A/N: This chapter is extra long- mainly because some of you have been clambering for a Julie/Nick and H/Hr scene- both of which are in this chapter ;) We're so glad you all are enjoying the Ethan/Maddie relationship as well- and soon enough you all will have more than your fill of RJ talking ;) haha!
As always, please let us know what you think by leaving a quick review! Even if we don't respond every time we do read them all and appreciate each one!
Because of the rain, everyone stayed inside for the remainder of the afternoon. Since they couldn't finish the sand castle contest, Harry and Ron satisfied their competitive urges with game after game of wizard's chess. Saffron looked over her father's shoulder as he contemplated his next move.
"Dad, you are really, really bad at this," Saffron said shaking her head.
"Always has been always will be," Ron grinned.
"Don't be so hard on Dad," Julie said to her sister.
"Why not?" Saffron asked.
"Because he's really sensitive about this," Julie replied. "He's never beaten Uncle Ron at this."
"Never," Ron said gleefully.
"Uncle Ron," Julie frowned. "Be nice."
"Don't worry," Harry said. "One of these days Weasley, I will beat you- mark my words."
"I still love you, Daddy," Saffron said, wrapping her arms around Harry's neck. "Even if you completely stink at this."
"Thank you baby," Harry grinned at his youngest.
"She's just trying to butter you up so she can go flying when it clears up," Julie said laughing.
"Jules!" Saffron said glaring at her older sister.
"It's true," Julie grinned at her. "Come on Saffy you know Mum doesn't want you to go."
Saffron crossed her arms. "Why did we have to get a cottage in a bloody Muggle area, anyway?"
"Because- damn it!" Harry cursed as Ron checkmated.
"Weasley is our king...," Ron sang high-fiving R.J.
Harry narrowed his eyes. "Another game," he said, grabbing his battered pieces and setting them back up.
"You really are a glutton for punishment," Ron said laughing.
"Who wants biscuits?" Hermione asked bringing a tray into the sitting room. When no one immediately jumped up, she rolled her eyes. "I didn't make them...."
"Well in that case," Ron reached for the tray but Harry's seeker reflexes went to work and he snatched it away.
"How about letting the rest of us have some before you eat the rest?" he asked sarcastically.
"Fine, fine," Ron said grinning at him. "Perhaps some nourishment will help your game, Potter."
"Damn right it will," Harry declared, passing the tray to his daughters.
"These are really great, Mum," Saffron said. "Who did make them?"
"Lizzy and Allie," Hermione said sitting down in between her two daughters.
"I helped too!" Caroline announced proudly, rubbing the bandage on her leg.
"How's your leg, baby girl?" Jon asked his daughter. He and Josh were playing a game of exploding snap.
"Better Daddy," Caroline ambled over to him. "Can I sit on your lap?"
"Of course," Jon said smiling at her. "You can be my good luck charm."
Caroline brightened. "I've never been someone's good luck charm Daddy."
"You've always been my good luck charm," Jon said as she settled down on his lap. "And your mum's. Don't you remember singing to her when she was sick?"
Caroline nodded happily. "And Emma stops crying when I give her a bottle."
"Jon?" Ron asked with a smirk. "You might want to lend Caroline to Harry. He needs all the good luck he can get."
"No can do, Dad," Jon said tickling his daughter. "She's a Weasley."
"That's right," Ron replied. "Why don't you come sit with Grandpa?"
"I'm going to stay with Daddy right now," Caroline said. "But if you get into any trouble, I'll come and sit with you, Grandpa."
"What about me Caroline?" Harry pretended to look injured as Ron made the first move. "I put extra ice cream in your soda today."
"Trying to buy off my granddaughter?" Ron asked his best friend.
"It's a shame there's not more of me to go around," Caroline said causing her father and uncle to laugh.
"Aye," Harry chuckled as Saffron slid under his arm. "A right shame."
"Here Dad," Saffron whispered something in his ear.
"What's she saying to you?" Ron asked raising an eyebrow at them. "You know this could be considered cheating."
"Come be my good luck charm," Harry shot back sarcastically.
"Boys," Luna said. "You're not setting a good example for the children."
"We're acting more grown up than they are," Jon said to his twin.
"We always have," Josh said quietly.
Jon snorted with laughter as he let Caroline play a card for him.
"Has anyone seen Ethan and Maddie since we came back in?" Julie asked as Nick, Katie and Ashley came in with some butterbeer.
"They are out on the porch," Nick reported. "Sharing a chaise lounge and watching the rain."
"That's so sweet," Julie looked towards the door.
"Uncle Ethan really likes her," Katie said giggling.
"She's fancied him for a long time now," Josh said.
"All of her life," Luna said softly. She hadn't mentioned anything to anyone about what Maddie had shared with her earlier.
"Damn it Harry!" Ron said as his friend made an extremely good move.
Saffron winked at her father. "Told you."
"Thank you Saffy," Harry kissed the side of her head.
"You're still not going flying," Hermione called out to her daughter.
Saffron shot her mother an angry look.
"Saffron Grace," Hermione said. "I know you want to go flying, but this isn't the place to do so. You can fly all you want when we go back home."
"But Mum I have to practise so I can be on the house team!" Saffron argued.
"Your Mum's right, Saffy," Harry said.
Saffron huffed. "See if I help you any more with your chess game." she snapped.
"Saffron!" Hermione said sternly. "You are not going to talk you to your father that way."
"Fine I'll just go to my room then!" Saffron stomped out, her door slamming a few moments later.
Hermione sighed. "Once again, I'm the bad guy."
