Authors' Note: Thanks to everyone for continuing to read and review. We both appreciate it very much and even managed to respond to some reviews this time around. The consensus is that you guys are really happy that Lavender and Seamus have reunited and that Allie and Jon made up. A couple of you have expressed concern about how fast Julie/Nick's relationship has progressed. What can we say? Hillsdale is a magical place (no pun intended).
And you all seem to be wondering what is wrong with Hermione...you will find out soon. As always please let us know what you think !
The Space Between - Dave Matthews Band
Take my hand
'Cause we're walking out of here
Oh, right out of here
Love is all we need here
The Space Between
What's wrong and right
Is where you'll find me hiding, waiting for you
The Space Between
Your heart and mine
Is the space we'll fill with time
The Space Between...
It was dark when Julie opened her eyes. After she'd fixed up Nick's lip he'd told her he was tired, and she had just planned on lying with him while he slept but once her head was on his chest she'd been out. Looking at her watch, she saw it was nearly half past ten. The cabin was quiet and she figured everyone must be asleep by now.
"Nick," she shook him gently.
He woke up and gave her a sleepy smile. "This is new for us. Sleeping on something besides the ground, eh?"
"Right," Julie gave him a little kiss. "How's your lip?"
"Better," Nick replied. "And how's your arm?"
"It's fine," she pushed up her sleeve. "Bruise is gone."
"Good," he said, pulling her close. "How old were you? When it happened...that kidnapping attempt?"
"I was around a year old," Julie replied, laying her head down on his chest again. "So I don't remember any of it."
"But they must have told you about it," Nick said gently. He didn't want to press her about it, but he was curious.
Julie shrugged. "My parents don't really like talking about it, but what happened was when I was out with my mum one day on a walk, I was hexed. They didn't know it until a few days later when I started showing signs of the curse the person put on me. So they brought me to St. Mungos and while I was there, someone posed as a mediwizard and tried sneaking me out of the hospital."
"How'd they catch them?" Nick asked.
"They didn't," Julie said. "I guess about five minutes or so after I was taken, my parents saw that I was missing. They raised an alarm and then about a half hour after that I was found down in one of the loos in the basement- whoever it was that had me obviously knew they were going to be found out so they left me."
"Your parents must have been scared to death," Nick said, running his hand up and down her back reassuringly.
"They were," Julie nodded. "Mum was hysterical and Dad wasn't much better."
"My parents probably wouldn't have batted an eyelash if someone had tried to run off with me," Nick said dryly.
"I'm sorry," Julie said softly, raising her head up to look at him.
"When I was a kid, I used to want their attention so much," Nick said with a hollow laugh. "I wanted my Mum to take five minutes out of her schedule to read me a story. She just brushed me off every single time. And my dad, he was never home. He spent all his time at the hospital and when he wasn't there, he'd take Mum somewhere on holiday. They never took me with them, not once."
Julie kissed his cheek. "And now that you want them to ignore you they won't," she said wryly.
"Yeah," Nick said. "There was this one time when I was seven and I thought that if they believed I'd ran away, they'd feel really bad for ignoring me. I waited until after my dad left for work and I holed up in my mum's closet behind her clothes. I stayed there all night, Julie. They didn't even know I was gone. They didn't care."
A determined look came over his handsome features. "If I ever have kids, I'm not going to treat them like that. I want to be like your dad is with you and Ethan."
"I'm sure you will be," Julie replied. "You're already different than your parents in the fact that you care."
"How do you do that?" Nick asked her, touching her cheek. "Make me think that everything will be okay?"
Julie smiled. "I don't know," she replied. "I love you, so maybe that's it."
He grinned back at her. "Tomorrow I think I'm going to go and get my things and stay with Uncle Ron and Aunt Luna until its time to go. You don't think they'd mind if I crashed with them until then, do you?"
"I doubt it," she replied. "We're leaving in the late afternoon."
Nick relaxed and enjoyed the peace and quiet. He didn't think he'd ever see his parents again after this holiday and he didn't care one way or the other.
"Come on," Julie pushed herself up. "Let's go in my bedroom."
"What about your parents?" Nick whispered.
"I'll lock the door," she whispered back.
Nick followed her into her bedroom and laughed when he saw the small twin bed in the middle of the room. "I guess we'll be in close quarters, eh?"
"Something tells me you won't mind too much," Julie said.
"No," Nick said with a grin. "Not at all."
