A/N: Well here you guys are- finally you get Maddie's reaction to Jared's whole plot.
We also wanted to ask you guys a question- would you lot be offended if we weren't able to do review replies on Tuesdays? We'll still do them for NtR and on the Saturday update for Last Dance but when we both work Tuesdays sometimes it's rough to get them done in time. Let us know okay?
As always- read, enjoy, and review! Thanks!
***
Jared and Alex both turned around.
"Maddie," Jared gulped.
"How dare you..." Maddie said through clenched teeth. "How DARE you do this to me?" she advanced on the two men, who both suddenly looked terrified.
"Do what?" Jared asked innocently. "Maddie, I'd like you to meet an old mate of mine---"
Maddie's eyes were narrowed into angry slits. "Don't you play innocent with me. I just heard every bloody rotten word you said."
"Maddie, I can explain," Jared said but she rounded on him.
"Jare--sorry mate," Alex said hastily. "I just remembered I have to be somewhere..."
"Coward," Jared muttered as his friend ran back into the building.
Maddie stared at the man in front of her with the utmost disgust and loathing. "I never, ever in my life, thought I could despise another human. But you're not even human. You're scum Jared Griffin."
"I fell for you Maddie," Jared said hastily reaching out for her. "Love makes you do crazy things..."
"Come off it," Maddie slapped his hands away harshly. "I'm not buying into your crap."
"I just gave Ethan and Bree a push," Jared said. "And they were all too willing to go at it. For all you know they were already shagging behind your back."
"Bollocks," Maddie snapped, her eyes now blazing. "I trusted you Jared. And all this time you've been plotting to shag me because I'm a virgin."
"That's not true," Jared said pleadingly. "Maddie, you and I had a connection right from the start. You can't deny you're attracted to me."
Maddie felt bile rise up in her throat. "I was never attracted to you."
"Yes you were," Jared said grabbing hold of her arm and pulling her to him. "All those times you were with him, you were thinking of me..."
He roughly crashed his lips to hers.
Maddie pushed at him as hard as she could but his grip was vice like. She gagged as he tried to force his tongue between her lips and in one swift movement, she brought her knee up between his legs, hard.
Jared released her and doubled over in pain. "What... the hell was that for?" he choked out.
"For breaking up the best thing that ever happened to me," Maddie hadn't lived with three brothers without learning a few tricks. "And for breaking up another innocent couple just to satisfy your disgusting urges."
Jared wanted to laugh, but he was in far too much pain. "You...you're just a tease!"
"I've never given you any indication that I felt anything for you but friendship," Maddie said as he struggled to his feet. "You have a horrible problem Jared. You need help. And I would have done anything I could to help you but I don't ever want to see you again. I considered you a friend and you just took that way too far." her eyes burned with hot, angry tears.
"Maddie," Jared said looking pleadingly at her. "I--"
"You'll keep away from me," Maddie said, her eyes snapping fire. "I won't be responsible for what I do if you EVER try to come near me again."
Jared had never seen her that angry before. To be honest, he was quite frightened. "You won't tell Smythe, will you? I can't lose this job, Maddie!"
"She doesn't need to tell me," Smythe was standing in the doorway, looking almost as angry as Maddie.
"Smythe," Jared said in surprise. "There's been a big misunderstanding. Maddie and I had a row..."
"I heard everything," Smythe said, putting an arm around the young woman's shoulders. Maddie sagged against her, almost in relief. "You have one hour to pack up your desk Jared. I will NOT tolerate people like you in my office."
Jared looked as if he couldn't believe what was happening. "I need this job, Smythe. You said so yourself I was a natural at this."
"I'm sure you can find alternate arrangements." Smythe's tone was cold. "You may be a Seer, but I abhor people who do what you've done to Madeline here. One hour," she repeated. "And don't expect any sort of recommendation from me."
Jared looked as if he wanted to say something else, but he soon thought better of it. He looked away from both women and then silently walked toward the door slamming it behind him.
"Are you okay Maddie?" Smythe asked.
Maddie wiped her eyes. "I don't know," she said shakily.
"I was worried when you didn't come back," Smythe explained giving her a hug. "I didn't mean to listen, but I sensed there was something going on with you two and I thought it best not to leave you alone."
"I'm glad you were here," Maddie said. "He... he was responsible for what happened with Ethan and Bree. They never... they never actually..." a lump formed in her throat.
"So he did slip something in their tea?" Smythe asked. Maddie had confided in her all that had happened and Ethan's explanation. "You know, he could be brought up on charges for doing something like that, Maddie."
"He must have," Maddie said softly. "Ethan was right- they were drugged and set up."
"We can go down to Auror Headquarters together and file a complaint," Smythe suggested. "Before he leaves the building..."
Maddie nodded. "I have to talk to Ethan," she said. "And Bree... I have to apologise."
"Let's go then," Smythe said gently keeping an arm around her. "You know, that was a great move you did on poor Jared. You'll have to teach that to me sometime."
