A/N: Thank you to all readers who left reviews- we did replies earlier today! We're glad that some of you are enjoying Frankie- you'll see more of her babysitting escapades in this chapter, which happens to be quite a long one ;)
As always, please let us know what you think of the chapter when you're done reading- even just a simple good job makes our day :)
It was a week after Ethan finished his training and was officially an Auror, he and Maddie managed an evening off and were in a rather posh Muggle restaurant, celebrating.
"I think we're the youngest people here," Maddie whispered over her menu.
"Probably," Ethan said with a grin. "But it's a nice place."
"I wouldn't mind if we were in a pub," Maddie said grinning back at him. "As long as I was with you, I'd be happy."
"Yeah but this is a special occasion," Ethan said as a waiter deposited a silver bucket with ice and a bottle snuggled inside of it next to their table. He nodded to the man. "I got us some champagne while you were in the loo."
"Champagne?" she asked teasingly. "You'd think we'd have something to celebrate, wouldn't you?"
"Oh we do Maddie Molly," Ethan teased.
She giggled. "I have a confession to make. The only time I ever had champagne was when I visited Drew and Darla during summer hols. I only had a couple of sips though."
"This is really good stuff," Ethan said as they were each poured a glass. "At least that's what the waiter said when I asked him what the best was," he confessed when the man had left them.
"Oh, your secret is out," Maddie said. "And here I thought you were Mr. Smooth."
"You mean you don't think that anyway?" Ethan gave her a puppy dog pout.
Maddie laughed. "Sometimes yes, sometimes no."
Ethan nudged her foot under the table with his. "I'm going to change your mind so that it's 'Always yes'."
"Taking me to a place like this is a great start," she said softly before taking a sip of her champagne. "Oooh...that's really good."
"It's called Cristal," Ethan read the label. "Bloody expensive stuff but we don't do this often enough. So I'm splurging tonight."
Maddie couldn't stop herself from smiling. She was so proud of Ethan and was so happy that they were here together. It was amazing to think that her little girl crush had grown into something like this.
"You're right," she said softly. "This is a new beginning of sorts...it's the end of your training, but it's the beginning of a whole new life for you..."
"Us," Ethan corrected, taking her hand.
"For us," Maddie agreed. "For us..."
"What time do you have to go in tomorrow?" Ethan asked. "Providing of course, you don't have a vision tonight?"
"Smythe gave me the day off tomorrow," she said with a grin. "So I'm all yours."
Ethan smiled. "I like that," he leaned over and gave her a kiss. "I like that very, very much."
Maddie opened her mouth to say something else, but the waiter returned to take their order. Maddie let go of Ethan's hand and picked up her menu again.
"I want to have something I've never had before," she said looking thoughtfully at the menu.
"Okay," Ethan said. "Order whatever you like."
Maddie grinned. "I think we can rule out the Cornish game hen..."
Ethan laughed. "Remember when we were kids and your parents told that waitress you had a Cornish game hen as a pet?"
"I thought you wouldn't have remembered that! My mum was quick on her feet though..." Maddie said her voice trailing off as she giggled.
"She had to be, with your dad," Ethan grinned as he ordered coq au vin for himself.
"I'll have the same as the gentleman," Maddie said with a wink at Ethan as she handed her menu back to the waiter.
"Very good choice madam," the waiter nodded respectfully and left the two of them.
"More?" Ethan lifted the bottle out of the bucket.
"Yes please," Maddie said handing him her glass. "It's really quite good."
"Glad you approve," Ethan teased.
"We should toast," Maddie said watching as Ethan filled her glass. "And I know just the thing to say, too."
"All right then," Ethan lifted his. "What to, Maddie Molly?"
Maddie felt a little light headed already from the champagne. "Okay," she said with a giggle. "This is one my dad taught me when I was really little. It's an old Muggle toast that he picked up from my Grandpa. Are you ready, Ethan?"
"I'm ready," Ethan said with a grin, her laughter infectious.
Maddie raised her glass. "I'm trying to remember it correctly...okay...okay....'Here's to those who wish us well and to those who don't...'"
Ethan's eyebrow rose. "What?" he asked with a laugh.
"...they can go to hell," Maddie whispered clinking glasses with him before giggling again. "That's my dad's favourite one!"
Ethan laughed harder. "I like that one," he said as he drank.
"I like that one too," Maddie said feeling so relaxed and happy. She put her glass down and reached for Ethan's hand. "I'm really proud of you, Ethan. Really, really proud."
"Thanks," Ethan said. "How about a congratulatory kiss?"
"You've had about four of those already tonight," she teased but leaned across the table anyway. "But who's counting?"
"Not me," Ethan said softly as she drew closer.
Maddie brushed her lips lightly against his wishing that they were back at his flat so she could kiss him properly.
Ethan knew his girlfriend was shy about showing affection in public so he kept the kiss chaste.
"You have really nice lips," she said dreamily when they pulled apart. "Really soft..."
Ethan laughed. "Not necessarily what every guy wants to hear..."
"It's a good thing," Maddie said beaming at him. "A really good thing."
"I'll take your word for it," Ethan replied.
Maddie drained the rest of her glass. "So what happens now? Will you still get to work with your dad? Or do you get a new partner?"
"I'll get partnered with someone closer to my ranking," Ethan said, pouring her some more champagne.
"Any preferences?" she asked.
"Not really," Ethan said. "I just hope it's not some wanker who's wormed his way into the program. But I suppose by this point they'll have weeded out all the rejects."
"And you learned loads from your dad," Maddie said. "Maybe someday, you two can work together again."
"Maybe," Ethan said. "But tonight let's talk about us."
"Okay," Maddie said softly.
"So are you staying over tonight?" Ethan asked.
"Staying over?" Maddie asked pretending to think this over. "I suppose I could be persuaded..."
"Well why don't you have a few more glasses of this," Ethan said mischievously.
Maddie wondered if perhaps she should stop while she was ahead, but she was feeling so warm and happy and relaxed. After all, they were celebrating and another glass or two wouldn't hurt.
