'Damn the sun. I wish it were night right now, and then I wouldn't be so tired.'
Gwendelyn thought, walking silently in the direction towards her Charms class. Gwen was avoiding contact with people as much as possible, even maintaining absence around Lily. After the vampire entered the empty classroom, Gwendelyn soon took a seat at a desk to the right side of the room, pulled out a book and began to read, only to fall asleep in the classroom. While the girl slept, the Marauders walked in the halls, having plenty of time before class started. "How do you think Fuchs levitated those jerks without a wand?" Sirius asked out loud, making James nod his head in thought of the idea. Remus was lost in his thoughts, still unable to believe that Gwendelyn was the culprit for the incident, before commenting "How do you know for sure that Gwen was the one who levitated your brother?" he asked, wanting an answer.
Sirius smirked at his werewolf friend "Because she confessed to Prongsy and me about her prank." Sirius answered, grinning mischievously. Peter was the first to speak after Sirius's explanation "Speaking of Gwen, where is she?" he asked curiously, only to be answered by James. "I'm sure she's around here somewhere Wormtail." he said as they continued walking down the lively corridor. The group split up to leave for their classes, Remus and Peter made their way towards their first class of the day, Charms. Once they entered the classroom, Remus took notice of a figure asleep at a desk, slowly walking towards the person.
"It's Gwen Remus." Peter exclaimed to his friend, both of them noticing a sleeping Gwendelyn. Shortly, students of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw entered the classroom, signifying the starting of Charms class. Remus sat next to Gwen, while Peter seated himself next to him, as Professor Flitwick entered the room, greeting the students. "Good Morning Class." he greeted "Morning Professor" students chorused. Remus shook Gwendelyn's shoulder gently yet firmly, trying to wake her up. "Wake up Gwen." he whispered softly into her ear.
When no response came from the sleepy girl, Remus shook her a little harder, while Peter watched his friend try to wake up Gwen. "Gwendelyn, wake up." Remus whispered loudly, before a voice hollered through the classroom. "Miss Fuchs, wake up this instant! We have so much to learn in such little time." the short professor shouted, waking the vampire from her nap as students giggled. Gwen blinked before yawning "Yes Professor." she voiced, giving her full attention to the lesson. Halfway through the lesson, Gwendelyn leaned towards Remus "Thank you for waking me up." she whispered to Remus, giving him a small smile.
Remus blushed slightly before saying "I didn't wake you up; Professor Flitwick woke you." Gwen let out a small soft giggle. "True. But I heard your voice first before hearing him. Therefore you woke me up." she explained to Remus, earning a nod from the man next to her. "You are welcome." Remus replied before the two went back to paying attention to the lesson. Remus knew that what had just happened was a rare moment that was shared with the woman to his left. 'Her voice seemed to chime like beautiful bells.' the werewolf thought happily with a smile, unaware of Gwendelyn listening to the thoughts in the classroom using telepathy.
The vampire hung her head, blush hidden in her powder covered face. 'I must have heard wrong, surely he can't be thinking of me.' Gwen thought while denying her feelings, listening to the Charms professor. Time pasted and class soon ended, students piling out of the classroom to make their ways to their next classes. Gwen slowly walked out of the classroom, entering a hallway only to feel a hand gently grab her shoulder. "Are you alright Gwen?" Remus asked worried about his friend, while Peter stood next to him.
Gwendelyn nodded her head yes, "I am well Remus. There is nothing for you worry about." Remus let go of her shoulder. "I see. Gwen, what class do you have next?" he asked, curious about the girl before him. "I have Potions next. What about you?" Gwendelyn answered before asking him a question. "I have it as well." Remus answered truthfully as he, Gwen, and Peter walked towards their next class.
'I should be void of emotions & feelings that mortals have. What is this illness?'
Gwendelyn asked herself, knowing that creatures like her never get any illnesses, while walking with Remus and Peter. They continued towards the dungeons, only to be interrupted, "Gwen!" shouted Lily while she caught up with the small group. "I heard you fell asleep in Charms. Are you ok?" Lily asked worried for her friend. Gwendelyn smiled before answering her friend's question "I am fine Lily, there is nothing to worry about." the vampire replied to the mortal. "Gweny!" hollered Sirius and James as they approached their friends.
