Chapter 1772 - Ch: 25-26

chapter 25

THE SOUTH WING - TIME COMPRESSION DAY 65.

Hermione had her own traditions now. At least two night a week, she dined privately with her parents in her Private Apartment. She had, after all, promised them this was time to be a regular family again and her parents appreciated their time together as just the Grangers. The day off was almost always one of those days, the exception being when it was Hermione's turn to be Harry's Witch of the Day, but as that involved a private meal with her parents as well, it counted. Harry was getting along very well with her parents and, for the most part, all the others as well. Mr. Patil, while grudgingly accepting of all of this, was still a bit of a pill, then again maybe that was just who he was.

"So Hermione," Rose said as the salads appeared, "did you have your appointment with your Healer?"

"I did indeed, Mum. Third one."

"How are you doing?"

"Quite well," Hermione said. "Healer Tonks said my weight is spot on and I'm doing quite well. Still…"

"Still?"

"I'm randy as hell, Mum…"

"Do I really need to know this?" Robert Granger asked.

"Now Bob," Rose sighed, "you know damn well what her hormones are doing to her. Or did you forget just how randy I was until about the seventh month."

"Actually, it became sane after about five," Robert said. "Still, I really don't want to know this about my little girl!"

"Five? Seven? Oh bother!" Hermione said.

Robert grinned evilly. "Just before the eight months it became too uncomfortable for her, even on top! Cut me off she did!"

"Now that's not true, Bob," Rose said. "I just cut you off from … from where it was uncomfortable. You must admit you did enjoy my replacement."

"Replacement?" Hermione asked.

"Do we need to discuss this?" Robert said.

"We do," Rose said. "Our girl is married, pregnant and randy. She should know how we dealt with that hormonal problem."

"That's what Healer Tonks said it was," Hermione said. "The potions I've been taking take some of the edge off. I'm not as emotionally challenged and am not losing my cookies all the time. But being randy - well the potion doesn't alter that. And I'm not the only one. We all hoped when the fertility potion wore out we'd be less so, but we're maybe more so. I had to work out another schedule for us so we get more 'Harry Time' than just once every nine days. Not that I mind at all, but it's bloody annoying and … and I feel a little sorry for Harry."

"Sorry for Harry?" Robert asked then realized it was a dumb question.

"We NEED him, Daddy. Even with my schedule, we can only be with him one night in nine and for a … a quickie … one day in three. We need him but don't want to wear him out. He's … well he is amazing in all things that way and…"

"Okay, I really don't want to hear anymore!" Robert said. "But are you happy with all this?"

Hermione smiled. "Oddly enough, I am! I admit, it's only been a few months, but I am! I would love to have Harry all to myself. I can't lie about that. I think we'd all love to be his only. But it seems that was not meant to be, so we each must accept this. He is a wonderful husband. He really is! When I am with him … he makes me feel so special! And I know he does the same for my 'Sister Wives', which is what we call each other. It might not be what I dreamt about before as perfection, but when I am with him he does make me feel so special and I know he does that for the others as well. It's not fairytale perfect, but it's close, Dad."

"Robert, stop pestering the girl," Rose said.

"What?"

"You've been pestering Hermione like an annoying little brother for almost two months! The deal is done. She's married whether we wanted it this way or not and she's still our daughter which means it's now our job to support her decision, not pester her about it!"

"So, Hermione," Rose said turning to her daughter, "do you know what it is yet? A boy or a girl?"

"Not yet, and I'm not sure I want to find out before hand."

"But I thought with magic…"

"We can tell, but not until the third month or so," Hermione said. "I don't yet understand the full theory behind the detection spell the Healer uses. I know it's a variation on the more general class of magic detection spells. At this stage, my Healer can tell me if the child is magical and if there's more than one - although I think you could do that just as well with a sonogram or stethoscope. To detect the gender, the baby's life force magic must be a little more developed. But I can tell you know that they're both very magical babies."

"Both?" the Grangers asked.

Hermione nodded. "It's twins!"

"That's wonderful, Hermione," Rose said.

"How?" Bob asked.

"Bob, don't tell me you don't know where babies come from," Rose teased.

"It's not that," Bob said, "I mean there's no history of twins…"

"Anyone can have twins," Rose said. "A history of twins within the maternal line merely means it's more likely than for a woman without such a family history."

Hermione nodded. "Healer Tonks did confirm what we already knew - that the fertility potion we took increases the likelihood of fraternal twins. He explained it to me this morning. Something like seventy percent of all pregnancies start out as possible fraternal twins. Two eggs are released during ovulation and at least one if not both are fertilized. But humans are not adapted to support multiples by nature. A child is a very demanding thing, he says, so women are adapted to reduce the possibility of twins. When the first fertilized egg imbeds itself in the uterine wall, it sets off a hormonal reaction that is supposed to prevent any other eggs from imbedding as well. There's only a limited period of time for two eggs to imbed and once that time is up, the remaining egg - if there is one - cannot. It dies. The fertility potion interferes with that reaction to increase the possibility of a viable pregnancy, hence there is an increased possibility of twins."

"Are there any others?" Rose asked.

Hermione nodded. "Parvati and Padma also learned their having twins. Although they are not surprised as there is a history in their maternal line. Theirs are probably paternal twins and, if their history continues, most likely girls. Aside from that, only Angela's expecting two for the price of one. Still, two out of sixteen with no past history of twins are expecting such which is way outside the norm."

"Have you thought of names yet?" Rose asked.

"Harry and I already picked a couple, but that was before we learned of this. We're keeping those two names as our primary ones and will think about a second set of names in case we have either two girls or two boys."

"And what names have you selected?"

"The first born boy with be Robert James after his grandfathers and first girl will be Lily Rose after her grandmothers," Hermione said with a smile.

"Nice names," Robert said proudly.

"Of course, this probably will affect my due date," Hermione said. "Twins tend to be born early, he told us. But so long as it's after Day 230, he doesn't think it will be a problem. I just hope it's after Day 237."

"Why?" the Grangers asked.

"Because if they're born on or before Day 236, their assimilated first birthday will be August of this year. If it's in September, then their age in days and calendar ages for school will be the same. Not that it matters all that much. Who knows? By 2005 I might want them off at school! Legally, though, it won't be until fall of 2006 before we can send them here."

"You are planning to send them to school before hand," Rose began.

"Of course, mother! Although we'll need to work out the details for that, but that's five years away or so."

Rose nodded. "If for no other reason, they would benefit from the socialization."

"I didn't," Hermione said. "You know that before Hogwarts I only had one friend! But, that's neither here nor there. They'll have nine half brothers and sisters their own age, not to mention House Longbottom which will be here at least half the year as well."

"And an Aunt or Uncle their age as well," Rose said with a smile.

"Yes, that … um … what? What do you mean, Mum?"

"I went and saw Healer Turpin this afternoon," Rose said. "You know I haven't been feeling well…"

"You're - you're pregnant too?"

Rose nodded and Robert beamed.

"But you're…" Hermione began.

"Old?" Rose asked with a sly smile.

Hermione nodded.

"I'm not yet forty and have yet to go through menopause."

"Under eighteen, or whatever the legal age of consent is," Robert chuckled, "you're supposed to be protected by law. Past menopause, you're protected by nature. In between, you can get this way, Princess. I thought your Mum had that talk with you," he added with a laugh.

"I'm about a month along," Rose said. "Once we realized this was not a joke, we decided that since we have fifteen months here and ready access to a health care professional…"

"And potions," Robert said. "She took the fertility potion at first…"

"And it does make you randy," Rose giggled. "Now I'm on a potion to curb the hormonal effects and another because of my history of miscarriages. They'll be seeing me every week to make sure, but I am expecting. My due date is Day 310."

"That's wonderful, Mum! Oh, I can't wait to tell the others I'm gonna be a big sister!"

"And I'm gonna be a granddad with my youngest child a month or two younger than my grandchildren," Robert said. "Kind of ruins it, you know?"

"Oh?" the Grangers asked.

"The role of grandparents is to spoil their grandchildren rotten," Bob said, "after all, it's not like we have to come down on them, that's what their parents are for. But we can't do that and not do the same for our little one. It just wouldn't be right. Still…"

"If he or she is anything like Hermione, we can afford to spoil them a little. Hermione always had a good head on her shoulders."

THE SOUTH WING - TIME COMPRESSION DAY 237.

The news that the Grangers were expecting was the headline item on the WING DAILY NEWS, which broadcast each day on the entertainment mirrors and was hosted by the Weasley Twins and their girlfriends. The reports began soon after the 'Wedding Cycle' and they were more for entertainment value than anything else. The "Sports" report included all the dart scores from the previous day, and billiards and anything else that seemed sporty - like who now held the Wing Swimming Pool record for the 100m fly or the recent three-on-three basketball tournament or the tennis matches the Muggles were playing in the Gym. It also included updated odds on the various Weasley Pools - all associated with who would to into labor when and what their kids would be, boy, girl or whatever. The Grangers now found themselves as a subject of the various betting pools. Apparently, this was a serious thing in the magical world, or at least very common. Over the next few weeks, the Grangers were joined by others and whenever another couple announced a pregnancy, it was headline news under the caption "SOUTH WING BABY BOOM!" It was certainly more entertaining than the weather, hosted by Alicia, where she told everyone that a cloud had moved a bit and how it affected sun tanning options on the balconies. On Day 75, Sira Patil and Vivian Greengrass announced their pregnancies.

