It Was Bound to Happen

Heaven

Rating: PG13
Genres: Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 4
Published: 26/12/2002
Last Updated: 04/09/2003
Status: completed

Harry and Hermione's daughter, and Ron and Lavender's son. A couple? Of course! C/B and H/Hr *TWO new chapters added!!!* R/R please!

Chapters

1. Blue

2. A Fight Amongst Friends

3. Half Hearted Celebration

4. The Big Woo

5. 5th Year Yule Ball, Blue Reminisces

6. Caribbean Vacation Part 1

7. Caribbean Vacation Part II

1. Blue

(A/N: Well this got done quicker than I expected….

This is the sequel to Return to Me, so if you haven’t read that, turn back now and do so, because there are a lot of OC’s you won’t recognize unless you read that story.

Like I stated many times in the last few chapters of RTM…this fic focuses more on Caty/Blue, but I do promise a number of H/H moments since I’m placing this fic in that filter.

Enjoy! :)

“Ugh!” Caitlyn Potter crumpled up her third piece of parchment and threw it into her bag. She had just been up to Dumbledore’s office, he and Professor McGonagall had been happy to inform her that she had the highest marks in the graduating class, therefore she was required to make a speech at the ceremony the following day. So far, everything she had come up with was just wrong.

“We the graduating class of Hogwarts are happy to be…no, no wrong!” She crumpled up another piece and sighed heavily.

“Tree killer!” a voice rang out across the room. Caitlyn turned and grinned as she saw her best friend of 7 years come loping across the room. “Hey gorgeous.” Blue Weasley leaned over and pecked her on the cheek.

“Sexy.” She replied. “What’s up?”

Blue flopped himself on the couch next to her, then positioned himself so his head was in her lap, covering the parchment she was trying to write on. “I’m bored.” He said. “All our friends are partying in Hogsmeade tonight, and I’m stuck here with you.” He stuck his lower lip out.

“Well I’m sorry you’re bored, why don’t you go throw some dungbombs at the Slytherins?” she said, patting his cheek and then pushing his head away.

“Because I don’t know where their common room is.” Blue said, refusing to move. “Besides, we already did that after dinner.”

“Blue!” Caitlyn said, laughing. “You and your cousins are just terrible, you know that.”

“It’s a Weasley thing!” Blue protested in defense. “Let’s go to Hogsmeade!” he exclaimed loudly, causing a few students to turn and look over at them.

“SHHHH!” Caitlyn hissed. “We can’t go to Hogsmeade now, we’ve missed the carriages!”

“Why not?” Blue asked. “You have an invisibility cloak AND the Marauder’s Map.” He pulled on her hand and she was forced to stand up, spilling her parchment all over the floor. “You’ve got all the essentials for rule breaking and sneaking out and you don’t want to!”

Caitlyn looked at him for a moment, biting her lower lip. “Will you help me with my speech?” she asked.

“Sure.” Blue instantly agreed. Caitlyn grinned, then summoned all her parchment to her hands and dashed upstairs, grabbing the map and the cloak from her neatly packed trunk.

“Okay.” She said, running back down to the common room. “Let’s go.” Blue grabbed the end of the cloak and threw it over the two of them, and then he used his wand to make the map appear.

“Okay, all clear.” He said, and they huddled close as they left the Gryffindor Tower and headed to the secret passage that would let them into Honeydukes.

“We’re almost there.” Blue said, grabbing her arm and holding it tight.

“I know we are.” Caitlyn said. “Blue, you act like we’ve never been down here before.”

“Heh heh…” Blue heckled. “I know we have.”

Caitlyn looked at him as if he’d lost his mind. “Are you okay? You started acting weird when we got in the tunnel.

Blue looked at his best friend for a moment. She was so pretty, her long chestnut brown hair that she had straightened back in their 5th year, her striking green eyes and her slender figure. He had fallen for her long ago, but never worked up the courage to tell her.

“Blue, what are you staring at me for?” Caitlyn was starting to get very exasperated.

“It’s just that…I think you…” he leaned in close to her face. “You have a big smear of chocolate on your face!” he said and leaned forward and planted a large sloppy kiss on her cheek.

“Blue!” she yelled. “I wasn’t even eating chocolate!” He clapped a hand over her mouth as the door opened and one of the owners peered down.

“Anyone there?” he asked. Hearing and seeing nothing out of the ordinary, he shrugged and closed the door.

“That was close.” Blue muttered. He pulled the cloak off them and stuffed it into his pocket. “I think it’s safe to go up now.”

They ascended the stairs and came out the back entrance, blending right into the crowd.

“How about a butterbeer?” Caitlyn asked.

“Sure.” Blue agreed. They made their way over to the Three Broomsticks, where Caitlyn scurried to one of the only open tables and Blue got the butterbeer.

“Service with a smile.” Blue said, turning his lips inside out and putting her butterbeer in front of her.

“Blue!” Caitlyn said, laughing. She loved her friend’s sense of humor. “Help me on my speech.” She pulled the parchments out of her pocket and spread them across the table.

Blue snorted as he read some of her beginnings. “We, the graduating class of Hogwarts 20—“he mimicked in a high falsetto voice.

“You ass, I do not sound like that!” Caitlyn threw a piece of parchment at him and laughed.

“When you get nervous you do!” Blue insisted, his eyes betraying the serious tone he was trying to convey. “That time that McGonagall made you get up and give a speech on Animagi, I thought you were going to pass out.”

“I was NOT!” Caitlyn retorted.

“Fine, whatever you say.” Blue smirked, bringing his chair over to Caitlyn’s. Their butterbeers kept filling back up as soon as they drained their glasses, and about an hour later, they had had too many to count and Caitlyn’s speech had been written.

“You are NOT going to stand up and laugh during my speech tomorrow!” Caitlyn remarked loudly as Blue threw a few Galleons on the table and they stood up to leave. “If you do I’m going to YELL at you!”

“You will, huh?” Blue grinned. “Well I will just have to YELL back!” they both laughed heartily as the door to the Three Broomsticks banged shut behind them.

“I don’t want to go back to the castle yet… look everyone from 7th year is still out here celebrating!” Caitlyn said, stumbling a little and leaning up against Blue.

“Okay.” He agreed, not wanting his time alone with her to end either. “How about we walk some of this butterbeer off in the park?”

“Suurre.” She said, giggling. Taking advantage of her state, Blue reached down and wrapped his hand around hers. She looked as if she were going to pull away for a moment, but then left her hand in his. They strolled down the street in a comfortable silence, not noticing the whispers of some of their classmates.

Caitlyn saw an empty bench and broke away from Blue to claim it. “My bench!” she sang out, giggling harder. Blue grinned and sat down next to her.

“No it’s mine.” He said, pushing her over.

“Hey!” she squealed. “I was here first!” by now they were both laughing again. She shoved him back hard and he almost toppled off the bench.

“You’re too strong for your own good!” Blue said as he got back up. She grinned devilishly at him. “This bench really must be special to you.”

“Yes I am stronger and I’ll kick your ass for this bench too!” Caitlyn grinned as he sat back down. This time he tried to push her away but she was too fast, once again succeeding in making him fall onto the ground.

“Caty!” he said, getting up. “That one hurt!”

“Awww poor baby!” she giggled again. “Want me to kiss it and make it all better?”

“Well since you brought it up…” Blue turned around so his rear was in her face. “Do it.”

“GROSS!” She screamed and shoved him away. “You’re really disgusting sometimes, you know that?”

“Yeah but you still love me.” Blue said. “I’m totally irresistible.”

“Whatever.” Caitlyn rolled her eyes. Blue finally sat down next to her and leaned his head on her shoulder.

“Anyone who sticks their ass in my face…” Caitlyn turned and mock glared at him. They looked at each other seriously for a moment, then both burst out laughing. It was Blue’s turn to push her off, and she grabbed the front of his robe bringing him down on top of her.

“Oof!” they both said at the same time.

“My head.” Caitlyn groaned. She reached up a hand and pressed it to her forehead. “Thanks Blue!”

“Sorry.” Blue said, not really meaning it, as he was lying on top of her, and she was so involved with her head she didn’t even realize it. “Here let me see.” He said, pushing her hand away.

Caitlyn stared up at her best friend as he examined the bump. “Blue.” She said quietly.

“What?” he asked.

“You’re on top of me.”

“I know.” He grinned at her despite everything.

“Well would you mind getting off?” she asked, a bit annoyed.

Blue raised himself off of her and she sat up, too quickly.

“Oooh, with that butterbeer and knocking my head, I’m a bit dizzy.” She said. “We should probably get back.”

“Okay.” Blue muttered. He had almost had his chance to kiss her and he’d waited too long. Since they hadn’t taken the carriages to Hogsmeade, they could not go back with the rest of their class, so they had to put the invisibility cloak back on and trudge through Honeydukes. Once safely back in the now deserted Gryffindor common room, Blue handed her back the cloak.

“Well, goodnight.” He said, leaning forward and pecking her on the cheek.

“Blue?” she said as he was walking towards his dormitory.

“Yeah?” he turned around.

Caitlyn came forward and hugged him tightly. “Thanks for helping me with my speech tonight.”

“Sure.” Blue said, wrapping his arms around her. “I’d do anything for you, you know that.”

“I know.” She pulled back and smiled at him. They looked at each other for a long moment, and then in a surprising move, Caitlyn raised herself up and kissed him lightly on the lips. She could feel his shock at her action, but when he started to respond she pulled back.

“Blue I shouldn’t have done that, I’m sorry.” Caitlyn said, looking away.

“I’m not.” Blue said softly. He tilted her face back again and once more brought his lips to hers. She tried to push away at first, but found herself giving in after a moment. He swept his right hand up her back and into her long locks, loving the feel of the silky hair between his fingers. His left hand cupped the side of her face, lightly rubbing his thumb across her cheek. Caitlyn made a soft whimpering sound and he took that as a sign she liked this and tried to deepen the kiss. Blue gently stroked his tongue across her bottom lip and she opened her mouth to his, matching his kiss with her own. Pushing her tongue into his mouth and flicking it lightly against his, she wondered why they hadn’t done this before.

“This feels so nice!” One part of her screamed out, making her run her hand around the back of Blue’s neck to keep him close to her. “But he’s your best friend!” the other half of her screamed back. However, that part was not strong enough at that moment to break what was going on between them.

Blue was ecstatic, he could not have planned this better himself. And she had been the one to initially kiss him! He pressed harder against her mouth and began to move their bodies over to one of the sofas. Turning her around, he fell back onto the couch first so that she’d be on top of him. Her hair fell around them, creating a curtain that shut out everything else. Blue wove his fingers into her locks and crushed her mouth against his, using his other hand to run down the side of her body, his lower half aching.

“Oh, God…Blue…” Caitlyn mumbled into his mouth, kissing him harder as well. Despite her hormones raging overtime, that annoying voice in the back of her head started to nag again. “He’s your best friend, you’ve never even had an argument with him, having a relationship could screw things up forever between you…. best friend best friend best friend…” the thoughts echoed in her head until she could not take it anymore.

“Blue…” Caitlyn pulled her mouth away from his and pushed herself off of him. “We can’t do this.”

“Why?” Blue asked, sitting up and brushing his longish red hair out of his eyes.

“Because…” she struggled to find the right words. “Blue we have too good a friendship, we can’t screw this up.”

“Caty, we aren’t going to screw anything up.” Blue moved over on the sofa closer to her.

“How do you know that?” Caitlyn asked. “What if we go out and break up? You have been too good a friend to me all these years. I couldn’t lose you like that.”

“Caty….” Blue took her hand in his. “We wouldn’t break up.”

Caitlyn rolled her eyes. “Blue, in case you don’t remember, you do not specialize in Divination.”

“I’m being serious.” Blue said, which was quite uncharacteristic for him. “I love you.”

Caitlyn looked at him, startled. “What?”

“I love you.” Blue said quietly.

“Holy Merlin’s beard...” Caitlyn pulled her hand away from Blue’s and buried her face in them. “Blue you don’t love me.”

He reached out and tried to pull one of her hands away. “Yes I do. I’ve loved you since our 5th year.”

“We’re too young to know what love is.” Caitlyn said irrationally. “I mean, we’re not even 18 yet, we haven’t lived on our own, love is something that happens gradually.”

“It did.” Blue replied. “Two years it took me to realize just how I felt about you!”

Caitlyn groaned and got up, crossing over the room to the fireplace. “Blue, this was such a mistake tonight.”

Blue bit his lower lip, feeling his insides burn. “A mistake?”

Caitlyn felt bad, she hadn’t meant to say it like that. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it that way.”

“How did you mean it?” Blue asked, jumping off the sofa and coming over to her.

“I just…” Caitlyn put her fingers to her forehead and pinched, she could really feel a headache coming on now. “I don’t know, Blue, I’m just really confused right now.”

“Caty, please…” Blue felt a bit desperate. “Everyone already thinks we’re going out, it really wouldn’t be much different than we are now, except we’d go out on dates, we’d kiss….”

Caitlyn pushed her hands through her hair. She had heard those rumors as well, but had never put any stock in them. Apparently her best friend had, however. “Blue… those were rumors, they weren’t true.” She said softly.

“But they could be!” he said, reaching out for her hand again, forcing her to come up against him. His other hand tipped back her chin and he could see the confusion swimming around in her eyes. “Caty…please…just give us one chance, and if it doesn’t work, I’ll let go and everything will be fine, just please…” Blue leaned down and brushed his mouth against hers again, and Caitlyn didn’t pull away but she didn’t kiss him back this time either. They stood there with their lips locked for a few more moments before she finally pulled her head away.

“Blue, I can’t, it would never be the same.” Caitlyn started walking towards the dormitories. “I’m sorry….” was her final offering before she ran up the stairs.

Blue stared at the now empty sofa for a long moment before sitting down heavily on it. From deep in his pocket he pulled out a tiny box; he opened it and looked at the trinket inside. “It was going to be so perfect…” he mumbled to himself, watching it sparkle in the firelight.

***** ***** *****

Back in England, Harry Potter was currently sitting on the sofa with his wife Hermione, rereading the note from Dumbledore telling them that Caitlyn had the highest marks in the class.

“I’m so proud of her.” Hermione said softly, resting her head against Harry’s shoulder.

“Me too.” Harry said. “Highest marks, wonder who she got that from?” he teased, looking down at Hermione.

She smiled. “Well I’m certainly glad my love of studying didn’t die with me.” They both laughed.

“I still can’t believe my little girl is graduating tomorrow.” Harry said, feeling a tug in his stomach.

“Are we feeling a bit emotional right now?” Hermione asked, gently touching the side of Harry’s face.

“Yeah.” He replied. “I mean, it feels like yesterday she was just leaving for Hogwarts as a first year….” He trailed off, turning his lips into Hermione’s palm.

“Thank God you’ve been here all this time.” Harry pressed a gentle kiss into her hand. He was about to do more when a small black haired figure hurtled into the room.

“When are we leaving for Caty’s school?” Colin Potter, aged 6, was very impatient to see his big sister.

“Colin James, you are supposed to be in bed!” Harry admonished.

“I know.” Colin stuck his lower lip out and Hermione was extremely amused to see how much he looked like his father when he pouted. “But I want to stay up until we go!”

Harry grunted as he left his comfortable spot next to his wife. He picked his son up and swung him high into the air, making him laugh. “Come on, to bed with you, the sooner you go to sleep the sooner it’ll be time to go.” Harry looked at Hermione. “I’ll be right back.” He threw Colin over his shoulder and went down the hallway to his bedroom.

Hermione picked up the parchment once more and read over it, bursting with pride. She couldn’t wait to see her daughter tomorrow and tell her how happy this had made her. She traced Dumbledore’s words lightly with her index finger, and never noticed as a lone tear made it’s way down her cheek.

“Hey.” Harry said, coming back in the room and resuming his spot. “What’s the tear for?”

“I didn’t even know I was crying.” Hermione said, brushing the tear away. “I’m just so happy for her Harry, I know she’s worked hard and she deserves this honor.”

“Just like her mother.” Harry said, his words muffled because he was trying to place little kisses along her jaw line and neck. “Just like the woman I admire most in the world…. and love most…and she also tastes really good…”

“Harry!” Hermione laughed. “You’re incorrigible.”

“Yeah I know.” Harry grinned. He stood up and held his hand out to help his wife up as well. “We should get to bed, we have to get up early.”

“Right.” Hermione agreed, and they made their way down the hall, stopping quietly by Colin’s room to make sure he was still in bed and not hopping around the room.

Hermione slipped one of Harry’s nightshirts on over her head and got under the cool sheets, shivering with pleasure as Harry got in next to her and hugged her tightly.

“Night Harry.” She said, raising her lips to his.

“Night Mione.” He replied, kissing her. “And goodnight, you two.” He reached over and placed a kiss to their twins, still housed in Hermione’s stomach.

(A/N: Well there you have it, the first chapter of the sequel…. hope it’s good so far and that you’re enjoying it. Next chapter, everyone arrives at Hogwarts for the graduation, and Caty and Blue face each other for the first time since their argument! Thanks for reading, and please don’t forget to review!)

2. A Fight Amongst Friends

Chapter 2

A/N: Thank you to everyone who has reviewed so far, I truly appreciate it as always! You guys rock! And I would address people individually if it weren’t for the fact that I’m in Colorado and can’t get to my ff.net page at the moment ;)

Anyways, happy reading!

And Ryoko, thanks a bunch for helping me ;)

“So then I went upstairs and went to bed…but I could not sleep a wink.” Caitlyn finished telling her friend Lana about the evening before.

“You made out with him?” Lana’s blue eyes were bright.

Caitlyn rolled her eyes towards the ceiling. “For a little while.” She said, pushing open the doors to the castle. The girls both squinted at the bright sunlight, getting used to it after a few seconds.

“Do you know how lucky you are?” Lana asked, a tad envious. “I mean, almost every girl in this school would give their wands up just to kiss Blue Weasley for a moment, and you ‘made out with him for a little while’.”

“It’s just not like that with us, though.” Caitlyn said as they strode across the lawn to where their fellow classmates awaited their parents’ arrival. “He’s been my best friend for seven years, he’s seen me at my worst and I’ve seen him at his. If we dated and broke up, we could never go back to being friends….” She trailed off as she caught sight of Blue through the crowd. “I’ll be right back.” Caitlyn said, leaving Lana behind in the crowd. She was glad to be rid of her for now; Lana obviously didn’t understand her situation. It was sometimes hard being friends with girls who regarded her male best friend in a romantic sense.

“Hey.” She said, coming up behind him and tapping him on the shoulder. “I looked for you at breakfast.”

“I wasn’t hungry.” He replied, looking directly at her. “I came out here earlier to think.”

Caitlyn bit her lip. “Blue, look…I’m really sorry…” she began.

“Look its okay.” He finally smiled at her, although it lacked the usual warmth. “Friends, right?”

She nodded after a moment. “Right.”

At that moment, a familiar whistle resonated through the air and the scarlet steam engine was seen pulling into the train station in the distance.

“Well they’ll be up here in about 5 minutes, no more freedom for us.” Blue said, watching as people started to depart.

“What are you talking about?” Caitlyn asked. “We can do magic anywhere after today, and we can get jobs and live on our own.”

“Yeah, I suppose you’re right.” Blue said. He looked down at her as she turned her head to watch everyone start to arrive. He couldn’t help but watch as the bright sunlight shone on her hair, making it gleam. She already had on her scarlet graduation robe, he wore the gold.

