A/N: We're updating a day early as a 'birthday gift' since Emma Watson turns 15 today (still today over here in the US LOL) and we just wanted to give her a shout out. Hope you had a great day Emma and got loads of great presents too ;D
A lot of you are asking how many chapters this story is- we don't know. It's finished, that much we can say but we don't have it split up into chapters yet. It's long, not as long as Time of their Life, but long. We've added little things here and there as well.
Also- please don't judge Nick too harshly! Remember- he only had a few minutes to think about what to do! And what's worse is D/G still have one trick left up their sleeve, which you'll find out in this chapter. Thanks for reading and as always, please leave a review to let us know what you think!
Home - Sheryl Crow
I'm going crazy
A little everyday
And everything I wanted
Is now driving me away
I woke this morning
To the sound of breaking hearts
Mine is full of questions
And it's tearing yours apart...
"Good to be home," Draco eyed the city of Sydney Australia as they drove through it. He put an arm around his wife and settled back. They'd taken a portkey from England and so it was only about an hour after they'd left Hillsdale. "Nicholas, we're going to talk about your schooling when we get back to the flat. Don't think you can duck out and go see your friends."
Nick rolled his eyes, but kept silent. His father had another thing coming if he thought he was going to spend his days in some University in the hopes of becoming another clone of his dad.
"It's so grand to be back," Ginny said. "I haven't been able to do any decent shopping in weeks. That little town near the resort has nothing on Sydney."
"We'll go out for dinner and then we'll hit a few stores," Draco said to his wife.
"And I can get anything I want, right?" Ginny asked beaming at him.
"Don't you always?" Nick muttered under his breath.
"Nicholas that was uncalled for," Draco frowned at his son. "You've been a moody, ungrateful brat since we left the resort. You didn't want to go there in the first place and now we're back. I would appreciate it if you'd leave the glower behind."
"And what would I have to be grateful for, Dad?" Nick asked sarcastically. "You know if you'd spent more than five minutes with the Weasleys you'd see how a real family is supposed to be. Unlike some people, they actually want their kids to be happy."
"The Weasleys are a bunch of no good paupers who bring the pureblood name down," Draco retorted.
"That's right Nicholas," Ginny nodded in agreement. "The moment I married your father he became my only family. They don't understand me and they certainly don't understand you."
"They understood me just fine," Nick said tersely. "But thanks to the two of you, I guess I'll never see them again."
"And you're better off for it," Draco replied crisply.
"Yeah," Nick said. "I certainly am, aren't I? Don't I look happy?"
"You'll be fine," Draco glared at him. "You're starting University, and you're going to be a Healer. You won't have time to think about the Weasel family or the stupid bloody Potters, especially that tart. And soon enough we'll help you find a girl that's right for you and you'll settle down then."
"So, let me get this straight," Nick said glaring at his parents. "You get to decide what I'm going to do with the rest of my life? You're going to decide who I associate with? You didn't care before, Dad. Why now?"
"Because you're old enough now where you need to be shown the way to do things," Draco returned coldly. "I didn't raise you to be a spoiled little shit Nicholas."
"You didn't raise me at all!" Nick retorted. "I don't seem to remember you helping me learn how to ride a bike, Dad? I don't remember either of you spending a Christmas morning with me---ever. I don't recall you showing up for any of my Quidditch matches at school or for any of my gigs..."
"We're here for you now," Draco said sharply. "And if you know what's good for you, you'll forget about that Potter girl and concentrate on your future."
The rest of the ride home was spent in silence as Nick worked out how he could get out of this mess. He couldn't wait to see Greta and ask her what she thought he should do.
The smell of freshly baked biscuits hit Nick as soon as the lift pinged open and they made their way into the penthouse.
"Nick?" Greta's warm voice called out to him from the kitchen. "Is that you?"
"Greta," Nick smiled for the first time since that morning when he'd woken up with Julie in his arms.
Greta beamed at him as she walked out of the kitchen. "Look at you! You've gotten taller since I last saw you!"
"I have not," Nick smiled at her and hugged her tightly. "I missed you."
"I missed you, too!" Greta exclaimed. She pulled back to get a better look at him. "Something's wrong, Nick. What is it?"
He shook his head. "It's a long story," he looked down at the floor. "I'll tell you later."
"Greta," Draco strode into the kitchen.
"Mr, Malfoy," Greta said politely. "Welcome Home, Sir."
"Thank you," Draco said coolly. "Pack your bags please. Your services with us are terminated as of this moment."
The smile on Greta's face faltered and she looked at him as if she'd not quite heard him. "I beg your pardon, Sir. What did you just say?"
"He said you're fired," Ginny came up behind her husband. "Sacked." she smiled cruelly.
"But...but I've been with your family for nearly 20 years," Greta stammered. She looked at Nick who looked as dumbfounded and shell-shocked as she was. "I don't understand..."
"Nick's a big boy now," Draco wore a smile identical to his wife's. "We don't need you anymore."
"This wasn't our deal, Dad," Nick said angrily.
"We have no deal here Nicholas," Draco said, his look calculating.
"But you said that if I didn't break things off with Julie..." Nick's voice trailed off as he realised what his parents had done. They'd had no intention of keeping Greta. He couldn't believe he'd been so stupid to think he could have trusted them.
"I guess I'll go and pack my things," Greta said quietly.
"Make sure you don't take anything," Ginny said. "We'll be taking a full inventory to make sure that you haven't. And we won't be giving you any references, Greta."
Nick stared at them as Greta left the room. "How could you do this?" he demanded furiously.
"She's a nanny," Ginny answered as if it should have been obvious. "You're not a child anymore. You'll be at University and we won't have much need for her, will we?"
"I'm not going to University," Nick was about to snap, his temper was wound so tight.
