OMG you guys I (Heaven) am so sorry! Amy's on a little vacation and I was supposed to update last night and wound up falling asleep early <insert embarrassment here> but I made the chapter longer, even though I sort of left it on a cliffy <evil grin goes here>
Thanks to dancindramadork and PotterChick958 for reminding me about not posting- again, I am sorry for the late update!!!
"What I don't understand is how he can walk into the common room and not pay any attention to me and then Ewan starts talking to me and suddenly, he's a jealous boyfriend?" Alexa asked.
"I don't know either," Saffron said pensively. "I keep thinking about it and I keep going back to how he's acting like he's under a spell."
"I certainly wouldn't put it past that bitch," Beth said. "Sounds like she'd do something just like that."
Saffron nodded. "I know Christina can't just suddenly turn around and be nice."
"And she is super smart," Mimi commented. "My sister's in Ravenclaw, too. She said that Christina gets top marks in every class, especially Potions. Snape adores her."
Saffron's eyes narrowed. "That's disgusting."
"She's not doing anything probably," Alexa said wiping at her eyes. "Look, its simple. She's prettier and she's more experienced than me. That's all there is to it."
"I'm not going to believe that for a second," Saffron said. "Lex, you're more amazing than she could ever be. You're prettier and you're actually nice."
"And R.J. wouldn't be in love with you and suddenly be gaga over here the next day," Beth said. "There's no way. Christina is up to something and I say we try to figure out what it is."
"Agreed," Saffron smiled at Beth.
*** *** ***
Caroline sighed as she carefully combed her little cousin Mitsuko's silky black hair. "I'm sorry miss," she said. "I just simply CAN'T work with this. I'm afraid you'll have to come back."
Mitsuko stared up at her from her little bouncy chair and made a cooing noise. "No, no." Caroline held up her hand. "I'm afraid no amount of money can change my mind."
"Em help," Emma said, toddling over. "Em help!"
"My helpful assistant," Caroline said looking at her sister. "I don't think we can do this! Do you?"
Emma looked at Mitsuko and then back at her sister. "No," she said solemnly.
"I think I'll need to check my book," Caroline said grabbing a magazine from the table and scanning through it. "I'm booked up all afternoon."
"Sissy busy," Emma said. "Come later."
Chiaki giggled. "Can't you do anything with her, Miss Caroline? We're desperate!"
"I'm afraid not," Caroline shook her head. "She's got to have longer hair like you Aunt Chiaki. Or like Mummy. Or even like my lovely assistant here!"
"Whatever will we do?" Chiaki asked dramatically falling at Caroline's feet.
"Do Em," Emma said, sitting in front of her sister.
Caroline pretended to mull this over. "Well, I do think my assistant should look lovely...."
"Peas?" Emma asked.
"Okay," Caroline said. "Would you like a plait like Auntie Saffy? Or would you want a ponytail?"
"Jasamin," Emma said excitedly. "Like Jasamin!"
"You would make a lovely Jasmine," Caroline said starting to brush her sister's hair. "Don't worry, Em. I won't hurt you."
Emma giggled as her sister played with her hair.
"Listen girls, your Aunt Chiaki and I are going into the kitchen," Allison said. "Caroline, can you be a big girl and keep an eye on your cousins? Let us know if they start to fuss?"
Caroline nodded. "My cousins are my customers, Mummy."
"Of course," Allison grinned at her sister.
"How cute is she?" Chiaki asked leading the way into the kitchen.
"I think she's going to be a beautician someday," Allison said, pulling out the tea kettle. "Honestly, most kids are tired of playing that game but she'll do it with anyone. And she's the only person who can get Ron to wear that Magic Mud."
"A feat unto itself," Chiaki said sitting down. "I'm so glad that you stopped by, Allie. It's nice to have adult conversation."
"Tell me about it," Allison said. "I feel as if I'm the only adult around here these days."
"Well at least you have Jon around," Chiaki said. "Tosh doesn't get back until this weekend."
"That's the thing," Allison replied. "Jon's never around these days. I feel as if it's been weeks since I've seen him."
"That same client?" Chiaki asked.
"Apparently," Allison shrugged.
"You don't think it is?" Chiaki asked.
"I don't know what I think," Allison sat down. "I asked him if he was having an affair and he said no, and I believe him of course. I just wonder why all of a sudden he's taking on all this extra work but whenever I bring up getting a job he tells me not to worry, that we have enough."
"And do you?" Chiaki asked. "Have enough?"
"For now we do," Allison leaned in. "But we're still trying to have another baby. And another baby will be a huge expense."
"I remember when you and Jon were just starting out," Chiaki said. "And you didn't have much money. Neither of you would accept any handouts from Dad or Uncle Ron. You wanted to do it all on your own."