Caitlyn noticed Blue staring at her but decided not to draw attention to it. Another silence stretched between them, however this was not the comfortable one they usually shared. They were saved from making more awkward conversation by the arrival of their parents.

“Dad! Mum!” Caitlyn cried, throwing herself into her father’s arms.

“Caty Cat, we’re so proud of you!” Harry exclaimed, hugging his daughter tightly.

“Thanks Dad.” She said, pulling away. Caitlyn turned towards her mother.

“Hello sweetie.” Hermione said, pulling her daughter into her embrace. She pulled back and looked at her. “What’s the matter you look a bit troubled.”

“Oh…well…it’s a long story…” Caitlyn said, giving a sideways glance at Blue who was in the process of being smothered in a hug by Lavender. “Maybe we could go talk about it in a bit?” she looked hopefully at Hermione.

“Of course.” Hermione said, patting her daughter’s arm. Caitlyn smiled, feeling better at the prospect of her mother helping her sort her thoughts out. “How have you been feeling?”

“Pretty good, for the most part.” Hermione answered. “Your father isn’t much of a help though.” She cast a glare in Harry’s direction.

“Why what did he do now?” Caitlyn asked, all too familiar with her father’s way of sticking his foot in his mouth around her pregnant mother.

“Oh, just his little comments about how big I am.” Hermione said. “As if it’s my fault I’m having twins!”

Caitlyn shook her head playfully at her father, who shrugged helplessly. “Dad, you should know better by now.” She said, tapping him on the arm.

“Your mother forgets to mention how many times these past few months I’ve had to run out in the middle of the night for things like sardines mixed with strawberry ice cream, and then SIT in the room while she eats it?” Harry grimaced. Caitlyn turned back to her mother.

“You ate that? Ew!” she said.

“Oh, and the time she wanted a grape jelly sandwich on rye bread, with taco sauce.”

“Okay, enough!” Hermione said, her eyes growing dark as she glared at her husband. Harry only grinned at her and wrapped his arms around her burgeoning middle.

“Caty!!!” Colin propelled himself into her arms, and she staggered back, laughing.

“Hey squirt, I missed you.” She said affectionately, mussing his thick black hair. “Been staying out of trouble?”

“Nope.” He grinned at her.

“You’re terrible.” Caitlyn said. “You should be helping Mum right now not terrorizing her.”

“I don’t terrorize!” Colin stuck his lips out and made a rude sound at her. Caitlyn shook her head at her brother and tried not to laugh at him. She looked back up at her mother who was also trying to stifle her amusement.

“He acts just like his father when he’s in trouble.” Hermione said. Harry let out a mock outraged sound and they all started laughing.

“Congratulations Caty!” Lavender said, finally disentangling herself from Blue and giving Caitlyn a hug.

“Thanks Aunt Lav.” Caitlyn said. Ron came over and hugged her as well, then looked up at Harry and Hermione.

“Have you two settled down yet?” he quipped, grinning. “It was getting pretty tense there on the train….” Caitlyn and Blue smiled slightly at each other for a moment, their problems forgotten for that split second.

“Honestly Ron!” Hermione was saying. “Sometimes I think you just like to cause trouble for us!”

“I do not!” he returned. “I just like to cause trouble in general!”

They all laughed, and then Dumbledore’s voice was heard above the chatter of the students and their parents.

“Will all the graduates please come back to the castle…. parents should take their seats in the Great Hall!”

“We’ll see you two in a bit!” Lavender waved them away as the four adults and Colin went into the Great Hall.

“Shall we?” Caitlyn asked Blue, smiling tentatively.

He shrugged. “All right.” They walked inside side by side, but not necessarily together. “Good luck on your speech.” Blue said once they got inside.

“Thanks…” Caitlyn’s voice trailed off as he walked away without the usual customary squeeze of her arm or kiss on the cheek. Perhaps he was taking last night harder than she previously thought. She sighed and went back to where Professor McGonagall was motioning to her.

“Good morning Professor.” Caitlyn smiled at her.

“Morning Miss Potter.” The teacher gave her one of the rare smiles she was so unfamous for. “Have you gotten your speech prepared?”

“Yes, I have it right here.” Caitlyn patted her pocket.

“All right, you need to be at the front of the line when you all walk into the room.” Caitlyn nodded and went up to the doors. Her hands were shaking from nervousness by the time everyone had queued up behind her. “Just relax, just breathe…” she instructed herself. Lana came up behind her.

“Good luck out there.” She said, hugging Caitlyn before taking her place.

“Thanks.” Caitlyn uttered before the doors swung open, and all the expectant faces turned to her. “Merlin’s Beard…breathe, just breathe….” She muttered quietly as she led her classmates down the long, long aisle to the front of the room. Every face was a blur; her focus was the area where the staff table usually was. Finally, after what seemed like forever, she reached it and breathed a sigh of relief, as she was able to take a seat.

After each student was seated, Dumbledore got up to issue a few words about how fine this graduating class was, and how fast their time here had gone by.

“…. And now I’d like to introduce you to a young lady who has kept the highest marks in her classes all 7 years here…Miss Caitlyn Potter!”

Caitlyn plastered a smile onto her face and brushed her long hair back over her shoulder. She stepped up next to Dumbledore and shook his hand, and then and turned to look at the sea of faces.

“Good day everyone…” her voice started out shaky as she began her speech but it became stronger as she talked on.

Blue watched Caitlyn as she spoke, and despite his resolve he made that morning to try and not think about her, he couldn’t help but notice how her robe fit her perfectly, hanging closely on her curves, her hair catching the light as she turned her head periodically to look at people in the audience. Blue couldn’t hide his feelings from himself; he knew he couldn’t forget about her. He just wanted to know why she didn’t feel the same way.

She looked so confident now, up there, and he had to admit, the speech they had come up with the night before was great, it dealt with making friends and now not seeing them often enough, how Hogwarts was no longer their haven, and the whole world was at their feet. “…and so, as we leave our beloved school, we must always remember that friends will remain in our hearts…” her eyes caught Blue’s and held them during that last line. “No matter where you go or what you do.” She finished and the audience applauded loudly. Caitlyn grinned widely as she stepped down and back to her seat.

Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall then began to hand them their certificates that declared them adult wizard and witches. Blue heard his mother sobbing loudly as McGonagall called out ‘Ronald Weasley Jr.’ and he accepted his certificate; he looked over and saw his father trying to keep her quiet.

After the ceremony, everyone congregated on the lawn. It wasn’t a formal party, more of a last hurrah for the departing 7th years and the chance for congratulations from their friends and relatives.

“All right, I want the two of you together for a photo!” Lavender was saying, pushing her son towards Caitlyn. They both smiled obediently for the camera. “Now Blue, put your arm around her shoulder, Caty, you put yours around his waist.”

They both looked at each other a moment, but did as Lavender asked. Caitlyn felt a strange sense overcome her as Blue gently slipped his arm about her shoulder and lightly squeezed it. She couldn’t explain the butterflies in her stomach at his touch, nor did she want to dwell on them before she spoke to her mother.

“Mum…” she said, coming up behind her mother, who was holding a glass of pumpkin juice. “Can we go talk?”

“Of course we can.” Hermione said. “Excuse me.” She told the people she had been talking to.

“Who were they?” Caitlyn asked as they headed towards the peaceful lake.

“That was Colin Creevey and his wife Flora.” Hermione smiled wickedly. “He was a huge fan of your father’s while we were at school, and he also annoyed Harry greatly. So I told him we named Colin after him, and now I bet you he won’t leave your father alone the rest of the day.”

“Did you guys really name Colin after him?” Caitlyn asked.

“No, it was just a name we liked, it had nothing to do with him.” Hermione replied. “But I just wanted a bit of revenge on your father for being a prat earlier.”

“Speaking of baby names,” Caitlyn said, coming to a stop and touching Hermione’s stomach. “What are you naming these two?”

“Well, we’ve found out that it’s a boy and a girl, and the names are Carl William and Corinne Elizabeth.”

“How pretty.” Caitlyn said. “It’s going to be weird, being so much older than they are.”

“They were certainly unplanned, that’s for sure.” Hermione said, picking up her pace again. Caitlyn tucked her mother’s arm into hers as they strolled a little while longer.

“So what did you need to talk about?” Hermione asked, looking sideways at her daughter.

“Well, it’s quite a long story…” Caitlyn started. “Last night, after Dumbledore told me about having the highest marks in the class, I realized I couldn’t go to Hogsmeade because I had to plan my speech, and Blue stayed back as well…” she recanted the tale from the night before. “…and then after we kissed, I told him that I couldn’t stand it if we went out, then broke up and were never friends again…”

“So now it’s very awkward between you guys and you don’t know what to do?” Hermione guessed.

“Well that…and I don’t really know, but I’m not so sure my feelings are platonic either, but now I don’t’ know what to do about it.”

“I’m sure you know that your father and I were best friends for years right?” Hermione asked.

“Yes, he told me that when I was younger.” Caitlyn said. “I mean, it’s hard for me to think like this because Blue’s been like family since I met him. I call his parents aunt and uncle!”

“Well, I suppose the best advice I can offer is to follow your feelings.” Hermione said. “Take some time and think if it’s worth it to pursue a relationship, if that’s what you really want. It took awhile even after your father and I got together to think of ourselves as a couple rather than just friends.”

Caitlyn absorbed this information, and then nodded. “Thanks Mum.” She hugged Hermione. “I always feel better after talking to you.”

“I’m glad.” Hermione smiled as they continued their way back to the castle. “I’ll be damned…” she said quietly as they walked on further. “I can’t believe it’s still here!”

“What?” Caitlyn looked in the direction her mother was. “I don’t see anything.”

Hermione laughed. “You won’t be able to. This is where your father and I would come for a little…quality time. We enchanted it so no one but us could see it.” She blushed as she remembered those days.

“I see.” Caitlyn said, not wanting to know any more. “I need to get back, got to see my friends one last time.”

“Yes, I need to go find your father.” Hermione said.

They arrived back on the sloping lawn, Caitlyn went off in search of Lana or Blue and Hermione located Harry trying to shake off a very eager Colin Creevey. “Harry.” Hermione came up to his side. “I see Colin has found you.”

Harry turned to his wife, a fake smile stretched across his face. “Yes, he has.” He looked up at Colin. “Will you excuse us for just a few moments?” he herded Hermione away.

“Thanks, so much for telling him we named our child after him!” Harry said as they walked away.

“It’s a little something called payback.” Hermione said sweetly. “You’re not mad at me are you?”

“I should be.” Harry said gruffly, and then grinned at her.

“You won’t be when you see what I’ve found.” Hermione said, pulling on his arm towards the lake.

“What?” Harry asked curiously. Hermione seemed to have forgotten her earlier anger towards him and was now looking thoroughly excited.

“You’ll see!” Hermione pulled harder as they approached the spot.

“I’ll be damned…” Harry grinned. “Our spot is still here.” He pulled Hermione up against him, then leaned down and pressed his lips lightly to hers. “What would a visit back to this place be without a good snog?”

“It would be horrible.” Hermione said. “So shut up and kiss me already.”

Harry obliged immediately, bringing his lips to hers softly at first, then pressing more firmly as she deepened the kiss by opening her mouth under his and inviting his tongue to explore by flicking hers against his. Harry groaned and wrapped one arm around her waist and the other gently ran it’s way over her round stomach.

“Harry…” she mumbled around his lips, pressing her mouth harder against his and running her hand through his wild raven locks. The textured strands slipped through her fingers as she brought up her other hand to cup the side of his face.

This went on for several minutes and if it weren’t for the fact that they were no longer students at Hogwarts sneaking out for a snog but parents attending their daughter’s graduation ceremony, things would have gone on even longer.

“Mione…” Harry groaned, straightening out his clothes as she tried to leave love marks on his neck. “I can’t go back LOOKING like we’ve been necking…”

Hermione pulled away. “I know. She turned and faced Harry, looking into his deep emerald eyes. “I love you.”

A look she could not read passed over his face. “I love you too, Hermione. You, Colin, Caty, and these two, you’re my life.” He pulled her close again and kissed her once more on the lips.

Hermione smiled at him, patting her stomach. “I can’t wait till these two are born. I miss being with you.”

“Me too.” Harry agreed. He took her hand in his and they walked back up the hill to the castle.

Meanwhile, Caitlyn had finally located Lana near a group of now former Gryffindors, talking and celebrating their graduation.

“Hey everyone.” Caitlyn said, joining them.

Everyone greeted her, congratulating her on the speech she had given. Tears were shed by some of her classmates who were leaving, none of them knew if they’d see each other again soon. Hugging Lana goodbye with promises to owl each other often, she waved as more students started to leave.

She began walking around, looking for her parents. She tried not to think about what they might be doing back at their ‘spot’ instead focusing on finding either Colin, or any of the Weasleys. Caitlyn finally spotted Blue’s red hair on the other side of the yard, his back to her. She walked over and tapped him on the shoulder.

“Any idea where our parents are?” she asked.

“No.” Blue answered. “Can I talk to you in a bit though? I’m a little busy right now.” Caitlyn looked beyond him, she had not noticed he was talking to Kristen Close. She wasn’t sure why, because Kristen was one of the most horrible people that Caitlyn had ever come across. The girl had always been jealous of her friendship with Blue and ever since their third year at Hogwarts Kristen had never been kind to her.

“Hi Caitlyn!” Kristen said sweetly, and falsely. She knew better than to be rude to Caitlyn in front of Blue.

“Hello.” Caitlyn said politely. “I’m sorry for interrupting you.” Without waiting for either of them to answer, she turned on her heel and walked back across the lawn. She finally saw her parents coming up the lawn, hands clasped together.

“Can we go?” she asked, feeling somewhat snappish for a reason she couldn’t explain to herself. ‘Jealousy!’ her mind shrieked, but she pushed that thought aside.

“Already?” Harry asked. “You don’t want to stay around and talk to your friends one last time?”

Caitlyn shrugged. “I’ll see them again… besides they’ve all left anyhow.”

“All right.” Harry said. He turned to Hermione. “Where’s Colin?”

“With Ron I think.” Hermione answered, her eyes scanning the grounds. “There they are.”

Ron and Lavender had just walked up to Blue and Kristen, with Colin following along beside them. Harry, Hermione and Caitlyn also joined them as they all made their way down to the train depot. Caitlyn was most displeased to see Kristen accompanying them as well, and her mood was suffering most displeasingly in the short walk to the station.

Colin tried to engage her in a game of Exploding Snap, but after the deck had exploded two minutes into the game, she threw her cards down and sat heavily next to the window. Her parents were talking to Ron and Lavender across the aisle, and Blue was still with Kristen in another car across the hallway. She glowered at the two of them for a few moments, but when Blue turned his head and looked straight at her, she snapped her head around and resumed staring out the window.

Blue was very confused. He knew he’d been rather cold to Caitlyn back at the castle, and he did feel bad about it, but when Kristen had approached him he had welcomed the distraction from his thoughts. He also couldn’t understand why Caitlyn was acting so angry now; she had made her feelings for him clear the previous evening.

“So what are your plans this summer?” Kristen asked flirtatiously. “Are you going to find a job right away or wait till fall?”

“I don’t know.” Blue replied. “My dad told me he might be able to get me a position at the Ministry, but I’d rather play professional Quidditch if I ever hear from Puddlemere or the Chudley Cannons.” Blue had been the Keeper on the Gryffindor Quidditch team.

“Oh how fun!” Kristen exclaimed. “If you get accepted, I can say I know a famous Quidditch player!” she bobbed her head from side to side.

Blue smiled politely. He liked Kristen, but she could be so dumb sometimes. He knew how Caitlyn felt about her as well, but he wouldn’t let Kristen say anything bad about her in his presence. Kristen flirted openly with him, and even though he knew he could never like her in a romantic sense, she was fun to be around.

“My parents are throwing Caitlyn and me a graduation party.” Blue found himself saying. “Want to come?”

“Of course!” she exclaimed loudly. “Oh my goodness, I have to go tell everyone that I have a date with you!” she got up and rushed out of the compartment.

“WAIT!” Blue yelled. “Shit!” he said angrily. He hadn’t meant her to think that his invitation was a date. It was useless to go try to find her now, he realized. He sighed heavily and went into the compartment where Caitlyn sat with their families. Plunking himself down next to her, he sighed again, annoyed at the confusion that still reigned inside of him.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, trying to act disinterested.

He shrugged. “Nothing, really.” He said.

“Okay.” She simply replied, still smarting over his earlier coldness.

“Blue, Caitlyn,” Lavender said. “You two haven’t forgotten about the party that we’re all throwing for you right?”

“No, in fact I just invited someone else.” Blue replied. “My friend Kristen Close.”

Caitlyn bit her lip so hard at this that she could taste blood. She squeezed her eyes shut; at that moment she hated Kristen so much. Opening her eyes after a few moments, she saw her father looking at her with concern.

“Are you all right Caty?” Harry asked, noticing her change in demeanor.

She forced a smile onto her face. “I’m fine. I just miss Hogwarts already.” She wasn’t really lying, she did miss Hogwarts but it was the situation at hand that had her more confused and upset. Hermione was also looking at her now.

“Is this about earlier?” Hermione asked, carefully choosing her words so that no one but she and Caitlyn would know what she was talking about.

Caitlyn looked away for a moment, then turned back to her mother and nodded softly.

“Later?” Hermione asked.

“Yeah, okay.” Caitlyn responded, happy that she had a mother who would understand her troubles. “Thanks.”

“What are you two talking about?” Harry asked in confusion, watching the exchange.

“Girl stuff.” Hermione said, smiling at her husband and kissing him on the cheek.

“I see.” Harry smiled back at her and then at Caitlyn. “Guess that’s all I need to know.”

Some time later, the train pulled back into King’s Cross, everyone tumbling from the train, and more tears were shed as the last goodbyes rang through the depot.

Harry unlocked the door to their Muggle car, heaving their belongings into the trunk, and then they and the Weasley’s piled in.

“Good thing you can expand this car with magic.” Ron remarked.

“Just like the old Ford Anglia, eh Ron?” Harry said and all the adults roared with laughter.

“What are you talking about Dad?” Colin asked.

Harry, through his laughter, explained about how he and Ron had flown their car to school back in their second year. By the time he was done, the whole car was hysterical, even Caitlyn.

“Did Dad honestly do that?” she asked her mother. Hermione nodded through her tears of laughter.

“Yes, he did. Biggest spectacle he ever made too!” she answered. Lavender vigorously nodded as well.

“Ron, remember, you were so pleased with yourself too, biggest thing you ever did back then.” Ron scowled at his wife then grinned and pulled her into a suffocating bear hug. “Ron!” she shrieked as they waved and Blue went back with them to his house, next door to theirs.

Caitlyn followed her father as he grabbed her trunk and brought it upstairs for her.

“Glad to be home?” he asked, setting the trunk down and hugging her.

“Yeah, I am.” She replied. “Our house is so fun, with the mix of Muggle stuff we brought back.”

“It is fun. Colin doesn’t seem to know what to do with himself half the time.” Harry laughed. “He tries to enchant the toaster with his play wand.”

Caitlyn smiled faintly as Hermione entered the room. “Hey Mum.” She said, lifting open the lid of the trunk and pulling out her neatly folded robes.

“I came to see if you needed any help unpacking.” Hermione said, one hand resting on her stomach.

“Sure.” Caitlyn said, knowing her mother really wanted to talk more.

“I guess that’s my cue to leave.” Harry quipped, winking at Caitlyn and squeezing Hermione’s hand as he left the room.

“So what was that about on the train?” Hermione asked as soon as she had closed the door.

