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Lie Of Omission
Author: Ron Weasley
Date: 11-12-12 19:52
Separate from Harry by Hermione and Ginny, Ron shifts slightly to lean back a little, eyes going down the row to Harry's profile. His friend's jaw is tightly clenched and even from the side Ron can tell Harry's got something of a scowl. Now wanting to draw undue attention just as there is a lull in the service Ron suppresses the sigh that threatens to escape. They are all deeply saddened by the death of Albus Dumbledore and all have a sense of anger that his death is the result of murder but none are taking this as badly as Harry.
Catching him looking at their friend, Hermione gives Ron's hand a squeeze. He gives her a tight smile then turns his attention to the next speaker then sweeps his eyes across the rows of people ahead and across the aisle from where he's seated. Ron felt it best not to tell Harry he's here as both a mourner and an Auror on funeral duty. Why it was thought Ron could handle both where Harry could not he doesn't know. What he does know is that with his best friend's current state of mind, it will be a very long time before he learns that something he'd asked to do but was denied him, Ron was assigned to without having to beg.
Ron does not like keeping this one detail from Harry but it's one of those times when a lie of omission is done with the best of intentions and, with the exception of Harry, others would agree that it's the right thing to do. He has no doubt that if or when Harry does learn of this, he will get in a snit. Hopefully, by then enough time will have passed that Harry will be able to quickly see keeping this from him wasn't to hurt him and the snit will be short lived. By then, he might grasp that if Ron were intentionally wanting to hurt him, Ron would have made sure Harry knew of Ron's assignment before the funeral began.
Ron can well imagine if such a thing had occurred. Harry would not be sitting only two seats away, a deep frown etching his features. He'd probably have been hauled off by some of the others on the security detail for attempting to physically attack Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt. He shakes his head to clear that image away, hoping he's very wrong that Harry would react in such a manner to a friend like Kingsley even if he is furious with the man right now.
Hermione nudges Ron, who looks uncomprehending at her for all of half a second. Though not one to speak in public, Hermione and he decided to get up as a couple and say a few words. It is now their turn so, getting up and moving into the aisle, Ron stands waiting for Hermione to also reach the aisle then offering her his arm, they walk together to the dais. Along the way and once on the raised platform facing the other mourners, Ron does a more comprehensive scan as Hermione starts speaking, looking for anything or anyone that seems out of place or odd.
Rare Potions and Asiatic Anti-Venoms (Ravenscrofte Rare and Antiquarian Books, Knockturn Alley)
Author: Cassandra Catesby
Date: 11-13-12 06:01
Cassandra read through Nephele's note one more time. She did not believe that she had the volume she sought in stock, but Great-Aunt Morwenna had been a great one for buying volumes with 'possibilities' - of what, exactly, she rarely said - so it was worth making a quick scan of the shelves.
She worked her way through the towering stacks to where the volumes on potions were kept. Midnight-blue eyes perused the volumes. There were none of the ubiquitous volumes of Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger or Advanced Potion-Making by Libatius Borage that featured on the Hogwarts curriculum here, although she did have copies of Most Potente Potions and one or two other volumes that only featured in the school library's reserved section.
Slim fingers paused for a second on the spine of a first edition of Rare Potions and their Uses by Filiday Wartman. Not what Nephele had asked for, but one that might interest her nonetheless. Cassandra made a mental note to mention it to her friend.
The green flames in the massive stone fireplace flared an instant before a wizard stepped out, brushing specks of soot off his puce-coloured cloak. Cassandra recognised him at once. A short, stout man, he bore an unfortunate resemblance to a toad with his bulging eyes and lumpy features.
"Mr Netherby," she greeted him pleasantly.
"Miss Catesby," Perfidius Netherby replied, his head jerking in an awkward nod. Even his voice was toad-like, Cassandra thought; a harsh croak. "I've come for my book on Asiatic Anti-Venoms."
"Of course. I have it behind the counter," Cassandra said. She walked that way, removing the volume from where she had stored it and opening it up for him to examine. "Shang Dynasty," she said. "Chinese characters. The age of the ink and the parchment have both been verified, of course. The original scroll was cut into sections and bound as a single volume some time during the medieval period."
"Good. Very good." Netherby nodded approvingly. He reached into his cloak and drew out a leather pouch that chinked as he set it on the counter. "Your galleons, Miss Catesby."
Cassandra inclined her head, opening the pouch and discreetly checking the amount inside as Netherby closed the volume and tucked it beneath his cloak. He caught sight of the recent edition of the Prophet lying at the end of the counter. On the front page a photograph of Albus Dumbledore looked out at them both.
