A/N: Here it is! The final chapter. It has been a long journey for all of us but it had to end sometime. I would have liked to continue this but my busy schedule has forced me to call it quits. I've enjoyed every bit of it. I'm going to miss writing. Though the story ends here I may post 'some stuff' later on. Thanks to all the reviewers of the last chapter. For those who asked, there will be no sequel. Sorry about that.
This chapter has plenty of jumps in time. Please keep them in mind. It starts with Harry and Hermione's wedding night. Those of you who wanted a description of the post engagement and the actual marriage will be disappointed. Those who wanted to meet the triplets will get plenty of it and even more. For the last time I'm asking… PLEASE REVIEW. I promise not to bug you guys after this. So for the final time… Happy reading! Hope you enjoyed the story!
Chapter Twenty-Three: Legendary Love
"I can't believe it. We're married," said Hermione happily, as they entered their bedroom. The ceremony had been magnificent. Ron was the best man while Ginny was the bridesmaid. They had tears in their eyes during the exchange of rings.
"You're stuck with me for life now," said Harry while kissing her deeply.
"I'm more than prepared for that Mr. Potter," replied Hermione.
"You better be, Mrs. Potter. Wow, it feels great to call you that!" remarked Harry.
"This has been the happiest day of my life. Marriage is not much of a change for us. It won't change our life or relationship drastically. Yet it feels different, for the better. Just knowing we're 'officially' together," said Hermione.
"You looked awesome in that gown. Not a soul could have guessed you are seven months pregnant with triplets. My breath got caught in the throat the moment I saw you," commented Harry.
"I was slightly nervous but when I saw you it disappeared. Last night I kept feeling something would go wrong. I guess they were jitters," said Hermione.
"It's a pity we can't celebrate our wedding night in bed. One of the very few disadvantages of your being pregnant. However the advantages outweigh them easily," said Harry.
"We'll have plenty of time to make it up. Look at you being such a happy father. Who'll say you didn't want to have the babies?" questioned Hermione jokingly but Harry tensed.
"Please don't remind me of that. I was a total jerk at that time. Thanks to Susan I came around. Otherwise I could have lost you and the babies for good. I want to forget that phase of my life," he said stiffly. Hermione put her arm on his shoulder.
"That is behind us Harry. We all learn from our mistakes. You've done well after that. We both have. The finances are stable as Grimmauld Place is sold. I've got a two year leave sanctioned. Due to my good academic record I'll be able to rejoin where I left off. You'll get six months off provided you keep up your physical fitness. We can both share the workload at home. Managing three of them won't be an easy task," said Hermione trying to soothe him.
"Hermione I have one request. We'll never tell the children that I'd suggested an abortion. Only our close friends know about it. We'll ask them to keep quiet. I don't want the children to hate me. I'm really ashamed of my behavior at that time," said Harry.
"Okay we won't tell them. But let's not discuss such things on our wedding night. This is the happiest day of our lives. My pregnancy prevents us from being intimate but let's keep the mood up," suggested Hermione.
"So you don't mind not going for a honeymoon?" asked Harry.
"Not at all! We couldn't have gone on a honeymoon at this time. Unfortunately it'll have to wait for quite long while. We can't go once the children are born. It'll be four or five years before we can go on a honeymoon. We can't leave all three of them with anyone. It wouldn't be fair. However this is no less than any honeymoon," replied Hermione. They were totally satisfied with the day. They slept peacefully, for the first time as husband and wife.
**** **** **** ****
SIX WEEKS LATER
**** **** **** ****
"Aaaaaah!" screamed Hermione, as a contraction swept over her. Her nails were digging into Harry's wrists. Harry looked expectantly towards Dr. Bones.
"I think she's ready," said Dr. Bones. "Okay Hermione, now you've got to push. It'll take some effort but that's how it is," she added. Harry wiped the sweat off Hermione's forehead. Hermione started pushing. Dr. Bones kept encouraging her.
"One last time, it's almost there," she urged. Within a minute Dr. Bones was holding tiny but healthy baby girl. Hermione tried to smile but another contraction prevented her from doing so. Dr. Bones handed the baby to a nurse.
"How long will it take for the next one?" asked Harry seeing the pain Hermione was in.
"It varies between five and thirty minutes," replied Dr. Bones. Luckily for them it took only ten minutes. It was a boy this time. Hermione really looked knackered.
"I can't do it anymore," she said softly.
"Just one more. Everything has gone smoothly. You can do this," said Harry. Dr. Bones kept reassuring them everything was alright.
