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(Titus) Christmas
Author: Tiberius Nott
Date: 03-25-13 03:55
The air smelled like caramel and eggnog. And someone was singing Christmas carols. Titus left his bedroom still wearing his pajamas and he had to go back to fetch his glasses, not believing the vision in front of him. Endhope Abbey was decorated from the ceilings to the walls. It was snowing in the corridors, the people from the paintings wished Titus a Merry Christmas as he passed by. In the living room one of the tallest Christmas tree he had ever seen occupied one of its corners. Presents of different sizes and colors surrounded the tree. The lights decorating it flickered happy.
Titus followed the scent of food to the kitchen. Phyllida was by the stove and she smiled to him the moment she saw him. She wished him a good morning and told him to sit, that breakfast was almost ready. Tiberius on the other hand only replied to Titus' greetings with a grunt behind the Daily Prophet that he was reading. He didn't seem very satisfied with all this, but there was no word of complaint coming from his mouth.
It was the best Christmas Titus had memory of. He had opened his presents alongside with Phyllida and his brother and they had a great meal. Phyllida had even allowed Titus to chase her cat, the big fat Ptolemy, in order to try and put a red Christmas bow around his neck. But the cat seemed gifted with human intelligence, because he would always avoid Titus' at the last minute. Finally he had given up and the cat jumped to Phyllida's lap with a victorious expression in his face.
At dinner, something occurred to Titus: How had Phyllida managed to have Tiberius' permission to decorate the house and have a proper Christmas?
"Something wrong Titus?" the witch asked.
Titus admired her more as the days passed. She was so beautiful and kind to him, almost like a mother but without the bossy part. But why would she? Suddenly the answer was obvious.
"Are you two dating each other?"
Phyllida looked to Tiberius and then she started to laugh. His brother on the other hand seemed as if he had just seen a Basilisk. He seemed offended with such a question. Finally it was Phyllida who replied, saying that she and Tiberius were no couple. She added that if that was so, then he would be the first to know. Titus felt relieved.
"My brother is not your type, anyway," and with that the topic was closed.
Surprise Gift
Author: Phyllida
Date: 03-25-13 04:17
By the time the magical carollers had ceased singing, the toy train ceased running, and the false snow ceased falling, Endhope Abbey was blanketed in a heavy, soporific silence tinged with the lingering scent of Christmas pudding and cider. In the drawing room, Phyllida tugged at the knotted velvet cord restraining a heavy curtain; it fell over the grimy windowpane, obscuring the distant darkness of the moor, and the droning crash of the waves upon the unrelenting cliffs.
Her mind felt clouded; it was possible, she considered, that she had over-imbibed in mulled wine. She sighed, walking towards the weak, sputtering fire in the hearth, gazing at the coals and embers.
The door groaned open, dislodging a minor avalanche of false snow that twinkled the tune of 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' as it floated to the ground.
"You wasted your time," Tiberius spoke, dusting the magical snow off his shoulders. "It's all over in less than a day. Now you have to clean this mess up."
He seated himself on the sofa, holding a glass of firewhiskey.
Phyllida smiled, closing the door behind him. The portraits in Christmas attire each shuffled into the single frame in the room; cursing its original tenant much apparent discomfort from jostling elbows.
"Oh, the decorations can stay up another day or two," she quipped, sitting on the edge of his sofa.
"Out of the question," he replied, feeling the heat of firewhiskey in his throat. "I want the house back to normal in the morning. You and Titus already had your fun."
She angled her head dubiously. "Did you really hate it so much? I swear I saw you smiling a few times."
"You probably had too much mulled cider, love. Or maybe I had too much of this."
He held up the tumbler of cut crystal, so that the liquid within caught the light.
"You're quite right about that," she said gently, taking the glass from his hand. After hesitating for a moment, she tipped her head back and drained the remainder herself. It seared a warm, tingling path down her throat. "You shouldn't do this to yourself."
"I am fine," he assured her. "Thank Merlin it's over."
