Authors' note: There wasn't too much of a response to last week's chapter so we just wanted to make sure there was still interest in the story. We are not writing for reviews, but they do let us know what you guys think, your suggestions, etc. So, we don't think it's too much to ask to take a couple of seconds to write a quick review to let us know what you think. We just want to make sure that there's still interest in the story and that we're not wasting our time writing when the story has lost reader interest. This not only goes for our story, but for all the talented writers on the site who post their stories. Just take a couple of seconds to let them know what you think. We love writing this story and have some really exciting storylines planned, and an upcoming time jump.
"Hello," Alice said softly, her eyes moving back and forth between Allison and Adam.
"Hi!" Adam exclaimed, waving at her from his perch in Cho's arms. "Em's not here!"
Allison laughed. "Adam!"
Alice laughed, too. "I'm---I'm really happy to meet you, Adam."
"Hi," Adam grinned charmingly at her.
"Adam takes after his father," Allison said, tucking her hair behind her ears.
Alice stepped closer and felt tears welling up in her eyes. She leaned down and carefully gave Allison a hug.
"Hi," Allison whispered to her grandmother.
Alice sat down gingerly on the bed. "I've been waiting a very long time to meet you."
"Same here," Allison replied. "I'm sorry I can't get up."
"It's okay," Alice said. "I'm just really happy to see you. Your father has been telling me all about you girls."
"Ever since we heard about the possibility of you both being cured we've been anxious to meet you." Allison said sincerely.
Alice nodded. "I'm so sorry for the time that I missed."
"You aren't to blame," Allison said as Adam climbed over to them.
"Here," Adam gave Alice a car.
Alice smiled at him. "Thank you."
"For you," Adam said.
"No one has ever given me a car before," Alice told him.
"Why?" Adam asked.
Alice thought about this for a minute. "I'm not sure. But, I'm happy that my handsome great-grandson was the first."
Adam grinned at her. "Like you."
"I like you too," Alice said opening her arms.
Adam laughed as he hugged his great grandmother.
Allison looked over at her mother and mouthed the words "Thank you".
Cho smiled at her.
Allison had so many questions for her grandmother, but she did not want to overwhelm her. They had time now. "Where's Frank today?" she asked instead. "I mean... Grandpa. Sorry..."
"Your father took him to Auror headquarters," Cho said. "So he could check out his old stomping grounds."
"How lovely," Allison said. "I bet he's enjoying that."
Molly grinned. "Frank was a great Auror, but Alice here held her own."
"I learned everything from Frank, James and Lily," Alice said. "We really had our work cut out for us in those days."
"Dad's really followed in your footsteps," Allison commented.
Alice smiled. "Sounds as if he's quite the Auror."
Adam smiled up at her. "Gampa gets all the bad guys."
Everyone laughed. "That's what this little guy wants to do too, right Adam?" Allison asked.
Adam nodded. "Put Em in jail."
"Adam," Allison said, hiding her smile.
Alice laughed. "Adam, your big sister can't be all bad, can she?"
"She's bossy," Adam told her.
"She's a little headstrong," Molly told Alice.
"I can't wait to meet her," Alice said.
"The girls are so excited," Allison told her. "They've been drawing pictures for you and Grandpa Frank."
"We'll have all of you over for dinner soon," Cho promised.
"Hopefully I'll be able to go," Allison replied.
"I know it can't be easy," Alice said softly. "Being stuck in bed like this, but you really are doing the right thing for your little one and yourself. A family---a family should not go without its mother."
"I know," Allison agreed.
"So when you start feeling sorry for yourself, you look at these little faces and you remember what it's all for," Alice said squeezing Allison's hand.
Allison smiled at her. "I'm so glad you're here."
"Me too," Alice agreed. She said a silent vow right then and there to try and not feel sorry for herself, either. She had missed out on so many years, but there was nothing she could do about it now. The only thing now was to cherish the time she had with her family.
"Would anyone like some tea?" Allison asked.
"I'll make it," Molly offered.
"Thank you," Allison said gratefully.
While they waited for Molly, Allison told Alice about her family. Alice listened eagerly to the stories and felt so happy and content with Adam in her lap.
Meanwhile, Frank was enjoying his tour of Auror Headquarters with Harry and Neville.
"This place hasn't changed very much," Frank said looking around at the interrogation rooms. "You know my desk was just over there...and that's where James sat..."
"That's my desk," Harry told him. "I never knew it was Dad's..."
Frank laughed. "Well, he didn't like to sit for very long. He used to try and get the underlings to do all of his paperwork."
Harry smiled. "Sometimes I do that."
Neville looked at Harry. "You do that all the time."
"Look who's talking," Harry replied.
"He's got you there," Ethan chimed in from his desk. "You're always palming off the paper work to me, Dad."
Frank looked at the young man. "You must be Ethan," he said.
Ethan stood up and extended his hand. "It's an honour to meet you, Mr. Longbottom."
"Pleasure's all mine," Frank replied. "You're another version of James... just like Harry."
"The more handsome version," Ethan joked.
