Disclaimer: All property of the beloved C.S. Lewis. The following contains a few lines from the old movie and information from the book. (the majority is my own little tidbits :) )

A/N: o.O There are so many reviews! (is in shock) Thank you so much! (huge smile and hug) All of you (readers and reviewers) are so wonderful! I'm incredibly happy that you're enjoying this so far because this honestly has become my new love. It means so very much to me that you take the time to review and let me know your thoughts. :)

I apologize about the wait! Life (and not letting me upload grr) got in the way (pushes it away) but now it's here

Okay…soo, I did some revising and added a bit more. Hopefully this works a little better showing the sibling relations and Edmund's cruelty. Please let me know!

Since I don't want to keep you waiting, I'll save my notes for the end :)

As always, your reviews/thoughts/suggestions/fav parts/characters etc are extremely welcomed and very much appreciated!

Chapter Six: The Days Between Adventures

Two days following the hide-and-seek incident, Edmund was sitting on the window-seat in the study room, drawing on a sheet of paper. Warm sunshine shone through the windows, illuminating the room with a soft glow. He paused in drawing, looking outside. He could see Peter and Susan throwing a ball around. Peter was grinning and the sun seemed to make his hair shine. Susan threw the ball back to him, accidentally throwing it too far and Peter ran after it, disappearing into the bushes. Edmund looked around the garden and spotted Lucy sitting off to one side, a book in her lap.

He smirked, deciding to have some fun. He was awfully bored and teasing his sister would make things interesting. He set the paper and pencil down, hopping off the window-seat.

Leaving through the back patio door, Edmund ran down the short flight of steps and across the grassy lawn. He spotted Susan standing by Lucy, worry etched in her features. Lucy was standing, facing her older sister, and looking incredibly sad. Edmund came to a stop beside her just as Peter walked over.

"Lucy, you must talk to us," Susan was saying gently, looking at her younger sister. "Why don't you admit it's all a story?"

"You know I don't lie. I never lie," said Lucy, looking up at her. "It would be the easiest thing in the world to say I made it all up but I didn't. And I shan't."

"Find any new countries in the cupboards lately?" smirked Edmund. Lucy gave him a hurt look and then ran back into the mansion. Susan sighed, watching her go, not knowing what to do.

"Ed," said Peter warningly. "You're not helping anything."

"Not my fault she's gone mental," muttered Edmund.

"Why can't you leave well enough alone?" said Peter sharply, turning on his younger brother. "You're being down right spiteful."

"Shut up!" retorted Edmund, glaring up at his older brother. "I can say what I want."

"Boys," said Susan, looking at them both. Edmund shot one last glare at his brother before turning away, crossing his arms over his chest. "Please, just stop. Having a row isn't going to help."

Peter sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "Sorry, Sue. I'm just frustrated."

"I know," said Susan giving a soft smile. "I'm going to try and talk to Lucy. We have a few hours until supper. Maybe we can explore the house some more. That should at least take her mind off of this rubbish. She always did love to explore."

Peter smiled slightly. "Good idea, Sue. We'll meet you in the study room." Susan nodded and walked back towards the house. Peter turned to look at Edmund, his face serious. "Do us all a favor and stop nagging on Lucy, won't you? We're all trying to adjust to this place," he said, motioning to the mansion and the grounds. "We don't need to be at each other's throats every second."

Edmund scowled. "Like you're any better. I heard you and Sue talking, you think Lucy's nutters, too." He turned, ignoring his brother's next words, and walked back into the mansion.

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Edmund stood behind one of the long, heavy curtains, keeping as still as possible. He had grudgingly agreed to play hide-and-seek again, only because he was extremely bored and had already explored the house several times in the past week. This time I'll win for sure! He could feel the cool glass of the window against his back, the wind whistling through the cracks. It was past supper and dark, but that was the best time to play hide-and-seek for it was easier to hide.

"Ninety-four, ninety-five," drifted Susan's voice from down the corridor.

He felt the curtains shift and looked over to see Lucy now hiding beside him, hiding behind the curtains. "Go away!" he hissed. "Find your own spot!"

"It's big enough for the both of us," whispered Lucy. "I won't move, promise."

"Why can't you just leave me alone?" he snapped, still trying to keep his voice low. "Go hide in your stupid wardrobe."

