Unofficial Portkey Archive

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"I'm just so glad he's going to be okay," Drew said referring to her baby brother. "I can't believe that girl would do something like that!"

"You never met her," Maddie said shaking her head. "And from what Saffron says, it's just the type of thing she would do. The important thing is that RJ is okay."

Maddie and Ethan were sitting with Drew and Darla in a coffee shop going over some of the wedding details.

"I'm glad Dumbledore expelled her," Darla contributed. "If I could get my hands on her..."

"You sound like Saffy," Ethan said with a laugh.

"She's been writing to us," Maddie explained. "And her last few letters have either been about Andrew Kirke or how detestable Christina Grant is."

"So it's serious between her and Ronnie Junior's best mate is it?" Darla asked.

"Seems to be," Maddie said with a grin.

"That's so sweet," Darla squealed.

"My little sister shouldn't be dating period," Ethan said shaking his head. "She's too young."

"Ethan she's almost sixteen," Maddie told him. "I'm sure you had dates at that point."

"Of course I did," Ethan replied. "But I'm a bloke, it's different."

All three girls raised their eyebrows at him. "How is it different?" Drew asked folding her arms.

"It just is," Ethan insisted.

"How?" Maddie asked.

"Yeah, how?" Darla leaned forward with a calculating look. "Tell us Ethan, because I'm dying to know."

Ethan wished he'd never opened his mouth. "Um, well boys are under a different standard, aren't they? I mean, we mature faster..."

Drew laughed out loud. "You've got to be kidding me! At sixteen, you boys still don't know how to talk to us and most of the time you talk about rubbish that we don't understand and then you leave us to go off and have a laugh with your mates and you say the most insensitive things..."

"And then don't understand why we'd get upset!" Darla finished for her sister.

Ethan was an interesting shade of red. "I just don't like seeing my baby sister with all sorts of blokes," he said defensively.

"She's dating one boy," Maddie pointed out. "It's not as if she's dating someone else every other day. And I happen to like Andrew. He's a very nice boy, Ethan."

"Yeah I guess he's all right." Ethan conceded. "Better than that arse who was cheating on her."

"Exactly," Drew agreed. She took a folder out of her bag and passed it over to Maddie. "These are some colour schemes I thought you might like."

"Great," Maddie took it. "Ethan what do you think? What colours would you prefer?"

"Brown?" Darla asked teasingly

"Poo brown," Ethan returned with a grin.

Maddie giggled. "Frankie would never allow it."

"We would never allow it," Drew and Darla said together.

"I know, I know," Ethan said. "I like blue, so maybe something with that colour."

"I was thinking the same thing," Maddie said smiling at him. "A light blue."

"You could do that with silver," Drew said. "Or even just white."

"Either would be fine with me," Maddie replied looking at Ethan who nodded. "Which do you think would look best, Drew?"

"I like silver, personally," Drew said. "It'll make things look more glamorous."

"Blue and silver it is then," Maddie said happily. She squeezed Ethan's hand. "This all feels surreal, doesn't it?"

"Nah not really," Ethan leaned in and gave her a kiss. "I really just can't wait to be married to you."

"Awwww," Drew said grinning at them. "I know that you are my sister and we've known Ethan all our lives and I am biased, but yours is going to be my favourite wedding to plan."

"I agree," Darla chimed in.

"Thanks you guys," Maddie beamed at them. "It's a dream come true for me." she leaned against her fiancé.

"And we finally get to plan a wedding for a family member," Drew joked.

"Since Jon and Josh saw it fit to elope," Darla added.

"You two were still at Hogwarts when Jon got married!" Ethan said chuckling. "So even if he hadn't..."

"I know, I know," Darla replied. "But we'd have still liked to be there."

"Weasleys are tight,' Drew said knowing first hand how her family had rallied around her at the lowest point in her life.

"That we are," Maddie smiled at her. "Did Lavender owl over those designs to you both? She told me she was going to."

"We received them yesterday," Drew said. "They're absolutely amazing! Maddie's going to look like a princess."

"Can't wait to see you," Ethan grinned at the blonde.

"No peeking though," Darla said. "Bad luck."

"I won't peek," Ethan promised. "Or Princess Cruella here will put a spell on me."

"Too right," Maddie teased. "And I'll get Princess Saffy to help me."

"Queen," Ethan corrected her, a glint in his eyes.

"Ah! That's right," Maddie said leaning in to give him a kiss.

"Does my hair look okay?" Drew asked her twin. "I mean, it doesn't look as if I tried too much or anything? I look casual, right?"

"I didn't realise that it was important since we're just having coffee with Maddie and Ethan," Darla replied. "But you look fine, Drew."

"Well Brian mentioned he might stop by," Drew said, blushing a little.

"Oooh," Darla teased nudging her. "Brian might stop by, eh?"

"Stop it," Drew said but she was grinning.

"Drew, you're blushing!" Maddie said grinning back at her. "It must be serious!"

"He's very sweet," Drew said. "And he's got the most to die for eyes..."

"Does he now?" Maddie asked.

Drew blushed even brighter. "We're taking things slow. He knows about Paul and about... about the baby and um... he told me he's okay with keeping a nice steady pace with things."

Maddie beamed at her sister. "That's great, Drew."

"Thanks Maddie," Drew smiled. "You've both met him by now right?"

"And we look forward to getting to know him better," Maddie said nodding. "Since he's so important to you."

"It's Jon and Josh I'm most worried about," Drew said. "You know how those two are. Never used to get along but now they're bloody thick as thieves when it comes to ganging up on one of us."

