Lily and Maia were still there. Len's father had returned home. Len was again greeted with hugs and a swarm of questions. She answered them as best she could. Then admitted to being foolish enough to insist that the man be treated, and having quit the tests, although she realized that the likely hood was he was never in any danger. The girls went upstairs to have some privacy.
"Len don't be so hard on yourself." Maia replied.
"Was he really your cousin?" Len asked. Maia shrugged.
"Honey, I'm a 'pure-blood' any other 'pure-blood' is related to me. At least once." Maia replied. "It's all a matter of degrees. See, Cousin John, first and two."
"Pardon?" Lily asked confused.
"First cousin twice removed." Maia clarified. "That's the farthest that my dad will still consider family." They looked at her, she chuckled. "Len, your dad is . . . third and two. Which is really hardly related at all."
"That's kind of freaky." Len laughed.
"So you're related to Remus too?" Lily realized.
"Yeap, but very distantly." Maia replied. "The closest, is his aunt is married to my mother's second cousin once removed."
"How do you keep that all straight?" Lily asked.
Maia shrugged. "I was just raised with it. Black could do it too. So could Potter. It's just something we do. Partly because even pure-blood snobs admit that, they don't really want to be marrying too close to their own line. Inbreeding depression and all."
Post OWLs cont
Len waited for 2 more weeks. Nothing new by way of the tests. Not that she expected it after all she'd quit, right. However her parents wouldn't let her resume her normal life.
Maia and Lily were allowed to visit often. Len was grateful for her friends company. They were supportive, and ever so helpful. Maia revealed her research regarding werewolves, thinking that there may be something that they could do to help Remus.
Len helped with the research. Len shrugged saying that 'it's not like I have much else to do.' Both Len and Maia came to the same conclusion.
As wolves are pack animals, they needed to be around other animals. This held true for werewolves also. They had found several cases that recorded that the presence of other animals seemed to calm the rage of the werewolf.
"Well if we could help calm him down during the full moon. It might make him feel better." Maia replied.
"Maia, are you suggesting . . . Animagi?" Lily asked shocked. "Illegally?" Maia shrugged and gave her a sly look suggesting yes.
"I'll see what I can find about it." Len offered, wondering if Bas had left any books around from when he'd practiced.
"Great! Me too!" Maia chirped happily hugging Len. "This is going to be great."
"Don't get your hopes too high." Len commented. "We don't even know it'll work."
"It's worth a try though." Lily insisted.
"He tells me how bad it is and how lonely he fells. We've got to do something." Maia continued soulfully.
"Hey you don't need to convince me. I'm in." Len assured Maia, soothing her.
"Off topic, are you like grounded or something?" Maia asked Len.
Len shrugged. "I don't know. They didn't seem to be that upset, when I came back." Len flopped on her bed. Lily was sitting on the floor, Maia was pacing. "But then I'm not sure mom understood the whole thing. As for dad, he probably wants me to get a nice safe career."
"Safe is boring!" Maia rolled her eyes for effect. "I mean what's safe so long as deatheaters and . . . you-know-who's around?" Maia popped a stick of gum in her mouth.
"Speaking of, how did you parents take your career choice?" Len looked amused.
"Oh they're trying to talk me out of it." Maia said offhandedly. "They would rather I become a curse breaker. Mum goes, 'It's adventurous and exciting'. My dad's stayed quiet on the subject. I suspect he'd like to see me an Auror, but doesn't want to contradict mum."
"I hate being stuck inside. It would be better, if I could swim or have time alone." Len huffed. "They're going mad because I can't take them anywhere."
"I'll do it/ I love the little rugrats." Maia beamed. "It would be wonderful to have siblings. I mean soon you can pass on all that stuff Bas taught you."
"Stuff like what?" Lily asked.
Len smiled remembering. "I remember when he taught me to sneak out."
"How about the first time that he took us clubbing." Maia giggled. "We were what 13."
"I still have my fake ID." Len laughed.
"You mean that your brother, the Auror, took you two clubbing at 13!" Lily sounded shocked. Len and Maia just laughed.
"You think I ever made him feel like . . . I was cramping his style, being a nuisance?" Len asked thoughtfully.
"Probably." Both girls said at once. Len promptly hit them with pillows.
"Doesn't mean that he didn't love you to bits." Maia replied. "That was why he showed you all that stuff."
