Authors' Note: We know this is going to disappoint a few of you but RJ and Saffron are going to remain just friends. We toyed with the idea of them getting together too, but we are glad that we went this route and we hope that you give Alexa a chance. And don't fret too much for Saffron; she's not going to be lonely. In this chapter, you get to see more of Chiaki and Toshio as they prepare for their twins' arrival and Toshio deals with Chiaki's pregnancy. And you also get to see more of the Malfoys (Nick, Julie, Katie and Ashley). Hope you enjoy, and as always….please read and review!"
"Chi that's so adorable!" Julie squealed as her best friend held up the new infant robes that Cho had bought earlier that day.
"Best part is, once the two are born, I can charm them to be the colours I want." Chiaki said happily. "So if I have two boys, I can make them blue, or yellow, or pink if they're girls. Or I'm even thinking purple- I like that better than pink."
"I had a set like those before I had Katie," Julie remembered. "Those are so adorable Chi. I cannot wait to meet your babies. Only a few more weeks..."
"I know," Chiaki said. "I'm so excited but I'm so nervous too. I mean, I'm going to be a mother!"
Julie laughed. "You're going to be fine. You've had lots of practise over the years. You helped your mum with Frankie and Allie. And you've babysat for my girls."
"And you'll be here to help me right?" Chiaki set the robes back in the dresser. "I don't know what I'd do without you Jules."
"Of course I will," Julie said giving her friend a hug, not an easy task due to Chiaki's large stomach.
"And you've really gone all out with this shower you're having for me on Saturday," Chiaki continued, tears welling up in her eyes. "You really are the bestest friend in the world."
Julie grinned. Toshio had warned her that Chiaki was crying at the drop of a hat these days, but she'd had no idea it was this bad. She could remember feeling the same way both times she was pregnant. "You did the same for me, remember?"
"Yes I remember," Chiaki reached for a tissue. "I just can't believe it's almost here. I'm really going to have twins in less than a month."
Julie smiled and looked around the nursery. They'd decided to paint the walls a pale yellow and there were two identical cribs set up against the wall. Little stars and moons adorned the walls and ceiling. "Frankie help you with this?"
"Yeah," Chiaki wiped her eyes. "She's been absolutely fantastic, you know that?"
"She really does have a good eye," Julie said. "And she's grown up quite a bit in the last few months."
"Especially since she got engaged," Chiaki grinned. "Will's really fantastic. I'm so happy for her. We were all worried she'd wind up with a real jerk but instead she winds up with one of the nicest guys imaginable."
"Do you remember her at my wedding?" Julie asked. "Dancing with every boy in sight?"
"Yes," Chiaki laughed as they went into the sitting room. "Seemed she'd never settle down."
"What's this about settling down?" Toshio asked from his perch on the sofa.
"Your sister-in-law," Julie said patting him on the head. "I have never seen you just relaxing on a sofa. What's gotten into you?"
"I'm taking advantage of the calm before the storm," Toshio grinned.
"I still think you should hang around for the shower on Saturday," Julie said. "What could be more exciting than sitting around with over 25 women oohing and ahhing over gifts?"
"I can think of so many things Jules," Toshio replied sarcastically. "My mates are taking me out and we're going to hit up some pubs."
"By mates, I assume my husband is included in that group?" Julie asked.
"You know it," Toshio replied lazily, stretching his legs out on the coffee table.
"Tosh, I dusted that table a half hour ago," Chiaki said glaring at him. "Don't put your legs on it, please."
"Chi I have trousers on," Toshio said.
"Move your legs now," Chiaki hissed at him. "Please."
Toshio glanced at Julie who shrugged. "Fine I'll go into the bedroom. Can I lie down in there or did you dust the bed too?"
"Don't be silly," she said smiling sweetly at him. "You can't dust a bad, smartarse. But I did wash the linens yesterday so please be extra careful..."
Toshio rolled his eyes and got off the sofa. "You're lucky I love you as much as I do."
"I feel the same way," Chiaki called out to him as left the room.
"When did you turn into such a neat freak?" Julie asked.
"I don't know," Chiaki said, moving some magazines over a bit. "Just recently I guess."
"With all this free time on your hands," Julie teased.
"I am going a bit mad not working," Chiaki confessed. "I've always had something to do but now I just feel like all I do is sit on my arse all day."
"In about a month, you'll be wishing you could sit on your arse all day," Julie told her. "Those babies are going to keep you running..."
"I know and I can't wait," Chiaki laughed.
"You say that now," Julie joked.
"When I saw Ashley and Katie the other day Ashley told me she can't wait to baby sit," Chiaki grinned. "Eight years old and already the entrepreneur."
"I told her she was too young to baby sit," Julie said laughing. "Trust her to go behind my back..."
"Well I sort of told her she could," Chiaki said sheepishly. "But only if you or Nick or Greta was around to help her."
"Good idea," Julie said. "See? That's totally a mum decision to make. You're one step ahead already."
"Thanks Jules," Chiaki said. Her eyes filled with tears again. "Oh my God. In just a few weeks I'm going to be a mum!"
Julie handed her friend a tissue. "Yes you are. And you're going to be fantastic."
"Thank goodness for you," Chiaki bawled. "And Allison's been wonderful about giving me things that Caroline and Emma have outgrown in case I have a girl, or two. And Frankie with helping me in the nursery."