Maddie managed a small smile. "Thank goodness for brothers," she laughed weakly.
Smythe laughed. "I wouldn't know, I'm one of six girls actually."
Down in Auror headquarters, Ethan was wearily rubbing his eyes. He'd been hoping the large bouquet of flowers he'd sent his girlfriend that morning would soften her up enough- along with the chocolates from the past few days that he'd sent down to her office- to come and talk with him. He was barely able to concentrate on his work and the more tired he became, the more work came pouring in.
He heard Remus Lupin's booming voice and when he heard who the man was talking to, his curiosity peaked.
"Smythe!" Lupin exclaimed. "If it isn't my favourite Seer..."
"Remus," Smythe said grinning at him. "It's been quite some time."
"Aye," Remus agreed. "What brings you to our neck of the Ministry?"
"Madeline would like to file a complaint against Jared Griffin," Smythe said. "She has information about the incident that occurred with young Mr. Potter."
At those words Ethan pushed back his chair and went into the outer office.
"Ethan," Maddie whispered when she saw him coming toward them.
"What's going on here?" he asked, not able to move his eyes off Maddie.
"It was Jared," Maddie said quietly. "You were right, Ethan. Someone did drug you and Bree. It was Jared."
A range of emotions ran across his face and he clenched his hand into a fist. "That fucking bastard," he swore. "I'll kill him."
"No you won't," Lupin said sternly. "We'll handle this by-the-book, thank you very much. We're not going to lose one of our best Aurors to Azkaban."
"Look what he did!" Ethan raged.
"And he'll be punished," Lupin said. He turned his attention to the blonde. "Maddie, we need to take a statement from you."
"Of course," Maddie nodded, her eyes glued to Ethan. "Anything you need."
"You should probably send someone down to our department to detain Mr. Griffin," Smythe said. "He should be packing up his desk."
"I'll go," Ethan volunteered. "I'd be happy to keep him in place."
"I don't think so," Lupin said. He looked around the office. "Natalie..."
"Yes sir?" Natalie Worthington looked up from where she was marking some figures on parchment.
"I'm going to need you to go down to Smythe's department and detain Jared Griffin," Lupin told her. "He's not to leave the Ministry."
"Right away," Natalie said, grabbing her wand and holstering it to her arm.
"I'll be right back," Smythe told Maddie.
"Bree should be there for this," Ethan told Lupin. "She was as much affected as I was."
"Is she working today?" Lupin asked.
"Aye," Ethan said. He didn't want to leave Maddie though who still seemed to be in a bit of shock.
"I'll go get her," Lupin said, reading Ethan's look. "Why don't you show Madeline here into one of the interrogation rooms."
"Sure," Ethan said holding out his hand to Maddie.
Maddie took it without hesitation and followed him down the corridor into one of the rooms- thankfully it wasn't the same room that all the drama had happened in.
"Are you okay?" he asked gently.
She shook her head. "Not really," she answered.
Ethan wanted to take her in his arms and tell her everything was going to be okay, but he wasn't sure how to act around her in light of everything that had happened. "Is there anything I can do?" he asked.
"Forgive me?" she whispered. "I should have listened to you Ethan."
"I know it looked bad," Ethan said sitting down beside her. "And I don't know if I'd have been all that ready to listen if the situation was reversed. Maddie, I would never, ever do anything to intentionally hurt you.'
"I know that now," she said hoarsely.
Lupin came back into the room with Bree who looked a little taken aback to see Maddie.
"Lupin said you needed to see me," Bree said quietly.
"Yeah," Ethan stood up. "Maddie found out what happened to us that night. We didn't sleep together. We were drugged by that son of a bitch Jared."
"What?" Bree was shocked. "Why would he do that?"
"Because he wanted me for himself," Maddie said quietly.
"WHAT?" Ethan roared.
"Perhaps we should start from the beginning," Lupin suggested closing the door behind him. He sat down directly across from Maddie. "What is your relationship with Mr. Griffin, Madeline?"
"He worked in my department as a Seer," Maddie said, her eyes downcast. "I befriended him, and invited him out a few times with us. I never once suspected he was like this... that he was using me this way."
"And you were here on the night of the 3rd of October?" Lupin asked her. "To meet Ethan Potter?"
"Yes," Maddie nodded. "Me and Mason Kane- Bree's um... boyfriend. We were meeting them then going to dinner."
"And what did you see when you walked into the interrogation room?" Lupin asked. When Maddie hesitated, he gave her a reassuring smile. "I know this is hard on you, Maddie."
"I saw Ethan and Bree together on the sofa," Maddie said, blinking back tears. "And both Mason and I assumed the worst. There was an empty bottle of Firewhisky on the table and we just thought..." she trailed off.
"You'll need to tell us," Lupin said gently. "What did you think, Maddie?"
"I thought they'd slept together," Maddie replied, wiping her eyes. "Neither of them had any clothes on- and now I know why. Jared drugged some tea and left it in the room, knowing they'd be alone and that they would drink it. Once they were out, he came in, removed their clothing, and set them up."
