This chapter brings us back to the Hogwarts crowd- and we think you'll ALL enjoy the next chapter- which features ONLY the original characters and flashbacks galore from Dirty Dancing!
At the end of this chapter is Drew and Darla's interview, and next week we will be talking to Ashley and Katie. Please send in your questions for them!!!
It was now just a couple of weeks before the Easter holiday and Saffron was already looking forward to seeing her family again and of course, Andrew. He'd been writing to her when he could and it meant a lot to her even though she knew he had a lot on his mind with the upcoming Cup match between his team and Puddlemere. Though the odds were against Wimbourne, Saffron had a feeling they would pull off the upset.
She'd just finished her last class for the day and she'd arrived back in her room to find a letter waiting on her bed. She squealed when she recognised her boyfriend's familiar handwriting.
She tore into the envelope and began to read his letter.
Saffy:
Coach is really killing us with two-a-day practises. I have barely enough time to eat and don't even ask me when I last had more than three hours sleep. I cannot believe I'm actually playing in the championship match! We were just listening to it last year on the Wireless! And now, me---Andrew Kirke Jr. ---am playing in it! I just wish that you'd be able to see it. But no matter what the outcome, RJ has promised that we'll celebrate either way.
"Yeah right," Saffron muttered.
-I miss you like always, and I can't wait to see you at Easter. I've already got your birthday present, but I'm not giving you any hints.
My mum and dad would like to take us out for dinner one night during your hols, too. I hope that you can behave yourself, Saffron Grace Potter.
I'm headed out now with RJ and some of his friends. He's really gotten a lot better since he and Serena broke up. We've been having a lot of fun lately at the pubs.
And as an early birthday present, I have something to tell you. Darla let it slip to RJ and me what Serena's real name is---make sure you aren't drinking anything when you read this, Saffy. I don't want you to snort juice out of your nose. Are you ready? Serena Starr's real name is...Muriel Dorfman. -
"WHAT?" Saffron shrieked, falling onto her bed in uproarious laughter.
-Feel free to share that with anyone you like. I imagine Alexa would get a kick out of that. Please tell her I said hello and tell your other two roommates to stop mooning over a man who is way too old for them. Poor Jake---how's he supposed to compete with that?
Well, I'd better go. RJ's practically dragging me out the door. I promise I won't get pissed and spill any team secrets to him. I love you and can't wait to see you! Love, Andrew -
"Muriel Dorfman," Saffron repeated in glee.
"Who is that?" Alexa asked curiously as she came into the room with Beth.
"You'll never believe who!" Saffron crowed. "Take a wild guess as to who's name that is!"
"A poor soul whose parents obviously couldn't stand her," Beth guessed.
"Probably," Saffron giggled. "That's SERENA STARR'S real name!"
Alexa stared at her friend. "You're kidding?"
"Apparently Drew and Darla found out her real name," Saffron replied. "And told Andrew and RJ."
Alexa and Beth laughed. "That's horrible! I can see why she changed it," Beth said.
"I think it fits her personality," Saffron declared, changing into jeans and a jumper.
Alexa set her books down on her bed and kicked off her shoes. "She doesn't really look like a Muriel though."
"I'd love to get my hands on a picture of her, pre Serena," Saffron batted her eyes.
Beth giggled. "She always says in her interviews that she was an ugly duckling that blossomed into a swan."
"She's an ugly duckling that blossomed into an uglier duckling," Saffron said bluntly.
"I couldn't agree more," Beth agreed, noticing that Alexa was keeping quiet. "You okay, Lex?"
"Fine," Alexa said. "I'm just tired is all..."
"You doing anything special for Easter hols?" Beth asked her.
"I'm going to help my mum out at the bakery," Alexa replied sitting down on her bed. "I expect that will take up most of my time."
"And you don't think you might be able to squeeze in a hot American college boy?" Beth asked.
Alexa rolled her eyes. "Beth..."
"Lexie, you got an owl from him this morning," Beth pointed out. "And he wrote you a couple of days ago too. Sounds like it's getting serious...."
"We're just friends," Alexa objected, only a hint of a blush on her cheeks- one only Saffron detected.
"You're no fun at all," Beth said shaking her head. "I'm going to the library."
"If you see Mimi, tell her Jake was looking for her," Saffron said, picking up the envelope her letter had come in.
"Okay," Beth said. "See you guys later."
"Awwww!" Saffron exclaimed when Beth had gone. "Lex look how cute Chloe is!"
Alexa stood up and walked over to her best friend. She grinned when she saw the photo of Drew's newborn. "She's adorable." The smile on her face fell as she realised she'd probably never meet Chloe. RJ's family had become like a family to her and it hurt to think she'd never see them again.
"She looks just like Drew," Saffron didn't notice the frown on Alexa's face.
"You...you'll tell her congratulations from me when you see her, right?" Alexa asked.
"Of course I will," Saffron finally seemed to see her. "Oh... I'm sorry Lex..."
"I miss them," Alexa admitted. "Even Fred and George."