"I say, terrible business, eh?" Netherby said. "Dumbledore, I mean. Killed at Hogwarts too. It's the funeral today."
"So I'd heard," Cassandra murmured. Perfidius Netherby was far too fond of gossip in her opinion.
"And Grimshaw-Spore too... well, who'd have thought it? I happened to see the picture of your sister too, Miss Catesby. I don't suppose you have any idea where...?" His words died as she looked up. There was a moment's uncomfortable silence.
"No," she said.
"Well, quite... quite..." Netherby blustered. He tugged at his cloak. "Didn't really imagine you would... No doubt the Ministry would have been in touch if they thought..." His words died again as Cassandra merely regarded him in silence, her face wiped clean of all expression.
"I'll be on my way then." Netherby backed away from the counter. "Lots to do. I'll be in touch about that other volume, Miss Catesby. The one about the magical properties of Asiatic snake venom." She watched him work his way back towards the fireplace, waffling away with every step, before hurriedly stepping into the flames and muttering his destination. A moment later and he was gone.
She scowled at the fireplace. "I know he only said what everyone else was thinking, Bathilda," Cassandra observed aloud, "but still..."
The barn owl swooped down and came to rest on the counter. She hooted softly. Cassandra looked down at her.
"Up to another trip?" she said. She'd send a short note to Nephele letting her know about the first edition, then sound out her usual sources about the rare potions volume. Bathilda hooted again and stretched out a leg.
Bored To Death
Author: Lucius Malfoy
Date: 11-13-12 08:54
Bored to the point of tears, Lucius has the fleeting yet amusing thought that if he were to actually start shedding tears in this funereal setting no one would question such a display. Beside him, Bellatrix began the service haughty and back rimrod straight, her studied cold shoulder towards Cloris Mockridge playing greatly into that attitude.
Lucius has also largely been ignored due to the unspoken I told you so that there would be a large number of Aurors and Hit Wizards scattered about as a security force. As no one would buy a story that Bellatrix Black Lestrange was there to actually mourn the fallen wizard, although she's is not currently wanted by the Ministry of Magic, showing up with her own face might earn her a hasty escort off the grounds.
A few might recognize her face from the party at Mockridge Manor. If few are able to make the association between Albus Dumbledore and her that can easily be explained away by the fact that in his long life Dumbledore met a great many people and affected countless lives. That the woman is now bent partly over, hands to face, body shuddering is testimony to whatever strong impact the great man made on her.
Cloris, Barty, and Lucius know that Bellatrix is not shedding any tears. She is full of mirth and the effort to laugh without sounding as if she's highly amused has her contorted over. Lucius won't be at all surprised if Bellatrix comes away from this with a severe case of strained muscles. Serves her right for dragging him to this overlong send off. If it keeps up much longer, Lucius will no longer be bored to tears but will be bored to death. They could just toss his body up there alongside Dumbledore's and go on with the funeral as if nothing has happened.
Magical Mystery Box
Author: Errol
Date: 11-13-12 12:51
The room is a small square box. The only visible door leads to a toilet in a space so tiny elbows easily touch walls. The door out of the cramped space can only be seen if someone from the other side opens it and Errol would swear that it also changes position, making it impossible for him to attempt standing behind waiting for it to open and beaning whomever comes through on the head with the toilet's tank lid.
He's not exactly sure of the specifics that led to wherever here is. A hulk of a man was in his closet, stepping out to grab Errol when he'd gone to get some clothes. He has no idea how the man got into his room or why he was hiding in the closet. Or, rather, he has a vague notion of how the man came to be in his room. He supposes the idea was to wait a little while for Errol to come up to bed then grab him when asleep but that's only a theory. The two people he's seen since have not said a single word to him.
Uncle Ross had said it wouldn't take Russell Gresham's people long to work through the security wards once they knew where the house had been relocated. The man either came through a break in the yard or he and his colleagues were able to determine the exact spot Ross used for apparating. Errol suspects it was the former because he has a feeling that there would be special wards at the apparition spot to warm Uncle Ross and Della that a break-in was taking place. Breaking through a spot along the boundaries seems the much easier option in Errol's opinion.
The man must have stunned him or drugged him because he has no memory of anything from the time the guy grabbed him, a hand nearly as big as Errol's face smashed over his mouth to block off the yell for Uncle Ross and then BAM! he woke up in this room. Try as he might, he cannot dredge up a single memory of anything in between, which irritates him no end. There might be something helpful there. He doesn't think there is but it's possible.