"Moony why didn't you tell us you found Fuchs?" Sirius asked before elbowing Remus in the side. Remus glared at Sirius, ignoring his comment. "Gwen was in Charms with us." Peter spoke up, earning looks from his friends "Gweny was asleep when we got to Charms, and Moony woke her up." Peter explained, making James and Sirius laugh, forcing Remus and Gwen to blush. "We should be going to class." Gwendelyn announced, walking without them. Lily soon ran after her friend, going towards the dungeons, soon followed by the Marauders.
They entered the classroom, and took their seats, as more students entered, most of them Slytherins or Gryffindors. Professor Slughorn entered saying "Good Morning everyone! We will be studying a few potions before going on to today's task." Slughorn explained. "Can someone tell me, what these potions are?" the professor asked, seeking a volunteer from his students. Lily, Severus, and Gwen's hand flew up. "Ah Miss Evans please step forward." Slughorn addressed, as Lily stepped forward to analyze the cauldrons placed before her.
Gwen never really liked Slughorn and his lessons; he was a good teacher, just boring in her opinion. So Gwendelyn did what she would always do, ignore and not pay attention until she found out what the task was. "Thank you Miss Evans. Now to today's task. Within in the next hour, each person will make a Draught of the Living Dead. The student whom makes the perfect potion, will win this." the potions teacher announced, before holding up a small vial. "This is-"Slughorn started, only to have his sentence broken "'Felix Felicis,' also known as 'Liquid Luck.'" answered Gwen, interrupting Slughorn. "Very good Miss Fuchs. Now, you may begin your task. Instructions on page 10 in your book." Slughorn cheered, as students opened their books.
The students started working on the potion, in order to be rewarded. Lily started working at her cauldron, following the directions present in their Advanced Potion Making books. Everyone trying their hardest; even the Marauders were making an effort, though Peter's exploded in his face. Gwendelyn worked hard with her potion, not feeling any need for the prize. Once the vampire finished her potion, she pulled out a quill and some parchment, began writing a letter, feeling a glare from Severus Snape. James was staring at Lily, admiring her in her beauty before taking notice of the glares that Gwendelyn was receiving from Snape.
James leaned in towards Remus, nudging his side "Keep an eye on Snivellus, Moony. I don't like the look he's giving your Gweny." James whispered, pointing out Snape's glare while Gwen continued to write. Remus noticed what James had whispered to him, frowning at the situation. Sirius joined in conversation "Don't worry Moony, Prongs and I will get Snivellus, just you wait" he stated mischievously. Time was up and Slughorn examined the cauldrons before determining the winner. "It's tough. Some are excellently brewed, but of Mr. Snape and Miss Evans, I would have to say, Mr. Snape! Congratulations!" the professor announced, handing Severus the vile of liquid luck.
Class was dismissed, Gwendelyn walking away only to have a hand grab her arm for the second time today. "Oh, no you don't." Lily started, dragging Gwen with her. "What are you doing?" Gwendelyn asked while she was forced down the halls, even though she was strong enough to get out of her friend's grasp. Lily smiled "I have noticed that Remus is looking for you during meals. Even if you can't eat normally, you can still enjoy the company." she whispered to Gwen, nearing towards the Great Hall. Gwendelyn sighed in defeat before complying. "Alright Lily, you win." the vampire declared as they both entered.
'I know things will change soon, their group is on to my little trial of bread crumbs.'
Gwendelyn thought, referring to the Marauders, while seated with her friend at the Gyrffindor table, looking over the letter that she wrote to her father in Potions.
Dear Papa,
How is the weather back in Germany? Hogwarts is wonderful as always. Classes have been pleasant so far. Plenty of homework, that I will get done way before the due date. Thank you for the 'gifts' that you and Sir Weiss got for me. How is Mama doing? I felt bad about leaving for school while she is ill. Is she feeling better? I miss all of you. But I am having fun here in Britain. Please stay out of trouble while I am gone, and write back.
Love,
Gwendelyn
'I wonder what Gwen likes about Remus.' Lily thought debating on whether she should ask Gwen her question. 'He is smart, honest, kind, handsome, and he is a good friend.' Gwendelyn answered telepathically to Lily. "How do you do that?" Lily asked. Gwen looked up from her letter to her friend "It is called Telepathy. Many of my kind have a different dark gift. Sometimes, more than one gift. Then there are the rare ones who have many dark gifts." the vampire answered, giving a small explanation. "That is what Sir Weiss told my father and me." Gwen stated, reminiscing about her times with her family.