"Why Mr. Smooth, I think you're trying to get me pissed," she said holding out her glass.
"It's not really taking much is it?" Ethan asked smugly.
Maddie giggled and shook her head. "No, not much at all."
"Well," Ethan said. "In that case why don't we order another bottle?" he grinned teasingly.
Maddie looked worried for a moment. "Are you sure? It is rather expensive, isn't it?"
"Yeah but we don't have to order the same one," Ethan replied. "Let's finish this one first."
"We're nearly there," Maddie said looking pointedly at the bottle.
Ethan laughed. "All right," he said. "This is a celebration and I already told you I'm splurging."
Maddie looked adoringly across the table at her boyfriend. "I feel all tingly..."
Ethan laughed harder. "You're a little pissed."
Maddie could only giggle as she picked up her glass again.
Ethan shook his head as she downed it quickly. He knew she didn't drink, so he wanted to make sure she took it slow- and he also hoped their meals would be out soon as having some food in her stomach would help settle the alcohol.
Luckily, they didn't have to wait too long as the waiter brought out their entrees. "Oooh it looks so yummy," she said smiling at the waiter as he set the plate down in front of her.
"Excellent choice miss," the waiter said politely.
Maddie touched his arm. "Thank you soooo much for bringing it to us so quickly. I'm glad it's not a Cornish pixie...people shouldn't eat them, you know?"
"I beg your pardon?" the waiter asked.
"She's just joking around," Ethan said quickly. "We used to call the game hens pixies when we were younger."
Maddie giggled. "I'm a pretty, but evil princess too! Isn't that right, Ethan?"
"That's right Mads," Ethan said.
"Can I get you anything else?" the waiter asked turning his attention to Ethan.
"I had a crown," Maddie said before Ethan could answer. "It was all sparkly."
"We're fine, thank you." Ethan said, deciding that they'd nix the champagne here and perhaps pick something up at the shops on the way home.
"Enjoy your meal," the waiter said before leaving them to it.
"You've drank as much of this stuff as me and you're nowhere near as pissed as me," Maddie said picking up her knife and fork to cut her food.
"I've got a bit more tolerance than you," Ethan chuckled. "Mads you're a sloppy drunk."
"I'm not slop...," she started to say as some vegetables she was trying to cut into fell off her plate. "Oops!"
"Mads," Ethan tried not to laugh. "You're cut off until we leave."
"Okay," Maddie said with a giggle. "Okay, okay..."
"Okay," Ethan sent an apologetic look to the older couple seated behind him and Maddie.
Eating seemed to help Maddie settle down somewhat but she still felt quite light headed. When the waiter asked if they wanted some dessert, she was happy when Ethan asked if they could get something to take out with them. She couldn't wait to be alone with him.
"Let's get something really rich and chocolaty," she said to her boyfriend.
"Pick out whatever you like," Ethan smiled at her. "And we'll stop by that little shop by my flat and get another bottle of champagne to have with it if you like."
Maddie finally decided on chocolate chip cheesecake and they waited for the waiter to bring it out to them.
"You going to be okay?" Ethan asked, amused.
"I'm fabulous," Maddie said softly.
"Not too pissed now?" he smiled.
Maddie shook her head. "I'm ready to be alone with you."
"I'm always ready for that," Ethan reached for her hand and squeezed it.
Maddie smiled. "I love you."
"I love you too," Ethan gave her a gentle kiss.
"Excuse me," the waiter said tapping Ethan on the shoulder. "Here's your dessert, sir."
"Thank you," Ethan said, handing the man the bill with the quid. "We appreciate it."
"Thank you," Maddie chimed in winking at the waiter. "And remember; don't let them eat anymore Cornish pixies, okay?"
"Mads I'm sure he knows," Ethan said hastily.
"Okay," Maddie said giving the waiter a little wave as Ethan gently led her out of the restaurant.
They stopped at a little corner store and picked up some more champagne and then got back to Ethan's little flat. "Home again," he said, giving her a little nudge.
Maddie laughed and kicked off her shoes before plopping down on his sofa.
"Make yourself at home," he teased.
"Come and join me," she said patting the empty space beside her.
"Want some of this?" he held up the bottle.
"Yes please," she said with twinkling eyes. "Get some plates too for our cheesecake!"
"All right," Ethan was amused as he brought everything into the sitting room.
While Ethan poured them each a glass of champagne, Maddie doled out two slices of cheesecake for them.
"Here you go," she said setting a plate on his lap.
"Thank you," Ethan said with a kiss.
"Mmmm," Maddie said pulling reluctantly away. "Better than cheesecake."
"You taste good," Ethan stroked her cheek, his cake forgotten as he set it on the coffee table.
"Do I?" Maddie asked with a grin. She pulled him closer. "You were way too far away..."
"Was I?" Ethan murmured, brushing his lips over her neck.
She took a sip of her champagne as he moved his mouth down over her skin. "God Mads, you feel amazing."
Maddie could felt that warm, tingly feeling rise in her all over again at his touch. "Ethan..."
"Hmm?" he mumbled, his eyes closed as he daringly flicked his tongue over her skin.
"Nothing," Maddie said softly. "Just keep doing that."
Ethan worked his way up over her chin to her lips, which were sweetened by the champagne and the small bit of cheesecake she had managed to consume before they'd started snogging. "I'm so glad we're together tonight," he said huskily.
"Me too," Maddie agreed, starting to unbutton his shirt. Her inhibitions were gone and although she knew this was going against her promise to wait, she couldn't help herself. This felt too good to stop.
Ethan hungrily plundered her mouth as his hands ran their way through her hair, which he'd already loosened. The wavy strands slid like silk through his fingers as she pulled his shirt down.
"Ethan?" Maddie asked in a whisper. "I...I think we should..."
"What?" Ethan asked.
"Let's not wait anymore," she said grinning up at him.
"What?" he asked again, startled. "Mads..."
Maddie giggled. "You look so serious. Come on, Mr. Smooth..."