"I get it." Len said. "You know I love the brats. It's just . . . I'd like to go out too. Hey you think we could get the gang together tonight?"
"The whole gang?" Maia asked thoughtfully. "Well, we know that Sirius will be there, if you ask him to come. You have him well trained." She laughed.
"If Lily's there, James'll be." Len continued. "I learned from the best. What about Remus?"
Maia did a quick mental check. "He should be fine, physically. But his folks . . . I'll owl him any way." Maia paused. "Why Len? What are you thinking?"
"It's Friday night. I'm sick of being cooped up. I know this great all ages party/club." Len replied.
"Cool, I'm in!" Maia replied excitedly. They spent the next few hours planning how to do this. "Alright I'll owl you the details." Maia smiled as she and Lily left to send out the word.
Len's father had worked at home that day. Len headed to get lunch. "Have the girls left already?"
"Yeah. We can only stand each other so much." Len teased. "She was sick of me whining. Oh, she said that you're all welcome to use her pool, especially the little ones."
Len kissed Susy's cheek, as she passed by her. Susy sat at the table, beside their father, drawing. It was what looked like a teddy bear.
"Bear dance?" Susy asked. It did nothing. Susy looked at the picture disgruntled. "Bear dance." She put her finger to her nose in an imitation of Tabitha from Bewitched. Still nothing. "Len?" She asked questioningly.
Len looked at the bear, with a look of deep thought. "Hmmm . . . maybe he doesn't know how to dance?" Len suggested. "Maybe you should show him how?"
Susy looked as if considering this. Susy then picked up the paper and bounced it from side to side. "Bear dance!" Both Len and Mr. Nightshade laughed. The door bell range.
"I'll get it!" Yelled Becky. Sounds of her charging to the door where heard. Then a muffled conversation. Followed by a very loud, "Leeeennn!"
Len headed to see why Becky was bellowing. Len's father follows her out of the kitchen. Susy was held tightly in his arms. Abernathy stood in the doorway. Len was slightly confused. Approaching cautiously Len asked, "Ms. Abernathy, what a surprise. How can I help you?"
"Your next test dear. I'm here to escort you." She replied in a softer than Len had heard from her before.
Becky had latched onto their father, however. Len noted that the little girl cringed when Abernathy spoke. Len tried to hide her confusion. "I thought that with the last one I'd quit?" Len asked surprised.
"After review of your case, it was decided to let you complete the tasks. That is unless you wish to withdraw."
"No. I just need to get my wand." Len replied quickly.
"Make it quick. We're on the clock." Abernathy commented sounding board. Len ran upstairs grabbing her wand, she turned to leave and collided with Eddie.
"What's going on?" He asked. "Is Becky alright?"
"Oh she's fine. I'm on my way out." Len replied, setting him right on his feet again. "It seems that they still want me."
"Good luck, Len!" Eddie beamed at her. "Be careful."
"Thanks. You be good for dad, alright?" Len smiled. "He's not used to being left alone with you little monsters." Len headed back down after Eddie nodded and giggled.
"Sorry." Len apologised. Hugging Becky and Susy quickly on her way to the door. Abernathy merely grunted. Off they went to the Ministry. They headed down, past the Dept. of Mysteries. Down the Hall of the Wizardgult chambers to one at the very end. The trip had been done in silence.
"Well, here we are." Abernathy replied as she opened a door to a small chamber. It was poorly lit, by a single brazier from the ceiling, throwing wicked shadows dancing around the room. A mid size table sat in the centre of the room dominating the chamber. The table was covered in scrolls and scraps of parchment. A single chair sat behind the table. Len looked up at Abernathy, waiting to hear what was expected of her.
"Sit." Abernathy barked. This caused Len to jump in surprise. Len smiled. "In these documents in all the information collected on a cell of Dark Wizards." She paused. Len wondered briefly if it was for dramatic effect; to gauge Len's reaction; or to ensure that the information had sank in. "Your task, is to compile the facts. And to device a report suggesting a course of action to be taken. A plan should be produced, to stop them before they can attack." Len nodded her understanding. "You'll be left alone while this test is in progress. I'll come check on you later. You are to remain in this room at all times. You are not to speak of anything you read to anyone, which includes once you leave."
Abernathy left before Len could ask her anything. Len went about sorting and making notes on the mound of information. Len liked research. She was good at it. This was by far the easiest of the tests in Len's opinion.
