A/N: Okay, I know, over a month. I know, trust me, a lot of you have reminded me. And it has been mentioned that it's Winter Break, well for me it's not, not till December 23 (I know sucks right? the eve of Christmas Eve) and all my teachers decided to be mean and gang up on us with projects, essays, assignments, tests, you get the point...YAY HIGHSCHOOL -_- Anyway, here's the next chapter,

Recap on the VOTES for Brenna's love interest:
SIRIUS: 14
REMUS: 7
REGULUS: 5
ATOMOS (MAVERICK): 2

Chapter 18: Pictures are worth a Thousand Words

"So, Brenna," Marlene began drawing out the monosyllabic 'so', a sure sign that the ensuing conversation would not be one that Brenna enjoyed. "Who were those guys you with in Hogsmeade?" Typical, it's always about boys, not the war or even school work, just boys; Brenna thought mentally rolling her eyes.

"Friends from home," Brenna answered barely raising her eyes from the Defence textbook she was pretending to read. The girls were sitting in the Common Room on Saturday night well after dinner. The Marauders were yet to return from one of their spontaneous escapades, really just a trip to the Kitchens.

"Right," Alice answered once again dragging out the syllables. When Brenna didn't respond, her eyes moving across the page without actually reading, Marlene huffed.

"Come on, Brenna, work with us, give us some more information than 'friends'!"

Lily grabbed the book from Brenna's lap closing it and setting it on the far end of the table with a thud that resonated in her ears as though to emphasise the fact that she no longer had a choice but to partake in the conversation. A couple months ago – hell, a couple weeksago – Brenna wouldn't have been caught discussing 'boys', at least not in this manner. She would've sat around with the guys of Atomos, the only people she was ever really close to, drinking firewhiskey or vodka or another Muggle drink discussing the events of the day; whether the call was fair in a Quidditch match, or what the Gremlins (Atomos' fond nickname for Higgins and his group) were up to, or whether they were ever as young and weak as the newest students at the Academy. The only time they would discuss boys was to give them a private kudos or bashing for their recent actions. Now, at Hogwarts, in Gryffindor House (house of the "brave", might I add) it was typical to sit around discussing boys.

The very fact that Brenna could interpret a 'So…' as the beginning of a conversation about boys and their mysterious ways, was blasphemous to her upbringing. In Arcadia, which is 'back home', a 'So…' meant one of three things: A) someone royally screwed up and you're about to talk about it, B) someone is getting married, having a baby, did very well at something, was injured or killed, or is moving away (there are a lot of options but inflection will generally tell you what's coming next), or C) something, somewhere, is going down and you're good enough to hear about it. To sum it up: A) gossip, B) personal information, C) conspiracy – either something happened or is about to happen. Never did 'So…' mean "let's have a long, giggly conversation about cute boys that may or may not like someone." Okay, I'm sure that for some Arcadian girls it did, but it never really included Brenna until now.

"What do you want to know?" Brenna asked trying to mask the forlornness of her voice.

"Everything," Lily supplied smiling at her. Grumbling to herself Brenna rummaged through the bag she had brought to Hogsmeade which now sat by the couch next to her feet. Pulling out the leather book she so often had with her, she undid the clasp and retrieved a couple pictures, handing one to Lily, who was sitting next to her.

"That one is from last year around Christmas; we'd had a bit of a snowball war." It was a moving picture showing the five teenagers outside, grinning broadly, pink faced and covered in snow. In the background were a scattering of trees and the remains of snow forts and walls, obviously destroyed from the fierce battle. Their arms were around each other's shoulders, Brenna in the center held one handle of a trophy which appeared to be made of ice in the air, Cyrus held the other handle. The teens were laughing and cheering, the arms that weren't holding the group together were in the air, fist-pumping in victory or high-fiving. "Obviously you know Cyrus and I are in the center." Brenna explained knowing the picture perfectly as the other girls crowded together, grinning at the boys on the page. "Maverick's to my right, next to him is Levi and next to Cyrus is Darren."

"Right so Maverick, that's the one that smiles at you lovingly and squeezes your shoulder?" Marlene asked wiggling her eyebrows at Brenna. Brenna simply rolled her eyes at the implication.

"What exactly did you guys do?" Lily asked looking at their very dishevelled appearances.

"It was like a snowball fight times a thousand with another group. We do it every year, its tons of fun…doesn't hurt that we always win too." Brenna said smiling fondly at the annual memories starting from when they were only eight. Each year they battled fiercely, in the forest, by and on the lake, and on the hills against their archrivals, the Gremlins (not that they called themselves that, it was a long standing joke derived from some comment made by Higgins years ago, a comment neither group could actually remember, but the name stuck).

"Is that an ice-trophy?" Alice asked, squinting at the cup which had what looked like engravings on the front.

"Yeah, that was Darren he figured that if we're going to hurl snow and ice at each other we might as well have a trophy to commemorate the victors and Levi figured it ought to be ice, just to keep with the theme and all. We were eight when we decided on that, still compete every year."

