A/N: Well here you guys go, sorry again for the late update- we'll get back on track soon we promise! We hope you all like this chapter as Nick and Julie meet for the first time haha. Although it may not work out quite like you think… yet! And please as always let us know what you think!! Thank you!!
-sorry about the corrupted chapter you guys. Here's the real, WORKING one. I've no idea why that keeps happening but I'll be speaking to NAPPA and James about it! Heaven
I've Just Seen a Face
I've just seen a face
I can't forget the time or place
Where we just meet
She's just the girl for me
And want all the world to see
We've met, mmm-mmm-mmm-m'mmm-mmm
Had it been another day
I might have looked the other way
And I'd have never been aware
But as it is I'll dream of her
Tonight, di-di-di-di'n'di
Chiaki hadn't spoken much to her mother since they'd arrived at Hillsdale. Things between them had been considerably cool for the past few weeks. Chiaki felt especially bad for her father who was smack dab in the middle of everything. But, she wasn't going to think about that now. She was sitting in the Potter cabin waiting for Julie to get ready. The employee's had a dance club and at dinner, one of the waiters had invited them along.
"Jules!" Chiaki called from the cabin's sitting room. "Come on!"
"I'm coming!" she called back impatiently. "Do I look all right?"
Chiaki gave her friend an appraising look. "Julie! It's June. Why on earth are you wearing a cardigan over that dress? Show off what you've got, girl!"
"I don't want to give off the wrong idea," Julie said. "I haven't got the body that you do Chiaki."
"You have a great body," Chiaki said honestly. "And you're not going to give off the wrong idea. You're just here to have a good time."
"Okay," Julie hesitantly pulled the jumper off. "I guess this is okay..."
"Perfect," Chiaki said, smiling at her. "Now let's go!"
Julie followed her friend, feeling a bit nervous. While walking around with Ethan, she had noticed that there were several good looking guys staying here. While Chiaki certainly wasn't looking for anyone, she wasn't sure if she was ready for any sort of romance either.
"They said it was just over the clearing," Chiaki said, leading the way. It was a beautiful night and Chiaki wished that Toshio had been able to come along, but he'd not been able to get away.
"My mum and dad said we'd have to be careful what we talked about," Julie hurried behind her. "They said there's a few Muggles here..."
"At least your parents don't mind you going," Chiaki said, frowning as she thought of her mother. "Mine wanted me to stay in the cabin and twiddle my thumbs."
"They probably think because Toshio's not here you wouldn't want to go out." Julie said. "Come on, give your mum a break... she's only looking out for you."
"You sound like my dad," Chiaki said. "Let's not talk about her. I'm ready to have a good time."
"All right," Julie nervously straightened the straps of her shirt.
Chiaki smiled as they walked through the double doors of the dance club. The music was loud and inviting. "This is more like it," Chiaki said, grinning at her friend.
"Reminds me of last night," Julie laughed. "I slept the whole way here and now I'm ready to go."
"Good," Chiaki said, smiling as a sandy-haired blonde man whistled appreciatively at the two of them as they walked inside.
Julie looked around, noticing a bar in one corner. "Let's go get something to drink!" she shouted.
Chiaki nodded and they inched through the crowd toward the bar. "This place is great!" she said, raising her voice so Julie could hear.
"Yeah!" Julie agreed, hoping a drink would help loosen her up. She was always a bit nervous in crowd situations at first, especially in a new place. She liked the fact that the bar worked like it was in a regular hotel, the two girls announced their cabin number and the drinks were put on the tab.
Chiaki turned around to survey the crowd and saw a tall, blond bloke staring at them from across the room. There was something somewhat familiar about him.
Nick watched the girl he'd spied on earlier that day as she and the person she was with looked around. "Damn..." his eyes moved appreciatively over her bare shoulders. If he played his cards right he might be able to find out who she was.
Chiaki watched as the bloke came toward them. Something about him was so familiar. She could tell he was looking at Julie and an overwhelming protective feeling came over her and she tried to pull Julie away.
"Let's mingle," Chiaki said, pulling her friend's arm.
"Going somewhere?" Nick said, tapping Julie on the shoulder.
"Excuse me?" Julie asked.
"I asked if you were going somewhere," Nick said, his voice oozing with charm.
Chiaki rolled her eyes. "Come on, Jules."
Julie was looking at him pensively. "I know you from somewhere," she said.
"I know you from somewhere, too," Nick said, grinning down at her. "You walked out of my dreams and into this club."
Chiaki laughed. "That's original. Does that ever work for you?"
Nick stared at the other girl. "I'm not talking to you," he stated coolly.
Julie narrowed her eyes. "We have to go," she said. No one talked like that to her and then insulted her best friend and got away with it.
"You know if you got rid of your friend, you might have a nice time," Nick said, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"I think I'll pass," Julie brushed him away. "Come on Chiaki."
It suddenly clicked into Chiaki's head who this boy was. "Yeah..." her voice trailed off. "I have to talk to you!" she hissed to Julie.
"What?" Julie said, as Chiaki grabbed her arm and practically yanked her outside. "What is it, Chiaki?"
"That's..." Chiaki was at a loss for words. "That's Nick Malfoy..."
"It is?" Julie asked in disbelief. "What on earth is he doing here?"
"Julie!" Chiaki said impatiently. "Nick MALFOY..." she lowered her voice. "That's my bloody half brother!"
