Ok last chapter, who else could I dedicate this to than the person who started it all? Kris, happy birthday darling. Hope you like it.

And so we face the final curtain...

Chapter fifty seven.

"You're sure you want to do this?"

Ayla was pacing past the front door of her parents' house. Back and forth, making runways in the snow, ruining what had been a picture perfect postcard scene.

"Positive. I just need to get my courage up." she replied.

"Ok you take your time then."

She crossed the front door three more times and looked up at her companion.

"You ready?" they asked.

"As I'll ever be." she said stamping her feet to get rid of the snow. "Let me go in first."

"Whatever you want."

"Hold the baby?" she asked.

"Well I thought I'd leave it on the doorstep. Of course I'll hold the baby! It's what I'm doing right now. Merlin woman, you're making me nervous!"

"I'm sorry. Look come on, you wait in the hall ok."

"Ok."

She silently opened the door, waiting for the hinges to creak and give her away. But they didn't, someone must have finally gotten around to oiling them. She stood in the hall and listened. There were voices coming from the drawing room. Ayla headed towards them, reminded of the Christmas she had had a year ago. Though now it seemed so far away, more like twelve years than twelve months. She stopped outside the door and signalled to her companion to stay put.

Knocking softly on the door, she pushed it slightly ajar and poked her head through the gap. And there was her family. Her mother and father sat together on the small sofa, surrounded by her brothers', sisters' and their partners' and children. Her uncle Mike was there too, with his wife. And sitting by the fire were Kate and Oliver. She inhaled deeply, no one had noticed her yet. It was make or break time.

"Merry Christmas everyone." she said stepping into the room.

Her mother screamed as she jumped to her feet and clapped her hands, before she pulled her into a bone cracking hug.

"Oh my darling! Merry Christmas! It's so good to have you home at last. I missed you so much."

"I'm sorry. I should have come sooner. But I come bearing presents. And there's two people outside I'd like you all to meet." she headed back towards the door and held her hand out to her companion. "Everyone, this is Marcus, and Jacob. My son."

Ayla expected the room to fall deadly silent. Instead everyone rose to their feet to greet the two enthusiastically. Her mother seized the baby, and cradled the small boy in her arms before kissing Marcus on the cheek.

"Welcome to our home, and to our family." her father cried, slapping Marcus on the back. "Come in, sit down. Can I get you a drink?"

Ayla smiled as her sisters' cooed over her son, and her brothers' shook Marcus's hand. Her fears were banished. Her friends had been right all along, her family wasn't mad. They were just happy to have her home at last.

"Don't worry Dad, I'll get them. Does anyone else want one?" she asked.

"Yes please, and I'll help you carry them in." Oliver said, getting up from the fireplace. His tone was no longer harsh and accusing, though it lacked the warmth it had once held. Something about him seemed defeated. He followed her to the kitchen and watched as she poured three pumpkins juices.

"You knew all along, didn't you?" he said.

"Pardon?"

"The twins said, they told me. It's you I have to thank."

"The potion?" Ayla asked.

"They gave me the antidote a couple of weeks ago."

"And, are you happy?" she asked. But she was sure of the answer already.

"Not really. I'm married to a woman I don't love. Who doesn't really love me. Well not anymore. I suppose the novelty's worn off." he said with a half laugh that lacked any humour.

"It's probably just the pregnancy. With all these hormones you don't know if you're coming or going." Ayla said kindly.

"She lied. She's not pregnant. She can't get pregnant."

"Oh." Ayla didn't really know what to say. How could her cousin have lied about so much?

"Yeah. So I'm stuck."

"There's always divorce. I know it sounds terrible. But if you're not happy…"

"Divorce?" he said laughing. "And have everyone know what a fool I've been? Slowly poisoned with love potion, stupidly marrying a woman I can't stand. Rita Skeeter would have a field day."

"Who cares what Rita writes?"

"I've got a reputation, Ayla. You think my team would still respect me if they found out?"

"They might."

"Don't be so naïve!" he snapped.

"So you're just going to stay married? It's hardly fair, to either of you."

"It's just a show. Like you and Flint."

"We aren't a show." she said, silently adding 'anymore'.

"What about you and me? We never really broke up."

"We were never a couple. Besides you married another woman. I think that effectively kills any relationship we may or may not have had."

"It doesn't have to." he said, trying to catch her eye.

Ayla moved to leave, but he grabbed her wrist.

"Let go Oliver."

"Am I the father?"

"The father of my child is the man who's been there for me this year. Who's looked after me. Who loves me and the baby, and will do anything in his power to protect him. That's not you Oliver, and it never will be. Now let me go, my family are waiting for me."

She pulled free and walked back to the drawing room with the drinks. She handed one to Marcus and kissed his cheek.

"You ok?" he asked. "You look a little flustered."

"I'm fine love. Don't you worry about me. Where's our son?"

"Your mother took him to change his nappy. Ayla, your family…" Marcus started.

"You'll get used to them."

"No I don't meant that. They're great. Beautiful, I don't know what you were so worried about."

