Authors' note: Not too many Hans fans in the house after the last chapter, eh? Well, we're back to Saffron and all that drama plus the awkwardness of Zander/Ashley. We hope you enjoy!
Trying to keep her mind off what had happened on New Year's Eve between her and Andrew, Saffron kept herself busy. She offered to help Ashley pack her things back up to go back to school.
"I can't believe I'm already going back to school," Ashley commented. "It seems like I just got home."
"I know," Saffron said. "Holidays always seemed to go by really fast."
"I'm just really happy that you and Ethan were home to share it," Ashley said smiling at her aunt.
Saffron gave her niece a hug. "Me too, Ash."
"When do you start practising with your team?" Ashley asked while she folded some jumpers.
"In a few days," Saffron said, using her wand to levitate jeans and skirts to Ashley's trunk neatly. "I'm sort of nervous about it."
"You're going to be great," Ashley said loyally. "You're the best, Saffy."
"Thanks Ash," Saffron said gratefully.
"Especially with that new broom," Ashley said.
"I am looking forward to practising and playing in my first match," Saffron admitted. "It just all seems so strange now."
"Makes you wish that things didn't have to change," Ashley said her thoughts going to Zander and what had transpired on New Year's Eve.
Saffron nodded. "You're so right, Ash."
Ashley picked up the CD that Zander had made for her. There wasn't any sense taking it to school with her since Muggle devices didn't work there.
"I better give this to Mum to keep it safe for me," she said. "I don't trust Katie around it."
"I just saw her downstairs with your Gryffindor scarf," Saffron said.
"Ugh!" Ashley rolled her eyes. "I'll get that before I leave."
"I'll remind you," Saffron reassured her. "So...you never told me. How was your New Year's?"
Ashley blushed. "It was um..."
"Ash?" Saffron asked.
"You have to promise not to tell anyone," Ashley said softly.
Saffron nodded. "Your secret is safe with me. You know that."
"Thanks," Ashley was relieved. She'd been dying to talk about this with someone. "Well... Brittany told me that one of our classmates kissed her right before we got off the train for winter hols. And... When she went to sleep Zander and I sort of wondered what it would be like to kiss someone."
Saffron forgot momentarily about her own problems. "Ashley Beth Malfoy...did you and Zander snog?"
"No!" Ashley exclaimed. "Well not really. We just kissed... twice."
Saffron grinned. "And how was it?"
"Strange," Ashley confessed. "He's my best friend."
"He didn't force you into it, did he?" Saffron asked protectively.
"Not at all," Ashley said. "I agreed to it... I just didn't know how weird it would be."
"First kisses can be like that," Saffron tried to reassure her.
"I just don't know how to act around him now," Ashley replied.
"He's probably feeling the same way," Saffron said thoughtfully.
"You think?" Ashley asked uncertainly.
"Yeah," Saffron nodded. "You just need to act normally around him. Let him know that everything's okay."
"Act normal," Ashley recited. "I'll try..."
"Unless, of course you fancy him," Saffron said looking at her niece.
Ashley turned red and shook her head fiercely. "No."
Saffron hid a smile. She thought her niece might be protesting a bit too much. "Well, then just do like I said. Act as normal as you can."
"I will," Ashley replied.
"I wish I could tell you it all gets easier," Saffron said.
"It's okay Aunt Saffy," Ashley said. "I know boys never grow up."
Saffron laughed. "No, they don't."
"How was your New Year's Eve?" Ashley asked innocently.
The smile on Saffron's face fell. "It---it was fine."
"What did you do?" Ashley asked.
Saffron busied herself packing up some of Ashley's art supplies. "Just hung out with Lexie and everyone."
"Cool," Ashley replied. "Sounds like it was fun."
Saffron nodded. "Yeah, but I wasn't feeling too well so I came home early."
"That's what Grandma said," Ashley replied.
Saffron was eager to change the subject. "Just think...next year, you and your friends will be able to go Hogsmeade."
"I can't wait," Ashley replied. "It sucks that we can't go as second years."
"You'll love it," Saffron promised her.
"I think that's it," Ashley said, looking around. "I can't believe we spent the whole break here at the mansion."
