We hope you enjoy these few scenes- especially the one where Zander and Brittany surprise Ashley with a holiday visit. And of course… a bit of a cliffie ending there! Review pleeeeeeeeease!
Saffron and Sean returned from ice skating and were currently enjoying hot chocolate and biscuits in the kitchen. Saffron couldn't believe what a great day she'd had. For the first time in a long time, she hadn't thought about Andrew or what he was doing.
"I can't believe you laughed at me when I fell," Sean shook his head at her.
"How could I not laugh?" Saffron asked. "You'd just bragged about how you were the best skater in the world."
Sean grinned at her. "Most of the time I am."
"No," Saffron said putting some more biscuits on a plate and bringing them back over to the table. "You're the most arrogant."
Sean clutched his chest comically. "That was harsh, Saf."
"Lucky for you, I like 'em arrogant," Saffron said before popping a biscuit into her mouth.
"Do you now?" he asked, reaching for the mug of hot chocolate in front of him.
"Absolutely," Saffron grinned. "So...did Christina take a break from her exotic dancing to enjoy the holiday with her folks?"
Sean shook his head. "I haven't seen her in a few months now. Mum and Dad told me she headed off for Amsterdam. Bet I could tell you what she's up to there..."
"I still can't believe you're related to her," Saffron said. "You're nice, funny, and warm. She's mean, humourless and cold."
Sean grinned. "Tell me more about myself."
Saffron laughed. "Well, you are very cute and from what I recall, you were a great kisser."
"From what you recall?" Sean asked, moving around the table to sit next to her. "We should remedy that..."
"I was wondering if you were ever going to take the hint," Saffron said softly.
Sean leaned in and pressed his lips to hers.
Saffron looped her arms around his neck kissing him back. He was still as good at this as she remembered.
He ran his fingers through her hair as he pulled her a bit closer, deepening their kiss.
"How was that?" Sean asked when they pulled breathlessly apart.
"Better than I remembered," Saffron said gazing up at him.
"I've wanted to do that for quite some time," he said. "But I wanted to wait until you were ready for me again."
"It's taken me awhile," she nodded. "But I appreciate the fact that you didn't try and push me."
"I'm just glad to see you smiling and having fun again," Sean said.
"Hard to not have fun with you around," Saffron said softly.
"So, if I were to ask you out for New Year's Eve," Sean said. "You'd say..."
"I'd very much like to go out with you New Year's Eve," Saffron agreed.
"Great," Sean said. "Because my dad pulled some strings and I got us reservations for The Ivy." He noticed that the smile on her face fell at this. "Or maybe not..."
"Um... the Ivy sounds nice..." Saffron replied. "I haven't been there since um..."
"Andrew?" Sean guessed.
"Right," Saffron said quietly.
"Well, he has good taste," Sean said attempting a joke.
"It's time to make new memories anyway," Saffron replied. "And having dinner at the Ivy on New Year's Eve is the perfect way to do that."
"Are you sure?" Sean asked. "I can probably get us reservations somewhere else."
Saffron shook her head. "I love the Ivy."
"We're going to have a great time," Sean promised.
Saffron smiled. "Of course we will," she looped her arms around his neck again.
Sean gave her another kiss.
Harry had been in his office going over some paperwork when he'd felt something tugging at his leg. He looked down to see Puddles chewing on his trouser leg.
"I think she's home, Puddles," Harry said, but the dog still tugged on his leg.
"What is it little guy?" he asked, getting up.
"We just let you out an hour ago," Harry pointed out. Puddles ran back and forth from the door to Harry.
"All right," Harry grumbled, figuring the dog wanted to go out again.
Harry followed the dog out of the room and down the stairs.
"Come on buddy," he said, leading the dog into the kitchen.
He stopped in the doorway when he saw his daughter snogging Sean. Harry cleared his throat to announce his presence.
Saffron and Sean jumped apart. "Hi Daddy," Saffron flushed guiltily.
"Mister Potter," Sean said with a nervous laugh.
"Hello Sean," Harry nodded. "Alright?"
"Yeah," Sean replied. "I mean, yes sir."
"Daddy, can I get you a hot chocolate?" Saffron asked.
"No thanks," Harry replied. "But I think Puddles wants to go out again."
