Authors' note: This is a nice long chapter. No cliffhanger ending for this chapter, we promise you that. Really. We really, really promise. This one has Lizzy's arrival at the Brighton beach house and also Seamus tells his son about seeing Samantha's ghost. There's also a nice little flashback in here, too. We hope you enjoy the chapter!
Lizzy arrived in Brighton several days after everyone else, relieved that she finally would get to spend time with her husband and children. Even though she figured Josh was still upset with her, she had missed him.
"Hello?" she called out setting her bag down beside the fireplace.
She heard little feet and smiled happily when Noah came stumbling into the room. "Mama!" his eyes lit up.
"Hey my little angel," Lizzy said scooping him up into her arms.
"Hi Lizzy," Allison came into the room. "We thought the kids might have gotten a little sunburnt so we kept them in today."
"You are a little red," Lizzy said touching Noah's cheek.
"Mama stay?" Noah asked.
"Mama stay," Lizzy kissed his cheek. "Ooh I missed you so, so much."
Casey toddled into the room followed by Emma.
"Mama! Mama!" Casey exclaimed.
"Hi sweetheart," Lizzy crouched down and embraced her daughter.
"They all missed you," Allison said to Lizzy. "Me too."
"I'm so glad to finally be here," Lizzy said as Emma also threw herself into their hug. "Hi Em," she laughed.
"Case sleep with me and Han," Emma told her.
"How do you like sleeping with the big girls?" Lizzy asked her daughter. "Are you having fun?"
Casey nodded enthusiastically. "Love Em."
"Em loves Casey too," Emma said, patting her cousin's red hair.
Lizzy grinned and stood up. "Where's Josh and Aidan?"
Allison motioned toward the kitchen. "The kids just had a snack and Aidan's still eating his."
"Great," Lizzy said. "I'll go drop this off in the bedroom and join you in a moment."
Allison smiled. "Okay. I'm glad you're here, Liz."
"Thanks," Lizzy gave her best friend a hug.
Lizzy hurried upstairs with her bags. The room was a little messy, which wasn't like Josh.
She used her wand to unpack quickly and made the bed by hand then picked up the few items of clothing scattered on the floor.
She freshened up a bit before going downstairs to confront her husband. He was still in the kitchen with Aidan.
"You want some more peanut butter, Aidan?" Josh was asking his son.
"Dada," Aidan nodded. "Yummy!"
"You have an appetite like your cousin Emma," Josh said grabbing the jar and placing a spoonful down on Aidan's plate.
"Where's Em?" Aidan asked as Lizzy appeared in the doorway. "MAMA!"
"Hi, Aidan!" Lizzy exclaimed with a grin. "What are you eating?"
"Butter," Aidan held up a cracker.
"Can Mama have one?" Lizzy asked holding out her hand.
"Kay," Aidan extended his arm to her. "For Mama."
Lizzy took the cracker. "Thank you, sweetheart."
She kissed her son's cheek and looked over at her husband. "Hi Josh," she said softly.
"Elizabeth," Josh said quietly. "Can I get you anything?"
She was stung by his cold tone. "Josh please--"
"Sorry," Josh said his tone softer. "I'm glad you're here."
She chanced a smile. "I missed you guys."
"We missed you too," Josh said. "I can fix you a sandwich if you like. This little guy didn't eat all the peanut butter."
"That'd be lovely," Lizzy answered. "I'm rather sick of hospital food. Something homemade would hit the spot."
"How about a turkey and cheese sandwich with some potato salad?" Josh asked. "Mum made it last night."
"Sounds wonderful," Lizzy looked over at Aidan who was busily smearing peanut butter on his face.
"Aidan!" Lizzy laughed.
He grinned back at her, making Josh laugh as well.
"You, young man, are a mess." Lizzy reached for a napkin.
"Mess," Aidan said happily.
"So what have they been up to?" Lizzy asked her husband.
"Mainly the beach, but they were a little red this morning," Josh explained. "So was Em. So Allie and I decided to keep them in today."
"Good idea," Lizzy said. "I--I was hoping that maybe we could take the triplets to the arcade this afternoon."
"Sure," Josh replied.
Lizzy smiled. "So, we're okay?"
Josh looked over at his wife. "Yeah," he replied. "I did miss you Liz."
"I missed you too," Lizzy said softly.
Casey came into the kitchen with Noah. "Dada, go beach."
"No beach today baby," Josh set a plate in front of his wife.
"Beach now," Casey pouted.
"Not until tomorrow," Josh replied.
"Mean," Casey said plopping down on the floor. "Mean Dada."
"Casey," Lizzy said. "Daddy's not mean."
"Mama beach?" Casey asked hopefully.
Lizzy shook her head. "No beach today. We're going to go play games instead!"
"Oooh," Aidan said clapping his messy hands together.
"Games?" Casey asked, her curiosity piqued.
"You remember that place that has all those fun games and the sweets?" Josh asked his daughter.
Casey nodded. "Go play games now!"
"Let's get your brother cleaned up," Lizzy said. "And then we can go."
"You finish up your lunch," Josh picked Aidan up. "I'll take care of this guy."
"Thanks," Lizzy said. She took a bite of her potato salad. "This is really good."
"Bite?" Casey pushed herself up and toddled over.
"Come here," Lizzy said picking her up. "You can have a bite."
"Yummy," Casey leaned back against her.
"So what have you been doing?" Lizzy asked.
"Beach," Casey said. "Make... cas-el."
"Big castle?" Lizzy asked.
"Big!" Casey held out her little arms. "This big!"
"That big?" Lizzy asked gasping. "Did you take a picture for me to see?"
"Don't know..." Casey poked her lower lip out.
"I'll ask your daddy when he comes back," Lizzy said picking up the spoon and holding it up for Casey. "This is a good bite right here."
"Thanks Mama," Casey said.
"You're welcome baby," Lizzy said kissing the top of her head.
"Monsters 1 and 2 are ready for games," Josh announced, carrying his sons back into the kitchen.
"Monster 3 is helping me finish lunch," Lizzy said before taking another bite of her sandwich.
