Authors' note: This one is full of Potters----Harry, Hermione, Julie, Ethan and Saffy. You get a couple of nice flashbacks also! We hope you enjoy!
"I think that's it," Saffron glanced around her empty bedroom. Everything she owned had been packed up and sent over to her and Andrew's new place.
She had been emotional all morning. This place had been her home since she was a baby. She knew every nook, every cranny, and every room like the back of her hand. There was the library where she'd spent hours reading. There was the ballroom where she'd danced on her father's feet and raced Ethan.
It didn't help that Hermione burst into tears whenever she came in the room. Harry had been helping, but now had made himself scarce.
She knew her parents were happy for her, but she also knew they were having a hard time letting go. Truth be told, Saffron was having a hard time, too. She wanted to be with Andrew more than anything, but this place was filled with so many memories.
"You ready, Saf?" Andrew appeared behind her.
Saffron nodded. "I think so. I just---I need to say goodbye to my parents."
He rubbed her arm. "It'll be okay, Saf. We're not moving far."
"I know," Saffron said wiping at her eyes. She looked around the room. "Where did Puddles go?"
"He's around here somewhere," Andrew put an arm around her.
"He's going to miss this place too," Saffron said leaning against him.
"Maybe we'll get him a buddy or something," Andrew suggested.
Saffron patted her stomach. "He'll have one."
Andrew grinned at her.
Downstairs, Hermione was trying to hold it together. She thought she would be old hat at this since she'd seen two children move out, but there was something different with this. Saffron was her baby.
"Hermione," Harry said. "You'll start me off again..."
"I--I can't help it," Hermione stammered.
Harry hugged his wife. "She's not moving far. That's what I keep telling myself."
"I can still remember bringing her home," Saffron sobbed into his shoulder.
"I know," Harry said reassuringly. "I remember that day like it was yesterday..."
The entire wizarding world was buzzing about the birth of the Minister's third child. Photographers and reporters had camped outside St. Mungos to get a photograph of the baby, but Harry had snuck his wife and family out of the hospital and they'd made it safely home.
"Greta!" Ethan called out. "We're home!"
Greta appeared from the kitchen. "Let me see her!"
Hermione smiled. "You're in luck. She's awake."
Greta sighed. "Look at that beautiful face!"
"Thanks," Nick said nudging Julie. "I usually prefer handsome, but..."
"I don't mean you, Nicholas, although you were a very handsome baby," Greta elbowed him.
Nick laughed. "She is cute, isn't she?"
"Let me hold her for a minute," Julie said, reaching for her baby sister. "Hello, Saffron Grace."
Saffron looked up at her with wide eyes.
"This is a big place," Julie said. "But, I have a feeling that you're going to love it."
Saffron cooed at her.
"What's the big deal?" Ethan asked. "She doesn't do anything but cry and sleep."
"So did you, little man," Harry reminded him.
"And make dirty nappies," Julie teased, winking at her brother. "You did a LOT of that."
Ethan stuck his tongue out at her. "I bet yours were worse."
Harry mussed his son's hair. "I thought you liked being a big brother."
"It's okay, I guess," he said,
"Do you want to hold her?" Julie asked him. "She doesn't bite. She doesn't have teeth yet..."
Ethan looked at her doubtfully.
"Sit down," Julie told him.
Ethan did. "Is she heavy?"
Julie shook her head. "She's light as a feather."
"Okay," Ethan took his baby sister carefully in his arms. Saffron stared up at him, her green eyes wide.
"I don't know if you remember me," Ethan said. "I'm your big brother, Ethan. I look like Dad, but I don't have glasses."
Hermione leaned against her husband. "Merlin, I'm tired."
"Do you want to lie down?" Harry asked, putting an arm around her.
"Not yet," Hermione said.
"Mum, she's smiling at me!" Ethan exclaimed.
Hermione laughed. "I bet she is, Ethan. She knows you're her big brother."
"So she's not too bad, is she?" Julie teased.
"I guess not," Ethan said. "I guess I just wish she was old enough to play games with."
