Well this chapter deals LOADS with Hannah, which I'm sure you guys will love. Also, we do have the interview this week with Frankie and Will at the end of this chapter. Next week, we'll be interviewing Harry and Hermione, which I'm sure you've all been waiting for ;)
Please review and let us know what you think!!! You guys are awesome!
Hannah was very excited about Caroline's party. So excited that she barely slept the night before. Frankie came over early to help her and Jenny get ready.
"How should we fix your hair, Madam?" Frankie asked as she ran a brush through Hannah's brown hair.
"I don't know," Hannah said. "How's Caroline going to wear hers?"
"Two plaits, I think," Frankie replied.
"Then that's the way I want to wear mine," Hannah said.
Frankie smiled. "You've got it."
"My hair's not long enough for plaits," Jenny tugged on her tresses.
"I can fix that," Frankie grinned at her. "If you'd like."
"You can?" Jenny looked up at her with wide eyes. "How?"
Frankie picked up her wand and said a simple charm which caused Jenny's black hair to grow to her shoulders.
"WOW!" the girl squealed. "It looks so pretty!"
"Yes it does," Frankie agreed.
"Will it stay like this forever?" Jenny asked her.
Frankie shook her head. "Just for tonight, I'm afraid."
"Oh," Jenny deflated a bit. "Well that's okay. Thanks Frankie!"
"You're very welcome," Frankie said. "You should go get your skirt, Jenny."
"Okay," Jenny scampered out of Hannah's room.
"She's really pretty with her hair like that," Hannah said shyly as Frankie began to plait her hair.
"Yes, she is," Frankie said. "Are you excited?"
Hannah nodded. "Do you think Caroline will like the new dresses we got her?"
Frankie had taken Hannah and Jenny to the shops the other day and they'd bought Caroline two new dresses that Frankie had assured both girls her niece would love.
"I do," Frankie said thoughtfully. "You really do have a great eye for fashion, Hannah."
"You really think so?" Hannah asked happily. "I want to dress just like you do when I grow up!"
"I do," Frankie said grinning down at Hannah. They were still nowhere near close to getting her father to agree to sign the papers, but Mrs. Roman was still trying to find a way around it.
Hannah blushed as Frankie finished her hair. "And Emma's birthday is right after Christmas right?"
"New Years Eve," Frankie replied. "I can't believe she's going to be three years old."
"Her mummy went to sleep after she had her, right?" Hannah asked. "Caroline told me she did, and they thought she wouldn't wake up."
Frankie nodded. "We were all so scared--Jon and Caroline most of all. That's why Caroline was so worried about her mum having Adam."
"But she's okay," Hannah added. "And Adam's really, really cute!"
"Which is why we have to hurry up and get ready," Frankie said. "Allie's got her hands full with the party plans and taking care of a newborn so I promised that I'd get there early to help."
"I'll go get dressed right now," Hannah scurried over to her little closet.
Jenny came back into the room wearing her bathing suit top and grass skirt. She was carrying her cloak in her hands. "Joey and Zach are such goofballs. They just made fun of me for wearing a skirt!"
Hannah giggled as she emerged in her own little grass skirt.
"Well those boys don't know what they're talking about!" Frankie said. "You both look gorgeous!"
Hannah did a little twirl in her skirt. She liked playing dress up like this and hoped one day that she'd have a party just like this. Frankie helped her on with her coat and the three of them set off for downstairs. Luna had already left. Ron had agreed to stay behind with the boys and Caitlin. He'd taken Caroline out to breakfast earlier since he wouldn't be able to go to the party.
"We're going!" Hannah announced to him. Frankie was amazed at how candid the young girl was with Ron now and was proud that she'd been a part of Hannah becoming more outgoing and trusting.
"Okay, Hula Hannah," Ron said chuckling. "Remember to bring me back half of the cake, okay?"
"Right," Hannah giggled.
"HALF?" Jenny clapped her hand over her mouth. "Mister Ron you eat too much!"
"Nonsense," Ron said shaking his head. "Jenny, you can never eat too much when you're a Weasley."
"I won't keep them out late," Frankie promised giving Ron a hug.
"Sounds good," Ron smiled and waved goodbye.
They travelled by Floo to get to Jon and Allison's. Hannah gasped when she saw that Caroline's sitting room had been turned into a beach with real sand and even a paddling pool. Emma was currently digging in the sand with Max at her feet.
"Maxi, no!" Emma giggled.
"What's that silly dog of yours doing now?" Frankie teased her niece.
"Kicking sand in Em's face," Emma replied. "Bad Maxi!"
"Bad, bad Max," Frankie laughed as Emma ran to give her a hug.
"Frack pretty," Emma said grinning at her aunt. "Hi, Han!"
"Hi Em," Hannah said with a huge smile.
"Where's your mummy?" Frankie asked.
"Feeding Adam," Emma replied.
"I'm going to go see her," Frankie said. "You girls stay in here all right? And be careful near that pool."
"Daddy protecteded it," Emma called over her shoulder.
"Okay," Frankie laughed as she went into Adam's nursery. "Hi Allie."
Allison smiled at her sister. "Hi, Frankie. You look gorgeous as always."
"I try," Frankie joked. "You look great too Allie."
Allison rolled her eyes. "No, I don't, but you're a star for saying so. My oldest wants to have a beach party for her birthday so I get to play the whale."
"Oh stop it," Frankie said. "You're fishing for compliments."
Allison giggled. "Maybe a little..."
"So where's Jon?" Frankie kissed the top of Adam's head. "And Caroline?"
"Since I'm nursing Adam, he volunteered to help get Caroline ready for the party."
"That's nice of him," Frankie replied. "What can I do?"
"Chiaki's in the kitchen helping with the refreshments," Allison replied. "If you would help her, that'd be great."
"Sounds good," Frankie said. "Call me if you need me."
