=== June 7, 1997 ===
Rose and Iris woke to find a present sitting on the foot of each of their beds. They look at each other and open the presents. Iris pulls out a beautiful purple and blue dress, and Rose the same dress except in pink.
A little later they walk out of their room in their new dresses. "Happy birthday, Rose and Iris." Hermione says.
Iris shakes her head. "Monday is our birthday."
"We have exams on Monday, so we can't properly celebrate your birthday." Harry says. "So we figured we'd use the weekend."
"What about our siblings?" Rose asks.
"Dobby and Winky are watching them for the weekend, they insisted." Hermione says.
"Can we go to Hogsmeade and get candy then?" Iris asks.
"Sure, just don't eat too much. We're going to have cake and ice cream later." Harry says.
######
With the threat of Voldemort gone the town felt more alive then it ever had. They arrive at Honeydukes and the girls immediately start looking around. "Hi ladies" a young blonde -haired man says from behind the counter.
"Hello sir!" They reply in unison.
"Suchgood manners." The man says. "My name is Lorian, but you can call me Lore."
"Rose."
"Iris."
"Well met, I see your parents dropped you off on your older siblings." Lore says, indicating Harry and Hermione.
Rose and Iris giggle. "That's Mommy and Daddy silly." Rose says.
Lore looks at them astonished. "You two are what, 5?"
"We turn 2 Monday.* Iris answers.
"Really?" Lore asks and they nod. "Then happy birthday."
"Thank you." They say together.
"Here, I got just the thing for you." Lore says. "I make up bags that have a little bit of everything for those that come here for their first time. Would you like one of those each?"
"Yes, please!" They answer in unison.
"Here you are, on the house." Lore says, as he hands them each a bag.
"Thank you again!" They say as they each take their bag then walk over to their parents.
#####
In the Great Hall that evening, they all sit at the table when suddenly two small cakes appear, one in front of each of the twins. Both cakes are iced with chocolate icing and have two lit candles.
The entire school sings to them, causing them both to blush slightly. Then they blow out their candles.
"What did you two wish for?" Hermione asks.
"I have everything I want." Iris says and Rose nods.
Harry and Hermione hug them both.
=== June 21, 1997 ===
With new teachers so late in the year exams in those classes were cancelled, except for the O. and N.E. . With 3 less cexams to study for the others seemed like a breeze. So before anyone knew it the time had come to once again head home for the summer. Harry and Hermione are packing their trunks, the twins keeping an eye on the triplets when a knock comes on their door.
Harry goes over and opens the door. "Hey Shannon, come on in." He says to her, letting her into the room. "Forgive us, we're packing up to go home."
"That's what I was hoping to talk to you about." Shannon says.
"Something the matter?" Hermione asks.
"Mum told me she's going to be very busy this summer since next year will be her first full year as Headmistress." Shannon explains. "I was wondering if I could come stay with you and help with the triplets."
Hermione goes over and hugs Shannon. "You are welcome to come stay, you're like another daughter to us."
"Thank you." Shannon says as she breaks the hug and runs off.
"You know she's going to call your parents grandma and grandpa now, right?" Harry asks.
Hermione chuckles. "I'm sure they won't care."
"True." Harry says as he closes his trunk and shrinks it down. "All packed."
"Me too." Hermione says.
######
Hermione steps into the train car and enlarges it. "You didn't summon the grimoire." Harry says, surprised.
Hermione smiles and nods. "The diadem makes me stronger."
"Good to know." Harry says as they claim a spot in the car.
"Wow! This is amazing!" Shannon says.
Harry and Hermione both turn and see Shannon examining the car. "Can you teach me to do this?" She asks.
"When you're ready." Hermione answers.
Shannon nods, knowing better than to ask when that would be. She walks over to the twins who are sitting on the floor playing, they move and let her join.
A few minutes later Draco and Amanda join them with their twins. "Did you make the car bigger than usual?" Amanda asks as she sits.
Hermione nods. "Also one-way sound resistant, so the babies don't bother the rest of the train."
"Makes sense." Amanda says.
"Hey everyone." Neville says as he comes in with Hannah and the babies.
