Hey everyone- hopefully you'll enjoy this chapter, it's a long one with a whopper of a cliffie. Also, please make sure you check out the Sims page, it's been updated and I'd love some feedback on how they look ;) (Updated sections are: Misc, Hanaris, and Weasleys)I'm also working on a version of the cottage, and will hopefully have that up soon! Please review!
Saffy:
I am very disappointed in you. I thought you were going to be a better letter writer than this! I haven't heard from you since before Christmas. I don't know about this Peter bloke...I think you should dump him so you'll be free over the summer...just kidding!
I am free, at the moment. I broke up with my girlfriend Angela a couple weeks back. Actually, you could say she broke up with me. She fancies a seventh year boy. Can you believe that? Over me, of all people!
I am staying busy and thinking of a certain brunette who has those crazy sport skills! I am taking you on again this summer and you are not going to beat me this time. Will Alexa and RJ be coming with this year? Maybe the four of us can do something again.
I hope you are doing well and do try to write to me sometime.
By the way, way to bring my cousin down! Unfortunately for me, she is now enrolled at my school. How could you do that to me, Saf! How?
Love,
Sean
"Wow Saffy," Alexa was reading the letter over her shoulder. "Love Sean?"
"He's signed all his letters to me like that," Saffron said defensively.
"What does Andrew think of you writing to him?" Alexa was curious.
"He doesn't know," Saffron admitted. "Well, I haven't written to Sean since he and I got together...you saw where Sean thinks I'm still dating Peter!'
"Oh right," Alexa said. "Well Andrew's not really the jealous type. I don't think he'll mind. After all you're both in love."
"Yes we are," Saffron said with a grin. "You know I was meaning to ask RJ if he'd be going to Brighton this summer or if he's going to be too big to be with us little people."
"I hope he goes," Alexa replied. "When we were home for Christmas your parents asked me if I wanted to go again."
"I don't care if he doesn't go," Saffron said. "You will go. I can't imagine going without you now."
Alexa grinned. "And are you going to ask Andrew to come?" she batted her eyes teasingly.
"Of course," Saffron giggled. "I hope he can go. I'm not sure how his team's schedule is going to be, either."
"I bet he'll work it out just for you," Alexa said. "He never misses spending time with you Saffy."
"What are you two doing inside?" RJ asked coming into the common room. "It's gorgeous outside."
"Just reading my post," Saffron replied. "Where's Andrew?"
"He should be right behind me," RJ said plopping down on the sofa. "I just got reamed out by McGonagall for not paying attention in Charms."
"RJ just because you're signed onto a Quidditch team already doesn't mean you should be slacking off," Saffron lectured.
"You sound just like McGonagall," RJ said rolling his eyes.
"She's right though RJ," Alexa replied.
"Not you too, Lex," RJ groaned. "Come on, I have less than a month left in this bloody place..."
"Tell me about it," Alexa frowned.
RJ put an arm around her. "The one thing I'll miss about this place..."
"Speaking of which, you going to Brighton this summer?" Saffron asked.
RJ shrugged. "Not sure. I might be too busy, Saf."
"RJ you have to go," Saffron insisted.
"Can't you just see me telling the coach that I'm sorry I can't make the training camp because I have to build sandcastles," RJ said sarcastically.
"You said you start in July," Saffron reminded him. "We go in June."
"I know," RJ said. "But there's still all the press stuff and team meetings and all that. They sent me a packet the other day. You wouldn't believe all the crap I'm going to have to go through."
"But you can spare a week or two," Saffron crossed her arms. "And you're not doing it for me; you're doing it for the love of your life here."
"We'll see," RJ said noncommittally. He saw the letter in Saffron's lap. "What's that?"
"It's from Sean," she said. "I haven't heard from him in awhile."
"Why's he writing to you now?" RJ asked grabbing the letter from Saffron.
"To thank me for causing Christina to enroll in the same school as him," Saffron laughed.
"And to ask you to spend time with him in Brighton," RJ said glaring at her. "He thinks you're still with Peter!"
"We haven't written in awhile," Saffron repeated, glaring right back.
"You should write him back and tell him you're taken," RJ said handing her back the letter. "It's like that wanker Ben writing to Lex."
"Don't tell me what to do," Saffron snatched it out of his hand. "Andrew knows I love him."
"And Ben isn't a wanker," Alexa said. "And you never told me you had a problem with him and me writing back and forth."
"Are you saying that we can't be friends with Ben and Sean?" Saffron crossed her arms.
"I'm not saying that," RJ said. "But I think you should both tell those idiots that you're off the market."
"Don't call Sean an idiot," Saffron said angrily. "He's always been nice to you! And he has no idea that I'm with Andrew so DON'T YOU EVEN START!"
"And don't you call Ben an idiot," Alexa was also annoyed. "He's my friend RJ."
"Why are you jumping down my throat?" RJ asked. "You know he fancies you, Lex."
"But I love you," Alexa said edgily.
"And I love Andrew," Saffron said. "And I'm sure he wouldn't mind in the slightest that Sean and I write to each other."
"Why don't we ask him then?" RJ asked seeing his friend climb through the portrait hole.
"Fine," Saffron said, stalking away from him.
"What did I just walk into?" Andrew asked as Saffron came toward him.
"I want to ask you something and I want you to be honest with me," Saffron told him.
"Okay," Andrew asked setting his school bag down. "What's on your mind, Saf?"
"RJ thinks that Alexa and I shouldn't write to our guy friends," Saffron began. "In my case I guess you could say Sean is my ex..."
"Guess you could say?" Andrew repeated. "Sean? That's that bloke you were with last summer right?"
"Right," Saffron replied. "And we're nothing but friends now. And I haven't even written him since before Christmas."
