Authors' note: This chapter starts out with the Hogwarts crew….but you also get a little Harry/Hermione, Ethan/Maddie, Julie and Elinore thrown in for good measure. You also get another flashback of Harry/Hermione from earlier in their marriage. We hope you enjoy that. So, without further ado, here is the next chapter…
The day of Saffron's first Quidditch match dawned clear but rather cool. Part of her was incredibly nervous and she forced herself to eat as R.J. drilled ideas into her about how to capture the Snitch.
"And make sure you catch it quickly," R.J. was saying as Alexa rolled her eyes. "Don't let the Ravenclaw seeker get anywhere near it. And--"
"I know," Saffron said pushing her plate away. "I've got it R.J.."
"You know, you're only making her nervous," Alexa scolded him.
"I'm doing a good enough job with that on my own Lex," Saffron said.
"Don't be," Alexa said. "You're a fantastic Seeker and you know it. You'll win the game today."
"That's right," Peter came up behind them. "I wanted to wish you luck Saffy."
"Thanks Pete," Saffron said smiling up at him. "I appreciate that."
"I have a feeling my own house doesn't think too much of me at the moment," he said with a laugh. "I told them I was rooting for you over them."
"Well we are the better team," R.J. said causing Alexa to hit him in the arm. "Ow! We are better than them, Lex!"
Peter grinned at sat down. "I won't argue with that."
"But you really need to watch out for Jensen," R.J. told Saffron. "He's always given us trouble and you need to make sure that you keep an eye on him too..."
"I will!" Saffron said edgily.
"You're not going to go blabbing this to your housemates are you Pete?" R.J. asked Peter.
"R.J.!" Saffron exclaimed. "Shut up!"
"Morning," Andrew said coming up and sitting down. He looked from Saffron to Peter to Alexa. "Morning Saf… bloke I don't know and R.J.'s woman..."
"Andrew, this is Peter," Saffron introduced. "Peter, Andrew."
Andrew looked at Peter inquisitively for a few moments before finally sitting down. An obvlivious Saffron grinned at Peter while Andrew distracted himself by loading his plate with toast, eggs and bacon.
Andrew then turned excitedly to his best friend. "You're not going to believe this mate…guess who is going to be watching the match today?"
"Who?" R.J. asked.
"Scouts mate," Andrew said. "Puddlemere, Chudley and Wimbourne."
"I'm definitely not interested in the Cannons," R.J. said, thinking back on Paul and what the jerk had done to his sister. "But Puddlemere, without a doubt."
"I think I'm going to take a walk and clear my head," Saffron said, her face gone a bit pale at this news. "I'll meet you lot down at the pitch."
"Do you want me to come with?" Alexa asked.
"It's okay," Saffron said. "You stay with R.J.."
"I'll keep you company if you don't mind that is," Peter said standing up.
"I don't know how much fun I'll be," Saffron said, waving goodbye to her friends. "But I'd like that."
Peter smiled and took Saffron's hand and led her out of the Great Hall.
"You're going to do great you know that right?" Peter told her squeezing her hand.
"I hope so," she said, still nervous. "My first match... I just don't want to look like a fool. And I don't want to make R.J. look like a fool for picking me if I mess up."
"What time are your parents getting here?" Peter asked, knowing that this was part of the reason she was so nervous about the match.
"About a half hour before it starts," Saffron said. "I probably won't get to see them until after."
"You're going to do just fine Saffy," Peter said. "You fly like...like nothing I've ever seen before and you're just amazing..."
"Thanks Pete," Saffron smiled at him. "You're making me feel better already."
"And we'll have something to celebrate afterwards," Peter said. "Even if my entire house ostracises me."
She laughed. "How did you want to celebrate?" she asked.
"I don't know," Peter said. "I know I can't get into your common room..."
"We can sit by the lake together," Saffron suggested.
"I can nick some food for us in the kitchens," Peter said. "I know a couple of the house elves...oh...I'm sorry...I know how you feel about that..."
"It's okay," Saffron said, walking closer to him. "Did you know that my mum instigated this House Elves freedom right? They have to be paid now."
"That's pretty cool," Peter said. "I know that some of them aren't too crazy about that though..."
"No but they don't have a choice about it now," Saffron replied.
"True," Peter said grinning at her. They walked up the stairs toward the Astronomy Tower and passed a couple of sixth-year girls who were whispering about something.
"Hi Peter," one of the girls said causing the other girl to giggle.
"Hi," Peter responded.
"I love your jumper," the other girl said. "It matches your eyes..."
"Thanks," he said, glancing at Saffron.
The two girls started to giggle again and then continued back down the stairs.
"Who were they?" Saffron whispered.
"I don't know," he confessed. "I think they're from my house, but they've never even spoken to me before."
Saffron smiled. "So, I guess I shouldn't be jealous then?"
"You have nothing to be jealous about," he grinned at her.
Saffron giggled much like the two girls had done and batted her eyelashes at him. "I love your jumper...it goes with your eyes. Fancy a snog?"
