Author's note: We didn't have the chance to respond to reviews this time as we would normally like to do, but we did read them and appreciate each and every one. In this chapter, you get to meet the two youngest Weasleys and Nick gets to meet his grandmother. Please read and review!
A Thousand Beautiful Things - Annie Lennox
The world was meant for you and me
To figure out our destiny
(a thousand beautiful things)
To live
To die
To breathe
To sleep
To try to make your life complete
(yes yes)
So ...
Light me up like the sun
To cool down with your rain
I never want to close my eyes again
Never close my eyes
never close my eyes ...
That is everything I have to say
Later that afternoon, Julie found herself walking toward the Longbottom cabin, hoping to check in on Chiaki to see how she was doing. She'd thought she'd see the Longbottoms at the lake, but they'd never shown up and Julie was worried about her best friend.
Chiaki was going over some more wedding plans with her mother, keeping her mind off the situation of the night before. "Hey Jules," she smiled at her friend as she came up to the cabin.
"Hi," Julie said, smiling back at her. "Hi, Aunt Cho."
"Hello love," Cho smiled back. "What are you up to?"
"We just did the whole family thing down by the lake," Julie replied sitting down across from them. "It was really crowded today."
"How are Ethan's lessons going?" Chiaki asked, setting down her notebook.
"Really well," Julie said. "Dad actually convinced him to into the deeper end of the lake and he's treading water. He's really come such a long way."
"That's so sweet," Cho said. "Harry's a fantastic father."
"Yes, well apparently my fantastic father was getting my by-the-book mother to sneak out when they were here," Julie said, laughing. "Lavender was telling us all about it earlier. I had no idea that they did that!"
Cho snorted. "Julie, sweetheart, your parents are the king and queen of sneaking out."
Julie leaned forward in her seat. She knew she'd get answers from Cho. "Mum tried to tell me that she and Dad sat up nights talking about art and culture. I didn't buy it for one second!"
"Arts and culture my arse," Cho replied. "We were all happy because in the morning Harry would be in a great mood for a change."
"Was Dad really that moody?" Julie asked, intrigued. She loved hearing about her parents' love story, but she had feeling they'd left out all of the best parts.
Cho laughed. "Was he moody?" she asked. "That's like asking if it rains a lot over here."
"He always does say meeting Mum changed his life," Julie said, giggling. "I guess it changed his disposition and behaviour, too."
"That's the understatement of the past twenty years," Cho replied.
"Just like your getting together with Dad changed yours, Mum," Chiaki said.
"That it did," Cho patted her daughter's knee. "I'll leave you two alone- otherwise you might go telling secrets that I can manage somehow to spill to everyone else."
"I want to find out more about my parents, Aunt Cho," Julie called out to her. "You're the only one who will tell me the truth! Promise me we'll talk later!"
"I promise Julie," Cho smiled at her.
When Julie and Chiaki were alone, Julie scooted her chair closer to her friend.
"Chiaki? Are you really okay? Last night was pretty intense."
"I'm fine," Chiaki nodded. "I was a bit put out and shocked, but when my dad came to talk to me he made me feel a lot better."
"I'm sorry for not being there for you," Julie said, hugging her friend.
"No it's okay," Chiaki smiled at her. "Really- Nick needed a shoulder more than I did."
"Nick thinks you should stay away from Malfoy," Julie said.
"I don't have any plans of trying to run into him," Chiaki said. "I have my dad, my REAL dad, right here. He's all I need."
Julie smiled at her. "Too right."
"So..." Chiaki closed her notebook. "Are you going to fill me in on what's happening between you and Nick? I need to talk to him again."
"It's complicated," Julie replied. She explained to Chiaki about what Nick's parents had done and how they'd threatened to sack Greta. "So, he thinks we should keep our relationship a secret for now."
"What do you really think about that?" Chiaki leaned back. "Do you think it's worth it?"
Julie considered the question for a long time. It was certainly a question she'd been asking herself all day. "I don't like hiding how we feel about each other," Julie admitted. "But, Greta means so much to him. And he said it would just be until after the holiday. Then, we can do whatever we want."
Chiaki's eyes widened. "After the holiday? You two are staying together?"
Julie blushed. "I think so. He brought it up today when I saw him and truth be told, it surprised me, but I'd really like that, Chiaki. I really would."
Chiaki nodded. "And this isn't a rebound thing right?" she asked gently.
"I don't think so," Julie said truthfully. "When I'm with Nick, I don't think about Ryan. And what I'm feeling for Nick, I don't think I ever felt for Ryan."
Chiaki grinned. "And exactly what are you feeling?" she pursued.
"It's too soon to call it love," Julie replied. "But I care about him. I want to be with him all the time. I think about him all the time. It might not be love yet, but I'm definitely heading that way fast."
"That's so sweet," Chiaki gushed. "That's how I felt about Toshio after we started dating exclusively. I just couldn't get him out of my head."
Julie smiled. "But it's not going to be easy. His parents are going to see to that. His father tried to start something again with my dad today."
"He's horrible. Far worse than I ever imagined," Chiaki said. "I'm luckier than Nick, that I got such a wonderful father."
"Neville is great," Julie agreed. "And you should tell him that, too. It can't be easy on him, either."
"I told him," Chiaki grinned. "Allison and Frankie were all over him this morning too."
"Speaking of Allie," Julie said. "Did you see her and Jon at dinner last night? They were soooo cute!"
"He really fancies her!" Chiaki said. "And she's liked Josh for ages but he's too hung up on you."
"I know," Julie said guiltily. "I wish he'd have seen how great Allie was, but if he hasn't at least Jon does. They were so adorable last night."
