Introducing the Potter Twins -
Molly walked back out of the bath with the tiny squirming newborn swaddled in yellow towels. She brought the baby over again for Ginny and Harry to see. Harry, whose hand was shaking so badly he had to pause for a moment, reached out and ran the back of his finger on the baby's soft cheek. Ginny kissed her second son on the forehead before Molly took the baby to the nursery where Hermione was already tending to the first baby. "I am going to examine the babies now," Nynaeve said, she turned and walked into the nursery. Shortly after Nynaeve entered the nursery room Molly walked back into the master bedroom, giving a dirty look over her shoulder, muttering to herself, "Snippy woman. . ." Hermione came out a moment later, her expression almost as sour as Molly's. Harry gave Ginny one last kiss on the temple before moving out from behind her, "I'm going to go check on our babies." He climbed off of the bed and walked into the nursery.
"Ginny let's get you into the shower while she's looking over the babies," Molly said, reaching out and caressing Ginny's shoulder. "Mum, I don't think I can get up," Ginny said, gingerly moving her legs on the bed. "The Healer sent this out for you to drink," said Hermione, holding out a small glass vial containing a light blue potion that looked to glow on its own. Hermione pulled off the cork of the vial and held it to Ginny's lips as Molly reached behind Ginny to support her head. Ginny's hand shook as she raised it up to touch Hermione's hand while she drank the potion. It tasted strong of peppermint and left a cool tingling on her tongue. She could feel the potion slide down her throat, leaving in its wake a soothing sensation that began to spread through her body. Ginny licked her lips as Hermione pulled the empty vial away she felt her energy being somewhat restored. "This isn't to replace rest, dear, just to help you have the strength to get cleaned up and back into order," said Molly, holding onto Ginny's arm as she slowly swung her feet to the floor. Hermione pocketed the empty vial and took Ginny's other arm. The three women slowly made their way to the bathroom so Ginny could take a much deserved refreshing shower.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ginny felt much better as she sat in her bed that was now put back to normal. Several pillows propped Ginny against the head of the bed where she sat. She was getting anxious to see her babies. After Ginny was settled in Hermione walked out of the bedroom. Ginny could hear her brothers out in the hall bombard Hermione with questions as she shut the door behind her. Molly walked over to the side of the bed and reached out, brushing a strand of Ginny's fringe as she looked up smiling at her mother. "You did beautifully," Molly said leaning closer, placing a kiss on Ginny's cheek. "Welcome to the club, sweetheart," Molly whispered in her ear. Ginny gave her a curious look as Molly pulled back. "Motherhood, dear," Molly said, cupping Ginny's cheek in her hand for a moment before turning to walk into the nursery.
Ginny's heart gave a leap when she heard a tiny wail come from the nursery. Her baby. That was her baby that just cried. Ginny squirmed beneath the covers, impatient to hold her children. "Harry?" Ginny called out, leaning forward a bit to try and see through the nursery door. "One moment," Harry called back. Ginny let out a deep sigh and sat back against the bed. "Here we go," Harry said, walking through the nursery. In his arms he carried a swaddled bundle of golden receiving blankets. He was smiling down at the infant in his arms, beaming with pride. Ginny sat back up again watching closely as he walked over to his side of the bed and sat down carefully before turning and scooting his way over beside his wife. Molly came out right behind Harry carrying another tiny bundle, this time wrapped in scarlet blankets. Molly cooed and smiled down at the tiny creature in her arms as she walked over to Ginny. "He's so perfect," said Molly, gently lowering the baby into Ginny's waiting arms. She was in awe, he was so tiny. His face was scrunched up and his bottom lip puckered out a touch as he slept.
Lex raced out of the room and vaulted back onto of the dresser beside Clark and watched. Nynaeve walked out of the nursery and over to the chair containing her yellow shawl. "I'll be going now, Ginny. If you need me for anything don't hesitate to contact me," said Nynaeve, throwing the shawl over her shoulders. She reached over to the night stand and picked up the milky translucent stone, putting it in a pocket hidden within the folds of her long skirt. Harry looked up from the baby in his arms at the healer, "Thank you," he said. Nynaeve gave him a small smile, "You're welcome Mr. Potter." Nynaeve walked over and opened the bedroom door where voices could be heard. Ginny could hear broken bit of conversation as introductions were made to the healer, followed by a couple of painful yelps as Nynaeve closed the door behind her. "I better see what that was about," said Molly, making her way out of the bedroom.
