Minerva sat in the glider with the twins wrapped in her arms. She read one of books aloud to the babies as she rocked slightly. Calum sucked on his thumb as he rested against her side. He was just content to be next to her. Ainslie held a strand of Minerva's hair and watched wide-eyed as Minerva turned the page. Minerva laughed in amusement before she continued reading their night time story.
Minerva lost track of time as she merely rocked her babies. Every now and then she would caress their little cheeks with her thumb. "What's worrying you love," Isobel's portrait asked.
Minerva smiled at her mother before she tried to explain. "I had my yearly physical last week and received some unexpected news. I am pregnant once again."
"Already," James muttered as Lily Potter shushed him.
"When is the new baby due? Do you know if it is a boy or girl?" Lily asked excited by the prospect of another grandchild.
Minerva smiled before answering, "Our newest girl is scheduled to arrive on the twins first birthday."
"What's worrying you so much about that," Isobel asked with a frown marring her face.
"The new baby is apparently a natural healer," Minerva said. "She is healing the remaining internal damange from the stunners I took to the chest a few years ago. I worry it will put a strain on her magic."
Isobel smiled before reassuring her daughter. "It shall not harm the wee lass' magic. My grandmother was a natural healer. She healed her mother completely as she came out of the womb and entered the world. Healing is no different to breathing for natural healers. This wee one will be just fine."
Minerva let out a sigh of relief and pulled her babies closer. "See," Harry said by the door. "Nothing to worry about."
Minerva smiled at him as she continued to rock the babies. Harry moved over and picked up Calum gently. He dropped a kiss to his forehead and put the resting baby down in his crib. A sense of magic washed over him. "What color is my hair," he asked his father's portrait while dreading the answer.
"Cudley Cannon Orange," came the reply followed by snickering.
Harry grimaced at the thought before moving over and picking up his wide-eyed daughter. "I apologize for not picking you up soon enough Ainslie," he whispered. "I thought you looked cosy with your Mum."
Ainslie giggled before he felt her magic wash over him again. "It's back to normal," Lily offered.
Harry pulled Ainslie closer to him and kissed her forehead. "You get a good night's sleep and we shall go see the squid tomorrow," Harry promised.
"Are you going to start promising unicorns next," Minerva teased.
Harry grinned before replying, "I believe unicorns are more appropriate for 5 year olds."
The portraits laughed at the reply and watched as Harry scooped Minerva up in his arms and carried her out of the room. It was obvious how much they loved each other!
Harry and Minerva rushed to Hogwarts Infirmary to greet the newest resident of the castle. Rolonda Hooch laid propped up by pillows in a bed in one of the private rooms with a blue bundle nestled in her arms. "May we introduce Jaxon Snitch Brown," Rolonda said as she gently reached the baby to Minerva. "You know I am unconventional so I want you and Poppy to be godparents. Forget godfathers when he has such wonderful godmothers. "
Minerva smiled before agreeing. "I sure hope you like quidditch Jaxon," Minerva cooed. "You will probably be riding a broom before you are able to walk."
Harry snorted in amusement as Rolonda and John just grinned at each other. Poppy shared a look with Minerva before busting out laughing. The three witches had been through a lot together. The light teasing and friendly banter would always remain but so would the bond they share as well.
Poppy was the next staff member to give birth. She had chosen to forgo bringing other qualified medi witch in for the birth but had her husband just coach her apprentice. Minerva had been furious when she discovered it but let things slide when Poppy came through the birthing process with easy. The tripletts were slightly underweight but a few weeks on nutritional potions would have them right as rain.
"What's their names," Rolonda had asked.
"Amethyst, Galen, and Josias," Poppy said tiredly.
Minerva burst out laughing. "She would choose names associated with healing," she said between breathes.
Poppy rolled her eyes at her friend's light teasing before she yawned. "As much as I want catch up with you both, I find it impossible to remain awake. You two will be their godmothers and Filius their godfather," she said as she finally gave in to her exhaustion.
Minerva and Rolonda tucked the babies into their crib and quietly left the room. Poppy and the tripletts needed to rest.