Julie put a hand over her mouth. "Oh, Chiaki. I'm so sorry. Are you...are you okay?"
"I'm going to KILL my mother," Chiaki snapped. "How could she not tell me that... that... my... biological father is here? With his bloody family no less!"
"Chiaki, maybe she didn't know," Julie said, trying to keep her best friend calm. "You should talk to her first. From what my mum and dad said, they didn't think the Malfoys would show their faces here after how they left..."
Chiaki sighed. "I feel like a fool, getting all worked up over this." she replied. "I feel like a bloody imbecile!"
Julie hugged her. "Come on, Chiaki. It's going to be okay. Let's go and talk to your mum. She needs to know that they're here."
"No," Chiaki shrugged out of her grasp. "I want to have fun tonight. I'll talk to her tomorrow."
"Chiaki!" Julie said, watching as Chiaki went back inside and disappeared into the crowd. Julie didn't feel much like dancing anymore. She turned on her heel to go back to the cabin and bumped right into Nick Malfoy.
"Get out of my way, please," Julie said icily.
"Come on," Nick gave her his best smile. "I'm harmless I swear."
"Somehow I doubt that," Julie said, folding her arms.
"I think we got off on the wrong foot," Nick flashed perfect white teeth.
"Being who we are, I don't think that's any surprise," Julie said, trying to ignore the fact that she did find him attractive.
"What do you mean who we are?" Nick was confused. Did he know this girl from somewhere? "I'm sure I'd remember you if I saw you."
"That's right," Julie said sarcastically. "We've not been formally introduced. You're Nick Malfoy, right?"
Nick wasn't surprised she knew his name considering his status. "That's right," he said. "And I'm at the disadvantage here..."
Julie extended her hand. "I'm Julie. Julie Potter. Daughter of Harry and Hermione Potter. Ring any bells?"
Nick shook his head. "No... Well I know who Harry Potter is, naturally..."
"Your mother and father tried to have my father arrested for some thefts when they were all employed here," Julie said coolly. "Not to mention the fact that your father got my Aunt Cho pregnant and left her flat. That's a mighty fine set of parents you have, if you don't mind me saying. Now, if you'll excuse me..."
"What?" Nick was confused. "What are you talking about?"
Julie laughed. "You've got to be kidding me? You're going to stand there and act like you don't know what happened?"
"I don't!" Nick replied. "Look I didn't even want to be here and now people are coming up to me and telling me nasty things about my parents--"
"Look, I'm sorry if they didn't tell you about that," Julie said, feeling slightly guilty for being the one to tell him this. "But it's the truth. Your parents did some really horrible things to people I care about. Perhaps you should ask them what the truth really is."
Nick stared at her as she turned on her heel and walked away. He was going to kill his mother, he thought angrily. The least she could have done was told him before they got here instead of leaving him to look like a fool.
*** *** ***
Neville sighed contentedly as Cho leaned against him. It was early in the morning of their second day at Hillsdale and he and his wife had woken up early to enjoy some time to themselves before the kids got up. "Sure feels strange being back here and not having any duties." he said, running his fingers through Cho's long hair.
Cho gave a slight smile. She was still somewhat concerned about Chiaki and the semi-silent treatment her daughter had taken to giving her the last few days. Cho had hoped to talk to her last night, but Chiaki had announced that she was going out with Julie and didn't know when she'd be back. She and Chiaki had always had a good relationship with each other, but they'd had their share of rows...some of them had been quite heated.
"It's strange to be back here, period," Cho finally said.
"But it's nice too," Neville replied. "Despite Vernon Dursley I did enjoy working here."
"I did, too," she said quickly. "It's just that...things are so different now."
"For the better," Neville smiled at her. "At that point, never in a million years did I think you'd ever marry up with me."
"Well never in a million years did I think I deserved someone so nice, and sweet and caring," Cho said, kissing him. "You're the best thing that ever happened to me, Neville. You really are."
"Same goes for me," Neville kissed her back, working his arms around her.
"Oh bother, you're not going to turn into Uncle Harry and Aunt Hermione now that we're here are you?" Chiaki had come outside for a morning run and saw her parents necking on the porch.
"We just might," Neville said, pulling away from Cho. He smiled warmly at his oldest daughter. "Good morning, Sweetheart."
"Morning," Chiaki didn't smile back. "Mum, I've got a question for you."
"I have a few for you," Cho said, trying to keep her temper. She didn't like her daughter's tone. "What time did you finally make it back here last night?"
Chiaki ignored her mother's question. "Why the hell didn't you tell me the Malfoys are here?" she asked, folding her arms.
Cho stared at her and then looked at Neville, as if wanting him to explain this as well. After all, he had been the one to tell her over and over again that Ginny and Draco Malfoy would be the last people on earth who would ever come back here.
"Well?" Chiaki tapped her foot. "It would have been nice to be prepared when I came face to face with my bloody half brother last night. And I'm sure now I'll be bumping into my father around here! Tell me Mum, does he know who I am?"
Cho stood up. "You're not too old to be punished Chiaki," she warned.
"What are you going to do?" Chiaki asked, sarcastically. "Send me to bed without dinner?"
"Chiaki...," Neville said, giving Chiaki a warning look.
Chiaki calmed down at the look on Neville's face. "It just would have been nice to KNOW," she said sullenly. "I hate surprises."
