Author's Note: First a month between updates, and then two days! I really need to get on a schedule. This chapter is way longer than any of my other ones, so I hope you all enjoy it! Nine reviews last chapter – thanks to Loves to read books, sbmcneil, Cartman1701, cdblange, violetrose, Stromsten, GetMoMoney-333, Irihi Keiko, and orbitystarlight for giving me your feedback. Also, thanks to all the new people who added it to their favorites and alerts. Hope everyone enjoys this chapter, and remember to review!
Disclaimer: I'm flattered if you think I'm J.K. Rowling, but it's not true. I own nothing except the plot.
Lying in bed later that night, Ginny was thinking not only about her new babies but the ones that were already almost grown.
"Harry?" she whispered. "Are you awake?" He rolled over to face her, mumbling a groggy "yes" and beginning to sit up.
"What d'you need, Ginny? Another midnight craving?" he asked teasingly, smiling blearily at her.
"No," she answered. "I was thinking about our kids. Not the babies – I mean James, Al, and Lily. We haven't even told them about the twins yet. I'm such a bad mother! They're going to hate me for this! And now the whole family knows before the babies' own siblings. It just doesn't seem right that it's been a month since we found out and we haven't told them a thing."
"Gin, darling, you're the absolute farthest thing from a bad mother. But I've been thinking about them too, and we really have to tell them as soon as possible. I feel like it should be in person, but if we wait until the Christmas holidays they'll be able to tell just by looking at you. And then they would be hurt because we hadn't told them yet. I think the best option is to just go to Hogwarts, if McGonagall will allow it. Maybe we can just ask for a favor?" Harry offered, trying to brainstorm ideas.
"Well, that's a good idea, if it works out. But would it scar them for life if their old parents showed up at school with all their friends? I don't want to embarrass them!" Ginny said.
"Maybe it would be embarrassing. We could arrange to have them come home for a weekend – but then they might suspect that something's up, and they might be too busy. I'm not sure what the best option is…" Harry said, trailing off. Suddenly, Ginny sat up straight.
"I know what we should do!" she exclaimed. "We can arrange to have them meet us in Hogsmeade next weekend. We'll take them to the Three Broomsticks and tell them there."
"Oh, great idea, Gin!" Harry said. "And if necessary, we can always buy them off with things from Honeyduke's and Zonko's!" He laughed, but quickly tacked on "Although I'm sure we won't have to. They'll be thrilled!" when he saw Ginny's face.
"Alright. I'll owl McGonagall in the morning," Ginny said, laying back down and curling up in Harry's arms. "I just hope she agrees."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Harry! Harry!" Ginny called several days later as she untied a piece of parchment from the leg of a large tawny owl. "We've got a note back from McGonagall." He came rushing in a few moments later.
"Well? What does it say?" he asked. "Did she agree?"
"Calm down, dear, I haven't even looked at it yet," Ginny said, unfurling the paper. "Alright, I'll read it aloud. 'Dear Harry and Ginevra, Congratulations on your good news! I am very happy for you, but, as per your request, did not share the news with any of my colleagues or students. Of course I would not object to your taking James, Albus, and Lily to dinner in Hogsmeade this coming weekend. I firmly agree that you absolutely must tell them the news in person. I only ask that you have them out no later than 9:30, per school policy, as they do have their studies to attend to (I am sure you are aware of this, of course). I will let them know you are coming to see them, and will have them ready for you at two p.m. precisely on Saturday afternoon. I'm sure they will look forward to seeing you, and, as always, don't hesitate to stop in for a moment and say hello. Until Saturday, Minerva McGonagall'. Oh, good! I'm so excited to see them!" she exclaimed after reading the letter.
"Me too, Gin. The house feels so empty when they're not here," Harry said.
"Not for long!" Ginny exclaimed mischievously. "But I do miss them dreadfully whenever they're away. I can't believe they're all old enough for Hogwarts now! I only hope they won't hate us for not telling them yet."
"Gin, you're just barely over three months pregnant. If you were six months gone, they might have a cause for anger!" Harry joked.
"Well, I'm just not sure if it was right for us to tell the extended family before the siblings, but what's done is done now, and I'm sure they'll be excited. At least Lily will!" Ginny said.