On Day 84, the news was all about the wedding of Victor Krum and Katya, who had become very popular in the Wing. Katya was both smart, witty and drop dead good looking and Victor was not nearly as curt as he had been before. Katya had turned seventeen in March. Victor had turned 18 the day after the First Task, a fact the other Champions had not known at the time and felt bad about not celebrating his birthday. They made up for it at the reception. Harry was his Best Man and Cedric his other Groomsman. Fleur was Maid of Honor and Hermione a Bridesmaid. Everyone had a wonderful time. Over the next three weeks, Agnes Rosier, Elizabeth Bell and Jasmine Davis all announced they were expecting as well.

On Day 97, Sirius Black married Marilyn Abbott. They almost had to be pressured into it. Sirius was concerned about his still being a fugitive, although he no longer looked like one, nor did he look like someone who had spent twelve years locked up with dementors. Sirius was concerned that the Ministry would use his wife, who was an employee of DMLE to draw him out. Marilyn's boss, Amelia Bones, assured him that would not be the case. The Auror's assigned to his case were clearly leading everyone astray and she would allow that to continue and she would not allow the Minister or his cronies access to Marilyn under any circumstances. Amelia performed the wedding herself, with Remus as Best Man, Hannah as "Maid" of Honor and "Don't Call Me Nymphadora" Tonks and Harry as the rest of the party. (Tonks had not figured Sirius or the Twins into her name aversion. She now had to deal with that name until she picked a name she could tolerate other than "Tonks".) Arthur Weasley escorted the Bride down the aisle and as a wedding present, Harry promised to finish the work on the final "Apartment" on his floor. It would be like the girl's apartments, but with a private kitchen and dinning room and a "barn" for Sirius's friend and Hippogriff Buckbeak, who was also technically a fugitive.

Day 136 saw the marriage of Fleur Delacour to her Bondmate Bill Weasley. Bill had spent several hours over several days with Harry asking him about Veela. Harry was quite happy with Gabrielle as one of his "girls" and was more than willing to tell Bill all he knew. It was clear Bill loved the older girl, but he had been raised in Britain where Veela were considered "creatures" and not human. Harry assured him she was quite human. Veela was nothing more than a magical affinity passed from mother to daughter. While Bill was the heir of House Weasley, such as there was a house, the fact Fleur would probably only bear daughters did not concern him. After all, he had five other brothers. His mother's reaction, however, did at first. But she was not here and the more he spent time with Fleur, the more he knew this was the right thing to do. He had fallen in love with her just as she had with him and there was nothing for it but to finalize the union. Fred was his Best Man, with George as the other groomsman. Gabrielle was "Maid" of Honor with Michelle (Marcella) Longbottom as the other Bridesmaid. Madam Maxine had performed the wedding just as she had for her other two students.

By day 175, the Baby Boom Pool now included Cynthia Turpin, Pamela Lee, Allison Caldwell, Martha Urquhart and Marilyn (Abbot) Black, all would have their children while under Time Compression. Day 175 saw a double wedding. Fred married Alicia and George married Angelina. Arthur escorted them down the aisle as Bill Weasley and Harry stood up for the twins, along with Cedric Diggory and Neville Longbottom. Katie was Alicia's "Maid" of Honor and Hermione was Angelina's with Ginny and Marcia as the other Bridesmaids. All four were seventeen. As had been the case with Bill, the Twins regretted Charlie was not there. They were less concerned about Ron and Percy than Bill had been, but it was a good time. It was particularly memorable when Cedric proposed to Cho. They would not marry during this Time Compression. Cho was only sixteen and would not turn seventeen until the fall and Professors McGonagall, Flitwick and Sprout made it clear that Cho would not be allowed to get pregnant to get around the age law. Twenty such young adults were enough. But the two set a tentative date during the Christmas Hols and asked to be married here in the Wing, a request Harry and the others were not about to deny.

Things settled down to their routine after the "Big Weasley Wedding," as the Wing Album Ginny and some others prepared were calling it. (Everyone would get a copy.) The Girls were all definitely showing by Bill and Fleur's Wedding (as was Rose Granger and a couple of the others), and they were really getting big now.

"OW!" Hermione exclaimed just before dinner. Today had been a class day.

"What?" Harry asked. Luna was his witch today, but he had been keeping a close eye on all his Girls for the last few weeks.

"Backache," Hermione said. "It's nothing to worry about."

"Sounded more than that," Harry said. "You sure?"

"I SURE! DAMN!" she cried.

"Hermione, go and call the Healer," Harry said calmly as he could.

"I'm sure it's nothing," she began.

"You're passed Day 230, Hermione. You're having twins. You know Healer Tonks told you to come to him if you had any back or stomach pains at all!"

"I'm carrying a load here, Harry! I'm sure it's just a backache!"

"Please?" Harry pleaded, "just to be sure?"

Hermione looked around throughout the Main Dining Room. Everyone was looking at her and especially her mother, father and the other Girls. "Fine," she moped, "but I'm sure it's nothing!"

A couple of hours later and Harry was back in his Private Apartment with Katie, his Witch of the Day. Her baby was active so Harry had his hand on her belly feeling it kick around.

"I swear this one's a Quidditch Player for sure," Katie said.

"You've been saying that for months, it seems," Harry said.

"He or she flies around inside like no one's business," Katie huffed.

Harry chuckled. "Most of the others are giving their Mum's fits as well."

"You're lucky!"

"You've said that."

"You don't have the little tyke dancing on your bladder!"

"Said that too, as have a few of the others. It would seem Hermione's mostly spared her that hell."

Katie looked at Harry. "You're worried, aren't you?"

"Are you?"

Katie nodded. "Deep down I am. This little Lion is giving me fits, however. I swear, the last month of this is supposed to make me want him or her to LEAVE!"

Harry chuckled, "so he or she is grounded?"

Katie laughed. "Good idea, but it won't make sense for the kid for a few more years at least. I'm worried about Hermione."

"As am I," Harry said.

The "Phone" rang. It was actually Harry's mirror. Harry activated it.

"Ah, Harry," Ted Tonks said. "Glad I could catch you. Hermione is in labor…"

"What do I need to do?" Harry started.

"She's fine," Ted said. "She's not near ready yet to deliver, but everything is fine. Sometime tomorrow, I suspect, but we have it in hand."

"Are her parents there?"

"They will be assisting."

"I'm coming down!"

"It's not necessary…"

"I'm coming down anyway!" He finished the call. "Get the others, Katie."

She nodded and left as Harry headed down to the Infirmary.

Hermione lay in her bed. The contractions were still fairly mild and wide apart. Healer Tonks said it might be morning before the babies came. Her parents were with her, her mother now seven and more months along and her father had already promised to be there with her when she delivered. The Grangers had always been a close family, but the dual pregnancies made them even closer. Her parents had finally accepted Harry and all of this, which made their being here so much better.

Harry saw her in the Infirmary a few minutes later. She was lying on one of the regular beds and looked like she was asleep with her parents seated on the empty bed next to her. For now, she was the only patient in the ward. As Harry walked over, Hermione looked to be asleep.

"How is she?" he asked quietly so as not to wake her.

"Resting," Hermione said. Harry saw she was awake.

"I thought you were…"

"Just resting," Hermione said. "Thanks for being here."

"And where else would I be?"

"Studying, I should think. OWLs are less than seventy days away, you know."

"No, Love. This is more important," Harry said as his other eight very pregnant wives joined the vigil.

"The Healer says it probably won't be for a while yet," Hermione said. "My water hasn't even broken. It could be hours yet before that happens."

"We'll be with you anyway," Katie began.

"You ladies should get your sleep," Hermione said. "Oh? Okay," she growled, "this one's not at all comfortable!"

"Parvati?" Padma called out seeing her sister enter the Wing.

"Need to see the Healer," she panted. She was being helped by Neville.

Parvati soon found herself in a bed near Hermione as it was confirmed that she too was in the beginning stages of labor.

Most of the rest of the Wing was unaware that two of their number were now in labor. That changed a couple of hours later when THE NEWS interrupted the programming on all of the entertainment channels.

"We interrupt this program for the following breaking news," Alicia announced.

"We have just received word that the Baby Boom is officially starting to begin!" Fred said.

"That's correct," George added. "Two of our lovelies are said to be in labor, although actual delivery is still hours away."

"So get out your score cards!" Fred said and a graphic showed up behind him. One section was blank. The other had Longbottom listed above Potter with two columns one labeled "Boys" and the other "Girls." "So who will be first?"

"A Potter or a Longbottom?" George said.

"Right now, the money is on either Parvati or Padma…"

"As they are having twins."

"Two girls each."

"But, maybe there's another in the mix?" George added.

"Is it the Patil twins, or is it two others?"

"Which House will have the first born?"

"And which will have the first heir?"

"And who of our lucky contestants will get their name at the top of the board?"

"Let's review our list of contestants before revealing our lucky winners tonight, shall we?" George said.

"Good plan," Fred agreed, "given as we are told it may be hours before we know who wins. Youngest to oldest?"

"Works for me. Our first possible contestant is our lovely little sister…"

"The feisty former Miss Ginny Weasley…"

"Now - it is Mrs. or Lady Longbottom?"

"Does it really matter for this?" Fred asked.

"Quite true. Not wholly relevant. Our lovely Ginny was born August 11, 1981..."

"Which makes her legally thirteen."