"It won't be long before she's running around in the ballroom with you," Harry told him.
"We can race," Ethan said. "And I can teach her how to play football!"
"Just don't teach her how to fly," Hermione said, putting a hand to her heart.
At that, Saffron started to cry.
"See now that made her upset," Harry teased. "I bet you anything she'll love flying."
Hermione took her baby daughter from Ethan and patted her back in a soothing fashion. "My baby girl isn't going to touch a broom."
Saffron let out an ear piercing shriek.
Harry laughed. "You were saying, Hermione?"
"Don't even think about it," Hermione said.
Harry stood behind his wife and looked at his little girl who's face was tear-stained. "She can do whatever she wants and be whatever she wants to be."
"She's going to be on top of the world," Hermione said, gazing down at Saffron.
Hermione kissed her daughter's soft cheek.
"Hey Dad?" Ethan asked. "Can I make a fort in her room?"
"A fort?" Harry asked.
"Yeah," Ethan said. "You know, like blankets and stuff."
"I don't know, little man," Harry said. "Why do you want to do that?"
Ethan squirmed. "Just cause."
"If you let me help and you make sure you don't get too close to her crib," Harry said to his son.
"Okay," Ethan agreed.
"Let's go and show her the nursery," Harry said to Hermione.
"Okay," Hermione kissed Saffron's head. "We'll be right back."
Harry led the way upstairs. "You're right across from us, baby girl."
Saffron cooed again.
Hermione smiled down at her. "This is your first room."
Harry waved his hand and the room lit up.
"Your big sister, Julie, helped decorate this for you," Hermione told Saffron.
Saffron's eyes blinked and she yawned.
"You're sleepy too, eh?" Hermione asked. "I know the feeling..."
"Maybe she'd like a short kip," Harry said, carefully taking her from Hermione.
Hermione walked over to the crib and watched as Harry gently set her down.
"She's going to be a daddy's girl," Hermione said.
"She's already got me wrapped around her finger," Harry said looking down at their baby daughter.
"Me too," Hermione smiled as Saffron blinked her eyes closed.
"She's got my eyes, but she looks so much like you," Harry whispered.
"That's okay," Hermione said softly. "She has your smile."
Harry looked at her. "We can apologise to her for the messy hair."
"I'm sure it'll look beautiful on her," Hermione leaned against him.
"You should take a kip too," Harry said. "It's been a long two days for you."
Hermione nodded. "Have Jules and Nick stay for dinner and I'll be up in time to join you."
Harry gave her a kiss. "I love you, you know."
Hermione leaned her forehead against his. "I know. I'm so lucky."
"We both are," Harry said. "Three healthy, happy children."
Hermione nodded. "Three beautiful, healthy, happy children."
Ethan cleared his throat. "Dad? I'm ready to build my fort."
Harry chuckled. "She's kipping right now. We'll have to work on it later."
"Sleeping Saffy," Ethan rolled his eyes.
"I have an idea," Harry said, swinging him up. "We can draw some pictures."
"Of what?" Ethan asked curiously.
"Of your fort," Harry said. "Some blueprints."
Ethan grinned. "Really?"
"Sure," Harry nodded. "So we have an idea."
Ethan looked at his father. "I want to keep an eye on Saffy. You know, since she's little and can't defend herself."
Harry hid his smile. "Of course, little man."
Hermione gave her son a kiss on the cheek. "That's very sweet of you, Ethan."
Ethan turned red. "Yeah, yeah."
Harry tickled his son's side. "Let's go downstairs and let your mum and sister rest."
"Okay," Ethan said. "I'll go get some paper."
"You worked most of the afternoon on those blueprints," Hermione remembered. "And I remember he slept in there the first couple of nights so she wouldn't be afraid..."
"He's always looked out for her," Harry rubbed her shoulders.
Hermione nodded. "I've loved the time we've spent together in this house, but those were some of my favourites."
Andrew and Saffron appeared in the doorway. "I think I've got everything packed up." she was holding Puddles in her arms.
Harry turned and for an instant saw his daughter as a four-year old carrying a stuffed animal in one hand and a book in the other.
