Chapter Seven, Jasper's Surprise

Artemis rocked and hummed Cassie in her arms smiling happily at her daughter, who was the splitting image of her which she was glad about, apart from her blood red hair like grandmother Lily. She couldn't believe her daughter had survived through everything but she was so thankful she did, even if she was born a month and half early. "My little autumn baby." Artemis smiled tired but happily, it has been a long day. Her little girl was born November 18th 1999 at one in the afternoon weighing six pounds exactly. She hummed again to soothe not only herself from her thoughts of nearly losing her daughter but also to soothe her daughter after just being fed and burped. When there was a gentle knock on the door. "Come in." Artemis called, looking up as the door opened and her dad came into the room Teddy asleep on his shoulder but she could see he was close to coming round.

Following behind her father were Jasper, Fred, George and Arthur. "Would you like to see your granddaughter dad, Arthur?" Artemis asked beckoning the two men closer with a nod of her head as they perched on either side of her on the bed. "Are you sure?" Arthur asked hesitantly.
"Of course Arthur she's as much your granddaughter as she is dads." Artemis smiled.

"She's gorgeous pup." Sirius smiled as the little girl blinked her eyes open showing the two grandfathers her emerald eyes just like her mother. "She really is the splitting image of you but with Lily's hair." Arthur smiled brushing a finger on her soft rosy cheek gently. Unlike the Weasley's bright ginger hair; she had a few blood red curls on her head, just like her grandmother Lily Potter. "She's going to have all the guys after her, just like her mother." Fred said with a scowl, not liking that idea one bit. By the looks of all the men in the room none of them liked that idea very much.

"Do you think she'll be a Veela like me dad?" Artemis asked concerned, her eyes wide in worry for her daughter.
"I'm not sure Pup." Sirius admitted hesitantly. "She may do, but it'll be weaker than yours as she'll be a quarter Veela like Fleur but don't worry she'll have all of us to look after her." Sirius said leaning forward carefully to kiss his daughter's forehead. Artemis nodded to her father knowing that their family will make sure Cassie doesn't go through what she did. She immediately became worried once more this time about saying her baby's last name as she wondered what everyone would say but mainly Jasper and Arthur.

She didn't want to hurt the mans feelings by not giving her daughter his surname but she also didn't know how Jasper would feel about her giving her baby his surname. Yes they were mated and had completed their bond but they weren't married and no matter how much he said he loved her children as his own there was still a small niggle of doubt in her mind, no doubt left over from her treatment by her relatives. "What's the matter Darlin'? What are you so worried about?" Jasper asked concerned coming closer to the end of their bed.

Damn she forgot he could read emotions not only from his gift but also the bond let them feel each other's emotions slightly. "Darlin'?" Jasper asked again concerned.
"What is it Arte?" Arthur asked placing a hand on her leg. "No matter what it is you can tell us anything. You know that." He said smiling reassuringly at her. Artemis sighed and closed her eyes as she gathered her thoughts together. Once she felt more collected she opened her eyes and looked at Teddy who had just woken up and was staring at his sister in wonder. "I...I don't want to upset you Arthur of anyone. You mean so much to me. And I hope you don't get upset if she doesn't have your surname?" Artemis said hesitantly still watching her children. "I would never take her away from you or anyone..."
"Artemis." Arthur called interrupting her rambling gently lifting her head to look him in the eyes.

"Of course I understand sweetheart and we know you would never do anything like that. We know we're apart of your family as much as you are apart of mine." He reassured smiling softly at her, Artemis giving him a small smile back.
"Is that what was bothering you Arte?" George asked.
"One of the things." Artemis replied.
"What's the other thing darling?" Jasper asked concerned.
"If she could have Hale as her last name?" Artemis said hesitantly and before she could say anything else Jasper was kissing her lovingly and softly letting her feel all of his love, devotion, happiness and admiration for her. When they pulled back they were smiling happily at each other. "Of course darling."

"So what's our niece's full name then? We know it's Cassie." Fred and George asked excited.
"Meet Cassiopeia Rose Hale. Cassie for short." Artemis smiled looking down at her daughter who was staring at her big brother. "Beautiful. Perfect name for our perfect little granddaughter." Sirius said happily, laughing as Teddy finally had enough of just staring crawled towards his mother and sister to get a better look. "Mummy. Baby." Teddy said pointing to Cassie as he sat between his mother's legs.
"Yes, Teddy this is your baby sister Cassie." Artemis introduced her son to his sister, feeling happy that he wasn't feeling any jealousy towards her. She smiled happily as Teddy lent forward and kissed Cassie's tummy. "Awe, that was very nice Teddy good boy." Artemis praised her son as they all watched the two siblings bonding as Cassie grabbed one of Teddy's fingers causing him to giggle and Cassie to make little huffing noises at her brother.