"It's not stupid!"

"Yes, it is! There's no such thing as a land in a wardrobe and you won't stop talking about it. You're such a baby."

"I'm not lying," said Lucy firmly.

"You just want attention," he scowled. "It's pathetic. Now go away!" He grabbed her arm, shoving her out from behind the curtains. Then he shut the curtains, holding them so that Lucy couldn't get back in.

"Ed!"

"Shut up!"

"Lucy?" came Susan's voice. "Don't you want to play?"

"Yes, but Edmund won't let me hide behind the curtains."

"Edmund?" inquired Susan.

Edmund didn't answer, not about to give up his position. I am not going to lose again because of my stupid sister!

He felt the curtains move and tried to keep them shut, but Susan pulled them apart. Edmund blinked from the sudden light. Once his vision returned to normal, he saw Susan and Lucy standing there. Lucy was looking quite unhappy and Susan looked stern. "Ed, you really need to stop upsetting Lucy."

"Why are you always defending her?" spat Edmund, glaring at Susan. "She's the one that didn't play the game right! You're supposed to hide in a different place. It's not my fault you saw her."

"That's not the point, Edmund. Apologize to her."

"No." Edmund shoved past Susan, turning to look at her. "You're just like Peter! Worse! You always blame me for what Lucy messes up. Not my fault she's a stupid baby." He turned, storming down the hall.

"Edmund!" called Susan sharply but Edmund ignored her, running down the stairs and through the mansion in an effort to be as far away from them as possible.

He turned a corner and ran smack into someone. Stumbling back, he looked up and saw the Professor giving him a curious look. "Running from something?" the Professor asked with a slight smile on his face.

Edmund looked startled for a moment before quickly recovering. "I'm fine." He paused and added as an afterthought, "Sir."

The Professor chuckled. "No need for frivolities. Now if my ears served me correctly, you were getting in quite the row with your sister, were you not?"

Edmund scowled. "She blames me for everything."

"I see, I see." The Professor gave him a knowing smile and placed a hand on his shoulder. Edmund initial reaction was to draw backwards but he forced himself to stay still. "I'd like to show you something." The Professor led him down the hall, not giving Edmund very much of a choice in the matter, and into his study. Edmund looked around the forbidden study, for Mrs. Macready had specifically instructed them to steer clear of it. The walls were made of rich, dark-wood paneling and to the right were two tall windows that let in the moonlight between long, deep-red curtains. Bookshelves filled with an assortment of books covered much of the walls and pictures of beautiful ships and scenery covered what was left of the wall-space. A couch and three chairs were off to one side, and a long, mahogany desk sat between two tall bookcases. A plush, red velvet-cushioned, high-backed chair sat behind it.

The Professor led Edmund across beautifully embroidered oriental carpets to the couch. Edmund took a seat silently, watching as the Professor walked over to his desk, picking up his pipe and a pinch of tobacco. Lighting his pipe, he walked back over to sit in a chair across from Edmund.

Edmund didn't honestly understand why he was here in the first place, but it was away from his brother and sisters, and that was perfectly all right with him.

"Edmund," began the Professor, pausing to smoke his pipe, "I understand that you miss your father very much." Edmund threw him a sour look, not wanting to get another sympathy talk but the Professor merely smiled gently and continued. "You see, a good friend of mine, Polly, was a good friend of your father's. Through Polly and your father, I met your mother, whom I have had the great pleasure of being friends with since then."

"Who's she?" asked Edmund, not very interested in knowing the answer, but it seemed that he would be stuck there for quite a bit.

The Professor chuckled. "Polly is an interesting lady. Let's suffice to say that she and I met on a rather nice day. You see, she and I were neighbors."
What's the point of this? thought Edmund, already bored. He shifted on the couch, slouching back against the soft cushions.

"Anyhow, as I'm sure you don't want to listen to an old man talk about his memories, shall we move onto other matters? Such as the war. You're worried about your father and that, of course, is understandable. Now, perhaps I can answer some of your questions."

"I don't have any questions." Edmund crossed his arms over his chest, looking at the Professor, not wanting to share his feelings.

The Professor paused to smoke once more and then chuckled. "Of course you have questions."

"It's not like I'd share them with you," said Edmund crossly for he was growing tired and hated talking to grown-ups.

