A/N: Thanks for all the reviews you guys! Remember- if you want us to answer any questions you might have, leave them on tonight's chapter so we can be sure and answer them for Saturday!
In this chap, you get a cute M/E flashback, as well as Saffron being herself- aka completely overreacting ;) Next chapter brings back Frankie and Will! PLEASE review!!!
The weekend brought Ethan and Maddie to Brighton and everyone peppered them with questions about the wedding and the honeymoon. Saffron kept telling Maddie that they needed to have a serious talk about Ethan and what she was getting herself into which only caused Ethan to tease his younger sister unmercifully about Andrew.
On Friday evening, they decided to have a big barbecue, sort of an impromptu engagement/pre-wedding party for Ethan and Maddie.
Ashley walked off the deck and into the backyard to retrieve her plate of food. She'd been sitting with Caroline and Katie and went inside to help Lizzy get something for the triplets.
When she got back to her seat she was dismayed to see that her cheeseburger was gone. She glared at her little sister, whose face was smeared with ketchup.
"Katie!" Ashley said folding her arms. "You ate my food!"
"It was getting cold," Katie replied. "And you said the other day you don't like meat anymore!"
"I did not!" Ashley retorted. "You just didn't want to wait for Uncle Ron to cook yours so you ate mine! I'm telling Mum!"
Before Katie could say anything Ashley tore across the patio to rat her out.
"Maybe you shouldn't have eaten it," Caroline said. "I hope you don't get in trouble. You said you didn't think she'd mind."
"She's always trying to get me in trouble," Katie said tossing the rest of the cheeseburger on her sister's plate. "You're so lucky that you're the oldest."
"I guess," Caroline didn't want to admit she thought her best friend was acting like a brat. "I got a postcard from Mia," she changed the subject. "She got to meet all the princesses!"
"Did she tell you what she got us?" Katie asked.
Caroline shook her head. "No but she said she got to ride some really cool things like a roller coaster."
"You know if I ever get to go there, I'd take you with me," Katie said smiling at her. "Because you're MY bestest friend."
"Thanks Katie," Caroline smiled back as Ashley led Julie back over.
"Did you eat your sister's cheeseburger, Katie?" Julie asked.
"No," Katie lied. "It's right there."
"Uncle Ron had just served it to me when Aunt Lizzy asked if I'd give her a hand," Ashley told her mother. "Katie and Caroline hadn't been served yet when I left. When I came back, the silly cow was eating my food!"
Julie put a hand to her head. "Ashley, do not call your sister names, please."
"But Mum she ate my food!" Ashley protested. "I'm tired of Katie always getting away with everything! She's a big brat and I wish she wasn't my sister!"
"I don't get away with everything!" Katie shot back. "And I don't want you for my sister either!"
"GIRLS," Julie said sternly. "Inside, NOW." her tone meant business.
Ashley glared at Katie before following her mother inside the house.
"I don't care who ate what," Julie said before either of her daughters could even speak. "But the two of you need to stop with these screaming matches."
"She was the one who said she wished I wasn't her sister!" Katie said tearing up.
"I'm sure she didn't mean it, did you Ashley?" Julie gave her a dark look.
"I just wish you weren't such a brat," Ashley said quietly scuffing her feet on the floor. "You mess up my stuff...you use it without asking me beforehand. How would you feel if I did that to your things?"
"You do, all the time!" Katie retorted.
"What would I want with your dress up clothes and that play makeup?" Ashley scoffed.
"You're not as pretty as me and Caroline and you always want to play dress up with us," Katie shot back.
Ashley looked at her as if Katie had slapped her.
"I'm going up to my room," Ashley said looking at her mother. "Is that okay?"
"Fine," Julie sighed. "Katherine Rose that was completely unnecessary."
"It's the truth, Mummy," Katie said pouting. "Can we go back outside? Uncle Ron's probably made my food now and I don't want it to get cold."
"No," Julie shook her head. "You're grounded to your room for the rest of the night."
"You can't do that!" Katie protested. "Mummy!"
"I can," Julie pointed to the stairs. "You can come out to use the loo and that's it."
"I hate you!" Katie said angrily stalking off.
Julie rubbed her eyes and sat down at the kitchen table. Nick came in several minutes later and saw his wife.
"What's going on?" he asked. "Why aren't you out there?"
"Let's see," Julie said pretending to think. "Our daughters hate each other and I was just refereeing the latest match. It ended with one of them in tears and the other one telling me they hated me."
"What?" Nick sat down next to her. "Let me guess- Ash was the one in tears..."
"Right," Julie said nodding.
Nick exhaled sharply. "I wish I knew what we could do to get through to them."
"I'm at a loss," Julie said. "It just keeps getting worse, Nick. They fight all the time. I can't help thinking that perhaps if I was at home more---"
"The girls have Greta there," Nick said. "It has nothing to do with us both working."
"My mum and dad didn't plan it that way, but I think they really did the right thing by having us so far apart. I never fought with Saffy. Ethan and Saf have had a few rows, but nothing that serious."
"Jules," Nick reached for her hand. "Perhaps we should think about taking the girls in for some counselling."
"Counselling?" Julie asked. "Really?"
"It couldn't hurt," Nick said softly.
"Perhaps Anna or Lizzy could recommend someone," Julie said thoughtfully.
Nick stroked her cheek. "I love you Jules. I know this upsets you."
"I wanted them to be close," Julie said. "I wanted them to be good friends. I look at how close Chiaki's always been to her sisters and how Caroline and Emma are and I want that for Katie and Ashley, too."
Nick hugged her. "Maybe they just need more time," he said. "I think the most important thing is that they both realise that we love them more than anything."
Julie relaxed in his arms. "I keep trying to tell them that one day, they'll be friends and they look at me like I'm stupid."
"You aren't stupid," Nick reassured her. "You're a good mum."
"I'm rubbish," Julie said shaking her head. "Complete and utter rubbish."
"No you're not," Nick kissed her.
"I love you," she said resting her forehead on his.
"Love you," Nick said. "Always have, since the first moment I saw you."
"Sweet talker," she said grinning at him.
"Mum? Dad?" Ashley was standing in the doorway.
"What is it, Ash?" Nick asked her.
"Am I grounded like Katie?" she asked.
"No," Julie replied. "But I really do wish you would try and get along with her, Ashley."
"If she hadn't eaten my cheeseburger we wouldn't be fighting at all!" Ashley exclaimed.
