I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.

Extended Family

Chapter 47 – Revaluation

Takes place around the same time as last chapter, 46.

"What am I going to do with you?" Amelia sighed.

Tonks tried to sit up from the bed, an attempt at being at attention. "If I can explain myself Ma'am-"

"Oh that won't be necessary. I know what happened."

"Respectfully, you might not know everything."

Amelia glared at her, making Tonks go still. "Fair. Let me say what I think happened and at the end you can correct me. You spend months working the case, doing a good job. You found out the players in the game: the smugglers, the ones making the deals in between. You even figured out the buyers and the organizers."

"Yes Ma'am," Tonks said, "correct so far."

"Good," Amelia said dryly. "Then you set up a sting and plan it out with three teams. It's almost textbook how you do it. Except when you launch the sting, there's less than a third of what was anticipated. You bag who you got though, realizing it was all mooks and expendables. Even that would be a considerable achievement. But that wasn't enough."

"Right, well, you see-"

"So since the sting was so neatly foiled, you figured that there was a mole." Amelia spoke louder, overriding Tonks. "So you did a quick investigation and discovered that there was a mole: Fields. And lo and behold, Fields was already dismissed from the sting operation. You grabbed all the Aurors you could, hunted him down, and found him and all the players and the contraband."

"Yeah, and well, we did try to take them in without a fight-"

"But there was a fight! A giant clusterfuck of a fight in the middle of a manor full of contraband and criminals that didn't want to be taken at all! By the time the dust cleared and the spells stopped, we have a handful of dead criminals, a bunch more injured and arrested, and a bunch of injured Aurors including yourself!"

Amelia leaned over Tonks who shrank back into the bed, her hair turning dark blue. "The fact that no one on our side died is what's saving you right now. Though one came close and from your hand."

"I was pissed," Tonks mumbled. "And he wasn't on our side."

"Did you have to castrate Fields?"

"He wasn't using them," Tonks retorted. "Besides, it was a mistake. He was running away and I missed."

Amelia snorted. "So, did I miss anything?"

Tonks shook her head, mute.

Amelia sighed. "Again, you're lucky everyone is going to recover to regular status, nothing permanent was done. Aside from your brain not always functioning."

"That was a pre-existing condition," Tonks muttered.

"Don't I know it," Amelia drawled. "Well, officially, the operation was an acceptable success and you will be rewarded for your efforts. Unofficially, that was damn fool thing to do and you were fucking lucky. Do I make myself clear?"

Tonks nodded. "I'm being punished, aren't I?"

"Yup." Amelia handed over a case to Tonks who opened it.

"Uh, this doesn't seem like a punishment," Tonks said, eyes sparkling.

"Wait until you see the paperwork," Amelia smiled. "But yes, you've been promoted. Congratulations Senior Auror Tonks."

"Wow." Tonks caressed the badge lovingly. "This is awesome!"

"And here comes the rest of your punishment. Three weeks leave."

"What?! I'm fine!"

"You're not. You've been hit by four different curses that will need recovery time since they're additive and I have that from three Healers, four including your mother. You will take the time off and you will not do anything while on time off or else I'll increase it and after a bit of time, it won't be paid leave. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes Boss," Tonks grunted.

"You're going to have to learn to be careful and responsible now because now as a Senior, you're going to be responsible for others now. No more Lone Witch running amok."

"You know Mum is going to kill me trying to get me to heal right?" Tonks said.

"As long as she brings you back when your leave ends." Amelia rubbed her eyes. "Seriously though, good job but I happen to like you for multiple reasons, Dora. You've got to be more careful."

Tonks felt embarrassed. "Oh."

"And I know I'm not the only one."

Tonks looked up at her. "What do you mean?"

"You'll learn hopefully. But when I say you're responsible for others, it doesn't just mean other Aurors." Amelia left before Tonks could ask her to explain more.

Tonks winced when she saw her parents enter the room. "Boss already gave me the business, can we skip it from you two?"

Andromeda's eyes flashed. "Oh no. Not this time. All those instances where you told me nothing was wrong, you lied to me. I gained access to your medical records from the Auror Healer."

"Those are confidential!"

"Not when I am helping treat your injuries now and as your mother!"

"Ladies, let's all take a breath," Ted said kindly but firmly. He waited for the witches to calm slightly. "Nymmie, we were both incredibly worried. Very proud of you and your accomplishments but still, incredibly worried. You were hurt pretty bad this time."

