Authors' note: Okay, guys. This chapter jumps a little bit into the future. You will see that Ethan is now 20 years old, Maddie is 16. Jon and Allison have a little girl named Caroline who is four (they did wait to start their family) and they are expecting another baby. You will also get to meet a 12-year old Saffron Potter who is very much like her mother and father (as you will soon see); and Nick and Julie's two daughters, Katie and Ashley. We hope it won't be too confusing.
As always we appreciate the reviews. Please keep them coming!
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
"Hello?" Ethan asked opening the door to the Burrow. "Anyone home?"
The twenty year old braced himself for a Molly Weasley bear hug the moment he'd opened the door. Finding the Burrow, empty and quiet was quite a new experience for him. This place was always filled to the brim with people on holidays.
"Ethan James Potter!" Hermione exclaimed, coming down the stairs and giving her only son a hug. "I thought I'd heard you down here!"
"Hi Mum," Ethan grinned. "Where's everyone at?"
"Your father and Ron went to collect the kids from King's Cross," Hermione answered. "And everyone else is out and about doing some shopping. I had some paperwork to go over so I stayed behind. Look at you. Sweetheart, you look tired!"
"I am, a bit," Ethan said, setting his bag down. "Training has been really rough lately and I've been pulling some all nighters."
"I remember your father going through all that," Hermione said taking his hand and leading him into the kitchen. "It nearly killed him."
"Well as Grandpa likes to say, whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger," Ethan grinned ruefully. "There wouldn't happen to be any tea would there?"
"There would," Hermione said smiling at him. "I just made some a few minutes ago."
"You're the best Mum," Ethan said gratefully, sinking into a chair. "Man it feels weird being back here and not hearing all sorts of noise."
"Enjoy it while it lasts," Hermione said handing him a cup of tea. "Saffron, R.J., Maddie will be here soon along with Fred and George's brood. It's going to be a full house."
"You can say that again," Ethan grimaced. "Think of all the piggyback rides I have to give." he joked.
"Will make your training seem like a cake walk," Hermione teased. "And your sister kept sending me owls to make sure that you would be here. Saffy kept thinking you were going to bail out again."
Ethan grinned. "She'd kill me if I didn't come for Christmas. So would Jules."
"Not to mention your old mum," Hermione said grinning at him. "So, where is Bree? I thought she was coming with you?"
"She's coming tomorrow," Ethan said. "She uh... had some things to do today."
"Ethan..." Hermione said. "There's something wrong, isn't there?"
He shrugged. "I just don't think it's working out between us."
Hermione liked her son's girlfriend, but Bree was one of the most serious, ambitious people she'd ever met. As Ethan had always said about her, once Bree made up her mind that she wanted something, she didn't stop until she had it.
"Well, you've both been extremely busy," Hermione said helpfully. "This time together might do you a world of good."
"Maybe," Ethan didn't seem bothered. "We did decide to see if we could make things work this holiday. If it doesn't then we'll take some time apart."
"Oh for heaven's sake, Jon!" Molly said over her shoulder to her grandson. "Help your wife with that package. She's eight months pregnant!"
"It's okay, Nana," Allison said good-naturedly. "I'm not an invalid. I can carry one package."
Jon huffed under the mountain of things he was already carrying. "If you think you can put it somewhere I won't drop it then try," he said, grinning at his wife.
"Daddy, don't you drop that one bag," his four-year old daughter Caroline said as she came inside. "That's got my present for Mummy."
"I won't love," Jon promised.
"Did you buy the shops out?" Ethan asked helping Jon with some of the load.
"Just a little," Jon laughed as Allison sat heavily in one of the chairs. "How are you, mate? Haven't seen you for awhile."
"Knackered," Ethan managed to answer before Molly engulfed him in one of her bear hugs.
"You are way too thin, Ethan," Molly said hugging him. "We're going to have to fatten you up while you're here!"
"I can't wait," Ethan said. "I've been looking forward to Christmas dinner for awhile now."
"Me too," Allison chimed in. "And this Christmas I get to eat for two!"
"That's only an excuse," Hermione teased her.
"You look wonderful," Ethan gave Allison a kiss on the cheek. "How's everything coming along?"
"I have my hands full with Caroline and this little one on the way," Allison said patting her tummy. "But I get a little help from my big kid over there."
Jon frowned. "Just for that, Caroline and I aren't going to share our chocolate biscuits with you, Al."
Allison narrowed her eyes. "Want to wager on that?"
"You'd better let her have some, Daddy," Caroline said as she sat down on Ethan's lap. "When is Julie getting here?"
"Anytime now," Hermione smiled at the young girl. "I know Katie can't wait to see you."
"Aunt Maddie promised to take us ice skating," Caroline said proudly. "Me and Katie both!"
"I bet that will be fun," Ethan smiled at her. "Ashley will probably want to come along."
