This chapter finishes up the wedding, and for you Gabe/Alexa fans, their farewell until the summer hols. Next chapter… just have some tissues ready, as it deals with a rather sad flashback.
Also, please go here to read a VERY important authors note regarding the Last Dance series!
Alexa turned around. "RJ..."
He smiled at her. "It was a nice wedding, eh?"
"Yes it was," Alexa nodded. "I'm very happy for your sisters."
"Me too," RJ said. "They were teasing me earlier about being the only unmarried one."
"Yes well..." Alexa paused a moment. "You've got plenty of time, RJ."
"I wasn't hinting, Lex," RJ said hastily.
"I know you weren't," Alexa covered quickly.
"I should probably get back to taking photos," RJ said. "Unless..."
"What?" she asked.
RJ shrugged. "Unless you might want to dance?"
"Oh..." Alexa said uncomfortably. "I don't know if that's such a good idea."
RJ tried to hide his disappointment. "Right. Right. I, um, I guess I'll---"
"It's not that I wouldn't want to," Alexa said. "It's just that I'm with Gabe now... and I don't think it would be fair--"
"Just a dance, Lexie," RJ said. "Not as if I'm asking you to marry me. And besides, we're still friends, right?"
Alexa glanced once more at the buffet table. Gabriel was still busy with Emma, helping her fill a plate. "Okay," she agreed quietly. "Once dance couldn't hurt."
RJ grinned and set his camera down. "It's not going to hurt anything at all. I promise I am not going to stomp on your toes."
Alexa smiled back. "If I remember correctly, you're not a bad dancer."
"I didn't want to boast," RJ said as they found a space on the dance floor. Nick had recommended a band that was playing a soft, romantic song.
Alexa kept herself a proper distance from RJ. A few months ago she would have loved doing just this but now it didn't seem as desirable as it once would have been.
"You're awfully quiet," RJ said even though he could guess why.
"This is just a bit strange," Alexa replied.
RJ nodded. "Good strange or bad strange?"
"I'm not sure," she confessed.
He smiled at her. It was awkward, but they'd been through quite a bit. Maybe, just maybe, she'd want to start over. Maybe, she'd be willing to try.
"I've been taking more pictures lately," RJ told her. "Mum used a few shots in last month's issue of the paper."
"Really?" Alexa asked. "That's great, RJ. You were always so good behind the camera."
"I didn't realise how much I missed it," RJ said softly.
"And I think it's lovely that you're doing the photographs today for the wedding," Alexa told him.
"Couldn't really turn my sisters down, could I?" RJ asked with a grin. "I'm scared to death of them."
Alexa laughed. "I'm just happy they invited me today."
"Dar and Drew love you," RJ said. "They wanted you to come."
"I've missed them," Alexa looked away, unable to meet his intense gaze.
"Just them?" RJ asked a hopeful tone to his voice.
"I... I don't know," Alexa said uncomfortably. "I've missed all of you. I got accustomed to being around all the time and..."
"I was a complete idiot," RJ interjected. "I messed up the best thing in my life and I've been miserable, Alexa. I know that I don't deserve a second chance, but I still love you. You are a hard person to get over and I just have to know if there's a chance that you might....well, that you might still love me too?"
Alexa didn't know what to say. She glanced over at Gabriel, who had taken Emma to one of the tables. They were eating and Emma was laughing happily at something Gabriel had said to her. "I... still care about you RJ. But I told you, I'm with Gabe now."
"Boyd," RJ said quietly. "Right."
"Gabriel cares about me," Alexa said softly. "It was a bit step for me, but I really like him too. I'd like you and me to be friends RJ, but that's all."
RJ stopped the dance. "Friends...yeah," RJ said forcing a smile. "That'd be great."
Alexa looked at him. "RJ--"
"I've kept you long enough," RJ said giving her a kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you later."
"Okay..." Alexa replied. "See you later."
A few feet away, Andrew handed his girlfriend a glass of juice. "You know I like it better when you smile, Saffy. That frown doesn't suit you."
"What on earth is she doing?" Saffron ignored her boyfriend's comment.
"None of your concern, Saffy," Andrew reminded her. "He wants to be friends with her. What's so wrong with that?"
"Have you forgotten what he--" Saffron began.
