Once again, my apologies for this being so late! I (Heaven) was babysitting and I told Amy I'd put up the chapter thinking I'd be home around ten thirty- and I wasn't… but to make up for it, I made this chapter extra long- and it's got LOADS of good stuff, especially for you Emma fans :)
Please don't forget to leave us a review!!!! Thanks guys!!!
Despite Alexa's worrying about how Saffron was holding up, she was enjoying spending the day on the beach with RJ. She felt as if they'd hardly seen each other the entire holiday and she wanted to spend as much time with him as she could before they had to head back in a few days.
"I'm so glad you're here," Alexa said, reaching for his hand as they lay back on their towels.
RJ smiled lazily at her. He had to admit as much as he enjoyed Andrew and Saffron's company, he liked having his girlfriend all to himself. He certainly wasn't going to tell her how glad he was that Gabriel Boyd wasn't around today either. Every time he turned around, it seemed as if he found Gabriel deep in conversation with Alexa. The other boy was a lot smarter than he and sometimes he felt stupid when he tried to join in on their conversations.
"I know I've said it a million times, but I'm really going to miss you this year," Alexa moved closer to him on the towel.
"At least we'll both be busy," he said pulling her close. "To keep our minds off of how much we miss each other."
"Right," Alexa agreed as he leaned in and gave her a rather passionate kiss.
"Lexie," he whispered against her skin.
"We need this," she said softly.
"Mmmhmm," he said planting kisses on her neck. The truth was that he was used to seeing her anytime he wanted and having her be right there. In a few short weeks, she'd be back at school and he'd be off with the team.
"I promised to do something with Saffy when she got back, but if she's busy with Andrew maybe we can go into town for dinner tonight," Alexa suggested, her eyes closed as RJ's lips touched her neck and shoulder.
"Like what?" RJ asked as he undid the strings of her bikini top.
"Just dinner," Alexa could hardly breathe. "RJ... maybe we should go somewhere more private and do this..."
"Where?" he asked. "The house is crowded with people and Josh took the boat..."
"I'm not sure..." Alexa replied. "Maybe in that grove of trees over there?"
RJ eased off of her and watched as she retied the string. "I'm sorry for getting a little..."
"It's okay," Alexa blushed and smiled at him. "I wanted it too."
He leaned over and kissed her once more. "I really do wish you could go to the party with me."
"Me too," Alexa replied as she gathered up her towel. "Promise you'll think of me all night?" she teased.
"Every second," RJ said grinning at her. "I'll be drowning my sorrows in Firewhisky."
"That's comforting," Alexa teased as he took her hand and they headed for the thick trees just up the beach.
"Once you're 17 you'll be able to do more," he promised. "With the team and me, that is."
"I can't wait," she answered. "Less than a year to go."
RJ dropped his towel on the ground and looked around to make sure they were alone. Sure enough, there was no one around and the only sound was the distant sound of the waves crashing onto the shore.
"You're old enough to do the important things," he said huskily.
"That I am," Alexa answered softly, leaning in to kiss him.
He really did understand about her wanting to wait and logically, he knew it was for the best. But he didn't like to think logically and was completely incapable of it at the moment.
Alexa pulled him back down onto the towel, kissing him all the while. "This is what I've been wanting to do all holiday..." she murmured.
"I've been wanting to do this," he said undoing the strings again and then cupping one of her breasts with his hand.
Alexa sucked in a breath sharply as thrills wracked her entire body.
"Lex, please," he whispered.
"Merlin, RJ..." she whimpered.
As she said that, she arched her back, which nearly sent him over the edge.
She and RJ had done plenty of touching and snogging but this was going beyond anything they had done before. Alexa ran her hands over his bare shoulders; his skin was still warm from the sun and she pressed her lips urgently to his.
His hands fisted in her hair as she pressed her breasts against his bare chest. "Do you have any idea how good you feel?" he asked.
"As good as you feel to me?" she asked breathlessly.
"Maybe we should stop before I can't," he said looking down at her. "I want you so much right now..."
She nodded, although somewhat reluctantly.
RJ sat up and struggled to regain his composure. "Wow..." was all he could say.
"Yeah," Alexa reached for her bikini and tied the strings around her neck a bit self consciously.
He'd never felt this way about anyone before; certainly not with Christina. His father always said it was different with someone that you loved. RJ had no doubt that when Alexa was ready, it really would be amazing.
"I'm sorry," Alexa thought his silence meant he hadn't wanted to stop. "I know we love each other and I know I'm making you wait--"
He looked at her. "Lex, you don't have to apologise. It's okay."
"Really?" she asked.
He nodded. "I don't mind waiting. I want you to be ready and not have any doubts."
"This is why I love you," she said dreamily, giving him a kiss. "You're so sweet."
"Don't tell everyone that," he said with a laugh. "I have a reputation to protect."
"It's our secret," Alexa kissed him again.
"You ready to head back?" he asked.
"I guess so," she agreed. "I love you RJ."
"I love you too," he said grabbing his towel from the ground.
"I wonder if everyone's back yet," Alexa said, grasping his hand as they left the grove. "I really hope Saffy's okay. I think it's so sweet that Andrew went with her."
RJ nodded. "It was..."
"I just worry about her when it comes to this. She was so close to him," Alexa said quietly.
"Yeah, but Saf's tough," RJ said. "And she has a great support system. And I'm trying to be nicer to her, too."
Alexa laughed. "The two of you are like a brother and sister."
"She's certainly as annoying as a baby sister," RJ said.
They arrived back at the house almost at the same time as the Potters, Finnigans and Andrew did.
"How'd it go?" Alexa asked her best friend.
