Disclaimer: all property of C.S. Lewis. Parts near the end are from the movie

A/N: I apologize about the delay! wasn't allowing anything to be uploaded yesterday so I got this up as soon as I could. Thank you for all of your reviews, they are very much appreciated! (so many!) (huge smile) A big shout out to my readers and my reviewers, for you're the people who keep me writing.

I've fixed a few things in Ch1 and 2, Americanisms and that (smiles). Thanks for your help! Also, about their ages. I think I've settled on the following after re-reading the books. Lucy age 9, soon to be 10, Edmund 11 (so that they're about a year apart), Susan 14, Peter 15. I know this probably isn't exactly what the books have, but in my mind this feels right (smiles). Also, a note on their appearances. I looked through the books, and Lucy is described as golden-haired and Susan with black hair. That's about all I've found so far! (smiles) And I have to say that I loved the children from the movie, especially Lucy, she was so adorable.

Just a few notes on this chapter and the future chapters that lie ahead. I'm planning on doing a sort of mix b/w the movie and book. Now, before everyone panics, I'm sticking to as many of the canon facts of the book as I can. I might insert a few quotes from the movie, and some of the extra scenes, which I liked just because they fleshed out the missing parts (like Edmund at the castle). However, I'm not going to be doing every scene from the book/movie, of course. I'll probably skim slightly over what we already know, and focus on detailing those missing scenes (like what Aslan tells Edmund).

At the end of this chapter, of course, is from the movie, with a little fleshing out :)

So without furthur ado, I give you chapter three! (with more sibling interaction)

Your reviews, thoughts, favorite parts/characters, suggestions are all very much appreciated and extremely welcomed :)


Chapter Three: Teddy

It was after school on an especially dreary day, with gloomy, dark clouds threatening rain covering much of the sky. Edmund and his mate, Fred, were up to their usual mischief. This time the victim was a nine-year old, blond, pig-tailed girl. She held a rag doll in her arms, close to her chest. She and another girl were giggling and talking animatedly about something, which gave him and Fred the opportunity for a bit of fun. It had been Fred's idea of course, it always was. Ever since Edmund's first year at school he and Fred had been inseparable. Mum didn't approve of Fred, saying that he was too rough and a trouble-maker, but Edmund found ways around that and as of late, they only hung out during school. Mum didn't approve of any of his mates, it seemed, and had told the teachers to watch Edmund. Edmund only knew this because one day after school he had been walking down the hall when he overheard them talking. They were talking about him as if they really knew him, but who did? Except Dad. Teachers always assumed too much and they were far too bossy for Edmund's tastes. They reminded him of Susan at her worst, when she was being especially difficult.

Fred snickered and Edmund glanced at him. He was cupping something in his hands. "Watch this," smirked Fred and snuck up behind the girls. He dropped a big, fat spider on the blond girl's shoulder.

As soon as the other girl spotted it, she screamed, shouting "Spider!" This, of course, made the blond girl scream and frantically brush it away. Edmund grinned, spotting his chance, and snatched the girl's rag doll.

"Give it back!" protested the girl, jumping in an effort to reach her doll.

"No." Edmund smirked and tossed it to Fred, who was several inches taller than Edmund.

"Come and get it!" taunted Fred, laughing. Edmund joined in as they began to toss the doll back and forth.

The girl kept jumping, trying to catch the doll, but the boys threw it too high over her head. Tears were welling up in her eyes as she cried, "Please! Give her back!"

Edmund knew this was awfully spiteful of him, but it gave him a sense of power over the smaller girl. Fred and his mates always picked on the younger children, and after they had brought Edmund into their group, he had come to enjoy it. His mates were the only people that had accepted him at school and he wasn't about to give that up just over some silly game his conscience tried to play with him.

The wailing of the siren halted their fun and Edmund froze. The girl quickly snatched the doll from his hands, rushing along with the other children towards the nearest air-raid shelter. Along with everyone else being herded by the shelter wardens, Edmund made his way towards the shelter. He looked around for Lucy, wondering where his sister had run off to this time. Peter and Susan's school had been destroyed the other day by a midnight raid and were at a different school. So now Edmund was responsible for seeing that Lucy came home safely. As the sirens blared, echoing off the buildings and making Edmund's ears hurt, he focused on getting to the shelter. It wasn't his fault that his batty sister hadn't stayed close to him. She was smart enough, according to Peter and Susan. She'd figure out her way there.