"We did it," said Ginny, leaning in to kiss the soft skin of her baby's forehead. "We?" Harry said, looking down at the sleeping son in his arms. "I don't recall pushing a quaffle out of a hole the size of a snitch," he said, leaning over kissing Ginny on the temple. Ginny chuckled, looking over at her other son held in Harry's arms. "Well, you were right. I do hope you and your inflated ego will be able to fit through the doors after this," Ginny teased. Harry smiled, "I'll figure some way around it if it doesn't," he teased back. Harry took a deep breath, his face taking on a serious expression looking back and forth between his two children. "Thank you, Ginny," he said, looking back up at her. Ginny saw tears threatening his eyes as he quickly blinked them away. She felt her heart melt, she knew despite the pain and misery she had gone through for these beautiful creatures she would do it all over, if only to see Harry this happy again. Ginny smiled softly at Harry as she leaned in towards him, "I love you," she said simply. Harry leaned in too, gently kissing her soft lips. "I love you," he said, resting his forehead against hers.
Their attention was brought back to voices and sounds of impatient family members from behind their bedroom door. "You can come in now," Harry called out. The bedroom quickly filled with family. Arthur and Molly were first to enter, both looking happy. Hermione stepped in carrying a wide eyed Gawyn in her arms. Ron walked in behind Hermione his hand resting on her shoulder, smiling proudly. Right on Ron's heels Fred and George came in, both carrying large brown sacks. Angelina followed behind George looking over her shoulder to talk to Katie who was carrying Egwene. The group filed into the spacious bedroom and stood around the foot of the bed. Arthur was the first to step up to the side of the bed, leaning in he kissed Ginny on the forehead as he looked down at his two newest grandchildren.
"I'm proud of you, sweetheart," he said, reaching out to stroke the downy black hair of the baby's head. "Would you like to hold him?" Ginny offered. "Of course I would," Arthur said, lifting the tiny infant into his arms. Molly was at his side in an instant looking at the baby in her husband's arms. "Molly, would you like to hold him?" Harry offered. "Yes, of course I do," Molly said excitedly. Harry handed the infant over to Ginny who paused to kiss his soft round cheek before handing him over to Molly. Harry turned his attention to the rest of the group standing by the foot of the bed while Arthur and Molly made over his children. "So what was that earlier?" Harry asked. Ron, Hermione along with Angelina and Katie all grinned and turned their heads towards the twins. "Well the healer came out of the room," said George. "And we were all introduced," said Fred. "I apologized for calling her a quack," said George, again. "And I don't know how she did it, but the next thing I know I get this terrible burning stinging feeling," said Fred, looking a bit baffled as his hand automatically touched his rear end. George nodded, absentmindedly rubbing his rear. "I know it was her, but I didn't see a wand." said George. Hermione coughed to cover a giggle that threatened her. Ron smiled, shaking his head. Angelina and Katie looked smugly at their husbands glad someone else put them in line. Harry and Ginny looked at each other and grinned, "Remind me to tip her," Ginny said under her breath.
"So, do we call them the Potter twins or have you picked out names?" Fred asked, ready to change the subject. Ginny reached out and grabbed Harry's hand. He looked over at her, smiling, and she nodded. "Well, we decided that if they were born girls Ginny would name them, and if they were boys I would." Harry said, looking rather proud of himself for winning. "So I'd like to introduce to you, Perrin James," he said pointing to the baby in Molly's arms. "And Matrim Arthur," Harry said, pointing to the infant in Arthur's arms. "Their lovely names Harry," said Hermione, smiling over at the babies. Arthur looked down at the sleeping baby in his arms and then up at his son in law sitting on the bed. "Thank you Harry," Arthur said, turning his gaze back down to his name sake. "I'm impressed Harry, better than Dudley and Draco!" said George, laughing at his own joke. Katie groaned and buried her face in Egwene's hair. "Hey, we have presents for our little shadows," Fred said, reaching into his large sack. George reached into his bag too, both men pulling out two golden lions with scarlet bows tied around their necks. "Got to start them off right," Fred said, giving the little lion a shake. "I know, why don't we go put these in the babies' cribs," said George as if reading from a script. "Gee George, what a good idea," said Fred, giving Ron a wink. Both men took their sacks and dashed off into the nursery.
"I think I'll go help them with the stuffed animals," Ron said, clapping his hands together before thumbing over his shoulder to the nursery room, "Yeah, I'll be back," he said before turning and hurrying into the nursery. "Harry, the babies are not going back into that room until you've checked it over thoroughly." Ginny said, watching the back of Ron's head go through the doorway. Matrim gave a small cry from Arthur's arms, Angelina and Katie let out an "Aww," at the little cry. Hermione smiled fondly at the new babies, gently patted Gawyn's back. Egwene's eyes widened in surprise, she had one arm was hooked around Katie's neck and she was chewing on a finger of her other hand. "Beebee!" Egwene cried, pointing a wet finger towards her grandparents. "That's right sweetie, more babies for you to play with," said Katie, kissing Egwene's cheek. Arthur placed a kiss on baby Matrim's forehead, "I think he wants his mum," he said, giving the baby back to Ginny.
