Authors' note: We're glad that you guys are enjoying the new storyline. There's more drama ahead from all fronts. We hope you will continue to read and review!
Seamus walked into the penthouse and called out for his wife or his son. There was no response and he figured they were at the hospital or at Hermione and Harry's.
Lavender hadn't slept much in the past few weeks and Seamus wished there was something he could do to put her mind at ease.
To his surprise, he found his wife in their bedroom, packing a suitcase.
"I didn't realise you were home," Seamus said. "I called out but no one answered."
"Sorry," Lavender said absently. "I'm just packing."
"I can see that," Seamus replied. "Mind telling me where you're going?"
"I'm going to Harry and Hermione's," Lavender replied using her wand to neatly fold her clothes. "Aunt Ellie needs me."
Seamus nodded. "Okay. Want me to go with you?"
"You don't have to," Lavender said.
"Hey," Seamus caught her hand. "I want to be with you."
Lavender offered him a slight smile. "I know you do, but I know you're still working and you have a lot of things on your plate. Besides you have to keep an eye on Gabe."
Seamus sighed. "He's really taking this hard. Not that I blame him."
"At least he knows Alexa is safe," Lavender said. "Saffy and Ethan..."
"I know," Seamus said. "I wish there were something I could do to help aside from posting a reward."
"Dolohov doesn't want money," Lavender said bitterly.
"Well it's also for anyone who was valid information," Seamus said, wrapping her in his arms. "You know, Harry told me that Andrew's been at the Ministry every day helping go through the mail that's come in."
"He still cares about her," Lavender said hugging Seamus back. "Seamus, why is this happening?"
"I don't know sweetheart." he answered quietly.
"If something happens to them," Lavender said her voice breaking. "I--I don't know---"
"They'll find them," Seamus soothed. "And Alexa's going to be okay."
"And I hope Harry's the one to find Dolohov," Lavender said. "Usually, I abhor violence, but..."
"He'll kill him," Seamus said. "I know he will."
"His family is everything to him," Lavender agreed.
They were headed downstairs when they ran into Gabriel. "Off to hospital again, son?" Seamus asked.
"I just came back actually," Gabriel said glumly. "I was there when she woke up and it freaked her out. She asked me point blank why I was there. I couldn't think of anything to say and then RJ comes in....and she asked me to go."
"I'm sorry," Seamus said quietly. "I'm sure she'll start remembering soon."
"Yeah," Gabriel said dejectedly. He saw the suitcase in his dad's hand. "Are you going somewhere, Dad?"
"Lav's going to stay at Harry and Hermione's for a few days," Seamus told him.
"Oh," Gabriel replied.
"You're welcome to join here there, if you want." Seamus said.
"What about you?" Gabriel asked.
"I may come by in a day or so," he answered.
"I'll stay here with you, if that's okay," Gabriel told his father.
"Its fine," Lavender said softly.
"Any news on Saffy or Ethan?" Gabriel asked.
"Nothing," Lavender wiped at her eyes.
Gabriel gave her a hug. "Saffy always told me about how close you were."
"Are," Lavender hugged him back. "No past tenses."
"Right," Gabriel said. "She and Ethan are going to be fine."
Lavender nodded. "Take care of yourself, Gabe. And come by anytime."
"I will," Gabriel promised before heading upstairs to his room.
Lavender sighed. "I'd better get over there. Aunt Ellie needs me. So does Hermione."
Seamus nodded. "Are you going to be okay?"
"Hopefully," Lavender said.
Seamus gave her a kiss. "I love you."
"I love you too," Lavender held onto him a moment. "Take care of Gabe, okay?"
"I will," Seamus promised. A few minutes later, he found himself heading back upstairs to check on his son.
Gabriel was lying on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. An open textbook was next to him, but he couldn't concentrate on anything but the thought of Alexa.
Seamus knocked on the door. "Gabe?"
"Come in," Gabriel said quietly.
"Did you want to talk?" Seamus asked, coming inside.
Gabriel sighed. "I just don't know what to do, Dad. It's been weeks and she doesn't even recognise me a little."
