Sorry this one's a bit late, but I made it longer than usual. Those of you who have been wanting E/M time, you got your wish! PLEASE review!
"I hope so," Saffron thought about Sean. "I really, really hope so."
In London, Natalia was just waking up and she reached for Andrew but he wasn't there. She sat up in bed and spotted him looking out the window. A smile came over her face as she looked at him.
"Good morning," she whispered.
"Morning," he turned around with a smile.
"Come back to bed," she said smiling back at him. "It's lonely in here by myself."
"Sorry," Andrew crawled back in next to her.
Natalia rested her head on his chest. "This is much better."
He ran his hand through her dark hair. "It is nice," he agreed.
"Do you think anyone would notice if we just stayed here all week?" Natalia asked.
Andrew laughed. "My parents might put out a missing persons report."
"Mine too," Natalia laughed.
"But for now," Andrew wrapped his arms around her. "I think we're okay."
Natalia sighed contentedly. "I love being here with you."
"I like it too," Andrew answered.
Natalia giggled when Andrew nuzzled her neck. "That tickles."
"What about this?" Andrew ran his hand lightly down her side.
"Mmmmm," Natalia said closing her eyes.
"And this..." Andrew kissed just under her ear.
"Yes, that's really, really nice," Natalia whispered.
"I thought you might like that," Andrew sneaked his hand upwards.
"Andrew," Natalia said softly.
"Hmm?" he asked.
"You're amazing," Natalia replied.
"So are you," he nipped at her lower lip.
Natalia kissed him back. The more time she spent with him, the further she fell in love. She hadn't told him how she was feeling because she didn't want to scare him off and she wanted him to say it first.
Oblivious to her thoughts, he pulled back. "Are you hungry?"
"Yes, actually," Natalia replied.
"I'll make us some breakfast," Andrew said, running his hands through his hair.
"Do you need some help?" Natalia asked.
"Sure," he turned and grinned at her.
Natalia pulled back the covers. "Let me get dressed."
"I'll meet you in the kitchen," Andrew pulled some trousers on.
"Okay," Natalia said giving him a kiss.
Andrew stayed quiet as he went past RJ's room. He and Audrey had come in late last night and would probably be enjoying a lie in.
He thought briefly about what to make Natalia for breakfast before deciding on waffles, which he knew was her favourite.
He had just poured the batter into the griddle when she came into the kitchen.
Natalia grinned at him. "You are going to spoil me."
"I'm trying," Andrew replied teasingly.
"I'll make the coffee," Natalia offered.
"Thanks," Andrew replied, peeking to make sure the waffles weren't burning.
Natalia quickly started a pot of coffee and leaned against the counter.
"What?" Andrew asked when he caught her watching him.
"Nothing," she said innocently.
"Yeah right," Andrew said with a grin.
"Can't a girl look at the bloke she fancies?" Natalia asked.
"Nothing wrong with that," Andrew replied.
"You know, I really was going to go to my own place last night," Natalia said pouring them both a cup of coffee. "But then you tricked me with that 'massage'."
"I knew that would get you to stay," Andrew replied as she added some cream to each cup.
"You're a devious person, Andrew Kirke," Natalia teased.
"Somehow I don't think you mind," Andrew put a large waffle on a plate and handed it to her.
"No complaints here," Natalia said eagerly taking the plate.
"Syrup?" he asked.
"Yes, please," Natalia said smiling at him.
"What smells so good out here?" RJ appeared in the doorway.
"I made waffles for Talia," Andrew replied. "And no, I haven't made any for you."
"Why not?" RJ whined.
"Oh, for Merlin's sake," Andrew rolled his eyes. "Fine, Junior. I'll make you some waffles."
"And a few for Aud as well?" RJ asked sheepishly. "She's hungry."
"Okay," Andrew muttered.
"They're delicious, Andrew," Natalia told her boyfriend.
"Thanks," Andrew smiled at her. "There are a few more there."
RJ poured himself a cup of coffee.
