Chapter 44

Mini Epilogue

(December 2000)

The twins threw snow at each other and giggled when they missed. They waddled back and forth and she couldn't help but smile as they fell all over Adrian. Her brother played the victim and lay under their small bodies in defeat.

Hermione started when her ribs were kicked and she grimaced as she covered the sore spot.

"They kick you?" Severus inquired as he came up behind her. Hermione didn't look back but continued to gaze at their kids.

"There's not much room in there for two so I suppose I should expect many more kicks."

Her husband came into view as he too watched the hooligans smash snow onto their own faces.

She stared at his face and couldn't help reaching for it. He leaned forward to make it easier on her. Her fingers trailed across his warm cheek and she tapped it with one finger.

"They need to be bathed soon or they'll get sick."

Instead of her husband speaking, another male voice spoke up from behind her.

"They'll throw a fit if we go down there. Especially Declan. Let Adrian deal with it."

Hermione had to agree with Marcus. Declan was the ringleader of the two. While Shaun was sweet, Declan was the troublemaker. He was also the one that made his displeasure known to the whole world.

Ever since he had first come into the world, exactly five minutes ahead of Shaun, he had been very vocal even if it wasn't in actual words. Sounds worked perfectly for him.

Their birth had gone through smoothly for her. Severus had taken care of everything. From the baby's bag to which Healer would be in charge of their birth.

They hadn't planned to have more kids until the twins were older but one bad case of the flu had knocked everything out of place. The twins were only two, almost three, and they were already getting more siblings.

Luna had been right. Their second time having kids would be the same and yet not. They had soon found out that they were expecting a girl and a boy. Names were thrown around for the girl and Severus had been the one to pick it in the end.

Isadora Snape.

The name was a perfect fit. Hermione hadn't taken long to choose the other name for her fourth child.

Kieran Snape.

The babies were due in a month, both of them healthy according to her Healer. Yet there were some concerns. The pregnancy hadn't gone as smoothly as the first one had. She had gone through a scare early on when she had woken up with blood between her thighs. Severus had almost lost it then. Hermione certainly had.

That night still haunted them. Their family had stuck close to them ever since then.

Adrian and Marcus had moved in with them and Hermione's parents came over every other day to take the toddlers away when she had appointments or even just to have them since there was fierce competition between their friends and family as to who would babysit or baby-nap their kids.

It was only Friday, so they had a day or two until her parents showed up for their visit.

Zeph and Dimitry were taking them next weekend but still dropped by during the week to see them. Or take them.

Declan and Shaun's godparents were Adrian and Marcus. Shock and pleasure had been their initial response. Since they both didn't see any children in their future, they had gladly taken the responsibility.

Harry and Ron had been a bit upset at first but had come to an understanding soon enough. Even after a few years, the four of them couldn't be left alone or they would resort to petty name-calling. But it wasn't meant to hurt each other. It was a man thing according to Dimitry.

Hermione didn't care. As long as they didn't hurt each other, she was fine with it. The twins thought it was hilarious and would sometimes join in with baby babble.

She saw Adrian pick up both kids and stroll towards them.

The snow had begun to fall once more so it was time to wrap it up and go inside. She didn't have to say anything. Severus simply picked her up and gently sat her on the wheelchair her father had bought her.

"I'll wash them up. Go inside and rest, Hermione." Adrian announced as he passed one bundle of joy to Marcus.

Hermione nodded and smiled wide when her babies sent her kisses. Shaun even reached for a lock of her hair before he was taken inside. Severus stayed behind her and pushed the chair after them.

"Dinner should be ready by the time they are done," Severus stated as he left her by the kitchen table and began to take out plates and cups. Hermione used magic to place them all around the table.

"Thank Merlin for magic or we would be spending a lot of time cleaning after them when they eat. Declan is such a messy child."

"He knows you like fussing so he does it deliberately."

"He does not. Why do you insist on him being devious? He just eats messy because…"

"Because he knows you will fuss over him."

He was right. Declan loved making her fuss over him. When it came to anything, especially bedtime stories, he would deliberately cry or throw a fit that only she could tame. Shaun, on the other hand, loved his papa. He would follow him everywhere. From the kitchen to their bedroom. Most days, Shaun just wanted to have his papa in his sights or he would cry.

Yet, when they left the house with their babysitters, they acted like nothing was wrong.

Now that Heidi had a baby of her own, a boy named Callum, they weren't the only babies around. Adalene had been over the moon over all the babies. The girl had sprouted over the years, now taller than Hermione and slender with soft curves all over. It drove Gabe crazy since boys were always writing to his daughter.