Saffron sat down. "I wish I could say you'll see them around... but I know you might not. I wish I knew what to say..."
"You don't have to say anything," Alexa said. "It's okay. And I really don't like putting you and Andrew in the middle."
"I still think RJ is the biggest wanker of them all," Saffron replied.
"You don't have to on my account," Alexa told her. "You've known him since you were babies."
"Yeah but he's a wanker I've known since we were babies," Saffron said dismissively.
"You were friends way before I came into the picture and I feel bad that because of me you aren't even speaking to each other," Alexa said.
"Correction," Saffron replied. "YOU are my best friend, he is not."
"I still feel bad," Alexa said. "But I am grateful that I have such a great best friend."
Saffron grinned at her. "And this best friend noticed you blush when you were talking about Gabriel earlier."
"He has been writing to me an awful lot lately," Alexa admitted.
"Do you think you're ready for another relationship?" Saffron asked.
"I don't know," Alexa said. "But I really do like him and he's been such a great friend."
Saffron smiled at her. "You'll do what's best for you... I know that for sure."
"He told me to tell you hello," Alexa said.
"How are his classes going?" Saffron asked.
"He says that they're tough but challenging," Alexa replied.
"If anyone can ace them, he can." Saffron stretched out on her bed. "I can't wait to see Andrew when we go home for Easter hols."
"You still want to listen to the wireless this weekend?" Alexa asked. "Some of the boys are arranging a big listening party in the Great Hall."
"Of course," Saffron said. "Even if I don't like RJ, I still intend to play for Puddlemere."
"You'd be team mates," Alexa pointed out. "And you'd have to talk to each other eventually."
"I could avoid that if I wanted," Saffron shrugged.
Alexa laughed. "If anyone could, you could."
Saffron grinned at her. "So what else has Gabe been up to?"
"He's studying most of the time, but he said he spends some evenings with his father. And he says his grandfather is still kind of cool towards his dad, but they're making progress."
"That's good to hear," Saffron put her letter into her nightstand, then looked slyly at her. "And what did he say that made you blush?"
"You know how we met with your sister last week to discuss our future goals?" Alexa asked. "Well, I'm seriously considering going to University in the States, Saffy."
Saffron's eyes widened. "Really?"
"I just think it'd be nice to start over in a new place," Alexa said softly.
"I'll miss you," Saffron replied. "But if it makes you happy, then I'm happy for you."
"Nothing's decided yet," Alexa said hastily. "I'm just thinking about it. I'd really like to pursue my writing."
Saffron nodded. "You're so good at that. And you'll be near Gabe if you go to University in California."
"Which is exactly what he said," Alexa said with a grin.
"The plot thickens," Saffron said mischievously.
"I envy you though," Alexa said to her friend. "You've known exactly what you wanted to do when you get out of here for as long as I can remember. I'm still trying to figure it all out."
"You're the smartest girl I know," Saffron said loyally. "You'll know what you want to do by the time we leave here."
"I can't imagine going somewhere like that without you," Alexa said. "You've been there for me for everything big that's happened in my life."
"Luckily by then we'll both know how to Apparate," Saffron said. "So perhaps on weekends and such, we'll get together. And you can come back here for all my big matches."
"I wouldn't miss them for the world," Alexa promised.
Saffron gave her a hug. "You and me- we're going to do just fine Lex."
"We will," Alexa agreed. "I'll be a mess on our Graduation Day."
"I'll hold it in until we're alone," Saffron grinned.
Alexa giggled. "Not me. I'll be a sniffling blob."
Saffron threw her pillow at her friend and then flopped back. "I can't WAIT to see Andrew!"
Alexa hit her with the pillow. "I seem to remember my best friend a couple years ago telling me that she had noooooooooooooooo time for silly boys."
"A few years ago I hadn't realised how gorgeous Andrew Kirke is," Saffron laughed.
"And you'd snogged RJ," Alexa teased.
"Don't remind me," Saffron groaned.
"I remember when I couldn't string two words together when he was around," Alexa said blushing.
"That seems like it was so long ago," Saffron replied thoughtfully.
"It wasn't that long ago," Alexa said.
***
The Great Hall was already bustling with students that first day of classes. Alexa couldn't believe she was entering her third year. Summer hols had gone by so fast and she hadn't seen Saffron for almost two and a half months. Her best friend had spent most of the summer at her parents' beach house in Brighton and Alexa had spent the summer helping her mother in the bakery. The two best friends had caught up on everything last night. And they'd commiserated over their new braces.
"Can you believe this," Saffron moaned. "I'm a metal mouth!"
"Yours look much better than mine," Alexa said as the two girls sat down at the Gryffindor table.
"At least your parents let you get clear ones on the top," Saffron grumbled. "You'd think mine would just let me fix them with magic. But noooooo..."
"Andrew!" RJ exclaimed from behind Alexa. "Where are my sunglasses? Saffron's mouth is blinding me!"
Saffron glared at him. "Shut up RJ!"
RJ sat down beside Alexa causing her to blush bright red.
"Don't listen to him, Saf," Andrew said. "They don't look bad."
