Happy Saturday! I hope everyone is having a lovely week. One where the weather options are more than torrential downpours and so humid you can swim through the air. Because that has been the last three days here. But enjoy the fruits of my rainy-day efforts. I own nothing but my soaked shoes.

Chapter 17 Getting Things Together

Veronica glared at the sauce in the pan on the stove. The thin sauce refused to thicken. She followed every step like Molly did. She simply lacked the other woman's flair. Ron ate every meal without complaint but without the same gusto as his mother's. Hugo laughed and bounced his plastic toy off the tray of his highchair. "That's it. We're going to get takeaway and fake it. Cooking is pointless." She vanished the contents of the pans but left the evidence of work. She fixed her appearance and popped them to Diagon Alley.

She first headed for the apothecary on Knockturn Alley. She browsed the shelves. As tempting as love potions were, they left too much evidence behind. She needed more Friendly Charisma potion. Worn as a perfume it made others more receptive to the wearer and more likely to believe them. Her cousin refused to make her any more after she forced her way into the Weasley family. She used the last of her luck potion to try to get Ron sent on Hermione's trip. "Hello, Mrs. Weasley, how can I help you?" asked the shopkeeper.

"We have a pest problem. Ron mentioned Hagrid gets his stuff from you, so here I am." The man quickly assisted her. She was stopping in too often if he recognized her that easily, even if she was famous. She couldn't just ask for the little grey miracle potion, people would gossip. And sadly, it didn't last forever so it wasn't worth the talk.

Leaving Knockturn Alley, she collected dinner from Gather Round. She didn't want to risk Thomas or Finch-Fletchley seeing her and saying something. She suspected Ron would recognize food from the Leaky Cauldron. She caught sight of Hermione and her foreign friend leaving the bookstore. "Geez, if she'd gotten that fat before it might have been easier to get rid of her." She shook her head. The woman was getting married, then would spend less time with people, not her family. On a whim, Veronica bought some fun lotions and fertility aids. Another baby would keep the attention where it belonged, which would be worth the work to lose the extra kilograms.

After the fiftieth ribbing for being taken down by a civilian, Ron snapped, "Civilian? Have you lost the plot? I was taken down by Hermione Granger! She put Fenrir Greyback down after five hours of battle, and then kept going."

"And this time she's pregnant," someone called back.

"And? Do you think that's affecting her magic? That woman hit exactly where and how she meant to. I lost, and so would most of you."

One of the veterans turned to Harry, "What do you think, Potter?"

"Hermione hit exactly where and how she intended. If she wanted him grievously injured, he would be."

When his shift ended, Ron groaned, "Off to the perfect ending to a perfect day." Harry raised an eyebrow. "Despite hours of helping Mum in the kitchen, Veronica can't even boil water without it tasting off. I smile, clear my plate like Dad said to, but that's it."

"It can't be that bad," Harry protested.

"Remember when Hermione showed the twins that movie with the dinner gum?"

"Yeah."

"I would rather chew versions two through seven for ten hours."

Harry flinched, "That bad?"

"Worse."

He clapped his friend on the shoulder, "I've got nothing, mate."

Ron took a deep breath before entering the flat he shared with his wife and son. He didn't know how many more meals he could stomach before he broke and begged to go back to eating at the Burrow. His father suggested without Molly's guidance, Veronica lacked confidence and would improve. He turned the knob and pushed the door open. Aromatic scents caressed his senses. Buttery potatoes, roasted beef, and honeyed carrots steamed on the table. "What's all this?"

Veronica beamed and Hugo yelled to greet his father. "Hello, love," she kissed his cheek. "I think I've worked some of the kinks out of dinner."

"It smells amazing. Let me wash up and I'll set the table."

Remembering the takeaway containers, she stopped him. "No, you take Hugo, the two of you go wash up and I'll set the table." She shooed him towards the bathroom. 'And vanish the evidence,' she thought.

They sat together and ate. Ron praised her skills and took seconds. Pressing her advantage, she mentioned seeing Hermione, "Big as a horse, waddling along. Merlin, she is getting fat."