"They were," Chiaki said. "Toshio's coming in day after tomorrow and I asked Jon if he and Allie wanted to join us." she leaned forward. "You and Nick are invited too- and maybe it'll help if Nick doesn't tell his parents that you'll be there."
"Count us in," Julie said, looking at her watch. "I better go. I told Mum and Dad I wouldn't be gone long. You heard that Maddie and R.J. are arriving tomorrow, didn't you?"
"I can't wait to see them!" Chiaki squealed.
"Me, too!" Julie said, hugging her friend. "Say hello to your dad for me."
"I will," Chiaki smiled as Julie walked away. She sincerely hoped that her friend could work things out with Nick. He genuinely seemed to care about her and Chiaki knew that despite what Julie said- her friend was already falling in love.
*** *** ***
While they were all getting ready for dinner that night, Lavender would notice Hermione and Harry exchanging glances. Of course at first she thought nothing of it- figured it was yet another rabbit mating ritual- until Hermione suggested that Lavender might like to dress up for dinner.
"Why?" she asked suspiciously. "Hermione shouldn't this be the other way around? Me giving YOU fashion advice? I'm the designer here!"
"I'm not telling you what to wear," Hermione said. "I'm just suggesting you might want to wear something nice for dinner. What about that pale green dress that you brought with you? That's really beautiful, Lavender."
Lavender was still suspicious but very hungry as well. "Fine," she agreed.
"I'll let you get dressed," Hermione said, smiling as she closed Lavender's bedroom door behind her. She briskly walked across the cabin to her and Harry's own bedroom and smiled as she saw her husband wearing nothing but a towel around his waist.
"Very nice," Hermione teased, walking past him.
"Think I should go to dinner like this?" Harry asked with a straight face.
"I'd like it, but you might embarrass your son and daughter," Hermione said with a laugh. She opened up their closet and wondered what she should wear tonight. Figuring she should dress up as well so Lavender wouldn't suspect anything, she picked out two dresses.
"Harry? Which one of these do you think would look okay for tonight?"
"Neither," Harry was brushing his teeth. "Go naked.
"The Minister for Magic starkers at dinner," Hermione said. "I could just see the papers now. I am so glad that no one from the press knows we're here."
"Right," Harry leaned out of the room and gave her a kiss. "Wear the pink one," he said.
"Excellent choice," Hermione said. "So does Seamus know what time to meet us? And are you sure he doesn't know Lavender is going to be there?"
"He's meeting us at half past seven," Harry answered as Hermione grabbed his dress trousers from the closet. "Do the kids know to dress up?"
"I mentioned it to them," Hermione replied, handing him the trousers. "You were so great with Ethan today, Harry."
"It's hard not to be," Harry said.
"Today was really great," Hermione said happily. "Except for Malfoy..."
"Any day without a Malfoy is good." Harry paused. "Except Nick. I really like him."
"I do, too," Hermione said, helping Harry with his tie. "Honestly, Harry. You never have known how to do these properly."
"That's why I have you," he gave her his best grin, one that Ethan had inherited.
She stood on tiptoe and kissed him. "I'm going to have even more fun getting you out of these clothes later."
Harry grinned again and gave her behind a little pinch.
"We better not start anything now that we won't be able to finish," Hermione said softly, pulling away from him. She walked over to her bedside table and held up her locket. "Will you help me with this?"
"Sure," Harry moved behind his wife. She held up her hair while he drew the necklace over her skin and fastened it. "There we go," he kissed the back of her neck.
"Perfect," Hermione whispered, turning around to face him.
Harry caressed her cheek before leaning in to give her a kiss.
"I love you," she said softly. "So much."
"I love you too," Harry kissed her again.
"We weren't going to start something we couldn't finish, remember?" Hermione asked, as he kissed her neck.
"You make it so hard," Harry grinned as he saw the look start to cross her face.
Hermione giggled. "Do I?"
"Yes," Harry said. "You're the one to blame for our rabbit title."
"No, I think that was you," Hermione teased.
"But you caused me to want to have sex so much," Harry explained.
"I was about to say the same about you."
"Don't you try and pin this on me," Harry teased.
Hermione nodded. "Okay, we're both to blame."
"Better," Harry's eyes were twinkling.
There was an impatient knock on the door.
"Okay, you two," Lavender called out. "We're all ready to go. Come on!"
"We're almost ready!" Hermione called back. She hadn't even put her dress on.
Lavender rolled her eyes and sat back down with Ethan and Julie on the sofa.
"Are they at it again?" Julie joked.
"Probably," Lavender said with a sigh.
"Will Nick be eating with us again tonight?" Ethan asked his sister.
"No," Julie said. "He's got to eat with his parents. I wish he could stay with us..."
"You really do like him, don't you?" Lavender asked, grinning at Julie.
"Yeah," Julie turned a little pink, as she always did when someone asked about Nick. "He's really... fantastic."
Lavender smiled. She could remember all those years ago when she'd said the same thing about Seamus after she'd gotten to know him.
"I was so wrong about him," Julie continued. "He's really sweet."
"And he's completely smitten with you, too," Lavender said.
"You think?" Julie asked.
Lavender nodded. "Please! He fancies you, Julie. Even a fool could see that."
Julie smiled. "Good to know," she said.
Hermione and Harry came out of their bedroom then and Lavender applauded. "Finally!"
"We weren't that long," Hermione said. "And we weren't doing what you think we were doing."
"Right," Lavender said sarcastically.
"We didn't," Hermione said firmly. She smiled as she saw her son and daughter. "Look at you, little man. You're quite handsome."
"I'm uncomfortable in this, Mum," Ethan said grumpily.
"Get used to it," Julie teased.