"Nice hair," Andrew said sarcastically.
"I just got out of bed, mate," RJ pointed out.
"Where's Audrey?" Natalia asked.
"Right here," Audrey said joining them. "Morning."
"Hey baby," RJ said. "Coffee?"
"Please," Audrey replied sitting down beside Natalia.
"Andrew's making us waffles," RJ told her. "So we don't have to starve."
"That's very nice of Andrew," Audrey said.
"That's me," Andrew said. "A nice guy."
"A very nice guy," Natalia echoed.
Andrew smiled at her before turning his attention back to the waffles.
Audrey smiled at Natalia. "How was your night?"
"Wonderful as always," Natalia said dreamily. "Yours?"
"Wonderful as always," Audrey teased, echoing Natalia's tone.
"Very funny," Natalia nudged her. "What did you guys do?"
"A girl never tells," Audrey said laughing.
RJ grinned at her from across the table, making Natalia giggle.
"Here you are," Andrew said setting a large plate of waffles down.
"These smell delicious," Audrey said. "Thanks Andrew."
"You're very welcome," Andrew said sitting down beside Natalia.
"I certainly worked up an appetite last night," RJ said without thinking.
Audrey blushed. "RJ!"
Andrew sent his friend a wicked grin.
"A girl never tells, but obviously a bloke does," Natalia said laughing.
"RJ's never been known to keep his mouth shut," Andrew told her.
"Part of my charm," RJ said before taking a bite of his waffle.
Audrey shook her head, her face flaming.
"So what have you two got planned for today?" Natalia asked, trying to help her friend out.
"I have to go in to work in a couple of hours," Audrey replied. "Lunch shift."
"And I have some publicity thing at Quality Quidditch Supplies," RJ said. "Meeting my adoring fans..."
"All three of them?" Andrew asked dryly.
"Very funny McDreamy," RJ retorted.
Audrey laughed. "What about you?"
"I have practise later today," Andrew replied.
"We both do," Natalia corrected. "I have a feeling it's going to be a rough one."
"They'll be rougher on me than you," Andrew replied.
"I guess it will be my turn to give you the massage then," Natalia said squeezing his shoulder.
"I'm holding you to that," Andrew said with a grin.
"Aud, will you do the same for me?" RJ asked. "My arm's going to be hurting after all those autographs..."
Audrey rolled her eyes. "Why not have one of your three adoring fans massage it for you?" she asked with a grin.
RJ shrugged. "They're not as beautiful as you."
"That's a line if I ever heard one," Andrew whispered to Natalia.
"A pretty good one though," Natalia said.
It was, in fact. Audrey was beaming at her boyfriend.
She leaned across the table and gave him a kiss.
Andrew shook his head. "I don't know what your secret is..."
"We're just very happy," Audrey said softly.
"Very, very happy," RJ moved to the chair next to hers.
"Very, very, happy," Audrey giggled.
RJ nuzzled her neck. "What say we have breakfast in bed?"
Audrey nodded.
"Thanks for the food, mate." RJ grabbed a few extra waffles.
"You're welcome," Andrew said laughing with Natalia as Audrey and RJ hurried back to RJ's room.
"Their relationship has obviously progressed to the next level," Natalia commented.
"Sure seems that way," Andrew agreed, leaning back.
"What time is practise?" Natalia asked. "Two?"
Andrew nodded. "Want to have breakfast in bed as well?"
Natalia moved over and sat on his lap. "That could get rather messy...."
"Uh oh," Andrew said softly.
Natalia leaned in and kissed him.
Andrew moved his hands up her back, and then settled them down on her hips.
Natalia arched against him.
"Talia," he whispered.
"I love it when you call me that," she said huskily.
"Talia," he said kissing her neck.
"Never mind the breakfast," she said with a smile, her eyes closing.
Andrew effortlessly stood up with her in his arms.
"I love how strong you are," Natalia wrapped her arms around him.
"You do?" Andrew asked grinning at her. "I should pick you up more often then."
