A/N: I'm (Heaven) sorry I didn't get to review replies this time around- it was a pretty stressful day at work and then I got the great pleasure of taking my dogs to the vet for shots which is always a scream. This chapter is a more lighthearted turn from the previous one- we HATED doing that to Robert but it was coming for a long time now and it provided some very good angst.
As always, PLEASE leave us a review- we get thousands of hits every chapter and only about 25-35 reviews on average a chapter so please speak up and let us know what you think!
It was several days now after Robert's funeral and the Potter family was doing the best they could to pick up the pieces and move on. Despite Hermione's insistence, Elinore was adamant that she return home- she wanted to stay in the home she'd shared for so long with her husband. Hermione and Harry both returned to work and Saffron was pretty much left up to her own devices.
She was rather bored- she could have gone over to Nick and Julie's to spend time with Greta, or gone to see R.J. or Alexa, but part of her didn't feel up to socializing yet.
Since it was a nice day, she decided to get a book and sit in the garden, but just as she was about to enter the library the phone started to ring. With a resigned sigh, she picked up the telephone.
"Hello?" she asked impatiently.
"Hello is um... May I please speak to Saffron?" a familiar voice came over the speaker.
"Speaking," she said trying to place the voice. "Who's this?"
"This is Sean Grant," he said. "How um... how are you?"
"Sean?" she asked. "What...how did you get my number?"
"R.J.," Sean answered. "I came by that day you were supposed to leave to say goodbye and I found out about your grandfather. I'm really sorry to hear about him."
The smile on Saffron's face faltered a bit at the mention of her grandfather. "Thanks, it was so sudden. I'm sorry we didn't get the chance to have a proper goodbye."
"No it's okay," Sean replied. "I understand. I'd be pretty upset if it was me."
"My dad keeps telling me it'll get better, but I still miss him so much Sean," she said sitting down on the sofa.
"Well I'm sure it'll just take time," Sean said. "No one gets over the death of a close family member within just a few days."
"Yeah," Saffron said quietly. "So, um, how have you been?"
"Not too bad," Sean said. "I miss you a lot."
"You do?" she asked.
"Yeah," Sean said. "I had a lot of fun with you Saffy."
Saffron smiled. "I had a lot of fun with you too. Maybe...maybe we could get together sometime before we have to go back to school."
"That's actually why I was calling," Sean was buoyed by her answer. "I was glad when R.J. gave me your number because I didn't know how else to get a hold of you."
"I'm glad he did too," Saffron said making a silent vow to thank her friend next time she saw him. "My parents aren't too crazy about me going out by myself, but maybe you and me and R.J. and Lex could do something sometime."
"I'd really like that," Sean said eagerly. "Would tomorrow night be too short notice?"
"I'd have to check with my parents and with R.J., but I think it would be okay," she said smiling at how enthusiastic he sounded. "If you give me your number, I could call you back later tonight and let you know if it's okay."
"Okay," Sean gave her his mobile number. "You can ring me anytime you want to Saffy."
"You might live to regret that," she teased.
"Maybe," he laughed. "Sounds like I got you to smile though."
"You did," Saffron said with a laugh. "And I haven't done much of that in the past few days. Thank you."
"Anytime," Sean replied. "I'll talk to you later tonight then?"
"Definitely," Saffron promised. "Bye Sean."
"Bye," he said, hanging up with a smile on his face.
Saffron grinned as she hung the phone up. This was the first time she'd been genuinely happy since her grandfather had died. She wanted to check in with R.J. before she asked her parents to see if it was okay and also to thank him for giving Sean her number.
R.J. was just sitting down to make himself something to eat when the fireplace in the sitting room roared to life. He half hoped Alexa had figured out a way to use the Floo Network from her Muggle home but when he went to check and see who it was, Saffron was standing there dusting herself off.
"I'm so glad you're home," she said smiling at him.
"Where else would I be?" he asked a little grumpier than he'd meant to.
"Look who got up on the wrong side of the bed," she answered.
"I'm sorry," he apologised. "I was just about to make myself a sandwich. You hungry?"
"A little I guess," she shrugged. "Guess who just rang me?"
"The Weird Sisters?" he asked leading her into the kitchen. "They've decided to overlook the fact that you can't carry a tune and are asking you to be their new lead singer?"
"Funny," Saffron shook her head but smiled. "But wrong. I just got off the phone with Sean Grant."
"I was wondering when the boy was going to ring you," R.J. said. "I hope you don't mind me giving him your number. He was upset when he heard about your grandfather."
"I don't mind at all," Saffron said. "I really appreciate it. I didn't know how I'd ever hear from him again."
"Good," R.J. said. "There's my good deed for the summer." He started to make their sandwiches. "Mayo or mustard, Saf?"
"Mustard please," Saffron said, going into the cupboard for some plates and glasses. She knew the Weasley household almost as well as her own. "He wants to go out tomorrow night."
"Where you going to take him?" R.J. asked.
"Well I actually can't take him anywhere without you or Alexa," Saffron said. "My dad and mum don't want me dating in a... non group environment yet."
"You want Lex and me to chaperone so you won't jump the poor bloke's bones eh?" R.J. teased.
Saffron giggled. "Hardly. And it's better to say that I have to keep an eye on you and Lex to make sure you don't swallow each other's tongues."
"I haven't seen her since your granddad's funeral," R.J. said. "She's been helping out in her mum's bakery. And so has that...Ben..."
"Ben?" Saffron asked, getting the pumpkin juice out of the icebox. "You don't think she's got eyes for him do you? She's completely stoked on you R.J.."
"It's not her I'm worried about," R.J. said.
"I've always thought he fancied her," Saffron said truthfully. "But I don't think he'd do anything if he knows she's seeing someone else."
"Oh really?" R.J. asked as he finished making their sandwiches. "Let's see...well, I've called her mum's bakery three times and each time that wanker answers and he lies about her being in the back or off on a delivery and that he'll tell her I called. And yet somehow, she doesn't get my messages...."
"I'll call," Saffron said, reaching for the phone and punching in the number. "He'll put me through to her if he answers."
R.J. shrugged and sat down at the table.
"O'Leary Bakery," Ben's voice came over the telephone.
"Hi may I please speak to Alexa O'Leary," Saffron replied.
"Sure," Ben said politely. "Hold on a sec...Lex!"
Saffron grinned at R.J.. "Mission accomplished," she said sweetly, holding the phone out to him.
R.J. beamed at her and took the phone.
"Hello?" Alexa's voice came over the line. "This is Alexa."
"Hey you," R.J. said, smiling at her voice.
"R.J.!" Alexa said happily.
"I've been trying to ring you for days," R.J. said. "Ben always says you're gone."
"What?' Alexa asked. "I've been here...well, I've been helping my mum with inventory, maybe he just didn't want to bother me. Did you tell him who you were?"
"Yes," R.J. replied. "But I don't care anymore. I still get to talk to you now." he said. "Saffy came over and we're having lunch together."
"Tell her I said hi," Alexa said. "I wish I could be there with you guys."
"So do we," R.J. replied. "Say listen what are your plans for tomorrow night?"
"Oh I have an exciting evening planned," Alexa said dramatically. "Pizza with mum and dad and then we'll probably watch telly..."
