Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing that you would recognize as the fantastic work of J.K. Rowling. I only take credit for those OC characters that appear here.
When her feet hit the ground she didn't waste time moving up the street. The sun was starting to set over the village and the shadows off the stores allowed her to walk unseen towards the Hogshead Bar. She could see the turrets and towers of Hogwarts in the distance and part of her longed to escape to her old dorm in the dungeons of the castle.
She reached the bar and pushed the door open. It was relatively empty except for the barmen at the counter and a witch sitting in the corner, her face shadowed.
'A butterbeer please.' She said and placed a sickle on the counter. The barman gave her a searching look but pulled out a dusty bottle of butterbeer for her.
'Thanks.' She said, taking it and heading in the opposite corner of the witch, near the windows.
She stared out of them absently, eager for Dumbledore to arrive and nervous to hear what he had to say. When she looked back down at her drink she jumped and gasped slightly to find the witch from the corner now sitting directly across from her.
'Professor McGonagall!' she exclaimed, both relieved and shocked.
'Miss Grey, I'm sorry for startling you.' Said McGonagall, though she looked like she was enjoying herself.
'It's fine Professor really. I'm meeting Du- Someone here.' She said, deciding not to say who.
'I know who you're meeting Miss Grey, no need to look so worried. I can no longer give you detention either way.' Said McGonagall and Eileen thought that she was trying to be funny.
'Right, um, how are you Professor?'
'Quite well thank you.' She replied curtly.
They fell into silence and Eileen felt more than awkward as McGonagall continued to watch her.
After a few minutes that felt much longer to Eileen, the front door opened again and Dumbledore himself swept into the bar wearing deep purple robes and looking particularly cheerful.
'Ah dear Professor McGonagall, Miss Grey. I am pleased to find you both well yes?' he asked, looking at Eileen over his glasses.
She nodded and stood as McGonagall did.
'Yes, straight to business as always Professor McGonagall.' He said, chuckling to himself.
'Aberforth has agreed to let us disaparate straight from his bar so if you both would be so kind,' he offered them each one of his arms. 'Perfect, off we are then.' And he turned on the spot, taking Eileen and McGonagall along with him.
A moment later they found themselves on a hill overlooking a small village that Eileen did not recognize. Lights flickered softly from below and Dumbledore started down the hill without a word to them. McGonagall followed him and after a moment Eileen headed after them. They were coming up on a small cottage that was surrounded by woods and unkempt gardens. Dumbledore strode up the small path towards the front door. Eileen could make out a few people moving about around a table through one of the windows and wondered if this was the meeting spot of the Order of the Phoenix.
There was soft music that Eileen didn't recognize wafting smoothly through the open windows as Dumbledore wrapped his knuckles lightly four times on the front door.
She heard the music come to a halt within the house and the soft chatter die. Footsteps from inside grew and the door was pulled open by a man with dark messy hair and glasses.
Eileen recognized James Potter immediately and her stomach clenched involuntarily as she wondered if Sirius was inside.
'Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall and - Grey?' he said pausing on her name in surprise.
He gained his composure back in a flash and ushered them inside. The room was spacious and cozy and Eileen felt instantly relaxed by the warm light and smell of wood burning. James led them towards a large table where several people were already sitting.
Remus Lupin looked at her with surprise and interest but stood to shake her hand as well as Dumbledore's and McGonagall's. Lily Evans was sitting on his right next to Peter Pettigrew and she gave them a polite smile and nod. They returned her smile and Eileen turned to see the last man walk into the room, shutting a door behind him.
Sirius Black looked up and their eyes met instantly and she felt a thrill of excitement run threw her. His gray eyes seemed to sparkle in the lamp light as they looked at each other and Eileen felt a blush making its way up her face.
Dumbledore coughed slightly and their eyes snapped over to him. Eileen suddenly felt like the room was too small and too warm as she accepted a chair from James who had pulled one out for her.
'This is quite comfortable Sirius, am I to think Remus had a hand in picking it out?' asked Dumbledore, smiling pleasantly at them.
So this was Sirius's place she thought, looking around at the large room and admiring the comfortable and practical furniture.
'Of course.' Said Sirius, and she could hear the laughter in his voice. She glanced around the table and locked eyes with Lily who was gazing at her.