"The more the merrier!" Caroline said before taking a bite of her biscuit.
"Where did you hear that from?" Ethan asked her.
"From Nana Molly," Caroline said. "Grandpa said we were having a lot of people and Nana said 'the more the merrier'!"
"Everyone picks up on everything," Ethan said, sitting down to finish his tea. "I'm just looking forward to getting some sleep."
"Why don't you go upstairs and kip?" Hermione asked. "It'll make you feel better love."
"Sounds good," Ethan said, getting back up. "What room should I bunk up in?"
"You can take Bill and Charlie's old room," Molly said.
"Thank you Nana," Ethan smiled gratefully at her and retrieved his bag from the hall, heading right upstairs.
Nearly two hours later, Harry and Ron made it home with the kids who were all talking excitedly about the train ride home. Twelve-year old Saffron though remembered that Ethan was going to be home and she made a dash for her mother.
"Is he here?" Saffron asked excitedly. "Please tell me he made it, Mum. I know I don't know that many spells yet, but if he didn't make it, he'll...."
Hermione laughed. "Settle down sweetheart. Yes he's here but he's sleeping and I don't want you bothering him all right?"
"Okay," Saffron said reluctantly, giving Hermione a hug. "I have loads to tell you anyway."
"Oh like what?" Hermione asked. "What have you learned so far this year?"
"So much," Saffron said tossing her brown hair over her shoulders. "I love school, but Professor Snape..."
"Gave her detention," Harry finished for his daughter. "Four times since the term began."
"He what?" Hermione raised an eyebrow. "You've had FOUR detentions Saffron?"
"Wait," Saffron said holding her hand up. "It was only because I was defending myself. That git said that I was an insufferable know-it-all. I mean, really! He asked a question and I raised my hand to answer him. He wouldn't call on me, Mum! So I just called out the answer."
"And Dumbledore allows this?" Hermione addressed her husband.
"I offered to talk to him about it, but Saffron asked me not to say anything," Harry said.
"Well you be careful," Hermione said. "I don't even want to hear about any more detentions Saffron Grace."
"Come on, Mum," Julie said putting an arm around her sister. "I had at least twelve detentions when I was in my second year. It's a rite of passage for us Potter kids."
"You never told me about that," Hermione replied.
Harry grinned. "We didn't want to worry you dear."
"We won't even begin to tell you about Ethan," Julie teased her mother.
"Where is the old guy anyway?" Josh teased. He had just arrived with Lizzy.
"Fast asleep," Saffron said grumpily.
"He's tired sweetheart," Harry said gently. "He's been working hard with training."
"I know," Saffron said. "But we never get to see him anymore it seems. When he's not with us, he's with that...Bree person."
"Bree is his girlfriend." Hermione replied. "And I'm sure you'll see plenty of both of them in the next few days."
"Bree sounds like cheese," Saffron said.
"You're thinking of b-r-i-e," Hermione said trying not to laugh. "That is a kind of cheese, Saffy. And please don't say that in front of her again. That wasn't very nice."
"Cheese sounds really good right now," Ron said, poking his head into the icebox. "Mum what's for dinner?"
Molly slapped him on the back. "Get your head out of there! You'll ruin your dinner!"
"Nana," Maddie said coming into the kitchen. "Dad could never ruin his dinner. He always makes room, right Daddy?"
"That's right sweetheart," Ron grinned at his youngest daughter who was now seventeen and almost a Hogwarts graduate. With her long blonde curls and blue eyes she looked very much like Luna.
"I won't tell Nana that you ate all those crisps earlier," Maddie whispered in his ear.
"I didn't eat all of them," Ron said defensively. "R.J. helped me out."
"Sure Dad," Maddie said, giggling.
"Dad?" R.J. asked, grabbing his broom. "Who's up for a pickup game of Quidditch?"
"Here, here," Ron agreed. "Harry?"
"I'm in," Harry said.
"Can I go wake Ethan up and ask him if he wants to play, too?" Saffron asked hopefully.
"No," Hermione said with a laugh. "Let your brother sleep, Saffy."
"But Mum!" Saffron protested.
"Saffy," Hermione said firmly. "Come on. You and I can go upstairs and you can tell me all about these detentions of yours."
"But I want to go play Quidditch," Saffron begged. "Please Mum I'm on holiday! I don't want to talk about school."
"Okay," Hermione said shaking her head. "Go ahead."
"I'd like to go too," Allison said wistfully as she watched her husband and Josh grab their brooms.
"In a few months you'll be able to play again," Jon caressed her cheek.
"I'm in too," Nick got up from the table. "I haven't played in awhile."
"You played last week," Julie reminded him. "Remember, you took Katie out? You asked me to come along, but I very wisely refused."
"You're missing out Jules," Nick smiled at his wife.
"I prefer my feet on the ground," Julie said firmly. "Right, Mum?"
"Right you are love," Hermione smiled at her.
