A/N: Thanks again to those of you who took the time to review last chapter- your thoughts and comments really do mean a lot to us!
This chapter is another fun one -it's got the date with the four teens, some Weasley bonding time, and some Frankie/Will goodness as well ;) As always, we hope that you'll take a few seconds after reading to leave a comment or two! Thanks!
It had taken all of Alexa's powers of persuasion to get R.J. to go out that night so that Saffron could see Sean. Now they were all sitting at a round table in a pizza pub, deciding what they wanted to eat.
"So what do you like on your pizza?" Sean asked looking at Saffron.
"Pretty much anything except pineapple," Saffron smiled at him.
Alexa squeezed R.J.'s hand as they shared a menu. She was proud of him for keeping quiet most of the walk to the pub and for not making any snide comments. She just hoped it would stay that way.
"We could get a pizza with half of what you like and half of what I like," Sean suggested to Saffron. "I'm thinking about pepperoni and mushrooms."
"Sure that sounds good," Saffron agreed. "What are you guys getting?" she had promised Alexa that she would be nice to R.J. that evening, but it didn't mean she had to talk directly to him.
"Want to get our usual?" Alexa asked looking at R.J..
"Sure," he replied. "Extra large- I'm hungry."
"You're always hungry," she teased.
"I'm a Weasley," he grinned at her and leaned in to peck her on the lips.
"Do you know anything about Quidditch?" Saffron asked Sean. "I mean has that thing you call a cousin ever talked about it?"
"No," Sean shook his head. "I mean, she said that you played it," he looked at R.J.. "But I really don't know anything about the sport itself. Sounds pretty interesting though."
Saffron, who had no idea what R.J. had learned from Drew earlier this afternoon, smiled. "My uncle Ron's daughter Drew dates a player. We could see if they could get us tickets..."
"No," R.J. said quickly.
Saffron glared at him across the table. "Your name isn't Ron or Drew and Paul's always been nice to me. If he wanted to give me tickets, he would."
"He's not as nice as you think he is," R.J. retorted.
Saffron shook her head. "Is he not a member of your fan club or something? Contrary to popular belief Ronnie Junior, you aren't God's gift to Quidditch."
"Saffy," Alexa said softly. "Couldn't you get tickets like your brother did, from that one girl you guys know who works for Puddlemere?"
Saffron smiled triumphantly at her friend. "Yes I could! They're having a much better year than the Cannons anyway."
R.J. sent a look of gratitude to his girlfriend. "Come on, we'll go up to the bar and order," he said, squeezing her hand.
"We'll place your order too," Alexa told Sean and Saffron. "Would you two like sodas?"
"That sounds good," Saffron agreed, glad to spend at least a few minutes alone with Sean.
Alexa followed R.J. up to the bar and they waited for someone to wait on them. She knew he'd been a little preoccupied all afternoon since he'd spent most of it with his family.
"Is everything okay?" she asked. "You've looked a little sad today."
"I'm okay," he said, wondering if he should tell her what had happened to Drew. "Just... I've got a lot on my mind."
"Saffy's going to come around," Alexa said reassuringly, thinking that was what had him so preoccupied.
"It's more than that..." R.J. said. "It's something that involves my sister... I want to tell you but I don't know if she wants anyone to know outside the family and--"
"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to," she interjected. "That was between your family and it's not really..."
"Maybe later?" he asked. "I was hoping to get you alone and I don't mean here at the counter."
"I was hoping you'd say that," she said winking at him.
"And much as I hate doing any favours for her," R.J. looked back and saw Saffron and Sean in a lip lock back in the booth. "I know she wants to be alone with him without her dad knowing."
"We could get our own table," Alexa suggested.
"It's okay," R.J. replied as he told the man behind the counter what they wanted. "I'll suffer through it."
Alexa grinned and she and R.J. took the sodas back to the table.
"They'll bring the pizzas out when they're ready," Alexa said handing Saffron and Sean their sodas.
"Great," Saffron said as she pulled away from Sean. "You didn't spit in mine did you?" she frowned at R.J..
"I'd sure like to," R.J. glared right back at her. "Look let's just call a truce for the night okay?"
"I'm not the one acting all immature," Saffron shot back.
Alexa sighed. "I love you both, but you're seriously starting to get on my nerves. Can you please just be civil to each other for one night?"
"I offered to," R.J. said. "She's being the bitch here."
"Excuse me?" Saffron asked.
"Mate, that's a bit uncalled for," Sean said in Saffron's defence.
"You know, I think R.J. and I will just get our own table," Alexa cut in hastily.
"Happy now?" Saffron asked R.J.. "You've taken my best friend and made her one of your fans. You insult me and she goes off with you."
"Saffy..." Alexa said quickly. "You know that's not true..."
"Whatever," Saffron said. "Come on Sean, we'll have more fun on our own." she took his hand and dragged him to another table across the pub.
