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It had been a few weeks since Josephine Hilson had come back to London and in Harry's opinion; it was time for her to leave again. He didn't think anyone other than Snape could carry a grudge for more than a few years, but apparently Josephine could.
In every meeting, she seemed to second-guess Harry and the decisions he had made over the years. As part of the process, each candidate had been given ten old case files and they were to discuss where the Aurors had gone wrong and how the assignment could have been successful. As luck would have it, Josephine had been given cases that Harry had been directly involved in and had basically annihilated his decision-making process.
He thought about going to Lupin to complain but knew that would only kick him out of the running for the job. He gritted his teeth and decided to hope that perhaps the Wizengamot would decide against hiring her.
To make matters worse, Ethan and the other Aurors thought she was fantastic.
"Looks can be deceiving," Harry told his son, who stared at Josephine in awe. "Some people may look great, but on the inside they're--"
"Harry?" Lupin asked, tapping Harry on the shoulder. "Might I have a quick word?"
"Of course," Harry said, following his mentor.
"Josephine is going to need an office and since you have the largest office next to mine, I was thinking you could share with her the next few days?" Lupin asked.
"What?" Harry asked in disbelief.
"Neville's already sharing with Kingsley," Lupin pointed out. "You're the only other Auror who has his own office and it's not as if you don't have the space."
Harry wanted to object and say that Josephine could use her OWN office in Australia as far as he was concerned. "All right," he agreed.
"Great," Lupin smiled. "I'll just let her know that she can move her things."
"I'll make space for her," Harry tried to keep his reluctance from showing on his face.
"Fantastic," Lupin said.
Harry trudged over to his office and waved his hand at his things. His desk moved towards the wall and the bookshelf on the left side of the room emptied into the right side.
"You're obviously still as messy as ever," Josephine said from the doorway.
Harry sucked in a breath. "You can take that side of the office," he said in as polite a tone as he could manage.
"Thanks," Josephine said smiling at him.
"You're welcome," Harry said, moving a chair by hand over to his side.
Josephine sat down and started sorting through her belongings. She saw the photographs on Harry's desk. "Can't say I ever pictured you as a grandfather."
"It happened before I knew it," Harry replied.
"Hmmmm," Josephine murmured.
"What about you?" Harry asked, trying to be cordial. "Any family?"
"I was married," Josephine replied.
"Oh?" Harry asked curiously. "Not anymore?"
"Didn't work out," Josephine replied.
Harry nodded. "Sorry to hear it."
"Well, I'm used to having my heart broken," she said pointedly.
"Josie," Harry said. "We were sixteen."
Josephine rolled her eyes. "You know, not everything is about you, Potter."
"Okay," Harry said, rolling his eyes. "Then why can't you be civil to me?"
"I'm civil to you," Josephine said. "I think it's you that has a problem when someone deigns to criticize you."
"I do not," Harry denied. "But I will argue my side."
"You've never been able to take it when someone questions you," Josephine said with a laugh.
"How would you know?" Harry asked. "You haven't been back long, and you haven't bothered to talk to me much since you got here."
"Well, now that we're sharing an office perhaps that will change," Josephine said sweetly.
"Perhaps," Harry resolved to keep his guard up around her. It seemed she'd do anything to discredit him.
The room was silent for a few minutes as Harry tried to concentrate on some case notes and Josephine busied herself getting settled. "Surprising that you and Cho didn't end up together, really," Josephine finally said.
"She's my best friend," Harry replied.
Josephine nodded. "I remember walking in on you and your best friend 'making up' as I recall."
"That was a long time ago," Harry said. "And I'm sorry I hurt you. But it's time to move on."
Josephine glared at him. "Again, I was only making a statement that you of course took to mean that I've spent the last few years pining over you."
"I didn't say that at all," Harry said. "You brought it up."
Josephine opened her mouth to say something when a knock at the door interrupted them. Harry was relieved to see his wife. "Hi," he said, jumping up.
"I was wondering if you might want to grab a bite to eat." Hermione asked.
"Sure," Harry said, grabbing his cloak. "It'll be nice to get out of here for a bit."
Josephine smiled at Hermione. "Hello, Minister."
"Afternoon," Hermione replied pleasantly. "Settling in?"
Josephine nodded. "Everyone's been very welcoming."
"I'm glad to hear that," Hermione nodded.
Harry reached for his wife's hand. "Ready?"