"Thanks," Saffron said glumly.
Alexa reached for a roll from the bread basket at the same time RJ did.
"Hiya Lexie," he smiled at her. "You want this one?"
"Uh...um...well," Alexa said withdrawing her hand and wanting to just disappear.
"Here," he held it out to her. "Take it."
"Thanks," Alexa said taking it from him.
"You got them too, eh?" RJ asked her.
"Unfortunately," Alexa blushed.
"No one in my family's ever had to have them," RJ said proudly.
"Goody for you," Saffron glared at him.
"It's not that bad, Saffy," Andrew tried to reassure her. "Honestly."
Saffron gave him a half smile. "It's nice of you to say so, but I know they're horrid."
"They're not," Andrew said.
"RJ, you should take lessons from Andrew," Saffron says. "He knows the right things to say."
Andrew puffed his chest out. "Did you hear that?"
"Sod off, mate." RJ said. "Lexie here thinks I do just fine, right?"
Alexa nodded. "Um, you're ...perfect."
RJ beamed. "Did you hear THAT?"
"She was up all night talking to me," Saffron said rolling her eyes. "She's not making sense."
RJ put his arm around Alexa. "I'm perfect."
Alexa could hardly breathe and she trembled in excitement at how close RJ was.
"You are a smart girl, Alexa O'Leary," RJ said grinning at her.
"I try," Alexa said, her voice shaking a little.
"You trying out for Quidditch this year?" RJ asked Saffron, dropping his arm from Alexa's shoulder.
Saffron shook her head. "Not until next year at the earliest."
"If I'm captain you can consider yourself on the team," RJ told her. "You're damn good at it Saf."
Saffron looked at him in surprise. "Did you just compliment me?"
"Don't let it go to your head," RJ replied.
"Who me?" Saffron asked innocently.
"Yes you," RJ pointed at her. "You have a bigger ego than anyone I know."
"It's nowhere near as big as yours," Saffron said. "Andrew, did you know this summer, I walked in on him checking himself out in the mirror?"
"That doesn't surprise me," Andrew commented dryly.
RJ glared at her before returning his attention to Alexa. "How do you put up with her?"
Alexa blushed again. "She's a good friend..."
"She appreciates me unlike some people," Saffron said to him.
"Whatever," RJ said dismissively.
"I don't understand why you don't want to try out yet," Andrew said to Saffron. "You are amazing on a broom."
Saffron blushed. "You really think so?"
"I do," Andrew said smiling at her. "My dad always tells me how great your dad was, but I tell him that he hasn't seen you fly."
"I'm good, but nowhere near as great as my dad," Saffron glowed. "But he's taught me just about everything he knows."
"You're much better than Ethan," RJ said. "And he had the chance to go pro."
"Can you believe he didn't do it?" Saffron asked RJ. "Honestly... my brother is such a git."
"He wants to do everything like Uncle Harry," RJ said. "Since your dad didn't do it, he didn't do it. So, he's going to be a big, bad Auror."
"He's going to catch all the bad guys," Saffron said.
"What about your older sister?" Andrew asked. "Does she play?"
Saffron laughed. "Jules won't even get on a broom!"
"Sounds about like me," Alexa admitted quietly.
"Oh come on," RJ looked at her. "You don't like flying?"
"I'm not very good at it," Alexa said her voice cracking a bit as she looked at him. "I'm not scared of it or anything...just not very good."
"You should..." RJ's voice trailed off as two girls walked by.
Alexa followed his gaze and sighed. "I-I didn't know you knew Christina Grant."
RJ gazed at the blond. "Man is she hot."
Saffron rolled her eyes. "I think your porridge has more depth than she does."
"You just don't know her," RJ said defensively.
"I don't see why you do," Saffron said. She smiled at Andrew. "I'm glad you're not acting like him."
Andrew grinned back at her. "She's not my type."
Saffron beamed at him. "I always knew I liked you for a reason."
Alexa pushed her plate away, suddenly not feeling very hungry.
RJ tore his attention away from Christina. "You alright Lexie?
"I'm not very hungry," she said softly.
"Mind if I have your waffles then?" RJ asked.
Alexa nodded.
"Hey, RJ," Saffron commented. "Do you remember that fudge I brought over to Nana's? Alexa made that."
"Are you serious?" RJ stared at the redhead. "That fudge was bloody fantastic!"
Alexa smiled nervously at him. "It's my mum's recipe. She---she has a bakery in London."
"If you bring me more of that, I'll be your slave forever," RJ vowed.
"My mum sends me a care package every couple of weeks," Alexa said. "Next time she does, I'll make sure to set some aside for you."
"You're the best," RJ grinned at her.
"Thanks," Alexa said smiling back at him.
***
"I can't believe I didn't notice," Saffron said throwing her pillow at Alexa again. "I mean now that I look back on it you were completely obvious!"
"So was Andrew," Alexa said, throwing it back. "He was practically drooling on you Saffy."
"He was, wasn't he?" Saffron giggled.
"Face it," Alexa said dryly. "He's always had an eye for you."