Andrew placed his finger on her lips. "No, I haven't forgotten what he did and when I try to, you keep bringing it up. They're just dancing, Saffy."
Saffron shook her head. "He has ulterior motives. I know it."
"He doesn't," Andrew argued. "While you stew about it, I think I'm going to go and ask Ash if she wants to dance."
Saffron glared at him as he got up and walked away. He just didn't understand, she huffed.
"Brat," Ethan said joining his sister. "What's wrong now?"
"I hate RJ," Saffron complained.
"Still?" Ethan asked.
"I just think he's going to try and win Lex back from Gabriel," Saffron said.
"Saf... you know it's none of your business, right?" Ethan asked. "I risk my life by saying that, but you know it's true."
"Okay," Saffron said. "What would you have done if you'd found out that Sarah had cheated on Justin and they broke up and he was devastated and then she tried to worm her way back in with him? Would you just standby and let him be taken in again?"
Ethan held up his hand. "I understand where you're coming from, but let them handle this, Saf. Alexa's moved on."
"You sounded just like Dad," Saffron said.
Ethan nudged her. "Is that a compliment?"
"Yeah," Saffron replied. She looked up to see Julie walking in their direction. "Professor Malfoy!"
Julie turned, her eyebrows raised.
Saffron giggled, forgetting the drama with Alexa and RJ for a few moments.
"If I was still at Hogwarts, there's no way I'd call her Professor Malfoy," Ethan said boldly. "Jules all the way."
"You'd treat me with the respect of any professor," Julie sat down with her siblings. "Except for Snape. You can say what you like about him."
"Good example you're setting for the brat," Ethan said.
"She is not a brat," Julie stuck up for her sister. "She's perfect."
"And SHE can do magic outside of school now," Saffron said glaring at her brother.
Julie laughed at the look on her brother's face. "You're in trouble now Ethan."
"Brat is a term of endearment," Ethan said quickly.
"Sure it is," Saffron leaned over to check on Chloe, who was sleeping peacefully in her pram.
"Very sweet of you to offer to stay with her all afternoon," Julie said.
"She's so bloody sweet," Saffron said with a grin.
"We used to say that about you," Ethan said with a grin.
"I am still sweet," Saffron informed him. "Just when I want to be."
"When will that be exactly?" Ethan asked looking at his watch.
"Five minutes and thirty three seconds," Saffron retorted.
"Quit giving her such a hard time," Julie ordered.
Ethan spread his hands. "Why is it always two against one?"
"Because life is beautiful," Saffron said.
Ethan rolled his eyes. "I'm going to find my wife. At least she appreciates me."
Drew and Brian came over just as Ethan walked away. "Saffy, you should go and get something to eat. Brian and I wanted to spend some time with Chloe."
"Are you sure?" Saffron asked. "I really don't mind..."
"Saffy," Julie laughed. "They want some family time. You can give her up for a little while."
"You can have her back," Drew promised.
Saffron grinned. "I'll time you guys," she teased.
Julie and Saffron walked away leaving Drew and Brian with their daughter.
"She looks content," Brian said softly.
"Yes she does," Drew lifted her up gently.
Chloe opened her eyes and smacked her lips.
"Hi, sweet girl," Brian whispered.
Chloe focused her eyes on her father and grinned.
"She's like me today," Drew laughed. "I haven't been able to stop smiling at all."
"You sure you're going to be okay with leaving her with your folks for the weekend?" Brian asked her.
"I hope so," Drew said softly.
"We could always take her with us," Brian suggested.
"It's a tempting thought," Drew said. "But I do want our honeymoon to be us..."
"We'll check in often," Brian said.
Drew nodded and passed Chloe over to him. "We're so lucky that she's such a happy baby."
"Yes, we are," Brian said patting Chloe's back.
"And we're finally a real family," Drew leaned against him.
"We always were," Brian told her. "Now it's just official."
"Right," Drew kissed him.
"You've made me so happy," Brian said. "You gave me Chloe, Drew. And she's absolutely perfect."
"I'd have to agree with you on that." Drew touched her daughter's soft cheek. "She's completely perfect. And you gave her to me as well. It was a two part deal, remember?"
Brian chuckled. "Right. I have fond memories of that."
Drew laughed. "We'll make more of those memories this weekend."
"Did you find out where Hans was taking Darla?" Brian asked her.