"Something tells me the two of you would have found something else to argue about," Nick told her.
"Well I'll try if she will," Ashley crossed her arms.
"Thank you," Nick said. "Come here..."
Ashley went into her father's arms and he kissed the top of her head.
"I saw that water colour you painted earlier," Nick said. "It was beautiful."
"Thanks Daddy," Ashley said. "Can we go to the museum when we get back home?"
"Which one do you want to go to, Ash?" Nick asked her.
"That really cool art one in downtown London." Ashley answered.
"Sure," Nick said. "Perhaps....perhaps Katie could come, too."
Ashley nodded. "Does she have to stay grounded?"
"Yeah, do I?" Katie asked.
Nick looked at Julie, who shook her head. "All right you don't have to stay grounded," he said.
"But one more argument, from either of you," Julie said. "Then yes, you'll be grounded for a day in your room. No books, paints, dress up clothes, friends or dance... all right?"
"I'm sorry I said that I wished you weren't my sister," Ashley said quietly to Katie.
"I'm sorry too," Katie replied. "I'm sorry I ate your cheeseburger."
"And Daddy said he'd take me to the museum when we get back," Ashley said. "If you want to come..."
"Okay," Katie said, still somewhat wary.
"That's my girls," Nick said smiling at them.
Katie giggled and hugged her father. She looked over his shoulder out the window and giggled louder. "Grandma and Grandpa are dancing! They're too old to dance!"
"My parents are never too old to dance," Julie said, her hand on Katie's shoulder. "You know that's how your grandparents met..."
"They met at the same place you met Daddy, right?" Katie asked her mother.
"That's right Katie bear," Julie said. "Almost in the same spot even."
"Let's go look," Ashley said.
"Dad come on," Ethan chuckled. "You're old now- you can't dance the way you used to."
"He's dancing a sight better than you," Saffron said nudging her brother.
"Can you teach me, Grandpa?" Ashley asked.
"Of course I can Ash," Harry grinned at her. "Come on over here."
"I'm not very good," Ashley admitted.
"Neither was your grandmother when she first started," Harry whispered.
"She's good at everything though," Ashley said looking up at him.
"Now she is," Harry said twirling his granddaughter around.
Ashley giggled and tried to mimic his moves. She accidentally stepped on his toes. "Grandpa, I'm sorry!"
"It's all right," Harry chuckled. "You don't weigh very much." he ruffled her blonde hair.
Ashley beamed up at him. "Thanks, Grandpa."
Emma toddled over to Ethan and tugged on his hand. "Dance!"
"You want to dance?" Ethan laughed, picking her up. "All right then."
"Yeah, Ethan," Saffron teased. "Show us your moves!"
"Well I have a fantastic dance partner," Ethan kissed Emma's cheek. "Come on baby girl."
Emma giggled. "Spin me!"
"One spin coming up," Ethan said, lifting her high in the air and twirling her around.
"What's going on?" Seamus asked as he came out onto the deck.
"Sweetheart!" Lavender said running to him. "I didn't think you'd be here until tomorrow!"
"Hey," Seamus gave his wife a kiss. "I finished up early so I could get here and surprise you."
"I've missed you!" Lavender gushed.
"There's no food left, Finnigan," Ron joked.
"There's a big surprise," Seamus grinned. "Gabe!" his smile got even bigger as his son came over to greet him.
"Hey Dad," Gabriel said.
Seamus hugged him. "Having a good time?"
Gabriel nodded. "Everyone's been really nice."
"He's gone out with Saffy and her friend Alexa on the boat, haven't you Gabe?" Lavender asked her stepson.
"That's great," Seamus said. "I have a surprise for you, son."
"You do?" Gabriel asked. "Really?"
"I'm going to go see if Luna needs any help," Lavender said smiling at them both.
Seamus motioned for Gabriel to follow him back into the house. "I was doing some digging around in my archives and I came upon some footage I thought you might like to see."
"What sort of footage?" Gabriel asked curiously.
"You just sit down there on the sofa," Seamus said to him. He retrieved a video tape from his bag and walked over to the television.
Gabriel watched as his father put the tape in and sat next to him on the sofa. "Hey!" he said in surprise. "That's my mum!"
"Get that camera off of me!" Samantha was saying as she covered her face. "Seamus!"
"She was cooking dinner for me," Seamus explained to his son.
Gabriel laughed as his mother swatted at his father.
"You really want me kicking your butt on camera?" Samantha asked teasingly. "Because I think I could do it."
"She probably could," Seamus joked.
"You are wasting your tape on me," Samantha said turning her attention back to the stove. "Seamus, quit playing around!"
"I can't help it," the Seamus on tape said. "You're too gorgeous for me to not immortalize."
"I'm just cooking," she said shaking her head. "There are better things to film."
"Not that I can see," Seamus replied, aiming the camera closer to her face.
Samantha grinned and made a goofy face at the camera. "You're lucky I love you so much."
Seamus didn't notice the expression on Gabriel's face as they watched the video together.
"Okay," Samantha said smiling into the camera. "Watch as I go over to the cabinet to get a big bowl for the salad. This is riveting stuff, isn't it? For anyone unfortunate enough to watch this, I apologise for my 'boyfriend' doing this to you..."
"She never really liked being on camera," Gabriel said. "Except for you I guess."
"I know," Seamus said nodding.
Gabriel watched as the screen blacked out for a moment but a few seconds later, both Seamus and Samantha were on the screen.
"You never want to dance," Samantha was saying with a laugh. "What has gotten into you tonight?"
"I just feel like it," Seamus gave her a kiss. "You're always complaining that I never dance and now that I want to--"
"I'm not complaining," Samantha said laughing. "Come on then...let's see what you got."
The couple onscreen laughed as Seamus managed to stumble over both their feet.
"This is really smooth," Samantha teased. "I might have to get this tape and use it to my advantage..."
"I'm hiding it and you'll never find it," Seamus kissed her again.
Gabriel watched his parents as they continued to dance on camera. He didn't even realise it but tears were falling down his cheek as he watched them wondering what life might have been like if they'd been a family.
"You all right?" Seamus put a hand on his son's shoulder. "Gabriel I'm sorry if me bringing this upset you--"
Gabriel shook his head. "No, I'm glad you did."
"This tape is for you," Seamus said. "I just thought you might like a copy so you could see what your mum and I were like together."
"Thanks," Gabriel said wiping at his eyes.