Saffron rolled her eyes. She loved to fly as much as her father and brother and couldn't quite understand why her mother and sister didn't enjoy it at all.
"Come on, Dad," Saffron said tugging at his hand. "Let's see what you've got!"
"All right," Harry grinned. "If Ethan wakes up have him join us."
Hermione nodded, but she thought it would be best to let her son sleep. She'd never seen him look as exhausted as she did this afternoon.
Ethan woke up a few hours later, somewhat disoriented. He rolled over on his side and reached for his watch on the bedside table. When he saw what time it was, he blinked to make sure he wasn't imagining it. It was just past midnight. Although he was still tired, his stomach rumbled. He'd missed Nana Molly's dinner. As he stumbled out of bed, he hoped that they'd saved him a plate.
He made his way down the stairs blinking in the darkness. He fumbled for his wand that he'd stuffed in the pocket of his pyjama trousers and it cast a small light in the hallway.
When he walked into the kitchen, he grinned as he saw a plate laden with food sitting out for him. A note from Molly told him that she'd saved all of his favourites and put a heating charm on the plate.
"Thank you Nana," he muttered, stuffing a bite of bread in his mouth.
Outside, in the back of the Burrow, Maddie was dressed in her flowing white robes and was twirling softly in the newly fallen snow. She had been unable to sleep and had been sitting on the bench when the first white flakes had started to come down.
Ethan walked over to the window and smiled when he saw that it had snowed. Christmas wasn't Christmas without snow, he thought to himself, as Saffron always said. He knew she was probably upset with him for being asleep when she'd arrived. He made a mental note to make it up to her tomorrow. He was about to turn away from the window when he saw something---someone--outside in the snow.
Maddie laughed lightly as the snow continued to fall and dance across her face. Her blond curls flew out behind her as she spun a little faster.
Ethan couldn't take his eyes off the sight before him. The white-cloaked figure seemed to be bathed in the soft midnight glow outside. As the figure turned, Ethan's breath caught in his throat as he realised who he'd been watching.
"Maddie," he whispered.
She continued to twirl around for several more minutes before finally coming to a breathless stop, laughing at her own antics.
Ethan absently reached for his cloak by the door and made his way outside. He hadn't meant to, of course. Whatever Maddie was doing out here was her business and Ethan knew he should just eat his dinner and go back to bed, but something beyond his own volition made him go outside.
"Maddie," he called out hesitantly to her. "Maddie?"
She raised her head. "Ethan!" she said brightly. "When did you get here?"
"Uh--earlier today," Ethan said quietly. He suddenly realised that she wasn't talking about when he'd arrived, but how long he'd been outside watching her. "I, um, was asleep. I came downstairs and I saw you through the window. Aren't you cold?"
"Cold?" Maddie looked around. "Oh... not really. I like it out here like this." she flicked a blonde curl back over her shoulder and smiled at him.
"Not me," Ethan said sticking his hands in his pockets. "It's bloody freezing out here, Maddie."
"We can go inside if you want," she replied, fixing her eyes on him.
"You don't have to go inside on my account," Ethan said, wondering if her eyes had always been that blue.
She shrugged. "Okay let's stay out here," she said, moving back towards the bench she had been sitting on before.
"Okay," Ethan said quietly, sitting down on the other end of the bench. "So, um..."
"How is your training?" Maddie asked. "Daddy told me you were working towards being an Auror..."
"Well," Ethan said leaning back on the bench. "It's going pretty well, actually. I just have one more year left ..."
"That's good," Maddie nodded. "I haven't seen you in so long Ethan."
Ethan looked sheepishly at her. "I know. I missed the summer hols. It was only because Bree and I went to see her parents in Devonshire."
"Bree..." Maddie nodded. "Is she coming here for the holiday?"
"Yeah," Ethan said with false brightness. "She's coming tomorrow afternoon."
"You don't seem very excited about it," Maddie said, her eyes fixated on him again.
Ethan stood up, uncomfortable with how she was looking at him. "I'm very excited about her coming. Why wouldn't I be? She's my girlfriend. I'm---well, I'm very excited about her coming."
She grinned. "Me thinks you doth protest too much." it was one of her favourite phrases.
Despite himself, Ethan couldn't help laughing. "I'm not protesting, Madeline Molly Weasley."
"Sure seems that way to me," Maddie maintained her serene expression.
"I'm going back inside to finish my dinner," Ethan said. To his surprise, she followed him inside. "Do you want some of this?"
"No thank you," she replied. "I had some earlier with everyone else. Your sisters really miss you."
"I miss them too," Ethan said taking his plate and sitting down at the table.
"Maybe you should visit more often," She said, leaning on her elbow.
Ethan stared at her for a moment. "I visit often enough, Maddie. Besides, it's not as if I can get away. I have training and I have..."
"Right," Maddie nodded and smiled at him again. "You're very busy."
