I am so, so sorry about not updating last night!! It's been a busy 3 weeks for me with 3 Homecomings in a row -I (Heaven) work in a floral shop and we've been CRAZY! So my apologies for not updating on time, and I made this chapter longer for you guys without the cliffhanger we had planned ;)
Next chapter- HANNAH! :D And don't forget to send in your questions for Jon and Allie!
The ride home on the train was almost unbearable for both Saffron and Alexa. They were both so eager to see their boyfriends that they were practically jumping onto the platform before the train had stopped.
"It's good to see you'll miss us this holiday," Beth commented jokingly.
"We will miss you," Alexa said giving her roommate a hug. "And I hope you both have a great holiday."
"You have fun with RJ," Mimi grinned.
"And you have fun with Jake," Saffron teased her. "I know he's coming over to your place."
"On Christmas Eve," Mimi said blushing.
"Oooooh," Saffron, Alexa and Beth all chorused.
"In fact, I'm going to go and say goodbye to him now," Mimi said waving at them. "See you in the new year!"
"I have to get someone now," Beth whined. "I feel like the fifth wheel."
"You'll find someone," Saffron assured her. "As soon as you stop mooning over Oliver Wood. I'm glad you two finally stopped thinking he and Julie--"
"I know," Beth said rolling her eyes. "Just friends...and what I have for the headmaster is just a crush."
Alexa giggled as the train finally screeched to a stop.
"FINALLY!" Saffron grabbed her bag. "I really, really, really hope Andrew's here."
"Saffy!" Alexa exclaimed as her friend practically knocked her down to get out of their compartment. "WAIT!"
"She's mad," Beth said. "She's absolutely mad."
"She's in love," Alexa said grabbing her own bag. "I'll see you, Beth. Happy Christmas!"
"Bye Lexie," Beth left at a much slower pace than her two friends.
Saffron spotted Andrew in the crowd and didn't notice her parents. "Andrew!" she squealed launching herself at him.
"Hey Saf," he laughed as she nearly toppled them both over.
"Good to know she missed us," Harry said sarcastically to his wife.
"I know," Hermione said inching closer to husband to keep warm.
"I missed you so, so much," Saffron felt her eyes grow moist. "And I was really hoping you'd be here."
Andrew held her tightly. "I wouldn't have missed it. But I think your parents really want to see you too."
"They're here?" Saffron asked not letting go of Andrew.
Andrew grinned. "Right over there Saf."
Saffron finally let go of Andrew and spotted her mother and father.
"Remember us?" Harry asked as his daughter gave him a hug.
"Yes," Saffron said. "I'm sorry... I was just really excited about seeing Andrew. I've missed you both like mad."
"We missed you too, sweetheart," Hermione said giving her a hug. "Especially Puddles."
"Did you bring him?" Saffron asked as Andrew joined them.
Hermione shook her head. "Your father and I came right from work."
"It's really nice to be home," Saffron said. "This is going to be such a great holiday."
"Andrew, you're welcome to join us at Saffron's grandmother's house," Harry told the younger man. "We're having a family do over there tomorrow night to decorate the tree."
"Oh you have to come!" Saffron pleaded. "We always have such a great time."
"I'd love to," Andrew said smiling at Saffron's parents. "Thank you, Mr. Potter."
"We'll be glad to have you," Hermione smiled at her daughter's boyfriend.
"Thanks," Andrew said taking Saffron's bag from her.
Saffron sent him a grin. "I still have to get my trunk," she began.
"I'll get that," Harry replied. "Why don't you head on back to the house with Andrew and we'll meet you there?"
"Thanks, Daddy," Saffron said gratefully. "Come on, Andrew."
Andrew wrapped his arm around her shoulders as they left Platform 9 ¾. "I hope Alexa's not waiting around for RJ," he said.
"Why?" Saffron asked stopping in her tracks.
"He got called to a meeting," Andrew explained. "He said he rang her parents, but I don't know if he got a hold of them or not."
"Oh," Saffron said quietly. "Well, I suppose that's okay. She's really looking forward to the holiday."
Andrew kissed the side of her head. "I cleared the whole night to spend with you."
Saffron beamed at him. "I'm glad you did that so I can show you how much I missed you."
He laughed. "Perhaps after dinner we can go out for ice cream... and a little you and me time."
"That sounds great," Saffron said. "And I did want to pop into Aunt Lavender's and Uncle Seamus', too. Gabriel's over for the holidays."