"And your mum for buying you all those clothes for the babies," Julie chimed in.
Chiaki nodded. "I'm so happy and I don't even know why I'm crying!"
"It's a good thing," Julie told her. "You just wait until they put those two adorable little babies in your arms."
"You'll be in the waiting room right?" Chiaki asked. "I want you there Jules."
"I'd like to see them try to keep me away," Julie said. "I'll be there Chi."
"Thank you," Chiaki hugged her friend as tightly as she could again. "I should let you get back to that handsome husband of yours, brother of mine and your own two little ones."
"Right," Julie said standing up. "And don't be too hard on Tosh, Chi."
"I won't," Chiaki promised.
"Bye Tosh!" Julie called out hoping she didn't wake him. Knowing him he was probably taking a kip. Her two friends had spent most of their lives working hard in their dance careers. She was very happy for them that they were taking it easy while they could. Before too long, taking it easy wouldn't be an option.
Chiaki waddled into the bedroom, hoping her husband was still awake. His eyes were closed but she could tell by the way he was breathing that he wasn't asleep. "My feet hurt," she whined, sitting on her side of the bed.
"Maybe it was all that cleaning you've been doing," Toshio said keeping his eyes closed. He knew what she was after, but he wasn't going to make it easy on her.
"Toshio," Chiaki dragged out the sound of his name. "Please will you rub my feet?" she pleaded.
Toshio sighed and got up. "Since you said the magic words..."
"I love you," Chiaki said, her head falling against the pillows. "And I'm carrying your babies."
Toshio sat down on the edge of the bed and gently lifted Chiaki's feet onto his lap. He began to massage her toes. "How's that?"
Chiaki let out a moan loud enough to rattle the windowpanes.
He laughed. "You always did like it when I did this."
"That feels bloody amazing," Chiaki said.
"I shouldn't be doing this with how terrible you've been treating me," he teased. "But your dad told me that it was all part of having a pregnant wife."
"Tosh," Chiaki cracked her eyes open. "You know I love you more than anything right?"
"I know," he said continuing to rub her feet.
"You know I don't mean to treat you badly right?" Chiaki went on.
"I know," he repeated.
"You can put your feet on the coffee table if you want to," Chiaki said in a small voice.
He looked up at her in surprise. "Really?"
"Remind me I said that if I start crabbing at you again," she grinned at him.
"Okay," he said grinning back. "I'll hold you to that."
"I want a kiss," Chiaki said as he rubbed over the bottoms of her feet.
"You didn't say the magic word," Toshio reminded her.
"Please?" Chiaki pushed her lower lip out.
Toshio smiled and leaned forward. "I love you Chi."
Chiaki smiled in satisfaction as her husband gave her a rather thorough kiss. "Our babies are happy right now," she said, grabbing his hand and placing it on her stomach.
"Of course they are," Toshio said smiling at her wife. "I can't wait to meet them."
"What do you think?" Chiaki asked as he put his arms around her. "Two boys, two girls, or one of each?"
"As long as they're happy and healthy, I'll be happy either way," he replied.
"I kind of hope we have one of each," Chiaki said, closing her eyes. "I mean, whatever we have, I'll love like nothing else on this planet of course..." she sighed. "Just a few weeks Tosh. That's it."
"And we'll have that family we've always talked about," he said kissing the side of her head.
"One big dancing family," she laughed.
Meanwhile, Julie let herself into the house and could hear a loud commotion coming from the kitchen. It couldn't be Greta because she and Nick had given her the week off. She walked into the kitchen to see both her girls wearing aprons and covered in flour. Nick was supervising.
"Mummy!" Katie called out. "Daddy's teaching us how to make pizza!"
Julie laughed. "Doesn't your daddy remember how easier and neater it is to pick up the phone and order pizza?"
"But we thought this would be more fun!" Ashley grinned at her mother.
Julie chuckled and walked further into the kitchen. It looked very much like a disaster area.
"We're needing to dough," Katie explained.
Ashley rolled her eyes. "We're kneading the dough. K-n-e-a-d-i-n-g, Katherine."
"Shut up Ashley," Katie glared at her sister.
"Girls," Nick warned. "Come on, this is supposed to be fun."
"Right Daddy," Katie said. "I get to put the sauce on Mummy!"
"I get to put the toppings on," Ashley chimed in.
"Greta would freak if she saw her kitchen like this," Julie told her husband.
"That's why she's not going to," Nick said with a grin, giving his wife a kiss.
"You're going to get flour all over me," she giggled. His hair was dusted with flour and it made him look prematurely grey.
"Guess that means I'll have to clean you off in the shower later," he murmured huskily in her ear.
"We'll see," Julie said giving him a kiss on the cheek before going over to the icebox to get herself a soda.
"How's Auntie Chiaki?" Katie asked.
"She's fine," Julie answered. "Very ready to have those babies."
"Me too," Ashley said taking her rolling pin and rolling it over the dough. This was the part she liked best.
"Ashley!" Katie said in dismay. "Daddy told me I could make it flat!"
"He did not!" Ashley shot back. "You got to stir the dough. He told me I could make it flat."
"Girls," Nick said. "This is the last time all right?"
Ashley and Katie fell silent, but they couldn't resist staring daggers at each other. Julie had a feeling Ashley was picturing Katie's face as she flattened the dough.
