Authors' note: We hope you like the latest chapter! Thanks for reading!
"How do you know?" Saffron wiped her eyes.
"Let's sit down," Hermione said. "There's something I should have told you a long time ago."
Saffron sat down as her mother gave her a tissue.
"Gordon and I were at school together," Hermione began. "He and I were kind of outcasts. We didn't fit into any one group so we kind of came together. He seemed to like all the things I liked. He was well-read, intelligent and he wasn't into superficial things like so many of our fellow students were."
"You were friends?" Saffron asked. "Really?"
Hermione nodded. "He could be very charming. He left school just before we graduated. I didn't know why at the time, but I knew that I missed my friend."
"How come he changed so much?" Saffron asked.
"I'm not really sure," Hermione said. "But, I didn't see him again until just after your father and I moved in together. I was about to start University and we ran into him in a book shoppe."
"Daddy didn't like him did he?" Saffron asked perceptively.
Hermione shook her head. "No, he didn't. He's just as perceptive as you are. Looking back now, I wish I'd have paid attention."
"What did Gordon do to you?" Saffron asked.
"Well, he managed to enroll in the same classes as me," Hermione told her. "We became good friends again. But, he kept showing up at the wrong moments. It got on your father's nerves. I thought it was just jealousy."
Hermione looked down at the table. Dredging up these memories was painful.
"Your father had his suspicions though," Hermione continued. "He asked Luna to look into his past. He found out that Gordon had stolen some answers from a professor at Beauxbatons. One of our classmates caught him."
"What did he do?" Saffron asked with wide eyes.
"He attacked her and took her memories," Hermione said, tears welling up in her eyes. "But that wasn't even the worst of it. He did the same thing to his parents. But, he told me that they'd never understood him so he hadn't spoken to him in years. Your father found out that they were in a hospital under assumed names."
Saffron gasped. "He did that to his own parents?"
Hermione nodded. "They were clinically insane. I found out what he'd done and refused to speak to him anymore."
"That must have made him crazy," Saffron said.
"To say the least," Hermione said. "You remember my old friend, Anna, right?"
"Lizzy's mum," Saffron nodded.
"Well, he ambushed us one night after classes," Hermione remembered. "He memory charmed Anna and he took me away, just like he did you. I woke up not knowing where I was or what had happened to Anna. I'd never been more terrified in my life."
"Mum," Saffron whispered. "I didn't know..."
"I should have told you about this," Hermione said squeezing her daughter's hand. "But it's not something I like to think about. I--I thought he was going to rape me."
"Sometimes I thought that too," Saffron admitted.
"Oh, sweetheart," Hermione said. "I'm so sorry that I brought him into our lives. I never wanted this to happen to you."
"I don't blame you for a moment, Mum." Saffron threw herself into Hermione's arms.
Hermione held her daughter tightly. "I'm so sorry, baby. I'm so very sorry. I love you so much."
"I love you too," Saffron pressed her face into her mother's shoulder. "I thought about you and Daddy all the time while I was there."
"We would have gone to the ends of the earth to find you and Ethan," Hermione said. "We searched every single day, sweetheart. It killed your father inside that he couldn't find you."
"I feel bad that I sort of blamed him," Saffron said. "I just was so angry that he couldn't find us."
"He was just as angry at himself," Hermione told her.
Saffron sniffed. "I don't mean to push you guys away."
"Its okay," Hermione said brushing back her daughter's hair. "We love you. We want to be here for you."
"I know," Saffron said.
"And I'm taking the next couple of weeks off to spend it with my family," Hermione said. "I might even try my hands at baking again..."
"Uh oh," Saffron smiled. "Me and Greta have our work cut out for us again."
"I'm a quick study," Hermione said defensively. "I might surprise you."
"Well I'd be happy to teach you," Saffron hugged her mother again.
"That's my sweet girl," Hermione said kissing the top of Saffron's head.
"I love you and Daddy so, so much." Saffron said.
"We love you too," Harry said standing in the doorway.
Saffron hurried over to him. "I didn't know what Gordon did to Mum. I didn't know that he kidnapped her too."
"He did," Harry said putting his arms around her. "She knows what you went through, Saffy."
"I just feel like nothing will ever be the same anymore," Saffron said.
"Going through something like that does change you," Harry said. "I want nothing more than to go back in time to prevent this from happening, but I can't. But, I do know that I love you and that I will be here for you to help you through this."
"I know," Saffron nodded. "I'll try not to shut you guys out."
"And you can always talk to Ethan," Hermione said. "He was right there with you."