"And I finally woke up and realised it," Saffron said hugging the pillow to her. "He makes me so happy, Lex."
"I'm really glad," Alexa sat on the edge of her friend's bed. "He's such a great guy and he loves you so much."
"You're going to find someone like that again," Saffron said. "I know it."
"I hope so," Alexa thought about Gabriel.
In California, Gabriel was thinking about her.
"You're going to miss the first game of the season you know," Lewis told his grandson. "Opening Day---Dodgers versus the Giants. We've not missed one yet until now."
"I'm sorry," Gabriel apologised.
"Nonsense," Margaret said setting the plate of food down in the middle of the table. The Boyds were sitting down to breakfast and Lewis was trying yet again to convince his grandson not to go to England for Easter.
"Gabe you shouldn't apologise for wanting to spend the holiday with your father," Margaret told him.
"I know but--" Gabriel began.
"Eat your waffles," Margaret cut him off.
Gabriel grinned at her. "Yes ma'am."
Lewis shook his head and went back to reading his newspaper.
"Grandpa," Gabriel said. "You're not going to hold it against my dad because I want to go back to England are you?"
"No," Lewis grumbled.
"You swear?" Gabriel asked.
Margaret levelled her gaze at him.
"I swear," Lewis finally replied.
"I promise to come back for as many games as possible this summer," Gabriel told his grandfather.
"What?" Lewis asked folding his newspaper and setting it aside. "You're going to England for the summer?"
"Lewis, not the entire summer," Margaret reminded him. "Just a few weeks in Brighton with Lavender's family."
"I had a lot of fun there last year," Gabriel said. "And I want to go again. I want to spend time with my dad."
"And he's not going to be filming this time so Seamus can spend more time with Gabriel," Margaret said smiling at her grandson. "Isn't that great, Lewis?"
Lewis grunted as he turned the page of his paper.
The doorbell chimed and Gabriel excused himself to answer it.
"Who is it dear?" Margaret called to her grandson.
"Dad," Gabriel replied catching sight of his father's car in the drive.
Lewis rolled his eyes. "Figures," he muttered.
"You had better be nice," Margaret warned.
"I hope you don't mind me showing up uninvited," Seamus said as he came into the kitchen with Gabriel. He handed Margaret a bouquet of flowers.
"They're lovely, Seamus," Margaret said taking them and pecking him on the cheek. "Thank you."
"You're very welcome," Seamus smiled at her. "Hello Lewis."
"Seamus," Lewis nodded.
"Sit down," Margaret said. "We have more than enough. Are you hungry?"
"Are those your homemade pancakes?" Seamus's eyes were glued to the table. "If so, I'm suddenly starving."
Margaret grinned. "Coming right up."
"Do you want some coffee, Dad?" Gabriel asked.
"Sure," Seamus replied. "Thanks son,"
Lewis pretended to be interested in his newspaper. Seamus pulled an envelope out of his pocket. "Lewis, I bet you're excited about Opening Day, eh?" Seamus asked conversationally. When Lewis didn't reply, Seamus sighed. "Well, I was thinking you might like to watch the game in better seats. I have box seats and since I'm not going to be here, I was thinking you could take them off of my hands. Right behind home plate."
Gabriel stared at his father. "RIGHT behind home plate?"
"Right behind home plate," Seamus said grinning at him.
Lewis was also staring at the tickets wordlessly.
"Much better than our regular seats, Grandpa," Gabriel said. "I wish I could go now."
"I can arrange it so you can be back here for the game," Seamus told him.
"Really?" Gabriel asked excitedly. "Dad! You're the best!"
Lewis coughed. "Yes... thank you."
"It's my pleasure, "Seamus said as Margaret set a plate of pancakes before him.
"Eat up," Margaret said. "You're too thin and pale, Seamus."
Seamus laughed. "You don't have to twist my arm. This looks delicious."
"She makes the best," Gabriel smiled at his grandmother.
"Samantha ran a close second," Seamus said proudly.
Gabriel nodded. "Mum and Grandma used to have bake offs once in awhile."
"I remember one or two of those," Seamus said with a laugh.
Lewis smiled a bit. "I always liked those days."
"Do you remember that Thanksgiving?" Seamus asked him.
"Vaguely," Lewis replied. "I ate myself into a coma."
"My first ever Thanksgiving dinner," Seamus told his son. "Your mum and grandmother outdid themselves."
Gabriel chuckled. "Why do I find that completely easy to believe?"
"I ate enough to feed a small army," Seamus said cutting his pancakes. "And just when I thought I couldn't eat anymore, Sam comes out with this huge pumpkin pie."
Lewis laughed. "That thing was big enough to feed the entire Los Angeles area."
"She did have me on that pie," Margaret said fondly. "Lewis ate half and Seamus ate the other."
Gabriel laughed. "I usually wound up eating the whole pie."
"And sneaking pieces when you thought we weren't looking," Margaret said mussing his hair.
"I tried," Gabriel grinned.
"These are great, Margaret," Seamus said smiling at her. "Thank you."
