Authors' note: Tonight begins the honeymoon for E/M. Also, you get more RJ/Alexa and Andrew/Saffron and a side order of Harry/Hermione. We hope that you will enjoy this longer chapter and the next chapter will begin a storyline arc for Frankie and Will that we are both really, really excited about and that we think you guys will like.
Maddie felt a huge flutter in her stomach as she and Ethan left the ballroom amidst cheers and shouts of well wishes. They were heading for the Ministry where they'd get a portkey and go right to the island to begin their honeymoon.
"Come here, wife," Ethan said once they were in the car.
Maddie giggled and leaned in. "It's still so new," she said. "That we're married!"
"Are you happy?" he asked after giving her a kiss.
"I'm more than happy Ethan," Maddie said. "I'm your wife."
Ethan put his arm around her. "Forever."
She kissed him again, more passionately this time.
Ethan pulled her into his lap and ran his hands through her hair.
"Oooh," she said with a giggle.
"Excuse me," Ethan said to the driver. "Could you speed up, please? We're in a hurry."
"Ethan!" she exclaimed.
"We are," Ethan said with a grin.
"Yes sir," the driver said with a chuckle. "We should be arriving in just a few minutes."
"You know it's going to be the middle of the day on the island," Maddie reminded him.
"What does that have to do with anything?" Ethan asked her.
"Nothing I guess," she blushed.
"It's an honour to drive for you sir," the driver said. "Your family has done so much for our world..."
"Thanks," Ethan replied.
"I hope you and the new Mrs. Potter have a long, happy life together," the driver said.
"Thank you," Maddie said resting her head on Ethan's shoulder. "That's very sweet of you to say."
Ethan kissed the side of his wife's head. "I have no doubt we'll be happy," he replied.
"Very, very happy," Maddie said dreamily.
Their portkey had been prearranged by Hermione and within about twenty minutes they were checking into the hotel for their first week of the honeymoon.
They followed a bellman up to their room. Maddie couldn't stop looking around in awe at her surroundings. She had never seen anything like this in the world.
"This is really nice," Ethan seemed to read her mind as they stepped into their room. His eyes fell on the bed and he couldn't help but grin widely.
The bellman set their bags down and smiled expectantly at the young couple. Ethan reached into his trousers pocket for his wallet.
"Thank you sir," the bellhop bowed slightly as Ethan handed him some money. "Enjoy your stay."
Maddie walked out onto the patio and smiled as she took in the view. There were a few people down on the beach sunbathing or playing in the surf. "Ethan!" she called out over her shoulder. "Come look at this!"
Ethan came out and stood behind her. "Gorgeous," he replied.
"I've never been anywhere like this," she admitted. "We've only been here a few minutes and I don't think I ever want to leave."
Ethan kissed her neck. "I'll make sure you never want to leave..."
Maddie leaned against him. "I love you."
"I love you too," he moved his lips to her ear.
"Did you want to go for a walk on the beach?" she asked feeling a little nervous now that they were alone. She knew it was stupid to feel like this since she trusted Ethan. She just didn't want to disappoint him.
"Not really," Ethan said honestly.
"We could unpack," Maddie suggested. "Or order some champagne..."
"We could get some champagne, sure." Ethan replied. "I'll order it from room service right now."
Maddie smiled. "That would be lovely."
"Coming right up," he pecked her on the lips.
Maddie smiled and followed him back into the room.
"It'll be up in a few minutes," Ethan hung up the phone.
"Great," Maddie said kicking off her sandals.
"Are you all right?" he looked over at her.
"I'm fine," she replied. "Why do you ask?"
"You just seem sort of jumpy," he reached for her hands and pulled her to him.
"I'm not jumpy," she said giggling as he tickled her side. "Ethan!"
"Now you are," he laughed, pulling her onto the bed.
"You're such a goofball," she said feeling more at ease.
"I'm your goofball," Ethan grinned at her.
"Yes you are," Maddie said giving him a kiss.
Ethan kept her close to him, running his hands through her hair as he deepened the kiss.
"Ethan," Maddie breathed.
"Yeah?" he asked softly. "Ready to put on one of those little things for me?" he teased.
"You ready for that now?" she asked with a smile.
"Mads," he leaned back. "I've been ready since we got together."
"Oh," Maddie said softly.
"But I know you're worth the wait," Ethan tucked her hair behind her ear. "And I'd wait another year for you if I had to."
Maddie kissed him again. "You're the most incredible man, Ethan. Not too many blokes would have understood how important it was for me to wait, but you did."
"Because I love you that much," Ethan said. "I'd do anything to make you happy Mads."
Maddie felt tears welling up in her eyes. "I feel the same way about you. I always have."
He smiled at her before leaning in and kissing her again, running his hands over her body.
There was a knock on the door and Maddie reluctantly broke away from her husband. "Um, how about you get that and I'll go slip into something more..."
"Works for me," Ethan stole one more kiss before she went to change.
Maddie grabbed the white negligee from her suitcase and went into the loo to change. She was still nervous, but after what Ethan had said, she knew she was ready and that she had no reason to worry.
Ethan thanked the man standing outside for the champagne and once he and Maddie were alone again, poured two glasses.
Maddie took a deep breath and looked at her reflection in the mirror. The silky fabric of the negligee felt cool on her skin.
"Mads?" Ethan knocked on the door. "I've got the champagne."
"I'll be right there," Maddie called out.
Ethan sat back on the bed, unsure if he should get undressed or not.
Maddie slowly opened the door and stepped outside. "Ethan?"
Ethan opened his mouth to respond but was struck dumb when he saw his wife emerge.
"Hi," she said shyly.
"Hi..." his voice trailed off.