"Mads it was your choice to wait," Ethan said as she leaned in and kissed him again.
"And it's my choice to not wait," Maddie said nibbling at his ear.
"Mads," Ethan groaned as she pushed him down onto the sofa.
Maddie straddled him. "I feel like the room is spinning, don't you? Like everything's all tingly and sparkly and...happy."
"Yeah really happy," Ethan choked out, unable to say he wasn't enjoying this.
Maddie giggled. "Princess Cruella is finally going to have her way with the mean old knight..."
"Whoa," Ethan's eyes opened wide as she actually touched him through his trousers.
"The Holy Grail," she said laughing. "At last!"
"Maddie!" Ethan's head fell back onto the arm of the sofa as he gasped. "Oh Merlin…"
"That feels good doesn't it?" she leaned down, her hair falling over them like a curtain. "I know you've been wanting this. I have too."
"I do but-" his words were cut off as Maddie's mouth crashed back onto his.
She giggled as she reached down and tried to work her hands into his trousers.
"Maddie," Ethan caught her fingers. "Come on--"
"Come on where?" Maddie teased.
"You don't want this," Ethan tried to say- his head being the rational part while his libido was screaming otherwise.
"I do," Maddie said mussing his hair. "I do want this very, very, very...Oooh....I...I don't feel too good..."
"Uh oh," Ethan said, grabbing her arm and rushing her into the loo.
Nearly a half hour later, Ethan carried Maddie into the bedroom. Her face was quite pale.
"Ethan," she said weakly putting her arms around his neck. "I'm so sorry for ruining our night."
"It's all right," he said, brushing a pale strand of hair off her sweaty forehead. "I shouldn't have boozed you up so much."
Maddie felt so embarrassed. She couldn't imagine what it must have been like for Ethan to watch her get pissed like that and then to have the evening conclude with him holding her hair back while she threw up. "I'm never drinking anything other than pumpkin juice ever again."
He smiled. "Want some water?"
Maddie nodded. "Thanks."
He got her a bottle of water from his icebox, and on his way back into the bedroom dumped the rest of the champagne into the sink. "I really should have made sure you didn't drink so much. I was just sort of caught up in the fact that we were finally able to spend an evening together, alone." Ethan unscrewed the top and handed it to her. "Drink that slowly." he advised.
Maddie did as he requested and sank leaned back against the pillows. "I should have stopped at one glass. It's not your fault, Ethan. It's mine."
"Well you'll stay here tonight," he said firmly. "And tomorrow morning you'll be right as rain."
"I hope so," Maddie said before taking another sip of water. "You...you won't tell anyone about how pissed I got will you? I'd never hear the end of it from my brothers and sisters."
"It'll be our secret Maddie Molly." Ethan promised.
Maddie took another sip of her water and then handed the bottle to Ethan. "I'm really sleepy."
"Go to sleep then," Ethan kissed her forehead. "I'll crash on the sofa."
"Stay here," Maddie said grabbing his arm. "Please?"
"Are you sure?" Ethan asked, already pulling back the covers.
Maddie nodded and smiled weakly at him.
"Here," Ethan pulled a t shirt out of his drawer. "You can't be comfortable in that."
"Not really," Maddie said sitting up as best she could. She felt weak and struggled to get out of her dress.
"Do you uh... need some help?" Ethan swallowed.
Maddie looked helplessly at him. "I'm just so sleepy..."
"Well you just booted up half your stomach too," Ethan tried to make a joke. "I promise not to look." he reached for her clothing.
"Okay," Maddie said softly her eyes still closed.
He gulped as he reached down to pull her dress over her head, and he tried to avert his eyes from her lithe body.
"Your hands are kind of cold," Maddie whispered.
"Sorry," Ethan replied softly.
"It's okay," she said sleepily. "I don't mind."
At that moment Ethan wanted nothing more than to pull all her clothes off and snog her until they were sweaty and panting under the blankets but he restrained himself. Carefully, he peeled the dress away and drew the shirt back down over her head.
"Much...better," she said lying back down.
"Good," Ethan pulled her hair out of the collar.
"I'm going to go to sleep now," she whispered turning on her side. "Good night Ethan."
"All right," Ethan slid on the other side and leaned over to kiss her cheek. "You'll feel a lot better in the morning."
Maddie drifted off to sleep thinking her boyfriend was right. She would feel much, much better in the morning.
But to her dismay the next morning when she awoke, she felt terrible. Her head was pounding and she had a terrible taste in her mouth. Not to mention the fact that she was in Ethan's room and she had no idea how she'd gotten there.
Ethan had been lying awake for a few minutes already and he heard her mumble something unintelligible. "Mads?" he asked softly.
Maddie tried to sit up but the light from the window hurt her eyes and she winced. "Don't talk so loud," she finally managed to say. "My head..."
"Sorry," he whispered.
Maddie brought her hand to her throbbing temple and tried to remember what had transpired last night. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see a bare-chested Ethan looking sympathetically at her.
"Ethan?" she asked weakly. "We didn't..."
He fidgeted a bit with the blanket. "Well, no, not really..."
"Not really?" Maddie asked turning to face him. "What do you mean not really?"
"Well you sort of wanted to," Ethan said. "But we didn't."
"Why?" Maddie asked. "What did we..."
Her voice trailed off as the events of last night slowly came back to her. There was the posh restaurant...the champagne...coming back to his flat...
She grabbed the blanket and threw it over her head, unable to look at Ethan.
"Maddie," Ethan tried to tug it away.
"I'm not coming out," Maddie said stubbornly. "Not ever."
"Come on," Ethan tried not to laugh. "Everyone gets a bit goofy when they're pissed."
"A bit goofy?" Maddie said her voice muddled under the blanket. "I was positively horrid. I tried to...I tried to...I can't even bring myself to say it!"
"Mads," Ethan finally pulled the blanket away and was startled to see tears in her eyes. "Maddie come on, I wouldn't have let that happen."
Maddie sniffed. "And you held my hair back while I was sick...I'm so embarrassed Ethan. I wouldn't blame you if you never wanted to see me again..."