"Almost done!" Casey told him.
"Nice of you to help your mummy," Josh said with a laugh.
"She's just like her cousin Em," Lizzy finished her sandwich and let her daughter polish off the potato salad.
"Em," Casey said happily.
"Em!" Noah called out.
"Em's here!" Emma ran into the kitchen.
Casey slid off of Lizzy's lap. "We go play!"
"Em wants to go to the beach," Emma looked up at her mother. "Em's bored!"
"Why don't you come to the arcade with us?" Lizzy asked Allison.
"Oooh!" Emma's eyes lit up. "Can Em go too? Please?"
"Would I go to the arcade without you?" Allison asked picking her up. "Why don't you go ask your dad if he wants to come too?"
"What about Sissy and Adam?" Emma asked.
"They can come too, of course," Allison said.
"Yay!" Emma ran to the porch. "DADDY!"
Jon was playing Exploding Snap with Caroline and he looked up just in time to see her launch herself at him. "Emma Madeline!"
"Daddy go to arcade?" Emma asked.
"Ooh! Can we, Daddy?" Caroline asked.
"We sure can," Jon replied.
"Adam too?" Emma asked. "Can't leave Adam."
"Adam too, of course," Jon said. "Why don't you two go change?"
"Kay," Emma said eagerly taking Caroline's hand and rushing back into the house.
Jon cleared away their game and went into the kitchen. He was happy to see his brother and sister-in-law joking and talking with each other.
"Hey, Liz," Jon said. "Glad to see you made it!"
"Hi Jon," Lizzy stood up and gave her brother in law a kiss on the cheek. "I just got in."
"Mama stay," Aidan told his uncle.
"That's right big guy," Jon tickled his nephew. "Your mum's sticking around."
Aidan giggled and raised his arms. "Up!"
"Up?" Jon asked. "Like this?" he swung Aidan up into the air.
Aidan laughed. "Yes!"
"I'm going to go and get Adam ready," Allison said. "Behave, Jonathan."
"Who me?" Jon asked. "I always behave."
"You shouldn't lie in front of the children," Josh told his brother.
"Is your daddy silly?" Jon asked his nephew.
Aidan nodded. "Silly Dada."
Lizzy put her arm around Josh and smiled sideways at him. "I love you, you know."
Josh kissed her. "I love you too Liz. I'm sorry I was so cross with you before."
"Me too," Lizzy said. "I wouldn't have missed this, you know? They really needed me at the hospital."
"I know," Josh assured her. "I'm really, really glad you're here now though."
"Me too," Lizzy said leaning against him.
Emma and Caroline came back downstairs dressed in shorts and t-shirts. Emma smiled up at her father. "Em play Daddy and win!"
"You think you'll win against me?" Jon teased her.
Emma nodded. "Beat you really good, Daddy!"
"We'll just see about that," Jon said. "If I win, you'll have to get me a prize!"
"What do you want?" Emma asked. "A bear?"
"No way," Jon picked her up. "I want a big piece of chocolate cake!"
"You can win that?" Emma asked softly.
"Loser buys the winner a big piece of chocolate cake," Jon nodded. "Do we have a deal, Emma Madeline?"
Emma whispered in his ear. "Em no have money, Daddy."
Jon laughed. "I guess that means I'll have to buy my Em and my Caroline some chocolate cake if I win or lose."
Caroline giggled. "Thanks, Daddy."
Lizzy smiled at her niece. "What's this I hear about you trying out for the lead in your recital?"
Caroline blushed. "Tryouts are after we get back. I really hope I can win the lead."
"She's been practising every morning," Allison said proudly.
"I bet you're a shoo-in," Lizzy told her goddaughter. "And when you're on stage, I'll be right in the front row watching."
Carline beamed at her. "Thanks, Aunt Lizzy."
"Em's ready to go!" Emma announced. "Em wants to win for Gabey!"
"He's not coming with us, sweetheart," Jon said tweaking her nose.
"But Em will win for Gabey," Emma replied. "Bring home present for Gabey!"
Jon laughed. "Okay then."
While that group headed into town, the rest of them were soaking up the remaining afternoon sunlight just down the beach from the house.
"It sure is strange being here without my mum and dad," Maddie told Ethan as they stretched out on a beach blanket.
"I know," Ethan replied. "Much quieter, actually."
Maddie hit him on the arm. "Are you saying that we Weasleys are loud?"
"You said it not me," Ethan grinned at his wife.
"We are kind of loud," Maddie said. "Especially when we're all together."
"Especially when you're not eating," Ethan cracked.
"Very funny," Maddie said hitting him again on the arm. "You remember me at Hogwarts. I was quiet and kept to myself."
Ethan leaned over and gave her a kiss. "Want to go for a walk?"
"I'd love that," Maddie replied.
Ethan stood up then offered her his hand. "Oi Nick!" he shouted. "Mads and I will be back soon!"
Nick waved at them before returning his attention to Ashley. "What are you drawing, sweetheart?"
"Just a picture of some of the houses," Ashley said. "I normally just draw people, and I want to try some other things."
"Can I see?" Nick asked.
Ashley handed her sketchbook to her father. "Do you like it?"
"Ash, that's amazing," Nick said grinning at her.
"Really?" Ashley asked happily.
"Yes, really," Nick told her, handing her back her sketchbook. "I don't know how you do it."
She blushed. "I just sort of put my pencil to the paper and draw."
"That's how it is for me when I sit down at the piano," Nick said. "Sometimes the melody and the words just come to you."
"I love drawing," Ashley said fervently. "I don't ever want to do anything but art."
Nick put his arm around her. "You have quite a talent, sweetheart. You know your mum and I are behind you in whatever you do."
"Thanks Daddy," Ashley said.
"And I can't believe you're going to start Hogwarts in a couple of months," Nick said. "Just yesterday I was teaching you how to walk."
Ashley giggled. "Aunt Saffy says she'll show me all the ropes there."
Nick nodded. "And you'll have your mum there, too. Which puts my mind at ease."
"I'll miss you a lot Daddy," Ashley told him.