"Hey," Harry cuffed him. "Just for that, you can do all this." he waved his hand and a load of paperwork appeared on his son's desk.
"Dad!" Ethan protested.
Harry sent him a grin.
"It was nice to meet you, Mr. Longbottom," Ethan said. "But I guess I've got work to do."
"Harry," Neville said. "You don't have that much paperwork to do..."
Harry held up his hand. "Ethan doesn't need to know that."
"You are so much like your father," Frank was amused.
Harry grinned. "Thanks."
"Here's someone you may know," Neville said as Remus Lupin came out of his office.
Remus stopped in his tracks when he saw Frank. "Frank Longbottom!"
Neville grinned as Lupin came forward in shock. "I can't believe it!"
"It's great to see you again, Remus," Frank said extending his hand.
Lupin shook it. "Neville told me that the spell worked... but I didn't think I'd see you again so soon."
Frank nodded. "It all seems so bizarre. It seems like just yesterday I was here working alongside you and James."
Lupin nodded. "It does."
Neville looked proudly at his father.
The four men walked down the corridor as Frank peered into each room.
There were so many memories here. He could remember coming back here from raids and celebrating with his fellow Aurors.
"Perhaps when you're up for it, you, and Alice and I can go out for a drink," Lupin was saying to him.
"Like the old days," Frank said with a grin. He looked into one of the old interrogation rooms and was hit with a memory of James, Lily, Alice and Remus as they celebrated bringing in five of Lord Voldemort's most loyal Death Eaters.
Neville watched his father carefully. All day he had wondered if perhaps he had been pushing them too much. This was their first official day out and they seemed to be adjusting quite well. He knew they all had a long road ahead of them, but he would help them any way he could.
*** *** ***
It was finally Friday and Alexa was ready to get out of California and back home to London. She had bought a couple
of new things for Ellie and she could not wait to show Saffron.
This promised to be a busy weekend with the final fittings for the bridal party's gowns and the joint meeting to
plan the stag and hen weekends for the happy couple.
Alexa smiled. Although Darla and Drew were planning this wedding, Saffron was very much in control of everything else
and as she liked to remind everyone, she ran a tight ship.
Alexa was just packing her books when she heard a knock on the door.
"Coming!" she called out.
She opened the door, expecting Carmen had forgotten her keys again and was surprised to see Gabriel on the other side.
He grinned at her and held out the flowers he had picked up on his way over. "Hi, stranger," he said softly. "These are a peace offering."
"Thanks..." she said. "Um... I was actually just headed out."
Gabe frowned. "Oh."
"I'm going back to England this weekend," Alexa said. "I left you a message."
"I haven't been home," Gabriel replied. "I came here from the lab."
"I left it on your mobile," Alexa replied. "I guess you didn't check it."
Gabriel stepped inside the room and saw Alexa's suitcase. "I managed to get the weekend off. Well tonight and Saturday anyway. I thought we could go out to dinner. Maybe see a movie..."
"If you had let me know sooner I would have stayed." Alexa replied, stuffing her books into her bag.
Gabriel nodded. "So, um, how have you been?"
"Fine," Alexa said. "You?"
"Busy," Gabriel replied sitting on the edge of her bed. "Biochem lab has taken up a lot of my time."
"I know," Alexa said, turning back to her suitcase.
Gabriel ran his hands through his hair. "Lex---"
"It's all right," Alexa said. "You're busy. I know."
"I didn't realise I'd be this busy," Gabriel said wishing she would turn around and look at him.
"Well I've kept myself occupied," Alexa shrank her suitcase down and put it in her pocket.
"Going back home?" Gabriel asked before he could stop himself.
"Yes," she answered. "I told you that."
"Seems to me that you've done that every weekend since the semester started," Gabriel commented.
"Well it's not like I've had any other plans," Alexa said pointedly
"Lex, come on," Gabriel said standing up. "When I've been free, I've rung you but Carmen says you've gone home. What am I supposed to do?"
"I'm not trying to be horrible, but I can't help but feel that I'm second fiddle to everything else in your life," Alexa said. "I understand that school and studying is very important to you, but it doesn't need to be your whole life."
"Well, it's a little hard to make time for someone who would obviously rather be somewhere else," Gabriel retorted.
Alexa felt herself grow angry at his tone. "Well yes, I would rather be elsewhere when my boyfriend doesn't want to be around me!"
"That's not true and you know it!" Gabriel exclaimed. "You have no idea what pre-med is like. No idea."
"No, I don't." Alexa replied. "But perhaps I would if you'd ever sit down and share it with me."
Gabriel sighed. "When are you going to be back?"
"Sunday night," Alexa said, picking up her bag.
"Can we get together then?" Gabriel asked. "For dinner?"
"I don't know what time I'm coming back yet," Alexa replied coolly.
"Could you just ring me when you do get home?" Gabriel asked.
Alexa felt herself soften a bit. "All right," she agreed.
Gabriel smiled. "Thank you."
"You'd better answer," Alexa said. "I don't like talking to your voicemail all the time."
"I will," Gabriel promised.
