Authors' note: This chapter has a flashback of a happy event in the Potter family. We hope that you guys enjoy it. And as always, we appreciate the feedback you guys continue to give us. At the end of the chapter, you'll see the interview for Cho & Neville.
Next week's interviewees are Drew & Darla. Please send your questions for the twins!
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED SIXTY
Over a quiet dinner that night, Harry was telling his wife about his lunch at the school. "It was nice seeing Jules and Saffy," he said. "I think I scared the hell out of Saffron with my Snape impression."
Hermione shuddered. "That man is revolting."
"At least you never had to have him as a professor," Harry told her. "And luckily, I managed to get in and out of there yesterday without setting eyes on the greasy git."
"Lucky you," Hermione smiled. "What else is new with our girls?"
"Julie and Oliver Wood seem quite chummy," Harry told her.
"He's been doing a good job as Headmaster," Hermione said thoughtfully. "I'm quite pleased with the reports I'm hearing from the school."
"Hagrid still misses Dumbledore," Harry said quietly.
"He can go visit him, can't he?" Hermione asked. "Where did he retire to?"
"He's off travelling at the moment," Harry said. "And then he plans to settle somewhere in Scotland."
"That does sound quite lovely," Hermione nodded. "Maybe once we retire we can do something like that."
"That does sound great," Harry agreed, but he winked at his wife. "You aren't planning on retiring for another 100 years though, right?"
"Something like that," Hermione teased him.
"And what's this I hear about you having lunch with Ethan?" Harry asked his wife. "The blokes in the department were giving him a hard time about having lunch with his mummy."
Hermione laughed. "They were quite in awe to have the Minister there, thank you very much."
"At least you didn't pinch his cheeks and call him 'Little Man'," Harry said with a grin.
"I wanted to," Hermione replied.
"Sometimes when we're working together I think back when he was born," Harry said to his wife. "I just can't believe he's in his 20's and married now."
Hermione leaned against her husband. She too couldn't believe it. She'd thought that very same thought when she'd had lunch with her son.
"Remember when he was born?" Harry asked with a laugh. "He was so small..."
"He was small, but he was healthy," Hermione said softly. "That's all I cared about."
***
Hermione's pregnancy with Ethan had come as such a surprise, but it was a welcome one for both of them. It had been an easy nine months and so far, an easy labour as well.
"Just one more push," the healer told Hermione. "Come on, Hermione."
Hermione nodded and gripped Harry's hand and pushed down with all her might.
The smile on the healer's face disappeared and Hermione wondered what was going on. She saw the healer hand the baby off to one of the nurses and what struck her most of all was the fact that she didn't hear any crying.
"Harry?" she choked.
Harry was also staring. "Oh Merlin..."
"Healer Mathison?" Hermione asked with a stricken face. "Is he okay? Please?"
The healer didn't answer and Harry looked over at her. "He's really small..."
Hermione started to cry and Harry put his arm protectively around her while keeping an eye on his son. He'd watched his wife go through so much over the past few years as they tried to conceive. He didn't know if either of them could take it if their son didn't make it.
"Excuse me," Harry said. "Can someone please tell us what's going on here?"
"The umbilical cord was wrapped around your son's neck," the healer said over his shoulder.
Hermione gasped. "No..."
Harry tightened his hold around his wife. "Is he--"
And before Harry could even finish the sentence, the room was filled with their son's cries. It was the happiest sound either of them had ever heard.
Hermione sobbed in relief. "Let me hold him," she begged. "Please..."
"Of course," the healer replied wrapped him up in a blanket before placing him in Hermione's outstretched arms.
"Oh there's my sweet boy," Hermione said, still crying. "Harry... it's our little boy..."
The baby was quite small, but he had a tuft of black hair just like his father and he smacked his little lips and opened his eyes to stare up at them.
"Hello, little man," Harry said placing a kiss on his son's forehead.
"Our Ethan James," Hermione smiled as she spoke the name they had decided on. "He's so perfect, just so perfect..."
"Mrs. Potter?" one of the nurses asked. "Your daughter is demanding to see her baby brother..."
"You can send her in," Hermione brushed the hair on her son's head with her index finger.
The nurse nodded and left the room.
"You're about to meet your big sister," Harry told his son.
Ethan stared up at both of them with large brown eyes.
Julie walked into the room and grinned when she saw her parents. "Is he...is he okay?"
"He's fine sweetheart," Harry motioned for his thirteen year old daughter. "Come meet Ethan."
Julie stood beside her father and looked at her little brother. "Hey, little man."
"Little man," Hermione chuckled. "Why do I have a feeling that nickname's going to stick?"
"He looks just like you, Dad." Julie traced a finger over Ethan's cheek.
"He's got your mum's eyes though," Harry said softly.
"Yeah," Julie smiled fondly down at the tiny infant.
