A/N: Thank you all, for your reviews last chapter- a lot of you were pretty surprised at RJ… but wait…. Mwahaha. Also, please make sure to see Ron and Luna's interview at the end of the chapter. Next week… RJ and Andrew are due… don't be TOO harsh on him now!
And thanks for your support with our anonymous basher, but things have smoothed over now, and it turned out that person is actually quite nice :) but it's good to see you guys so proactive for us. Made us a little verklempt ;)
She literally felt her heart stop beating for a moment.
"You know I'm right, Lex," RJ said quietly.
"So we're just going to call it quits now?" her voice was weak. "After everything we've been through, it all ends here?"
"I still love you," RJ told her reaching for her hand, but she pulled it away.
"If you loved me you wouldn't do this," she answered.
"I don't want to do this," RJ said quietly.
Alexa wanted to tell him not to do this, but deep down she knew that he was indeed right. "I don't want to lose you," she said, new tears welling up in her eyes.
"I don't want to lose you either," RJ said after the other couple finally went back inside. "Lexie, I've never felt for anyone what I felt for you, but maybe...maybe we got too serious too soon and you're right, our lives right now are too different."
She didn't say anything, only looked down at her feet.
"Let me see you home," he said.
Alexa didn't want to argue anymore. She only nodded and turned to go back inside.
RJ said a few goodbyes to his team mates and told Alexa to wait for him while he went to get their cloaks.
She leaned against the wall and watched the crowd without really seeing them.
Two impeccably dressed girls walked by her gossiping about something. They stopped near Alexa. "Serena is shameless, isn't she? Showing up with Todd Scanlon and all the time flirting with RJ Weasley..."
"Tell me about it," the other girl replied. "She's had quite the eye for him since he joined the team. I've never seen her like that for any other guy."
"Did he come here with anyone?" her friend asked.
"Some girl," she replied. "Apparently she's a real stick in the mud."
"Oh really?" the other girl giggled. "Well, she'll be history once Serena kicks her plan into high gear..."
"What plan?" the first girl asked.
"Apparently, she's got big plans for that road trip over New Year's," her friend replied. "Big plans."
"Big surprise," the one girl laughed. "RJ won't know what hit him."
Alexa didn't want to hear anymore. She turned to walk away and nearly collided with RJ who handed over her cloak. "Ready?"
"Yeah," she muttered.
RJ nodded and led the way out of the hotel. They took the stairs in silence and RJ hailed a taxi. He was about to give the driver Alexa's home address when Alexa shook her head. "I want to go to Saffy's."
"Why?" he asked.
"She's my best friend," Alexa said quietly.
RJ pressed his lips together but gave the driver a residential address near the Leaky Cauldron.
Alexa looked out the window trying to stave off her tears. She couldn't believe they were ending like this.
He got out of the taxi with her once they'd reached their destination. "Lex--" he began.
She held up her hand. "I can make it the rest of the way alone."
"I just wanted to say... I'll ring you in a few days, once we have some time to cool off and think about things," he replied.
Alexa had a feeling she wouldn't hear from him again for quite some time. "Happy Christmas, RJ."
He made a move as if to kiss her, but kept his distance. "Yeah... you too Lexie..." RJ answered a bit hoarsely.
Alexa turned around and walked away knowing he was watching her.
RJ made sure she got into the Leaky Cauldron before heading to a nearby alley where he could Apparate. He thought about going home but decided against it. He didn't get a chance to go to a party like the one going on very often and there was no better way to keep his mind off this current situation than to go have a good time.
At the Potter house, Saffron was sitting with Andrew in the sitting room playing a game of chess. "You really should quit, Kirke. I've beaten you three times already."
"A Kirke never gives up," he joked. "One of these times I'll kick your arse Potter."
"That'll be the day," Saffron said smugly. She laughed at the look of concentration on her boyfriend's face. "Are you going to make your move anytime this century?"
"I just want to make the best one," he said, carefully studying the board.
"It's not like you're losing if you don't win," Saffron replied, stretching. "You get to snog me either way."
"I know," Andrew said. "But it's a matter of pride now, Saf. I have to win at least once."
"Well it's a boost to your ego then knowing that I don't plan to let you win." Saffron said.
"You never let anyone win," Andrew teased.
"Damn right," She grinned at him.
"Okay," Andrew said returning his attention to the board. "Knight to E4."
Saffron wrinkled her nose. "That's a good move..."
"It is," Andrew said defensively. "What's that look for?"
"It's too good a move," she grumbled.
"Do I detect a bit of fear?" Andrew asked triumphantly.
"Of course not," she covered hastily.
"Uh-huh," Andrew said leaning back in his chair.
"Don't get all smug on me now," Saffron looked at him.
"Quit talking, it's your---" Andrew started to say.
The sound of someone knocking on the door made them both turn. "I wonder who that is..." Saffron said curiously, getting up.
"Probably a photographer from the Prophet wanting to witness the moment when the great Saffron Potter goes down at chess," Andrew teased.
