Authors' note: This chapter puts the kibosh on one relationship. It was a tough decision and some of you will be happy while others will be sad. We hope that you will still read even if you don't like the outcome. We all know a little bit about reading a story and having a couple we love not come to fruition (*cough* JK Rowling* cough*).
Back at the Minister's mansion, everyone had just finished opening their gifts. Ethan, Maddie, Kiera and Blue had stayed over as well so they could be there first thing Christmas morning.
Ethan couldn't stop looking at his new racing broom.
"It's not going to disappear," Julie teased.
"It's just brilliant," Ethan said. "Saf- when do we race?"
"Not today!" Hermione said before Saffron could. "It's a blizzard out there!"
"When it clears," Ethan grinned at his mother. "Either that or we fly above the clouds.
"Snow can't stop us," Saffron said. "Come on, Mum."
"No," Hermione said firmly. "I will not have you two out there flying around in this weather."
Saffron put her arm around her mother. "Okay, we'll stay inside today. Just for you."
"Thank you," Hermione said in relief.
"Who wants hot chocolate?" Greta asked coming in to the room, carrying a tray.
"I do!" Katie said.
Greta set the tray down on the coffee table. "Breakfast will be ready shortly."
"I'm starved," Ashley said. "I can't wait."
Saffron gave her former nanny a hug. "Happy Christmas, Greta!"
"Happy Christmas, love," Greta said hugging her tightly. "And thank you so much for the lovely bracelet."
"I'm glad you like it," Saffron said.
"It was present enough for me to have you and Ethan home," Greta said.
"And I'm so glad you stayed here with us," Saffron said. "I've always missed having you here."
"It has seemed like old times," Ethan said.
"Old times are good times," Saffron hinted jokingly.
Greta laughed. "Yes they are."
"What time are we going to the Burrow?" Katie asked.
"This afternoon," Nick told her.
"I need time to put my makeup on," Katie held up the new kit she'd been given.
"How long do you need?" Nick asked her.
"An hour or two," Katie replied, making all of them laugh.
"Katie, you don't need makeup," Julie told her. "You are beautiful just the way you are."
"How come you wear makeup then, mummy?" Katie asked innocently.
"She's got you there, Jules," Ethan teased.
"A little makeup is fine," Julie said hastily. "Just don't go overboard."
"I never go overboard," Katie said smugly.
"Sure," Ashley muttered to Saffron. "Half of that will be gone by this afternoon."
Saffron giggled. "Ash!"
"What's so funny?" Katie asked.
"Nothing," Saffron said hastily. "So...Katie, what was your favourite present?"
"Definitely my new makeup," Katie said. "I heard Ashley's friend Brittany say you can never have enough makeup."
"She does say that a lot," Ashley said grinning as she remembered her best friend.
"That's why I think she's so cool," Katie answered.
"I think Katie has a new role model," Saffron said.
"Brit will love hearing that," Ashley replied.
"I like her a lot better than ...that other one," Katie said scrunching up her nose in disgust.
Ashley frowned. "There's nothing wrong with Zander."
"Katherine Rose," Julie said. "You do not say bad things about your sister's friends. How would you feel if she said something bad about one of your friends?"
Katie rolled her eyes in response.
"Katherine Rose," Julie warned.
"Fine, I'm sorry," Katie said impatiently.
"I could really feel that you meant that," Ashley said sarcastically.
Nick stood in between his two daughters. "Girls, this is a happy day for our family. Can you please try and get along?"
"I didn't start it," Ashley protested.
"It doesn't matter," Nick said sternly. "I'm finishing it."
Katie rolled her eyes. "I'm hungry."
"How about we all go in the dining room?" Hermione suggested.
"Come on Ash," Saffron said. "You can sit by me."
"Thanks," Ashley said gratefully.
"Don't let her get to you," Saffron whispered. "You know she only likes Brit because she can identify with her."
Ashley nodded. "Yeah, I know."
Greta had made a huge breakfast with everyone's favourites. "Dig in," she said.
Harry grinned. "I don't even know where to begin."
"I'm starting with waffles," Saffron said.
"Your Uncle Ron would be in heaven," Hermione told her.
"I know," Saffron said. "I can't wait to brag about our breakfast later."
"Greta, eat with us," Nick said taking her hand. "Come on."
"I'm fine--" Greta began to protest.
"Sit down," Nick said firmly. "This is your family."
"Sit by me," Saffron said.
Greta smiled. "Of course."
Everyone dug into their food. Maddie ate while keeping an eye on her daughter, who was sleeping in her rocker chair.
"She's the sweetest baby," Greta commented. "So calm and quiet."
"She takes after her mum," Ethan said.
Maddie grinned at him. "She takes after you too."
"Definitely more you," Ethan replied. "She's my girl, just like you are."
"She's as pretty as her mum that's for sure," Julie said.
"Lucky for her," Saffron teased.
Maddie laughed. "You lot are very sweet. Thank you."
Ethan kissed her cheek. "Love you, Mads." he whispered.
