So it's been a very long time since a new chapter (I'm not even sure if people still read this ) and for those of you who did not see my previous author's note, there is a good reason for it;

Last year my best friend passed away before season five premiered. She was the person who got me into Once Upon A Time and when she passed away, I was devastated and couldn't even bring myself to watch season 5 because it didn't feel right without her. Earlier this year, her husband, my fiancé and I sat down together and decided we should continue watching Once in her honour, so we did.

I thought immediately that I'd be able to pick this story up right straight away, but turns out I had forgotten everything, so then came the painful process of trying to re-read and remember everything in detail, make a lot of changes and then when it came to writing this chapter, I realized I'd thrown out all of this story's planning. (So please gently let me know if I had said something different in this chapter to what has already been written).

So at the moment, I sort of have an idea where I want to end this fiction and what I want to share before I do so. (There will probably be about four chapters less than I originally planned). Please bear with me in between updates. I can't guarantee they will be frequent, but I will try my best, especially when I'm getting married in just over a month's time.

Also, I noticed that in May when I deleted my author's note, it said this fic had been updated. It hadn't and the previous chapter has been up since around September last year. It wasn't a new chapter.

This chapter was hard to write and I'm still not happy with it, but it's already been a couple of months since I promised some of you a new chapter was on it's way, so hopefully next chapter is better.

Also, I apologize if anyone has tried to private message me. I've recently turned it off because someone kept nagging for a new chapter and was being quite rude.

Also, I understand that a LOT of things have changed in season 5 with Ruby being bisexual and Robin dying. Just a warning, I'm jumping into the Mulan/Ruby ship in this chapter. (I loved this pairing and was pretty bummed it didn't happen), but they will also be featured a lot in upcoming chapters.

(Also, I have made a lot of changes so if you want, it might be best to quickly re-read)

Anyway I hope you enjoy this chapter even though it's not that great (Once again, not even sure if people are still reading this).

Chapter Sixteen: Jones Manor

Two weeks.

That's all it had been since Emma left King's Cross station with a heavy heart and close to tears when she realized that Killian hadn't bothered to come looking for her, yet again; she hadn't done the same for him, so did she really reserve the right to be annoyed with him? In some ways Emma thought she did and in other ways, she believed that if she had tried to go after him, maybe they would have been happy again?

Emma pushes these thoughts out of her head as she makes her way down the staircase in the Blanchard manor house, not being bothered to just apparate downstairs. Surprisingly, Emma found that over the last couple of weeks since term ended, she hadn't really felt happy. She barely performed magic and had only ventured into the Muggle village of Castle Combe when she felt like an outing, whilst Mary Margaret stuck to Diagon Alley where she spent her time with David.

The moment Emma enters the kitchen that Sunday morning she knows that Mary Margaret isn't alone. Eva and Leopold had gone to Paris for the weekend for their anniversary, leaving Johanna to look after the two of them, but Emma recognizes the voice as David's. Sure enough, when she enters the homely kitchen, David and Mary Margaret are sharing a plate of food with loved up expressions on their faces.

"Emma, nice to see you." David smiles as Emma takes a seat opposite the pair. "You haven't been coming to Diagon Alley recently and I was beginning to think you were sick."

Emma chuckles and uses her magic to make herself a coffee. "Just been keeping to myself I guess. I've spent a lot of time in Castle Combe actually."

"I know. Mary Margaret has told me all about your Killian Jones avoiding scheme." David teases but Emma can still see the resentment in his blue eyes towards the Slytherin.

"I'm not avoiding him…" Emma replies with a small sigh. "I… I've just enjoyed Castle Combe."

"Killian's in Italy with his parents according to Regina. Why don't you come to Diagon Alley with David and me today?" Mary Margaret asks as she spreads raspberry jam over her toast. "I'm sure you miss the Wizarding World."

Emma looks down at her own plate of food and sighs. She can feel David's and Mary Margaret's eyes focusing on her. Slowly she glances back up and offers them both a small smile.

"Alright... Diagon Alley it is."

…

Emma hadn't realized how much she missed the Wizarding World until she steps out of the Floo Network system into the busy alley. Mary Margaret comes out after her, followed closely by David.

"So I take it you have missed this?" Mary Margaret asks as she notices Emma's smile getting wider.

Emma turns to the pair. "I think you know the answer already. Shall we go to Neverland Joke Shop?"

"Lead the way." David chuckles as he takes Mary Margaret's hand in his.

Emma has a slight skip to her step as the three of them make their way towards the joke shop. They run into Ariel and Eric who look quite content sharing an ice-cream and the biggest, yet a happy surprise for Emma is Mulan and Ruby.

