Authors' note: Thank you guys for helping us hit 10,000 reviews! We appreciate each and every one of them. This story is still going strong despite the fact that it was originally going to be sort of a "deleted" scenes group of chapters. It took a life of its own though and doesn't seem to be ready to die any time soon. We hope you will continue to read! Thanks again!
Since Alexa's parents were Muggles, they didn't listen to the wireless. So, Alexa didn't know that her best friend and brother had been found. She was in the sitting room with her parents reading a book.
"Sweetheart, when is Gabriel coming in for winter hols?" Karen asked.
"Friday," Alexa replied. "It will be really nice to see him again."
"I like him," Patrick said. "He's a good bloke."
Alexa smiled. He was a good bloke. Over the last few months, he'd written and called on a regular basis and was always sending her thoughtful gifts.
They were all startled when a moment later, their fireplace roared to life and Julie came tumbling out.
"Julie?" Alexa asked. "What are you doing here?"
Julie grinned. "Saffron wants to see you. She and Ethan are home, safe and sound!"
Alexa's jaw dropped. "W-what?"
Karen grinned. "Oh, that's wonderful news! I know Harry and Hermione are thrilled!"
"Very much," Julie replied. "It's been all over the Wireless all evening."
Alexa got to her feet. "Can I go, Mum?"
Karen nodded. "Of course! Give her our best!"
"I'm sure she'll want to be by soon," Julie said. "She's sort of easing back into things."
Alexa walked over to the fireplace and grabbed some Floo powder.
Saffron waited in the sitting room for her sister and best friend to arrive. It felt so surreal, after all these months, to be back at home.
Puddles sat beside her on the sofa. Her dog hadn't left her side since she'd walked in the house.
"I missed you too, baby." Saffron rubbed his head.
The fireplace roared to life and Alexa appeared followed quickly by Julie.
"Saffy!" Alexa squealed, not bothering to dust herself off.
"Lexie!" Saffron's eyes teared up as she threw her arms around her best friend.
"You're home!" Alexa exclaimed, tears falling down her face. "I-I never thought I'd see you again!"
Saffron hugged her tightly. "I'm so sorry you lost two years, Lexie."
"It wasn't your fault," Alexa said. "And I'm getting it back little by little."
Saffron nodded. "I hope I didn't ruin things between you and Gabe. That madman--"
Alexa held up her hand. "Julie said he was going to Azkaban. The important thing is that you're home! I missed you so much!"
"I missed you too," Saffron hugged her again. "And I'm so glad you're getting your memory back. I'll help you as much as you can, I promise."
"And if you want to talk about what happened, I'll be here to listen," Alexa said.
Saffron looked away. "I can't help thinking that if weren't for me, Sean would still be here and you'd have your memories and be happy in California."
"I don't think that at all," Alexa squeezed her hands. "And Sean loved you. That's why he did what he did."
"Everything feels so different now," Saffron said quietly. "I just wonder if anything will ever be the same again. And my Gran..."
"I know," Alexa said sympathetically. "I heard about that. I'm so sorry, Saffy. I know how much you loved her."
"It just... it makes it worse knowing she died before we came home," Saffron wiped her eyes.
"She's with your grandfather again," Alexa said. "And she's not in any pain anymore."
"I keep telling myself that," Saffron answered.
Alexa heard voices from the other room. "Seems like you have a full house."
"Yeah," Saffron said. "Nick, Jules and Katie have been staying here. Uncle Ron and Aunt Luna are here too. And... You heard about Ethan and Maddie, right?"
"Yeah," Alexa smiled. "You have a new niece."
"She's just gorgeous," Saffron said. "Of course, coming from Maddie, that's a given."
"And she'll have a great head of hair," Alexa grinned.
"Lucky," Saffron leaned against her friend. "I feel better having you here."
"Do you want to go back and join your family?" Alexa asked.
"Come with me," Saffron grabbed her hand.
Puddles followed them into the dining room where everyone was enjoying dessert.
"Hello, Alexa," Hermione said giving the younger girl a hug. "We're so happy to have you here!"
"Thanks," Alexa hugged her back. "I'm so happy Saffy and Ethan are home."
"Me too," Hermione said. "Would you like a piece of Greta's famous German chocolate cake?"
"I'd love that," Alexa replied. "Thank you." she took a seat next to Saffron and smiled at Ethan. "Congratulations."