"That's really cool, Brenna. We don't really have any traditions like that, unless you count Marauder Mistletoe Mania." Lily rolled her eyes at Marlene's comment, as was typical whenever the Marauders were brought up.

"Which we don't, by the way."

"Marauder Mistletoe Mania?" Brenna asked with raised eyebrows, Oh, this ought to be good.

"Yeah, basically they hang mistletoe around the castle with charms so that once you're caught you can't move until someone kisses you." Alice explained, casting another glance of the picture now in Marlene's hand.

"They started it a couple years ago. At first they hadn't specified the charms, so a kiss from anyone, girl or guy would suffice and it could just be on the cheek. But last year they gender-specified the release charms; a girl has to be kissed by a guy and a guy has to be kissed by a girl." Marlene continued. "Who knows what they'll come up with this year?"

Brenna simply nodded, half-laughing and half-worrying on the inside. If they updated the charms every year, then the next logical escalation would be to specify only kisses that were full on the lips, and that was just not good for Brenna. For other people, guys especially, it would be fine, but not for Brenna. As it was she was too close to these Gryffindors, a kiss from one of them or anyone else would be close to losing all objective perspective. It would create complications in friendship that shouldn't be there, she didn't feel that way about any of them, her loyalty was already spoken for and she wasn't about to change that. Add to that the fact that Brenna just wasn't comfortable with it and you've got yourself an awkward problem. I could always just break the charm. It can't be that difficult…though if McGonagall can't do it…but then is it that she can't or doesn't want to?...either way I could do it, I've had enough experience…Gibbs taught me well, he taught all of us well, so did Ariston and Pa…they'd all be horrified if they knew I was even thinking that I couldn't break a charm that fifth years performed. Yeah, I'll just break the spell, best in the year at home after all…and Higgins' face…good times.

"I wish we had something like this though." Lily sighed, her eyes on the picture. "Although, maybe a little less violent a tradition."

"So start one." Brenna said laughing.

"What?"

"You want a nice, fun tradition, so start a nice, fun tradition."

"You can't just start a tradition." Alice said. Traditions were passed down from generation to generation after all.

"Sure you can. Think about it, every tradition anyone ever participated in began because someone, somewhere, at some time decided that it would be a nice, fun thing to do and thought they should keep doing it. Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, celebrating the New Year, all of it was thought up by some person who wanted to do something nice and fun. So start a tradition."

They had many traditions back home in Arcadia. They had festivals, competitions, inaugural celebrations, strange ways to congratulate, mourn and praise people, some were private and personal and others were public, community filled events in which the whole Realm participated. In fact, some of Brenna's most enjoyable memories were of competitions between Atomos and other teams their age and the festivals.

"Just take some time to think about it." Brenna said, and handing them another picture before continuing. "This is from August this year. I think it's the most recent I've got."

This picture was still, a Muggle one obviously, and showed the five teens sitting in the shade of Brenna's favourite type of tree, a Quaking Aspen, distinguished by the leaves which quiver in the slightest breeze; they always reminded Brenna of sparkling sequins. The poses were casual, just a group of friends lounging on the grass out of the summer sun. They all seemed so happy, even though they were about to be separated for a year, they wore genuine smiles. Brenna was leaning against Maverick's shoulder the two of them smiling at each other as though sharing an inside joke that was communicated through their looks and touches. Cyrus and Darren sat cross legged wearing devious smiles and looking like they were almost laughing. Levi had a book open, face down on the ground next to him, his hair looking more tousled and his clothes a little more rumpled than the others, which was probably the cause of Cyrus and Darren's grins.

Brenna smiled fondly at the memory of that day. They had all been sitting calmly under their favourite tree in Brenna and Cyrus' backyard, a little farther there was a forest but this tree was close to the house, the place Atomos would always congregate and hang out when they just wanted to unwind or plan upcoming attacks on the Gremlins. They were sitting calmly, and then Darren and Cyrus got bored, levitated Levi, and strung him up by his ankle from the tree, flailing and very unhappy. Maverick took pity, though he was dying of laughter, and let him down. Then the three boys wrestled for a bit while Maverick went back to sit with Brenna, the two of them watching the scuffle.

Brenna had always been comfortable with Maverick, she was comfortable with all the boys but something was different about Maverick. He had always been there for her, always. He knew how to make her laugh when she was about to cry. He knew when to say something comforting and when to just let the silence speak, he knew when she needed to be alone and when she needed him there with her. No matter what, Maverick never made her feel stupid, he was accepting and solid, it didn't matter what happened, Maverick was steady, he could always be counted on to just show up at the very least. For Brenna, Maverick was just about everything she needed.

That is not to devalue the presence and contributions of any of the other boys. They were all important, equal and yet different. Every member of Atomos qualities that was uniquely theirs in the group, their own role to play, and qualities that overlapped. Atomos was strong because of this, a group of friends that were indivisible.

Maverick was the rock, enduring and strong, he was always there. He was a practical and realistic soul and a natural provider. He always tried to make sure the group had everything they needed. He worked hard and strived to reinforce and build both emotional connections and physical objects. He brought a sense of security and was the foundation from which Atomos emerged. Maverick was focused and dedicated, he didn't give up and didn't let any of the others either. Maverick had two very different sides though, one he was supportive and nurturing, and the other he was dark, cold and hard, conquering and dominating. Together with the others he maintained a balance and his intention was always good and meaningful. Maverick kept the group grounded and focused, allowing them to become great and accomplished.