"I know," Darla agreed. "Remember how the two of them ganged up on poor RJ when he brought Alexa home?"

"Will any of us ever forget?" Drew asked.

"And when Ethan and I first got together all three of them ganged up on him," Maddie added.

"Gave me the big brother act," Ethan remembered. "Kind of comical, really."

"Especially since RJ's younger," Maddie laughed. "I was mad at them at the time but it's okay now. I know they're just looking out for us."

"Like I'm trying to do for Saffy," Ethan said.

"You can look out for her without being overbearing," Maddie told him. "Just be yourself. Saffy will appreciate that."

"I don't know," Ethan joked. "Saffy says I'm an annoying git most of the time."

"She says it with love in her eyes," Drew teased.

"She says it with anger in her eyes," Ethan said shuddering. "You two should have heard that howler she sent to me."

"Well you deserved it," Maddie said. "I don't feel sorry for you one bit. You went and told RJ something that wasn't true at all."

"I was teasing her like all big brothers do," Ethan said defensively. "And the way she was carrying on, it sounded to me like she fancied him."

"Well it's all over and done with now," Maddie said. "And you getting her those Quidditch tickets was a brilliant idea. There's no way she could have stayed mad at you after that."

"Very nice move," Drew said. "Great save."

"Thanks," Ethan said with a grin. "I will say, Saf's ecstatic about being a bridesmaid."

"I'm glad she agreed to it," Maddie said.

"You two should have seen her face when Mads asked her," Ethan chuckled. "Her eyes lit up so brightly she could have powered up the city of London."

"She was even sweet to Ethan that night," Maddie joked.

"And Caroline, Ashley and Katie as junior bridesmaids will be sweet," Drew pulled out another book. "I actually marked a few pages with some of the more popular dresses and robes so you can look through it with them."

"Katie will be over the moon," Ethan said. "She loves dressing up."

"Should we do tiaras like Will and Frankie did?" Maddie asked her fiancé. "Caroline and Mia loved those but I don't want to be a repeat."

"You know what might be a cute idea," Darla suggested before Ethan could answer. "Since this is a summer wedding, it might be nice to do a crown of flowers for the girls. I think that would be lovely."

"That would be lovely," Maddie nodded. "I like that a lot."

"I'll see if I can order some samples," Darla said writing that down in her planner.

"Thanks Dar," Maddie smiled. "What else did we need to go over today?"

"I think that's about it for today," Darla said looking at Drew who nodded.

"We do need to get together soon and pick out some bridesmaid dresses though," Drew said. "We're getting some new designs in next week, so maybe you'll want to gather everyone who can come and we can owl some designs to Saffron so she can have some input as well."

"That would be great," Maddie said. "And we could have lunch too so everyone can catch up. I never get to see Allie and Lizzy anymore."

"Everyone's been busy," Drew shared a look with her sister.

"I still feel bad," Maddie said frowning. "I would love to see the triplets and Caroline and Emma. I'm a terrible, terrible aunt."

"You are not," Ethan told her. "You've been busy lately that's all. We've both been in the office almost seven days a week since Christmas hols."

"Still," Maddie argued. "I'm going to make more of an effort. In fact, I'll owl Lizzy and see if I can stop by and see the babies. And I missed Caroline's recital. And Emma...she's my goddaughter and I've barely seen her since Christmas."

"Well let's make time this next weekend then," Ethan squeezed her hand.

"Great," Maddie said smiling at him. "And we won't back out of it. I don't care what's going on. Family is important."

"Aye," Ethan agreed.

"Here comes your boyfriend," Darla said nudging Drew. Brian was standing in the door of the coffee shop brushing some snow off of his cloak.

"Oooh," Ethan teased her.

"Shut it you!" Drew hissed. She waved her hand at Brian who grinned when he saw her.

"Hey," he said, greeting her with a kiss. "You look great!"

She smiled demurely. "Thanks, Brian. It's great to see you again."

"Alright, Brian?" Ethan asked shaking his hand.

"Good to see you too Ethan," Brian replied. "Been awhile hasn't it?"

"We were just talking about how busy we've all been," Ethan said. "And now with the wedding plans..."

"Right," Brian nodded. "Congratulations, by the way."

"Thanks," Maddie said. She thought that Brian and Drew might like some time alone. "Ethan? We should probably get back to work."

"Sure," Ethan took her hand. "Thanks for meeting us you guys," he said to Drew and Darla. "And it was good to see you again mate. We should all go out one night."

"We'd like that," Brian said sitting down.

"I'll come with," Darla said hastily. "I'll see you back at the office, Drew."

Drew knew they just wanted to give her time alone with Brian and she wasn't opposed. "All right Dar," she smiled at them.

"I know how to clear a room, don't I?" Brian asked her as he sat down.

Drew laughed. "It's their ploy to give us time by ourselves."

"Ahh," Brian said as if he hadn't known this all along. "I like that plan."

"I wonder why," Drew teased him.

"Because I get to be alone with my girl," he said taking her hand.

"Can I get you anything?" a waitress asked him.

"Espresso please," Brian replied. "How about you, Drew? Another cappuccino?"

"Sure," Drew nodded. "Thanks Brian."

"Coming right up," the waitress said.

"It's really coming down out there," Brian said motioning toward the window where the snow was falling even harder.

"I know," Drew said. "It almost never snows this hard here."

"You have a busy day today?" Brian asked settling back in his chair.

"Actually no," Drew replied. "Me and Dar had our meeting with Maddie and then it was just some paperwork and ordering some samples was all we had to do today."

