Story Note:
It may be atypical for a forty year old witch to want another child. However, please remember that Hermione's healer has given her a very clean bill of health. Remember as well that Hermione and Draco only decided on no more children after Lyra because they believed the Death Eaters were still after Hermione. The more children they had, the harder it would be to protect them all. Thank you.
Previously on The Taint Of Her Name Chapter 9: Decisions And Arguments
Orion started to say something but Brett stopped him.
"I have only one thing to say. You run your mouth before you figure out what should be said Orion. Previously I wouldn't think to comment to a wizard in his own home, but Lyra is my fiancée and I won't stand by while you speak to her as though she was some trollop on the street. Keep a civil tongue in your head when you speak to her in my presence. My apologies you had to see this Gillian."
Grabbing me by the hand Brett led me to my bedroom where he remained aggravated but apologetic.
We laid down on my bed. I fell asleep with Brett running his fingers through my hair.
I woke several hours later to find myself alone on the bed. Brett had left a note on the pillow which read, I love you. I'll speak with you tomorrow. Clutching the note in my hand, I laid back down and tried to go back to sleep determined to read the riot act to Orion the first chance I got.
/*/
When Hermione and Draco returned to the TV room, Lucius caught them up on what little they'd missed making no comment or inquiry as to what had gone on in the kitchen. It wasn't his business. However, to his way of thinking, whatever had gone on probably revolved around Orion. Lucius didn't know if being raised in the US made the difference. But he felt Orion stepped outside the bounds of expected good manners too often. And even though Orion was of age, Lucius believed Draco should take a firm stand with him before it was too late.
Then turning back to the program Lucius smiled to himself. I'm an elitist, pureblood, eavesdropping scoundrel. What do I really know about manners?
***********************************************************************/
Chapter 10: Hope Lost And Hope Gained
Hermione, Draco and Lucius watched television for another thirty minutes before both Draco and Lucius decided to call it a night. Surprising both wizards, Hermione called for her wand to put the drinks away tidying everything up using magic.
When she realized both wizards were gazing at her Hermione snipped. "What? A witch can't use magic in her own home?"
Draco and Lucius both tried to answer at the same time, but Draco gestured for his father to speak.
"Forgive me Hermione" Lucius slowly replied. "I was under the impression you didn't use magic much anymore."
Hermione turned to Draco. "And the reason your mouth is hanging open Pavo?"
"I-I" stammered Draco. "My mouth isn't hanging open, but I'm as surprised as father to see you wielding your wand. For years it's been implied that you wanted to use as little magic as possible even though it's use wouldn't be something which attracted the notice of Death Eaters."
Hermione stretched out her wand hand, gave it a twist and summoned two cold drinks for Lucius to take with him to his room.
"For the benefit of both my handsome wizards. I am advising you here and now that this wand feels good in my hand. I intend to use as much magic as I like from this day forward so do not tempt my hand."
"Well played love" Draco answered kissing Hermione on the forehead.
"Too right Draco" parroted Lucius. "Even with the prior situation. I was surprised a witch as powerful as yourself could put her magic on a shelf. So to speak. Well played indeed Hermione."
With a wide grin that stretched from one side of her face to the other, Hermione lowered her wand to her side and glanced from Draco to Lucius. "I think that's enough magic for this night. Goodnight Lucius. Coming love?"
"You go ahead. I'll be there shortly. I want to have a word with father." Then he turned to speak to Lucius. "If you don't have anything planned for Friday, I'm hoping you will stop by PWBC as we've discussed. After which you and I will have lunch with the two wizards I plan to leave in charge during my absence. Foster and Jones. I'll leave the apparating coordinates with you on Friday morning. Goodnight father."
"Splendid Draco. I look forward to it. Goodnight then."
/*/
After the bit of confusion which had transpired in the kitchen, Orion and Gillian had returned to his downstairs rooms. Orion knew that once again he had used his mouth as a weapon bringing the wrath of Brett down upon him. Unfortunately for Orion, Brett wasn't a wizard who would let Orion's little slips get by him. Orion was pretty sure Lyra was going to tear his arse when she saw him as well which was something he wasn't looking forward to.
