Authors' note: This chapter brings the arrival of little Rafe. We hope that you enjoy!
Darla breathed in and out as her sister instructed her to do. "I don't know... how you did this..." she panted."I can hardly bear it!"
"It'll be worth it Dar," Drew assured her. "Your baby is going to be born soon. The moment you hold him in your arms this will all be worth it."
"Where's Mum?" Darla managed. "I want Mum..."
"She's on her way," Drew promised.
Darla squeezed her twin's hand as another contraction hit her.
"Breathe," Drew coached. "In... out... that's it Dar."
A nurse came in to check on Darla. "Good morning, Mrs. Feinbach! How are we today?"
Darla glared at the nurse. "We? I didn't realise you were in excruciating pain today as well?"
"She'll be all right once this passes," Drew cut in hastily.
"Of course," the nurse replied. "Healer Thornhart will be here shortly."
"Good," Darla breathed a sigh of relief as the contraction finally passed.
The door opened again and Darla looked up and was relieved to see her mother.
"Oh, Mummy," Darla said holding out her hand. "I can't do this..."
Luna rushed to her daughter's side. "Yes you can, love."
"How--how did you do this more than once?" Darla asked with wide eyes.
"Because I know it's worth it, baby." Luna kissed her forehead.
"Is Dad here too?" Darla asked.
"He's in the waiting room," Luna said.
"Would you like some ice chips, Mrs. Feinbach?" the nurse asked.
"Yes please," Darla mopped at her forehead.
Drew looked at the clock. It was just gone six in the morning. Darla had rung her at around two a.m. because her waters had broken. Drew had rushed to her sister's side.
She was glad to have her mother and sister there, but she really wanted her husband at her side. She had phoned him and of course had gotten his voicemail.
The nurse handed Drew a cup of ice chips.
"Here," Drew said handing the cup to her sister. "This should help."
"Thanks," Darla took one. The cold wetness sliding down her throat felt wonderful.
The door swung open again and Darla looked over expecting to see Hans, but it was Liam.
"Healer Thornhart, her vital signs are great," the nurse told him.
"Thank you," Liam said. "Hi there, ladies."
"I'm so glad you're here," Darla said. "Is there any way you could just knock me out and then wake me up when Rafe's out?"
Liam chuckled. "Doesn't quite work that way."
"Darla's threshold for pain is quite low," Drew said squeezing her sister's hand.
"Very, very low." Darla emphasized.
Liam grinned. "Well, I think I might have something that could ease her pain, so to speak."
"I would love you forever," Darla said wearily as another contraction hit her.
Liam walked over to the counter and began mixing a potion. Drew smiled reassuringly at her sister. "This is the good stuff, Dar. You'll feel great as soon as you drink it."
Darla nodded. "I hope so."
"I would have been here sooner, but I was delivering twins," Liam said as he continued to mix the potion. "A boy and a girl."
"Twins?" Darla asked. "Really?"
Liam handed her a glass of the pain-relieving potion. "Yes, she was in labour for 14 hours."
Darla paled. "FOURTEEN HOURS?" she nearly shrieked.
Liam nodded. "I know you're frightened, but it will be worth it in the end when you meet your son. And I'm not going to let anything bad happen to you, Darla. Drink that potion and you'll feel a whole lot better. Trust me."
"Okay," Darla said, reaching for the flask.
She downed the contents of the flask in seconds and then handed it back to Liam. "I don't feel any---oh. Oh, that's....that's nice."
Liam laughed. "Much better."
Darla smiled. "That's really nice."
"They're going to prep you now," Drew told her sister.
Darla nodded a dazed smile on her face. "Okay."
"I loved when they gave me this," Drew said. "Best feeling ever."
Darla closed her eyes and felt a feeling of euphoria come over her.
It didn't last, however. It was only a few moments later when she heard a commotion outside the door.
"Sir, you can't just go in there!" a nurse was saying.
"She's my wife!" Hans said. "I have every right to be here!"
Luna opened the door. "It's alright. He's telling the truth. He is my son-in-law. My daughter wants him in here."
"Hans?" Darla asked.
"Hey," Hans said stepping into the room. "I came as soon as I got your message."
Despite what had happened the last time they were together, Darla smiled at him.
He ignored the glare that Drew shot at him as he took a seat beside Darla's bedside.
"Rafe's finally coming," Darla told him.
Hans smiled. "I know."
"It doesn't hurt anymore," Darla laughed. "Not even a little!"
"They gave her a potion for the pain," Luna explained. She looked at her other daughter. "Drew, why don't you go and see how your father is doing?"
"I guess..." Drew said reluctantly. "Darla... I'll be back soon."
"Okay," Darla gave her sister a wave.
Hans reached for his wife's hand. "We're about to become parents, Dar..."
Darla nodded. "I'm so glad you're here. I didn't want you to miss it."
"I wouldn't be anywhere else," Hans said. "I've missed you."
Luna bit her tongue. She wanted to tell him that you couldn't tell it on Darla's end since he hadn't called her more than a couple of times since he'd left for New York.
"Oh," Darla nodded as she felt a twinge in her stomach.
"What's wrong?" Hans asked.
"I think it's a contraction, but it doesn't hurt anymore." Darla explained.
"That's good," Hans said squeezing her hand. He looked at Liam. "You taking good care of my girl, then?"
