Shadow - Sequel To Light

Chapter Twenty-Two: Over

I was jostled awake by the sound of the infirmary doors opening. Albus whined softly in Harry's arms before settling back to sleep. Harry, still sound asleep, instinctively held him a little tighter to his chest as he reclined in the armchair near my bed. I smiled over them before letting my eyes meet whoever had come in. Ron and the Weasley clan, trekked in with Lily and James in tow. I smiled brightly as my twins got closer, reaching for me and calling out to me.

"Hi, my precious little ones." I cooed, taking them into my arms and hugging them close. I kissed both of them until they whined a little in annoyance. "Hello everyone." I acknowledged my family. I glanced over at Harry, who had apparently woken when Lily and James had begun calling for me. The second I glanced at him, the family's eyes turned to Albus and it was a done deal.

Mum gushed and hurried over to see if she could hold him. Harry carefully placed Albus in her arms with a grin and moved so she could take his seat. The moment he was sure she was settled, he moved to my side, kissing my forehead. The twins reached for him with tiny whines and he chuckled as he took them into his arms. For me, seeing Albus in Mum's arms and the twins with their father, it was a beautiful sight just looking at my family.

Chairs were bought out so everybody could lounge around as we chattered on and on. The matron brought me my tea with the herbs I needed to heal my fanny and I finished off the pot quickly while we sat and talked. Students and faculty came by sporadically and dropped off gifts. All classes that our family instructed were given assignments to do in place of class but most of them were quite easy. Between all of the adults, the twins and Albus were always being held and I was proud of my neices and nephews for not getting jealous of the newcommers. They had been so good that we had given each of them, that was old enough, a few minutes to hold each of the babies. Though, admittedly, Lily and James were a little too big for some of them.

After the matron bought out my second kettle of tea, Draco finally made his way to the hospital wing and was able to meet the newest of his Godchildren. The excitement in his face and the pure happiness was so gratifying to see. As he glanced around at all of us, stopping to give a loving look to each of the twins and Albus, I knew he was feeling true happiness. He was feeling the love around him and willing to give it back tenfold. Draco had never truly been completely evil, he was just a product of a bad situation. Now, with us, he was so much more than he probably ever hoped to be. He was a man to be proud of.

The family sat around with Harry and I for long hours, having food brought in for all of us so we didn't miss a beat. I didn't know how I got so lucky, having so many people I love with me and having three beautiful, healthy babies.

"So I'm assuming there's going to be some kind of birth control now, right, mate? Just in case you two decide to go off and hump like bunnies again. I love my Godchildren but I'm not sure Hermione's pelvis can pop anymore out." Ron joked.

"Haha, Ron." I said sarcastically, throwing a piece of the food from my tray at his head.

"Hey, hey. I'm just foolin'." He laughed, receiving a few slaps from the family. Just then Lily yawned, followed closely by James, then Albus began wailing. I knew right then our little family time was over.

"Alright, you lot, time for mummy and baby to get some rest." The matron bustled, shooing everybody. I kissed both Lily and James, both were going back to our chambers with Ron and Draco until I could get out of the hospital wing. Harry walked with them to the door while I breastfed Albus and the nurse set the bed so Harry could join me.

"The last Triwizard event is Sunday." Harry sighed, laying down beside me.

"I know, I should be out by then. I'll be ready to cheer on the students and chaperone as much as possible." I yawned, moving Albus, who had fallen asleep against my breast, into the crib next to the bed. "Sweet dreams, little one." I whispered before nestling into Harry's arms and letting his heartbeat lull me to sleep.