"I'll clean up in the morning," she replied sedately. "But you have to promise to treat your brother better."
"It is none of your business how I treat Titus, Phyllida. Please, drop this topic. We have discussed this already."
He removed his gloves. Now that Titus had safely retired to bed, there was no longer any need for this little theatre.
Her eyes dropped to the discolouring of his hand. She suppressed an anguished frown. "You're running out of time, can't you see? You should be making the best of the time you have left with him, Tiberius."
His expression changed. The light of the fire from the fireplace reflected in his pale face, and only served to accent his cold, quiet rage.
"Honestly, I wish I could. But don't you see? He cannot be attached to me. He can't see me as his guardian or someone to go to when he needs help. Someone to guide and advise him. Because one day, I will not be here, and he will have to do things on his own. What do you think is going to happen to Titus when I die? My parents are in Azkaban, and as you could see by the empty table at dinner, our list of friends and relations numbers short. He will have to leave the Abbey, perhaps go to a foster family or some vile orphanage. He needs to be strong. I don't want him to cry over his lost older brother or his parents. I want him to fight and survive. That is the reason why I don't spoil him. I want the best for that child. Why is this so hard to understand?"
She pressed her lips together. "No matter how cruel you are to Titus, he still loves you. He remembers the brother you used to be. You can't change that now. He will mourn your death more than anyone alive." She gazed directly into the heat of the fire. "You will end up regretting this."
"I always end up regretting. Always." Even with you, he thought to himself. "Will you promise me something, Phyllida?"
She turned her head to him. She had been chewing on her lower lip while she had her face to the fire; it was red and glistening. Her eyes, it could be said, were the same. "Promise what?"
"Promise me you keep an eye on Titus when I'm gone. He seems to be fond of you."
She took his hands, healthy and blighted both. "There is no question about that."
He removed one of his hands from hers and brought it to his pocket to fetch his wand. He pointed it to the remaining laced hands. Their eyes met.
"Will you be willing to make an Unbreakable Vow?"
"Yes, but..." She paused as his grip tightened on her right hand. "We don't have a witness or bonder. You can't make a true Vow without one."
He nodded. "You are right. I forgot. Maybe some other day, then."
Their hands unlaced; but only for a moment. Phyllida's hand ran under the sleeves of his robe, her fingers brushing the injured flesh of his forearm. The room fell into a silence that was only broken by the crackling sound of the fireplace and the wind outside.
She looked up into his eyes; the flicker and tumult of the fire was reflected in their cool surface. He noticed, vaguely, that she whispered his name; and placed her hand on his shoulder. The trailing sleeve of her robe pooled in his lap.
Again, her lilied perfume overwhelmed him. They were close to each other, and Tiberius felt the same invisible force as before, compelling their bodies together. He struggled against the urge to kiss her, but it felt like swimming against the tide. Hadn't he assured Titus there was nothing between Phyllida and he? This was not wise.
She seemed to waver on the edge of the same precipice. But nothing moved, until her head snapped around as something came hurtling down the chimney, calling up a cloud of ash and red embers. It fell upon the hearth, a small, paper-wrapped package, slightly singed.
Tiberius stood up and took the package in his hands, covered with golden wrapping paper, making an aberrant contrast with its large red bow. There was a small card attached, and it was open, inviting him to read.
To: Phyllida
From: Nate
I'm sorry for the late gift. But I had already bought it and there was no sense in leaving it to gather dust here. Merry Christmas.
In silence, he handed the gift to Phyllida. Then collected his gloves and walked away from the room before she could say anything.
He went upstairs to Titus' bedroom, distinguishing the small sleeping figure of his brother under the blankets. He had fallen asleep with his glasses, a book opened on his torso, revealing that he had been reading under the light of his wand, that had fallen to the floor. He put the book and the wand on the bedside table, alongside with his glasses. Then carefully not to wake him, he adjusted the blankets, making sure he would not be cold.