"Have fun explaining to your father why you showed up at home without us," R.J. called after her.
Alexa sat down and put her face in her hands. "Why do you two always have to fight?" she asked. "I hate being in the middle like this! And she promised me she'd be nice tonight!"
R.J. sat down beside her. "Hey, Lexie? I'm sorry. I knew this wasn't a good idea."
"It's okay R.J.," Alexa said. "I don't want to ruin our holiday together."
"You couldn't," he said squeezing her hand. "Hey? Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight? Hmm? Did you buy this today?" he asked fingering the material of her dress.
"Yeah," she said shyly. "Saffy told me it made my hair colour stand out."
"Though it pains me to admit it," R.J. said with a grin. "She was right. You look amazing, Lex."
"Thank you," Alexa said softly. "I like when you wear light blue R.J.." he was wearing jeans and a shirt he had buttoned up and rolled his sleeves back a bit so they were halfway up his forearms.
"You do?" R.J. asked playing with the strap of her dress.
"Mmmhmm..." Alexa agreed, leaning closer to him.
"Which one of you is the pepperoni and mushroom?" a gruff voice said from behind them. R.J. groaned and reluctantly pulled away from his girlfriend.
"That would be the brat in the purple back there," he said motioning over his shoulder. "We'd be the extra cheese and extra pepperoni."
The pizza was plonked down unceremoniously in front of them as the man headed towards Sean and Saffron's booth with the other pie.
"She hates me now too," Alexa said morosely. "I hate it when we fight."
"She doesn't hate you," R.J. reassured her. "She's just a pissy brat."
"She knows how to hold a grudge," Alexa said shaking her head. "I can't win. If I go after you, she gets mad. If I go after her, you get mad."
"I'm not mad at you," R.J. said as he pulled a slice of cheesy pizza out of the pie. "I won't get mad at you if you go after her either."
Alexa smiled at both his words and the fact that he offered her the first piece of pizza. "I love you."
"I love you too Lexie," R.J. kissed her. "I don't like it that you're upset."
"I felt the same way when I saw you this afternoon," she said softly. "I wish I could do something to make you feel better."
"You're here with me," R.J. said. "This is all I need right now."
"Me too," Alexa said leaning in for another kiss.
From their own booth, Saffron tried to forget about her traitorous best friend and R.J.. If the two of them were going to act like that, they deserved each other. Besides, she'd wanted to be alone with Sean anyway. She smiled as Sean handed her a slice.
"So," she said finishing the story she'd started to tell him before the waiter arrived with their pizza. "I was around six when my dad first took me out with him and Grandpa..."
"And you actually beat both of them?" Sean asked with a laugh.
"I think Grandpa might have let me win," Saffron said. "But my dad was completely gob smacked. He made me promise not to tell Ethan or Uncle Ron."
Sean laughed. "So then for Christmas your grandfather got you professional clubs?"
"Yes," Saffron said. "I wish I'd brought them with me."
"Well," Sean began. "When we both go back to London we could get together to play sometime... if you want. You know, before you go back to school."
"I'd love that," Saffron said grinning at him. "And I can't wait for you to meet my Grandpa. I think you'll hit it off."
Sean smiled back at her. "It sounds like fun."
"So it was nice running into you this morning," Saffron said. "Even your dad. You managed to get him away from the computer and his mobile, eh?"
"Yeah, for an hour to jog down the beach," Sean laughed. "He's terrible really."
"So are you going to be like that when you grow up?" Saffron asked.
"If that's the case, I hope I never grow up," Sean joked. "I actually want to get into music."
"You do?" Saffron asked interestedly. "Singing? Playing an instrument? Or do you want to do something behind the scenes?"
"A little of everything," Sean replied.
"You should talk to my brother-in-law," Saffron said. "He's a really talented musician and singer."
"Really? In... your world? The Wizarding world?" Sean asked, pulling another slice of pizza towards him.
Saffron nodded. "He's thought about crossing over, but I think he likes the anonymity he has when he ventures out into the Muggle world."
"What's his name?" Sean asked interestedly.
"Nick Malfoy," Saffron replied.
"I think my cousin fancies him," Sean grinned. "She'll freak when I tell her I met him."
"She'll probably freak when she finds out you spent most of your holiday with me," Saffron said laughing.
"And I can't wait to tell her about that," Sean leaned in. "And I can't wait to tell her what a great kisser you are..."
"That would probably kill her," Saffron grinned wickedly.
"And I think it'll kill me if I don't kiss you right now," Sean flirted.
"I wouldn't want that on my hands now would I?" Saffron asked leaning in.
Sean pressed his lips to hers gently, running his hands through her hair.
Nearly an hour later, R.J. and Alexa were about to walk out of the restaurant.
"I don't really want to," Saffron said reluctantly. "But we should walk back with them. My dad would ground me if I came back alone."
