Authors' note: Quite a response to the last chapter! We know that a lot of you are disappointed and angry. We hope that you will continue to read and trust us. This storyline is going to bring Neville/Cho back into the fold because out of all of them, that couple would understand what is going on with Andrew and Saffy. For those of you who think that this is a rehash of that storyline, it really isn't. It is a completely different situation, but the question is the same---can you love a child who is not biologically yours? Neville/Cho/Chiaki are going to try and help Saffy and Andrew through this. Just keep that in mind. For the readers that we might have lost, we do understand why they might have stopped reading, but they really are going to miss out on this because something good might just come out of this mess. We really do hope that you all will continue to read. And, if you haven't already and you'd like a dose of happiness, read our Christmas fiction for the Last Dance Universe. We posted the first part on Wednesday and will post the second and final part this coming Wednesday. It's titled, "Here Comes Santa Claus". Thanks again and to all of you, Happy Holidays!
Back at the beach house, Andrew was just coming inside from taking Puddles for his walk. He saw Chiaki and Toshio with their twins. "There's the groom-to-be!" Chiaki exclaimed.
Andrew grinned. "In the flesh."
Chiaki gave him a hug. "It's so good to see you!"
"You too," Andrew replied as Puddles dashed over to Sukie.
"Pup-py!" Sukie squealed.
"Hi doggy," Mas said, reaching for Puddles.
"Jules was telling us that Saffy hasn't been feeling well," Toshio commented to Andrew.
Andrew shook his head. "She's been pretty much in bed all week."
"This party might be just what she needs," Chiaki said.
"I think it'll cheer her up," Andrew nodded.
"Sassy's pup-py," Sukie announced patting Puddle's on the top of his head.
"That's right sweetheart," Toshio told her.
"They're getting so big," Andrew said. "I know Saffy's going to love seeing them."
"Where is Sassy?" Mas asked.
"She and Alexa went shopping," Andrew replied. "If she's well enough to shop, she'll be fine tonight," Chiaki reassured Andrew.
Andrew grinned. "I hope so."
"We'll make ourselves scarce," Chiaki said. "We don't want to spoil the surprise." She took Sukie's hand. "Come on, let's go and get ready for the party."
"I want my Snow dress," Sukie said.
Chiaki tickled her daughter's side. "You always want that dress."
"Because I'm Snow!" Sukie giggled.
"Okay, Snow," Chiaki picked up her daughter. She carried her upstairs and smiled when she saw her father coming out of his room.
"Daddy!" Neville's face lit up when he saw his daughter. "Sweetheart! I didn't think you lot were coming in until later!"
"We decided to come by a little early," Chiaki said. "Sukie wanted to see her cousins."
"Grandpa!" Sukie squealed, reaching for him.
"Hello you," Neville reached for his granddaughter.
Sukie beamed at him. "Grandpa!"
"How's my girl?" Neville asked.
"Snow's fine," Sukie replied putting her arms around his neck. Neville smiled at his daughter. "You know, she reminds me so much of you at this age."
Chiaki laughed. "That's a scary thought."
"Just like Mummy," Sukie grinned mischievously.
Neville laughed. "You're just like your mummy. Down to the dress."
"Mas and Toshio are still downstairs with Andrew," Chiaki told him.
"I just saw Saffron and Alexa down the street," Neville told her. "You may want to get them up here if you don't want Saffron to know you're here."
Chiaki looked over her shoulder. "Tosh! Come on upstairs with Mas!"
"Grandpa!" Mas reached to him when Toshio carried him upstairs.
"Hey, buddy!" Neville picked him up. "How's my little guy?"
"Good," Mas grinned at him.
Toshio laughed. "He's better than good. He and Sukie were really excited when we told them we were going to stay at the beach for a few days."
"I have princess club," Sukie told everyone.
"Of course, the meetings," Chiaki teased. "We can't miss those."
"I want to swim," Mas interrupted.
"You can go swimming with me," Toshio told his son. "We might even get your old Grandpa to go with us."
Mas laughed. "Okay!"
"Come on," Neville said to them. "Let's go hide so Saffy doesn't see us."
"Hide and seek?" Mas looked at his sister.
Sukie nodded. "Hide!"
"No seek," Chiaki said firmly.
The two children giggled as they ran into their room just as Alexa and Saffron entered the house.
"There's my girl," Andrew said.
Saffron froze. "Hi..."
"Something's wrong," Andrew said folding his arms.
"Just tired," Saffron managed.
Andrew laughed. "No, I mean, you went shopping and you came home empty-handed. I thought you'd be loaded down with bags."
"I didn't find anything," Saffron went to move past him.
Andrew grabbed her by the arm. "I missed you."
"I think I'm still sick," Saffron said.
Andrew looked at her. "You've been crying."
"I threw up in town," Saffron lied.
"She was going to take a kip before your date," Alexa told him.
"Oh," Andrew replied. "All right then."
Saffron went upstairs without another word. Andrew smiled at Alexa. "So, she doesn't suspect anything, does she?"
Alexa shook her head.
Andrew grinned. "I can't wait to see the look on her face when she sees everyone. And don't worry; RJ's handling the decorations with Gabe, Mimi, Jake and Beth. Peter couldn't come because of some big exam."
Alexa nodded. "Sounds good."
"Are you okay?" Andrew asked. "You look a little preoccupied."
"I'm fine," she said. "Just... tired I guess. I hope I'm not coming down with the same thing Saffy has."
"I hope not," Andrew said. "Maybe you should kip too. It's going to be a big night tonight."
"Good idea," Alexa said, eager to escape.
"I'll see you later," Andrew said. "And I hope you feel better."
"Thanks," Alexa watched him head into the sitting room. She felt awful not being able to tell him what she knew.
Saffron managed to get some sleep and she was grateful that Andrew didn't interrupt her. The last thing she wanted was to look into his face and tell him the horrible truth. She would go out with him tonight and break the news to him. Tell him that she would always love him, but she would not tie him down like this.
She didn't even want to go that night but he was insistent.
She half-heartedly went through the motions of getting ready.
Saffron was dismayed to see that all of her clothing revealed the slight bulge in her stomach, but she hoped it wasn't big enough that everyone would notice.
Andrew came into the room carrying two neckties. "Okay, which do you like best, the blue or the grey?"
Saffron jumped. "What?"
"Sorry," Andrew apologised. "I thought you heard me come in. I was wondering which tie you thought went best? The blue or the grey?"
