Darlings, I would apologize for not posting last night since I worked my second job today, but I was in a minor fender bender. Not my fault, no serious damage to the car, but my head hurt SO BAD I just could not. But since the last chapter was not a cliffie about what happens next, I do not feel bad. Enjoy. Also, I am sore and going to admit this is barely proofread so please excuse any mistakes.

Chapter 21 The Arrivals Continue

Hermione carried one baby carrier while Marcus followed with the other two through the open front door. Excited cries greeted them. Both of her grandmothers hurried over to them. "Oh, they are just darling," cooed Ainsley.

"Just precious," declared Clara. Their husbands joined them admiring the boys.

Marcus set down his carriers and began unfastening the straps, "Here we have Dominic Alexander." He handed him to Clara. "And this one is Remus Adrian." He handed him to Ainsley.

Hermione placed the last one in her Granddad's arms, "And this little man is Benedict Marcus." The older Benedict looked up at her then back down at his great-grandson, tears standing in his eyes.

"Thank you, darling," said Albert. "Family names are wonderful, but Albert is a horrible name for a little boy." He clapped the other man on the back.

"We kept suggesting Roman names. It happened," she shrugged. Marcus mouthed 'no' to Ainsley.

They moved over to the seating, her aunts, uncles, and cousins moving closer to see the babies. When Dominic fussed Hermione went to grab a bottle. The front door opened. Everyone stared as her mother called out, "Mother? Father? We're home!" Hermione handed the bottle to her Aunt Nora. Monica Granger entered the room and startled. "Hermione Jean Granger! You throw a fit about being a priority then don't answer your telephone for two days? Explain yourself."

"My deepest apologies, but if you ever checked your email or followed a schedule you would have known I moved AND just had triplets. We have been in the hospital for the last three days. Meet your grandsons." She gestured to the three brightly colored bundles around the room. "For phone calls use my mobile." Silently her parents joined the others admiring the boys.

During a lull in conversation her Aunt Olivia asked, "How is the wedding going? We booked our rooms."

"Nearly finished. We have final fittings and menu finalization and we're done."

Monica looked horrified, "You're nearly done?"

"Yes, mother. The wedding is in four months. The bulk of it needed to be decided by June or July, when you promised to be home to help. Remember?"

"Where are you having it, pumpkin?" Wendell asked.

"Canterville Castle, Lise and Henry Jones have it ready to open," Hermione answered. "I reserved you a room in case you flew in at the last minute."

"Did Lise help with most of the planning?" asked Ainsley. "Or was it Ashley?"

"Lise did. I gave her a theme and vague notions and she put together concrete ideas. Though Niobe, Marcus's mother helped a few times."

"That's nice," replied her Gran.

"Thank you for getting me the list of professionals from Mum and Dad's dentistry."

"Looks like you've got everything well in hand," muttered Monica.

"Yes, well, I had to didn't I?" shot back Hermione. "I practically begged you to come back in June, then July. You choose to prioritize your charity work over your daughter. I made sure to keep you as updated as I could. You didn't bother to read my emails. Do not sit there and make digs at me and act like the slighted party. I told you I'm done chasing your approval or attention. I am a priority and you will make an effort, or I'm not and I won't bother you any longer." As if on cue, Remus began screaming, his brothers swiftly joining him. "I think that is a sign we should be heading home. We love you all and will talk soon."

Once they got the boys settled in the nursery with Dax, Bee, and Otto, Hermione fumed, "I have no idea why she always acts like the victim. Treats me like an accessory, a rather disposable one at that. And is then shocked when I can't wait for her anymore. She was the same way when I needed formal wear for fourth year."

"Is this a bad time to tell you Mum loved the idea of a special mother/son dance?" he gave her a sheepish smile.

"No, because your mother deserves one. I can stomach one dance. Halfway through we can invite all the others in the crowd to join us."

"Take a little of the shine off, and honor others in attendance, I like it."

"It also keeps people from getting bored."

He hugged her, "Any song suggestions?"