"Hey," Hermione says. "How's Alison?"
"So far so good." Hannah says. "I still can't believe you saved her life."
"I'm a mother too, I couldn't let her go if I could help." Hermione says.
"Looks like we're the last ones here." Lavender says.
"That's all my fault." Ron says. "I wanted to check on your sister."
"We are responsible for her, so she's more like a teenage daughter than a sister." Lavender admits.
Ron nods. "True." They come all the way in and find a seat. "Hey Shannon, what are you doing here?"
"Mum's going to be super busy this summer, so I asked if I could stay with the Potters for the summer." Shannon answers.
"Nice," Ron says. "You can be the in house babysitter."
"Only when and if I want." Shannon says. "Hermione told me to try and enjoy my last summer before Hogwarts."
"That sounds nice." Ron says.
Shannon smiles and nods. "It does."
#####
The train makes a hiss as it pulls up to the station. "Alright girls, you ready?" Hermione asks.
"Yes!" The twins say in unison.
"Can I help you carry something?" Shannon asks.
"Don't you have luggage?" Hermione asks.
"Mum shrunk it, said you could enlarge it for me." Shannon answers.
Hermione nods. "Very well, then will you take one of the triplets?"
"Sure." Shannon answers as she takes a carrier and they all head out.
As soon as they're off the train the twins dart for Helen and Richard. "Grammy!" Iris shouts.
"Poppy!" Rose yells. They crash into their grandparents and hug them tight.
Hermione chuckles as she walks up. "Looks like they got you."
"We missed them, so we don't mind." Richard says.
"Don't forget you have other grandchildren now." Harry says.
"Trust me we won't." Helen says then she sees Shannon. "And Shannon right? You came by on Boxing Day"
"That's correct." Shannon says.
"Her mum's going to be busy so she's going to be staying with us for the summer." Hermione says.
"You keep bringing home strays we'll need to make the house bigger again." Richard teases.
"I don't mean to cause any problems, sir." Shannon says.
"There will be no calling me sir." Richard says. "You may call Richard."
"Shannon, our big sis." Iris says. "She should call you Poppy."
Richard chuckles. "That would work too."
Shannon smiles. "Thanks, Poppy."
#####
After an uneventful trip home Hermione shows Shannon how to operate all the muggle appliances. Then takes her to the back. "Our room is the large one at the end. The twins share the one closest to us on the right. You can have your pick of the other 3."
"Anything special about any of the rooms?" Shannon asks.
"If you pick the other one on the right you'll share a bathroom with the twins." Hermione answers.
"That'll work." Shannon says.
=== June 24, 1997 ===
Shannon comes out front and finds the twins eating cereal. "Are you two the only ones up?" Shannon asks.
They both nod. "Mum and Dad looked exhausted." Iris says.
"I think the triplets had them up all night." Rose adds.
"Just most of it." Hermione says from the doorway.
"Mum!" The twins yell as they practically leap from their chairs and run to Hermione.
"I love you too." Hermione says as she hugs back, then the twins go back to the table and eat. Hermione starts a pot of coffee. "How are you Shannon?"
"I'm good," Shannon answers.
"The twins aren't bothering you at night are they?" Hermione asks.
"No, they're really good about that." Shannon answers. "They didn't even get me up this morning."
"I'm glad to hear that." Hermione says.
An owl drops a fancy letter on the table. Iris carefully picks it up. "It's pretty"
"Can you read it?" Shannon asks, holding her hand up to stop Hermione.
"We cor..dial..ly invite you to the wedding of William Arthur Weasley and Fleur Isabelle Del..a..cor on August 1st, 1997. Feel free to bring your children." Iris reads aloud.
"Very good, Miss Maria would be proud." Shannon says.
Iris blushes slightly as she puts the letter down. "Thank you." She says.
"I'll write her back and RSVP." Hermione says. "Do you want me to see if you can come along?"
Shannon nods. "I would like that."
=== June 25, 1997 ===
Early in the morning Hermione finds Shannon sitting in the living room with the twins, both twins have a bowl of cereal and are carefully eating while watching TV. "Morning."