"I imagine spring is a busier time for you," Brian said. "That's when all the girls want to get married, right?"

"Of course," Drew said. "And that usually goes into the beginning of summer. Things calm down in July and August and pick back up in September for winter weddings."

"There's something I was meaning to ask you," Brian said. "I, um, well....it's...."

"What?" Drew asked, bemused.

"My parents," Brian explained. "Well my dad and step mum actually...they wanted to meet you."

"They do?" Drew asked. "Well... sure. When do they want to do that?"

"My dad's birthday is in two weeks time," Brian explained. "And my step mum is planning this big party. And I was thinking you might like to go. It's a weekend thing though."

Drew looked at her planner. "I'll have to shuffle a few meetings around but I should be able to make it."

The waitress came back with their coffees and Brian waited until they were alone again to tell her what really had him worried.

"The thing is," Brian said tugging nervously at the cuff of his sleeve. "Drew, my family is completely mad."

"And you think mine isn't?" Drew was amused.

"I imagine you don't have a father who thinks the sun sets and rises on whether or not Puddlemere is going to win their next match," Brian said. "And a step mum who has an entire room of these antique dolls. Not to mention a stepsister who is the most anal-retentive person you've ever met. Don't even get me started on my sister."

Drew laughed. "Sounds like your dad and mine would get along great. My dad lives for Quidditch. And Mum loves antiques."

"You're not ready to run for the hills then?" Brian asked relieved.

"Of course not," Drew was flabbergasted.

"Great," Brian said smiling at her. "You might change your mind once you meet them though."

"Well you didn't change your mind after meeting my family," Drew said. "Not to mention everyone that counts as extended family."

"Are you kidding me?" Brian asked. "Your family is normal compared to mine."

"I guess that remains to be seen," Drew joked, reaching for his hand.

"And word of warning," Brian said. "My dad will probably want to talk about your little brother. My dad thinks he's going to the best thing to happen to Puddlemere in years."

"He's heard of RJ?" Drew raised an eyebrow.

"Drew, my dad knows every single recruit Puddlemere has their eye on," Brian explained. "He's a fanatic."

Drew laughed. "Goodness, you really weren't kidding then."

"I told you," Brian said shaking his head. "He's always been this way."

"This sort of all makes it official doesn't it," Drew said, toying with her coffee cup. "Meeting the parents and all that..."

"Are you okay with that?" Brian asked gently. "You don't have to meet my folks yet if you think that's too quick, Drew. I'll understand."

"I'm fine with that," she told him. "I want to Brian."

He smiled. "So I guess this means you're my girlfriend now."

Drew smiled back. "I could think of worse things to be." she teased.

He gave her a kiss. "I really am glad we're together, Drew. I mean that."

"I am too," Drew said honestly. "It was the one good thing that came out of that horrid Christmas party."

"You ever hear from him again?" Brian asked.

Drew shook her head. "I didn't hear from him for months before that night."

"He's a complete idiot," Brian said.

"I'm inclined to agree," Drew finished her cappuccino.

"How he could leave you like that," Brian said shaking her head. "It just doesn't...what kind of person would do that?"

"A real jerk," Drew said. "But I think I got the better end of the deal."

"He never deserved someone like you," Brian said looking earnestly across the table at her.

Drew turned pink. "Thanks," she said a bit shyly.

Brian leaned over and kissed her gently.

She wondered what she had done to deserve a guy as sweet as Brian but she didn't question it. "What did you have planned for the rest of the day?" she asked when they'd pulled apart.

"I didn't really have anything planned," Brian replied. "I have the rest of the afternoon free."

"We could do something then," Drew suggested. "We could go to the park and maybe try ice skating."

"Ice skating?" Brian asked. "Drew, I'm rubbish."

"All right," Drew said. "Any ideas?"

"How about a movie?" Brian suggested. "You can cuddle up next to me during the scary bits."

"I love the scary bits," Drew said with a grin. "But I'll cuddle up next to you anyway."

"It's a date then," Brian said grinning at her.

"Sounds good," Drew said as he finished his espresso. "Besides... the idea of snuggling next to you in a dark theatre certainly has it's benefits."

"Come on, Weasley," Brian said standing up and helping her on with her cloak.

Drew slid her hand into his as they left the coffee shop. "I just have to pop by the office but its right by Piccadilly. I'm sure Darla won't mind ordering the samples."

"Sounds good," Brian said taking her hand.

*** *** ***

"Mummy I can't wait for you to see my pictures I drew," Caroline said excitedly as she led her family into her classroom. "My teacher told me they were very good and she was going to put them up for everybody to see!"

"I bet they're lovely," Allison said, smiling at her daughter.

"Sissy school Mummy?" Emma asked.

Allison nodded. "This is where Sissy goes every morning."

"And you'll be going somewhere like this in a couple more years," Jon said grinning at his youngest.

"Em go school!" Emma said, grasping her parents' hands. She was walking between them, her eyes wide and taking in everything around her.

Jon laughed and looked sideways at his wife, but she kept her eyes straight ahead. Earlier, she'd made a smart remark about how nice it was that he could fit this into his busy schedule. He'd walked out of the room to avoid starting another row.

"Come on!" Caroline grabbed Jon's free hand. "Daddy I want to show you my sentences!"

"Slow down Angel," Jon said as Caroline yanked on his arm.

"Hello, Caroline," Mrs. Ramsey, her teacher said warmly. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley."

"Hello Mrs. Ramsey," Allison said smiling. "It's so good of you to have this little show tonight. It's all Caroline's been able to talk about."

