A/N: Thank you all so much for the reviews- you all really don't like cliffies do you ;) Don't worry- this one doesn't end on a cliffhanger, and it still doesn't wrap up everything that happens with our characters on New Year's Eve. We guarantee the next chapter will have you ROFL ;D
As always please let us know what you think! See you all on Saturday!
Frankie's breath caught in her throat as Mary stood back to reveal Will.
"Hi," she whispered.
His face remained solemn. "Hi," he said in an emotionless tone. "Mary I've got it."
Mary nodded and walked away leaving Frankie and Will in the foyer. In the distance, Frankie could hear someone talking. She could imagine them all listening intently while Mary told them the woman who'd trampled on Will's heart was back to inflict more damage.
"Emma loved her present," Frankie finally said. "Thank you for remembering her."
Will nodded. "It was the least I could do," his eyes were dying to roam over body, which was sheathed in a tiny, clinging gold dress with matching heels. On anyone else it would have looked tacky but on her it looked stunning. Her hair was pulled up in a loose knot with a few pieces hanging around her face. "What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to thank you for the present," Frankie said quietly. "And..."
"Did I forget something at your place?" Will asked. "I'm pretty sure I brought back everything of yours." he closed the door behind her as she stepped inside.
Frankie shook her head. "No, you got everything. That's not why I'm here."
Will looked at her a moment, not cracking a smile. "Well we're having a party so if you could be quick about it..."
Frankie knew he wasn't going to make this easy on her. "I miss you," she told him simply.
A flicker of emotion passed through his eyes but he stayed silent.
She wrung her hands and bit her lower lip. "You see, the truth is, you scare the hell out of me, Will." She saw the look of horror on his face, she held up her hand. "The way I feel about you scares the hell out of me. I don't know what I'm doing half the time."
Will shook his head. "I don't know how you feel Frankie," he said. "You told me you loved me but it's clear you only said it to appease me. Your reaction on Christmas made that perfectly apparent."
"I didn't say it just to appease you," Frankie told him. "Will, I meant it. I do love you. I always have. I just...I didn't realise how much until we were apart."
His expression softened but his stance remained hard. "And now you just want what you can't have?"
Frankie sighed. "You know that's not true, Will!"
"No I don't, Frankie," Will replied. "You can't have it both ways here."
He wanted her to tell him how she really felt, she thought. It was time to lay her cards on the table, just like he had done at Christmas. She stepped closer to him. "I love you, William Christopher Barron. I always have, you know. I was just too scared to admit it to myself."
He didn't want Frankie to know how much she was affecting him, how much just her mere presence affected him. "Frankie," he looked down as she drew even closer. "I wish I could believe you--"
"You can," she interjected touching his cheek. "I love you, Will."
"I loved you," Will stepped back. "Hell, I still do love you. But you hurt me really bad, Frankie. Do you have any idea how shitty I've felt since then? You can't just take that back by saying you're sorry and that you love me now."
"I know," she said her heart sinking. "I keep seeing the look on your face when were in my dad's kitchen. I know I can't take it back, Will. But can't we try again? Maybe we could start over? Please give me another chance."
"You say you love me now," Will replied. "But a week from now you could be back to the way you were, for all I know. I don't want to go through that again."
"I'm not going to change my mind," she said fixing her eyes on his. "Not today, not next week. Not ever."
Will bit his bottom lip. She could see that he was struggling to believe her- his head was obviously disagreeing with his heart. "I wanted to marry you," he said quietly.
"And now?" Frankie asked.
"It's obvious we don't want the same things," he said. "So why bother with any of this?"
Frankie didn't know what she was doing, but she somehow found herself kneeling down in front of him. This was quite difficult in her dress and she imagined she looked like a complete idiot, but she didn't care.
"Will Barron," she said looking up at him. "Will you marry me?"
Will's eyes shot wide open. "What?"
Frankie took his hand. "Will you marry me?"
"Frankie," Will pulled her to her feet.
"What?" she asked innocently.
Will shook his head. "Why are you asking me this? You can't have changed your mind over something this huge in one week."
"Because I want to marry you," she replied smiling shyly at him.
"Why?" Will asked, still unable to smile. "Why now? Why not a week ago when I asked you?"
Frankie thought about this. She'd been thinking about this question all night after she'd talked to Allie, Chi and her mother. "I didn't know you were going to ask me, Will. I had no idea. And then out of the blue, you asked me in the middle of my dad's kitchen. It took me off guard. And I freaked out.
"When I came back to my flat and saw that you'd packed up your things " she continued. "I felt like I'd been kicked in the stomach. I actually thought you'd cool off and we'd go back to how we were."
Will snorted. "After that?"