"I'll take him," Saffron stood up.
"Want some help?" Sean asked.
"How about you and I have a talk first," Harry said to Sean. "You can catch up to her later."
Sean gulped. "O-okay..."
"Daddy," Saffron said folding her arms.
Harry shook his head. "Just a little chat, Saffy."
Puddles looked up at Saffron and she knew that she had no choice. "I'll be just outside. Be nice."
Sean shifted nervously in the chair as Saffron gave him a look before disappearing out the door.
"How were your holidays, Mr. Potter?" Sean asked.
"Fine, thank you." Harry replied. "Can I get you anything else to drink?"
"I-I don't drink," Sean said nervously. "You know nothing alcoholic. I'm more a juice man myself..."
Harry suddenly smiled. "It's okay you know. I'm not really a bad guy. I'm just a father who's very protective of his children."
Sean relaxed. "Sorry, sir. You're just a little intimidating."
"I just want to know that you're going to treat my daughter respectfully," Harry looked at him.
"You have my word, sir," Sean replied.
"Good," Harry replied. "Then I think you and I will get along just fine."
"She's a great girl," Sean said.
"Saffy's definitely one of a kind," Harry said, with pride in his voice.
"I don't know if the world could handle two of her," Sean said with a grin.
"Probably not," Harry answered, looking out the window as Saffron walked her dog down the path.
Saffron looked down at Puddles. "Baby, you need to go so I can get in there and save Sean from the Inquisition."
Puddles barked before turning around in circles.
Saffron laughed. "Okay, I guess you and Dad are in on this together."
It was another few minutes before Puddles did his business and Saffron jogged back to the house with her dog on her heels.
Saffron heard laughter coming from the kitchen.
"Looks like twenty questions is over," she said to Puddles.
"Saffy?" Harry called out.
"Yeah?" she answered.
"Come on in here," Harry said. "You can help me clean up the mess I made when I hexed your boyfriend."
"WHAT?" Saffron shrieked, running full speed into the kitchen.
Harry laughed when he saw the look on her face. "Only joking, sweetheart. He's safe."
"Where did he go?" Saffron asked.
"The loo," Harry said. "How's Puddles?"
"Fine," Saffron answered. "Daddy you weren't mean to him were you?"
"Absolutely not," Harry told her.
"Promise?" Saffron asked.
"Promise," Harry said giving her a hug. "How was ice skating?"
"It was fun," Saffron answered. "Guess what- Sean's taking me to the Ivy on New Year's Eve."
Harry looked at her. "You know your curfew is 11 p.m."
"Daddy," Saffron looked at him pleadingly. "It's New Year's Eve!"
"Well," Harry pretended to think it over.
"Come on, please?" Saffron begged.
"You can stay out until one," Harry said. "That's final."
Saffron wanted to argue but saw the look on her father's face. "Can we come back here afterwards?"
"Sure," Harry said as Sean came back into the kitchen.
"Hey," Saffron smiled at him. "Want to go watch a movie or something?"
"Sure," Sean replied. "If that's okay with your father."
"Of course it's fine," Saffron said. "Right Daddy?"
"It's okay with me," Harry said. "But you'd better take Puddles with you."
"That's fine," Saffron said, taking Sean's hand. "Come on Puddles!"
Harry smiled as he watched his daughter and Sean head off for the sitting room. He would check on them a little later. For now, he was going to see what his wife was up to. Hermione had taken two weeks off for the holiday but she was still in constant contact with her office.
She'd holed herself up in her office for most of the afternoon.
"Minister Potter?" Harry asked, knocking on the door.
Hermione looked up. "Is something wrong?"
"Yes," Harry said pulling a serious face. "Something really terrible."
Hermione was startled. "Is it Saffy?"
Harry shook his head. "No."
"Harry--" Hermione rose from her desk.
"You have neglected your husband all afternoon," Harry said, cutting her off.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Harry, I do have duties to attend to."
"Aren't you finished yet?" Harry asked.
"Almost," Hermione answered.
"Almost?" Harry asked putting his hands on her waist.
She felt herself soften. "Maybe I can finish up later..."
"Procrastination," Harry said. "One of the things I've tried to teach you over the years."
Hermione shook her head. "You're a terrible influence you know."