"I just kept thinking... what if he gets Jules... what if he gets Mum?" Saffron said. "I hated not knowing what was going to happen."
"So did we," Harry said. "And he seemed to be two steps ahead all the time."
"Except when he left me alone with the owls," Saffron said.
"You were brilliant," Harry grinned down at her. "I was so proud of you for doing that, Saffy."
Saffron stood up a little straighter. "You are?"
"Absolutely," Harry said. "If you hadn't done that, I'd have still been looking at Dolohov. You were so brave."
"Thanks Dad," Saffron hugged him. "I needed to hear that."
"You would have made a fine Auror," Harry said.
"Maybe if it weren't for Quidditch," Saffron admitted.
"Maybe you and I can go flying later," Harry suggested. "It's cold out, but the weather's perfect for it."
"Okay," Saffron agreed.
"She's going to teach me to bake first," Hermione said walking over to the counter. She picked up a wooden spoon and began stirring the batter.
"That may take the rest of the year," Harry quipped.
"Just for that, you aren't getting any biscuits," Hermione said sticking her tongue out at him.
"That's okay," Harry grinned back at her.
"He's talking like that because he thinks I'll ruin the batch," Hermione said.
"Not with me helping you," Saffron said.
"This I have to see," Harry said.
"Out," Hermione told him.
"Go," Saffron said pointing to the door. "We have serious baking to do."
"I'm being kicked out?" Harry pretended to be outraged.
"I wouldn't say kicked out," Saffron said thoughtfully.
"What do you call it?" Harry asked.
"Being asked to politely vacate the premises?" Saffron asked with a grin.
Harry smiled, glad to see his daughter's spirits up again. "You just let me know when you're ready to fly, sweetheart."
"Deal," Saffron said.
Hermione looked at her daughter. "So what do we do now? Put them on that ...sheet there?"
"The baking sheet," Saffron nodded. "Good, Mum."
Hermione laughed. "You know your father took me flying right after I came home. After that whole thing with Gordon..."
"He did?" Saffron asked.
"He did," Hermione said as she and Saffron rolled the dough into little balls. "And you know it took a lot to get me on broom."
"Dad's pretty persuasive," Saffron agreed.
"He can be," Hermione said. "It was the first time I ever liked flying. I was scared, but I felt safe up there with your dad."
"He'd always keep you safe, Mum." Saffron said.
"I know," Hermione said with a smile. "It's one of the many things I love about him."
"He wouldn't have let anything happen to you," Saffron said.
"He would do anything to protect all of us," Hermione agreed.
"He's the best," Saffron said.
Saffron took the baking sheet and put it in the oven. She set the timer and grinned at her mother.
"I thought I was supposed to do that," Hermione said.
"Baby steps, Mum," Saffron said.
"That goes for you too," Hermione put an arm around her. "You know you can stay here with us as long as you want, and we'll do anything we can to help you with this."
"Thanks, Mum," Saffron said leaning against her.
"Love you, baby." Hermione kissed the top of her head.
"I've really liked having everyone around like this," Saffron said. "It seems like old times."
"Yes it does," Hermione agreed.
"I wish it could stay like this," Saffron said softly.
"Me too," Hermione smoothed back her hair. "But it's going to get better, sweetheart. Once the holidays are over, you can begin your Quidditch career."
Saffron nodded. "Yeah."
"Do you still want that?" Hermione asked.
"It's all I've ever wanted," Saffron said looking away. "But--"
"But what, sweetheart?" Hermione asked as they sat down.
"I don't know if I can put it into words," Saffron said quietly.
"Just tell me the best way you know how," Hermione told her.
"I'm scared to death," Saffron admitted. "I'm scared that I'm not going to be able to do it, Mum. What if I get out there and fall flat on my face? I've never doubted myself before, but now..."
"You still have no reason to doubt yourself," Hermione told her firmly.
"But I do," Saffron said. "I haven't flown since this all happened. Those blokes on the team are going to expect me to be on my game, Mum."
"RJ said he'd be happy to help you," Hermione said. "I'm sure you can practise with him and Andrew. Your father and Ethan would be more than willing to help you... get on your game."
"Maybe," Saffron said with a shrug.
"You do whatever you need to do," Hermione said.
"Jules said I should just take things one day at a time," Saffron said.
"That's very good advice." Hermione nodded.
Saffron grinned. "I'll try."
"That's my girl," Hermione kissed her forehead.
"I don't know what I'd do without you, Mum," Saffron said.
