A/N: You go girl: You're my 100th reviewer. Thanks so much! Thought I'd just through that out there. Hope you don't mind. Gal22: Glad you didn't give up on me! And…Hushpuppy22 raised a few good questions: [Well, kudos for you for working to make this girl seem likable. While I agree that we've all done horribly stupid and immature things in our youth (I'm embarrassed by a number of things), it's difficult not to hate Lauren 'cause we've seen so much of Lily's POV. Plus, Lauren hasn't made amends for her horrid actions and even in the flashback seems to have manipulated Will (bringing up Lily finding a guy when we know Lauren realizes that Lily likes Will). If that is the type of girl (jealous, shallow and very average) he values as good enough to abandon friends for, then he's not quite good enough for Lily as a romantic partner. He's just a teenage boy and she can find better friends. There are other fish in the sea and now that she's not dying it may be easier for Lily to make new friends or boyfriends. I do have one question though, why didn't Lily write Will in the summer? I can't remember if she tried to contact him or not...]

And I thought I'd let you guys in on the answer to get a bit of an insight on what's going on here: [Thank you for your review and I totally agree with a lot of your thoughts. Lauren hasn't made amends so why on Earth should she be forgiven or receive any such sympathy. It's kind of why I created her to show how low people can be. As for Lily. She hasn't made much of an effort to keep her friendship with Will and Hugo. She kind of expected them to be there for her like they have in the past, which they should be, but this is also one of Lily's flaws. She should work just as hard to keep her friendships including writing letters over the summer to see how they are doing. It's all a part of the whole miscommunication sequence, which is mostly the downfall in a lot of relationships. And I think I may have said this, but if I haven't, Lily expected Will to write to her. She said she would, but she expected Will to be asking her what's been going in her life. I don't know about you, but how many times have you seen a girl waiting for a guy to notice her and waiting for him to just walk to her and strike up a conversation with her? Well, I've seen a lot of those. I hope I answered your question, if I didn't I'll be happy to explain a bit more.]

Please don't hesitate to ask me any questions. "Future" questions may or may not be answered just so the story can continue as smooth as possible. I wouldn't want anything to be spoiled :).

Lastly, this chapter I believe celebrates the story's anniversary. Just throwing that out there.


Chapter 45: Daddy

Irisa's POV

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"I was talking to-"

"I kind of realized you were talking to him otherwise you wouldn't be here."

"He's worried about you and he thought that we should talk."I shook my head.

"All the talking is done with."

"Hurt"

I waited patiently outside King's Cross for the cab to come and pick me up. My mother had sounded so desperate for me to come back home.

I really hope she hadn't taken ill again because she is so needy when she's ill. I don't mind taking care of her and all my siblings, but where was her new boyfriend Richard? Wasn't he supposed to be taking care of her?

A cab pulled up. This had to be my ride. If it wasn't I would just point him or her in the right direction. My house wasn't that far.

As soon as I got in, the music was playing the Weird Sisters. Figures, the cab driver would listen to old music. He was tapping on the wheel as I put my seatbelt on.

"Where to miss?" The cab driver asked. The voice had a bit familiarity in it. I don't think I've ever met the person in my life, but the voice sounded as if I met a few people like him. You know those kind of people you meet at dinners who you're introduced to, but you'd never remember their names.

"46 Daisy Lane," I said.

"Sure thing," the cab driver pulled away from King's Cross parking lot. I pressed my face on the cool glass of the cab. It would only take a half an hour, but a half an hour felt like a long way to go.

"Visiting family?" The cab driver asked. I wish he wouldn't ask me questions. I hate talking to people I didn't know.

"Yes, my mother, sisters, and brothers," I said.

"Oh, how nice," he said. "Don't you have school?"

"They gave me a few days to take off," I said.

"Oh, how nice. What subjects do you take?" he asked. I was about to answer, but I kept my mouth shut, realizing I would have gave myself away. Muggles don't take subjects like Potions and Transfiguration.