"I know," Tonks said, feeling like a child.

"Why didn't you tell us about your other injuries?" he asked.

"'Cause you and Mum would get upset," she mumbled.

"Did you think we would be less upset once we found out later?"

"I figured I'd be well enough to run away or hurt enough where you wouldn't be as upset," she mumbled.

Her parents snorted. "That does sound like you," Ted chuckled.

"I know we have had disagreements about your choice in profession, but please know it comes from a place of care, not that we ever doubt your abilities," Andromeda said.

Tonks looked down at the bed covers. "I know," she said. Her vision clouded a little. "But, I can do it. I do it all the time. And you saw what I did."

"And it nearly cost you your life," Andromeda argued.

Tonks did not know how to respond to that.

"We can save this for another time," Ted said gently. He hugged Tonks who returned the gesture tightly and watched fondly and mother and daughter hugged tightly as well. "Just know we're proud of you and glad you'll be okay while being upset at what happened to you, not what you did."

"Okay." Tonks scrubbed her eyes. "Am I moving back home?"

"Well that was the plan but we knew you would drive yourself mad and us alongside," Andromeda sighed. "And you would burn Grimmauld to the ground if you and Sirius and Kreacher went at it all day."

"Luckily we found other arrangements that will be good and they were more than willing," Ted smiled.

"What does that mean?" Tonks asked suspiciously. The door opened and she brightened seeing Harry walk in. "Little bro!"

"Hey! Thank goodness you're okay." Harry walked over and gingerly hugged her, coughing with delight when she crushed him with her arms.

"Are you my minder for the next few then?" Tonks asked.

"Sure am! Between me and Katie, we have you covered medically for most things and MumAndi will be by a lot to check on you. Let's get you checked out and you'll be coming home with me."

-0-

Tonks winced, clutching her ribs when they reapparated to the Potter home. "Okay, maybe I got busted up more than I thought."

Harry held her up with his arm. "Dora, you got really hurt. You can't do that."

"Don't you start with me," Tonks said heatedly. "I'm a damn good Auror, thank you."

"I know you are and I'm the first to say it. But you got seriously hurt."

She waved a hand and winced more. "Comes with the job."

He huffed. "There's a difference between looking for it and dealing with it."

"You're one to talk. How many hits do you take during games?"

"Okay, fair. But I still don't go looking to get hit."

"I wasn't either!" She grunted. "Can we save this for when I'm better?"

"Sure. Sorry."

"It's okay." She smiled as they walked up to the home. "Man, relaxing out here for a few weeks getting fat from your food. This sure won't be a punishment."

"Oh don't worry, you won't be simply sitting around and not doing anything."

Tonks looked at him. "What does that mean?"

"You'll find out," he said mysteriously. Before she could ask him more, the door opened in front of them and Dahlia stood in the entryway.

"Hey Dumpling!" Tonks' smile faded when she saw Dahlia's face. "Oh no, what's wrong?"

"Are you okay?" Dahlia asked tearily.

"I'm…a bit busted and will take some time to heal but I'll be okay," Tonks stammered.

"I was really scared when I heard you got hurt," Dahlia sniffled.

Tonks gently knelt and hugged Dahlia to her. "I'm sorry Dally, I'm okay, or will be. Really."

"Let's get Auntie Dora settled and you can cuddle with her, okay flower?" Harry gently moved them indoors. Tonks sat on the couch and Dahlia climbed onto the couch and then her, hugging her tightly, burying her face into Tonks' neck. "I'll put your things away," Harry said to her.

Tonks nodded, rubbing Dahlia's back gently. "Thanks," she said softly. "It's okay Dumpling, I'm here."

Katie appeared, carrying Iris. "Hey Dora," she said with a relieved smile. "You look a lot better than we thought you would be."

"Thanks. You know me, I'm tough." She glanced down at Dahlia. "Is she okay?"

"Yeah, she was really worried about you. She loves you a lot, you know."

Tonks hugged the little girl a little tighter. "I…guess I didn't know how much."

Katie sat down beside her and pressed against her. "We all were really worried."

Tonks melted a little against Katie, smiling down at a gurgling Iris. "Even this one?"

"Even this one," Katie said.

"Oh well. I'm sorry." Tonks felt her stomach lurch a little. "I'll try not to do that while I'm here."

-0-

Tonks blinked slowly, feeling the covers moving. She tried to force herself awake, to react how she normally would. However all she could muster was movingly slowly and trying to focus on what was going on. "Huhn?" she grunted, "wazzgoingon? Weremi?"