Andrew nodded. "We have the next three weeks together. New Year's is going to be a lot of fun."
"Plus we have our first anniversary," Saffron leaned against him.
"First anniversary of what?" Andrew asked innocently.
She poked him in the side. "You know what."
"When we finally got it together, you mean?" Andrew asked. "Now that you mention it, yes I do remember that. Best day of my life actually."
She grinned at him. "Mine too..."
A few minutes later, they arrived back at the Minister's mansion and Saffron squealed with delight when Puddles practically jumped into her arms.
"Oooh, my sweet baby!" Saffron exclaimed hugging him. "I've missed you!"
Puddles enthusiastically licked her face.
"I think he missed you too," Andrew said dryly, setting her bag down.
"I keep asking Headmaster Wood if I can bring him back to school with me and he turns me down flat each time," Saffron said laughing. "Puddles, you have me all to yourself for three whole weeks."
"I hope he knows how to share, just a little." Andrew rubbed the dog's ears.
"He will," Saffron said grinning at him. "Puddles has always liked you."
"At least he gets to sleep in the same bed as you," Andrew joked, only half serious. "I'm jealous of that."
"You certainly could try," Saffron teased. "Daddy wouldn't like it though."
"I definitely don't want to piss off your father," Andrew replied. "But since they're not here, I can welcome you home properly."
"Oh really--" Saffron started to say, but Andrew had pressed his lips to hers cutting off anything she had to say or anything she was thinking about. Puddles squirmed out of her arms and Andrew took the opportunity to pull her closer.
This is what he'd been looking forward to all day. Just being with her all alone, even if it was only for a few minutes.
"Andrew," she whispered.
"Yeah?" he asked huskily.
"I really missed this," Saffron said before kissing him again.
"Me too," he said breathlessly, running his fingers through her unkempt hair.
Saffron wanted nothing more than to pull him down on the sofa, but she heard a pop sound coming from the foyer and she pulled away from her boyfriend hoping her lips weren't too swollen.
"What do you have in this thing, Saffron?" Harry asked as he set the trunk down.
"Everything I own," she answered, quickly straightening out her robes.
"It's just so great to have you home," Hermione said coming into the sitting room.
"I'm glad to be back," she answered. "I really did miss you both."
"We missed you too, sweetheart," Hermione said. "Your grandmother has been looking forward to seeing you."
"How's she been doing?" Saffron asked. "Did she like those books I sent her?"
"She has her good days and her bad days," Hermione said sitting down on the sofa. "But she's always happy to get your letters and she loves those books."
"I can't wait to see her," Saffron said softly as she sat down with Andrew.
"Jon and Allie were wondering if you'd be interested in babysitting a couple of times in the next week," Hermione said. "They need to do some last minute shopping..."
"Yes!" Saffron answered immediately. "Adam, too? He is sooooooooooo adorable!"
"Adam too," Harry said with a grin. "You should see Caroline and Emma with him."
Saffron grinned. "I'll owl them later tonight to let them know I'm free."
"I want to hear all about school," Hermione told her daughter. "I'd also like to hear about Oliver Wood from a student's perspective."
Saffron groaned. "Just don't ask Mimi or Beth. All they could tell you about are the colour of his eyes or how his robes hang just right over his--"
"Saffron!" Harry exclaimed.
"Well, it's the truth!" Saffron said laughing.
"He is rather handsome," Hermione said thoughtfully.
"Hermione!" Harry turned to his wife, making Andrew laugh.
"I bet he'd never keep secrets from his wife," Hermione said.
"What are you talking about?" Saffron asked.
"Your father has this secret that only Ethan knows about and he refuses to tell me what it is," Hermione said.
"And your mother is overreacting as usual," Harry chimed in.
"I am not overreacting," Hermione informed him. "I just like to know--"
"Everything," Harry finished for her.
Saffron giggled. "Come on Mum, it's not like you, me and Jules don't have our own secrets."
"Such as?" Harry asked pointedly.
"Girl stuff," Saffron replied. "Things you really, really don't want to know Dad."
"Andrew, do you know about this stuff?" Harry asked Andrew who shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
"Uh, not really..." he said lamely.
"How about we get something to eat for the kids?" Hermione suggested pulling on her husband's arm.
"Fine," Harry agreed. "Saffy, did you want to eat in or have us take you out for dinner? Or have you made plans with Andrew?"
"We kind of made plans, Daddy," Saffron said. "If that's okay..."