"Oh, you know the usual," I said.

"Uh, huh," the cab driver said. I saw him smile in the mirror. Somehow the smile reminded me of someone. But, I couldn't see his face very well because his eyes were hidden under sunglasses. His clothing was normal for cab driver; not very rich looking nor very poor looking.

"Got a boyfriend?" He asked. I suddenly felt uncomfortable. I didn't know anything about this person and he was asking whether I had a boyfriend. What if he was a stalker…or someone even worse than that? What should I tell him?

"Yes, he's very protective. He's pretty big and has a temper." It was partially true. Hugo was big, but he doesn't have a temper. He has anything, but a temper. "He contacts me often. In fact, he should be contacting me very soon."

"I suppose on your cell phone, I'm sure," the cab driver said.

"Um, yeah," I said. I didn't know many muggles still used those things. I always thought they had something they used much better than that. This guy must be stuck so far in the times.

"Sorry, that was a bit rude of me to ask you. Forgive me."

"It's all right," I muttered.

"Do I scare you?" He asked. What is up with these random questions? Vi's voice came in my head: 'Don't say you're scared. He'll use it to his advantage.'

"No, your questions are quite odd, that's all," I said, trying to act brave.

"Well, little lady, sorry if I am scaring you. I'm just a lonely cab driver and it's hard to keep a conversation going, but I can see I'm pushing it a bit. Always been my problem."

The cab fell silent. I didn't know what to say or how to react. I didn't know of what he said was true, but he didn't seem like a bad person.

We entered into my neighborhood. Thank Merlin. Just ten minutes and we'll be there.

"Why are you so lonely? Do you not have any family?" I asked. It took him a moment to respond.

"I do, but they haven't talked to me in ages," he said in an honest voice.

"Oh…" I said, "I'm sorry." We pulled up in front of the huge set of hedges that blocked the view of my house. I dug my hand in my pocket and pulled out a few of my muggle money I had.

"You don't owe me thing," he said in a different voice.

"Oh, well, thanks for the ride," I said. I needed to get out of here. He was creeping me out. I took the handle and just when I was about to open it, the cab driver locked the doors. I felt chills go down my spine.

"Forgive me, Irisa, but you can't leave just yet," the cab driver said. How did he know my name? I didn't tell him what my name was. Oh my God, he must be a stalker!

"Let me out," I said, trying to act brave. I wonder if he knew that I was a witch. My hand dug into my coat pocket and wrapped itself around my wand.

The cab driver turned around and took off his sunglasses. I nearly died of shock. It's my father! What was he doing out of prison? What is he doing here?

"It took a lot of time and money in order to be your driver tonight. I need to talk to you."

"Let me out of the car," I said coldly. I was afraid he might hurt me and I wanted to get out badly.

"Irisa, you need to hear what I've got to say," he said, "I don't have much time."

"Time? Time for what? To kill me and Mum?" I nearly shouted, "Let me out of the car!"

"Irisa…"

"I can't believe they let you out for stealing some important artifact from the Department of Mysteries nonetheless. Most people would be in jail for life for stealing from that Department," I said.

"They found evidence," my father said.

"All the more you should be behind bars. It's where you belong." I jiggled the car handle again.

"The evidence they found were not my fingerprints, Irisa. I've been blackmailed. The evidence was of someone else's. Someone who has been planning this for a long time. Someone is out to hurt you. Your mother wouldn't say who, but she found a way to get a hold of me to help you."

"Oh my God! Just let me out of the bloody car!" I cried out loud. The front lights went on. A man opened the front door.

"Who is that?" My father asked.

"Richard. He and Mum are together, now will you let me out?" I asked.

"Irisa, just one thing," he said.

"What?" I asked.

"Don't tell him I was here." The locks unlocked.

I shook my head at him and opened the door. I looked at him and he was looking at me with concern.