"I'll miss you too, baby," Nick said giving her a hug. "Very much."
"I'll write all the time," Ashley promised. "To you and to Katie. And you'll have to promise to take good care of Sophie for me."
"We will," Nick said. "And now...how about you and me go and get some ice cream?"
"Chocolate?" Ashley asked hopefully.
"Is there any other kind?" Nick asked standing up and offering her his hand. "Your mum and sister like that boring old strawberry.'
Ashley giggled as he helped her up. "I know- I like strawberry too, but only when it's mixed with chocolate!"
"See?" Nick said tickling her side.
Ashley laughed and impulsively gave him a hug. "I love you Daddy."
"I love you too, sweetheart," Nick said hugging her tightly. "I look at you and your sister and I think I did something right."
"You do a lot of things right," Ashley told him.
Nick grinned. "Well you and Katie are the two that I'm most proud of."
Ashley grinned. "She's doing much better on her reading now, isn't she?"
Nick nodded. "And I wanted to thank you for helping her."
"I'm glad to do it," Ashley replied. "She's not so bad when she's not angry about something. It's easier to get along with her."
Nick nodded. "She's just frustrated."
Ashley nodded. "Katie doesn't like having to work while we're on holiday."
"I know," Nick said remembering how he and Julie had to force her to work an hour that morning.
"I hope she stops complaining soon," Ashley sat down as her father got out the ice cream.
"Don't count on it," Nick muttered. "How many scoops you want?"
"Two please," Ashley said. "Can I have one of each flavour so I can mix them?"
"Of course," Nick said in a dramatic voice.
Ashley smiled as the back door open and Saffron came in with Alexa and Gabe. Puddles was straining on the leash, pulling them forward.
"Puddles!" Saffron exclaimed. "Wait!"
Ashley laughed as the dog yanked her aunt forward.
"He's active this afternoon," Saffron said laughing.
"I'll say," Nick replied with a grin as Saffron undid the leash.
Ashley smiled at her aunt. "We were going to have ice cream. Do you guys want some?"
"Sure," Alexa sat down beside her. "You look so pretty with your tan, Ashley."
Ashley smiled. "Thanks."
Gabriel also grinned at her. "Draw anything new?"
"Show them that sketch you were doing," Nick said.
Ashley blushed. "Okay," she said shyly, turning the pages in her sketchbook.
She hesitated a few moments before handing the sketchbook to Saffron.
"Ashley you drew this?" Saffron asked. "This is incredible!"
"You think so?" Ashley asked. "It's not finished yet."
"I wish I could draw like that," Alexa said enviously. "I'm really great with stick people."
"Aunt Saffy said you were a great writer," Ashley said.
"She's a fantastic writer," Gabriel put an arm around his girlfriend.
Alexa smiled at him. "He's biased."
"I am not," Gabriel nuzzled her neck. "Okay... maybe just a bit."
Saffron laughed and sat down beside her niece. "Pay no attention to them. They're in lurve."
"Like you and Andrew," Ashley said to her aunt. "I'm really glad he's coming to talk to you."
Saffron smiled. "Me too, Ash. We have a lot to talk about."
Nick set bowls of ice cream out for all of them. "Dig in everyone."
"Thanks, Mr. Malfoy," Gabriel said. "It looks great."
"I love mixing it like this," Ashley vigorously stirred her ice cream together.
"You always have loved to do that," Saffron remembered.
Gabriel laughed. "My mom used to make these incredible milk shakes out of fudge brownie ice cream and Neapolitan."
"That sounds yummy," Ashley said. "We'll have to try it, right, Daddy?"
"I bet Greta could come up with something like that," Nick nodded.
"Speaking of Greta," Saffron asked. "Is she coming up here? It's been ages since I saw her."
"She stayed back at the house with Sophie," Nick told her. "I think it's like a little holiday for her to have the house to herself."
"I want to spend more time with her and my Gran," Saffron said.
"I'm sure she'd love that," Nick replied.
"This is your old nanny right?" Gabriel asked.
Saffron nodded. "Greta's amazing."
"She's our nanny now," Ashley told him. "And I imagine if Uncle Ethan and Maddie have kids, she'll move on to them."
Nick laughed. "Greta's not immortal, Ash. She'll probably retire soon as Katie goes to Hogwarts."
"Really?" Saffron asked. "But--"
"What?" Ashley asked.
"I always thought that if I had kids, she'd come and be their nanny," Saffron explained. "She wasn't just a nanny to me. I thought of her like another grandmother."
"I'm sure she'd love that," Nick told her gently. "But Saffy, she's in her seventies now."
Saffron nodded. "I know."
"I'll baby sit for you when you have kids," Ashley volunteered.
"Thanks," Saffron said. "But that's going to be a way off, Ash."
"Where are Katie and Julie?" Alexa asked.
"Still out on the beach," Nick replied.
"So are my mum and dad," Saffron said.
"It's supposed to rain tonight and part of tomorrow," Nick said. "I imagine everyone just wants their fill of the sun."
"We get enough rain in London," Saffron said pushing her empty bowl away. "Why does it have to rain here?"
"Because Mother Nature wants to piss you off?" Gabriel teased.
"Yeah, she always has had it in for me," Saffron said sticking her tongue out at him.
"So much for our walk on the beach later," Alexa said to her boyfriend in disappointment.
"We can cuddle on the covered porch," Gabriel said smiling at her.
"I love that idea," Alexa leaned against him.
Saffron smiled at the happy couple as she walked past them to get to the icebox. The smile fell from her face when she saw a note.
Jon--call RJ when you get back. He has something to ask you about.
She was tempted to crumple the note and throw it away, but out of respect for Jon she didn't.
"Aunt Saffy?" Ashley asked.
"Yeah Ash?" Saffron turned around.
"Do you think I'll get sorted into Gryffindor?" Ashley asked. "Mum seems to think there's a good chance I might get into Ravenclaw."
"I hope you'll go to Gryffindor with me," Saffron replied. "But Ravenclaw's not so bad either."
