oooOOOoooOOOooo Chapter 20
The next few days were a game of waiting. Waiting for classes to be over for the semester. Waiting for the Yule ball. Waiting with ever more anxiety to meet his new future in-laws and ask the girls to marry him. Most vexing of all, waiting to see if Regulus would wake up and what state he'd be in when he did.
Harry was sitting in his trunk, holding his twins and telling them stories about quidditch when Winky suddenly popped into the room.
"Mr. Harry, Mr. Padfoot be asking you to come to the infirmary," said Winky. Harry snuggled his babies closer and sighed.
"Care to come with, gents? Or would you rather go outside?" Harry asked. "I'm going to see Padfoot."
The babies kicked their feet excitedly and babbled, "Papapapapapa."
Harry smirked and stood. "That's the answer then. Winky, would you please get me their buggy and the nappy sack?"
Winky moved to help her buddies get ready to go out into the school. Harry put on his shoes and grabbed a quick snack for himself. Gabrielle and Hermione were off somewhere with Fleur and Emma while Tonks was busy receiving extra training from Moody. He'd been working the poor woman to the bone in punishment for not telling them about Sirius sooner.
As soon as Winky helped Harry get the twins settled in their buggy, he asked her to go tell Moody and Tonks where he was going. Moody insisted on coming almost everywhere with Harry. It made Potions class a real lark. Snape wouldn't even look in Harry's direction with the auror standing in the back of the classroom fingering his wand. Harry was doing better than he ever had in that class.
Harry left a note for everyone else, letting them know where the twins would be.
Harry pushed the stroller out through the Gryffindor common room, attracting the attention of the other set of twins and their apparent lady love, Angelina Johnson. Harry wasn't exactly sure what was going on but he was 90% sure she was dating them both.
Fred came up to Harry, with his arm around Angelina.
"Oy! Harrykins, where're you off to?" asked Fred.
Harry glanced over at the redheaded twins. "I'm off to the infirmary."
"Care for some company?" asked a grinning George, who was busy tickling the Potter twins' little feet. The babies giggled at the elder twins.
"If you'd like," said Harry cautiously. They exited the portrait hole and found Tonks waiting for them.
"Where's your less attractive keeper?" asked Fred, grinning at the pink haired woman.
Tonks rolled her eyes and huffed. "He's off to chat with the Headmasters and Headmistress about security for the second task. He says I'm to stay with you until you return to your dorms," she said to Harry.
Harry tried not to smirk but he failed. She just smacked the back of his head lightly and started following the group down the hallway, keeping her wits about her, even though she tripped twice and almost fell down the stairs. Harry just ignored her and tried to keep a hold on the baby buggy.
"So, my good man, we hear there's to be a party in France," said Fred, waggling his eyebrows.
"Fleur said I could come for the party," said Angelina, brightly.
"Do you have a dress?" asked Tonks, excitedly. The girls started chatting happily about their attire.
Harry started thinking about the Weasley family and their lack of funds. They'd all need new party clothes if they didn't want to feel gauche.
"Speaking of," said Harry, cagily.
"Do speak," said George.
"Speak of," said Fred, waggling his eyebrows.
Harry rolled his eyes. "I was thinking of offering you all something special as a holiday present. A new outfit each to wear to the party," said Harry. "Do you think your parents would welcome that or would they be offended?"
Fred and George gave Harry a soft look. "From you? It would be appreciated. You're not exactly fashionable so it would just be seen as sporting," said Fred.
"You're not afraid we'll embarrass you?" asked George, his eyes squinted.
"Not at all. I just want you to feel good while we meet the Delacours. I have to admit though, I didn't pick out my own outfit," said Harry, uncomfortably. "The girls did that. Apparently, we have a color theme," said Harry, chagrined.
Tonks heard and jumped in. "All of Harry's family will be wearing shades of green."
"Sirius is wearing a robe made from his portion of the basilisk hide. It's so gaudy but it looks brilliant on him," said Harry, shaking his head.
"Do tell," said Fred, interestedly.
Harry blushed. "It's downright sparkling. I guess Remus, Dan, and I are wearing the same," said Harry, embarrassed.
The twins laughed. "What about brother Bill?" they asked, interestedly.
"Same. They're all different styles and slightly different shades. The girls will all be wearing their cloaks. The elves have been making the cloaks, bags, and boots but the robes and other clothing items are being made by some French shop. Do you think Nana Molly would accept a cloak? Maybe a nice pair of boots and a bag and robes for Arthur?" asked Harry.
"I'm certain of it," said Fred, very pleased with the kind of outfit Harry was planning to gift his parents with.
"He'd probably like a vest. He likes vests more than stuffy old jackets," said George.
"Good. I'll plan for it. Nana Molly can pick whatever she likes from the French shop. Can you get Arthur's measurements? Maybe a vest and a nice set of trousers will do for him?" Harry asked.
"Perfect. Sure thing, chap, I can get their measurements," said Fred.
"Can you ask the elves to make my cloak for me, too? I'll give you my portion of the skin," asked an excited Angelina.
"Sure," Harry agreed. George looked at Harry contemplatively.
"You should think about gifting the same to Fleur's family. They might feel left out of the joke, if you don't," said George.
Harry looked thoughtful. "I think you might be right. I'll talk to Gabrielle about it."
They arrived at the infirmary. The twins turned to Harry.
"We were thinking of checking out that fabulous room Moaning Myrtle mentioned…" said Fred.
"But we wanted to make sure it was safe, first," said George, knowingly.
"Umm, yeah. I think it'd be fine. Just, I know Bill wanted to check it out, too. Maybe invite him along?" said Harry, feeling proprietarily towards the man who was now literally his big brother.
"Of course," said the twins, grinning and waving their goodbyes as they turned to leave. This time, Angelina was on George's arm instead. Harry was sure of it. They were a throuple as much as Harry, Hermione, and Gabrielle.
Tonks pushed open the infirmary doors while Harry pushed the stroller on through. They walked back towards the private room but Madam Pomfrey saw them first.
"Let me have a look at those little darlings," she cooed. The boys grinned at a new person to pay attention to them.
"Knock yourself out," said Harry.
"We'll need to start their inoculations, soon," she said sternly. Harry just agreed.