Harry flashed Ron a look that told him the game was over and moved to sit next to his wife. "It's all right sweetheart," he said. "She'll get over it."
"No she won't," Hermione said angrily. She was a little upset that Harry hadn't backed her up on this more than he had. "And I don't want her flying with the invisibility cloak because she's just going to hurt herself."
"I wouldn't have let her do that," Harry replied. "I don't even have it with me."
"I didn't know that," Hermione said quietly. "I wish you would have said something sooner."
"I'm sorry," Harry whispered in her ear. "Come on, let's go talk to our daughter."
Hermione nodded and followed her husband upstairs to the room Saffron was sharing with Katie, Ashley and Caroline. Harry knocked on the door.
"Go away!" Saffron called out.
"Saffron Grace let us in," Hermione said. Both she and Harry could open the door easily with a spell but they chose to let their children have their privacy.
"No!" Saffron snapped angrily. "Leave me alone!"
"If you don't open this door you'll be grounded," Harry said firmly. "And then you won't go flying anywhere."
"Please sweetheart," Hermione said in a gentler tone. "We don't want to punish you."
Saffron swung open the door. "You know just because you don't like flying doesn't mean that you have to ruin it for everyone else!"
Hermione went inside, her husband following her and shut the door again. "Saffy- I'm just being practical. This area is swarming with Muggles and flying with an invisibility cloak is completely impractical."
"Your Mum lets you fly all you want when we're at home," Harry added. "When was the last time she told you no while we were home?"
Saffron frowned. "I know, but..."
"I'm not trying to spoil your fun, sweetheart," Hermione said gently. "I want you to have a wonderful holiday. You deserve it after how well your marks were this past year. But there are other ways to have a good time here. You can spend time with your nieces. You can go swimming..."
"I just love flying," Saffron said. "I like spending my time up in the air on my broom."
"I was the same way," Harry said with a grin. "But there are places we can fly and a lot of places we can't. Don't pin this all on your mother Saffy."
Saffron nodded. "I'm sorry, Mum. I didn't mean to get so cross with you."
"It's okay sweetheart," Hermione held her arms out.
Saffron hugged her mother. "So I can fly all I want when I get home?"
"When you get home," Hermione answered, kissing the top of her daughter's head. "Yes, you can fly all you want. Providing that you're always careful and wear your gear."
"Great," Saffron said smiling at her parents.
"Better?" Harry asked, ruffling her hair.
"Better," she said laughing.
"Ready to go back downstairs?" He asked. "And help me beat Uncle Ron?"
Saffron nodded. "Hey, Dad? Have you made a move since I came upstairs?"
"No," Harry replied. "But I think Ron might have wiped the board since we came up here..."
"If he hasn't," Saffron said as they walked out of the room. "I think I know a way that you could beat him."
Harry grinned. "You are most definitely MY good luck charm," he scooped his youngest daughter up as if she weighed nothing.
"Dad," Saffron said giggling as he carried her downstairs. "Put me down!"
"I will- by the chessboard," Harry teased as Hermione followed them, laughing.
Ron looked up. He was still sitting at the chessboard, but his mouth was crammed full of biscuits. Saffron smiled when she saw that he hadn't cleared the board.
"I hope none of you mind- I finished the tray," Ron said as soon as he'd swallowed. "There were only a few biscuits left--"
"What would your definition of a few be, Ron?" Hermione asked him.
"The last dozen," Jon cracked.
Ron cleared his throat and chose to ignore what his son had just said.
"So are we playing or what, Potter?"
"We're playing," Harry replied, pulling his daughter onto his leg. "Saffy's going to help me beat the trousers off you Ron."
"You've not won a game against me in the entire time I've known you, Harry," Ron scoffed. "But if you feel like you need help, fine. The more the merrier, I always say."
Hermione shared a look with Luna as both women shook their heads. "Men and their competitions," Hermione said. "I just don't understand it."
"Knight to E4," Ron said smugly.
Saffron and Harry studied the board before she whispered something in her father's ear. "Are you sure?" Harry asked her.
"Positive," Saffron said winking at him.
"Okay," Harry commanded his pieces. The game went on as such for another half hour until only two of Harry's pieces remained against six of Ron's.
"You could always give up," Ron suggested.
"No way," Harry said.
"Potters never quit," Saffron said smiling brightly at her Uncle Ron.
"That's right Saffy," Harry said as he made a move.
The smug smile on Ron's face faltered a bit as he stared at the board.
"What's the matter, Ron?" Harry asked. "You look like you might get sick."
"Sod off Potter," Ron said, furrowing his brow as he concentrated.
Ten minutes later, Ron still hadn't made a move. Harry tapped his fingers on the table.
"Come on Uncle Ron," Saffron said with a grin.
Ron glared across the board at them before calling out his move.
Saffron crowed triumphantly as she guided their piece immediately. "Come on Dad, I know you've been waiting to say it!"
Harry grinned. "CHECKMATE!"
"History was just made today," Luna teased.
Everyone gathered around the chessboard. Jon who was holding Caroline patted his father's back with his free hand.
"Grandpa!" Caroline said smiling sympathetically at Ron. "You should have called me over!"
"I know I should have," Ron said, reaching for her. "That's all right. We'll build a great sand castle tomorrow and show Harry whose boss."
"Let him enjoy his triumph for now," Luna said watching as Harry received congratulations from his children, grandchildren and wife.
"It was a long time coming eh mate?" Ron grinned at his friend. "Guess I can't be too sore at you."
"You do still have the winning record," Harry said shaking Ron's hand. "I have a ways to go and I think we all know how I won...my secret weapon."
