Well along with this chapter, we have a Sims update! Please check out http://dirtydancing.portkey.org and see what new ones we have out there. We've added Hannah, Gabriel, Beth, Mimi, Brian, Hans, Serena and Samantha. Also make sure you check out the Potter's page for a new pic of Maddie as well as Alexa on the Misc page.
This chapter deals mostly with F/W/H but there's also some M/E and some flashback stuff. Also, please check out the end of this chapter for a new feature we're going to do! Please review!
Frankie gaped at him.
"Why not?" Will asked the other man. "If you're worried that we won't give her a good home..."
"I don't give a shit about that," David leaned forward, an evil glint in his eyes. "That little brat caused me more trouble than Abbie. What I want to know is what's in it for me?"
"Mr. and Mrs. Barron are in no position to offer you any sort of deal," Mrs. Roman said crisply. "Mr. Wright, you are going to be spending the rest of your life in prison. Do this one thing for your daughter and let her go."
David only sneered and shook his head. "What's in it for me?" he repeated.
"What do you want?" Will asked angrily. "Hmm? Enlighten us."
David laughed derisively. "Smokes, for one. And how about a one way ticket out of this shithole?"
"For what you did to your wife and daughter, you deserve to rot in here," Will retorted. "My wife and I aren't going to give you anything."
"Then I'm not giving you anything," David leaned back.
"Mr. Wright, as I said, you are in no position to negotiate here," Mrs. Roman said putting an arm on Will's shoulder before he could launch himself across the table at the prisoner.
"I don't feel I'm in a position where I have to sign anything," he drawled.
Frankie shook her head. "You really are a miserable human being."
"Who holds all the cards here," his smile made her skin crawl.
"I can see we're not going to get anywhere," Mrs. Roman said nodding at the guard.
"Will," Frankie looked at her husband in a panic as David was led out of the room.
"I'm sorry," Mrs. Roman apologised. "But I had a feeling that this would happen. He's not very easy..."
"He's a bastard," Will said simply.
Mrs. Roman nodded. "I agree with you," she put the papers back into her briefcase. "I'll see what I can do about going around getting his signature." she said.
"But what are we going to tell Hannah?" Frankie asked softly. Her chest was so heavy with disappointment she thought she was going to burst into tears at any moment.
"We'll tell her that it's just going to take a bit longer than expected," Will said pulling his wife into his arms. "We're going to adopt her, Frankie."
"We have to," Frankie bit her lower lip. "We just have to have her."
"We will," Will told her.
"I'll go start on this right away," Mrs. Roman said. "I'll be in touch very soon." she shook both their hands. "I'm terribly sorry that it didn't go the way we planned."
Frankie nodded and she sank back into her chair when she and Will were alone. "I can't believe that man! He doesn't care one jot about Hannah!"
"No he doesn't," Will said grimly. "I'd like to bash his face in." he sighed. "Come on... we should go break the news to Luna and Ron."
Frankie nodded. They hadn't told Hannah they were meeting with her father today. What was worse was that Hannah kept asking when she'd be able to go home with them forever and it broke Frankie's heart every time she told her it would be a bit longer.
Will squeezed his wife's hand. "I know you're disappointed baby," he said. "But I know we're going to make this work. It's going to go our way eventually."
Frankie wanted to believe that, but David wasn't going to make this easy for them.
At Ron and Luna's, Hannah was helping with Caitlin who was now starting to crawl. Luna had set up a blanket in the sitting room and the baby was crawling toward Hannah.
"Come on, Cait," Hannah urged. "You can do it."
"Oooooh..." Caitlin puckered her lips as she put one hand in front of the other.
Hannah giggled and looked over her shoulder at Luna.
"She's so cute," Hannah said smiling at her foster mother.
"Yes she is," Luna smiled back at her. "And it's very sweet of you to play with her."
Hannah didn't want the baby to feel left out when Jenny was always outside with the boys playing. Occasionally, Hannah would join in, but today she'd wanted to help out with the baby. And she always liked it when Caitlin would loop her chubby hand around Hannah's pinky finger.
"Luna?" Hannah asked. "Do you think Frankie's coming over today?"
Luna chose her words carefully. She didn't want to upset Hannah by telling her where Will and Frankie were today. "They'll be stopping by later."
"Do you think I'll get to go live with them yet?" Hannah asked innocently as Caitlin rose up on all fours and rocked back and forth.
"Not just yet, sweetheart," Luna replied sitting down beside Hannah. "But hopefully it won't be much longer."
"I hope not," Hannah looked away in disappointment.
Luna put an arm around her. "I know it's hard, sweetheart, but you know that Will and Frankie are doing everything they can to make it happen."
Hannah nodded. "Are Caroline and Emma coming back over here to spend the night while their mummy is with the new baby?"
"They might during the weekend," Luna replied. She smiled as she remembered how much fun the three girls had that night while Allie was in hospital. "You enjoyed your little slumber party, didn't you?"
Hannah nodded. "Caroline and Em are a lot of fun. I'm glad they're my friends."
"They feel the same way about you," Luna said as Caitlin held out her arms. Luna pulled the little girl into her lap. "Did all that crawling tire you out, little one?"
