Authors' note: Quite a response to the last chapter! And we know it was left with a wicked cliffie-but come on, you have to expect it from us!
"Daddy?"
Harry whirled around, a lump catching in his throat.
Saffron stood up from the bench where she and Ethan had been sitting and ran toward her father. "Daddy!"
"Saffy?" Harry asked, as she threw herself into his arms. "Baby?"
Saffron sobbed as she nearly collapsed in her father's safe embrace.
Ethan ran toward his mother. "Mum!"
"Oh my God," Hermione began to cry as she hugged her son tightly. "How- how did you both-?"
"It's a long story," Ethan said looking over his mother's shoulder at Julie, who was also in tears. "Hey, Jules."
"Ethan," Julie sobbed, throwing her arms around her brother.
Saffron pulled away from her father to hug her mother. Tears were streaming down her face. "Mum...I never thought I'd see you again!"
Hermione was crying too hard to reply as she held all three of her children to her.
Harry watched this all unfolding and wondered if it was all a dream. But, it was real. His youngest daughter and son were here. They were actually here.
"Dad," Ethan said. "Gordon... we tricked him. Got him tied up."
Saffron nodded. "We...we made him think I was sick. So he dropped the wards and he came over and I had to call him 'Daddy' which really did make me sick, but that's besides the point. And then Ethan...Ethan knocked him out. He was fantastic!"
"I should be able to lead you back there," Ethan told his father.
"Be careful," Saffron told them. "He's mad."
"We should get you checked out, baby," Hermione wiped her eyes, barely removing her gaze from her youngest daughter.
Saffron nodded, throwing her arms around her mother again. "I missed you so much, Mum."
"My Saffy," Hermione hugged her so tightly it could have rivalled Molly Weasley's.
Saffron sobbed into her mother's shoulder. "Mummy."
The last thing Harry wanted to do was leave his family, but he knew they had to get Gordon Devereaux. He wanted desperately to put the other man through the wall for doing this.
"We should go before he has a chance to get out," Ethan said to his father.
"Right," Harry said, putting an arm around his son. "Ethan--"
"Yeah?" Ethan asked.
"I'm proud of you," Harry said, his voice choked. "And you're okay."
Ethan hugged his father. "I had to. For Saffy."
The group of them headed upstairs and Harry quickly had a group assembled to go with to apprehend Gordon.
Ethan gave them the logistics of the location and about how he'd knocked out and bound Gordon.
"Let's go," Harry said. "The sooner we get this... psycho... the better."
"Be careful, Daddy," Saffron said giving him one last hug.
"I love you baby," Harry said. "I'll see you at St. Mungos."
Harry led the team of Aurors and Ethan out of the room. He didn't know how he would react when he set eyes on Gordon Devereaux.
"Dad," Ethan said quietly. "He... he's a sick bloke. But he didn't do anything to us... and I kept him away from Saffy."
"Did he ever try anything with her?" Harry asked, trying to keep his emotions in check.
"Not while I was there," Ethan said. "He made her come eat dinner with him one night- that's when she sent you the owl. Did that ever come?"
Harry nodded. "It did. If you hadn't sent that, we'd have still been looking for Dolohov."
"He's dead," Ethan said quietly.
"Devereaux framed him," Harry guessed.
"And killed him," Ethan said. "He left the body in there with us for awhile."
Harry gaped at him.
Ethan sighed. "I just want to get this over with. I want to see Maddie."
Harry didn't feel it was his place to tell Ethan about baby Kiera. "She's been staying with Ron and Luna since you were taken."
Ethan nodded. "I've missed her Dad. I never want to be separated from her again."
"She's missed you too," Harry said. "We all have. I'm sorry that I let you down, son."
"You didn't, Dad." Ethan said. "I let you down by falling into that trap Gordon set for me."
"After tonight, he's never going to hurt anyone in my family again," Harry vowed.
Ethan felt his stomach turn at the thought of going back in the dingy house where Gordon had kept them for so long.
"Harry," Neville said. "Perhaps---"
"Don't even tell me that you don't want me involved in this," Harry interjected. "Nev--"
"Just promise me you'll keep a straight head in there," Neville told him. "I know what you're thinking right now... but just--"
"I will," Harry promised.
"Let's hurry, please." Ethan urged.
"Right," Neville said. He directed four of the Aurors to go around back and three each to secure the other sides of the house. Neville, Ethan and Harry would be going inside.