"I really want to be in Gryffindor," Ashley said. "You're there and so's Alexa. And then it's the same house that Mummy and Uncle Ethan were in and Aunt Chiaki and all the Weasleys..."
"I'm sure you'll get in," Saffron assured her. "And even if you don't, you can still come to me with anything you need."
"Because you're going to be her royal highness, right?" Gabriel asked with a wink at Alexa. "Her Supreme Greatness..."
"Sod off Gabe," Saffron laughed.
"She's going to find out in a couple of days," Alexa said. "It's between her and this cow, Mary Ellen."
"Wait until you meet Mary Ellen," Saffron rolled her eyes at her niece. "You'll want to bay at the moon, she's so hideous."
Ashley giggled. "Really?"
"Unfortunately she's not lying," Alexa confirmed.
"She and I have competed over everything," Saffron told her niece. "Except Quidditch because she couldn't fly to save her life. During her first lesson, she messed up and the broom hit her square in the forehead."
Gabriel, Ashley and Nick laughed at that.
"Has Jules said anything to you about who it is?" Saffron asked her brother-in-law.
Nick shrugged and hoped he looked innocent, and then winked at his daughter when Saffron looked away in disappointment.
"The suspense is killing me," Saffron said putting her head in her hands. "I swear if Mary Ellen's Head Girl, I will not go back to school out of protest."
"Yes you will," Alexa nudged her.
"And there's no way Mary Ellen Cow would beat you."
"You girls are harsh," Gabriel commented. "She can't be THAT bad."
Alexa and Saffron both scoffed. "You have no idea Gabe," Alexa told her boyfriend.
"The only marks that she has better than me are in Potions and that's because Snape hates everyone named Potter," Saffron said.
"But Snape has no say in who gets to be Head Girl," Alexa reminded her.
"Do you know he used to come over to our house in Sydney when I was a kid," Nick said thoughtfully.
"Really?" Saffron asked, scrunching up her nose in disgust.
"That's so gross," Alexa shuddered.
"He kind of scared me when I was little," Nick said.
"He still scares me," Alexa admitted.
"I wish I didn't have to have him," Ashley wrapped her arms around herself.
Saffron put her arm around her niece. "He gives you any trouble, you let me know."
"Thanks Aunt Saffy," Ashley said gratefully. "I'm so glad you'll be there for my first year."
"Anyone gives you any trouble, you let me know," Saffron said. "I mean it. No one is going to mess with you, Ash."
Nick laughed. "Nice to know my daughter has a bodyguard."
"Two of them," Alexa said. "Though I'm nowhere near as intimidating as Saffy."
"No one's as intimidating as Saffy," Gabriel drawled.
"Awwww," Saffron said blinking her eyes at him. "That's the sweetest thing you've ever said to me!"
"Don't get used to it," Gabriel returned. "I save all my sweet words for this girl here."
Alexa smiled at him and felt happier than she could remember being in quite some time.
Just outside, a car pulled up in the drive. Lavender had spent the day in London going over some business with her boutiques and Seamus had to visit the office to take some calls.
The couple were also hatching a surprise for Gabriel. Or at least, trying to. They were going to see if Lewis and Margaret would come to London for a week's vacation.
"You really think he's going to go for it?" Seamus asked his wife.
"I'm sure he'll be thrilled," Lavender assured him. "He misses them while he's here."
"It's not Gabe I'm worried about," Seamus said. "It's Lewis. I mean, we've made some inroads, but he still doesn't care for me that much. I just---I think it would be nice for Gabriel if both sets of his grandparents could meet."
"Maybe this will help then," Lavender replied.
"I hope so," Seamus said taking her hand. "Remember, don't say anything to him."
"Not a word," Lavender gave him a kiss.
They walked up the porch steps and Lavender frowned when she saw Harry sitting on the swing with Hermione.
"Where did you get those awful sunglasses?" Lavender asked him.
"From your shop," Harry retorted.
"You didn't because I wouldn't sell anything so ghastly," Lavender countered. "They make you look like a fly, Harry."
"It's so nice to see you too," Harry said sarcastically.
"You two look all nice and tan," Seamus said to Hermione.
Lavender looked at Harry. "You still look kind of pasty though, Harry."
"You know, I hear the hotel down the block is really nice," Harry replied. "We don't have any more room here."
"You're just mad because I tell you the truth," Lavender said setting her bag down. "And I'm only trying to help you. If you want to be the Hottest Wizard again, you really need to work on your image..."
Harry snorted. "I held the title for years. I don't care about that anymore."
"Why do you keep the magazines then?" Lavender asked gleefully.
"Lavender, leave him alone," Hermione stuck up for her husband. "He's still the sexiest wizard in the world to me."
"Thank you, Hermione," Harry said putting his arm around her.. "That's the only vote that matters to me."
Lavender rolled her eyes. "Where's everyone at?"
"Gabe's inside with Alexa and Saffy," Hermione told her.
"And Lav's not going to meddle," Seamus interjected.
"I don't need to," Lavender said. "They're together and they're happy."
"There was something I was hoping to ask you both about," Seamus said to Harry and Hermione.
"What's that?" Harry asked.
"I was going to try and have my parents come down for a couple of days," Seamus explained. "And I was hoping to invite Sam's mum and dad too so they could get to know each other. I think it would be great for Gabe. But since this is your house..."
"You know they're more than welcome," Harry replied. "Do Gabriel's grandparents know about magic though?"
Seamus hadn't thought about that. "Um, no."
"The hotel down the street really is lovely," Hermione said. "Perhaps they might like it better staying there with your parents... if that's what you'd like."
"Or maybe," Lavender said touching her husband's arm. "Maybe we should tell them."
"I don't think Lewis would react well at all," Seamus shook his head.
"But you can't hide this from him forever," Lavender said. "And what if Gabriel slips up one day and mentions something and if he and Alexa one day decide to get married---"
"Aren't you getting a little ahead of yourself?" Hermione asked her cousin. "Lav, the two of them just started dating a few months ago. And they're both so young."
Lavender shook her head. "I was just giving an example, Hermione. I just think it would be best if everything was out in the open."