"Except she turned fourteen March 22nd, Time Compression Day 18 and fifteen Day 125 of this Time Compression. She'll turn sixteen on May 13th - unofficially of course but we'll celebrate it anyway."

"Our youngest Slytherin is next, the former Miss Rosie Rosier, now Rosie Potter," Fred said.

"Born May 29th, 1981, legally she's thirteen as well, but turned fourteen on March 20th, Time Compression Day 6 and fifteen on Day 51 of this Time Compression. She will celebrate her sixteenth birthday on Day 419, just before Final Exams. She'll turn seventeen on February 23rd, 1996."

"Next up, the lovely Gabrielle Potter…" Fred said.

"Our new sister-in-law, younger sister of Fleur Delacour Weasley, wife of our brother Bill," George added.

"For those who don't know, they are holding off having children until after the Tournament."

"After June 24th, all bets are off. Now, onto Gabrielle…"

"She was born March 4th, 1981 in France meaning she's legally fourteen and month…"

"But turned fifteen April 29th, Time Compression Day 7 and will turn sixteen on Day 331. She'll turn seventeen on November 30th."

"Next is the former Andrea Lee, now Andrea Longbottom," Fred said.

"While it could be any of the lovelies, given this date the better bet is on the ladies believed or known to be having Twins and Andrea is one of those…"

"Born December 9th, 1980, Andrea is legally fourteen, but turned fifteen March 26th, Day 14 and will celebrate her Sweet Sixteen in eight days on Day 245. She'll turn seventeen on September 10th."

"Next is our sister's oldest friend, the former Miss Luna Lovegood, now Luna Potter," George said.

"Born September 21st, 1980, Luna is legally fourteen. She turned fifteen on March 23rd, Day 28 and sixteen on Day 166. She'll turn seventeen on June 23rd."

"And that completes our Third Years."

"Fourth Year begins with the former Miss Lisa Turpin, now Lisa Longbottom. Better ring to it, don't you think, George?"

"Indeed, Fred. Lisa was born August 7th, 1980 and is legally fourteen. She turned fifteen on March 22nd, Day 14 and celebrated her sweet sixteen on Day 121. She turns seventeen on May 9th."

"Which means while she began life younger than Harry and Neville, she's now a little older as they did not celebrate their sixteenth birthdays until Days 206 and 205 respectively. They'll be seventeen on July 24th and 25th which is so close to their real birthdays as not to matter."

"Next up is the former Miss Tracey Davis, now Tracey Longbottom," George said.

"Born June 30th, 1980, she's legally fourteen. She celebrated her fifteenth birthday on March 21st, Day 7 and her Sweet Sixteen on Day 83. She'll leave here legal, except in the eyes of the law as she will celebrate her seventeenth birthday on Day 449, the day before our final Day here in the Wing. She'll be eighteen on March 25th, 1996."

"At least her last birthday here will be after exams," George said. "I'd hate to have a birthday during Exams. It would take all the fun out of it."

"Too true," Fred agreed. "Now we have our lovely Italian lass, the former Miss Michelle Marcella now Michelle Lonbottom. She was born February 21st, 1980 and is legally fifteen. She celebrated her sixteenth birthday on March 28th, Day 26 and will celebrate her seventeenth on Day 319 after Exams and eighteen on November 18th."

"Next the lovely Lady Hufflepuff or Bones or whatever," George said. "We're still trying to sort Susan out that way. Suffices to say she's married to Neville."

"She was born January 21st 1980 and is legally fifteen. She turned sixteen on March 27th, Day 26 and will turn seventeen on Day 288. She'll be eighteen on October 23rd. Now we come to the lovely former Miss Daphne Greengrass, now Daphne Potter."

"She was born January 14th, 1980 and is legally fifteen. She turned sixteen on March 27th, Day 19 and will turn seventeen on Day 281. Her eighteenth birthday will be on October 16th. Now on to the Lovely Lady Hannah Abbott, wife of Harry Potter."

"Hannah was born November 3rd 1979 and is legally fifteen," Fred said. "She turned sixteen on March 25th, Day 9 and turned seventeen on Day 209. She'll be eighteen on August 5th. Now the next two are the twins having twins - the Patil sisters Padma Potter and Parvati Longbottom."

"They were born October 17th, 1979 and are legally fifteen. They turned sixteen on March 24th, Day 23 and seventeen on Day 192. They'll be eighteen on July 19th. I think it's fair to say that it's even money that at least one of them may be down in the Infirmary as well speak."

"A fair bet. They are also the only ones we know in advance are not in the running to produce the Heir as they are both expecting twin daughters, just as they were and their mother was…"

"And their grandmother, I think," George said. "That's a lot of twin action! Now for the last of our Fourth Years, the Lady Ravenclaw or Lady Potter, take your pick."

"Our Hermione was born September 19th, 1979 and is legally fifteen. She turned sixteen on March 23rd, Day 26 and seventeen on Day 164. She'll be eighteen on June 21st. Next up we have the first of out Fifth Years, our absolutely brilliant Chaser and teammate the former Miss Katie Bell now Katie Potter."

"She was born July 12th, 1979 and is legally fifteen. She turned sixteen on March 21st, Day 19 and seventeen on Day 95. She'll be eighteen on April 13th. Next we have our Ravenclaw Prefect…"

"Who has yet to give us a detention," Fred said.

"The former Miss Laura Caldwell and now Laura Longbottom. She was born May 10th, 1979 and is legally fifteen. She turned sixteen on March 19th, Day 18 and seventeen on Day 32. She will turn 18 on Day 398 and nineteen on February 4th, 1996. Next up is a Prefect who has given us detention."

"Of course she has!" Fred said. "She's a Slytherin Prefect! It's like an unwritten law! You're not a true Slytherin Prefect until you've given us a detention!"

"We did deserve that one, though."

"Too true. Miss Lucinda Urquhart, now Lucinda Longbottom…"

"Which rolls off the tongue much easier…"

"Anyway, she was born March 30th, 1979. While legally she turned sixteen this past March 30th, she actually turned sixteen on March 19th, Day 9. She turned seventeen on Day 33 and will turn eighteen on Day 357 and nineteen on December 25th. And last, but not least…"

"Our Hufflepuff Prefect," George said.

"Who also has not given us a detention."

"Lovely Marcia Robbins, now Marcia Potter was born February 21st, 1979 which means she shares her birthday with Michelle. She's legally sixteen. She turned seventeen on March 28th, Day 26 and will turn eighteen on Day 319 and nineteen on November 18th."

"So, Alicia, who are our lucky winners tonight?" George asked.

"Hermione and Parvati," Alicia said.

"Hermione? Really?" Fred said as he tore up what looked like a ticket. "Is that odd?"

"Not really," Alicia replied. "It turns out Hermione is expecting twins as well, as is her Mum, by the way."

"Well that changed things!" George complained. "She never told us that!"

"And whoever she did tell didn't tell us," Fred added. "Although it could mean that House Potter will have an heir soon."

"So, there you have it! Hermione Potter and Parvati Longbottom are in labor, each with twins."

"We are told it probably won't be until morning before anything truly happens."

"Oh, and this note from Professor McGonagall: Classes are cancelled! We're officially on holiday! Classes will resume at a later time, possibly as early as Day 260. She also implores us to keep studying, although not too hard."

"We now return you to the regularly scheduled program…"

THE SOUTH WING - TIME COMPRESSION DAY 238.

"We interrupt this morning's regularly scheduled program for the following breaking news," Alicia announced.

"So the question on everyone's mind is who's first, Hermione or Parvati?" George asked.

"And is anyone else in labor?" Fred added.

"Well," Angelina said, "as to anyone else not yet. As to your other question: at 0938 Wing Time, Day 238, Hermione gave birth to a son, Robert James Potter. Their daughter Lily Rose followed at 0943. Both weigh around six pounds, a very healthy weight for twins. Hermione and her children are doing quite well and she's been moved to recovery with her babies. Visitors are welcome, if they promise to be quiet."

"Anything else?"

Angelina nodded. "Their official Birth Certificates will say they were born at 1756 on April 1st, 1995 at Hogwarts. Unofficially, they will celebrate their first birthday on September 2nd, 1995. They will be seven months old when Time Compression lifts."

"And Parvati?" Alicia asked.

"Still in labor," Angelina said. "Her water has not broken yet."

"So," Fred said, "to the score cards! House Potter is first out of the box and Hermione wins the baby pool! Or at least you win if you picked her first. Parvati appears to be second, but we'll keep you posted. House Potter has its heir and for the second generation in a row, he has a Muggle Born mother."

"Fitting," George said.

"Indeed. And House Potter now has a boy and a girl to House Longbottom's two girls who are soon to join us."

"And with that," Alicia said, "we return you to the regularly scheduled programming."

Padma Shari Longbottom was born at 1507, Day 238 and her sister Penelope Elaine followed at 1512. Their official birth date was April 1st, 1995 at 1757, one minute after Hermione's children. Their unofficial first birthday would fall on September 2nd as well. Less than an hour later, Angela (Lee) Longbottom was admitted to the infirmary with contractions. Henry David Longbottom was born at 0423, Day 239 and his sister Jennifer Suzette at 0430. Officially, they were born on April 1st, 1995 at 1758 with their unofficial birthday being September 3rd. Thus the heirs to two of the oldest Ancient and Noble Houses were born to Muggle Born witches. Padma (Patil) Potter gave birth to Parvati Amira Potter at 0734, Day 240 and her sister Patricia Louise Potter at 0741. Officially, they were born at 1800 on April 1st with their first birthday falling on September 4th.