"This one was a gift from my sisters," Maddie said toying with one of the straps.
"They know you well," his voice sounded strained.
"You like it?" Maddie asked hopefully.
"Love it," Ethan managed. "You are stunning."
Maddie stepped further into the bedroom and reached for her glass of champagne. "Thanks, Ethan."
He smiled at her as she took a sip. "I'm such a lucky bloke you know."
"I'm the lucky one," Maddie argued.
"I think we're both about to be lucky," he teased.
Maddie laughed and hit his arm playfully. "Ethan!"
His eyes darkened. "Come here you..."
Maddie set her glass down and stepped closer to her husband.
He pulled her onto his lap again, threading his fingers through her long hair.
"I'm ready," she whispered.
He set his glass aside and lay back on the bed, bringing her down with him.
"You're a little overdressed," she said softly.
"You'll have to help me with that," Ethan answered, undoing his trousers.
Maddie grinned. "My pleasure..."
Ethan shifted his body as she drew them down his legs and tossed them off the side of the bed.
"And now the shirt," Maddie said tugging at it.
"Sounds good to me," Ethan helped her pull it off.
Maddie touched his chest. "Ethan..."
"Yeah?" he asked.
"We're married!' she said grinning at him.
He laughed. "That we are, Mads."
She looped her arms around his neck and they fell back onto the bed.
He could hardly hold back as he kissed her hard, letting his hands roam free over her body.
Maddie arched against him, feeling as if every inch of her body was on fire.
Ethan rolled her over, pushing down on her lingerie, eager to feel her soft warm skin under his fingers.
The nervousness she'd felt before melted away as he eased the negligee off of her and threw it on the floor.
"You're the most beautiful woman in the world," he told her. "I've never seen anyone so gorgeous."
Maddie smiled up at him. "You're not so bad either."
"I should hope not," he grinned at her before leaning down to cover her mouth with his.
He moved his hand down her waist. Maddie had a feeling she knew exactly where he was heading and she hoped she was right.
"How's this?" he asked softly, sliding his fingers into her, readying her for what was to come.
She gasped. "Oooooh...."
The sight of her closing her eyes, her mouth open and gasping nearly undid him right then and there.
She gripped his shoulders. "Ethan..."
"Are you ready?" he asked in a choking sort of voice.
Maddie nodded, unable to speak.
Hoping he wouldn't hurt her, Ethan shed his boxers quickly and pressed his lips to hers, then skimmed kisses over her neck and shoulders as he positioned himself over her.
Maddie closed her eyes as Ethan slowly entered her.
"Just... tell me if... it hurts..." Ethan was trying to be as gentle as he could.
Maddie bit her bottom lip. It did hurt, but she didn't want him to stop.
"Mads?" he saw her expression.
"I'm okay," she reassured him.
"You sure?" he asked, stroking her hair off her sweaty forehead.
She nodded. "I trust you."
"Okay," Ethan smiled at her and kissed her again.
The pain slowly went away as they began to move together and was replaced with a kind of pleasure that Maddie had never known.
"Maddie..." Ethan grunted as she lifted herself against him.
She wrapped her legs around his waist, encouraging him to go deeper.
Ethan pulled her as close as he could as he pushed himself in as far as he possibly could.
"Yes, Ethan," she murmured. "Yes..."
"Mads," he gasped as she wrapped her arms around his back.
Maddie's breath was ragged as he thrust into her one last time.
She released at the same time he did and Ethan nearly collapsed on top of her, trying to catch his breath.
"Ethan," Maddie said breathlessly. "I--I ...never knew it could be like that."
"Me either," he answered, pulling out of her and moving over so he wasn't lying on top of her. "Mads you're incredible."
"Really?" she asked turning on her side to look at him.
"Absolutely," he smiled. "You were worth waiting for."
Maddie leaned in for a kiss. "I love being married."
Ethan kept her lips pressed to his for several moments. "I love it too," he answered softly.
Maddie snuggled closer to him. "Ethan?"
"Hmmm?" he answered, running his fingers through her hair.
"Can we order room service?" she asked sweetly. "I'm famished."
Meanwhile, back in England Alexa and RJ were just arriving back at his flat.
"What a fun day," she remarked. "I don't think I've ever danced so much."
"And you caught the bouquet," RJ reminded her. "That means you're next..."
Alexa giggled. "Now if only you'd have caught the garter..." she teased.
"I wasn't in the right place at the right time like some people," RJ said shaking his head. "That wanker didn't even want it; it just fell into his hands."
"RJ," Alexa set the flowers down on the table. "Don't call him that."
"How about we don't talk about him at all?" RJ suggested. "Come here."
She went willingly into his arms and he kissed her deeply.
In less than two days, she'd be going back to school. And if any good had come out of what had happened with Gabe, it had caused RJ to realise how special his girlfriend was and how he didn't want to take her for granted.
"RJ," Alexa closed her eyes. "I wish that we didn't have to be apart for so long..."
"Me either," he said softly. "But we'll make it work. And maybe I can make it up for a Hogsmeade weekend and there's Christmas..."
"I hope so," she put her arms around his neck. "And we've got tonight..."
"Let's make it count," he whispered.
"Right," Alexa felt slightly nervous about what might happen that evening. She hadn't come out and said she wanted to go all the way, but she hadn't said no either.
RJ leaned in to kiss her, but at that moment, someone pounded on the door.
"Bloody Andrew," RJ said rolling his eyes. He looked apologetically at his girlfriend. "Don't move."
"Weasley! Weasley!" male voices called on the other side of the door. "We know you're in there!"
"Who the hell is it?" RJ snapped irritably.
"Open the fucking door, Weasley!"