Frankie nodded. "But seeing that, made me realise that you meant what you said. That we were over and there was no going back. And I tried to put on this brave face for everyone. I even tried going out with someone else, but that was a complete disaster. The entire night I kept comparing him to you and he didn't even come close, Will."
"I tried seeing someone else too," Will uncrossed his arms. "Had kind of the same effect."
Frankie hadn't expected that. "Oh," was all she could say.
"I'm still in love with you," Will said. "But I just don't want to go through all that again."
"I don't either," Frankie said looking hopefully at him. "This past week, I've spent time with Jon and Allie and with Ethan and Maddie and I want what they have, Will. I never thought I did, but I actually do. And I want that with you."
Her words finally seemed to have the impact she was looking for. "Really?" he asked, reaching for her hand as they sat on the bench together.
"Really," she said encouraged by his touch. "I've been miserable without you."
"Hasn't exactly been easy without you either," Will confessed. "I keep seeing you everywhere I go."
"You have?" she asked. "Me too. I didn't even want to go back to my flat because I have all these memories there with you."
"Yeah," he brushed his hair out of his eyes. "That's pretty much how it's been for me as well."
They sat holding hands for what seemed like forever. "You never answered my question," she pointed out.
"I'm supposed to do the asking," Will said, finally cracking a smile.
"Says who?" Frankie asked laughing.
"Says the one with the ring," Will pointed his wand in the direction of the stairwell and a moment later the familiar black box zoomed into his hand.
"You kept it?" Frankie asked her eyes shining.
"Couldn't get rid of it," Will pulled it from the box. "So um... if I was to ask you again... can I expect a different answer?"
Tears welled up in her eyes as she nodded.
"Marry me Frankie?" Will asked in a whisper.
"Yes," Frankie replied throwing her arms around him. "A thousand times yes!"
Will laughed for the first time since Christmas. "I love you Frankie." he said as he slipped the ring over her finger. "I love you loads."
"Kiss her Uncle Will!" a little voice called out and Frankie turned to see all of Will's family huddled up in the sitting room watching and hanging on their every word.
"That's your family then?" Frankie asked with a laugh.
"Aye that's the lot of them," Will said. "You can all go about your business now," he called out.
"Aren't you going to introduce us to our future sister-in-law?" Jack asked cheekily.
"Right," Will took Frankie's hand. "This is Frankie Longbottom," he said. "And Frankie, that's my brother Jack, my sister Mary..." he introduced her to them all.
"It's nice to meet you all," Frankie said hoping she'd remember all their names. Will had a big enough family to give the Weasleys a run for their money.
"Listen we're going out," Will said after a round of congratulations had been heard and the party had started up again.
"We are?" Frankie asked. "Where are we going?"
"Anywhere," Will said, pulling her away. "I just want to be alone with you."
Frankie smiled. "I think I know just the place..."
"Where might that be?" Will asked, drawing her close as they left the house.
"My place," she replied before kissing him, feeling as if she'd just come home.
Will kissed her back; he'd been wanting this from the moment he saw her at the door. "Damn it I missed you a lot," he said softly.
"I was so afraid you'd slam the door in my face," she said.
"Can I be honest?" he asked softly, tracing her cheek with his fingers. "I sort of wanted to at first. But the look on your face kept me from doing that."
"Is your sister a witch?" she asked. "I thought she was going to hex me when she opened the door."
"No," Will laughed. "She's not."
"Good to know," Frankie said with a relieved sigh. "She's pretty scary."
"She'll be your best friend tomorrow," Will said. "Everyone's a bit defensive of me, being the baby of the family."
"I want them to like me," Frankie said. "Like my family likes you."
"They will I promise," he slid an arm around her trembling shoulders. "You're freezing..."
"I didn't exactly dress for the occasion," she said explaining to him about going to the club with Alicia. "I should have changed clothes, but I just wanted to get to you as fast as I could."
"I like what you have on," Will put his arms around her waist and pulled her close.
"You do?" Frankie asked grinning at him.
"I also can't wait to take it off you," Will leaned in and kissed her.
"Me too," Frankie said dazedly when they pulled apart. "Let's go home, Will."
"Home," he stroked her cheek. "I know what I want to be doing with you at the stroke of midnight."
"I think that can be arranged," she said.
*** *** ***
"You know I'd rather be home alone with you, right?" Harry asked, his breath hot on his wife's neck. They were all at a party being held near the Ministry that evening, everyone formally dressed. Harry pulled at the collar of his dress robes as Hermione gave him a devilish look.
"We might be able to sneak away around midnight," she said. "I know a few little dark corners we can tuck ourselves into and not be seen..."
"That doesn't sound like something the Minister would do," Harry teased.
"She doesn't have to be Minister tonight," Hermione's tone was husky.
Talking like that only made him want to take her to one of those secluded spots right now. "So tonight she's just..."