"Sure," Hermione said. "Josephine, let's set up a meeting soon. I'd like to go over your qualifications."
"I look forward to it," Josephine said with a pointed look at Harry.
"Great," Hermione said. "See you soon, then."
Harry waited until they were outside. "Do you mind if we go somewhere other than the cafeteria? I need to get out of here."
"Of course," Hermione squeezed his hand. "Are you all right?"
Harry nodded. "Yes."
Hermione gave her husband a chaste kiss on the cheek. "I know just the place."
"Let's get out of here," Harry said.
They left the Ministry building and headed out into Muggle London to a small pub where they tucked themselves into a cosy booth near the back.
"How do you always know just the right thing to do?" Harry asked her
Hermione smiled. "I know you better than anyone else, Harry."
Harry reached across the table and squeezed her hand. "Yes, you do."
"Things were a little tense in there when I walked in," Hermione commented.
"Yeah," Harry agreed. He told her about Lupin's idea to have her share an office with him.
"I'm sure it won't last long," Hermione reassured him.
"Let's hope not," Harry said, shaking his head. "And of course, all the others think she's brilliant. Ethan and Justin hang on her every word."
"Harry are you sure that you aren't just jealous?" Hermione asked gently. "This woman who you have a past with has just come in and stolen your thunder."
"Jealous?" Harry scoffed.
Hermione looked at him, her eyebrow raised.
"I don't get jealous," Harry said. "Look, do you know what you want? I'll go and place our order."
"Harry--" Hermione began but he got up and stalked to the bar.
Hermione sighed. She loved her husband, but he hated being called on things that he did not like to admit about himself.
She waited at the table, knowing that he needed to calm himself down for a few minutes.
He came back a few moments later with their drinks.
"Thank you," Hermione said. "Come on and sit back down."
Harry sat down, but did not look at her.
"Harry," Hermione leaned towards him. "Don't get angry with me, all right?"
"It's not you," Harry said quietly.
"So talk to me," Hermione said. "You can tell me anything."
Harry shrugged. "It's nothing I can't handle."
"Oh, here we go," Hermione shook her head. "You're going to sit and stew over this until you blow up."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Harry asked her.
"You tend to keep things bottled up," Hermione said. "You're angry with Josephine, and probably Lupin as well. But you won't talk about it."
"You don't know everything, Hermione," Harry said angrily.
"You're right," Hermione said calmly. "But Harry... I know you. And I know you need to talk about this."
Harry sighed.
Hermione reached over for his hand. "Harry please..."
"She's getting under my skin is all," Harry finally said.
"Because you used to date?" Hermione asked. "And it didn't work out?"
"Who knows," Harry said shaking his head. "She keeps making these comments and when I try and apologise she says I'm making it all about me."
"I'm sure she's just adjusting," Hermione said. "Come on Harry... you were a rookie once too."
"That's exactly what Lupin would say which is why I haven't said anything to anyone," Harry told her.
Hermione wove their fingers together. "Want me to mention anything when she comes to me for an interview?"
Harry shook his head. "I don't need you to fight my battles."
"I'm not going to fight a battle for you," Hermione pointed out. "Just remind her that things need to stay professional."
"And she'd know that came from me," Harry said. "Just---just stay out of it, Hermione."
"Is that an order?" Hermione asked sharply.
"No," Harry replied. "Of course---" His words trailed off as the barmaid brought over their food.
"Thank you," Hermione said as a club sandwich was deposited in front of her and shepherd's pie was set down in front of Harry.
"Can I get you anything else?" the girl asked.
"No thanks," Harry said.
The girl left them alone and Hermione looked at her husband. "So, what were you going to say?"
"Nothing," Harry muttered.
Hermione sighed.
"I just wish Josephine hadn't come back," Harry said. "She's going to mess things up for me."
"Harry, you don't know that," Hermione said. "Lupin knows you and so does every member of the Wizengamot. Nothing she can do will change their view of you."
"Just keep it in mind when you talk to her," Harry said. "She's worse with a grudge than Snape.
"What happened between you was years ago," Hermione said thoughtfully.
"That's exactly what I told her," Harry said. "And she... twists my words. I don't know how to talk around her because she makes me look like the bad guy."
"I don't understand when people do things like that," Hermione said. "Look, you might not want to talk about it with me, but I hope you know that no matter what I'm on your side."
Harry finally smiled at her. "I know. Thanks, Hermione."