"We would have liked to know, too," Neville said softly. "Your mum and I are just as surprised as you are, Chiaki."
"So neither of you knew?" Chiaki was surprised. "You're not just... you're not lying about this to keep me from being mad?"
Cho shook her head. "We wouldn't do that, Chiaki. If I had known that they were going to be here, I wouldn't have come. You know that."
Chiaki knew her mother was telling the truth. "I'm sorry," she muttered. "It just really threw me for a loop that's all."
Cho hugged her daughter and was happy that Chiaki didn't pull away. "I know, sweetheart. I'm sorry."
"W-what was he like?" Neville asked.
"Nick?" Chiaki shrugged. "He was hitting on Julie and he was a bit smarmy."
"Sounds exactly like his father," Cho said shaking her head.
"Well I mean it's a bit strange because I've seen him in Witch Weekly and read about him and he never seemed like a jerk," Chiaki shrugged. "It'll be interesting to see how Uncle Ron handles this."
"I still can't believe he and Ginny come from the same gene pool," Cho said. "Other than the tendency to put his foot in his mouth, Ron's wonderful. And Ginny...she's...well, she's...."
"Not," Neville put in hastily. He couldn't help but wonder what would happen if Chiaki did indeed meet up with Draco. Would she start comparing the two of them? Neville knew he was a much better person than Malfoy but it didn't stop him from worrying a bit.
"A part of me would like to meet this Draco Malfoy," Chiaki said, hoping that she wasn't hurting her father's feelings by saying this. "But it doesn't matter what he's like or what he's done. He's not my dad. I have a pretty fantastic Dad that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world."
Neville smiled at her. "Thanks sweetheart." he said. "You go on running and we'll see you later all right?"
Chiaki hugged her father. "Maybe we can all go to breakfast together?"
"Sure," He kissed her cheek. "If we can wake your sisters up that is."
Chiaki smiled and then kissed her mother on the cheek. "I'm sorry, Mum. About everything."
"It's all right love," Cho hugged her daughter. "I'm used to it by now."
Chiaki nodded. "I'll try and not be too long. See you guys."
Cho and Neville watched their daughter jog away. "So..." she said. "They came."
"They came," Neville said, sitting back down beside her. "I can't understand why."
"Me either," Cho leaned against him. "Honestly, with what they did... if it were me I'd be too embarrassed to ever show my face around here again." she looked at her husband. "I wonder if Harry and Hermione know." They'd all taken dinner at different times the night before so none of them had had much of a chance to talk yet.
"We haven't heard about any murders or disappearances," Neville joked. "If Ginny and Hermione crossed paths, I'm sure it wouldn't be pretty."
*** *** ***
After breakfast, everyone pretty much went their separate ways. Hermione had to check in with the Ministry and Harry was going to find Ron and perhaps play some football with Neville. Chiaki was going to check out the dance studio and since Lavender wanted to go into town and look at the shops, Julie was stuck looking after Ethan.
But, she didn't mind really. She liked spending time with her little brother. She was wearing a blue tankini swimsuit and sitting on one of the lounge chairs, reading a magazine while Ethan played with some of his toy soldiers in the sand.
"Ethan?" Julie asked, looking up from her novel. "Are you sure you don't want to join Drew and Darla in the water? They look like they're having fun."
Ethan shook his head vehemently. "It's too cold," he said. "I like it here in the sun."
"Okay," Julie said, smiling at him. She had a feeling there was more to this than Ethan was willing to admit. For one thing, it was actually quite hot out here today. Julie was even thinking about going into the water to cool off. She was about to ask Ethan what was really going on, when she felt a tap on her shoulder. For an awful moment, she thought it might be that creepy Nick Malfoy. He'd been hanging around earlier and looking at her as if he wanted to come over and talk. But, it wasn't Nick.
"Josh!" she exclaimed. "Hey I didn't get to see you guys yesterday!" she got up to hug him.
Josh beamed as Julie hugged him. He'd been working up the courage to come over and say something to her since he'd seen her.
"Hi, Jules," Josh said warmly, a touch of nervousness in his voice. "Hey, Ethan."
"Hi Josh," Ethan replied. "Want to play with my soldiers with me?"
"He will in a minute," Julie told her brother. "When did you guys get here?" she asked, sitting back down on her lounge chair.
"Around four," Josh answered, sitting down in the chair beside her. "You're not going to believe who we saw ...my Aunt Ginny."
"Actually I would believe it," Julie replied. "I saw your cousin Nick last night..." she rolled her eyes.
"We met him, as well," Josh said. "He seemed sort of nice to me."
Julie's eyebrows rose up. "Nice?" she asked. "He was a bit of a git to me and Chiaki..."
Josh nodded. "But I could be wrong. I didn't get a chance to talk to him much. Aunt Ginny was being really horrid and he left with her."
Julie shook her head. "How strange," she said. "How do you like it here so far?"
"It's okay," Josh said. "Except I have to room with Jon like always. And you know how horrible he can be."
"Jon's funny," Ethan said, laughing.
Julie laughed too. "Is he still bothering you every chance he gets?"
"Unfortunately," Josh said with a grin. "I think he was born just to give me a hard time."
"Probably," Julie gave him a friendly smile. "So what are you doing for the rest of the day?"