"Oh, Lily'll be thrilled. And I think the boys will be happy too, although if we end up with two girls they might not be quite so excited," Harry said. "And if we end up with two boys, the house had better look out because I'm not sure it can escape being demolished this time around!"
"Two boys like Fred and George would be terrifying," Ginny agreed. "But I would love them just the same. Although I think I dealt with enough pranks as a child to last me a lifetime!"
"That is true. Although I doubt our children would be wild enough to dye their own mother's hair bright blue. You'll have a little more control over them than you did over Fred and George," Harry laughed, picturing his wife jumping out of the shower with her normally fiery red hair a neon blue.
"Any hair dying at all will result in a yearlong grounding," Ginny remarked as she strode into the kitchen to fix herself a lunch of rocky road ice cream.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Mum! Dad!" Lily Luna Potter shouted, sprinting across the Hogwarts grounds (closely followed by her older brothers) and jumping into her father's arms. Harry hugged her tight and kissed her forehead.
"How are you, sweetheart? Mum and I have really missed you!" Harry said, setting his daughter back down and stroking her hair. "It's wonderful to see you again. And you too boys!" He pulled his sons into a hug, exchanging with Ginny who grabbed Lily in a tight embrace.
"Oh, my babies," Ginny said. "I've missed you so much!" She pulled James and Albus back to her and held them tightly, kissing each in turn. Harry noticed happy tears coursing down her cheeks as she hugged her children. As they pulled away from the hug, James also noticed his mother crying.
"Mum! Why are you crying?" he asked. "It's only been two months since we left and we write you weekly!" Harry and Ginny exchanged smiles at James' indignant expression.
"But I miss my babies when you're all away!" Ginny said, trying to pull James back into her huddle.
"Mum! No need to get all sappy!" James said. "It's good to see you too. Now can we just head to Hogsmeade? I want to show Dad all the new stuff at Zonko's."
"And I want to see Zonko's! It's so unfair that Al and James get to go to Hogsmeade and I don't," Lily complained. "I want to see everything today! That way I can tell all my friends about it! Hugo and Chelsea will be so jealous!"
"And I want to go to the Shrieking Shack, Dad," Albus said. "You promised one day you would tell us the true story of it!"
"Well, Al, I'm not sure if that's going to be today. It would have to be a secret from all your friends," Harry said.
"Yeah, Al, and we all know how you are with secrets," James laughed.
"Hey! I can so keep a secret!" Albus cried indignantly.
"Oh really? I don't think you've ever kept a secret for more than an hour in your entire life!" James returned.
"Alright boys, no fighting today," Harry said as Albus started to retort. "Just enjoy yourselves! Your mother and I want this to be a special day."
"Okay, Dad. But why are you guys here anyways? Not that I don't want to see you, but this is sort of weird," James said.
"Oh, I just missed you, so we got a favor from the Headmistress," Ginny said. "Come on, you know you missed us too! And now we have all afternoon to spend together." The family joined hands – with James rushing slightly ahead – and walked to the village together chatting about everything and nothing.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Four hours later, they walked into the Three Broomsticks with windblown hair, ruddy cheeks – and bulging pockets.
"Really, Harry, you spoil these children," Ginny said, looking around at the bags of merchandise from Zonko's, Honeyduke's, and everywhere in between.
"Hey, we're not going to see them until Christmas! I have to get it in now! Besides, they paid for some of it," Harry said defensively.
"Yeah, maybe one percent," Ginny said, laughing.
"I was buying them off," Harry whispered in her ear as the children rushed ahead of them to the table. "Just in case! But I know it's not going to be necessary."
"Well if you're so sure, then why did you buy them so much? I think they'll be able to supply all of Gryffindor with sweets from the amount you bought them!" Ginny exclaimed. "But I guess it can't hurt to spoil them a little." Harry and Ginny joined the kids at the table as they fought each other for the booth. Ginny placed an order for five Butterbeers and more food than even ten people could possibly finish. As James, Albus, and Lily regaled their parents with tales of Hogwarts life, Ginny leaned back in her chair and began to think about the upcoming reveal. Well, this is it, sweeties! Your big brothers and sister are finally going to know about you. I'm sure they'll be thrilled. At least, I hope they will be. I know they'll be good siblings regardless. They're going to love you. I just hope they will still love me. She was jostled out of her daydream moments later by the arrival of the heaping plates of food.
