Authors' note: Thanks for the big response to the last chapter---we know we left you guys in suspense. Without further ado, here's Saffron's response. Also---there will be a new story coming out soon---we'll have more details coming up in the next few weeks on the orkut group website.
Saffron looked at the ring, feeling dumbfounded. She had known that one day she and Andrew might take that step, but she never in a million years thought he would ask her now. She met his gaze. Words failed her as he looked expectantly at her.
"Yes," Saffron finally whispered.
Andrew grinned. "You will?"
Saffron nodded, not trusting her voice.
Andrew reached for her hand. "Let's see how this fits..."
"Perfect," she said softly.
Andrew leaned in and kissed her. "I'm going to do everything I can to make you happy, Saffy."
"You already have," she told him.
Andrew held her close. "We're engaged, Saffy."
"I know," she suddenly laughed.
Andrew kissed the side of her head. "No turning back now."
"Never," Saffron touched the side of his face.
"So," Andrew grinned. "We have to find a house, plan a wedding..."
"Yes we do," Saffron nodded. "I really want to get married at the mansion, like Ethan and Maddie."
"You've thought about this, then?" Andrew teased.
"Of course I have," she said.
Andrew laughed. "Down to the bridesmaids, right?"
"Lexie's my Maid of Honour." Saffron said.
"I'm going to ask RJ to be my best man," Andrew said. "But, I'm thinking that title might go to his head. I can just hear him now going on and on about being the 'best' man."
"He only wishes he was best man," Saffron smiled as she buried her face in his shoulder.
Andrew wrapped his arms around her. "I'll have to talk to your dad first, you know. Make it official."
"Of course," Saffron said.
"I imagine he'll give me the same speech that my dad gave me when I told him what I wanted to do," Andrew said thoughtfully. "Not that he doesn't love you, Saffy. He was just concerned that we were too young to make such a big step."
"We've been through a lot though," Saffron looked up at him.
"Too much," Andrew said. "But we got through it all, Saffy. No matter what was thrown at us, we made it through."
Saffron thought of what Daniel had done to her and what the consequences still might be. "Yeah..." she said softly.
Andrew grinned. "And now the toughest decision we'll have to make now is whether our kids will be Puddlemere fans or Wimbourne fans..."
Saffron had to laugh at that.
"Wimbourne definitely," Andrew said, earning him a poke in the side from Saffron.
"I don't think so," she replied.
"Come on, Saf," Andrew said laughing. "You're not going to let me have that at least?"
"We'll let the kids decide for themselves," Saffron told him.
"With gentle nudging from you, right?" Andrew teased.
"Maybe," Saffron smiled.
"I know you," Andrew said. "You'll have him or her dressed in Puddlemere clothes the moment they're born."
"Well you know that my entire family loves Puddlemere," Saffron pointed out.
"Yes, and mine loves Wimbourne," Andrew argued.
"Only because you play for them," she countered.
Andrew's jaw dropped. "Saffy...that's cold. That is so cold..."
She smiled innocently at him.
"My dad might have been a Puddlemere fan before," Andrew admitted.
"Knew it," Saffron laid her head down again.
Andrew laughed. "One thing you can say about us, there's never a dull moment."
'Sometimes dull moments are nice," Saffron said.
"Like this," Andrew said thoughtfully, kissing the top of her head.
"Yes," Saffron agreed. "This, right now..."
"ANDREW!" They heard RJ call out.
Andrew groaned. "So much for dull moments."
"I thought he wouldn't be home till later," Saffron said.
"So did I," Andrew said just before RJ opened the door.
"Ooooh," RJ grinned. "I see why you didn't answer when I called."
"Damn it RJ," Andrew cursed. "Knock?"
"We're all friends here," RJ grinned. "Hey, Saffy."
Saffron pulled the covers up. "Get out, you wanker!"
"What?" RJ asked.
Saffron rolled her eyes. "Get. Out."
"Sorry, sheesh," RJ backed out of the room.
Saffron looked at Andrew.
"I guess now wouldn't be a good time to tell you that your dad is in the sitting room," RJ said gleefully. "I ran into him in Hogsmeade, Saffy."
"What?" Saffron nearly shot out of the bed and remembered herself just in time.
"Only kidding," RJ said before shutting the door behind him.
"I'm going to kill him," Andrew growled.
"Not if I kill him first," Saffron said.
Andrew shook his head, reaching for his clothes.
"We'll have to think of something for revenge," Saffron said pulling back the covers.
"If I know you, you will," Andrew said, his eyes on her as she began to get dressed.