"I'm really glad that you did," Saffron said. "I loved having all of us together."
"Me too," Ashley hugged her aunt as tightly as she could. "I'm so glad you're home safe."
"Me too," Saffron said softly.
"I'll write to you," Ashley promised.
"You had better," Saffron said. She used her wand to shrink Ashley's trunk. "Come on."
She followed Saffron downstairs, where she reclaimed her belongings from her sister.
"Next time you want to borrow my things, ask," Ashley told Katie.
"Whatever," Katie said. "You were leaving and I didn't think you'd care."
'It's the middle of winter and you didn't think I'd need my scarf and gloves?" Ashley asked.
Katie rolled her eyes. "I was just BORROWING them."
"I hope you do well the rest of the term," Ashley said to her sister.
"I'm fine," Katie said.
"Take care of Sophie," Ashley said.
"I always do," Katie twirled in place.
"Katherine Rose, you won't be seeing your sister until April," Nick reminded her. "Wouldn't you like to give her a hug?"
"I guess," Katie replied.
Ashley gave her a sister a quick hug. "I do love you, Katie."
"Love you too, Ash." Katie replied.
"That wasn't so hard, was it?" Nick asked his youngest daughter.
"No," Katie said sheepishly.
Ashley said goodbye to her grandparents and Saffron before getting in the car with her parents.
She hated to leave her family behind but she was excited about going back to school. She was also nervous about seeing Zander again.
"Katie talks a good game, but she will miss you," Julie told her.
"I know," Ashley replied. "I'll miss her too. And you guys and Sophie..."
"You'll still get to see your mum," Nick told her.
"I know that," Ashley said. "But it's not the same as being at home."
"And I'll smuggle some things from Greta in," Julie said with a grin. "To make it seem more like home."
Ashley giggled. "Sounds good to me."
They made it to Kings Cross in good time. Nick helped Ashley with her trunk and bags.
"Here's some money so you can get some sweets on the train," Julie said.
"Thanks Mum," Ashley hugged her. "I'll see you in a few days."
"I love you, baby," Julie said holding her tightly.
"Love you too," Ashley turned to her father.
"My girl," Nick said kissing her on the forehead before hugging her. "I'm going to miss you."
"I'll miss you too Daddy," Ashley said. "I'll write you all the time."
"I'll just go and make sure your things make it on the train," Nick said grinning at her.
"Thanks," Ashley said gratefully.
Ashley caught sight of Brittany holding hands with Evan. They were further down the platform and he stood back to let her on the train first.
Ashley smiled. She was glad Brittany had found a nice guy. She just hoped it wouldn't come between them all.
"Have a safe trip, baby," Julie said giving her daughter one last hug.
"I will," Ashley unconsciously looked around for Zander.
She didn't see him so she stepped onto the train. Walking down the narrow corridor, she looked in each compartment hoping to catch sight of her friends. She did find Brittany in a compartment, but she wasn't alone. She was with Evan and...Sam.
"Ash!" Brittany caught sight of her. "Come in!"
"Hiya, Ashley," Evan said politely.
"Hi Evan," she said shyly. "Sam..."
Sam didn't even acknowledge her presence.
"Where's Zander?" Ashley asked.
"In the loo," Brittany answered.
Sam snickered at this.
"What's wrong with being in the loo?" Ashley asked him.
"Don't get your knickers in a twist, Malfoy," Sam said rolling his eyes.
"Sam," Evan replied. "Can't you be nice?"
"Come and sit by me," Brittany said patting the space beside her.
Ashley smiled and sat down. "How's it going?"
"Fantastic," Brittany said grinning at her.
"What did you spend the rest of your break doing?" Ashley asked.
"Nothing much," Brittany said. "My mum and I went shopping. How about you?"
"I stayed around the mansion," Ashley said. "Spent a lot of time with my aunt."
"Your aunt is hot," Sam commented.
"Eww," Ashley frowned at him.
"She is," Sam shrugged.
"Knock it off, mate." Evan was embarrassed.
"Whatever," Sam said getting to his feet. "I'm out of here."
"Good riddance," Brittany said once Sam had gone. "I'm sorry Evan; you are way too nice for him."
