Hello, everyone. Sorry, our internet made it impossible to post this last night and I worked my other job today. So, better late than never. Enjoy!
Chapter 13 Meetings
The floo activating startled Marcus, he wasn't expecting anyone. His concern increased when he saw Hermione. "Are you okay? How badly did it go? Can I punch Weasley?"
"I'm fine, not as bad as you think, and no. Ron took it better than I expected. But that might be because I shut him down before he could get going. I think it may have brought some truths home to Molly. Arthur also said a few words about accepting consequences. He wants to get dinner soon."
"At the Burrow?" he asked leading her to the couch.
"No, he thought it might be nice to go out."
"We can do that. Now, tell me what happened."
"Everyone kept talking about weddings and babies because they do tend to follow weddings. Finally, he snapped. The stupid crap, you're mine, you barely know him, you should have asked me first. So I bluntly pointed out his hypocrisy. He slept with a stranger and then married her. When he called me cruel I asked him to do all the wedding things I did. That set Molly off crying. No one made me leave. I chose to. Let them have some space to process things. I think Veronica is jealous of not being the center of attention. She doesn't have a romantic proposal story like Molly or Fleur. And her ring was an afterthought. Ron sold my ring and bought whatever the money covered."
"Do you think he loves her?" Marcus asked after a moment of silent reflection.
"I don't know. They seemed happy when I saw them. But if it was an act, I wouldn't have a clue."
"Do you think she loves him?"
They sat in silence, and finally, she answered, "Not madly, or passionately. He was a prize. Something she won. A toy she stole. Everything in her world was fine as long as I was alone, the loser in this competition she concocted. Now, I have a fiance again, a nicer ring, a more romantic story. And the only people still paying attention to her are Ron and Molly. Luna says Ginny's become more obsessed with getting Harry back or making him jealous with Jeffery to spend as much time as they did before."
"Makes sense, bloke's friends remarked they run hot and cold the other day. They think he's using her to be close to Mrs. Ronald Weasley."
"I suspect they're not wrong. But they aren't my concern or my focus."
"Good," Marcus kissed her forehead tenderly. "Since your plans fell through, would you like to have dinner with my family?"
"If that isn't an inconvenience. Malin is showing Neville how to better protect his winter plants, so she's occupied for the evening. Harry stayed at the Burrow. And I don't want to be alone this evening to overthink."
"Shouldn't be too much trouble, over half of them live there. Let me fire call." He jumped to his feet and headed for the fireplace.
Hermione slipped off her shoes and stretched her feet up on the cushions. She leaned her head back onto the armrest and listened to Marcus's deep voice in the next room. She felt a little bad for abandoning Harry, but she couldn't stay and endure their guilt and sad faces. They should feel guilty, but she shouldn't have to sit there watching them hope for instant forgiveness and absolution. She needed them to suffer for a bit, at least just a little.
Marcus returned, "Dinner will be served at seven." He picked up his feet and placed them in his lap. He massaged one then the other. "That gives you time for a short nap if you need one."
"I'm not tired, but you could change that for me if you like," she smirked.
"Hmmm, I like the sound of that," he ran his hands up her legs. "Any suggestions?"
"I quite enjoyed that thing you did with your tongue."
"Which thing?" he asked in a husky voice. He stood and scooped her up in his arms.
"The one where you curl it against my skin," she wrapped her arms around his neck. She grazed his ears with her fingers, revealing in his shiver.
"I can do that."
"Good," she purred.
He placed her on the bed and hurried to join her. She yanked her shirt over her head, throwing it off the bed. Just as quickly she shimmied out of her skirt and knickers. Marcus shed his clothes down to his pants before pausing. "This won't hurt the baby will it?"
"The baby is the size of a blackberry. It's fine unless a healer tells us otherwise."
"Are you sure? We need to wait until we check with the healer."
She blinked, "We do?"
"I don't want to do anything that puts either of you at risk. I'm going to worry until an expert says it's alright."
She closed her eyes, "The second we get the go-ahead you won't be able to walk straight."
"Isn't that supposed to be my line?"
"I've stolen it."
"Still want to nap?" he asked rubbing her arms. A jaw-popping yawn answered him. "That's a yes."
"Apparently," she closed her eyes. "Rather be doing something else. But sleep is nice, too."
"I'll set an alarm just in case."
"Hmmm, yeah," she snuggled against him.
The grandfather clock in the hall chimed half past six as they entered Flint Lodge. Niobe warmly welcomed them, "I'm sorry your plans fell through, but delighted you came to dinner."
"Thank you for hosting me at the last minute." She offered Niobe a tray of decorated biscuits.