Levi helped them adapt, he knew how to react to everything for all of them. Maverick was specifically good with Brenna, but that was because they had a lot of history, a long story. Levi on the other hand, was good with all of them. He was curious and rational. He loved learning. Levi had a way of getting the group talking about whatever was bothering them; he had the gift of gab, a very important gift considering that communication was the basis of healthy relationships. Levi gave them all a new perspective, a bird's eye view of situations. He was erratic at times but he was the communicator and had an endless supply of knowledge to draw upon, he kept them all thinking deeply and because of him, Atomos went very far.

Darren was the sensitive one, he was intuitive and in touch with the emotional energy around them. That sounds sappy but its true, he could read people's emotions like none other, and he knew exactly what to say. Darren was a natural Healer, anything they needed he could help them, emotional or physical. He had a calming, soothing feeling that went with him when you knew him well, you didn't need to tell him how you feel but he could always bring serenity and peace. At times he was a bit moody, but then so was every teenager. Darren was ever changing, fierce yet soothing, masculine yet sensitive, he was the healing and renewing power of the group, he kept them fresh and at ease, a valuable commodity in a world of turmoil and war.

Cyrus was forever adventurous, wanting to try new things and go to new places. He was the warrior, the one who always fights no matter what and protects what he believes in. He pushes the others to do the same. He is the passion, excitement and laughter but he is also hot-headed, wild and untamed at times. Cyrus loved to tease and push the envelope to see how much he can get away with. He was bold and playful, creative and tempting, fierce and sporadic. Cyrus loved a busy and active life, he was much more likely to choose a 10 km run over reading a book. He has an ego that sometimes over powers his mind, he is spontaneous and rebellious, a warrior and survivor, protector and helper. He can flatter or devour everything in his path, create or destroy. He can be loud and egotistical, competitive, but he is also fun and sweet. Cyrus was passion driven, an idealist, whose competitive side drove them all to be the best Knights and friends they could be, and Merlin did they have fun doing it.

Brenna was the natural Spirit of the group. She was its intention. She kept the boys in line and balanced, keeping them from becoming too dark, egotistical, moody or self-centered. She, like her brother, was an idealist, she was compassionate and empathetic. She understood the workings of people, what drove them to do things, why they behaved the way they did, who they were. She understood the evil and goodness of humanity without losing faith that the world could be a good place. She was the leader of the group, strong and independent, she kept her feelings mostly to herself as she was scarred from the past, leading her to be an introvert and a bit reclusive. Her mind was her greatest strength, though she possessed pieces of all of them. She was rational and intellectual; she could reason out situations and plan near flawless missions. Brenna was the guiding and concentrating force behind the unique personalities, abilities and power of the group, she was their leader though they were all important to the function of Atomos, as a good leader recognized. Brenna organized them, helped them see the reason behind what they were doing and what they were involved in, and that made Atomos what is was, who it is.

Each member of Atomos was an individual person of a greater being. They all complimented each other, balancing each other, strengthening each other's weaknesses, and becoming a family. A family of powerful personalities that had learned to work together, to lean on each other because no one could do everything and no one could take on the world alone. They needed each other like they needed air to breathe, water to drink, food to eat, fire to power them, and spirit to drive them. They were the fundamental components of life and their community. Together they were everything, apart they were nothing. Without the support and love that each member offered, the group would probably never have formed in the first place. They were each important and loyal to each other. Until the end they would defend, protect, fight alongside, support, love and forgive each other. They were a true family, a family mismatched and yet perfect, a family that was tied by a bond thicker than blood, stronger than lead and more beautiful than gold. Atomos was indivisible, that was what those pictures showed.

Those two little pictures held so much meaning for Brenna; pictures after all are worth a thousand words. Though for Atomos they were a thousand words that would never be enough to explain how much they meant to each other, a thousand words that would never be enough to explain to an outsider what their relationship was like, a thousand words that would never be enough to explain all the memories, thoughts and feelings that abound in those simple poses, those genuine smiles. Those thousand words could never come close to being enough for Brenna to tell those boys how much she loved them, but she didn't have to, because they knew, they understood, they felt the same.

And as Brenna watched Lily, Alice and Marlene examine the photos she knew that they could never understand the bond that held Atomos together, not with a thousand words, not with a million. This was something you had to live, feel and experience for you to understand and even then, it was a complex balance that was Atomos' and theirs alone. Brenna could try to explain the best she could, but not matter what she would never do justice to the feelings she felt in her heart, how could she? There weren't words to describe this, it just was.

A/N: Thanks for reading, I promise I'll update faster. Reviews will help with that. Let me know if you want to see anything happen or have suggestions. Thanks again. VOTING IS STILL OPEN.

P.S. Gibbs is a tribute to NCIS (awesome show if you've never seen it) and the inspiration for the Rules mentioned a couple chapters ago.