"And everyone keeps telling you to be patient?" Seamus guessed.
"Exactly," Gabriel said bitterly.
"I guess I'll skip that part," Seamus said dryly.
"If this was a movie, how would it end?" Gabriel asked. "Would she remember me, you think?"
"She would and there would be a happy ending with the heroine gazing up into the hero's eyes and telling him that she loved him and then cue the love theme..."
"Now that's just cheesy," Gabriel said, smiling for the first time in days.
"Yes, but it is tried and true," Seamus said grinning back at him.
"I'll take it," Gabriel said, his smile fading a bit.
"She's going to remember, son," Seamus tried to reassure him.
At the moment though, Alexa was content to be with RJ. She'd convinced him to play a game of cards with her and she was winning.
"That's two games in a row," she said grinning at him. "You really are bad at this."
"Go Fish," RJ said laughing. "Is a Muggle game and not one I'm very familiar with Lexie. Give me a break."
"Come on," Alexa said with a grin. "You're dating a Muggle-born, you should get used to this stuff."
RJ laughed. "Yeah, yeah..."
Alexa studied her cards. "Have any sevens?"
"You must be using some of your mind tricks on me," RJ said handing over a pair of sevens to her.
"Right," Alexa leaned back. "My psychic powers."
"Okay, ace," RJ said. "Do you have any threes?"
"Go fish," Alexa laughed.
"Don't tell Emma about this game," RJ told her taking a card from the deck. "She's love nothing more than to beat her Uncle RJ at this."
"Mum's the word," Alexa promised. She looked down at her cards again thoughtfully. "Hey RJ?"
"Yes?" RJ replied.
"That guy... Gabriel?" Alexa asked. "Why does he seem familiar to me?"
RJ shrugged, not wanting to make things worse, but he wanted to help her remember.
"What's going on RJ, really?" Alexa asked softly, putting her cards down. "I know I don't have the Wizarding flu."
"Lexie--"
"You've always been honest with me," Alexa interrupted.
"I have," RJ said quietly.
"Why is everyone so secretive when they come in here?" Alexa demanded. "Why are my parents whispering? No one except you and that Gabriel bloke will look me in the eye."
"You don't have the Wizarding Flu," RJ finally relented.
"So what's going on?" Alexa asked quietly.
He didn't know what to do. A part of him thought that she deserved to know what had happened. "You were hit with a spell a few weeks ago."
"What sort of spell?" she pressed.
RJ took her hand. "Some sort of memory modification spell."
"Who would do such a thing?" she asked, her lower lip trembling.
"A horrible man," RJ said softly. "That's...that's not all, Lexie. He took---he kidnapped Saffron."
"What?" she gasped.
RJ knew there was no going back now. "It was a few weeks back. You were in Brighton with Saffy and her family."
"Brighton?" Alexa asked. "But... I thought... I thought we were at school?"
RJ shook his head. "The spell that hit you..."
Alexa pulled her hand away as tears welled up in her eyes.
"I shouldn't be telling you this," RJ said. "Lexie--"
"What?" she asked. "What aren't you saying, RJ?"
"The healers said that you shouldn't know," RJ told her with a pained expression on his face. "I don't want to---"
"TELL ME!" she said angrily.
RJ exhaled. "You lost two years, Lexie."
For a few long, awful moments, she stared at him. "Two years?" she whispered.
RJ nodded and reached for her hand again. "You--you graduated from Hogwarts a few weeks ago."
"Graduated?" Alexa asked. "But..."
"I'm so sorry," he said softly. "I wanted to tell you, but the healers said it might be detrimental to your recovery."
"For me not to know anything?" Alexa snapped.
"Lexie," RJ said trying to calm her down, but he could certainly understand her anger. "They know a lot more about this than we do."
"What else don't I know?" Alexa asked harshly.
"You, um, you're supposed to be starting university in the States next month," RJ told her.
"I am?" she asked, softly.
RJ nodded. "You were really excited about it though you were going to miss your parents and Saffy."