"I don't know what I'd do without you either, baby." Hermione said fondly.
"We're survivors," Saffron said softly.
"Yes we are," Hermione nodded. "Strong survivors."
"I'm glad that you told me what happened to you," Saffron said.
"I should have told you awhile ago," Hermione replied. "But I never thought this could happen."
"Knowing that you were able to put that behind you gives me hope," Saffron said thoughtfully. "You're the strongest person I know."
"I have to be," Hermione said as her daughter peeked into the oven.
"I can't even imagine what this was like for you," Saffron said. "I mean, you were worried about Ethan and me and then Gran..."
"It hasn't been an easy six months," Hermione shook her head.
"Gran loved you so much," Saffron said. "She was always telling me how proud she was of you."
"She was proud of you too," Hermione said as she levitated the tray out of the oven.
Saffron smiled. "She was so easy to talk to."
"Yes she was," Hermione said wistfully.
"The biscuits look good," Saffron said.
"Yes they do," Hermione nodded. "I say we have a taste test."
Saffron grinned. "They're going to be hot."
"That's the best way to eat them, right?" Hermione asked.
"That's what Greta always says," Saffron said. "I've really liked having her here."
"Me too," Hermione replied.
Saffron took a biscuit from the baking sheet and took a bite. "Mmmmmmm."
"Very good," Hermione agreed.
"I smell fresh biscuits," Julie said appearing in the doorway with Ashley and Katie.
"You're just in time," Saffron said. "Mum even helped me, and they're delicious."
"Grandma did?" Katie asked doubtfully.
"Trust me," Saffron said, holding one out to her.
Katie stepped forward and took the biscuit. She took a small bite. "Oh..."
"Good, eh?" Saffron nodded. "Told you."
Katie nodded. "They're really good."
Hermione beamed. "Thank you!"
Saffron put her arm around her mother. "I'm going to teach her everything I know."
Julie smiled at her mother and sister.
"I still have a ways to go," Hermione said. "I didn't actually make the dough. But, this is a good start."
"Yes it is," Julie put an arm around each of them. "Maybe you can help me next."
Saffron looked sideways at her sister. "Jules, there isn't enough time in the world to do that."
"Very funny," Julie replied.
"Three more days to Christmas," Katie announced happily. "I cannot wait!"
Ashley nodded. "I'm so happy that we all get to be together."
"Maybe you'll stop listening to that CD all the time," Katie grumbled.
"What's wrong with listening to the CD Zander made for me?" Ashley asked.
"You listen to it all the time," Katie said rolling her eyes.
"You were the same way about that Serena Starr CD," Ashley pointed out. "And she has no talent."
"I think it's really cool that Zander wrote a song for Ashley," Saffron said.
Katie took another biscuit. "Whatever."
"Katie," Julie said reprovingly. "It's a beautiful song."
"It doesn't have any words," Katie said.
"It doesn't need them," Ashley said defensively.
"Some of your father's songs don't have words either," Julie pointed out. "And you like them."
"I like the ones with words better," Katie folded her arms.
"Does Zander want to pursue a career in music?" Saffron asked her oldest niece.
Ashley nodded. "I think so."
"I'm going to be a singer, actress, model and princess," Katie announced loftily.
"Good luck with that," Ashley rolled her eyes.
"I am," Katie said glaring at her. "And all my songs will have words."
"Good for you," Ashley retorted, grabbing her sketchbook and heading out of the room.
She had a feeling that her sister was jealous because for once the attention wasn't on her. Ashley loved her sister, but sometimes her patience wore thin.
She sat down, put her ear buds in and began to sketch while she listened to her song again.
Without realising it, she started sketching her best friend.
His face was as familiar now to her as her own father's. Her pencil flew across the paper effortlessly.
She wondered what he and Brittany were doing at that moment.
She thought perhaps maybe she would ring them and see if they wanted to come over. Brittany loved it when Ashley brought her to the minister's mansion.
Katie came back into the sitting room and rolled her eyes when she saw her sister was listening to her CD again.
"So boring," she muttered, sitting down by the tree.
Everyone was making such a big deal out of one stupid song. It wasn't even a real song. It didn't have words!
Ashley pointedly ignored Katie as the younger girl began shaking the presents under the tree, trying to figure out what each one was.
Katie turned around and looked at her sister. "What are you drawing?"
"Zander," Ashley answered.
"Can I see?" Katie asked.
Ashley looked at her warily. "Sure..."
Katie took the sketchpad from her sister and looked at it. "That looks like him."