"Okay," Sean squeezed her hand. "Hey guys wait up!" he called after them.
If it wasn't for Alexa, R.J. would have left both of them and let Saffron deal with the consequences. He slowed his pace and put an arm around Alexa.
"Thank you," she whispered, kissing his cheek. "How was your pizza?" she asked conversationally, trying to pretend as if everything was okay as Saffron and Sean came up alongside them.
When Saffron didn't answer, Sean smiled at Alexa. "It was really good. Best I've had in quite some time."
"Good," Alexa said, wishing her friend would stop acting this way.
Sean decided to give the two girls the chance to talk and he walked ahead with R.J. asking the other boy to explain the ins and outs of Quidditch something R.J. was only too happy to talk about.
"You're mad at me, aren't you?" Alexa asked looking sideways at her best friend.
Saffron shrugged in reply.
"Don't be like this," Alexa said. "Come on Saffy. We had a really good time this morning when we went shopping."
"Until you came back and you were all over R.J.," Saffron replied.
"You went sailing with your parents," Alexa argued. "And I wasn't all over R.J.. He spent most of the afternoon with his own family, Saffy."
"I guess I am being kind of a brat tonight," Saffron said grudgingly after a few moments to let Alexa's words sink in.
"You guess?" Alexa teased nudging her friend.
"All right," Saffron smiled at her. "I guess I really can't be angry at you Lex. R.J.'s your boyfriend, prat that he is."
"And you've been a little preoccupied yourself," Alexa pointed out motioning to Sean.
"He's pretty dreamy isn't he?" Saffron asked.
Alexa giggled. "If you like Muggle boys.."
Saffron bumped Alexa's shoulder. "So he's not redheaded and he's Muggle. He's still an excellent kisser, at least in my opinion."
"If you end up married to him, Christina Grant would be a member of your family," Alexa teased bumping her right back.
"Sod off," Saffron said and began to laugh. "Could you imagine the look on her face though?"
"Oh my God!" Alexa said in a near perfect imitation of Christina. "First Junior and then that horrible little tart Saffron Potter. This is so unfair!"
Sean spun around, his face nearly contorted in terror. "Don't do that without warning!" he pleaded.
"What are you going to do about it?" Saffron asked running ahead of him and beckoning him to run after her.
R.J. rejoined Alexa. "So you two make up?"
"Yeah," Alexa said. "Now we just have to have you two bury the hatchet--"
"Don't hold your breath," R.J. said tickling her side. "But I do promise to be somewhat civil for your sake, Miss O'Leary."
"You're the best R.J.," Alexa pulled him close and kissed him. "That's why I love you."
"I'm okay," R.J. said modestly.
"You're more than okay in my book," Alexa said, keeping him close.
"Come on snoggers," Saffron called out from ahead. "We don't want to miss curfew."
"We can snog back at the house," R.J. said, taking her hand.
"I'm glad to see you smiling again," she said softly leaning against him as they walked.
"I blame you," he teased her.
"Part of my duties as girlfriend I guess," she said.
R.J. slipped his arm around her. "Does this mean you're sneaking into my room tonight?"
*** *** ***
Maddie yawned as she helped Darla set the table. Last night when she and Ethan came inside, she'd been whisked away to a Weasley family meeting. Everyone thought it would be a great idea to do something to cheer Drew up and let her know that no matter what happened, she'd always have her family.
So every Weasley awoke early determined to make the morning special for their sister. Jon and Josh were in charge of the menu and Maddie laughed as she looked at the mountain of pancakes, eggs, sausage and bacon that her brothers had already made.
R.J. was slicing up some watermelon and had already fallen asleep three times.
"Ronnie Junior," Darla said shaking him. "You're going to cut yourself if you're not careful."
"Keep shaking me like that and I'm sure I will," R.J. replied, rubbing his eyes blearily.
"You sure are grumpy in the mornings," Darla teased. "I don't remember you being like that when we were kids."
"He had a late night," Jon said in mock sympathy. "Snogging the evening away with his girlfriend..."
"How about we talk about you and your wife in the bathroom two nights ago?" R.J. shot back. "A silencing charm would have been nice..."
Josh laughed at his twin. "We all had to listen to Boo Bear in action."
"I am never playing Truth or Dare with you lot ever again," Jon muttered.
"All right, enough," Darla said. "I really don't need to know about Allie's pet name for Jon. R.J. can you please finish with that fruit? And Maddie- is the table set outside?"
"It's all set," Maddie said. "And I found some really beautiful flowers for the centrepiece."
"Great," Darla smiled at her sister. "So... why don't you tell me all about last night?" she whispered, pulling her aside. "I've never seen you look so smug Madeline."
Maddie grinned. "We had a really, really great time, Dar."
"You're going to tell me a little more than that aren't you?" Darla crossed her arms.
