Okay, okay, you guys have been patient long enough. The LOOOOOONG awaited Saffron and Andrew talk is here! And we hope you enjoy the rest of the chapter too ;)
The beach house kitchen was agog with activity Saturday morning when Alexa and Saffron awoke. Harry had the idea to throw a big barbecue and had invited all the families---including the Longbottoms and the Weasleys who hadn't had a chance to make it down here for the extended holiday.
Saffron and Alexa quickly dressed and made their way downstairs to see if there was anything they could do to help. Before they made it into the kitchen, Hermione called out to the two girls from the sitting room.
"Saffron, Alexa. Could you come in here for a minute?"
"Sure Mum," Saffron said. "What's up?"
Hermione set her book aside. "There's something you need to know and I'm hoping that you'll be mature enough to cooperate."
Saffron raised an eyebrow. "Ookay..."
"Ron and Luna are coming down for the barbecue," Hermione began. "And when I spoke to Luna this morning, she told me that RJ would be coming, too."
Saffron rolled her eyes. "Great. Just what we need."
"Saffron Grace," Hermione warned. "Like it or not, he is part of the family and I'm not asking you to hang out with him. I'm asking you to be civil."
"You can just ignore him, Saffy." Alexa said. "Come on, don't be like this. Andrew's coming and you can just talk to him."
"That's not the only thing," Hermione said gently. "There's something else."
"Don't tell me," Saffron said sarcastically. "He's reconciled with that slag, Serena and he's bringing her."
Hermione shook her head. "No, but he is bringing a guest which is why I'm speaking with you now. Luna asked me to say something to you."
Saffron crossed her arms but didn't say anything.
"She's a Muggle and RJ hasn't told her what we all are," Hermione told her. "Luna's asked that we not talk about magic when you're around her."
"Fine," Saffron said.
"Who is she?" Alexa asked.
"She works in Jon's pub," Hermione said. "Luna says she's a very nice girl."
Alexa nodded. She didn't know why, but she felt a little odd about this.
"So we have to walk on eggshells all day?" Saffron asked.
"Just be polite," Hermione replied. "That's all I ask."
"Fine," Saffron said begrudgingly.
"Thank you," Hermione said. "You can see if your father wants any help in the kitchen."
"Okay," Saffron said. "Come on, Lex."
"Saffy, promise me you'll be nice," Alexa said when they left the room. "Promise."
"I promise," Saffron said. "I have bigger things to be concerned about than RJ. Andrew's coming."
"There you go," Alexa encouraged. "You'll make up with him and everything will be fine."
"I hope so," Saffron said leading the way into the kitchen. "Daddy, do you need any help?"
"I think I'm okay," Harry replied. "The deck outside could use some sweeping, though."
"I'll do that," Alexa offered. "I need some fresh air anyway."
"We can do it in two minutes with magic," Saffron replied.
"Speaking of magic, your mother did tell you about RJ and Audrey?" Harry asked her.
Saffron rolled her eyes. "Audrey. That's her name?"
"I want you to be nice," Harry told her firmly. "No one can make you like RJ, but you can be cordial. To both of them."
"We could always lock her in her room until they've gone home," Ethan said dryly.
"Very funny little man," Saffron retorted.
"Brat," Ethan countered.
"Don't make me give you a tail," Saffron threatened.
"I could give you a snout," Ethan said grinning at her before turning his back.
Saffron grabbed her wand and was about to mutter the spell when Harry waved his hand causing her wand to fly out of her grasp and into his.
"Daddy!" Saffron exclaimed. "That's not fair!"
"Don't you have a porch to sweep, Saffron Grace?" Ethan asked.
"I'll get you back," Saffron glared at her brother.
Ethan waited until his sister and her friend were out of the kitchen. "Thanks, Dad."
"She's scary when she's mad," Harry smirked. "And you're terrified of her. I'm surprised you baited her."
"Well, I'm supposed to be a big, bad Auror," Ethan said leaning against the counter. "I'm not supposed to be scared of my baby sister."
"Supposed is the key word here," Harry said dryly.
"I can't believe Mum actually offered to help," Ethan said shaking his head. "As if she could cook anything..."