"Sod off," Saffron pushed her hair back as she headed for the front door.
When she opened the door, she gasped. "Alexa?"
"Saffy," Alexa's eyes were red. "It's really over this time..."
"What?" Saffron asked taken aback. "Lexie..."
Andrew came up behind them. "Alexa?" he asked. "What happened?"
Saffron stood back so her friend could come inside out of the cold. Alexa sniffed and wiped at her eyes. "RJ and I...we...broke...up."
"You broke up?" Andrew asked disbelievingly.
"What did the wanker do now?" Saffron narrowed her eyes.
She explained for them what had gone down at the party. "We've grown apart since he graduated and he thinks it would be best if we took a break."
"I'm sorry Lex," Saffron hugged her best friend.
"Me too," Alexa said as she finally gave into her sobs.
Andrew felt terrible for the redheaded girl. "Is there anything I can do?" he asked.
Alexa shook her head.
"Maybe I should get going," Andrew said, looking at his girlfriend.
"Don't go,' Alexa apologised. "I don't want to interrupt..."
"It's okay," Andrew replied. "I understand. You need Saffy more than I do at the moment."
Saffron gave her boyfriend a hug. "I'll ring you tomorrow, okay?"
"Sure," Andrew gave her a quick kiss. "Love you," he whispered in her ear.
"Love you," Saffron replied. She walked Andrew over to the fireplace. "Tell RJ he's a pompous, arrogant git."
"I'm sure he'll take that in stride," Andrew tossed some powder in and disappeared.
Alexa slid off her cloak and set it over a chair before joining Saffron on the sofa. "I can't believe its over, Saffron."
"It may not be," Saffron tried to sound encouraging. "I mean, if it's just a break, then you both have time to think things over and can work it out."
Alexa shook her head. "It's different this time. It seemed final."
Saffron wished she could make her friend feel better. "Then it's RJ's loss," she said. "You're a great girl Lexie."
"Tonight was supposed to be special," Alexa said softly. "And it just felt so wrong the moment we stepped into that ballroom. I didn't belong with those people."
"Didn't he even try to convince you to stay?" Saffron asked.
"At first," Alexa replied. "But he said...he said that I was being insecure and that I'd never really gotten over what had happened with Christina and Serena."
Saffron shook her head. "He's so lucky I wasn't there..."
Alexa started to cry again. "After all we went through, it's really over."
Saffron put an arm around her. "I'm really sorry Lex," she said softly.
"Me too," Alexa said sadly.
"What a cow that Serena Starr is," Saffron said angrily. "She and RJ deserve each other."
"Some girls were talking about her," Alexa wiped her eyes. "They said she had big plans for the road trip over New Year's with RJ..."
Saffron rolled her eyes. "I hope they both get a disease."
Try as she might, Alexa couldn't stop from laughing a little at her friend's brash remark.
Saffron nudged her friend. "It really is his loss, Lex."
"I'm glad one of us thinks that way," Alexa said quietly. "Can I stay here tonight Saf?"
"Of course," Saffron said without hesitation. "You want to ring your folks and let them know?"
"Sure," Alexa said.
"We can watch those old sappy movies we love so much and eat rubbish," Saffron said smiling at her.
"Lots of chocolate?" Alexa asked.
"Duh," Saffron said rolling her eyes. "Who goes through a break-up without chocolate?"
"No one I guess," Alexa stood up. "I'll probably need some pyjamas. I can't wait to get out of this dress."
"You can borrow some of mine," Saffron said. "I'll go and get you a pair while you ring your mum."
"Thanks Saffy," Alexa hugged her. "I'm so glad I can count on you. And I'm really sorry I interrupted your night with Andrew."
"Nonsense," Saffron said. "I'm your best friend and you'd do the same for me and have."
"I guess," Alexa replied as she dialled her phone number from Saffron's mobile.
Saffron went upstairs to get some pyjamas for Alexa and to give her friend some privacy. She couldn't believe RJ. The next time she saw him she was going to ...well, she didn't really know what she would do, but she knew it would involve yelling and maybe a swift kick in the arse.
She pulled out a comfortable pair of pyjamas for her friend and headed back downstairs. Her parents were due home in about an hour but she knew they wouldn't mind Alexa staying.
"Mum, will you please tell Daddy that I'm really at Saffy's," Alexa was saying. "I'm not at RJ's. Saffy's right here..."
"Want me to talk to her?" Saffron asked.
Alexa shook her head and returned her attention back to the phone. "No, mum. The party was okay...I just wasn't feeling well and RJ dropped me off at Saffy's."
Saffron sat down and Puddles climbed into her lap. "Tell her if she wants I'll have my parents ring them when they get home," she whispered.
Alexa did just that and that finally seemed to pacify her parents. "Yes, I'll work tomorrow morning, Mum. Okay...I love you, too."
"Didn't believe you eh?" Saffron handed Alexa the pyjamas.
Alexa shook her head. "I should have just told them that they didn't have to worry about me ever going to RJ's again."