Orion squeezed Gillian tight to him as he apologized for his behavior. "I'm sorry about several things love. I'm sorry I made it seem as though I didn't want you to accompany me to Britain. That was not the case. I would be more than pleased to have you on the trip with us. I'm sorry as well for not speaking up when you mentioned your desire to be married within the coming three years. We've never discussed such specifics. Your frank comments caught me off guard. So I will also be frank. I do care for you Gillian. However I do not see myself getting married anytime soon."
Gillian smiled wanly at Orion before answering. "Thank you for telling me these things Orion. I may appear to be lacking in common sense, but I'm not. My comments tonight were only to elicit some kind of response from you. I was almost sure of what the response would be. What I hadn't envisioned was complete silence. You may not realize it Orion, but you started changing the day Lyra left for Britain. It seemed as though Lyra took a part of you with her. Initially I didn't recognize the changes. Looking back I began to realize they began shortly after your sister left. Six months later. I've come to realize you were jealous that Lyra was striking out on her own while you were here tethered to me. I didn't want to believe it which made me hold on tighter. And the circle began. The tighter I held you to me, the more unavailable you made yourself. You were with me physically, but never emotionally. If our relationship was a piece of fabric, I believe we would have been able to see straight through it as we do a piece of gauze. I was glad to see Lyra return home hoping her appearance would somehow fix our relationship. Of course nothing is ever that simple and our relationship remains the same. I haven't said all this to hurt you or make myself feel better. I'm telling you this because it's what I feel."
Orion was quiet for several seconds. "You gathered all this yet you didn't bring it up once? I would have…. I could have….." sputtered Orion.
"No you couldn't Orion" Gillian remarked softly. "If you thought I was the witch who was meant to be in your life, we wouldn't be having this discussion."
Orion reached out trying to get Gillian in a position where he could initiate sex, but she pulled away. "No sex Orion. Whenever things get tense. Your answer has been to placate me with sex." Reaching out Gillian touched his hand. "It was not your fault alone. I could have said no and insist we talk, but I didn't. I hoped the sex I allowed would be enough to hold you. Tonight I came to the final realization that you are only with me through habit. By rote. I love you Orion, but I deserve a wizard who loves me not just tolerates me."
Silent tears began sliding down Gillian's face as she stood. "I've made up my mind not to try to hold on any longer Orion. If you realize I'm the witch you want, come get me. There's no need to see me out. Goodnight."
Orion wanted to go behind Gillian and bring her back, but he hadn't. He was feeling like a cad because most of what Gillian had said was true. He didn't know if it had anything to do with Lyra going off in search of her future and him plodding along still living in his parents house. He had felt the change. Yet instead of addressing it. He'd changed the way he treated Gillian. He did care about her….but.
Falling onto his back on the bed, Orion repeated himself this time out loud. "I do care about her. But she might not be the witch I want for life."
As the words came out of his mouth, Orion hastily wiped away the two tears which had slipped down the side of his face. Gillian had broken up with him and everything seemed so final.
/*/
By the time Draco reached the bedroom, Hermione had been in and out of the shower. She was sitting expectantly waiting to have their baby conversation.
Draco grinned at his wife as he undressed. "Am I to be on the top or the bottom?"
"I want us to have a serious conversation. Because no matter how much I want another child. If you won't support me then I won't address the topic again. A child needs an interested father as well as a mother."
"Love" Draco said walking across the room towards Hermione. "I understand we need to have a serious conversation. I just don't want you to get all worked up before we even begin our conversation. Let's have a reasonable discussion about anything and everything that is bothering you. I've already agreed to support you, but what I won't do is support crazy notions. Why don't we lay it all out and go from there."
"Agreed." Hermione replied softly.
Instead of removing his boxers as he normally did. Draco climbed in beside Hermione as he was.
When Hermione questioned why he was suddenly sleeping with clothes, Draco casually remarked. "You no longer have the permanent contraceptive charm and you've said you won't be casting a nightly charm. Therefore, I feel it is up to me to keep my little soldiers away from that certain area on your body until we have this sorted. If I remember correctly, you and I have become pregnant after one shag…..twice."
With a wide grin, Hermione huffed at Draco. "You are a total git Leo Pavo. You may wear clothing to bed tonight, but tomorrow I expect to feel the flesh I'm used to. Now let's talk." And they had.
They talked over everything from A-Z. When they were finished, quite a few things had been decided:
They would have another baby.
Hermione would bring her education up to date then continue on in a field yet to be determined even if they got pregnant.
The family would become more social. Their home would be predominantly magical allowing that some things would still be done the muggle way if a family member so chose.
