Authors' note: We're sorry for the depressing chapter we posted just before Christmas! It was just how things broke out when we broke out the chapter. This one is a little happier as you get the contents of that letter that Elinore wrote before her death. We hope that you like the chapter. Happy New Year to you guys!
"I visited Elinore quite a bit over the past few years," the vicar said. "She gave me a letter that she asked that I read in the event of her death."
Hermione and Lavender looked at each other in surprise. They didn't know such a letter existed.
"To my darling girls," the vicar began. "Words cannot express how much you have meant to me. Hermione, your father and I waited so long to have a child. When you were born, I didn't think it was possible to love someone so much."
At the words, Hermione felt her knees start to weaken but she managed to hold herself up.
"Over the years, we watched you blossom into an intelligent, charming, and delightful young woman. I am so proud of you," the vicar continued. "You are an amazing mother and that can be seen in the three children you raised. I love them so much---my Julie, my Ethan, and my Saffy."
Hermione sobbed into her handkerchief and Harry put his arms around her to hold her upright.
"Lavender," the vicar continued. "I hope you know that I never ever thought of you as anything less than a daughter. You fit into our family right away and I loved you so much. I know I couldn't take the place of your mother, but I wanted to give you a safe place to call home. I love you so much and I hope you never, ever forget that. I am so proud to call you my daughter."
Lavender wasn't as composed as her cousin. She began to sob so hard that Seamus had to help her to a bench.
"To my Julie Liliane," the vicar continued. "You were a kindred spirit right from the start. I'll never forget our long talks and the way you used to cuddle up beside me when you were little. We would sit for hours in front of the fireplace and read. I love you and those sweet angels, Katherine Rose and Ashley Beth. You and Nick should be proud of the family you have. Never lose sight of that. Family is the most important thing in the world."
Julie nodded. "Grandpa used to say that all the time..."
"Ethan James, you were the bravest little boy," the vicar read. "You knew no fear as a child and your greatest dream was to follow your father's footsteps. You have done that, but you have also become your own man. Robert and I were so proud. I wish you and Maddie all the happiness that we had."
Maddie pressed her lips together as her eyes filled with tears. Her husband should be able to hear this for himself.
"And to my Saffron Grace," the vicar continued. "You were there for grandfather and me when we needed you the most. I can't tell you what joy it brought to him to have you there when he was recovering from his surgery. You've always been a bright light and just like your mother, you always strive to be the best. I love you, my sweet Saffy. I'll always be with you."
Hermione muffled her sobs with her hand and even Harry had a hard time keeping a dry eye.
The Malfoys approached the coffin and Katie and Ashley placed two white roses on top. "Goodbye, Gran," Katie said through her tears.
Ashley also placed a folded piece of paper on top; a drawing of her grandparents she'd done. "We love you, Gran." she said softly.
Julie took Ashley's hand and Katie took Nick's as they walked back over to stand beside the vicar.
"Come on Lav," Hermione reached for her cousin's hand.
Lavender nodded and took her hand.
Hermione sniffed as they approached the coffin. "Be happy with Daddy now," she whispered.
"I love you, Aunt Ellie," Lavender said softly.
"We were always kind of like sisters," Hermione said after a moment. "We fought, but there really wasn't anything we wouldn't do for each other."
Lavender gave her a hug. "You're my best friend."
"You're mine too," Hermione held her close. "Always will be."
Seamus and Harry joined them.
"It was an honour to be part of this family," Harry said. "Robert and Elinore were both wonderful people."
"Yes, they were," Seamus agreed. "And they set quite an example."
"And they raised two amazing women," Harry put his arm around his wife.
"We had a good teacher," Lavender said softly.
Hermione buried her face in Harry's neck. "I need to sit down."
"Come on then," Harry said leading her over to one of the benches.
Hermione took a few deep, ragged breaths. "I just don't know how much longer I can do this, Harry. I can't stay strong anymore."
"I know," Harry said putting an arm around her. "But we're going to bring them home, baby. I promise."
"I don't know how we're going to tell them about this," Hermione gazed at the gravesite.
"I know," Harry said. "That was some letter your mother wrote."
Hermione nodded. "It certainly was. I had no idea she'd done that."
Harry kissed the side of her head. "I wish I could make this better for you, Hermione. I really, really do."
"Just bring them home," Hermione said. "That's the only way things will be better."
"I'm going back on duty this afternoon," Harry told her.
