's upset about Aunt Hermione and the babies. I don't see a stork anywhere, do you?" She sent him a challenging look.

Ron was once again at loss for words. "Well…you see…" He looked up, his eyes pleading for help.

Finally taking pity on her boyfriend, Cordelia came to his rescue. "Honey, come over here." The girl rolled her eyes at her father, who wiped the sweat from his brow in relief, and she walked over to her mother. "Give me your hand."

Anya sent a skeptical look toward her mom. "Why?"

"Because I said so. Now I'm going to do something and tell you a secret, but you have to keep your questions for later, okay? I promise Aunt Ginny and I will tell you everything you want to know, but later when your brother and cousins can't hear." She said this in a whisper.

Anya thought this over, and looked to her Aunt. "Everything?" Her voice had the promise of trouble.

Ginny nodded. "Everything."

With a sigh and a nod, she handed her hand over to her mother." Cordelia looked at Hermione questioningly. Recognizing what the red head wanted to do, she gave the okay. Cordelia took her daughter's hand and placed it on Hermione's stomach where on e of the babies was moving.

Anya's eyes widened and she quickly withdrew her hand. "Whoa!" Most of the adults in the room laughed. Anya, however, was amazed. "Are the babies in your tummy, Aunt Mione?"

Hermione smiled and nodded. "Yep, they're right there!"

"Does it hurt when they move?" the girl was now even more curious.

Hermione smiled knowingly. "No, it kinda tickles, though. I'll help with any questions those two can't answer," She gestured to Cordelia and Ginny, "But right now I need you to do me a favor, okay?"

The girl nodded excitedly. "Okay, what?"

Hermione winced in pain. "I need to you tell your uncle Draco he needs to help me home so I can lie down."

"So you can have the babies?"

The brunette nodded. "Yes." Hermione winced again.

"But how will they come out?" Anya's question went unanswered, however, because Draco had finally come to his senses at Hermione's words.

"Sorry kiddo, she'll fill you in later; right now we have to get her home."

"But!"

"Sorry sweetie." And Draco ruffled her hair. Anyanka glowered up at the blond before stomping away to join her cousins and brother, all who had ignored the adults and were happily playing.

Hermione smiled at the retreating girl, and then looked up at her 'husband." "Back with me now?" She held up her arms.

He took them and helped pull her to her feet. "Yeah, you ready to do this?'

Wincing at another contraction, she answered. "No, but I don't think I have a choice."

Draco looked at her with sympathy and kissed her forehead. "We'll do it together." He slipped an arm around her waist and turned to face the group. "So I think Hermione would feel more comfortable at home." He looked to her and she nodded in agreement. Draco turned back to the group. "SO how are we going to do this?" He looked to Severus for guidance.

The potion's master nodded and began to direct everyone. "I'm assuming everyone would like to be there?" There was a collective "Yes." "Why don't we go, get Hermione comfortable, and the kids can play downstairs. Molly, Remus, you can get her started and hopefully it will take less time then Victoria's birth. Do you have the skirt?" Molly nodded, but no one moved. He rolled his eyes. "Well, what are we waiting for? Go!" And the group jumped into action.

Within 15 minutes, Hermione was settled comfortably in her bed, Draco beside her. Remus and Molly were in the corner discussing how to go about everything with Narcissa and Severus, who were both worrying. Their respective partners, Sirius and Serena were much calmer and joking with Ron and Harry, who were also in the room. Cordelia and Ginny had volunteered to take care of the children and all of them were downstairs watching a movie.

Things were progressing quickly, and for that Hermione was grateful. Her labor with Victoria had been long, and while the pain was muted, it had still been uncomfortable. The last time Molly had checked her, she was already 8cm, so she knew the twins would be here soon.

"How're you doing?" Draco had been listening to the others, but now his focus was on her.

Wincing through a contraction, Hermione took a breath and answered. "Okay, the pains a lot less then last time."

Draco nodded and took her hand. "Yeah, apparently because this is your second birth, you don't need to go through the full affects again."

Hermione nodded. "Good, because last time was-"

"Painful? Believe me, I remember." He flexed his hand at the memory. "So have you thought of names for my boys? I'm thinking-"

"What makes you think these two are boys?" Hermione turned towards him, eyebrow cocked.