Seamus handed him a tissue wordlessly.
"I always wondered what you were like together," Gabriel said. "She didn't have much...she didn't have time to tell me.."
"There's more on the tape," Seamus stopped it with the remote. "I put together as much as I could find."
"You'll watch it with me?" Gabriel asked.
"If you like," Seamus nodded. "Oh- I have something else for you too."
"What?" Gabriel asked.
Seamus reached into his briefcase and pulled out a box. "I popped back home today and got you your own mobile." he said. "It's one of those ones that works no matter where you are. I thought you might like it to call home and talk to your grandparents."
"Dad--" Gabriel said. For an awful moment, Seamus thought he would refuse the gift. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Seamus smiled at him. "It's ready for you to use whenever you want."
"You think I could call them now?" Gabriel asked.
"I'm sure they'd love to hear from you," Seamus replied. "I'll leave you be so you can ring them."
"Okay," Gabriel said smiling at him. "Thanks, Dad."
Seamus patted his son's shoulder. "I'm glad to make you happy."
"You really did care about her, didn't you?" Gabriel asked.
"I did," Seamus nodded. "She was a very special woman. And now that I know I have you, that only makes her even more so."
Gabriel grinned. "Thanks again."
Seamus left his son to make his phone calls and went back outside to join everyone else.
"Everything okay?" Lavender asked.
"Fine," Seamus kissed her. "I just found some old films of Samantha I thought Gabriel might like to see."
"You did?" Saffron asked. "Uncle Seamus, that's great!"
Seamus laughed. "Thanks Saffy. I appreciate you being so nice to him too."
"He's great," Saffron said.
"Even if he did clean your clock at volleyball," Alexa teased. "You should have seen it Mr. Finnigan, he was fantastic."
Saffron nudged her friend. "I'm sure he's had loads of practise- he practically lives on the ocean back there in California."
"He's really good at sport," Seamus said proudly.
"Didn't get that from you," Ron said matter-of-factly.
"Sod off," Seamus replied. "You're not so hot either Weasley."
"Better than you," Ron said smugly. "You spend all day on a film set sitting on your arse."
Lavender glared at Ron. "Seamus is very active on set!" she defended. "He's always going into takes with his actors and partaking in all aspects of filmmaking."
"Oh is he?" Ron asked with a laugh. "That's quite athletic, Lav. I had no idea."
"You are so infuriating," Lavender crossed her arms. "You're worse than Harry!"
"What did I do?" Harry asked her.
"Nothing, for a change," Lavender gave him a sweet smile. "In fact, this is the nicest visit I've ever had with you."
"We've hardly seen each other," Harry said bemused.
"That's probably why we're still getting along," Lavender teased.
"Probably," Harry said with a laugh.
"Uncle Ethan?" Ashley sat down. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure," Ethan replied. "What's on your mind, Ash?'
"When did you start to like Maddie?" Ashley was curious. Apparently so were Katie and Caroline, who were sitting and listening to every word.
"Around Christmas time a couple of years back," Ethan replied.
"Aunt Maddie always loved you," Caroline said grinning at her aunt. "Right?"
Maddie laughed. "I had a big crush on him when we were growing up, but I grew out of it a bit."
"Only a bit," Ethan nudged her. "She used to go around telling everyone that she was going to marry me."
"When I was four," Maddie reminded him.
"You knew even then?" Caroline was impressed.
Maddie nodded. "He was my hero...most of the time."
***Flashback***
Fourteen-year old Ethan Potter strode into the Great Hall with his best mate Justin. He'd had to undergo countless teasing from his mates about whether or not he'd be named to the house team after his disastrous performance in last year's championship game.
"Another boring sorting," Justin said as he sat down. "I'm ready to eat not watch a bunch of 11-year olds try on a hat."
"I know," Ethan said. "And I'm sick of listening to everyone take the Mickey out of me already."
"They're just jealous mate," Justin said. "Those wankers aren't even on the house team."
"Yeah," Ethan agreed. "And I worked all summer with my dad. We'll win the Cup this year. I'm sure of it."
"When do you think we'll find out who made captain?" Justin asked.
"It's probably Patterson," Ethan said looking down the table to where the seventh-year boy was sitting. "I just hope we don't lose to Slytherin again. Two years in a row is a disgrace."
"Tell me about it," Justin grimaced. "This year we'll kick some ass."
"Damn straight," Ethan agreed. A hush fell over the Great Hall as the double doors opened and Professor McGonagall led a group of scared first years in.
Madeline Weasley hadn't spoken to many of her fellow classmates. She'd been in awe since the moment she'd stepped on the Hogwarts Express. Although she'd been to Hogwarts to see her brothers and sisters graduate, it was different this time.
"Move, blondie," a girl said bumping into her.
"Oh," Maddie said sheepishly. "I'm sorry."
"You should be," the girl grumbled. "Why would you just stop like that?"
"I was just looking at the ceiling," Maddie replied. "It's really pretty. My sister Drew said it was bewitched to look like the night sky."
"Whatever," the girl rolled her eyes. "Could you MOVE it along already? I'd like to be sorted before the year ends."
"Of course," Maddie said quickening her step. She caught sight of a familiar raven-haired boy as she walked past the Gryffindor table. "Hi, Ethan!"
Ethan looked up. "Hey Maddie," he said.
"Look everyone," one of Ethan's housemates called out. "Potter's got a girlfriend."
Ethan turned red. "She's just a friend of the family," he muttered.
"Right," the boy said causing the other Gryffindor boys to laugh.
Maddie took her place with the other first-years and wondered why she was so worried. It was a known-fact that all Weasleys were sorted in Gryffindor.
Since everyone was called up in alphabetical order, she had to wait until the very end for her own name to be called.
"Madeline Weasley," Professor McGonagall finally called out.
The young girl's hands were clammy as she stepped up to the podium. She looked out over the sea of students, trying to find one of her sisters or Ethan.
Professor McGonagall motioned for her to sit down.
"Gryffindor," Maddie whispered. "Please Gryffindor."
The Sorting Hat sat on her head for only a few moments before calling out the house name she wanted most to hear.
The Gryffindor students clapped enthusiastically. Maddie nervously made her way over to the table to where Ethan was sitting. "Ethan?" she asked. "Can I sit by you?"
"If you want," Ethan said with a shrug. "But most of the first-years sit down there, Maddie."