"I heard that," Hermione came into the kitchen. "And I made the tapioca."
Ethan gulped. "Mum---"
"Don't worry, I won't poison any of you," Hermione set her book on the counter.
"It's actually pretty good," Harry said. "I watched her make it."
Hermione grinned at him. "Thank you dear."
"We've got enough food here for a small army," Ethan said. "Which is what we'd need to feed all the Weasleys."
"Or just Ron," Harry quipped.
"And my wife," Ethan said.
"What about me?" Maddie joined them.
"Just your appetite," Ethan said. "Did you get through to Justin?"
Sarah and Justin were watching Blue while the young couple were on holiday and Maddie checked in every day by phone to talk to the pixie.
"I did," Maddie nodded. "And Blue's doing just fine."
"You're missing him, aren't you?" Ethan asked her.
"He's my baby," Maddie answered. "Of course I miss him."
"Did you make something for Aunt Cho and Kiki?" Ethan asked his father. "Since they won't eat anything with a face?"
"I've got them all taken care of," Harry answered. "Veggie casserole in the icebox."
Hermione looked outside. "And it looks as if the weather's going to cooperate." She caught sight of her daughter straightening up the deck. She hoped Saffron would be on her best behaviour tonight.
Saffron was just setting up some beach umbrellas when she felt someone tap on her shoulder. She smiled. "Sean! What are you doing here?"
"Saw you up here and thought you might need a hand," he grinned at her. "You lot are famous for the parties, aren't you?"
"There's so many of us," Saffron said smiling at him. "We'd love it if you could make it."
"Wouldn't miss it," Sean helped her put some cushions on the benches.
Alexa excused herself to see if she could help with anything inside.
"Something wrong?" Sean asked. "You don't seen your normal, cheery self."
"Me?" Saffron asked. "I'm fine..."
"Uh-huh," Sean said unconvinced. "Is it your Gran?"
"No," Saffron answered. "I guess... I'm a little nervous about Andrew coming tonight. And stupid RJ is coming and everyone keeps warning me not to say anything to him."
"You're still not friendly with him, I gather?" Sean asked.
Saffron shook her head. "I can't stand him."
"Why would you have to be careful around him?" Sean asked. "Just stay away from him."
"That's what I said," Saffron answered. "But everyone seems to be determined to remind me to leave him be."
"You know I'm not his biggest fan," Sean said. "I still can't believe he did that to Alexa."
"Yeah I know," Saffron agreed. "Jerk..."
Sean grinned. "You look really nice today, Miss Potter. I'm not just saying that to make you feel better."
Saffron smiled at him. "You don't have to suck up to me, Grant."
Sean's gaze lingered a little too long and his cheeks reddened when she caught him. "Sorry."
"It's okay," Saffron blushed a little too. "Um... I think we're finished out here."
"What time should I be here tonight?" Sean asked.
"I think we're going to eat around half past five," Saffron answered.
"I'll be here," Sean said. "And if you need to rant about RJ, you can come to me."
Saffron grinned. "I'll remember that."
Inside, Alexa was helping clean up the sitting room. She could hear Julie in the next room talking to the younger kids about magic.
"And just don't say anything about magic when you're in front of RJ's new friend," Julie was saying. "She doesn't know about us, okay?"
"Okay Mummy," Ashley replied. "We won't say anything."
"What's her name?" Hannah asked.
"Her name is Audrey," Julie told them. "And she works with your daddy, Emma."
"Is she Uncle RJ's new girlfriend?" Caroline asked.
Julie paused for a moment. "She might be..."
Caroline frowned. "I wish Alexa was still his girlfriend."
"I know you do," Julie replied. "But you'll understand all that stuff when you get older."
"Why do grownups always say that?" Katie asked.
Julie laughed. "Another thing you'll understand when you get older."
Katie laughed, too. "Mummy!'
In the other room, Alexa sank down onto the sofa. It was good that RJ was moving on, but it was another thing to hear about it. Tonight, she'd even meet this girl. Audrey.
If she put herself in his shoes, she had to admit he'd been rather mature about seeing her with Gabriel.
She would try to do the same for him with Audrey. She just hoped Saffy could do the same.