"Could I possibly tempt you into going out with me, Saffy and Sean?" R.J. grinned.
"I'd love to," Alexa answered. R.J. could hear someone trying to talk to Alexa in the background and he rolled his eyes at Saffron. "Hold on a second, R.J......Ben, they're in the back. No, you'll need the brown sugar and cinnamon..."
"Do you need to call me back?" he asked.
"No," Alexa said. "This is the first time we've been able to speak in days. It's just really crazy around here. What time...what time did you want to get together?"
"Well I think Saf still has to talk to her parents." R.J. replied, looking at his friend who nodded.
"Well let me know," Alexa said. "You can ring me at home. I should be done here around six."
"Okay," R.J. said. "I'll ring you back this evening then and let you know what we're going to do."
"Okay," Alexa said. "Love you."
"I love you too Lexie," R.J. said before hanging up. "You," he pointed to Saffron. "Are a goddess."
Saffron grinned. "Just paying you back."
"So now that we've both done our good deed for the summer," he grinned back at her. "I'm really glad you came over. Mum and Dad were getting worried about you- no one's heard from you since the funeral."
"I've just been spending a lot of time with my Gran," Saffron replied. "I just haven't much felt like doing anything."
"I guess I can understand that," R.J. went into the pantry for a bag of crisps.
"My dad's going to help me practise some this weekend," Saffron said. "It'll be good to get up on my broom again."
"Want me to come over and help you with some Quidditch moves?" R.J. offered.
"You never want to help me," Saffron said laughing. "What gives?"
"Come on," R.J. said. "I'm going to be picking the best Gryffindor Quidditch team of all this next year. I have to be sure you're the best." he grinned.
"I am the best," Saffron said smugly. "You're just too arrogant to admit it yourself."
R.J. shook his head. "Good to see your ego hasn't deflated Saf. That's really what I was worried about."
"What are you talking about?" Saffron asked. "Your ego is way bigger than mine."
"I never said it wasn't," R.J. said, stuffing some crisps in his mouth.
"Well, if you are offering to help," Saffron said grinning at him. "I'd love that."
"Great," R.J. replied. "It'll be fun Saf. Especially if we go up against your Dad."
"Talking about large egos," Saffron said with a laugh.
"Isn't that where you got yours from?" R.J. asked innocently, ducking as Saffron threw a crisp at his head.
"At least I can back mine up," Saffron said laughing.
R.J. laughed. "How about we go into Diagon Alley for ice cream?" he offered. "My treat."
Saffron grinned. "Who are you and what have you done with R.J. Weasley?"
"Is this what a bloke gets for trying to be nice?" R.J. asked in mock indignity.
"Far be it from me to look a gift Weasley in the mouth," Saffron said. "If you're buying, I'd love to go into Diagon Alley for some ice cream."
"Great," he said. "Let me leave a note for my parents and we'll head out."
"Great," Saffron said. "You know it's been awhile since just you and me have done something together."
"Yeah it has been," R.J. said as they left the house. "I sort of miss hanging with you."
"Naturally," Saffron said nudging him. "I'm very fun to hang out with."
"And your ego really rubs off on others," R.J. said. "I've never seen Alexa be so outgoing."
"I think that might have had more to do with you than me," Saffron said.
"Maybe," R.J. shrugged. "She's a great girl Saf."
"She told me what you'd told her," Saffron admitted. "About you know..."
"About me telling her I love her?" R.J. asked with a grin.
Saffron grinned back, but turned serious all of a sudden. "Look, R.J....if you ever hurt her, I'll...well it won't be pretty..."
"I have no plans to," R.J. said, also serious. "I mean that Saf. She's... she was unexpected. At first I expected to take her out on a Hogsmeade weekend or two and then find we had nothing in common- that she was more your friend than mine. But I got to know her and she's this fantastic, gorgeous girl. I've never fallen hard for anyone before but I've got it bad for her."
Saffron believed him and without thinking twice about it, she hugged him right in the middle of Diagon Alley and then kissed his cheek.
"What was that for?" he asked, amused.
"Just because," she replied grinning at him.
From just inside Madam Malkin's, Christina Grant had witnessed that little scene between R.J. Weasley and Saffron Potter.
"Come on," R.J. grabbed her hand and pulled her in the direction of Florean Fortescue's. Neither of them had noticed the smirk on the face of the Ravenclaw standing in the window.
*** *** ***
Maddie was writing notes on her latest vision when Smythe came into the small office Maddie shared with some of her fellow Seers.
"Maddie?" Smythe asked. "Sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if you'd seen Jared? He's nearly two hours late..."
"He hasn't arrived yet?" Maddie was concerned. "That's so unlike him..."
Smythe shook her head. "I know. He's usually quite punctual and reliable. I think I might send an owl to see if everything's okay."
"I'm almost done with my report," Maddie said. "If you'd like, I can go over to his flat and see if he's all right."
"Would you mind?" Smythe asked gratefully.
"Not at all," Maddie smiled back at her mentor.
"I'm sure it's nothing," Smythe said reassuringly. "While you were gone, he was having some trouble with his focus. I think you've been good for him."
"I'm sure he just likes having someone around his age to talk to about this," Maddie replied, finishing her report. "I know having Ethan around helped me a lot. And you did too Smythe."
Smythe smiled at the younger woman. "You truly have a gift Maddie. I'm just glad that I've been able to help you learn how to control and use that gift. Your parents must be very proud."
"They are," Maddie said as she looked at the photo of her family she kept on the corner of her desk. "They're really supportive."
"It's a shame poor Jared doesn't have the same support system," Smythe remarked. "But I know having you around has helped him immensely."
"I'm glad," Maddie got up and handed Smythe the report. "It's always good to know I've helped someone out."
"I'll go over these and let you know my thoughts when you get back," Smythe said holding up the report.
"Thank you," Maddie replied, going into her desk for her bag. "I'll be back as soon as I can."
Meanwhile at his flat, Jared was just waking up. Almost as soon as he opened his eyes, he closed them tight. His head was throbbing and he felt nauseous. What on earth had possessed him to drink as much as he had last night? All that pent up sexual frustration as a result of one Madeline Weasley had finally gotten to him and he'd needed a release.
The release of that frustration was currently stirring next to him. She had blonde hair and blue eyes much like Maddie- which was the main reason he'd picked her up. Jared had no idea what her name was- only that they'd shagged three times the previous night.
It took him only a few moments to realise that the knocking he kept hearing in his head was actually someone knocking on the door.
"What time is it?" the girl beside him asked groggily.
"I don't know," he mumbled reaching over for his boxers that he'd thrown on the floor.
"Someone's at your door," she said turning back over and closing her eyes.
"Jared?" Maddie called out from the other side of the front door. "It's me, Maddie. Are you here?"
"Shite," Jared stumbled over the side of the bed. "Get in the loo over there!" he hissed to the girl in his bed.
"What?' she asked grumpily. "I'm trying to sleep."
"Get in the bloody loo," he pulled on her arm.
"Hey!" she protested as he unceremoniously pulled her out of the bed. "What's going on here? Wait!"
"Just get in there," Jared said through clenched teeth. "And don't make a sound!"