The Professor merely arched an eyebrow at this statement. "Well, then let me share something with you, since you do not feel like sharing." He leaned back in his chair, smoking his pipe. "Let's see…where was I…oh, yes, Polly and the matter of us being neighbors. Now, you see back then our houses were quite close and one could easily look over a fence to see what another was up to…"

Edmund listened as the Professor told him about his Aunt and Uncle and a curious experiment that his Uncle had been attempting. The Professor talked about a land where he had met some very interesting folks from whom he had learned a great deal. Edmund assumed he was talking about one of the other countries that Edmund had learned about in school and, though he would never admit it, the Professor's story was actually interesting. The Professor never actually named this land or the man of whom he spoke of, but when he was finished, he said, "And remember, Edmund, never take anything for granted. I doubt very much that your brother and sisters are acting out of spite towards you and if you only yell at them, it won't help matters."

Edmund frowned, hating getting lectured, and said, "You said you wanted to show me something."

"Oh, yes, right, of course." The Professor set down his pipe, having finished it, and stood, walking over to his desk. He rifled through some papers and then pulled out a fat envelope. He walked back over to Edmund and handed it to him. "This came from your mother. Came by post earlier today and I nearly forgot about it. You must forgive an old man for his poor memory," chuckled the Professor, giving Edmund a wink. "Right then." The Professor straightened as Edmund stared at the letter in his hands. It was from his father. Dad must have sent it home and Mum sent it here, thought Edmund, feeling a tremor of excitement rush through his body. He couldn't wait to rip open the envelope and see what his father had written them. "It's getting rather late and I do believe that your brother and sisters will wish to read what's inside that envelope as well."

Edmund stood, nodding. "Thanks." He looked to see if the Professor was going to say anything, but the Professor had already sat down at his desk, writing in a book. Edmund took this as his cue that he was dismissed and left, hurrying back to his room.

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The four Pevensies huddled close together in the room that Peter and Edmund shared, all of them sitting on Peter's bed. Peter held their father's letter in his hands and began to read.

"Dear Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, I wish I could write more often but it seems that we are always on the move. I am writing to you now as I sit, unable to sleep. You are all in my thoughts and I wish I could be with you right now. It must be a scary time for you. We get some news of what is happening and when I heard about the bombings on London, I prayed that you would be safe. I am sure, by the time you are reading this, that you are safe in the countryside. I received word from your mother about her intentions to send you to Digory Kirk's home. He is a good man, though odd, and I know you'll be in safe hands."

Lucy smiled. "He is very nice."

"Shhh," whispered Edmund, shooting a glare at her before looking back at Peter.

Peter glanced at both of them and then continued to read. "I want you to know that I am safe and well. While I can't say the fighting is any easier, I know that once we get the help we need, we'll come out all right. Don't worry about me. Keep those notes that I gave you close to your hearts. Peter, you have always been strong and I'll count on you to take care of your brother and sisters." At this, Peter smiled softly. "Susan, you have always cared a great deal about even the tiniest of things. Continue to teach others to be forgiving and try not to learn too many big words by the time I come home."

Susan wiped a tear from her eye and chuckled softly. Lucy smiled over at her sister and wrapped her arms around Susan's waist. Susan looked down and smiled, hugging Lucy in return. Edmund rolled his eyes and looked around the room as Peter began to read again. At the sound of his name, Edmund looked back at the letter.

"Edmund, your pride will get you into sticky spots but never forget that I am always here for you, no matter how far away I am. Stick to what you believe in and never back down in fighting for those beliefs. Do try and listen to Peter and Susan occasionally, though I know it might be difficult." Edmund waited for Peter to insert a remark here but Peter only glanced at Edmund before continuing to read. Dad, I wish you were here, thought Edmund. Then I'd have you to talk to and wouldn't have to be stuck with them. "Lucy, my little angel." Edmund snorted at this and both Peter and Susan threw him a sharp look. Edmund glared at them and looked away, focusing on a picture hanging on the wall. "Keep your bright spirit smiling at your Mum, brothers and sister and never lose hope in them. I know things will be scary for you but you have always been the smartest of us all." Lucy smiled. "All of you never forget how much I love you and remember that no matter where we are, I am in your hearts always. Be safe and make sure you have plenty of adventures in that old mansion. I want to hear all about them when I return. Love, your Father."