"I told Lise "Your Song" by Elton John and "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac. We'll listen to them later and you can pick one."

"Sounds like a plan."

Healer Gray gave Hermione a clean bill of health in early October. She declared her fully recovered. Hermione promptly made plans to go dress shopping with Niobe and Narcissa. She made an appointment at Harrods. Both witches were apprehensive and excited in the same measure. After a slight attack of conscience she invited her own mother. She merely rolled her eyes when Monica canceled the day before and tried to get her to reschedule. "You aren't the only one invited. Everyone else rescheduled to be there. Either you can do the same or you can miss out. If I don't find one today, I'll let you know when the next trip is."

"Hermione, you cannot simply buy the first wedding dress you try on. And you shouldn't have left this for so late." scolded Monica.

"I'm buying off the rack, not ordering bespoke. It will be fine."

At the appointed time a bubbly black haired young woman greeted them. "Miss Granger? Welcome. If you ladies would follow me." She lead them to a back room. "My name is Olive. I'll be assisting you today. You indicated you were looking for a silver or blue ballgown?"

"Yes, I intend to have a colored wedding dress for a December wedding. Aunt Narcissa is a seamstress and will be doing alternations. This other lovely lady is Niobe, the groom's mother. If we have time, we should also look for a mother of the groom dress." She winked at Olive. "With Auntie here we might persuade her to get something flashy."

Olive grinned and began presenting Hermione with the options her team had pulled. Dutifully, Hermione tried them all on, following Narcissa's advice that she might find something about it she liked that could help with narrowing it down. There were some she liked, but none of them felt like THE DRESS. "I pulled my favorite from this season because it does meet your parameters."

"But?" encouraged Hermione.

"It isn't monochrome."

"Let's give it a try," responded Hermione.

Olive supplied a ruffled slip to fluff out the skirt properly. At the collar the dress shimmered pure white. As the scoop neckline moved into the bodice the dress transitioned through the lighter shades of silver into light shades of blue. The skirt flared at the waist and the chiffon darkened from sky blue down to midnight blue at the bottom. The dress had a small train and the front raised slightly to allow graceful movement. Swirls of clear and opal colored crystals decorated the skirt. A similar, bolder pattern covered the bodice. The three quarters chiffon sleeve mimicked the rest of the color scheme and ended with crystal swirls. Hermione swished in front of the floor length mirrors. "It's like the designer wanted to make a wedding dress, but was afraid to."

"My thoughts exactly," agreed Olive. "Shall we show the ladies?"

"I think we shall."

Niobe covered her mouth at the sight of her future daughter-in-law. "You look stunning."

Narcissa nodded, "This one. It hardly needs any alternations."

"Now, I might lose more baby weight in the next few months."

"Very true, but those will be easy to do."

Hermione turned to the waiting shop clerk, "I'll take it. Now, what about Niobe?"

"I had Hannah pull some samples while you tried on dresses." She gestured to a young woman off to the side. "She can assist while I help you climb out of this and get you set up with the proper undergarments."

"Thank you."

Hermione emerged from the fitting room to Narcissa and Niobe bickering. "Get it," urged Narcissa.

"It's too bold," protested Niobe. The cobalt blue sheath dress ended below her knees. The lace sleeves at the elbows.

"No, it's perfection," said Hermione drawing their attention.

"It's too expensive," protested Niobe.

"If you don't get it, I will. It will be an early Christmas present." Hermione put her hands on her hips, leaning her weight on one leg. "Because you look beautiful."

Narcissa added, "Niobe, this is your last child's wedding. Time to go big."

The older woman looked over at Hannah, "I'm going to lose, aren't I?"

"Afraid so, ma'am," the girl confirmed.

"Fine, but Narcissa has to get the green one she's been eyeing."

"Oh, wow, twist my arm," laughed the other woman.

While they waited for their packages, Niobe asked, "Is this where you're bringing the girls?"

"I considered it, but a school friend opened a children's boutique and I want to try there first." Niobe nodded. "That doesn't work and I will call Olive."