After that, Tiberius went to his own bedroom, locking the door. The tender gestures he had spent on his brother was gone and now another force was taking over him. But he was too proud to name it, although deep inside he knew it was jealousy. He opened a drawer and took a small velvet box he had hidden there carefully. He removed a small ring from it, looked at it feeling a fool and used the open window he had forgotten to close earlier, to throw the piece of jewelry into the the pound, on the gardens bellow.
And Phyllida still wondered why he hated Christmas. No matter what, it never happened the way he wanted. Never.
More Guests - Mockridge Townhouse
Author: Valeria Mockridge
Date: 03-25-13 06:33
Written with Roger Bexley as Anton Avery
It was later in the day on Christmas when the doorbell chimed once more and Valeria jumped to her feet, excusing herself from where she'd been showing her grandmother how well she could turn a match into a needle, which she had learned primarily from the Transfiguration texts she'd pleaded to have sent. When she came back into the room, she was chatting with Petula, the two girls arm in arm as the Averies followed.
Ippy squeaked as he came into the room. "Miss Petula Parkinson, Mr. August Avery, Jr, and Mrs. Lysandra Avery. Mr. Anton Avery," he announced before popping out of the room and back again to gather cloaks and coats as Kirley and Nephele stepped away from their discussions to greet the newcomers.
Anton glanced at his mother for permission to go with the girls, and received their silent assent. He caught Valeria's glance, and grinned.
"Merry Christmas," he greeted the girls, handing the house-elf his green outer robe absently. It fell over Ippy's head. "Have you opened your presents yet?"
Ippy disappeared quietly with the robe, heading over to take his parents' and put them away before he was needed elsewhere. Valeria grinned. "I opened most this morning, after I woke my aunt and uncle and Miss Catesby, who stayed with us. You?"
Petula grinned as well. "I opened mine this morning, once Mother and Father were up. They had some other function to attend this evening, but were quite content with me Flooing here as it keeps me out of mischief at home."
Anton nodded. "I was hoping we might get a chance to practice some of those new hexes..." he trailed off, his eyes darting towards the group of adults. "But that might not be possible, given the occasion."
Valeria giggled. "Anton, have you forgotten who encouraged me to learn most of those hexes in the first place? Grandmother will let us, we'll just need to go to a different room. Shall I ask her? If she agrees, we can go to the practice room. Uncle Kirley brought in some dummies when we moved in, he wanted a place to practice and he's never minded sharing."
"Ah, good," replied Anton with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "That will be much better than practicing on the house-elf - or each other." He grinned.
Petula smirked. "You just don't want to be on the receiving end of Valeria's hexes," she teased.
Valeria shook her head and bounced up to Cloris, quietly asking if the matriarch would take them to practice. Her guess was proven accurate quite quickly as the elder Mockridge joined the trio before Valeria led them toward the practice room.
Anton glanced around the room, his eye lingering on the practice dummies. "Have you used these before, Val?"
"No, but I've seen Uncle use them, it doesn't look overly complicated," Valeria answered.
Cloris nodded. "They shouldn't be. Let me make sure Kirley hasn't set them to fire any actual spells back, and then you three can show me what you've learned. I do love to encourage learning, particularly when it's self-defense."
The three children shot each other discreetly pointed glances, but said nothing to contradict Cloris Mockridge. Anton caught a glittering edge of mischief in Valeria's blue gaze.
There was mischief in both sets of Mockridge eyes, Cloris having hidden hers a bit better than her granddaughter. Her words were chosen carefully, in case her daughter or son happened to be nearby and listening, but both she and Valeria knew that Cloris would encourage Valeria to do what she felt necessary. A quick wave of a wand ensured that the dummies were safe enough for the three and Cloris quickly transfigured a book into a fairly comfortable chair. "I anxiously await your demonstrations," the matriarch said, her slight smile rather indulgent.
Anton took a book off the pile he'd received for his gift, and handed one to Valeria, grinning. "Ladies first."