"You'd better have Firewhisky or you don't get to play with the big boys," another male voice called out.
"Fuck," RJ swore, opening the door. "Guys... I told you, not tonight."
"Look," one of the men said pointing at RJ's dress robes. "He looks like a penguin!"
"Sod off," RJ replied. "I was at my sister's wedding."
"I hope you've got food," Scanlon said breezing past RJ and heading for the kitchen. He stopped when he saw Alexa. "Well, hello little girl..."
"Hi..." Alexa said shyly.
"Is this one of your sisters?" Scanlon asked RJ.
"This is my girlfriend you idiot," RJ replied.
"Sorry," Scanlon said with a shrug. He returned his attention to Alexa. "How about you be a love and get us something to drink?"
"I beg your pardon?" Alexa asked.
"Scanlon get the fuck out of here," RJ said angrily. "Don't talk to her like that!"
"Is that any way to talk to your elders?" Scanlon asked with a laugh. "Come on, Weasley. Get us a drink."
"I should go," Alexa said reaching for her shoes.
"No," RJ put a hand on hers. "Guys, sorry, but this isn't open house tonight."
"Weasley, Weasley, Weasley," Scanlon said shaking his head. "You going to forsake your team-mates for some bird?"
"This isn't some bird," RJ said firmly. "I'll see you lot tomorrow."
Scanlon laughed. "At least you have your priorities straight, Weasley."
"Right," RJ nodded. "So get the hell out already."
"Okay," Scanlon said clapping RJ on the back. "Come on, guys."
"Thank you," RJ said, relieved that they wouldn't be making a big deal out of this.
Alexa couldn't believe this. After an entire summer of cancelling out on her to hang out with his team-mates, RJ was kicking them out to spend time with her.
RJ shut the door behind his team-mates and turned to say something to Alexa.
"You didn't have to do that," she said before he could even open his mouth.
"Yeah, I did," RJ said. "I wanted to be with you tonight."
Alexa couldn't stop her smile.
"So," he said smiling back at her. "Where were we?"
"Here," she got up and put her arms around him.
"Really?" he asked her, picking her up. "Because I thought we were here..."
"I like this better anyway," she laughed.
"You do?" he asked carrying her toward the bedroom. "Watch it now...don't break anything..."
"RJ!" Alexa hit his shoulder.
He kicked open the bedroom door with his foot and carried her inside.
"RJ..." her nervousness returned.
"I'm not going to drop you," he said as he gently set her down on the bed.
"It's just..." her mouth was dry and she swallowed the lump in her throat. "I don't know... I don't know if--"
"What?" he asked sitting down beside her. "Lexie..."
"I love you so much though," Alexa babbled.
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and all of a sudden he knew what was wrong.
"You're not ready, are you?" he asked.
"I don't know," she confessed.
"It's okay if you're not," he told her.
"Can we just see how things go?" she twisted her hair around her index finger. "I mean, in a few days I'll be leaving and I won't see you for at least a month."
"See how things go?" he asked her.
"Yeah," Alexa turned red. "Merlin I sound so stupid don't I?"
"You're actually kind of cute like this," he said grinning at her.
"Shut up," she blushed even harder.
"Who are you telling to shut up?" he asked tickling her.
"RJ!" Alexa squealed.
He reached for her again and pulled her to him. "You're even cuter like this."
"When you say it like that I actually believe you," she said softly.
"Believe me," he said before kissing her.
Alexa couldn't help but respond as RJ wrapped his arms around her. She had missed this so much.
"Still okay?" he asked pulling her onto his lap.
"Yeah," she smiled. "I'm just so glad we have tonight to be together."
"All night," he corrected. "And tomorrow morning..."
"I cleared the whole day tomorrow for us, if you want." She told him.
"Really?" he asked.
Alexa nodded. "You don't have practise?"
RJ nipped at her bottom lip. "No. I'm free."
Alexa grinned at this and kissed him harder.
RJ reached around her back to lower the zipper on her dress.
She helped him pull it down and then slid the dress off her body.
RJ smiled reassuringly at her. "Don't be nervous."
"I can't help it," Alexa confessed.
"Just tell me if you want me to stop," he said leaning in to kiss her again. "Okay?"
"Okay," she agreed.
"And I was wrong before," RJ whispered against her skin. "You're not cute at all, Lexie. You're beautiful."
She blinked back a few tears, feeling incredibly stupid for crying about what he said.
"What's wrong?" he asked softly.
"Nothing," she replied.
RJ cupped her face in his hands. "I'm going to miss you so much."
"I'll miss you too," Alexa looked up at him and brushed his hair out of his eyes. "I wish you could stay at the school even though you're not a student anymore."
"Maybe I could be the next headmaster," he joked.
"And give up your fame and fortune as Puddlemere's star Keeper?" Alexa laughed. "I doubt it."
"I might do," RJ said laughing too. "Headmaster Weasley."
"That does have a certain ring," she snuggled closer to him.
"And I could see you whenever I wanted," RJ said kissing the top of her head.
"All the time," she replied dreamily.
"Nothing's going to change," he promised.
"Promise?" Alexa asked.
"I promise," he replied. "And it's okay for me to just be with you like this. We'll...we'll take the next step when you're ready."
"I feel like a bit of a tease," she said softly. "I want to RJ, I really do."
"I know," RJ said. "Believe me, I know."
Alexa cuddled even closer to him and wondered what exactly she was waiting for. She loved him and he loved her. And she trusted him and wanted to be with him.
"Lexie," he said huskily.
"I might not be very good at this," she said glad she wasn't looking at him. "I've never done it before and I might be complete rubbish at it."
"Hey," he replied. "I don't even care Lexie. You're my girl."