"He wouldn't say," Brian shook his head. "And I'm glad he finally got here this morning. He told me right before we came in that his ex tried to get him not to show up."
"Obviously he made the right decision," Drew said looking over to where Darla and Hans were dancing.
"I'd say so," Brian looked down at Chloe as her eyes began to close again. "She's awfully sleepy today."
"It's a big day for her," Drew said. "Let's put her back in the pram."
Brian carefully set her down. "When Saffron comes back, we could go sneak off to snog for a little while," he said mischievously.
Drew grinned. "Fabulous idea!"
Alexa had gotten herself something to eat and was sitting down next to Gabriel. "Having fun with Emma?"
"We're having a great time, aren't we, Em?" Gabriel asked the little girl.
Emma nodded happily. "Em go see Adam now, kay?"
"Okay," Gabriel said. "Save me a dance though, okay?"
"Kay!" Emma promised as she climbed off her chair.
Alexa smiled. "She is so sweet."
"She is," Gabriel agreed. "This is some spread, isn't it?"
Alexa nodded. "Beats anything I've ever seen before."
Gabriel cut into his chicken. "Saffy says the Weasleys always go all out for these types of things."
"They do," Alexa nodded. "You saw how it was last year at Ethan and Maddie's wedding."
Gabriel nodded. "So what have you been up to?"
"Just talking to everyone," Alexa leaned against him.
"You haven't seen most of them in quite some time," Gabriel said quietly.
Alexa shook her head. "Not since breaking up with RJ. It was nice of them to include me today."
"I thought it might be a little awkward with me being here with you, but no one's treated me any differently," Gabriel said. "Well, except for RJ."
"I hope he's not being rude--" Alexa began.
Gabriel shook his head. "He's not being rude. He hasn't said anything to me at all, Lexie."
"Okay," Alexa said leaning in to kiss him.
"You do look beautiful today," Gabriel said when they pulled apart.
"Thanks," Alexa blushed. "I hadn't worn this dress in awhile."
"You should wear it more often," Gabriel said grinning at her.
A few feet away, Andrew approached his best friend.
"Saw the two of you dancing," Andrew commented.
RJ nodded. "Yeah."
"Everything okay?" he asked carefully.
RJ looked thoughtfully in Alexa's direction. "Yeah, she's pretty happy with him."
Andrew nodded. "I'm glad to see you're handling it well."
"I might be growing up," RJ joked. "Don't tell anyone."
Andrew laughed. "Not a word."
"Someday maybe she'll trust me again," RJ said. "I screwed up and lost the best thing in my life. And if she wants to be with Boyd, well, that's fine. I don't like it but I can't blame her for moving on."
Andrew clapped him on the shoulder. "Come on I'll buy you a drink."
RJ grinned. "Okay, mate. Lead the way."
While Andrew and RJ headed for the bar, Caroline was showing Hannah a few new dance steps she'd learned. "Turn like this," she directed.
Hannah turned as Caroline instructed. "How's that?"
"Pretty good," Caroline nodded. "You catch on quick!"
Hannah beamed at her. "Thanks, Caroline. I think you should try out for the lead in the recital."
"I was thinking about it," Caroline confessed.
"You should," Hannah said. "You're really good!"
"Maybe I will," Caroline nodded. "I always loved the Swan Princess!"
"Is Katie trying out for it too?" Hannah asked.
"She always tries out," Caroline giggled.
"Tries out for what?" Katie asked joining them.
"The recital," Hannah told her. "I told Caroline she should try out."
Katie laughed. "Caroline can't be the lead!"
"Why can't I?" Caroline asked, slightly hurt.
"You're not as good as me and you're too shy," Katie replied as if the answer was obvious.
"But I dance really good," Caroline bit her lower lip. "And up on stage it doesn't matter as much."
"I suppose you could try out, but don't blame me when you're not picked," Katie said with a shrug.
Caroline had never gotten really angry at Katie before, but this just really seemed to be too much. "Well I don't think you'll get picked, because the Swan Princess is beautiful and nice, and you're not!"
"Caroline---" Katie protested, taken aback.
"Come on Hannah," Caroline said, taking her cousin's hand.
Hannah was silent as she followed her.
Caroline's lower lip trembled as she sat down. "I don't like fighting with my friends but she shouldn't have said that!"