Chiaki was dancing around to the beat of the Hawaiian music that was playing on the Wireless as she finished putting some crisps into a bowl. She wore her black hair in a sleek ponytail and wore a pretty red tank top with a black sarong and strappy sandals.
"Go Chi!" Frankie teased from the doorway. "You've really got that hula down."
Chiaki laughed. "It's hard not to dance to this."
Frankie hugged her sister. "You look gorgeous."
"So do you," Chiaki said smiling at her sister's light purple sundress. "Can you believe it's almost winter and we're dressed in beach clothes?"
"I know," Frankie laughed. "What's left for us to do to set up?"
"Could you get that bowl of punch out of the icebox?" Chiaki asked.
"Sure," Frankie replied. "The sitting room looks fantastic. Hannah and Jenny came over with me and they're already in that little pool with Em."
"I know," Chiaki said. "Jon did a fabulous job setting it all up. You should have seen Caroline's face when she saw it."
"I bet she was thrilled," Frankie set the punch on the counter. "Where's Mas and Sukie?"
"Tosh is bringing them by later," Chiaki answered. "I was hoping---"
Her words trailed off as Hannah came into the room and gave Frankie a big hug.
"What's this for?" Frankie asked leaning down to put her arms around the little girl.
"For bringing me," Hannah replied shyly. "I'm having so much fun!"
Frankie beamed. "I'm glad, sweetheart. I know you've been looking forward to this all week."
The smile on Hannah's face was practically blinding as she hugged Frankie. Chiaki leaned against the counter. This was the first time she'd had the chance to see her sister with Hannah and even thought she'd heard from others how they were with each other, it was quite different to see it for herself.
"Hey Hannah," Frankie said. "You haven't met my other sister yet have you?"
Hannah shook her head and looked at the tall girl with dark hair standing by the counter.
"I'm Chiaki Hanari," Chiaki said kneeling down in front of Hannah. "I've heard so many great things about you, Hannah."
"Hi," Hannah said shyly.
"I have a little girl and a little boy who I'm sure are going to love you," Chiaki said. "They're twins."
"You have twins?" Hannah asked. "Like Mister Ron's son Josh has triplets?"
Chiaki nodded. "They're nearly a year old. My little girl is named Sukie and my little boy is Mas. They were named after my grandparents."
"Sukie's a pretty name," Hannah said. "Is she coming today?"
"She's coming later with her daddy," Chiaki replied. "You look really cute today, Hannah. Did Luna fix your hair?"
Hannah shook her head. "Frankie did." she looked adoringly at her.
Chiaki smiled at her sister. "Good job, Francesca."
"Thanks," Frankie smoothed down Hannah's plaits with a loving gesture.
Emma skipped into the kitchen and grabbed Hannah's hand. "Han come play with Em, peas?"
"Okay," Hannah replied. "Are you coming in soon?" she asked Frankie.
Frankie nodded. "I'm just going to help Chiaki finish setting up. You girls go and have fun."
"Kay Frack," Emma tugged harder on Hannah's fingers.
Hannah giggled as she followed Emma back into the sitting room.
Chiaki couldn't help staring at her sister.
"What?" Frankie asked uncomfortably. "What's wrong?"
"I just... you're so sweet with her," Chiaki replied. "I'm really proud of you Frankie."
Frankie blushed. "She...she makes it easy, Chiaki. I love that little girl so much."
Chiaki smiled at her sister. "It's fairly obvious she loves you too."
"You wouldn't believe the transformation that she's had over the past few weeks," Frankie said proudly. "She never spoke to anyone unless spoken to first. And she wouldn't speak to Uncle Ron or Will after all that happened with her father, but she's joking around with them and she gives them hugs and it's just...amazing, Chiaki. It really, really is."
"And you and Will are really going to adopt her?" Chiaki asked.
Frankie nodded. "We have everything we need to do so except for her father signing over his rights."
"I heard he's a real piece of work," Chiaki took some biscuits out of the cupboard and began arranging them on the plate.
"He makes your biological father seem like a saint," Frankie said without thinking. "I--I'm sorry..."
"It's okay," Chiaki replied. "You know, when I found out I was adopted I thought it was the end of the world. But really, it was the best thing to ever happen to me and I never even really knew it."
"Daddy never treated you any differently," Frankie said. "I remember when he told me that you were adopted by him and I didn't believe him at first because I thought he'd have treated you differently if you were. Silly now, I know, but..."
"Dad's really the greatest," Chiaki said with a grin.
"I just hope that Will and I can be to Hannah what Dad was to you, Chi," Frankie said softly.
"I'm sure you will be," Chiaki hugged her sister. "I know you don't like hearing it, but I always thought you'd be a wonderful parent."
Frankie beamed at her sister. "Really?"
"Definitely," Chiaki said. "I can't wait to be Hannah's aunt."
Frankie gave her sister another hug. "Thanks, Chiaki. I really needed to hear that."
"I'm sure you'll get to adopt her soon," Chiaki said. "And I'll help out whenever you need me."
"I'm going to need loads of help," Frankie said wiping at her eyes. "And I can't think of two better people to get advice from than you and Allie."
"That's the great thing about being sisters," Chiaki said. "We're always here for each other."
Frankie smiled. "No matter what."
Jon had just finished getting Caroline ready and he walked into the nursery to check on Allison and Adam. Allison was sitting in the rocking chair holding their son whose eyes were open wide.
"He doesn't want to sleep," Allison said softly as she saw her husband.
"He's too excited about missing the party," Jon joked. "Here let me take him."
Allison gingerly handed the baby off to Jon. "There you go, Adam. If anything can put you to sleep, it's your daddy."
"Is that a compliment?" Jon asked his wife.
Allison giggled. "Yes, work your magic, Jon."
Neither of them noticed Emma standing in the doorway watching the scene unfolding. She couldn't understand why her parents wouldn't leave Adam alone and come play.
"He's perfect, isn't he?" Jon asked with a grin as Adam stared up at him.
"Completely," Allison agreed.