"Oh, I got you to smile," Hermione said with a grin.
"You usually do," Harry said.
Hermione reached across the table for his hand. "I love you, you goof."
"Love you too," Harry said, feeling better. "Don't know what I'd do without you."
"You'd be married to Josephine," Hermione joked.
Harry shook his head vehemently.
Hermione laughed. "Sorry...bad joke."
Harry pushed his plate over to her. "Want a bite?"
Hermione nodded. "Of course."
"Want me to cook tonight?" he asked. "I may not be home until a little later but..."
"I'd love that," Hermione said.
"I'll surprise you," Harry told her.
Hermione looked impishly at him. "So, when do you have to be back?"
"Not for another forty minutes," Harry glanced at his watch.
"Forty minutes, eh?" Hermione said, tracing her finger along the rim of her glass. "Hmm...."
Harry raised an eyebrow.
"You know," Hermione said. "There are loads of things you can do in forty minutes."
"Yes there is," Harry nodded.
"Whatever could WE do, do you think?" Hermione asked grinning at him.
"I know of an empty office back at the Ministry," Harry said. "It happens to belong to the Minister."
"Hmmm," Hermione said. "As I recall it has a very comfortable sofa..."
"And we can lock the door," Harry said as they quickly finished their meals. "No one can get in..."
"What are we waiting for?" Hermione asked standing up.
Harry was glad he'd paid at the bar already so they could make a hasty exit. They practically ran back to the Ministry building, laughing and feeling younger than they had in awhile.
They had just stepped over the threshold into Hermione's office when they heard someone clear their throat. The smile fell from Harry's face as he saw Josephine sitting on the sofa. "Good afternoon, Minister," Josephine said. "Potter."
"Josie," Harry said, feeling his shoulders tense back up.
"Your assistant said I could wait for you in here," Josephine said to Hermione. "I hope you don't mind."
"Um..." Hermione said. "I suppose that's fine. I wasn't quite prepared for a meeting so soon but we can still talk."
Josephine smiled. "I'm sure it will be quite enlightening."
"Yes," Hermione nodded. "Harry, I'll see you later at home?"
Harry nodded. "We'll pick up where we left off."
Josephine raised her eyebrows at this but didn't say anything.
Hermione gave his hand a squeeze. "Bye."
Harry didn't say anything to Josephine or look at her as he left his wife's office. He was pissed that once again she'd managed to ruin something.
No matter what Josephine said, he knew she was holding a grudge and he knew she would do anything to make him look bad.
*** *** ***
Although Slytherin lost the House Cup to Gryffindor yet again, Katie was still ecstatic at the end of year feast. No more studying for the next few weeks and in a matter of days, she'd be sitting on a beach soaking up the sun.
"He. Is. So. Hot," Lindsey commented, nudging Katie. She held out the latest "Witch Weekly". The magazine had done a complete issue dedicated to Kevin and his tour. "Ashley is so lucky."
"Oh I know," Katie said. "I hope he'll come to the beach, at least stop there. Seeing him in a swim costume..."
Lindsey waved herself with the magazine. "Mmm..."
"I might die right there on the beach," Katie giggled.
Lindsey gushed again about how lucky Ashley was to have him for a boyfriend and Katie looked across the room toward the Gryffindor table. Her sister was seated beside Zander and was laughing at something he was saying.
"She doesn't even appreciate him," Katie said. "I mean, look at her. She's all over Zander."
Lindsey followed Katie's gaze. "She's not really ALL over him, Katie..."
"She may as well be," Katie replied. "I should do something about them."
"Uh-oh," Lindsey said. "I smell a plot."
Katie shrugged. She had never admitted her crush on Kevin to anyone. She played the part of the admiring sister instead.
"Good luck with that," Lindsey said. "I have to go and pack."
Katie wasn't worried about packing her things. She figured she could stay up late and do that then sleep on the train if she was tired.
She looked up at the faculty table and saw her mother speaking to Caroline. Perfect, Katie thought to herself.
She waited until most of her fellow Slytherins had left before approaching the brunette. Caroline would be perfect to help her get Ashley and Zander together.
Katie sat down at the Gryffindor table and looked at Mia. "Do you mind?"
"I think you're at the wrong table," Mia said.
Katie glared at her. "I know where I'm at and I'd like to talk to Caroline. So, you can leave now."
"Katie!" Caroline exclaimed.