Saffron grinned and blushed. "It was easy," she said.
Julie looked around for her husband wanting to share the good news with him, but saw that he wasn't in the sitting room.
"Hey Josh?" Julie asked. "Have you seen Nick?"
"He was just here a few minutes ago," Josh replied.
Julie nodded and decided to go and find him herself. She finally found him upstairs in the bedroom. To her dismay, he was packing.
"What's going on?" she asked.
"I have to leave for a day," Nick said. "I just got an owl- they found some mistakes in that last single I made so I have to go back and redo it."
"But it's our holiday," Julie said frowning. "You said that everything was okay..."
"I thought so too but apparently not," Nick said. "I'll only be gone a day Jules- I'll be back tomorrow night or the morning after that."
"Okay," Julie said forcing a smile.
"I'm sorry," Nick said, tracing her cheek with a finger. "You know I don't want to go."
She nodded and kissed him. "I don't like it, but I understand. We've both been so busy lately I feel like we're like two ships passing in the night."
"I promise when I get back we'll take some time just for us." Nick kissed her again. "And for the girls as well."
"You'd better," Julie said, hoping that this was a promise he'd be able to keep. The music business was very unpredictable as she had learned over the course of their marriage.
"I'll make sure they know I'm not coming back again," Nick replied. "I wouldn't even go now but it would hold up the whole production process otherwise."
"I know," she said sitting down on the edge of the bed as he finished unpacking. She told him all about her father finally beating Ron in chess. "Or I should say Saffy helped him beat Ron at chess."
Nick laughed. "It's about time."
"Do you have to leave straightaway?" Julie asked.
"Yeah," Nick said regretfully. "In a few minutes."
Julie squeezed his hand before standing up and walking over to the door.
"Katie! Ashley!" she called out. "Come upstairs please!"
"What?" the girls were clambering up a minute later. "What's the matter Mummy?"
"Nothing's the matter," Julie said picking up Katie. "Daddy's going to have to leave us for the night, but he promised to back tomorrow."
"Daddy!" Ashley said in disappointment. "I don't want you to go!"
"Sweetheart," Nick said kneeling down before her. "I won't be gone long. I promise."
Ashley hugged him. "I hate when you have to leave us Daddy."
"I do too," Nick said hugging her back. "But you can do me a big favour by looking after Mummy while I'm gone."
"Okay Daddy," Ashley agreed. "I will."
"Me too!" Katie chimed in. "I'll look out for Mummy too!"
"What does Mummy have to say about all this?" Nick asked giving his wife his best grin.
"Mummy thinks she can take care of herself," Julie said laughing. "But she appreciates her best girls wanting to help out."
"Now how about a big family hug before I have to leave?" Nick asked.
The two Malfoy girls hugged their father and mother tightly. "We'll miss you, Daddy."
"I'll miss you both too. But I promise I'll be back just as soon as I can." Nick said.
Julie watched them leave the room. "Now I can give you a quick but proper goodbye," she said.
"What did you have in mind, Mrs. Malfoy?" Nick asked as she looped her arms around his neck.
Julie leaned in and teased his lips with hers. "A preview for when you get back," she said softly.
"Too bad we don't have time for more," Nick said wistfully as he grabbed his bag. Julie handed him the old tattered book that was his portkey. "I'll see you soon, love."
"I love you," she said.
"I love you," he managed to repeat before his portkey activated.
Julie watched him disappear before sighing and heading back downstairs.
Later that afternoon when the rain had finally stopped, Julie decided to take the girls for a walk on the beach. Her two daughters were walking ahead of her collecting sea shells as they went. Julie was lost in her thoughts. She wondered if everything was going okay with Nick's single. She hoped that he'd be able to come back sooner than he expected.
"Miss?" a man's voice called out.
Julie turned, wondering if the person was talking to her. "Yes?" she squinted in the sunlight.
"I was just wondering if you had the time," he said walking closer to her. He was carrying a bucket and a fishing rod.
"I think it's about half past four," Julie finally got a close look at him and her knees nearly buckled. It couldn't be... she thought.
He smiled. "Thanks. I misplaced my watch and I haven't gotten around to buying another..." his voice trailed off as he got a good look at her. "I hope you don't think this sounds like a line, but I swear you look so familiar. Have we met before?"
"I... don't think so," Julie said, trying to keep her voice from shaking.
"Ryan Burke," he said setting his bucket down on the sand. He offered her his hand. When she didn't immediately shake it, he laughed. "Don't worry. My hands don't smell like fish. I didn't catch a bloody thing today."
"It's nice to meet you," she murmured. "Uh... I'm Julie... Julie Malfoy."
He grinned. "Are you here on holiday? I'm a local so I don't remember seeing you here before."
"My family has a cottage down the beach," Julie answered, walking so her daughters would stay in sight.
Ryan smiled shyly at her. "I've only been here for a year. Moved here right after finishing medical school. I have a small practise in town."
"You're a doctor?" she asked in surprise. Never during their relationship had he mentioned he wanted to go into medical practises. She warned herself to stay vague and be careful about what she knew and what she didn't."
"Aye," Ryan said with a laugh. "You know how it is, right? You go to university thinking you're going to do one thing with the rest of your life and then changing your mind halfway through...."
"Right," Julie said. "Katie not so far!" she called out.
"Those your little ones?" Ryan asked looking down the beach at the two young girls.
"Yes," she replied softly.
"They're adorable," Ryan said smiling at her. "And they must keep you pretty busy, eh?"
"Always, yes." Julie managed a smile.