"I know but," Maddie twisted her robes in her hand. "I don't know any of them."
"Okay," Ethan said quietly hoping she wouldn't bring up some embarrassing rubbish about how she used to pretend they were married.
"Thanks," Maddie blushed and sat down next to him. "I'm so happy I'm in Gryffindor."
"You're a Weasley," Ethan said. "What other house would you get sorted into, Maddie?"
Maddie shrugged. "I don't know." she said. "When do we get to eat?"
"After Dumbledore's speech," Ethan replied.
"I tried to find you on the train," Maddie said conversationally. "But I found a seat near the back and I just watched the scenery. It's really pretty countryside, don't you think?"
"Yeah it's all right," Ethan replied as Dumbledore began to talk.
Maddie turned her attention to the headmaster and hung on his every word. She'd grown up hearing stories about what a great, powerful wizard Albus Dumbledore was. She didn't see Ethan surreptitiously checking out a Ravenclaw brunette.
"He's just as neat as my brothers and sisters said he was," Maddie whispered to Ethan.
"Uh-huh," Ethan said absently.
Maddie turned to look at him and followed his gaze across the room. "Who are you looking at?" she said curiously.
Justin snorted and turned his head. "That, Madeline, is the Jessica Marlowe. Ethan's never said more than two words to her, but he's convinced she's the love of his life."
Despite the fact that she didn't have as big a crush on Ethan as she'd had when she was a younger girl, this explanation hurt. "Oh," she said softly.
"I'm going to try and talk to her before we leave," Ethan said determinedly. "See if she wants to study--"
"Study my arse," Justin guffawed. "You just want to study her tonsils..."
For once in her life Maddie didn't feel very hungry as the platters in front of her filled themselves with every kind of food imaginable.
"You're not hungry?" Ethan asked her.
"Only a little," she answered.
"It's really good food," Ethan said encouragingly. "Not as good as your Nana's, but good just the same."
He was being nice to her now, and this made Maddie feel better. "What's your favourite thing to eat here?" she asked.
"The beef stew is really good," Ethan said after pondering her question. "And wait until you try the pumpkin pie."
"Okay," Maddie said, smiling a bit.
"Hey how's Dolly?" Ethan asked. "Too bad you couldn't bring her with you."
Maddie's tentative smile fell.
"What's wrong?" Ethan asked. "Did something happen to her?"
"Well..." Maddie said, her hair falling into her face. "Daddy told me she ran away but I think she died."
"I'm sorry," Ethan said genuinely. "I know how much you loved her."
Maddie fought against the tears that welled up in her eyes. "She was my best friend."
"She was a pretty cool pixie," Ethan said sympathetically. "And you did have her for quite a long time, Maddie. "
"I know," Maddie said. "She liked you Ethan."
"Who wouldn't?" Ethan said puffing out his chest. Maddie giggled. "Feeling better?"
"A little," she said. "Thanks Ethan. I'm glad you're here."
"No problem," Ethan said. "Eat up, Weasley."
"It is what we do best in my family," she said, loading up her plate.
Ethan laughed but suddenly turned quite serious. Maddie looked up to see what caused the transformation.
"Hi, Ethan," Jessica said shyly. "How were your hols?"
"Fine," Ethan was bright red.
She fidgeted and bit her bottom lip. "Um, I can't believe I'm asking you this..."
"What?" he asked hopefully.
"You're really great at flying," Jessica said. "And I was hoping that maybe you could help me out. You don't have to, of course, but I'm really bad..."
"I'd love to!" Ethan said eagerly.
Justin covered his mouth with his napkin to keep from laughing.
"That's great," Jessica said her cheeks pink. She looked at Maddie. "Congratulations on making it into Gryffindor. I knew your sister, Drew. How's she doing?"
"Fine," Maddie said.
"You have the prettiest hair," Jessica said smiling at her. "Much nicer than mine."
"You have really pretty hair, Jess," Ethan said smiling at her.
"Thanks," Jessica blushed. "Um... I know I'm in Ravenclaw but maybe you could walk me to my dorm after dinner?"
"Sure," Ethan replied. "I'd love to."
"Great," Jessica said beaming at him. "Maddie, if you need any help at all, just let me know. I remember how it was being a first-year."
"Thank you," Maddie said, unable to dislike this girl.
"So, I guess I'll catch up to you after the feast?" Jessica asked Ethan.
"Right," Ethan said, his face so red it was nearly purple as Jessica leaned over and gave Ethan a kiss on the cheek.
"Bye," Jessica said giving him a little wave before walking back to the Ravenclaw table.
"Way to go, mate," Justin said. "That was smooth."
"Hey she likes me back," Ethan said, helping himself to a second serving of roast beef. "I never thought she would."
"You didn't?" Maddie asked before she could stop herself.
Ethan looked over at her. "No," he said. "I mean, until now we never really talked..." he mumbled.
"She's nice," Maddie said. "I didn't know she knew Drew."
"They were friends," Ethan said.
"Drew Weasley's your sister?" Justin asked.
Ethan rolled his eyes. "Justin, her last name is Weasley---"
"She's hot," Justin said grinning. "And Darla..."
Ethan threw a roll at his friend. "Not in front of her sister, mate."
"They're going to open their own business," Maddie said, remembering what her sisters had been talking about. "They're going to plan weddings for people."
"They going to stay in Ireland?" Ethan asked.
"For now," Maddie nodded.
"That's pretty cool," Ethan said.
"I promised Saffy I'd write to her," Maddie said conversationally to Ethan. "She...she wanted me to make sure that you'd write too."
"She actually tried to sneak on the train," Ethan said with a laugh. "Dad caught her at the last minute."
Maddie giggled. "She's so funny."
"She's pretty cool for an annoying little sister," Ethan said.
***End Flashback***
Saffron hit her brother on the shoulder. "I am NOT annoying," she informed him. "I never have been."
RJ let out a huge guffaw. "Right."
"You have your moments," Ethan said rubbing his shoulder. "Ow, Saf!"
"So you liked another girl beside Aunt Maddie?" Caroline was eager for Ethan to get back to the tale at hand.
"He liked many girls before me," Maddie teased.
"How come?" Katie asked.
"It took me awhile to catch on that Maddie was the one," Ethan told his niece.
"Do you think I'll like other boys before I find a husband?" Caroline asked.
"I'm sure you will," Maddie said putting an arm around her. "And you'll know when the right one comes along."