"Love you too," Maddie said softly, beaming at him.
This was just how it should have been. Harry couldn't stop looking at all of them. They were his family and they were right here, safe in this house.
Hermione knew what he was thinking. She squeezed his hand.
"You caught me," he said grinning at her.
"I know you too well," Hermione smiled.
"Better than I know myself," Harry said. "I haven't seen you this happy in a long time, sweetheart."
"And you too," Hermione said. "It's perfect, Harry. We have all our kids right here."
"This is the best Christmas present I've ever been given," Harry said. "This was all I wanted."
"Me too," Hermione glanced at her son, who was lifting his daughter out of her seat.
"Daddy's got you," Ethan said softly. "Daddy's got his girl."
"Mmmmm..." Kiera smiled up at him.
"Daddy's girl," Hermione said with a grin.
"That's what she'll be," Ethan laughed. "And spoiled rotten."
"By two sets of grandparents," Saffron said.
"And all her aunts and uncles," Maddie added.
Julie laughed. "She has a load of those."
"Yes she does," Ethan nuzzled Kiera's nose.
Kiera cooed happily at him.
Saffron helped herself to another helping of waffles. "I could live off of these, Greta."
"Eat up," Greta said. "I have more when you want them."
"You keep this up and I won't let you leave," Saffron said grinning at her.
Greta laughed and put an arm around her. "I imagine you'll be off finding your own place soon enough."
Saffron didn't like to think about that. "Right..."
Greta was going to ask her what was wrong when they heard a commotion coming from the sitting room.
"Hello!" Lavender called out in a sing-song voice.
Harry put his head in his hands. "And today was going so well..."
"Harry," Hermione put her hand on his arm.
"I'm only kidding," Harry reassured her.
Lavender breezed into the room with Seamus and Gabriel. "Happy Christmas!"
"Happy Christmas," Saffron ran to hug her aunt.
Lavender hugged her tightly. "How are you doing, sweetheart?"
"Okay," Saffron said.
"Happy Christmas, Ethan," Lavender said looking at her nephew who was still holding Kiera. "I have some new things from the Saffron collection for her."
"Thanks Aunt Lav," Ethan smiled up at her. "We really appreciate it."
"She'll be the best dressed infant around," Seamus replied with a grin.
"That's the important thing," Saffron said. She hugged her cousin. "Hey, Gabe. Happy Christmas!"
"Good to see you, Saffy," Gabriel gave her a tight hug.
He's spent Christmas Eve with his grandparents and had just arrived in England that morning.
"Thank you for sending the flowers," Saffron said. This was the first time she'd seen him since she'd returned. "You didn't have to."
"I wanted to," Gabriel said. "I was worried about you."
"Come and sit down," Saffron said. "Greta's outdone herself."
"I don't know," Lavender said looking longingly at a plate of pancakes. "I really overdid it last night at the Boyd's."
"Did you?" Harry asked dryly. "Let me guess...you had an entire biscuit instead of just nibbling on one?"
"Very funny," Lavender gave him a dirty look. "For your information, I had a salad as well."
"Go on and have some," Julie told her. "It's soooooo good."
"Well it IS Christmas," Lavender said. "I can indulge."
"I'll just get some more plates," Greta said getting to her feet. "Can I get you something to drink?"
"Coffee would be great," Seamus told her. "Thank you."
Greta hurried into the kitchen as Gabriel sat down and reached for the pancakes.
Hermione gave Lavender a hug. "I'm so glad you're here. It wouldn't have been the same without you."
"Of course it wouldn't," Lavender said.
Harry laughed. "Nice to see you're still as humble as ever, Lav."
"Why change perfection?" Lavender asked.
"Why, indeed?" Harry asked, shaking his head.
"The more things change, the more they stay the same," Seamus mused.
Saffron smiled. "I'm glad they stayed the same."
"Here, here," Ethan said raising his glass of juice.
Maddie stood up with Kiera. "I've got to go feed her."
"We promise not to eat all the food while you're gone, Maddie," Nick joked.
Maddie smiled. "If it's gone when I get back..."
"We don't want to face a hungry, mad Weasley," Julie said. "We've seen it before. It's not pretty."
"Exactly," Maddie replied with a grin.
"She looks great," Lavender said after Maddie had left the room.
"She looks gorgeous," Ethan said, gazing at the door where she'd disappeared.
"She's glowing," Lavender said.
"Well she's got a baby and Ethan's home," Saffron said. "I think she's got every reason in the world to be happy."
"So do you," Lavender said. "You are about to start a new career and you're home with everyone who loves you."
"Right," Saffron nodded.
"When will you start with your team, Saffy?" Seamus asked.
"I've got an appointment with the team owner a few days after the new year," Saffron answered.
"Quidditch Weekly says she's going to change the way the game is played," Ethan said proudly.
"She sure is," Harry grinned. "I can't wait to see my baby out there."
"How about you, Hermione?" Lavender teased. "You ready to see that?"
"Never," Hermione said. "But if she loves it, I'm happy to see her out there."