"Shhh, go back to sleeeeep," a small voice said.

Tonks shook her head, waking up a little more. She focused on Dahlia, hair tousled by sleep, standing in front of her and holding a finger to her lips. "Really Dumpling? Go back to sleep?"

"That's what Daddy and Mummy say to me and it usually works," she said with a shrug.

"Well I'm made of sterner stuff than you, usually." She looked down and noticed a few stuffed animals tucked beside her. "Aw, are you sharing your plushies with me?"

"Those are the medi-magical plushies, they help you feel better," Dahlia said seriously. "I wanted to tuck them yesterday but Daddy said I had to wait until morning before I bothered you."

"What time is it?" Tonks asked. She looked out the window and saw that it was still dark.

"I think the big clock said six."

"In the morning? You woke me up at six in the morning?!"

"I didn't mean to," Dahlia sniffed.

"Do you normally wake up this early?"

"No, but I wanted to see you and put the plushies with you."

Tonks sighed softly, her heart aching. "Thank you, Dumpling. Want to sleep with auntie?"

Dahlia nodded eagerly and climbed into the bed. She rearranged the plushies around them and snuggled into Tonks, wrapping her arms around her and resting her head on her chest. "I'm glad you're here Auntie Dora."

Dora squeezed her gently. "Me too Dally." She fell back asleep feeling warm.

-0-

"I'm home."

Katie smiled at Harry. "Welcome home." She kissed him. "How's the team?"

"Doing good! They all said their love and politely demand that we visit with Iris soon so they can gush over her."

"Once Tonks gets a bit more stable, sure. She can watch Dally while we visit the Port."

"Speaking of, how is she?"

"She's good I think. I have a theory actually. I think she's always on the move because if she slows down at all, she just falls asleep. Or is that from the injuries?"

Harry looked over at the couch and smiled. Tonks was splayed out on the couch, snoring softly. Dahlia was tucked in between her and the back of the couch and Iris was lying on top of Tonks' chest, the two small girls as asleep as the big one. Tonks had arms wrapped around them all securely.

Harry summoned his camera and took a few pictures. "Gosh that's adorable," he said. "You know, you might be onto something. Dora always was energetic but she did seem to doze off if she sat still for a while. She told me it's 'cause sitting still reminded her of school and her default response to lectures was falling asleep."

Katie snorted. "That's a Tonks response, alright. I'm a little worried that the girls won't go to bed early tonight with all the extra sleeping but they look far too comfy. Still, it's been nice for me to get a lot done with them all down like that."

A very stately hooting could be heard faintly and Harry dug the mirror from his pocket. "Hi MumAndi," he said and smiled at Andromeda's reflection.

"Hello love. How is everything?"

Harry pointed the mirror at the couch. "They're doing good."

"I am rather jealous," Andromeda smiled.

"Next time you visit we'll pile the girls on you," Katie said.

"I will hold you to that. I will come by later to check on her and bring some potions. Thank you again for watching over her."

"Of course, we're family," Harry said.

-0-

"Hey big sis!"

"Hey little Bell!" Tonks grunted when Bailey poked her with her muzzle, plopping down on her legs. "And hello to you too Bailey." Tonks ruffled Bailey's ears. "I never knew she liked me this much.

"Well of course, you're family after all," Lyla said.

"Oh." Tonks rubbed Bailey's face, smiling at the dog's wide smile and lolling tongue. "I am?"

"Well yeah, didn't you say we were sisters?"

Tonks hair turned blonde, her eyes hazel. "Oh yeah! Yeah we are. Sorry, I haven't been a great one really."

"It's okay. You're being an awesome Auror." Lyla hesitated. "I know it can be a dangerous job and all and it's kinda dumb of me to say this, but do be careful. I like you a lot and I need you to help me mess with Katie. Seeing you like this is kinda scary you know? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you're here and healing and all but yeah, I was worried when I heard. So was Bailey."

Tonks rubbed her eyes. "Thanks. Yeah I'm healing and thanks for visiting and stuff. Don't worry, I'll be a better sis from now on."

"You've been good, don't worry. Remember, I'm comparing you to Katie so you know, low bar."

"I heard that!" Katie shouted from the other room. "Bailey! Get her!"

Lyla sputtered and squealed when Bailey pounced, licking Lyla's face with wild abandon. Tonks laughed and held her ribs at the sights and the sounds, feeling warmth with a hint of realization.