Caitlyn bit the inside of her cheek. “Well, Blue knows I hate Kristen Close, she’s always so nasty to me because he and I have been friends since before we started Hogwarts.”

“I see.” Hermione said, picking up a few of Caitlyn’s old schoolbooks from the trunk and setting them in a neat stack on the dresser.

“And he’s one of the only people who is really nice to her and now she’s taking advantage of that.” Caitlyn said angrily.

Hermione stopped stacking books and took a deep breath. “Are you sure that it’s her you’re angry at?”

“What do you mean?” Caitlyn asked.

“Well,” Hermione said, sitting heavily on the edge of the bed and patting the spot next to her. “You did tell him that you didn’t want a relationship, right?”

“Well, yeah, but I’m not sure if I did the right thing.” Caitlyn said as she sank down next to her mother. “I’m still so confused.”

Hermione reached up and stroked her daughter’s long hair. The motion was soothing to Caitlyn, and she felt some of her anger and confusion ebb away.

“What do I do?” Caitlyn asked after a few moments.

“First, you still need to sort out your feelings.” Hermione said. “Then you go talk to Blue and you figure out where the two of you stand, be it in a relationship or just friends.”

Caitlyn sighed. “Yeah, you’re right.” She smiled at her mother. “Thanks again, Mum.” They hugged and Hermione got up from the bed.

“Ohhh….” She groaned. “I swear my stomach just gets heavier each day…” she smiled back at her daughter and then left her alone to her thoughts.

Bringing her hand up to touch her lips, she thought back to the previous evening in the common room. “Why did I kiss him in the first place? Why did I kiss him back if I don’t feel anything like that for him?” she asked herself aloud. “Maybe I do…I just don’t know…” Caitlyn could remember the taste of his lips on hers. Why had she pushed him away, she had been enjoying that kiss as much as he had.

Caitlyn flopped back down on her bed with a sigh. Blue was her best friend, her very best friend in the entire world. A memory from her first year of school sprang to mind.

Caitlyn looked back as her father disappeared from sight. The Hogwarts Express roared ahead towards her new school, and her new home for the next nine months as well.

“Let’s go find a compartment to sit in!” Blue was enthusiastic about what lay ahead for them. “You can come meet my cousins, they’re two years ahead of us.”

“Okay.” Caitlyn agreed shyly, trying to keep her voice steady.

“Are you okay?” Blue peered at her. “You don’t look like you’re feeling too good.”

“I’ll be all right.” Caitlyn replied softly, fighting away some tears.

“You’ll miss your dad a lot, won’t you?” He said.

Caitlyn nodded, her head down and her arms folded across her chest. Suddenly she felt a pair of thin arms circle around her. Blue was hugging her. Suddenly, she started to feel a bit better. Caitlyn sniffed back the tears she hadn’t let fall.

“Look…” Blue felt awkward, he’d never hugged a girl before but he liked Caitlyn a lot. “I know I’m not your dad, but I’m your friend… I’ll be here for you.”

That was the real beginning of the deepest friendship of her life, there was also the time in 5th year he had taken her to the Yule Ball so she could worm her way out of having a date she didn’t want, and the time in 6th year when there had been an exceptionally long Quidditch match, and Blue had been hit by a bludger. He had slipped off the broom, hanging on precariously with one hand.

Caitlyn had felt horrified as she watched her best friend dangle in midair. Several other girls screamed as he almost lost grip; Caitlyn grabbed Lana’s arm and clutched in fear. A loud sigh of relief had gone through the whole stadium when the Gryffindor seeker flew over and rescued him.

Last night probed at her mind again, the way that he had willingly helped her on her speech, paid for her butterbeer, walked through the park… she thought about the way his hand had wrapped around hers, how he had examined the bump on her forehead. And then her heart plummeted as she thought about the hurt in his eyes when she had told him she didn’t feel the same way he did.

Caitlyn went over to the window, which looked out over the pond that bordered their backyard and the Weasleys’ as well. Blue was standing out there, skipping a few stones across the surface of the water. She had to tell him she had made a mistake. ‘I’m willing to try this… I hope it works out… I can’t ever lose him.’

Those thoughts flew through her mind as she tore down the stairs.

Caitlyn slipped out the back door and walked down the path across the backyard.

“Hi.” She said tentatively.

“Hi.” At first she could not tell if it was a grunt or a greeting, but decided to take it as the latter.

“What are you doing?” she asked after a few moments.

Blue shrugged. “Nothing. Just bored.”

“Why didn’t Kristen come back with you?” Caitlyn said sharply before she could stop herself. Blue turned and faced her.

“What does it matter about Kristen?” he asked, matching her tone. “You and I are only friends, why should it matter who I invite as my date to the party?”

Caitlyn narrowed her eyes. “You know how we feel about each other.”

Blue shrugged again, and turned away a little. “Well I like her, we’ll just have to stay clear of you for the whole day then. At least I know she’s honest about her feelings for me.”

“Blue I don’t understand how you can hang out with her!” Caitlyn said, the tight feeling in her chest beginning to unravel a bit. “She’s so…trampy, with her robes too tight, and all her makeup…”

He folded his arms across his chest. “What, you’re jealous of her now?” Blue didn’t really know where his anger was coming from, and words just started flowing from his mouth without him even thinking. “You think just because of what I told you last night that now I’ll never look at someone else? You can’t string me along, acting like now you have some sort of hold over me! Today before graduation, you come up acting like nothing ever happened. And now you think you have the right to tell me who I can and can’t date? You know what you are? You’re a tease, that’s what!!!” he said the last words harshly, and then bit his lip, wishing he could take them back.

“You asshole!” Caitlyn shouted, her fury rising. “You really are! I came down here to tell you that I made a mistake last night when I told you that a relationship between us would never go anywhere.”

“What?” Blue’s eyes grew wide.

“Never mind now!” Caitlyn was so angry over his last comment to her that she knew if she stayed there would be some serious hexing going on.

“No, Caty wait!” Blue called, hurrying after her as she stormed back to her house.

“Get away from me.” Caitlyn said coldly through clenched teeth. “If you don’t, you’ll find your legs locked from here till next Tuesday, and that doesn’t count the boils!” she glared at him once more and went inside, banging the door shut behind her.

“I am so STUPID!!!” Blue kicked a tuft of grass next to him. He’d really botched that one up.

(A/N: Well I apologize for leaving you at such a horrid place, I had the WORST time writing this chapter because they are mad at each other throughout the whole thing. Next chapter, things start looking up, I promise :) Please don’t forget to read and review!)

3. Half Hearted Celebration

Chapter 3

Hermione hummed softly to herself as she scraped the cake batter from the large mixing bowl into the rectangular pan. Ever since Colin had been born and she had quit her job at Flourish and Blotts to stay home and take care of him, Hermione had discovered her love of baking, in the Muggle fashion. It was satisfying for her to pull a richly baked chocolate (it was almost always chocolate when she made something) cake from the oven, the smell wafting around the room, teasing her sense of smell. Hermione took her index finger and swabbed a large smear from the side of the bowl, and raised it to her lips, anticipating the taste of the creamy batter.

“Just what I wanted!” Harry exclaimed, grabbing his wife’s hand and licking the chocolate off her finger.

“Hey that was my chocolate!” Hermione said, pulling her hand out of his. She frowned at him and he grinned back.

“Awww…” Harry said. “I can fix that, you know.” He took his own finger and scraped a larger amount of chocolate from the bowl. Hermione assumed he was going to have her lick it off as he had done, but he brought his hand up to his own face and smeared it across his lips and chin. “Oh would you look at that, I made a mess…”

Hermione laughed. “You’re as bad as your son, you know that?” she raised herself up and gently used her tongue to lick off some of the batter. “Only I like cleaning you up this way….” She moved her mouth to cover his, tasting the warm chocolate on his lips, her tongue reaching out to seek his. Harry’s arms came around her, with her large stomach they barely reached around her sides but he crushed her against him anyway, pressing his lips against her own.

“You know, they probably called it Snogwarts when the two of you were students there.” Caitlyn interrupted dryly from the doorframe. Harry and Hermione pulled apart, the chocolate smeared across both their chins now. “I really hope that didn’t come from the pan.”

“Um…no…” Hermione said sheepishly, sticking the pan in the oven. Harry stared at his daughter.

“How long were you standing there?” he asked, grabbing a towel and wiping himself off, then handing it to Hermione.

“Long enough.” Caitlyn replied. “You two should have a kitchen put in your bedroom.”

“Caitlyn!” Harry exclaimed. “Don’t be silly, we couldn’t fit a kitchen in there, we already tried.”

“Dad, that’s gross, I don’t want to hear about what else you two do in here.” Caitlyn dropped into her chair.

“Why not? It’s a natural part of life, it’s how you, your brother and these two were created…” Harry began in his best smartass voice when Hermione elbowed him.

“Harry, go outside and make sure we have enough chairs and tables set up for everyone today.” She ordered. Harry saluted his wife and went out the door, closing it firmly behind him.

“Well it looks like we’ve got everything we need for today, just a little while and your cake will be done.” Hermione said, sitting down heavily on the chair next to Caitlyn’s. “Everyone should be arriving in just a little bit, why don’t you just go out and relax?”

“I guess I will.” Caitlyn said, trying to sound enthused. It had been her second night without much sleep, and she had tried in vain to hide dark circles under her eyes with makeup, finally using a concealing charm to banish them away.

Hermione reached over and brushed a lock of hair away from her daughter’s forehead. “You two will work everything out. Every friendship goes through a rough patch.”

“I know.” Caitlyn mumbled. “I’m going to go outside and walk around the pond.”

“All right.” Hermione said. “And chin up, it’s your party day.” She smiled at her and went to go rouse Colin.

Caitlyn let the door bang shut behind her and ambled off towards the edge of the pond. It had always held a peaceful reassurance for her, the pond, and it didn’t even have any magical qualities to it; it was just a regular body of water. Leaning against a large boulder, she drew her knees up against her chest. The warm sun poured down on her, over her bare shoulders and across her face.

She stayed there for several long minutes, enjoying the solitude; she couldn’t hear anything except the brushing of the wind against the tall grasses, the water softly lapping against the ground, the birds calling overhead. Caitlyn breathed in deeply, feeling better about the forthcoming day with each intake. An image of her now not-so-platonic best friend popped into her mind, and another memory washed into her vision.

“Hey.” Caitlyn said listlessly as she dropped onto Blue’s bed.

“What’s up?” he asked, moving away from his trunk. They were due to head back to Hogwarts the next morning and he was repacking.

She sighed, flopping back so her head was on his pillow. “Ryan… he broke up with me today.”

“What?” Blue asked. “Why?”

She shrugged, looking up at him. “Apparently he’s met someone else while we’ve been gone.” They had just gotten back from the Caribbean a few days before, and had been away the entire holiday.

Blue sat down on the bed and then moved up so he was lying next to her, his head sharing the pillow. “I’m sorry Caty.”

“Ahh, it’s all right.” She tried to act like it wasn’t a big deal. “It was just a shock this morning when it came with the post.”

“Wait.” Blue sat up and looked down at her. “Are you telling me he broke up with you through the owl post?”

Caitlyn nodded, and then her façade slipped away as her face crumpled. Two tears ran down her cheeks and Blue pulled her up and gathered her in his arms.

“I’m not that upset about being dumped… but did he have to do it through owl post?” she asked, laughing through her tears. “I mean, that’s the worst, most cowardly way to end a relationship isn’t it?”

She heard him chuckle as he held her tighter. “You can do better than him. I know I never liked him anyways but it’s true.” He pushed her away and then wiped her tears with his thumbs. “No more of those. I want to see my favourite Caitlyn smile.”

“Honestly.” She tried her hardest not to comply when he threw his silly, lopsided grin her way. “I’m not going to smile!”

“Yes you are.” Blue dug his fingers into her side, beginning what promised to be a merciless tickling session.

“No!” she shrieked, trying to pull away from him. He was relentless in his pursuit, and soon enough they were both doubled over in laughter on his bed.

“Thank you.” She said awhile later when they were both trying to regain their breath. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

A flash of something she didn’t recognize went through his eyes, and then he smiled. “Don’t get all mushy on me now, Caty.” Blue teased. “We’ve gone seven years without it…” they both started laughing again as she wrapped her arms around him and pecked him lightly on the cheek.

“Caty?” she heard her father’s voice call, breaking out of her daydream. “Are you over there?” Caitlyn stood up, brushing herself off.

“Yeah, I’m over here!” she called back.

Harry carefully made his way over some of the thick grass and weeds. “Some of the guests are starting to arrive. Ginny and Seamus just came in, and I believe Grace and Justin are on their way with…the monsters…” Harry’s eyebrows knitted together dramatically.

Caitlyn grinned. “Come on Dad, they aren’t that bad…. there’s just a lot of them!” she was referring to her mother’s friend Grace, her husband Justin, and their six children, who always climbed on the furniture and slobbered on everything. Every time they came over, something was ruined. Lucky for magic. “It’s a good thing we’ll be outside.” She said, taking her father’s hand as he helped her over the small mounds of earth.

“I think Blue’s friend is here too.” Harry replied, gazing back across to their houses.

“Great.” Caitlyn mumbled, her lip lifting up in a slight sneer. They ambled back as Grace and Justin came out the back door, Justin carrying two identical children with Grace holding the third.

“Glad you guys could make it.” Harry smiled, kissing Grace on the cheek and patting Justin’s back.

One of the triplets, (Caitlyn thought it was Elena, it was hard to tell between them most of the time, especially when they were dressed alike) reached immediately for her. “Caty!” the three year old squealed, latching onto her neck.

“Hey kiddo!” Caitlyn said, hugging the child to her. Grace shifted the one in her arms to the other side and patted her arm.

“Congratulations Caty.” She said, leaning over and kissing her cheek. “Justin and I are so happy for you!”

“Thanks.” Caitlyn smiled at her mother’s best friend and her husband. “I was so nervous up there, giving that speech.”

“You did a wonderful job.” Harry said, looking affectionately at his daughter. “I tell you, your mother couldn’t stop sobbing…”

“Harry James Potter, are you telling stories about me again?” Hermione was stepping out the back door, with the now iced cake in her hands.

“Whoops…” Harry grinned. “Nope, wasn’t saying anything…” he looked around innocently as the adults burst into laughter. Grace handed the other baby (Elaine, Caitlyn figured) to Harry and went over to Hermione.

“Let me get that.” Grace said, taking the cake. “How have you been feeling?”

“I’ve been feeling wonderful lately.” Hermione said as Grace set the cake down with the rest of the food. “No problems at all.”

“Hi Grace!” Lavender chirped as she walked up to them, Harry and Justin had obviously handed off the other two kids as she was now carrying them.

“Oh I really don’t believe those two!” Grace said, looking darkly at her husband and Harry, who were already deep in conversation with Ron and ignoring their respective wives. “When Justin gets around other guys he hands those three off to me so fast you could blink and miss it.”

“I don’t mind at all.” Lavender said, nuzzling Elaine and then Elliot, the only boy out of the whole brood of Finch Fletchley children. “It makes me wish I was having another…”

“Ugh, you can take my spot anytime.” Hermione groaned. “I tell you, they keep me up half the night, I’m betting you it’s Carl, it sure doesn’t feel like a dainty foot kicking.”

Caitlyn shifted Elena to her other arm and smiled at her mother. “And whenever one of them wakes you up you wake Dad up.”

“That’s right.” Hermione laughed. “He’s so crabby in the middle of the night too.” They all cracked up.

“Hey what are you guys laughing about?” Harry called over.

“Nothing, wasn’t saying anything!” Hermione mocked, winking at her husband.

A door banged shut across the connecting yards and Caitlyn saw Blue step outside with Kristen on his heels.

“Ugh.” Caitlyn muttered under her breath. She had rather been hoping Kristen would cancel. She looked on in amusement however, at Kristen’s choice of wardrobe. While everyone was in casual jeans, shorts and simple tank tops or t-shirts, Kristen was wearing a skimpy white halter top, and a black skirt so short, it looked like it would ride up as soon as she sat down.

“Oh Blue, what a nice backyard!” Kristen simpered, grabbing onto his arm and causing him to stumble. “It’s so cute!”

“Uh…thanks.” Blue said, his eyes scanning the yard for Caitlyn. He spotted her standing with his mother, Hermione and their friend Grace. She had been looking at them, but snapped her head around the moment their eyes locked.

“Kristen this is my mum….” Blue named everyone off as he made introductions.

“Nice to meet you Kristen.” Lavender said. Hermione nodded and smiled at her as well.

“Nice cake!” Blue’s eyes widened as he took in the chocolate cake, iced with fudge and white letters spelled out ‘Congratulations, Caitlyn and Blue!’ in curvy script that obviously had some sort of shimmer charm on it.

“Thanks Blue.” Hermione looked fondly at the boy.

“I’m willing to bet you and Harry had a fine time making it this morning.” Grace said quietly. Hermione turned a bright red colour.

“I’m taking that as my cue to leave.” Caitlyn announced, bouncing Elena around. “Is it okay if I take her by the pond?”

“Just don’t let her go in.” Grace replied. “She’s had a cold this past week.”

“Pon!” Elena cried as Caitlyn turned her back on Blue and Kristen.

“Yup, we’re going to the pond!” Caitlyn smiled at the little girl. “No getting wet though!”

“Hi Caitlyn.” Blue’s voice cut through her banter with Elena.

Caitlyn turned and looked at him stonily. “Blue.” She said, her voice cool.

“How are you?” he asked awkwardly. He was very happy he had managed to shake off Kristen for a few moments when he introduced her to Harry and his father.

She looked at him a moment, wondering if she should respond when Elena reached out for him.

“Bwoo!” she screamed. Blue smiled at her and took her from Caitlyn.

“You want to fly?” he asked her, and her curls bounced as she nodded. Blue swooped her around in the air, around in circles. Her giggles made Caitlyn smile.

“More Bwoo more!” Elena begged.

“Ahhh all right!” Blue said as he began to swing her around in circles again. He drew her up by Caitlyn who grinned.

“Kiss Caty, go on!” Blue said, bringing Elena up close to her. Caitlyn leaned in and made a kissing noise right by the baby’s face.

“She is so funny.” Caitlyn said, holding her arms out as Blue deposited Elena back in her arms. “I want a kid just like you someday!” she nuzzled her soft face.

“Me too.” Blue replied. He took a deep breath as he watched Caitlyn spin Elena around. “Caty are you still mad at me?” he watched her tentatively as she set the baby on her hip.

“I don’t know what I am anymore Blue. You’ve confused the heck out of me, telling me one thing and then another.” Her gaze was slightly frosty.

“Caty I didn’t mean what I said yesterday…” he was interrupted by the arrival of Kristen, who latched onto his arm immediately.

“Oh Blue, let’s go up and have a drink…” Kristen cooed. “I’m so hot.” She waved her hand in front of her face.

Caitlyn smirked. “You two have a nice time.” She said sarcastically. “Come on, we’ll go to the pond!” Elena squealed again and they set off down the lawn.

She stayed down there until she heard the arrival of more voices, this time it was Blue’s Aunt Ginny and Uncle Seamus with their two children, and not long after that, Fred Weasley with his wife Angelina, George Weasley and his wife Ambir, the matriarchs of the Weasley family, Arthur and Molly, and her father’s godfather Sirius Black, who they rarely saw anymore.

“I suppose we’d better get back up there baby girl!” she smiled at Elena. Picking her up and settling her onto her hip, Caitlyn made her way back up the yard. She saw the men clapping each other on the back, laughing over something that either her father or Uncle Ron had done, no doubt. Looking the other way, she saw her mother standing with Grace and George’s wife Ambir.

