Well we thought about titling this chapter "Christina's Last Stand" but thought it might be too obvious… did you feel that anvil? LOL anyways, you get all Hogwarts crew in this chapter with the ball, and you Saffron/Andrew fans will be quite pleased at the end of this chapter.
Please don't forget to let us know what you think! And if you have questions for us to answer, leave them on your review for this chapter so we can answer them for Saturday!
The day of the ball was finally there. Saffron was excited but tried to tone down her happiness so she wouldn't make Alexa feel bad. "Hurry up and put your robes on," she said. "I can't wait to see them on you." Her own robes were custom made for her by her aunt and were a deep ivory colour.
"Okay," Alexa said grabbing the robes. She knew Saffron was looking forward to the night and she couldn't really blame her. Saffron was going with someone she truly cared about. She wouldn't have to watch the boy she loved dance with someone else all night.
"We're going to figure this all out," Saffron said, knowing what Alexa was thinking. "I know we've been trying to get proof that R.J.'s under a love potion, but aside from his symptoms and all that, we have nothing. But we'll figure it out."
Alexa nodded.
"And I did a great job on your hair and makeup," Mimi said proudly. She'd curled Alexa's hair and it fell in ringlets down her back.
"You did," Alexa said forcing a smile. "Thank you, Meems."
"Sure Lex," Mimi said happily, dancing around in her pink robes.
"Getting practise in for Ivan?" Beth teased her friend.
Mimi giggled. "Yes," she answered.
"I can't wait to see Andrew," Saffron said putting on some lip gloss.
"He's not going to know what hit him," Alexa said loyally. "You look gorgeous Saffron."
"Thanks, Lex," Saffron said smiling at her. "And I, for one, can't wait to see the look on R.J.'s face when he sees you. Love potion or not, he's going to swoon."
"That'd be nice," she said softly.
"I heard that cow bragging at breakfast this morning," Beth said rolling her eyes. "I can't wait to see her get hers, Lex."
"She will," Saffron answered for her friend. "I'm going to make sure of it."
Downstairs in the common room, boys were starting to gather to wait for their dates.
"I should go and get Christina," R.J. said making his way for the portrait hole.
"No," Andrew said putting a hand on his arm. "Keep me company until Saf comes down."
"But I promised Chris I'd meet her," R.J. said.
"Be a man," Andrew said with a laugh. "Besides girls are never ready on time."
"But--" R.J. protested again.
"R.J.," Andrew said. "Come on. She's not ready yet. In fact, if she was ready now, I'd pay you 10 galleons. Your girl is high maintenance."
What Andrew wasn't telling his friend was that Saffron wanted R.J. to see Alexa when she came downstairs. He'd promised Saffron he'd do everything in his power to stall R.J..
"Fine but if she reams me out I'm going to tell her it was your fault," R.J. said, brushing off his sleeves.
"I'll tell her myself," Andrew said looking at his watch. "Saf should be down any minute."
"Fine," R.J. said, rubbing his temples. His headaches had been coming more and more frequently these days and in truth it was starting to scare him a little.
"You should go to Madam Pomfrey," Andrew lectured.
"I know," R.J. said. "It'll go away in a minute though. And I don't want to ruin this night for Chris."
"Right," Andrew said rolling his eyes.
"Come on and walk down with me," Saffron said. "Ewan's waiting for you in the common room right? That's where Andrew is too." she didn't mention that Andrew was stalling R.J. for as long as possible.
Alexa nodded and smoothed down her light green robes. "Okay, I'm ready if you are."
"You look perfect," Saffron grinned at her.
Alexa smiled. "So do you."
"Thanks," Saffron took her hand. "Let's go! Our first ball here- this is so exciting!"
Alexa tried to muster up some enthusiasm. She didn't want to spoil the night for Saffron or for Ewan. She followed her best friend out of the dorm and they hesitated at the top of the stairs.
"You go first," Alexa said to Saffron.
"We'll go together," Saffron said firmly.
Alexa started to protest, but knew it was a lost cause. What Saffron wanted, she usually got. "Okay..."
"Come on," Saffron hooked her arm through Alexa's.
Together, they descended the staircase slowly.
"Wow," Andrew said catching sight of them. His eyes locked with Saffron's. "Saffron Grace...."
She giggled. "Hi there handsome."
Andrew grinned. "You look amazing, Saf. Truly amazing."
"Thank you," she said, greeting him with a kiss.
R.J. hadn't been paying attention when Saffron had walked downstairs. He'd been thinking of how much trouble he'd be in if he was late picking up Christina. This night meant so much to her. But his thoughts of Christina evaporated as he finally saw Alexa.
She was near the fire as Ewan gave her a pretty carnation that he was sliding onto her wrist. R.J. gulped as he took in her green robes and long shiny red hair.
"She looks beautiful doesn't she?" Saffron asked him.
"Yeah," R.J. answered, mesmerized.
"You look really pretty," Ewan said shyly to Alexa.
"Thank you," Alexa replied. "And thank you for the flower- it's gorgeous."
"Should we join your friends?" Ewan asked motioning to Andrew and Saffron. When he saw who was with them, he frowned. "Or maybe not."