"How?" the girls were hanging on to their every word.
"Well," Maddie said thoughtfully. "You'll get this feeling in your stomach every time you see him. You know, you'll feel all dizzy and warm inside."
"You mean like you want to throw up?" Caroline asked.
Maddie laughed. "Like butterflies."
"Ohhh..." Caroline nodded in understanding.
"Do you feel that way when you look at Maddie?" Katie asked her uncle.
"All the time," Ethan grinned at his fiancée.
"Good answer, Uncle Ethan," Katie said smiling at him.
"Were you nervous on your first day at Hogwarts?" Ashley asked Saffron.
"A little," Saffron answered. "But then I met Lexie on the train."
"I was petrified," Alexa confided. "I didn't know anyone or anything."
"We managed," Saffron grinned. "Especially when we both got into Gryffindor."
"I wish I was the same age as Katie," Caroline said. "That way we could go to Hogwarts together."
"Look at it this way," Maddie told her niece. "You'll already have a friend there when you go and Katie can show you around."
"I bet we both get in Gryffindor too," Katie said.
"Like our mums," Caroline said grinning at her.
"Right," Katie smiled back. "I can't wait!"
"How about you, Ash?" Ethan asked. "Before too long, you'll be going."
"I don't really care what house I'm in," Ashley replied. "I just want to be able to do my art while I'm at school."
"There are some really beautiful landscapes around the castle," Maddie said.
"I can't wait to paint them all," Ashley said, fingering her sketchbook and pencils that were never too far from her grasp.
"Ash is working on something special for your wedding," Julie told her brother.
"But I'm not telling you what it is," Ashley said grinning at Ethan and Maddie.
"Oh come on Ash," Ethan coaxed. "A little hint?"
"You'll be able to hang it up," Ashley replied. "But that's all you're getting from me."
Ethan laughed. "I'm sure we'll love it."
"She's worked really hard on it," Julie said proudly. "I don't know where she gets the artistic talent. I can't even draw a stick figure."
"Greta used to tell me I drew when I was younger," Nick said with his arm around his wife. "But then I got into singing."
"Who's Greta?" Gabriel asked rejoining the group.
"My former nanny," Saffron said. "Julie stole her from me."
"Saffy!" Julie exclaimed.
"You did," Saffron said.
"Don't listen to her Gabe," Ethan said. "Saffron was too old for a nanny when Greta went to work for Nick and Julie."
"And she was my nanny since I was born," Nick added. He shared a look with Ethan, who nodded. "And I think my sister in law here needs a little dunking..." he and Ethan grabbed Saffron's arms.
"Guys," Saffron said warningly. "Wait! Put me down!"
"No way," Ethan laughed. "You asked for it Saf."
"I'll get her legs," RJ volunteered.
"RJ!" Saffron exclaimed.
"I'll help," Andrew said mischievously.
"Andrew Randolph Kirke Junior," Saffron said glaring at him. "So help me, if you do---"
"Can someone get her mouth?" RJ asked.
"What can I carry?" Gabriel was laughing.
"And the best thing," Ethan said. "She can't do magic outside of school...."
"You wait until I can!" Saffron shrieked.
"You'll have forgotten about this by then," Ethan said dismissively.
"Want to bet?" Saffron asked squirming.
"Come on guys," RJ said eagerly. "Let's go drop her in the water."
The younger children ran after them giggling all the way.
"Saf get wet!" Emma called out excitedly. Alexa grabbed the little girl's hand. "Come on, let me pick you up so you can see better, Em."
"I'm going to kill you all!" Saffron screamed.
Ethan and Nick carried her into the water and RJ and Andrew let go of her legs.
"On the count of three," Nick said. "One....two..."
"THREE!" everyone called out.
Alexa laughed as did Emma as the guys tossed Saffron into the waves.
Gabriel stood back with Alexa as Saffron stood up, soaking wet.
"That look on her face reminds me of that movie Carrie," Gabriel whispered to Alexa.
"You're about to see a very angry Saffron," Alexa whispered back.
"Scary," Emma said burying her face in Alexa's shoulder.
Alexa giggled and patted Emma's back as Saffron stalked out of the water.
Saffron was so angry she couldn't even begin to think of anything to say. She pointed her finger accusingly at her brother and brother-in-law.
"Looks a bit like a drowned rat, doesn't she?" Nick asked Ethan.
"I think that was the wrong thing to say mate..." Ethan had never seen his sister's eyes so dark.
"Saf, it was just a joke," Nick said hastily. "Come on..."
"You..." Saffron's voice was shaking in anger. "And you two," she pointed at RJ and Andrew. "Are so dead..."
"It was just a joke, Saffy," Andrew said. "Come on, let's get you dried off."
Saffron nearly growled at him and stormed up the beach towards the house, flinging her wet hair back.
Harry, Hermione, Ron, Luna and Lavender and Seamus had been inside the house and missed most of the fireworks outside. When Saffron stalked into the house, Harry and Hermione exchanged a look.
"Saffron Grace, what happened to you?" Hermione asked.
"Those wankers threw me into the ocean!" Saffron fumed.
Hermione grabbed one of the beach towels and wrapped it around her daughter. "You're soaked, Saffron!"
"Blame your son," Saffron's teeth were clenched otherwise they'd be chattering. "And all his stupid little boys out there!"
Harry tried not to laugh. "Want me to say something to him?"
"Yes!" Saffron exclaimed. "I want you to castrate them all!"
"Saffron," Harry chuckled. "Come on sweetheart..." he cast a warming charm on the towel. "That feel better?"
"A little," Saffron said. "But I still think castration is the way to go."
Hermione went to the door. "Ethan James!" she called. "Get in here now!"
Ethan had flashbacks of his childhood when he heard his mother's voice. "Be back in a minute, Mads."
"It's been nice knowing you," Maddie said patting his shoulder.
Ethan put his most charming smile on his face as he went to the house. "Mum," he began. "We thought it might be fun to take a night time swim and Saffron went in first."
"YOU BLOODY LIAR!" Saffron shrieked.
"Nick and I were just having a bit of fun with Saf is all," Ethan said truthfully.
"FUN?" Saffron asked angrily. "That bloody HURT you know!"
"We just dropped you in the water," Ethan said. "How could you have gotten hurt? You're being a little overdramatic, Saffron."
"You dropped me on my side!" Saffron snapped. "And it was in shallow water you idiot!"