"Thanks," Ethan said. "Good to see you, Lexie."
"You too," Alexa nodded as she peered into the pram. "She is so, so beautiful."
"She is, isn't she?" Ethan said with a grin. "Not that I'm biased."
"Of course not," Maddie teased with a smile. "But then again, neither am I."
Saffron eagerly took a bite of her cake. She shared a smile with Greta.
"I gave you both extra large pieces," Greta said. "I'm going to stay here for awhile to make you all sorts of things to eat."
Saffron grinned. "Thank you, Greta."
"What will we do for dinner?" Katie asked.
"Malfoy pizza?" Nick suggested with a grin.
Saffron laughed with the others, but she still couldn't help feeling guilty for having a good time while Sean...well, she didn't like to think about Sean and what had happened. It was all her fault and nothing anyone said would convince her of anything different.
Meanwhile, RJ arrived back at home. Andrew and Natalia were sitting on the sofa watching a movie together.
"Hey mate," RJ said. "Guess what?"
"You decided to cook dinner for us?" Andrew asked.
"Hardly," RJ said. "They found Ethan and Saffy!"
Natalia grinned. "That's fantastic! Are they okay?"
RJ nodded. "Both of them are fine. Home, safe and sound."
Andrew turned off the television. A wide grin broke across his handsome face. "Did you see her? I mean them?"
"Not yet," RJ shook his head. "Mum and Dad went over, though. They said they'd tell her to ring me when she's ready for visitors."
Natalia gave Andrew a hug. "I know how worried you were about them both."
"Yeah," Andrew said. "I just... I'm so glad she's okay."
"You and me both," RJ said. "My dad said Uncle Harry went crazy when they found that nutter. He's going to Azkaban for the rest of his miserable, bloody life."
"Good," Andrew said angrily. "He deserves worse for taking them away."
RJ nodded in agreement. "We can go over together, mate. When she's up for it."
"Sure," Andrew agreed immediately. "Whenever you want to go."
"I know your sister is very happy to have Ethan home," Natalia said. "That gorgeous baby finally gets to meet her papa."
RJ grinned. "She is cute, isn't she?"
"Adorable," Natalia smiled. "And you've only taken how many pictures of her in her short life?"
RJ laughed. "A few rolls of film."
"A few?" Andrew scoffed. "More like twenty."
RJ sat down on the opposite sofa. "Can I help it that all of us Weasleys are genetically superior beings? It has to be documented for all the world to see?"
"Please," Andrew rolled his eyes but grinned. "Where's Audrey?"
"Working," RJ replied.
"Everything okay with you two?" Natalia asked.
"We're getting there," RJ said. "I still have a lot to make up for."
"Good," Andrew said. "She's good for you. And Gabe seems to be making ground with Lexie."
"Yeah," RJ said thoughtfully. "I think I just got caught up in what Lex and I used to have. But, we're not the same people."
"None of us are," Andrew said quietly.
Natalia snuggled up closer to him again. Andrew put his arm around her, but his thoughts were on Saffron. She was safe. He wanted more than anything to see for himself, but it wasn't his place. She wasn't his girlfriend anymore.
RJ stood up, sensing that they wanted to be alone. "I'll let you know when Saffron rings me."
"Thanks mate," Andrew said before turning the television on again.
Natalia rested her head on Andrew's shoulder as RJ left them. "What were we up to?" she asked coyly.
"Half way through the film," Andrew replied.
"I meant here," she said, tracing her fingers over his chest.
Andrew grinned. "Talia."
"That's more like it," she said softly.
Andrew gave her a kiss. "You were the one who picked this movie out."
"But I forgot to tell you I'd already seen it," she said impishly.
"You are so devious," Andrew laughed, feeling happier than he had in months. He knew why, of course, but he didn't want to admit it.
"Want to make me breakfast in the morning?" she murmured.
"I think I've spoiled you," Andrew said.
"I think you have," Natalia agreed. "And I love it."
Andrew rested his forehead on hers. "I'm sorry for how I've acted these last few months."
"You were worried," she said.
"I'm going to be a much better boyfriend from now on," he promised.
"You're fine the way you are," Natalia looped her arms around his neck.
Andrew leaned in and kissed her. "You deserve a whole lot better than me."
"I disagree with that," Natalia closed her eyes.
"I'm just really glad you're here," Andrew said.
