A/N: Thank you all again for all the reviews- we managed to answer them all and we're definitely going to do our best to stick to answering them every week. We're also so pleased that you guys seem to like the new story- that will be updated every Thursday night!
This chapter basically deals with the Hogwarts crew- in the next one you'll see more of the adults again! As always, please enjoy and let us know what you think!!
Alexa gasped in surprise. "Hi," she whispered, going pale.
"We need to talk," R.J. said his hand still on her shoulder.
"I don't know R.J.," Alexa said, fighting back her tears again.
"Please Lexie," he said. "You've heard this from Christina's perspective, but you haven't gotten mine."
She knew she owed him that. "Okay," she agreed.
"I don't know where we can go," he said. "The common room's going to be mad."
"Perhaps we can find an open classroom on the way up," Alexa suggested, taking his hand for the benefit of the many eyes that were following them out.
R.J. felt bolstered by her gesture and he felt hopeful for the first time in hours.
Alexa trailed behind him as he moved them through the crowds to an empty classroom on the second floor. "All right," she said softly once he'd closed the door behind them.
R.J. honestly didn't know where to begin. "I should have told you," he finally said.
Alexa nodded. "Yes."
"I nearly did so many times this summer," he said looking right at her.
"How come you didn't then?" she asked, her voice shaking.
"I don't know," he said honestly. "Lex, you've always looked at me like you believed I could do anything. And I just couldn't stand the thought of you looking at me like you are right now."
Alexa shifted her gaze down to the stone floor as tears filled her eyes. "I just don't know what to think."
"Nothing has to change," he said tilting her chin up so she'd look at him. "I still love you and you still love me, right?"
"I haven't stopped since this morning," she replied.
He touched her cheek. "What happened with Chris and me, that's over Lexie. It has been for quite some time. There's only you."
"I know but you... you... did that with her," Alexa couldn't form the actual words in her mouth. "And you're not getting any of that from me. How can you possibly be satisfied with that now?"
"Do you think that's all I care about?" he asked her.
She shook her head wordlessly.
"I'm not going to lie to you," he said taking her hands in his. "I would love to do that with you, but you're not ready. I understand that. I'll wait until you are ready. The only thing I care about is being with you. That's all I want."
"Really?" she whispered.
"Yes," he said softly.
She could barely breathe as he leaned in and gave her a gentle, tentative kiss.
He broke away from her for a second to make sure that this was okay before he kissed her again.
Unable to resist, Alexa wound her arms around him, kissing him back as hard as she could. "I'm so sorry R.J.," she said, her tears flowing as she pulled away.
"What?" he asked confused. "What's wrong?"
"About everything," she sobbed.
"You didn't do anything wrong," he said softly hugging her to him. "This was all me."
"I shouldn't have listened to her," Alexa said, wiping her nose on the edge of her sleeve. "Saffy said that Christina's just trying to cause trouble."
"She is," he said brushing a strand of Alexa's hair off her forehead.
"I do love you," Alexa said. "So, so much."
"I love you too," he said kissing her again. "And I never want to hurt you like that again."
Alexa only nodded and buried her face in his shoulder.
He held her for a few moments happy to have her in his arms again. He wanted to ask her something though since they were being honest with each other.
"Lex?" he asked tentatively. "I want you to tell me something, okay?"
"Okay," she replied.
"We had such a good time in Brighton," he said. "And then when we came back and you started helping out at your mum's shop, things seemed to change. You were quiet and you seemed different. What was wrong?"
Alexa looked away. "Nothing changed R.J.. We just spent more time apart is all." she didn't want to tell him about Ben and the things he'd implied.
"That's not all," he said. "I know you. I know when you're holding back."
"R.J.," Alexa pulled away from him. "I was just working a lot okay? I got tired because I was up at the crack of dawn and I went to bed late."
"Now you're keeping something from me," he said quietly.
Alexa sat down at one of the tables. "All right," she said. "I just... Ben... he's really protective of me. We've been friends since we were babies... and he was just worried since you're older than me and all--"
R.J. folded his arms and tried to remain calm. "What did he say?"