"And we still do," Allison said as the tea kettle whistled. "And if I do get pregnant, or maybe even if I don't, I was going to as Mum if she'd let me do her books over at the dance studio. I could keep an office there and have an area set up for Emma to play in while Caroline's at school during the day."
"Mum would love that," Chiaki said smiling at her sister. "And you know Jonathan Weasley wouldn't cheat on you, Allie. He's probably just doubling up on lessons to bring in extra money."
"I know he wouldn't," Allison said, bringing their tea over along with a jar of honey and some sugar. "I just wish he was around more. I miss him."
"Well, I know a little something about dealing with an absentee husband," Chiaki mused.
"Where's Tosh dancing this week?" Allison asked, glad for a change of subject.
"First part of the week, he was in Paris," Chiaki replied. "And then he's in Lyon tonight and then Chamois tomorrow. Then, home for a week!"
"I bet Mas and Sukie know when their daddy's not home," Allison said, leaning back to check in on the kids.
"They do," Chiaki said nodding. "You should see Sukie's face when her daddy picks her up. She adores him and Mas is the same way."
"That's so sweet," Allison smiled. "Caroline and Em are the same way. You should have seen them on New Year's when Jon finally got there and he woke them up."
"Daddy's girls," Chiaki said laughing.
"But so are we," Allison grinned.
"Most of the time," Chiaki said laughing even harder.
"Okay Em go show Mummy how beautiful you are!" Caroline called after her sister as Emma ran into the kitchen.
"Look!" Emma said twirling around. "Sissy did it!"
"Just gorgeous," Allison said, holding her arms out and scooping her youngest up.
"A Caroline Weasley original," Caroline said proudly.
Chiaki laughed. "I bet Sukie will love for you to do her hair when she gets big enough Caroline."
"I'll pencil her in," Caroline said running back into the sitting room.
"Where's Dada?" Emma asked looking at Allison. "Want to show Dada!"
"Dada's not home sweetheart," Allison said. "He'll be back later."
"Oh," Emma said sadly.
Allison kissed her baby's forehead. "I'm sure he misses you."
"And I am so very happy that you came to see me," Chiaki said tweaking her nose. "And I might have a couple of biscuits for you and your sister...."
"Eat!" Emma said, perking back up.
"The magic words," Chiaki said standing up to get the biscuits.
"Eww, Mummy!" Caroline called out. "I think one of the twins needs a new nappy!"
"The other magic words," Allison laughed. "I'll take care of it Chi."
"Thanks, Allie," Chiaki said. "Here, Em. I have chocolate chip or peanut butter. Which kind do you want?"
"Chocalate!" Emma replied. "Peas," she added.
Chiaki smiled and placed two biscuits on a napkin and set it on the table for Emma. "Here you go, sweetheart."
"Thank," Emma grinned up at her.
"You're welcome," Chiaki said sitting back down. "Chocolate chip is my favourite too."
"Yummy," Emma declared.
"You look just like your father when you do that," Chiaki said smiling at her niece.
"Who looks like Daddy?" Caroline asked, coming into the kitchen.
"Em when she eats," Chiaki replied. "She gets this really happy look on her face."
Caroline giggled. "Like Grandpa too."
Chiaki laughed. "That too. And you, miss, remind me of Allie."
"I want to be just like Mummy," Caroline said.
"You're very much like her now," Chiaki said. "She used to play beauty shop when she was your age, too. She used to brush my hair all the time."
"Mummy played beauty shop?" Caroline asked delightedly.
Chiaki nodded. "All the time. She used to make Julie and I make appointments."
Caroline laughed. "Just like I do!"
"What are you talking about?" Allison asked coming back into the kitchen.
"When you used to play beauty shop," Chiaki grinned.
Allison laughed. "Chi! I'd forgotten about that! How old was I?"
"Right around Caroline's age," Chiaki said. "You used to love doing my hair any chance you got."
"That's because you have the best hair," Allison said. "Next to Maddie, that is."
"Auntie Maddie has the best beauty shop hair," Caroline agreed.
"Mad have pretty hair," Emma said nodding. She held out one of her biscuits to Caroline. "Sissy want?"
"Thanks Em," Caroline smiled at her sister.
"Are my babies doing okay?" Chiaki asked. "Which one was the culprit?"
"That would be Sukie," Allison said with a laugh. "I put her down for a kip after I changed her. Mas was already asleep."
"When her hair grows out, I'll be able to help," Caroline said patting Chiaki's arm. "Don't worry."
"I'll keep that in mind Caroline," Chiaki smiled at her niece. "Thank you love."
"It's just too short now and I'm not a miracle worker," Caroline said shaking her head.
Allison and Chiaki shared a look and both women bit down on their lower lip to keep from laughing aloud.
"We should probably get going," Allison said looking at her watch. "Jon is supposed to be home for dinner."