She cooed over the babies for a few moments before Harry headed back into Regulus' room. Harry was shocked when he pushed the buggy inside and found Regulus fully clothed and sitting up. He very slowly and slightly turned his head to look when Harry opened the door.
"Is he?" asked a surprised Harry.
Padfoot waited for the door to shut behind Harry. Then, he turned back into a man and cast as many privacy wards as he could think of. Tonks was staring at the 18 year old man on the bed.
Regulus spoke slowly and woodenly. "Sir-i-us. Who?"
Sirius turned and grinned at Regulus. "Reg, this is Tonks, Andromeda's daughter, and Harry. Your hero," said the grinning man.
Regulus very slowly and carefully turned to look at Harry. "You?"
Harry looked uncomfortable. "Er, I was just there. The aurors are the ones who saved you. Madam Bones pulled you out of the lake."
Sirius laughed. "No way, pup. It was your vision that led us to Grimmauld Place and your patience that led us to get the story out of Kreacher. You paid for the mandrake draft that is helping him get better. Hell, you're the one who got rid of the dark mark!"
"I'm really sorry," said Harry, refusing to make eye contact with Regulus. "I didn't mean to bind you to me. It was an accident."
Regulus gave a huff of a laugh. "Th-ank you. I.. am… free … from… evil… bas-tard."
Sirius hopped up on Regulus' bed. "That you are. Harry here won't take advantage."
"I swear I won't!" said Harry, in a panic. "You don't have to do anything you don't want."
It took him a few seconds but Regulus smiled. "Con-tract?"
"Er, you don't have to sign one. I won't make you. The others did but that's because they're going to work for me. You can just, you know, be you. I'll still give you the same money. Sirius is getting the same as Bill and Remus. If you want a house, I'll buy you one. I'm so sorry," Harry said, lamely.
Regulus very slowly shook his head. "Want."
"You want to? Dumbledore just asked for us to have tea together once per year and play a game of wizard's chess. You want that?" asked Harry.
Regulus carefully shook his head. "Work. Repay… my… hero."
Harry blushed bright red. Tonks laughed and bounced Jameson. Sirius hurried over and picked up Julius.
"This is my namesake, Julius Sirius. He's the Black heir," said Sirius, showing the baby to his brother.
"Lord… Black?" asked Regulus. He seemed to be tiring. He looked at Harry.
Harry looked uncomfortable again. "Yes, I am. Unless you want to. I'd be glad to hand it over to you."
Regulus looked relieved. "Never… want-ed."
"Our parents ruined it for us. We don't want to be the bloody lord. Never did," said Sirius. Regulus looked sad at the thought of his parents. They were abusive arses. He could see that now. He had way too much time to think under that dark water. He had a much better perspective on things now. He understood himself better.
"True," said Regulus. He tried to lay down. Sirius moved to help him.
"Is there anything I can do for you now?" asked Harry.
"Burn… house," said Regulus firmly.
Sirius laughed. "Now you're talking! Burn Grimmauld Place to the ground!"
"Are you sure?" asked Harry.
"Yes," said Regulus, closing his eyes. He was asleep before Harry could respond.
"Seriously, pup. It's a waste of space. Burn it down," said Sirius, earnestly.
"I'll talk to the goblins about it. Maybe they can tear it down or something," said Harry.
"That's the spirit!" said a grinning Sirius. He played with the babies for another half hour or so before Harry took them back to his home.
On their way back to the dorms, they ran into an unwelcome person - Ron.
"Potter, you bastard. I'm being sent home! It's all your fault!" Ron raged, rushing forward like he wanted to hit Harry. Tonks jumped in front of Harry and the twins, her wand at the ready.
"Move! I'm going to pop him one! He deserves it," hissed Ron. "My baby sister's in a psych ward because you cheated on her and treated her so poorly!"
"Ron, I wasn't dating Ginny. I have no interest in her or you," said Harry. He moved to stand beside the buggy, ready to throw himself over his children, if need be.
"Move on Weasley. The DMLE is done playing with you," said Tonks, menacingly.
"What are you going to do about it? You're barely older than me. You're not even a real auror. Probably never will be," spat Ron. Tonks' wand didn't waver. Ron turned his vitriol on the baby twins.
"Little byblows. It's all your fault. If you'd never been born, none of this would have ever happened," Ron said, giving Julius and Jameson the evil eye.
"Leave my children alone, you pikey. I can't believe I was ever friends with you. You're a pathetic waste of space," growled Harry. His wand was sparking at the end.
"Ha! How can you even be sure they're your children? I think you're a cuckold, I do," said Ron, a mean smirk on his face.
Harry just rolled his eyes and tried to move past the other boy. Ron grabbed Harry's arm. Tonks slapped him with a nasty stinging hex. Ron let go and cried out in pain.
"You never could stand up for yourself, Potter. Always have to have some girl do it for you. You're the waste of space! I hope you come to a bad end and those little bastards of yours end up in an orphanage!" shouted Ron. Harry just kept moving forward. He didn't look back.
Tonks kept her eyes on Ron the entire time.
"Gods, he's such an arsehole," said Tonks as soon as they'd turned the corner.
"I don't know how I didn't see this bad side of him before," said Harry, shaking his head.
"Maybe he's just growing into his own," said Tonks, scowling.
They made it back to the trunk and found Hermione, Gabrielle, Fleur, and Emma looking at some catalogs for their mundane outfits.
"Harry!" cried Gabrielle when she noticed him. She got up to give him a welcome hug. He went over to sit between Hermione and Gabrielle, the babies still happily gurgling away in their buggy. The precious almost four month old boys had a drooling smile for everyone.
"Where have you gents been?" asked Emma, smiling at her grandsons. They started signing the symbols for eat. "Hungry, are we?"
"Ga, ga, ga, ga, ga, ga," they babbled. It was as close to grammie as they could get right now. Emma called for Winky to bring the babies some snacks. Dinner would be in another hour or so. Winky gladly brought them some pureed broccoli and teething biscuits. A nice bottle that they could hold themselves and they were set.
Harry pulled the buggy in front of him and helped the boys eat. "We've been visiting Sirius and Regulus. Regulus is awake," said Harry.
The ladies all exclaimed their joy and peppered Harry with questions about the state of the young man that had so recently been saved.