Another thing Errol isn't sure about is exactly how long he's been here. He has a wrist watch but wasn't wearing it because he'd been swimming a little bit earlier in the day and never put it back on. He could have waterproofed it long ago with a simple spell but he just never got around to it, but won't make the mistake of putting that off again once he's got his watch and wand back. The two people he's seen have brought him meals and water, but so far only three meals and to Errol they don't seem to have been brought on any regular sort of schedule. There's also nothing in the type of food to indicate anything time of day wise. It's always dry, somewhat flavorless cereal.
Even though there have only been the three meals, Errol has a sense he's been here something over two days. That's just a rough estimate and he has no way to factor in how long he was unconscious. For all he knows he was out for a day or two, which would mean he's been here the better part of week now. One of his biggest frustrations is the not knowing the exact length of time. Knowing it would make absolutely no difference to the situation. He'd simply like an idea of how long Uncle Ross and those trusted others he mentioned will have been searching for him.
As there is absolutely nothing to do in the miniscule space beyond walking endlessly around the teeny space so small too much of it at one time is liable to make a person dizzy. There's also stretching out on the single blanket he's been given to serve as both pallet and covering and staring or trying to nap. Errol has lost count of how many times he's crawled around on all fours, even slithering across the floor at times, and standing on tip toe searching for signs of loose tiles or cracks in the wall or even some sort of ventilation system, given he seems to have plenty of breathable air. Much to his frustration and annoyance, he's found nothing. There floor, walls, and ceiling appear seamless other than where one meets another and even then there's an unnatural smooth roundness instead of sharp delineations. Just his luck he'd be held in a magical box and not in some Muggle space with loose floorboards he could pry up and slip out through or badly flaking plaster he could work a hole in. No, he's somewhere clearly spelled and there's probably even a one way window he can't see but through which even now someone is watching him, laughing over the fact that he can't even figure out where the door will appear next time it opens.
Flopping onto the blanket, Errol grumbles aloud just in case someone is watching or listening in, "At the very least you could bring me a book to read."
As he's not done the staring at a fixed point in a while, Errol pulls his knees up to his chin, wraps his arms around them, and stares at the wall directly opposite, hungry enough he wouldn't mind another bowl of that dry cereal.
First Sighting
Author: Griet
Date: 11-13-12 18:26
Stepping out of the Healer shoppe in Diagon Alley, Griet slowly made her way towards The Leaky Cauldron. With the start of another Hogwarts term only a short while away, Diagon Alley seemed extra busy. Griet felt like a fish trying to swim upstream. Many more people were headed in the opposite direction.
She found herself jostled into the doorway of Broomstix and stopped to collect herself. The shopping bag she carried held a few potions and tonics to help her around the full moon, a bottle of extra-soothing lotion for her dry skin, and several flavors of lip balm. She switched hands and prepared to navigate the main thoroughfare again when somebody in the window of the Quidditch shop caught her eye.
It was Clover… Clover, who used to be her best friend.
Clover was clearly recognizable after all these years, though she looked different. She had grown up, but she also looked older than her years. Her features had a hardness to them, and there were sharp angles in her face that hadn't been there before. She looked too skinny.
Morgan was with his sister, which was strange considering the two had never gotten along. They didn't look buddy-buddy, exactly, but they didn't look like they wanted to kill each other. Griet almost found seeing the siblings together more shocking than seeing Clover out of prison.
Morgan suddenly looked over and saw Griet. His eyes widened, but rather than point her out to Clover, he used his hand to guide Clover deeper into the Quidditch shop. Puzzled by his behavior, Griet turned away from the window and plunged into the crowd. She got as far as Mr. Mulpepper's Apothecary when she felt somebody tap her shoulder.
Griet jumped and whirled around, finding Morgan standing behind her. Clover wasn't with him.
"You scared me, Morgan!" she shouted.
"Thought I was my murdering sister, did you?" Morgan smirked.
Griet frowned. "I thought she was only guilty of attempted murder. Speaking of which, she did try to kill you. Why are you hanging out with her like that never happened?"
Morgan looked away and shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans. "It's part of her rehabilitation and reintegration into the world. I promised my parents I would play nice, and Clover is trying to do the same."
"Since when do you do the right thing, Morgan?" Griet asked. He seemed like a completely different person than she remembered. "You never cared about anything or anyone, so why are you doing this for Clover… who tried to kill you???"