Valeria's smirk was decidedly wicked as she opened the book and found the first page of curses. She scanned it quickly before finding the one she wanted. After a moment studying the movement and pronunciation included, she put it down and raised her wand, eyes steady on the dummy as she cast the hex, leaving the dummy with a smoking left arm. "Blast, that was supposed to remove his arm," she said.
"Still a good try, for your first attempt. Next time, match your wand movements to the syllables," Cloris suggested. "The timing matters with that particular hex."
Valeria nodded and handed the book to Petula for her turn. After all, Anton had said 'Ladies first.'
Christmas with the Morgans
Author: Karma Davyd
Date: 03-25-13 07:24
Christmas morning had dawned chilly, and with a fresh dusting of snow. This morning had been a hectic one because Dex and I had finished wrapping gifts for everyone, and I'd also sent off my secret Santa gifts, having forgotten to leave them beneath the tree before the term had ended a little over a week ago. I'd gotten Marion DiMarco, a second year Hufflepuff and for her I'd selected a couple of cute little hand bags and a cute little decoration that was white butterflies, and she could hang it in her dorm room or in her bedroom at home.
"Are you almost ready to head to my parents?"
I looked up from the last minute massive wedding planning that I was also in the middle of. Though my mother was helping with some of it, I still had my two best friends to explain into what was going to be happening on New Years Eve when we were all in Mumbai for the Hindu wedding that would hopefully begin gearing my mother toward finally accepting the fact that I'd found someone of worth, someone that was my soulmate and had no intention of giving up.
"Yeah, sorry. Trying to get things together for the ceremony in a few days, as well as make sure that Desi and Bron know what they will be doing during the ceremony if anything, because it's been ages since I've seen a proper ceremony."
I leaned back as Dex put his hands on my shoulders. "It's alright sweetie, we'll get everything sorted out and we will have a beautiful ceremony in Mumbai, and enjoy the rest of the break before you have to go back to work."
I smiled and nodded, before slowly pushing myself up, thankfully the morning sickness has ebbed for the most part, though I still got somewhat nauseated if I apparated, so we'd be heading to the Morgan's via floo. We grabbed the bag of gifts and headed through the fireplace an were soon in the living room of Fia and Easton's home.
"Dex! Karma!"
Ember came toward us, hugging us each in turn, followed by Cameron, her boyfriend and one of the few people who helped her through the attack earlier this year. He was also willing to help Ember raise the child born of that attack with her which in my book earned him several brownie points as Ember is the little sister I never had.
"Karmie!" Mase's voice caught my attention and the adorable little boy toddled over and instantly I scooped him up for a hug and a sloppy, two year old kiss.
"Well hello there handsome, did Santa bring you lots of gifts this year?"
"Yup! Lots and lots!"
"Good, that means you were a good boy this year right?"
"Uh huh! Come see my pile of prezzies!"
With that Mase tugs me toward the living room and I laugh at the pile of gifts that bear his name.
"That is a lot!"
"Yeah and he's been waiting for everyone to get here so he can open them," Fia said with a smile. "I think we've caught him sneaking around them a handful of times."
"We're the last ones I think..."
"Yup, Driver got here about ten minutes before you did. So we'll do gifts and then I believe there is a feast that has been cooked up for the day." Fia chuckled as she wrapped her daughter-in-law in a hug.
"Sounds like a plan," I said as we headed into the living room and within minutes it looked like small storm had come through.
Crew and Mase were happily playing with their new toys, there were gifts for the children that Dex and I would be adopting in the next few months and gifts for the new grandchildren – Ember's baby and the one that I was carrying, that were not yet here. Plus plenty of gifts for everyone else.
The Marks Christmas
Author: Rylee
Date: 03-25-13 08:04
The Marks household had been full to brimming over the last handful of days with all the family coming in for Christmas. By now, gifts had been opened, presents tucked away by the seven children, or tucked into parcels to be taken home when those family members that were leaving before the start of the year headed home. Though, most would be staying until the new year was in, and probably several days after.