Maddie leaned against the counter. "Well, he took me out to that really nice restaurant in town where we both ate and drank a little too much."
"Uh oh," Darla said with a knowing grin.
"And he gave me the most beautiful sapphire earrings," Maddie said. "After breakfast, I'll have to show you and Drew."
"He bought you earrings?" Darla asked. "How lovely! What did you give him?"
Maddie frowned. "I-I didn't. I've had so much on my mind with what's going on at work that I never really got around to shopping. He didn't say anything, but I felt terrible."
"Hmm..." Darla bit her lower lip in thought. "Perhaps later we could run into town and see if me and Drew can help you pick something out for him- if you want to that is."
"I'd love that," Maddie said giving Darla a hug.
"And you know how much Drew likes to shop," Darla laughed as she hugged her little sister back.
"Yes we do," Maddie said and she and Darla joined back in with the final preparations.
"I haven't told Ethan about what happened," Maddie said wondering if her siblings had said anything to their significant others.
"I told Allie," Jon admitted. "She and Drew talked for awhile last night."
"I thought about telling Lex," R.J. said, setting the large bowl of mixed fruit on the counter.
"Daddy didn't tell Aunt Hermione or Uncle Harry, but I think they could tell something was wrong," Darla said.
"I'm not saying anything unless Drew says it's okay to," Maddie said firmly.
"I still say we need to do something to that wanker Paul," R.J. said crossly.
"I'm all for that," Jon's eyes were narrowed.
"I never told Drew this, but I always felt something was off about him," Darla said guiltily. "You know how you just get this strange feeling whenever you're around someone and you just can't shake it? That's how I felt around him. I wish I'd have said something..."
"He'll wish he never said anything to Drew if Jon, R.J., Dad or I catch up with him," Josh said furiously.
"You mess with one of us, you mess with all of us," Darla said looking proudly at her brothers and sister.
"That's damn right," Jon said. "I think breakfast is all ready."
"I'll go upstairs and get her," Darla said grinning. "Be right back."
Maddie carried the bowl of fruit outside while Josh used a heating charm on the platters of hot food and levitated them out behind him.
Upstairs, Darla gently shook her sister. "Come on Drew. Wake up, sleepyhead."
"Five more minutes Dar..." Drew mumbled, burying her face in her pillow.
"Come on," Darla said shaking her again. "Remember, you promised you'd go for a walk with me this morning. I'm ready to go now!"
"Did I really promise that?" Drew asked, blinking against the sunlight shining in the window.
"Yes," Darla said smiling sweetly at her. "And don't worry, we'll stop off at that bakery on the way back."
"All right, I'm coming," Drew got up and pulled her hair back into a tiny ponytail then threw on her pyjama trousers.
"Where are my trainers?" Drew asked.
"Downstairs," Darla said grabbing her sister's hand. "Come on, Drew. We need to go now!"
"What's the big rush?" Drew grumbled. "It's not like a walk will be gone by the time we get to the beach."
"I know, but I'm just really ready to breathe in that fresh ocean air," Darla said enthusiastically. "Come on!" She pulled Drew out of the room and down the stairs.
"Okay!" Drew rubbed her shoulder, which Darla nearly had pulled out of the socket.
Darla led her sister through the kitchen and toward the door.
"Wait, I haven't got my trainers," Drew protested.
"You won't need them," Darla said opening the door. "Come see..."
"Surprise!" everyone grinned when Darla pulled Drew outside.
Drew was speechless as she stepped out onto the deck. Darla put an arm around her sister. "Speak Drew."
"What's this for?" Drew asked. "It's not my birthday. I haven't..."
"We just wanted to show you we care," Maddie smiled at her sister. "We all thought it might be nice to have breakfast together like we all used to do."
"You guys..." Drew said tears welling up in her eyes.
"Don't cry," Jon said giving his sister a hug. "Josh and I made all of this. All your favourites."
"This looks fantastic," Drew sniffed. "You guys are the best. You really are."
"They didn't make all of it," R.J. said defensively as they all sat down. "I sliced the fruit."
"I set the table," Maddie chimed in.
"And we didn't fight not once," Darla said proudly.
"Mum and Dad would be so proud," Drew laughed.
"Do you remember that time we had the food fight and Dad wasn't mad that we'd trashed the kitchen," Darla said giggling. "But that we'd wasted all that food!"
"And then he went scavenging for any edible bits?" Maddie finished as they all sat down and Josh began to pass the plates around the table.
"And he fought me for that piece of garlic bread," Josh said. "His own son!"
"Should have given him your Maddie face," R.J. joked. "No one can turn that down."
"You mean this one?" Maddie asked, laughing as she widened her eyes.
"That's the one," R.J. said laughing.
"We know Ethan can't resist it either," Jon couldn't help but say.
"It didn't always work on him though," Josh said.
