Thanks again to those of you that left me birthday wishes! I appreciate the thought!
This chapter ends Christmas, and next one brings Emma's third birthday. Can you guys believe she's THREE already? Both RJ/Alexa and Gabe/Alexa fans will be happy in the next chapter ;)
As always, thanks to those of you who reviewed, and next week's interview will be with Caroline and Emma! R/R!!!
Ethan and Maddie were more than a little late for breakfast at the Burrow and snuck in just as everyone was sitting down.
"There are the newlyweds," Julie teased. "Busy morning?"
"Maddie's hair's still wet," Drew joked.
"Very funny," Ethan replied. "I'm starved."
"You're not the last to arrive," Molly reassured them. "RJ hasn't shown up yet."
"Big surprise there," Jon rolled his eyes.
"He'll be here," Andrew promised ignoring the look on Saffron's face. So far, they'd agreed not to mention RJ as to avoid conflict, but Saffron had made it quite clear she wanted nothing more to do with him.
"Minus that hussy," she muttered.
"Everyone tuck in!" Molly exclaimed. "If RJ doesn't arrive, we'll make sure to save him a plate."
"I bet he went to get Lexie," Caroline said excitedly. "I bet her Mummy and Daddy will let her come!"
"Caroline," Allison said in a quiet voice. "We explained about that, remember?"
"Oh," Caroline said looking down at her plate.
"This really looks fantastic, Molly," Harry told their host.
"Thank you, Harry dear." Molly smiled fondly at him. "Eat up- you're looking entirely too thin right now."
"You say that every time you see me," Harry pointed out.
"Then eat up and I won't have to," Molly replied.
Ron was already on his third helping with Emma keeping up right alongside him.
"Gampa waffle," Emma said pointing to the plate that was on the other side of him. "Peas?"
"Here you go Em," Ron put it on her plate. "Syrup too?"
Emma nodded. "Em loves syr-up!"
"That's my girl," Ron replied delightedly.
Molly placed a small bowl of porridge on each of the triplets' high chairs. "Lizzy, they're getting so big!"
"Too big," Lizzy looked over at her babies, who were eating happily.
Josh smiled at Casey who held up her spoon and waved it at him.
"Hey you," he made a goofy face and she giggled.
"Da," Casey said before taking a bite of her porridge.
"Da," Noah echoed.
Aidan banged his spoon on the tray for a few moments. "Daaaaaaaaaa...." he dragged the word out.
"Do they do everything in threes?" Saffron asked with a giggle.
"Except say mama," Lizzy said. "They love saying Da or Dada..."
"They'll be saying it before you know it," Josh reassured her.
"I hope so," Lizzy said.
Outside the Burrow, RJ was regretting his decision to invite Serena along. Well, he hadn't so much as invited her as she'd invited herself.
"I hope I don't have to remember names," Serena said thoughtfully. "I'm terrible with remembering names..."
"Well there's a pretty big crowd in there," RJ told her.
"You have what, like 13 brothers and sisters," Serena said as he opened the door.
"Six," RJ corrected. "And they're all married... or going to be."
"RJ?" he heard his mother call out. "Is that you?"
"Hi Mum," he called back. "Happy Christmas!"
"You'd better get in here, son, before Emma and I eat everything," Ron called out.
"Come on," RJ said as Serena latched herself onto his arm.
The kitchen went quiet when they saw RJ wasn't alone. Saffron glared at her former friend. "Mum, Dad," RJ said breaking the silence. "I'd like you to meet Serena Starr. Serena, this is my mother, Luna. And that bloke over there is my dad, Ron."
"Hello," Serena replied in a sunny tone.
"Um, hello," Luna said politely. "We didn't know RJ was bringing a guest."
"It was sort of last minute," RJ said lamely. "And you know Andrew," RJ said pointing to his flatmate who was sitting across from them. "And Saffy..."
"Yes," Serena said smiling at Andrew. "Hi, Andy."
"Hi Serena," Andrew said in a controlled tone.
"Happy Christmas, Saf," RJ said taking a seat. He hadn't seen her since he'd broken things off with Alexa.
Saffron ignored him and instead took another pancake off the platter in the middle of the table.
"I'm afraid I've never listened to your music, dear," Molly said to Serena. "It's not really my style...."
"I've been told I sound like a young Celestina," Serena tossed her hair over her shoulder.
"Celestina, I know," Molly said picking up the platter of pancakes and offering her one.
"Ew, no thank you," Serena said. "I can't eat carbs."
"Oh," Molly set the platter down. "Well what can I get for you dear?"
"Can you make me an egg white omelette? Serena asked as if Molly was her personal chef. "And please don't use too much grease...I abhor grease."
RJ nudged her. "This isn't a restaurant Serena," he said quietly.
"Oh," Serena said with a slight laugh. "Do you have any fresh fruit then?"
"That I do have," Molly exchanged a look with Ron as she got up.
Emma got up and walked around the table. She tugged on RJ's sleeve. "Uncle RJ?"
"Hey Em," RJ smiled. "Happy Christmas."
Emma smiled back at him. "Where Lexie? Em likes Lexie!"
"Uh... Lexie isn't coming Em..." RJ's smile dropped. "She's with her family today."
"No thanks to you," Saffron couldn't help muttering.
"Lexie come later?" Emma asked hopefully.
"Sorry Em," Saffron said in a louder tone. "RJ doesn't want Lexie here."
"Saf come on," Andrew said quietly.
"Leave it, Saffy," RJ said through clenched teeth.
Emma climbed into Saffron's lap. "Em don't like her," she whispered in Saffron's ear.
"Neither do I," Saffron whispered back.
An uncomfortable silence fell over the table and RJ again regretted his decision to have Serena come along. He should have known better.
"Oh my God!" Serena squealed. "Harry Potter!"
Harry turned a bright red. "Hello," he said.
"Wow," Serena said grinning at him. "I had no idea you'd be here! This is just...wow!"