Alexa turned and saw R.J. staring at her.
"That is amazing," R.J. said, not taking his eyes off her.
"What?" Alexa asked finding herself walking toward him. "What is?"
"You," R.J. said quietly.
Alexa felt her cheeks redden. "Thank you. You---you look really nice too."
"I uh..." R.J. began, not noticing anyone else in the room.
"You what?" Alexa asked hopefully.
"I... I have to go get Chris," he said, his eyes clouding over.
"Right," Alexa said flatly. "I hope you have a lovely time tonight, R.J.."
"You too," he nodded before turning and rushing out of the common room.
"It's his loss," Ewan said from behind Alexa.
Alexa nodded, hoping Ewan would remember their conversation about just going as friends.
"We should go," Saffron said smiling reassuringly at Alexa.
"All right," Alexa said, taking Ewan's arm.
They made their way downstairs and could already hear music and voices from the Great Hall.
"This looks incredible," Saffron said her eyes wide.
"It really does," Andrew said squeezing her hand.
"I've been so excited about this," Saffron smiled at him.
"Me too," Andrew said softly. "But mostly about seeing you in your dress robes."
"You're sweet," Saffron stopped and gave him a kiss. "And you look fantastic in your dress robes."
"These old things?" Andrew said jokingly.
"Look fantastic," Saffron finished for him.
Andrew laughed. "How about we go and grab a table?"
"You're going to dance with me tonight Kirke," Saffron said as they went in. "There's no getting out of it."
"I've been practising," Andrew said chuckling. "So I don't step all over your toes."
Alexa followed her best friend in and felt guilty for wishing she was there with R.J. and not Ewan. "You don't have to dance with me if you don't want to," she said nervously to him. "I'm not that good at it."
"It's okay," he said. "I'm not that great either. We'll cancel each other out."
Alexa nodded and gave him a small smile. "Let's get something to drink."
R.J. and Christina walked into the Great Hall with Monica and Jason. Christina was wearing bright red dress robes and her blonde hair was pulled back into a chignon.
"This is nice," Christina said smiling up at R.J.. "Don't you think?"
"Very nice," he said, looking around for a glimpse of Alexa.
"You haven't told me how nice you thought I looked," Christina pouted at him.
"You look nice," R.J. said automatically.
"You can do better than that," she purred.
"You look great," R.J. said, not noticing the amused expressions on Jason's and Monica's faces.
"Better," she said smiling up at him. "Tonight's our special night, R.J.." She'd told him about planning on a "sleepover" in the Room of Requirement. He hadn't seem all that enthusiastic about it, but he'd agreed just the same.
"Right," he said, looking completely distracted. "Our night..."
She followed his gaze and felt a rush of anger. He was staring at that troll Alexa O'Leary. "Someone should really tell that girl those robes are last season," Christina said bitterly.
"I think she looks gorgeous," Monica said truthfully.
"You would," Christina said glaring at her.
"What's wrong with her thinking Alexa is pretty?" Jason stuck up for his girlfriend.
"You act like I can't have an opinion of it doesn't go along with yours," Monica said folding her arms.
"Well I know best," Christina said icily.
"Says who?" Monica asked sardonically.
"Come on, Mon," Jason said taking her hand. "Let's go sit with Andrew and Saffy."
"Sure," Monica said, forcing a smile at him.
Christina shook her head as she watched her so-called best friend walk away. She saw that R.J.'s gaze had again fallen on Alexa. "Junior...."
"What?" he asked still distracted.
Christina took his arm and led him toward an empty table. She needed to slip a dose of the potion into his drink and that would solve his attention problem for the rest of the evening.
"Where are we going?" he asked his eyes still on Alexa. She looked so beautiful he was finding it hard to concentrate on anything else.
"I want you to sit down," Christina said. "And I'll go and get us something to drink."
"All right," R.J. sat down as his head began to throb again.
Christina walked over to the refreshment table and joined the queue.
"He's still staring at her," Saffron whispered to Andrew.
"And our girl is getting them something to drink," Andrew said motioning over his shoulder. "Surprise..."
"Oooh," Saffron said, craning her neck. "Maybe she'll slip something into his drink. If we can only catch her doing it..."
"She's been one step ahead of us this whole time," Andrew commented.
"She has to slip up sooner or later," Saffron replied. "Hi Jason, hi Monica," she greeted them. "You both look great!"
"So do you," Monica said warmly. "Did your aunt make your robes?"
"During the summer hols," Saffron nodded. "I didn't think I'd get a chance to wear them so soon."
"They're gorgeous," Monica said.
"Thanks," Saffron grinned at her.
"Chris is planning some big night for her and R.J.," Monica confided. "She said something about getting out of here early and....you know."
Saffron gaped at her. "What did he say?"
"He agreed to it, but he didn't seen to care really," Monica replied.
"And you haven't seen her do anything with a potion?" Saffron asked.
"No, but I did see her put a little vial in her bag," Monica said. "She said it was perfume."
"I wonder if we could get it out of her bag without her knowing," Saffron watched the blonde head back towards R.J., two cups in her hands.