"R.J. it doesn't matter," Alexa argued.
"It sure as hell does matter," he shot back. "He's been trying to come between us from the moment I met him. I have a right to know what he tried to tell you about me. And where does he get off saying anything to you about me? I've only met the wanker once!"
"It's not like that!" Alexa said. "He's just concerned is all. I told him he had no reason to be, and to stop bothering me and he did! So it doesn't matter okay?"
"It does matter," R.J. said. "Lex, he fancies you! How can you not see that!"
"What does it matter if he does?" she returned. "I don't want him, I want you!"
"We're not going to do this," he said firmly shaking his head. "I'm not going to do this."
"Do what?" Alexa asked, baffled.
"I'm not going to let Christina Grant or Ben What's His Name break you and me up," he said taking her hand and pulling her to her feet. "I'm going to say this and you can tell Ben or anyone else who cares..."
His face was inches from hers. "There will never be anyone like you for me," he said softly.
Alexa stared at him. "You mean that don't you?" she asked, her voice trembling.
He nodded before softly kissing her.
"R.J.," she whispered as he pressed his lips to her neck. "I don't want anything to break us up either."
"We're not going to keep secrets from each other anymore," he promised.
"Okay," she agreed. "And we're not going to let anyone or anything come between us."
"I'd like to see them try," he said with a grin.
"I can't wait to tell Saffy that we're okay," Alexa smoothed back his red hair. "And once everyone sees you and me together again, they'll have to realise that they can't get away with those ugly rumours."
"Speaking of Saffy," R.J. said with a laugh. "We'd better get back upstairs or she'll dock points or something."
Alexa laughed as she hugged him. "Just a few more moments in private?" she asked.
"We do have to make up for all that time we missed on the train," he said nuzzling her neck.
"Yes we do," Alexa nodded. "But a good, decent snog will have to wait until we're alone in the common room."
R.J. felt so happy he picked Alexa up and swung her around.
"R.J.!" she giggled as her foot hit the corner of the table.
"Are you happy?" he asked laughing as he put her back down.
"I am," Alexa nodded. "Very happy now."
"Good," he said giving her another kiss. "Come on. We'd better get going."
Alexa leaned against him as they left the room. "Let them try this on for size," she muttered, eyeing everyone who was still lingering in the corridors.
As luck would have it, Christina happened to be heading toward the Ravenclaw tower when she saw R.J. and Alexa walking toward her.
"You are so lucky Saffron isn't here," R.J. said before the blonde could even open her mouth. "I have half a mind to petrify you until Lex here can go get her." he glared at his ex girlfriend.
"Junior," Christina said briskly. "If you'll excuse me..."
"Don't you ever call me Junior again," R.J. said heatedly. "How dare you go up to my girlfriend and tell her about you and me? What is going on between me and Alexa is none of your bloody business."
"I was only trying to warn little Alexa here that you might do to her what you did to me," Christina said with false sincerity.
"You were just trying to cause trouble for us," Alexa said evenly.
"Believe what you will," Christina said dismissively. "But don't come crying to me when he breaks your heart. I was only trying to warn you."
Alexa rolled her eyes. "Come on R.J.," she took his hand. "Let's go all right?"
"Yes run along R.J.," Christina said bitterly. "I'm sure it's past Alexa's bedtime."
R.J. wanted nothing more than to hit the smirking girl in front of them but he didn't have to. From out of nowhere, a red burst of light hit her in the back and ugly red spots and tentacles began to grow out of her face.
"What the---?" R.J. asked as Christina covered her face and hunched over.
"You both did this to me!" she wailed.
"How did we do this to you?" R.J. asked. "Neither Lex nor I have our wands out."
"I don't know but you did!" Christina was still covering her face as she ran away.
"How did that happen?" Alexa asked, amazed.
"Guess," a voice came from down the corridor, and then R.J. and Alexa saw Saffron's bodiless head standing around the corner. "Told you she shouldn't meet me all alone."