"Okay," Alexa said. "I guess I'll talk to you later."
Gabriel stepped closer. "Goodbye kiss?"
Alexa smiled at him. "Sure..."
Gabriel put his hands on her waist. "I really have missed you, Lexie."
"I miss you too," she admitted.
Gabriel leaned in and kissed her softly.
"I'll talk to you Sunday," Alexa said when they pulled apart.
"Say hi to Andrew and Saffy for me," Gabriel told her.
'I will," Alexa told him.
Gabriel gave her hand a squeeze before he left the room.
Alexa sighed once he had gone. She still loved Gabriel, but didn't understand why everything ALWAYS had to be on his schedule.
Alexa grabbed her backpack and Apparated.
She arrived in Andrew and Saffron's sitting room. "Saf?" she called out.
"In the nursery!" Saffron called back.
Alexa grabbed the outfits she'd found out of her bag and went into the room. "Hey." she said with a grin.
Saffron laughed. "Lexie, you're spoiling her more than her grandparents."
"I can't help it," Alexa said. "As her godmother I reserve the right."
Saffron grinned and held Ellie up to see Alexa. "Look what Godmummy Lexie bought for you!"
Ellie grinned and giggled.
Alexa felt her mood instantly lighten. "Hi, sweetheart. Have you been a good girl for your mum?"
"Of course she has," Saffron replied, kissing her daughter's cheek.
Alexa set the outfits down. "It's good to be home."
"We're always glad to have you here," Saffron passed Ellie to her.
Alexa made a goofy face at Ellie which made the baby laugh. "Well, I'm here to help anyway I can. You know that."
Saffron smiled. "Tea?"
"I'd love some," Alexa replied.
"Come on," Saffron said. "I can fill you in as I make it."
Alexa followed Saffron downstairs into the kitchen. The table was covered with a seating chart, magazines and cards.
"You know that cow Mary Ellen actually sent me an owl BEGGING to come to the wedding," Saffron told her. "My biggest rival at Hogwarts and she was acting like we were long lost friends."
"Are you serious?" Alexa asked incredulously.
"Yes," Saffron said. "I'm thinking of framing the letter."
"Let me read it," Alexa said. "I could use a laugh."
"It's on top of that pile over there," Saffron said.
Alexa shifted Ellie to her other arm and reached for it.
"Saffie-kins?" Alexa read aloud.
"That had me laughing for about an hour," Saffron replied. "Honestly..."
"And she wants to remember all the good times you had together?" Alexa asked incredulously. "I wasn't aware that you had ANY good times together."
"That had me going for another hour," Saffron rolled her eyes. "Keep reading, it gets better."
Alexa's eyes grew large. "She's included her dress size in case you want to include her in the bridal party?"
"Can you believe it?" Saffron asked.
Alexa shook her head. "Did you write back to her?"
Saffron snorted. "Of course not."
Alexa giggled. "This is too much, Saf."
"She really is something else," Saffron set a mug of tea in front of her friend.
"Thanks," Alexa said. "So, um, what else has been going on here?"
"Not much," she said. "Just trying to keep organised."
"You're the most organised person I know," Alexa said.
"These days, I don't feel like it." Saffron replied.
"It will all be worth it when you and Andrew walk down the aisle," Alexa said.
"I can't wait," Saffron said. "He is such a dream, Lexie."
"He is Wizard McDreamy," Alexa said grinning at her.
"He still hates when I call him that," Saffron replied, laughing.
"Baby McDreamy," Alexa said looking down at Ellie.
Saffron laughed so hard she nearly snorted tea out her nose.
Alexa laughed, too. "Saf!"
"That's hilarious," Saffron wiped her eyes. "I can't wait to tell Andrew that one."
Saffron took the baby from Alexa. She placed Ellie in her bouncy seat. "So," Saffron said sitting back down. "How are things with you?"
Alexa shrugged. "All right." she told her best friend what had happened just before she left.
Saffron leaned back in her chair. "Well, you are going to ring him Sunday right?"
Alexa nodded. "I'll probably go to dinner with him."
"Good," Saffron said thoughtfully. "You two are way overdue for a talk."
"Let's just hope he doesn't cancel on me," Alexa said. "It's happened before."
"He won't," Saffron said confidently.
"Hopefully not," Alexa said, smiling down as Ellie cooed up at her.
"Well, this weekend, you will be too busy to worry about it," Saffron told her. "We're meeting the boys at Jon and Josh's pub in about an hour. My mum's going to watch Ellie."
"Great," Alexa said. "I want to keep busy."
"Famous last words, Saffron said teasingly.
Alexa laughed. "I'm going to freshen up."
Saffron nodded. Alexa passed Ellie back over to her and went into the loo.
Saffron hurried about packing a bag for Ellie. "Are you going to be a good girl for Grandma and Grandpa tonight?"
Ellie watched her mother and smiled.
Saffron laughed. "You're going to have your Grandpa wrapped around your finger and you know it."
Alexa appeared after a few minutes. "Shall we get going?"