"And who is this?" Mrs. Ramsey said kneeling down in front of Emma.

"This is my little sister Emma," Caroline introduced her.

"Hello, Emma," Mrs. Ramsey said smiling at her. "Your big sister has told me an awful lot about you."

"Hi," Emma said after glancing at her mother.

"She's a little shy around strangers," Allison explained.

"But once she knows you, she can't stop talking," Jon said again looking at his wife.

"Why don't you show your family your desk Caroline?" Mrs. Ramsey suggested.

"Okay," Caroline said. "Come on, everybody!"

She led her parents and little sister over to her desk which was the second in the row. Her name was printed in blue on the desk. She lifted the cover to show them her books and papers.

"Look, Daddy!" Caroline said pointing. "I have that pink journal you bought for me."

"Hey look at that," Jon kneeled down. "You've been writing an awful lot!"

Caroline giggled. "I can write my name, and I can write Emma's too. And some other words too but those are the two I like the most."

"Show!" Emma said looking at her sister. "Show Sissy!"

"Here Em," Caroline turned back the cover. "See? That says Emma!"

Emma beamed at her sister. "Pretty."

Allison laughed. "Caroline you've done excellent work here. I'm so proud of you!"

"Thanks, Mummy," Caroline said. "Do you want to see my pictures? They're on the back wall."

"I'd love to," Allison said, picking Emma up and heading towards the back of the classroom, not bothering to wait for Jon.

"This one's mine," Caroline said pointing to the picture she'd drawn of their house. "And that one in the corner is mine too. And I did that one on the bottom there."

Jon came and stood beside his wife. "I think she gets the artistic talent from you. I was always rubbish at arts."

"Right," Allison said coolly.

"Al, please," Jon whispered.

"If everyone would have a seat," Mrs. Ramsey said from the front of the class.

Allison carried Emma over to one of the seats as Caroline hopped excitedly over to her desk.

Jon sat down beside Allison and Emma squirmed to get into his lap. "Sit with Daddy."

"I would like to welcome all of you to our classroom," Mrs. Ramsey said. "The children have worked very hard these past few months. I am very proud of them as I know all of you are."

Allison ignored her husband as he tried to reach for her hand and instead folded them in her lap as she focused her attention on Caroline's teacher.

"The students have prepared a little something for you," Mrs. Ramsey continued. "They're going to stand up and tell you something about themselves. First off, we have Jacob Appleby. Jacob..."

"Are you going to ignore me all night?" Jon whispered.

"Jon be quiet," Allison hissed.

Jon rolled his eyes and tried to pay attention to the rest of the students. Finally, it was Caroline's turn.

"My name is Caroline Catherine Weasley," she said focusing her attention on her parents and Emma. "My daddy is Jonathan Weasley and he teaches flying. My mummy is Allison Weasley and she stays at home with me and my baby sister, Emma. We have a really nice dog named Max that my Grandpa gave me. When I grow up, I want to be teacher because I like to read and draw."

Everyone clapped and Caroline grinned and blushed before sitting back down.

Mrs. Ramsey grinned. "You all did fantastic. And if you give me a few minutes, we'll have drinks and refreshments for you and your parents."

"Em go sit with Sissy?" Emma asked her father.

"Sure sweetheart," Jon said, setting her down. "Go sit with your sister."

Emma grinned and made a beeline for Caroline.

"She did really great, didn't she?" Jon asked his wife.

"She sure did," Allison said, her eyes focused on her two daughters.

"Allie," Jon said softly. "Don't be like this, okay?"

"Don't start Jon," Allison said. "Not here."

"Where then?" he asked her. "Hmm? Because you haven't said more than a few words to me in days, Allie. I said I was sorry for missing Caroline's recital."

"This is about more than you missing her recital," Allison snapped. "And I said I don't want to get into it here."

Jon folded his arms and shook his head. "Then why don't you talk to me then? Every single time I try you blow me off."

Without another word Allison got up and headed towards Caroline's desk where she was showing Emma where she kept her things.

"Em want desks," Emma said looking at Caroline earnestly.

"You get to have a desk when you come to school," Caroline explained. "But you can pretend this is your desk tonight Em."

Seeing that her girls were okay, Allison decided to check with Mrs. Ramsey to see if she needed any help.

Cammie Foster stood up from her own desk and walked over to Caroline.

"Hi, Caroline," Cammie said.

"Hi, Cammie," Caroline grinned at her. "This is my little sister Emma!"

"Hi, Emma," Cammie said to the younger girl. "So which one are you going to live with then?"

"What do you mean?" Caroline asked.

"I was sitting in front of your mummy and daddy," Cammie said. "And they were fighting."

Caroline didn't understand. "They just get mad sometimes. They always make up."

"That's what I used to say," Cammie said sadly.

"Used to say what?" Caroline was confused.

Cammie leaned in. "Before my mummy and daddy got divorced. That's when your mummy and daddy don't love each other anymore and one of them moves out."

"But my mummy and daddy aren't moving away," Caroline said as Emma grabbed one of her quills.

"One of them has to," Cammie explained. "And then you spend the weekends with your daddy because usually it's the daddy who moves out. And then you might get step mummy or a step daddy if they get married again."

"But I don't want another daddy or mummy," Caroline said.

"You can't choose," Cammie said frowning. "I don't like my step mummy at all, but Daddy makes me be nice to her."

Caroline looked stricken at what Cammie had told her.

"What are you girls whispering about?" Jon asked.

"Nothing Daddy," Caroline said softly.

"I'll see you later," Cammie said making her back to her desk.