"It's a portrait, that's why," Ashley pulled her ear buds out.
"Who do you like better?" Katie asked. "Brittany or Zander?"
"What?" Ashley asked.
"Who do you like best?" Katie asked handing the sketchpad back to her sister. "I like Brittany best."
"They're both my friends," Ashley said. "My best friends."
"But you have to like somebody best," Katie pointed out. "And Zander's a boy."
"What's your point?" Ashley asked.
"You can't have a best friend who is a boy," Katie said as if the answer should have been obvious.
"Why not?" Ashley asked. "Lots of people have best friends that are the opposite gender."
"Grandpa and Aunt Cho?" Katie asked. "Like that?"
"Right," Ashley answered.
"Do you know what I heard?" Katie asked with a grin. "Aunt Cho used to be his girlfriend!"
"Whatever, Katie," Ashley put her ear buds back in.
"I think it's pretty cool," Katie said rolling her eyes at her sister. She could be so boring.
Saffron came into the room. "Have you two seen my dad? We're supposed to go flying."
"He's in his office," Katie said.
"Thanks," Saffron headed down the corridor.
She knocked on his office door. "Dad?"
Harry looked up. "Hi baby. You done baking with your mum? I don't smell smoke..."
"She did great," Saffron said. "And I even brought you some as a peace offering."
"They're edible?" Harry asked in surprise.
"Try one and see," Saffron said offering him the plate.
Harry nodded as he bit into the biscuit. "Very, very good."
"Told you," Saffron said grinning at him.
Harry ruffled her hair. "Are you ready to go flying?"
"I think so," Saffron said. "If you're not busy."
"Never too busy for you," Harry set down his quill.
"What were you working on?" she asked curiously.
"I have to prepare a statement about what happened when Neville and I were in Hogsmeade," Harry said. "I... sort of went a bit mad on a shop owner."
"Ethan and I heard about that," Saffron said softly. "He---Gordon---he took great pleasure in letting us hear that on the Wireless."
"I bet he did," Harry said grimly.
"They dropped the charges, though, right?" Saffron asked.
"I still have to pay a settlement," Harry said. "For his hospital bills... and a little hush money."
"I'm sorry," Saffron said.
"It's okay," Harry said. "I'd pay everything I have to have you home."
Saffron smiled at him. "I love you, Daddy."
Harry hugged her tightly. "I love you too, baby."
"I always feel safe with you," Saffron told him. "I just wanted you to know that."
"I always want you to feel that way," Harry told her. "Because I'm never letting anything happen to you again."
"Thanks, Daddy," Saffron said looking up at him.
"Ready to get back up in the air then?" he asked her.
"Come on, Old Man," Saffron said. "I might be able to teach you a few things."
Harry scoffed. "That'll be the day."
"Let me just get my broom," Saffron said.
"Check the front closet," Harry said. "There might just be a special homecoming gift for you in there."
Saffron stopped in her tracks and turned around to look at him. "Daddy? You didn't---"
Harry only grinned at her.
Saffron hurried downstairs and opened the front closet.
"OH MY GOD!" She shrieked at the top of her lungs. "YOU GOT ME THE SIDEWINDER 6000!"
Hermione ran out of the kitchen with Julie on her heels. "Saffron, what on earth?"
"LOOK!" Saffron pulled out the broom. "Look what Daddy got me!"
Julie laughed. "I think she likes it, Dad."
"I love it!" Saffron said. "Thank you so, so much!"
Saffron hugged her father.
"I was going to wait for Christmas, but I thought now was as good a time as any," Harry said.
"I think it's a perfect time," Hermione agreed.
"I got Ethan one too," Harry said. "But he doesn't know it yet."
"He'll be so excited," Saffron said. "Come on Dad. I want to go try this out."
"Get your cloak!" Hermione called after her. "It's cold out!"
"We've got them," Harry replied. "Don't worry."
"I think that's just what the healer ordered," Julie said to her mother after Harry and Saffron had walked out of the house.
"Well I know I can't watch," Hermione said. "I don't know how I'm going to handle seeing her up there playing Quidditch."
Julie nodded. "Me, either. But, she's only been injured that one time when she was at Hogwarts. She's fearless up there, but she's also careful."
"That's my baby," Hermione smiled.
"I'm so happy that they're both home," Julie said. "Safe and sound."
"Me too," Hermione replied. "And I love watching Ethan with Kiera."
"I know," Julie smiled. "I still see him walking in here and seeing Maddie with her for the first time..."
"His eyes just lit up when he realised who she was," Hermione said.