Saffron nodded and they set off for the Minister's mansion. After saying goodbye to Ellie, they headed for Jon and Josh's pub where Mimi and Beth were already waiting. Audrey was also at the bar, talking to the others.
"Hi girls," Saffron said with a grin.
"Hi!" Beth said giving her a hug. "You look gorgeous, of course!"
"Thanks," Saffron said. "How's the internship going?"
"Fantastic," Beth said. "Your aunt is demanding, but I'm learning so much!"
"I don't suppose you've seen my wedding dress--" Saffron began.
"No," Beth interjected. "But, it's not for lack of trying. Lavender will not let anyone see it."
"She did tell me she's almost done," Saffron said as she and Alexa sat down. "So... soon."
"You're not getting cold feet, are you?" Mimi teased.
"Never," Saffron replied. "Hey, Audrey."
"Hi," Audrey said. "Can I get you girls a drink?"
"I'll take a white wine," Mimi said.
"And what about you?" Audrey asked looking at Alexa. "What is it that YOU want?"
Alexa looked taken aback by her tone. "Um... nothing for me... thanks."
"Lex, come on," Saffron said. "You have to have something."
Alexa was surprised to see Audrey glare at her.
"She'll have a white wine too," Saffron told Audrey. "And I'll just have club soda since I'm nursing."
"You're still nursing?" Mimi asked. "I thought you put her on bottles."
"Well, I am still expressing the milk for her;" Saffron started to explain, but laughed at the expression on Beth's face. "Sorry, Beth. We can talk about something else."
"That would be nice," Beth said. "Not that I think it's bad, it's just sort of..."
Saffron giggled. "Its okay, Beth."
Audrey excused herself to put their drink order in and saw RJ and his friends were just entering the pub. She smiled when she saw him.
He also saw her and headed over. "Hey," he said with a grin.
She pecked him on the cheek. "Saffy and the girls are in the back."
"Okay," he replied. "Are you joining us?"
"I'll be in and out," Audrey told him. "You lot get to order me around tonight."
"Ooooh," RJ said. "That sounds kinky..."
Audrey nudged him. "Behave."
"Only until later," he said in her ear.
Audrey smiled, feeling stupid for behaving the way she had with Alexa a few minutes ago. RJ loved her and Alexa was in his past.
RJ gave her a squeeze around the waist and headed into the back.
"The better man is here," RJ said puffing his chest out as he walked into the back room.
Saffron rolled her eyes. "Shut it, RJ."
"Whatever you say, Sassy," RJ returned.
Alexa stood up and walked over to him. She gave him a hug. RJ smiled at her. "How's it going, Lex?"
"Okay," Alexa replied.
He tugged affectionately on her ponytail. "Tonight's going to be fun. Don't worry about Doctor Dumb..."
"Don't call him that," Alexa chided. "Come on..."
"Right," RJ said following her to the table. "We have parties to plan."
"Yes we do," Alexa replied as Audrey came back in with drinks.
Saffron smiled warmly at Audrey. She could not believe how far they had come. Saffron had nearly sabotaged Audrey's relationship with RJ at the beginning and now they were friends.
"So what's on the agenda tonight?" Audrey asked, setting down drinks in front of everyone.
"Planning my hen weekend," Saffron said. "Which you are invited to, you know."
"When is it?" Audrey asked. "I'll have to make sure I tell Jon so he doesn't schedule me."
Saffron gave her the date. "Think you can manage it?"
Audrey nodded. "I'll find out for sure."
Saffron smiled. "If Jon gives you a hard time, just let me know."
"Hey I have some pull there too," RJ said. "I'll make sure you're not working."
Audrey laughed. "Thanks."
"Okay," Alexa said. "The hen night... I had a few ideas, but you lot may be able to help me until I get back here over the summer."
"We'll do whatever we can," Beth assured her.
"Thank you," Alexa said in relief.
"One thing Andrew and I both agreed on," Saffron said. "No strippers."
A couple of members of Andrew's Quidditch team groaned in response.
"Sorry guys," Saffron replied. "We just don't want to go there."
"You can have a good time without seeing some girl take her clothes off," Mimi pointed out to the boys.
Saffron looked over at RJ. "I hope you aren't too disappointed. Andrew said he was going to talk to you."
"I'm not disappointed," RJ reassured her. "You've seen one naked girl..."
Audrey gave him a hard poke.
RJ grinned innocently at her.
Saffron shook her head. "You are something else, RJ."
Alexa laughed. "Okay, okay. No strippers. I was thinking that perhaps, we could all start out together at a restaurant..."
"I thought perhaps us girls could hit up a club," Mimi said.
"That could be fun," Saffron said. "It's been ages since I've gone out dancing."
RJ looked at Andrew's team. "He mentioned something about going to see a football match."
"Sounds okay," one of his teammates said thoughtfully.
"I'll work on making arrangements for that then," RJ said. "I might need a little help with the Muggle money."
"I can help with that," Audrey offered.
"Thanks," RJ said. "Maybe we can get one of those boxes where they bring you all the food and stuff."
Alexa and RJ shared a look. "No chilli cheese fries?" she asked teasingly.