-0-

"Wow, they really do like learning," Tonks said admiringly.

Hermione came over for her weekly tutoring class and Dahlia, Hailey, and Hadley sat together at the desks Hermione conjured. They did their classes outside when able and Tonks sat on a chair to watch with interest.

"They are all smart and studious," Hermione said proudly. "And Hailey learned to not try and prank me very fast."

Tonks chuckled. "With her dad like that, can't blame her for trying. How'd you get her to stop?"

"I told her I'd tell Harry and he wouldn't cuddle with her anymore."

"That's a low blow."

"It was, and terribly effective. She hasn't tried again since. I did feel a little bad, she got very upset that day." Hermione shrugged weakly while Tonks chuckled harder.

"Still, you're a good teacher. When I was their age, I barely did anything remotely related to learning. It took a lot to get me to learn things before Hogwarts, even while at Hogwarts come to think of it."

"I'm lucky that they like it to a degree. Sometimes it's a challenge to find things that interest them but most of the time they are really good."

"Are you teaching them magic stuff yet?"

"Here and there. No spells or spellwork obviously without their own wands but a little theory and some examples here and there. We actually do simple potions sometimes since you don't need a wand for that usually. Hadley loves it of course but the other two do as well." Hermione clapped her hands. "Okay, you can have a recess break. Good job girls!"

Tonks smiled as she watched the girls run around the back garden, tossing a Quaffle at one another. "As if they don't run around and play usually."

"It is a little silly but it kind of gets them in the mindset to relax before a little more work," Hermione smiled. She looked at Tonks carefully. "Are you feeling better?"

"A bit yeah, more every day. A weakening curse really sucks, don't get hit by it. It makes you weak and weakens healing so it takes a lot of time to recover."

Hermione blanched. "I'll keep that in mind." She hummed softly. "You know, sometimes I wonder if the girls could benefit from some more…regimented exercise."

"More than just running around and chucking a Quaffle about?" Tonks turned thoughtful. "You'd think the Quidditch players could come up with something but that's not a bad idea. Maybe different games for them to play and the like."

"Can you think of any?"

"Easily! I still make up games to amuse myself now."

Hermione smiled. "Maybe you can play with them when you feel better."

"A good reason to heal up then," Tonks grinned.

-0-

"Hey there Tonks, how're you feeling?"

"Hey there Tracy. Still sore and slow but getting better thanks. What brings you by?"

Tracy grinned. "Thought you might want to come with me to your plot. They already have the foundation down and set and have the framework going up."

"Oh yeah, that sounds like fun. Sure!" She and Tracy walked to where Tonks' home was being built. Tonks watched with interest as a team of builders worked. The foreman inspected things carefully as they moved along. One secured the stones of the foundation with a blend of charms and others reinforced them. Another had a small model of the home that they built with flicks of their wand and watched carefully as others did the same with the material for the actual home.

"It's really something to see it being built like this," Tonks said with wonder.

"Yeah, I never get tired of it. It's like a puzzle right? I'm glad you've been okay with being one of the last ones to get your place built."

"Oh yeah, no rush for me. My flat's been good and everyone else has families or like needed to be here like Luna and Hermione. I've been okay." She shuffled a little on her feet. "Well, I was. After living here for the last two weeks, it's been like…really nice. It's good seeing the same people every day at times, as much as you want or as little as you want. It's been fun listening to the dumplings play and laugh, hearing Alicia and Angelina and Katie gab or shout at their hubbies. Plus seeing Harry every day."

"That's how I feel about being here," Tracy said frankly. "It's wonderful. Part of me was worried I'd get tired of being here or irritated but the more I am, the nicer it is. It's fun to just wander over to someone's place and chat or go to the pitch and watch them fly and play. And the air is just…sweeter out here."

Tonks took a deep breath. "Yeah it is. And I almost missed it."

-0-

"There you are," Harry said. He sat down beside Tonks. "Here you go."

She took the sandwich from him. "Look at you, throwing your sausage around."

"I'm not throwing it around, I'm handing it to you," he snorted. "If you don't want the sausage sandwich then-" He snorted again when she took a big bite out of it. He looked at the house. "Tracy's company does amazing work. You'd barely believe this was empty only a few days ago."

"Yeah, it's been really interesting to watch, exciting too," Tonks said with a full mouth. She swallowed and sighed. "I get it."

"Get what?"

"Get what you and my parents have been doing, what Boss was alluding to."

"I don't know what you mean."