"I could ask her to dance," Andrew suggested.
"She wouldn't dance with you," Monica said. "She knows you're here with Saffron."
"Right," Andrew said relieved. "I wasn't looking forward to it."
"Neither was I," Saffron said with a curl of her lip. "I guess we just have to keep an eye on them."
"I could go over there and apologise," Monica offered. "We kind of had words when we came in here. The last thing we need is for him to drink any more of that potion."
"If you think it would work, then I guess you could try," Saffron shrugged.
"It's worth a shot," Monica said. "Come on, Jas. Let's go play nice."
"We can try," Jason grumbled.
"Good luck," Saffron said. "And thanks."
R.J. wasn't listening to a word Christina was saying. He hadn't touched the drink she'd brought over. His eyes were focused on the red-haired girl dancing a few feet away.
"Junior," Christina said. "I wore these robes because you said you loved this colour on me and you've barely looked at me all night!"
"I'm not hungry," he said absently. He wondered if Alexa would dance with him if he asked.
Christina scowled and dug into her purse for the vial of the potion she'd stashed in there. Pulling his cup closer, she discreetly began to pour it into his punch.
"I'll be right back," he said getting to his feet.
"Junior!" Christina exclaimed. "At least have some of this!"
"I don't want any of it," he said heading toward Alexa and Ewan.
Swearing under her breath, she recorked the vial and stuffed it back into her purse.
R.J. tapped Ewan on the shoulder. "Can I cut in?"
"We're dancing right now," Ewan said.
"Just one dance, mate," R.J. said looking at Alexa.
"R.J. please don't do this," Alexa said softly.
"Lexie--I---" R.J. started to say as his head started to throb again. His knees buckled and he grabbed on to Ewan for support.
"R.J.?" Alexa asked concern all over her face. "What's wrong?"
"My head," he said weakly. "What's wrong with me Lexie?"
"Ewan," Alexa said. "Can you get Madam Pomfrey and hurry?"
"Sure," Ewan replied, dashing out of the Great Hall. Alexa helped R.J. to a nearby table and he sat down heavily.
"It's going to be okay," she said trying to reassure him. "Madam Pomfrey will be here soon."
"It hurts," he moaned, squeezing his eyes shut.
Alexa sat down beside him and put her arm around him. She rubbed his back. "Oh, R.J.."
"I miss you Lexie," R.J. said weakly. "I think about you all the time."
Her heart swelled at this. "I've missed you, too."
"I don't know what's wrong with me," he looked up at her. "I don't want to be with Christina. I want to be with you."
Alexa opened her mouth to respond, but Ewan had returned with Madam Pomfrey in tow.
"What's going on, Mr. Weasley?" the nurse asked kneeling in front of him.
"I don't know," he said miserably. "My head just starts pounding and I want to pass out."
"How long has this been going on?" she asked.
"I don't know," he said again. "Maybe a few weeks or something after we got back from Christmas hols..."
Christina, Monica and Jason walked over to see what was going on as had Andrew and Saffron.
"He's been drinking a lot lately," Christina lied. "It's a hangover."
"Drinking what?" Saffron asked sharply.
"Firewhisky," Christina replied. "He has a stash of it."
"Is this true Mr. Weasley?" None of them had heard Dumbledore and McGonagall approach.
"I haven't had Firewhisky..." R.J. said as the room began to spin around him. "Not while I'm at school..."
"Someone's been slipping him a love potion," Saffron told the headmaster.
"Miss Potter that's quite a serious accusation," Dumbledore said solemnly. "Can I assume you have proof?"
"You'll find it in R.J.'s goblet," Saffron said motioning over to Christina's table. "I saw her slip something into his drink, sir."
"I don't need to slip anyone a love potion," Christina scoffed. "That's something someone like you would do, Potter."
"I don't need a love potion to attract guys," Saffron returned coldly. "Why don't you check her bag Professor? You'll find a vial in there that held the potion she's brewed."
Christina's smug expression faltered a bit at Saffron's words. "That's ridiculous, sir. I don't have anything in my bag except for some makeup and a handkerchief. That's all."
"May we see?" Dumbledore inquired.
"That's an invasion of my privacy," Christina said folding her arms. "You have no right to search my belongings, Professor Dumbledore."
Everyone in the group gaped at her in shock. No one had ever stood up to the headmaster before like that.
"Of course Miss Grant," Dumbledore nodded. "Professor McGonagall, would you be so kind as to retrieve Mr. Weasley's goblet?"
"Certainly, Albus," Professor McGonagall replied.
Saffron smirked at Christina, who had gone pale as the professor picked up the goblet.
Professor McGonagall handed R.J.'s goblet to Dumbledore.
"You can't just assume she's right!" Christina said, panicking.
"Explain to me then why he was in love with Alexa one day and then the very next, he dropped her for you?" Saffron asked. "Hmmm? Someone he couldn't stand? Someone who he'd wished he'd never gotten involved with in the first place?"
"People change their minds all the time," Christina hissed as R.J. let out a weak moan again and clutched at his head.
"I'm afraid I need to take Mr. Weasley to the hospital wing," Madam Pomfrey announced. "This is quite serious, Headmaster."
