A/N: Thanks again for all your continued feedback- sorry we didn't get to review replies this time (we both had a busy day) but Saturday we'll pick it back up. Enjoy this one and as always, please let us know what you think!
Kiss Me - Sixpence None The Richer
Oh, kiss me beneath the milky twilight
Lead me out on the moonlit floor
Lift your open hand
Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance
Silver moon's sparkling
So kiss me
Julie tried not to laugh as Nick struggled to keep a hold of both their soft drinks and the tub of popcorn. They'd arrived a bit early for the afternoon matinee.
"If you're not going to let me carry anything, the least you can do is let me hold the door open for you," Julie said, reaching for the door handle.
"Jules I can get it," Nick said as the popcorn tub began to slip. Julie caught it just in time. "All right," he conceded.
"Thank you," she said, smiling at him. "And don't worry; I still think you're a big, strong man."
"I just don't want you thinking I'm a wuss," Nick teased.
"There's no chance of that," she said. "Okay. Do you want to sit in the back or in the front?"
"Back," Nick grinned mischievously.
"Okay," Julie said. "But you're not going to distract me like you did last night. You remember last night, don't you? We were supposed to be here, but we sort of became sidetracked."
"I'll say we did," Nick agreed as they settled in their seats in the last row. They had been on their way to the theatre when they had decided to grab a cup of coffee first. One thing turned into another and soon enough they found themselves right back in the cove.
"So, we're in agreement," Julie said resolutely. "We are going to watch this film and you're not going to try and grope me in the darkness or slobber all over me. Right?"
Nick grinned at her. "I'm not agreeing to that at all."
Julie reached into the popcorn tub and picked up some kernels. "What am I going to do with you?" she asked throwing some popcorn at him.
"Why don't you tell me?" Nick shook his head. "Hey that's going to get stuck in my hair!"
Julie laughed. "What a tragedy that would be!"
Nick poked her in the side. "What's that?" he asked. "Are you mocking me Potter?"
"No, Malfoy," she said, throwing some more popcorn at him. "I'm a Potter. We're much more civilised than that."
Nick leaned over and gave her a chaste kiss. "Civilised my arse," he said.
Julie put the popcorn tub down and grinned wickedly at him. "Is that the best you can do, Malfoy?"
"Why don't we wait for the lights to go out?" Nick said, his grey eyes darkening.
"Scaredy cat," Julie teased.
A few minutes later, the lights dimmed and a few last minute stragglers came walking into the theatre.
"I really am sorry that I was late picking you up," Jon apologised in a hushed tone to Allison as they took their seats. "Maddie wouldn't let me go until I'd finished playing Exploding Snap with her."
"That's okay Jon," Allison smiled at him. "I'm just glad we made it in time."
He smiled and squeezed her hand. "Have I told you how glad I am that your parents let you come with me?"
"Yes you told me," she giggled quietly. "Last night about three times as you walked me back."
"Sorry," Jon whispered sheepishly. "You'll have to forgive me. I'm still new to this whole dating thing."
"Well so am I," Allison said as the previews started to roll. "But we're having fun and that's all that matters."
Jon turned to peck her on the cheek and as he did so, he saw a couple a few seats down snogging like there was no tomorrow. He tapped Allison on the shoulder.
"What?" she whispered.
"Look over there," Jon whispered back. "I think someone should get a room, don't you?"
Allison squinted and then slapped a hand over her mouth to hide her giggles. "That's Julie and Nick!"
"It is?" Jon asked, peering at them again. "You're right. It is!"
"That's so funny," Allison moved closer to him on her chair. "They don't even know we're here."
Jon put an arm around her. "I don't even think they realise anyone else is here."
Allison laid her head on his shoulder. "Well... if they don't see us we can tease them later. That would be REALLY funny."
"Allison Longbottom," Jon said in her ear. "You're a girl after my own heart."
She grinned back at him in reply, liking how she felt around him. It wasn't shy or awkward like she was with Josh. Being with Jon felt like being with a friend only much, much more.
Their conversation halted and they both tried to watch the movie and not look over at Julie and Nick who hadn't come up for air since the lights went down.
"You're trying not to laugh aren't you?" Jon asked Allison, struggling to keep his own composure.
"A little bit," she whispered. "I've never seen anyone kiss like that before."
"Josh and I once caught my mum and dad snogging like that," Jon said. "We're still trying to get over that."
Allison had to bite down hard on her lower lip to keep from laughing out loud.
"Okay," Jon whispered. "I guess we should be on good behaviour and watch the movie, eh?"
"Maybe," Allison said grinning at him.
"Unless of course you'd like to do what they're doing," Jon teased, motioning toward Nick and Julie.