"Absolutely," Liam said with a polite smile.
"He's been great," Darla said dazedly. "Especially with that potion..."
Liam grinned. "No problem."
Hans chuckled. "Darla, you seem very peaceful, for want of a better word."
"I am," she drawled.
Out in the waiting room, Ron was sitting with Jon and Maddie. Drew walked over to them. "Hey."
"How is she?" Ron asked.
"She's great since they gave her something for the pain," Drew replied.
"Good," Ron said.
"We saw Hans rush by," Maddie commented.
"He's in there with her," Drew said, frowning.
"Well, as long as it doesn't upset Darla, it shouldn't be a problem," Maddie said thoughtfully.
"He better not," Drew said.
Ron put his arm around his daughter. "He'll answer to us if he does, Drew."
"I better get back in there," Drew said. "She's getting close to delivery time."
"Give her our love," Jon said giving his sister a hug.
"I will," Drew said. "I'll let you know as soon as he's born."
They watched her leave. Jon turned to look at his youngest sister. "Mads, you getting any visions about this? You don't foresee Dad or me kicking his arse do you?"
Maddie shook her head. "Nothing Jon, I'm sorry."
Jon sighed. "Darla's been through enough."
"Yes she has," Maddie sat back and rubbed at her stomach.
"How are you doing, love?" Ron asked.
"Fine," Maddie said. "She's moving around a bit today."
Ron smiled. "I bet she and Rafe are going to be great friends."
"Oh I hope so," Maddie replied.
"He'll look out for her when they go to Hogwarts," Jon grinned.
Maddie laughed. "Or not want to have anything to do with her."
"Never," Jon chuckled. "We stick together."
"I wonder where Ethan is," Maddie checked her watch. "He said he'd be by soon."
Ron laughed. "He's probably stopping for breakfast for you and the baby."
"Ooooh that would be wonderful," Maddie said.
"Like this?" RJ asked, coming up behind them carrying a big box. "I stopped by O'Leary's and Lexie gave me a big box of pastries."
"Ohhhh...." Maddie stood up. "RJ you are my favourite brother--"
"Hey!" Jon protested.
"Just kidding," Maddie laughed.
"What do you have there, son?" Ron asked as RJ set it down on the table.
"A little of everything," RJ joked.
"Ooooh, chocolate éclairs," Maddie gushed.
"Have at them," RJ sat down. "I already ate my fill... for now."
Maddie picked up the éclair and took a big bite. "Mmmm..."
Ron eagerly pawed through the box. "This all looks so good..."
"Hard to choose, isn't it?" RJ asked grinning at him.
"Very," Ron said.
Maddie told RJ how Darla was doing. "So, we're just waiting."
RJ nodded. "I have a few hours before I have to go in for practise."
"Hopefully, Rafe will make his appearance before then," Ron commented. He hoped his little girl was doing okay.
"I'm sure things are coming along," Maddie said, reaching for another éclair as Ethan appeared with Kiera in his arms.
"Ma!" Kiera called out.
Maddie eagerly took her daughter. "Hello love!"
Kiera's hand immediately went for her mother's stomach. She smiled as she looked at her mother. "Buh."
Maddie laughed. "Blue is not in my stomach, you silly girl."
Kiera giggled.
"Hi," Maddie said to her husband, giving him a kiss.
"Good morning," Ethan said. "How's Darla?"
"Getting ready to be a mum," Maddie said, sitting back down with Kiera.
"And the rest of you are just out here gorging on pastries?" Ethan teased.
"Pretty much," RJ cracked.
"I'd expect nothing less," Ethan grinned.
"Da," Kiera babbled. "Da!"
Ethan tickled her side. "What is it, baby girl?"
"Buh!" Kiera said.
"You should have seen him this morning," Ethan told his wife. "I found him sleeping just outside her crib.
"He just loves her," Maddie kissed the top of Kiera's blonde head.
"He's not the only one," Ron said making a goofy face at his granddaughter.
"Hi!" Kiera shouted.
Ron laughed. "Hi, Kiera Faith."
Kiera reached for him.
Ron took her and she wrapped her little arms around his neck. "My girl."
"That is so sweet," Maddie gushed, tears springing to her eyes.
"Mads, why are you crying?" RJ asked.
"Just hormones," Maddie said.
RJ shook his head. "Okay..."
Ethan rubbed her arm. "How are you feeling?"
"Sleepy," Maddie admitted.
He slid an arm around her. "Kip on my shoulder if you want."
"After I have one more éclair," Maddie said eagerly reaching for another one. "Mrs. O'Leary makes the best ones."
Ethan laughed. "Of course."
In the delivery room, Darla was still feeling little pain. Liam and the delivery nurse were talking quietly in the corner. Drew was shooting daggers in Liam's direction while Luna tried to be the peacekeeper.
"Hans, how is everything going for you in New York?" Luna asked politely.
"Great, Mrs. Weasley," Hans replied. "I've just done a commercial that should start airing over here in the next couple of weeks. It's for a new cologne."
"With Katya?" Drew asked pointedly.
"Her and some others," Hans replied looking down.
Drew humphed and sat back.
"But, I brought my portfolio," Hans said. "If you'd like to look at it..."
"I've seen your pictures," Drew said coolly.