Alexa sat up. "I should probably do the protection charm..."
"I already have one," RJ said. "Lexie it's all taken care of."
"Really?" she asked. "But when did you---"
"I took care of it," RJ stroked her hair back.
Alexa grinned. "So I guess there's nothing else, but to..."
"Just tell me if you feel uncomfortable," RJ replied. "I promise we'll stop if you don't like it."
"Okay," she said nodding. With shaking hands, she started to unbutton his dress shirt.
"You don't have to be nervous," he caught her hands in his.
"I can't help it," she said with a slight laugh. She didn't like to think about the fact that he was more experienced at this than she, having had his first time with Christina Grant.
"I don't want you to be nervous," RJ told her.
"You'll show me what to do?" she asked him in soft voice.
"Anything you want me to do," RJ promised.
"Okay," she said easing the shirt off of him.
RJ helped her. "I love you Lexie... despite everything that's gone on."
"I know that," she said smiling at him.
"Good," he grinned at her.
Alexa watched as he kicked off his trousers and she blushed when he saw that she was looking.
"You have seen me like this before you know...at the beach..." he said with a cocky grin.
"But not like this," she blushed even harder.
"Your cheeks are about as red as your hair, Lexie," he teased. "Come on. Maybe you'd feel more comfortable if you were wearing less, too. Let's get you out of that slip, eh?"
"Okay," she agreed.
RJ lifted the slip over her head and then tossed it on the floor. Instinctively, Alexa tried to cover herself, but again RJ stopped her. "You're beautiful like this," he said smiling at her.
"I am?" she asked uncertainly.
"Absolutely," he said giving her a lingering kiss.
Alexa responded; feeling like her body was on fire just from the touch of his hand running over her abdomen.
"Lie down," he whispered in her ear.
Alexa did as he said, her head falling onto the pillow as he kissed her neck.
"You trust me?" he asked her.
"I've always trusted you RJ," she whispered.
RJ trailed kisses on her shoulder, along her chest and on her stomach. Alexa giggled as his breath tickled her skin.
"If you keep doing that..." her voice trailed off.
"Just working my way down," he whispered.
"Down?" she asked.
"Trust," RJ said with a glint in his eyes.
"I already told you I trust you," she replied breathlessly.
He hooked his fingers into the waistband of her knickers.
"Go ahead," she encouraged.
Painstakingly slow, he eased them off her body. He knew what he was about to do was completely new to her, but he hoped it would put her at ease.
She thought she might feel uncomfortable at being naked with RJ but instead it felt completely wonderful. "It's okay," she whispered.
He bent and pressed her thighs apart. "Lexie..."
He ran his hands over her stomach and she arched her body. "Yes..."
He resisted the urge to bury himself inside her. He had to be gentle and slow when it was the last thing he wanted to do. Patience had never been one of his virtues.
"RJ please," she moaned.
His face was buried between her thighs and Alexa gasped when she felt him touch her there.
"RJ!" she gasped.
RJ looked up at her. "Do you like this?" he asked.
"Oh yes," Alexa was breathless. "Please RJ..."
She closed her eyes and writhed against the pillow feeling as if she were going to die.
"Keep doing that!" she choked out. "RJ!!!!!!"
RJ swirled his tongue inside her and Alexa cried out again. She was trying to catch her breath and there was a sheen of sweat on her forehead. "You feel so good, Alexa."
She was in too much ecstasy to tell RJ how she felt at the moment.
He eased himself out of his boxer shorts and then lay down beside her on the bed. RJ placed a kiss on her lips.
"Keep going," she begged, still not quite down from the high RJ had brought her to.
"Yes ma'am," he said with a grin.
She tangled her fingers in his hair, keeping him exactly where she wanted him.
He kissed her again and positioned himself gently on top of her. Again, he reminded himself to go slow.
Alexa knew this would probably hurt but she didn't care. "RJ," she ran her fingernails across his back. "Just keep going..."
"Okay," he said using his hand to part her legs.
She willingly let him do whatever he wanted.
His arousal brushed against her stomach and Alexa couldn't believe that she was the cause of that.
"Yes," she breathed through clenched teeth.
She groaned as he delved a finger inside her.
"Don't tease me RJ," Alexa gasped.
He smiled. "It's just to get you ready."
"I think I'm ready," she gripped his shoulders. "Really... bloody... ready..."
"Okay then," RJ said giving her a kiss as he entered her.
"Oh my..." Alexa's eyes opened wide.
"I don't want to hurt you," he said looking down at her.
"Just stay in me," she gasped, her eyes filling with tears.
"I'm not going anywhere," he said hoarsely as he began to move.
"Okay," Alexa breathed heavily as she tried to move with him.
"Lexie," he whispered against her skin. "You feel so good..."
"So do you RJ," Alexa whimpered.
He was encouraged when she wrapped her legs around him. "Merlin, Lexie..."
"Yes!" she cried, closing her eyes.
He buried his face in her shoulder as he climaxed. For the longest time, neither of them moved. When he heard her muffled sobs, he slowly eased himself off of her and was dismayed to see that she was crying.
"Lexie?"
"I'm sorry," she sobbed. "I don't mean to be crying."
"What's wrong?" he asked. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"
She shook her head.
He sat up and reached for the old Gryffindor blanket at the foot of the bed. "Are you cold?"
"A little," she wiped her eyes.
He spread the blanket over them. She was being so quiet and he didn't know what to say to make her feel better.
Alexa turned and wrapped her arms around her boyfriend, wanting to feel as close to him as possible.
"I love you," he whispered. "And what we just did was amazing."
Alexa nodded. "I'm so glad it was with you," she answered. "I love you so much RJ."