"So what's the problem?" Andrew asked.
"That's what I can't figure out," Saffron glared at RJ.
"I don't mind you writing to him," Andrew said. "Because I know you love me."
Saffron beamed at him. "I do love you," she said as she gave him a kiss.
"And the bloke does have excellent taste in girls," Andrew said pulling her closer.
"I quite agree," Saffron laughed. "What took you so long to get up here?"
"I had to go return some books to the library," Andrew replied. "You miss me?"
"Mmmhmm," Saffron said.
Andrew gave her another kiss. "It's a nice day outside. Too nice to be cooped up in here."
"We should go for a walk," Saffron replied.
"Oi, RJ," Andrew called out. "You mind bringing my stuff up to the room? Saf and I are going to take a walk."
"Fine," RJ said, wishing Alexa would stop glaring at him.
"Come on then, Miss Potter," Andrew said taking her hand. "Let's go."
Saffron linked fingers with him as she followed him downstairs. "I can't believe you're going to be gone from here in less than a month." she said. "And you're not going to be here next year."
"I know," Andrew said thoughtfully. "It's a bit scary actually. I might have to grow up."
"We wouldn't want that," Saffron teased.
"Course not," Andrew said with a laugh. "My mum is still on my case to pursue a proper career. She wants me to be a healer. Could you imagine me doing something like that?"
"I could actually," Saffron replied. "You're smart enough and you're great with people."
"I'm not as smart as you," Andrew said nudging her.
"That's because no one is," Saffron teased in a lofty tone.
"Your ego is nearly as big as RJ's," Andrew said laughing.
"Hey!" Saffron squealed. "That's not nice!"
Andrew picked her up. "I think I might have to toss you in the lake, Saf."
"ANDREW KIRKE!" she screamed, laughing.
Andrew quickened his steps. They were attracting the attention of some of the other students enjoying the spring day. "Don't mind us. She's just going for a swim in the lake is all."
"If I go in you're going with me!" Saffron threatened.
"Oh no," Andrew said shaking his head. "Just you, Saffron Grace Potter."
"I've got a death grip on you Kirke," Saffron grabbed his robes tightly.
Andrew stopped just as they reached the lake. "You'd really take me with you?"
"You'd better believe it," Saffron said, not releasing him.
Andrew pretended to think this over. "Well, how about we just have a seat and snog instead?"
"I like that idea," Saffron said. "And I'll let you go once we're away from the lake." she gave him a sweet smile.
"Okay," Andrew said moving back and setting her down. "How's this?"
"That works," Saffron said, ignoring the other people sitting outside as she pushed him down.
"Saffron," Andrew said laughing. "You are quite pushy, you know that?"
"You like it," Saffron said.
"I wasn't complaining," Andrew said before kissing her.
"Good boy," she murmured, pressing her lips back to his.
Andrew tickled her side.
"Prat," she said, running her hands over his chest.
"I say we spend every day the rest of the term snogging," Andrew suggested grinning at her.
"I love that idea," she said, her eyes half closed.
"And I love you," Andrew said softly.
"I love you too," Saffron said, running her fingers through his hair. "You're like the perfect guy you know?"
Andrew laughed. "Right..."
"No you are," she said. "I mean, you're not jealous, you're funny, you're good looking, and you're smart... I guess I just keep waiting for you to slip up but you haven't."
"I have my faults," Andrew said touching her cheek. "You don't have to look very hard."
"I haven't seen them yet," she said softly.
"I'll remind you of this the first time I piss you off," Andrew said giving her a soft kiss.
"You're doing good so far," Saffron smiled at him, resting her forehead against his.
"And you've never given me a reason to be jealous," Andrew said. "You can be friends with anyone you want. It doesn't bother me- not when we're together like this."
"If you come to Brighton with us you'd probably get to meet him," Saffron said. "When I write him back I'm going to tell him about you."
"If RJ doesn't go, I can't imagine I'd be able to," Andrew said. "I doubt the Weasleys would just take their son's best friend."
"We'll convince the jealous wanker to be there," Saffron said.
"Good luck," Andrew said with a laugh. "That boy is already in Puddlemere."
"I want you there most of all," Saffron kissed him again. "Won't be the same without you. Just like being here next year."
"I'll have to make sure I'm there then," Andrew said. "I do want to spend as much time with you as possible."
"At least we have all summer hols ahead of us," Saffron closed her eyes as he kissed her.
"And a few more weeks here," Andrew said his arms snaking around her waist.
"Right," she said, smiling at him as she cupped his face in her hands.
"I still wish there was some way I could sneak in here to see you," Andrew said. "But I don't see that happening."
"Me either," Saffron said wistfully. "We'll have to try and stick to Hogsmeade weekends and holidays."
"And letters, letters, letters," Andrew said pulling her closer.
"Every day," Saffron giggled as he kissed her neck.
"Which reminds me," Andrew said pulling away for a second. "I am a terrible letter writer."
"You'll change that for me won't you?" Saffron pouted.
"I'll try," Andrew promised. "Even if it's just something simple like 'miss you, wish you were here'."
"Sealed with a kiss?" Saffron asked, laughing.
"You going to make me get all corny, are you?" Andrew asked tickling her again.
"Maybe," she said, slapping at his hands.
"So there's a fault of mine," Andrew said still trying to tickle her. "I am an appalling letter writer and I have a hard time being corny."
"I wouldn't call those faults," Saffron kept slapping at his hands. "You're bound to be better than RJ."
"I'd certainly like to think so," Andrew said.
Saffron kissed him again. "Come on," she said. "Let's go over where we can get a little more privacy."
"You want to have your way with me?" Andrew asked getting to his feet.
Saffron laughed. "You wish Kirke."
"I do," Andrew said cheekily.
"Really?" she asked.