"I could just stay and look at him for hours," Jon said softly.
"NO!" Emma said stomping her foot.
Allison spun around. "Em what are you doing up here?" she asked.
"Em want to show Frack new bear," Emma said dropping her teddy bear on the floor.
"Well then let's go show her your bear," Allison went to pick her youngest daughter up.
Emma shook her head. "Daddy too!"
"I will," Jon promised. "But I have to wait until Adam's asleep, baby."
Emma's lower lip trembled.
"Em," Allison said picking her up. "Don't cry..."
"Mummy and Daddy no love Em," the little redhead's eyes filled with tears.
"What?" Allison asked taken aback. "Emma, where would you get an idea like that? We love you very, very much."
"You spend all time with Adam," Emma said.
"Sweetheart, we have to pay him a little more attention since he's a baby," Allison explained gently. "But that doesn't mean we don't love you. I'm sorry if you've felt ignored, baby. You're our sweet girl, you know that, right?"
"Guess so," Emma felt only a little placated.
Allison hugged her tightly. "We love you, Em. And you've been such a great big sister to Adam. You remember how he smiled up at you when you sang to him this morning?"
Emma finally smiled. "Adam's cute."
"Emma Madeline!" Jon exclaimed. "You sang to your little brother? And I missed it?"
"Daddy I do it again," Emma promised.
Jon smiled at her. "You promise? Because I don't want to miss it again."
"Promise," Emma said.
"And might I add that you are one beyoootiful Hula girl, Em," Jon said as Emma did a little twirl in her grass skirt.
"She's definitely the prettiest three year old Hula girl here," Allison grinned.
Emma beamed at them. "Em go play with Han now."
"We'll be down in a few minutes all right baby?" Jon asked.
Emma nodded. "Kay."
Jon looked at his wife. "I thought she was over the jealousy by now."
"I thought so too, but we'll have to make sure we don't leave her or Caroline out," Allison said thoughtfully. "Emma's used to being the baby."
"It'll be okay," Jon leaned over and gave her a kiss. "Why don't you go down and see what everyone's up to? I'll make sure Adam Jonathan gets to sleep."
"Okay," she said giving her son a kiss on the forehead.
Jon grinned down at Adam. "All right you... time for one monster of a kip." he pressed his lips to his son's soft head. He'd been worried about having three children but now with his promotion at the pub and Allison working at her mother's studio, they were finally making more than enough money to support their family.
He took the baby monitor and hooked it on his shorts pocket before heading downstairs to join the party. Katie and Ashley had arrived with Julie and Nick as had Mia with Claire and Jack. Toshio was trying to keep control of the twins who were having a grand time in the sand.
"How's my birthday girl?" he swooped Caroline up into his arms.
"Hungry," Caroline giggled throwing her arms around her father. "Thank you for my party, Daddy."
"Anytime princess," Jon grinned. "I can't believe you're seven!"
"Four more years and I'll be at Hogwarts," Caroline said smiling at him. "Can you believe it?"
"I don't know if I'm going to let you go," Jon said, only half in jest.
"You have four years to get ready for it," Caroline said softly.
Jon kissed her cheek. "I'll try to be ready. But for now... how about I go and get something for my girl to eat?"
"Yes, please," Caroline said as he set her back down.
"And for Em, of course," Jon winked at her.
Caroline giggled and went off to join her friends.
Darla and Hans were sipping punch and watching the children play. Darla grinned at her boyfriend. "Thank you for coming with me today. I know it's just a kids' party, but I am really happy you came with, Hans."
"It's no industry do," Hans teased her. "But since I'm here with you..."
Darla laughed. "Joke all you want, but it does mean a lot to me that you came. You know how much my family means to me."
"I do," Hans kissed the side of her neck.
Maddie tapped her sister on the shoulder. "Do you really think you guys should be doing that at a kids' party?"
"And that wasn't you and Ethan in the corner putting on a show?" Darla teased her.
"She had something in her eye," Ethan said defensively. "I was helping get it out."
"A likely story," Hans joked.
"We should behave in front of the children and Ethan," Darla said teasing her brother-in-law.
"Hey!" Ethan said good naturedly. "What about your pesky little brother over there?"
"Junior graces us with his presence?" Darla asked looking around the room.
"Amazing but true," Maddie deadpanned. "The famous Quidditch star finds time to spend with his niece on her birthday."
"He certainly looks in the party mood," Hans said dryly. He was just sitting there on the sofa staring into space.
"Well you saw all that stuff in the papers right?" Maddie asked. "He was snogging that Serena Starr- I'm sure Alexa's read him the riot act."
"Not to mention I'm sure my baby sister has sent him countless Howlers," Ethan said dryly.
Darla had never seen her brother acting like this and her heart went out to him. She excused herself to go and check on him.
"Hey, little brother," Darla said sitting down.
RJ jumped. "Hey Dar."
"I would ask how you were doing, but it seems obvious," Darla said sympathetically.
"Yeah," RJ replied. "I've made a real mess of my life."
"RJ," Darla said softly.
"If I tell you something you won't say anything, will you?" he asked quietly.
Darla nodded. "What is it?"
RJ looked around for a moment. "I might have gotten Lexie pregnant," he said, almost inaudibly.
"WHAT?" Darla asked much louder than she'd meant to.
RJ exhaled sharply. "Thanks a lot," he glared at his sister.
"Sorry," she whispered. "It's just...I didn't know you and Alexa were doing that, RJ."
"Well we are," he said irritably. "Or were, at least. She's pretty pissed at me right now."
"It does take two to do that," Darla said. "She has to take responsibility for it too."
"Well it's not only that," he said sourly. "I made a huge mistake with Serena Starr."
"I think we all saw that in the Prophet," Darla said quietly. "Why on earth were you snogging her, RJ?"
"I was pissed," RJ said. "Completely drunk and it just sort of happened."
"Snogging was all that happened, right?" Darla asked.
