Authors' note: Tonight's chapter stars with Gabriel and his new friend, Stephanie and finishes up with a Quidditch match back in England. We hope you enjoy the chapter and if you want something new to read by us, we've started a series of ficlets titled "Affairs". It's different from what we usually do and it's not in the DD universe. We're actually following canon H/Hr. So, if you have a free moment, take a look at that series of ficlets as well! And as always, we just ask that if you read, you please review!
Stephanie was rolling some silverware up in paper napkins for the afternoon rush when she saw a familiar figure take a seat at a booth across the restaurant. She had not realized how much she had missed seeing his face until now. With a grin, she grabbed a menu and headed over to the table. "Hey stranger--"
"Hiya, Steph," Gabriel said looking up from his book.
"How have you been?" she asked.
"Busy," Gabriel replied. "How about you?"
"Same as always," Stephanie replied. "How are--" she was interrupted as she was pushed forward by another girl who took the seat across from Gabriel. The girl was quite pretty with curly blonde hair that she had pulled back into a simply ponytail.
"Sorry," the girl offered. "Didn't mean to shove you."
"It's okay," Stephanie said, hugging the menu to her chest.
"Steph," Gabriel said. "This is Melanie. She's in most of my classes and we intern together at the hospital."
"Nice to meet you," Stephanie said handing the menu to the girl.
"Thanks," Melanie said, taking the menu at the very edges. "I would like some water, with a bit of lemon in it."
"Sure," Stephanie said, nodding. "And you, Gabe?"
"My usual," Gabriel smiled at her.
"Coming right up," Stephanie smiled at him. "I'll be right back with your drinks."
Melanie pushed the menu aside. "Where on earth did you find this place?"
"One of the nurses told me about it," Gabriel replied. "And I've been hooked ever since."
"It's... cute." Melanie said looking around.
Gabriel laughed. "Wait until you taste the food, Mel."
"I hope it's good," Melanie replied. "I'm pretty hungry. That was a grueling session today."
Gabriel nodded. "It was, but you were brilliant."
"I was, wasn't I?" Melanie asked with a grin.
"And she's modest too," Gabriel said as Stephanie came over with their drinks.
"Here you go," Stephanie said. "Did you decide what you wanted yet?"
"Just to keep you on your toes," Gabriel said to Stephanie. "I'm going to try something different..."
"You?" she asked. "The creature of habit?"
"Just to shake things up," Gabriel grinned. "I would like a tuna melt with French fries."
"Wow," Stephanie laughed.
"I'll just have the turkey and cheese on rye," Melanie said handing Stephanie back the menu.
"That's a great choice," Stephanie told her. "Did you want fries, or a side of fruit?"
"Fruit," Melanie replied. "Unlike some people at this table, I know what tuna melts do to your arteries."
"And I'll enjoy every bite," Gabriel said, laughing.
Stephanie smiled at him. "I'll just go and place your orders."
"Tell your cooks to hurry," Melanie said. "We're starved."
Stephanie raised an eyebrow. Though she did not know this girl, she did not like her. She seemed quite bossy and impatient, but for some reason, she was friends with Gabe.
"Sure," she forced a smile onto her face. "It won't be long."
"Thanks," Melanie said.
At least she had some manners, Stephanie thought as she hurried to the kitchen.
She placed their orders and since the crowd was light, she took out the community college catalogue she'd received in the mail. They offered a few business courses that she was interested in taking as well as a culinary program.
She would start out small, Stephanie thought. Perhaps taking one class next semester and seeing how it would go.
She smiled as she put a mark next to the courses she wanted to take. This was the jump start she needed to get things going in her life.
Stephanie put the catalogue away and grabbed a sponge to wipe the counter. She could not resist a look in Gabriel and Melanie's direction.
They were leaning across the table towards each other, talking quietly.
Gabriel heard his phone ring and he reached into his pocket. He excused himself from the table, leaving Melanie alone. Stephanie picked up a pitcher of water and walked over to the table. "Would you like some more water?"