"The service was really nice," Saffron said. "And it was good to be around Gran and share memories about Grandpa. Having Andrew there helped out quite a bit."
"Sean stopped by earlier to check on you too," RJ said.
"Did he?" Saffron asked. "That's really sweet of him."
"He said he'd come round later this evening," Alexa said.
Saffron nodded and spotted something on her friend's neck. "Um, Lex...you have...um...well..."
"What?" Alexa's hands flew up to her neck.
"Let's just say I think RJ left his mark on you," Saffron whispered, trying to be discreet.
"I've got a hickey?" Alexa slapped her palm to her skin.
Saffron grabbed the towel from her friend's hand and draped it over her neck. "That should cover it up in front of the parentals...."
"Thanks Saffy," Alexa was mortified. "What do I do later?"
"Makeup," Saffron replied. "Concealer should hide it."
"Okay," Alexa relaxed. "I hope it goes away soon!"
"That's what you get for letting old Junior suck on your neck," Saffron said smiling at her. "Don't worry. No one's seen but me."
"RJ would probably have the Mickey taken out of him by his brothers if they knew," Alexa whispered.
"Probably," Saffron said. "It's going to be okay, Lex."
Alexa nodded. "I hope so. Thanks, Saffy."
"Welcome," Saffron said. "What did you lot do all day?"
"We had a really nice day," Alexa replied. "We went swimming and played around on the beach."
"Obviously," Saffron teased.
Alexa followed her friend upstairs. "Did you still want to do something just the two of us?" she asked.
"I'd love that," Saffron said. "My mum's going to head back to help my Gran pack. She's going to stay with us the rest of the holiday."
"That's lovely," Alexa nodded. "We could go into town for a little while if you'd like."
"And get ice cream?" Saffron asked.
Alexa grinned. "If you'd like."
Downstairs, RJ was helping himself to something in the kitchen while Andrew and Gabriel sat down at the table.
"I'm still stuffed from lunch," Andrew said.
"Me too," Gabriel said. "That was a really great place."
"Where'd you go?" RJ asked.
"This Italian restaurant near where Dr. Granger lives," Andrew replied. "Gabe's dad and I tried to explain Quidditch to him."
"I think I'm sort of a lost cause," Gabriel said ruefully. "I suppose I need to see it in person."
"You can come see me play," Andrew offered.
'"I'm sure he'd love to watch you ride the bench," RJ joked.
"Sod off," Andrew returned with a grin.
"Not everyone can be the star," RJ said puffing his chest out.
"Watch out Gabe," Andrew said. "His head's swelling up already."
"You haven't played your first game yet have you?" Gabriel asked.
RJ glared at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Gabriel looked helplessly at Andrew. "I didn't mean anything---"
"Of course not," Andrew gave his best friend a dirty look. "He's not had a professional match- summer is the off season for Quidditch."
"Oh," Gabriel said nodding. "I'm sure Alexa is looking forward to seeing your first match."
"She won't be able to see it," RJ said angrily. "Which I'm sure you're thrilled about---"
"Why would I be thrilled about that?" Gabriel folded his arms. "That's kind of a stupid thing to say- she's your girlfriend and I'm sure she'd love to see all your matches."
"That's right," RJ said angrily slamming the door of the icebox. "She's my girlfriend and you'd do well to remember that, Boyd."
Andrew shook his head. "Calm down mate."
"I know that," Gabriel said tightly. "And she's become a good friend to me. I didn't realise that was such a threat."
"I've seen how you act around her," RJ said.
Gabriel shook his head. "You're being ridiculous," he lied.
"RJ," Andrew said. "Come on, drop this. You are being ridiculous."
RJ shook his head. "I don't want to deal with this, Andrew..."
"Gabe's a good bloke, RJ," Andrew said. "Ease up."
"Look I'm not about stealing other guy's girlfriends," Gabriel said to RJ. "You don't have to be such an ass to me. I'm just her friend."
RJ grabbed his plate and a soda and stalked out of the kitchen and onto the deck.
"He's usually not such an arse," Andrew said apologetically to Gabriel.
"It's okay Andrew," Gabriel replied.
"No, it's not," Andrew said. "I don't know what his problem is. If Lex knew---"
"How about Saffron?" Gabriel suddenly grinned. "I have a feeling she'd give him a right talking to."
"That's all we need," Andrew said chuckling. "The two of them are at each other's throats most of the time anyway."
"So it'll take the tension off me," Gabriel joked. "Sounds like a plan."
"Probably," Andrew said. "I think she and Alexa were going to do something together this afternoon."
"Is there anywhere good to fish around here?" Gabriel asked. "I was sort of hoping to do that before we left."
"There's quite a few places actually," Andrew said. "We can do that after the girls leave if you want."
"Sure," Gabriel replied. "Thanks a lot Andrew."
"No problem," Andrew said good-naturedly.
Both boys looked up to see Saffron and Alexa come into the room; both dressed casually in shorts and tee shirts.
"Where's RJ?" Alexa asked.
"Outside eating," Andrew replied. "Where are you girls headed?"
"Into town," Alexa replied. "Do some shopping and get an ice cream."
"I hope we'll be back before my Gran gets here," Saffron said.
"If you're going shopping you might be gone all night," Andrew teased his girlfriend.
"We're not that bad," Saffron said leaning in and giving him a kiss.
Andrew kept his lips pressed to hers for a few moments. "Gabe and I are going fishing."
"That sounds like fun," Alexa said smiling at Gabriel. "Go easy on RJ. He's not that great at it."
"He went out with Jon and Josh one time and fell out of the boat," Saffron said giggling. "I wish I'd been there to see it!"
"We'll see if RJ wants to go," Andrew shrugged. "He's in a bit of a mood."