"I don't want to see you here, again. You hear me? Or I'll send the Ministry on you," I threatened him. I knew my voice was shaking, but I didn't care. It was the closest I've come to telling someone off. Vi and Lily would be so proud of me.

I slammed the door and watched my father drive away. I readjusted my bag on my shoulder and walked up the front steps toward Richard who was standing the doorway. It's been a long time since I've seen Richard. I was hardly at home the past summer. I spent most of my time at Maureen's and visiting Hugo. My mother had sent me a letter telling me that Richard would help her with the children over the summer and as much as Richard makes my mother happy, I wasn't comfortable being in the same house with someone I barely knew.

"Hi," I squeaked.

"Hello, Irisa," he said, "Who were you talking to?"

I wasn't sure why I didn't just say my father right then and there, but I said, "No one." If he showed up again, I would tell him.

I walked into the house. I dropped my bag at the bottom of the stairs.

"Irisa?" a voice came from the kitchen. I sighed and made my way into the kitchen. My mother was seated at the table. She smiled cheerfully at me.

"Irisa, honey, what are you doing home? Why aren't you at school?" She asked. I scrunched my eyes in confusion. Wasn't she the one who sent me a letter telling me she was ill and she needed my help like desperately?

I tucked a piece of hair behind my ear, "Um, Mum, you sent me a letter to come home immediately. You said you were sick and you needed help." Mum looked at me. Her eyes seemed to look past me almost has if she lost her memory.

"Oh, right, yes," she put a hand to her chest, "I am thankful you're here. But, how did they let you leave Hogwarts? Christmas Break isn't for another four weeks or so."

"I asked Headmaster Pace and he granted my request." My mother shook her head.

"Well, we're glad you're here," Richard said from behind me. "Would you like to sit down?" It felt weird that Richard was acting like I was a guest here in my own home.

"Uh, yes," I said and he pulled out a chair for me. "Thanks." I spread my hands across the table top suddenly with a loss of words.

"What have the doctor's been saying?" I asked Mum.

"Oh, you know the usual," Mum said, using her hand like I knew what she was talking about.

"The usual?" I questioned her.

"Yes, she's very sensitive. She's always tired. Some swelling has been taking place and she has collapsed a few times; once falling down the stairs," Richard explained. I looked at Mum. Her eyes were casted down as if she was listening to Richard describe her own incidents. "She's fine though. She just needs rest." Mum nodded in agreement and smiled up at Richard.

"Are you pregnant again?" I asked coldly. Mum stared at me, but then she could no longer meet my eyes. "Oh my God," I said at how ridiculous she was being.

"Irisa, try to understand," Mum cried out. I crossed my arms and looked away. I shook my head several times.

"I saw him today, Mum," I said. I waited for my mother's reaction to what I said. I expected to act surprise, but she stared at the table lost in thought as if she was no longer there.

"You saw who, Irisa?" Richard asked sternly. I looked at him and he was watching me intently.

I breathed, "My father. He was who I was talking to in the cab. Apparently he's out of jail and someone didn't tell me." I looked directly at Mum. She never tells me anything. By now, I'm just sick of it. A mother should always inform their child to watch out for things that could harm them. My mother fails to do that.

"He's out of jail?" Richard asked surprised. "Did you know?" He looked at Mum. Mum shook her head. Why was she lying? Dad said she had contacted him. But, instead of blowing her cover, I kept my mouth shut.

"Don't worry, Irisa, we'll make sure he doesn't come around here," Richard said.

"Thanks Richard," I said. He nodded.

"Well," he sighed, "I didn't expect this kind of welcoming and we wanted to tell you when you got here during Christmas Break, but I feel you have a right to know."

I waited in silence.

"Well, we're thinking of getting married," Richard said and gripped Mum's shoulder affectionately. Mum patted his arm and smiled up at him warmly. Thinking? I thought to myself. You either want to get married or you don't.

"Married?" I said surprised, "You guys just started dating."