"You're unbelievable," Mia said shaking her head.
"If you have something to say to me you can say it in front of Mia," Caroline said. "I don't keep things from her."
"It's private," Katie said, looking at Caroline pleadingly. "Just give me two minutes, Caroline."
"I have to pack," Caroline said.
"Two minutes," Katie said grinning at her. "I wanted to ask you about something having to do with my mum."
"Oh," Caroline said. "All right, I suppose."
Mia rolled her eyes. "I'm going upstairs."
"I'll be there in a few minutes," Caroline promised.
Katie waited until Mia was out of earshot. "Thank you, Caroline."
"What is it?" Caroline asked without preamble.
"Look over there," Katie said motioning to where Ashley and Zander were still laughing and talking.
"What of it?" Caroline asked. "I thought you wanted to ask me about your mum."
Katie bit her lip. "Well..."
Caroline stared at her impatiently. "Katie I've got to go--"
Katie put her hand out. "Wait...just hear me out, Caroline."
"What?" Caroline asked.
"Well," Katie said. "You like Ashley, right?"
"Of course I do," Caroline sighed.
"You remember a few weeks ago when Ashley had wizard's flu and she was stuck in hospital?" Katie asked. "Zander spent every free second with her. He snuck in to keep her company. I mean, even when she was completely out of it, he was in there, by her side."
"He's her best friend," Caroline said. "So what?"
"It's more than that," Katie said. "And I think that tonight's the perfect night to get them together."
Caroline stared at her in disbelief. "Are you kidding me?"
"What?" Katie asked.
"Ashley's with Kevin," Caroline pointed out. "And Zander seems perfectly happy with Debra."
"If that were true, he'd be sitting with her, wouldn't he?" Katie asked.
"They're in different houses," Caroline said. "And it's the last night of school for them. I'm sure they're meeting up later."
"Caroline," Katie said. "Come on. Help me get them together. I know it's the best thing for Ashley."
"No," Caroline shook her head. "I'm not having any part of this."
"Why not?" Katie asked. "Oh for Merlin's sake, you aren't still holding a grudge are you?"
"What are you talking about?" Caroline asked.
"Over your first year?" Katie asked.
Caroline shook her head and grabbed her bag. "I don't know what you're scheming, but I don't want any part in it."
Katie shook her head. Why would Caroline not help her? This was a completely selfless thing that she was doing. Well, not completely selfless, Katie thought, but semi-selfless and it really was for the greater good.
"See you later," Caroline said shortly.
Katie watched her go. Caroline would come around this summer. But, for now, Katie would have to do this on her own. At the other end of the Gryffindor table, Zander and Ashley were getting ready to leave. Brittany was still not talking to them and had apparently decided to spend her last night at Hogwarts snogging with Evan somewhere.
"Hmm..." Katie said, not about to be deterred. Without Caroline's help this would be more difficult but Katie enjoyed a challenge.
Ashley caught her sister staring at her. "Katie? What are you doing sitting at the Gryffindor table?"
"Nothing," Katie jumped up like she'd been burned.
"She wanted to hang out with the cool kids," Zander said with a grin.
Katie rolled her eyes. "Yeah right."
Ashley folded her arms. "Have you packed? What am I thinking? Of course, you haven't."
"I'm not worried about it," Katie shrugged.
Ashley shook her head. "I'm going to finish packing and maybe do some last sketches of the castle before I turn in for the night."
"It's our last night here," Zander said. "You aren't going to sleep."
Katie rolled her eyes as Debra came over to join them. Debra threw her arms around Zander and hugged him tightly. "Hey, you!"
"Hey Deb," Zander grinned at her.
"Hi, Debra," Ashley said politely.
"Hi," Debra said, surprised. "Um... how's it going?"
"Great," Ashley said.
"Can't believe it's our last night," Debra said. "Zanny... you promised me we'd sneak away for awhile."
"Zanny?" Katie asked, not realising she had said it aloud.
Debra cast her a look. "Aren't you a Slytherin?"
"Yes," Katie said sweetly. "And you have lettuce stuck in your teeth."
Debra gasped and turned away, making Katie laugh.
A smile played on Ashley's lips at her sister's words but she remembered her promise to give Debra a chance. "Um, I should go upstairs and pack."
"I'll see you later," Zander said.
"Good night," Ashley said. "Are you coming Katie?"
"I guess," Katie said.