"Why, do you?" Allison asked a glint in her eye.
"Only if you do," Jon said nervously.
Allison felt that excited yet nervous flutter in her stomach. "Do you want to though?" she asked softly.
"I just like being with you, Al," Jon whispered, squeezing her hand. He leaned in and kissed her softly.
"Me too," Allison replied, relieved and only slightly disappointed that they weren't snogging like Nick and Julie. Her heart wanted to, but her brain was holding her back.
Jon smiled back at her and they both directed their attention to the screen. As the movie began, Jon chanced a look at Allison.
She was watching the screen, but felt Jon's eyes on her. "What?" she turned to look at him.
Jon exhaled and cupped Allison's face in his hands and kissed her as he never had before.
From a few seats down, Julie and Nick had finally stopped snogging. Julie grinned as she caught sight of a couple of kids kissing a few seats down from them.
"Nick?" Julie asked, nudging him. "Look at that! It's Allison and Jon."
Nick grinned. "Think they saw us?"
"Probably not," Julie whispered. "You realise we're going to have to tease them unmercifully about this, don't you?"
"Of course," Nick said, leaning in to kiss her again. "But let's worry about that later. I only pulled away for a breather." He slid his hands into her long hair and pulled her lips to his.
Julie grinned as she closed her eyes. She knew they shouldn't be snogging like this in public, as anyone could walk in, but kissing Nick felt so good.
Allison couldn't believe that Jon was kissing her like this. She couldn't believe she was kissing him back like this. It made made her glad they were sitting in the back row so that no one would be watching them. "Jon…" she whispered, pulling away several minutes later. "Wow um…"
"Yeah," he said. "Me too." He looked over her shoulder again. "Julie and Nick are STILL at it."
"I think you're more entertained by them than the movie," Allison teased.
Jon kissed her again. "Funny Al," he said. "Your lips are all swollen now."
"And whose fault is that?" Allison asked.
"I'll take credit for it," Jon pulled her closer.
*** *** ***
Julie tagged behind her parents on their way to dinner. Harry and Hermione were laughing and talking like teenagers, and Julie cast a glance at her aunt Lavender, wondering if she knew why they were being so extra lovey dovey that evening.
"The Daily Prophet had an article on your family this morning," Lavender whispered.
"I knew that," Julie replied. "That's never made them so close before..."
"True," Lavender said. "But they've been like this since they came back from the Ministry."
Julie raised her eyebrows. "In other words, they haven't left each other's side all day long?"
"Pretty much," Lavender replied.
Julie shook her head. "We know what that means," she said in a low voice.
"What does it mean, Julie?" Ethan asked, from her other side.
"Oh nothing Ethan," Julie smiled at him. "It means you get another swimming lesson."
"He's just cross because he had to spend all day with mean aunt Lavender," Lavender said, pinching his cheek.
"You made me sit while you played dress up in all your clothes," Ethan glared at her.
"Lavender," Hermione said, turning around. "I thought you said you were going to take him for a walk!"
"I was going to," Lavender said. "But I got a little sidetracked."
Hermione sighed. "Come here, Ethan. I promise that tomorrow you won't have to sit inside all day."
Ethan shot Lavender a look and went to walk beside his mother.
Harry fell back to walk beside his daughter. "And you would be? I think you're my daughter, but it's been so long since I've seen you..."
"Funny Dad," Julie smiled at him. "I've been busy!"
Harry put an arm around her. "With a certain boy?"
Julie blushed. "Maybe," she hedged, thinking about the activities she'd been indulging in with that certain boy.
"Is he treating you okay?" Harry asked her. "Because if he isn't, you just say the word..."
"Dad he's treating me just fine," Julie assured him. "He couldn't be any more okay, trust me."
"Don't forget about us, though," Harry said, squeezing her shoulder. "We like spending time with you, too."
"I know," Julie said. "Tomorrow I promise I'll help with Ethan's swim lesson."
"Great," Harry said, as they walked inside the restaurant. He spotted the Longbottoms immediately and waved.
"Good evening, Potters," Steve said warmly. "Did you want us to pull some tables together so you can eat with Neville's family?"
"That'd be fantastic Steve," Harry grinned. "Thanks a lot."
A few minutes later, Harry and the rest of his family settled in with Neville's family.
"How are things at the Ministry, Hermione?" Cho asked.
"They're fine," Hermione said. "The article barely made any waves."
"Like I told you it wouldn't," Harry replied.
"The first time you've ever been right, eh Harry?" Neville asked teasingly.
Hermione grinned at him. "Right dear?"
"Right," Harry said, grinning back at her.