"He's my handsome little guy," Hermione still had tears in her eyes.
Julie kissed her mother on the cheek. "I'm so glad he's okay, Mum."
"Me too..." Hermione answered. "Those few minutes were about the longest in my life..."
"Gran and Grandpa are going to love him," Julie said.
"Are they outside?" Hermione asked.
Julie nodded. "I can go and get them..."
"I'll get them," Harry replied. "Be back in a minute."
"Can I hold him, Mum?" Julie asked. "I'll be really careful. I promise."
"Sure sweetheart," Hermione carefully handed the baby to his sister.
Julie smiled down at him. "I've been wanting to have one of you for about 13 years now."
"Jules," Hermione exclaimed.
"So have you," Julie pointed out.
"It was just the way you said it," Hermione leaned back against the pillows.
Julie laughed. "Sorry, Mum."
"Where's my grandson?" Robert asked, coming into the room.
"Right here, Grandpa," Julie answered. "I'll warn you, he looks an awful lot like Dad..."
"Jules," Harry looked at her as if injured.
"I didn't say that was a bad thing," Julie said rolling her eyes. "You know, you put way too much emphasis on how you look. Reminds me a little of Narcissus."
"Nar who?" Harry asked as Robert carefully took Ethan into his arms.
"You really need to read more," Julie said shaking her head. "Right, Mum?"
"He does all right," Hermione smiled at her husband.
"He looks more like Hermione to me," Robert commented.
"He's got my eyes," Hermione said proudly as her mother began to sob. "But he's got Harry's hair."
"Ellie," Robert said. "I thought you said you weren't going to cry..."
"I can't help it," Elinore touched a handkerchief to her eye. "He's such a handsome boy!"
"He is, isn't he?" Harry said grinning at Elinore. "Just like his father..."
"Narcissus," Julie muttered.
"That word is bigger than you are," Harry prodded his daughter's shoulder.
"But nowhere near as big as your ego," Julie countered with a grin.
"Jules," Hermione touched her daughter's arm.
"I'm only teasing," Julie said giving her father a hug.
"Julie, if you want some ammunition, come with us on the golf course sometime," Robert shot his son in law a grin.
"Maybe Ethan James here will be a better golfer than his old man," Harry said. "You'll finally have someone who is as good as you at it, Robert."
"One can only hope," Robert replied, passing the infant to Elinore.
"Hello, Ethan James," Elinore whispered.
Ethan looked up at his grandmother with his innocent brown eyes.
Hermione leaned back on the bed, suddenly feeling very tired.
"What is it sweetheart?" Harry asked. "You want us to get out of here and let you rest?"
Hermione shook her head. "No, of course not. I'm just a little knackered."
Harry took the baby back from Elinore. "I should probably get him down to the nursery," he said.
"We'll let you rest sweetheart," Robert leaned over and kissed his daughter's forehead. "I'm proud of you."
"Thanks, Daddy," Hermione said softly. "Thank you for being here."
"I wouldn't have missed it for the world," Robert said with a grin.
"I'm going to go home with them," Julie said giving her mother a peck on the cheek. "I'll be back later, though. You get some sleep, Mum."
"All right sweetheart," Hermione squeezed her hand for a moment. "I'm so glad you were here too."
"Bye Ethan," Julie said to her little brother who was staring up at Harry with wide eyes. "You be good."
"You go to sleep," Harry told his wife after everyone had left. "I'll put him in the nursery."
"Wait," Hermione said. "I just want to hold him once more, Harry."
"Sure," Harry passed the little boy back over.
Hermione cradled him in her arms. Tears welled up in her eyes again as she looked at him.
"He's all right," Harry said softly.
Hermione nodded. "I know, but I was so scared when--"
"I was too," Harry assured her. "But it's all okay now. Ethan's fine."
"What a family we have," Hermione said softly. "Julie and Ethan and you and me."
"A fearsome four," Harry grinned, leaning in to give her a gentle kiss.
Hermione smiled at him. "Okay...take our little boy to the nursery so we can both get some sleep. He and I worked really hard to get here."
"I'll be back soon," Harry replied.
Hermione nodded and closed her eyes as her husband left the room with their son.
Harry still couldn't believe they had a healthy baby boy.
"Little man," he said as he carried his son down the corridor.
He wished that his parents and Sirius could have gotten to see Julie and Ethan.
"You're going to have a good life, little man," he kissed his son's forehead before surrendering him to the nurse.
***
"He certainly does have a good life," Hermione remarked.
"He does," Harry agreed. "And he's a great Auror, Hermione."
"I worry about him, out there battling dark wizards," Hermione said.
"He was trained well," Harry reassured her. "He knows the risks."
"I know," Hermione nodded. "But I worry about you too sometimes. Part of being a wife and a mother."