"They did," Julie said. She followed her mother back into the kitchen. "I noticed there was a little tension between you and Dad. Is everything okay?"
Hermione nodded. "Fine now."
"Good," Julie said. "This hasn't been easy on you, either."
"None of us," Hermione said. "And I was so preoccupied with getting them home that I didn't think of what it would be like afterwards."
"I'm sure it helped Saffron to hear that you went through something similar," Julie said thoughtfully.
"I hope so," Hermione answered.
"I understand why you didn't tell us," Julie said. "I can't imagine what that was like."
"I should have told you," Hermione said. "I should have told all of you ages ago."
"It's okay, Mum," Julie said squeezing her hand. "It doesn't sound like something you'd want to relive. Besides...you thought he was safely tucked away at St. Mungos."
"Well I know for sure he's not getting out of Azkaban," Hermione's eyes narrowed.
"You saw him, didn't you?" Julie asked. "Today?"
"This morning," Hermione nodded.
"How was that?" Julie asked.
"He's a sick man," Hermione's eyes focused on something faraway. "He seemed to forget all the time that's passed since we saw each other last."
"Saffy said he kept calling her by your name and confusing the times," Julie said shuddering.
"I'd be worried if he wasn't going to Azkaban," Hermione said. "But he'll never get past the Dementors."
"They said that about Sirius Black," Julie said.
"Gordon's not an Animagus," Hermione answered. "He won't be able to sneak past them."
"Thank Merlin for that," Julie said. "I think we've been through enough."
"Which is why I'm looking forward to a nice, quiet Christmas," Hermione sat back down at the table.
"Nice shouldn't be hard," Julie said with a grin. "But quiet..."
"That's true," Hermione smiled.
"Mum?" Ashley asked coming into the kitchen.
"Yes, sweetheart?" Julie asked.
"I was just on the phone with Brittany," Ashley said. "And she wanted to know if I could go over to her house?"
"Sure," Julie said. "I'll take you over."
Ashley grinned. "Thanks Mum."
Hermione smiled as Ashley ran out of the room. "I'm glad she's got such good friends."
"The three of them are inseparable," Julie told her mother.
"Ashley had me listen to the song Zander wrote," Hermione said. "I was very impressed.
"Can you believe that?" Julie asked. "He's 12."
"What did Nick think of it?" Hermione asked.
"He was very impressed," Julie replied. "Poor Zander was a little nervous the first time he had to play in front of Nick."
"Understandable," Hermione got up to make some tea.
At the Murray house, Brittany wore a great big smile when she came downstairs. Her cousin and his family were staying at her house for the holiday. "What are you up to?" Brittany asked her cousin, who still wore his pyjamas and was playing a video game.
"I'm almost at the next level," Zander said his eyes on the telly.
"Oh," Brittany said plopping down on the sofa. "You've been playing that all morning."
"This is the furthest I've ever gotten," he replied distractedly.
Brittany picked up the game box. "Ninja Death Warrior III? That's totally barbaric!"
Zander rolled his eyes. "Get out of the way, Brit."
"Fine," Brittany said sitting back down on the sofa beside him. She watched the game. "Why did you hit that bloke in the black?"
"To get his weapon," Zander said impatiently.
"What was his weapon?" Brittany asked. "And why did you take it from him? I mean, he wasn't doing anything to you. The poor guy was just standing in that field..."
"He had an axe, which I need to get into the castle," Zander explained.
"Why do you need to get into the castle?" Brittany asked.
Zander sighed. "Brit- just watch and you'll see."
The fireplace roared to life and Ashley and Julie Malfoy appeared a few moments later.
Zander was so startled he dropped his game control.
"Hey, Ash!" Brittany exclaimed. "You're early!"
"Sorry," Ashley gave her a hug. "I was already dressed."
"Hello, Zander," Julie said to the young boy who was trying to back out of the room. He didn't know Ashley was stopping by and if he had known, he would have gotten dressed.
"Hello, professor," Zander's face was beet red. "H--hi Ash."
"Hi," Ashley gave him a wave. "It's so good to see you!"
"You too," Zander said. "I'll uh... I'll just... I um.... I'll be back..."
Brittany, Ashley and Julie watched as he hurried out of the room.
"He's been playing some stupid video game all morning," Brittany told her friend.
Ashley grinned. "Sounds like fun."
"I'll come back for you in a couple of hours," Julie told her daughter.
"Thanks Mum," Ashley gave her a hug.
"Thanks for letting her come over," Brittany said.
"Anytime," Julie smiled.