"Me?" Harry asked innocently.
"Mmmhmm..." Hermione leaned in and planted a lazy kiss on his lips.
"I love you, you know," Harry said.
"I love you too," Hermione answered as he pulled her close.
"I was actually working myself when that dog started chewing my leg," Harry told her.
"Where is he now?" Hermione asked.
"In the sitting room with Saffy and Sean watching a movie," Harry replied.
"She fancies Sean quite a bit," Hermione said. "I'm happy she's moved on."
"She's talked to you about him then?" Harry asked.
"A bit," Hermione nodded.
"Why is it that girls never talk about the blokes they fancy with their fathers?" Harry asked.
"Because it's a girl thing," Hermione told him. "I never talked about blokes with my dad either."
"I guess it evens out," Harry said thoughtfully. "Ethan never talked to you about---"
"He talked to me about Maddie quite often," Hermione said thoughtfully. "Sometimes about Bree too, when he was with her."
Harry gaped at her. "So---I guess that they all talk to you and I just get Ethan."
Hermione laughed. "Don't take it so personally, Harry."
"You're easier to talk to, I suppose," Harry said.
"You're supposed to be the scary one," Hermione teased him gently.
"Not to my own children," Harry pointed out.
"Come on Harry." Hermione reassured him. "You know Julie, Ethan and Saffy think the world of you."
"They just don't want to talk to me," Harry said dryly.
"They talk to you," Hermione said. "But Saffy's not going to divulge the details of her dating life to you."
"I probably don't want to know," Harry said. "Do I?"
"Maybe not," Hermione kissed him again.
"And I must admit I'm glad you didn't tell your father about what we used to do," Harry said grinning down at her.
Hermione laughed. "That would be quite shameful, wouldn't it?"
"He would have killed me," Harry said tickling her side.
She swatted his hand away. "He liked you once he saw how happy you make me."
"I liked him too," Harry said. "Once he stopped looking at me like he was plotting ways to murder me."
"I wish Mum had somewhat gotten over his death," Hermione said wistfully. "It's been so hard on her."
"She lost the love of her life," Harry said. "I don't think that's something you could ever get over that."
"I don't think I ever could," Hermione said meaningfully.
"I'm not going anywhere," Harry said cupping her face.
"I know," Hermione said softly.
"And I don't think you're going anywhere," Harry said resting his forehead on hers.
"Never," Hermione put her arms around his neck.
He gave her a lingering kiss.
"I am definitely off duty the rest of the afternoon," Hermione murmured.
Harry grinned. "Hmm...I wonder what we could do with our time?"
"I can think of a thing or two," Hermione kissed under his chin.
"Let's go the bedroom," Harry said his eyes darkening.
"Right now," Hermione nodded.
Harry took her hand. "I like the way you think."
Hermione pouted. "You're not going to carry me?"
"I don't have to carry you EVERY time, do I?" Harry said grinning at her.
"Yes," she poked his shoulder.
"Okay," Harry said. "Would you prefer I carry you over my shoulder like a caveman or do you prefer the romantic carry in the arms?"
"What do you think?" Hermione asked.
"Caveman," Harry said hoisting her over his shoulders.
"HARRY!" she shrieked.
"You left it up to me," he pointed out smacking her on her bottom.
"You're horrible," Hermione said, reaching for his behind to squeeze.
"You like it," Harry said carrying her out of the office.
"Maybe," she answered.
Harry laughed. "Just maybe?"
"I love everything about you Potter," Hermione replied.
"I'll remind you about that the next time I leave a wet towel on the floor," Harry said. "Or I leave the seat up..."
Hermione laughed as he set her down and closed their bedroom door behind them. "Okay, maybe not everything..."
"I do know one thing you'll love," Harry said grinning down at her.
"What's that?" she asked, her voice lowering.
"I think I'll show you," Harry said forgetting about his teenage daughter downstairs and what she might be up to with Sean.
"Please do..." she said, backing up towards the bed.
"Let's get you out of those clothes, Hermione," Harry said his eyes darkening.
"By all means," she raised her arms so he could take her shirt off.
"And you wanted to work," Harry said lifting the shirt over her head.
"What was I thinking?" she asked.
Harry kissed her. "That's why you have me. To remind you that there's a time for work and there's a time for play."