"I was just getting another look at your pictures back there," Jon said tweaking her nose. "You did a great---"

His words were cut off by Caroline who had thrown her arms around his neck.

"What's this for?" Jon asked hugging her back.

"Nothing," Caroline said. "I just love you a lot Daddy."

"I love you too," Jon said as Emma joined in on the hug. "Both of you very much."

"I want Mummy, too," Caroline said, her face buried in his shoulder.

"What?" Jon asked her patting her back.

"I want Mummy to hug us too," Caroline said again.

"I don't know where she is sweetheart," Jon said looking around the classroom.

"I don't want you to move out Daddy," Caroline said, tears in her eyes. "I want you to stay with us all the time! And I don't want a new mummy or daddy!"

Jon looked at her in disbelief. "I'm not moving out, Caroline. And you're not going to get a new mummy or daddy. What in the world brought all this up?"

Caroline only shook her head and hugged him again. Emma, who had no idea what was going on, patted her sister's back.

"Shhhh," Jon said his heart breaking at his little girl in tears. "Everything's going to be okay."

"Mummy!" Emma said looking up to see Allison standing in front of them.

"What's wrong?" Allison asked. "Why's Caroline crying?"

"Because you and Daddy are fighting and Daddy's going to move out!" Caroline sobbed.

Allison looked at Jon, her eyes revealing her surprise. "Jon?"

"I don't know what brought this on," Jon said softly. "I came over to check on them and Caroline threw her arms around me. She said she didn't want me to move out and that she didn't want a new mummy or daddy."

"Caroline, angel..." Allison said. "Your daddy's not moving out. And you're not going to have a new mummy or daddy."

"I'm not?" she sniffed. "But Cammie said---"

"Who is Cammie?" Jon asked.

"My friend," Caroline said rubbing her eyes. "S-she heard you fighting."

"Sweetheart we may fight but it doesn't mean I'm moving out," Jon told her gently.

Allison nodded. "That's right, baby. Your daddy's not going anywhere and neither am I."

"Really?" Caroline asked hopefully.

"Really," Allison said giving her a hug. "Mrs. Ramsey has the refreshments ready. Why don't you take Emma in the next room and help her get something?"

"Okay," Caroline said. "Want some biscuits Emma?"

Emma nodded and took her sister's hand.

"We'll be right in," Allison said.

Jon looked at his wife. "So..."

"One of her friends heard us arguing," Allison said quietly.

"Obviously," he said.

"I've never seen her look at us like that," Allison said sitting down at Caroline's desk.

"If we could only talk this out like I've been asking, then perhaps she wouldn't have thought we were separating," Jon said, folding his arms. "Tonight Al. We're going to sit down when we get home and we're going to work this out."

"Okay," Allison said meeting his gaze.

Jon nodded. "Good," he said.

"I don't like this atmosphere between us," Allison said standing up and touching his arm. "I was just so angry."

"I don't like it either," Jon said. "I love you. You and the girls are my life Allie."

"I love you too," she said giving him a kiss. "No matter what."

Jon smiled at her and reached for her hand. "Let's go enjoy the rest of this evening and tonight once the girls are in bed..."

"We'll talk," she finished for him.

"Right," he said, helping her up. "Let's go check on the girls."

"Okay," Allison agreed. "Em's probably eaten her weight in biscuits by now."

"Eat is her favourite word," Jon grinned. "And her favourite thing to do."

"She is a Weasley," Allison said still holding onto her husband's hand.

The rest of the evening went by pretty quickly. They arrived back at the house to a barking Max. Emma, who'd fallen asleep in Jon's arms, opened her eyes and glared down at the dog. "Shhhh, Maxi!"

"Max it's just us," Caroline said. "You're a silly dog."

"I should probably take him outside," Jon said handing Emma off to Allison.

"I'll start getting these princesses ready for bed," Allison said.

"Sleepy," Emma mumbled. "Em want to sleep with Sissy."

"Okay," Allison said with a laugh. "You know you always want to sleep with Sissy."

"I like having Em sleep with me," Caroline said. "I can protect her from the monsters."

"Like a good big sister," Allison said grinning at her.

"I'll be in to give you a kiss good night after I see Max out," Jon promised.

"Okay Daddy," Caroline smiled at him.

Allison led the girls back to Caroline's bedroom and set Emma down on Caroline's bed. "Mummy's going to go get your pyjamas, Em. Be right back."

"Kay," Emma leaned back on the pillow, closing her eyes.

Caroline went over to her set of drawers and pulled out her Jasmine pyjamas. She quickly changed into them and went into the loo to brush her teeth.

"Baby," Allison smiled as she saw her sleeping younger daughter. "You just were too knackered weren't you..."

"Daddy loves Mummy," Emma said sleepily.

"Yes he does sweetheart," Allison gently pulled Emma's shirt off. "And Mummy loves Daddy."

"Always?" Caroline asked from the doorway.

"Always," Allison smiled at her. "Forever and ever."

Caroline sprang onto the bed and hugged her mother.

"And Daddy and I love you and Em more than anything," Allison kissed Caroline's cheek.

Caroline grinned and slid under her covers. She watched as Allison changed Emma into her pyjamas, struggling with the little girl who was now out like a light.

"Night, Mummy."

"Night Angel Girl," Allison said, pressing her lips to Emma's forehead.

Jon stepped in the room and gave each of his daughters a kiss on the cheek. "Sweet dreams my girls."

"Night Daddy," Caroline said, yawning.

Allison turned on Caroline's night light. "You want the door closed or open, Caroline?"

"Open," Caroline said. "Just halfway."