It struck Ginny at that moment, like a cord had been plucked in her heart. She was a mother now. Molly kissed baby Perrin's cheek before putting the baby in Ginny's other arm. Ginny just sat there, stunned, looking back and forth between the identical faces of the babies in her arms. She blinked rapidly to ward off the tears that were threatening to take over. "I think it's time we left the new family alone." Molly said, smiling down at her newest grandchildren. Harry leaned in, kissing the soft black hair that topped the head of Matrim before stroking it with his fingers. "I'll be over tomorrow, contact me if you need me before," said Molly, leaning over and kissing Ginny on the forehead. Molly reached out and gently touched the cheek of Perrin and then Matrim before reaching up and cupping Harry's cheek with her hand. Harry smiled up at her, "Thank you for everything Molly," he said. Molly gently shook her head giving him a soft smile as she pulled away, "It was nothing dear."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"So what did they do to the nursery?" Ginny asked from her position in the bed. Everyone had left over an hour earlier, Fred and George looking very happy with themselves as they came over to say goodbye to her. Ginny noticed that her brothers had a special gleam in their eyes as they looked down at their newest nephews. "Rest now little ones," George said in a hushed tone, standing beside Ginny's bed earlier. "Yes, your training will begin soon our little shadows" Fred whispered, grinning down at her sleeping infants. "Well, how do I put this?" Harry said from the nursery. Ginny looked down at Perrin as he nursed for the first time from her breast. She had fed Matrim a few minutes before. She was happy that she had discussed nourishment charms and potions with the healer during her pregnancy; with the way the twins already seemed to be feeding she wouldn't be able to keep up with their demand on her own. She winced as the baby lost suction, Perrin's tiny face screwed up and he began a weak newborn cry. "There, there, precious," Ginny soothed as she reattached him, he greedily went back feeding.
Ginny was a bit surprised by her sons, the healer had warned her that some babies had a hard time adjusting to breast feeding, but her babies instantly took to it. Another surprised was their size, she had heard that her twins could be small, but that was not the case with her boys who each topped out at eight pounds and twenty inches in length. "Your daddy wasn't kidding when he said strapping." Ginny muttered down to her son.
"Let's just say," Harry continued from the nursery, "We won't have to worry about them not knowing who their uncles are," said Harry, stepping out of the nursery with a sleeping Matrim in his arms. Ginny looked up from Perrin and smiled watching Harry carrying his son across the room. He sat at the edge of the bed near her knees; he became fixated on his son nursing from his wife's breast. Ginny grinned as Harry tilted his head slightly to the side, furrowing his brow and watched without realizing what he was doing. "Honestly, Harry, I would have thought you got the idea from watching me feed Mat," Ginny teased. Harry continued to stare, not hearing her speak. Ginny chuckled and had to stop as the baby jumped from her movement, throwing a little arm out in reflex. His tiny face contorted as a high pitched wail slowly began to build from a silent scream. This brought Harry out of his trance and he watched again as Ginny soothed his son, she settled him down looking guilty for startling the baby. "I'm sorry love, didn't mean to do that," Ginny said softly, stroking the baby's soft black hair across his head.
Harry reached over and caressed Ginny's blanket covered knee as he stared down at the sleeping infant in his arms. "I love you Ginny." Harry said, looking up at her, "Thank You." Ginny's heart melted at the expression of happiness and fulfillment she saw on Harry. Slowly they leaned forward cradling their children in their arms about to share a kiss; Harry's lips were a fraction of an inch away from hers when they were distracted by a tiny puttering sound. Looking at each other in confusion for a moment they both looked down as Matrim squirmed in his father's arms before settling down again. Ginny covered her mouth as to not laugh out loud, her eyes crinkling at the edges with humor. Harry raised his eyebrows and smiled big looking down at Matrim. "Well, son," Harry said looking mildly impressed. "Gassy," Ginny giggled, "Must get that from you," she teased. "That's my boy," Harry said proudly.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
For the past two weeks life as Ginny once knew it flew out the window. Her life now revolved around diapers, feedings and very little sleep. If it wasn't for the daily help of her mother Ginny didn't think she'd be able to keep up. Molly was more than happy to rush around the house doing odd chores, humming to herself as she worked. Ginny protested one afternoon that her mother was doing too much to which Molly replied, "Nonsense dear, I did the same for all the others and I'm enjoying myself, so sit back and relax."