"Daddy?" Emma asked. "Daddy come eat?"
"Yes," Allison said picking her up. "Daddy is going to come eat. What do you think we should make?"
"We had pasketti the other night," Caroline said. "So maybe it should be something else Mummy."
"How about vegetable soup?" Allison suggested. "Since it's so cold out."
"Yum," Caroline said. "Can I help you make it?"
"Of course you can," Allison said. "Go put on your coat, sweetheart. We'll need to stop by the shops on the way home."
"Come on Em," Caroline said, reaching for her sister's hand.
Once Chiaki was alone with her sister again, she gave her a hug. "Are you going to talk to him tonight?"
"I don't know," Allison said. "I guess we'll see how things go."
"Good luck," Chiaki said. "Come on, Allie. I'll walk you guys out."
"Thanks Chi," Allison smiled at her sister.
Chiaki grinned as she saw Caroline and Emma in their little coats. Emma was having trouble with her gloves. "Come here, let me help, Em."
"Thank, Chi," Emma held out her little purple gloves.
Chiaki kissed Emma's hands before sliding the gloves on. "You look bundled up and ready to go."
"Go eat," Emma beamed at her. "With Dada!"
"We can draw him a nice picture too," Caroline said to her little sister.
"Yay," Emma said happily, reaching for Caroline's hand.
"I can send you over some soup if you'd like?" Allison asked Chiaki.
"I'll be all right," Chiaki said. "I have some salad in the icebox and some fixings for sandwiches."
"Okay," Allison said putting on her own coat. "Thanks again for listening, Chi."
"Anytime Allie," Chiaki said. "That's what sisters are for."
"Come on girls," Allison said grabbing her bag. "Let's go."
"Bye Aunt Chi!" Caroline said waving at her.
"Bye darlings," Chiaki waved. "Be good now!"
Getting in and out of the shops with two little girls was a talk in and of itself. They made it home with a few minutes to spare but to Allison's surprise, Jon was already home. Her husband was fast asleep on the sofa covered up in an old Gryffindor blanket.
"Daddy!" Caroline squealed running toward him.
"Shhhh!" Allison caught her just in time. "Daddy's asleep Angel."
"But---" Caroline protested.
"He's very tired," Allison whispered. "You can wake him after we make dinner all right?"
"Okay," Caroline whispered back. "Let's go make him dinner."
"Em wake Daddy," Emma told her mother.
"Not now, sweetheart," Allison said, but Emma had already toddled over to Jon and leapt up on the sofa.
"Dada wake!" Emma climbed onto his chest. "Daddy!"
Caroline struggled out of Allison's grasp and joined her sister.
"Em?" Jon asked groggily. "What's going on?"
"Daddy home," Emma said happily.
Jon smiled as Emma leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Hi, baby girl."
"Dada," Emma laid down on top of him. "I miss you."
Jon felt a pang of guilt at all the time he'd missed over the past few weeks with his family. He hugged his younger daughter. "Daddy has missed you, too. All of his girls."
"Hey," Allison gave him a smile. "I was just going to start dinner."
"Hiya, Al," Jon said smiling back at her. He sat up with Emma and Caroline threw her arms around his neck.
"Daddy I missed you too," Caroline said. "A lot!"
"I missed you too, Angel Girl," he said with a laugh. He was glad that he didn't have to work tonight and he'd be able to spend the entire night with them.
"I was thinking I'd make vegetable soup tonight," Allison said, sitting down on the edge of the sofa.
"I love your vegetable soup," Jon said grinning at her.
"And maybe some grilled cheese for my little girls here," Allison tickled Emma. "Since that's their favourite thing to eat."
Emma giggled. "Peas?"
"You want some peas?" Jon teased her.
Emma shook her head. "No! Em not like!"
Caroline giggled. "She hates peas. So do I."
"Your daddy used to throw them at your Uncle Josh when he was little," Allison told them.
"Daddy you're silly," Caroline said.
"What else would you like to tell our girls from my checkered past?" Jon teased Allison.
"I bet Mummy knows lots of stories," Caroline said, her head on Jon's shoulder.
"I do," Allison said as Emma sat on her lap. "Whole bunch of stories...."
"Tell us one," Caroline begged.
Allison looked thoughtfully at her daughters trying to pick out a good story. "I could tell you about when he and I went swimming at Hillsdale."
"Al...." Jon said turning red. "Don't.....that was embarrassing!"
"It was adorable," Allison said grinning at him.
"Please tell us," Caroline said, giving them her best Maddie impression.
"Well," Allison said grinning at Caroline. "Your Daddy fancied me at the time, but I didn't know it. And he asked me one day if I'd like to go swimming with him in the lake."
"Daddy swim?" Emma asked, her little red ponytails bouncing.
"Yes," Jon said nodding.