Saffron nodded sympathetically. "I'm going to make some popcorn and get the chocolate ice cream while you change."
Alexa nodded. "I'll just go upstairs to wash my face..."
"Okay," Saffron smiled at her as Puddles followed her eagerly to the kitchen.
Alexa grabbed her cloak and the pyjamas and went upstairs to get changed. She wondered if RJ felt like she did right now---empty.
What RJ currently felt was anything but empty. He was slamming down his sixth shot of Firewhisky and ready for more.
Serena had been watching him from afar. She didn't know where his little girlfriend was, but since she was out of sight, she was probably out of mind, too. Seeing her chance, Serena sauntered over to the bar. "Hiya, handsome."
"Hey..." RJ slurred a bit.
"It's not good for you to drink alone," she purred running her hand up and down his arm. "You really are quite strong..."
"Yeah I know," he grinned at her.
"Where's the killjoy?" Serena asked sitting down beside him, making sure to give him a perfect shot of her cleavage as she did so.
"Who?" RJ asked.
"Alexa O'Dreary," Serena replied with a grin.
"She's.... home..." RJ waved his hand.
Serena smiled. "Not really her scene, eh?"
"You can say that again," his eyes latched onto her low cut dress. "Whoa..."
"You like?" Serena asked coyly.
"Uh huh..." RJ nodded.
Serena draped an arm over his shoulder. "What do you say we go back to yours?"
"My what?" he grinned at her.
"Your place, silly," Serena replied leaning in to nibble at his ear. "You know you want to..."
RJ closed his eyes for a moment as she pressed her lips to his neck.
"I know how to have a good time," she whispered against his skin. "And I have a feeling you do too."
"What about..." RJ couldn't remember the name of his team mate as she began to work her hand under his shirt.
"Who cares?" Serena purred.
His head was screaming for him to put a stop to this while the rest of him was enjoying it entirely too much. "Serena..." he mumbled. "I already got in trouble for this once..."
"I won't tell if you won't," Serena said taking his hand and leading him back toward the door.
"Too soon," RJ pulled his hand away.
Serena pouted up at him. "You can't deny that you want me..."
RJ stared at her, blinking as the alcohol he consumed made its way through his system.
"Hmmm?" Serena asked in a husky voice.
"I don't know..." RJ pushed his hair out of his eyes.
"Maybe this will help you decide," Serena said boldly before pressing her lips to his.
RJ's eyes shot open wide before closing of their own volition. His arms snaked around Serena's slender waist and pulled her close.
Serena knew she had him right where she wanted him. "Let's go....'
"Okay..." he finally conceded.
They somehow made it back to RJ's place sometime later and RJ felt as if he was on fire. He fumbled with his keys as he finally opened the door. They didn't notice Andrew sitting on the sofa.
"Come on baby," Serena purred. "You never did show me your bedroom..."
"That's not all I'm going to show you," RJ said in a low voice as he kissed her again.
Andrew cleared his throat loudly.
Serena giggled and looked over RJ's shoulder. "Hi, Andy!"
"What?" RJ turned around to see his best friend glaring at him and Serena.
"This certainly isn't who I thought you'd be bringing home tonight," Andrew said icily.
"You're mad at me about Alexa," RJ stumbled a bit. "But it's none of your business."
"It's my business when you're fixing to fuck up the best thing in your life," Andrew retorted. "And you're pissed, RJ."
"So what?" RJ asked defensively.
Andrew shot a look at Serena. "Would you mind giving us a minute?"
"Sure," Serena said. "I'll be waiting for you..." she ran her hand over RJ's chest.
Andrew rolled his eyes as he watching RJ stare longingly after Serena. "You don't want to do this, mate."
"How do you know what I want?" RJ glared at him.
"I've been your best friend since we were 11, RJ," Andrew reminded him. "And you love Alexa. She's at Saffy's. Look, I'll brew you up a sobering potion and you go and straighten this out."
"We're over, mate." RJ said, shaking his head. "I can't handle it anymore."
"So, that's it?" Andrew asked him.
"Quit trying to make me feel guilty!" RJ snapped at him.
"That's you, mate," Andrew retorted. "If you go back there, you can pretty much kiss Alexa goodbye forever. Is that what you want?"
"She doesn't want to be with me either," RJ defended himself. "She comes to the party and acts like a wallflower then runs off and picks a fight with me! What am I supposed to do?"
"She's shy," Andrew said in her defence. "She's not one for stuff like that, but she went because she knew that it was important to you."
"And she was all uptight the whole half hour we were there," RJ rolled his eyes.
Andrew shook his head. "Go ahead then...it's your funeral. Go shag Serena. And then you can watch when someone like Gabriel Boyd comes along and takes Alexa away."
"Don't you bring that asshole up to me," RJ narrowed his eyes at Andrew.
"Touch a nerve?" Andrew asked.
"Sod off," RJ replied angrily.
"Do what you want," Andrew said. "I'm going to bed."
"So am I," RJ said shortly.
Andrew shot him a look before walking past him.