"What?" Saffron asked catching his eye.
"Just admiring my fiancée," Andrew grinned at her.
Saffron grinned back. "Fiancée. That sounds nice."
"Yes it does," he pulled his jeans on.
They finished getting dressed and walked out of the bedroom. They found RJ, of course, in the kitchen.
Andrew punched him hard in the shoulder. "You're a wanker."
"How was I to know she was in there with you?" RJ asked. "And I was only kidding about Uncle Harry. If he'd been with me, I'd have warned you."
"Yeah right," Saffron said.
"I'm hurt, Saf," RJ said before stuffing his mouth with crisps.
She shook her head and brushed her hair out of her eyes. RJ's eyes widened at the sparkle from her finger.
"W-what's that?" RJ stammered.
"What?" Saffron asked. "Oh..." she turned red and grinned at Andrew.
"I asked Saffy to marry me," Andrew told his best friend. "And she said yes."
RJ stared at both of them wordlessly.
"I was going to wait and ask her in Brighton, but now seemed like the perfect time," Andrew told him.
"You two are getting married?" RJ finally uttered.
"That's the idea," Andrew said putting his arm around Saffron.
"Whoa..." RJ shook his head.
Saffron laughed. "RJ, you are happy for us, right?"
"I think so," RJ managed.
"He wasn't this speechless when Jason broke the news to us that he and Monica were getting married," Andrew commented.
"Well Jason wasn't my best mate," RJ responded. "And Monica's not... not Saffy."
Saffron reached over and squeezed his hand. "I know its big news."
"Yeah," RJ shook his head. "Really big..."
"You're the first one to know," Saffron told him. "Other than Andrew's parents. I mean, they knew he was going to ask me, but they don't know I've said yes."
RJ finally smiled. "Well congratulations."
"Thank you," Saffron grinned, giving him a hug.
RJ patted her back. "He'll take good care of you, Saf."
"And I'll take good care of him," Saffron promised.
"Good," RJ grinned at her.
"I was wondering if you'd be my best man." Andrew asked sharing a knowing look with Saffron.
"Of course," RJ said, puffing out his chest. "Best man as the best man."
Saffron laughed. "We knew you'd say that."
"We know you too well," Andrew said dryly.
"Very funny," RJ said. "We should celebrate."
"Sure," Andrew nodded.
"After we tell my parents and Lexie," Saffron said. "Oh! I should ring Lexie!"
"Use my mobile," Andrew told her.
"Thank you," Saffron said reaching for it.
RJ clapped his friend on the shoulder. "What did Harry say when you talked to him?"
"I didn't ask him yet," Andrew admitted.
"Are you mad?" RJ asked.
"I was planning on asking him first," Andrew said. "I was going to take him aside in Brighton and ask him, but I kind of jumped the gun, so to speak."
"If I were you, and this is just a suggestion," RJ said. "I'd keep this under wraps till you talk to him."
Andrew nodded. "Maybe I should go over to the Ministry right now."
"Let me know when you two want to celebrate," RJ answered.
"I will," Andrew said. He and RJ laughed as Saffron held the phone away from her ear as Alexa squealed.
"Saffy are you SERIOUS?" Alexa shrieked. "You're ENGAGED?"
Saffron giggled. "I think so. I have the ring on my finger and everything."
"I can't believe it!" Alexa said. "Saffy! This is incredible!"
"I think so too," Saffron said. "I can't wait to show you."
"I'm so happy for you," Alexa said. "You deserve nothing but the best."
"Thanks," Saffron said. "For everything. Our talk was just what I needed."
"Anytime," Alexa said. "I can't wait to go dress shopping!"
"Me too," Saffron said. "And...And don't say anything to anyone yet. Andrew's going to talk to my dad first."
"My lips are sealed," Alexa promised.
"Thanks," Saffron said. "I'll talk to you later."
"Bye, Mrs. Kirke," Alexa teased.
Saffron was laughing when she turned off the phone.
"You want to go with me to my funeral?" Andrew asked her.
"What are you talking about?" she handed him his mobile.
"I was going to go to the Ministry," Andrew told her. "Talk to your dad."
"Oh," Saffron said. "Sure, I'll go with you."
"It was really nice knowing you," RJ said grinning at Andrew.
"Sod off," Andrew said. "I'll see you later."
"It's not going to be that bad," Saffron reassured him.
"I hope not," he said.
"Good luck," RJ called after them.
"Don't listen to him," Saffron said. "My dad knows you make me happy."