"Rylee, what did you end up getting to send off to the boy you got for Secret Santa?"
I looked up as Charlotte dropped down next to me on the couch, finally having escaped the cluster of aunts and uncles and the like that wanted to know how her studies were going and still hounding her as to why she opted to go all the way to America to study instead of staying and going to Oxford as was expected of her.
"I got him a couple of unique little things, nothing too flashy like I'd gotten the girl from last year. The box had a variety of sweets in it, some pillows that looked like old vinyl records, a set of earth magnets that looked really cool and come in their own little case, a lined journal that looks like a vhs tape, and something called a scratch map that he can use to mark all the places that he'd been or that he will be going when he leaves Hogwarts at the end of term."
"That's right, you'd said he was a seventh year, do you think he'll like the gifts?"
"I do, and no doubt, I bet everyone is expecting me to get him something flashy and expensive and whatever, but then again they all still kinda hate me for not finding that stupid snitch in the first match. I've learned quite a few defensive spells to ensure that I can counter some curses. Beyond that, I'm quite glad that my hair is no longer vibrant orange. That made things all the more interesting let me tell you."
We talked a bit more before there was a chime at the door, and within moments the house elf was announcing the arrival of one Gideon Coy, his parents and younger sister.
"Hey!" I rushed over and gave him a hug, much to the startled expressions of everyone in the room.
He hugged me back and handed me a silver and emerald wrapped package. "Happy Christmas Rylee, sorry we are a bit late."
"It's alright, we've not had supper yet so you are just in time."
I did the round of introductions and within a few minutes we were summoned to the dining room for supper by the house elf.
Fashionably Late - Mockridge Townhouse
Author: Peregrinus Hartcrofte
Date: 03-25-13 09:09
"I must congratulate you, Mister Hartcrofte – the last time I received you in the waiting room, I found you sans pantalons. My mother will no doubt appreciate your restraint."
"Thank you, Miss Mockridge, but I would point out that the night is young." Pip punctuated his jovial flirtation with a smirk that spoke volumes. "I thought we had done away with this Mister Hartcrofte business. Are we not friends?"
"Indeed we are, or I wouldn't have invited you. However, friends do not let their friends worry about them after a stay in St. Mungo's without so much as an owl for weeks at a time."
Pip's smirk dissolved instantly. "You're right, Nephele. I'm sorry. I was wrong; I should have sent an owl when I was released. I was so wrapped up in how I bollocked up the Platform 9 ¾ business, I didn't see that I was continuing to make mistakes. Can you forgive me?"
The righteous indignation fueling Nephele abated, and she allowed a sweet smile of holiday cheer to grace her lips. "Fortunately for you, Pippin, 'tis the season of forgiveness. Mind you, you're not off the hook just yet. Consider yourself 'on probation.' Now then, why did you ask me to meet you here rather than joining us in the parlor?"
With a flourish, Pip withdrew a vial from his back pocket. "Business before pleasure, if you would indulge me. This vial was collected by my brother while I was at St. Mungo's. It's a collection of the potion that was atomised in the Platform 9 ¾ explosion. This is what I was dosed with. When you have a moment, would you analyse this and tell me what you can about it? I'm less concerned with the specific ingredients than their purpose. Also, if you can determine whether the potion would need to be inhaled, or if it could be absorbed through the skin."
Nephele took the vial, examining it briefly in the light. "Sure, that shouldn't be a problem. Might even be an enjoyable mental exercise. For now, shall we join the others in the parlor? Cassandra Catesby has joined us; you may remember that I mentioned her before, in your office?"
"Yes, of course, my fellow bibliophile! As I recall, she has a twin sister that was in your House."
"You remember correctly. Perhaps not the best topic of discussion, however. The Averys have joined us, as has Petula Parkinson, and of course Mother. A larger gathering than usual. Come, let's go in."