"Yes," RJ said sharply.
Darla sighed in relief. "And ...have you heard from Alexa since the papers came out?"
RJ shook his head. "Saffron sent me a really nasty letter, of course. She always has to stick her nose in where it doesn't belong."
"She's looking out for her best friend," Darla said thoughtfully. "Junior, you should really, really talk to Alexa about this. Explain to her that you were freaked out about what happened between the two of you and that you got pissed, but it was a mistake..."
"I've tried," RJ got up. "She won't write back."
"When's the next Hogsmeade weekend?" Darla asked.
"She'll be home for Christmas hols before the next Hogsmeade weekend," RJ replied.
"Well," Darla said smiling reassuringly at him. "You know what you should do then, right?"
"I guess," he said. "If she'll talk to me."
"She will," Darla said giving him a hug. "You'll work this out."
Emma walked over to her uncle and put her hands on her hips. "Sad, RJ?"
RJ had to smile at the little redhead. "Nah," he said. "Not with you here Em."
"Mummy and Daddy still love you even with Adam," Emma said climbing onto his lap.
"I'm sure they do," RJ pinched her chubby cheeks.
"How do you like being a big sister?" Darla asked her niece.
"Adam makes faces," Emma said. "And I sing to him!"
"Your Aunt Darla used to do that to me and I'd cry," RJ said earning himself a punch in the arm from his sister.
"You were a baby," Darla pointed out. "How would you remember that?"
"It's hard to forget the source of your nightmares," RJ joked.
"I have a wonderful voice," Darla said indignantly. "And for your information, you smiled whenever Drew or I sang to you. That was, of course, when Maddie would let us near you."
"Mad loves you," Emma told him.
"Mad looked out for me," RJ said nodding.
"Em will look out for Adam," Emma nodded.
"Like a good big sister," RJ said smiling at her.
"Where Lexie?" Emma asked looking around the room. "She come with Saf?"
"Uh... no." RJ said. "Lexie and Saf are at school."
"Em like Lexie and Saf," Emma said smiling at her uncle.
"I bet," RJ said, his smile dropping a bit.
"Tell your uncle that everything will work out okay," Darla told Emma. "He doesn't believe me."
"It be okay," Emma reached up and patted his cheeks. "Everyone loves RJ!"
RJ smiled at his niece. It had been a good idea to come here and deal with people who would love him no matter what.
"Come on, Em," RJ said standing up with her in his arms. "Let's go and get something to eat."
Will had arrived at the party a little late since he'd had an important meeting. The moment he walked into the party, he made a beeline for his wife who was soaking her legs in the paddling pool with Hannah.
"You started without me," Will said giving Frankie a kiss.
"Hey you," Frankie smiled at him. "Sorry, it just looked too inviting to wait."
"Hi, Will," Hannah said softly.
"Hey Hannah," Will tugged gently on one of her plaits. "Love the skirt."
"I like your shirt," Hannah said smiling at him. "It's really bright though!"
"Good," Will grinned at her. "I'll light up a room!"
Hannah giggled.
Frankie looked across the room where Caroline was talking with one of the boys from her class. That had to explain why she wasn't making a beeline for Will.
"Don't look now, but I think you have competition, Will," Frankie whispered in his ear.
Will chuckled. "My heart's been broken."
Frankie shook her head. "I don't know how you'll carry on."
"It's going to be tough," Will clutched his heart. "Frankie, what will I do?"
"Live happily ever after with me?" Frankie suggested. "And Hannah?"
"How about it Hannah?" Will asked. "Want to help me get over Caroline's betrayal?"
Hannah nodded solemnly.
"I think I should find out more about my competition," Will said motioning for Allison to come over to them.
"Hey, Allie? Who is that kid who has Caroline so captivated?"
Allison looked over and grinned. "That would be Michael Kinski. Caroline's got a little bit of a crush on him. I promised her I wouldn't tell you that you've been replaced."
Will laughed. "It was only a matter of time before she dropped me for someone younger and shorter."
"Because you're so old," Frankie deadpanned.
"I prefer decrepit," Will said dryly. Frankie hit him on the arm when she saw Caroline and Michael walking past them.
"And my daddy has this really nice racing broom," Caroline was telling him. "I've been up on it once or twice."
"Wow," Michael replied. "Your dad is pretty cool Caroline..."
Caroline blushed. "And my mummy played Quidditch at Hogwarts. She was really, really good."
"Quidditch is my favourite sport in the world," he said. "And I can't believe your uncle is RJ Weasley!"
"Do you want to meet him?" Caroline asked tugging nervously on one of her plaits.
"Hi, Caroline," Will said waving at his niece who didn't seem to hear him as she followed Michael over to where RJ was sitting.
Frankie put a hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter.
"That'd be awesome!" Michael grinned at her, making Caroline blush.
"Great to see you too, Caroline," Will said as Caroline took Michael's hand.
"Awwww..." Frankie had to hide her giggles.
"She has it bad," Allison said smiling after her daughter. "Jon's not too happy about it, but I said it was harmless fun."
"Of course it is," Frankie assured her. "Caroline's only seven."
"Going on 16," Jon said as he joined them. "Who is that kid? Do we know anything about him?"
Allison shook her head. "Jon don't start getting like my father."
"I'm not," Jon said defensively. "I just like to know who that kid is..."
"Michael Kinski," Allison explained for what seemed like the hundredth time that evening. "He's in Caroline's class, he loves Quidditch and he thinks that you're pretty cool."
"Oh," Jon replied. "Well then I suppose he's all right..."
Frankie laughed. "I imagine Will's going to be the same way when you start to date, Hannah."
Hannah blushed. "I don't like boys like that."
"Music to my ears," Will said smiling at her.
Hannah smiled shyly at him.
In the kitchen, Julie was talking to Chiaki about what had happened at Hogwarts that week.
"He's really done such an amazing job, Chi," Julie gushed. "And he has so many wonderful ideas about what he wants to do for Hogwarts."