"And Nick was in my shoes before," Andrew said. "And he's still breathing."
"Exactly," Saffron reached for his hand.
Andrew smiled at her. "Promise to help bandage me up when he's through with me?"
"I won't need to, but you know I would," Saffron gave him a kiss.
A few minutes later, the two of them were walking into Auror headquarters.
"Brat!" Ethan exclaimed when he saw her. "What are you doing here?"
"Hey Ethan," Saffron hugged her brother. "We need to see Dad."
"He's in his office," Ethan said. He looked over at Andrew. "You alright, mate? You looked a little peaked?"
"I'm okay," Andrew said nervously.
"You might want to approach Dad with caution," Ethan told her. "He had to deal with a botched raid this morning and he's not in the best of moods."
"We can come back," Andrew said quickly.
Saffron was about to open her mouth to reassure him, when she saw her father stalk out of his office.
"I WANT THOSE PAPERS ON MY DESK IN FIVE MINUTES, BREWSTER!" Harry barked at an Auror. "FIVE MINUTES!"
"Yes sir," the Auror squeaked, hurrying off.
Andrew gulped.
"Told you," Ethan muttered to his sister.
"Daddy," Saffron said, ignoring her brother.
"WHAT?" Harry barked impatiently. "Oh---Saffy. What brings you here?"
"Hi Daddy," Saffron went and gave him a hug.
"Hi, sweetheart," Harry said patting her back.
"You being scary to everyone?" Saffron teased, trying to lighten his mood.
"Me?" Harry asked. "Just another day at the office."
Saffron smiled. "Sure, Daddy."
"Hello, Mr. Potter," Andrew said, his voice high.
"Andrew," Harry nodded. "Alright?"
"Yes," Andrew replied. "Um, I was wondering if I could have a word..."
"About?" Harry asked.
"Um, well, I was kind of hoping that we could talk alone," Andrew stammered. "Just you and me."
"Sure," Harry said. "Right this way."
Saffron gave Andrew's hand a reassuring squeeze. "I'll be right out here."
Andrew nodded and followed Harry to his office.
"So..." Harry sat down behind his desk. "What's on your mind?"
"How are you, sir?" Andrew asked.
"Fine," Harry answered. "Yourself?"
"Great," Andrew replied. "And how are you?"
"You already asked me that," Harry said, amused.
"Right," Andrew said wiping his sweaty palm on his trousers. "I did."
"So what brings you and Saffron by?" Harry asked.
"Saffy and I have known each other for a long time," Andrew began.
Harry had an idea of where this was going, but didn't' say anything.
"I love her more than anything in this world, Sir," Andrew continued. "You--you already know that we're moving in together, of course."
Harry nodded. "Yes, we discussed that before."
"I wanted to ask you," Andrew said looking directly at Harry. "I wanted to ask you for her hand. I want to marry your daughter, sir."
Harry had been expecting this, but it still didn't prepare him for the feeling that hit him when Andrew uttered the words.
"Sir?" Andrew asked uncertainly.
"I'm sorry," Harry apologised. "It's just... I've been dreading this day since she was born."
Andrew nodded. "I can understand that."
"It's no secret that I've spoiled her quite a bit," Harry said thoughtfully. "And all I want for her in life is for her to be happy."
"That's all I want for her, too," Andrew agreed.
"I remember when I proposed to Hermione," Harry recalled. "She and I had fought badly the night before, and I spent that night wandering around until I went to see her father to ask him for her hand in marriage. He asked me one question... and I want to ask you the same thing." He leaned back in his chair. "Why do you want to marry my daughter?"
"Because I love her more than anything in this world," Andrew replied. "When we broke things off, I felt like the air had been sucked right out of me. Things were never right. But, then, we were given this second chance and I never want to let her go again. I can't. I won't."
Harry nodded. "I was hoping for that sort of answer."
"So, do we have your blessing?" Andrew asked.
"You do," Harry replied. "I always thought you were good for her, Andrew."
Andrew grinned. "Thank you, sir."
"Just keep her happy," Harry said.
"I will," Andrew said shaking Harry's hand.
Harry nodded to him. "Congratulations."
There was a knock on the door and Saffron poked her head inside. "Everything okay?"
Harry smiled a bit sadly at his youngest daughter. "Come on in, Saffy."
He caught sight of the ring on his daughter's hand. "I see you've already asked her then?"
"Um..." Andrew was at a loss for words. "It just sort of um... happened..."
Tears were in Saffron's eyes as she looked at her father. "Andrew? Could you give us a minute?"