"This just isn't possible," Alexa said quietly.
"You're not in this alone," he promised. "You know that I'll be here to help you figure it all out."
"Thanks," Alexa said wiping at her eyes.
"Come here," he said opening up his arms.
She crawled forward and snuggled against him.
RJ held her close. "I'm sorry, Lexie."
"It's not your fault," Alexa said. "At least I know I can depend on you."
"Absolutely," RJ said kissing the top of her head.
"I just love you so much," she bawled.
"Shhh," RJ soothed. "It's going to be okay, Lexie. I promise."
"You have to help me remember," she begged.
"I will," he said pulling away to look at her. "I'll do anything you want."
"Just help me remember," Alexa said, touching his face.
Memories of the time he'd spent with Alexa over the years flooded back to him. He would have given anything to give her back the years that she'd lost. He leaned in and gently kissed her.
At first, she eagerly kissed him back but as it deepened, something inside her began to feel as if this was completely wrong.
"What's wrong?" he asked pulling away.
"I don't know..." Alexa said softly. "It just... felt different, kissing you."
RJ looked away.
"What?" Alexa felt a tremor of fear. "RJ what aren't you telling me now?"
"We aren't together anymore," RJ told her quietly. "We haven't been for quite some time."
She stared at him. "We broke up?"
"It's a really long story, but basically, I screwed things up," RJ said. "We---grew apart after I graduated and started playing for Puddlemere."
Alexa listened as he told her the truth- a bit haltingly.
"I was an idiot, Lexie," RJ told her. "You and I were barely on speaking terms and Saffron---well, let's just say that she treated me like something she picked off the bottom of her shoe."
She bit her lower lip. "I just don't even know what to think right now."
"It's a lot to take in," RJ said sympathetically.
Alexa sighed and lay back against the pillows. "I just don't know why everyone felt they couldn't tell me what was going on."
"Don't be mad at your parents," RJ told her. "They were only doing what the healers told them was best."
Alexa nodded. "I... I think I'd like to be alone for awhile."
"Are you sure?" RJ asked.
Alexa nodded silently.
"I'll be back later, okay?" he asked. "And I'll bring you something from my Nana. I know it'll be better than this hospital food."
"Thanks," Alexa turned to look out the window.
RJ gave her one last look before he left her room. He wondered if he should tell her healer what he'd told her.
On his way out, he passed Gabriel again. "Hey mate," he greeted him.
"Hey," Gabriel said. "I know she didn't want to see me, but I couldn't stay away."
"Actually," RJ shifted from one foot to the other. "I sort of told her what was going on."
"What?" Gabriel asked taken aback. "Why?"
"She asked why you were around all the time," RJ told him. "She... she's got a way of drawing things out of you."
"Is she okay?" Gabriel asked.
"She told me she wanted to be alone," RJ said. "But then again, I did just have to tell her what an arse I was to her."
"I can't imagine that was easy for you," Gabriel commented quietly.
"Not really," he admitted.
"So she knows everything?" Gabriel asked.
"Pretty much," RJ said. "I didn't tell her that you two were together though. Thought I'd let you do that."
"Thanks," Gabriel said.
"Good luck mate," RJ said. "She's an amazing girl... I didn't want to hurt her, but she deserves to know what's going on."
Gabriel nodded. "She is. Thank you for all that you've done for her."
RJ nodded. "I know it couldn't have been easy for you... to see all that."
"You have no idea," Gabriel replied.
"Good luck in there," RJ told him, holding his hand out.
Gabriel shook RJ's hand. He had a feeling he was going to need a lot of luck.
With a deep breath, he headed over to her room and knocked softly on the door.
"Who is it?" she called out.
"Hey," Gabriel poked his head in. "Um... I hope you don't mind me dropping by again--"
Alexa looked up at him. "I kind of wanted to be alone."
"Oh," Gabriel said quietly.
Alexa wiped at her eyes. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"I don't mean to," he said quickly. "I'm sorry.
"I don't mean to snap at you," Alexa apologised. "It's just I found out some things today that shook me up. My best friend's been kidnapped and I lost two years of my life."
