19 years later chapters..

Chapter

The fireplace lit up with green flames and Astor smiled. He grabbed the arm of the couch and heaved himself upright. He was getting too old for this, he patted his belly it felt so big and he wasn’t even due for another month yet.

Ginny climbed out of the fireplace carefully balancing a pair of drinks in a cardboard tray. “Coffee…”

“Finally” Astor said waddling over, he picked up the tray. Impressed none had spilled out. “Muffins are cooling as we speak.”

“Is Hermione coming?” Astor asked.

“You know as well I do” Ginny said heaving herself up belly jiggling.

Moments later Lily and Arthur tumbled out giggling to themselves.

“Hi you too” Astor smiled.

“Cassie is out in the back garden if you want to join them” he smiled.

“Hello Mr Malfoy” Lily smiled politely before she waddled away. Arthur shyly following behind her.

“It feels so weird to have one less child in the house. I keep thinking he’s hiding somewhere” Astor commented as they walked into the dining room.

“Where’s Draco? Is he working this weekend?” Ginny asked following Astor.

“Working. Left early this morning. Accio muffins” Astor said summoning a plate of muffins.

“It baffles me how your children aren’t fatter” Ginny commented as she sat down. “If I baked as often as you…”

Astor laughed, “Draco adores my baking. So he mostly gets it…”

“So this is how you keep getting pregnant” Ginny grinned, as she picked up a muffin and ate it warmly.

“No that’s just because I enjoy sex” Astor grinned. “Merlin help me if my children inherit my fertility and sex drive.”

“You’ll have a house full of teenagers in no time” Ginny pointed out.

Astor grimaced, “Don’t remind me. Mind you Draco is hoping the boys do a James.” Astor said rolling his eyes. “Which reminds me. Have you heard what house Albus is in yet?” He asked wagging his eyebrows.

“Not yet. I don’t know if he’s had a chance to write yet” Ginny commented, nerves in her voice.

“I know” Astor grinned pulling out a folded parchment, and offering it to Ginny.

Ginny snatched it up and scanned it seeking the relevant paragraph. “Oh…”

“Oh indeed” Astor nodded. “Also mildly concerned about Scorpius comments about Rose. However at least Albus will have a friend..”

Ginny nodded as she inhaled another muffin. “Yeah…”

“You don’t seem enthused?” Astor asked. “I won’t take it personally.”

Ginny was drowned out by the sound of a drum kit. Astor sighed and pulled out his wand. “Augustus, please use a silencing charm” he warned calmly. Seconds later the drumming stopped.

“Does he know silencing charms?”

“It’s an arrangement we made. They are grumpy that we’re waiting until next year to send them to Hogwarts. So we made an agreement that we would teach them some magic” Astor said rubbing his temple.

“Why did you wait?” Ginny asked curiously.

“Because it felt a little mean inflicting three of my children in the school in one year” Astor grinned, “Anyway” he wacked the table enthusiastically. “Your changing topic, so we were talking about Albus?”

Ginny sipped her tea and took a bite from her muffin. “He worries me. Don’t your children?”

“Oh they terrify me. I hate that I have to send them to Hogwarts, not seeing them for nine months...maybe not even Christmas. I hate that” Astor admitted. “They will grow up without me, I hate that.”

Ginny nodded. “The way Harry talks about Hogwarts, I think sometimes he forgets how difficult it was for the rest of us.”

“Yeah. Draco is the same, although at least in his case. He knows it’ll be different for our children; the rest of the world isn’t going to be as accepting as our family.” Astor rubbed his belly, “At least this one will keep me distracted..”

“Boy? Girl?”

“We’re raising them genderless like the others. But I would say the odds are against us, given I’ve had one biological female, and the others all biological males.”

“How does that work name wise?” Ginny squinted.

“We choose based on their biological sex. If they want to identify differently we can change them. But given our naming choices have been on the weird end. It doesn’t really matter” Astor admitted wincing. “Ow..”

“Are you okay?” Ginny asked concerned.

“Just twinges. It’s alright, they move around a lot” Astor reassured.

“Mum when’s lunch?” Cepheus asked standing in the doorway, dripping with water.

Astor tilted his head. “Why are you wet?” he asked. “Soon”

“Water balloon fight. They ganged up on me” Cepheus sighed.

“Well Dry off” Astor said wryly. “You’ll get sick, I’ll organise lunch.” Astor heaved himself up, “How much do your kids eat?”