"Someday when you're ready," he said offering her his hand.
She smiled at him. "See, you're totally perfect."
He grinned. "I'm going to write this stuff down."
Saffron laughed. "Just keep telling it to me."
"I used to be complete rubbish at this," Andrew said holding her hand and leading her back to the castle. "My first date ever was a complete and utter disaster."
"Then you've gotten loads better," she said. "And you're really good at snogging too."
"Thanks," Andrew said puffing out his chest. As they walked up the steps, both of them were nearly knocked down by Alexa was looked about as livid as Saffron could ever remember seeing her. "Lex..."
RJ quickly followed and looked helplessly at his friends.
"She went that way," Andrew said pointing toward the lake.
"What did you do?" Saffron asked.
"Hell if I know," RJ said with a shrug. "I'll catch up with you guys later..."
Saffron shook her head. "I'm so glad you're not jealous like he is," she remarked to Andrew as RJ tore off after Alexa.
"He just thinks that bloke has an agenda," Andrew said in defence of his best friend. "And from what I've heard and from what you've told me about Ben, it seems like he's right to worry."
"Ben's a bit of a dork," Saffron said. "He might fancy Lex but he's not man enough to do anything about it while she's with another bloke."
"Let's just hope RJ knows that," Andrew said. "Come on; let's go get something to eat."
Alexa folded her arms and walked at a brisk pace toward the lake. She could hear RJ calling her name, but she ignored him.
"Wait up!" he called out. "Lex! Come on! What did I do that was so wrong?"
"Just leave me alone RJ," she snapped.
"This isn't about that loser is it?" RJ asked. "Come on, Lex. You can't blame me for getting upset. Writing to him? And about you and me no less..."
"How would you know what he's been writing to me about?" Alexa asked. "I've never showed you his letters!"
RJ looked sheepishly down at the ground.
"You found them didn't you?" she asked, her eyes blazing.
"I just read a couple," he said hastily. "You told him you were thinking about...well; that we were....it's none of his damn business, Lexie!"
"He's my best friend next to Saffron," Alexa said defensively. "And I've known him since we were babies. I tell him a lot of things!"
"Telling him you're thinking of shagging your boyfriend shouldn't be one of them," RJ said. "And that loser telling you that you should wait and that if I'm pushing you that I'm not worth it."
"BEN IS NOT A LOSER!" Alexa yelled angrily.
"How would you feel if I was writing to....Christina," RJ said folding his arms. "About what you and I do? Somehow, I don't think you'd like that very much, Alexa!"
"Ben is not my ex," Alexa glared at him. "And he's certainly never drugged me."
"He fancies you!" RJ said trying to remain calm. "And I don't think he'd be telling you to wait if he was your boyfriend."
"I don't care if he fancies me," Alexa said harshly. "I love you although at times like this I wonder WHY?"
"You know this is really how I want to spend my last few weeks," RJ said glaring at her. "I want to argue with you every single day and have to explain myself all the time."
"And you think this is how I envisioned it?" Alexa rounded on him. "Every time I turn around you're going on about how you can't wait to get out of here- I have to push you to do your homework and to study for your exams. And I get a few letters from a friend and you get all jealous!"
"What's the big deal?" RJ asked her. "I am ready to get out of here, Lex. This is everything I've ever wanted---to play professionally."
"How do you think it makes me feel knowing you're so ready to leave me?" Alexa asked, hating the tears that sprang to her eyes.
"Leave you?" RJ asked pulling a confused face. "I'm not leaving you..."
"Yes you are!" Alexa replied. "You're leaving school RJ. You're going to be thrust in everyone's face and I'm never going to get to see you!"
"That's the stupidest thing I ever heard," RJ said touching her arm. "You're going to still see me. It's not like I'm leaving the country, Lex."
Alexa turned away and stared out at the lake without saying a word.
RJ came up behind her and rested his chin on her shoulder. "I've been talking a lot about leaving, haven't I?"
"All the time," she said quietly.
"The one good thing about this place for me has been you," he said softly. "Whenever I think of Hogwarts, I'll think about you."
"I just feel like you won't have any more time for me," Alexa said. "And that makes me sound terribly selfish but I can't help it."
"I'm going to be busy," he said turning her around so he could look at her properly. "But I will always make time for you. You'll get to come to my matches during the summer and on holidays. And I'm going to need help with my new place...."
"Will you promise to at least try to come to Brighton?" Alexa asked.
"That depends," RJ said smiling cheekily at her. "You going to bring that blue bikini? I really, really, really liked you in that..."
"I will if you come," Alexa countered.
"Then I'll be there," he said giving her his most charming smile.
Alexa smiled back at him. "And please don't be jealous of Ben, RJ. Sometimes I need a guy perspective on things and I can't ask you because you're my boyfriend."
"As long as he doesn't get to see you in the blue bikini," RJ teased pulling her to him. "That's just for me."
Alexa rested her chin on his shoulder and closed her eyes. "I'm just for you," she said softly.
He kissed the top of her head. "I promise I won't read your letters anymore. That was wrong of me."
"You'd like Ben if you got to know him," Alexa said. "I'll be sure and say you've been a perfect gentleman."
"You know," he said grinning at her. "I haven't taken any pictures in awhile. How about after classes tomorrow, you and I come down here and have a picnic or something? And I'll take loads of photos of my best girl."
"Okay," Alexa replied as he kissed her. "That sounds like fun."
"And I promise not to slack off the rest of the term," he said sincerely. "My mum and Nana would probably have my head if they knew I had."
"You're right," Alexa pushed his hair out of his eyes.
He gave her another lingering kiss.
"Hey RJ?" she asked when they'd pulled apart.
"Hmmm?" RJ asked softly.