"Ello ladies." greeted Sirius Black, he and the rest of the Marauders seated at the Gryffindor table; Remus seated next to Gwen, James across Lily, Sirius sat next to his best friend James, and Peter sat next to Lily. "Good afternoon." Gwendelyn replied, putting her letter in an envelope with the name 'Burnard' on it. "Who is Burnard? Is that your boyfriend Gwen?" asked Peter, while eating his soup. Remus frowned, glaring at Pettigrew, making James and Sirius laugh. Gwen's smile fell at the question. "That's sick Peter. Why on earth would I want to date my father?" the vampire asked.
James, Sirius, and Peter froze while Remus sighed in relief, Lily giggling at their reactions. "Sorry." Peter mumbled, continuing to eat his soup. "Evans, how about we make a bet. If I win in a challenge that you think of, you owe me a date. If you win, than I will wait a time limit to ask you out." James suggested, making Lily frown in disagreement. "Make a perfect Draught of the Living Dead, and then we'll talk. Oh wait, that's right, you couldn't even do that correctly." Lily reminded coldly, referring to Potions class. "If you don't mind, I will be leaving now. See you later Gwen." declared Lily, getting up from her seat and leaving the Great Hall.
"Did you really think 'that' would work?" the vampire asked not expecting to receive an answer. "Alright Fuchs, now tell us. How did you do it?" Potter inquired, referring to the trick. Gwendelyn blinked "Easy, I have Telekinesis." she whispered. Surprise covered the Marauders faces "So you can move objects?" Sirius asked. "Yes." Gwen answered. "How can you do this?" James inquired, to have another person answer the question. "It's because she is a monster." Severus Snape answered, drawing attention towards him.
James, Sirius, and Remus glared daggers at the Slytherin; Gwen frowned at the comment directed at her. "Consider this helpful advice. You never know when this one might bite your heads off." Snape stated, walking out of the Great Hall at a fast rate. Gwendelyn continued to frown. Remus noticed and decided to cheer her up. "Don't listen to him. He doesn't know what he's talking about." Gwen smiled at Remus. "Thank you." was all she could say. "What was Snape referring about Gwendelyn?" asked Remus, full of curiosity.
Gwen thought for a moment, debating on whether or not she should talk about the events from last year. "It's complicated. But there was an incident last year." the vampire started, noticing that James and Sirius continued feasting. "I studied a lot for O.W.L.'s. As a result, I made myself sick. I rested for nearly a week. One night, I was wondering the halls, 'sleep walking.' I tripped over the stone floor and fell. Severus found me, and tried to wake me up." Gwen paused wondering whether or not she should continue with her story. Gwen sighed. "I bit him." Gwendelyn lied, not completely telling the whole truth while drawing attention.
"Wait. You bit Snivellus?" asked Sirius laughing at the idea. James burst into laughter at the idea. Remus found this concept amusing. "Yes. Lily understands, but Severus thinks I'm a monster." she explained emotionlessly, before getting up and leaving towards her next class. "So Gweny bit Snape?" Peter asked his friends. "Yes Wormtail. Moony's Gweny bit Snivellus." James answered. The Marauders soon left the Great Hall, departing to go their separate ways to classes.
'One thing has always bothered me about Remus Lupin. How did he get those scars?'
Gwen thought, walking out of the Defense against the Dark Arts classroom, heading outside. Gwendelyn thought about what Snape said, nearing the shade of a huge tree by the lake. 'In a way, he is right.' she thought 'I could have bitten Lily or anyone else for that matter.' concepts popped up in her head. Gwen started working on her Divination homework, while her friend Lily was walking to another class. "Hey Evans, where is Fuchs?" Sirius asked, James with him. "I don't know. She isn't in every class with me." Lily answered truthfully before entering a corridor.
James thought of an idea, grinning at his plan. "Are you thinking what I am thinking Padfoot?" James asked his best mate, earning a mischievous look from Sirius. "I don't know Prongs. Are your thoughts about a certain map?" Sirius asked back. James and Sirius walked into an empty hallway; James pulling out folded parchment, to point his wand at it. "I solemnly swear I am up to no good." he announced, as a map of the castle appeared on the parchment. They searched for the name 'Gwendelyn Fuchs' on the map, while someone else found a person they were looking for.