"You want me to read that book to you, baby?" Harry asked.
Saffron shook her head. "I can read it, Daddy. I can read it to you."
"You can read it to me?" Harry asked.
Saffron nodded and dropped her bear on the floor. "I know how."
Harry decided to humour her. "Okay, then. I guess its story time."
"Yay!" Saffron cheered happily. "Sit down, daddy!"
Harry sat down at the kitchen table and Saffron climbed on his lap.
"Okay," Saffron opened the book. "One day upon a time, there was a castle with a princess..."
Harry figured that she'd memorised that part since she'd heard the story so much. "You don't say," he said hiding a grin.
Saffron nodded. "And a dragon came to see her."
Harry smiled encouragingly and looked down at the picture illustrated on the page. His smile turned to a look of awe as his daughter continued to read. She was actually reading the words, not making it up as she went along. "Saffy---"
Saffron looked up at him.
"You've never read this before?" Harry asked her.
Saffron shook her head. "Grandma Ellie gave it to me today."
"Just today?" Harry asked. "You're really, really reading, baby?"
Saffron looked at him. "Daddy, you're being silly. Of course, I'm reading!"
"That's my big girl," Harry kissed the top of her head.
"I'm smart just like Mummy and Julie," Saffron said proudly.
"You certainly are," Harry told her.
Saffron beamed at him. "Can I have a puppy now?"
Harry laughed. "Not yet."
"I'd share my puppy with Ethan," Saffron promised. "But he can't go to school with him. Kay?"
"We'll see," Harry said.
"Ethan says 'we'll see' means 'never ever," Saffron said.
"Ethan has no clue," Harry said. "I don't know about a puppy right now, baby."
Saffron sighed and picked up the book again. She started to read and when they turned the page, she smiled. "That prince looks like you, Daddy!"
"So it does," Harry chuckled. "What does the princess look like?"
"Like Mummy," Saffron replied.
"I'd say that's pretty appropriate," Harry hugged her.
"I love you, Daddy," Saffron said.
"I love you too, baby." Harry replied.
"Hello?" Hermione called out from the sitting room.
Saffron grinned. "Mummy's home!"
"Want to read to her?" Harry asked.
"What?" Hermione asked setting her bag and briefcase down. Saffron held up her arms and Hermione picked her up and hugged her tightly. "Hi, baby!"
"I read to Daddy!" Saffron announced brightly.
"You did?" Hermione asked.
"A new book that your mum gave to her just today," Harry told his wife.
"I see," Hermione replied, thinking it was the same story Saffron already knew.
"Show her," Harry told Saffron.
"Okay," Saffron plopped the book down on the table and began to read from it.
Hermione gaped at her daughter.
Harry grinned. "She's good isn't she?"
"She is," Hermione said coming up behind her daughter. She put her hands on Saffron's shoulders as the little girl continued to read.
"...and they lived happily ever after," Saffron finished.
"That's incredible, baby." Hermione said, astonished. "When did you learn to read so well?"
"From you," Saffron said looking up at her mother. "When you read to me, I'd listen and match the words."
"What a smart girl," Hermione was nearly bursting with pride.
"I've been waiting to show you," Saffron told her.
Hermione kissed the top of her daughter's head. "You did wonderful, baby."
"Can I get a puppy now?" Saffron asked.
"Saffy!" Harry exclaimed.
"I know, I know," Saffron said. "We'll see."
Hermione smiled. "Later we'll check out another book."
Saffron hugged her. "I'm glad you're home, Mummy."
"I am too, baby." Hermione said. "And guess what?"
"What?" Saffron asked.
"I don't work tomorrow," Hermione hugged her.
Saffron squealed. "Yay!"
"We'll go to the bookstore," Hermione promised.
"Can we at least go and LOOK at the puppies?" Saffron pleaded. "Please?"
Hermione shook her head. "We can look, but don't think you're getting one. Not until you're older."
Saffron laughed as she held up Puddles. "I did finally get a puppy and I'm so glad I waited."
Hermione managed a smile. "He's the best one for you."