"Deck's cleaned up," Saffron announced, coming into the room. "And--" she stopped when she saw Alexa staring off into space. "Are you all right?"
Alexa nodded. "Yeah, I was just um, taking a break."
"There's no time for that, O'Leary," Saffron said in a mock stern voice.
"I am so sorry, Dictator Potter," Alexa said getting quickly to her feet and doing a salute.
"That's more like it." Saffron said with a grin.
"How's Sean?" Alexa asked.
"Fine," Saffron said. "He's coming tonight for the barbecue."
Alexa smiled. "That's great."
"Should be fun," Saffron said. "Do you think Andrew will come early?"
"I think he might," Alexa said. "Especially since you two need to talk."
Saffron pulled her knees up to her chest. "I hope he comes soon."
"You and Andrew belong together," Alexa reassured her friend. "Just don't let anything else come between you."
"I'm not planning to," Saffron replied. "Which is why I will ignore RJ and his little girlfriend all night."
Hermione came into the room with an envelope. She was followed by Harry, Ethan and Julie. "Saffron Grace. This just arrived for you from Hogwarts."
"Oh Merlin..." Saffron's eyes grew wide and she nearly felt her heart stop.
"Open it, sweetheart," Hermione said handing the envelope to her.
Alexa grinned. "Go on, Saffy."
Saffron's hands were actually shaking as she tore it open.
"Dear Miss Potter," Saffron read aloud. "It is my great privilege to let you know that you have been named.....H-Head Girl for the coming school year."
Alexa squealed. "Saffy! You got it!"
"Congratulations, sweetheart!" Hermione exclaimed, giving her a hug. "We're so proud of you!"
"You don't know how long I've known and wanted to tell you," Julie said smiling at her sister.
"I can't believe you kept it a secret!" Saffron was still staring wide eyed at the letter.
"Come on Saf," Ethan said. "You had it in the bag."
"Mary Ellen's probably hating it right about now," Alexa said.
Saffron laughed. "The cow..."
"Saffron," Hermione said. "You shouldn't say that about your fellow student. I'm sure this Mary Ellen is a nice young lady who will be very happy to hear that you are Head Girl."
Alexa and Saffron both shook their heads. "Mum she's horrid. If she was Head Girl, the school would be a complete disaster. Just ask Jules!"
Julie coughed. "Um...well, I can't really comment."
"Congratulations sweetheart," Harry kissed the top of her head. "I'm proud of you."
"Thanks, Daddy," Saffron said beaming at him.
"She's going to rule the school," Ethan shook his head. "I'd be scared."
"You are scared," Saffron said giving him a hug. "I still can't believe they ever made you Head Boy."
Ethan laughed. "Must have been delusional."
"Tonight's barbecue can be a celebration for Saffy," Julie said.
"We can make it that," Harry agreed. "I'll run to the bakery."
"Thanks, you guys," Saffron said smiling at them. She looked at letter one more time. "I need to call my Gran and let her know."
"She'll be thrilled," Hermione said.
"Why don't we see if she'd like to come over?" Harry asked.
"She can't travel by magic, Harry." Hermione said.
"She probably wouldn't like being cooped up in a car either," Ethan said.
"We can go out to lunch with her when we get back," Saffron agreed.
"Go on and call her," Hermione said.
Saffron disappeared into the kitchen to call Elinore and Julie grinned. "Feels good to finally get that out."
"She's wanted that for so long," Ethan said.
"Especially since you both held the position as well," Hermione said to her older children.
"Did you ever have it, Mr. Potter?" Alexa asked.
"No," Harry shook his head. "I was too busy with other things in school."
"Aunt Cho," Ethan said cheekily.
"No, smartarse," Harry glared at him.
"Saving the world probably took up most of his time, Ethan," Julie said.
Maddie poked her husband in the side. "You can take your foot out of your mouth now."
"Sorry, Dad," Ethan said quietly.
"It's okay," Harry answered, putting an arm around Hermione.
"We'd better get back to work," Julie said.
"The deck is cleaned up," Alexa said. "And we've picked up in here too."
"Thank you, Alexa," Hermione said.