"If they have them," he replied with a grin.
"And nachos," Alexa laughed.
"And those big pretzels," RJ said eagerly. "And--"
"What are you two going on about?" Mimi asked.
"All the food we had at the basketball game we went to," RJ said. "It was bloody brilliant."
Audrey walked out of the back room to check on her other customers. She did not want to hear about the great time RJ and Alexa had together at that bloody game. She told herself again how stupid it was to be jealous of Alexa. RJ had told her they were just friends and she wanted to believe him.
She did believe him, Audrey told herself. RJ hadn't given her any reason to doubt his feelings for her.
"Hi," Alexa said tapping her on the shoulder. Audrey turned around in surprise. "Oh, did you want another drink?"
"No," Alexa replied. "I just... is everything okay?"
Audrey nodded. "Yes, of course. Why?"
"We've always been friendly and tonight it seems like we have some issues is all..." Alexa said. "I don't know if it's about RJ--"
Now, Audrey felt terrible. "No, it's just been a long night for me. We're okay, Alexa. Really."
"Are you sure?" Alexa asked. "I really like you, Audrey. And I think you're great for RJ."
Audrey smiled. "Thanks, Alexa. I like you, too."
Alexa was relieved. "I hope you'll come back and join us again soon."
"I'd like that," Audrey said. "I just have a few minutes left in my shift."
"Great," Alexa replied. "I would love your input on Saffron's hen night."
"You know, she might like going to a spa one day that weekend," Audrey suggested. "You know massages, facials, manicures..."
"That's a great idea," Alexa brightened.
"Pampering is always fun," Audrey said.
"Especially that weekend," Alexa nodded. "I'll have Beth ask Saffy's aunt Lavender about a good spa to go to."
Audrey followed Alexa back to where the others were sitting. She handed her boyfriend another beer.
"Thanks," he said, drawing her down into the chair next to him and putting an arm around her.
"You'd better leave me a good tip," she told him.
"I have a good tip for you," RJ flirted.
Saffron made a face. "Would you please stop? I'm trying to eat here."
RJ leaned and whispered something in Audrey's ear, making the brunette turn a brilliant shade of red.
Alexa watched the two of them, but did not feel jealous. She knew how happy RJ was with Audrey and she was happy for her friend. Any feelings she had entertained were nostalgic ones. She could not go back to how things were, but she had a good friend now who had been there for her when she had needed him most.
"You okay, Lex?" Saffron asked.
Alexa nodded. "I just can't believe you're getting married."
Saffron looked across the room where Andrew was talking with some of his teammates. "Me, either."
"When did he get here?" Alexa asked.
"When you were chatting with Audrey," Saffron said.
Alexa smiled. "I'm going to say hi."
Alexa stood up and walked over to Andrew and tapped him on the shoulder. "Hi, Andrew."
"Lex!" Andrew exclaimed, giving her a hug.
"You missed most of the good planning," she teased.
"I did that on purpose," he joked.
Alexa laughed. "I won't tell Saffy."
"You saved my life," he replied.
Alexa made sure no one was listening before she asked the question she was dying to know. "So, how are your lessons going?"
"So far so good," Andrew said. "I'm meeting with Hermione again tomorrow morning."
"Saffron is going to be so surprised," Alexa said.
"I can't wait to see her face," Andrew gazed over at his fiancée.
"She's going to swoon," Alexa said. "It's so sweet of you to do this for her."
Andrew grinned. "I try."
Alexa smiled. "And it's really sweet of you guys to let me crash at your place all the time."
"You help us out with El," Andrew said.
Alexa waved her hand dismissively. "It's purely selfish on my part."
"Lexie!" Saffron called. "We need you!"
Alexa excused herself and crossed the room to where her friends were sitting. "What's going on?" she asked as she sat back down.
"Where do you think we should have dinner?" Saffron asked.
"You choose," Alexa said.
"I've always liked the Ivy, but you lot know that." Saffron said. "It is awfully expensive though. We can go to that Italian place that all our parents love..."
"If that's what you want, that's what we'll do," Mimi said. She looked around at the girls. "This feels so grown up, doesn't it? I remember how we used to spend all night in our room talking about our weddings."
Saffron laughed. "You and Beth did that, Meems."
"You two totally listened," Mimi said, looking at Alexa and Saffron.
Saffron rolled her eyes. "It was hard not too with the two of you squealing all night."
"And you threatened us," Beth recalled. "I've never been that scared..."
Saffron laughed. "But then I joined in once I started dating Andrew."
Beth draped a napkin over Saffron's head. "With your veil.."
Saffron laughed. "This is attractive."
"Not my best work," Beth said with a grin. "But I had to improvise."
"I can't wait to see my dress," Saffron said. "I always wanted robes up until about a year ago."
"You'll look beautiful as always," Alexa said loyally.
"Thanks Lexie," Saffron said. "At least by then I'll have dropped the rest of my baby weight."
"You can hardly tell you had a baby," Mimi said. "Baby weight..."
"My stomach will never be the same," Saffron said.