“Whose stomach is bigger, I wonder?” Lavender asked, coming up to them with a glass of iced pumpkin juice in her hand.

Hermione and Ambir both glared at her. “Funny Lavender, we can’t help it if we’re big and you’re not.” Hermione snapped, turning back to Ambir. “I cannot believe you guys are having triplets.”

“Me either.” Ambir replied, resting a hand on her stomach. “George is just beside himself. So is Molly, she’s ecstatic about having more grandkids.” She began to laugh. “George is just so funny about all this though, the other day he actually stuck headphones on my stomach, I was almost afraid to ask what it was…. I never knew George was such an Elvis Presley freak….” She rolled her eyes and they all burst out laughing.

“That’s great!” Hermione said, happy for her friend. “How many more months have you got?”

“Four!” Ambir said as Caitlyn joined them. “Hi Caitlyn, congratulations!”

“Thanks.” Caitlyn smiled as Ambir hugged her. She looked over at her mother. “Are you okay Mum you look a little thirsty.”

“I am, a bit.” Hermione replied, holding her empty cup.

“I can go get you some more pumpkin juice if you want.” Caitlyn offered.

“I think we’re out, though.” Hermione frowned.

“We have some.” Lavender said. “It’s right out on the counter Caty.”

“All right.” Caitlyn patted her mother’s arm as she walked by. She swung the back door open to the Weasley home and stopped short.

“What are you doing in here?” she asked.

“I live here.” Blue smirked in her direction. “What’s your excuse?” his tone was considerably lighter than it had been in the past few days.

“Um…pumpkin juice.” Caitlyn held up the cup.

“Oh…. here…” he said, taking the jug and pouring some for her. Caitlyn bit her lip as she took in the fact that Blue had no shirt on.

“Thanks.” She said, trying to avert her eyes away from his lean arms and tight chest. “So where’s the bi—“ she stopped short, not wanting to call Kristen a bitch in front of Blue. Their friendship had already deteriorated enough over the past few days; she didn’t want to push away the guy she loved even more by insulting his friends.

‘Where the hell did that thought come from?’ Caitlyn thought to herself, stunned at what the random statement had revealed to her. She shook her head to clear her mind, and placed a hand on the counter top to steady herself. Loved? She had just finally admitted to herself that she had less than friendly feelings for him; love was something completely different… wasn’t it?

“Are you all right?” Blue asked, concerned, as she looked a little pale. He reached out and put his hand on her arm, moving his fingers down, his touch making her skin tingle.

“I’m uh…fine.” Caitlyn managed to utter as she looked up right into his eyes.

“Caty…” his voice was no more than a whisper as he brought his face close to hers, wanting to feel her lips on his once more. He bent down even more and she tilted her head back, waiting for the pressure of his mouth.

“Blue what are you doing?” she breathed as his lips came even closer. Without another word, his mouth came on top of hers and his kiss made her knees feel weak. Not even realizing her hands were winding around his neck, Caitlyn pressed her body tighter against his and his arms went tightly around her waist. Her mouth opened and she pushed her tongue out hesitantly against his at first, and his response was fiery and immediate.

“I’m not disturbing you am I?” the insincere concern in Kristen’s voice made them jump apart and blush furiously.

“No.” Caitlyn managed to keep her voice from trembling. Blue looked at her a moment then at Kristen.

“Something you wanted?” he asked, trying to keep the annoyance out of his voice.

“Just wanted to see where you were.” Kristen replied, toying with the neckline of her top.

“Ah.” Blue replied. He looked around as a means to escape, as Caitlyn and Kristen had taken to glaring at each other across the room. “I uh, need to take this to my aunt Hermione.” He grabbed the cup of juice from the counter and fled the room.

“Chicken shit.” Caitlyn mumbled as she watched the door slam shut behind him. She looked back over at Kristen.

“So you two looked a little cosy there.” Kristen’s words were pure ice.

“Well that’s really none of your business is it?” Caitlyn replied coolly, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Oh but I think it is.” Kristen said, coming over to Caitlyn. “I don’t appreciate you trying to kiss my boyfriend!”

“He’s not your boyfriend.” Caitlyn said, still using the same cool voice. She refused to let Kristen see the panic that suddenly swelled up in her. Had she really lost him so soon?

“Oh, yes, he is.” Kristen replied smugly. “After we left you down by the lake with that stupid kid, he took me for a long walk, we talked about the rest of the summer, the fall…and then he kissed me….” She took a few steps closer, so that they were almost nose to nose. “It’s no wonder he doesn’t want anything to do with you. You’re so plain, and you obviously don’t know anything about pleasing your guy.”

“You’d better take that back.” Caitlyn’s voice lowered dangerously. “Just because you wear your robes four sizes too small doesn’t mean that the male population thinks you’re gorgeous. More like trampy if you ask me.”

“How dare you!” Kristen cried angrily. “You’re jealous, just like every other girl!”

“And you’re all talk to think that Blue would ever lower himself to date you.” Caitlyn replied, her voice still low and steady. “And he wouldn’t kiss you. That would be like snogging a toad.”

“Oh yes he did, and it’s a shame you’ll only have that once chance to kiss him…” Kristen was clenching her fists.

“Excuse me?” an annoyed male voice broke through their banter, and Caitlyn wasn’t sure whether or not she was pleased to see Blue walk back through the door.

“I uh…hello Blue.” Kristen’s confidence was shattered at the angry look on Blue’s face.

“What’s going on here?” he asked in a tight voice.

Kristen gave him what she thought was her most winning smile. “Nothing, we were just having a chat.”

Caitlyn let a rather unladylike snort and leaned back against the counter. “A chat, right.” She said sarcastically.

“We never kissed.” Blue said to Kristen, ignoring Caitlyn’s comment. “I know I heard you say we did.”

“Well, I didn’t mean to say it like that, I mean, we talked about doing things this summer…” Kristen was clearly losing ground.

“As friends.” Blue replied evenly. “I’m in love with someone else.”

Caitlyn’s head turned so fast she thought she’d get whiplash and her stomach flopped over a few times.

“With her?” Kristen’s voice held a note of contempt and her lip was caught up in a sneer.

Blue hesitated, he no longer knew what was going on between he and Caty, and he didn’t want to lay his heart on the line again only to have her back off once more. But then again, if she did feel differently now as she’d said last night…and if their kiss they just had meant anything...

“Yes.” Blue’s voice came out strong. “She’s my best friend as well as the girl I love, and if you’re my friend you’ll be happy for us.” He crossed his arms and stared at the other girl.

“But Blue, you’ve spent the whole day with me, she’s just playing with you, she can never make you feel as good as I can—“ Kristen reached out at him. “She’s not as good as me; she’s not even as pretty as me!”

Caitlyn was almost at the end of her rope. “You’re so pathetic, do you even listen to yourself?” she sneered, her green eyes narrowed. Kristen glared at her, and then raised her hand up. Blue stared in shock as her fist nearly connected with Caitlyn’s face.

Caitlyn managed to catch Kristen’s wrist the second before it made contact and threw it back. “How dare you!” She was simply amazed that the other girl would go so far as to actually hit her. “You are SO lucky I don’t have my wand right now.”

“Going to curse me?” Kristen sneered. There was no false pretense of likeness between the two girls; all the cards were now laid on the table.

“I don’t need to.” Caitlyn replied coolly. And in one swift motion, she grabbed the jug of pumpkin juice and dumped it over Kristen’s perfect blonde head.

A high pitched scream emerged from her throat as the orange coloured juice dripped off her hair and white shirt. “Blue did you see what she just did?” Kristen was near tears.

“Yeah. I did.” Blue stood at his best friend’s side. “And it was really, really funny.” He began to laugh, his arms crossed over his stomach. Caitlyn’s mouth twitched at the sight, and she began to giggle as well.

Kristen emitted another high pitched sound of frustration and glared at them. When neither one stopped laughing, she turned and fled through the front door of the house, slamming it behind her.

“And good riddance…” Caitlyn muttered a few moments later, finally settling down.

“I can’t believe she acted that way, she was always so nice.” Blue said after another few moments.

Caitlyn rolled her eyes in his direction. “Look who’s been blind to the obvious for so long.” She said dryly.

“Well if that isn’t the pot calling the kettle black!” Blue shot back. They both stared at each other a moment, then broke into laughter again.

“Caty…we really need to…”

“Talk, I know.” She finished. “These past couple of days haven’t been easy…” Caitlyn began when the door flew open.

“CAKE!” Colin screamed into the room. “MUM’S CUTTING THE CAKE!”

“Okay!” Caitlyn said, covering her ears. Colin flew back outside and she looked at Blue. “Later?” she asked.

“All right.” A smile spread across his face as they went outside together.

4. The Big Woo

Chapter 4

Blue looked at his clock that sat on his bedside table. He and Caitlyn had been trying to talk all that day, but with all the kids running around and the grownups constantly congratulating them, they’d been apart the rest of the day. However, they’d had once chance to sit, and agreed to meet that night at eight by the pond.

That was why Blue was now staring at his clock, willing the last fifteen minutes to whiz by. He got up and paced the room, looking out his window over towards the Potters’ house, his room and Caitlyn’s faced each other’s. Her light was on and he could see her shadow moving around behind the shade.

“She’s not left yet obviously.” Blue muttered to himself. He went over to his dresser and pulled the small box from a drawer. He really hoped that giving such a gift to her would not scare her off once more. Touching it briefly, he stuck it in his back pocket and left the room.

He made his way downstairs, slinking quietly past the den where his mother sat reading the Daily Prophet. He knew she’d want to know where he was going and what he was doing, and he didn’t’ want to go into detail yet. However, he didn’t count on his father being in the kitchen devouring the rest of the cake Hermione had sent back with them after the party ended.

“Hey Dad.” Blue said as he crossed into the room.

“Hi Blue.” Ron said, swallowing his cake. “Where are you going?”

“I’m going to meet Caty at the pond.” Blue said.

Ron’s eyes widened. “Are you now?” he asked.

Blue rolled his eyes. “Yes.”

“When did you two start…you know?” Ron wagged his eyebrows up and down at his son.

Blue looked at him like he was from outer space. “We’re not dating.” He said truthfully. “Not yet anyways.” He mumbled to himself so that Ron couldn’t hear.

“I just can’t believe it…” Ron grinned, apparently ignoring the nasty looks his son was shooting at him. “Harry’s daughter and my son, wonder if he knows anything about this….”

“Honestly….” Blue was exasperated, and a glance at the clock on the wall told him it was now five minutes past nine and he was late. “I have to have the weirdest parents…” his words trailed behind him as he banged the kitchen door shut.

Caitlyn was sitting on a rock as he approached, she had changed from the outfit she had had on during the day. Instead of her tank top and shorts, she wore a long sleeved lightweight white jumper and blue jeans.

“Hey gorgeous.” Blue said softly as he approached, his voice reminiscent of their relationship before kissing two nights before.

“Sexy…” her voice was equally soft as she smiled up at him. He held his hand out to her and she took it as he pulled her to her feet.

“I’m really glad you came.” Blue said as he embraced her, speaking into her hair.

“Me too.” Caitlyn’s voice was still soft, as her arms went around him. They stayed that way for a few long moments then pulled apart and sat back down on the rock.

“So…” Blue said after a few long moments.

“We wanted to talk.” Caitlyn replied, looking at him.

“Yeah.” Blue ran a hand through his longish red hair. “I’m really sorry about yesterday, I didn’t mean to say you are a tease, you’re not.”

“I was pretty upset…” Caitlyn admitted. “More at myself than at you, I’d been feeling jealous, only I didn’t realize it.”

“You were jealous?” Blue’s eyebrows were raised.

“Well, yeah, I had been thinking about ‘us’ that whole night after we kissed, and then that morning I thought seeing you wouldn’t do anything…and I don’t know, I was still so confused at that point….” Caitlyn trailed off for a moment. “I think it really hit me when I saw you’d rather talk to Kristen than me.”

Blue smiled slightly. Not that’d he’d admit it to her, but he was enjoying the fact that she had experienced some jealousy. “I feel bad about that…” he said aloud. “I didn’t want to hurt your feelings, but I was a bit angry.”

“Me too.” Caitlyn frowned and looked at her hand, which was nervously twisting the end of her jumper. “We’ve never been in a fight before this, which is one of the reasons I was so scared about you and me being in a real relationship.”

Blue nodded. “I thought about that too.” He said. “When I first started… having feelings for you… it scared me a lot too.” A wry smile crossed his face. “But now, I think, after two years of seeing you in a different way, Caty I think we could make anything work.”

“I just couldn’t stand it Blue if we were never friends again if something happened.” Caitlyn bit her lip.

Blue twisted around and faced her. “Caty, we’ll never stop being friends.”

She looked at him skeptically for a moment. “You promise?”

Blue nodded, then brought his hand up and lightly touched her cheek. “I really meant it when I said I love you.”

Caitlyn closed her eyes and let him caress her face. “Blue?” she said quietly a moment later.

“Yeah?” his voice had gone husky.

“I think…I love you too.” She replied, opening her eyes and looking at him hesitantly.

He stared back at her, his mouth slightly agape. “What?”

“I said, I love you too.” Her voice came out stronger that time, more certain.

“Caty, reall—“ he was cut off by Caitlyn leaning forward and pressing her mouth to his.

“You act so surprised.” She said, once they’d parted. “Don’t tell me you weren’t expecting this.

“I wasn’t.” Blue said honestly. “I didn’t think you loved me, not like that at least…I was just hoping you could someday.”

“Why wait until someday?” Caitlyn said, winding her hand around the back of his neck to bring his lips back to hers. His arms encircled her waist, bringing her body against his. She took her hand up and threaded it through his hair, gently scraping her nails along his scalp. Her light touch made him shudder and he ran his tongue along the seam of her lips, wanting in. She opened her mouth under his and he explored, enjoying her taste and essence.

After a few more moments of enjoying their newfound relationship, Blue pulled away.

“I have something for you.” He said, reaching around into his pocket. Blue held out the box to her with a slightly trembling hand.

Caitlyn looked at him with curious eyes as she took the box and opened it. She gasped.

“Blue…this is beautiful!” she said as she pulled a small round golden locket from the box.

“Open it.” he said, grinning at her.

She carefully pried it open with her nail and gasped again, a shimmery sort of dust rose up from each side where the pictures normally were, and a moment later, a three dimensional figure of herself and Blue were dancing together, staring lovingly into each other’s eyes.

“You like it?” Blue asked nervously after a minute.

“I…I love it…” her voice was faint. Caitlyn turned to him. “Will you put it on me?”

“Of course.” He answered as she turned away. He moved her hair over her shoulder and draped the necklace on, clasping it firmly and then kissing her on the side of her neck. “I was nervous about giving that to you.”

“Well I love it…and I love you.” Caitlyn turned back around and faced him.

“You just love me because I gave you jewelry.” Blue grinned impishly at her.

“I can’t believe you just said that!” her mouth was wide open, and he started to laugh. “Ohhh I see how it’s going to be…” she started laughing too as she pushed him hard, off the rock.

“Ow!” Blue cried out as he hit the ground. “Caty that really hurt!”

“Poor baby.” She said, getting off the rock and onto her knees beside him. “Want me to kiss it and make it all better?” she asked, leaning over him on all fours.

“Déjà vu.” Blue said. “Only this time I don’t want you to kiss my ass.”

“I’d rather kiss…” Caitlyn’s words were cut off by Blue’s mouth on hers again, rolling her up on top of him. His hands trailed down her back and into her hair as she pressed her lips harder against his, letting her tongue enter his mouth and brush against his. Blue’s arms tightened around her even more as their kissing grew hotter and more passionate.

Hermione yawned and pulled Harry’s favourite nightshirt over her head, it was a soft white fleecy shirt she loved to wear, especially in the winter or cool summer nights such as this one.

“Hey!” Harry’s voice rang out. “I was going to wear that tonight!”

“Too late.” Hermione said smugly. “Are you going to pout?”

“Maybe.” He grinned at her as he came into the room. “Shut that shade so I can change, would you?”

Hermione smiled at her husband as she moved to the window across the room. She was about to pull the shade when the moonlight caught a flash of something moving, and she peered out.

“Oh my!” she exclaimed. It was her daughter and Blue…kissing by the big rock near the pond. “Looks like they’ve worked everything out.” She commented.

“What are you talking about?” Harry asked, coming over next to her. He looked out in the direction of Caitlyn and Blue, his jaw clenching.

“That…he’s…. that’s my daughter out there!” Harry was furious. “I’m going to go put a stop to that right now!”

“You most certainly are not!” Hermione snapped. She yanked the shade down then went over to the door and shut it. “You will do nothing of the sort!”

Harry stared at her. “You think our daughter making out with some guy is okay?”

“Harry James Potter, that is not just some guy, that is your best friend’s son!” Hermione said sternly, crossing her arms over her chest.

Harry stopped in the middle of his rant, and looked properly shamed for a moment. “Oh.” was all he could say. “Well I’ll have to have a talk with him tomorrow then, won’t I?”

Hermione glared at him. “Harry, think about when you and I first started dating.”

“We didn’t go making out at night by ponds!” Harry said angrily.

“No, we made out on my bed, and my father walked in. Don’t you think he wanted to kill you at that moment?” Hermione smiled smugly at Harry’s expression. “If I recall correctly, you had one hand up my shirt and the other hand down my…”

“Okay okay…” Harry said hastily. “I remember.” His face blushed a dark red colour as he recalled the look on Hermione’s father’s face at that precise moment.

“You’ll be happy for her, and you won’t say a word.” Hermione was saying now, coming up to him and poking her index finger in his chest.

“All right, all right.” Harry relented. “You can make me do anything you know that?”

“I know.” Hermione was all smiles again as she looked up at her husband. “I love you.”

Harry smirked, bringing his arms around her and kissing her softly. “I know, I love you too.”

“And think Harry,” Hermione said, resting her head on his chest. “When Corinne is old enough, you can go through all this over again with her. That and Carl, the one who keeps kicking me. I think he might become our problem child.”

Harry laughed, tightening his hold on her. “At least you’ll be there to keep me at bay.” They kissed each other again and got into bed.

Blue and Caitlyn breathlessly pulled away from each other after the latest round of mad kissing.

“That was the Big Woo.” Blue said, looking down at her.

“What?” Caitlyn was confused. “What are you talking about?”

“Nothing.” Blue grinned, and leaned in again. “Absolutely nothing.”

5. 5th Year Yule Ball, Blue Reminisces

Chapter 5

A/N: Guess what kids, I lied!! I’ve figured out another part to add to this…yes, yes, a great big collective cheer would be great, along with reviews ;) LOL

Anyways, the real reason I’m posting this is because I wanted to, and I wanted to let everyone know of a sequel to this and Return to Me will be coming to a fanfiction site near you in the next few weeks. I’ll still be posting on ff.net until Nappa gets his site up and running and then I’ll be moving EVERYTHING over there, and I will not be updating on here anymore…sorry!

I’ve also redone a little section of chapter 3 of this fic, ;) It was mainly something for my own benefit because I wanted it to happen, but check it out ;) heehee

Anyways, I just wanted to tell Blue eyes,

And PLEASE be sure and check out the story that myself and Ryoko Blue are co writing! It’s called Bridge to Caliadrien, and it’s pre Hogwarts, very slightly AU. It’s going to be a GREAT story!

On with chapter 5!

Caitlyn shifted against the large rock so that she was now leaning against Blue, who turned and pressed his lips gently to her temple.