Draco nodded in concession. "You're right, it could be one girl one boy, but we still need names."

By now the rest of the group had tuned into the conversation. "Again, what makes you think there's going to be a boy. It could easily be two girls."

Draco just waved a hand dismissively. "I just know, okay? We've already got Victoria, why do we need another girl?" Everyone in the room winced at his words, seeing the affect they had over the women in labor.

Hermione glared at her 'husband.' "Oh really?" She squeezed the hand that was intertwined with hers.

"Ow!Ow! Ow!" Hermione took a breath and let go. The blond instantly took his hand back, flexing it painfully. "What did you to that for?"

Hermione shrugged innocently. "Contraction." The rest of the room burst into laughter as Draco pouted.

"Fin, we could end up having two girls. Either way we need names."

Hermione opened her mouth to make suggestions when she was interrupted by a knock on the door. They all turned to see Cordelia there, holding Victoria by the hand. "Hey guys, this little girl was getting worried and wanted to see her mommy and daddy."

Hermione immediately took in her daughter's expression and her heart broke. "Everyone, can you all leave me, Draco, and Victoria?" At Severus' worried glance, she rolled; her eyes. 'You can wait outside the door and I'll call if I need anything."

The potion's master nodded and everyone began shuffling out of the room, all stopping to pat the girl on the head, or give her a smile. It was only when everyone was gone that her lip began to tremble. Draco also noticed and held out his arms. "Come here, Princess."

And with a sob the blond girl threw herself onto the bed and into her father's arms. The parents shared a look as their daughter cried; both worried how this could end. Draco and Hermione both started whispering words of comfort, Hermione offering as much as she could. Finally the sobs turned to sniffles, and sniffles into mumbles. When Victoria finally pulled away from his chest, his heart broke at her tear stained face. He took the tissue that Hermione passed him and held it up to Victoria's face. "Blow." She complied and he wiped up the rest of the evidence of her crying. "Better?" She nodded, then buried her face back into his chest. "Good, no want to tell mummy and me why you're so sad?" Victoria shook her head into his shirt. Draco smiled kindly. "Well why not? If you don't tell daddy, how can he make it better?"

Victoria pulled away and peaked up at him, before burying her face again. This time Hermione tried. "Sweetie, I promise it'll be okay. Just tell mummy why you're crying."

Slowly her daughter's head peaked out, then they heard a small sniffle and a muffle response. "You'll be mad."

Draco and Hermione's eyes met over her head, both concerned. Hermione was quick to reassure her. "I promise we won't get mad, right daddy?"

Draco nodded and patted Victoria on the back . "Of course not, how could I ever get mad at my princess?"

"Weally?" There was another sniffle. Her parents were quick to reassure her.

"Really, really." Then there were a few more sniffles before her head popped out for good. Slowly she pulled away from Draco and faced Hermione, pointing at her belly.

"'Yanka said you were havin' a 'nother baby an' that I was bein' replace-ed."

At her words both Draco's and Hermione's eyebrows rose into their hairlines. "She did, did she?" by Draco's voice he was clearly upset with his niece.

Hermione ignored her annoyance and went right to comforting her daughter. "Oh, honey. No, Anyanka lied to you."

"You mean like when she tolded me an' Xander we could fly like Peter Pan an' I hurted my head?"

While neither parent had recollection of this event, they knew it sounded like their niece. "Yes, just like then. Mommy is having more babies, but we'll still love you just as much. We'll always love, you, you're our Victoria."

"Really?" Victoria looked at them skeptically.

Draco quickly scooped her into his arms and began tickling her. "Really, really!" Her giggles reverberated throughout the room. It brought a smile to Hermione's face.

"Daddy! Stop!"

"You sure, Princess?"

"Yes! Yes!"

Draco sat her down on the bed next to Hermione. "So your mum and I are gonna need help with the new babies. You up for being a big sister?"

Victoria looked undecided, so Hermione tried to persuade her. "It's a big job, sweetie. A lot of responsibility for a big girl."

Immediately, like Hermione knew she would, Victoria took the bait. "I can do it. I'm a big girl. I can have responsitility!"

Draco smiled at her butchering of words. "You sure?" he asked skeptically, having caught on to what Hermione was doing.