"I definitely like the snog part," he said, boldly leaning in.
Saffron pressed her lips to his. For a few moments, she was able to forget about the match and her parents and the scouts.
"Did that help calm your nerves at all?" he asked softly, resting his forehead on hers.
"What nerves?" Saffron asked softly.
Peter grinned and kissed her again.
"And that's my classroom," Julie said closing the door behind her. She was showing her parents her office and classroom before they went into the Great Hall.
"It looks wonderful sweetheart," Hermione told her. "Don't you think so...Harry?"
But Harry wasn't listening. He was too busy watching his fifteen-year old daughter kissing a boy he didn't know.
Hermione followed his gaze. "Harry," she nudged him. "Stop thinking what you're thinking right now."
"Who...who is that?" Harry asked.
"He's in Ravenclaw," Julie told her father. "He's a really nice bloke and Saffron really fancies him, Dad."
"What's his name?" Harry asked. "What do his parents do?"
"His name's Peter Lawson," Julie answered. "And how are we to know what his parents do?"
"How about we ask him?" Harry asked shrugging off Hermione's arm on his shoulder. "Saffron!"
Saffron pulled away from Peter at the sound of her name. "Dad?" she asked. "What are you doing here? I thought you weren't coming until the match?"
"We wanted to see Julie," Harry said glaring at Peter. "And to spend some time with you before the match."
"Dad um," Saffron clasped Peter's hand again. "This is Peter Lawson... we study together sometimes and we're uh... we're..."
"Study partners," Peter said finally finding his voice. "It's a great honour to um...meet you sir."
"Hello," Harry extended his hand, his eyes never wavering.
Peter's own hand was trembling as he shook Harry's hand. He kept remembering how this man had single-handedly defeated the darkest wizard of their time.
"Hi Peter," Julie smiled at him. "This is Saffron's and my mother, Hermione."
"Hello Minister," Peter said smiling weakly at her. "Saffron talks about you and Mr. Potter so much, I feel like I already know you."
"She's talked about you too," Hermione said warmly. Saffron blushed at that.
"She has?" Harry asked looking at his wife.
"Yes," Hermione said, ignoring her husband's look. "It's lovely to finally meet you in person Peter."
"You too," Peter said. "I...I should probably get back to the...um...well I need to get there....I'll see you after the match Saffron..."
Julie giggled as poor Peter nearly sprinted down the stairs.
Saffron glared at her father. "Thanks for scaring him off Dad."
"I was perfectly civil to the boy," Harry said defensively.
"You were scary," Saffron said. "Pete's my boyfriend, whether or not you like it. And he's been nothing but respectful to me."
"Boyfriend?" Harry asked incredulously. "Hang on a second. Last I knew you were dating some Muggle named Sean..."
"I told you they broke things off," Hermione reminded him.
"Dad I'm fifteen not five," Saffron said.
"We're not here to argue," Hermione said getting in between them. "This is Saffron's big day, remember?"
"Right," Harry said, relaxing.
"Mum, I'm so nervous," Saffron said. "Andrew told R.J. that there were scouts here and I know they're not here to see me, but they are for R.J. and I don't want to let him down and I just..."
"Relax sweetheart," Hermione hugged her daughter. "You're going to do just fine. I think I'm more nervous than you are." she teased.
"Somehow I don't think that's possible," Saffron said with a laugh. "I'm so glad you guys are here."
"Greta says to wish you good luck," Julie tugged on her sister's plait. "And so do the girls and Nick."
"Thanks Jules," Saffron said smiling at her. "Professor Malfoy..."
"Smartarse," Julie laughed.
"I'm so proud of you both," Hermione said putting an arm around both her daughters.
"Thanks Mum," Saffron said. "I'm so glad you finally got to meet Peter. He's really very sweet when he's not being glared at."
"I wasn't glaring at him much," Harry said. "I'll be nicer when I see him next. I promise."
"Daddy he really is nice," Saffron replied. "And we haven't had an official date yet- we're going to Hogsmeade our first weekend with R.J. and Alexa."
"I look forward to getting to know him," Harry said honestly. "I love you sweetheart."
Saffron finally smiled at him. "I love you too," she gave him a big hug.
"How about we go and grab something to eat?" Hermione suggested. "Julie was about to take us to the Great Hall when we ran into you."
"I'm not hungry," Saffron said. "I just sort of picked at my breakfast."
"I was the same way before my matches," Harry said. "I was afraid if I ate, I'd throw up during the...okay, that's probably not helping you."
"Not really..." Saffron said weakly.
"I know something that might help," someone said behind Saffron. She turned to see Ethan, Maddie and her grandmother.
"Gran?" Saffron asked. "What are you doing here?"
"I couldn't miss my Saffy's first match," Elinore said warmly.
Saffron grinned and ran down the stairs to give her a hug. "I'm so glad you're here!"
Elinore hugged her tightly. "I've missed you so much sweetheart. But I've loved getting letters from you so often."