Ryan couldn't stop staring at her and when she caught him gazing at her, he frowned.
"I'm sorry," he said sheepishly. "You just remind me of someone."
"Who might that be?" Julie raised an eyebrow- a trait she'd learned from Nick.
"You're going to think this is crazy," Ryan said. "But I don't know who. I just feel a sort of closeness to you. It's silly, I know. We've never met."
Julie didn't respond, only turned to look out at the ocean. She wouldn't give up her life with Nick and her girls for anything, but a small, miniscule part of her thought about how things would be if she HAD indeed wound up with Ryan.
"I've freaked you out, haven't I?" Ryan asked interrupting her thoughts. "That wasn't my intention, Julie. Really."
"No, I'm sorry," Julie said. "I just miss my husband is all."
Ryan nodded, trying to hide his disappointment to find out she was married.
"The good ones are always taken," he said smiling at her. "If you don't mind me saying, your husband is a lucky bloke."
"He says that all the time," Julie said. "But I think I'm the lucky one."
"You said you missed him," Ryan said as they continued to walk. "He's not here with you then?"
"He had to leave for a day- for work." Julie said. "He's in... the entertainment business."
"Actor or musician?" Ryan asked conversationally.
"Sort of... behind the scenes," Julie replied, knowing he would have no idea who Nick really was.
"And what about you?" Ryan asked.
"I teach," Julie replied. "In a grammar school near Guilford."
Katie came running up to them. "Mummy, look at this shell! Isn't it pretty?"
"Its beautiful sweetheart," Julie picked up her youngest daughter.
"Who's that man?" Katie whispered.
"His name is Ryan," Julie said. "This is Katie."
"Very nice to meet you, Katie Malfoy," Ryan said smiling at the little girl. She noticed the fishing rod in his hand.
"Did you catch anything?" Katie asked.
"Not a thing," Ryan said sadly.
"My grandpa says the water here is fished out." Katie replied.
"Your grandpa is right," Ryan said with a laugh. "But I keep going out here hoping that it will change one day."
"My grandpa's really smart but my grandma is more smarter," Katie replied, making both of them laugh.
"That must be why your mum is so smart," Ryan said smiling at Katie.
"She's the smartest," Katie said, leaning her head on her mother's shoulder.
"She may be the slightest bit biased," Julie said laughing.
"Mum here's that thing that stung Caroline!" Ashley's voice floated back to them.
"Don't touch it, Ashley!" Julie called out. "Get back!"
"What is it?" Ryan asked. "Whoa- a man o war... I haven't seen one of these in years!" he poked it with his fishing rod. "It's dead now but they can still sting." he gingerly scooped it up and put it into his bucket. "There now it can't get anyone."
"Thanks mister," Ashley said. "It really hurt Caroline."
"Is that another sister?" Ryan asked.
"No it's our cousin," Ashley answered.
"A big family vacation, eh?" Ryan asked, a wistful expression coming over his handsome features.
"Yes," Julie answered. "My family and some very, very close friends of ours."
"Well technically they'd be family if Uncle Ethan married Maddie," Ashley pointed out pedantically.
"Maybe we could be flower girls," Katie said excitedly.
"You two are getting ahead of yourselves," Julie said. "Ethan and Maddie have barely begun dating."
"They're right up there!" Katie squealed, pointing.
Ryan followed Katie's gaze and saw a young man and woman sitting close on one of the sand dunes.
"Ethan is your brother?" Ryan guessed.
"Yes," Julie answered. "I've got a younger sister as well- she's probably back at the house."
"How do you keep everyone straight?" Ryan asked with a grin.
"It's not easy but we try," Julie smiled.
"Come on Katie," Ashley said taking her sister's hand. "Let's go see Uncle Ethan."
Before Julie could stop them, the two girls sprinted toward Ethan and Maddie. She was alone again with Ryan.
"It's great that you have such a big family," Ryan said conversationally. "I'm an only child."
She almost said "I know," but stopped herself just in time. "It's nice to have a couple of brothers and sisters." she said instead.
"Tell me about it," Ryan joked. "When I was kid if I got in trouble, my parents always knew it was me. There was no one else to blame."
"Once Ethan was born I learned how to pass the blame," Julie said, walking towards her brother. She wasn't sure if he'd remember Ryan but hopefully he wouldn't say anything if he did.
"Hey Jules," Ethan said as she and Ryan approached them. He was holding Katie in his lap. He looked over at Ryan.
"Hi," Ryan said when Julie didn't introduce them. He held out his hand. "Ryan Burke."
Ethan looked blankly at him then at his sister who shook her head a bit frantically. "Hi," he said finally. "Ethan Potter."
"Nice to meet you, Ethan," Ryan said.
"And this is my...," Ethan said looking at Maddie. "Well, she's..."
"I'm his Maddie," Maddie said with a laugh.
"Hello his Maddie," Ryan grinned.
"Uncle Ethan," Ashley said. "Ryan took care of that thing that stung Caroline!'"
"Well that's good," Ethan said. "I'd be upset if anything happened to anyone else because of it." he looked at Ryan. "How often do those things wind up here?"
"Not too often," Ryan replied. He looked over at Julie whose hair was blowing in the breeze. He still couldn't put his finger on why he hadn't just walked away when she'd told him the time. That was all he'd wanted. There was something so familiar about this woman.
"My niece is only four and she's curious about everything," Maddie said, peering into the bucket. "Plus she loves anything blue."
"She couldn't resist, eh?" Ryan asked. "If you'd like, I could stop by and check on her."