Alexa pulled a confused face. "He was fine earlier."
Andrew shrugged, as did Gabriel. Neither of them really wanted to rehash RJ's words.
"Come on, Lex," Saffron said. "We should get going."
"Right," Alexa replied. "I'm just going to pop out and say bye to RJ."
"Okay," Saffron said. "I'm just going to tell my Dad we're going."
Alexa walked out onto the deck and saw RJ sitting at the picnic table eating a sandwich. "Hi," she said smiling at him.
"Hey," he grunted.
"Can I have a bite?" she asked.
"Sure," he replied. "Where are you going?"
Alexa broke off a piece of his sandwich. "Into town with Saffy."
"Have fun," he said absently.
"What's up?" she asked sitting down beside him.
RJ shook his head. "Nothing, I was just really hungry," he replied.
Alexa cocked her head at him. "Think Saffy did a good job covering up the hickey you gave me?"
"I gave you a hickey?" RJ looked at his girlfriend properly.
Alexa blushed. "Saffy noticed it when we came back from the beach."
"Sorry Lexie," he said sheepishly.
"It's okay," Alexa said giving him a peck on the cheek.
"Is that all I get?" he asked.
"You want more?" she asked teasingly.
"I always want more," RJ grinned at her. "Especially of you."
Alexa kissed him properly this time and they would have continued like that had it not been for Saffron clearing her throat behind them.
"Get a room," she teased.
"Like you weren't snogging your own boyfriend," Alexa joked as she pulled away.
"Not in front of Gabe," Saffron said.
RJ rolled his eyes without either Saffron or Alexa seeing. "You both have fun in town," he said.
"We will," Alexa said squeezing his arm before walking away with Saffron.
RJ watched them go before heading back inside. "Where are you guys going?" he asked Andrew and Gabriel, trying to sound a bit more amicable.
"Fishing," Andrew replied.
"There's a good cove just down the beach," RJ said. "My dad told me about it."
"You want to go with us?" Gabriel asked.
"I'm rubbish at fishing," RJ said. "I think I'm just going to lie out for the rest of the afternoon."
"Mark the date and time, Gabe," Andrew joked. "He's admitting he's bad at something."
"Sod off," RJ thumped his best friend's shoulder.
"We'll catch up with you later then," Andrew said.
"Sure," RJ nodded. "Have a good one."
Gabriel grinned awkwardly at RJ before following Andrew out of the house.
"At least he seems to have calmed down," Gabriel said as they headed for the cove.
"Aye," Andrew said nodding. "Don't let him worry you. He's not used to Alexa having guy friends. She has this one bloke she grew up with, RJ can't stand him."
"I really wouldn't have taken him for the jealous type," Gabriel said. "I mean, he's got a lot going for him."
"He's not usually," Andrew said. "He and Alexa have been through quite a bit."
"Oh yeah?" Gabriel asked interestedly.
"Big time," Andrew said nodding. "His ex-girlfriend wanted to get him back and she did everything she could to do it. She slipped him a love potion that nearly killed him..."
"You guys have love potions?" Gabriel was amazed.
"Most of them are rubbish," Andrew said. "But, yeah, we have them. Christina, RJ's ex, she's pretty smart and she teamed up with Saffron's ex to make a really powerful one..."
"Never a dull moment around here, is there?" Gabriel asked.
"You can say that again," Andrew shook his head. "She got expelled for it. You know that guy Sean? That's actually Christina's cousin."
"He seems like a cool guy," Gabriel commented.
"Yeah," Andrew nodded. "Saf's told me about him before but I never met him before coming here."
"Not too many guys can be friends with their girlfriend's exes," Gabriel said. "I can't imagine I'd want to go out for lunch with Emily's new boyfriend."
"I take it that was your girlfriend back in the States?" Andrew asked.
Gabriel nodded.
"I'm pretty lucky with Saf," Andrew said thoughtfully. "I mean, yeah she can be a brat, but she's really straightforward. It's like I know exactly where I stand with her."
"How'd you two meet?" Gabriel asked. "Through RJ, I reckon?"
"Well we're in the same house at school," Andrew explained. "And I sort of had an eye for her at the beginning of the year, but she was with this other guy. Then around Christmas she found out he was cheating on her."
"This would be Peter?" Gabriel asked.
"Right," Andrew nodded. "I guess everything between me and Saf happened sort of fast, but I'm glad it did. She's the best."
"I think it's fairly obvious she feels the same way," Gabriel said.
Andrew grinned. "Naturally she's mad about me."
Gabriel chuckled. "Now, I see why you and RJ are best friends."
"Except I can fish," Andrew replied. "At least I think I can."
Gabriel laughed and before long, he and Andrew had cast their lines.
"Saffy told me about what your dad's doing," Andrew said. "That's really great---the adoption thing."
"Yeah," Gabriel's grin got bigger. "I mean, it's mainly for Lavender's benefit more than his."
"And you're taking his last name?" Andrew asked.
"Kind of a secondary last name," Gabriel replied. "So my last name will be Boyd- Finnigan."
"I'm sure he's happy about that," Andrew said.
"I think so," Gabriel tossed his line out again. "I can't believe it's only been a few weeks since I met him. Feels like a lot longer."
"And how wicked is it that your dad is this big-time director?" Andrew asked in an impressed tone.
"Pretty damn cool," Gabriel laughed.
"Oi, Gabe!" someone called out from behind them. Andrew and Gabriel turned to see RJ coming toward them.
"Finally decided to join us?" Andrew asked.
RJ shook his head. "Uncle Seamus wanted me to come and get Gabe. Something really bad has happened."
"What?" Gabriel asked, fear ballooning inside him. "What's happened?"