"Mum's going to come to all my matches," Saffron said grinning at her mother.
"With my eyes closed," Hermione countered.
"You'll watch," Saffron said.
"I'll tie her hands down," Harry teased, putting his arms around his wife.
"I'll have to listen to the matches on the Wireless," Ashley said. "But, I'll listen to every single one. I promise."
"Thanks Ash," Saffron hugged her niece.
"I'll get to go and see it in person with Mummy and Daddy," Katie said smugly.
"Long as you behave yourself," Julie cautioned.
"I always do," Katie said innocently.
Ashley bit her lower lip so she wouldn't say anything.
"If you keep up your marks," Julie said. "You were supposed to keep up on your reading during the holiday. I haven't seen you with a book, Katie."
"I read at night before I go to bed," Katie lied quickly.
"Young Witch Weekly?" Julie asked folding her arms. "I've seen them on your bedside table, Katie."
"I'm still reading," she said defensively.
"Just try and read a chapter a day, Katie," Julie said. "That's all I'm asking."
"It's CHRISTMAS," Katie argued.
"Starting tomorrow," Nick said. "You read a chapter a day in that book, Katherine Rose."
"Whatever," Katie huffed.
"Katherine Rose," Nick warned. "You heard me."
Katie crossed her arms and looked away.
Maddie came back into the room carrying Kiera.
"How'd she do?" Ethan asked.
"Starved," Maddie said. "I saved the best part for you." she handed him a burping cloth.
Ethan took the baby from her. "I bet she has a loud one in her."
"She always lets out perfect ones," Maddie replied.
"Everything she does is perfect," Ethan said proudly.
"Biased much?" Saffron joked.
"Not in the slightest," Ethan said patting his daughter's back.
Kiera let out a soft burp, making Ethan laugh.
"That's my good girl," Ethan said.
"Let me hold her," Saffron said.
"Okay, Brat," Ethan said grinning at her. "Come here."
"Come to your Aunt Saffy," Saffron said. "Who can't wait to spoil you and tell you stories about your dad when you get older."
"All of it lies," Ethan said handing her the baby.
"I never lie," Saffron kissed the infant's forehead.
"She loves her Aunt Saffy," Maddie said.
"Of course she does," Saffron said softly. "And I love her too."
"I only wish that Gran could have seen her," Ethan said quietly.
Maddie put a comforting hand on his arm. "She's seen her, Ethan. In her own way..."
Ethan nodded. "Yeah, I know."
"She would have loved you so much," Saffron said, swallowing the lump in her throat as she looked down at the baby.
Hermione kissed the top of her daughter's head. "It's all right, sweetheart."
"I'm okay," Saffron said.
Kiera smiled up at her and reached a tiny hand towards her face.
"Hey, baby," Saffron said softly.
"It's like she knows when someone's upset," Ashley commented. "And she wants you to be happy."
"That's a trait she got from her mum," Ethan replied.
"Maddie always did that," Hermione said fondly. "She still does."
Maddie blushed. "I try..."
Saffron laughed as the baby reached for her hair. "No, no, no..."
Ethan grinned. "She's got a good grip."
"She might make a good seeker when she grows up," Saffron said.
"We'll start training her as soon as she can fly," Ethan replied.
"She already has the broom," Saffron said looking pointedly at her father. "Never mind that she can't sit up on her own yet."
"A mere technicality," Ethan waved his hand.
"You bought the baby a broom?" Lavender asked Harry.
Harry shrugged sheepishly.
"It's really cute," Katie told her. "It's pink and everything!"
Lavender shook her head. "It's a good thing I came."
"What do you have for her then?" Harry asked. "Baby makeup?"
"They have makeup for babies?" Katie asked interestedly.
"No, they most certainly do not," Lavender replied, glaring at Harry.
Harry smirked at her.
"Maybe I should have gotten you some makeup," Lavender said. "I think you're getting crow's feet around your eyes, Old Man."
"I don't think he's ever looked more handsome," Hermione said loyally.
"Love is blind," Lavender said.
"Yes it is," Hermione said dreamily.
"I happen to think I've never looked more handsome either," Harry said puffing out his chest.
"I agree with that too," Saffron smiled.
"Thank you, baby," Harry said smiling back at her.
Kiera cooed at Harry, making everyone laugh.
Harry looked at Lavender. "See? Even she agrees."
Lavender waved her hand dismissively. "She's young and doesn't know any better."
"Is that right?" Harry asked laughing.
"Just wait and see," Lavender leaned back.
"It wouldn't be Christmas if you two weren't exchanging insults and trading barbs," Hermione said, shaking her head.
"We're just keeping with tradition," Harry replied.
"Very well, I might add," Seamus said.
"Only the best," Lavender kissed her husband's cheek.
"How are your grandparents, Gabe?" Saffron asked.
"Good," Gabriel said. "I wanted them to come over here with us, but Grandpa's getting over a cold."
"Will you be seeing Uncle Seamus' parents while you're here?" Saffron asked.