Ashley walked out of the Great Hall and Katie reluctantly followed. Ideas whirled in her head about what she could do. She had to get Zander away from Debra, for one thing.
A note... the thought made Katie's eyes light up. She would send her sister and Zander notes from each other to meet somewhere private.
"You know," Katie said to Ashley. "You're right. I should start packing."
"Good idea," Ashley said. "You don't want to leave anything here."
Katie nodded. "You're absolutely right. I'll see you tomorrow morning, Ash."
"Have a good night," Ashley said to her sister.
Katie watched her sister go and knew more than ever what she was going to do was the right thing. Katie headed back to the Great Hall and peeked inside. As luck would have it, Debra and Zander were just leaving. Katie quickly hid behind a pillar.
"So," Debra was giggling. "What are we going to do tonight?"
Zander shrugged. "I don't know. I think some of my housemates were having a party in the common room. I should stop in, but afterwards we could do something just the two of us."
"That's what I was hoping for," Debra purred. Katie rolled her eyes and resisted the urge to gag. She had never been a huge fan of Zander's, but he could definitely do better than this girl.
"Where do you want to meet?" Zander asked her.
"How about in Snape's dungeon?" Debra asked.
Zander shook his head. "Not exactly a very romantic location, Deb. Besides, if he caught us..."
"What's he going to do?" Debra asked, laughing again. "It's our last night."
"I'd rather not take the chance," Zander said. "Um...how about Binns' classroom? It's on the opposite end of the castle and no one will be anywhere near it."
"I guess," Debra pouted. "I want to be a little more adventurous but..."
Katie rolled her eyes again.
"Binn's classroom is perfect," Zander told her. "We won't be bothered..."
Debra smiled. "I like the sound of that."
Zander gave her a kiss. "Meet you up there at eight?"
"I'll be there," Debra promised.
"See you in a bit," he grinned at her before loping off towards Gryffindor.
Katie grinned. Well, part one of her plan was already in place and she did not have to do anything.
"This is perfect," she said, reaching into her bag for a spare bit of parchment. She quickly scrawled out a note to her sister in what she hoped looked like a bloke's writing.
She spotted a first-year Gryffindor. "Hey!" Katie called out. "Come here!"
The little girl looked scared.
"Take this," Katie said, handing the parchment to the girl. "And leave it in your common room. Be discreet."
"It's... its not--" the girl began.
"Do it," Katie ordered.
"Okay," she said meekly, taking the parchment.
"And if anyone asks, you don't know where it came from," Katie said. "Got it?"
"Okay," the girl whispered before running away.
Katie smiled. Step Two was taken care of and now she had to find someway to keep Debra out of the way.
Ashley headed upstairs and felt tears well up in her eyes. This was the last night she would ever sleep in the castle. It had become home to her in the past seven years. She'd met her best friends here and really discovered a lot about herself as a person here.
The room was empty as she walked inside. Corinne was downstairs celebrating with some other students and Brittany was nowhere to be found. Ashley did not mind. It was nice to be alone with her thoughts.
She gathered her things and packed them away neatly in her trunk. She left her sketchbooks and pencils out. Kevin was in Stockholm at the moment on his tour and she had received a letter earlier that day from him. He had congratulated her on graduating and that he missed her.
He had promised to clear a few days to spend in Brighton with her once they got there and she was looking forward to that. She would tell him about her plans and she hoped he would be okay with it.
Just the thought of a year travelling and studying art excited her. She would miss her home and her friends and family but the year would pass quickly.
"It's absolutely nuts downstairs," Corinne's voice broke into Ashley's thoughts. She had not even heard her roommate come inside.
"What's going on?" Ashley asked.
"Party," Corinne said, smiling at her. She handed Ashley an envelope. "This was downstairs. Had your name on it."
"Oh," Ashley said, looking at the envelope.
Corinne smiled. "Come on down after you finish packing!"
"I'm almost done," Ashley told her. "Be down in a few minutes."
After Corrine had gone, Ashley sat down on the bed with her letter.
She tore it open. "Surprise," she read. "Meet me in Binn's classroom at eight."
The note was not signed.
She wondered if Kevin perhaps found a way to sneak in. It would be like him to surprise her. Ashley smiled. She could finish packing later. She hurried downstairs and sneaked out the portrait door without anyone noticing
Binn's classroom was dark and Ashley pulled out her wand. "Lumos," she whispered.
Her wand lit up the room dimly but she didn't see anyone. "Kevin?" she whispered.