"Morning," Shannon says as she gets up and they both walk into the kitchen. "Hope you don't mind them watching TV while eating breakfast."
"It's fine as long as they don't make a mess." Hermione answers.
"They're being really careful.
"What are they watching?"
"Thomas, the tank engine." Shannon replies. "I think I remember watching it when I was little."
"You've started to remember before you were adopted?" Hermione asks concerned.
Shannon nods. "Madam Pomphrey said it was possible, just not likely."
"Have you remembered anything else?"
"I don't think so."
"Just remember we're here if you need to talk about anything, even if you think it's a bad memory don't be afraid to talk about it." Hermione says.
"Thanks." Shannon says.
"By the way, I got a reply from Fleur and you are welcome to come to the wedding." Hermione says. "Her sister will be there, so you'll have someone close to your age."
Shannon smiles. "Sounds like fun."
=== July 31, 1997 ===
The Potters, Grangers, Luna and Shannon are sitting eating breakfast when an owl flies in and drops off letters with the Hogwarts seal on them in front of Harry, Hermione, Ginny and Luna. Both Harry and Hermione stop eating and pick up their letter and stare at them.
"They're not going to open themselves." Shannon says.
"We know." Hermione says. "This is just so surreal. Inside is our final school list. Which means our final trip to Diagon Alley for our school supplies."
"It's not like you won't ever go there again." Shannon says.
"Yeah," Ginny says as she folds up her letter. "You two can come with me next year."
"With my mum being Headmistress now I'm sure I can convince her to let you two take me." Shannon says.
"By the time Shannon's done it'll almost be time for Iris and Rose." Helen says. *So you'll still spend plenty of time in Diagon Alley."
"I know, but we won't be going to Hogwarts." Hermione says. "Without Hogwarts, we'd have never met." She reaches over and takes Harry's hand.
"Never fall in love, and become the happy family we are." Harry finishes.
"Aren't you two Heirs of Hogwarts?" Richard asks and they both nod. "Then surely you two can go walk its halls anytime you want."
Hermione smiles. "Thanks Dad, that helps. She opens the envelope and pulls out the letter when something else falls out of the envelope. She stops and looks at the Head Girl badge now laying on the table.
"Hermione?" Harry asks, concerned. *Are you okay?"
Hermione picks up the badge. "Look."
"Head Girl, that's great!" Harry exclaims. *That's what you always wanted." He notices tears in eyes. "Isn't it?"
"I can't accept this, and you know it!" Hermione cries.
Harry gets up and hugs her, leaving his envelope unopened. As he hugs her he sees the papers in her hand. *Hermione, one of those is a letter from McGonagall."
Hermione wipes her eyes with her free hand and then reads the letter.
Dear Missus Potter,
I'm sure by now you've seen the badge that accompanies this letter. I'm sure you're thinking that much like being prefect you should turn this down. Before you do so I want to tell you this:
As Headmistress it's my duty and responsibility to find the best and brightest for the position of Head Girl and Head Boy. You are without a doubt the brightest student in your year.
You are a role model for the younger students to look up to. I know you will argue that you are not as you have children, but I think of it as you are one because of them. Not once have you let your grades slip, not even a fraction.
Yes, you have help, but you give those that help you help in return, and THAT is the spirit of Hogwarts. Anyone that can juggle saving the school, schoolwork and raising a family all at the same time and do so successfully is the kind person that I want as Head Girl.
As for the additional duties, I have a feeling that patrolling the halls won't be an issue with that marvelous map of yours. Especially since as Heirs I can allow you to apparate inside the wards, how much easier would things have been if Dumbledore had done that?
Now, I leave you to make your choice. Tap the badge with your wand and say either accept or decline. If you choose to accept the Head Boy badge will appear for Harry. If I can't have you both I will go to the next in line.
Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Headmistress, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Hermione puts down the letter. "Well, she makes a good argument."
"She does." Harry says, "and I think we should listen to her."
Hermione pulls out her wand and taps the badge. "I accept." The Head Boy badge appears next to her, she picks it up and hands it to Harry.