"Of course Poppy," Dumbledore nodded.
"Lex, will you come with me?" R.J. asked looking at her.
Alexa nodded. "If that's okay with you," she looked at the nurse.
"That's fine with me," Madam Pomfrey replied. "Come along, Mr. Weasley."
"I'll help," Jason said coming forward.
"I just want Lex," R.J. said, standing up with Madam Pomfrey's help.
"We'll join you guys soon," Saffron promised Alexa.
Alexa nodded and left with R.J. and Madam Pomfrey. "Do you think he'll be okay?" she asked softly as they made their way to the hospital wing.
"I'm not sure Miss O'Leary," the nurse replied. "If he has ingested a love potion, we'll need to know what type and for how long he's been exposed to it. He should have come to me the moment he started having these headaches."
"She wouldn't let me," R.J. said weakly. "Said I didn't need to."
"Who wouldn't?" Madam Pomfrey asked sharply.
"Chris," R.J. said his eyes closed.
Madam Pomfrey shook her head. "Come on." she said, pressing her lips together.
Downstairs in the Great Hall, Dumbledore was huddled together with Snape and McGonagall as the Potions professor examined the goblet.
"Feeling nervous, Christina?" Saffron asked the Ravenclaw.
"Shut the hell up Potter," Christina snapped.
"You could have killed him," Saffron said. "Would that have made you happy? How could you stand by and watch him have these horrible headaches and do nothing?"
"I didn't do anything," Christina hissed angrily.
"Damn right you didn't," Saffron glared at her.
"You just can't accept the fact that your mousy little friend wasn't the girl for him," Christina shot back. "So you're trying to frame me for this."
"R.J. loves her," Saffron said coolly. "It's fairly obvious- as he hasn't been able to take his eyes off her all night. Oh- and there's also the fact that he asked HER, not YOU, to come to the hospital wing with him."
Christina glared at her. "How do we know it wasn't her who was slipping him some potion? She was desperate to get him back. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if that's how someone as drab as her could land a catch like R.J. Weasley."
Saffron's hands clenched and Andrew had to physically restrain her.
The headmaster returned to the group of students with McGonagall and Snape. He had a very serious expression on his face. "Mr. Weasley's goblet had traces of the Adoratio potion."
"What's that?" Andrew asked.
"Next to the Amortentia potion, it is the second most powerful love potion. This one has been known to cause serious side effects in the drinker and some people who have ingested it for an extended period of time have died from it's effects."
Saffron cast a murderous look at Christina, who was clutching her bag protectively.
"Miss Grant," Professor Dumbledore said. "I am going to ask you to hand over your bag. This is a very serious situation. A student's life is at stake. If Mr. Weasley means as much to you as you say, you will cooperate."
"I told you what I had in here," Christina said shrilly.
"You just don't want to hand it over because you know you've been caught," Saffron's eyes were narrowed into slits.
"If that's all you have in there surely you wouldn't have a problem with Professor Dumbledore checking your bag," McGonagall said quietly. "Hand over your bag, Miss Grant."
"No it's my personal property," Christina said, backing up.
"Then you give me no choice," Dumbledore said. "I will owl your parents and request that they come here at once so we can discuss the situation with them."
"You have no proof that I did anything!" Christina stamped her foot in anger.
"Yes they do," a voice spoke up from somewhere in the crowd. Saffron turned and was surprised to see Peter come forward.
"Peter!" Christina's eyes turned dark in anger. "You stay out of this! You're just angry because I dumped you!"
"I helped her brew the potion, sir," Peter said quietly. "She said if I helped her do that, she'd help me get Saffron back."
"Is this true, Miss Grant?" Dumbledore turned his eyes to her.
"He's lying!" Christina shouted.
"I'm sorry, Saffron," Peter said looking at her. "I-I should never have agreed to do this. I wanted to back out so many times."
"Thank you for stepping forward Mr. Lawson," Dumbledore said quietly. "Miss Grant, please come to my office immediately."
Christina glowered at Peter and Saffron before lowering her eyes and following Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore out of the Great Hall.
"Saffron," Peter was standing at her side. "Please, I am so sorry. I never thought she'd go this far. I thought she just might slip it to him once or twice and that was it..."
At first Saffron wanted to scream at him, but as she looked at him she saw he was genuinely sorry.
"Thank you for coming forward," Saffron said finally.
"I know I screwed up... again." Peter sighed. "But I just can't stand you hating me Saffron."
"I don't hate you," she said honestly. "It means a lot to me that you came forward, Peter. You could get into a great deal of trouble for this you know."
"I know," he said, twisting his hands and looking down at the floor.
"Saf?" Andrew asked her. "We should get upstairs to the hospital wing. I heard Snape telling McGonagall he was going to brew an antidote."
"Right," Saffron replied. "Thank you Peter." she smiled at him.
Andrew took Saffron's hand. "Not exactly how I pictured our first ball to go."
"Tell me about it," Saffron said ruefully. "I didn't even get to dance with you," she joked softly.
"There will be other chances," he promised.
"I hope so," she said, squeezing his fingers.
