Here's a much longer chapter to make up for the shorter one on Tuesday ;)
It's basically one long scene, but we think you all will really enjoy it. We're so happy you love Hannah's character and she's the main star of this chapter!
Thanks again for your continued support in this, and let us know what you think!
Hannah pulled the Puddlemere sweatshirt Frankie had given her over her head. Today they would all be going to the opening match, something the other three kids were looking forward to with lots of enthusiasm.
"Come ON Hannah!" Jenny poked her head in the door. "We're all ready to go!"
"Coming," Hannah said slipping into her trainers.
"Aren't you excited?" Jenny asked.
Hannah shrugged. "I don't know much about Quidditch."
Truth be told, she was worried that she wouldn't see Frankie. She figured that she'd be too busy running around to have time to be with her.
"I think you're going to like it," Jenny said, hopping up and down.
"Come on, girls," Luna said from the doorway. "We're ready to go."
Hannah pushed her hair back and followed Luna and Jenny downstairs.
"Mister Ron, will we really get to meet your son?" Zack asked.
Joey hit his friend on the arm. "I bet he's not really his son."
"Shut up," Zack replied. "He's got pictures of him all over the place!"
"Duh, he's a wizard," Joey said rolling his eyes. "He probably made them with magic and we've never seen him around here, have we?"
"Joey that's quite enough," Ron said. "Do you want to go today or not?"
"Yes," Joey said quietly. "Sorry..."
"We're ready," Luna announced, coming into the room with Hannah and Jenny.
"Great," Ron said smiling at the girls. "You two are going to see the best player in the world today..."
"Mister Ron's son!" Zack said excitedly.
Ron clapped the boy on the back. "Right you are!"
"My father is meeting us at the pitch," Luna said. "And Greta's going to keep an eye on Caitlin for us."
"Great," Ron said. "Let's get going!"
Hannah took Luna's hand and watched as Jenny hurried to catch up with the boys and Ron. This was going to be a long day, she thought glumly.
"Aren't you excited sweetheart?" Luna noticed the expression on Hannah's face.
Hannah nodded. "I've never been to a Quidditch game."
"I really think you'll like it," Luna assured her. "It's very exciting."
Hannah smiled slightly. "I bet your son will be glad his mummy is there."
"I imagine he might not even notice until the game is over," Luna grinned.
It didn't take very long for them to arrive at the Puddlemere pitch. The arena was completely packed and Hannah stared in awe at the sheer magnitude of the place.
"It's something else, isn't it?" Luna asked squeezing her hand.
Hannah nodded wordlessly while Zack, Joey and Jenny jumped around excitedly.
"Where's RJ?" Zack asked Ron.
"I'm sure he's getting ready," Ron said. "But you lot will get to meet him after the game, I promise."
"Dad!" Maddie called out. She let go of Ethan's hand and ran towards her parents.
"Hey you!" Ron hugged his daughter. "We were hoping you both would be back for this!"
"We wouldn't have missed this," Maddie said hugging him back. "We just arrived a few minutes ago. Hi, Mum!"
"Come and meet my daughter, Hannah," Luna said.
"Okay," Hannah said softly, staying behind Luna.
Luna gave her daughter a hug while Ethan shook hands with Ron.
"I want to hear all about the honeymoon," Luna said smiling at her. "You look all tanned and relaxed!"
"It was absolutely wonderful," Maddie replied. "I love being married!"
"It shows," Luna said. "I'd love for you to meet the kids. This here is, Hannah."
"Hello Hannah," Maddie smiled invitingly at her. "It's very nice to meet you!"
Hannah clung to Luna. "Hi," she said shyly.
"And these little rug rats are Joey, Zack and Jenny," Ron said continuing the introductions. "This is my daughter Maddie and her husband, Ethan."
"How're you doing boys?" Ethan shook their hands. "Mads don't we have some gifts for the kids?"
"What'd you get us?" Joey asked tactlessly.
"Joey," Ron said sternly.
"Please?" Joey added on.
"You have no manners," Jenny said hitting him on the arm.
"I have more than you," Joey retorted.
Maddie pulled two shell necklaces out of her bag. "These are for Jenny and Hannah," Maddie said handing them to the girls.
"Those are beautiful," Luna admired.
"Thank you!" Jenny said happily.
"Thank you," Hannah said shyly.
"I got one for Caroline, Emma, Katie and Ashley so you girls will all match," Maddie said smiling at Hannah. She knew that her nieces had bonded with Hannah.
"What about us?" Joey whined. "Please..." he added quickly when he felt Ron's eyes on him.
"Well," Ethan said. "I know you boys wouldn't want any necklaces..."
"No way," Zack said.
"So," Ethan said producing a cage which housed two baby iguanas. "Luna and Ron said it would be okay..."
"COOL!" Zack exclaimed.
"No way!" Joey's eyes were wide. "This is awesome!"
"I've never had a pet before," Zack said grinning at Ethan. "Thanks!"
"You're very welcome," Ethan mussed the boy's hair.
"Yeah thanks," Joey could hardly take his eyes off the cage.
"That was really sweet of you both," Luna said to Maddie.
"It's the least we could do," Maddie replied. "I'd like to go look for Frankie- I haven't seen her yet."
"Frankie?" Hannah asked peering out from behind Luna. "You...you know Frankie?"
"She's my best friend," Maddie smiled at the young girl. "And she's told me all about you, Hannah."
Hannah blushed. "Really?"
"Yes she did," Maddie said. "Told me about how the two of you have become really good friends. I also found out you're one of the princesses now!"
"Belle," Hannah said, her cheeks still pink.
"She's one of my favourites," Maddie said with an easy smile.
"Let's go inside, you lot," Ron said motioning them toward the front gate. "I want to go and check in with RJ and see how he's doing."
"Can we please go with you Mister Ron?" Joey begged.