"Was that a line?" Natalia asked, laughing.
"Maybe," Andrew said carrying her into his room. "Was it a good one?"
"It works for me," she whispered.
Andrew set her down on the bed. "Now who's spoiling who?"
"I rather like it when you spoil me," she stretched out.
Andrew's eyes darkened as he looked at her.
"You're too far away," Natalia said softly.
Andrew settled down beside her. He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
"You're the best boyfriend I've ever had," Natalia confessed.
"Me?" Andrew asked. "I find that hard to believe..."
"You are perfect," Natalia replied.
"Hardly," Andrew smiled down at her. "I have too many faults."
Natalia pulled him close. "You haven't shown any to me."
Andrew kissed her. "I think you're pretty perfect, too."
Meanwhile, in RJ's room, he'd set a warming charm on the plates while he and Audrey kissed heatedly.
"I like breakfast in bed," Audrey said breathlessly.
"Me too," RJ peeled off the t shirt she was wearing. "Becoming my favourite meal of the day when you're involved."
Audrey giggled. "You like every meal, RJ."
"But I really like when you're on the menu," RJ grinned at her. "Pun intended."
"You make me laugh," Audrey said.
"Good," RJ kissed her again.
"I love you," Audrey said softly.
He grinned. "I love you too, Aud."
"Last night was amazing," Audrey said.
"It was," RJ agreed, stroking her cheek.
"Thank you for being patient," Audrey said smiling up at him.
"Hey you were worth it," RJ kissed her.
Audrey pulled him even closer. "So were you."
"I wish you didn't have to work today," RJ nuzzled her ear. "And that I didn't have to go to that publicity thing."
"And deny those three fans?" Audrey teased.
RJ poked her.
"Those people are counting on you," Audrey said. "And we'll have tonight. I might even cook for you if you're really nice."
"Oh yeah?" he asked. "What will you make?"
"I'm going to surprise you," Audrey replied.
"I like that idea," RJ rolled her on top of him.
"I love you, RJ Weasley," Audrey said.
"I love you too, Marlowe," RJ ran his hands through her hair.
Audrey smiled down at him, feeling that it couldn't get better than this. She was in love with an incredible man. He had waited for her and she wished that they'd always be this happy.
"You know," RJ said. "We could always take a shower before you have to leave for work."
"And you would like to be clean for your three fans," Audrey said giggling.
RJ poked her side. "I have more than three fans."
"Yes," Audrey said. "Well, with me...that's four."
RJ laughed. "Smartarse. You take after my brother too much. He's been coaching you, hasn't he?"
"Maybe a little," Audrey admitted. "So, come on...let's get in that shower...."
RJ kissed her. "You do sort of smell..."
"I might swoon," Audrey said hitting him in the arm before getting to her feet. "Last one in the shower is a wanker!"
"That'll be you," RJ caught her around the waist and pushed her behind him.
"You don't fight fair!" Audrey squealed.
"All's fair in love and war," RJ called out over his shoulder.
*** *** ***
Ethan couldn't wait for the work day to finish. He was looking forward to hitting the beach and spending the next two weeks relaxing. The last few weeks had been hectic with the Auror Department involved in a number of surprise raids.
Now, all that stood between him and his holiday was the mountain of paperwork on his desk.
"Time to get this monster tackled," he said to himself, trying to keep his mind off his wife in the white bikini she'd promised to bring along.
"I'll help," Justin offered. "Seeing as you helped me a couple of months ago when Sarah and I went on holiday."
"Thanks mate," Ethan replied. "I appreciate it."
"What time are you leaving?" Justin asked.
"As soon as I possibly can," Ethan replied with a grin.
Justin laughed. "You just think of me slaving away here while you're on the beach with your hot wife."
"That'll be the first thing that pops into my head," Ethan deadpanned.
Justin laughed and grabbed a handful of the files. He looked at the clock on the wall. "Your dad and Neville have been gone a long time. How long would the Wizengamot need to convict Dolohov? It's open and shut, Ethan."