"You've got it," Allison said following Jon out and leaving the door halfway open.

"Want some tea?" he asked once they were in the kitchen.

"That would be great," she replied sitting down.

He nodded, getting the kettle out. "Where do we start?" he asked.

Allison looked thoughtfully at him. "Everything seemed to change after Christmas. Maybe we should start there."

"Okay," he replied, pulling out the teacups. "That's when we started talking about having another baby."

"And we talked about how money was going to be tight," Allison said.

"So I took on my extra client," Jon sat down. "Al..." he rubbed the back of his neck. "There is no extra client."

"What?" Allison asked. "What do you mean?"

"Right after Christmas I took on a job at a Muggle pub," he answered. "That's where I've been all these evenings."

Allison didn't say anything for a few moments letting this sink in. "You took a second job...and didn't tell me? Why?"

"I didn't want you to worry," Jon shook his head.

"Not worry?" Allison asked him incredulously. "I thought you were having a bloody affair with some woman named Victoria O'Malley, for Merlin's sake Jon!"

"How do you know about her?" Jon asked, baffled.

Allison paled. "You're not having an affair with her are you?"

"No!" Jon exclaimed. "Allison she's my boss at the pub!"

"Oh," Allison said quietly. "I-I found a piece of paper in your jeans pocket with her name and number written on it."

"She gave that to me after I missed the recital," Jon said as the kettle whistled. "Told me to ring her if I ever needed another night off."

Allison let out a relieved sigh. "I didn't mean to doubt you, Jon. But you were gone so much and you missed Caroline's recital. I just thought the absolute worst."

"I guess I didn't make it easy," he said. "But Al, we were getting tight on money, even though we don't have a third child."

"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked him. "And don't tell me because you didn't want me to worry. We're married, Jon."

"We have the two girls to look after," Jon said. "We don't have the money to hire a babysitter for them during the day."

"Jon," Allison said standing up and walking over to him. "I was going to take that job with my mum's studio. I'd take Emma in with me and I can pick Caroline up from school and bring her back to the studio. We wouldn't have to hire a babysitter."

"But Al--" he began to protest.

"You don't have to do this all on your own," Allison interjected.

"I just don't want you to..." he sighed."I don't even know what I'm trying to say here."

"Look at me," she said. "Lizzy and Josh have a nice home and they make a great deal of money. And I'm very happy for them, Jon. But I wouldn't trade places with them for all the money in the world."

"You wouldn't?" he asked softly.

"No," she said smiling up at him. "I've loved you since I was 15 years old. I wouldn't change one moment or one thing about the life we have together."

"I guess sometimes I just feel like I'm not as good as Josh," Jon said. "I mean, he makes a ton of money, he's smart, he's writing a law book for Merlin's sake. I just teach flying and I work in a pub."

"You are brilliant at what you do," Allison said softly. "And you should never feel like you're not as good as Josh. Those two little girls in there think that you're the greatest man that ever walked the earth. And I couldn't have asked for a better husband or a better father for my girls."

Jon pulled his wife onto his lap. "This is why I love you as much as I do." he said gruffly.

"I've missed you," she said leaning against him.

"I missed you too," Jon said. "I hate that sofa now."

Allison laughed. "You won't have to sleep on it tonight." She turned around to look at him. "So you work in a pub? How--how is it? Do you like it?"

"It's not bad," Jon said. "Smells bad, but Victoria's a great boss. She really wants to meet you and the girls."

"And you tend bar?" she asked him.

"I make quite a good drink," Jon said with a grin.

"I think I might like to watch you in action," Allison said giving him a kiss.

Jon kissed her back, running his hands through her long ponytail.

"What about our tea?" Allison asked as Jon trailed kisses down her neck.

"I'd rather have you," Jon said, his eyes closed.

Allison giggled as Jon stood up with her in his arms. "I always did love it when you did that."

"What carry you?" he asked.

Allison nodded. "You've gotten so good at it over the years."

"I've had loads of practise," he grinned at her. "I'm sorry for keeping all this from you Al. And I'm sorry it took Caroline getting so upset for us to finally talk this out."

"Everything's out in the open now," she whispered. "That's all that matters."

"Right," he kissed her again. "And it'll stay that way."

"Speaking of getting things out in the open," she said grinning up at him.

"Are you looking for Boo Bear?" he asked devilishly.

"I am," Allison said nodding. "I've missed him."

"He's missed you too," Jon said, setting her on the bed.

"Show me," she said pulling him down with her.

*** *** ***

"Before I dismiss you," Julie told her fifth-year class of Slytherins and Gryffindors. "Your assignment is to prepare two feet of parchment on Legilmency."

A few Slytherins groaned earning a glare from Saffron.

"Due tomorrow afternoon at the start of class," Julie continued. "The library has a number of excellent texts that should help you. I've left a list with Madam Pince."

"Great," Beth said. "I have so much homework tonight it's not even funny."

"We're all in the same boat," Alexa said.

"I have some books on Legilmency in my trunk," Saffron said. "You guys are welcome to use them if you want."

"I wonder how you got them," a Slytherin girl said icily.

"My father," Saffron said smugly.

"Big surprise," the girl shot back. "I don't even know why you have to take this class."

"Jealous much?" Saffron asked, a glint in her eye.

"I'm not jealous," she said coldly. "I just find it hard to believe that you're not getting special treatment."

"She's not!" Alexa said loyally. "She works very hard for everything she has. And you're one to talk, Baxter. Your father bought your way onto the Slytherin Quidditch team."

Marianne sneered at her. "You're such a little follower O'Leary."