"This isn't up for discussion," Draco said getting in front of his son. "Now you can be cross about this if you'd like, but we did what we had to do, Nicholas."
"Bullshit," Nick snapped. "You didn't have to sack her. I did what you told me to do and you fired her anyway!"
"Draco," Ginny said, rubbing her forehead. "This is giving me a headache. Let's go upstairs and rest."
"Right," Nick said sarcastically. He was trembling with rage as his parents left the kitchen.
Greta was packing her suitcase in her small bedroom just a few doors down from the kitchen. This had been her home for such a long time. She'd always hated the Malfoys, but had put up with them because of Nick. He was such a good boy and he'd grown up into a fine young man. Greta was so proud of him. She honestly didn't know how she was going to say goodbye to someone she'd thought of as one of her own.
"Greta," Nick knocked softly on her door. "This isn't fair. I'm going to tell them they can't sack you."
Greta slowly turned around and gave him a weak smile. "Its okay, Nick. They're right. They don't have any need for an old squib like me."
"They might not need you but I do," Nick said. He shut the door behind him. "They tricked me."
"What do you mean?" Greta asked, pushing her suitcase aside and sitting down on the bed. She patted the empty space beside her and motioned for him to sit down, too.
He sat heavily, raking his fingers through his hair. "I told you about Julie and how we were keeping our relationship a secret right?"
Greta nodded. "Your parents found out, didn't they?"
"They found out, and they told me that if I didn't break up with her, they'd sack you and make it look like you stole things," Nick said bitterly. "And so I broke up with her. I said some horrible things and then I came back to find out they were going to get rid of you anyway!"
"Oh, Nick," Greta said her voice barely above a whisper. She couldn't believe the nerve Draco and Ginny Malfoy had. It was almost like hurting people---even their own son---was a sport to them. "That poor girl..."
"Yeah," Nick muttered. "I don't deserve her now. Not after that."
"That's rubbish," Greta said, patting his arm. "You were fooled by your parents. She'll understand. You just need to talk to her and explain...."
He shook his head. "She told me she never wanted to see me again. I told her that I fooled everyone into thinking I liked them. By now they all think I'm just like my parents."
"You did all that for me?" Greta asked, her heart breaking. "Nick-"
"Greta," Nick interrupted her. "I couldn't let them do that to you. Ruin any chance of making a living elsewhere. You're too important to me."
"They knew that," Greta said bitterly. "They knew that and they used that against you so you'd hurt the people you'd grown close to."
She shook her head. "I used to think that there was nothing your parents could do that would surprise me anymore. I was wrong."
"I didn't think they'd do this either," he scuffed his foot along the floor. "I don't know what to do now."
"You need to go back to London and make things right," Greta told him. "With your uncle and with this girl."
"What makes you think they'll even see me?" Nick asked.
"They might not want to," Greta said. "But you have to try. Come on, Nick. You've never been a quitter, have you? And you've always loved a challenge."
A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He'd thought the exact same thing when Julie wouldn't talk to him before. "You're right," he conceded.
"I'm always right," Greta said, nudging him. "Now, you'd better get out of here and let me pack."
"Greta," Nick said, standing up. "Will you come with me to London?"
"Go with you to London?" Greta asked him. "You don't need me to go with you, Nick. Besides, I should probably start looking for another job..."
"I'm going to move there," Nick said, making a split second decision. "I've got nothing left here. My band is breaking up. My parents have sacked you. If I don't leave they're going make me go to University."
"They're not going to like this at all," Greta said him as he smiled at her. "You realise that, don't you?"
He shrugged. "I don't care. I hate them. They've done nothing for me, except for you."
Greta smiled. "Well, I've never been to London before..."
Nick grinned. "So you'll come with me?"
"I must be crazy, but okay," Greta replied. "Besides who knows what trouble you'd get into without me."
Nick hugged his nanny. "I'll get us a flat," he promised. "And I'll help you find a job. I don't know what I'm going to do yet but I'll figure it out. I'm glad I have my own money from the band."
"You don't have to do this," Greta told him. "I would be okay...."
He shook his head. "I need you to come with me."
Greta smiled. "Okay. I'm sure I'll find a family in London that I can work for, right?"
"I'll help you," Nick said.
"I guess we're going to London," Greta said.
"Right," Nick replied. "I'm... going to get some of my own stuff together. And then I have to go see my band and tell them I'm leaving."
"What about your parents?" Greta asked. "When do you plan on telling them?"
Nick shrugged. "When we're walking out the door?"
"Sounds like a plan," Greta said with a laugh.
Nick wasted no time in getting a few of his things together and putting them in a different bag. It was late due to the time difference but he knew his friends would still be up. He tossed in a few more articles of clothing then threw the bag over his shoulder and went back to Greta's room.
"I'm ready," Greta said, handing him her small suitcase. "If you are."
He nodded, a bit nervous now that they were actually going. "Yeah," he said. "I'm ready to go."
They were in the kitchen, sneaking a bit of food into Nick's bag when Draco strode into the room. "Where the hell do you think you're going Nicholas?"
"Leaving," Nick said simply.
An amused smirk came to Draco's lips. "Leaving?" he asked. "And where do you think you're going?"
"Anywhere but here," Nick said, picking up Greta's suitcase. "Come on, Greta."
"You wait just a minute," Draco said sharply. "You're not leaving Nicholas."
Nick glared at his father. "You reneged on our deal, Dad. If you aren't going to keep your word, I don't see any reason why I have to keep mine."
Draco's eyes narrowed and then he had his son by the shirt collar. "If you leave, Nicholas. You will lose any claim to the Malfoy name and fortune. We will no longer think of you as a son, and your mother and I will not help you when you come back crying because the Potters kicked you to the curb."