Len heard a commotion outside, after a while. Len tried to ignore it; after all, she was right by the courts. Some time later Len was marking the known meeting placed on the general map she'd made, when a boy that was little older that she was burst in to the room. He shut the door quickly and frantically looked around. He locked eyes with a startled Lenore.
"Please hide me!" He begged. "Their going to send me to Azkaban! But I didn't do it. I swear, it wasn't me."
Len only knew of Azkaban by reputation, but that was more that enough. Len believed that Azkaban should only be used as a last resort. And only for the most vile and unredeemable villains, not for everyone. Len hesitated only a moment.
"You can't stay here. They will check." Len told his. Purposely being ambiguous as to if she was helping him, or simply protecting herself. She noted he had no wand, was in shackles and was definitely terrified. Len heard the noise getting closer from the hall.
"Please! I'll be fed to the dementors!" He pleaded. Len hated the thought of an innocent person being punished.
"How'd you get away?"
"I ran." He said confused. Len just watched him. " I don't have time to tell you my life story now."
"What do they say you did?"
"They say, I was part of a group that tortured an Auror to madness. But I wasn't. It was my brother." He pleaded. "I can't tell them that though. Even if it was him. I couldn't do that to him."
"Have you been tried?" Len continued, patiently asking questions. She made sure to maintain distance between them.
"Are you thick girl?" He hissed. "They've already decided. It doesn't matter my only chance is to escape!" He stepped toward her. "I've got to get out. I'm out of time."
"Yes, you are." Len told him sadly. She raised her wand. "Stupefy!" The boy fell limply to the ground. His eyes still fixed on Len accusingly. The door burst open then.
"You alright, Miss Nightshade?" Abernathy asked. Len nodded her eyes still fixed on the boy.
"He says he's innocent." Len got out.
"They all do." Abernathy told her.
"He will get to speak in his defence? Won't he?" Len asked looking to her. "Use vitrus to get him to tell the truth."
"His kind has a resistance to vitrus." She said. "He'll be given his chance. Then he'll go to Azkaban."
"You've already decided!" Len replied sternly.
"We have evidence and this isn't any concern of yours." Abernathy told her. "Now thank you for delaying him."
"Will he get a fair trial?" Len asked moving to block the way so nobody could get to the boy.
"Miss Nightshade, he tried to escape. That's pretty telling." Abernathy replied coldly.
"If faced with the threat of Azkaban and a court pre-set against you, wouldn't you?" Len snapped back. "Even if you were innocent?" Len crossed her arms stubbornly.
"If you believed him; why did you stun him?" Abernathy asked, equally hostile. Lenore returned the woman's glare, and refused to back down. "Did he threaten you?"
"No, but he wasn't sweet either. He was scared." Len continued. "Please, just give him a fair shot." Abernathy sighed heavily.
"If they ever come for me, kid, I want you to defend me." Abernathy shook her head. "I'll see he gets as fair a trial as possible."
Len sighed relieved. She suddenly felt weary. Len looked to the piled still sitting on the desk. "Gordon!" Abernathy barked. "Take Miss Nightshade home." Turning to Len, she said in a quiet compassionate voice. "I think you've done enough for today."
Scot Gordon appeared in the hall. Len ken him well, he was a friends with Bas. He smiled at her, which helped Len relax. "Len, you weren't hurt were you?" He asked worried. "If Bastian heard I'd let you get hurt, I think that he'd fry me. What were you doing in there anyway?"
"I'm fine." Len worried her lip, still concerned for the boy. Had she done the right thing? What if her actions had just sent an innocent boy to Azkaban. "Abernathy . . . that in I was . . . organizing some information."
"Cool, I take it your OWLs went well then." He smiled at her. Len wasn't used to him being so . . . sedate. He was usually rather wild. He'd been Bas' partner if crime for as long as Len could remember. "Bastian has been bragging about you a lot . . . well more than normal. He's down right thrilled about Susy."
"Yeah! She's done a few things since I got home." Len replied proud and excited.
"Your mum must be freaking." He laughed.
"She would, if she knew." Len smiled. "Mum's been busy at work. Scot what was that guy accused of anyway?"
"Unforgivable Curse." Scot sounded serious. "Hey, you hear we get assigned partners Monday. Think Bastian and I'll be paired."
"I'm not sure if that scares me more or the thought he'll be with some unknown."