"You just wait. They're on their best behaviour now, but you just wait."

"You're exaggerating again." he teased.

"Am not. Don't argue with me either. It's Christmas day and I just got my family back."

"You never lost us to begin with dummy." Tansy said, pulling her into a hug.

Marcus sensed it was time for Ayla to talk to her family. He moved away, hovering nervously before her father pulled him into a conversation about Quidditch. Merlin bless the man, Marcus thought.

Over her sister's shoulder Ayla could see Kate. She wasn't pregnant Ayla could now see Oliver must have been telling the truth. Her cousin sat stony faced by the fire. She hadn't gotten up to welcome Ayla and her family. Nor did she look likely to now. Oliver soon joined her, and the two sat together but apart. There was no fawning over him now, no adoring gazes into his eyes. The novelty of a world famous Quidditch player as a husband had definitely worn off. Kate must now have realised that she could never come close to Quidditch in Oliver's heart. She looked far from miserable about it, in fact she was angrier than anyone Ayla had previously seen.

"Well I never thought I'd see the day." Drake broke in through Ayla's thoughts. "My baby sister, all grown up, with a baby of her own and a boyfriend."

"Yeah well, it had to happened some time didn't it?" Zara agreed. "And I must say, I highly approve of Flint."

"We just hope," Parker whispered. "That little Jacob doesn't inherit his father's teeth."

The five siblings split into near identical grins. It was like they were all kids again, and friends beside.

"Speaking of teeth, I think I'll go find mother. No doubt she's spoiling my son and rotting his teeth before they've had chance to grow in."

Ayla left the room, closely followed by Marcus who had left her father and uncle discussing the weather.

"You don't have to follow me you know. You can stay and get to know the family." she said as she stopped at the bottom of the stairs.

"I know." he said, pulling her into his arms. "I just get the feeling that this is the last time I'll have you to myself for a long, long time. And I'm so used to having you all to myself."

"Hmm you could be right you know." she replied kissing him.

They walked up the stairs, hand in hand, relishing the quiet. When they found Ayla's mother she was in Ayla's old bedroom.

"And this is where your mummy used to sleep when she was a little girl. Except when she had nightmares of course, then she'd be in with me and your grandpa. And this can be your room now, for when you come to stay. Although we may have to change the colour. Unless you like pink?"

"Hey mum."

"Hello darling, I'm just showing my grandson around."

"We can see."

"It's good to have you here. All of you."

"It's good to finally be here Mrs Jenson." Marcus said politely.

Ayla gave him a dig in the ribs for the 'finally' remark, though her face was split by a huge grin.

"Call me Bev darling boy. You've earned the right by making my daughter so happy. I just have to ask one thing, a favour. Promise me you'll answer before I ask though."

"Oh mum!"

"Anything Bev. I promise I'll answer."

"Marcus!"

"Promise me you two will make more of an effort to sort out a wedding. Your sister and Goldie haven't even set a date yet!"

"We promise." Marcus said dutifully.

If Ayla's mouth could have hit the floor, it probably would have.

The day wore on and the little family declined the offer to stay the night and headed for home.

"So your family knows, and my mother is having us round for Boxing Day tea tomorrow. I'd say our work is nearly over." Marcus said as they snuggled up on the sofa in his, now their, house.

"Hah! Over? We've still got a baby to bring up Mister. And I can't see all that being a great big bowl of cherries."

"Are you kidding? Any son of mine will be a joy to raise. No question about it."

"That's only if he doesn't develop your temper. I couldn't imagine living with two of you."

"What do you say we have a daughter next?" he asked.

"A little princess for you to spoil you mean?"

"Yeah, and she'll be as beautiful as her mother."

"You charmer."

Ayla smiled up at Marcus. What she had said to Oliver had been true. The father of her child would always be Marcus. The biology of it didn't matter. No man could ever love his son more than Marcus Flint.


I can't write the end because truthfully it's not. Keep an eye out for "The Trouble with Oneshots" and "The Trouble with Sequels." they'll be coming soon. And believe me, they are trouble, who said writing sequels was easy eh?

Ok well I feel I have to thank all you guys for reading and reviewing and just showing an interest. You have no idea how much it brightens my day to get all your gorgeous reviews, so thanks for that.

Also, thanks to Kris for getting me into this. And to Karen and Sasha for being some of the first reviewers. And for all the encouragement.

Hell thanks to all of you! Thank you all for every single review and every single kind word.

To hell with it I'm making a list! Thank you: Serendiffity. Lisa N Lupin, SparrowFan4life, arunbanprincess17, rock-chick131, Lady Mischeif and Chaos, Professor Simms, Kari-Hermione, alexekia2222, AFIRocksMySocks, Lola Knight, signourney, Chelsss, Wuslline, Niko2110, HPfanatic592, Ara7, ralyks, Trizzy, inflatabletigers, NazgulGirl, sternenstauner (especially for the awesome surprise!), BattleStations, SashaBT245, TheJazz, and Krstna.

You've all made me smile and laugh. Love you all, see you soon! xx