"Yes," Melanie said, reaching into her bag. "More ice, too."
Stephanie nodded. "Sure."
"Isn't our food ready yet?" she asked. "I told you to have them hurry it up."
"It's nearly ready," Stephanie replied.
"Good," Melanie said, waving her off.
Stephanie stood there for a moment. Who did this girl think she was?
"Yes?" Melanie looked up, clearly annoyed.
"Did you need something?"
Stephanie shook her head. "No. I'll---I'll just go and check on your order."
Melanie rolled her eyes and returned her attention to rooting through her bag.
Stephanie turned for the kitchen and nearly ran into Gabriel. "You need a best friend?" he asked her. "Because I have an annoying one you can take off my hands."
"What?" she asked, startled.
"You remember Nico?" Gabriel asked. "I'm pretty sure he tried to hit on you when I brought him in here a few weeks ago."
"I um... I think so," Stephanie said softly.
Gabriel pocketed his phone. "Everything okay?"
"Sure," Stephanie said. "I'm just going to check on your food."
Gabriel smiled. "No rush, Steph."
Stephanie smiled at him. He was so nice, and so good looking on top of that. She had never told anyone this, but she used to love them times when he would be in here studying and they would have talks. She shook her head. It was pointless to think of him like this.
Gabriel walked back to his table and saw Melanie looking through her planner.
"Got any plans this weekend?" he asked her.
"I was planning on catching up on my sleep," Melanie replied with a grin.
"Who needs sleep?" Gabriel joked.
"All work and no sleep makes Gabriel a good doctor," Melanie teased.
"You better believe it," he said.
"I might be able to fit a movie or dinner in," Melanie said flirtatiously. "If someone were to ask me..."
"Hmm..." Gabriel replied. "I wish I had some time to see a movie this weekend. I'd ask you out--"
"You would?" Melanie asked.
"If I wasn't busy, perhaps," Gabriel hid his grin.
Melanie scooted closer to him. "Yeah?"
"I have a lot of studying to do," Gabriel replied.
Melanie pouted just as Stephanie came over with their food.
"Just kidding," Gabriel said as Stephanie set their plates down. "I'd love to take you to a
movie."
"Fantastic," Melanie said. She looked over at Stephanie. "Thanks."
"You're welcome," Stephanie said quietly. "Can I get either of you anything else?"
"We're fine," Melanie said, looking disdainfully at Stephanie. Gabriel missed this as he was concentrating on his food.
Stephanie had to bite back a retort as she turned and went back into the kitchen.
Melanie looked over at Gabriel. "So, you were telling me that you haven't dated anyone serious since your last girlfriend---Alexa, was it?"
"Yeah," Gabriel said. "It's been around three years... we tried getting back together but itjust didn't work out. The distance wound up being too much for us."
"It was the same for my boyfriend and me," Melanie said before taking a bite of her sandwich.
"You mean there's some idiot out there who let you go?" Gabriel asked.
Melanie laughed. "Hard to believe. I know."
"His loss, my gain," Gabriel said. "It'll be nice to go out for a change."
Melanie grinned. "And this time, I get to pick the place."
"Sure," Gabriel agreed.
Melanie reached for one of his fries.
"Hey those are mine," he said, pulling his plate back.
"You don't want to share?" Melanie asked.
"I suppose you can have one," he relented.
"Thank you," Melanie said with a grin.
Stephanie went back to rolling up silverware and tried not to pay attention to Gabriel and
Melanie flirting in the corner.
Someone tapped her on the shoulder and Stephanie turned around startled. "Oh---hi, I didn't know you were going to stop by."
Her boyfriend Tony looked down at her. "I thought you said you were working the early shift."
"Jill called in sick," Stephanie replied.
"Why didn't you call to tell me you were staying?" he asked.
"I left you a message," Stephanie replied, seeing the angry look in his eyes. "Check your
phone."