"Yes well... we've been close with the family for ages..." Harry was clearly uncomfortable with the attention.
Katie walked over to Serena. "I have all your cd's! And I think you're the best singer ever."
"Well thank you little girl," Serena said brightly.
Katie beamed at her. "Someday I want to be a singer and an actress and a model..."
"Well I'm sure you will be," Serena told her. "Just make sure you always look perfect when you leave the house, and make sure you know that you're the absolute best. That's what has helped me get to the top."
"It's more important what's on the inside," Saffron told her niece.
Ashley nodded in agreement. "Definitely."
"That's all well and good for you, Sandra," Serena said throwing her hair back over her shoulders. "But I've been in this business since I was a little girl and appearances matter."
"It's SAFFRON," she said icily. "And I suppose if your outward appearance is all that you have, then yes, it does matter. But luckily--"
"Saffron," Julie cautioned.
"Here's your fruit," Molly set a large plate in front of the young woman.
"Thank you," Serena said flashing her a dazzling smile. "It looks lovely."
"Thanks Nana," RJ sent his grandmother a grateful look.
"You're welcome," Molly said patting his shoulder. "Now, you....I know you love to eat pancakes. I made a fresh platter just for you."
"Perfect," RJ said happily. "I'm starving."
"Wonder why," Saffron grumbled. "Probably got another double workout last night."
"Saffy---" Andrew said putting his hand on her arm. "Just forget about it."
Saffron opened her mouth to disagree but snapped it shut. "All right," she conceded. "For now..."
"Good girl," Andrew said giving her a kiss on the cheek.
Saffron still wasn't happy but she didn't want to ruin Christmas for anyone.
Emma walked back over to her seat and happily rejoined her grandfather in eating more pancakes.
"So," RJ said to his older sister. "How was your first Christmas as a married girl, Maddie?"
"Wonderful," Maddie said. "Ethan got me the best gifts and he even got Blue a new cage."
"Score one for Potter," RJ said to his brother-in-law.
"I did do pretty well," Ethan said putting his arm around Maddie.
"Very, very well." Maddie leaned against him.
"Did you like the cloak?" Harry asked his son.
Ethan nodded. "It's fantastic. Thank you so much for helping Mads find it,."
"You're quite welcome," Harry said. "We tried to get Saffy to let you have mine..."
"Over my dead body," Saffron said grinning at her brother. "It's mine, mine, mine!"
"Where does that leave me?" Julie teased.
"You had it when you were at Hogwarts," Harry reminded her. "But now you're in a position of authority..."
"I could tell the new headmaster about Saffy's," Julie teased.
"Jules don't you dare!" Saffron said with a grin.
Julie laughed. "Your secret is safe with me. Just don't use it for any nefarious purposes, young lady."
"I never do," Saffron said quickly.
"I can vouch for her," RJ said trying to make an effort. "She used it for good and not evil, right Saf?"
"I never even used it with Andrew while he was at school," Saffron ignored RJ again. "So you'll know I've been good with it."
"That's what I like to hear," Harry said. He leaned back in his chair. "Molly, you've outdone yourself again. I don't think I can move my stomach is so full."
"I'll send you home with leftovers," Molly promised him.
Harry smiled. "Thank you."
"I'm stuffed too," Hermione leaned against him. "I haven't eaten like that in ages."
"Well, we'll have work that off later," Harry whispered in her ear.
"That's a plan, Potter." Hermione answered with a grin.
Serena ate half of the fruit on her plate and then rested her head on RJ's shoulder.
"Sleepy?" RJ asked.
"Only because of you," she purred.
Saffron rolled her eyes.
"How about we all go into the sitting room and open up presents?" Molly suggested.
"Fine idea, Mum," Fred agreed. The children practically tripped over each other to get out of the kitchen followed by their parents. Maddie and Ethan lingered with the teens to clear the table.
Saffron watched in disgust as Serena leaned in to kiss RJ's neck.
"That's it!" Saffron said pushing back in her chair.
"Saffy," Ethan put a hand on his sister's arm.
"No," Saffron said shaking him off. "RJ, I cannot believe you had the nerve to bring her here!"
"You know what, that's my business not yours," RJ said to her. "I'm sorry things didn't work out with me and Lexie but that's between us."
"I don't even know who you are anymore," Saffron said standing up. "I am never, ever going to speak to you again, Ronald Weasley Junior. You are the most selfish, egotistical....and you don't even care that you broke Alexa's heart!"
"Of course I care," RJ replied.
"But, little Sandy, he's with me now." Serena replied. "He wants a big girl."
Saffron nearly leapt across the table at her before Andrew held her back.
"Saffy, don't do this here," Andrew said.
Saffron gave the blonde a murderous glare. "You are nothing but a relationship wrecking, non talent bimbo," she said angrily. "And you'll do well to keep away from me."
Serena giggled. "I'm shaking in my stilettos," she said dismissively. "RJ, let's go. I'm bored."
"Go?" RJ asked. "Serena we just got here..."
"I'm obviously not wanted," Serena said pouting at him.
"Yeah but... everyone in my family is here." RJ explained.
"Oh," Serena said grumpily. "I suppose we can stay for a little while..."
"You can leave," Saffron said. "No one would care if you were gone."
"I've had just about enough of you," Serena said haughtily.
"What are you going to do about it?" Saffron crossed her arms. "You might break a nail... or get a split end."
Serena glared at her. "You and that killjoy friend of yours are so boring. No wonder RJ came looking for me..."
Saffron snarled and made another advance towards the blonde.
"Saffy--" Ethan said holding his sister back. "Let's get you some fresh air..."
"But--" Saffron protested.
Ethan didn't give her a chance as he pulled her forcibly out of the kitchen. Andrew followed, leaving only Maddie, RJ and Serena in the kitchen.
Serena yawned. "Where can I go and freshen up?"
"There's a loo right down the hall there," RJ pointed.