The pair are holding hands and gazing at one another with loving smiles on their faces. Immediately, Emma runs up to them.

"How come did no one tell me about this?" Emma asks as a surprised expression crosses her face.

During the past school year, Emma had always gotten the impression that Ruby was into Victor and he with her. In fact, Emma wasn't even aware that Ruby was bisexual. Mulan had told Emma three years ago that she was a lesbian and Emma can still remember the day that Aurora broke Mulan's heart when she said that Phillip had asked her out and she'd accepted. Emma hadn't spoken to Aurora for a couple of weeks after that, as the girl had been well aware of Mulan's affections and continued to lead her on, only to not reciprocate her feelings.

"Well…" Ruby blushes. "We've been together for a couple of weeks now. I always knew I was attracted to both sexes and I wasn't sure how to open up to people. Victor was my male crush and Mulan my female. One night after I had an argument with my mum, I came here and Mulan saw and comforted me and I didn't even need to think twice about it before I reached up and kissed her, and I haven't regretted it since."

Ruby looks happy as she says this, whilst Mulan tightens their joint hands. Emma smiles between the two.

"And you've always known I was never into guys." Mulan replies. "I bet you still remember the time that Aurora broke my heart and even though I knew she didn't care for me, I still remained hung up on her, despite it how much it hurt. When Ruby kissed me in this spot two weeks ago, I knew I had been blind and that the person I truly cared about was in front of me the whole time."

Emma breaks out into another large smile, hugging the pair tightly. Emma had only wanted Mulan to be happy after the Aurora situation and seeing her with Ruby warmed her heart. Mulan and Ruby had always been good friends and realizing/admitting their feelings for one another had taken a while, but it was clearly worth it as the joy in their eyes speaks for them.

"I'm happy for you both." Emma grins as Mulan pecks Ruby's cheek in a playful manner.

"Thank you, Emma. I've only told Granny so far out of my family and she was really supportive. I hope mum is when the time comes." Ruby answers.

Emma smiles again before bidding the couple goodbye and rejoining Mary Margaret and David who are peering into the Quidditch shop window.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Emma questions.

"We thought you'd like to see for yourself when you finally stopped moping." Mary Margaret teases. "They make a cute couple, don't they?"

"Cute?" Emma raises an eye-brow. "I'd say striking."

…

Emma finds herself to be quite content being back in Diagon Alley. She hadn't realized how much she missed the Wizarding world over the past two weeks as she inspects the sugar quill section in Neverland. As she picks up a blueberry flavoured one, memories flood back to her from last year when she and Killian had bickered like children in this spot. The memories are painful now and just another reminder that their relationship is over and Emma finds that this hurts more than what Killian did.

A big part of her wants Killian back in her life and for them to try and have a fresh start. He loves (or loved) her and Emma knows she still loves him, even though she might not be ready to admit that to herself just yet. Maybe when they get back to Hogwarts and they begin their duties as head boy and head girl, she might finally muster the courage to speak to him. She'll have no choice but to communicate with him anyway.

With a sigh, Emma grabs another couple of sugar quills in different flavours and places them in her shopping basket, quickly stepping away from the shelf in hopes of chasing her sad thoughts away. She clears her throat to try and stop the tears forming as she makes her way over to the counter. Emma makes a mental note to stay away from all places that hold memories of Killian Jones for the rest of the day.

Mary Margaret and David have already gone back to the Blanchard house wanting some time alone, and Emma can't blame them. With her being there all the time, it was as though the pair felt inclined to remain in the same room as Emma so she wasn't lonely. Emma pushes these thoughts out of her head as she continues down Diagon Alley towards The Leaky Cauldron for lunch.

She's half way there when a sudden gust of wind blows and Emma feels her summer hat lift from her head.

"Seriously?" Emma mutters to herself as she begins to chase it back down the Alley, avoiding crashing into people.

The hat hits the back of black dress pants and comes to a halt. Emma is already bending down to pick it up; muttering apologies as the person turns to face her. As she starts to stand, Emma can feel the hairs on the back of her neck prickling and she doesn't even have to look at the man to know that Killian Jones is definitely not in Italy.

Their gazes meet for the first time in weeks and all they can do is stare at one another. His blue eyes are as beautiful as she remembers, but there is a lot of sadness behind them, just like her green ones. His mouth opens and quickly closes, not being able to form words. As Emma continues to look at the Raven-haired Slytherin, she knows it's time for them to talk… and she can only hope Killian forgives her for running.

"Swan… I…" Killian finally manages to stutter out a few words.

Emma offers him a shy smile. "What, no princess?"

"I didn't want to push it." He's chuckling softly as he scratches behind his ear nervously.

