Happy Saturday, my freaky darlings. Sorry this is so late, I'm on call and had to go out and the call was over an hour away from where I am, so takes a bit.

Chapter 18 Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

The next evening, Marcus rubbed Hermione's feet while watching the telly. "Thank you for having lunch with Mum. Gemma said she was floating by the time she got home."

"I had a good time. She agreed to help with the planning."

"Grandfather invited us to dinner tomorrow, if you feel up to it."

"That will be nice, I hope." She lapsed into silence for a bit, enjoying his ministrations. "We have other discussions we need to have."

"Oh?"

"Yes, oh, baby names." She dropped her feet to the floor and sat up.

"Do you have some thoughts?"

"I do. I'd like to name one after my grandfather and yours. Since both have Roman names I thought the third one should as well."

"I like it," he said slowly. "Benedict Marcus?"

"Not bad, what about Dominic Alexander?"

"I like it. Now for a third."

She looked away, then back, "I have a suggestion that I hope you like."

"Let's here it then, sweet."

"Remus Adrian. Remus had an incredible impact on my life. He never made me feel bad for wanting to learn. He supported my ideas and helped me understand sapient magical beings. He taught me that any one of us can be the somebody that steps up and stops the oppression. And that there are worst things than giving your life to make the world a better place. And despite the jokes and cavalier attitude, Adrian is an amazing person. He is a loyal friend and would do anything to help the people he cares about. And baby number three deserves to be a namesake, too."

"He cannot be holding said baby when he is told, okay? He will drop him," Marcus laughed.

"I agree with that."

"So, Dominic, Benedict, and Remus?" he asked.

Three kicks came from three different feet, "Oh, I think they agree." She grabbed his hand and spread it across her stomach. "Remus, Dominic, and Benedict." They kicked again.

"I think they like them."

"That was deceptively easy," she remarked.

"It was. I'm sure it will be harder to pick out godparents," he kissed her forehead. She smiled sheepishly. "Let's here it."

"Harry and Delphine for Benedict. She's a pureblood and a tie to your family. He's practically my brother. Adrian and Padma for Dominic, he's your best friend and already has a connection to Remus. She will keep Adrian in check. And Ethan and Malin for Remus. Ethan as a family tie and Malin as a reminder friends can be family."

Marcus hugged, "You are one of the most considerate people I know. I love you so much."

"I love you, too." He kissed her tenderly. She responded passionately, eventually dragging him to the bedroom to continue in comfort.

The next morning Hermione emailed her parents an update on her pregnancy. She still hadn't heard from them. The agency reported they were hale and healthy and checking in regularly, just out in the wilds where they lacked cell signal and internet. She supposed they would be home soon enough. Maybe.

Malin suggested reviewing what she had written and organizing her notes. "We should check you don't want to change something. Save work down the road."

"Marcus told you to get me to take it easy today, didn't he?"

"No, of course not!" Malin looked away quickly.

"You are a poor liar."

Malin snorted, "That isn't an insult."

"I know. I meant it as of a statement of fact."

"He just wants you to feel rested for dinner. He worries you'll stress yourself out if you're tired, and there is no reason to stress."

"Fine, you win. We will take it easy," Hermione huffed.

She dressed simply for dinner. A moss green dress with ballet flats and her hair down, but held back away from her face. She examined her appearance in the mirror. Her rounded abdomen protruded like a basketball under her dress. Everyone kept telling her she glowed. She wasn't so sure. She felt like she'd begun waddling though everyone denied it. She kept telling herself it wasn't forever. "Let's not keep people waiting," she muttered to herself.

Dominic Flint greeted them warmly as they exited the floo. "Marcus, welcome. And this radiant creature must be Hermione." He gestured for her to enter.

"I am. You are Dominic."

"Yes. Please have seat, Nips told me dinner should be ready presently." They discussed Marcus's career and Hermione's current work along with the usual pleasantries. A house elf entered the room and announced the meal. "Shall we?" Dominic offered her his arm.

She admired the artwork as they walked through the house. "You have a lovely home. Is this the family seat?"

Thank you, and no. I handed over the family seat to my eldest son, Atticus, and his family when his wife proved the shrew. She could not abide living in her father-in-law's house, but would not take a lesser home. I gave him the choice of the manor house or any further inheritance."