"He's usually not this bad," Evan said in his friend's defence.
"I guess," Brittany said as Zander stepped into the compartment.
"Alright, Zander?" Evan asked.
"Yeah," Zander said. "Hey Ash..."
Ashley blushed. "Hi."
"How's it going?" he asked awkwardly.
"Good," Ashley replied, unable to look at him.
He sat down next to the window and watched as the scenery slid by.
"How---how were your holidays, Evan?" Ashley asked.
"Great," Evan replied. "I played video games. Have you guys heard of Ninja Death Warrior III?"
"Oh Merlin," Brittany moaned.
"Yeah," Zander said nodding. "I've made it to Level Six. How about you, mate?"
"Only five," Evan replied ruefully.
Brittany put her head in her hands. "Please tell me that you're not going to talk about that stupid game the entire ride to Hogwarts."
Ashley smiled. "We can talk about something else, Brit, while they talk about the game."
"You'd like it if you gave it a chance," Evan nudged Brittany.
Brittany turned red. "Well... maybe if YOU played it with me."
"I might just do that," Evan said grinning at her.
"While I beat the trousers off both of you," Zander said.
"Yeah, right," Brittany recalled. "As a matter of fact, I recall you losing on New Year's to---"
"To his father," Ashley interjected.
Evan laughed. "You lost to your dad?"
"Just the one time," Zander said looking at Ashley. He wondered why she'd covered for him just then.
Brittany shook her head. "It was pretty lame, Zander."
"Beginner's luck," Zander said.
Ashley leaned back on the seat and stared out the window. She remembered what her aunt had said about maybe Zander feeling as awkward as she did about the kiss.
"Ooh, I think I hear the sweets cart," Brittany said. "Evan, let's go and grab something!"
Before Ashley could stop her, Brittany had pulled Evan out of the compartment, leaving her and Zander by themselves.
For what seemed like an eternity, neither of them spoke.
"Thank you for that," Zander finally said. "You know, not telling Evan that you'd cleaned my clock at that game."
"Sure," Ashley replied. "I mean... you did ask me not to say anything so..."
"So..." Zander echoed.
"How was the rest of your break?" Ashley asked.
"Not bad," Zander replied, looking sideways at her. "Yours?"
"Good," Ashley said. "Spent more time with my aunt and uncle."
"That's great," Zander said absently kicking his foot against the other seat. He wracked his brain for something to say.
Ashley was also at a loss.
"I--I heard it might snow again," Zander finally stammered.
"What?" Ashley asked, her tone incredulous.
Zander looked out the window. It was in fact snowing. He knew he should just shut up but he couldn't stop himself. "Snow more. I heard it might snow more. You know, more than what we have now. Which is a lot. Look at that...snow."
"Zander..." Ashley shook her head. "This is so stupid."
Zander looked over at her. "Yeah."
"We're friends," Ashley said. "Best friends. And we shouldn't let us kissing make that into something else."
"Right," Zander said feeling relieved and disappointed at the same time.
"Are you okay with that?" she asked softly.
"Go back to how things were before?" Zander asked. "Like it never happened, right?"
"Well... yeah." Ashley replied.
"Okay," Zander agreed.
Ashley nodded. "All right then..."\
"You should have seen Brit this morning," Zander told her. "She spent two hours in the bathroom fixing her hair."
Ashley smiled. "Same old Brit."
"On the bright side, at least there's another bloke around to even things out," Zander said.
"Just promise me you won't let it take you away from your music," Ashley told him.
"I promise," Zander said.
"Just like I'll never let anything take me from my art," Ashley said fervently.
"Did you do any more sketches?" Zander asked.
"I did a few of Aunt Saffy up in the air," Ashley said. "And Uncle Ethan with my new cousin Kiera."
"Can I see?" Zander asked.
"Sure," Ashley reached for her sketchbook.
She handed it to him and he was amazed again at his friend's talent. "They're great, Ash."
"She has the coolest eyes," Ashley told him. "I captured that in this one."
Zander grinned. "They're still different colours, eh?"
"I think they always will be," Ashley nodded.
"That is pretty cool," Zander said.
"I can't wait to listen to Aunt Saffy's first match," Ashley said.