Emma nods and shifts on her feet awkwardly, holding the floppy hat in her hand as the wind gusts again. Its clear neither knows what to say to one another and now Killian is having a hard time looking her in the eyes.

"I was just about to go for some lunch…" Emma starts softly. "Would… would you like to come with me?"

A small smile breaks out across Killian's face and Emma notices his eyes shine brighter at her request.

"I'd love too Emma."

The pair makes their way back up Diagon Alley, ignoring the surprised glances sent their way by other Hogwarts students. Emma is still carrying her hat, not wanting to risk it blowing away again and Killian, surprising Emma, had taken her bag with the undetectable expansion charm on and is carrying it for her like a true gentleman. The atmosphere is quiet around them and slightly awkward.

"So, I thought you were in Italy?" Emma asks. "Mary Margaret and David said that's where you were."

"Oh did they?" He's chuckling at this. "Well, they saw me yesterday and we had quite the conversation."

Emma stops walking and turns to face him with an expression of shock.

"Wait, what?"

Killian fixes his gaze on her and blushes red. "I was eating an ice cream when they approached me. David looked like he wanted to hit me, but he ended up interrogating me on why I did what I did."

Emma notices his head bow in shame and she knows he's being truthful and wishes she had seen this sooner, instead of being stubborn.

"Even though it clearly pained him to do so, David said that you were miserable like I was. He told me that you didn't know I had tried to reach you on the platform. I was shouting for you at King's Cross but you'd already gone through the portkey. I thought you'd heard me and simply ignored my frantic pleas."

Emma's eyes widen as she looks at him, her heart beating fast.

"I couldn't get to you on the train. The carriage connecting mine to yours was faulty and when I tried to cross over, the Blind Trolley lady told me I couldn't and that the fault wouldn't be fixed until we reached Platform Nine and Three Quarters. I tried to get off the train as quick as I could when I saw you already on the platform and when I finally did I was too late. Emma, I wanted to talk to you and see if you still wanted to be with me. I… I didn't want to pounce on you after my speech because I knew how fragile you were after what I did."

Emma reaches out and grabs his hand, Killian going instantly silent.

"Killian, I'm so sorry." She whispers. "I thought you hated me so I was avoiding Diagon Alley. Even though you made such a stupid bet, I see now you did genuinely care for me. I was stubborn and pretended you didn't, finally managing to convince myself you no longer did. If I had known you were calling to me on the platform, I would have let go of the portkey and all this could have been avoided. Your speech… it did scare me because we never said the L-word, but…"

"I could never hate you, Swan. I thought you hated me." Killian chuckles as he links his fingers through hers.

Emma sighs and shakes her head. "Maybe I hated you for a couple of days after you told me what you did, but I ran because I… I loved you too and I was so afraid of being hurt again…"

Killian steps closer to her and brushes a stand of hair away from her eyes. Emma smiles.

"So this entire time we've both been avoiding one another for no reason?" Killian whispers.

"I think so." Emma grins. "But Killian… I'm not ready to jump straight back into the relationship. I…I think we should take things slower. Now that I know you care for me and you called off the bet before we got together, it's made me realize you are a good and genuine guy, despite being a Slytherin…"

Killian takes a couple of steps back and but keeps their fingers linked. "I understand, Princess. I promise I will never do something so stupid again."

"You better not." Emma warns. "Or this time, David will kill you."

Killian shrugs and sends her a wink. "Whose idea do you think it was for me to be here today?"

"David was in on this?" Emma asks trying not to grin.

"In his words exactly; 'I don't like you. I never will. You hurt Emma and now you are both bloody miserable. Fix it.'" Killian laughs. "So I think we have his blessing."

"Good."

…

They don't kiss one another goodbye when they separate later that afternoon, but both promise to meet outside Flourish and Blotts tomorrow morning after nine. By the time Emma finally exits from the fireplace in the library of the Blanchard's mansion, she is immediately face to face with Mary Margaret and David who are sitting on the leather couch, clearly awaiting her arrival.

"You two…." Emma begins to speak in an annoyed tone.

David sighs. "I have a soft heart okay. Jones looked bloody miserable yesterday and I could see he was brooding over the loss of your relationship and I know you were doing the same. Despite my immense dislike of the Slytherin, the two of you were still clearly hung up on one another."

"I understand David." Emma says as she sits down opposite the pair. "I might not have liked the way you lied in order to get me down to Diagon Alley… but thank you. Killian and I talked and we worked it out."

Mary Margaret smiles and sits forward on the couch.

"So are the two of you are back together now and will we get happy Emma back?" Mary Margaret asks as she grips David's hand tighter.