"That's who you're really going to miss," Saffron teased. "Dad, especially. He loved getting up in the middle of the night to let him out."
"Right," Harry said with only a hint of sarcasm.
Hermione looked at her daughter and felt a fresh set of tears well up in her eyes.
"Oh Mum," Saffron said. "That'll just get me started..."
"I'll take Pud outside," Andrew said, wanting to give them a moment.
"I'll be okay," Saffron said once Andrew had gone. "I will. I'll stop by all the time, and you both are always welcome."
"We know," Hermione said hugging her daughter. "But, this is so hard. You're my baby."
Saffron nodded.
"You'll know what this is like when your baby leaves home," Harry said.
Saffron patted her tummy. "This one is going to be with us forever."
"That's what we said about you," Harry told her.
Saffron gave her father a hug. "I'm going to miss you, Daddy."
"Anytime you need to come home, you know you can," Harry told her.
"I know," Saffron whispered. "I'll miss our midnight milkshakes."
"I'll be up if you ever want to join me," Harry grinned at her.
"It's a date," Saffron said.
Andrew came back in. "All ready?"
Saffron nodded wordlessly as tears streamed down her cheeks. She moved over to give her mother a hug. "Bye, Mummy."
Hermione hugged her tightly. "Take care, baby."
"I love you, guys," Saffron said before following Andrew out of the house.
Harry hugged Hermione tightly.
"I'm okay," Hermione said. "Just barely, but I'm okay. This house is too empty already."
"This big house and two people," Harry said patting his wife's back.
"We should close it off," Hermione said. "Just have one section where we live."
Harry nodded. "That would probably be best."
Hermione sighed. "I say we go out for dinner tonight. I don't feel like making anything."
"And you don't want to be alone in this big house," Harry said squeezing her hand.
"Not right now," Hermione answered.
"Where do you want to go?" Harry asked her.
"Surprise me," Hermione told him.
Harry gave her a kiss. "I'll make reservations, then."
He left his wife alone and Hermione decided to walk down to the ballroom.
She stopped just inside and gazed around. This room held so many memories of special functions, and even memories of not so special functions.
The first night she and her family had moved in here came to mind. Julie was about to enter her last year at Hogwarts and Ethan was about to turn five. The house had been a complete mess with movers, friends, family and colleagues milling about trying to help the new Minister and her family move in. It was nearing ten when everyone left.
"Jules!" Ethan called out to his sister. Julie walked down the hall and saw her little brother cuddled up in his bed.
"Are you scared, little man?" Julie asked him.
"No," Ethan lied.
Julie sat down on the edge of his bed. "How about you and I go exploring?"
"Exploring?" he asked doubtfully.
Julie nodded. "This is going to be our home, right? We didn't really get a chance to take it all in. Besides, I have no idea where mum and dad are."
"Maybe we could pretend we're Aurors and we have to find them," Ethan said, growing enthusiastic.
Julie grinned. "Okay, Auror Potter. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to find your father..."
"And yours, Auror Potter, is to find your mum," Ethan laughed.
Julie shook his hand. "Let's go."
Ethan followed his sister out. "Where do we start?"
"I say we start in the ballroom," Julie said thoughtfully.
"Okay," Ethan agreed. "I think it's this way..."
Julie nodded and took his hand. "You miss the cottage, don't you?"
"A little," he said.
"I bet we could fit 10 of the cottages in this big house," Julie said thoughtfully.
"We should ask Mum to try," Ethan said mischievously.
Julie laughed. "Ethan."
"Kidding!" he said, running ahead.
Julie ran ahead of him, but stopped when she heard music coming from somewhere. "Ethan!" Julie called out to him. "Do you hear that?"
"Yeah..." Ethan said. "I think that's the ballroom!"
"I think we've got 'em," Julie grinned taking his hand. "Be very quiet..."
Julie and Ethan crept silently to the large doors leading into the ballroom.
Julie heard her mother's laughter.
"Please, Harry," Hermione scoffed. "It's been years, but I think I still remember the routine."