"Um... the blue I guess," Saffron said quietly.
Andrew grinned. "Will you help me tie it? I'm rubbish with that, as you well know..."
Saffron managed a tiny smile. "Sure."
"You look beautiful," Andrew told her as she took the tie from him. "I always love it when you wear blue."
"It's the only thing that fits," she muttered.
"What?" Andrew asked.
"Nothing," Saffron said quickly. "Here..."
Andrew smiled at her. "I love you, Saf."
Saffron turned and faked a cough. "I um... I need to finish getting ready..."
"We need to get a move on," Andrew told her. "Our reservation at the Sand Dune is for seven."
"I'll only be a minute," Saffron fought back tears.
"Oh," Andrew said. "Before I forget, your coach came by earlier today."
"He did?" Saffron asked.
"He wanted to speak with you and RJ," Andrew told her. "Apparently, there's some big charity match being planned to benefit House Elves Rights. You were selected to play on a team."
"I was?" Saffron asked, brushing at her hair.
"Yeah, you and Natalia were the only female players invited out of the whole league," Andrew said. "That's quite an honour, Saf."
"Me and Natalia?" Saffron asked uncertainly.
"Yeah," Andrew nodded. "But don't worry. Audrey says she seems really happy with this new bloke she's seeing. I don't think it'll be a problem."
"Hopefully not," Saffron set the brush down.
"I'll be downstairs," Andrew told her.
"I'll only be another minute or two," Saffron replied.
Andrew grinned at her again before he walked out of the room. Saffron felt another pang of guilt. He was so happy and in a few minutes, she'd break his heart.
She wondered if she should do it before dinner. It was probably best.
When she stepped out of the room, she was amazed at how quiet the house seemed.
"Where is everyone?" she asked Andrew.
"The neighbours were having a barbecue," Andrew told her. "I think they're all over there."
"Oh," Saffron accepted the story. "Okay..."
Andrew took her hand. "Ready?"
"Just a minute--" she began.
"We're running late," Andrew cut her off. "We don't want to miss the reservation."
"I'm sure a few minutes won't hurt," Saffron tried again.
"Come on, Miss Potter," Andrew said taking her by the hand again. "Let's go. I'm starving."
Saffron helplessly followed him out of the house.
At the Sand Dune, everyone was waiting for the guests of honour. Everyone seemed to be in a party mood, except for Alexa.
Gabe nudged his girlfriend. "You know, this is a party..."
"Sorry," she said. "I'm tired."
"You and RJ really did an amazing job planning this," Gabriel said looking around at the banquet room.
"Thanks," Alexa replied distantly.
"How about I go and grab us a drink?" Gabriel offered.
"Sure," Alexa replied. "Thanks Gabe."
The other party planner was in a much better mood. He was going around the party taking photographs. Audrey had come up with the idea to do a photo album to present to the happy couple.
"Smile, Drew," RJ said snapping a photo of her and Chloe.
"Junior, you've already taken seven of us," Drew pointed out. "I can't see from that bloody flash."
"Blind," Chloe said, repeating what her mother had commented moments ago.
"Sorry," RJ apologised. "Don't worry, Drew. I had the chef send over some food to Darla at the hospital."
"That was nice of you, RJ." Drew said.
"She's my big sister," RJ said. "And I know she hated missing the party."
"She's better off there tonight," Drew replied, shifting Chloe to her other arm.
"Peace and quiet," RJ grinned. "Something that's rare at the beach house."
"Well at least she's at the hospital where they can keep an eye on things for us," Drew replied. "I would be there with her except she said she wanted to sleep."
"I'm glad you decided to come," RJ said smiling at his sister. "It wouldn't be a party without Princess Chloe."
"Where's Aud?" Chloe asked.
"She's talking with Nana and Grandpa Arthur over there," RJ said motioning to the front of the room.
"I want to see her," Chloe replied.
"Come on then," RJ said taking her from Drew. "Let's go, Munchkin."
"Kay," Chloe said happily. "I can't wait for Sassy to come!"
"Should be soon," RJ told her as he carried her over to Audrey and his grandparents.
"Hi Aud!" Chloe reached for her.
"Hiya, Chloe!" Audrey said hugging the little girl. "Don't you look pretty!"
Chloe grinned at her.
Molly looked around the room. "I can't wait to see Saffy's face when she sees everyone!"
"She needs a pick me up and I think this will do it," RJ agreed.
Mimi ran into the room. "They're arriving! Everyone get into place!"
"Let's hide," Audrey told Chloe. "Quick!"
Chloe giggled. "Hide from Sassy!"
"Why are we coming back here?" Saffron asked Andrew. "The tables are all up front..."
"This one back here has the best seaside view," Andrew said. "I want tonight to be romantic."
"But Andrew--" Saffron began.
Andrew gave her a kiss. "Come on."
Saffron sighed in frustration. Every attempt she'd made to talk to him he had thwarted.
Andrew opened the door and Saffron gasped when a room full of their family and friends shouted "SURPRISE!"
"What.... why?" she asked.
"Your engagement, silly!" Beth replied, coming forward to give her a hug. "Happy Engagement!"
"Oh..." Saffron said, the sinking feeling in her stomach intensifying.
Andrew put his arm around her. "Were you surprised?"
"Very..." Saffron uttered.
"Sassy!" Chloe, Casey, Mas, Sukie, Noah and Aidan made a beeline for her.
The sight of their little faces made Saffron feel a bit better. She knelt down and managed to capture them all in one big hug.
"I'm so glad all of you are here," Saffron whispered.
"I'm the flower girl!" Chloe said happily.
"Yes you are," Saffron said softly. She felt fresh tears welling up in her eyes.
"Why sad?" Mas asked.
Saffron put her hand on his chubby cheek. "I'm not sad, Mas. I'm just so happy to see you."
"Me too," Mas grinned.
Andrew tugged affectionately at one of Casey's plaits. "They were all great at keeping the secret."
"We didn't tell," Casey said proudly.
"RJ promised them all big pieces of cake if they didn't tell," Andrew explained.
"I get the biggest!" Sukie claimed.
"I get the biggest," Emma announced coming up behind all of them with Adam.
"Of course you do," RJ grinned at his niece.
Andrew put his hand on Saffron's shoulder. "You can thank RJ and Lexie for putting this together for us."