"Right," Julie pulled him close and kissed him.
Nick decided to forget about the problems with his parents and the incident from this afternoon. He walked her backwards toward the bed without breaking the kiss.
She fell on top of the cover, keeping him close. Their mouths didn't break apart as Julie laid her head on the pillow, Nick's hands going under her shirt.
"What about your parents?" Nick asked her breathlessly.
"We'll be really quiet," Julie said, arching her back as he pulled her shirt over her head.
Nick had his doubts, but they quickly faded away when she started planting kisses on his neck.
"Nick I need you tonight," she said softly, moving her mouth back up to his. "Please..."
It was all the invitation Nick needed and he snaked a hand around her back to unclasp her bra.
She helped him pull it off as she tugged up on his shirt. Raking her nails over his skin, Julie was pleased to feel him shudder.
"I love you, Julie," he breathed before kissing her again. He said a silent prayer that her parents and brother were heavy sleepers.
"I love you too Nick," she whimpered quietly as he began to press kisses down her body.
Several excruciating moments passed for Julie and her fingers slinked up and furrowed into his hair. He worked his way back up to her mouth and smiled down at her.
"Please," she said again, ready for him to bury himself inside her.
Julie wrapped her legs around his hips as they exchanged long, slow kisses.
She arched herself again as he began to push into her. Nick concentrated on her face as he did this, staring into her green eyes.
"Quiet now," he said softly.
"I know," she whispered back. "Kiss me."
Nick did as he was told and kissed her, infusing all the love he felt for her in that one kiss.
Julie literally felt as if she was flying, and she clutched onto Nick's shoulders as they began to move together. She gasped into his mouth, trying to keep her moans quiet.
It was taking everything Nick had not to scream out her name and he buried his face in her shoulder.
Julie let out a cry and Nick crashed his mouth back to hers to muffle it. "Merlin...." she said as a tear leaked out of her eye.
Nick shuddered and collapsed against her, amazed that they'd both managed to keep quiet. He looked down at her. "I love you, Julie Potter. Don't ever doubt that."
"I won't," she said softly, bringing her lips back to his for a soft kiss.
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. "Different in a bed, isn't it?" he teased as he closed his eyes.
"Maybe just a bit," Julie allowed herself to relax in his embrace. "I'm so glad it's been with you."
Nick smiled sleepily at her. "Me too."
"Wait..." Julie said as her eyes were about to shut. "We should get dressed again... just in case."
Nick's eyes shot open. "Yeah, good idea. I can just imagine what your dad would do to me if he saw us like this."
"Probably nothing very nice," Julie giggled as she slid her knickers back on.
Nick reached for his boxer shorts and t-shirt on the floor. "Your dad took on Voldemort, for Merlin's sake, Julie. I don't think he'd have trouble reducing me to dust. And my Uncle Ron said that I never want to make your Mum mad. He said it isn't very pretty."
"No, she can be a bit terrifying when she's mad," Julie replied. "That's why she makes such a great Minister."
"I find it hard to believe that you'd have done anything to get your Mum mad," Nick said, as they settled back down on the bed, fully clothed.
"When I was younger maybe," Julie pulled her shirt over her head. "But as I got older, she almost became like a friend you know? I can go to her with any troubles I have, and she doesn't judge me, she listens. I couldn't ask for a better mum."
"Well when it comes to Ginny Malfoy, I think I could ask for a better mum," Nick said with a laugh. "Why the two of them ever have a kid is beyond me. Truth be told, I think I wasn't planned. Mum's never come out and said it, but I think that's why she and Dad got married."
Julie put a hand on his arm. "At least they gave you Greta," she said softly.
"That's true," Nick admitted. "At least there's that. I don't know what I'd have done without her. Probably been just like dear old Dad, I guess."
Julie shuddered at the thought. "But you're not... so there's no use worrying about it."
"Yeah," Nick said thoughtfully. "We, um, should probably get some sleep. We've a big day ahead of us tomorrow, right?"
"I suppose," Julie said. "I was about to fall asleep until we got up to get dressed."
"So was I," Nick said, pulling the covers over them. "Good night, Jules."
"Good night Nick," she turned off the light and moved over into his arms.
Nick's last thoughts as he drifted off to sleep that tomorrow he would finally be free of his parents. He wouldn't have to do what they said anymore. He'd be able to live the kind of life he wanted to live and he'd be able to live it with Julie.