"I'll think about it," Seamus replied.
"Dad!" Gabriel exclaimed as he came out onto the porch. "I thought I heard your voice."
"Hi son," Seamus stood up and hugged him. "Miss your old man?"
"Quite a bit," Gabriel replied. "Hi, Lavender."
"Hi Gabe," Lavender hugged her stepson. "Are you having fun?"
Gabriel nodded. "I left Saffron inside talking about someone named Mary Ellen Ward...."
"That's the girl Saffy's running against for Head Girl," Hermione nodded.
"I thought you said Saffron already had it," Lavender said.
"She doesn't know that," Hermione replied. "And none of us are to tell her."
"Our lips are sealed," Lavender promised.
"Good," Hermione sat back. "She's going to be thrilled."
"Gabe?" Seamus asked his son. "How about you help me take these bags upstairs?"
"Sure," Gabriel agreed. "Does Lavender's weigh about two hundred pounds like usual?"
"Very funny," Lavender said shaking her head. "Very, very funny..."
"I try," Gabriel grinned at her.
Seamus followed his son back into the house and upstairs. "So how has it been so far, son?"
"I've been having a great time," Gabriel said.
"I'm glad," Seamus said. "You deserve it."
"And Lex is amazing," Gabriel replied. "I love spending all this time with her."
"I remember how that is," Seamus said with a grin. He set the bags down on the floor. "Spending all that time together..."
"We were supposed to go for a walk on the beach tonight," Gabriel said. "But Nick said it's supposed to rain."
Seamus smiled thoughtfully as he looked out the window. "Sometimes though rainy nights can be the best..."
***
He'd been working in his office studio for most of the afternoon and had forgotten his promise to Samantha that they'd go for a walk. He was so hard at work going over some dailies that he hadn't heard her knocking.
She opened the door and snuck up behind him. "You work too hard, you know that?"
He turned and smiled at her. "Like you said, I'm a workaholic."
Samantha looped her arms around his neck. "Well, you don't have to go for that walk with me. It's raining."
"What walk?" Seamus asked.
"That walk you promised to take with me when we woke up this morning," Samantha reminded him.
"I'm sorry," Seamus apologised. "I completely forgot."
"It's okay," she said giving him a kiss. "But you know how you could make it up to me?"
Seamus shut down his projector. "No..."
"I made some vegetable soup," she said. "You could come upstairs and have dinner with me. And then afterwards, you can sit with me on the sofa and we can watch old movies."
"Sounds like my kind of night," Seamus gave her a kiss.
Samantha smiled at him. "So you don't mind having me around then?"
"Of course not," he replied. "I love being around you Sam."
"I should at least try to go home tonight," Samantha said. "I haven't seen my apartment in days."
"So what difference does another day make?" Seamus asked, putting his arms around her.
"You just don't like sleeping alone," Samantha teased.
"I've gotten rather used to you," Seamus nuzzled her neck.
"I've...I've gotten used to you too," Samantha closed her eyes. Ever since they'd met at the club, they'd spent every night together. She'd heard of being swept off your feet but she hadn't really believed it until she'd met him. "Seamus?"
"Yeah?" he answered softly.
"I love you," she whispered. It was the first time she'd ever said those words to him.
Seamus pulled back and looked at her for a long moment.
"I shouldn't have said it so soon," Samantha apologized. "But its how I feel. I just wanted you to know."
"Sam," Seamus brushed her hair back behind her ear. "I'm falling for you too."
Samantha smiled up at him. "Really?"
"I haven't felt like this in a long time," Seamus told her. "You're different than other women, Sam. And I really love that about you."
She felt tears welling up in her eyes as he kissed her.
"I've been meaning to tell you how I felt for awhile now but I didn't want to scare you off," Samantha said.
"Nah," he grinned at her. "I've faced worse monsters than you."
Samantha poked him in the side. "Just for that, I'm going home tonight, mister."
"No way," Seamus shook his head. "I'm not letting you leave here."
"Oh, you're not," Samantha giggled. "How are you going to stop me, Finnigan?"
"I could pin you down," Seamus said loftily.
"I'm not afraid of you," Samantha said playfully swatting him on his chest.
"That's because I'm not the monster," Seamus teased.
"Ooooooooh," Samantha said stepping back. "Okay, then. I'm going and I'm taking my soup with me."
"Not the soup!" Seamus said dramatically.
Samantha made for the door.
"Nuh uh," Seamus caught her around the waist.
"Seamus!"
"You are not going anywhere, Boyd." Seamus informed her.
"Let me go," she said laughing. "Come on!"
"Only if you promise to stay," Seamus was also laughing.
"I'll stay," Samantha said trying to turn around, but he was still holding onto her.
"Permanently," Seamus said resting his chin on her shoulder.
Samantha stared up at him. "Permanently?"
"You practically live here anyway," Seamus pointed out. "And I love having you here and I think you love being here. Move in with me, Sam."
"Okay," she agreed instantly.
Seamus smiled and spun her around. "You know what this means, don't you?"
Samantha laughed. "That I'm going to have to give up my apartment?"
"Well, that," Seamus said picking her up. "But that's not all..."
"What else?" Samantha asked, her arms around his neck
Seamus just grinned as he carried her out of his office and down the hall toward his bedroom.
"The soup is going to get cold," Samantha reminded him.
"We'll heat it back up," Seamus said huskily.
Samantha grinned back at him, laughing as he kicked open the bedroom door. "That was really smooth."
"One of those times when a third arm would come in handy," he said dryly.
"Too bad you don't know magic," Samantha said jokingly.
His smile slipped for a moment. "Right..." he said. One of these days he swore he would tell her everything.
"It's okay though," Samantha said pulling him down on the bed with her. "I love you just the same."
***
"How come you never told Mom about your magic?" Gabriel asked, breaking Seamus from his reverie.
"Hmm?" Seamus asked turning around to look at his son.
"How come you never told Mom that you could do magic?" Gabriel repeated.
"I did," Seamus told him.
"Oh," Gabriel said. "I didn't think you did."