Gabriel nodded. "I'm um... I'm actually Saffron's cousin."
"Saffy doesn't have any cousins," Alexa argued.
"None of you knew about me until just a few years ago," Gabriel explained, wishing she'd stop giving him that accusing look.
"What are you to me?" Alexa asked him.
Gabriel took a deep breath. "We've been together for over a year."
Alexa shook her head. "No..."
"Yes," Gabriel said. "We're in love and we're going to be living near each other in California next year when you go to college there."
Alexa shook her head. "No, that's not true. I'm still---"
"You're eighteen," Gabriel told her. "Not fifteen or sixteen."
Fresh tears welled up in Alexa's eyes. "This doesn't make sense!"
"I know," Gabriel came forward. "And I wish there was something I could do to help you."
"I just wish Saffy was here," Alexa said quietly.
"I do too," Gabriel said. "I wish she and Ethan were both okay."
"Do they know---do they know who took them?" Alexa asked.
"They think it's some bloke..." Gabriel thought for a moment. "Dolohov?"
Alexa shook her head. "That name doesn't ring any bells for me. Surprise, surprise."
"I'm studying to be a doctor," Gabriel said. "If I knew anything about magic, I'd do what I could to bring your memories back."
Alexa gave him a slight smile. "Thank you."
Gabriel nodded. "I know it may sound strange, but I love you. You're the most important person in the world to me."
Alexa didn't know what to say to that. She could tell that he was sincere, but to her, he was a stranger. This was more than she could honestly handle right now.
"Gabriel, I'm sorry," Alexa said softly. "But I'm kind of tired. Would you mind---"
"I'll leave you be," he nodded. "I understand."
"Thank you for coming by," Alexa said. "I--I imagine this hasn't been easy for you."
"Not really," Gabriel admitted. "But you're worth it. I know you're going to get your memories back."
"I hope so," Alexa whispered.
"You will," Gabriel said. "And I'll do whatever I can to make that happen."
Alexa gave him another slight smile and watched with a heavy heart as she watched him go. He was hurting and she felt bad about that. Right now, though, she was more worried about her best friend. Saffron had to be okay. She just had to be.
Meanwhile, RJ had arrived back at his flat the same time Audrey had come after work.
"Hey," RJ said. "I-I didn't know you were coming over here."
"Why wouldn't I?" she asked, kicking off her shoes.
RJ put his head in his hands. "I don't know. I didn't realise we had plans."
"We didn't," Audrey said. "But I just wanted to see you."
"Right," RJ said with a sigh. "I don't think I'll be that much company, Aud. It's been a long day."
"We can just watch a movie or something, then." she replied.
"I'm really not in the mood for a movie," RJ said. "I promised Alexa I'd bring her something from Nana."
"Oh," Audrey said quietly.
RJ felt guilty as he looked at his girlfriend. She'd been more than patient about what had happened. But, he knew her patience was running thin. He briefly wondered if he should tell her about kissing Alexa. "She's just--she's had to eat hospital food all these weeks. I thought it'd be nice for a change."
"Right," Audrey forced a smile. "I understand..."
"Aud," RJ said reaching for her hand. "I'm sorry..."
She pulled away. "I hate feeling like this, RJ."
"Feeling like what?" he asked.
"I feel horrible for what happened to Alexa," Audrey said. "I can't imagine what she must be feeling. But..." she sighed. "I'm your girlfriend now, and I'd just like to see you once in awhile."
RJ felt even more guilty. "I know. Maybe this will all be over soon. I-I told her the truth today."
She looked at him properly. "You did?"
"You can't get anything past her really," RJ said. "She knew something was up and we've all been walking around on eggshells around her. She asked me point blank today and I just couldn't lie to her. She knows that she's eighteen. She knows that Saffy's been kidnapped. And she knows that we're not together anymore."
"Well that's good then, right?" Audrey asked. "Gabriel can step in and do what you've been doing."
RJ looked down at the floor.
"Right?" Audrey pressed.