"I bet you heard about Peter," Harry joked.
Elinore laughed. "Quite an earful."
"Did you bring an extra blanket for Gran?" Saffron asked. "It's really windy outside and I don't want her to get cold."
"I've got a cloak for her to wear," Maddie spoke up.
"Thanks Maddie," Saffron said giving her a hug. "R.J. will be so happy to see you!"
"If he comes up for air?" Maddie joked. "Look at him!" she pointed to her brother who was currently exploring Alexa O'Leary's mouth.
"Oi!" Ethan shouted out. "Get a room, Ronald Junior!"
"Sod off," R.J. replied, not even turning around to see who was talking to him.
"Hello Professor Snape!" Ethan called out knowing that would do the trick.
R.J. pulled away from his girlfriend so fast she almost lost balance. "Not funny mate," R.J. glowered.
"I don't know," Ethan said cheekily. "I thought it was."
"Hello Minister," Alexa said blushing. "Mr. Potter."
"How are you Alexa?" Hermione smiled at her. "And what have I told you about calling me minister? Call me Hermione."
"I'm sorry," Alexa apologised.
"Mads," R.J. said hugging his sister. "I didn't know you were coming..."
"I didn't want to miss the match," Maddie said. "Both you and Saffy playing..."
"I'm glad you're here," he said. "Andrew told me that three teams have sent scouts."
"That's fantastic," Maddie was happy for her brother. "They'll all be offering you contracts before the year ends."
"Chudley's here too," R.J. said in her ear. "I never thought I'd say this, but I don't want to play for them Maddie. Not as long as Paul's there."
Maddie smiled at him. "I like Puddlemere myself..."
"That's Dad's new favourite too," R.J. said. "And Frankie's working with them so that helps."
"We were going to get something to eat," Harry said. "Want to join us?"
Even though he had just eaten, R.J. could always go for more. "Sure. In fact, I want to run some ideas past you Uncle Harry."
"Sure," Harry chuckled.
"I'll definitely eat," Maddie said. "I miss Hogwarts food."
"They had some really good stuff this morning," Alexa said. "French toast, waffles, fresh fruit, those big blueberry muffins..."
"Stop already," Maddie laughed. "I'm starving as it is!"
"You just ate," Ethan nudged her.
"Yes but they have French toast," Maddie said defensively. "You know I can never turn that down. Now, Alexa...you should sit by me because I need to tell you all sorts of embarrassing things about R.J.. Did you know that when he was two he didn't want to wear clothes? Used to walk around the house completely starkers..."
"Maddie!" R.J. exploded.
Alexa giggled. "I'd like to hear more about this."
"And he said he was a fairy," Maddie continued.
"I never said that!" R.J. protested.
Saffron began to laugh. "I bet you did."
"You used one of Dad's old wands," Maddie said. "And you used to twirl..."
R.J. glared at his sister. "Okay, okay we get the bloody picture."
"Twirling isn't so bad," Ethan said remembering his and Maddie's dance in the snow.
Maddie smiled at him. "You'd better say that..."
Ethan grinned. "Come on, let's go feed you..."
They all walked toward the Great Hall and R.J. pulled Alexa back. "You know if I did do any of that, I was only a baby at the time..."
"I don't think any less of you," Alexa grinned at him.
"Good," he said grinning back at her. "This is what's so bad about coming from a large family. They all want to embarrass you."
"I understand," Alexa leaned in and gave him a kiss.
"I love you," he whispered. "My good luck charm..."
She giggled. "That's the sweetest thing anyone's ever said to me..."
"I'm going to need a kiss from you before every match or I'll play like crap," he said grinning down at her.
"As if I'd let you go out there and play without a decent snog," Alexa said softly.
"What kind of girlfriend would you be?" R.J. asked tickling her side.
"Not a very good one," she said, laughing. "Since we already ate, why don't we get a head start on your good luck for today?"
R.J. grinned. "I don't usually turn down food, but..."
"I'm better than food," Alexa said, hugging him around the middle.
"I like this bold, confident side of you," R.J. said. "Come on...we can go up to my room. Everyone's in the Great Hall anyway."
"Okay," Alexa agreed.
"Wait here," he said giving her a kiss. "I'll just go and tell Maddie that something's come up...okay, maybe I won't put it like that exactly."
"R.J.!" Alexa giggled.
"I'll be right back," R.J. said grinning at her.
He found his sister and the others seated at the end of the Gryffindor table. "I have some things to go over before the match. I'll catch up to you guys afterwards, okay?"
"Say hi to Alexa for us," Ethan said slyly.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," R.J. said innocently.
"Sure you don't," Saffron rolled her eyes. "I'll see you at the pitch in a little while."
"Remember what I told you about the Ravenclaw seeker," R.J. called out over his shoulder as he left the Great Hall.
Saffron shook her head. "I'm really glad you're all here. I'm not so nervous anymore."
"We wouldn't miss your debut," Hermione said.