Ginny sat in the rocking chair near the window of the nursery, streams of moonlight illuminated the grinning posters of Fred and George Weasley with the words 'WWW - if you can think of the joke, we can provide for it,' written beneath her brothers as they winked and pointed their first finger, clicking their thumb at anyone looking at the poster. Zooming across the vaulted ceiling toy beater bats knocked around mini stuffed bludgers that Ginny was assured would never drop below the ceiling and were charmed to avoid any living creature. Ginny knew it would be a long while before she discovered all the secret surprises her brothers had put in the nursery.
Clark lay curled up at Ginny's feet as she gently rubbed Matrim's back, trying to get him to burp. Lex lay sprawled out across the foot of Perrin's crib sleeping. Ginny noticed that at various times of night when she would come to feed the babies he would be at the foot of either crib. Mat let out a little burp, milk dribbling out of the corner of his tiny mouth. Ginny took a yellow spit rag and wiped his lips, looking at him as he sleep on her shoulder. His tiny fingers curled into fists. Ginny couldn't help but fall in love all over again every time she looked at her boys. His lips were parted as he sleep, his chubby baby cheek squished against her shoulder. Ginny reached up, lovingly brushing downy black hair back, so far unlike their father, the boys' hair laid in order. Harry mentioned to Ginny before that their hair felt as silken as her own and was grateful they didn't have the untidy mess he had to deal with. She leaned her head over, brushing a kiss onto his cheek, inhaling his sweet breath mingled with her own warm vanilla scent that lingered on the boys when she held them.
An orange clock hung on the wall with the Chudley Cannons mascot on it softly chimed the hour of midnight, a present from their uncle Ron. Ginny looked over at the bookshelf mounted on the wall near the clock and couldn't help but smile. Already her boys were on their way to having their own library before they could even think to read. It appeared that her family felt the need to send a book for the children to read some time when they grew. Hogwarts - A History was the first they received from their aunt Hermione along with 'Chess - Great strategies to beat your opponent' from Ron. 'Dragons, dragons, dragons - from Charlie was propped up against 'Introduction into curse breaking' - from Bill, of course. By far though the one that made Ginny laugh the most as she unwrapped the parcel one day was from Percy, 'Prefects Who Gained Power.' She could just imagine the scandalized looks on Fred and George's faces when they learned that Percy had sent her twins that book.
What she hadn't expected was to receive a copy of, 'Secrets to becoming a great Keeper,' from Oliver Wood with a personal inscription on the inside cover that said, 'In case the beater positions don't pan out - Oliver.' Harry had promptly gone out and bought a book on seekers to add, "Just in case," he said, grinning sheepishly. As the last soft chime faded from the clock a tiny shower of fireworks burst forth high in the nursery ceiling casting shadows of the beater bats onto the walls, the powder soft cloud of gently glittering scarlet and gold colors floated across the ceiling fading well before they reached the crib, yet another idea of the twins. She could count on seeing this display every hour after the sun set until the sun rose again. She was yet again assured by her brothers that they wouldn't wake the sleeping babies, and as promised they were virtually silent save the gently tinkling sound they made as they glittered and faded.
Ginny stood and walked over to Mat's crib and laid him down on the soft mattress, pulling the scarlet comforter up to his chest. She gave him one last kiss on the forehead before moving across to Perrin's crib where he sleep. Ginny reached up and held her hair back as she leaned down to kiss Perrin on the forehead. His breath caught in a tiny gasp before sighing, squirming slightly at the feel of his mother's tender kiss before settling back into sleep. Ginny straightened, looking down at her son with a soft smile. She reached out and stroked Lex's soft white fur from where he lay at the foot of the mattress. Lex peeked out at her with one bright grey eye before squeezing it shut again.
She made her way out of nursery, walking to her side of the bed. Taking off her robe she draped it on the near by chair and climbed into bed. Clark sauntered into the room and jumped onto the foot of her bed where he curled up and went back to sleep. Ginny snuggled down into her pillow knowing that she'd only get a few hours of sleep before Perrin would wake up for his feeding. Harry rolled over throwing an arm across Ginny's stomach, snuggling his face into the crook of her neck. He inhaled deeply before letting out a long sigh, she could feel him brush her neck with a kiss as he sleep. Ginny stroked Harry's arm with her finger tips as her eyes began to shut. As she drifted off into slumber the thought crossed her mind that at that very moment, she could be no happier nor more in love.