"Long as you set aside at least one night for us," Harry teased her. He wanted to protest and have his daughter stay at home but he knew how much she wanted to be with her boyfriend.
"You'll get more than one night, I promise," Saffron said.
Hermione excused herself to get some hot chocolate for her daughter and Andrew with Harry right on her heels.
"It's been two weeks, Hermione," Harry said pleadingly.
"For what?" she asked in her most innocent tone.
"You know what," Harry said. "The last time we went this long was right before our wedding..."
"Is that so?" Hermione replied. "Where did you put the hot chocolate?"
"In the cabinet above the stove," Harry said rolling his eyes. "Hermione..."
"Yes?" she turned around and smiled pleasantly at him.
"It's just a nothing little secret," Harry argued.
"I'm sure it is," Hermione said, still in a pleasant tone.
"You know, you're being really hypocritical," Harry complained. "I don't ask you to tell me what goes on between you, Julie and Saffron."
"Um, yes you do," Hermione said scooping some of the hot chocolate mix into the mugs.
"Only if I think it's really important," Harry crossed his arms.
"If this is such a nothing little secret, you should tell me and be done with it," Hermione said. "Otherwise..."
Harry glared at his wife.
"Do we still have some of those biscuits Greta sent over?" Hermione asked.
Harry said nothing, simply sat down at the table.
Hermione shook her head as she went over to one of the cupboards to retrieve the biscuit tin.
Harry stretched out, putting his hands behind his head as he stared wordlessly at his wife.
"We have gone longer than a fortnight," Hermione reminded him as she placed some biscuits on a plate.
Harry raised his eyebrows at her.
"We have," Hermione said. "And you survived."
Harry began to hum a song he knew would annoy his wife.
"You know how I detest that song," Hermione said quietly.
Harry only hummed it louder.
"Really mature," Hermione said glaring at him as she picked up the tray of food and mugs of hot chocolate. "Really, really mature, Harry."
Harry smiled at her without stopping.
"Two can play at that," Hermione said before carrying the tray out of the kitchen. And so Harry would hear, she called out, "Saffron, you must tell me more about the new Headmaster..."
Harry followed her out to the sitting room, still humming.
"He's pretty cool," Saffron was sitting close to Andrew and it was fairly obvious they'd been snogging while Harry and Hermione were in the kitchen. "A lot of the girls go mad when he's around, but he's been really nice about it."
"I can certainly see why," Hermione said with a grin.
"Dad---why are you humming THAT song?" Saffron asked.
"He's trying to annoy me," Hermione cast him a glare.
"And it's working," Harry said in a smartass tone.
"No, it's not," Hermione said defensively.
"Yes it is," Harry shot back.
Saffron rolled her eyes. "You two are being so mature."
Andrew laughed, but earned glares from Saffron's parents. He quickly grabbed a biscuit and popped it into his mouth.
"What's this about?" Saffron asked. "You seemed fine at the station..."
"It's nothing," Hermione covered. "Your father is a stubborn mule."
"That's rich coming from you," Harry retorted.
"I beg your pardon?" Hermione shot back. "If you weren't keeping secrets from me--"
"Merlin's beard, Hermione!" Harry nearly shouted. "It's one bloody secret and in the great scheme of things, it doesn't matter!"
Saffron looked with wide eyes. "Um... Andrew and I are going to take Puddles for a quick walk, okay?"
"Great idea," Andrew said standing up.
The two teenagers beat a hasty exit outside. "What's that all about?" he asked his girlfriend.
"I have no idea," Saffron said as she shut the door behind her. "They hardly ever have a row."
"I hope they'll be all right," Andrew said.
"I'm sure they will," Saffron said. She led the way toward the garden which was her favourite part of her home.
Andrew squeezed her hand. "I can't believe you're home," he grinned at her.
"Me too," Saffron said leaning against him.
He kissed the side of her head. "For our anniversary I'm taking you to the nicest restaurant I can afford."
"Andrew!"
"What?" he asked.
"That's so sweet," Saffron said softly.
"You're my girl," Andrew replied.
"Always," Saffron said smiling up at him. "You really are the best boyfriend if I do say so myself."
Andrew laughed. "You're the best girlfriend then."
They walked along the cobblestone path to the garden just happy to be in each other's company once again. That was one of the many things Saffron loved about him--how they could be together like this and not have to say a word to know exactly how they were feeling.
Puddles walked ahead of them sniffing along the ground.
"What are you looking for little guy?" Andrew asked when Puddles stuck his nose into some bushes.