"She's okay," Julie replied. "Our friend Lizzy works in medicine and she took care of it."
"Are you a medi--," Katie said, but Ethan put his hand over her mouth.
"Sorry, I thought I saw a bee and I thought it might get in your throat," Ethan said.
"That wasn't very nice," Katie said scowling at him.
"Would you rather be stung in your mouth?" Ethan asked her.
"No," Katie admitted.
Ethan stood up. "Jules? Could I have a quick word?"
"Sure," she looked at Ryan. "We'll be right back."
Ethan took his sister aside. "Is that who I think it is?" he asked her point blank.
"Yes," she replied quietly. "He asked me for the time and then he started talking to me and the girls."
"What are the odds of him ending up here of all places?" Ethan asked. He looked over to where Ryan was talking with Katie and Ashley. "I don't remember much about him, but I remember I used to ask him to play football with me and he did every single time."
"He was fine until I told him about us, and about the Wizarding World." Julie replied. "He basically told me he never wanted to see me again and that witchcraft was the devil's work... and then Dad had to memory charm him."
Ethan just shook his head. "It was probably quite a shock for him to hear about."
"I'm sure it was," Julie said. "But... it's just so strange to see him now acting like he did when we first started dating. This is how I best remember him being."
"You okay?" Ethan asked her.
"I'm fine," Julie assured him. "I just miss Nick, even though he's only been gone a few hours."
"Mummy!" Katie called out excitedly. Both Julie and Ethan turned to see Katie getting a piggy-back ride from Ryan. "Can we invite Dr. Ryan to dinner?"
"Uh..." Julie seemed at a loss for words. "We'd have to talk to your grandma and grandpa sweetheart."
"Please!" Katie begged. "He at least has to show Caroline that he took care of that soldier fish thing."
"We'll talk to them when we get back," Julie said firmly. "Uh... it shouldn't be a big deal though. I can ring you if you'd give me your number?"
"I don't want to impose," Ryan said setting Katie back down.
Maddie who had no idea who this man really was, waved her hand dismissively. "The more the merrier!"
"I guess it's unanimous," Julie said. "We usually eat about seven if that's okay."
"That's really nice of you," Ryan said smiling at her. "You are saving me from some leftover curry."
"Well... I guess we'll see you about seven then," Julie said. "I should really get the girls inside- they've had enough sun today."
"Sure," Ryan said. "It was really nice to meet all of you."
He waved at them before taking his fishing rod and bucket and walking back down the sand dune.
"Dad is going to go ballistic, Jules," Ethan said in a hushed tone.
"I know," Julie sighed.
"Why would Grandpa go ballistic?" Ashley asked.
"I said that Dad is fantastic," Ethan lied. "Don't you think your Grandpa is fantastic?"
"Of course he is fantastic," Katie replied as Maddie picked her up and swung her around.
"What about Uncle Ron?" Ethan whispered to Julie, making sure both Katie and Ashley were out of earshot. "You know how he is. He's going to say something."
"We'll talk to them right now," Julie whispered back. "We'll make it through the night, somehow."
When they finally made it back to the house, Julie was relieved to see her parents sitting on the porch swing.
"Why don't you girls go tell Caroline about what happened?" she asked her daughters hoping that she'd be the one to break the news to her parents about their dinner guest.
"Okay Mummy," the two girls ran inside.
"Can I have a quick word?" Julie asked her parents.
"Sure," Hermione said. "What's on your mind?"
"Well..." Julie sat down on the rail. "Do you guys remember that guy I dated right before we went to Hillsdale and I met Nick?"
"Ryan Burke?" Hermione asked, pulling a confused face.
Julie sighed. "He lives right here in Brighton. Right on this beach as a matter of fact."
Harry tensed up. "You saw him?"
Julie let out a weak laugh. "He saw me. Asked me the time and then we started talking. One thing led to another and Katie invited him over for dinner."
"You're joking, right?" Harry asked his daughter.
"I rather wish I was," Julie answered. "And I tried to say no but then Maddie joined in- they don't know who he is so I couldn't blame them."
"I don't want him in this house," Harry said simply.
"Harry--" Hermione said putting a hand on his arm, but her husband shrugged it off.
"Dad we can't be rude," Julie said. "He has no idea who I am all right? And we can just have the kids eat earlier and that way we don't have to worry about them saying anything about the Wizarding World."
"Julie," Hermione said looking at her daughter. "How are you, sweetheart? I know this can't be easy for you."
Julie shrugged. "The whole time I was talking with him I couldn't stop thinking about Nick."
Hermione smiled. "Julie's right, Harry. It's just one night."
Harry didn't look convinced. "What if he remembers?"
"How could he?" Hermione asked. "You memory charmed him. Yours are pretty foolproof, right?"
"Always have been," Harry replied. "I don't know- I just don't feel right about it."
"It's one night," Hermione said quietly. "And he was always a nice young man, until..."
"Until that," Julie finished.
"Perhaps we can get Ron to eat with the kids?" Hermione asked only half-joking. "He's the one we're going to have to worry about."
"Thank goodness Cho isn't here," Harry said.
Hermione laughed and got to her feet. "I'm going to go and magic proof the house. Make sure there aren't any stray wands lying around and those chess pieces are cleaned up."
"Thanks you guys," Julie said. "This will be awkward but I think we'll be okay as long as no one talks about magic."
"In that case, Ron should definitely eat with the kids," Hermione said before disappearing inside.
Harry looked at his daughter. "I'm not pleased about this Jules..."
"I know," Julie said. "But he is just as nice as he was before. I was telling Ethan before the way he was with me and the girls, it was just like how he used to be when we started dating."