"She's pregnant, love. Around five months along with triplets no less."

"How would you know?" Veronica snapped, "And why didn't you tell me?"

"I learned today, at lunch. They announced it while we were in Italy and she just assumed someone told us. She didn't say anything when I said nothing out of respect." He shrugged, "She's happy and I'm happy for her."

Veronica doubted that was completely true, but left it alone. "That's nice." Babies, plural, would consume the other woman's time and energy. The Weasleys would focus on the arrival of their blood kin over some school friend's, regardless of what Arthur said. That was just the way the world worked. She planned to wear one of her new nighties that evening and get this seduction started properly.

Hermione smiled at Henry as she exited the floo. "That is so much easier than the train. Thank you."

"You are most welcome." He helped brush off her clothes. "Lise is in her office." He escorted her there.

"Hermione, welcome," Lise stood offering her hand, "Tea? Coffee?"

"Juice?" she responded. "Fruit juices have become a huge craving of late."

"Not a problem. Henry, love, do you mind?"

The man leapt to his feet, "I am on it. Anything for the bride." He departed swiftly.

The women sat. "Have you had any thoughts or ideas?"

"To shut up the hypocrites that will say we should have married before the boys arrive a not white dress."

"The Grangers," guessed Lise.

"Indeed. Not set on any color scheme, but if we can get them, I love Osiria roses. Maybe not for everywhere, just in my bouquet. I know they can be hard to find."

"I'll get with the florists today. We have seven months to plan, which is possible, so don't fret."

"I'll try. Not going to lie, I have a lot going on."

Understood absolutely. Which is where I come in. You're going to describe what kind of wedding you envision. I will put together several suggestions for you to choose from."

"That helps immensely."

"That is the hallmark of a good wedding planner. Now, close your eyes, clear your head, and picture your dream wedding."

She obeyed, "Gentle elegance with dashes of boldness, like the roses. Touches of Christmas in the public areas. Glittering blues and silvers, like snow and ice."

"Winter without being super gaudy with Christmas. Like classy trees and evergreen decorations? Myriads of cool blues, except the splash of color in your bouquet and the groom's boutonniere. White flowers for everyone else. Iridescence, maybe?"

"Yes. I think we're on the same page here. No lace, I hate flouncy lacy layers."

"Noted." Lise made a few notes, "Anything else you don't want?"

"Jazz music. If certain people control the music I will be forced to endure hours of unmetered free form causing me to kill them and hide the bodies on the grounds."

"Which thanks to magic they would never find," countered Lise.

"It's the principle. None of them are paying a dime for this, they have no vote."

"I agree. The chef mentioned pregnancy can alter your ability to taste, so he wants an idea of how fancy to make the menu and he will draw up suggestions for you to try in October."

"I want people to be able to eat, not look at it and wonder if this is some kind of prank. It can look as fancy as they like, I just want dishes people like to eat."

"I will make the cake testing appointments over three weekends in October so you can try all three."

"I'll bring Marcus and at least one impartial taster."

"Have you talked about bridal parties?"

"His nephews will be ring bearers. His niece and my goddaughter will be flower girls. The triplets will be pushed or pulled in some kind of pram or wagon by a family friend. Marcus will have a best man, and I will have a man of honor."

"So, no bridal party dance?"

"I don't know, I think Adrian and Harry might put on quite the show. They'd both fight to lead."

"We'll shelve that decision for now."

Hermione yawned, "Oh, excuse me."

Lise waved her away, "Nothing to excuse. We've been rather productive and you are growing humans. Go home, put your feet up, take a nap."

"Sounds like a good plan. Nap, then write a chapter or two."

She flooed home, slept for two hours, and wrote six chapters. A knock at the door pulled her back to the rest of the world. She found a nervous looking Niobe standing in the corridor. "Hello, dear. I was afraid I had the wrong place."

"Nope, this is it. Come on in," she stepped back and opened the door wider.