"I'll go with you to keep an eye on them while you talk with RJ," Ethan volunteered.
"Okay then," Ron said smiling at his son-in-law. "Let's go then."
"I want to go too," Jenny pouted.
"It's a boy's locker room sweetheart," Luna told her. "You wouldn't be able to go in there."
"That's unfair!" Jenny grumbled.
"Frankie promised that they'd come meet you lot after the game," Luna reassured her.
"Can I least watch your iguanas?" Jenny asked eagerly.
"You can watch the boys' iguanas, yes." Luna chuckled.
"Gimme," Jenny said to Zack.
"Jenny," Luna said chastisingly. "Ask nicely."
"Please," Jenny said taking the cage from Zack. The boys eagerly ran after Ethan and Ron, excited at the prospect of meeting actual Quidditch players.
In the locker room, RJ had just changed into his uniform and although he'd never admit it to any of his team-mates, he was nervous.
He nearly fell forward as Scanlon thumped him on the back. "Ready Weasley?" he bellowed.
"Of course," RJ said with false bravado. He'd barely slept last night and he'd not been able to eat a thing. Alexa had sent an owl this morning telling him that she was going to listen on the Wireless with Saffron and she knew he was going to do great. He wished he had her faith.
"Don't be scared little RJ," Scanlon grinned at him. "You're going to slaughter them out there."
"I'm a Keeper," RJ pointed out. "I just have to block the Quaffle."
"Just make sure you don't let anything through," Scanlon warned. "Or we'll---"
Murphy scowled at him. "Leave him alone. I'll tell him the way you were the day of your first match, Scanlon."
"Sod off," Scanlon ambled away and Murphy gave RJ a reassuring grin.
"You'll do fine, mate." he said. "Just pretend it's another practise."
"Thanks, Murph," RJ said gratefully.
"Weasley!" one of the team managers called out to him. "You've got some guests outside."
"I'll see you on the pitch," Murphy slapped his shoulder and RJ headed just outside. "Dad!" he exclaimed.
"There's my boy!" Ron grinned.
"And he looks a little pale," Ethan whispered to Joey and Zack.
RJ scowled at his brother in law. "Good to see you too Ethan."
"Only kidding," Ethan said hastily.
Joey and Zack were speechless as they looked at RJ.
"Hey guys," RJ smiled at them. "Ready for the game?"
Zack nodded. "I heard you were the best keeper in the world!"
"I bet I could fly better than him," Joey said smugly.
"Oh yeah?" RJ asked jokingly. "How about a pick up game this weekend?"
"Um," Joey stammered kicking his feet.
"He talks big," Zack told RJ.
"I kind of figured," RJ felt a bit better. "So make sure you guys stick around after the game. We'll come out and talk with you for a bit."
"Awesome," Zack said.
"So how you holding up?" Ron asked his son.
"All right," RJ shrugged. "I guess I'm a bit nervous."
"That's perfectly normal," Ron said. "You've heard me talk about how I was my first match. You're going to be fine. It's just nerves."
RJ nodded. "Thanks for the pep talk."
"And your Nana has been cooking up a storm and no matter what, we'll celebrate," Ron said.
"Now that I can't wait for," RJ replied. "I haven't had a good meal in ages."
"Just treat it like another practise," Ron advised.
RJ nodded. "I will. I'd better get back in there."
"Good luck," Ron said smiling reassuringly at him.
"See you after the game mate," Ethan said. "You'll do great out there."
"Thanks, Ethan," RJ said. "Glad you and Maddie were able to come back for my match."
"We wouldn't have missed it," Ethan said. "Even though we were having a great time and all--"
"Don't finish that thought," Ron said holding up a hand. "I don't want to know about what you were doing."
"Me either," RJ waved at them before disappearing into the locker room.
Up in the stands, Maddie, Luna and the girls joined the rest of the Weasley family. Emma and Caroline were there too, which was great, but Hannah still hadn't seen Frankie.
"Aunt Maddie I love my necklace," Caroline said happily. "And I really missed you!"
"Em missed Mad too!" Emma said from her perch on Maddie's lap.
"I missed you both," Maddie hugged her nieces.
"At the Burrow, can we play with your hair?" Caroline asked.
Maddie laughed. "Do you even have to ask?"
Caroline giggled. "You have the best hair, Aunt Maddie!"
"Did they teach you how to play beauty shop yet?" Maddie asked Hannah.
Hannah nodded. "It was fun."
"Han is Em's bestest friend!" Emma said beaming at Hannah.
"Hannah's your best friend?" Maddie kissed the top of her niece's head. "I think that's lovely."
Emma leaned against her aunt. "Babies!"
Everyone turned to see Lizzy and Josh coming up the steps with the triplets.
"Hello Weasleys... and Potter." Josh grinned at his little sister. "How's the newlyweds?"
"Blissfully happy," Maddie said. "Oh, Josh! The triplets have grown so much in such a short time!"
"Tell me about it," Josh picked up Casey.
Casey waved her little hand at Maddie.
Noah picked that moment to start crying and Luna got to her feet so she could help Lizzy. "Let me see my sweet Noah!"
Hannah shrank back into her seat as Jenny went to see the babies with Caroline and Emma.
Frankie led the way through the crowds. She'd done all the pregame activities and all that was left to sit back and enjoy the game. Normally, she'd watch the match with the rest of the administrative staff, but she planned on sitting with the Weasleys. And she couldn't wait to see Hannah, but Will was moving at a snail's pace.
"Come on!" She called out over her shoulder.
"Frankie I'm coming," Will said. "It's hard to move through this crowd."
"Just push them out of your way," Frankie said as if this was obvious. "Come on!"
Will would normally be irritated with his wife's tone but he knew why she was so anxious to get to their seats.