"I've been lucky," Harry said putting an arm around her.
"So have I," Hermione leaned in and gave him a kiss. "I have the life I always dreamed of."
"Me too," Harry said smiling at her. "All thanks to you."
"Oh I think you had a little part in our happiness," Hermione teased.
"Just a little," Harry said leaning in to kiss his wife again, but he drew back when he felt something pulling at his leg. "That bloody dog!"
"Puddles," Hermione chided. "Are you being a bad boy?"
Puddles barked and ran over to the chimney and then back to the sofa. "She's not here, Puddles," Hermione laughed.
"Is he looking for Saffy?" Harry asked in amazement.
Hermione nodded. "Yes, he's started to do this every evening now. He'll run to the fireplace and then back here and then he'll run upstairs, scratch at her door for a few minutes and then he'll run back down here and hop up on the chair there and look pitiful."
"Poor little guy," Harry chuckled. "She'll be home soon buddy."
Puddles yelped and then took off upstairs as Hermione had predicted.
Harry took that opportunity to lean in and kiss his wife like he'd been trying to do before.
"I love nights like this," Hermione said cuddling up to him.
"Cold outside, warm inside," Harry put his arms around her.
"And a handsome husband to snuggle with," Hermione said softly.
"Hmm..." Harry said. "I don't have one of those..."
Hermione tickled his side. "You have one of me. Is that good enough?"
"More than good enough," Harry kissed her again before standing up. "May I have this dance?"
"Here?" Hermione asked.
"Why not?" Harry asked, waving his hand as soft music began to play.
"It would be my pleasure," Hermione said standing up.
Harry pulled her close. "We haven't done this in awhile. We always say we're going to go out more often and we never really do."
"We should," Hermione said looking up at him.
"This time, we'll plan on it and stick to it," Harry dipped her back.
"Kind of like a date night," Hermione said laughing as he pulled her back up. "You know....we never did...date."
"We really just jumped into things," Harry agreed.
"And never looked back," Hermione said looping her arms around his neck.
"Not even once," Harry kissed her. "From that first time I saw you..."
Hermione smiled at him. "I love you, you know."
"I love you too," Harry leaned in and brushed his lips over hers.
*** *** ***
"Greta," Julie looked in amazement at the feast spread out in the kitchen. "This is incredible! I had no idea you were going to make this much!"
Oliver Wood was due over for dinner in about ten minutes and Julie had just arrived home to make sure everything was ready. It certainly looked as if she hadn't needed to worry.
Greta laughed. "We have to impress your boss."
"I really appreciate this," Julie told her. "Where are Nick and the girls?"
"The girls are upstairs working on Ashley's artwork and Nick rang and said he might be a little late," Greta replied.
"He's not home yet?" Julie asked in dismay.
Greta shook her head. "But he promised he'd be here as soon as he could and said for us not to wait for him."
Julie nodded in disappointment. She hoped he'd be here in time to meet Oliver.
"I'll just go and get the rolls," Greta said excusing herself before going back into the kitchen.
"Girls!" Julie called out.
"Mummy's home!" Ashley capped her marker and put it back. "Come on Katie!"
Katie capped her marker too and hurried after her sister.
"Mummy is Oliver Wood here yet?" Ashley asked eagerly.
Julie gave her a hug. "Not yet, sweetheart. How are my girls today?"
"We're almost done with that picture for Grandma," Katie told her mother. "And Ashley helped me with my reading."
Julie beamed at Katie and gave her a hug. "That's wonderful, love."
"She's doing a lot better too," Ashley reported. "Today she only needed my help a little bit."
"I am so proud of you both," Julie said. "And I am sure your dad is going to love hearing about this."
"Daddy rang and said he was going to be late," Katie frowned.
Julie tugged affectionately on one of Katie's plaits. "Don't you worry, sweetheart. He'll be here soon."
"I hope so," Ashley agreed. "He's been gone for five whole days."
"And he better have good presents for us when he gets back," Katie chimed in.
"Katie," Julie chided gently. "Your father doesn't always need to bring back presents."
Katie looked at her as if she'd sprouted a second head. "Mummy..."
"Katie," Julie teased in the same tone.
Ashley heard something coming from the sitting room and she grinned. "I think he's here, Mummy!"
"Come on and meet him," Julie put an arm around her daughters.
Oliver was dusting himself off and he smiled warmly at Julie and her daughters. "I hope I'm not late."
"Not at all," Julie assured him. "Oliver, this is Ashley, my oldest..."
"The famous artist," Oliver said extending his hand to the girl. "It's an honour to meet you, Ashley."
Ashley blushed hard as she shook his hand.
"And this is Katie, my baby." Julie laughed as her youngest daughter looked up at her.
"I'm not really a baby anymore," Katie said pointedly. "I'm eight, Mummy."