"Hm..." Tony said. "Next time, don't just leave a voicemail."
Stephanie nodded. "Of course. How about some lunch?"
Tony smiled and she was relieved to see the angry look fade away. "You know what I like."
Stephanie kissed his cheek. "Have a seat at the counter and I'll put your order in."
Tony squeezed her behind and she pulled away and headed into the kitchen.
Melanie had witnessed this and nudged Gabriel. "Looks like your 'friend' has a boyfriend."
"What?" Gabriel asked. "Oh yeah... I think she mentioned him a few times."
Melanie was secretly happy to see this. She had worked too hard to catch Gabriel Boyd's attention to have some lowly waitress steal him away.
"So," Gabriel said. "What movie did you want to see this weekend?"
Melanie looked thoughtfully at him. "Maybe something scary so we can cuddle."
Gabriel raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised at her forwardness.
"Or maybe a comedy," Melanie said hastily.
"Whatever you like," he said.
Melanie smiled. "Perfect."
Stephanie came back out with a double-decker club sandwich. "Here you go." she said sliding it in front of Tony.
"Thanks, baby," Tony said.
"What did you want to drink today?" she asked. "I didn't want to assume--"
"Root beer," he replied.
"Right," she said, glad she hadn't poured him his usual coke.
Tony's eyes stayed on her as she made his drink.
"You look like you put on a few pounds," he said. "What are you eating these days?"
Stephanie blanched at this. "Um..."
"Salad for you," he said as he took a huge bite of his sandwich.
Stephanie only nodded as she set the glass before him. She walked over to check on Gabriel and Melanie.
"How's everything over here?" she forced a smile onto her face.
"Fine," Melanie said smiling at the other girl.
Stephanie nodded. "Just let me know if you both want anything."
"You okay, Steph?" Gabriel asked.
"Sure," she said softly. "Just fine..."
Gabriel had a feeling she was lying, but didn't feel it was his place to press the issue.
"Just give me a holler if you want anything else," Stephanie told them.
Gabriel watched her go.
"So," Melanie said. "Are you heading back to the hospital today?"
Gabriel shook his head. "No. I'm heading home after this."
"Oh," Melanie nodded. "Yeah... I probably should go home too. Get some rest... maybe study later."
They finished their lunch and Melanie reluctantly grabbed her bag.
"I'll drive you home," Gabriel offered.
While Melanie would have loved that, she also knew that she did not want to appear too easy.
"That's nice of you to offer, Gabe, but I'll be fine. My apartment's in walking distance."
Gabriel waved her protest away. "I want to, Mel."
Melanie smiled. "Well, if you insist."
Gabriel smiled. "Great."
"I just need to visit the little girls' room before we go," Melanie said.
"All right," Gabriel said. "I'll settle up our bill.
Melanie headed for the bathroom and Gabriel stood up and approached the counter where
Stephanie was talking to her boyfriend.
"Hey Steph?" he asked. "Can I get the bill for Mel's and my lunch?"
Stephanie nodded and reached into her apron pocket for her order pad.
Tony turned and fixed Gabriel with a stare.
Gabriel smiled warmly at him. "Hello."
Tony jerked his head in a silent greeting.
Stephanie handed Gabriel the ticket. "Here you are."
Gabriel took some money out of his wallet. "Here you go. Keep the change, Steph."
Stephanie smiled. "Thanks."
"See you soon," Gabriel said as Melanie came out of the bathroom.
Stephanie nodded. "See you."
"I don't like him," Tony said once Gabriel and Melanie had left.
"He's just a customer," Stephanie said with a shrug. She did not want her boyfriend to know that she considered Gabriel a friend.
"He called you Steph," Tony pointed out.
"He's in here a lot. Works at the hospital," Stephanie said.
Tony squeezed her arm. "He better not be saying things to you."
"You're hurting me," Stephanie said hoarsely.
"You better be staying faithful," he warned her.
"Of course," Stephanie said as he released her.