"And did you hear Mr. Griffin confess this?" Lupin asked. Ethan stood behind Maddie trying very hard to keep his own emotions in check.
"Yes," she said. "Up on the roof just a quarter of an hour ago. He was telling another friend how he did this and planned on... planned on...."
"Planned on what, Maddie?" Lupin asked.
"He was saying that since... since Ethan and I never... never were together, he was going to use me," Maddie said, tearing up again. "That's why he planned all this." She saw Ethan's arms tense as he tried to control his rage.
Lupin nodded. "And this friend of Mr. Griffin's...do you know who he was?"
"No," Maddie shook her head. "I think he said his name was Alex, but I can't be certain."
"If you can give us a description later, we'll see if we can reference him from the Ministry database," Lupin said making some notes. "We'll need him to corroborate what you've told us."
Maddie nodded. "Okay," she replied quietly.
Lupin spent the next half hour asking Maddie more and more questions. She was already emotionally and physically drained from the experience and was glad when Lupin told her he had enough.
"What happens now?" Bree asked.
"I've received word that Jared Griffin is in another room," Lupin replied. "We'll question him and process the charges. It will make for a stronger case should the two of you, along with Maddie here, decide to press charges, but that's up to you both."
"I definitely want to do that," Bree said stoically. "I want to press charges."
"Me too," Ethan agreed.
Lupin nodded. "Ethan, you know what to do to write these things up."
"Yes sir," Ethan replied.
Lupin excused himself to go and file the report leaving Bree, Ethan and Maddie alone.
"I can't believe this," Bree said shaking her head. "What kind of person would do something like this?"
"It's my fault," Maddie said, unable to control her tears now. "Because of me he did this to you both."
"This isn't your fault," Bree said walking over to Maddie. "Maddie, he did this. Not you. I-I don't blame you."
"I'm so sorry Bree," Maddie said as the other woman hugged her. "I'm so sorry that he did this to you and Mason."
"He's not going to get away with it," Bree said smiling at her. "Thank you so much for coming forward."
"How could I not?" Maddie asked, her gaze going back to Ethan.
"I just hope it's not too late for Mason and me," Bree said.
"If he doesn't believe you, have him come back here and I'll tell him everything," Maddie offered. "It's the least I can do Bree."
"Thanks," Bree said smiling at her. She turned her attention to Ethan. He'd been a really good friend to her throughout this ordeal. "We didn't do anything, Ethan."
"I know," he said, obviously relieved.
She gave him a hug and whispered in his ear. "You've got your second chance, Potter."
"Why don't you get Mason," Ethan suggested. "I know he's still here and maybe it's not too late to convince him to stay. And then come back up here and I'll take our statements."
"If he'll talk to me," Bree said. "I'll go and get him then."
Maddie watched her go. "Mason was going to leave?" she asked tentatively.
Ethan nodded. "He told her he never wanted to see her again and was planning on moving back to the States."
"Oh no," Maddie whispered in horror. "Ethan she's not too late is she? I can't believe all this trouble..."
"I hope not," Ethan said. He took a tentative step toward her. "Maybe it's not too late for all of us."
"Not for us," she said softly. "At least, not for me Ethan."
"You mean that?" he asked taking her hands in his. "You really mean that?"
"You should be so angry with me," Maddie said, her voice quivering. "I said some awful things to you Ethan."
"You were angry and you were hurt," he said taking her in his arms. "The important thing now is that the truth is out there and we're still here."
"I love you so much Ethan," she said, burying her face in his shoulder. "I've hated the past few weeks."
"It's been miserable," he said holding her tightly. "Maddie, I love you and I've missed being with you."
"I missed you so much," she said, still crying as he stroked her hair. "I can't believe I didn't see through this. I'm such a bloody fool."
"No you're not," he said softly. "Maybe a bit naive, but I never suspected Jared either, Maddie."
"He's a bastard," she whispered. "He almost made me lose the best thing in my life." Maddie raised her head off his shoulder and looked at him.
"I wasn't about to give up on you," Ethan said cupping her face in his hands. "I sent you flowers and chocolates, your favourites."
"You sent me chocolates?" Maddie asked. "I never got them. The flowers were on my desk but Jared had taken the card out and I found it in one of his drawers."
"That bloody bastard!" Ethan exclaimed. "I sent them to your office. He probably intercepted them."
Maddie nodded. "At least it was all for naught... I just can't believe he thought I would have slept with him." she shuddered.
"Not my Madeline Molly," Ethan whispered.
"No," she whispered as he rested his forehead against hers. She closed her eyes and stroked his cheek with her thumb.
"We've got a lot of time to make up for," he said. "Want to start now?"
"That's a silly question," she said, opening her eyes and smiling at him.
Ethan leaned in and kissed her softly.
Maddie wound her arms around his neck and kissed him back, putting all her feelings into it.