Molly walked back out of the bath with the tiny squirming newborn swaddled in yellow towels. She brought the baby over again for Ginny and Harry to see. Harry, whose hand was shaking so badly he had to pause for a moment, reached out and ran the back of his finger on the baby's soft cheek. Ginny kissed her second son on the forehead before Molly took the baby to the nursery where Hermione was already tending to the first baby. "I am going to examine the babies now," Nynaeve said, she turned and walked into the nursery. Shortly after Nynaeve entered the nursery room Molly walked back into the master bedroom, giving a dirty look over her shoulder, muttering to herself, "Snippy woman. . ." Hermione came out a moment later, her expression almost as sour as Molly's. Harry gave Ginny one last kiss on the temple before moving out from behind her, "I'm going to go check on our babies." He climbed off of the bed and walked into the nursery.
"Ginny let's get you into the shower while she's looking over the babies," Molly said, reaching out and caressing Ginny's shoulder. "Mum, I don't think I can get up," Ginny said, gingerly moving her legs on the bed. "The Healer sent this out for you to drink," said Hermione, holding out a small glass vial containing a light blue potion that looked to glow on its own. Hermione pulled off the cork of the vial and held it to Ginny's lips as Molly reached behind Ginny to support her head. Ginny's hand shook as she raised it up to touch Hermione's hand while she drank the potion. It tasted strong of peppermint and left a cool tingling on her tongue. She could feel the potion slide down her throat, leaving in its wake a soothing sensation that began to spread through her body. Ginny licked her lips as Hermione pulled the empty vial away she felt her energy being somewhat restored. "This isn't to replace rest, dear, just to help you have the strength to get cleaned up and back into order," said Molly, holding onto Ginny's arm as she slowly swung her feet to the floor. Hermione pocketed the empty vial and took Ginny's other arm. The three women slowly made their way to the bathroom so Ginny could take a much deserved refreshing shower.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ginny felt much better as she sat in her bed that was now put back to normal. Several pillows propped Ginny against the head of the bed where she sat. She was getting anxious to see her babies. After Ginny was settled in Hermione walked out of the bedroom. Ginny could hear her brothers out in the hall bombard Hermione with questions as she shut the door behind her. Molly walked over to the side of the bed and reached out, brushing a strand of Ginny's fringe as she looked up smiling at her mother. "You did beautifully," Molly said leaning closer, placing a kiss on Ginny's cheek. "Welcome to the club, sweetheart," Molly whispered in her ear. Ginny gave her a curious look as Molly pulled back. "Motherhood, dear," Molly said, cupping Ginny's cheek in her hand for a moment before turning to walk into the nursery.
Ginny's heart gave a leap when she heard a tiny wail come from the nursery. Her baby. That was her baby that just cried. Ginny squirmed beneath the covers, impatient to hold her children. "Harry?" Ginny called out, leaning forward a bit to try and see through the nursery door. "One moment," Harry called back. Ginny let out a deep sigh and sat back against the bed. "Here we go," Harry said, walking through the nursery. In his arms he carried a swaddled bundle of golden receiving blankets. He was smiling down at the infant in his arms, beaming with pride. Ginny sat back up again watching closely as he walked over to his side of the bed and sat down carefully before turning and scooting his way over beside his wife. Molly came out right behind Harry carrying another tiny bundle, this time wrapped in scarlet blankets. Molly cooed and smiled down at the tiny creature in her arms as she walked over to Ginny. "He's so perfect," said Molly, gently lowering the baby into Ginny's waiting arms. She was in awe, he was so tiny. His face was scrunched up and his bottom lip puckered out a touch as he slept.
Lex raced out of the room and vaulted back onto of the dresser beside Clark and watched. Nynaeve walked out of the nursery and over to the chair containing her yellow shawl. "I'll be going now, Ginny. If you need me for anything don't hesitate to contact me," said Nynaeve, throwing the shawl over her shoulders. She reached over to the night stand and picked up the milky translucent stone, putting it in a pocket hidden within the folds of her long skirt. Harry looked up from the baby in his arms at the healer, "Thank you," he said. Nynaeve gave him a small smile, "You're welcome Mr. Potter." Nynaeve walked over and opened the bedroom door where voices could be heard. Ginny could hear broken bit of conversation as introductions were made to the healer, followed by a couple of painful yelps as Nynaeve closed the door behind her. "I better see what that was about," said Molly, making her way out of the bedroom.