They found Alexa waiting just outside the hospital wing.
"Madam Pomfrey's examining him now," she explained. "She asked me to wait out here."
"Does she think he's going to be all right?" Saffron asked.
"She doesn't know," Alexa said wiping at her eyes.
Saffron hugged her best friend. "I think he'll be okay," she said in a confident tone. "R.J.'s tough."
"And stubborn as a mule," Andrew said smiling at her. "Almost as stubborn as Saffy."
"No one's as stubborn as me," Saffron replied, trying to make her friend laugh.
"That's true," Alexa said with a slight smile. "So...what happened downstairs? Did she confess?"
Saffron rolled her eyes. "Hardly," she replied, telling Alexa all that had transpired. "So she's up in Dumbledore's office now. I'm supposing by tomorrow we'll all know what happened to her."
"He could die," Alexa said not caring about Christina Grant at the moment. "Saffy..."
"He's not going to die," Saffron said, looking at Andrew.
"Snape's working on the antidote right now, Lex," Andrew told her. "R.J.'s going to be okay."
"Uncle Ron?" Saffron asked as she saw him and Luna running into the hospital wing.
"Where is he?" Ron asked Saffron, worry etched across his face. "We came as soon as we heard."
"He's inside," Saffron hugged him hard. "How did you find out?"
"Professor McGonagall sent us an urgent owl," Ron replied.
"He's been under the Adoratio love potion," Saffron told him. "Snape's brewing an antidote and Madam Pomfrey's working on him too."
"We should go back there," Luna said her eyes red from crying. "Come on, Ronald."
Alexa, Saffron and Andrew stood back as Ron and Luna hurried into the infirmary. "I'm scared," Alexa whimpered.
Saffron knew it had to be serious if R.J.'s parents were here. She didn't have to tell Alexa that. Tears welled up in Saffron's eyes as well as she thought about losing her friend.
Andrew put an arm around each of them. "He'll be all right," he said, trying to reassure the two girls.
Luna's breath caught in her throat as she saw her son sprawled out on the hospital bed. His forehead was covered with a sheen of sweat and his eyes were closed. He looked so pale.
"Baby," she whispered, sitting down beside him. "R.J. sweetheart..."
He didn't respond and Luna looked helplessly at her husband.
Ron's throat constricted as he looked at his youngest son. He sat down next to his wife and put his arms around her.
"I've given him something for the pain," Madam Pomfrey explained. "We're just waiting for Professor Snape to arrive with the antidote."
Ron nodded. "Do you think he'll be all right?"
Madam Pomfrey sighed. "I won't lie to you, Mr. Weasley. This is very grave situation. Your son was taking a very potent potion for nearly a month."
"A month?" Ron wanted to explode. "Who the hell was giving it to him for a fucking month?"
"A student," Madam Pomfrey replied. "Christina Grant."
Ron's face was so red it was nearly purple. "Where the hell is she?" he snapped. "I'd like to--"
"Ron," Luna placed her hand on her arm. "Don't, please... let's just focus on R.J. right now."
"Right," Ron said in a calmer tone.
"The sooner Professor Snape has the antidote brewed, the sooner we'll know how Mr. Weasley will recover." Madam Pomfrey said.
Luna nodded and turned her attention back to her son. She took her son's hand. "R.J., it's Mum. Your dad and I are right here, sweetheart. You're going to be okay."
"I wish he'd do something," Ron said. "Move his head, or his hand, or something."
"He's so pale," Luna choked out.
"Shhhh..." Ron said, rubbing her shoulders. "He's a fighter Luna."
"I don't know what I'd do if something happened to him," Luna said still holding on to his hand.
"I don't either," Ron replied. "Bloody hell I wish Snape would hurry up with that antidote."
"I'm sure he's doing all that he can," Luna said. She leaned forward and kissed her son's forehead. "My sweet little boy. I can still remember how surprised I was when I found out we were going to have you. I thought your father and I were done."
"You were certainly the most unexpected of the lot," Ron smiled.
"And the one who kept us on our toes the most," Luna said smiling through her tears. "Even more than your brother, Jon, if you can believe that."
"And you're going to be so successful," Ron said to his son. "Your mum and I can't wait to come to your Quidditch matches."
"We'll come to every single one," Luna promised.
"What's taking so bloody long?" Saffron was pacing in the corridor.
"No news is good news, right?" Andrew asked.
"I wish I could go help brew that potion," Saffron said. "We've been waiting out here for an hour already."
"You don't need to," Snape said coldly breezing past her and into the infirmary.
Saffron tried to push in as well but the door was already shut. "Damn it," she said angrily. "We should be in there with him!"
"We'd be in the way," Andrew said getting up and walking over to her.
"They should at least let you in," Saffron said to Alexa. "You're the one he really wants in there."
Alexa nodded wordlessly.
Saffron gripped her hand. "Do you think the antidote will work right away?"
"I'm not sure," Alexa said her voice breaking.
"They have to come out and tell us something SOONER or later!" Saffron began pacing again.
Nearly a half hour later, Professor Snape walked out of the infirmary but didn't say a word or look in their direction. Ron came outside and Saffron immediately ran into his arms. "Uncle Ron? How is he?"