Ethan walked Maddie backwards and pressed her against the closed door. "I've missed you so much Mads..."
"I know," she breathed. "I've missed you too. I want you to come home again Ethan."
"I'm sure Will and Frankie will be glad to hear that," he said laughing.
"She's been a wonderful friend to me," Maddie leaned against him, closing her eyes again.
"They've both been great," Ethan agreed. "You know, I kept waiting for your dad and brothers to come in the middle of the night to beat the crap out of me."
"I told them about what happened," Maddie said. "But I told them not to do anything to you. I guess deep down, I really didn't believe what I saw."
"I need to go and give my statement and take Bree's," Ethan said after he kissed her once more. "And you probably have to get back to work..."
"I'll go back with Smythe once we finish up," Maddie said. "I want to stay with you as long as possible."
Ethan was very happy to hear her say that. "He's going to pay for what he did to all of us, Maddie. I'm going to make sure of that."
She nodded. "I'm sorry I threw my ring at you too Ethan."
"I still have it," he said softly. "I assume you'd like to have it back?"
"If that's possible," she said with a small smile.
"It's at Will and Frankie's," Ethan said. "But it's yours, if you want it."
"Of course I do," Maddie replied, hugging him again. "But I just want you most of all."
"You've definitely got me," he said kissing the top of her head. "Forever, Mads."
*** *** ***
"Neville, I still think we should have owled," Cho said. "I mean, they're busy with twins- I don't think we should just drop in unexpected, even if we are in the neighbourhood."
"You don't want to see your grandchildren?" Neville asked knocking on the door. "Come on, Cho. Chi wanted to see the Halloween pictures."
"That's true," Cho said. "And I always want to see my grandchildren."
"Hiya Cho, Neville," Toshio said opening up the door. He was holding Mas in his arms. "We just finished bathing the dynamic duo."
"Look at my little grandson," Cho cooed. "He's getting to be such a big boy!"
"Want to dress him?" Toshio asked.
"There's a silly question," Neville said laughing as Toshio handed him over to Cho.
"Hello handsome," Cho beamed down at Masanobu, who stared back up at her with his dark eyes.
"Tosh?" Chiaki called out from the nursery. "Who's at the door?"
"Your mum and dad," Toshio answered.
"Oooh!" Chiaki said fastening Mitsuko's diaper. "Let's go see Grandpa and Grandma! What do you say, Sukie?"
"Tosh is letting me dress this one," Cho swept into the nursery. "Hello loves," she smiled at her daughter and granddaughter.
"Hi Mum," Chiaki said smiling at her. "Look Sukie...it's Grandma!"
"She's just as big as her brother," Cho kissed the baby on the forehead. "Hello darling," she smiled.
Mitsuko cooed up at her grandmother and raised her little hand.
"Uncle Harry said she looks just like I did when I was a baby," Chiaki said.
"She does," Cho said fondly. "Almost exactly like you Chi."
"She doesn't have my grey eyes," Chiaki said. "Draco Malfoy's eyes."
"And for that we're glad," Cho said. "Although on you, those eyes are beautiful."
Chiaki smiled at her mother. Neither of them noticed Neville watching from the doorway.
"I'm glad that's all I have from him," Chiaki said cradling Sukie in her arms.
"So am I," Cho said. "You and Tosh are doing a wonderful job with these two Chi. Your father and I are so proud of you."
"We are," Neville chimed in.
"Hi Daddy," Chiaki said smiling warmly at him. "A few minutes earlier and you could have been changing a nappy."
"I have impeccable timing," Neville teased. "How are you sweetheart?" he asked, hugging her carefully.
"Knackered, but very happy," Chiaki replied. "Tosh has been home a little more and that makes it easier and Allie's been fantastic."
"I'm glad," Neville said, making a goofy face at Mitsuko.
"I should probably start dinner," Chiaki said. "Would you mind looking out for Sukie..."
"That's fine," Neville replied, taking her eagerly.
"Will you both stay?" Chiaki asked.
"Try and make us leave," Cho said laughing.
"Great," Chiaki grinned. "Their pyjamas are right over there on the changing table and we have their bouncy chairs in the kitchen."
"Okay," Cho said watching Chiaki leave. Setting Masanobu on the changing table, she looked over at her husband. "It's been awhile since we did this, eh? Precocious 11-year old bugging us about Hogwarts, four-year old asking every question in the book and a crying baby. How did we keep our sanity?"
Neville laughed. "I don't know, but I'm sure glad we're the grandparents now and can give them back when they start to get fussy." he teased.
"That's the beauty of grandchildren," Cho said grinning down at her grandson.
Neville sat down in the rocking chair with Mitsuko, who he had to admit was the spitting image of her mother, except for the dark eyes. He could still remember the overjoyed feeling he felt the moment, the healer placed Chiaki in his arms.
"What are you thinking about?" Cho asked, pulling the soft, fleecy footed pyjamas over Masanobu's chubby legs.