"Sounds like Hogwarts is getting all revamped." Chiaki replied.
"He's not going to change it completely," Julie said in his defence. "Oliver has this really great idea for a mentor program for former students to come to the school and help some of the fifth, sixth and seventh years with career planning."
Chiaki nodded. "Sometimes, I wish we had something like that. If I didn't have dancing, I don't know what I would have done."
"I know," Julie said. "Which is why, I was going to ask if you might be interested in having a talk with some of the students."
"You want me to come?" Chiaki was flattered. "Really Jules?"
Julie nodded. "Chiaki, you were a successful dancer. And now you're teaching. Oliver and I were talking about it and we'd love for you to come."
"I'd love to!" Chiaki said eagerly.
"Fantastic," Julie grinned at her best friend. "Oliver wants to have the first meetings right after Christmas hols."
"I'll make sure my schedule is cleared," Chiaki nodded.
"I've also spoken to my mum and dad and Luna, of course," Julie explained. "And I was going to see if Josh would do it, too."
"He's never been able to turn you down," Chiaki teased.
"Stop," Julie said playfully.
"It's true!" Chiaki said laughing.
"This year really has been wonderful so far," Julie said.
"I bet Oliver Wood's quite popular with the ladies." Chiaki replied.
"You wouldn't believe the number of girls who have tried to get detention," Julie said rolling her eyes. "Even girls you wouldn't think would normally behave that way. And before you ask, no, Saffron isn't one of them."
"Of course not," Chiaki grinned. "She's got Andrew."
"My little sister has it bad," Julie agreed.
Toshio came into the kitchen with Sukie who held her arms out to her mother.
"Ma!" she cried out.
"Hello my baby," Chiaki crooned. "How's my girl?"
"Not wanting any part of her daddy," Toshio said handing the baby off to his wife. "Your dad is busy helping Mas build a castle."
"How sweet," Chiaki kissed Sukie's forehead. "These two just love the sand."
"They're both getting so big," Julie said making a goofy face at Sukie.
"Too big," Chiaki said wistfully. "Part of me wishes they could stay like this forever."
"You'll love watching them grow up," Julie said softly.
"I love everything about being a mother," Chiaki said. "I'm so glad Frankie's finally realised how great it is too."
"It's really amazing to watch her with Hannah," Julie said.
"Could that kid be any sweeter?" Toshio got himself something to drink. "She really loves Frankie too."
"I just hope everything works out for them," Chiaki said as Sukie rested her head on Chiaki's shoulder.
"I'm sure it will," Julie replied.
"Katie and Ashley seem to be getting along," Toshio commented. "Has the world come to an end?"
"Shhhh," Julie smiled. "They haven't fought in a week."
Toshio chuckled. "Sorry, you're right. We don't want to jinx it."
"Exactly," Julie said. "Plus Katie's been busy working on her reading. Nick and I are really proud of her."
"That's great," Chiaki said smiling at her best friend. She knew how hard this had been on Julie.
"It hasn't been easy but at least she's trying," Julie said. "That's really all we can ask of her."
"Aunt Julie, we're going to open my presents now," Caroline said coming into the kitchen with Katie and Mia.
"Wait until you see what I got you," Katie said grinning at her best friend.
"I can't wait," Caroline giggled. "You always give the best gifts. You and Mia."
"And Mich-ael," Katie said in a sing-song voice. "He's your boy-friend."
Caroline blushed. "No, he's not!"
"You were holding his hand," Katie teased.
"I wasn't," Caroline said in a quiet voice.
"Yes, you were," Mia agreed. "You held his hand when you took him over to meet your uncle."
"But it was just to meet him," Caroline protested, her face red. "He's not my boyfriend."
"You're too young for a boyfriend," Julie said putting her arm around the birthday girl. "There'll be enough time for that and besides, who says you can't have a friend that's a boy, right?"
"Right Aunt Julie," Caroline gave her a grateful smile.
"So, how about we all go and watch you open your presents?" Julie asked.
Caroline nodded eagerly.
Caroline sat down on the sand and she blushed as everyone gathered around her.
"This one is from Daddy, Emma, Adam and me," Allison said handing Caroline a box.
"Thank you Mummy," Caroline said, eagerly ripping into the box.
Caroline's eyes grew large. "MY OWN WIRELESS!"
Jon laughed. "Just for you angel."
"Thank you so much, Daddy!" Caroline squealed.
Emma handed her sister a rolled up piece of paper. "For Sissy. Em made."
"You made this for me Em?" Caroline unrolled it. "Oooooh!" it was a portrait that Ashley had helped Emma draw from scratch of her big sister.
Emma beamed at her sister. "Ash helped."
"It's beautiful," Caroline said happily. "Thank you Em. I love it soooo much!"
"Yay!" Emma said clapping her hands together before sitting back down beside Hannah.
"This is from Frankie, Will and Hannah," Jon said handing his daughter another present.
"Thank you," Caroline called to her aunt and uncle. "And thank you Hannah." she smiled at the brunette who had joined their circle.
Hannah leaned against Frankie as she watched Caroline unwrap the present. She hoped that Caroline would like what they'd picked out.
"Oooh!" Caroline squealed as she looked at the dress. "This is so pretty!"
"She likes it," Hannah whispered to Frankie.
"She does," Frankie agreed, squeezing the little girl's shoulders. "You did a good job."
"Thanks, Mummy," Hannah said.
Frankie hugged her and kissed the side of her head. "You're welcome baby," she whispered.
Allison handed Caroline another present. This one was from Saffron and Alexa who had sent her a basket of sweets from Honeyduke's.
"This is soooo cool," Caroline said handing the basket to her father. "Don't eat any, Daddy!"
"I wouldn't do that!" Jon grinned at his daughter.
"Mister Ron would," Jenny said giggling.
"My grandpa eats everything," Caroline grinned at her.
"Keep that away from Maddie too," Ethan said putting his arms around his wife.