Since they were finished cleaning, Alexa decided to see what her boyfriend was up to. She found him up in his room, reading.
Alexa sat down on the edge of his bed and looked at the cover of the book. "Intro to the Brain and Behaviour?"
"Does it impress you?" Gabriel raised his eyes and grinned.
"Makes me glad I'm not Pre-Med," Alexa said grinning back at him.
Gabriel marked his place and set his book aside. "What's going on down there?"
"Saffron's first step to world domination is now complete," Alexa said. "She just received the letter from Hogwarts telling her she's going to be Head Girl."
"Uh oh," he laughed. "She's taking over!"
"You've been warned," Alexa said.
Gabriel reached for her. "I'm sure I'll survive. I'm on the good list, remember?"
"You don't want to be on the bad list," Alexa said giving him a kiss.
"Definitely not," Gabriel said. "And not on your bad list either."
"No, not on the bad list at all," Alexa said cuddling up to him. "There is something I need to tell you..."
"Oh yeah?" he asked, stealing another kiss.
"RJ's coming here tonight," Alexa said. "To the barbecue."
"I heard the whole Weasley clan was coming," Gabriel nodded.
"They are," Alexa said. "But it's----RJ's not coming alone. He's bringing this girl he's seeing."
Gabriel looked at her properly. "Well that's good, right?"
"Yeah," Alexa said quickly. "Of course. It's just that she's a Muggle like you and she's not aware of us being magical."
"So everyone's keeping mum on the magical world," Gabriel guessed.
Alexa nodded. "Yeah."
Gabriel shrugged. "I'm glad he's found himself someone else."
"I am too," Alexa said quietly.
He nudged her. "Lexie--"
"Gabey," she nudged him back.
"Are you okay with this?" he asked her directly.
"Of course," Alexa replied. "I want him to be happy."
"Okay," Gabriel answered. "Maybe after the barbecue we can take a walk down the beach or something."
"That'd be nice," Alexa said giving him a kiss.
"Yeah it would," he kissed her again, running his hands through her hair.
"When's your step mum and dad getting back?" Alexa asked him.
"I think later this afternoon," Gabriel replied. They had gone off to check on the set of Seamus's latest film.
"You could have gone with them," Alexa said softly.
"I wanted to stay here and read up a bit," Gabriel said. "And also stay here with you."
"And hide out from helping everyone clean up and get ready," Alexa teased.
"Maybe that too," Gabriel gave her a gentle poke in her side.
"I just hope Andrew and Saffy make up," Alexa said.
"Hope so too," Gabriel nodded. "They're crazy about each other."
"Kind of like us," Alexa said smiling at him.
"That's right," Gabriel pulled her even closer.
"I brought my college applications with me," Alexa told him.
"Oh yeah?" Gabriel asked. "We should look through them."
"My dad snuck in one from Essex," Alexa said. "He's still not too keen on me going to the States."
"Maybe I'm biased, but I think you should definitely come to the States," Gabriel nuzzled under her ear. "So I can see you as much as possible."
"You are a little biased," Alexa said softly. "But I don't mind."
"You're my girl Lexie," Gabriel said. "I always want you nearby."
Alexa smiled at him. "I can't wait."
"I hope you'll be at USC," Gabriel looked at her. "Although UCLA wouldn't be too much of a pain either. Especially since you can do that... what's it called- Apparate?"
Alexa clapped her hands together. "You've got it."
Gabriel laughed. "Finally, eh?"
"Finally," Alexa said.
"Gabey!"
"Emma Madeline Weasley, what are you doing in here?" Gabriel asked.
"Gabey no see Em today!" the little redhead gave him a stern look.
"I've been reading," Gabriel apologised. He held up the big book. "See?"
"Look at how big that book is, Em," Alexa said to the little girl.
"Bigger than Em!" Emma's eyes were round. "Pictures?"
"Sure," Gabriel said opening it up. "Have you ever seen what a brain looks like?"
"Brain?" Emma asked, climbing onto the bed with them.
"It's inside your head," Gabriel explained. "See...that's what it looks like."
"Ewwwwww!" Emma scrunched up her face.
