Chapter Four

August 1984

Stoneybrook, Connecticut

In a small town, even the most trivial of events become big news. Such was the arrival of the newly-reformed Figg family back in 1981. However, in the next three years, their arrival had lost its noteworthiness, and they became a (mostly) accepted part of the neighbourhood. That brings us to the middle of August of 1984, where we find the children having a bit of fun.

"Hey, Nevvie! Look at what I found!" a four-year-old Harry Potter-Figg said triumphantly, holding up a rock that was shaped like a monkey.

"Cool! We can put it with the elephant and the giwaffe, if Mommy lets us keep it," Neville Longbottom-Figg said.

The boys had a collection growing, you see. Anytime they found a rock that resembled something, and was mostly realistic, they kept it. It was the bane of Arabella's housekeeper, because with the boys' imaginations, they thought EVERYTHING was realistic. Now, the boys' "Mommy", Arabella, had to approve before they got to keep a new rock for their collection.

All of a sudden, out of seemingly nowhere, a soccer ball came crashing down into the Figg's yard. "Oh no! Andrew, you kicked the ball over into Morbidda Destiny's yard again! She'll put a spell on it and curse you!"

"Karen! That's enough of this witch nonsense! Mrs. Figg is NOT a witch. There is no such thing as curses or spells, and while the boys next door might find use of the soccer ball you sent over there, I didn't spend the money on it for you to throw it away like that!" a deep, masculine voice scolded, before muttering, "I don't know how a two year old could kick a ball so hard…"

"I'll go get it, Daddy!" Andrew said, before running off towards the Figg's yard.

Harry and Neville looked up at the sound of running footsteps to see Andrew Brewer dash into their yard, followed by his sister, Karen, and his dad, Watson, who were both yelling "Andrew, WAIT!"

They both stopped in their tracks when Andrew walked up to Harry and said, "Hi-hi. I'm Andrew. Didja see a big ball anywhere?"

"Hi! I'm Harry, and this is Nevvie," Harry said, pointing first to himself and then at Neville. "Yeah, I saw your ball. It's right here." He rolled it to Andrew.

"Andwew, would you like to play with us?" Neville said.

"Ahem," Watson said. "Boys, is your mother around?"

"Yes, sir! Want me to go get Mommy for ya?" Harry asked.

"If you would, Harry. I would like to speak with her for a minute," Watson replied.

While Watson was talking to Harry, four-year-old Karen had stepped up to her brother and was whispering in his ear. "Andrew, why do you want to play with the witch's kids?"

Neville overheard her ask that, and said, "Our mommy is NOT a witch! She's a Squib!"

By this point, Arabella had spotted the Brewers in her yard and came out in time to hear Watson say he wanted to speak to her and also hear Neville call her a Squib.

"Neville, what have I told you about calling me a Squib in public?" Arabella said. She picked up Harry, who had turned around and nearly ran into her in his haste to find her, before turning to Watson. "Hello, Watson. How are you doing today?"

"I'm doing fine, Arabella. Your boys had invited my son to play with them, and I wanted to secure your permission for him to do so. After all, they can't be any older than my Karen, who's four, and Andrew is only two. With Andrew only having his sister to play with, I am afraid that without another boy around, he would end up growing up either a loner from avoiding his sister, or effeminate from being with his sister."

"The boys are four, so they are your daughter's age. I have no doubt though that as outgoing as my little Harry is, he would have no problem asking Andrew over to play. I have no problem with it, either."

"Actually, it was Neville who asked him to play with them, but as long as you are okay with it, I am okay with it," Watson said.

"Neville? YOU asked Andrew to play with you two?" Arabella asked, surprised.

"Yes, Mommy. I like Andwew. He's nice!" Neville said happily.

"Well, if you like him, then he is welcome to come over and play any time he wants to. Merlin only knows that you two need some friends. Watson, Andrew is welcome to stay. What time is your supper, or would you mind if I fed him over here?"

"That's fine. He's allergic to chocolate and peaches, though. And sugar makes him hyper."

"Sugar makes ALL kids hyper. Your children are definitely not unique in that aspect. Although, ironically, Neville is also allergic to chocolate, and Harry to peaches, so there's no worries about him being fed either of those things. I'll have him home shortly after supper, because if he is anything like my boys, he'll be out like a light right after."

"I'll be expecting you after supper then, Arabella," Watson said before walking over to Andrew. "Andy, give Daddy a hug, and then you can play with Harry and Neville until supper. Mrs. Figg will be feeding you supper, and then she'll be bringing you home."

"Okay, Daddy!" Andrew said happily. He grabbed his Daddy around the neck when Watson leaned over and gave him a big hug and a kiss, before saying, "Bye-bye, Daddy! Love ya! Bye, Karen!"

Watson looked over at his daughter and said, "Well, Karen, it looks like it is a Daddy/Daughter day for us then!"

Karen cheered, and they walked towards home, while Andrew went over to play with Harry and Neville.

TBC…

A/N: Well, there you have it, folks. The boys and Arabella made it to Connecticut, and are finally settled in. The boys have even made a friend already! Please review!