"Hey! Brat!" He started to tickle her. Len was giggling hysterically. "Stand still, I can't Appearae you like this." He tickled her some more. "Len, you want to get us splintched?"
Len tried to stop, but every time she did, he'd make her laugh again. "S-st-op-p . . it!" Len gasp. Her sides hurt from laughing so hard. After about 20 minutes. They finally got Len home. He said 'hellos' and 'farewells' to the family then returned to work.
"How'd things go, dear?" Mr. Nightshade enquired. Three little pairs of eyes turned to Len.
"I think I got rained out." Len said. Her father looked at her confused. "It got postponed because of . . . unforeseen complications."
"Oh! I don't suppose they told you until when?" He asked worried. "You'll be headed back to school soon. Your letter arrived while you were out. I do hope that this doesn't interfere with your studies."
"Don't worry dad. I doubt that they want to recruit me still." Len rolled her eyes. "I seem to have authority issues. Besides that, it seems far too much like being an Auror for my liking."
"I don't think I could sleep if both you and Sebastian were Aurors." Her father cringed. "As it is I spend ½ the night pacing with worry."
It was a lie, Len knew. However the thought was appreciated. Len opened her Hogwarts letter. She glanced at the book list and wondered if she'd ever get to Diagon Alley to get them.
Being a post OWLs student Len had applied to be an Apprentice on special project for Prof. Sprout. If she had enough hours and a good enough letter of recommendation, she stood a chance at being admitted to the St. Mungos Botany Inter Programme, without senior potions study. The programme was done in conjunction with Whitechurch University for Wizarding Sciences.
She eagerly read her acceptant to the school, and to be Sprouts apprentice. Len screamed in delight and started to jump up and down.
"What?" He father looked up from his work. Mistaking Len's scream for upset rather than joy.
"Based on your Outstanding Herbology Owl, and consistently superior performance in class. Your application for status of apprentice to one Professor Sprout has been granted." Len read to him and smiled brightly. "Daddy normally only one 7th years is taken as an apprentice."
"That's wonderful dear. I'm very proud of you." He smiled hugging her. "I do wish you'd reconsider taking advanced Potions though."
"Daddy we've been through this." Len rolled her eyes. Eddie and Becky had come to see what the yelling was about. "I've got to tell Maia. Wonder if she's a 6th year prefect." Len started talking to herself. Refusing to let her father bring her down.
"Len you're back!" Eddie hugged her.
"What were you screaming for?" Becky asked hugging Len also.
"I'm going to be allowed to apprentice this year with Prof. Sprout." Len replied excitedly. Becky cheered for her, knowing that this had been important to Len.
"Congrats!" Eddie beamed at her. He could tell that Len was pleased by this, although he did not really clear on exactly why.
"Lenore please put your wand away." Her father sighed. "Before you call Maia."
"Yes dad." Len ran up to her room. Maia's owl was waiting for her. The letter read;
Len;
Sorry about the little row this morning. I didn't mean a word of it.
Maia
Len laughed at Maia's use of misdirection. Maia knew Len wouldn't be allowed to go out and didn't want her to get into troubled if it was intercepted, or taken by Len's Siblings. In their subscript it read: It's all set. Meet at my place at 11.
Len came hurtling back to the kitchen. She called Maia up. After an hour on the phone.
"Just ask the girl over." Mr Nightshade said. "I'm starting to think that thing has been hexed to your ear."
Len laughed. "Maia, come over?"
"Can't sorry." Maia giggles. "Dad'll be home in a few. Tell your dad I didn't hex you. But I've got to go anyway. Later."
"Later." Len answered and disconnected.
At 10:30, Len moved to her room to 'catch up' with her friends. It wasn't a total lie, her parents just thought that she meant writing letters not going out to meet them. Len changed cloths and wrote a brief note, just in case they came looking for her.
I've gone out visiting my friends. I've been cooped up for half the summer. If they come back for another test, tell them to wait. I'll be back by dawn. Len
Len climbed out on the roof from the loft trapdoor. Bas had either found it, or installed it when they'd moved in. He'd charmed it to blend and be impossible to find unless you knew where it was.
Once on the roof, Len jumped down to the 'blind spot'. It was the one spot around the house that was completely out of view from neighbours and any of the house windows.
Len looked around to be sure that no one was around to see her, then ducked into the forest and headed to Maia's. It was only a 15 minute walk, by forest path, 30 by street.
Len arrived to see a fairly large gathering forming. Len smiled, see her friends.