"When we go to Brighton," Alexa began shyly. "I was thinking that might be a perfect time for... for you know..."
He stared at her. "Lex...you don't have to....I mean, we don't have to ..."
"I want to," she said as she ran her hands over his chest.
"Are you sure?" he asked smiling down at her.
"Completely positive," she answered as his arms snaked around her waist. "We've been together over a year now and I know I'm never going to meet anyone like you."
"There's no one I want to be with more," he said giving her another kiss.
His words shot a thrill through her. "So we'll figure something out when we go to Brighton."
"Might be a little difficult to find some alone time," he said. "With all of my family and Saf's family."
"Your sister and Ethan always manage to find some time," Alexa said. "And if Andrew goes too, we won't have to worry about Saffron."
"We'll find a special place," he said. "Even if we have to go on the boat..."
Alexa buried her head in his shoulder. "I'm so excited."
"Me too," RJ said holding her tightly.
*** *** ***
The wedding plans were in full force and Drew and Darla were running themselves ragged trying to give their baby sister the wedding of her dreams.
Drew had been happy for the distraction. She'd also spent most of her free time with Brian, who had been a great comfort and support to her since they'd started dating.
They were meeting for coffee this morning before Drew was to attend a meeting with the caterer.
She was sitting in the coffee shop going over some notes in her planner when she realised the date. Had it really been a year? Tears sprung to her eyes as she remembered the little girl she'd never had the chance to know.
"Hey gorgeous," Brian came up behind her. "I'm glad we were able to meet today."
Drew nodded and tried to force a smile.
"Something wrong?" he asked, noticing her expression as he sat down.
"Hope," Drew whispered.
"What?" Brian asked. "Hope what?"
"Hope, my daughter," Drew said wiping at her eyes. "She would have been a year old today."
"Drew," Brian moved into the chair next to hers and gave her a hug. "Sweetheart I'm sorry... I didn't realise--"
"It's okay," she said hugging him. "You weren't to know. I didn't even realise what day it was until just now..."
"Is there anything I can do?" Brian wiped a tear from her cheek. "Anything at all?"
"Will you---will you come with me?" she asked him in a soft voice.
"Come with you?" Brian asked.
Drew nodded. "She's...she's buried in Dublin, where I used to live. I want to go see her. Will you come with me?"
"Absolutely." Brian said without hesitation.
Drew hugged him again. "Thank you."
He kissed the side of her head. "Come on, let's forget the coffee," he said helping her up.
Drew followed him out of the coffee house.
"You lead the way," Brian said once they were outside.
"We can Apparate," she said taking his hand. "Just hold on to me."
Brian gripped her hand supportively.
Drew closed her eyes and held on to Brian and they both Apparated to the small church cemetery just inside Swords Village. It was a cold, cloudy day and Drew leaned against Brian for support as she led the way to her daughter's grave.
"Hope Anneliese Weasley," Brian read softly. "That's a gorgeous name."
Drew was silent as she knelt down and touched the small headstone.
Brian reached for a twig and transfigured it into a delicate white rose. "Here," he said, kneeling beside her.
"Thank you," she said setting the rose down on Hope's grave. She traced her daughter's name with her finger. "I never got to hold her, Brian."
"You should have," he said gently. "It would have been better for you if they'd let you hold her."
Drew nodded. "I never even...I never even saw her."
Brian pulled her close as Drew began to sob. "I'm so sorry sweetheart."
"She never had a chance," Drew said weakly. "It's so unfair, Brian. She never had a chance!"
"I know it's unfair," he said soothingly. "But you did what you had to do Drew."
"The hardest part was getting rid of the nursery," Drew said resting her head on his shoulder. "I went a little overboard actually. Darla helped me turn the spare bedroom into this really..."
Brian stroked her hair as she began to sob again. "You shouldn't have had to go through this..."
"My sweet Hope," she said clinging to Brian.
"She would have been just as beautiful as her mother," Brian said comfortingly.
Drew pulled away to look at him. "Can I have a moment?"
"Sure," he said. "I'll just be right over there okay?"
Drew nodded and turned back around. She again traced Hope's name with her finger.
"Hope," she said softly. "It's Mummy. I'm sorry I haven't been here to see you more often. I've thought about you every single day..."
Brian watched his girlfriend talk to her daughter and his stomach clenched. He wanted to smash her ex boyfriend's face in for letting her go through this alone.
"I wanted to give you so much," she said as a tear fell down her cheek. "And I still feel like there is a big part of me missing and I don't know if I'm ever going to get that back. Your Grandma Luna keeps telling me that I have to take it one day at a time. Some days, I think I'll be okay, but I see your little cousins. And I think of how much they would have loved you...."
Brian tried not to listen but he heard her crying again. He wanted to go comfort her but he knew she had to do this by herself.
"You would have been a year old today," Drew continued. "And I'm sure your grandparents would have thrown you a huge party. Your Grandpa Ron would have eaten everything in sight and laughed his head off when he saw you trying to eat cake, but getting most of it on your face. And your Uncle Jon and Uncle Josh would have probably fought about whose name you would say first. And Aunt Maddie would roll her eyes and tell you not to pay attention to a word they said.
"I miss you so much," Drew made no effort to wipe away her tears. "I wish I could go back and do something to make sure you were okay..."
Brian felt tears in his own eyes as he listened to Drew speaking. He couldn't imagine what this was like for her.
"I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to be a good mum," Drew whispered. "But I love you, I love you so much. I'll always love you baby."
"You were a good mum," Brian said softly from behind her.
"No I'm not," Drew bawled, standing up. "I could have done more to save her and I didn't!"
"Drew," Brian said reaching for her. "There wasn't anything you could have done! This wasn't your fault!"
"Yes it was," she sobbed. "I could have gone when I first realised I was having troubles!"