“As much as they can get their hands on” Ginny said wryly. “I’ll give you a hand”

0o0o0

Draco handed Augustus a pile of blankets and a pillow. “If Reggie gets tired, take him up to one bedroom and put a lot of silencing charms on it” Draco explained. “Just like we’ve been practicing.”

“I’m good at them, Mum makes me use them for when I practice my drums” Augustus said pulling out his wand. “But they don’t last long” he frowned.

“Yes, keep practicing. Fluid movements, otherwise ask your Grandpa to help, he’ll be watching you” Draco reassured. He addressed his children, chubby and sitting on the couches spread out. “Cassie your in charge.”

“What?” Cepheus and Augustus protested.

“You haven’t proven yourselves responsible. Last time I left you in charge, you locked Reggie in the elevator.”

Cepheus grinned, “we were playing hide and seek.”

Draco shook his head, “As I said. Cassie is in charge. And Your grandad..”

“Draco!” Astors voice bellowed.

The kids all looked horrified.

Draco rolled his eyes, “it’s nothing you haven’t sat through before”

“Uhhhh…loud” Reggie said his hands over his ears.

“You’ll be fine” Draco said cupping his sons chin. “Mum is just having the baby. He’ll be fine I promise” he reassured and kissed Reggie’s forehead.

“Prickly” Reggie grimaced.

The fireplace erupted and Cyril and Audra climbed out. Audra looked ready to command the situation. “I hope the midwife is here? You have the worst luck” Audra commented.

“He’s up there with Astor already” Draco reassured. “Cyril the kids should have enough to keep them busy” He said hugging his father in law.

“And your parents?” Audra asked curiously.

“Mum is up there. I have no clue where my father is” Draco sighed. “It’s the least of my priorities frankly.”

Cyril grinned, “Off you go then” He encouraged.

“Hello you lot. How are my grandchildren” Cyril smiled addressing them.

“You didn’t use the word favourite” Cepheus commented crossing his arms.

“Now, now. All my grandchildren are my favourites. I’m not going to pick” he said calmly. “Now I want hugs” he insisted.

Reggie hopped off the couch and ran at Cyril hugging him tightly. “Grandad!” He grinned.

“Ohh. Hello” Cyril groaned attempting to lift Cyril and quickly deciding better of it. “Getting a bit heavy to lift you up.”

Cyril sat down and was embraced by Augustus, Cepheus, Cassie and Hercules. “Alright. Now you’ve all had supper?”

“No dessert but” Augustus insisted.

“Dad said we’d be fine to miss out just once” Cassie said firmly.

“I bet Hogwarts has desserts” Augustus muttered.

Hercules rolled his eyes, “Do you have to keep saying that? It’s Hogwarts this or Hogwarts that! We don’t care?”

“Alright. Alright” Cyril said firmly. “Let’s calm down. We don’t need to start arguing with one another.”

“It’s all he and Cepheus complains about. They’re so jealous of Scorpius” Hercules insisted.

“We are not!” Cepheus insisted looming over Hercules.

“Boys that’s enough” Cyril warned. “I know this is a lot.”

“Mum is having another baby. That’s not shocking” Augustus pointed out.

Cyril considered, “Is it really missing out going to Hogwarts what’s bothering you?” He asked looking at his grandchildren.

“Reggie is fine now. But another baby, they are just gonna cry for months and months” Augustus said frustrated.

“There’s already six of us” Cepheus replied flatly. “Shouldn’t that be enough.”

“Right! Everybody let’s go for a walk” Cyril said standing up.

“Awwww..a walk?” Hercules groaned in complaint.

“Come on I promise there’s a point to it” Cyril insisted. As he led them out through the back doors. They walked across the patio, and put into the garden.

“Are we heading to the graveyard?” Cassie asked taking Cyril’s hand.

“We are” he nodded smiling at Reggie.

“Ghosts” Reggie said frowning.

“No ghosts” Cyril reassured. “One moment” he patted his pockets and retrieved his wand. “Lumos” the end of his wand tip lit up and he led them through a cast iron gate and they navigated through the grave stones. “Here we are” Cyril sighed melancholic and held his wand up to the stone grave.

‘In memorial to the children we lost

Date.

Date.

Date.

Date.’

“I don’t understand?” Hercules frowned. “They’re just dates?”

“Yes. Those are your siblings. Your Mum and Dad tried for children after having you. And they succeeded but they didn’t make it. Your Mum felt it important that they be remembered.”

“So we have four siblings that never got born? How does that happen?” Cepheus said his brow furrowing.

“Bodies are delicate and sometimes they just aren’t able to hold a baby for nine months. It can be quite emotional when it does happen” Cyril explained.