"Plain...old..." she kissed him. "Hermione Jane."
Harry shook his head. "She's neither plain nor old. She's the most beautiful woman in the room. And I hope that she'll do me the honour of dancing with me even if I am just some sad sack dance instructor she took pity on a few summers back..."
She laughed. "That was more than a few summers ago now," she accepted his hand and they went out onto the dance floor.
"Best summer of my life," he said as they began to move to the music. "That one summer changed my entire life."
"Mine too," Hermione smiled at him. "And now I feel like I'm on top of the world. I have three beautiful children, my husband is the sexiest wizard alive and I have the job I've dreamed about since I knew I was a witch."
"And for once everything seems normal," Harry said pulling her close. "At least for us anyway."
"Normal is still overrated," Hermione said with a grin. "I prefer you."
Harry laughed and spun her around. "Never a dull moment with me around, eh?"
"Thank goodness for that," Hermione laughed as Harry dipped her back then brought her up and kissed her.
Harry was aware that quite a few people were watching them, but he didn't care. To him, it seemed as if they were the only two people in the room.
"I love you so much," Hermione rested her head against his shoulder.
"I love you too," he whispered.
"Give it a rest you two," Ron said, his mouth full as he balanced a plate in one hand from the buffet and had his other arm around Luna. "Not every public place has to be your personal snogging playground."
"Didn't your mother ever tell you not to talk with your mouth full?" Hermione shot back.
"Many, many times," Ron grinned at her.
Hermione rolled her eyes and took Harry's hand as they followed Ron and Luna back to their table.
"Little Emma was so cute today," Hermione commented to Luna. "I can't believe she's already a year old!"
"I know," Luna replied. "Time flies by so fast these days. I can't believe Maddie's moving out either."
"You'll still have R.J.," Hermione reminded her. "So you don't have that empty nest just yet."
"Not quite yet," Luna sat down next to her. "And I couldn't' be more thrilled that she's moving in with Ethan."
Harry noticed Ron was a little quiet. "It's going to be hard to let her go, isn't it?" he asked his best friend, remembering how hard it was when he'd had to help Julie move out.
"A little," Ron admitted, pushing what little food remained around his plate. "All my girls are moving on now."
"Just moving out, not moving on," Luna said smiling at her husband. "Drew and Darla promised they'd come around more and you know Maddie won't forget about us, Ron."
"I know that," Ron said quickly. "It's just hard seeing my baby girl grow up is all."
"I keep seeing that four-year old girl with the blonde curls carrying Dolly around in that little cage," Hermione said. "And how no one could turn her down once she gave you that look."
"The look," Luna began laughing. "The look that wore even the hardest people down."
"Even Ethan," Harry said laughing. "It only took her a few years, but she finally wore him down."
"What did she say it was?" Hermione thought for a moment. "Fourteen?" they all laughed.
"That's our Maddie," Luna said laughing. "Tenacious to a fault."
"Well here's to her and Ethan being the happy couple," Harry snagged four glasses of champagne off a passing waiter's tray.
"Here, here!" Hermione said as they all clinked glasses.
"What are you guys doing?" Lavender asked, dragging Seamus behind her.
"Distract her please," Seamus collapsed in a chair. "I don't think I can move my feet for the next three hours..."
"Seamus Finnigan dancing?" Ron asked. "Does someone have actual proof? Photos, perhaps?"
"My husband is a good dancer now," Lavender settled herself on his lap. "I've trained him well."
"You've bribed me well more like," Seamus said shaking his head.
"I don't' hear you complaining," Lavender said in a sing song voice.
"No, I'm a glutton for punishment," he said laughing.
"Thanks so much for those robes you made for Emma," Luna said. "She loved them."
Lavender beamed. "I'm so glad! I can't wait to go over and see her in them. I knew those colours would work perfect for her as well!"
"It's a shame you had to miss the party," Harry said. "You could have seen Ron in all his glory."
"I heard about it," Seamus grinned wickedly. "R.J. was kind enough to owl over a few pictures of Mr. Magic Mud over there."
"I'm going to kill that kid!" Ron exclaimed. "Selling his own father out!"
Everyone laughed. "Come on Ron it was funny," Hermione said. "Even you have to admit it."
"Yes well, I only did it for Caroline's sake," Ron grumbled. "She's like Maddie. You can't tell her no."
"Where do you think she got it from?" Luna asked.
"Maddie's been giving lessons, has she?" Hermione asked.
"Caroline picks up on everything," Ron said. "So she just watches what Maddie does and follows suit."
"Jon and Allie will have their hands full then," Lavender said before taking a sip of her champagne.
"Aye, especially if Emma learns tricks from her big sister," Hermione laughed.
"I see more Magic Mud in your future mate," Harry said to Ron. "They might even ask you to do adverts."