"I bet Rafe's going to look just like his Daddy," Darla said dazedly.
"I hope he has some of you too," Hans said, reaching for his wife's hand.
Darla smiled. "Me too."
"Okay," Liam said coming over. "Darla, we're going to start pushing here. I need everyone to clear away."
Drew and Luna stepped aside.
"You're going to feel more pain again," Liam said. "Deep breaths and I need you to push when I tell you to."
Darla nodded and to her dismay felt the euphoric feeling starting to drift away.
"Take a deep breath," Liam coached. "And push!"
Darla looked over at Hans before she did what Liam asked her to do. She pushed as hard as she could and winced when she felt a sharp pain go through her. "Mmmmm."
"Good," Liam said. "Very good."
Darla felt tears well up in her eyes. "O-okay."
"You're doing great, Dar," Hans encouraged. "Squeeze my hand if you have to."
Darla nodded.
"I need another push," Liam told her. "A nice, big push."
Darla squeezed Hans' hand and pushed as hard as she could again.
"Here's the head!" Liam called out. "A few breaths, then one more push!"
Darla exhaled. "I--can't. I can't do it."
"Yes you can," Hans told her.
"You can do it," Luna encouraged. "Just one more push, Baby."
Darla mustered up what strength she had and pushed as hard as she could.
The sound of a baby's cry filled the room.
"There he is!" Liam announced with a grin.
Tears streamed down Darla's face. "He's---he's okay?"
"He's just fine," Liam said, handing Rafe off to a nurse.
Hans pressed a kiss to his wife's forehead. "Looks like he has your red hair."
"He does?" she asked weakly.
Drew nodded. "He does!"
Darla reached for her son as a nurse brought him over.
"Hello," Darla whispered as she held him in her arms. "I'm your mum and I love you so much."
Hans looked down at his son. "Wow..."
"And that's your dad," Darla said. "He's the one that looks completely gobsmacked."
"He looks just like RJ when he was a baby," Luna said.
Darla smiled. "He does."
"I'd like to hold him," Hans said, gazing at his son.
"Sure," Darla said gingerly handing the baby to him.
Hans grinned. "He has my eyes!"
Darla smiled. "He does."
"I'll go tell everyone the news," Drew said.
"Thanks," Darla said weakly.
Drew smiled at her sister before heading out to the waiting room.
The crowd had grown considerably since the last time she'd stepped out here. She locked eyes with her father. "Rafe is here."
Ron grinned. "How'd Darla do?"
"She's fine and so is he," Drew said giving RJ a hug. "And the baby looks just like you did when you were a baby."
"Well then we know he's going to grow up to be great looking," RJ boasted.
Drew nudged him in the ribs. "Yeah, yeah."
"When can we see them?" Maddie asked.
"Soon," Drew promised. "She's exhausted."
"Tell her congratulations," Maddie said.
"I will," Drew said, giving her sister a hug. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm fine," Maddie assured her.
"Good," Drew said. "Look, why don't you go on back there while I ring Brian to let him know what happened. It's the third room on the left."
"Sounds good," Maddie said. She let Ethan know where she was going then went to see her sister.
Maddie stepped into the room and smiled when she saw her older sister. "Hi, Darla."
"Maddie!" Darla said. "Come see your new nephew!"
Maddie grinned and crossed the room quickly. "Oh, Darla. He's beautiful!"
"He's perfect," Darla said. "Absolutely perfect!"
"Congratulations!" Maddie exclaimed grinning at her sister. "And to you, Hans."
"Thank you," Hans said. "How are you doing?"
"I'm well," Maddie said. "Especially since I have another nephew. Look at that red hair!"
Darla smiled. "You, Noah and Kiera are the only blonde Weasleys."
Maddie laughed. "We like to stand out."
"Is it okay if she holds him?" Darla asked Liam.
"Of course," Liam replied. He smiled at Darla. "Congratulations, Darla."
"Thank you," she said. "For everything you did."
Liam smiled at her once more before he left the room.
Maddie eagerly took her new nephew. "Hello there handsome," she cooed.
Rafe looked up at her and gave her a gummy smile.
Maddie laughed. "Oh you are a charmer!"
Darla smiled sleepily at them.
"You should kip," Maddie said to her sister. "I was exhausted after giving birth."
"I'd like that," Darla said. "I feel like I've just swum the Atlantic Ocean."
"That's natural," Luna kissed her forehead.
Darla looked at her husband. "You're going to stay, right?"
"I can stay," Hans said. "I have to check in with Freddie in a bit..."
Darla nodded. "Okay."
Maddie handed Rafe back to Hans. "Ethan, Kiera and I will come by later," she promised.
"Thanks, Maddie," Darla said softly.
Hans looked at his wife. "Do you want me to stay in here?" he asked her. "Or out in the waiting room?"
"Here, until I fall asleep," Darla replied. "Please?"
"Anything you want," he told her.
Darla smiled at him and closed her eyes.
Hans watched his wife as she fell asleep then looked down at his son. "Hi there," he said softly.
Rafe yawned.
Hans smiled. "I promise I'm going to be here for you."
Luna came up behind him. "I know you will."
Hans nodded. "Nothing else matters now."
"A baby gives you a new perspective, don't they?" Luna said thoughtfully.
Hans nodded. "Sure does."