Serena gave him a quick peck on the cheek before walking out of the kitchen.
Maddie forced a smile at her brother. "RJ..."
RJ looked up at his sister. "Are you going to scold me too?"
Maddie shook her head. "No."
"So you like her?" he asked.
"Um," Maddie stammered. "She's um...well, she's very pretty."
"She's not as shallow as Saffron is making her out to be," RJ explained.
Maddie nodded. "So, you and Serena have a lot of deep, meaningful talks?"
"Well we just started dating," RJ replied.
"Are you sure that's such a good idea," Maddie said thoughtfully. "I mean, you and Alexa did just break up. You're on the rebound."
"I know what I'm doing," RJ replied.
Maddie didn't want to alienate her brother. She stepped forward and gave him a hug. "I just want you to be happy, RJ."
"Thanks Mads," he replied.
Maddie mussed his hair. "You need a haircut."
"I like it this way," he said. "What about you?"
"I like the shorter one," Maddie said honestly. "But it's not my hair..."
"I think I'd go mad with your hair," RJ teased.
Maddie smiled. "You could grow it out like Dumbledore..."
"That's quite the style," RJ joked. "A knee length beard as well..."
"You'd look quite fetching," Maddie said nudging him.
Ethan came back into the kitchen. "She's calmed down," he reported.
"She needs a muzzle," RJ muttered.
"RJ come on," Maddie said. "She's upset for Alexa... and you have to admit what you did wasn't exactly sensitive."
"But she acted like a brat to Serena," RJ said defensively.
"Serena wasn't exactly an angel, either." Ethan pointed out.
"She can be a bit much," RJ admitted.
"Well give it some time," Maddie said after a moment.
"Thanks, Maddie," RJ said gratefully. "It's nice to know that I have someone on my side. I wish things were different with Lexie and me, but sometimes these things don't work out..."
"Right," Maddie replied. "And Saffy will come around. You two are too good of friends to let this tear you apart."
Ethan wanted to tell her to hold her breath. She hadn't seen how angry Saffron was when he and Andrew had taken her out back. Saffron was loyal to her friends, and she thought of Alexa like a sister. If she thought her friend had been wronged, she'd hold this over RJ's head for weeks, months, possibly even years.
"Yeah well I'll convince her to stay," RJ was oblivious to what Ethan's silence meant. "I haven't seen everyone in ages."
"Good," Maddie said smiling at him. "You need to be with your family at Christmas. "
"Yeah, yeah..." RJ grinned at her. "You just want to be around a famous Quidditch star."
Maddie put her hand to her forehead and pretended to swoon. "We're all so grateful you graced us with your presence..."
RJ put his arm around Maddie and together they walked into the sitting room with Ethan bringing up the rear.
Outside, Andrew was trying to convince Saffron to come back inside.
"Not if she's in there, Andrew," Saffron said pacing in front of the old picnic table. "I can't stomach the sight of either of them."
"Come on Saf," Andrew replied. "I know it's not easy, but you're not being disloyal to Alexa by being around her. Just be the bigger person here and ignore her."
"It's a little hard to ignore her when she's slinging her hair over her shoulders like she owns the bloody place," Saffron said doing a near perfect imitation of Serena. "And then...and then...did you hear what she told Katie! She's set the woman's movement back about 200 years with that rubbish!"
Andrew had to hide his smile at his girlfriend's tirade. She was probably more on the spot about Serena Starr than anyone in there, but it wasn't their place to show that. "Come on..." he took her hand in his. "Let's go for a little walk and when we go back inside, I'll give you your Christmas gift."
"My present?" Saffron asked stopping in her paces.
"Of course," he replied. "You didn't think I'd forgotten to get you something did you? I'd never live it down."
Saffron finally cracked a smile. "Okay, okay. I'll go back inside and play nice."
"That's my girl," Andrew said. "Come here."
She went willingly into his arms and he gave her a kiss. "But, I'm not talking to either one of them."
"You don't have to," he said, holding her close. "Besides, we're leaving in a few hours to go to my folks' house."
"Right," Saffron said with a grin. "Come on, Andy."
"Ugh," he made a face. "I never liked that nickname."
"I promise I won't call you that again," Saffron promised. She took his hand. "We don't need to go for a walk. We can go inside and you can give me my present."
"Because that's what's most important today," he teased as he kissed her again.
"Priorities," Saffron said grinning at him. "It's all about priorities."
"I've got one priority right now," Andrew leaned in. "And it's to show you how much I love you before we go back in there."
"Oh yeah?" Saffron asked.
"Uh huh," Andrew gave her another kiss, this time making it quite passionate.
By the time they did make it back inside, Saffron had forgotten about her anger toward RJ and Serena. She was feeling quite light hearted and happy as she and Andrew took their seats beside Ashley. The younger children were already opening their presents.
"Where did you go?" Ashley asked, blushing as Andrew grinned at her.
"Fresh air," Andrew said pulling on one of Ashley's plaits.
"Oh," Ashley giggled. "Aunt Saffy thanks for those new paints."
"You're very welcome," Saffron said smiling at her. "I bought them at that shop in Hogsmeade. They change colour, you know..."
"I know," Ashley said. "I can't wait to use them. I'll paint you a really cool picture."
"Thanks, Ash," Saffron said laughing as she saw Emma trying to help Casey open a package.
"Like this," Emma told her cousin. "Don't ruin the present!"
Casey just stared at Emma and then picked up the wrapping paper, much more interested in that than she was the present.
"Da?" Casey asked holding it up to Josh.
"That's just the paper, Case." Josh laughed. "Look at what Nana and Grandpa got you."
"Oooooh!" Emma squealed. "Blocks! Em's favourite!"
"Em, those are for Casey," Jon reminded her. "You have your own blocks at home."
Emma reluctantly placed the box in front of her cousin.
"Em can show her how to build a really tall tower and knock it down," Caroline said.
