Authors' note: Sorry for the minor cliffie last week. You get to find out what's going on this chapter! It's good news for Ashley and Saffron will finally get an answer from Greta. Enjoy!
Ashley headed upstairs for her mother's classroom. Julie smiled at her daughter. "No need to look frightened, love. This is a good visit."
"Oh okay," Ashley relaxed. "I thought something bad might have happened."
Julie shook her head. "You received some post today at home." Julie reached into her briefcase and pulled out a large envelope.
"I did?" Ashley asked in surprise. "Who would send me something there?"
"Your old art teacher sent some of your newest pieces to a colleague of hers at the Sorbonne," Julie said grinning at her.
"La SORBONNE?" Ashley shrieked.
Julie nodded. "Open up the envelope, sweetheart!'
Ashley eagerly tore into it. "They want me to come there!"
Julie beamed at her. "Oh, Ashley!"
Ashley's hands were shaking. "They want me to send more of my artwork in for evaluation."
Julie looked at the letter that accompanied the brochure. "Your teacher said her colleague was impressed, but I had no idea..."
"This is soooo amazing," Ashley gushed.
Julie hugged her. "I'm so proud of you, baby."
"Thanks Mum," Ashley said.
"Good thing I didn't wait, eh?" Julie asked with a grin.
"Definitely," Ashley replied, gazing at the rest of the papers.
"Your father is going to be over the moon," Julie said.
"I can't wait to tell him," Ashley said.
Ashley couldn't get over the fact that the Sorbonne actually wanted her.
"Well you'd better get back to wherever you were going," Julie told her. "I have some work to do. I'll see you later, sweetheart."
Ashley gave her mother a hug. "I can't wait to tell Brit and Zander."
"I'm sure they'll be thrilled for you," Julie kissed the top of her head.
Ashley practically ran toward the library.
"Guess what?" she announced in a whisper.
Brittany looked up from her book. "Professor Snape has announced he's going to put us all out of our misery and retire?"
Ashley grinned. "You aren't that lucky," she showed Brittany the letter.
"Ashley!" Brittany shrieked. "La Sorbonne!"
"Miss Murray!" Madam Pince gave her a withering stare.
"Sorry," Brittany whispered. She handed the letter to Zander. "Look!"
"That's fantastic, Ash." Zander said sincerely.
Brittany gave Ashley a hug. "This is fantastic! I mean you're 13 and a school like that is interested in you already!"
"I can't believe it," Ashley said.
"I can," Brittany said. "You're brilliant, Ash."
"Thank you," Ashley said, her face glowing. "This is the most exciting thing that's ever happened to me."
"Remember us when you're famous," Evan joked.
"You mean when you're buying one of my paintings to hang in your sitting room?" Ashley joked.
"Buying one?" Evan asked laughing. "You're not going to give me one?"
"How else will I afford my crazy mansion?" Ashley asked.
"Which will be next door to my crazy mansion," Brittany grinned.
Zander rolled his eyes. "How are you going to get that crazy mansion, Brit?"
"Once I get this insufferable metal out of my mouth I will SO be discovered as a model," Brittany said.
"A model for what?" Zander asked.
"Clothing," Brittany said. "High fashion, preferably."
"So you'd toss your hair even more than you do now," Zander said doing an imitation of his cousin.
"You are such a dork," Brittany poked him.
"Not very model-like behaviour," Zander teased.
"Well you're so juvenile--" Brittany began.
Celia nudged Zander. "Come on. This is Ashley's moment."
"Right," Zander said. "Sorry, Ash."
"It's okay," Ashley said with a grin. "I'm used to it."
"So what do you have to do?" Brittany asked her.
"Well, they want to take a look at more of my work," Ashley said. "If my progress continues like it has..."
"I'm sure it will," Brittany interrupted.
Zander was thumbing through the book and noticed that the Sorbonne also had a prestigious music program. For a brief moment, he entertained the thought of going some place like that.
"I just can't believe it," Ashley said. "I mean, all I've ever really wanted to do was art. Paint, draw, sculpt..."
"You'll be eating, sleeping and drinking it now," Brittany said. "Even more now..."
"I know," Ashley said happily.