"Is that your girlfriend?" the girl started to ask but he'd pushed her into the loo and closed the door.
"Jared?" Maddie called out again.
"One minute!" he called, wincing at how loud his voice was as he pulled his boxers on. He purposely left his shirt off as he went to the door and pulled it open.
Maddie's hand was raised as she was about to knock again when he'd swung the door open.
"Hi," she said with a slight smile.
"Hey," he said forcing a smile onto his face. "What brings you by?"
Maddie stared quizzically at him. "You didn't show up this morning. Smythe and I have been very worried."
"Oh shite," Jared grimaced as if he were really upset. "I just... I had a hard time getting out of bed this morning. Last night... it was just..." he shook his head.
"What?" Maddie asked concern etched across her pretty features. "Jared?"
"I ran into Cordelia last night," he said quietly. "She was out having dinner with another bloke- it was as if we never happened at all."
"Oh Jared," Maddie said sympathetically. She stepped into his apartment and put her hand on his arm. "That couldn't have been easy."
"It was really horrible," Jared sighed. "I have to admit I didn't take it well. I went to the pub down the way and got myself pissed."
Maddie could only shake her head. "You loved her very much, didn't you?"
"I thought she was the only girl for me," Jared replied mournfully.
"You can't think like that," Maddie said taking a seat on his sofa. She looked earnestly over at him. "There's someone out there for you Jared. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and maybe you and Cordelia just weren't right for each other. There's someone else out there for you."
"I hope so," Jared said with a meaningful look. He stretched, arching his back and showing off his muscular physique.
Maddie looked away suddenly very aware how little clothes Jared had on. It made her a little uncomfortable which she knew was completely silly.
"I'm sorry I made you worry," Jared replied, reaching for his t-shirt. "I just had a hard time getting out of bed."
"It's okay," Maddie reassured him. "I just hope you realise that you don't have to handle this alone, you know."
"I don't?" Jared asked.
"No," Maddie said smiling at him. "You can always come and talk to me. I wish you'd have stopped by my flat last night instead of getting pissed at the pub."
"I thought you were still on holiday," Jared replied, sitting next to her.
"Not anymore," she told him. "And I always make time for my friends whether I'm on holiday or not."
"You are incredible," he said squeezing her hand.
Maddie smiled. "So are you."
"You're sweet too," Jared grinned at her. "I already feel better."
"Do you think you'll be coming in today?" Maddie asked.
"Give me an hour?" Jared asked. "I really need to clean myself up."
"Okay," she said. "I'll cover for you with Smythe. I'll just tell her you were ill."
"You really are the best," Jared touched her cheek briefly and was pleased to see her blush.
"I-I better get back," she said getting to her feet. "We'll catch up when you come in, okay?"
"Sure," Jared replied. "I'll be glad to have you back Mads. It was hard to concentrate these past few weeks while you were gone."
Maddie grinned and pecked him on the cheek before walking out.
The girl in the bathroom came out at the sound of the front door closing. She'd covered herself with a towel and she didn't look all that pleased to be stowed away in a loo.
"Do you mind telling me what that was about?" she asked.
"Don't worry about it," Jared said coolly.
"Who was that?" the girl asked motioning to the door. "Last night, you said you weren't seeing anyone."
"I'm not," Jared replied. "Why do you care if I am anyway?"
The girl looked down at the carpet and then back up at him. "Well because of what happened last night..."
"We shagged," Jared said, stripping off his dirty clothes unashamedly.
"But we talked," the girl said defensively. "Jared, we..."
"We what?" Jared asked, rubbing his hand through his spiky hair.
"We connected," she said inching closer to him. "You said so yourself..."
She touched his bare stomach and Jared felt the familiar stirrings inside. "We did sort of connect didn't we?" he asked, barely concealing his smirk.
"I was thinking we could spend the rest of the day cuddled up in bed," she said smiling up at him. "I'll help you forget that girl."
"Wish I could," Jared said, allowing her to pull him back to the bed. "I've got to get to work though."
"All work and no play," she teased pulling him down on top of her.
"Makes me a dull boy," Jared finished, kissing her.
*** *** ***
With less than two weeks to go to her wedding, Frankie thought she'd be going mad. It was quite the contrary- Drew and Darla had everything planned down to the very last detail and all Frankie had to do was look over the plans with them.
"Having you two help me was one of the best decisions I ever made," Frankie said. "You both are a godsend."
"Well it helps that you're not just a client," Drew said smiling at her. "We've known you forever and we wanted to make sure your wedding was everything you'd ever dreamed of, Frankie."
"Thank you both so much," Frankie hugged them. "I never thought I'd be so excited about my wedding. Of course I never actually thought I'd get married."
"Neither did we," Darla joked.
"That's not true," Drew said. "We just never knew who the groom would be. Let's see there was Pete, Chris, Tim, Will, Andre, Trevor, Will again, Steven, Nigel, and Will again.... "
"Will won out," Frankie giggled. "He is the absolute best."
"That he is," Darla agreed. "And you are going to have the prettiest flower girls. Mia and Caroline look so cute in their dresses."
"They are so cute," Frankie grinned. "And they get along so well. When they're together it's like they've been best friends all their life. And Will's two nephews as the ring bearers are wonderful as well."
"And his parents are so easy to work with," Drew said making some last minute notes in her planner.
"They're really nice," Frankie said, looking over the list they'd compiled one more time. "I mean, you'd think after what happened on Christmas that things would be all awkward but they treat me like one of the family."
"Well it helps that you're very charming," Darla said. "It's hard not to love you."
"Thanks," Frankie grinned. "I think so too."
Darla looked over something. "Um, Frankie...there is something I wanted to ask you about..."
"What might that be?" Frankie asked, sitting back and pulling her knees up to her chest.
Drew and Darla exchanged a look. "It's about your friend Alicia. She, um...well she had some ideas."
"Ideas?" Frankie asked. "About what- she didn't say anything about Will did she? I thought those two were finally getting used to each other--"
"No," Drew said shaking her head. "It's not about Will. You know how Alicia's the maid of honour and Will's brother Jack is best man?"
"Yes," Frankie drummed her fingers on the table.
"Okay," Drew said. "Apparently, Alicia doesn't think Jack is compatible with her."
"She said she thinks that she and Jack clash," Darla said trying not to laugh as she said so. "She thinks that because he's shorter than she is that it will look wrong as they walk down the aisle together."
"She wanted us to switch him with Jon," Drew said.
"She's the bloody maid of honour and he's the best man," Frankie rolled her eyes. "I'll talk to her. There won't be any switching."
"That wasn't her only suggestion," Drew said biting her bottom lip.
"Do I even want to know?" Frankie asked.
"She gave us a list," Drew said pulling a long piece of parchment from her bag.
"What the bloody hell..." Frankie exclaimed. "This is ridiculous!"
"My personal favourite was having Maddie, Allison and Chiaki already waiting at the altar so that SHE would be the only real attendant," Darla said with a giggle.
"I have half a mind to kick her out of my wedding party," Frankie grumbled, tossing the list into the fireplace.
"I'm sure her heart was in the right place," Drew said. "She did say she wanted to make your wedding day the best."