Draco had every intention of returning to his birth name. However, Hermione, Orion and Lyra would be given the option of choosing Pavo-Malfoy or Malfoy as their surname.
It was decided that at a later date (perhaps during or immediately after the trip to Britain) they would discuss moving back to Britain permanently. Again giving the children an option of either remaining in the US or moving back to Britain with them. Within this portion of the discussion they also discussed Draco's idea of looking for business opportunities in London while they were there on holiday. In case they did return home permanently.
/*/
Hermione had let out a huge sigh during this part of the conversation. As much as something was driving her home to Britain. There was something just as strong pulling her to remain in her adopted country as well. She had been born in the UK, but it was a place of her youth. The US was where she had grown into womanhood and raised her family. Now that Hermione knew she and the family weren't in any danger, they were free to move about as they wished. However, the same argument could be used as a reason to go back to Britain. It became a circuitous argument in Hermione's head. One which she chose to put off to the side for the time being.
/*/
Overall it was a successful discussion. Hermione was hesitant about changing the name she had held for twenty years, but with a little persuasion she agreed to look into Magical Laws regarding name changes made to save a life. Draco was quite sure it would be fairly easy to change their name back if they so wished. It had been easy for him to acquire the names he had because no matter the country. A willingness to spread around a great deal of galleons always spoke volumes.
After the conversation, Draco allowed Hermione to remove his boxers. He had not allowed her to be on top.
/**/
Thursday found Hermione in a bright and cheery mood. Draco had already left for the bank. As she gazed into the bathroom mirror, Hermione ran her hands across her very flat stomach. She and Draco had sex the previous night without benefit of any contraceptive charm for the first time in twenty years. Her and Draco's plan to have another child had been put into motion.
Hermione hummed some muggle song as she showered. Then stopped to look at herself in the mirror once again. Hermione was hopeful that she'd get pregnant promising not to drive herself mad with worry. Which of course was easier said than done.
It was after 10:30 when Hermione returned to the bedroom. She hurriedly dressed then went to the kitchen to have a bit of breakfast. Thinking to eat healthy. Hermione had cereal and some lovely fresh fruit.
That was another thing she loved about California. The fruit. Any day of the week all year round they could apparate, drive or walk to a fresh fruit market. Which was something that couldn't be done in Britain.
When she was through eating, Hermione used her wand to clear up. She was in a bit of a rush as she wanted to get to her healer. She had promised not to drive herself mad, but there were several more things Hermione wanted to run by the healer.
Before Hermione could leave the kitchen, Lyra entered, kissed her on the cheek wishing her a good morning.
"Good morning love. Have a good sleep? I'm on my way out. Are you on the mid shift today?"
"Right in one mum. I'll be on from 3:00-8:00. After that I plan to stop by Brett's. I'll be home late."
"Alright love," said Hermione hugging her daughter. "I have to leave. I'll see you later."
/*/
After mum left the house, I wondered if I was imagining things or was she walking around with a sort of secretive smile. Then I had laughed to myself because it might be one of those. I love it when my husband shags me type of smiles. Whatever it was. It seemed to be making mum a little giddy. If anyone could possibly imagine a giddy Hermione Granger.
Laughing at my thoughts I settled down with juice and toast to think about what was bothering me. I was aggravated that Orion had upset Brett. I planned to give him a right smart telling off. I love Brett and I love my brother as well. But I knew them both and could foresee many more exchanges between them. Orion didn't know how to hold his tongue and Brett didn't stand still for any shit. Especially when it came to me.
A short sigh slipped out just as I lifted my glass to take another sip of juice. I was absolutely aware my future life could possibly be filled with arguments between Brett and Orion with me in the middle.
I hadn't seen grandfather yet. I figured he hadn't come through to have his breakfast. With him in mind, I made a few turns of my wand (mother authorized) and put together a very nice breakfast. I also left a magical note hovering over the breakfast to let grandfather know it was specially for him. Then I left to run a few errands of my own.
/*/
Draco had called a meeting with Edgar Foster and Samuel Jones the two wizards he would be leaving in charge during his trip. He wanted to go over a few things as well as inform them of Lucius' planned visit the following day.
"Have a seat," Draco intoned as Ed and Sam entered his office. "I'm sure you gentlemen have everything well in hand, but that will not deter me from calling a meeting a week before I leave."