"I don't think I've ever seen you smile so much," Zander said.
"This is a dream come true for me," Ashley said.
"You think you'll sketch Ellie?" Brittany asked. She knew how much Ashley was looking forward to meeting her cousin.
"Oh I already have a new sketchbook ready and waiting for her," Ashley said with a grin. "I am so excited to see her."
"I heard the Prophet wants to pay for the first photographs of that baby," Evan said.
"They offered five THOUSAND Galleons to Andrew and my aunt," Ashley shook her head.
Evan's eyes grew large. "For photos of a baby?"
Ashley nodded. "They turned it down. They're going to let the Quibbler take the first shots- for free."
"I know she's gorgeous!" Brittany gushed.
"I can't wait to hold her for the first time," Ashley said.
Brittany wanted to say something else but Madam Pince walked by shooting them a warning look.
"I guess we'd better study," Ashley said.
Ashley took her brochure back from Zander and couldn't resist thumbing through it once more.
Zander watched Ashley's face as she looked at the pictures. He had to admit he felt slightly hurt when she'd said she'd never been happier.
He had never been happier than the few short weeks they'd been at Brighton together.
Ashley looked up and caught his gaze. Embarrassed he turned to look over at Celia.
He liked Celia very much. She was fun and she genuinely liked him. The two trips they'd gone to Hogsmeade, she'd sat beside him on the way to and from the village.
Perhaps it was time he moved on from Ashley. It certainly seemed like she wasn't interested anymore.
Celia looked up from her book and smiled at him.
"What... what are you studying?" he asked her.
"History of Magic," Celia replied.
"Oh," Zander nodded. "I decided not to take that anymore. Wish I didn't have to take Potions."
Celia smiled. "I wish we had that class together."
"Me too," Zander replied.
Celia's smile widened. "What are you studying?"
"Ancient Runes," he replied. "Care of Magical Creatures..."
"Care of Magical Creatures is one of my favourite classes," Celia said. "Hagrid's such a great teacher."
"He really is," Zander agreed. "And he's so cool to go and talk to."
Celia nodded. "I never did congratulate you for making the house team. You must be so excited for your first match. After the hols, right?"
"Yeah," Zander said with a grin. "I can't wait. We've been practising really hard."
"I promise I'll be there to cheer you on," Celia said.
"I'll be listening for you," Zander grinned at her.
Brittany peered over Ashley's shoulder at the pamphlet. "It looks like a really great school, Ash."
"Yeah," Ashley said, sticking the brochure into her bag. "But I'll never get in if my marks aren't good. My mum said that there's something Hogwarts does so my marks look like they come from a Muggle school.
"Ash, you're brilliant," Brittany said. "There's no way you wouldn't get in."
Ashley smiled. "Thanks Brit."
"And I'll visit you when I'm not shooting on some beach," Brittany grinned.
"Shooting glares off light off your metal, you mean," Zander couldn't resist.
Brittany glared at him. "I won't have these when I'm a model."
"Sure you won't," Zander teased.
Brittany grabbed her wand. "I think I need to practice that transfiguration spell...turning you into a mouse..."
"Come on you two," Ashley said. "We have homework to get done."
"Metal Mouth," Zander couldn't resist.
"Zander!" Ashley shot him a look.
"Okay, okay," Zander said holding up his hands. "I'm sorry, Brit."
"Whatever," Brittany huffed.
"Come on, Zander," Ashley said. "Let's go over those Ancient Runes.'
"Okay," Zander replied. "Celia, you're in the class too, right?
Celia nodded.
"Come on," he said. "You can look at this too."
Celia smiled. "Did you guys look at the sample test questions?"
Ashley nodded. "They look kind of tough."
Zander chuckled. "You're telling me."
"I didn't think they looked too bad," Celia volunteered. "I can help you with them."
"Thanks," Zander said gratefully.
Ashley watched as Zander moved his chair closer to Celia's and the two bent their heads over their books.
"Alright?" Brittany asked nudging her friend.
"Yeah," Ashley said. "Just thinking."
Brittany smiled. "This is a good day."
Ashley nodded. "Yes it is," she agreed.