“Blue?” she asked a few moments later.

“Hmm?” he had almost been asleep when her voice jolted him back into full awareness.

“You know how, the other night, you said you’ve loved me for two years?” Caitlyn asked.

“Yeah?” Blue asked. “What about it?”

“When did you realize it?” she was curious. “I mean, not the exact second or anything…” they both laughed. “But I mean, what was it that made you love me?”

“Well…” Blue began. “It was back in our fifth year….”

****************

“Blue!” Caitlyn Potter hollered across the Gryffindor Common room. “Blue Weasley!”

“Yes, oh sunshine of my life?” Blue drawled, leaning over one of the overstuffed chairs surrounding the fire.

“I need you to do me a huge favour.” Caitlyn tugged on one of his hands, pulling him off the chair.

“Right here? Caty, I never knew you liked getting favours in public…” Blue grinned at her.

“Honestly, Blue.” She rolled her eyes but was laughing. “Not THAT sort of favour, maybe later….”

“Big Woo.” Blue said, following her to a darker, more private corner of the common room.

“Jack Longbottom asked me to the Yule Ball.” Caitlyn said, looking anxiously at him. “I told him I already had a date.”

“Do you?” Blue asked, trying not to laugh.

“No.” Caitlyn bit her lower lip anxiously, and then her mouth curved up into a sly smile. “That’s why you’re going to take me.”

“I’m what?” Blue was no longer laughing. “What’s wrong with Jack?”

“I just don’t like him that way, he’s a bit on the annoying side, and all he does is talk about Herbology and Potions…” she said. “Please? The Yule Ball only happens once every four years I can’t miss it!”

Blue heaved a long suffering sigh and she punched his shoulder. “All right, but you owe me.”

“Right, I might actually regret this.” Caitlyn tossed her straight chestnut hair over her shoulder. “Why didn’t you have a date?”

“Because, I wanted to go stag and have my pick of the ladies.” Blue’s tone was boastful. “Now I’m going to be stuck with you all night.”

“Like that’s such a bad thing.” Caitlyn retorted, as they came out from the corner and flopped back down on the chairs by the fire. “I’m a far better date than most of those airheads you’re used to.”

“Says you.” Blue smirked and they both started laughing again as Caitlyn came over and started smacking him with a pillow.

“You have the maturity of a three year old.” Caitlyn shrieked, as a few feathers went flying from the pillow. At that moment, two of Blue’s cousins, 7th years Matthew and Mason Weasley (Fred and Angelina’s twins) came striding in the door.

“Go Caty!” Mason (or was it Matthew) cheered. They loved it when Blue and Caitlyn would get into one of their little spats; they usually wound up with Blue lying on the floor covered in something.

Caitlyn looked up and grinned. “It’s so easy to kick his ass, isn’t it?” the twins roared at this and Blue flushed red.

“Thanks, Caty. Now I’ll never hear the end of it.” Blue muttered as his cousins fell on top of one another, rolling on the floor in hysterics. He reached up into his red hair and pulled out a few feathers.

“You said it best; Blue…I owe you one!” Caitlyn grinned mischievously at him.

“Oh that’s it.” Blue said, getting up and grabbing his wand from his pocket. He pointed it at her and said “Titillandus!”.

Immediately Caitlyn doubled over laughing hysterically. “Blue…you…asshole…take…tickling….spell…OFF!” she fell onto the floor and clutched her stomach. Blue sat back lazily and watched with a large grin on his face. A few first year students looked on in wonder.

“Oh all right…” he said about three minutes later, lifting the charm. She immediately stopped laughing and sat up, still clutching her stomach, but she had a murderous look in her eyes. “Oh shit!” Blue yelped and ran; Caitlyn was hot on his tail as they jumped out the portrait door.

“I swear, you’d think those two would just date and get it over with.” Matthew said, shaking his head at his cousin. Mason snorted.

“No kidding…every holiday they hole themselves up somewhere and we don’t see them for hours…at least they could be doing something productive.”

*** *** *** *** *** ***

“You’re so lucky.” Caitlyn rolled her eyes as her friend Lana sighed for the millionth time. “I would love to be going to the Yule Ball with Blue Weasley.”

“Well it’s not like I had much of a choice.” Caitlyn said, sliding her shimmery pearl coloured robes on over her head. She buttoned them up and admired her reflection in the mirror; the robes had been an early Christmas gift from her parents. They fit her slender figure perfectly. “I mean, the Minister of Magic’s son asked me and I said I had a date…not like I could just show up alone, you know?”

Lana looked at her own reflection; she wore deep blue robes that looked nice with her blonde hair and eyes. “You’re still lucky.”

“Whatever.” Caitlyn waved ‘lucky’ off with her hand. “It’s not like that with Blue and I, he’s my best friend.” She flipped through a small stack of parchment. “I know I had that curling spell in here somewhere…Aha!” she said triumphantly as she pointed her wand at her head and muttered the spell, and a second later her long brown hair was a mass of loose curls.

“You seem to be going to an awful lot of trouble getting yourself ready for your friend.” Lana said slyly. Caitlyn turned around and glared at her.

“Lana, it’s the YULE BALL…everyone is going through a lot of trouble to look nice tonight.” Caitlyn said, becoming quite exasperated. She turned back to the mirror and began to touch on a bit of makeup that matched her robes. “Are you ready?” she asked a few moments later.

“Yes.” Lana answered, and the two girls left their dormitory and descended down to the common room, where Blue and Lana’s date Andrew were waiting.

“Why does it always take girls so long to get ready?” Blue looked over at Andrew, who shrugged.

“I don’t know but they’re sure looking good.” Andrew motioned towards the stairwell, where Caitlyn and Lana had just appeared. He moved forwards towards his date with a large smile on his face.

Blue felt as if he’d been hit by a Dizzying charm as soon as he laid eyes on his best friend. The only other time he’d seen her so dressed up was at her parents’ wedding five years ago, at age eleven he hadn’t thought much of it but now, she simply took his breath away.

“Blue?” Caitlyn had come up to him and was waving her hand in his face. “Are you all right?”

“Oh uh…I’m fine.” Blue gulped. “Here, I figured we should do this right.” He held out a tiny white rose with a two inch stem.

“Thanks Blue.” Caitlyn smiled up at him. She raised herself up and kissed him on his cheek, causing his heart to do a large flop. He was scared, why was he feeling this way? Blue tried not to show it on the outside.

“You look great, Caty.” He said, without any sort of tremor in his voice.

“Thanks, you do as well.” She replied, hooking her arm through his. They went out the portrait door and down to the Great Hall.

“Wow this place looks incredible!” she breathed as she took in the seventy foot tall Christmas trees, candlelight and garlands strung along the windows.

‘Almost as incredible as you…’ Blue thought, sneaking another glance over at Caitlyn. His thoughts were terrifying him now, at this moment he wanted nothing more than to find some mistletoe in a dark corner and snog her senseless. But why, she was just his best friend, he had no romantic feelings for her right?

“Blue what is the matter with you tonight you’re staring off into space again.” Caitlyn tugged on his arm.

“I’m fine.” Blue smiled at her. “Let’s go grab a butterbeer.” She agreed and they strode into the midst of the ball. He noticed a great many of his guy classmates looking at Caitlyn with the appreciation that only a male could have, and he unconsciously tightened his hold on her.

“Looking good Caty!” Mason called out from the side of the dance floor. He gave his cousin an appraising look as Blue glared back at him. Caitlyn grinned back at Mason.

“Right back at you!” She said back as they went over to Mason. “Blue here thinks he’s going to look better if I walk around with him.” She mockingly jabbed Blue in the side. “He thinks it’ll help him with the ladies.”

“Well we all know he needs all the help he can get.” Mason said with a straight face. Caitlyn burst out laughing as Blue narrowed his eyes at both of them.

“Perhaps you’d like me to tell Jack Longbottom you want him to save a dance for you?” Blue grinned impishly at Caitlyn and flicked one of her curls over her shoulder.

“Don’t you dare, Ronald Weasley Jr.” Caitlyn said and Mason guffawed loudly. “Speaking of dancing, I’m simply dying to get out on that floor.”

“You’ve known me for five years and you want to dance with me? Have you gone mad under all that makeup?” Blue gaped as she led him out and they began to move around to the music.

She curled up a corner of her lip at him. “I don’t need makeup to look as good as I do.” Caitlyn said loftily, her twinkling eyes betraying her snotty tone of voice. “Besides, if you’re going to dance, you can at least do it with someone who doesn’t care if you step on their feet.”

“True.” Blue said as the music changed and a slower song came on. Caitlyn moved to leave the floor but Blue held on to her wrist.

“Come on, you just said I have to dance.” He intertwined his fingers of his right hand with hers and curved his other arm around her waist, bringing her body up tightly against his.

“See Blue, this isn’t so bad!” Caitlyn said after a moment.

‘No, it’s not.’ Blue thought as he turned his head, and the scent of her perfume drifted up, she smelled like lilacs. “You’re right.” Blue said aloud. “I guess I’m not as bad as I thought I was.”

“No, you are.” Caitlyn teased. “I meant us coming here together, there’s no sort of romantic entanglement, you know?”

The side of Blue’s mouth twitched at her comment but she didn’t notice. ‘No romantic entanglements, too late for that.’ He thought somewhat sourly as the song ended and he followed Caitlyn to the Gryffindor table against a wall.

****************

“No romantic entanglements?” Caitlyn repeated, and laughed as she leaned her head back against Blue’s arm.

Blue smiled briefly at the memory. “Well, that was only the start of things, my feelings just deepened, but every time I wanted to say something you’d bring up the fact that we made such good best friends.”

“I guess I was really blind for so long.” Caitlyn said thoughtfully. She looked up at him with a gleam in her eye. “And you know what?”

“What?” Blue asked her.

“I still owe you one.” She grinned devilishly and kissed him.

A/N: Well, there you have it, the 5th part of Bound ;)

Caty and Blue will of course be making a return in the sequel, with everyone else from this story, naturally…the main focus will not be them, but what I hope will be a good mix of everyone, OC’s and canon characters.

Adios for now kids, and don’t forget to review!!!

6. Caribbean Vacation Part 1

A/N: Hi everyone! Before I start, I hope everyone will take a second or two to read this A/N that I’m leaving:

I know that everyone is a witch/wizard in this. I know that they can take portkeys to vacation places. But since they are going to a Muggle island, they take Muggle transportation. This brings me to the plane- I know that overseas flights usually have those large planes that stretch about 10 seats across… that is not the case in this fic. I also know the time difference is a little screwy, but since it’s NOT that big a deal, I don’t mention it much.

I am also basing this island they go to on the island of Grand Cayman in the Caribbean. I’ve been there several times, and for anyone else who has ever vacationed there, it’ll be easier to visualize as well. For further visualization, the hotel I envision them staying at is the Westin Casuarina Resort, on 7 Mile Beach.

Also, please remember that this is Christmas of Caitlyn and Blue’s 7th year. They have not gotten together yet in this fic.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy the story and please leave me a review when you’re done!

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Blue Weasley fell onto the bench at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall. Folding his arms, he let his head drop onto them, eager to see if he could have a quick kip before the lunch hour was over.

“What’s the matter with you?” Caitlyn Potter sat down next to him and prodded his side.

“I’m tired!!!” Blue whined, lifting his head to glare at her before letting it fall back down on his arms.

“Why?” Caitlyn asked, taking up her goblet as it filled with pumpkin juice.

“Because,” Blue groaned. “You made me stay up late to study last night and I didn’t get a lot of sleep!”

“Poor baby.” She snickered.

“Just because you like studying doesn’t mean the rest of us do!” Blue gave up on his nap and rested his elbows on the table.

“Hey, excuse me for wanting my best friend to do well on his History of Magic exam.” Caitlyn raised her chin and looked away. “See if I care when you fail the next one!”

“Don’t be like that Caty…” Blue grinned now and reached one hand out to poke her side, laughing as she started to squirm. “You know I love it when we study together. It’s even better than Quidditch!” he began to tickle her.

“STOP it!” Caitlyn nearly screamed, he knew how ticklish she was and used it to his advantage. The other Gryffindors looked over and smirked, they were all too used to the antics between the two best friends.

“I really hate you sometimes, you know that?” Caitlyn glared as Blue finally let up.

“No you don’t.” he said confidently, reaching for a chicken drumstick that had just appeared on the platter in front of them.

Caitlyn rolled her eyes but smiled at him. She was just about to start eating when the owl post arrived, dropping letters in front of herself and Blue. Picking hers up curiously, she saw it was from her parents.

“I wonder what they’re owling me for, we’ll be home in three days…” Caitlyn said to Blue. The Christmas holiday was just around the corner and the two of them would be heading home that year.

“I don’t know.” Blue was opening his letter. His eyes widened as he read it. “Merlin’s Beard!”

“What?” Caitlyn quickly tore open her own letter. Her jaw dropped as she read her mother’s neat handwriting. “Blue! We’re going on vacation together!”

“To the Caribbean!” he cried, tossing his letter onto the table. Caitlyn grinned and continued to read.

“We’ll be leaving the day after Christmas and we will be there for a week. Will is joining us so Colin won’t be lonely.” Blue let out a large groan at this.

“Why does he have to come?” he whined. Will was his Aunt Ginny and Uncle Seamus’s son; he was Colin’s age and a rather big pest at times.

“Well think of it this way… he and Colin are best friends, they’ll be playing with each other and more importantly, leave us alone!” Caitlyn replied.

“Good point.” Blue said, purposefully leaning closer to her so that their shoulders were touching. “Who else is coming then?”

“Just you, me, my mum and dad, your mum and dad, Colin and Will.” Caitlyn scanned over the rest of the letter, then turned to her best friend and grinned. “Can you believe this? The Caribbean! Dad always knew I wanted to go there!”

Blue smiled back and was lost in a fantasy for a moment of her running towards him on a sandy beach, clad in a knitted white bikini. Her hair was wet from the ocean and glittered in the sun, moving behind her back as she neared him.

“This place is so perfect isn’t it?” Caitlyn threw her arms around him. Without letting him say a word, she leaned in and pressed her mouth up against his. Her lips were soft and inviting as he swiped his tongue across her lips and pushed into her mouth. Blue wound his hands around her waist, then brought them up her back and slowly untied the back of her bikini.

Caitlyn stepped away and grinned up at him as she raised her arms and began to untie the string around her neck. Blue’s eyes widened as she lifted them away from her shoulders…

“Blue!!” Caitlyn waved her hand in front of his face. “Did you fall asleep or something? Lunch is almost over and you haven’t eaten a thing!”

“Oh!” Blue shook his head and snapped out of his daydream, a guilty flush staining his face.

Caitlyn was about to ask him what he was dreaming about when her best girlfriend Lana sat down beside her and began chatting away about the upcoming holiday. He was relieved as he began to eat, not wanting her to know about his feelings.

*****Vacation Morning*****

“Colin! You and Will get down here now!” Hermione Potter called up the stairs to her son and nephew. She looked at her daughter who stood next to her and crossed her arms. “Honestly!” she shook her head and Caitlyn giggled.

“I told you to let me get them.” She said, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “I’d have had them up ages ago.”

“Caitlyn, jumping up and down on top of them isn’t what I would call getting them up.” Hermione chastised, but she had a small smile on her face. At that moment the two boys hurtled down the stairs.

“We’re ready!” they both said unanimously.

Harry was already outdoors, loading suitcases into the back of their magically enhanced Muggle car. Besides the fact that they were headed for a Muggle island, Hermione was also pregnant and unable to use portkeys, therefore they were taking a plane. Caitlyn was excited, she had flown once with her father to France when she was eight, and had loved it. Colin and Will tripped over themselves in their eagerness to get going. Caitlyn looked over to the Weasley home; Ron, Lavender and Blue were just leaving the house and heading over. Both families would be travelling to the airport together.

“Aren’t you excited?” she nearly squealed as her father helped Ron put their suitcases in the trunk as well. Blue slumped against the side of the car, not answering.

“He’s a bit nervous about flying.” Ron grinned over at her.

“What?” Caitlyn began to laugh. “Blue, you fly all the time on your broomstick, this is really no different!”

“Yes it is!” he said as the two of them climbed into the backseat. “I have control of my broom; I can’t do that with a plane.” Blue crossed his arms and took a deep breath.

Caitlyn tried to stifle her giggles as she placed a comforting arm around his shoulders. “I never thought I’d see the day when you were scared of something.”

“Ah, well, not all of us can be as brave as you are.” He finally turned a teasing grin her way. She stuck her tongue out at him and then turned to the window as the two boys shoved their way into the back seat.

“Ow!” Caitlyn rubbed the side of her leg which was smashed into the car door. “Colin!”

“What?” he asked, his innocent wide eyed look firmly in place. Caitlyn wanted to get up and smack him but was wedged firmly in place by Blue, practically sitting on his lap.

“Why Caty, I didn’t know you wanted me that badly. If you wanted to sit on my lap you could have just asked.” He smirked up at her as he wound his arms around her slender waist. It was fairly obvious that Blue was enjoying himself very much now.

Caitlyn yelped and pushed at him, sliding back down onto the seat. “Prat,” she muttered.

“Everyone set?” Harry asked, slamming his car door shut.

“Dad I don’t understand why you couldn’t make this backseat bigger.” Caitlyn complained as she tried to sit in the narrow opening.

“Well there are some things that should never change and the backseat is one of them.” Harry quipped as he began to drive the car down the lane. Caitlyn rolled her eyes and tried to make herself comfortable.

Blue was still enjoying himself. His arm had yet to be removed from her waist, and he figured if he didn’t draw any attention to it, she wouldn’t ask him to take it away. Half her body was still sitting on his lap as well, and he had to shift a few times to make sure Caitlyn couldn’t tell just how much he was enjoying it. She was looking out the window at the scenery as it rolled by, and Blue leaned forward and sniffed at her long hair. It smelled like wildflowers, and it was all he could do to pull away.

They arrived at the airport a short time later, the kids pushing their way out of the backseat, Hermione and Lavender grabbing carts as Harry and Ron unloaded luggage.

“I’ll go park this and meet you inside.” Harry said, waving them into the lobby. Hermione nodded as her husband drove away. Blue and Ron helped pull the suitcases inside as they waited, and once Harry rejoined them they all headed for the check in counters.

“Hermione?” Ron came up beside his friend. “I uh… I don’t know what to do at those counters.”

Hermione smiled. “Ron, it’s fine, you just hand them these tickets along with your passports.” Her eyes grew worried. “You did bring those passports I made you get right?”

“I think so.” Ron turned to his wife. “Lav do you have those port passes?”

“Pass ports.” Hermione corrected. Lavender dug through her bag and pulled out four small booklets.

“Yes, you almost left them behind on the counter.” She said, handing them to her husband.

“Everyone ready?” Harry had joined them. The eight of them made their way to the ticket counters, and after a relatively easy time checking in, especially for Ron, they all got past the security booths and were waiting at the gate.

“Feeling okay?” Caitlyn was sitting next to Blue, who still looked as if he’d just been through a particularly nasty Quidditch game.

“Eh, okay.” He grunted, embarrassed. Will and Colin didn’t even seem to be nervous, and here he was, acting like a child.

Caitlyn managed to suppress a smile. “It’ll be all right. We’ll sit next to each other and I’ll tell you everything I know about airplanes so you won’t feel so worried.” She placed a comforting hand on his arm.

“Okay.” He said, cheered up by her words. She smiled at him and returned to her book, and Blue took the chance to look at Caitlyn without her knowing.