"But still," Harry replied. "I'm keeping my wand handy."
Julie smiled and gave her father a hug. "Thank you Daddy."
Harry kissed the top of her head. "At least this time I won't find you crying in your room."
"No," Julie said with a laugh. "You won't."
"Are you going to tell Nick?" Harry asked.
"I didn't think I should hide it from him," Julie replied. "Do you think I shouldn't?"
Harry shook his head. "When you hide things they have a way of coming back to bite you in the arse. When your Mum and I first got together, we talked about previous... partners and I didn't tell her about your aunt Cho and me. When she found out later... let's just say it almost ruined the relationship between her and me and her and Cho."
"You slept with Aunt Cho?" Julie asked incredulously. "I knew you dated, but I never knew you'd...Dad!"
"It was one time when we were about fifteen," Harry explained. "We decided to have our first times with each other because we knew at least then it'd be someone that actually mattered." he sat back. "I never in a million years at that point thought I would ever meet someone like your mum Jules. I didn't think I'd ever have the chance to live this sort of life."
Julie knew all too well about her father's childhood and how he'd spent the majority of his Hogwarts years preparing to fight Voldemort.
"You have us, Dad," Julie said hugging him again.
"I'm glad for that every day," Harry said.
Julie smiled. "Aunt Cho...really?"
Harry laughed. "Really."
"It just sounds so strange," Julie explained. "It would be like Mum being in love with Uncle Ron."
Harry made a face. "Bad visual sweetheart."
Julie scrunched up her nose. "Very bad visual. But I don't know how I'm going to be able to look at Aunt Cho without thinking 'you slept with my dad'. Does Chiaki know?"
"I'm sure she does," Harry replied. "But it shouldn't affect anyone Jules. It was a long, long time ago."
"It won't," Julie said. "But it's still...strange."
Harry chuckled. "Like having dinner with an ex boyfriend who's been memory charmed to not remember them but is drawn to his ex girlfriend?"
"Exactly like that," Julie laughed.
"Well let's go in and get something put together for dinner," Harry said. "You can help your mother de- magic the household."
"And talk to her more about this Aunt Cho thing," Julie whispered. When she saw the look on her father's face, she laughed. "Only kidding."
Harry poked his daughter's side. "You're not too old to be tickled Jules."
"Yes I am," Julie said stepping back.
"Especially not by your husband," Harry grinned. "Might have to have a word with him when he comes back."
"Mum hates to be tickled too," Julie pointed out. "But that certainly doesn't stop you."
"She'd never let on but she actually likes it." Harry replied.
"Okay," Julie said shaking her head. "You've already grossed me out with this Cho stuff...don't talk about S-E-X with Mum too."
Harry laughed. "Touché love."
*** *** ***
"That was a really great dinner, Mr. Potter," Ryan said politely. So far, the dinner was uneventful mostly because Ron had volunteered to take the kids out to eat. He'd not wanted to spend anytime with the bloke who in his words "broke his goddaughter's heart".
"You're welcome," Harry said forcing a smile. "We're...we're really glad you could come, Dr. Burke."
"Thank you," Ryan said with a smile. "It was nice of Katie to invite me." he laughed.
"You saved my husband from having to hunt down that Man O War," Allison said. "Caroline asked him to take care of it for her."
"I've seen a few of them from time to time, but more out there in the ocean. They don't wash ashore all too often." Ryan replied.
"That's good to hear," Jon remarked. "Caroline's so curious. She's just like Maddie. When she was Caroline's age, she had a ...OW!"
"Sorry," Allison said with a laugh. "Was that your leg, love?"
"Yes," Jon said through clenched teeth. "She had a pet lizard, as I was going to say. Named it Dolly."
Ryan laughed. "A pet lizard named Dolly?"
Maddie laughed. "What can I say, I was inventive."
"I can remember this one biology class I had at University," Ryan said. "My lab partner and I had to dissect a frog, but she wouldn't let me do it. She said it was completely..."
"Barbaric," Julie finished without thinking. She'd been his lab partner for that class.
Ryan looked at her. "How did you know that?" he asked, laughing.
"I-I just know how she must have felt," Julie said quickly.
"I must be getting old or something but I don't remember much about her," Ryan said thoughtfully. "I just remember that she and I used to have a really good time in class."
"I'm sure you did," Ethan said, wanting to steer the conversation away. "Who wants pie?"
"And since my dad's not here everyone can have pie," Maddie joked.
"So," Hermione said as Ethan and Maddie volunteered to get dessert for everyone. "Dr. Burke, are you married?"
"Nope," Ryan shook his head. "Just haven't found the right woman."
Hermione nodded. "I'm sure your practise keeps you busy."
"Aye, especially since there's a minority of medical practitioners here in this area." He nodded.
"Maybe we should settle here," Lizzy said to her husband. "I could open my own practise."
"What hospital do you work at now?" Ryan asked.
"A... general one in London," Lizzy answered.
Ryan nodded. He opened his mouth to say something else, but Maddie and Ethan came back into the dining room carrying trays.
"Sorry Dad," Ethan said. "No pumpkin pie. You'll have to make do with blueberry."
"As long as your mother didn't make it..." Harry began.
"How do you feel about sleeping on the sofa?" Hermione asked.
"I'd eat it even if your mother made it," Harry continued.
"That might be because we have two doctors here, right Uncle Harry?" Jon joked.
"Exactly," Harry laughed.
Ryan's mobile phone rang and he excused himself to take the call. "I'll just be a moment."