"Sure," Andrew said, slipping out the door.
"Daddy?" Saffron asked. "You're not losing me."
"I know, baby." Harry said. "It just feels like it right now. I want you to be happy."
"I am," Saffron said coming around the desk.
Harry hugged her tightly.
"I grew up with you and mum," Saffron said softly. "I always wanted to find someone to make me as happy as you made mum."
"I think you have, sweetheart," Harry told her. "And I'm so proud of you."
"Really?" Saffron asked.
"Absolutely," Harry said. "You've been through a lot this year and you've really come a long way."
Saffron wiped at her eyes. "I know you think I blamed you for what happened with Gordon..."
"Baby--" Harry began.
Saffron held up her hand. "I didn't. I know that you did everything you could to find Ethan and me. It wasn't your fault, Daddy."
"I tried as hard as I could," Harry told her. "And I'd have switched places if possible."
"I know," Saffron said hugging him again. "Daddy, you're my hero. You always have been."
Harry kissed the top of her head. "I love you, sweetheart."
"I love you too," Saffron said. "Even when you are being scary."
Harry chuckled. "Brewster's still in one piece, isn't he? So I'm not TOO bad today."
"Poor bloke looked like he was thinking of leaving the country and changing his identity," Saffron teased.
Harry laughed. "How about tonight we go celebrate?"
"I'd love that," Saffron said. "You and me and mum and Andrew and his parents."
"Sounds great," Harry replied.
"I need to tell Mum!" Saffron exclaimed.
Harry laughed. "You'd best get a move on."
Saffron grinned. "Thanks again, Daddy."
"I'll do anything to keep that smile on your face," Harry ruffled her hair.
Saffron beamed at him. "I'll ask Mum to let you know the details for the dinner."
"Sounds like a plan," Harry said.
Saffron gave her father one last hug before she left his office.
Ethan was chatting with Andrew.
"So, Andrew tells me that he wants to marry you, brat," Ethan told her with a grin.
"Yeah," Saffron said. "And Daddy's fine with it."
"Obviously," Ethan said. "Since Andrew's still breathing and in one piece."
Saffron slid under Andrew's arm. "We're going out to celebrate tonight."
"Are you now?" Ethan asked her with a grin.
"Want to come?" she asked.
"What she really means is can Kiera come?" Ethan teased.
Saffron made a face. "I suppose she could tag along," she joked.
"Mads and I would love to come," Ethan told her. "Just let us know the time and place."
"I will," Saffron promised, taking Andrew's hand.
"Wait," Ethan said.
"What?" Saffron asked.
"The ring?" Ethan asked. "Let me see it."
Saffron grinned and held out her hand.
"Nice job, Andrew," Ethan told the younger man.
Andrew grinned. "Thanks mate."
"I'll talk to you two later," Ethan said, giving Saffron a quick hug. "Congratulations, brat."
"Thanks, Ethan," Saffron said.
"Come on, Andrew," Saffron grinned. "I have to tell Mum our good news!"
"And my parents," he added.
"Right," Saffron agreed. "I hope Mum's in her office. I don't think she had any big meetings planned for today."
"That's good," Andrew said.
"You know, she's the one you should be scared of," Saffron teased.
"You think?" Andrew asked.
"You can ask Ethan," Saffron told him as they waited for the lift to take them upstairs to the Minister's office. "I remember when he was 17 years old and he was home from Hogwarts on his summer hols. He and Justin decided to get pissed and he came home in the middle of the night. He stumbled in and was so loud he woke everyone up and broke this crystal vase Mum had for ages."
"Couldn't he just fix it with magic?" Andrew asked.
"Well, yes, but you should have seen him," Saffron remembered. "Mum and Dad came downstairs and found him and he made some smart remark to Mum. Let's just say it wasn't pretty."
Andrew winced. "You don't think--"
Saffron laughed. "No, Andrew! She loves you. She'll be happy for us."
"I hope so," Andrew tried to relax.
They stepped into the lift and Saffron squeezed his hand. "It's going to be grand. Trust me."
Andrew smiled at her. "This really seems surreal, doesn't it?"
Saffron smiled back at him. "It does."
He gave her a kiss. "I love you, Saffron. I've always loved you."
Saffron grinned and looped her arms around his neck. "I love you, too. More than anything."
He kissed her again.
The lift opened a few moments later. Reluctantly, Saffron pulled away from him. "Let's do this."
Andrew felt better as she led him down the corridor to her mother's office.
"Saffron," Samuel said from behind his desk. "This is a nice surprise."