RJ headed for his own bedroom and slammed the door behind him for good measure.
Serena had already stripped off her clothes and was lying underneath the duvet wearing nothing but her seductive smile. "I thought you'd forgotten about me."
RJ didn't want to admit that he indeed had forgotten. "Sorry," he grunted.
There was a picture of Alexa beside his bed and his eyes fell on it. She smiled shyly at him as the wind whipped at her hair. He remembered taking that picture last summer at Brighton.
Serena saw what he was looking at and reached over to put it face down on the table. "Come on RJ..." she ran her fingers over her neckline.
"Lexie," RJ whispered closing his eyes.
"No," Serena said. "Not Lexie..."
RJ opened his eyes and looked at her. It wouldn't be wrong, he tried to rationalise. He and Alexa were on a break.
"You know you want this," Serena ran her fingernails through his hair. "I've been waiting for this since I met you..."
"You have?" RJ asked trying to focus on her, but everything seemed distorted.
"Mmmhmm..." she leaned in and kissed him.
RJ gave in and pressed her back down on the bed.
Serena purred in delight. Finally, finally she had gotten him.
A couple of hours later, RJ awoke and felt as if his head was about to explode.
He blinked, not really aware of his surroundings. He felt someone's head on his chest and he looked down. "Lexie?"
"Mmmm," he heard someone mumble.
"Lex I feel like I'm about to die..." he moaned.
"Don't throw up on me," he heard her say as she turned away from him.
"I won't," he said, pushing the covers back. RJ turned to look at her and was stunned to see a mane of blonde hair falling over the sheets. "Lex when did you dye your hair?"
"What are you talking about?" Serena asked grumpily sitting up.
RJ shook his head to clear his vision. "When did you get here?"
Serena rolled her eyes. "You brought me here, RJ."
"I did?" he asked.
"Yes," she said before lying back down. "When you feel better, could you bring me some juice? I'm thirsty."
RJ finally noticed that they were both completely naked. "Serena did we... did we have--"
"Twice," Serena said triumphantly.
He stared at her. "Twice?"
"One and a half if you want to get technical," Serena said with a giggle. "You were really out of it that last time."
RJ didn't know what to say. "Oh..." he finally replied.
Serena closed her eyes and tried to go back to sleep. RJ went into the bathroom to splash cold water on his face. He heard a knock on the door and wondered who would be calling on him now. He remembered something about making plans with Josh and he threw on a pair of boxers and a t-shirt. He tried to get his mind straight as to what he'd done as he walked toward the door. The person standing on the other side of the door wasn't Josh, but Alexa. She gave him a tentative smile. "Hi."
"Hi..." RJ stared at her. "What... what are you doing here?"
She bit her bottom lip. "I think we should talk, RJ."
"Um..." RJ looked towards the bedroom.
Alexa walked past him and into the flat. "I didn't sleep much last night. I kept thinking about what happened and I think we've been through too much to have it end like this. I love you."
"Lex..." RJ followed her. "Now's really not a good time. I had a lot to drink last night--"
"I had a lot of chocolate last night," Alexa admitted. "Look, I can make you a hangover potion and then we can go out for breakfast before I start my shift at the bakery."
"Josh is supposed to come over," RJ covered.
"Oh," Alexa said quietly. He didn't want her here. She knew it'd been a mistake to come over here.
"He really is," RJ replied. "We were supposed to do something together- Christmas shopping or whatever."
Alexa nodded. "Well, maybe you could stop by the bakery when you're done. We could have a nice chat."
RJ nodded. He at least owed her that.
"And I'll save you some of that fudge," Alexa promised.
"Thanks," RJ said with a weak smile.
Alexa squeezed his hand. "I'm sorry for not making much of an effort last night."
"It's okay," his thoughts strayed to Serena in his bedroom. "I uh... I wasn't really myself either."
Alexa felt hopeful for the first time. "So, we'll give it another try? I mean, if that's what you want?"
"We'll talk things out," RJ said. "And figure it out either way."
Alexa smiled. "Promise?"
"Promise," RJ replied.
Alexa leaned in for a kiss.
He turned his cheek, feeling ashamed of himself both for doing that and for his actions the previous evening. "I have morning breath," he said as an excuse. "Plus I feel like I'm about to lose everything in my stomach."
Alexa giggled. "Right."
"I'll see you later," RJ forced himself to smile as he propelled her to the front door.
"RJ," Serena called out, coming out of the bedroom in his t-shirt. "Where are you?"
Alexa froze and stared open mouthed at the blonde.
"Lexie, I can explain," RJ started to say.
"I'm sure you can," her voice shook. "I see why you were so anxious to get me out of here now."
RJ shook his head. "I was pissed..."
"A likely story," Alexa glared at both him and Serena, who was unashamedly leaning against the wall.
"I can't even remember it happening," RJ said and the moment the words were out of his mouth, he knew it was the wrong thing to say.
"I remember it happening," Serena replied. "Twice."
Alexa looked at RJ. "Twice?"
"I don't remember it happening," he said again, cursing his own stupidity.