Puddles used his paw to free an old rubber ball from the bushes and Saffron laughed.
"I wondered where that had gotten to," she giggled. "That's his favourite."
"Looks like it was loved," Andrew picked it up and touched his wand to it, cleaning all the dirt off.
Saffron grinned at her boyfriend. "See? You are absolutely perfect."
"Yeah, yeah..." Andrew shook his head. "Some people say I'm too easygoing."
"I like you just as you are," Saffron said picking up the ball and throwing it for Puddles.
"Just like?" he teased as Puddles tore after the ball.
"Lurve," Saffron corrected.
"Better," he pulled her to him and kissed her hungrily.
Saffron snaked her arms around his waist and kissed him back just as urgently.
She was making little mewling sounds in her throat that made his body tighten and he tried to pull her even closer.
Puddles had returned with the ball and was yelping at her feet, but Saffron couldn't see or think about anyone else but Andrew.
"Saf..." Andrew said breathlessly. "Damn..."
Saffron could only nod in agreement before Andrew kissed her again.
He didn't want to stop kissing her. If they could have stayed out there in the garden the rest of their lives and just kissed, he'd have been happy.
"We---we---we should probably---" Saffron stammered.
"Okay," Andrew said. "Sorry Saf... I know that was a bit intense."
Saffron shook her head. "No need to apologise. That was amazing."
"You are amazing," Andrew smiled at her.
Saffron smiled back. "Maybe they've cooled off inside..."
"Are you hungry?" Andrew asked. "We could head out for something to eat after taking Puddles back in."
"I'd love that," Saffron said. "And I wanted to ring Lex to see how she made it home."
"Sure," Andrew pecked her one last time. "Come on Puddles! Time for a treat buddy?"
Puddles was happy for the attention and Saffron giggled as Andrew took off in a jog toward the house.
She watched her boyfriend as he ran with her dog. Saffron knew how lucky she was to have a guy like Andrew love her as much as he did.
Saffron walked back into the house to see her mother flipping through a magazine. Her father was nowhere in sight. "Where's Daddy, Mum?"
"Work," Hermione said briskly.
"He went to work?" Saffron was confused. "But--"
Hermione set the magazine aside and forced a smile for her daughter's benefit. "He'll be home later."
"Are you guys okay?" Saffron asked. "You two never fight, especially like that."
"He's just being a stubborn mule," Hermione said quietly.
"About what?" Saffron sat down next to her.
"Some stupid secret that he's got," Hermione said rolling her eyes. "I asked him to tell me what it was, but he's refused. And so, I've---well, it's not important."
Saffron bit her lower lip. "Well... don't you think if it's an important secret he'd tell you? It's probably just some nonsense."
"Well, yes, but --" Hermione started to argue.
"Come on Mum," Saffron replied. "But we all keep little secrets. It's not that big a deal is it?"
"I suppose not," Hermione reluctantly admitted.
"You know Dad would never keep anything crucial from you," Saffron leaned against her mother. "He loves you too much."
Hermione put an arm around her. "You're too smart, Saffy."
"Like you," Saffron said impishly.
"I should probably go and apologise to him," Hermione said thoughtfully.
"He's going to love that," Saffron replied. "Might even make you kiss his feet."
"Will you be okay on your own?" Hermione asked getting to her feet.
"Mum I'm almost seventeen," Saffron rolled her eyes.
"Right," Hermione apologised. "Well, you have fun with Andrew and I'll see you later tonight, okay?"
"Okay," Saffron hugged her mother. "I love you."
"I love you too, sweetheart," Hermione said touching her cheek.
"Go make up with Dad," Saffron grinned. "And tell him I was the one who got you to do it."
"Yes ma'am," Hermione said grabbing her bag and heading for the fireplace. A few minutes later, she arrived just outside of Auror headquarters.
Since she was Minister, she had automatic clearance anywhere within the Ministry building and she breezed through all security spells.
She knocked on Harry's door.
"Yes?" he grumbled in response.
"Can I come in?" she called.
He looked up from his paperwork at the sound of his wife's voice. "Hermione?"
She cracked the door open. "Hi..." she said softly.
He expected her to come in ready to get back to where they'd left off with him angrily stalking out of the house.
"Can I come in?" Hermione asked again.
"Yeah," he replied warily.
She came inside and closed the door behind her. "I'm sorry," she began.
"You've changed your mind?" he asked in amazement.
"Believe it or not, our daughter talked some sense into me," Hermione replied.
Harry finally smiled. "It really is a nothing little secret, Hermione."