"Yes!" And the girl put her hands to her hips.

Hermione smiled. "O-kay. I supposed. Now do you want to help mummy again."

Victoria nodded enthusiastically. "Good, you can help Mummy by going out and playing and being a good girl for your Aunt Ginny and your Aunt Cordy. Can you do that?"

"Yep, I'll be the bestest girl in da' world!"

Draco put on a look of shock. "Really?"

Victoria nodded again. "Uh, huh!"

"Good. Now give you r mum and kiss, and the next time you see her you're going to have either a baby brothers, sister, or both."

Her eyes widened. "Cool."

"I know. I love you baby girl." Hermione kissed her on the forehead.

Victoria responded with a little squeeze. "Love you Mommy!" Then she gave a quick hug to Draco, jumped off the bed, and ran out the door, announcing to everyone in the hallway, "I'm gonna be a big sister!"

Inside the room, Hermione and Draco shared a smile and listened to the sounds of everyone congratulating their daughter. The moment was broken, however, by a contraction, more painful then the rest. "You okay?" Draco looked over at her worriedly.

Hermione spoke through her gritted teeth, it really hurt. "I think it's time, call Molly."

The rest of the birth was a flurry of pain, swear words toward Draco, and magic. Molly had come in, checked her, and then had cast the final spell. Hermione had pushed, and before they knew it, a baby's cries filled the air. The room stilled as the baby cried. Molly, with a smile, held the newborn up for the parent's so see. "It's a beautiful baby girl!" The room was in awe before the matriarch's eyes widened. The magic had started again. "Remus!" She quickly handed the newborn to her husband. "The other one's coming!"

In the corner, Harry laughed. "Hey Draco, here's your last chance for a boy!" Then suddenly there was another cry, adding to the first.

Molly held the child with a secretive smile. Hermione collapsed onto the ed. Draco gave her a smile, but was impatient. "Well?" His question was clear.

Molly grinned and swaddled the clean baby. "Well what?" She enjoyed torturing the young man.

However the suspense was high for everyone. "Molly!"

The woman rolled her eyes. "All right." She checked with Remus and he nodded, holding the first baby in a pink blanket. Together they handed the babies to Draco and Hermione, one for each. "Congratulations, you have two, beautiful baby girls."

There was a hush to the room. Draco gasped at the beauty before him, then with a smile he turned to Hermione, who was busy examining the other baby. He gently sat down on the bed next to her and held this daughter so she was next to her twin.

Hermione gasped at the sight of them. "They're-"

"Perfect."

Hermione looked up and met his eyes, which mirrored her own, full of awe. "So you aren't upset they're both girls?"

Draco was quick to reassure her. "No, I'm happy with my girls, all four of them." He quickly looked up to the rest of the group. "Can someone go get Victoria?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah, just don't let anyone hold my goddaughter before me."

Hermione smiled at the boy-who-lived. "What makes you think I'm going to name you a godfather?"

Harry grinned cheekily. "Because you love me. Want me to get all the kids? I know Ginny's probably dieing to see the twins." Draco shared a look with Hermione. His 'wife' looked tire, but not too exhausted.

Seeing his inquisitive glance, she nodded in response. "Yes, let them in. We'll introduce them to the kids, then we'll kick you out in a little bit so I can sleep."

"Okay, I'll be right back." Then he left the room. Ron was the first to approach the family.

"So Harry and I are the godfather's, right?" He looked in awe at the two babies in his best friend's arms.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Yes Ron, you and Harry each get a twin. Take your pick, right or left?"

"Hermione, don't joke, this is serious. Assigning a godfather could affect them in the future if you pick the wrong one." Draco had a nervous voice.

Again, Hermione rolled her eyes. "Fin, we'll just ask the twins!" She looked down at the babies in her arms. They were identical to their eyes, the only difference being the color of the blankets they were wrapped in. The first twin was in Hermione's right arm and was wrapped in a pink blanket. Twin two was in yellow and in her left arm. Booth had a bright red face from the 'childbirth' and it was too early to tell hair or eye color. "Hey there baby girls. Your Uncle Ron wants to know which one of you wants to be his goddaughter. Any volunteers?" Draco glared, but then his eyes widened as the first twin yawned and opened her blue eyes.