*** *** ***
The next morning, theLongbottom family was eating breakfast in the restaurant. Ron's family was supposed to join them, but as usual they were running a little late. Allison keptchecking the door to see if they'd arrived and she'dlooked overher shoulder so much Chiakiteasedthat she'd get whiplash.
"I can't believe the holiday is coming to an end," Chiaki said conversationally to her mother. "It seems like just yesterday we arrived."
"I don't want to go," Allison said glumly. She hadn't touched her food.
"You just don't want to go home because you won't be able to see your BOY friend anymore," Frankie sing songed.
Allison glared at her younger sister. "I don't remember asking your opinion, Francesca."
"Frankie," Chiaki leaned on her arm. "Remember this moment about three or four years from now when you're finally allowed to date. Payback is sweet and Allison and I will be armed and ready."
"That's so not fair!" Frankie said, leaning back in her chair and folding her arms.
"That's not fair," Allison and Chiaki said together in the same tone as Frankie.
Frankie stuck her tongue out at her sisters.
"Oh that's very mature," Allison said with a grin.
"Girls!" Neville said, raising his voice. "Can we please have some peace and quiet?"
"I don't think so, Dad," Chiaki said, trying not to laugh. "The Weasleys have just arrived."
"Great," Neville mumbled. It wasn't that he was unhappy to see his friends and their children, but he was tired, he had a slight headache, and he was most definitely not looking forward to going back to work.
"Hey Al," Jon grinned at her.
"Hi," Allison said beaming back at him. She looked at Frankie. "Frankie, would you mind scooting down so Jon can sit beside me?"
Frankie scoffed. "No way," she replied.
"Francesca," Allison said, knowing her sister hated being called by her full name.
"Mum!" Frankie said, looking at Cho. "Why do I have to move? I was here first!"
"Frankie, be nice and let Allison sit by her boyfriend," Cho replied.
"Fine," Frankie said getting to her feet and walking around the table. She sat down beside Chiaki, who put an arm around her.
"It's not fair," Frankie pouted.
"It never is," Chiaki said. "But you'll get to do this to Maddie and Ethan in a few years." she grinned.
"What are you thinking about having Daddy?" Maddie said, sitting in Ron's lap as they both looked over the menu.
"Everything on the left hand side of the menu," Ron replied teasingly. "What about you sweetheart."
"That's a lot of food, Daddy," Maddie said laughing.
"You're going to help me right?" Ron kissed his daughter's cheek.
"Of course," Maddie said, hugging him around the neck.
"That's my girl," Ron said. "And I promise not to touch your chocolate chip muffin."
"What time are you lot leaving?" Cho asked Luna. "We were thinking of going right after lunch."
"Actually," Luna said. "Harry and Hermione invited us to stay at their place until the party. So we're going back with them."
Allison had been taking a sip of her orange juice when she heard Luna's response. She choked on her juice and Josh stifled a laugh as Jon patted her on the back.
"Sorry," Allison said, blushing. "But did you say you were staying in London?"
"Yup," Jon grinned at her. "For the next two weeks."
Allison squealed and hugged him. "I thought I wouldn't see you until we went back to school!"
Josh smiled at his brother, the jealousy that he'd once felt nonexistent. He was happy that Allison and Jon were together.
"And you heard that Anna and Luke are coming to Julie's party," Luna said to Cho. "It's going to be so great to see them again."
"Yes it will," Cho agreed. "I've missed them since they moved away."
"Lizzy's super smart," Frankie said. "She tutored me last year."
"She's a Ravenclaw," Allison replied. "Of course she's smart."
"I know," Frankie said, rolling her eyes. "I was just saying..."
"Girls," Neville said, rubbing his temple. "Peace and quiet, remember?"
"Right Dad," Allison mumbled. She smiled ruefully at Jon. "Poor Dad's got a headache."
Jon smiled sympathetically at Neville. "I hope you feel better, Mr. Longbottom."
"Oh, he's Mr. Longbottom now?" Josh teased.
"Sod off Josh," Jon said.
"Yeah, sod off!" Maddie nodded from her seat on Ron's lap.
Luna glared at Jon.
Ron covered Maddie's ears with his hands. "Let the record show that it wasn't me corrupting our daughter this time."
"Sorry Mum," Jon apologised, his face red. "Maddie, don't say that okay?"
"You say it all the time, Jon," Maddie reminded him. "And so does Josh."
"Oh do you now?" Luna asked.
Both twins were bright red.