"I'm with you on that, Em," Alexa said. "Pretty gross."
"Em no like it," Emma buried her face in Alexa's shoulder.
Alexa patted her back comfortingly. "How about Gabe and I tell you a story?"
"About a princess?" Emma asked.
"Once upon a time in a beach house in Brighton," Gabriel began. "There was a beautiful, adorable princess named Princess Emma Madeline."
Emma clapped her hands. "And prince too!"
"What's the prince's name?" Gabriel asked.
Emma grinned. "Gabey!" she said, making Alexa laugh.
"Okay," Gabriel said mussing her hair. "Princess Emma Madeline was being held captive in a tall tower at the top of the beach house."
"And every day she wished that Prince Gabriel would come rescue her," Alexa added.
"Oooooh," Emma said. "Did she have long hair like Ramunzal?"
"Yes she did," Gabriel grinned. "Long, long hair just like Rapunzel."
"And Prince Gabriel came riding up the beach on a white horse," Alexa continued. "Because he'd heard that his princess needed to be saved."
"Unicorn!" Emma said. "Prince Gabey comes on a unicorn!"
"Okay," Alexa said grinning at her. "Prince Gabriel came to the beach house on a unicorn because he also knew that unicorns were her favourite."
"Yay!" Emma clapped. "But what about wicked witch?"
"The wicked witch tried with all her powers to stop the prince, but he couldn't be thwarted," Gabriel said. "He stood outside the tower and shouted with all his might, 'Emma Madeline, let down your hair!'"
"And she did just that," Alexa added. "Prince Gabriel climbed up her hair, fighting off dragons the whole way!"
"Oooooh," Emma squealed.
"But he got to the top, where Princess Emma was waiting," Gabriel continued.
"Then what?" Emma was captivated.
"He told her he would take her to his castle where she could have as much ice cream and sweets as she wanted," Gabriel said.
Emma giggled. "Lots of sweets. And cake!"
"And they lived happily ever after with no pictures of brains," Alexa said tickling Emma's side.
"Yay!" Emma laughed happily. "Good story!"
"I bet you could tell that story to Casey tonight at the barbecue," Alexa said.
"Oooh," Emma nodded. "Em will! Bedtime story for Casey!"
"She's going to love it," Alexa said giving Emma a hug.
"Brains aren't that bad, you guys," Gabriel said.
"I guess if you're going to be a doctor they're fine," Alexa grinned at her boyfriend. "But we girly girls don't like them."
"Yucky," Emma agreed.
"I've been outvoted," Gabriel shook his head. "How about some lunch?"
"That sounds great," Alexa said smiling at Emma. "What do you say, Em?"
"Yummy," Emma rubbed her stomach.
Gabriel picked up the little girl. "Come on, little princess."
Emma put her little arms around his neck. "Em loves Gabey."
Alexa practically melted at this.
Gabriel patted her back. "Gabey loves Em, too."
Emma kissed his cheek as they went downstairs. "Ice cream?" she asked.
"What kind of lunch would it be without ice cream?" Gabriel asked.
"Not a good one," Alexa said. "What else would you like, Em?"
"Sammich," Emma replied.
"Peanut butter okay?" Alexa held up the jar.
"Peas?" Emma asked.
"Peanut butter and peas?" Alexa teased.
Emma giggled. "No!"
"You want a peanut butter and peas sandwich but you don't like brains?" Gabriel asked. "Emma.....what are we going to do with you?"
Emma giggled as Gabriel tickled her. "No peas!"
"How about peanut butter and grape jam?" Alexa asked.
"Yes," Emma nodded. "That's yummy!"
"That does sound good," Maddie said coming into the kitchen.
"I'll make you one too, Maddie," Alexa said.
"Thanks," Maddie sat down and Emma ran over to her.
"Mad!" Emma squealed.
"Em!" Maddie said with a grin as she pulled her goddaughter onto her lap. "Didn't you just eat a little while ago?"
"Hungry again," Emma said rubbing her stomach again. "Hungry, hungry, hungry."
"You mean that whole plate of chicken salad didn't get you all full?" Maddie teased.
Emma shook her head.
"Is Saffy still on the phone?" Alexa asked while she made the sandwiches.