"Anytime you want more, you tell me," Margaret told him.
"How's Lavender?" Gabriel asked.
"She's great," Seamus replied. "Just set out her spring line, so she's really busy right now."
"She's so talented," Margaret said. "I don't know how she does it."
"Lav works hard," Seamus said with a grin. "She's determined to fashion the whole world."
Lewis stood up to get himself another cup of coffee. "She's been really good to Gabe."
Seamus smiled at his son. "She loves him just like I do."
"And you have too," Lewis begrudgingly admitted.
"Gabriel means more to me than anyone," Seamus said honestly.
"Then we have something in common," Lewis said giving Seamus a half-smile.
Seamus nodded. "That we do."
"It's about time you stopped acting like a horse's ass," Margaret said to her husband.
"Maggie!" Lewis exclaimed as Gabriel laughed.
"It's true," Margaret said grinning at him.
Seamus pushed the tickets across the table. "I had those transferred into your name, Lewis."
"Thank you," Lewis said sincerely.
Gabriel smiled at his grandfather. "We're going to have so much fun sitting that close."
"Best seats I've had," Lewis said looking at the tickets.
"I'm sure I could arrange for you guys to get into the locker room afterwards if you want," Seamus offered.
Gabriel's jaw dropped. "Get out!"
"If you want," Seamus smiled at him.
"Could you get a third ticket?" Lewis asked him.
Seamus nodded, thinking Lewis would want Margaret to go along.
"Gabe and I would like it if you'd....join us," Lewis said quietly.
"You want ME to come?" Seamus was a bit disbelieving.
Lewis shrugged. "My father used to take me to the games when I was a kid. I never had a son and when Gabe came along, I continued the tradition. And you're a part of our family. It would only be right if you were a part of that."
"Thanks Lewis," Seamus smiled at the older man. "I'll be there."
Margaret gave her husband a hug. "I'm so proud of you."
Lewis coughed gruffly. "Yes well..."
Gabriel couldn't believe this was actually happening. He was quite proud of his grandfather, too.
"Saffron wrote and told us she can't wait to see you at Easter," Seamus told his son.
"She won't even know I'm there, Dad," Gabriel laughed. "Andrew's all she'll see."
Seamus snorted. "Well then I'm sure Alexa will be glad to see you."
"I'm looking forward to seeing her," Gabriel admitted.
Margaret smiled. "You have a soft spot for this girl..."
Gabriel pushed his food around on his plate. "Grandma."
"We're not supposed to embarrass him," Seamus teased.
"I can't wait to meet the girl who's been writing to my grandson," Margaret said.
"Perhaps we should have her and Saffron here for a visit soon," Seamus said. "Over Easter hols, you could show them what it's like in LA for a night."
"Really?" Gabriel asked. "That'd be great, Dad."
"Sure," Seamus replied. "Whatever you want, Gabe."
"Maybe Andrew would like to come too," Gabriel said thoughtfully.
"I'm sure Saffron would love that," Seamus ate the last of his pancakes.
"I'm really looking forward to meeting her," Margaret said with a grin. "She sounds like such a character."
"Saffron is one of a kind," Gabriel told his grandmother. "Thank goodness."
Margaret laughed. "Well you better get a move on, Gabe. You'll be late."
"Right," Gabriel glanced at his watch. "I have to be at class in thirty minutes."
"Want a lift?" Seamus asked. "It's on my way."
"That'd be great," Gabriel put his napkin down. "Thanks Dad."
Seamus pushed back in his chair. "Margaret, thank you for breakfast. It was fantastic as always."
"You're welcome anytime," Margaret beamed at him.
"Lav and I are still waiting for you two to come over to our home for dinner," Seamus said giving her a hug.
"We'll let you know soon," Margaret pecked him on the cheek.
"Thank you for the tickets," Lewis said shaking Seamus' hand.
"You're welcome," Seamus said. "I'm looking forward to going to the game with you and Gabe."
"Ready?" Gabriel asked coming into the room with his backpack.
"Sure," Seamus nodded. "See you both soon," he nodded to Lewis and Margaret.
"I'll be home around five," Gabriel promised before following his father out the door.
"Thanks for driving me to class," he told his father. "Saves me from walking."
"I could buy you a car," Seamus pointed out.
"You don't have to do that," Gabriel returned.
"I had a feeling that's what you'd say," Seamus said.
"I can afford--" Gabriel began.
"If you'd let me, I'd like to buy you your own car," Seamus interrupted. "You can shop around, or we can do it together. Whatever you want, Gabe."
"Dad," Gabriel protested.
"Think of it as me making up for every birthday and Christmas that I missed," Seamus said.
"You don't have to do this," Gabriel looked over at him.
"I know that," Seamus replied. "But I want to."
"I suppose there could be worse things than having your father buy you a car," Gabriel admitted.
"Right," Seamus pulled the car out of the driveway. "Like having your father party with you and your friends."
"Did your dad ever do that to you?" Gabriel asked.
"We didn't have all that much money growing up," Seamus said thoughtfully.
"Kind of like me," Gabriel said.