"Maddie, this goes along with saying the W word," Ron said. "We don't talk like that right?"
"But you do, Daddy," Maddie said. She looked at Luna with wide eyes. "Daddy said loads of bad words yesterday when he came back from visiting with Uncle Harry. Didn't he, Mummy?"
Ron caught Cho's eye and mouthed the word Malfoy to her. "But little girls do not talk like that," he said, trying to stay patient.
"But I'm a big girl, Daddy," Maddie said grinning shyly at him. "You said so yourself this morning."
Luna laughed. "Having a bit of trouble are you, Ron?"
"I don't see you helping," Ron retorted.
"Come here, Maddie," Luna said, smiling at her daughter.
Maddie hopped off her father's lap and climbed onto her mother's.
"You are a big girl, sweetheart," Luna said softly. "And big girls should know better than to say bad words like that."
Maddie nodded. "Okay Mummy. I'll be a good big girl."
As Maddie hugged her mother, Luna grinned smugly at her husband. "And that, Ronald, is how you do it."
"Bloody hell," Ron muttered under his breath. "I just can't win."
Maddie gasped and whispered in Luna's ear.
"That's right, Maddie," Luna said, nodding. "That's a bad word, too. What do you think? Should we send Daddy back to the cabin without any breakfast?"
Ron's face was so red it was nearly purple.
"Only if he steals my chocolate chip muffins Mummy," Maddie said decisively.
"Look at your dad and my dad," Jon whispered to Allison. "They look like they're about ready to explode."
Allison giggled. "Your dad looks worse for wear though... I've never seen anyone turn so red."
"You should have seen him last night when he got back from visiting with my Aunt Ginny," Jon said. "This is nothing compared to that."
"What happened?" she asked in a hushed voice.
Jon scooted closer so no one else could hear them, namely Frankie who was nearly straining herself across the table to hear.
"Apparently Nick's dad threatened Julie and Ethan," Jon whispered. "Julie's dad and my dad went over there with aunt Hermione to confront them."
Allison's eyes widened and she kept her reaction to herself. "That's mad," she whispered back. "How stupid can Nick's parents be? And what happened to him?"
"His dad gave him a fat lip, I think," Jon said. "Josh and I were trying to listen, but Mum took Dad outside and that's all I know."
"I can't believe that," Allison whispered back. "Don't you hate it when they leave right at the good stuff?"
Jon nodded. "They always do that, don't they?"
"Always," Allison said as her father stood up.
"I think I'll go back to the cabin and lie down before we have to leave," he said tiredly. "I'll see you all later..."
"Mum?" Chiaki asked, watching as Neville walked out of the restaurant. "Is he okay? He didn't look too good."
"He's got a migraine I think," Cho stood up as well. "I'm going back with him. You girls make sure you're back soon- I want to make sure you're all packed."
"At least we know you're not the reason for the headache, right Jon?" Josh teased. He was enjoying the fact that he could now give Jon a taste of his own medicine.
"Funny," Jon replied, sliding his arm over the back of Allison's chair. "You're a regular riot Josh."
"Aunt Luna," Chiaki said, looking at Maddie who was now nibbling on a chocolate chip muffin. "I was wondering if Miss Madeline here would like to be in my wedding."
Maddie stared at her with wide eyes. "I can be in your wedding?"
"As the flower girl," Chiaki said, pinching Maddie's nose. "As long as you promise not to show me up on my wedding day, of course."
Luna laughed. "You might have your work cut out for you Chiaki. She's quite a little show stopper."
"Hey, Maddie?" Allison asked, leaning in. "Tell Chiaki that you don't like orange. She's going to make all of us wear this awful orange colour...."
"Yeah," Frankie chimed in. "Orange is so ugly."
"I like pink," Maddie said, nodding.
"See, Chi?" Allison said, grinning at Maddie. "We all like pink. You're the only one who likes orange."
"Jon, don't you think Allison would look pretty in orange?" Chiaki asked him.
"Uh..." Jon looked back and forth between his girlfriend and Chiaki. "I'm staying out of this one."
"Pink goes with my hair," Maddie tossed her blonde curls in a perfect imitation of Frankie.
Everyone laughed, even Ron at this.
"Well, I guess pink is the popular choice," Chiaki said laughing. "Okay. Okay. I give up. Pink it is."
Allison clapped. "We did it!" she grinned at her sister. "Thank you Maddie!"
"No one can turn her down," Jon said grinning.