Ethan swallowed. "He's in the bedroom... I think up there."
"Are you sure you're up for this?" Harry asked his son.
"I have to be," Ethan said. "Otherwise he'll just be there for the rest of our lives."
Harry patted his son on the back. "Let's do this, then."
"Just watch my back," Ethan said to his father, his pale face tight with anticipation.
Harry looked at Ethan. "I'll always have your back, Ethan James."
"Thanks Dad," Ethan said, clearing his throat.
Neville led the way upstairs. All three Aurors drew their wands.
"He's tied up," Ethan said. "So he shouldn't be able to do anything to us--"
Neville slowly opened the door.
Gordon was furiously working his way through the binds Ethan had cast on him.
"Not so fast, Devereaux," Neville said, training his wand on the man.
Harry clenched his teeth as he looked at the man who had caused his family so much pain.
"Ethan, how could you do this to me?" Gordon asked, struggling with his bindings. "And where is my sweet Saffron? Where's my little girl?"
"She's not yours, Devereaux," Harry snapped. "You sick fuck."
Gordon grinned maniacally at him. "They're all my family. Ethan, Julie, Saffy and my Hermione Jane."
"No we're not," Ethan said as he pointed his wand at him. "No parent would ever use the Crucio on their child."
"You're not going back to St. Mungos," Neville said. "You're going to Azkaban. For the rest of your miserable life."
"Aren't you Potter's little sidekick?" Gordon drawled.
"No," Neville said waving his wand, tightening the binds around Gordon's wrists. "I'm my own man. I have my own family. I have my own children. I don't delude myself into thinking I have something that's not mine."
"I'll kill you both," Gordon snarled. "Hermione is MINE, and I WILL HAVE HER!"
Neville felt Harry tense up beside him. "Ignore him, Harry. Let's just take---"
"Leave us," Harry said his eyes on Gordon.
"Dad--" Ethan began.
"Leave us," Harry repeated firmly.
"Come on," Neville touched Ethan's arm.
Ethan reluctantly left the room with Neville.
"Goodbye, my son," Gordon called after him.
"He's not your son," Harry said coldly.
"He could have been," Gordon glared at him.
"Because my wife is so in love with you?" Harry countered. "Is that what it is?"
"Of course she is," Gordon answered.
Harry knelt down in front of him. "I could kill you now. Do you realise that? I could kill you now for what you've done to me and my family."
"MY FAMILY!" Gordon exclaimed, squirming.
"It is NOT your family!" Harry said, his voice lowering dangerously.
"Saffron Grace," Gordon said softly, as if forgetting Harry was even there. "She called me 'Daddy'. She reminds me so much of her mother, much more than Julie. I would spend hours just watching her in here..."
Harry had to resist kicking Gordon. "You're sick, Devereaux. I don't know how you managed to get out of St. Mungos, but this time you'll never get out. Not from Azkaban."
"You think that Azkaban will keep me from my love?" Gordon asked, laughing.
"I do," Harry replied. "That and I'll personally be making sure you never leave that place. Ever."
"Harry!" Neville called out. "You have to see this!"
Harry glared at Gordon before opening the door. In the next room, Neville and Ethan were looking at the room, which was practically wallpapered with photographs of Hermione.
"What the hell," Harry was speechless.
"Obsession isn't remotely close to what this is," Neville said, shaking his head.
"Let's get out of here," Ethan said. "Please? I can't stand being here."
Harry nodded. "Nor can I."
"I'll bring him in," Neville said.
"I'll go with you," Harry said. "I want to make sure he's locked up."
When they came back into the room, Gordon had somehow managed to get out of his bindings.
"Ethan get behind me," Harry pushed his son back.
With a crazed look in his eyes, Gordon lunged at Harry.
"Fucking bastard," Harry seethed, holding up a hand.
"Dad!" Ethan called out.
Gordon leapt at Harry, but was met with a ward.
Gordon stumbled back, but he laughed. "Fucking coward! Hiding behind a wall. You don't even have the guts to kill me, do you? Go on, Potter. Do it. I know you want to."
"You have no idea how much I want to," Harry said, his eyes almost black with rage.
"I can still see your little girl lying on the bed right over there," Gordon said softly. "Oh, how I loved watching her sleep."
Harry growled and lunged at the other man.