"He chose the house to please his wife," he guessed Hermione.

"He did and encouraged his brother to do the same. I gave him the house to be fair. This was before I made my fortune."

She chuckled, "I do enjoy karma."

"Me, too. My only regret is that I won't get to see their faces." He looked at his grandson, "Neither of my sons known about the money, let's keep it that way."

"What money? I see no evidence of any money. You said, you made a fortune, you never said you still have any of it."

"He's a good lad," he said to her.

"I quite like him," she replied.

"That sounds good for him," he held a chair for her and helped her move to the table.

Nips served the meal. They ate in companionable silence for a bit, each enjoying the delicious meal. Hermione laid down her fork, sighing. "Everything okay?" asked Marcus.

"Yeah, I just get full fast these days. I let it sit for a little while then finish."

"Take your time, dear," said Dominic. "I'm enjoying our visit, and the longer you eat, the longer our visit lasts."

"Thank you," she smiled.

He addressed his grandson, "Your father said you learned the gender of the infants?"

Marcus nodded, "We did, boys. We even managed to come up with names."

"Really?" he raised an eyebrow.

Marcus continued, "We liked Roman names and wanted to honor a few men in our lives. Made it rather easy."

"What are our boys' names? Or are you keeping those a secret?"

Hermione gave him a sly smile, "I don't know. That information is a hot commodity. No one knows yet. What's it worth?"

His eyes narrowed, "What would you want?" he asked brusquely.

She pretended to consider it, "Family dinners at least twice a month with games."

He looked confused, "You want to have dinner with me?"

"At least twice a month," she confirmed, "I'm open to more than that as schedules allow."

"Why?"

"This evening has been lovely. And I suspect once I teach you how to play our Scrabble our games will be legendary. I miss playing with Remus Lupin. And I enjoy the occasional prank."

He chuckled, "Well played, then. At least two dinners a month and Scrabble games."

"Among others, I'm sure. With their approval, given the kicks I've endured, Benedict Marcus, Remus Adrian, and," she paused dramatically, "Dominic Alexander."

"Truly?" the older man asked excitedly.

"When I suggested naming one after my grandfather, so I also wanted to name one after one of his. The last is after dear friends of ours."

"You precious girl," he smiled, his eyes gleaming with unshed tears. "This means so much, almost as much as wanting family dinners."

She looked at her hands, "Most of my life after I started Hogwarts my parents rarely made time for me. I fear nothing will change for grandchildren. I want to fill their lives with people who will treasure them so they never feel the lack."

"Like you did," Dominic said softly.

"Yes," she wiped away the tear that escaped.

Marcus embraced her as she struggled not to cry in earnest. Dominic sat deep in thought. "My dears, I know you both know why I invited you to dinner, and that offer is still available, but I have an alternative offer. Move into this vast house with me. You'd have your own wing and house elves to help. And me."

"What about the elves at the other estate? Do they need to replenish their family magic?" Hermione asked.

"They are also the elves here. Empty houses need little attention."

She looked at Marcus questioningly. He raised an eyebrow. She nodded. He turned to his grandfather, "We would be honored to share your home. Thank you."

"In that case, who wants a tour?" he rubbed his hands.

Their wing included a master suite, nursery, numerous bedrooms, two studies, and two parlors. "We can block the magical flow to this room for the electronics," Hermione exclaimed.

Marcus smirked at his grandfather, "You're going to love the telly."

"When would you like to move in?" he replied.

"In the next few weeks, I think," answered Marcus. "In small steps, otherwise my love will try to overdo it."

"Then my sweetheart will ask my assistant to get me to take it easy," she laughed. He looked sheepish. "She sold you out almost instantly. But, I agree with short spurts. My roommate will need time to make arrangements. Though I will start packing things up."

"Me, too," promised Marcus.

"Splendid. I'll have Nips organize a clean up."

"Did master call for Nips?" asked the small creature appearing before them.

"Always anticipating me. Marcus and Hermione will be moving in before Hermione gives birth to three children."

"More little Flints, oh thank you," the house elf did a little dance.

"Have the east wing prepared for them, please."

"Nips shall begin tomorrow, master."

Hermione asked Harry over for dinner the next evening. "The time has come, my friends, to move in together. Or at least into the same domicile. Marcus and I are moving into the Grove with Dominic Flint."