"I think she wants to take a kip," Hannah smiled at the baby.
"I think so too," Luna said getting to her feet. "I'll go and put her down. Then, I'll make us some lunch. How does that sound?"
"Can I help?" Hannah asked.
"That would be lovely," Luna said motioning for Hannah to follow her upstairs.
Hannah followed Luna upstairs and helped her put Caitlin into the crib. "Can we have mac and cheese for lunch?" she put her hand into Luna's.
"Only if you help me make it," Luna said squeezing Hannah's hand.
She nodded eagerly. "We'll make a lot for everybody."
"Good idea," Luna said. "You know you have all the makings to be a good chef, Hannah."
"I do?" Hannah brightened.
Luna nodded. "I certainly think so."
They were in the middle of fixing the macaroni and cheese when they heard the fireplace whoosh to life. "Hello?" Will called out.
"In the kitchen!" Hannah called back excitedly.
"Something smells really good in here," Will grinned at her. Frankie tried to smile, but it looked more like a grimace.
"You're just in time," Luna said. "Lunch should be ready in a few minutes."
Hannah wiped her hands on the apron that Luna had shrunk to fit her. "You'll eat some won't you, Frankie?"
"Sure," Frankie hugged the little girl.
"Caitlin is crawling all over the place," Hannah said excitedly. "And she looks so cute. Wait until you see it!"
"I can't wait," Frankie was able to smile more easily.
"Hannah?" Luna asked. "Why don't you see run and get the others from outside? Tell them to come inside and wash up for lunch?"
"Okay," Hannah replied. "Frankie will you come with me?"
"Of course," Frankie said taking Hannah's hand. She knew Will would fill Luna in on what had happened with David.
"Things didn't go so well?" Luna asked him as Frankie left with Hannah. "I can tell by the look on Frankie's face."
Will shook his head. "He refused to sign the papers and he expects us to do something for him in return."
"Do something?" Luna asked quizzically. "Like what?"
"Cigarettes, money, a way out of prison," Will said leaning against the counter. "You name it and he wants it."
"What a horrible man," Luna shook her head as she waved her wand to set the table.
"Mrs. Roman said she was going to see if there was a way around getting him to sign, but I just don't know," Will said. "It's just one setback after another and I don't know what Frankie will do if this doesn't come through, Luna."
"I'm sure it will," Luna said encouragingly. "It's just going to take time."
"But how much?" Will asked as Frankie and Hannah returned followed by the other children. He chuckled when he saw how dirty Joey and Zach were. "What did the two of you get into?"
"We were making mud pies," Zack explained. "Joey was trying to get Jenny to eat one."
"You didn't, did you, Jenny?" Luna asked in alarm.
Jenny shook her head. "I'm not stupid like Joey."
"That's because you're a big baby," Joey said shoving her.
"You are," Jenny retorted shoving him back.
"Hey," Luna said sternly. "What did we tell you both about pushing each other?"
"Not to do it," Jenny replied dutifully. "I'm sorry, Luna."
Luna nodded. "Joey?"
Joey looked down at his feet. "Not to do it."
"I'd appreciate it if you'd apologise to Jenny," Luna said.
"I'm sorry, Jenny," Joey grumbled.
"I'm sorry too," Jenny said. "What's for lunch?"
"Mac and cheese," Luna replied. "You three need to go upstairs to the loo and clean up."
"Yum," Zack declared as he raced for the loo.
Frankie laughed "I don't see what the fun is in playing in the mud. They were knee deep in it when Hannah I found them."
"I thought it was good for your skin," Hannah looked up at her. "Remember when Em put it on my face?"
"Well, that kind of mud is good," Frankie explained. "But regular old mud is not good."
"Oh," Hannah replied.
"I played in the mud when I was their age and I turned out okay," Will said as he sat down at the table.
"More than okay," Frankie grinned at her husband.
"How....how much longer before I can go home with you?" Hannah asked shyly.
Frankie's smile disappeared. "I... I don't know..."
"Before Christmas?" Hannah asked hopefully. "Remember? We were going to have a real Christmas tree with real presents?"
"I hope so sweetheart," Frankie brushed back Hannah's fringe, which was growing long and falling into her eyes.
"Why don't you show Hannah the pictures of Adam?" Will suggested. "Since she hasn't met him yet."
"Sure," Frankie reached into her bag. "Luna, Allie had me bring this one over for you," she handed the blonde a framed picture of the newborn Adam and his two sisters.
Luna gushed over the photograph. "Look at them!"
"They make a cute bunch don't they?" Will chuckled.
"They do," Luna said. "How's Emma doing with the whole baby thing?"
"Better," Frankie replied. "She's totally enamoured of Adam. I think she's amazed with something smaller than her."
Luna laughed. "I knew she'd come round."
"Can I see?" Hannah asked, tugging on Frankie's arm.
Frankie handed her the photo. "What do you think?"
Hannah smiled. "He's really cute."
"He's quite the charmer," Frankie agreed.
Hannah looked wistfully at the picture. She'd always wanted sisters and brothers.
"What's wrong?" Frankie asked.
"Nothing," Hannah gave her the picture.
"They're going to be your cousins," Frankie said smiling at her. "You're going to have a big family, Hannah."