Frankie grinned when she caught sight of a box with a bunch of redheads. "There they are! Will, let's go this way. It's a shortcut!"
"I'm right here baby," Will grabbed her hand. "Don't let me go!" he clutched his chest dramatically.
Frankie laughed. "Don't be such a girl!"
"A girl?" he whined, making her laugh harder. "A girl couldn't kiss you like this..."
Frankie gasped as he pulled her to him and kissed her soundly in the middle of the crowd.
"Like that?" Will grinned irresistibly at her when they pulled apart.
"That...that works for me," Frankie said dazedly.
"Thought it might," he said in satisfaction, brushing her hair back.
"We need to go," she said smiling at him. "You slowed me down."
"Long as you promise me we'll pick things up later," he nibbled at her ear. "Either on the sofa or in bed."
"Promise," Frankie said reluctantly breaking away from him.
Up in the stands, Joey. Ethan, Zack and Ron had rejoined the rest of the group. Hannah felt left out and she looked up at the clouds. It was a favourite game that she used to play with her mother. They'd tell each other what objects they saw in the clouds.
"It's a bear," she whispered. "He's eating sweets..."
"What?" Jenny asked.
Hannah blushed. "Nothing," she said, wrapping her arms around herself.
"Frankie!" Maddie exclaimed.
"Mads!" Frankie squealed. "You're back!"
Maddie stood up and gave her friend a hug. "I have so much to tell you!"
Hannah looked up to see Frankie and a wide smile broke across her face.
"Was it everything you hoped it would be?" Frankie hadn't noticed Hannah yet.
"And more," Maddie said with a wink. "You were so right."
"You'll have to give me all the details later," Frankie giggled and her eyes fell on the brown haired girl staring at her. "Hey you!" she said with a grin.
"Hi," Hannah whispered from her seat. She wasn't sure if Frankie would want to talk to her since she had all her friends and family around her.
Frankie held her arms out and after a moment's hesitation, Hannah ran forward into them.
"You're wearing the sweatshirt I gave you," Frankie said picking her up.
Hannah nodded. "I really like it," she said softly, her arms still around Frankie's neck.
"Hiya, Hannah," Will said warmly.
"Hi," Hannah whispered almost inaudibly. She made herself remember how Caroline had said he was so nice.
Frankie hugged Hannah again. "You want to sit with me and Will?"
Hannah nodded as Will turned to greet Caroline, who shrieked with laughter as he bowed and kissed her hand.
Frankie laughed. "Come on, Hannah. Let's go sit down."
"I missed you this week," Hannah looked at her anxiously.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart," Frankie apologised as they sat down. "I've been working really hard getting ready for this first match. I wanted to come and see you, but by the time I got off work, it was already past your bedtime."
Hannah nodded. "It's okay," she said softly.
"I missed you so much," Frankie said squeezing her hand.
"You did?" Hannah's whole face brightened. "You really did?"
"Of course," Frankie said nodding. "So, how was your week?"
"I played with my dolls a lot," Hannah said.
"Did you tell her yet?" Will asked as he sat down beside Frankie.
Frankie shook her head. "I was about to."
"Tell me?" Hannah looked at Frankie.
"Well, do you remember how I talked about you coming over to my house and helping me set up my garden?" Frankie asked her.
Hannah nodded.
"Ron and Luna said that tomorrow morning, you can spend the day with me," Frankie said. "And we can go shopping and in the afternoon, we'll set up the garden. What do you say?"
"We can work in the garden?" Hannah asked excitedly. "I can plant lots of flowers?"
"As many as you want," Frankie replied.
"I can't wait," Hannah said happily.
"And you can stay through dinner," Frankie said. "I can make you anything you want."
"I really like macaroni and cheese," Hannah said. "Or fish and chips."
"A girl after my own heart," Will said smiling at Hannah. "Those are my favourites too."
Hannah moved a bit closer to Frankie but looked up at him. "They taste really good," she said softly.
"They do," Will said happy that Hannah seemed to be warming to him, if just a little. "And Frankie makes the best."
"You're a good cook too," Frankie said to her husband. "You should try his spaghetti, Hannah. And he makes a really good rosemary chicken."
Hannah nodded and buried her face in Frankie's shoulder.
The game would be starting soon and Frankie looked up at the sky. "That one looks like a bear..."
Hannah stared at her in surprise. "You know that game?"
Frankie nodded. "I do. I used to sit in the backyard when I was a little girl with my sister Allie and we'd make up these stories about the things we'd see in the clouds."
"I used to play that with my mummy," Hannah whispered.
"It's a fun game," Frankie said looking up at the sky again. "What do you think about that one....there...?"
"That looks like..." Hannah squinted. "A big hand reaching out!"
Frankie nodded and tilted her head. "It does!"
"What do you think it's reaching for?" Hannah asked her.
Frankie looked thoughtfully at the clouds and then smiled. "You see that one right beside it? That looks like an ice lolly! I bet it wants to get a treat."
Hannah giggled. "I think you're right."
The owner of the team stood in the middle of the pitch and welcomed the crowd to the first match of the season. Frankie picked up Hannah so she could see better and the two of them watched with the others as the Puddlemere team took to the sky.
"They fly so fast," Hannah was impressed.
"Just you wait until they start the match," Frankie said. She pointed out RJ. "His job is to make sure nothing gets through those hoops."
"Here," Ron handed them an old pair of Omnioculars. "Why don't you try using those Hannah?"
"And you can sit on my shoulders if you like," Will offered. "You'd be able to see really well."
Hannah shook her head. "I'm okay."
"Sure," Will smiled at her.
"I'll sit on your shoulders," Caroline said to Will.
Will grinned. "Come here, Angel."
Caroline blushed as Will picked her up. "I can see everything from here!"
Allison nudged Jon. "She's in seventh heaven right now."
Jon laughed as Emma grabbed onto his arm. "I think Em wants to be up high too."