"Good," he said. "I'm done."
Stephanie nodded. "I should be home around three."
"You call me this time if you're going to be late." he said.
Stephanie nodded again noticing that he did not offer to pay for his lunch.
He pushed his chair back and strode out of the restaurant without another glance at her.
Stephanie rubbed her arm where he had grabbed her. Another bruise, she thought bitterly, to add her to her collection.
She dumped Tony's plate into the sink and rooted through her apron pockets for enough to cover his meal.
She had not minded taking the extra shift because it meant not having to go home and spend time with Tony. All she seemed to do lately was set him off.
She went over and cleaned off Gabriel and Melanie's table. A guy like Gabriel would be a
really great catch.
She just hoped that Melanie knew what a great guy she had. Stephanie did not imagine that Gabriel had ever raised a hand to a girl.
"He probably never even raised his voice to a girl," she mumbled to herself.
He had always been kind to her. He always tipped more than he should and he was a great
listener. Stephanie had come to look forward to the nights when she would see him. It was stupid, she knew. She was with Tony and had no business thinking about some other man.
Yet she couldn't take her mind off him. Why he was with a girl like Melanie was just beyond her.
*****
Saffron forced a smile as she dressed Ellie in a "Tutshill Tornadoes" jumper. Today was a semi-final match for the Cup and for the first time in her professional career, Saffron would not be playing. Puddlemere had an awful season and had missed the playoffs for the first time in nearly ten years.
"Daddy's going to win!" Ellie exclaimed happily.
Saffron nodded, but did not say anything. Though she was happy for her husband, she was jealous that he was playing in the postseason and she was for all intents and purposes staying home. But, she was going to support him today from the stands with their two children. Merlin knew he had done that loads of times for her when his team was out of the running.
His career had really turned around once he had signed with Tutshill after being traded by Wimbourne.
"Go, Daddy go!" Ellie cheered. "Mummy, will he hear me out there?"
"I'm sure he will," Saffron reassured her. She patted Ellie's arm. "I'm going to get your brother ready. You go ahead and put together the toys you want to bring with you to the match, okay?"
"Okay," Ellie grinned at her.
Saffron stood up and walked across the hall to Edward's room. He was playing happily with his bear. "Time to get ready, little man."
Edward grinned at her. "Hi!"
Saffron grinned back at him. "You ready to cheer Daddy on?"
"Okay," Edward raised his little arms.
Saffron picked him up and gave him a hug. He was so much like Andrew.
"Go!" Edward said. "Go!"
"Your Daddy's been coaching you, has he?" Saffron asked.
Edward laughed as she set him on the changing table and reached for his little Tornados shirt.
"Saf?" Andrew called out from the other room. "Saf?"
"We're in here!" Saffron replied. "In the nursery!"
Andrew appeared in the doorway. "I think I left my broomstick kit at the stadium. Do you mind if I use yours?"
"Sure," Saffron replied. "It's in the closet."
Andrew grinned when he saw what shirt his son was wearing. "Looking good, Ed."
"Hi!" Edward greeted his father.
Saffron smiled. "He's excited. They both are."
"I'm excited too," Andrew said. "I've got a lot riding on this game today."
Saffron nodded. "You'll do great, Andrew. This---this has really been your season."
Andrew looked at his wife properly. "Are you all right?"
Saffron nodded. "Of course."
"I know you hate it that you're not playing today," Andrew summoned the broomstick kit.
Saffron shrugged. "Can't win them all."
"You didn't start again until halfway through the season," Andrew pointed out.
"Well, I certainly didn't play very well when I came back, did I?" Saffron asked. "At least that's what the press said."
"Saf," Andrew said. "Don't listen to them. You know the Prophet just likes to stir things up."
Saffron nodded. "I know. But, today isn't about me. It's about you. You're going to have a great match."
"With my family cheering me on?" Andrew asked. "Of course I will."
Saffron kissed his cheek. "I'll finish getting the kids ready."