"I heard some of the sixth years talking about having a party in the common room so everyone can listen to it on the wireless," Zander told her.
"Cool," she said happily.
Zander turned the page of her sketchbook and saw a picture of Saffron on her new broom. "That broom is wicked!"
"It's totally cool," Ashley nodded. "She took me for a ride- you wouldn't' believe how fast we went."
"Your mum must have been freaking out, eh?" Zander asked.
"Mum and Grandma," Ashley said wryly.
Zander was going to say something when he was hit by a box of candy.
"Brit!" Zander glared at her. "What was that for?"
"Just cause," Brittany answered.
"Are you sure you guys aren't brother and sister?" Evan asked sitting back down. "You sure fight like it."
"Gross, Evan," Brittany complained.
Evan opened up a Chocolate Frog and groaned when he saw the card. "No offence, Ash, but I'm sick of seeing your grandfather's face. I already have 40 of his cards."
"I'll take it," Ashley replied.
Evan handed it to her. "Here you go."
Ashley smiled. "I'll always take his cards."
"It's not that I don't like your grandpa," Evan reassured her quickly. "I do, but I have 40 of his cards already and when you're a collector like me..."
"It's a lot of them," Ashley nodded.
"I'd love to see your collection," Brittany said staring adoringly at Evan.
Evan smiled. "I have a few of them."
"You and Zander have something in common," Ashley said. "He has a lot, too."
"Yeah," Evan said. "I know. I remember what Sam did last year. You know, I'm sorry about that, Zander."
"What about?" Zander asked.
"He was a bit of an arse to you," Evan said.
"He's like that to everyone," Zander shrugged.
"Doesn't make it right," Evan said.
"He should be in Slytherin," Brittany replied.
"Ash could be in Ravenclaw with how smart she is," Zander said.
"I'm glad I'm in Gryffindor," Ashley turned to a new page in her sketchbook.
"Best house in Hogwarts," Evan said with a grin.
"That's so right," Brittany beamed.
Zander and Ashley exchanged an amused look.
"I can't wait until I get on the Quidditch team," Evan said.
"Me too," Zander said. "I'm going to practise every change I get."
"What position?" Evan asked.
"Keeper," Zander replied.
"I really want to be a Beater," Evan said.
"Wouldn't it be cool if both of you got on the team?" Brittany asked.
"Definitely," Evan grinned at Zander.
Brittany slid over and sat down beside Ashley while the two boys talked about Quidditch.
"Isn't he amazing?" Brittany whispered.
"He is pretty cute," Ashley agreed.
"He bought the sweets and he stuck up for us in front of that wanker Sam," Brittany said dreamily.
Ashley giggled. "Brit, you're in looooove."
Brittany blushed. "Maybe..."
"I think it's cool," Ashley assured her.
"It's all so...strange," Brittany admitted. "You know. Feeling that way about someone."
"I... I'm sure it is," Ashley looked down at her sketchbook.
"You sure you're okay?" Brittany asked her. "You've been a little quiet lately."
"I'm fine," Ashley said. "Just um... just happy my aunt and uncle are safe."
"Me too," Brittany said. "Now, we can get things back to normal. I'm happy to see you smiling again."
"Thanks Brit," Ashley gave her a hug.
"We're going to have a great rest of the year," Brittany told her. "You'll see."
"Definitely," Ashley agreed, sneaking a look at Zander.
He looked over at her just in time and smiled at her.
Ashley blushed but smiled back.
For now that awkwardness seemed to be gone and for that, the two of them were extremely grateful. But, Ashley had heard from her mother and her aunt that you never forget your first kiss.
*** *** ***
Saffron Potter could not remember many times in her life where she'd been nervous. Her confidence was one of her strongest qualities. But, she didn't have any confidence this morning. Truth be told, she was scared to death. It had been ages since she'd played a match. Even though today wasn't going to be an official match, it would be her first practise with Puddlemere.
She walked into the kitchen and saw her parents having breakfast. They were all alone in the house now since the holidays were officially over.
"Morning," she said softly.
"Morning, sweetheart," Hermione said. "Would you like some breakfast?"
"Maybe just some toast," Saffron said.