"I can't wait," Hannah said honestly. "I wish they were my cousins today."
"Soon," Frankie said softly. "Soon."
When the three other children joined them, they all tucked in to their lunch.
"Hannah you made this?" Jenny asked. "It's really yummy!"
Hannah blushed. "I helped make it."
"She did most of it," Luna corrected. "And I think it's a big hit."
"Best I've ever had," Will said raising his glass to Hannah.
Hannah blushed even more deeply. "Thanks," she said shyly.
"It is really good," Joey admitted. "Better than the porridge they fed us in the orphanage."
"That stuff was pretty gross," Jenny agreed.
"I didn't like it either," Hannah said.
"Did you ever have that horrible brown thing?" Jenny asked her. "I'd rather eat paste!"
"Joey ate one of those once," Zack said with a laugh.
"Because you dared me to," Joey said defensively.
"We get to eat really good food here," Zack changed the subject quickly.
"Has Hannah made you guys her famous chocolate chip biscuits yet?" Will asked.
Jenny nodded. "Those are really good!"
Hannah blushed as Frankie smiled at her. "I only made them one time."
"I was telling her just before you arrived how she has the makings of a good chef," Luna said to Frankie and Will.
"She certainly does," Frankie said softly.
"Can we make some more biscuits today, Luna?" Hannah asked hopefully.
"Sure," Luna agreed. "That sounds like fun."
The boys excused themselves to go back outside and Jenny asked Hannah if she wanted to watch television.
"Okay," Hannah said. "You won't leave yet, right?" she looked anxiously at Frankie and Will.
"Of course not," Frankie promised.
Hannah gave her a tight hug.
"You have fun with Jenny," Frankie said encouragingly. "And we'll be in here with Luna, okay?"
"Okay," Hannah said before scampering out of the room.
Frankie looked at Will. "Maybe we should do something..."
Will could read his wife's mind. "We're not giving that man anything, Frankie."
"But how else are we going to get him to release her?" Frankie rubbed her forehead.
"We'll find some other way, but we're not going to negotiate with him," Will told her.
"Will's right, Frankie," Luna said gently.
"I'm just so tired of waiting," Frankie burst out. "Why does it have to be so hard?"
"I wish I had answers for you," Luna said thoughtfully. "But nothing worthwhile is ever easy, Frankie. You have so much going for you. Everyone thinks you and Will would be perfect parents and Hannah loves you both so much."
"I know," Frankie replied quietly. "I've just never wanted something so badly in my life."
"We'll make it happen," Will said. "The right way."
"I really hope Mrs. Roman can figure something out," Frankie said as her husband squeezed her hand. "I hate that we have to keep telling her no, she can't come live with us yet."
Will nodded. "Makes me wonder if perhaps we shouldn't have told her our plans until they were final."
"Maybe we shouldn't have," Frankie agreed softly.
"She knows that you want her, but I think she's having as hard a time waiting as the two of you," Luna told them.
In the sitting room, Jenny was plying Hannah with questions. "Do they really want to adopt you?"
Hannah nodded. "They want me to be their little girl."
"You're lucky," Jenny said. "They're really nice people. How come you can't just go home with them?"
"Because they have to ask all these people if it's okay," Hannah replied. "I don't really understand, but it takes a long time."
"Oh," Jenny didn't really understand either. "Your real daddy's still alive right?"
"Yeah," Hannah said quietly.
"How come he doesn't want you?" Jenny asked innocently.
"He never wanted me," Hannah said looking down at the carpet. "He didn't want my mummy to have children because she was a witch."
"But if you're his daughter he's s'posed to love you," Jenny was confused.
"He didn't," Hannah said feeling tears welling up in her eyes. "Never."
"Oh," Jenny felt bad for making Hannah cry.
"What happened to your mummy and daddy?" Hannah asked wiping at her eyes.
"They were in a car," Jenny replied. "And someone hit them."
"I'm sorry," Hannah said sincerely.
"It's okay," Jenny played with her short black hair.
Hannah turned the television on and turned it to a cartoon.
"What are you girls up to?" Frankie was in the doorway.
"Watching telly," Jenny replied. "Wanna watch too?"
"Sure," Frankie sat down next to Hannah, who promptly snuggled into her.
"Did you have to work today?" Hannah asked.
Frankie shook her head. "Not today, I did all my paperwork yesterday."
"It must be soooo cool to work for Puddlemere," Jenny commented.
"I do enjoy it," Frankie smiled at the other girl. "Perhaps we can arrange for you four to come to another game."
Jenny grinned. "That would be soooo cool, Mrs. Barron."
"We'd be glad to have you lot at the game," Frankie replied. "I hope you had fun last time."
"I did," Jenny replied. "I never dreamt I'd be able to see a match in person."
"I didn't really like it," Hannah confessed. "It was too loud."
"It's supposed to be loud, Hannah," Jenny said looking at her friend. "That's part of the fun."
"I guess," Hannah shrugged. "Mister Ron screamed a lot."
"He's a bit fanatical about Quidditch," Frankie said with a laugh. "Always has been."
"I liked it when we went to your office," Hannah said. "And we got to read magazines."