Maddie's only answer was to elbow him in the side, making everyone laugh.
"Okay," Jon said. "Leaving Mad Dog out of this...the next present is from the Malfoy family...."
"Yay," Caroline accepted it happily.
The box contained a framed sketch of Max from Ashley, a gift slip to a top shop in Diagon Alley from Nick and Julie and a pretty necklace from Katie that had half a heart. Caroline held it up.
"I have the other half," Katie told her. "They're best friend necklaces!"
"Wow!!!" Caroline exclaimed. "Mummy can you help me put it on now?"
"Sure," Allison said taking the necklace and clasping it around Caroline's neck.
"Perfect," Katie lifted her own brown bushy hair to reveal her half.
"Thank you, Aunt Julie & Uncle Nick," Caroline said giving them each a hug. "And that picture looks just like Max, Ashley!"
"I'm glad you like it Caroline," Ashley replied. "I worked really hard on it."
"And here's one from Michael," Allison said winking at her daughter as she handed her the package.
Caroline blushed. "Thank you," she said shyly as Katie giggled.
It was a Disney movie that Caroline already had, but she didn't want to hurt Michael's feelings. "This is my favourite! I've wanted this one practically forever. Thank you, Michael!"
"I'm glad you like it," Michael blushed as well. "You sort of look like the princess in it..."
"You really think so?" Caroline asked gazing adoringly at him.
"Yeah," he grinned back at her.
"Maybe you could come over sometime and watch it," Caroline said shyly.
"Next present," Jon said hastily. "Here's one from Mia..."
Allison hit her husband on the shoulder as Caroline tore into the next gift.
"Mia!" Caroline exclaimed, pulling a pretty bracelet out of the box. "I think you and Katie had the same idea." she giggled.
Katie frowned, but didn't say anything.
"Do you like it?" Mia asked hopefully.
"I love it," Caroline answered. "I'll wear it all the time, just like this necklace."
Mia grinned. "Happy Birthday, Caroline!"
"Thank you," Caroline fastened the bracelet.
"And what do you say to everyone for coming to your party?" Jon asked his daughter.
"THANK YOU EVERYBODY!" Caroline called out.
Allison laughed. "You're very welcome, Angel."
Jon heard the sound of a baby crying from the monitor in his pocket.
"I'll go," Cho offered eagerly.
"You sure?" Jon asked. "Thanks Cho."
"She was dying to go and see him," Neville chuckled.
"He's so funny," Jon grinned. "And Em told me she sang to him this morning."
"What did you sing to him?" Neville asked his granddaughter.
"Twinkle, twinkle, little star," Emma sang the first few notes. "And he does this when he hears it..." She mimicked the way Adam would smack his lips.
Jon and Neville both laughed. "I think it's very sweet of you to sing to him baby," Jon picked her up. "You're a great big sister, you know that?"
"Great like Sissy?" Emma asked smiling hopefully at him.
"That's right," Neville grinned at her. "You're the best Em, just like Sissy."
Emma leaned forward and kissed her grandfather on the cheek. "Love Gampa."
"And I love my Emma Madeline," Neville pinched her nose.
In the nursery, Cho gingerly lifted Adam out of his crib. "There, there," she said soothingly. "Grandma's here, Adam."
Adam stifled his sobs and waved his little hand around.
Cho smiled down at him. "You hate missing the party..."
Hannah had been on her way back to the party from the bathroom when she heard voices coming from the nursery. Although she knew she shouldn't, she couldn't help watching Frankie's mother with the baby. She'd never had grandparents.
"Hello, Hannah," Cho said softly.
Hannah blushed. "I'm...I'm sorry...I'll go."
Cho shook her head. "Come on inside."
Hannah tentatively stepped inside the nursery.
"Would you like to hold him?" Cho asked.
"I can hold him?" Hannah asked her eyes wide. "Really?"
Cho nodded. "Why don't you sit down in the rocking chair, first...?"
Hannah nodded and climbed into the chair quickly.
"Alright," Cho said softly. "Just remember to support his head..."
"Okay," Hannah said, cradling him gently. Adam stopped fussing and gazed up at her.
"I think he likes you," Cho said kneeling down beside them. "Which is good since he's going to be your cousin."
Hannah smiled. "And you'll get to be my grandma."
"I sure will," Cho said smiling back at her. "Neville and I can't wait."
"Really?" Hannah asked shyly. "I never had a grandma or grandpa before."
"Well," Cho said conspiratorially. "We're going to spoil you rotten."
Hannah giggled. "Sometimes I call Frankie my mummy by accident. At first I thought she would get mad but she didn't."
"She wants to be your mummy so much," Cho said thinking of the way Frankie's face would light up when Hannah was in the room or when she spoke about things she did with the little girl. She'd never seen her youngest daughter act that way.
"I love Frankie," Hannah whispered.
"She loves you too," Cho said fondly. "We all do, Hannah."
Hannah blushed and looked down at the baby in her arms.
"Caroline and Emma can't stop talking about you," Cho told her. "And Adam seems quite taken with his future cousin, too."
"I get to be Em's best friend," Hannah said. "She told me so."
Cho smiled. "Emma told me too."
Frankie had gone upstairs to see what was taking Hannah so long in the loo and was watching the scene in front of her from the doorway. "Are you having fun in here?" she asked with a smile.
"Your mummy let me hold Adam," Hannah said softly, careful to keep her voice down so Adam wouldn't cry.
"Looks to me like you're doing a great job," Frankie said.
"He loves her," Cho said smiling at her granddaughter-to-be.
"He's sure not the only one," Frankie grinned. "Caroline's finished with her presents and they're going to cut the cake. And a little bird told me that it's chocolate cake with strawberry filling..."
"That's my favourite!" Hannah said excitedly.
"It's Caroline's too," Frankie said, sharing a look with her mother.
"How about I take Adam and all three of us go downstairs to have some cake?" Cho asked Hannah.