"These look divine," she smiled and handed them off to a house elf. "The others are in the parlor. Shall we?" The pair followed his mother into the room. "I believe you know the adults, the strapping young man in the green is Tobias, and the one in the blue is Jonathan. And this lovely lady is Ellie."
"Hello," Hermione waved.
In unison, the boys responded, "Very nice to meet you." They looked at their mother for approval. She nodded, they both sagged with relief.
Four-year-old Eleanor came over to Hermione, "Are you really going to marry Uncle Marcus?"
"I am," she crouched down.
"And be my aunt?"
"I will," confirmed Hermione.
"And I get a fancy new dress for the wedding?" she asked twisting back and forth.
"We haven't decided anything yet, but I think you and my goddaughter, Victorie, would be adorable flower girls. So, your chances are good." The little girl grinned.
The conversation moved to employment. Tobias nudged his younger brother, who spoke up, "Miss Hermione, have you really met centaurs?"
"Yes, I've met centaurs, vampires, merfolk, veelas, goblins, and werewolves."
"Can we meet them?" asked Tobias.
"Not until you're older, They are standoffish to outsiders and value their privacy. They would never knowingly harm a child, but would still find you entering their territory an invasion. The hope is one day we can increase trust between them and us. Then you could visit whenever and they could trade with us or anything else they wanted."
"Brilliant," Tobias grinned.
"Aren't you afraid of werewolves?" asked Jonathan wide-eyed. He nervously looked around the room.
She smiled kindly, "Except for one night a month most werewolves are normal people. During that night good werewolves lock themselves away and take potions to keep people safe."
"What about the bad ones?"
"Brave wizards like your uncle protect us from them. And witches like me write laws that make them wish they were good werewolves."
Johann scoffed, "You cannot seriously believe there is such a thing as a good werewolf?"
Hermione narrowed her eyes, "I know there are good werewolves. Poor men and women brutalized by a savage animal, many at young ages, forced to endure not only the agony of a curse but the ignorant neglect of society. One of my dearest friends was a werewolf. Greyback bite him when he was five as revenge for something his father said. Instead of becoming a bitter monster, he grew up to be one of the kindest, bravest men I know. All because he was treated with dignity and acceptance. His furry little problem did not define the sum total of who he was to others."
Malcolm noticed her use of the past tense, "Was?"
"Remus Lupin died at the Battle of Hogwarts."
"So, on good..." started Johann.
"Introduced me to others, and they vouched for me to others. Greyback is gone. Erasing his influence started at the Battle of Hogwarts, and I intend to finish what I started there." She maintained eye contact to ensure he understood the unspoken implication. "The ministry now helps with obtaining potions, healthcare, a safe place for the full moon, educational resources, and employment incentives. We failed them years ago, but we will not fail them now."
To change subjects slightly, Malcolm addressed Ethan, "Lucius mentioned having a board meeting soon."
"Good. Marcus, have you considered quitting that hit wizard nonsense and joining us?"
"No, I like my job. I hate business management. And you don't need me." He rolled his eyes.
"You approve of his career choices?" Delphine asked Hermione.
She shrugged, "He enjoys it. From all reports, he's good at it. His peers respect him, his superiors have only the highest praise. I think he's in the right profession, not that my opinion matters the most. It's what he wants to do," she smiled proudly up at him.
"How do you..?" he started.
She interrupted, "You don't think Kings didn't give me an entire rundown of your file before we met? He wanted me to be comfortable with my bodyguards."
"The minister said all that about me?" he asked looking slightly stunned.
"Moreover, that's what everyone said to Kings about you," she bumped him with her shoulder.
"So, you're okay with him risking his life every day?" Delphine asked.
"Someone has to. And if the worst happens he died protecting others doing the job he loves. I love him as is. Being a hit wizard is part of that."
Niobe beamed at her, "What a wonderful way to look at it. Now, no more shop talk. Time for dinner."
Over dinner, Gemma inquired about Marcus's proposal. She sighed,
"It seems I didn't marry the romantic Flint."
"Adrian helped with the idea. He just didn't know the when. He's not great with secrets."
"Duly noted." Hermione giggled, "No secrets for Adrian."
Over dessert Ethan brought up weddings, "Mother mentioned you wanted your family to attend the wedding, any thoughts on how to do that?"
"Yes, the wizarding lot will pull their heads out of their arses and refrain from using magic. Easy enough, muggleborns do it all the time."
"What about the magical bond?" he persisted.
"Easily set in private between the ceremony and reception. Or at a secular venue claim it was a light show set up by friends. Contrary to your belief, I have given this some thought over the years."
"You'll need a ministry official to do all that."