"Well, we walked down the dock and I dove in first," Allison explained. "And your father thought he was going to impress me by doing this run and jump into the water..."
"Did he fall?" Caroline asked her eyes wide.
"He sort of slipped," Allison said with a laugh. "And did this belly flop into the lake..."
"Daddy hurt?" Emma asked, leaning against him.
"Just my pride," Jon said.
'And then you kept splashing me!" Allison said hitting Jon on the knee.
"You looked so cute," Jon grinned goofily at her.
"Awwww," Caroline said grinning at her parents.
"Dada funny," Emma said, clapping her hands. "Daddy love Mummy!"
"Yes he does," Jon said leaning forward to give his wife a kiss.
"I missed you today too," Allison said, squeezing his hand. "I'm glad you're home."
"And I'm not going anywhere," he said softly. "Tonight, it's just you and me and the girls. No clients. No lessons. Just us as a family."
"Yay," Caroline said happily. "Can we play a game after dinner?"
"What do you want to play?" Allison asked.
"Checkers," Caroline said.
"You're going down Caroline Weasley," Jon said picking her up. "Going down."
"Daddy!" Caroline laughed as Jon swung her around.
"Me too!" Emma said, sliding off the sofa. "Me too!"
Jon picked Emma up as well and swung them both around. Allison watched them with a dreamy smile on her face.
"I wish it was like this every night," she told her husband.
""Me too, Al," Jon said setting Emma and Caroline down. "I miss nights like this."
"Maybe you can get your client to let you have more evenings off," Allison suggested tentatively.
"Maybe," Jon said looking away.
"Come on, Em," Caroline said taking her sister's hand. "Let's go draw the picture for Daddy."
"Kay," Emma agreed. "Good picture Daddy!"
"I know it will be," Jon said watching them go.
Allison rubbed the back of her neck. "I'd better go start dinner," she said, about to get up when Jon pulled her close and kissed her hard.
"W-what was that for?" Allison asked breathlessly when they pulled apart.
"Just because I missed you," Jon said, his forehead touching hers. "I was thinking about you all day."
"I've been thinking about you, too," she said softly.
"Where did you three go today?" he asked.
"To Chiaki's," Allison replied. "The girls wanted to see Mas and Sukie. They're getting so big, Jon."
"I bet," Jon sighed. "I haven't seen them in ages now."
"Maybe we can have them all over some night," Allison suggested giving her husband another kiss. She laughed as he pulled the blanket around her. "How many nights have we spent wrapped up in this old blanket?"
"Many an evening," he smiled at her.
"Maybe after the girls are asleep, we can curl up under it," Allison said resting her head on his chest.
"Sounds like a plan to me," Jon kissed the side of her head.
"I should get started on dinner," she said.
"I'll give you a hand," Jon said, helping her up.
She decided not to mention him being around more. It would probably lead to a fight and she didn't want that; not tonight.
*** *** ***
Maddie helped her mother set the table and tried not to laugh at her father who kept sneaking bites of the sauce from the pot on the stove. Her parents were cooking dinner for her and Ethan and Harry and Hermione.
Ethan and Harry had to work late and wereto arrivewith Hermione any minute.
"Anything wrong, Mum?" Maddie asked noticing her mother seemed a little distracted.
"We received a letter from Hogwarts today," Luna replied. "R.J.'s marks have gone way down and apparently he's been sneaking out of the dorm after curfew."
"Why would he be sneaking out of the dorm?" Maddie asked, confused.
"I have no idea," Luna said shaking her head. "He hasn't written to us since he returned to school."
"That doesn't seem like him," Maddie frowned. "Maybe I should send him an owl."
"You could certainly try," Luna said.
"I just don't want him to screw things up after he's come so far," Ron said. "He's about to have everything he's ever wanted."
"He's as good as signed up with Puddlemere according to Frankie," Maddie said. "It'll be official once he's finished with school."
"If he finishes with school," Luna corrected. "Professor McGonagall said that he's in real danger of failing, Maddie."
"That's horrible," Maddie said softly, genuinely worried about her brother. "Maybe Saffy can tutor him or something to help him keep his marks up."
"I'm going to suggest that when I write to him," Luna said.
"Maybe he's sneaking out to go flying," Ron suggested. "What else would he need to sneak out for? His girlfriend's in Gryffindor."
"I hope he'll write back and tell us what's going on," Luna said, smacking Ron's hand away. "Ronald you're going to eat it all!"
"OW!" Ron squealed. "Luna! I was just tasting it to make sure it wasn't too spicy!"
"You've been tasting for the past half hour," Luna said.
"I never can get away with anything," Ron grumbled.
"Here Daddy," Maddie said, slipping him a piece of bread. "This might tide you over for about five minutes."
"Thank you, love," Ron whispered.