Julie grinned at Allison. "So... did you enjoy the movie this afternoon?" she asked, sharing a look with Chiaki.
"Oh, you mean you actually saw me?" Allison asked. "You looked a bit preoccupied."
Julie blushed. "Not as preoccupied as you and Jon."
Allison's eyes grew wide as saucers and she looked to make sure her parents weren't listening. "You saw that?"
"Everyone in the theatre saw that," Julie teased as Chiaki laughed. "You two redefined the sport of snogging."
Allison blushed. "We...um...well, we..."
"My little sister snogged her boyfriend in the theatre," Chiaki teased in a sing song voice.
Allison glared at her sister. "Chi! Mum and Dad might hear you!"
Chiaki and Julie both laughed at her. "It's nothing to be ashamed of Allie," Julie said.
"I wasn't ashamed," Allison said quickly. "I liked it."
Frankie looked up. "You were making out with Jon?"
"What?" Neville asked, his mouth agape.
"Frankie!" Allison hissed.
"Sorry," Frankie turned red.
"Where's that waiter?" Chiaki asked, trying to save her sister from her father's questions.
"Now wait a minute," Neville said.
"It was nothing, Dad," Allison said quietly. "Jon and I just went to the movies."
"I know that," Neville replied. "To SEE a movie, not to snog during one."
"Neville," Cho placed a hand on his arm.
"We didn't do anything wrong, Dad," Allison protested. "Really."
"Neville, she's a teenage girl and this is the son of one of your best friends," Cho said to her husband quietly. "I'm sure they behaved themselves."
"But we've never talked to her about...you know," Neville said in a hushed tone.
"Yes we have," Cho whispered. "Back when she was around ten or eleven. Neville... let's wait until later to talk about this." her daughter's face was still as red as a tomato.
"Okay," Neville said reluctantly. "But we're talking about this tonight."
"Allie, I'm so sorry," Julie said.
"It's not your fault Jules," Allison said.
"So," Chiaki said, leaning in. "Is he a good kisser?"
Allison looked to see if the adults were otherwise occupied before leaning in. "Well not that I had any prior experience, but yes, he is."
Chiaki and Julie grinned.
"This is so sweet," Chiaki said, hugging Allison. "Your first boyfriend!"
"Chiaki!" Allison said. "Please! I'm in enough hot water with Dad..."
"Well it's true," Chiaki said. "You've been out on a few dates now... I think you can consider Jon to be your boyfriend."
"But he hasn't said anything," Allison said. She looked at Julie. "Does Nick call you his girlfriend?"
Julie shrugged. "We haven't really talked about that yet... but I would assume yes."
Chiaki grinned as she saw the Weasley family walk into the restaurant. "Look, Allie."
Allison looked up to see Ron and his family coming toward them. Jon was grinning at her.
"Hello Ron," Neville said, coldly. "Jonathan."
"Hi..." Jon was confused at the look on Neville's face. Ron on the other hand, gave his friend a punch to the shoulder.
"Did you all order yet?" Ron said in greeting.
"No," Neville replied. "And I don't think there's any room..."
Cho kicked her husband under the table.
Luna put R.J. in the high chair that Steve had brought over for them as Maddie climbed onto Neville's lap and grinned at him in traditional Lovegood-Weasley fashion. "Uncle Neville you can smile," she said. "It's a good day!"
Despite himself, Neville did smile back at the little girl. "I'm sorry, Maddie. You're right. It is a good day."
"Sorry Neville," Ron retrieved his youngest daughter. "You know she hasn't got a shy bone in her body."
"She's an awful lot like that son of yours," Neville retorted.
Ron narrowed his eyes. "Care to explain that one Longbottom?"
Jon's face turned so red it was nearly indistinguishable from his hair.
"How about the fact that your son was groping..." Neville started to explain.
"DAD!" Allison exclaimed.
"Neville," Cho was starting to get angry. "We are NOT talking about this now!" she leaned in. "And you'd better stop treating Jon that way. He's only a teenager!" she hissed.
"What did you do to piss off Allie's dad?" Josh asked his brother.
"Nothing," Jon muttered, taking the seat across from Allison. He had been about to sit down next to her but under the circumstances he figured it wasn't such a good idea.
"Let's all just sit down and enjoy the evening, okay?" Hermione asked, trying to assuage the situation.
Neville saw how angry his wife was and nodded. "Okay," he agreed. "I'm sorry."
"Okay," Cho said quietly. "But I think you owe your daughter an apology as well."
"I'm sorry sweetheart," Neville dutifully said. "And Jon, to you as well."
Jon nodded and mouthed the words "I'm sorry" to Allison.