"Just remembering," Neville said softly.
***
It was just a week before Chiaki was to leave for Hogwarts for her first year. She was both excited and nervous, and she was asking her parents everything they knew about the school. Allison was following her sister everywhere, hanging onto Chiaki's every word.
"And what do I have to do to get into Gryffindor?" Chiaki asked for the fourth time that day. "I don't really have to battle a troll, do I Daddy?"
"Who told you that?" Neville asked, stifling a laugh. "If it was your Uncle Ron, what did I tell you about what he says?"
"That he always lies," Chiaki recited.
"That's my girl," Neville said tickling her side. "No, sweetheart. You don't have to battle a troll."
"Who told you?" Allison asked. "About the troll?"
"Uncle Ron," Chiaki said, stealing a crisp from the bag on the table. "Daddy do you think I'll make a lot of friends there?"
"You'll miss Loolie," Allison said.
"I think you'll make loads of friends," Neville said. "Just like you did in primary school sweetheart."
"Loolie?" Chiaki asked her sister, laughing. "What are you talking about Allie?"
"Loolie," Allison said again. "Loolie!"
"If she takes the sweets out of her mouth, she might be able to tell you better," Neville said.
Allison shook her head.
"You mean Jules?" Chiaki asked.
Allison nodded. "She can't go, can she?"
"Not yet Allie," Neville said to his other daughter. "In a few years she will."
"And I'll introduce her to all my friends that I make," Chiaki replied. "She'll still be my bestest friend in the world."
"When do I get to go?" Allie asked. "Will I have to face a troll? Jon Weasley said that you have to battle a big octopus!"
"Jon Weasley is like his daddy," Chiaki giggled. "And you get to go when you turn 11, just like me Allie."
"I don't want to go if I have to battle a big octopus!" Allison said grabbing on to Neville's leg.
"You won't have to baby," Neville said, lifting her up. "I promise."
"I'm excited to go, but I'm scared too," Chiaki said looking up as her mother came into the sitting room with Frankie. "I've never been away from home before."
"You're going to love Hogwarts sweetie," Cho said. "Especially once you're in your third year and you can start going to Hogsmeade."
"Will I be able to practise my dancing?" Chiaki asked.
"You'll be able to do your stretches in the dormitory," Cho told her. "But I don't think Hogwarts has anywhere to really practise dancing. You can do your positions against the wall though. And I'll work with you when you come home for holidays."
"I'm going to practise everyday," Chiaki promised. "I want to be as good as you Mummy."
"You're getting there fast sweetheart," Cho said, gently bouncing Frankie in her arms.
"I don't want you to go, Chi," Allison said. "You're my bestest friend."
"I'll write to you every week," Chiaki promised her little sister.
Allison beamed at her sister.
"And she's going to have to look out for us all since her big sister's going to be gone," Neville said kissing Allison's cheek.
"I'll be the oldest," Allison said.
"Come on Allie," Chiaki said. "I can show you all the stuff Mum and Dad bought me in Diagon Alley today."
"Okay," Allison agreed excitedly. "Can I try on your robes?"
"Sure," Chiaki said laughing. "They'll be too big though."
"But someday I'll be bigger like you," Allison objected.
"Maybe even bigger," Chiaki said taking Allison's hand and leading her down the hall to her bedroom.
"Are we sure we want to do this?" Cho asked once they were out of earshot. "She looks so happy, Neville."
Neville sighed. "I hope it won't be a bad thing for her to learn Cho. I still love her like I do Allie and Frankie. She's my firstborn baby girl, despite the fact she's biologically not mine."
"What if she hates us?" Cho asked. "For keeping this from her?"
"I guess that's a chance that we need to take..." Neville said uncertainly.
"So, we tell her right after we put the girls to bed?" Cho asked.
"That would probably be the best time," Neville agreed.
Frankie started to squirm in Cho's arms. "I know she needs to know, Neville, but I don't want her to hate us."
"She might get angry but she won't hate us," Neville said, with a bit more confidence than he actually felt.
Frankie reached out for her father and Neville took her from his wife.
"I keep telling myself it's better she finds out from us than by accident," Cho said. "And I remember having nightmares that Malfoy would come back and want to claim her as his own."
"There's no way he can," Neville said, kissing Frankie's head. "She's ours Cho. And we always agreed we'd tell her when she got old enough to understand and now with her leaving for Hogwarts, I don't think there's a better time than this."
Cho nodded.
"Mum!" Chiaki called out. "You have got to see Allie in my robes! It's too cute!"
"Come on," Neville said, getting up.
They walked back to Chiaki's bedroom which was quite messy from her school supplies being strewn across the floor. Allison clapped her hands excitedly when Cho, Neville and Frankie came into the room.
Cho laughed. "Look at you baby," she said, picking up her four year old daughter. "You're such a big girl!"
"Can I go to Hogwarts with Chi?" Allison asked giggling. "I can help her attack the big octopus."