For two weeks all was quiet and the six baby girls and two baby boys were probably the most popular people in the Wing. Fortunately, they were far too young to understand such things or for it to go to their heads.

On Day 253 the calm ended when Tracey went into labor. Alan Richard Longbottom was born in the morning of Day 254, or 1808 on April 1st, 1995, with his unofficial birthday set for September 18th.

Neville's Susan gave birth to Edgar Thomas Bones in the morning of Day 255, at 1810 on April 1st, 1995 with his unofficial birthday set for September 19th, a date he would share with Hannah's son Charles Edward Abbott although he was officially born one minute later as he was born in the evening of Day 255. But House Abbott and Bones now had their heirs, both born on the same day and simulated day.

On Day 256, Marcia (Robbins) Potter gave birth to her daughter Julie Marie, officially at 1812 on April 1st and unofficially with her first birthday on September 20th.

Rosie (Rosier) Potter gave birth to James Sirius on the morning of Day 257, officially at 1814 on April 1st and unofficially September 21st. He would share his unofficial birthday with Hermione Luna Longbottom, the daughter of Ginny who was officially born the next minute of April 1st, 1995.

Day 258 was a busy day in the Infirmary. Lisa (Turpin) Longbottom gave birth to her daughter Elizabeth Anne and Katie (Bell) Potter her son Michael Colin in the morning (1816, April 1st) and Gabrielle (Delacour) Potter gave birth to her daughter Michelle Lauren that afternoon (1817, April 1st.) They would celebrate their unofficial birthdays on September 22nd.

Laura Caldwell gave birth to her son Edward Howard Longbottom the morning of Day 259, officially at 1818 on April 1st. His other birthday would be September 23rd. Luna followed her a day later with her own daughter Delilah Marie Potter, officially at 1820 on April 1st with her birthday set for September 24th.

September 26th would be the unofficial birthdays for Daphne's son David Edgar Potter and Michelle's daughter Maria Teresa Longbottom, born Day 261 or at 1822 and 1823 on April 1st respectively. Lucinda was the last to give birth. Her son, Lawrence Harold Longbottom was born Day 262 or at 1824, April 1st and would celebrate his first birthday on September 27th. There were no serious complications and all the twenty-two new residents of the Wing were healthy, if loud and tiring for their parents and grandparents. House Potter and House Longbottom were "tied" according to the Twins, with four boys and six girls each, while House Bones and Abbott each had a son.

chapter 26

THE SOUTH WING - TIME COMPRESSION DAY 291.

Classes had resumed on Day 266. Lucinda and the others who had most recently given birth were not complaining too much. It had been a solid month off from classes and training and aside from the giving birth and getting used to being a new Mum, it was almost getting boring. With the resumption of classes, it was now clear to others why House Longbottom and Potter were separated from the other years. All one had to do was listen to Cho complain.

Aside from Magical Dueling, Herbology in the Greenhouse and Potions, the babies were with their Mum's in class. Those other classes were considered too risky for such young children given the spell casting, dangerous plants or the possibility of exploding cauldrons and even if that were not a factor there were the fumes. The other classes were considered safe. In fact, Healing was now about young children which would help the parents immensely and was now the best attended class in the Wing as the pregnant adult women and their husbands were attending as well. But with so many babies, there always seemed to be one young mother nursing her child as she scribbled notes, or was up and changing the child assuming her Husband was not. Most often, however, the young ones were asleep in their carriers. When their parents were off taking the less child safe classes, the babies were left with their grandparents or elves and it was then they usually had play time. Not that the young parents did not have similar time with their children, but this was the scheduled time during class days.

Harry and Neville were both trying their best to bond with their eleven children. It was not uncommon to see either of them with one of their kids in their arms. Their Witch of the Day brought their child or children into the Master Bedroom at night, so the two could not avoid the late night wailings which were worse with the two sets of twins as one would set the other off. But after a month or so, the babies were all sleeping through the night - most of the time. Harry had told his wives he loved bath time with the little ones, not that he was in the bath with them, he just thought it was a special time. He hated changing nappies, but did it diligently and efficiently after a time. He could not comprehend how something that small could create such a mess. He thanked past Magicals for cleaning spells and his new In-Laws for their help as well. But it was clear to everyone that Harry loved being a Husband and a Dad. The Grangers saw it first and knew their daughter had done very well for herself in the end.

Magical training and dueling now included Apparition. Aside from Cho, all the Middle Years were legally adults and could take the licensing exams and besides, Apparition was a dueling tactic. The wards had been adjusted to allow it in the Magical Training Room and from there to the student apartments so they could practice. It remained suppressed everywhere else in the Wing. They had delayed the training because of the risk of Splinching, or leaving part of yourself behind. It was dangerous for a novice, pregnant witch. But now that the youthful pregnancies were over, the training began.

The Middle Years also moved into Animagus training. This was taught during both Transfiguration and Magical Training with Professor McGonagall and Sirius Black as instructors and was well attended by the other magical adults. But the best lecture was given by Amelia Bones…

"Animagus Registration is required by our law not because it is dangerous per se, but because it can be used for nefarious ends. If you develop a stealth form, such as an inconspicuous insect or small animal, you could use this to escape from a crime. Likewise, if you develop what Aurors call a combat form, your animal can harm or kill. The problem is, those who would most likely use their forms for ill, don't register. Mr. Black is an exception there as he has never used his form for ill purpose."

"Unless you count trying to kill Peter Pettigrew last year," Harry offered while his Godfather hung his head.

"But he didn't, did he?" Amelia replied. "The worst we can really say about that Dog was he used his form to both survive and escape from Azkaban Prison - where he had no business being in the first place. Fortunately, he did not kill Pettigrew. While we all hope Sirius can be vindicated without the Rat, having the Rat alive will certainly help with the current administration. That being said, I will not ask you all to register, just to let me know what you are so I can cover for you all if necessary. The purpose of registration is to prevent criminal activity, not to keep tabs on those who manage to use this magic otherwise.

"So we get back to it. You can't choose your form. But stealth forms - those that allow you to evade trouble…"

"Or spy on bad guys," Harry offered.

"Or that, are the best. You're best stealth forms are the ones people will ignore in context. Birds or flying insects are really good and birds the better as they can get away from trouble much more quickly, particularly if they are not unknown to this place. Cats - or should I say House Cats are good as well as they're common roaming about, as are squirrels and rabbits and other common wild animals that people tend not to notice. On the other side of the coin are the true combat forms - apex predators mostly: wolves, lions and tigers and bears and such. These forms lack stealth, but are dangerous to confront. In between are the less invisible and dangerous forms. Species that are hunted by Muggles are never a good form. Your father was a Stag, was he not?"

Harry nodded.

"A doe would have been a better option. Muggles hunt stags, and ducks, wild geese, pheasant, quail, rabbits, fox … wolves if they are known to be about, and so on. Only the wolf is built to defend itself. Stags may not be too bad, but a hunter will shoot first whereas wolves are foreign and he may hesitate thinking it's just a dog."

The lecture went on but the point was clear. Some forms were better than others and Harry's dad's form was not on the better than others list. Moreover, she would not care about the forms of registration so long as she knew what they were. She would care even less if they refrained from "nefarious use" but felt it better not to define that in too much detail in case "You-Know-Who" was coming back. It did not really matter for now. As it took months to achieve an animagus form, the likelihood any would do so before the end of Time Compression was slim, but that did not discourage any of them from going forward with it.

Day 291 was actually a day off. For Harry, Hannah was his witch that night and Katie the Witch of the Day at breakfast. Harry was sitting with Hannah, Sirius, Marilyn and little Charlie Abbott at breakfast that morning, before Katie became his Witch, when it happened.

"OH BOTHER!" Rose Granger exclaimed loud enough for any in the room to hear, "MY WATER JUST BROKE!"

"Hannah?" Harry asked as Mr. and Mrs. Granger left the Main Dining Room with Hermione not far behind.

"Mum and Sirius told me yesterday, Harry. Their expecting as well. She's due around Day 430 or so. You'll be there for them?"

"Of course…."

"Then go. Be with the Grangers now."

"Katie?" Harry asked.

She shrugged. "Mum's due in about two months. Go Harry. We'll be down in a bit."

Harry nodded and headed off after the Grangers.

"Good luck, Mate," Neville said as Harry passed his table.

"Thanks, Nev," Harry replied.

Harry arrived in the Infirmary to find it empty. The Grangers were not there nor was Hermione nor anyone. He was beginning to panic when Katie arrived, followed by Luna, Daphne and Rosie.

"The others are coming," Katie said. "Where's Hermione and her parents?"

"I - I don't know," Harry said.

At that moment Hermione entered. She looked a little upset.

"Hermione?" Harry asked.

"I'm not the mother. I'm not the father. And I'm not a Healer!" she huffed. "I have to wait here."

"Your Mum?"

"She's in the Delivery Room with Dad, Healer Turpin and Mrs. Turpin."

"How is she?" Katie asked.

"They say she's fine, but she's pretty progressed. We probably won't have too long to wait."

But it was a long wait. Long enough that Hermione and Katie had to leave for a time to take care of their babies and put them to bed for the night - as did the other seven who joined the vigil. But they all returned later, the children under the care of their elves.

THE SOUTH WING - TIME COMPRESSION DAY 292.