"We did it," said Ginny, leaning in to kiss the soft skin of her baby's forehead. "We?" Harry said, looking down at the sleeping son in his arms. "I don't recall pushing a quaffle out of a hole the size of a snitch," he said, leaning over kissing Ginny on the temple. Ginny chuckled, looking over at her other son held in Harry's arms. "Well, you were right. I do hope you and your inflated ego will be able to fit through the doors after this," Ginny teased. Harry smiled, "I'll figure some way around it if it doesn't," he teased back. Harry took a deep breath, his face taking on a serious expression looking back and forth between his two children. "Thank you, Ginny," he said, looking back up at her. Ginny saw tears threatening his eyes as he quickly blinked them away. She felt her heart melt, she knew despite the pain and misery she had gone through for these beautiful creatures she would do it all over, if only to see Harry this happy again. Ginny smiled softly at Harry as she leaned in towards him, "I love you," she said simply. Harry leaned in too, gently kissing her soft lips. "I love you," he said, resting his forehead against hers.
Their attention was brought back to voices and sounds of impatient family members from behind their bedroom door. "You can come in now," Harry called out. The bedroom quickly filled with family. Arthur and Molly were first to enter, both looking happy. Hermione stepped in carrying a wide eyed Gawyn in her arms. Ron walked in behind Hermione his hand resting on her shoulder, smiling proudly. Right on Ron's heels Fred and George came in, both carrying large brown sacks. Angelina followed behind George looking over her shoulder to talk to Katie who was carrying Egwene. The group filed into the spacious bedroom and stood around the foot of the bed. Arthur was the first to step up to the side of the bed, leaning in he kissed Ginny on the forehead as he looked down at his two newest grandchildren.
"I'm proud of you, sweetheart," he said, reaching out to stroke the downy black hair of the baby's head. "Would you like to hold him?" Ginny offered. "Of course I would," Arthur said, lifting the tiny infant into his arms. Molly was at his side in an instant looking at the baby in her husband's arms. "Molly, would you like to hold him?" Harry offered. "Yes, of course I do," Molly said excitedly. Harry handed the infant over to Ginny who paused to kiss his soft round cheek before handing him over to Molly. Harry turned his attention to the rest of the group standing by the foot of the bed while Arthur and Molly made over his children. "So what was that earlier?" Harry asked. Ron, Hermione along with Angelina and Katie all grinned and turned their heads towards the twins. "Well the healer came out of the room," said George. "And we were all introduced," said Fred. "I apologized for calling her a quack," said George, again. "And I don't know how she did it, but the next thing I know I get this terrible burning stinging feeling," said Fred, looking a bit baffled as his hand automatically touched his rear end. George nodded, absentmindedly rubbing his rear. "I know it was her, but I didn't see a wand." said George. Hermione coughed to cover a giggle that threatened her. Ron smiled, shaking his head. Angelina and Katie looked smugly at their husbands glad someone else put them in line. Harry and Ginny looked at each other and grinned, "Remind me to tip her," Ginny said under her breath.
"So, do we call them the Potter twins or have you picked out names?" Fred asked, ready to change the subject. Ginny reached out and grabbed Harry's hand. He looked over at her, smiling, and she nodded. "Well, we decided that if they were born girls Ginny would name them, and if they were boys I would." Harry said, looking rather proud of himself for winning. "So I'd like to introduce to you, Perrin James," he said pointing to the baby in Molly's arms. "And Matrim Arthur," Harry said, pointing to the infant in Arthur's arms. "Their lovely names Harry," said Hermione, smiling over at the babies. Arthur looked down at the sleeping baby in his arms and then up at his son in law sitting on the bed. "Thank you Harry," Arthur said, turning his gaze back down to his name sake. "I'm impressed Harry, better than Dudley and Draco!" said George, laughing at his own joke. Katie groaned and buried her face in Egwene's hair. "Hey, we have presents for our little shadows," Fred said, reaching into his large sack. George reached into his bag too, both men pulling out two golden lions with scarlet bows tied around their necks. "Got to start them off right," Fred said, giving the little lion a shake. "I know, why don't we go put these in the babies' cribs," said George as if reading from a script. "Gee George, what a good idea," said Fred, giving Ron a wink. Both men took their sacks and dashed off into the nursery.
"I think I'll go help them with the stuffed animals," Ron said, clapping his hands together before thumbing over his shoulder to the nursery room, "Yeah, I'll be back," he said before turning and hurrying into the nursery. "Harry, the babies are not going back into that room until you've checked it over thoroughly." Ginny said, watching the back of Ron's head go through the doorway. Matrim gave a small cry from Arthur's arms, Angelina and Katie let out an "Aww," at the little cry. Hermione smiled fondly at the new babies, gently patted Gawyn's back. Egwene's eyes widened in surprise, she had one arm was hooked around Katie's neck and she was chewing on a finger of her other hand. "Beebee!" Egwene cried, pointing a wet finger towards her grandparents. "That's right sweetie, more babies for you to play with," said Katie, kissing Egwene's cheek. Arthur placed a kiss on baby Matrim's forehead, "I think he wants his mum," he said, giving the baby back to Ginny.