"Sod off Potter," Ron glared at him. "You wouldn't be able to say no to her either."
Hermione laughed. "Harry should probably keep his mouth shut about this because I seem to remember him getting roped into playing dress up with Saffy when she was around Caroline's age."
Ron's eyes lit up. "Oh do tell me more, Hermione." he grinned. "Ickle Harry in a dress?"
"It wasn't a dress," Harry muttered.
"It was a miniskirt," Hermione said, trying to hide her laughter.
"Which I wore over my trousers thank you very much," Harry said while everyone laughed. "And before you ask, no there aren't any pictures."
"Damn," Ron said. "Maybe I can get my hands on a time turner and--"
"You do and those pictures R.J. took will end up on the front page of the Prophet," Harry interjected.
Ron glared at him. "I hate you."
"Boys," Hermione said. "You've both done some embarrassing things for your children and grandchildren. Act like the mature blokes that I'm sure you are underneath, okay?"
"I'd like to dance with my wife," Harry tossed back the rest of his champagne. "And possibly find a dark corner to snog you in."
"It's nearly midnight Harry," Lavender said pouting. "Don't you want to ring in the New Year with the rest of us? We should all be here toasting..."
"I see the rest of you all the time," Harry pointed out.
"That doesn't matter," Lavender said looking to her cousin who she was sure would see things her way. "Seamus and I are all the way over in the States most of the time. We came all the way over here to celebrate with you and all you want to do is go have a quickie in the cloakroom!"
"Why don't you say that a little louder," Harry said sarcastically. "I don't think the reporters over there heard you."
"I'm not being that loud, am I?" Lavender asked turning to her husband.
"Of course you aren't," Seamus replied.
"See," Lavender said turning back around and smiling triumphantly at Harry.
"Come on Hermione," Harry ignored Lavender as Neville and Cho joined them, laughing breathlessly from their dancing antics. "Let's go celebrate privately and we'll come back out."
"I promise we'll be back before midnight," Hermione promised her cousin.
"Yeah right," Lavender called back, watching helplessly as her cousin walked away. "You know he did that just to spite me!"
"Nah, he's just antsy," Cho said, sitting on Neville's lap. "You know how he is- if he's not getting it on the hour, every hour..."
"Cho!" Ron exclaimed. "I'm trying to eat here!"
"When aren't you?" Neville cracked.
"When I'm sleeping or when I'm working," Ron replied.
"That's not true," Luna laughed at her husband. "I caught you sleepwalking to the icebox the other night and you are always snacking on something when I see you in the shop."
"Not always," Ron said defensively.
Luna just shook her head. She looked across the table at Cho. "Have you heard anything from Frankie? She looked so sad at Jon and Allie's."
"Not yet, but I think she's finally sorted herself out," Cho answered. "I hope she can manage to talk to Will. He's really a delightful bloke."
"And I'm going to stay out of this completely," Neville said. "I've learned my lesson. Bad things happen when I try to get involved in my daughters' love lives."
Ron snorted and Luna gave him a look. "I didn't say anything!"
"You didn't have to," Luna said. "But if one good thing came out of all of this, Frankie and Maddie seem to be getting close. Maddie told us Frankie's been a big help."
"That's so sweet," Lavender commented. "Poor Ethan though, he doesn't know what to think with the two of them getting the redecorating bug. I've been after him for years to paint those walls."
"Frankie really does have a good eye for things like that," Cho said thoughtfully.
"Her place is quite lovely," Lavender commented. "But I don't know about why she's been so sad- you've all kept me out of the loop here!"
Cho quickly filled Lavender in on what had been going on with the youngest Longbottom.
"Which one is Will?" Lavender asked.
"The one she's been seeing for about what, four years now?" Cho asked Neville.
"Something like that," Neville replied.
"They always broke up but kept getting back together," Cho reported. "And then on Christmas he came over and proposed and she got scared and turned him down."
"This is better than those American soap operas," Lavender said.
Cho laughed. "Well I hope she managed to work things out. I guess we'll find out tomorrow at brunch."
"Seamus and I have to leave early tomorrow morning," Lavender said. "But you have to promise me you'll let me know everything that happens."
"I'll owl you with full details," Cho promised.
Luna looked dreamily at Ron as he finished off his food. "You look very handsome tonight, Mr. Weasley," she whispered.
"Why thank you," Ron grinned. "You look your usual gorgeous self my Loony."
"Care to dance with me?" she asked.
"Always," Ron replied. "I'd like to tango you into a corner like my good mate Harry has done to his wife."
"Let's make sure we don't tango into the same corner," Luna said taking Ron's hand.
"Good idea," Ron grimaced. "See you lot later."
Lavender frowned. "Not them too! Well, it looks like it's just you and me and...wait, where did Neville and Cho go?"