"I miss him," said Lucy softly, looking at her lap. She sniffed and Susan pulled her close.

"Don't worry, Lu, he'll be home soon and besides, remember what he said." Susan smiled down at her sister. "You're supposed to have as many adventures as possible."

Edmund tried not to gag at this and stood, walking over to his bed and picking up Maddie from his pillow. Dad… thought Edmund as he held the precious toy soldier in his hands. You believe in me so much…why? You told me that my strong will and beliefs will give me strength…but I don't feel strong at all! Peter and Susan are horrible to me, all the time, and Lucy keeps going on and on about this stupid land of hers.

"That's right, Lu," Edmund heard Peter say. "Keep your chin up."

"Now who's the optimistic one?" teased Susan.

"Someone has to, right Sue?" responded Peter and Edmund heard them laugh lightly.

"We should probably get some sleep," said Susan. "Hopefully tomorrow will be nice and we can explore more of the grounds. I bet we could even ride the horses!"

Peter chuckled. "You mean watch me fall off the back of one and make an idiot of myself."

"You're not that bad," said Susan.

"Oh, yes he is," said Lucy. "He didn't even get up on his first one."

"Stop lying, Peter," said Edmund suddenly, turning to face his siblings. "We all know you're better than all of us, so stop trying to pretend you're not." He frowned, sitting down on his bed. They all looked up at him as if realizing he was still there.

"Stop being so stroppy, Ed," chided Susan. "Honestly, it doesn't make anything easier."

Edmund scowled. "Well, he is." He climbed into his bed and threw his covers over his head, deeming the conversation finished. They're a bunch of stuck-up prats, thought Edmund, still scowling. He closed his eyes, turning over and burying his face in his pillow, hugging Maddie tight to him. How come no one sees this but me?

"He's just tired," said Peter. "We've all had a long day."

"I can still hear you!" yelled Edmund through his blanket. "Stop talking about me!"

He heard someone sigh. "See you in the morning, Peter," said Susan. "At breakfast we can ask the Professor about the horses."

"Night, Peter," said Lucy.

"Night," said Peter with a chuckle. Edmund heard the footsteps of his sisters as they left and the sound of the door being shut. The light soon went out after that and Edmund fell into a restless sleep.

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"Peter!" laughed Susan, running from him. They were playing a game of tag and Peter was 'It'.

Peter grinned, sprinting after his sister. Lucy hid behind a tree, watching as Peter ran by, and then ran off in the other direction. It had taken quite a bit of coaxing for Susan to persuade Lucy to play with them, but in the end, Lucy had agreed. Even Edmund had decided to join in.

Edmund ran across Peter's path, accidentally, and just barely missed being tagged. "Can't catch me!" yelled Edmund.

"Is that right?" laughed Peter and he shifted course, now running after Edmund.

"Hey!" Edmund glanced back, seeing that his brother was after him now. Edmund ran around a trimmed line of bushes, looking for a way out. He saw a large tree nearby and sprinted for it. Reaching the trunk, he used the branches and climbed up into the tree, just out of Peter's reach. "Now what're you going to do?" Edmund smirked, confident that he had triumphed.

Peter seemed to think about it for a moment, glancing at Edmund. Then he smiled and turned, spotting Susan, and took off after her. Edmund sat smugly in his tree post, watching as Peter caught Susan, nearly sending them tumbling onto the ground. Peter laughed as Susan tried to re-tag him and ran. When the coast was clear, Edmund climbed back down out of the tree and sprinted for the next hiding spot. He caught sight of Susan tagging Lucy, who cried out and tried to catch her sister.

From Edmund's spot, he saw Peter purposely slow down so that Lucy could catch him. Next thing Edmund knew, Peter was chasing him. The two boys tore across the grounds and Peter tackled him into a bed of heather, laughing.

"Not fair!" cried Edmund as Peter sat up, laughing.

"I caught you fair and square," said Peter with a smile.

"I tripped!"

"In what? Heather doesn't trip people," teased Peter.

"So? There could have been something there."

Peter chuckled. "All right, Ed, go on. I'll stay It."

Edmund scrambled to his feet and as he went to get away, he felt something crunch beneath his foot. He froze and removed his foot. To his horror, Maddie lie there, its leg snapped off. "Maddie!" cried Edmund, reaching down and picking up his toy soldier unhappily.