"And you're such a spoiled, selfish snot," Alexa retorted.

Mimi and Beth laughed, making Marianne snarl and stalk away.

"Ugh she's so ugly and pointed," Saffron rolled her eyes.

"And jealous," Alexa said. "I can't stand it when people like her make assumptions like that."

"Me either," Saffron gathered her things. "I have to talk to my sister."

"We'll see you in the library then," Alexa said grabbing her bag. "Come on Beth, Meems..."

"Hey Jules," Saffron said, approaching her sister's desk.

"Hi Saf," Julie said setting her papers aside. "What's up?"

"I just haven't really had a chance to talk to you lately," Saffron said.

"I know," Julie apologised. "But you've been busy. Don't worry. I won't miss the match this weekend. Nick, Greta and the girls are coming, too."

"Great," Saffron said with a grin. "If we win this one we'll be a shoo in for the Cup."

"I think you'll win," Julie said grinning back at her. "And with RJ back, you'll be unbeatable."

"Tell me about it," Saffron said. "I'm so glad he's okay."

"I heard about all you did," Julie said. "RJ's lucky to have such good friends."

"Yeah," Saffron's face grew pink as she thought of RJ's male best friend.

Julie grinned. "Saffy, you are blushing."

"I can't help it Jules," Saffron's face nearly split, her smile was so big. "It's all Andrew Kirke's fault."

"Want to talk about it?" Julie asked. "I know I'm not Mum, but---"

"He told me he loves me!" Saffron burst out.

"Saffy," Julie said in surprise. "Oh my God!"

"I know," Saffron said. "And I feel the same way. I just can't stop thinking about him Julie. I want to be with him all the time."

Julie grinned. "It's your lunch now, isn't it?"

"Yes," Saffron nodded.

"Come back into my office," Julie said. "Greta made vegetable soup for me. As usual, she gave me way too much."

"Oooh," Saffron said. "I love her vegetable soup."

"And fresh bread," Julie said putting an arm around her sister and leading her back to her office. "I've had a heating charm on it. How about you split it with me and tell me more about this Andrew Kirke."

"Sure," Saffron agreed.

"We should do this more often," Julie said.

"I know," Saffron nodded. "At least once a week?"

"It's a date," Julie said smiling at her. She pulled out the basket of bread and offered it to her sister. "I love Greta's bread."

"I do too," Saffron said, taking the knife in the basket and slicing the bread.

"I really felt bad for taking her away from you," Julie said. "I know how close you guys are."

"It's okay Jules," Saffron said. "Mum and Dad were right- I'm not around and you need help more than I do."

"Now more than ever," Julie agreed. "You know Greta cried for the first month she was with us? She missed you so much. And she's always telling me to make sure that you're eating well and getting enough sleep and not pushing yourself too hard."

Saffron smiled. "I'll come see her on Easter hols."

"She'll love that," Julie said. "It will give her a break from Katie and Ashley, who I swear have decided to make it their mission in life to drive all of us completely mad."

"So they're still fighting all the time?" Saffron asked. "They're worse than me and Ethan."

"We're still having trouble with Katie and trying to get her to realise that she's not the centre of the universe," Julie said with a sigh. "And then Ashley steps in to correct Katie and you can imagine what happens next."

"I'm sure Katie just loves being told what to do by Ash," Saffron rolled her eyes.

"Oh yes," Julie said. "They fight all the time, Saf. Almost every single day. I try and tell them that someday they'll want to be friends and they both look at me as if I've just lost my mind."

"Have them look at me and Ethan," Saffron said with a giggle. "When we're getting along that is."

"Which is rare," Julie teased. There was a knock on her office door and she shared an amused look with Saffron. "Come in..."

Severus Snape opened the door and as Saffron had her back to the professor, she couldn't help rolling her eyes and making a goofy face. Julie stifled a laugh.

"Yes, Severus?" Julie asked.

"Professor," Snape said with a sneer. "It's not very wise to fraternize with students now is it?"

"She's my sister," Julie said coolly. "What can I help you with?"

"Professor Dumbledore wanted to know if you'd be willing to take over the chaperone duties for the next Hogsmeade weekend." Snape asked in a chilly tone. "I am unable to do so."

"Sure," Julie said. "Is that all?"

"Surely you know Miss Potter is expected to eat her meals in the Great Hall," Snape said folding his arms.

"Miss Potter is my sister, Professor," Julie said as calmly as she could. "She has every right to eat lunch with me if I invite her to do so. As we are not bothering you, I have no idea why you should be concerned."

Saffron wanted so much to laugh at the look on Snape's face but wisely held her tongue.

"Thank you," Snape said quietly before walking out of the office and closing the door behind him.

"What a wanker," Saffron said. "Why should he care where and when I have my lunch? He'd be happy if I starved to death!"

"He's looking for anything to use against me," Julie said. "He's been at it since day one."

"He's just mad you're a better professor than he is," Saffron said.

"And he still wants this job," Julie said.

"Think you'll be back next year?" Saffron cut herself another piece of bread.

"I love being here," Julie confessed. "It's even better than I thought it would be. And having you here is icing on the cake."

Saffron grinned. "So you want to know more about Andrew?"

"Yes please," Julie said grinning back at her. "Don't leave anything out, Saffy."

"He's so cute," Saffron sat back in her chair. "And he treats me so good. It's like whenever we're together, it's just the two of us, no one else."

Julie smiled. "That's great, Saffy."

"Do you think we're too young to be in love?" Saffron asked her sister.