"We're headed up there for a few days tomorrow," Gabriel nodded. "I was hoping to convince Lexie to join us."
"That would be nice," Saffron said. "It would do the two of you a world of good."
"I've missed being with her," Gabriel said. "And... I know RJ means well, but every time he walks in its two steps back for me."
"He's with Audrey," Saffron tried to reassure him.
"I know," Gabriel said. "But with Lexie not remembering any of our relationship..."
"She's remembering bits and pieces," Saffron said. "It's going to come back to her. I know it will."
"I hope so," Gabriel said wistfully. "I hate not being with her."
"I'm going to help her any way I can," Saffron promised.
"Thanks Saffy," Gabriel said gratefully. "I know she'll listen to you."
"How's school going?" Saffron asked.
"I'm glad to be on vacation," Gabriel smiled. "Last semester really took it out of me."
"You brainiac," Saffron teased. "You're going to make the Dean's List again."
"I hope so," Gabriel nudged her.
"You'll get it," Saffron said, nudging him back. "You've got muscles. Must be from lugging those thick tomes around..."
"Oh you know it," Gabriel said dryly. "That's my main mission in life- to be one of those muscle men you see flexing down in Venice Beach..."
"Eww, gross," Saffron said scrunching up her nose.
Gabriel laughed. "I'll take being a nerd any day."
"Me too," Saffron agreed.
"You're not a real nerd," Gabriel said.
"What makes you say that?" Saffron asked.
"You're more of a jock," Gabriel told her.
"I am," Saffron nodded. "But, I love to read. I enjoy learning new things. I guess that would make me a nerdy jock."
Gabriel laughed. "Touché."
"I missed you, Gabe," Saffron said smiling at him.
"I missed you too," he said, slinging an arm around her. "Made me worry about you all the time..."
"I'm sorry," Saffron said.
"I'm just glad you're okay," he said sincerely.
"Me too," Saffron said smiling at him.
"What are you two talking about?" Lavender asked.
"How nerdy we are," Gabriel replied.
Lavender raised an eyebrow.
"Unfortunate, but true," Gabriel said.
"But at least we're good looking, Saffron deadpanned.
Gabriel laughed. "There is that, too."
Katie stood up. "I have to go get myself ready now," she announced.
"We're not leaving for awhile yet," Hermione told her granddaughter.
"I need the time, Grandma," Katie replied.
"Oh," Hermione said. "Okay, sweetheart."
"How much you want to bet she comes out with ten kilos of makeup on her face," Julie said once Katie had disappeared.
"She's a glamour girl," Nick said.
"Yes she is," Julie sighed.
Lavender pushed back from her seat. "I'll be right back."
She walked out of the dining room and upstairs to the room Katie and Ashley had been sharing. She knocked on the door. "Hiya, kiddo. It's your Aunt Lavender."
"Yes?" Katie peered through the crack in the door.
"I was hoping you'd show me the makeup you got for Christmas," Lavender replied.
Katie grinned. "Come in."
Lavender stepped into the room and felt a little like she was going through a time warp. Ashley's half of the room was neat with nothing out of place. Katie's was another story. Clothes were strewn on the floor and the bed was unmade. This reminded her of the room she and Hermione used to share when they were girls.
"Can I let you in on a little secret?" Lavender asked.
"Sure," Katie replied. "I love secrets."
Lavender smiled. "How about a few secrets then. One... less is more. That always applies to makeup. Two... if you take care of your clothes, they'll last you a lifetime."
Katie pondered that for a moment. "Can you show me? The makeup part, I mean."
"I'd be happy to," Lavender motioned for her to sit down. "Anytime you want a makeup lesson, I'll be there."
Katie sat down. "Thanks."
For the next half hour, Lavender patiently showed Katie how to apply makeup. "What do you think?" she asked the young girl, turning her to the mirror.
A slow smile spread across Katie's face as she took in her made-up face. "That's really me?"
"Yes it is," Lavender smiled. "And you're gorgeous."
Katie beamed at her. "Thanks, Aunt Lav. You're the best!"
"You're the best," Lavender hugged her.
"Sometimes, it feels like no one in the family understands me," Katie told her. "But, I feel like you do."
"We're two of a kind," Lavender put her arm around her.
"You're very cool," Katie said admiringly.
Lavender laughed. "How about next holiday from school, just you come visit me in LA. We'll go shopping and I'll take you onto Seamus's set with me when I do some costume design."
"For real?" Katie asked grinning at her. "Are you serious?"
"Totally," Lavender replied.
Katie threw her arms around her. "I'd love that!" she squealed.
"I'll talk to your parents and we'll plan on it then." Lavender said.
"Thanks, Aunt Lavender," Katie said happily.
"Anytime, sweetheart," Lavender replied.
"Let's go tell them now!" Katie exclaimed.
"Let's pick you out an outfit first," Lavender took her niece's hand.
"Ooooh," Katie agreed. "Sure."
"I bet you never thought of pairing these two things together," Lavender said.