Saffron turned to look at her friends. While RJ looked smug- no doubt happy she'd been surprised- Alexa just looked apprehensive.
She caught sight of her parents standing with Ethan and Maddie. Baby Kiera was staring at Saffron's stomach. Saffron instinctively put a hand to her stomach. The room suddenly felt extremely warm and crowded. Saffron felt as if she couldn't breathe.
"Saffy?" Alexa rushed to her side.
Saffron latched onto her friend's arm. "I--I can't---"
"It's okay," Alexa told her.
Saffron shook her head. "No. It's not okay. It's never going to be okay again..."
"What are you talking about?" Andrew asked her.
Saffron turned to look at him. "Andrew, I need to talk to you."
"About what?" Andrew asked.
Saffron could not tell him with everyone watching like this. She took his hand and led him outside the room.
"What is going on?" Andrew asked, starting to get worried.
Saffron could not look at him. She had no idea how she could tell him her news.
"Tell me what's going on," he reached for her hand. "We'll get through whatever it is."
Saffron pulled away. "I didn't go shopping today, Andrew."
He shook his head in confusion. "Then where--"
"Alexa went with me to the doctor's," Saffron interjected. "I found out---I found out that I was--"
"Found out you were what?" Andrew asked. "Sick?"
Saffron shook her head. "Pregnant."
For a long terrible moment Andrew just stared at her. "What?"
"I found out a couple of days ago when I took a home pregnancy test," Saffron said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"A few days ago?" Andrew asked. "Saffy-- why didn't you tell me?"
Saffron bit her bottom lip. "I wanted to be sure..."
"But I would have gone with you," Andrew said.
Saffron shook her head. "You don't understand, Andrew."
"Don't understand what?" Andrew asked. "You're pregnant with our child--"
Saffron's legs felt shaky and she clutched the back of a chair for support.
Andrew caught her. "Saffy--"
"The baby's not yours," Saffron choked out.
He froze.
"The baby's Daniel's," Saffron said unable to look at him.
"O'Neal's?" Andrew asked.
"I'm so sorry," Saffron whispered.
"Saf..." Andrew shook his head. "It doesn't matter."
"It changes everything!" Saffron protested.
"I love you," Andrew argued. "We'll work something out. Maybe the baby isn't his!"
Saffron shook her head. "The doctor confirmed it, Andrew."
"But we don't know that the baby is HIS," Andrew said.
"We do," Saffron shook her head.
"How?" Andrew asked.
"The doctor said the baby was conceived in mid-March," Saffron told him, her eyes shining with tears. "That's when Scanlon's party was."
Andrew felt like he'd been punched in the gut.
Saffron reluctantly pulled her engagement ring off of her finger. "I'm so sorry, Andrew."
Andrew shook his head.
'"You didn't sign on for this," Saffron said holding out the ring.
"I'm not taking that back," Andrew said.
"Take it," Saffron pleaded.
"No," Andrew said. "We aren't breaking up."
Saffron stared at him.
"We aren't breaking up," he said firmly.
"Did you hear anything I said?" Saffron asked him in disbelief. "This baby isn't yours."
"I don't care," Andrew replied. "I love you, and I'll love this baby."
Saffron shook her head. "You say that now..."
"I mean it," Andrew replied.
Saffron opened her mouth to say something, but the door to the banquet room opened and Hermione stepped out. "Saffron?"
Andrew turned and Saffron took that moment to press the ring into his hand and dash away.
"Saffron!" Hermione called out to her daughter.
Saffron didn't stop; she rushed out of the restaurant and managed to hold back her tears until she was outside on the pavement.
The night air was cold on her skin, but she didn't care. She kept seeing Andrew's face in her mind.
Hermione couldn't let her daughter run off. "Saffron!" she called.
Saffron wiped at her eyes.
"Baby what's wrong?" Hermione caught up to her.
"I'm not feeling well," Saffron said; which was true.
"Why didn't you just say so?" Hermione asked. "I'm sure Andrew would have sat outside with you."
"I'm going to go home," Saffron said wiping at her eyes.
"Sweetheart tell me what's wrong," Hermione said concerned.
Saffron sat down on one of the benches. She put her head in her hands. The last thing she wanted to do was disappoint her mother, too.
"Tell me, love." Hermione said softly.
"Mum," Saffron looked up. "I'm--pregnant."
Hermione was speechless.
Saffron told her mother about taking the at-home test and then going to the Muggle doctor. "The baby's Daniel O'Neal's, Mum."
"Oh sweetheart," Hermione hugged her tightly.
Saffron sobbed into her mother's shoulder.
"It's going to be okay," Hermione soothed her.
"I broke things off with Andrew," Saffron told her.
"Why?" Hermione asked.
"This baby changes everything," Saffron said, putting her hand to her stomach.
"I'm sure you and Andrew can work something out," Hermione told her.
"There's nothing to work out," Saffron said shaking her head. "I'm pregnant with Daniel O'Neal's baby, Mum."
Hermione sighed. "Let's get you back to the house..."
"There you two are," Harry said coming over to join them.
"We're going home," Hermione told her husband. "Will you... will you settle things at the restaurant then meet us at the house?"
"Saffy?" Harry asked his daughter. "What in the world is going on?"
Saffron just shook her head.
"Just meet us at the house," Hermione said to him. "We'll talk there."
"Okay," Harry said, still not ready to drop this. "If Andrew did something---"
"He didn't," Hermione reassured him. "Just ---just drop it for now, Harry."
Saffron crossed her arms around herself and blinked to fight back her tears.
"I'll meet you back at the house," Harry told them.
"Thank you," Hermione said softly.
Saffron leaned against her mother. "I wanted to talk to you about this since I found out."
"Why didn't you say anything?" Hermione asked.
"I couldn't," Saffron said.
"You can tell us anything," Hermione told her.
Saffron stopped walking and turned to face her mother. "I saw the baby, you know? In the ultrasound..."
"You saw the baby?" Hermione asked.
Saffron nodded and reached into her purse. She pulled out the ultrasound photograph.
"Oh sweetheart," Hermione's eyes flooded with tears.
"The doctor said it was too early to tell if it's a boy or a girl," Saffron said softly.
"This is beautiful," Hermione said. "I know what's happened to you is inexcusable--"
Saffron nodded. "I can't hate the baby. It's a part of me."
Hermione nodded. "Your father is going to be upset about this, but not at you."
Saffron looked at her mother. "Maybe I should go home to London."