Neville and Ethan went to hold him back, but the ward was still in place and they were left with little to do but watch as Harry shoved Gordon against the wall. Gordon cried out in pain when Harry pinned him to the wall.
"There's nothing more I'd like to do than choke the life out of you," Harry said through clenched teeth. "But I want you to suffer. I want you to suffer for EVERYTHING you have EVER done to my family. You're going to Azkaban, Devereaux. And this time, you'll never get out."
"T-that's what they said about St. Mungos," Gordon gasped for air. "You---you didn't even know I was out!"
"This time we will," Harry squeezed harder.
"Hermione w-will be m-mine," Gordon gasped.
"He's going to kill him," Ethan said quietly.
"Harry don't do it!" Neville called out. "Don't kill him!"
Harry released Gordon who struggled to catch his breath. The entire house began to shake as Harry looked at the man who had caused his family such pain.
"Dad he's not worth it!" Ethan said. "Don't get yourself caught up in trouble over him!"
"Will Hermione be coming?" Gordon asked, shakily getting to his feet. "I want to see her."
Harry ploughed his fist into Gordon's face.
Gordon fell back down to the floor and he inched away from Harry.
"You will NEVER TOUCH HERMIONE!" Harry roared, advancing on him. "YOU WILL NEVER TOUCH MY CHILDREN AGAIN!"
For the first time, Gordon's bravado faltered and he looked terrified.
"Dad don't!" Ethan called again. "Please- he'll go to Azkaban and we can go home to Mum, Jules and Saffy."
Harry bent down and pulled Gordon back to his feet. "You're not worth it, you son-of-a-bitch!"
Ethan shot ropes out of his wand at Gordon, binding him up again.
"No!" Gordon screamed.
"Get him out of here," Neville snapped at the Aurors who joined them in the room.
"With pleasure," Kingsley Shacklebolt said grabbing Gordon by the arm.
"I want to go back," Ethan said as Gordon was led out of the room. "I want to see my wife."
"I want to check on your sister," Harry said. "Come on."
Back at St. Mungos, Saffron was getting a thorough examination from Pansy Parkinson.
"Saffron," Pansy said. "If you'll excuse us, I just want to have a word with your mother..."
"Why?" Saffron asked nervously. "I don't want to be left alone..."
Hermione squeezed her hand. "It's okay, sweetheart. I'm not going anywhere."
"Promise?" Saffron didn't let her mother's hand go.
"Absolutely," Hermione said.
"I suppose I could say this in front of you too, Saffy," Pansy said. "Physically, you are okay. You've lost quite a bit of weight, but that's to be expected, given what you've been through."
"I really didn't eat a lot," Saffron said softly.
"What we need to be concerned with though is your mental well-being," Pansy continued. "You've been through quite a trauma. I think that you should see a therapist."
Saffron shrugged. "I just want to be with my family."
"Well, you certainly have a strong support system," Pansy said. "But you might find adjusting back to your old life hard."
Saffron's eyes filled with tears. "Sean's dead."
"Oh, sweetheart," Hermione said, pulling her daughter into a hug.
"It's all my fault," Saffron sobbed.
"It's not your fault," Hermione said soothingly. "It was--it was Gordon's." She wished she could wave her hand and make her little girl's pain disappear. Hermione thought of her own mother and wondered how she would break that news to Saffron.
"But if he hadn't--" Saffron began.
"Shhh," Hermione said. "Look, your father and I went to Sean's funeral. His parents don't blame you, Saffy. They knew how important you were to their son."
"It's just not fair," Saffron sniffled.
Hermione brushed a strand of hair behind Saffron's ear. "No, it's not."
"I want to go home," Saffron whimpered.
Hermione looked at Pansy. "Can I take her home?"
Pansy nodded. "Just keep me posted, if you don't mind."
"Of course," Hermione said. "Thank you, Pansy."
"Take care of yourself, Saffron." Pansy said. "I can't even begin to tell you how glad I am that you and your brother are okay."
"Thank you, Healer Parkinson," Saffron said managing a slight smile.
"Come on sweetheart," Hermione put her arm around her. "I imagine everyone's chomping at the bit to see you and Ethan."
"I can't wait to see everyone," Saffron said. "Especially Gran."
Hermione's face fell, but she didn't say anything about Elinore just yet. She wanted to tell Ethan and Saffron together about their grandmother.
"Katie's been looking after Puddles for you," Hermione told her. "That dog of yours sure has missed you."