"She really fancies him," Brittany whispered.
Ashley nodded again. "I'm glad," she said truthfully.
"Really?" Brittany asked.
"Yeah," Ashley said. "With this..." she touched the brochure."It's all I've wanted my entire life. Going to school and doing nothing but art- it's my dream. And I can't let anything get in my way."
"That doesn't mean you can't stop and smell the roses every now and then," Brittany argued.
"I know but I want this," Ashley said. "These are my roses, Brit."
Brittany nodded. "Just---just remember I will be around to make sure you have a good time."
"I'll always be happy for that," Ashley grinned at her.
"And you have a new cousin to spoil," Brittany pointed out.
"Exactly," Ashley said.
"I can't wait to see her too," Brittany said.
"I'll have you over during Christmas hols," Ashley promised.
"You'd better," Brittany giggled.
"Promise," Ashley said. "When Saffy and Andrew and Ellie are there."
"And we'll have to go skating at least once," Brittany announced.
"Absolutely," Ashley said.
Brittany and Ashley looked up as Zander chuckled at something Celia had said.
Ashley looked back down at her own book.
"I can't believe I didn't see that," Zander was saying.
"It's really simple," Celia said, leaning closer to him. "See..."
Zander smiled and Ashley recognised that look. That was how he'd looked at her this summer. Though a part of her was jealous and wistful, another part of her knew this was for the best.
Brittany witnessed Ashley's expression change but didn't say anything. If Ashley wanted to go out with Zander again all she had to do was say the word.
"Celia, are you going home for the Christmas hols?" Ashley asked.
"I think so," Celia nodded.
"She's going to sit with us on the train," Zander told Ashley.
"That's nice," Ashley forced a smile onto her face.
"If you don't mind," Celia said hastily. "I know you three always ride back together..."
"I don't mind," Ashley said softly.
Celia smiled. "Thank you."
Ashley returned her attention to her notes. "I better figure this out before I fail the exam."
"Ashley Malfoy doesn't fail," Zander said quietly.
Ashley smiled at her friend's loyalty. "Thanks, Zander."
He smiled back at her. "Everything will be okay."
"I know," she nodded.
"No matter what," Zander said.
Meanwhile, Katie had followed Jemima and Piper out of the Great Hall. "Where are we going?" she asked.
"I'm looking for that snitch Erin and her new lapdog, Lindsey," Jemima said.
"What are you going to do to them?" Katie asked. When Lindsey had told Erin about their plans, Jemima had told them all to hold off on doing anything. They were going to wait for the right time.
"I'm keeping my eye on them is all," Jemima said sharing a look with Piper.
"Oh," Katie nodded. "I see."
"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, Katherine," Jemima said. "Remember that."
"Of course," Katie nodded. "That's very important."
"The Yule Ball is tomorrow," Piper said. "He's still going with Erin, Jem. I don't see how there's any way around it."
Jemima smiled tightly. "I'm not worried, Piper."
"You're so lucky," Katie said wistfully. "I can't wait until I'm a fourth year and I get to go."
"We'll tell you all about it, Katherine," Jemima said. "Of course... if a fourth year or above were to ask you, you could go."
Piper giggled. "What fourth year would ask her---she's just a first year."
"You never know," Jemima shrugged. "I went MY first year."
Katie glared at Piper behind her back before turning to look at Jemima in awe. "You did?"
"Of course," Jemima said.
"Who did you go with?" Katie asked.
"Vincent Partousek," Jemima replied. "He was a fifth year at the time."
"Wow," Katie said.
"Yes well," Jemima shrugged with false modesty. "It was nice, I suppose."
"That's so cool," Katie said with admiration.
Jemima stopped to walk next to Katie, leaving Piper to the side.
Katie resisted the urge to gloat.
"There they are, Katherine," Jemima said with disdain. "Your little friend Lindsey and that disgusting wench Erin."
"She's no friend of mine," Katie said shaking her head. "Not anymore.
"Well of course," Jemima said. "She IS a snitch, after all."
Over in the corner, Erin and Lindsey were looking at a magazine. "I think it's great that your father has that new job at Gringott's," Lindsey was telling her friend. She knew that Erin had taken her father losing his job hard.