"It meant a lot for Darla to have you here for this," Luna said. "I know my family hasn't made you feel very welcome..."
"It's understandable," Hans said. "I screwed up."
"You can start over with him," Luna said. "He loves you and he's going to need you."
Hans nodded. "I don't want to miss anything with him."
Luna smiled. "I'll give you some time alone then."
"I'll bring him back to the nursery," Hans said, gazing down at his little boy.
Luna grabbed her bag and left the room.
"I may have messed things up with your mum but I promise I'll be here for you," Hans said to his sleeping son.
Hans placed a kiss on his son's soft cheek. "I love you, Rafe."
*** *** ***
Alexa could hardly believe it, but in a few short weeks, she would be leaving England behind and heading off to University in the States. There was still so much to do and she had managed to convince Gabe to stick his nose out of a book and help her buy some things for her dorm room.
"Okay," Alexa said as they walked into a store. "I need a twin size duvet set. My mum said this place had some great choices at a reasonable price."
"That one looks good," Gabriel pointed.
"That's brown," Alexa winced.
"So?" Gabriel asked.
"Well for one thing," Alexa said. "It looks like the colour of poo. I was thinking something a little more exciting."
"So how about that one?" Gabriel pointed to another set.
"That's actually nice," Alexa said smiling at him. "I like that colour, too."
"Then that's taken care of," Gabriel said.
"Not just yet," Alexa said. "I want to take a look at all of them..." She laughed at the wince on his face. "I know shopping isn't your thing."
"Not really," he admitted. "But since it gives me time to spend with you, I don't mind it."
"Such a good boyfriend!" Alexa grinned. She was reaching for the comforter set when she caught sight of the baby clothing section. "Oh, wait! Look at how cute those are!"
"What?" he asked. "Baby clothes?"
Alexa forgot about the bedding sets and made a beeline for the baby clothing. She was taking her role as Saffy and Andrew's baby's godmother very seriously.
Gabriel followed along a bit reluctantly.
"Ooh, this one is in yellow," Alexa said holding up a small outfit. "It would be great for a boy or a girl, since we don't know what the baby is yet."
"It's cute," he nodded.
"I'm going overboard, aren't I?" Alexa asked sheepishly.
"A bit," he said.
Alexa put the outfit back. "I can't help it."
Gabriel smiled. "I'm sure Saffy appreciates it."
Alexa smiled back at him. "I hope so. But, we're here to buy things for my new room. I can focus on the task at hand."
"Good idea," Gabriel said. "Maybe soon we can grab a bite to eat at one of these pubs. I'm starved."
"Shopping does that to you," Alexa teased.
"I should have brought my book," he teased back.
Alexa giggled. "I'm thinking we should attach that anatomy book to your face."
"That would be pretty scary," he said as she grabbed the duvet set she wanted.
"Purple with black flowers," Alexa said. "I think Hannah Barron would flip if she saw this."
Gabriel laughed. "I bet she would."
"Here," Alexa said handing him the duvet set. "Make yourself useful."
"Thanks Lexie," Gabriel struggled with the awkward package.
"What are boyfriends for?" Alexa joked.
"You're lucky I love you," he said teasingly.
"Very lucky," Alexa said leading him over to the pillow section. "Decorative pillows to match..."
"Then what?" he asked her.
"I need to get a lamp and maybe some posters for my walls..."
Gabriel looked pained.
"It won't take long," Alexa reassured him.
"Okay," he said.
"And then we'll have lunch," Alexa said. "I promise."
Gabriel gave her a kiss. "You're too good to me, warden."
Alexa grabbed him by his free arm. "Come on with you."
Gabriel held all her packages as she picked everything out then paid for it.
"Ready to eat or do you want to shop some more?" Alexa asked.
"What do you think?" Gabriel asked as she ducked aside and shrank her parcels down.
"Lunch," Alexa grinned.
"I don't even care where we go," he said ravenously.
"There's a pub across the street," Alexa said.
"Works for me," he took her hand.
"I'm hungry, too," Alexa admitted.
They sat down and grabbed a few menus. "I could eat just about anything right now," he said.
"I'll tell Lavender that if she put a plate of sushi in front of you---" Alexa joked.
"Anything but that," he said quickly.
"Cheeseburger more your style then?" Alexa grinned.
"Perfect," Gabriel said, watching as she went to go order.
Alexa came back a few minutes later to find him looking at his mobile. "Text from Nico?"
"Yeah," Gabriel said. "He really is something else."
"What did he have to say this time?" Alexa slid back into the booth.
"He's in love...again," Gabriel said shaking his head.
"Who's the lucky girl?" Alexa asked.
"Donna," Gabriel said. "I guess he's over his heartbreak over Saffy."
"Good thing," Alexa replied.
"Very good thing," Gabriel agreed.
"Thanks again for shopping with me today," Alexa reached for his hand. "You know what I'm going to be able to fit into a dorm room."
"Not much," Gabriel joked.
"Who knows," Alexa said. "I may never be in there."
"You know you're welcome at my house anytime," Gabriel said.
"Maybe in a few years we'll find our own place together," she ventured.
"You want to live with a bookworm like me?" Gabriel grinned.
"Absolutely," she said, leaning against him.
"Well, you have to live on campus your first year," Gabriel said. "But, when you're a sophomore, we could see about getting a place together."