***

It's been two weeks since Artemis gave birth and she was finally allowed out of bed. It was now December 2nd and she was so excited for her first Christmas with Cassie and Jasper but it was also the first proper Christmas that she'll get to spend with her family without worrying about anything. As she made her way downstairs after collecting Cassie after her nap, her dad had brought Teddy down earlier when he had woken up. She couldn't help but wonder where Jasper, Fred and George were as she hadn't seen them since this morning and it was nearly dinner time. "Dad?" Artemis called as she entered the living room, smiling at her dad and son playing together.

"What's the matter Pup?" Sirius asked looking up at his daughter as she sat in her chair feeding Cassie. "Where's Jasper, Fred and George? I haven't seen them since this morning." Artemis asked curiously with a hint of worry. Before Sirius could answer they heard the back door open and close and three sets of feet making their way towards the living room. "Where have you lot been?" Artemis asked curiously, putting a cloth over her shoulder as she gently winded Cassie.

"Hello darling." Jasper smiled entering the room. He stooped down and kissed and hugged his son as he reached for him before letting him go back to play with his toys as he made his way to his mate and their daughter. Running his hand gently through Cassie's hair before turning to his mate kissing her softly on the lips. "We've been setting up your surprise." Jasper said when he pulled back.

"What surprise?" Artemis asked confused.
"Now, sister it wouldn't be much of a surprise if we told you know would it?" Fred said teasingly.
"Besides, you don't have long to wait." George hinted. "Once Teddy's been fed and you, Cassie and Teddy have changed everyone should be here."
"And then we'll head outside and eat the delicious food Dobby has cooked and laid out for your surprise." Sirius continued placing three wrapped gifts on the coffee table. "Don't worry the clothes have warming charms on them and so does part of the garden." Sirius reassured.

Artemis looked curiously from Jasper, to her dad and then to Fred and George just now noticing them dressed in smart button up shirts in different colours and dark coloured jeans with black dress shoes. "Now, lets get my grandson fed before his mother's curiosity gets the best of her." Sirius laughed as Artemis stuck her tongue out and threw a pillow at her dad deliberately missing as he now had Teddy in his arms carrying him to the kitchen.

After Teddy had finished his spaghetti bolognese and his juice, his hands and face wipes clean. He was carried upstairs by his father so he could help Artemis get the children ready and distract them so she could get herself ready. "Oh Jazz, Teddy is going to look so cute. Thank you." Artemis gasped as she opened the first of the three gifts. Jasper smiled happily from the top of the bed where he cuddling with their children one in each arm. "Your welcome darling." Jasper smiled as Artemis pulled out a white polo button up short sleeved shirt with a light grey bow tie attached, grey shorts with suspenders, dark grey socks and a matching cardigan and black shoes for Teddy.

(Teddy's outfit).

For Cassie she pulled out a pink long sleeved romper top, a light coloured floral pattern skirt with suspenders, a matching head band and white tights and cardigan. "Oh Jazz she is going to look so adorable." Artemis gushed as she made her way to her mate kissing him softly. "Your welcome darling." Jasper smiled kissing her once more. "Now open yours and I'll get the kids ready." Artemis smiled in thanks as she kissed her children on the forehead Teddy not satisfied with that wanted another kiss and a cuddle from his mother before she could open the last and slightly bigger box. Opening it she couldn't help but gasp in awe at the beautiful emerald green multi-way evening dress and black heels.

(Cassie's outfit).

(Artemis' dress).

"Jazz it's gorgeous thank you." Artemis smiled. "But isn't it a bit..." Artemis asked unsurely feeling a bit self conscious as she only gave birth two weeks ago. Jasper sensing a change in her emotions cut her off with a kiss. "No darling. You will look amazing in it, you don't need to feel self conscious you're beautiful. And you are more than worth it sweetheart. I'll take our little monsters into Teddy's room to change and dress them while you get ready in peace. Shout when your done or if you need me." Jasper smiled kissing Artemis once more before carefully gathering his children and heading into the adjoining room while Artemis levitated the clothes after him.