"Don't be ridiculous," he replied.
"How terrible was I last night?" she asked him quietly. "And be completely honest."
"You were amorous," Ethan tucked a stray hair behind her ear. "And I won't lie and say I didn't enjoy it..."
Maddie looked up at him wide-eyed. "I shouldn't have drunk as much as I did."
"Probably not," Ethan agreed ruefully. "I shouldn't have kept giving it to you either."
"It's not your fault Ethan," she said softly. "It was mine. I should have said no."
He shook his head. "I'll be more careful next time... providing there is one." he smiled at her.
"There will be," Maddie said smiling back at him. "But next time with pumpkin juice or butterbeer or soda, not champagne."
"Right," Ethan stroked her cheek. "How about for now, we get you a nice headache cure and then some breakfast?"
"That'd be lovely," Maddie said. "And a nice long bath."
"You can do that while I figure out if I have any food that's still edible," Ethan said with a grin.
"Okay," Maddie said with a laugh. She pulled back the blanket and struggled to get out of bed.
"Headache cure first," Ethan grabbed his wand.
Maddie nodded. "Good idea."
He used his wand, glad that they weren't Muggles and didn't have to rely on things like aspirin.
"If I didn't love you before, I sure love you now," she said feeling her headache wane.
"You mean you didn't love me before?" Ethan gave her the puppy dog stare.
Maddie hit him on the arm. "You know what I mean, you goofball."
"I may need a little bit of reassuring now," Ethan pretended to be hurt.
Maddie wanted to kiss him, but knew that wouldn't be a good idea. She couldn't imagine what her breath must smell like.
"After my bath I promise to reassure you more than a little bit," she promised.
"Promise?" he repeated.
"Promise," Maddie said giving him a hug.
He kissed the side of her head and she went off towards the bathroom.
As Maddie took her bath, Ethan decided to clean up the sitting room, throwing out their barely touched cheesecake and champagne.
He found some edible bread and decided to make her some toast to see how her stomach reacted, and if she could keep food down, he'd take her out for something decent.
There was a knock at his door and Ethan wondered who would be stopping by so early. It was a weekend and he wasn't expecting anyone.
"Open up, Ethan!" a voice he recognised as his little sister's called out. "We know you're in there!"
"Saffy?" he opened the door a crack. "What are you doing up before noon?"
"Gran and Grandpa are downstairs," Saffron said looking quizzically at her brother. "We wanted to take you to breakfast to celebrate the end of your training."
"Uh..." Ethan looked back into his flat. "Perhaps that's not such a great idea..."
"Why not?" Saffron asked folding her arms. "I came home this weekend especially for you, you know. And you blew all of us off last night to go out with Maddie."
"Saffy we haven't had a night together in ages," Ethan pointed out, recognising that his baby sister was about to have a fit.
"I know," Saffron said frowning at him. "But...will you let me in the bloody door? It's hard talking to you with you looking out of it like that!"
"It's not a good time," Ethan repeated.
Saffron opened her mouth to protest, but was cut off by the sound of her grandmother.
"Robert," Elinore was saying as she followed Robert up the stairs. "This is insane. You were just in hospital a few months ago. You shouldn't be climbing up these stairs!"
"Ease up, Ellie," Robert told her. "It's just one flight."
"Grandpa!" Ethan said, still peeking around the door.
"There's my grandson," Robert said, a little winded from the walk.
Saffron beamed at Robert. "You did it Grandpa!"
"Yes I did Saffy," Robert said.
"He should really sit down," Elinore said, worried at her husband's ashen expression.
"Ellie," Robert said grinning at her. "I'm okay..."
"He's fine Gran," Saffron said. "We've been practising, haven't we Grandpa?"
"That's right dear, once around the block twice a day on weekends you're home." Robert said, leaning on his cane.
"I still think he should sit down," Elinore said.
"That might be a good idea," Saffron said. "We can get you some water while we wait for Ethan to get dressed." She turned back around to see her brother still peering out of the door. "If he lets us in, that is."
"Okay," Ethan said, figuring he was in his boxers and he was now glad he'd thrown on a shirt before leaving the room. "But uh... I guess you guys should know that uh..."
"Ethan can I borrow your comb?" Maddie walked into the hallway, her hand tangled in her long wet hair. "I didn't have mine... oh." she stopped.
Saffron stared open mouthed at Maddie who was clad only in a towel.
Maddie made a little noise and ran back into the bathroom as Ethan put his face in his hands. "Well come on in," he opened the door completely.
Saffron giggled as she walked into her brother's flat followed by Elinore and Robert who winked at his grandson.
"Can you lot give us a few minutes to get ready?" Ethan asked as he showed them into the sitting room. "And before you ask Saffy, NO we didn't."
Saffron glared at him. "I wasn't going to ask..."
"Keep it that way," Ethan went back into his bedroom to get dressed.
"I didn't know they were there," Maddie apologised the moment Ethan came back into the bedroom. "What must they think?"
"It'll be all right," Ethan said, still recovering from his own embarrassment.
"What are they doing here?" Maddie asked.
"They want to take me... well us, out for breakfast to celebrate since the two of us went out last night." Ethan said, yanking a pair of jeans from his dresser.
"And I thought I couldn't be more embarrassed," Maddie said grabbing her dress from the floor.
"It'll be okay," Ethan finally managed a smile at her distress.
"You think so?" Maddie asked hopefully.
"Yeah," Ethan disappeared into the closet to change while she used his bedroom. "But we won't tell them you got pissed."
"Right," Maddie said slipping back into her dress. It was a little wrinkled, but she solved that problem with a flick of her wand.
"There," he smiled at her. "You look just as gorgeous as you did yesterday."
Maddie smiled. "Thanks. You clean up nice too."
"I try," Ethan replied. "You still owe me some reassurance you know, Maddie Molly."
"I do, don't I?" Maddie asked leaning in for a kiss.
"Yes you do," Ethan agreed softly.