"And you look really beautiful, sweetheart," Harry said to Julie.
"Thanks Dad," Julie said. "I'm starving!"
Lavender noticed as Harry and Hermione exchanged another one to those looks. They were definitely up to something, but she didn't know what.
When Julie got to the restaurant, she scanned the room and saw the Malfoys sitting in a corner. She smiled to herself as she saw Nick looking bored. His eyes locked with hers and a small smile came to his lips.
"Later," Julie mouthed, turning away in case his parents caught sight of them.
Lavender sat down beside Julie at the table and noticed there was an extra place setting.
"Is someone joining us?" Lavender asked.
"Why do you say that?" Hermione asked as innocently as possible.
"You've always been a terrible liar," Lavender scoffed. "What gives?"
Hermione shrugged and looked at her husband.
"Someone I used to work with here is going to be joining us," Harry told Lavender. This wasn't a lie. He and Seamus had worked here together.
"Who?" Lavender demanded.
"Hey, everyone," a familiar voice said behind her. "Sorry I'm a bit late. I had a conference call with some producers on my next film."
Lavender froze momentarily, glaring at her cousin and Harry.
"You're just in time," Hermione said, grinning at Seamus. "We actually just arrived ourselves."
"Good of you to invite me," Seamus nodded. "Hi kids... hi Lav..."
"Hello," Lavender said with a weak smile.
"We couldn't have you eating alone, could we?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah, it's a bit lonely for me now that Summer's back in LA," Seamus avoided looking at his ex.
"We're just glad you decided to stay," Harry said. "Aren't we?"
"Of course," Hermione kicked her cousin's leg.
"Ow!" Lavender yelped. "Hermione!"
"Sorry," Hermione said. "Foot slipped."
"Sure it did," Lavender muttered.
Julie sensed that perhaps Lavender needed a little help getting the conversational ball rolling.
"Seamus?" Julie asked. "What's your next film about?"
"It's a romantic comedy," Seamus said. "Summer's set to be the star, but they had some trouble with the negotiations and she had to fly back."
"Is her name really Summer Rayne?" Ethan asked.
Seamus grinned. "That's her stage name. I'm under oath not to reveal her true one to anyone under pain of death."
"That was the best stage name she could come up with?" Lavender couldn't stop herself from asking.
Seamus looked at her, his eyes growing cool. "Yes," he said.
"I'm sorry," Lavender said quickly. "I know I said I was going to stop doing that. It's a hard habit to break."
"Which part is fake?" Ethan asked. "The Summer or the Rayne? Or both?"
Hermione and Harry were both trying hard not to laugh at their son's incessant questioning.
"Ethan," Seamus laughed. "You can ask her that when she gets back all right?"
Ethan nodded. "Okay."
"I thought we might have seen you by the lake today," Lavender said conversationally to Seamus.
"I slept in," Seamus said. "Best night's sleep I had in ages."
Lavender wondered if that had something to do with the fact that Summer had left, but she decided to keep quiet about all things Summer Rayne. "It was really crowded down there anyway," she said quietly.
"So has Malfoy given any of you any more grief?" Seamus asked as a basket of rolls was placed on the table.
"No," Lavender replied. "He's left me alone. Have you seen him?"
"We saw him earlier," Harry said. "Had a nice little conversation with him," he rolled his eyes.
"He and Nick's mum don't want me and Nick seeing each other," Julie said softly.
"You didn't tell us about that, Julie," Hermione said taken aback.
Julie shrugged. "We're going to keep it quiet. He says he wants us to try and work things out through the rest of the holiday, and we want to try and have a relationship after we leave here."
"Sounds familiar, doesn't it?" Lavender asked her cousin.
"Just a little," Hermione smiled.
"I still don't see why Grandpa Robert didn't want you and Dad together," Julie said, shaking her head. "I find that hard to believe. You and Grandpa get along so well, Dad."
"It was a lot of misunderstandings," Harry said.
"He always liked me," Seamus said smugly.
"He liked me just fine the last week we were here," Harry said defensively. "And afterwards we became friends! At least I have the guts to golf with him Seamus."
"Do you still suck at it?" Seamus asked.
"Yes," Hermione, Julie and Ethan answered at the same time.
"Hey!" Harry said.
Lavender laughed. "You know that's what my uncle likes best Harry," she teased. "Taking the Mickey out of you for golfing so badly."
"Dad says he lets Grandpa win," Ethan said. "But I don't think that's the truth."
"I do," Harry said. "I swear it!"
"You do not," Hermione said laughing. "Harry, you're terrible at it and you know it."
"That's what I said," Harry replied. "I don't let him win. I guess golf is the only thing I'm bad at."
"Chess," Seamus said cheekily. "The first thing Ron told me when I saw him after all this time was that you've still not managed to defeat him."
"All right two things," Harry cast Seamus a glare.
"How are your parents, Hermione?" Seamus asked.
"They're great," Hermione smiled. "They miss hearing from you Seamus."
Seamus started to laugh. "Do you remember that first Christmas we had with them, Harry? You and Dr. Granger gave Hermione and Elinore the same gifts..."
Julie giggled. "What's this about?"
Harry laughed. "Your grandfather and I gave your grandmother and your mum cookbooks. We didn't plan on it but it was funny, especially the look on their faces."
"Why would you give Mummy a cookbook?" Ethan asked his father. "She can't cook."
Everyone laughed at that. "That's the point of a cookbook Ethan," Julie grinned. "To help those who don't know how to cook... cook."
"Everyone has something that they're bad at," Hermione said defensively. "For me, it's cooking. With Harry, it's golf and chess. For Cho, it would be keeping secrets."