"Gwen, what are you doing out here?" Remus asked, noticing a figure seated in the shadows of the lone tree he'd always sat under. Gwendelyn looked up from her now finished Divination homework, to see Remus walking towards her. "Nothing, just finished working on homework." she answered, looking up at the standing Remus. He smiled with joyous amber orbs, before joining Gwen under neither the cool shade of his favorite tree. "You sit here?" he asked watching the lake before them. "Yes, whenever I feel like being outside." Gwen answered, stealing glances at Remus. "What about you Remus?" Gwendelyn questioned, wondering what interest the man had that sat next to her under the tree which they took refuge from the sun.
Remus grinned before closing his eyes "It's nothing. This is just a good place to read a good book." he explained. "It's also a good place to think." Gwen added, Remus nodding in agreement. "Can I ask you something Gwen?" the werewolf asked, nervousness appearing in his once happy tone. Gwen giggled "You just asked me something." she joked, making Remus turn slight crimson. "That is not the question." he stated with seriousness. "Can you really move objects with your mind, Gwendelyn?" he inquired, locking eyes with the woman next to him.
"If I wanted too, than yes." she explained softly. "I understand." Remus responded. "May I ask you something Remus?" the vampire asked with curiosity present in her false grey orbs. Remus chuckled "You just asked me something Gwen." he teased as Gwendelyn's face changed pale red. "Now, we're even. How did you get those scars?" Gwendelyn asked. Remus frowned, sadness over coming his being. "It was an accident, nothing more." he stated, not wanting to go into detail.
Gwen shrugged "Sorry. It's your choice if you want to talk about that subject." she stated, before facing the lake. Suddenly a barn owl flew towards the couple, landing in front of Gwendelyn with a small package in its talons. "Guten Tag Geist." Gwen greeted in German, before pulling out the letter she wrote earlier. "Remus this is my barn owl Geist; Ghost for short." she said while introducing the owl to Remus. "It's a very pretty owl Gwen." he determined, while staring at it.
Geist screeched, flapping her wings a bit, dropping the package. "Take this letter to Papa Ghost." the vampire ordered, as the owl took the letter to her beak. The two watched as the owl flew away. "I didn't know you could speak German." Remus said surprised. "It's nothing really, just something I was taught when I was little." Gwen answered, only to earn a question. "What did you get Gwendelyn?" Remus asked, removing his gaze from the owl, eyeing the small package. Gwen glanced at the small package, picking it up from the ground and opening the box.
Inside were a few spools of black, white, and grey thread, and a case containing sharps, embroidery, and quilting needles. "I got sewing supplies." Gwendelyn announced, picking up the case to examine the needles. "I didn't know that you could sew Gwen." Remus stated with amusement. "Yes. It's a small hobby I have, besides reading of course." Gwen reassured, turning from the needles to Remus. The vampire noticed something odd with Remus, mostly regarding his robes.
Patches were present in odd places; some sown well while others looked like they would fall off any moment. She also noticed that there were few places where parts of the fabric were torn on the trousers. "If you don't mind me asking, but what happened to your robes Remus?" Gwendelyn asked hoping to receive an answer. Remus tensed up, trying to think of an excuse for his clothing. "I got into a fight with an Acromantula last year." he lied, hiding his secret from her. Gwendelyn put the case back into the small box with the thread. She placed the package into a sewed pocket in her robes.
Gwen stood up from her seated spot, picking up her books. "I know you are lying, Remus. But if it is something you do not wish to talk about, then that is understandable." Gwendelyn started, seeing a shocked look on Remus as he got up. "But none the less, meet me after dinner in the Common Room. I will see what I can do for your torn clothes." Gwen concluded, making Remus turn bright red from embarrassment. "You don't have to do that Gwen." Remus started to argue. "It's a hobby I have. Plus, I think you need my help. Considering your poor sewing skills." Gwendelyn finished teasing Remus a little bit.
'Could the secret Remus possesses be connected in some way to his nickname 'Moony?''