Maddie kissed him forgetting for a few moments anyway that his grandparents and little sister were just outside that door.
Ethan kissed her back deeply and pulled her body close. "That... feels..." he opened his eyes a crack when they pulled apart.
"Tingly?" Maddie suggested with a dreamy expression on her face.
"Something like that, yeah," Ethan touched her cheek before kissing her again.
"ETHAN!" Saffron called out impatiently. "We're hungry! Quit snogging Maddie and get out here!"
Robert covered his mouth to stifle his laughter while Elinore turned three shades of red.
"We'll be out in a bloody minute SAFFY!" Ethan hollered back. "Can't a bloke get dressed in peace?"
Maddie put a hand on his arm. "Come on, Ethan."
"We'll pick it back up later," Ethan said.
"Deal," Maddie said taking his hand and following him out of the bedroom.
"Hello Madeline," Elinore said warmly.
"Hi Dr. Granger," Maddie said blushing. "Both Doctor Grangers..."
"How are you dear?" Robert used his cane to struggle to his feet.
"I'm okay," Maddie said smiling at him. "How are you? I've been meaning to visit, really I have..."
"I'm sure you've been busy, what with that... ESP?" Robert asked. "Is that what you have? I'm sorry dear, I can't remember all that stuff about the magical world..."
"It's kind of like that, Dr. Granger," Maddie said. "Don't worry about it. Sometimes I have a hard time keeping up with all the stuff about the magical world."
"Everyone does," Ethan said, chuffing his sister over the head.
"You're going to mess up my plaits," Saffron said laughing.
"Good," Ethan said.
"Tell Ethan your good news, Saffron," Elinore said.
"Oh yeah!" Saffron said. "I get my braces off next month."
"About time!" Ethan grinned at his sister. "I won't be able to call you metal mouth anymore."
"You'll have an even more gorgeous smile than you did before," Maddie said to her.
"Thanks," Saffron said smiling at Maddie.
"Your mother shrunk her teeth when she was about your age," Elinore said shaking her head. "I was so upset with her..."
"But look at the money it saved us," Robert quipped.
Ethan and Saffron laughed at the thought of their mother shrinking her teeth.
"And Lavender used to tease her all the time," Elinore said with a laugh. "Used to call her a rabbit. In fact, I think she still does every now and then..."
"We should probably get to breakfast," Ethan said hastily, knowing what his mother's nickname was really referring to. "I know I'm starved."
"Me too," Saffron chimed in. "I want blueberry pancakes with loads of maple syrup."
"That sounds fabulous," Maddie was hungry too. "Count me in, if you all don't mind of course."
"Of course not," Elinore said warmly. "We'd love for you to join us."
"It'll be nice to catch up with you," Maddie took Robert's arm.
"How's he doing Gran?" Ethan asked in a hushed tone. "I feel bad that I haven't been around as much to check on him."
"He's doing all right dear," Elinore whispered as Saffron and Maddie helped Robert down the stairs. "He has his good days and bad days."
"I can't believe he made it up the stairs like that," Ethan said proudly.
"Yes, and contrary to belief, he doesn't really push things," Elinore gazed fondly at the three people in front of them. "He's been good about taking it easy."
"That's good to hear," Ethan said. "And I know having Saffy around has been a big help."
"More than you know," Elinore confessed. "And your father was so good to come up with the idea of having her home on weekends. It's cheered Robert up immensely."
Ethan looked at his grandmother. "And how about you? How are you holding up?"
Elinore patted her grandson's hand. "Don't you worry about me Ethan. I'm still as strong as ever."
Ethan put an arm around her. "Now that I've finished with training, I'm going to stop by more often Gran. I promise."
"It'll be wonderful to have you around then," Elinore smiled at him. "We're both very proud of you Ethan."
"Thanks Gran," Ethan said.
The group finally reached the bottom of the stairs and they stopped for a few moments so Robert could catch his breath.
"How about we let Ethan drive," Elinore said handing him her car keys. "I hate driving on the motorway."
"We're not too thrilled about it either," Saffron joked.
Ethan shook his head. "You're just mad because you can't drive."
"That may be true, but I can fly circles around you," Saffron shot back. "Even Maddie thinks so."
"Is that true?" Ethan looked at his girlfriend.
"I uh," Maddie stammered. "I might have said something like that..."
"Mads," Ethan was shocked. "My own girlfriend!"
"She is an excellent flyer," Maddie said. "It's so much fun to watch. She has no fear..."
"I don't either," Ethan protested as they all climbed into Robert's auto.
"I wasn't implying that you didn't," Maddie said reassuringly. "I'm just saying that it's good to see a girl who can fly just as well as the boys. Right, Saffy?"
"Sure Maddie," Saffron said mischievously. "Whatever you say."
"Where's your mum and dad?" Maddie asked quick to change the subject. She climbed into the passenger seat alongside Ethan.
"They're home," Saffron replied. "For once. Mum's had a busy week in the office and so she and Dad were just taking it easy."
"And how are your parents, Madeline?" Elinore asked. "We don't get to see them as much as we used to."
"They're fine, thank you." Maddie said. "Mum's new book is a hit and they're reaping the benefits." she giggled.
"I've been meaning to pick up a copy," Elinore said. "Your mother is such a talented writer."
"She really is," Maddie beamed with pride. "I always loved when I was younger and she'd tell me stories as I went to sleep."
"Aunt Luna tells the best stories," Saffron agreed. "Uncle Ron tries but they always end up being about food."
Everyone laughed at that. "That's my dad," Maddie covered her mouth with her hand to try and stop her giggles. "He always thinks with his stomach."
"Maybe that's why he's always putting his foot in his mouth," Robert said teasingly.
Maddie started laughing so hard she was crying and Ethan had to bite his lower lip so he could drive without getting hysterical.
"That's my dad," Maddie said again, still laughing.
"How's this place look?" Ethan motioned to a restaurant just off the motorway.
"Fine," Robert said. "I can watch you lot eat all the good food while I have to have the fruit plate."