"Thanks," Erin said. "It's nice- he's much happier there."
"And you'll have a great Christmas," Lindsey said.
"Starting with the ball tomorrow," Erin blushed.
Lindsey grinned. "And Trist-an!"
Erin shushed her. "Jemima's been lurking around, and the less she hears from me, the better."
Lindsey nodded. "Right. Sorry, Erin."
Erin nodded. "But I am looking forward to going."
"And your dress robes are gorgeous," Lindsey gushed.
"Thanks," Erin said.
"Hello, Erin," Jemima said coming over to them.
Erin looked up. "Jemima..."
Jemima plopped down on the sofa beside her. "Excited about the ball?"
Erin looked at her warily. "I suppose..."
"We're kind of busy," Lindsey said.
Jemima looked at her coldly. "So Erin..." she continued as if Lindsey hadn't spoken."Tell me about your robes."
"As if you care, Jemima," Erin retorted. "And Lindsey's right. She and I were having a conversation."
"Is this what I get for trying to be nice?" Jemima asked sharply.
"You don't know how to be nice," Erin said. She grabbed her magazine. "Come on, Linds. We'll go to your room."
Katie stepped in front of them. "You don't know what you're talking about." she said. "Jemima was just saying she felt bad about what she said to you and wanted to try and have a nice time at the ball before we all left for the holiday."
Jemima hid her smile. Katie Malfoy impressed her more and more each day. "That's right," Jemima said pouting.
Erin cast a doubtful glance at both of them.
"I really hope you and Tristan have a lovely time," Jemima said. "It's true I did fancy him, but there's no mistaking he has eyes only for you."
"I did sort of overhear him say he wasn't sure if he wanted to ask me or you," Erin confessed.
Again, Jemima hid her smile. "Really?"
"Yeah," Erin said. "And at first I wasn't going to go... but I decided to."
"Why wouldn't you go?" Jemima asked. "Depressed about your father?"
"He got another job," Erin explained.
"That's great," Jemima said patting Erin's arm.
Erin pulled away a bit. Jemima might be being nice but she still didn't fully trust the other girl.
"I hope you have a great time," Jemima told her. "You deserve it."
"Thanks," Erin said hesitantly.
Lindsey grabbed Erin by the arm. "Come on, Erin. Let's go."
This time Jemima and Katie stepped aside as Erin and Lindsey hurried off.
"Brilliant, Katherine," Jemima said to the younger girl.
Katie smiled at her.
"It was okay," Piper admitted.
"Are you kidding?" Jemima asked. "She was brilliant. That little first year hag was about to drag her off but Katherine here detained her."
"I don't get it," Piper said frowning. "Why are you trying to be nice to her? I mean, we hate her, right?"
"Were you not listening to what I said earlier?" Jemima snapped at her. "Keep your friends close, and enemies closer?"
"I was listening," Katie said.
"Exactly," Jemima said with a grin.
"So what are we going to do?" Katie asked eagerly.
"Ruin her," Jemima said.
"Ruin her?" Katie asked. "But that's a little harsh, isn't it?"
"If she hadn't stolen Tristan from me, I wouldn't care what she does," Jemima said coldly.
"Oh," Katie said quietly.
Jemima looked at her. "Do you find something wrong with our plans, Katherine?"
Katie shook her head. "No, not at all.
"Good," Jemima said, turning to leave.
Katie hurried to follow her.
"Wait up," Piper said, running.
"Where are we going?" Katie asked.
"Back to the common room," Jemima said. "We have a bit of work to do."
"Like what?" Piper asked.
Jemima only smiled. "You'll see."
Katie wondered if Erin had any idea of what might be in store for her.
*****
It had been several days since Andrew and Saffron had brought Ellie home from the hospital, and it was amazing how much their lives had changed in that short amount of time.
Motherhood was hard, but Saffron knew she wouldn't give it up for anything. A lot of times she found herself in her daughter's nursery just watching her sleep.
That morning, she had crept out of bed and snuck into Ellie's nursery while Andrew was sleeping. Saffron pulled the rocking chair close to the crib and sat down. Ellie was still sleeping. "Good morning, Ellie," Saffron whispered.