'Well found Remus, I must say.' Dumbledore and McGonagall took seats around the table as Sirius drew up a chair opposite her and sat down.
'To business then.' Said Dumbledore, slipping a hand into his robes and producing several sealed envelopes.
He handed them around to each of them except McGonagall and they opened them. It was a piece of parchment that simply read:
Number 7 Ash Mount Place
Dumbledore smiled around at all of them and Eileen figured that they must have all just read the same thing.
'Please memorize that. It is the address of the Order of the Phoenix headquarters. Our next meeting will take place there with the rest of the Order members. You should be able to find the place without trouble now.'
Dumbledore flicked his wand and the papers with the addressed on them vanished from their hands.
'Good, now that that is settled. Eileen I understand you will be attending a meeting tomorrow evening?' he asked, directing his attention at Eileen.
'I don't think I have any choice Professor.' She said, feeling slightly self-conscious as they all looked towards her.
'No I do not think so either. I think we both agree that it would not be wise for you to come face to face with Lord Voldemort.' Said Dumbledore and Eileen noticed Peter and McGonagall twitch slightly.
'What can I do?' she asked, accepting a glass of Fire Whiskey from James, who flashed her a small smile.
'If you'll consent to it I'd like you to spy for the Order.' Said Dumbledore plainly and they all turned back to look at him. Lily and Remus's mouths had dropped open but they quickly shut them.
Eileen continued to look at Dumbledore but she could feel Sirius's eyes boring into the side of her head. She didn't know what to think or say so instead she took a large gulp of the whiskey. It burned going down and lit a small fire in her belly, adding to the feeling that she was too warm.
It was Sirius who broke the silence.
'How is she supposed to do that and avoid Voldemort at the same time?'
'You will take occlumency lessons with me. That will be enough if you are careful.'
It was Eileen's turn to gape at Dumbledore.
Collecting herself she looked at Sirius but regretted it instantly because his gray eyes seemed to look straight through her.
'Lord Voldemort will not be at the meeting you will attend tomorrow. He will have other business to see too. That will buy you time. I want you to go to this meeting and be convincing. It should not be hard.' Said Dumbledore seriously and with an air that made none of them question him.
'Okay, I will do it.' She said and Sirius smiled at her.
'That is a relief to hear Eileen, thank you.'
'One more thing Professor,' She said, remembering the conversation with her mother.
Dumbledore looked politely at her over his steeped fingers.
'Voldemort is trying to get werewolves on his side. My mother mentioned they have a list of known werewolves.'
Eileen noticed the shift around the table as they all sat slightly straighter. Dumbledore continued to look at her but a small frown had crossed his face. He turned suddenly to look at Lupin.
'Do you know what I'm about to ask of you Remus?' he said and Eileen noticed the colour had left Lupin's face.
He swallowed before answering. 'Yes.'
'We will discuss it more next time Remus.' Said Dumbledore and Eileen wondered what had just passed between the two of them. Everyone else at the table had nervous but understanding looks on their faces and Eileen felt that much more confused.
'That is valuable information Eileen, thank you for telling me. This is the sort of information I will need from you for as long as you can manage it.'
'I'll do what I can Professor.' She said, feeling slightly more confident.
'Wonderful.' He said rising to his feet. The group did the same. 'If you would all meet a week from tonight at the address you have memorised we will continue this discussion. Be discrete and do not arrive as a group. Lupin, take caution. Grey I'd like you to practise clearing your mind every night. It is important.'
McGonagall joined Dumbledore at the door and Eileen realised she hadn't said a thing the whole time. She wondered why Dumbledore had brought her along.
'Good evening.' Said Dumbledore and he stepped out unto the path, smiling back at them.
Dumbledore and McGonagall walked up the path and out of Sirius's front yard.
'What are your thoughts my dear Professor McGonagall?' asked Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling as he walked.
'Miss Grey and Mr. Black?'
'Oh certainly.' Replied Dumbledore happily.
'How did that happen?' she asked, raising her brows at him.
'All on its own of course.' He smiled as McGonagall took his arm and they disaparated.
James shut the door and turned back towards them. 'Well that was interesting. You alright Moony?'