"We don't know yet," Ron replied. "Madam Pomfrey and Snape said he could be up in an hour, or it could be tomorrow..."
"I'm staying here until he does," Alexa said quietly.
Ron put an arm around her as well. "My son is lucky to have you." he said to her.
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley," she said giving him a slight smile.
"I want to stay too," Saffron said. "Andrew?"
"Try and get me to leave," Andrew replied. "He's my best friend."
Saffron hugged him hard. "He'd better wake up," she said, tears springing to her eyes again.
Andrew held her close and let her cry.
"I'm going to go on back," Ron told them. "As soon as he's awake, I'll let you know, okay?
"Thank you Mr. Weasley," Alexa whispered.
Madam Pomfrey came out a few minutes later and gave them pillows and blankets.
"Thank you," Alexa said to the nurse. "We promise not to be any trouble for you."
Madam Pomfrey nodded. "Stay positive, Miss O'Leary."
"I will," Alexa said as the nurse patted her shoulder kindly.
She didn't sleep at all that night. Wrapping the blanket tightly around her, she tried to think of happy times with R.J. and the good times that were still ahead of them.
At some point she must have dozed off because she felt someone gently shaking her shoulder.
"Hmmm?" she asked sleepily.
"Mr. Weasley is awake," Madam Pomfrey said. "And he's asking for you."
"He is?" Alexa jumped to her feet, ignoring her wrinkled robes and dishevelled hair.
"Yes," Madam Pomfrey said nodding. She shook Saffron and Andrew awake too. "This is against my policy, of course, but you two can go back, too."
"We'll wait for you Lex," Saffron offered. "If you want a few minutes alone with him..."
Alexa shook her head. "I want you to come, Saffy. You and Andrew."
Saffron gripped Andrew's hand. "Okay," she said.
The three of them slowly walked into the infirmary and saw Luna and Ron talking quietly with R.J.. He still looked quite pale, but he was sitting up.
"Lexie," he said smiling at her.
"R.J.," she said, tears filling her eyes.
"Come here," he said weakly.
Alexa sat down and took one of his hands in hers. "I was so worried about you," she whispered.
"She was," Ron told his son. "She, Saffy and Andrew waited outside all night."
"You guys didn't have to do that," R.J. said smiling at Saffron and Andrew. "This was going to be your big night."
"Come on R.J.," Saffron said. "We couldn't have that much fun without you."
"As if you could," R.J. said grinning at her. He suddenly turned serious and he looked at his friends and girlfriend. "I'm so sorry for how I acted---"
"That wasn't your fault," Alexa interjected. "You didn't know what you were doing, R.J.."
"Yeah but I shouldn't have trusted her to begin with," R.J. said, squeezing her hand.
"You should have listened to me," Saffron said sitting down on the edge of his bed. "I am always right, you know."
"Okay, having Hermione flashes," Ron joked.
"I am just like my mother," Saffron grinned at him.
"Too much," Ron said mussing her hair.
"Uncle Ron!" she squealed.
Luna laughed. "And I think that's a very good thing, Saffy. Don't listen to Ronald."
"I never do," Saffron smiled at her.
R.J. couldn't take his eyes off Alexa. "You really do look gorgeous," he said softly.
"I do not!" Alexa protested. "My hair's a mess and my robes are wrinkled. You are delusional, R.J.."
"You're stunning," he said, brushing away a fallen lock of hair.
She smiled at him. "I've missed you so much."
"I want to make this up to you," he said. "Every moment."
"We have a lot of time to make up," she said softly.
"Good," he said. "I love you."
"I love you too," she said. "I'd kiss you now, but your parents are here."
"I should be out of here by this afternoon," he said.
"Possibly," Luna reminded him. "Remember, Madam Pomfrey said she might want to keep you a day or so for observation."
"I'll be all right," R.J. said, trying to sit up a little more. "I have loads to do. I have to get my marks back up, I have to get back into Quidditch, and I have to--"
"Get some rest," Luna said sternly. "Everything else will come later, Ronald Junior."
"All right Mum," R.J. said, letting his head fall back onto the pillows.
"We need to go and talk with Dumbledore," Luna said. "And we'll come back afterwards, okay?"
"Can I go with you?" Saffron asked. "I want to know everything that happened."
"He might not want you there Saffy," Ron said. "I'm sure you'll find out what's happened later today though."
"Okay fine," Saffron said with a frown. "But I want a word for word description."
"Yes ma'am," Ron saluted her.
"Uncle Ron!" Saffron said rolling her eyes.
"Come on Ronald," Luna said, pulling on his arm. "R.J. we'll stop back in to see you before we go."
R.J. nodded. "Okay, Mum."
"Well it's good to have my best mate back," Andrew said once R.J.'s parents had left.
"Thanks man," R.J. smiled at him. "I was a right horror wasn't I?"
"You were pretty horrible," Andrew admitted with a sly grin.
"Sorry," he said ruefully. "Is it true I let HER come to practises?"
Saffron nodded. "Unfortunately, it is true."