Seamus smiled. "We were eating breakfast one morning when an owl arrived of all things with a letter for me. She thought that was a bit odd and so I sat down with her and told her."
"What did she say?" Gabriel asked.
"She thought I'd been drinking at first, but I explained it to her and she ...she asked me to show her some spells and charms. She took it pretty well, actually," Seamus remembered.
"Better than me?" Gabriel asked sheepishly.
"Yes, well she loved me when I told her," Seamus said. "You were quite pissed at me if I remember correctly when you found out."
"Yeah, a bit," Gabriel said. "At least we worked past it."
"Yes we did," Seamus said smiling at him. "I've been thinking about your mum quite a bit lately. There's something I need to tell you..."
"What's that?" Gabriel asked.
Seamus sat down on the edge of the bed. "I...I saw your mum actually."
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Do you remember that afternoon when I stopped by to see you and your friend Nico took my car for a test drive?" Seamus asked.
"Vaguely," Gabriel answered.
"She appeared to me just outside your house," Seamus said. "Don't look at me like that, Gabe. It really happened."
"I thought you said you couldn't talk to people who um... died and--" Gabriel began.
"Normally you can't," Seamus said. "But for some reason she came to me."
"Why didn't she come to me?" Gabriel asked quietly.
"I don't know, Gabe," Seamus said. "Maybe she wanted to say goodbye..."
Gabriel sat down on the edge of the bed and looked away from his father. "Why didn't you ever tell me?"
"I wasn't sure how you'd react," Seamus admitted. "I'm sorry, Gabe."
Gabriel bit his lower lip. "If you see her again... will you tell me right away?"
Seamus nodded. "You have my word."
"I never really got to say goodbye to her," Gabriel said quietly.
"She knew that you loved her," Seamus said.
"I hope so," Gabriel said as a soft knock sounded on the door.
"Hi, Mr. Finnigan," Alexa said opening the door. "Mrs. Finnegan said Gabe was up here..."
"Hello Alexa," Seamus greeted his son's girlfriend.
"Everything okay?" Alexa asked.
"All right," Gabriel stood up.
"Why don't you two go for your walk now?" Seamus suggested.
Gabriel nodded and took his girlfriend's hand. "See you in a bit."
Gabriel was silent and Alexa could tell something was wrong. "Sickle for your thoughts---no wait, I guess it would be penny for your thoughts?"
"Come on," Gabriel tugged at her arm. "I'll tell you outside."
Alexa nodded. They walked downstairs and then out onto the deck. "Spill. What's going on, Gabe?"
Gabriel sighed. "My dad just told me he saw my mom..."
"But your mum is---" Alexa started to say.
"I know," he said. "It was her ghost."
"Oh," Alexa said. "Gabe--"
"Why didn't she come see me?" Gabriel asked.
Alexa shook her head. "I don't know, Gabe."
"But you have magical powers," Gabriel said. "Maybe you can... I don't know... summon her or something?"
"It doesn't work like that," Alexa told him gently. "I wish it did. I'd give anything to make that happen for you."
Gabriel squeezed her hand. "I just wish I could tell her I was sorry for running out before she died."
"You never had the chance to say goodbye," Alexa said softly.
He shook his head wordlessly.
"Saffy was the same way about her grandfather," Alexa remembered. "It was a couple of summers ago and she was here having a good time with RJ, Sean and me. And she was so ...I don't even know how to describe it---I've never seen her like that, Gabe. She was so close to him. And the thing that broke her heart most of all was that she never did get to say goodbye."
"It's not a very nice feeling," he muttered.
"I wish I could have known her," Alexa said softly.
"She'd have liked you," Gabriel said with a small smile.
"That's because I'm very likeable," Alexa said smiling back at him.
"Yes you are," Gabriel replied.
"And just because she hasn't appeared to you yet doesn't mean she can't in the future," Alexa said softly. "I know it doesn't seem fair."
"I'd love to see her again," Gabriel replied. "I want to tell her all about you."
Alexa put her arms around him and hugged him tightly.
"I am so, so glad you're here," Gabriel hugged her back.
"I wouldn't be anywhere else," Alexa said. "I have some good news actually for you. I meant to tell you earlier..."
"What?" Gabriel already felt better.
"Well, Julie's going to help me prepare my applications for college," Alexa told him. "I asked her since she went to a Muggle university and she thinks I have a really good chance of getting in to either USC or UCLA."
Gabriel grinned. "I really hope you go to USC."
"You'll be a junior by the time I go," Alexa pointed out. "Would you want to be seen with a lowly freshman?"
"Haven't we already gone through this?" Gabriel teased her, wrapping his arms around her.
"I'm just making sure you still feel the same way," Alexa said with a grin.
"I will," he replied. "I already know I will."
Alexa leaned and in and kissed him.
Every day Gabriel found himself falling for her harder. He pulled her closer and deepened the kiss, pushing her back onto the bench.
"Mmm," Alexa murmured.
"You are incredible," Gabriel broke away for a moment.
"You are too," Alexa said resting her forehead on his. "You make me happy."
"I'm glad to hear that," Gabriel touched her cheek and kissed her again. "Lexie... I don't know what I'm going to do when summer's over."
"Get back to those huge books and dissecting things," Alexa said smiling at him.
Gabriel smiled. "I meant when it comes to us. I don't even want to think about us being apart."
"I know what you meant," Alexa said resting her head on his shoulder. "But we'll get through it. And before you know it, we'll be back here and then we'll be getting ready for school...together."
"Together," he nodded.
"And I'll get to meet all your friends back home," Alexa said.
"You'll get along great with them," Gabriel assured her. "Especially Nico. He's chomping at the bit to meet you."
Alexa laughed. "With the stories you've told me, I feel like I already know him."
"And he's already complained that I talk too much about you and that he needs to meet you," Gabriel nodded. "Maybe before the summer is over you can come back with me. I'd love to show you around LA."
"I'd love that," Alexa said. "And I'd really like to meet your grandparents too."