Alexa grinned. "I can't wait for that."
"Me either," Gabriel said giving her a kiss.
Their food was deposited in front of him and Gabriel broke away. "That smells fantastic."
"Your reward for being such a sweetheart today and carrying my packages," Alexa said. "Extra chips...or I guess I should say fries?"
Gabriel laughed. "You're catching on, O'Leary."
"I'm trying," Alexa laughed.
She dumped half her chips onto his plate. "After this, I should go look at computers."
"Now there's something I like to shop for," Gabriel said. \
"Good because I definitely need your help."
Gabriel grinned before taking a bite of his cheeseburger.
Alexa looked around thoughtfully. "I'll miss England."
"And Saffy," Gabriel guessed.
"That goes without saying," Alexa said.
"I know this is going to be hard for you," Gabriel said reaching for her hand.
"You'll help me," she said softly.
"I will," Gabriel said. "And you know my Gran loves having you come around."
"She's such a lovely woman," Alexa said. "I can't wait to see her more often."
"She said the same about you," Gabriel said. "And that you were welcome for dinner any day of the week."
"When I get tired of dorm gruel, I'll take her up on that," Alexa grinned at him.
"And of course my Dad and Lavender," Gabriel said. "But, you know, I didn't see much of him this summer."
"Really?" Alexa asked.
Gabriel nodded. "Filming."
"Of course," Alexa nodded.
"It's okay," Gabriel said with a shrug. "I mean, I went 18 years without him..."
"I know," Alexa said. "But still... once we get back we'll be so busy with school..."
Gabriel nodded. "Absolutely."
"Just promise me," Alexa said. "We'll still have time for each other. No matter what."
Gabriel reached for her hand. "No matter how busy we both get, we'll always make time for each other."
Alexa smiled at him. "I love you, Gabe."
"I love you, too," Gabriel said softly.
"Maybe if you're not too tired after all this is over we can go back to your dad's flat," Alexa suggested.
"Sure," Gabriel replied. "But I really have to work on this required reading assignment."
"Will that take all night?" she asked impishly.
"It's four chapters," Gabriel said before taking another bite of his burger.
"Well if I know you, that'll take maybe an hour," Alexa said.
"Yeah, like it only took you an hour to get all that stuff," Gabriel joked.
"So are you saying you don't want to be with me?" she asked, pouting.
Gabriel laughed. "No, Lexie. But, I really do have to get this reading finished."
"I won't distract you then," Alexa said. "I'll wait patiently."
Gabriel gave her a kiss. "Thanks, Lexie."
"Come on," she said. "Let's finish up so we can get done with shopping and reading."
"Yes, ma'am," Gabriel grinned.
They finished their food and then went to pick her out a computer. She decided to work on setting that up while Gabriel did his reading.
Gabriel was half-way through his reading when he heard the front door open. He heard his father and Lavender's voices.
"I'm going to say hi," he said to Alexa, setting his book aside.
"I'm just saying it would be nice if we'd have seen more of you this holiday," Lavender was saying to Seamus.
"Lav I'm sorry," Seamus said. "Shooting got backed up when the writer's strike happened."
"Still," Lavender protested.
"I'm sorry," Seamus said again. "I'll make it up to you, Lav."
"It's not me, I'm worried about," Lavender said as Gabe entered the foyer.
Seamus grinned when he saw his son. "Hullo Gabe."
"Dad," Gabriel said smiling at him.
"Evening, Alexa." Lavender said to her stepson's girlfriend. "How did shopping go?"
"Great," Alexa said. "Come here and I'll show you what I bought."
Lavender followed her into the sitting room and Gabriel shook his head. "It was scary today..."
"What was?" Seamus asked distractedly.
"All the shopping," Gabriel said. "But we got everything she needs for her dorm room."
Seamus nodded and pulled out his phone. "I'll just be a second..."
"Sure..." Gabriel stuffed his hands in his pockets.
"Taryn, what the hell are you doing over there?" Seamus barked into his phone. "I don't care. We booked that location two weeks ago...."
Gabriel sighed and headed into the sitting room. It was obvious his father was going to be awhile.
Lavender smiled sympathetically at him. "On the phone again?"
"Yeah," Gabriel said.
Lavender shook her head. "He was on the bloody thing the entire way home."
"He's busy," Gabriel shrugged.
"But, family comes first," Lavender said. "That's what's most important."
"It's not a big deal," Gabriel said uncomfortably.
"Yes, it is," Lavender said. "You're a workaholic, just like your dad."
"I am not," Gabriel said defensively.
"Gabe's just very focused," Alexa said loyally.
"I came out when you two got home," Gabriel said.
"Yes you did," Lavender said giving him a hug. "I just want you and your father to spend some time together before you start school again."
"I'd like that too, but if he's got to film, then he has to film," Gabriel replied.
"The two of you are having dinner with us tonight," Lavender said. She held up her hand. "No arguments. I'm going to have the cook prepare something great!"
"Just not sushi," Gabriel said.
Lavender gave him a nudge "You don't know what you're missing."
"Indigestion?" Gabriel asked, making Alexa laugh.
"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that," Lavender said heading back to the kitchen. Seamus was just ending one phone call and about to start another when Lavender grabbed the phone out of his hand. "I'll take that, thank you very much."
