Rose Flooed to St. Mungo's like usual, but this time James was waiting for her. They didn't want to attract too much attention, so James waited until a few minutes after she had been called for her appointment, then he followed. His appearance in the doorway seemed to surprise Padma.

"It's okay." said Rose.

"Right." said Padma "Your cousin." she smiled at James. "Come on in. Now Rose, Madam Longbottom has been giving me regular updates on you, and we've figured out how to clear your Melasma right up. Hold still." She pointed her wand at Rose's face, and watched as the discolouration and blotchiness dissipated and vanished.

"Thanks." said Rose.

"So good news." said Padma, after completing the routine "We can confirm the sexes."

"Really?!" gasped Rose "A boy and a girl? Oh!" she smiled happily.

"Er, are they doing okay?" asked James.

"I guess you need to be caught up." realized Padma. "They seem to have a few health problems. It's very easy to detect, but at this point I still can't tell what they are. It's difficult because whatever it is hasn't even fully developed yet. We should know once it does, unless it doesn't take effect until after birth. There's a chance that it's just the cleft lips, but I suspect something more. As I've explained Rose, there's no need to worry until we know for certain that there's a problem." Padma explained. "So that about sums it up for this week."

"Can we hear the heartbeat again?" asked Rose.

"Sure." agreed Padma. She took out her wand.

"Wha...?" James trailed off. He could hear the same thing that Rose had heard before. Little lives creating this fluttery music. Lives that he had created. His heart started to beat in time with them too. He felt Rose take his hand, and he squeezed hers tightly. "Amazing." he breathed.

"Would you like a picture?" asked Padma.

Rose and James looked at each other. "Okay." agreed Rose.

Padma fetched a camera, and Rose laid one hand on her stomach, the other hand still holding James', who was crouched down beside her on the bed. Padma smiled. "Lovely." she praised as she took the picture.

James took it and stared at the photograph. In it the two of them were so obviously in love. Not with each other, but with the babies. Rose especially looked radiant.

"Could you make some copies?" he asked Padma.

"Absolutely." she agreed. "I'll go do that." She took the photo and was gone.

"Why'd she leave?" asked Rose.

"I dunno." replied James. "To give us some privacy, I guess."

Rose nodded. "It feels so strange James. I've never even met these children. In fact, I was kind of creeped out when I saw them. But I love them so, so, much already, and I know I would do anything for them. I mean, I know that's what's supposed to happen, but you know, just for babies that were wanted in the first place."

James understood. "Yeah, and they're inside you. You're bound to feel connected to them. But imagine how I feel!" he chuckled. "I've never felt this about anyone before." he admitted. "I love my parents, but you know, it's hard to be aware of that. You don't think of your Mum and feel a tug on your heartstrings. And there were things I loved about Tayden, but I definitely didn't love her yet."

"I loved Scorpius." said Rose, blushing. "But I think I love the kids more."

Padma returned, interrupting their musings. "Here you are. See you at Easter!"

As they walked back down the corridor, James turned to Rose. "Did you want to come and stay with me, at Easter? I mean, there's no reason for you to. I just wondered if it would be easier."

"Hmm." thought Rose "I would like to get away from everyone. I have to avoid the outdoors so my Melasma doesn't come back, and the castle's getting a little crowded. But are you going to be around much? The meals at Hogwarts are a big plus. I can cook for myself when I'm up to it, of course."

"I'll be around when I'm not working, but would Lily come too maybe?" suggested James.

"Good idea." said Rose "I'll ask her. Thanks James." She waved and departed.

It didn't happen right away. But bright and early Monday morning, their lives changed. Luckily Rose was at breakfast early, while most of her classmates were still asleep. Suddenly someone grabbed her arm. "Rose." said Albus evenly "Come with me."

Rose was confused, but he had a firm grip on her, so she allowed herself to be led away. Not before she grabbed her cereal bowl. Albus led her up several flights of stairs, and finally into an empty classroom. He stared in disbelief as she sat down, picked up her spoon, and continued to eat. "What?" she asked defensively. "I'm eating for three here, okay? What's going on?"

"I'm not sure." replied Albus. "I got a letter early this morning. It was a bit cryptic; I think he was in a hurry. But he didn't wait until morning post, so it must be important."

"Huh?" asked Rose. Al handed her the letter.

Al,

Get Rose out of there. Something's up.

Louis

"Huh?" repeated Rose, more loudly. "Why is Louis writing you?"

"Stay here, I'm going to find out what's going on." decided Albus. As he turned to leave Lily burst through the door.

"Found you!" she cried. She clutched the Marauder's Map in one hand and the Daily Prophet in the other. She flung the paper at Albus. "Oh, Rosie!" Lily threw her arms around her cousin.

"Shit." said Albus. "I guess Louis heard something at work." Louis was a reporter for the Daily Prophet. Albus came and sat beside Rose, and together they took in the massive headline.

SCANDAL: INCEST IN POTTERVILLE

The story went over the family history, and then the accusations began. Rose stopped after scanning the paper, and instead focused on the picture. It was the same one Padma had taken.

"Who's their source?" Rose asked quietly.

"A Padma Patil." replied Albus.

Rose nodded. "My healer. She took the photo. But I can't understand... I mean, why?"

"I think we'd a-" Al was cut off when Roxanne showed up, breathing heavily. She pointed at Albus and Lily and made hand gestures, but her meaning did not come across.

Rose conjured a glass of water. "Sorry Roxie. I just-" Roxanne had gulped down the water and was waving Rose's explanation away. She came over and strangely took Lily's hands.

"I just ran all over the castle looking for you three. Your Dad – Uncle Harry – he's had a heart attack."