At 0430 or so, the ten teens were awakened. They had been sleeping in the Infirmary beds. Robert Granger woke them up.

"D-Daddy?" Hermione asked sleepily. "Is something wrong?"

Robert Granger actually laughed. "No. You're mother has just given birth to a healthy pair of twins: your new brother Jason Louis and new sister Jennifer Ophelia."

"That's wonderful!" Harry said.

"But what took so long?" Hermione asked. "I mean it's been eight hours or more since her water broke!"

"Your mother was almost fully dilated and she decided to take a nap."

"A - SHE WHAT?"

"She took a nap!" Robert laughed. "Since the babies were otherwise fine, Healer Turpin let her be. She woke up and about an hour later, out they came. I swear little Jason was asleep too! Seemed right put out by being born when he was! It was SO different than when you came. I swear she was threatening to castrate me during some of the contractions. These two? Your Mum barely complained and then took a kip! Little Jason complained for a bit, but once he was swaddled, he was out like a light. Jenny, on the other hand… she seems to think this new world is totally cool!"

Healer Turpin came out with his wife pushing a wheelchair that held Rose Granger. Rose had a baby at her breast while Healer Turpin held the other. Robert collected the baby from the Healer and walked over to Hermione. "Meet your brother, Hermione: Jason - I can sleep through anything - Granger."

Sure enough, the little boy Hermione now held was fast asleep.

"He had a good feed," Rose said, "and nodded right off. This one, on the other hand, she's more interested in what's going on, just like her big sister."

Hermione walked over to her mother holding her new little sleeping brother. Jason was oblivious of everything, but little Jennifer soon finished feeding and seemed to be looking around in amazement. Hermione knew the little baby's eyesight was poor, for all newborns could barely see more than shapes and colors, but it seemed little Jennifer was taking it all in.

"Congratulations," Harry said to the Grangers.

"Thanks, Harry," Robert said beaming.

The Potter family spent several minutes meeting the sleeping Jason and seemingly curious Jennifer. Rose was soon in one of the beds with Robert by her side when one by one Harry and his wives said good night and headed up for their own beds. Hermione was soon the last remaining. She was still holding her brother.

"Yours are…" Robert began.

"Asleep, I hope, just like this little one." By now, little Jennifer had dozed off as well and was in a crib next to her mother as Hermione handed her brother off to his mother. "I can't believe we both had twins!"

"Must be the fertility potion," Rose chuckled. "Of course, now we will have to explain this to the relations. After all, these two will be about five months old when the real weekend ends."

"And we saw the relations at Christmas," Robert said.

"And before," Rose added. "I think they would note the fact I never looked pregnant when I should have. Considering these two will actually be one year old on October 25th despite being born at 2040 on April 1st… they'll be about five months old when we leave here."

Hermione shrugged. "So we tell them. So what? I'm a real witch. My son and daughter are magical as well as are these two. The relatives need to get used to that idea."

The elder Grangers nodded.

Hermione smiled. "You do know that my babies and yours will both grow up knowing about both worlds. I always intended that they would spend loads of time in the non-magical world, and now you have two who can also spend loads of time in this one."

"How?" Rose asked.

"We plan to run a Day Care of sorts here," Hermione said. "We have to really. While we can take our babies to classes in this Wing, I doubt that'll be a good idea outside in the rest of this school. It'll be run by the elves although I wouldn't be surprised if some of the parents help - I really should talk to Harry about assigning an Elf to you. It'll help when you leave here if you have one to look after these two little ones while you're at work and … they can get them and you out if something bad should happen. What I'm really saying is, if we get this Day Care up and running, we invite you to send these two. We have plenty of time to figure out how."

The elder Grangers smiled. Robert walked up and hugged his daughter.

"We'll think about it," Robert said. "And I mean we will give it serious consideration. But for now, it's late and you need your sleep as well. I can take care of your Mum and these two…"

"Of course, Daddy," Hermione said and suddenly yawned. "A few hours," she added. She said her goodbyes and headed for her apartment.

THE SOUTH WING - TIME COMPRESSION DAY 318.

The First Exam Period began on Day 305. The "Upper Years" were sitting for their NEWTs, at least those NEWT courses they were taking before they entered Time Compression. They could elect to take additional NEWTs either now or at the end of Time Compression, so long as it was in one of the offered courses or, for the Sixth Years, they would take those exams next year. Most opted just to sit for their current NEWTs. The Lower Years had a different exam schedule altogether. They sat exams beginning Day 86 that were their "regular" end of year exams in First and Second Year courses. They resumed classes on Day 99 and would not sit for exams again until near the end of Time Compression when they would sit for their end of Third Year Exams in Charms, Defense, Herbology, Potions and Transfiguration and all would sit for their end of Third Year Exams in Ancient Runes and Arithmancy, if not Fourth Year.

The Middle Years all sat for their OWLs. This was probably easiest on the true Fifth Years as they had in effect a whole extra year to prepare, unless they had not been taking Arithmancy or Ancient Runes. For the Fourth Years, it was as if they had taken their fourth and fifth year courses, again unless they had not been taking Arithmancy or Runes. All of the Third Years were taking those courses, but they had to cover two years worth of material in the equivalent of a little more than one year of classes. They were arguably the most stressed of the students who filed into Classroom Number 4 on the morning of Day 305 to take their written Transfiguration OWL. The exams ended on Day 315 with Potions and they were now on a break before classes resumed on Day 320. To their surprise, Professor McGonagall and Madam Maxine called them back into Classroom 4 just after lunch.

"Welcome class," Professor McGonagall said sternly as the twenty-one students sat down. They could see the Official Examiners - Professors Marchbanks and Tofty were seated with their Deputy Headmistress, as were all their other Professors from the Wing. McGonagall had several envelopes in her hands. "I'm sure you all are wondering why I asked for you to be here?"

The students nodded.

"I have here your unofficial OWLs results…"

"U-unofficial? Y-you m-mean this wasn't real? They can change?" Hermione stammered.

"Oh these are quite real Ms. Granger," McGonagall said. "They can't be changed. They are 'Unofficial' because they are not yet recorded with the Ministry of Magic and are not yet part of your official school file. But these will be your official results by the end of April." Parents were filing in now, filling the empty desks and then lining the walls.

"First things first," McGonagall said, "all of you have the OWLs you need to continued to NEWT levels, even with Professor Snape's requirements."

The students all cheered.

"Hence, we will dispense with discussion of any marks below Exceeds Expectations and all of you achieved more Outstandings than Exceeds. I also need to point out that in the Outstanding mark we have three further gradations: With Distinction for all who achieved more than a perfect score, British or French Honors for those who achieved the highest score on that exam for their country in the last thirty years and International Honors for those who achieved the highest OWLs in the last thirty years from any of the signatory countries. As this exam was not administered in June with all the others, we cannot at this time inform any of you whether you otherwise might also have attained National Distinction, that being the highest mark in a subject for this exam year, but not so high as to warrant British or French Honors. And I mention this because it has happened more than once with you all."

"That being said," Remus added, "I wish to point out that while all of you attained an Outstanding in Defense Against the Dark Arts, Miss Chang did not achieve a With Distinction. I will work with her on the Partonus Charm to correct that deficiency, but she did get and Outstanding. As the rest of you did manage at least With Distinctions in Defense, you can assume that mark as a given. Professor McGonagall?"

"Miss Chang," McGonagall said handing Cho and envelope.

Cho opened her envelop and read her marks and smiled. "It's not perfect," she said, "but seeing as I had barely been scraping by in Herbology before and had not been taking Runes or Arithmancy, I can't complain. I got Exceeds in those three, Outstandings in Defense and Potions and With Distinctions in Charms and Transfiguration. Cedric will be pleased!"

"Those are very respectable marks, Miss Chang," McGonagall said. "I dare say that if you do even nearly as well on your remaining OWLS, you might well achieve all twelve OWLs seeing as you are taking Care of Magical Creatures, Divination and Muggle Studies." Those were in addition to the two other required courses in History of Magic and Astronomy. "Miss Abbott?" she added after Cho received an ovation.

Hannah opened her envelop. "Exceeds in Arithmancy and Herbology," she said, "Oustandings in everything else and With Distinction in Defense! Mum and Sirius will be so pleased! Does this mean I get out of having to take the others?"

McGonagall shook her head. "Astronomy and History of Magic are mandatory, I'm afraid, and the school will only allow you to drop one elective at this point."

"Divination then," Hannah said. "If I have to make up one more nonsensical dream, I'll go barmy!"

"And I thought only Ron and I did that!" Harry said.

"PLEASE!" Parvati said. "Almost everyone does! And Lavender is quite put out knowing that you do that and have the highest marks for your Dream Log."

"That's because each of my fake dreams probably could be called a nightmare, with each night getting worse, culminating in a slow, violent and painful death in the last installment. Professor Trelawney seems to be into that stuff … at least where I'm concerned. I can drop Divination too, can't I Professor McGonagall?"

"I am aware of your OWL results, Mr. Potter. I can see no reason why you need to continue with that class," McGonagall replied. Everyone knew she did not think highly about that course. "Congratulations on your marks, Miss Abbott." After a round of applause, McGonagall handed a letter to Tracy Davis.

"Exceeds in Arithmancy and Runes," she said. "I'm rather disappointed at the Runes mark."

"It is good enough to move forward with the class, Miss Davis." McGonagall said.

Tracy nodded. "Outstandings in everything else and With Distinctions in Defense and Potions!"