Gabriel laughed. "If I don't introduce you to them before I go back to school, I may as well be persona non grata in my house."
"That bad?" Alexa asked.
"I might be exaggerating a little," Gabriel kissed her again.
"GABEY!"
The two of them broke apart to see Emma Weasley running toward them with a bear in her hands and her face painted. Her parents and cousins were not too far behind.
"What do you have there, Emma Weasley?" Gabe asked grinning at her.
"Bear for Gabey!" Emma held it up. "Em won for you!"
Gabriel laughed. "For me?"
Emma nodded. "Em play big game and won."
"Skee-ball," Jon explained. "She was tearing it up."
"She had over 100 tokens," Caroline said.
"Wow," Gabriel said. "I'm very impressed Em!"
"You're way better at that game than me," Alexa said to the little redhead. "I'm rubbish."
"Lexie good too," Emma nodded. "I know."
Alexa smiled. "Thanks, Em."
Gabriel handed the bear back to Emma. "I can't take this, Em. You won it."
"For Gabey," Emma pushed it back at him.
Gabriel couldn't say no to that face. "Okay, but you have to help me name him."
Emma giggled. "It's a girl!"
Gabriel chuckled. "Oh, sorry! What should we name her?"
"Lexie," Emma said coyly.
"I love that name," Gabe said with a wink at his girlfriend.
"And Gabey loves Lexie," Emma replied as the rest of the group finally joined them on the porch.
Alexa blushed.
"But Lexie's going to marry Uncle RJ," Caroline said sitting down on the bench beside Alexa.
"Caroline!" Jon said quickly.
"She is," Caroline said innocently. "Just like in a Disney movie!"
"Caroline, we talked about that, remember?" Allison reminded her daughter.
"How about we get inside?" Jon asked. "Come on, girls."
"Take good care of Lexie," Emma told Gabriel.
"I will," Gabriel promised. "Both of them."
Emma gave him a hug before following her family inside.
"That was so sweet," Alexa picked up the stuffed bear. "She is the cutest little girl in the world."
"She is," Gabriel said. "I can't believe she won me a bear."
"And had you name it Lexie," Alexa laughed.
Gabriel looked at the bear. "She does look like you...cute."
"So you're saying I look like a bear?" Alexa hit him in the arm.
"I'm saying you're as cute as a teddy bear," Gabriel said tickling her.
"I don't know if that's a compliment or not," Alexa laughed.
"It is," Gabriel reassured her. "Come on, Lexie and Alexa. We better get inside before the rain starts..."
"I still want to sit out here with you later," Alexa said, leaning against him. "Do a little more snogging..."
"I think that's a great idea," Gabriel said holding her close. 'And thank you for being here for me."
"Of course," Alexa wrapped her arms around him. "You're my guy, Gabe."
"That's what I needed to hear," Gabriel whispered.
Alexa kissed him again, laughing as a cool raindrop hit her cheek. "Come on."
"Back to the circus," Gabriel said standing up and offering her his hand.
"Right," Alexa wove their fingers together.
"Everything okay?" Seamus asked when they came back inside.
"Fine," Gabriel nodded and smiled at his father.
"Good," Seamus said. "What do you have there, a bear?"
"Em won it for me," Gabriel showed it to him.
"Em has a bit of a crush," Seamus said with a grin.
Gabriel laughed. "She had me name the bear Lexie."
"And then he told me that I looked like a bear," Alexa said nudging Gabe.
"Very smooth, son." Seamus shook his head. "Have I taught you nothing?"
"I was trying to say she was cute as a bear," Gabriel said. "It didn't quite come out as I intended."
"I had to tease him about it," Alexa slid her arms around him. "Too good to pass up."
"The vote is for pizza tonight," Lavender said joining them. "You lot in?"
"Sure," Gabriel said after looking at his girlfriend. "Sounds good to us."
"I'll go and tell the egomaniac then," Lavender said.
"I heard that," Harry replied. "And just for that, I'm cancelling the sushi."
"Mr. Wonderful," Lavender said doing a little curtsy.
"Nice save," Harry laughed.
Maddie sat down beside her sister-in-law on the sofa. Saffron was just sitting with Puddles and not really saying much.
"I guess I don't need to ask what you're thinking about," Maddie said softly.
Saffron looked over at her sister in law. "You're sort of right," she replied. "Andrew's coming here this weekend so we can talk."
"You two belong together," Maddie said. "I'm glad you're trying to work things out."
"Thanks Maddie," Saffron rubbed Puddles's ears. "So what are you and my dorky brother up to this evening?"
"We're going to watch the triplets while Josh and Lizzy go out for dinner," Maddie told her.
"That's really nice of you," Saffron replied. "If you need any help, let me know."
"There are three of them, we just might," Maddie said as Casey toddled over to them. "Did you know we were talking about you, Miss Casey?"
"Doggy," Casey reached for Puddles.
"He likes it when you scratch behind his ears," Saffron told the toddler. "Like this..."
"Ooh," Casey grinned. "Love doggy!"
Saffron grinned back at her. "I think Puddles loves you too, Case."
Casey beamed at her. "Saf-fy!"
Saffron giggled. "That's right. You are such a smart girl!"
Maddie scooped up her niece. "Saffy, did you know Casey's very ticklish right here?"
"I didn't," Saffron said as Maddie tickled Casey's side causing the little girl to squeal.
"Mad!" Casey exclaimed.
"Casey's ticklish!" Maddie grinned at her niece. "What if we get Aidan and Noah and tickle them too?"
"Get!" Casey said pointing toward her brothers and Ethan who were playing with some toys.
"Leave us boys alone," Ethan said over his shoulder. "Right, guys?"
"Play!" Noah nodded, pointing to the toy cars.
"What if I get Ethan?" Maddie whispered in Casey's ear.
Casey giggled. "Get him!"
Maddie grinned and launched herself at Ethan toppling him over.
"Ethan go boom!" Noah exclaimed clapping his hands.
"Mads!" Ethan exclaimed as the kids all shrieked with laughter. "What are you doing?"
"Knocking you over," Maddie said innocently. "Come on guys, help me get him!"