As he ran, brogues clapping on the flagstones beneath his feet, he spotted a flash of color off to his right. He skidded to a halt, nearly running into a taller boy. As the kids rushed past him, he searched for the source of color that he had seen. He heard crying and his gaze landed on a small boy who looked to be half his age, sitting in a small niche behind the brick wall. Edmund would have missed him if he hadn't heard the boy's sniffles.

"What are you doing there?" snapped Edmund.

The boy stared up at him, obviously terrified. "I- I'm scared."

Edmund rolled his eyes and reached down, hauling the other kid to his feet. "Get to the shelter." He turned to go when he felt a tiny hand wrap its fingers around his hand. He looked down and scowled at the kid that had latched onto him. "What are you doing?" He tried to pull his hand away but the boy refused to let go.

"I- I don't know where it is," sniffled the boy.

"I don't have time for this," scowled Edmund, trying to free himself but to no avail. He muttered something under his breath as the boy looked at him pleadingly. Something inside him flickered as he realized that the boy really, truly, needed his help. "Come on," he said and yanked the other boy along with him towards the shelter. Once they were inside, he pried off the boy's fingers, scowling slightly.

"Thanks," whispered the boy, watching Edmund turn away.

Edmund stopped, momentarily speechless. He turned, looking at the boy, who was being tended to by an adult. Did…did he just say thanks? thought Edmund in disbelief. No one had ever said that word to him before. Ever.

Clearing his thoughts with a shake of his head, he walked over to an empty space on the floor, taking a seat. He took out Maddie, his toy soldier, and turned it over in his hands, leaning back against the wall. He ran a finger over the face before closing his eyes, wishing the raid would just end.

"Edmund!" cried a voice and he cracked an eye open to see Lucy running over to him. She jumped into his arms, hugging him tightly. "You're all right!"

"Get off!" he scowled, trying to free himself from his little sister's arms.

"I was so scared, Ed!" continued Lucy, ignoring Edmund's protests. "But then Joyce told me it'd be all right! She knows everything." Lucy grinned, sitting back. "She's so smart! She said you'd be here and –" Lucy continued to babble on and Edmund tuned her out, looking around the shelter. There were a handful of children, along with several adults, most of them sitting on the cold, hard ground. A few older children sat on wooden crates in one corner, their faces solemn. "Ed, are you even listening?" laughed Lucy.

Edmund looked at her, scowling slightly. How can she be so cheery in this place? Or at this time? he thought. But then again, Lucy always was cheerful, her laughter a common sound around their house. Sure, there were times when she was upset, but she never said anything cross to anyone. "Go away."

"I'm not supposed to, remember? Mum said for me to stay by you since Peter and Susan aren't here." She smiled and plopped down next to Edmund. "Guess what? Joyce and I are going to have a tea party later and she said you could come!"

"No thanks," he said shortly, standing.

"Where are you going?"

Edmund ignored her, walking over to the other side of the shelter, side-stepping the people sitting on the floor. A tall man passed him, opening the door to the shelter. Light from outside poured in and the man turned to everyone. "We're clear."

The occupants of the shelter made their way out slowly, glancing around to see if anything had struck close. Edmund maneuvered his way through the crowd, coming out near the bus stop. He looked up at the still-cloudy sky and then around at the buildings. Everything seemed to be in order.

"Edmund! Wait up!"

Edmund scowled, not looking back when he heard Lucy call. He heard the clicking of her shoes as she ran over to him, coming to a halt beside him.

"What are you thinking about?" she asked, a smile still on her face.

"None of your business. Go away."

"Ed, do you want to play a game while we wait?" she asked eagerly, not easily deterred.

Edmund rolled his eyes and looked at her, saying as nastily as he could, "I don't play stupid games with little kids." He walked over to stand a few feet away, watching for the bus. He saw Lucy bite her lip, a sign that tears might follow. "Don't cry, Lucy. You're such a baby." He turned away from her, seeing the bus nearing them. The bus came to a stop and the door opened, allowing passengers off. Edmund moved into queue, entering the bus and paying the fare for both of them. Then he made his way to the back of the bus, sitting on one of the worn seats. Lucy walked up to where he sat, looking at him for a few moments, her features solemn. Then she turned and took a seat across the aisle, looking out the window. Thank God, thought Edmund, glad that she hadn't sat next to him. He didn't want to hear her go on and on about Joyce, her imaginary friend, or the things that they were going to do. As the bus pulled away, he closed his eyes, settling in for the ride.