Katie looked unsure as she looked at the jumper and skirt her aunt was holding. "They don't match."
"Trust me," Lavender held them out to her.
"Okay," Katie said taking the clothes.
Lavender looked in Katie's drawers. "This scarf around your waist..."
"Really?" Katie asked.
"Do I know fashion or do I know fashion?" Lavender grinned.
Katie changed into the outfit and then Lavender tied the scarf around her waist. "What kind of shoes?"
"Black ones," Lavender said. "These... with the little pumps."
"Ooooh," Katie said reaching for them.
"Voila," Lavender said, satisfied.
Katie looked at herself in the mirror. "Wow!"
"You look just gorgeous," Lavender said proudly.
"Thanks," Katie beamed with pride.
"Now," Lavender said. "Go show off."
"You're coming with me, right?" Katie asked taking her hand.
"Of course," Lavender told her.
Katie led her out of the room and downstairs. The family had now gathered in the sitting room.
"I'd like everyone to take a look at the new and improved Miss Katherine Rose Malfoy," Lavender announced.
Everyone turned around and stared at Katie.
"Wow," Nick said. "Is that my baby girl?"
Katie did a little spin. "It's me, Daddy!"
"You look gorgeous," Julie said with a smile.
Harry stood up and walked over to his granddaughter. "You look all grown up, my Katie."
"Thanks Grandpa," Katie grinned happily.
Harry did a little bow. "Can I have this dance?"
Katie giggled. "There's no music!"
"Yes there is," Saffron said hurrying over to turn on the stereo.
"I used to dance with him like that," Julie said to her husband. "Standing on his feet."
Nick smiled. "Oh yeah?"
"Before I could dance on my own," Julie said.
"I envy you," Nick said. "I always have. You had a father who loved you and did things like that."
Julie gave him a kiss. "You may not have had that growing up, but you do now."
"All I ever wanted was to be a better father to my children than mine was to me," Nick said.
"You have been," Julie told him.
Nick leaned in and gave her a kiss. "Thanks to you."
Julie kissed him again. "I love you, Nicholas."
"I love you, too," Nick said pulling her close. Katie giggled as Harry spun her around. "That's my favourite part, Grandpa!"
"One more time then," Harry swung her up into the air effortlessly.
Hermione stood beside her cousin. "I was wondering where you'd gone off too. You and Katie bonded?"
Lavender grinned. "Let's just say she and I understand one another."
Hermione gave her a hug. "That was a nice thing you did."
"Just keeping the peace," Lavender replied. "I remember how it was when we were her age."
"We fought more than Ashley and Katie," Hermione remembered. "Who would have ever thought we'd end up this close?"
"Not me," Lavender kept an arm around her cousin. "You're the best friend I ever had."
"Me too," Hermione said. "I'm so glad you're here. I still can't believe Mum isn't. I keep waiting to see her come around the corner."
Lavender nodded. "I can't tell you how many times I've picked up the phone to ring her..."
"I know," Hermione said. "It just doesn't seem real."
"How's Saffy dealing with it?" Lavender asked in a low voice.
Hermione stole a glance at her daughter who was talking with Ashley. "She has her good days and bad days like the rest of us. I told her...I told her about what had happened to me with Gordon."
"How did she take it?" Lavender squeezed her hand.
"She took it okay," Hermione replied. "It was so hard for me to drudge up those memories. But, she needed to hear that someone understood what it was like."
"I'm sure that helped," Lavender said. "She's got the best support system."
"She's still having nightmares," Hermione said quietly.
"That'll probably happen for awhile," Lavender looked over at Saffron again.
"She has an appointment with a therapist next week," Hermione confided. "I hope she'll be able to help her."
"I hope so too," Lavender replied.
"How are things in L.A.?" Hermione asked her.
"Lovely as always," Lavender answered. "I really love it there."
"And I'm sure Seamus likes being so close to Gabe," Hermione commented.
"Gabriel is a dream," Lavender said. "He's such a polite and lovely young man."
"He is," Hermione agreed. "And so smart."
"I just wish things would get better between him and Alexa," Lavender looked over at her stepson. "He misses her so much."
"Things will work out for them," Hermione said. "I know they will."
"I'd do anything I could to give him back what they had," Lavender said.
"I know you would," Hermione said. "You have such a big heart, Lavender."
"Yes, yes," Lavender said modestly.
Hermione laughed. "Don't worry. I won't tell anyone that the big, fashion mogul has a heart."
Lavender poked her. "You old fuddy Minister you."
"Yeah, that's me," Hermione said laughing. "Just an old fuddy duddy."
"Far from it," Harry heard his wife's words. "Just last night--"
"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed.
"What?" he asked innocently.
"You know very well what," Hermione said shaking her head.
"Honestly," Lavender shook her head.
Harry extended his hand to his wife. "Care to dance, my love? You can keep me in line."
"I'm the only one," Hermione took his hand.
Harry held her close. "Forgive me. I forgot that innocent ears were around."
"Uh huh," Hermione smiled at him.