Allison gave him a slight smile in reply as Josh took the empty seat next to her.
"What did we just walk into?" Josh asked her.
"It's a long story," she replied.
Chiaki lowered her voice. "Allie and Jon were snogging and we were teasing her- and my dad overheard."
"Oh," Josh said quietly.
Allison was mortified but tried to regain a sense of composure. "Um... what was everyone going to order?" she asked, trying to change the subject.
"I was thinking about getting the grilled chicken," Julie said, smiling sympathetically at the younger girl.
"That sounds nice," Allison replied softly. She looked to her side and saw Josh giving her an odd look.
"Don't worry," Josh told her reassuringly. "Your parents will be over this in no time at all. That's the good thing about having siblings, right? They'll do something worse than you did and all will be forgotten."
"Right," she smiled a little at him. The look in his eyes made the butterflies reappear in her stomach, and a bout of confusion rose as well. He was looking at her much like Jon looked at her- the way Allison had wanted Josh to look at her before she had begun seeing his brother.
"Do you think Allie's dad hates me now?" Jon asked Julie. "He keeps looking at me like he wants to punch my lights out or something."
"He's probably just upset that his daughter is growing up," Julie said, trying to comfort him. "My dad was the same way when I first began dating."
Jon nodded. "I wonder how your dad would feel if he knew what YOU were doing this afternoon," he said, grinning at her.
Julie narrowed her eyes. "Nice try," she said.
Jon laughed. He looked across the table at Allison who was talking to Josh.
"I really like her, Jules," he said. "I hope I didn't screw things up today when I...well, when we...."
"I doubt you did," Julie reassured him. "She seems to like you a lot too Jon."
"She does?" Jon asked, pleased. "And what about you and my cousin?"
Julie raised an eyebrow. "You know what you saw this afternoon," she said coyly.
"I do," Jon said.
"There you go," Julie sat back with a grin, obviously satisfied.
From a few seats down, Harry put an arm around his wife and she rested her head on his shoulder.
"What exactly did the two of you do this afternoon?" Cho asked.
"The bunny hop." Harry answered.
"You never change," Cho said, shaking her head. "I honestly don't know why we all put up with you."
Hermione swatted Harry's arm. "We don't have to shout out what we do down the table Harry," she said to her husband.
"I'm sorry," Harry said sheepishly. "There are innocent children here after all."
"That's right," Ron chimed in. "My innocent ears too."
Luna laughed. "Ronald, you are the love of my life, but you are about as innocent as Malfoy is a saint."
Cho shuddered. "We know he's the furthest thing from a saint."
"Did something happen?" Harry asked when he saw Neville and Cho exchange a look.
"Just a run in with our favourite snarky bastard," Cho replied. "He had a few choice words for me."
"What did he say?" Harry asked, his grip tightening on the arm rests of his chair.
Cho shook her head. "It was mainly a lot of nonsense," her look made Harry realise they had exchanged comments about Chiaki and Cho didn't want to go into that here.
"I've had just about enough of him," Harry said angrily.
"We all have," Luna agreed.
"It's just mainly trying to stay away from him." Hermione said bemusedly. "Honestly- I can't figure out why he'd want to come by any of us other than to try and feel better about himself by running us down, whether in his mind or his words."
Cho looked down the table at Chiaki who was laughing with the other kids, oblivious to what was going on. She wanted to keep it that way.
"Well on the bright side, we've managed to survive another crisis with the Daily Prophet," Hermione changed the subject abruptly.
"Yes, it's a shame we didn't get a picture of the Minister in her skimpy, scandalous bathing suit," Lavender teased her cousin.
"You've all seen enough of me in my skimpy scandalous bathing suit," Hermione laughed. "Although they seem to have gotten plenty of you and Seamus before Steve made them hand over their film."
Lavender blushed.
"Where is Mr. Finnigan this evening?" Neville asked.
"He's got some things to do for his film," Lavender said a bit wistfully. "Guess he uh... heard from his girlfriend."
"Well, he's still here and she's in the States," Cho said reassuringly. "My money's on you, Lav."
"We're just friends," Lavender replied. "I mean... it took us a lot to just get that far you know?"
"I know," Hermione said. "But you want more, don't you?"
She shrugged. "We'll see," the blonde replied, not wanting to voice her innermost thoughts.
"Hey, Jules?" Chiaki asked her friend. "Are you up for going dancing after dinner?"
"Sure," Julie said. "We haven't gone up there in awhile. That sounds like fun."
"I want to go!" Frankie exclaimed.
"Frankie it's for adults only," Chiaki said. "You keep forgetting you're only 12."
"Age is nothing but a number," Frankie said simply.