"You know they may not ever want to see me again, Dad," Nick admitted. "They might throw me out. But you know what? I would rather live in the streets than spend one more night living under your roof. So, you can take the Malfoy name and fortune away from me. See if I care. It's never meant anything to me and it never will."
He shrugged out of his father's grip and smiled. "Tell Mum I said goodbye."
But Nick didn't have to worry about that, he heard footsteps on the stairs and his mother calling out his father's name.
"Draco," she purred. "I thought you were going to be right back."
Draco looked at his wife with a smirk. "Well Ginny my love, it turns out our son thinks he can just pack up and walk out without so much as a goodbye."
Ginny stared at her son, the smile fading from her face.
"You're leaving?" she asked him.
"As if you really care," Nick snapped. "You both told me you'd sack Greta if I DIDN'T break things off with Julie. So I did and you both fired her anyway. Our deal is off."
"You ungrateful swot!" Ginny said sneering at Nick. "After all we've done for you, you're going to leave?"
"What the fuck have you done for me?" Nick asked angrily. "Aside from not paying the least bit of attention to me when I wanted you both to notice me the most? Now that I don't need you apparently you guys want me in your life. It doesn't work that way, sorry."
Nick made for the door and Ginny put her hand on his shoulder. "If you walk out that door, you'll regret it, Nicholas. There won't be any second chances."
"Ask me if I care," Nick stared at his mother coolly.
"You may think you don't," Draco snapped. "But you know without my support that you're nothing Nicholas. NOTHING!"
"Wait just a minute," Greta said setting her bag down just outside the door. She couldn't just sit by like she had all these years and not let the Malfoys know exactly what she thought of them. Greta made a move for the door.
"Greta?" Nick asked. "What are you doing?"
"Seeing as I'm not in your employ anymore," Greta began coolly. "I'm going to say a few things I should have said long ago but didn't because I've wanted to stay with Nick."
"As if we care one way or the other what you have to say..." Ginny started to say, but Greta held up her hand.
"I've loved Nick like a son since I came to work for you," Greta said. "I've seen him grow into the amazing young man he is today. Aside from being a wonderful musician he's also kind and considerate- which I find hard to believe is a trait either one of you possess." she looked at the two of them. "He found a girl that he loves and loves him in return and because of a silly grudge you force him to leave her by blackmailing him with me. If I'd known I'd have left before you even returned so he'd never have to know what a broken heart feels like.
"I hope you're both happy for tricking him like you've done. Now that we're both leaving you can go back to the selfish life you enjoyed before we came along." she cast a cold glare at the Malfoys, and her eyes softened as she looked back at Nick whose jaw was nearly hitting the floor.
Nick had never heard anyone talk like that to his parents. He'd never been more proud of anyone in his life than he was of Greta at this moment.
"We should have fired that busybody ages ago," Ginny said dismissively to Draco. "I told you what she was like!"
Nick shook his head in disgust. "Why- because she's been right? Neither one of you cares about me and you never have. I found family that took me in and care about me- why would I want to stay with either one of you?" he narrowed his eyes. "I hope you both have a great life, and good riddance."
Ginny watched in disbelief as Nick grabbed his bag and slammed the door behind him and Greta.
"Nicholas!" Draco shouted at the closed door.
"Well..." Nick said to Greta. "That went better than I thought it would..."
"I've never been more proud of you, Nick," Greta said, smiling at him. "This Julie would have been proud, too."
He sighed. "I hope so. I hope she can forgive me."
"She will," Greta promised. "You're very hard to say no to, Nicholas Malfoy."
"That's kind of how I wore her down in the first place," Nick said as they headed towards the place where his band practised. It was night and it was chilly, it being winter in Sydney.
"I'll wait outside while you tell them," Greta said, taking a seat one of the sofas.
Greta watched as Nick entered the room where his band practised and she wondered if he knew the meaning of what he'd just done. She hadn't been lying when she'd told him how proud she was of him. Greta had spent her entire employment with the Malfoys wondering how they couldn't see what a special person their son truly was.
She also hoped he could reconcile with this girl Julie. He certainly seemed to care, if his attitude about her was any indication. And he'd never talked to her about another girl before either, at least not the way he talked about this one.
Greta was looking forward to meeting Julie and to meeting Ron's family. From what she'd heard about the Weasleys, they were warm and caring. She hoped that they'd understand why Nick had done what he had.
"Okay," Nick came out of the room. "That didn't take long either."
"How did they take it?" Greta asked.
"They're fine," Nick said. "Disappointed... but I think it's better this way. We haven't been getting along like we used to as of late and it was just our time to end things."
Greta nodded. "So I guess we're ready to go then?"
He nodded slowly. "I'm kind of nervous," he confessed.
"Me, too," Greta admitted.
"Thank you for coming with me," Nick said. "I know this is a big step for me and especially for you."
"Thank you for doing this for me," Greta said, hugging him.
"I'd do anything for you Greta," Nick smiled. "You're the reason I am how I am today."
Tears welled up in Greta's eyes. "I'm proud of you, Nick. It took a lot of courage to do what you did today."
"I think it's going to take even more courage to go back and try to talk to Julie," Nick said ruefully.
"It will," Greta said. "But I have faith in you."
"Well... let's go get a portkey," Nick said. "I bet I can put one on through the hospital on my dad's charge," he said with a hint of mischief.
*** *** ***
The Potters' arrived back home shortly after six that evening. After everyone had settled down, Harry had sent for one of the healers from St. Mungos to come and check on Hermione. Hermione still had bad memories of taking a Muggle pregnancy test all those years ago when she was still in University. She'd thought the best and most definitive answer would be from a healer.
Luna and Ron had taken their children out for dinner and Ethan had tagged along. Julie had excused herself as soon as they'd gotten home and was at the moment holed up in her bedroom.