"Hi Samuel," Saffron said. "Is my mother in?"
"She is," Samuel replied. "Go on inside."
"Thanks," Saffron tugged on Andrew's hand.
Saffron opened the door. "Mum?"
Hermione looked up. "Saffy!"
"Hi," Saffron said stepping inside with Andrew. "You're not busy, are you?"
"Not for you," Hermione said.
"Something's happened," Saffron told her. She looked over at Andrew. "Something wonderful."
"What's that?" Hermione asked expectantly.
"Well," Andrew said. "I asked Saffron to marry me and she said yes."
Hermione looked dumbfounded for a moment.
"Minister?" Andrew asked.
"Mum," Saffron said. "I'm getting married!"
Hermione looked at her daughter. She hadn't seen her happy like this in quite some time. "Is this what you want?"
"More than anything," Saffron leaned against Andrew.
"You're both so young," Hermione commented. "I wasn't too much older than you though when I married your father."
"I know," Saffron nodded.
"We haven't even set a date yet, Minister," Andrew said.
"It just happened a little while ago," Saffron said. "We've already gone to see Daddy."
"He gave you his blessing?" Hermione asked.
Saffron and Andrew both nodded.
"Well, now you have mine as well," Hermione said. "Congratulations!"
Saffron broke out into a radiant grin. "Thanks Mum!"
"Let's see that ring," Hermione said coming around her desk. "Saffy, it's gorgeous!"
"It is, isn't it?" Saffron glowed.
"Andrew has excellent taste," Hermione said looking at the young man. "Welcome to the family, Andrew."
"Thank you," Andrew said.
"We were thinking about going out tonight to celebrate," Saffron told her.
Hermione nodded. "Of course."
Saffron grinned. "The future in-laws, too!"
"Definitely," Hermione nodded. "Let me pull a few strings and see if I can get us into The Ivy."
Saffron beamed at her. "Mum!"
"It's not every day my baby gets engaged." Hermione put her arm around her daughter.
Saffron laughed. "No, it's not."
"I'll ring my parents and tell them we're coming over soon," Andrew told her.
"I hope they'll be happy for us too," Saffron said thoughtfully.
"They will be," Andrew assured her.
Hermione gave Andrew a hug. "We're a wild bunch. You sure you're ready to take us on?"
"If I can handle this one I think I can handle anything," Andrew joked.
Saffron nudged him in the side. "I'm going to make you pay for that, Kirke."
"Sure, soon to be Kirke," he nudged her back.
Saffron laughed. "Well, we'd better get going. Mum, I'll ring you as soon as we settle on a time with Mr. and Mrs. Kirke."
Hermione nodded. "Okay, sweetheart. I--I think I'm going to just go downstairs and talk to your dad."
"We'll talk to you in a bit," Saffron said.
Hermione told Samuel where she'd be and she set off for Auror headquarters.
"Harry?" she knocked on his door.
He looked up from his paperwork. "You heard, I gather?"
Hermione nodded. "What do you think?"
"She's so young," Harry said shaking his head. "She's our baby."
"I know," Hermione closed the door behind her. "But she's so happy."
"She is," Harry agreed. "It's good to see her smiling again."
"I'm going to see if I can get reservations at The Ivy tonight, to celebrate," Hermione told him.
"Very posh, Minister," Harry teased her.
"Only the best," Hermione returned.
"Saffy," Harry said looking at an old photograph he had of her on his desk.
"This can't be easy for you," Hermione came around the desk.
"I was happy when Ethan told me he wanted to ask Maddie to marry him," Harry said. "Julie. Saffy. Those are my girls, Hermione."
"I know," Hermione ran her fingers through his wild hair.
"Your dad used to tell me I'd know how he felt when I had daughters," Harry said.
"And I'm sure you do," Hermione said softly.
"Very much so," Harry said giving her a kiss.
"If Nick and Andrew treat our girls even halfway as good as you've treated me..." Hermione began.
"I could have done a lot more," Harry interjected.
"Nonsense," Hermione shook her head.
"You're the best thing that ever happened to me," Harry said smiling lazily at her.
"Same goes for me," Hermione seated herself in his lap.
"Our little girl is getting married," Harry said, shaking his head. "When did this happen? It was just yesterday that she was six.'"
"Asking you to take her up into the air for a ride," Hermione remembered.
"She didn't ask," Harry remembered fondly. "She told me I was taking her up for a ride."
Hermione laughed. "I loved those days too when it was just us, playing with her by the fire, with those blocks."