Malin clapped her hands, "How wonderful."

"What are you going to do with the flat?" inquired Harry.

She shrugged, "I should offer it back to Ginny. It was hers in the first place. I'm sure she'd relish the chance to escape the Burrow."

"That's considerate of you. Think she'll take it?"

"No clue, but I want to offer."

Harry nodded, "Will you be at Hugo's party Saturday?"

"Yeah, if I want to stay part of the family, and friends with Ron, that means making nice with Ron and his little family. Godric, let them not go overboard."

"Since Victorie's was a simple affair last week," remarked Harry.

"Bill and Fleur talked with her about it. They reminded her it is Hugo's first birthday, and it is a big deal."

"How did she respond?" asked Malin.

"She asked me if I was taking him to get a special dollhouse. When I said no, she shrugged, declared herself the winner and ask if she got to help make the cake."

Molly took it a step further. She pulled out the pictures of Victorie's first party and recruited the little girl to help her decorate. With the laser focus of the young she replaced the unicorns with griffiths and pink with green. "Hugo likes green," she explained seriously. "He always puts the green toys in his mouth first." Instead of a balloon cake, Victorie chose a broom. Because Hugo liked to watch Aunt Ginny and his daddy flying around. She proudly showed Hermione and Marcus around when they arrived.

"Okay, pet, let Aunt Hermione rest," Bill scooped his daughter into a hug before setting her back down.

"Will Maman's tummy get as big as Aunt Hermione's?"

"Yes, though Maman's will only have one baby." He put his finger to his lips, "But remember, we're waiting until next week to tell everyone."

"Right, it's our secret. So, no baby questions."

"That's right," Bill praised his daughter.

"Oh," gasped Hermione sharply, "here, Torie, feel this." She placed Victorie's hand on her abdomen. One of the triplets obliged by kicking it.

"Neat. Hello, babies. Come soon so I can play with you." Another kick answered her. She giggled and ran off to tell Gran about the baby kicking her.

"So Fleur's..?" Hermione trailed off.

Bill nodded, "And while SHE totally deserves it, we don't want to steal the spotlight from Hugo."

"My lips are sealed," she promised.

The birthday boy arrived dressed in a little suit and bow tie. He babbled and clapped his hands at everyone's enthusiastic greetings. He attempted to snag one of the floating griffiths. Veronica took him around to visit everyone. Ron sat quietly next to Harry, Marcus, and Hermione. "Thanks for coming, guys." The conversation turned to work as the three men worked in partnering departments. Hermione excused herself to go find Ginny.

The female redhead sat with her pseudo-boyfriend and sister-in-law watching Molly shower Hugo with attention. "Hi, Gin, Jeffery, Veronica," she greeted them.

"Hermione," Ginny nodded to her, "how are you?"

"No complaints worth mentioning. You?"

Ginny frowned, "I'm doing decently. Could do with less fussing from my mother..."

"But that's just who she is," Hermione finished.

"Exactly. The perils of moving back in as an adult."

"Actually, about that, Marcus and I are moving in together, and Malin doesn't want to stay there alone. She's made arrangements to move in with someone else. I thought I would inquire about your interest in moving back in before I let it go." Ginny's mouth slacked open slightly in surprise. "No hurry, take your time thinking it over. We're moving out slowly. I won't do anything until I talk to you."

"Uh, yeah, okay. Thanks for thinking of me, Hermione," stammered Ginny.

"You're welcome." She looked at the other two, "Well, I'm off to see the guest of honor."

"Because you care?" Veronica said in a nasty tone.

"Not particularly beyond the fact he is my friend's son and it is his party." Hermione climbed to her feet.

"How far along are you?" Veronica sniped, "you're enormous."

"Nearly six months, and there are three of them. And you have no room to talk. You were the size of barn with Hugo. We joked there had to be more than one in there. But, we were wrong, you were just fat." With that parting shot, Hermione walked away.

Jeffery puffed up indignantly, "Just who does she think she is?"

"She knows she's Hermione Granger," Ginny answered. She shivered remembering Edgecombe's still faintly marked forehead. Nearly ten years later the letters were visible if you knew what you were looking at. "How she was before all this. Do not engage. You will lose and then the rest of them will attack." She looked at Veronica. "Let it go. Today is about Hugo."