Brittany grabbed her friend's hand. This was the first time Ashley had ever been here. "Wait until you see our tree!"
"I can't wait," Ashley said happily. "And I can't wait to tell you all about having my aunt and uncle home."
Brittany grinned. "I'll give you the grand tour. This of course is our sitting room. There's the tree. We just put it up last night."
"It's gorgeous," Ashley said. "You guys did a great job!"
Brittany grinned. "I did the angel of course!"
"Of course," Ashley grinned at her.
"Let me show you our kitchen," Brittany said. "And you can say hi to my mum and Zander's parents. My dad's at work."
"Okay," Ashley agreed.
"Hi, Mum," Brittany said when she led Ashley into the kitchen. "Ash, you know Aunt Meredith. And that is my Uncle Heath."
Ashley smiled at the man who looked like an older version of Zander. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Murray."
"Ah, this is the famous Ashley," Zander's father shook her hand. "It's lovely to meet you as well."
Ashley blushed.
"We're so happy you could come by and keep our Brit company," Meredith Murray said. "My son has been glued to the telly since we arrived."
"With that stupid game," Brittany moaned.
"It's not stupid," Zander said coming into the kitchen. He was wearing a pair of jeans and a Puddlemere sweatshirt.
Ashley grinned at him. "Hey."
"Hey," Zander said. "Sorry about before."
"It's okay," Ashley said. "They were cute pyjamas."
Zander turned bright red.
Brittany giggled. "Uncle Heath, can you make us some hot chocolate?"
"Of course," he said. "Coming right up."
"Come on," Brittany said linking her arm in Ashley's. "I'll show you upstairs."
"Sure," Ashley was eager to see her friend's home.
"It's not as big as your house," Brittany warned her.
"That doesn't matter," Ashley said as Zander followed her and Brittany upstairs.
"Well, it's just Mum, Dad and me so we don't need anything too big," Brittany said.
"I think it's totally perfect," Ashley told her.
Brittany beamed at her. "Well, this room is where Zander's staying."
"It's a little messy right now," Zander said, pushing by them to shove a pile of clothes aside.
"Zander, it's okay," Ashley tried to reassure him. "I live with Katie."
"True," he smiled at her.
Ashley noticed his broom in the corner. "My aunt just got a new racing broom. It's um...what was the name of it....it's the newest, fastest one out there...at least that's what my Grandpa said."
"The Sidewinder 6000?" Zander's eyes grew wide. "NO WAY!"
Ashley giggled. "You reacted just like she did."
"That's amazing," Zander said. "I've been dying just to lay my eyes on that broom!"
"If you come over, you can see it," Ashley told him.
"Let's go right now," Zander replied.
"No," Brittany said firm. "I'm not going to watch you drool over some broom all day. We're staying here and we're going to have fun."
"Doing what?" Zander smirked.
"Loads of things," Brittany said. "Now, I'll show you my room..."
"The Princess Palace," Zander whispered to Ashley.
"I heard that," Brittany said over her shoulder.
Ashley giggled as she followed her friends.
Brittany opened the door to her room and stood back so Ashley could enter.
"It's so... pink!" Ashley looked around.
"It is my signature colour," Brittany said proudly.
"It's too girly for me," Zander complained.
Brittany rolled her eyes. "Well, I am a girl."
"As if we didn't know," Zander retorted.
Ashley grinned. The room reminded her very much of Katie's back home. No wonder Katie liked Brittany so much.
"Well here's one of my early Christmas presents," Brittany showed Ashley the pink telly her parents had given her.
"Oh wow," Ashley said. "That's cool!"
"I get all sorts of channels," Brittany told her. "I was up so late last night watching films."
"And you have a go at me for playing video games," Zander muttered.
"Films are way better," Brittany informed him.
Zander's father called out that the hot chocolate was ready.
"I'll go and get it," Brittany said. "Stay right here!"
Ashley looked over at Zander. "I've been listening to that CD almost all the time."
Zander grinned. "Really?"
"Everyone thinks it's so cool," Ashley said.
"You---you let other people hear it?" Zander asked taken aback.
"A few," Ashley said. "Why?"
Zander shrugged. "No reason. It's just strange to think of other people listening to something I wrote."
"Well my family thinks you're really, really talented," Ashley told him.
Zander sat down on the edge of his cousin's bed. "Thanks, Ash."
"How have your holidays been so far?" Ashley sat next to him. "Mine have been great- especially since my aunt and uncle are home."