"What time did that healer say there were going to be here?" Hermione asked impatiently.
"Soon," Harry kept his tone light to placate his wife. "Eager are you?"
"Just a little," Hermione said. "I hate keeping things from Ron and Luna, but I don't want to say anything until we're sure. And I hope the healer comes while they're out."
"I'm sure they'll be here anytime." Harry reassured her.
"Do you think we should check on Julie again?" Hermione asked.
Harry was tempted but he shook his head. "If she wanted company she'd be down here with us. I think we should just let her be for the time being."
"You're right," Hermione said quietly. "I just don't like seeing her upset."
"Me either," Harry agreed, stroking her hair back.
Hermione patted her stomach and wondered if there was actually a little life growing in there as they spoke.
"If you are pregnant," Harry said, reading her thoughts. "Boy or girl?"
Hermione smiled. "Well, I think if I am...it's a girl."
"Another daughter for me to dote on?" Harry teased.
"I think so," Hermione said with a grin. "Ethan told me earlier that he has his heart set on a little sister. It surprised me because I thought he'd want a brother."
"Me too," Harry said. "I'd be fine either way. Girl or boy."
The doorbell chimed and Harry pecked Hermione on the cheek before going to answer the door.
"Hello," Harry greeted the healer at the door. "Thanks for coming over on such short notice.
"My pleasure," the healer replied. "My name is Lynne. It's lovely to meet you Mr. Potter."
"Likewise," Harry said showing her inside. "My wife is in the sitting room."
"Good evening Minister," Lynne said as Harry followed her in.
"Good evening," Hermione said, shaking her hand. "Please call me Hermione."
Harry sat down by his wife as the healer got out her want. "What we basically want to know..." he lowered his voice even though they were alone in the room. "We want to know if my wife is pregnant."
Lynne nodded. "I should be able to tell you in a matter of moments."
Hermione nodded and held Harry's hand.
She made Hermione swallow some glowing blue liquid and then waved her wand. "Let's see..." the healer murmured.
Hermione closed her eyes and waited for the healer to finish. Patience was a virtue Hermione didn't possess too often and she literally felt as if the suspense was going to kill her.
"Well," the healer said a moment later. "I suppose congratulations are in order!"
Hermione's eyes shot open. "You mean...we are?"
"You're only about a month along," Lynne placed her wand back in her pocket. "It's quite unusual to find out at this point in time but the spells indicate you most definitely are expecting."
"Thank you so much," Hermione said, tears coming into her eyes.
"Yes thank you," Harry said, grinning broadly. "We appreciate this more than you know."
"You're quite welcome," Lynne said. "Will you be needing anything else?"
Harry shook his head. "No, thank you. You've made our night, Lynne."
"I can show myself out," Lynne smiled. "I'll expect to see you around for checkups soon."
"You will," Hermione promised watching as the healer walked out of the sitting room.
Harry waited until the woman was gone before turning back to his wife. "Hermione..."
"I can't believe it," Hermione said, wiping a tear from her cheek. "We're going to have another baby!"
Harry swung her around gently before hugging her tightly. "This is fantastic," he said.
"It is," Hermione said, but her face fell. "How can I truly be happy when my daughter is suffering? I want to tell her about this news, Harry. But it just seems so cruel to want to celebrate with her hurting."
"Maybe this will cheer her up," Harry wiped another tear from her cheek.
"Do you think so?" Hermione asked.
"We can try," Harry said, reaching for her hand.
Hermione smiled and together they made their way upstairs. "Go easy on me, Harry. I am in a delicate condition."
"Shall I carry you?" Harry asked. "Won't be long before you gain a stone or two."
"No, its okay," Hermione said. "Thank you for bringing up the one thing that I don't like about being pregnant. Okay, well maybe it's not the only thing I don't like, but it's definitely in the top three."
Harry grinned. "You get pleasure from watching me run around trying to satisfy your cravings too. Don't deny it."
"Maybe just a little," Hermione admitted. She knocked gently on Julie's door. "Jules?"
Julie jumped. She'd been sitting in her window seat, completely lost in thought. "Come in," she called out quietly.
Hermione opened the door and walked inside. "How are you holding up, sweetheart?"
Julie shrugged. "I'm okay," she said. "Glad to be home."
"So are we," Hermione said, sitting down on the window seat beside her daughter. "Your father and I have something we wanted to tell you."
"What's that?" Julie asked.
"We wanted to ask your opinion," Hermione said, grinning at Harry. "About what colour we should paint the nursery."
Her eyes widened. "Mum... you mean you're..."
Hermione nodded. "About a month along."
Julie couldn't stop a smile from appearing. "That's great!" she said, genuinely happy.
Hermione hugged her tightly. "We think so, too."
"Do you know if it's a boy or girl yet?" Julie asked.
"Too soon to tell," Harry answered. "Hermione seems to think we're having a little girl. Ethan's put his vote in for a baby sister and I will be happy either way as long as they are healthy and happy."
She nodded. "That's really great," she said. "I can't wait."
"Can't wait for what?" Ethan asked, coming in the bedroom.
"When did you get back?" Hermione asked, smiling as Ethan plopped in her lap.
"Just now," Ethan said. "Look what Uncle Ron got me!" he held out a bag of sweets from the nearby shop.
"Ethan!" Hermione said, rolling her eyes. "That's enough sweets to feed a small army."
"Or me," Ethan said impishly.
Hermione laughed. "Did you have a good time with Uncle Ron and everyone?"
Ethan nodded. "I like eating at The Leaky Cauldron." he said.
"Guess what, little man?" Harry asked, kneeling down.
"What?" Ethan asked, chewing on a jelly slug.