"Now it sure does," R.J. cracked. "We saw them coming up from the beach last night when I was coming home with Lex and Saffron."
"Could someone pass me the pancakes?" Maddie asked. "Please?"
Darla handed the platter to her sister. "Stop picking on Maddie, Boo Bear."
"Allie has only called me that maybe three times," Jon said defensively.
"Three times a shag session," Josh snorted.
"Okay Poetry Boy," Jon retorted. "Let's talk about those odes you wrote to Julie."
Drew laughed. "How come you never told any of them to us?" she asked.
"You didn't miss much Drew," Jon said. "They were along the lines of "roses are red, violets are blue....Julie's never going to love me and now I spend all my time in the loo..."
"Sod off wanker," Josh replied. "I got the woman I wanted in the end."
"Third time was the charm," Darla teased.
"This is excellent you guys," Drew said. "When did the two of you learn to cook?"
"Allie taught me everything I know," Jon said. "She's much better than me, but I think Josh and I did okay."
"Better than okay," Drew said. "All of you. This is really fantastic of you guys."
"We love you Drew," R.J. said. "And you say the word and Paul's nothing but dust."
"I'll keep that in mind," Drew smiled. "This really helps a lot, having you guys around."
"We'll always be here for you Drew," Maddie promised. "No matter what."
"Thank you," Drew hugged her. "Thank you so much."
Just inside the house, Hermione and Harry were eating a light breakfast. They hadn't seen nor heard anything going on outside.
"What smells so good?" Saffron asked as she and Alexa came into the kitchen.
"I'm not sure," Harry said. "We just got down here about ten minutes ago."
"Uncle Ron didn't cook and not invite us, did he?" Saffron asked sitting down and pouring herself a cup of juice.
"I'm sure there wouldn't be a pile of crumbs over there if he did," Hermione replied with a smile. "How was your date last night sweetheart?"
"Great," Saffron said. She smiled across the table at her father. "Thanks for letting me go, Dad."
"I'm glad you had fun," Harry said. "And I trust you were responsible and--"
"Harry," Hermione said, placing a hand on his.
"Right," Harry said nodding. "Good morning, Alexa. How about you? Did you and R.J. have a nice night too?"
"Yes we did Mr. Potter," Alexa said. "Thank you."
"Has anyone seen Maddie?" Ethan said coming into the kitchen rubbing his eyes. He had a really horrible case of bed head and Saffron giggled.
"Yes, I have seen her," Saffron said sweetly. "She's quite tall and has long blonde hair..."
"Smartarse," Ethan cuffed her. "I mean has anyone seen her this morning? She wasn't in bed."
"We haven't sweetheart," Hermione said. "Your father just made some fresh coffee though."
"Sounds good," Ethan yawned. "Anyone else want some?"
"I'm still working on my first..." Hermione started to say but she heard the sound of muffled laughter coming from just outside. Saffron walked over to the door and saw Drew, Darla, Jon, Josh, R.J. and Maddie sitting outside eating breakfast.
"What's that about?" Saffron asked.
"I'm not sure," Harry mused, coming up behind her. He shared a look with Hermione and she shook her head the tiniest bit.
"Can we go out?" Saffron asked.
"Best not," Hermione said putting an arm around Saffron.
"How come?" she asked curiously.
"I think this is something for just them," Hermione said. She'd suspected something was going on with them, but she'd not wanted to pry.
"Oh," Saffron replied, accepting what her mother said. "Good- now Alexa and I can claim the showers and get the most hot water."
"Saffy," Alexa giggled.
"Well it's true," Saffron said. "I mean normally we have to wait and by then the water's gone cold."
"All this and tactful too," Ethan teased his little sister.
Saffron turned on him and grinned. "So Ethan... you and Maddie looked pretty happy when we saw you stumbling back to the house last night."
"We were," Ethan said smiling at the memory of what he and Maddie did last night. "How about you and Snoggin' Sean?"
"Perfectly peachy thank you," Saffron said in the same sweet tone.
"Saffron Grace was sucking face," Ethan sang, making Alexa laugh.
"Keep this up and you'll end up missing without a trace," Saffron shot back.
Ethan laughed. "Boy she really put me in my place!" he finished, making his parents laugh as well.
"Nice to see you two getting along," Hermione said.
"Oh we try Mum," Ethan said, slinging an arm around his little sister. "Saf's the best."
"And I didn't have to pay him to say that," Saffron said giggling.
They were all still chuckling when the back door opened and the Weasleys started pouring back in. Maddie caught sight of her boyfriend standing at the counter and ran over to give him a hug.
"Hiya Mads," Ethan said hugging her back.
"Morning," she said, her arms around his neck.
"What's going on?" he asked.
"Just having breakfast with my brothers and sisters," she replied, kissing his cheek.
Ethan had a feeling there was more to it than that, but he decided not to push the issue. "I dreamt about you last night."