Smiling as she wondered how she got so lucky Artemis stripped out of her leggings and jumper putting them in the washing basket in the bathroom. She quickly changed her underwear for a black lacy pair with a matching strapless bra. Wrapping a dressing gown around her while she did her makeup in a gold summery eyeshadow, black mascara, black winged eyeliner and a dark burgundy lipstick before she slipped on her dress styling it how she wanted and slipped on her black heels. Once satisfied she took her hair out of the french braids letting her curls fall down her back with the sides clipped back. Quickly spraying a bit of perfume she called Jasper and was done.

As Jasper came back into the bedroom Cassie in one arm looking adorable in her outfit as he held her close to his chest supporting her head with his elbow, while his other hand held Teddy's as he walked back into the room looking very handsome in his little outfit. As soon as Jasper saw his stunning mate his mouth dropped open in awe making Artemis to blush and giggle, Teddy copying his mother giggling cutely. "Now Sir, you'll catch flies with your mouth open that wide." Artemis teased mimicking his southern accent.

"Well, I'm sorry ma'am." Jasper said teasingly his southern accent more pronounced then normal when he came back to himself. "You look so beautiful Darlin'." Jasper said lovingly as he walked closer to his mate with their children smirking when he saw her blush deepening slightly. "Why thank you Sir you don't look to bad yourself." Artemis complimented as she too walked forward picking up Teddy when he reached for her. "Why thank you ma'am." Jasper said tipping an invisible hat causing Artemis to giggle against his lips as he kissed her passionately but being mindful of their children in their arms.

When they pulled back softly, they rested their foreheads together as they smiled at each other. Jasper gave Artemis one more sweet kiss as they made their way downstairs. Once they reached the bottom they were greeted by their families who were standing in the long Galway waiting for them. Alice and Narcissa stopped them so they could take pictures of the small family, then a couple of just Jasper standing behind Artemis with his arms around her waist as he kissed her neck sweetly just over his mark and then her cheek.

They took a few more of the couple together, a few with their family and then one more of them with their children as they kissed each of their children and got Teddy to wave at the camera. Once Narcissa and Alice were finally satisfied with the amount of pictures they took (for the moment at least) Andy put the warming charms on Teddy's and Cassie's winter coats before helping Jasper dress the two week old baby and headed out into the garden. "You look beautiful Artemis and Teddy and Cassie look so adorable." Rosalie complimented as she helped her put Teddy's coat on. "Thank you Rosie so do you." Artemis smiled as they joined the others outside.

As they entered the garden Artemis and the other women gasped in awe and wonder, while the men (who didn't know of this) looked on impressed. "It looks so beautiful." Artemis smiled as she looked around the garden seeing a number of blankets and pillows strewn across the garden with a number of plates with finger food and an assortment of different drinks around a few of the blankets. Candles carefully placed around all of the blankets, fairy lights in the bushes and trees as well as floating candles around and behind the area covered with blankets bringing some light and a romantic atmosphere to the dark garden.

(The garden, imagine more blankets like that).

"You like it then?" Fred and George asked as they came up to Artemis and Jasper. "No. I love it! Thank you Jasper, Gred, Forge." Artemis smiled hugging her brothers and doing the same to Jasper. "Your welcome darling. Come it's not over yet." Jasper said happily leading her to the blanket at the front and placing a sleeping Cassie carefully into the Moses basket covering her with a thick fluffy blanket. Both the blanket and the basket had warming charms on it to keep her warm and stop her getting sick as he took a seat beside his mate. Both of them laughing at the look of wonder on Teddy's face as he looked at the floating candles.

As all the witches and wizards were eating the finger food Dobby had made, drinking their preferred drink either butterbeer (Artemis as she's breast feeding), Pumpkin juice (for Teddy in his cup), Mead, Fire-whiskey, or Elvish wine, while the vampires were sucking on the blood flavour lollipops (Emmett was hogging all the dragon blood flavoured ones to himself, he even stole Jasper's). Fred and George once they'd finished what they were eating stood up in front of everyone a couple of their Weasleys Wizard Wheezes' crates at their feet. "Little sister I hope you like your surprise so far," Fred started smiling at Artemis.
"Cause were just getting started." George laughed.