"If that's what you want..." Hermione said. "I'll go with you."
"Mum, this is your holiday---" Saffron started to protest.
"I want to be with you," Hermione said. "You shouldn't be alone."
Saffron gave her mother a hug. "I love you so much, Mum."
"I love you too, baby." Hermione kissed the side of her daughter's head.
The two of them walked slowly back to the beach house. Everyone was still back at the restaurant and for that Saffron was grateful. She didn't want to face anyone else tonight. She hoped she'd be packed and gone before anyone else was the wiser.
Hermione smoothed her daughter's hair back. "Don't worry Saffron. We'll help you."
Saffron heard a loud pop from downstairs. "Dad's here."
Hermione squeezed her hand. "We'll tell him together."
Saffron nodded.
"What's going on?" Harry appeared in the doorway. "Don't tell me nothing--"
"Perhaps you should sit down," Hermione told him.
"Why?" he demanded.
Hermione put her hands on her hips. "Harry James Potter, sit down."
"Daddy," Saffron said as he perched on the edge of the bed. "Um... when... well that time that Daniel O'Neal..."
Harry sighed. "Saffy---"
"I'm pregnant," Saffron whispered.
Harry stared wordlessly at his daughter.
"Please don't hate me," she said, her voice shaking.
Harry took her hands in his. "Sweetheart, I could never hate you."
Saffron's lips trembled as she hugged her father.
"Everything's going to be okay," Harry said holding her tightly.
"She's three months along," Hermione told him.
"I have an ultrasound picture," Saffron said.
"Let's see it," Harry said squeezing her hand.
Saffron pulled it out and handed it to him. "We don't know if it's a boy or girl yet."
Harry looked at the photograph and smiled. "Another grandchild to spoil."
Saffron stared at the picture, her chest heavy. "I can't ask Andrew to raise Daniel O'Neal's child."
"Saffron," Hermione said gently. "Andrew's going to love this baby just as much as he would if it was his own."
Saffron shook her head.
"Your mother's right," Harry said. "He was really worried about you. I didn't know what to tell him because--well, I didn't know what was going on."
"I can't talk to him now," Saffron said, standing up and grabbing her suitcase. "I need some time."
"I'm going to go back home to London with Saffy," Hermione said to Harry.
Harry nodded. "I'll clear things up around here and come home tomorrow."
"Thanks, Daddy," Saffron said softly.
"Anything you need, baby." Harry said.
Saffron hugged him again. "I'm so sorry, Daddy."
"It's not your fault, sweetheart." Harry told her.
"I just keep finding some way to mess everything up," Saffron said, her lower lip trembling.
"You didn't do anything wrong," Hermione said.
"I know that logically, but emotionally, I just feel like I set this all in motion," Saffron said turning to look at her mother.
Hermione brushed her hair back. "Just know that we all love you, no matter what. And your father and I will always be here for you."
Saffron smiled slightly. "Thank you, Mum."
"I'll help you finish packing," Hermione said.
Saffron nodded.
"What would you like me to tell the others?" Harry asked.
Saffron sighed. "I'm sure Andrew's told them all by now."
"I'll set them all straight," Harry replied.
Saffron and Hermione packed their things fairly quickly. Saffron contemplated leaving Andrew a note, but she did not think of anything else she could say to him. She had already broken his heart.
Instead, she scrawled that she'd talk to him soon on a piece of paper and left it on the nightstand.
She knelt down and picked up Puddles. "It's time to go home."
Puddles licked at her face and wagged his tail.
Saffron gave him a slight smile. "You always try and make me feel better."
"He knows when you're upset," Hermione closed her daughter's suitcase.
"I just wish things were different," Saffron said. "You know when we arrived here, I was so happy."
Hermione put her arm around Saffron's shoulders. "I know, baby."
"Let's go, Mum," Saffron said softly.
It didn't take them long to reach the mansion back in London. "Want me to make you some tea?" Hermione asked.
"I'd like that," Saffron said sitting down on the sofa.
"I'll see if we have some scones too," Hermione went into the kitchen.
Puddles cuddled up beside Saffron and she looked around the room. Her whole world felt like it had fallen apart. Her eyes fell on a photograph of her grandmother.
"Oh, Gran," Saffron whispered. "I wish you were here to tell me what to do.
"She'd probably tell me to be strong," Saffron stroked her dog's head. "And that I can face any situation that came my way."
A few minutes later, Hermione came into the sitting room carrying a tray of tea and scones.
"Those smell good," she admitted.
"I imagine you're hungry," Hermione said.
"I haven't eaten today," Saffron said quietly.
"Sweetheart!" Hermione exclaimed. "You should eat something!"
"I will, right now." Saffron said. "I was just too nervous earlier."
"I can understand that," Hermione said pouring them each a cup of tea.
Saffron buttered one of the scones and devoured it. She was surprised at how hungry she suddenly was.
"You know," Hermione said. "When I was pregnant with you, I think I ate my weight in scones."
"Really?" Saffron asked.
Hermione nodded. "And one time, I got a craving for them at three in the morning. Your father had to Apparate all over London looking for an all-night bakery that had some."
Saffron had to laugh.
"And when I was pregnant with Ethan, I craved spicy foods," Hermione said. "Which was so strange, given I can't stand them normally."
"That explains a lot," Saffron fed a bit of scone to Puddles.
Hermione laughed. "You and your brother..."
"He's been good to me though," Saffron leaned back.
"He'd do anything for you," Hermione said. "We all would."
"Thanks," Saffron reached for another scone.
"So," Hermione said thoughtfully.
Saffron looked up at her mother.
"You've got a lot of decisions to make," Hermione said.
Saffron nodded. "I know."
"And no matter what you decide, we'll support you," Hermione said squeezing her hand.
"I can't get rid of my baby," Saffron said.
Hermione gave her a hug.
"But I can't make Andrew raise someone else's baby," Saffron said.
"Saffron," Hermione said. "Andrew loves you."
"I don't know how he can love me now," Saffron blinked back tears. "I just hate all this."
"He stood by you after what happened with Daniel," Hermione reminded her. "Baby, don't shut him out. Give him a chance to make this decision for himself."
"I can't open myself up like that," Saffron wrapped her arms around herself. "I'll talk to him... soon. Just not right now. Not after tonight."
"You know," Hermione said. "You know someone very well who was raised by a man who wasn't her biological father. Someone who would tell you that she never, ever felt like she was any different from her two sisters who were biologically his children."