"You did?" she asked, a pleased smile on her face.
"Mmmhmm," Ethan replied. "Maddie Molly..."
"Tell me about it," she said, laughing as she tried to smooth down his hair.
"Well," he said looking into her eyes. "You and I were on a beach..."
"And?" Maddie whispered, forgetting there were other people in the room.
"Well you gave me a really long, sweet kiss," he said. "And if you come upstairs with me right now, I'll show you how it ended..."
Maddie grinned and she and Ethan nearly sprinted out of the kitchen and back upstairs.
"There's plenty of leftovers if you guys want some," Josh offered the others. "We didn't eat it all."
"If you don't save anything for your father he'll probably kill all of us," Harry pointed out with a grin.
"Daddy!" Caroline called out as she, Allison and Emma came into the kitchen. Jon scooped her up into his arms.
"How's my big girl this morning?" Jon asked kissing her forehead.
"I'm good," Caroline hugged him. "Did you make breakfast Daddy?"
"Dada!" Emma toddled over. "Emma eat Dada!"
"Oh Emma doesn't want to eat Dada," Jon grinned. "But how about some pancakes?"
"Can Emma and I take my magic carpet with us to the beach?" Caroline asked.
"No sweetheart," Allison said. "Remember how Daddy and I talked to you before we came about people who don't understand magic?"
Caroline nodded. "And they might not like seeing me on my magic carpet, right?"
"Right angel girl," Jon pinched her cheek.
"Can we ride it inside?" Caroline asked.
"You'll have to ask," Jon said.
"Please?" Caroline asked holding her hands together.
"Peas?" Emma said trying to copy Caroline.
Jon looked at Harry. "If we keep them a foot or so off the floor do you think they could ride around the sitting room?"
Harry grinned at the two young girls. "Who could say no to those faces?" he asked, scooping both of them up. "Of course you can ride around."
"Yay!" Caroline said giggling.
"Those carpets are cool," Saffron said. "I wish I'd had one growing up."
"Me too," Alexa said. "I only had Muggle toys."
"You can ride on it too," Caroline offered.
"Thanks," Alexa said smiling at her. "That's very sweet of you Caroline."
"Come on," Saffron said, setting her empty glass in the sink. "Let's get the showers before everyone else does."
Alexa nodded and followed Saffron out of the kitchen.
"So have you two girls got a big day planned?" Hermione asked Drew and Darla.
"Oh," Darla turned to her sister. "We have to take Maddie into town shopping. She needs to find a gift for Ethan."
"For their anniversary?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah," Darla nodded. "I guess she didn't realise that he was getting something for her."
"I'm sure she just didn't know," Hermione replied.
"Do you have any ideas about what to get?" Drew asked. "Since you are Ethan's mum and all..."
"Well," Hermione thought for a moment. "I remember when I got Harry this our first Christmas together..." she reached over and took her husband's wrist.
"What are you doing?" Harry asked.
"Showing Drew and Darla that bracelet I got for you," she said holding up his arm for the girls to see.
"The one that made me a kept man?" Harry joked.
"Branded you forever as mine," Hermione grinned.
Harry grinned at the two redhead girls in front of them. "Hear that?" he shook his head. "She's lucky I love her so much." he pulled Hermione onto his lap.
"Do you think Ethan would like something like that?" Drew asked with a smile, inspecting the ID bracelet.
"I think he just might," Hermione said.
"We'll tell Maddie," Darla said. "Thanks," she grinned.
"No problem," Hermione said smiling at them.
*** *** ***
"Two weeks," Frankie said, flopping down on the sofa. "Two bloody weeks and I finally got Lee to decide on a dress." she sighed. "Will, I never thought I'd say this but I never want to go shopping ever again!"
"I'm going to mark the date and time," Will teased plonking down beside her. "And remind you of this when you change your mind."
"Don't you dare," Frankie said, leaning against him.
"I'm going to remind you of this temporary lapse of sanity," he said pulling her closer.
"Mmm..." Frankie said, closing her eyes as she buried her face in his shoulder. "And we've also got to look at that little house tomorrow. It's so cute Will. I can't wait for you to see it."
"And I get to have input on the decoration?" he asked.
"I already told you yes," Frankie replied.
"I'll believe it when I see it," Will said.
"Are you doubting me?" Frankie raised her head off his shoulder.
"No," he said touching her cheek. "I'm proud of you for compromising, Frankie."
She shook her head and smiled. "I'm excited," she said, looking at her engagement ring. "I mean we're going to be married. I really didn't think I'd ever feel this way about marriage."
"You'll be stuck with me," he said holding her hand.
Frankie leaned in and kissed him. "I can think of worse things," she teased.
"Trying to convince your niece to take a bath while she's convinced she's a Disney princess?" Will asked.
"That could be one of them," Frankie laughed.