Hermione thought it was deserving.

Harry and Ron had gone on to play Quidditch. Both on different teams. It was quite a sight to see them play against each other. Declan loved Quidditch but refused to get on his baby broom. Shaun loved the broom but not the game. He didn't care for it. Even the mini set of Quidditch games ended up thrown into Declan's toy box.

Harry was actually going to take Declan to a game soon. He wasn't going alone either. His fiance, Daphne, was going to babysit them both. They had gotten engaged a month ago but weren't in a hurry to wed.

Ron was living with Susan. He had asked three times before the girl had said yes. Casual dating would eventually turn into a marriage. Molly was getting impatient about more grandchildren.

Charlie had girlfriends or boyfriends but never seemed to settle with any. Bill was married to Fleur and had one child, Vickie, who was the exact replica of Fleur.

The twins weren't married but were dating at the moment so there were no kids there anytime soon. As for Ginny...she was going to marry Neville soon.

Their wedding day was two months after Hermione's due date and they were actually currently in the states with Narcissa Mckenzie. The older woman lived permanently in the states with her husband of two years. Narcissa had stayed behind with her husband and young child, while Draco had come back.

Draco wasn't dating anybody but he had been quiet about his dating so they never really asked. He came over every few weeks to spend time with his godfather and the kids.

Declan adored the blond man and Shuan had hearts in his eyes when he gazed upon the tall blond man.

As for Theo and Luna...They were somewhere in Russia. They were coming back for the twin's birth but heading back right after. Merlin knew what they were doing there. They always traveled far and came back when they needed family time with everybody. Or just to catch up since life was never boring.

"Theo sent the twins another present. It's in our room for now."

Hermione was brought back by those words. Another thing about Theo was that he loved to spoil the kids. He always teased Hermione about Declan's curls. They were everywhere all the time. Especially when they dried after a shower.

"What did he send?"

"A mini play bar for kids." Severus deadpanned as he placed the large pot of cheesy pasta in the middle of the table.

Hermione pinched her nose. "Why would he...I'm not giving it to them."

"I plan to send it to Black and Lupin. I'm sure they will find it accommodating."

That caused her to laugh and choke at the same time. Sirius and Remus were still living together. Neither one of them admitted out loud their relationship but it was fairly obvious to everybody else.

They both turned to when the patter of feet reached their ears. Shaun appeared around the corner, a wide grin on his face. His hair was the same shade of black as Severus but had loose curls instead of the tight ones Declan sported. He made a beeline for Severus. Her not so serious husband was already prepared for his youngest son.

Declan's manic laugh followed. He was also naked! Hermione shook her head. "Declan! Get dressed you, mischievous boy."

Declan shot her a smirk. She knew who had taught it to him too. Dimitry delighted himself with teaching Declan his ways. Hermione reached for him but Severus shot her a glare. "No. You can't lift him up."

"I got him, Hermione. Come here, you escape artist." Marcus said. He had a bundle of clothes ready and reached for the laughing child. Adrian popped his head in. It was dripping wet and he was grinning.

"Hurry up kids, we have to eat before the food gets cold," Hermione announced, clapping her hands to gain their attention.

They ate and talked about the shop. It was being run by Gabe and Dean. Both of them were handling it while Severus and Hermione were on a break. Severus still did some minor potion preparation but mostly concentrated on the kids and her.

Once the food was put away and the dishes were washed, they spent an hour in the living room while Adrian and Marcus left for the pub with the other men. Hermione would usually join them or Severus but they hadn't in months.

"They're going to knock out soon. I'm going to put them to bed and I'll draw you a bath after." Severus whispered as he picked up Declan. Shaun was already asleep in his other arm. Hermione smiled sweetly as he carried the pair upstairs to their rooms.

Ever since she'd been ordered to rest, they had changed rooms to the one downstairs. The kids slept in their rooms but with the doors wide open and fairy lights lit up the hallway so they were never in the dark. They had learned early on to block or jinx the stairs for the kid's safety so they didn't worry over a fall down the stairs.

While both of the boys had spouts of magic, neither one had shown odd bits of magic like Hermione had feared.

But one thing was clear early on. Hermione's odd blood and magic were in them. It would probably make itself more known as they grew up and used more magic.

Percy had predicted that the boys, if not all her kids, would come out that way.

Percy was one of her closest friends and had been concerned about what that may mean. He was currently traveling to different countries, searching for answers under the disguise of Ministry business.