Natalia reached over and turned the telly off again. "Show me how glad..."
"Come on then," Andrew said standing up and offering her his hand.
Natalia willingly followed him into his bedroom.
Andrew tried to put Saffron out of his mind. The important thing was that she was home safe and sound. Besides, he did owe it to Natalia to make up for how neglectful he'd been toward her. She did deserve better than him.
*** *** ***
Ethan found himself awake around half past three in the morning. He was so used to sleeping on a hard bed, and watching out for Saffron that this felt strange to him now.
Maddie awoke with a start when she felt the bed move. "Ethan?"
"Sorry," he whispered. "Just can't sleep."
"Did you have a bad dream?" Maddie asked putting her hand on his shoulder.
"No," Ethan said. "Just... can't sleep. I keep thinking I should be watching out for Saffy."
"She's fine," Maddie said softly. "We're all fine. You don't need to watch out for anyone. "
Ethan nodded, running his hands through his hair.
"Lay back down with me," Maddie said. "I know you're exhausted."
Ethan did as his wife said. "The whole time I was gone, I dreamed about holding you like this," he said softly.
"I dreamt about it too," Maddie whispered.
"I want you to tell me all about Kiera's birth," Ethan said. "Everything that happened from the moment I was gone."
"Well, you remember me telling you that I was starting to hear other people's thoughts?" Maddie asked him.
Ethan nodded.
"Every time that it happened, I'd get sick," Maddie told him. "I'd feel really nauseous and knackered. It was quite strange, really. I never put two and two together until this one day when I was with your parents."
"Who discovered you were pregnant?" Ethan asked.
"Pansy Parkinson," Maddie told him. "She was my healer. Smythe was there too and when she heard what had happened, she explained about how Kiera could be the one hearing the thoughts and because I was carrying her that was why I was hearing them."
"That's incredible," Ethan said. "So she'll be able to read people's minds?"
"So it would seem," Maddie smiled.
"Wow," Ethan shook his head. "What was the birth like?"
"I was terrified," Maddie told him honestly. "You weren't there, but I had my mum and Frankie."
"I'm glad," Ethan said quietly. "I should have been there."
"You would have been there if you could have been," Maddie said putting her arm around him. "I know that, Ethan. It couldn't be helped."
"Yeah but--" he argued.
Maddie put a finger to his lips. "No, I'm not going to let you beat yourself up over this. It couldn't be helped, Ethan."
"I'm not leaving your side again," Ethan swore.
Maddie kissed him. "I love you."
"I love you too," Ethan kissed her back.
Kiera chose that moment to let out a cry and Maddie smiled. "There's another something you'll need to get used to."
"Another reason why we'll get no sleep?" Ethan pushed the covers back.
He walked over to the crib and picked up his daughter. "What's wrong, little one? Hmm?"
"She's probably hungry," Maddie replied, sitting on the edge of the bed. "I'll feed her."
"She is a Weasley," Ethan said handing the baby to her.
"That's right," Maddie said, holding Kiera close and nursing her.
Ethan sat down on the edge of the bed and watched them.
"She sometimes sleeps right through the night," Maddie said softly. "I rarely have to get up with her until morning."
"It's been a big day for her," Ethan said. "She's met her dad and she's in an unfamiliar place. She's used to being at your mum and dad's."
"Yes," Maddie smiled. "But now it's time to take her home."
"Tomorrow," Ethan promised. "We'll take her home to the cottage."
"Sounds good to me," Maddie said. "Blue missed it too."
"Home," Ethan said with a grin.
"It just wasn't the same without you there," Maddie told him.
"I'm going to make up for the time we lost," Ethan told her.
"You don't have to," Maddie said. "It's enough that you're here."
"I want to," Ethan said. "I'm going to be a better husband and I want to be a good father for Kiera."
"You will be a great father," Maddie assured him.
"I want to be as good a father as my dad was to us," Ethan said. "I know he's been beating himself up over what happened, but we don't hold it against him. He didn't know where we were. I know he did everything he could to find us."
"He really did," Maddie nodded. "This has been so hard on everyone, but I know it's nothing compared to what you and Saffy went through."
"I'm worried about her," Ethan confided. "She---she had it a lot worse than I did. He kept calling her by mum's name and I know he was watching her."
"What a horrible man," Maddie said softly.