Harry smiled as he remembered those days, too. He could remember his five-year old daughter running to greet him when he'd arrive home from work.
He would set his case down and the next thing he knew a flash of brown hair hurled itself in his direction.
"DADDY!" Saffron cried latching herself on to his leg.
"Is this my little Saffy?" he asked. "She grew a metre today!"
Saffron giggled. "I'm getting bigger every day! That's what Greta told me!"
"She's right," Harry kissed her cheek.
"Guess what?" Saffron told him. "In school today, I was the only one who could read the story already! Teacher said I was the best in the class!"
Harry grinned. "I always knew my girl was the smartest girl in all of England!"
Saffron beamed at him. "How was your work? Did you catch all the bad guys?"
"All of them," Harry nodded, swinging her around.
"Yay!" Saffron squealed happily.
"Should we celebrate?" Harry asked.
Saffron thought for a moment and then nodded her head. "Mummy too?"
"Always," Harry nodded.
"Let's go get her!" Saffron tugged on his hand.
"You lead the way, baby." Harry told her.
Saffron told him more about her day as she led him down the corridor to Hermione's home office. "And Ethan wrote to me today! He is so funny, Daddy!"
"What did he say?" Harry asked.
"He thinks he's better than me on a broom," Saffron said giggling. "No way!"
Harry laughed. "You'll show him a thing or two, won't you?"
Saffron nodded. "Absolutely!"
Saffron knocked on her mother's door. "Mummy!"
"Come in!" Hermione called.
"Daddy's home, Mummy," Saffron said after Harry opened the door. "He's taking me flying!"
Harry looked down at her. "I am, am I?"
"Cause I'm the smartest," Saffron nodded.
"If it's not too cold out after dinner, I'll take you up," Harry promised.
"Okay," Saffron said. "But it won't be cold!"
"Sweetheart, you're just getting over a cold," Hermione cautioned. "And the forecast is calling for snow..."
Saffron pushed her lower lip out.
"You think that puppy dog look is going to work on me?" Hermione asked coming out from behind her desk and kneeling before her daughter.
"Please Mummy?" Saffron asked.
"It it's not snowing, I suppose you can go up with your father if he promises to bundle you up and put a warming charm on the broom," Hermione said.
"You will, right Daddy?" Saffron begged.
"I will," Harry said tweaking Saffron's nose. "That puppy dog look of yours is hard to resist."
"I know," Saffron grinned.
Harry laughed. "Hermione, what are we going to do with her?'"
"I'm not quite sure," Hermione smiled at her daughter.
Saffron giggled. "Can we play?"
"Play what?" Harry asked.
"Anything?" Saffron asked thoughtfully.
"I suppose," Harry grinned at his wife.
"Stay here," Saffron told them. "Be right back!"
"What's she up to?" Harry asked.
"With her, you never can tell," Hermione said. "She was so excited when I picked her up at school today. You should have seen the look on her face when she told me about how well she'd done."
Harry laughed. "She's just like you when learning things."
Hermione grinned. "And she's as competitive as you."
"She's the best, that's why," Harry said proudly.
"And we're not biased at all," Hermione grinned.
"Of course not," Harry scoffed.
Saffron came back into the room, dragging her toy chest with her.
"Baby, how did you get that downstairs?" Hermione asked.
"I really wanted it and it followed me," Saffron replied.
"I'll say it did," Harry replied.
"She levitated it by herself?" Hermione asked taken aback.
"It floated behind me," Saffron nodded.
Hermione looked at Harry. "I can't believe it."
"She's got the touch," Harry said as the trunk banged to the floor behind Saffron.
Hermione was in awe. "Baby, have you done something like this before?"
"Sometimes my stuffed animals fly around my room," Saffron told her mother.
"Why didn't you say anything?" Hermione asked sitting down on the floor while Saffron opened up the trunk and started pulling out toys.
"Nobody asked me," Saffron said innocently.
"Good point," Harry chuckled. "So what are we going to play?"
"How about dress up?" Hermione asked grabbing one of Saffron's tiaras and putting it on her husband's head.
Saffron giggled. "Daddy you're so pretty!"
Harry made a goofy face at his daughter. "I prefer beautiful, Saffy."
"Okay," Saffron was still giggling. "Daddy's beautiful!"
"It is quite a look for you," Hermione laughed.
"Take a picture Mummy," Saffron said.
"Okay," Hermione grinned getting to her feet. "I'll get my camera. Don't move."
"I don't think so," Harry reached for the tiara.