"Happy Christmas, Hermione," Harry whispered looking down at her.
"You too, Harry." Hermione said softly. "You're all I ever wanted... and you gave me more than I could ever hope for."
"I let you down," Harry said quietly. "I let my children down."
"No you have not," Hermione argued.
"I'm going to make it up to all of you," Harry vowed.
"Harry," Hermione objected. "Stop it."
"I know what I did," Harry told her. "And I know what I didn't do. But, they're home now. I'm going to concentrate on that."
"That's the most important thing," Hermione replied. "And that's what I want to hear."
Harry smiled at her. "That's all that matters."
"Exactly," Hermione gave him a kiss.
Gabriel smiled and stood up. "I'll see you all later."
"Where are you going?" Saffron asked.
"I wanted to visit Lexie," Gabriel said. "You know wish her a Merry Christmas. Give her my present."
Saffron smiled. "Good luck. Tell her I'll ring her tonight."
"I will," Gabriel promised.
Hermione helped him use the Floo and moments later, he was dusting himself off in the O'Leary's sitting room.
Patrick and Karen were alone and they looked up in surprise when they saw him. "Gabriel, how nice to see you!"
Gabriel coughed. "Nice to see you too..."
"Happy Christmas, young man," Patrick said getting to his feet. "That mode of travel takes a lot of getting used to."
"It sure does," Gabriel replied. "Don't think I'll ever get used to it."
"Alexa's upstairs in her bedroom," Karen said.
"Mind if I go see her?" Gabriel asked.
"Of course not," Karen said. "I'm sure she'll be happy to see you."
Gabriel nodded and walked upstairs. He could hear the muffled sounds of her crying. Gently, he knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" Alexa asked.
"It's me," he called. "Gabriel. Can I come in?"
"Just a moment," Alexa called back. She took the tissue and wiped at her eyes. A few seconds later, she opened the door. "Hi."
"Happy Christmas," he smiled at her.
"Happy Christmas," Alexa said giving him a slight smile. She stepped forward and gave him a hug.
"You feeling all right?" he asked. "Last time I talked to you, you were so excited about Christmas."
"I'm okay," Alexa lied. "How are you? Saffy must have been over the moon to see you?"
"Of course she was," Gabriel stepped into her room. "And I missed her too. Glad to see her and Ethan home."
"She's been really great," Alexa said sitting back down on her bed. "I missed her so much."
"I bet," Gabriel sat down next to her. "Here... I got you something."
Alexa smiled. "You did? I got you something too."
He smiled. "Great!"
Alexa took the present from him. "You really shouldn't have done that."
"I wanted to," Gabriel said. "Go on, open up."
Alexa unwrapped the small box and gasped when she saw what was inside. "Gabriel...it's beautiful!"
In it was a beautiful, hand crafted quill. "It's for when you're doing your writing," he said. "My dad helped me pick it out."
"Thank you so much," Alexa said lifting it out of the box. "It's lovely!"
"It'll go well with this," Gabriel handed her a larger box. In it was a leather bound journal.
Alexa smiled at him when she opened it. "You're spoiling me, you realise that, right?"
"Of course I do," he replied.
"I love them," Alexa said giving him a peck on the cheek. "Thank you so much."
"You're welcome," he said softly.
Alexa handed him his present. "I hope you like this."
"I'm sure I will," he said unwrapping it.
Alexa bit her bottom lip as she watched him open the present. She'd not really known what to get him to even begin to say thank you for all that he'd done for her these last few months.
"Grey's Anatomy," Gabriel lifted the DVD set out of the box. He chuckled. "This is a great show. Thanks Lexie!"
Alexa laughed. "I know you don't get that much of a chance to watch television now..."
"I always manage to catch this one," Gabriel said. "Thank you."
"I'm glad that you like it," Alexa said smiling at him.
He set the gift down on the bedside table and noticed a photograph of Alexa and RJ beside a box of tissues.
He picked it up. "Was um... was RJ here this morning?"
Alexa nodded, her lower lip trembling.
"What happened?" Gabriel sat back down next to her.
"You don't want to hear about it," Alexa said.
Gabriel put his arm around her. "Tell me."
Alexa sighed. "He came over this morning. Just after we'd finished opening presents..."
Looking back now, she should have known something was wrong. But, she'd been so happy to see him; she hadn't picked up on the signs.
"RJ," Alexa said happily. "I didn't know you were going to stop by!"
"Hey Lexie," RJ smiled at her. "Happy Christmas."
"We should go and start breakfast," Karen said to her husband.
Patrick and Karen left them alone. Alexa walked over and hugged him. "I'm so glad you're here. I have something for you."
"You do?" he asked, slightly in dismay. "Um..."
Alexa grabbed his present from under the tree. "It's not anything big." She'd been knitting with her mother and she'd made him a scarf with Puddlemere's colours.
"Hey," RJ said. "This is great, Lexie. Thanks."
"You really like it?" Alexa asked him.
"It's great," RJ said. "But you shouldn't have, Lexie."