"Where on earth did you hear that from?" Chiaki asked, trying not to giggle.
"You," Frankie said smugly.
Chiaki wondered when she had said something like that and it dawned on her that it was when Grandmother Longbottom had expressed concern that Chiaki was getting married much too soon. "Frankie," Chiaki said laughing. "You soak up everything like a sponge, do you know that?"
"So can I go?" the young girl asked eagerly.
"No," Chiaki said gently. "But if it makes you feel any better, neither can Allie."
Frankie pouted. "I never get to do anything fun!"
"Neither do I," Ethan chimed in, glaring at Lavender.
"Ethan I'm sorry," Lavender said. "I really meant to take you out but--"
"You had to try on your new clothes," Ethan finished for her. "I know..."
Julie laughed. "Ethan, stop fussing. You'll get to be out all day tomorrow."
"I don't understand girls," Ethan said, shaking his head.
"You will someday," Julie teased. "Some girl's dad will be giving you the third degree like Grandpa did to Dad when he and Mum got together."
"It wasn't that bad," Harry said. "And why do you all have to keep bringing this up? That happened in the past. Dr. Granger and I are on great terms now."
"He's still making you call him 'Dr. Granger'?" Cho teased.
"It's a respect thing," Harry said.
"Sure it is," Ron scoffed.
"At least I never cowered in front of Malcolm," Harry shot back. "Ron used to practically curl into a little ball when he was around."
"I did not!" Ron retorted. "You were just as scared of him as I was!"
"He was intimidating," Harry agreed. "But I didn't wet myself in his presence." Everyone laughed at Ron.
"Did you really, Dad?" Jon asked, chuckling.
"Harry's just being a wanker," Ron glared at his best friend.
"Wanker," Maddie nodded in agreement.
"That's just great, Ronald," Luna said. "Way to teach our daughter that fabulous language of yours."
"Sorry dear," Ron grunted. "Maddie, that's not a nice word."
"But you said it, Daddy," Maddie said, grinning at him.
Ron squirmed under Luna's glare. "Well sweetheart, that's because I'm an adult, and I'm allowed."
"That's not fair, Daddy," Maddie said, echoing Frankie's sentiment and tone from earlier.
When Ron looked to Luna for help, she shook her head. "Oh no you don't. You dug yourself into this hole, it's up to you to get yourself out."
"Sweetheart," Ron said, ignoring the chuckles from his so called friends and wife. "Once you become a big girl- well... a bigger girl... then you can talk like Daddy."
"Ronald!" Luna exclaimed.
"I don't know what to say!" Ron groaned in frustration. "Okay, Maddie. You know how I am? Don't ever do anything like Daddy, okay?"
"But you like it when I eat like you," Maddie said in confusion. "You tell me that when I don't tell Mummy about you eating all the biscuits."
"Oh, that's just great!" Luna said, glaring at him. "Now you've got our four-year old lying for you."
Ron groaned as Maddie giggled at him. "You're silly Daddy."
"You're the only one who understands," Ron said, taking his little girl in his lap. "And thanks to all of you for helping me out."
"We love watching you make a fool of yourself Ron," Neville grinned, the earlier animosity forgotten. "It's just so easy."
"You're a W-A-N-K-E-R, too," Ron said.
"Wanker," Maddie said, nodding.
*** *** ***
Seamus sighed impatiently as he held his mobile phone to his ear. He'd been on hold for nearly ten minutes and had finally managed to reach her at the studio. He was about to hang up when Summer's bubbly voice came on the line.
"This is Summer," she said giggling.
"Hey," Seamus smiled as he heard her voice. "It's Seamus."
"Oh," Summer said, the lightness disappearing from her tone. "Hi...Shamy."
"How's everything over there?" he asked. He felt bad as he'd not once tried to contact her since she left for the States. Out of a sense of duty he'd skipped dinner with his friends and Lavender that evening to try and get a hold of her. "The movie part still yours?"
She was obviously carrying on a conversation with someone else, as he could hear a male voice in the background. "No, no..." he heard her say. "I'll be right there. This won't take long."
"Who is that?" he asked curiously.
"No one," Summer said a little too brightly.
"Oh..." Seamus drummed his fingers on the tabletop. "I'm uh... I'm sorry I haven't called--"
"It's okay," Summer said. "I should probably tell you something, Seamus. I hope you won't be angry with me. It just sort of...happened."
"You're seeing someone else aren't you?" his voice was strangely flat, although he didn't feel as much disappointment as he thought he might.
"You know Chad Templeton, don't you?" Summer asked, referring to one of the up and coming actors who was known more for their looks than their acting abilities. "He's my co-star on the film and we've sort of clicked. I'm sorry, Seamus. I never meant to hurt you."