“I know that a baby is a big upheaval for you all. But your Mum and Dad are so grateful to have you, and the baby that’s arriving now.”

Cepheus and Augustus nodded.

“Can we put flowers on the grave?” Hercules asked.

“Grandad? Did you and grandma loose any children?” Cepheus asked.

“Your grandma was very stern about just having two” Cyril smiled. “Let’s find some flowers to lay on the grave and then we ought to get back. Your Mum Will hex me if you get colds.”

They picked some flowers in the garden and put them together tieing them together with Cassie’s hair ribbon. They placed them down on the memorial.

The rest of his siblings began to head back toward the manor. Augustus lingered at the grave, staring at it. “Uhmmm. I’m sorry I never got to be your big brother. But I’m sure you would have been awesome and stuff.” He commented shuffling his feet in the grass. Cyril patted Augustus back, “let’s head back August. Unless you want some more time.”

Augustus shook his head. “I’m okay Grandad.”

“Let’s head back..”

They walked back to the manor a little more quietly. Reggie was yawning and Hercules set him up on the couch and wrapped him tightly in blankets. “Have a sleep Reggie.”

“Dad said we could put him upstairs” Augustus pointed out.

“No upstairs!” Reggie said firmly. “Sleeping here!”

“See” Hercules said sitting beside him. Rubbing his head gently.

It wasn’t long before all the kids fell asleep curled up on the sofas.

Draco came downstairs yawning. “Your a grandparent again.”

Cyril smiled, “healthy?”

“Absolutely” Draco smiled. “Astor has given birth to a healthy female.”

Cyril looked surprised, “really?”

“Yep. It does mean we need to come up with a new name. But that’s how things are. Now how were the kids?” Draco asked tucking the blanket over Augustus.

“Moody. But I calmed them down” Cyril reassured. “Augustus and Cepheus were still complaining about Hogwarts. But i eventually found out they’re complaining because your having another baby.”

Draco sighed, “I’ll pretend to be surprised” he said rolling his eyes. “How did you calm them down?”

“I took them out to the memorial out in the garden” Cyril explained.

Draco nodded slowly, “really?”

“They we’re all far more understanding with a bit of context” Cyril smiled.

Draco teared up a little, “well I suppose that’s good. They don’t realise how lucky they are.”

“I think they have now” Cyril pointed out. “Go be with Astor, you can tell them all in the morning” He reassured.

Draco nodded and hugged Cyril, before heading back upstairs.

Chapter ..

“Don’t run off this time” Astor warned to Augustus and Cepheus.

Scorpius already in his uniform smiled confidently. “I’ll go first!” And ran at the barrier with his trolley.

“Right. Now one at time” Astor smiled. He patted Augustus on the back encouragingly.

Augustus ran at the wall, dabbed before it swallowed him up. Astor shook his head and smiled. “Alright your turn” he kissed Cepheus cheek.

Cepheus grinned and ran at the wall. Astor followed after him. The tingle of the barrier and the whoosh of hot air from the platform.

“Right boys” Astor said commandingly. “Let’s get your trunks aboard. And your instruments safe.”

“I don’t understand why I can’t take my drums” Augustus said frowning.

Scorpius turned to Augustus, “seriously?”

“You two get to take your guitars?” Augustus said frustrated.

“Well yeah, they’re portable. Your drum kit isn’t” Cepheus grinned.

“Mum. If we get onto the quidditch team first year. Will you and Dad get us brooms?” Augustus asked firmly.

Astor sighed, “Merlin help me. We’ll see” he offered. “Although I wouldn’t get your hopes up?”

“Mum. The trains going to leave soon” Scorpius groaned.

“Right yes” Astor nodded, “let’s get your belongings on the train.” He helped heave the three boys trunks onto the train.

“Mum can I get a cat?” Scorpius asked.

“Maybe” Astor chuckled. “Right ohh and your Dad wanted me to give you these” He produced three heavy paper bags.

“Sweet!” Augustus lit up. “Thanks Mum!”

“Thank your Dad. Scorpius be safe and text me. Your dad is certain he got the charms on your phone working. So you shouldn’t have any trouble. But don’t take them to class” Astor said warning them firmly, pointing a finger to each of them in turn.

“We can owl too right?” Cepheus questioned.

“Absolutely” Astor smiled.

“Bye Mum” Scorpius said hugging Astor tightly.

“Now Augustus. Be safe, and don’t get into any duels” Astor said hugging Augustus tightly against his chest. “My Big boy…”

“Mummm” Augustus groaned muffled.

“You are. Your all so big…taking after your Dad” Astor chuckled.