"He's still quite stiff. He can only speak very slowly using small words but he was cognizant and able to talk," said Harry. "He wants me to burn down Grimmauld Place."
"That's a miracle," said Emma.
"He wants you to burn down his family home?" asked Hermione, her brow furrowed.
Harry nodded.
"Said it was evil," said Harry.
"He's not wrong," said Gabrielle, shuddering at the memory of that horrid place.
"Will you do it?" asked Tonks.
"I'll see about having it torn down and burning the pieces but no, I won't just go set it on fire. That's crazy," said Harry.
"That's a wise move, Harry," said Emma. "Take care of things properly, if you do decide to destroy it. It sounded derelict to me."
"It really is," agreed Hermione. "Still. It could become someone else's home. Maybe you should sell it instead?"
Harry grimaced. "And have someone find some evil left behind? No, I think tearing it down to the foundations is a good idea. Maybe build something new in its place. I don't know how we'd explain it to the muggles if a new vacant lot just appeared there."
"True," said Tonks. "No sense in wasting good wards, even if the place itself is a waste of space."
"I'm going to talk to Hardblow about it, I think. We'll see what he suggests," said Harry shrugging. He thought about the idea the Weasley twins had about a gift for Gabrielle's family.
"You know how we'll all be wearing our basilisk hide clothes and matching outfits?" asked Harry.
Emma grinned. It was an adorable idea. She and the girls had decided to do the same for the party with the Grangers, except this time they'd all be wearing different shades of blue.
"Yes," Hermione said, quizzically. Harry looked at his girls.
"I was talking to the Weasley twins about it. I asked them if it would be okay to buy a new outfit for their family to wear to the party, too," said Harry.
Gabrielle smiled. "You're so thoughtful, mon ami."
Harry blushed but continued. "Yes, well. They agreed the Weasleys would like it. I was thinking of a nice vest and some trousers for Mr. Weasley and a cloak for Mrs. Weasley. Maybe a set of robes for the twins, Charlie, and, I guess, Percy?" Harry wrinkled his nose at that thought.
"Has Percy agreed to come?" asked Hermione, wrinkling her nose as well.
"Yeah, apparently he's excited to hobnob with the French Minister of Magic," Harry said, rolling his eyes.
"I guess we can't leave him out, then," said Hermione, disappointedly.
Harry snorted but agreed.
"The terrible twosome suggested we include your family as well, Gabrielle," said Harry.
Gabrielle looked surprised. "You would do that?"
"For you, anything," Harry said, seriously. "Do you think they'd like that?"
"Oh, yes, mon ami. I think they would love that," said Gabrielle, jumping forward to hug her love.
Harry squeezed her back and smiled. "Can you get their measurements? Maybe we could exchange some gifts on New Year's Eve, before the party?" Harry gulped hard. Emma noticed. Her eyes were sparkling at the gifts she expected Harry wanted to give.
"I will. It'll be such a wonderful surprise!" she said, laying her head on his shoulder. Harry squeezed her again, then turned to Hermione.
"Did the elves say when the cloaks, bags, and boots would be done? Maybe we can add to their list? I know you ordered the robes from that French shop. Can we add the other robes to that list?" Harry asked.
Hermione looked frustrated. She'd tried to pay the elves for their work but they refused. She huffed. "They refuse to take payment for all of the work they're doing."
Harry tried not to grin at her frustration. "Maybe we could offer them something else? Instead of money?"
Hermione perked up. "Like a barter."
Harry shrugged, "Sure. Whatever they want. Maybe there's something they desire."
"I'll work on that," said the happier girl.
The days passed quickly after that. The Yule ball was almost upon them. Harry was downright antsy about it all. He had his robes and was ready in the sense that he was prepared to dress but he wasn't ready to dance in front of all those people. He hated being the center of attention.
Emma and Dan noticed his nerves. "Harry, dear, what's wrong?"
Harry sighed. "I don't know how to dance. Everyone's going to be watching me make a fool of myself. How do I even manage a dance with one person, let alone two?"
Dan laughed but Emma smiled gently. "I can teach you a few things or we could call a dance instructor to come in and teach you a few dances. I'm sure the girls would be interested in learning a dance you could all do together."
"Maybe," said Harry, in dread.
"Wouldn't you rather learn? You'll be expected to dance at the Delacour ball, too, won't you?" asked Dan.
Harry groaned. "Will I have to dance at your party, too?"
"We'd like it if you did," said Emma, gently. They had reserved their golf club's banquet hall for their party. The invitations were already on the way to all of their friends and family.
Harry pulled a lock of his own hair and sighed. "I guess. Maybe a dance instructor would be a good idea," said Harry.
"I'll arrange it," said Emma.
Harry regretted his decision when he found himself on the way to breakfast in the Great Hall after the girls arrived. He filled them in on what was happening while they ate. The Weasley twins overheard.
"You'll be learning triad dances?" asked George, interestedly.
"Yeah, amongst other things," said a glum Harry. Fred put his arm around Harry.
"Mind if we gate crash? We'd love the practice," said Fred. Hermione gave Fred a scrutinizing look.
"Do you have need of triad dancing?" asked Hermione, shrewdly.
George grinned. "Like we're the only ones. You should probably invite Neville and his girls, too."
Harry looked around for Neville. He saw him over at the Hufflepuff table with Hannah by his side and Susan across from him watching them both proprietarily.
"Maybe," said Harry.
The next day, a half packed room awaited Harry before they could get started with dance practice. Harry wasn't exactly joyous about it but being one of three couples who would take part in the triad dance practice was better than being at it alone. A couple of twosomes joined them, too. Bill and Fleur, Remus and Tonks, and Dan and Emma thought brushing up on their dance steps was a good idea.
A gentleman in purple spandex and a flowing magenta over robe waited at the front of the room.
"Welcome wizards and witches," called the man. His smile was gleaming. He had two helpers standing at the front beside him. A woman in a dress with a train and a man in a set of tight fitting trousers and a vest watched them all perk up when Harry walked in.
Harry tried not to look disgruntled. The man just laughed. "I am Fabio. These are my assistants Rochelle and Paul. We will teach you some dance steps today and next Friday in preparation for the Yule ball on Sunday. We hope you will practice on your own between now and our final session."