"I know," Ethan agreed. "But you know how crooked it can get sometimes. With my dad there though, there's no way Dolohov could get off."
"I wish I could have been there when you and your Dad brought him in," Justin said wistfully.
"It was great," Ethan remembered. "He was threatening all this nonsense left and right."
"Mr. Hero," Justin said throwing a balled up piece of parchment at him.
"Yeah, yeah." Ethan tossed it back.
"Ethan?" one of the departmental secretaries called out to him. "There was an urgent message from downstairs. You're wanted in the courtroom."
"I am?" Ethan asked. "Thanks..."
"Your dad probably wants you to be there when they throw the book at Dolohov," Justin said. "I'll try and make headway in this for you, mate."
"Thanks man," Ethan clapped him on the shoulder before pulling his robes on and heading downstairs.
He couldn't help feeling a little excited. This was his first time being called into the Wizengamot. It was probably like Justin said. And Ethan thought he should be there since he was the one who had arrested Dolohov in the first place.
He showed his badge to the guards at the door and they admitted him inside. Ethan had to keep his jaw from dropping as he made his way to where his father and Neville were sitting.
Harry didn't have a chance to explain anything to his son. Susan Bones was presiding over the case and she called out to Ethan. "Would you have a seat, Auror Potter? We have some questions for you."
"Sure," Ethan said. "I mean... of course, Your Honour."
Harry could only look on as his son was being led to the wolves so to speak. He wished that he'd had the chance to warn his son.
"Could you state your name for the court?" Susan asked him in a crisp, business-like tone.
"Auror Ethan James Potter," Ethan replied.
"How long have you been employed as an Auror?" Susan asked.
"Three years your Honour," Ethan replied.
"Could you tell the court what your assignment was for the weekend of November 14th of last year?" Susan asked.
"My father and I had gotten wind of Nicholai Dolohov's plan to finish his father, Antonin Dolohov's work. He planned to assassinate my... the Minister for Magic." Ethan still grew angry at the thought of this man putting his mother in any danger.
"And you tracked him to a cottage just outside of Reading?" Susan asked, reading from Harry's earlier testimony.
"Yes," Ethan nodded.
"Could you please tell us in detail what happened that night?" Susan asked. Ethan nodded. "My father was in charge of securing the perimeter. I was the junior Auror so it was my job to confront the target. Before I had a chance to knock on his door, I heard a commotion from inside."
"What happened after that?" Susan pressed.
"I knocked the door down," Ethan replied. "I apprehended the suspect..."
"Did you identify yourself?" Susan asked.
"No..." Ethan replied truthfully. "It all happened quite fast--"
"Mr. Dolohov has testified that you barged into his home without identifying yourself or explaining his rights...." Susan read from the earlier testimony. "He also stated that you used excessive force...."
"I did what I had to do to apprehend him," Ethan stated.
"I thought he was going to kill me!" Dolohov exclaimed suddenly, pointing a pale finger in Ethan's direction.
Harry's knuckles were white and he almost leapt from his chair.
"He made a snide comment about my mother," Ethan remembered. "I might have grabbed his arm and pushed him against the wall, but I never---"
"Almost knocked me out, he did," Dolohov said. "I never even had a chance."
"Mr. Dolohov, please," Susan said looking sternly at him. "No more outbursts."
"Yes your Honour," Dolohov looked back down at his lap.
"When did your father enter the cottage?" Susan asked.
"After I had Dolohov apprehended," Ethan looked confused. "Your Honour, it was proven that he was going to carry out plans to assassinate the Minister."
"Given your relationship with the Minister, I don't believe that you or your father should have been involved in the mission," Susan said looking in Harry's direction.
"But your Honour--" Ethan objected. "Remus Lupin gave it to us- he knew we'd track him down!"
"Thank you for your testimony," Susan said, cutting him off. "We will need a few moments before we make a final ruling. I ask that the courtroom be cleared."
Ethan stepped down and went over to his father, who was positively seething.