"Saf!" Alexa said beaming at her.
"Your dad gave you that!" R.J. said in awe. "Man, Saf! I asked him to give it to me!"
"It stays in the family R.J.," Saffron shook her head and removed the invisibility cloak. "So I see you two are just fine and dandy now?"
"We are," Alexa smiled and hugged her friend. "You are the best, Saffy!"
Saffron grinned. "I'm really glad." she said. "Now I sort of know how you felt going between the two of us all summer at Brighton."
"It's not fun," Alexa said giggling.
"Now wait just a minute," R.J. said still hung up on the Invisibility Cloak. "My uncles gave your dad the Marauder's Map. Saffron...please tell me he didn't give you that too!"
"Okay I won't tell you," Saffron giggled.
"Did you know about this?" R.J. asked his girlfriend.
Alexa nodded. "Part of the perks of being best mates with her. We've gotten away with loads of things haven't we Saffy?"
"Too many to name," Saffron agreed. "Now you two had better get back to the common room before I have to dock points from my own house."
"You wouldn't dare," R.J. said grinning at her.
"Don't try me," Saffron said, returning his smile. "Oh but Lex. Guess who got completely gorgeous over the summer?"
"Who?" Alexa asked.
"Peter!" Saffron said as the three began to make their way towards Gryffindor Tower. "I saw him on my way back from showing the first years around."
"Gawky, Geeky Peter?" R.J. asked.
"He's not so gawky or geeky now," Saffron said with a grin. "He grew about four inches, lost the glasses, braces and ugly haircut. Now he's gorgeous."
"What about poor Sean?" R.J. asked.
"You remember," Alexa pointed out. "They both agreed that they'd see other people."
R.J. shrugged. "I forgot."
"Just during the school year," Saffron replied. "I mean, we're so far away from one another that it seemed silly to tie ourselves down. If he went here, then things would probably be different."
"Well up until a few minutes ago," R.J. said. "The whole school thought you were in lurrrrve with me."
"As if," Saffron rolled her eyes. "I have better taste than that."
"Hey!" Alexa said, thumping her friend on the shoulder.
"Well he's okay for you," Saffron said. "But he's no Peter."
"Or Sean," Alexa deadpanned.
"Would one of you girls kindly take the knife out of my back?" R.J. asked sarcastically.
"Sorry," Alexa smiled at him. "I'm so glad everything's okay now."
"Everything's perfect," R.J. said as they came upon the portrait of the Fat Lady.
"Come on," Saffron said, linking her arm with R.J.'s. "Let's go in together and add some fuel to the fire."
*** *** ***
The first few weeks of Julie's new job as Defence professor flew by. Her students, for the most part, were quick to learn and she enjoyed being able to use magic all the time again. She also loved being able to see her sister every day and would often have to report back to Harry and Hermione how Saffron was doing and how she was enjoying her fifth year.
That afternoon, she was teaching some of the fifth-year Gryffindor and Slytherin students some advanced disarming spells. The students had paired off into groups of four and Julie was walking around checking everyone's progress.
"I'm sorry Saffy!" Alexa apologised when she'd accidentally used the wrong spell causing her friend to slam into the back wall. This caused the Slytherin students to laugh uncontrollably.
"Enough," Julie said firmly, looking at the students. "Are you all right Saffy?"
Saffron nodded. "Fine."
"I really am sorry," Alexa apologised again. "I didn't mean to do that especially in front of them..."
"It's okay Lex," Saffron rubbed her shoulder. "I can handle it."
Mimi and Beth were looking at Julie as if they wanted to ask her something. Thinking it was about the spell the class was working on Julie looked expectantly at them.
"Professor Malfoy," Mimi asked. "I was just wondering..."
"Yes?" Julie asked with a smile.
"Is your husband as cute in person as he is in the magazines?" Mimi asked causing Beth to giggle.
Julie laughed. "I assure you he is."
"I have all 15 of his albums," Mimi said proudly.