"Isn't that the truth," Lavender grinned.
Seamus laughed. "It's good to know that some things haven't changed, isn't it?"
"Not a lot has changed," Hermione replied.
"You're not still an absolute terror to your movie crew, are you?" Lavender asked Seamus. She explained to Julie and Ethan how Seamus used to treat his crew when he was still in film school.
"I'm a little better," Seamus replied. "I still like perfection when it comes to my set and costuming though. That's how I've gotten up there in the top rankings."
Lavender nodded. "Do you remember how we used to say that one day I'd work with you? I was going to do all the costumes for your films."
She laughed and nudged him on the arm. "Now, you couldn't afford a talent such as mine."
"Oh come on," Seamus grinned at her. "Surely you could lower yourself if I begged hard enough?"
"You'd have to do some really heavy-duty grovelling," Lavender said. She was enjoying talking to him like this again.
"Well I'll keep that in mind," Seamus teased.
"After all, you're the one who taught me about that compromise thing..."
"It took you long enough to learn about it," Lavender said.
"Learn about it?" Seamus joked.
"Yes," Lavender said, with twinkling eyes. "You sometimes didn't want to give an inch when you thought you were in the right. I had to show you that sometimes you have to give up a little to get what you really want. It's as simple as that. Face it, Finnigan. You would not be where you are today, if it weren't for me."
"What is this compromise you speak of?" Seamus was still teasing. "It certainly hasn't helped my climb to the top."
Lavender blushed. "Okay, so maybe compromise didn't have that much to do with it."
Seamus laughed. "Only a little..."
Hermione watched her cousin and Seamus interacting with each other like they had when they'd been dating. It was great to see them like this again.
"This was a brilliant idea," Hermione whispered in Harry's ear.
"Aye it was," Harry kissed her chastely. "Good thinking."
"Do you think she still wants to kill me?" Hermione whispered to him, motioning toward Lavender who was laughing at something Seamus had said.
"Nah," he said quietly. "We'll just tell her it was Ethan's idea," he grinned devilishly.
"You're terrible," Hermione said with a laugh.
Julie snuck another look over at Nick's table. He still looked bored, although his parents were laughing about something and toasting one another.
Seamus heard Ginny's high-pitched laughter and turned around to see where it was coming from. He rolled his eyes at Lavender. "I was hoping I wouldn't run into the two of them while I was here. I guess my luck ran out."
"Well maybe they won't see us," Lavender said. "I know I certainly don't want to talk to them."
"They're probably over there talking about how fabulous they are," Seamus said. "They remind me of some of the people in Hollywood. I've always though Malfoy would fit right in with that type."
Lavender laughed. "You just pegged him perfectly!"
"I think he's missed his calling," Seamus said. "I still can't seem to get my head around the fact that he's a healer of all things."
"Tell me about it," Hermione joined their conversation. "Malfoy helping people..."
"The only person he ever wanted to help was himself," Seamus remembered. "I imagine he's in it that particular profession more for the name recognition rather than for actually helping people."
"That's probably it," Harry nodded. "Knowing Malfoy he's just in it for the money."
"Come on," Lavender said. "Let's not talk anymore about him or her. We're supposed to be having a nice dinner!"
"Hear, hear," Harry said.
The rest of the evening went by without incident. The Malfoys finished their meal long before Harry and his family. Nick followed his parents out the door and chanced a smile and wave at the Potters' table.
Julie waved back, turning a bit pink. She wanted to run after him but composed herself.
"Everything okay?" Hermione asked Julie.
"Fine," Julie said, still pink.
"I've been where you were before," Hermione said. "I know this can't be easy for you, Jules."
"I know," Julie answered softly. "But he's worth it Mum..."
Hermione nodded. She could remember saying the same thing about Harry. He had been worth it, too. "If you need to talk about it, I'm here for you."
"Thanks Mum," Julie smiled at her.
Ethan yawned rather loudly then and rested his head on his mother's shoulder.
"Tired, little man?" Hermione asked softly.
"Yeah," Ethan said. His swimming lessons proved to be exhausting.
"I think it's time we get you to bed then," Hermione said. "You had a long day."
Ethan was already half asleep as his father picked him up. "Thanks for joining us Seamus," he grinned. "It was good talking to you again."
"Thanks for inviting me," Seamus said. He noticed that Lavender, too, was getting up to leave. He didn't want her to go just yet, but didn't want to rush things. He still wasn't sure how he felt about her exactly. "Will I see you tomorrow, Lav?" Seamus asked instead.
"I'll um... be down at the lake with the rest of them in the morning," Lavender said.
"Perhaps I'll see you down there," Seamus said smiling at her.
"Okay," Lavender said, blushing a little. "It was good having you here tonight."
"Likewise," Seamus said, getting to his feet. They both walked out of the restaurant. Harry, Hermione and their children were walking ahead of them.
Seamus stopped suddenly and kissed Lavender on the cheek. "Good night, Lavender."
"Good night Seamus," Lavender smiled back at him.
Seamus started to walk away and he called out to her. "Lavender!"
"Yes?" she turned to look at him.
"You...you looked really nice tonight," Seamus said nervously. He felt like some nervous teenager on his first date.
"Thanks," Lavender said. "You look great too Seamus. You really clean up well." she teased gently.
"I picked up a thing or two from this girl I used to date," Seamus said grinning back at her.
"I'm a very good influence." Lavender giggled.
Seamus laughed. "So I've heard. Good night, Miss Brown."
"Good night Mr. Finnigan," Lavender returned the kiss on his cheek.
*** *** ***
At around six the following evening, Allison turned the corner and saw Josh sitting on the front steps of the cabin with Jon. She had hoped that she wouldn't run into Josh, but she had wanted to return Jon's jumper. She thought about turning around and walking away when Jon looked up to see her.