"Well next time we go, if you'd like to watch it from my office we can," Frankie said kissing the top of Hannah's head. "You're my sweet girl."
"That sounds like more fun," Hannah smiled up at Frankie.
"Spending time with you always sounds like fun," Frankie said tugging on one of Hannah's plaits.
Hannah hugged her. "I love you."
"I love you too, sweetheart," Frankie said.
"I really, really wish I could go home with you," Hannah said softly.
"Me too," Frankie said. "But it won't be too much longer, Hannah. We're doing everything we can. It's just taking a lot of time."
"Did you have to go see my daddy?" she asked perceptively.
Frankie tensed up immediately. "I-I...yes, we did."
Hannah was silent for a moment. "I don't ever want to see him again."
"You don't have to," Frankie promised.
"Will's going to be a good daddy, right?" Hannah asked. "He's really nice."
"Yes, he is," Frankie said smiling at Hannah. "And he loves you very much."
"Really?" Hannah brightened. "He really, really does?"
"He really, really does," Frankie said tickling Hannah's side. "We both do and we cannot wait to take you home with us, Hannah."
She giggled. "I can't wait either."
"And we'll still get to see each other every day," Frankie promised. "In fact, you can help me buy a gift for Caroline's birthday."
"It's Caroline's birthday?" Hannah asked. "Is she going to have a party?"
"Yes she is," Frankie grinned. "And she has asked me to invite both of you to the party."
"Cool!" Jenny exclaimed.
"Its next weekend and I'll come by and pick you both up," Frankie told them. "And Emma told me that she cannot wait to see Han again."
"She's my best friend," Hannah said softly.
"Isn't she a baby?" Jenny asked.
"She's nearly three," Frankie replied. "And she loves Hannah."
"Cool," Jenny nodded. "What sort of party is it going to be?"
"Last year it was a princess party," Frankie said. "But this year, she wanted to do something different."
"Like what?" Hannah was intrigued.
"Well, she wants to have a beach party," Frankie explained.
"How will she have a beach party when it's cold out?" Jenny asked.
"That's where magic comes in," Frankie said with a grin. "We're going to convert their sitting room into a beach with sand and everything."
"Wow," both Hannah and Jenny said simultaneously.
"It should be pretty cool," Frankie said.
"What do we have to wear?" Jenny asked. "A bathing suit?"
"And a hula skirt," Frankie replied. "When Will and I came back from our honeymoon, we brought back hula skirts for the girls and they loved them."
"I don't have one of those," Hannah said, casting her eyes down.
"Yes you do," Frankie said tilting her chin up. "Both of you will."
Hannah smiled at her again. "I'm really excited."
"Good, sweetheart," Frankie said giving her a hug.
"I think I'm going to go outside and play with Joey and Zack," Jenny said. "Want to come, Hannah?"
Hannah looked at Frankie.
"Go ahead," Frankie urged. "We'll be here for a little while."
"Okay..." Hannah said tentatively. She didn't always get along with Joey and wasn't sure if she wanted to play with him or not.
"I do have a new magazine if you want to stay inside and read with me," Frankie said sensing Hannah's hesitation.
"I'd like that," Hannah said softly. "Sorry, Jenny."
"No problem," Jenny said before rushing out of the sitting room.
Frankie reached into her bag for her latest Witch Weekly. "They have a really juicy advice column this week."
"Who wrote in?" Hannah asked eagerly. "Did you ever hear any more about Lonely in Leeds?"
Frankie giggled. "No, but this week's witch is Prudence Parker and she always gives the best advice." She opened the magazine to the advice column. "This first one is from Brenda in Brighton. She can never get a date and she wants to know if it's okay for her to ask a bloke out."
"Is it?" Hannah snuggled next to her again.
"Well, let's see what Prudence has to say," Frankie said. "Brenda, times have changed and you don't always have to stand back and wait for the bloke to make the first move. He might be just as scared as you are and you'll never know if you don't take the chance. And the worst he could tell you is no and while that can be horrific, just tell yourself that it is his loss."
"I think that's good advice," Hannah nodded.
"Me too," Frankie agreed. "I tell you Prudence gives good advice."
"You two aren't reading that bloody column again are you?" Will asked as he came into the room.
"Yes," Frankie retorted playfully. "Prudence is the best at telling people what's right and wrong."
"I bet those letters are all made up," Will said sitting down on the other side of Hannah. "Who in their right mind would write into those magazines? And who is this Prudence to give advice?"
Hannah giggled. "I like when Frankie reads to me."
"See?" Frankie said pointedly to Will. "You just sit there and let us read." She picked the magazine back up and pointed to the next letter. "Okay, this one is from Desperate in Devonshire..."
Will snorted.
"William," Frankie shot her husband a look.
"Sorry," Will said coughing. "Had something stuck in my throat."
Luna watched from the doorway and admired how much the three of them already seemed like a family.
She hoped that Mrs. Roman would find someway to get around Hannah's father having to sign those papers.
"That's very good advice!" Frankie said swatting her husband on the arm. "I'd like to see you do better, Mister High and Mighty."
Will laughed. "I'd tell her to go enroll in a dating service. It's got to be better than what Prudence says."
"Hannah and I think it's great," Frankie said indignantly.
"If you say so," Will teased.