"I missed him too," Saffron smiled thinly. "I thought about you guys all the time."
Saffron and Hermione stopped in the hall when she saw her brother and father.
"Is he--?" Hermione managed to ask.
"In Azkaban," Harry said shortly. "For the rest of his bloody insane life."
Saffron gave her brother a hug. "You okay?"
"Fine, Saffy." Ethan said. "You?"
"Just ready to go home," Saffron said looking up at him.
"I just want to see Maddie," Ethan said.
"Nick went to get her," Hermione answered. "She'll meet us at the house."
Ethan could hardly wait to hold his wife in his arms. It had been so long.
It didn't take long for all of them to arrive at the house, where everyone was gathered.
Puddles ran toward Saffron. "Baby!" Saffron squealed.
"Aunt Saffy!" Katie shrieked. "You're home!"
Maddie stood up, Kiera in her arms as her eyes met Ethan's from across the room.
"Maddie," Ethan breathed, stepping closer. He didn't question the baby. He figured it was one of the children her parents were fostering.
"I can't believe you're home," she said, tears in her eyes. "Ethan..."
"You're a sight for sore eyes," Ethan said touching her cheek.
"Ethan," she said, her voice trembling. "I've missed you so much. And..."
Kiera let out a little cry.
"Ethan," Maddie said. "We... this..." she used her free hand to wipe her eyes."This is our daughter."
"I missed you too," Ethan said softly. "And I can't---what? What--what did you just say?"
"We have a daughter," Maddie said softly. "The day you... disappeared I um... I found out I was pregnant. She's two weeks old."
Ethan's jaw dropped. This couldn't be possible. He had a daughter?
"Would you like to hold her?" Maddie whispered.
Ethan wordlessly nodded.
"Her name is Kiera," Maddie said softly.
Maddie gingerly handed him the baby who cooed happily up at Ethan.
"Hi," Ethan said hoarsely. "I'm... I'm your father."
"Look at her eyes," Maddie said.
"One brown and one blue," Ethan noticed.
Maddie told him about hearing voices and how that related to Kiera. "Smythe doesn't know if it will last, but..."
"This is just incredible," Ethan couldn't take his eyes off the infant. "She's perfect."
"She is, isn't she?" Maddie said smiling at him. "Oh, Ethan..."
"I'm so sorry," Ethan's voice broke. "I should have been here for this. I should have thought of you instead of rushing into that trap. I should have--"
Maddie shook her head. "You had no idea what was going on, Ethan. You wanted to find your sister and bring her home. I'm so proud of you and what you did."
"Ethan," Saffron breathed, kneeling in front of him. "You're a daddy..."
"This is your aunt Saffy, Kiera," Ethan told the baby. "She's okay for a brat."
Saffron smiled. "I'm going to spoil her rotten."
Maddie gave her sister-in-law a big hug. "I'm so glad you're home!"
"Thanks Maddie," Saffron said. "I really missed you."
"Saffy and I made it through all of this together," Ethan said. He looked down at the baby in his arms. He still couldn't get over the fact that she was his and Maddie's.
Saffron looked around. "Mum?" she asked. "Where's Gran?"
A hush fell over the room.
"Yeah," Ethan said. "Where is she?"
Hermione sat down next to her son. "While you two were um... gone... your Gran had a stroke."
Saffron gasped. "She's okay, though? Can we see her?"
Hermione took her daughter's hand. "She's with your grandfather now, sweetheart. I'm so sorry..."
Saffron shook her head. "No, no...she's not. She can't be..."
"Mum?" Ethan asked.
Hermione brushed away her tears. The pain of losing her mother was still quite raw. "I wish I could tell you both otherwise."
Saffron stood there, trying to take all of this in, but it just didn't make sense. Her grandmother couldn't be gone.
"Sweetheart?" Harry asked, seeing the expression on his daughter's face.
Saffron shook her head. "I didn't get a chance to say goodbye."
"She wrote a letter," Hermione wiped her eyes. "Before she died. I have it upstairs."
Saffron hugged her mother. "No..."
"I'm so sorry baby," Hermione held her tightly.
"I'm...I'm sorry you had to go through all of this alone," Saffron said quietly.
"I wish you didn't have to find out this way," Harry said gently.
"I can't believe she's gone," Ethan said quietly. "Gran's...Gran's always been here."
"She's in a better place," Hermione closed her eyes as Saffron sobbed into her shoulder.