"I wanted to," Alexa said. "You mean a lot to me."
"Lexie..." RJ sighed heavily. "I'm a heel for coming over here today."
Alexa took his hand. "No, you're not."
"Yes I am," RJ said. "Look... I'll always care about you Lexie. You were the first girl I ever loved."
Alexa let go of his hand. "Why do I feel like there's a 'but' coming?"
RJ sighed. "Audrey... she's my girlfriend now. And I love her. And... Things just haven't been right between us for awhile now. I need to be there for her."
"Oh," Alexa said quietly.
"I'll still be here for you," RJ said quickly. "I promise. Just... just not as much."
Alexa didn't know what to say to that. She'd known about his girlfriend, of course, but she hadn't really accepted it until now.
"I'm sorry, Lexie." RJ said. "I really am... I just... I can't lose her. I made that mistake with you and I can't do it again."
"You haven't lost me," Alexa said. "I'm right here. And the only thing I'm sure of is how I feel about you."
"I thought you and Gabe were getting closer," RJ said.
"We are," Alexa said. "But, I'm still getting to know him again."
"He loves you," RJ told her. "He can give you what I can't."
"Because you don't love me anymore," Alexa said looking away from him.
"I meant it when I said I still care about you," RJ replied. "I always will."
"I think you should go," Alexa said quietly.
"Lexie, please..." RJ began.
"You're free," Alexa said. "Go. Don't worry about me."
RJ shook his head. "I'm not leaving like this."
"What else is there to say?" Alexa asked. "Look, I know that you sacrificed your time and you stood by me when you obviously wanted to be somewhere else..."
"That's not fair," RJ said. "I helped you because I wanted to."
Alexa put her head in her hands. "You're right. That wasn't fair. This is just---I'm so frustrated, RJ! I want my memories back!"
"Look I'll still help you any way I can," RJ promised. "I'll always be there when you need to talk. I just need to be there for Audrey too."
"I'm sorry," Alexa said looking at him. "You've been great to me and I'm grateful for that."
RJ put his hand on her shoulder. "This was hard for me to do. I really enjoyed being around you again."
"When we broke up," Alexa asked. "Were we able to still be friends?"
"Not at first," RJ said. "But yeah... later on. We were friends again."
"I'd like us to still be friends," Alexa said softly.
"Me too," RJ said. "Always."
Alexa hugged him. "You were my first love."
"You were mine too," RJ kissed her cheek. "Not something either of us is likely to forget, memory charm or not."
Alexa smiled up at him. "No. Not at all."
"I've got to get going," RJ said. "What are your plans for today?"
"We're supposed to go over to my grandparents' house later," Alexa said. "I imagine you've got a big day at the Burrow."
"Yeah," RJ nodded. "Everyone's coming over."
"Will you wish your family a Happy Christmas for me?" Alexa asked.
"If you'll do the same," RJ replied.
Alexa gave him one last hug. "Take care of yourself, RJ. You're a great guy and Audrey...she's a lucky girl."
"I'm a lucky guy," RJ squeezed her hand. "I'll see you around, Lexie."
"Goodbye, RJ," Alexa said softly.
"Sounds like you two had a... good um... conversation," Gabriel said.
"Yeah," Alexa said rolling her eyes. "But it was my own fault for thinking there was more to it than that."
Gabriel nodded. "Well... now at least you know..."
"Now I know," Alexa agreed. "So...how are your dad and step mum?" She was eager to talk about something else.
"Fine," Gabriel replied. "Glad to be here in England."
"And what about you?" Alexa asked. "Are you happy to be in England?"
"I'm happy to see you," Gabriel said meaningfully.
Alexa smiled at him. "I'm happy to see you, too."
"I've missed you," he said.
"Will you tell me something?" Alexa asked him.
"Sure," Gabriel replied.
"Could you tell me about you and me," Alexa said. "I want to remember and I think hearing about these things will help me. Like---what did we do on our first date?"
Gabriel smiled. "We were actually at my dad's flat here in London. It was Easter and we were watching a movie in his studio."
"Really?" Alexa asked. "What did we watch?"
"To tell you the truth, I don't remember," Gabriel confessed. "I was just happy that you finally told me you had feelings for me too."
Alexa smiled at him and squeezed his hand. "You deserve better than what you've been given lately. I don't know what I would have done if the situation were reversed."
"I know you don't really seem to like hearing it, but I love you," Gabriel said. "That's why I stuck by you."
"Just like you did that day in the bakery," Alexa said softly. "You were pitching in to help me when we were swamped. I was feeling down about RJ and---what?"
"That was the day we kissed for the first time," Gabriel said softly. "You remember..."
Alexa grinned. "I do! I remember! I had---I had flour all over me and you kissed me! Gabe! I remembered!"
He laughed. "It's all coming back, Lexie!"
Alexa threw her arms around him. "I remembered!"
Gabriel hugged her tightly, burying his face in her hair.
"You told me that day that you fancied me," Alexa recalled.