RJ handed Gabriel a newspaper. "This, mate."
"What the hell..." Gabriel stared at the paper in disbelief. "It's all about me..."
Andrew stared over Gabriel's shoulder at the headline. "'Director's Son Tells All'," Andrew read aloud.
"It's by that girl that... she was supposed to be my dad's assistant..." Gabriel stared disbelievingly at the paper. "Why would she do this?"
With anger raging slowly inside him, he read the article.
World-famous director Seamus Finnigan is known for his action-packed films. Little did his fans and admirers know that his own life was better than any movie script.
A jilted lover, an illegitimate son and the hidden pain of a family tossed aside....
"Shit..." Gabriel crumpled the paper in his hand. "I'm sorry- but I should really get back and talk to my dad."
"He didn't look too happy when he asked me to come find you," RJ said quietly.
Gabriel felt just awful. He'd barely known his father a month and already he was making him angry. "Thanks for coming to get me," he said quietly.
He contemplated not going back at all, but where would he go? He didn't know anyone other than the people he'd met at the beach house. On top of all that, he wondered why Sasha had done this. She had seemed like such a nice person and she'd seemed genuinely interested in what he had to say.
Slowly he trudged back up the beach and to the house.
Inside the house, Seamus was shouting into his mobile phone. Lavender recoiled as he let loose with a string of expletives.
"Seamus come on," she said. "There are children around here remember?"
"You just find out who the hell she is and get back to me!" Seamus said angrily clicking off the phone and tossing it on the table.
"You need to calm down," Lavender said gently.
"Fuck that!" Seamus snapped. "Someone sold Gabe out and I fucking want to know WHO!"
"Yes, but he's going to be back here any minute and the last thing he needs to see is you ready to tear someone's head off," Lavender pointed out. "He'll think you're mad at him."
"I'm not mad at him," Seamus paced the room. "I'm pissed at myself- I should have made sure I had Robin taking him around."
"You had no idea that this was going to happen," Lavender soothed.
"Damn it!" Seamus swore as he threw the paper across the room.
Gabriel walked inside the room just in time to see the paper fly across the room. "I'm sorry, Dad. I didn't know that she was going to do that. I didn't know she was a reporter---"
"Gabe," Seamus sighed. "It's not your fault. I should have made sure I had someone trustworthy around."
"She said that she was one of your assistants," Gabriel explained. "And she was asking me all these questions and I just thought she was curious. I didn't even think."
"You weren't to know," Seamus said in a calmer voice. "I should have prepared you more. I'm sorry Gabe."
"You're apologising to me?" Gabriel asked taken aback. "Dad, I really didn't tell her that stuff..."
"I love how they portray me as the woman that took you away from your 'real' family," Lavender scoffed. "You and I didn't get back together until you and Sam had been broken up for a couple of years."
"I never told her that!" Gabriel said quickly.
"I know you wouldn't," Lavender said reassuringly. "Gabriel, Seamus and I are no strangers to this sort of tabloid trash. We're just worried how it will target you."
"How do you know who to trust?" Gabriel asked sinking down onto the sofa.
"It's hard to tell sometimes isn't it?" Lavender slid an arm around him sympathetically.
"I want to find that woman," Seamus was twisting the paper in his hands. "And wring her bloody neck!"
"You don't think the American papers picked this up, do you?" Gabriel asked.
"Probably," Lavender replied gently.
"That's just great," Gabriel said putting his head in his hands.
"It'll blow over right Seamus?" Lavender looked at her husband. "RIGHT Seamus?"
"What?" Seamus asked absently. He finally caught Lavender's gaze and nodded. "Right, something else will come along that will make this yesterday's news."
"I can't believe I fell for her act so easily," Gabriel said gloomily. "I've got a lot to learn."
"We'll help you anyway we can," Lavender said. "And Saffron can give you some pointers too."
Gabriel tried to smile but couldn't. "I'd better call my grandparents," he said quietly.
"Okay," Seamus said. "Um, if you want privacy, there's a phone upstairs in Harry and Hermione's room."
"Thanks Dad," Gabriel left the room.
When his son was out of earshot, Seamus sat down beside his wife. "Lewis is going to love this. I can just hear him telling Margaret that this was a mistake and they should never have let him spend the summer with me."
"How can they blame you?" Lavender asked. "Seamus you couldn't keep him a secret forever."
"I know that," Seamus said. He still wished that there was something he could do; that there was something he could have done to prevent this.
"You know you'll have to give your own story," Lavender said.
"I don't trust anyone in the press," Seamus said. "Not anymore."
"Right," Lavender sighed. "But you're still going to have to send some sort of statement."
Seamus could hear Ron and Luna in the kitchen and an idea suddenly came to him. Even though Luna was more widely known in the Wizarding media, she had freelanced some Muggle work from time to time.
"Luna," he called out.
"Hey Seamus," she poked her head in with a grin.
"Could I have a quick word?" Seamus asked.
"Sure," Luna agreed.
Seamus uncrumpled the newspaper and handed it to her. "Just take a look at this."
"Where on earth did they get all this information?" her brow creased.
"This 'extra' on set chatted up Gabe and misconstrued everything he said," Seamus explained.
"How awful," Luna said sympathetically.
"Seamus needs to tell his side of the story," Lavender said. "And there's no one we trust more. I can still remember that great story you did on Harry."
"That feels so long ago," Luna replied. "And I would be happy to write an article for you."
"It needs to go into the mainstream media," Seamus said. "This is more damaging to me in the Muggle world."
"Of course," Luna nodded. "I have some contacts with the LA Times."
Seamus smiled. "Thanks, Luna. You don't know how much this means to me."