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That night at dinner, their mother told them something that would change their lives forever. They had just finished their meal when she folded her hands on the table and said, "Children, I have some news for you." They all quieted, resting their hands on their laps. "Tomorrow you're going to be going away from here."

"What? Mum, why?" asked Peter, startled.

"They're sending all the children away from the city to the country. You'll be safer there."

"But Mother, what about you?" asked Susan.

"I don't want to go!" protested Lucy, jumping out of her seat and running over to her mother. She threw her arms around their mother, hugging her tightly. Their mother smiled gently, picking Lucy up and setting her on her lap.

"There's nothing to do out there," grumbled Edmund.

"Children, please," said their mother, holding up a hand. "It's for your own safety." She gave them a soft, sad smile. "I don't want you to go either, but you must. You'll be staying with Professor Kirke, a friend of the family. He has a lovely mansion with acres and acres of land. You'll have plenty of fun exploring and won't even miss it here."

"What about school?" asked Susan.

"Mummy, what about you?" asked Lucy, her eyes-wide. "Can't you come?"

"No, dearest, Mummy has to stay here." Their mother brushed a strand of Lucy's golden-blond hair out of her eyes and kissed her forehead. "Don't worry, darling, we'll be back together soon."

"What about you, Mum?" asked Peter. "It's not safe for you either."

"I'll be fine, Peter," their mother assured them.

"I think it's stupid," muttered Edmund. "I don't want to go to any nutty Professor's house."

"Edmund!" their mother said sharply. "That's enough."

Edmund slouched in his seat, crossing his arms over his chest in a 'hmph' of annoyance. He glared at his empty plate.

"Mummy, I'll miss you too much," said Lucy, looking into their mother's eyes.

"Mummy will write every day, don't you fret," said their mother, smiling gently. She looked at Susan and Peter. "It won't be that bad, I promise."

Peter nodded. "I understand, Mum." He looked as though he didn't want to go, but he knew they had to. "We'll write to you as much as possible."

"Always," agreed Susan.

"You both are so grown up," said their mother. "I know I can trust in you to take care of your brother and sister."

"Of course, Mum," said Peter.

"Good." Their mother stood, lifting Lucy and setting her on the ground. "Why don't you fetch Joyce and Teddy and I'll read you a story."

Lucy nodded, leaving the room. Edmund shoved his chair back, standing and walking out. He could hear Peter and Susan as they cleaned up after dinner as he walked down the hall. Entering the living room, he walked over to the window, pushing aside the blackout curtains. Placing his hands on the windowsill, he looked out into the night, watching as the searchlights combing the sky. Why do we have to go out there? he thought. I'd much rather stay here, with my mates. Besides, if we go out there, I'm going to be stuck with my brother and sisters. But another thought came to him, as his gaze roamed around the outside view. But…maybe it won't be that bad. I mean, after all, Professor Kirke lives in a huge mansion. That's what Mum's told us. There ought to be plenty of places to explore. Edmund slid his hand into his pocket, feeling Maddie resting there. He smiled slightly, feeling reassured. Dad would love to explore that huge mansion. I remember when we'd go out into the country, before the war. We'd always have so much fun. He used to take me on adventures and when we'd go to the beach, he'd always run in, daring me to catch him. I always did catch him. He'd let Peter come with us a few times, but Dad showed me a secret place, one that was just ours. Dad always said that you're never too old for an adventure.

He sighed, looking down at the windowsill. Where are you Dad? Are you all right? I miss you an awful lot. I won't tell the others, they would only make fun. I wish you'd just come home. Edmund looked back out into the night, deep in thought.

The sounds of the sirens going off broke him out of his thoughts and he pressed his hands against the cool glass, staring out the window. He watched as the sounds of bombs hitting the ground filled the air, their explosions rattling the window pane. Fires began to spring up nearby and he continued to look outside in fascination.

"Edmund!" came the startled voice of his mother. "Get away from there!" He was suddenly jerked back away from the window, watching as his mother quickly shut the blackout curtains. "Peter!" Their mother gave Edmund a stern look, her hands gripping his arms painfully tight. "What do you think you're doing?" She looked up as Peter ran into the room. "Quickly! The shelter! Now!" their mother cried frantically.

"Come on!" yelled Peter, grabbing Edmund's arm and pulling him towards the door.

"What? Wait, no!" protested Edmund, seeing Maddie lying on the carpet. Edmund struggled against his brother's grip, his heart thundering in his chest, not about to leave Maddie behind.

"Come on! Leave it!" Peter proved too strong for Edmund, pulling him roughly out of the room.