"It was a really nice service," Julie said to Ethan and Saffron.
Ethan nodded. His heart felt heavy at the thought of losing his grandmother and not being able to say goodbye, but his mind was mostly focused on his daughter. He was still in a bit of shock over this news.
"She loved you all so much," Hermione said, keeping her arm around Saffron.
Saffron buried her face in her mother's shoulder, crying too hard to reply.
Harry was ecstatic to have his family reunited like this, but he couldn't stop the anger from boiling up inside him. His son and youngest daughter had missed so much these last few months---because of Gordon Devereaux and his bloody obsession.
"Why don't you two get cleaned up," Hermione suggested gently. "And we'll get you two fed."
"Will you come with me, Mum?" Saffron asked. "I don't want to be alone."
Hermione nodded. "Anything you want, baby."
Harry took his daughter's hand. "Sweetheart, you're safe now. I promise."
Saffron nodded. "He'll be locked up forever, right Daddy?"
"Forever," Harry said, giving her a hug. "I'm so sorry that you went through this, baby."
"I wanted you to find us," Saffron said. "Every day I hoped you would find us."
A lump formed in Harry's throat. "I'm sorry that I let you down."
"He was going to pose as me," Julie said. "Gordon was coming for me and Dad was going to get in there and get you two out."
"We know you did everything you could," Ethan said.
"You know that, right baby?" Harry asked. "I did everything I could. I had nearly every Auror we had looking for you two."
Saffron hesitated a moment before nodding.
"You have to believe that baby," Harry brushed his daughter's unkempt hair out of her eyes.
Saffron looked down at the floor. "I just want to go upstairs and take a bath."
"Mum and Dad wanted to come over if you both are up to it," Maddie said.
"Of course," Ethan replied.
Saffron nodded. "That's fine with me," she said softly.
"Come on, baby," Hermione said. "Let's get you cleaned up."
"My hair is horrible," Saffron said.
"We can fix that," Julie said. "Come along, Miss Potter."
"I should go get cleaned up too," Ethan said. "Come with me?" he looked at his wife.
"Kiera and I both will," Maddie said. "Right, Kiera?"
Kiera let out a soft coo in response.
Ethan laughed. "I'll that as a yes."
Maddie followed him closely to his old bedroom. "I don't want to let you out of my sight anytime soon."
Ethan grinned. "I feel the same way."
Maddie conjured up a pram and Ethan carefully set Kiera inside. "She's amazing, Mads." he said softly. "I just... I can't believe it. After all this time..."
"I know," Maddie said. "I was shocked when I found out. Well, shocked might not be the right word."
"Dumbfounded?" Ethan asked.
Maddie looped her arms around his neck. "That sounds about right."
Ethan rested his forehead on hers. "I've been waiting to hold you."
"I've missed you," Maddie whispered.
"I missed you too," Ethan said as his too long hair fell in his eyes.
Maddie started to cry and Ethan held her tightly.
"I'm so sorry, sweetheart," Ethan said. "I'm so sorry."
"It's not your fault," Maddie said. "Not in the slightest."
"Yes it is," he answered. "You and Kiera. I always have to put you two first from now on."
"She's perfect, isn't she?" Maddie said looking down at their sleeping daughter. "You know that she sleeps like you? She puts her little fist under her chin..."
Ethan smiled. "You've given me the most incredible homecoming gift, Maddie."
"Welcome home," Maddie said giving him a kiss.
Ethan knew he most likely smelled and looked terrible, but he didn't care. It didn't seem that Maddie did either.
"We have a lot of time to make up for," Maddie said when the pulled apart. "You, me, and Kiera. Which reminds me...I didn't give her a middle name yet."
"How come?" he asked softly.
"I wanted to wait for you," Maddie replied.
"We'll think of a really good name," Ethan said. "One that's as beautiful as her first."
Maddie beamed at him. "You really like it?"
"I love it," Ethan answered softly.
"You're actually here," Maddie said looking up at him. "You're actually here and it's not a dream."
Ethan shook his head. "I'm here. I'm here, and we're a family."
"Our family," Maddie said softly.
Ethan swung her around gently. "I really need to take a shower."
"I'll be here," Maddie said.
"I promise not to be long," Ethan kissed her again.
"I'll cut your hair for you when you get out," Maddie said giving his hand a squeeze.
"Definitely needs it," Ethan tugged his inky strands.
Maddie laughed. "Off to the bath with you."