"Lavender!" Seamus snapped as she clicked it off. "I'm in the middle of something!"
"You can return to your tyrant ways tomorrow," Lavender said pocketing his phone.
"I have business tonight," Seamus glared at her.
"It can wait," Lavender said. "Tonight you are having dinner with your wife and your son. The two people you love most in this world. The two people who have barely seen you this summer."
"Because--" he began.
"Filming, writers' strike," Lavender finished. "Yeah, yeah. But, you can sacrifice one night for us, can't you?"
"I suppose," Seamus grumbled.
"One night," Lavender said giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"I should go," Alexa said to Gabriel. "You should have this time with your dad."
"Stay," Gabriel said. "I'm sure it's---"
"No," Alexa gave him a kiss. "Just ring me afterwards."
Gabriel smiled. "You're going to go back to that shop to buy that outfit for the baby, aren't you?"
Alexa turned red. "Maybe..."
Gabriel laughed. "I know you too well, O'Leary."
"Yes you do," Alexa gave him another kiss. "Ring me when you're done with dinner. You can come over for a bit..."
"I will," Gabriel promised. "Love you."
"I love you too," Alexa smiled at him.
He showed her to the door and marvelled once again at how she was able to shrink down her parcels.
"Have fun," she told him. "No reading."
Gabriel wasn't going to take his chances with his stepmother. After giving his girlfriend one last kiss, he headed back for the kitchen where his father and stepmother were still arguing.
"Seamus you can take TWO hours to have dinner with us," Lavender told him.
"What are we having anyway?" Gabriel asked curiously.
"I don't know yet," Lavender said. "I'm just TRYING to get him to calm down and agree to eat with us lowly normal people."
Seamus sighed and held up his hands. "Okay, Lavender."
"Finally," Lavender said. "When will you stop fighting me? You know you always give in."
"Give in?" Seamus chuckled. "It's more like I'm driven into submission."
"Should I get used to that sort of thing?" Gabriel asked dryly.
"Yes," Seamus said earning a playful punch in the arm from Lavender.
"What do you two feel like?" Lavender asked.
"Anything's fine with me," Gabriel replied.
"I'm in the mood for Italian," Seamus said. "Let's get takeout."
"That sounds good," Lavender said thoughtfully. "I'll order from Bella Italia."
"That sounds great," Gabriel said.
Lavender smiled sweetly at Seamus. "And no, I'm not giving you your mobile back until AFTER dinner."
Seamus made a face at his wife.
"And I've taken your book," Lavender said to Gabriel.
"What?" Gabriel asked.
Lavender just gave him an innocent look before she headed out of the kitchen.
Gabriel looked over at his father. "So..."
"She's something else," Seamus said shaking his head.
"Yeah," Gabriel nodded. "Thankfully there's only one of her, right?"
"Thankfully," Seamus said walking over to the icebox and grabbing himself a bottle of water. "You want one, son?"
"Sure," Gabriel said. "Thanks."
Seamus handed a bottle to his son. "I haven't been around much this summer. I'm sorry for that, Gabe."
"We've all been busy," he shrugged.
"It's no excuse," Seamus said.
"How's your film coming along?" Gabriel asked. "Aside from the strikes and all that..."
"We're way behind schedule," Seamus replied, leaning against the counter.
"Oh," Gabriel said. "I can't' believe I'm going into my junior year already at school."
"Good, son," Seamus said dryly. "As if I wasn't feeling old enough..."
"You are starting to age a lot," Gabriel said without cracking a smile.
"Et tu, Gabriel?" Seamus asked.
"I'm looking as young as ever," Gabriel said with a grin.
"Oh, you think so?" Seamus asked. "Well, how about you and me head to the park tomorrow and play some football?"
"Really?" Gabriel asked.
Seamus grinned. "Unless you're afraid of losing to your Old Man."
"No way," Gabriel smirked.
Seamus knew he would have to make up the time filming, but Lavender was right. There were more important things. "We'll go tomorrow morning around nine?"
"Sure," Gabriel nodded. "That'll be fun Dad."
"Dinner will be arriving shortly," Lavender announced. "How are we doing in here? Still sulking?"
"Not at all," Seamus said.
"Dad and I are going to play football tomorrow," Gabriel told her.
"Really!" Lavender exclaimed.
"Yes," Seamus replied grinning at her. "You want to come along and cheer us on? Or better yet...would you like to play?"
Lavender wrinkled her nose. "I think not."
Gabriel laughed. "She doesn't do any exercise other than that ...yoga, was it?"
"Yoga is not only good for the body, it's good for the mind," Lavender informed him.
Seamus rolled his eyes. "You don't move and you contort your body into strange poses. I don't see how that rubbish is anything..."
"It makes me limber," Lavender said coquettishly.
Gabriel held up a hand. "Okay, I don't want to know about this..."
Seamus laughed.
"I'll see if Hermione wants to come with me to my next class," Lavender said thoughtfully.
"Like the rabbits need another excuse," Seamus rolled his eyes
"Again," Gabriel said holding up his hand. "Something I don't need to know about."
"I ordered from Bella Italia," Lavender said. "Some lasagne and some pasta. It should be here pretty soon."
"Thanks," Seamus said. "Can I have my mobile now?"