"Em is good with blocks," the redhead told her little cousin, who simply stared back at her.
"So was Saffron," Hermione remembered. "She used to love building those tall towers and would laugh when she'd knock then down."
"I used to have to keep them up with magic, she'd build them so tall," Harry agreed.
RJ chuckled. "Saf, do you remember that time you and I tried to stay up to catch Santa Claus?"
Saffron again ignored him and reached under the tree. "Here's my present for you Andrew."
RJ sighed and leaned back in his chair.
"Oh," Andrew said smiling at her. "Thanks, Saf..."
"I hope you like it," she said softly.
"I'm sure I will," Andrew said tearing into the package.
He lifted out a gold plated watch. "Saf!" he exclaimed.
Saffron smiled at him. "You like?"
"This is fantastic," Andrew told her. "You shouldn't have spent this much."
"I wanted to," Saffron said leaning against him.
"Thank you," he gave her a quick kiss.
"I love you," Saffron whispered.
"Love you," he touched his forehead to hers for a moment.
"Here," Ashley said interrupting them. "Aunt Saffron, I think this is yours from Andrew."
"Thanks Ash," Saffron turned a bit red at being caught.
Ashley blushed too as she realised what she'd interrupted.
Andrew grinned. "I really, really hope you like it. I was at a loss as to what to get you."
"I'm not that hard to buy for," she said with a grin.
"Yes you are," Andrew said as he watching her unwrap the present.
"Oooooh Andrew!" Saffron's eyes opened wide.
"You got her an old book?" Katie asked scrunching up her nose.
"Not just any old book," Saffron said touching the lettering on the cover. "This is a first edition of one of my favourites---To Kill a Mockingbird."
Andrew grinned. "Did I do good?"
Saffron gave him a hug. "You did wonderful! Wherever did you get it?"
"Will knew someone who specialises in rare books," Andrew explained. "And he came through."
"I'll say he did," Hermione took it. "This is a very rare find."
"Isn't it wonderful, Mum?" Saffron asked. There were tears in her eyes. "This was one of Grandpa's favourites, too."
"He used to read it all the time," Hermione smiled at her daughter.
Saffron wiped at her eyes. "You would have scored points with him, too on this book, Andrew."
"I'm glad," Andrew slid his arm around her.
"Me too," Saffron said resting her head on his shoulder.
"I don't know how mine will compare," Jon said reaching under the tree and pulling out an envelope. "But this is for you, Al."
"Thank you," Allison slit it open. "A full day at that spa in Diagon Alley?"
Jon nodded. "You deserve a day of pampering after putting up with me..."
"Thank you," Allison gave him a kiss.
"What did Daddy give you, Mum?" Julie asked.
"These beautiful earrings," Hermione showed them. "It's got each of your birthstones in them."
"Good one, Dad," Ethan said. "You know I was thinking that she may have given you that old chair of yours..."
"What old chair?" Harry asked in his most innocent tone.
"Oh that old chair that Dad said he got rid of but he actually did some sort of spell on it so it was always in the house?" Saffron asked.
"Excuse me?" Hermione asked.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Harry said hastily. "You know there's no old furniture in the house."
"Not now," Saffron said not seeing what the big deal is. "But you had it in the old cottage and I heard you and Grandpa talking about it once. How you got one over on Mum..."
Hermione levelled a glare at her husband.
"Hey Saf, I think that was a secret," Andrew nudged her.
"Oh," Saffron said sheepishly. "I'm sorry, Daddy."
Harry grunted. "Doesn't matter now."
"This explains that smug look you'd get every time I brought up that old natty chair," Hermione said shaking her head.
"Finally busted, eh Dad?" Ethan asked.
"It has been over 20 years," Harry admitted. He looked at his wife. "You're not mad, are you?"
"I suppose not," Hermione replied.
"You did have a hand in decorating every inch of the place," Harry pointed out. "And I just wanted to have one thing..."
"I guess," Hermione leaned over and gave him a kiss. "And it was a very comfortable chair..."
Ron guffawed. "I bet you had se--"
Luna chose that moment to stuff a biscuit in her husband's mouth. "Not in front of the children."
Ron nodded and sank back into his chair. "Katie," Julie said handing her daughter a box. "This is from Daddy and me."
"Thanks Mummy," Katie said, eagerly ripping the paper off.
Julie hoped Katie would like it. Even though Katie was still struggling with her dyslexia, she had come a far way and she and Nick were eager to show her they were proud of her.
"It's a big book," Katie tried to hide her disappointment. She had been hoping for something like more dress up clothes or makeup.
Julie took the book from her. "It's fairy tales, sweetheart. It has all these stories about princesses and things like that."
She brightened back up a little. "Princesses?"
"Yes," Julie said opening the book to a picture of Cinderella. "See?"
"Where's Tinkerbell?" Katie asked.
"Peter Pan," Julie said thumbing through the book until she found the story. "Here you go..."
"Do you like your book Katie?" Nick asked his daughter.
Katie smiled. "Yes, Daddy. Thank you."
Caroline pointed excitedly at the pictures in the book. "Katie that is soooo cool! Tink is really flying!"
"She is," Katie said in delight. "Cool!"
Julie leaned against Nick as they watched Caroline and Katie oooh and ahh over the pictures in the book.
"For my gorgeous wife," Nick handed her a slender box.
"Nick!" Julie exclaimed.
"Open it," he urged her with a grin.
"You don't have to tell me twice," Julie said eagerly tearing into the box.
"Mummy that's a pretty nightgown," Ashley said. "Where's the rest of it?"
Julie giggled. "This is it, baby."
"That's it?" Ashley asked. "It's so small though."
Julie blushed. "Um, well, it's supposed to be like that."
"And I cannot wait to see you in it," Nick murmured.
"Tonight," Julie whispered.
"Soon as we get home," he teased, giving her a kiss.
Serena had fallen asleep watching the others open presents. If she wasn't getting anything, she wasn't very excited about it. RJ sighed and wondered what Alexa was doing at that moment.