"Welcome," Maddie kissed his cheek before getting herself a glass of ice water.
"How are things at work, Maddie?" Luna asked.
"Everything's been going very well lately," Maddie said. "Especially since Parvati Patil has finally realised her place isn't the head honcho."
"Someone say something to her?" Luna asked. "She doesn't strike me as the type to just change over night."
"Lavender did, although neither woman would say what it was," Maddie shrugged. "I'm not going to question it. I'm just glad she's finally leaving us all alone."
"I had a feeling Lavender might find some way to get back at her for dancing with Seamus that night," Luna mused.
"Lav can be quite scary," Ron said. "I'm glad that I am on her good side."
"You should see the designs she's come up with for my dress," Maddie said to her mother. "They're absolutely gorgeous."
"Did you bring them with you?" Luna asked. "I'd love to see them."
"She has them with her," Maddie said. "But she owled me at work today and said she's coming over this weekend to show me some improved ones. I'll make sure you're with me."
"I still can't believe my little girl is getting married," Ron said putting an arm around his daughter.
"Make you feel old?" Maddie teased.
"No," he said with mock indignation.
"I bet," Maddie laughed.
"Mads?" Ethan called out from the sitting room. "We're here!"
"Ethan," Maddie's face lit up as she went to greet her fiancé and family.
"I'm sorry we're late," Ethan said his own face flushed from excitement. "Justin and I had our first big bust today. Maddie, it was the most incredible feeling!"
"You should be proud of him," Harry said looking at Maddie. "We'd been looking for those suspects for nearly two years."
"I am," Maddie hugged him. "Ethan that's fantastic!"
"It was amazing, Mads," Ethan said still grinning from ear to ear. "And it tied into that case that we were working on with Bree."
"Did it?" Maddie asked, finding his smile contagious. "I think that's wonderful. And I am so proud of you Ethan."
Ethan gave her a kiss. "I couldn't wait to tell you."
"I bet Lupin was really impressed," she said as Harry and Hermione went into the kitchen to greet Ron and Luna. "And I bet your father was really excited for you too."
"He was," Ethan said squeezing her hand. "Maddie, today was the first time that I felt he saw me as an equal, you know?"
"I know," she said, giving him another kiss. "Congratulations."
"Thanks," he said grinning at her. "So how was your day?"
"Good actually, but nowhere near as eventful as yours I'm afraid." Maddie said. "I was looking forward to tonight."
"Me too," Ethan said softly. "I really couldn't wait to see you and tell you what had happened. And it's great that we can get together with our folks."
Maddie hugged him again, closing her eyes as she rested her chin on his shoulder. "It really is," she said dreamily.
"Come on," Ethan said softly. "We'd better get into the kitchen before your parents think I'm being incredibly..."
"HE WHAT?" they heard Luna exclaim.
"I think they know what happened," Maddie giggled.
Ethan led the way into the kitchen, but by the looks on Luna and Ron's faces, it didn't seem like they were talking about him.
"Saffron wrote to us," Hermione was saying to Luna. "Apparently, he's broken things off with Alexa and is back with his ex, some girl named Christina."
"What?" Maddie asked in shock. "But I thought he was over the moon for Alexa!"
"According to Saffron, he's letting this girl attend their practises and he spends most of his time with her," Hermione said. "Saffy's not speaking to him."
"That's nothing new," Ethan said dryly. "She and R.J. are always cross with each other...."
"Ethan," Hermione said reprovingly.
"Sorry," Ethan said quietly.
Maddie remembered that vision she'd had at Christmas.
"Christina?" Ron asked. "That's the girl he was with a year ago, right? She's the one who kept checking her reflection in the spoons!"
"That's her," Maddie replied. "I just can't believe R.J. would want to go back to her. Apparently she's done some rather nasty things to them since they went back to school."
"What is going on in my son's head?" Luna asked. "This isn't like him, Ronald."
"He's a teenager Luna," Ron said. "I like Alexa very much, but they're bound to have their fights and break-ups."
"I know, but---" Luna protested.
"How about we just have a nice dinner and forget about this for one night?" Ron suggested. "We'll sort this out."
"Sounds good," Harry said. "Is there any food left or did Ron eat it all?"
"He certainly tried," Luna replied. "But there's plenty."
"And I hear congratulations are in order," Ron said shaking Ethan's hand. "Good job, Ethan!"
"Thanks," Ethan grinned at him. "Feels good to finally have something go right!"
"He's just being modest," Harry said proudly. "This was really big, Ethan James. You did a fantastic job."
Ethan smiled at his father, feeling prouder of himself than he had in ages. "Thanks Dad."
"Mister Big Shot Auror," Ron said. "What would you like to drink?"
"Have you got any beer?" Ethan asked.
"Do I have beer?" Ron asked with a laugh.