Saffron just looked at her. "You can't tell me anything that's going to change my mind."
"Maybe I can't, but perhaps you could talk to Chiaki and Neville," Hermione suggested.
Saffron shrugged. "That's a completely different situation."
"Just think about it," Hermione told her. "Sweetheart, I know how much Andrew loves you."
Saffron wiped her eyes.
"I can't tell you what to do," Hermione said. "But, I just hope you will think long and hard about this."
"I will," Saffron picked up her tea. "I think I'm going to go to bed."
"I'll check on you in a few minutes," Hermione told her.
"I'll be okay," Saffron replied.
"If you need anything," Hermione offered. "You know where I am."
"Thanks," Saffron kissed her mother on the cheek. "I'll see you in the morning."
"Good night," Hermione said watching her daughter go.
Back in Brighton, Andrew was walking alone down the beach. He had expected many things about tonight, but he certainly had not expected this.
Pregnant. Saffron was pregnant. And she was convinced it was that bastard O'Neal's child and not his.
His first reaction when she'd told him had been one of disbelief.
Truly, he hadn't wanted to believe her. Things had been going so well lately that he thought nothing could come between them.
He took the engagement ring out of his pocket and sighed. He hadn't lied when he told her he didn't want it back. It should be on her finger. But, he also knew that once Saffron made up her mind, it was pretty much set.
He didn't know what else he could do. There was nothing more he wanted than to marry her. And while he knew she was likely right that she was carrying O'Neal's baby, it was something he knew he could adapt to.
As he approached the beach house, he was happy to see that most of the lights in the house were out. He didn't really want to see anyone. It had been a long night and he wasn't really in the mood for all the questions that were sure to greet him.
But, he wasn't that lucky. Neville Longbottom was sitting on the deck.
"Mr. Longbottom," Andrew said, nodding in his direction.
"Andrew," Neville said. "I know it's a stupid question, but how are you doing?"
Andrew sank down onto one of the lounge chairs. "I honestly don't know."
Neville nodded. "Can I tell you something that might help?"
Andrew looked at him. "Sure."
"I don't know if anyone's ever told you, but Chiaki's my adopted daughter." Neville said.
"I didn't know," Andrew said taken aback.
"When we were younger, probably about your age, Cho was with another bloke who she thought was going to stay with her." Neville recalled. "Nick's father."
"So what happened?" Andrew asked.
"I was crazy about her," Neville said wryly. "But I never thought she'd look twice at me. She initially went to have an abortion, but she couldn't go through with it. So I took her out of there... and we just got closer and closer. We married before Chiaki was born... and the first time I held her... I can't even begin to describe it."
"You loved her," Andrew said quietly.
"She was my daughter," Neville nodded. "It didn't matter I had no hand in making her biologically. I knew I was going to do my best to make sure she had a safe, happy life."
"You never felt different toward her?" Andrew asked. "I mean, after Allie and Frankie came along?"
Neville shook his head. "Not once."
"Saffron said she didn't want to make me raise another bloke's child," Andrew said with a sigh.
"I think Cho felt that way too at first," Neville said. "But I convinced her otherwise just by being there when she needed me."
"I want to be there," Andrew said. "I love her. That hasn't changed."
"You might just have to be patient," Neville advised.
"She's stubborn," Andrew said.
Neville nodded. "Very."
They sat in companionable silence for a few moments.
"Mr. Longbottom, when did you tell Chiaki the truth?" Andrew asked.
"When she was older," Neville said. "Right before she went to Hogwarts."
"That couldn't have been easy," Andrew commented.
"She was upset," Neville said. "But I told her it didn't matter. Not one bit. She's as much my daughter as Allison and Frankie."
"I honestly didn't know," Andrew said quietly.
"We don't always tell people," Neville said.
"I'd like to think I'd do the same," Andrew said.
"I'm sure you would," Neville said. "Saffron just needs to know that. Give her a day or two... she needs to figure herself out."
Andrew nodded. "Thanks, Mr. Longbottom."
"Anytime you want to talk, just let me know." Neville offered.
Andrew shook his hand. "It's nice to know that someone knows what this is like."
Neville nodded. "Nice to know you aren't alone."
Andrew said a quick good night and walked into the house, leaving Neville alone on the patio. Neville leaned back in his chair. He hoped that he had helped the younger man. He knew that the next few days, weeks, and months would test both Andrew and Saffron. But, he also knew, that he had meant every word he had said to Andrew. Chiaki was his daughter in every way that mattered.
He thought of the afternoon he'd spent with her, Toshio and the twins. It was things like that he wouldn't give up for all the money in the world.
Things had not always been easy. There were times when he worried that Draco Malfoy might come around and claim his daughter.
Yet after seeing him so long ago and Chiaki meeting him face to face, Neville knew he would never contest. He still clearly recalled how quickly Malfoy had sent the adoption papers back.
He was so lost in thought, he didn't hear Cho come out and sit beside him. "Hey."
"Hi," he responded.
"It's late," Cho said softly.
"I feel bad for Saffron and Andrew," Neville told her. "Reminds me of what we went through."
Cho nodded. "It definitely brings up memories."
"I told him he could talk to us when he needed to," Neville said.
"I think I should try and speak to Saffy," Cho said thoughtfully. "I told Harry I would."
"I told Andrew to give her a day or two to clear out her head," Neville slid his arm around her. "Maybe we all should step back."
Cho rested her head on his shoulder. "I think that would be best."
"I remember talking about this," Neville said. "With Chiaki."
"That was one of the hardest things we've ever had to do," Cho said softly.
"I'm glad we waited to tell her," Neville said. "I think filling her in at as early an age as we originally planned would have been a mistake."
Cho nodded in agreement. They had nearly told her so many times. She could remember one such occasion when Chiaki was doing a project for one of her classes in primary school. Chiaki was nine years old and Allison was four. Frankie was a precocious two-year old. Cho was keeping her husband company while he made dinner.
"Mummy!" Allison twirled into the room. "Look at my dress!"
Cho turned and stifled a laugh. "Sweetheart, that's MY dress."
"Chi helped me," Allison stumbled on the hem.
Frankie toddled over to her sister. "Me wear!"
"It's too big, Frankie." Allison told her sister.
Frankie pouted.
Chiaki laughed as she set her book bag on the table. She was going to work on her homework before dinner. "I think you both could fit in there, Allie."