"It's not an octopus," Cho said laughing. "It's a squid and you don't have to fight it, baby."
"I told you that," Neville said, tweaking her nose as Frankie waved her arms and legs in the air.
"Jon told Josh and me that it was an octopus and he said his daddy told him and that he wasn't supposed to tell us but that we needed to prepare to fight it when we got to Hogwarts," Allison recited. "I don't want Chiaki to get hurt, Daddy!"
"Jon was just teasing you baby," Neville replied. "There's a squid, but it's in the lake and you probably won't even see it."
This seemed to pacify Allison and she hugged Cho around the neck.
"I'm never going to be able to pack all this stuff," Chiaki said motioning around the room. "I'll need to take five or six trunks!"
"We'll help you shrink things down," Cho said as Neville took Frankie into the nursery. "You'll manage to put it all into one. And during most of the day you're going to be wearing a uniform as well."
Chiaki cleared some space on her bed and sat down. "Thanks for taking me shopping Mum. It was so much fun!"
"Yes it was," Cho said, putting Allison back down. "I always have fun with my girls."
Chiaki grinned as Allison pulled the robes over her head and started looking through some of Chiaki's books.
"I'm going to miss you guys so much," Chiaki said.
"We'll miss you too," Cho moved next to her daughter. "But you're going to have loads of fun there Chi."
"Were you scared before you left for school too?" Chiaki asked.
"A little," Cho replied. "But then I met your... your father, and your Uncle Harry, and Uncle Ron... and we all became best friends."
"No matter who I meet at Hogwarts, Julie's going to still be my best friend," Chiaki vowed.
"That's so sweet of you," Cho said. "I'm sure she'll be happy to know she has someone for when she goes there."
Chiaki smiled. "She wants me to write to her every day."
Cho stroked a loose hair behind her daughter's ear. "Come on, let's start getting you packed up. Your dad wants to make you your favourite spaghetti tonight."
"Can I help too?" Allison asked eagerly.
"Sure Allie," Chiaki replied. "You can help me put my books in the trunk okay?"
Cho watched as her two oldest daughters began packing up Chiaki's books. Chiaki seemed so happy, so hopeful.
It was later that evening as Neville and Cho were putting the final things into their daughter's trunk that she felt it was finally perhaps the right moment to bring up the situation she and her husband had been putting off for Chiaki's entire life.
Allison and Frankie were already fast asleep and Chiaki was reading in the sitting room. She looked up when her parents came into the room.
"I only have a few more pages," she said returning her attention to the book. "As soon as I'm done, I promise I'll go to bed."
"We wanted to talk with you sweetheart," Neville said, sitting down across from her.
"About what?" Chiaki asked marking her book.
"Well," Cho began, glancing at her husband nervously. "You're about to embark on a whole new life sweetheart."
"I am," Chiaki said smiling at her mother. "And I'm nervous and excited all at the same time, but I promise I won't get into trouble Mum. I want to make you and Daddy proud."
"As we're sure you will," Neville said. "Before we tell you this, we want you both to remember that no matter what, we love you so much Chi. You and your sisters are the most important three girls in the world to your mother and me."
"You're scaring me Daddy," Chiaki asked. "Did something happen to your Mum and Dad?"
Neville shook his head. "No, sweetheart. They're okay. There's something that your mother and I need to tell you is all."
"What is it?" Chiaki was still nervous.
Cho took a deep breath and thought about how to go about telling her daughter news that would shake her entire world.
"Well, you remember your father and I telling you about Hillsdale, right?" Cho asked.
"The place where you both fell in love," Chiaki nodded. "Where Uncle Harry and Aunt Hermione met too."
"That's right," Cho said. "Well, I was actually dating someone before I fell in love with your father. His name was Draco Malfoy and I knew him from Hogwarts."
Chiaki nodded, not understanding why this was so serious.
"Your father never liked him much and neither did Harry or Ron," Cho continued. "But there was something about him that intrigued me. When we were alone, he was so sweet and kind and gentle."
"Okay..." Chiaki said slowly.
Neville squeezed his wife's hand for support.
"I thought he loved me," Cho said tears welling up in her eyes. "And we were together up until the day I started that last summer at Hillsdale. He broke things off because he said we were getting too serious and that he wasn't ready to settle down. I was really devastated, but I had no one but myself to blame. Harry, Ron and Neville all tried to warn me about what type of man he really was. But I didn't want to listen."
"What does this have to do with me though Mum?" Chiaki was curious.
Cho swallowed. She looked to Neville for support not knowing if she was going to be able to do this. He squeezed her hand again and Chiaki looked into her daughter's grey eyes---the eyes of her biological father.
"We'd only been at Hillsdale for a few days and I found out that I was...well that I was pregnant," Cho said quietly.
Chiaki stared at her mother for a few moments. "So... I have another brother or sister out there somewhere?" she asked, not realising what her mother was implying.
Cho shook her head and took her daughter's hand. "I was pregnant with you, Chiaki."