"Hi," Allison said, walking toward them.
"Hey!" Jon beamed.
"I'm sorry to come by now," Allison said. "I know your brother and sister are arriving soon, but I wanted to return your jumper."
"Thanks," Jon gave her a quick, shy kiss on the cheek.
Allison blushed. "Thanks again for letting me borrow it last night. That was really sweet of you, Jon."
"Well you were cold," Jon said modestly. "So um... what's going on with you?"
"Nothing much," Allison said, trying to ignore Josh who was glaring at her and Jon. "You look really nice tonight, Jon. Green has always been a great colour on you."
"Hey thanks a lot," he replied. "You too, you always look nice though."
From his seat on the porch swing, Josh tried hard not to listen to what his brother and Allison were saying. He hoped Allison wasn't buying any of what Jon was saying.
Allie giggled and hit him playfully on the arm. "You always say that, Jon. I just might start believing you."
"Good," Jon said. "So listen... Chiaki told me that Toshio's coming in to see her and she wants us to double tomorrow night..."
"She mentioned it to me earlier," Allison said, smiling at him. "I couldn't believe she'd actually want us to come along, but I can't think of anything more I'd rather do. I-I really like spending time with you, Jon."
"Same here," Jon said eagerly. "So is that a yes then?'
"That's a definite yes," Allison said, hugging him. "I'll let you get back to your family. Give Maddie and R.J. a big hug and kiss from me."
"Okay," Jon said. "I'll uh... I'll see you tomorrow then?" he asked hopefully.
"Absolutely," Allison said. "Have a good evening, Jon." She looked at Josh before walking away. "You too, Josh."
"Yeah," Josh muttered.
"What's your problem?" Jon asked as he rejoined his brother on the porch.
"You," Josh snapped angrily.
"Me?" Jon asked, staring at him in disbelief. "I haven't done anything to you. And you certainly didn't need to act so surly with Allie. She was trying to be polite."
"How would you know?" Josh asked. "You just started liking Allie when we got here so how do you know what she's like?"
Jon threw his jumper at his brother. "You don't know how long I've liked Allie! For your information, I've always thought she was pretty and nice and sweet."
"Too sweet for you," Josh answered grumpily.
Jon ducked as Josh threw the jumper back at him. The jumper hit Ginny Malfoy square on the face. Nick tried not to laugh as his mother scowled at the red-headed twins.
"What were your names again?" Ginny asked, throwing the jumper back at Jon. "Jerry? Jimmy?"
"That's Jon," Nick pointed. "And that's Josh."
"Whatever," Ginny said dismissively. "Is my mother here yet?"
"No, Nana's not here," Jon answered.
Ginny rolled her eyes. She'd had to tell Draco that she and Nick were going into town for dinner.
"Will you show me inside?" Ginny asked, offering her hand to Jon who stared at her for a moment before opening up the door and ushering her inside.
Nick noticed Josh glaring at him and he smiled warmly at his cousin. "Good evening, Josh."
"Hi," Josh muttered.
Nick sat down beside him. "I'm really nervous about meeting my grandmother. I heard Jon call her 'Nana'. Is that what all of you call her?"
"Yeah," Josh said. "That's what she wants us to call her."
"My dad's mother doesn't want to be called Grandmother or anything like it," Nick said conversationally. "I've only met her a few times, but each time I did, she insisted I call her Narcissa."
"Why?" Josh asked.
"She thinks it makes her sound old," Nick said with a laugh.
"Oh," Josh replied, trying to stay cool with him.
"She's actually quite scary," Nick said. "The first time I ever met her I think I was six years old. She came to our flat in Sydney and she was dressed entirely in black. I screamed and ran to hide behind Greta."
Josh smiled despite himself. "Nana's not like that at all."
"So I guess I won't be screaming and hiding behind Uncle Ron when I see her then?" Nick joked.
"No," Josh said. "She'll probably just hug you a lot."
"I think I can handle that," Nick said. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell Julie about me acting like such a coward when I was six, Josh...Did I say something wrong?"
Josh shrugged, not wanting to be a brat.
"Are you sure?" Nick asked. "Julie's told me what a great kid you are."
"A kid?" Josh couldn't believe what he was hearing. "I can't believe she thinks I'm a KID."
Nick could tell he'd said the wrong thing, but he didn't know exactly what it was.
"Well, yeah," Nick said quickly. "She said you've always been a great friend to her, especially helping her with Ethan."
Josh snorted in reply.
Suddenly it all seemed clear to Nick. "Josh? Do you have some sort of crush on Julie?"
"What's it to you?" Josh muttered.
Nick felt a little uncomfortable talking about this, but thought he had to clear the air since he and Josh were cousins and he didn't want any bad blood between them.
"Julie and I are seeing each other," Nick said quietly.
"Tell me something I don't know," he replied sullenly.
"Josh, I'm sorry about this. I didn't know you fancied her," Nick said sincerely.
"Yeah well you were the only one." Josh said.
"I'm used to being the last one to know," Nick said. "So, um, how long have you liked her?"
"A long time! Since I was eleven," he retorted.
"Easy, easy," Nick said, not wanting anyone inside to hear them. The last thing he needed was for his mother to come out here. "She is four years older than you though, Josh."
"Yeah I know," Josh said.
"Aren't there any girls your own age that you fancy?" Nick asked.
Josh shrugged. "Not really," he lied, as he thought about Allie.
"I wish I knew what to say to you," Nick said. "I didn't know that you had feelings for her, Josh. But, um, I can certainly see why you'd like her. She's pretty fantastic."