The Perfect Gift
Author: Arlington J Montgomery
Date: 03-25-13 18:06
December 25th, seven AM. Christmas Morning had come again. Arlington awoke and stretched out in bed, but he sat up when he realized the spot beside him was empty.
"Sebastian?"
"Coming, Arlington!" Seb's extra perky voice answered from the other room. The blonde grinned as he stepped into the bedroom and sat a tray, overflowing with a variety of breakfast treats, on the end of the bed. It was Sebastian's outfit that caught his partner's attention though; Seb was dressed in a pair of red pajama pants that were trimmed by white fluffy fabric, much like Santa's suit, and he had a red Santa hat on top of his head.
"Oh, wow Sebby…" Arely tried not to drool, but his partner had stunned him in the best possible way this morning. He reached for his hand and tugged the other man down onto the bed next to him. "You went to a lot of trouble this morning with breakfast, hon. You spoil me."
Seb smiled brightly and leaned in for a quick kiss. "Yes, but you are worth it, Arley. Besides, it is Christmas and you know it is my favorite holiday."
"Oh I know, I still remember that first Christmas we spent together our first year at Hogwarts." Arley couldn't help the grin that spread across his face at the memories, the tender moments the couple had shared, secretly, in the Hufflepuff dorm room.
"Also, do not forget Christmas with Fallon that year."
"Oh don't remind me that did not go over well." Arley picked up a freshly made croissant to munch on, and then drew his wand to summon a mug of coffee for himself and a mug of tea for Sebastian.
"I believe that could have been better, but everything happens for a reason, love. Just look at how close you are with your sister today, with a fantastic family that loves you." Seb rested his head on the Texan's shoulder and sighed happily. "Can we just stay like this all day?"
Arley ran his fingers through Sebastian's hair and chuckled. "We can if you don't want me to give you your gifts, or go see the Morgan's for lunch."
Seb rolled his eyes and sipped his tea. "You know I want to go see them! I only wish we had seen all of our friends this holiday as well."
"Yeah I know, though we will see everyone at Karma and Dexter's wedding on New Years Eve. Oh and I think Desi said she was going to visit her parents this year."
"Wow, really?" He thought for a minute. "The Hindu wedding should be very fun from what I've heard. Now, let us enjoy our breakfast on this beautiful morning so we can make it to lunch on time today?" Seb teased his partner as they relaxed on the bed.
A few hours later they had exchanged their own gifts, and Seb was in shock when he opened a hand written letter from Arley. Arley had poured his heart into that letter, everything he loved about Sebastian and about their relationship. The letter concluded with a statement that brought tears, happy tears, to Seb's eyes. Sebastian, you are the love of my life, my partner, my soul mate. I know we've been talking about it, but I'm ready to take that step with you.
"That is the most amazing gift you could ever give me, Arlington. I love you so much."
Arley kissed him and wiped away his tears. "I love you too. I know I've been putting it off, but the adoption process could take awhile, so we might as well start now. I think we should adopt from Sweden." He thought adopting from Seb's home country would be a great addition to their family.
"I think that would be wonderful. We can get the details after the holidays are over! I am so excited. Now let us get dressed to go to the Morgan's home."
Within minutes the couple had showered, dressed and apparated to Fia and Easton's home.
Family
Author: Jolyon
Date: 03-25-13 18:27
"I don't suppose this went the way either of us expected."
Jolyon and Merrie stood on the screened-in porch of her house. A warming spell kept them from shivering, though there was still a slight chill in the air. Outside, snow flurries caught in the wind, but the total darkness in rural area around the house made it difficult to see much of anything.
"No," Merrie admitted, wrapping her arms around herself and looking down, "I don't suppose it did."
Yesterday, she and the twins had visited Jolyon and Bridget at the latter's home. It had been an awkward gathering, as such getting-to-know-you meetings sometimes were. It was made all the more difficult because Arielle felt upset with her mother for keeping the truth from her her entire life, and Asher wanted absolutely nothing to do with his father.