Morgan shook his head. "I don't have to explain myself to you."
"So why are you talking to me now?"
"I don't think Clover is ready to see you yet."
"Good," Griet replied, "I'm not ready to see her either and I doubt I ever will be. She nearly killed my sister."
"Whom you hate!"
"Whom I used to hate," Griet corrected, "but even when I hated her, I never wanted her dead. She's my sister, Morgan. She's family."
"I don't see how she's so different from Clover," Morgan countered. "Didn't Cornelia set a killer scorpion loose on you? Didn't see basically try to kill you?"
"She was just being Cornelia," Griet said. Her sister had made some questionable choices, and while she had no doubt tried to hurt Griet with the scorpion, Cornelia had had no idea that the scorpion had actually been the animagus form of a wanted killer.
"Right," Morgan drawled. "Well, I better go back to Clover. She's probably wondering where I am."
"Bye then," Griet said. She turned abruptly and continued on her way to The Leaky Cauldron. It was a strange feeling, seeing Clover again after all these years, but it seemed stranger still to know that after everything she had done, Morgan actually appeared to care for Clover's well-being.
Griet finally reached the archway to the pub and slipped through it to make her way home.
No, No, And Did I Already Say No?
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 11-13-12 18:42
Entering Twice Told Tales, Julian reaches to loosen his tie. He does go casual in the shoppe from time to time when working but he doesn't usually have on formal robes with tie. Lysander nods at Julian as he draws near the counter. "How was it?"
"About as you'd expect. He was highly praised, his contributions to the Wizarding World lauded. A few people looking as though they were ready to cast themselves into the casket with him."
"Hagrid?"
"One of the ones most visibly distraught. Let me get changed and then I'll take over."
"No rush."
Stepping into the office, Julian quickly strips then grabs the clothes he'd left for changing. From the office doorway comes a wolf whistle. Standing there is Caerwyn's aunt Iola Carew, a smirk on her lips. "If I had known what I was missing, I would have found a way to catch you disrobed much sooner."
Julian makes a face at her, not bothering to respond as he pulls on the clothes. Once dressed he walks past her back to the counter where Lysander is trying not to laugh. "You could have called a warning or had her stay here with you."
"Where's the fun in that?" Lysander asks with amusement.
"You're such a best mate. What would I ever do without you?"
Lysander's responds is to grin cheekily as he makes his way around the counter for the stairs. "See you later. I expect a full report."
Julian knows he's not meaning about the funeral.
Only after Lysander has vanished up the stairs and Julian has verified there are no customers in the store does he speak to Iola. "What do you want, Carew?"
"Caerwyn should spend a few days with me."
"You just saw him."
"I don't mean for an hour or two. I mean all day and overnight."
"I'm not sure that's a good idea."
"I'm his aunt."
"And Afton's sister."
"I haven't done anything that would have my trust questioned."
"As I said, you are Afton's sister."
"And Caerwyn is her son."
"Caerwyn is nothing like her."
"I'm not either."
"So you say, but I don't know that yet, do I?"
"If you won't give me a chance, how will you ever?"
"Until I know for sure, then you don't get the sort of chance you're wanting so looks like we're at an impasse. Too bad."
Iola glares at Julian, obviously want to snap at him but holding her tongue, most likely because she doesn't want to put Julian off more than he already is. She withdraws to the coffee knook to pour herself a cup of tea. Back at the counter where Julian is looking over a listings for an upcoming estate. "You went to Albus Dumbledore's funeral?"
"Yes."
"Was it just for show?"
"What sort of question is that?"
"Exactly what it sounded like. If you were in association with Afton at one time I don't see you being a fan of his."
As a child, Julian had heard his parents and their friends make disparaging remarks about Dumbledore. As a Hogwarts students, Julian formed his own opinion of the wizard. He didn't love the man but he also didn't hate him as his parents and their friends had. As a young adult, Julian didn't share many of Dumbledore's views, particularly regarding the study of the dark arts. Later, after Grace was born and Briar and he realized just what a gifted, powerful little witch their daughter is, Julian came to trust and respect Dumbledore, who helped them get Grace the training she needed to gain early control of her abilities. Even his parents still do not know what Grace is capable of.
None of this is Iola's business. He says as much. "Why I was there is none of your concern. If you wish to see Caerwyn for an hour, you will find him at Blossom's Gaming Center with his friend Gus."
"One day, one night, returned bright and early the next morning before breakfast."
"No."
"What if he's willing?"
"He might be willing but I am not."
"You are impossible."