"I'm just going to clean up my broom," Andrew said. "I won't be long."
"Bye!" Edward waved.
Andrew laughed. "I'm not leaving yet, buddy."
Saffron set Edward back down. "Let's pick out the toys you want to take to the match."
"Bear," Edward reached for it. "Bear."
"Of course," Saffron laughed. "We can't go anywhere without Mr. Bear."
Edward hugged it to him and laughed. "Bear!"
"Mummy," Ellie said coming into the room, lugging two bags. "I'm ready to go!"
Saffron laughed. "Elinore Kirke! You don't need all those toys!"
Ellie set the bags down. "Yes, I do!"
"I don't think so," Saffron said. "One bag."
Ellie sighed. "No fair."
Saffron was amused. "You won't even miss them."
"Gampa go, too?" Edward asked.
"Yes," Saffron nuzzled her son's soft hair. "Grandpa and Grandma are going too."
Edward grinned. "Yay!"
Ellie was grudgingly going through her toys. "I'll take this one."
Saffron smiled. "Excellent choice."
Ellie smiled back at her mother.
Saffron grinned back at her. "Come on. Let's go and see if Daddy's ready."
"Go, Daddy go!" Ellie ran out of the room, forgetting her bags.
Saffron picked up Edward. She would put aside her jealousy and support her husband today.
"Daddy!" Ellie ran into the sitting room where Andrew had just finished fixing up his broom. "You're going to win today!"
"You think so, El?" Andrew asked.
Ellie nodded eagerly.
Andrew picked her up and hugged her tightly. "Thanks, Ellie. Daddy needed to hear that."
Ellie kissed her father on the cheek. "Good luck, right?"
Andrew nodded. "Right. Thanks, sweetheart."
"Will you listen for me today?" Ellie asked him.
"I told her you'd be able to hear her over everyone," Saffron said.
"I'm sure I will," Andrew nodded.
"Me!" Edward exclaimed, trying to climb onto Andrew.
"And I'm sure I'll hear you too," Andrew lifted him onto the sofa.
Saffron pulled her hair back into a ponytail. "We're ready to go if you are, Andrew."
"Sure," Andrew said as he handed Edward back to her. "Come on, El."
Ellie clapped her hands. "Daddy's going to win!"
Saffron laughed. "You're quite the cheerleader, love."
Ellie took her father's hand as they got up and went to the fireplace.
Andrew held his broom in one hand and scooped Ellie up into his arms. He knew she liked travelling with him through the Floo.
"Hold on tight," Andrew told her.
"I know," Ellie buried her face in his chest.
Andrew took a handful of Floo Powder and said "Tutshill Pitch".
It only took a few moments for the four of them to tumble into the stadium. Andrew set his daughter down and helped to brush her off.
Ellie grinned at him. "Are you nervous?"
"Nah," Andrew said. "Not with my little girl here cheering me on."
Ellie grinned. "Don't forget to listen!"
"I won't," Andrew promised, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
Saffron stepped forward with Edward. "Someone else wants to wish you luck."
Andrew grinned at Edward's eager little face. "That's my boy."
"Win!" Edward exclaimed.
"I'll do my best," Andrew replied. "I'll wave to you when I'm out there, okay? Look for Daddy."
Saffron leaned forward and gave him a kiss. "You'll be brilliant."
He sent her a grin that never failed to make her feel a little weak kneed. "Love you, Saf."
"Love you," Saffron said grinning back at him. He gave Ellie and Edward a kiss on the cheek before disappearing into the locker rooms. Saffron took Ellie's hand. "Let's go and find our seats."
"I forgot my toys," Ellie realised in dismay.
"No, you didn't," Saffron said. "I shrunk them and put them in my pocket."
Ellie's whole face lit up and she ran a few steps ahead of her mother.
From the stands, RJ and Jon waved at Saffron. "You see Uncle RJ, El?"
"Yes!" Ellie hopped up and down eagerly. "Can I go to them?"