"I promise it'll be a good game," Saffron grinned.
"Mum, you and Jules have to keep your eyes open," Ethan said. "I know you hate watching Saffy fly..."
"We'll do our best," Hermione joked.
"I wish Robert could have seen this," Elinore said quietly. "He always did love to watch Saffron fly."
"He's watching Gran," Julie said softly. "I know he'll keep an eye on Saffy while she's up there on her broom."
"He will," Elinore said smiling at her granddaughter.
"I'd better go warm up," Saffron said. "Will you all stick around afterwards for a little while?"
"Of course," Elinore promised. "We'll want to offer you our congratulations, of course."
"Thanks," Saffron hugged her grandmother.
"Good luck sweetheart," Hermione said.
"Thanks Mum," Saffron kissed her on the cheek then mussed her dad's hair. "I'm going to show you up." she teased him.
"Of that I have no doubt," Harry said grinning at her.
"I am worried about her being up there," Hermione said once Saffron had gone.
"She's going to be fine," Harry reassured her.
"I hope so," Julie said. "I have to give Ash and Katie a play by play later."
"I'd love to hear your descriptions," Ethan teased. "You know next to nothing about the game Jules."
"Stuff it Ethan," Julie retorted.
"You don't," Ethan said laughing. "You called a Bludger and I quote a 'really big ball'."
"It is a really big ball," Julie said defensively.
"Yes, but you and Mum have always been after Dad and me for making sure we call things by their proper names," Ethan reminded her.
"How do you put up with him Maddie?" Julie asked.
"Believe it or not, he can be very sweet," Maddie replied.
Julie raised an eyebrow. "Oh really?"
"Yes, but he can be a right devil when he wants to be," Maddie said nudging him.
"And I'm proud of that," Ethan slid his arm around her.
"Madeline and Ethan have both been quite sweet to me," Elinore said grinning at her grandson. "They went round to see me last evening and brought the most fantastic food. And they picked me up today..."
"See," Ethan replied.
Julie laughed. "By the way, a few of my students told me that they think Nick is better looking than you."
Ethan clutched his chest. "Kick a bloke when he's down, why don't you?"
Julie smirked at him. "Just thought I'd let you know."
"It's that whole leather trousers thing," Ethan said. "That's why."
"Mmm..." Maddie's eyes glazed over. "I wonder how you would look in leather trousers Ethan..."
"Get that idea out of your head Maddie Molly," Ethan said. "I'm not buying leather trousers."
"What if I buy them for you?" Maddie asked mischievously, giving him her patented look.
"I won't wear them out in public," he said caving in.
"You are so whipped," Julie chuckled.
"Yeah, don't I know it," Ethan said but he was grinning.
Harry shook his head. "You girls are lucky you have blokes like us," he said.
"I think you got that wrong," Hermione said. "You're the lucky ones."
"You know she's right," Harry winked.
After Saffron left her parents she went to grab her gear from her dorm room. She felt a little nauseous and was glad that she hadn't eaten much. R.J. was holding a team meeting before the match to go over some last minute strategy and she and Imelda, the other girl on the team quickly changed and made their way to their team tent.
"Are you nervous?" Saffron asked her.
"Petrified," Imelda replied. "You?"
"About the same," Saffron smiled ruefully. "I don't think my palms have stopped sweating all morning. And I've got about a million butterflies in my stomach right now."
"RJ said to just pretend like we're just playing a pickup game on the weekend instead of the first match of our school career," Imelda said with a laugh. "Easy for him to say. He thrives on this stuff."
"Tell me about it," Saffron said as they entered the tent.
"Thank you for finally joining us," R.J. said tersely. "Take a seat girls..."
Saffron sat down next to Andrew who smiled warmly at her. "You doing okay, Saf?"
She nodded. "I think so."
"It's normal to be nervous with this being your first match," Andrew told her. "The day of my first match I think I threw up about twenty times…"
Saffron started to laugh but one look at RJ and she knew he had switched to serious captain mode.
"Okay," R.J. said pacing in front of the blackboard where he'd drawn out some plays. "Last year, we defeated the Ravenclaw team, but this year, they're much improved. Their seeker is the best I've seen in my time at Hogwarts. Potter, you really have to keep an eye on not only the Snitch, but on him. He has a habit of playing a little dirty. He's a sneaky little bugger, too."
"Okay," Saffron said, swallowing the lump in her throat.
"This is our first match of the season," R.J. continued. "Some of you might have heard that there are scouts in the stands today, but you can't think about that. And for you newbies, I know your nervous and scared. We all were when we first started, too. But you need to remember that you were chosen for a reason."
"We have the best team at Hogwarts," Andrew agreed enthusiastically.
"Here, here!" the rest of the team chimed in.
R.J. grinned and then gave the team some last minute instructions. Saffron listened intently to every word he had to say. Although she gave him a hard time, Saffron could see why R.J. was captain. He was really, really good at this.
"Are we ready then team?" R.J. asked, pumping his fist.