"I guess, yeah," Seamus nodded.
"I really am looking forward to Easter and for the summer," Gabriel told him. "It'll be great to spend more time with you."
"I can't wait either," Seamus turned onto a busy street. "Lavender's also excited."
"I'll just need to remind her not to go overboard with her matchmaking," Gabriel said.
"She promised me already she won't bother you," Seamus looked over at his son.
"How long do you think that will last?" Gabriel asked with a grin.
"An hour," Seamus replied dryly.
Gabriel laughed. "She wouldn't be Lavender if she didn't interfere."
"You can say that again," Seamus said. "Why does this drive seem to get shorter every time I take you to class?"
Gabriel grinned. "Thanks, Dad."
"Anytime," Seamus replied. "I'll ring you about car shopping."
"Okay," Gabriel said opening the car door.
"Have a good day in class," Seamus called.
"Yeah, right," Gabriel said stepping out of the car. "Tell Lavender hey for me."
"I will," Seamus promised.
Seamus watched his son walk away and couldn't believe how far they'd come in such a short time. Hell, he'd even made progress with Lewis.
The fact that Sam's father wanted him at the game spoke volumes. He suddenly couldn't wait to get home and tell Lavender.
Lavender was upstairs in her office going over some last minute sketches when Seamus arrived home. "Come here and let me know what you think," Lavender said.
Seamus leaned over her shoulder. "They look great," he said. "I like that one," he pointed to a drawing. "That'd look good for a scene in my next film."
"Well, I'm very expensive," Lavender said grinning at him. "Do you think you could afford me?"
"Maybe I can work out a deal," Seamus leaned in. "I happen to be married to her..."
Lavender gave him a kiss. "You're a tough negotiator."
"Comes with the territory," Seamus replied. "Gabriel says hello."
Lavender grinned. "How is my stepson?"
"Good," Seamus nodded. "Guess what- Lewis wants me to come to the Dodgers games with them."
Lavender raised an eyebrow. "He did? How did you--"
"He asked me," Seamus said triumphantly.
"It's about time he came around," Lavender said. "That's great, Seamus."
"I hope things will get better," Seamus sat down.
"They're heading in the right direction," Lavender said.
"He's definitely headed over to England with us for Easter," Seamus leaned back. "And wants me to make you promise not to matchmake."
"I wouldn't---" Lavender protested.
"Promise," Seamus raised an eyebrow.
Lavender sighed. "Yes, I promise."
"That's my girl," Seamus smiled at her.
"Your girl needs to finish up these sketches and then get to work on the Saffron line," Lavender said smiling back at him.
"Right," Seamus gave her another kiss. "Don't forget about the premiere tomorrow night."
"I haven't forgotten," Lavender said. "I have three dresses upstairs to choose from."
Seamus laughed. "Why doesn't that surprise me?"
She poked his side. "I have to look my best."
"You always do to me," Seamus looked at her fondly.
"I love you," Lavender said softly.
"I love you," Seamus kissed her again.
"Taryn's waiting for you downstairs in your office," Lavender told him.
"Thanks," he said. "I'll see you later."
"Don't work too hard," Lavender called after him.
"You too!" Seamus returned.
Week 12: Drew and Darla
Heaven: I'm glad Drew and Darla are able to take time from their busy lives these days for the interview. Their wedding is sure approaching fast!
Amynoelle: I know! I imagine they're both really excited!
Heaven: We'll probably have to make this a quick one!
Amynoelle: I wonder if Drew will bring Chloe?
Heaven: AWWWW! I hope so!!!
Amynoelle: And unlike some people, I certainly wouldn't tell her the baby needed hair extensions!
Heaven: *snorts* I really can't believe that...
Amynoelle: Serena, Serena, Serena...
Heaven: I wonder if she'll decide to come back...
Amynoelle: I hope not!
Heaven: Those types of girls always have a way of popping back in when you least expect it--
Amynoelle: Very true...and she might be fun to interview.
Heaven: Our readers would torture her.
Amynoelle: Might be fun though…oooh! Here's Drew and Darla! And they did bring Chloe!
Heaven: DREW! She's gorgeous! Can I hold her?
Drew: Thank you. Of course, you can hold her!
Heaven: She looks so much like you!
Darla: She's gorgeous and I'd say that even if I wasn't her aunt.
Heaven: How about those hair extensions, Drew? Have you looked into those?
Drew: *Rolls eyes*: No, we decided against that. I still can't believe she said that.
Amynoelle: Now that RJ's through with her, give us your real opinion on Miss Serena Starr.
Darla: Are there children reading this? If so, we'd better refrain...
Amynoelle: You can give us the censored version...
Darla: To say it in a nice way, that girl is an utter, complete ditz. She has absolutely zero talent and I could have slapped her around for saying those things about RJ if I was given the chance.
Drew: Well said, Dar. Look, we want our little brother to be happy, but that being said, it's really good to know that she's not in the picture anymore. RJ deserves better than that.
Heaven: Yes, yes he does. And I'm sure he'll get it too. Hey Amy, want to hold Chloe? Do you mind, Drew?