“Now my Cephey” Astor said pulling Cepheus close.

“Mum. People are looking.”

“Deal with it” Astor grinned. “Right. Be safe. Off you go.”

The three boys climbed onto the train. Astor stepped back and waved them off, he felt himself tear up but nevertheless remained solemn.

Chapter

Ron yawned and put down the daily prophet patting his gut contently. Stuffed and bulging with bacon, sausages toast and scrambled eggs.

“Finish off those sausages off or I’ll knick them” Ron said pointing a fat finger at Hugo.

“I’ll finish them first” Rose declared with a hungry grin.

Ron chuckled and his belly wobbled like jelly. “That’s my Rosie. You need your energy long train ride ahead of you both.”

Hugo nodded solemnly pushing his food around his plate with his fork. Rose leaned forward and stabbed one of his sausages with her fork. Scoffing it quickly, “hey!” He protested.

“You snooze you loose” rose said licking the oil off her pudgy fingers.

Hermione waddled in waving her wand at the coffee machine. “Morning” she smiled kissing Ron on the forehead. Ron grabbed a triangle of toast and offered it to Hermione. Hermione held her hair back and ate it out of Ron’s hand. “Right good luck both of you” Hermione smiled wiping crumbs from her lips as she waddled over and kissed Hugo and Rose. Giving each of them warm hugs. “I have meetings all day, so I won’t be home until late.”

“So on my own for dinner?” Ron nodded. “Leaky Cauldron it is” he said amused.

“Hermione” Ron grinned gesturing for her to come closer.

“Yes? Hermione asked as she put down her coffee cup and waddled over obligingly. Ron jiggled her belly as it bulged out the bottom of her blouse. “Your belly is hanging out” Ron grinned. “I don’t mind. But…”

“Drat” Hermione huffed and undid her skirt and adjusted the waistband. “Covered?”

Ron nodded, “unfortunately.”

Hermione shook her head at him, “Now the ministry are sending cars. They think it’ll be a great photo opportunity, show us as a family.”

“I could still drive us” Ron insisted.

“I know” Hermione smiled warmly. “Oh Rose, could you talk to Albus a bit more. Your aunt is worried about him.”

“Mum we’re not friends” Rose said firmly.

“Rose could you try please” Hermione asked frustrated.

“Why don’t you talk to Alice about it? Your friends with her?” Ron suggested.

“Dad we share a dorm. That doesn’t make us friends either” Rose said frustrated.

Hermione and Ron shared a look of frustration, but knew better than to prod the wound any further.

“And also I know this a big ask” Hermione said diplomatically.

Ron raised a concerned eyebrow. “I thought you said we were going to wait.”

“If you’d both consider loosing a bit of weight. Your Dad is going on one two” Hermione reassured them. Not that it helped, “Mum! You can’t force me onto a diet! It’s not fair! What happened to body positive?” Rose unleashed.

Ron took a sip of his orange juice. “Hugo. Is your trunk packed? Maybe we bring it downstairs Eh?” Ron said desperate to get out of the room.

“Dad? You don’t agree with Mum do you?” Rose said firmly.

“Oh. There goes my chance” Ron huffed. “Well Rosie, this is important to your Mum. While I don’t like the idea of it, I’m willing to try if it helps.”

Rose eyes flared with fierce rage at both of them and waddled angrily from the kitchen.

“I’ll diet” Hugo smiled.

Ron blinked, “really?”

“How hard can it be?” He shrugged finishing off his breakfast and belching greedily.

0o0o0

“Dad? Is Rose going to complain the whole way there?” Hugo whispered as they sat in the back of the black car. Opposite Rose and Hermione had been arguing the whole way there.

“I’m not confirming or denying and remaining impartial” Ron explained. “Because your sister is very stubborn like your mother.”

“Dad!” Rose huffed. “Why do you have to agree with Mum?”

“Because your Mum is usually right. Not always but usually. I hedge my bets” Ron explained. “And it’s wise enough to suck it up, until your Mum gets elected..”

“Ron. I might not, the poling.”

“Hermione, even Draco Malfoy admits your a better choice of candidate than (INSERT NAME HERE). You will win” Ron leaned forward and patted Hermione’s knee, squeezing it. And looked across at Rose. “And it’s our jobs to be supportive of your mother.”

Rose rolled her eyes and sat back shaking his head. “Fine…”

“You know that’s her face when she pretends to agree right?” Hugo pointed out.

Rose kicked Hugo hard in the shin. “Stop it!” Hugo said shoving her back. Ron sighed as their two children began to fight.

0o0o