It was her turn to snort. "You lot had me here to try and show me what I'd be missing if I wasn't careful. Trying to guilt me. Terrible, the lot of you."

"You're close but not quite," Harry said.

"Damn, I thought I hit it," Tonks grumbled as she took another bite. She chewed and thought hard. "Oh."

"Want to take another guess?"

"Is it that lots of people…care about me?"

"There you go. No wonder you're Senior Auror now." He chuckled when she pinched his arm.

"Still not nice to guilt me like that."

"It wasn't about guilting you. It was showing you how much you matter to lots of people, more than you thought I bet. You told me that you grew up on your own and that you were lonely. That you always wanted a bigger family. The few stories you told me of the times you weren't getting in trouble at Hogwarts showed that too. We wanted you to know that you are thought of and cared about by so many people, Dora. Not just your parents and me and Sirius."

He put an arm around her shoulders. "Katie and Lyla love you and see you as their sister. Samantha and Thomas like you too. The girls adore you and they love playing with you. You and Tracy get along great, same with Luna and Hermione. I know the team admires you." Harry was quiet for a moment. "Hedwig likes you too."

Tonks snorted wetly. "Don't know about that last one."

"She does, in her way." He hugged her. "We all care about you Dora. Everyone was worried when we heard you got hurt. Everyone was glad to see you here lately and help you heal and you help us too. You matter to so many people Dora, don't forget that."

She wept silently, her head on his shoulder. She continued to eat, ignoring the tears dripping down her face. She sighed and dried her eyes on his shirt. "Thanks little bro," she said softly. "I get it. I really do. I didn't before but now…I understand."

"We don't want you to stop being you. We just want you to remember that people care and love you."

"I love you too," she murmured. She sighed gustily. "I can be more careful, you're right. Only you though, not Mum or Dad."

"I'll take it," Harry chuckled.

"I can't wait to move over," Dora said softly.

"Well your mandatory leave is over soon. We'll move the majority of your stuff over at the end and you can go back and start your new position and start living in your new home. How does that sound?"

"Perfect."

-0-

One week later

Dora stepped out of the Floo, banishing the soot with a lazy wave of her wand and throwing her cloak over a chair. Amelia was right. The paperwork she had to do now was horrendous but the prestige of the position was still bright to her and for now, worth the paperwork. She had to manage a team now directly and there were more meetings with higher ranked officers that made her jittery, but it was something she always wanted.

She looked around her home with a satisfied air. It was small but hers. It was a little messy but extremely comfortable and she adored it. Before she never cared about what her place looked like. She had few visitors that cared and even fewer that she cared about their opinions.

Now she had a lovely painting done by Luna. Books from Hermione and Alicia. Flowers from Daphne. It felt open and nice and hers. It felt like a home.

A pattering of knocks turned her head and she opened the door, smiling at the three little girls on her doorstep. "Hey girls."

"Can Auntie Dora come out and play?" Dahlia asked.

Tonks laughed. "Who told you to say that?"

"Mummy thought you'd think it was funny."

"She's right. I might be able to…" She narrowed her eyes, seeing the ball in Hailey's hands. "What's that?"

"Something from one of Daddy's boxes."

"What does it do?"

"I dunno."

"Don't you dare throw it at me."

"Okay."

"Let me put some stuff away and I can probably run around with you girls for a bit." Dora turned and something hit her in the back. A cloud of bright pink dust flew all over, shot through with silver confetti and glitter that dazzled and shone. Dora turned around, the aura of pink shininess accenting her wide eyes and shock. "What did I just say?!"

"For me not to dare throw it at you," Hailey said glibly.

"I threw it," Hadley said proudly. "You didn't say I couldn't."

Dora stared at them.

Dahlia began to edge away. "Daddy's making steaks for dinner tonight!" She took off running, followed swiftly by Hailey and Hadley.

Tonks roared and chased after them.

-0-

"Hey Angelina, what's up?"

Angelina rubbed her neck. "Hey Rabbit. Wanted to warn you. Hailey got into one of her dad's boxes and it's an untested one so…"

"Oh boy. Any idea what she took out and what it does?"

"I don't but I really feel like I should get George to leave an inventory list or something. Or not keep the boxes here. But yeah, she got into the box and there's an empty spot so I assume she made off with it." She looked around. "Do you know where she is actually?"

"Probably with the other bunnies," Harry said. He cocked his head. "I hear them, I think." The sound of squealing got closer.