"Aye!" they all crowed back at him.
"Let's crush 'em!" Andrew called out.
"Right," Saffron felt herself getting into the spirit of things.
The team got their brooms and R.J. led the way toward the pitch. Saffron walked beside him and felt the butterflies in her stomach return as she heard the roar of the crowd.
"You'll be okay Saf," R.J. whispered. "You're good."
"Thanks R.J.," she said as he squeezed her hand and took his place in front of everyone.
"Bring back memories?" Hermione asked her husband who was holding omnioculars and looking for any sight of Saffron.
"Yeah," Harry said wistfully. "Sometimes I get a crazy notion to just drop everything and play Quidditch professionally."
"I get that same notion every now and then too Dad," Ethan said. "Once it's in your blood..."
"It stays there," Harry finished. "I think Saffy will be the one out of all of us to make this her career."
"I don't much about the sport, but I do know Saffy's got something special," Elinore said as Maddie showed her how to use the set of omnioculars. "Thank you Maddie."
"You're welcome Elinore," Maddie smiled at her. "Is that cloak warm enough for you? I put a heating charm on it."
"It is," Elinore said smiling at her. She looked at her grandson. "I'd hold on to her if I were you, Ethan."
"I plan on it Gran," Ethan grinned at his girlfriend.
From her place in the Gryffindor stands, Alexa used her own set of omnioculars to see if she could glimpse her boyfriend or best friend.
"I bet she falls flat on her face," Mimi commented.
Alexa glared at her. "That's a horrible thing to say Mimi."
"I'm not saying I want it to happen Lex," Mimi said quickly. "I'm just saying she was positively green this morning and she barely slept a wink last night."
"And she'll be just fine," Alexa replied, pulling her cloak around her more tightly. "Saffy's the best Quidditch player I know next to R.J.."
"You have to say that," Mimi said shivering. "She's your best friend."
"I would say it anyway," Alexa replied loyally.
The announcer finished announcing the members of the Ravenclaw team and a hush fell over the Gryffindors as they waited for their team to take to the sky.
"The Gryffindors are led by their captain and keeper R.J. Weasley," the announcer said.
Alexa beamed and clapped heartily as her boyfriend flew past her.
"He's so dreamy when he's flying Lex," Beth was saying as the other Gryffindor players rose up above them.
"I can't argue with that," Alexa said softly.
"And new to the team as Seeker," the announcer said. "Saffron Potter!"
Harry got to his feet as did the rest of his family clapping loudly.
"GO SAFFY!" Ethan shouted out.
Saffron heard the shouts of her friends and family and once she got in the air, all her nervousness evaporated. "This is just like any other time," she told herself. "Just focus on the Snitch."
"Welcome to the big time Potter," the Ravenclaw seeker Terrence Jensen said haughtily as he flew up beside her. "Think you can handle it?"
"Think you're good enough to go up against me?" she retorted.
"If you ask me, girls shouldn't play," Jensen shot back. "You should be in the stands cheering us blokes on."
"Ugh," Saffron rolled her eyes. "Why don't you go back to the bloody Dark Ages where you belong?"
"I'll be too busy catching the Snitch," Jensen said with a grin. "Take it easy Potter..." He flew off as the game officially began.
"Jerk," Saffron muttered, bringing her mind back solely to the game. There was no way she was letting R.J. or Gryffindor down by losing to a pompous git like Terrence Jensen.
Hermione covered her eyes as she watched her daughter dodge out of the way of a Bludger.
"Hermione," Harry said, pulling her hands down. "Watch your daughter."
"Is she okay?" Hermione asked her eyes still closed.
"She's fine," Harry said. "Come on Hermione- you can't close or cover your eyes in every match she plays."
"Right," Hermione said. "I just don't want her to get hurt is all..."
"She might get a little banged up, but that tends to happen," Harry said. "Saffy can handle whatever comes her way."
"She's doing so good," Elinore said looking through the omnioculars. "And she has that determined look on her face."
"The Saffron determined look is just like the Maddie adorable look," Ethan nudged his girlfriend.
Maddie laughed. "Is that so?"
"It means she wants something and will do whatever it takes to get it," Ethan replied. "Just like when you give me THAT look."
"Ahh," Maddie grinned. "Imagine if we could combine the two?"
"Don't even think on that," Ethan said. "Especially if you ever plan on seeing me in leather trousers."
"Consider it forgotten," Maddie said. She returned her attention to the pitch just in time to see her brother stop the Ravenclaw team from scoring.
"WAY TO GO R.J.!" she yelled.
Saffron was cheered momentarily by the fact that their team was ahead by thirty points but she quickly focused her attentions on finding the small golden winged ball.
Jensen flew past her once again. "Sitting pretty are you Potter?"
"Sod off," she snorted.
He laughed heartily and Saffron took advantage of his momentary distraction to fly over toward the Gryffindor stands. She had caught sight of something, but she didn't want Jensen to know or follow her.