"I thought Dad was going to kill him," Ethan remembered from earlier. "I've seen him angry before, but never, ever like that. The scary thing is that I understand. If someone ever took Kiera from us, I'd be the same way."
"He or she would have to face both of us," Maddie said as Kiera finished eating.
Ethan handed his wife a towel.
"Oh no," Maddie said with a grin. "You get to do this part."
Ethan laughed. "Okay." He draped the towel over his bare shoulder and gingerly took the baby from his wife.
"It's easy," Maddie said. "Just pat her back softly.
Ethan did as Maddie asked and smiled when he heard their daughter let out a small burp. "Even her burps are perfect."
"Of course they are," Maddie said. "She's part Weasley."
Ethan continued patting her back in a soothing motion. This was so surreal.
"I still can't believe this," he said. "After all this time... and all the trouble..."
"Here she is," Maddie smiled.
"Yeah," Ethan said. "And I don't plan on missing another moment."
"We'll watch her grow up together," Maddie said happily. "And if she does have the ability to hear other's thoughts when she grows up, we'll help her deal with that."
"Right," Ethan said as Kiera's eyes began to close.
"Let's put you back down, sweetheart," Ethan said softly.
Maddie watched as her husband gently laid the baby back down in the crib. "Well done, Ethan. You're a natural."
Ethan smiled. "Thanks."
"Come back in here," she said, lying down on the bed.
Ethan did as she asked and Maddie snuggled up against him.
"This is about as close to perfection as it could get," Ethan said with a grin.
"Yes it is," Maddie agreed dreamily.
"I love you so much," Ethan said. "And I can't wait until I'm able to show you just how much."
"It's enough for me to just to have you hold me like this," Maddie said. "I was so scared, Ethan."
"I was too," Ethan said. "The thought of never seeing you again..."
"But, here we are," Maddie said.
"Right," Ethan said. "No more dwelling on this."
"We have so much ahead of us," Maddie said.
"More kids?" Ethan asked.
Maddie smiled. "I'd love to give Kiera a brother or sister."
"Me too," Ethan answered.
Maddie gave him a kiss.
Ethan kept her mouth pressed to his for a few long moments.
"I love you," Maddie whispered when they pulled apart.
"I love you too," Ethan brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes.
Maddie rested her head on Ethan's chest and closed her eyes. She heard the sound of Ethan's heart and it lulled her to sleep.
Ethan remained awake as he gently ran his fingers through Maddie's hair.
He'd meant what he told her. He was going to make up for the time he lost. He wasn't going to let his career be such a big part of his life. It wasn't as important to him as Maddie and their daughter. They were everything to him and it took being separated from them to make him see that.
With a sigh, he closed his eyes and finally let sleep overcome him.
*** *** ***
Saffron had been home for a couple of days now. She was happy to sleep in her own bed, but it was still a little strange to be home. Things felt different; she felt different. Yesterday morning, she'd gone with her sister and brother to visit her grandmother's grave. That had been an emotional experience to say the least. Saffron didn't like to think about the fact that she'd never gotten a chance to say a proper goodbye. It didn't really seem as if her Gran was gone.
This would be the first Christmas without her and Saffron wasn't so sure how that would go. Her father and Ethan had left earlier to go and get the Christmas tree. Julie, Nick, Greta and the girls were still staying here and Saffron was glad to have the company. She wanted to be around her family now more than ever.
"Aunt Saffy?" Ashley knocked softly on the door. "Are you awake?"\
"Yeah," Saffron replied. "Come in."
Ashley smiled when she saw her aunt. She had been ecstatic upon getting the news that her Christmas wish had been granted- that her aunt and uncle were home safely. "Want some breakfast? Greta made chocolate chip pancakes for us."
"That sounds really good," Saffron said pulling back her covers. She'd been up earlier to see her brother and father off before they left to get the tree. Saffron reached for her dressing gown and pulled her hair back with a tie. "How'd you sleep, Ash?"
"Pretty good," Ashley replied. "Aunt Saffy, you HAVE to listen to the CD Zander made for me. It's amazing."
"What kind of CD?" Saffron asked as they walked downstairs.
"He composed a song," Ashley told her.
"Really?" Saffron asked, impressed. "For you?"
"Sort of," Ashley blushed.
"No one's ever written me a song," Saffron said linking arms with her niece.
"It doesn't have words or anything," Ashley told her. "But it's really beautiful."