"I see..." Seamus said. "Didn't he just get divorced about two weeks ago?"
"Yes, but she never understood him," Summer explained. "And she was cheating on him with anything that moved."
"Right," Seamus sighed. "Were you going to tell me when I got back or let me see you both in the tabloids?"
"I've been wanting to call you Seamus," Summer said mournfully. "I really was. I just didn't want to break your heart. You've been so great with me and I wouldn't be where I was if it hadn't been for you. But, we never really had that much in common, did we? You...you never wanted to go out. You just wanted to stay at home and screen films and I like going out and having a good time. We never would have lasted."
She was right, he knew. "Yeah," he finally said. "Well... I guess I really can't be too angry Summer..."
"You're not?" Summer asked. "Oh I'm so relieved! I was afraid you were going to hate me!"
Seamus smiled despite himself. "We can still be friends right? After all, I'm going to be your director for your big movie."
"Of course!" Summer exclaimed. "When you get back from Britain, you have to give me a call, okay?"
"I will," Seamus replied. "Good luck with you and Chad all right? And I'll see you in a few weeks."
"Thanks, Seamus," Summer said. "And good luck to you. You're the best!"
Seamus clicked off his phone, feeling slightly upset but relieved at the same time. He didn't have to feel guilty about his re-emerging feelings for Lavender anymore.
*** *** ***
Luna sighed as she and Ron rocked gently on the porch swing. It was a warm, clear night and she was enjoying every quiet moment of it.
"You hear that?" Ron asked. "No one's fighting. No one's complaining. That's the greatest sound in the entire world!"
Luna laughed softly. "I know. It's amazing but even our boys are getting along for a change. Did you see them at dinner talking instead of arguing?"
"Did you have something to do with that?" Ron asked, raising his eyebrows at her.
"Not a thing," Luna looked up at him.
"And our little four year old who is going on 40," Ron said with a laugh.
"With no thanks to you Ronald," Luna replied. "You better start watching your language around her."
"I felt really bad about that," Ron said sheepishly. "I forget how easily she picks up things. And you could have helped me out, you know!"
"It was funnier trying to see you get yourself out," Luna giggled and leaned against him again as he wrapped his arm around her. "At least Neville calmed down..."
"What was his problem by the way?" Ron asked. "He kept glaring at me throughout dinner."
"Didn't you listen to him?" Luna laughed. "Jon and Allie were kissing when he took her to the movies this afternoon. She's Neville's little girl. Wait until Drew, Darla and Maddie start dating. You'll be a right terror to their boyfriends."
"Drew, Darla and Maddie are never dating," Ron said stubbornly. "Never."
Luna shook her head. "You know they'll never settle for that."
"This is non-negotiable," Ron said. "I know what teenage boys are like...I was one. They don't need to be exposed to something like that."
"I liked you when you were a teenage boy," Luna pointed out.
"You did?" Ron asked her. "But when we were in school, I was horrible to you!"
"I've told you time and again that I fancied you back at school," Luna kissed her husband.
"But I was really terrible to you, Luna," Ron protested. "I still feel bad about that. I'm just so glad that I finally wised up."
"So am I," Luna kissed him again. "If not, I was going to have to turn you over to a herd of Doxies and Chimeras."
Ron laughed. "Good thing I wised up then, eh?"
"Very good," Luna leaned in and gave him a very passionate kiss.
"Wow," Ron said a goofy grin on his face when they finally pulled apart.
"We haven't had a whole lot of time together since we got here," Luna said dreamily.
"No," he said, pulling her close. "We haven't. That's going to have to change, Luna. This is the place we fell in love, right? And this was where you told me that story about the moon following you...."
"Ronald!" Luna hit his shoulder.
"I thought it was cute!" Ron said, rubbing his shoulder. "Watch it, woman!"
"You promised not to tease me about it!" Luna said. "And the moon DOES follow me, for your information."
"But I wasn't teasing you about it," Ron said defensively. "You know I'm seriously considering stopping talking completely so I don't get myself into any more trouble."
"What will you do in place of talking?" Luna purred.
"Eat," Ron answered simply.
She raised an eyebrow. "And?"
"Oh, kiss my wife, of course," he said, leaning in for another kiss.
"DADDY!" Maddie's voice called out from the cabin.
At the same time, Drew threw open the cabin door and stood in front of her parents, hands on her hips. "Darla won't stop singing! And I'm trying to sleep! DO SOMETHING!"
"Hey," Ron said. "There's no yelling- other people might be trying to sleep."
"Well, if Darla can sing, why can't I yell?" Drew asked, frowning. "And for your information, Dad---I'm trying to sleep!"