"I, um, was actually thinking about going into town and getting some ice cream," Josh said nervously. "You--you wouldn't want to come along, would you?"
"That actually sounds like a nice idea," Julie agreed. "But it'll have to wait for awhile, I have to stay here with Ethan until one of my parents or my aunt Lavender comes back."
"Hi," Nick said, coming up to them and smiling at Julie. He looked at Josh. "And you're Jon, right?"
Julie rolled her eyes. "Josh," she corrected for him.
Nick could tell she didn't look happy to see him, but he wasn't about to back off just yet. Nick Malfoy liked a challenge. "Right," Nick said, shaking Josh's hand. "My cousin. One of them, anyway."
Julie picked up her novel again, intending to ignore Nick Malfoy.
"Who are you?" Ethan asked, curiously. "Who is he, Julie?"
"Nobody," Julie replied coolly.
"Hi," Nick grinned at the younger boy. "Nick Malfoy."
"Ethan Potter," Ethan said, smiling up at him. "I don't think my sister likes you too much."
Julie huffed. "Ethan!" she said.
"You don't," Ethan said honestly. "You rolled your eyes just like Mummy does when she's upset or doesn't like something."
Julie's face turned an interesting shade of red. "Maybe we'd better go get that ice cream Josh," she said, sitting up.
Ethan grinned, but Josh was positively beaming. "Sure," he said, not believing his luck. "Whenever you're ready is fine with me."
"Ethan you're coming with us," Julie ordered. "Drew, Darla, you guys have to get out!" she called.
Nick looked at her. "Mind if I tag along?"
"Actually we do," Julie said. "It's a family thing. Family and friends." she corrected.
"I'm their family," Nick said, motioning to Drew and Darla who were coming out of the lake. "And his family..."
Julie let out a loud frustrated noise and Nick noticed Josh looking at him with some trepidation.
"Nicholas Tarrington Malfoy," Ginny called out, causing Nick to let out his own frustrated groan.
"Tarrington?" Julie asked, laughing. "Your middle name is Tarrington?"
"Unfortunately," he muttered back at her. "What do you want?" he asked his mother.
"I thought you were going to go on a walk with me," Ginny said, sighing. She looked dismissively at Julie, a flicker of recognition in her eyes. She didn't know this girl's name, but she certainly knew who her parents were just by looking at her. "Nicholas, you really should remember not to associate with the offspring of a Mudblood..."
Josh stepped forward. "Hey! You can't talk to her like that!"
"Hey!" Nick glared at his mother. "I'm not taking anything with you," he snapped. "Why don't you leave me alone and find someone else to bother?"
Julie grabbed hold of Josh's hand and they managed to sneak away from with the others before Nick could turn around. Julie couldn't believe the nerve of that woman calling her...what she'd called her.
"I'm sorry she said that to you, Julie," Josh said sympathetically.
"It's all right," Julie tossed her hair over her shoulder. "I'm just sorry the kids had to hear it."
"What's a Mudblood?" Drew asked curiously.
"It's not a nice word," Josh replied.
"I don't like that woman," Ethan said loyally to his sister, taking her hand. "She's not very nice."
"No she's not," Julie realised she was still holding Josh's hand as well and dropped it. "Not at all."
Josh frowned as Julie let go of his hand. But, at least she'd held his hand for a bit. That was the important thing.
Hoping to get her mind off of her troubles and the horrid things Ginny had just said Josh made a goofy face at her. "Okay, Potter. You're buying, right?"
"Hey you had the idea," Julie smiled back at him. "I think that means you buy."
"Fair enough," Josh said, smiling back at her. "Fair enough."
Meanwhile, Ginny was walking back to her cabin with a very sullen Nick following her.
"You really shouldn't associate with people like her, Nicholas," Ginny said sternly. "Your father wouldn't approve."
"How the hell would you know anything about her?" Nick snapped.
"She's Harry and Hermione Potter's daughter," Ginny replied. "That's all I need to know."
"So what?" Nick snorted. "It's not MY fault you and Dad decided to steal from them and then get yourselves sacked."
Ginny froze. "W-where did you hear something like that?"
"Oh it's going around," Nick smiled sardonically at her.
"They're lies," Ginny said after a long pause. "Besides, how could you believe the words of strangers over your own mother?"
"Because you feel like a stranger to me," Nick started walking away from her.
"Is that what you think?" Ginny asked incredulously. "Am I going to have to apologise for the rest of my life for not always being there for you? It wasn't as if you suffered, Nicholas. You had Greta. And she was the only one you talked to. She was the one you had your private jokes with. When I came home, you didn't want anything to do with me."
"And why do you think that would change just because you made me come here?" Nick snapped.
"Because--like it or not, Nick---I am your mother," Ginny said, walking over to him. She touched his arm. "And I've never asked you for much. I just need you to be here for me. Please. I can't be here alone."
Nick sighed. "What do you want to do?" he asked sufferingly.
"Just try and act like you're not disgusted to be around me all the time," Ginny said, smiling at him. "And go with me to meals and other events. Your father deserted me, Nick. I can't lose you, too."
Nick didn't say anything as she took his arm. While he held no emotion for his mother, his sense of loyalty won out. "Fine..." he said. "But stop talking about everyone as if you're better than them."
Ginny nodded. "So, we've got a deal then?"
"Fine," Nick said again.