"Especially my daddy," Maddie announced proudly.
"She has me wrapped around her little finger," Ron admitted. "Just like her mother, Darla and Drew."
"What about us?" Jon asked, sharing a look with his brother.
"You two drive me crazy," Ron said with a sly grin.
"Thanks a lot Dad," Josh said.
Ron grinned. "You're welcome, son."
"I see how we're appreciated," Jon said. "Good to know someone does," he grinned at Allison.
Allison beamed back at him and squeezed his hand under the table.
"Want to go for a walk?" he asked quietly.
"I'd love to," Allison said. "You don't mind, do you, Mr. Weasley?"
Ron laughed. "Allison, you've never in your life called me Mr. Weasley. You call me that and I want to turn around and see where my dad is."
"Sorry," Allison blushed. "Uncle Ron."
"Come on, Al," Jon said, laughing.
Frankie pouted again as Allison and Jon left. "I want to go on a walk with a boy!" she cried.
"You could always take a walk with R.J.," Chiaki offered.
"That's not funny," Frankie glowered.
"Can I just tell you how happy I am that you're staying in London for two weeks?" Allison asked as they walked away from the restaurant.
Jon smiled "So am I, Al. I wasn't looking forward to spending the next two weeks moping around my room."
"I would have missed you a lot," Allison said. "After that we only have a few weeks until we go to school."
"I know," Jon said, taking her hand. "I still can't believe that you and me are together. I never in a million years thought you'd ever fancy me, Al."
"Why's that?" Allison asked, winding her arms around him.
Jon blushed. "Well, I've always been a bit of a goof off, haven't I? Do you know when you used to be studying in the common room and I'd come in and be all loud and obnoxious about something...I was trying to get your attention. You must have thought I was the biggest idiot."
Allison laughed. "Well... maybe just a little bit. That was when I thought Josh was the one for me... and now it's just you Jon."
"It's always been you for me, Allie," Jon said, touching her cheek. "I love you."
"I love you," she returned shyly, leaning in as he touched his lips to hers.
When they pulled apart, they both had goofy grins on their faces.
"Wow," Jon whispered.
"I know," she giggled a bit. "I can't wait to get back to school and tell everyone you're my boyfriend."
"If Frankie doesn't do it, first," Jon teased.
"I might have to put a silencing charm on her," Allison said. "It's a good thing I have loads of blackmail on her."
"Like what?" Jon asked intrigued.
"Like her spying on the boys in the loo..." Allison grinned. "The rest of it, I'm afraid I'm sworn to secrecy."
"I know some stuff about Josh, too," Jon said with a mischievous grin. "And Drew and Darla, too. But you won't be getting it out of me, Allison Longbottom."
"I wasn't going to ask," Allison leaned in again and brushed her lips over his.
Jon pulled her close and deepened the kiss.
She threw all caution to the wind and wound her arms around his neck, pressing her body against his.
"It's too bad we're not staying with your family instead," Jon said in between kisses.
Allison laughed, her fingers delving into his hair. "I highly doubt my dad would allow that with our current... situation..." she kissed him again.
"I really, really," Jon began, kissing her neck. "Like our situation."
"I love our situation," Allison breathed out as his tongue flicked at her skin. "Do that again," she hissed.
Jon grinned and did as he was told; pulling her even closer.
"Mmm..." Allison kissed him as hard as she could. "Who knows when we'll get to do this again..."
"Tomorrow," Jon said huskily. "And the next day, and the next day..."
"I'm sure we'll find some place in the Potter's mansion to hide in," she giggled.
"I hope so," Jon said, leaning in for another kiss, but he saw his family coming toward them. "Just when we were getting to the good part."
"As always," she whispered. "We'll find a private place when we get back to London."
"With the family we both have I wonder if that's possible," Jon said grinning at her.
"We'll figure something out," she said.
"I thought you two were going for a walk," Ron said.
"We did," Jon answered. He was still holding Allison's hand. "We just stopped for a minute."
"For a minute?" Ron grinned. "Looks to me like you've both been here for several minutes."
"Ron!" Luna said.
"Well, it does," Ron said sheepishly.
Allison blushed and was relieved to see that Josh didn't seem upset to come upon them like this. "I should probably go back to my cabin and start packing."
"I'll come by before we all have to leave," Jon promised.
"Okay," Allison said with a shy smile. "I'll see you then."
"Bye Al," he wanted to kiss her goodbye but not in front of his family.