"Merlin's beard, Ginny! How much food did you get?" Harry asked, looking incredulously at the plates before him.
"They're growing children!" she said defensively. "They need filling up!" She promptly filled her own plate with heaping portions of each dish.
"Mum! How are you going to eat all of that?" Lily asked. "I've never seen you eat nearly that much!"
"Oh, Mummy's just hungry today," Ginny said. "Go on, you all take some too! I know it can't compare to Hogwarts food, but it's still very good." The rest of the family filled their plates as well, and for several minutes the table was quiet save for the scraping of silverware against plates. Finally, Harry and the children finished their meals and Ginny finished her second portions.
"Alright, well, are we heading back out?" Albus asked, starting to stand up. "I still want – "
"Just wait a moment," Harry said. "Your mum and I have something to discuss with you."
"Ha! I knew there was a real reason you were here today," James said. "But I was happy to see you anyway so it didn't really matter!" he added hastily as Ginny shot him a sharp look.
"What is it mum?" Lily asked. "What's going on?"
"Well…" Ginny began. "Well...Well…Oh, Merlin, I'm feeling sick! I'm just going to run to the loo for a moment. You stay here kids, and then we'll talk when I get back." She jumped up from the seat and practically ran to the back of the Three Broomsticks, tacking on a panicked "Harry! I need you!" as she sped away.
"Alright, I'll go see what's up with Mum," Harry told his confused children. "Just wait here – don't leave, don't go anywhere – and we'll be back as soon as possible. I'm sure it's just from all that food she had." And then he sped off too, leaving the children to wonder about what was going to be revealed when their mother came back.
Meanwhile, Harry arrived at the loo to find Ginny retching over the toilet. "Ginny? Are you okay?" he asked with concern.
"Oh, yes, this is just morning sickness. It's 24/7 for me now. I really just needed to talk to you alone," Ginny said as she stood up and rinsed out her mouth. "Harry, I don't know how to tell them. They're going to think we're replacing them because they're at school! I don't want them to hate me – or the twins! And we can't tell them that the babies were a surprise, because I never want these children to know that they were unplanned. I just don't know what to say, or what to do…" she trailed off, looking to Harry for his advice.
"Well, I would just tell them that we love them very much, but we felt like our family wasn't quite complete yet. And then you tell them about the twins. We can base what happens next on their reactions. But you know what, I think they'll be happy. I really do. And if they're not, well, they have six months to get used to it!" Harry joked. "Now come on, they'll be wondering where we are." He grabbed Ginny's hand and they walked back to the table together.
"Feeling better, Mum?" Albus asked with concern as Ginny slid back into her seat.
"Yes, much better Al, thank you," Ginny answered.
"So what was that thing you were going to tell us, Mum?" James asked, never one to beat around the bush.
"Well, you all know we love you very, very much, right?" Ginny asked, looking at them each in turn.
"Of course we know that Mum!" Lily said. "We love you and Daddy a lot too!"
"I know you do, Lil," Ginny said. "So we love you very much, but there's always room in our hearts for more love. And for a while now, Daddy and I have been feeling like our family is not quite complete yet. So, we decided to have another baby, and we ended up with two! You children are going to have two new siblings in about six months."
"What do you mean?" James asked.
"Your mother is pregnant with twins! They're due on May 1st!" Harry said, beaming at his children, who were in various states of shock. James' mouth was hanging open as he stared at his mother. Albus mirrored his brother's expression. Lily, however, looked positively thrilled as she jumped up to hug her mother.
"You're really having new babies?" Lily asked wondrously as she gave both Mum and Dad a hug. "I can't believe it! This is so so so exciting! I hope it's two girls! I can dress them up and play dolls with them and we can be best friends! I can't wait to tell all my friends that my mummy is having twins! This is so exciting!" She began jumping up and down rapturously as Harry and Ginny looked on happily.