The realisation hit her like a bucket of ice cold water. "You mean... you're not my real daddy?" she whispered, looking at Neville.
"I am your real Daddy," Neville told her. "Chiaki, you are my daughter in every way that counts. I've loved you like my own from the moment you were born...."
"But you didn't help make me," Chiaki said quietly.
Neville cupped his daughter's face in his hands. "You're my daughter, Chiaki. You're mine as much as Frankie and Allie."
"How come you never told me before?" Chiaki asked, tears stinging her eyes.
"We didn't think you were ready," Cho said wiping her eyes. "But we wanted you to find out from us instead of from someone else. This doesn't change anything Chiaki."
"Yes it does!" Chiaki pulled away. "You're not my real dad and you pretended to be all this time!"
Neville shook his head. "Chiaki, I am your father, in every way but--"
Chiaki shook her head and ran out of the room.
"Neville," Cho said her lower lip trembling. "What have we done?"
"We had to tell her Cho," Neville said, getting up.
Cho followed Neville down the hall to Chiaki's bedroom. Her door was locked and Neville knocked lightly on the door. "Chi, sweetheart. Please let us in...."
"No," Chiaki said. "I want to be left alone right now."
Neville and Cho exchanged concerned looks.
"Sweetheart," Cho called back. "If you want to talk, your father and I are right here. And we'll always be right here. Okay?"
Chiaki was silent as she heard her parents go down the hall to their own room. There was only one person she wanted to talk to right now and that was Julie.
Chiaki crept out of her room and tiptoed into the sitting room. Why did they have to tell her this? Why did they lie to her right from the start?
She grabbed her dark cloak from the closet and slipped out the front door without anyone noticing.
Harry and Hermione were just tucking in Julie.
"I'm nine now," Julie protested. "Don't you think I could stay up later? It's still summer hols, Mum!"
"You still have a bedtime young lady," Hermione said with a smile. "It's already half past ten."
"Can I read for a little while at least?" Julie asked.
"All right," Harry relented. "As long as you promise to stay in bed and not go roaming around the house."
"I only did that once and that was because you wouldn't let me stay up and watch the rest of that movie," Julie reminded him.
Hermione bit her lower lip to keep from laughing. "Good night love," she said, kissing Julie's forehead.
"Good night Mum," Julie said. "Night Daddy."
"Night sweetheart," Harry said, pinching her cheek. "Love you."
"Love you too," Julie said picking up her book from the nightstand. Her parents closed the door behind them and Julie settled in to read. She hadn't been reading long when she heard a tapping on her window. Her first reaction was to scream for her parents, but she heard a familiar voice calling out to her.
"Jules!" Chiaki said hanging on to the tree limb with all her might. "It's me! Let me in!"
Julie pulled back the covers and ran over to the window. "Chi!" she exclaimed, unlatching the window.
"That's hard to climb up," Chiaki struggled in through the window.
"What are you doing here?" Julie asked giving her a hand.
Chiaki wiped more tears from her eyes. "I had to get away from my mum and... and..."
"Who?" Julie asked. "Chi, why are you crying?"
"Tonight, my mum said they had to tell me something really important," Chiaki hoped her friend wouldn't think less of her for this. "And they told me that... my dad's not really my dad."
Julie's eyes grew wide. "Who is he?"
"Some person named Draco Malfoy," Chiaki sobbed.
"But that's not true," Julie said putting an arm around her friend. "Your dad is Uncle Neville, Chi."
"But he didn't make me," Chiaki said, her lower lip trembling.
Julie led her friend over to her bed and told her to tell her everything.
Shuddering, Chiaki told her everything that her parents had said. "I just don't know why they waited to tell me."
"What happened to this Draco Malfoy person?" Julie asked.
"I don't know," Chiaki wiped her eyes on her sleeve. "I didn't ask."
A soft knock sounded at her door and both girls gasped as Harry poked his head in. "Jules I thought I heard you talking to someone... Chiaki?"
"I'm not going home ever again," Chiaki said clinging to Julie.
"Can Chiaki stay with us Daddy?" Julie asked. "Her Daddy's not her Daddy anymore."
Harry's eyes revealed his shock. "Julie why would you say such a thing?"
"You knew," Chiaki sniffed. "You knew and you didn't tell me either!"
"Chiaki sweetheart," Harry closed the door behind him. "Did your parents tell you about Neville tonight?"
Chiaki nodded and hugged her knees to her chest.
"Can I tell you a few things that they might not have?" Harry asked, pulling a chair over and sitting in front of the two girls.
Chiaki nodded wordlessly.
"When your mum found out she was pregnant with you, your real father left her. He refused to have anything to do with you or her. And Neville stepped in- he took care of her more than I did." he put his hand under the young girl's chin. "Your Gran Longbottom at first didn't want your parents to be married, but he didn't listen, and he worked hard to make sure that you and your mum would have a safe, sturdy life."
"He did?" Chiaki asked softly.