"Just because I told her doesn't mean that she doesn't still need me," RJ said. "She was terrified, Aud. You should have seen her. Imagine how you would feel if you found out something like that. It's not like she got her memories back right after I told her. She still feels like no time's passed."
"I didn't say I minded you spending time with her," Audrey said defensively. "I just said I wanted to see you as well once in awhile."
"How about you come with me to the Burrow?" RJ asked. "We can spend some time together until I have to leave for the hospital."
"Why can't I just come with you to the hospital if she knows the truth?" Audrey asked.
"She...she doesn't know that I have a girlfriend," RJ admitted.
Audrey sighed. "Forget I even said anything."
"Aud," RJ said reaching for her. "I'll tell her tonight. When I was leaving, Gabe showed up. He sounded like he was going to tell her about the two of them."
She softened. "You'll tell her about us? Really?"
"Really," RJ said wondering how he was going to do that.
"That makes me feel better," she admitted, resting her head on his shoulder.
"I'm glad," RJ said putting his arms around her. Never in a million years did he think he would find himself in this situation.
"I love you," Audrey said softly.
RJ held her close. "I love you too, Aud."
She closed her eyes. "Just hold me for a few minutes."
In the past few weeks, RJ had gotten to know his ex-girlfriend again and he had enjoyed the time he'd spent with her. But, those feelings were all in the past, weren't they? One kiss wasn't going to change everything. Alexa would get her memory back and things would go back to normal. There was no need to open up this can of worms, was there?
*** *** ***
Ethan woke up in the middle of the night and looked to where his sister was soundly sleeping. It had been a rough day for Saffron who had to listen to that psychopath call her by their mother's name. Ethan had heard stories about Gordon Devereaux, but he hadn't known the man was this twisted.
He had tried again and again to get through the door, the window, even the walls, but everything was solid and seemingly soundproof.
"Ethan?" Saffron whispered.
"Hey," Ethan said. "What are you doing up?"
"You should be the one sleeping," Saffron said sitting up. "I love you, but you look awful."
Ethan managed a small smile. "You sleep."
"It's a little hard when Gordon keeps calling me 'Hermione'," Saffron shivered.
"He's a bloody creep," Ethan said. "And he better stay away from you."
Saffron squeezed his hand. "I'm really glad that you're here with me, Ethan."
Ethan nodded. "I'm glad you aren't alone. But I wish we could find a way out of here."
Saffron nodded. "You're protecting me just like you did when I was a baby."
"From all those monsters," Ethan recalled.
"And then you grew up and thought I was annoying," Saffron said.
Ethan chuckled. "A little bit..."
"Hermione?"
"Don't answer him," Ethan said in a low voice.
Saffron nodded and hugged her knees to her chest.
"Hermione, answer me." Gordon commanded.
"Her name is Saffron," Ethan called out. "She's not my mother."
"You be quiet, boy." Gordon said.
"What do you want?" Saffron asked.
"I was worried that you weren't warm enough, my love," Gordon replied. "Do you need another blanket?"
"I don't want anything from you," Saffron said. "I just want to be let out of here."
"We'll leave here soon," Gordon promised. "And then we'll be a family like we were always meant to be."
"We aren't going anywhere with you," Ethan laid a protective arm on his sister's shoulder.
"Yes you are," Gordon said happily. "I just have to get the last two members of our little family and we'll be on our way. You'll love it. I know you will."
Saffron's eyes filled with tears. "He's going to get Jules, isn't he?" she whispered. "He can't take her away from Nick and Ashley and Katie."
Ethan shook his head. "No, he's not going to take anyone else. Dad's going to protect Mum and Julie and he's going to find us."
Saffron nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Ethan... I can't stop thinking about what he did to Sean."
Ethan put his arm around her and hugged her. "Saffy, that wasn't your fault."
Saffron wiped her eyes. "He stepped in front of me, not even knowing what was going on."
"He loved you," Ethan said.
"But I wasn't in love with him," Saffron said. "And that makes me feel even guiltier."