"Do I really want to know?" Seamus rolled his eyes. "Nice of us to come all the way over here isn't it?"
"I know," Lavender said outraged. "We come all this way to spend the holiday with them and all they want to do is snog. You know, I really think we should stop coming around as much as we do. It would show them not to take us for granted."
"That's right love," Seamus grinned at her. "I could do the same thing they're doing right now though. Snogging you in a dark corner sounds fantastic."
"They could come back though," Lavender pointed out. "Hermione promised she'd be back before midnight."
"Let them wait for us," Seamus's eyes were lusty.
"Right," Lavender said smiling seductively at him. "You did say you were knackered though..."
"I've just happened to get a second wind..." Seamus began.
"You're going to need it," Lavender purred.
"Is that a fact?" Seamus stroked her cheek.
Lavender nodded. "You won't be able to get out of bed tomorrow morning."
Seamus leaned in and gave his wife a thorough kiss. "I say we go back home after this and we celebrate New Year's twice."
"That would be fantastic," Lavender said enthusiastically.
"It's a plan then," Seamus said. "I feel a third wind- let's dance our way into a bit of privacy aye?"
"There's a first," Lavender said giggling. "YOU actually asking me to dance. But then again, you do have an ulterior motive."
"Do I really need a motive?" Seamus brushed his lips along her bare collarbone.
Lavender smiled. "No. So let's go find that privacy before anyone comes back."
"Right," Seamus pulled her away.
In a secluded corner in the back of the hall, Harry was trying very hard not to lose all self-control while his wife nibbled on his ear.
"Harry," she said in a low, purring tone. "I want you right now..."
"Right here?" he asked pulling away.
"I'm so tempted," Hermione's eyes were dark with desire.
The place was teeming with reporters and photographers and he knew it would be all too easy for one of them to stumble upon this intimate scene.
"We'll be good for now," he whispered. "But when we get home, all bets are off."
Hermione kissed him full on the mouth, nearly biting his lower lip. "I'm going to rip these robes off you," she said breathlessly.
"How much longer until we can go home," he said against her skin.
"We'll leave just after midnight," Hermione finally pulled away. "Damn it, if I don't stop now I won't be able to."
"I know," Harry said. "But I have good news. We have about four minutes until midnight."
"Do we really have to join everyone else?" Hermione asked, her forehead resting against his.
"You did promise your crazy cousin," Harry said softly.
"Right," Hermione groaned. "I'll never hear the end of it if I blow her off now."
"We wouldn't want that now, would we?" Harry teased.
"Guess not," Hermione kissed him again. "Come on you..."
"Right," Harry said reluctantly allowing Hermione to pull him back out into the open.
They rejoined their friends where they'd previously been sitting. "Boy Lavender gives us an earful for sneaking off and she's not even here," Ron complained.
"And you're complaining?" Harry asked.
"Sod off," Ron said. "I was enjoying my wife over there."
"And not a half hour ago you were reaming me out for wanting to do the same," Harry said sarcastically.
"Have some cake Ron," Luna said, reaching for the buffet and snagging a piece of chocolate fudge cake for her husband.
Ron beamed at her. "Thank you sweetheart. That piece is kind of small though."
"Have half the cake," Neville joked. "It's big enough."
"I wouldn't want to take it all," Ron said cutting into the cake with his fork. When he saw all of his friends staring back at him in surprise, he shrugged. "You know unless none of you lot wanted any of it."
"I'd rather have another glass of champagne," Hermione said. "We only have about a minute until midnight."
Neville motioned for one of the wait staff to come over to their table. "Everyone get a glass..."
"Here, here," Harry raised his. "To another great year!"
Someone started a countdown and they all joined in. "Ten. Nine. Eight..."
"Seven!" Harry bellowed.
"Six!" Neville echoed, sliding his arm around Cho.
"Prhvive," Ron said his mouth full of cake.
Luna laughed. "Four...three...."
"Two!" Hermione said with a smile at her husband and friends.
"One!" Lavender and Seamus came up at the very last moment, champagne flutes in hand. "Happy New Year!"
Luna tapped Ron on the shoulder. "Ronald..."
"What?" Ron asked, swallowing his cake.
"Kiss please?" she asked leaning in.
"Right," Ron leaned in, dropping his plate on the table and winding his arms around his wife. "Happy New Year love."
"It's after midnight," Harry whispered to Hermione in between kisses. "Can we go home now?"
"Give it just a few more minutes," Hermione pressed her lips to his urgently. "Let our friends know we care and then we're out of here."
Harry motioned for her to turn around. "I don't think they'd mind."
Hermione laughed. "I think they all have the same thing in mind as we do," she said. "All right, you've convinced me. Let's go..."
