Hurt

Extremely short chapter if you can't tell........

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Ron bursts into the Great Hall, causing everyone to look at him. He slides to a halt in front of Albus and Poppy. “Hurry… ‘Mione… contractions,” he splutters breathlessly. They frown at him then Albus raises an eyebrow.

“Slow down Mister Weasley. Now what’s the problem?” he asks. Ron takes a gulp of air and tries to speak but squeaks instead.

“That was rude Mister Weasley,” Minerva scoffs. Albus looks at her then starts visibly when Ron slams his fist down on the table.

“She’s gone into labor damn it!” he snarls. Poppy quickly stands followed by Albus and Minerva. “They’re in Lupin’s chambers. My mum’s with her,” he says as they leave the Great Hall at a brisk pace.

A muffled scream echoes along the corridor when they get closer. “Oh dear,” Poppy murmurs and jogs the rest of the way to the door. Ron opens it and allows her through first. “Where is she?” she asks. A loud sob answers the question so they enter the bedroom.

“It hurts!” Hermione cries. She curls on her side and clutches her belly as Poppy pushes through the gathered people. Molly dabs a wet rag on Hermione’s forehead while Remus keeps his hand pressed to her swollen belly. “Make it stop, please,” the girl whimpers to him. He shakes his head slightly as he leans over her.

“There is nothing I can do until Poppy g—”

“I’m here. Remus, you stay there. Molly, help me with her clothing. Arthur, take the children in the other room. Sirius? Sirius, get a glass of water for Remus. He looks about to faint. Everyone else, out,” Poppy orders.

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Harry looks at the clock then down at the book in his hands. He sighs and shuts it with more force than needed. “What’s taking so long? It’s been three hours,” he complains. Ron nods from his seat next to him.

“Ginny, what are you reading? And how can you stay focused on it for so long? Aren’t you worried about ‘Mione?” Ron asks. The girl looks up from the book in her hands and smiles.

“It’s Hermione’s photo album. Madam Pomfrey has been keeping track of her growth,” she says. The boys stand and move over behind her so she turns to the first page. “See? It looks like a picture every week since they found out,” she murmurs and flips through the pages. Harry frowns and looks at one of the pictures closer.

“Hold on. It can’t be Madam Pomfrey taking the picture. She’s in the background. In the corner, see?” he says. “If she’s not taking the pictures, who is? Who would Hermione let take a picture of her while she’s in nothing but a pair of underwear?”

Minerva looks at Albus so he shakes his head slightly. “I think that is enough of these pictures. Have you all eaten yet?” she asks and takes the album from Ginny’s hands. Ron shrugs.

“I’m not hungry anymore. I want to know how she is,” he says. Harry and Ginny nod in agreement so Arthur rests his hand on Ron’s shoulder. They all look at the bedroom door when Sirius, Remus, and Molly slip out. “Well? How is she?” Ron asks.

“Poppy got her contractions stopped. She’s doing a check now to see if she can tell the sex of the twins yet. It’ll be a few minutes. Hermione’s on bed rest for the next month or so,” Molly says. Remus nods slightly and accepts the glass of scotch from Sirius.

The group remains quiet as the clock ticks in the background. They all look up when the bedroom door opens. Poppy enters the room and shuts the door behind her. “Could you tell?” Ron asks. She smiles slightly and nods.

“Yes. Identical boys,” she says. Harry and Ron give a whoop of joy and start laughing as Sirius joins in their impromptu celebration. Poppy clears her throat so they look at her. “And a girl,” she adds. A loud thud and a gasp make everyone jump. Ginny leans over Remus as the man lies sprawled on the floor unconscious. “Dear me,” Poppy says.

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A/N: Bwahahahahahahahahaha! This one was my boyfriend's idea. I had it typed and he was reading over my shoulder. I had it originally one of each then he just had to suggest a "surprise". It's short, I know.. but I felt like being ornery. And so the number has changed. At least now you all know their gender. Anyhooz, here you go!