"You look just like your mum," Oliver said extending his hand to her as well.
Katie grinned at him. "Thanks." she replied.
"I wanted to thank you again for inviting me," Oliver said taking off his cloak.
"I'm glad to finally have you," Julie took it and hung it up. "We should have done this awhile ago."
"Well, you saved me from spending all evening playing golf in my quarters," Oliver said with a laugh.
"You can play golf in your house?" Ashley asked in disbelief.
Oliver chuckled. "I have a small putting green."
"Wow," Ashley was impressed. "Aunt Saffy loves to golf."
"Don't tell her," Julie told him. "She'll try and sneak into your quarters."
"Like her friends?" Oliver joked. "Mimi and Beth... those two have tried to catch me in every room of the castle."
Julie groaned. "Saffy said they'd promised to stop doing that, Oliver."
"I find it rather amusing," Oliver replied.
Katie and Ashley went into the kitchen to see if Greta need any help and Oliver smiled at Julie.
"They seem to be getting along," he commented.
"Lately it's been so peaceful around here," Julie nodded. "I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop though."
"And where's that husband of yours?" Oliver asked sitting down on the sofa.
"Late," Julie frowned. "I'm hoping he'll be home soon though. Can I get you a drink?"
"That's be great," Oliver said. "What do you have?"
"Whatever you like," Julie smiled at him as she went to the bar on the other side of the room.
"Beer?" Oliver asked.
"Nick brought back this great beer from Germany," Julie found one of them. "I think you'll like it."
"Thanks," Oliver said leaning back in his seat. "You really have a great home, Jules."
"Thanks," Julie looked around. "It's our second house, actually. Back when we first got married, we had a tiny little place in Guilford."
"And what about that cottage your parents used to live in?" Oliver asked.
"My brother Ethan and his wife live there now," Julie answered.
"I've met your brother a couple of times," Oliver said nodding. "Your father certainly seems quite proud."
"We all are," Julie replied. "Ethan's a great Auror."
"And his daughter is a wonderful professor," Oliver said admiringly.
Julie blushed. "I try," she said as Ashley poked her head in.
"Dinner's ready," She announced, blushing again when Oliver smiled at her.
"Do I get to meet the famous Greta?" Oliver asked, getting to his feet.
"Of course," Julie said. "She loves to hear what everyone at Hogwarts thinks of her food."
Oliver stopped in his tracks when he saw the feast spread out on the table. "I think I've died and gone to heaven."
Ashley and Katie giggled. "Greta made extra food for tonight," Katie told him. "She says for you to eat up!"
Oliver laughed. "You don't have to worry about that, Katie."
Greta carried in another platter. "All set," she smiled at them.
Oliver smiled at her. "Everything looks fantastic."
"Oliver this is Greta," Julie introduced them formally. "The one responsible for the bread and the soup you hog from me every time I bring it to school."
"Guilty," Oliver said shaking Greta's hand.
"Lovely to finally meet you," Greta said warmly.
"Saffron and Julie have sung your praises," Oliver said.
"She used to be Aunt Saffy's nanny," Katie told him.
"He's heard the story," Julie said. "Saffron's unique spin, of course."
"Everything about Saffron is unique," Oliver said with a grin as they sat down. "I'm looking forward to her as Head Girl next year."
Ashley squealed. "Aunt Saffy's going to be Head Girl?"
"You can't tell her!" Julie exclaimed.
"It'll be our secret," Katie said solemnly.
"She's going to be over the moon," Ashley gushed.
"Ashley Beth," Julie said. "You make sure you don't breathe a word to her."
"I won't I promise," Ashley nodded.
"And I heard that you'll be starting next year as well," Oliver nodded at her.
Ashley nodded. "I'm nervous, but I really can't wait to be there with Aunt Saffy and Mum, too."
"You'll like it there," Oliver nodded. "Hogwarts is a wonderful place."
"I still have three years," Katie said glumly.
"You'll get to have the house to yourself though," Ashley told her. "No big sister to push you around."
"That'll be fun," Katie said mischievously.
"Thanks, Katie," Ashley giggled .
"Let's dig in," Julie said once everyone had served themselves. "Nick said not to wait for him."
Oliver nodded. He had been looking forward to this since the moment Julie had invited him. He'd come to value her friendship and he honestly thought he wouldn't have handled the transition as well as he had without her help and guidance. The more time he spent with her, the more he came to like her.
"Yummy," Katie declared. "Greta makes the bestest chicken."
"She makes the best everything," Ashley said. "Don't' tell Nana, but Greta is the best cook."
Julie laughed. "That depends on who you ask."
"The Weasleys love Nana's the best," Katie said. "But I like Greta's."
"If you ask Jon, he'll say Allie's the best cook," Julie smiled. "But I can tell you this with confidence- no one will ever say my mother is the best cook."