"Dad, I didn't do anything wrong," Ethan said, hoping his father believed him.
"I know you didn't," Harry assured him.
"I heard the commotion inside that cottage and I knocked the door down," Ethan remembered. "He didn't even look as if he was surprised to see me! And then he made that shite remark about Mum and I grabbed him, but I didn't hurt him."
"I know you didn't," Harry said again. "I was in there not a minute later and he was fine."
"You don't think he's going to get off, do you?" Ethan asked.
"I really hope not," Harry said grimly.
Ethan put his head in his hands.
Harry patted his son's shoulder. "You told the truth, Ethan. That's all we could have asked you to do."
"The evidence against Dolohov is vast," Neville tried to reassure him. "Susan will take that into account."
"She's always been fair," Harry nodded.
Ethan leaned against the wall wishing he had a time turner to go back and do things differently.
"I heard that a verdict was coming down," Hermione said joining them. "I'm not too late, am I?"
"You're just in time," Harry kissed his wife's cheek.
"Just in time to watch my career go up in flames," Ethan grumbled.
"It is not," Hermione assured him.
Ethan told his mother about what had happened in the courtroom. "He said that he thought I was going to kill him."
Hermione frowned. "But it's okay for him to want to kill me?"
"No," Ethan said. "I just---"
"Everyone please come back into the courtroom for the verdict," Susan's voice boomed into the corridor.
Ethan felt as if he was the one on trial. Silently, he followed his parents and Neville back into the courtroom.
"Be seated," Susan said, looking over at the Potter family.
Hermione put her hand on her son's arm.
"You followed procedure," Harry told his son in a low voice. "They have nothing to get you on. Trust me."
"Mr. Dolohov," Susan announced. "Would you please stand?"
Dolohov stood up and smirked in Ethan's direction.
Ethan clenched his fists and Susan prepared to read the verdict.
"Mr. Dolohov, you have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder against the Minister for Magic," Susan said solemnly. "The Wizengamot has deliberated over the testimony and evidence presented and we have reached a verdict."
Ethan closed his eyes.
"On the charge of conspiracy to commit murder, you have been found guilty," Susan read.
Ethan opened his eyes in surprise.
Hermione squeezed his hand. "I told you," she whispered.
"But," Susan continued, making Ethan and Harry look back up.
"What?" Ethan asked in disbelief.
"But, we cannot overlook the fact that during your arrest certain procedures were not followed," Susan announced grimly.
"You have bloody got to be kidding me," Ethan looked at his father.
Harry was speechless.
"Mr. Dolohov, you are free to go," Susan finished reluctantly.
Harry stood up without hesitation. "NO!"
"Mr. Potter," Susan said.
"Your honour," Dolohov said pretending to cower. "I would like to take a restraining order out against the Potters. I fear for my life."
"You'll need to take that up with a lawyer," Susan banged her gavel.
Ethan watched angrily as Dolohov sent another smirk in their direction. Ethan stood up and made a move in Dolohov's direction, but Neville held him back.
"You'll only make things worse, Ethan." Neville told him. "For now, you have to let him go."
Dolohov walked toward them. "Justice was served here today, Mr. Potter."
"You'd better get out of here while you still have a chance," Harry snarled.
"Is that a threat?" Dolohov asked with a grin.
"Only if you want it to be," Ethan answered, his face matching his father's.
"You deserve anything that comes your way," Dolohov said icily. "You walk around thinking that the world owes you something. You are a disgrace to wizards everywhere. Your Mudblood wife---"
"You finish that and you'll wish you hadn't," Ethan whipped out his wand.
Dolohov chuckled. "Good day."
Hermione glared after the man. "Of all the nerve-- I should see what I can do about overturning the verdict."
"We need to change the wards we've put up around the estate," Harry told her. "I'm not taking any chances."
Hermione nodded. "That's fine with me."
"It's my fault," Ethan said looking at his mother. "It's my fault, he's free."
"Ethan--" Harry began.
"I should go back to Headquarters," Ethan said quietly. "I have some paperwork to finish."