Finally after fifteen minutes, a baby girl was born. At last Hermione was able to smile. All the babies were healthy despite being two weeks premature. Harry held onto Hermione's hand.
"We are parents," he said kissing her.
"I know but I'm really tired," replied Hermione.
"You take a nap. I'll go outside and tell the news to everybody. They've been waiting a long time," said Harry tucking her in. He went outside the maternity room. There was a whole crowd waiting outside including Robert, Diana, Molly, Arthur, Ron, Luna, Ginny, Neville and many more.
"We are proud parents of two girls and a boy," announced Harry. Everybody congratulated him and inundated him with questions.
It was late in the evening. Everybody had left the hospital. Harry was sitting by Hermione, who was still asleep. Three small cribs were besides Hermione. The babies were fast asleep in them. Hermione's eyes fluttered open.
"Hi, had a nice nap?" asked Harry.
"Yes I did. Can I see them?" said Hermione.
"Just look to your left," said Harry with a smile. As Hermione saw the three babies her eyes filled with tears.
"They're so cute," she whispered. Both of them kept looking at the babies. Harry broke the silence.
"If you're up to it, can we decide the names?" he asked. Hermione nodded.
"I don't think we should name them after any of our parents. Those can be the second names. How does Christine Lily sound?" said Harry.
"That's sweet. So that's decided which leaves the other two. I was thinking of Adrian and Catherine. Adrian James and Catherine Diane," said Hermione.
"Wow you certainly came up with great names. They aren't very uncommon but seem to suit them. If we have another one, we'll name it after your dad," replied Harry.
"So Christine, Adrian and Catherine they are. Coincidently the sisters have similar names," remarked Hermione.
"One more thing remains. Who do we make the godparents? Ron is the obvious choice for godfather. For godmother should it be Luna or Ginny?" asked Harry.
"Since Ron will be godfather, Luna is the obvious choice for godmother. I don't think Ginny will mind," replied Hermione.
"That's fine by me. The Potter family is expanding. I'm glad it happened with you," said Harry happily.
Two days later the five of them were returning to Peaceden. Robert and Diana were going to help them as carrying three babies would be tough. Harry opened the front door as Hermione, Robert and Diana were holding the three babies.
"Welcome home kiddies! This is where you'll be staying. Let's show you your nursery," said Harry looking at Christine.
"Come on Harry, they can't hear you. Perhaps we should take them to their cribs first, which are in our room," suggested Hermione. Precisely at that moment Catherine opened her eyes.
"Did you see that? She heard and understood every word I said. Let's take them to the nursery," said Harry excitedly.
"Harry you are incorrigible! You were looking at Christine, not Catherine. Anyway if you wish we can go to the nursery," replied Hermione. Together they walked t the nursery. Harry tried to show some toys to Adrian but Hermione wouldn't have any of it.
"Harry there is cotton in that teddy bear! It may cause an allergic reaction. I'm taking them to our bedroom," said Hermione and carried Adrian to the bedroom. Robert and Diana followed with Christine and Catherine.
Hermione's parents stayed till the evening as Harry had to go to the Ministry to finalize his leave. He came back satisfied. He had been granted leave for three months with an option to extend it by three more if required. He had also been offered a part time job as the seeker of the Puddlemere United reserve squad. The coach felt that with his skills Harry wouldn't need much practice. He could only turn up for the matches. However Harry had declined the offer. Since money was no longer an issue he wanted to focus all his attention in helping Hermione with the kids. That night Harry and Hermione sat on their bed.
"I was quite childish when we came is, wasn't I? I don't want to be a bad father. I was just excited," said Harry.
"It's alright Harry. Both of us will get better with time. Though getting the teddy bear was irresponsible, the welcome was quite cute," replied Hermione.
"Just look at the three of them! I couldn't have asked for anything better than this. You, me and the kids! I'm willing to face all the tough moments with raising the kids for moments like this," said Harry embracing Hermione.
"It's simply great," replied Hermione.
**** **** **** **** **** ****
FOURTEEN YEARS LATER
**** **** **** **** **** ****
Six year old Nicholas Robert Potter was waiting excitedly at King Cross' station with her parents. Today was a big day for him as his older siblings Christine, Adrian and Catherine were returning from Hogwarts after finishing their third year. He had been counting days off late.
"Daddy why isn't the train coming?" asked Nicholas impatiently.
"It's not time yet Nick. They'll be here very soon," replied Harry. This was the sixth time he was asking this question.