"You know, I think I'll submit your name as a guest columnist," Frankie said grinning at him. "Dear Will. I think that has a lovely ring to it."
"Very funny," Will looked at Hannah. "Would you take my advice over Prudence?"
Hannah thought about this for a few moments. "Um, probably not."
Frankie began to giggle. "At least she's honest." she squeezed the young girl around the shoulders.
"I'm sorry, Will," Hannah apologised.
"It's okay Hannah," Will chuckled.
"I actually wrote into one of those columns once," Luna admitted.
"You did?" Frankie asked. "What did you write in about?"
"Ron doesn't know this so you can't tell him," Luna said with a laugh. "But when we were at Hogwarts, I wrote a letter about being in love with someone who basically paid me no attention and called me 'Loony' to my face."
"Awwww..." Frankie said. "What did the columnist say to you?"
"That he was a lost cause and I should find someone who truly appreciated me," Luna replied.
"But he wasn't, obviously." Frankie said with a grin.
"Well, it took a few years, but I finally landed him," Luna said.
"What was your name in the column?" Will asked.
Luna's cheeks turned red. "Well, I just signed my regular name, but they turned it into Heartbroken at Hogwarts."
Hannah began to giggle at that, and Frankie found it quite contagious as she laughed too.
"Parvati Patil got wind of it and she showed it to Ron," Luna remembered. "He glared at me from the Gryffindor table, but I held my head high and acted like it wasn't me."
"Good for you," Will replied. "You've always seemed to be a really strong person, Luna."
"I sort of had to be," Luna said softly. "I was different from everyone else, but I wasn't going to change for anyone. I liked who I was."
"Maddie's the same way," Frankie said.
Luna smiled. "Out of all the children, she's the most like me."
"She was nice to me," Hannah ventured. "But she eats like Mister Ron."
"She has a bottomless stomach," Frankie said giggling. "Always has. And you watch when she's with Ethan; she eats off his plate all the time. It's so funny."
Hannah smiled at that.
"Did Frankie tell you about Caroline's birthday party?" Luna asked Hannah.
Hannah nodded. "I like the beach," she said. "And Jenny gets to come too."
"I asked the boys if they'd like to go, but they said they didn't want to go to some dumb girls' party," Luna said shaking her head. "Even though I told them that some of Caroline's classmates are boys..."
Will laughed. "At least I don't have to dress like Aladdin this year."
"Caroline told me about that!" Hannah giggled.
"He was a very handsome Aladdin," Frankie grinned at her husband.
"And it meant the world to Caroline," Luna said.
"I thought sometime this week I'd take Jenny and Hannah shopping for birthday gifts," Frankie told Luna.
"I think that would be lovely," Luna said smiling at her.
"We'll probably go to Hamley's," Frankie said. "That's the best toy shop here in London."
"Frankie loves to shop," Will said to Hannah. "You might be there all day."
"That's okay," Hannah replied.
Frankie smiled back at her. "We don't mind, do we, Hannah?"
"I like shopping with you," Hannah blushed.
"I like it too," Frankie said softly pulling Hannah close.
Will smiled at his wife as she hugged the young girl.
"There's something else I'd like to ask you," Will said to Hannah. "My parents are having an anniversary party in a couple of weeks and I'd love it if you'd come with Frankie and me."
"A what kind of party?" she asked.
"Anniversary," Will said. "They've been married for 35 years. And they're having a party."
"Will you be there the whole time?" Hannah looked anxiously at Frankie.
"Of course," Frankie replied. "And Mia will be there as well."
"My parents are really nice and they can't wait to meet you," Will said.
"Okay," Hannah said. "Is it okay Luna?"
"Of course," Luna said.
"We can get you a really pretty dress when we go shopping," Frankie told her.
"Really?" Hannah asked. "I get a new dress?"
"Of course," Frankie said with a grin. "I need to get one too."
"Uh oh," Will said. "I'm going to go broke."
Frankie rolled her eyes. "William..."
"She'll say she needs a dress," Will told Hannah. "But she'll come home with at least four."
"Four dresses?" Hannah asked.
"You never know what you're going to feel like wearing until the day you wear it," Frankie said pertly.
Will nodded and smirked at his wife. "Of course. How silly of me."
"He has so much to learn," Frankie shook her head.
"I can't believe I'm going to two parties," Hannah said leaning against Frankie.
"That's right," Frankie kissed her head again. "And for your birthday, we're going to throw you the biggest, best party you've ever seen."
"For me?" Hannah asked. "I've never had a birthday party for me."
"That's going to change," Frankie said. "So many things are going to change for you now Hannah. And they're all going to be good changes."
Hannah gave her a hug. "I'm so glad you're going to be my mummy and daddy."
"That we are," Frankie held her tightly and blinked back a few tears.
Frankie was going to do anything she could to make sure that would happen. And she was the goddaughter of the most powerful wizard in the world and she knew the Minister for Magic on a first-name basis. That had to be good for something and Frankie had learned the hard way that most of the time it wasn't what you knew, but who you knew.