"I thought we were having class?" a Slytherin girl named Meredith O'Connell said haughtily. "Not talking about some silly rock star."
"Don't you worry about it," Julie replied, turning to face the other girl. "Keep working on your spells."
"Witch Weekly said that he takes baths instead of showers," Mimi reported with a dreamy expression on her face. "Is that true?"
"I heard he wore boxer shorts instead of briefs," Beth chimed in causing both Alexa and Saffron to roll their eyes.
"Girls," Julie said with the same smile. "I promise after class, if you've got a free period, to answer some of your questions about my husband. But right now I really need you to work on your disarming spells all right?"
"Yes Professor," Mimi said before Julie walked off to check on the other students.
"You two are really too much," Saffron said to them. "That's my brother-in-law you're talking about you know."
"He's just so dreamy Saffron," Beth replied. "I don't know how you don't go completely mad when he's around. I know I would."
"How would we know the difference?" Saffron asked dusting herself off. "You're completely mad all the time Beth."
Beth stared at her, her jaw slack as Mimi and Alexa laughed.
"You kind of walked into that one Beth," Alexa said. "Come on...we'd better work on this."
"Just don't kill me this time Lex," Saffron teased.
"I promise to concentrate better," Alexa smiled at her.
Julie approached the group of Slytherin boys in the back of the room who were having trouble with the particular spell.
"You're not pronouncing it right," Julie tried to correct him.
"I don't need your help," the boy said icily.
"I'm afraid you do," Julie said coolly. "I'm your professor, whether or not you like it. And if you want to succeed in my class, you'll take my advice."
"Whatever," he said rolling his eyes.
"I assume your parents wouldn't like to receive a letter saying that you're failing," Julie replied, in her same calm tone. Years of working with and disciplining young children had given her an infinite amount of patience. "So I suggest you benefit from what I'm trying to teach you here."
"Too bad my great aunt couldn't take care of your dad like he did his godfather," the boy said coldly. Saffron fought the urge to throttle the boy who had given her trouble in the past. He was Philippe Lestrange and was as horrible and haughty a boy as you'd ever want to meet.
"Don't," Alexa said holding her friend back.
"He just insulted my father," Saffron said furiously.
"Twenty points from Slytherin," Julie said, folding her arms. "If you'd like to keep it up, I'm sure we could work out detention for a week as well. Now you can either do the task I've set for you, correctly, or we can take a trip to Professor Dumbledore's office to discuss things. Understood?"
"Fine," Philippe said bitterly.
"She's good," Alexa said admiringly.
Saffron grinned proudly. "She's awesome that way. With the way my two nieces fight all the time I'm surprised she hasn't snapped yet."
The rest of the class went by without incident and since Saffron, Alexa, Beth and Mimi all had a free period after that class, they decided to take Julie up on her offer.
"You were great," Saffron told her sister. "If it had been me, I'd have kicked his face in."
"I wanted to," Julie laughed. "Believe me; I'd have liked to wipe that smug little smirk right off."
"He's always been horrible to Saffy," Alexa said. "He's always trying to get her into trouble, but you handled him like a real pro, Ju--I mean Professor Malfoy."
"You can call me Julie outside of class Alexa," Julie said. "Same goes for you both. As long as we're all alone." she smiled at Mimi and Beth.
Mimi and Beth grinned broadly at her. "You are without a doubt the best professor we've ever had in Defence."
"Thanks girls," Julie said knowing that this might have more to do with who she was married to than their opinion on her teaching abilities.
"I have tryouts this afternoon," Saffron told her sister. "You're going to come watch right?"
"I'll be there," Julie promised. "But afterwards I have to skip right home. I have to take the girls shopping tonight for new robes. Can you believe they're outgrowing theirs already? And Katie won't wear ANYTHING that Ashley likes..."
"They fight like cats and dogs," Alexa said who had witnessed this first hand this past summer.
"They're polar opposites," Saffron said. "I've never seen two people fight so much."