"Peas?" she asked holding up her arms. "Em want to see RJ!"
"Of course baby," Jon swung her up. "How's that?"
Emma grinned and tapped the top of her father's head. "Em can see!"
"I can't believe that's my little brother out there," Maddie said to her husband.
"The same little boy who used to follow you around saying that he was a fairy, you mean?" Ethan joked.
Maddie laughed. "Exactly..." her eyes caught sight of a vendor. "Ethan will you go get me some crisps?"
"You want anything else?" he asked reaching into his trousers pocket for his wallet. "I don't want to be getting up every five minutes to get you another snack..."
"Whatever you think I might need," she said sweetly.
Frankie laughed. "Train him well Mads."
"Anyone else want anything while I'm up?" Ethan asked after shooting a look at Frankie. "Anyone other than Frankie."
"Gee thanks a lot wanker," Frankie said, forgetting that Hannah was right there next to her.
"Mister Ron," Joey said trying to get Ron's attention. "Mister Ron!"
"Yes Joey?" Ron asked.
"That lady said a bad word," Joey said sweetly. "And you made me go to bed without dessert when I called Zack that."
Ron grinned. "So you're saying I should make Frankie go without dessert?"
"It's only fair," Joey said.
"He can't punish a grown up, dummy," Jenny said, barely taking her eyes off the field.
Joey was about to make a smart remark in response, but he watched as Todd Scanlon flew right past their section in pursuit of the Montrose Seeker.
"WHOA!" Zack shouted happily. "Did you see how close he was?"
"That was wicked!" Joey exclaimed in awe.
Luna gasped when she saw her son block a Quaffle.
"WAY TO GO, RJ!" Ron screamed. "THAT'S MY SON!"
Hannah jumped at the sound of Ron's voice and shrank down in her chair.
"Hannah?" Frankie asked concern etched on her face. "What is it?"
"Loud," Hannah wrapped her arms around herself.
There was the sound of a horn from somewhere near by and Hannah jumped again in her seat.
"Come on," Frankie said softly. "How about I show you my office?"
"Okay," Hannah said quietly.
Frankie told Will that they'd be back in a few minutes and she took Hannah's hand and led her out of the stands and toward the part of the building that housed the administrative offices. Hannah's lower lip was trembling and she looked scared to death.
"Hey sweetheart," she stopped and kneeled down. "Are you going to be all right?"
Hannah wiped her eyes. "Loud and scary up there."
"I'm sorry," Frankie said. "I didn't realise it would be this crazy today."
"It's better down here," Hannah said in a small voice.
"We can go to my office," Frankie said. "We can sort of watch the game from there and it won't be loud."
Hannah nodded. "I'm sorry, Frankie."
"Don't apologise," Frankie hugged the little girl.
Hannah smiled, feeling a little better. She was glad that Frankie was here and that none of the other kids had seen her freak out before.
"Come on in here," Frankie held the door open for her. "I'll turn on the Wireless and we have a great view of the pitch from here."
"This is where you work?" Hannah asked walking inside.
"That's right," Frankie smiled at her.
Frankie pointed to her office and Hannah walked inside. The walls were a pale purple and Hannah grinned.
"You want to sit behind my desk?" Frankie asked.
Hannah nodded eagerly and ran behind the desk.
"This is where you sit every day?" Hannah asked as Frankie turned on the Wireless.
"Sure is," Frankie said walking over to stand beside Hannah. "And those are my pictures. That's Will, of course. And you see Caroline and Emma and Mia. And that's my mum and dad."
"They look really nice," Hannah said tentatively.
"They are," Frankie said fondly. "My dad says I gave him every single grey hair on his head."
Hannah giggled at that.
"There's only one thing missing," Frankie said thoughtfully. "I don't have a picture of you."
"Why do you want that?" Hannah reverted back to her shyness. She still found it hard to believe that all these people seemed to care about her so much.
Frankie put a hand on Hannah's shoulder. "Because I have pictures of the people I care about most in this world on my desk. And you happen to be one of those people, Miss Hannah."
"I am?" she asked, tears in her big brown eyes.
"Yes you are," Frankie said softly.
Hannah swallowed back her tears and nodded. "Maybe we can take a picture tomorrow?"
"I'd like that," Frankie said brushing a strand of hair behind Hannah's ear. "And a picture of our new garden, too!"
The little girl gave her a trembly smile. "Okay."
Hannah looked at some of Frankie's papers and grinned when she was a glossy magazine underneath a file.
"What are you looking at?" Frankie asked.
"Magazine," Hannah said holding it up.
"You like magazines?" Frankie perched on the edge of her desk.
Hannah nodded. "My mummy and I used to look at them."
"What's your favourite thing to look at?" Frankie smoothed back her hair.
"I don't really remember," Hannah said thoughtfully. "I just remember cuddling up next to Mummy on the sofa and we'd look at the pictures and she'd read to me."
"I mostly read fashion magazines," Frankie said.
"Like this one?" Hannah asked flipping through the pages.
"That's one of them," Frankie smiled.
"Can you read some of it to me?" Hannah asked softly.
"Sure," Frankie took it. "I don't know how interesting it could be..."
"It doesn't matter," Hannah said smiling at Frankie.
"Let's go sit on the sofa there," Frankie indicated it. "That way we can watch the game too."
Hannah beamed at her. "Okay..."
"You have such a pretty smile Hannah," Frankie commented.
"Really?" Hannah asked. Her mother used to say the same thing to her.
"Just gorgeous," Frankie replied.
Hannah settled down on the sofa beside Frankie. They both took a look out the big window to see the match still going on. Hannah picked up the magazine and turned the page to an article with a tall woman wearing an elegant set of dress robes. "That one."
"You like those?" Frankie asked. "I have a set that's kind of like them."