Hermione slowly blinked twice before looking at Marcus, "Tag, you're it."
Marcus patted her hand, "Ethan, Hermione works at the ministry. She's not only on first name bases with the Minister of Magic, they call each other nicknames. There will be numerous officials of significant rank present to witness the bonds." He squeezed her hand, "And she shouldn't have to exclude her family, or have two weddings. It takes a little extra planning and restraint to create a compromise. And I am willing to make the effort." His tone indicated he considered the conversation concluded.
"Well, I like a good challenge," declared Niobe. "And I am ready to help as much or as little as you need."
"Thank you. I'm not sure how involved my mother will be. And, honestly, any help is appreciated."
"I have one request, just a small thought," said Malcolm. "If there is no magic, please not in outdoor winter wedding."
"Done," chuckled Hermione.
Having an earlier morning than her, Marcus returned to his flat that night. Harry sat in her living room watching television alone. "Hey," she greeted, "Malin go to sleep on you?"
"She wanted to give us privacy. And Neville wore her out with questions and demonstrations. How are you?" He patted the cushion next to him.
She sat, "I'm fine, I promise I expected Ron's reaction. Honestly, it was better than I anticipated. I prepared for a raging wobbly, then decided I didn't want to hear it."
"I expected it, too," he confessed. "Everyone cleared out for a bit. Let Ron and Veronica talk. He told me she's upset she doesn't have a romantic proposal story."
"Whose fault it that?" she rolled her eyes.
"Pretty much what Ron told her."
Hermione leaned her head against his shoulder, "I bet she hates her ring, too."
"I do, too. Ron confessed once he just gave the shopkeeper the money and told her to pick one. He didn't care." Harry considered a random thought. "I don't think they love each other. Why do they act like it?"
"I don't know. Perhaps like everyone else he got caught up in the excitement and the claims she that is his true love. Veronica won, she was excited and happy. Before the wedding, she was the bride planning her wedding. After everyone paid lots of attention to the pregnant witch. Then there was a baby. Ron let her redecorate the flat and go on shopping sprees. She's happy, he convinces himself he's happy, too. Like I told Marcus: not my circus, not my monkeys. Ron's happiness is not my responsibility anymore, not that it ever was. He's responsible for his happiness, and I am responsible for mine."
"Very wise," he complimented.
"Thank you," she enjoyed the silence before breaking it. "How are things with Malin?"
"Good. She likes staying under the radar. I think she has some sight of her own. The moment we go public officially Ginny may lose her mind. Several people told me she's not completely over me."
"I agree. I think she and Jeffery are using each other and eventually, this ends badly," she said.
"Not our circus, not our monkeys."
The telephone rang, surprising them both. "Hello?" Hermione answered it.
"Darling! How are you?" Monica Granger cooed.
"Hello, Mum. I'm great. How are you and Daddy?"
"Simply marvelous. We're in India now. I'll email you the contact information."
"Thank you. Before you go, I do have news," Hermione said quickly before her mother could hang up.
"Oh, Wendell. Wendell come here, Hermione has news."
"Hello, sweetheart!" her father said.
"Hi, Daddy. I have big news. My boyfriend, Marcus, proposed. We're getting married in December."
"That's wonderful. We'll meet him when we come back in July," said Wendell.
"I thought you were coming back in June?"
Monica chuckled, "We were, but another dentist pulled out and we offered to cover."
"I would appreciate your help with things this summer."
"We'll be home in July ready to help," promised Monica.
"We love you, sweetie," Wendell said.
"I love you, too," she sighed as she hung up. "Want to bet I don't see them until December?"
Harry thought it over, "November. You're getting married. They need a month to add guests you wouldn't to the list."
"Thanks," she said dryly, "your support is overwhelming."
"I'll be here," he hugged her. "And we both need sleep."
Leander leaned back in his chair resting his legs on the desktop. "Gone for like three weeks on a mission and already only working half a day. What gives?"
"Key phrase there: away on a mission. Healer appointment, standard stuff."
"Yeah, see we get our yearly physicals at the same time in August. Spill," Leander demanded.
"I have a healer appointment. Nothing serious, but since they fit me in I have no idea how long it might take."
"For argument's sake, let's say I believe you, you would tell me if something was wrong, right?"
"Definitely."
"Okay then," Leander clapped him on the shoulder.
At the healer's office, Marcus asked for Mrs. Rubble's room. The receptionist directed him to the last room on the left. Hermione sat on the exam table in a hospital gown. "Impeccable timing, Healer Gray will be right back. She wants to compare scans. Though I am not to panic everything is fine."
He laughed and sat in the hard plastic chair. He avoided looking at the diagrams and posters on the walls. "Don't panic, sounds like good advice."