"Grandma makes good lasagne," Ashley said loyally. "But that's about it."
Oliver laughed. "So the Minister has no talent in the kitchen?"
Katie nodded. "But Grandpa says she makes up for it in other rooms."
Julie, who'd been in the process of taking a sip of her water, coughed. "K-Katie---"
Oliver hid his smile as Greta chuckled.
"Katherine Rose," Julie's face was red. "That's not appropriate."
"Why?" Katie asked innocently. "Mummy, I heard Grandpa say that to Uncle Ron!"
Ashley rolled her eyes. "Katie, it's something only adults talk about."
"I don't see why," Katie said with a shrug. She speared a potato with her fork. "All's Grandpa was saying was that Grandpa was a good cleaner."
"Everyone cleans well when they use magic," Ashley said. "I can't wait to learn magic spells and stuff!"
"I imagine you'll pick them up pretty quickly," Oliver said. "It's in your blood."
"Will you still be Headmaster?" Ashley asked. "I hope so."
"Here, here," Julie agreed smiling across the table at him.
"I sure hope I'll still be around," Oliver grinned. "I have every intention of staying."
"Do you like working with my mummy?" Katie asked.
"Aye," Oliver nodded. "She's the best teacher I've got there."
"Oliver," Julie blushed.
"I bet she is," Ashley said loyally.
"She is and I'm not just saying that," Oliver said to Julie.
Julie blushed even more and was actually glad to hear the fireplace in the sitting room whoosh to life. "It sounds like Nick's home." she said.
"Daddy!" Katie called out.
"I'll be right there baby," Nick's voice carried in.
Oliver looked down at his plate, suddenly feeling like an intruder.
Nick appeared in the doorway. "Sorry I'm late," he said. "Hi, you must be Oliver," he held his hand out.
Oliver stood up and shook his hand. "Nice to meet you, Nick. I've heard a lot about you."
"Same here," Nick grinned at him.
Ashley gave her father a hug. "We missed you!"
"I missed my girls," Nick kissed the top of her head.
"Daddy did you bring us presents?" Katie asked.
Nick laughed. "What kind of Dad would I be if I didn't bring you presents?"
"Yay!" Katie said happily.
Nick grinned. "I left her in the sitting room...'
"Her?" Katie asked looking at her sister.
"Daddy?" Ashley looked curiously at him.
"Go and see," Nick said with a grin. "She's probably lonely by herself..."
Ashley and Katie looked at each other and without a word, pushed their chairs back and ran into the sitting room.
There was a kennel sitting by the fireplace and Katie and Ashley nearly knocked each other down in their efforts to get their first.
"IT'S A DOG!" Katie screamed excitedly. "DADDY BOUGHT US A DOG!"
Nick laughed. "She's a beagle, Katie."
"She's so cute!" Ashley squealed as she unlocked the kennel. The little puppy leapt out and began turning around in excited circles.
"Wait until I tell Caroline!" Katie said excitedly. "Thank you sooooooooooooooo much, Daddy!"
"You're welcome baby," Nick laughed. "You and Ash will have to think of a name."
"You hear that?" Julie whispered to Oliver. "I think that other shoe is about to drop..."
"You might be surprised," Oliver said.
"Let's leave her in there for now," Nick was saying. "You can name her after dinner."
"I think we should name her Fifi," Katie said as she reluctantly put the dog back into the kennel.
"No way," Ashley said shaking her head.
"Fifi's a cute name," Katie said.
"We should give her a name that means something," Ashley said thoughtfully.
"Girls," Nick said from the door. "We have a guest... you can pick a name after dinner."
"Okay, Daddy," Ashley said. "Come on, Katie. We should wash our hands."
"Okay," Katie agreed, a bit sullenly.
Nick walked over to his wife and gave her a chaste kiss since they had a guest. "Hey, you."
"Hi," Julie smiled. "Sit down and dig in."
Greta stepped forward and gave her former charge a hug. "We missed you."
"I missed you lot too," Nick nodded at Oliver. "That's a good beer isn't it?"
"Aye," Oliver nodded. "I hope you don't mind..."
"Not at all," Nick replied. "I'm glad someone other than me likes it."
"So I understand you taught my father-in-law everything he needed to know about Quidditch?" Nick asked him.
"Not that he'll ever admit to it," Oliver nodded. "But yes, I did."
"Oliver, my dad always gives you credit," Julie said laughing.
"Not always," Oliver joked. "But he's definitely one of the best players I ever saw."
"Do you still get a chance to play?" Nick asked.
"Once in a great while," Oliver said, helping himself to more salad.
"That's a shame," Nick commented.
"You know," Oliver said. "I was thinking of hosting a celebrity charity Quidditch match at Hogwarts over the summer holidays. Would you be interested in playing?"