"I'm glad to help you," Luna said. "You're a good friend."
"I'll need to talk about this with Gabe, of course," Seamus said.
"I'll sit down with you both later this evening if you like," Luna promised.
"That'd be fantastic," Seamus said giving her a hug. "You're the best."
Luna laughed. "I happen to agree."
"Even if you are married to Ron," Seamus teased.
"Hey!" Ron stuck his head out the door. "I heard that!" he took a huge bite of the sandwich in his hand.
"You're dropping lettuce all over the carpet, Ron," Lavender said rolling her eyes.
Ron whistled. "Puddles!" he called.
The dog came scurrying into the room and eagerly went for the remnants of Ron's sandwich.
"He used to do that with Paddy!" Luna said dreamily.
"Problem solved," Ron said cheekily to Lavender who shook her head.
"You're about as bad as Harry," Lavender said.
"Who's a good dog?" Ron crooned, tossing a piece of ham down to the puppy who gobbled it down eagerly.
Luna wiped at her eyes. "This makes me miss Paddington. He used to love Ron so much!"
"Luna's got empty nest," Ron said. "Now that RJ's on his own we've got no kids and can enjoy ourselves for the first time in years."
"It's so quiet in the house now though," Luna sniffed.
Ron put an arm around his wife and kissed her cheek. "We'll figure out something to do with all our spare time."
"You can spoil your grandchildren," Lavender said. "You've got five and that little Emma is going to be a heartbreaker one of these days."
"That she is," Ron nodded. "As sweet as her sister Caroline and as good looking as her grandpa."
"She's way cuter than you," Lavender said.
"You ought to see her and Caroline play beauty shop with Ronald," Luna said smiling at her husband.
Ron turned red. "Did you have to bring that up?"
"Speak of the devil," Luna said as Emma toddled into the living room with Drew. She tossed off her sun hat and plopped down on the floor.
"Hot out there!" she exclaimed.
"Is it?" Ron laughed, tearing the rest of his sandwich in half and handing it to her.
"Sammich!" Emma said happily, eagerly taking it.
"That your favourite food Em?" Drew asked her niece with a smile.
Emma shook her head.
"Em likes pizza best, don't you Em?" Luna asked her granddaughter.
"Pizza!" Emma nodded vigorously. "Em want pizza!"
"Maybe tonight baby," Luna promised.
Gabriel came back downstairs and Emma dropped the rest of her sandwich and stood up. "Gabey!"
Puddles saw his chance and snapped up the rest of the sandwich while Emma eagerly ran over to Gabriel.
"Hey little one," Gabriel said scooping her up. "You've been out on the beach?"
Emma nodded as she hugged him around the neck. "Gabey sad?" she asked.
Gabriel shook his head. "Not with a hug like that."
"Em love Gabe," the little redhead grinned at him.
Gabriel smiled back at her. "You know what would make me feel even better?"
"What?" Emma shook her head.
"I remember someone promising to let me colour a picture with her," Gabriel said tweaking her nose.
"Oooh," Emma nodded. "Kay!"
Gabriel laughed and set her back down. "How about you go and get your crayons?"
Emma nodded excitedly. "Em be right back!"
"I won't go anywhere," he promised.
"Gabriel you are so good with her," Drew said as Emma went to get her crayons and some paper.
"Has she asked you to play beauty shop yet?" Ron asked.
Gabriel shook his head. "She said she only plays that with you, Mr. Weasley."
Lavender snorted back her laughter.
"I've taught my boy well, haven't I?" Seamus asked.
Ron grinned as Emma tore back into the room. "I've only seen her run that fast for chocolate."
Gabriel laughed. "Okay, Em...what are we going to colour first?"
"Horse," Emma pointed to the picture.
Gabriel sat down with Emma on the floor and she pulled out some crayons.
"What colour are we going to paint him?" Gabriel asked.
Emma carefully looked over her selection of crayons and finally plucked one out of the pile. "This one!" she beamed.
"Purple," Gabriel said nodding. "Excellent choice, Miss Weasley."
"Hey Gabe," Seamus said. "Later tonight Luna's going to sit down and write a story for the LA Times on us all right?"
"W-what?" Gabriel asked turning around to look at his father.
"Luna's a journalist," Lavender replied. "And she's going to print a counter article that will run in tomorrow's newspaper to even out what that Sasha wrote."
"And we can trust her," Seamus said.
"Okay," Gabriel said, feeling only slightly uncertain. It wasn't that he didn't believe Luna wouldn't do a good job, but his grandfather hadn't exactly been pleased about the article.
"Great," Seamus said. "I'm going to go and make a few phone calls."
"Don't you ream Taryn out," Lavender said. "Or Robin, for that matter."
"I won't," Seamus promised.
"Where did Harry and Hermione go?" Luna asked. "And Nick, Julie and the girls?"
"Harry and Hermione have gone to pick up Aunt Elinore," Lavender replied. "And Julie and Nick took the girls out on the boat with Caroline."
"They probably needed a break," Ron said. "I'm sure today wasn't easy for any of you."
"No, but it was good for all of us to get together and remember Uncle Robert," Lavender said. "And it'll be really great for Aunt Elinore to be here with all of us."
"That it will," Luna nodded. "Elinore's a very classy lady. I've always enjoyed her company."
"I'm so glad that we came here this summer too," Lavender said. "It's been so nice and Gabe's had people his own age around..."
"And Em's got her first crush," Drew joked as Brian came into the sitting room.
"There you are," Brian said. "Darla, Hans and I have been looking for you everywhere."
"Why?" Drew asked. "What's up?"
"Volleyball," he said grinning at her. "Couple versus couple. I think we can beat them hands down."