When he’d first started having feelings for his best friend it had absolutely terrified him, the fact that she had become quite a beautiful young woman had not gone unnoticed by many of the other guys at Hogwarts as well.

She had also remained oblivious, unfortunately, especially to him. He wondered sometime if he’d ever get his chance or if he should move on. Currently she was seeing a Hufflepuff named Ryan, and Blue wasn’t pleased about it in the least.

“Hey Blue, come on, we’re boarding!” Caitlyn had grabbed his hand and was pulling. He swallowed back his nervousness and allowed himself to be ushered forward, after giving his ticket to a smiling woman they went down a narrow tunnel and onto the plane.

Following a bit of shuffling around, Caitlyn had managed to switch seats with Will so she could sit next to Blue. She buckled herself in and settled back, looking out the window at the other planes.

“How did you do that?” Blue asked, referring to her seatbelt. He held the two straps in his hand, pretending to be clueless.

“You can’t buckle yourself in?” Caitlyn asked, her eyebrow raised.

“No…” he pushed the two together and looked at her with a carefully blank expression.

“Honestly.” She reached over and to his immense delight, brought the two straps together over his lap and snapped them together. “There!” she pulled hard and tightened it. Her eyes met his and she glared when she saw the impish twinkle. “You’re an ass.”

Blue started laughing. “That was good wasn’t it?” He raised his eyebrows at her. “That felt nice too. Will you do it again?”

“I don’t know why I put up with you sometimes.” She said, her eyes showing her amusement and betraying her tone.

The plane roared to life and Blue jumped. “What was that?” he asked, wide eyed.

“It’s just the plane.” Caitlyn replied, leaning back. “Look, you see next to us, that’s another plane about to leave.”

“Oh.” Blue felt silly for getting freaked out. He tugged on the seat belt a little tighter around his waist and sat back. All of a sudden, everything outside the plane started moving. “Hey I thought we had to be off the ground to fly in this thing!”

“Blue we’re not flying yet.” Caitlyn replied patiently. “First, do you see out there – that long strip that looks like a road?”

“Yeah.” Blue answered.

“That’s called a runway. As we go down the runway, we pick up speed and eventually we’ll lift up in the air.”

He nodded, understanding. “How long will that take?”

“A few more minutes, most likely.” Caitlyn replied. “Are you feeling any better?”

“Just a little.” Blue said. She smiled up at him and then reached over and took his hand tightly in hers.

“We’ll be all right. Takeoffs are fun, wait until you see how fast we go.” As she said this, the plane turned down the long runway. “Here we go!” she squealed quietly, squeezing Blue’s hand.

He gripped her fingers, partly because the roar of the plane was growing louder and partly because they were her fingers, a very comforting hand. Blue almost had a mind to take it a bit further and clutch at Caitlyn’s shoulder, but thought better of it.

“This is nothing like flying.” He muttered, still looking over her shoulder as the scenery began to blur. “Portkeys would have been much easier.”

“I think so too, but for one thing, we’re going to a Muggle island, and for another, my mum can’t do portkeys while she’s pregnant.” It had been a recent bout of news in the Potter and Weasley families that Hermione was two months pregnant with twins.

“I know…whoa!” Blue said in amazement as the entire plane lifted off the ground. The plane rumbled up for 15 minutes more and then levelled off; becoming quite smooth.

“How are you feeling now?” Caitlyn pulled her hand away from Blue’s, flexing her cramped fingers.

“Better.” Blue tried to look out and down to the land below them.

“Here…” Caitlyn unbuckled her seat belt and stood up. “Switch seats with me and you can look outside all you want to.”

“Really?” Blue grinned and stood up as well. “Thanks.”

“Sure.” Caitlyn sat down in the aisle seat now and pulled a book from her bag and settled back to read the flight away as her best friend remained entranced by the fact that they were thousands of feet in the air.

Harry stretched his legs out under the seat, looking at his son and nephew across the aisle. Ron and Lavender were sitting behind he and Hermione, Caitlyn and Blue across from them. He turned back to his wife as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Harry found this incredibly sexy.

“Hey Mione…” he leaned forward and whispered in her ear. “Have you heard of this club they have for people on planes?”

Hermione looked up from her book, suspicion crossing her features. “No Harry I haven’t. What sort of club?”

“It’s called the Mile High club.” Harry said, feeling more eager. “You go into the bathroom and…” he never got to finish because Hermione turned away.

“Harry, honestly. You know that we’re not supposed to be having a lot of sex right now.”

“I know… but we haven’t in awhile, and you know how we get in new places…” Harry pleaded, making his eyes go wide.

“Harry….” Hermione sighed and looked at her husband. “No!”

“Why not?” Harry was insistent. “You go, and in a few minutes I’ll follow….” He leaned in closer as he moved his hand over her thigh, and chastely kissing her neck.

Hermione uttered a frustrating noise and got up, moving past Harry without a second glance. He grinned smugly as he watched her sway down the aisle, then gulped as she turned back and winked at him before disappearing into the locker sized bathroom. Harry turned slightly in his seat; his daughter was reading a novel, Blue still staring out the window. Ron was doing the same as his son, while Lavender seemed to be napping. Deciding that no one would pay any attention, he got up and out of his seat and went to the front. He waited outside for a few moments more then knocked softly.

“Hermione?” he called in a low voice. He heard her unlock the door and he quickly slipped inside, relocking it behind him.

“Bright idea, Harry.” Hermione was leaning up against the sink with her arms crossed. “It’s barely big enough in here for me.”

“We don’t need a lot of room.” Harry grinned, winding his arms about her waist. Before she could voice another complaint, his lips were on hers. Hermione forgot about her irritation as Harry’s hands untucked her shirt and travelled up her bare back. She had to stifle moans coming out of her mouth as his lips made their way down her neck; Harry tried his hardest not to leave too many marks lest they be caught.

Harry brought his hands around from the back and pulled up on her shirt; Hermione lifted her arms as it went over her head. Their mouths came back together, tongues thrusting furiously as Hermione ripped away at his shirt, buttons flying everywhere. His glasses fell askew on his nose, and he pulled them off and tossed them on top of the two discarded pieces of clothing. Harry’s mouth returned to Hermione’s once again and vigorous, hot kisses were only a precedent to the actions of their lower halves.

Afterward, they leaned up against one another, a fine sheen of sweat covering their bodies. Harry looked at his wife and grinned as she started to giggle.

“Only you could have me making love to you in an airplane bathroom.” Hermione rubbed her thumb along his cheek.

“I’m just so persuasive aren’t I?” Harry smirked, then reached down and picked up their discarded clothing. “Come on, I think we’ve been gone long enough now…”

Hermione pulled her shirt over her head and tried to straighten out her hair. “Um… Hermione?” Harry’s voice broke through her thoughts. “Do you have your wand with you?”

“No, it’s back in my bag, why?” Her eyes travelled down his front. “Oh…” it was then that Hermione realised that she had pulled all the buttons off his shirt.

“What are we going to do?” Harry asked. “I can’t go out there like this!”

“Just…” Hermione looked around for a moment. “Use your magic to get the buttons and I’ll put them back on later.”

Harry nodded and closed his eyes for a moment in full concentration. A few seconds later, buttons zoomed in from different parts of the bathroom. “Okay, I think that’s all of them.”

“Just let me go, and step out from behind me. Perhaps no one will notice.” Hermione said quietly as she unlocked the door. They were lucky, very lucky in fact. The stewardesses were in the rear of the plane (Harry and Hermione had gone to the bathroom in the front) and most everyone was asleep, as it was still quite early in the morning.

Everyone that is, except for Ron, Lavender, Caitlyn and Blue. Ron was first to notice his two best friends coming down the aisle, their faces still a bit flushed.

“Problems?” he grinned as Harry and Hermione slid back into their seats. Lavender was laughing quietly, while Caitlyn looked rather sick at the thought of what her parents had been doing.

“Shut up Ron.” They said at the same time. Hermione made Harry take off his outer shirt and she turned towards the window with her wand while she fixed it quickly.

“Honestly…” Caitlyn shook her head and buried her nose back in her book. “You’d think they don’t go at it like rabbits every other day, they have to go and shag on a plane as well.”

“I think it’s funny.” Blue snickered. He peered over at her parents, who were now busy acting like nothing had happened at all. Caitlyn simply shook her head at him, not amused in the slightest bit.

“How is your book?” He pulled up on one side to see the cover. “You’re reading a romance novel!”

“So?” Caitlyn pulled it from his grasp. “Brenda Joyce is an excellent author, and I really like this series.”

“You’re not just reading it for sex?” Blue asked, smirking.

“Honestly!” Caitlyn snapped the book shut and shoved it in her bag. “You are so immature sometimes, Blue.” She pulled down the tray table and folded her arms so she could rest her head on top of them. She had been so excited the night before about leaving that she hadn’t gotten much rest, and it had finally caught up to her.

Blue looked at her for a moment, debating on whether or not to push her further but decided against it. He was rather tired himself, now that his nervousness over flying was gone. Imitating Caitlyn, he folded his arms and dropped his head on them, falling into a deep slumber.

*** Blue watched as she ran down the beach towards him, her long hair swinging behind her, shining in the bright sunlight. He could feel a smile spreading across his face as Caitlyn jumped up and threw her arms around him, immediately pressing her lips against his.

“I’m sorry it took me so long to figure out how I really felt about you…” she said after they had kissed a few long moments. Her fingers were buried in his longish red locks as her other hand cupped his cheek. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” He was able to choke out before she leaned forward and kissed him again, this time making it more passionate by pushing her tongue through his lips. He opened his mouth to her gladly as his hands came up and untied the strings that held her suit across the back.

Caitlyn stepped back and grinned as she raised her arms and undid the strings around her neck. She lifted them up in her hands and began to pull the top away… ****

“Blue!” Harry felt bad about waking up his daughter and her best friend but they were about to land, and it seemed Ron and Lavender had disappeared. “Blue where did your parents go?”

“I don’t know.” Blue rubbed at his eyes and noticed that Caitlyn was doing the same. “Why?”

“They’re not here and we’re about to land.” Harry looked up the aisle and suddenly saw the bathroom door in the front of the plane open. Ron and Lavender stepped out, looking a bit dishevelled. A stewardess was standing near the front and pursed her lips in a frown when she saw the two people stepping out. Harry had to hold in his laughter as she said something to Ron.

“Check it out.” He nudged Hermione with his shoulder as he sat back down in his seat.

“What?” her eyes followed Harry’s line of vision until she saw Ron and Lavender talking to a stewardess up in the front. “What’s the big deal?”

“She caught them coming out of the bathroom.” Harry snorted, and Hermione slapped a hand over her mouth to cover her giggles as their friends both grew red and then came back down the aisle.

“Problems?” Harry grinned stupidly as Ron and Lavender slid into their seats.

“Shut up Harry.” Ron said. He studiously avoided the glare coming across the aisle from his son.

Caitlyn looked at Blue with her eyebrow raised. “Looks like my parents weren’t the only ones antsy.” She said.

“It’s sick.” Blue crossed his arms across his chest as he tore his gaze from his still red mother and father. “At least your parents didn’t get caught!”

“True…” Caitlyn tried to keep the corner of her mouth from quirking up in a smile. “Oh look!” she pointed out the window as the flat island came into view. “We’re almost there!”

“Cool!” Both of them leaned over and watched as the plane dipped lower and lower to the ground.

“Look at the beach, look at that water…” Caitlyn was already in heaven as she took in the island. “I can’t wait to get out there!”

“Me either.” Blue muttered, remembering his dream. He’d seen Caitlyn in a swim costume before, although not a bikini. The thought of that made him warm all over again as he tugged at his shirt collar.

Hermione awoke her son and nephew after they had landed, not wanting them bouncing around in the seats and disturbing other passengers. The plane was sitting out on the runway, a little distance away from the tiny airport itself.

“Come on!” Blue excitedly prodded Caitlyn in the back. “Let’s get out of here!”

“Hang on!” she said. “We have to wait for everyone in front of us to get off first, and then we can leave too.” They were standing now, eager to stretch their legs after being cramped in two tiny seats for so long.

“Caty, Blue, wait for us outside, all right?” Hermione called. Caitlyn nodded and scurried forward, she wanted to feel the warm air.

“Ohhh!” she closed her eyes in delight as she stepped off the plane. The sun was warm on her face, a gentle breeze bringing in the scent of the ocean which was barely 100 feet away. “Ohhh this place is just perfect isn’t it?”

Blue nearly fell over the last few steps as he heard her say this; it was directly from his dream. He was wondering if it had any significance when the rest of the family got off the plane and they all headed towards the small thatched roof airport.

Once inside, they had to go through the usual deal with Customs, even though they were still technically in British territory. After that, they went across the street, dragging their luggage, to the car rental place.

“We’ll be right back, Caitlyn, keep an eye on all the boys all right?” Hermione said as the adults disappeared inside. Blue let out an enraged squawk.

“Why did your mum say to keep an eye on me?” he asked.

“Because you like to cause trouble. It’s your last name.” Caitlyn grinned teasingly at her best friend. She sat down on the curb and pulled a pair of Muggle sunglasses from her purse. “I could stay here forever…” she said as she raised her face to the sun. Blue grinned and sat down next to her.

“I can’t wait to change out of this jumper.” He plucked at his sleeves, and then pushed them up his arms. “It’s too hot for this.”

“I was prepared.” Caitlyn grabbed the ends of her own jumper and pulled up. Blue’s eyes widened and he gulped as he tried not to gaze at her chest. She had on a simple white tank top underneath that suited the weather perfectly.

“Well we can’t all be as smart as you, can we?” he finally said in a smart aleck tone that showed no signs of how he was feeling. ‘Merlin’s Beard, if she looks this good in a tank top I sure hope she has a bikini…’

“Hey!” Caitlyn suddenly lurched up and streaked over to her brother. “Mum told you to behave, not tear apart our luggage!” she pulled Colin away and he stuck his tongue out at her. “Honestly!” she pulled on the handle and dragged it over to where she and Blue were sitting. “It’ll be so nice when he grows up!”

“Age never matters when it comes to maturity.” Blue grinned cheekily at her and Caitlyn started to giggle.

“You never fail to make me laugh.” She leaned her head on his shoulder, and he felt butterflies in his stomach. “I wonder what Ryan is doing right now?” she said a few moments later.

Blue made a face, he tremendously disliked Caitlyn’s boyfriend. “Probably off snogging with some other Hufflepuff.” His lip curled a bit before he could take back his words.

“Blue!” she took her head off his shoulder and glared. “How can you say something like that?”

“Caty, I’m sorry, but you know I don’t like that guy.” Blue had actually had no problems with him until he’d asked Caitlyn out three months before. “I don’t think he’s very trustworthy.”

“If you’re my friend the least you can do is be civil to him. Instead you sit and glare every time he comes in the same room as you or me.” Caitlyn crossed her arms over her chest. “Besides that, you’ve barely even spoken to him, you don’t even know him.”

“Fine, I’m sorry.” Blue was in no mood to argue with her, and he saw his mother, father and Hermione coming back outside.

“Still in one piece I see.” Lavender smiled at her nephews. “Caty your father’s just signing the form; we can start loading the luggage in that van over there.”

“Already taken to the weather I see.” Ron grinned at Caitlyn. “Blue you look a little warm in that jumper.”

“Yeah.” Blue replied, grabbing a suitcase and lugging it over to the van. He hated the fact that the girl he was head over heels for was dating another guy, and he could only hope that it wasn’t a serious relationship.

They all clambered into the van, Harry and Hermione taking the two front seats, Ron, Lavender and Will taking the middle, and Caitlyn, Blue and Colin squeezing into the back.

Caitlyn looked out the window as the scenery flashed by, her mind still on what Blue had said. She couldn’t understand why he disliked Ryan so much, and it bothered her.

“Caty?” Blue said softly.

“Hmm?” she asked, her tone a bit cool.

“I’m sorry for what I said back there.” Blue tugged at his collar. He didn’t have to like Ryan, but he wouldn’t insult the guy in front of her anymore. “I shouldn’t have said those things.”

Caitlyn felt better; a smile broke across her face. “Thanks Blue.” She said gratefully. He slipped an arm around her shoulders and squeezed gently.

“I don’t like it when you’re mad at me.” Blue grinned too. “Who else would do my homework for me then?” Caitlyn giggled at this and leaned into his side, resting her head on his shoulder.

Her scent of wildflowers drifted to his nose again as they drove on down a busy main street. Blue could catch glimpses of the ocean between the shops and hotels, there were also extremely large boats bobbing on the water.

“Wow what are those?” he asked, pointing with his free hand towards the ships.

“Cruise ships.” Caitlyn answered. “People can spend a week or two on those, like we’re doing on the island.”

“Wow.” Colin was impressed as well. “Dad can we go on one of those instead?”

“How about once you learn to swim on your own?” Harry teased, grinning at his son in the rear view mirror. Will started to laugh and Colin sat back in a pout.

Minutes later, Harry was pulling into the large hotel that was to be their home for the next week. He parked the car to the side and Blue felt a tug in his stomach when Caitlyn moved away from his arm.

“Harry this is great.” Hermione moved beside her husband and grinned at him. The warm air and tropical atmosphere made her feel very light and happy.

“Isn’t it?” he grinned back and pulled her against his side, giving her a quick kiss. “We should save it for after we’ve checked in.” he murmured softly. Hermione smiled and shivered at the feel of his breath on her ear.

“I don’t think our daughter would be amused to see us start up again right here in a parking lot.” She said quietly. Harry laughed as he went to help Ron unload suitcases.

Caitlyn stared around in awe when they all got in the hotel lobby. It was spacious and airy, with a bar alongside one wall, a piano near the other side of the room, and best of all, French doors leading outside to the beach.

“Just look at this place!” she said quietly to Blue. He nodded.

“It’s great.” He said. “But I really can’t wait to get out on the beach.”

“Oh me neither.” Caitlyn agreed fervently. “We should go throw our suits on and go right out there.”

“I’m game.” Blue said, more interested in seeing her in a bathing suit rather than the beach itself.

“First I have to find my beach stuff…” Caitlyn looked woefully at her suitcase. “I packed so much.”

“That’s why I’m glad to be a guy.” Blue boasted. “I only need a few things to last me a week!”

“Whatever Blue.” Caitlyn waved her hand dismissively. She walked out further into the lobby and peered down a hallway to her left. “Mum! There are shops down there!”

Hermione smiled at her daughter, always curious as to where her love of shopping had come from. Harry was finishing the check in form and Ron was copying whatever he had written down. They had requested adjoining rooms, and were all pleased to find out that they would be facing the beach.

“Drop those bags by the closet, Harry, and bring that suitcase over here.” Hermione ordered as she unlocked the door between the two rooms. “Ron!” she knocked on the other door. “Open up!”

“Hey!” Ron’s grinning face appeared in the doorway. Lavender was behind him, rummaging through her suitcase. “Lav’s just finding our swimming costumes and we’re going right out there.”

“I think I’m going to unpack…” Hermione started to say but was interrupted by howls of disappointment from the rest of her family.

“No way Mum, I’m going out with them.” Caitlyn crossed her arms. Colin followed suit and Harry grinned at his wife.

“I think you’re outnumbered love.” He said. Hermione fought a smile into a frown.

“I’m not living out of a suitcase for a week.” She said. “If we go out now, you all help me unpack later.”

Ron started laughing as Harry reluctantly agreed. Hermione shut the door and began digging through the suitcases.

“I get first dibs on the bathroom!” Caitlyn had pulled her new swimsuit from her bag and was inside the lavatory before anyone could object.