*** *** ***
Maddie and Ethan had been married for over three months now and while Maddie loved her husband very much, she would have really liked to throttle him at the moment. She knew he was knackered from extra shifts at headquarters, but he'd been the one to suggest Harry and Hermione coming over for brunch. And yet, he was the one who was still fast asleep in bed while she was the one running around like a chicken with his head cut off trying to prepare everything.
She'd already tried to wake him twice and each time he'd promised he'd get up in a couple more minutes. That had been thirty minutes ago and his parents were due at any moment.
"ETHAN!" she called out angrily. "Get your sorry arse out of bed this instant!"
"I'm up," Ethan turned and pressed his face back into the pillow.
Maddie waited to hear the sound of the shower or to hear his footsteps on the stairs, but she heard nothing. She set the table and decided to give him a couple more minutes. When she still didn't hear anything, she grabbed a glass and filled it with ice water. "You might not be up now, but just you wait," she grumbled as she stalked up the stairs.
Ethan had just dozed off again when he felt something icy splash into his face. "HEY!" he screamed angrily, jumping up.
"Good morning, sweetheart," Maddie said sarcastically. "Sleep well?"
"Why'd you do that?" Ethan pushed his wet hair out of his eyes. "I was getting up!"
"Were you now?" Maddie asked slamming the glass down on the dresser. "Because it sure as hell looked to me like you were sleeping pretty soundly. You do remember that your parents are coming over for brunch?"
"Of course I remember," Ethan pulled his shirt off.
"Well, get in the shower and give me some help!" Maddie retorted before stalking back downstairs.
Ethan shook his head and took a quick shower. He hoped by the time he went downstairs his wife would be in a better mood.
But, she wasn't and she was still giving him the silent treatment when he came downstairs.
"Did you get any juice?" Ethan asked as he gave a yawn.
Maddie silently pointed to the icebox.
"O-kay," Ethan said walking over to the icebox.
Maddie finished setting the table and saw they still had another half hour before her in laws were due to arrive.
Ethan sat down and closed his eyes.
"You know," Maddie said coolly. "I could still use some help here. I've only done everything else to set up."
"What more needs to be done?" Ethan asked, his eyes still closed.
"The eggs," Maddie crossed her arms. "Ethan you know something? I'm tired too but I'm still up, making breakfast."
"Maddie, I worked two 12-hour shifts," Ethan retorted.
"I didn't get home until half past three this morning!" Maddie exclaimed.
"You sit at a desk most of the day," Ethan pointed out. "It's different."
Maddie narrowed her eyes and he gulped.
"How exactly is it different?" Maddie asked him. "Hmmm? Is your job more important than mine? Is that what you're saying?'
"That's not what I said at all," Ethan held his hands up in defence.
"Well it's certainly what you're implying," Maddie snapped.
Ethan groaned. "Why do you women do that? Twist every single thing we say around..."
"You women?" Maddie asked, her blue eyes going dark. "That's it..." she dropped the pan onto the stove. "You're finishing up in here." she stomped out of the kitchen.
"Maddie!" Ethan called after her. "What is your problem?"
Her only answer was the slamming of their bedroom door.
Ethan got to his feet and started to finish preparing the breakfast. She was being completely unreasonable, he thought angrily.
They were still not really speaking to each other when Harry and Hermione arrived. "Thought we could have mimosas," Hermione handed a bottle of champagne to her son.
"Great," Ethan said unenthusiastically.
"What's the matter?" Harry asked, taking in his son's glum expression. "And where's Maddie?"
"Upstairs," Ethan replied shortly.
"Well something certainly smells delicious," Hermione followed her son into the kitchen.
"Maddie did most of it," Ethan grumbled.
"I'm surprised you wanted us to come over at all considering the nightmare shifts you just had," Harry commented.
"It was pretty rough," Ethan pulled some champagne glasses out of the cupboard before getting the orange juice back out. "I'd forgotten those shifts fell on this weekend."
"Par for the course," Harry said. "Your mum and I used to have rows about it all the time."
"No we didn't," Hermione answered. "Not ALL the time..."
"Okay not all the time, but we had our moments," Harry said. "Do I need to remind you of that time I forgot to set the alarm and you reamed me out for it?"
"That was your fault," Hermione said. "You came in and had me all..." she blushed. "Well... I guess it was both our faults."
"And you overreacted completely about that," Harry said.
"Your point being?" Hermione crossed her arms.
"Um, where's that mimosa, son?" Harry asked looking to Ethan.
"What was that you always tried to teach me Dad?" Ethan asked. "Pick and choose your battles?"
"I learned that from experience," Harry said shaking his head.
"Thank you," Hermione accepted the glass her son held out. "So am I correct in assuming you and Maddie are fighting about something?"
"Well," Ethan said with a sigh. "She's mad because I was having a lie-in when she was trying to get everything ready."
"I see," Harry shared an amused look with his wife.
"This happened to you?" Ethan asked.
"On more than one occasion," Hermione answered as they heard footsteps coming down the stairs.
"Hello, Harry," Maddie said ignoring her husband. "Hermione."
"Good to see you Maddie," Harry gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Mimosa?"
"That would be lovely," Maddie replied.
"I heard you've been busy in your department lately," Hermione said to her. "Smythe was in a meeting with me yesterday."
"We have been busy at my trivial job," Maddie said with a pointed look at Ethan.