"Saf, quit fishing for compliments," Beth said. "You're an athlete!"
"You can't even tell you had a baby," Audrey told her.
"I love you guys," Saffron said smiling at them. "But you're all liars."
"And you are fishing for compliments," Beth said again, nudging her.
Saffron giggled. "No, I'm not!"
"RJ would tell you the truth," Mimi said jokingly.
"You know what really makes me mad?" Audrey asked looking across the room at her boyfriend. "He eats like he does and never, ever gains a stone."
"That's why I hate him," Saffron deadpanned.
Audrey laughed. "His whole family is that way. Tell me...did they make a deal with the devil for that?"
"He and Maddie must have," Saffron grinned. "But you can't hate her. It's physically impossible."
"The Weasleys are such a great family," Mimi said fondly.
"Yes they are," Audrey gazed back at RJ.
RJ caught her eye and smiled at her.
Audrey loved that she still felt a flutter in her stomach when she looked at him.
"Things okay with Aud?" Andrew asked RJ.
RJ nodded. "Just fine."
"Good," Andrew said. "Don't screw it up, mate."
"I'm not," RJ said. "I love Audrey. I have no intentions of losing her."
"Ah, you're growing up!" Andrew teased.
RJ punched his shoulder. "Very funny."
"I try," Andrew said. Music filled the room and some of the couples started to dance together. Saffron walked over to her fiancé and RJ. "I'm not even going to bother to ask you to dance, Andrew. But, you are obligated to dance with me at least once at our wedding."
Andrew shook his head. "I can't get out of it, can I? Saf, I'm rubbish at it, you know that."
"You can handle dancing with me once," Saffron said. "You have to, it's tradition."
"Once," Andrew said putting his arm around her. "And that's it."
Saffron nodded. "Yeah..."
"Charm you feet so he doesn't break your toes," RJ joked.
"You're so funny," Andrew glared at him.
"Thanks," RJ said with a grin.
The only other people who knew about his dancing lessons besides Harry and Hermione were RJ and Alexa, and Andrew had sworn them to secrecy.
Saffron leaned against Andrew. "I'll be so happy I don't think I'll notice if you do step on my toes."
Andrew smiled at her. "I'll do my best not to, Saf. I promise."
She smiled back at him before leaning in for a kiss.
"Love you," Andrew whispered in her ear.
"Love you," Saffron whispered back.
"Only a few more months," he said.
"I can't wait," Saffron said looping her arms around his neck.
Andrew kissed her again.
"You, me, Ellie and Puddles," Saffron said happily.
"And sooner or later, another one," Andrew nudged her. "El needs a brother or sister don't you think?"
Saffron laughed. "A little later. Right now, I'm happy with what we have."
Andrew nodded. "No rush."
"But I would like her to have a brother or sister," Saffron said thoughtfully. "I love Ethan and Jules and I want her to have that, too."
"She will," Andrew nodded.
"Speaking of which," Saffron said. "Maybe I should check in with mum and dad to see how she's doing."
"I'll go with you," Andrew said.
"Okay," Saffron grinned.
Alexa watched them head for Josh and Jon's office where she knew the fireplace was.
RJ sat down beside her. "So..."
Alexa smiled at him. "This all seems a bit surreal doesn't it?"
"Just a bit," RJ agreed.
"I remember when we found out he fancied her," Alexa reminisced.
"When she was with Peter," RJ said motioning to the other boy, who was laughing at something Beth was saying.
"THAT seems so long ago," Alexa said.
"THAT seems like it never happened," RJ said shaking his head. "I can't even picture her with Peter now. Or Andrew with Natalia..."
Alexa shook her head. "Andrew and Saffron were meant to be."
"And what about you and Gabe?" RJ asked.
Alexa shrugged.
"You have to do what makes you happy," RJ told her. "And you know Saf, Andrew and me...we're all here for you."
"I know," Alexa nodded. "I'll figure things out eventually. I thought perhaps I'd write him a letter... maybe he'd read that."
RJ smiled at her. "Maybe."
"If I write it would you read it and tell me what you think?" Alexa ventured.
"Of course," RJ replied.
"Thanks," Alexa said gratefully.
Alexa did not know what the future held for her and Gabe. Things had changed so much over the past months and for the first time, she was picturing herself without him.
"You'll be all right either way," RJ assured her.
"I think so too," Alexa said thoughtfully.
"So when is the next basketball game?" RJ asked eagerly. "I'm really anxious to have more of that food."
Alexa smiled. "Next weekend?"
RJ nodded eagerly. "Oh. Um... do you mind if Aud comes along?"
Alexa grinned. "Of course. I'd love you both to come."
"Cool," RJ said. "Last time I think she felt a little left out."
"I don't want to cause problems," Alexa began.
"You aren't," RJ told her. "Audrey knows where she and I stand. And she knows that you and I are friends."
Alexa smiled. "Good."
"What's up?" Audrey asked joining them.
"Lex invited you and me to a basketball game next weekend," RJ told her.
"Oh?" Audrey asked.