"Coming right up," Hermione told her.
Saffron set her bag and broom down by the door and sat down beside her father.
"Nervous, baby?" Harry asked her.
Saffron nodded. "Yeah."
"You'll do fine," Harry reassured her. "You've never failed at anything, Saffron."
"Neither have you," Saffron said looking down at the table. She wondered if he'd say the same thing if he knew what she'd done.
"That's where you get it from," Harry said, grinning.
"RJ rang earlier," Hermione told her. "He said he'd be by to pick you up."
Saffron nodded. "That's good."
She poured herself a glass of juice and wondered briefly if Andrew had told RJ about what had happened on New Year's.
She didn't have much time to wonder. RJ arrived a few moments later and came into the kitchen.
"Morning," RJ said happily. "Ooh, muffins."
Hermione laughed. "Help yourself, RJ."
"Thanks," RJ replied. "I haven't eaten this morning."
"You sound just like your father," Harry said. "He used to eat us out of house and home."
"Like father like son," RJ said with his mouth full.
"The resemblance is scary," Harry said shaking his head.
Saffron smiled a bit. "You'll be heavy on your broom."
"Very funny, Miss Potter," RJ said pouring himself a glass of juice.
"You think I'll be okay today?" she asked.
"You'll be brilliant," RJ reassured her.
"I hope so," Saffron said quietly.
"You'll look out for her, right?" Harry asked RJ.
"I promise," RJ nodded.
"Dad, I'm not five," Saffron said, but she appreciated his concern.
"I know," Harry replied. "But I just want to make sure you're looked out for."
"Thanks, Daddy," Saffron said leaning over and giving him a hug. "I love you."
Harry hugged her back tightly. "I love you too, baby."
"You promise you'll be careful?" Hermione asked. "You promise that you won't go up too high or fly too fast? You nearly gave me a heart attack the other day when you took Ashley up with you!"
"Mum..." Saffron said. "She was perfectly safe with me."
"Now who sounds like their father," Hermione said. She remembered Harry saying the same thing to her when he used to take Ethan and Saffron up to fly when they were children.
"I promise to be careful," Saffron reassured her mother.
"Thank you," Hermione said gratefully.
"Are you going into the office today?" Saffron asked.
Hermione nodded. "You're not the only one getting back to work."
"I'll come to the office when practise is over," Saffron replied.
"We can have lunch," Hermione suggested.
"Okay," Saffron agreed.
"Get your gear, Saf," RJ told her. "We'd better get going."
"Right," Saffron nodded. "I have it right here."
"Good luck, sweetheart," Harry told his daughter.
"Thanks Dad," Saffron said. "I'll see you guys later."
"You look like I'm taking you to the firing squad," RJ said. "It's not going to be that bad."
"I'm just so out of practise," Saffron admitted. "I don't want Puddlemere thinking they made a huge mistake by keeping my spot."
"Are you kidding?" RJ asked her. "Saf? Come on. You're fantastic. Everyone knows it."
"Thanks RJ," Saffron replied. "I'm glad you're on my side."
RJ grinned at her. "Of course. You're like the annoying baby sister I never had."
Saffron nudged his shoulder. "And you're the bratty big brother I do have."
RJ laughed. "It's going to be great having you to boss around."
"Whatever." Saffron shook her head.
They arrived at the Puddlemere stadium a few minutes later.
Saffron sucked in a nervous breath.
"You'll be fine," RJ whispered in her ear.
Saffron nodded. "Fine..." she repeated.
"Good morning, Miss Potter," a familiar voice said behind them.
Saffron turned and was grateful to see a familiar face in Frankie Barron.
"Frankie," Saffron said grinning.
"Hiya," Frankie gave Saffron a tight hug.
"It's good to see a friendly face," Saffron said.
"We're so glad you're here," Frankie told her. "We'll win every game the rest of this season with you around."
"What am I?" RJ asked with mock indignation. "Chopped liver?"
"Sure smell like it," Saffron said before she could stop herself.
RJ tugged at her ponytail. "You're pushing it, Saf."
Frankie laughed. "Come with me. I'll show you the locker room."
"I'll see you on the pitch," RJ said to Saffron.