Poor Bridget had tried her hardest to get to know her two grandchildren and to ease the tension felt by everyone at the Christmas Eve gathering. Of the twins, only Arielle responded well to Bridget. She seemed keen on embracing her new family, whereas Asher wished for nothing more than to keep things the way they had always been. Jolyon tried not to take Asher's behavior personally, but it wasn't easy.
This morning, the twins had spent time with Merrie's family, while Bridget had gone off with Gaius Lorey, and Jolyon had gone over to see the Abbotts. Although his birth father no longer lived, Jolyon knew a thing or two about what it felt like to be blindsided by a truth he had not known for most of his life. He had adjusted to the change and hoped that in time, Asher would too.
After finishing up with her familial obligations, Merrie suggested to Jolyon that he come over and spend some more time with the twins. With no other family members present, Merrie hoped that both Arielle and Asher would come around to the fact that their lives were forever changed, but for the better, not the worse.
Arielle talked happily with Jolyon about anything and everything but provided her mother with only curt responses. Asher had a negative comment about everything, however, and utilized a few choice words that would have led to a bar of soap in the mouth, had it been Jolyon in heated conversation with his father Emanuel.
Jolyon slipped his hands into his pockets and sighed deeply as he thought about the events of the last 24 hours.
"If it's any consolation, I think Arielle will forgive you eventually."
Merrie offered Jolyon a small smile. "I know it's my fault, but you don't know her the way I do. She's as stubborn as they come."
"She doesn't seem like the type to hold grudges."
"She doesn't, but she doesn't give in very easily either. It will take a lot of groveling on my part, and a lot of time on hers, before things get back to the way they were," Merrie answered. "As for Asher…"
"He hates me."
Merrie sighed. "Only because the rug has been pulled out from under his feet. He doesn't know what to make of you, of the fact that there's finally a face to the man about whom he always wondered. I think he got used to being the man in the house, and now he's just a boy again. I think he will eventually accept you."
"If I'm being honest with myself, then it does bother me that he's averse to having me in his life. His hatred of me is beyond my control. It's hard dealing with that."
"I know. I'm sorry I put you through this. I realize now I should have been honest with everyone from the start." Merrie looked up at long last. Her eyes were brimming with tears. "Jolyon, can you ever forgive me for keeping them from you?"
Jolyon took a few steps forward and put his hands on her arms. "The past can't be undone, and I'm not going to dwell on what I missed. My concern is only with getting to know my kids now that I have the chance. I'm not mad at you, Merrie. I forgive you."
She let out a little cry and nodded her head. "Thank you, Jolyon."
He gently squeezed her arms and then dropped his hands back to his sides. "I suppose it's best I make my way."
The door to the house opened and Asher poked out his head. At the sight of Jolyon within embracing distance of his mother, Asher scowled and asked, "What's he still doing here?"
"Asher, if you can't be nice, then go to your room and stay there," Merrie said.
Jolyon held up his hands. "It's all right, Merrie. I'm leaving. Let's talk in the next couple of days."
Merrie nodded. "All right. Be careful."
Jolyon pulled on his cloak and stepped off the warmth of the covered porch, into the swirling, freezing snow. He walked a few paces into the darkness of the yard and then disapparated for his mother's home.
Morgans and More
Author: Arlington J Montgomery
Date: 03-25-13 20:53
Easton and Fia's English home was bursting at the seams with their entire family currently gathered in the living room opening presents. They had managed to be away from the office, and decided to spend the holidays in England close to all of their children. Like any gathering with the Morgan family there was always a lot of joking and teasing between family members. The Morgan's all enjoyed having a good time when they were en mass.
Ember was cuddled up with Cameron on one of the couches, and sighed happily as he rubbed a hand over her belly. "I can't believe the baby will be here in just about two months. I feel like this pregnancy is flying by."
"I know, Em. You've done great through it too, we'll have our baby home soon enough, but we don't need to rush things." Cameron smiled and pulled her closer into his arms.