"Alicia cares in her own strange way," Frankie shook her head. "I guess I'm just glad she and Will are finally being civil to each other."
"So I take it you don't want us mentioning her suggestions to Will?" Drew asked.
"If you two don't mind, I'd like to pretend she never made any suggestions at all." Frankie said. "I'll talk to her tonight about it."
Drew nodded. "The caterers sent this over for your approval. This is the rehearsal dinner menu."
"This is perfect," Frankie nodded. "Exactly what Will and I wanted."
"So no changes then?" Drew asked.
"None that I can see," Frankie said as she heard a knock on the door. "I bet that's Will."
"You're not trying on your dress are you?" Will asked his hand over his eyes as he came inside.
"No you goof," Frankie pulled his hand down and gave him a kiss. "Do you think I'd have let you in if I was?"
"Probably not," Will said. "How is my bride-to-be today?"
"She's just wonderful," Frankie kissed him again. "Drew and Darla are in the kitchen with me going over last minute plans."
"Oh great," Will said smiling. He followed Frankie into the kitchen. "I got the strangest owl today."
"You did?" Frankie asked as he greeted Drew and Darla.
"Yeah," Will said shaking his head. "Alicia sent me a letter signing Jon's praises. It was the strangest thing."
Frankie closed her eyes before her fiancé could see her roll them. "Just ignore it." she said. "Alicia's just being a pain in the arse."
"You don't have to tell me twice," Will said. "How are things going in wedding central?"
"Smooth and on schedule," Drew smiled at him.
"That's what we like to hear," Will said grinning at them.
"We were just the best choice to organise this for you guys in six months," Darla replied. "And of course aside from money, you'll give us glowing recommendations to anyone who asks."
"Of course," Will said. "I already recommended you two to some of my colleagues at work."
Darla squealed. "That's fantastic."
"And that's not even the best news," Frankie said grinning at her two friends. "They're going to move back to London!"
"You've been talking to Maddie," Drew said laughing.
"Yes I have," Frankie said smugly. "She's extra excited about it."
"Are you kidding me?" Darla asked. "She's already picked out two flats that she thinks would be perfect for us in her building."
Frankie laughed. "Speaking of building," she grinned at Will.
"Has Frankie told you we found a house?" Will asked.
"You did?" Darla asked excitedly.
"We'll be moving in after we get home from our honeymoon," Frankie said. "In the meantime, Will's lease runs out at the end of next week so he'll be moving his things in here until we settle in."
"You'll have to take us for a tour," Drew said. "When we have some extra time."
"Extra time?" Will asked. "I'm familiar with that..."
"You were familiar with that," Frankie said. "Before you got engaged to me. Now all your extra time is MY time."
"Doesn't that go both ways?" Will asked.
"Of course it does," Frankie hugged him.
"You're lying," he said laughing. "But somehow I don't seem to mind."
Drew shook her head at her twin. "Suddenly I get the feeling that they're the only two people in the room."
"I think that might be our cue to leave," Darla said with a wink.
"You guys don't have to go yet," Frankie said. "We do too know you're both here."
"Good," Drew said. "Because we're going to have to steal you away..."
"Only if I let her go," Will grinned licentiously.
"You get to come too," Darla said. "We have a special treat for you..."
"The caterers wanted to get your opinions on the dessert choices..." Drew said.
"Samples?" Will asked. "I'm already there."
"You sound like a Weasley," Drew said laughing.
"Speaking of Weasley," Frankie grinned. "How much longer is Maddie going to be one?"
Darla giggled. "I don't know, but it will be nice to plan the wedding of one of our family members."
"She and Ethan are so in love," Frankie said. "They're so sweet together. And it's so fun since she's fancied him since she was a kid."
"Makes you think it was meant to be," Drew said.
"It totally is," Frankie replied. "Just like me and Will."
"Let's go eat, before we get too mushy," Darla said. "Food..."
"Food is always good," Will replied.
"William, I think you're going to fit in just fine," Darla said.
*** *** ***
Harry and Hermione were enjoying a early evening dinner and looking forward to having the house to themselves. Of course, that was how Hermione had put it to Harry when Saffron had asked if she could go out on a double date with R.J. and Alexa.
Trying to enjoy was the operative phrase as Saffron kept coming in and out of the kitchen asking her mother's opinion on outfits.
"Do you like the green shirt?" Saffron asked holding it against her chest. "Or do you think I look better in this pink one?"
"I've always liked you in pink," Hermione said.
"I like the green one," Harry chimed in as that was the one that covered up more.
Saffron sighed. "I hate this pre date stuff. I'll figure it out when Alexa gets here!"
Saffron walked out of the kitchen and Hermione shook her head.
"You," she said looking at her husband. "Are lucky she's so jumpy or she'd see right through you..."
"I can't help it," Harry whined. "My baby girl is dating. This makes me a nervous wreck."
"Okay Neville," Hermione said sweetly.
"I didn't say I was going to go all psycho," Harry grumbled.
"Just think of that thing I promised to do when we're alone," Hermione said.
Harry shook his head and grinned. "Are you using sex to try and take my mind off this?"
"Maybe," Hermione said with a shrug. "Does that offend you?"
"Not at all," Harry wound his arms around her waist. "My rabbit wife..."
Saffron came rushing back into the kitchen carrying two more outfits and groaned when she saw her parents. "Could you two please stop for two minutes? Or at least wait until I'm out of the house..."
"What is it you want me to see sweetheart?" Hermione laughed, disentangling herself from her husband's embrace.
"Do you think a dress would be too much?" she asked. "I mean we're only going for dinner and a movie, but do you think a dress would be too much? Or should I wear something less formal?"
"I'd go a little less formal Saffy," Hermione stroked a hair off her daughter's forehead. "You're just going for pizza right?"
"Right," Saffron replied. "But he hasn't seen me in a few days and I want to ...well, I want to look my best. Were you ever this nervous before a date?"
Harry snorted. "You should have seen your mum before she and I did our dance for the Sheldrake. Sweating bullets she was."
"Was that because of Daddy or the dance?" Saffron asked.
"A little of both," Hermione smiled. "At least he was finally being a gentleman by that point."
"Maybe my night will turn out as well as yours did," Saffron said causing Harry to choke on his drink.
Hermione began to laugh. "Something like that." she said. "We'll send Alexa up when she gets here all right?"
"Okay," Saffron said. "Thanks Mum."
"I don't want her going," Harry said as soon as she was out of earshot.
"Because she said she hoped her night turns out as well as mine did that night we danced at the Sheldrake?" Hermione asked. "Harry, she has no idea that was the night you and I first..."
"And she's not going to do that!" Harry said. "Not ever!"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I highly doubt she'd do that tonight with a boy she's only known for such a short time..."
"You knew me for a week," Harry pointed out.
"I wasn't 15 when I met you either," Hermione pointed out. "Besides, she's not going to be alone. She'll have R.J. and Alexa with her."
"She's just my baby Hermione," Harry said. "I've been dreading this ever since she was born."
"I know," Hermione said. "But she's a smart girl and we can trust her. Remember how you promised?"
"I know, I know." Harry replied. "And he's a nice kid. She could be going out with some loser."
