Christiana woke the next morning and ran down the stairs to the first floor. On her way she ran right into her father.

"Oh sorry Daddy I wasn't watching were I was going," she said absentmindedly.

James just nodded silently. He wanted so badly just to lie down and sleep. He wanted to forget what had happened the night before. It brought back too many memories that he had pushed back into the corners of his mind. Lexi hadn't had a breakdown like that since well before Javen was born. He hated to see his little sister in so much pain. James had always been a protective older brother but it was moments like these when all he wanted to do was take away all her suffering for her.

"Daddy? Daddy are you alright?" Christiana asked.

"Yes I'm fine Chris I just got lost in my thoughts," he said and then made his way back up the stairs.

Christiana sighed and continued to the dining room where everyone was already sitting and eating breakfast. Harry, Kieran and the twins were laughing about something. They were no doubt planning to cause havoc in Diagon Alley later on. Arianna was sorting out an argument between Cadence and Ebony. Javen was goggling at Ebony, like always, and Raven was sitting next to Kieran eating quietly and playing with a dol. Griffin was sulking next to Harry which was very unusual seeing as he was usually center of attention. He wore an expression of defiance and was glaring at his plate of food that had not been touched.

She cautiously sat herself next to him. Griffin had a famous temper and she didn't wish to upset him any more than he was already. She smiled at Faolon who had blown her a kiss.

" Hey Griff," she said quietly.

"Hey." His tone was without emotion.

"What's wrong?"

He stared at her for a moment before getting up from his seat and exiting the room.

Christiana sighed. Seeing Griffin upset like this was never a good sign.

"Don't get all upset for Griffin," said Arianna sensing her friend's unease. "He'll be alright."

Christiana wasn't so sure. After all Arianna hadn't been in the room during Lexi's nightmare. She hadn't witnessed it.

"He got into a fantastic row with Dad this morning," she continued. "I'm surprised you didn't wake up when you heard them."

"I didn't even know. What happened?" Christiana asked.

"Well apparently Dad wouldn't tell him what was wrong with Mom. He said that Griffin was too young to understand. You can imagine how Griff reacted at that. Dad's fed up with his attitude anyway though."

"What do you mean?" asked Christiana curiously.

"Griffin's been back talking Dad all summer."

Katie came into the room at that moment and announced that they were leaving. So, soon after everyone was gathered around the fireplace, with the exception of Lexi. Sirius seemed to be in the same mood as Griffin. The two kept a fair distance between each other. One at a time the group traveled to Diagon Alley.

*  *   *   *  

When all had arrived at Diagon Alley everyone spilt up and went their separate ways. Katie, Lily, and Raven went off to Madame Malkin's while the kids headed in the direction of the new joke shop.

"Wait one minute," said James as the kids began to leave.

"Don't get yourselves into too much trouble," said Remus when he had all of the children's attention.

"Yea Griffin 'cuz then Dad might have to yell again," said Javen who was at Sirius's side.

Griffin glared at his brother. He opened his mouth to retort but Sirius cut him off.

"I would advice you not to voice that thought out loud," he said coldly.

"Fine," spat Griffin. He turned on his heel and walked in the direction of the joke shop, Sirius's gaze boring into his back.

"Go on then," said James.

They didn't need to be told twice. Harry and Kieran ran to catch up to Griffin who was muttering under his breath.

"Hey Griff, lighten up man," said Harry.

"Yeah Griffin c'mon we're goin to a JOKE SHOP," said Kieran. " That's supposed to cheer you up," he added seeing that Griffin's mood was not improving.

"Aww Griff c'mon it's not that big of a deal," said Harry, " just a little fight."

"Who the bloody hell does he think he is saying I'm too young?" Griffin growled.

"He's Dad," said Cadence happily as she passed.

Again before Griffin could retort he was cut off.

"I'd advice you not to finish that thought dear brother," Cadence said, quoting her father with an evil grin.

"Would everyone just leave me alone," Griffin said finally.

"Sure man," said Harry, "no problem."

He clapped Griffin on the back and followed Kieran into the joke shop.