Chapter 12 – Last Months of School

The foursome returned to school and were immediately inundated by a flood of schoolwork, as NEWTs were just a couple months away. Luna was mostly caught up, with just a few assignments left to make up for Transfiguration. They happily settled back into their apartment and the routine of near constant studying. In what small breaks they had, the ladies continued with wedding plans. Harry answered questions if asked, but had told them that, as long as they didn't dress him in Chudley Canons orange, he would be happy if they were happy. The only thing he insisted on was that Luna be included, which Hermione and Ginny were completely in agreement on. Although there was no ceremony for a consort, Harry now viewed her the same as the others and had decided that he would have the traditional wizard wedding ceremony, but at the end he would include special vows for Luna. She had been against the idea at first, but had conceded under pressure from all three of her partners. The largest issue they had with the wedding was how to incorporate Hermione's muggle family since only her parents were aware of the magical world. She didn't have a lot of family, but there were still a half dozen besides her parents that she wanted to invite. The only family Harry planned on inviting were Andi Tonks and his godson Teddy. Luna had no family since both her parents had been only children. Of course, Ginny made up for their small families with the large extended Weasley and Prewett clans. They were also inviting all their professors and around sixty friends. The total guest list was expected to be around 220, which Harry figured wasn't bad considering there were four of them. They had decided on marrying on the far side of the Burrow property, on the hill above the creek. To simplify planning, Harry insisted on renting out tents, tables and other fixtures. He had also insisted that the event be catered. He had the money and he could think of no better use for it. There were still a lot of decisions and it seemed that owls arrived at all times of the day with samples of linens and pictures of flowers to be decided from. Harry thought that it would drive him mad if it was up to him, but his ladies seemed to find the planning to be a welcome break from schoolwork.

While the plans for the wedding were developing, so was Luna. As she neared the end of her first trimester, her baby bump was no longer questionable. School robes still hid it well, but when she was out of robes it was quite obvious. When she reached eighteen weeks she really blossomed and her already enthusiastic appetite increased even more. Madam Pomfrey insisted on regular checkups and the foursome made their way to the hospital wing for an appointment one day a month before NEWTs. They were all excited to see how Luna was progressing and to find out if it was a boy or girl. Harry was practically skipping down the halls as Ginny giggled at him. They arrived at the hospital wing and Hermione and Ginny immediately helped Luna out of her robes and settled her on a bed while Harry stood to the side. Madam Pomfrey watched their preparations and smiled. This was a most unusual situation, but the four students were clearly bonded to each other. When Luna was ready, she drew her wand and began her examination. She ran her hand over Luna's belly and measured her carefully. She seemed to be taking a while, and Harry's happy mood settled as he wondered if there was a problem. Hermione and Ginny had settled as well and Madam Pomfrey looked up and saw the various looks of concern.

"Now, don't worry! Everything is fine. I just like to be thorough. There is something a bit different today. I'm surprised I didn't spot it sooner, but sometimes it's difficult."

Harry paled and clutched Luna's hand.

"What Madam Pomfrey?"

"Breathe lad. Like I said, everything is fine. Except that you're having twins."

Harry's eyes grew wide and he began to slump. Madam Pomfrey waved her wand and a chair zipped across the room and settled under him. Hermione and Ginny sat on the edge of Luna's bed, also shocked.

"Twins? But she's past the first trimester. How come we didn't know?"

"Depending on how the babies lay, one can hide the other and also block the second heartbeat. Luna is big enough now that they are side by side. Now, here are what the heartbeats sound like. You'll notice there are two slightly different rhythms."

She waved her wand and suddenly the sound of two small, quick heartbeats filled the air. Harry let the tears start as he heard the undeniable proof of the lives that he and Luna had created. Madam Pomfrey smiled as she watched him.

Do you want to know what you're having?"

Harry looked at Luna and then at Hermione and Ginny. Luna smiled and nodded.

"Yes, please, what? I think twins is enough of a surprise."

"Two boys. Congratulations."

The color had returned to Harry's face and he let out a whoop as he leaned and pulled Luna to him in a giant hug. She then reached out and pulled Hermione and Ginny in as well. Madam Pomfrey passed around tissues as the news settled in and Harry turned back to the healer.

"Thanks Madam Pomfrey. So you said everything is fine? Do we need to do anything special for twins now that we know?"

"Yes, all is fine and Luna is carrying well. Just make sure she gets plenty of rest and nutrition. And of course, keep taking your vitamins. I will update your professors. I know you have NEWTs, but if you need to take breaks, then do so. I would expect more bathroom trips also. I heard that Winky has been providing you some extra help. Make sure she gets you snacks to carry with you. You need to eat small amounts regularly to keep up your energy. I'll continue with our appointments, but of course I'm available whenever you need me."