"We have beer," Luna nudged Ron in the arm.
"You want one too, Harry?" Ron asked heading for the icebox.
"Sure," Harry said. "Thanks mate."
"Drew and Darla stopped by the house the other day," Hermione said to Maddie. "They had some wonderful ideas about the ceremony."
"Great," Maddie smiled. "Thank you again for letting us use your house."
"Of course," Hermione said giving her a hug.
"We do need to officially decide on a date," Maddie said, looking at Ethan.
"So I'll know when to show up," Ethan said grinning at her.
"You'd better be there," Maddie nudged his foot with hers.
"I will," Ethan said quickly. "You know I will."
"We originally were thinking early summer, but the more I think about it, I'd like to get married in August." Maddie said. "I don't know why, but it just feels perfect."
"August?" Ethan asked. "You never told me that."
"Just a feeling I have," she smiled at him. "Is that all right with you?"
"If that's what you want, that's what I want," Ethan replied.
"Good boy Ethan," Harry teased him. "You already know to just agree."
Ethan laughed. "First lesson."
"How about the twenty eighth?" Luna suggested. "Right before the kids go back to school."
"I like that," Maddie said. "The twenty-eighth sounds perfect."
"We have our wedding date," Ethan grinned at his fiancée.
"I'm going to clear my schedule for that week," Hermione said.
"Me too," Luna agreed. "We'll take care of any last minute things that way."
Harry, Ethan and Ron stood back as the three women started discussing the wedding.
"It's funny how they seem to forget all about us when it comes to the planning," Harry commented.
"They're all like that," Ron agreed.
"You mean like you three are when you talk about Quidditch?" Hermione asked, her eyebrow raised.
"You---you weren't supposed to hear that," Ron said sheepishly.
"Foot in mouth syndrome," Harry said. "Ron's the best at it."
"You were the one who started it," Ron pointed out.
"You're the one who got overheard," Harry returned.
"I heard you, too," Hermione said folding her arms.
"I love you," Harry said, grinning at his wife.
"Nice try," Hermione said. "You're supposed to be setting a good example for your son."
"There's no one better for that than Dad," Ethan grinned too.
"But it's the truth," Ron protested. "You women get this look in your eyes when you talk about weddings and ceremonies and other nonsense like that...."
"I beg your pardon?" Luna asked raising an eyebrow at her husband. "Us women?"
"Er..." Ron grabbed another piece of bread and stuffed it into his mouth to keep from saying anything else.
"There's another lesson for you," Harry said to Ethan. "Know when to pick your battles..."
"I'm learning that one," Ethan said, sliding his arm back around Maddie. "Living with Mum has taught me well there."
"And having two sisters probably helped too," Maddie said leaning against him. "Julie and Saffy keep you on your toes."
"Especially Saffron," Ethan kissed the side of her head.
"Saffy's so much like Hermione it's practically scary," Ron commented.
"Scary?" Hermione asked. "Why would that be scary?"
Ron gulped. He didn't like the look on Hermione's face. "Well, um, she's sort of ...bossy, but in a good way, of course. And you're bossy. And well she's super smart to the point of being a....well know-it-all isn't really the best way to say it, but you two do seem to know it all, really. And she looks like you, but that's not scary or anything....."
Harry shook his head. "Ron I'd just put another piece of bread in your mouth and stop while you're ahead."
"No," Hermione said walking toward Ron. "I'd like to hear more...."
"Help," Ron squeaked, looking at his wife.
"You got yourself into this one," Luna said. "I need to check on the roast anyway."
"I'll help," Ron hightailed it over to the oven before Luna could stop him.
"He's so easy to tease," Hermione said with a grin. "I love scaring him."
"He is right on one thing," Ethan said. "Saf can be kind of scary."
Maddie laughed. "Especially when you're the target of her anger."
"It's usually me or R.J. that she's cross with," Ethan said laughing. At the mention of her brother, Maddie frowned.
"It's going to be okay, Maddie," Ethan reassured her. "It's going to sort itself out."
"I know," Maddie said. "But I just have this feeling that his troubles are only beginning."
"Perhaps Jules could talk to him, too?" Ethan suggested. "See if he'll confide in her?"
"That might be a good idea," Harry said.
"I'll ring her when I get home," Hermione said. "Let her know what's going on."
"I think this is about finished," Luna announced. "Ronald get your paws off it or there will be nothing left!"
Ron scowled at her. "Yes, sweetheart."
"See you're doing better already," Luna smiled and pecked him quickly on the lips. "You said the right thing."
"It's a miracle!" Harry teased.
"Sod off," Ron replied.
Luna laughed. "How about we all sit down? And Hermione, I haven't had the chance to really chat with you since you and Harry came back. You have to tell me all about the Swan Islands."
"Can you wait until Mads and I leave to talk about that?" Ethan joked.