Alexa nodded. "We can make fun of RJ as he drools over chilli cheese fries and nachos."
Audrey smiled. "That sounds like fun."
RJ put his arm around Audrey. "It does."
"I'm in," Audrey said. "But you may have to explain basketball to me."
"You'll get to meet Lex's flatmate," RJ told her. "She makes Beth look like Albert Einstein."
Audrey laughed. "I can't believe you know who Einstein is."
"I do," RJ said nudging her. "I'm not as dumb as you think I am, you know."
"I never said that," Audrey nudged him back.
"That's right," RJ said. "That was Saffron who said that."
"There's a big surprise," Alexa said dryly.
The rest of the evening went by pretty quickly. Alexa had enjoyed catching up with her friends, especially Beth and Mimi since she did not get to see them as often.
"So perhaps you and Gabe are next to walk down the aisle?" Beth asked her coyly.
Alexa's smile faltered. "Um..."
"You aren't going to let that hunk go," Mimi said innocently.
Saffron rescued her best friend. "Lexie's really knackered with the time difference and all. We're going to go and pick up Ellie and head on home."
"Well we'll see you tomorrow," Beth said. "To go see your DRESS!!"
Saffron grinned. "Absolutely!"
"Are we meeting for breakfast?" Mimi asked.
Saffron nodded. "Yes. I thought we'd meet at the diner around nine?"
"Great," Beth nodded.
"Come on," Andrew said putting one arm around Saffron and the other around Alexa. "Let's go get El."
"If your parents let her go," Alexa joked.
Saffron laughed. "I know, right?"
"Wait till she starts teething," Andrew said.
Saffron shook her head. "Ellie will be perfect with her teething. No crying..."
Andrew and Alexa shared a look.
"Don't look at me like that," Saffron said confidently. "She will be."
"Sure," Andrew replied.
The three of them used the fireplace in Jon and Josh's office and arrived at Harry and Hermione's a few minutes later. "Mum?" Saffron called out.
"In here," Hermione replied from the kitchen.
Saffron led the way to the kitchen. "Hi, Mum."
"How was your night?" Hermione greeted.
"Great," Saffron replied giving her mother a hug. "Where's Dad?"
"In the sitting room with Ellie," Hermione told her.
Saffron excused herself to go and find them and her heart melted when she saw her father sitting in his old, favourite chair with Ellie fast asleep in his arms.
Saffron smiled. She almost hated to wake her up.
She sat down on the sofa and watched them for a few moments. "Dad," she said softly.
Harry looked over at her. "Hey sweetheart. Did you have fun tonight?"
Saffron nodded. "Probably not as much fun as you did."
Harry grinned as he looked down at his sleeping granddaughter. "She had a big night. Ethan and Maddie came by with Kiera and Gwyn."
Saffron smiled. "I hate that I missed them."
"They were sorry to miss you too," Harry gently eased himself up.
"Thank you for watching her for us tonight," Saffron said.
"Anytime," Harry told her, passing the infant back to her.
Ellie did not wake to Saffron's relief. She hugged her daughter to her and kissed the top of her head.
Harry gazed at his daughter holding her own child. Sometimes he still couldn't believe his baby was a mother.
"Everything okay?" Saffron asked him.
Harry nodded. "Just fine, love."
Saffron looked at him. "I love you, Daddy."
"I love you too sweetheart," Harry kissed the top of her head.
"You and I still have a date for the golf course," Saffron reminded him.
"So you can whip me," Harry said. "Right..."
"Harry Potter can't be great at EVERYTHING," Saffron teased.
"Don't tell anyone," Harry replied.
"Ellie and I will keep your secret," Saffron said with a grin.
Harry laughed. "That's my girl."
Andrew, Alexa and Hermione joined them. "She was an absolute angel, Saffy," Hermione told her.
"That's my girl," Saffron kissed Ellie's head.
"She gets that from me," Andrew said.
"Saffy was a good baby," Hermione said.
"Then she learned to talk," Harry quipped.
Hermione swatted at her husband. "Harry, that's not true!"
"Thanks Dad," Saffron said sarcastically.
"I'm only teasing," Harry told her.
"Better be," Saffron replied.
Hermione handed Andrew the baby's bag.
"Thanks again for letting us get a night out," Andrew said. "I'll see you to-- soon..."
Hermione nodded. "Of course."
"Bye Mr. and Mrs. Potter," Alexa said.
"Bye, Alexa," Hermione said. "It's good to see you."
"You too," Alexa said sincerely. She missed this so much.
"Mum, you're going to be there tomorrow, right?" Saffron asked. "I want you to be there when I see my dress."
"With bells on," Hermione promised. It would mean cutting her session with Andrew a little short, but perhaps Harry could make it up by giving him a few pointers.
Saffron smiled. "I couldn't imagine doing it without you."
Hermione hugged her daughter. "I can't believeyou're getting married."
Saffron smiled. "Me, either."
Ellie let out a little cry. "We should get her home," Andrew said.
"Good night," Saffron said softly.
The three of them headed back with Ellie in tow, and Andrew put her to bed while Saffron and Alexa went into the kitchen.