"Spoil sport," Hermione said. "Well, at least let me get a shot of the two of you."
"Please Daddy?" Saffron asked.
Harry pulled her onto his lap. "Okay, okay."
Saffron grinned widely.
Harry kissed the top of her head. "I love you, baby."
"I love you too Daddy," Saffron said happily. "This much!" she spread her little arms as wide as they would go.
"I love you that much too," Harry said putting his arms around her as Hermione got her camera. At the last moment, he grabbed the tiara and put it back on his head. "This doesn't leave the house, got it?"
"Promise," Hermione said with a grin.
"Daddy and Saffy!" Saffron grinned for the camera.
Harry chuckled and kissed her cheek. "That's right baby."
Hermione took the picture. "Perfect!"
"Now I have to find a dress," Saffron scrambled off his lap.
"Lucky for me, those dresses are too small for me," Harry whispered to his wife.
"I could fix that," Hermione teased.
Harry put his hand over her mouth.
Saffron pulled out a white dress. "Wedding!"
"Are you getting married, baby?" Hermione asked.
Harry shook his head. "My little Saffy is never getting married. Right, baby? You're going to stay with us forever."
"It's just pretend, Daddy." Saffron said.
Harry let out an exaggerated sigh of relief. "That's my girl."
Hermione laughed. "Well, let me transfigure you a bouquet, Saffy."
"Flowers!" Saffron said excitedly. "But who's my husband?"
"How about we send for RJ?" Harry teased.
"Eww!" Saffron made a face.
Harry laughed. "I thought you liked RJ, Saffy."
"But not for a husband!" Saffron exclaimed.
"How about Mr. Bear here?" Hermione asked holding up Saffron's stuffed panda.
"Okay," Saffron agreed.
"I might like to have a few words with Mr. Bear," Harry said.
"About what?" Saffron asked as Hermione helped her into the white dress.
"Make sure he's right for my little girl," Harry said.
"Daddy," Saffron said exasperatedly. "I already told you its just pretend!"
Harry laughed. "Okay, okay."
Saffron whirled in a circle. "I'm so pretty!"
"You are," Harry agreed, grinning at her. "You look just like your mum did on our wedding day."
"I do?" Saffron asked delightedly.
"Yes you do," Hermione said taking the framed photograph from the fireplace mantle and showing it to her daughter. "That was me on my wedding day with your daddy."
"Mummy you were the most beautifulest bride ever!"
Hermione kissed Saffron's cheek. "Thank you, sweetheart. But, I think you are the most beautifulest bride ever."
Saffron hugged her mother.
Hermione held her tightly. "And you know what you also get to do at your wedding?"
"What?" Saffron asked.
"The bride dances with her father," Hermione whispered.
"I do?" Saffron asked.
Hermione nodded.
Harry tapped Saffron on the shoulder. "May I have this dance?"
"Okay, Daddy." Saffron said excitedly.
Harry held out his hand.
Hermione walked over to her desk and turned on the Wireless.
"It's my favourite song," Saffron said happily.
Harry picked her up and Saffron put her arms around his neck.
"I love you Daddy," Saffron said, her feet dangling as Harry swung her around.
"I love you too," Harry whispered.
Hermione took another photograph of her husband and daughter.
"I won't leave, Daddy," Saffron told him.
Harry held her tightly. He knew that someday she would. Someday, years from now, she would be wearing a real wedding dress and he'd be dancing with her while her new husband watched.
"Are you all right?" Hermione asked, jolting him back into the present.
"Just remembering," Harry said quietly.
Hermione continued to stroke his hair back.
"I made fun of Ron," Harry mused. "When he was getting so emotional about Maddie getting married. I thought he was crazy, but here I am feeling the exact same way about my baby girl."
"I know," Hermione said softly. "He knows too."
"He's going to have a field day with me," Harry said with a laugh.
"I won't let him," Hermione said.
Harry put his arms around her. "Thanks, Hermione."
Hermione gave him a kiss. "I love you."
"I love you too," Harry said. He looked at her. "What did you do with that photograph by the way? The one that we took in your home office with me wearing Saffy's crown?"
"That's in my office, in a drawer where no one but me can see it." Hermione answered.
Harry grinned. "Good."
"I'd better go see about making those reservations," Hermione said.
Harry nodded. "Let me know."
"I'll send down a note," Hermione answered.
Hermione walked out of his office and bumped into her son. "Ethan!"
"Hey Mum," Ethan said. "Heard the good news, eh?"
"Yes, I did," Hermione grinned. "Your father's having a little trouble with it."