"Darla told me the doctors said that there was nothing you could have done to prevent this," Brian said gently.
Drew couldn't talk anymore as Brian held her closely. Her tears finally subsided several long minutes later. "I'm sorry," she said, taking the handkerchief he offered. "You shouldn't have had to go listen to all that."
"I wanted to be here," he reassured her. "I wanted to meet Hope."
"Thank you," she whispered.
"How'd you come up with the name, by the way?" Brian asked leading her over to a bench. "That's a beautiful name."
"I guess it was because I always hoped I'd have a little girl," Drew said. "I knew that would be her name the moment I found out I was pregnant."
Brian smiled and held her close.
"Drew?" a familiar voice called out behind them. They both turned to see Darla, Ron and Luna walking toward them.
"I had a feeling you'd be here," Darla said giving her twin a hug. "And Mum and Dad wanted to come too."
"You guys," Drew said, new tears springing to her eyes.
"We wanted to be here for you," Luna said softly, tears shining in her own eyes as well.
"Thanks Mum," Drew said, hugging her parents. "This really means a lot to me."
"How is she?" Darla asked in a hushed tone to Brian.
"Holding it together by about this much," Brian said, holding his fingers barely apart.
"I had a feeling," Darla said standing back with Brian as Drew led Ron and Luna over to the baby's grave.
Ron placed a bouquet of daisies on the headstone. They'd been Drew's favourite flower when she was growing up and he had a feeling that Hope would have liked them too.
"Hope Anneliese," Luna tucked Drew's hair behind her ears. "You named her beautifully sweetheart."
"You really like it?" Drew asked.
"I do," Luna kissed her daughter's forehead.
Ron knelt down and tried to stave off his own tears for the granddaughter he'd never known.
"Daddy," Drew whispered. "She would have loved you so much."
"And he'd have spoiled her rotten," Darla chimed in.
"I absolutely would have," Ron said, taking Drew's hand.
"And he might have bought her a Cornish pixie too," Drew said giving him a hug. "I'm so sorry, Daddy."
"Don't you apologise Drew," Ron said, stroking his daughter's hair. "Don't you even think of apologising. This was not your fault, you understand me?"
"If I'd taken better care of myself," Drew started to protest. "She might have..."
"Drew I heard the healers," Darla interjected. "You heard them too- there was nothing you could have done to stop this from happening."
"I'm not going to have you blaming yourself for something you had no control over," Ron said still holding onto his daughter. "We'd all do everything in our power to have her here, but it just wasn't meant to be, Drew."
"I just wish I could have had a day with her," Drew said, crying again. "Or even an hour. I didn't get to see her or hold her before they took her away!"
"Shhhh," Ron said soothingly. "Oh, sweetheart, I'd do anything to give that to you."
"I know," Drew sobbed as Brian rubbed her shoulders.
"Look," Darla said looking up at the sky. "The sun's coming out."
"That's got to mean something," Luna said, stroking Drew's cheek. "Hope is looking down on you right now sweetheart."
"And she wants her Mummy to be happy," Brian said smiling at her.
"You guys really think so?" Drew asked.
They all nodded.
"It's okay to smile and laugh and have a good time," Luna said. "It doesn't mean you've forgotten Hope and it doesn't mean that you don't still miss her."
"I've been trying," Drew said softly. "I've been trying really hard."
"We're here to help you any way we can," Ron said. "I want you to know you can talk to us anytime, Drew."
"Thank you," Drew said quietly.
"How about we go and get some coffee?" Darla suggested. "All of us. We can show Brian and Mum and Dad that old coffee house we used to love so much."
"Sure," Drew said with a small smile. "That sounds nice."
"You ready to go or do you need some more time?" Brian asked her.
"I think I'm ready," Drew said, reaching for his hand. "In more ways than one."
*** *** ***
Ethan stared at his fiancée in disbelief as she came into the sitting room carrying a huge black case. Blue was sitting on her shoulder playing with her hair.
"New living accommodations for Blue?" Ethan joked as she set the case down.
"Very funny," Maddie said. "No, smartarse. Darla let me borrow these CDs."
"CD's for what?" Ethan asked.
"To pick out our song," Maddie said flipping through the pages. Blue hopped off her shoulder and jumped up and down excitedly on the edge of the case. "Blue! Be careful you don't want to scratch them!"
"Come here little guy," Ethan held out his hand. "I'll get you a treat."
Instead of going to Ethan, Blue hopped back on Maddie's shoulder.
Ethan sighed in dismay. "And here I was thinking that he finally liked me."
"He's warming to you," Maddie reassured him.
"Yeah right," Ethan said. "Only time he likes me is during dinner."
"That isn't true," Maddie said looking sideways at the pixie. "You like Ethan, don't you, Blue?"
Blue dove under Maddie's hair in answer.
"Dolly liked me," Ethan said moving closer on the sofa so he and Maddie could look at the CD's together.
"You were Dolly's father," Maddie teased.
"That's what it was," Ethan said laughing.
"I only have these until tomorrow," Maddie replied. "So we really need to pick a song tonight. You don't have to go back to the office do you?"
"No," Ethan replied. "I am free and clear until tomorrow."
Maddie beamed at him. "Words I like to hear."
Ethan smiled at her. "Okay, let's look at these things and see if we can pick a song...who's Frank Sinatra?" He picked up that CD and grimaced. "I bet my Gran knows."
"Apparently big way back when," Maddie said with a giggle. "Drew and Dar have everything covered in here music wise."
"This looks more like our time," Ethan said holding up another one. "Lifehouse?"
"Let's try it out," Maddie said. "Blue go back to your cage baby."
Blue peeked out behind Maddie's hair and cackled at Ethan before running toward his cage and shutting the door.