Samuel smiled at his boss. "We would not expect anything less Leo."
"I have a bit of information I want to share. My father has seen fit to visit California. You will have the pleasure of meeting him tomorrow. I suggest you look sharp and be sharp. He is a formidable businessman who will not hesitate to question the things he thinks warrant an explanation."
"Are you unhappy with either of us Leo?" asked Edgar. "Your father's visit sounds as though you mean to put us through a test of sorts. I don't mean to sound rude, but testing is for those employees in whom you lack faith. If that is the case, I will gladly step away allowing you to replace me with someone who meets your standards."
Edgar's words brought Draco up straight. "How fucking long have I known you Edgar? Fifteen years? When have you known me to mince words or accept less than the highest quality of anything? The correct answer would be never. Get off that fucking high horse and let me finish. My father would like a short tour of our bank, after which we will all go out to lunch. If it sounded as though I was questioning my two best wizards, I offer my apologies. That was not my intention. I only mentioned my father's predilection for perfection so you won't be caught out. Lucius will question. All you have to do is answer. In any case, you both have my full support."
Both Samuel and Edgar nodded their understanding.
"If I may, I would like to ask a question. I'm sure you'll stop me if it's too personal Leo."
"That I will Mr. Foster," replied Draco. "That I will. Ask away."
Edgar hesitated shooting a quick glance in Samuel's direction before asking the question. "How is it you suddenly have a father?"
Samuel held his breath. If they had learned anything over the years, they had learned Leo Pavo was not one to entertain questions about his family. But he himself had opened the door.
"I've always had a father Edgar. I'm quite sure you know how that works."
"What I mean Leo is in the fifteen years I've worked with you. You've never mentioned a father, mother, sister or brother. So it is just odd that your father will be visiting us tomorrow."
"It is odd Edgar. However, the time has come when I am able to offer you an explanation as to why there was an absence of a father in my life. For the time being, what I share with you will remain confidential. Although after tomorrow I'm sure there will be quite a bit of buzzing about the emergence of Leo Pavo's father."
Both Edgar and Samuel were surprised. After all these years of working together it appeared Leo was going to confide some of his most intimate and personal business.
/*/
For the next hour, Leo Pavo explained almost everything about his life dating back to 1999 when he had spirited his witch out of Scotland to save her life.
"So?" asked Edgar with a slight frown. "You were born Draco Malfoy to Pureblood parents. To save the witch you loved from Death Eaters you brought her to the states where you have lived under a different identity."
"Correct."
"Fucking amazing," snorted Samuel. "For a time we thought you were some kind of villain. I mean not wanting to discuss anything about your family or where you came from was slightly irregular. But the real story beats being a villain by a mile.
Edgar reached over to shake Draco's hand. "I'm pleased to meet you Mr. Malfoy. This has been a long time coming. I suspect the Lucius Malfoy with holdings throughout the Wizarding World whom we will meet tomorrow is the British gent who lost his son all those years ago."
"That would be my father yes. I know this a lot to digest, but there it is. In the very near future I would like the two of you to join me and my family for dinner. In addition, if Lucius finds you to be as sharp as I find you, he will probably try to spirit you away from PWBC to install you in one of his companies. You've been warned. Now gentlemen. As you now know as much about me as I know about myself I will let you get back to your offices. I have papers to see to. I will be leaving early and will see you both in the morning."
Samuel shook Draco's hand before leaving the office. "Incredible. Have a good day Leo. I look forward to meeting your father."
/*/
Draco sat back in his bank president's chair. It hadn't been as hard to explain himself as he thought it would be. Better than that. He was back on the right track to resume his rightful identity.
Draco had purposely left out Hermione's true identity because he didn't feel it necessary to divulge that information to Sam and Ed. Neither did he want to get into his family's part in that long ago war. Bringing up Hermione Granger's name would have inevitably brought up the war.
Sam and Ed were his right hand men. They were the wizards he would offer the first right of refusal to purchase PWBC if he and the family decided to move back to Britain. That was something he would share with them on Friday. For now he had paperwork that needed to be completed.
/*/
Hermione had called ahead to her healer and secured herself a fifteen minute appointment. That was more than enough time. Healer Phoebe Wells was a very knowledgeable witch in her mid thirties who had recently taken over for an older witch who had left the practice to be closer to her family. Healer Wells knew everything there was to know about the female body and then some. Today Hermione had a specific topic she wanted to discus. After fifteen minutes with the healer, Hermione had the information she wanted. She would try for a pregnancy. If it worked out, wonderful. If not, she would be disappointed. Either way, she and Draco still had two wonderful children.