"That wasn't very nice of her," Hannah agreed.
Allison noticed her daughter starting to cry and she crossed the garden to get to her. "Sweetheart, what is it?"
Caroline shook her head. "Katie told me I shouldn't try out for our dance recital because she's better than me and because I'm shy."
Allison took a deep breath and collected her thoughts. She loved Katie like she was one of her own, but sometimes the girl didn't think before she spoke.
"Caroline," Allison said tilting her daughter's chin up to look at her. "You are one of the most talented girls in that class. And you are not shy when you're up there on the stage. If you want to try out, you should try out and you shouldn't let Katie or anyone else stop you, sweetheart."
"Really?" Caroline asked.
"Absolutely," Allison said smiling at her.
"Thanks Mummy," Caroline hugged her tightly. "Hannah thinks I should try out too."
Allison smiled at Hannah. "Hannah's a sweet girl."
Hannah blushed. "Thanks Aunt Allie."
"You're welcome," Allison said. "Now, how would you two feel about getting a sneak preview of my special chocolate cake?"
"Chocolate cake?" both girls asked at the same time.
"Does that mean there's two wedding cakes?" Caroline asked. "Cause Lexie said her mummy made one too."
"It's Caroline and Emma's favourite and I thought I'd make it for them," Allison told Hannah. "But if you two don't want a bite---"
"We do," Caroline said hurriedly. "But we need to find Em."
"She's dancing with your Dad," Allison told her.
"Oh," Caroline replied. "Well we can save her a piece, okay Hannah?"
Hannah nodded eagerly. "Okay."
"What are you three up to?" Frankie joined them. "You look awfully crafty..."
"Chocolate cake run," Caroline told her aunt.
"Oooh," Frankie said. "Can I join you?"
"You want chocolate cake?" Allison asked teasingly. "It's not low-fat, Frankie."
"A sliver of it might be nice," Frankie made a face at her daughter.
Hannah giggled. "I'm having so much fun, Mummy."
"I'm glad, baby," Frankie said. "You know, your dad still wants to dance with you sometime today."
"I know," Hannah said. "I will after we eat."
Frankie smoothed Hannah's long brown hair back out of her eyes. "You look so pretty today sweetheart."
"You do too, Mummy," Hannah said softly.
Frankie scooped her up and twirled her around for a moment.
Hannah giggled happily. "Was it like this at your wedding?"
"Something like that," Frankie replied. "I was just so happy that day. I remember I had a grin on my face the whole time."
"I wish I could have seen it," Hannah said.
"You must have looked at our picture albums a dozen times," Frankie teased her.
"Yeah, but still," Hannah laughed.
"All right," Allison said as they got into the kitchen. "You can't tell anyone about this, especially Ron!"
"We won't," Caroline promised.
Allison got them all slices of the chocolate cake. "Just a sliver, Francesca?" she teased.
"Bigger piece couldn't hurt," Frankie relented.
"I thought so," Allison grinned at her.
"You are the best cook in the family and I can't turn this down," Frankie said.
"Mummy's the bestest," Caroline agreed.
"Caroline's going to try out for the lead in the recital," Hannah told her mother.
"Really?" Frankie asked. "I bet you'll get it, Caroline."
Caroline grinned. "Thanks, Aunt Frankie."
"Katie told her she didn't think she'd get it," Hannah whispered.
Frankie rolled her eyes. "Katie thinks she's the only one who can be the lead."
"She's going to learn when she gets older that she won't always get her way," Allison said softly.
"I didn't mean to get angry with her, but she was really mean," Caroline said.
"It's okay to get angry sometimes, Caroline." Frankie told her niece. "You just don't want to get violent."
Hannah leaned against her mother. "This cake is really yummy."
"Do you want another piece?" Frankie asked.
"Just a small piece," Hannah said.
"Don't tell me Frankie's got you counting calories," Allison teased her.
Hannah shook her head. "No, she's not."
Emma came running into the kitchen with Jon. She looked at her sister and cousin and aunt eating cake and she pouted. "Em want cake too!"
"We were going to save you a piece, Em." Caroline told her sister.
"Come here, you," Allison said. "You can tell me which piece you want."
"That one," Emma pointed to the biggest slice.
"And what about for the handsome, tall redhead?" Jon asked.