"What happened?" asked Peter, climbing to his feet. He looked at what Edmund was holding and gave him a sympathetic smile. "Ed, it'll be all right. I can fix it." Peter reached out to take Maddie but Edmund whipped his hands away, glaring at his brother.

"It's your fault! You tackled me and Maddie fell out of my pocket and broke."

"Ed? What's wrong?" asked Susan, hurrying over. Lucy was at her heels.

"Nothing," scowled Edmund. "I don't want to play anymore." He turned and walked back towards the mansion, looking down at the broken toy soldier in his hands.

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Edmund had set his broken toy soldier on the bedside table next to the picture of his father and left to wander around the house, hoping to find Lucy to tease her some more about her country. It never seemed to get old. He did find Lucy, but she was sitting with Susan in their study room trying to solve a jigsaw puzzle. Edmund would've rather found Lucy alone to tease her. That way Susan and Peter wouldn't be there to tell him to stop.

He frowned, standing in the doorway a bit too long for Susan looked up and spotted him. "Edmund." Susan gave him a soft smile. "Want to play with us? This is an awfully difficult puzzle. Lucy's almost got it but you're sharp."

"I don't play games with babies," scowled Edmund, turning and walking back to his room. Lying down on his bed, he closed his eyes, drifting off.

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The next morning at breakfast, Edmund was quiet, poking at his food. What am I supposed to do? Tape him back together? thought Edmund. He'd look horrible…He has to look perfect. Dad always did and Maddie shouldn't be any different.

"What's wrong, Peter?" asked Susan, bringing Edmund out of his thoughts.

Peter stifled a yawn and smiled at Susan. "Didn't sleep much last night."

"And why is that?" asked Susan, arching an eyebrow. "Did you even go to bed?"

"For a little while," said Peter. "Don't worry so much, Sue." He chuckled and returned to his breakfast. Edmund watched as Peter rubbed the sleep from his eyes when Susan wasn't looking.

"Peter, can we ride the horses again?" asked Lucy hopefully.

"Sure, Lu," said Peter, stifling another yawn.

Susan frowned. "Peter, you won't be able to stay on your horse. Why don't you get some sleep?"
"I'm fine, honestly, Susan," said Peter but Edmund could tell that he was exhausted. What was he doing? wondered Edmund. He never came back last night to sleep. And I was up twice.

"Stop being so stubborn, Peter," chided Susan, but she was smiling slightly. "Why don't you get some rest and we'll ride the horses after lunch."

"Yes, Peter," said Lucy, smiling. "Sue's right."

"Oh, is she?" inquired Peter, lifting an eyebrow.

"Yes."

Peter chuckled. "Good old Lu, always sticking up for Susan. As long as you're smiling, then I don't mind." He winked at Lucy, who gave him a quick grin before finishing her breakfast.

"I want to play my soldier game," said Edmund, crossing his arms over his chest. "I don't want to ride the horses."

They looked at him. "Why don't we play your game while Peter rests?" offered Susan.

"Fine."

"Can I be the princess?" asked Lucy with a smile.

"There aren't princesses in that game, stupid," snapped Edmund.

Peter rubbed his forehead, obviously too tired to reprimand Edmund. Susan, however, merely frowned. "Don't call her stupid, Edmund."

"It's the truth," retorted Edmund, standing.

"Edmund, what about your breakfast?" asked Susan.

"I'm not hungry." Edmund stalked out and walked until he reached his room. He looked for Maddie and his heart dropped through the floor when he didn't see his precious toy soldier. "Maddie?" He looked around frantically. I can't lose him! He was reminded of the night of the raid, when he had almost lost Maddie. Not again! Edmund ran out, skidding to a halt in the dining room. "Where's Maddie? Where did you put him?" he yelled at Peter.

Peter, Susan, and Lucy all looked at him, startled. "What?" asked Peter.

"Maddie! He's gone! What'd you do with him?" Edmund's heart was racing and he could feel his face burning in anger.

"Edmund, why would Peter – " began Susan but Peter held up his hand.

"It's all right, Susan." Peter stood up, stifling another yawn, and walked over to the furious Edmund. He pulled something out of his pocket, wrapped in a thin, white handkerchief. "Here, Ed."

Edmund's glare was replaced by confusion. "What is that?"