"You sound like you don't believe me," Ethan said defensively.
"Why shouldn't I believe you?" Maddie leaned forward. "You said you were busy so I'm sure you are."
Ethan put his fork down. "But you sound like you think I'm making up excuses or something. I do miss my family, Maddie. I miss them very much, but I'm not a kid anymore."
"I never said you were a kid," Maddie said, and began to giggle. "You used to really dislike me when we were younger didn't you?"
"Maybe it was because you announced to anyone who would listen that we were going to get married someday," Ethan said with a laugh.
She grinned. "You didn't believe me?"
"I was too busy telling anyone who would listen that I was never going to get married," Ethan said grinning back at her.
"Do you still think that way?" Maddie asked lightly.
"Well I don't think all girls are stupid anymore," Ethan replied. "But as for marriage, I think that's a long way off for me, Maddie."
She nodded. "Well I think I'll go to bed. I have to go into the town and get a few things tomorrow before they all close for Christmas."
"I have to do that as well," Ethan admitted. "I haven't done any Christmas shopping."
"For shame, Ethan James," Maddie teased.
"I know," Ethan said laughing. "I'm so disorganised. It's hard to believe I'm Hermione Potter's son."
"Quite," she got up; pulling off her white robes she'd been wearing and hanging them on a peg in the wall.
"We could go into town together," Ethan heard himself suggest. "If you want to that is."
"That sounds lovely," Maddie agreed. "I was thinking I'd go right after breakfast."
"Okay," Ethan said smiling at her. "But don't think this means I'm going to carry all your packages, Maddie."
"I don't need anyone to carry anything for me," Maddie returned, but she was grinning. "Good night Ethan."
"Good night, Maddie," Ethan said watching her go.
*** *** ***
Ethan followed Maddie inside the little Curio Shoppe on the side of the road. They'd been shopping most of the afternoon and he'd already gotten presents for pretty much everyone, including Bree. "Who else do you have left?" he asked, pushing his messy hair out of his eyes.
"I still have to get something for my mum," Maddie answered thoughtfully. "And I need to get something for Caroline, Jon and Allie."
Ethan nodded. "Hopefully you'll find it here. I'm getting hungry and it's starting to get late."
"I'm sure I will," Maddie said. "Mum loves this place."
She elbowed him in the side. "It wasn't me who had to purchase everyone's Christmas gifts in one afternoon, was it?"
"Hey," he elbowed her back. "I managed to get it all done and you've been looking longer." he teased. Being with Maddie now was different than when they were kids. There was something dreamy and sweet about her yet she seemed to have a certain maturity about things.
"That's because I like to put thought into my gifts," Maddie explained. "I could just pick up something random, but it wouldn't be the same now, would it?"
"I suppose not," Ethan said. "Wait- are you saying I didn't put thought into my gifts?" his brown eyes twinkled mischievously.
"No," Maddie said grinning at him. "But you bought your sister Julie a broomstick servicing kit, Ethan. She hates to fly!"
"That's for my OTHER sister," Ethan said defensively. "Saffron loves being on a broomstick. I bought Julie the cookbooks."
"Julie can't cook," Maddie pointed out. "She burns toast."
"I'm just trying to help," Ethan sent her a lopsided grin.
A sales clerk came up to them and smiled at Ethan. "You must be shopping for something for your girlfriend here, eh? I'm sure we could find something for her that is as lovely as she is."
"Oh," Ethan turned red. "She's uh... she's not, I mean she's my friend but--"
"I'm not his girlfriend," Maddie interjected gracefully.
"Oh," the sales clerk said apologetically. "I'm sorry. I was watching the two of you from across the room. I sensed a sort of closeness..."
"I tried when I was five to get him to notice me," Maddie said with a laugh. "But he used to run away from me every time."
"Yeah thirteen years ago," Ethan was still red faced. "We're looking for presents for her mother and sister in law."
"We have some beautiful necklaces and charms," the sales clerk began, but Maddie wasn't listening. Her eyes were fixed on a display just over the sales clerk's shoulder.
"Oh," Maddie gasped.
"What?" Ethan asked, wondering what had attracted her attention.
Maddie gently pushed her way over to the display of silver bracelets with charms. "It's a Cornish Pixie, Ethan. Look!"
"I thought you gave up on those," Ethan laughed.
"Never," Maddie said admiring the bracelet.
"Those are rather fabulous, aren't they?" the sales clerk said. "Each bracelet has a mini Cornish Pixie living in it. They live inside the charm."
"It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," Maddie whispered. "How much are they?"
"Well," the sales clerk's smile faltered a moment. "Since each one is one of a kind, the price IS a bit steep. Sixty five Galleons apiece."
"Wow," Ethan said. "That's kind of cool though." he peered in the charm.
Maddie's face fell. She hadn't thought it would be that expensive. Plus, she'd already spent most of her money on presents and she still had presents to buy.