Frankie grinned. "Oh, is Josh here?"
"Very funny Francesca," Jon retorted.
Allison smiled at her husband. "Here you go, love. Where's Adam?"
"With my parents," Jon answered. "Mum's trying to keep Dad from outright bawling."
"Grandpa sad?" Emma asked.
Jon nodded. "Just a bit. He's sad that Drew and Darla are married now."
"Why?" Emma asked.
"Because Daddies don't like to let go of their little girls," Jon told her. "I'll be just like him when you two get married and leave me."
"Em no get married," Emma replied. "Stay with Daddy, kay?"
Jon tickled her side. "That's my girl."
Outside, Darla and Hans were finally able to sit down and get a bite to eat. "I feel like I've been on the go the whole day," Darla said with a grin.
"At least you didn't oversleep like I did," Hans said.
"All that matters to me now is that you came," Darla replied.
"I can't wait to get you alone," Hans said with a wink
Darla grinned. "You still haven't told me where we're going on our honeymoon."
"You really want to know?" Hans asked teasingly.
Darla poked him in the shoulder. "Of course I do! Brian's taking Drew up to this gorgeous old bed and breakfast just outside Glasgow... and so now I want to know where we're going..." she gave him her best pouting face.
Hans put his arm around her. "Well, Darla...how would you feel about Fiji?"
"I love Fiji," Darla answered immediately.
"Good," Hans said. "Because we're spending two weeks there."
"TWO WEEKS?" Darla nearly screamed.
Hans laughed. "Two whole weeks of sun, fun, and shagging..."
"Really looking forward to the shagging," Darla commented lustfully.
"Me too," Hans said giving her a kiss.
Darla closed her eyes and put her arms around his neck.
"I love you, Dar," Hans said. "No matter what, never, ever doubt that."
"I won't," Darla promised. "I'm sorry I've been such a pain these last few months. I just wanted today to be perfect."
"We both were on edge," Hans told her.
"It's okay now," Darla rested her head on his shoulder. "We're finally married."
"Forever," Hans said holding her tightly.
"And ever," Darla added dreamily.
*** *** ***
The day after the wedding, Alexa and Saffron headed back to Hogwarts. Gabriel delayed his own return home so he could say goodbye to his girlfriend.
"Push this with me," Alexa instructed him. "And we'll go straight through the barrier. Andrew will show you how to get back out."
"Um, straight through the barrier?" Gabriel asked incredulously. "Lex---"
"Trust me," she smiled at him. "You do, right?"
"Yes, but that's a brick wall," Gabriel said.
"Just trust me," Alexa gave him a kiss. "Come on..."
Gabriel didn't have a very good feeling about this, but he did trust her. He closed his eyes and held on to the trolley.
"One... two... three..." Alexa pushed it forward and through the barrier. "Gabe..."
Gabriel braced himself for a hit that never came. When he opened his eyes, he was surprised to see that they had actually gone through the wall and were on another platform. "Whoa---"
"Since your dad's a wizard, you have a bit of magic in your blood." Alexa told him. "That's why you can get through."
"Just when I think I've seen it all," Gabriel mused.
"I have to put my bags on the train," Alexa said. "Come on."
Gabriel took control of the trolley and followed Alexa through the crowd.
"Lexie!" a blonde girl squealed.
"Hi Mimi," Alexa gave her a hug. "How was your break?"
"It was great," Mimi said her eyes on Gabriel. "Va-va-voom," she whispered in Alexa's ear.
Alexa blushed. "Meems, this is Gabriel."
"Hi," Gabriel said politely. "I've heard a lot about you."
"Nice to meet you as well," Mimi said flirtatiously.
"Down girl," Saffron said coming up behind them with Andrew. "Don't worry, Gabe. She's had her shots."
Gabriel laughed. "Thanks for the notice, Saf."
"I am just really happy to meet him," Mimi said. "And besides, I have Jake."
"I don't think he's had his shots," Saffron deadpanned.
"You haven't changed at all Meems," Andrew said mussing her hair.
Alexa pulled Gabriel away from the group. "This is the train that takes us to the school," she said, pushing her bag into the storage compartment.
"How long a journey is it?" Gabriel asked.
"Quite awhile," Alexa said ruefully. "The school's up in northern Scotland."
"I wish I could go with you," Gabriel said.