"Happy New Year!" Harry called out to his oblivious friends as he helped Hermione with her wrap. Without breaking his kiss with Cho, Neville waved goodbye.
They Apparated back into their home and immediately came back together in a heated kiss. "Happy New Year Harry," Hermione said huskily as he began to peel her robes off.
"The night's not over yet," he said with a toothy grin. "It's just beginning."
"And we're alone," Hermione laughed softly. "Just like the old days in our cottage..."
"Aye," Harry said picking her up. "It would be a shame not to take full advantage of this... "
"You've read my mind Mr. Potter," Hermione leaned in to kiss him.
"Can you read mine right now?" he asked looking into her brown eyes.
"You love me," Hermione said with a laugh.
"And?" he asked carrying her upstairs.
"You're dying to make mad, passionate love to me until at least four in the morning," Hermione intoned.
"You're spot on," he said smiling at her. "Must be tiresome to be right all the time."
"Mmm, maybe just a little," she said as he kicked their bedroom door shut. "But you'll wake me up now won't you?"
"I'm certainly going to try," he said setting her down on the bed.
"And I'm willing to let you," Hermione said as his lips met hers again.
*** *** ***
Maddie was happy that her first real New Year's with Ethan wasn't going to be spent in a waiting room at St. Mungos. He'd promised her a night out on the town and they'd even convinced Ethan's best mate Justin to come along with his girlfriend Sarah.
"I still don't know what you see in Potter, Maddie," Justin teased. "I think he got the better end of your deal."
Maddie laughed. "I've been after him for years," she said with a grin. "But I won't argue with your logic."
"Neither will I," Ethan said squeezing her hand.
"He can hardly stop talking about you during training," Justin said.
"He's the same way about Sarah," Ethan told Maddie.
"What does he say?" Maddie asked Justin interestedly with a smile for her boyfriend, who turned red.
Justin grinned. "Let's see. Maddie is so great. Maddie is the best thing in my life. Maddie is moving in with me and I can't believe how lucky I am."
"Did you really say that?" Maddie asked, leaning her head on Ethan's shoulder.
"More or less," Ethan said blushing. "Of course my tone wasn't as sarcastic and amused as his. It sounds better coming from me."
"Everything always does," Maddie said with a grin.
This was the first time Maddie had ever met Justin's girlfriend and she'd been somewhat quiet the entire evening. Maddie hoped that they would be able to get along seeing how close Justin and Ethan were.
"Justin said that you just finished up University," Maddie said trying to engage her in conversation.
Sarah smiled. "Yes, finally."
"What was your area of study?" she asked, disentangling herself from Ethan as the guys went to go get them some drinks from the bar.
"Wizarding law," Sarah said. "I kind of fell into it actually. When I finished up at Hogwarts, I really didn't know what I wanted to do and then Br...I mean my best mate sort of talked me into it."
"I know a few people in Wizarding law," Maddie said. "My brother works in it as well. Maybe I know your best mate."
Sarah's cheeks reddened and she looked quite uncomfortable. She looked over her shoulder to where Ethan and Justin were at the bar wishing they'd come back.
Maddie got the impression she was making the girl uncomfortable for some reason so she decided to change the subject. "I love the robes you're wearing," she said.
"They're not really mine," Sarah admitted, still not looking very uncomfortable. "I borrowed them."
"Well whoever you borrowed them from has great taste," Maddie smiled.
"Thanks," Sarah said forcing a smile.
Maddie sat back as Sarah looked away onto the dance floor. "So um..." she said, at a complete loss for words. She was beginning to get the idea that this girl didn't like her, but she wasn't sure why.
"Don't you two look like the life of the party," Justin teased as he and Ethan came back to the table. "Who died?"
"Very funny," Sarah said taking a glass of white wine from him.
"Thank you," Maddie said to Ethan as he gave her a cosmopolitan.
"I asked them to make it light for you," he said in her ear.
"Thanks," she said wincing a little at the memory of the last time she'd had too much to drink. She looked over to where Sarah was whispering something to Justin. Something definitely wasn't right here and she couldn't put her finger on what. As far as she knew, she hadn't done anything to offend the girl.
"I have a surprise for you at midnight, just so you know." Ethan said, his nose bumping her earlobe.
Maddie smiled at him. "Really?"
"Uh huh," Ethan grinned back. "But you're going to have to wait to find out what it is..."
Maddie was intrigued. "Okay, but I can't wait to see what you have in store for me."
Ethan gave her a quick kiss. "You and Sarah hitting it off?"
"Um," Maddie said biting her lip. "Not exactly..."
Ethan looked baffled for a moment then he flushed dark red. "Come here for a sec," he pulled her away from the corner where the four of them were sitting. "Promise you won't kill me?"
Maddie looked quizzically at him. "I really am trying to get along with her, but she's not making it easy. I don't think she likes me very much..."