"I wish I could take it," she said softly. "Maybe after the holidays are over." she gently set the bracelet back in the display.
"Would you be interested in seeing some of our crystal necklaces?" the sales clerk asked. Maddie nodded and followed the woman toward the back of the shop.
Ethan saw another clerk and motioned her over. "Could you wrap this up for me really quickly?" he asked, holding the bracelet Maddie had been admiring. "She's in the back of the store and I don't want her to see this before tomorrow."
"Of course," the girl said warmly. "Excellent choice."
"She seemed to really like it," Ethan smiled as he thought of Maddie's face when she was looking at the charm.
"I'm sure your girlfriend will be pleased," the clerk said turning away from him to wrap the bracelet in festive paper.
This time Ethan didn't bother to correct the clerk. "I'm sure she will," he replied as the girl finished wrapping it up. He passed over the Galleons and had just tucked the package into his bags when Maddie came up with some crystal jewellery and what looked like some worn Quidditch gear in her hands. "What's that?" he pointed to the gear. "Looks like someone used it already."
"Jon's favourite Quidditch player from the Cannons wore this in a World Cup game," Maddie explained. "The clerk said his wife dropped off a few old boxes the other day. I think he'll be pleased, don't you?"
"I'm sure he will be," Ethan had to stop himself from grinning as Maddie paid for her things. He noticed she kept glancing over at the display of Pixie charms and he couldn't wait to see her face when she opened the box on Christmas day.
"Okay," Maddie said as they let the store. "I'm starving. I know you are. Do you want to grab something back at home or get something now?"
"Why don't we go get some hot chocolate," Ethan suggested. "I could really go for some right now."
"That sounds like a brilliant idea," Maddie said smiling at him.
"Great," Ethan put an arm over her shoulder in what looked like a friendly gesture, but he couldn't help his wandering thoughts about how nicely they fitted together. "My treat."
"It's the least you can do for dragging me along on your shopping spree," Maddie teased.
"Hey you gave me the idea first," Ethan joked. "I would have been done hours ago if you weren't so picky about the presents I picked out!"
"Well, I hate to think of what you would have picked out on your own," Maddie said. "You're hopeless, Ethan Potter."
"That's why we have you girls around," Ethan held the door open for her. "To get us out of jams."
"I seem to remember me getting you and I into a lot of jams when we were kids," Maddie said as they settled into a booth.
"Aye I suppose we did," Ethan laughed. "With Dolly as our partner in crime."
Maddie smiled wistfully as she thought of her childhood pet. "You always wanted to blame everything on her when you knew very well that my parents would want me to give her away if she did anymore damage."
"That makes me a bit wretched doesn't it?" Ethan asked for two mugs of hot chocolate. "I remember when she tore into your dad's Cannons shirt,"
Maddie laughed. "Which I fixed beautifully, thank you very much. Thanks to Spellotape."
Ethan laughed hard. "I remember when you gave it back to him too. His face was priceless."
"I'm glad you thought so," Maddie said. "I was so scared he was going to make me give Dolly away."
"How long did that thing live?" Ethan asked curiously as their hot chocolate was set in front of them.
"Excuse me?" Maddie asked him. "Dolly was not a thing. She was living, breathing creature. And she died right before I left for Hogwarts. Dad told me that she'd run away, but I knew she'd never have done that."
"I'm sorry," Ethan apologised. "I didn't mean to refer to her as a thing."
"It's okay," Maddie said quickly. "I just get a little defensive. She was like my best friend when I was growing up."
Ethan nodded. "I could have been nicer to you," he said ruefully.
"You could have," Maddie said reaching across the table and putting her hand on top of his. "But I understood. I was a bit pushy and most boys that age think girls are gross and stupid. And you were the only person who could say no to me back then."
Ethan laughed, enjoying the feel of her soft hand on his. "I was really the only person who said no to you?"
Maddie nodded. "My mum and dad did every now and then, but you were the only one who did on a regular basis."
Ethan laughed harder. "Oi and I thought at the time that I gave in to you too often. Especially when you would tell me we were going to get married and Dolly would be our baby."
Maddie joined in his laughter. "I'd forgotten about that!"
"Oh man," Ethan was still chortling. "We were two crazy kids that's for sure."
Maddie smiled. "Thank you for coming with me today. This wouldn't have been nearly as fun if I'd had to go it alone."
"Yeah it's been great catching up with you," Ethan said honestly. He looked at their hands and realised that one of them had woven their fingers together across the table. He thought about Bree, but he didn't want to pull his hand away from Maddie's.
"I'm supposed to take Katie, Caroline, Ashley and Saffron ice skating this afternoon," Maddie said. "I know you're tired from all this shopping, but would you fancy coming with? I'm going to need all the help I can get, Ethan."
"That sounds like fun," Ethan agreed. "Saffy's probably going to kill me. She was still sleeping when you and I left this morning so I haven't seen her yet."