"Well right now," Hermione undid her skirt and let it fall. "It is the best time for playing..."
Downstairs, Saffron slid closer to Sean on the sofa. Sean slid over in the other direction.
"You don't want to sit beside me?" Saffron asked.
"Of course that's not it," Sean told her. "It's just...your father could come back in here at any moment and I love breathing. It's one of my favourite things to do. I'd like to continue doing that for a few more years at least."
Saffron shook her head. "Come on... he's probably gone back to work and he'll be busy for hours."
"Didn't you tell me he had something called an Invisibility Cloak?" Sean asked her. "For all we know, he could be sitting in the corner just waiting to strike."
"Well let's give it a try," she said devilishly, pouncing on him before he could pull away again.
"Saffy!" Sean exclaimed.
"It's fine," Saffron said exasperatedly.
Sean looked at her. He really did want to kiss her again, but her father was scary, and that was putting it mildly. But then again, if it was his time to go, he'd go with a smile on his face.
"Okay," he said. "But if we get caught, I'm telling him that you pounced on me and I was trying to fend you off."
Saffron giggled. "That's a deal."
Sean wrapped his arms around her and kissed her.
"Mmmmm..." Saffron purred.
"I missed this," Sean whispered. "Being with you like this."
"I did too," Saffron answered. "I always liked you Sean. You were my first real boyfriend."
"I never stopped liking you," he told her. "Last summer when you were still with Andrew, it killed me to see you with him. I didn't say anything because I knew you were happy."
"I'm sorry," she said softly.
"You don't have to apologise," he said to her. "I was the one who screwed things up for you with Andrew. If I'd kept my mouth shut around RJ's girlfriend..."
"You didn't know," Saffron said. "I don't blame you for a minute, Sean. And... that would have eventually happened with Andrew anyways."
"You don't know that," Sean said quietly.
"I don't want to talk about Andrew," Saffron changed the subject. "We're here... and we're together Sean. Let's have it be about us."
"I couldn't agree more," Sean said giving her another kiss. "All I want is for you to be happy."
"You make me happy," Saffron kept her lips pressed to his.
Sean smiled. "You make me happy too."
"Enough talking," Saffron put her arms around him.
"Enough talking," Sean echoed laying down with her on the sofa. The movie was playing in the background, but both of them ignored it.
Saffron felt truly happy for the first time since that summer. Sean was sweet, cute and obviously cared about her a lot. She felt certain that he was going to be the one to move her on from Andrew.
*** *** ***
While Ashley was enjoying spending time with her family during the holidays, she couldn't help feeling a little left out. Saffron was busy with Sean and Katie had already had two sleepovers with the members of her princess club. Ashley couldn't help feeling a little wistful wishing there was someone her own age around.
On the bright side, she had worked hard on her artwork and had filled her sketchbook with drawings.
That afternoon after lunch, she was sitting in the kitchen drawing while her mother worked on some lesson plans for the next term.
"After this one," Ashley announced looking thoughtfully at the sketch she'd worked on all morning. "I'm through drawing landscapes for awhile."
"Oh?" Julie asked. "What are you going to try next?"
"I read that book grandma gave me on sculpture," Ashley said. "I was thinking I might try my hand at that."
"Sculpture?" Julie asked in surprise.
Ashley nodded. "Just to try something different, Mum."
Julie smiled at her daughter. "I don't know if we've got any clay, sweetheart. But I bet we can make some up."
Ashley grinned. "Thanks."
Julie abandoned her lesson plans. "Let's see," she said, opening up a few cabinets.
Ashley closed her sketchbook and walked over to help her mother. "Do we have anything?"
"I think we can make do," Julie pulled a few boxes down. "Let's give this a try, sweetheart."
From the sitting room, they heard shrieks and laughter. The Princess Club was apparently having a good time.
"Are you sure you don't want to go in there?" Julie smoothed back a wisp of Ashley's long blonde hair.
Ashley nodded. "I'm fine in here with you."
Julie smiled. "If you're sure..."
Ashley helped her mother make some clay out of flour, water and salt. There was a knock on the door and Julie looked at her daughter. "Can you get that for me, sweetheart?"