"See?" Ethan asked her.
"Come on," Maddie said. "He cackles at everyone."
"He loves Will and Frankie," Ethan pointed out. "I've never seen him once cackle at them. And Caroline and Emma, too."
"Ethan don't take it to heart," Maddie said. "He's just a pixie."
"Okay," Ethan said as she loaded the CD into the player. "As long as you love me, I guess I'll be okay."
"I'll always love you," Maddie turned and kissed him.
"That's what I like to hear," Ethan said as the music began to fill the room.
What day is it? And in what month?
This clock never seemed so alive
I can't keep up and I can't back down
I've been losing so much time
Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to lose
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you
"I kind of like this," she smiled up at him, her arms around his neck.
"Me too," Ethan agreed swaying with her to the music. "Not bad for Muggles.."
Maddie laughed. "What- like you can do any better?"
"You'd call off the wedding if I got up and sang," Ethan said.
"I've heard you in the shower," she said, giving him another kiss.
"And you're still with me?" Ethan teased.
"Of course I am you silly git," Maddie answered, laughing as he dipped her back.
"Mum taught me how to do that," Ethan grinned as he pulled her back up.
"Remind me to thank her," Maddie said dreamily.
"We could always do our old cha-cha-cha," Ethan grinned at her. "Remember?"
"How could I forget?" Maddie laughed.
"Blue," Ethan called out over his shoulder. "Watch this. Ready, Mads?"
"Ready," Maddie grinned excitedly.
Ethan laughed as he started their old dance. "One-two-three..."
"Cha-cha-cha," they sang together, Maddie laughing almost too hard to talk.
Blue clapped enthusiastically for them and Ethan pretended to be shocked. "He likes me, Mads! Finally!"
"Ethan you're a big goof," Maddie said, unlocking Blue's cage.
Blue bypassed Maddie this time and made a beeline for Ethan.
"Hey," Ethan chuckled. "Liked the cha-cha did you?"
Blue settled down on Ethan's shoulder and clapped his blue hands.
"That's my good little pixie," Maddie cooed.
Ethan laughed. "Want to look at the rest of these?"
"Sure," Maddie replied. "I like that one a lot though. Let's put it aside."
Ethan groaned and pointed to a CD. "If we used that one, Saffy would disown me."
"What is it?" Maddie asked curiously. "Who is... Britney Spears?" she made a face. "She doesn't look very good. Why would my sisters have this in their collection?"
"I don't know," Ethan said quickly discarding the CD. He grinned when he saw another one. "My grandparents loved this song. I think it was their song. Want to hear it?"
"Sure," Maddie agreed.
Ethan walked over to the stereo and loaded the CD. "It's called 'Smoke Gets in Your Eyes'," he said as he sat back down beside her.
"This was your grandparents' song?" Maddie asked, laying her head on his shoulder.
Ethan nodded. "I remember watching them dance to it at their anniversary party."
"Maybe you should dance to this with Elinore at the wedding," Maddie suggested.
"That is a great idea," Ethan said smiling at her. "I was thinking we might go over there for dinner some night. You and me."
"I'd love that," Maddie said, giving him a kiss. "I'll go over there with you anytime."
"We only have a few months left to go," Ethan said. "Can you believe that?"
"I'm so excited," Maddie said happily. "I'm going to be married to you."
"Me, you and Blue," Ethan said softly.
"We're going to lead a crazy life," Maddie said, kissing him.
"We already do," Ethan said pulling her close. "And what's this I hear about Frankie planning a big hen night for you?"
Maddie blushed. "I told her no strippers."
"I'm sure that went in one ear and out the other," Ethan said shaking his head. "You know how Frankie is, Mads."
"I know," Maddie said. "But I'll make her stick to it. And you remember that for the stag night as well Mr. Potter."
"I promise it will be tame compared to Justin's," Ethan said. "I can't believe he and Sarah are getting married this weekend."
"I know," Maddie said. "I'm surprised that they both wanted a small wedding."
"That surprised me too," Ethan said. "Bree and I have a bet about whether they'll baby talk during the ceremony."
Maddie laughed. "You two are mad!"
"Since she's the maid of honour and I'm the best man, we've both decided that if it happens, we will hex them both," Ethan said. "Can you imagine?"
"That would make it quite the wedding," Maddie shook her head. "I'd better make sure my dress robes are cleaned up."
"I'm glad Sarah invited you to her hen night too," Ethan said. "I like that you two are getting along now and that she's given up on Bree and me getting back together."
"We always got along," Maddie said thoughtfully. "She was never outright rude to me. She just hoped her matchmaking had paid off is all."
"I'm just glad Bree and I are still good friends," Ethan said. "And I'm glad she found Mason. He seems like a good bloke. She deserves that."
"She does," Maddie nodded. "We all managed to find some happiness." she grinned at him.
"Even the demented little pixie here," Ethan said as Blue settled down on Ethan's knee and looked adoringly at Maddie.
"Blue loves his mummy," Maddie said, laughing.
"That's for sure," Ethan said laughing too. "I imagine if Dolly were here, you'd probably want them to get married too."
"That would be so sweet," Maddie giggled as Blue streaked across the room to his cage.
"Maybe we can let him be the ring bearer in ours," Ethan joked. When he saw Maddie grin, he pulled a serious face. "A joke, Mads. That was just a joke."
"I think it'd be a marvellous idea," Maddie played along.
"No way," Ethan said firmly.
"Oh come on," Maddie said, climbing onto his lap.
Ethan shook his head.
"You're the one that came up with the idea," Maddie kissed his neck.
"It was a joke," he said determined not to cave in no matter what she did. "And you know he'd probably run down the aisle with the ring and throw it at my Great Aunt Margaret or something like that."