"Like we did with bowling?" Drew asked, laughing. "Sounds good to me!"
"Darla is doing something athletic?" Ron asked in amazement. "Darla Weasley?"
"Oh sod it Dad," Darla said. "Drew's the unathletic one."
"I think I might need to see this to believe it," Ron said standing up. "You coming, Loony?"
"Dad you can play the winners," Drew said with a wicked grin as Brian laughed.
"There's a challenge," Ron said rubbing his hands together. "I can take all of you."
"This I want to see as well," Seamus felt better than he had all day.
Lavender got up too and she looked down at Gabriel and Emma who were still colouring. "You don't mind looking after Emma, Gabe?"
"Not at all," Gabriel shook his head. "After we're done with our picture maybe we'll come out and watch too. Right Em?"
Emma nodded, not looking up from her picture.
Lavender smiled at them. "She'll probably need more suntan lotion- it's in the closet in the hall."
"We've got it covered, don't we, Em?" Gabriel asked her.
"Right," Emma selected a red crayon.
"Everything's fine," Lavender said as she and Seamus followed the others outside.
"It just pisses me off still that someone took advantage of my son," Seamus replied, although he wasn't as steamed.
"He'll learn from this," Lavender reassured him. "And Luna's article will put your side out."
"I hope so," he sighed.
"Trust me," Lavender said linking her arm in his. "I'm never wrong."
Seamus shook his head with a grin. "You never fail to make me smile do you Lav?"
Lavender beamed at him. "It's a gift really."
"You're a gift," Seamus kissed her. "You're the best."
Lavender smiled up at him. "I love you, Seamus."
"Love you too," he pecked her on the lips again.
*** *** ***
Although Jon had thoroughly enjoyed the Brighton holiday, he was glad to get back to work. He'd missed the pub and had a number of ideas he wanted to run past Victoria. The first night back had been busy and more than once Victoria had said how glad she was to have her best bartender back in business.
As the night dwindled to a close, Jon was wiping down the bar and listening to one of the patrons drone on about his crummy job.
"I'd like to see what they'd do if I didn't show up tomorrow," the man grumbled motioning for Jon to pour him another shot.
"I think you've had enough mate," Jon said shaking his head.
"Gimme another," the man slurred, nearly falling off his stool.
"How about a cup of coffee instead?" Jon asked. "Come on, Ty. Melody would have my head if I sent you home pissed like this."
"Home..." Ty snorted.
"Coffee," Jon said firmly. "Coming right up."
"If you say so..." Ty slumped forward and rested his head on the bar.
"If you don't like your job, you could always quit," Jon said pouring him a cup of coffee.
"And do what?" Ty asked. "I don't know anything else!"
"But you come in here night after night complaining about pushing paper all day, mate," Jon said. "You want to live your life that way?"
"No," Ty grumbled. "S'pose not..."
"Tomorrow when you're sobered up, read the classifieds," Jon counselled.
"Tyler Kensington," Victoria said rolling her eyes as she came out of the back. "You look like shite."
"You're sweet as always," Ty grinned back at her.
"It wasn't meant as a compliment," she said shaking her head. "We'll be closing up soon."
"Guess that means I'm being kicked out then..." Ty tried to get off the stool.
"How about a coffee to go?" Jon offered. "And I'll call you a taxi."
Ty looked as if he was going to cry and Victoria put an arm around her old friend. "Steady there, Ty."
"He's---he's good people, Vic," Ty said choking on his words.
"That I know," Victoria sent Jon a warm smile. "How about I help you outside eh?"
"Hope your husband knows what a mucky lan he is," Tyler slurred. "Vic...Vic...Vic..."
"Come on Ty," Victoria shook her head. "I'll be back in a few minutes Jon."
Jon chuckled as he returned to his cleaning. He reminded a few of the patrons that they'd be closing soon and he laughed as they grumbled.
He was cleaning up behind the bar when Victoria finally came back in. "Get him all settled in?" he asked with a grin.
"Just barely," Victoria said. "And he wonders why I never went out with him when we were in school together."
"You went to school with him?" Jon laughed.
"Unfortunately," Victoria said. "He was the type who was always making an arse of himself in front of all the girls. Nice to see some things haven't changed."
Jon laughed harder. "Man did I ever miss this place while I was gone."
"I can't tell you how many people asked about you while you were away," Victoria said.
"It was nice to spend all that time with Al and the girls," Jon said. "Did I tell you that Emma and Caroline have been trying to think of a name for the baby?"
Victoria laughed. "Have they come up with anything yet?"
Jon grinned. "Nothing that they both like. We gave them this old book of names when we got home and they've been poring over it... or rather, Caroline picks out the names she can read and goes by Em's facial expressions."
"I bet that's the cutest thing," Victoria said smiling at him.
"I think Em's finally getting over her jealousy of not being the baby anymore," Jon said thoughtfully. "Caroline's been filling her head with tales of how great it is to be a big sister."
"And how is Allie doing?" Victoria asked.
"Great," Jon replied. "She's starting to show more, so she's all concerned about her figure now."
"And you are being a good husband and reassuring her that she looks fabulous, right?" Victoria asked folding her arms.
"Every day," Jon replied. "She's the most gorgeous woman in the world."
Victoria smiled at him. "Good answer."
"We're taking every precaution this time," Jon said. He'd told Victoria about what had happened to Allison when Emma was born.
"I'm sure everything will be fine," Victoria reassured him.
"I really appreciate the extra hours too," Jon told her. "The extra money will really help us out."
"Speaking of that," Victoria said sitting down. "There's something I've been meaning to talk to you about."
"What's that?" Jon asked, stacking the clean glasses in the cabinet.