Ethan felt bad when he heard this. "Saf--"
"Maybe we should get Lizzy to take a look at your leg," Hermione said shooting a disappointed look at her son.
"Mum--" Ethan stammered.
"I've got a bruise and everything," Saffron pulled the waist of her soaking wet jeans down a bit. "Right on my hip."
"Harry, would you look at this!" Hermione exclaimed.
"It doesn't look that bad, Hermione," Harry said earning glares from both his wife and daughter.
"It was really an accident Saffy," Ethan felt bad. Nick, RJ and Andrew were now standing in the doorway as well. "We were just having a bit of fun- we didn't want to hurt you."
"It's always fun until someone gets hurt," Hermione said disparagingly. She put her arm around her daughter. "Come on, Saffron. Let's get you in some warm clothes."
"Thanks, Mum," Saffron said leaning against her.
"We didn't mean to hurt her," RJ came into the kitchen. "Really we didn't--"
"She just made a crack about Greta and we had some fun with her," Nick said.
Harry shook his head. "She's on that again is she?"
"She was just joking," Andrew said in Saffron's defence. "Sir, she didn't mean anything by it."
RJ glared at his friend. "You were right with us in throwing her in Andrew."
"Not really," Andrew said to Harry. "I was behind them actually..."
"Its okay, Andrew," Harry reassured him. "Saffron will get over this...eventually."
"Eventually is what I'm afraid of," Andrew grimaced.
"RJ, that wasn't a very nice thing to do," Luna said folding her arms.
"Mum it was a joke," RJ protested.
"Saffron didn't find it very funny," Luna said shaking her head. "Come on, Lavender. Let's go upstairs and leave the 'children'."
Andrew followed the women upstairs. He knew Saffron would probably take his head off but he wanted her to know he was sorry.
Saffron was running a brush through her hair. She'd changed into her pyjamas and she was still fuming.
"Do boys ever grow up, Mum?" she asked. "I saw Daddy down there trying not to laugh."
"Unfortunately not sweetheart," Hermione was looking at the bruise on her daughter's hip. "I think this will be okay. I'll see if Lizzy knows a charm or potion we can use for it to make it go away faster."
"You're the best, Mum," Saffron said giving her a hug. "Even if you did give birth to that----that----Ethan."
Hermione smiled and kissed the side of her daughter's head. "You're my sweet girl Saffy."
"Dad's about as immature as Ethan sometimes," Saffron said shaking her head. "I bet they're both down there laughing."
"I'll make sure they aren't," Hermione said. "And I'll go see if Lizzy has that potion."
"Thanks," Saffron said walking over to her closet to get her dressing gown. There was a light knocking on her door. "Did you forget something Mum?"
"It's me," Andrew said. "Can I come in Saffy?"
"Go away," Saffron called out.
"Please?" he asked.
Saffron swung open the door. "Come to see my bruise?" she asked angrily.
"Saffy I'm really sorry," Andrew said contritely. "You know I'd never hurt you."
Saffron looked away. Andrew was impossible to stay mad at especially when he gazed at her with his big brown eyes like that.
He reached for her hand. "I'll make it up to you," he offered.
Despite herself, Saffron smiled back at him. "You're lucky that I love you."
"I love you too," he said, relieved that she seemed to be forgiving him.
"I'll go easy on you," Saffron said sweetly. "When I carry out my revenge..."
"Revenge?" he winced.
Saffron nodded. "Nick, Ethan and RJ won't know what hit them."
Andrew pulled her close. "This makes me really glad you love me."
Saffron smiled. "You're a lucky one, Andrew Kirke."
"I'm lucky because you're my girlfriend," Andrew said softly.
Saffron brushed her lips against his. "I love you, Andrew. Even though you did help them throw me in the ocean."
"I'll let you throw me in the ocean," he offered, kissing her back. "Or push me off the side of the boat."
"There's an idea," Saffron giggled.
"I promise not to complain," he stroked her cheek. "I'm really, really sorry Saffy. I don't want to fight with you."
"Making up can be so much fun though," Saffron said her arms snaking around his waist.
Harry cleared his throat from the doorway.
"Hi, Daddy," Saffron said stepping away from Andrew.
"Lizzy thought this would help your bruise," Harry said.
"I'll, um, see you downstairs, Saffy," Andrew said squeezing her hand.
"Okay," she said smiling dreamily at him.
Harry looked at his daughter. "Are you all right?"
"I'm a little sore," Saffron said quietly.
"I'll get you some ice," Andrew said as he descended the stairs.
"You thought it was funny, didn't you?" Saffron asked her father.
"Of course not," Harry said. "I don't like it when you're hurt."
"You said it didn't look that bad," Saffron reminded him.
"I thought you were being a little overdramatic," Harry held his hands up as Saffron went to apply the potion.
Saffron rolled her eyes and applied the potion on her bruise. "Mum understands a lot better than you."
"I'm sorry baby," Harry said. "I really don't like you hurt."
"Ethan's too old to get into trouble so it doesn't matter," Saffron said.
"Well your mum's down there right now giving him and Nick a right talking to," Harry's lips twitched. "It's actually rather amusing."
"But not you, right?" Saffron asked. "I bet before you came up here, you were down there laughing with them and talking about what a spoiled brat I am, right?"
"Saffron Grace," Harry frowned at his daughter.
"I'd really like to be alone right now, Dad," Saffron said sitting down on her bed.
"All right," Harry said. "And I don't mind if Andrew's up here, but you keep the door open if he's in here, got it?"
Saffron didn't reply. If Ethan had been her age and he'd wanted to be alone with a girl, she imagined there wouldn't be a problem with him having the door open. "Tell Mum I'd like to see her."
"Saffron Grace," Harry said. "I want the door left open, do you understand me?"
"Loud and clear," Saffron replied.
Harry shook his head before leaving his daughter in her room.
Andrew passed Harry on the stairs. "I'm just going to give Saffy the ice pack, Sir."
Harry nodded. "She told me she wants to be alone, but perhaps she'll let you stick around."
"I won't be in there long," Andrew promised.
Harry smiled at the young man and patted his shoulder before heading downstairs.
Saffron looked up when Andrew walked into her bedroom.
"Thanks," she said when he handed her the ice pack.
"It's almost a war zone down there," Andrew said. "Your mum's really giving it to Ethan and Nick."
"My mum's great," Saffron said. "My father, on the other hand...the biggest hypocrite in the world."