Ron also looked amazed. "Wow."

Hermione smiled in satisfaction. "I guess that answers that question." She looked down. "Hi there, babies. Welcome to the world."

Just then they heard the sound of stomping feet running up the stairs. Hermione rolled here eyes and turned to Draco, who shouted, "No running! You know better Vic-"

But the door flung opened and revealed Ginny and Cordelia panting for breath. Following at a slower pace was Victoria.

She entered the room and faced her aunts, hands on her hips. "I tolded you Mommy and Daddy would be mad! No running!" Then she caught sight of her parents on the bed. Her eyes widened at the sight of the blankets. "Is that the babies?" Her voice was full of awe.

Draco smiled. "It sure is, come on and meet your new baby sisters." If possible, the girls' eyes widened further. She didn't' make a move, however.

Hermione saw her hesitance and invited her over. "Come on sweetie, say hello." Slowly the girl shuffled to the bed. When she reached it, Draco reached down and picked her up. Settling her in his lap, he positioned her so she was facing the babies.

Victoria stared at her sisters in awe. "Wow, they're little."

Draco down at her, also looking towards the twins. "They sure are. It seems like only yesterday you were that small."

Victoria turned to look at her father's face in surprise. "I wasn't that small! I'm a big girl!"

The room laughed. Remus looked kindly towards his goddaughter. "Not only were you that small, you were smaller. Your entire head fit in my hand." He cupped his hand to show her.

The young blonde shook her head. "Nuh uh!"

Remus nodded. "It's true."

Victoria shook her head, then turned to Severus. "Grandpa, was I that small?"

The potions master smiled at his oldest granddaughter. "I'm afraid you were."

The girl seemed to think it over, then came to a decision. "But I'm big now, right?"

Draco hugged his daughter "Yes you are. And the twins will get beg too!"

Just then there was the sound of little voices. They all turned to the doorway to see Harry standing there, Nicky in his arms, Anya at his side, and Xander clinging to his leg. He turned to Ginny. "Thanks for helping." Then he deposited Nicky into her arms.

She wasn't too perturbed, however, and after placing a kiss on her son's head, ignored Harry, and turned to the bed. "I call godmother!"

Next to her Cordy rolled her eyes. "There are two of them, one for each."

Hearing the new topic, Harry shook Xander off his foot, gently of course, and walked towards the bed. IT was the first look he'd really had at the twins, and he was amazed. "They look so much alike. Are they identical?"

Hermione and Draco shared a look, then turned to Molly. The older woman smiled, but shook her head. "No, though they will have similar features. Fight now they look alike, but when they grow….well you'll see."

Everyone took in the information. Harry looked back at the girls. He could feel Ginny and Cordy come up behind her. Ron was on the other side of the bed. "So which one of these beauties is mine?" In response the second twin yawned.

Hermione, Draco, and the rest of the room laughed.

Harry was confused. "What?"

Hermione shook her head. "Nothing. And your and Ginny's goddaughter in on the left, in the yellow blanket. Ron and Cordy's is in the pink."

Harry and Ron smiled, then turned to Hermione expectantly. The new mother just rolled her eyes, and nodded. "Go ahead." Then carefully she handed each twin to their respective godfather. Any hesitance the boys may have had was gone, each having children of their own. Both were in awe of the new lives.

"Hey there cutie, I'm your godfather. I'm going to teach you all about quidditch. I think you'll make an excellent seeker." Harry held the baby close.

Ron rolled his eyes, then looked down at the baby in his arms. "Ignore him, I'll make you a keeper, and I'll teach you all about chess."

Harry looked up with a scowl, and realizing there could be an argument, the girls stepped in. It had nothing to do with their impatience of course.

"Give her here." Cordy took the baby from Ron. Looking down, she gasped. "She's so beautiful!" Then the red head looked over to where Anya stood, teasing her brother.

Ron saw this and came up behind her. Putting his arms around her, he smiled as she rested her head on his shoulder. "Remember when she was that age." The two stared at their daughter.

"I miss it…the innocence."

Ron held her tighter. "I know." Out of the corner of his eye he saw Hermione yawn. He knew they needed to hurry up. "Hey kids, come over here and meet your new cousins." At their father's voice, Anya and Xander responded.