Amelia had approved it when Percy and Hermione had discussed it with her years before. Hermione had traveled with him when they each had headed to the same region.

On one of those trips, early on actually, Percy had found a woman and had brought her home to them.

Sian Clyde. Soon to be a Weasley.

The tall amazon was an intimidating woman. She was a half-blood like Severus and was stunning in a way Fleur would never be. Appearances aside, she was a Vet for Magical Beasts. She was also a Healer on the side. Sian had stayed behind in case something happened with the twins or the ones she was currently carrying.

Everything was being documented but Sian and Severus didn't think anything bad would happen.

Hermione had a feeling they were right. She looked up when Severus came back into the living room and she rubbed her ribs. "They stopped kicking a while ago but my ribs feel like they have gone a few rounds with a quaffle."

"I have some soothing potions ready and a hot bath for you, my dear wife."

"You sweet talker. I suppose it will have to be enough for now."

His deep laugh colored the room. She smirked and reached out just as he wrapped his own arms around her. He dipped his head and kissed her ear.

"If you are up to it, my fingers and mouth are available for other kinds of service."

"You daring man. I will, of course, accept."

"Daring? I can be if and when you let me, wife of mine."

She laughed and kissed him.

Everything was going to be okay.

She just knew it.

o0o

Isadora Snape stared at the tall boy in front of her. He was smiling down at her and holding out a bar of chocolate.

Stephen Black was Remus and Sirius's adopted son. She had first met him right around the time she turned six. He was a year older than her and was in Ravenclaw while she was a Slytherin like her brothers.

Except for Shuan, who was in Hufflepuff.

"I'm not dating that girl, you know," Stephen stated as she accepted the chocolate.

"I didn't ask so that must mean I don't care."

She did. But she wasn't a fool. Her father had taught her better.

He smirked, obviously not caring for her tone. "I know. I just wanted to make sure you knew. I don't actually know her personally but some people like spreading false rumors."

"I don't listen to rumors. I have to get back before Declan and Kieran come looking for me."

Both of her brothers were so overprotective she had to constantly fight with them about leaving her alone. Speaking of them, she heard them shouting her name down the school corridor. She rolled her eyes and pushed her hair back.

"I'll see you later, Steph."

"Of course, Isa."

He raised one hand but seemed to think better of it and turned on his heel, his steps slow and sure. She knew he wasn't scared of her brothers but was walking away for her. Always for her. She bit her lip and clutched the chocolate bar to her chest.

She turned around just in time to see Declan, Kieran, and Shaun turn a corner. She glared. They grinned.

Shaun shrugged his shoulders and played with the lollipop in his mouth. Declan's grin didn't mask the look in his eyes. He was upset that she had slipped by them hours ago. Kieran reached her first and drew her to him.

"Who were you just with. And don't lie, we'll know."

"Leave her alone, Kie, she doesn't answer you," Shaun said around the lollipop stick.

Her twin snickered. "I just want to know."

Declan pushed him aside and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "We know who it is. Asking is just a formality."

"Choke on that formality, you swine," she replied as she twisted the soft skin around his neck.

A yelp was her answer. She smirked. Kieran pushed his way back to her side and played with her hair.

He was her twin but they didn't look anything alike.

She had the lightest brown eyes out of the three boys. Kieran had their mother's curly hair but in shades of brown while she had waist-length pitch-black hair. She was also paler and short like her mother. The only one near her size was Declan.

But while he was shorter than the other two, he was bulky like their Uncle Marcus. Shaun was the tallest of the boys followed closely by Kieran.

"We have to meet up with the others, we need help with homework," Declan grumbled.

"I know. I was heading back anyways. I just needed some alone time away from you dunderheads."

"I don't deserve to be included with this lot." Shaun joked as he turned back first.

He really didn't.

She pushed her brothers away and ran up to Shuan.

She couldn't wait to tell her mother about her conversation with Stephen later tonight. Her mother would definitely give her advice on her next move.

She couldn't wait.

She just had to help the boys with homework before writing to her mother. Her father would just have to deal with the new development.

Her Aunt Luna had been right. Waiting for him to come to her was the best possible move.

…...o0o0o0oo0o0o0o0o0o0o…..

This is the last chapter of this long story! I'm going to miss it a lot. But won't be the last. I plan to add little mini chapters as time goes by. They may be about Severus and Hermione or the twins.

But really, I'm thankful you have all stuck around this past three years, waiting and waiting for an update. I promise to do better in my next fanfic.

Thank you. 3

Vanee