"You know when Ethan and I were growing up we never fought like the two of you," Julie commented. "Of course, there was a big difference in our ages, but still…"
"You're thirteen years older than Uncle Ethan, Mum," Ashley pointed out as she finished rolling the dough.
"True," Julie said nodding. "And it helped that by the time he got to be a right pest, I'd already moved out of the house."
"So Aunt Saffy gets all the teasing," Ashley giggled. "Is she going to come over a lot like she did last summer?"
"I hope so," Julie said. "She's also going to want to spend a lot of time with Grandpa and Grandma."
"Grandpa Robert's doing a lot better," Ashley said, moving aside as Nick helped Katie spread sauce over the dough.
Julie smiled. Her grandfather certainly was doing much better. He'd even been given the go ahead to play a few light rounds of golf. But he'd refused to go out without Saffron and they'd make tentative plans to go on her Easter holiday.
"I was thinking we might go and visit Grandma and Grandpa this weekend," Julie suggested. "I'm sure they'd love to see you girls."
"That sounds like fun Mummy," Ashley said, wrapping her little arms around Julie's waist.
"Yes it does," Julie said hugging her daughter. "And I for one cannot wait to try your pizza."
"Daddy said we have to put green peppers on it just like you love," Ashley grinned. "And I want pepperoni."
"I want what mummy's having," Katie said.
"You don't like peppers," Ashley pointed out. "You said they were gross."
"Well I like them now," Katie argued.
Julie sighed. "Looks like Katie's finished with the sauce, Ash. Time for you to do the toppings. Katie, why don't you help me set the table?"
"That's not any fun," Katie grumbled.
"All right," Nick said. "Ashley, you do your half of the pizza, and then while Katie's doing her half, you'll finish setting the table with your mum."
"Okay," Ashley said sprinkling some cheese on her half of the pizza.
"Your dad stopped by earlier," Nick told Julie.
"He did?" Julie asked, pulling some plates down. "What for?"
"To see us," Katie said as if this answer should have been obvious.
"That was a big reason for it," Nick explained. "But he also wanted to talk to you. Apparently, Hogwarts is at him again to be a professor."
"Really," Julie said. "With as many times as he's turned them down-"
"He'd be there with Auntie Saffy," Katie said. "That'd be cool!"
"And he'd be there when we were there," Ashley said. She wished she'd known this when her grandfather was here. She could have talked to him about it.
"He doesn't want to take it," Nick said. "He wants to know if you'd be interested at all." he looked at his wife.
"Me?" Julie asked taken aback.
"He said it was just an idea," Nick replied.
"I never really thought about teaching there," Julie said sitting down. "I kind of like being ordinary Mrs. Malfoy who teaches at this Muggle primary school."
"You've never been ordinary," Nick teased. "At least not in my eyes."
Julie beamed at him. "Thanks sweetheart."
"Here go Mum and Dad getting all romantic again," Ashley said to Katie, rolling her eyes.
Katie giggled as her father leaned down and kissed their mother. "They're snogging too!"
"Ewwwwwww," both Malfoy girls laughed.
"Eww?" Julie asked rushing over to Katie and wrapping her arms around her daughter. She planted kisses on the little girl's head over and over. "How's that for ewwwwww?"
"Mummy!" Katie was laughing so hard she spilled her handful of cheese on the floor.
Nick picked Ashley up and swung her around.
"Daddy!" Ashley squealed. "Put me down!"
"My little girl doesn't like being danced with?" Nick teased her.
"I do, but we're trying to make the pizza!" Ashley giggled.
"So once the pizza's in the oven I get to dance with one of the three most beautiful girls in the world?" Nick asked, his grey eyes teasing.
"Yes," Ashley promised.
"All right," Nick set his oldest daughter down.
Julie started setting the table and after she'd finished her half of the pizza, Ashley helped finish. Nearly a half hour later, the Malfoy family set down to dinner. The pizza was a little burnt, but Julie proclaimed it the best meal she'd ever eaten.
"Mummy I like our side!" Katie said. She'd never had green peppers before but had enjoyed them.
"I do too sweetheart," Julie said. "You and your sister did a fabulous job."
"Maybe we can do this every week Ashley!" Katie said the animosity between the two sisters forgotten for now.
"Yeah!" Ashley agreed. "We can look through Greta's cookbooks and see what other recipes we want to make!"
"Wait just a minute," Julie laughed. "You'd better clear this with Greta before you two go doing anything in here. The kitchen is pretty much her domain."
"Greta doesn't mind," Ashley said. "We always help her out."
"Yes, well you should still clear it with her before you two hellions do something like this every week," Julie said motioning around the kitchen.
"And you two are on active clean up duty as well," Nick pointed at his daughters.
"Can't you just wave your wand or something," Katie whined. "We'll never clean this up!"
Julie grinned at her husband. "Oh come on Nick. They did such a great job making our dinner tonight, the least we could do is clean up for them."
"Okay," Nick said. "But you two should at least go clean up your rooms, especially you Katie. It's a right mess."
"But I still know where everything is Daddy," Katie said charmingly.
"Yes, but we can't walk in there," Julie said. "It's either the kitchen or your room, Katie. Your choice."
Katie pouted. "I guess I'll clean up my room," she muttered.