R.J. was doing his best to keep his eyes on the Quaffle and any Bludgers but he also watched Saffron. She seemed to want to stay out of most of the action, and he hoped she would catch the Snitch soon.
To Saffron's delight what she had spotted was the Snitch and she looked over her shoulder to see Jensen flying in her direction. With that fierce determined look on her face she set off as fast as she could to catch it before Jensen had a chance.
"She's seen it," Ethan said, his eyes wide. "Saffy's going to catch it before that wanker does!"
"Come on Saffy!" Hermione said her eyes wide open as she watched Saffron.
Saffron held on to her broom stick with one hand and reached out for the elusive Snitch with her free hand.
A rustle behind her made her look back and her eyes narrowed as she saw that Jenson was directly on her tail.
"You're not going to get it!" he taunted.
She blocked him out as she reached desperately for it. "Come on..."
Saffron completely flattered herself against the broom and willed it to go faster and just as she thought the snitch would fly from her grasp, she was suddenly clutching onto it tightly.
"YES!" Harry exclaimed giving his wife a hug. "She did it!"
"That's my girl!" Elinore called out clapping enthusiastically.
"You...caught it," Jensen said dejectedly to Saffron as they both landed.
"Yeah," Saffron said. "Told you I would."
"Not bad for a girl eh Jensen?" R.J. asked as he landed beside his friend. Jensen just glared at him before stalking off. R.J. grabbed hold of Saffron. "You are our secret weapon! Nice flying Saf!"
"Thanks R.J.," she laughed as he swept her up in a huge bear hug. "I caught it!"
"You sure did!" R.J. said hugging her tightly. The rest of the team landed and immediately swarmed around Saffron.
Peter was walking through the crowd of Ravenclaws with a wide smile on his face. He nearly knocked over Christina Grant on his way. "What are you smiling about, loser? Our team just lost?"
"Yeah," Peter said. "But my girl just won!"
"Ugh you're dating HER?" Christina's pretty face was twisted into a scowl.
"Yes I am," Peter said proudly. "Now if you'll pardon me..."
"Pete!" Saffron's grin was huge. "I caught the snitch!" she laughed.
Peter hugged her. "I know! I am now the most hated bloke in Ravenclaw because the entire match I was cheering you on! You were amazing!"
Saffron laughed again. "You don't seem too disappointed about your house hating you." she teased.
"I don't care about them," he said beaming at her. "Only you."
"That's so sweet," Saffron said, the crowd around them disappearing.
"And since you did so well," he said putting his hands on her waist.
"Yes?" she asked flirtatiously, her lips already tingling in anticipation.
"You should get a kiss," he said leaning in. "Or two...or three..."
"Or many, many more..." she said as their lips met.
Frankie led the Puddlemere scout, Richard Anderson down to the pitch. He had been quite impressed with R.J.'s play and since she'd told her colleague she knew R.J. personally, he'd asked for her to make a formal introduction. Frankie found him with Alexa near the changing rooms.
"Frankie?" R.J. asked. "I didn't know you were going to be here!"
"Nice game," Frankie said grinning at him. "I'd like you to meet one of our top scouts. Ronald Weasley Junior, this is Richard Anderson of Puddlemere United."
"Oh wow," R.J.'s eyes grew wide as he shook the man's hand.
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Weasley," Richard said warmly. "I was quite impressed with your play today."
"You were?" R.J. asked. "That's fantastic- especially because Puddlemere is one of my favourite teams, in fact, it is my favourite team, you've been having a great season and--"
"Take a breath, R.J.," Frankie teased.
"Sorry," R.J. turned red.
"It's okay," Richard said laughing. "You're in your last here at Hogwarts, right?"
"Yes," R.J. said. "And Quidditch is all I ever dreamed of doing after I left school. I've been playing ever since I could walk."
"You're quite good," Richard said. "And I think you'd make an excellent addition to our team. As you know our current keeper is retiring after this season."
R.J. stared at the man, completely speechless.
"We'll be keeping an eye on you," Richard said handing R.J. a business card from his pocket.
"Thank you," R.J. said, star struck.
Frankie grinned at R.J.. "We have to get going. Richard wanted to talk to Professor Dumbledore. Congratulations again, R.J.. If you see Saffron, can you tell her the same?"
"I will," R.J. nodded. "Thanks Frankie. Thank you so much."
"No problem," Frankie said. "Nice to see you too Alexa."
She and R.J. watched as Frankie led Richard back toward the castle. Alexa turned to look at her boyfriend who looked completely gob smacked.
"R.J.," she said giggling. "This is so great!"
"Can you believe that?" he asked, dazed. "Puddlemere wants me!"
"I believe it," she said hugging him. "You were fantastic out there today. Just don't forget us little people when you're the starting Keeper for Puddlemere."
"Never," R.J. finally snapped out of his reverie and whirled her around. "Told you that you're my good luck charm."
Alexa laughed as he spun her around. She couldn't remember a time when she'd felt this happy.