Anya was the first to reach them. She took one look at the baby and wrinkled her nose. "Are they gonna stink and cry all the time like Xander did?"

Cordelia shook her head in exasperation at her daughter's words. "Yes, that's what babies do."

"Will they pway wif me?" Xander looked at the baby in his mother's arms. Cordy and Harry had kneeled down so he could see them.

Ron ruffled his son's hair. "'Fraid not, kiddo. They need to grow up first." At his father's declaration, Xander decided the babies were of no interest to him.

"Okay, I think that's enough with these guys." Cordelia stood up and handed the baby back to Draco. "We'll get out of here so you guys can get some rest. I'm sure everyone else wants a turn. And we need to get these two fed." She placed a kiss on each babies' foreheads. "I'll bring by your gifts, later."

Hermione shook her head. "You didn't have time to get us anything."

Cordy shrugged. "I have quite a few blankets I've knitted. Every child needs a blankie."

Hermione smiled in thanks. "Okay. We'll see you later."

Ron nodded as he scooped Xander up into his arms. "Wild hippogriffs couldn't keep me away from my nieces." He walked over to the bed, kissed Victoria on the forehead, and gave Hermione a one armed hug. Xander used his other arm to reach out, and together Hermione was circled by Weasley men. "You did good."

With tears in her eyes, Hermione gave a small, "thank you." With one last look at the twins, Ron gave Draco a small pat on the back, then the family of four left.

Harry gave a sigh and turned to Ginny. "We should probably follow their example."

Ginny shook her head. "Not until I get to hold my goddaughter. Here, take Nicky." She carefully traded bundles with Harry, then looked down to the baby in here arms. Looking up again at her husband, she had a strange look in her eye. "I want one."

The boy-who-lived rolled her eyes at his wife, and held Nicky out. "You have one, right here, small and everything."

"Well I want another one, they're cute, and Hermione's got two." As she spoke, however, the baby in her arms gave a small cough and spit up. The room laughed.

"Sure you want one, dear?" Molly laughed at her daughter's disgruntled face.

"Maybe I'll just borrow her every once in a while."

"Go ahead; I'm sure we'll be able to use the break." Hermione's voice showed how enthusiastic she seemed about that prospect.

"Bay-Be!" The exclamation caught the attention of everyone in the room. Ginny turned and faced her son. "Bay-be!" Nicky spoke again.

"That's right, Champ, baby. You want to meet your new cousin?"

Nicky clapped his hands and nodded. Ginny smiled and brought the baby over to her son. Draco also complied. "You want to say hello?" Nicky gently reached down. "Careful!" Her voice was cautious. But they didn't have anything to worry about. Nicky, with the help of Harry, gently leaned down and placed a sloppy kiss on each baby's forehead. It was one of the cutest things the room had ever seen.

"Thank you sweetie!" Hermione spoke from the bed.

"Okay, enough charming the ladies. We have to get you home for a nap."

"Buh-by?"
"Yep, we have to go bye bye." Harry walked over to the bed. Leaning down he gave Victoria and Hermione each a kiss, then held Nicky out so he could do the same. Victoria giggled and wiped away the slobber, but Hermione beamed.

"Thank you Nicky. I'll see you later."

"Buh-bye!" And Harry left the room, his son in tow.

Ginny gave a loud sigh. "I suppose I have to give her back now?"

Draco smiled. "It'd be appreciated."

The red head scowled, but handed the baby over to her mother. Going over to the bed she encircled the Hermione and Victoria in a big hug, gave Draco a squeeze, kissed each baby on the head, then left the room.

"Well, Remus, I think we should get going too. We've already gotten a chance to see the babies." And she smiled down at the twin in her arms.

Remus reached down and rubbed a finger on the baby's cheek, marveling at the new life. "I agree. Why don't you hand the baby back to her mother and we'll get going." Molly did as she was told. Then the couple gave their hugs and goodbyes.

It was only the grandparent's left. "So who wants to meet their granddaughters?" Before she'd even finished the sentence, Serena, Sirius, and Narcissa were at her side. Each woman took a baby, and after showering them with kisses, switched. Sirius watched and laughed. Severus, however, was more subdued. Hermione, noticing this, didn't comment, and instead met her new father's eyes. He gave a nod to show he was okay, but the look in her eyes promised him they'd be talking later.

