=== December 23 1996 ===
Harry and Hermione are cleaning up the kitchen from breakfast as the twins play in the living room when an owl drops a letter in Hermione's hands. "Thank you." Hermione says to the owl as it flies off. Hermione opens the letter.
Dear Lord and Lady Potter,
I know you hate being referred to by your titles, but Mum insists that if I'm going to write you a letter I do it right.
I'm sure by now Rose and Iris have told you I have been potty training them. Sorry for not telling you, they really wanted to surprise you.
I'm writing to tell you a way to surprise them back. They both are hoping to be able to wear regular panties. You can blame me for that, I showed them mine and they instantly became enamoured with them.
Hope you have a Merry Christmas.
Your friend,
Shannon Catherine McGonagall
P.S.: Would it be alright if I came to visit on Boxing Day? Mum says it's alright with her.
Hermione hands the letter to Harry, then starts writing her reply.
Dear Miss McGonagall,
Thank you for telling us about the girls' Christmas wish, we'll definitely do our best to make their day.
Also, you are welcome to come visit anytime you want. The girls love you and see you as a big sister. We won't tell them you're coming so they're surprised. See you on Boxing Day.
Your friend,
Hermione Jean Potter
"I got the reply ready." Hermione says.
"I'm sure Hedwig will be glad for the flight."" Harry says.
Hermione gives Hedwig a treat and sends her off with the letter. Then the two of them go into the living room to check on the twins. As they enter the fireplace flares up and Ginny steps through.
"Morning everyone." Ginny says.
"Hey Ginny," Harry says. "Everything okay?"
"Why wouldn't it be?" Ginny asks.
"Because you told us we wouldn't see you until Christmas Eve." Hermione answers.
"I realized I need to do a little shopping." Ginny admits.
"What a coincidence, we were discussing shopping." Hermione says.
"Why don't you two go together?" Harry suggests. "I'll stay with the girls."
"Sure!" Ginny exclaims. "You can still apparate, right?"
"Yes, I can." Hermione says.
"Then let's go." Ginny says.
#####
Several hours later, the twin were eating lunch at the kitchen table, and Harry is cleaning up from making their lunch when the crack of apparition announces Hermione and Ginny's return.
The twins look up from their lunches. "It's them." Harry says looking out the window.
The girls practically jump out of their seats and run towards Hermione and Ginny. "Mum!" The yell.
"Slow down, girls." Harry reminds them.
They listen to him and they both walk up and hug Hermione who hugs them back as Ginny slips through with her arms full of packages.
"I guess you two missed me." Hermione says.
"Eveytime." Iris says.
"You two finished with lunch?" Hermione asks and both of them go back to their seats and return to eating.
"I believe that's a no." Harry chuckles.
Hermione nods. "A pretty obvious one at that."
"You want me to fix you something for lunch?'" Harry asks.
"We grabbed something while we were out." Hermione answers.
"Anything good?" Harry asks as he starts making his lunch.
"We went to that Chinese place. Ginny hadn't had it before." Hermione answers.
"Good choice then." Harry says.
=== December 25 1996 ===
A sudden addition of weight to their bed wakes both Harry and Hermione causing them to spring awake.
"Merry Kissmiss." Rose says, sitting on the foot of the bed with Iris right beside her.
"Merry Christmas." Harry replies.
"Merry Christmas." Hermione says. "Now how did you two get out of your cribs?"
"Climb out." Iris answers.
Hermione leans forward and hugs them both. "I love you both."
They hug back, once the hug is broken Rose speaks. "Peasants now?"
"Everyone has to be up first." Harry answers.
"Grammy and Poppy!" Iris says tugging at Rose. The two girls slide to the floor and run for the door.
"Don't wake up Grammy and Poppy." Hermione says as the girls slip out of the room.
"We'd better get moving." Harry says.
Harry and Hermione are sitting in the living room, each drinking a cup of coffee when Richard and Helen come down.
"Where are the girls?" Hermione asks.
Giggles are heard as the girls pop out from behind the Christmas tree. "Here!" Iris says.
"Eveyone up?" Rose asks.
"Yes," Hermione answers.
The twins begin grabbing presents and handing them out. Helen takes a package with her name. "When did you two learn to read?" She asks shocked.
"Miss Maria taught us." Iris answers.
Richard laughs. "Just like their mother, except she taught herself."
Hermione blushes slightly. "I was bored."
Everyone chuckles as the twins finish handing out the presents and everyone starts opening them.
"Rose, look." Iris says as she opens a package and finds panties with various magical creatures on them.
Rose quickly grabs one the same size and opens it, finding similar panties in different colors. They both turn to Hermione. "Thank you." They say in unison.
"Your very welcome." Hermione says. They all go back to opening presents, soon Hermione is on her last one. She opens it and gasps.
"Hermione?" Helen asks. "Are you okay?"
Hermione nods as she holds up a small pink sheet of paper. "What is that?" Helen asks.
"Since magic is so accurate in determining the gender of unborn children, the Ministry of Magic has you register their name before they are born." Harry explains.
"So, is that the paper for the girl you are carrying right now?" Richard asks.
"It is." Hermione answers, "and it's blank except the last name."
"I know it's not much of a gift." Harry says.
"It's perfect." Hermione says. "Are there prerequisites?"
"No, but I have a suggestion for the middle name I'd like to share." Harry replies.
"Claire?" Hermione asks and Harry nods. "Clover Claire?" She suggests.
"I think it's cute." Helen says.
"Clover!" Iris says and Rose repeats her.
"I think the girls like it." Harry says.
"What about the boys?" Richard asks.
"Aaron James and William Sirius." Harry answers.
Hermione leans over kisses Harry. "Good names."
"Now that that's settled." Harry says. "We have one more present for you girls, and it's a big one."
=== December 26, 1996 ===
The twins are playing with their new toys by the fireplace when it flares up.
"Mum!' Rose yells.
"Dad!" Iris yells at the same time.
Harry and Hermione come in to see Shannon step through the fireplace. "Hello, Shannon." Hermione smiles.
Both of the twins gasps, then they proceed to hug Shannon, nearly knocking the older girl over. "Sissy here!" Iris says.
"Yeah, Sissy!" Rose cheers.
Shannon hugs them back. "Did you two get what you wanted for Christmas?"
The twins nod and start pulling on her. "Come, show." Iris says.
"What?" Shannon asks.
"Come." Rose says.
"Go with them." Hermione says.
Shannon shrugs as she lets the twins pull her to the back. They stop in front of one of the smaller bedrooms and open the door. Inside the room, against one wall two twin beds sit head to head. A small dresser and an armoire sit on each of the other two walls perpendicular to the wall with the beds. The last wall has a door to the bathroom.
"Big girl room!" Iris says.
Shannon is unable to hide her surprise. "No way!"
"You remember the first night you fell asleep watching the twins?" Harry asks from behind her.
"Of course." Shannon says as she gasps. "Iris liked the bed you two conjured for me."
"That's right, so when we found out that they were such big girls, we decided it was time for this." Harry explains.
"What about when you return to Hogwarts?" Shannon asks.
"We need to talk to your Mum about that still." Harry says.
"I'll talk to her when I go home." Shannon says.
"Thank you." Harry says.