"Let go! I can't leave him!" cried Edmund, still trying to free himself as Peter drug him down the hall.

"Come! Quickly!" yelled their mother, leading them out of the house towards the shelter.

"Run!" ordered Peter, pushing Edmund ahead of him as they ran across the flagstone path.

"Mummy!" screamed Lucy, clutching her Teddy tightly as she ran.

"Mum!" cried Susan, glancing up at the black sky where the planes were passing overhead. Lucy and Susan ran down into the shelter, their mother quickly following.

Suddenly, Edmund realized something else that had been left behind in the house. The only picture he had of their father. "Wait! Dad!" cried Edmund, yanking his arm from Peter's grip, and taking off for the house.

"Ed!" cried a startled Peter.

"Edmund! No!" he heard their mother yell.

"I'll get him!" he heard Peter say but Edmund was too intent on getting back into the house to hear what was said after that. "Edmund!" He ran quickly down the hall, barging into the living room. "Ed! Come back!" He had almost reached the picture when he was tackled to the floor by his brother. "Get down!" yelled Peter as an explosion erupted extremely close to their house, shaking the foundation and shattering the window above them as well as the picture of their father as it fell to the ground. Peter covered Edmund to protect him from the falling shards of glass and then quickly pulled him to his feet. "Come on, you idiot! Run!" Edmund's fingers scrabbled for the picture, barely getting a grip on it before Peter was shoving him out of the room. "Get out! Go!"

They ran out of the house, entering the shelter. Edmund collapsed on the pile of blankets next to his sisters and mother, shaking. His heart was racing, pounding in his ears, as he gasped for air. Dad…no man gets left behind… I couldn't leave you, he thought, closing his eyes briefly, trying to catch his breath.

"Why can't you think about anyone else but yourself!" accused Peter as Edmund reached for the picture, feeling the broken class bite into his fingers as he clutched it tightly. "You're so selfish! You could've gotten us killed!"

"Stop it!" said their mother sharply, pulling Edmund into her arms. He glared at Peter, still shaking slightly, not having the energy to push his mother away. Why does he always have to be the hero? Why can't he just leave me alone! He blames me for everything! I hate him!

"Why can't you just do as you're told?" asked Peter, his voice quieter.

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That night, after the raid had finished, their mother had them all climb into their bunks. Once everyone was asleep, Edmund snuck out of the shelter as quietly as he could, racing back into the house. He found Maddie where the soldier had fallen, snatching him up and running back out to the shelter.

Holding Maddie to his chest, he turned to lie on his side, facing the broken picture of his father. He had propped it up on a wooden crate so that the glass wouldn't fall into his bed. He sighed, reaching over and carefully touching his father's face. "Dad…" he whispered. He felt a single tear trickle down his cheek.

He felt something touch his shoulder and he jumped, startled. Flipping over quickly, he saw Lucy standing there. "What do you want?" he hissed.

"You were crying," she whispered.

"I was not." Edmund quickly scrubbed his face, glaring at her in the dark. "Go back to sleep!"

"Here." Lucy held out Teddy, the scruffy bear that never left her side at night. "He always makes me feel better and not so scared. You keep him tonight."

"I don't want that thing. Go away." Edmund rolled onto his side, glaring into the darkness at nothing in particular.

"I'll leave him here for you," she whispered. He felt something press against his back as she set Teddy next to him. The soft padding of feet could be heard as Lucy went back to her own bed, the sheets rustling as she settled in to sleep.

Edmund's first reaction was to throw that toe-rag back at his sister and he picked it up, about ready to when he noticed something around its neck. It was a small, golden locket, strung by a matching, thin chain. He frowned, tucking Maddie in the crook of his arm, and set Teddy on his chest. He pried open the locket and a piece of paper fell out. Pulling the paper close to his face, he squinted in the dark, trying to make out the words.

To my youngest

And wisest

Cheer and good faith

Will keep hope in your heart.

Never forget – Edmund couldn't quite make out this part. – love. Love, Dad.

He folded the note and placed it back inside the locket, shutting it carefully. Then he looked up at the bottom of Peter's bunk, thoughtful. Easy for Lucy, he thought. Not for me. He sighed, closing his eyes, drifting off to sleep. Sometime in the middle of the night, he turned onto his side, holding Maddie and Teddy tightly in his arms.


Thanks for reading (smiles) What did you think? If you can't wait until the LWW part, don't worry, that's coming very soon (smiles) I'd love to hear your thoughts!