"Here." Peter took Edmund's hand and placed the bundle in it. He stepped back, watching as Edmund unwrapped the handkerchief, revealing Maddie, its leg re-attached. There was even a tiny little bandage around the leg so that it looked like it had always been there. There had obviously been some time put into it.

"Peter, do tell me that you didn't stay up all night to put that toy back together?" asked Susan, frowning at Peter. Peter gave her a sheepish smile and she sighed. "Peter."

"It's fine, Sue," said Peter. "Really. I didn't mind." Edmund was barely registering their words, still staring at Maddie. He…he's fixed! He looked up at Peter, who just smiled softly. "You needn't say anything." Peter clapped his hand on Edmund's shoulder and then walked out.

"Is he all fixed?" asked Lucy, running over to Edmund.

"Yes," said Edmund quietly, his eyes never leaving his soldier.

"Can I see?" asked Lucy, reaching for Maddie.

Edmund suddenly snapped out of his reverie and jerked Maddie away from his younger sister's inquiring fingers. "Don't touch him!" He turned and walked away, hugging Maddie tightly to his chest.

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It was three days later when they rode the horses again. The days had been cloudy and threatening rain, so they hadn't taken the horses out. However, the sun had finally come out and so they were outside once again. Edmund sat in the shade of a tree, playing with his toy soldiers, having just finished lunch on the back patio. Lucy hadn't mentioned a word about her made-up land for the past few days and had seemed to be in a better mood. However, that was subject to change and he thought that it really was pathetic how she kept going on and on about it. He'd have to tease her later, just for fun. Her reaction was priceless every time and so predictable.

He looked up from his soldiers, watching as Lucy, Peter, and Susan attempted to play a game of cricket. Lucy held the bat and behind her stood the wicket and Susan, who held her hands out, ready to catch the ball when Peter threw it. Peter lobbed it easily to Lucy and when she missed it, Edmund snickered. "Still thinking about your made-up country?" he called. "Bet you couldn't even hit the ball there."

The three of them looked over at him and Peter frowned. "Ed, leave her alone."

"What?" said Edmund with a shrug. "She's horrible at it."

"She's at least playing with us," said Susan.

"Why don't you try, Edmund?" asked Lucy, holding out the bat to him. Edmund could tell that she was trying to ignore what he had said but it wasn't working very well. Hurt flickered in her eyes.

"Fine, if it'll get you to leave me alone," retorted Edmund, standing. He walked over, jerking the bat out of Lucy's hands and stood in front of Susan, facing Peter. "Let's go."

"All right," said Peter and threw the ball at Edmund.

Edmund leapt back to avoid being hit by the ball. "Watch it!" snapped Edmund, glaring at Peter.

"Sorry!" said Peter, chuckling.

"I bet," muttered Edmund sarcastically.

Susan threw the ball back to Peter, who caught it easily. When Peter's next throw came, Edmund swung and missed. "Stop throwing so fast!" scowled Edmund. "How come you make it so easy for her?" He jerked his head at Lucy. "Play fair!"

"Because she's quite a bit smaller, Ed," said Peter. "And I am playing fair." He frowned. "Stop being so negative."

"He didn't mean anything by it," said Susan, looking at Edmund.

Edmund glared at them. "You always have to find something to nag me about, don't you?" He threw the bat onto the ground. "I don't want to play this stupid game."

"Do you want to go back inside and play hide-and-seek?" offered Susan.

"That's a kid's game," snapped Edmund and turned, walking back over to his soldiers and sitting down in a huff. Why can't we go swimming again? Or climb trees? Why do we always have to play what Lucy wants? She wants to play dress up, so Peter and Susan do that. She wants to try to play cricket, they do that. Like the other day. Peter and Susan promised that they'd play my soldier game with me but then Lucy didn't want to. She wanted to play with her puzzles and so Susan stayed with her. Then she had wanted Peter to read to her and so he did that, and I was left playing by myself. It's not fair! Lucy acts miserable because no one believes her batty story and they're nice to her. If I sulk, they only yell at me. Edmund glared at the ground, hitting two of his soldiers together more roughly than necessary.