Everyone made agreeable sounds, even a blushing Harry.
"First, we will learn some individual steps, then we will practice them in groups of two and three," said Fabio.
Fabio named the dance steps and what types of song they were good for while his assistants demonstrated slowly. Then, the three dance instructors moved through the crowd, checking their form and helping where they could.
Everyone did fairly well, even Harry and Tonks, the two most hopeless dancers among them. Almost an hour later, they were ready to move on.
"Very good! Now, let us learn some single partner dances," said Paul. He led the instruction for this part. He explained things very well, using only the moves they had learned individually, though he threw in a few twists.
Fabio and Rochelle exhibited what he was showing them. They broke up into pairs and danced for the next hour, practicing the dance steps and the ability to lead and follow appropriately.
Finally, Rochelle stepped up to the front. "Triad dance steps are more tricky but are composed of the basic movements you've already seen. Let us begin," she said.
The three dance instructors moved seamlessly together in a complicated rhythm that had them moving around each other with style and grace. Harry thought he would never look that good. After another two hours of practice, he thought he'd never be more tired. Dancing was exhausting.
The next week passed quickly. Harry and the girls practiced for at least an hour every day. Their final day of polishing their moves with the dance instructors was fun, which surprised Harry. He never thought he'd find dancing fun.
At last, the dreaded day arrived. Harry was downright sick at breakfast. He couldn't eat a thing. To make matters worse, McGonagall pulled him aside after breakfast to speak with him.
"Harry," she said with a small smile and a proud look. She'd been looking at him like that nonstop since he'd managed to accidentally heal Dumbledore. She acted like he had done something on purpose instead of making a terrible mistake that bound someone, body and soul, to him for life.
Harry blushed. "Yes, Professor McGonagall?" he asked. He didn't want to be rude but he also kind of wanted to vomit.
"Dear laddie, I just wanted to be sure you are aware you will need to open the dancefloor as a champion? I'm afraid I've been a little remiss. I meant to hold dance classes for you all but there was just so much going on with the Headmaster and the tournament that I never got around to it. Do I need to take you aside and give you a private lesson?" she asked.
Harry turned green at the thought of opening the dance. He didn't want to be on display but there was no getting out of it.
"Er, that's alright Professor. Bill told me I'd have to be part of the opening dance. I hired a private dance instructor to teach me and a few others," Harry admitted. McGonagall practically beamed at him. She smiled a full smile, showing a little tooth and everything.
"Oh, you are a wonder. I'm so proud of you for taking the initiative on your own," she said. Harry rubbed the back of his neck and swallowed thickly.
"I guess there's no getting out of it," he said, like a person walking to the gallows.
She chuckled and patted his shoulder. "I'm afraid not. I know you'll represent Hogwarts well," she said, looking at him like he was the second coming. It just made Harry feel worse.
"Well, um, if that's all? I guess I should go get ready or something," said Harry.
"Of course, laddie. You and your ladies will be the bells of the ball," she assured him. She saw someone else out of the corner of her eye. It was Ron. He was staring at Harry with a look of hate. She tisked and shook her head.
"I don't know what's gotten into that boy," she said, disapprovingly. Harry turned to see who she was talking about. When he saw Ron, he just rolled his eyes.
"Take your pick," Harry said, sighing heavily. He hated to have a friend turn into an enemy but there really wasn't anything else he could call that boy now.
McGonagall snorted and turned back to Harry. "Do you need anything for your little ones for tonight?"
"No, but thank you. Dan and Emma are planning to take them out to see some holiday lights and a show for little children. They should have a cracking good time," said Harry.
"Very well. I understand you're leaving tomorrow?" McGonagall inquired.
"Yes. We'll be back the Sunday before classes start back up," he said, feeling even more ill at the thought of asking his girls to marry him in just a few short days' time.
"That's when Ronald is leaving, as well," she said, glancing over at the boy who was viciously stabbing food on his plate. Harry looked up sharply.
"He's not leaving until tomorrow?" asked Harry, alarmed.
"The Headmaster decided to allow him to attend the ball. I'm not sure about it myself but what's done is done," said McGonagall, turning back to look at Harry.
Harry groaned. "I just hope he doesn't cause a faff."
McGonagall couldn't help but hope the same.
After breakfast, Harry, Hermione, and Gabrielle took the babies on a quick walk to Hogsmeade. They had a few more gifts to buy. Harry wanted to find something special for the Grangers. He literally couldn't have made it through the semester without them. Moody and Tonks were walking behind them, putting a slight damper on things.
The vigilant aurors checked the crowd constantly as the group walked through the shops, looking for something the Grangers would enjoy. Hermione saw just the thing. It was a shop Harry had never noticed before - a portrait studio.
Harry smiled and led the way into the shop. No one noticed Ron and Draco tracking their movements.
The aurors went inside with them, sweeping the shop before they agreed everything was fine and stepped back outside to wait. Moody covered the front door while Tonks covered the back. Harry thought it was a bit much but no one else agreed.
"Hello. Can I help you with something?," said the uncertain shopkeep. She'd never had a customer so important or paranoid that they had aurors check her shop over before they came inside.
"Hello," Hermione said in her best businesslike voice. "We were hoping to learn more about your services and options?"
"Right," said the shopkeep, perking up. Business was slow this time of year. The students were usually gone and most families had already taken their pictures by now. The shop would usually get very little business until right before Valentine's Day, when there would be an uptick of engagement, wedding, and boudoir photos.
"Here's my price sheet. Are you looking for someone to take some pictures of those little angels?" asked the lady, smiling down at the twins.
"Yes, actually. Maybe a family photo," said Hermione. The shopkeep looked at the doors.
"Are their parents coming soon?" she asked.
Harry blushed but straightened up. "I'm the father," he said.
The shopkeep blinked. "Oh," said the lady.
"Yes, well. We're looking for something for the three of them. Perhaps something with a holiday theme?" asked Hermione. Harry started shaking his head.
"No. I want something with all five of us. Maybe a few shots of the boys alone," said Harry.
Hermione looked like she might argue. Gabrielle touched her arm lightly.
"Why do you feel this way, mon ami?" she asked.
Harry looked uncomfortable for a moment. "Well, if we're going to be a family someday, then I want to show it."