Allison giggled. "Maybe."
Frankie stuck her tongue out at Allison. "No fair!"
"Come on Frankie," Allison said. "Let's try."
Frankie thought about this for a moment before nodding her head.
Cho smiled. "What are you working on, love?" she asked her oldest daughter.
Chiaki pulled out her notebook and workbook. "Well, we have to answer questions about our families."
"Oh?" Cho asked. "Like what?"
"We have to do a family tree," Chiaki said handing her mother the worksheet.
"That sounds like fun," Cho said. "Want some help?"
"Yes, please," Chiaki said eagerly. "We have to go way back and we're supposed to use pictures too."
Allison and Frankie were giggling as they tried to move around the kitchen in the too big dress.
"I think that would be a great picture of your sisters," Cho summoned the camera.
Chiaki smiled. "I think so too."
Cho took a few pictures and then looked at her daughter. "Here we are... and I think there's a box of old photos in the closet. I'll get them."
Neville looked over his shoulder at the two of them. "You can feel free to use lots of photos of my handsome mug."
"I'll only need one," Chiaki grinned at him.
"Just one, eh?" Neville asked. "How ever will I pose?"
His three daughters laughed as he posed in dramatic fashion.
"Silly!" Frankie exclaimed, toddling over and pulling Allison with her.
Allison giggled. "Frankie!"
Chiaki dug through the box of photos. "Mum?"
"What is it, love?" Cho asked.
"How come no one has grey eyes like me?" Chiaki asked. "No one else in the family does."
"W-what?" Cho asked.
"Daddy has brown eyes and so do you," Chiaki pointed out. "And so does Frankie and Allie."
Cho looked up at Neville. "Um... well... I'm sure someone in the family line did."
Chiaki looked at a wedding photograph of Frank and Alice Longbottom. "Gran's eyes are blue, right?"
"Blue- grey," Neville said, glancing at his wife.
Chiaki studied the photograph closer. "Oh...I guess that's why mine are grey, then?"
"Probably," Neville kissed the top of her head.
Chiaki looked through some more of the photographs. She found an envelope and opened it. "Mum, it's you and Uncle Harry dancing!"
"Where?" Allison asked.
"Here," Chiaki said handing the photograph to Allison.
"I want to dance like that," Allison said.
"Me too!" Frankie clapped her hands.
Chiaki looked through the other photos in the envelope. She recognised Hermione, Ron, and Luna, but there was a blonde haired boy sitting with her mother in one photograph. "Mum?" Chiaki asked. "Who's this?"
"Oh..." Cho grabbed it. "That's no one."
"He's kind of cute," Chiaki teased her mother.
Cho didn't smile. "Chiaki, why don't we move you into the dining room so your father and I can start dinner?"
Chiaki nodded. "Come on, Frankie. You and Allie can help me pick out some more photos for my project."
"Pick," Frankie nodded, struggling out of the dress.
Allison helped her sister with her books while Frankie toddled after them. Cho exhaled and looked at the photograph she'd forgotten she still had.
"That was close," Cho said keeping her voice down.
"I didn't know that was in there," Neville said.
"Me either," Cho said. She looked at her husband. "That was the only photo of he and I together."
"She didn't know she was looking at her real father," Neville said quietly.
"You're her real father," Cho said standing up and walking over to him. "In every way that counts."
He nodded. "I hope he never comes looking for her. But I do wonder if we should tell her the truth."
Cho shook her head. "I don't think she's old enough, Nev."
Neville shrugged. "Yeah but she's curious about things we can't necessarily tell her."
Cho looked at the photograph. "I don't know what I ever saw in him."
"Me either," Neville said.
"I'm going to get rid of this," Cho said, reaching for her wand and pointing it at the photograph.
"What if she asks more questions?" Neville asked.
"You think I should save this then?" Cho asked him.
"I don't know," Neville confessed. "Malfoy isn't someone I thought of in a long time now."
"I don't imagine he'll come looking for her anytime soon," Cho said. "But, when we do tell her, maybe she'll want to know what he was like."
"Not that there's much to tell," he muttered.
Cho opened her mouth to say something when Allison came into the kitchen, carrying a photo. "Mummy, look at Chi as a baby!"
Cho smiled. "She was my beautiful baby."
Allison looked at her father. "Daddy, you're smiling big in that picture!"
"That was one of the happiest days of my life," Neville said. "And the other happiest days were when you and Frankie were born."
Allison smiled up at him. "Chiaki said that was her favourite picture."
"Then she should definitely use it for her project," Neville scooped his four year old up.
Allison giggled. "I love you, Daddy."
"I love you too baby," Neville kissed her cheek.
Cho met her husband's eyes and smiled at him. "How about I order a vegetarian pizza for dinner instead of us cooking?"
"Yummy!" Allison said happily.
"What's yummy?" Chiaki asked coming into the kitchen with Frankie.
"Vegetarian pizza," Cho said.
Chiaki grinned. "That does sound yummy."
Neville made a face. "I'll order a separate pizza for myself."
Cho put an arm around Chiaki. "At least one of my girls is following my example."
"I like vegetarian too," Allison said.
"Yeah, but you also ate hot dogs with Jon and Josh Weasley at the last barbecue," Chiaki teased her sister.
"But I like it today," Allison insisted.
"Me too," Frankie chimed in tugging at her father's leg.
"I'm outnumbered," Neville shook his head.
"We still love you, Daddy," Chiaki said.
"Well I'm glad for that," Neville said with a grin.
Frankie climbed up on Cho's lap. "Love Daddy, Mummy?"
Cho kissed Frankie's head. "Of course, love. We all love Daddy."
"Especially when he helps me with my project," Chiaki grinned.
Neville tickled his daughter's side. "Oh yeah?"
"That's when we really, really love him," Chiaki laughed. "Come on Daddy, please?"
Neville grinned. "I'd be happy to help you, love."
"Cool," Chiaki said. "We'll get it done in no time."
Neville gave his oldest a hug. "I'd do anything for you, sweetheart."
"Thanks," Chiaki said happily.
Cho looked at her husband. "And you did work with her. You worked with her for two hours that night making her family tree. I still have it, you know?"
"Really?" Neville asked. "When we get home, I'd like to see it."
Cho smiled. "That can be arranged."
"I'm glad we waited to tell her," Neville said.
"Me too," Cho said. "And I'm so glad that we have you."