"You're going to have a baby brother or sister," Harry replied with a grin. "Mummy had a test while you were gone."
Ethan's eyes lit up. "I don't have to be the baby anymore!"
"You'll always be my baby," Hermione said hugging him. "You and Julie both...no matter how old you get."
"Mum!" Ethan said as she pinched his cheek. "Can I go tell everyone?"
"Hey?" Ron asked, peering his head inside. "Sorry to interrupt. Ethan, do you have more toffees? I ran out..."
"Uncle Ron I'm going to be a big brother!" Ethan shouted happily.
"Okay," Ron said at first not getting what Ethan had said. "Now about those toff-...hold on...what?"
Harry laughed. "Hermione and I are having another baby." he said.
Ron grinned. "That's fantastic! You're trying to catch up to me, aren't you?"
"I don't think anyone could catch up to you Ron," Hermione said, but she was smiling.
"Yes, well two sets of twins and all," Ron said with a laugh. He stepped outside and at the top of his lungs hollered, "LUNA! HERMIONE'S PREGNANT AGAIN!"
"Thanks Ron," Harry said. "I don't think the newspapers heard you though. Could you try it a little louder next time?"
"Hermione!" Luna said, coming into the bedroom. "This is fantastic news!"
Ethan walked over to his sister who hadn't really been joining in on the celebration.
"I brought you back some sweets, Jules," Ethan said, reaching into his bag. "Some Droobles gum and I got your your favourite chocolates, too."
"Thanks Ethan," Julie smiled at her brother. "That was nice of you."
Ethan leaned in and whispered, "And Josh and I bought some Dungbombs just in case you change your mind about the revenge thing."
She couldn't help but giggle at that. "I might take you up on it," she hugged him.
"You're a really good big sister, Jules," Ethan said hugging her back. "Our baby sister is going to be in good hands with you and me helping her."
"You seem pretty convinced that Mum's having a girl," Julie said, mussing his hair.
"Aren't you?" Ethan asked her.
"I think it's still up in the air at this point," Julie said.
"How's she doing?" Ron asked Harry in a hushed tone, motioning toward Julie.
"Okay," Harry replied. "Hermione and I were hoping the baby news would cheer her up a bit."
"I still can't believe Nick would do something like that," Ron said shaking his head. "Right before we left, he stopped by the cabin and he was acting really strange."
"He was?" Harry asked.
Ron nodded. "He was asking me all these questions and then he started talking like he was never going to see any of us ever again."
"Well when I went over to their cabin before we all left he told me that it was just a summer fling." Harry said, his voice even quieter. "I told Hermione I think he was lying. Wouldn't look at me when he said it."
"It wasn't a summer fling," Ron protested. "Harry, he loves Julie. I know that. He wouldn't have hurt her for anything in the world. My sister has something to do with this. I'd bet my Chudley Cannons shirt on it."
"I agree with you," Harry replied. "But it doesn't look like it'll do much good anyway. They're back in Sydney."
"I'm really sorry about all of this," Ron said looking at Julie who was making a valiant effort to put up a good front for everyone.
"It's not your fault," Harry said. "We all liked him."
"Daddy!" Maddie came into the bedroom and gave her father her most innocent look. "Now, don't get mad..."
"Uh oh..." Ron said. "You only give me that look when you do something naughty."
"It wasn't me," Maddie said shaking her head. "See...what happened was I was trying to clean out Dolly's cage..."
"Madeline," Ron said. "Your mum and I told you Dolly was going to have to stay in her cage."
"But you said I had to look after her if I wanted to keep her," Maddie pointed out. "So I was going to clean her cage, but she got loose and something happened..."
"What happened?" Ron crossed his arms, praying nothing valuable was broken.
"She sort of went into your suitcase," Maddie said, tears welling up in her eyes. "And your shirt...the Chudley Cannons one..."
"Maddie..." Ron said. "Tell me Dolly didn't-"
Maddie gravely nodded. "But she didn't mean to, Daddy. She felt really bad afterwards. Jon helped me put her back in her cage."
Ron's fist clenched. However, he tried to keep his temper down. "All right Maddie," he heard himself say calmly. "You, me and your mum are going to have a talk about whether or not Dolly comes home with us."
"No!" Maddie said, crying. She flung herself at Luna. "Mummy! Please don't make her go! She didn't mean to do it!"
Luna picked her up. "Come on," she said, not wanting to make her daughter upset but she remembered the conversation she'd had with Ron about not letting Maddie have everything. "Let's go talk sweetheart."
"Mum?" Ethan asked. "If they don't let Maddie keep Dolly, can we have her?"
"NO!" Harry, Hermione and Julie chorused.
"But Mummy!" Maddie was sobbing. "Dolly needs me!"
"Maddie," Luna said, wiping a tear from her daughter's face. "Dolly's not been very good has she? So far, she's torn up your father's favourite shirt, wrecked the cabin at Hillsdale and tore up one of your brother's trainers. I don't know how we could keep her, sweetheart."
"But I'll tell her to be good I promise!" Maddie bawled. "I love Dolly!"
"I know you do, Maddie," Luna said gently, hugging her.
"Sweetheart," Ron began. "We know you love Dolly. But Cornish Pixies aren't good pets."
"But Dolly is, Daddy," Maddie tried to reason with him. "She just needs to be trained. Mummy told me all about how you didn't like Paddington when you first got him..."
"No but Paddy was a good dog after he got trained up a bit. You can train dogs. Cornish Pixies are different." Ron said gently.
Maddie's lower lip trembled. "Can't we give her one more chance, Daddy? One more chance? If she messes up then we can give her away. I promise."
Ron looked at Luna. "What do you think?" he asked.