"Bye," Saffron said, following Frankie.
"Okay," Frankie said leading her down the corridor. "These are all the main offices, of course..."
Saffron nodded. "Right."
"To your left there is where we have all our after match press conferences," Frankie showed her.
"Will I have to do one?" she asked anxiously.
"Not until you're ready," Frankie assured her.
"Thanks," Saffron said gratefully.
"To the right is the cafeteria," Frankie told her. "You can get anything you want in there at any time."
Saffron followed Frankie through the rest of the tour which ended at the girl's locker room. "Am I going to be the only one in there?"
"Yes," Frankie replied. "Since you are the only female on the team."
Saffron felt herself pale.
"I can keep you company," Frankie offered.
"That would be great," Saffron said. "I just... I don't really like being alone right now."
"No problem," Frankie said opening the locker room door and holding it open for her.
Saffron looked around at the locker room before shoving her bag into one of the lockers and changing into her practise uniform.
"Pretty nice, isn't it?" Frankie asked. "When we won the Cup last year, they redecorated the whole place."
Saffron nodded. "Really nice."
"Let's take you out on the pitch," Frankie said smiling at her.
Saffron nodded nervously. "Okay."
"You're going to be great," Frankie said, her heart going out to the younger girl.
"I hope so," Saffron said softly.
The rest of the team was already gathered in the middle of the pitch talking to the coach.
"Everyone," Frankie announced. "I'd like you all to meet Saffron Potter, our Seeker."
Saffron had forgotten about Daniel O'Neal but she could feel his eyes on her as she stood beside Frankie.
"Saffron," the coach smiled. "Welcome!"
"Hi," Saffron said liking the man instantly. She'd met him a couple of times before, but only in passing. "It's nice to meet you, sir."
"I'm Coach Reynolds," the man told her. "I've been with the team for three years now."
"You used to play with the Cannons," Saffron recalled. "You and Oliver Wood."
"Right," Coach Reynolds laughed. "A long time ago."
"It's an honour to meet you, sir," Saffron said.
Frankie squeezed her hand. "I'll see you later, Saffy."
Saffron nodded. "Thanks, Frankie."
"Okay then," Coach Reynolds said. "How about everyone go around and introduce yourselves to Saffron."
Daniel stepped forward first. "We've already met."
"Back off," RJ said holding out his arm to stop Daniel.
"It's okay RJ," Saffron said.
"It's great to see you again, Saffy," Daniel said winking at her.
Saffron nodded. "Um... you too."
"You know RJ, of course," Coach Reynolds said.
"Yes," Saffron replied.
"Mark Manning," one of the team's beaters came forward. "Good to meet you, Saffy."
"Scanlon," another member said. "I think we met?"
Saffron nodded. "When you were hazing RJ a couple of years ago."
Scanlon laughed. "Those were the days."
"Murphy," another man said giving her a wave.
All her team mates seemed quite nice and Saffron felt a bit more at ease as the introductions finished.
"We thought we'd open up with a scrimmage," Coach Reynolds suggested. "Saffron, you're on first team."
"Right, sir." Saffron nodded.
"We're not going to let Wimbourne beat us this time," Murphy said as he took to the sky.
Saffron paled. They were going to have to play Andrew's team first? Her first match would be against Andrew?
"Just play like you did at Hogwarts," RJ said, thinking she was nervous about the match.
Saffron nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "RJ?"
"Yes?" RJ replied.
"I need to talk to you after the match," Saffron said softly.
"Sure," RJ replied patting her on the shoulder.
"Thanks," she whispered.
RJ was about to mount his broom when he caught Daniel gazing at Saffron. "O'Neal. You stay away from her."
"Relax, Weasley," Daniel said with a smirk. "She's a big girl."
"And you're a big tool," RJ retorted. "Stay away from her. You got me?"
Daniel chortled. "I'm not scared of you."
"You'd better be," RJ glared at him. "She's been through enough. The last thing she needs is you hanging around her."
"Let her make her own decisions," Daniel told him coolly.
"Up in the air," Coach Reynolds barked at them. "Now!"
RJ glared at the other man as he raced up on his broom. O'Neal would be on the sidelines now that Saffron was back and RJ intended to make sure he only saw her from there.