Healer Wells was firmly in Hermione's corner. Phoebe requested to be allowed to take the case if Hermione did become pregnant.
To Hermione, the healers request had been a no brainer. She liked and trusted the witch and would be thankful to have her expertise.
The healer suggested to Hermione that all should go well, but if she wasn't pregnant within six months they would take another look at her tests. Additionally, Hermione was to contact her at the first sign of any suspicious bleeding because that could be a sign that her body was rejecting a pregnancy.
In her heart of hearts, Hermione felt sure she would get pregnant without any problem. She was fertile and Draco obviously had powerful sperm. Phoebe had also reminded Hermione that those parts of her body needed for pregnancy should be well rested and ready for a challenge after all this time.
Only time would tell.
/*/
That evening as Hermione, Draco, Lucius and Orion ate dinner a puffed up Lucius bragged about how his granddaughter had made him a special breakfast and left a lovely note as well.
Draco nodded in Orion's direction. "Did you hear that son? Your sister is quickly creeping up to become your grandfather's favorite. What do you have planned for him?"
"I didn't realize Lyra and I were in a competition," sniped Orion. "Lyra is the favorite. Perhaps I should give in before I start."
Hermione placed her fork on her plate preparing to get Orion sorted, but Lucius was first to speak.
"Of course it's not a competition Orion. You are both my grandchildren. You, your father and I had a discussion which I thought cleared the air of certain misconceptions. However, you seem to still hold some type of animosity towards me. So here's what will be done. You will address me as Lucius. We will simply be two wizards who are acquainted with each other. If, or when you are ready to accept me as your grandfather we will talk. As far as your sister goes. She is a lovely, caring woman who I do lean more towards because she is at least trying to accept me. In contrast, you are petulant, disrespectful wizard who does not know how to hold his tongue. From here on out. We will keep our distance from one and other, but you will show me respect. On that I will not make any exception. I hope I've made myself clear."
Hermione was beside herself. But Draco laid his hand on her arm as he spoke to Orion. "Not only are you embarrassing yourself you are embarrassing me and your mother. I won't have it. I've given you far more leeway than I was ever given while growing up. It seems you have taken my kindness for bloody weakness. Grow up Orion and stand as a grown wizard would. I am with my father on this. As this is your house, so is it your mother's and mine. We have invited my father to stay here for as long as he likes. If you don't like the atmosphere, go stay with Gillian. Get your thoughts together about how family should act with each other. You may leave the table."
Orion stood but did not move away from the table. "I apologize for my behavior. I realize I have made missteps which I like to think of as part of my charming personality. However, I'm beginning to realize my actions are nothing more than those of an extreme arse." Turning Orion faced Lucius. "Sir. I do not wish to call you Lucius. You are my grandfather. I would still like to address you as such and assure you I intend to live up to the Pavo-Malfoy name."
Lucius gazed directly at Orion. "If you are apologizing because you have been called out on your behavior, I'd prefer you called me Lucius. I never have been and never will be a wizard who is subject to manipulation. We will talk when you have an honest apology to offer or an honest conversation to hold." Then Lucius continued to eat his dinner.
"I will not shout at you Orion," offered Hermione. "I understand you may have reservations about certain things. That's understandable. But we as a family are trying to move forward. I suggest you try to do the same. If you can't do that, I agree with your father about spending some time with Gillian until you manage to adjust your behavior. I will not allow you to disrespect Lucius as I wouldn't allow you to disrespect any guest in our home. I stand with your father and grandfather on this."
"Let me put it a little more succinctly," Draco snarled throwing his napkin down on the table. "If we have to have another conversation along these lines, I will take you out back and hex your arse until you recognize the error of your ways. Grown wizard or not. Now leave the damn table."
Orion left the table without another word. Once downstairs in his room he gathered a few things together. He couldn't or wouldn't turn to Gillian, but he would have to go somewhere. He had gotten himself in one hell of a mess.
/*/
Both Draco and Hermione tried to apologize for their son's behavior, but Lucius held up his hand. "Please don't insult me by apologizing for someone who will not honestly admit how he feels. He has heard many stories about me as he was growing up. He has the right to be angry. I understand that. However, Orion should gather his courage and approach me as a man. It may still come down to him hating me. At least it will be out in the open."