"All right," Ron grumbled, getting up from his comfortable seat. "Darla, sweetheart, now's not the time for singing, even if it is about the Chudley Cannons."
Maddie came running into the room in her pyjamas and launched herself at her father. "Daddy! You were supposed to read me a story!"
"But you went to sleep, Maddie," Ron said, softly. "I can't read to you when you're asleep."
"But I'm awake now!" Maddie grinned brightly.
"I'll read you a story," Luna came in behind her husband. "Daddy has to put Drew and Darla to bed."
"Okay, Mummy," Maddie said, yawning. "But you better do all the voices and read the longest story in the book, okay?"
Luna looked at her husband. "Later?" she said.
"Definitely," Ron said, smiling at her before he followed Darla and Drew into their bedroom.
He got Darla to stop singing and Drew was happy and both asleep, so Ron went out to the main room to wait for his wife. He saw Jon sitting in the dark so he snapped the light on.
"Why are you sitting in the dark, Jon?" Ron asked, sitting down beside his son.
"Do you think Allie's dad hates me?" Jon asked. "He normally talks to me and tonight he would hardly look at me."
"Neville doesn't hate you, Jon," Ron said with a laugh. "He's the father of a teenage girl who doesn't want to admit his little girl is growing up. Don't take it personally, son."
"Yeah but what if he won't let Allie go out with me anymore?" Jon said.
"Did you do something that would make him not want to let Allie go out with you?" Ron asked. He, too, had noticed Neville's chilliness, but he'd chalked it up to being a protective father. There had to be some reason behind it, though.
"Well..." Jon rubbed the back of his neck. "Today when we went to the movie... we sort of were kissing, you know... snogging a bit, but I swear Dad I didn't try to touch her or anything, we just kissed..."
"Oh," Ron said thoughtfully. "And you didn't try and force Allie into doing anything?"
"Dad I swear I didn't," Jon said.
"Neville must have found out about it somehow," Ron guessed. "I don't think Neville's going to stop letting you see Allie. Not for something like that."
"Really?" Jon seemed to brighten up a little.
"Yes," Ron said reassuringly. "You really like Allie, don't you?"
Jon nodded. "She's really great Dad. She's funny and pretty and I really like spending time with her."
"I'm happy for you, Jon," Ron said, grinning at him. "Allie is a great girl and I think she fancies you quite a bit, too."
"You think so?" Jon asked eagerly.
"Aye," Ron said, nodding. "And really, don't worry about Neville. I imagine I'll be just like him when Drew and Darla start dating...when they're around 40 years old."
"Dad you know they'll never settle for that," Jon laughed.
"They don't have a choice," Ron said. "Of course, I let you start dating at 16 so I imagine they'll want to do the same, but I'm going to let them in on a little secret. No bloke is ever going to be good enough for my girls."
"That's probably how Neville feels," Jon said.
"Probably," Ron admitted. "But you've got Cho on your side, Jon. And besides, you're a Weasley. We're absolutely perfect."
"Says you," Luna rejoined them. "Jon don't listen to your father."
Ron stuck his tongue out at Luna. "Sweetheart, tell Jon that Neville doesn't hate him."
"Of course he doesn't," Luna sat down on Jon's other side. "Jon, you'll laugh when your father starts acting like this in a few years when Drew, Darla and Maddie are dating."
"A few years?" Ron asked incredulously. "Luna...I told you they're going to date when they're 40."
Luna shook her head. "Come on Ronald," she said.
"See what you have to look forward to, Jon?" Ron asked, as Luna led Ron back outside.
"I hope I never snog like you two in front of my kids," Jon replied.
"You will," Ron said.
"No way," Jon said. "Me and Josh both said we'd never make our kids walk in on what we see all the time," he playfully scowled at his parents.
"You just be lucky we're your parents and not Harry and Hermione," Ron retorted.
"What would be wrong with that Ron?" Luna asked.
"I'm going to bed," Jon said quickly as his father became flustered. "There are some things I'm not supposed to know about. Good night, Mum. Dad."
"Good night sweetheart," Luna said.
"Good luck, Dad," Jon said, smiling at his parents before going inside his bedroom.
"See? I'm just going to quit talking," Ron said.
"Right," Luna said, leading him back onto the porch. "And we were right about here..." she leaned in.
"Oh, yes," Ron said huskily. "I remember that."
*** *** ***
Cho sighed impatiently as Neville turned over again. They'd gone to bed nearly half an hour ago and the entire time, Neville had tossed, turned and tugged at the covers trying to get comfortable.
"Can't sleep?" Cho asked sarcastically.