"She was chomping at the bit to wake you up when we arrived yesterday," Maddie said. "She thinks you hung the moon, Ethan."
"She's a great kid," Ethan said. "That's why I spoiled her and got her the servicing kit plus those new grips for her to wear during the games- the ones that repel the bludgers."
Maddie smiled. "See, you can give thoughtful presents!"
Ethan grinned at her. "I certainly try," he replied, thinking of the box he had hidden with his other gifts.
Maddie hadn't noticed that she and Ethan were holding hands. It had just seemed like the most natural, instinctive thing to do.
"This is nice," she said softly.
"Yeah it is," he agreed. "Sort of um... comfortable." he said, turning red.
"Strange, but a good kind of strange," Maddie said thoughtfully. "Does that make sense?"
"Yeah it does," Ethan turned to look out the window. It had begun to snow again and he saw Maddie reflected in the glass and it reminded him of last night. "So what were you really doing out there at midnight dancing in the snow?" he asked.
"I don't know," Maddie said with a shrug. "Everyone went to sleep and I wasn't ready to go just yet. So, I went outside and when it started to snow, it just made me happy. I felt like I had to dance."
Ethan nodded. "I wish I could feel that carefree," he said. "There's just so much going on with training... and things with Bree have been less than stellar."
"I could tell you had a lot on your mind last night," Maddie said gently.
"Well... do you mind if I talk to you about this?" Ethan asked with a grin. "I don't want to burden you."
"I don't mind at all," Maddie smiled at him.
"Well…" Ethan said. "You know we met on a blind date about six months ago. She was so indifferent about who I was, who my mum and dad were… all other girls I've dated would go ballistic when they first saw my parents or saw Nick hanging around with Jules. Bree was different. She's really focused on things, which I like… but everything she does is by the book."
"And you're not like that?" Maddie asked.
"I am, sort of," Ethan tried to explain. "I'm serious and focused on Auror training, but I also like to go out and have fun every once in awhile. Apparently my parents have passed their dancing genes down to me and I like to get out every once in awhile and show them off. Bree never wants to go out."
Maddie didn't say anything, just let him talk.
"We both know that the relationship isn't working out lately so we decided to use this holiday to see if we could either work things out or end things on an amicable note." Ethan finished.
"You don't sound very upset about the fact that your relationship might be coming to an end," Maddie commented neutrally.
Ethan was silent a moment. "I guess I'm really not. I wouldn't tell anyone else this, but I feel like the spark is gone, the one that we had when we first started seeing each other. And I've tried to keep it up, and I know Bree has too…"
"Granted I don't have that much experience," Maddie interjected. "But do you really think it should be such hard work?"
Ethan shook his head. "No, relationships shouldn't be hard work. Sometimes they're hard, but if they're worth it, it doesn't feel like work."
Maddie smiled. "That's what my mum always says anyways."
"So what's this- you said you don't have a lot of experience?" Ethan asked. "I'd have thought you'd have guys breaking down the door to ask you out."
Maddie laughed. "Not at all. I think most blokes don't know what to make of me."
"What's not to make?" Ethan was confused.
"I don't know," Maddie said thoughtfully. "Maybe it's because I like to dance in the snow? Maybe I like to wake up early on weekends and just set out a blanket and look up at the sky and watch the clouds? Do you know what they call me at school? Completely Mad Maddie."
"That's horrible," Ethan said, narrowing his eyes. "You're not mad!"
Maddie shrugged. "I don't care what they say. It doesn't really matter. Besides, they used to call my mum Loony when she was at school."
"So it runs in the family a bit?" Ethan teased gently.
"Maybe a little," Maddie admitted. "My dad says I'm a free spirit."
"You sure are," Ethan said. "Well... from what I saw last night that is. I don't know of anyone else who would go and dance around in the snow at midnight."
"You should try it some time," Maddie said giggling.
"Only if you'll show me how it's done," Ethan gave her a grin.
"Okay," Maddie grinned. Although she was having a good time, she knew that she needed to get back so she could take her nieces and Saffron out skating. And she also knew that Ethan wanted to see his kid sister. "We'd better get going."
"You're right." Ethan nodded. They finished their hot chocolate and he left a few Galleons on the table to cover it.
Maddie and Ethan were still laughing as they made their way back to the Burrow.
"You didn't have to carry my packages, too," Maddie said. "I could have carried them seeing as you had much more than I did."
"That's all right," Ethan replied. "Consider it weight training for me," he joked.
"They're going to tip over," Maddie said wincing. "Okay, Ethan. Put them down before we have a catastrophe. I won't tell anyone that you couldn't handle everything. You're reputation as a big, strong male will still be in tact."
"Are you sure Maddie?" Ethan asked. "You're not anything like Aunt Cho with secret keeping are you?"
"No," Maddie said shaking her head. "I'm a good secret keeper."