Ellie's eyes remained closed and her breathing was steady. Saffron watched as her little chest rose and fell.
Andrew put his hand on her shoulder. "I had a feeling I'd find you in here."
Saffron jumped. "You startled me!"
"Sorry," Andrew said sheepishly.
"It's okay," Saffron relaxed. "I just wanted to watch her for awhile."
Andrew sat down on the floor. "She slept through the night. That's a first."
"It's a blessing," Saffron grinned at him. "And probably a fluke."
Andrew laughed. "I'll take them where I can get them."
"Me too," Saffron said as Ellie's eyes blinked open.
"Hi, baby," Saffron said softly.
Ellie let out a soft cry and Saffron reached in to scoop her up
"Good morning," Saffron said hugging Ellie to her.
Andrew stood up. "Let's go down and I'll fix us breakfast while you feed her."
"I like that," Saffron smiled at him.
Andrew grinned back at her before giving her and Ellie both a kiss.
Saffron laughed as Ellie gave her father a gummy smile. "She's reeling you in again, Andrew."
"She doesn't have to try too hard," Andrew said.
Saffron sat down at the kitchen table with their daughter while Andrew started to make breakfast. "Waffles?" Saffron asked with a grin. "It's official. You are perfect."
"I can read your mind," Andrew said. "I know how much you love them."
"You're almost as good as Greta," Saffron said. "Speaking of which, I need to talk to her about moving in here with us...I know, I know she hasn't said yes yet, but she will."
"Saf," Andrew shook his head. "I really wish you wouldn't get your hopes up about her."
"You sound like my mum," Saffron said. "Greta knows how much this would mean to me."
"But she's getting old, Saffy," Andrew reasoned. "She probably wants to retire and take it easy."
Saffron looked at him. "Has she told you something?"
"I haven't seen her," Andrew said. "I suppose it's just a feeling I have."
"Ethan," Saffron said suddenly. "I bet he's gotten to her! He and Maddie want her!"
"Saffy," Andrew turned around to look at her.
"Well, he can't have her," Saffron said smugly. "I asked her first."
Andrew shook his head. "I don't think we even need a nanny, Saf."
"Well, not all the time, just when we're at practise and stuff," Saffron said.
"I bet Mum would watch her while we're busy," Andrew said.
"Well, that can be Plan B," Saffron said as Ellie finished nursing.
"I think you need to face the fact that Greta doesn't want to be a babysitter anymore," Andrew said, pouring the batter into the griddle.
"Nonsense," Saffron said dismissively.
"Saffron," Andrew turned around again.
"Her whole life has been taking care of children," Saffron said. "She took care of Nick, then Ethan, then me. And she's been with Katie and Ashley long enough. They don't need her anymore, Andrew. We do."
"And she's told you she's too old," Andrew replied. "Saffron, I understand you love her, but you need to get past this. You've been hanging onto it for years."
Saffron looked down at Ellie. "She won't be able to say no to your face, Ellie."
Andrew sighed. He knew Greta wasn't going to come be their nanny, but he also knew how stubborn Saffron could be. "Here's your waffle."
"Thank you," Saffron said smiling at him.
"I'll take her," Andrew replied, carefully taking his daughter. "You eat."
"Thanks," Saffron said.
Andrew sat down and put Ellie's burp cloth over his shoulder. "I know you've got a good one in you," he said with a goofy grin.
Ellie looked at him with wide eyes.
"My girl," Andrew said softly.
Ellie let out a burp.
Both of them laughed. "Yup," Andrew nodded. "I knew it."
"She gets that from you," Saffron said.
"Most likely," he nodded.
Saffron took another bite of her waffle. "This is delicious, Andrew. Thanks."
Andrew smiled at her. "I'll make you another if you want."
Saffron shook her head. "I need to lose this baby weight."
"You look gorgeous," Andrew said.
"Ellie, your daddy is a flatterer," Saffron said.
Ellie cooed softly.
"She agrees with me," Andrew said.
"Like father like daughter," Saffron replied.
Saffron knew Andrew would have loved Ellie regardless, but she couldn't help feeling blessed that she really was his, in every single way.