Hermione didn't notice her daughter in law's glare. "I'd hardly say your job is trivial," she replied as they all sat down at the table.
"Thank you," Maddie said smiling at her. "It's good to know that not everyone thinks that it is."
"It's so strange being back in here," Harry looked around. "It feels smaller than it did when we lived here with Jules and Ethan."
"The previous owner did some modifications," Maddie explained.
Harry nodded. "Still looks great though. I'm glad you two are enjoying it."
"Even if you're not at the moment," Hermione said with a slight smile.
Ethan glanced towards his wife who looked down at her plate.
"Your first fight as newlyweds," Hermione said nodding knowingly.
"It's fine," Ethan said quietly. "We're fine."
"It's normal," Hermione said. "Everyone goes through them. Things aren't always going to be perfect."
"We know," Ethan stuffed some bacon into his mouth.
"I can't imagine the two of you ever fighting," Maddie said softly.
Harry and Hermione looked at each other and burst out laughing. "We've had more than our share of fights," Harry said.
"Did we ever," Hermione said in agreement. "I remember this one time..."
***
Anna and Hermione were studying for their finals at the cottage since the libraries at school were packed. Harry wasn't due home so she knew they'd be able to get quite a bit of work done.
"The Craft-Taxson act did what?" Anna asked looking through her text. "I remember hearing the professor talk about it, but I can't remember what it was..."
"I remember reading about it on page, um... 287..." Hermione flipped through her book. "There!"
"Fantastic," Anna said with a grin. "What would I do without you?"
"Fail?" Hermione joked.
"Probably," Anna laughed.
"Alright," Hermione said opening her book. "I need to go over---"
Her words were cut off as she heard a loud crash outside and the sound of familiar laughter. She and Anna ran to the door and stared in shock as Harry was led up the walkway supported by Luke and Ron.
"Mermione!" Harry cackled. "Wy mife!"
"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed. "What on earth?"
"He had a bit too much to drink tonight," Ron explained.
"A bit?" Luke said shaking his head. "Ron, he's pissed!"
"Why did you three go out and get pissed?" Hermione crossed her arms.
"Luke, you smell like a brewery!" Anna exclaimed swatting him on the arm.
"Ouch!" Luke exclaimed. "Anna!"
"I didn't hit you that hard," Anna said sharply. "Though I should have."
Harry broke free of Ron's hold on him and ran out toward the front of the yard. "I AM THE RABBIT KING!"
"Oh Merlin's beard," Hermione said. "Harry James Potter get your arse in here NOW!"
"Hohohoho," Harry cackled. "Why didn't you say so?" He crooked his finger at her.
Hermione was not amused. "NOW!" she repeated angrily.
Harry put his finger over his mouth. "Shhhhhh! You'll wake the neighbours!"
"Ron will you please get him inside?" Hermione asked tightly.
Ron nodded and reached for his friend's arm. "Come on, mate."
"Oooh hooo..." Harry sang. "Isn't my wife hot?"
"I have an exam tomorrow morning at eight," Hermione hissed at him.
"I know something you could study right now," Harry said lasciviously. "It's in my trousers..."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Not for long," she muttered. "And I don't mean that in a good way."
"You're ...you're...not the boss of me!" Harry slurred.
Hermione clenched her teeth and grabbed her husband's arm, yanking him inside.
Luke, Anna and Ron followed them and watched helplessly as Hermione pulled her husband upstairs.
"He is in so much trouble," Ron muttered.
"How'd this happen?" Anna asked folding her arms.
Luke shrugged. "We just... had a lot to drink."
"Obviously," Anna said. The sound of a door slamming caused them all to jump.
Upstairs in the bedroom, Harry was trying to get Hermione onto the bed. "Harry!" Hermione squirmed. "How could you think I could possibly be turned on at this moment?'
"Because I'm the Rabbit King," Harry slurred. "And you're the Queen..."
"You're the Idiot King," Hermione said sarcastically.
"Come on Hermione," Harry leaned forward.
"How about you lie down..." Hermione said, trying to keep her anger in check.
"With you?" Harry asked drolly.
"No," Hermione said rolling her eyes. "And I'll go and brew you a sobering potion."
"How about you just snog me instead," Harry tried to reach for her but fell off the side of the bed.
This was apparently completely hilarious to him and he collapsed into laughter. Hermione sighed and counted to ten silently before walking out of the room.
Downstairs, she noticed that Ron, Luke, and Anna had left and she gathered her textbooks together before getting the ingredients to brew a sobering potion for her husband, although he certainly didn't deserve one.
A few minutes later, she headed upstairs with a cupful of the potion. Her husband was still where'd she left him, but he was now fast asleep.
"That's just great," Hermione grumbled.
She set the goblet on the nightstand and tried to pick him up. "Come on Harry," she said sharply.
Harry's eyes blinked open and he looked lazily up at her. "I love you, Hermione. I really, really do."
She softened just the tiniest bit, as she always did when he looked at her like that.
She draped his arms around her neck and tried to help him to his feet. "Love yooooooooooooooooooooou....."
"I love you too," Hermione replied. "Come on now Harry... let's get you into bed--"
"Bed, bed, bed," Harry said nodding. He tried to focus on what was in front of him. "Okay....there's TWO beds! Which one do I get on?"