Drew: No, go right ahead.
Amynoelle: *takes the baby*: Hello, Chloe Hope.
Heaven: While Amy fawns over the baby, I'll start asking you guys some of these questions. I know you're both quite busy these days.
Drew- not to bring up a sore spot or anything, but RC wants to know do you think about Paul sometimes, and how your life would be if he had supported you when you were pregnant? And after that, if you have met Brian?
Drew: I do think about Paul, sometimes. I loved him very much and when we first got together, he was really loving and sweet and really charming. Things really changed for us when I found out I was pregnant. I don't think about what my life would have been like had he stepped up and taken responsibility. I'm very happy with Brian and Chloe.
Darla: Brian is far, far better than Paul ever was. He makes Drew and Chloe his entire world and that's the way it should be.
Amynoelle: If you don't mind, we have some more questions about Paul. Coolman wants to know something about your relationship with Paul. How did you meet, get together, your good and bad experiences and finally your break up.
Drew: We actually met at a wedding- I was there coordinating and he was a guest. We clicked instantly and we had so much fun together- it was very casual and grew into something more after about a year. When I discovered I was pregnant, he began pulling away.
Heaven: What a jerk!
Drew: Yes... and I didn't even tell him when... when I lost the baby.
Amynoelle: We really were sorry to hear about Hope.
Drew: Thank you. It was a really tough time for me.
Heaven: Thank goodness you had Darla to help you.
Drew: I couldn't have made it through without her.
Amynoelle: Another reader, natalie, wants to know what did it feel like when you first held your baby? What age are you going to tell your daughter about her late sister?
Drew: Absolutely. When Chloe's old enough, I'll tell her all about Hope. And when I held her, and saw her looking up at me... it was the most incredible feeling in the world.
Amynoelle: We're both happy for you---for you and Darla. How are the wedding plans going?
Darla: Everything's going pretty smoothly... for now. It's never easy, especially as the date gets closer.
Heaven: Molly, toinkydoink and natalie all want to know how you two decided you wanted to be wedding planners?
Darla: When I graduated from Hogwarts, I really didn't know what I wanted to do. I was at a complete loss. One day I was reading the paper and saw an advert for this wedding planning business. I interned for this nice woman in Dublin and then a couple weeks later, Drew joined on. After a couple of years working for her, we decided to go out on our own. We've just always loved weddings and it's really a great career. Don't you think, Drew?
Drew: It's fantastic. Since we own our own business, we can come and go as we please and not have to answer to anyone. And we do a good job!
Amynoelle: And you finally were able to do one for your sister, Maddie. After your two brothers eloped, you probably thought you'd never plan a wedding for someone in your family.
Drew: I was beginning to think everyone would just run off. *laughs* but planning Maddie's wedding was wonderful. She was really a perfect bride!
Heaven: She was so gorgeous that day! She and Ethan really are made for each other! Okay... TheGreatFox2000 has a question for both twins: How many times, if ever, have Fred and George tried or successfully influenced you both in any way? Surely they'd try to use the 'twins' thing to their advantage.
Darla: *laughs*: They're really great blokes when they're not trying to get Daddy upset, of course. They've tried to use us as guinea pigs for some of their experiments, especially when we were little.
Heaven: And now they try to use your nieces and nephews.
Drew: All the time. And people wonder why neither of them is married...
Heaven: *laughs* we should have asked your dad that question. He would have given us an interesting answer.
Drew: Most definitely.
Amynoelle: A reader with an interesting name has a question for you. Captain H. Short(y-pants) asks growing up, you two were kind of always off doing your own thing. Now that you're older, you have more interactions with your family. Is that because you were shy when you were younger? Or because of Hope? And how do you feel about how RJ's doing right now?
Darla: I was so, so shy when I was younger. But as I got older and matured, I grew out of that. And our family is extremely close- we often joke "Mess with one Weasley, you mess with them all."
Amynoelle: *whispers to Heaven* Do you think that pertains to all Weasleys, such as a certain red-headed girl who now lives in Australia?
Heaven: *
whispers* probably not her. No one even likes that ho.
Amynoelle: *whispers* Good, because it's no secret that we don't like her...
Drew: Everything okay?
Amynoelle: Absolutely! We were just going over the questions. Heaven, which question's next?
Heaven: Darla, RC wants to know if it's hard to see all the girls hitting on Hans since he's so gorgeous and famous?
Darla: He is gorgeous and famous, but he comes home to me so that's all that matters.
Amynoelle: NicholePotter86 wants to know if you and Hans will start your own family someday? And what does Hans think about having babies?
Darla: We eventually will have a family, yes. Hans wants children, but not right away.
Amynoelle: Orli Luva wants to know how long you and Hans have been together?
Darla: A little longer than Brian and Drew.
Amynoelle: And your dad has warmed up to him now, right? No longer calling him 'the model'?
Darla: No, no nothing like that. He's gotten to know him pretty well and they really get along.
Amynoelle: Another good question comes from coolman---he wants to know besides your twin, who is you favourite sibling?