"Exactly," Hermione said giving him a kiss. "Feeling better?"
"A little," Harry said. "Even better if you keep kissing me..."
Upstairs, Saffron was staring at the two outfits she'd narrowed it down to when she heard a knock on her bedroom door.
"Is that you Lex?" she called out, sprinting for the door in her knickers.
"Yes," Alexa called back.
"I need your help," Saffron opened the door and yanked her inside. "I have no idea what I should wear!"
"It's nice to see you too," Alexa said giggling. Saffron's room which was always neat looked like a storm had hit it.
"I'm sorry," Saffron apologised. "This is just the first time I've been out since my grandpa died and I want it to be fun."
"It will be," Alexa said giving her a hug. "So what are your choices?"
"Well my mum told me not to wear a dress," Saffron said. "And you're wearing jeans, so I will too. But should I wear pink or green?"
Alexa looked thoughtfully at the two shirts in question. "I think the pink would look really good especially with the tan you picked up on holiday."
"Okay," Saffron said, disappearing in her closet to get dressed. "I don't know why I'm so nervous Lex."
"Maybe because you really fancy him?" Alexa suggested.
"He's just really sweet," Saffron said, coming out and grabbing her comb. "When he called me the other day he was so nervous at first."
"He was really concerned when he'd found out you'd already gone home," Alexa said.
"What else did he say?" Saffron asked interestedly, trying to decide on whether or not she'd wear her hair down.
"Just that he hoped that you were doing okay and he was worried that he'd never get to talk to you again," Alexa replied. "And he practically looked like R.J. had handed him the world when he gave him your number."
Saffron grinned. "This is so great Lex. We both have boyfriends!"
"Yes we do," Alexa giggled. "And this is the first time I've seen mine since your grandfather's funeral."
"You were so great that day for me Lex," Saffron said. "I was such a bloody mess, especially when I first walked in with my parents and saw my grandpa lying there in the coffin." she bit her lower lip.
"I know how close you were," Alexa said. "And you're my best friend. I wanted to be there for you like you've always been there for me."
"I try," Saffron hugged her friend. "You're the best Lex. R.J. thinks so too." she grinned at her.
"You think?" Alexa asked.
"Oh he told me so," Saffron said, finally deciding to leave her hair down.
"He did?" Alexa asked not able to hide the smile on her face. "Did you guys have fun yesterday hanging out?"
"Yeah we did," Saffron said, putting on a bit of lip gloss. "We went into Diagon Alley for some ice cream and then we hung out at the Quidditch shop for a bit."
"While you got to do that, I got to put icing on about a thousand cupcakes," Alexa said shaking her head.
"With Ben Ben," Saffron fluttered her eyelashes.
"It's nice working with a friend," Alexa said. "It makes the time pass a lot quicker. Until he decided to throw flour at me..."
"He's such a dork sometimes," Saffron replied.
"He's not so bad," Alexa said.
"Would you be talking about me?" R.J. asked peeking around the door.
"Hello?" Saffron asked glaring at him. "Have you heard of knocking. I could have been starkers!"
"A bonus," R.J. teased.
Saffron rolled her eyes. "Speaking of dorks..."
"And so the bliss ends," Alexa smiled as she hugged her boyfriend.
"You smell like chocolate," R.J. said with a laugh.
"Is that so bad?" Alexa asked.
"No," he said giving her a kiss.
"I'd love to work in your mum's bakery," Saffron said. "I'd love to sample all that great food."
"We could always use a hand," Alexa said. "And she loves when me and my friends help out."
"I might take you up on that," Saffron said.
Alexa stifled a yawn. "Sorry, I'm knackered. Mum had Ben and me working all day."
R.J. hid his displeasure at that. "Maybe I could help out too," he offered. "I wouldn't tell my dad though. He'd have me clean your bakery out."
"I'd never get anything done if you were there," Alexa said giggling.
"We would too," R.J. gave her a kiss.
"You would not," Saffron said. "I seem to remember two of my friends who were supposed to help me clean up in Brighton and they happened to 'get lost'."
"I did get lost," R.J. said. "You said the same thing about Sean."
"And you and R.J. weren't exactly speaking at the time," Alexa pointed out. "Remember how you kept asking me to tell R.J. to hand you the cleaning spray? And then R.J. would ask me to tell the brat to hand him the dust cloth."
Saffron and R.J. looked at each other and laughed. "How childish can you get?" Saffron asked.
"Let's not find out again," Alexa said. "Can I borrow a clip? I'm thinking of wearing my hair up."
"Sure," Saffron handed her friend a few of them. "R.J. we'll be finished in a minute if you want to wait downstairs."
"Is that your subtle way of telling me to get out?" R.J. asked.
"And here I was thinking you weren't very smart," Saffron deadpanned.
"Fine," he said shaking his head. "I can take a hint. Your parents are eating Chinese takeaway...I'll see if they'll let me nick an egg roll."
"They probably will," Saffron said. "But save some room for pizza."
"I always have room for pizza," he called out as he left the room.
Alexa finished clipping back her hair and groaned as she looked in the mirror. "It still looks horrible."
"It does not," Saffron said. "It's just really humid out and it's probably because of that."
Alexa shrugged and pulled out the clips decided a simple ponytail would probably work the best.
"How's mine look?" Saffron asked. "I really haven't done anything with it lately. It's a bit frizzy…"
"Yours always looks great," Alexa said. "And I really like it curly like that, Saf."
"I'm all natural these days," Saffron grinned.
Alexa giggled. "So is Sean meeting us here or at the restaurant?"
"He's meeting us at the restaurant," Saffron replied, sitting on the edge of her bed.
"Are you nervous?" Alexa asked.
"Yeah," Saffron replied. "He's such a nice guy Lex. I didn't think I wanted to bother with having a boyfriend but it's really fun when we get to do things like this all together."
"I know," Alexa said smiling at her friend. "It's really great to go out on double dates like this."
"Ready?" Saffron asked, wiping her palms on the comforter.
Alexa nodded and followed her friend downstairs. They found R.J. sitting at the kitchen table with Harry and Hermione.
"R.J.," Saffron said her mouth dropping when she saw he had a huge plate in front of him. He looked up innocently at her.
"What- they asked if I was hungry!" R.J. replied.
"That's like asking him if he's breathing Dad," Saffron said laughing.
Harry smiled at his daughter and her friend. "You girls look gorgeous," he said.
"Thanks Mr. Potter," Alexa said. "I really do hope you and Mrs. Potter like the cupcakes. I actually made those myself."
"You made cupcakes?" R.J. asked, his eyes lighting up.
Alexa nodded. "All day today actually."
"Save one for me?" R.J. asked Harry.
"I can't promise anything," Harry said looking at Hermione. "She's already had two."
"They're chocolate chip," Hermione said defensively.
"Don't tell my sister about them," R.J. grinned.
"Oh that's right- Maddie will eat a chocolate chip anything," Saffron laughed.
"I hope you all have a great time," Harry said. "Do you have some Muggle money R.J.?"
"Yes I do," R.J. replied.
"Good," Harry said. "Saffy, I want you to take your mother's mobile with you."