"I look forward to hearing it," Saffron said as they entered the kitchen. "Something smells delicious, Greta."
"Good morning Saffron," Greta beamed at her. "Fresh off the griddle, just for you."
Saffron walked over and gave her a hug. "You're going to spoil me."
"I'll spoil you any day of the week," Greta kissed the top of her head.
"Dad and Ethan haven't come back yet, have they?" Saffron asked.
Maddie shook her head. "They promised to get the biggest and best tree because it's Kiera's first Christmas."
Katie beamed. "I got to hold her and everything, Aunt Saffy. I think she likes me."
"I'm sure she loves you, Katie." Saffron told her.
"She's the prettiest baby I've ever seen," Katie said. "I love looking at her eyes."
"I do too," Saffron replied. "It's so cool."
Greta set a plate of pancakes down in front of Saffron. "Here you are, love."
"Thanks Greta," Saffron said. "If my appetite hadn't returned before it would now."
"Maddie, I know you'd like some," Greta said.
"Yes, please," Maddie said eagerly.
"Maddie likes chocolate chip anything," Saffron said, reciting something she'd heard Ethan say.
Maddie grinned. "When I was little I used to love chocolate chip muffins. Well, that's a lie. I still love them."
Kiera let out a soft cry from the pram next to Maddie's chair.
"I'll get her," Greta offered. "So you can eat your breakfast."
"Thanks," Maddie said, leaning over to check on her daughter.
Saffron took a bite of her pancakes and closed her eyes. They were just as good as she always remembered.
"I know how you feel," Maddie saw her face. "They bring back my childhood as well."
"Good memories," Saffron said softly.
"You'll have many, many more good memories to come, Saffy." Maddie told her. "You're strong, and you'll overcome all this. And you won't have to do it alone."
Saffron smiled at her sister-in-law. "Thanks, Maddie."
"Anytime you want to talk I'm here," Maddie said.
"Thanks," Saffron said. She was about to ask where her mother and Julie were when they came into the kitchen.
"We brought all the ornaments down from the attic," Hermione said.
"I can't wait to decorate the tree," Ashley said happily. "Especially now that Uncle Ethan and Aunt Saffy are home."
"Me too," Hermione said tugging affectionately on her youngest daughter's ponytail. "Good morning, sweetheart."
"Morning," Saffron said.
"Would you both like some breakfast?" Greta asked them.
"I could smell those pancakes from the attic," Julie said ravenously.
Hermione sat down opposite her youngest daughter. "Did you sleep okay?"
Saffron nodded. "I-I was a little scared though. I nearly knocked on the door of your room and asked if I could sleep with you guys. How crazy is that?"
"We wouldn't have minded, sweetheart," Hermione told her.
Saffron nodded. "Puddles kept me company though. He hasn't left my side."
"He missed you," Hermione said. "We all did, my sweet girl. I have to admit I checked on you quite a few times."
Saffron looked at her. "You should be getting some sleep, too. You've been through a lot too, Mum. Julie said you didn't sleep much while we were gone. I'm sorry I made you worry."
"Don't you apologise for anything," Hermione said.
Saffron gave a half smile. She didn't want to bring everyone down. Today was supposed to be a happy day. "Where's Nick, Jules?"
"He'll be around soon," Julie said. "He had to run into the studio for a while."
"Can I borrow Puddles later?" Katie asked. "We're going to have a tea party again. I have the cutest purple lace hat I want to put on him."
Puddles let out a little whimper at this.
Saffron smiled. "I was going to take him for a walk around the grounds later."
"Oh," Katie said. "Well, maybe tomorrow then."
Saffron scratched her dog's ears. "We'll see, Katie."
"Blue would love to go to a tea party," Maddie offered. "Especially if you have lemon biscuits. Those are his favourite."
"Ooooh!" Katie brightened up. "Does he like hats?"
Maddie smiled. "Yes, he does."
"This will be so much fun," Katie said happily. "Thanks Aunt Maddie!"
Julie laughed. "I was just remembering those times when you made Ethan play tea party with you Maddie. You and Dolly."
Maddie smiled. "And he hated it."
Julie shook her head. "Greta would tell him that he'd get to fly if he was nice."
"He tried," Maddie said fondly. "I think he enjoyed spending time with Dolly more than me."
"That's because Dolly was a little on the wild side," Julie told Katie and Ashley. "If she was out of her cage, look out..."