"Uncle RJ," Emma came over. "Come see Adam..."
RJ smiled at his niece. "Sure, Em."
"Em take good care of Adam," she told him.
RJ picked her up. "I heard that you were being a good big sister."
Emma hugged her godfather. "Why RJ no like Lexie anymore?"
"I still like Lexie," RJ said patting her back. "We just aren't boyfriend and girlfriend anymore, Em."
"But why?" she poked her bottom lip out. "Em loves her."
"It's hard to explain," RJ said. "And she still loves you, Em. That's not going to change."
Emma was quiet for a few seconds. "Han is Em's cousin now," she perked back up.
"I know," RJ said tweaking her nose. "And I bet that you're just as good a cousin as you are a big sister."
Emma nodded solemnly. "Em is Han and Adam's bestest friend."
RJ set her down beside Adam's portable crib. He suddenly felt horrible that he'd only seen his nephew once before. "Hey little guy," RJ said peering over at him.
Adam stared up at him and puckered his lips together.
"Adam, this Uncle RJ," Emma said proudly. "He's nice and tells good stories!"
RJ smiled at his niece. "Thanks for that intro Em."
"Welcome," Emma said smiling back at him.
RJ gently picked Adam up. "How about you let me hold you for a little while?"
"He likes that," Emma said happily.
"Nice to know I can still do a few things right," RJ said, sitting back down with Adam.
Emma sat down beside them and watched her uncle as he held Adam. Saffron had to begrudgingly admit that no matter what he had done, he was a good uncle to his nieces and nephews. Emma clearly adored him.
"Isn't he a cute bugger?" Jon asked him proudly.
RJ chuckled. "He must get that from Allie."
"Those blue eyes are all Weasley, Junior." Jon returned.
RJ couldn't help but think that if things had gone differently, he and Alexa would be preparing to have one of these in a few months time.
Jon nodded in Serena's direction. "She all right?"
"Yeah," RJ said without looking up. "She um...had a bit of a late night last night."
"With you?" Jon raised an eyebrow.
"We're just having fun, Jon," RJ said quietly.
"I wasn't going to say anything," Jon replied, making a face at Adam who closed his eyes and grinned toothlessly. "If you're happy then that's all we want for you."
"Thanks," RJ said grinning at his brother. "You, Maddie and Andrew are only the ones."
"We all want you to be happy," Jon said pointedly. "But just be careful RJ."
"I will," RJ promised.
"Time for my little guy to eat," Allison came over. "I know he's irresistible but you've got to hand him over."
"Time to go to Mummy," RJ said gingerly handing Adam to her.
"Good job," Emma told him.
RJ tugged on one of her curls. "Thanks, Em."
Emma gave him a hug then ran off to join Caroline.
Maddie wondered how Hannah, Frankie and Will were doing on their first Christmas as a family.
And as a matter of fact, it was going very well. Frankie and Will had stayed up until nearly four in the morning making sure all the presents were there and ready. They knew they'd gone overboard, but it was their first Christmas together.
Frankie covered her mouth so no one could see her yawn.
"Stop," Will told her. "That's contagious."
"We'll get a kip later, but right now, I think we should go and wake her up," Frankie said.
"Right," Will replied. "I'll go make us some coffee."
Frankie gave him a kiss. "I'll be right back with Hannah."
"Sounds good," he smiled at her before heading into the kitchen.
Frankie felt a second wind coming on as she took the steps two at a time. She opened up Hannah's bedroom door and smiled when she saw her daughter sleeping peacefully underneath her purple duvet.
"Hannah," she whispered, touching her shoulder. "Sweetheart it's time to get up."
Hannah's eyes blinked open. "Hi, Mummy."
"Hi baby," Frankie smiled. "Happy Christmas."
Hannah rubbed at her eyes. "Christmas?"
Frankie nodded. "Santa must have known what a good girl you were this year because he filled the sitting room with presents."
Hannah was suddenly very awake. "Really?"
"Come on down and see," Frankie grinned.
Hannah pulled back the covers and slid on the purple slippers Frankie had given her. She gave Frankie a hug. "I love you, Mummy."
"I love you too," Frankie held her tightly. "So, so much..."
"Is Daddy awake?" Hannah asked.
"He's downstairs already," Frankie told her. "I bet he makes you some of his special hot chocolate."
Hannah giggled. "I can't wait!'
Frankie picked her up and told her to close her eyes. "No peeking."
"Okay," Hannah closed her eyes obediently.
Frankie carried her downstairs and winked at Will who had just set the tray of coffee and hot chocolate down on the coffee table. "Okay, Hannah...on the count of three...open your eyes. One...two...three!"
"WOW!" Hannah said in amazement as she took in the room. "This is for me?"
"All for you," Will said grinning at her. "Santa even ate those biscuits you left out for him."
Hannah giggled. "He left lots of crumbs."
"Santa's not the neatest eater, is he?" Frankie asked.
Hannah shook her head wordlessly, still in awe.
"You don't know where to start, do you sweetheart?" Will asked.
"No," Hannah confessed. "I'm sorry."
"No need to apologise," Will said taking her hand. "How about this big one here?" Hannah looked at the awkwardly wrapped package that was nearly as big as she was. She pulled off the paper and saw a bright, red tricycle.
"For me?" she asked, her eyes wide. "Really for me?"
"For you," Will said. "Do you like it?'
Speechless, Hannah nodded.
"Want to know what's really cool?" Frankie asked. "As you get bigger, so will this. And when you're old enough we can turn it into a regular bicycle for you to ride."
Hannah sat down on it and wrapped her hands around the handlebars. "Em has one of these!"
"You can ride it together when the weather gets nicer," Will said.
Hannah smiled. "This is so cool!"
Frankie laughed. "We're glad you like it sweetheart."
"You can't just sit there, Miss Hannah," Will said motioning to the other packages. "You have a lot of unwrapping to do."