Hannah nodded. "What's that say?"
Frankie looked thoughtfully at the page. "It says that dressing well doesn't mean breaking the bank."
Hannah was confused. "I don't know what that means..."
"It means that you don't have to spend a lot of money to wear pretty things," Frankie explained. "You see that first set of robes? You can buy those at Gladrags for nearly ten thousand galleons. Well, not everyone has that kind of money, do they? That set there can be found at Madam Malkin's for under 100 galleons. And they look just the same, don't they?"
Hannah nodded.
"I'm really good at finding bargains," Frankie said proudly.
"I like what you wear," Hannah said shyly.
Frankie smiled. "Thank you, Hannah."
"When I grow up I want to dress just like you do," Hannah continued.
"You already have a really good eye," Frankie said. "You put your outfits together really well."
"I do?" Hannah asked. "Really?"
"You do," Frankie said nudging her.
Hannah blushed happily.
They spent the next half hour reading over some of the articles. Hannah collapsed into giggles when Frankie read her the love advice column. They were having so much fun, they didn't even notice that the match had finished until they heard a tapping on the door.
"You said you were going to be right back," Will teased.
"Will," Frankie got up. "Sorry- we got caught up in reading about Miss Hannah's love life."
Will chuckled. "Really?"
"Who won?" Frankie asked as Hannah came up beside her and took her hand.
"Puddlemere," Will replied. "RJ played really well. Final score was 190-0."
"That's fantastic!" Frankie exclaimed. "I'm so proud!"
"Everyone's heading on to the Burrow," Will said. "Will you two lovely ladies care to join me?"
"What's the Burrow?" Hannah asked hesitantly.
"That," Frankie said. "Is Ron's parents' home. It's really nice and homey and they have a big backyard."
"Is Caroline going to be there?" Hannah asked.
Frankie nodded. "Yes, and you'll even get to meet Luna's other daughters, Drew and Darla."
"Okay," Hannah said tentatively.
"And you'll eat really well too," Will told her. "Ron's mum is the best cook."
Hannah looked up at him. He was so nice but she was still unsure about trusting him.
"We can take the magazine too," Frankie said throwing it in her bag. "We want to find out what Witch Matilda tells Lonely in Leeds about her cheating ex-boyfriend, right?"
Hannah's smile returned. "Uh huh."
"Lonely in Leeds?" Will asked bemusedly.
"You don't want to know," Frankie gave her husband a kiss.
"Let's go," Will said smiling at her. "I'm starving."
"Are you ready sweetheart?" Frankie asked Hannah.
"I just need to get my cloak, Mummy," Hannah said without thinking.
Frankie froze for a moment. "Um... I think its right over there..."
Hannah looked over her shoulder. "Can I go to the bathroom, first?"
When Frankie didn't answer, Will nodded. "It's right through that door, Hannah. We'll wait for you right here."
Once the little girl had gone, Will looked at his wife. "Frankie I don't think she did that intentionally..."
"She...she called me Mummy," Frankie said softly.
"Yeah," Will nodded. "That kid loves you Frankie."
Frankie nodded. She wasn't freaked out by what Hannah had said, but she was freaked out by how not freaked out she was about it.
"Hey," Will said softly. "Are you okay?"
Frankie shook her head. "I don't know, Will. I just..."
"You mean a lot to that little girl," Will said, taking her hand.
"She means a lot to me," Frankie said softly. "I just want to make her happy and keep her safe."
"Are you going to push her away because she called you Mummy?" Will asked her directly.
Frankie stared at him in disbelief. "No! Of course not! How could you ask such a thing?"
"I know you Frankie," Will said. "And you know how much I love you, but you've told me yourself that you're not one for kids."
"I wasn't," Frankie admitted. "But she's not just any kid, Will. She's this amazing little girl."
"Yes she is," Will nodded. "I know I've told you before, but I'm really proud for what you've done for her Frankie."
"Really?" Frankie asked.
"Absolutely," Will touched her cheek.
Hannah picked that moment to come back into the room. "I'm ready to go, Frankie."
"Okay sweetheart," Frankie smiled at her.
Hannah took Frankie's hand. She was getting hungry and she was excited to see Caroline and Emma again.
"Hey Hannah," Will said. "I'll tell you a secret..."
"A secret?" Hannah asked.
Will nodded and leaned over. "Molly Weasley makes the best chocolate chip biscuits in the world. And when she heard you were coming over she made a special batch just for you."
"For me?" Hannah asked. "But she doesn't even know me."
"She doesn't have to," Will replied. "Molly's a wonderful lady who treats everyone like family."
"So let's go try out those biscuits," Frankie said picking up Hannah.
Hannah nodded and chanced a small smile at Will.
"I wonder though if they're half as good as those biscuits you and Luna made," Will said grinning back at her. "Frankie saved me a couple, you know."
"She did?" Hannah asked.
"He was cross that I didn't have more than two for him," Frankie said with a laugh.
"You liked them that much?" Hannah asked Frankie. "Really, really?"
"Really," Frankie replied. "They were delicious, Hannah."
"Maybe tomorrow we can make some more?" Hannah said shyly. "And we can give some to Will."
"I think that's a lovely idea," Frankie said grinning at her. She knew that this was a big step for Hannah.
"I already can't wait," Will rubbed his stomach.
They arrived at the Burrow a few minutes later finding the party was already in full swing. Luna smiled crossed the room to welcome them.
"I have good news for you, Hannah," Luna said smiling at her. "Your case worker owled me and let me know that a family is really interested in you."
Frankie's smile dropped from her face at Luna's statement. "You mean they want to adopt her?"
"Fingers crossed," Luna said. "They sound like a really lovely family. They have a nice home in Cromarty and the wife is a school teacher."
Hannah looked less than thrilled at this news and Frankie was sure their expressions were matching.