"Good answer," Julie said.
"My room's not dirty Daddy," Ashley reminded him.
"So that means you want to clean up the kitchen?" Nick asked, feigning innocence.
"Maybe I'll help Katie with hers," Ashley said grabbing her sister by the hand. "Let's go before they change their minds, Katie."
"Okay Ashley," Katie said as the two girls scampered away.
"Nice touch there Nicholas," Julie laughed.
"I try," he said gathering up their plates. "So you really don't want to go after that Hogwarts job?"
"Oh I don't know," Julie mused. "I never really thought about teaching at Hogwarts. I wouldn't want to be gone from you and the girls for almost the whole year."
"We wouldn't want that either," he said. "But you know if that was something you'd want to do, we'd find someway to make it work."
"I would need some time to really think about it," Julie said, setting the plates on the counter and winding her arms around Nick.
"And you love your job now," he said holding her close.
"I do," Julie answered softly. "But sometimes it would be nice to be able to use magic all the time."
"And you'd be there to make sure Saffy didn't get into too much trouble," Nick teased.
"As if my sister has any problems with that," Julie joked.
"I think you should talk to your parents about it too," Nick said. He knew that Julie rarely made any big decision without consulting her parents. "And you never know, your dad might have changed his mind too. You two could end up competing for the job."
Julie laughed. "Wouldn't that be the day?" she asked.
"Potter versus Malfoy," Nick said in a dramatic voice. "Just like the good old days..."
Julie poked his side. "I'm a good Malfoy," she said.
"I'll show you a good Malfoy," Nick said tickling her.
Julie laughed. "Stop it Nick!" she shrieked.
Nick grabbed her around the middle. "Or you'll what?"
Julie was laughing too hard to respond coherently.
"I can't hear you Jules," Nick said. "What was that?"
"Nicholas Tarrington," she gasped. "I- am- going to--"
"What?" Nick asked. "Hmm?"
"Kiss you," Julie finished as he finally let up.
"Bring it on," he said grinning at her.
"You sound like a bloody cheerleader," Julie smirked, bringing her lips to his.
Nick pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. Neither of them heard footsteps on the stairs. Katie and Ashley had finished cleaning upstairs and wanted to show their parents their handwork.
"Mum--" Katie started to say but Ashley clamped her hand over her mouth.
"See what happens when we leave them alone?" Ashley said shaking her head.
*** *** ***
The conditions were hardly ideal for Quidditch. It was quite cold and the forecast called for snow. Saffron cuddled up under her fleece Gryffindor blanket beside Alexa. The match was scheduled to begin in a few minutes time and despite the cold weather, it seemed like most of the school had turned out.
"It's positively freezing out here," Alexa said, her teeth chattering.
"I know," Saffron said. "We should never have entrusted Mimi and Beth with getting hot chocolate. I bet those two have no intention of coming back out."
"Idiots," Alexa said, pulling the blanket tighter. "The only reason I'm out here right now is because of R.J.."
"The things we do for love," Saffron teased nudging her friend.
"I am not in love," Alexa nudged her back.
"You're well on your way," Saffron said. "I saw the two of you at breakfast this morning. Giving each other the goo-goo eyes."
"He was not," Alexa blushed. "We like each other. And mind you, a month ago I thought that I'd never be in this position."
Saffron nodded. It was over a month ago, when it was she who was in this position.
"You know," Alexa began tentatively. "I've been meaning to ask you something..."
"What's that?" Saffron asked curiously.
"Well..." Alexa tucked her hair behind her ears. "I know that you and R.J. were having those um... issues a month ago... when you guys kissed. And I just wanted to know if you're really okay with me and him being together..."
"R.J. and me are just friends Lex," Saffron told her. "If I wasn't okay with this, do you really think I'd have played matchmaker?"
"I suppose not," Alexa wrinkled her nose. "But Saffy, do you really think he likes me? This isn't all just a big game?"
"You know R.J.'s not like that," Saffron told her. "He's not into playing games like that. And I saw the way he was looking at you this morning."
Her words sent a thrill through Alexa's body. "Really?" she grinned.
"Really you daft girl," Saffron said laughing.
Alexa grinned. "He hasn't told me what we're doing today after the game." she said.
"Maybe he's going to take you to the Room of Requirement," Saffron joked. "Or the Astronomy Tower!"
"Saffron!" Alexa pushed her. "Stop it!"
"Look!" Saffron said pointing to the sky where the Gryffindor team had taken to the sky. "There's your boyfriend!"
Alexa trained her Omnioculars on the specks currently zig zagging across the field. "Yeah," she sighed. "He looks so good up there."
Saffron grinned. "Something tells me you're not just talking about his flying ability..."
"No, his snogging ability ranks right up there too," Alexa returned with a giggle.
"The truth comes out," Saffron joked. She looked on as the Gryffindor team continued to warm up. Next year, she had every intention to be right up there with them.
Alexa handed her friend her Omnioculars. "Want to borrow them for a bit?" she asked.
"Sure," Saffron said taking them from her friend.
"Next year I bet you'll be first to get picked for the team," Alexa said loyally. "What position are you most interested in?"
"Seeker," Saffron said without hesitation. "Just like my dad."
Alexa grinned. "Of course. How silly of me to think otherwise."