Hermione nodded. "I've got people looking everywhere in other countries through their ministries."
"I'm thinking we should up the reward," Harry said thoughtfully.
"I'll pay whatever," Hermione said. "Anything."
Harry nodded. "I'll announce it today."
Hermione leaned against him and closed her eyes. It had been a long, gruelling few weeks.
"The service is over, Mum." Julie said softly. "We're all heading back to the house."
Hermione nodded and squeezed her daughter's hand. "Thank you for being my rock, Julie."
"Of course," Julie said. "Anything, mum."
"Let's go home," Harry said softly.
Hermione nodded. "I could use something to drink."
"Greta's made lunch for us," Julie told them.
"That's good of her," Hermione said softly.
"Cooking keeps her mind off of everything," Julie said.
Lavender hugged her cousin again as they approached the group. "I don't know what I'd do without you here," she said.
"Me too," Hermione agreed.
Lavender looked around for her stepson. "Gabriel?" she called out.
"Yeah?" Gabriel asked coming over.
Lavender hugged him. "Just want you close by is all."
Gabriel smiled and hugged her back. "I'm right here."
"So am I," Seamus appeared.
"My boys," Lavender said putting an arm around both of them.
"Come on," Gabriel said. "We should get you back to the house. I'll even go out later and get you some sushi."
Lavender didn't know if she'd feel up to eating it, but she appreciated the gesture just the same.
"Aren't you going to visit Alexa later?" Seamus asked his son.
Gabriel nodded. "Later this afternoon."
"She'll remember you," Lavender said. "Alexa loves you, and deep down she'll remember that."
"I hope so," Gabriel said.
"If everyone wants to come back to the house, we'll have a meal there," Harry told the group.
Katie grabbed Caroline's hand. "You're coming, right?"
Caroline nodded. "My mummy said I can stay with you all day if you want, Katie."
Katie nodded and gave her best friend a hug. "It's better having you here."
"I'm glad," Caroline said.
"My bestest friend," Katie said linking arms with Caroline.
"Come on Adam," Emma took her brother's hand. "We have to go eat."
"Kay, kay," Adam said smiling at his big sister.
"Em will teach you all about lunch," Emma said.
"Kay?" Adam asked her uncertainly.
"It's a good thing," Emma promised. "We get to eat!"
"Come on then," Jon said to his two youngest. "Let's go."
"Daddy," Adam pulled free of his sister. "Hold!"
Jon picked up his son. "Okay, buddy."
"Eat?" Adam asked.
"Are you hungry?" Jon asked him.
Adam nodded. "Now."
Allison laughed. "Well, we'd better get them back to Harry and Hermione's."
The large group assembled back at the Minister's mansion and tucked into the large lunch Greta had prepared.
Julie walked over to where Josh was standing with Aidan. "I'm really glad you and Lizzy could be here today."
"We wouldn't have been anywhere else, Jules." Josh said.
Julie made a goofy face at Aidan who laughed. "They're getting so big, Josh."
"Too big for my liking," Josh said ruefully.
"It seems like just yesterday Katie and Ashley were that little," Julie said.
"I know what you mean," Josh looked over at Julie's children. "Seems like yesterday that we were too young to even HAVE kids in the first place."
Julie laughed. "We're getting old, Joshie."
"You're older than me," he teased, pinching her arm gently.
"Ha-ha," Julie said nudging him.
"How are you holding up, really?" Josh asked, growing serious.
"As best as can be expected," Julie replied. "Mum and Dad are really protective right now."
"Understandable," Josh nodded.
"I'm sure you noticed the guard around the cemetery," Julie said referring to the group of Aurors who had surrounded the cemetery.
Josh nodded. "They're really worried this creep is coming after you now, eh?"
She told him about the latest correspondence from the kidnapper. "Two down, two to go."
"That's sick," Josh said angrily.
"That's Dolohov," Julie said bitterly.
"You're going to be okay, Jules," Josh said. "Nick and your dad wouldn't let anything happen."
Julie smiled. "I know. But, I'm sure Ethan and Saffy felt the same way. "
Josh nodded. "I suppose you're right."
"Hi, Jooo-lie," Aidan said reaching for her.
Julie picked the little boy up. "Hello, handsome. You're looking more and more like your daddy, you know that?"
Aidan nodded and put his arms around her neck, resting his head on her shoulder.
"I needed that," Julie said patting his back. "Thank you, Aidan."