"Then let's see it," Harry said. He waved his hand and the music changed.
"It's not the same," Hermione said grinning at him. "I mean, you're not yelling at me and barking orders like you did back then..."
"I wasn't THAT bad," Harry said. "Besides, there was a lot on the line and YOU had never danced before."
"And we kept telling you that you were a capable teacher," Hermione reminded him.
"What are they talking about?" Ethan whispered to his sister.
"When Mum and Dad met, he taught her a dance that they had to do at a hotel," Julie told her brother.
"Oh," Ethan said watching as his parents danced together. "Mummy's really good!"
"They both are," Julie watched them wistfully.
"Watch your frame," Hermione teased her husband. "Look at that...spaghetti arms...spaghetti arms..."
Harry surprised her by lifting her high above his head.
"Whoa!" Ethan gasped.
"Put me down!" Hermione laughed. "Harry James!"
"What's that?" Harry asked, pretending not to hear her. "Spin you around?"
"You're going to drop me!" Hermione said.
"What do you think, Ethan?" Harry suddenly called out. "Do you think I'll drop her?"
Ethan and Julie looked at each other.
"A good Auror always knows when he's being watched," Harry called out to them. "What do you say, Ethan?"
"How did you know?" Ethan asked in astonishment. "We were so quiet!"
Harry laughed. "I told you. A good Auror always knows..."
"That's why I want to be one," Ethan said. "I want to know that stuff!"
Julie and Ethan walked into the ballroom.
Hermione patted Harry on the arm. "Hello? Care to put me down?"
"Sorry," Harry said, setting her back on the floor.
"You're supposed to be in bed, little man," Hermione told her son. "It's late."
"Not that late," Ethan said. "And I didn't know where you were!"
"It was my idea, Mum," Julie covered for her little brother. "I was bored straightening my room and I heard Ethan was awake so I asked him to go exploring with me."
Ethan gave his sister a grateful smile.
Julie put her arm around him. "And it is summer hols after all."
"That's true," Harry said thoughtfully. "I guess having a lie in won't be so bad."
"I know this place isn't like the cottage, but we can make it a home," Hermione told them.
"I wish we could have kept the cottage," Julie said.
"This place is too big," Ethan complained.
"I know it's different," Hermione said. "But we'll have to get used to it. Every Minister lives here."
"It's just going to take some getting used to," Julie said.
"That's right," Hermione put an arm around her daughter.
"What dance were you doing with Mummy, Dad?" Ethan asked.
"An old dance we did when we first met," Harry told his son.
"Aurors shouldn't dance, should they?" Ethan asked.
"Aurors can do whatever they want, little man." Harry said.
"I'm going to be just like you, Dad," Ethan announced.
"Then you've got to learn to dance," Harry said.
Ethan shook his head. "No way."
Harry laughed. "Come on little man."
Hermione took his hand. "I'll show you how it's done, Ethan James. Come here..."
"Do I have to?" Ethan whined.
"You did say you wanted to be JUST like your Dad," Hermione said.
Ethan squirmed. "I guess..."
Hermione started the music again and Ethan reluctantly watched her to through the moves.
Julie stood beside her father. "He was a little scared being in this big house. I just wanted to take his mind off of it."
"That's good of you Jules," Harry said.
Julie smiled. "He's my little brother."
"He really looks up to you," Harry said.
Julie laughed. "Dad, he looks up to YOU. He just thinks I'm cool."
Harry chuckled. "He is too much."
"Come on, Old Man," Julie said with a grin. "Show me this dance."
"I can do that," Harry said, taking her hand.
Julie smiled at him as they danced. "Dad?"
"Yeah?" Harry asked.
"I've been thinking about what I want to do after I finish Hogwarts," Julie said thoughtfully.
"What are you thinking?" Harry asked.
"I'd like to teach," Julie replied.
"That's good, Jules," Harry said encouragingly.
"I'd like to teach Muggle children," Julie said. She bit her lip not knowing how to approach this with her father.
"Really?" Harry asked.