"Mine have been good," Zander said. He was glad to see his friend happy again. She'd had a tough time these last few months. "I've enjoyed my Snape-free existence."
Ashley laughed. "Me too."
"Says his favourite student," Zander said nudging her.
"Oh please," Ashley nudged him back.
"Teacher's pet," Zander teased.
"You're just jealous," Ashley retorted playfully.
"Ah?" Zander asked. "Is that it? Well, I will have you know that the Fat Lady told me just the other day that I was her favourite Gryffindor."
"She told me that the day we left," Ashley replied, poking him.
"Oh," Zander laughed. "You're taking away my glory, Malfoy? Well, I just might have to do something about that!"
"Like what?" Ashley asked with a grin.
"Like this," Zander said tickling her. "And maybe this..."
"Zander!" Ashley started giggling. "Stop!"
"Oh no," Zander said shaking his head, lunging for her again.
"Oh no!" Ashley grabbed for his hands.
"Ashley Malfoy, are you playing dirty?" Zander asked trying to break free.
"Maybe," Ashley said with a teasing grin.
Zander laughed. "Truce?"
"I'm not sure if I can trust you," Ashley raised her eyebrow.
"I'm your best mate," Zander said innocently.
"Yes, you are," Ashley said, releasing his hands.
Zander grinned and looked at her. It was hard not to look at her.
"So tell me more about this game Brit says you're so obsessed with," Ashley said.
"Ninja Death Warrior III," Zander told her. "And I'm not obsessed."
"That's why you were still in your pyjamas?" Ashley asked.
"Okay," Zander admitted sheepishly. "I might be a little obsessed."
"It's okay," Ashley said. "I'm that way with drawing."
"Have you drawn anything lately?" Zander asked.
She thought about the picture she'd drawn of him. "Not anything special," she lied, her cheeks turning a bit pink.
"And I'm sure it's been great having your aunt and uncle home," Zander said.
"That's the best," Ashley nodded.
"And Katie?" Zander asked. "Is she still driving you mad?"
"Always," Ashley nodded.
Brittany came back in carrying a tray of hot chocolate and biscuits.
"Yum," Ashley said. "That smells delicious!"
"I thought we could stay up here," Brittany said.
"Works for me," Zander said and Ashley nodded in agreement.
"What were you two up to while I was gone?" Brittany asked.
"Just talking," Zander said quickly.
"I'm just so happy that things will get back to normal now," Brittany said. "I hated seeing Ash so sad."
"Me too," Zander smiled at his friend.
"Thanks for standing by me," Ashley said to them. "I wouldn't have made it through without you both."
"Of course you would have," Brittany said. "You have your family."
"But, I had you guys at school," Ashley pointed out. "You're my best friends."
"Always, Ash," Zander grinned at her.
Ashley impulsively leaned forward and gave him a hug.
Zander turned a bright red.
Brittany looked knowingly at her cousin.
"You guys really are the best," Ashley said gratefully.
"I am," Brittany said dryly. "Zander, on the other hand..."
"Shut up Brit," Zander glared at her, afraid of what she was going to say.
"How about we watch that film now?" Ashley suggested.
"Sure," Zander said quickly. "What were we going to see?"
"Nothing with explosions," Brittany told him.
"How come?" Zander asked. "Those are the best kinds."
"No, they aren't," Brittany argued. "I say we watch something romantic."
"How about something funny?" Ashley suggested. "As a compromise."
"Good idea," Zander said.
"Okay," Brittany relented. She picked a movie from her collection and put it into the player.
Ashley sat back and felt happier than she could remember being in months.
Zander sat down next to her, as close as he could without making Ashley or his cousin suspicious.
He had thought that perhaps spending time away from his friend during the holiday might make those feelings go away. But, one look at her and they were as strong as ever. He didn't know what to make of them. He'd never felt this way about a girl before.
"Wake up," Brittany nudged him. "The movie's about to start."
"I'm awake," Zander muttered.
"You're in La La Land," Brittany teased.
"You're the queen of La La Land," Zander countered.
"You're the king AND court jester," Brittany returned.
"Very funny, Brit," Zander said. "And very mature."
"You guys are just like me and Katie," Ashley told them.
"We're not that bad, are we?" Brittany asked with a grin.
"Getting there," Ashley joked.
"It wouldn't be like that if SOMEONE wasn't so annoying," Brittany said.
"Look who's talking," Zander groaned. "Ash, she wanted to dye my hair yesterday."
"Dye your hair?" Ashley asked. "What for?"
"I think he could use some highlights," Brittany said.