Saffron nodded and stuffed it in her bag. "Want me to leave some bread crumbs so I'll know how to make it back?"
"Don't be a smart arse," Harry replied. "You call home at least once tonight sometime."
"Yes sir," Saffron said giving him a hug. "Thank you for letting me go Daddy."
"You're welcome baby," Harry kissed the top of her head. "You tell your young man to be good, you hear?"
"I will," Saffron said giving her mother a hug too. "You two behave too."
"Don't you worry about us," Hermione smiled at the three teenagers. "Have a great time."
Saffron, Alexa and R.J. set off to meet Sean. It was quite a contrast to the last time the three of them had attempted going out together.
Sean was already waiting outside the pub when the three of them arrived; he handed Saffron a light pink carnation. "Hi Saffy," he smiled at her nervously. "This is for you."
"Thanks," she said smiling at him.
"You're making me look bad," R.J. teased. "I didn't bring flowers."
Alexa laughed. "You can make up for it later."
"Shall we go in?" Saffron asked.
"Sure," Sean took Saffron's hand in his. "Have you lot ever been here before?"
"I've come here loads of times with my parents," Saffron said.
"This is my first time," Alexa replied.
"They've got the best pizza in London," Sean answered.
"They really do," Saffron agreed sliding in next to him in a corner booth.
"How about you R.J.?" Sean asked. "They have this amazing deep dish here..."
"Deep dish?" R.J. asked.
"Yeah it's enormous," Sean said. "You up for it?"
"I'm in," R.J. said with a grin.
"How about you girls?" Sean asked. "If you like tomato sauce and pepperoni with mushrooms and loads of cheese, we might all want to have this."
"I'm in too," Saffron replied. "I've seen it but I never ordered it and I'm starving."
Alexa started to answer, but yawned. She blushed a bright pink. "I'm sorry..."
"Are we boring you?" R.J. teased, nudging her.
She shook her head. "No, I'm just tired from work is all. And I'd love to have some of that pizza Sean."
"Great," Sean said, "I'll go order for all of us."
"Okay," R.J. said. "Thanks mate."
"I'll go with you," Saffron said, leaving her bag and flower on the table as she slid out behind him.
"So how are you doing?" Sean asked as they walked up to the bar. "Really..."
"Better," Saffron said. "Especially now that I'm out and about again. R.J. and I hung out a few days ago and that really helped."
"So the two of you are getting along now?" Sean teased.
"For now," Saffron smiled back. "He's really been great for me since my grandfather died."
"I wish I could have been there for you too," Sean apologised.
"I'm just glad R.J. gave you my number," Saffron said as they sat down at the bar. "I felt really bad when I realised I didn't even get to say goodbye. I was really a mess when we first got the news."
"It's understandable," Sean said. "You told me how close you were. It couldn't have been easy to hear that news."
"I've been trying to spend as much time with my grandmother as I can," Saffron answered. "We all kept hoping she'd move in but she wants to stay at her house."
"My grandfather was the same way when my Gran died," Sean confided. "Dad wanted him to come stay with us, but he refused to give up their house."
"I guess I can see where she's coming from," Saffron replied, tracing her finger over the wood pattern of the bar. "I mean, if it was me, I'd want to stay in the place I lived in with my husband."
"Maybe someday she'll change her mind," Sean said touching her hand. "And I'm sure she appreciates you coming round to see her."
"I hope so," Saffron said. "It's been hard because at first she didn't really say much to any of us."
"She was probably in shock," Sean said.
Saffron nodded. "So how's Matthew?" she asked, changing the subject.
"Good," Sean said with a grin. "He's made captain of next term's football team and he's obsessed."
"He's like R.J. is with Quidditch," Saffron replied. "I am SO going to be on the team at school this next year."
"You pretty good at it, eh?" Sean asked.
"It's sort of in my blood," Saffron replied. "My dad got on the team his first year at our school- and first years never make House teams."
"That's really good," Sean said admiringly. "Did your sister play?"
"No she hates flying," Saffron giggled as Sean finally flagged down the bartender to place their order. "Ethan loves it though. He can play a mean pickup game."
Sean placed their order and then he and Saffron walked back to the table. "He can play a mean game of volleyball."
"He was just really ticked off that day," Saffron explained. "Normally he wouldn't play so hard."
"Good to know," Sean said as they sat back down.
"Our order should be up soon," he told R.J. and Alexa.
"Great," Alexa replied, smiling at R.J.. She was glad she got to have at least a few minutes alone with him that evening.
"So how did you and Alexa meet?" Sean asked R.J..
"School," R.J. answered. "I was trying to break up with your cousin actually, and she sort of posed as my new girlfriend... and then she became my real one."
"I'm sure Chris wasn't too pleased with that," Sean said laughing.
"Not even a bit," Saffron grinned. "It was fabulous."
"And how about you two?" Sean asked. "You and Alexa have known each other since...?"
"Since our first day on the Hogwarts Express," Alexa said. "I'm Muggleborn so I didn't know much about anything really. I didn't know where I was supposed to go or what I was supposed to do."
"And I saw her standing there all lost and alone, and I didn't really know anyone either aside from R.J., my brother or Maddie, so I invited her to sit in my compartment with me," Saffron said. "And by the end of the train ride, we were best friends."
Saffron briefly explained to Sean about the four houses at Gryffindor.
"It was pretty much a given Saffy was going to get into Gryffindor," Alexa said. "But I was so nervous and for minute there I thought they were going to put me in Hufflepuff..."
"But she's brave and loyal, so they stuck her with us in Gryffindor," R.J. slid his arm around her.
"I can understand the loyal part, but I don't think I'm very brave," Alexa said.
"You obviously faced against my cousin," Sean smiled at her. "Christina's a terror when she's in a mood. It takes courage to stand up to her."
"I never really stood up to her," Alexa said hastily. "She called me Saffy's sidekick and I just told her I was no one's sidekick. That's not very brave."
R.J. smiled at her. "It's brave enough. If it weren't for you, I'd probably be officially changing my name to Junior by now."
"How did you get mixed up with Chris anyway?" Sean asked. "I'd have run a mile."
"She's cute," R.J. shrugged. "I mean... nothing compared to Lex of course. But she was fun... sometimes."
"I don't imagine the two of you did much talking," Saffron said with a shudder.
"Speaking of talking, how about we move onto another topic?" R.J. asked. "Please?"
Alexa certainly didn't want to talk anymore about Christina Grant and she was glad when the waiter arrived with their drinks. He told them the pizza would be out in a few minutes. Alexa was quiet as she listened to Sean and Saffron talk.
"I'm really glad we got to go out tonight," Sean smiled at Saffron as he slid his hand over hers under the table. "I'll miss you when you're back at school."
"We can write to each other," Saffron said. "I'm sure that cousin of yours has mentioned owls before right?"
"Right," Sean said. "And maybe we can meet up over Christmas holiday and the like?"
"That'd be great," Saffron said smiling at him. "We'll have to take him ice skating with us, right Lex?"
"What?" Alexa said distractedly.
"Ice skating," Saffron said. "We always go during winter hols."
"Oh right," Alexa said nodding. "Of course. Yes, we always do that. That'd be fun."