He disappeared into the loo and Maddie sat down next to the pram and gazed in at her sleeping daughter.
"Your daddy's home," Maddie whispered.
Kiera curled her fist under her chin and Maddie smiled. "I knew you two would love each other right away."
In Saffron's room, Julie was brushing through her sister's damp hair. Saffron hadn't said much since she'd gotten out of the shower.
"Molly Weasley will be planning a feast, I'm sure." Julie said. "Put some of your weight back on. And you heard that Puddlemere has kept your spot for you, right? They really want you to play for them."
Saffron nodded. "That's great."
"Greta's downstairs cooking right now," Hermione said. "She can't wait to see you."
Saffron nodded again. "Sure..."
"Do you want me to plait it for you like old times?" Julie asked.
"I don't care," Saffron said dully.
Julie looked at her sister, not sure of what to say. She had no idea what this must have been like for her. Hermione had mentioned what Pansy had said at the hospital. Saffron would probably need to talk to someone about what had happened to her.
"I'm sorry," Saffron looked up at her mother and sister. "I don't mean to be such a downer."
Julie squeezed her sister's shoulder. "It's okay. You've been through so much and then hearing about Gran..."
Saffron's eyes filled with tears again. "Did... did she suffer?"
Julie shook her head. "When it happened, it was quite sudden."
"Was it because of us disappearing?" Saffron asked over the lump in her throat.
"She was in poor health for quite some time," Hermione told her. "She was worried about the two of you, but I don't honestly believe that was what caused her stroke, Saffy."
Saffron nodded and twisted her hands in her lap. "Mum?"
"What, love?" Hermione replied.
"How come Daddy couldn't find us?" Saffron asked softly.
"He searched every single day, Saffy," Hermione said, taking her hand. "He barely slept, hardly ate. He was not going to rest until he brought you home. But, Gordon...Gordon had been plotting this for years. He knew just what to do and where to take you so no one could find you."
"The notes and things he sent- even the letter you sent, were totally untraceable," Julie added. "He really did everything he could. Gordon was just one step ahead."
"If you want to blame someone for this, you can blame me," Hermione said. "I'm the one who brought him into our lives."
"Mum--" Saffron began.
"I'll never forgive myself for that," Hermione continued. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry that you had to go through this, Saffron."
Saffron stood up and threw her arms around her mother.
"I could never blame you, Mum," Saffron said hugging her tightly. "Never."
Hermione held her daughter, not wanting to let her go. "You're okay, baby. You're okay."
"Thinking about you is what got me through this," Saffron said.
Julie hugged her sister too. "We never stopped hoping we'd find you."
"Jules," Saffron said softly. "Ethan and I were so scared that you would be coming through that door. We didn't want him to get you, too."
"That's why Dad was going to pose as me," Julie replied.
"I'm just glad it didn't come to that," Hermione said wiping a tear from Saffron's face. "My babies are home for Christmas. That's all I wanted."
"I just wish we were all here," Saffron's voice was thick.
"Speaking of which," Hermione said. "I really want you to see the letter your Gran wrote."
Saffron nodded. "Will you read it to me?"
"I'll just go and get it now," Hermione said.
"Come on, let me finish your hair," Julie said. "And let's get you into some clean clothes."
Hermione ran into Harry on her way to their bedroom.
"How is she?" Harry asked.
"Okay," Hermione said. "She's very upset about my mother."
"I knew she would be," Harry said. "They were very close."
Hermione hugged him close. "They're safe."
"They are," Harry said. "And Devereaux will never bother us again."
Hermione shook her head. "I wish I could go back and never encourage him at all."
"It's over now," Harry told her.
"I'm not so sure," Hermione said. She told him about what Pansy had said. "There's no way she's going to get through this without having some emotional scars, Harry."
"We'll be there for her," Harry said. "Whatever she wants or needs."
"Absolutely," Hermione agreed.
Saffron and Julie came out of Saffron's bedroom.
"You look beautiful, sweetheart," Harry said smiling at her.
"Mum?" Saffron asked. "Did you have the letter?"
"I'm going to get it right now," Hermione said.
"I can't wait to tell Ashley about this," Julie said to her sister. "She's been so worried. She'll be coming home from Hogwarts in a few days."
"I can't wait to see her," Saffron said softly.
Hermione came back with the letter and read aloud what her mother had written.