"You wouldn't keep it from me if it was important, right?" Hermione sat down on the edge of his desk.
"You know I wouldn't," Harry said resting his hand on her knee.
Hermione smiled at him. "I'm sorry," she said again. "It's just that stubborn streak in me."
Harry smiled back. "Most of the time I like that stubborn streak."
"I'm sure you do," Hermione shook her head.
"It really is nothing," Harry said his hand inching underneath her skirt.
"Your desk is awfully messy," Hermione said. "How am I supposed to lie down with all these papers here?"
With a wave of his other hand, the papers and files fell to the floor. Right now, he could care less about what order they were in or what they contained.
"That's more like it," she purred, hiking her skirt up a bit higher.
"It's been quite awhile since we did it in here," Harry said huskily.
"You're usually randy in my office, that's why," Hermione said softly.
"That's true," Harry said his thumbs looping in the waistband of her knickers.
She arched her back as he pulled them off her.
It had been a very long two weeks, Harry thought as he fumbled with his belt.
"I've got that," Hermione winked at him.
"Be my guest," he said grinning at her.
Expertly, she pulled his belt off and tugged his trousers down. "Harry Jr has been missing me hasn't he?"
"You have no bloody idea," Harry said already at his breaking point.
"Come on then," she said, pulling him down on top of her.
Harry didn't waste anytime with foreplay as he thrust into her with one deft motion.
"Mmmmmmm..." Hermione's eyes nearly rolled back into her head. "Harry..."
He kissed her neck. "Hermione..."
"Hmmm?" she couldn't even speak properly.
"I've missed you," he breathed against her neck.
"I know," she said breathlessly. "I've missed you too..."
He remembered all too soon that he hadn't put a silencing charm on the office, but he didn't really care if anyone heard.
Hermione bit down hard on her lower lip as she arched her back up high.
"Merlin, Hermione," Harry groaned.
"Harry..." she breathed. "Oh Harry.... you are.... "
"You," Harry said before kissing her hard on the lips. It had been such a long time since they'd been together like this and he couldn't get enough of her.
Hermione held him close to her. "Why do I think I can go without this?"
He laughed. "I don't know, but let's never go this long again, okay?"
"Okay," Hermione agreed.
He kissed her again. "I really would tell you if it was anything major, Hermione."
"I guess you and Ethan have got to have your secrets," Hermione said. "And you're right; Jules, Saffy and I have ours..."
"Right," Harry agreed brushing back the hair from her forehead.
"Tonight..." Hermione kissed him. "Tonight we'll make up for lost time."
Harry stood up and then offered his wife a hand. "Lots of lost time."
"You want to leave now?" she asked, straightening out her skirt.
"I really did have the afternoon off," Harry said sheepishly. "I just came in after we had that horrible row..."
"I see," Hermione smiled. "Well by all means... take me home Potter."
Harry laughed. "Let me get dressed first."
"We could really create some scandal if we went out like this," Hermione said in a lusty tone.
"Can you imagine?" Harry asked before giving his wife another kiss. He couldn't resist when she looked at him like that.
"Almost makes me want to do it," Hermione laughed as he pulled his clothes on.
Harry grinned. "I love making up with you."
"It's almost worth fighting over," Hermione put her arms around him.'
"Almost," Harry said softly. "Now, let's get you home..."
"And undressed," she kissed him lightly. "In bed..."
"All of the above," Harry chuckled.
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED FORTY FOUR
"Finding anything in there?" Brian asked as he helped himself to another piece of pizza. Drew was looking through a book of baby names. They had decided not to find out what the sex of the baby was.
"What do you think of Beatrice?" Drew asked thoughtfully.
Brian made a face. "No way."
"Jemima?" Drew asked.
"Isn't that a syrup?" he asked, wolfing down another slice of pizza.
Drew laughed. "So that's a no to Jemima then...okay...let's see...Corinne?"
"That might be kind of cute," Brian mused. "But I don't know... it just seems sort of ordinary."
"There's a chapter in here of unique names," Drew said thumbing through the book. "Apple?"
Brian nearly choked on his pizza. "You've got to be kidding me!"
"You said you wanted unique," Drew laughed at him. "Here..." she pushed her glass of soda towards him.
"Is this your subtle way of saying you'd like a refill?" Brian asked.
"No," Drew said. "You looked like you were about to start choking."
Brian took a swig of her drink. "Thanks."
Drew grinned at him. "Let's see... if we had a boy... we could name him Blade." she laughed. "Blade McGregor."