"Okay," Hannah agreed happily.
Cho took Adam back from Hannah. "What do you say, little buddy? You want to go and get some cake, Adam?"
Adam cooed up at her, making the three of them laugh. "I think that's a yes, Mum." Frankie said. "He is a Weasley, after all."
"He might give Emma a run for her money in the eating department," Cho said with a laugh.
Frankie took Hannah's hand. "Are you liking the party, sweetheart?"
"I'm having soooo much fun," Hannah said.
Frankie laughed. "Me too, Hannah."
"I'm really glad to be here with you too," Hannah said shyly.
"You're a part of our family," Frankie said softly. "And you always will be. You belong here, Hannah."
"I love you," Hannah stopped and gave her a hug. "I really, really, really wish I could stay with you all the time."
Frankie picked her up and held the little girl close. "It won't be much longer, Hannah. I promise."
"I think about it all the time," Hannah confessed. "And I always wish for it."
"Me too," Frankie admitted.
Will met them at the base of the stairs as Cho carried Adam into the kitchen where everyone was gathered. "Everything all right?" he smiled at them.
Hannah nodded. "I got to hold Adam!"
"You did?" Will asked. "I bet you did a great job too."
"Cho said I was a natural," Hannah grinned.
"I bet you are," Will tweaked her nose.
"Come on, Han!" Emma called out. "Cake!"
"Coming!" Hannah called, running ahead and leaving Will and Frankie alone.
"Everything okay?" Will asked his wife. "Really?"
"Yeah," Frankie said with a smile.
Will put his arms around her. "Mrs. Roman sent me an owl at work."
Week 2: Frankie and Will
Amynoelle: I really do think they belong together. And I know you feel differently....
Heaven: Well yes... but we can see how things go. What if they get along better at some point again? Right now I think those two really belong.
Amynoelle: That's true. But what if we...wait a minute...there's a blinking light...is this thing on?
Heaven *laughs* I think it is. Frankie? Will? You guys there?"
Will: Hiya, girls. It's just me right now. Frankie's watching a movie with Hannah. She'll be along right after it finishes, which should be soon.
Heaven: Hannah's so cute. How's the adoption process going? Any luck yet with her deadbeat dad?
Will: Hannah is adorable, isn't she? Well, it's really frustrating for Frankie and me having to deal with someone like him. And it's hard to sit there and listen to the things he says and not want to throttle him.
Heaven: No kidding. Amy and I hate him too.
Will: He is pretty bad. Ah, here's my lovely wife. How was the film?
Frankie: It was great- Hannah just loves Beauty and the Beast. Hi everyone!
Amynoelle: Hi, Frankie! How are you doing this evening?
Frankie: Great, thanks. It's really exciting to be here talking to everyone!
Amynoelle: Well, we have some questions for you. Do you mind if we get started?
Frankie: Fine with me. Will?
Will: Absolutely.
Amynoelle: Great...this first question goes back to your Hogwarts days. You two didn't date while you were at school, right?
Frankie: Unfortunately not. We knew of each other, but we never went out.
Will: I was too scared of her then and she was too busy being boy-crazy.
Heaven: You were scared of her?
Will: Well, Frankie is absolutely beautiful. Always has been. And she had this air about her when we were at school that kind of intimidated me. I fancied her, of course, but was too much of a chicken to do anything about it. That's the reason why that Hat put me in Ravenclaw and not Gryffindor.
Heaven: Awwww... you're so sweet Will.
Will: *Blushes* Thanks. I try...
Amynoelle: And now we're going to get personal, Mrs. Barron....Why are you so afraid of everything? Did something happen to you in the past? I mean, first she wouldn't say 'I love you' to Will, then you wouldn't get married, after that all the problems with kids. Why are you so afraid?
Frankie: It really wasn't that I was afraid; it was more or less that I was a bit of a commitment phobe. I guess in that sense, yes I was scared. At that point I couldn't see myself settling down, having kids, and doing the same thing with my life.
Amynoelle: Did seeing your older sister Allison get married so young have anything to do with that?
Frankie: A little... I couldn't believe it when she came back to school and told me she was a married woman.
Amynoelle: And you helped save the day. We were so proud of you!
Frankie: Yes well... I was glad to help. Allie and Chiaki were finally treating me like a sister instead of a brat.
Will: I heard about some of the things you did when you were little, Frankie. You were a bit of a brat.
Frankie: Shut up Will. I turned out okay in the end.
Heaven: You both did. Will, now we have a question for you. What was it like walking away (in which could have been forever) from Frankie after the Christmas Day proposal fiasco??
Will: You guys really are getting personal. Well, it was one of the hardest things I'd ever done. I loved her so much and wanted to spend the rest of my life with her and she didn't seem to want those things. Or didn't want to admit that she wanted those things. I'm just glad that she came to her senses.
Frankie: I certainly did.
Amynoelle: We all remember the pregnancy scare from awhile back with you two. Will was happy about the possibility while you were scared to death, Frankie. : Do you think you would have decided to have kids by now, had Hannah not come into your life?
Frankie: I'm really not sure... The possibility of being responsible for another human life scared me, but with Hannah, it's all just happened so naturally.
Will: It really has been wonderful to watch. Seeing her with Hannah....it just....I don't even know if I could put it into words.
Frankie: She's such a beautiful, sweet and loving little girl. I can't imagine what life has been like for her so far, but if we're given the opportunity, I'm going to change that. WE'RE going to change that.
Heaven: I think that's awesome, you guys. Will, you've seen your wife's transformation from a motherhood-phobic to giving Hannah the mother she'd lost. What are your views on it? Are you as close to Hannah as Frankie is? If you had your own children later would you be able to handle the situation without getting biased.