"Whoa---what?" Ethan asked.
"Get Ethan!" Saffron pointed. "Get him you guys!"
"Saf!" Ethan protested. "Mmmph!"
Maddie got out of the way just in time as the triplets moved in on him.
"Tickle!" Aidan said happily.
Saffron grinned. She knew how much her brother hated being tickled. "Get him!"
"Come on!" Ethan was laughing.
"Get him right here," Maddie reached for her husband.
"Argh!" Casey shouted before doing as Maddie suggested. "Ickle Tickle!"
Saffron nearly fell over as her brother's face turned purple. "I need a camera!" she gasped.
"You can use the one on my phone," Seamus said handing her his mobile.
"Thanks," Saffron snapped a few shots.
"Saffy I'll kill you," Ethan struggled to breathe he was laughing so hard.
"Be nice!" Saffron said wagging her finger at him. "You're setting an example."
"What about we tickle Aunt Maddie over there!" Ethan managed to grab one of the triplets.
"No Mad!" Noah exclaimed. "No Mad!"
"That's right," Maddie replied with a grin. "They wouldn't get their favourite Aunt Mad like that!"
"No one wants to help me?" Ethan asked incredulously.
The triplets shook their heads and Casey plopped down in Maddie's lap. "Love Mad."
"That's my girl," Maddie kissed the top of Casey's red head.
"Unbelievable," Ethan said shaking his head. "Even now no one can say no to her."
Saffron laughed. "Including you."
"Thanks, brat," Ethan said.
"See, Puddles?" Saffron said to her puppy. "Never a dull moment around here."
Puddles barked, making Casey laugh.
"Pizzas are ordered," Harry announced. "And we all might get a piece since Ronald isn't here."
"I'm eating in his place," Maddie told her father in law with a grin.
"I forgot about that," Harry said with a groan.
"I promise to go easy on you," Maddie replied.
"Em eat too!" Emma exclaimed from the sofa. "For Gampa!"
"Oh no!" Harry exclaimed in mock horror. "I didn't order enough pizza for Emma!"
Emma frowned. "No pizza?"
"I'm sure we'll have at least one piece left," Harry picked her up.
"Promise?" Emma asked her lower lip trembling.
Harry kissed her cheek. "I'm just teasing Em. I got you your own little pepperoni and extra cheese pizza."
"Kay," Emma said brightening a little.
"And..." Harry whispered in her ear. "We have some chocolate cake in the icebox."
Emma's eyes grew large. "Really?" she whispered back. "Em favouritest!"
"But it's our secret," Harry said. "Okay?"
Emma nodded. "Kay."
"What are you two whispering about?" Allison asked, carrying Adam as he sucked happily on a bottle.
"Nothing, Mummy," Emma said solemnly.
Harry winked at her before setting her down. "We're just talking about dinner."
"That's her favourite subject," Allison said. "How are you doing, Uncle Harry?"
"I'm doing fine," Harry smiled. "Looks like Adam's enjoying his first summer here."
"All three of them love it here," Allison said smiling down at her son. "Just like my sisters and I did. There are so many good memories in this house."
Harry nodded. "And we keep making more every year."
"Mummy!" Caroline's voice rang out from upstairs.
"Um, could you hold him for me while I go check on her?" Allison asked him.
"Sure," Harry took the little boy in his arms.
Allison handed him the bottle. "He's nearly finished."
"Want me to burp him for you?" Harry offered. "It's been awhile but I think I remember how to do it."
"That'd be great," Allison said before heading upstairs to check on her oldest.
"Em can help with Adam," Emma said, sitting down next to Harry on the sofa.
"Thanks, Em," Harry said.
"He loves bottles," Emma told him.
"He's almost cleaned this one out," Harry said.
"Mummy burps him with this," Emma reached for a cloth sitting on the arm of the sofa.
"Can you put it on my shoulder, Em?" Harry asked her.
"Kay," Emma said, doing just that.
"Thanks," Harry said handing her the empty bottle. "Come here, little guy."
"That's just like Daddy!" Emma giggled as Harry rested Adam on his shoulder and began patting his back.
Adam then let out a rather loud burp.
Emma clapped her hands. "All done!"
"So, I take it I still have it?" Harry asked with a grin.
Emma nodded. "Good job."
Hermione had been watching them from across the room and she went over to join them. "He's getting so big."
"Big like Em," Emma nodded.
"Things like this bring back memories," Harry said looking down at Adam who was cooing up at him.
"Yes it does," Hermione said with a grin.
"Remember with Jules, I was so afraid I'd mess up and drop her or do something wrong," Harry said to his wife.
"You did fine," Hermione said fondly. "All three times."
"They did turn out pretty well, didn't they?" Harry said.
"Quite so," Hermione glanced over at her middle and youngest children, who were laughing together about something.
"We've been lucky considering,'' Harry said thoughtfully. "Who we are...the press..."
"Yeah," Hermione answered. "That's why I like it here so much. We have some privacy."
Emma had fallen asleep, her head falling against Harry's arm. Adam, too, seemed to be drifting off.
"Normalcy," Harry said with a grin. "Or as normal as we can possibly get."
"Normal's overrated," Hermione smiled at the sleeping three year old. "Should we take her upstairs?"
Harry shook his head. "Pizza will be here soon. She'd hate to miss it."
"Of course," Hermione gently lifted Emma into her lap without waking her up.
"You doing okay, love?" Harry asked softly.
Hermione nodded. "Just enjoying all the family here."
"Did you ring Elinore to see how she was doing?" Harry asked.
"She's a bit down," Hermione said softly. "She really misses Dad. I can't believe it's been almost two years."
"I know," Harry said. "But maybe you could see if she wants to come down here for a few days."
"I think she'd like that," Hermione nodded. "I'll ring her in the morning and ask."
"We'd love to have her," Harry said.
"Thank you," Hermione leaned in and kissed him.
"What was that for?" Harry asked.
"Because I love you," Hermione smiled at him. "And I don't need a reason to kiss my husband."
"I love you too," Harry said grinning at her.