Alexa felt as if her legs were about to give out. She wanted to get as far away from him as possible.
"I've got to go," she grabbed her bag. "I'm late for work."
"Lexie, wait--" RJ called after her.
Alexa's response was to slam the door behind her, making his forehead crease with the loud sound.
"That was kind of rude," Serena said.
"Why'd you have to come out like that?" he ignored her comment.
"I thought you were going to bring me juice," Serena said rolling her eyes. "I didn't know she was going to be here."
"I'm total shite," RJ rubbed his temples. "I'm the biggest arse on the face of the planet."
"You certainly have one of the nicest arses on the planet," Serena said grinning at him. When he didn't respond, she sighed. "I'm going to take a shower. Feel free to join me."
RJ shook his head and headed for the kitchen to get a sobering potion. He couldn't think straight with this headache.
Karen O'Leary was just putting some fresh pastries in the display case when her daughter came rushing inside.
"Sweetheart, I'm glad you're here..."
"Sorry I'm late," Alexa tried to hide her red eyes but knew it was impossible.
"Alexa?" Karen asked tilting her daughter's chin up so she could get a look at her. "Sweetheart..."
"Mum," Alexa's face crumpled. "Everything's such a mess..."
Karen engulfed her daughter in a hug. "Did something happen with RJ?"
"We broke up," Alexa nodded.
Karen frowned. "Did you have a row?"
Alexa shook her head. "Well yes but... I went over there before I came here this morning and he... he slept with this other girl Mum."
Karen handed her daughter a tissue. "I'm so sorry, Lexie."
"I just feel like such a fool now," Alexa wiped at her eyes.
"I know it doesn't' seem like it now, but you'll get over this," Karen said brushing some hair back from her daughter's forehead.
Alexa leaned against her mother. "Right now I just feel so stupid, like I tried to compete in something totally out of my league."
"You listen to me," Karen said. "You are a beautiful, sweet girl and RJ is a fool if he didn't appreciate that."
"You think so?" Alexa asked.
"I know so," Karen said giving her another hug. "A complete, stark-raving idiot."
Alexa smiled a bit. "I want to stay and work," she said softly. "Helps me keep my mind off everything."
"That's my girl," Karen said.
"Thanks Mum," Alexa reached for her apron.
Because of the holiday, the bakery was extremely busy the rest of the day. Alexa was grateful for the distraction.
But to her surprise, RJ was standing outside waiting for her when she and her mother finished up cleaning.
"RJ," Karen said coolly.
"Hi Mrs. O'Leary," RJ said. "Um... is it okay if I walk Alexa home?"
"You most certainly cannot," Karen replied in a crisp tone.
"Mum," Alexa said softly. "It's okay. I have a few things I need to talk about."
"Are you sure?" Karen asked.
Alexa nodded silently,
Karen nodded and then walked away, but not before glaring at RJ one last time.
"You told her?" he asked when they were alone.
"She's my mum," Alexa said scuffing her foot on the ground.
"Right," RJ said. "So um..."
"It looks like snow," Alexa said looking up at the sky.
"Sure does," RJ thrust his hands in his pockets.
Alexa reached into her pocket and pulled out the ring he'd given to her. "Here."
"Lex I gave that to you," he said. "You keep it."
"It was a promise ring," she said still holding it out to him. "But you broke your promise."
"I know I did," he said. "But it's yours."
"I don't want it," Alexa retorted.
"I don't want it either," he said sharply. "I gave it to you and it's yours. Do what you want with it."
Alexa glared at him. "Why did you come here? To rub it in my face?"
"No," RJ replied. "I came here because I owed you an explanation."
Alexa folded her arms.
"I don't really have one," RJ said after a moment. "But what I really owe you is an apology."
"You're sorry you slept with that slag?" Alexa asked. "Or you're sorry I found out about it?"
"Both," RJ didn't try to mince words. "Alexa I never wanted to hurt you."
Alexa looked up at him. "Things haven't been the same since the pregnancy scare."
"No they haven't," he agreed.
"Good thing I wasn't," Alexa said bitterly.
RJ kept silent at that remark. "I know that us staying friends at this point probably isn't a possibility--" he began.
"I can't be around you," Alexa said looking down at the ground. "Not now."
"I understand," he said quietly.
"But we're both friends with Saffron and Andrew so there probably will be times when we'll see each other," Alexa said already dreading that possibility. She hated putting Andrew and Saffron in this sort of position.
"We'll have to manage somehow," RJ replied. "I'm really sorry Lex. I do still love you. I just don't know if we can make this work anymore though."
Alexa nodded.
"And it's not because of Scanlon or Serena or anything... I think we've just grown apart. We're not together enough." he continued.
"We're too different," Alexa said quietly.
"What used to work for us doesn't anymore," he agreed.
Alexa nodded and looked at her watch. "I have to go."
RJ nodded. "Take care of yourself Lex."
"You too," Alexa said pulling her cloak tightly around her.