"You mean aside from you and R.J.?" Alexa cracked.
"We have a love-hate relationship," Saffron said laughing.
"Speaking of love," Mimi said slyly. "I heard an interesting rumour about you and Peter Lawson, Saffron. Is it true you guys are dating now?"
Saffron blushed. "We're going to the first Hogsmeade weekend together and he promised to come and cheer me on this afternoon."
"That's so sweet!" Mimi and Beth chorused.
"Should I warn mum and dad about this?" Julie teased.
"Jules!" Saffron said. "I'm going with R.J. and Alexa so it's not as if Peter and I will be alone!"
"I'm only teasing," Julie said putting an arm around her sister. "And by the way, Peter was checking you out the entire class..."
Saffron blushed again. "He got so cute this summer. I always liked him anyway- but just not in a romantic sense. Not until now at least."
"I seem to remember someone telling me just last year that she had no time for boys," Alexa said thoughtfully.
"That was before they all got so fanciable," Saffron grinned.
"R.J.'s gotten even hotter over the summer too," Mimi teased. "You're so lucky to have him Lex."
"Speaking of R.J.," Julie said levelling her gaze at her sister. "Christina Grant is still in Madam Pomfrey's care with horrible spots. Either of you know anything about that..."
Saffron shrugged innocently but broke down into giggles a few minutes later. "One of her many admirers I suppose," she snorted.
"Saffron," Julie warned.
"She's a pain in the arse," Saffron said defensively. "Julie she's always trying to cause trouble for R.J., Alexa and me. She needs to get a bloody life."
"Yes, well there are better ways to solve your problems," Julie said. "I'm not going to be here to protect you all the time. Snape's just begging for an excuse, Saffy. You know that."
"I know," Saffron replied. "And I won't slip up in front of him. He's just an angry, pissy old man."
Julie couldn't argue with that. "Just be careful. I don't want you to do anything that would keep you off the team."
"Nothing will keep me off the Quidditch team," Saffron vowed.
"I wish I played better," Alexa said. "But I'll have to make do with cheering you and R.J. on Saffy."
"She hasn't even made the team yet," Mimi reminded gently. "There's a chance she might not make it."
"I'll make it," Saffron replied arrogantly. "I was training with my dad all summer long. Plus my best friend is the captain."
"Well you never know," Mimi said with a shrug.
"I think she'll make it," Beth replied, a little afraid of the look Saffron was giving Mimi. "Saffy's always been so good on a broom."
"Better than Mum and me," Julie said. "I cannot stand to fly, but Saffron was practically living on a broom by the time she was four."
Saffron grinned. "Mum said one of my first words was 'fly'. Dad was so thrilled."
"That was pretty funny," Mimi said giggling.
"Julie will you tell us more about Nick?" Beth asked eagerly.
"What do you want to know?" Julie asked.
"Everything," Mimi said covetously. "Where did you two meet? I know that the magazines say it was at some Muggle resort--"
"That's where they did meet," Saffron replied. "And they fell head over heels in love." she grinned.
"Not at first," Julie said laughing. "I hated him at first."
"You did?" Mimi and Beth shrieked together.
"I thought he was arrogant and like his father," Julie told them. "And for the most part, that's how he was when I first met him."
"Oh my!" Beth said. "Meems, she got to see him without his shirt!"
"Hello?" Saffron said sarcastically. "They're married you half wit!"
"Oh right," Mimi calmed down. "How did he finally win you over?"
"He helped me teach my little brother how to swim," Julie replied.
"Hold up," Saffron said. "I didn't know that. Ethan couldn't swim?"
"Not at first," Julie replied. "He was terrified of the water. And don't you go giving him a hard time about it either Saffy."
"Jules!" Saffron protested. "This is too good not to at least give him a little bit of a hard time..."
"He learned quickly," Julie interrupted. "Very quickly- by the end of the month, he was swimming like a pro. So keep that in mind."
"Her brother's pretty hot too," Mimi said dreamily to Beth. "Not as hot as Nick Malfoy, but hot just the same."