Luna put her hands on Maddie's shoulders. "Okay, Maddie. We'll give Dolly one more chance, but if one thing ends up broken or destroyed or she gets loose again, she's out of here. There will be more chances after that. Okay?"
Maddie swallowed her leftover tears. "Okay Mummy," she nodded. "She'll be good after this."
"Come on, Maddie," Julie said, getting to her feet. "How about I go and help you clean up?"
"Okay," Maddie said. She took Julie's hand and they left the bedroom.
"My favourite shirt," Ron said sinking down onto the bed. "I've had that shirt since they won the Cup six years ago. My favourite shirt, Luna."
Luna patted her husband's arm. "Perhaps there's a way we can get it back together," she said, looking over at Hermione.
"I know some really good spells," Hermione said helpfully. "We'll see what we can do."
"My favourite shirt," Ron said again.
"Ron," Luna said. "Maddie feels bad enough about it."
"I know," Ron said breaking himself out of his reverie. "But let's see how you'd feel if that bloody beast had gotten at your cork necklaces."
"I'd be upset," Luna agreed. "But it's Maddie. And you saw how sorry she was."
"I know," Ron said. "See what the two of you have to look forward to?"
He turned around to see Harry and Hermione who were snogging.
"Don't mind us or anything," Ron said sarcastically.
"Get used to it Uncle Ron," Ethan said dramatically, shaking his head. "They do it all the time."
"Don't I know it," Ron said with a laugh. "Come on, little man. Let's go have some sweets. Eating always makes me feel better."
He nodded. "Especially chocolate."
"You read my mind," Ron said, lifting the younger boy up onto his shoulders. "Come on. Let's go drown our sorrows in chocolate."
Luna shook his head. "I hope we can put that shirt back together," she said to Hermione.
"Hmmm," Hermione said dazedly, pulling away from Harry. "What was that?"
Luna smiled. "Never mind," she said. "But perhaps you shouldn't do this in your daughter's room."
"Probably not," Hermione admitted. "Sorry about that. We got a little carried away."
Luna patted her friend's tummy. "Which is probably how this happened."
"And how," Harry answered proudly.
*** *** ***
Julie stared listlessly at the parchments in front of her. She was still working on party preparations even though her parents had most everything set up already. The RSVP's were pouring back in even though there were still almost two weeks to go but she just couldn't bring herself to care about it. She sighed loudly and it attracted the attention of her mother and aunt, who were sitting at the table with her working on their own things.
"You okay, Jules?" Lavender asked.
She shrugged before pushing the parchment away. "I'm okay," she answered softly.
Lavender and Hermione exchanged worried looks, but neither of them decided to press her on the issue any further.
"So, your mum tells me you have an interview in the next couple of days," Lavender said conversationally.
"Yes she does," Hermione said proudly. "At Kirkland Grammar School in Guilford. This is her second call back."
Julie nodded. "It's a nice school and the other professors there were also quite nice."
"I think you're going to get it," Lavender said grinning at Julie. "How about I get my cards and we do a reading?"
Hermione laughed. "Lavender, you are not going to read her cards. I thought you were over that divination rubbish."
"I don't care," Julie interrupted, getting up. "I'm going to the loo."
Lavender watched as Julie walked out of the kitchen.
"She's not doing well at all," Lavender commented.
Hermione shook her head. "This is the third time she's come out of her room since we got back. She isn't even spending time with the Weasleys. I'm really worried about her."
"She shouldn't be by herself like that," Lavender said. "She should be getting out and having fun. Chiaki should be taking her shopping or they should be at the very least thinking of some really great revenge!"
"She's tried Lav," Hermione said. "Julie did promise to go out shopping with her later this week so there's a start."
"I'm surprised Harry didn't wipe the floor with that Nick," Lavender said angrily. "You know I could have told her that you just can't trust a Malfoy."
"Lav," Hermione said. "Do you think that would have made things any better for her? I doubt it. Best thing to do is just offer her a crying shoulder when she needs one and let it run its course."
"I know," Lavender admitted. "But I just don't like seeing her like this. She's always so energetic and happy and full of life and look at her now..."
Julie re-entered the room. "Sorry," she muttered. "Maddie needed some help with Dolly."
"That's okay, sweetheart," Hermione said giving her a reassuring smile.
"Am I out of the loop here?" Lavender asked. "Who is Dolly?"
"Maddie's Cornish Pixie," Julie answered. "She's a ruddy terror but Maddie loves her."
"A Cornish Pixie?" Lavender asked wincing. "As a pet?"
Julie nodded. "She already tore up Uncle Ron's Cannons shirt. He wasn't too pleased about that."
"I can imagine," Lavender said. "You can grow really attached to your clothes. For instance, I would absolutely die if something happened to my magenta dress robes. They are absolutely brilliant, Jules. Brilliant."
"I'm sure they are," Julie pulled her list back to her and began scribbling along the edge.
"So," Hermione said handing Julie a piece of parchment. "You haven't told me what kind of food you wanted. Your father has his heart set on grilling, but I told him it was up to you."
She shrugged. "Mum... I don't even know if I want to have this party anymore."
"Julie," Hermione said, looking up in surprise. "It's your 20th birthday."
"I know," Julie said. "But I just don't feel like a party."
"You say that now, but once you're around all your family and friends who care about you and want to celebrate your special day, maybe you'll see things differently," Hermione said softly. "I know you're hurting, Julie. I wish I could do something to take away your pain."
"I know Mum," Julie's eyes filled with tears. "I'm sorry I'm being such a downer these days. I just can't stop thinking about him."
Hermione quickly walked around the table and hugged her daughter. "I know, sweetheart. It will get easier, Julie. I promise. You're just going to need time."
"That's right," Lavender said. "You'll realise that if he could let you go that easily then he wasn't worth it in the first place."