Allison said a polite goodbye to everyone and walked away toward her cabin. Drew and Darla snickered at their brother while a clueless Maddie tugged at Josh's hand.
"Stop now," Jon warned. "Or I'll tell everyone about how you both wet the bed."
"We do not!" Drew and Darla chorused.
"Yes you do," Maddie chimed in innocently.
"Shut up Maddie!" Drew said. "We do not!"
"Remind me why we have six children," Ron asked his wife as a fight broke out among all of the Weasley siblings.
"Because one or both of us is quite fertile," Luna replied. "I know I certainly didn't enjoy pushing all of them out." she nuzzled RJ's soft cheek.
"I don't think anyone in my family is capable of having a small family," Ron observed. "If you'd only known what you were getting yourself into..."
"I knew," Luna smiled at him.
"And you still married me anyway?" Ron asked her with a broad smile. "You must really love me or something, eh?"
"Very much," Luna leaned over and kissed her husband.
"Mum and Dad are at it AGAIN," Darla sighed and a chorus of "Eew!" rose from all 6 of their children.
"Shut it all of you," Ron said, laughing. "And you---Jonathan Arthur Weasley....you were doing the same thing before we walked up so I don't want to hear anything out of you."
"I didn't say anything!" Jon turned red as Drew and Darla began to sing that insufferable song again.
"I think I'm getting Neville's headache," Ron groaned as they made their way slowly back to their cabin.
*** *** ***
Hermione stumbled blindly into the bathroom, her hand held over her mouth. Leaning over the toilet, she tried to keep her retching down. She hadn't felt this sick in a long time.
Harry had heard her get out of bed and at first thought she was going to the loo like she normally did in the mornings, but when he heard her retching he knew something was wrong. He reached for his glasses on the bedside table and put them on.
"Hermione?" he asked, knocking on the door. "Is everything okay?"
"Not really," she answered, sitting back against the wall. "You can come in..." she said as she flushed the toilet.
Harry opened the door and saw his wife leaning against the bathroom wall. Her hair was matted to her head and she looked pale and ashy.
"Hermione, I thought you said you were feeling better last night."
"I was," Hermione croaked. "This morning I feel worse."
Harry knelt down in front of her and touched her forehead. "Can I get you anything? Some water?"
She shook her head. "I don't think I want to put anything in my stomach right now," she moaned weakly.
Harry nodded. It couldn't be the heat that had her this way. She'd spent all last night in a cool environment and had drunk plenty of water. In fact, she'd been fine all day until they'd gone to see...
"That bastard!" Harry exclaimed loudly, startling Hermione.
"What?" Hermione jumped.
"Malfoy," Harry said, standing up. He paced in front of Hermione. "You were perfectly fine until we went over there."
Hermione shrugged. "I guess," she replied, grabbing a towel and mopping off her forehead.
"And I wouldn't put it pass either of them to do something like this," Harry said, shaking his head. "But how could they have done it? I mean we didn't eat or drink anything while we were there..."
"I don't know," Hermione pressed a hand to her stomach as another wave of nausea hit her.
"He's a bloody healer so he probably knew just how to mask it too," Harry continued. Hermione crawled to the toilet and pushed him out of the way as he was blocking her way.
She retched again as Harry still ranted in the background, her own mind spinning with possibilities.
"And if he did have something to do with this," Harry began, but his voice trailed off as he saw his wife getting sick again. "Oh, would you listen to me? Going on and on like this and you're sick...I'm sorry, Hermione."
"Harry..." Hermione said. "I think there's a possibility that-"
Harry nodded. "I know there's a great possibility that the two of them had something do with it, Hermione. But don't you worry; I'll make them regret it...bloody bastard."
"Harry..." Hermione said. "That's not-"
"Okay, okay," Harry said. "You're right...I'm overreacting, but this is low, even for the two of them."
Harry walked toward the door. "I'm going to go and talk to them right-"
"Harry!" Hermione spoke more firmly. "I think there's a chance I'm pregnant."
"...now and see what they have to..." Harry said his hand on the door. "Wait. Did you just say that...pregnant?"
"I don't know for sure," Hermione said, getting up shakily and holding onto the counter. "But this is how it usually starts to show up. Not normally this early though..."
Harry smiled. "You were the same way with both Julie and Ethan. You are, Hermione. I know you are!"
"Harry don't get too excited," Hermione warned. "This is normally too early to show. I just might be sick."