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Edmund was feeling very spiteful later that night and decided that he was going to have a little fun at his sister's expense. Susan was talking to Peter in his room and so Edmund slipped out, deciding to pay Lucy a visit. He saw her go into the loo and walked into her room, seeing Teddy sitting on her bed. He knew that Teddy meant everything to Lucy but at that point, he didn't care. He wanted to have fun and so he picked up Teddy and left quickly to hide it.

He pretended he had been in the library later when Lucy ran out, frantically searching for her bear. Edmund leaned against the wall, smug, and watched her display. "Searching for another country?" he taunted as Lucy looked under the bed. "Thought they were only in cupboards."

Lucy stood, looking at Edmund, hurt etched in her features. Susan stepped in before Lucy had a chance to say anything. "Edmund, why can't you just stop for one moment?" asked Susan. She looked at Lucy. "Did you see him?"

Lucy shook her head. "No. I don't know where he is! He was sitting right here!"

"Lu? What's wrong?" asked Peter, walking into the room.

"She can't find Teddy," Susan quickly explained.

"Where was he last?" asked Peter.

"On my bed," said Lucy.

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

Edmund just smirked, amused by their searching. They wouldn't find it. He turned, slipping out of the room when no one was looking.

A few hours later, having turned the room upside down, they still hadn't had any success in finding Teddy. Lucy was in tears by now for her locket had been around Teddy's neck. It had been her special present from her father.

Edmund had walked back in, stretching. "Just let it go," said Edmund. "I'm tired and I don't feel like looking anymore."

"Ed, how can you be so selfish?" asked Susan incredulously. "We would have helped you find Maddie, so why can't you at least help Lucy find her bear?"

"Because it's a waste of time."

Peter paused in his effort of re-checking inside the closet, looking at Edmund. "What do you know about it?"

"Nothing." Edmund smirked, feeling quite satisfied. "Just that you won't find that toe-rag here."

"You cruel little beast!" said Peter, stunned. Then he grew angry. "Where'd you put it?"

"Maybe it wanted to go to her imaginary country. Might want to check the cupboards." Edmund continued to look smug, leaning casually against the wall.

"Edmund, do tell us where you put it," said Susan.

"Please, Ed," said Lucy, biting her lip. "Where is he?"

"I don't remember," said Edmund with a shrug, knowing perfectly well where he had hid the bear. He turned to walk out when someone halted him by grabbing the back of his dressing gown.

Peter spun Edmund to face him. "Show us where the bear is. Now," said Peter in a tone that left no room for argument.

Edmund rolled his eyes, letting out a great sigh. "Oh, all right, all right. If it'll let me get some decent sleep, it's in the stupid wardrobe."

Peter let go of Edmund, nearly knocking him over as Peter rushed out to get Teddy. Susan and Lucy were right after him.

"Bossy prat," muttered Edmund, smoothing his dressing gown and walking back to his room. When Peter came in later that night, he pretended to be asleep, keeping the covers over his head.

"I just don't know what to do, Sue," came his brother's voice, just barely above a whisper. The lights were still off.

"Don't blame yourself, Peter," whispered Susan. "He's just going through a rough time."

"But what he did today, to Lucy…it was down right spiteful."

"I know." Susan sighed. "There's not a whole lot we can do. We'll just try to keep everything calm. We can go outside and play something he wants to play tomorrow. That way he won't be so angry."

"Won't that just encourage him?"

"We can't yell at him, Peter. You know how he gets."

Who do they think they are, thought Edmund, scowling into the darkness. Talking about me as if I weren't even here. They're not Mum and Dad.

"I know," sighed Peter. "Let's just get some sleep and we'll figure out what to do in the morning."

"Yes. Goodnight, Peter."

"Night, Sue."

Edmund heard Susan's footsteps as she left and he rolled onto his side, shutting his eyes. All they care about is Lucy. Never me. They just yell at me or tell me what to do. Sleep soon overcame him and he dreaming restlessly for the rest of the night.

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A few nights later, they sat around the supper table, having just finished a delicious and filling meal. It had just been the four of them that night since the Professor had had other business to attend to. Edmund hadn't teased Lucy since the Teddy incident, but if she pestered him too much to play with her, he always threatened that Teddy would disappear. She would leave him alone after that and he was content. For the moment.

"So, Lucy, did you find any new countries in the kitchen cupboards?" smirked Edmund, deciding to get back at her for the past few days when all she had done was doss about and look unhappy.