"He's going to work with me this summer," Saffron said already looking forward to it. "He knows how much I want to make the team."
"Your dad is so cool," Alexa said, staring up at the scarlet coloured fleck in the sky that she knew was R.J..
"He is," Saffron said proudly. "Hey Lex? I just had a great idea!"
"What?" Alexa asked, still focused on the sky.
"You should come and stay with us this summer," Saffron said. "At least for a couple of weeks. I know mum and dad would love to have you."
"You think?" Alexa asked. "That would be really fun. And I'll have my stupid braces off right after I come home so we can really go to town." she laughed.
"And you'll get to meet R.J.'s parents," Saffron said nudging her friend. "In fact, you should come to Brighton with us. Both of our families go nearly every summer."
"Brighton beach?" Alexa asked. "Oh... I'd have to ask." she was shy at the thought of R.J. seeing her in a swim costume.
"I know your parents would let you go," Saffron said. "Come on, Lex."
"I'll ask," Alexa said, butterflies in her stomach.
Saffron could tell something was holding her back. "What is it Lex? You can tell me anything, right? Are you nervous about meeting R.J.'s parents? Because you will never meet nicer people. They're going to love you."
"It's more or less," Alexa began, playing with her hair again. "Being alone with him. It's one thing here at Hogwarts. But away from school?"
"Kind of scary eh?" Saffron asked.
"Something like that," Alexa said, holding her breath as R.J. dived and hit a Bludger towards a Ravenclaw.
"DID YOU SEE THAT?" Saffron exclaimed. "Wow!"
"That was amazing," Alexa echoed.
They concentrated on the game for a few minutes before resuming their conversation from before.
"You have to go," Saffron said refusing to take no for an answer. "If you don't, I'll have to spend all my time with my nieces. Of course, if you do go, I'll still end up having to spend time with them. You and R.J. will be off snog--what? What is it, Lex?"
"We're not together like that yet," Alexa said softly. "I don't know what's going on between us Saffy."
"I know," Saffron said. "I'm sorry. I was jumping the gun a bit, I know. I'm already having you meet his parents, but I have such a good feeling about you two. I really do."
"I hope so," Alexa said fervently. "I really fancy him a lot Saffy."
"Talk to him tonight," Saffron told her. "See how he feels."
"You don't think it's too soon for that?" Alexa asked.
"I don't know," Saffron answered honestly. "I shouldn't be giving you love advice. I have no experience in that whatsoever."
"It won't be long before you do," Alexa said. "You're so pretty and you smile all the time now that your braces are off. A guy will sweep you off your feet before you know it."
Saffron shrugged. "I'm not so sure that's what I want, Lex. There are more important things to me right now. I want to keep my marks up and I want to make the team next year. I just don't see how I'd be able to fit a boyfriend in all that."
Alexa glanced sideways at her. "Knowing you, Saffron Potter, you'd find a way if a cute enough guy asked you out."
"We'll see," Saffron said pulling the blanket tighter around her.
"I really wish we had that hot chocolate," Alexa shivered.
"I'm going to kill Mimi and Beth," Saffron hissed.
"I'll hold them down for you," Alexa agreed. "They're bloody selfish."
"They're probably warm and cosy in the dorm," Saffron said shivering. "Reading those magazines they both love so much."
"Like I said," Alexa replied. "If it wasn't for R.J. I wouldn't be out here right now."
Luckily the game didn't last long. The Gryffindor seeker caught the golden snitch and won the game handily. Saffron and Alexa were looking forward to retreating to the warmth of the castle, but wanted to offer their congratulations to R.J.. They quickly made their way down onto the pitch and Saffron glared when she saw that R.J. had an audience. Christina and her cronies were gathered around him.
"She has some nerve," Saffron said angrily. "Our team just beat the trousers off of hers and she's fawning..."
Alexa hung back, feeling shy and unsure once more. Christina, as horrid as she was, was really quite pretty and she didn't feel like she compared to the older girl. "Saffy maybe we should just say something to him in the common room," she said.
"I don't think so---" Saffron said ready to go and tell that girl what she thought of her when to her horror Christina kissed R.J. in front of everyone. What's more, R.J. didn't seem to be resisting. Saffron turned to say something to Alexa, but her friend was already running back toward the castle.
Saffron's face turned red in anger and she marched up to the crowd. "Ronald Bilius Weasley Junior how dare you!" she shouted.
Christina giggled. "Oh look Junior, your Mum's here."
"Chris, why'd you do that?" R.J. asked.
"Yeah, and why didn't you push her away?" Saffron demanded, giving the other girl a frosty glare.
"I was about to," R.J. spat back at Saffron. "Ease up Saffy. She took me by surprise."
"I was congratulating him for playing such a great game," Christina said putting her arm around him.
"Thanks, even though I beat your team," R.J. said, pulling away. "Chris, I told you we were over..."
"You didn't kiss me like we were over," Christina said pouting at him.
Saffron had just about enough. "You two deserve each other. I'm going to go and check on MY best friend. You remember her, don't you R.J.?"
"Saffy," R.J. ran after her as she marched across the field. "I'm not playing Alexa okay?"
"Right," Saffron said walking faster to try and get away from him. "She saw your little romantic scene by the way."
"Saffron!" R.J. said exasperatedly. "Will you lay off? She kissed me- I didn't kiss her!"