Gwendelyn thought finishing her Care for Magical Creatures homework in the Library, stroking the spine of her Monster Book of Monsters book. She than pulled out some parchment and her Confronting the Faceless text book to begin working on her Defense against the Dark Arts essay. While Gwen worked, the Marauders were laughing, until James noticed a lurking Snape not too far behind their group. "Let's confront Snivellus." James whispered seriously, while he and his friends headed out towards the court yard. Sure enough Severus followed them, his wand at the ready, wanting to catch them in the act of something fowl.
Away from any contact, James turned around pointing his wand at Snape, to shout "Expelliarmus!" disarming and removing the Slytherin's wand. Severus stepped towards his wand, not once removing his gaze from the four boys. "Incarcerous!" yelled Sirius, ropes conjured from his wand, surrounding and tying Snape up. "Alright Snivellus. Tell us why you were following us." Sirius inquired, glaring grayish orbs at the tied up student before him. Severus remained quiet, mad that he let himself get caught.
Remus frowned at the Slytherin, only to ask "Why do you hold a grudge against Gwen? She told us what happened last year, said she was sorry. It's not like she's a vampire now." the werewolf started, telling a small joke. Snape shot venomous daggers at Remus. "If she told you everything, than why are you still friends with that monster?" Severus questioned before continuing his explanation. "That thing tried to kill me. If you know what is best for your lot, you'd distant yourselves from that bloodsucking bitch." Snape finished before having a fist collide with his face. Remus punched Severus, fuming with anger.
"Remus, why did you hit him?" yelled Lily Evans, running towards the group. "Don't blame him. He was defending his woman's honor." Sirius hollered, receiving an evil eye from Remus. "It's true Evans. Snivellus insulted Gwen." James shouted. Lily started untying her childhood friend, Severus holding his face in pain as his nose bled, while Professor McGonagall walked towards the group, obviously witnessed the scene from her office window. "Miss Evans, please escort Mr. Snape to the Hospital wing. I want you to explain yourselves." McGonagall said, watching the Marauders as Lily and Severus ran inside the castle.
The four boys explained every thing, from the point of Snape following them, to Remus hitting Snape for an insult directed at Gwendelyn. "Mr. Potter, Mr. Black, and Mr. Pettigrew you automatically have detention. Even though you were defending your friend Mr. Lupin, you have detention as well. The four of you will have detention for a week with Mr. Filch, starting tonight." McGonagall admitted, already determined a punishment for the Marauders. "I will expect you not to ditch." the professor announced, turning her back toward them to head into the castle. "Well it could be worse." Peter voiced out loud. 'How am I going to explain this to Gwen?' the werewolf thought to himself.
"Well, no point staying out here. We might as well head back." James figured before he and Sirius walked back into the castle, followed by Peter and Remus. While these events occurred, Gwen was in the Library, now finished with her Defense against the Dark Arts essay and her Potions homework assignment, leaving her with just Charms work to do. She picked up her books after putting away her quill and ink, and left the Library, going towards Gryffindor Tower. On her way up the changing stair cases, a scent caught up to her nose, the scent of blood.
'It's faint, but someone was bleeding.' the vampire thought, before sniffing the air, getting a more familiar scent through her nostrils. 'I knew it. It's Snape.' Gwendelyn thought to herself, walking towards the portrait of the Fat Lady. "Password." the portrait asked. "Jelly Slugs." Gwen answered before entering into the Gryffindor Common Room. Once inside, she ran up the stairs to the girl's dormitory, walked in the hall towards the room.
'It has to be the Marauders that did something to Severus. No one else picks on him.'
Gwendelyn thought, pulling out her wand and a flask from her sown pocket in her school robes. After casting a spell on the flask, the door to the room opened; the earlier scent of blood present once again. Gwen looked toward the entrance to see Lily. "You smell it, don't you?" Lily questioned seriously, wanting an answer. Gwendelyn gave a cheeky grin "If you mean Sev's blood, than yes I do smell it. That is why I am eating dinner earlier than usual." the vampire explained, gesturing to the cold flask in her hand.
"Could you please hold this while I go wash off the powder?" Gwen asked her friend. "Sure...I guess." Lily agreed, being handed the flask containing O type blood. While Gwen washed the powder off her face and hands, Lily stared sickly at the silver flask in her hands, partly tempted to remove the lid to view its contents. Once Gwendelyn returned, from the bathroom she took the flask from her friend's hands. The vampire turned away from her friend, opening the flask to smell the blood contained, brings the flask to her lips.