*** *** ***
Harry was noticeably irritable when he came back from playing football. His midnight tryst with Hermione at the lake had been interrupted the previous night due to a late rain shower and then that morning when he'd gotten up she was already in the fireplace conferring with her colleagues at the Ministry.
Hermione was settled down on one of the couches in the sitting room, surrounded by parchment and books. The sitting room had been transformed into her own temporary office.
"I still think we need to get that legislation passed through as quickly as possible," Hermione said, giving Harry a slight smile as he came back inside. She returned her attention to her colleague. "How soon do you think you can have that report finished?"
"Hermione..." Harry began. "We're on holiday remember?"
Hermione held up her hand and nodded at him before getting back to scribbling furiously on her parchment.
"Hermione," Harry said again. "I really need to talk to you..."
Hermione nodded. "Just a few more minutes, Harry."
Harry sat down on the sofa and huffed angrily as she continued to talk. When she finally pulled out of the fireplace he leaned forward. "I thought you weren't going to bring all this with you..."
"I had to," Hermione said apologetically, starting to clean up her paperwork. "This is really important, Harry. If it was just some mundane, everyday stuff, I would have let someone else take care of it, but you know how hard I've been working on this."
"I know," Harry replied. "But still... you've been in here all day. Its half past three and I haven't seen you since this morning."
Hermione put down her papers and looked at him. She sat down on his lap. "I'm sorry about that. And we are all alone now..."
Harry's face immediately relaxed into a smile. "I knew you'd come around," he teased.
"You're all hot and sweaty," Hermione said, grinning at him. "You look like you need a shower."
"Are you joining me?" Harry asked wickedly.
"I might be persuaded," she said softly.
Harry leaned forward and caught her lips with his. "What sort of persuasion are you looking for?" he asked, dragging his mouth over her skin.
"That's a good way to start," she whispered.
Harry reached under her shirt and tugged up on it. "Maybe if I get you undressed you'll have no choice," he grinned.
She couldn't take it anymore and kissed him as he lifted her up and walked backwards toward the bathroom.
Harry locked the door behind him, hoping their children wouldn't come back from the lake just yet. "We have to make up for last night," he said as they both quickly got undressed.
Hermione nodded and turned on the water. "When we were younger, we wouldn't have let a little rain stop us," she said, grinning at him.
"We're not that much older," Harry scoffed. "We don't look any older."
"You don't," Hermione said, running her hands over his chest. "But I certainly do..."
"Please," Harry said. "You're as gorgeous as the day I met you."
"And you're not the least bit biased," she said, as they both got into the shower.
"I'm just glad we've both got magic. We could be a hundred and look like we're 40." Harry said, letting the water run through his hair.
"I know one thing that will never change no matter how old we get," she said softly, looking up at him.
"What's that?" Harry pulled her close as he turned the water temperature up
"How much I love you," she said. "How much I want you..."
Harry smiled down at her. "That goes for me as well."
He kissed her then and Hermione couldn't believe she'd even been able to work let alone think of anything else with this man inches away from her.
*** *** ***
Lavender had spent most of the day walking through town, going in and out of the small shops. She hadn't had much at breakfast and decided to pop in at the ice cream parlour she'd seen when she'd first arrived. Besides, ice cream always did make her feel better.
"Seamus!" Summer shrieked as her boyfriend dabbed ice cream on her face.
Lavender stood stock still at the door, wondering why of all places the two of them had to be here. Thankfully, they hadn't seen her yet. Perhaps, there was still a chance to get away.
"Lavender?" Seamus had seen her at the door and called out to her before he could stop himself.
Lavender's hand was on the door and she could just pretend she hadn't heard him, but she didn't want to give him the satisfaction that seeing him did anything to her. Slowly, she turned around.
"Hi," she said quietly. "Small world, isn't it?"
"Yeah," Seamus stared at her. "Why don't you join us?"
"Yes, join us," Summer bubbled.
Lavender shook her head. "I couldn't. I-I was just going to get something to go, actually."
"Nonsense," Seamus replied. "The day's still young," he couldn't tell if he enjoyed making her uncomfortable or if he was truly glad to see her.
Lavender looked uncertainly at him. "O-Kay. But just for a moment." She took a seat across from the happy couple and felt very awkward. The waiter came over to them.
"What can I get you, miss?" he asked politely.
"Double fudge sundae, extra nuts and cream?" Seamus asked automatically.
Lavender stared back at him in surprise. "You remembered?" she asked with a slight smile.
"Yeah," Seamus was a little pink.
"Is that what you want, miss?" the waiter asked.
Lavender nodded, blushing a bit.
"That's awfully fattening," Summer said. "I only eat non-fat frozen yogurt."
Seamus made a face. "I can't stand that bloody crap." he said.
"I imagine you'd like it better than sushi," Lavender teased, remembering her ex's aversion to it.
"I still can't stand that stuff either," Seamus shuddered. "Summer here loves it of course."
Lavender's smile faltered.
"Shamy doesn't know what he's missing," Summer teased, before taking another bite of her yogurt.
Lavender tried to stifle a laugh.
"Right," Seamus tried not to be obvious as he tried to check out Lavender, as he'd been too stunned to really look at her the previous night. Her blonde hair wasn't as long as it had been, ending at her shoulders instead of down her back and it was streaked with platinum but her eyes were still as luminous as they had been back when they were together. "So... you're still designing right?"