"She tore up my dad's Chudley Cannons shirt one time," Maddie told them. "And I was terrified that they'd make me let her go. So I got some Spellotape and put that shirt back together."
"It was the cutest thing," Hermione said with a grin. "Ron couldn't be mad at you after you tried to hard."
"And I knew it too," Maddie said mischievously as she finished her breakfast.
"Hello? Did someone order a tree?" Harry's voice called out from the sitting room.
"Grandpa!" Ashley jumped up. "It's a beautiful tree!"
"Of course it is," Ethan said proudly. "Your wonderful uncle picked it out."
Saffron smiled when she saw the tree. "It's perfect."
"How's it going, brat?" Ethan asked.
"Better," she said, hugging him.
"You smell like chocolate," Ethan said. "Let me guess...Greta's pancakes?"
"We saved you some," Saffron told him.
Maddie came into the sitting room carrying Kiera. "Look, sweetheart. That is your very first Christmas tree."
Kiera's eyes were wide as she took in what was in front of her.
"How are my girls?" Ethan asked, giving both of them a kiss.
"Wide awake," Maddie said grinning at him. "She's been cooing all morning."
Ethan laughed. "I like her that way."
Saffron knelt down and picked up Puddles who was looking adoringly up at her.
Harry walked over to his wife and gave her a hug. "How's our girl today?" he asked in a low voice.
"She's all right," Hermione said. "Ate a lot at breakfast, which I was glad to see."
"Me too," Harry said. "And how are you doing this morning? I know you got up a lot last night to check on her."
"A little tired, but okay," Hermione leaned against him.
"Do you like the tree?" Harry asked putting his arms around her waist.
"I do," Hermione nodded. "You two did a great job."
"Ethan picked it," Harry said. "We went to a Muggle lot. Didn't want to chance running into a reporter."
Hermione nodded. "I wanted this so much. A nice Christmas with all three of my babies here."
"Safe and happy," Harry agreed. The sound of Saffron's laughter filled the room as she chased after Puddles.
"There's a sound I love," Hermione had to smile.
Blue, the Cornish pixie, rattled his cage, eager to get out and enjoy the fun.
"I'll get him," Ethan said, opening the door. "Get on out here..."
Blue excitedly flew around Ethan's head a few times before rushing over to Maddie.
He gazed down at Kiera and sighed happily.
"You love your new little mistress don't you baby?" Maddie asked her tiny pixie.
Blue nodded and blew a kiss in Kiera's direction.
Katie giggled. "He's so cute, Aunt Maddie. I can't wait to have a tea party with him."
"Poor little pixie," Ethan said under his breath, causing Saffron to giggle.
"It's good to laugh again," Saffron said to her brother.
"It's good to see you laughing again," Ethan said smiling at her. "I know it doesn't seem like it now, but it will get better each day, Saf."
Saffron nodded. "You know... I still haven't been able to bring myself to go see or ring Sean's parents. I feel so guilty."
"You'll do it when you're ready," Ethan said.
"He should be celebrating Christmas with his family too," Saffron said quietly.
"Saffy," Julie said coming over to hug her sister.
"I'm sorry," Saffron said. "I'm doing it again."
"No need to apologise," Julie told her. "We know how hard this is for you."
"I just wish I could take a time turner and erase all this," Saffron said.
"You have to find some way to get past this," Julie said. "You didn't mean for any of this to happen. It was a case of him being in the wrong place at the wrong time. "
"I guess," Saffron sighed.
"He saved your life," Harry said. "And for that, I am eternally grateful."
Saffron nodded.
"Why don't we get started decorating the tree?" Hermione suggested.
"Sounds good," Harry said. "Saffy, why don't you help me get those lights untangled?"
Saffron nodded. "Okay, Daddy."
Harry gave her a hug as she stood up. "That's my girl."
Saffron offered him a slight smile. "You know we can't do it with magic. Grandpa's rules."
Harry grinned. "We're exempt from those rules if we can't untangle them in 15 minutes."
"Grandpa never agreed to that," Saffron reminded him.
"We'll do it your way if you want," Harry said, his arm around her.
"I do," Saffron said smiling sideways at him.
"I always love to see your smile, sweetheart," Harry said. "I'll do anything to keep it on your face."
"I'm just really glad to be home," Saffron said.
"I'm glad you're home too," Harry said as they set to work on the box of lights.