"No," Neville said, flopping onto his back. "What was your first clue?"
"Oh, I don't know," Cho replied. "Lucky guess."
"I just can't sleep knowing what I know," Neville replied.
"Knowing what you know about what?" Cho asked, resting on her elbow. "Merlin's beard! Neville, is this about Allie?"
"Cho, we allowed her to go out with Jon and now we found out she's snogging in the movie theatre!" Neville said.
"She's 15 years old, Neville," Cho said. "And Jon's a very nice boy."
"That's not my point," Neville said.
"It's getting really late, Nev," Cho said, sitting up in bed. "Do you mind telling me what your point is so we can get some sleep?"
"She's not old enough for things like this Cho." Neville said.
"Neville," Cho said patiently. "I understand how you feel. I do. She's your little girl and it's hard for you to think of her as growing up, but she didn't do anything wrong. All she did was kiss the boy that she fancies. That's all."
Neville sighed. "I can't sleep until I talk to her about this."
"Neville!" Cho exclaimed, as he pulled back the covers. "It's nearly one in the morning!"
"Exactly," He got up. "I'm sure she's still awake."
"Neville!" Cho said, following him out of their bedroom. "This is crazy..."
"Allie," Neville ignored his wife. "Are you awake sweetheart?"
Allison groaned as she heard the knocking on her door. "Go away."
"She's asleep!" Cho hissed, but Neville gently opened the door.
"Dad?" Allie asked groggily. "What is it?"
Cho glared at him. "Your father's being an idiot."
Allison blinked at the bright light in the room. "What's going on?" she yawned.
"Allie?" Neville whispered. "How about you come into the sitting room with Mum and me so we can have a nice chat? I don't want to wake up your sister."
Cho huffed. "This is ridiculous."
"A nice chat about what?" Allison was still squinting.
"Just come on out here with us, okay?" Neville asked, holding the door for his wife, who glared at him and a sleepy Allison who rubbed her eyes as she followed them out into the sitting room.
"What are we doing up?" Allison asked when they all sat down. "Dad if this is about me and Jon--"
"It is Allison," Neville said. "Your mother and I..."
"Leave me out of this," Cho interjected.
"Okay," Neville said, glaring at her. "I have some concerns."
"About what?" Allison asked incredulously. "Dad we kissed."
"It's not as big a deal as you think Neville," Cho's eyes looked like daggers.
Neville ignored Cho's looks and sat down across from his daughter. "Okay. Well, sweetheart...you see you're growing up now and I understand that you're looking at boys differently than you used to..."
Allison stared at him with one eyebrow raised.
"And boys these days, they really are just after one thing, Allison," Neville continued.
"You have got to be kidding me," Cho said. "Neville... she KNOWS all this."
"Well, she needs to hear it from her father," Neville said defensively. "Boys might try and get you to do something that you're just not ready to do and you can tell them no, Allison."
"Dad..." Allison's face had turned as red as it was during dinner. "You went over this, before I was even Frankie's age."
"But you weren't dating then, Allie," Neville pointed out.
"I still know what it means Dad," Allison said, a bit angrily. "I'd think you'd trust me more than this."
"I do trust you, Allie," Neville said quickly. "I do. I just don't trust...boys."
"Neville, you have known Jonathan Weasley since the day he was born," Cho told him.
"Exactly," Allison was grateful her mother at least understood. "And you gave me special permission to date him just BECAUSE we've known him all our lives."
"Well, yes, but..." Neville stammered.
"Well why do you think he'd try do make me do anything I didn't want to do?" Allison stood up. "I'm going back to bed."
"Good night, sweetheart," Cho said, kissing her on the cheek.
Allison muttered to herself as she left the room and she slammed the door lightly behind her.
"Now are you satisfied?" Cho asked her husband.
"I may have overreacted," Neville said, sinking down into the sofa. "But she's my little girl, Cho."
She relaxed and sat back down next to him. "I know that but we went through this when Chiaki began dating, are we going to have to do it with Frankie as well?"
"I hope not," Neville said, shaking his head.
"Well let's take a lesson from this," Cho said gently. "Come on Neville, you know that Jon would never do anything to hurt Allie. And you know our daughter is more sensible than to get seriously involved at a young age. They're just having fun together."
"Really?" Neville asked her.
"Really," Cho replied.
"This would have been so much easier if we'd had three boys," Neville said, grinning at her.
"Poor you, all alone with all this estrogen," Cho gave him a kiss.
"Yeah, poor me," Neville said, yawning.
"Come on you," Cho said. "I'm tired, and maybe now you'll leave us all alone so we can get some sleep."
"Yes, dear," Neville said, as he followed Cho into the bedroom.