"Sure," Ashley rinsed her hands off and went to the door. Pulling it open, she gasped. "What are you guys doing here?"
Zander and Brittany grinned at her. "We just returned home a couple of days ago," Brittany said giving her a hug. "We called your mum and asked if we could stop by."
"I missed you two," Ashley hugged her two best friends. "How was skiing?"
"Fun," Zander said. "Well, for those of us who didn't stick to the bunny trail..."
Brittany nudged her cousin. "And for those of us who didn't wipe out on a trail much too steep for us..."
Ashley stood back so they could come inside. She looked at Zander with concern. "You didn't get hurt, did you?"
"A little," Zander replied. "Banged up my elbow and knees."
"Maybe someone could kiss it and make it better," Brittany teased with a meaningful look in Ashley's direction.
Zander glared at her. "Funny, Brit."
Ashley didn't notice the look. "Come on with me you two," she said. "My mum and I were going to do some sculpture."
"That sounds like fun," Brittany said.
"We made a lot of clay," Ashley replied. "You two can make something too if you want."
Zander laughed. "I don't know, Ash. Last time I made something with clay, it was an ashtray that didn't turn out very well and of course, no one in my family smoked so it just sat on our coffee table for months and everyone asked what it was."
Ashley laughed. "I'll give you some tips. And it's my first time doing it too."
"Cool," Zander said.
Julie smiled warmly at her daughters' friends. "Hello, you guys. You're just in time."
"Hi Professor Malfoy," Brittany answered. "Thanks for letting us come over today."
"I'm glad you both could make it," Julie said just as Katie came into the room.
"Mummy we're hungry," Katie said. "Can we have some tea?"
"Sure," Julie replied. "These are your sister's good friends, Brittany and Zander."
"Hi," Katie replied, giving them a quick once over.
Emma came into the room wearing a tiara and a princess dress.
"Oh!" Brittany squealed. "How adorable is she!"
"Hi!" Emma grinned at her. "Em's a princess!" she twirled in her dress.
Zander leaned over and nudged Ashley. "I'm having flashbacks of Brit. She was the same way when we were kids."
Brittany glared at him. "Yeah and you wore my dresses too."
"I didn't!" Zander said defensively.
Ashley giggled. "Sure you didn't Zander."
Katie looked at her mother. "Can we have some tea and biscuits, Mummy? Please?"
"I'll bring them in, Katie." Julie said. "You girls go finish your movie."
"Come on, Em," Katie said taking Emma's hand.
"Bye!" Emma waved to them.
"Why don't you show your friends around the house while I make the tea?" Julie told her daughter.
"Okay," Ashley agreed. "Then we can start sculpting."
Ashley led her friends downstairs to her father's studio. He wasn't home today because he was doing some public relations thing with his record company.
"We can't touch any of the recording equipment in here," she said. "But this is where my dad writes all his music."
Brittany grinned. "This is so cool, Ash."
"Sometimes me and Katie sit down here and he plays for us," Ashley told them.
Zander looked around at the assorted instruments and recording equipment.
"I used to play the piano," Brittany said. "When I was like seven years old..."
"You gave it up?" Ashley asked.
Brittany shrugged. "I didn't like it so much. But Zander stuck with it and he's pretty good."
"I'm not that good," Zander said shaking his head. "Really..."
"Play something for us," Ashley said. "You can use the piano, it's okay."
Zander sat down. "I don't know what to play."
"Something classical?" Ashley suggested.
Zander thought for a moment and then began to play.
Ashley was incredibly impressed. Zander was almost as good as her father!
"Told you," Brittany whispered to Ashley.
"He's amazing," Ashley whispered back. "I had no idea!"
"He doesn't tell everyone," Brittany confided. "He's been at it since he was five."
Ashley was seeing her friend in a whole new light. She had no idea he was this creative.
Zander finished the piece and looked over at them.
"That was fantastic!" Ashley beamed at him. "Zander you're so good!"
Zander's cheeks reddened at her praise. "Not as good as you with your art."
"Yes you are," Ashley said loyally. "It's just a different type of art."
"Thanks," Zander said beaming at her.
Brittany smirked knowingly. "Let's see the rest of your place, Ash."
"Okay," Ashley said. "Come on."