"They're going to come over to the house tomorrow afternoon," Luna said. "And they're---"
"But she's going to be with us tomorrow afternoon," Frankie interjected.
"Frankie I'm sorry," Luna said contritely. "It's the only time they're able to make it."
"But you know we had this planned," Frankie protested. "Luna---"
"Hannah," Will said. "How about you and I go and meet Molly?"
"I don't want to leave Frankie," Hannah said stubbornly.
"Frankie, I'm really sorry," Luna said. "But it was really the only time that the Stewarts could see Hannah."
"Well, she has plans tomorrow," Frankie said. "With me and Will. The Stewarts will just have to wait."
"Frankie," Will said quietly. "If she's got a chance to live in a stable, loving home you have to let her have that option. We have nothing to say about it."
Frankie knew deep down that Will was right, but she had the strangest feeling that Hannah didn't belong on some farm in Cromarty or where ever it was those people were from.
"They really are a nice family," Luna said to Hannah. "They've heard all about you and they can't wait to meet you."
Hannah didn't smile or look thrilled at all. Instead, she clung tighter to Frankie and buried her face in her shoulder.
Frankie looked defiantly at Luna. "What if...what if they're not the only ones who want to adopt Hannah?"
Luna blinked. "What are you saying Frankie?"
"Just what I meant," Frankie said. "What if they're not the only ones?"
"Frankie," Will took her arm. "I think we need to talk. Now."
Luna took a reluctant Hannah from Frankie's arms.
"I'll be right back, sweetheart," Frankie promised.
Will led her upstairs to one of the vacant bedrooms. "Just what are you getting at down there?" he asked.
"I can't believe Luna would do something like this," Frankie said shaking her head. "Setting up some meeting with strangers. She knows how Hannah is with people she doesn't know well. And we had plans!"
"Hannah's life doesn't revolve around your plans for the day," Will pointed out. "And I'm sure Luna didn't do it purposely."
Frankie acted as if she hadn't heard him. "And just because someone's a school teacher doesn't mean they'd make a great mother. Hannah doesn't belong with those people..."
"You don't know them, Frankie," Will said.
"That's not the point here Will!" Frankie crossed her arms.
"You mind telling me what the point is?" he asked her.
She shook her head. "She doesn't belong with those people. She belongs with..." her voice trailed off.
"With?" Will asked.
"Us...." Frankie said softly.
"You want us to adopt Hannah?" he asked her.
"I don't know," Frankie sat down. "Will I'm so confused. My life has changed because of meeting that little girl down there."
Will sat down beside her. "I know, Frankie. But you have to be positive about something like this. That little girl has been through too much to have you change your mind in the middle of this. You said yourself that you weren't ready to be a mother..."
"But that was before I met her," Frankie said. "When I'm not with her I wish I was. Hannah's constantly on my mind and I'm always trying to think of ways to make her happy. I've known her for two weeks and already I can't imagine being without her."
Will took her hand. "I know you love her, Frankie. But, are you sure this is what you truly want?"
Frankie pressed her lips together. The question of whether or not her feelings for Hannah were truly maternal had often crossed her mind, but she'd never answered it. "Is it what you want?" she asked softly. "I never even stopped to ask if you were interested in adoption."
"I've never made it a secret that I want children someday," Will said honestly. "But Hannah's been through so much, Frankie. And she's still quite nervous around me. "
"Maybe tomorrow will help," Frankie encouraged. "The three of us can spend the whole day together."
"She's meeting that other family tomorrow," Will reminded her.
"Not if I have anything to say about it," Frankie replied.
"Okay then," Will said smiling at her. "We'll see if Luna can get the Stewarts to reschedule."
"You want this too?" Frankie asked. "Really?"
Will nodded. "I do."
Frankie hugged her husband tightly. "I think I can finally see why you've wanted kids for so long," she admitted.
Will hugged her back. "You ready to go back downstairs then? Try to work your charm on Luna?"
Frankie nodded. "I'm kind of scared," she confessed. "But we can make this work together right?"
"Of course we can," Will said giving her a quick kiss. "For Hannah."
Frankie held onto him for a moment. "You're so good to me," she said.
Will smiled at her. He still was finding it hard to believe that his wife wanted to adopt Hannah. Just a couple of months ago, she'd been completely against the idea of being a parent and now she was ready to raise a four-year old. But, Will had seen his wife with Hannah and he could tell that they'd made a connection. He just hoped that he too would be able to make a connection with the little girl, who didn't seem quite ready to trust him.
"I'll go talk to Luna," Frankie took his hand. "And if I have to, I'll go see Hannah's case worker."
"It's not going to be easy, Frankie," Will reminded her gently.
"I know," Frankie nodded.
Will led her back downstairs and Hannah looked uncertainly over at them from her perch of one of the sofas. Emma was talking animatedly to her about something, but she couldn't concentrate. She kept thinking about being separated from Frankie and it made her sad.
"Han?" Emma asked.
Hannah turned to look at the younger girl. "Yes, Emma?"
"Han want to play beauty shop?" Emma asked her.
Hannah shook her head. "Maybe later."
"Why not?" Emma cocked her head to the side.
"Just don't feel like it right now, Em," Hannah replied watching as Will and Frankie walked over to Luna. They were talking in hushed tones and Hannah wondered what they were talking about.
"Still Em's best friend?" Emma asked.
Hannah nodded. "Always."
Emma hugged her. "I love you Han."
The only person who had ever told her those words had been her mother. She smiled as she hugged Emma back. "Thanks, Em. I love you too."
"Em hungry," the little redhead announced. "I come back, kay?"
Hannah nodded ad watched as Emma scurried off toward the kitchen only to be swooped up by her Great Uncle George. Never before had Hannah seen something like this. Aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, cousins and friends all gathered around eating, talking and having a good time.