"Well, that's one down," Harry whispered to Ginny. Then, in a louder voice, he added, "So, what do you think, boys? Excited for the new twins?"
"Why are you having new babies?" James asked slowly, looking a bit annoyed. "I thought Lily was the last one! Why do we need to have twins now? Five kids is just too much, Mum. Are you replacing us because we're at Hogwarts now? You know, we still love you even though we're not home all the time." Ginny looked positively heartbroken as James continued to speak.
"James! Stop!" Harry said after a moment. "Of course we're not replacing you! We miss you, but that doesn't mean we would have more children just to fill the void. No one can ever replace any of you! You are each so special and unique in your own way. But the twins will be special too. We just felt like we needed one more baby to complete the family. And two is such a blessing as well. Please, try to see it our way."
"I still don't understand why. But I guess I'll have to get used to it," James said. "Can we just go? I want to go back to Hogwarts now."
"But James! It's only eight thirty. We still have an hour to spend with Mummy and Daddy! And I want to talk about the babies more! Aren't you excited?" Lily asked her older brother, still bouncing.
"Not really, Lil. You and Al can stay here with Mum and Dad. I'm going back to school," James said, slamming the door open and walking out of the restaurant.
"I'll go after him," Harry said quickly, following his son into the night. Ginny began to cry silently, shoulders shaking.
"Don't cry, Mum," Albus said, scooting over to hug her. "James is being a git. I'm excited for the babies. The more, the merrier! And I know you aren't replacing us. At least, I hope you aren't."
"Of course I'm not, Al!" Ginny said. "I love each of you so, so much. And I'm so happy you and Lily are excited. I just wish James was too." She pulled Albus and Lily to her, hugging them tightly again.
"Can I feel the babies, Mummy?" Lily asked. "Have you felt them kick yet?"
"I haven't really felt them yet, Lily, but you can try! Just put your hand right here…" Ginny, Albus, and Lily continued to laugh and chat in the warm interior of the Three Broomsticks, as Harry chased James through the blustery night.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"James! James!" Harry shouted as he followed his son down the main street of Hogsmeade. "Slow down! Wait!" At last Harry broke into a run as he found his son ignoring his cries. Finally, he caught up to James near Zonko's joke shop.
"Just let me go, Dad," James said. "I'm just going back to school."
"NO, James! We need to talk first! Did you see how much you upset your mother? Why did you have to say those things?" Harry asked, grabbing his son's shoulder.
"Because they were the TRUTH, Dad! Why is she having another baby? Let alone twins! I mean, I'm fourteen years old. Al is thirteen, Lily's eleven. We're not even going to know these babies! What was I supposed to think about them? I know you're replacing us because we're away! And I don't like it! You're never going to spend any time with us anymore. The babies will take up all your attention! And they'll only be three years old when I'm of age. None of my friends have siblings that young! It's not fair! You've ruined my life! I'll come home on holidays, and I won't even be able to talk to you. There'll be two babies keeping me up all night! I may as well just move in with Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione," James said, trying to pull away from his father.
"James, I promise that won't happen. I know the babies will take a lot of our attention at first, but there will always be room for you too. No one can ever replace you, James. I swear. You're so special to us. And to prove it, I brought something for you," Harry said, pulling a folded piece of parchment out of his cloak.
"Oh, an old piece of paper. Big deal!" James said, pushing his father's arm away.
"This isn't just any old piece of paper," Harry said, unfolding it. He tapped it once with his wand, saying "I solemnly swear I am up to no good". A map of Hogwarts appeared, with small labeled dots moving all around it. In spite of himself, James leaned in, intrigued.
"Whoa! What is that, Dad?" he asked with excitement.
"This is a map of Hogwarts – but it's not just any map. It was made by your two namesakes – Grandpa and Uncle Sirius, as well as Uncle Remus and Wormtail – to assist them in their mischief making. I used it during my time in Hogwarts, and now I want you to have it. It's called the Marauder's Map, and it is a prized possession of mine. Use it wisely, use it well, and remember that you're my special son. My firstborn. And you can never be replaced by anyone," Harry said, pulling James in for a hug.