"Are you kidding?" Nick asked. "Of course!"
"What about you?" he asked Julie. "Would you want to play? Do you think your parents would be interested?"
Nick nearly fell out of his chair laughing. "Jules? On a broom?"
"You don't like flying?" Oliver asked in surprise.
Julie vehemently shook her head. "Not at all."
"I just assumed since your father, brother and baby sister were such great players," Oliver explained.
"Me and my mother are the same way," Julie replied. "Neither of us likes to fly."
Katie and Ashley sat back down and Nick smiled at his girls.
"I think you'd like it if you gave it a try," Oliver said to her.
"No thank you," Julie replied. "Nick can't even get me up there."
"And believe me, I've tried," Nick said.
"Would you girls like to see your dad play Quidditch this summer?" Oliver asked.
Ashley nodded vigorously. "That would be really fun!"
"Who else would play?" Katie asked.
"Hopefully, your Grandpa and I'm thinking of asking RJ Weasley and Andrew Kirke, Ron Weasley," Oliver replied. "And Fred and George, of course."
"I bet I could get a few friends of mine," Nick said. "To help with the celebrity cause."
"That'd be great," Oliver said gratefully.
"And I would love to help organise it," Julie offered.
"You know, if your mother doesn't want to play," Oliver began thoughtfully. "I wonder if she'd like to call the match."
"Call the match?" Julie asked. "I-I don't know..."
"It would draw quite the crowd," Oliver said. "I'll ask her about it. I have a meeting with her soon."
Ashley giggled. "Grandma doesn't know much about Quidditch, Mr. Wood."
"It's easy to learn," Oliver said. "And Mr. Wood is my father. Call me Oliver."
Ashley blushed. "Yes, sir."
"So, we should try and set him up with someone, eh Jules?" Nick asked with a grin.
"Oh I've tried," Julie shook her head. "The headmaster is a confirmed bachelor, I'm afraid.
"I'm too busy trying to run Hogwarts," Oliver agreed. "I don't have time in my life for anything else, I'm afraid."
"Excuses," Nick joked.
"Do you fancy anyone?" Katie asked him.
***
Neville & Cho Interview
Week 12: Neville and Cho
Amynoelle: You know I am a little nervous about this interview. While most of the time Neville seems like a big, old teddy bear, I've heard that he can be quite stern. His Auror trainees think he's a badass...
Heaven: We'll just tell him Harry said he's a wuss. He won't get mad at us.
Amynoelle: Cho usually is his calming force so we'll be okay, I think. I hope.
Heaven: We HAVE to ask him about Emma!
Amynoelle: And the makeovers with Magic Mud!
Heaven: We should pretend we have magic mud and see what he says...
Neville: Ask me about what?
Heaven: Brownies?
Amy: Um....um....nothing. Nothing at all.
Heaven: We're glad you two made it!
Cho: It's lovely to meet you both. Emma and Caroline said you were very nice.
Heaven: We loved talking to them! They were probably one of our most fun interviews. I think Emma is the most popular character here. No one wants her to grow up!
Neville: *Grins* She's growing up far too fast. I can still remember holding her in my arms when she was just a little baby.
Heaven: That had to be such a crazy time though, with Allie being in that coma and all...
Cho: You can't imagine. I've never been so scared. But we had to be strong for Jon and Caroline.
Heaven: Thank goodness everything turned out just fine.
Amynoelle: Thankfully. And how is Adam doing?
Cho: Wonderful! He's already getting so big, and Caroline and Emma love being big sisters to him.
Amynoelle: We love watching the three of them interact.
Cho: So do I. Sometimes Allie has to remind me about my classes when she has them at the studio.
Amynoelle: They're your grandbabies though. And you also have Sukie and Mas and now Hannah.
Neville: We're very lucky.
Heaven: You guys are wonderful grandparents. But at first Neville, you were so dead set against Allie and Jon's relationship! TheGreatFox2000 wants to know what caused you so much anxiety over Jon dating Allie? You had known the boy for years...why did you get so angry?
Neville: I wouldn't say that I was angry...
Cho: Neville...
Neville: Okay, I was maybe a little overprotective, but Cho and I agreed when Chiaki was growing up that the girls would date at 16. And then all of a sudden, Jonathan develops this interest in Allison.
Amynoelle: You were really mean though...
Neville: I couldn't help but worry a bit that Allison was settling down too fast. I remembered what happened to Cho when she was only a few years older than Allie was at the time.
Heaven: But come on Neville, this was JON! Anyone could see just how devoted he was to Allison. All we girls wish we could have a guy like that.
Neville: I know...I overreacted and there are a lot of things I wish I could have done differently, but I had good intentions. I was looking out for my daughter.
Amynoelle: Your relationship with Jon has improved quite a bit though since then.