"She is," Josh said resignedly.
"And she really does think the world of you, Josh," Nick continued. "I know that you don't want to hear any of this, Josh. But, I really would appreciate it if you wouldn't mention anything about Julie and me in front of my parents."
"Why not?" he asked curiously.
"My dad doesn't want me dating Harry Potter's daughter basically," Nick replied.
"Oh," Josh said. "Okay... I won't say anything."
"Thanks," Nick said.
Jon opened up the door and smiled at Nick. "Nana's here."
Nick got up nervously and approached the door. An older redheaded woman was hugging his mother tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Ginevra!" Molly cried, hugging her. "I missed you so much, sweetheart!"
"Mum..." Ginny was struggling to breathe.
"I didn't think I'd ever see you again," Molly said, reluctantly letting her go. "Look at what a beautiful woman you are! Isn't your sister beautiful, Ronald?"
"Yeah," Ron said, hoping she'd watch what she said. "Mum... this is Nick." he motioned for his nephew to step into the room.
"Nick?" Molly said hopefully, looking around the crowded room for her grandson. "Where is he?"
"Hi," Nick said, shyly edging over.
Molly's lower lip began to tremble as she took in the grandson she'd never met. She slowly made her way over to him and gave him a patented Molly Weasley hug.
Nick tried to hug the older woman back but his arms were pinned down to the side. "It's nice to meet you," he said.
Molly sobbed and hugged him tightly.
"It's official," Ron said, hugging Luna. "He's officially been welcomed to the family."
Molly let go of Nick and smiled through her tears.
"I'm sorry we haven't met before," Nick said.
"That doesn't matter now," Molly said, smiling at him. She looked over her shoulder at Ginny. "I'm so glad that you're both here now. That's all that matters."
"Right," Ginny forced a smile onto her face. "So this is... Maxine?"
"This is Madeline," Luna said, stepping forward with the blonde four year old. "We call her Maddie."
"And this is R.J.," Drew said, holding her little brother.
"Hi Maddie," Nick grinned. "Hi R.J."
"Would you like to hold him?" Drew asked her cousin. "He's really heavy though."
"Sure," Nick took the baby into his arms. "He's really cute."
"Sure he is," Ginny patted his head. "Well we wish we could stay..."
Molly frowned. "You're not leaving, are you Ginny? We have so much to catch up on."
"Well..." Ginny shifted uncomfortably. "Draco doesn't know we're here and..."
"I don't understand," Molly said, looking from Ginny to Ron and back to Nick. "Ginny, please don't go yet. It's been so long..."
"I'm sure you can stay for a few minutes," Luna said coolly.
"Okay," Ginny finally said. Although she had a feeling that this wasn't the best idea, she stepped forward and hugged her mother again. "I can stay a little longer."
"How gracious of you," Luna said, quietly and coldly.
"I wish Arthur could have been here to meet you, Nick," Molly said. "But, I told him that he'll have many more opportunities to see you now."
"Oh I thought he was coming..." Nick said, bouncing R.J. gently in his arms as Maddie stared at him with wide eyes.
"He had an emergency raid," Molly explained. "Nick you look exactly like your father."
"Thanks," the smile dropped momentarily from his face.
"And Ronald tells me that you're a musician," Molly said, sitting down beside him on the sofa.
"Yeah," Nick sat next to her. "I sing with my band, but I think we're going to break up when I get back. I'd rather work on my own."
"I thought you were going to go to University," Ginny said, sitting down on the other side of her mother. "Your father wanted you to follow in his footsteps. We let you go on about this music nonsense for long enough..."
"I don't want to be a healer, and I'm not going into this now," Nick looked at his mother.
"I know this is a bit early, but I do hope that you'll join us for Christmas at the Burrow," Molly said. "We'd love to have you and you'd get the chance to meet your uncles and your other cousins."
"Sure!" Nick accepted instantly. "I'd love to go."
"That invitation is for you and Draco as well," Molly said, smiling at Ginny. "We'd love for all three of you to be there."
"We'll have to see," Ginny said. "We usually head for the Gold Coast at Christmas."
"Oh," Molly said, trying to hide her disappointment. "Well, I really do hope you'll try."
Luna could barely contain her anger. "Can you believe her?" Luna hissed to Ron.
"I know," Ron said with disappointment. He'd hoped against hope that seeing their mother would help Ginny realise how bad her life with Malfoy really was but it looked like she was completely brainwashed.
"If it wasn't for Nick and your mother I'd kick her out of this cabin," Luna said angrily.
Ron hugged Maddie tighter. "Let's just be glad she showed up at all..." he said quietly.
"I missed you Daddy," Maddie said sleepily, resting her head on Ron's shoulder.
"I missed you too sweetheart," Ron kissed his daughter's head. "We got your picture last week."
"It was a picture of you eating a chocolate frog," Maddie explained.
Ron began to laugh. "I see," he said as Luna tried to reign in her giggles. "Well it certainly looked... lifelike sweetheart. I loved it."
"I drew Mummy one too, but I left it at the Burrow," Maddie said, yawning.
"Well I certainly can't wait to see it," Luna stroked her daughter's hair.
"I would have thought Harry and Hermione would have been here," Molly said. "Have you seen them since you arrived, Ginny?"
"Unfortunately," Ginny replied. "We don't get along Mum, or have you forgotten what they did to me."
"They didn't do anything to you, Ginny!" Luna exclaimed. She'd had just about enough of Ginny. "Or have you forgotten how you framed Harry for those thefts?"
"I'm not getting into this now," Ginny tossed her red hair impatiently.
Luna sighed and shook her head. Out of respect for Molly, she backed off. "I think I'll just put Maddie to bed."