"I'll slip you a piece of bacon Grandpa," Saffron whispered to him.
Robert beamed at his granddaughter. "You're too good to me, Saffron Grace."
"Don't tell Gran," Saffron grinned back at her grandfather.
"Our little secret," he said.
Ethan parked the car and smirked at Maddie. "I told you everything would be alright, didn't I?"
"I never said it wouldn't," Maddie reminded him.
"My grandparents still love you," Ethan said winking at her before getting out of the car.
"As long as you do too," Maddie smiled at him as he slid his arm around her. She leaned against his chest as the five of them walked to the door.
*** *** ***
"Keep your eyes closed," Jon told his wife as they walked up the cobblestone pathway to the inn where they'd be staying. Although Allison knew they'd be going to Yorkshire for their weekend away, she had no idea where they'd be staying. He'd meant it to be a surprise and he could hardly wait to see the look on her face when she saw that it was the very place they'd stayed in all those years ago when they'd had their "proper honeymoon".
"They're closed silly," Allison said with a laugh.
"Okay," Jon said. "On the count of three, you can open them. Okay? One. Two. Two and a half..."
Allison opened her eyes and gasped. "Oh Jon this place is adorable!" she hugged her husband. "How did you find it? You know how much I love little places like this one!"
Jon frowned. "Okay, first of all you didn't wait until I said three. And second of all, this place doesn't look familiar to you at all? It doesn't ring any bells for you whatsoever?"
"Of course it does," Allison pulled back to smile at him. "And what I said didn't ring any bells for you?"
Thinking about what she'd said, Jon smiled. "That's what you said when I brought you here last time."
"Mmmhmm..." Allison gave him a kiss.
The inn wasn't the most fancy place in the world and it certainly wasn't the nicest, but it had been all they could afford all those years ago. Their parents had offered to pay for it, but they'd both wanted to prove how they could do it themselves.
"I'm still surprised you didn't leave me on the spot when we pulled up here," Jon remembered touching his wife's cheek. "It certainly isn't the Plaza Hotel. And it certainly isn't the Leaky Cauldron..."
"But I was with you Jon," Allison said, wrapping her arms around him. "And that's all that mattered to me then, and it's all that matters to me now."
Jon grinned. "Well they assured me that this time we won't have to share the bathroom with anyone..."
Allison laughed. "I'm sure it's passed through owners by now. It looks ten times as charming as it did when we first came here."
"Come on then Mrs. Weasley," he said tugging at her hand. "Let's go check in. I'm ready to be alone with my wife."
Allison laughed as he pulled her inside and in no time they were checked in and settling into their little cosy corner room.
Jon set their bags onto the bed while Allison checked out the view. He came up behind her and rested his chin on her shoulder. "Would you listen to that? Peace and quiet."
"It sounds like heaven," Allison said, her eyes closed as she leaned back against him. "I'm so glad we worked this out Jon. I needed to be alone with you so much."
"I know," he whispered wrapping his arms around her waist. "And who would have thought that Frankie would come through for us yet again?"
"It's really nice of her," Allison said. "We'll have to buy her a nice present while we're up here."
"Let's just hope that the girls are behaving for her," Jon said.
"I'm sure they are," Allison turned around. "But for now, Mr. Weasley..."
"You want to go downstairs for afternoon tea?" Jon asked innocently. "Or how about a nice game of chess?"
"Nope," Allison began pushing him back towards the queen bed.
"Why Mrs. Weasley," Jon said falling onto the bed and bringing her down with him. "I'm starting to think you want something from me."
"What do you think?" Allison purred.
"Merlin, I sure hope so," he said before kissing her.
"I can tell that Jon Junior down here wants some attention," Allison turned kittenish as he rolled her up on top of him.
Jon smiled up at his wife. "Very much so."
Allison began to unbutton his shirt. "Well by all means," she said softly. "I don't want to make him wait."
"My Allie," he whispered.
She pushed his red hair out of his eyes before leaning down to press her lips to his. "Always your Allie," she said quietly.
He reached up and touched her cheek. A few months ago, he'd had to face the possibility of life without her. He'd never told her this, but what had happened made him promise to never take her for granted. She and their daughters were the most important people in his life. "I love you," he said softly. "So much..."
"I love you too Jon," Allison said. "I'm so glad we got away together."
"We certainly needed this," Jon said tugging at her jumper.
"I always need time alone with you Jon," Allison said, now beneath him.
Jon smiled down at her before peppering her neck and shoulder with kisses.
Allison closed her eyes as he peeled her bra away, just enjoying the sensations that her husband was able to awaken inside her.
Jon gazed at his wife. It was hard to tell that she'd given birth to two children. "Amazing," he breathed against her skin.
"Hmm?" she whispered.
"You," he said softly. "You're amazing, Al."
"So are you," she smiled up at him.
He kissed her hungrily relishing in the fact that it was just the two of them here. There would be no interruptions.
Allison worked her hand into his trousers, tearing his zipper down.
Allison made quick work of helping him out of his trousers and boxer shorts. "Foreplay's over," she said huskily.
"What's next baby?" Jon asked in a low voice.
"I think you know," she said teasingly. "But if you don't, maybe this will refresh your memory..."
"AL!" Jon muffled his shout.
Allison smiled. "Is it coming back to you now?"
"Coming," Jon grinned.
"Brace yourself," she purred. "I'm not done yet."
"Show me more," Jon said licentiously.
Allison grinned mischievously at him as she inched back up his body. "Mmmmmmm...."
"Al..." Jon was breathless as his wife worked her mouth over his chest. "I don't know if I can hold out much longer..."
"You always were impatient," she teased.
"Sod it you," Jon pulled her close. "You can't wait half the time either."
Allison giggled. "Well having two children like we do, we've had to be pick our moments, haven't we?"
"That's putting it mildly," Jon said.
"This is definitely one of those moments," she whispered in his ear. "And I'm ready whenever you are...."
"I'm always ready for you Al," Jon said huskily.