It struck Ginny at that moment, like a cord had been plucked in her heart. She was a mother now. Molly kissed baby Perrin's cheek before putting the baby in Ginny's other arm. Ginny just sat there, stunned, looking back and forth between the identical faces of the babies in her arms. She blinked rapidly to ward off the tears that were threatening to take over. "I think it's time we left the new family alone." Molly said, smiling down at her newest grandchildren. Harry leaned in, kissing the soft black hair that topped the head of Matrim before stroking it with his fingers. "I'll be over tomorrow, contact me if you need me before," said Molly, leaning over and kissing Ginny on the forehead. Molly reached out and gently touched the cheek of Perrin and then Matrim before reaching up and cupping Harry's cheek with her hand. Harry smiled up at her, "Thank you for everything Molly," he said. Molly gently shook her head giving him a soft smile as she pulled away, "It was nothing dear."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"So what did they do to the nursery?" Ginny asked from her position in the bed. Everyone had left over an hour earlier, Fred and George looking very happy with themselves as they came over to say goodbye to her. Ginny noticed that her brothers had a special gleam in their eyes as they looked down at their newest nephews. "Rest now little ones," George said in a hushed tone, standing beside Ginny's bed earlier. "Yes, your training will begin soon our little shadows" Fred whispered, grinning down at her sleeping infants. "Well, how do I put this?" Harry said from the nursery. Ginny looked down at Perrin as he nursed for the first time from her breast. She had fed Matrim a few minutes before. She was happy that she had discussed nourishment charms and potions with the healer during her pregnancy; with the way the twins already seemed to be feeding she wouldn't be able to keep up with their demand on her own. She winced as the baby lost suction, Perrin's tiny face screwed up and he began a weak newborn cry. "There, there, precious," Ginny soothed as she reattached him, he greedily went back feeding.
Ginny was a bit surprised by her sons, the healer had warned her that some babies had a hard time adjusting to breast feeding, but her babies instantly took to it. Another surprised was their size, she had heard that her twins could be small, but that was not the case with her boys who each topped out at eight pounds and twenty inches in length. "Your daddy wasn't kidding when he said strapping." Ginny muttered down to her son.
"Let's just say," Harry continued from the nursery, "We won't have to worry about them not knowing who their uncles are," said Harry, stepping out of the nursery with a sleeping Matrim in his arms. Ginny looked up from Perrin and smiled watching Harry carrying his son across the room. He sat at the edge of the bed near her knees; he became fixated on his son nursing from his wife's breast. Ginny grinned as Harry tilted his head slightly to the side, furrowing his brow and watched without realizing what he was doing. "Honestly, Harry, I would have thought you got the idea from watching me feed Mat," Ginny teased. Harry continued to stare, not hearing her speak. Ginny chuckled and had to stop as the baby jumped from her movement, throwing a little arm out in reflex. His tiny face contorted as a high pitched wail slowly began to build from a silent scream. This brought Harry out of his trance and he watched again as Ginny soothed his son, she settled him down looking guilty for startling the baby. "I'm sorry love, didn't mean to do that," Ginny said softly, stroking the baby's soft black hair across his head.
Harry reached over and caressed Ginny's blanket covered knee as he stared down at the sleeping infant in his arms. "I love you Ginny." Harry said, looking up at her, "Thank You." Ginny's heart melted at the expression of happiness and fulfillment she saw on Harry. Slowly they leaned forward cradling their children in their arms about to share a kiss; Harry's lips were a fraction of an inch away from hers when they were distracted by a tiny puttering sound. Looking at each other in confusion for a moment they both looked down as Matrim squirmed in his father's arms before settling down again. Ginny covered her mouth as to not laugh out loud, her eyes crinkling at the edges with humor. Harry raised his eyebrows and smiled big looking down at Matrim. "Well, son," Harry said looking mildly impressed. "Gassy," Ginny giggled, "Must get that from you," she teased. "That's my boy," Harry said proudly.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
For the past two weeks life as Ginny once knew it flew out the window. Her life now revolved around diapers, feedings and very little sleep. If it wasn't for the daily help of her mother Ginny didn't think she'd be able to keep up. Molly was more than happy to rush around the house doing odd chores, humming to herself as she worked. Ginny protested one afternoon that her mother was doing too much to which Molly replied, "Nonsense dear, I did the same for all the others and I'm enjoying myself, so sit back and relax."