"You're late." Sirius scolded. Len hadn't worn a watch, but doubted that it was true.
"Can you forgive me?" Len pleaded with a pouty face, playing along.
"Perhaps I could be persuaded." He teased back.
"Would a hug convince you?" Len smiled, hugging him warmly. He swooped down and kissed her. "I don't remember offering you that, . . . yet." She tried to look shocked that he'd kissed her. He laughed, she kissed him. "Forgive me yet?"
"For what?" He sounded confused.
"For being a bad girlfriend." Len said with doe eyes and pouty lips.
"Hmmm." Sirius made the pretence of deep thought. Still hugging her close. "Only if you stop being sooo needy and pestering me all the time. I mean I need some space to breath." He teased. Len laughed knowing that the problem was the exact opposite.
"We all here?" Len asked hugging Sirius again.
Len yawned as she crawled in that morning. She curled up in bed. About 5 minutes after, someone was pounding on her door. Len groaned and got up.
"Lenore, Ms. Abernathy is downstairs." Her mother told her. "Hurry and get ready."
Lenore dressed quickly and headed downstairs and out the door with the Auror. Len didn't know that these tests thingies would be held on Saturday. Len followed Abernathy zombie like to the Ministry.
"Wait here a moment." Abernathy stocked off. Len was left waiting in the entrance, looking at the fountain. Len felt like laughing at how vacant and adoring they all were.
"Hey Squirt!" Bas said, Len smiled warmly at him. "Are you allowed to talk? I'd hate for you to get into trouble."
"I think so. I haven't been told anything yet." Len said, trying to cover a yawn. "Bas, I was accepted to apprentice Sprout, this coming year."
"Len that's wonderful." Bas replied. "6th years are hardly ever accepted. I'm so proud of you." He hugged her. "That's great news. So what are you here for? Weren't you here yesterday?"
"Yes, but I didn't get to finish." Len yawned again. "Haven't you spoken to Scot. He took me home."
"No, I haven't had a chance." Bas looked concerned. "Len you alright?"
"Just tired." Len dismissed with a wave of her hand.
"So what'cha have to do yesterday?"
"Oh just boring stuff." Len replied. "Organizing stuff. Honestly, I think that they just don't want to hire a clerk."
Bas nodded. Len felt bad about holding out and being slightly misleading to her brother, but she'd been told not to discuss the information or task yesterday.
"Well, I get to head home this weekend." Bas smiled back at her. "I'll take you if you like."
"Great!" Len felt herself brighten immediately.
Abernathy returned. "Follow me. You've been moved to a different room. Same as before, just finish up."
Len was shown into the hall of Mysteries. Again there was a table piled with scrolls and parchment. "Your notes from yesterday are here." Abernathy replied. "Try not to disturb Mr. Pringle. He'll be working on the other side of the room." Len nodded. She took the seat. "Good luck!"
Len reviewed her notes. She proceeded making plans and reviewing material. She heard Pringle muttering to himself. Len found it strangle reassuring.
He stopped muttering, Len noticed the sudden quiet. She looked up to find he'd left. Len shrugged and returned to her work. A short while later, Len noticed something glowing brightly on his desk. Len attempted to get a better look without leaving her spot.
She couldn't make it out clearly. Len could not resist getting a better look. Pringles notes read; Confiscated Item's for Whitechurch Raid.
Several items were listed, but not on the table. Len watched the glowing orb. Knowing it to be a gazing glass. Nothing extraordinary. Her eyes fell on a simple armband. The runes were very old, some half worn off.
Len looked closer at the runes. She quickly translated them. 'Youth' and 'Power' and 'Eternal', Len was further able to ascertain that it had the symbol for regeneration.
This was not on the list. And Len knew well that it was indeed enchanted with regenerative healing charms at least. Eternal youth didn't was interesting subject for study, however Len had only read of accounts that some terrible price had to be paid to do such.
Len returned to work. Mr. Pringle returned after about 20 minutes and looked over at her. Len looked up and smiled, he returned the smile and resumed his inventory.
Quiet a while later Len was reviewing her report and plan of action. She felt dead tire. Her eyes were burning to be closed. She pushed herself to finish, not allowing them to close.
"Hey Dave, what you working on?" Another man asked. Len didn't bother looking.
"Inventory. From Whitechruch raids. What brought you here on a Saturday?" Pringle asked.