"There's so much," Hannah sat down next to the sofa.
"Well, I told you Santa knew what a good girl you were," Frankie said sitting down beside her.
"I didn't know I was this good," Hannah said as Frankie selected another gift and put it in her lap.
Will grinned. "Well, I was up and about last night and I ran into Santa and he couldn't stop talking about what a wonderful sweet girl Hannah Barron was."
"You got to see him?" Hannah asked. "Wow!"
"And he said that out of all the houses he'd been too, we had the best biscuits," Will said.
"I think it's because he knew you made them," Frankie added.
Hannah beamed at her. "I'm glad we made peanut butter because I bet he was tired of getting gingersnaps and chocolate chip."
"I'm sure you're right," Frankie replied. "Now open up- like your daddy said, you've got lots of unwrapping to do!"
Hannah nodded and opened the present on her lap. Inside was a Belle doll. "This was on my list!" Hannah exclaimed holding it up.
"Santa knew," Will winked at his wife. "Looks just like you, love."
Hannah hugged the box to her.
During the next hour, Hannah worked her way through the mountain of gifts that Santa had left for her.
In addition to her doll and tricycle, she received more new clothes and toys and a few books.
Will was admiring the new picture Hannah had drawn for him of herself and Frankie. "I can't wait to show this to everyone at my office," he said.
"You really, really like it?" Hannah asked.
"I don't just like it," Will said. "I love it."
Hannah beamed at him and climbed into his lap. "Should we give Mummy her present now?"
"I think we should," Will nodded.
"What are you two whispering about?" Frankie asked.
"Go ahead Hannah," Will nudged her.
Hannah walked over to the tree and picked up the package Will had helped her wrap. "This is for you, Mummy."
"Thank you," Frankie smiled at her and carefully unwrapped the box.
Hannah stood in front of Will as she watched Frankie unwrap the present. She and Will had found the perfect glass charm bracelet for her and they'd picked out a bunch of charms that they knew Frankie would love.
"This is beautiful," Frankie lifted it up. "Hannah did you pick this out?"
"Daddy and me," Hannah said smiling at her. "Do you like it?"
"I do," Frankie replied. "I absolutely love it. I'm going to wear it today."
Hannah walked over to her and pointed at the charms. "That's a pair of those heel shoes you like so much...
Frankie laughed. "The ones I always wear?
Hannah giggled too. "Yeah."
"Hannah picked out all the charms," Will told his wife.
Hannah blushed. "And there's a wand..."
"These are perfect," Frankie said, already hooking them on. "Totally perfect!"
"And the H is for Hannah and the W for Will," Hannah explained.
"I'm putting those right next to each other," Frankie said. "So I can look at them and think about you both all the time."
Hannah sank into the sofa beside Frankie and Will sat down on her other side. "Unwrapping presents is tiring!"
"Have some hot chocolate," Will handed his daughter the mug. "It'll perk you back up."
"With marshamallows!" Hannah giggled taking the mug.
"Extra marshmallows," Will grinned at her. "It's my special recipe."
"Thanks," Hannah said happily.
"One of these days I'll teach it to you," Will sat back with his coffee.
"Soon?" Hannah asked. She loved learning new things.
"Promise," Will answered.
Hannah sipped her hot chocolate and got some marshmallow on her upper lip. She gave Frankie a sleepy smile.
"You happy?" Frankie asked, tucking a long brown lock of hair behind Hannah's ear.
Hannah nodded. "Yes, Mummy. Thank you."
"You're very, very welcome," Frankie said. "This has been the best Christmas I ever had, and it's because you're here with us Hannah."
Hannah set her mug down and then cuddled in close to Frankie. "This is my best Christmas, too."
Frankie closed her eyes and kissed the top of her daughter's head.
Hannah closed her eyes too and put her arm around Frankie. "Happy Christmas..."
Week 7: Ethan and Maddie
Heaven: I think we made more food for Maddie than we did for Ron. But she'd probably show up anyway. It's Emma we'll have to make sure we have chocolate for.
Amynoelle: I can't wait to interview her and Caroline next week. We'll have to ask Emma about that Sims picture...
Heaven: And why she loves dog food? I thought it was pretty funny.
Amynoelle: Too cute. Oh, look. Here they are. Hi, Ethan and Maddie!
Maddie: Whoa, look at all this food!
Heaven: Hey you guys! Help yourself! And we made some fish and chips for Blue as well.
Maddie: That's very sweet of you both! We'll bring that home to him. He'll be so happy.
Heaven: You mean you didn't bring him with you? Awww!
Ethan: You two would have been more interested in him than the two of us.
Heaven: That is so not true.
Ethan: *loads his plate with food while Maddie just sits down* Uh-huh.
Amynoelle: *whispers to Heaven* What do you want to bet Maddie just eats off of his plate?
Heaven: I'd bet the same as you. At least we'd both win.
Maddie*sneaks a brownie from Ethan's plate*: This looks yummy.
Heaven: You definitely called that one Amy.
Ethan: Mads, they have a whole table of food over there. Why don't you go get yourself something?
Maddie: You have a way of arranging things that makes it look soooo good. I can't help it.
Amynoelle: Well, while the two of you eat from Ethan's plate, do you mind if we get started with the questions?
Ethan: Fine with me.
Heaven: Well... I'll start with the most popular question. tooaddicted2tv, rita skeeta, Francis HHr, ilyse, PotterChick958, Kelci, michy34, TheGreatFox2000, ProngsHoof all want to know, when do you guys plan on having a baby of your own?
Ethan *chokes on his food*
Amynoelle: Are you okay, Ethan?
Maddie: He's okay... wow... that question took us both a little by surprise. We haven't even been married a year yet. We'd like to have kids, but we're not rushing things.
Ethan: And we have Blue who pretty much thinks he is our baby.
Maddie: Ethan, he is our baby.