"You wouldn't joke about Blue," Maddie said, running her hands over his chest and suppressing a grin. "He's a part of our family too- remember?"
"I can't forget," Ethan said softly. "Mads..."
"Hmmm?" she asked, trailing her lips over his skin.
"What---what were we arguing about?" Ethan asked weakly.
"Blue..." Maddie whispered in his ear. "We don't have a ring bearer remember? No boys old enough in the family yet..."
Ethan couldn't take it anymore and finally wrapped his arms around Maddie's waist and kissed her deeply.
"Mmm..." she murmured, closing her eyes.
"You think you're good, don't you?" he asked her teasingly as he moved his hands underneath her jumper.
"I am," she said, grinning at him.
"Madeline Molly," Ethan said grinning back at her. "Blue isn't going to be in our wedding..."
"That's what you think," Maddie replied. "I was joking but you know if I really want him to be in our wedding you won't be able to say no to me."
"No one can," Ethan said chuckling. "You usually get what you want."
"That's right," she said, kissing him again. "But really, what will we do for a ring bearer?"
"Noah and Aidan can't walk yet so they're out of the question," Ethan said thoughtfully. "And Mas is just starting to crawl..."
"Wait," Maddie said. "What about one of Will's nephews?"
"Great idea!" Ethan said. "You want to ask him or Frankie about it?"
"I'll say something to Frankie," Maddie promised. "Problem solved- we make a good team." she kissed him again.
"We do make a great team," Ethan said grinning at her. Blue shook his cage. He laughed as he looked over at the pixie. "I meant you too, Blue."
Blue cackled and did a flip, sitting on the little ledge inside.
"See," Maddie said. "He likes you, Ethan."
"Finally," Ethan said. "Come on; let's look through a few more of those discs."
"I never knew they had so many," Maddie said flipping through the case.
"Yeah and I've never heard of most of them," Ethan said.
"Would you look at that?" Maddie asked pointing at a Weird Sisters album. "They have a wedding cd?"
Ethan laughed. "We've got to hear this."
Maddie picked up the CD and giggled. "Ethan, they have something on here called 'Monster Marriage'!"
Ethan snorted. "Why does that not surprise me?"
"These titles are hilarious!" Maddie said giggling.
"Okay," Ethan tickled her as he pulled the disc away. "We are not dancing to a Weird Sisters song at our wedding Maddie Molly."
"Even I would have to agree with you on that one," Maddie said. "I like the first one the best so far. That one really seems to suit us, I think."
"I like it too, but we haven't heard many others," Ethan said. They spent the next hour going through most of the discs in the case but they didn't find another they liked more than the first song.
"That was an easy decision," Maddie said putting the rest of the discs away.
"You and Me," Ethan read. "It does sound like the perfect song for us."
"It definitely fits," Maddie said resting her head on his shoulder. "Just like us."
"Right," He kissed her temple. "Oh I have a surprise for you."
"Another pixie?" she asked teasingly.
"Fortunately, no." Ethan laughed. He reached into his cloak and handed her an envelope. "Our confirmation for our honeymoon."
"Ethan!" Maddie squealed. "Where are we going?"
"We start out in Grand Cayman for a week," Ethan showed her the documents. "And then for the second week we're going to Cabo San Lucas."
"I cannot wait," Maddie said dreamily.
"It's going to be great," Ethan pushed her hair behind her ear.
"I wish our wedding was tomorrow," Maddie said eagerly. "Just so we could go ahead and leave on our honeymoon!"
"You're that excited aye?" Ethan teased. "You really want to get me in bed don't you?"
Maddie blushed. "That's a big part of it."
Ethan gave her a kiss. "I'm really looking forward to that. And I'm glad we've waited."
"Me too," Maddie said softly. "It means a lot to me that you wanted to, Ethan."
"It was something you wanted," Ethan told her. "And what you want is what I want. Especially if it makes you happy."
"I love you," she said hugging him tightly. "You make me extremely happy!"
"Obviously, if you're marrying me," he pulled her down onto the floor next to him.
Maddie giggled. "You are such a goof, Ethan James."
"A goof that you love," Ethan tickled her again.
"Very much," Maddie said laughing.
*** *** ***
Lavender smiled apologetically at the young woman who Seamus was interviewing. He had some deal with one of the local university film schools where he employed interns every fall. He kept putting off the interview process and was now trying to squeeze them all in before they left for England for the next two months.
"We really need to hurry if we want to catch our flight this afternoon," Lavender said choosing not to mention their portkey in front of the Muggle coed.
"I have one more after Miss Williams," Seamus told his wife. "I shouldn't be too much longer."
"You said that three interviews ago, Seamus," Lavender said folding her arms.
"It shouldn't be long dear," Seamus said, shooting her a look.
"Okay, fine," Lavender said rolling her eyes. "I'll just go and pack for you as always..."
She breezed out of his study and Seamus apologised to the young woman sitting across from him.
"You'll have to excuse my wife," he said with a laugh.
"Its okay, Mr. Finnigan," Laura Williams replied.
"She's a fashion designer so she always over packs," Seamus shook his head.
"She did the design on your last six films," Laura recited. She'd basically spouted out trivia to him the entire interview and Seamus thought that this girl probably knew more about him than he did. "And was nominated for an Academy Award for the designs on 'Heartbreak'. I think that was really one of your best films. And it was a great departure for you since you usually concentrate on action films and that was more of a period piece..."
"Thank you," Seamus nodded.
"Do you think you'll do more of those?" Laura asked. "Because I really think you have a flair for that, if you don't mind me saying..."
"Perhaps," Seamus replied. "At the moment I'm slated for an action film."
Laura frowned. "Oh, well that's a good genre, too. I would really love to learn from you, Mr. Finnigan. It really has been a great honour to meet you."