"That sounds like a character out of an action film," Brian said shaking his head.
Drew was still giggling. "Boxer... Burr... Keveen?"
"Drew," Brian said rolling his eyes. "Keveen?"
"It's what they have written here!" Drew showed him the book.
Brian grabbed the book from her. "Were these people on drugs when they named their children?"
"Must have been," Drew sat back and took a bite of her own slice of pizza, rubbing her protruding stomach with her other hand.
"Let's go back to the semi-normal section," Brian asked looking in the boy names chapter. "Nathan?"
"Nathan McGregor," Drew mused. "I like that..."
"Nathan goes on the possible list then," Brian said.
"Let's start writing all these names down," Drew reached over for a piece of parchment and a quill.
Brian nodded. "What do you think of Benjamin?"
"It's okay," Drew bit her lower lip.
"That's a no," Brian said. "Brendan? It means 'Little Raven'."
Drew laughed. "That's cute!"
"Put it on the list," Brian said smiling at her.
"All right," Drew wrote it down. "You know what name I've always liked? Braedon."
"Braedon?" Brian asked. "I like that."
"It means broad or brave," Drew wrote it down. "And it sounds nice with our last name."
"It does," Brian agreed. "So....we've got the boy name covered. And if it's a girl...what would you think of Chloe?"
"I love it," Drew said.
"This naming babies is a piece of cake," Brian said grabbing another slice of pizza.
"Especially if you want to go through unique names..." Drew pulled the book closer to her. "Who would name their baby Anemone?"
Brian guffawed. "Not us."
"Or there's Calyx," Drew continued. "Carnelian... Freesia, Laquan, Quantiko--"
"Stop the madness!" Brian exclaimed taking the book from her.
"Brian," Drew laughed as he moved next to her. "Don't you like those unique names?"
"Do you want our little girl or boy to grow up and be made fun of?" Brian asked her.
"Of course not," Drew smiled. "But you were the one who wanted unique names."
"There's a fine line being strange and unique," Brian pointed out.
"Very true," she leaned over and gave him a kiss. "Well whoever we have in there, he or she is kicking up quite a storm tonight."
"She or he's kicking you for thinking of those horrid names," Brian said.
"He or she is quite safe," Drew leaned against him. "I'd never give them such a horrid name."
"You picked a great one for Hope," Brian said softly.
Drew smiled. "Thanks..." she said quietly.
"You okay, sweetheart?" Brian asked her.
"I just think about her every day," Drew said as he stroked her hair back. "It's like I still miss her, but the pain isn't as bad. And sometimes that makes me feel guilty."
"That's what happens with time," Brian said softly. "She wouldn't want you to be sad all the time, Drew. She wants you to be happy."
"I hope so," Drew replied. "You know what else?"
"What?" Brian asked kissing the top of her head.
"I think you would have been a perfect father for her," Drew said softly. "And she would have loved you as much as I do."
Brian smiled at her. "I would have treated her like my own, Drew."
Drew pressed her lips together as tears welled in her eyes.
Brian held her in his arms, not sure of what to say.
"I'm so glad you were at that Christmas party," Drew buried her face in his chest. "So glad you came over and asked me to dance..."
"Me too," Brian whispered. It had been the best decision he'd ever made. "I spent the first hour of that party trying to work up the nerve to do it, you know?"
"Really?" Drew smiled through her tears.
"Yes," Brian said with a laugh. "You know I even went into the loo and practised what I'd say in the mirror?"
That made her giggle. "And it all paid off. I thought you were so sweet... not to mention incredibly good looking."
"Well, you know..." Brian said smugly.
Drew hit his shoulder. "You're so smarmy."
"There's a unique name," Brian said chuckling. "Smarmy McGregor."
That made Drew laugh harder. "I think we have a winner!"
"Smarmy Git McGregor," Brian announced.
"Eh," Drew said. "Smarmy Git reminds me too much of that other guy..."
"He Who Must Not Be Named Part Deux," Brian said giving her shoulder a squeeze.
Drew nodded. "Perfect for him." she gave him another kiss. "I think I came out on top. I'm marrying this wonderful guy and having his child. I don't know if it could get much better than that."
Brian grinned. "No, it doesn't."
They both heard the sound of Darla's bedroom door opening and a few moments later saw Darla walk out of the room and into the kitchen clad in her dressing gown.
"Evening," Drew called to her sister. "Or is it already morning for you two?"