"Love Joooooles." Aidan said.
Julie kissed the top of his head. "I love you too, Aidan."
"Hey me too!" Casey said. "Me too!"
"Case, she only has two arms," Josh said.
"I'll give you a hug next," Julie promised. "Okay, Miss Casey?"
"You know what you could do?" Josh asked his little girl. "How about you go and give your Aunt Hermione a big hug and kiss?"
"Kay," Casey agreed as Josh set her down. She toddled over to Hermione and tugged on her robes.
Hermione looked down at the little red-haired girl. Before Hermione could say anything, Casey held up her arms and said, "Hug!"
Hermione's eyes welled up with tears but she smiled. "I'd love to hug you, sweetheart." she picked the little girl up.
"Don't be sad," Casey said putting her arms around Hermione's neck. "No sad."
"I'm trying not to be," Hermione kissed her cheek. "But you just made me feel loads better, Casey."
Casey beamed at her. "Miss Sassy?"
Hermione let out a choked sob that she tried to turn into a laugh. "We hope Sassy will be home soon, Casey."
Harry joined them. "Instant mood lifter, isn't she?"
Hermione nodded. "It definitely helps."
"I made you a plate," Harry told her. "You should try and eat something, Hermione."
"I'm not that hungry--" she began to argue.
"Eat," Casey said firmly. "Eat."
"Come on," Harry said. "Do what Case tells you to do. She knows best, right sweetheart?"
Casey nodded.
"Maybe I'll just have a little," Hermione relented.
"Yay," Casey said happily.
"Will you help me, Casey?" Hermione asked.
Casey nodded and Harry smiled. "Thanks, Miss Casey."
Hermione looked at her husband. "Thank you, Harry."
He nodded. "I'm going to head back to Headquarters."
"Let me know if you find out anything," Hermione said.
"The moment I hear anything," Harry promised.
"Bye, bye, Harry!" Casey said excitedly.
Harry smiled. "Bye Case."
Hermione watched him go as she had a number of times these last few weeks. This time she prayed he would come back with some answers.
"Two down, two to go," she repeated to herself as she sat down with Casey. What had that meant, exactly? What other two could there be? They only had one other child.
Could Dolohov mean taking either her or Harry? He hated them both equally.
"Hey," Casey said, picking up the fork. "Here!"
"Thank you, Case," Hermione said taking it from her.
"Em says eat it all," Casey told her.
Hermione laughed. "She does, does she?"
Casey nodded. "Right Em?"
Emma looked over at her cousin from across the table. "No waste, Case."
"See?" Casey said. "No waste."
Hermione looked down at the smiling little girl in her lap and grinned. Casey reminded her so much of Saffron. Not in the way she looked, but Casey had the same temperament that Saffron had at that same age.
"Happy!" Casey clapped her hands.
"Having you and your brothers and all my family here makes me feel happier," Hermione told her.
"And me too, right?" Emma asked.
"Absolutely," Hermione said looking at the four-year old who had a dab of chocolate on her nose.
"And Adam," Emma said. "And Sissy."
"And Adam and Caroline," Hermione added.
Emma nodded in satisfaction. "No, Adam!" she squealed. "You eat the cake after!"
Adam looked innocently at his sister.
"Not yet," Emma took the cake away.
Adam's lower lip trembled.
"After," Emma repeated firmly.
Adam looked helplessly at Allison. "Mama?"
"What is it my love?" Allison asked.
"Want cake," Adam said pointing at Emma.
"You can have cake," Allison told him.
Emma shook her head. "No, Mummy! Cake is after food!"
"Em, it's okay." Allison told her daughter. "Adam can have some cake if he wants."
Emma reluctantly slid the small plate back to her little brother.
"Mmmm..." Adam dug into it with his little fist.
Julie laughed. "Merlin, he reminds me of Jon at that age."
"Digging into everything he could," Luna said fondly.
Jon smiled. "Well, he is a Weasley."
Allison grinned at her husband. "He sure is."
Josh looked over at Hermione. "Case isn't bothering you, is she, Aunt Hermione?"
"Not at all," Hermione said.
On the other side of the table, RJ was sitting with his father. He had seen firsthand what losing her grandfather had done to Saffron, he couldn't imagine what it would be like for her to find out she'd lost her grandmother, too. This, of course, also had him thinking about what he'd do if his own grandparents passed away. Nana and Grandpa Arthur were in good health, though, as was Grandpa Ernie.