"Dad probably does," Julie teased. "But I think you know how you feel, Saffy.

"I do," Saffron hugged herself. "And it was so sweet when he told me Jules."

"When did he tell you?" Julie asked.

"The night of the ball," Saffron said. "After we got back from the hospital wing, I asked him to dance with me in the common room since we hadn't had a chance at the ball."

"Awwww," Julie gushed.

"What was it like for you; the first time Nick told you he loved you?" Saffron asked.

"Scared, nervous, happy and excited all at once," Julie said thoughtfully.

"That's exactly how I felt!" Saffron said. "And then once I said it back, I just felt completely... elated."

"I'm happy for you," Julie said touching her sister's arm. "He seems like such a great boy, Saffy."

"He is," Saffron glowed. "And Dad even likes him."

Julie giggled. "You should take advantage of that. He never liked Peter and I'm not so sure he cared that much for Sean. I think that's because you're his baby."

"Dad never liked Sean?" Saffron asked.

"He didn't really know him," Julie said quickly. "And that was the first boy you ever dated."

"Sean and I still keep in touch," Saffron said. "Peter was so jealous of that, but I don't think Andrew really minds it."

"That's great," Julie said. "You know I seem to remember an 11 year old girl who swore up and down she'd never, ever fancy a boy because they were stupid and smelly and completely immature."

Saffron laughed. "That was until this past year and I came back and noticed how cute they all got."

Julie laughed. "Don't let Dad hear you say that."

"He won't hear it from me," Saffron grinned. "Do you think they'd let Andrew come to Brighton with us this year?"

"I'm sure they wouldn't especially if he goes with RJ," Julie replied.

Saffron finished her soup. "I'm glad we get to do stuff like this," she said to her sister.

"I know," Julie said. "I'm going to hold you to this once a week thing. I'll even see if Greta can prepare some of your old favourites."

"That'd be great," Saffron said happily. "Hogwarts food is fantastic, but nothing compares to Greta's cooking."

"I will tell her you said that," Julie said leaning over and giving her sister a hug. "You can come and talk to me anytime, Saffy. I hope you know that."

"You have Charms next, right?" Julie asked.

Saffron nodded. "I love that class."

"Flitwick's great isn't he?" Julie said.

"He's so adorable," Saffron laughed. "I love how tiny he is."

"Don't let him hear you say that," Julie warned.

"I won't," Saffron promised. "What year are you teaching next?"

"Second year Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws," Julie replied.

"They've got to be better than Slytherins," Saffron made a face.

"Saffy," Julie chastised. "Not all Slytherins are bad."

"Yes they are," Saffron said. "Like Marianne Baxter- first year she was actually nice. Now she's as snobby as the rest of them."

"Just don't fall into their traps," Julie said. "They want to get a rise out of you. They want to get you into trouble. I know as well as anyone how hard it is to just sit there and take it, but you have to try and ignore them, Saffy."

"Well if they act up I can take points," Saffron said gleefully. "But I'm not abusing my power, I promise."

Julie laughed. "Good girl."

Together, they walked out of the office and Saffron grabbed her bag.

"Dad wanted me to tell you that Puddles is being a tough student when it comes to potty training," Julie said. "Apparently, your little puppy left a surprise for Dad when he woke up the other morning. It wasn't pretty. Mum was laughing so hard when she told me."

Saffron giggled. "I miss him so much. My little baby."

"He is adorable," Julie agreed. "Ash is trying to think of a way to convince Dad to let her have him."

"No way," Saffron said. "He's my little angel!"

"Don't worry," Julie said as some of her second-year students came into the classroom. "Puddles is yours for better or for worse, Saf."

"Better for me," Saffron said. "Worse for Dad."

"Professor Malfoy?" a Ravenclaw boy asked nervously. "I was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me?"

"Sure, Jeremiah," Julie said. "I'll be right with you."

"I'll let you go," Saffron said. "Thanks for sharing your lunch with me Jules."

"No problem," Julie said grinning at her. "I'll see you tomorrow and don't forget your essay, Miss Potter."

"It's already half finished," Saffron teased.

Julie shook her head and laughed before turning her attention back to her student.

Saffron had hoped to catch up with Andrew, but it was two minutes until her next class. She made her way quickly to the Charms classroom and settled in beside Alexa.

"Everything okay?" Alexa asked. "We missed you at lunch."

"Yeah I just had lunch with my sister," Saffron said. "I told her what Andrew said to me."

Alexa grinned. "You're so lucky that your sister's here."

"I know I love talking to her," she said. "And you too of course. You were the first person I told about that."

"Great news," Alexa whispered as Professor Flitwick came into the classroom. "RJ's meeting with that scout this afternoon after his classes. They sent him an owl this morning. He was going to tell me, but he overslept as usual."

"That's great," Saffron was genuinely happy for her friend. "He's really going to be great for Puddlemere."

"And Andrew told me to tell you that he is going to spend time with you tonight whether you like it or not," Alexa said grinning at her best friend. "He received a letter from a couple of scouts too. Wimbourne and Montrose were the two teams, I believe. He said it was okay if I told you and that he'd show you the letters when he saw you tonight."

Saffron grinned. "We'll work on our essays right after dinner and get them done so we can be with our guys tonight."

"Work before play," Alexa whispered with a giggle.

"Lots of play," Saffron said, nudging her.

"Saf!" Alexa said, her face red.

"Shhhh..." Saffron said, trying not to laugh.

"You started it," Alexa said covering her mouth to stop her giggles.

Professor Flitwick gave them a disapproving glance as the two girls straightened up and tried to stop laughing.