Heaven: That's so cute. Ethan, Kelci wants to know if you'll give her a hug.
Ethan: Is she here?
Heaven: Well no... but you could promise her one sometime if you should ever meet.
Ethan: Alright, Kelci. If I ever meet you, I promise I will give you a hug.
Amynoelle: You've probably just made her day. But Ethan, this question is for you from Orli Luva. What is it like being the only son of Harry and Hermione Potter?
Ethan: *shrugs* I don't know... to me it's no different than having any other parents. I suppose life's been a bit in the spotlight, but Mum and Dad have always tried to make things as normal as possible for us.
Amynoelle: They certainly have. And now RC wants Maddie to know that you are one of her favourites in the story and that she thinks Emma is very much like you. Her question is how does it feel to be married to someone that you loved for almost your whole life??? How was your relationship with Ethan in Hogwarts??? Did he date a lot of girls???
Maddie: I actually didn't see much of Ethan at school. Even though we were in the same house, he had his own group and I had my own way of doing things. But I love being married. I think part of me let it go, and the other part of me never truly gave up on him.
Ethan: I did look after you though at school to make sure nothing happened to you, Completely Mad Maddie.
Maddie: You did it as a favour to Jon and Josh.
Heaven: petrynronlover has a similar question, only it's for Ethan- when you and Maddie were in school together. did you ever once think about how she wanted to marry you and consider what it would be like to date her?
Ethan: I didn't really. I thought she'd given up that crush on me anyway. We were kids back then. And really, what seven year old wants to have a four year old girl running after him telling him every two seconds that they are gonna get married and have a pixie named Dolly for their baby? But, Maddie was pretty much into her own thing at Hogwarts. And I did look after her because Jon and Josh asked me too.
Heaven: So you never really thought about what it might be like to ask her out?
Ethan: Honestly, I didn't. She was just this girl I knew until that Christmas at the Burrow when I saw her differently for the first time.
Amynoelle: Awww, when you guys had your little twirl in the woods!
Ethan: We spun, not twirled.
Heaven: Spun, twirled, snogged... you did it all out there. Well... almost all. And that makes me think of a question from Orli Luva and then a bit more of a complex one from coolman about how you two waited until you were married to sleep together. How hard was it to wait? And Maddie: We all knew and respected your decision to wait. However there was one night you almost gave in. It was after you'd got drunk. Luckily
Ethan was in a more sober state and saved the day. But he too could have been high and taken your offer. If that had been the case how do you think it would have affected your relationship?
Maddie: Wow, these are some really deep questions. Um, well, I always knew I wanted to wait until I was married before I took that step. But, it was very difficult to wait once Ethan and I became involved and even after we moved in together. It was extremely difficult but I am so glad we waited because it really was worth the wait and our wedding night was extra special because of it.
Ethan: And I would like to think that we both would have eventually put on the brakes that night that Mads got pissed.
Amynoelle: But if you hadn't?
Ethan: I'd like to think things would have still worked out fine between us. I think we would have been disappointed in ourselves for letting things go that far.
Amynoelle: Good answer, Ethan. Michy34 has two questions for you. Ethan, Michy wants to know when did you know Maddie was the one for you? And Maddie, were you happy when you finally won over Ethan.
Maddie: Absolutely! He was the man of my dreams. I was over the moon!
Ethan: I knew she was the only girl for me when I went to Brighton and saw her sitting on the sofa. I hadn't stopped thinking about her since I had left her at the train in January.
Heaven: That is so sweet!
Amynoelle: Very sweet! And now Toinky Doink asks if you'd ever fancied Maddie back when she was claiming that you were going to be her husband, how things would have been different?
Ethan: *laughs* Actually no... I couldn't wait to get away from her. I was only seven years old! What kid wants to hear a young girl going around saying they're going to get married?
Maddie: Looking back now, I was pretty relentless.
Amynoelle: Molly has a good question for you, Ethan. Did you have any trouble adjusting to Saffy before and/or after she was born, like Emma did with Adam?
Ethan: Life has never been the same since little Saffron Grace; the terror came into this world.
Maddie: *Hits him in the arm* : Ethan, answer their question, seriously.
Ethan: All right... no, I didn't have any trouble adjusting. Just like Jules had no troubles with me. I guess the age difference between us all made for no sibling rivalry.
Amynoelle: And you did protect her from the evil monsters!
Maddie: I loved being Princess Cruella...
Heaven: Going back to the family questions, ilyse wants to know if you guys want a large family? And what if one of you wanted a small one if the other didn't?
Maddie: Weasleys are known for having large families, but honestly, Ethan and I haven't really thought about what size of a family we want. Whatever happens, happens.
Heaven: That's a great way of thinking! And here's something that might be a bit on a sour note... but PotterChick958 and RC were both curious about Jared- if he hadn't been found out and Maddie, you still thought he had slept with Bree, how would things be right now?
Ethan: I would like to think that Maddie would have believed that I never could have done something like that to her. And I would also like to think that Jared would have given himself away eventually, but if he hadn't, I would hope that Mads and I would have found some way to work it out. We've been through far too much to let that come between us.
Maddie: *nods* That was a terrible time, really. I hated being angry at Ethan... and part of me really never believed it.
Amynoelle: Speaking of Bree, how is she these days?
Ethan: She's doing great. She's married now, and she and Mason go between here and the US.
Amynoelle: That's great to hear. We liked Bree!
Maddie: She's a really sweet girl and has become a really good friend to me.
Amynoelle: Rainbow star wanted to ask Ethan how hard was your Auror training? And how much did your father influence your decision to be one?
Ethan: Man, I always wanted to do everything my Dad did. If had been a professional Quidditch player, I'd have been one too.
Amynoelle: Don't tell your dad we said this, but he is pretty cool. We don't want him to get an ever bigger head than he already has.
Heaven: ilyse also wants to know if you think, or hope, that you and Maddie will be like your parents- still hot for each other as you get older?