Saffron rolled her eyes. "I think I'm going to get out of here before I get nauseous."
"What time are tryouts?" Julie asked.
"Half past four," Saffron replied, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "I'm going to go over some potions notes in case Snape tries to spring a surprise quiz on us. Wouldn't put it past him."
"You're going to do fine," Julie said proudly. "Did you get Mum and Dad's owl? They said they were going to send you one."
Saffron nodded. "I got it at lunch."
"You nervous?" Julie asked. Saffron's friends were packing their belongings away and couldn't hear. "You can tell me if you are..."
"Just a little," Saffron confessed. "I mean, I've been practising so hard, and R.J. says I'm a shoo in, but I don't want people thinking he put me on the team just because we're mates."
Julie nodded. "Well, I'll let you in on something. I've never in my life see anyone like you on a broom, Saffy. It's like you have no fear and like it's the most natural thing in the world..."
Saffron grinned. "Thanks Jules."
"And R.J. would never put you on that team unless you truly deserved it," Julie said pulling on her sister's plait.
"Right," Saffron said. "I'll see you at tryouts."
"Good luck Saffy," Julie said giving her a hug.
"Come on," Alexa called out. "We need to go over those notes, remember?"
"Coming!" Saffron called back. "And say hi to Nick and the girls for me later!"
"I will," Julie said. "Bye girls."
"Thank you Julie!" all four of them chorused back.
Julie smiled and started tidying up the classroom for her next class. She didn't notice that Professor Snape had come into the classroom.
"Excuse me Miss Potter," he said coolly.
"It's Professor Malfoy actually," Julie corrected him.
"Of course," he said icily.
"What can I do for you?" she asked politely.
"I just had an interesting conversation with Philippe Lestrange," Snape replied.
"I'm sure you did," Julie said, not at all surprised that the boy would go rat to his Head of House.
"You took points from Slytherin," Snape said folding his arms. "For no good reason from what I gather."
"I believe I'm correct in assuming that he didn't give you the whole story then," Julie informed him of Philippe's derogatory comments. "I will not put up for that sort of arrogant attitude in my classroom."
"I think you may have let your personal feelings factor in the decision," Snape said. "The boy made an innocent comment about your father and you overreacted."
"I would hardly call him saying his aunt should have killed my father an innocent comment," Julie replied icily.
"Be that as it may," Snape said surveying the classroom. "I do have serious doubts about your ability to be objective."
Julie crossed her arms. "With all due respect sir, I don't think you're exactly the person who can make that sort of comment. It's common knowledge that you hate Gryffindors and favour your own house above all others."
"Much like you'll favour your sister, I'm sure," Snape shot back. "I heard you giggling with her as I walked down the corridor."
"Oh I'm terribly sorry professor, to share an amusing moment with my own sister," Julie said sarcastically. "If you've a problem with the way I'm teaching, then by all means, let's go to Dumbledore right now and have a chat. If not, then please leave. I've got lessons to prepare for. And I'll do and say whatever I like with my sister on my own time."
Snape looked like he wanted to say something else, but to Julie's surprise he simply turned on his heel and stalked out of the classroom.
She shook her head and sat down at her desk, determined not to let the sulky professor intimidate her. Saffron was right- Snape was just a pissy, bitter old man.
*** *** ***
Saffron talked quite a good game, but she was in fact completely nervous now that the moment had arrived. There were four other blokes trying out for the position of seeker and they'd all flown wonderfully.
R.J. and Andrew Kirke were taking notes and Saffron bit her bottom lip as she waited her turn. She tried to remember everything she and her father had gone over this summer, but it seemed as if her mind had gone completely blank.
"You'll do fine," she told herself, rubbing her sweaty palms on her robes. "Just fly like you would any other time."
She looked over at the stands where Julie, Alexa and Peter were sitting. They all gave her the thumbs up sign and Saffron wished she felt as confident in herself as they did.
"Saffron Potter," Andrew called out. He smiled encouragingly at her.