"I wish you luck with your friend but await your call," Olive promised.

They exited the department store each carrying a large plastic dress bag. "Will you have a headpiece, Hermione?" asked Narcissa.

"I would like one, and a veil."

"Let me check the vaults. Nicodemus Flint gifted Aurelia Malfoy a full bridal set, but died before they wed. The Flints insisted she keep them. Mourning her love she refused to use it at her later wedding."

"Something old and something borrowed," laughed Hermione. "The veil can be the something new, and everything is blue."

"We'll just pretend that all made sense," smiled Narcissa. Hermione explained the fun muggle marriage custom. The sapphires, opals, and diamonds set in swirls of platinum created Aurelia Malfoy's bridal set.

"Like they were created with your dress in mind," remarked Niobe.

"It was a very powerful winter solstice celebration," Hermione responded. She made a mental note to make sure the enclave received a wedding announcement and birth announcement. She would be sure to mention the boys came early.

Arriving home Hermione allowed Nips to take her dress much to Nyx's annoyance. To keep the peace she asked her elf to take the jewel box up the her room. She made her way to the nursery. Unsurprising, she found Malin and Dominic cuddling babies. She simply took the second one from Dominic and began cooing as well. They rotated until Marcus came home and Malin departed. Nips announced dinner. Otto, Dax, and Bee shooed the adults out, promising to care for their charges.

"Did you find your dress today?" asked Marcus as the elves served dinner.

Hermione placed her napkin on her lap, "I did. And Narcissa bullied your mother into buying a dress."

"Really?" he looked surprised. "She hates buying things for herself. I blame her mother. Nasty, bitter miser who never wanted to spend a knut on anything. Berated her children for spending more that she thought was necessary, especially on things she deemed frivolous."

"I told her if she didn't get it I would and give it to her for Christmas."

"That would do it," he chuckled. "When do the little girls get their dresses?"

"Tuesday, same day you get fitted for your morning suits. Day before we go food tasting. And Gran said, and I quote, I expect to see my angels at the castle. They need Gran time."

"Has your mother express interest in helping?" he asked.

"No, she's still sulking because we embarrassed them by having children when they didn't know because they never check their email or call."

Dominic frowned, "How is that your fault?"

"Who knows this time? I'm done playing games. Though, if you don't mind, I may let Dad know when and where you all are getting the suits. Olive branches and all that."

"I don't mind," replied Marcus, "I'd like to get to know your dad."

"Okay, I'll let him know."

That evening when she called she felt relief when Wendell answered. "Hello, pumpkin. Everything alright?"

"Everything is good," she assured him.

"How are Gramps's little men? Any signs of a natural bowler?"

"They're good," she confirmed. "No athletic prowess of note, but they are barely a month old." She paused, "What did it cost you to get Mum to sign off on Gramps?"

"She hasn't. But if someone behind the scenes coaches them.." he trailed off.

"The damage is done. Very sneaky, Gramps," she congratulated.

"If everyone is doing well, did you need something or just call to chat?"

"What if I said chat?" she asked cautiously.

"I would be pleased. The last year demonstrated how disconnected from your life we're become. And I am mature enough to admit whose fault that is. I don't want to lose anything else. I expect we will continue to do charity trips, but I intend to work harder at keeping in touch, and keeping the trips shorter. The prestige of longer trips is meaningless if no one you know is impressed."

"I like the sound of it," she admitted.

After a pause Wendell continued, "I fear your mother won't see things in the same manner."

"Daddy, this last year I decided I'm not going to chase people anymore. The people who want to be here will be."

"I understand your thoughts, pumpkin."

"Marcus wanted me to invite you to the suit fitting."

"That's very considerate of him. I appreciate that. Send me the details, I'll be there."

"Will do," she promised.

Later she admitted her doubts that anything would truly change to Padma. "It costs me nothing to accept the olive branch. I won't get my hopes up and will keep the boys from being disappointed by them."