Julie nodded and hung onto her mother. She felt like she was about five years old again, and had just woken up from a bad dream.
"Lavender's right," Hermione said soothingly. She patted Julie's back. "My sweet girl..."
Julie hugged her for a few more minutes. "I'm okay," she said, wiping away a few tears.
Josh knocked on the kitchen door and stepped inside.
"Julie," Josh asked grinning at her. He saw that she'd been crying, but he decided to go through with his plan anyway. "I need to ask you a big favour."
"Sure," she said.
"How would you feel about spending the day with me and Maddie in the park?" Josh asked. When he saw her open her mouth to decline, he held up his hand. "Come on. Jon is going to be with Allie and I have nothing else to do but watch Drew and Darla fight over who has the best hair and R.J. drool. Come on. You know you want to take pity on me and keep me company while we watch my precocious four-year old sister swing and slide?"
She tried not to smile but couldn't stop herself. "All right," Julie agreed. "Give me a few minutes to straighten myself up?"
"Deal," Josh said smiling at her.
"I'll be down in a few minutes," Julie set her party lists on the counter and left the kitchen.
"Good idea Josh," Hermione said warmly. "Thank you."
"If she said no, I was going to bring Maddie in with the puppy dog eyes and the killer pout," Josh said cheekily. "No one can say no to that."
"Including your father," Hermione laughed.
"He came really close last night," Josh said with a laugh. "Did you happen to see the shirt by the way? I didn't even know you could do that to a shirt."
"Your mum's trying to fix it back up," Hermione replied. "I don't know how she's going to..."
Maddie came into the kitchen just then and she was practically beaming.
"I'm ready to go, Josh," Maddie said happily.
"What did you do?" Josh asked her. "You're up to something, Mad Dog."
"Who me?" Maddie asked innocently, imitating Jon when he was in trouble.
Josh laughed. "Okay, well did Dolly do anything?"
Maddie clamped her lips shut.
"Maddie?" Hermione asked. "You do remember that your mum and dad said if Dolly did anything else, she'd have to go, don't you?"
Josh looked at her. "Madeline..."
Maddie looked around the room to make sure no one was listening. She motioned for Josh to come closer. He did as he was told and Maddie giggled.
"I fixed Daddy's shirt."
"You what?" Josh asked. "You fixed it? How?"
"Aunt Hermione had some spellotape in her office," Maddie said. "I taped it all up, Josh!"
Hermione's jaw dropped and she shared a look with Lavender. "You used up my spellotape sweetheart?"
"Not all of it," Maddie replied. "But most of it. I really needed it, Aunt Hermione."
"It's okay," Hermione tried not to laugh.
"Don't tell, Daddy," Maddie said a serious expression on her face. "I want it to be a surprise."
"I won't say a word," Josh promised. "When are you going to give it to him Mad dog?"
"Tonight when he gets back from flying," Maddie said grinning. "He's going to be surprised, won't he?"
"I think he'll be very surprised," Hermione agreed with a grin. "What a sweet girl you are," she picked Maddie up and nuzzled her cheek.
Maddie beamed. "You're not going to tell my Daddy or Mummy, right?"
"I promise I won't," Hermione replied. "You go have fun at the park all right?"
"Okay," Maddie said. "We're going to make Julie happy, aren't we Josh?"
"We'll try Mad Dog," Josh replied. "Ready Jules?" he asked as she came back into the kitchen.
"Yes," Julie said smiling at him. "I don't know how much fun I'll be..."
"You'll be fine," Josh said.
"You can push me on the swing!" Maddie said excitedly. "And go down the slide!"
"And buy you an ice cream?" Julie asked teasingly.
"Chocolate!" Maddie crowed happily.
"I say Josh buys," Julie said with a grin.
"Its better when he buys," Maddie agreed.
"Hey!" Josh said.
"You did invite them," Lavender pointed out. "So technically you should pay."
Josh was grinning. "I know," he picked Maddie up. "How about a piggyback ride?"
Maddie giggled as Josh carried her out of the house. Julie pecked her mother on the cheek and gave Lavender a hug before walking out behind Maddie and Josh.
"It's a shame he's not a few years older," Lavender said with a grin. "He's such a sweetheart."
"He is," Hermione agreed. "I'm glad he got her out of the house."
"So am I," Lavender said. "If anyone can make her feel better, it's those two."
"Maddie can definitely make anyone laugh," Hermione smiled as she sat back down. "Where's Seamus today?"
"Well, he was going to go flying with Ron, but he wanted to check in with his parents in Ireland," Lavender replied. "He hasn't seen them in quite some time and he wanted to give them the news about the wedding. I'm supposed to join them for dinner tonight."
"How lovely," Hermione said. "I can't believe you two are getting married, after all this time apart."
"Neither can I," Lavender said dreamily. "I was such an idiot..."
"You're a lucky idiot," Hermione teased. "How many guys would do what Seamus has done?"
"Take me back after what I did?" Lavender asked with a laugh. "Not too many."
She grinned. "Last night, we were looking at..."
Her voice trailed off and she looked away. She hadn't mentioned her moving to Los Angeles to Hermione yet. For some reason, she just couldn't bring herself to tell her.
"Looking at what?" Hermione asked, looking up from the list in front of her.
"Nothing," Lavender said dismissively. "So..."
Hermione tilted her head to the side. "What?"
"We were looking at some estate listings," Lavender answered. "We wanted to get our own place...together."
Hermione smiled. "That's fantastic," she said.
"That's not all," Lavender said quietly. "We sort of...well, we're sort of looking at places in..."
"Where?" Hermione asked when Lavender mumbled something unintelligible.
"California," Lavender said softly. "We're looking at places in California."
For a moment she thought she hadn't heard her cousin right. "Did you say you're moving to California?"