"Excellent marks, Miss Davis!" McGonagall said. "Miss Parvati Patil!"

Parvati opened her letter. "Exceeds in Arithmancy and Runes. Oh well. I kinda hoped to do better in Runes. WOW! Outstandings in everything else and With Distinctions in Charms and Defense!"

"I dare say," Professor Flitwich began, "that you all are probably my best Charms class ever!"

"Those are excellent marks, Miss Patil," McGonagall said. "Before I hand out the next one, let me say this. We on faculty in the Wing were concerned about your aggressive education plan. Many of you have sat for OWLs in Arithmancy and Runes even though you were not taking them as electives so you had to cover three years of material in a little over a year's worth of classes. We were particularly concerned with our Third Years, as they also had to cover two years of material in all five of the other classes. That being said, our concerns seem unjustified. Onto our first Third Year Miss Rosier!"

Rosie took her letter and opened it. "Wow! Exceeds in Arithmancy and Herbology … sorry Neville."

"No worries," Neville said. "Regardless of that mark, I have no problem with you in my Greenhouse."

"And the mark is high enough to continue on for your NEWTs, Miss Rosier, should you choose to do so," Professor Sprout said.

Rosie nodded. "All the others are outstanding, and I got With Distinctions in Defense, Potions and Transfiguration!"

"For the record," McGonagall said, "the lot of you are without a doubt the strongest OWL Transfiguration class it has ever been my privilege to teach! Miss Robbins."

Marcia opened her letter. "Exceeds in Arithmancy - I can't say I'm surprised as that's a tough course. Exceeds in Runes is a little disappointing. I have Outstandings With Distinction in everything else except Herbology and Potions which are just Outstandings."

"Custom dictates I read this next one," McGonagall said. "Miss Weasley, were this a normal OWL term, I would visit your parents personally to deliver these results. Fortunately, your brothers and father have just joined us. You attained and Exceeds in Arithmancy and Ancient Runes, Outstandings in Potions and Herbology, With Distinctions in Defense and Transfiguration and last, but not least," she paused. "Congratulations, Miss Weasley. You have earned International Honors in Charms!"

Ginny looked shocked. "I … it can't … none of my brothers ever…"

"Way to go Gin!" Bill said.

"Knew you'd do it!" Fred said.

"You were wicked with a wand at age seven," George added.

"Hence the reason why we have not used you as a prank test dummy since then," Fred added.

"Seven OWLs to date, and you're just a Third Year," Arthur added. "This should go a long way with your mother. We found out this morning Fred and George picked up their three NEWTs each and four more OWLs on top of it."

"Although we did not do that well," Fred added.

"Those are indeed excellent marks, Miss Weasley. Should you decide to continue your education in your other classes after taking those OWLs in the spring of '97, do not be surprised if you find a Prefect's Badge with that year's letter," McGonagall said with a smile.

"Our little Gin-Gin," Fred began.

"A Prefect?" George bemoaned.

"Oh the shame!"

"We have failed mightily with her, my Brother."

"Oh hush you two!" Ginny said. "I am not Percy!"

"Nope," Fred said.

"Definitely not," George added.

"You would mostly hex us first and deduct points later!"

"And you don't have to worry about that," Ginny said. "It's not like you'll be in school when I'm in Fifth Year!"

"Too true," Fred said.

"Boys," Arthur began. They stopped their antics. "Congratulations, Ginny."

"Thanks Dad," Ginny replied softly.

"If we can move on," McGonagall said impatiently. "Per custom, I shall now read Mr. Longbottom's scores. Mr. Longbottom as Exceeds in Arithmancy and Runes. He achieved and Outstanding in Transfiguration. Given that you were barely passing before, Mr. Longbottom, that is quite an improvement."

Neville nodded. "I have a wand that works for me now."

"Whether it is the wand or not," McGonagall said, "what I have noticed is a marked increase in your confidence in yourself and your abilities and your OWL results bear that out. You also managed With Distinctions in Charms, Defense and Potions, the later being the biggest surprise."

Neville shrugged. "No Professor Snape," he said.

"Be that as it may, well done. Finally, I wish to congratulate you for your International Honors in Herbology."

"We expected no less," Susan said.

"Neville's right brilliant in that," Lucinda added proudly. "If all of us Longbottoms got Outstandings in Herbology, no doubt it was because of our Neville."

"Well said," Tracy added. "And it's no surprise about his Potions mark given the relation between the two subjects…"

"And no Snape," Parvati added.

"Very well done, Mr. Longbottom," Professor Sprout added. "I note than not one student in this Wing has failed to be able to advance to NEWT levels and I know this is due to your efforts, young man. Minerva? I am going to place a letter in Mr. Longbottom's permanent file suggesting that if he continues in this field, I am recommending him as my potential replacement for when I decide to retire. Do not worry, Neville, I still have a few years left in me."

"I will be submitting a similar letter on behalf of Miss Weasley," Professor Flitwick said, "provided she goes on to her Charms Mastery, of course."

"But…," Hermione began. "Oh this is unprecedented! Only Professor Dumbledore received such a letter before he took his NEWTs!"

"How do you know that?" Fred asked.

"It's in Hogwarts: A History," Hermione said, "and a few other books as well."

There was a long applause for Neville and Ginny. "May we move on?" MgGonagall asked. "Right then, Mr. Potter. You attained Exceeds in Arithmancy and Herbology…"

"Probably got nailed on the written portion of that one," Harry said mostly to Neville.

"You have made an Outstanding in Ancient Runes," McGonagall continued.

"Whoa!"

"With Distinctions in Charms, Transfiguration and Potions…"

"With Distinction?" Harry asked in surprise.

"It is indeed a vast improvement," McGonagall said, "particularly in Potions."

"Professors Turpin and Longbottom … they really know how to make it make sense," Harry said referring to their two potions instructors: Lisa's Mum, the now visibly pregnant Cynthia Turpin and Neville's Gran. It was a no nonsense class, but there was none of Snape's bullying or any of that. "One of them suggested I should think of it like cooking, at least the practical part of it, and it all clicked then."

"Be that as it may," McGonagall said, "you did quite well. And last, but not least, you achieved International Honors in Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"Whoa!" Harry said. "That's unbelievable!"

"Mr. Potter," McGonagall said, "you defeated a Mountain Troll as a short, eleven year old who knew nothing of magic First Year. You killed a basilisk in your Second Year. You drove off over one hundred dementors in your Third and destroyed five of them at least. Then there's this year. Regardless of why your in this Tournament, it is now clear you … well, I won't say belong … you're not out of your depth. You have already done more than most witches and wizards alive, regardless of their age! To think you'd do any less on your Defense OWLs … I expected no less, to be honest. For me, it is your other marks that … that make me proud to be one of your teachers. Not one student in this Wing is performing below and Outstanding level in Defense, and we know you're helping them! Their marks, like the marks most of you have received in Herbology thanks to Mr. Longbottom, are a reflection upon you and your abilities and willingness to share them. And let's not forget your increasingly formidable skills as a duelist. I, for one, am not surprised at that result. It is the others you achieved. A letter will be placed in your file as well. Merlin knows you'd be a better choice for Defense Professor right now than Quirrel or Lockhart."

Harry could not or would not respond. Even if he wanted to, the applause he was receiving would have prevented it.

"You need not worry, Mr. Potter," McGonagall continued. "As tempting as it might be, I would not recommend you for that position for at least a few years yet. This is - as the Muggles say - something for down the road as it were. I think it best that I continue to read the scores for the rest of the class. Miss Lee?"

"Yes Professor?" Andrea replied.

"You attained and Exceeds in Runes, otherwise they were all Outstandings and With Distinction in Defense," she said handing Andrea her letter. "Miss Turpin?"

"Yes Ma'am?" Lisa replied.

"Same marks as Miss Lee. Congratulations!"

"Thank you, Professor," Lisa said as she received her marks. She was actually quite pleased with them, although by now everyone had figured out the announcement was by class rank from bottom to top.

"Miss Lovegood," McGonagall said. "Were it not for Miss Weasley's Charms score, you would have International Honors. She edged you by only a point. Good job."

"Thank you, Professor," Luna said. "But I don't want a letter in my file about this."

"Miss Lovegood," Professor Flitwick said, "there shall be such a letter, but it is merely a recommendation. It does not commit you or anyone to teaching either here or in that discipline. As I understand it, your real focus is more as the Naturalist like your father and not the Spell Crafter like your mother, am I right?"

Luna nodded.

"Then, as I assume you will do very well on your Care of Magical Creatures OWLs in a couple of years, you can expect a similar letter from me in regards to that course. It is the least I can do for you seeing as I failed you for three years."

"Failed me, Professor?" Luna asked in confusion, a rare state for her.

"I have learned since coming here of your treatment at the hands of my House and it is … abominable! In this Wing, we have four who were not part of that at all and have already begun to do what should have been done the last two years and stand up for you, and we have a fourth who, I assume, will do so."

"It was just fun," Luna began.

"No, Miss Lovegood," Professor Flitwick said. "It was cruelty of the worst sort for students short of out right hexing! It is not something I would ever have tolerated! To steal your things? Maybe you did not value them, but what if you had? Would you let a friend suffer such indignities?"