"What's on your mind?" Ron asked his youngest son.
"Just thinking about Nana," RJ told him. "I can't imagine losing her. She's so much a part of our family."
"She sure is," Ron said. "I don't know what I'd do without her either."
"I'm gonna try and spend more time with her and Grandpa," RJ vowed. "And Grandpa Ernie. I don't want to take them for granted."
"You know she loves having you there," Ron said. "And she adores Audrey. You've got yourself a great girlfriend, RJ."
RJ looked down at his plate. "Um… yeah. Audrey's great."
"Are you two having problems?" Ron asked. "With this whole Alexa situation?"
"It's been hard on her," RJ replied. "But, it was the right thing to do. It still is, Dad. She needs me. I can't just abandon her."
"Just don't neglect everything else in your life," Ron cautioned.
"I won't," RJ said. "I'm going to get another piece of cake. Do you want one?"
"I'll take another two pieces," Ron answered.
RJ shook his head. "I thought you would."
RJ approached the counter where the cake was. Hermione was standing there as well. "Hi Aunt Hermione," he said.
"Your niece wanted another piece of cake," Hermione told him.
"She's just like Em," RJ said.
Hermione nodded. "Having them here has made me feel better."
"I'm glad," RJ said. "You know... if there's anything I could do to help out in finding Ethan and Saffy..."
"I appreciate that," Hermione told him. "You know I was really happy when Saffy told me that the two of you had made up."
"She missed me too much," RJ said with a grin.
Hermione grinned back. "She said the same thing about you."
"You know the team owner agreed to hold her place on the team," RJ said. "We're using the reserve for now."
Hermione felt a fresh set of tears well up in her eyes. Saffron had been so excited about starting her professional career.
"It'll be okay," RJ said. "I know they'll find them."
"Thank you," Hermione said giving him a hug. "Thank you, RJ."
"Anything I can do to help, just tell me." RJ said, picking up some slices of cake.
"I will," Hermione promised. She picked the last slice of cake for Casey and brought it back to the table for the eager little girl.
"Yum, yum!" Casey said happily.
Hermione laughed. "Would you let me have a bite, too?"
"Bite," Casey said, digging in and holding the fork up.
Hermione took a bite. "Do you know Casey that this is Saffy's favourite cake? German chocolate."
"Sassy," Casey nodded. "Miss her."
"Me too," Hermione said. "She and Ethan used to argue over who would get the last slice."
"Give to Case," Casey said.
Hermione smiled. "You get the last slice, eh?"
"For me," Casey said, nodding.
"For Case," Hermione agreed.
"And me!" Emma said. "Em always wants cake!"
Everyone laughed at that. Ron tickled his granddaughter.
Hermione felt better having her family and friends surround her. And now all that really mattered was finding her son and daughter.
*** *** ***
Maddie stared into the mirror. She didn't recognise the face that stared back at her. Her face was pale and her eyes were red from all the crying she'd done. She and Ethan had never spent more than a couple of nights apart since their marriage.
"Maddie," Frankie came into the room. "Are you ready-- Maddie?"
Maddie splashed some cold water on her face. "Yes, I'm sorry I made you wait."
"It's okay," Frankie put a hand on her friend's arm. "You take your time."
Maddie gave her a half smile. "Mum said she'd tell me when you arrived."
"I sort of slipped in," Frankie said.
"Oh," Maddie said. "Well, I guess we should go. My appointment is at 9:30."
Frankie squeezed her hand. "Will's at home with the kids so I can stay as long as you need me."
"Thank you," Maddie said giving her a hug.
"It's going to be okay, Maddie," Frankie told her. "You're going to have a baby and Ethan's going to be just fine."
"I want him here," Maddie said softly. "I need him here."
"I know," Frankie said soothingly. "But in the meantime we're here to take care of you... and your child."
Maddie patted her stomach. "My baby."
"That's right," Frankie smiled at her. "What you've been waiting for."
"What Ethan and I have been waiting for," Maddie said softly. "And he has no idea. He has no idea that we're going to have a baby."
"He will," Frankie told her. "He's going to be thrilled when he comes home and finds out."
Maddie nodded. She dreamt about him doing that every night. But, so far, that's all that it was---a dream.
She walked out of the bathroom and into her bedroom. Blue sat forlornly in his cage looking at Maddie.
"Hi baby," she said softly, unhooking the door to his cage.
"He misses Ethan, eh?" Frankie asked.