"Jasper, I and my ugly older brother thought after everything that has happened in the last few weeks, if not years. We should have this big family get together." George continued making Artemis laugh as he dodged a Stining Hex from Fred.
"Bill and Charlie are sorry they couldn't make it, we all know how Percy is now obsessed with making amends by trying to help fix things in the Ministry. Well anyway, they couldn't come as Fleur has the flu and they didn't want you, Teddy or Cassie to get it. And Charlie has to stay and help with the new dragons." Fred said still glaring periodically at his twin.
"As we haven't had a proper chance to really celebrate Andy and Sirius' birthdays. But especially celebrate you and Cassie being well and healthy we thought we'd do this. So happy belated birthday Sirius and Andy as we had bad news on yours. And to our little sister and niece and nephew." Fred cheered as he and George touched their wands to the crates and going back to their seats as their non-heat, wet-start fireworks shot into the sky making all different shapes even some formed into creatures.

"This is perfect thank you Jazz." Artemis smiled kissing Jasper's cheek as she lent against his chest one arm around her waist and Teddy, who was watching the fireworks fascinated clapping his hands and giggling, while the other hand was gently rocking Cassie in her Moses basket. "Anything did you my darling." Jasper whispered lovingly as he kissed her temple pulling her closer to him.

After an hour the last firework shot into the sky but this time it didn't turn into shapes, creatures, or stars it was a message. A message to Artemis that said:

Artemis, will you marry me?
Love Jasper

When the message faded Artemis turned to Jasper who was crouched down on one knee in front of her holding open a black ring box showing off a beautiful vintage ring; looking to come from Jasper's era. It was on a gold band with a pink morganite in the middle that was surrounded by diamonds. Tears sprung to Artemis' eyes as she looked at her mate. "Artemis, my darling I love you and our children so, so much and if we have anymore I will love them just as much. You have given me reason to live, given meaning to my existence and you are my world. I would love nothing better to spend the rest of our life's together. So, Artemis will you marry me?" Jasper asked.

Artemis modded her head as tears poured down her cheeks like a waterfall. "Yes! Yes I'll marry you Jazz!" Artemis cried happily as Jasper slipped the ring on her left ring finger and kissed Artemis on the lips sending her all the things he felt for her and Artemis doing the same as everyone cheered happily for the two; Dobby bringing out some more drinks to celebrate.

(Her ring).

"No daddy." Teddy cried interrupting the moment as he hit Jasper with Moony breaking his parents apart as everyone laughed, though Emmett was the loudest out of everyone before Rosalie hit him. Jasper shook his head laughing at his brothers antics knowing he'd probably said something Rosalie deemed inappropriate with children present. He didn't bother to listen at the moment too wrapped up in his family. While Artemis told Teddy off for hitting Jasper. "Sorry Dada." Teddy said with wide green eyes his hair the exactly like Jasper's.

"It's okay Teddy." Jasper said picking up his son kissing and hugging him as he returned to his seat next to his mate. "It's beautiful Jazz thank you." Artemis smiled looking from the ring to her now fiancé. "You're welcome darling." Jasper said kissing Artemis' cheek. "It was my mother's. She said it would lead me to my soulmate and she was right." He said as he hugged Artemis. "And before you say anything she would have loved you." Jasper assured.

For the next few hours everyone was at peace as they celebrated the engagement; as Fred and George brought out more more fireworks Sirius came and sat next to his daughter, grandchildren and future son-in-law enjoying the peaceful evening. "Congratulations Pup, Jasper." Sirius said hugging his daughter she kissing her head before giving Jasper a manly hug. "Thank you dad." Artemis said happily.
"Thank you for letting me marry your daughter Sirius." Jasper said gratefully.
"I see how good you are for my daughter and my grandchildren, your apart of this family now Jasper and we look after each other." Sirius said happily though Jasper didn't miss the silent warning Sirius gave him and nodded his head in understanding.

Once everyone had congratulated the couple and had returned to their blankets to finish watching the fireworks Jasper thought he couldn't be more happier than he was in this moment. Smiling softly as Teddy fell asleep in his arms and Artemis gently rocking Cassie back off to sleep humming a lullaby after feeding her again. Surrounded by their family and each other and their children, Jasper was again, thankful since meeting Artemis, that he was turned as he got to have all this. And he couldn't wish for anything better.

(Little Teddy).

(Cassie).

Thank you so much for reading. Please vote and comment. Stay safe everyone.