Allison grinned before leaning down and kissing him thinking for a split second that perhaps they should have set a silencing charm on the room, but at the moment she didn't know or care where her wand was.
It didn't take them long to work themselves back into a frenzy of sheets, arms and legs and were soon enough panting heavily and Allison laid her head on his chest.
"You exhaust me, you know that," Jon teased gently, running his fingers through her hair.
Allison laughed softly. "Are you complaining?"
"Of course not," Jon smirked. "I love how we didn't even waste a minute- got right in our room and right into bed."
"Last time we were here, we stayed in bed the whole time," Allison said softly. She started to laugh. "I keep remembering how you carried me over the threshold and carried me over to the bed and the damn thing collapsed on us...."
Jon laughed too. "Man this place was a bloody dive back then. Thank goodness the new owners have turned it into something much nicer."
"It wasn't that bad," she said. "We certainly made the most of it. And I'd have been fine anywhere as long as I was with you. You know that."
"I do," Jon kissed her. "I know we said we were going out for supper tonight, but what do you say to room service instead?"
"I say that sounds fantastic," she said cuddling against him.
"But first... I say we try out the shower and see if they fixed that." Jon grinned. "Let's hope the nozzle doesn't fall off this time."
"And hopefully that old bloke from Belgium won't barge in on us," Allison said.
"Right," Jon agreed. She started to get out of bed and he put his hand up. "Where do you think you're going?"
"To the shower?" she asked. "What? What's that look for?"
"Mrs. Weasley," Jon drawled. "Your feet aren't going to touch the floor for the rest of the night." he scooped her up.
Allison laughed. "Jon..."
"Don't argue with me," Jon said in a mock stern voice.
"I wouldn't dream of it," she said. "In fact, I think I rather like this..."
"I bet you do," Jon nuzzled her neck as she opened the door to the loo.
They didn't come out of the loo until nearly an hour later.
If only Frankie found it as easy to get Caroline into the bath. Her first hour with the girls had gone quite smoothly. They'd watched the first part of The Lion King, but then Emma's cries interrupted them. When Frankie went to check on the baby, Caroline took the opportunity to get into Frankie's handbag where she promptly doused herself with a full bottle of perfume.
"I used to like this smell," she grumbled as she poured some pink bubble bath under the running faucet.
"I'm not ready to take a bath," Caroline said stubbornly. "I don't take one until after dinner."
"Well you don't normally reek like a field of jasmine before dinner." Frankie pointed out in a patient tone.
"Jasmine?" Caroline said excitedly. "Like in Aladdin?"
"Sure," Frankie had no idea who her niece was talking about.
"Well I want to smell like her!" Caroline said happily. "I don't want to wash it off!"
Frankie sighed. "Caroline..."
"I'm not Caroline," she said brushing her hair over her shoulder. "I'm Jasmine."
"All right Jasmine," Frankie was trying desperately to hang onto her last bit of sanity. "It's time for a bath."
Caroline shook her head and started to walk out of the bathroom thinking she'd sit on the rug in the kitchen and pretend she was going on a magic carpet ride.
"Hold it--" Frankie started to say but then heard her mobile phone going off in her bag. "You stay right where you are Jasmine." she ran out to the sitting room, hoping it was Will on the line.
She clicked on her phone and was relieved to hear Will's familiar voice.
"Frankie," he said with a laugh. "Why do you sound so out of breath?"
"You won't believe what I'm doing right now," she moaned.
"Aunt Frankie," Caroline said tugging on her aunt's shirt, but her aunt only waved her off.
"What are you doing?" he asked huskily.
"Aunt Frankie?" Caroline said worry etched across her face. "You should..."
"Babysitting!" Frankie exclaimed. "Can you believe that I'm here alone with my two nieces?"
Will was silent. He couldn't believe that. "What for a couple of hours?"
"Aunt Frankie," Caroline said urgently.
"No, for the whole weekend," Frankie replied. "What is it Caroline?" she asked, barely masking her impatience.
"You left the water going in the bathtub," Caroline said innocently. "It's flowing over..."
"Shit!" Frankie swore. "I mean... shoot... oh bloody hell!" she ran back to the bathroom.
"YOU SAID A BAD WORD!" Caroline called after her. "TWO bad words."
"Yes I know that!" Frankie turned off the water then grabbed a towel. Luckily there wasn't too much water on the floor and Frankie sighed as she tucked her phone between her shoulder and her ear. "You still there Will?"
"I was about to ask the same of you," Will said laughing. "Are you okay baby?"
"Not really," Frankie replied mournfully. "Well I was fine up until a half hour ago." she told him about how Caroline had gotten into her bag. "And now she says she wants to smell like this Jasmine person and won't take a bath."
"Jasmine?" Will asked confused. It suddenly dawned on him what her niece must be going on about. "Your niece is a Disney fan, eh?"
"Who the hell is Disney?" Frankie asked in a panicked tone. "Someone else she wants to smell like? No one told me I had to know all this stuff just to look after a few kids for the weekend!"
"Frankie," Will said firmly. "Calm down, baby. Disney makes all these Muggle movies. How about you let me talk to your niece? See what I can do?"
"If you think you can help..." Frankie tossed the sopping wet towel into the corner. "I'll give you anything if you can talk some sense into her."
"I'm going to hold you to that," Will said. "I'm going to use my charm. It always works on you."
"Sod off you," Frankie said. "Hey Caroline, will you come here?" she called into the hallway.
Caroline ran into the bathroom. "I'm not taking a bath, Aunt Frankie."
"Just talk on this phone a minute," Frankie thrust it at her. "I need to check on your sister."
"Okay," Caroline said taking the phone and holding it up to her ear. "Yes?"
"Is this Princess Jasmine?" Will asked.
"Yes it is," Caroline said proudly. "Who is this?"
"I'm a good friend of your Aunt's," Will said. "And do you know what she told me?"
"What?" Caroline asked curiously.
"Well, she said that if you take a bath like a good little princess," Will said. "That she'd let you go on a magic carpet ride."
"A magic carpet ride?" Caroline's eyes grew huge and round.