"Me too," Alexa said softly. "But at least we don't have that long before we get to see each other again."
"Brighton," Gabriel said putting his arms around her.
"I'm really excited about that," Alexa grinned at him.
"And at least I'll have my finals to keep me preoccupied," Gabriel said thoughtfully.
"And we'll write," Alexa said, touching her forehead to his. "All the time."
"I still wish you could call me," Gabriel said softly.
"I know," she said. "But it'll be okay. We'll both be busy so the time will go by fast." Alexa leaned in and kissed him.
"I'm still going to miss you like crazy," Gabriel said holding her tightly.
"I'll miss you too," Alexa buried her face in his shoulder. "It's different now that we're together."
"Different good?" Gabriel asked.
"Very good," Alexa said. "I missed you before, of course, but now I'll miss you a lot more." she smiled at him.
All around them students scurried to get on the train and Gabriel knew she should go, but he wasn't ready to let her go just yet. "I guess this is goodbye."
"Yeah," she said reluctantly. "Give me a kiss I'll remember."
Gabriel grinned. "No pressure..."
Alexa laughed. "No pressure."
Gabriel leaned in and kissed her. Normally, he wasn't one for public displays of affection, but he couldn't help himself and he wouldn't be seeing her for a few weeks.
Alexa made a satisfied noise in her throat as she boldly deepened the kiss.
Gabriel wasn't sure how long they kissed but he vaguely heard the sound of the train starting to move. He broke away from her reluctantly. "You'd...you'd better hurry."
Alexa hopped up on board. "I'll see you soon Gabe... I'll write to you tonight!"
Gabriel waved at her. "Bye, Lexie!"
Andrew came up behind him. "Ready to go?"
"Yeah," Gabriel said. "Thanks, Andrew."
"No problem," Andrew said. His goodbye with Saffron hadn't been all that romantic. Things had been a little strained between them since the wedding.
"So um... when do you go back to playing Quidditch?" Gabriel asked.
"Training camp starts in August," Andrew replied. "But we have publicity and things like that in June."
"Cool," Gabriel nodded. "It's a good game to watch."
"Best game ever," Andrew said with a grin.
"I don't even know if I'd play if I was magical," Gabriel said.
"Baseball's more your sport, eh?" Andrew asked.
"I love it," Gabriel said. "My dad got us the best seats."
"Helps to have connections," Andrew said.
"That's true," Gabriel said. "So... everything okay with you and Saffron?"
Andrew shrugged. "We'd be fine if she'd realise that RJ's not a monster."
"I wonder what her deal is with him," Gabriel shook his head. "I mean... Alexa's okay with him now. I think it's cool she's friends with him."
"Saf's known him since they were babies," Andrew said thoughtfully. "And I figure that she's disappointed in him. They've always had this love-hate relationship and for some reason she can't let this go."
"I'm sure it doesn't help that you're stuck in the middle of it." Gabriel said as Andrew showed him how to get back through the barrier.
"No, not at all," Andrew said. "So...how much longer are you here for?"
"Later today," Gabriel said. "I've got finals to prepare for when I get back."
"I don't miss that," Andrew said.
"I've got another seven years ahead of me," Gabriel said with a grin. "The pains of becoming a doctor."
"Not as easy as they make it seem on the telly," Andrew said. "My mum loves this one Muggle show. Never misses it. I think she wishes I'd have become one."
Gabriel smiled. "Definitely not as easy, but also thankfully, not as dramatic."
Andrew looked at his watch. "I hate to do it, but I'm late for brunch with my parents. I'll see you in Brighton."
"All right," Gabriel shook his hand. "Thanks again for helping me out back there."
"No problem," Andrew smiled. "Take care."
"See you," Gabriel waved and then went outside to get himself a taxi.
He made it back to the penthouse a few minutes later and let himself inside. The more time he spent here, the more it felt like home.
"Hey," Seamus smiled at him. "You ready to get back?"
Gabriel nodded. "I'm all packed. You wouldn't be trying to get rid of me?"
"Oh you figured me out," Seamus said dramatically.
"When will you both be back in the States?" Gabriel asked.
"Pretty soon," Seamus said. "I have to finish up some work here and Lav has a fashion show at the end of the week."
"Good," Gabriel smiled. "I like having you guys around."