"What in Merlin's name-" Angelina gasped. The three girls ran around one of the houses and came running towards them. They were multi-colored, daubed in different splats of paint. "What happened?!"

"Hi Mummy Hi Papa Harry sorry we gotta go be right back bye!" Hailey shouted as she ran past and Hadley and Dahlia ran by with her shouting, "Hi Papa Harry Hi AngiMum Hi Daddy Hi AngiMum!". They ran into the Weasley home, still going at full speed.

"Oh no," Harry said, covering his mouth to hide his smile as he saw Tonks come running up to them. The cloud of pink dust and silver glitter trailed after her and she stopped beside them, her wand in hand. "What happened to you?"

Tonks grinned, breathing hard from exertion. "Little Wood hit me with something and I've been surrounded by this pink glitter shite ever since. I chased her and Dumpling and little Weasley here, after tagging them with a few paint spells of course. You two see any multicolored munchkins running around?"

"That was you? I thought they got into some paint the builders left," Angelina laughed. "That stuff doesn't stain things does it?"

"Nope! It's a charm we learn at the academy to teach accuracy and incantation speed. It only comes off with a counter-charm and it doesn't rub off on anything."

"Thank goodness. They ran into the house." Angelina shook her head. "Sorry. I just realized they got into one of the unmarked testing boxes and was warning Rabbit."

"They came to ask me to play and I was going to eventually, which I guess wasn't fast enough for them," Tonks laughed. "Any idea what this stuff is?"

"Looks like fairy dust and pixie powder mixed with super shiny glitter," Angelina said. "And I hate that I can tell these things now. I'll send George a message and ask how to get rid of it. Sorry about my child's inability to behave, gets it from her father."

"They played a rules trick on me. I told her not to throw it so Woodette did."

Harry chuckled. "They're really good at it. Sometimes I have to ask Uncle Ted and Hermione to look over our 'agreements'." He looked at the Weasley home and grabbed Angelina and pulled her behind him, flicking his wand up and casting a shield charm.

Tonks flicked her wrist and the flying water balls flew back towards the throwers, showering them with water.

"Hey! No fair! We can't use magic yet!" Hadley squawked.

"Girls, Dora is the best dueler here and this is her job. You should have known better," Harry laughed.

The little girls threw another barrage of water balls and ran shrieking with glee when Tonks splattered them with more paint charms. "I'm going to drown you in the creek!" she shouted after them as they went running. "If that's okay with you two."

"I rather you didn't but you can dunk them in and out," Harry smiled.

"You can drown mine a little," Angelina laughed.

Tonks snickered. "Dumpling said something about steak tonight?"

"Yup! I'll make sure you have an extra big piece, medium, onion and mushroom sauce?"

"I love you so much," Tonks said, hugging him. "Little bro?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm really happy here. Thank you so much."

"We're glad you're here," Harry said and hugged her hard. "Love you so much."

Tonks' eyes shone. "Well, better go make good on my promise then." She took off running and soon the air rang with squeals and screams of laughter.

"Man, it's great that she lives here," Angelina sighed happily. "She can actually keep up with them."

"It's good for everyone," Harry agreed, his smile wide and his heart full.

-0-0-0-

Imaginer.012 - You made my day when I saw your comment here, thank you. Hope things are better for you. I'm glad it didn't disappoint. I really wanted Katie to process it properly. Having her kneejerk refuse or accept it without question would cheapen her character and I like her too much to do her dirty like that. I wanted her to think about it, rationalize it in her mind, and treat it like a situation someone might actually treat it realistically.

diffident-serpiente - This was a popular chapter idea apparently, I had no idea. I'm sure she will show up more here and there. Also, did you see chapter 45? I only ask because you liked the Hedwig chapters and that was a pretty big one.

DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - Glad it was worth the wait.

iamchaos98 - I like their dynamic a lot too. I like Tracy as someone more outwardly emotional and Daphne being inwardly emotional. It's fun letting them bounce off each other and be a surprisingly good couple despite how they like to mess with one another. I'm still rather proud of the Opportunity Knocks Once chapter seeing how they developed as a couple.

alix33 - Like most alcohol, there's good mead and bad mead but I love good mead. I have a candy palate when it comes to drinks and mead is honey wine, so it's good to me.

EbonPurlight - Peace and prosperity to you as well. Glad you liked it.

Vicky Lopez - Good tears I hope. Glad you enjoyed. I still laugh at the image of Dahlia jumping on the pile of people.