"Well while you were out shopping with Alicia," Will said. "I had lunch with your dad."
"Did you now?" Frankie asked.
Will nodded. "He wanted to give me the old 'take care of my little girl' talk."
"Oh no he didn't!" Frankie turned red. "Please tell me he didn't!"
"Relax Longbottom," he said laughing. "It was very nice. In fact, my mum wants to have the same talk with you about taking care of her little boy."
"You mean going out with Mary and having her do that wasn't enough?" Frankie asked.
"You said you had fun with Mary," he said raising an eyebrow.
"I did," Frankie said. "She's got a great fashion sense. But it was a bit freaky when Claire went to get us drinks and she gave me this evil stare and told me I better never hurt you again. After that things were just peachy."
"Well that's good," Will said with a laugh.
Frankie closed her eyes and leaned against him again. "I just can't wait for all this to be over." she laughed. "That sounded horrible but I didn't mean it that way. I just want us to be married, settled into our new home, and I'm really excited about our honeymoon."
"I know what you mean," Will agreed. "I'm really looking forward to the honeymoon."
"Hawaii," Frankie said dreamily. "I've been wanting to go there ever since Chiaki and Tosh went for their honeymoon."
"I went there once when I was a kid," Will said. "I was only six at the time and I have a feeling that I'll have a much better time with you than I did with Jack using me as his personal punching bag."
Frankie laughed. "I'll definitely make sure you have a better time," she said in a husky voice.
"I know you will," he said giving her a kiss.
"I really think you'll like this house," Frankie said, moving over to straddle his lap. "It's one of those cute row houses."
"Tell me more about it," Will said.
"It's in a new Wizarding section of the city," Frankie began. "Accessible to Diagon Alley and everything. And it's got red bricks- you know how much I love red bricks..."
"I didn't," he said laughing. "But that's good to know."
"Well it used to belong to some Muggles, so the wizard that took the whole row of homes over gutted them all out. So we get to start right from the base for decorating," Frankie grinned. "If we take it. I really think you'll like it."
"If it makes you this happy, I'm sure I will," Will said softly. "Our very first home. The place where we'll begin our life together and where we'll...start a family."
"Right," Frankie said after a moment. "But not right away... I want a few years before we settle down for kids."
"I wasn't trying to rush you Frankie," he said squeezing her hand. "I've always wanted children. I've not made that a secret, but we'll do that when we're both ready."
Frankie smiled at him. "Thank you," she said softly, brushing his hair back.
"For what?" he asked.
"Just for loving me the way you do," Frankie said, giving him a gentle kiss. "For a long time I never thought I'd meet anyone like you. And I certainly never thought I'd love anyone this way."
Will smiled. "And I never thought I'd meet someone like you. From the moment I set eyes on you Frankie Longbottom, you threw me for a loop."
She grinned. "I remember I kept seeing you around that pub when I was there with Alicia. You were always staring at me."
"Trying to work up the nerve to talk to you," he said. "Had to get some liquid courage in me."
Frankie laughed. "I just remember when you finally came up to me. I thought you were so bumbling and cute."
"Bumbling and cute?" Will asked. "Frankie? I wasn't going for bumbling and cute! I was trying to be handsome and mysterious."
"I enjoyed the bumbling and cute," Frankie said, winding her arms around his neck. "And it turned into handsome and bumbling." she giggled.
"Great," he said shaking his head. "And then your 'friend' Alicia told me to take my pervy arse back to the bar..."
"So you went," Frankie laughed. "And then a half hour later, I offered to buy you a drink."
"And we spent the next two hours talking," Will remembered. "About everything and nothing."
"And the rest is history... four years later," Frankie was giggling. "No matter how many times we fought, we always worked it out. We broke up but we always got back together."
"Because we belong together," Will said giving her another kiss.
"We definitely do," Frankie said. "I love you so... so... much..."
"So much that you'll marry me?" he asked.
"I'm wearing your ring aren't I?" she asked loftily.
"Is that what this is?" Will joked.
"You dolt," Frankie hit him in the shoulder.
"In two weeks you'll be Mrs. Dolt," he reminded her.
Frankie laughed. "And loving every moment of it," she said, kissing him again.
*** *** ***
Maddie enjoyed the shopping excursion into town with her sisters. It was nice having the chance to spend some time with them. It was even better seeing Drew having a good time.
Her sisters had told her about Hermione's idea of the ID bracelet and Maddie knew it would be the perfect gift for her boyfriend.
"I think this one is perfect," Maddie said, looking at a silver one with thick links, much like the one his father wore. "And the salesman said they could engrave it in an hour."
"What will the engraving say?" Darla asked. "Property of Madeline Molly Weasley?"
Maddie giggled. "I don't think they could fit that on there."
"You could shorten it," Drew said with a grin.
"I think I'll just settle for 'Love, Maddie," the blonde replied still giggling.