There was no response and Ashley sat down at one of the desks.
This was odd. Why would Kevin send her a message but not be here?
The door creaked open and Ashley turned. "Kevin?"
"Hello?" a male voice asked.
Ashley forgot about her wand and stood up. "Hi," she whispered.
"How'd you get here so fast?" the male voice asked.
Ashley felt her way through the darkness toward his voice. "I couldn't wait," she said softly.
Ashley bumped into him and giggled. She felt his arms wrap around her.
"Last night," he whispered in her ear. "We should make it count."
Ashley felt his lips brush against hers.
The kiss felt familiar but Ashley realised it wasn't Kevin's mouth on hers.
"Ashley?" Zander asked breathlessly pulling away from her for a moment.
"Zander!" Ashley gasped, pulling away from him.
"I thought you were someone else," Zander said hastily.
"I thought you were Kevin," Ashley covered her face with her hands. "This is so embarrassing!"
Zander shook his head. "No--it was a mistake. That's all." He reached a hand out to put on her shoulder, but thought better of it and pulled away. Ashley made a move for the door and tried the handle, but it would not open. "Accio, wand!" Ashley hurried back to the desk where her wand was, aided by the light from Zander's wand. She picked it up and avoided looking at him as she pointed her wand at the door. "Alohomora!" To her disbelief, the door still did not open.
"What's going on?" she tried the handle and tugged on the door.
Zander tried the same spell, but achieved the same result. "We're stuck."
"What did you do?" Ashley accused.
"Me?" Zander asked taken aback.
"I can't believe I just kissed you," Ashley wailed.
Zander folded his arms. "You don't have to act like it was a fate worse than death?"
"But we're both seeing other people," Ashley said. "We cheated."
Zander sat down. "We didn't know what we were doing."
"I guess not," Ashley ran her hands through her blonde hair.
Zander was silent and Ashley took a seat beside him.
"Was I that bad?" Zander asked her.
Despite herself, Ashley laughed. "Well, we were 13 the last time it happened."
"Feels like a long time ago," he said.
"It was," Ashley said softly.
Zander got up to try the door again. "I wonder how it got locked."
"Probably someone playing a joke," Ashley said.
"Yeah but who knew we were in here?" Zander asked. "Debra and I were supposed to meet here right around now."
"Maybe she'll come soon and let us out," Ashley said hopefully.
"Maybe," Zander nodded. "She's usually late."
Ashley leaned back on her seat. "This was not how I was expecting to spend my last night here."
"Me either," Zander confessed. "It's not so bad though."
Ashley smiled. "No, it's not."
"It's going to be strange not being here anymore," he commented.
"I know," Ashley agreed. "All this week, I kept thinking about all the little things I do everyday here and how it was going to be the last."
"Yeah," Zander nodded. "But at the same time, it's going to be great to get out on our own. I can't wait to find my own place."
Ashley nodded. "I can't wait to get started on my trip."
"I'm still not sure what I want to do," Zander said. "I mean, something with my music sure... but not sure what yet."
"You'll figure it out," Ashley said. "Music is what you were made to do. You get this look on your face when you play...I get the same one on mine when I paint or draw."
Zander nodded. "I love it."
"You're amazing," Ashley said.
"You've always been my biggest fan," Zander said to her. "That's always meant a lot to me."
"It's not just because you're my best friend," Ashley told him. "You're so incredibly talented."
"At least I'll know who to owl when I need an ego boost," Zander joked.
"I'll never be more than an owl away," Ashley said softly.
"Me either," he promised.
Ashley's lower lip trembled and she felt tears welling up in her eyes.
"Ash?" Zander said, his face concerned.
"I'm just going to miss---" Ashley started to say, but the emotion of the moment got the best of her and she could not get the rest of her words out.
"Hey we'll still see each other," he put an arm around her. "All the time. And I'll be in Brighton at the same time as you and your family."
Ashley nodded, but she was so afraid that they would all grow apart especially now with Brittany not speaking to them.
"Brit will come around," Zander could read her thoughts. "You know she will eventually."
"You think so?" Ashley asked.
"Sure," Zander nodded. "She's got to miss us sooner or later."
Ashley smiled. "Well, me anyway."
Zander laughed. "Exactly." he nudged her.
Ashley hugged him tightly.
Zander ran his hand over her back through her hair. It felt nice to hold Ashley.