She showed her friends around, poking their heads in on the princess meeting. Ashley introduced them to her cousins and the rest of the group, then showed them the upstairs. "And this is my room," she pushed open the door.
Brittany smiled. "I love it, Ashley."
Zander grinned, too. "It looks like an art studio."
Ashley grinned back. She had plastered her walls with pictures she had drawn, and there were stacks of art books and art supplies covering almost every surface. "Thanks."
"You should see Brit's bedroom," Zander told Ashley. "Way too much pink."
Brittany stuck her tongue out at Zander. "Shut up!"
"Katie's bedroom is like that," Ashley said. "Always has been. She likes anything pink and sparkly."
"What's this princess club about?" Brittany asked.
Ashley sat down on her bed. "Well, my cousins came up with it since they like the Disney movies. Like Emma's Ariel from The Little Mermaid and Caroline is Jasmine from Aladdin. They have these meetings and they play dress up and stuff."
"Sounds like something you'd like, Brit," Zander joked.
Brittany punched his shoulder. "You're being mean today!"
"What?" Zander asked rubbing his shoulder. "It does sound like something that would be right up your alley. Ash, when we were kids she always used to make me play that rubbish with her since we were the only ones around the same age."
"You mean you did dress up after all?" Ashley teased.
"Completely against my will," Zander said blushing.
"Yeah, yeah," Brittany said. "Hey, Ash? Can I use your loo?"
"Sure," Ashley directed her to it. "We'll wait for you downstairs."
"Promise you'll never tell anyone about what Brit told you," Zander said to Ashley.
Ashley giggled. "It's our secret, I promise."
"So how was your Christmas?" Zander asked her. "Did you get everything you wanted?"
"Pretty much," Ashley nodded. "You?"
"Yeah," Zander replied. "Thanks so much for that album. It's much better to keep my cards in there instead of in that box."
"I'm glad you liked it," Ashley said shyly.
"If it hadn't been for you, I'd have never kept those cards," Zander said.
"You shouldn't have had to get rid of them just for me either," Ashley fidgeted. "I'm glad Sam was happy with those autographs instead."
"He has them framed by his bed," Zander told her. "And I'd have given anything for you and me to be partners."
Ashley blushed. "Thanks Zander."
"I mean since you and I work so well together," Zander said quickly.
"Right," she nodded. "Of course."
Zander followed her into the kitchen and saw the members of the Princess Club huddled around the table drinking tea and eating biscuits.
"Save us some of those," Ashley said.
Caroline whispered something to Katie who giggled and then looked at Zander.
"What?" Ashley asked her little sister.
"Since he's the only boy," Katie said grinning at her big sister. "We think he can be Prince Charming."
Brittany laughed. "I think that's totally perfect."
Ashley looked at her friend. "You don't have to do that, Zander. Really."
Zander's face was quite red. "Um..."
"You don't have to be Prince Charming," Mia said. "You could be Prince Eric or Aladdin."
"Or the Beast," Brittany said dryly.
"Zander, Brit and I are going to do some sculpture," Ashley said, rescuing her friend.
"Thank you," Zander whispered to Ashley.
"Be prince another time?" Emma asked him.
Zander looked at the little redhead. "Next time, definitely."
Emma ran over and gave him a hug. "You can be Eric!"
"She's going to hold you to that," Julie said to him.
Zander smiled. "I'll have to get myself ready then, won't I?"
Emma beamed up at him.
"She is the cutest thing ever," Brittany gushed.
"I know," Emma twirled around happily.
"Em," Hannah giggled. "Come eat your biscuits before I do!"
"No, Han!" Emma squealed.
"No one can eat more than Emma," Ashley snagged them some biscuits.
"Except for Aunt Maddie and Grandpa," Caroline chimed in.
"You have a big family," Brittany commented.
"I might need notes to keep up with them all," Zander said sitting down at the counter with them.
"Nah, it's not that hard," Ashley replied. "You get used to everyone pretty quick."
"So what are we going to make?" Brittany asked.
"Whatever we want," Ashley said. "My mum put the clay in the basement. Half of it is my art studio, and the other half is Katie's dress up place."
"Let's go," Brittany said. "I'm feeling very creative."
"Me too," Ashley agreed, taking them downstairs.