Ethan: *flinches* Okay, I don't like to think of my parents being hot for each other. Who wants to think of their parents like that? But, yeah, I do hope that Mads and I always have passion and love.
Amynoelle: Royal Jade has a good question concerning your occupation, Maddie. How do people react when you tell them what you work with? Is it a natural thing or are they sceptical? And what do you tell Muggles?
Maddie: When it comes to Muggles, and we don't always know they're Muggles... the Ministry has a special force that act like Muggle police. They'll try and intercept what's going on before the person even knows it's going to happen. And some people are sceptical, but for the most part, a lot of people still think I just work in a clerical position. Smythe doesn't want a lot of people knowing exactly what I do.
Amynoelle: I could see why she wouldn't. Natalie has a similar question concerning your visions. You said you had visions when you were younger. Did you have them at school too? And how do you feel about RJ's break up with Alexa?
Maddie: I just had visions every now and then. It wasn't something that happened every day or every week. And I did have little ones here and there while I was at school, but I thought that was mainly because of my interest in Divination. And as to RJ and Alexa,
hate that they're no longer together. They made such a cute couple and we all loved Alexa like she was one of our own. We miss her. And RJ made a mistake, but we're not going to kick him out of the family for it.
Heaven: Who knows, down the road they may reconcile. It's interesting, the paths life takes. Rachelle has one more question concerning your visions, Maddie- I think your clairvoyancy is so cool. And while you use it at work, have you ever taken advantage of it to improve your personal life? Also, how
often do you see these images?
Maddie: I can't really get into specifics because of the nature of my job, but I do have them fairly often now. And no, I never used them to improve my personal life.
Heaven: That's what we love about you, Maddie. You're so unselfish... about everything.
Ethan: It's one of the many things I love about her too.
Maddie *Kisses him* : Thanks, Ethan.
Amynoelle: Lillian Potter has a question about Saffron. What is your relationship like with your sister? She only asked about Saffron, but you could also tell us about your relationship with Julie as well.
Ethan: *laughs* my relationship with Saffron is really something else. One minute you're okay with her and the next minute she's furious with you about something. But she's my baby sister and I'd do anything for her. With Jules... everything's a bit calmer. But it was nice as a kid, because I could turn to her for anything and she'd be there. I mean, take the time when she found out I couldn't swim. Instead of taking the Mickey out of me, she helped me learn.
Amynoelle: Which brought her and Nick together, too. And ears91 asks if you had kids, would that be detrimental to Blue?
Maddie: I don't think so. We'd love him just the same and he'd be crazy about our kids. I just know. He loves it when Allie and Jon bring the kids over or when Josh and Lizzie bring the triplets by. Casey keeps wanting me to let her have Blue.
Ethan: One time I almost let her take him...
Maddie: Ethan! I didn't know that!
Amynoelle: Ethan, Blue is starting to warm toward you though!
Ethan: Oh he likes me well enough. When Mads isn't home sometimes I'll let him out of his cage and I'll be sitting on the sofa and he'll fall asleep on my shoulder.
Amynoelle: Awwwww! Ears91 also wanted to ask Maddie what does she think of her twin sisters' engagements and being an aunt again. And what you think of Frankie & Will's adoption of Hannah. Have you met Hannah yet?
Maddie: We've met Hannah loads of times now! The first time was back at the Puddlemere match during summer hols. And I think it's wonderful that Will and Frankie are so unselfish. That little girl needed a lot of love, and she's getting it now.
As far as my sisters' engagements, I couldn't be happier for them! I'm sure they feel exactly how I did when Ethan proposed.
Ethan: Hans and Brian are good blokes, too.
Heaven: Yes they are, and they love Drew and Darla very much. Maddie, we have another question from Molly, who wants to know what was the hardest part for you when you were in school and other kids teased you?
Maddie: Well, I wouldn't say it didn't hurt me to hear people say things about me, but I wasn't about to change who I was to fit into their ideas of what was normal. I've never tried to be anything but myself. Kids can be really cruel, but luckily for me, I had a thick skin and a great family that looked out for me.
Heaven: You Weasleys sure as thick as thieves.
Maddie: We are that. You mess with one of us, you mess with the whole lot.
Amynoelle: Natalie had another good question for you Ethan. Much has been said about you having a lot of your father's qualities. What do you think your mother passed down to you?
Ethan: Stubbornness... I guess keeping a level head. Determination, although I think both my parents gave all three of us that trait.
Amynoelle: I think we've pretty much asked most of the reader questions. Heaven, do you have anything else you'd like to ask Ethan and Maddie since we have them on the spot?
Heaven: Ethan, be frank with us. What do you think of Andrew?
Ethan: I like him. Hell, I like anyone who can put up with Saffron on a daily basis and live to tell the tale. That takes courage.
Heaven: I'm going to tell her you said that.
Ethan: That's all I need...another howler.
Heaven: Just kidding. I'm really not that mean...
Maddie: That's not what I've heard. Someone said you liked something called a cliffhanger...
Amynoelle: Cliffhangers can be good things! They really have a bad reputation.
Heaven: Totally. They get people to review and they're FUN when you're on the writing end. The reader end, however...
And cliffhangers are much better than monsters in the chest or sunlit days. Hands down.
Amynoelle: Ethan you should have mentioned that monster in your chest when you asked Katie's tutor out when you were in school!
Ethan: What the hell is a monster in the chest? That sounds like really bad literature.
Amynoelle: Ethan, you really, really don't want to know.
Ethan: No, I really don't.
Heaven: Here's a plate for Blue, Maddie. I hope he likes his fish and chips. I also made him that toast he loves.
Maddie: Thanks! He's going to love this!
Heaven: We hope to have you guys back again somewhere down the line. We have loads of stuff planned for you guys!
Amynoelle: And we can't wait to interview your nieces next week.
Maddie: I'll make sure and tell Em what great food you guys had!
Amynoelle: Thanks again you guys! Have a good night!