Hermione melted. "I guess that does make sense," she said with a small private smile that was just for Harry.
The shopkeep looked at them all like they were crazy but she decided not to argue the point. She really just wanted the sale.
"Right," said the woman. Trying to keep the judgment out of her voice. "Anyway, I have three holiday options. I suggest this one, with the, er, father as Santa, the umm ladies? I guess, as Mrs. Clauses, and the babies as elves. Then, maybe this one of the two babies as angels. Finally, this one of you all before the tree with the babies in front like this? What do you think?"
Harry looked at the samples and almost said no to the costumes but the girls looked so enthusiastic, Harry decided to go for it.
"Fine," Harry said, "but I'd like an individual shot of each of the girls and the babies, too. These will be my gifts to your parents," Harry said to Hermione and Gabrielle.
"I have just the thing. Sugar plum fairy costumes in blue and pink. What do you say ladies?" asked the shopkeeper. She was starting to get excited.
The girls enthusiastically agreed. Soon, everyone was putting on costumes. The babies were good sports but the shopekeep decided to take their photographs first. No sense in testing the little boys' patience.
The angel pictures came first. Harry couldn't help but grin to see his boys in little swaddles of white with glowing golden halos and little blue and white feathered wings. Then, came their individual shots in their adorable little blue and aquamarine robes with the Potter family crest on the breast. The girls convinced Harry to get one photograph of himself with the boys in their regular clothes. Harry sighed but agreed. Next came the group shot of them all together in front of a background of Santa's workshop. The boys liked this outfit best of all. Their little shoes had bells on them. When they kicked their feet, the bells rang. It made them giggle adorably which brought out the best smiles in all of them.
The babies were finally tired of taking pictures. They settled in with a fresh nappy and a bottle while the girls had their individual shots. Harry was studying the price sheet while the boys nodded off with their bottles.
Finally, the girls came out, their smiles wide and happy. Harry thought they looked absolutely gorgeous with their eyes sparkling and glitter still twinkling in their hair.
The shopkeep followed. She was quite happy, herself. These kids might look young but they spent money like adults. That's all she cared about. Harry decided to see if she might grant one more boon to them before they moved along.
They placed their orders, all as Harry's gift to them and their parents, before Harry turned back to the woman.
"I see here that you do onsite location shoots sometimes?" Harry asked.
"I do," said the woman.
"I don't guess you'd be free tonight? It's just, we're going to the Yule Ball at Hogwarts this evening. I'd love to capture my beautiful ladies in their gowns. Maybe you could take some shots of our other friends, too?" Harry asked.
The girls squeed and jumped on Harry to hug him. They thought his idea was brilliant.
The lady beamed. "It would be a rush job. I'd have to charge you a bit extra for the short notice but I think I can swing that. Say, 150 galleons for two hours plus the cost of the prints themselves?" asked the woman, her fingers crossed behind her back. She usually only made 50 galleons for a private shoot.
"Sounds reasonable," Harry said. He was thinking of all his friends who might want a picture.
Hermione looked thoughtful, "Maybe we could talk to McGonagall. If you were willing to take photographs for most of the night, I bet you could charge 3 galleons per couple if you agreed to include a 5x7 print each. I bet a lot of people would like a chance to have their picture taken," said the girl.
"That would be after our photoshoot though," said Harry. He didn't want his plan usurped. These pictures might serve as their engagement photos.
The woman tried not to look too eager.
"I'd be open to that," she said, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Great! We'll let you know. The Yule Ball starts at 7pm. Plan to be in the Great Hall at 5pm. I'll come meet you," said Harry. The woman quickly agreed. She promised to wrap the portraits they'd ordered today and bring them along when she came. Harry paid her for the work she'd already done and the deposit for the onsite session. Then, they prepared to leave. It was already 11:30a. The girls would need to start getting ready no later than 2pm if they were to be ready by 5pm.
They walked out of the shop. Harry went first, walking in front of the baby buggy to hold the door. The girls followed up the rear chattering excitedly about their plans for their hair and makeup.
Harry stepped outside and knew something was wrong instantly. Moody shouted.
"Potter!"
Harry dove in front of the twins while Moody dived on top of Harry. The two men collided just as the portkey activated.
oooOOOoooOOOooo
Moody had a tight hold on Harry. When they hit the ground hard. Moody forced them to turn the impact into a roll. It was a good thing he did. Spell fire slammed into the ground right behind them.
Moody kept them rolling until they were behind something solid. They both had their wands out before their momentum came to a stop. Moody and Harry both crouched down low. Another set of spellfire flew over their heads.
"Where are the babies?" called someone with a voice that sounded familiar to Harry.
"I don't know!" cried a voice Harry definitely knew. It was Lucius Malfoy.
Spellfire flew over their heads again.
"We've been set up!" screamed a panicked voice.
"Was that Moody?" someone screeched. Moody didn't hesitate. He started casting fast and sure. "I'm out of here!"
They heard the sound of failed apparition. "Shite! He's cast anti-apparition wards!"
Moody cast another quick set of spells. The sound of someone slamming into something solid reverberated through the clearing.
"Anti-portkey wards! We're trapped!" cried a panicked voice.
"There's only two of them and seven of us. Hold steady!" screamed Lucius again. Moody grinned. The idiots had just given him a prime piece of information.
"Stunners on three," Moody said. "You take left, I'll take right. We'll trap 'em in the center."
Harry nodded and rolled to the left just in time. A reducto hit the ground right in front of where he'd been crouched.
Moody counted them down with his fingers. On the count of three, Harry and Moody popped up and started firing like mad. Harry was beyond angry. These arseholes meant to capture his kids!
Seven stupid Death Eaters were standing in a clump right in front of them. Harry shot hard and fast, taking down two in an instant. Moody got three more. The two remaining death eaters scattered.
Harry recognized one for certain. Peter Pettigrew. Harry growled viciously and ran in his crouched position to the left, the way Pettigrew had rolled. Harry knew for certain that bastard would try to get away.
Harry was too angry to think straight. He jumped up on his feet just in time to see the rat shrinking down to his animagus form. Harry didn't hesitate. He shot a line of stunners all around the tiny thing. The first two missed but the third spell caught him.