"This isn't going too badly," Harry whispered when Ryan had left the room
"He's pretty cool," Jon admitted.
Julie shook her head. "It's so odd to talk about things he and I did like that lab only he doesn't remember it was ME."
"I know this can't be easy on you, Jules," Ethan said putting an arm around his sister.
"I'm fine," Julie replied. "Really- I'm fine."
Ryan walked back into the room. "I'm sorry. I'm going to have to go. One of my patients has gone into labour."
Somewhat relieved, Julie stood up. "I'll walk you out," she said politely.
Ryan smiled. "Thanks." He looked over at Harry and Hermione. "Thank you again for having me. I hope I'll see more of you and your family while you're here."
"I'm sure we'll see you around," Harry smiled but his tone was noncommittal.
Julie stood out on the porch with Ryan.
"You have a really great family," he said to her. "I can't thank you enough for inviting me."
"We're glad you could make it," Julie said as he pulled on a light jacket. "It's been nice... getting to know you."
"You want to hear something crazy?" he asked her. "I feel as if I've known you all my life. And your family. I don't why it just all felt so familiar."
"Sometimes people just click with others that way," Julie said quietly.
"Sometimes you do," Ryan said smiling at her. "I guess this is goodbye then?"
"I'm sure we'll see you around the beach this week," Julie said.
"I hope so," Ryan said. "And please give my best to Katie and Ashley. I'm sorry I missed them."
"I will. Good luck with your patient." Julie replied.
"Good night, Jewel," Ryan said before walking down the steps. Julie stared after him. He was the only one who used to call her that.
Thoughts of seeing Ryan again made her toss and turn most of the night and she was finally in a light sleep around half past three when a light kiss on her forehead made her eyes pop open.
"I didn't want to wake you," Nick whispered pushing a strand of hair off her face.
"You're back already?" Julie asked, smiling.
"Yes," he said as she sat up in bed. "You know how producers are...they make everything seem much more serious than it actually is."
She reached for him and hugged him tightly. "I don't care as long as you're back." she buried her face in his shoulder.
He hugged her back. "Don't get me wrong, I like this, but I was only gone for a few hours."
"It felt longer to me," she murmured, giving him a kiss.
"Me too," he said kissing her back. "So, what did I miss around here?"
"Funny you should ask," Julie sat back as he got himself into his pyjama trousers. "Do you uh... remember that guy Ryan I dated before you? I told you about him in that coffee shop?"
"That bastard who ran out on you when you told him the truth?" Nick asked. "Why the hell are we talking about him?"
"He lives here in Brighton," Julie answered. "We ran into him on the beach today and our daughters took a bit of a liking to him."
Nick froze. "He...what?"
"He asked me the time," Julie said. "He didn't remember who I was or anything."
"You spoke with him?" Nick asked her. "Why?"
"I couldn't refuse to give him the time," Julie answered, not understanding why he seemed to be getting upset.
"You should have given him the time and just had done with it," Nick said trying to keep his temper. "Jesus, Julie. Do you remember what that bastard did to you?"
"Yes I remember Nick," Julie said sharply. "But I also know how to forgive and forget- or have you forgotten what you said to me the last day at Hillsdale?"
"You've got to be kidding me!" he exclaimed. "How many years ago was that?"
"What Ryan did to me was even longer ago," Julie said, trying not to get angry with him. "Look Nick, I'm being up front here with you. I don't like keeping secrets from my husband. Katie invited Ryan here for dinner and he came. We all had a nice time and he left when he got a call from one of his patients."
Nick still didn't seem convinced.
"Nick," Julie reached for his hands. "If you're worried about me having feelings for him don't. Nothing, absolutely nothing could possibly tempt me away from what I have here with you. I love you."
"I know," Nick said quietly, "But it's just..."
"Just what?" Julie asked, leaning in so her forehead was touching his.
"Just that I love you," Nick said deciding not to confess how insecure this made him feel.
"I love you," Julie said. "When it comes to you and the girls, you're my whole life. I can't imagine being with anyone else." she pushed his blond hair out of his eyes- he still wore it rather longish after all these years. "You believe me right?"
"Yes," he said softly.
She could see the self doubt in his eyes and she was tired but she knew he needed to be reassured. Julie leaned in and kissed him deeply, pushing him back onto his pillow.
Nick pushed away the anger and insecurity he'd been feeling as he kissed his wife back.
Relief flooded through her as Nick responded to the touch of her lips.
"Julie," he whispered. "Love you so much."
"Love you too Nick," she said, running her hands through her hair. "You and only you."
It was all that Nick needed to hear as he hungrily claimed her lips.
Within moments, they'd pulled their pyjamas off and were lying under the sheets naked. "Show me Nick," Julie hissed through clenched teeth as his lips and tongue teased her body.
He skimmed his hands down her back, pulling her close.
"As close as you can Nick," Julie wanted to bite into him, she was that hungry to be with him.
His lips curved into a smile. There was a sharp intake of breath from Julie as he slid into her.
Her back arched as one hand slid into his hair, the other clutching onto the bed sheets. "Yes," she murmured, her eyes closed and head falling back on the pillows.
He didn't know if it was the whole thing with Ryan and him wanting to show her that he was the only man in her life, but he couldn't get enough of his wife tonight.
Julie wanted to curse herself for not putting a silencing charm on the room and she buried her face in his shoulder to muffle her cry.
Nick couldn't help the growl that escaped his throat as Julie hooked her legs around him and pulled him in deeper.
"That's it," she panted, a bead of sweat running down her face. "Oh God Nick..."