"And you kept checking plays with her too," Andrew said. "As if she knew anything about Quidditch."
R.J. grimaced. "I think I owe the team some butterbeer."
"Some?" Saffron asked. "You owe us a lot of butterbeer." She knew that Alexa wanted some time alone with R.J. before his parents came back. "Andrew, we'd better get back to the dorm. Let everyone know how R.J.'s doing."
"Right," Andrew nodded. "See you later mate. I'll help you catch up in your homework."
"Thanks guys," R.J. said. "I'll see you soon."
Alexa watched them go. "Well," she said. "At least we get to be alone for as long as Madam Pomfrey allows it."
"You want to lie down with me?" he asked patting the space beside him.
"Sure," she said, moving next to him. As she put her head down next to him, R.J. turned and kissed her.
It felt so good to be in his arms again and to have him kiss her like this. There was one thing that had bothered her though and she wanted to ask him.
"Um, R.J.," she asked tentatively.
"Yeah?" he asked, pulling back a little.
"Did you and...." she started to ask. She tucked her hair behind her ear. "Did you and Christina....."
For a moment he was confused and then his eyes widened. "No," he said. "No way."
"Really?" Alexa asked in surprise.
"We um... kissed and stuff." R.J. looked away. "But we never went that far. Not again we didn't."
Alexa breathed a sigh of relief. "I was so sure you had."
"Apparently she was planning something for tonight," R.J. said, stroking her hair. "And I remember saying fine, but I didn't really want to Lexie."
She smiled. "I'm so glad you didn't. When this first happened, I thought that was why you'd chucked me."
"I didn't know why," R.J. told her. "It's like I had this fog in my head and someone was in there telling me that Christina was the one I wanted. And I couldn't stop myself from listening to it."
"I think she should have been sorted into Slytherin," Alexa said angrily. "What she did was horrible, R.J.. You could have died."
"I know," he answered quietly.
"I was really worried that day in Hogsmeade," she said tears welling up in her eyes. "And then tonight...."
"I'm sorry Lexie," he said, cupping her face. "I'll do anything to make this up to you."
"You didn't do anything wrong," she said. "There's nothing to make up, R.J.. Except for time."
"Yeah but I made you upset." he argued.
"You didn't know what you were doing," she told him.
"I caused a lot of trouble for everyone," he muttered.
Alexa leaned in and kissed him again. "You didn't know what you were doing. That person wasn't you, R.J.."
"You're too good to me Lexie," he smiled wanly at her.
"That's because I'm crazy about you," she said snuggling up to him. "Always have been."
"Hopefully, if I can manage it, you always will be," he teased her.
"I'm not going anywhere," she said sleepily. The long night was starting to catch up with her. She also knew that if Madam Pomfrey caught them like this, she'd probably blow a gasket. But, right now, she didn't care.
Upstairs in Dumbledore's office, it was hardly calm. Ron and Luna were waiting just outside the Headmaster's office. Apparently, he was still talking with Christina Grant and her parents.
"You know someone once tried a love potion on me," Ron said to Luna.
"Who?" Luna asked.
"It wasn't actually meant for me," Ron explained. "Romilda Vane wanted to get Harry to fall in love with her so she put it in some chocolates. I ended up eating them instead...."
"Why doesn't that surprise me," Luna said dryly.
"It wasn't a pretty sight," Ron said shaking his head.
Dumbledore came out of his office with Christina Grant and her parents and the smile on Ron's face fell. This was the girl who had nearly killed his son.
"Ronald," Luna said quietly, holding his arm.
Christina's father Steven stepped forward. Ron and Luna had only met Christina's parents once before.
"I'm very sorry about what happened," Steven Grant said sincerely. "We had no idea that this was going on."
"We're just glad it was figured out before something happened to our son," Luna answered, pinching her husband's arm so he wouldn't say anything in anger.
"Christina," Steven said motioning for his daughter to come stand beside him. "Don't you have anything to say to the Weasleys?"
"I didn't do anything," Christina said angrily. "Saffron Potter framed me. Why won't anyone believe me?"
Steven's face tightened. "Come on," he held his daughter's upper arm tightly.
"Maybe if MY last name was Potter someone would," Christina said glaring at Dumbledore over her shoulder.
"Miss Potter was simply concerned about a friend," Dumbledore said gravely. "Her suspicions have proved true Miss Grant."
"You would say that," Christina said bitterly. "Everyone knows how you excuse everything Miss Perfect does."
"Enough," Steven said. "Let's go. You've got to pack your things."
"Fine," Christina said stalking down the stairs.
"I really am sorry, Luna," Stephanie Grant said shaking Luna's hand. "I hope your son will be okay."
"Thank you," Luna said graciously. "I'm sorry too that it all came to this."
Stephanie nodded and then followed her husband down the stairs.
"Miss Grant has been expelled," Dumbledore told Ron and Luna.
"Expelled?" Luna's eyes widened.
"Yes," Dumbledore said nodding.
"Good," Ron said shortly. "She's got to know you can't fuck with people like that."
"Ronald!" Luna exclaimed.
"No Luna," Ron said angrily. "She could have killed our son just because of some petty fight she has with Saffron and Alexa."