"I know," Harry said, but he couldn't keep the hopeful tone from his voice. After Julie was born, they'd tried so many times to get pregnant again and had been disappointed time and time again---until Ethan.
"When we get back I'll take a test," Hermione said.
"A Muggle one?" Harry teased, remembering that time right after they'd moved in together when he'd been so stubborn about her not taking a Muggle pregnancy test.
"Either or," Hermione said as Harry put his arm around her and helped her back into the bedroom. "Merlin I don't know how I'm going to survive a car ride this afternoon."
"You and Jules could floo back," Harry suggested. "Ethan and I can take the car."
"We'll see how I feel," Hermione said as she got back into bed. "Thank you."
"For what?" Harry asked her. "Ranting like a lunatic while you were sick?"
"No you git for helping me back into bed."
Harry laughed. "You're welcome. So, I guess we wouldn't say anything to anyone until we're sure."
"That's probably a good idea," Hermione lay back. "We don't want the masses spreading more rumours."
"So...what do you want...a boy or a girl?" Harry asked her with a sly grin. "I'm sorry. I just have a very good feeling about this, Hermione."
"Either or," Hermione laughed. "You're going to jinx it. It's going to turn out to be Wizarding Flu again. Like that one time."
"Okay, I am going to try and not get my hopes up," Harry said.
"Good luck" Hermione smiled. "Mine sure are."
"So are mine," Harry said, squeezing her hand. "I was just saying that for your benefit. See, I knew you were excited, too."
She laughed a little. "After we talked about it that one time I can't help but wish I was pregnant again."
"Sans the nausea, swelling, et cetera, right?" Harry asked her. "And the mood swings...I could do without those."
"If am pregnant you'd best brace yourself Potter," Hermione said, lying back on her pillows.
"I can handle it," Harry said. There was a knock on the door.
"Mum? Are you feeling better?" Ethan asked, poking his head around the door.
"Hey little man," Hermione smiled at her son. "Just a little bit. Your reading to me helped a lot yesterday."
Ethan came into the bedroom and plopped down on the bed. "It always helped when you'd read to me."
"I'm glad," Hermione pulled him close and pressed a kiss to the top of his messy head. "Did you just wake up sweetheart?"
Ethan nodded. "It's our last day here. I don't want to go back home."
"Neither do we," Harry said. "Is your sister up yet?"
"Yes," Julie said coming into the bedroom. "I'm up."
She smiled at her mother. "Mum, forgive me for saying this, but you look terrible."
"Thank you love," Hermione said. "I feel terrible."
"Did Nick go back?" Harry asked.
Julie nodded. "He left just a few minutes ago."
"He stayed the whole night?" Harry asked.
"Yeah," Julie said, looking away. "That's okay, isn't it?"
Hermione gave her husband a look. "It's fine sweetheart. You're an adult now."
"He couldn't very well go home, could he?" Julie asked, feeling the need to explain herself. She certainly wasn't going to tell her father what had actually happened last night, but she didn't like him thinking badly of her.
"No you're right," Harry said. As much as he didn't like the idea of his baby girl getting serious and settled down, he knew she was right. "It's fine love." he put his arm around her and squeezed her shoulders.
Julie hugged him back. "Thanks, Daddy."
Harry kissed the top of her head. "What's Nick planning on doing now?"
"He was going to go and collect his things," Julie answered. "His parents usually sleep late so he didn't think they'd be awake. He's going to stay at Ron's until its time to go."
"Good," Harry said. "He's a good kid Jules. I like him."
Julie smiled. She suddenly remembered that she had no idea what had happened yesterday afternoon when her parents and Ron went to confront the Malfoys.
"What did you do to them, Dad?" Julie asked.
Harry looked over at Ethan, who rolled his eyes. "More grown up talk that I can't hear, right?"
"Hey Ethan," Julie said. "Nick brought you a present; it's still sitting out there on the table."
Ethan forgot all about not getting to hear the grown-up talk and dashed out of the bedroom.
"That was easy," Julie said with a laugh.
"Basically we went over there and told him if he ever touched either one of you, we'd hurt him," Harry said. "Plus your mum gave Ginny a black eye."
"Mum!" Julie said, covering her mouth. "You didn't, did you?"
Hermione smiled. "I did. She was being horrid, as usual, and it's something I've wanted to do since I met her."
"I wish I could have seen that," Julie said smiling proudly at her mother.