"He did," Harry smiled at her. "And when you were born..." he laughed. "He couldn't get enough of you. When we were training he was always pulling out pictures of you to show off, and he was always rushing home during breaks to see how you were doing." he pulled his goddaughter into a hug. "You may not be his biological daughter sweetheart, but he sure loves you like you are."
"But I'm not a real Longbottom," Chiaki sobbed into Harry's shoulder. "I'm not Frankie and Allie's big sister. I never was!"
"That's not true," Harry said. "Neville adopted you Chi. That means you're legally his daughter. And you ARE Allie and Frankie's big sister."
"Really?" Chiaki asked.
"Without a doubt," Harry smiled at her. "You're lucky Chiaki. Draco Malfoy is not a nice person, not at all. Instead of him, you got Neville, who cared more about you and your mum than he did about himself. He's still that way."
"He's almost as good a Daddy as mine," Julie said grinning at Harry.
Harry laughed, as did Chiaki. "Thank you sweetheart." Harry pulled her into a hug with his other arm.
"Do you want to stay here with us tonight?" Harry asked. "Then we can take you back over to your mum and dad's in the morning?"
Chiaki looked sheepish. "I um... didn't exactly tell them I left."
"I'll Floo over there and let them know," Harry said.
"We can have a sleepover!" Julie said excitedly. "Our last one before you go away to Hogwarts!"
Chiaki nodded. "Can I go with you so I can say I'm sorry Uncle Harry?"
"I think that would be a good idea," Harry said. "Come on with you then..."
"I'll be right back Jules," Chiaki said, following Harry out.
Neville had spent most of the night trying to reassure his wife that they'd done the right thing. He wasn't so sure as he kept hearing her innocent voice saying, "You mean...you're not my real daddy?"
"I knew we should have waited," Cho wiped her eyes.
"It wouldn't have been any easier," he said hugging his wife.
They both heard a commotion downstairs and Cho struggled into her robe as Neville went to find out what was going on.
Chiaki saw her father and for the longest time, she and Neville just looked at each other. A small grin spread over Chiaki's face and she ran into her father's arms. "I'm sorry, Daddy."
Neville hugged her back tightly, kissing the top of her head. "It's all right baby," he said.
"I snuck out to Julie's," Chiaki said looking up at her father.
"That would explain why Harry's here," Neville said, brushing a tear off her cheek as Cho joined them.
"Harry?" Cho asked in confusion.
"Chiaki came over to see Julie and tell her about tonight," Harry said. "I think we have everything straightened out now."
"You snuck out?" Cho asked.
Chiaki nodded. "I was upset, Mum. But Uncle Harry talked to me and I...I'm going to try and understand."
"I just told her about things before she was born," Harry explained. "And I think she has a better view of what was going on during that time."
"He told me that I'm still Allie and Frankie's big sister," Chiaki said looking at her mother. "And that Daddy's… well he's still Daddy."
"That's right," Neville touched her cheek. "You're my girl Chiaki."
Chiaki hugged her father again and Cho walked over to Harry. "I owe you one," she said embracing her friend. "Thank you."
"You know I love her like one of my own," Harry kissed her cheek. "She wants to stay over with Jules tonight. Is that okay? We'll bring her back early."
"Of course," Cho said. "Thank you."
"Daddy?" Chiaki asked. "Are you going to tell Allie and Frankie?"
"When we think they're old enough to understand," Neville replied. "And that decision will also be up to you Chi."
"What if they treat me differently?" Chiaki asked.
"I don't think they will sweetheart," Cho said. "Allie and Frankie love you. You heard Allie tonight- you're her best friend."
"I love them too," Chiaki said giving her mother a hug. "I'm glad you had Daddy."
"Me too baby girl," Cho said. "Me too..."
***
"Allie was what, twelve when we told her?" Cho asked as she finished dressing Masanobu in his pyjamas.
Neville nodded. "With Frankie trying to listen at the door."
Chiaki laughed. "And it never made one bit of difference to them."
"How long have you been standing there?" Neville asked looking at his daughter.
"Just a few minutes," Chiaki smiled. "What are you guys talking about?"
"That night we told you about Draco Malfoy," Neville admitted.
"You mean the night I completely overreacted?" Chiaki asked, taking her daughter from Neville.
"With good reason," Cho said.
"Yeah but I can't believe you didn't punish me for running out in the middle of the night," Chiaki said sheepishly.
"You went to a safe place," Cho said. "And to this day, I'm grateful for your Uncle Harry and Julie for talking to you that night, Chi."
"He really knocked some sense into me," Chiaki agreed.
"That's what godfathers are for," Neville said. "I guess we chose well."
"We did," Cho agreed, laughing as Masanobu flailed his little arms around.
"Dinner will be ready any minute," Chiaki said. "And you can catch me up on all the latest gossip."
"Great," Cho said. "I'm glad your father taught you how to cook."
"All my girls can cook," Neville said proudly. "Except for the one I married."