Neville: It absolutely has gotten better. There's no one else I could see Allison with now. He's good to her and he's a wonderful father.
Amynoelle: Two of our readers have similar questions that go along with our first question. Azi wants to know how you reacted when Frankie started to date regularly. And toinkydoink asked how you reacted to Frankie's love life when she started dating, seeing as you promised to be lenient after the Allie incident? Were you tempted to go back to the "overprotective dad" mode when you learned of her... for lack of a better word, actions?
Neville: I was better- I was worried about Frankie's dating habits, but I figured as long as she was having fun and being responsible, it was okay.
Cho: It's true- we were both a bit worried about Frankie. We were so happy when it seemed like she was going to settle with Will- and we were both ecstatic when she agreed to marry him. He's a lovely young man.
Amynoelle: No reader asked about this, but how did you feel when you found out that Frankie---who never described herself as maternal---told you she wanted to adopt Hannah?
Cho: At first, I'm sorry to say, I felt a bit sceptical. Frankie was notorious for saying she didn't want children. Then suddenly it comes out that she's going to adopt a four year old? But luckily, nothing I was worried about came true. She's a wonderful mother to that little girl, and we all love Hannah dearly.
Amynoelle: Awwww! It's really been great to watch the Barrons become a family.
Heaven: It totally has! This question here is for both of you, from coolman- I'd asked Frankie about how she reacted on finding out Chiaki was biologically not Neville's. But I forgot to ask Allie. Perhaps one or both of you could describe how you told her and how she reacted.
Cho: Well, Allie was around 12 when we told her. Chiaki sat right there with us. And Allie didn't believe us, at first. And when we were finished telling her, she just said that it didn't really matter because no matter what Chiaki was her big sister. I still get emotional when I think about it.
Heaven: That's really very sweet!
Amynoelle: Can we ask you some questions about your Hogwarts days?
Neville: Sure!
Amynoelle: Natalie wants to know what you thought of Neville when you were in school, Cho?
Cho: I didn't really know him all that well, to be honest. He sort of did his own thing, and I was with Harry most of the time.
Amynoelle: Ears91 had a similar question for you Neville, how did you feel about Cho way back when?
Neville: I thought she was gorgeous, of course. But I never felt anything romantic for her because one, she was dating my best mate and two, she was out of my league, or so I thought.
Cho: I was never out of your league...
Neville: Tell that to my fifteen-year old dorky self.
Amynoelle: It's still so hard to think of you with Harry after all this time. Which brings to mind another question from TheGreatFox2000 who asks Cho what her rationale was for being with Harry all those years ago?
Cho: You know he wasn't as smooth as he is nowadays, right? He was such a dork when he asked me out. But we'd been friends for a few months, and I don't know, I thought something might happen... he's still one of my absolute best friends though. We've been through some tough times together.
Heaven: Neville, TheGreatFox2000 also wants to know what your reaction was when you found out Harry and Cho were each other's um... firsts. You didn't freak like Hermione did...
Neville: Well, I knew way before Hermione did, didn't I? And when I found out, I wasn't with Cho. We were still in school. It didn't bother me then and it doesn't bother me now.
Amynoelle: Cho you must have been concerned about your friendship with Hermione when she found out. Harry should have told her long before you did!
Cho: Yes, he should have. I felt horrible when Hermione was upset with me over that. There was really nothing I could do to change what happened and it seemed for a few days, she couldn't accept that.
Amynoelle: But everything worked out...
Cho: For the best!
Heaven: Now we have some questions about your Hillsdale days. Molly wants to know- When at Hillsdale what inspired you most of all to start a relationship?
Cho: That was one of the hardest times of my life. I had this big decision to make and I felt like I had nowhere to turn. I didn't want to trouble Harry because we really needed to keep our jobs and he had to train Hermione. And Neville stepped in and was so wonderful---bringing me treats and making sure I took my vitamins.
Neville: I was so in love with her already at that point. When I heard she was going to have Malfoy's baby, I was shocked, but it didn't make me feel any different about her. I just wanted to help her, and I was lucky enough that she fell in love with me too.
Cho: You made it easy, sweetheart.
Amynoelle: MissIzzy wanted to know how you felt Neville when you took Cho for the abortion, how you felt hearing her scream behind the door?
Neville: I wanted to bloody break it down!
Cho: And I can't thank Neville and Dr. Granger for all that they did for me that night. I thought I was going to die.
Heaven: That was a rather tense night for everyone! Cho, rainbow star wants to know do you ever wonder how different your life could have been if Neville hadn't been there for you??
Cho: *Shakes her head* No, I don't think about that because I can't imagine life without him. He's the love of my life.
Amynoelle: Awwww! MissIzzy also asks if you'd ever eat those sandwiches Neville likes so much...
Cho: No...as much as I love him, I can't make myself do that.