"You scared me for a second there," he said softly brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Sorry," Alexa managed a small smile. "It was just a lot of feelings to overcome at once."
"It's okay," he said giving her another kiss. "I don't want you to go back to school. Stay with me."
Alexa laughed. "You have no idea how appealing that sounds."
"Education is highly over-rated," he said with a grin.
She wrapped her arms around him. "So is Quidditch."
"So, we could just stay here in my flat and shag all day long instead," he said. "No school. No Quidditch..."
"Like you'd ever stop playing Quidditch," Alexa closed her eyes.
"I would for you," he said seriously.
"You would?" she lifted her head. "Really RJ?"
"You're the most important person in my life," he said softly. "I know I haven't always been great at showing that..."
"I love you though," she answered. "Despite how everything's been lately."
"None of that matters now," he reassured her.
"Especially now," Alexa said.
"Right," he said holding her close. "I'm knackered."
"Me too," she answered. "We're alone all night tonight?"
RJ nodded. "Andrew's staying at his parents tonight."
"I thought he might be staying with Saffy," Alexa smiled and snuggled closer to him.
"I'm sure Uncle Harry would love that," RJ said sleepily.
"You never know," Alexa closed her eyes. "RJ... I'm so glad my first time was with you."
"I'm glad too, Lexie," he whispered kissing the top of her head.
"Sometimes I worry you'll leave me for Serena Starr or some other gorgeous girl," Alexa said softly.
"Not going to happen," RJ said. "Serena Starr is gorgeous, I'll give you that, but she can't hold a candle to you."
"You really mean that?" Alexa asked with a smile.
"I do," he said smiling sleepily back at her. "And I'm just as worried that you'll chuck me for some bloke like Gabe---"
"No," Alexa shook her head quickly.
"I don't want to ever lose you," he said pulling her close.
"I don't think I could ever feel this way about anyone else," Alexa stroked his hair back.
"And how is that?" RJ asked her.
"Completely..." Alexa kissed him. "Utterly... totally in love..."
"You know," RJ said. "I'm not as knackered as I thought..."
"You're not?" she giggled.
He shook his head. "Second wind..."
"You've got a second wind?" she asked. "Where'd that come from?"
"I think you had a little something to do with it," he said nuzzling her neck.
"I think I've got a second wind coming on too..." Alexa closed her eyes and wondered if her best friend was having as good a night as she was.
Saffron was having a good time, but it was nothing like what Alexa was experiencing. She and Andrew were currently talking in the now empty ballroom.
"I used to come in here when I was little," Saffron said wistfully. "I pretended it was my own little castle."
"A castle aye?" Andrew grinned at her.
Saffron giggled. "Yes. Greta used to let me bring all my dress up clothes in here and I'd play in here for hours."
"You are too funny," Andrew reached for her.
Saffron leaned against him. "I know one day Mum and Dad will move out of here, but this is home to me. I've never lived anywhere else, other than Hogwarts."
"By then you'll probably have your own place," Andrew replied.
"Yeah, maybe," Saffron said. "It's harder I think for girls to move out of their parents' home than boys. You couldn't wait to leave..."
"I just like the thought of being on my own," Andrew said.
"You don't talk that much about your parents," Saffron said. "And I've only met them a couple of times."
"I'll have to have you over more often then," Andrew grinned at her. "I do want them to get along with the girl I love."
"Dad says that your father was a good flyer when they were at school," Saffron said.
"He said that?" Andrew beamed. "I'll have to tell him. Dad never stops talking about the fact that I'm dating Harry Potter's daughter."
Saffron giggled. "You never told me that!"
"I forgot," Andrew poked her side.
Saffron swatted at him. "And your Mum...what does she think about me?"
"She thinks you're a beautiful, impressionable young girl," Andrew said with a grin.
"I've got her fooled then?" Saffron asked cheekily.
"You have no one fooled," Andrew said softly. "You are beautiful."
Saffron beamed at him. "You're such a good boyfriend."
He laughed. "And you're the best girlfriend I could have asked for."
Saffron leaned in and kissed him. "I love you, Andrew Kirke."
"I love you too, Saffron Potter." Andrew said when she pulled back. "I had a lot of fun with you today."
"I did too," Saffron agreed. "But we certainly had some drama, didn't we? With RJ's cousin throwing herself at Gabriel, Hans trying to get back with Darla, RJ nearly throttling Gabe..."
"I feel sorry for the bloke," Andrew said. "At first I was a bit pissed because he knew Lex was with RJ but when I put myself in his place... I remembered how I felt when you were with Peter last year."
"He really does fancy Lex," Saffron said. "I hated to see things end the way they did."
"Probably for the best though," Andrew replied.
Saffron nodded. "Gabe doesn't think he'll be coming back to London for awhile. He says it's because of his classes, but I think it has to do more with what happened."
"He's a really nice guy." Andrew wound his arms around her. "It's a shame he'd let that run him off."
"Well, I plan on doing everything I can to convince him to come back," Saffron said. "I really like him, Andrew. And I know you're RJ's best friend, but I'd really like it if you made an effort with him too."
"I will," Andrew promised her. "I've been in his place."
"Thank you," Saffron said hugging him tightly. "You two were getting along pretty well before all this happened anyway."
"I won't hold it against him," Andrew replied.
"You really are the best," Saffron said. She squeezed his hand. "Let's dance."
"Dance with no music?" Andrew laughed. "What does this remind me of?"
Saffron grinned. "Don't worry. There's music. I'll be right back."
"All right," Andrew smiled at her.
Saffron's bridesmaid dress swished as she sprinted over to one of the storage closets and pulled out a Wireless.