"We like having you around," Seamus looked over at his son. "I'm really proud of you Gabe. You're doing so well in school."
"I haven't been this happy in quite some time," Gabriel admitted.
"Hmm..." Seamus teased. "That wouldn't be due to a pretty redhead, now would it?"
Gabriel grinned. "Yeah."
"I'm glad things worked out for you." Seamus said. "And I know Lav is glad she meddled."
"She's not gloated THAT much," Gabriel joked.
"She only gloats to Harry," Seamus pushed some papers to the side of his desk.
"Hard to believe it was just a couple of years ago that we didn't even know about each other," Gabriel commented.
"I know," Seamus nodded. "Feels to me as if you've always been around."
"It was about this time of year that she told me," Gabriel said sitting down on one of the sofas. It wasn't a time that Gabriel cared to remember.
Week 15: Mia and Hannah
Heaven: This is a good pair for this interview, considering it's the last one we're going to have for awhile.
Heaven: This is a good pair for this interview, considering it's the last one we're going to have for awhile.
Amynoelle: We're going out on a good note.
Heaven: I imagine we'll pick it back up sooner or later...
Amynoelle: Of course. It's just a little break.
Heaven: They're early! Hi Hannah! Hi Mia!
Mia: Hi. Our parents are just waiting outside for us. If that's okay?
Amynoelle: That's more than okay. We're so happy to have you two here!
Hannah: *shyly* Thank you.
Amynoelle: We have some snacks and juice for you both. We're just going to ask you some questions from our readers and if you don't want to answer anything, just let us know.
Mia: Yummy!
Heaven: I'll start with some of the questions while you two have something to eat.
Hannah: Okay.
Heaven: Hannah- here's an easy one. Coolman wants to know, besides Emma, who is your best friend?
Hannah: Em's my bestest friend, but I have Caroline, Katie and Mia. And my friend Jessica from preschool.
Heaven: We're so glad you have lots of friends now, Hannah.
Hannah: Me, too.
Amynoelle: Mia, this question is for you from toinkydoink. What did you think about Caroline, Emma and everyone else when you first met them?
Mia: I thought they were all really nice! I could tell Caroline was going to be one of my bestest friends right when I met her. And Emma's so funny and outgoing.
Amynoelle: Mia, coolman wants to know how your relationship is with your other cousins (Tim and Mary's children)?
Mia: Marcus is kind of a dork, but he's okay when it's just us. Tim Jr. is really sweet.
Heaven: Does he still watch Teletubbies?
Mia: *giggles* Yes, he does!
Heaven: Those things are freaky! Natalie wants to know, how did it feel to finally get GIRL cousins?
Mia: Very good! Like I said, Tim Junior is really sweet, but Marcus is kind of dorky. I finally had girls to play with and I'm so happy about it!
Amynoelle: Another question from Natalie asks what the two of you would like to be when you grow up?
Mia: I'm not sure yet. Right now, I want to be a dancer, just like Hannah's grandma.
Hannah: Daddy told me I would make a good teacher.
Amynoelle: I think you'd be a great teacher, Hannah. You're very patient, especially with Emma.
Hannah: *blushes* Thanks.
Heaven: Hannah, Royal Jade would like to know- what do you like most about your parents?
Hannah: I like everything about my mummy and daddy. I just feel really safe and I never, ever felt that way before.
Heaven: Hannah... you don't have to answer this if you don't want to- but a LOT of people want to know how you'd feel about having a brother or sister.
Hannah: I don't know. I'm just happy with how things are now.
Heaven: That's totally understandable. Katy wants to know if you're going to move to that harder dance class or not?
Hannah: Probably not. I like being in the same class as Emma. Amynoelle: I heard that you're quite good though, Hannah. Hannah--toinkydoink wanted to know what you thought of the rest of your family aside from Emma and Caroline? Who are you most comfortable with?
Hannah: Mummy, the most. And then Emma. I love having her as my best friend.
Amynoelle: And how about your new grandparents? Theodore and Abbie and Cho and Neville?
Hannah: They're all really nice too. But I'm most comfortable with Mummy.
Amynoelle: Natalie wants to know what your favourite thing to do with your mum?
Hannah: *giggles* I like the advice columns in the magazines.
Amynoelle: Those are cute little scenes when you guys do that! Heaven, should we move on to the "Katie" questions for Mia?