"All right," he conceded, making sure that he didn't give her the bag with the secret gift he'd bought her. "I suppose this time I'll take some help." he smiled so she'd know he was teasing.
"Good," Maddie said smiling at him as they made their way up the walk to the house. As Ethan set the bags down outside the door, Maddie caught sight of his face. "Oh, Ethan? You have some chocolate on your nose."
"I do?" he asked.
"Yeah," Maddie said, taking the remaining packages from his hands and setting them down. She stood on her tiptoes and touched his nose. "Right there."
"Thanks," he said softly, rubbing his nose with his gloved hand.
"No problem," Maddie said smiling at him. Their faces were inches apart and Maddie felt the butterflies in her stomach as Ethan touched her cheek.
"I don't get why guys don't see how beautiful you are," he whispered.
"You think I'm beautiful?" Maddie asked softly.
"Yeah," he said, a large lump in his throat. "I do."
Maddie smiled and inched closer to him.
"Ethan," someone said as the door opened, startling both Maddie and Ethan. "There you are! I was really upset when I arrived and you weren't here."
"Bree!" Ethan exclaimed. "I didn't think you were coming until later."
"I arrived a few minutes ago," Bree said kissing his cheek. "Your mum said you'd gone shopping."
"Yeah, you know me, everything last minute," Ethan put an arm around her. "Oh Bree, this is Maddie. We used to play together all the time when we were kids."
"It's nice to meet you, Maddie," Bree said offering her hand.
"Likewise," Maddie said smiling at her. "I'll just take these bags inside so you two can catch up. Thanks again for coming with me today, Ethan."
"Yeah it was fun," Ethan said, wanting to go with her instead of staying with Bree, which made him feel like an arse.
"So," Bree said squeezing his hand. "Did you buy anything for me?"
"Maybe," Ethan smiled at her. "Of course I did."
"It's freezing out here," Bree said shivering in her jeans and long-sleeved t-shirt. "Let's go back inside."
"Right," Ethan grabbed his own bags. "Sorry Bree."
"Saffy," Hermione called upstairs as her son and his girlfriend came inside. "Your brother's back!"
"So?" Saffron called back.
"Saffron," Hermione went up the stairs. "You've been talking about him being here the whole day."
"Yes, but that was until I found out he'd left this morning before I woke up," Saffron said breezing past her mother down the stairs. She saw her brother talking to Bree and she frowned as she walked past them.
"Hey Saffy!" Ethan called out and was surprised when she didn't even turn around. "What's wrong with her?" he asked his mother.
"She's upset that you were asleep when she arrived and that you were gone when she woke up," Hermione explained.
"Oh," Ethan said. "We tried to wait for her but we had to get going," he explained. "Think she'll let me talk to her?"
"You should try," Hermione said patting him on the arm.
"All right," Ethan replied. He gave Bree a quick kiss and promised to join her in the kitchen in a few minutes. "Hey you," he said, walking into the sitting room.
Saffron turned away from him and concentrated on her magazine.
"Saffron," Ethan sat down next to her. "I know you're mad at me for not being around much but I've been really busy. And I had to go get Christmas presents today."
"Not busy even to see Miss Cheese in there though, right?" Saffron asked him.
"Come on Saffy, we just got home and she was at the door," Ethan replied. "And don't call her Miss Cheese."
"You missed summer holiday too," Saffron pointed out. "And you know that I wouldn't get to see you until Christmas."
"I know," Ethan replied. "But I'm on hols now until after you go back to school, so we'll get to spend loads of time together. And I'm coming with this afternoon when Maddie takes you ice skating."
"Really?" Saffron asked turning around. "Is SHE coming, too?"
"I haven't said anything to her," Ethan replied. "I came right in here to talk to you when you went stomping past us out there in the hallway."
Saffron looked sheepishly at him. "I know. I'm sorry. You just made me mad."
"I'm sorry," he apologised. "I didn't mean to, you know that. I miss you Saffy."
Saffron hugged him. "You're such a prat, you know that, right?"
"Look who's talking," Ethan replied, squeezing her side. "Take it back or I won't stop tickling you!"
"Stop it!" Saffron said, giggling.
"Not until you take it back," Ethan said, laughing.
"Okay, I take it back," Saffron said breathlessly.
"That's right," Ethan finally let up his tickle attack. "I did miss you Saffy."
"I can't wait until you're done with training," Saffron said.
"That makes two of us," Ethan stood up and Saffron climbed onto his back. "Not a piggyback ride," he moaned playfully. "Aren't you too old for that now?"
"Nope," Saffron said. "Are you getting too old for that now?"
"Never," Ethan replied. "I'm only eight years older than you."
"Hey you two!" Bree asked coming inside. "Hello, Saffron."
"Hi Mi-- Bree," Saffron caught herself.
"You two seem to be getting along now," Bree said smiling at them.