"Yes," Lavender said, as the waiter brought her sundae out.
"Designing?" Summer asked, intrigued. "Where would I have seen your work?"
"I have a few small boutiques in London," Lavender said. Although she didn't know for sure, she had a good feeling this girl was a Muggle. "I'm sure it's nothing you would have heard of in L.A."
"What's your specialty?" Summer asked. "If there's one thing I know, its fashion!" she giggled.
"My specialty?" Lavender said, swallowing her ice cream. "Um, well I've designed wedding dresses and outerwear....like cloaks and coats...things like that."
"Maybe Seamus and I could wear something of yours," Summer said. "Give you some publicity?"
Lavender looked at the girl. "That's awfully kind of you, Summer. But, I'm doing quite well. I don't need your help."
"Oh," Summer shrugged, a bit put out. "Okay then."
Summer excused herself to freshen up her makeup and Lavender was left alone with Seamus.
"So..." Seamus said as Lavender's ice cream was brought out.
"Shamy?" Lavender couldn't stop herself from asking. "You let her call you that?"
He turned bright red. "I hate it but she does it all the time."
"And it was so nice of her to offer to help little, old me out by offering to wear my clothes," Lavender said sarcastically.
"She's just trying to be helpful," Seamus said defensively. "You don't need to jump all over her for being nice."
"Is that what she was being?" Lavender asked, dropping her spoon on the table. "I didn't realise what with her fawning all over you the entire time she was sitting there. I half expected you to feed her ice cream to her...what with her being so young and all..."
"Why does this bother you Lavender?" Seamus asked furiously. "If I remember correctly, YOU broke up with ME! You have no reason to come in here and insult Summer. She's done nothing to you!"
"No, she hasn't," Lavender said, squeezing out of the booth. "But YOU sure the hell did. You're nothing but a joke, Seamus Finnigan. And I don't know what I ever saw in you!"
"Oh please," Seamus stood up as well. "Now you're just acting like a bitch."
Lavender scowled at him and scrabbled in her bag for some money. "I'd rather be a bitch than a lying bastard!"
"How exactly did I lie?" Seamus asked hotly. "Because NOW if I recall correctly, you never gave me a reason when you broke things off. All you did was come in and scream some nonsense and leave again."
"What's going on?" Summer asked, smiling brightly at them.
Lavender forced a smile. "Nothing. Nothing at all. You have perfect timing, Summer. I was just leaving."
"No," Seamus tossed a few quid onto the table. "Stay and enjoy your ice cream Lavender," he smirked. "We've got better things to do." he curved his arm around Summer's waist.
"Going to take her to the playground?" Lavender called back haughtily. "She has been an awfully good little girl, hasn't she?"
"What's wrong with her Seamus?" Summer asked.
"I wish I knew," Seamus said with a frustrated sigh, ushering Summer outside.
"She's awfully odd," Summer replied. "Most designers I know would be thrilled to have two people with our status wearing their clothes."
"Can we just not talk about her?" Seamus asked angrily. When he saw the hurt, confused expression on Summer's face, he softened. "Come on. Didn't you say you wanted to try out the lake?"
"Sure," Summer replied softly, knowing there was something going on between her boyfriend and that woman back in the ice cream shop
And she intended on finding out exactly what it was.
*** *** ***
Luna felt content as she sat with her family in the restaurant during lunch. "I miss R.J. and Maddie," she said to her husband, who as usual was stuffing his face with three of everything that was on the table.
"I miss them too," Jon said, smiling at his mother. "Except for his crying in the middle of the night and at the crack of dawn and when Dad changes his nappies..."
"Hey!" Ron said with his mouth full. "At least I CHANGE his nappies."
"Not very well you don't," Jon deadpanned, smiling sweetly at his dad. "You'd think you'd have gotten the hang of it by now."
"Look who's talking," Josh muttered.
"Pardon me," Jon said. "You're probably sitting there thinking of all the nappies you'll change when you and Julie get maaaaaarried."
Josh's face turned bright red and was about to reply when his mother put her hand on Jon's arm.
"That's enough of that," she said firmly.
"Can we have at least one meal in peace and quiet?" Ron asked, looking around the table.
"Fine," Jon muttered. Josh went back to his book (which was incidentally the same novel Julie was reading) and Drew and Darla began talking about how they thought Ethan didn't like the lake.
Luna exchanged a pleased look with her husband, but her smile quickly faltered when she saw who had just walked into the restaurant.
"What?" Ron noticed the look on his wife's face.
"Turn around and see," Luna said, before taking a sip of her club soda.
Ron swivelled in his chair and he groaned quietly as he saw Ginny march in. "Great," he muttered. "Hope she doesn't see us."
"Daddy," Drew said, exchanging a look with her sister. "What's a Mudblood?" Josh choked on his food.
Ron looked at Drew. "Where did you hear that word, Drew?"
"That lady we talked to yesterday," Drew pointed to Ginny. "She called Julie that."
"When did she call Julie that?" Luna asked, appalled.
Josh explained that they'd all ran into Ginny and Nick down by the lake and Ginny had chastised her son about associating with the 'offspring of a Mudblood'. Luna felt her blood boil as she looked at Ginny who was talking to Nick and looking around the restaurant as if wondering which area of the restaurant she'd grace with her presence.