Andrew couldn't stop his eyes from roaming over his girlfriend's slender body.
Saffron turned it on and smiled when she recognised the music. "Nana loves Celestina Warbeck."
"So does my mum," Andrew stood up and offered her his hand.
"I would be honoured to dance with you, sir," Saffron said with a curtsy.
Andrew laughed. "The honour is mine," he bowed.
Saffron smiled up at him as they began to move to the music. There was something about being with him here in the dimly lit ballroom that just made her feel so happy.
"You're a damn good dancer," Andrew said in her ear.
"I came by it honest," Saffron said. "Dancing was kind of how my mum and dad got together and I grew up watching them..."
"Remind me to thank them," Andrew spun her around.
"How did you get so great at it?" Saffron asked.
"You," Andrew nipped at her lips.
"Andrew," she said softly.
"Hmm?" he asked.
"I love you," she replied.
"I love you too Saf," he held her tighter. "I'm really going to miss you."
"Me too," Saffron said. "I've always looked forward to going back to school, but not this time. I can't imagine being there without you."
"I promise to do my best to come for any Hogsmeade weekends," Andrew said.
"I know," Saffron said resting her head on his chest.
"And Christmas holiday no one's going to be able to separate us," Andrew swore.
"No one," Saffron agreed.
Andrew gave her a lingering kiss. "I know I already told you this many times, but you look just gorgeous today."
"And I told you that I didn't mind hearing that again," Saffron said smiling up at him.
"In my opinion, you looked even prettier than the bride," Andrew said softly.
"No one was prettier than Maddie today," Saffron said shaking her head. "She looked gorgeous."
"I beg to differ," Andrew said with a grin.
"You really are the best boyfriend," Saffron said giving him another kiss.
"Saffron?"
Saffron reluctantly broke away from her boyfriend to see her parents standing in the doorway.
"Sweetheart, it's getting late," Harry said.
"Sorry Dad," Saffron blushed.
"I should get going," Andrew said. "I'm staying at my parents' tonight."
Harry nodded. "Maybe when Saffron's home for Christmas, you can come by with your folks."
"We'd love to have you," Hermione said smiling at Andrew.
"My dad will be really happy to hear that," Andrew said with a smile. "He still talks all the time about when you both played on the Gryffindor team."
Harry laughed. "That was a lifetime ago."
"He'll still be here with bells on," Andrew grinned. "And thank you for inviting me today. I had a really wonderful time."
Hermione smiled warmly at him. "And thank you for helping with my mother earlier. I appreciated all that you did, Andrew."
"You're welcome," Andrew replied. "I'm always glad to help out."
"Andrew's going to take me out to breakfast tomorrow, Mum," Saffron said. "If that's okay..."
"Of course it's okay," Hermione said and Harry nodded.
"Great," Saffron said smiling at her parents. "I'm just going to walk with him upstairs to say goodbye."
"Sounds good," Harry smiled back at his daughter. "Good night Andrew."
"Good night, Mr. Potter," Andrew said. "Minister Potter."
Saffron walked her boyfriend to the sitting room where the fireplace was. "What time will you come by tomorrow?"
"Nine thirty?" Andrew suggested.
"Sure," Saffron agreed. She wound her arms around him and gave him a thorough kiss. "That's so you'll go to sleep thinking of me tonight."
Andrew gave her a goofy grin. "Mission accomplished."
"You're so cute when you smile like that," Saffron giggled.
"Night, Saffy," Andrew said giving her one last kiss. "Love you."
"Love you," she held onto his hand as long as she could before he tossed some Floo powder into the fireplace.
She stood there for a few moments after he left.
"Saffy?" Hermione asked. "Did Andrew get back okay?"
"Yeah," she turned around. "Sorry... I just sort of spaced out there..."
"That sort of happens when you're in love," Hermione said smiling at her daughter.
Saffron smiled dreamily. "He's so sweet Mum."
Hermione nodded knowingly. "Anyone who can make you smile like that is okay with me."
"You and Daddy really like him too right?" Saffron asked as her mother turned out the lights in the sitting room.
"We do," Hermione reassured her.
"Good," Saffron hugged her mother. "I'm going to bed."
"Sleep well, sweetheart," Hermione said.
"Love you mum," Saffron said. "I'll see you in the morning before I leave with Andrew."
"Okay," Hermione said nodding. She turned off the rest of the lights and wondered where her husband was. He said he would be closing things down in the ballroom, but she hadn't thought that would take more than a couple of minutes.
When he still didn't appear after a few moments she went back down to see if he was still in there. "Harry?"
"Over here," he called out from somewhere in the darkness.
"What are you doing?" Hermione's brows knit together. "I thought we were going to bed?"
"Saffy brought out the Wireless and I was just listening to some music," he replied.
"Where are you?" she laughed. "Its pitch black in here!"
"Sorry," Harry apologised. With a wave of his hand, he turned on the lights. "Better?"
"Yes," Hermione answered, sitting down next to him. "What a day..."
"You're not going to turn into a water pipe again, are you?" he teased.
"No," Hermione poked him. "But you have to admit, seeing our boy up there getting married..."
"I was so proud of him today," Harry said with a smile.
"Me too," Hermione agreed. "We just have one more to go now."
"Saffy is never getting married," Harry said firmly. "I don't think my heart could take it."
She shook her head. "I don't think you're going to be able to stop it from happening." Hermione reached for his hand. "You saw how she was with Andrew today. Our baby girl is in love."
Harry frowned. "What happened to that little girl who used to knock down those block towers we built? What happened to the little girl who used to follow me around all the time?"
"She grew up," Hermione reminded him. "Just like Julie did."