Maddie nodded. "Almost as much as me, don't you Blue?"
The pixie flew out of the cage and onto Maddie's shoulder.
"He's been trying to make me feel better," Maddie said fondly.
"Like you always do when people are sad," Frankie said softly.
"He's more like me than I ever thought, I suppose." Maddie rubbed her finger under Blue's chin.
Blue looked lovingly at her.
"He's so sweet," Frankie said as Blue flew back into his cage.
"He is," Maddie said locking the cage. "I'll be back soon."
Blue chirped at her then flew up to his swing.
"So do you think they'll tell you what the baby is yet?" Frankie asked. "I know you're dying to find out if it's a boy or a girl."
"I'm not sure," Maddie said grabbing her cloak and bag. "I hope so."
"What do YOU think it is?" Frankie asked. "I know you have a feeling about these things..."
"Well, when I think about the baby," Maddie replied thoughtfully. "I see a little girl."
Frankie smiled. "What else do you see?"
"I see Ethan standing with me," Maddie said. "We're a family."
"I like the sound of that," Frankie said softly. "You deserve to be a happy family."
Maddie smiled at her friend. "I have to believe that he's coming back."
"That's right," Frankie said supportively. "He and Saffron are going to come back safe and sound."
Maddie followed her friend downstairs. Maddie stepped inside the sitting room to say goodbye to her parents.
"Promise you'll be careful?" Ron asked his daughter.
"I'll be fine, Daddy." Maddie told him. "We're going straight to the healer then straight back here."
Ron gave her a hug. "I'd feel better if you'd let me come with you."
"We'll be okay, I promise." Maddie told him.
"I worry about my baby girl," Ron said.
"I know," Maddie said. "And I love you for it."
"I'll keep an eye on her," Frankie promised.
"Tell us everything when you get home," Luna squeezed her daughter's hands.
"Tell us all about my little grandson in there," Ron said with a grin.
"Daddy, it might be a little girl," Maddie said. "You never know..."
"Just my hope showing through," Ron laughed.
Frankie laughed, too. "You know you wouldn't mind having another little girl to spoil like Emma, Caroline, Casey, and Chloe."
"If Maddie has a little boy, it will even things out," Ron pointed out. "I'll have four granddaughters and four grandsons."
"Who knows, she might wind up with twins," Frankie said. "Come on Mads, we're going to be late."
"Right," Maddie said. "Bye, Mum. Bye, Daddy."
"We'll see you in a bit," Ron said, settling on the sofa with the newspaper.
Maddie and Frankie Apparated just outside the house. They arrived at St. Mungos just a couple of minutes before her appointment.
"Madeline Potter," Maddie told the receptionist. "I have an appointment at 9:30 with Healer Parkinson."
"She's expecting you," the receptionist said. "You can go right into room two."
"Could my friend come with me?" Maddie asked.
"Of course," the receptionist answered.
Frankie linked her arm with Maddie's and they headed toward the examination room. "I remember when I went to my first one of these. I was scared out of my mind."
"You were?" Maddie asked. "How come?"
"I was freaked out about having a baby," Frankie replied. "I mean the actual labour part. I wasn't sure I could handle it. I'm not a big fan of pain----" Her voice trailed off as she thought about what she was saying. "I'll just shut up now. This is just your first appointment. No need to worry about pain now. Or ever. It's not that bad. Really."
"When my time comes, you'll be there with me, right?" Maddie asked.
"Absolutely," Frankie promised. "And so will Ethan."
"I hope so," Maddie said as she sat on the examination table.
"He will be," Frankie said.
Pansy came into the room. "Hello Maddie, hello Frankie."
"Hello, Pansy," Maddie replied warmly.
When I'm finished with Maddie, I need to check on the Spangler Triplets. I'm also going to have to owl St. Margaret's to see if they have any news on that case I wrote them about.
Maddie patted her stomach. She felt bad for hearing what Pansy was thinking. None of this was her business. But, because this was the baby's gift, it wasn't as if Maddie had any control over what she heard or didn't hear.
"How have you been feeling?" Pansy asked as Maddie began to turn a bit green.
"The...the morning sickness hasn't been too bad," Maddie said. "And I've been taking the vitamins."
"Are you still hearing--" Pansy was interrupted by Maddie launching off the table and retching into the sink.
Frankie winced. She never liked seeing someone do that.