"No Sir," Luna said. "Not my friends! But…"

"No 'Buts'!" Professor Flitwick exclaimed. "The Prefects then should have dealt with this your First Year and they failed to do so or chose not to! Miss Caldwell was the first and only Prefect to try, as I understand it, and that's unacceptable - not for her part, but for the others! Your roommates should have stood up for you rather than let that happen or take part in it! And yet, as I now believe, they were active participants in the abuse! I dare say, save for those of you who are in this Wing now, House Ravenclaw will soon see why it's not wise to piss me off!"

"Professor, I am fine with," Luna began.

"NO! Miss Lovegood, while I admire your spirit, this has far less to do with you than to deal with the issues that gave rise to You-Know-Who. Ravenclaw was second after Slytherin in producing Death Eaters and I will not allow that to happen again! He was all about superiority! Dumbledore be damned, not again! The five of you here, if belatedly, showed true loyalty to each other as have the others in the Lower Year who are with us. We may pride ourselves as Ravenclaws on our intellect, but loyalty and friendship… That is where true genius lies. You cannot do it all alone, whatever 'all' is. Professor McGonagall tells the lot of you that your House is your family, and yet one of my daughters is treated so and until recently none of her sisters have stood up for her? My Prefects didn't even bother to tell me, aside from Miss Caldwell? Even that was recent and even then they are in the minority? Unacceptable! The rest of Ravenclaw will soon learn a most harsh lesson and, Miss Lovegood, it's not about you! I'm a quarter Goblin on my mother's side. Ravenclaw shall soon know why that is something they should have thought about!"

"Honestly," Luna said, "I had all but forgotten about that. It seems like that was another life altogether. Besides, I live here now. I seriously doubt I'll be back in the dorms at all, what with little Delilah and all."

"Be that as it may, it should never have happened in the first place," McGonagall said, "now, if we could get back on task here?"

After a moment of silence, McGonagall continued. "I turn over this honor to Madam Maxine of Beauxbatons for the next two students. Madam Maxine."

"Merci, Professor McGonagall," she said in only moderately accented English. Either her English had improved markedly while living in the Wing, or she had been faking it these past several months.

"Mademoiselle Gabrielle Delacour," she said. Just like the British witches, it had been decided to address Gabrielle and Michelle by their maiden names when any two or more of their sister wives were present to avoid any confusion. "As you are aware from this morning, your sister Fleur received her NEWT scores and did quite well. Let us now see how you did." Madam Maxine opened the envelope, although it was clear to just about everyone she already knew the results. "Mademoiselle Delacour has received and Exceeds Expections in Arithmancy. She has an Outstanding in Charms and Herbology. She received With Distinctions in Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions. And last, but not least, she has attained French National Honors in Ancient Runes and Transfiguration. You certainly have brought honor to our school and your families Mademoiselle Delacour."

After a long applause, led mainly by House Potter and Gabrielle's parents and sister, Madam Maxine moved on. "Mademoiselle Michelle Marcella," she called out. "Mademoiselle Marcella has received an Exceeds Expectations in Arithmancy. She has an Outstanding in Herbology. She received With Distinctions in Ancient Runes, Charms and Transfiguration. Finally, she has attained French National Honors in Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions. Congratulations, Mademoiselle Marcella. You too have done honor to your school and your families."

She continued when the applause and congratulations died down. "Now, as proud as I am of these young ladies, there is a problem to deal with. They are, after all, students at Beauxbatons and not Hogwarts. Yet, because of their new families, to ask them to return to France next year would be unjust. I have spoken with Professor McGonagall, Monsieur Delacour with our French Ministry, Signore Marcella of the Italian Ministry, Mademoiselle Granger and others about this. We are looking into the possibility of setting up and exchange of sorts between Hogwarts, Beauxbatons and the Institute of Magic in Rome. Students would live at their home school - or in the case of Mademoiselles Delacour and Marcella, here in the South Wing - and attend many of their classes there. But they would also have the option of floo travel between the schools and attending classes at the other two schools and other activities as well. At the very least, we could allow for a student Quidditch League but there are other possibilities and opportunities we wish to explore. Naturally, language abilities will be important if you should attend class in another country. That being said, there are possible activities and exchanges where language is less important. For now, Mademoiselles Delacour and Marcella shall live here next year and attend some classes in France at the very least. But we hope they shall not be the only ones."

"Why didn't we have this sort of thing before?" Harry asked.

"But we did," Madam Maxine replied. "The Tri-Wizard Tournament is but one example, although we have not yet reached the best examples which occurred after the Statute of Secrecy."

"But this Tournament is not really an exchange," Harry replied. "It's just a silly contest and what we were told about why it started was mostly rubbish! We were told it was between the three preeminent magical schools in Europe when it started, but back in the Thirteenth Century, Hogwarts and Beauxbatons were merely among such schools - still are - and Durmstrang could not have been considered in that league! There was the Athenian School, dating from the fifth century BCE and the Italian school you mentioned dating from the third, although it's had several names since. There was also by then Cordoba in what is now Spain, and Florence and Milan, to name but a few. At that time and today, as I've now learned in your History lessons, there were and are five schools of magic in the British Isles, although the other four are newer than Hogwarts: one in England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland which were separate countries at the time. There were and are six schools in France. Yours is the oldest, but by then there was one near Calais…"

"Which at the time was technically English," Madam Maxine said, "as was the one in Aquitaine."

"But there was also Marseilles, Lyon and Avignon. While Hogwarts and Beauxbatons were 'preeminent,' the real reason was that the Headmaster of Durmstrang set the tournament up to prevent a war between Magical France and England and as Hogwarts was in Scotland - on 'neutral ground' - yet had half or more of its students from England, it made the best sense. At the time, and aside from joining together for Crusades, the Muggles in England and France were almost always at war with each other and the Magicals were thinking of throwing their own lot into that mix and damn the risk."

"Very good, Monsieur Potter," Madam Maxine said. "I see you paid attention."

"Wasn't hard," Harry said. "You and our other History teachers are not drop dead boring like Professor Binns."

"I never understood why Dumblydore keeps a ghost on staff," Madam Maxine said. "Then again, it's not like a ghost needs to be paid. Anyway, even a thousand years ago, students from one place would often attend school somewhere else. Durmstrang, for example, has students from Germany among other places, even though it lies in the Caucuses in what was once Russia but is now Georgia. We have students from many countries at Beauxbatons, Italy and Spain, but others as well. There was a time, however, then there was real exchange between schools. A student might spend five or six of his or her years at one school and a year or two in another country. That time occurred after the Statute of Secrecy when our magical economy improved."

"In fact," McGonagall said, "there were times when Hogwarts hosted a significant number of foreign students from France and elsewhere. This Wing was known as Beauxbatons West when I was in school. It had a large number of students from France fleeing the Muggle War and Grindelwald and his followers. This was a safe place, France was not. They were not sorted into our Houses, but had for all practical purposes their own House and teachers."

"What happened?" Harry asked. "Why is it this Tournament is the first time I even heard of other schools?"

"The Continent and Britain no longer truly get along," McGonagall said. "We here stayed out of the Grindelwald war, aside from allowing in refugees and such. It wasn't until the Muggles had destroyed most of Europe in their war that we finally … engaged, and even then it was on a small scale. Even though Professor Dumbledore's involvement ended that war, our neighbors would prefer to have little to do with us as they still feel we abandoned them. Though in our own recent troubles with Voldemort and his Death Eaters…" McGonagall shrugged.

"We feel you are willing to allow such dark times to return," Madam Maxine said. "Not all of us, mind you, but enough. My school currently does have an exchange program with Rome and Cordova. We had one with Hogwarts fifty years and more ago. Magical Britain abandoned us back then. Dumblydore was one of the few not to truly do so, but he is not Magical Britain despite his titles and positions. It is most unfortunate. Perhaps if there had been more foreign exchanges, the Death Eaters may not have found this school fertile ground for recruitment."

"It is perhaps true," McGonagall said. "I never agreed with not trying to re-establish our former ties with the Continent, but our Headmaster - while supportive of the notion - had other things of higher importance such as our last War and, more recently, Mr. Potter," she said with a shrug. "Of the five schools in Britain, we are the smallest by about a hundred students and while every school produced at least some Death Eaters, we produced the majority. No one House was immune, but…"

"Slytherin was the worst," Daphne said.

McGonagall nodded. "We have the smallest percentage of Muggle Borns of the five schools. Perhaps, if our numbers were higher…" she srugged again.

"Why the smallest?" Hermione asked.

"Over one in four magicals are Muggle Born. There are thirty-nine students in your year, Miss Granger. How many are Muggle Born?"

"There's Dean and Sally-Anne," Hermione began.

"Mr. Thomas is probably not truly one," McGonagall said. "Once a Muggle Mother has a magical child, the later ones tend to be as well, provided they are by the same father. Mr. Thomas's brother and sisters are at least four years younger than he is and none are magical. We also know Mr. Thomas's parents married when he was about a year or so old. We believe it possible that Mr. Thomas's real father was not a Muggle … it fits but without asking it cannot be proven. Who else?"

"Megan Jones in Hufflepuff and Justin Finch-Fletchly," Hermione said. "Anthony Goldstein in Ravenclaw. I think that's it."

"Miss McDougal from Ravenclaw is also one despite her pretenses otherwise. That's five out of nearly forty, when it should be about ten. Miss Jones is from Wales. Miss McDougal from Scotland. Mr. Goldstein, while not Irish, his family lives in Dublin. Like you, Mr. Finch-Fletchly is from England, but his parents paid handsomely for him to attend Hogwarts. They'd already had the money set aside to send him to Eton after all. His name was originally down for Kings' College of Magic - the English school. Roughly ten percent of our students here are Muggle Borns. They are assigned to us at random, an equal number from each of the other school regions. The rest are either legacies - from families that have sent their children here for ages - or paid extra to send their children here, or like Miss Chang and the Patils, were not born in this land and paid to send them here rather to the Scottish and English schools where they otherwise would have been assigned.