After she had tied on her new black bikini, she went to work at twisting her long hair up so that it wasn’t in the way while she worked on her tan. Pulling a pair of shorts on, she left the bathroom. “Isn’t everyone ready yet?”

“Almost, love.” Harry said, tugging on his daughter’s brown locks. “Much as I’d love to toss your brother in the ocean with all this clothes on…” he caught Hermione’s eye and hastily shut up. “As I was saying, we’re almost ready.”

Caitlyn busied herself with finding her sunglasses, suntan oil, and reading material. She had been unable to bring any of her wizarding magazines or books, so the day after she had gotten home from school her mother had taken her into Muggle London for ‘supplies’. Caitlyn enjoyed spending as much time as she could with her mother, who was often a co conspirator in playing jokes on her father.

Her mother was coming out of the bathroom now, a long pale yellow sundress on over her bathing suit. Harry followed, and then Colin changed as well.

Blue pulled a white t shirt over his head and ran his hand through his hair. He was dying to get out on the beach, but he was even more eager to see his best friend in a bathing suit. She had told him that her mother had taken her shopping, but had not specified on how much skin she would be showing.

“Blue? Are you dressed?” His mother was knocking on the door. He could hear his father trying to calm an overactive Will down.

“Almost.” He replied.

“We’re meeting Harry and Hermione down there.” Lavender said. “Your cousin is anxious to get in the water.”

“All right.” Blue opened the door. He staggered back and started laughing as Will attached himself to his legs. “I’m going to dunk you so bad.” He grinned down at his cousin. Picking the smaller boy up, he tossed him over his shoulder and headed for the balcony doors. One of the benefits of staying on the ground floor was that they could walk straight outside to the beach.

Blue walked unsteadily over the warm sand towards an empty spot. He dropped his cousin down and began to toss large handfuls of sand at him.

“Blue!” Will sputtered, waving his hands to ward off the sand. Ron was laughing as he walked up and dropped his wife’s bag next to the boys.

“Why are you playing in the sand, you should be down in that water.” He grinned down at his son and nephew.

“Where did Mum go?” Blue asked, shielding his eyes from the glare of the sun. He’d have to have Caitlyn take him to get some of those sunglasses she had been wearing earlier.

“To get some towels for us.” Ron replied. He sat down next to the boys. “This is gorgeous isn’t it? I’m glad now I let Harry and Hermione talk us into coming.”

“Me too.” Blue agreed, but for an entirely different reason. Caitlyn was walking towards them, her brother tagging along beside her. She wore a black bikini top and shorts, her legs bare, her hair tied back… he had to forcibly shut his jaw at the sight.

“Harry! Hermione! Over here!” Ron was waving his arms, oblivious to his son’s gaze. Blue swallowed hard and looked down, digging his large toe in the sand. Perhaps this vacation wasn’t going to be as easy as he had thought.

Caitlyn dropped her bag down on the sand and sat down next to her best friend, grinning widely. “Are you going for a swim?” she asked as she began to unbutton her shorts.

“Uh…” Blue gulped and tried not to look at her legs as she slid the shorts down. “That might be a good idea, I’m getting hot already.”

“Come on silly!” Caitlyn reached over and tugged on his shirt. He pulled it over his head, wishing he wasn’t so pale. Hopefully a few days in the sun would take care of that.

“Neither one of you is going anywhere without putting some of this on.” Hermione had joined them and she and Lavender each dumped a stack of blue towels on the sand. She pulled a bottle of suntan lotion from her bag and tossed it to her daughter.

“Thanks.” Caitlyn replied. She unscrewed the cap and squeezed some in her hand. “Blue, will you do my back?”

“I uh… sure…” Blue said after a moment. He put some lotion in his hands and began to rub it onto her skin, trying not to show how much he was enjoying himself. He purposefully worked his hands slowly over her back and shoulders, wanting the moment to go on. “Is that good enough?” he asked a few minutes later.

“Yes, thanks.” Caitlyn said, turning around. “Now I’ll do you.”

“I wish.” Blue muttered under his breath.

“What did you say?” she asked curiously.

“I said…. I hope we see some fish.” Blue said quickly. “There are supposed to be some real big ones out there.”

“Ugh, I hope not too big.” Caitlyn shuddered. She placed her lotion covered hands on his shoulders and began to massage the sticky stuff into his skin. “Yuck this stuff smells awful. We’ll have to buy a different kind in the shop later.”

“Sure.” He said as she finished up. “Ready?”

“Yes!” Caitlyn jumped up and grabbed for his hand. “We’re going down to the water!” she called over her shoulder as she dragged Blue down to the shore. “I hope it’s not too cold.” She said, stopping at the water’s edge.

“I’ll bet it is.” Blue said, grinning devilishly. Before Caitlyn knew it, Blue had scooped her up in his arms and had tossed her in.

“RONALD WEASLEY JR.!” She screamed as soon as she had surfaced. Blue was still standing on the sand, bent over laughing. “You’re going to pay for that!”

Blue was still laughing when Caitlyn jumped up and yanked on his arm, making him fall headfirst into the ocean along with her. “Hey!” he shouted, no longer laughing.

It was her turn to look smug. “I win.” She said, reaching back and pulling the tie from her hair, flinging her wet locks around.

“Only because I let you.” Blue replied, grinning again. She splashed him and he reached forward and dunked her head under the water.

“BLUE!” she came back up sputtering his name. Both of them were laughing now as she dove forward and trapped his body under hers. Colin and Will joined them moments later and they all took turns jumping into the swells and dunking each other.

“They’re certainly all having fun.” Hermione smiled at her husband as she stretched out in one of the lounge chairs that he and Ron had just dragged over.

“They sure are.” Harry replied, reaching for his wife’s hand. He squeezed it lightly as he settled down in the chair next to hers. “Want to join them?”

“Goodness no, Harry!” Hermione replied. “I’m certainly in no state to jump around in the ocean like a teenager.”

“Hermione, you’re pregnant not a hundred years old.” Ron teased from the chair on the other side of her. “You can still swim until you get to be overweight.”

“Honestly Ron!” Hermione and Lavender both gave him dirty looks.

“Never make fun of a pregnant woman!” Lavender frowned at her husband. “Have you forgotten what happened while I was pregnant with Blue?”

“No.” Ron said quickly. “Sorry Harry, you’re on your own now.” They all laughed.

Blue picked Will up under one arm and Colin in the other. “I told you both I was going to dunk you.” Caitlyn laughed as he waded out into deeper water and dropped the two young boys in.

“Ha!” Caitlyn grabbed her brother around the waist. “Payback!”

“Hey!” Colin sputtered, trying to push her away. “You’re bigger than me! No fair!”

Blue grinned wickedly. “But I’m bigger than her!” He pulled her up and against his body, enjoying the way her curves fit against him.

“BLUE!” she screamed as her brother and Will grinned. Caitlyn kicked out at them, but it was in vain as the two boys grabbed on and began tickling her. Blue laughed and moved back into deeper water, not letting up on his tight hold. Her body was cool from the water, and he liked the way she was moving against him.

“Bloody…. Hell…” Caitlyn managed to gasp out. Thrashing around, she caused Blue to lose his balance and they both fell back. Laughing as they both rose out of the water; Caitlyn shook her hair out of her face. “Come on let’s go back up to the beach.”

“All right.” They waded back; Colin and Will decided to stay and play near the shore. Caitlyn arranged her towel on the chair and then laid back, fishing around in her bag for her sunglasses.

“I need to get some of those.” Blue’s voice came from her right. “It’s so bloody bright out here.”

“Oooh… shopping.” She grinned at him and he rolled his eyes.

“Not that kind of shopping!” Blue was quick to say. “I’m not moving off this chair for awhile.”

“Fine, fine.” Caitlyn relented, leaning back down. She adjusted herself on the lounge, oblivious to her best friend’s gaze. She thought briefly about her boyfriend back in cold, rainy England for a little while before she drifted off into a light slumber.

*** *** ***

“No!” Caitlyn pushed the shark tooth necklace away. “I told you, I’m not buying him something cheap!” she frowned at her best friend.

Blue sighed as she turned and marched out the door. He was regretting his offer to go to the downtown area and shop with her. For one thing, she’d had to put on a shirt over that tiny black bikini, and for another, he absolutely hated shopping, especially since she was intent on finding the ‘perfect’ gift for that bloody Hufflepuff idiot she was dating.

“Come on, slowpoke!” she pulled on his arm and they entered a jewellery store. Caitlyn immediately began browsing through the displays.

“Why are we in here?” Blue whined. The last place he wanted to be was in there looking for jewellery for another guy.

“Come here.” Caitlyn ignored his moaning. She pointed to a display of thick silver rings. “Do you think he’d like any of those?”

“Probably.” Blue leaned on the glass and then straightened back up as a clerk came over.

“Can I help you?” the woman asked, straightening her name pin.

“Umm….” Caitlyn bit her lower lip. She wasn’t sure if getting Ryan a ring was too pushy of her, but she wanted to get him something nice. “Can we see those rings?”

Blue sighed as he crossed his arms over his torso, he was bored. The rings were actually quite nice, not girlish at all.

“Blue you and Ryan are the same size can you try these on?” she asked.

“Sure.” He agreed, a bit unwillingly. A bit of a tingle went through him when she took his hand and slid the ring over his finger. It was a neat ring, with a pattern interwoven completely around the circle.

“Do you like it?” she asked, after looking at it from different angles. “Do you think Ryan will like it?”

“Probably, and yes, I like it.” Blue replied.

“Should I get it for him?” Caitlyn asked.

“If you think he’ll like it and you have enough money, then yes.” Blue said, not wanting to think about her getting jewellery for someone else.

“All right.” Caitlyn said as she took the ring off. The clerk rang it up for her and put it in a box, and the two of them left the store.

They walked back along the sidewalk in silence, until they left the town behind. Caitlyn figured out how much money she had left, then looked at her best friend.

“You think I’m stupid for spending that much, don’t you.”

“I didn’t say that.” Blue denied. “I think it’s a nice ring.”

They looked at each other for a long moment as they walked on. “All right.” She finally said. “Thanks for coming with me though. I know you hate shopping.”

Blue grinned. “You can make it up to me later.”

“Oh no.” They arrived back at the hotel still joking around and talking. Heading for their rooms, they found their families unpacking and getting themselves ready for dinner.

“Did you find a gift Caitlyn?” Hermione asked as Caitlyn let herself in the hotel room.

“Yes.” She replied, dropping her bags down next to the wall. “Do you think he’ll like this?” she showed her mother the ring.

“That’s very nice.” Hermione said. “Your father is in the bathroom helping your brother get ready for dinner, we have reservations at seven.”

“I should hurry then.” Caitlyn began rummaging through her suitcase. “Where is my dress??”

“I hung it up for you.” Hermione replied, touching on a bit of makeup in front of the mirror. “It’s in the closet.”

“Oh thanks Mum.” Caitlyn pulled a pair of strappy sandals out and then grabbed the dress from the closet. “Hellooooo… I need to get ready!” she knocked on the bathroom door.

“Maybe we should have gotten a suite.” Harry said as he and his son came back into the room.

“Funny, Dad.” Caitlyn pushed past him and closed the bathroom door.

Harry grinned and then looked at his wife. “Did she find what she wanted?”

“Yes.” Hermione replied, running her hand through Colin’s hair.

“Good.” Harry sat down on the edge of the bed. “This means we don’t have to spend the rest of the vacation shopping.”

“Yeah.” Colin piped up. “I don’t like it when Caty goes shopping, she takes too long.”

Harry and Hermione were both still laughing when their daughter came out. “What’s so funny?” Caitlyn asked as she set her clothes back in her suitcase.

“Oh nothing.” Harry said, his eyes still twinkling. “Are you ready?”

“Almost.” Caitlyn rushed back into the bathroom.

“Aren’t you ready yet?” Ron was poking his head through the adjoining door.

“We’re waiting on Caty.” Colin said. “My dad says she takes too long to get dressed.”

“I never said that!” Harry looked down at his son. “You little…”

“Harry!” Hermione stood up. “Ron, is Lavender ready?”

“No.” Ron turned and looked back into the room. “She’s still in the bathroom.”

“Then why are you in here bugging us?” Harry asked as Will tore past Ron and into their room.

“Because I’m bored waiting for her to GET READY!” Ron turned and shouted these last words at his closed bathroom door. Blue appeared behind his father, pushing him out of the way. Ron stumbled towards the bed and then sprawled out on it, tucking his hands behind his head.

“Why don’t you make yourself comfortable Ron?” Harry asked sarcastically.

“I think I will.” Ron replied, grinning obnoxiously.

“Why don’t you boys go wait for us in the lobby?” Hermione finally spoke up. “I’ll wait for Lavender and Caitlyn while you have a drink.” She said reasonably.

“Sounds good to me.” Harry was relieved to get out of the room. He and Ron took the boys, Blue tagging along behind them.

Hermione shook her head as the door closed. She had no sooner sat on the bed when the bathroom door opened and her daughter came out.

“Did everyone leave?” she asked, looking around at the empty room.

“No, your father went to the lobby.” Hermione replied. “We’re just waiting on Lavender now.”

“Were they complaining again?” Lavender had come into their room.

“Of course.” Hermione said. “It’s like they want us women to look nice yet they get mad when we take a long time.” They all laughed and headed out to the lobby.

Blue sat down next to his cousin and Colin as his father and Harry went over to the bar. He wondered how much longer it would take his mother and best friend to get ready, as he was getting very hungry. There was a bowl with what looked like a snack mix of some sort in the middle of the table, and he eagerly reached for it and began shoving handfuls in his mouth.

“Don’t spoil your dinner Blue.” Ron said from across the table as he sat down with Harry, both men with a beer in their hand. “Apparently the fish down here is excellent.”

“Yeah.” Blue said, stuffing another handful in his mouth. “I got your stomach, remember? It never fills.” Harry snorted back his laughter while Ron didn’t bother to hide his amusement. He was reaching for another handful when he saw his mother, Hermione, and Caitlyn emerge from the hallway.

“Damn…” he muttered quietly to himself. His best friend had managed to put herself into a slim cut jade green dress that left nearly nothing to the imagination. He sneaked a peek at Harry to see what his reaction to his daughter’s clothing would be. Blue saw his eyes travel briefly over her, then light up as he saw his wife.

“Are you ready?” Harry asked, draining the rest of his beer. Blue dropped the fistful of mix back into the bowl and stood up, barely able to take his eyes off Caitlyn.

“You look nice.” He said quietly in her ear. Her scent of wildflowers drifted up to his nose and he took in a long, silent breath.

“Thank you.” She turned to him. “You look great too.” He was wearing a blue striped shirt with dark blue dress trousers. “We never get to get dressed up like this, it’s fun.”

“Yeah, it’s cool.” Blue ran his hand through his hair. He regained his usual easy smile and offered her his arm, bowing slightly. “May I have the honour of escorting this lovely lady to dinner?”

Caitlyn rolled her eyes but was unable to suppress her smile. “Of course.” She demurred, playing along. They followed their parents out of the hotel, with Colin and Will sniggering behind them.

“Will, hold my hand.” Colin said in a high voice, obviously imitating his sister. “I can’t walk by myself!”

Caitlyn turned around and glared at her brother. “Bugger off.” Colin made a face at her and she shook her head. “He’s such a brat.”

“Wish I had two just like him.” Blue muttered and they both laughed.

7. Caribbean Vacation Part II

Heaven Normal Heaven 1 1 2003-09-04T03:12:00Z 2003-09-04T03:13:00Z 1 3945 22493 187 52 26386 10.2625 Clean MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

*** Almost One Week Later***

“I’m so glad we got our parents to let us stay out.” Caitlyn said as they waved goodbye to their families. “I mean, we haven’t gotten to meet anyone our age yet, and we’re bloody leaving tomorrow!”

“Wish we didn’t have to go so soon.” Blue replied as they turned and headed back towards the bar area where lots of teenagers were milling about. Almost subconsciously, he put his arm around her and let his hand graze her bare, tanned shoulders. Blue wasn’t sure if it was just him, but he thought that he and Caitlyn were more touchy feely than they usually were back at home or school. They’d been (sometimes purposefully, at least on his part) brushing up against one another often over the past week, yet she had given no indication why on her part if her feelings for him were anything other than platonic.

Tonight she was wearing a strapless black dress that had made her father glare when she came into the lobby, with her long dark hair loose. He had on a plain white shirt with some dark dress trousers, his hair falling casually over his forehead. Personally, Blue thought they looked like a couple with the way they dressed alike, but he didn’t tell her that.

“Come on you,” Caitlyn tugged at his hand, pulling him to the bar that was located on the seashore. “The band is going to start up in a minute.”

“I’m not dancing.” Blue said flatly as they found a few seats.

“Oh why not?” she whined. “You never dance!”

“Because I can’t.” Blue replied. “And besides that, I hate it.”

“Well, dance at least once, please?” Caitlyn widened her eyes, and pushed her lower lip out in a fake pout.

Blue rolled his eyes, she knew full well that he was unable to deny her much, it was even worse when she pulled the fake pout routine. “Maybe,” he conceded, knowing that she would probably get him out there at least once that evening.

“Good,” Caitlyn said, grinning smugly. “Are you thirsty?”

“A little,” he answered. “Why, are you buying?”

“I suppose,” Caitlyn replied, sticking her tongue out at him. “What do you want?”

“Surprise me,” Blue said. “I wish we didn’t just have to stick to Coke though.”

“Me either,” Caitlyn wrinkled her nose as she got up and went to the bar. Blue watched her go, not taking his eyes off how her hips swayed as she walked.

She asked the bartender for two Cokes and waited patiently. More people were starting to arrive at the bar, and the music the band was playing was fantastic. Unconsciously moving in time to the tune, she was unaware of the person coming up beside her. As the bartender finally brought her drinks over, Caitlyn turned and nearly fell over at the sight next to her.

A Greek God, he had to be, clothed in black silky trousers and a white satiny button shirt. His dark hair fell into his almost black eyes, and when he smiled at her (oh the SMILE) he had perfect straight white teeth.

“Hello,” he said, and his voice was as smooth as the rest of his body. “I saw you standing here alone and I just had to come over and introduce myself.”

“Really?” her voice came out squeaky and she cleared her throat. “Really?” Caitlyn asked again, her voice more normal this time.

“Well it’s not often I see such a beautiful woman.” He took one of the glasses from her hand and set it on the bar, then raised her fingers and kissed them. “I’m Dimitri.”

“Hi….” She managed. “I’m… I’m… Caitlyn,” she managed to stutter her name.

“It’s a pleasure,” Dimitri replied, giving her a smile again that almost made her fall over. He smoothly lifted her hand running his thumb over her fingers, "Dance with me."

"Sure..." she almost stuttered as he led her out to the floor. He pulled her body up right against his and when he smiled at her again she felt her knees turn to jelly.

Blue was sitting back, glaring angrily across the dance floor at Caitlyn and the guy she was dancing with. If he looked on the bright side, it meant that she wasn't as serious about Ryan as he had previously thought, but at the same time... he wasn't the one dancing with her. Blue got up; ready to go across the floor and tell Caitlyn he was ready to dance with her now. He hated dancing but if it got her away from that creep... A light touch landed on his shoulder and he spun around to face a pretty brown haired girl about a head shorter than him.

She smiled looking up at him "Hello, I was wondering if you'd like to dance... with me?"

Blue felt his face turn red. "Oh... um... you know, I'm really not that good of a dancer." He smiled sheepishly. "I tend to step on feet a lot."

"Oh," She was disappointed, “Can I buy you a drink instead?”