"My first real friend," Ashley whispered.
"I was?" he asked.
Ashley pulled away to look at him. "Yeah," she admitted, blushing.
"I think you might have told me that once," he said.
Zander used his thumb to wipe away a tear from her cheek.
"Sorry," Ashley mumbled. "I'm a bit of a sorry wretch tonight."
"It's okay," Zander said softly.
"I know we say we aren't going to grow apart but I'm scared that we will," Ashley continued.
"We won't," Zander promised her.
"Promise?" she asked.
"Promise," Zander said touching her cheek.
Ashley looked up at him and felt the butterflies return to her stomach.
Zander looked back at her and Ashley wished she could read his mind.
"We shouldn't be doing this," she whispered.
"You're right," Zander said, but he leaned in anyway.
Ashley closed her eyes as they kissed again. This time they didn't hesitate and the kiss grew deeper.
Zander's arms snaked around her waist and any thoughts Ashley had about Kevin disappeared. This felt so right.
Zander lay her back on the desk, not breaking his mouth from hers. Ashley wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close. It still did not seem like enough. She wanted more.
He ran his hand down the side over her slender body, curving his palm over her stomach. He wasn't sure if he should push any further than that, much as he wanted to.
"Ashley," he whispered before kissing her again.
"Please," she managed to say. "Please, Zander..."
Zander looked down at her. She was so beautiful like this.
"What are you thinking?" she asked, reaching up to run her fingers through his hair.
"I'm thinking that--" he was interrupted as the door swung open.
"Zander!" Debra exclaimed.
"Deb!" Zander turned bright red.
Debra turned around and ran out of the room.
"Shit," Zander cursed. "Ash... I'm sorry--"
Ashley shook her head as she sat up. "You should go after her."
Zander nodded. "I um... I'll see you later..."
Ashley put her head in her hands, unable to look at him. What had she done? She had just cheated on her boyfriend- one she cared about very much. And though she did not like Debra very much, she felt horrible for what the girl had just seen. Nobody deserved that.
She waited until she was sure Zander would be gone before slipping out of the classroom.
Katie watched from the distance, expecting to see a happy Ashley emerge from the room.
Instead, she watched as her sister quietly closed the door behind her and began trudging back in the direction of Gryffindor.
Katie shrugged this off. Right now, Ashley was probably feeling a little guilty over what had happened, but she would soon get over this and see how right this was. And, Katie thought to herself, Kevin would be all alone.
Meanwhile Zander had caught up with his girlfriend. "Deb," he said. "Wait a minute. What you saw--"
Debra shook her head. "Don't you dare tell me it wasn't what I thought it was!"
"I admit I messed up," Zander said. "But we were talking about something that happened a long time ago and then--"
"It just happened?" Debra asked, turning to face him. "Is that what you're going to tell me? I'm not blind you know! You never once looked at me the way you look at her!"
"Ashley's my best friend," Zander told her. "I haven't had feelings for her since we were thirteen."
"You could have fooled me," Debra said angrily.
"I haven't," Zander said honestly.
"What would have happened if I hadn't walked in, huh?" Debra asked.
That was something Zander had been wondering too. "I don't know. But Deb... just let me explain..."
"There's nothing to explain," Debra said quietly.
"I want to make it right," Zander insisted.
Debra laughed bitterly. "You can't make this right."
Zander sighed. "I could if you wanted to make this work."
Debra looked thoughtfully at him. "If I did, you'd have to promise never to see her again."
"What?" Zander asked in disbelief.
"You heard me," Debra said, wiping at her eyes. "End your friendship with her or we're done."
"Are you kidding me?" Zander asked. "What sort of psychotic request is that?"
Debra folded her arms and glared at him. "A perfectly logical one given what I just walked in on!"
"She is my friend," Zander said. "I don't give up on my friends."
"But you will give up on me?" Debra asked him point blank.
"No," Zander said. "I don't want to. But I would never give in to something like that."
"So, your friendship with her is more important than what we have," Debra said, shaking her head. "Well, that's just brilliant."
"You're twisting this around," Zander argued.
"I'm twisting this around?" Debra asked. "That's rich coming from you."
Zander shook his head. "I'm done."
"You're making a mistake," Debra said to him. "A big mistake."
"Really," Zander said.
"Really," Debra answered quietly.
"I think I'm making the right choice, actually." Zander said.
"Whatever," Debra said before walking away.