Ron shook his head disgustedly. "Listen to me," he leaned in and looked at his twin daughters. "I don't want to hear either of you saying that word again." he held up his hand. "Daddy's not mad but that's not a nice word."
Darla and Drew nodded solemnly at their father.
"Should we tell Harry and Hermione about this?" Luna whispered in her husband's ear. "Assuming Julie didn't tell them herself..."
"Probably should, although maybe we should wait," Ron muttered back. Just then Nick caught sight of them and started making his way over much to his mother's chagrin.
"Hi everyone," he smiled at them.
For Nick's sake, Ron decided to take the high road and not ream out Ginny in front of him. "Hello, Nick," Ron said, standing up and shaking his hand. "Good to see you again."
"You too," Nick replied. "Mind if we join you?"
"No," Luna said, scooting down so Nick could pull up a chair. "We'd love to have YOU join us."
Ginny crossed her arms. "I'd like to sit by the window Nicholas," she said coolly, ignoring her brother and his family.
"No one's stopping you," Nick said, not even turning around to acknowledge his mother.
"Nicholas!" Ginny said.
"Sit down Ginny," Ron said in a tone that didn't leave room for argument. "Just don't say anything you'll regret," he said quietly so only she could hear.
"Fine," Ginny said huffily, sitting down beside Darla. She quickly shot back to her feet as she felt something wet and sticky on her bum.
"I'm sorry," Drew said sincerely. "I spilled my orange juice on that chair."
Luna turned a laugh into a cough as Ginny pushed the soiled chair to another table. "Sorry, would have warned you..." she said, biting her lower lip to keep from smirking.
"I'm sure you would have," Ginny said icily. "This is a very expensive dress, Luna. Not that you'd recognise that, of course."
"Mother," Nick said, shooting her a warning look.
"So how do you like it around here Nick?" Ron asked conversationally. "I imagine it's much quieter than what you're used to, being a singer and all."
"Yeah," Nick said, relaxing. He didn't know any of these people very well, but he liked them almost immediately. Sitting with them, even for a few minutes, hit home the fact that he had lived a very different childhood from the ones his cousins had.
"This is certainly a different pace from Sydney."
"What's Sydney like?" Jon asked. "I wonder if it's different from London."
"I wouldn't know," Nick said, shooting a look at his mother. "I've only been to London once when I was a baby."
"That's a shame," Ron said his double meaning clear. "London's a great place. When you come visit us there we'll give you a tour."
Nick was surprised at Ron's choice of words. "I'd like that a lot," he said, smiling at his uncle.
"We'd love to have you anytime," Luna said, grinning at him. "And your Grandma Molly and Grandpa Arthur would certainly love to see you."
Nick didn't reply for a moment. He'd always wondered about grandparents- his father's mother Narcissa had disappeared about six years after he was born and Draco never spoke of her. Ginny rarely spoke of her parents either and he'd always listened to Greta's tales about her family and pretended they were his. "What are they like?" he asked.
"They're parents," Ginny interjected. "You know, Nicholas, I'm really not that hungry--"
"Grandma Molly is the best cook in the world," Drew said proudly. "She makes the best chocolate biscuits and she doesn't get mad when you sneak one before dinner."
"And my dad is crazy about anything having to do with Muggles," Ron said, with a laugh. "He's got a shed full of Muggle artefacts at home. And its also the department he works in at the Ministry....or did do until he retired."
Nick nodded. "That sounds great," he said a bit wistfully.
"And just wait until you meet Uncle George and Uncle Fred," Josh said, grinning. "Mind you, you'll need to watch them every second."
"Why's that?" Nick asked as Ginny sighed impatiently.
The table broke out into animated chatter as everyone had a Fred and George tale to tell and Nick listened intently and laughed along with them, to Ginny's annoyance.
"I'm going back to the cabin," she said haughtily. "I've got no time for this stupid bloody trip down memory lane."
"They're your family, Ginny," Luna said, frowning at her. "You haven't seen them in years and your own son has never met them! Don't you think you could spare a few minutes for him to hear about them?"
Ginny glared at her. "I can make my own decisions Loony," she used the other woman's childhood nickname.
"And damn the consequences, right?" Luna asked. "Fine, go ahead and go. You're really good at running away, aren't you?"
"What consequences?" Ginny shot back, but she sat down.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about," Luna hissed.
"Hey look who's here," Ron said, clearly trying to lighten the mood for his daughters who looked bewildered at the exchange between their mother and aunt. "Nick have you met your sister Chiaki yet?"
Nick nearly spit out his water. "Excuse me, my what?"
Ron's jaw dropped. "Put my foot back in my mouth did I?" he muttered, casting a glare at Ginny.
"What's going on?" Nick asked, looking at the pretty Asian girl who was standing in the doorway chatting with two younger girls. He remembered her from the other night because he'd seen her with Julie. He looked at his mother who was busily tearing a napkin apart and lastly he looked at his uncle who looked sympathetically at him.
"Will someone please tell me what the hell is going on?" Nick asked, trying to stay calm.
"Apparently," Ron said through clenched teeth. "You've been kept in the dark. How could you not tell him about Draco and Cho Ginny?"
"Who is this Cho?" Nick asked, fixing his grey eyes on his mother.
"No one," Ginny got up. "Excuse me," she swept out of the restaurant.