"We'll talk later," Harry told him. "Alright?"
Ethan nodded. "Yeah, later."
Instead of heading back to the office, Ethan found himself walking home, furious that he could have made such a foolish error.
He'd seen what could happen to Aurors who made mistakes like this. They were pushing paper and very rarely were they called out on assignment. The last thing Ethan wanted was to spend his days at a desk.
He let himself into the cottage, wondering if his wife was still at work or not.
"Ethan?" Maddie called from upstairs. "Is that you?"
"Hey," he replied, tossing his cloak aside. "Yeah it's me."
Maddie had been busy packing their belongings for Brighton. "Come up here! You can help Blue and me pack."
"Sure," Ethan said, climbing the stairs.
Maddie's back was to him as he entered their bedroom. She had two big suitcases open on the bed. Blue was flying around dropping little items into the suitcase. "How was your day?" Maddie asked. "I didn't expect you home until five..."
"Dolohov went free," Ethan spilled out.
Maddie turned around and gaped at him. "No, how?"
"Because I didn't announce myself when I apprehended him," Ethan said bitterly.
"They let him off because of that?" Maddie asked incredulously. "Ethan---"
"A technicality," Ethan slammed his fist on the dresser.
Maddie put her arms around him and hugged him. "I'm sorry."
Ethan buried his face in her hair. "Promise me these next few weeks you'll be extra careful?" he asked. "I'm going to put up some new wards around here- and if you go anywhere, use the Floo."
Maddie had never seen her husband like this and she held him tightly to her. "You think he's going to try for revenge?"
"I don't know," Ethan said truthfully. "Dad's setting up stronger wards at the mansion too. Just in case."
"I'll be careful," Maddie promised.
"I don't' know what's going to happen with Brighton right now either," Ethan sighed.
Maddie pulled away from him. "You don't think we'd be safe?"
"I just don't know," Ethan said. "I'm sorry, sweetheart."
"Its okay," Maddie said squeezing his hand.
"I hate disappointing you," Ethan replied.
"You've never disappointed me," Maddie said softly. "I love you and I know you did the best job possible."
Her faith in him made Ethan smile. "Thanks," he said, pulling her to him again. "I love you so much."
"I love you too," Maddie said. "No matter what."
Ethan gave her a kiss. "How was your day?" he asked, tucking a long strand of hair behind her ear."
"Great," Maddie replied. "I got to stay with Hannah and the twins while Frankie ran to work for a few hours."
"And you lived to tell the tale?" Ethan asked with a grin.
"I loved every minute of it," Maddie said.
"How are Nathan and Izzie?" Ethan asked sitting down on the bed.
"Getting big already," Maddie said wistfully as Blue perched on her shoulder.
"You know," Ethan said reaching for her hand. "I'm not a Seer, but I can just picture you and me downstairs in the sitting room. You with a little baby on your lap and me with a little girl sitting on the floor playing a game..."
Maddie laughed. "Am I holding a boy or girl?" she teased.
"A little boy," Ethan said.
"Just perfect," Maddie said softly.
"Perfect," Ethan said smiling at her.
Maddie kissed her husband, pushing him back onto the bed. Blue flew off her shoulder and headed back downstairs, cackling the whole way.
Ethan was taken by surprise by this action. He nearly hit his head on one of the suitcases. "Wait, Mads---"
She pushed the suitcase off the bed. "Sorry."
"No need to apologise," Ethan said putting his arms around her.
"I think we both need a little time to ourselves like this," Maddie said softly.
"Definitely," Ethan said before kissing her.
She wound up kicking the other suitcase off the bed, its contents spilling onto the floor.
"Madeline," Ethan said grinning up at her.
"Yes?" she pushed his messy hair out of his eyes.
"I love you more than anything," Ethan said tugging at her t-shirt.
"It's the same way for me," Maddie helped him lift it over her head. "I can't imagine being with anyone else, ever."
"You never will," Ethan said huskily. "You are all mine."