Zander couldn't believe she had the nerve to try and make him end his friendship with Ashley.
Ashley, Zander thought. How on earth was he going to face her after this?
He knew what they had done was wrong, but kissing her had felt amazing.
He wondered about Debra's question. What would have happened had she not walked in on them?
She had wanted them to continue, that he was certain of. Would they have gone too far?
He had always had feelings for her, but had buried those years ago.
He found himself back at the portrait door and hoped Ashley had made it back.
The Gryffindor party was still in full swing and Zander honestly did not feel like joining them.
He stayed along the perimeter of the wall and tried to sneak upstairs to the dormitory before Evan or Sam or anyone else caught him.
"What are you doing?" Brittany asked.
"What?" Zander looked over at his cousin. "You talking to me?"
"Not really," Brittany asked. "I was heading upstairs to grab a jumper."
"Oh," Zander replied. "I wouldn't want to keep you."
Brittany rolled her eyes. "Your hair's all messed up."
"It always is," Zander tried to smooth it down.
Brittany shook her head. "You must have gone outside with Ashley. She came in here awhile back with her hair all ---"
"She came back?" Zander interrupted. "Where is she?"
Brittany studied him for a moment. "Upstairs, probably..."
"Will you ask her to come down here?" he asked.
"I'm not an owl," Brittany retorted trying to move past him.
"Just do me one favour?" he asked impatiently.
"Fine," Brittany replied.
"Thank you," he turned away and rolled his eyes.
Zander waited and wondered if Brittany would do as he asked. What would he say to Ashley when he saw her?
Brittany pushed open the door to the dormitory and saw Ashley sitting in the window seat. "Zander wants you," she said bluntly, going to her trunk. "Right now, downstairs."
Ashley turned. "He's down there now?"
"Yes," Brittany grabbed her jumper. "And he wants you down there now. Otherwise I wouldn't even bother."
"Would you---would you just tell him I've gone to bed?" Ashley asked.
Brittany gave her a strange look. "What?"
"I can't talk to him," Ashley said turning back toward the window.
"Why not?" Brittany pressed.
Ashley was silent.
Brittany heaved an exaggerated sigh. "Whatever."
Ashley heard the door slam behind Brittany. She hugged her knees to her and closed her eyes. She felt Zander's arms around her and could remember the feel of his lips on hers.
Why was it that his kiss brought on the fiery feeling inside her when her own boyfriend's never quite had?
****************
This week's Q & A ...
First one is a two-part question...
(1) How comes everyone is straight? That there\'s no gay or lesbian couple? I just noticed that? You guys homophobic? (2) Why is your story so amazing? I just LOVE! I've been hooked on it since I first read it, I LOVE it!
Well to answer the first... I think that while neither of us is homophobic, it's just not an area that either one of us feels interested in exploring. We have nothing against it, but don't read it either.
In regards to the second, we think because we have related it to real life in so many ways- we have characters everyone loves, and characters everyone hates. There's something for everyone.
(3) Hey guys, I was wondering if you could put Gabe and Lexie back together soon?
Gabriel and Alexa have had their time- and while they are friends, they will not be reuniting as a couple.
(4) I'm really liking this new Gabe/Steph storyline. Now if
only Gabe were to look up at the right time when Stephanie was with that horrible boyfriend of hers! I wonder if
we'll get to see any more of Steph, maybe some home life? Is Stephanie going to become a regular character or will
she stay further in the back and not be as important?
You will absolutely see more of Stephanie. She's in a bad situation right now, and it's a delicate
situation for us to write, so we are taking things a bit slowly there.
(5) So we all know that Allie was originally supposed to end up with Josh. What
other pairings could there have been, if they weren't with who they are now?
Haha! Well, Saffron was originally due to wind up with Sean, and Jon and Lizzy would have been together as
well. Alexa WAS supposed to be with RJ, but we all know how that went. And the original plan was to have Alexa end up
with Gabe, BUT we have interesting storylines planned for the two of them!
(6) This is going to be very traumatic for Stephanie, I just hope she will be okay- this Tony is quietly scary, one minute he's okay then the next he explodes!. Sad when Steph talked bout the bruises and very sad when Steph thought that she could have something good with Gabe, but then came this Melanie out of the blue, what a complete self centered Bitch! What does Gabe see in her????
Gabe doesn't see Melanie... she is brilliant and very pretty and he IS a guy ;-) But give us some time...