"Julie," he breathed.
"I know," she cupped his face in her hands and kissed him. "I know Nick..."
"I didn't mean to get so angry," he said quietly. "I just love you more than anything. You and the girls."
"We love you too," Julie said. "So much Nick. We all missed you so much today. You're all I could think about."
"Really?" he asked hating himself for feeling so insecure. They had a great marriage, two healthy and happy daughters. There was no reason to have doubts.
"Really," Julie smiled at him as she pushed his hair out of his eyes. "You were on my mind the whole time you were gone."
"I couldn't wait to get back to you," Nick said. "Even though it was late when we finally finished up in the studio. I just wanted to be back here with you; with my family."
"The girls will be so surprised to see you," Julie snuggled next to him. "They love spending time with you Nick."
"And their mother?" Nick teased, nuzzling her neck. "Does she love spending time with me, too?"
"Their mother loves spending time with you," Julie laughed as he pressed small kisses to her skin.
"That's good to know," Nick said smiling at her. "Very, very good to know."
"Their mother also loves doing what we just did," Julie said softly. "Very, very much loves doing that."
Nick laughed. If he wasn't so bloody exhausted from what they'd just did, he'd suggest doing it again.
"We'll have to pick this up tomorrow," Julie said, her eyes closing. "Well more like later today, if you get my meaning."
"I do," Nick said wrapping an arm around her waist as they both drifted off to sleep.
*** *** ***
Harry woke the following morning and reached for his wife as he was accustomed to doing nearly every morning throughout their marriage. But it seemed Hermione had other ideas for her side of the bed was empty, the sheets and pillow cool to the touch.
"Hermione?" Harry asked, squinting. He got up and put his glasses and a jumper on over his pyjama trousers and headed out into the kitchen.
Through the kitchen window, he spotted his wife walking down the beach clad only in her cotton pyjamas. It was quite cloudy and breezy and Harry wondered why on earth she'd decided to get up so early. He grabbed his wife's dressing gown and his own jacket before walking out onto the cool, morning air.
Hermione was standing looking out onto the ocean when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Morning," Harry said, holding out her robe.
"Thanks," she said smiling at him. "It was much warmer when I first came out here."
"What are you doing out here to begin with?" he asked, slipping his arms around her.
"I couldn't sleep," she replied softly.
"How come?" he asked, kissing the side of her neck.
She laughed. "I don't know. When I was little and my parents would take me out by the ocean, I used to sneak out and just sit on the shore and watch as the waves came crashing in. I'd sit out there for what seemed like hours just watching...wondering what was out there."
"Fish," Harry said in a smartass tone. "And water."
Hermione elbowed him hard in the ribs. "You'll be out there too if you keep that up."
Harry laughed. "I'd like to see you try."
"I could if I had my wand," Hermione said shrugging out of his embrace.
Harry snickered. "As if a lowly wand could stop me," he grinned and pretended to boast.
"That and a knee in the groin," Hermione said walking away from him.
"Hermione," Harry laughed, grabbing her hand. "You know you can't walk away from me angry."
"Yes I can," Hermione said firmly, trying to pull away from him. "Harry!"
Harry pulled her close and pressed his lips to hers gently. "Yes?" he asked with a grin when they pulled apart a few minutes later.
"You can be such a bastard!" she said laughing.
"And you love me for it," Harry said devilishly.
"Most of the time," she said coyly.
"What?" Harry pretended to be wounded.
"I love you all the time," she explained. "You know that, but you know how you feel when you're up on your broom and you're all alone up there in the sky and it's so quiet and calm? That's how I felt this morning. That's how I felt when I was little."
"Just gives you time to clear your head aye?" Harry asked.
"Yes," she said softly. "I imagine it's how Saffy feels when she flies, too. Though she usually goes so bloody fast."
Harry chuckled. "She's fearless like me that way."
"She gives me a fright every time she does it," Hermione said. "Just like you."
Harry laughed. "Maybe you need to come with me more."
Hermione smiled. "Do you remember how you took me up right after that stuff with Gordon?"
"Of course I do," Harry replied. "And you liked it."
She took his hand as they walked together down the beach. "That was because you went slow and you took care of me."
"I'll always take care of you," Harry said, squeezing her fingers.
"And I'll always take care of you," she said smiling at him.
Harry gave her a kiss. "You know sometimes it feels like yesterday that I saw you for the first time in that parking lot at Hillsdale." he said.
"I can't even remember what life was like without you in it," she admitted.
"I don't like to think what life was like without you in it." Harry replied, letting go of her hand to put his arm around her shoulders.
"You mean you're not daydreaming about Isabella Marconi?" she teased.
Harry made a face. "I should hope you're kidding."
She smiled before standing on her tiptoes and putting her hand on the back of his neck. Pulling him to her, she kissed him passionately.
"That," she said breathlessly. "Was just in case you were."
"Hmm..." Harry pretended to think. "What does she look like again? Who is this person I'm supposed to be daydreaming of?"
"Me," she said kissing him again.
"Right," Harry said. "My gorgeous, intelligent, powerful and loving wife."
"Good answer," she said.
"Do I get a prize?" Harry asked smugly.
"What do you think?" she asked him with a wink.
"I think I do," Harry replied. "But that I'll have to wait until we get into the shower to get it."
"What did you have in mind?" she asked him. He whispered something in her ear and Hermione grinned. "We haven't done that in years."
"Exactly," Harry said rather licentiously.
"Let's go back to the house," Hermione said eagerly tugging at his arm.
"As you wish love," Harry scooped her up in his arms, honeymoon style.