Nick stared after his mother for a few moments. It was something he'd gotten used to seeing over the years---her running out and leaving him behind. "Who is that girl?" Nick asked his uncle. "What is she to me?"
Luna, sensing they might need a bit of privacy, excused herself and ushered the children outside.
Ron sighed. "I guess your parents never really told you much about their time here did they?"
"My parents haven't really told me about much of anything," Nick said.
"Back when we got here your father was having an affair of sorts with Cho," Ron nodded to his friend who was still standing and talking to her family. "Chiaki is a result of that. Your father left her while she was pregnant."
Nick stared at him in disbelief. It didn't sound possible at first, but the more he thought about it---the more likely it seemed. "I have a sister?" Nick finally said, dazed. "No one told me. They never told me!"
"That doesn't surprise me," Ron replied. "And I'm sorry to have blurted it out like that. I have a habit of sticking my foot in my mouth."
"It's okay," Nick said with a slight smile. "You're the only one whose related to me whose bothered to tell me the truth. I-I appreciate that."
Ron nodded. "Well... I'm risking the wrath of my sister, but I'll tell you anything you'd like to know Nick. I feel bad that none of us have gotten to know you."
"Why should you feel bad?" Nick asked. "None of this is your fault."
"I know but we could have made a bigger effort," he smiled ruefully. "Wait till my Mum hears that we've finally met you."
"I'd like to meet them someday," Nick said with a smile. He turned around and watched as Chiaki sat down with her family. She was his sister. He still couldn't believe he actually had one. "I'd like to get to know her, too."
Ron nodded.
"But I don't think its going to be all that easy," Nick said a little sheepishly. "I wasn't very nice to her the other night."
"Oh really?" Ron asked. "Where did you meet up?"
"I saw her at the employee club," Nick answered. "She was there with a girl and I was trying to chat her up, but Chiaki kept wanting to pull her away from me and I...I acted like an arse. Though in my defence, I didn't know she was my half-sister!"
"I'm sure she'll be all right once you talk," Ron sat back. "Who were you trying to talk to?"
"Just a girl," Nick said with a shrug.
"Ah," Ron said. "Well how about I go over and introduce you?"
"I don't know," Nick said, feeling somewhat nervous. He never felt nervous. "Perhaps this isn't the best time."
"Nonsense," Ron got up. "Once they realise you're not like your parents you'll be fine."
Nick shook his head. "I'm probably more like them than you know, Uncle Ron."
"How so?" Ron asked. "You've already demonstrated that you have manners unlike my sister and Draco... you were polite when we met you the other day..." he shook his head. "I find it hard to believe my sister raised you to be so courteous."
"She didn't," Nick admitted. "My nanny--Greta. She deserves the credit..."
"The puzzle fits together once again." Ron replied. "Come on Nick."
Reluctantly, Nick followed his uncle over to the table where Chiaki was sitting with her family.
"Hi Longbottoms," Ron said cheerfully. "I'd like you to meet someone."
Cho looked up and smiled at her friend, but her smile faded when she saw who was standing behind Ron. Chiaki, too, looked up in surprise, from the menu she was sharing with Frankie.
"Chiaki, I know you've already met him but this is my nephew Nick," Ron ignored the looks on their faces. Frankie and Allison stared up at him in awe.
No one seemed capable of making a sound so Neville decided to take the initiative. He slowly stood up and walked around the table. "Hello, Nick. I'm Neville Longbottom."
"Nice to meet you," Nick replied courteously.
"Can we have your autograph?" Allison got up, staring at him without blinking.
"Allie!" Frankie said, mortified.
Cho stifled a laugh. Trust Allison to make light of a heavy situation.
"Sure," Nick smiled at her. "Have you got a napkin or something to write on?"
Allison beamed at him and she and Frankie looked around the table for a napkin or piece of paper.
"Go and get that Witch Weekly in our cabin!" Frankie squealed excitedly to Allison. "He can sign that!"
Nick smiled as the two girls dashed out of the restaurant. Cho stood up. "It's nice to meet you Nick," she smiled at him.
"It's nice to meet you," he said with a grin. "I feel as if I should apologise. I didn't know about any of this...my parents and what happened."
Cho looked at Ron, who shook his head. "Well... it was a long time ago," she said. "I'm sorry you've never gotten the chance to meet your half sister."
Chiaki stood up and walked around the table.
"We actually met last night...unofficially, of course," she said, still not sure what to make of this bloke. His eyes were so much like her own. She wanted to ask him a question that she knew both her parents were dying to know as well. "Is your father here, too?"
"No," Nick shook his head. "He had to work so my mum begged me to come with her."
Chiaki nodded. She had a million questions to ask this Nick about her---their father. She didn't want to ask them in front of her parents, though. She felt guilty for even wanting to know more about the man who'd been no more than a sperm donor.
"I'm sorry for the way I was the other night," Nick said sincerely.
Chiaki shrugged. "I'm sorry for the way I was as well..."
Nick nodded. "I'd like us to get to know each other." he rubbed the back of his neck. "I've never had any family other than my nanny."
"You can take my sisters," Chiaki joked. "They'd drive you crazy in two seconds."
Cho smiled and sat down as did Ron. "I'm still hungry," he reached for the bread on the table.
"You are?" Nick asked, in surprise. "You ate enough over there, didn't you?"
"Oh, Nick," Chiaki said, laughing. "You have so much to learn..."