"Forever and ever," Maddie said, helping him unsnap her bra.
"You are so beautiful," Ethan said pulling it away and throwing it on the floor.
"I love hearing that from you," Maddie said, unsnapping his trousers.
After the day he had, Ethan definitely needed this. He gave his wife a lazy grin as she slid off his trousers down.
"That's it," she breathed.
"Come back up here," Ethan said reaching for her.
Maddie kissed him again, running her fingers through his hair.
Ethan's hands snaked around her waist, pulling her flush against him.
"Mmmmm..." she purred.
Ethan groaned when he felt Maddie's hands on his boxer shorts.
"Remember what I called it that one time?" she asked mischievously. "The Holy Grail..."
Ethan laughed. "I do...."
"It just gets better every time," Maddie said, pulling his boxers down.
"And you always know just what to do," Ethan said.
"I know you better than anyone," she said. "That's why."
Maddie kicked off her knickers before lying back down on the bed. Ethan was tired of waiting and he rolled on top of her. He looked down at her and was happy to see that she wasn't looking at him in disappointment. She loved him unconditionally and he couldn't believe how lucky he was that she was his.
"What are you waiting for?" she asked.
"Nothing," Ethan said pressing into her. "Everything's perfect."
"Now it is," she arched her back.
Ethan let out a guttural moan before kissing her soundly.
She whimpered as he pushed harder into her.
He forgot about the trial, about Dolohov and his career as he revelled in being with his wife like this.
Maddie cried out his name, holding onto him as if he were going to disappear.
"Baby," Ethan said pressing a kiss to her forehead.
"It gets better every time," Maddie said softly, her arms still around him.
"Yes it does," Ethan said. "And maybe, just maybe, we might have made a little Ethan or Maddie Junior."
"I want that so, so much." Maddie replied.
"It's going to happen," Ethan promised. "I know it."
"You've been so incredible with me about it," Maddie said as he moved off to her side.
"I want this as much as you do," Ethan said.
"I know," Maddie touched his cheek. "And you're going to be an amazing father."
"Hopefully a better father than I am an Auror," Ethan said quietly.
"You're still a great Auror," Maddie said.
"I screwed up," Ethan said. "I acted on adrenaline instead of remembering the rules. Those bloody rules..."
"You'll go back tomorrow and see what Lupin says," Maddie propped herself up on her arm. "For what it's worth, I think you'll be fine."
"We're leaving tonight for Brighton," Ethan said. "Or were...I should call Mum and Dad and see what the plan is."
"That's a good idea," Maddie kissed him again before reaching for their undergarments.
"Thank you for this," Ethan said.
Maddie smiled. "I'd do anything for you Ethan. You know that."
Ethan stood up and got dressed. "How about I make us something to eat?"
"I'm ravenous," Maddie replied. "If you do that, I'll repack."
Ethan grinned. "Deal."
"You ring your parents first," Maddie said. "Let me know what's going on."
Ethan nodded and headed downstairs. He walked into the kitchen and reached for the phone.
He dialled his father's mobile, hoping he'd pick up.
His father's familiar voice came over the line.
"Hello?"
"Hey Dad," Ethan said.
"Ethan," Harry said. "How are you, son?"
"Better," Ethan said. "But I'm still a little anxious about my job..."
"Ethan, you're still an Auror," Harry reassured him. "Lupin and Kingsley saw how Dolohov played the system. They know that you did things by the book."
"I hope so," Ethan said glumly.
"The only mistake you made was not identifying yourself," Harry told him. "You'll learn from this and I have a feeling Dolohov is going to get into trouble again soon. We'll be there when it happens and we'll make sure he pays."
"Sounds good to me," Ethan agreed. "Thanks Dad."
"And as for Brighton," Harry said. "We're still going. We'll put wards around the beach house and we'll make sure to watch the children extra carefully."
"We'll both keep an extra close eye on Mum," Ethan said.
"Constant vigilance!" Harry said in a perfect imitation of Moody.