"It's been nice meeting you as well." Seamus shook her hand. "Someone will be in touch with you soon."
"Fantastic," she said beaming at him. "I left my cell number and email address on my resume."
"Great," Seamus smiled at her.
Seamus' long-time assistant Taryn showed Laura out and then came back in with another folder. "Your last one is a freshman at USC. Kind of young, but kind of reminds me of you..."
"Sounds good," Seamus leaned back in his chair. "Bloody hell, I hope this is a short one."
"I'll interrupt after the fifteen minute mark," Taryn promised. She went out into the hall to retrieve the student. Seamus was still going over some notes when they walked back inside the office.
"Seamus Finnigan," Taryn said standing back. "This is Gabriel Boyd."
"Gabriel," Seamus stood up and shook the young man's hand. "Thanks for coming."
Gabriel didn't respond and seemed a bit dazed as he shook Seamus' hand. "It's...it's nice to meet you, Sir."
Seamus looked over at Taryn who gave him a smirking sort of smile and left the room.
"So, how about you tell me a little about yourself?" Seamus asked, motioning for the young man to have a seat.
"Well uh..." the young man seemed at a bit of a loss. "I go to USC..."
"Right," Seamus indicated the folder in front of him. "What's your exact area of study in film?"
"I uh like films actually," Gabriel said nervously. "Very much..."
Seamus nodded slowly. "I should hope you like films..." he tried to joke.
Gabriel fidgeted in his seat wondering how on earth he'd thought he'd be able to pull this off.
"I'm nervous," he apologised. "I've never met you before..."
"Don't be nervous," Seamus replied mildly. "I'm just like any other bloke out there."
"This is a really nice house," Gabriel said looking around. It was a lot bigger and nicer than the house he'd grown up in.
"Thank you," Seamus replied. "So why don't you tell me why you want this internship?"
Gabriel opened his mouth to respond, but a blonde woman dressed in a peasant top and jeans came hurrying into the room looking none too pleased.
"Seamus!" the woman said anxiously. "Aren't you done yet?"
"Lav," Seamus said with forced patience. "I'm on my last interview. Why don't you go over pack me just a little more?"
Lavender rolled her eyes and looked at the young man sitting with her husband. He bore an uncanny resemblance to Seamus.
"Hello," Gabriel said nodding at her.
"Hi," she said. "I'm Lavender Brown Finnigan."
"Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Finnigan," Gabriel said standing up to shake her hand.
Lavender smiled at him. "I hope my husband isn't driving you too insane with his specifications."
"Lav," Seamus said in a warning tone.
"Okay, okay," Lavender said giving her husband a kiss on the cheek. "I'll go back upstairs. But do try and hurry."
"Don't mind her," Seamus said once she was gone. "We're leaving for England in a few hours and she's fretting that I don't have enough clothing for the trip."
"If this is a bad time," Gabriel said. "We can reschedule..."
"No it's fine," Seamus replied. "Why don't we get back to the interview...?"
"Okay," Gabriel replied. "But I think there is something you should know..."
"What's that?" Seamus asked, writing something down on a pad of paper.
"I'm not a film student at USC," Gabriel said quickly. "The truth is I just graduated from high school."
"I thought you looked rather young," Seamus replied, raising an eyebrow.
"I'll be eighteen in five months," Gabriel said defensively.
"Nothing wrong with being young, son," Seamus said, not noticing Gabriel flinch at his choice of words.
"I grew up in Sacramento," Gabriel continued. "I don't want to go to film school. I want to be a doctor."
Seamus was confused. "Well what exactly can I do for you here?"
"I don't know," Gabriel said looking away. "I just thought...I don't know what I thought actually..."
"You thought..." Seamus pressed.
"I shouldn't have come here," Gabriel said getting to his feet. "I'm sorry..."
"Gabriel," Seamus was baffled. "You obviously came here for a reason--"
"Samantha Boyd," Gabriel said quietly.
Seamus froze. "You know Sam?"
Slowly, Gabriel turned around and met Seamus' gaze. "I'm her son."
Seamus's eyebrows rose. "I never knew she had a son..."
"It's not important," Gabriel said wanting to get out of this house. This had been a mistake.
"Wait just a minute," Seamus went and blocked the door. "Did something happen to her?"
Tears welled up in Gabriel's eyes as he thought about his mother. He nodded wordlessly.
Samantha Boyd had been a rather serious girlfriend for him- they had dated for awhile before he had gone with Summer and then back with Lavender. Even though their relationship had been over for years, it had ended on an amicable note and Seamus had been quite fond of her. "What?" he asked. "What happened?"
"She died three months ago," Gabriel replied.
"Shite..." Seamus was at a loss for words. "I'm so sorry. Your mother was a wonderful woman."
"She'd been sick for awhile," Gabriel said still looking at his feet. "I've been living with my grandparents since it happened."
"Is there anything I can do?" Seamus offered. "I was quite fond of your mum- it's been a long time since I've seen or heard from her but--"
"I didn't come here expecting a hand out!" Gabriel said angrily.
"All right, calm down," Seamus replied. "I just wanted to see if there was anything I could help out with."
"I've managed just fine without you for 17 years," Gabriel retorted. "I just wanted to meet you is all...and now I have..."
"What?" Seamus asked, his brows knitting together. "Meet me?"
"I live just a few miles from here," Gabriel said folding his arms. "You were so close and I didn't even know it..."
"I don't even know what this is all about," Seamus folded his arms as well.
"Right before my mother died," Gabriel said quietly. "She told me something I'd been waiting all my life to know."
Seamus shook his head. "What was that?" he asked.
"Who my father was," Gabriel said looking right at him. "You, Mr. Finnigan. You're my father."