Saffron nodded. "Just take the steps slowly."
"Okay," Ellie said, holding onto the railing.
"Ellie Kirke," RJ said clasping his heart. "What on earth are you doing wearing that shirt? I thought you were a Puddlemere Princess?"
"Just for today," Ellie promised her uncle. "Daddy's going to win!"
Saffron laughed. "She's loyal and so are we, RJ. Supporting Andrew but wishing we were out there."
"I know, Saf." RJ said. "But it's all right."
Jon nodded. "You lot will be back in it next year."
"I hope so," Saffron said fervently.
"Where's Aud?" Ellie asked RJ.
"She'll be along later," RJ told her.
Ellie sat down beside her mother. "Lexie coming, Mummy?"
"No sweetheart," Saffron said. "Your aunt Lexie is off on assignment."
"Lexie's been gone for a long time now," RJ commented.
"She's doing so well," Saffron said proudly. "No sooner does she finish one assignment then they're giving her another."
"Well, it wouldn't hurt her to write now and then," RJ said. "If we didn't keep seeing her articles, I'd start to worry that she'd disappeared."
"I'll tell her to owl you next time I talk to her," Saffron said.
"Thanks, Saf," RJ said.
"Hi!" Edward cried out, reaching for him.
"Hiya, mate," RJ said picking him up.
"Bear," Edward showed him. "Daddy." he pointed out to the still empty field.
RJ grinned. "That so?"
"Win." Edward recited, looking at his sister.
Ellie grinned. "That's right!"
Saffron laughed as she pulled Ellie's toys out of her pocket and enlarged them to their normal size. "Here you go, El."
"Thanks, Mummy!" Ellie said happily.
Saffron sat back and looked at the pitch wistfully. Normally she'd be in the locker room, getting herself ready, looking forward to a pep talk from the coach and best of all, getting on her broom and heading up into the sky.
Today, Andrew was getting to do all those things.
She didn't begrudge her husband his place in the day's events. She was extremely proud of him for doing as well as he'd done. Andrew had not had it as easy as her and RJ had. He was finally on a winning team and had been a big part of their success. Tutshill was finally contending for the Cup.
"Are your parents coming today?" Jon asked her.
"They should be," Saffron replied. "I think they were having breakfast with Andrew's folks."
"I love having a private box like this," RJ said. "Pays to be Quidditch royalty."
Jon rolled his eyes. "You're royalty now, Junior?"
"Saf and I both are, Jon," RJ said haughtily.
"I'm a princess," Ellie said happily.
"You sure are," Jon said affectionately.
Ellie stood up and twirled around with her teddy bear. Friends and family started to arrive and before long, Adam was sitting with Edward and Emma was holding court with Olivia and Ellie. Allison sat down beside Jon. "Saffy, I saw your parents down below. They said they'd be here soon."
"Great," Saffron said. "The kids are anxious to see them."
RJ took a seat beside Saffron. "How you holding up, really?"
"I'm fine," Saffron replied. "I just miss being out there. And I suppose it's bugging me what the newspapers have been saying."
RJ waved his hand dismissively. "What do they know?"
"Long as you guys don't think I brought the team down," Saffron said.
"None of us think that," RJ reassured her. "And we'll be back next season."
"Right," Saffron nodded. "I'll be better focused when I'm back for a full season."
"And you got that little guy out of it," RJ said motioning to Edward.
"He's worth it," Saffron looked over at her son.
"Yes, he is," RJ agreed. "Someday, he'll be playing for Puddlemere."
"If he wants to," Saffron said. "Andrew and I want to give them every opportunity to do what they love."
Andrew and Saffron's parents arrived just as the teams took to the pitch. Ellie clapped and screamed for her father when he flew over their seats.
Andrew caught sight of them as he whizzed by and waved to his children.
"GO DADDY!" Ellie shouted.
"Daddy!" Edward called out.
Ellie looked over at Harry. "Grandpa, did you see?"