"This one," Hermione helped him onto it. "And drink this."
Harry shook his head. "What is it?"
"It's a sobering potion," Hermione replied. "You're going to need it."
Harry took the goblet with Hermione's help and he sniffed the concoction inside. "Gross!"
"Just drink it," Hermione ordered.
"Okay," Harry said with a frown. "You're bossy, you know that?"
"Yes," Hermione crossed her arms.
"Cheers!" Harry exclaimed holding the glass out to her before bringing it back to his mouth and gulping down the contents.
"Good," Hermione took the goblet and then helped him lie back. "Get some sleep now."
"I didn't mean to get pissed," he said quietly.
"It's all right now," Hermione sat on the edge of the bed.
Harry closed his eyes as he felt the potion starting to work. "Today was Sirius' birthday," he said gravely.
Hermione felt her heart drop right down into her feet. "I'm sorry," she said softly.
"His 50th," Harry said quietly. "Because of me, he didn't get to see it."
"Don't you dare blame yourself," Hermione sat next to him. "Harry why didn't you tell me about this? I'd have gone with you tonight."
"You had a lot on your mind," he told her. "I'm sorry..."
"Shhhh..." she said. "This is more important."
Harry smiled at her. "He would have loved you."
Hermione smiled back as she pushed his hair off his forehead. "I'm sure I'd have loved him as well."
"He thought Ron was a bit wonky," Harry said chuckling.
"We all think Ron's a bit wonky," Hermione kicked off her shoes and lay down next to him.
Harry put his arm around her and sighed. "It won't happen again."
Hermione kissed his cheek. "I understand now... but I hope you'll come to me from now on. We're married now. We're in all this together."
"I guess I'm used to keeping things to myself," he said thoughtfully.
Hermione closed her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder. "Not anymore..."
***
"You fell off the bed?" Ethan cackled. "Dad!"
"I was so pissed," Harry said sheepishly.
"My daddy shouldn't have let you get that way," Maddie said shaking her head.
Harry grinned at her. "Trust me; we were all pretty shameful that night."
"I've heard stories about my dad when he got pissed," Maddie said giggling. "Dancing on bars..."
"Singing Weird Sisters," Harry volunteered. "I've pretty much been there for it all.
"You have seen Mads this one night," Ethan started to say. Maddie quickly grabbed a croissant and stuffed it in his mouth.
Hermione laughed. "That's exactly what Luna does to Ron."
Maddie grinned. "Where do you think I got it from?"
Ethan bit down into the croissant and dropped it on his plate. "Not funny," he complained, but he was grinning.
"You were about to tell them something embarrassing," Maddie explained.
"No I wasn't," Ethan said. "Not about... that..."
"I'm intrigued," Hermione said with a grin.
"I'm sworn to secrecy," Ethan replied. "Sorry Mum."
"It only happened once," Maddie told them. "And I was really ashamed."
"It happens to the best of us," Harry said mildly. "Like me, for example."
"My father always speaks rather highly of Mr. Black," Maddie said. "I wish we'd all have had the chance to know him."
"I do too," Harry said.
"I'm sorry for not getting up like I said I would," Ethan said to his wife.
"I guess I was a little more grumpy than usual," Maddie replied. "I'm sorry too."
"You've taught him well, Harry," Hermione whispered to her husband.
"I learn from experience," he winked at her.
"How are my perfect sisters doing?" Ethan asked his parents.
"Perfectly," Hermione quipped. "Saffy's enjoying her role as Quidditch captain, and Jules loves teaching and being Head of Gryffindor house."
"That's because they're both in positions of power," Ethan joked.
Maddie smiled. "Saffy loves being in charge."
"I wonder where she got THAT from," Harry said motioning to Hermione.
"She's like me in almost every way," Hermione said sweetly.
Ethan shook his head. "She's way bossier than you, Mum."
Hermione laughed. "Don't let her hear you say that."
"I'm not scared of Saffron Grace," Ethan scoffed. "She's all bark and no bite..."
"Oh really?" Harry asked. "I'll have to tell her you said that the next time we write to her."
"And need I remind you of how angry she was with you when you lied to RJ about her fancying him and then there was the incident at Brighton," Maddie said.
"Yeah, yeah..." Ethan turned red. "She can be scary..."
"Your sister is not scary," Hermione said loyally.
"That's because she doesn't get mad at you," Ethan replied.
"That's because I listen to her and I recognise that she's a young woman," Hermione said. "Unlike two people in this room who want her to be an 11-year old with the plaits..."
"She was much better that way," Harry said.
"And she still wears the plaits," Ethan replied.
"Not all the time," Hermione said shaking her head. "Face it, boys. Saffron is growing up."
Authors' note: We are going to try something new and we hope fun for the chapters we post on Tuesday night. If you have ever wanted to ask one of our characters a question, you'll get your chance.
The characters, in turn, will answer your questions in an 'interview' format. These will be added on to the end of the chapters.
This week we'll be interviewing Saffron Potter and Alexa O'Leary. We won't give away any spoilers, but we will pick ten good questions out of the ones you send us and ask them. We hope you guys enjoy this!!!