"I'm not imposing?" the older woman hesitated.

Hermione stretched, "No, I wrote four more chapters than I intended, so I needed to stop. Can I get you something? Tea? Juice?"

"Some juice if that is what you're having." Niobe sat on the couch while Hermione collected the glasses. She took the glass of grape juice. "Thank you. How have you been?"

"I'm fine, the boys are great. I can feel them bouncing around. Healer Gray says others should be able to feel them any day now."

"An exciting time," she paused, "as you're about to be family would you mind if we skipped the banal chit-chat?"

"Oh, thank gods. What brings you by, Niobe?"

"I wanted to see you and offer any assistance you needed with anything."

"I met with the wedding planner this morning. She's going to create some samples

for me. Would you like to come with me when she's done?"

"I would be delighted."

"I decided on a winter theme in blues, whites, and silvers. Except for a splash of red with some roses."

"That sounds lovely. Marcus mentioned your willingness for a larger wedding. Networking wise that is much appreciated."

"My family will be doing so as well. But it helps a couple get their business started. I just wish they would let us pay more."

"Something was mentioned about breaking even? I'm sure it is fine."

"So they insist. I do have a question. If I have Harry as my Man of Honor would that scandalize anyone too much?"

"I shouldn't think. Is it common in the muggle world?"

"Not really, but I don't feel close enough to any of my female friends to ask them."

"Do what you want, I say. The wedding is one day. The more important marriage is every day that comes after."

"Thank you." Hermione glanced at the clock, close enough to dinner so her next question wouldn't be too out of place. "Marcus is working overnight. My roommate has plans. And I suddenly do not feel like cooking. Would you join me for dinner? I also don't feel like eating alone."

Niobe beamed. Gemma did not often invite her to do things. Neither did Delphine. She tried not to mind, but it was nice to know someone liked spending time with her. "I would love to. Where would you like to go?"

"Gather Round? Hannah makes amazing fish and chips without being too greasy. And I am craving a little grease and juice."
"Let's go feed my grandsons."

Hannah greeted them the moment she saw them. She fussed over Hermione and placed their order personally. Once they were alone again Niobe asked, "Have you discussed names, yet?"

"In generalities. We'd like each one to have at least one family name. I love the name Benedict, and Granddad would be thrilled beyond anything."

Niobe smiled, "I'm sure he would be. Marcus's grandfather, Dominic should be inviting you to dinner soon."

"That will be nice won't it?"

"Oh, yes, he'll be very welcoming. You mention your grandfather reminded me."

Hermione considered the name for a moment, "Do you think Marcus likes the name Dominic?"

"Perhaps. You would have to ask him."

"I will, he might have a different family member in mind."

Hannah brought out their food, "If you need anything, let me know."

"We will. This smells delicious," praised Hermione.

Niobe took a bite, "Simply divine." Hannah blushed.

As they ate several women paused to greet Niobe and be introduced to Hermione. Though Narcissa Malfoy went the other way. She stopped to speak with Hermione and met Niobe. She inquired about the wedding plans and did they need any help. "My wedding planner has been a godsend. She collects all the options and will present them to me. I just have to pick one. And I've decided on a silver or iridescent gown, really anything but white."

"Have you decided about involving the little ones?" asked Narcissa.

"We're putting them in a decorated wagon and having Teddy Lupin pull up the aisle. They will be 3 months old, not ready for too much."

"How precious. Hyperion Greengrass was going on about a mixed ceremony?"

"We have the muggle ceremony in front of everyone, then slip off with a few witnesses and create the magical bond. Then have a shared reception. Henry Jones has created wards to suppress magical abilities the more inebriated you are, so no worries about accidental magic or drunken slips." She took a bite. "The castle has rooms available and your save-the-date card will have instructions to book rooms. Please book one, Lise and Henry would like to be as full as possible since this is a test run for them, that's why they've been cutting us deals."

"Sensible of them," noted Narcissa. "We have those three days wide open."

"Thank you."

A/N: The dinner gum is from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory the gum that took out Violet.