"I did," Harry told her.
Andy Kirke clapped proudly for his son and shared a smile with Saffron.
"He's going to do great out there today," Saffron said to her father in law.
"He is," Andy agreed.
"Did you all have a nice breakfast this morning?" she asked.
Tricia nodded. "Except when Harry and Andy tried to relive their own Quidditch playing days..."
"Oh no," Saffron shook her head. "Bored you to tears, did they?"
"Just a little," Tricia said.
"A lot," Hermione corrected.
"Very funny," Harry said to his wife.
"It was boring, Harry." Hermione pointed out. "Thank Merlin I had Tricia to talk to."
"Reliving the glory old days, eh Dad?" Saffron asked teasingly.
"They were fun," Harry nodded.
"If I have to hear you talk about that Wonky Faint thing one more time," Hermione said with a yawn.
"Wronski Feint," everyone around her chorused.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Same thing."
"Mum you'll never get it will you?" Saffron asked with a grin.
"She can remember complex potions and thousands of history facts, but she has never been able to get that one thing straight," Harry said putting his arm around his wife.
"It's not important," Hermione said. "If it was, I'd remember it."
Saffron laughed. "Okay, Mum."
"Here we go!" RJ interrupted them as the two teams began the game.
"Go Daddy!" Ellie shouted.
Edward reached for his mother and craned his neck to see his father out on the pitch.
"There he is," Saffron said to Edward, pointing to where Andrew was hovering. "See?"
"Hi Daddy!" Edward called.
Saffron grinned and kissed the top of her son's head.
"If their keeper would just stay a little more to the centre, he wouldn't have let the Quaffle through just now," RJ said to Jon.
"He's just a little nervous," Jon said thoughtfully. "He'll be fine."
"Yeah but this is the Cup," RJ shook his head. "There's no time to be nervous. Andrew can only keep the Bludgers away so long--"
Jon nodded. "He'll be fine."
"I'm not worried about Andrew," RJ said, his eyes on the players. "But that Keeper..."
Before RJ could finish his sentence, the beater for the other team flew dangerously close to Andrew, nearly knocking him off of his broom.
"HEY!" Saffron shouted angrily. "THAT'S ILLEGAL!"
Ellie folded her arms. "Em, my Daddy nearly fell!"
"He's okay," Emma reassured her.
Ellie looked up at the sky and was relieved to see her father was safely on his broom.
Emma gave her a reassuring hug. "He's a good player, Ellie. He won't get hurt."
Ellie smiled. "Kay."
The girls resumed playing with Ellie's small tea set that refilled itself every time a cup was empty. Olivia clinked her cup with Ellie's.
"Cheers," Ellie said with a grin.
"Who'd have thought you'd see that at a Quidditch match?" Jon asked Allison with a grin.
Allison laughed. "Trust our daughters to manage a tea party at the World Cup."
"Only our girls," Jon said.
The game passed by in the next few hours with each team battling it out. The game was tied and Saffron could tell everyone was getting tired. Edward had already fallen asleep in Harry's lap.
"We could have wrapped this up by now," RJ said to Saffron. "Easily."
She wanted Andrew's team to win the Cup. "Come on, Tornadoes!"
"GO KIRKE!" RJ bellowed. "COME ON MATE!"
Edward woke up at this and started to cry. Harry patted his back. "Its okay, Edward. Look at your Daddy up there!"
"Daddy?" Edward asked, rubbing his eyes.
"Right there," Harry said.
Edward leaned back against his grandfather. "Daddy."
"Saf!" RJ nudged her. "Look! The Tutshill Seeker spotted the Snitch!"
Saffron was on her feet as her husband raced after the seeker to keep any Bludgers from pummelling him.
The Tutshill seeker reached his hand out and clasped the Snitch. The crowd went wild and Saffron hugged RJ tightly. "They did it!"
He spun her around and they both catcalled as the Seeker raised his fist in triumph.