"When it comes to my children, absolutely."
"I am his aunt, Julian. You can't deny me access."
"You have not been denied access."
Iola huffs in anger and starts for the door. Halfway there she stops and turns to look back at him. "I'm not giving up on this, Julian."
"And I won't be agreeing to what you want until I am convinced you don't have some ulterior motive for suddenly showing up and claiming an interest in Caerwyn."
Huffing again, Iola marches to the door, pulling it open with enough force that the bell is still jingling a full twenty seconds after she's left.
Girls Will be Girls
Author: Arlington J Montgomery
Date: 11-13-12 21:01
The five girls sat at a corner table in a small café, several bags sat around the table. They were enjoying lunch and a short break from shopping. Bronwyn and Karma questioned their three friends, should they continue shopping or head home?
"We can stay out for a while; I know Bron wants to hit some more stores. Maybe we can head back to the house after dinner?" Desi decided.
Ember nodded in agreement. "Yes! I want to stay and shop. I mean, we're in France girls!"
"Em's right, shopping is required while in France." Bron finished Ember's statement.
Karma laughed a little. "Shopping is required no matter where you are, but France is an amazing spot."
"Agreed!" Fal sighed happily, "It is so nice to be away from my husband and the boys. I so needed some girl time today."
Em went quiet for a moment as she leaned back in her chair. She quietly sipped on her tea to quell a sudden wave of nausea.
"How are you feeling today, Emie?" Fallon questioned her young sister-in-law, she had noticed Ember's grimace.
The youngest of the group shrugged, "As well as can be expected. The morning sickness isn't too bad, yet; although it hits me all day long."
Desi glanced over at Ember. "So, you and Cameron are pretty close?"
"Yeah, we are. What do you guys think about him?"
Fal grinned "He's gorgeous! I think he's a good catch Em, and I'm glad he knows about the baby."
"I agree Fal." Karma added, "The two of you are going to be an excellent couple."
"He's our age, isn't he Ember?" Bron asked. "They're right though, that boy is serious eye candy."
Ember thought for a moment, "Yeah, he's 24 right now, so we're only around five years apart."
The girls finished lunch, picked up their previous purchases and headed off to a few more stores. Em stopped outside of a cute baby store as the rest of the group continued walking for a few moments. They all stopped when the noticed Ember had fallen behind.
"Do you want to go in there, Ember?" Bron moved back beside the younger girl.
"I guess it wouldn't hurt to look around, and they have some super cute stuff."
Bron smiled and motioned the rest of the girls to follow them in the shop.
Karma, Desi, Fal, Em and Bron all meandered through the store.
"I wonder what the guys are up to?" Desi asked the group.
Karma quirked an eyebrow and lightly elbowed Desi. "Thinking about the guys, are you?"
"What? Um. No…"
Fal chuckled, "Knowing Etch and his brothers they are probably being lazy or something."
"Yeah, but knowing your son the house may not be standing when we get back." Em grinned over at Fallon.
"As long as Fletcher doesn't leave Crew and Mase unsupervised everything should be fine."
Karma laughed a little "I'm more worried about leaving Dex unsupervised! He tends to be quite the trouble maker himself."
Fal and Em exchanged a glance. "You have no idea! Remind me to tell you stories about Dexie when we were kids."
"I bet they're all on the beach showing off or something."
"Crap!" Fallon yelled in the middle of the store.
"Are you alright, Fal?"
"Not really. Ember, we forget to get him a gift." Yesterday, August 3, was Driver's birthday. They had almost forgotten, until Driver received a letter from their parents that morning. Easton and Fia Morgan always made a point to send their children a letter at the exact moment they were born every year, no matter what. After a few quick 'Happy Birthday' cheers, everyone decided to go out for dinner to celebrate. The group had a nice dinner out at a fantastic restaurant. Driver was still pretty sore from his fight, so he hadn't been that focused on his family during dinner. Although he had been focused on a certain person that was sharing his room for the week.
"We can make it up to him, Fal. He doesn't really like getting gifts anyway. I bet I know what he would like though." Em didn't elaborate; she just smiled at her idea.
The group continued their chat, though the conversation turned from the boys and Driver's birthday, to babies. Everyone was glad they came on this trip, and the quintet of girls had all grown closer during their shopping expedition. They grabbed their bags after a light dinner and headed back to the beach house. Was it still standing? Had the boys gotten into trouble?"