"Saffy?" Alexa asked.
"Yeah?" Saffron answered.
"I think---I think I'm going to come home after this semester is over," Alexa said. "No, that's not right. I know that's what I want to do."
Saffron gaped at her. "You mean not go back to school?"
"To transfer to a school here," Alexa said. "I don't fit in there, you know? All the time that I'm there, I'm wishing I was here."
"Lexie..." Saffron said softly. "Why didn't you say you were so unhappy?"
Alexa shrugged. "You had so much going on and you were so happy. I didn't want to burden you with my troubles..."
"I knew you were upset but I didn't know you were ready to come home," Saffron said. "I'll always be happy to listen if you need to talk about something like that."
Alexa felt tears welling up in her eyes. "Oh, Saffy."
Saffron moved over and hugged her tightly.
"I still have to tell my parents," Alexa said.
"They'll understand," Saffron reassured her. "You know they just want you to be happy."
Alexa nodded. "I know. I just---I feel like I went there for all the wrong reasons. I know that's what they thought. That was I just following Gabe..."
"But you didn't just go there for him," Saffron said.
"That's what a lot of people thought," Alexa said.
"I knew better," Saffron said.
Alexa smiled at her. "Thanks, Saffy."
"You're my best friend," Saffron said. "I know you almost better than you know yourself."
Alexa nodded. "Yes, you do. You always have."
"Which is why I'll always be here for you," Saffron promised.
Alexa smiled. "Thanks for everything, Saf. You and Andrew have been great."
"Cause we love you," Saffron grinned at her.
Alexa felt like a huge weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. Now that she had made up her mind, she felt like she was taking control of her life for a change.
"I'm tired," Saffron said. "I think I'll go to bed. You know where everything is if you want something."
"I'm going to turn in also," Alexa said. "It's been a long day."
"I'll be up early with Ellie," Saffron told her. "So just get ready and we'll head out whenever."
Alexa nodded. "To see your dress!"
Saffron grinned. "I am SO excited!"
"Me too," Alexa agreed. She looked at her friend. "Good night, Saffy."
"Night Lexie," Saffron said. "Everything will work itself out."
Alexa nodded, thinking that for the first time that was actually true.
"See you in the morning," Saffron said disappearing into her bedroom.
"Everything alright?" Andrew asked as Saffron closed the door to their room.
Saffron nodded. "Lexie just needed to get some things off her chest is all."
Andrew came over to her and put his arms around her.
Saffron leaned against him. "I'm glad I have everything I want."
Andrew grinned. "Me, too."
Saffron gave him a kiss. "Love you, love you, love you."
"Love you," Andrew said softly.
Saffron slid into bed and snuggled next to him. "I like when the nights are still cool." she said.
"So you can do this?" Andrew asked teasingly.
"You know it," Saffron said, resting her arm over his chest.
"So, I can't come along and see you in your dress?" he asked.
"Don't even think about it," Saffron scoffed.
Andrew laughed. "No sense tempting fate, right?"
"We've had enough bad luck," Saffron replied.
"For three lifetimes," Andrew said holding her close.
"So we're doing everything by the book," Saffron replied.
"To the letter," Andrew agreed.
Saffron smiled and kissed him again. "After the wedding... we can start on a sibling for Ellie."
Andrew grinned. "Really?"
Saffron nodded. "I wouldn't mind a second..."
"Try for a boy?" Andrew asked.
"One of each," Saffron laughed. "Does that mean if number two is a girl, we'll go for three?"
"Maybe," Andrew laughed, too.
"I hope you plan on carrying at least one of them," Saffron poked him.
"Impossible," Andrew said tickling her.
Saffron laughed. "Andrew! Stop!"
"I don't think so," Andrew said. "It's so much fun making you squirm.."
Saffron hit his arm. "You git."
"Ow!" Andrew yelped.
"Serves you right," Saffron said, rolling herself on top of him.
"Yeah?" Andrew challenged.
"Uh huh," she answered, running her fingers through his messy hair.
"You should be nice to me, you know," Andrew said. "I'm going to have put up with you for the rest of my life."
"Yes I know," she said. "And you'll love every minute of it!"
Andrew grinned. "I love you."
Saffron smiled at him. "McDreamy."
Andrew rolled his eyes. "Saf, I hate that name..."
"It does suit you," Saffron told him, kissing him lightly.
"It's not so bad when you call me that, but the team ..." Andrew said shaking his head.
"Won't let you live it down?" she asked.
Andrew nodded. "Not at all."
"Well then from now on I'll only call you that here," she whispered in his ear.
Andrew smiled. "I'd like that."
"Anything for you," Saffron said softly.
Saffron rested her head on his chest and listened to the sound of Ellie's breathing from the monitor. It was such a soothing sound that it did not take long for her to fall asleep.
Andrew stayed awake for a few more moments, stroking Saffron's hair and just thinking about his life.
In a short time, he and Saffron would be married. The girl he had loved for all these years would finally be his wife. They had a daughter that they loved very much. Andrew did not want to take any of it for granted.