Ginny sat in the rocking chair near the window of the nursery, streams of moonlight illuminated the grinning posters of Fred and George Weasley with the words 'WWW - if you can think of the joke, we can provide for it,' written beneath her brothers as they winked and pointed their first finger, clicking their thumb at anyone looking at the poster. Zooming across the vaulted ceiling toy beater bats knocked around mini stuffed bludgers that Ginny was assured would never drop below the ceiling and were charmed to avoid any living creature. Ginny knew it would be a long while before she discovered all the secret surprises her brothers had put in the nursery.
Clark lay curled up at Ginny's feet as she gently rubbed Matrim's back, trying to get him to burp. Lex lay sprawled out across the foot of Perrin's crib sleeping. Ginny noticed that at various times of night when she would come to feed the babies he would be at the foot of either crib. Mat let out a little burp, milk dribbling out of the corner of his tiny mouth. Ginny took a yellow spit rag and wiped his lips, looking at him as he sleep on her shoulder. His tiny fingers curled into fists. Ginny couldn't help but fall in love all over again every time she looked at her boys. His lips were parted as he sleep, his chubby baby cheek squished against her shoulder. Ginny reached up, lovingly brushing downy black hair back, so far unlike their father, the boys' hair laid in order. Harry mentioned to Ginny before that their hair felt as silken as her own and was grateful they didn't have the untidy mess he had to deal with. She leaned her head over, brushing a kiss onto his cheek, inhaling his sweet breath mingled with her own warm vanilla scent that lingered on the boys when she held them.
An orange clock hung on the wall with the Chudley Cannons mascot on it softly chimed the hour of midnight, a present from their uncle Ron. Ginny looked over at the bookshelf mounted on the wall near the clock and couldn't help but smile. Already her boys were on their way to having their own library before they could even think to read. It appeared that her family felt the need to send a book for the children to read some time when they grew. Hogwarts - A History was the first they received from their aunt Hermione along with 'Chess - Great strategies to beat your opponent' from Ron. 'Dragons, dragons, dragons - from Charlie was propped up against 'Introduction into curse breaking' - from Bill, of course. By far though the one that made Ginny laugh the most as she unwrapped the parcel one day was from Percy, 'Prefects Who Gained Power.' She could just imagine the scandalized looks on Fred and George's faces when they learned that Percy had sent her twins that book.
What she hadn't expected was to receive a copy of, 'Secrets to becoming a great Keeper,' from Oliver Wood with a personal inscription on the inside cover that said, 'In case the beater positions don't pan out - Oliver.' Harry had promptly gone out and bought a book on seekers to add, "Just in case," he said, grinning sheepishly. As the last soft chime faded from the clock a tiny shower of fireworks burst forth high in the nursery ceiling casting shadows of the beater bats onto the walls, the powder soft cloud of gently glittering scarlet and gold colors floated across the ceiling fading well before they reached the crib, yet another idea of the twins. She could count on seeing this display every hour after the sun set until the sun rose again. She was yet again assured by her brothers that they wouldn't wake the sleeping babies, and as promised they were virtually silent save the gently tinkling sound they made as they glittered and faded.
Ginny stood and walked over to Mat's crib and laid him down on the soft mattress, pulling the scarlet comforter up to his chest. She gave him one last kiss on the forehead before moving across to Perrin's crib where he sleep. Ginny reached up and held her hair back as she leaned down to kiss Perrin on the forehead. His breath caught in a tiny gasp before sighing, squirming slightly at the feel of his mother's tender kiss before settling back into sleep. Ginny straightened, looking down at her son with a soft smile. She reached out and stroked Lex's soft white fur from where he lay at the foot of the mattress. Lex peeked out at her with one bright grey eye before squeezing it shut again.
She made her way out of nursery, walking to her side of the bed. Taking off her robe she draped it on the near by chair and climbed into bed. Clark sauntered into the room and jumped onto the foot of her bed where he curled up and went back to sleep. Ginny snuggled down into her pillow knowing that she'd only get a few hours of sleep before Perrin would wake up for his feeding. Harry rolled over throwing an arm across Ginny's stomach, snuggling his face into the crook of her neck. He inhaled deeply before letting out a long sigh, she could feel him brush her neck with a kiss as he sleep. Ginny stroked Harry's arm with her finger tips as her eyes began to shut. As she drifted off into slumber the thought crossed her mind that at that very moment, she could be no happier nor more in love.