"Now on to other topics. I have news from Britain. I had the opportunity to speak with Harry this afternoon. He sends his regards and is looking forward to July 8th. Kingsley's specialist healer has produced a stronger potion which has reduced some of Kingsley's more debilitating symptoms. The potion has allowed the Minister to regain a better quality of life. Harry along with many others are excited at this turnaround as Kingsley is still very well loved. Kingsley sends his regards and is very happy Hermione was not captured by Death Eaters. Minister Pucey who found it incredulous that Hermione is still alive and you two are married is excited as well. I believe it will be a wonderful trip. Well that's it then. If you both will excuse me, I'm going out back to enjoy this lovely evening."
"Thank you for the news father. Hermione and I will join you shortly."
/*/
Hermione took out her wand and began cleaning up while Draco followed her around growling in her ear about her son.
After the last wand swipe, Hermione turned around and bumped into Draco who was still at her back. "Will you sit down Draco. And Orion is our son not just my son. We allowed him a bit too much leeway. It seems at times he doesn't respect boundaries. We didn't do it purposefully. You didn't want to be as strict as Lucius with him as Lucius had been with you. I didn't want to be too strict thinking any day could be my last day with him. As a result he has grown into a bloody Slytherin."
"Really?" drawled Draco. "Are you accusing our son of being me? In case you haven't noticed. I was raised with manners and decorum which your son lacks at times. I'll have another chat with him."
"I'd rather you didn't," snapped Hermione. "Don't give Orion another easy way out. He has to figure this out on his own. Just as he has to approach Lucius on his own. Just leave it."
/*/
In the downstairs rooms Orion was working himself up into a fury. He had sat on the side of his bed for a bit. Then he had begun pacing. He really didn't want to leave his own home, but he didn't want to have this conversation with Lucius. He had tried to hide his feelings. Obviously he hadn't been successful.
For years the family couldn't do this or couldn't do that, or couldn't go this place or that place. All because of people like Lucius Malfoy who thought his mum was a waste of space. He had watched during those years when his mother and father were overly cautious about everything. Never able to enjoy anything. Now this despicable man turns up with gifts and everything is alright. Well it wasn't alright with Orion Pavo. His parents had given up a lot including their homeland to get away from Lucius and people like him. He didn't understand how his parents could forgive so easily.
In mid pace, there was a knock on his door. Orion gathered his things in his hand in case it was his mother or father coming down to chuck him out. But he opened the door it was Lyra standing there.
"I heard you had a row with mum, dad and grandfather. You are one stupid git Orion. You walk around with a chip on your shoulder talking any way you want expecting everyone to overlook your attitude and pretend everything is okay. Grow the fuck up brother." Taking her brother by the hand Lyra led him to the bed and sat down beside him. "I understand Ori. I do. We have heard horrible stories about Lucius Malfoy which are hard to forget. You don't have to forget. Just put things in perspective. Try to forgive and move on."
"Is that what you've done Lyra? Have you forgiven and moved on?"
With a heavy sigh Lyra answered her brother. "For mum and dad's sake and for the sake of bringing the family together I am trying. As bad as our grandfather was back in the day. Our father was the same until he changed his viewpoint and fell in love with mum. If he and mum hadn't fallen in love, who knows, dad could have been one of the Death Eaters trying to kill her. You know dad for the wizard he became and you love him. Do the same for grandfather. Don't judge him for what he was in the past. Accept him for the wizard he's become. Everyone changes Ori. Sometimes it's for the better. Sometimes not. Grandfather has changed for the better. Start from there."
The brother and sister sat there in silence until Orion softly revealed, "Gillian broke up with me. I don't know what I'm feeling….about anything.
"I'm sorry Ori. Maybe the breakup is for the best. You were taking her for granted. No woman wants that. Search yourself about grandfather and Gillian as well. I'm sure you'll figure out what to do. If you don't, the consequences could be devastating…..to you. Mum and dad are standing with grandfather and Gillian is a beautiful witch who will soon have suitors at her door. The time for decisions is now."
Orion hugged Lyra as she walked to the doorway. On her way out Lyra turned to make a final comment. "One more thing Orion. I suggest you stay on Brett's good side because he will not stand still for any of your bullshite. Goodnight."