"You didn't push her away though did you?" Saffron asked him.
"Yeah I did!" R.J. said sarcastically. "I just couldn't at first. You think I'd ask Alexa out and then go snog someone else right in front of her? Bloody hell!"
Saffron stopped walking. That certainly didn't sound like the boy she'd grown up with. "Alexa really fancies you R.J.. She always has. "
"And I like her too okay?" R.J. said, still holding onto his broom. "I was looking for you guys when Christina and her stupid friends ambushed me back there."
"Then," Saffron said looking up at him. "Then, I think you need to tell her that."
"Fine," R.J. replied, jumping back on his broom and taking off for the castle. If he was lucky he'd be able to catch her before she disappeared into the girls' dormitory.
Alexa wiped stubbornly at her eyes. How could she have been so stupid? To think someone like him would choose her over someone as pretty and popular as Christina. It was all a joke. She pulled her cloak tighter around her and was nearly up the steps to the castle when she heard someone calling out her name.
"LEX!" R.J. hollered as loud as he could as the driving snow stung his eyes. "Lex wait!"
Alexa turned her back on him and started back up the stairs again. What could he possibly want now?
"Lex!" R.J. flew in front of her and jumped off his broom. "Please wait- I need to tell you something."
"I know," Alexa said trying to sound calm. "I saw you on the---"
"She kissed me," R.J. explained. "I didn't kiss her- I didn't have a chance to push her away before you saw it."
"You pushed her away?" Alexa asked not sure whether she could or wanted to believe him.
"Yeah," R.J. took her hand as they went inside the castle. "Christina and I are over Lex. I wouldn't have asked you out if I was with another girl. I'm not that type of bloke."
"I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to get back with her," Alexa said. "She's pretty. She's your age. She's popular. And who am I? Just this plain girl..."
"You are not plain," R.J. said before she could finish. "And I'm only two years older than you are. That's not much of a difference." he grinned at her.
She couldn't help the small smile that broke across her face. "It doesn't matter to you then?"
"What? That you're not Christina?" he shook his head. "If you were, do you think I'd be here right now?" he touched her cheek. "I like you Lex. I like you a lot. Spending time with you this past week has only made me realise that more."
"I really like you too," she whispered.
He grinned again. "So does that mean I can kiss you so I can forget about what that girl on the field did to me?"
Alexa nodded and tilted her face upward toward him.
R.J. leaned in and sealed his lips across hers, ignoring his wet and cold Quidditch robes as he wound his arms around her right there in front of everyone.
Alexa felt breathless and dizzy when they pulled apart. She suddenly became aware that they had an audience and she blushed a bright red.
"Oh go on with you," R.J. said to the other students that were gathered around them gaping curiously. "You'd think you lot never saw a bloke with his girlfriend before."
"Girlfriend?" Alexa asked taken aback.
"Sure," R.J. said, looking back at her. "Well I guess I should ask. Do you want to be?"
"Very much," she answered softly.
R.J. dropped his broom and scooped her up around the waist, spinning her around a few times. "That's good to hear," he said, his blue eyes twinkling at her.
"You're crazy," she said giggling.
"You're the one who just agreed to go out with me," he laughed, kissing her again.
"I guess that would make us kindred spirits then," Alexa said softly.
"Aye," R.J. grinned, picking up his broom and taking her hand. "Well listen... I know I said we would do something by ourselves but now that we've won, there's going to be a party in the common room and--"
"You'd rather go to that," Alexa finished for him. "That's okay."
"I was actually hoping we could go together," R.J. finished. "And then maybe later, sneak off to the kitchens, or the Astronomy Tower." he grinned ruefully. "This school really isn't the best place to plan a date you know?"
She giggled. "No, it's not. I'd like that though. To go to the party...with you."
"Great," R.J. said as they walked along towards the tower. "I've really got to shower first. I would have done it in the locker room but I wanted to talk to you first."
"I'm glad you did," she said smiling shyly at him. "I shouldn't have ran off like I did."
R.J. shrugged. "I guess I can't blame you. I'd be a mite pissed if I saw that happen."
"Did Saffy let you have it?" Alexa asked already knowing very well that Saffron had.
"What are you kidding me?" R.J. laughed. "Scolded me right there in front of everyone."
Alexa laughed. "That sounds just like Saffy."
"Aye, she's a good friend." R.J. was too curious to stay silent any longer. "Say Lex, did she tell you anything about... what happened between her and me last week?"
Alexa had wondered when or if he'd bring this up. "She didn't have to. I-I kind of saw you."
"You did?" R.J. said in surprise.
"She'd been really out of sorts that whole day," Alexa explained. "And I was worried about her. I knew she was down in the common room studying and I thought she'd fallen asleep. When I came downstairs to get her, I saw you kissing her."
"Well you know there's nothing going on between us right?" R.J. said the password and the portrait door swung open. "I mean, I wouldn't have asked you out if I had any feelings for Saf."
"I know," Alexa said honestly.
"Okay," R.J. smiled at her.
"You should probably go and shower," Alexa said. "And I need to go and owl my parents. There's something I need to ask them."
"Is that your way of telling me I smell?" R.J. teased.
"Of course not," she said holding her nose.
"What?" R.J. nudged her side. "What are you saying Lex?"