"Hey you're getting big Sparky!" Dexter teased his little sister, but got a smack on the arm from his wife.
"Dexter Morgan! Do not be so mean to Ember. You better not comment on my size when I am that far along with your child." Karma shook her head at her husband.
"I was teasing her Karma, she looks great, and so do you."
Fallon nodded in agreement and sat back down next to Fletcher on the couch opposite of Ember and Cameron. "I agree. So we know you guys know the gender by now."
Etch grinned. "Spill it Sparky!"
"I'm not sure we want everyone to know, it may be better to be a surprise."
Cam smiled and kissed Em's cheek. "You will all find out soon enough."
Just then someone apparated in right next to Easton, and the older man simply reached out his arm and put the other person into a headlock. "I don't remember inviting you to our family Christmas." Easton teased.
"East! Let me go." Weston laughed and pulled away from his identical twin's grasp. "Besides, Fia invited me."
Fia just rolled her eyes at her husband and brother-in-law. When the two of them were together they acted like they were still teenagers, not men in their fifties. "All of the family is welcome; would you like a drink Weston?"
"That would be wonderful Fia, thank you."
Fia retorted with a teasing smile. "You know where the kitchen is."
"Oh, Mom's on it tonight!" Fletcher laughed as he looked through the massive piles of gifts his sons had received today.
"Indeed I am. Fletcher, fetch your uncle a beer please." Fia took a seat in an arm chair by the fireplace. "We'll have lunch soon, I'm sure someone else will be stopping by before we begin."
"Oh I invited my brother and his man if that's okay?" Fallon looked up at her mother-in-law; she had forgotten to actually ask if Arley and Seb could come today.
"That is perfectly fine Fallon, Arlington and Sebastian are a part of this family as well. They are always welcome."
Weston had moved over next to Karma and Dexter after getting his drink from Fletcher. "So, I see you two certainly enjoyed your honeymoon, and the magic of the Greek Islands had quite the effect on you."
Dex laughed and wrapped his arm back around Karma. "We sure did. We're thrilled to be having a baby."
"We are. Thank you again for everything you did for us Weston. We couldn't have pulled the elopement off without you."
"It's no problem kids. I'm here to help my family. Besides, you two seem to move pretty quick and I like that. First the elopement, then the baby, and I hear you are adopting two little girls as well."
"Uh, thanks Uncle West. I'm glad you got to come hang out for Christmas. What made you come this time?"
Weston took a long sip from his beer and sighed. "Honestly, I've been lonely. I love my life in Greece, but I missed my family."
Easton patted his brother on the back. "Well, I told you before you need a lady in your life. Honestly though it may be harder at this age." Weston just nodded at his brother's statement.
"Easton, that is not nice." Fia sighed at her husband who mumbled an apology.
Mase curled up in Karma's lap. "We eat Auntie Comma?"
Karma cuddled the little boy, loving the pronunciation of her name. "I think so Mase; let's go sit at the table okay?
Dexter glanced across the room to Driver, who had been oddly quiet tonight. "What's up with you bro?"
Driver shrugged a little. "The bar was open last night and we were slammed. I didn't get home until five AM…and not really feeling that great or in the mood for Christmas."
Dexter studied his older brother for a minute. "You still upset over everything, Drive?"
"That's an understatement, Dex. I just don't want to talk about it right now. I'm gonna head home and get some sleep after lunch, okay mom?"
Fia nodded and ushered everyone into the dining room just as Arley and Seb arrived.
"You boys are just in time for lunch!" She hugged them both and led them into the dining room with the rest of the clan.
"Hey little bro!" Fallon waved to Arley and Seb before they all settled down to eat.
Lunch went by fast as the family continued sharing more of what was going on in each other's lives.
"Just think, this time next year we will have at least four more grandchildren. This will be a wonderful new year coming." Fia grinned and sat back in her chair as she studied each of her children and the people in their lives.