"I know Aladdin won't be with you," Will said grinning into the phone. "But I'm sure your Aunt will make it really fun."
"Okay," Caroline agreed. "I'll take a bath."
Frankie nearly fell off the counter as Caroline handed her back the phone. "How'd you do it?" she demanded him.
Will laughed. "I'm quite charming, Frankie. You know how persuasive I can be. And I sort of promised her that you'd take her on a magic carpet ride. You could probably just levitate a rug or something and give the little girl a ride around the house."
"I can do that," Frankie said.
"I can take a bath by myself," Caroline said to her. "I don't need help- I'm a big girl."
"Of course you are," Frankie appeased her, sliding out and closing the door behind her. "Oh Merlin Will, I owe you so much."
"I'd do anything for you, Frankie," he said honestly.
"Thanks Will," Frankie slid down and sat with her back against the wall. "So how's your weekend with your parents?"
"It's okay," he said. "They were disappointed that they didn't get to meet you. You know you can't keep putting it off, Frankie. They want to meet the girl I'm so crazy about."
"We'll work it out sometime," Frankie promised weakly. She and Will had been dating on and off for the past four years, and this time it seemed a little more serious than before. They were getting together almost every night of the week and while she truly enjoyed being with him, getting close enough to fall in love scared Frankie.
"You say that every time," Will chastised gently. "You know my mum thinks I've made you up."
"Now you're just being silly," Frankie said, her hand over her eyes as she listened to Caroline splash around in the tub.
Will decided not to press her on this further. It had led to a couple of arguments in the past, and he didn't want to ruin how well things were going between them now.
"So things really going that bad with your nieces?" he asked instead.
"Not until just a little while ago." Frankie replied. "We were watching some film with cartoon lions and then Emma started crying so Caroline goes into my purse and spilled all that perfume." she shook her head.
"And you have to do this all weekend?" he asked.
"Yes," Frankie replied. "I must have been mad to say I'd do this. But it was my sister's anniversary and they had no one else so I said I would."
"You're going to be fine," he told her reassuringly. "I'd be there with you if I could sweetheart."
"I know," Frankie toyed with a lock of her hair. "Are you coming back early?"
"I should be back Sunday morning," he said.
"You can come by if you want," Frankie suggested.
"How about I bring breakfast for you and Caroline?" Will suggested. "And I'll bring some of those doughnuts that you say you hate, but I know you love more than life itself."
"That'd be really sweet," Frankie said with a smile. "You're too good to me Will."
"Aunt Frankie!" Caroline called out. "I'm ready to get out!"
"You'd better go," Will said. "And tell Princess Jasmine goodbye for me. Oh, and Frankie?"
"Yeah?" Frankie asked.
"Love you," he said softly.
"Me too," Frankie said quickly. "Bye Will." she clicked off her phone before he could say anything else.
Caroline smiled at her aunt as she came back into the bathroom. "How'd I do?" she asked smiling up at her.
"You smell much, much better," Frankie replied. "Good job Caroline."
"I'm sorry for getting into your perfume," Caroline said softly as Frankie helped her out of the tub and handed her a towel. "You're not really mad are you?"
"No, not really." Frankie smiled down at her. "You're too cute to stay angry at." she pinched the little girl's nose.
"You look more like Princess Jasmine than me," Caroline said reaching out and touching her aunt's raven coloured hair. "I look more like Belle."
"Who's Belle?" Frankie asked.
"From Beauty and the Beast," Caroline said as if her aunt should have known this all along. "Belle has brown hair just like me and Mummy."
"Oh okay," Frankie said. "I remember that story."
"We could watch it later if you want to," Caroline suggested. "It's a really good story. I also have Mulan, Pocahantas, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty."
Frankie laughed. "Well how about this? If you're good for the rest of the night, then after dinner we'll make popcorn and stay up late and watch one of those movies?"
"Okay," Caroline said giving her aunt a hug. "I'm glad you're here."
Frankie was touched at the comment as she hugged her niece back. "I am too sweetheart," she replied.
"Oooh," Caroline said. "I got you all wet!"
"Yes you did," Frankie laughed. "It's all right, I can use my wand to dry off."
"Will you comb my hair?" Caroline asked. "I don't want it to get tangly."
"All right," Frankie agreed. "Maybe later when we watch movies we can play beauty salon. Your mum told me you like to do that."
"I do," Caroline said excitedly. "I usually have to practise on my dollies but one time I got to put curlers in Daddy's hair. It was so funny!"
Frankie laughed at the thought of Jon Weasley with curlers in his hair. "You didn't happen to get a photograph of that did you?"
Caroline shook her head. "Daddy wouldn't let me."
"That's too bad," Frankie finished combing her niece's hair.
"Who was that on the phone?" Caroline asked. "Was that your boyfriend?"
"You could say that," Frankie replied.
"There's one of your boyfriends that grandpa likes the best," Caroline said thoughtfully. "Was that him?"
"Probably," Frankie led her niece back into the sitting room. "Here's a picture of us." she pulled one out of her bag and showed it to Caroline.
Caroline studied the picture. "He's looking at you like Daddy looks at Mummy."
Frankie shook her head. "No one looks at anyone the way your dad looks at your mum."
Caroline smiled and handed the picture back to her aunt. "Looks that way to me..."
Frankie stuffed the picture back in her bag. "Let's see what your mum and dad have around here for dinner," she suggested, wanting to get the topic off Will. "I've got to get Emma in her little chair while I fix you something."
"Okay," Caroline said. "I'm going to put on my pyjamas."
"Sounds good," Frankie replied, going into Emma's nursery.
The baby was awake and looking up at her mobile when Frankie came into the room.
"Hey you," Frankie smiled. "Not crying this time- that's good." she carefully lifted Emma out of the crib and carried her down into the kitchen where she settled her into her bouncy seat.
Emma cooed happily and Frankie said a silent prayer that things would go smoothly the rest of the night. She was wondering how Allison managed to do this day in and day out without losing her sanity.