Moody jumped up as well. Lucius Malfoy was trying to get outside the wards. Moody shot a stunner at him. Lucius spun out of the way and tried to fight back. He sent a cutting curse that Moody barely dodged. His right ear paid the price. Blood gushed from the auror's head but he acted like he didn't notice. He returned fire. The two wizards battled hard. Harry left them to it. He ran at the rat and stunned him again. He picked him up and squeezed hard. Harry wrapped the tiny thing in conjured ropes from tailtip to eyebrows. Even his snout was wrapped shut.
Then, Harry started recasting stunners on the other downed death eaters. He heard Lucius scream. Harry looked up to see the man's wand arm falling off his shoulder. Moody quickly stunned the bleeding man. He cast a spell to cauterize the wound and then another stunner. There'd be no reattaching that arm now. Moody turned to Harry, blood still flowing from the side of his head.
Harry hurried over and tried to stop the bleeding. Moody ignored him. He cast a patronus to call for auror backup. In less than a minute, the place was teeming with wizards in bloodred robes.
Madam Bones personally stunned each death eater before she turned to Moody and Harry.
"What happened?" she asked, authoritatively.
Harry held out the rat to her. "Stun this one, too. He's an animagus."
She didn't hesitate. She stunned the rat and conjured a cage. She shoved him inside and slapped it shut. She passed the cage off to another auror. Aurors were running all over, putting magic suppression cuffs on all of the downed death eaters, unmasking them as they went. Moody stared at each one.
"Lucius Malfoy, Iago Crabbe, Martin Goyle, David Avery, Walden McNair, Gregorio Jugdon," called the scarred auror as each one was unmasked.
"And Peter Pettigrew," spat Harry. Madam Bones turned to look at him.
"Are you sure?" she asked, shocked.
"I'd bet my life on it. I hope that after you prove it, you'll reconsider Sirius Black's right to a trial. I know who betrayed my parents and killed those muggles back in 1981. It wasn't Sirius," spat Harry.
Moody turned his magical eye on the boy, even though he kept his good eye on the death eaters.
Moody nodded. "I'll make sure the rat's questioning is on record and under veritaserum."
Harry nodded, still upset. These bunch of pathetic arschleckers had tried to capture his children. For what purpose, Harry didn't know, but he knew they didn't mean to introduce the boys to old Saint Nick.
"What happened?" asked Madam Bones again.
"It was that Weasley boy. I saw him across the street. He was watching the shop Potter went into. He's always watching Potter with a look of jealousy and hatred, the coward. I didn't think anything of it. He must have been expecting Potter to push the buggy out first. I turned to see who opened the shop door and saw him banish something towards us. I didn't want to take any chances. I yelled for Potter and jumped in the way. It was a portkey," Moody spat.
Madam Bones looked grave.
"We arrived here. Moody rolled us. It was a good thing because spellfire smashed into the ground where we'd landed. What if that had been my kids?" Harry asked, agitated.
"Too right. We got behind cover and I put up anti-apparition, anti-portkey, and perimeter wards. Then, we attacked with stunners. Potter got two of them and I got three. Stupid pillocks were clumped together. They weren't expecting someone who could fight back. Only Malfoy had his wand out. We got five of 'em before they even got ready to return fire," said Moody.
"I saw Pettigrew. I didn't want to let him get away, the traitor!" said Harry. "I knew he was an animagus. I caught him right before he could escape."
"I fought Malfoy, the slippery bastard. He got me but I got him, too," said a satisfied Moody. He stared at Malfoy's arm on the ground. The man was gone, aparated back to the DMLE holding cells but they "accidentally" forgot his wand arm. Moody grinned maliciously and vanished the appendage. Madam Bones shook her head at him but didn't say anything.
Harry growled angrily. Ron had gone too far this time. He tried to hand Harry's innocent, defenseless babies over to death eaters!
"I have to get back to my kids. Ron's still out there!" Harry cried.
Madam Bones sighed but nodded.
"Johnson, McGee, Allen, come over here. Take Potter back to Hogsmeade and find Ronald Weasley. I want to talk to him," she said, seriously.
In just a moment, Harry and the aurors were gone. It had been less than 20 minutes since Harry disappeared but it was still a scene of chaos when he arrived. Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Tonks were standing with a sobbing Hermione and Gabrielle and Harry's wailing babies.
The professors and the trainee auror spun on their heels when they heard apparition behind them. Harry saw the upset group and ran full stop over to them.
"Gods, are you all alright?" Harry asked, panicked. He didn't notice but he had a huge burn on his left arm and a gash on the right side of his face.
"Harry!" cried Hermione and Gabrielle together. They rushed forward and glomped onto Harry. Tonks was hovering over the babies. She looked ready to kill.
The sobbing girls clung to him but Harry only had eyes for his children. He made sure the girls were alright then he gently pushed them off and dropped to the ground in front of Julius and Jameson.
Harry checked his crying lads over thoroughly then picked them both up and hugged them to his chest. They calmed down to hiccuping sobs with no real tears as soon as they caught sight of their father. He hushed them and held them close. The girls fell to their knees beside him and hugged the three of them between them.
"What happened?" Dumbledore asked the three aurors who had arrived with Harry.
"We'll let Madam Bones fill you in. She'll be here shortly. Allen, stay with Potter. Johnson, you're with me. We've got to find Ronald Weasley," said McGee, firmly.
"What? Why?" asked a confused Professor McGonagall.
"Madam Bones will explain. Have you seen him?" asked McGee, seriously.
"I saw him walking back towards the school when we arrived," said Professor Dumbledore, a serious look on his face. "Is there likely to be trouble?"
"We hope not. Can one of you come with us to find him?" asked Johnson.
"I'll go," said Professor McGonagall. "He's probably in his dorm packing. He's headed home tomorrow."
"We'll see about that," said McGee, ominously.
The two aurors and Professor McGonagall left. Harry put the boys back in their buggy and looked up at Dumbledore. "They tried to take my kids."
"Who?" asked Tonks, urgently.
Allen shook her head. "Not here. Let's go back to the school."
The small, paranoid group moved slowly back towards the school. Dumbledore carefully cast the strongest protective wards he could manage over the baby buggy. He led the way, looking like he meant business. Allen brought up the rear while Tonks stood next to Harry and the babies, ready to throw herself on top of them, if need be.