"It wasn't easy watching her do it either," Harry said with a sigh. "If your dad were alive today, he'd be telling me that he told me this would happen."
"I think he's already telling you," Hermione leaned against him. "Mum misses him so much Harry."
"How bad was she today?" Harry asked. "You didn't really tell me..."
"She just got confused this morning after the ceremony," Hermione answered. "Once I got her medicine she was fine."
"That nurse of hers should have made sure she took it," Harry said quietly.
"We told her not to come today," Hermione replied. "Remember? We told her she'd be with us- I picked her up at half past seven this morning."
"I guess I forgot in all that was going on," Harry said. "I'm sorry, Hermione."
"You have no reason to apologise," Hermione replied.
"I know how much your mum means to you," Harry said. "How much she means to all of us..."
"She's just so lonely," Hermione closed her eyes. "I hope I never have to know what that's like."
"I don't plan on going anywhere for at least another 100 years," Harry said hoping to make his wife laugh.
She smiled. "Me either."
Harry put an arm around her. "Saffy's going back to school. It's going to be awfully quiet around here. Just you, me and Puddles..."
"That dog," Hermione laughed. "Still lives up to his name."
"He has gotten a little better," Harry said. "And Saffy wanted me to ask you if you could put a word in with the new headmaster about being able to have dogs at Hogwarts...."
"How come no one told me they picked a new headmaster?" Hermione was suddenly alert.
"Samuel sent a letter to you this morning from the school's Board of Governors," Harry said. "I set it in your office. I don't know who it is anymore than you do, Hermione."
"Let's go find out," Hermione grabbed his hand and hauled him out of the ballroom.
Harry laughed. "Well, we know it's not me."
"And not me," Hermione said. "Or Julie."
"And if there is any justice in this world, it's not Severus Snape," Harry said with a shudder.
Hermione wrinkled her nose. "He's too biased."
"He's too much of an arse," Harry said as they walked into Hermione's home office.
"That he is," Hermione picked up the envelope on her desk and broke the seal.
Harry sat down on the sofa and watched as his wife read over the letter.
"You'll never believe who they picked," Hermione said a moment later. "I wouldn't have seen this coming at all..."
Harry yawned; the long day was finally catching up to him. "Who? Neville?"
Hermione laughed and handed him the letter. "I know a lot of females are going to be very pleased."
Harry laughed and was about to make a crack about him turning down the job, but he was truly speechless when he read the name. "You sure they knew they were hiring for Headmaster? I could see if they were hiring a new Flying Instructor, but headmaster? "
"Oliver Wood," Hermione shook her head. "Retired Quidditch captain, new Headmaster of Hogwarts. I'll have to schedule a meeting with him tomorrow."
Harry was still taken aback by all this. "Is he qualified to do this?"
"Apparently so," Hermione looked over Oliver's list of credentials. "He's had a busy retirement."
Hermione handed the list to Harry and again he was amazed by what he saw on the paper. "I didn't know about all this. I mean, I haven't spoken to him in a few years, but..."
"He was the popular choice," Hermione put the letter in a pile on her desk.
"Blimey," Harry said shaking his head.
"Who'd have thought?" Hermione smiled. "I wonder what Saffy will say when she finds out?"
"I think it's cool," Saffron said from the doorway.
"I thought you were going to bed," Hermione looked up.
"I was, but I heard the two of you running around," Saffron said stepping into the room. "Oliver Wood, eh?"
"Your new headmaster," Harry replied with a grin.
"He's aged very well," Saffron said. "I saw a profile on him in one of RJ's Quidditch magazines. He's older than you, Dad, but he looks so much..."
"Don't you say younger," Harry interrupted.
"I--I wasn't going to say younger," Saffron said hastily.
"She knows better," Hermione joked.
"You know I love you, Daddy," Saffron said giving her father a hug.
"Did you have fun today sweetheart?" Harry asked.
Saffron nodded. "Except for what happened with Gran."
"That was very nice of Andrew to help like he did," Hermione said.
"It was, wasn't it?" Saffron asked with a smile. "That's one of the things I love most about him. I can always count on him."
"Love eh?" Harry said gruffly.
"Harry--" Hermione warned.
"I'm just joking," Harry said. "Kind of..."
"He's still with me after that embarrassing talk you gave to the two of us in Brighton," Saffron reminded her father. "That's got to count for something in your eyes, Daddy."
"He cares a lot about you," Harry replied. "And he treats you right. That's what I like."
Saffron grinned. "So I can keep him?"
"Long as he keeps it up," Harry teased.
Hermione tugged on Saffron's plait. "What are we going to do without you here?"
"Be really bored and clean up after Puddles?" Saffron asked impishly.
Hermione laughed. "That sounds about right."
"I'll miss you guys too," Saffron said. "This holiday went by way too fast."
"It did," Harry said. "But we'll come up for your matches, of course. And you'll write, mostly to your mum..."
"There are certain things I can tell her that I can't tell you, Daddy," Saffron said resting her head on her father's shoulder.
"Probably things I don't want to know about," Harry winked at his wife.
"Daddy!" Saffron exclaimed.
Harry laughed and squeezed his daughter's side.
Saffron giggled. "I'm going to go to bed now. Really."
"And dream of Andrew," Harry teased.
"Of course," Saffron said giving first her father and then her mother a hug. "I love you guys."
"Love you too baby," Hermione replied. "Have a nice breakfast with Andrew."
"Come on," Harry said to his wife when they were alone. "We should get to bed, too. I'm knackered."
"Are you really?" Hermione smiled at him.
"Yes," he said not catching on to her meaning. "You did have me up at the arse crack of dawn for the wedding."
"Your point being what exactly?" she raised an eyebrow.