She laughed. "I wasn't saying anything, honestly."
"Better not have been," R.J. took off one of his gloves and threw it at her.
"Oooh," she said catching it. "I'd sleep with this under my pillow if it didn't reek."
"You are so in for it O'Leary," R.J. said. "You just wait until I'm a famous Quidditch player and you're begging for things to keep under your pillow."
"I'll give an exclusive interview to the Prophet about how I used to date R.J. Weasley when he was all smelly and gross and stinky," she teased.
R.J. laughed. "We'll continue this when I come back down," he said in a mock threatening manner.
Looking back on it, she didn't know how she managed to muster up the courage to do what she did, but without thinking she stepped closer to him and looped her arms around his neck. "If I thought you were smelly, would I do this?" she asked before pressing her lips to his.
He was surprised at her boldness but he responded in kind, giving her quite the snog right there in front of the common room's occupants.
"I'll see you soon," Alexa whispered when they pulled apart. Suddenly spending part of the summer in Brighton with him didn't seem quite so scary. She just hoped her parents would agree.
"I'll be back in just a bit." he grinned at her before heading up to the showers.
Alexa went to her room and pulled a piece of parchment from her school bag. She was nearly finished with her letter when Saffron burst into the room.
"Okay," she said rounding on her. "I take it you and R.J. made up because the talk of the school and the common room is about how you and R.J. were snogging like there was no tomorrow."
Alexa grinned. "You heard correctly."
Saffron beamed at her. "And you won't have to worry about Christina. I don't think she'll be bothering you or R.J. again for quite some time."
"Why?" Alexa asked. "What did you do to her?"
"Me?" Saffron asked innocently. "I didn't do anything to her....really."
"Saffy!" Alexa laughed.
"I may have tripped her," Saffron admitted gleefully. "She was trying to run after R.J. and I stuck my leg out...it wasn't pretty."
"I should feel sorry her but for some reason... I really don't!" Alexa snorted.
"And I told her if she even thought of doing anything to you or R.J., I'd hex her with permanent spots," Saffron continued. "I think that takes care of your Christina problem."
"I think so too," Alexa hugged her best friend. "Thank you so much Saffy. You're really the best."
Saffron hugged her back. "You are my best friend, Lex. If someone messes with you, they mess with me."
"And vice versa," Alexa laughed. "Not that I'm as daring as you or anything..."
"You're just as brave as I am," Saffron told her. "You just don't give yourself enough credit. There's a reason the Sorting Hat put you in Gryffindor."
"I suppose snogging R.J. in the common room might be a valid excuse," Alexa grinned at her friend.
"That could do it," Saffron teased. "And what's that you're writing?"
"A note to my parents," Alexa replied, folding it up.
"You're asking them about Brighton aren't you?" Saffron asked. "Please tell me you are!"
"Of course I am," Alexa said brightly. "I can't very well miss two parent free weeks away with my boyfriend can I?"
"You wouldn't want to do---hang on," Saffron said. "Did you just say your boyfriend?"
"R.J. asked me to be his girlfriend down right when we got inside," Alexa's cheeks were starting to hurt but she couldn't stop grinning.
"I told you so!" Saffron said giving her another hug. "This is fantastic!"
"I'm so happy right now," Alexa admitted. "I never, ever thought this could happen to me. And with R.J. of all people!"
Saffron was genuinely happy for her best friend and couldn't remember a time when she'd seen her like this. "I do feel I should warn you about something. R.J.'s told you about his two brothers right? You can look forward to all sorts of teases and taunts when you get to Brighton, but don't take it seriously. That's just how they are. If they treat you like that, it just means they like you."
"Okay," Alexa said. "Thanks for the warning." she giggled.
"And you already know Maddie," Saffron said. "I cannot wait until she finds out about you two."
"Maddie's his sister right? Alexa asked. "He has so many brothers and sisters..."
"Maddie's one of his sisters," Saffron explained. "And then there's Drew and Darla, his twin sisters. And Josh and Jon of course. Josh and his wife Lizzy are going to have a baby and Jon and his wife Allie have two little girls."
"Right," Alexa laughed. "Maddie's the one dating your brother. Now I remember."
Saffron frowned at the mention of Ethan. "I still need to think of something really good to get back at him. Him and his big mouth!"
"Oh come on," Alexa went to change her jumper. "It wasn't that bad was it?"
"You don't have an older brother so you wouldn't understand," Saffron said sitting down on her bed. "He had no right to go blabbing to R.J. about something that wasn't even true. Don't get me wrong, Lex. He's my brother and I love him, but he's going to pay."
"What if he does something to make up for it?" Alexa fiddled with her red hair.
"There's nothing he could do to make up for this," Saffron said stubbornly. "Nothing."
"I guess I'm in too good a mood to think of anything bad right now," Alexa said, gazing at her reflection in the mirror.
"Don't worry," Saffron said. "I'll think of something really good. You just enjoy your boyfriend."
Alexa laughed. "You're next Saffy. We need to find someone for you to hook up with so we can double!"
"I'm fine on my own," Saffron said. "I told you, I've got way too much on my plate to worry about dating right now."
Alexa smiled. "You're coming to the party downstairs right? Not too busy for that?"
"Of course not," Saffron said. "I wouldn't miss that."
"I'm going down to wait for R.J.," Alexa said.