"She's Bree's flatmate," Ethan said, wincing as if he expected her to fly into a fury. "She's the one who set the two of us up..."
"Bree's flatmate?" Maddie asked. "No wonder she doesn't like me."
"She shouldn't have any reason not to," Ethan said quickly. "I mean, Bree doesn't hold any hard feelings for us breaking up so I don't know why Sarah's being snarky about it."
Maddie nodded. "She probably feels uncomfortable going out on a double date with her flatmate's ex and his new girlfriend. It's understandable really."
"So you're not mad?" Ethan asked. "I'm really sorry- I should have told you but I completely forgot and--"
Maddie held up her hand. "I'm not angry. It's okay. At least I don't think I've done something wrong now. I want to get along well with your friends, Ethan. That's very important to me because they are important to you."
He sent her a grateful smile. "This is one of the reasons I love you," he said, pulling her close.
Maddie smiled. "Do you think I should say something to her? I feel really bad..."
"I don't know," Ethan replied. "But you shouldn't feel bad. What happened between myself and Bree is none of her business."
"I know," Maddie said looking back over at the table where Sarah and Justin were talking. "I just don't want things to be awkward between all of us. I really do like Justin and I think Sarah and I could be friends if she gave me the chance."
"Just be yourself," Ethan said, his arm snaking it's way around her waist. "No one else can resist you so why should she?"
Maddie laughed. "I'm not five years old anymore. I think my magic has worn off a bit."
"Not for me it hasn't," Ethan kissed her. "Not by a long shot Maddie Molly."
Maddie smiled and gave him one last kiss before they headed back to the table. Apparently, she and Justin had words too because Sarah actually smiled at Maddie when she sat back down.
"I-I'm sorry if we got off on the wrong foot, Maddie," she said sincerely.
"That's all right," Maddie said graciously. "I didn't realise you were Bree's roommate."
"Bree and I have known each other since we were little," Sarah explained. "She's my best mate. And she and Ethan...well, I had hoped that what they had would last."
"Sarah," Justin tried to interject, but Sarah put her hand on his arm.
"She was really hurt when they broke things off," Sarah said. "But I shouldn't take it out on you. It...it wasn't your fault."
Maddie smiled at her. "I understand."
"We saw her just a few weeks ago," Ethan interjected his arm across Maddie's shoulder. "She seemed to be all right with things, at least that's what she told me. I'm surprised you didn't drag her out tonight Sarah."
"I tried," Sarah said. "But she made plans with her cousins. Justin and I are going to take her out for breakfast tomorrow though."
"Anyway," Justin said. "It's about time I took you out on the floor." he grinned at Sarah.
"Yeah leave us be in the dark corner," Ethan joked. "Just where Mads and I like to be."
"Just don't give us any details when we get back," Justin shot back over his shoulder.
"You won't need any," Ethan said loftily.
"Make him behave Maddie," Justin said before taking Sarah away.
"I don't know," Maddie joked. "I kind of like it when you misbehave."
"I know you do," Ethan replied mischievously.
"So how much longer until I get my surprise?" she asked.
"Midnight," Ethan replied as she sipped at her martini.
"That's nearly an hour away," Maddie reminded him.
"So you'll only have to wait an hour," Ethan teased her.
Maddie pouted. "You can be so infuriating sometimes, you know that?"
"Isn't that what you love about me?" Ethan asked, moving closer on the plush sofa they were sharing.
"Sometimes," Maddie said relaxing against him. "What a difference a year makes, eh? Last year at this time, we almost lost Allie."
"I know," Ethan replied. "We were sitting in a hospital cafeteria right now trying to figure out just what our relationship was."
"And now we're about to move in together," Maddie said shaking her head. "I can't believe I'm moving out of my parents' house. Today when I was packing, it suddenly hit me."
Ethan pulled her closer. "Do you regret it?" he asked with a slight catch in his tone.
"No," she replied. "But I've lived with them my entire life, Ethan. R.J. and me were the only ones still left at home. With him away at school most of the time, I don't know...I just feel like I'm deserting them."
"We'll visit all the time," he promised. "Plus we live close, and you can pop over in the Floo anytime you feel like it." he smiled at her. "Besides, I'm sure after having the six of you around for so long your folks are dying for a little peace and quiet." he teased.
"I know," Maddie said tearing up a little. "But I'll miss the little things, you know? Like Daddy and I will sometimes get up in the middle of the night because we've both got the munchies and we'll sneak downstairs and have biscuits and milk. We've been doing that since I was four. And we never have to wake each other up either. It's just something we both do..."
Ethan folded her into his arms. "We don't really have to do this if you don't want to Maddie," he nearly choked on the words but he forced them out.
"I want to," she said looking up at him. "I really do, Ethan. It's just going to be hard to move out. That's all."