Harry picked her up. "That you shouldn't expect that much out of me tonight..."
"That'll be a first," she smirked.
"You...you don't think Oliver Wood looks better than me do you?" Harry asked her as he carried her to the bedroom.
"If I did I'd have married him," Hermione teased.
"Good save," he said with a grin.
"I still can't believe Ethan's married now," Hermione said as they dressed for bed. "It just seems surreal to me. In my eyes he's still my little man."
"And you were giving me grief for thinking along the same lines about Saffy and Julie," Harry reminded her. "You're just as sappy as me, Hermione."
"So you were crying today," Hermione teased him. "I thought I saw tears..."
"I wasn't crying," Harry said. "That was you bawling like a banshee. And Ron...he was pretty much turning on the waterworks, but I can understand why."
"And in a few days, our girl goes back to school," Hermione said. "I always hate it when she leaves."
"I do too," Harry agreed. "You know, I can't imagine what life would have been like if we'd never had her."
They were silent for a moment and could hear their daughter talking on her mobile, laughing. "I'm just so glad she's happy." Hermione snuggled close to her husband.
"All three of them are happy, healthy and well-adjusted," Harry said, putting an arm around his wife. "That's something we can really be proud of."
"We make a damn good team," Hermione pushed him down on the duvet cover.
"We do," Harry said giving her a kiss.
"Still too tired?" Hermione asked her lips still against his.
"I'm wide awake at the moment," Harry replied. "Do with me what you will, Mrs. Potter."
****
While it was still late night in England, overseas in the Caribbean it was very early morning. Ethan and Maddie were snuggled together underneath one of the soft cotton sheets, arms wrapped around one another as they slumbered peacefully.
As sunlight peeked through the curtains, Maddie opened her eyes. For a few moments, she wasn't sure where she was.
She stretched and smiled over at Ethan, who was still sleeping. Tracing her finger along his face, Maddie realised she was still in awe of the fact that she was actually married to him now.
"What are you doing?" Ethan asked. His eyes were still closed and his voice was scratchy from sleep.
"Just looking," Maddie couldn't help but laugh.
"At me sleeping?" he asked finally opening his eyes. "Can't be very much fun."
"I beg to differ," Maddie gave him a chaste kiss. "Good morning."
"Good morning, wife," Ethan said holding her close.
"Husband," Maddie giggled as he nuzzled her neck.
"I think I like being married," Ethan said lazily.
"Me too," Maddie agreed. "Last night was wonderful."
"And well worth the wait," Ethan said smiling down at her.
She gave him another closed mouth kiss. "I love you so much."
"I love you too," Ethan said softly.
There was a knock on the door and Ethan groaned. "You stay here; I'll get rid of whoever it is…"
Maddie smiled as she was treated to a spectacular view of Ethan's bare arse as he stepped out of bed.
Blissfully unaware of the show he was putting on; he grabbed a robe and threw it on.
"Room service," a voice called from the other side of the door.
Ethan opened it and the bell hop wheeled in a big cart of food.
"We didn't order anything though," Ethan said bemusedly.
"Courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley," the man said with a grin.
"Breakfast?" Maddie asked from bed where she'd pulled the sheets up high.
Ethan walked over to the nightstand and grabbed his wallet. He tipped the bell hop who grinned at the newlyweds before departing the room.
"There's a card," Ethan said handing it to Maddie.
"My dad knows me too well," Maddie laughed as Ethan retrieved her robe.
She opened the letter and read aloud, "Dear Maddie and New Son-in-Law: We hope that you are enjoying your honeymoon. As a present to you, we've paid for any room service that you would like to have. No one knows better than the Weasleys the importance of a good meal. We miss you and love you both very much. Love, Mum and Dad."
"Hey that's really nice of them," Ethan said. "This smells absolutely fabulous."
Maddie pulled on her robe and walked over to the cart. "Orange juice, fresh coffee, fruit, eggs, waffles, bacon, French toast...I think I have died and gone to heaven."
"Ooh look at this," he grinned as he uncovered a basket heaped with chocolate chip muffins.
Maddie squealed. "I knew Daddy wouldn't forget. Those are my absolute favourite!"
Ethan laughed as she dove for the basket. "You're hungry again?" he teased.
"We haven't eaten anything since last night," Maddie said defensively.
He wrapped his arms around her from behind as she bit into her muffin. "And we did get a lot of exercise," he said mischievously.
"Yes we did," Maddie agreed breaking off a piece of the muffin and popping it into his mouth. "And you'll need your strength for today's repeat performance."
Ethan grinned. "Now THAT I can't wait for..."
Maddie grinned. "You know we probably won't leave the room very much at all, but I would love to go snorkelling. Lizzy said she and Josh did it and that we'd regret it forever if we didn't do it at least once. And I do have to buy souvenirs for everyone."
"And if we go back without a tan, Frankie's going to kill us," Ethan laughed.
Maddie laughed and poured them both a glass of juice. "We wouldn't want her to do that, would we?"
"Not now," Ethan replied, his arms still around her.
"I hope everyone's as happy as we are," Maddie said leaning against him.
"Not even possible," Ethan kissed her neck.
Maddie smiled. "Do you think you might put a warming charm on this food?"
"I can do that," Ethan said, reaching for his wand.
"I just can't seem to keep my hands off of my husband," Maddie said untying her robe.
"I like that," Ethan slid it over her shoulders and let it drop behind her. "I'd also like a nice, hot shower with my wife..."
"Oooh," Maddie said winking at him. "I like that idea."
She pushed his robe off and they kissed as he walked her back towards the bathroom.
"I was wrong before," Ethan said in between kisses. "I love this married thing."