"We just finished raids threw Kent/" He said offhanded. "Wanted you to take a look at these. Our onsite claimed them to hols a genie wish." He chuckled nervously. "Imagine, having a handful of wishes."
"What about the genie?" Pringle asked cautiously. Len tried not to look up.
Wishes! Real wishes! Len's mind snapped awake. If I had a wish, I could wish away Remus' lycanthropy.
"Was one tortured in the place. Down at Critter Care Unit." The auror said.
"Well I'll need some stuff from my workshop to test them." Pringle replied. "Give me a hand?"
"Sure." He looked to Len. "You sure it's safe to leave them?"
"Oh yeah!" Pringle smiled at Len. "She's a little angle. Don't worry about her."
"Alright." They left. Len looked up. A pile of gems sat on the counter. Len thought of quickly using one for Remus. How would they know? Maybe just take one and offer it to Lupin. Then the wish could be worded just right.
Surely just one little gem wouldn't be missed. It was for a good reason. Len looked at the pile again.
It was wrong though. Just to take one, even for a good reason. Besides that wishes were dangerous things at the best of times. These, especially if they came from a genie, taken by force no less. Len forced herself to return to work.
That's when she felt for the 1st time, some one watching. It felt like when someone reads over your shoulder, but shifts. She wondered how often they'd checked on her like this.
Len made a mental note to research wishes and their limitations on Remus' behalf. As she finished her review. Len was exhausted, the party last night had taken a serious toll on her. It was her own fault . . . and she still thought that it was worth it.
Mr. Pringle returned with his friend. Len smiled at them. "How's your work going there?"
"I'm done." Len replied. "May I ask, what is to be done with those, if the on-site was right?"
"Because of the means of collection, they'll be destroyed under the Dark Arts Contraband Act." Pringle told her kindly.
"What if . . . that is, if someone had a really good reason, and a really noble use for one?" Len asked softly.
"Are you saying, you want one?" Pringle asked her, laughing slightly. "Whatever would you do with a wish?"
"I . . . I'd wish my friend better." Len said shyly. "And if you were jut going to destroy them anyway . . . wouldn't they be better used to help the incurable?"
"Forced wishes never work right." His friend the Auror told her. "I'm sorry for your friend."
"Why? I swear I didn't touch them. I was just thinking . . . well, sorry I bothered you." Len sighed.
"Sweetie." Pringle said, drawing Len's attention back. He had checked one on the equipment he'd brought. "They appear to be fakes anyway."
Len smiled half heartedly. "It was just a thought."
Abernathy returned to the room a short while later. Len handed her the report and bid good-bye to Pringle and his friend.
Len was asleep on her feet. She followed Abernathy up to the lobby. Bas was waiting for her. Abernathy thanked Len for her time. Bas took them home. Len forced herself to eat before heading to bed. Where she spent most of Sunday, until Becky came in and jumped on her.
"Arg . . . Becky!" Len yelled "Get off!"
"Len get up! Get up!" Becky laughed. "You promised to teach me the cup game."
"Becky off!" Len snapped. Becky got to the floor, looked at Len. She started to cry and ran out. Len felt horrible. She recalled a similar series of events where she'd been in Becky's place and Bas in hers. The end was the same; tears and a huge apology.
Len crawled out of bed and headed to look for Becky. Len tried to track the sound of tears but got stopped by Bas in the hall. "Your fault?"
"My fault." Len admitted. "She jumped on me."
Bas raised a brow looking to laugh at Len's defence. "I guess this is Karmatic payback, right?" Len said.
"It appears so." Bas chuckled. "Can I give you advice?" Len nodded. "Big sibling secret; Ice Cream. Great fix-it." Len laughed and headed to find Becky.
Becky was curled up in the linen closet. Len crouched to meet her eyes. "I'm sorry I snapped at you. It's just being jumped on is not my favourite way to be woken up."
"I'm sorry." Becky sobbed. "But I waited and waited." Len hugged her.
"I know. I've been there. I promise I'll try to be a better sister if you promise not to jump on me to wake me up. Deal?" Becky nodded, whipping the tears away.
With the Monday post Len was told that she was finished the tests and the results would be forwarded to her Headmaster. Len was just relieved that she was no longer under house arrest.
She took her siblings with her into the forest for walks and en route to Maia's or the store. Len happily explained to the anything they asked about. The last two weeks of summer were very relaxing and enjoyable.