Saffron looked at him. "I always help you with this."
"It's one of my favourite parts of decorating," Harry told her.
"You realise that when I was a kid, Mum had me sit beside you so you wouldn't swear," Saffron said with a grin.
Harry laughed. "And you have no idea how hard it was for me not to."
Saffron nudged him. "You did pretty well most of the time, Daddy."
"Only because you helped me," Harry said.
"And Ethan never wanted to help," Saffron said rolling her eyes. "He was always up in his room owling girls."
"But he was always there to put the star on," Harry finished for her.
"It's always been my favourite time of year," Saffron said softly.
"Mine too," Harry tugged affectionately on one of her messy plaits.
"Mummy," Katie said pulling an ornament out of the box. "This is the gingerbread man you made when you were Emma's age!"
Julie laughed. "Which explains why it has three eyes."
"I apparently didn't get my artistic talent from you," Ashley teased.
"Hardly," Julie joked.
"I loved each and every thing you ever made, Julie," Hermione reassured her.
"I know," Julie replied. "It's the same way for me with everything they make."
"I'm sure we'll be that way with Kiera," Maddie said.
"Of course we will be," Ethan lifted her up. "I can already tell she's going to be a daddy's girl."
"How can you tell?" Katie asked.
"You'll know when you get older," Ethan answered.
Katie continued to look at the ornaments and she pulled out a pretty crystal angel.
"Be careful with that one," Saffron said, tears welling up in her eyes. "That one...that one belonged to Gran."
"Oh," Katie said. "Here Aunt Saffy. You should hang it."
Saffron gingerly took the angel ornament. "She had it since she was a little girl. Great-Grandpa Malcolm gave it to her."
"I've always loved that one," Hermione said.
Saffron handed it to her mother. "You should hang it, Mum."
Hermione laid it carefully on the table. "I will once you and your father get those lights on."
"It might take awhile," Saffron said motioning to where her father was pulling at a strand of tangled lights.
"You going to go easy on him and let him do it our way?" Hermione put an arm around her.
"Okay," Saffron relented. "Daddy, you can use magic."
Harry looked up, relieved. "Are you sure?"
Saffron nodded. "Go ahead."
"Thanks baby," Harry waved his hand at the lights.
The tangled mess quickly became untangled and with another wave of his hand, the lights wrapped around the tree perfectly.
"It's beautiful, Daddy," Saffron said.
Harry grinned. "Thank you, baby."
Saffron gave him a tight hug. "I love you Daddy."
"I love you too," Harry said swallowing the lump in his throat.
Hermione smiled at him. "Saffy, RJ and Andrew sent an owl over earlier. They wanted to know if you'd be up for a visit."
"Oh," Saffron said, taken aback. "Um...I guess that'd be okay."
"Are you sure?" Hermione asked. "If it's too soon--"
"No," Saffron shook her head. "It's fine."
"RJ's been anxious to see you," Maddie told her sister in law. "He was really worried."
"It will be nice to see them again," Saffron said, feeling a little anxious at the thought.
Harry patted her shoulder. "It'll be good for you. Help you get back to normal."
"Normal," Saffron said quietly.
"You take your time," Harry told her.
Saffron did want to see them, but she just didn't know how they'd react to her as she was now. She had changed. She'd never been afraid of anything, but now she jumped at the slightest bump in the night. Guilt plagued her over Sean and no matter what anyone said, she didn't see that ever going away.
"I'll tell them to come over whenever you're ready," Maddie said.
"Thanks, Maddie," Saffron said gratefully.
"Let's get these ornaments up," Julie said. "Then the boys can see the tree all decorated up."
"Okay," Hermione said. "But, first...there's something I want to give Ethan and Maddie in honour of baby Kiera's first Christmas."
"What is it, mum?" Ethan asked.
Hermione handed Maddie a box. "Open it."
Maddie unwrapped the box. "Baby's first Christmas," she lifted the ornament out of the box. "It's beautiful!"
Hermione grinned. "I'm so glad you like it."
"Thanks Mum," Ethan said with a smile. "Let's let Kiera hang it, aye?"
"Uncle Ethan," Katie said shaking her head. "Kiera can't do that yet!"
"Sure she can," Ethan stood up, his daughter in his arms. "Watch."
Katie folded her arms and watched.
Ethan held Kiera up while Maddie guided their daughter's little fist to the tree.