"So what do you think?" Draco looked anxiously towards his mother.

Narcissa beamed. "I think I've never been so grateful for one of Albus' crackpot schemes. I don't know why he didn't tell us, but the end result more then makes up for it. They're beautiful."

"You did good, son." And Sirius clamped an arm on Draco's shoulder. Then he turned to "So how about we take Victoria for the night, give you a little time to adjust?"

Hermione's eyes showed her relief. "Oh thank you, that would be great!"

She turned to her eldest daughter. "How about it sweetie, want to spend the night with your grandparents. You probably won't sleep with the babies crying all night."

"Can I come home if I miss you?" Victoria wasn't sure if the rules had changed now that they were next door.

Draco smiled. "Of course, honey. But I'm betting your Poppa Padfoot has some fun things planned."

"You betcha!"

Victoria nodded. "Okay. I'm gonna go pack." She crawled off the bed, ran to the door, then turned around and ran back. She reached up on her tippy toes and kissed her new sister's on the head. "Bye babies." Then left again.

Draco sat down on the bed, again and took Hermione's hand. "I think she'll be okay."

Hermione smiled at her husband. "Me too. So are you sure?"

Narcissa nodded. "Of course, we're always happy to have Victoria. We should probably get going, then. She needs dinner."

Sirius gestured to the door. "I'll go help her pack." Then he left.

Narcissa sighed, then handed the baby back to Hermione. She turned around and faced her old friend. "Feeling old, Severus?"

The potion's master shook his head. "No, but you're looking a bit-"

He didn't get a chance to finish. Narcissa swatted his arm. "I'm younger then you!"

Severus smirked. "So you are."

Sirius and Victoria returned, both holding backpacks. "You know Siri, I think pink's your color." Serena sent a grin at her friend.

Sirius scowled. "Ha Ha. Okay, sweetie, say goodbye."

Victoria ran over to her other grandparents. Severus picked her up and held her close. "Bye Grandpa."

"I'll see you later, Victoria." He placed her down and she ran to Serena. Victoria hugged her grandmother around the legs. Serena reached down and patted her on the head. The girl then ran over to the bed. Again, Draco scooped her up. Careful of the baby in her mother's arms, she gave Hermione a hug, placed a kiss on the baby's head, and hugged Draco.

"Bye Mommy, bye Daddy, by babies." Then she hopped down and grabbed Sirius by the hand. "Come on, we gotsta go have fun!" And she dragged the man out of the room.

"Bye!" Sirius called apologetically as he disappeared around the corner.

Chuckling, Narcissa turned to the group. "I better go rescue him from your daughter. I'll see you all tomorrow." She gave each baby a kiss, hugged Draco, and with a wave to Hermione and her new parents, left.

"And then there were two." Draco stated.

Hermione turned to her new father. "So why are you being grumpy?" She gave him a look.

Severus rolled his eyes. "I am not being grumpy. I was merely waiting until everyone left. I'd like my own time with the twins. Now hand her here."

Chuckling at his actions, Hermione handed him his new granddaughter. "Happy now?"

Severus was enthralled by the life in his arms, but managed a small, "Immensely." Holding her gently, he watched as she struggled within the blanket. Deciding to aid her, he unwrapped the yellow blanket, freeing her limbs. "That's better." And he watched his youngest granddaughter mover her arms and legs.

Serena came up next to him and held the baby in her arms next to her twin. She had also removed the pink blanket and they watched as the twins wriggled their limbs. "Hermione, they're beautiful. I almost can't wait for them to grow up so I can see how they'll look."

Hermione was quick to shake her head. "No, I'd like them to stay little for a while. Poor Ginny only got a few minutes with Nicky as a newborn before he grew."

Serena nodded. "Yes, but newborns are hard work, and you'll have to take care of two, plus Victoria."

"Why are we arguing. No doubt they'll grow with the rest of the kids in two days anyway. Enjoy the time with them. Now have you thought of names?" Severus rewrapped the baby and switched with Serena. He promptly rewrapped her pink blanket also.