"She can't stay mad at me for long," Ethan grinned at his sister.
"I have the same problem," Bree said with a laugh. "He's very hard to stay cross with."
"That's right," Ethan announced proudly.
"We're going ice skating this afternoon," Saffron said.
"Oh really?" Bree said scrunching up her nose. "Well, I hope you have a nice time. I haven't been skating in years, but that's because last time I did I could barely walk for a week."
"Why don't you come?" Ethan asked. "I'll give us a chance to talk," he added quietly.
"Why don't we stay here?" Bree asked him. "We can talk here."
"I promised Maddie I'd help her- she's taking four kids skating," Ethan said. "But I won't be on the ice the whole time and we can talk then."
"Can't someone else go with her to help?" Bree asked. "Come on, Ethan. We need some time alone."
"I know but-- Ow Saffron!" he said as his younger sister dug her elbow into his side.
"You promised," Saffron hissed in his ear.
"I know Saffy, but Bree and I really need to talk about some things," Ethan said.
"Fine," Saffron said grabbing her magazine and walking out of the room in a huff.
Ethan sighed. "It seems I just can't please everyone," he muttered.
"She'll get over it," Bree said gently. "We need some time alone, Ethan."
"I know we do but I feel bad. She was really upset when I went to Devonshire with you instead of coming home during summer holiday." Ethan replied.
"And she holds that against me now," Bree said sitting down on the sofa. "I shouldn't have made you go. You were miserable the whole time."
"I was not miserable," Ethan replied. "I missed my family but I had a good time with you. And Saffron's not holding anything against you Bree."
Bree inched closer to him on the sofa. "She thinks I'm taking her brother away from her. She scowled at me when I arrived. I think it's pretty easy to see that she hates me."
"She does NOT hate you," Ethan said firmly, putting an arm around her.
Bree wasn't convinced, but she was willing to drop the issue. "I missed you."
"I've missed you as well," Ethan agreed.
"Have you now?" Bree asked, kissing him.
"Yes," he replied, kissing her back. As soon as his eyes closed an image of Maddie just outside the door came into his mind and Ethan couldn't help but compare this to the feeling he'd had when he almost kissed the blonde outside.
Upstairs, Maddie knocked on Saffron's bedroom door. She had quickly changed into her warmest jumper and had helped get her niece get ready.
"Saffy?" Maddie asked. "Are you ready to go?"
"I'm not going!" Saffron said, brushing her tears away.
"Caroline?" Maddie asked kneeling down in front of her young niece. "How about you go and check on Katie and Ashley and you lot meet me downstairs in a few minutes?"
"Okay Auntie Maddie," Caroline agreed, skipping away.
Maddie opened Saffron's door and saw the younger girl staring out the window.
"What's wrong?" she asked putting a hand on Saffron's back.
"Ethan wants to spend all his time with that Cheese girl and none with me," Saffron sobbed. "All she had to do was walk in the room and he decided not to go skating with us anymore. And he told me he promised to help you too."
Maddie couldn't hide the disappointment on her face at this news. She too, had been looking forward to spending some more time with Ethan.
"Saffy," Maddie said gently. "Ethan told me just today how much he missed spending time with you and Julie. He just---he just has a lot of things that are competing for his attention."
"Yeah but he promised!" Saffron burst out angrily.
"I know," Maddie said quietly. "But you and Ethan will have plenty of time together over the holiday, Saffy."
"Not if Miss Cheese is here," Saffron huffed.
Maddie stifled a laugh at the nickname. "Come on, Saffy. What would you rather do? Sulk up here or go ice skating with a cool four-year old and the terrible twosome---Katie and Ashley? Come on, if you don't go, I'll have to face them all by myself."
Saffron ground her eyes with her small fists. "I guess I'll go with you," she said quietly.
"Do you want to know something about your big brother?" Maddie asked her. "I don't think you were more than a few months old, but he decided that he was going to be your great protector. I remember how he camped out in the nursery with you and set up this fort with old bed linens. He wouldn't even let me come inside, Saffy."
"Really?" Saffron asked with a sniffle. "He did that?"
"He sure did," Maddie said smiling at her. "Camped out for nearly a fortnight."
"No one ever told me that," Saffron giggled, thinking of her brother doing that.
"You should ask him about it some time," Maddie said laughing too. "He used to make up these monsters that he was saving you from, too. I once had to pretend to be Princess Cruella and I was going to take you back to my castle so a fire-eating dragon could eat you up."
Saffron giggled even harder. "Sounds like you guys had a lot of fun together."
"We did," Maddie said wistfully. "Sometimes, I..."
"Auntie Maddie!" Caroline called out. "We're ready to go!"
"Let me go wash my face and I'll come downstairs," Saffron said, getting up. At the door she turned back around. "I wish you would date my brother. You'd be a cool girlfriend."
Maddie laughed, but deep down, she wished the same thing.