Richard looked at Mum and smiled, "Actually, Irisa, we've known each other for quite some time now." I looked at him for a moment.

"Oh, how long?" I asked. Richard looked down at Mum and gave her smile and once he looked back at me, Mum's smile faded.

"About ten years ago, I believe, isn't that right, dear?" He asked.

"Yes, that's when I was promoted," Mum said.

"But aren't you and Dad still married?" I asked Mum.

"We signed our divorce papers," Mum said. I nodded.

"Oh, well, I'm happy for you two," I said, not knowing what else to say, but I gave Mum a lhard long look. I hoped we would talk later and that is…without Richard.

"Well, thank you, Irisa. That means a lot to me," he said and then looked at Mum, "us." I nodded.

"Hey Mum," I said. She looked at me. "Could we, uh, talk?" Richard still hasn't removed his hand from Mum's shoulder.

"Um, not now, sweetie, I've got of things I need to do." She looked at Richard, "In fact, why doesn't Richard give you something to eat. You must be starving."

Richard smiled at me and I gave him a small smile back, "Sure." I sat down in one of the chairs. Mum slowly got out of her seat and walked out of the kitchen.

Richard quickly poured a cup of tea for me and placed in front of me. "Thanks," I said. He nodded and went to the pantry. He took out some slices of bread and started cutting the lettuce. Every cut made me cringe because it was the only noise in the house.

Suddenly someone came running in. It was Kevin.

"Kevin!" I cried out. He spun around and saw me. "Give me a hug." I put out my hands for him.

"Rissy! Rissy! You're home!" He buried himself into my arms.

"I'm so happy to see you!" I said, "Have you been a good boy?" He nodded energetically.

"Kevin," Richard called to him. Kevin looked wearily at Richard. "Would you like a sandwich too?" He looked at me and I nodded encouragingly.

"Yes, Dadda," Kevin said. I looked at Kevin surprised.

"Kevin, Richard isn't your father," I said. Richard put a plate down in front of me. He started laughing.

"Of course I am. Don't give him any false messages, Irisa. He wouldn't want to be confused." I looked at Richard and he was smiling at me. I suppose Mum and Richard have decided not to tell my brothers and sisters who their real father is.

"I suppose, you're right," I said.

Kevin was now sitting in his own chair. Richard placed the sandwich in front of Kevin. I smiled at how nice Richard was serving us, but when I looked up from my sandwich something caught my eye.

Kevin kind of looked like Richard. I've never noticed it before. He wasn't around that much until now. They had the same color hair and the same big wide eyes. Their faces showed a younger and an older version of Richard. Richard looked over at me.

"Is your sandwich all right?" He asked. He must have realized I was gaping. I took a bite.

"It's wonderful," I said after I swallowed.

"Excellent. I'll just clean up," he went back to the counter and started putting things away.

I dumped my sandwich in the trash and placed a napkin over it.

"I'm done," I said, "I'm just going to talk to my mum." He looked over at my clean plate.

He chuckled, "You eat fast." I shrugged and placed my plate in the sink for him to clean.

"Hey Irisa," Richard said. I turned around and looked at him. "Be careful what you say to your mother." I looked at him questionably, "She's very sensitive." I nodded and walked away. I got to say he is a bit strange.


I knocked on Mum's door.

"Come in," I heard Mum's voice.

"Hey," I said, I walked in and saw her lying on her bed. She smiled at me.

"Hey sweetie," she said. I climbed on the bed next to her. "How was your sandwich?"

"Um, it was good," I managed to chuckle. Mum picked up a book and placed a sheet of paper on top of it. Then she started writing on it. "What are you doing?"

"Writing poetry," she said, smiling. I took a glance and it didn't look like poetry, but more like a letter.

"Mum, why did you send that letter asking me to come and then act like you didn't?" I asked.

Mum was quiet for a moment, "I must have forgotten I sent it."