Veronica fumed inside, but took a deep breath, "You're right." She watched Ron with his ex and his son. The little boy laughed at the faces they made, clapping. Ron kissed the top of his head, a fond smile dancing on his lips. Hermione began playing peek-a-boo. A flash of regret and longing flash across Ron's face. Veronica frowned. She could not get pregnant again fast enough. She popped to her feet and hurried over to her husband. Ron happily handed over the little one. He smiled as the two women continued to play with the baby.

After the birthday boy "blew" out his candles and opened his presents he needed a nap. His parents and godmother went overboard with gifts, and his grandparents bought him several, but most of the other guests limited themselves to one. Once Hugo went to sleep people began drifting off. Harry returned to the flat with Hermione and Marcus. "I saw you playing with Hugo," he teased.

"He's such a happy baby," answered Hermione. "I don't have to love him to not wish him ill. I don't want to hear about him constantly, but I can deal with small doses. It was his party. He deserved every second of attention. Ron won't be deeply involved with my children, and I am not with his."

"You think Veronica would be willing to have more?" questioned Harry.

"Ron always wanted a big family. I doubt that's changed."

Receiving Lise's message that she had samples ready, Hermione invited Niobe to join her. They flooed to Canterville Castle together. "That was quick," Hermione said greeting her wedding planner.

"I aim for efficiency. It helps that you were clear in your overall vision, but not super picky about minute details. We created four different arrangements. We decorated a corner and took pictures for you. We can mix and match any elements."

"Sounds good. This is Marcus's mother, Niobe. She's helping me."

"Monica still out of the country?"

"Of course. Her only child is getting married, why would she come home to help?"

"Well, I have refreshments ready and photos to look at. Shall we?" Lise poured everyone a cuppa and held up the first photograph. "This is closer to kitschy winter decorations." She handed it to Hermione. Glittery snowflakes hung from the ceiling. Silvery blue tablecloths with white snowflakes covered the tables.

"I do like the fairy lights around the dance floor, but yeah, not me."

Lise laughed, "I kind of expected so."

Ultimately she selected cerulean tablecloths, silver trimmed plates and glasses. She chose white and blue flowers in crystal vases for the floral arrangements. On the head table shimmering white swags of fabric to set it apart.

Niobe sat back in amazement. "Muggle wedding planning is superior to wizarding."

Lise preened, "I appreciate the compliment, but it does not always go this smoothly, or quickly. It helps that Hermione's vision isn't exacting or involving some life long dream wedding."

"I'm a practical girl."

"Sure. Now, you signed up for music for the reception. The DJ wants to know what special dances you have in mind and the songs. For the ceremony Abby is available to play. If you want something uncommon she'd like the sheet music as soon as possible."

"We'll pick music this week."

Lise made a note, "October we will sit for the menu tasting and cake."

"I'll let Marcus know," Hermione frowned, think of having babies to see to.

"Grandmother says that if you need to bring the boys, she and Ainsley will keep them occupied."

"Or they can stay with Marcus's grandfather."

"Spoilsport," Lise teased her. "Last thing on today's agenda is bridal party flowers." She selected another file from her desk. "Here are catalogs from all three florists in town. They all assure me six months is enough lead time to order your requested roses. So, look that over and let me know which one you like."

"Is that everything?" asked Niobe.

"Still need to select the save the date postcards, invitations, wedding attire, and your photographer. And I need a final guest list so we can send out the save the date."

"Set up an appointment for the guys at a tux place. I'll sort out the flower girls. Since I still want an off colored gown I'm going to wait until October/November and buy a formal gown. You won't be shocked by the speed of my seamstress," she winked. "Niobe thank you, your comments have been insightful and helpful. Unlike my mother's would have been. She'd still be debating the shade of blue for the tablecloths."

"You are welcome. Thank you for including me." Niobe patted her arm.

"Last decision for today: three courses or five?"

"Three, I know five is more formal, but we can have starter type of foods during the dancing. Soup, salad, and a beefy dish, pheasant dish, or fish dish for the main."

"Sounds good, the chef will put together menus and samples for October. Let me know about music and florists as soon as possible. And guests lists."

"Will do. Thank, Lise."