"She looks just like you," Andrew looked thoughtfully at the little girl in his arms.
Saffron smiled. "She's much cuter."
Andrew stood up when Ellie let out a little cry.
"What's wrong, love?" Andrew asked soothingly.
"She might need to be changed," Saffron said, finishing her waffle.
"I've got it," Andrew said. "I'll be right back."
Saffron watched her fiancé and daughter head out of the kitchen. She brought her plate to the sink and quickly washed it by hand.
Andrew didn't know what he was talking about, she thought. Greta would love to be their nanny.
She did remember the hesitation in her former nanny's response though. A nagging sensation reminded her of Greta's words when she'd asked her to come stay with them.
But, she thought, Greta might have changed her mind. Besides, she was so happy when she'd stopped by the other day to bring them food.
"Here we are," Andrew said. "All cleaned up."
Saffron turned. "Was it a bad one?"
"Nah," Andrew replied.
"Will you go with me today?" Saffron asked. "To talk to Greta?"
"Saffron," Andrew shook his head. "Why won't you let this go?"
Saffron frowned. "I'm just going to ask her, Andrew. That's all. If she says no, I'll drop it."
"Fine," Andrew replied.
"I'll watch her while you eat breakfast," Saffron said. "Then, we can get ready."
"I'm not that hungry," Andrew said. "I'll just have some tea."
Saffron looked at him. "I bet you're hoping Greta's made biscuits."
"I can't resist those," Andrew replied.
About an hour later, Saffron, Andrew and Ellie set off for Julie and Nick's house. Julie was away teaching and Nick was working in the downstairs studio. Greta beamed at them when she opened the door. "Saffy, this is a nice surprise!" Greta exclaimed.
"Hi Greta!" Saffron said happily. "We brought a visitor to see you!"
Greta eagerly took the baby. "Hello, Miss Ellie. Don't you look adorable?"
Saffron grinned at her daughter who waved her tiny arms.
Andrew stepped inside with Saffron. "We're sorry for not calling first..."
"It's no problem," Greta said. "I was just doing a little cleanup around here. Even though the girls are gone, I've still got Sophie to watch."
Andrew looked around. "Is Nick here?"
Greta nodded. "He's in the studio if you'd like to say hello."
"Yeah," Andrew said. "I'll leave you two to catch up and drool over the baby."
Greta sat down with Ellie in her arms. "How's she doing?"
"Last night, she actually slept through the night," Saffron told her.
"That's always a good sign," Greta nodded.
Saffron smiled. "I didn't keep you up too much when I was that little did I?"
"You were always so good for me," Greta said affectionately.
"Much easier than Ethan to take care of," Saffron said coyly. "He--he hasn't spoken to you recently, has he?"
"I heard from him a few days ago," Greta replied. "Madeline's getting close to her due date."
Saffron knew it. Ethan had gotten to her. "You know, they let Nana watch Kiera when they need to."
"You won't lack for a babysitter when you need one," Greta told her. "I'm sure your parents and Andrew's will love to take her."
"Ethan," Saffron grumbled. She was going to tell him off the next time she saw him.
"What about Ethan?" Greta asked, cuddling Ellie.
"Nothing," Saffron said hastily. "Look, at how much she loves you, Greta. And you see---I dressed her in that outfit you gave me."
"And it looks just lovely on her," Greta smiled at the baby.
Saffron nodded. "I don't think she'll ever wear the same outfit twice. Her wardrobe is bigger than mine and Andrew's combined."
"Nothing wrong with a little spoiling," Greta said. "You had so many clothes when you were a baby as well."
Saffron smiled. "That's what everyone tells me."
"She does look very much like you," Greta replied.
"I apologise to her everyday for the hair that I know is coming her way," Saffron said. "That's why I used to wear mine in plaits all the time."
"I'm sure she'll be lovely no matter what," Greta told her.
"So," Saffron said. "How are things over here? Quiet without Katie and Ashley?"
"Very," Greta nodded.
"You always did like to be busy," Saffron commented.
"Maybe in my younger days," Greta said. "Right now, it's very nice not having loads of things to do."