"I--I'm sorry," Maddie replied, taking a towel from Pansy. "And yes, I'm still hearing other people's thoughts. Just---just now I heard you thinking about the Spangler triplets and some case you were owling another hospital about. I'm---I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault," Pansy said reassuringly.
Frankie filled one of the plastic cups with water and gave it to a grateful Maddie.
"Thanks," she said, rinsing her mouth then sipping the water carefully.
Pansy smiled sympathetically at her patient. "Okay, Madeline. Today, we're going to check your vitals and make sure everything is normal. We can probably also check the sex of the baby. If you want to know, that is."
"I want to know," Maddie nodded.
"Alright," Pansy nodded. "I'll need to change into this gown. Frankie and I will step out so you can get changed."
"All right," Maddie reached for it and began to tug up on her jumper.
Frankie and Pansy left her alone and Maddie leaned against the examination table. She wished Ethan were here.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she changed into the gown. "Ethan... why can't you be here with me right now?" she whispered.
He should be here holding her hand and making jokes to put her mind at ease. He should be there when they found out whether they were having a boy or a girl.
She sighed as she folded her jeans and jumper and sat back on the table. Frankie and Pansy came back in moments later.
"We'll get started then," Pansy said. Frankie took Maddie's hand.
Pansy went through a series of spells and had Maddie take a number of potions.
"Will I have to do this every time I come for an exam?" Maddie asked.
Pansy nodded. "Unfortunately."
Maddie sighed. "Well if it'll keep me posted on my baby's safety..."
"It will," Pansy said. "You're at four and a half months now. Your vitals are all good and the baby seems quite healthy. In fact, I think I can show you a picture. You've heard of a Muggle ultrasound, right?"
Maddie nodded. "Of course. And that will tell me if I'm having a boy or girl?"
"Yes," Pansy said. "You'll need to lie back for me."
She adjusted the table with a flick of her wand and Maddie lay down with Frankie still holding her hand.
With another flick of her wand, the lights in the room dimmed. A small screen came out of the ceiling and lowered before them. Pansy waved her wand around Maddie's abdomen. Maddie gasped when she saw something appear on the screen.
Pansy studied the screen and smiled. "That...Mrs. Potter is your...baby girl."
"A girl?" Maddie whispered. "I'm having a girl?"
Pansy nodded. "And she looks quite healthy. Would you like to hear her heartbeat?"
"I'd love to," Maddie looked at Frankie. "It seems like Izzie's going to have a best friend."
Frankie beamed at her. "Just like us!"
A thumping sound filled the room and Maddie's eyes welled with tears. "That's my baby..."
"That's her," Pansy said. "Strong heartbeat."
Maddie nodded. "Strong..."
"We already know her hearing's great," Frankie joked.
Maddie managed a weak smile. "That's very true."
"I'm going to take some pictures of her for you," Pansy said.
"Thank you," Maddie said softly, touching her stomach.
"You're having a girl!" Frankie squealed.
Maddie wished she could get more excited, but she missed Ethan so much her heart felt heavy in her chest.
"Now, I'll want to see you back here in another month," Pansy told her. "Keep taking the vitamins and try and keep your stress level to a minimum."
"Kind of hard right now, but I'll try," Maddie promised.
Pansy squeezed her hand. "I understand."
"Thank you for fitting me in this way," Maddie told her, sitting back up.
"Of course," Pansy replied. "And if you need anything, just let me know. I'll leave those pictures at the front desk for you."
"Thank you so much," Maddie said.
"I'll wait outside while you get changed," Frankie said.
"I'll only be a minute," Maddie said.
"Take your time," Frankie said giving her a quick hug.
Maddie pulled her clothes back on, her mind reeling. She was having a girl. A baby daughter.
"Ethan," Maddie whispered. "You're going to have a daughter."
Many, many kilometres away, Ethan awoke with a jolt, startling Saffron out of sleep.
"Ethan?" Saffron asked sleepily.
"Sorry," he mumbled. "I... thought I heard someone calling me."
Saffron rubbed her eyes and pulled back her covers. She stood up and stretched her arms. "Happy Birthday, Daddy."
"How do you know what day it is?" Ethan asked her. He had lost track of the hours and days ever since coming here.
"I've been keeping a tally," Saffron said.
"Oh," Ethan said. "It's weird... I thought I heard Maddie talking to me."
Saffron sat down on the edge of the bed. "Oh yeah?"
"Yeah," Ethan rubbed the back of his head.