Darla jumped. "Merlin's beard, Drew! You scared me half to death!"
"We're sitting right here," Drew was amused. "Hardly hiding out like you and Hans..."
"We were not hiding out," Darla said defensively. "Ooh! You've got pizza!"
Brian chuckled. "Help yourself."
"Thanks," Darla said going into the kitchen to get a plate.
"Snookums, where are you?" they heard Hans call out.
"Snookums?" Drew mouthed to Brian.
"I'm coming!" Darla called out and glared at her twin who was snickering behind her hand. "Sod off Drew, or I'll tell everyone Brian's pet name for YOU!"
"Mighty tetchy, aren't we?" Drew said grinning at her sister.
"No," Darla grabbed several slices of pizza and piled them onto the plate and in her other hand she held an unopened bottle of white wine. "Just starving."
"For luuuuuuurve?" Drew drawled dramatically.
"That too," Darla smirked before heading back to her bedroom.
"Hey wait," Drew called after her. "I've got a question for you."
Darla turned around. "What is it?"
"Brian and I were looking up names for the baby," Drew cast her fiancé a sly look. "And we want your opinion on a few of them."
"Oooh!" Darla asked eagerly. "What have you come up with?"
"Calyx," Drew answered with a straight face. "Or Anemone?"
Darla stared at her sister trying to see if she was serious. "Um...well, it's...it's....different..."
Drew nodded. "What about Laquan?"
Brian decided to join in. "Or Pomegranate. Has a real earthy quality to it, doesn't it? We could call her Pommy."
"That's adorable!" Drew squealed, trying not to laugh at the look on her twin's face.
"It sure is," Brian said picking up the book and trying to keep his composure. "You know this book also recommends using the place the baby was conceived as a name... where were we when that happened?"
"Might have been in the bath," Drew nodded. "So we could call him or her Bath McGregor, or Loo McGregor..."
"Drew Weasley, you most certainly will not!" Darla exclaimed.
Drew couldn't hold it in any longer. "I couldn't help it!" she laughed. "The look on your face!"
Drew glared at her. "I hate you both!"
"No you don't," Drew laughed. "Because you know you get to be the godmother."
"Really?" Darla asked.
"Who else would it be?" Drew asked. "But for real, we were thinking the name Braedon if it's a boy and Chloe for a girl."
"I love both of them," Darla said smiling at her sister.
"Great," Drew grinned.
"I still can't believe you're going to be moving out of here," Darla said forgetting for the moment about Hans. "We've lived together all of our lives and now..."
"It does feel a bit weird," Drew agreed softly.
"Not a bit," Darla corrected. "Really, really weird."
"Right," Drew smiled. "But we'll still live really close."
"Yeah, but it won't feel the same," Darla said sadly.
"I know," Drew got up and hugged her sister. "But we'll still be the best of friends Dar. That'll never, ever change."
"I know," Darla said hugging her sister back. "Things are changing for the better, but it's still...hard, you know?"
"We could all live together," Brian joked, trying to lighten the moment. "Especially if you and Hans jumped on the ball and had a kid. Then we could have our own pseudo Brady Bunch, like that Muggle show."
Darla looked at him as if he'd suddenly sprouted another head. "Um, no."
Brian laughed. "Did that scare you off Dar?"
"Just a little," Darla admitted. "That's a little too much togetherness."
"Snookums!" Hans called out again. "What are you doing?"
"Talking to Brian and Drew," Darla called back.
"Get back in here already!" Hans replied.
"You'd better go, Snookums," Drew teased.
"Very funny," Darla picked up her pizza and wine again. "Maybe I'll leave the silencing charm off this time."
"Well, Dad did mention he was going to stop by," Drew said sweetly. "I'm sure he'd love to hear what you're up to..."
"Not buying it," Darla left the sitting room and headed for her bedroom. "Sorry baby."
Hans grinned lazily at her. "I thought you'd left me."
"As if I ever could," Darla held out the plate. "I got us something to work off."
"That's my girl," Hans said taking the plate from her.
Darla uncorked the wine and poured it into the two goblets they were using. "You make me hungry."
Hans smiled. "I do my best."
Darla gave him a thorough kiss before handing him one of the goblets.
"Mmmm," Hans said huskily. "Get back in here with me. You're too far away."
Darla did as he said, pressing her lips back to his as she slid under the covers with him. "I love nights like this," she said softly. "Staying in with you..."
"I say we never go out again," Hans said after taking a sip from the goblet.
Darla laughed. "If we stay in bed like this, I'm okay with that."