"I'd say right here looks good," Maddie said.
"There we go," Ethan said as Maddie held Kiera's hand and the ornament and helped the infant hang it on the tree.
Kiera let out a cooing sound as she looked wide-eyed at the tree.
"That's my girl," Maddie said proudly.
"Katie, why don't you choose one to hang next?" Julie asked.
"Okay," Katie dove into the box.
Slowly, the tree was decorated with homemade ornaments and store bought ones.
"This is the best tree we ever had," Ashley sat down next to her aunt.
Saffron nodded in agreement. "It is."
"Are you nervous about seeing Andrew?" Ashley asked softly.
"Yes," Saffron replied.
"I think he still loves you," Ashley said innocently.
Saffron shook her head. "I don't think so, Ash. He's got a new girlfriend and from what I remember, they were quite happy together."
"Yeah but you don't know that for sure," Ashley said. "Mummy told me he was at the Ministry all the time helping look for you."
Saffron wouldn't let herself read too much into that.
"I should go get myself dressed properly," Saffron said.
"Okay," Ashley said reaching for her portable cd player. She wanted to listen to Zander's CD.
"Come with me, Ash?" Saffron asked.
"Sure," Ashley said setting the music down.
"You can bring that with if you like," Saffron said. "I just still don't like being alone."
"Of course," Ashley said following her aunt upstairs.
"I really need to go shopping," Saffron said thoughtfully. "And do something with my hair."
"Are you up for going out?" Ashley asked.
"I don't know," Saffron shrugged. "Probably not today."
"I'd be happy to go with you when you do," Ashley said. "I still have some last minute shopping to do."
"Thanks Ash," Saffron smiled. "I'm glad you're here."
"I'm glad you're here," Ashley said sitting down on Saffron's unmade bed. "Christmas wouldn't have been the same without you and Uncle Ethan."
"It's not going to be the same without Gran here," Saffron said quietly.
"I know," Ashley said. "But, I keep telling myself that she's in a better place and she's with Grandpa Robert again."
"I keep trying to tell myself that too," Saffron answered, grabbing a jumper and jeans. "But I just miss her so much. And I regret not being able to tell her goodbye."
"You didn't say much about going to see her grave yesterday," Ashley said.
Saffron shrugged. "It was really hard.... hard for me to tell her what I needed to say, you know?"
Ashley nodded in understanding. "When we were all staying here while you and Ethan were gone, she talked about you all the time."
"She did?" Saffron asked, pulling her jumper on.
"Yeah," Ashley said. "She would talk about the things you used to do together and how you were her special girl."
Saffron's eyes filled with tears and she wiped them away. "I miss her so much."
"I didn't mean to make you cry," Ashley apologised.
"Its okay Ash," Saffron hugged her. "This is just going to be hard to deal with for awhile."
"I know," Ashley said. "I---I actually sent a Christmas card to my other grandmother."
"You did?" Saffron asked, undoing her plaits and dragging a brush through her unruly hair.
Ashley nodded. "I didn't tell my dad. I just---losing Grandma Ellie had me thinking about my Grandmother Ginny. She--she hasn't sent anything back yet. I don't think she will."
"Probably not," Saffron nodded. "But it was really sweet of you to send a card."
Ashley shrugged. "Maybe someday..."
"How about we listen to that CD?" Saffron asked.
Ashley grinned. "Okay, it's really good!"
"I can't wait to hear it," Saffron said, sitting back down on the bed as she plaited her hair again.
Ashley pushed the play button and smiled when she heard the music fill the room.
Saffron listened intently, quite impressed with Zander's talent. "This is beautiful," she said.
"It is, isn't it?" Ashley asked. "He gave it to me for Christmas."
"And you said he wrote it for you?" Saffron asked.
Ashley nodded.
"My, my..." Saffron smiled.
"What?" Ashley asked innocently.
"It seems to me like Zander fancies you a bit," Saffron answered.
Ashley blushed. "What? No..."
"Sounds like it to me," Saffron answered.
Ashley shook her head. "We're only 12, Aunt Saffy."
"Just saying," Saffron put a bit of lip gloss on and wished she didn't look so pale."
"We're just friends," Ashley said as the music came to an end.
Hermione knocked on the door. "Sweetheart, you look lovely."
"I look all right," Saffron said.
"Andrew and RJ are downstairs," Hermione said. "They wanted to see you, if you were up for it."