While he did this, Draco and Hermione shared looks. Their previous discussion had been unproductive and short. Draco shook his head. "No, I think it might take a while. We should get to know them first, and it might help if we had a few ideas to start with too."

Severus nodded his approval. "That's wise." He looked over to Serena.

His wife nodded at his silent question. "I think we'll get going. You need some time to sleep and bond with the girls. We'll be over tomorrow to help with anything." She handed Draco his youngest daughter, kissed him on the forehead, then turned to Hermione. "All in one week I've gained a husband, become a mother, and now a grandmother times two. I think I need a break." The two women shared a laugh, then Serena turned serious. "Thank you."

Hermione smiled and inclined her head to where Severus and Draco were laughing, both smiles on their faces. "No, thank you." She paused. "you'll help out, right? I don't think Draco has quite grasped the concept of two babies at the same time. Heck, I haven't even got it yet."

Serena placed a hand on her daughter's. "I'll be there when you need me, just call." She hugged Hermione and kissed the top of her head, then made room for Severus.

The potion's master stepped up to the bed, baby in hand. He gave Hermione a fierce look. "You realized that while I love my granddaughters, it better be quite a few years before you make me a grandfather for real, right?"

Hermione blushed. "Of course!"

Severus' features softened. "I'm proud of you, you know that right?"

Hermione felt tears in her eyes. "I know now."

"Well you're a know-it-all, you should've known before." His voice had a teasing tone to it and was void of any malice.

Hermione smiled brightly at him. "Thank you, dad."

Severus leaned down, careful of the baby in his arms and placed a kiss on her forehead. "I love you." He whispered it so soft she barely heard it, then pulled away. He deposited the baby into her arms. "I'll see you later. Draco," he nodded his head at the boy, then with a brush of the baby's head with his hand, he turned to Serena. His wife took his arm, then the pair left together.

Finally the new parents were left alone with the twins. Draco gave a tired sight, then carefully collapsed nest to Hermione on the bed. "If I'm tired, you must be exhausted.

Hermione grinned. "You have no idea." They were silent the, both contemplating the changes they knew were about to occur in their lives. They studied the twins, who were both sleeping in their arms. Hermione broke the silence with t chuckle.

Draco questioned her. "What?"

Hermione smiled. "Did you ever wonder why the Weasleys have so many kids?"

Draco gave her an odd look. "No, why?"

Hermione smirked. "It's because Arthur wanted a girl, so they kept trying."

Draco's eyes narrowed. "Are you trying to say we're the opposite of the Weasleys, only having girls."

Hermione gave him a look. "That depends on if we have anymore kids. Besides, this is Dumbledore's doing. For all we know in real life we'll have boys."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "Real life, huh? I thought your father said not anytime soon."

Hermione flushed. "I didn't mean right away. Besides, I want a career first. Now let's change the subject. We need names."

Draco nodded. "I agree, but I don't think we're going to get to that tonight."

Hermione gave him a curious look. "Why not?" Within seconds her question was answered as the baby in her arms began to cry.

"That's why." Both immediately began to tend to the newborn.

"Something tells me our lives are about to get more difficult."

Then the second baby joined her sister. Over the noise Draco gave Hermione a sarcastic look. "No, really?" and the two began their first real tasks as parents to the twins.

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Author's Note: Yay, I finally finished this chapter. I'd been working on it whenever I got a spare moment, even during my breaks at work. I've already started the next chapter, so the wait will NOT be as long. I'm even hopeful I can get most of it done before the new year, but no promises. Anyway, if I don't update before then, have a Happy Holidays!

Toodles,

jessebelle

And for the reviewer that asked, I think of all of the houses, I'd probably be in Hufflepuff.

Trivia Question: Okay, the answer to last chapter's trivia was Hannah Abott in Hufflepuff and Blaise Zabini in Slytherin. Now for your next question…

Who are Wilkie Twycross, Caradoc Dearborn, and Fridwulfa? Have fun and happy hunting!

House Points: Slytherin's still in the lead (big surprise there) and Ravenclaw and Gryffindor are battling for second place. Who will be on top next chapter? The answer lies in your reviews. Make sure to identify your house if you answer the trivia question. Extra points are always nice!

Slytherin: 3640

Ravenclaw: 2745

Gryffindor: 2660

Hufflepuff: 1385