Saffron mounted her broom and kicked off from the ground. She couldn't help the grin that broke across her face. Flying could always do this for her. It was the one thing that she trusted.
She closed her eyes a moment, enjoying the feel of the wind against her face.
This was what she'd always wanted to do; what she'd dreamt about. It was finally here. She was finally beginning her dream. Everything else was a mess, but this was one thing that she knew she could do well.
She took her position at the goalposts, determined not to let a single thing fly past her.
On the ground, the coach released the balls into the air. RJ looked over at Saffron and nodded encouragingly at her.
She nodded back, feeling better than she had since the whole fiasco on New Year's Eve.
O'Neal was leading the second string team against Saffron and RJ and the others. He smirked in RJ's direction before he flew over to where Saffron was hovering.
"Good luck today," he said, winking at her.
"Thanks," Saffron said wishing he'd leave her alone. "You too."
"That uniform looks good on you, you know." he flirted before flying to his side.
Saffron rolled her eyes. She'd have to have a word with him. That girl he'd met on New Year's Eve---that hadn't been her.
She looked up just in time to see the Quaffle heading right toward her. Springing into action, she used a tried and true Oliver Wood move, smacking it away with the end of her broom.
"Way to go, Saffy!" Coach Reynolds yelled from the ground.
Saffron appreciated the coach's encouragement as her eyes roamed the field for the Snitch.
The match was going well for the first string. They were leading by 80-40. Saffron forgot about everything except the match.
Her concentration was broken however, by Daniel flying near her.
She saw what he was flying towards and grinned. The Snitch.
She propelled herself forward, her body flat against the broom.
She wasn't about to let O'Neal get to it before her.
Saffron blew right by him, her hand outstretched, closing around the tiny winged ball.
"Get it, Saffy!" RJ screamed.
She held it up in the air triumphantly.
"Damn it!" O'Neal cursed.
Saffron ignored him as she flew down to the rest of her team mates.
"You were brilliant!" RJ exclaimed, giving her a hug. "I knew you would be!"
"Thanks RJ," Saffron hugged him back.
"Great job!" Murphy exclaimed, clapping her on the back.
"Thanks," Saffron said happily.
"That girl just flew the trousers off of you," Scanlon said to Daniel as he landed. "You realise that right?"
"Sod off," Daniel scowled at him.
"Just pointing it out," Scanlon laughed as he joined the others.
The rest of the practise went extremely well and Saffron had forgotten she had asked to talk to RJ until he approached her.
"So, Miss Potter," RJ said with a grin. "What is it you want to talk to me about?"
The smile fell from her face when she remembered. "Oh um... it's not... not important..."
"It didn't seem not important when you asked me earlier," RJ said. "Come on. We'll get some coffee in the cafeteria and you can tell me all about it."
"Okay," she relented, trying to think of a way to tell him she'd slept with his best friend.
"How---how was the rest of your party?" Saffron asked.
"Great," RJ replied.
Saffron nodded. "I'm sorry I came in the way I did."
"You don't have anything to apologise for," RJ reassured her. "You weren't really yourself that night."
"You can say that again," Saffron muttered. "I really messed up."
"It's okay," RJ said opening the door for her. "Lucky for you, Andrew showed up when he did."
"RJ," Saffron said with a sigh. "I just don't even know how to tell you this."
"Tell me about what?" RJ asked. "Look, you sit down. I'll get the coffee."
"Okay," she found a table near the corner of the room.
RJ came back a few moments later. "Here you go, Madame. Cappuccino."
"Thanks," Saffron took it between her hands.
RJ sat down across from her and grinned. "So, what's on your mind?"
Saffron sighed. "I don't even know where to begin."
"How about from the start?" RJ suggested.
Saffron felt tears well up in her eyes.
"Saffy?" RJ asked, concerned. "What's wrong? Are you still having nightmares?"
"I slept with Andrew," she whispered.
RJ hadn't expected that. "W-what?"
"On New Year's Eve," she confessed.
RJ stared wordlessly at her.
She cast her eyes down, ashamed. "I understand if you hate me."
"I-I don't hate you," RJ said quietly.