Will: I've always known Frankie would be a great mum. I have seen her with our nieces and nephews and she's great with them. And I know it's different when it's your own child, but I always knew she'd be a great parent and that we'd learn about it together. And Hannah has really been this special gift for both of us. It's tough for Hannah to get close to me given what happened with her father, but I think we're making headway. I love Hannah as if she was mine biologically. I would never make any distinction
Heaven: I'm taking a cue from Amy. Awwww!
Amynoelle: That is my favourite word.
Hannah: Mummy, I was---who are you talking to?
Frankie: Hi sweetheart. What brings you in here? Will and I are just doing an interview.
Hannah: I was going to start drawing something for your office. Is it okay? We have enough time right before I have to go back to Luna's?
Frankie: Go right ahead. I can't wait to see what you draw for me today.
Hannah: Okay. I'll be really careful not to make a mess.
Will: Sweetheart, its okay if you do.
Hannah: It is?
Frankie: Sure. We can clean it up, okay?
Hannah: Okay...Come help me when you're done, okay?
Frankie: We'll be in soon.
Heaven: She is so, so, so, SO sweet!
Amynoelle: She is! Frankie, you're having some trouble with her biological father right now. How far would you go to make her your daughter?
Frankie: As far as I had to go. I won't let anyone else hurt her. I want to give her the best life possible.
Heaven: A question for Will: How do you feel knowing that Hannah isn't your biological child and that Frankie is willing to be her mother, but not to have your own children? Are you disappointed? Or are you ok with it?
Will: I would never make Frankie do something she wasn't ready for. And being a mother wasn't something she wanted at that time. And I honestly don't want to make a distinction between biology and adoption...when we get Hannah, and we will get her, she will be OUR daughter.
Amynoelle: Awwww! Sorry, I had to say it! If you ever do get to adopt Hannah, would you still want to have children of your own? And if you don't get to adopt her would you be ready to have your own kids now?
Frankie: Again, I'm not sure. Right now I'm just taking things one step at a time.
Heaven: That's understandable. This is a big step for you. And you're lucky to have Will who supports you like this.
Will: We support each other and we hope to do the same for Hannah.
Amynoelle: Frankie, you've had some experience growing up in a family where one of your sisters was adopted by your father. How do you feel when you found out about Chiaki's parentage?
Frankie: I didn't believe my parents at first. This probably sounds awful, but I thought if my dad wasn't really Chiaki's, he would have treated her differently. I was so young when I found out, but now, especially now, I see why he loves her as much as he does Allie and me.
Will: And Neville is her dad, in every sense of the word.
Heaven: Definitely! I remember when Chiaki was born. He could hardly stay away from her and Cho.
Now Will, when did you realise that you were in love with Frankie? And after you broke up with her because she didn't want to get married to you, did you think that it was really over between you two?! Can you pinpoint the exact moment you realised you were in love with her?
Will: The weekend she called me while she was babysitting Emma and Caroline. We were at the park and I just looked at her and I knew.
Heaven: This is turning into an awwww worthy interview.
Amynoelle: Yes it is and I think we could ask Frankie that same question.
Frankie: I'd have to think about that one. I think I loved him for a long time before I realised it. And you all know that was when he asked me to marry him and I said no. Merlin, I can't BELIEVE I said no. I was shite for doing that.
Amynoelle: You really were...
Heaven: Amy!
Amynoelle: She was!
Heaven: We're not supposed to rub it in her face... she's made up for it since then!
Amynoelle: Yes she has and I think out of everyone in this universe, she really has grown the most.
Will: You guys are embarrassing her. You should see how red she is right now.
Frankie: Will!!!
Will: You are, Frankie!
Amynoelle: And I really do want to give you a pat on the back for not being friends with that horrid Alicia anymore.
Frankie: Thankfully, we haven't seen her in a long while. Maybe she went into hiding- in a place where people are so ugly they can't show their face in society.
Heaven: That sounds like something Saffron would say.
Frankie: I see so much of myself in her.
Will: Maybe I should warn young Andrew then.
Frankie: You'll do nothing of the sort, William.
Hannah: Mummy, I finished my picture!
Frankie: I'll be right back you guys.
Amynoelle: Tell her we said hi!
Will: I have a feeling she'd like you two.
Heaven: Of course she would. We're so likeable.
Will: With a flair for the dramatic...
Amynoelle: We're not that bad.
Will: Yeah right... *laughs*
Amynoelle: Moving on...do you ever feel left out with Frankie and Hannah? We mentioned before that she does seem closer to Frankie at this point.
Will: I think she is closer to Frankie right now, and I understand that completely. The man who was supposed to care for her and loved her hurt her instead. So I'm just going to have to take my time with Hannah.
Amynoelle: You really are doing a fantastic job, if I do say so myself. Heaven and I both think you guys make great parents.
Will: Thanks, thanks a lot. It's good to know other people have confidence in us.
Frankie (Comes back into the room with Hannah): I hope you guys don't mind. But someone wanted to say hello. Sweetheart, can you tell everyone what you made for me?
Hannah: Um... I don't know..."
Will: its okay, Hannah. They're both really nice girls.
Amynoelle: Hi, Hannah!
Heaven: Hey Hannah... we've heard loads about you!
Hannah (whispers): Mummy, they talk kind of funny.
Frankie: *laughs* they're from America, sweetheart.
Hannah: Mister Ron calls them Yanks, right?
Will: *laughs*
Amynoelle: That's us. And we don't have any more reader questions. Many of the questions were duplicates. But everyone is really pulling for you guys.
Hannah: Pulling? What does that mean, Frankie?
Frankie: It means that they hope that we get to be a family, sweetheart.
Hannah: Oh... I really hope so too. I keep wishing at night when I go to bed.
Will: We do too, Hannah. We do too.
Amynoelle: We want to thank the three of you for taking the time to answer our questions. It's been fun.
Frankie: We'd love to do it again sometime. Hopefully by then, it'll be three Barrons.
Amynoelle: We hope so too. You three have a good night. Heaven and I have to decide who we're going to interview next.
Will: Have fun!
Heaven: We will. Thanks again you guys!