"Well," Victoria began. "I can't tell you what a Godsend you've been for me. You're the best bartender we've ever had here and the people love you."
Jon grinned at her. "I do my best."
"And I just don't think that this is working out," Victoria said frowning at him.
Jon stopped stocking glasses. "But you just said--"
"I've thought long and hard about this, Jon," Victoria said using her finger to trace a pattern on the bar. "And you can't change my mind."
"But Vic..." Jon turned towards her. "I really need this job you know that."
"I do," Victoria said unable to keep up the charade. "Which is why I'd like to make you a full partner."
"But Vic--" Jon began and stopped short. "What?"
"Full partnership," Victoria repeated.
"You want to make me a partner?" Jon asked, completely dumbfounded. "Really?"
Victoria nodded. "I want to spend a little more time at home and there's no one else I trust more."
"Are you serious?" Jon asked. "Vic... this is... you're just..."
"Is that a yes?" she asked grinning at him.
"Yes!" Jon exclaimed.
"We'll need to meet with my attorney sometime next week," Victoria said. "To sign some papers, of course."
"Right," Jon said excitedly. "Thank you Vic. This is fantastic! Allie's going to be over the moon."
Victoria laughed as Jon came around the bar and enveloped her in a big hug.
"You are the best," Jon told her. "Really Vic. No other boss has ever been this fantastic."
"I'm not your boss anymore," she corrected. "Partners."
"Right," Jon stuck his hand out. "Partners."
"I know you can't wait to get home and tell Allie," Victoria said. "I'm going to get rid of these last few people and we'll close up."
"Thanks Vic," Jon couldn't stop grinning. He couldn't wait to see Allison's face when he told her about this.
Back at their house, Allison was trying to get Caroline and Emma to sleep. Caroline was nearly there, but Emma was fighting it tooth and nail.
"Sweetheart, it's nearly one in the morning," Allison said. "Aren't you sleepy?"
"No," Emma shook her head. "Want to wait for Daddy."
"You'll see him in the morning," Allison said softly.
"No," Emma said stubbornly. "Em wants to see Daddy now!"
"He's at work, Em," Caroline said turning on her side with her eyes still closed.
"I know you're excited to tell him you picked out a name," Allison said, trying to tuck her youngest under the covers. "But I think telling him at breakfast would be a lovely surprise."
"Tell me what?" Jon asked from the doorway.
"Daddy!" Emma scrambled out of bed and ran for her father.
"Emma Madeline!" Jon said scooping her up. "Did you wait up for me?"
"Yes!" Emma giggled as Jon kissed her cheeks.
"The girls have a surprise for you," Allison said with a grin as Caroline sat up.
"We picked out a name for the baby Daddy," Caroline rubbed her eyes. "A really good one."
"Well this I have to hear," Jon said grinning at her. "What is it, Angel Girl?"
"Well," Caroline began. "His first name will be Adam."
"Other name is Daddy!" Emma said excitedly.
Jon pulled a confused face. "Adam Daddy?"
Allison laughed. "The girls have picked out the name Adam Jonathan Weasley for their brother."
"Adam Jonathan Weasley," Jon repeated.
"Like?" Emma asked clapping her father's cheeks.
Jon laughed. "I love it."
Caroline smiled sleepily at her father. "We thought you'd like it, Daddy."
"I think it's perfect, and very special that my girls came up with it," Jon replied.
"Its late girls," Allison said. "And you both should already be in bed...."
"I have some news before you two drift off," Jon set Emma on the bed. "Guess what happened to me at work tonight?"
"Did someone get in a fight?" Caroline asked suddenly very awake. "Did you have to break it up?"
"No," Jon laughed. "Daddy got what's called a promotion," he grinned at Allison.
"Isn't that what Aunt Maddie gets?" Caroline asked innocently.
"You're thinking of premonitions," Allison said. "A promotion is what someone gets at work when their boss wants to give them bigger responsibilities with better pay."
"So Daddy gets more money?" Caroline asked.
"That's right," Jon said. "Vic's going to make me a partner."
"A partner?" Allison gasped. "Jon!"
Jon grinned at his wife. "You happy?"
Allison nodded and gave him a kiss. "And proud! This is fantastic news!"
"Yay Daddy!" Emma exclaimed clapping her hands.
Jon laughed before kissing the tip of her nose. "All right, now that all the exciting news is out, it's time for two of my three favourite girls in the world to go to sleep."
"Come on, Em," Caroline said lying back down. "Nighty night."
"Kay," Emma finally agreed. "Night Daddy, night Mummy."
"Night, sweetheart," Allison whispered giving both of her daughters a peck on the cheek. "Sweet dreams."
"Love you girls," Jon said, leaving the door open halfway.
Allison grinned at her husband as they walked toward the kitchen. "This is amazing, Jon! Tell me all about it!"
Jon put his arms around his wife and hugged her tightly. "Al this is going to mean so much for us. We're finally going to have more money- which we're going to need for when the baby arrives."
"It couldn't have come at a better time Jon," Allison said resting her head on his shoulder.
"I couldn't wait to get home and tell you," Jon said.
"Do you have to put up any money of your own?" Allison asked.
"I'm not sure yet," Jon said. "Vic's got her lawyers coming in next week to sign the papers."
Allison nodded. "Tell me everything while I warm up a plate of stew for you. In fact, I think I might have some too."
"Great," Jon kissed her hungrily for a moment. "I want to make you proud of me Al."
"You have," she said touching his cheek. "You were made for this, Jon. And you have so many great ideas!"
"I can't believe this," Jon said following her into the kitchen. "I mean... I thought she might just give me a raise, but to make me a partner!"