"Come on," Andrew sat down next to her. "He was worried about you too."
"He has a really funny way of showing it," Saffron scoffed. "And he wonders why I don't tell him anything..."
"You weren't down there when he told Ethan off," Andrew said. "You were up here with your mum already."
"He's never told Ethan off," Saffron said. "Ethan's the golden boy."
"Saffy," Andrew shook his head. "You've got to be kidding me- your dad doesn't prefer your brother over you!"
"Ethan gets away with murder, Andrew," Saffron said. "He always has. You know that Dad never batted an eyelash when Ethan started dating. But he nearly follows Julie on her first date and he scared poor Peter and Sean half to death because they had the nerve to fancy me. And he thinks any boy who does has some sort of agenda....I'm just sick of it."
"That's because you and Julie are his daughters," Andrew told her. "I think it's like a father's rite of passage or something like that."
Saffron shrugged and stood up. She walked over to the door and shut it.
"What are you doing?" Andrew asked hesitantly. "Saf--"
"I don't care what he says," she pushed him down on the bed and climbed on top of him.
"Saf--I don't want him to kill me," Andrew said gently trying to push her away.
"He won't," Saffron pressed her lips to his.
"Saffy," Andrew said breathlessly, but his words were cut off by her urgent kisses.
She guided his hands underneath her pyjama top, her skin warming under his touch.
Andrew knew they were playing with fire but the way Saffron was touching him, he forgot that the most powerful wizard in the world was just downstairs.
"Mmmm..." she murmured, her lips still fused to his. "You are the best kisser..."
"You are," Andrew said softly.
"I love you," she said breathlessly.
"I love you too," he said his hands fisting in her hair.
She kissed him again, sweeping her tongue into his mouth while running her hands down his chest.
"Oh Saffy," Andrew choked out.
"Feel good?" Saffron asked, grinning devilishly at him.
"Feels great," Andrew said kissing her.
Saffron whimpered as his hands moved over her body.
"You're amazing," he whispered against her skin.
"I don't want to stop," she said. Her whole body was hot and she couldn't stop trembling.
"W-what?" Andrew asked not sure if he'd heard her correctly.
"This feels too good Andrew," Saffron pulled back just a bit. "I don't want it to go away."
"We should stop though," Andrew said reluctantly. "Your mum and dad are just downstairs---"
"But I don't want to," she insisted.
"We---" Andrew started to say, but the bedroom door flung open. Andrew nearly sprang away from Saffron as he looked up to see Harry Potter standing in the doorway.
"Saffron Grace!" Harry said, his green eyes blazing.
"Yeah?" Saffron asked defiantly.
"What did I just tell you about the door before I left?" he snapped, crossing his arms. Andrew nearly cowered as he pushed Saffron away and jumped off the bed.
"Maybe the breeze blew it shut," Saffron said sarcastically.
"Andrew I want to speak to my daughter alone," Harry said coldly.
Andrew nodded and grabbed his shoes. He shot Saffron a pleading look before walking out of the bedroom.
Harry cast a silencing charm on the room. "You," he began. "Are grounded. For the rest of the summer."
Saffron rolled her eyes. "Am I?"
"Yes," Harry said furiously. "I am sick and tired of your attitude young lady."
"I'm not too happy with yours," Saffron said glaring at him. "I wish I wasn't your daughter!"
Harry looked stricken at her words.
"You have no idea what its like," Saffron said with tears in her eyes.
"Oh your life is just so difficult isn't it?" Harry said. "You get whatever you want- whenever you want. You have two parents and a brother and sister who love you more than anything, as well as two nieces who think the world of you. Tell me how difficult things are for you!"
"Dad--" Saffron started to say.
"You've never known what it's like to grow up without being loved," Harry said angrily. "So I don't want to hear one word about how life is difficult for YOU!" he went to the door. "You're grounded to this room tomorrow. You can come out to use the loo and to eat but that's IT! And Andrew is not to come in here anymore. Do you understand me?"
"Yes sir," Saffron said wiping at her eyes.
Harry undid the silencing charm and slammed the door behind him.
Saffron curled up in a ball and sobbed into her pillow. She hadn't meant to say those horrible things to her father.
Hermione came into the room several minutes later. "Sweetheart what happened? Your father just stormed out of the house looking like he wanted to kill someone."
Saffron sobbed harder into her pillow unable to speak.
"Saffy--" Hermione said sitting down on the bed and patting her daughter's back. "Sweetheart?"
"Dad just yelled at me," Saffron bawled. "And I said some horrible things to him too."
"Why did he yell at you?" Hermione asked.
Saffron buried her face in her pillow again.
"I'm going to hear it from him eventually," Hermione said patting her soothingly on the back.
"I had Andrew in here," Saffron said in a shuddery voice. "And I closed the door because I was mad at Dad for laughing at me downstairs and always trying to boss me around when he lets Ethan do whatever he wants."
"Saffron--" Hermione said. "Ethan's a grown man. You are 16 years old."
"So?" Saffron sat up, her eyes swollen and red. "He still gets away with everything!"
"Ethan got in trouble plenty growing up," Hermione said.
Saffron wasn't convinced.
"So because of this you defied your father's wishes and closed the door while Andrew was in here?" Hermione asked.
"Because of everything!" Saffron said. "Dad always has to know where I am and what I'm doing. He calls all the time when I'm out on a date. He's hated my last two boyfriends and he probably hates Andrew now too!"
"He doesn't hate Andrew," Hermione reassured her. "He likes him very much, actually. And your father worries about you because you're his baby. He's just looking out for you, Saffron."
Saffron looked out the window. "I didn't mean to say what I said to him," her eyes filled with tears again. "I said I wished I wasn't his daughter. It just slipped out before I could stop myself from saying it."
"Saffron!"
"I know!" Saffron started crying again. "I'm horrible."
Hermione stood behind her daughter. "You're not horrible, Saffron Grace. But you realise that what you said hurt your father very much."
Saffron nodded wordlessly.
"He loves you and Ethan and Julie so much," Hermione said. "He's hated that you had to grow up under this sort of limelight, but we both tried to give you as normal a childhood as possible."
Saffron nodded. "I know you have," she wiped at her eyes as Hermione sat back down next to her.
"You and your father have always been so close," Hermione said.
"He probably won't even want to look at me now," Saffron tried to calm herself down.
"Give him some time to cool off," Hermione said giving her a hug. "You're very special to him, Saffron."