"Technically… yes." Emma prods carefully. "We're taking things slow. What Killian did wasn't good and he knows that, but what's important is that I know he never wanted to hurt me and that he's promised to never do something like that again."

Emma doesn't fail to notice the relieved sighs that leave the two of them.

"Does this mean we are we forgiven then for setting you up?" David asks.

"Absolutely." Emma grins before an overjoyed Mary Margaret hugs her.

…

Emma meets Killian just after nine at the front of Flourish and Blotts and he says hello and greets her with a tentative hug. Emma smiles into his shoulder before pulling back and addressing him with a happy look.

"Hello Princess." He teases.

Emma rolls her eyes but takes his hand anyway and the pair head towards Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour. There's a comfortable silence around them as they pass bystanders, ignoring the judgemental glances sent their way.

Ruby and Mulan are once again sitting together outside the parlour, sharing an ice-cream and looking perfectly content. Ruby's eyes look up in surprise when she sees Killian and Emma.

"Have I missed something?" Ruby asks glancing between the pair uneasily.

Emma shuffles on her feet as Mulan stares at Killian with a fixed calculating look.

"We've talked…" Emma smiles. "And we're good. Killian, did you know these two are now a couple?"

Killian chuckles. "Aye. I've seen them around. Glad to see the pair of you still looking happy."

Mulan and Ruby seem to melt a bit at this and nod in sync at Killian's kind words.

"Thanks." Ruby's smile then falters. "Just a word of warning, snake. You hurt Emma again and we will hex you to Azkaban."

"Duly noted." Killian says with a nod of his head. "Anyway Emma let's leave these two lovebirds be, because I have something to show you."

They quickly say goodbye to Mulan and Ruby. Emma finds herself being led away from all the shops.

"What do you want to show me?" She asks.

"Do you want to come back to the manor? Our house-elf Pan is making us brunch." Killian smiles shyly.

Emma continues to peer at him for a few moments and slowly begins to nod her head.

"Lead the way, Jones."

…

Killian apparates them to the front of a very grand looking mansion. Emma gazes up at Jones Manor for the first time and her mouth hangs open in astonishment.

The stone building is huge and reminds her of something from Pride and Prejudice that Mr Darcy would live in. They are standing on a cobblestone driveway and when she glances around, it's to see that they are in the middle of the countryside with views of valleys from every angle. Not another house in sight. There's a large gold fountain in front of them in the shape of a ship with water running from the mast. A grand staircase leads to two big glass doors which she can't see through. The manor is three story's high and symmetrical. Despite it being intimidating, Emma can't help but think it's beautiful.

"It's hidden from Muggles. My father likes to show off his wealth." Killian mumbles. "I…"

"It's wonderful." Emma praises. "You have a beautiful home Killian."

He smiles bashfully as he takes her hand and begins to guide her up the marble steps. The doors swings open for them and for the first time she steps into the manor and the inside is definitely not what she pictured it would look like.

From outside, the manor looked old, but the inside is a complete contrast. Everything is modern; the light fittings, the double staircase, the glass windows and even the furniture. It's an environment that Emma feels she could definitely get used too.

Killian is watching Emma's expression for a reaction and when she finally turns to face him, she's just smiling.

"Everything here is so… Muggle?" Emma grins in a teasing manner. "I thought your dad hated Muggles."

Killian shakes his head. "This is all from wizard furniture brands. They've just taken inspiration from Muggle homes. When… when Liam passed away, my dad refurnished the entire house so he could try and wipe all memories of him, so he bought new furniture and didn't care at the time whether it was traditional or not."

Emma runs her hand down Killian's arm in a comforting manner and links their fingers together.

"And how are you and your dad now?" Emma asks quietly. "Has he started to treat you better?"

Killian lets out a bitter laugh. "Definitely not. When I got home from King's Cross it was to find a letter from mother saying she and father were in Italy until next month. He always takes mother along with him, even though he knows she doesn't want to go."

Emma sighs. "I'm sorry, Killian."

"Don't be princess; I'm used to it by now."

They end up having breakfast in a very grand dining room. Pan the house elf, who Emma learns is actually a free elf that just enjoys being at the Manor, is kind and thinks the world of Killian. Emma can feel the tension from their break-up slowly beginning to fade away.

Killian is in the process of telling her a story about him and Liam as boys when the fireplace suddenly roars green beside them.

Quickly, Killian jumps up and produces his wand, pointing it at the intruders, and Emma doesn't fail to notice he's put himself in between her and mantle.

What neither Emma nor Killian expected was for a cold and calculating Mr Jones to step out, angrily glinting between the two.

Thoughts?