Julie nodded. "I---I'm the daughter of two of the most famous people in our world, Dad. I just---I want to do something that I earned on my own. I want to make my own way."
Harry smiled at her. "I think that's great, Jules."
"Really?" Julie asked. "I was worried that you'd be offended. I mean, I love being your daughter, Dad. I'm so proud of you and Mum and what you've both accomplished."
"And we're proud of you," Harry told her. "Don't ever forget that."
Julie gave him a hug. "Thanks, Dad."
Harry came up behind his wife. "This place will be lively again. Saffy's wedding will be in here."
Hermione turned and smiled at him. "She's going to love that."
Harry rubbed her shoulders. "Come on, we should get ready."
Hermione leaned against him. "Okay."
"We don't have to stay here, after the wedding you know," Harry said. "I'm sure the Ministry won't object to us moving."
Hermione looked at him in surprise. "Where?"
"We could find a smaller place," Harry shrugged.
"Maybe," Hermione said putting her arms around him.
Harry kissed the side of her head. "Let's take a shower."
"Mr. Potter, what are you suggesting?" Hermione asked.
"Something that I know will get your mind off all this." Harry said softly.
Hermione grinned. "You want to take advantage of the empty nest.'
"We can be as loud as we want," Harry suggested.
Hermione nudged him. "Harry!"
"It's the truth," he said.
"I guess that's one advantage," Hermione said with a grin.
Harry smiled at her. "And no more three am runs with Puddles."
"You know you're going to miss him," Hermione said.
"Not really," Harry said.
"Well," Hermione said as he led the way upstairs. "We've come full circle. We started out together and now we're back here...together. We raised three children..."
Harry nodded. "Become grandparents..."
Hermione turned and gave him a lingering kiss. "I love you, you know."
"I know," Harry said, brushing his lips over hers. "I love you too. Always have."
"Always will," Hermione whispered.
At their new flat, Andrew and Saffron were trying to get settled. Their new place was cluttered with boxes and Puddles seemed to be running all over trying to get used to his new surroundings.
"No baby," Saffron said. "Your bed is over here."
Andrew set the last box down. "I think that's the last of it. Now, we just have to decide where to put it all. Or…you tell me where YOU want it all."
Saffron smiled at him. "I think the we part works just fine."
"You aren't doing any heavy lifting," Andrew told her. "I mean it..."
"I'll be fine," Saffron said.
Andrew knelt down and put his hands on her stomach. "Will you please tell your mum to not be so stubborn? Tell her that your old man knows best."
"Very funny," Saffron pushed his hands away. "Who says we need to lift anything?"
Andrew grinned. "You gotta love magic at times like this."
"Exactly," Saffron said. "We can have this place unpacked in an hour."
Andrew put his arms around her. "I can't believe we're actually doing this."
"What, moving in?" she asked.
Andrew nodded.
"For me it's a dream come true," Saffron told him.
"Me too," Andrew said giving her a kiss.
"McDreamy," Saffron said, laughing.
Andrew rolled his eyes. "I better get Mc-Moving on unpacking. How about you order us some takeaway?"
"Sure," Saffron replied. "Curry?"
"Sounds perfect," Andrew said.
Saffron pecked him on the lips and went to go order their food.
Andrew used his wand to levitate three boxes toward the bedroom.
Puddles barked excitedly and ran around in circles.
"Come on you little devil," Andrew chuckled.
Puddles jumped up, his tongue hanging out of his mouth while his tail wagged.
"Andrew!" Saffron called out excitedly. "Come here! Quick!"
"What?" Andrew rushed into the room.
"The baby's kicking again," Saffron said grinning at him.
"It is?" Andrew asked, reaching out.
Saffron guided his hand. "Feel right there."
"Hey," Andrew grinned.
"It's amazing, isn't it?" Saffron grinned back at him.
"Yeah," Andrew grinned. "That's our baby in there."
Saffron felt tears well up in her eyes at his words. He had no idea how much it meant to her when he said 'our baby'.
Andrew gave her a kiss. "It's okay, Saf."
Saffron nodded. "I know..."