"I wish old Gordon would let us write home," Saffron said. "What would it hurt?"
"He's an asshole," Ethan said bitterly, hitting the wall.
"You forgot crazy, psychotic and demented," Saffron chimed in.
Ethan snorted. "You hit it right on the head."
Saffron looked thoughtfully at her brother. "Come on, Ethan. I've been thinking. You know how the food arrives at the same time every day?"
"Yeah," Ethan nodded.
"He has this room warded," Saffron said. "We both know that. But---he has to break those wards when the food comes."
"So you think we should make a run for it?" Ethan asked.
Saffron looked at him. "What do you think? I mean, we'd have to act fast."
"Really fast," Ethan said. "And there's a really good chance that only one of us would get out. I could handle myself in here, but I'd hate to think of what he'd do if it were you alone again in here."
"You don't think we should risk it?" Saffron asked.
"I'm not sure," Ethan said. "I mean, I want to get out of here more than anything. But I can't risk your safety."
"It was just an idea," Saffron said. "Maybe...maybe if I'd thought of it before he grabbed you, we wouldn't be in this situation."
"Don't think on that," Ethan told her. "It was a good idea, Saf."
Saffron put her head on his shoulder. "You know what I'm going to do when we get out of here? I'm going to go and visit Gran and give her a big hug.
"Me too," Ethan said. "And mum will make her killer lasagne for us."
"Ooooh and Greta will make oatmeal raisin biscuits and German Chocolate cake," Saffron said, her mouth watering just thinking about it.
"And Uncle Ron will try and eat all of it before we even get there," Ethan added.
Saffron laughed. "No, Emma will! And Maddie will eat everything on your plate!"
"I miss her, Saf." Ethan turned serious.
"I know," Saffron said softly.
"We haven't been apart this long since we got together," Ethan said.
Saffron smiled at him. "Don't forget Blue."
"That little monster," The corner of Ethan's mouth turned up.
"He loves you now," Saffron said. She giggled as she remembered how the pixie used to treat Ethan.
"Yeah," Ethan said. "He's a funny little guy."
"So's Puddles," Saffron said. "I hope Mum and Dad are looking out for him."
"You know they are," Ethan reassured her.
Saffron nodded. "I miss everyone."
Ethan was going to say something when the door opened suddenly. Gordon stood carrying a bag that he tossed into the room.
"It's for you, Hermione," Gordon said smiling at Saffron. "Do you remember that dress you wore for the Christmas ball? I found the exact same dress for you!"
"Get away from her," Ethan said, moving in front of his sister. "You sick bastard."
"I want her in that dress," Gordon said. "Tonight, she's going to have dinner with me."
"No I'm not," Saffron spoke up.
"Yes you are, my love," Gordon said calmly.
"Get the hell out of here," Ethan kicked the bag towards the man. "My sister isn't ever going ANYWHERE with you."
"You will be ready tonight at seven," Gordon told Saffron, ignoring Ethan. "I arranged for all your favourites, Hermione."
"I'm not Hermione," Saffron told him. "I am Saffron Potter. I'm her daughter with Harry Potter. You remember him, right?"
Gordon's face darkened. "Potter has nothing to do with us."
"He's our father," Saffron shot back. "And when he finds us---"
"Crucio!" Gordon shouted, pointing his wand at Ethan.
"No!" Saffron shouted, watching in horror as her brother collapsed in pain. "Ethan!"
Ethan bared his teeth, refusing to cry out. He wouldn't give Gordon the satisfaction.
"Stop!" Saffron begged, tears streaming down her face. "Please, stop. I'll have dinner with you, I'll do whatever you want! Just please stop torturing him!"
Gordon laughed. "That's all I wanted. You see we could have avoided this if you'd only said yes to begin with, my love."
Saffron's shoulders shook and she couldn't even look at her captor.
Gordon waved his wand and the excruciating pain Ethan had been feeling stopped.
Saffron immediately dropped to her brother's side. "Are you okay? Ethan--"
Ethan nodded and grabbed on to his sister for support.
"I'll be back for you at seven, my love." Gordon gave her an adoring look before backing out of the room.
"You're---you're not going to eat dinner with him," Ethan promised his sister.
"But what if he comes back and does that to you again?" Saffron asked.
"It doesn't matter," Ethan said shaking his head. "You aren't going anywhere with him."
"I have to," Saffron's hands were trembling. "He's coming back for me."