"You're going to have everything you always wanted," she told him when he set her back down.
"As long as I always have you," he said intently.
"You will," she said touching his cheek.
"Promise?" he asked.
"Promise," she said kissing him.
*** *** ***
It was a week after Saffron's first match and Harry and Hermione were enjoying a peaceful evening alone. He was lying on the sofa and she was curled up beside him, reading that day's Daily Prophet.
"Anything good in there?" he asked conversationally.
"Not really," she said as he stroked her hair. "More of the local garbage."
"I noticed you looking at the estate pages," Harry said. "Thinking of getting another place?"
"We can't leave here until I'm out of office," Hermione reminded him.
"I wasn't the one looking at the listings," Harry said. "And the ways things are going, we'll be old and grey by the time you're out of office---or older and greyer."
"I'm not that grey," Hermione said. "Now you on the other hand, I've noticed you've got a bit of silver here and there..." she teased.
"Here and where?" Harry asked.
"At your temples," Hermione said. "And down around your neck."
"Ohhh," he said softly. "Well, let me check around your neck then shall I?"
Hermione laughed as she tossed the paper down. "Be my guest."
Harry nuzzled her neck. "No grey here..."
"Where else might you look?" she murmured.
Harry chuckled. "Don't you tempt me..."
"I'm challenging you Potter," Hermione levelled her gaze at him.
"I never back down from a challenge," he said laying his wife down on the couch.
"So where are you going to check?" Hermione asked with a grin.
"I don't know," he said with a devilish grin as he undid the fly on her jeans. "Here perhaps?"
"Okay," she laughed. "That might be a good place to start."
He slid her jeans off and then pulled her knickers off. "Hmm," he said thoughtfully. "I think I might need a closer look..."
"What are you waiting for?" she purred.
"Not a thing," he said grinning at her.
He kissed her as she fumbled with his jeans and pulled them down, kicking them to the floor along with his shirt and boxers. "Will you look at that," Hermione murmured. "No other silver hair..."
"Not bad for an old man then?" he asked positioning himself down on top of his wife.
"You're hardly old," Hermione said, running her hands along his bare back. "You look the same as you always did to me. Completely... utterly... devastatingly... handsome..."
"And you are still the most beautiful woman in the world to me," he said pressing into her. "I can never get enough of you, Hermione."
"That goes double for me you know," Hermione said, arching herself up so she could pull him in deeper.
"Does it now?" Harry asked before hungrily kissing her.
"Mmmhmm..." Hermione didn't think she was capable of speaking at that moment.
Harry was glad they'd given the housekeeping staff the night off. He called out his wife's name as she dug her heels into his arse.
"Harry," she panted. "Why is it we always seem to find ourselves like this when we're alone?"
"Because you can't keep your hands off me," he replied. "And vice versa."
"Yes," she gasped. "That's it..."
"Right here," Harry grunted. "Hermione..."
She was glad she didn't have to muffle her cries as she released, Harry collapsing on top of her.
"Now I'm good and knackered," he said softly.
Hermione traced over his scar as he pulled a light blanket over them. "I do love you so much," she sighed, closing her eyes.
"I love you," he said lightly kissing her before closing his own eyes. "Hermione?"
"Hmm?" she asked a bit drowsily.
"How did we get from talking about getting another house to this?" he asked with a tired laugh.
"Because we're rabbits?" she answered.
"That must be it," he said.
"Sometimes, on nights like this... I feel like this place is too big for us," Hermione opened her eyes again. "I miss the cosy feeling of our cottage. I wish there was some way we could have hung onto that place."
"How many nights did we spend in the cottage just like this?" he asked softly.
"Too many to recall," Hermione smiled. "But I loved every moment of them."
"It was our special place," he said kissing the top of Hermione's head. "Where we brought Julie home for the first time and Ethan..."
"Saffy would love the cottage too," Hermione snuggled closer to him.
"She would," Harry agreed. "But this is the only place she's ever known as home."
"I can see her moving out when she's done at Hogwarts," Hermione mused.
"I don't even want to think about that," Harry said. "It's been hard seeing each of them move out on their own, but she's the baby..."
"I know," Hermione said sadly. "I remember when Julie moved out..." she laughed. "I remember the first day we brought her home from the hospital too..."
***
"Keep her eyes closed," Harry said as he fumbled in his jeans pocket for the keys.
"I don't think that will be a problem," Hermione said looking down at the sleeping baby in her arms. She watched in amusement as Harry fumbled with his keys.
"Nervous?" she teased.
"It's her first day home," Harry said cursing as he dropped his keys. "Daddy didn't mean that Julie!"
Hermione laughed. "I really don't think she'll remember this."
Harry finally opened the door. "I probably could have used my wand, eh? Thanks for not pointing that out..."
"You're too cute when you're fumbling," Hermione giggled. "I couldn't resist."
"Okay," Harry said standing back so his wife could enter with their daughter. "Welcome Home, Julie Liliane."