"Andrew?" Ethan guessed.
"I'm still in love with him," Saffron admitted.
"He's been helping out down at Headquarters," Ethan told her. "He was there everyday."
"He was?" she asked. "Really?"
Ethan nodded. "So I think he still has feelings for you, too."
"But he's with that other girl now," Saffron said.
"When we're out of here, you can sort it all out," Ethan told her.
Saffron sighed. "I guess..."
"You know I know most of this stuff about you from Maddie," Ethan said. "You...you haven't confided in me in a long time."
"We aren't as close as we used to be," Saffron nodded. "When I used to follow you relentlessly..."
"And tell me everything..." Ethan recalled with a laugh. "Whether I wanted to hear it or not..."
***
Saffron was home from her first year at Hogwarts and her sister was having the whole family over for dinner. Saffron hadn't told anyone this, but she was going to do whatever it took to convince her old nanny to come back to where she truly belonged.
"Come on, Saf," Ethan called out to her. "We're ready to go…"
"Just a minute!" Saffron hollered back.
She grabbed her bag and headed downstairs to join her family. They were going to Floo over to Julie and Nick's.
"There you are," Ethan said. "Come on- everyone's waiting for us."
"I can't wait to see my Katie and Ashley," Harry said. Saffron rolled her eyes. "One of them sleeps all day and the other one doesn't say much at all, Daddy."
Harry chuckled. "Come on, you know Ashley thinks the world of you."
Saffron loved both of her nieces very much, but she still couldn't understand why they needed Greta. "Um, Daddy? Why don't you and Mum go along first? I wanted to show Ethan something..."
"But I'm hungry," Ethan objected.
"It's important," Saffron pleaded.
"Fine," Ethan rolled his eyes.
"Don't be long," Hermione told them.
"We won't," Saffron promised.
Ethan waited until they were alone before he folded his arms and levelled his gaze at his sister. "Okay, brat. What are you planning?"
"Well... you agree with me that Greta should be around during summer hols, right?" Saffron asked slyly.
He rolled his eyes. "This again?"
Saffron punched him in the arm. "This is important. Look, I know you just graduated..."
"Yeah, and?" he asked.
"Look, she was ours first," Saffron said. "And she should be ours during the summer hols. She can take care of the babies when I'm in school..."
"Saf, she's gone to stay with Nick and Jules now." Ethan said.
"Well, by the end of the night," Saffron announced. "She's going to be ours again."
"Come again?" Ethan raised an eyebrow.
"Just play along," Saffron pleaded. "Please?"
Ethan sighed. "Saffy--"
Saffron didn't give him a chance to reason with her before she grabbed a handful of Floo Powder and called out Nick and Julie's address.
Ethan reluctantly followed. He had a feeling the evening was going to be quite interesting.
"Hiya, Saffy," Julie said embracing her baby sister. "Look at you!"
"Hi Jules," Saffron said. "I missed you!"
"You'll have to tell me all about your first year," Julie said. "We'll have some girl talk after dinner. Okay?"
"Sure," Saffron replied.
"Aunt Saffy!" Four-year old Ashley squealed.
"Hi Ashley!" Saffron scooped her niece up. "You got so big!"
"She's been so excited since we told her you were coming home today," Julie said.
"Oh yeah?" Saffron asked.
"I drew a new picture for you," Ashley told her.
"You did?" Saffron asked. "I can't wait to see it."
"I'll show you right now," Ashley said.
Saffron put her niece down and shared a grin with Julie while they watched Ashley hurry out of the room.
"Saffron!" Greta exclaimed, coming into the room. "Look at you, sweetheart!"
Saffron turned around and frowned when she saw that Greta was holding Katie.
"I want to hear all about your first year at school," Greta continued. "I'm so happy to see you, Saffy. You're growing up so fast."
"Yes, well, you've been busy," Saffron said quietly.
Greta carefully handed Katie to Julie. "Never too busy for you."
"I'm going to go and check on Ashley's picture," Saffron said.
Julie cast a confused look at Harry. "I thought she'd be happy to see Greta?"