Lavender's lower lip trembled as she looked up and nodded.
"Oh Lav," Hermione said softly. "You're moving away..."
Lavender sobbed and hugged Hermione. "I don't want to leave you, Hermione. Maybe you and Harry and Julie and Ethan can come with us and we can all live together..."
"Lav..." Hermione hugged her cousin back. "You know that's not possible. I'm happy for you."
"You're my best friend!" Lavender said burying her face in Hermione's shoulder. "How many times have I come over here in the middle of the night complaining to you about something or crying on your shoulder?"
"You're my best friend too," Hermione said. "And you've come over here at least twice a week. But this is good for you. You're with Seamus, who you've loved for a long time. You're going to marry him soon."
"But you're my family," Lavender said in between sobs. "I can't imagine leaving you."
"Well you'll come back to visit right?" Hermione asked. "Especially when this one is born?" she patted her stomach.
"Of course I will," Lavender said as she wiped a tear from her cheek. "You couldn't keep me away!'
"There's a benefit right there of having magic at our disposal," Hermione smiled. "You can Floo back, or portkey. No long plane rides or anything."
"You're right!" Lavender said happily. "I hadn't even thought about it! So when I have another crisis, I can just come by like I always did."
Hermione laughed. "I doubt you'll have to come running to me anymore if you've got Seamus."
"Oh he doesn't understand about all my...drama like you do," Lavender said with a grin.
"No man understands your drama Lavender," Hermione teased, hugging her cousin again.
"Which is why I have you," Lavender said simply.
"Exactly," Hermione said.
"And you had better come and visit me, too," Lavender said sternly. "I mean it, Hermione. I will not take any excuses."
"We'll be there with bells on," Hermione promised. "Once you get used to the city we'll come for a tour."
"You've got a deal," Lavender said, hugging her once more. "Okay, well that wasn't as hard as I thought it would be."
"Did you think I was going to have a fit and demand you not go?" Hermione teased.
Lavender blushed. "I sort of did..."
She laughed. "Would you like me to anyways?"
Lavender grinned. "Well you're pregnant and all, so I don't want you to throw yourself at my feet or anything, but you could beg me not to go and tell me how much you depend on me and how much I mean to you. That would be great...."
"Don't count on it," Hermione replied. "I'll miss you of course but it's not like I'll never see you again."
"Oh okay," Lavender said. "I suppose you're right. That would be a little too dramatic, wouldn't it?"
"You've always been one for dramatics not me," Hermione said smiling.
"Yes, but you've had such exciting things happen to you," Lavender pointed out. "You married the most eligible bachelor in our world. You're the Minister for Magic, for Merlin's sake! And you even had a stalker, Hermione! I mean, not that I'd want one of course, but still..."
Hermione shook her head. "It's not like I asked for Gordon. I probably deserved it after being so blind and not listening to Harry but still..."
"He was really creepy," Lavender interjected. "He's still in St. Mungos, isn't he?"
"Yes," Hermione nodded. "I never told Harry this but I check up on him once in awhile. I haven't seen him since the one time Harry and I went, but I have checked up to make sure... he's not getting out anytime soon."
"Is he any better?" Lavender asked. "Or still as delusional as ever/"
"He's still the same as he ever was," Hermione replied. "It's almost as if karma caught up to him and he memory charmed himself, even though that's not what happened.
Lavender nodded. "I was so proud of you with how you handled all of that, Hermione. You were so brave."
"I certainly didn't feel so brave when I was trapped in that bedroom of his with no wand," Hermione said wryly.
Lavender reached across the table and took her cousin's hand. "You fought though, Hermione. You fought with everything you had to get out of there."
"I did," Hermione said. "I had Harry waiting for me."
"That you did," Lavender said. "Speaking of which where is the Boy Who Lived? Back to work?"
"This morning," Hermione nodded.
"And what about you?" Lavender asked. "I would have thought you'd have been back in the office right away."
"I have to go in this afternoon," Hermione said. "I thought I'd take the morning to try and help Julie plan some of her party."
"You still thinking about hiring a nanny?" Lavender asked.
"We're going to have to," Hermione said. "Especially since I'm pregnant again."
"I'm sure you'll have all sorts applying for that job," Lavender said. "You'll have all those Potter groupies applying..."
"That's the problem," Hermione sighed. "They're all just people wanting to get close to me, or to Harry. We even had one applicant there just to hit on Julie."
Lavender rolled her eyes. "You're kidding!"
"Unfortunately not," Hermione said. "I'm hoping someone will turn up soon. Primary school only keeps Ethan occupied for part of the day. We need someone here for him because Harry and I both have a busy fall ahead of us and won't be home as much."
"Too bad you can't get your own very Mary Poppins," Lavender said laughing.
Hermione laughed too. "I'm sure he or she will find us someday. There's a nanny out there with our names on them."
Lavender giggled. "How grown up are we? It seems like just yesterday, you and I were talking about finding a boyfriend. Okay, so maybe it was me...and you just listened...
Hermione smiled. "Time flies doesn't it? Sometimes I still can't believe I have two kids... well soon to have three kids."
"With the way the two of you are, I'm surprised you don't have 12 kids," Lavender deadpanned.
"Thank goodness for Wizarding birth control spells," Hermione agreed devilishly.
"I wonder if the Daily Prophet knows the Minister for Magic is nothing but a Nymphomaniac," Lavender teased.
"That would most definitely be front page news," Hermione replied lightly, not letting herself recall the vicious reporters at Hillsdale.
"Your secret is safe with me," Lavender said.
"Good," Hermione agreed. "Because I'm sure I could tell them a tale or two about you that would have their heads spinning for a week."
"You wouldn't?" Lavender asked frowning.
Hermione giggled. "You'll never know!"