Hermione carried their new daughter through the door. "Welcome home gorgeous," she said softly, setting the carrier on the table as Harry shut the door behind them. He came up beside her and they just looked at little Julie for a few moments. "Can you believe we're parents?" Hermione asked, tears shining in her eyes.
"Not really," he whispered. "She's perfect, Hermione. Absolutely perfect."
"She certainly is," Hermione agreed. "I could sit right here and just look at her forever."
"She has your nose," Harry said. "And hair..."
"And your eyes," Hermione said. "I'm so glad she has your eyes Harry."
"Well at least we know she's mine," he joked earning an elbow in his ribs. "Sorry. Pathetic use of humour."
"You're forgiven," Hermione leaned against him. "I'm so happy right now Harry..."
"Me too," he said resting his chin on her shoulder. Julie opened her eyes and looked up at her parents.
"Hey baby," Harry said softly. "Welcome home."
Hermione smiled through her tears. "I can't get over this," she said, lifting Julie out of the carrier. "I can't get over how beautiful she is."
"She's gorgeous just like her Mummy," Harry said. "How about we show Madam Julie her nursery?"
"That sounds like a great idea," Hermione said as Harry put the carrier on the floor.
"Right this way my girls," Harry said leading the way.
Hermione followed him into the sunny yellow nursery. "I love what you and my dad did in here," she said dreamily. "It's the most perfect room I've ever seen."
"You did keep barking orders at us from the bedroom," he teased.
"And that's why it's perfect," Hermione retorted with a grin.
"What do you think of your new room Jules?" Harry asked his baby daughter.
Julie stared up at them and made a cooing sound deep in her throat.
"I think we can take that as a yes," Harry said grinning down at her. "Your Grandpa and I worked very hard on this room to make it perfect for you sweetheart."
Julie blinked and yawned, making her parents laugh.
"Your Daddy isn't usually this boring," he told her.
"I can vouch for that," Hermione giggled. "But you'll never want to hear any of those stories."
Harry laughed. "And you see those little stuffed bunnies over there? Those are a gift from your demented Uncle Ron and Aunt Luna."
Hermione laughed again. "I think our little one wants to go back to sleep..."
"I think you're right," Harry said as Julie closed her eyes.
Hermione laid her carefully in the brand new white crib that had been a gift from Robert and Elinore. "I don't want to leave though," she whispered.
Harry moved the rocking chair closer to the crib so Hermione could sit. "Here you are love."
"You're staying too right?" she asked.
"Of course," he said. "I'm just going to grab that extra chair from the bedroom. Be right back."
"Okay," Hermione whispered, her eyes already back on the tiny girl fast asleep in the crib.
Harry returned a few seconds later carrying Hermione's old chair from the bedroom. He gingerly set it down beside his wife and sat down. Neither of them said anything for quite some time as they just watched Julie sleep.
"We're really a family now," Hermione whispered some time later. "The three of us..."
"You, me and baby makes three," Harry joked.
Hermione laughed softly. "It just amazes me to look at her and to think that she's totally dependent on us, you know?"
"I know," Harry said. "Now I really feel like a grownup."
"So us having our own place and jobs, a wedding and every day duties wasn't enough?" she teased, reaching for his hand.
He laughed and squeezed her hand. "No, not until I saw that little one for the first time. It hit me. That little girl is going to look for us to keep her warm; to keep her safe. I'm terrified and excited and happy all at the same time..."
"What was your immediate thought when you first saw her?" Hermione asked, tearing her gaze away from Julie, who was smacking her lips in her sleep.
Harry looked thoughtfully at their daughter. "I just thought she was perfect and she was a little bit of you and a little bit of me and she was ours."
"Something we made," Hermione agreed.
"And I don't want her to grow up like I did," he said quietly.
"That'll be impossible," Hermione said. "She's going to grow up so loved."
"That she will," Harry said leaning over and kissing his wife. "Thank you."
"What are you thanking me for?" she asked, smoothing down his messy hair. "You're as responsible for her as I am."
"I wouldn't have a family if it weren't for you," he said grinning at her.
Hermione grinned back. "Well if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have a family either. You completely changed my outlook on a lot of things Potter."
"Such as?" he asked.
"I never thought I'd get married," Hermione explained. "Not for a long while yet. And I never thought anyone like you would look at me twice. You made me feel a lot more confident in myself and my abilities."
"You're amazing Hermione," he said. "Some bloke would have realised it before too long. I'm just glad I got there first."
"Me too," she whispered, looking into his green eyes. "Now I've got the best husband in the world, and the most beautiful daughter as well."
Harry smiled at her and then leaned in for another kiss.
***
"Well at least that much hasn't changed," Hermione said. "You're still the best husband in the world, but now we have the two most beautiful daughters, the most handsome son, and two gorgeous granddaughters to top it off."
"Life isn't so bad, is it?" he asked softly.
"No," she said, closing her eyes again. "Not as long as I have you Harry."
"And as long as I have you," he said holding her close as they both drifted off to sleep.