Andrew flew over to the stands and held a hand out to Ellie. "Come here, Baby Girl."
Ellie grinned and reached for him. "Daddy you won!"
Andrew lifted her onto his broom. "Thanks to my good luck hugs from you and Edward."
Ellie giggled as Andrew flew back onto the pitch with her tightly held against him.
Saffron grinned. "He's just made her day."
"Are you sure Ellie's safe up there?" Hermione asked anxiously.
"Andrew wouldn't let her fall," Saffron reassured her mother.
"It just makes me so nervous to have her so high," Hermione said and Tricia nodded agreement.
"You said the same thing when I'd take Saffy or Ethan up there with me," Harry said. "Julie never wanted to go since she was as scared as you are."
"And we're fine," Saffron said with a grin. "No harm done."
"That's debatable," RJ joked.
Saffron smacked him in the chest.
"Ow!" RJ yelped. Andrew flew back over to the stands and Saffron took Ellie. She gave him a kiss. "I'm so proud of you, Andrew!"
He grinned at her. "Took us awhile, but we did it."
"Daddy!" Edward squirmed.
"Hey buddy," Andrew said. "It's your turn."
"Be careful!" Tricia warned him.
"I know, Mum." Andrew said, holding his son tightly in his arms as he sped off.
"That was so much fun, Mummy!" Ellie exclaimed, hugging her mother.
"I know you love it up there," Saffron kissed her cheek. "You and I will go flying this week sometime."
Ellie grinned. "Yay!"
"After party at our house," Jon said. "In an hour!"
"Come on, Em," Allison said. "We have some cooking to do!"
"YES!" Emma jumped up.
"Me too," Olivia said hastily picking up her toys. "Bye, Ellie!"
"Bye," Ellie said, watching them go.
"We'll have to do something nice for Daddy tomorrow," Saffron said to Ellie. "Maybe we can make him breakfast?"
"Okay!" Ellie brightened. "Eggs."
"His favourite," Saffron said. "We'll surprise him."
Ellie grinned conspiratorially at her mother. "A secret!"
"Exactly," Saffron said. "Just between us."
Saffron hugged her daughter and realised that moments like this made the claims about her in the newspaper feel so insignificant. She'd give up Quidditch forever for her children if they needed her.
**********************
More questions from the readers! If you have questions, please leave them in the reviews and we will respond in next week's chapter!
(1) Will Katie ever be like her Potter side of the family and will her and Caroline ever be friends like they used to be?
Katie definitely has more of her Malfoy side influencing her, but there is that Potter bit that keeps her from being a rather dark character. But Katie puts herself first, and that trait will show up quite soon. And as for her friendship with Caroline, that will be addressed in the upcoming Brighton storyline.
(2) Will Lexie have a small storyline? Will she be coming back for RJ and Audrey's wedding?
Lexie is busy with her career- but you will see her when she calls Saffron soon. She will not be back yet, but yes, you'll see her again. We aren't sure if she'll be around for RJ and Audrey's wedding or not.
(3) Out of the entire dirty dancing series which storyline was your favourite to write?
Heaven's answer: Harry and Hermione's storyline at the beginning, of course, and also Cho and Neville's back at Hillsdale. Jon and Allison, because it was so forbidden at one point, as well as Andrew and Saffron's. Will and Frankie have always been a favourite- with anything- and I really loved Saffron's whole spiral during and after the whole Gordon situation.
Amynoelle's answer: I liked anything with Jon/Allie, especially their courtship and the ordeal in the hospital when she had Emma and was in the coma. I also liked writing the first Dirty Dancing series with the Harry/Hermione stuff---writing them as they were just getting to know each other and Harry was arrogant and cocky and Hermione was stubborn and called him on it. Loved that whole dynamic between them.
(4) Will we be seeing any new babies in the near future for any of the characters?
As if there aren't enough already? Haha!
(5) What ever happened to Mallory's aunt?
Mallory's going to reappear very soon!