He wanted to hug her goodbye or something but knew she'd only pull away. "I'll... see you soon I guess."
"Yeah," Alexa said forcing a smile. "Goodbye, RJ."
"Bye Lexie," RJ said, watching her head up to her front door.
It was over and he had what he thought he wanted---freedom. It was the best thing for the both of them, RJ thought.
"Then why do I feel like the world's biggest arse?" he asked himself as he walked away.
DD Cast Interviews; Week 5: Ron and Luna
Heaven: It's a good thing we have all this food. It means Ron will be here.
Amynoelle: Make sure you tell him I didn't cook it. I'm not the best cook in the world. I can microwave and I can bake, but I cannot cook and I wouldn't want to give him food poisoning.
Heaven: If we want to scare him, we'll tell him Hermione made it.
Amynoelle: We'll only resort to that if he doesn't answer our questions!
Heaven: I'm for it. Hey you two!
Ron: *Speechless*
Luna: You two really went all out! Look at al this food!
Heaven: Yes, yes we did. Help yourselves! We don't want to take any leftovers home with us!
Ron: *Whispers to Luna* What are leftovers?
Luna: You wouldn't know this, but it's when food is left over after a meal. I can't remember that happening...
Ron: Neither can I. I think you've just blown my mind.
Amynoelle: Who has the bigger appetite in the Weasley family? Maddie, you or Emma?
Luna: *laughs* that is one tough call! But I think Ronald still has that covered.
Ron: *happily eating a piece of chicken, nods*
Amynoelle: And congratulations to you both on the recent engagements of Darla and Drew!
Luna: We are so proud and happy for them. And we can't wait for Drew's baby to be born! Another grandchild to spoil...
Heaven: We can't wait to meet the baby too! And speaking of babies, RC and Lillian Potter want to know if you guys are thinking about adopting Caitlin?
Luna: We would love to do that, but Caitlin actually has a family interested in her right now. And they seem like lovely people and I wouldn't want to deny her that.
Heaven: What about Jenny? Any plans for her now that Hannah's been adopted?
Luna: She actually has a visit scheduled next week with a family.
Amynoelle: Dysfunctionalspirit's question for you both is what was it like raising a big family like you have and then becoming foster parents?
Ron: Let me finish and I'll help answer this one.
Luna: *laughs* Well... I had empty nest quite badly. I missed having my children around, and when I saw how overcrowded those orphanages were, I just felt compelled to help somehow.
Ron: At first I was sceptical because we were looking forward to having time on our own, but the house really was empty and quiet, for once! And Luna really wanted to do this and I couldn't help but want to do it too. And though things can get really crazy it has been a rewarding experience.
Amynoelle: Even Zach and Joey?
Ron: Sometimes...
Luna: Ronald, Joey and Zach and very sweet boys.
Ron: Luna they're like Fred and George all over again!
Heaven: Ron- that reminds me of a question from Royal Jade. You grew up with Fred and George as your older brothers. Now you have twin sons yourself. Has that ever made you relate to RJ as he's younger? Did Jon and Josh pull pranks on RJ as your brothers did on you?
Ron: Wow, that's a great question. Well, unlike me with Fred and George, there was a bit of an age difference between Jon and Josh and RJ. I grew up with Fred and George basically using me as their guinea pig from the word go. Jon and Josh waited until RJ grew up before they started to play pranks on him. Mostly they like taking the piss on him and vice versa. And I can certainly relate to that.
Heaven: Do you ever step in to stop them? Or does RJ deal with it well enough on his own?
Luna: Sometimes we've had to step in, but that was when RJ was younger. But, he handles it pretty well on his own.
Ron: We'd know that if we ever saw our son.
Luna: Ronald, he's just busy is all.
Ron: Right...
Heaven: Coolman has a question, more directed towards Luna. You have given a home to so many orphans. But how will you deal if they get a good home and are adopted? Won't it be tough to see them go after having raised them like your own children?
Luna: It really is tough because you get so attached to them. I remember when I dropped Hannah off at Will and Frankie's and I came home. I was so happy for her, but I missed her at the same time. I cried the entire evening because I missed her so much. She really is the sweetest little girl and I just wanted her to have some kind of happiness. But, she belongs with Frankie and Will. And I just want to give all the children a place they can call home if just for a little while.
Amynoelle: Awwww!
Amynoelle: And now we'd like to get into your Hogwarts days. RC wants to know why you were so mean to Luna in school! And be honest, Ronald!
Ron: Um... can I get more of that cake first?
Amynoelle: Answer first, cake later.
Ron: Well um... when I was in school, I was always concerned about what other people thought about me. And what would they have thought if I was going around with Luna? Of course, now I realise how stupid that is...
Amynoelle: We were really ticked off at you when you ran into Parvati at the Ministry cafeteria and didn't seem to take up for Luna. It really hurt Maddie as well who had this really idealized view of you.
Ron: I know... that was pretty stupid. But I was lucky that Luna's so forgiving.
Luna: And that was a long time ago...we've both changed since then and besides, he's hard to stay mad at for long.