It wasn't necessary. The group made it back to Hogwarts without a problem. Dumbledore walked them up to his office so they could talk. As they rounded the Entrance Hall to walk to Dumbledore's Tower, they saw McGee and Johnson walking with Ron. He looked completely confused. McGonagall was leading the way.
"Headmaster! We have a problem," said the stern woman.
Dumbledore paused to look at them while Harry grew red with rage. He jumped forward and popped Ron right in the jaw. Ron fell down on his behind.
He rubbed his shocked jaw and stared at Harry, "What was that for, you arsehole? He just hit me! Isn't someone going to do something about it?" demanded Ron.
Auror Allen pulled Harry off of the other boy and held him back.
"You bastard! You tried to send my sons to death eaters? I'll kill you!" Harry shouted.
Ron jumped to his feet. "I did no such thing! You liar! You cheat! Just because you got chosen for some fancy competition, you think you can just hit people!"
Harry screamed in rage and almost got free from Auror Allen.
"He doesn't remember!" said Auror McGee. "Someone cast an obliviate on him. He doesn't remember anything after Halloween."
That didn't make Harry feel any better. Moody saw Ron's actions and Harry trusted Moody. Whether the git remembered it or not, he still tried to murder Harry's sons.
"I don't care if he can't remember! He still did it!" Harry growled.
"Potter! Calm down or I'll make you," said Auror Johnson. Harry growled and jerked free from Auror Allen. He didn't try to attack Ron again.
"Let's go up to my office and wait for Madam Bones," said Professor Dumbledore, placatingly. Harry started shaking his head.
"If he's going, I'm not. It doesn't matter if he remembers or not. He put my children in danger. I won't have them in the same room with him," said Harry.
Tonks agreed, loudly. "I saw him, too. He banished a portkey right at those babies. He meant for them to be taken away but Harry and Moody were too fast for him."
Ron's jaw dropped open in shock. "I did no such thing!"
"We checked his wand. He cast a banishing charm about 45 minutes ago. The timelines match up," said Auror McGee.
"I've been set up!" said Ron, angrily. "I don't care enough about those little bastards to try to hurt them. They're as much nothing as their father!"
Harry growled and tried to jump at Ron again. McGee was ready for him. He caught Harry and set him back down, hard.
"Stop that or I'll cast a cheering charm on you!" said the auror. Ron laughed. McGee swung around to stare at him. "You shut up, too. You're in real trouble here. Two aurors saw you try to send a set of babies to the death eaters. You'd better think of an attorney you can call," growled the veteran police officer. Ron paled and swallowed hard.
"Please, let's go to my office. I promise you and your children will be safe, Harry. You've already checked him for weapons and portkeys?" asked Dumbledore.
"I've got his wand. He doesn't have anything else on him," confirmed Johnson.
Hermione set her hand on Harry's arm. "You want to know what Madam Bones says, don't you?" asked Hermione. Harry huffed but he did want to know. He wanted to see this redheaded menace get his druthers.
"Fine. Just keep him out of my reach or I can't swear what I'll do," warned Harry. The aurors took Harry's words to heart. An auror stood on each side of Ron while Dumbledore, Tonks, and Auror Allen blocked Harry's back.
They all walked towards Dumbledore's office. They were so focused on Ron and Harry, no one noticed Draco Malfoy standing under the stairwell in the shadows. The blonde boy grit his teeth to see Potter and his brats back in the castle without any serious harm done to them. He hurried up to the owlery to send his father a message. It wouldn't reach the man.
The group spiraled up to the Headmaster's tower, keeping as many people between Harry and Ron as possible.
They settled in with a pot of tea before Madam Bones and Moody arrived. It made Harry feel better that Moody immediately whipped out his wand and aimed it at Ron. Even Madam Bones had her wand in her hand.
"Why isn't he in manacles?" asked Madam Bones. The aurors exchanged looks. Auror McGee spoke up.
"He doesn't remember anything, Captain. Not since Halloween. His wand implicates him but he doesn't have a clue what happened," said McGee.
Madam Bones sighed. Moody snorted in disbelief.
"So?" asked Moody, angrily. He'd lost another body part because of this brat. The little tosser meant to send two helpless babies to those murderers. As far as Moody was concerned, the redhead should be in a cell in Azkaban before morning.
"Do you have your pensieve, Dumbledore?" asked the Head of the DMLE.
Dumbledore nodded. He pulled the device out of the cabinet behind him. He set it on his desk and looked at the lady in charge.
"Moody?" she asked. He snorted but put his wand to his own head.
He pulled a thick memory strand out of his mind. He put it in the bowl.
"Can you project the image?" she asked Dumbledore. He didn't answer. Instead, he just did as he'd been requested.
The memory started to play. It showed Ron lurking around the shops.
Moody spoke. "Potter, these lasses, and the munchkins are in the shop behind me," he said.
Ron rolled his eyes. Everyone was mad because he was standing around?
They could all tell it was him. He was wearing the same clothes, had the same bit of mud on his shoes that still graced them this very minute, and had the same bit of chocolate on his chin. Polyjuice wouldn't capture those small details.
Suddenly, the shop door opened behind Moody. He turned his head but kept his magical eye on Weasley. Suddenly, Ron pulled a licorice whip from his pocket. He threw it in the air and banished it straight at the height where it would have squarely hit both babies, had Harry not jumped in the way. Moody jumped but only managed to smash the piece of candy between them.
The last thing Moody saw on that street was Ron's satisfied smirk.
Madam Bones laid the licorice whip on Dumbledore's desk. It was the same one. It even had a bite taken out of the end of the almost meter long candy, just like the one in Moody's memory. Madam Bones cast a charm to take a mold of Ron's teeth. The teeth marks matched Ron's mouth.
Suddenly, Moody and Harry were rolling around in a clearing in front of a derelict shack. They all watched the rather short lived battle take place. It was over in less than 5 minutes. The memory ended as the other aurors started popping onto the scene.
Madam Bones held her hand out. "Give me his wand," she said.
Auror McGee handed Madam Bones Ron's wand. She cast a priori incantatem spell on the piece of wood. It showed the last spells that had been cast by the wand. The very first one to come out was a banishing charm, followed by a charm to activate a portkey, and before that, a tracking charm geared towards Harry, and a charm to knock on a door.