"I hated you for doing the exact same thing," Saffron said.
"You should have," RJ said shaking his head. "I hated myself for doing it. I lost the best thing in my life because I did that."
Saffron buried her face in her hands. "I wish I could take it back."
"Saffy," RJ said. "Frankly, I'm surprised it hasn't happened earlier. You and Andrew still love each other."
"He's with Natalia now," Saffron shook her head.
"This explains why he's been acting strange lately," RJ commented.
"What did he say?" she asked fearfully.
"Nothing to me, obviously," RJ replied. "Hey---maybe you and Andrew should talk about this."
Saffron shook her head vehemently. "No. I can't."
"You want me to say something to him?" RJ offered.
"I don't know," Saffron said. "I don't know what to do."
"What do you want to do?" RJ asked her.
"Get a time turner," Saffron said.
"It happened for a reason," RJ told her. "Ever think of that?"
"But Natalia--" Saffron began.
"He cares about her," RJ interjected. "But, he's never looked at her the way he's looked at you. You should have seen him when he found out that you were missing, Saffy."
"Mum told me he was helping out," Saffron said quietly.
"Try going to the Ministry every chance he had," RJ corrected her.
Saffron looked down at her cappuccino. "He didn't have to do that..."
"He wanted to do something," RJ told her. "We all did."
"I appreciate it," Saffron replied.
"You need to sort this out," RJ told her.
"I don't even know where to begin," Saffron said.
"You can't run away from it," RJ said. "It happened. You and Andrew have to deal with it. You're going to see each other on a regular basis. Hell, we play them next week!!"
Saffron rubbed her forehead. "It's so awkward..."
"I can imagine," RJ said. "But, you're going to have to talk to him."
"What do I even say?" Saffron asked.
"I don't know," RJ said thoughtfully. "Maybe the words will come to you when you see him."
"I guess," she sighed. "I told Lexie... and my mum knows too. And now you..."
RJ reached across the table for her hand and gave it a squeeze. "I'm here for you, Saffy. You know that."
"Thanks RJ," she said. "I'm glad you're my friend."
"Me too," RJ said grinning at her. "And I'm glad that you like me again. It's not fun being on your bad side."
"Yes well..." Saffron had to smile. "I did hold onto that a little too long."
"You think?" RJ laughed.
"Just a little," she shook her head.
"So how is everything else going?" RJ asked her.
"It was so great being up in the air, playing." Saffron admitted. "I was so nervous, thinking I was out of practise."
"You couldn't tell," RJ said. "You were amazing."
"I'm glad," she said fervently. "I've wanted to do this my entire life."
"You were born to do this," RJ said. "It kills me to say it, but you're the best I've ever seen on a broom."
She shook her head wryly. "Blokes..."
"Just don't tell anyone else I said it," RJ said grinning at her.
"I don't think anyone would believe me," she answered.
"Probably not," RJ said. He turned serious as he remembered the way O'Neal had been looking at Saffy earlier. "Promise me something?"
"What?" Saffron asked.
"Stay away from Daniel O'Neal," RJ told her.
Saffron shrugged. "I hardly know the bloke. And the person he met on New Year's Eve wasn't me."
"Good," RJ said with a relieved sigh. "He's bad news, Saffy."
"I don't know if I really want to date anyone right now, besides." Saffron said quietly.
"The coach will love to hear that," RJ said. "He thinks we should eat, drink, live and breathe Quidditch."
"That's probably the best thing I need at the moment," Saffron finished her cappuccino.
"Uncle Harry will probably like that too," RJ said.
Saffron nodded. "I have to get going. I told mum I'd stop by her office when practise was over."
"Okay," RJ said. "You sure you don't want me to say anything to Andrew?"
Saffron shook her head. "No... no. That's okay."
"Okay then," RJ said getting up. "I'll see you later, Saf. Don't worry. You and Andrew will figure this out."
"We'll see," Saffron said. "Thanks for hearing me out."
"Always," RJ said giving her a hug. "I love you, you brat."
Saffron hugged him back. "Love you too, RJ."
She was on her way out of the stadium when her mobile phone began to ring. "Hello?"
"Saf? it's me...Andrew."