"Sounds good," Ron kissed his daughter goodnight. "Nick, mind helping Luna with R.J.?"
"Of course," Nick said, gingerly getting to his feet and following Luna into one of the bedrooms.
"He's such a great boy," Molly said to Ginny. "And such a natural with R.J."
"I don't know why," Ginny replied. "It's not like he's had anyone to practise on..."
"He's just a natural," Molly said, smiling at Ginny.
"Right," Ginny said. "Well Mum, it's really been good to see you again..."
"Ginny," Molly said. "I'm not going to be here much longer. Please. Stay."
"But do what Mum?" Ginny asked impatiently, examining her nails.
"Talk, catch up," Molly answered. "I want to hear all about Australia."
"There's not a whole lot to tell," Ginny said. "It's great down there. Draco and I love it."
"What do you do in Australia, Aunt Ginny?" Darla asked, smiling at her.
"I uh..." Ginny looked at the young girl. "Well... Darlene, I'm a socialite." she smiled as if it was a huge accomplishment.
"What's a social light?" Darla asked, ignoring the fact that her aunt had just called her by the incorrect name.
"I go to parties," Ginny explained, not looking at Ron. "I make donations to charities in mine and Draco's name." she felt stupid for trying to explain things to a young child. "You'll understand as you grow up Darlene."
"Her name's Darla," Molly whispered to Ginny. "Not Darlene."
"Darla, Darlene..." Ginny waved her hand impatiently. "Same thing."
"No, actually it's not," Ron said, trying not to get angry. "So, let me get this straight. You go to parties? That's what you do? You don't work? You don't have a proper job?"
"I don't NEED a job," Ginny glared at Ron. "My husband makes more than enough money to support ALL of us."
"I don't remember asking your husband for a handout," Ron said coldly.
"Ronald, Ginny...please don't fight," Molly said pleadingly. "This is supposed to be a happy occasion."
"It's hard to be happy when everyone always insults the man I love," Ginny snapped. "If you all could at least accept him then you'd see us a lot more." it was an empty promise and she knew it, but couldn't help throwing the words at her mother and brother.
"We've never done or said anything to you to imply that he wasn't welcome," Molly said truthfully, stung by Ginny's words. "The moment he married you, Ginny---he became a part of our family. I've written to you over the years asking for you to come home. I've never written or said anything to imply that he wasn't welcome."
"It's the way you all act," Ginny got to her feet.
"I promise when you come for Christmas, everyone will be on their best behaviour," Molly said quickly. "It's going to be so much fun having all of us under one roof again. We can make those biscuits that you always liked, Ginny."
"If I come home," Ginny said. "I never said we'd actually come."
Molly stared at Ginny in disbelief. Ron couldn't take it anymore and crossed the room.
"Mum? Do you mind if I steal Ginny away for a moment?" Ron asked, not waiting for an answer. Forcefully, he took hold of Ginny's arm and led her out to the porch.
"Ouch!" Ginny pulled away.
"You're unbelievable!" Ron hissed at her. "Do you have any idea what you're doing? Do you even care?"
"Doing what?" Ginny shot back. "Defending myself and my husband? I don't see what's wrong with that!"
"Breaking your mother's heart all over again, Ginny!" Ron yelled at her. "That's what you're doing! I won't lie to you. The last thing in the world that I want to do is spend any holiday with your husband. But, because it would mean so much to Mum, I'd get through it. I'd be cordial, polite. But, you can't even be bothered, can you?"
Ginny turned away from him. "I don't want to hurt her all right? That's NOT what I'm trying to do here!"
"You could have fooled me!" Ron said sarcastically.
"Ron!" Ginny faced him, her eyes blazing. "I'm not the same person anymore all right? I'd appreciate if you all didn't expect me to be that sweet senseless ninny I used to be."
"What was so wrong with her?" Ron asked her. "She cared about people. She loved her parents and her family and valued their feelings. That girl was my sister. I don't even know who you are anymore."
"So why do you keep pushing it?" Ginny asked coolly.
"Because like it or not, we're family," Ron reminded her. "And it's what Mum wants. She doesn't care who you are, Ginny. She just wants you to be there. That's all she's ever wanted. Did you see what happened tonight when she met Nick for the first time? Don't tell me that didn't affect you, Ginny."
"What, watching my son show you all more affection than he's ever shown me? Don't worry, I'm used to it." Ginny replied.
"Do you ever wonder why?" Ron asked her. "Why he cares more about Greta than he does about you? You've never been there for him a minute of his life, Ginny. You and Malfoy only seem to remember he is your son when it's convenient or beneficial for you."
"So what?" Ginny said bitterly. "Why do you even care?"
"Because no matter what's happened, I still love you Ginny," Ron said truthfully. "You're my sister. No matter what you say, I know that you do care. You wouldn't have come here tonight if you didn't."
Ginny exhaled. "Nick wanted to come, and all right, I wanted to see Mum. But that's the only reason! So don't stand here and get all mushy with me now Ronald when you haven't made any effort over the past twenty years."
"I sent you cards every Christmas and on your birthdays," Ron reminded her. "I sent you pictures of the children. Don't tell me that I didn't make an effort."
"You know, I'm really tired," Ginny had enough. "I think Nicholas and I will leave now."
Ron sighed. "Go ahead and run away, Ginny. Go ahead and run away like you always do. But you go back in there and say a proper goodbye to Mum."
"Fine," Ginny pushed past him roughly. "Nicholas, we're leaving."
Nick was sitting on the sofa looking at photographs with Molly when Ginny came back inside.
"You're leaving?" Molly asked, looking up in surprise. "But you just got here!"