A few minutes later, they were sitting at a table each playing with their own mound of clay. Ashley looked at Zander. "I really loved hearing you play the piano, Zander. It was amazing."
"Thanks," Zander said. "I practise for three hours a day when I'm at home."
"I wish you'd have told me," Ashley said softly.
"It sort of never came up," Zander said, a bit embarrassed.
"Do you want to continue with it as a career?" Ashley asked.
"I don't know yet," Zander answered, poking at his clay.
"I think you could," Ashley said. "You're really quite good, Zander."
"Maybe," Zander turned red at her praise. "But maybe I'll go on to play Quidditch."
"Whatever you do, I'll be there cheering you on," Ashley said reaching for some more clay.
Brittany laughed. "And I'll be the odd one out."
"What do you want to do when you get out of school?" Ashley asked her friend.
"I have no idea," Brittany replied. "I have six and a half more years to figure that out."
"I've always wanted to be an artist," Ashley said. "Even when I was little. I just knew it was something I wanted to do. I just love drawing and sketching and painting and even though I've just started this, I like sculpting."
"I like it too," Brittany nodded.
Ashley smiled at her friends. She still couldn't believe she actually had friends and they were here. It was nice to have people her own age to talk to and to listen to and to try new things. She didn't know what the next few years held for the three of them, but she hoped that they'd always be this close.
*** *** ***
Saffron was up the morning of their Quidditch match against Ravenclaw going over plays in her book. She wanted to make sure their undefeated record stayed in place, and Ravenclaw's team was quite good this year.
"You know you're not going to play well if you don't eat," Alexa cut into her thoughts. "Come on Saffy, just have some toast, or some oatmeal, or something."
Saffron reluctantly set aside her notes and grabbed a couple of slices of toast. "You're right."
"Mark the date and time," Alexa said grinning at her. "You actually admitted someone other than you was right about something."
Saffron stuck her tongue out. "Don't let it go to your head, Lexie."
"You guys are going to win," Jake said from his place beside Mimi. "There's no way you couldn't. Ravenclaw's good, but you guys are much better at Seeker."
"I know that," Saffron answered.
She took a bite of her toast and tried to get her mind off of the match at least for a couple of minutes.
"I just wish it wasn't snowing," Mimi commented. "I hate flying when it's so cold."
"You won't notice it when you're keeping the Quaffle from going in," Saffron told her.
"Right," Mimi said leaning against Jake.
The headmaster stood up and quieted the crowd. "Good morning, students."
The entire student body turned to look at Professor Wood.
"In a couple of hour's time, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor will start their Quidditch match," Oliver stated. "We wish the members of both teams good luck in the match and I trust that all of you will play fair."
"He should be saying it to those jerks in Slytherin," Saffron muttered.
"They don't know the meaning of the word fair," Alexa whispered back.
"I have a special announcement for you all," Oliver continued. "We are very fortunate to have four current members of the top four Quidditch teams visiting the school today."
Excited chatter filled the room as everyone wondered who the players would be.
"Former Hufflepuff Seeker Amanda Stanton is here representing the Montrose Magpies," Oliver announced as a tall blonde girl came into the Great Hall.
There was some polite applause as Amanda headed up to the front of the room.
"And we have Andrew Kirke from the Wimbourne Wasps," Oliver continued. The applause for Andrew was quite raucous and Saffron sank down in her seat as her ex boyfriend walked towards the front.
"The current champion; Puddlemere United are represented by RJ Weasley," Oliver announced and RJ strode into the Great Hall waving at some of his old friends.
"Great," Saffron muttered. "If Christina Grant walks in behind them that will make my day."
"Saffy," Alexa nudged her.
"And last but certainly not least," Oliver concluded. "We have Jeremiah Flint from the Falmouth Falcons.
"I trust you all will make them feel welcome," Oliver said.
Andrew caught Saffron's eye and she quickly looked away.
Seeing him again affected her- which she thought wouldn't happen.
She hoped the four guests would stay up at the staff table but to her horror, RJ and Andrew seemed to be heading in the direction of the Gryffindor table.
"RJ, Andrew," Jake said standing up and clapping his old friends on the back. "Great to see you guys!"
"I'm going outside to the pitch," Saffron whispered frantically.
"Saffy," Andrew said looking uncertainly at her.