"There it comes!" said Hermione to Nick. Nick started jumping with his finger pointed at the train. Harry and Hermione watched with amused expressions. The triplets got down from the train. Nick ran towards them. He hugged Adrian.
"Hi little man, I've missed you," greeted Adrian. Catherine joined the group and ruffled Nick's hair. Hermione walked ahead to greet her children. Harry noticed Christine talking to a boy of about her age. She hadn't greeted them yet. When she finally came to join them Harry spoke to her.
"Who was that bloke?" he asked.
"Dad you haven't yet said hi to me," protested Christine blushing a bit. Catherine and Adrian giggled.
"Hi Christine, but you still have to answer my question," said Harry impressed at Christine's effort to change the subject.
"Just a friend of mine," replied Christine shortly. Adrian sniggered softly. Christine glared towards him.
"I didn't miss that. I know there is something more," said Harry. Hermione tried to intervene but Christine spoke before that.
"Fine! His name is Henry. He is French. In school everybody makes fun of him because of his accent. So I try to be nice to him," answered Christine.
"Harry, we can trust Christine on this," said Hermione trying to divert both their attention.
"You aren't dating, are you? You are just fourteen," pressed Harry. Christine blushed again. But she also got angry.
"We're not dating! We've gone to Hogsmede once and that's it! And I'm not answering any more questions. Ever since I've arrived you've just been quizzing me about Henry," shouted Christine and started walking away.
"Look what you've done! You'd better go and fix the mess you've created. We have to trust her on what she's saying," said Hermione to Harry. Harry went after Christine. Hermione and Adrian followed them. Catherine and Nick made up the rear.
"Is Henry Christine's boyfriend?" asked Nick. Catherine laughed.
"Not yet but me and Adrian think that he might be soon. We feel Chris likes him. Don't babble this in front of Dad though he must have guessed most of it," replied Catherine. Nick nodded.
Harry had apologized to Christine. So things were very peaceful at home. In the night all of them sat up playing Exploding Snap. Nick was really enjoying the day. It was past his bedtime but Harry and Hermione had let him stay up. He loved being with his siblings. After they finished playing he and Adrian went into their room. Christine and Catherine went into theirs.
"So when will Christine and Henry become boyfriend and girlfriend?" asked Nick curiously. Adrian was surprised.
"Who told you?" he asked.
"Catherine says that it may happen soon," replied Nick. Adrian sighed.
"Nothing is certain yet. Both of them are just fourteen. That's too young to start seeing each other seriously. How come these things are interesting you? Boys of your age often hate the opposite sex," said Adrian.
"I'm just interested in my sister. So do you think they'll get married when they are older?" asked Nick innocently. Adrian coughed in amusement.
"Nick! Marriage is not like that. You have to love each other to get married. Wait… you wouldn't know what love is. It is…," Adrian started thinking.
"I know! Love is like Daddy loves Mummy. Like Uncle Ron loves Aunt Luna. But Daddy is the best. Nobody can love anyone more than Daddy loves Mummy," said Nick loyally. Adrian laughed.
"That's a good example but I don't think anyone can describe love unless they fall in love. And there is someone I know who could compete with Dad, when it comes to loving," replied Adrian.
"No there isn't. Who are you thinking about?" asked Nick.
"Mum. She loves Dad as much as he loves her," answered Adrian. Both of them started laughing.
"The best lovers! Mummy and Daddy," announced Nick proudly.
In the next room Christine and Catherine were having an animated discussion about the events at the station.
"You handled the situation with Dad well," said Catherine.
"I would have handled it better if you and Adrian weren't constantly giggling," said Christine.
"Come on Chris! It was funny from our point of view. Dad trying to be his usual protective self and you trying to come up with answers. But it was too obvious. You blushed every time he was mentioned," said Catherine.
"There's nothing like that Cathy! We're just good friends. Okay… very good friends. I don't know why everyone is so horrid to him, specially the Slytherins'. I just try and be there for him," replied Christine.
"You are blushing so deeply that I can see it in the darkness. There's no need to hide anything from me. I won't leak any information. You must be feeling something for him. The whole school suspects something between you two," urged Catherine.
"Alright, I'm happy whenever the two of us are together. I really enjoyed when the two of us went to Hogsmede together. Sometimes my stomach flips when he smiles at me. He's a very helpful person and has a great personality. I don't know what all this means but I've told you what I feel," said Christine. Catherine smiled.
"I'm as old as you. So I can't tell you what this means. But judging by your actions I feel that there is definitely something more than friendship between you two. I'm willing to bet that before we finish our fourth year, he'll be your boyfriend," said Catherine.