"After we eat," Lavender said primly.
"And my textbook?" Gabriel asked.
"After we eat," Lavender repeated.
"I think you missed your calling," Gabriel joked. "You should be leading the troops."
"Well," Lavender said. "I do know what's right and we needed some family time."
"Yes, we did," Seamus said putting his arm around her. "Lucky we have you around to remind us of that."
"I hope it's okay if Alexa and I go out after dinner," Gabriel said.
"You're nearly 21 years old," Seamus said. "You don't have to ask permission, Gabe."
"I just wanted to make sure it was okay with the warden," Gabriel joked.
Lavender swatted at him. "You..."
Gabriel laughed.
"This is more like it," Lavender said putting an arm around both of them.
"We know, you were right," Seamus said.
"Say that again?" Lavender asked grinning at him.
"No I don't think I will," Seamus said. "Because you heard it the first time."
The intercom sounded and Gabriel smiled. "That will be the food. I'll get it."
"Here," Seamus handed him some money. "That should take care of it."
"Thanks, Dad," Gabriel said walking out of the kitchen.
Lavender looked at her husband. "You're not going to cancel on him, are you? I think it's great that you're going to play football with him."
"I'm not going to cancel," Seamus replied.
"And you'll leave your mobile turned off?" Lavender asked.
Seamus grimaced.
"Seamus Patrick Finnegan," Lavender said folding her arms.
"I have to leave it on," Seamus said. "I have to be reachable. But I promise, unless it's an emergency, not to make or take phone calls."
Lavender thought about this for a moment. "Okay. I suppose that's alright."
"Well thank you," Seamus said with a grin.
Gabriel came in carrying the food. "Who's hungry?"
"Me!" Seamus said. "Starved, as a matter of fact."
"Lav ordered enough for a small army and then some," Gabriel said setting it down on the table.
Lavender opened the container with the salad. "I'll just have this."
"Lavender, come on," Gabriel said opening the container of lasagne. "This is better."
"Hmm..." Lavender was ready to decline but the spicy smell of the tomato sauce wafted over. "Maybe a small piece..."
"And don't forget the garlic bread," Seamus said before taking a bite.
"Carbs," Lavender said longingly.
"Please," Seamus said. "One night won't hurt."
"Okay," Lavender said taking a bite of the bread. She closed her eyes. "Mmmm..."
Seamus rolled his eyes at his son.
"You know what this reminds me of?" Lavender asked, opening her eyes. "Hillsdale."
"Hillsdale?" Seamus asked. "Why?"
This time, it was Lavender rolling her eyes. "How I would come and visit you in that projection booth and try to get you to stop working and have a little fun."
Seamus laughed. "That was for what, two weeks?"
"Very funny," Lavender said tossing a piece of bread at him.
Gabriel grinned. "So was it love at first sight then?"
"I thought he was cute, and I thought he was interested in me, but then again, there was a projector right next to me," Lavender said.
Seamus shook his head. "I remember this bossy girl that kept trying to bug me and nearly ruined the projector..."
Seamus remembered all too well about the blonde that had turned his head the moment he'd seen her. He'd spent most of his summer at Hillsdale holed up in the projection room, but when Neville had asked him for help nailing Draco Malfoy and Ginny Weasley he hadn't hesitated to help. But, now that was in the past, he had to concentrate on getting to work.
Dursley had ordered him to set up a projector and movie in the ballroom for that night.
"Hello?" Lavender Brown called out from the doorway.
Seamus didn't turn away from the projector. That's all he needed----a guest hounding him about something.
"Seamus?" Lavender asked. "Are you in here?" she stumbled over a stack of movies.
Seamus turned at the sound of the commotion. "Lavender? What are you doing up here?"
"We're leaving today," Lavender told him. "Hermione's off somewhere with Harry... so I thought I'd find you."
Seamus was happy to see her, but Dursley was on the warpath. Seamus bent down to pick up the movies that Lavender had knocked over. "Oh, right."
"Are you busy?" she asked.
"Just a little," Seamus admitted.
Lavender leaned against the projector and it turned on, startling her. "Ooops."
Seamus reached over and snapped it off.
"Sorry," Lavender apologised. She looked over at the small desk. "What's that?"
Seamus sighed. "Nothing, just a project I'm working on for film school."
"You said you'd tell me more about film school," Lavender said.
"There's not that much to tell," Seamus said stacking the movies on the shelf.
Lavender fiddled with the edge of her shirt. She wondered what was going on and why he was suddenly being so distant.
"It's funny," Lavender said. "I was here all summer and I didn't even know you were up here. I wish I'd met you sooner..."
"Mmmhmm," Seamus murmured distractedly.
"You know... instead of messing about with Malfoy," Lavender said a bit shyly.
Seamus turned and looked properly at her. "What?"
"Nothing," Lavender said hastily.
"You have a smudge or something on your nose," Seamus said.
"Oh," she said. "Thanks."
"It was probably from the film canister," Seamus said handing her a tissue. "They get a little dirty..."
"Thank you," she said gratefully.
Seamus smiled as he handed her a tissue. "No problem."
Lavender chanced a smile back at him.
"I get a little sidetracked when I'm working," Seamus apologised.
"I can tell," she said softly.
"And Dursley's still pissed about what happened with Dudley so he's taking it out on the staff," Seamus explained.