A middle-aged brunette streaked with gray in a white robe entered the room, "I assume you are Daddy?"
"I am," Marcus stood and offered his hand.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Lynettia Gray."
"Marcus Flint."
"Let me get you up to speed. Hermione is nine weeks along. Three more weeks until the end of the first trimester and everything looks great. The dark energy damage is nearly gone. The residual is in the scar on her arm, far away from the uterus."
"That is good news," Hermione responded. "Would you please reassure him we can have sex?"
"Of course, you can. So long as Hermione feels comfortable and she is not in labor, have at it. There are several positions for the later months. In fact, many women go through an insatiable period." She smiled, "Since you're both here, let's do the ultrasound. Ready to see baby?"
Healer Gray helped Hermione lay back. She swirled her wand above her abdomen. A grayscale image appeared above her. "Hello," whispered Hermione squeezing Marcus's hand.
"Hello, indeed," said Healer Gray. "You're having triplets, dearies."
"Triplets?" asked Marcus in an awed voice.
"Yes. See, this here, here, and here?" They nodded. "Baby A, Baby B, and Baby C. What's incredible is that they're identical. Extremely rare, generally with triplets one zygote divides into two, giving you two identical and one fraternal."
The couple looked at each other and then back at the image. "Oh, wow," he finally said. "Does that change anything?"
"Not at this point. Everyone is doing great. Keep taking the prenatal potions and eating healthy. If the morning sickness gets overwhelming I have a list of safe potions."
"Thank you," Hermione sat up and took the pamphlets.
"I will see you in three weeks for your twelve weeks check. We'll do another ultrasound and take pictures then. If you want we can determine gender with some tests."
"We'll be here," promised Marcus.
Hermione dressed and scheduled her next appointment. "Lunch?" she suggested. "I followed your lead and took the rest of the day off, thank goodness."
"Um, yeah, I guess we can do that," Marcus ran his hand through his hair. "Please tell me you're as shaken as I am?"
"Assuredly. This calm facade is a lie. I am in shock but we are in public. Once reality sinks in, and we are in private, I will lose my ever-loving mind. A complete mess, I assure you. But before that planning." She apparated them to the outskirts of London, "We can speak more freely here."
"Hold on, did you just say planning before you panic?"
"Yes, once there is a plan I can relax. When I relax all the swirling thoughts flood in. Then I panic about all of the tangents my thoughts created." They entered a small cafe and placed their orders at the counter before taking seats in the corner. "Malin intends to move in with Harry when we moved into together, either so we could share my place, or so she wasn't alone when I moved into yours. I don't feel like those are options anymore."
"I think you are right. Neither place is big enough for three babies."
"You said your grandfather intended to gift you a house as a wedding present, correct?"
"Yes," he answered slowly.
"Is it gauche to inquire about moving in before the wedding?"
"Yes and, and the same time, no. We have to play the game." He caught her hand. "We announce the pregnancy. Obviously, we can't stay in a two-bedroom flat. Grandfather will question Father or me about our options. Either of us will pretend we can't afford anything bigger or some story. Then Grandfather offers it before the babies arrive."
"I get it. So, housing is sorted."
"What were your thoughts?"
"Make Harry deliriously happy and move in with him for two and half months."
"That was a fast plan,"
he remarked.
"I have more than that. I've gotten good at thinking on my feet despite panic. What do you think of this? We stick to our original plan to announce everything in three weeks. I'll email my family a copy of the sonogram. We start collecting baby items then, in triplicate."
"So far brilliant, kind of scary how fast you went from shock to this is sorted."
"I'm terrifying like that. I told you there will be panic later. Now, the big question is, do you want to be surprised or know the gender?"
"I've had enough surprises in the last month to last for the next decade, let's find out."
"Oh, good, we're on the same page." He looked confused, so she explained, "We think the same thing. I want to find out as well. We don't need the added stress of thinking up three girl names and three boy names. Though we could pick three that are gender-neutral"
"Love, you're rambling," he pointed out.
"I know, I do that when stressed."
"I noticed, I hoped pointing it out might help."
She laughed, "It does not, but thank you. This is enormous, how are we going to take care of three babies at the same time?"
He looked guilty, "The Towers has house elves."
"Family elves?" she inquired.
"For the last three of their generations."
"Then I'm fine. Those tied to places are the abused ones. A building can't feed their magic. They need homes and people to care for. Took me a long time to learn the difference." She smiled, "We need to meet them before the kids arrive. So much to do."
"Don't forget, we're not alone," he reminded her, placing a kiss on the inside of her wrist.
"I won't," she promised.
A/N: Surprise!