"And to my Saffron Grace," Hermione read, trying to stave off her tears. ""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."
Saffron's entire face crumpled and she turned to her father.
"Saffy?" he asked.
"Daddy, it's not fair," Saffron said, tears streaming down her face as she flung herself into his arms.
"No, it's not," Harry said.
Ethan and Maddie came out into the hallway and saw Saffron crying. Hermione handed Ethan the letter and by the time he was finished, he too was crying.
"We should have had the chance to say goodbye," Saffron sobbed.
"In a way you can," Julie said. "I can take you to the cemetery and you can tell her the things you wanted to say."
"You will?" Saffron asked.
"Of course," Julie replied.
"Thanks Jules," Saffron wiped at her eyes.
"Greta!" Ethan said noticing her for the first time.
Greta wiped at her eyes. "I couldn't wait any longer! You're both home! You're here!"
"Greta!" Saffron hurried towards her.
Greta engulfed her in a big hug. "Oh, my girl! My sweet, sweet girl!"
"I'm so glad you're here," Saffron said.
Ethan gave her a hug. "I thought I smelled something good."
Greta grinned. "I'm making all your favourites!"
"I'm so glad to be home," Saffron said. "I just... at certain times I never thought I was going to leave that room."
"He had the room warded like you wouldn't believe," Ethan told them. "Saffron got out that one time to send the letter."
Saffron shuddered as she remembered that night.
"And he didn't touch you, right?" Harry asked.
Saffron looked down at the floor. "He made me wear dress robes like the ones Mum wore when they were in school together. He wanted to have dinner with me. There...there were all these photographs of Mum on the wall. He kept calling me 'Hermione' and he---he---tried to kiss me and when---when I backed away from him, he shoved me against the wall."
"HE TRIED TO KISS YOU?" Harry roared.
"I slapped him before he could," Saffron remembered.
Harry calmed down at that.
"He used the Crucio on me," Ethan told them.
Harry's mouth tightened into a grim line.
"That's why he's going to Azkaban," Hermione said putting a hand on her husband's arm.
"The Dementors will have a field day with the likes of him," Maddie said.
Harry nodded, still upset that his children had gone through that.
"Come on," Hermione said. "I'm sure Greta's prepared something wonderful for this occasion."
"I have," Greta said excitedly. She put her arm around Saffron. It didn't go unnoticed by her that Saffron had lost quite a bit of weight.
Ethan turned to his wife. "I'll take her downstairs," he said, eager to hold his daughter again.
Ethan took her from Maddie and smiled down at the wide eyed baby in his arms. "Mads? I think I have an idea for her middle name."
"What's that?" Maddie asked softly.
"Kiera Faith Potter," Ethan said.
"Faith," Maddie repeated with a smile. "That's perfect, Ethan."
"She's our miracle," Ethan said leaning down and placing a kiss on her soft forehead. "My Kiera."
"I'm so happy right now," Maddie said to him.
"Me too," Ethan said. "I'm never going away from you for that long again. Not ever."
"I'm not about to let you go," Maddie said.
"I love you, Maddie," Ethan whispered.
"I love you too," she said. "I can't wait for us to go home... all of us."
"Tonight," Ethan promised. "We'll bring our little girl home."
"Are you sure?" Maddie asked. "If you want to stay here tonight, that's fine with me."
"You know, my mum would probably like that," Ethan said thoughtfully. "If we were all here, at least for tonight."
Maddie nodded. "I've been staying with my parents."
"Dad told me," Ethan said as they went downstairs to join the others. "How's Blue?"
"He's fine," Maddie said. "He misses you too."
"How does he like Kiera?" Ethan asked.
"He loves her," Maddie said with a smile. "He'll sit on the edge of her pram and watch her for hours."
"Kiera, do you have Blue wrapped around your little finger?" Ethan asked.
The infant stared right up at him.
Hermione looked over at her son who was completely enthralled over his daughter.
"How do you like being a father," she fell behind to ask.
"I love it so far," Ethan said. "Mum--I'm still trying to wrap my brain around this."
"Being a parent is all about experience," Hermione said. "And you know you can always come to me and your father for anything."
"I appreciate that," Ethan said smiling at her. "You and Dad are the best."
"You three are the best children," Hermione said. "And now we have another grandchild to spoil."
"I bet she's going to inherit her mother's 'look'," Ethan said. "You know the look that no one can say no to."
"I've been teaching her already," Maddie said impishly.