"Thank you," Neville kissed his wife.
"I never would have gotten through any of it without you," Cho said softly.
Neville squeezed her hand. "And I got the best out of the deal. You and three gorgeous daughters."
Cho smiled. "Let's go inside."
"See if we can do anything to help," Neville nodded.
"I love you, Neville Longbottom," Cho said.
"I love you too," Neville grinned at her.
"Even if you are a carnivore," Cho teased.
"And you eat rabbit food," Neville retorted playfully. "You should invite Harry and Hermione over more often."
Cho laughed. "Neville!"
"Just saying," he opened the door for her.
"Thank you," Cho said grinning at him.
It was quiet inside as Neville and Cho approached the kitchen.
"Harry?" Cho asked turning on the light. "What are you doing sitting here in the dark?"
"Just thinking," Harry said.
"Have you heard from Hermione since she and Saffy left?" Cho asked.
"Hermione said she's already asleep," Harry replied.
"That's good," Cho said putting her hand on his shoulder.
"I can't believe she's pregnant," Harry shook his head.
"She's your baby," Neville said.
"I know," Harry said, running his hands through his hair. "I can't do anything to help her."
"Yes, you can," Cho said sitting down. "Harry, you can be there for her. You can listen to her and hug her and just be her father."
"I'll always do that," Harry said. "But right now, I want to fucking kill that bastard O'Neal."
"He's in Azkaban where he belongs," Cho said.
"He deserves much worse," Harry said grimly.
"Promise me that you're not going to do anything," Cho said levelling her gaze at him.
Harry snorted. "Like I'm willingly going to Azkaban."
"Promise me," Cho said putting her hand on his arm.
"I promise," Harry said. "Hermione would kill me."
"So would I," Cho said.
"Andrew's pretty upset," Harry said. "Won't even talk to RJ."
"I spoke with him earlier," Neville told him. "I reckon I know more than anyone else what he's facing."
Harry nodded. "I suppose you're right."
"Saffy's going to need all of our support," Cho said thoughtfully.
"Absolutely," Neville said. "Both of them are."
"She was finally turning things around, you know?" Harry asked. "And now..."
"They'll work things out," Cho said. "They have to."
"Thanks," Harry said giving her a hug.
Upstairs, Andrew was reading and rereading Saffron's note.
Andrew:
I didn't think it was right to stay here after everything that's happened. I'm going home with my mother. Please don't try and contact me. I think the best thing for both of us is time and space. I'm sorry and I love you very much, Saffy.
He tossed the note on the nightstand next to her engagement ring. How could she think he didn't want her?
He had once told her that he would always be there for her no matter what. In the years that they'd been together, they had to face more than their fair share of challenges, but somehow they had always found their way back to each other.
He would give her a few days, but then he was going back and he was going to find her and convince her that they needed to be together.
He could still see the look on her face when she had told him her news.
Andrew wondered what his had looked like... he was sure it had been shock.
Daniel O'Neal's baby. No, Andrew thought to himself. He could not think of it that way. If he and Saffron were going to be together, he had to see that baby as theirs. Daniel O'Neal was just a bad memory.
He rubbed at his face, running his hand back through his hair. He'd been avoiding talking to anyone, letting Harry and RJ tell everyone the news instead.
Tomorrow, he would leave Brighton and go back home to London. Perhaps, he'd go home and visit with his own parents. He didn't want to be in the new flat without Saffron.
Andrew grabbed his towel and decided to take a hot shower to see if it would help him relax. Anything would be preferable to pacing the room and rereading Saffron's letter.
He showered and was leaving the bathroom when RJ cornered him in the corridor. "Mate..."
"Not now," Andrew said cutting him off.
"Come on," RJ said. "You need to have it out."
Andrew sighed. "What else is there to say, RJ?"
"I know it doesn't seem like it, but Saf needs you," RJ said.
"I know," Andrew said quietly. "But, she wants some space. I'm going to give it to her."
"But you aren't giving up, right?" RJ asked.
Andrew vehemently shook his head. "I'm never giving up on Saf. You know that."
"Good," RJ said.
"Daniel Sodding O'Neal," Andrew shook his head. "Even in Azkaban, he's still managing to toy with our lives."
"You can't think about it that way," RJ said. "I know it's pretty impossible at this point, but..."
"I know," Andrew said quietly. "I'm---I'm going back to London tomorrow."
RJ nodded. "That's understandable."
"How about you and Aud?" Andrew asked.
"We're sticking around a few more days," RJ said. "She's got to get back to work and classes start up again soon."
"Any word from Becca?" Andrew asked.
"No, thankfully," RJ said. "Not today, anyway."
"If she starts up again, you should say something to Aud," Andrew told him.
"I tried to," RJ replied. "But she keeps saying Becca's her best friend."
"Some best friend," Andrew said dryly.
RJ shook his head. "It's bloody insane."
"Tell me about it," Andrew said. "But, maybe she's moved on to something else while you've been gone."
"One can only hope," RJ said. "I'll see you in the morning mate. Let me know if you need anything."
"Thanks," Andrew said sincerely. "I appreciate everything you did for us."
"Saf's like my sister," RJ said. "Annoying, but there's nothing I wouldn't do for her."
Andrew smiled. "She's everything to me."
"That's how Audrey is to me," RJ said. "But you wanker, you had to go propose so now I have to wait awhile so it doesn't look like I'm copying."
Andrew laughed for the first time that evening. "It's hard to follow perfection."
"Shut it," RJ punched him in the shoulder and grinned.
"You're the best friend I've ever had," Andrew told him.
"One of the only friends too," RJ joked.
Andrew laughed. "On that note, I'll call it a night."
RJ nodded. "Have breakfast with us before you go."
Andrew did not know if he'd feel much like eating tomorrow, but he owed it to RJ and Audrey after all they'd done. "Okay. Night, mate."
"Night," RJ said, continuing on to his room.
Andrew sat down on the bed and picked up his mobile. He dialled Saffron's number and wasn't surprised when it went to voice mail. "Saf, it's me. I'm worried about you. I just---I just want you to know that nothing's changed. I still love you. I'm going to stay with my parents for a few days if you need me..."
He was quiet a moment or two. "I love you. None of this matters. We'll work something out but just... call me when you're ready to talk."
He ended the call and sighed. It probably would not do much good, but he had to do something to let her know that he was still here and he still cared.