"No, he's not," Ethan said struggling to sit up. Saffron helped him back over to the bed. "You can pretend that you're sick or something, but I'll be damned if he's taking you out of this room."
"Ethan--" Saffron protested.
"No, Saffron!" Ethan retorted. "What if he tries something? I won't be there to help you. If something happened to you, I wouldn't be able to live with myself."
"But what if I'm out there and I can somehow send an alert... or something that tells Dad where we are?" Saffron argued. "This could be our chance, Ethan!"
Ethan knew his sister had a point, but he didn't want to put her in danger like that.
"I have to do this," Saffron said, tears in her eyes.
Ethan shook his head. "No. Saffy, if anything happened to you---"
"It's a risk we have to take!" Saffron exclaimed.
"Saffy," Ethan said quietly. "Dad would kill me if I let you put yourself in danger like that."
"You can't stop me," Saffron said. "Ethan... I have to do what I can, just as you would do this if you could."
"You are stubborn as a mule," Ethan grumbled.
"Just like mum," Saffron said.
Ethan gave her a weak smile. "I can't believe I'm actually considering this."
"There's nothing to consider," Saffron reached for the bag.
Ethan had a very bad feeling about this, but Saffron was right. This might be there only chance to find a way out or to at least get word to their parents.
"I'll be careful," Saffron promised. "And I won't let him touch me."
"He's probably not going to let you out of his sight," Ethan said thoughtfully.
"I'll do what I can to send word, somehow." Saffron pulled some robes from the bag. "Ugh!"
"What is it?" Ethan asked.
"These!" Saffron pulled some robes out. "These are hideous!"
"Those are purple," Ethan said his nose scrunching up in disgust.
"They're PUCE!" Saffron said, throwing them aside. "Which is the ugliest colour in the world."
"You sound like Aunt Lav," Ethan said. "Eww...they smell, too, Saf."
Saffron sighed. "It's only for a few hours..."
"Which gives us enough time to come up with a plan," Ethan whispered.
Saffron nodded and moved next to the bed. "We'll have to keep quiet in case he's listening."
"Right," Ethan said. "Do you know any wandless magic?"
"Not really," Saffron said. "I mean, I've done things without a wand, but never when I meant to."
"Okay," Ethan said trying to think of a game plan that would work. "Chances are, he's not going to leave you alone for more than a few seconds."
"Probably not," Saffron agreed. "Maybe though... if there's an owl or something nearby, I can send it out with a note to Mum and Dad."
Ethan struggled to get to his feet. He was still disoriented from the Crucio. He grabbed a pencil and a piece of paper from the desk.
"Mum and Dad," Saffron began to dictate quietly in case Gordon was listening in. "We want to let you know that we're safe."
Ethan wrote everything down verbatim.
"We... we aren't sure where we are," Saffron rubbed at her eyes. "But we can tell you we're with Gordon Devereaux. We think his plan is to kidnap Mum and Julie and take us all somewhere that we can't get away."
Ethan continued to transcribe his sister's words.
"Do you think we're in Godric's Hollow?" he asked her looking up. "I mean, that's where I was when he took me."
"I don't know," Saffron said. "I just... don't know. All I can see outside through the cracks in those boards is trees."
"No other houses or anything distinguishable?" Ethan asked.
Saffron got up and peered outside again. "Nothing," she said after several long minutes.
"Great," Ethan grumbled. He picked up the pencil again. "What else?"
"We want to come home," Saffron said softly.
Ethan nodded and wrote that last line and then signed both their names. He folded the letter and handed it to his sister.
Saffron sighed. "Let's just hope I can find a way to send it."
"Be careful," Ethan told her. "And if he tries anything, knee him in the groin."
Saffron nodded. "I should get dressed..."
Ethan and Saffron need not have worried about Gordon eavesdropping on their conversation. He was too busy making final preparations for that evening's meal. A smile played on his lips as he set the table.
"Just the way you always liked it, Hermione." he said to himself.
He couldn't believe his luck. He was going to have dinner with the woman of his dreams.
"Hermione," Gordon said. "This is our second chance. And I'm not going to mess up this time. Just a little longer and we'll have our oldest daughter with us and we can be a real family."
"Potter will never bother us again," Gordon said angrily. "He cost us all those years. But, we'll make up for it. You, me, Julie, Ethan, and little Saffy."
He hummed. "Time to pick up my love," he said, looking at himself in the mirror.