"It is not, as some would think, Salazar Slytherin's fault that Muggle Borns are disproportionate, nor that Purebloods are disproportionate in the other way," McGonagall explained. "A third of your students in your year and House are Purebloods. Hufflepuff, it's lower. Ravenclaw, it's four students, one higher than Gryffindor and in Slytherin it's nine of ten. Almost half of your class is Pureblood. I would note that your year is exceptional to that degree, but I would add that Purebloods are not represented in proportion to their percentage of the total population given that they are, as a whole, not more than about fifteen percent."

"Then why?" Hermione began.

"It is an old school and not a national one to be honest. The others are required to take in any magical children in their boundaries. Hogwarts, while originally open to any magical children and while it technically still is, has a lot of legacy families from all four Houses. Then there was the added problems that at the time the school was founded an efficient means of locating all Muggle Borns did not exist. That came centuries later. Add to it that most of the forms of magical travel we take for granted did not exist and it was difficult even in the beginning to bring all the Muggle Borns here. While apparition did exist, few attempted it over any real distance not that they could not, but rather because there was nothing like today's Magical Reversal Squad to set them to rights if they splinched. Floo travel in any form, much less as we know it today, did not exist before the late Thirteenth Century. Portkeys are even more recent creations and the Hogwarts Express as we know it was first introduced in 1887.

"Before then, all students had to make their ways from their homes to Hogwarts by other means, none of which were particularly safe. The fastest was to take a boat to what is now Glasgow or Inverness and then make your way overland. Even then, it could take weeks to get here. When each of the National Schools opened, it was simply more convenient for the children to attend closer to home. As a result, we only had a few Muggle Borns, mostly from wealthy families which, back then, meant their nobility just as most of our other young charges were by then coming from old and mostly wealthy magical families. Why would a less affluent family send their child all the way from Devon - let's say - to the north of Scotland when there was a school a couple of days journey away?

"A former Headmaster in the Seventeenth Century required that we take in Muggle Borns each year regarless, seeing that most if not all were by then attending the other schools. By then the transportation problems were mostly a thing of the past. Students arrived by Floo and new Muggle Born students could be given Portkeys. But our Board of Governors, while not all Pureblood Elitists, are all Purebloods. The majority of them are either like Lucius Malfoy - who took this position for the influence it carried - and believe that Muggle Borns have no real right to attend, or like Tyson Crusoe, who merely objects to needed to subsidize their educations as well as the less wealthy legacy families."

"So the Board of Governors is to blame for the disparity?" Hermione asked.

"More so than the Headmasters, although a few of them were of little help in that regard and even Dumbledore is far from perfect given that it was he who banned Muggle parents from visiting the school after some complaints about the 'conditions'," McGonagall said. "But it is the Board that controls such policies."

"And that is something we can change," Neville said. "We can't sack teachers, or Dumbledore, as the Heirs, but we can sack them!."

"I definitely want to see Lucius Malfoy get the sack," Harry said.

"I'd love to see how Draco reacts without his father being in a position to cover for the git," Daphne added.

"Actually, we probably could sack Professor Binns, seeing as he's already dead," Susan noted. "But this is all academic for now. We've got a hundred thirty and more days left before we return to real time and even then, aside from certain members of the Board, there's not much we really should do immediately as we are in a school year. More immediate will be getting our Wizengamot vote proxies in order as, if there's going to be any effective fallout, it will come mostly from that body and we have enough votes in theory to at least stall them indefinitely if not block any such moves altogether. Then there's this whole issue about how Voldemort has managed not to die we need to get to researching now that our OWLs are over."

"Yes, well this is all very well and good," McGongall said, "but we're here about your OWLs, and there are seven of you left. The remaining seven of you all received straight Outstandings! Well done. That being said, I will announce only those With Distinction or better. Miss Bell?"

"Yes Professor?"

"You earned With Distinctions in Defense and Transfiguration! Very well done indeed."

"Thank you, Professor.

"Miss Greengrass? You earned With Distinctions in Charms, Defense, Potions and Transfiguration! Outstanding work!"

Daphne shrugged but smiled. "As you haven't called Hermione, Susan or Padma, it means I'm fourth in my year."

"Given the level of performance we have seen across the board, that is nothing to be disappointed about, Miss Greengrass. Miss Bones? The only one here who did as well or better across the board was Miss Granger. Miss Bones received With Distinctions in everything except Herbology. What she did not achieve, which all of our remaining four have, was Honors level. Those are exceptional marks none the less, Miss Bones."

"Not Herbology?" Neville asked.

"It is seldom possible to get higher than and Outstanding in our field on OWLs," Professor Sprout said. "We don't offer 'extra credit' during the exam as many others do. To stand above a perfect score, we take into account your body of work to date, if we can and in your case we could. In your case, there was the paper you wrote on Gillyweed and submitted following the Second Task and your Greenhouse here in this Wing."

"I had help with that."

"Indeed," Professor Sprout said. "I understand Mr. Potter is quite the gardener. But you were the Herbologist-in-Charge. You decided what to grow where and how, and let's not forget your Mandrakes." She then looked at the others. "As my students here all know, during Second Year one of our tasks is to re-pot young Mandrakes and you all remember how that went."

There were chuckles.

"Imagine my surprise our third class week here when I taught that lesson and had all the Muggle parents in the classroom watching when we pulled our Mandrakes and - well there were a couple that were a bit whiny, but the others either cooed softly or seemed to be asleep through the whole process. Given that I had warned the Muggle parents about what to expect, it was a bit of a let down for them. So I asked Mr. Longbottom and he said he was running and experiment. He figured the reason the Mandrakes were so nasty when pulled from the ground was the shock of it all. So, the night before my class, he placed a Calming Drought in his fertilizer mix and used it on the plants. No one ever thought of doing that! That's Mastery Level stuff, that is. Hence his honors, and well deserved as well although I am still waiting for your paper on that, Mr. Longbottom."

"It's done," Neville said. "My ladies are going over it for spelling and such. You'll have it in a week or less."

"That'll be fine, Mr. Longbottom."

"Continuing?" McGonagall asked. When everyone nodded their agreement, she did. "Miss Caldwell? With Distinctions in Charms, Defense and Transfiguration. Congratulations, Miss Caldwell, you earned British National Honors in Arithmancy."

There was applause, the loudest coming from House Longbottom. "Miss Padma Patil," McGonagall continued. "You have With Distinctions in Ancient Runes, Charms, Defense and Transfiguration. Congratulations, Miss Patil. You tied Miss Caldwell in Arithmancy, thus you too have earned National Honors."

Now loudest and longest applause was from Parvati, followed by House Potter. "Miss Urquhart," McGonagall called. "You earned With Distinctions in Arithmancy, Ancient Runes and Defense. Congratulations, Miss Urquhart. You earned International Honors in Potions."

"Ooooh," a voice said, "Professor Snape's gonna have kittens one way or the other!"

"Miss Greengrass?" McGonagall asked seeing who had spoken.

"At the beginning of every year we get the same lecture from him," Daphne said. "My First year, it was how could we win the House Cup the year before and still finish dead last of the four houses on our OWLs. Since then, he's also been on about the Cup, but it's the OWLs that get him all riled. We do well in potions, he says, but quote 'fuck all' enquote in just about everything else. HE got straight Outstandings, several With Distinction and British Honors in Potions. No one has attained honors since him."

"How can we call ourselves the best House," Lucinda continued, "if we are the only one that has to hold back students and are at the bottom on our OWLs? It's not every one of us, but enough! One thing I think he's right about each year: we cannot expect to be successful just because we're Slytherins or Purebloods or from respectable families. We have to work to succeed. And yet every year, as a whole our House mates fail to perform outside of his class. His point was that no one has equaled his results since 1976 - the year he took his OWLs and I just beat him, at least in those classes."

"He'll need a new lecture point next year, given our results," Tracey said.

"Then again," Rosie said, "maybe not. Everyone else in Slytherin doesn't consider us true Slytherins and arguably we're not anymore. We are Potters and Longbottoms!"

McGonagall nodded. "Last, but certainly not least, Miss Granger. As I said before, she achieved at least a With Distinction in everything except Herbology…"

"Which probably bugs her," one of the Weasley Twins said.

"… and we explained why that was the case," McGonagall continued. "Congratulations, Miss Granger. You received International Honors in Ancient Runes. Then again, given the warding work you either did or supervised in this Wing, anything less would have been a disappointment. What really makes me proud is that you have also received International Honors in Transfiguration. Well done! All four of you shall also receive letters suggesting you be considered at some time in the future as professors in those disciplines. Miss Patil and Miss Granger will receive two, as Miss Patil was just behind Miss Granger in Ancient Runes. Miss Bones will also receive a letter due to the fact that only Miss Urquhart outperformed her in Potions.

"I believe I speak for all of your Professors in this Wing. We are proud of all of you and you should all be proud of your results."

"Party tonight!" one of the Weasley Twins called out.

"And I get to dance the night away with my Harry," Katie added. She was, after all, Harry's Witch of the Day. "Assuming, of course, little Michael cooperates," she added.