"I'm going to get changed and I'll meet you downstairs," Saffron promised. "If you want, I'll even run up to the owlery and post your letter."
"Thanks Saffy," Alexa said, addressing it to her parents and handing it to her friend. "That's really nice of you."
"No problem," Saffron said with a shrug. "I need to write my mum and dad too."
"Good idea," Alexa laughed.
"About what a wanker their son is," Saffron muttered.
"Didn't you send him a Howler the other day?" Alexa asked as she was about to leave the room.
"Yes I did," Saffron said. "And do you know he hasn't even sent me a letter to apologise? He probably thinks I'll get over it."
"Maybe he's waiting for you to cool down a bit. It was a week ago though," Alexa offered.
"Maybe," Saffron said quietly. "You go on ahead Lex. I'll see you in a few."
"Okay Saffy," Alexa disappeared down the stairs.
R.J. wasn't in the common room, but most of his team mates were and the party was already in full swing. Someone had brought their wireless downstairs and music filled the room. Beth and Mimi, her missing roommates were huddled in front of the fire. Alexa contemplated going over and asking them where they'd been all afternoon.
Instead of bothering with them, Alexa went over to a table in the corner and helped herself to a butterbeer that someone had obviously snuck back from Hogsmeade.
"There he is ladies and gentlemen!" one of the Gryffindor keepers, Jason Jones called out causing Alexa to turn around. "The star of the game. The reason we might win the House Cup for the third year in a row! The best..."
"Did you pay him to say all that?" another of R.J.'s team mates Andrew Kirke asked R.J..
"Why pay him to say the truth?" R.J. boasted with a grin.
"You do know there was a scout from the Cannons in the stands today, didn't you?" Andrew asked. "He came over and spoke to us afterwards but you took off..."
"Shite, was there really?" R.J. asked.
Jason nodded. "He thought you were brilliant of course. Said he was going to watch your progress."
R.J. looked like he'd been handed the key to Gringotts biggest vault. "That's bloody awesome!" he exclaimed.
"Just remember us little people when you make it big," Jason joked. "Send some of the girls you don't want to date our way."
"Speaking of girls I want to date," R.J. turned to see if Alexa had made it back down yet.
Alexa gave him a slight wave from the refreshment table. R.J. motioned for her to join them and she took a deep breath before walking across the room. She knew of Andrew Kirke and Jason Jones, but they were both seventh years and she'd never spoken to them.
"Hi," she said softly to R.J..
"Hey," he put an arm around her. "Do I smell better?" he teased.
"Much," she replied grinning up at him.
"Hey guys this is Alexa," R.J. introduced her. "Lex this is Andrew and this is Jason- they're on the team with me."
"It's nice to meet you both," Alexa said looking at the two boys who just stared at her. "You played really well today."
"Thanks," Andrew finally said to her. "Glad you stayed and watched the whole game- it was pretty nasty out there."
"It was really cold," Alexa agreed. "I think they're calling for more snow tonight. It's a good thing you don't have to play tomorrow."
"Right," Andrew smiled at her. "So you and our little R.J. here aye?" he cuffed R.J.'s arm. "Way to go mate. She's cute!"
Alexa blushed not knowing what to say to this.
"Thanks mate," R.J. said hastily, pulling on her arm. "Come on Lex."
They sat down on one of the plush chairs in the back of the room.
"I heard about the scout," she told him. "That's really great R.J.."
"Yeah- I'm kind of glad I didn't know one was here," R.J. confessed. "Otherwise I'd have probably played to shit."
"I can't imagine you ever flying terribly," she said. "You always look like you know just what you're doing."
"I knew how to fly before I knew how to walk," R.J. laughed.
Alexa grinned. "I can tell how much you love it."
"Where's Saf?" R.J. asked, sitting back in his chair.
"She was going to get changed and then run up to the owlery to post some letters," Alexa replied taking a sip of her butterbeer.
"Where'd you find that?" R.J. asked. "I looked over to the table but they were all out of butterbeer!"
"I might have snagged the last one," she admitted. "You can have some of mine if you want."
"You're the best Lex," R.J. said. "You know, if you want to make it easier to share that you can come sit in this chair with me."
"Since you smell so good, how can I refuse?" she asked sitting down beside him.
R.J. wrapped an arm around her. "This is cosy," he said.
"I think so too," she said softly resting her head on his shoulder.
R.J. kissed her cheek, moving his lips to the corner of her mouth.
She turned her head a little to give him easier access.
"Is this an invitation to snog your shoes off?" R.J. asked with a grin.
Alexa grinned. "You could say that..."
"You mean in front of everyone?" R.J. teased huskily.
"I don't mind," she whispered. "If you don't."
"Well of course I don't mind," R.J. said, leaning in so their lips were just barely touching.
"Then there's no reason why we shouldn't--" Alexa said her words cut off by his kiss.
R.J. cupped her face in his hands, the butterbeer forgotten on the table next to them. Alexa leaned into him as he kissed her quite deeply.
"R.J.," she whispered.
"Hm?" he mumbled back.
"Nothing," she said happily resting her head on his shoulder again.
"Is something wrong?" he asked, leaning in to kiss her again.
"No, nothing's wrong," she answered. "I just really like this. Being with you like this."
He smiled down at her. "Me too Lex. Me too."