"Yeah," he nodded. "You were still with RJ at that point."
"He was everything to me," Alexa recalled. "And then he started his new career and he wasn't around as much and there you were. I was so confused."
Gabriel put his arm around her. It seemed she was having quite the breakthrough.
"I wish I could remember more," Alexa said softly, resting her head on his shoulder.
"You will," Gabriel said, stroking her hair. "And I'll do anything I can to help you."
"I'm so glad that you're here," Alexa said happily.
"Me too," Gabriel replied, happy to hear the words.
"Are you hungry?" Alexa asked.
"For something you made?" Gabriel asked. "Always."
"So I probably shouldn't tell you I made more chocolate fudge?" Alexa asked teasingly.
"I'm ravenous," Gabriel grinned at her.
"Come on then," Alexa said feeling happier than she'd been all day. "We're going to celebrate!"
Gabriel followed her down the stairs, pleased that they were still holding hands.
"I'll make us some hot chocolate too," Alexa said.
"I'll do it, Lexie," Gabriel said
"You sit," Alexa said smiling at him. "You're my guest."
"But--" Gabriel argued.
Alexa pushed him down into a chair. "Sit, Boyd."
"Yes Ma'am," Gabriel answered.
Alexa grinned. "That's better. Do you want marshmallows?"
"Please," Gabriel said.
Alexa set about making the hot chocolate. "So how is Nico? Still driving you crazy?"
Gabriel laughed. "He wouldn't be Nico if he wasn't."
"What is he up to now?" Alexa asked, putting some fudge on a plate.
"He's at the community college," Gabriel replied. "Causing trouble there."
"But you're there to bail him out," Alexa said setting the plate before him.
"Who else would be," Gabriel smiled.
Alexa walked back to the counter to get their mugs of hot chocolate. "I wish I could remember meeting him. But, the way you've talked about him, I feel like I know him."
"Well with the way you're going, I'm sure his face will pop back into your mind sooner or later," Gabriel watched her.
"Sooner preferably," Alexa sitting down beside him.
"I'm really proud of you Lexie," Gabriel told her.
"Proud of me?" Alexa asked. "What for?"
"You've just handled this situation really well," Gabriel said.
Alexa blushed. "I don't know about that..."
"You have," Gabriel squeezed her hand again. "I think you're amazing."
"You're not so bad yourself," Alexa said softly.
"So I've heard," he replied.
"You are," Alexa said. "And I'm really glad that I've gotten to know you. Again."
"Me too," he said.
Alexa smiled as she watched him eat a piece of fudge. "Good?"
"It's fantastic," he said. "Why don't you have a few pieces?"
"Okay," Alexa said taking a bite.
Gabriel watched her sip her hot chocolate. "So what are your plans for New Year's?"
"Saffy mentioned doing something," Alexa said. "With Beth and Mimi."
"You were going to join them then," Gabriel nodded.
"You could come with us," Alexa said. "Mimi's bringing Jake. And Beth's supposedly in love with some random bloke she wants all of us to meet."
"You wouldn't mind?" Gabriel asked.
"I'd love it," Alexa said sincerely.
"I'd like to take you to dinner first, if you want," Gabriel replied.
Alexa smiled. "I'd like that."
"Fantastic," Gabriel said with a huge grin.
"You have some fudge on your chin," Alexa giggled.
"I do?" Gabriel asked. "How'd that happen?"
"I don't know," Alexa laughed, taking her napkin and wiping at his chin. His hand covered hers. "Gabe," she whispered.
He gazed at her for several long moments before leaning in and pressing his mouth firmly to hers.
Alexa hadn't expected anything like this to happen, but it felt right. She looped her arms around his neck.
He tentatively deepened the kiss, pulling her closer to him.
The way he held her felt familiar and Alexa closed her eyes, giving into the way he was making her feel.
"Lexie," he breathed, tearing his mouth from hers for a moment.
"Whoa," Alexa said breathlessly. She was glad she was sitting because right now her legs felt like jelly.
"I've been waiting to do that for months," Gabriel ran his fingers through her hair.
"That was...wow," Alexa whispered.
"It was," he agreed. "You're so amazing."
Alexa smiled at him. "I know this hasn't been easy for you."
"You're worth it," he told her.
"Can you stay for awhile?" Alexa asked. "We're not leaving for my grandparents' house until later. I'd...I'd really like it if you'd stay."
"I would love to stay," Gabriel wanted to jump for joy.
Alexa grinned. "Really?"
"Absolutely," he nodded.
"So how would you feel about watching some cheesy Christmas movie?" Alexa asked.
Gabriel laughed. "A Christmas Story?"
"That sounds perfect," Alexa said. "I'll fill up another plate with fudge for us. We can watch it in the sitting room."
"Sounds good to me," Gabriel said. "And how about some more hot chocolate?"
"Deal," Alexa said happily getting to work.
Gabriel watched her feeling that for the first time in what felt like forever that things might actually start to go his way where Alexa was concerned. That was the best Christmas present ever.