"We've already been here awhile," Ginny abruptly kissed her mother on the cheek. "Come on Nicholas, say goodbye to everyone."
Nick didn't appreciate his mother treating him like a dog, but he certainly didn't want to get into a row in front of his grandmother. He handed Molly back the photo album.
"I guess we have to go," he said apologetically to Molly.
"Nick dear, you don't be a stranger," Molly touched his cheek. "I've been wanting to meet you for a long time now."
"I won't, Nana," Nick said, hugging her tightly. "And we'll see each other at Christmas, right?"
"Right love," Molly was so happy her grandson was such a handsome and nice young man. "And you'll owl me?"
"I will," Nick promised. "Thank you for inviting me, Uncle Ron. Aunt Luna. Good night, everyone."
"Goodnight Nick," everyone's response to him was enthusiastic, but their goodbyes to Ginny were just a muttering.
"So Nana told me something interesting in there," Nick said as his mother purposefully strode down the path.
"Really," Ginny said dismissively, looking at her watch.
"Yeah," Nick said testily. "She told me she's owled me at my birthday, Easter, and Christmas every year. Why haven't I ever heard about this?"
Ginny tensed up and stopped walking. "Your father thought it would be best if you didn't see her cards and letters."
"So you just let him make that decision for me?" Nick snapped.
"I-I saved them all for you," Ginny admitted. "If you want to read them now, you can. Don't look at me like that, Nicholas. You wouldn't have understood. Your father was only thinking of you when he made that decision."
"My arse," Nick spat. "My whole life until I got here I believed that my family didn't care about me. Now that I've met almost everyone I see what you and my father have kept me out of."
"They're only acting that way because they want to take you from me," Ginny said weakly.
"No one has to take me from anyone," Nick replied coldly.
Ginny reached out to put a hand on Nick's arm, but he shrugged her away. "You're never going to be anything but a Malfoy to them, Nicholas. Need I remind you that Harry Potter himself was responsible for putting your Grandfather away in Azkaban?"
"Will you get OVER that?" Nick shouted. "You dragged me here for what you figured would be some stupid bonding experience between us! Instead, you tell me lies and stories about people who have been nothing but nice to me since we met. Then I meet a girl who actually likes me for me and not because of my name, and you and dad tell me that because YOU TWO tried to frame her father, I'm not fucking allowed to see her!" his temper had finally snapped. "You think that coming here together was going to make us get close? It's TOO LATE FOR THAT!"
"I understand that you're upset," Ginny said calmly. "But there are two sides to every story, Nicholas. You don't know what it was like back then for your father and me."
"I imagine it was just awful," Nick said sarcastically.
"It was," Ginny said defensively. "I spent so many years infatuated with Harry and he just threw me over for that...girl. I had to get back at him for what he did to humiliate me, Nicholas."
"You're pathetic," Nick sneered. "I'm so glad I didn't turn out like you or my father."
Ginny laughed. "You are like us, Nicholas. You're like us more than you know."
"I am not!" Nick snapped.
"Now who's lying?" Ginny asked him, raising an eyebrow at him. "You're a Malfoy, Nicholas. Not a Weasley. And certainly not a Potter."
"It's just a fucking name," Nick replied. "Not a way of life. You'd do well to remember that more than me."
Ginny sighed impatiently. "Can we please just get back to the cabin? Your father is going to get suspicious."
"Merlin forbid you tell the man you LOVE the truth," Nick said disgustedly.
"You know how he is about my family," Ginny said, rolling her eyes. "He wouldn't understand why I wanted to see them tonight. It's best just to keep quiet about this."
"Whatever," Nick said, walking ahead of her. "I don't care what the two of you do."
They walked in silence most of the way with Nick keeping a quick pace ahead of his mother.
"It was nice of you to humour Mum that way," Ginny finally said. "When you said you'd see her at Christmas."
"Humour her?" Nick asked dryly. "I'm GOING to see them at Christmas."
"No, you won't," Ginny said pointedly. "Besides, don't you always spend the holiday with Greta or something?"
"She can come with me," Nick replied impatiently.
"Not if she's working," Ginny said, breezing past him.
"Stop using Greta to get me to do what you want!" Nick shouted.
"She's the only one you care about," Ginny said, sobbing dramatically. "She's the one you care about more than your own mother!"
"I wonder why," Nick said.
"Can we please not get into this now?" Ginny asked as they rounded the corner.
"Now's as good a time as any," Nick refused to go for her alligator tears.
"Nicholas," Ginny said, wiping her eyes. "Please, I'm begging you. Don't tell your father about any of this."
"FINE!" Nick roared. "But then you better start leaving me alone about who I choose to be friends with around here!"
"I'll make a deal with you," Ginny said. "You don't tell your father about this and I'll let you see the cards and letters that Mum sent you. I'll send for them straightaway."
"Whatever," Nick rolled his eyes. "If you leave me alone about who I'm seen with around here..." his eyes were hard as he stared at his mother.
"You don't want me to tell your father that you're still seeing that girl?" Ginny asked, knowing full well that was indeed what her son wanted.
"I'm not seeing her," Nick lied. "You two made sure of that."
"Okay," Ginny said, unconvinced. "Have it your way. I'll keep your secret, if you keep mine."
"Fine," Nick said shortly.
Ginny walked up the steps to the cabin and noticed that Nick wasn't behind her. "Where are you going?"
"Out for a walk," he said. "You going to follow and spy on me to make sure I'm not with a Potter?"
"No," Ginny said. "Just don't be too late."
"Why should you care how late I am?" he asked.
"Because I'm your mother," Ginny said, but her words fell on deaf ears as Nick had already walked away.