Saffron swallowed as she got on her broom. R.J. gave her a smile and a stealthy thumbs up as well and she took off up into the pitch.
"Is it just me or did she look a little green?" Alexa asked worriedly to Julie.
"I think she's just a bit nervous," Julie said reassuringly.
"Come on Saffy!" Peter hollered encouragingly.
Andrew and R.J. watched as Saffron chased after the Snitch.
"She's good," Andrew commented admiringly. "Quite fast..."
R.J. nodded in agreement. "I think she'll catch it-- right now." he laughed. "There's a new record!"
Julie and Alexa gave each other high fives as Peter hooted and hollered.
"Way to go Saffy!" Alexa called out.
Saffron's nervousness had completely evaporated and she wore a huge grin as she flew back down to the ground.
R.J. wanted to join Julie, Alexa and Peter when they descended upon Saffron, but he knew as captain it wouldn't look right.
"I'd say it's between her and Richards," Andrew said. "They were both the quickest."
"I'm for Saffy," R.J. said immediately. "She caught it a clean five seconds before he did."
"That's true," Andrew agreed. "She's amazing up there."
"So Saffy has your vote?" RJ asked. "Andrew--?"
"Yeah sure but… Richards has been on the team before though," Andrew said thoughtfully tearing his gaze away from the brunette. "He would have made it last year if he hadn't gotten hurt. He has more experience..."
"But she's still quicker," R.J. said. "And she's smaller than he is too, so there's less of a chance of her getting hit by a Bludger."
"It's your call," Andrew said. "You're captain."
"I don't want you guys to think I'm favouring her because she's my friend," R.J. replied. "But I really do think she's the best choice."
"We wouldn't think that mate," Andrew reassured him. "We know you want the best team out there."
"Great," R.J. grinned.
"What's taking them so long?" Saffron asked worriedly. "Do you think he'll pick Richards over me? He did a good job."
"No way," Peter said squeezing her hand. "Saffy you were way quicker than he was. And you look a lot better too."
Saffron blushed. "Thanks Peter."
"Saffy you were amazing," Julie told her sister. "Don't tell Dad and Ethan this, but I think you're even better than they ever were."
"And how am I supposed to keep THAT a secret?" Saffron asked but she was grinning.
R.J. finally walked out onto the middle of the pitch and the crowd gathered around him.
"I want to thank you all for trying out this year," he began. "We had some excellent flyers and I really wish there was space for everyone on the team, but unfortunately there's not. So, without further ado, I give you the Gryffindor team. Captain and Keeper---R.J. Weasley. Chasers will be Andrew Kirke and Imelda Shaw..."
Saffron gripped Peter's hand tighter. "Oh I hope I made it!" she whispered feverishly as R.J. read off the names of the Beaters.
"And last but not least," R.J. said. "The position of seeker...Saffron Potter."
She screamed when R.J. announced her name. "I made it! I really made it!" Saffron jumped up and down.
R.J. laughed. "Congratulations to those of you who made the team. And for those of you who didn't, please try out again next year and by all means, show up and support us in our quest to win the house cup!"
"Congratulations Saffy!" Alexa said hugging her friend. "You were fantastic!"
"Thanks Lex," Saffron was overjoyed. "Oh this is so exciting!"
"Don't worry," Julie said giving her sister a hug. "I won't tell Mum and Dad. They'll want to hear this from you. You were great Saffy!"
"Thanks Jules," Saffron gave her sister a hug and noticed that Peter was hanging back a bit.
"I really do have to run," Julie apologised. "But I will see you bright and early tomorrow, okay?"
"All right Jules," Saffron grinned as her sister left.
"Congratulations," Peter smiled at her. "I feel a bit like a traitor for saying this, but I think Gryffindor will definitely win the Cup this year."
"Thanks," Saffron said giving him a hug. "And I won't tell anyone you said that. I'm so glad you were here today."
"I was glad to be here for you," he said shyly, his arms going around her waist.