"You okay?" R.J. asked quietly as Saffron and Sean continued talking in hushed tones to each other.
"I'm just tired from working so much," she replied.
"Why don't you take a day off?" he asked. "We could go to the park or something... or you could show me your tree house again."
Alexa fought off the lingering insecurity she felt. It was stupid to feel that way about a girl that R.J. told her he no longer fancied.
"I have Tuesday off," Alexa said finding it hard not to smile back at her boyfriend.
"What a coincidence. So do I," R.J. joked.
Alexa hit him on the arm. "That might be because you're not working this summer."
"Oh yeah," R.J. laughed. "We'll do whatever you want then. Just spend the day together. Will that be all right with your parents?"
"It should be," Alexa replied. "I'd have to check, but I think it will be okay. They're...they're going to be out of town. That's the reason I'm going to be off."
"They let you stay home alone?" R.J. asked, impressed. His parents still either made his Nana come over or he had to go stay at the Burrow when they left overnight.
"It's just for one night," Alexa said. "And Ben's parents are going to check on me. They wanted me to stay with my aunt, but I told them I'd be okay for one night."
"That's so cool," R.J. commented.
Alexa laughed. "Well, don't tell my folks this, but I'll probably be listening for every creak on the floor and the sound of the wind at the window will probably leave me clutching my pillow and diving under the bed....brave Gryffindor, eh?"
"Maybe you should see if you can stay at Saffy's," R.J. suggested.
"What's that?" Saffron asked breaking away from her conversation with Sean. "Lex, you want to stay at my house?"
"Well no- it's just my parents are going out of town on Tuesday but I didn't want to trouble you right now- I know you and your family have enough going on." Alexa said. "I'll be fine by myself."
"You're more than welcome to stay with us," Saffron said. She winked at her friend. "Or you could have Junior sleep over."
Alexa blushed. "I couldn't do that," she said, feeling her shyness start to creep in.
"I was teasing," Saffron said reassuringly. "But you are more than welcome to stay at our place. Mum and Dad would love to have you."
"You mean that?" Alexa asked. "I really don't want to be any trouble..."
"You are my best friend in the whole world," Saffron said. "You are always welcome at my house, you know that."
"Thanks Saffy," Alexa said. "I'll talk to my parents and let you know okay?"
Saffron nodded and looked over at R.J.. "Sorry Junior. No sleepover for you."
"Boo," R.J. grinned at Sean. "Guess we'll have to find something else to do mate. I can show you what Quidditch is like."
"Or you, Sean and Matt can hang out and play football," Saffron suggested earning a glare from R.J..
Sean laughed. "Matt lives a bit far from here, so you're safe." he said to R.J.. "We don't have these fast modes of transportation that you lot do."
"Driving's fun though," Saffron said. "I can't wait to learn how."
"Your mum and dad are going to teach you?" R.J. asked. "Think they'd show me a thing or two?"
Saffron giggled. "You? Drive a car?"
"I know how to fly," R.J. said defensively. "Why not learn how to drive a car? Especially if I want to take Lexie here out on a real date."
"You could take the tube," Saffron said. "Or a bus. It would probably be a whole lot safer for the both of you..."
"Oh come on Saf," R.J. pleaded. "Please ask them? I promised to help you with some pointers on flying this weekend didn't I?"
"Okay," Saffron said relenting. "I'll see which one of my parents feels brave enough to do it."
"Amazing," Sean replied. "You both aren't at each other's throats yet you just had a little argument..."
"We're quite good at that," Saffron said with a grin. "We've had loads of practise over the years."
"I guess," Sean laughed. "This is great though. I had fun with you lot back in Brighton."
"Even when Saf and I were at each others throats?" R.J. joked. He noticed that Alexa seemed awfully quiet and he squeezed her hand.
"This is more fun," Sean grinned. "Hey does anyone want a refill?"
"I do," Saffron said. "I'll go up to the bar with you again."
"Check on that pizza too," R.J. said. "I'm starving."
Saffron and Sean left them alone and R.J. turned and looked at his girlfriend. "You okay?" he asked softly.
"I'm really just tired," Alexa said softly.
"You seem more than just tired," R.J. replied, brushing a stray strand of hair out of her eye.
"It's nothing really," she said biting her bottom lip.
"Lexie," R.J. said, leaning in just a bit. "You can tell me anything you know..."
"I know," she whispered. "I just..."
"Just what?" he asked, stroking her cheek. "Lex talk to me."
She couldn't bring herself to tell him about the things Ben had been insinuating to her about R.J.---about how he was older and how he'd be playing the field and probably had more experience than she did. And the last thing she wanted to be was some girl who needed reassuring all the time. But she couldn't help thinking what someone like him was doing with someone like her.
"Lex," R.J. looked concerned.
"I just miss being able to see you everyday," Alexa finally said, which was mostly true, but it wasn't the reason why she was quiet tonight.
"I miss it too," R.J. said. "We'll have to do something about it."
"You could move into the tree house," she suggested. "Mind you, it would be a little cramped."
R.J. laughed. "I'm tempted."
Alexa laughed too feeling more at ease. "I could sneak you food and water and I could snog you anytime I wanted too."
"You can snog me anytime you want anyway," R.J. said. "You're my girl."
Alexa smiled. "I love you, R.J.."
"I love you too," R.J. tucked her hair behind her ear and gave her a kiss.
Sean cleared his throat as he and Saffron returned to the table with their refills. Their waiter trailed behind them with the pizza.
"Sorry to interrupt your snog session," Saffron said glad to see Alexa smiling again. She hoped to find out what was truly wrong with her friend when they were alone.
"We'll just pick up the slack later," R.J. grinned back, his arm still around her. "And that smells bloody fabulous."
"You do know you'll have to share right?" Saffron asked as the waiter set the pizza down on the table. "This isn't just for you and we get the scraps."
"Maybe we should have ordered two," R.J. joked. "Sean, mate, this was a brilliant idea. This deep dish thing is great. My dad is going to go mad when he sees a pizza like this."
"Uncle Ron would love this," Saffron agreed as Sean cut into the pie.
"I'll have to bring him here," R.J. said as he pulled a piece out for his girlfriend.
"It must be love," Saffron said. "He's serving you first, Lex."
"It's all that fudge I bring him," Alexa smiled. "He's already full."
"We'd better hurry and eat if we're going to make that movie," Sean was looking at his watch.
"More snacks at the movie," R.J. said rubbing his hands together. "Popcorn..."
"With loads of butter," Saffron chimed in.
"Loads of salty butter," Sean grinned. "Wouldn't be a movie without it."
"I have some of my mum's biscuits in my purse," Alexa revealed.
"That's for me right?" Saffron asked sweetly. "Not for your boyfriend who hasn't known you nearly as long as I have..."
Alexa laughed. "I brought enough for everyone." she said.
"I think we see why R.J. loves you so much," Sean said meaning it as a joke, but the smile on Alexa's face faltered a bit.
"Because she feeds me well?" R.J. asked with a grin. "Nah, she's great anyway. The bakery bit's just an extra benefit."
"Is that what you want to do when you get out of school Alexa?" Sean asked conversationally. "Take after your Mum?"
"I'm not sure yet," Alexa replied, picking at her slice of pizza.