"It was quite fantastic, really," Harry said, giving his wife an admiring glance. "And Ron threatened to kill Malfoy if he hit Nick again."
"Did you ask him about...you know," Julie said, her voice trailing off. "He didn't have anything to do with it, did he?"
"He was just blowing smoke," Harry said gently.
Julie nodded. "I didn't think he had anything to do with it. He just said some horrible things."
"He's a horrible man," Hermione said. "Very unhappy. If he wasn't so rotten to everyone I'd feel sorry for him."
Harry agreed. "He didn't have the best childhood either. I'm not making excuses for him, of course. But, his father treated him much the same way that Draco treats Nick. Very cold, very distant."
"Good thing Nick's different then," Julie said.
"Yes it is," Harry said.
"Mum, are you sure you're okay?" Julie asked.
"I will be," Hermione said, sharing a look with Harry.
Ethan came back into the room carrying a package.
"Look what Nick got me!" Ethan said, throwing the package down on the bed. "He's the best, Jules!"
"What is it?" Julie laughed.
"Broomstick servicing kit," Ethan answered jumping back on the bed.
"Wow!" Julie said. "That IS a nice gift!"
"I might have to borrow that," Harry said, looking into the box.
"Now all I need is a new broom," Ethan glanced slyly at his parents.
"Don't look at me," Hermione said, shaking her head. "If it was up to me, you wouldn't even have a broom."
"Come on Dad," Ethan jumped up and down on the bed. "You know I need a new one."
"Ethan," Hermione said, turning a little green. "Don't jump on the bed, please..."
"Sorry Mum," Ethan flopped down.
"When we get back home, we'll go to Diagon Alley and look around," Harry said. "I could use a new broom, too."
"You have five," Julie reminded him.
"What's your point?" Harry grinned. "I could always use a new one."
"Me too," Ethan said, putting an arm around his father. "Girls just don't understand do they, Dad?"
"I guess not," Harry laughed. "Except Allie. She's the only girl around here that loves to fly as much as we do."
"Aunt Cho used to," Julie said. "She was on her house team, right?"
"A long, long time ago," Harry replied. "She stopped playing Quidditch when we left school."
"I'm going to be on my house team," Ethan said. "Just like Dad."
Julie pulled her brother to her and mussed his hair. "You want to do everything just like Dad."
"So?" Ethan said defensively.
"I'm just kidding with you, little man," Julie said, tickling his side. "I think its great that you want to be like Dad."
"Jules!" Ethan laughed and fell back on the bed.
Hermione was trying valiantly to smile but it was useless. She pushed back the covers and ran for the loo.
"Mum's really sick, isn't she Dad?" Ethan asked.
"She's..." Harry didn't know what to say. "Look you two, I don't want you to get your hopes up and we don't know this yet for sure but-"
"Is Mum pregnant?" Julie gasped her eyes wide.
"Um, well..."
"I'm going to have a baby brother!" Ethan exclaimed jumping on the bed.
"Harry!" Hermione called out weakly from the bathroom. "You weren't supposed to say anything."
"Hey," Harry said. "We don't know this for sure yet. I don't wait either one of you telling ANYONE."
"We won't," Julie promised and Ethan nodded solemnly.
"That's mostly aimed at you," Harry said to his son.
"I won't say anything, Dad," Ethan said seriously. "I promise."
"All right," Harry said. "You okay in there Hermione?"
"Yeah," Hermione said, coming back into the bedroom. "I think so."
Harry stroked her hair back as she got into bed again. "What do you two think about possibly having another brother or sister?"
"I'm going to be a big brother," Ethan said grinning. "Either way...I'm going to be a big brother. I don't have to be the LITTLE brother anymore."
Julie laughed. "As if you haven't enjoyed being the baby for 7 years."
"And you'll still be Julie's little brother," Hermione pointed out.
"Yeah exactly," Julie pinched his cheeks.
"Jules," Ethan said, frowning at her. "I hate it when you do that!"
"I know you do." Julie said mischievously.
"You'll get to do that to your baby sister or baby brother," Harry reminded Ethan. "Drive them completely crazy."
"Yeah!" Ethan said. "It'll be loads of fun!"
"Hello," Hermione said, putting a hand on Ethan's arm. "Voice of reason, here. We don't know anything yet. Let's not get too excited. I could just have the flu or something."
"I hope not Mummy," Ethan said impishly.
"Me too," Hermione said smiling at him. "Me too."