"I was kind of hoping---" she began, but R.J. came up with Andrew and slapped her on the back.
"Nice flying Potter," he said picking her up and twirling her around.
"R.J.!" Saffron exclaimed. "Put me down!"
"Congratulations Saffron," Andrew smiled at her. "You did a really fantastic job up there."
"Thanks," Saffron told him before RJ spun her around again. "For Merlin's sake, RJ! Put me down!"
"That's Captain R.J. to you," he replied cheekily.
"I am not calling you Captain R.J.," Saffron said hitting him on the back.
"Captain Sir will do just fine as well," he teased. "Congratulations though Saf. You really were the best choice."
"I was so nervous," Saffron admitted. "I thought Richards was going to get it for sure."
"You were five seconds ahead of him," R.J. said, noticing Peter standing there uncomfortably. "But great job. I'm going to go catch up with Lex." he winked at her before heading off to see his girlfriend.
"He's such a goofball," Saffron said rejoining Peter. "I'm sorry about that."
"That's all right," he said, giving her a nervous smile.
Peter hadn't kissed her yet and Saffron was wondering if he was ever going to. Despite how much he'd changed over the summer, he was still somewhat shy and Saffron knew it would be up to her to make the first move.
"I really like you Pete," she said softly.
"I like you too Saffy," he said, squeezing her hand as they walked off the field together.
"And I'm glad that we've been spending so much time together," she said looking sideways at him.
"You have?" he asked. "I mean... me too. I've always liked you Saffron. You were always really nice to me when a lot of other people weren't."
Saffron smiled. "You're a really great bloke, Pete. I've always thought so. And when I asked you if you wanted to come along with Lex, R.J. and me to Hogsmeade, I meant as a date...you know that, right?"
"You did?" he asked hopefully. "I thought you just meant as friends... like before..."
Saffron stopped walking and looked at him properly. "I don't...I don't want to just be friends, Peter. I'd like us to be...more."
He stared at her, completely unable to speak at that moment.
Saffron wasn't sure to make of the look on his face at the moment. "You don't want that, do you?" she asked turning bright red. "I shouldn't have..."
"No," he stammered. "I just... I didn't realise you thought of me that way."
"We can just forget I said anything," Saffron said letting go of his hand. "We can just be friends. I shouldn't have assumed that you'd want more. I'll see you in class."
"Saffy wait," Peter caught her hand again. "I've fancied you for the longest time. I just didn't ever think you'd see it, or want me back."
Saffron looked up at him. "Really?"
"Yeah," he smiled, still quite shyly.
She stepped closer to him. "Would you do something for me then?"
"Sure," Peter agreed instantly.
"Would you kiss me?" she asked softly.
He gulped but nodded, licking his lips nervously.
Saffron smiled encouragingly up at him as he put his hands on her waist and leaned in and softly kissed her.
Peter felt his pulse race as he pressed his lips to hers. How long had he been dying for this and here it was actually happening!
"I've wanted you to do that for since we got back here," Saffron admitted when they pulled apart.
"You have?" he asked. "I'm... I'm glad. It was really um... really nice."
"It was," Saffron agreed. "We should probably get inside, I guess."
"Okay," he said, but then stopped. "One more?" he asked bravely.
Saffron grinned. "I'd like that."
He grinned back, and this time when he kissed her, he felt much more confident.
"Would you look at that?" R.J. asked as he and Alexa came up over the hill.
"Don't say anything," Alexa said nudging him. "He's really nice R.J. and Saffy likes him a lot."
"I wouldn't say a word," he joked. "Except remind her about how last year she said he'd never have a chance."
"Things change," she said watching as Saffron and Peter walked back to the castle hand in hand.
"As long as we don't change," he said with a grin.
"We won't," she promised. "You know I kind of liked seeing you all in control and being all captain-y today. It was kind of..."
"Sexy?" he asked proudly. "Yes I know."
Alexa laughed. "And your modesty is always a turn on as well."
"Anything for you Lexie," R.J. grinned before kissing her.