"Hey," Caroline ambled over and sat down. "Are you okay? You went away during the game and didn't come back."
Hannah nodded. "I just got a little scared since it was so loud."
"I got a little scared when I went to my first game too," Caroline giggled. "Grandpa likes to scream a lot when he's there."
Hannah smiled. "That's what Frankie said, too."
"My aunt Frankie really likes you," Caroline said candidly.
"She does?" Hannah asked hopefully.
Caroline nodded. "I heard my mummy and daddy talking one time and they said Aunt Frankie never wanted kids. But I just heard her tell Grandma that she loves being around you."
"Really?" Hannah asked. She didn't know that Frankie had never wanted children.
Caroline nodded again. "I don't think I was s'posed to hear but I did."
"I-I won't tell," Hannah promised. She looked up to see Frankie and Will heading over toward them.
"Uncle Will!" Caroline squealed.
"Hey there Princesses," Will grinned at them. "Are you having fun, Hannah?"
Hannah nodded and stood up. "I wish we could still have our day tomorrow."
"We're going to try," Will kneeled down in front of them. "Frankie's going to talk to your case worker." They had decided not to say anything to Hannah about possibly adopting her- they didn't want to raise the little girl's hopes if he and Frankie weren't approved.
"And we'll hopefully get the Stewarts to reschedule," Frankie said smiling at Hannah. "I really am looking forward to taking you out shopping, Hannah. And to you helping me in the kitchen..."
Hannah gave her a tentative smile.
Frankie couldn't help herself as she knelt down and enveloped Hannah in a big hug. "You don't have to worry about a thing, Hannah. I promise."
She hugged Frankie back. "I really want to stay with you tomorrow."
"We'll do everything we can to make that happen," Frankie said softly.
"How about we introduce Hannah to Neville and Cho?" Will suggested. "They just walked in..."
"Would you like to meet my parents?" Frankie asked the little girl.
Hannah nodded. "Okay."
"It'll be all right," Frankie assured her. "I've told them all about you."
Hannah hoped that they would like her. She was still a little nervous and shy around new people. Frankie took her hand and led her over to where her parents were standing.
"Sweetheart!" Cho exclaimed giving her daughter a hug. "We missed you at the match!"
"Sorry Mum," Frankie said. "I was in my office for most of the game with Hannah."
Cho nodded in understanding as she took in the sight of the brown-haired girl at her daughter's side. "You must be Hannah. I feel like I already know you since Frankie's talked about you so much."
"Hi," Hannah said shyly.
"My name is Cho," Cho said smiling warmly at her. "And this is Neville. We're so happy to meet you."
Hannah stayed close to Frankie's side and nodded.
"Nice to meet you, Hannah," Neville said smiling at her. He knew from Will that Hannah was a little skittish around men so he didn't want to do anything to make her uncomfortable.
"Hello," Hannah said her voice nearly inaudible. She reminded herself that these were Frankie's parents and seemed to be very kind.
"My granddaughters can't stop talking about you, either," Cho said with a grin. "It's Hannah this and Hannah that...especially from Emma."
"I'm Emma's best friend," Hannah said. "She told me so."
Cho laughed. "She's told us that, too. She thinks you're the best thing since chocolate chip biscuits."
"Which I think I smell as we speak," Neville grinned. "Molly's infamous for her chocolate chip biscuits."
"So's this one," Frankie said touching Hannah's shoulder.
"I helped Luna make some," Hannah said, still feeling shy but not as scared. "Frankie said they were good."
"Maybe someday we can try them too," Cho said.
"Come on," Frankie told her. "Remember how Will said Molly made you some special biscuits?"
Hannah nodded. "Okay...."
"I'll go with you," Frankie promised.
Hannah was relieved at this and she followed Frankie into the kitchen which was full of people. Emma was sitting at the table, her face smeared with chocolate. A taller boy was talking to Joey and Zack and Hannah recognised him from the photographs she'd seen at Ron and Luna's. That was RJ.
"Hey you," Frankie grinned at her team's new star Keeper. "I heard you played fantastic today!"
RJ grinned proudly. "I did, didn't I?"
Molly put a hand over her heart. "I'm glad I didn't get to see it. It scares me to death watching you boys up there..."
"I had to watch from my office," Frankie replied. "But next game I'll be there front and centre."
"You'd better," RJ said grinning at her. "You too, Nana."
"Oh gracious no," Molly shook her head. "You'll be the death of me RJ, flying around at such breakneck speed."
RJ put an arm around his grandmother. "You're coming to the next match, Nana. You can wear a blindfold while you're there, but you'll be there."
"You're so much like your father," Molly said fondly.
"I'm a better keeper than he was," RJ said.
Frankie laughed and hit his arm. "Don't let him hear you say that!"
"I tell him that all the time," RJ said chuckling.
Molly smiled at Hannah. "Miss Hannah, how are you today?"
"Fine," Hannah couldn't help but like this woman- she seemed so warm and friendly.
"These are my extra special biscuits," Molly said smiling at her as she unveiled a huge platter of biscuits. "Would you like to try one?"
"Okay," Hannah smiled at her as she took one.
Frankie took one as well and laughed at the look on Hannah's face. "You like?" she asked teasingly.
"They're yummy," Hannah replied.
Molly beamed at her. "Thank you, Miss Hannah."
"Nana!" Emma called. "More, peas."
Molly laughed and handed two more biscuits to her great-granddaughter. "Since you asked so nicely..."
Fred came into the kitchen carrying a letter and he waved it in front of RJ's face. "Ronnie Junior....guess what I have here?"
RJ grabbed for it. "Uncle Fred!" he complained.
"Tetchy, Tetchy!" Fred teased holding it out of RJ's reach.
"For Merlin's sake, Fred!" Molly exclaimed in exasperation. "Give that letter to RJ!"