Boys Will be Boys
Author: Arlington J Montgomery
Date: 11-13-12 21:02
They had the house to themselves. The level of testosterone in the beach front mansion was at an all-time high with nine guys, and none of the girls' home to help balance the situation out. At the moment, the group was hanging out on the beach.
"Dada! I hungry!" Mase held his hands on his hips as he tried to get his father's attention.
Etch stopped and scooped his youngest son up. "Oh really Mase? I guess we can get you some lunch then." He smiled and kissed the little boys cheek.
"C'mon guys, let's get some lunch!"
The other guys came running inside at the mention of food, but Sebastian stayed behind.
"Seb, what's up? You don't want to eat?" Arley stopped and moved back beside his boyfriend.
Seb shook his head. "No, I do I was just enjoying the ocean breeze." Arley smiled and offered his hand, Seb took it and Arley pulled him into his arms. After a chaste kiss they made their way inside, hand in hand.
"I was wondering if the two of you would come in or start snogging on the beach again." Cameron said to his friends.
"We were not…" Sebastian couldn't hide the blush, as they had been caught earlier. "Besides, it is not like most of you haven't been caught on the beach."
The other boys, minus Driver all agreed. Crew rolled his eyes at the adults and made his way over to the fridge. He pulled out several leftovers and sat them on the dining room table. "I have lunch!"
"Thanks buddy." Etch ruffled Crew's hair and the guys all sat down to munch on random leftovers.
Driver looked up, "So, what do you think the girls are up to?"
"Probably shopping until they drop, and spending all our money." Etch grinned, he knew Fallon would come back with a load of new clothes, shoes and such.
"I would have enjoyed going shopping today." Seb thought, as he stood to get a drink.
Arley looked up as Seb handed him a bottle of water. "Aw, you would rather be shopping with the girls than hanging out with me, hon?"
"No. I just enjoy shopping on occasion, and this is France, Arlington."
"You sound like the girls, Seb." Dex joked.
Arley turned and shoved Dexter hard. "Don't you dare compare him to a girl!"
Sebastian laid a hand on Arley's shoulder to help him calm down. "It's alright, sweetheart. I'm sure he didn't mean it." His voice was firm as he shot Dexter a glare, warning him not to say something like that again. He knew how much statements like that angered his partner.
Dex muttered, "Sorry guys."
Arley and Seb had accepted Dexter's apology, and then everyone sat quietly for a few moments as they ate.
"Hey, I'm sorry we didn't do much for your birthday, Bro." Etch said to his younger brother.
"It's alright, Etch. We had a nice dinner, and you guys got me to take some time off work. That's a gift in itself."
Dexter looked up, he had been lost in thought and hadn't heard the conversation between Driver and Fletcher. "Oh yeah, my birthday isn't until the 11th, what was with all the cheering last night?" He had been too caught up making out with Karma that he let the fact that Driver's birthday was cause for celebration slip past him.
Fletcher reached across the table and smacked his little brother hard across the back of his head. "Really, Dexter? We weren't referring to your birthday…"
"Oh crap." He looked up at Driver. "That dinner was for your birthday? I'm sorry, Karma and I were busy last night and I didn't comprehend."
Arley rolled his eyes. "Nice, Dex. Your birthdays are in the same month, and there is barely over a week in between them."
"I know, and I'm sorry. I've just got a lot on my mind with starting back to school next term."
"Dude, it's alright. Let's just forget about it."
Cameron looked around the room. "Um, guys? Where's Crew?"
The other guys all looked around. "That's not good! Crew get back here!"
Mase looked outside toward the beach. "Went dat way!"
Fletcher picked up his youngest son and headed off after his eldest. "Crew Chase Morgan! FREEZE!"
Crew stopped in his tracks, he knew he was in trouble. Were they back at home or in a wizarding part of the city he would have been stunned. "Hi Daddy." He smiled, trying to look innocent. "Can I help you?"
Etch picked him up. "You know not to run off! You could have been hurt, buddy."
"I'm sorry, Daddy. I was just bored with you and uncle Dex arguing."
"It's okay, just start listening, okay?" Crew nodded, he would try to behave. Try.
A little while later the guys had all settled into the living room and flipped on the television. A muggle soccer game was playing. The girls returned a while later to find the boys all sprawled out in chairs and couches around the room. Crew was asleep in a corner beside the TV while Mase was asleep cuddled in his father's arms. Food was still left out in the kitchen, and the house wasn't nearly as clean as it was when the ladies had left that morning.
Fallon rolled her eyes as she cuddled up beside her husband and son. "You guys are in so much trouble. We expect you to clean everything up by morning."