"She is," Harry said.
"She didn't write to me," Greta said with a frown. "I was hoping that she'd be okay---"
Hermione shook her head. "She's just entering that difficult time in her life, that's all."
"Yeah, lucky for us," Ethan said dryly.
"Dinner's just about ready," Nick came into the room. "How's my baby girl?" he made a face at Katie.
Katie gave him a gummy smile and waved her hand at him.
Hermione grinned. "Let me hold my newest granddaughter."
"This one is taking after our side of the family," Ethan said.
"All that dark hair," Greta smiled.
"But she likes being the centre of attention," Julie said handing her daughter off to Hermione. "She wants every eye on her or she's not happy."
"That definitely sounds like me," Nick joked.
Saffron came back into the room with Ashley.
"I gave her the picture, Mummy," Ashley said proudly.
"Can I see?" Ethan asked.
"It's a sailboat," Ashley told him.
"Like the one we have in Brighton?" Ethan asked her.
Ashley nodded. "I drew it from a picture."
"You are quite the artist, Miss Malfoy," Saffron said. "And I'll make sure to put this in my room."
Ashley beamed.
"How about we head into the dining room?" Nick asked.
"I'm starved," Ethan said, practically running in.
Greta laughed. "Some things never change."
"Sometimes I think he's a Weasley," Harry joked.
"Speaking of the Weasleys," Greta said trying to engage her former charge in conversation. "It must have been really nice for you to have Maddie and RJ with you at school, Saffy."
"It was all right," Saffron shrugged. "RJ's a dork."
Greta laughed. "And your mother told me you'd made a really good friend. Alexis, was it?"
"Alexa," Saffron sat in a chair and folded her arms.
Greta waited for Saffron to elaborate, but she didn't.
"I was there too," Ethan said. "Helping my baby sister in her first year."
Saffron looked at him. "You barely acknowledged me, Ethan."
"I helped you," Ethan said. "A bit..."
"He was probably too busy ogling the girls," Julie said.
"Maybe a few," Ethan turned red.
"He was Head Boy," Hermione said proudly.
"And when I'm a 7th year I'll be Head Girl," Saffron said. "AND captain of the Quidditch team. And get the best marks."
Hermione smiled at her daughter. "You're well on your way. Professor McGonagall said you did quite well this year."
Saffron smiled proudly.
"Yay!" Ashley clapped her hands together.
"Well I made a special congratulatory dinner for Ethan and Saffy tonight," Greta said.
"It smells fantastic," Ethan said.
"I helped!" Ashley said happily.
Harry grinned at his granddaughter. "You know that your Aunt Saffy used to help me in the kitchen, too?"
"You did?" Ashley asked.
Saffron shrugged. "Every now and then."
"She used to help me as well," Greta said fondly.
"Those days are gone, aren't they?" Saffron asked pointedly.
"Saffron Grace," Harry said. "What's with the tone?"
Saffron shrugged.
"Saf didn't mean anything by it," Ethan said in her defence.
Harry only gave the two of them a suspicious look.
"Saf's funny," Ashley said grinning at her aunt.
"I was kind of hoping that she'll come over and help me some time this summer," Greta said. "I've missed my girl."
"Maybe," Saffron said. "If I'm not busy...."
"Oh," Greta said quietly. "I--I think I'll just go and fetch the bread."
Hermione gave her daughter a look. "Actually, Saffron and I will go get it, Greta."
"It's been nice knowing you, Saffy," Ethan whispered to his sister.
Saffron pinched his arm before reluctantly following her mother to the kitchen.
"What's with the attitude, Miss?" Hermione asked when they were alone. "You don't talk to Greta like that."
"I don't have an attitude," Saffron looked away.
Hermione folded her arms. "And what would you call it then?"
"Well she was the one who left US," Saffron said sullenly.
Hermione sighed. "Because you grew up and went to school. And your sister....has two children now."
"I'm still a kid," Saffron argued. "And I still need looking after."