"Are you sure that's true?" James asked, voice cracking.
"I'm sure, James," Harry answered, holding his son even more tightly. "I'm sure."
"Thanks, Dad," James said softly. After a moment, they pulled apart and walked back to the Three Broomsticks together. When they walked in the door, James immediately ran to Ginny and hugged her.
"I'm so sorry, Mum! I'm excited about the babies! I really am. And I want to congratulate you and Dad. I'm happy for you both now, and I'm excited for them," James said.
"Oh, I'm so happy, Jamie," Ginny said, kissing him on the forehead. "I promise, no one can ever replace you."
"I know, Mum," James said. "Dad sort of helped me to understand."
"Thank you, Harry," Ginny said, giving her husband a quick kiss.
"It was no problem at all, Gin," Harry said, grabbing her hand. "But it's nine o'clock. Much as I don't want to, I think it's time to take these kids back to school."
"But Daddy!" Lily cried. "I want to talk to you and Mum some more! Is it really time to go back?"
"It really is, sweetheart. But don't worry, Mum and I will write to all of you often to tell you what's going on with the babies. And we'll see you in less than two months for the Christmas holidays!" Harry said, taking Lily's hand and leading his family out of the restaurant. They chatted the whole way back to the castle, full of plans and excitement about the new babies. At precisely nine thirty they arrived back at Hogwarts to deliver the children to Headmistress McGonagall – but not before several tearful goodbyes.
"Come here, all of you," Ginny said, crying once more as she gathered her children about her. "Give your old mum a big hug. I'm going to miss you so much!"
"We'll miss you too, Mum," James said, pulling away and giving Harry a quick hug as well. "But I've got to be going. Andrew and Finn are waiting for me – we've got business to attend to! Good luck with everything! I'll write you!" And with that, James was gone, sprinting into the castle and up the stairs.
"Yeah, I've got to go too, Mum. Can I tell Rose and Scorpius about the babies? They'll be so excited, especially Rose!" Albus said with a hopeful look at his mother.
"Yes, you can tell them, but try to have them keep it quiet," Ginny said, kissing her son on the forehead one last time before he bounded after his brother.
"Thanks Mum! Bye Dad! I'll remember to write to you too!" he called over his shoulder.
"Come here, sweetheart," Harry said to Lily after Albus was out of sight. He gathered her into his arms, holding her tightly. "I'll miss you, baby."
"I'll miss you too, Daddy. Remember to write me! I want to hear everything about the babies! I wish I could have felt them kick," she said wistfully, feeling her mum's belly one more time. She squatted down until she was at eye level with the babies, and then said "I'm your big sister Lily, babies. I can't wait to meet you! I have to go for now, but next time I see you, I hope you'll kick for me! I love you both so much! And please be girls. We already have two brothers!" Harry and Ginny smiled at each other over her head, and Ginny began to cry again.
"Lily, darling, you're going to be a wonderful big sister," Ginny said, giving her one last hug. "I'll write to you every week – or more, if you like – and tell you all about the babies. But it's time to go now." She pushed Lily away gently, and pointed her towards the castle.
"Alright," Lily said. "I'll see you soon!"
"See you at Christmas, sweetie," Harry said, pulling Ginny closer to him as Lily walked towards the big doors. "Remember to work hard and do well! We love you very much!"
"I love you too! Goodbye! Goodbye, babies!" Lily said, waving back at them as she shut the big doors. Ginny broke down then, crying quietly.
"Gin, darling, don't cry," Harry said. "We'll see them soon enough."
"I know," Ginny said. "I just love them so much. And I'm so happy they all accepted the babies. I'm so excited now. It's going to be great!"
"Of course it is! Our family is going to be perfect," Harry said, putting an arm around his wife as they walked off the grounds and headed for home.
A/N: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Please leave a review – I desperately need baby name suggestions and whether or not you think I should name them after people. You can also leave ideas for what you want to see next, feedback, constructive criticism, anything – and let me know if I'm getting anything wrong about pregnancy! I want this to be as accurate as possible. And you can still vote for the genders on my profile page. Thanks again for reading, thanks in advance for reviewing, and hoping to update within a week! -Lily