"No," Maddie shook her head. "She went up to get ready for Andrew."
"He's coming early then?" Alexa asked.
"I believe so," Maddie answered.
In fact, Andrew was just as nervous as his girlfriend. He didn't like being without her and these last few days had been miserable. They really did need to talk and he just hoped that they'd come to an understanding where RJ was concerned.
"Will you relax?" RJ complained. "If you're so worked up, just go over there now."
"Easy for you to say," Andrew said pacing in front of the kitchen table.
"Have a drink," RJ said, glancing at his watch.
"You should be nervous too," Andrew said. "You're introducing Audrey to your whole family."
"She already knows Jon," RJ replied. "That's half the problem taken care of already."
"And you're not a little nervous about having her around Alexa?" Andrew asked.
"I don't think so," RJ said thoughtfully. "Truth be told, I'm more worried about Saffron shooting her mouth off."
"Which is why I'm going early to make sure that doesn't happen," Andrew said.
"Thank you," RJ said gratefully.
"I like Audrey," Andrew said. "And she's so much better than Serena."
"Anyone is better than Serena," RJ rolled his eyes. "Audrey's different... and she has no idea who I am."
"Which might be why she's gone out on three dates with you," Andrew said.
RJ grinned. "And she's cute as hell."
"Always helps," Andrew said. "I think I am going to head on out to the beach house. You're coming later, right?"
"I'll be there around five, I think." RJ said. "Audrey gets off work in a half hour and we're driving down."
"Good luck," Andrew said.
"You too mate," RJ replied. "I hope you can work things out."
"We'll see," Andrew said heading for the sitting room.
A few minutes later he was tumbling out of the fireplace in Brighton. He coughed, brushing soot off his clothing.
Ashley looked up from sketchbook. "Andrew."
"Hey Ash," he smiled at the blonde.
"You're here to see Aunt Saffy, right?" Ashley asked, blushing.
"I am," Andrew nodded. "Is she upstairs?"
"I can go and get her for you," Ashley offered.
"Thanks," Andrew replied, brushing the last of the soot off his shirt.
Ashley set her sketchbook aside and hurried upstairs to get her aunt. She knocked on Saffron's door. "Aunt Saffy?"
Saffron opened her door. "What's up Ash?"
"Andrew's downstairs waiting for you," Ashley said. "He just arrived."
"He's here already?" Saffron gasped.
Ashley nodded.
"Do I look okay?" Saffron fanned her face, which had turned red.
"You look beautiful," Ashley said loyally.
"Thanks," Saffron smiled at her niece. "How does he look?"
"Gorgeous," Ashley said without thinking. "Um---well, you know how he normally looks."
Despite herself, Saffron smiled. "You're not the only one who thinks so."
"Good luck," Ashley said giving her aunt's hand a squeeze.
"Thanks," Saffron wiped her palms on her jeans as she headed downstairs.
He was looking out at the deck when she walked into the sitting room.
"Hi," Saffron said softly.
Andrew turned around. "Hi."
Ashley had been right- he looked absolutely gorgeous and it took all her willpower not to run right into his arms. "I um... I wasn't expecting you so early."
"I thought it'd be best if I came early so I could talk to you before the party starts," Andrew said smiling slightly at her. "Um, how've you been?"
"Okay," Saffron shrugged as she moved into the room. "I've really missed you."
"I've missed you too," Andrew admitted. "Shall we sit down?"
"Sure," Saffron perched on the edge of the sofa.
"Where do we start?" Andrew asked sitting down beside her.
"I'm not sure," Saffron said. "Um... I guess since we really didn't get a chance to talk when I came home from school..."
"RJ's my best mate," Andrew told her. "He's like a brother to me."
"I know," Saffron nodded. "And I know everyone would love it if I would forgive and forget, but I can't. But, I will just... co exist with him."
"You've said that before," Andrew reminded her.
"But this time I will," Saffron replied. "I can't lose you over this."
Andrew leaned forward. "Saffron, I'm going to ask you something and I want the truth. You grew up with RJ. You've known him since you were kids. He makes one mistake and you've written him off? I can't understand that."