Everyone laughed at that.
"I'm sure she'll be a natural," Ethan said.
"She's the coolest baby," Katie said. "She looks at you like she understands just what you're saying."
"I think she does," Maddie replied. "In a strange way..."
"Aunt Maddie, you're going to have your hands full with her," Katie said with a grin.
Maddie laughed. "I'm sure I will."
"Your uncle said the same thing to me when you were born, Katherine Rose," Nick said to his daughter.
"And I think I was right," Ethan said as they all sat down.
"Jules and I have no idea what we're going to do when she hits her teens," Nick said.
"I'll be the same as I am now," Katie tossed her head.
"Heaven help us," Nick said dryly.
Saffron sat down and Puddles rested his head in her lap.
"Hey, baby," Saffron said scratching behind his ears.
Puddles let out a whimper. "I missed you too, sweetheart."
Greta set out the last platter of food. "Tuck in."
Ethan felt like he hadn't eaten in months. The food Gordon had left for them was often stale and tasteless.
"Rosemary chicken to start," Greta told them. "With roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables."
Saffron felt her mouth water a bit. "I'd like a bit of everything."
"I'll fix you a plate," Greta said.
"Thanks Greta," Saffron said. "You're the best."
Greta beamed at her.
"I'm glad to see you both eating," Hermione said.
"We're just really happy to be eating real food that has a taste to it," Ethan said. "Saf and I would talk about your lasagne and Greta's cooking all the time. Didn't we, Saf?"
"We always daydreamed about food," Saffron nodded.
Saffron took a bite of the chicken and practically swooned. "Mmmm..."
"This is amazing," Ethan agreed.
"I'll make my lasagne for you tomorrow," Hermione promised.
"I'd like to help," Saffron said.
Hermione smiled. "I'd love that, Saffy."
"I know everyone's going to be anxious to see you," Harry said.
"How's Lexie?" Saffron asked.
"She still doesn't remember a lot," Hermione said. "But she's been worried about you."
Saffron felt a pang of guilt when she thought about Alexa.
"Andrew and RJ have been helping out a lot in the search for you both." Harry told them.
"Andrew?" Saffron asked taken aback.
"Been at the Ministry almost all the time," Hermione nodded. "He was a great help in going through the post."
"He was really worried," Maddie told her.
Saffron looked down at her plate, unsure of what to think about this.
"Would you like more pumpkin juice?" Nick asked his sister-in-law.
"Sure," Saffron said. "Thanks."
Nick filled her glass. "Well, now we can decorate this place for Christmas. Right?"
"Once Ash gets home," Katie said. "Aunt Saffy, we'll all do it together!"
"I'd like that," Saffron said. There was a commotion from the sitting room and a few moments later, Ron and Luna came into the room. Ron grinned when he saw the food. "Looks like we got here just in time!"
Luna rushed forward to her son in law and Saffron. "I can't tell you how happy I am to see you both."
"It's good to see you too, Aunt Luna," Saffron said hugging her.
"Molly wants you both over soon," Luna told her. "Fatten you two back up."
Ethan laughed. "If we keep getting fed like this, it won't take long."
"RJ was over when we heard the news," Ron told them as he hugged them both. "He'd like to see you when you're up for it, Saffy."
"I'd like that," Saffron said quietly. She sat back down and took another bite of her chicken.
"Just give him a ring," Luna said. "Everyone's anxious to see you two."
"Welcome Home, Ethan!" Ron said clapping him on the back. "And Congratulations!"
"Thanks," Ethan said with a broad grin. "I can't even believe it!"
"She's something, isn't she?" Ron asked looking over toward the pram where the baby was currently sleeping.
"I can't wait for the three of us to spend more time together," Ethan said. "Mads and I have been waiting for this for... so long."
"I know," Luna said. "You have the family you've always wanted."
"Sure do," Ethan agreed, looking over at his wife and daughter.
Hermione reached over and gave her daughter's hand a squeeze. She couldn't stop looking at both of her children. They were home and it was the best Christmas present she could have ever received.
Saffron managed a smile. "I'd like to see Alexa- do you think that would be okay?"
"Of course," Hermione replied.
"Maybe RJ or Gabe could bring her over," Harry suggested.
"I'll do it," Julie said. She had a feeling her sister wasn't up to seeing anyone else. "I'll Floo over right now."
"Thanks Jules," Saffron said gratefully.