Ethan stroked her hair back. "Only if you're really sure."
"I am," she told him. "I guess it's different with men, eh? You probably couldn't wait to get a place of your own."
"I moved out as soon as I could," Ethan grinned. "And it wasn't that living at home was so bad because it wasn't. You'll see when you move out- there's just this great sense of being on your own that you'll love."
"Josh and Jon said the same thing," Maddie said.
"Once you settle in, you'll love it, I promise," Ethan said, still stroking her hair.
Maddie rested her head on his shoulder. "I know I will."
"Want to go out there and dance?" Ethan asked.
"I'd love to," she replied. "It will help keep my mind off that surprise of yours."
Ethan laughed. "You'll find out in exactly... forty five minutes..."
Maddie groaned in frustration. "This is torture, Ethan."
"I'll give you a little hint," Ethan asked, pulling her hips against his. "It involves us going somewhere a bit more... private..."
"I like the sound of that," Maddie said softly.
"Good," Ethan pressed his lips to hers as she wound her arms around his neck.
Maddie wasn't normally one for public displays of affection like this, but the club was dimly lit and most of the people around them were doing the same. She boldly parted her lips beneath his and kissed him harder.
The next forty minutes were rather excruciating for both of them but Ethan finally made her close her eyes and led her to the lift near the back of the club.
"When you said we were going somewhere private, I assumed you meant your place," Maddie said. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see in a minute," Ethan said, guiding her onto the lift. "Eyes still closed?"
"Yes," she replied.
He waved his hand in front of her face to make sure and then pressed the button that would take them up to the top.
"All right," he said, taking her hands. "Just a few more steps..."
Maddie felt the wind in her hair and shivered. "Are we outside?"
"Yes," Ethan said, wrapping his arms around her and turning her to face his little set up. "Okay," he whispered.
"I can open my eyes now?" Maddie asked.
"Yes," he chuckled.
Maddie smiled and opened her eyes. "Oh...Ethan...it's..."
"It's simple," he said with a smile. "But it's just the two of us..."
"It's perfect," Maddie whispered taking in the starry night sky. "It's absolutely perfect."
Ethan poured them both a flute of champagne. "It's a small bottle," he teased her. "See- just two glasses finished it off."
"I'm never going to live that down, am I?" she asked blushing.
"I still haven't told anyone about it," Ethan reminded her, clinking his glass against hers.
"Thank you for that," Maddie said. "I still can't believe how out of control I was."
"It's all right," Ethan kissed her. "Hey it's almost midnight. About thirty seconds to go..."
He reached into his pocket and felt for the little box that held his real surprise.
Maddie took another sip of her champagne and didn't notice Ethan pull something out of his pocket.
"Ten!" the crowd celebrating on the street below them screamed. "Nine!"
"This is so exciting!" Maddie exclaimed wanting to get up and take a look at the crowd down below, but Ethan put his hand on her shoulder.
"Wait," he said as the countdown continued down. "I have something I want to give you," he said as it reached midnight and bells started clanging.
"You've already given me so much," Maddie said softly. "I don't need anything else."
"First," he leaned in and gave her a kiss. "Happy New Year Maddie Molly. I love you more than anything."
"Happy New Year, Ethan," she echoed. "I love you so very much."
He grinned. "Here's the real surprise," he opened the box and held it out to her.
Maddie's hands were shaking as she took the box. "Ethan..."
"It's a promise ring," Ethan said. "Not an engagement ring." he pulled it from the box and took her right hand in his. "I promise someday, Madeline Molly Weasley, to marry you." he slid it onto her trembling finger.
Maddie was completely speechless as she looked from the ring back to Ethan. A single tear fell down her cheek.
He wiped it away. "I hope it's all right..."
"It's more than okay," she finally managed to say. "Ethan, it's...this is the most amazing thing anyone has ever done for me."
"I love you," he said, pulling her close again. "I'd do anything to make you happy."
Maddie kissed him. "I feel the same way."
He pulled her close and kept his mouth firmly pressed to hers as fireworks spun around them in the night sky. "Cold?" he asked several minutes later when they finally pulled apart.
Maddie nodded. "A little..."
"We can go back downstairs then," Ethan waved his wand at their empty champagne bottle and glasses and they disappeared. "I just wanted to give you that without a huge crowd around us gawking."
"I'm glad you did," Maddie said happily. She looked down at the ring on her finger. "This is really beautiful."
"I had a little help in picking it out," Ethan confessed sheepishly. "Jules has good taste."
Maddie giggled. "Yes she does. Remind me to thank her."
"I will," Ethan said as they got into the lift. "But for now..." he leaned in and kissed her again.
"Happy New Year Ethan," she said softly.
"Happy New Year," he whispered, tracing down her cheek.