Heaven: One last one from RC, for Luna. Why didn't you give up on Ron?
Luna: I had this hopeless crush on him in school and nothing ever came of it. I did kind of give up on it, but in my heart, I knew eventually he'd come around and luckily for me, he did.
Amynoelle: We did love watching you two fall for each other at Hillsdale. Ron was quite endearing!
Ron: *Grins* You know I was a little hesitant about doing this because someone told me that people like you two were militant and didn't like me. But you're not militant at all!
Heaven: We have that reputation, I hear. But contrary to popular belief, we love you Ron!
Amynoelle: We just don't like your sister very much. Which brings us to another question from Lillian Potter. Luna, were you and Ginny best friends at Hogwarts? And if Hermione had gone to Hogwarts, would you have been best friends with her?
Luna: I'd like to think Hermione and I would have been friends. She's quite a lovely person really. And Ginny and I were friends for a few years, but she changed a lot.
Amynoelle: Lillian Potter also wants to know if you think Ginny would come back one day and if she did, would you love her like you did before she ran off with Draco?
Ron: That's a tough question. I love my sister and I always will. I just don't understand most of the things she's done. But she is still my sister and if she ever needed me, I'd be there for her.
Heaven: That's so sweet, Ron. You really are a good brother and father.
Ron: Thanks...oooh! Chocolate chip biscuits!
Heaven: Help yourself! Luna, Royal Jade wants to know if you've ever done something you really regret? She wants Ron to answer that too, but only once he's done chewing.
Luna: Have I ever done something that I really regret? Hmm...looking back I would have to say that what happened between Ron and me and Cho and Neville right after Neville forbid Jon and Allie from seeing each other. That was a terrible time and I hated how it was tearing our friendships apart.
Heaven: I remember how rough that was. But none of it was your fault, really.
Ron: Neville acted like a horse's arse, but that's beside the point and it is water under the bridge now. My biggest regret is that I wasn't nicer to my lovely wife when we were in school. I'd like to go back in time and smack my younger self upside the head for treating Luna the way I did.
Heaven: *laughs* I bet Hermione would arrange for a special time turner just to see that. And Lillian Potter also wants to know if Lavender and Hermione had gone to Hogwarts, would you have had romantic feelings for either of them?
Ron: *Spits out his biscuit and starts to choke*
Luna: Easy Ronald... *pats his back* have some water.
Ron: *drinks*
Amynoelle: Alright?
Ron *nods* Um, no way. Hermione and I would kill each other and Lavender is waayyyyyyyyyyyy too high maintenance for me.
Heaven: I love Lavender, but she seems like the type who'd go overboard and give you things like necklaces...
Amynoelle: And call you Won-Won!
Ron: That's just wrong. Can we move on please?
Heaven: Sure. Coolman has another question for you Ron. Your appetite is world famous. But can you pinpoint the time you ate the most? Please give details of exactly what all you ate.
Ron *ponders question* Oh, okay....there was that time at my ninth birthday...no, no...my graduation feast! I started out with this massive breakfast and I finished off two plates of waffles all by myself. Then, I had about seven or eight pastries. That was enough to tide me over until lunch where I had about seven sandwiches...seven and a half because Seamus couldn't finish his. And then dinner....stew, porkpies, what else...um....
Amynoelle: Antacid? Good grief, Ron!
Heaven: That makes me not want to eat for a week. My hips thank you, Ron.
Amynoelle: Mine too. Rainbow star wants to know, if there is a time of day when you don't get hungry? And how the hell do you keep in shape?
Ron: All Weasleys have the best metabolism. And it's funny, I don't always get hungry, but when I see food, I have to have it.
Luna: Just like he is with me!
Heaven: You two are kind of like the rabbits. We didn't have to ask how THEY stay in shape...
Ron: I AM TRYING TO EAT HERE! DO NOT TALK ABOUT THEM AND THEIR...ACTIVITIES, PLEASE.
Amynoelle: Sorry, but it's true! Orli-Luva wants to ask Ron how he knew he fancied Luna. One minute you disliked her and the next you were in love with her.
Ron: At Hillsdale, so many things were different. I felt independent for the first time in my life, like I didn't have an adult watching me every moment. And I just got to know Luna, and the more I saw her, the more I enjoyed being with her. All those things I thought bothered me in school didn't matter anymore.
Luna: And dancing together like we were, we were in close contact. It was absolutely fantastic!
Ron: Yeah it was... *drops biscuit*
Amynoelle: Oops...we have more. Don't worry.
Ron: There's the ten second rule. It's okay!
Amynoelle: *Shakes head* Orli's last question was for you, Luna. How hard was it for you to break up with Ron all those years ago?
Luna: That was probably one of the scariest moments of my life. Here I had the man of my dreams, and it seemed he didn't want to be with me. Had I known he just wanted to save money so we could live together, things would have been different.
Ron: I didn't like it, either. My stupid pride almost cost me the most important person in my life.
Luna: But it all worked out. When we got together I was happier than I'd ever been.