Blue was hesitant, but he didn't want to seem like a jerk. "Sure," he agreed as she grinned and led him to a spot at the bar. Luckily, he could still see Caitlyn dancing with the guy.

"What would you like?" She leaned over on the table, her eyes travelling over his chest, the length of his arms and back up to his eyes. She smiled.

"Just a Coke, I guess." Blue sat down and ran his hand through his red hair.

"What's your name, I'm Holly by the way,” She held out her hand for him to shake.

"Blue," he replied, taking her hand. "It's nice to meet you."

Holly's eyes went wide with wonder for a moment having never heard such a name before. She leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs, one over the other. "Hmm, well that’s an interesting name. Funny, you don't look blue." She grinned.

Blue smiled back and laughed. "Well, it's a nickname, but it's been that way for so long now that it's the only thing I respond to." He pointed to his eyes. "My mum gave me the nickname when I was a baby because of my eye colour... they named me after my father, so this gets rid of confusion."

"I like it, it’s very unique. So tell me more about yourself Blue." She flashed a smile of perfect white teeth.

"Well, I go to boarding school back home in the UK. It's up in Scotland, pretty far north." Blue explained. He was careful about what he said, knowing that this girl was a Muggle. "I play... rugby there." he remembered a Muggle sport that Caitlyn had once told him about.

"Ooh I bet you're the best player on the team, with a build like that you've got to be." Holly said sweetly.

Blue flushed red again. "I guess." he sipped one of the Cokes that the bartender sat in front of them and looked up again, unconsciously clenching his jaw as he saw Caitlyn laughing at something the guy was saying.

Holly noticed she didn't have his attention, and she followed his gaze to the dancing couple out on the floor. "Blue, is everything all right? You're staring at that girl out there like you’re mad at her.”

Blue jumped, feeling slightly guilty. "Yeah... she's my best friend Caitlyn."

Holly looked at his 'best friend' again, she was pretty. "She seems nice."

"Yeah, she's the greatest." Blue suddenly came alive. "I've known her since we were eleven; our families came here together."

She smiled a little, "Sounds like she's pretty special to you. If you don't mind my being so bold as to say...it sounds like you fancy your best friend."

"What?" He grew flustered. "No, no… it's nothing like that, we're just best friends, only friends is all."

Holly laughed a little, "Blue I've only known you what five minutes and this whole entire time you've been watching her with this pained expression on your face. I know the look of love when I see it."

He was silent for a moment. "I guess you've found me out." He turned to her with a sheepish look on his face. "I hope you don't think I was leading you on or anything..."

"Well I won’t say that I'm not a tad disappointed, but its okay. Love is love and you've found it." Holly said gently.

"It's just a shame she doesn't know it as well." Blue leaned on his hand gloomily. "She looks at every guy but me."

"This Caitlyn must be blind not to see you more than just a friend, but she's also very lucky." Holly sighed. "There aren't many guys like you out there."

Blue smiled a little at her comment. "I'm really not that great." he mumbled.

"Why not tell her how you feel; maybe she doesn’t know what she has because you never made yourself known in that way. Friends have this invisible line, sometimes it takes the other to show them the way to cross it." Holly leaned back, "Of course it’s just a suggestion."

Blue stared at his now empty glass and shrugged. "Maybe." he sat back. "So what about you?" he deliberately tried to change the topic.

Dimitri was in full conversation, hoping to impress Caitlyn. "My family’s summer home is in Tuscany, a beautiful place. You should see it sometime."

"Tuscany, wow," Caitlyn was impressed. "What brings you all the way over here to Grand Cayman if you have a vacation home there?"

"Well, I had a dream one night. That the woman for me was there in the Grand Cayman, so naturally I followed my heart." He paused, "I'm one that can afford to follow his heart. Anyway, my dream was correct, here I have met you. Dear sweet, sweet Caitlyn."

She was unable to speak when he suddenly bent his head and his lips were on hers. Caitlyn let herself enjoy the kiss as his lips opened her mouth and she felt his tongue inside. She was dizzy when they finally parted; no one had ever kissed her like that.

"I'm... tired... can we get a drink?" Caitlyn was now missing the Coke she had left at the bar earlier. Dimitri nodded and led her off the floor.

Dimitri held open his wallet, "Please allow me to buy you a drink."

"Sure," Caitlyn accepted as she sat down next to him. "Just a Coke will be fine." Dimitri leaned over the bar to talk to the bartender and ordered a rum and coke, double shot.

Caitlyn eagerly took the drink that was offered to her and took long quick gulps. "This doesn't taste like Coke." she said.

"I asked the bartender to squeeze a little lemon in it, give it a bit of a twist." He smiled.

"Oh," Caitlyn sipped it again, still thinking that there was something odd about the drink but not caring, she was so thirsty. She looked up and saw Blue on the other side of the bar, talking to a girl. Caitlyn gave him a tiny wave and he jerked his head slightly in response.

Dimitri ordered himself a fruity, blended drink and drank his slowly watching Caitlyn down hers in less than five minutes. "Would you like another?"

"Sure," she responded, suddenly feeling light headed. "That would be great, thanks."

He smiled turning back to the bar signalling to the bartender. After a few seconds her drink was replenished. "Are you enjoying yourself tonight Caitlyn?"

"Oh yes," Caitlyn said eagerly, as the light headed feeling passed and giddiness replaced it. "I've really enjoyed meeting you."

"Have you now?" Dimitri hid his smirk by taking a sip from his drink.

"There's a serious shortage of good looking guys on this island." Caitlyn leaned forward, feeling extremely flirtatious. She placed her hand on his arm.

"I see," He felt around his pockets for something, "Oh no, Caitlyn would you come up to my room with me, I left something very important up there. It will only take a second."

“Sure,” she said, tossing back the rest of her drink. Wobbling dangerously as she got down from the school, she allowed Dimitri to hold her around the waist as he began to lead her away from the bar.

Blue saw his best friend leaving the floor and heading back towards the hotel behind them. Excusing himself, he quickly rushed over to her. "Where do you think you're going?"

Dimitri glanced at Blue wondering who this idiot was. "What’s it to you kid?"

"She's my best friend." Blue crossed his arms over his chest and glared at the other guy.

"Hi Blue," Caitlyn began to giggle. "I'm just going upstairs with Dimitri really quick to get something from his room." She looked up. "Right?"

Dimitri glared back at Blue, "That’s right, be on your way red. The lady is just fine."

"I don't think so." Blue forcefully pulled Dimitri's arm away from Caitlyn's waist. "Be on your way now."

"This doesn't concern you; your friend is old enough to make her own decisions.” Dimitri was getting frustrated. He hadn’t just spent 100 dollars on drinks to lose his conquest now.

Blue felt his temper flare, and that was a scary thing. He had inherited his easygoing nature from his uncles Fred and George, but his anger rivaled that of his father's when he was angry. "You got her drunk, you asshole," Blue's voice was tight. He could see it in her eyes and by the way she stood. "And now you're taking her upstairs? I don't think so."

Dimitri smirked, "You're a right annoying little bugger aren't you." He grabbed Caitlyn's arm and pulled her closer to him away from Blue. "The lady is coming with me; get out of the way if you know what’s good for you."

Blue nearly growled as he leapt forward and pushed the other guy away. "Don't make me hurt you," his blue eyes snapped fire.

Dimitri laughed, "You hurt me, in your dreams boy. I'll have you know I've been trained in all forms of martial arts and fighting techniques. You'll be begging for your mommy if you even so much as try to hurt me.”

Dimitri was turning away, confident that he had won when suddenly Blue's fist was connected with his face. He fell to the sand, pulling Caitlyn along with him.

He glared up at Blue. "How dare you strike me, prepare to defend yourself!” He threw Caitlyn away from him and jumped up, taking a ninja style fighting stance.

Blue rolled his eyes. Caitlyn was still lying on the sand and she was still giggling, completely unaware of what was going on above her. "People like you rarely live up to the stories you boast on about."

Dimitri jumped up in the air and Blue had to restrain himself from laughing out loud. He was leaving himself wide open and Blue took his cue and punched him again, this time leaving the other guy out cold.

He stood there looking for a few moments before helping Caitlyn up. “Come on, let’s go back to the hotel.”

“Okay,” Caitlyn giggled again. “He wasn’t nice was he?”

“No, he wasn’t.” Blue grumbled. “And now you’re pissed.”

“Pissed, I’m pissed,” Caitlyn sang as she nearly fell in the sand again. “What about you, Blue, are you pissed like me?”

“No.” Blue replied shortly as they left the bar behind. They walked in silence for a few minutes; he had to hold her up repeatedly.

“I’m sorry,” Caitlyn suddenly stopped and threw her arms around his neck. “You’re my bestest friend in the whole world, you know that?”

“Yes, and you’re my best friend.” Blue decided to humour her, and as annoyed as he was at the moment, it was nice to have her so close against him.

“My head is spinning so bad right now.” Caitlyn let her head rest on his shoulder. “I’m so dizzy…”

“Well then how about we sit down for a minute.” Blue regretfully pushed her away and sat down in the sand.

“Okay,” Caitlyn plunked herself down next to him. Her dress rode up about four inches and he gulped at the sight of her legs. “What was in that drink?” she muttered to herself.

“He got you drunk, Caty.” Blue replied.

“Drunk…” she repeated, flopping back. “I feel so funny. I’ve never been drunk before.”

“I know.” He said. Caitlyn let out a sigh and leaned up against him with her head on his shoulder.

“I already told you that you’re my bestest friend ever right?” she looked up at him.

“Yes,” Blue said. “And I told you that you’re my best friend as well.”

“Then why are you so angry at me?” Caitlyn pouted as she moved even closer to him.

“I’m not angry at you,” Blue replied, which was only partially true. He was more pissed at the loser who had put them in this position in the first place.

“Yes you are, I can tell.” Caitlyn sat straight up and wagged a finger at him. “You can’t pull one over on me!” She got up unsteadily and tried to walk away over the sand.

“Caty!” He got up and ran towards her as she fell over once more. She had started laughing again and he had a hard stifling his own snickers as he helped her up.

“Blue….” She threw her arms around his neck. “Kiss me!”

“What?” Blue nearly dropped her.

“Kiss me,” Caitlyn pouted. “It’s been so long since I’ve snogged someone.”

“You were snogging that guy before,” Blue pointed out.

“I was?” Caitlyn asked. “He was okay. I’ll bet you’re better at it.”

“Err…” Blue didn’t know what to do. One part of him was jumping at the chance to finally kiss her, and the other was restraining… he knew she was drunk and didn’t want to take advantage of her state. “Come on, Caitlyn, you don’t really want to kiss me.” He pulled away and began walking again.

“Yes I do,” Caitlyn laughed again and wound her arms about his neck once more. She didn’t know why she was struck with the sudden urge to kiss her best friend but it was something she was now dying to do.

Blue nearly fell backwards as she raised herself on her toes and tried to press her lips against his. “Come on, knock it off.” He said as he held her away and tried to being walking again.

“Please, Blue?” Caitlyn pursed her lips as she somehow managed to get in front of him. “Just for a little while,” she said, giggling again.

Blue looked down at her for a few moments. His body was positively screaming out for the touch of her lips at this point. What harm would it do, he wondered, just to live out his dream for a while. He found his face bending down closer to hers, and then his lips brushed hers lightly for a long moment.

Caitlyn pushed harder against his mouth and for a split second all she saw were stars. Then that feeling passed and another washed over her. “Oh no….” she pulled away and covered her mouth with both hands, then turned and retched where they had been sitting.

Blue groaned and covered his face with his hands, running them back through his hair. She was on her knees now, and he gulped and then moved forward to hold her long hair back while closing his eyes.

Caitlyn sat back, wiping her mouth with a trembling hand. “Uhhhh…” she muttered.

“Better?” Blue asked, wincing as he kicked sand over her mess.

“I think so,” Caitlyn replied, still feeling shaky. “Can we just get back to the hotel?”

“Sure.” Blue replied, helping her up. He was angry at himself for giving in to his whim, and it certainly didn’t increase his confidence that she had thrown up after kissing him. They were silent the rest of the way back.

“Where are we?” she muttered, her head lolling back on his shoulder. She had fallen over again when they reached the hotel property and he had lifted her into his arms like she weighed nothing.

“We’re back at your room.” Blue replied. “I’m going to put you on your bed and then…” he trailed off as the door in front of them slid open and Hermione appeared. “Hi…”

“What happened?” Hermione asked briskly.

“She um…” Blue was ashamed of himself for not keeping a better eye on Caitlyn. “We were off talking to different people and this jerk got her pissed.”

Hermione closed her eyes for a long moment. “Will you bring her in here please?” she asked calmly. Blue silently carried his best friend into the room and followed her mother to the bathroom. “I’ll take care of her from here.”

“All right,” Blue replied, setting Caitlyn on her feet. “I’m really sorry.”

“It’s okay, Blue. Thank you for bringing her back safely.” Hermione replied. Blue nodded and left.

Hermione faced her daughter, who was leaning up against the wall with her hand over her eyes. “Come on, Caitlyn, you should get some sleep.”

“I don’t feel so good.” Caitlyn murmured. Hermione stepped forward but Caitlyn turned and rushed to the toilet. She waited until her daughter had emptied her stomach again, and then pressed a cool damp washcloth to her face.

“You’re not going to be feeling so good for quite awhile.” Hermione replied. “Come on, sit down for a moment.” She put the seat down and her daughter slumped upon it. “I’m going to get your pyjamas.”

“Okay,” Caitlyn muttered, rubbing her eyes. She slumped back against the bathtub, holding her throbbing head.

“How are you feeling?” Hermione asked with a slight touch of irritation in her voice. Caitlyn took the pyjamas her mother was holding out to her and struggled to stand up.

“Horrible,” she croaked, pulling the top on over her dress. She stumbled back and Hermione had to catch her and help with the rest of the clothing.

“Why were you drinking Caitlyn?” Hermione asked. “You know better than to have so much alcohol.”

“I didn’t mean to,” Caitlyn muttered. She could feel her mother’s disappointment and she hated it when her mother was angry with her. “There was this guy and he bought me some drinks… I thought it was just Coke.”

“You know what a Coke tastes like.” Hermione said. “You should have been able to tell if there was something else in it.”

“He told me it was just lemon.” Caitlyn replied, putting her hand to her aching forehead

Hermione opened her mouth to say something but shut it before the words came out. Instead she reached out and smoothed her daughter’s hair away from her face. “Come here,” she hugged her daughter. “I won’t lie and say I’m not disappointed, but everyone makes mistakes.”

Caitlyn nodded against her mother’s shoulder, relieved that she wasn’t angry. “I’m really sorry,” she sniffled back her tears.

“I know you are,” Hermione replied. She had half a mind to leave her daughter to experience a hangover, but on the same thought, they were flying back home tomorrow and travelling with a headache like that wouldn’t make things very easy.

“I know I don’t deserve anything… but do you know a spell to make it go away?” Caitlyn asked, still looking down shamefully.

“I do,” Hermione replied. “But I want you to promise me something.”

“Anything,” Caitlyn answered.

“Don’t ever drink like this again, at least not until you’re of age and can handle it better.” Hermione’s tone was firm but gentle.

Caitlyn nodded vigorously, and immediately regretted it. “Ohhh…” she moaned pitifully as she sank down on the closed toilet seat. “Mum please, I’ll do anything you ask… just please…”

Hermione sighed as she stole from the room quietly, although she could have made all the noise she wanted to. Her husband and son could sleep through a hurricane. Snatching the long piece of wood from her bottom dresser drawer, she went back into the bathroom.

Caitlyn was still hunched over in pain and was about to be sick again when she heard her mother mutter a few words, and then nausea subsided and her headache was gone. “Oh Merlin’s Beard Mum… has anyone told you you’re a bloody genius?”

“Yes,” Hermione replied, her arms crossed. “Don’t you forget what you promised me.”

“I won’t.” Caitlyn whispered, looking properly remorseful. “I’ll never drink again.”

“I highly doubt that,” Hermione said, her eyes twinkling with a hint of amusement. “Just don’t drink so much that you can’t handle yourself.” They left the bathroom and crawled into their respective beds.

“Mum?” Caitlyn asked.

“Yes?” Hermione answered.

“Thanks…. I love you,” Caitlyn said.

“I love you too, sweetie,” Hermione smiled into the darkness as they drifted off to sleep.

*** The Next Morning***

“So did you and Blue have fun last night, Caitlyn?” Harry asked as he closed Colin’s suitcase and put it by the door.

“Um…yeah we did,” Caitlyn replied.

“What did you do?” Harry asked interestedly.

“Well, we met some people our age, and we danced,” Caitlyn said. “It was fun.”

“Good.” Harry said as Hermione came out of the bathroom. “Are you ready to go?” he asked his wife.

“I am.” Hermione replied.

“I’m not.” Caitlyn said.

“Well, we’ll go to the lobby and check out,” Harry said. “You come and meet us when you’re finished.”

“All right.” Caitlyn went back to stuffing things randomly into her suitcase. Harry shook his head but fought back a smirk as he, Hermione and Colin left the room.

Ron, Lavender and Blue were already out there, sitting on some sofas. Ron’s eyes brightened when he saw his friend.

“I’m glad you’re here,” he said. “I need your help checking out.”

Harry laughed as he and Ron went up to the front desk, and Hermione went over and put her hand on Blue’s shoulder.

“Blue, can you go help Caitlyn with her suitcase?” she asked. “She’s still packing up the last of her things.”

“Sure,” Blue agreed. Hermione smiled at him and he knew that he was being forgiven for anything she had been angry about the night before. He went back down the corridor to the room and knocked.

“I’m almost ready Dad I swear!” Caitlyn called back.

“It’s me,” Blue replied.

“Oh sorry,” Caitlyn went over to the door and let him in. “I thought you were my father telling me to hurry up again.”

“I can go get him for you,” Blue said, smiling slightly.

“That’s all right you’ll do fine.” Caitlyn replied. They began silently working to stuff everything back into her suitcase. “Listen Blue, about last night….” She bit her lower lip. “Thanks for bringing me back here. I hope I didn’t do anything too embarrassing.”

Blue ducked his head so she couldn’t see his burning face. Caitlyn obviously didn’t remember kissing him the night before. “No, you were fine… once you threw up on the beach.” He regained his usual teasing smile.

Caitlyn’s jaw dropped. “I what?”

“All over the place.” Blue said. “But before that…” he shook his head and she almost pounced on him.

“What?” she shrieked. “What are you hiding?”

“Well… do you remember that strip show you pulled up on the stage while you sang a Celestina Warbeck song?” Blue bit the inside of his cheek to force the grin from his face.

“Shut it, you liar.” Caitlyn replied. “I did nothing of the sort.”

“Yes you did…” Blue said with mock seriousness. She stared up at him in horror and he was unable to keep from laughing.

“You rotting bugger!” she screamed. Caitlyn pushed him away but was unable to keep from laughing herself. “Honestly!”

“Sorry, I had to.” He grinned. “I take it you’re feeling okay then?” Blue shut her suitcase and picked it up.

“Yes, thanks to my mother.” Caitlyn replied, shutting the door behind them. “She promised not to say anything to my father though… he’d be so angry at me.”

“Yeah,” Blue replied, unsure of what else to say. As they joined the others in the lobby and left the hotel, he decided to keep the true events of the night before a secret.

Perhaps one day he’d tell her, but for now it was better to be kept quiet. Blue grinned to himself and touched his bottom lip, remembering how hers and pushed so insistently against it.

It wasn’t something he’d be forgetting anytime soon.