"I don't know if I would have put it that same way," Dumbledore said. "But Ronald is right. This was a very serious offence. Use of that potion has sent others to Azkaban, Luna."
"Oh my goodness," Luna was astounded.
"She should be sent to Azkaban for doing something like that," Ron grumbled.
"IF you decided to pursue charges, I'm sure she could be," Dumbledore said, the twinkle in his eyes absent.
"As long as R.J.'s all right," Luna cut in before her husband could say anything. "We couldn't send her there."
"Madam Pomfrey assures me that he'll make a full recovery," Dumbledore said. "You have a very strong son."
"Thank you," Luna said. "And would you please thank Professor McGonagall for alerting us so quickly?"
"I will," Dumbledore promised.
"We're going to go and see R.J. before we leave," Ron said shaking the headmaster's hand.
"Of course," Dumbledore's eyes warmed. "Tell him I expect to see him back out on the Quidditch field soon."
"He's already ready to go back," Luna said with a laugh.
"Good to hear," Dumbledore said as they turned to leave.
"I'm sorry if I might have overreacted," Ron said to his wife as they left the Headmaster's office.
"I understand," Luna replied. "It just wouldn't have solved anything."
"And this isn't the Grant's fault," Ron said taking her hand. "They have no idea what a monster their daughter is. You know, Luna? I never liked that girl."
"I didn't either," Luna confessed. "Seemed too stuck up for R.J.."
"I like Alexa though," Ron commented. "Even if her mum didn't own a bakery, I'd like her."
"She's a very sweet girl," Luna agreed. "And she cares very much about our son."
"She does," Ron nodded. "And hopefully they'll be able to put all this behind them and start over."
"I hope so too," Luna squeezed his hand. "Come on, let's go see him and then we can head home. I'm exhausted."
"I'm starving," Ron said rubbing his stomach with his free hand. "Do you think we could stop by the kitchens on our way out?"
Luna laughed in reply.
Meanwhile, Saffron and Andrew were sitting together on a sofa in the common room. They had changed out of their dress robes and Saffron was currently in her pyjama bottoms and warm jumper while Andrew had thrown on some jeans and a long sleeved t shirt.
"You're dying to know what's happened with Christina aren't you?" he asked her.
"Of course I am," Saffron said, yawning.
"I'm sure it will be all over the school soon enough," Andrew said pulling her close. "I imagine she'll be expelled."
"You really think so?" Saffron asked in delight. "She'd deserve that!"
"I think so," Andrew said. "Dumbledore was really angry."
"And he almost never gets angry," Saffron rested her head against his shoulder.
"Exactly," Andrew said kissing the side of her head. "I really am sorry that last night didn't turn out like we planned."
"That goes without saying," Saffron closed her eyes a moment. "Now that we know R.J.'s going to be okay I'm mostly just disappointed that I never got a chance to dance with you."
"Maybe you and me and Lex and R.J. can do something one night," Andrew suggested. "Get dressed up in our robes and go to the Room of Requirement or something."
"Maybe," Saffron said. "But I'd rather be alone with you. Just like right now..."
"Better than any ball," Andrew said stroking her hair.
"We could dance here," she hinted.
"There's no music," he said with a laugh.
"We don't really need any," she said, getting to her feet. "We can just pretend."
Andrew shook his head. "This must be love if I'm willing to do this for you when I'm knackered."
Saffron looked up at him. "What did you say?"
Andrew smiled. "You heard."
Saffron felt her heart beating very fast. "Are... you saying what I think you're saying?"
"I think so," Andrew said putting his arms on her waist. "I, Andrew Kirke, love you, Saffron Potter."
She felt dizzy at his words. "Oh..." she said softly. "Andrew..."
"You don't have to say it back," he said quickly. "And I didn't say it to make you uncomfortable. It's just that I've felt this way for quite some time, Saffy and I just wanted you to know. I know we haven't been together that long."
"Do you feel like a million butterflies suddenly exploded in your stomach at once?" Saffron asked. "And you feel excited, like you're looking over the top of a really steep mountain and you feel like you're going to fly?"
Andrew looked thoughtfully at her. "That's a really good description of how I feel when I'm with you."
"Because that's how I feel too," Saffron whispered, staring up at him.
Andrew pressed his lips to hers.
She kissed him back as he pulled her closer.
"This is how I thought last night would go," he whispered.
"You did?" she asked. "You were going to tell me that?"
"Aye," Andrew replied. A grin spread across his face. "I was actually going to say it after I stepped on your toes so you wouldn't be cross with me."
Saffron threw her head back and laughed. "Well you're doing good so far."
"I might have practised before," Andrew said shyly.
Saffron smiled at him before kissing him again. "I... I love you too," she said, biting her lower lip.
"You do?" Andrew asked smiling down at her. "You're not just saying it because I said it? Because I would understand if you weren't ready, Saf."
"No I mean it," Saffron said, her arms around his neck. "What I said before, that's really how I feel around you Andrew."
Andrew spun her around. "Happy Valentine's Day, Saffron."
"You too," she said softly as he drew her close and kissed her again.