"Not as flashy, but I think it'll do," Drew said giggling.
While the bracelet was being engraved, Maddie insisted on treating her two sisters to coffee. "Come on," she said. "We never get to see each other anymore."
"We've actually thought about coming back to London," Darla admitted. "We've been spending so much time going back and forth planning Frankie's wedding."
"Like moving back?" Maddie asked excitedly.
"We discussed it," Drew said. "And being around you guys this morning, it just really hit it home for me how much I miss you and mum and dad."
Maddie threw her arms around her sister. "This is so exciting," she said happily.
"And we'd want to be here when Lizzy has..." Darla said but stopped herself.
"It's okay Dar," Drew said as Maddie pulled away. "I can't change the fact that our sister in law is about to pop with three babies."
"I should have thought though," Darla said guiltily. "I know it's not been easy for you."
"I know," Drew said. "But really, telling Mum and Dad has helped a lot. And what you guys all did for me this morning... that was really fantastic."
"That was just like old times," Darla said. "We should do stuff like that more often all six of us."
"We will," Maddie said.
"So you should tell us more about Ethan and what you two did last night," Darla said. She looked conspiratorially at her twin. "I tried to get most of it out of her this morning, but she was being kind of vague."
Maddie blushed. "It was our first anniversary," she said. "I showed you both the earrings he gave me."
"The good juicy stuff," Darla said firmly. "Now Madeline."
Maddie blushed even more and that made Drew laugh. "She's turning quite a deep red there Dar," she teased. "I think our little sister's all grown up now..."
"No," Maddie shook her head. "We didn't do that. We haven't done that yet."
"You said that you'd agreed to wait right?" Darla asked.
"Right," Maddie said. "But... okay do you both promise you'll never tell anyone about this?"
Drew and Darla both nodded.
"I sort of let him... touch me." Maddie revealed in a whisper.
"You did?" Darla asked louder than she'd meant to. She looked sheepishly around to make sure no one had heard. "I'm sorry. I mean you did?"
"Yeah," Maddie said. "I've always sort of shied away from doing things like that but last night... he just made me feel so good. I didn't want to stop you know?"
"I don't know how you've done it living with him like you have," Darla said shaking her head. "You two must have such willpower."
"It's really not easy," Maddie replied as their coffee was set down in front of them. "We just had a row over it the first day we were here... but now everything's fine. Better than fine really... it's absolutely fantastic."
Drew grinned. "That's great, Maddie. I'm really happy for you."
"Thanks Drew," Maddie said. "Part of me feels so ashamed for being happy while you were so upset."
"You shouldn't," Drew reassured her. "You have your own life, Maddie. I want you to be happy."
Maddie hugged her again. "Thanks Drew." she grinned. "I never told you both about New Year's Eve either did I? What Ethan gave me that night and what he said..."
An hour later Maddie happily collected her gift for her boyfriend and the three sisters headed back to the beach house.
Ron told Maddie that Ethan was out on the beach with Julie and Nick and she'd thought for a moment about changing into her swimming costume before joining him but found she couldn't wait.
"Hiya Maddie," Nick said when he spotted her.
"Hey Nick," she grinned at him. "How are you this gorgeous day?"
Nick laughed. "Probably not as good as you."
"Come on Nick," Julie said getting up. "Let's go check on the girls. I think they'd like to be alone."
"She just doesn't want to see us snog," Ethan said shamelessly, reaching for his girlfriend. "How's my favourite girl?"
"Perfect," Maddie said dreamily. "Ecstatic."
"Allow me to make it better," Ethan gave her a rather thorough and passionate kiss.
"Wow," Maddie said breathlessly when they pulled apart.
"You Maddie Molly... are incredible." Ethan nipped at her lower lip. "Did you have fun in town with your sisters?"
"I did," she replied. "And I have something for you actually."
"You do?" he asked, sitting up.
Maddie nodded and reached into her bag for the small box. "I know I'm a day late..."
"Awwww Mads, did you buy me earrings too?" he teased as she handed him the box.
"Yes," she said laughing. "I thought we could match."
"You shouldn't have," he fluttered his eyes at her.
Maddie punched him in the arm. "Open the present before I take it back."
Ethan laughed. "All right, all right." he said, prying open the box. "Hey! This is fantastic!"
"You really like it?" she asked hopefully.
"I love it," he said, lifting it from the box. "It looks almost just like my dad's!"
"I'm so glad you like it," she said. "Read the inscription..."
"All my love, Maddie." Ethan read. "That's great," he couldn't stop his grin. "Thank you." he gave her another kiss.
Maddie smiled. "I should probably go up to the house and get changed. I'm a little overdressed."
"I'll go back with you," he said as she helped him fasten the ID bracelet around his wrist. "I could use something to drink."
Maddie linked arms with Ethan and felt happier than she could ever remember feeling.