"Well, you know Ethan's going to have two babies," Saffron pointed out. "And Andrew and I just have Ellie. Just one baby. Nice and peaceful..."
Greta gave Saffron a gentle smile. "I know you'd like me to come stay with you--"
"I would love it," Saffron interjected. "You would have your own room and you could come and go as you please..."
"I appreciate that," Greta said. "And if I were ten years younger, I would come in a heartbeat."
Saffron looked down.
"I love you dearly," Greta told her. "I have your whole life. And if you need a babysitter once in awhile I'll be there. But I can't do it every day."
"But---" Saffron started to protest.
"It's just too hard," Greta said. "Even when Ashley and Katie are home, Nick and Julie manage them for the most part."
Tears welled up in Saffron's eyes.
"Please don't cry, love." Greta said.
"I just always thought--" Saffron said her voice trailing off.
Greta patted the sofa cushion beside her. "I'll always be here if you need me."
Saffron sat down beside her. "You always have been."
"It's not going to stop just because I'm not your nanny," Greta told her.
Saffron smiled. "I know."
Greta passed Ellie back over to her carefully. "I know you're going to be a great mother, Saffron."
That meant a lot to Saffron and she told her former nanny so. "I had a happy childhood in large part because of you. I just want the same thing for Ellie."
"She's going to grow up very happy," Greta predicted. "With a family who loves her."
Saffron looked down at her daughter. "She will."
"You and Andrew will do just fine," Greta said, pushing herself up.
Saffron wiped at her eyes. "Thanks, Greta."
Andrew came back into the room with Nick and saw the look on Saffron's face.
"Where's my niece?" Nick asked.
"She's right here," Saffron said, forcing a smile onto her face.
Nick grinned. "Can I hold her?"
"Of course," Saffron replied.
Nick gingerly took the baby in his arms and smiled. "Elinore Kirke, how are you today?"
"She's already had a busy day," Andrew looked proudly at his daughter.
"She has," Saffron agreed.
"We're taking her over to visit with Ethan, Maddie and Kiera later," Andrew said. "He said Maddie's about ready to pop."
"Another granddaughter for your parents to spoil," Nick said winking at Saffron.
"They've already started," Saffron said. "You should see the nursery."
"They go a little overboard," Nick chuckled. He looked over at Greta, who seemed a little teary-eyed. He knew from Andrew what Saffron was going to ask Greta. He imagined that the answer hadn't been easy for Greta to give.
"That's grandparents, right?" Andrew joked. "My parents haven't stopped sending over gifts."
"Ellie's their first grandchild," Nick said.
Andrew nodded. He knew Nick and his parents had nothing to do with one another and the one time Ashley and Katie had met them, they had all but renounced who they were.
"Grandparents are supposed to do that sort of thing," Greta said softly. "Especially when the baby is as cute as Ellie."
Saffron smiled down at her daughter. "She's been so good for us so far."
"Wait until she starts teething," Nick said. "Ashley was the perfect baby until her teeth started coming in. I think one night, Jules and I managed 10 minutes of sleep."
"Waht did you do to get her to calm down?" Saffron asked.
"Teething ring and this potion that Jules found in one of her books," Nick said.
"We know who to come to when we get to that point," Andrew joked.
Saffron stood up and walked over to Greta. She gave her nanny a hug.
Greta kissed the side of Saffron's head. "You'll always be a special girl for me."
Saffron smiled at her. "I'm sorry if I made you feel bad."
"I understand," Greta told her.
"And you would like to babysit sometime?" Saffron asked hopefully.
"Absolutely," Greta promised.
Saffron hugged her again. "Ellie would love that. And so would I."
"I'm glad that's settled," Andrew said.
"Go ahead and tell me that you told me so," Saffron said.
"That's okay," Andrew said.
Saffron smiled. "Thanks, Andrew."
"What can I get you two?" Nick asked. "Hungry?"
"We couldn't impose," Saffron started to say.
"Nonsense," Greta said. "I have some biscuits--"
"What kind?" Andrew asked.
"Chocolate chip and oatmeal," Greta replied.
Andrew rubbed his hands together. "I don't know about Saf, but I would love some."