"I sent some boxes into our room," Andrew told her. "The rest I think are for the sitting room."
"You know," Saffron said. "You never know how much stuff you have until you have to pack and unpack it."
"Tell me about it," Andrew said. "Perhaps it's a good time to get rid of some of it."
Saffron shook her head. "I don't know if you know this about me, but I'm a bit of a pack rat. I have separation issues."
"That's okay," he said, nuzzling her.
Saffron giggled. "Which is one of the reasons I get the bigger closet."
"You can have anything you want," he told her.
"Famous last words," Saffron grinned. The doorbell chimed and Andrew pecked her on the cheek. "I'll be right back."
He grinned when he opened the door to see Alexa and RJ.
"What are you two doing here?" Andrew asked.
"We are your two best friends," RJ said. "And we wanted to be your first official visitors."
"We could use some help unpacking," Andrew joked.
RJ looked at Alexa. "Told you we should waited about an hour."
"It won't take us long," Alexa shook her head. "Honestly."
"Saf's in the kitchen," Andrew told her.
"I'll go help her," Alexa said.
"If she's ordering food, get double," RJ called out to her.
"I'll pass it along," Alexa returned.
Alexa walked into the kitchen just as Saffron was looking over a menu.
"Hey, Mum-to-Be," Alexa said.
"Lexie!" Saffron exclaimed.
Alexa grinned and gave her a hug. "How are you doing?"
"Good," Saffron said. "I was just ordering some curry for me and Andrew."
"You might want to triple the order," Alexa said. "RJ came with me."
"Oh no," Saffron shook her head but she grinned.
Alexa laughed. "You know how he is."
Saffron nodded. "We wouldn't have him any other way."
Alexa sat down. "So, I can imagine today's been emotional for you. How are your parents?"
"I think they were okay," Saffron said.
"My mum gets teary every time I bring up moving out," Alexa said.
"You're moving halfway across the world," Saffron said. "I'm going to get teary as well."
"You still have me for at least another month," Alexa said smiling reassuringly at her.
"Good," Saffron said. "I'll order the food then maybe we can put this room together."
"Deal," Alexa grinned.
It only took the two girls fifteen minutes to set up the kitchen the way Saffron wanted it.
"We make a great team," Alexa said proudly.
"We always have," Saffron hugged her.
Saffron took Alexa's hand. "Come on. There's something I want to ask you and RJ together."
"Okay," Alexa followed her into the sitting room.
"Hiya, Saf," RJ grinned at her.
"Hey," Saffron gave him a hug. "I ordered you extra Nan."
"I love you," RJ said.
"I know," she said with a grin. "You guys did a good job in here."
"So you're not going to want me to change anything around?" Andrew teased.
"Not yet," Saffron replied.
"So," Andrew said. "Saf and I are really glad you both are here. We wanted to ask you something."
"What's up?" RJ asked.
"Well, we'd like to ask if you'd be the baby's godparents," Saffron said.
Alexa squealed. "I'd love to be the godmother!"
"So would I," RJ said with a grin. "That baby's got to have a good influence around."
"Which is why we have Alexa to balance things out," Saffron said dryly.
"Thanks," RJ said sarcastically.
Alexa gave Saffron a hug. "I'm so honoured, Saffy."
"You're the only person I'd think of asking," Saffron told her.
"Did you ever find out what you were having?" RJ asked.
Saffron shook her head. "The way the baby is turned, they weren't able to tell."
"If it's a girl, we're going to name her after Saf's grandmother," Andrew told them. "And if it's a boy, after her grandfather."
"That's lovely," Alexa said.
Saffron put a hand on her tummy. "They both meant so much to me."
"I'm sure they would both love that." Alexa told her.
"You know," RJ said. "You could use "Ronald" for a middle name."
"We want our child to be able to hold his head high," Andrew punched his friend.
"Robert Ronald Kirke," Alexa said thoughtfully. "No...I'm not seeing it."
"Yuck," Saffron made a face.
"It was only an idea, Spice Girl," RJ said throwing a ball of crumpled paper at her.
"Okay, Cassandra," Saffron returned.