"Oh," Lavender nodded. "I understand."
"No excuse for me being rude," Seamus said.
Lavender scuffed her foot. "You weren't rude..."
"I was," Seamus said. "To make up for it, how about I grab us a couple of sodas?"
"That would be great," Lavender said.
Seamus smiled. "I'll be right back. Make yourself at home."
"Okay," Lavender perched on the edge of the chair he'd been sitting in.
Her eyes wondered to the notebook where he'd scribbled some notes. She knew she shouldn't read it, but her curiosity got the better of her.
She gingerly picked it up and began to thumb through it.
"I didn't know what you wanted so I got---" Seamus said coming back into the room. "What are you doing?"
"Nothing!" she said, dropping the notebook back on the desk.
Seamus laughed. "You were looking at my notebook."
"I didn't' see anything," she said quickly.
Seamus handed her a can of soda. "What did you think of the plot?"
"Plot?" Lavender played dumb.
"Of my film," Seamus said leaning against the desk.
"I really didn't read that much," she said. "But what I saw was good..."
"Really?" Seamus asked. "You're not just saying that because you fancy me?"
Lavender blushed.
Seamus grinned. "Sorry..."
Lavender took the soda. "This flavour is fine."
"So, you're leaving today?" Seamus asked curiously.
"Yeah," she said. "In a few hours."
"Harry told me he's moving in with your cousin," Seamus commented.
"Apparently," Lavender said. "I can hardly believe it."
"They didn't waste any time did they?" Seamus commented.
"They're in love," Lavender said wistfully.
"Kind of happened fast," Seamus said. "Don't you think?"
Lavender shrugged. "Perhaps."
"But, then again, I guess when it happens, you just know," Seamus said thoughtfully.
"I think you do," Lavender nodded.
"Ever happen for you?" Seamus asked. "And I hope you don't say 'Malfoy'."
Lavender made a face.
Seamus chuckled. "I'll take that as a no."
"Not yet," Lavender said. "I'm sure someday..."
"For me as well," Seamus said smiling at her.
"When you're not working on a screenplay?" she teased.
Seamus grinned. "I'll see if I can pencil it in between filming."
"I'm looking to get into fashion design," Lavender said.
"Really?" Seamus asked.
Lavender nodded.
"You said you were going to work in a boutique right?" Seamus asked, remembering their last conversation.
"Yes," she said. "When we get back home."
"Well," Seamus said stepping closer. "Perhaps, I could take you out sometime..."
Lavender brightened. "I'd love that."
"I would too," Seamus said. "Even though we're both going to be busy."
"I'm sure we can spare some time for each other," Lavender said.
Seamus was leaning in to give her a kiss when he heard Dursley barking out for him. "Hold that thought..."
Lavender nodded and moved so she wouldn't be seen.
She smiled as she thought of going out with the sweet Irish bloke. He worked a little too hard, but she would make sure they found time for each other. "Even back then you were a workaholic," Lavender recalled.
"I was just getting started," Seamus protested.
"I can respect that, Dad," Gabriel commented. "I mean, you want to prove yourself and when no one knows who you are, you have to work twice as hard to get noticed."
Seamus nodded. "That's how it was at the beginning."
"And look at you now," Gabriel said proudly.
"And you," Seamus said.
"And Lavender, too," Gabriel commented.
"Thank you Gabriel," Lavender beamed. "I have worked hard!"
"Our fashionista," Seamus teased.
Lavender laughed. "I always did like that title."
Seamus raised his glass. "Here's to working hard and taking it easy thanks to our little fashionista."
Gabriel copied his father. "It was nice to sit down at least once this summer."
"We'll do it again before you go back," Lavender promised.
"Sounds good," Gabriel nodded.
"And we'll have you and Alexa over when we're all in California," Lavender said.
"She's excited about moving there," Gabriel said.
"And so are you," Lavender grinned.
"I'm more than excited," Gabriel agreed.
"I'm happy for you, son," Seamus said reaching for another piece of garlic bread.
"Thanks Dad," Gabriel said.
"And I'm going to win tomorrow," Seamus said.
Gabriel scoffed. "Yeah right."
"You got that athleticism from me, son," Seamus said grinning. "Your mum wasn't much of an athlete."
"Not at all," Gabriel agreed.
"I bet she would have liked yoga," Lavender commented.
"I don't know," Gabriel said. "Mum never was much for exercising. She would jog around the block a few times and that was it."
"So, you see?" Seamus asked him. "You're the athlete you are today because of my genetics."
"Thanks," Gabriel said with a grin.
"You're welcome," Seamus said. Lavender rolled her eyes.
"Honestly," she said, using one of Hermione's favourite quotes. "While you two are off playing, I'll go over and visit with Saffron."
"Let me guess," Seamus joked. "You want to give her baby clothes. Lav, they don't even know if it's a boy or girl yet."
"I am designing some new items for the Saffron line inspired by the baby," Lavender sniffed.
"You and Lex have gone baby crazy," Gabriel teased.
"Wait until the baby is born," Lavender told him. "Just you wait."
Seamus felt a little wistful as he thought about what he'd missed of his own son's childhood.
He would always regret that he had not been there for Sam when Gabriel was born but now that his son was in his life there was no way Seamus was missing anything important ever again.