Gwen drank the crimson elixir, the blood flowing down her throat like water, supplying energy. Finished, she put the flask away and turned to her friend "If you don't mind me asking, but what happened?" Gwendelyn demanded, seeking the truth. Lily grinned, knowing something. "Why don't you ask them." referring to the Marauders. "Come on, it is almost time for dinner." she concluded, heading towards the exit, waiting for Gwen. The two friends left the dormitory, soon leaving Gryffindor tower, eventually entering the Great Hall.
Once seated at the table, near the Marauders, the feast started, platters of food appearing onto the dishes. Gwendelyn pulled out a book, while teachers and students began eating their dinner, enjoying the delicious meal. Just as Gwen was about to read, she put her book down, remembering that there was something she forgot to ask. The vampire glanced at the Slytherin table, briefly noticing the bandage on Snape's face. "Hey Remus, what happened to Snape?" she asked drawing attention from the small group of friends.
James and Sirius laughed their butts off, Peter stuffing chicken in his mouth, while Remus started. "Well you see, Snape was following us so James disarmed him of his wand while Sirius tied him up." he began to explain. "You see Fuchs, Snivellus was following us, so we lead him away." Sirius interrupted earning a glare from Remus. "Yeah so I disarmed him, and Sirius here tied him up. So we interrogated Snape." James continued receiving a glare from Remus. "I brought up about how you told us about what happened last year. Then Snape started to lie, telling us that it would be wise to stay away from you. Then he had the nerve to insult you." the werewolf explained only to be interrupted again.
"Snivellus called you a bloodsucking bitch." James started, getting his arm punched by Remus. "So I gave him a blow to the face." Remus finished awaiting a response from Gwendelyn. The vampire blushed crimson, the color appearing more without the powder. "Look. Fuchs is blushing!" Sirius pointed out, getting a punch to his arm from Gwen. "Unfortunately we got in trouble and have detention for a week. So I can't meet with you tonight. Sorry Gwendelyn" Remus apologized feeling guilty.
The vampire smiled, keeping her fangs hidden. "It's alright Remus; we could always meet another time." Gwen forgave "Just don't get into any more trouble on my behalf." she commented, picking up her book to read. The time around supper flew by, as students talked and gossiped, while Gwendelyn was lost in her book. Once dinner was over, the Marauders walked towards the entrance to the Great Hall, meeting up with a waiting Argus Filch. The four walked away, following the caretaker of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Lily and Gwen walked into the Gryffindor common room, heading to their dorm room. "So why didn't you tell me, you were suppose to meet with Remus?" Lily asked while Gwen removed her contacts, revealing red orbs. Gwendelyn explained to her friend what had happened during her free block, making Lily grin slyly. "Awe, that's so sweet Gwen. This is why you should hang out more in the Great Hall more often." Lily exclaimed, working on her schoolwork. Gwen smiled fully, showing off her fangs. "Maybe you are on to something." the vampire stated.
Later that night, the Marauders returned to their common room, reminding James of something. "Moony, you won't believe what Padfoot and I found earlier today." he announced, drawing attention from his friends. "That's right. You have got to see this." Sirius reinforced, pulling out the parchment and his wand. "I solemnly swear I am up to no good." Sirius stated, the map appearing on to the parchment. "Look at this." James ordered, showing the map to Remus and Peter. The area that was shown to them was Gryffindor common room, and then Sirius pointed to the girl's dormitory.
Every name was present, except for the name 'Gwendelyn Fuchs' surprising Remus and Peter. "Why is her name not on the map?" the werewolf asked, curious with this odd yet interesting concept. "I don't know Moony. Everyone's should be on there." James commented. "The only reason why her name shouldn't be on the map is if she were dead." Sirius spoke, stating a true fact. "But that's impossible. Gwen is alive." Remus answered, moving his gaze from the map towards the girl's dorm. 'What's going on?' he asked himself. "For now, let's wait about asking Gwen until our punishments over." the werewolf stated.
I would like to thank chronicxxxinsanity and Naflower05 for reviewing. I would also like to thank my friend Zall88. This chapter is deicated to you guys! Like I said before, I do not own Harry Potter, that belongs to J.K. Rowling. I do, however own Gwen and the Fuchs family. Please review!