They all thanked the healer and helped Luna get dressed again. Harry put a gentle arm around her and then reached for his other two ladies. They made their way out of the hospital wing and went down to lunch. When they arrived, Harry was grinning so big that several students at the Gryffindor table asked him what was up.

"TWINS! BOYS!" Harry announced loud enough so that most of the hall heard.

Gryffindor started applauding, followed shortly after by others around the hall. As they sat, Demelza pushed a bowl of fruit toward Luna.

"Here Luna, eat up. You're feeding three now!"

Harry just grinned and started eating. He had never dreamed that he would one day have three partners. Now he did and he was soon going to be a father as well. The war had been horrific and he still mourned all those that were lost, but this was what they had fought for.

The last month leading to NEWTs was busy, but the news of the twins brought them back to reality. Test scores and careers were not the only important things in life. Hermione, who had always been the most adamant when it came to heavy study schedules, was often the one who noticed when Luna was tiring and insisted she take naps. The wedding planning was finished and, a week after NEWTs, they would finally be married. All the decisions were made and now what would happen would happen. As long as all four of them and Kingsley showed up, then that was what mattered. As a personal friend, the Minister had happily agreed to officiate the wedding. As the last weeks progressed, they slowly counted down the days. Luna continued to grow and robes no longer hid her belly. Harry found her pregnancy highly erotic as he looked at her and thought about the miracles they had created. His appetite for his ladies had not decreased and they all managed to carve out time for personal activities. Hermione informed Harry that since Luna's twins would carry the Lovegood name, Harry's magic was still working overtime trying to create heirs for him. As much as he looked forward to seeing Ginny and Hermione bulge with new life, part of him wondered if he would be able to satisfy all three of them once his magic calmed down. All three of the witches let him know that they had no worries about that.

Soon the day for NEWTs came with a mixture of relief and apprehension. The morning would include four hours of written exams, depending on which NEWTs each student was taking. There would then be a break of an hour and a half. Then the afternoon would allow for three hours of practical exams. When lunch arrived, they all ate quickly and then retreated to their apartment for a brief nap before the afternoon. They all fell onto the bed still in their robes and wrapped themselves around each other. Hermione cast a tempus charm to wake them and then curled up in the relaxing embrace of her partners. Before they were ready, the alarm went off and they were on to practical exams. They finished shortly before five and joined the mass exodus of NEWT students from the hall. They had done all they could and now their education was complete. Results would come in a month, but by that time they would be off on their honeymoon.

The day after NEWTs completed, all the students packed up and prepared to leave for the Hogwarts Express. The foursome made a special trip to see the headmistress and thanked her for all she had done. As they prepared to go, she surprised them each with hugs. After visiting McGonagall, they stopped by the hospital wing to thank Madam Pomfrey for her care. An hour later, they were in Hogsmeade, boarding the train. Hermione and Ginny performed their last duties as head girl and prefect, and before they knew it, they were arriving in London. They apparated to Grimmauld Place and spent the day relaxing and settling back into home. Harry had talked with them about the old house and all four of them had agreed that they couldn't see raising a family there long term, but they had too much else going on to start house hunting. They would be getting married, going on a honeymoon, and having twins. Once the boys arrived, they would take time and find a more appropriate house to raise their family. In the meantime, Grimmauld was sufficient, especially since Harry had done a bit of redecoration.

They allowed themselves the day to settle back in and then made the trip to the Burrow to see the Weasleys and start last minute wedding preparations. Molly exclaimed when she saw Luna and hugged her excitedly before rubbing her belly and asking how she was doing. Harry grinned, happy to see that Molly's attitude toward Luna had improved. They spent most of the day at the Burrow and then Harry insisted that he take all his ladies out to a very nice muggle restaurant for dinner. They garnered a few stares when Harry paid obvious attention and kissed each of them at different points during the meal, but he remained happily oblivious.

The following day the Grangers arrived from Australia via portkey. They had offered to fly, but an Australian Ministry official had to make the trip anyway and asked them to accompany him. Sometimes there were perks to being war heroes. The foursome met them at the Ministry and then apparated them to the back yard of Grimmauld Place. Harry was impressed with how well they seemed to handle the two forms of magical travel. He settled them into a large guest room on the second floor, where they would stay for the duration of their time in England.

The next two days were spent at the Burrow and running around finishing dozens of small tasks and errands. The Grangers and Weasleys quickly became acquainted and got along well. Molly and Jean had been in communication for months with wedding details and had already formed a bond. The days passed quickly as the long list of to-do items gradually diminished. Before they realized it, the day of the wedding had arrived.