Zander rolled his eyes. "I don't even know what that is."
"It's like... when you put blond streaks in your hair," Ashley tried to explain.
Zander shook his head. "No. No. No."
"They would look so, so good!" Brittany pleaded.
"I like his hair just as it is," Ashley commented.
Zander blushed again. "Thanks, Ash."
Brittany knew she wouldn't be able to convince her cousin now.
"Let's just watch the movie," Zander said, trying not to appear so flustered.
"Okay," Brittany said. "But just think about it..."
"No!" Zander said vehemently.
"Alright," Brittany said rolling her eyes.
"Let's just watch the movie," Ashley repeated what Zander had said, patting his hand reassuringly.
Again, Zander blushed, but thankfully neither Brittany nor Ashley saw it.
The three of them watched the film, talking, eating and drinking their hot chocolate. Ashley was glad to spend the time with her friends.
She knew that she probably wouldn't get to see them again until after Christmas. As if reading her mind, Brittany spoke.
"I just had another brilliant idea!" Brittany exclaimed.
"What?" Ashley asked.
"New Year's Eve," Brittany said excitedly. "We should have a sleepover."
"I'll ask my mum and dad when I get home," Ashley said enthusiastically. "That would be SO much fun!"
"We can do each other's hair and paint our nails and watch movies and eat rubbish," Brittany told her.
"Well count me out," Zander said grumpily. "No way am I doing THAT!"
"I'm not much for painting my nails, Brit," Ashley said, not wanting her other friend to be excluded. "I have a lot of board games at home. I could bring them over and we can play those. There's this really cool Muggle one called Twister."
"What do you do?" Zander asked interestedly.
"Well, it's hard to explain," Ashley said. "But, there's this big mat with coloured dots on it and you take turns spinning and when it lands on a colour, you have to put your hand or foot on the corresponding colour. You'd like it."
"Definitely bring that," Brittany nodded.
"It's going to be a blast," Ashley said. "And I might let Zander teach me how to play Ninja Death Warrior."
Zander grinned. "You really want to know how to play?"
"Why not?" Ashley asked. "I might be good."
"You won't be able to beat me," he said.
"You never know," Ashley said with a grin. "I'm a quick study."
"We'll see," Zander replied.
"I'll paint my nails then while you two do that," Brittany announced.
"Sounds good to me," Zander rolled his eyes at her.
"Your parents can't possibly say no," Brittany said confidently.
"I'm sure they'll let me come," Ashley replied. "I'll ring you soon as I get permission."
"Let's go downstairs," Brittany said. "Your mum will be coming any minute to take you back."
"Seems like I just got here," Ashley commented as they headed for the sitting room.
"I know," Brittany agreed.
"I can get back to Ninja Death Warrior now," Zander said in satisfaction.
"And all was right with the world," Brittany said sarcastically.
Julie was already in the sitting room talking to Brittany's mother.
"Hi Mum," Ashley said. "Brit wants to know if we can have a sleepover on New Year's Eve."
"I was going to ask you," Brittany told her mother. "Please? We'll be good and keep things clean?"
"I think that can be arranged," Brittany's mother smiled.
Julie grinned. She could tell her daughter really wanted to do this. "Okay then. Looks as if you have New Year's plans, Miss Malfoy."
"Thanks Mum," Ashley hugged her.
"Thanks, Professor Malfoy," Zander said.
"We should get back," Julie told her daughter. "Dinner's about ready."
"Okay," Ashley nodded. She turned to her friends. "I hope you both have a Happy Christmas."
"You too Ash," Brittany gave her a hug. "I'm glad you came over today."
"Me too," Ashley said. "I had a great time."
"Thanks for getting me out of that highlighting thing," Zander said quietly to Ashley.
"What are friends for?" Ashley whispered. "Happy Christmas, Zander."
"You too, Ash." he gave her a quick hug, wishing it could last longer.
"Happy Christmas, Professor Malfoy," Brittany said.
"You both enjoy the holiday as well," Julie smiled.
Ashley took her mother's hand. "Ready, Mum?"
"Sure am, sweetheart," Julie tossed some Floo Powder into the fireplace/
"You've got it bad," Brittany said to her cousin once they were alone.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Zander picked up his game controller.
"Uh-huh," Brittany said. "Right."
"Go away," Zander replied.
"I'm going," Brittany said tossing her hair and leaving the room.
Zander knew he could never let his cousin find out about his crush on Ashley- she'd never leave him alone about it. He decided it was better to keep it a secret until he could figure out what to do about it.