Lucy tried to ignore him by focusing on finishing her milk.

"Edmund, stop," said Susan, looking at Edmund.

"Why? She's obviously batty," said Edmund, still smirking. "Still sticking to her made-up stupid story."

"It's not made-up!" protested Lucy suddenly, looking at Edmund. "I told you, I'm not lying!"

"Lu," said Peter, looking at her. "It's been nearly a fortnight since that. I thought we talked about you not going on about the story?" Peter sighed and looked over at Edmund, frowning. "Lucy's been fine the past few days. Why stir it all up again?"

"It's not a story!" said Lucy, standing. "Narnia is real! It's really in the wardrobe!"

"Stop it, Lucy," said Susan firmly. "You know Mum doesn't approve of lying."

"I'm not lying!"

"Mental, completely mental!" sniggered Edmund.

Peter glared at him. "Shut up, you. You're not helping!"

Edmund glared at him. "I'm just telling the truth! Unlike her!" He pointed at Lucy.

"Do stop it, please!" cried Susan, looking between her brothers. Peter and Edmund didn't say anything. Edmund slouched back, scowling at his brother, crossing his arms over his chest. Susan sighed and began to clear the dishes when a hooting sound was heard through the open window.

"What was that?" asked Lucy, startled.

"Only an owl," said Susan reassuringly, setting down the dirty dishes on the table. A loud 'BANG!' startled everyone and Edmund nearly fell out of his chair.

"That wasn't an owl," said Lucy, her eyes wide, but it wasn't in fear, just curiosity. She looked around for the source. "What was it?"

"Maybe it was a ghost," smirked Edmund, grabbing Lucy's arm when she wasn't looking.

She let out a cry of surprise and spun to face Edmund. "Ed!"

"Edmund, stop it," said Peter, narrowing his gaze. "Why can't you leave her alone?"

"It was only a joke," retorted Edmund, glaring at his brother.

"That's all you do! Make jokes! Just grow up!"

"Shut up!"

"Stop, both of you!" cried Lucy and they both looked at her, faces tinged pink with anger. "Please." She looked between them pleadingly. "Pax?"

Edmund was breathing hard and merely glared at his brother. "Never." He stood, shoving his chair back and stormed out of the room. He heard footsteps behind him and stopped, spinning to see Susan hurrying after him.

She came to a halt, looking at him worriedly. "Ed? What's wrong? You haven't fought this much with Peter since the day Dad left for the war."

"There's nothing wrong with me," snapped Edmund, glaring at his older sister. He jabbed a finger towards the dining room. "It's him! It's always him! He just doesn't know when to shut up and leave me alone!"

Susan bit her lip. "Edmund…honestly, what's wrong? It can't just be Peter."

"It's all of you!" he spat, glaring icily at his sister. Susan looked taken aback, staring at him. "You and Peter always nag me and Lucy always gets her way and she won't leave me alone, always wanting to play her stupid baby games. You're always telling me what to do! I hate all of you! I wish you would all just go away!" He turned and ran down the corridor, leaving behind an extremely stunned Susan.

Well, what'd you think? I'd love to know your thoughts, etc, always (smiles) Is it any better?

It's a bit longer than the others…I swear the chapters get longer as they go on :)

I decided to put this chapter in here full of just my own tidbits, explaining Edmund further and giving a little more insight in why he tells the White Witch about his family. This also, of course, leads to why he ultimately betrays them.

You may be wondering about the fact that the Professor told Edmund a little about him and Polly, however, keep in mind that Edmund thought that this was just a story about another country in a different part of the world. The Professor told him nothing of Talking Animals or of Aslan, though he mentioned someone important (Him), whom Edmund just assumed to be a regular man (definitely not a lion!) :D

Bringing in cricket was a little bit interesting and I did look up how to play the game before I inserted the brief bit. However, please forgive me if I do mess it up a little, though I'll try not to :)

Just to let you know, I have three tests coming up here so I'll be pretty busy prepping for that. I do, however, want to let you know that I have chapter seven almost finished. (Yes, Edmund finally reaches Narnia) I just have to add in my own tidbits, of course! So I should be able to get it up on Wednesday, hopefully in the morning so that you don't have to wait!

Thank you again so very much for reading and your thoughts and reviews! Let me know if you spot any Americanisms and I'll be sure to fix them straight away!