Darla: That's putting us on the spot! We're closest to Maddie, but we love all of our brothers, too. Jon is always ready for a laugh and he'd do anything in the world for you if you needed him. Josh is the smartest bloke I know and RJ is so talented and we know that no matter what, we'd always be able to count on them.
Amynoelle: Drew? Same question...
Drew: I'm obviously closest to Darla, but all of my siblings have their own special attributes. We're lucky, aside from Jon and Josh, we've all always gotten along.
Amynoelle: Well, except for that time when you wanted to move back to England and Maddie wanted to stay in Dublin...I seem to remember you kicking a certain cage...
Drew: We've had our moments... *blushes*
Heaven: Here's one from toinkydoink. Could you tell us what's different between the two of you when it comes to likes/dislikes, personality...etc.?
Darla: Great question. Well, I guess starting with the physical, my hair is longer than Drew's. I'm more into fashion than she is which is why I always go with the brides during fittings and things like that.
Amynoelle: Who's the shyest?
Drew: Definitely Dar. I was never really shy at all. I was also the forward one almost all the time.
Amynoelle: Who's the most sensitive?
Darla: Definitely me.
Heaven: Ok, amr wants to know - Everyone talks about the special connection that twins share. Have you noticed that kind of connection while you were growing up and into your adult years? If so, how was Darla affected during Drew's difficulties before, during and immediately after the miscarriage? That is apart from the obvious 'close sister' connection.
Drew: I've definitely noticed that. We'll sometimes finish each other's sentences. We've always had that connection. I can tell when something's wrong with her and it's the same way for her.
Darla: That night when Drew started bleeding, I was in my room sleeping. I woke up with a start---you know, I could just tell something was wrong and that she needed me.
Heaven: That's pretty amazing.
Drew: She rushed me right to the hospital. And she didn't once leave my side. I needed her so much that night and she was right there.
Amynoelle: I'm glad that you two have each other. Potterchick958 wants to know how you two were growing up and how you feel about each other now? How did you deal with living together? And has Darla gotten through her problems with Hans.
Darla: We still have our ups and downs, but it's not really any problems, per se. It's just relationship squabbles.
Drew and I were always close, always. I can't recall a time when we fought, even as kids.
Amynoelle: Orli Luva's other question was for you, Drew. She wanted to know that being as close as you are to Darla, what's it like having your own family with Brian and Chloe?
Drew: It was different, living away from Darla. We've always shared a place, you know? But it's part of growing up and we still talk every single day. Plus we see each other at work.
Amynoelle: Speaking of Chloe, I think she wants to go back to her mom. Thanks for letting me hold her, Drew.
Drew: Sure thing. I'll just be right back!
Amynoelle: Darla, Molly wants to know how you felt when you and Hans were going through relationship troubles?
Darla: I had no idea what was going to happen at that time. I loved him, but I wasn't about to change things like being with family and all that just for him.
Heaven: It's good that he understood where you were coming from. And I thought it was so sweet when he showed up at Ethan and Maddie's wedding to win you back.
Amynoelle: It really was very romantic, Darla.
Darla: *blushes* yes it was...
Heaven: That makes me think of the last question from coolman. Had Hans not proposed at the time he did would you have planned Drew's wedding alone? Obviously you'd also be the bridesmaid. Wouldn't it have been too much to take up two big roles?
Darla: I would have definitely planned Drew's wedding. And it would have been hectic, but I think I could have done it. Maybe see if Aunt Hermione could give me a Time Turner.
Amynoelle: Our last reader question comes from an anonymous reader who wants to know if you two ever felt ignored? Your baby sister is now related to the Potters. RJ is a Quidditch star and your brothers have also been rather high profile.
Darla: I never felt ignored... I just figured our time would come to be in the spotlight.
Amynoelle: You have two great parents who would never let you feel that way.
Drew: I think they were a little overwhelmed with the six of us at times, but we never wanted for anything. I know that now- the whole move to Ireland was so Dad could provide better for us. He's really a great father. Always has been.
Amynoelle: We've loved watching all of you grow up. It literally seems like just yesterday we were seeing you both for the first time at Hillsdale.
Drew: That was so long ago...
Amynoelle: Heaven, is there anything you wanted to ask Drew and Darla before we let them go?
Heaven: I don't think so. If I ever get married, I'll definitely be calling on you guys though. Good thing you're witches, cause it'll probably be when I'm eighty.
Amynoelle: Do you give senior citizens' discounts?
Heaven: Very funny. You smell like Tom Cruise.
Amynoelle: Okay, Ginevra.
Amynoelle: Eek! Okay, okay! I take it back, I didn't mean it.
Drew: What's the Gordon?
Heaven: You don't want to know...
Drew: Well, we'd better get out of here. We have to get Chloe home.
Heaven: Of course. Thank you both so much for doing the interview!
Darla: It was a lot of fun. Thanks for having us.
Heaven: Anytime! I hope we have this much fun next week with Ashley and Katie!
Amynoelle: Okay then, whose life do we want to torture next in the story?