"Oh!" Allison exclaimed, stopping suddenly.
"What?" Jon asked. "Are you all right?"
Allison nodded and put a hand on her abdomen. "Adam Jonathan just kicked me."
"Let me feel," Jon eagerly leaned forward.
Allison smiled as Jon put his hand on her stomach. "Do you feel it?"
"Yeah," Jon grinned. "That's our boy in there Allie."
"He wanted to congratulate his Daddy," Allison said.
"Guess so," Jon leaned in and kissed her. "Life's really good right now you know?"
"It is," Allison agreed. "I think this calls for a celebration. A butterbeer for you and a glass of pumpkin juice for me."
"All right," Jon replied. "I'll get the stew."
Allison smiled as she watched her husband spoon two servings of stew into bowls. She was so proud of him she felt she could burst.
It reminded her of another time when she'd seen him this happy.
***
Fred and George had agreed to let their nephew use the flat above their Hogsmeade shop. Allison hadn't been able to leave Hogwarts due to exams and this weekend would be their first official weekend together as a married couple. He had spent the past couple of weeks getting their new flat ready for her arrival.
They were meeting at Honeydukes and would spend the afternoon together in the flat before she had to head back to the school.
"Al!" Jon waved, spotting her in the crowd. "Al over here!"
She grinned and ran toward him. Before she could get a word in edgewise, he'd kissed her.
"How is the most gorgeous wife in the world?" Jon couldn't stop his grin from spreading across his face when they pulled apart.
"She missed you so much," Allison said giggling as he picked her up and spun her around. "Jon!"
"I can't help it," Jon replied. "I'm just so glad to see you Al. I hate it when we're apart."
"Me too," she said softly. "So, when do I get to see the new place?"
"We can go right now if you like, Mrs. Weasley," Jon wove their fingers together.
"I like," she said smiling at him. As they made their way to the shop, Allison told him what had been going on at Hogwarts. "We have a match right before Christmas and I hope you can come. I can get you a good seat and I'm sure Drew and Darla would love to see their big brother."
"I'll definitely try," Jon promised. "Anything for a chance to see you."
Allison squeezed his hand as he led the way into his uncles' shop. Fred and George were showing some eager third years their latest invention.
"Look, Fred," George said nudging his brother. "It's the newlyweds. Ickle Jonnikins and Ickle Allie."
"Very funny Uncle George," Jon said but he was grinning. "How do you guys like the flat?"
"He did a great job on it," George said to Allison. "And we promise we didn't do anything to it."
Fred grinned. "This time anyway."
"How lovely of you blokes," Allison laughed.
"Before you go back to school, take some of our fliers," Fred said. "We're having a big sale next weekend."
"And pass them out?" Allison asked with a grin. "Free advertising?"
"You're a member of the Weasley family now, Allie," Fred said putting his arm around her. "You have to chip in and help. And it will be helping your husband too. The more he makes..."
"Right," Allison replied. "I'll put some in my bag and pass them around at supper tonight."
Fred beamed at her. "Hang on to this one, Jonathan."
"I plan on it," Jon said, kissing the side of her head. "Come on Al."
Allison waved goodbye to both Fred and George before following her husband into the back room and then up the spiral staircase that led to their flat.
"Okay," he warned her. "It's not as nice as your house or your bedroom back home, but it's--"
"I'm sure it's amazing Jon," Allison reassured him. "I'll love it because it's somewhere that we can be together."
He was still nervous about showing her the room, despite of what she said. The flat was small and he'd spent the past couple of weeks doing everything he could to make it presentable. "Okay," he said opening the door.
"Jon!" Allison exclaimed when she went inside. "Oh this is absolutely perfect!"
"Let me show you around," he said grinning at her. "This is of course, the sitting room and kitchen area. This screen here kind of separates the room. Julie helped me with that."
"It's lovely," Allison said. "And it's really ours?"
Jon nodded. "And over there, I set up a desk for you by the window so you could study or write. And your dad brought those books over. He even helped me set up the shelves."
Allison looked around the room with a big grin then turned to her husband. "I love you so, so much Jonathan Arthur Weasley." she wound her arms around his neck. "Only you would do this and make me the happiest girl in the world."
Jon hugged her tightly. "I wish it was more. You deserve so much better than this place."
"Nonsense," Allison said, her voice muffled as she pressed her face into his shoulder. "I'm so happy with you that I don't care if this was a cave."
"A cave would probably have more room," he joked.
Allison laughed. "Well... why don't you show me the bedroom?"
"My favourite room," he said giving her a quick kiss. "Right this way..."
Allison followed him into the small bedroom. "Perfect for us," she said, closing the door behind her.
"You like?" he asked.
"Very, very much," Allison said softly.
"How much time do we have?" he asked brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I have a few hours," Allison replied, her eyes going dark with desire.
Jon unbuttoned her cloak. "A few hours..."
"Not enough time, but it'll have to make do," Allison kissed him.
"I'm not going to want to let you leave," he whispered.
"I don't want to leave," she replied. "I can't wait until I'm done with school so I can be with you every single day."
"Every single day," he repeated. "And we'll keep saving up for a little house of our own."
"Big enough for a family?" she asked.
"Exactly," Jon said.
***
"You know a lot of people at school thought we got married because I was pregnant," she told him.
"Did they really?" Jon laughed.
"Yes," Allison laughed. "They think you knocked me up."
"That wasn't until after you graduated," Jon said with a grin.
"A few years after that," Allison grinned.
"We had our little Caroline," Jon said. "Then Em... now we've got Adam on the way."
"You always said you wanted three," she said smiling back at him.
"Now we've got what we always wanted," Jon kissed his wife. "At least, I got who I always wanted."