Ethan laughed. "Mads and I will be by in a few hours. We'll see you guys there."
"Okay," Harry said clicking off his phone.
"I don't see why I need to be here," Saffron told her father. "I still have to pack."
Harry and Hermione had called their daughter to the Ministry immediately after the verdict. They'd wanted to make sure that she was safe and the only way they knew how to do that was to make sure she was under their watchful eyes.
"We just want you to be with us right now," Harry told her. "It won't take you long to pack when we get home."
Saffron sighed and looked around her father's office. "I can't believe those people let that psychopath go free."
"I'm going to do what I can to overturn the verdict," Hermione said.
Saffron hoped that was possible. She stood up and walked over to where her mother was seated. Saffron sat down on her lap and gave her mother a hug. "Nothing's going to happen to you, Mum. They'd have to go through all of us first."
"Thank you baby," Hermione hugged her back. "You know, it's been ages since you sat on my lap like this."
Saffron smiled. "Do you remember when you used to bring me to work with you when I was little? You used to sit me on your lap while you worked on your speeches."
"And you always told me if you liked them or not," Hermione laughed.
Harry held up one of the framed photographs on his desk. It was of a four-year old Saffron sitting at Hermione's desk in the Minister's office.
"I was adorable," Saffron grinned. "Wasn't I?"
"Still are," Harry grinned.
Saffron grinned. "That's because I look like Mum."
"Lucky for you," Harry set the frame back down.
"We're going to have a great holiday," Saffron said optimistically. "I know it."
"Yes we are," Hermione said. "Is Sean joining us there again?"
Saffron nodded. "He's coming down with his parents on Friday."
"RJ mentioned he's going to come by with Audrey this weekend," Hermione commented.
"Maybe we'll do a group date," Saffron said. "And I promise, we'll be careful."
"That's my girl," Harry said with a grin.
"You worry too much, Daddy," Saffron said smiling at him.
"That's part of being a parent," Harry replied.
"We just want you to be extra careful this summer, Saffy," Hermione said. "If anything happened to you or your brother and sister, I don't know what I'd do."
"I promise to be extra, extra careful," Saffron replied.
"Ron's gone ahead to the beach house and set up the wards," Harry told them.
"Great," Hermione replied, finishing off the forms. "I'll send these to the Wizengamot."
"Let's just hope it works," Saffron said looking at her father.
"All right," Harry said. "We ready to get home and get packed?"
"Yes," Saffron replied.
Hermione set the forms in the tray that would take them to the appropriate offices. "I'm ready too."
"Come on, Old Man," Saffron said grabbing at her father's arm.
"Uh oh," Hermione laughed at the look on her husband's face. "You're in for it now, Saffy."
"Come here, you," Harry said grabbing his daughter and tickling her. "What did you call me?"
Saffron shrieked with laughter. "I called you YOUNG!"
Harry laughed. "That's what I thought you said."
Saffron wiped her eyes. "Not fair."
"It rarely is, Saffron Grace," Harry said putting his arm around her. "You think that you might find some time to spend with your folks this holiday?"
"Maybe an hour or two," Saffron deadpanned.
"That's awfully generous of you," Hermione laughed.
"How about we go out on the boat one afternoon?" Saffron suggested. "Just our family..."
"I suppose you want to drive the boat?" Harry asked. "You know how much Ethan likes to do that..."
"I love driving the boat," Saffron said.
"So does Ethan," Harry replied.
"I'll fight him for it," Saffron joked.
"You fight him on most anything," Hermione said shaking her head.
"That's part of our dynamic," Saffron replied.
"You're quite good at it," Harry joked turning off the lights in his office with a wave of his hand. "Come on, ladies."
"Right behind you Dad," Saffron hooked arms with her mother
Neither Hermione nor Saffron knew it, but Harry had left a letter for Neville asking him to set up a detail on the beach house. The more eyes watching them, the more at ease he'd be. He also wanted someone watching Dolohov at all times. Harry wasn't about to let anything happen to his family.