Heaven: Here's a question for both of you from Coolman. When you found out that you were about to have twins for a second time, didn't you get worried? I mean even with three kids Jon is having to do two jobs to sustain his family. Didn't you feel it would be financially tough to raise such a big family at a young age?
Luna: It was tough, don't get us wrong. We had to sacrifice some big things to provide for our family.
Ron: I put in a lot of extra hours at the shop and Luna took some freelance assignments.
Heaven: And it was hard on the kids when you moved to Ireland...
Ron: Very hard. They hated it at first and resented being away from their friends and family. But it was a great chance for me to manage a set of shops on my own. I couldn't pass that up.
Heaven: And you did a great job- you did what any parent would do. You and Luna put your kids before yourselves.
Luna: It wasn't always easy, but we had great examples in our own parents.
Amynoelle: And not only do you have a great set of children, you have grandchildren. Dawna asks if you are happy with your grandchildren right now and if you are excited to meet Drew and Brian's baby and if you want grandchildren from Ethan and Maddie anytime soon?
Luna: We'd always love more grandchildren! And of course we can't wait to meet Drew and Brian's child.
Amynoelle: We do think it's sweet that Ron lets Emma put that Magic Mud on him.
Ron: Yeah... yeah... could you say no to her though?
Luna: And Casey's already working her magic on him, too.
Ron: I'll have to bribe Em not to give her any ideas.
Heaven: Here's a question with a bit more of a sombre note from Dawna. If Allie had died that night she had Em, and Jon couldn't take her because it would her to much to have her (if you know what I mean and Neville and Cho couldn't either) Would you two have taken her?
Luna: Without a doubt, but I believe that if something had happened, Jon would have known that Allie would want him to raise their daughters. But thankfully, Allie did survive and they're such a wonderful, loving family.
Heaven: One of the best, and a huge fan favourite!
Amynoelle: Dawna also asked if something happened to Ron and you lost him, would you remarry?
Luna: I don't think so. Ron's the only one for me. I can't imagine myself with anyone else.
Ron: Me, either. Besides, I don't think any other woman could take me and my habit of sticking my foot in my mouth...
Luna *laughs* I've gotten quick at diverting him.
Amynoelle: You have saved him quite a few times, Luna.
Ron: You aren't kidding.
Heaven: I know we've asked something similar, but dysfunctionalspirit wants to know what was it like raising so many children of your own , and then just when RJ, their last one, left home becoming foster parents.?
Ron: Well, we went from a full house to an empty house to a full house. And Joey and Zach are really going to make me go grey...
Heaven: Is THAT what that is? I thought Fred and George gave you a skunk stripe...
Ron: *touches the top of his head* No...do I really?
Heaven: No.
Ron: You remind me of Hermione. That's something that she'd do!
Heaven: *laughs* I'll have to tell her you said so.
Amynoelle: That's it for our reader questions, but we have some things we'd love to ask you guys. Starting with you, Ron. You have a good relationship with your children's significant others. But, you don't seem as close to Hans. Why is that?
Ron: I don't really know the bloke that well. Now that he's engaged to Darla, I expect to see him a lot more. And as long as my girl is happy with him, he's fine with me.
Amynoelle: And do you guys miss Paddington?
Luna: So, so much. In fact... I wouldn't mind another dog at some point. That's a hint!
Amynoelle: Or a Cornish pixie, like Dolly...
Ron: No Cornish Pixies. No, no, no!
Amynoelle *laughs*: One of the cutest, fluffiest scenes had to be when Dolly tore up your prized Canons shirt and Maddie spello-taped it back together.
Luna: She's the only one who could have gotten away with that, you know.
Ron: The boys throw that in my face all the time.
Heaven: But it's true. No one can do the Maddie face like Maddie. The closest one has to be Emma.
Luna: Em's almost got it down pat. But Em has her own look, too. She will put her hands on her hips and purse her lips...it's the cutest thing.
Ron: I'm powerless to it. Can't help it.
Amynoelle: Oh, I just found a question from a reader by the name of The Rabbit King, he wanted to know how it feels to be the best friend to the handsomest, most charming...wait a minute! This question is from Harry! How did this get in here?
Heaven: Harry... *shakes head* It's not too late for Snape to turn gay and lust after you.
Ron: grins* I like that idea.
Heaven: We always keep it around for when he acts up.
Amynoelle: He acts up a lot, as I'm sure you know, Ron.
Ron: Don't I ever. He's always been that way.
Heaven: Well Ron, feel free to take the rest of the food with you... wait... there's nothing left. You ate it all???? Why am I not surprised?
Ron: That was some good food!
Amynoelle: You two are the only ones we served food too for the interview.
Luna: Ronald smelled it and was practically running here.
Heaven: You know Amy, I bet we're going to have to do this for Ethan and Maddie too.
Amynoelle: Oooh, you're right. And definitely if we interview Emma.
Ron: Thanks for the food. Hey Luna, we should stop at Antonio's on the way home. I have a huge craving for garlic bread...