"It's more than one mistake," Saffron shook her head. "And I don't even know if I can explain it. But he's disappointed me, Andrew. And it's more than just what he did to Lex."
"And you can't get past this?" Andrew asked her.
Saffron sighed. "You'll never understand."
"You grew up with him," Andrew said thoughtfully. "You thought of him like a brother and he made some decisions that shattered your faith in him. You lost your trust in him. Is this ringing a bell?"
Saffron felt herself grow a bit angry. "You know, this is supposed to be about us working things out. Not about RJ. I told you what I was willing to do with him, okay? That's it. At this time, I'm not capable of anything else."
"Our problem stems from your resentment toward my best friend," Andrew said defensively. "I'm just trying to get to the root of the problem, Saffy."
"So what are you saying?" Saffron asked. "If I can't forgive him and get along with him, that's it for us?"
"You don't have to forgive him," Andrew said. "I just want you to find some way to get along with him. He's tried, but you've shot him down at every chance. You're the two most important people in my life and I don't like being in the middle."
"I won't put you in the middle," Saffron said. "I promise, I won't even say anything to him."
"I want to believe you, Saffy," Andrew said taking her hand.
"You can," Saffron said softly.
Andrew leaned in and gave her a kiss. "Okay."
"Really?" Saffron asked when he pulled back. "We'll be okay?"
"If you're willing to try," Andrew said.
Saffron nodded vigorously. "I am."
"I hate fighting with you," Andrew said pulling her close for a hug.
"I don't like it either," Saffron hugged him tightly. "I always want to be with you."
"We're not going to fight anymore," Andrew said firmly.
Saffron shook her head. "We'll work it all out like adults."
"So what's been going on here?" Andrew asked. "Other than the big party?"
"Not much," Saffron answered. "Oh- Frankie found out she's pregnant."
Andrew grinned. "That's great."
"Hannah's been a little quiet about it," Saffron said. "But other than that, it's been pretty non eventful."
"Have you heard anything from Hogwarts, yet?" Andrew asked.
"OH!" Saffron squealed. "I can't believe I forgot! I'm Head Girl!"
Andrew gave her another hug. "Saffy! That's great news! Congratulations!"
"I really, really want to rub it in Mary Ellen's face," Saffron said. "But I think my mum and Jules would kill me."
"You know she'll say something about it when you get back," Andrew said. "Probably how you only got it because of who your parents are..."
"But I still got it," Saffron said with a grin. "And she's stuck eating crow all year."
"That's my girl," Andrew said putting his arm around her.
Saffron hugged him again. "I'm so glad you're here Andrew. I thought about you ever since coming here."
Andrew smiled and held her close, enjoying the feeling of being with her again and having everything be okay. They hadn't had many fights in their relationship and this last one had been the worst. He really wanted to believe that she wanted things to change. "I love you, Saf."
"I love you too," Saffron said, her face buried in his shoulder.
"So you heard about Audrey?" Andrew asked a few moments later.
"Yes," Saffron nodded.
"She's a nice girl and RJ really seems to like her," Andrew said.
Saffron shrugged. "Good for him."
"Maybe someday down the road, we can go out," Andrew said.
"Way down the road," Saffron said. "Not anytime soon..."
"You know if we ever get married," Andrew said. "He'd be my best man."
"I don't want to talk about RJ right now," Saffron said. "Please..."
'"At least you didn't say that you'd never marry me," Andrew said tickling her side.
Saffron smiled. "I'd be crazy to say something like that."
"You could be Mrs. Wizard McDreamy," Andrew said tickling her again.
"Just what I always dreamed of," Saffron swatted his hand away. "Come on. Let's go for a walk."
Andrew nodded and stood up. "Okay."
"And we can be completely alone," Saffron said, looking at him meaningfully.
"You are so smart," Andrew said taking her hand.
"That's why you love me," Saffron said dryly.
"One of the many reasons," Andrew corrected.
They spent the rest of the afternoon catching up with each other about what had been going on in Brighton and the preseason things Andrew was involved with for the team. They also spent a fair amount of time snogging and making up for lost time.
By the time, they made it back to the beach house, guests were starting to arrive.