"I know what you mean," Sean said nodding. "I still have no idea what I want to do and my mum and dad are always telling me to start thinking about it."
"You have plenty of time," Saffron replied.
"I'd like to do something with music, but my parents think that it's not something I could make a decent living at," Sean said with a shrug. "No matter what would make me happiest, you know?"
"You can," Saffron replied. "Ask my brother in law Nick."
"Maybe we could have him talk to my folks," Sean said before taking a bite of his pizza.
"I've known what I wanted to do since I was little," R.J. said.
"Quidditch," Saffron said. "Same here."
"Maybe someday Saf and I will play together professionally," R.J. said grinning across the table at her.
"Especially if I'm captain," Saffron grinned back. "I aim to be at the top."
"How can you be captain when I'm going to be captain?" R.J. asked.
"You're captain of Gryffindor's team this year." Saffron said. "I'll do such a good job after this that they'll automatically make me captain of whatever team I'm on after school."
"Captain of the Egomaniacs more like," R.J. replied, pulling the last slice of pizza towards him.
"You put up with this every year, eh?" Sean asked Alexa.
Alexa laughed. "They're usually worse than this."
"You should both be glad we're not fighting," Saffron said loftily.
"We are," Alexa assured her friend. "We were just making a general comment is all Saffy."
"Come on," Sean said. "We should really be getting to the theatre. They're having a double Bond feature tonight."
"My education begins tonight," Saffron giggled. "Let me just check in with my parents or my dad might show up at the theatre." She pulled her mum's mobile from her bag and quickly dialled the number.
"We'll go pay," R.J. said, motioning to the bar. "We'll be right back."
Sean stifled a laugh as he watched Saffron talk to her parents on the phone.
"No, Dad," Saffron was saying. "It's some bloke named James Bond; he's supposed to be kind of like you only cooler."
Sean laughed. "That's really nice Saffy."
Saffron winked at him and continued to talk to her father. "No, Dad. I didn't say you were old."
"All settled," R.J. said as he and Alexa came back. "Thanks mate." he nodded to Sean, who had passed him money.
"I've got to go Dad," Saffron said. "I love you too. Okay. Tell Mum I'll tell her everything when I get home."
"Everything okay?" Sean asked as she stuffed the mobile back in her bag.
"Fine," Saffron replied. "He's just being a Dad. You know how it is."
R.J. laughed. "He's a bit overprotective sometimes. But he's got reason to be."
"Saffy's parents are really great," Alexa said.
"Your dad seemed pretty nice when me and Matthew came over for that barbeque," Sean said as they left the pub and began to walk to the theatre.
"My mum had a great deal to do with that," Saffron said taking Sean's hand. "I'm his youngest and my mum seems to think it's hard for him to see me growing up."
"I'm sure it is," Sean replied. "I'm an only child so I have no one else."
"Me too," Alexa said. "But I think that makes my parents more overprotective. And I always wished there was someone else to preoccupy their time with, you know?"
"Exactly," Sean agreed with a grin.
While Sean and Alexa walked together talking about growing up as only children, R.J. took the opportunity to pull Saffron back.
"Is everything okay with Lex?" he asked her in a hushed tone.
"I don't know," Saffron whispered. "She seems sort of quiet tonight- and not just because she's tired.
"I know she's your best friend and you two talk about things," R.J. said. "If she's said anything to you would you tell me? If I've done something wrong..."
"She hasn't said anything to me," Saffron replied. "Earlier she was all excited because she hadn't seen you in a week."
"You don't think that wanker Ben..." R.J. started to say.
"She'd have told me if he did anything," Saffron assured him. "I was going to ask her to stay overnight, and if she can't tonight then Tuesday I'll try and ask her about him okay?"
"I know I've said this before Saffron Grace Potter," R.J. said grinning at her. "But you really are a goddess."
"Flattery will get you everywhere," Saffron laughed.
"I'm sorry for giving you a hard time about him before," R.J. said motioning ahead toward Sean. "I think he's okay. And he makes you happy."
"He's nice," Saffron agreed. "And he likes you for some strange reason."
"What's not to like?" R.J. asked puffing his chest out. "I'm tall, handsome, charming, and completely..."
"Insufferable," Saffron finished before running ahead to join Sean and Alexa.
R.J. laughed and looked ahead at his girlfriend, Saffron and Sean. There was something he hadn't told Alexa about, but he honestly didn't know how she would have found out about that. He was probably worrying over nothing and with Saffron's help, he'd find out what was really troubling Alexa. And he'd do whatever he had to do to make her happy.
Once inside the theatre, Sean and Saffron opted to sit in the back of the crowded room while R.J. and Alexa found two seats together on the other side a few rows up. "I'm glad we get to sit alone," Saffron replied, leaning against him.
"Well Saffron," Sean said looking straight ahead. "I will have you know that I'm very serious about movies. I have no intention of snogging you during this movie so you can keep your hands to yourself and I'd appreciate it if you didn't try and distract me in any way, shape or form..."
"I beg your pardon?" Saffron asked coyly.
"I'm not that kind of bloke," he said simply. "And I don't want you trying to take advantage of me."
"Is that so?" she asked, pressing her lips to his cheek.
"That's so," he said but Saffron smiled triumphantly as she heard the catch in his voice.
"I bet it is," she said softly as the lights went down. She moved her lips down and kissed under his ear, running her nails through his light brown hair.
"I have...seen this movie before though," he reasoned.
"You can tell me about it another time can't you?" Saffron asked.
"Mmmhmm," Sean murmured before turning and looking at her properly. "We should take advantage of this time...alone."
"I agree," Saffron said, leaning in just a bit.
Sean leaned in the rest of the way and pressed his lips to hers.
Saffron immediately ran her hands around the back of his neck and kissed him harder, opening her mouth under his.
Sean cursed the arm rest between them and wished he could pull her onto his lap. He was glad for two things, however. The theatre was dark and this was a long movie.
"I can't wait until I get to go on dates alone with you," Saffron said when they'd pulled apart momentarily.
"Me too," he said smiling at her. "By next summer, right?"
"My parents said when I was sixteen," Saffron said as he rubbed his thumb over her lower lip. "So yes... I hope you'll get to go back to Brighton."
"I'll be there," Sean whispered before kissing her again.
Meanwhile R.J. had slid his arm around Alexa. "I'm glad Saffron forgot about the biscuits," he whispered in her ear.
"I think biscuits are the furthest thing from her mind right about now," Alexa whispered back.
R.J. snorted as he looked back. "I think she's more interested in Sean Grant's tonsils," he sniggered.
"Probably," Alexa admitted resting her head on R.J.'s shoulder.
R.J. kissed the side of her forehead. "So what's this Bond guy about anyway?"
"He's a spy," Alexa explained. "And there are always these beautiful women they like to call 'Bond Girls'."
"Bond Girls," R.J. repeated. "Interesting..."
Alexa giggled. "Already picturing having your own...maybe Weasley Women?"
R.J. grinned. "Sounds good to me," he joked. "Although there's only one Weasley Woman I want." he pulled her closer.
"And who might that be?" Alexa asked softly.
"I'll give you a hint," R.J. said, kissing her gently.