"I'm sure," Ethan said ruefully.
"How about you?" Hermione asked. "She is your baby sister?"
"I like Andrew," Ethan said. "I think he's been good for her."
"He has," Hermione agreed. "And he fits in nicely with our family."
"I won't have to rough him up," Ethan grinned.
Hermione swatted at him. "Ethan James."
"Just kidding," Ethan answered.
"I'm going to make reservations," Hermione told him. "Are you, Kiera and Maddie in?"
Ethan nodded. "Let me just make sure, but I'm positive we'll be there."
"Okay," Hermione said. "I'll see you later."
Ethan pecked his mother on the cheek. "See you later."
"Behave yourself," Hermione teased as she left headquarters.
"Never!" Ethan called.
Meanwhile, Maddie was sitting at her desk feeding Kiera her bottle. One of the perks of her job was being able to bring Kiera to work with her. Smythe had been more than accommodating and all of Maddie's co-workers had fallen in love with the baby.
"That's my hungry girl," Maddie said softly.
"How is our little mind reader today?" Smythe asked.
"She's good," Maddie replied. "Just finished eating."
Smythe smiled. "And how are you? Have you had any visions today?"
"Not today," Maddie shook her head. "So I've been organising old cases."
"That's me as well," Smythe told her. "If anything comes up, you'll let me know?"
"Soon as it hits," Maddie promised,
Smythe was on her way out when Ethan arrived.
"Don't worry, I'm here for purely personal reasons," Ethan said with a charming grin.
"I saw that," Smythe teased.
"Cute, Smythe," Ethan said laughing. "Very cute."
Maddie smiled when she saw her husband. "This is a pleasant surprise."
"Did I miss her lunch?" Ethan asked.
"Just now," Maddie replied. "But you can still burp her."
Ethan laughed. "The fun stuff."
"I do know it's your favourite part." Maddie laughed.
"Come to Daddy," Ethan said picking up a towel from Maddie's desk and draping it over his shoulder. He gingerly took the baby from Maddie. "Okay, Kiera. I know you've got a good one in you..."
"What brings you by?" Maddie asked as Ethan patted Kiera's back gently.
"Big news," Ethan told her. "You're never in a million years going to guess what it is."
"Hmm..." Maddie closed her eyes. "I bet if I concentrate..."
Ethan shook his head. "No. No. None of that. Just guess."
"I don't know," Maddie shook her head. "But it must be important if you're down here."
"Saffy and Andrew are engaged," Ethan told her.
Maddie's jaw dropped open. "What!"
"She and Andrew were upstairs a few minutes ago," Ethan said. "Telling Mum and Dad."
"Oh my goodness!" Maddie said. "How wonderful!"
"And what about you, Kiera Faith?" Ethan asked looking down at his daughter. "What do you think?"
Kiera let out a rather loud burp and then cooed happily at her father.
Ethan laughed. "I knew she had a good one in her."
"She's your girl," Maddie said dryly.
"That was a Weasley burp," Ethan said.
"Sure it was," Maddie shook her head. "So Saffy and Andrew... engaged. I can't believe it."
"Neither can I," Ethan said sitting down with the baby.
"She'll be a lovely bride," Maddie said.
"They haven't set a date yet," Ethan said. "At least I don't think they have. Mum said we were all going out to celebrate."
"Where at?" Maddie asked.
"The Ivy," Ethan said in a deep voice.
Maddie's eyebrows rose. "How fancy!"
"Only the best for the brat," Ethan joked.
"Are we going?" Maddie asked as Kiera kicked her little legs.
"I told Mum I needed to check with you," Ethan replied.
"I'd love to go and help celebrate," Maddie replied.
"Me too," Ethan said. "And I'm sure this one would love to get all dressed up, wouldn't you, Kiera?"
Kiera cooed at him.
"It'll be the perfect opportunity for me to dress her up in the new outfit Nana made for her," Maddie said eagerly.
"She's going to look gorgeous," Ethan said kissing his daughter's soft cheek.
"Of course," Maddie replied. "I'm going to go talk to Smythe and see if I can't get the rest of the afternoon off to get ready."
Ethan grinned. "I wish I could do the same. You know how long it takes for me to get dressed and made up."
"All of five minutes?" Maddie returned.
"Funny," Ethan said setting their daughter back in her portable crib. "You be good for Mummy, Kiera."
"She always is," Maddie gave her husband a kiss.
"I'll let you know what time we're going," Ethan said.
"Sounds great," Maddie said.