"Saffron," Hermione said. "You're nearly 12 years old. You are still a child, but you do not need a nanny anymore. I'm going to be home a great deal this summer and so will your father."
"It's not the same," Saffron shrugged.
"I know you love Greta," Hermione said tugging affectionately on one of her daughter's plaits. "But this is the way things are. It's not going to change. And if you love Greta as much as I think you do, you're not going to send her on some guilt trip or be mean to her."
"Fine," Saffron grumbled, trying to rethink her plan.
Saffron grabbed the bread basket and followed her mother back into the dining room.
"I can't wait to get started on my training," Ethan was telling them.
Harry smiled proudly. "That's my boy."
"I promise to send you care packages," Greta said smiling at Ethan. "Lots of those biscuits you like so much."
"I already can't wait," Ethan said. "You're the best, Greta."
"She is," Nick agreed. "I can't tell you how great it's been having her here."
Saffron's entire face fell at this but she ducked her head and sat back down at the table.
"I think I've lost a stone or two since she's left us," Harry said patting his stomach.
"For shame," Greta said. "I'll have to send something over to fatten you back up."
Harry laughed. "Don't tempt me."
"Jules, you have the summer off, right?" Saffron asked.
"Of course," Julie nodded.
"And Nick, you're not touring or recording this summer, right?" Saffron asked.
"I wasn't planning on it," Nick said. "I wanted to enjoy the summer with my girls."
Saffron grinned. "Um, well, if you're both going to be off..."
Hermione sighed. "Saffy..."
"Greta, your room at home is still just like we left it," Saffron said. "And I'm nearing my formidable pre-teen years...."
"Your what?" Ethan asked raising an eyebrow.
"The most difficult years of my life," Saffron said sweetly.
"You're 11," Nick pointed out. "You don't even like blokes yet."
"How do you know?" Saffron asked.
"Nicholas is only teasing," Greta said. "And you know, Saffron, that you can talk to me anytime."
"It's easier when you're there at the house," Saffron said.
"Saffy, you're more than welcome to come over here anytime," Julie said. "You know that."
"It's not the same." Saffron said. "And if you two are home all summer, why can't Greta just stay with us?"
"Saffron," Julie said gently. "I hardly think you need a nanny anymore. I know this hasn't been an easy transition for you..."
Saffron rolled her eyes. "Easy for you to say."
"How about Puddlemere, eh?" Ethan interjected. "I think they're going to win the Cup this year."
Saffron glared at her brother. He was supposed to help her out here.
"I'm trying to stop you from getting into trouble," Ethan whispered.
"Whatever," Saffron snapped.
"Saffy, you could always come over here while your father and I are at work," Hermione suggested. "But, I told you already that we're going to be home with you the majority of the summer."
"I would love to have you over here," Greta grinned. "And I know Ashley and Katie would love having you around. Right, Ashley Beth?"
Ashley nodded. "Every day Aunt Saffy!"
"That might be nice," Saffron said.
Greta beamed at her. "Then it's all set."
Saffron managed a small smile. "And you know I love to help you in the kitchen, Greta."
"I do," Greta said. "I used to put you up on the counter in your little seat when you were a baby and you'd just watch me..."
Ashley giggled. "Sometimes I sit up on the counter when Greta makes biscuits."
"Saf did that too," Ethan remembered. "And she used to nick the chocolate chips when she thought Greta wasn't looking."
"You did?" Greta turned to her former charge.
"Maybe one or two," Saffron admitted sheepishly.
"One or two dozen," Ethan cracked. "At a time..."'
"Your brother did the same thing," Greta said with a grin. "So he has no room to talk."
"Well," Saffron said. "Since Greta's not coming home, maybe we could talk about getting me a dog..."
***
Ethan shook his head. "And getting you a dog only took what.... another four years?"
Saffron laughed. "Persistence paid off, didn't it?"
"Sure did, brat." Ethan said. "And he's waiting for you at home."
"I miss Puddles so much," Saffron said softly.
Ethan squeezed her shoulders. "We'll get out of here."
"I know," Saffron said giving him a hug. "Thanks, Ethan."