"You see that's what I don't get," I said, "You never forgot anything." She still didn't respond. "Mum, you didn't tell me that you were getting married or that Dad was out. I thought you of all people would have found out first." She still remained silent. "Mum!"

"Honey, I don't know what to say. I guess I'm just as shocked as you." She looked at the window. "Oh, look, a blue jay," she cried out pointing at the window. I looked at the window. There was no blue jay. I felt Mum slide something into my hand. I looked at Mum and she was smiling at me. She touched her finger to her mouth several times as if she wanted me to be silent, but the weird part was that she was smiling.

"Why don't you go see your brothers and sisters and see if they are all right?" She asked. I nodded and got of bed. The piece of paper Mum had been writing on was still in my hand. I opened the door and almost smacked into Richard.

"Oh, Irisa, you all right?" he asked. I stuffed my hands in my pockets.

"Yeah, I was just talking to Mum," I said. He nodded as I walked away. He closed the door behind him. I stared at the door silently for a moment before walking away.

I walked into my room that was shared with Susanne and little Aiyanna. Susanne was playing dolls with Aiyanna until she looked up and saw me.

"Irisa!" Susanne cried out and gave me a hug. Aiyanna squealed with delight and walked over and hugged me as well.

"Aw, good to see you guys, too," I said.

"How's Hogwarts?" Susanne asked. That's right she and Silas would be starting Hogwarts next year.

"Oh, good. I bet you can't wait, huh?" I asked.

"Oh, yes! I'm going to be a Hufflepuff like you!" She said. I smiled.

"Why don't you two go back to playing dolls? I'm tired. I'm just going to lie down for a bit," I said.

"Ok! Come on Anna!" Susanne took Aiyanna's hand they both sat down and continued playing.

I took out the note from my pocket and read what was on it:

I didn't send you the letter telling you to come home. Go back to Hogwarts where it's safe. I can't say much because…he's watching us.

I stared at it in horror. I didn't know who she meant by 'he.' I think she meant Dad, but I couldn't be too sure. I just knew Mum wanted me to be safe and that here wasn't exactly safe for me.

There was a knock on the door. I pushed the note under my pillow and turned my head, pretending I was trying to sleep.

Richard was at the door.

"All right, girls, time for bed," he said.

"But, Dad," Susanne wailed. That's weird. I know that she has been told to call Richard 'Dad,' but she used to always call him Richard. Things certainly have changed here.

"No buts," he said, scooping up Aiyanna in his arms as she squealed in delight. He placed her in her in the top bunk and Aiyanna climbed into the bottom bunk.

"Good night, Sue," Richard kissed her forehead and then kissed Aiyanna's. He turned to look at me. "Good night, Irisa." I suddenly felt like the guest again like he was taking me in for tonight.

"Night," I said. He turned off the lights and closed the door. The room was filled with silence.

I waited for a good two hours until I crawled out of bed. I snuck over to the bunk bed and saw both girls were sound asleep. I took out a flashlight from inside my nightstand and turned it on.

I threw as much I could in a bag and snuck out of the room. The hallway was completely silent. Richard and Mum's door was closed. I snuck past it and crept down the stairs one by one making sure I didn't step on any of the creaks I've known by heart.

Creeeeekk…there's new one. I waited in silent as I waited for movement or any other sound to take place. Nothing. I made the rest of the way down without another sound.

I crept toward the front door. Just when I was about to touch the handle to the outside, a voice said: "And where do you think you're going?" I turned around and saw Richard standing there. I felt frozen.

"Um," I patted my bag that was on my shoulder and lied, "Just getting my bag."

"It looks like you're going somewhere. Are you going somewhere?" He asked.

I'm a big girl. He has no authority over me at least not yet. "I'm going back to Hogwarts," I said.

"Oh," Richard slurred, "I don't think so. We wouldn't want your father to hurt you again, would we?" He asked. "After all it could have been him that sent you that letter to come home."

How had he known?