"Ethan," Hermione said shaking her head. "Your father and I had a lovely time. That's all. I'm not going to scar you by sharing details."
"Thanks Mum," Ethan grinned. "I appreciate that more than you know."
"You're welcome," she said with a laugh. "We did have a lovely time, though. The weather was amazing and it didn't rain or get cloudy the entire time we were there. It really was paradise."
"Don't forget to tell them about your admirer," Harry said with only a trace of smarminess in his tone.
"Oooh," Luna teased. "An admirer?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "There was this American businessman there who sort of took a shine to me."
"Wouldn't leave her alone," Harry added.
"Kept calling Harry 'Hank'," Hermione said shaking her head. "And even when I told him I was married, he kept at it."
"Bloody annoying it was," Harry replied.
"You certainly didn't help matters with your little freak sandstorm," Hermione pointed out.
"I told you I didn't do that on purpose," Harry said defensively. "He provoked me, Hermione."
"Yes well," Hermione waved her hand dismissively as they all sat down. "We didn't let him spoil our good time."
"We should do something like that," Luna said to Ron. "It's been ages since we went on holiday just the two of us."
"Where were you thinking of going?" Ron asked.
"Anywhere," Luna replied dreamily.
"Maybe to Italy," Ron said. "We could find some great Italian restaurants to eat in there. Or if we went to Mexico, we could eat all that great Mexican food there!"
Maddie laughed. "Daddy, you are priceless."
"Always thinking with your stomach," Harry added.
"Room service has its benefits too," Luna said winking at her husband.
"Yes it does," Ron's eyes lit up. "We could go anywhere and get anything!"
"At any time of the day, too," Luna said. "By the end of our honeymoon, we were on a first-name basis with the bellman. And the cook and wait staff, too. They loved Ronald."
Harry nearly choked on his salad at that.
"They were some of the nicest people you could ever want to meet," Ron said ignoring his best friend. "And that menu...."
"I think it was his favourite part of the honeymoon," Luna commented dryly.
"It was my second favourite," Ron said smiling at his wife.
"Another good answer," Luna grinned at him.
"I'm learning," Ron said grinning at her.
"Hey Mum," Ethan said, "I meant to ask you, how's Gran doing?"
"She has her good and bad days," Hermione replied. "But I did hire a nurse to stay with her. If that doesn't work out, we'll have to think about a home, but so far, so good."
"Good," Ethan said. "I thought perhaps Mads and I could stop by on our way home if it's not too late and tell her about what happened today."
"She would love that," Hermione said smiling at him. "She'll be so proud!"
"And we can tell her about setting a date as well," Maddie said, helping herself to another serving of roast beef.
"How's that dog of Saffy's doing?" Ron asked.
"Living up to his name," Harry responded.
"Oh no," Luna said.
"Reminds me of Paddington," Ron said fondly. "That dog would take a piss every time someone would ring the doorbell."
Maddie laughed. "I barely remember that dog," she said.
"Paddy was my baby," Luna said. "It nearly killed me when we had to put him to sleep."
"That was so sad," Hermione remembered. "But he was sick..."
"And then having to tell Josh and Jon," Luna said tearing up just thinking about it. "They loved him so much, too. Drew and Darla were torn up, too."
Ron patted her shoulder. "We could get another dog if you wanted," he said.
"I'd like that," Luna said nodding.
"And how's Blue these days?" Harry asked.
"He's more sociable," Maddie said. "I can take him out of the cage and he'll sit on my shoulder while I'm home."
"He loves Mads," Ethan said. "He's just not too crazy about me."
"He's warming up to you," Maddie said. "He just doesn't trust people yet."
"He likes Frankie and Will," Ethan pointed out. "And he adores your sisters."
"I'll talk to him when we get home," Maddie said, not noticing the amused looks her parents and Harry and Hermione were sharing. "Blue likes you just fine."
"Sure," Ethan said shaking his head. "He hates me and I'm the one who picked the bloody beast out."
"Ethan he doesn't hate you," Maddie insisted.
"He probably just hasn't had time to get used to you," Luna suggested. "Since you keep strange hours."
"I guess," Ethan replied. "Things will settle down a bit now that we've cracked that case."
"You'll be old friends soon," Maddie said resolutely.
"Hope so," Ethan squeezed her hand as she tried to steal a bite from his plate.
"Come on, Ethan," Maddie pouted.
"You have your own plate!" he laughed. "Mads!"
"Yours tastes so much better!" Maddie protested. "Come on!"
He shook his head but pushed his plate closer to her.
"That reminds me of how we used to be," Luna said turning to face her husband but seeing that he had his fork aimed at her plate. "Ronald!"
"It worked for her," Ron said with a grin.
"Give me a kiss and I'll think about it," Luna said leaning in.