"It's from Lexie," RJ finally snatched it away. He glared at his uncle.
"Probably wants to congratulate her man," Frankie said smiling at RJ.
"I'd rather do that in person," RJ muttered before leaving the kitchen to read the letter in private.
"Who's Lexie?" Hannah whispered to Frankie.
"His girlfriend," Frankie told her.
Hannah nodded and helped herself to another biscuit.
"Aren't those fantastic?" Frankie asked her. "Molly doesn't make these for just anyone."
"They're really yummy," Hannah said.
"And how about some milk to wash them down with?" Molly offered.
"Okay," Hannah said. "Thank you."
Fred walked over to grab one of the biscuits, but Molly swatted his hand away. "Those aren't for you, Fred!"
"But Mum--" Fred began to complain.
"Shut it you," Molly said as she poured Hannah, Frankie and Emma glasses of milk.
"Fred want one?" Emma asked holding out one of her biscuits.
"Thanks Em," Fred replied. "Nice to know that someone cares."
Emma grinned and took it back before Fred could get it. "Em's!"
"Hey!" Fred whined, making Frankie, Emma and even Hannah burst into giggles.
"That was priceless," Frankie giggled as Fred stalked out of the room.
"Em's funny," Emma was obviously pleased with herself.
"Yes you are," Molly said fondly.
Frankie saw her mother walk past the kitchen and she was dying to share her news with someone. She asked Hannah if she'd be okay with Emma for a few minutes.
"I'll be right back, I promise," Frankie said.
"Okay," Hannah said, watching Frankie as she left the room.
Frankie caught up to her mother and took her outside to the backyard.
"What's going on, sweetheart?" Cho asked.
"Will and I want to adopt Hannah," Frankie replied, a huge grin breaking out across her face.
Cho stared at her daughter. "You and Will are what?"
"Nothing's final yet," Frankie said quickly. "And we haven't said anything to her about it yet, but there's another family coming to see her and it just made me realise that she belongs with us..."
"Frankie---" Cho started to say.
"And it's not like I'm just going to change my mind either," Frankie barged on. "I love her Mum. I want to make her the happiest little girl alive."
"You've only known her a short time," Cho said playing devil's advocate. When Frankie glared at her, she put a hand on her daughter's arm. "I'm not doubting your intentions, Frankie..."
"Then what are you getting at?" Frankie was hurt that her mother didn't seem to want to share in her joy.
"I'm just wondering if you've thought this out," Cho said gently. "That little girl has been through quite a lot from what you and Luna have told me."
"I've gotten to know her quite well over the past few weeks," Frankie said defensively.
"And how does Will feel about all this?" Cho asked.
"He's going along with it," Frankie replied. "He wants to get to know her better and that's what we'll do in the time it takes for us to get approved as adoptive parents."
"She does seem like a wonderful little girl," Cho said thoughtfully.
"She is," Frankie replied. "She's beautiful, sweet and sensitive."
Cho smiled. "I'm so proud of you, sweetheart. I really am. I just wanted to make sure that you really wanted this."
"You're proud of me?" Frankie asked softly.
"I am," Cho said nodding. "I always have been."
"Thanks," Frankie hugged her mother. "I'm really scared about all this but thankfully I have Will."
"You'll be a great mother," Cho said.
"I hope so," Frankie said. "I just want to make her so happy."
Cho opened her mouth to respond, but was cut off when the back door opened and Caroline, Emma and Hannah came outside.
"We're going to swing, Grandma," Caroline said. "Will you push us?"
"Sure sweetheart," Cho smiled at them.
Hannah followed the girls over to the giant swing set.
"Gamma push Em!" Emma said struggling to get in her swing.
"All right baby girl," Cho set her inside.
"Want me to push you?" Frankie asked Hannah.
"Please," Hannah replied sitting down in the swing. "Not too high though, okay?"
"Sure," Frankie smiled reassuringly at her.
While Cho pushed Emma in the swing, she watched her daughter interact with Hannah. She marvelled at how gentle and sweet and responsible Frankie seemed around Hannah.
"You just let me know if I start pushing too high okay?" Frankie told Hannah.
"Okay," Hannah said giggling at the feel of the wind through her hair.
Frankie smiled as she pushed the little girl.
"Fun!" Emma squealed as Cho pushed her higher.
"Try to reach the clouds, Em," Caroline said giggling.
"Em touch sky!" Emma said happily. "Han watch!"
Hannah giggled as she watched Emma hold out her little hand and make a grab.
"Almost," Cho said softly.
"I get it Grandma," Emma said.
"Try it now, Em," Cho said giving her a good push.
"I got sky!" Emma screamed happily.
"What did it feel like, Em?" Frankie asked her niece.
Emma thought for a minute. "Nice?"
Caroline giggled. "I bet if felt like a nice fluffy pillow."
Emma beamed and nodded.
"I know what," Caroline said as she kicked off on the ground. "Let's all make a wish, but we can't tell anyone what it is. Because if you tell someone what your wish is, it won't come true."
"Don't you only get to do that on your birthday?" Frankie teased.
"You can do it whenever," Caroline said hastily. "And I think today's a good day."
"Well then I think three wishes are in order," Cho replied.
Caroline smiled. "I'll go first. You make the wish when you go up, okay?"
"Kay Sissy," Emma said, pumping her chubby legs.
As Caroline went up, she closed her eyes and made a wish that when her mummy had Adam, she wouldn't go to sleep.
"Who's next?" Frankie asked.
"Me!" Emma said. "Em go next!"
"Okay then," Cho said giving Emma a good push.
Emma looked up and wished that her grandmother would bake more of her special biscuits very soon.
Frankie smiled. "Okay...Hannah, your turn."
Hannah nodded and when Frankie gave her a push, she wished with everything she had that she didn't have to go live with these other people and that she could stay with Frankie forever and ever.