Heaven: Sure! Mia- this is the 'lots of people' question for you. How do you feel when Katie is rude to you? And would you be good friends with her if given the chance?
Mia: Um, well, she's a little better than she used to be. I think she doesn't like the idea of Caroline having any other friends other than her. I'd like to think she is my friend. I can't see why all three of us can't be bestest friends, really.
Hannah: And me and Em too?
Mia: Absolutely, Hannah.
Amynoelle: NicholePotter86 wants to know how you feel when Katie competes with you for Caroline's friendship?
Mia: *shrugs* I don't know. I don't like competing. Caroline can be friends with both of us. But if you ask me, she's starting to get kind of annoyed with Katie when she's mean.
Amynoelle: I Think so, too. Christina wants to know if you feel threatened by Katie because she's known Caroline longer?
Mia: No, not at all. I really don't have anything against Katie. I wish she'd just stop being mean.
Amynoelle: We already asked Hannah about having a brother or sister. But, Mia, Christina also wants to know if you want a sibling? If so, would you like a sister or a brother?
Mia: Sure! I think it'd be fun to have a little sister! Or even a little brother.
Heaven: Mia, Royal Jade, manderjean and coolman want to know what you think of your new cousin Hannah? Were you excited when you found out she was going to live with Will and Frankie?
Mia: *smiles at Hannah* I was. I overheard Mummy and Daddy talking about how Aunt Frankie wasn't sure she wanted to have children, but I knew how great they'd be as parents. Hannah was just perfect for them and I love having her as a cousin. She and I can team up against Marcus!
Hannah: *smiles* We can tease him about the Teletubbies.
Amynoelle: We promise this is the last Katie question for you, Mia. Emma--a reader, not your fellow Princess, wants to know if you think it's hard being friends with Katie when she can sometimes obviously be very mean?
Mia: Sometimes it is, yeah. But being friends with Caroline is worth it. We have a lot of fun together and sometimes Katie isn't so bad.
Heaven: Hannah, how do you like being in the princess club?
Hannah: It's the best! I love being Belle, since she's my favourite. The meetings are fun too. We get dressed up. Amynoelle: Belle's my favourite, too. Hannah, katy wants to know what sorts of things you do with Frankie and Will?
Hannah: They take me to movies, and I read magazines or go shopping with Mummy. Daddy likes to read fairy tales to me and when it's warmer, we're going to plant a garden!
Amynoelle: That sounds like a lot of fun. Molly wants to know what your days at the orphanage were like, Hannah.
Hannah: I didn't like the orphanage. I liked living with Mr. Ron and Luna.
Amynoelle: This is a question for both of you from Molly. Is there anyone you don't like? If so, who?
Hannah: Nobody....
Mia: You won't tell?
Amynoelle: We promise. Right, Heaven?
Heaven: Not a word.
Mia: I know I said I'd like to be Katie's friend... but sometimes when she says mean things to Caroline, I don't like her.
Amynoelle: We can certainly understand that. And also from Molly---is there anyone you do like? Do either of you have a crush on anyone?
Mia: No! Boys are gross!
Hannah: *shakes her head* No way!
Amynoelle: That will change, girls! And we have one more reader question for you Hannah. Coolman wants to know how do you think Frankie and Abbie would interact if they could have met?
Hannah: *thinks* My really mummy would really like Frankie. When I first met her, she reminded me of my real mummy a lot.
Amynoelle: I think she'd be really happy that you have a nice, safe home and parents who love you.
Hannah: I still miss her a lot. But mummy and daddy let me keep pictures of her on my table.
Heaven: And I heard you have a birthday coming up while you're in Brighton!
Hannah: *Nods* I'm going to be five.
Mia: We'll have loads of fun on your birthday, Hannah.
Amynoelle: Happy Early Birthday Hannah!
Heaven: Yes, Happy Birthday!
Hannah: *Blushes* Thanks.
Heaven: Thank you both so much for joining us today.
Mia: It was really fun. Thanks for letting us come over.
Heaven: You are welcome anytime!
Amynoelle: That was a lot of fun.
Heaven: I'll kind of miss the interviews! Especially when they're like that!
Amynoelle: I know...but maybe we'll pick them back up someday.
Heaven: I'm sure we will!