"And it's a great workout," Hans said thoughtfully.
"Damn right it is," Darla took a huge bite of her pizza.
"So," Hans said. "I was thinking that perhaps we could spend Christmas with my parents this year...."
"Christmas Day?" Darla asked. "I thought we'd be at my parents' house that morning."
Hans set his goblet on the bedside table. "My parents invited us both, Darla."
"I know but it's Adam's first Christmas and I want to be there for it," Darla objected.
"He's just a baby," Hans said. "It's not as if he'll remember it...what?"
"My family has ALWAYS been there for a first Christmas," Darla said. "I'm not missing it Hans."
"And I'm supposed to miss my family's Christmas then?" Hans asked her incredulously.
Darla sighed and flopped back onto the pillows. "Looks like we need to talk about this."
"You act sometimes as if you're family is the only one that matters, Darla," Hans said quietly.
"I do not!" she exclaimed.
"You do," Hans retorted.
"Says you," Darla returned. "I've told you time and again how important my family is to me and you always said you understood."
Hans sighed. "I do understand. Look, I know my family's not as close as yours, but they are important to me too."
Darla softened. "What about if we spend the morning with one family, and part of the afternoon and dinner with the other?"
"Compromise," Hans said relaxing. "I suppose that could work."
Darla smiled at him. "I think that'll have to work."
"So the only question now is who we spend the morning with and who get the afternoon and evening," Hans said.
"I'm okay with either," she said softly, curling up next to him.
Hans put his arm around her. "I'm sorry for saying that about Adam."
"We do bring out each other's tempers don't we?" Darla asked with a little smile.
"Just a little," Hans said with a laugh.
"So how about morning with your family, and then around mid afternoon we'll come over to my parents' house for dinner?" Darla asked. "Does that work for you?"
"That could work," Hans replied. "And I really would like to get to know your dad more. He keeps calling me that prissy model..."
Darla laughed. "I think he's just teasing you."
"He said that when I wasn't in the room and he was talking with your mum," Hans pointed out.
"Well once he gets to know you he won't call you that anymore," Darla said. "I'm not letting you go anywhere, so he's got to get used to the fact that you're stuck with me."
"And someday we might have some modelettes of our own," Hans said with a laugh.
"You think?" Darla asked with a giggle. "You know you're going to have to marry me first."
Hans pulled back the covers and stepped out of bed. Darla stared at him wondering if she'd overstepped her bounds by bringing up marriage, but he'd just mentioned babies.
He rooted around in his overnight bag and pulled something out. "If I'm going to do that, you might need this..."
"Hans?" she asked, a lump in her throat.
He walked back over to the bed and handed her the small blue box. "Just a little something I picked up in New York."
Darla took the box and cracked it open with a shaking hand. "HANS!"
"I was going to wait until Christmas," Hans said smiling at her. "But, I was wondering if perhaps you might want to do me the honour of marrying me?"
"YES!" Darla screamed, throwing her arms around him.
Hans laughed as he hugged her tightly.
"I can't believe this," Darla sobbed. "You got such a beautiful ring! And we're going to get married. I can't BELIEVE we're going to get married!"
"You really like it?" Hans asked her softly.
"I love it," Darla wiped her eyes as he slid the ring onto her finger. "It's the most beautiful ring I've ever seen."
Hans kissed her. "You want to go and tell Drew, don't you?"
She laughed. "You know me too well."
Hans picked up his discarded t-shirt and put it back on. "Let's go..."
Drew heard her sister's door open again. "I thought you were kidding about the silencing charm," she joked as her sister and Hans appeared.
Darla couldn't speak so she held out her hand so her sister could see the ring.
"DARLA!" Drew squealed.
"Congratulations mate," Brian said extending his hand to Hans.
"Thanks," Hans said with a broad grin.
"You know what this means, don't you?" Drew asked her sister. "Double wedding!"
"Oooh," Darla's eyes brightened. "That would be perfect for us!"
Drew hugged her sister. "You remember how we used to plan it when we were little?"
"Except it was going to be triple wedding with Maddie," Darla agreed with a grin.
"We're too late for that," Drew replied as Hans and Brian exchanged amused glances. "But a double wedding was always what I pictured for us."
"Me too," Darla said happily. "And we can plan it ourselves!"
"What about us?" Hans hugged her from behind. "Don't we get any say in this?" he teased.
"You just show up and look handsome," Darla said leaning against him.
"I can do that," he gave her a kiss.