"How can you be so sure?" asked Christine.
"I know you too well. You would have denied it outright if there wasn't anything. I think Henry feels the same way. Both of you have to realize it. Maybe you should have a talk with Mum sometime. She'll help you clear your doubts. Once Mum is okay with it, Dad will relent," suggested Catherine.
"I'll do that. I think she'll already know there is something going on," replied Christine. Both of them went to sleep satisfied.
The next day was a Sunday. The six of them had breakfast together. It was a wonderful for all of them to start the day together after such a long time. Nick was the happiest of the lot.
"Daddy, can we play Quidditch?" he asked. The triplets immediately backed him up. They enjoyed playing Quidditch with their father. Christine and Adrian were already in the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Christine was the Seeker while Adrian was a Beater. Catherine who was the studious of the lot wasn't too bad either. She wasn't naturally talented like the other two but Harry expected her to make the team at some point. He had coached her to be a Chaser and was satisfied with the progress she was making.
"Okay but Nick you'll have to fly with me. You can't take your toy broomstick to that height. Me, Nick and Cathy will take on Chris and Adrian," said Harry.
"Be careful with Nick Harry. He's quite big now. You'll have difficulty in controlling the broom," cautioned Hermione.
"Mum, you are speaking like a flying expert. Do you want to try and take a ride?" joked Adrian.
"I'm not that bad. After being with Dad for so long, I've improved quite a bit. At least I can remain steady on a broom," said Hermione defending herself.
"Then play with us," said Harry unexpectedly.
"Don't be silly Harry! How can you expect…" started Hermione but was interrupted by her children.
"Yeah Mum, play with us! Play with us!" they chorused together.
"Mum, please play with us," joined in Harry. Hermione covered her ears in all the noise.
"Okay now listen! You all know very well if I take my hand off the broom to catch the quaffle I'll fall. So there's no way I'm going to play. But I have a compromise. I'll go up with you and be the referee. How does that sound?" said Hermione.
"That'll be fun! Let's go," said Catherine. All of them took their brooms and went to the back lawns. The game was well contested. Finally Christine and Adrian emerged victorious only Harry was having problem steering the broom with the 'big' Nick on it.
In the afternoon Nick was reading a book on great wizards. It was a children's edition. His mother had presented it to him on his last birthday. Christine and Catherine were with him. Adrian was playing chess with Harry in the other room.
"Hey Cathy, what does this word mean?" asked Nick pointing to a word in the book.
"Legendary… it means something famous. Something which can't be surpassed. As it says here '…the legendary Albus Dumbledore…' it means there were no wizards greater than Albus Dumbledore during his age," explained Catherine.
"Can you give me some examples?" asked Nick eagerly.
"Well there can be a legendary Quidditch player, a legendary wizard as you read and a legendary… a legendary…hey Chris think of something which can be legendary," said Catherine to Christine.
"Let me think," said Christine.
"I know something which can be legendary," said Nick sweetly.
"You do? What is it?" asked Christine.
"Love," replied Nick. Christine and Catherine were confused.
"No Nick, love can't be legendary. You don't even know what love is. Neither do any of us," said Catherine.
"Yes it can be. Ask Adrian. He'll know," said Nick with a smile. To his delight Adrian entered the room.
"Hey Adrian tell them how love can be legendary," said Nick. Adrian looked taken aback but then gave Nick a knowing smile.
"Well, it's a long story. Last night I and Nick were discussing about Chris and Henry. Nick asked if they were going to get married later in life. I told him you don't get married until you are in love. The discussion continued and both of us came to the conclusion that the ultimate love is between Mum and Dad. That's why he's calling love legendary," said Adrian.
"Yes Mummy and Daddy are not just in love but they are in legendary love," said Nick loudly. Christine and Catherine laughed.
"You're so cute Nick. But I have to say you are right. I haven't seen lover greater than Mum and Dad's," said Christine.
"That makes them legendary lovers! We are the products of legendary love. So we should be famous too," said Catherine.
Harry and Hermione witnessed the entire scene from the door. Hermione had a few tears in her eyes while Harry was broadly smiling. Quietly they moved away.
"So you like the title our children have given us? Legendary lovers indeed" asked Harry.
"I couldn't imagine our children discussing our love. That is not what all children do. It was so sweet," replied Hermione.
"This makes our love all the more special. Though you may call me egoistic but they were right. I legendary love you," joked Harry.
"I love you too. May our love always remain Legendary"