He kept the phone on in case she did try to call and slid under the covers. He should have known something was really wrong when she refused to talk to him over the last few days.
He had been so happy that he had refused to see it.
Andrew turned off the light and looked out the window. There was no way he would be sleeping that night.
Miles away in London, Saffron was doing the same thing.
Her hands were pressed to her stomach as her thoughts travelled from her baby, to Daniel O'Neal, to Andrew, and back to her baby again.
She knew it would not make much sense to most people, but she loved this baby already. She could still remember how her heart had swelled when she had seen the baby on the ultrasound.
"You'll never know about all this," she promised. "You'll be the most loved baby in the world."
"We'll get through all of this together," Saffron whispered. "You and me."
She closed her eyes and allowed herself to daydream for a few minutes.
She thought of bringing home her baby for the first time with Andrew by her side. He was the doting father following them around with his camera. Saffron turned to smile at him and recoiled in horror when Andrew's face morphed into Daniel O'Neal's.
"That's my kid," Daniel said icily.
"No," Saffron shook her head.
"That's my kid," Daniel rounded on her.
"Never!" Saffron said. "You bastard!"
Daniel took the baby from her. "Come to Daddy, my sweet baby!"
"NO!" Saffron screamed. "LEAVE MY BABY ALONE!"
Daniel started to carry the baby away and Saffron looked helplessly around. Andrew appeared behind her.
"Andrew!" Saffron pleaded. "He's taking the baby!"
"It's his baby," Andrew pointed out.
Saffron shook her head and grabbed hold of him by the arm. "No, the baby's mine! Andrew, please! We have to stop him!"
"How can I?" Andrew asked. "The baby's not mine. What am I supposed to do?"
Natalia suddenly appeared at Andrew's side. "Are you ready to go, Andrew?"
"Hey," Andrew grinned at her. "What took you so long?"
Natalia looped her arms around his neck. "I have some good news! We're going to have a baby, Andrew!"
Andrew swung her around. "I knew things would be perfect with you, Talia."
Saffron shook her head. "No, Andrew. Please..."
Andrew sent her a disdainful look. "See ya."
Daniel's laughter echoed in her ears. "Looks like you're all alone Potter."
"No," Saffron said, reaching for her baby.
Daniel lifted the baby's hand and waved it at Saffron. "Say bye-bye to Mummy," Daniel said.
"GIVE MY BABY BACK TO ME!" Saffron screamed.
"Saffron, wake up!" Hermione's voice called out. "Saffy---"
"NO!" Saffron screamed, shooting straight up
Hermione put her hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Sweetheart, it's okay. You were just having a bad dream..."
Saffron sobbed. "It was awful!"
Hermione hugged her daughter. "It was just a dream, love. Just a dream."
Saffron held her mother tightly. "He can't come take my baby."
"No one's going to take your baby," Hermione promised her.
"He can't come back," Saffron bawled.
"He's not coming back," Hermione said soothingly. "He's in Azkaban."
Saffron nodded.
Hermione hugged her again. "Oh, my sweet girl."
"Why do bad things keep happening to me?" Saffron asked.
"Oh, baby," Hermione said, patting her back.
"I just want to be happy," Saffron buried her face in Hermione's shoulder.
"You will be," Hermione said, wishing she could take her daughter's pain away.
Saffron sighed as she wiped at her eyes.
"I'll stay with you until you fall back asleep," Hermione said.
"Can you just stay all night?" Saffron asked. "I don't want to be alone."
Hermione cupped her daughter's face in her hands. "Of course, I can, baby."
"Thank you," Saffron whispered. Hermione slid under the covers.
"Do you think everything will be okay again?" Saffron asked.
"I do," Hermione said kissing the top of her head.
Saffron nodded. "Should... should I talk to Andrew?"
"What's in your heart?" Hermione asked her.
"I miss him." Saffron said.
"I'm sure he's missing you too," Hermione said thoughtfully.
"I just think I need a few days," Saffron said, rubbing at her stomach again. "Maybe after that Quidditch match..."
"You're still going to play then?" Hermione asked her.
"I already promised I would," Saffron replied. "If they selected me."
"I'd still feel better if you asked Lizzy first," Hermione said. "Just to make sure it's safe."
"Okay," Saffron agreed.
"Maddie and Ethan rang earlier to see how you were doing," Hermione said.
"They did?" Saffron asked. "What... what did they say?"
"They love you and might stop by tomorrow if you're up for it," Hermione said.
"Sure," Saffron shrugged.
"And your dad should be home around noon tomorrow," Hermione told her.
"Good," Saffron said. "I'm sorry to make you come home early."
"No need to apologise," Hermione said. "There's no where else I'd rather be.'
Saffron managed a small smile.
"Try and sleep, love," Hermione whispered.
"I don't want to dream again," Saffron said.
"I could brew a dreamless sleep potion," Hermione offered.
"It won't hurt my baby?" Saffron asked.
Hermione shook her head. "No."
"Okay," Saffron said as Puddles crawled up next to her.
"I'll be right back," Hermione said.
Saffron scratched her dog's head as her mother headed downstairs. "Should I talk to Andrew, Pud?"
Puddles barked in response.
"I know he'll say he doesn't care the baby isn't his now... but what if he resents me for it later?" Saffron asked.
The dream she'd had earlier seemed so real.
Saffron sighed again. She would wait until after the match to approach him. Quidditch was just what she needed at the moment to take her mind off everything. She'd worked too hard for this career for things to be ruined now.
A few moments later, her mother returned with a glass. "This should do the trick."
"Thanks," Saffron said gratefully.
Hermione handed it to her.
Saffron drank it quickly. "That'll be better."
Hermione took the glass and set it on the bedside table.
Saffron yawned. "Good night..."
"Good night," Hermione said sliding back under the covers. She turned off the lamp and put an arm around her daughter.
Saffron was asleep in minutes, but Hermione remained awake for awhile longer, just looking at her youngest daughter.
Of her three children, Saffron had been tested the most. Her daughter was strong-willed and stubborn, but fiercely loyal and she wore her heart on her sleeve.
And most of all, Hermione couldn't believe her baby was pregnant.
Hermione wished she and Harry had more time to discuss this before she and Saffron had left Brighton. Hermione just hoped her husband was not entertaining thoughts of heading to Azkaban.
"He knows better," Hermione muttered to herself.
She hoped Cho, Ron and Neville would keep her husband in check.