"I'm so sorry Mum," Saffron buried her face in her mother's shoulder like she was six instead of sixteen.
"I know baby," Hermione said softly. "It's going to be okay."
Saffron nodded as she heard a scratching sound at her door. "I think Puddles wants to come in."
Hermione smiled. "He knows you're hurting."
"He's my baby," Saffron let her puppy into the room.
"I'm going to go and check on your dad," Hermione said. "I'll stop back in before I go to bed, okay?"
Saffron nodded. "Thanks Mum. I love you."
"I love you too," Hermione said kissing her on the forehead. "You get some sleep, okay?"
Saffron nodded. "Tell Andrew I'm sorry about what happened okay?"
"I will," Hermione promised. She walked out of her daughter's bedroom and down the stairs. Ron said Harry was out on the beach in one of his moods. Hermione grabbed her jumper from the sofa and then set off to find her husband. She found him sitting on one of the sand dunes looking out at the ocean.
"Hey," she said quietly.
"Hi," Harry said shortly.
"Want some company?" Hermione asked.
Harry sighed. "Sure," he replied, looking over at his wife.
"Want to talk about it?" Hermione asked after a few moments silence.
"She told me she wished she wasn't my daughter," Harry said.
"You know she didn't mean it," Hermione said putting a hand on his arm. "She feels terrible about it, Harry."
"I'm not just pissed about that," Harry said. "After I told her we didn't want her in the room with Andrew with the door closed, she deliberately disobeyed me."
"She shouldn't have done that," Hermione said choosing her words carefully. "She told me that she's feeling like you're too overprotective where she's concerned and she feels that we let Ethan get away with quite a bit when he was growing up."
"How does she even remember that?" Harry asked. "She was a young child when he was in his teens."
"I think she may have a point," Hermione said. She held up her hand when Harry started to protest. "I'm not saying that I agree with what she did, Harry. I'm just thinking that there is a bit of a double standard with daughters and sons. You didn't worry when Ethan started to date, did you?"
"Well no," Harry said. "But Ethan's a guy Hermione- I'm sure his girlfriends' parents were the same way I am with Saffy and Julie."
"So, if Ethan had been upstairs with a girl with the door closed, you'd have been okay with that?" Hermione asked him.
Harry paused. "Well... no."
"Did you ring Ethan every hour whenever he went out on dates?" Hermione asked.
"No," Harry said snappishly.
"I don't condone what she did, Harry," Hermione said gently.
"Neither do I Hermione," Harry said. "When I walked in she was sitting on TOP of him."
"Bit of a shock, eh?" Hermione asked.
Harry shook his head. "More than you know."
"And you grounded her," Hermione said. "Which I agree with given what she did, Harry."
"She isn't to leave that room tomorrow," Harry said.
Hermione nodded and rested her head on his shoulder. "She's growing up, Harry. We can't stop that."
"I know that Hermione," Harry said impatiently.
"I'm not saying that we give her free reign to do what she wants," Hermione said. "She needs to know that there are boundaries, of course."
"I've tried to set them," Harry said, rubbing at his eyes under his glasses. "And she defies me. She blatantly gives me attitude all the time and I brush it off because I remember feeling the way she must when I was sixteen. But when she pulls things like this it's gone too far."
"So the three of us should have a long talk then," Hermione suggested. "Harry, you know she didn't mean what she said before. She loves you."
"Yeah I know," Harry softened. "It's just hard to hear that sort of thing."
"I know," Hermione said wrapping her arms around him. "You are a great father, Harry."
"I try," Harry kissed his wife. "And you're a wonderful mum."
"Let's go inside," she said smiling at him. "It's cold out here."
"All right," Harry agreed.
"All teenagers go through things like this," Hermione said. "Cho said you were a right terror at 16."
"Cho says a lot of things," Harry hid his smile.
"Yes she does," Hermione said with a laugh.
"We'll talk to her tomorrow," Harry said. "I'm exhausted now."
"Me too," Hermione said leaning against him.
They peeked into the kitchen and bid everyone who was still up a good night before retiring to their bedroom.
"I promised I'd check on Saffron before we went to bed," Hermione said.
"All right," Harry said. "Will you tell her I love her?"
"You could come with me," Hermione said taking his hand. "Come on...just to say good night."
"All right," Harry said, following his wife.
Saffron was lying in her bed reading a book with Puddles lying beside her.
"Daddy," Saffron said quietly. "I--I'm so sorry."
"I'm sorry too," Harry sat down and stroked her hair back. "We'll talk tomorrow all right? Calmly and rationally."
"I'm glad you're my dad," she said hugging him.
"And I'm glad you're my daughter," Harry kissed her forehead. "I'll always be glad you're my baby."
"Even after tonight?" she asked biting her bottom lip.
"Always," Harry said firmly. "I love you sweetheart."
"I love you too," she said. "I acted like a spoiled brat tonight."
"Maybe a little," Harry smiled at her. "But we'll work it all out tomorrow."
"Okay," Saffron agreed. "Dad? Don't blame Andrew for me closing the door. He wanted to stop but I wouldn't let him."
"We'll talk about it tomorrow," Harry said. "Good night, Saffy."
"Night," Saffron hugged her mother before sliding underneath the covers.
Harry and Hermione headed for the door, but Saffron called them back.
"Daddy, I really am sorry," she said softly.
"I know sweetheart," Harry said. "I'm sorry too."
Hermione followed her husband back to their own bedroom. "What a night."
"You can say that again," Harry shook his head. "I don't remember it being this hard to raise a teenager."
Hermione grabbed her nightgown out of the wardrobe. "They were all a little rebellious around this age," Hermione said. "Remember when Ethan wanted to get a tattoo? And Julie thought it would be a great idea to get into the Firewhisky?"
Harry chuckled. "I think sometimes Saffy's just too much like me."
"She is," Hermione agreed. "She definitely is your little girl."
"Tomorrow we'll work it all out," Harry said as they got into bed. "I want to have a talk with Andrew as well. I'm not going to yell at him," he put his hand up when Hermione opened her mouth. "I just want to talk with him."
"He looked really embarrassed Harry," Hermione said. "I think he's a little cross with Saffron, too."
Harry set his glasses on the nightstand. "What's our life without drama?"
"Boring," Hermione said cuddling up to him.
"And what's life without a little rabbit action?" Harry kissed her.
"I never want to find out," Hermione said grinning impishly at him.