"Where's that food?" RJ said changing the subject.
"I just ordered it," Saffron said. "Probably be here in another five minutes or so."
RJ opened another box and pulled out a Wimbourne blanket. "Okay, this is headed for the rubbish bin."
"Ugh!" Saffron laughed.
"Come on," Andrew said grabbing it from RJ.
"It's ugly," RJ said bluntly. "Saf, where's your Puddlemere one?"
"In the bedroom," Saffron said.
"Wait a minute--" Andrew said.
"You lot can let him have one blanket, can't you?" Alexa asked.
"Yes," Andrew yanked it away from RJ. "Come on you guys. It's my team."
"You can have the blanket," Saffron relented.
"I'm going to put it in the bedroom too," Andrew said, leaving the room.
Saffron got up to help him leaving RJ and Alexa in the sitting room.
"So, how are things at the pub?" Alexa asked him.
"Interesting..." RJ said. "I think Jon's about ready to kill Josh."
"That bad?" Alexa asked.
"Josh is just trying to take over too much too fast, and he's not talking with Jon about anything." RJ said. "And Jon's just getting pissed off."
"How's Audrey handling all of that drama?" Alexa asked looking through a box of Saffron's books.
"She's just trying to stay out of it." RJ replied. "Both her and Allie."
"And what about Becca?" Alexa asked.
"I try not to bother with her," RJ muttered.
"Good idea," Alexa said. She looked at him. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure," he said.
"Do you know anything about American football?" Alexa asked. "Apparently my university and Gabe's are big rivals and they play against each other...and know absolutely nothing about it. I tried to watch a game with him once and it's just a bunch of blokes running after a ball and trying to knock each other down."
"Not a lot," RJ said sheepishly.
Alexa threw a pillow at him. "And here I was thinking you'd help me out."
"I'll ask some of my mates," RJ promised. "And get back to you."
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley," Alexa grinned. "You know I just might miss you."
"Sure you will," RJ grinned back.
Alexa was glad that she and RJ had found a way to be friends after all that had happened between them. He would always have a special place in her heart as he had been her first love. But, things had worked out how they'd supposed to. They hadn't ended up together, but they were friends. It meant a great deal to her.
"I am very miss-able," RJ said.
"Oh yes," Alexa said dramatically. "How will I ever go on without seeing you and your fabulousness on a daily basis?"
"I should make a video that you can take with you," RJ replied. "To watch every day."
"Or I could just buy one of those posters of you on your broom and put it in my dorm," Alexa said thoughtfully.
RJ nodded. "Excellent idea, Lexie."
The doorbell chimed and Alexa shook her head as she stood up. "That should be the food."
"Even more excellent," RJ said. "I can dig in before Andrew and Saffron realise it's here."
"RJ," Alexa laughed.
Saffron was already at the door, paying when RJ came into the corridor. "Here, you can take this," she handed one bag to him. "And don't eat it!"
"How did you get here first?" RJ asked.
"Magic," Saffron retorted.
"Why didn't I think of that?" RJ asked.
"Well that and I'm eating for two, and starving," Saffron admitted.
"Playing the baby card, eh?" RJ asked following her into the kitchen.
"You try being pregnant," Saffron set the other bag on the counter.
"I think I'll pass," RJ said dryly.
Saffron brought down some plates. "I got some pumpkin juice in the icebox, if you don't mind getting that. Andrew put some butterbeer in there too."
"I've got it," Andrew said coming into the kitchen.
"Thanks," Saffron smiled at him.
"My pleasure," Andrew said giving her a quick kiss.
"None of that mushy stuff," RJ said. "I'm getting ready to eat here."
Andrew laughed. "Okay, RJ. No more mushy stuff."
Saffron set the plates and glasses on the table then brought the containers over. "Lexie!"
Alexa came into the kitchen followed by Puddles. "I'm starving."
"I'll get the kibble for Puddles," Andrew said.
After the emotional day Saffron had, she was glad that Alexa and RJ had stopped by. She'd needed a nice evening like this with her two best friends and the man she loved.