"Coming right up," Nick said. "Sit back down and make yourselves comfortable."
"And I'll take that little angel," Greta said taking the baby from Nick.
"She loves you," Saffron said with a grin.
"I love her," Greta said grinning back at Saffron. She was happy that her former charge understood why she couldn't take the nanny position. "And her mum."
Saffron smiled wistfully.
"And just as soon as she has teeth," Greta said. "I'll make her biscuits, too."
"She'll love them just as much as I always did," Saffron replied as Ellie let out a sleepy coo.
"And don't forget me," Andrew said. "That's one of the reasons why I'm marrying Saffy..."
Saffron nudged her fiance hard.
"Only kidding," Andrew said hastily.
Nick came back into the room with pumpkin juice, butterbeer and some biscuits on a tray.
Greta sat down with Ellie. "Oh, the stories I could tell you about your mum and your Uncle Ethan."
"How Ethan married Princess Cruella," Saffron quipped.
"And protected you, the Queen," Greta laughed.
"I've seen pictures of that fort," Saffron said. "It was pretty incredible."
"Yes, it was," Greta recalled. "And your brother took his duties very seriously."
"I never had a brother or sister to do anything with," Andrew said.
"Neither did I," Nick said. "Which was probably a blessing. No one else should have suffered with my parents."
"Yeah but at least you found us," Saffron said.
Nick smiled. "Yes, I did. You and the Weasleys."
"You fell in loooove with Jules," Saffron said with a grin.
"How old are you?" Nick teased.
"Younger than you," Saffron returned.
"She's got you on that one, Nicholas," Greta said.
"It's all right," Nick said with a grin. "I'll remember this when you need help with Ellie teething."
Andrew grabbed a biscuit and stuffed it in Saffron's mouth before she could respond.
"Andrew," she complained after swallowing.
"Be nice to Nick," Andrew said. "The teething, remember?"
Saffron gave him a look as Ellie started to cry.
Greta patted Ellie's back soothingly. "It's okay, love."
"I can take her," Saffron said, reaching for her daughter.
Greta smiled as she handed Ellie to Saffron.
"There, there," Saffron kissed her daughter's head.
Ellie's cries quietened and she rested her head on Saffron's chest.
"That's my girl," Saffron said softly.
Greta met Saffron's gaze. "I told you," Greta said smiling at her.
"I just hope I'm as good a mum as mine," Saffron replied.
"I think you're well on your way," Greta said.
"Thank you," Saffron said as Ellie peered over at her father.
Andrew made a goofy face at her. "What's up, El?"
Ellie smiled at him.
"Jules is going to hate that she missed you," Nick said. "And Katie and Ashley are excited to see their little cousin."
"We'll have you lot over for dinner when they're home," Saffron promised.
"You know those two aren't going to want to wait," Nick said. "And Ashley has some news she wants to share with you, but she made Jules and me promise not to tell you."
Saffron made a face. "Thanks, Nicholas."
"You know how much she hates not knowing things," Andrew said reaching for another biscuit.
Nick grinned at his sister in law. "I sure do."
"Well, because I know how much this means to Ashley," Saffron said. "I won't push you to tell me."
Nick was about to answer when the fireplace roared to life and they all saw Ethan's head pop into the flames.
"Ethan?" Saffron asked. "What on earth---"
"Maddie's gone into labour," Ethan said. "I tried to get you at home but--"
"Oh!" Saffron squealed, startling Ellie. Saffron looked down at her daughter. "I'm sorry, Ellie."
"If you want to come to hospital that's fine," Ethan said. "But it could be awhile."
"We'll be there," Saffron promised. She smiled at her brother. "You're here for this one, Ethan. You won't miss a moment."
"I know," Ethan smiled back at her. "See you in a bit."
Saffron nodded. "Come on, Ellie. We should get you home because you are going to need a kip and then we'll go the hospital so you can meet your new cousin, Gwyn."
"I'm going to owl Jules and let her know," Nick stood up.
Greta kissed Saffron the cheek. "I'll see you later at hospital, love."
Saffron nodded. "Thanks Greta."
Andrew gave her a hug, too. "Thanks for the biscuits."
"Anytime," Greta replied.