Ron did as his wife said. "Please?" he asked. "Yours tastes better."
"Now I see where you got it from," Ethan teased.
Maddie grinned back. "I learn from the best."
*** *** ***
Since they were having the ball in just a little over a month, that weekend was an extra Hogsmeade weekend which gave all the students time to go down and find dress robes to wear if they didn't already have some. Saffron did but Alexa didn't, so she accompanied her friend into the village to buy a set.
She was hesitant to say anything about R.J. as she'd been doing her best to keep Alexa's mind off him. She knew that her friend was only going to the ball with Ewan as friends, but Saffron still hoped Alexa would have a good time.
"Have you thought about what colour you'd like?" Saffron asked her friend as they walked in the village.
"I don't know," Alexa said. "Maybe a light green or something."
"That colour has always looked fantastic on you," Saffron said leading her towards Lavender's shoppe. "Too bad my Aunt Lav's back in the States."
"No discount?" Alexa joked weakly.
"Probably not," Saffron said. As she opened the door, she groaned as she saw how packed the small shop was.
"Maybe we should come later," Alexa said.
Saffron shook her head. "Now's probably as good a time as any. Come on, Lex. We'll look in the back. It doesn't seem to be as crowded back there."
"All right," Alexa agreed. "Ooh, Saffy, look at the new robes in that collection named after you! They're so sweet!"
"Do you think we were ever this tiny?" Saffron said looking at the infant robes. "This is soooo cute!"
"We had to be at one point," Alexa giggled. "I think it's so cool she named this line after you."
"You would," a cold, familiar voice said from behind them. "Hello, Alexa. Hello, Potter."
Saffron turned around and narrowed her eyes. "Go away," she said rudely. "You're not wanted here."
Christina pulled an innocent face. "I'm just finding a new set of robes for the ball. You don't own this shoppe, Potter."
"My aunt doesn't want your business," Saffron said coolly.
"Let's just go, Saffy," Alexa said tugging on her arm.
"No," Christina said hastily. "I would love your opinion on something, Alexa. Which of these robes do you think R.J. would like best? The crimson red ones or the silver ones?"
"Get the hell out of here you bitch," Saffron snarled. "Before I hex the living daylights out of you. I know you're up to something with R.J.. And as soon as I figure out what you're going to regret it."
Christina laughed. "Come now, Saffron. He is your friend. I would think you would be happy that he's come back to his one, true love. I know how to keep him satisfied...unlike some people...."
"Let's just go Saffron," Alexa tugged at her friend's sleeve. "I don't want to get into it here okay?" she ignored the superior glance of the older girl.
It was only because of Alexa that Saffron relented. She wanted nothing more than to wipe that smug, self-satisfied smirk off of Christina's face. "Let's go and have lunch and we'll come back later, Lex."
"Right," Alexa said, relieved. "Thanks Saffy."
"Ta, girls!" Christina said with false cheeriness.
Saffron's fists clenched as she followed Alexa out of the shoppe. "I hate that girl!"
"But R.J. loves her," Alexa said miserably.
"No, he doesn't," Saffron said firmly. "I might not know what's going on in that head of his, but I know he does not love her. There's no way. She's reprehensible!"
Alexa sighed. "I've been trying not to think about him but I miss him so much Saffy. And every time I see her it makes me think that I should have been... maybe I should have been more forthcoming with some things."
"Like what?" Saffron asked sitting down with Alexa on a bench.
"Like... I never really took the initiative when we were... doing things." Alexa began. "I always let him take the lead."
"Lex--" Saffron said.
"I should have let him do more," Alexa wiped her eyes.
"You weren't ready," Saffron said gently. "And if he doesn't love you enough to wait, then he doesn't deserve you. Alexa, I am not going to let you sit here and blame yourself for this. You did nothing wrong here."
Alexa simply shrugged in reply.
"She's up to something," Saffron said. "You and I both know it. She did something to make him act this way. And I'm going to find out what it is, Lex."
"Maybe it's just not meant to be this way for me and R.J.," Alexa said. "I mean, it was fun, but obviously--"
"Jules talked to him, but she can't tell me what he said," Saffron said quietly. "I begged and pleaded but she said it wasn't something she could talk about with me. She just said he didn't seem like himself."
Alexa didn't want to talk about this anymore. "Come on," she said, "Let's go have lunch and then we'll get my robes."
"Okay," Saffron said. "Can you give me just a few minutes? I need to run to the post office really quick. Wait for me here?"
"Sure," Alexa agreed.
"I'll be right back," Saffron promised.
Alexa pulled her cloak tightly around her as she waited.
She'd closed her eyes for a moment, just breathing in the fresh air when approaching footsteps made her look up again.
"Hi," R.J. said nervously. He'd spotted her when he'd walked out of Honeydukes.