Neville: I haven't had one of those in a LONG time!
Heaven: Ewww... Neville come on! Marmalade and cheese?
Amynoelle: I bet even Emma wouldn't eat that!
Heaven: We'll have to have Hannah ask her for us! Cho, an anonymous reader asked how different you think your life would be if you'd married Draco?
Cho: Ugh- probably as miserable as Ginny Weasley truly is.
Amynoelle: Let's not talk about her for too long. Please. Getting back to the questions, coolman has an interesting one for Neville. Ron at Hogwarts always had a problem about being Harry's sidekick. He felt that his identity was Harry Potter's best friend. You've now worked with Harry for a long time. Have you ever faced such problems? After all you and Harry must be friends at work.
Neville: Harry and I are friends yes, but in no way am I his sidekick. We are partners through and through.
Amynoelle: And how do you treat the recruits? Ethan's partner and best friend Justin seems to be a little scared of you.
Neville *laughs* It's good to be a bit tough on them. Justin's doing quite well though. He's almost as good as Ethan.
Amynoelle: This is another "what if" question. Natalie wants to know what you would have done, Neville, if Draco had wanted custody of Chiaki?
Neville: He would have faced a battle every step of the way. There was no way in hell I would have let him have any part in raising her.
Amynoelle: Chiaki was better off having grown up with the two of you. Cho, Natalie also wanted to know how you felt when Chiaki told you that she was naming the twins after your parents?
Cho: I was very, very touched. She never got to meet them, and now in a way, they're living on through my grandchildren.
Heaven: Chiaki's really a sweet girl, isn't she? Molly had an interesting question for both of you- What do you think would happen if your whole family- including grandchildren- ran into the Malfoys- namely Draco and Ginny?
Cho: We would be civil for the sake of the grandchildren. I would like to think that I'm mature enough not to lower myself to their level. Draco and Ginny aren't happy unless they're looking down their noses at everyone else. I pity them. I really do. They have a great son that they just ignored until it fit their selfish needs. They've missed out on watching not only him grow up, but his two daughters. It's a shame. It really, really is. But that's Draco and Ginny Malfoy for you.
Heaven: Well said, Cho!
Amynoelle: Rainbow star has a good question for you, Neville. Was having three daughters difficult for you? And is that one of the reasons you acted to overprotective in the past?
Neville: Having three daughters was definitely interesting, and yes, it's one of the reasons I'm overprotective. For a long time, there was no one good enough for my girls. And they depended on me so much when they were young- then they just get independent, and that's hard for a parent.
Amynoelle: You really are a great father, Neville and your granddaughters and grandsons love you. We have one or two final reader questions for you. Coolman's question for Cho is this:
This has nothing to do with you but I'm asking you because I feel you've been through a lot as far relationships are concerned. You've had Harry, Draco and Neville. Three totally different people. You must have heard about the falling out between RJ and Alexa. Now Gabe is in the picture. Serena came and went. What are your views on the matter? Who's the major culprit and how should all of them act. Please don't be diplomatic!
Cho: My goodness... I really don't know what to say about that! Alexa is a very lovely girl, and also very smart. She'll make the right decision for herself. And boys will be boys. RJ's an eighteen year old male- they usually only think with one organ... *laughs*
Heaven: This last one is from rainbow star, for Cho. If, and only if, you didn't get pregnant with Chiaki, would you ever have seen Neville as someone you'd spend the rest of your life with?
Cho: I'd certainly like to think so. He was always a good friend and sometimes the perfect person is right there under your nose. Luckily, I was able to realise that.
Heaven: You two are a pretty strong couple. And not many guys would do what Neville did.
Neville: I thought of Chiaki as mine the moment I first held her. I never thought about her differently. I love her because she is my daughter, in every way that counts.
Heaven: Awwww!
Amynoelle: That was my line!
Heaven: That's your seal of approval.
Cho: *laughs* We're quite honoured!
Heaven: Thanks so much for answering all our questions, you two!
Amynoelle: We had a really nice time interviewing you both. And as a show of thanks, we're giving you this lifetime supply of Magic Mud!
Neville: WHAT?
Cho: Thanks, ladies! Emma will love this. We're watching the children for Allie and Jon tomorrow and we'll have something to do. Isn't this great, Neville?
Neville: Just wonderful...
Amynoelle: You're welcome, Neville!
Neville: I'm forever in your debt. Really...
Cho: Come on, Nev. Good night, girls!
Heaven: Thanks again you guys!
Amynoelle: That was fun! And he's really sweet!
Heaven: Not as scary as Justin says
Amynoelle: So should we get back to writing then? We still have to write about that couple...
Heaven: Of course... they'll never leave us alone otherwise!
Amynoelle: Okay, well maybe we should stop the interview ...we don't want to spoil anyone. Now, about that cliffhanger...