Everyone in the room was staring gravely at Ron. His mouth moved like a fish out of water.
"I didn't do anything!" Ron said, vehemently.
Harry looked like he might kill the other boy.
"I didn't! I was set up!" said the redhead in a panicked voice. "You've got to believe me! I don't care enough about that cheater Potter or his sprogs to try to kill them. I don't even know any death eaters!"
"Get out your investigator's kit," said the weary Madam Bones. Senior auror Moody started pulling his kit out of his utility belt.
"We should call his parents before we do this," said a tired looking Dumbledore.
Madam Bones waved at the fire. McGonagall moved over to the flames and called on Molly and Arthur. In just a few moments, they were in Dumbledore's office. They looked around at the assembled crowd with grim faces.
"What's he done now?" asked an exhausted Arthur.
They replayed Moody's memories for the parents.
Molly was sobbing by the time it was done.
"Ronald, how could you?" she cried. Arthur was just shaking his head in disappointment.
Ron started protesting. "Of course you believe him over me! I didn't do it! I was set up."
Molly just kept crying while Arthur examined his ranting son. Arthur might be in a division that wasn't very well respected but he was still a cop. He noticed the same details the other aurors noticed. All of the evidence pointed to his son being guilty as sin.
"You've got to believe me!" shouted the panicking Ron. The babies started to wake. Harry rocked the baby buggy, trying to keep them asleep. Ron noticed.
"This is all their fault! If they'd never been born, none of this would be happening to me!" shouted the boy who was ready to blame everyone but himself.
Everyone ignored him. The aurors stepped in to block his view of the innocent babies.
"We were going to use veritaserum on him. I'm not sure if it'll bring up any memories but we have to try," said Madam Bones, gravely. Molly started smacking Ron's arms.
"You horrid boy! How could you? After all Harry has done for this family? I raised you better than to attack innocent babies!" she shrieked. Arthur pulled her back and whispered in her ear. She hugged Harry and apologized. Looked at the babies with a sad expression, then turned angry eyes on Ron.
She started to open her mouth again but Arthur stopped her. She took a deep breath and hurriedly left through the floo.
As soon as she was gone, Arthur turned back to Madam Bones.
"You have my permission," he said.
Ron tried to get away but Madam Bones froze him to his seat and Moody forced him to swallow the veritaserum.
They questioned him but his mind had been wiped well. Whoever did the job was a fair hand at the obliviate spell, though they left a few clues behind.
Ron remembered a letter from Lucius Malfoy, even if he didn't remember what it said. He remembered a sack of gold, even though they couldn't find any gold on his person or in his rooms. He remembered feeling satisfied and vindictive, even if he couldn't remember why. He remembered that he hated Harry's babies. He remembered Harry cheated on his sister and to get into the Triwizard Tournament. He remembered all of his problems were Harry's fault and he wanted revenge.
It wasn't enough to convict him but it was enough to damn him in the eyes of every person present.
Moody gave him the antidote and turned to his boss.
"What's the verdict, boss?"
Madam Bones didn't look happy about it but she couldn't prosecute on such weak evidence. Even Moody's memory wouldn't be enough to convict him. He might have been under mind control. No one could tell.
"He's already had one warning. I'll give him an official reprimand and put him on probation. If he messes up again, I don't care what the evidence shows. He'll go before the Wizengamot," said Madam Bones.
Arthur nodded, sadly. "Yes, Captain. How long?"
"Until he's 17. If he keeps his nose clean, he'll get a fresh start. If he messes up again, it'll be Azkaban for him," she said sternly.
Ron was as white as a sheet. "I didn't do anything," he said, adamantly. No one believed him.
Harry was gritting his teeth so hard, he thought he felt one crack. He had his fists clenched so hard, he felt blood well up in his hands.
"I'm not in trouble then?" asked Ron, hopefully. Everyone shook their heads.
"Not enough to go to jail, even though you deserve it," spat an angry Moody. He'd rather take his chances and haul the boy before the Wizengamot but that decision wasn't his to make.
Ron looked relieved. He smirked triumphantly at Harry, who was white with rage. He looked homicidal.
Dumbledore busted Ron's bubble. "That does not mean you have completely escaped justice. There might not be enough evidence to prosecute you but there is more than sufficient evidence for me to act as Headmaster. You are expelled, Ronald Weasley. Hand me his wand," said Dumbledore. He held his hand out. Madam Bones placed the wand in Dumbledore's hand.
"No!" cried Ron. It didn't matter. Dumbledore had already snapped his wand.
Arthur winced at the sound. Ron's face turned purple with anger.
"The DMLE says I didn't do anything and you're still punishing me? Because your precious pet Potter wants you to? That's so unfair! You always take his side!" yelled Ron. Arthur cast a spell to shut his son up.
"I'll just take him home. Thank you for your mercy, Captain. I'll make sure he toes the line from now on. We'll homeschool him. Molly will make sure he does what he's supposed to," said Arthur, wearily.
Madam Bones nodded. McGonagall called for Ron's trunk. One of the Hogwarts' elves popped into the room with it. The elf also had a stack of things that were found in Ron's trunk that didn't belong to him. One of which was an empty money sack with the Malfoy family crest on it.
Madam Bones kept that for evidence. Harry couldn't be more angry. He saw that the rest of the stuff was his.
He took his things and stood. "If I may, I'll be leaving now. I've had enough of this child-abusing traitor," spat the boy.
Dumbledore nodded that he could go. Harry turned to Arthur. "I don't hold his actions against any of the rest of you. I hope to see you still on New Year's Eve," he said with as much calm as he could force into his voice. It wasn't much but they could all tell he was trying. Arthur looked shocked.
"Are you sure, Harry? We would completely understand if…." Arthur tried to say. Harry stopped him.
"I want you all there with me. I consider you family. Not this arsehole but the rest of you for certain. Please, come. I know the boys will want to spend time with their Nana Molly and their Grandad Arthur.
Arthur had tears in his eyes. "We wouldn't miss it. You're a good lad, Harry."
Harry patted Arthur's arm and hurried out of the room. Moody and Tonks followed him, their eyes peeled for anything untoward.