Eileen gazed around as Lupin answered, 'Yes.' He had remained at the table and Lily and Peter were watching him closely.
'Eileen,' said Sirius who was perched on the sofa. 'So good to see you.' He smiled at her and she couldn't help but return his smile.
'Likewise Black.'
'You haven't managed to blow yourself up yet?' he joked and Eileen realised his friends had stopped to watch them.
'Not yet. Most likely any day now.' She looked him over, he seemed to have grown a few more inches since June and his hair was slightly longer. He was wearing black jeans and a white shirt that clung to his shoulders in a way that made her blush just looking at him. He seemed to sense that he was having an effect on her and grinned.
'I should be going.' She said, turning to leave.
'You don't have to.' Said Lily suddenly.
'Thank you,' Eileen smiled at her in a thankful way. 'I really must though. Until next week?'
'Of course.' Replied Sirius, smirking at her. 'I'll show you out.'
They reached the front door at the same time and Sirius pulled it open for her. They stepped out into the night and Sirius closed the door behind them.
'Um- Nice place Black.' She said, pulling her cloak around her.
'Thanks.' He said, and his smile was replaced with something else in his eyes that made her heart beat heavy in her chest.
'I'll see you next week Sirius.' She said but it came out in a breathy whisper.
'I look forward to it.' He said, and he reached down and pushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
Inhaling, she turned and walked down the path as quickly as she could without seeming like she was running away. Sirius stood in front of the house until she reached the hill overlooking the village. She turned back to look at him and he raised his hand briefly towards her before disappearing back in the house. She turned on the spot and disaparated.
Arriving at the end of a country lane she paused to catch her breath.
'Damn you Sirius Black.' She said softly to herself. She stood up straight and tried to put him out of her mind. She marched up the country lane that lead to her house and passed straight through the gray gates.
'Eileen darling, you're late.'
'Sorry mother, I ran into a friend at the shop.'
'Who?'
'Amoria Pince, she was buying dress robes.' Lied Eileen, removing her cloak.
'Have the elf bring you some dinner.' Said Vera who was bent over a large cauldron.
'Where is father?'
'Out.' She said simply not looking up.
'I'm going to bed.'
'Good night.'
Eileen gave her mother a sad glance and turned towards the stairs. She climbed them to her bedroom on the third level and shut the door thankfully behind her. Her room was spacious but bare, with a large bed in the middle. The walls were a bland gray colour that matched the desk in the corner. Her school trunk was open at the foot of her bed with her text books still piled inside.
She waved her wand in the direction of the window and it popped open, letting the evening breeze ripple the drapes. She stood in front of the large mirror that hung on the back wall and started unbuckled the black belt around her waist. She ran her fingers down the black velvet of the robes and sighed to herself. Her mother bought her these robes last week and she admitted that they were stunning. The neck was high and tall and the sleeves full length. It was cut to her knee in the front and fell to her ankles in the back. But it was the brilliant emerald-green inside the robe that could be seen because of the cut that made it special. It added contrast to the black velvet. She removed her boots and started unbuttoning the robe down the front. She slipped her arms out and placed it on the back of the hair in front of the desk. She stood gazing at herself in the mirror. She was tall and thin, slight curves made her look more feminine but she thought she looked pale in the glow of the gas lamp.
Turning away from her reflection she pulled a shirt over her head and tugged on some shorts before climbing into bed. She waved her wand and the lamp light died the moon now the only light reaching into the room. She tucked her wand under her pillow and stared up at the ceiling.
Dumbledore wanted her to clear her mind. How hard could that be? She continued looking up at the ceiling, doing her best to think of nothing but every time she had relaxed enough to do it Sirius Black squeezed his way into her brain.
'Bloody hell!' she said finally, sitting up and flipping her pillow around. She lay back down on her stomach and closed her eyes, giving up trying to keep Sirius out.
She fell asleep quickly after that and dreamed of the smell of wood smoke that billowed around her and seemed to push at her from all sides. She could hear laughter from somewhere in the distance and knew that she was the subject of the laughter.
Sirius closed the door behind him and returned to the table where his friends were still sitting.
'What's going on with you and Grey?' asked James immediately as Sirius sat down.
'Nothing.'
'Sure didn't look like nothing.' Said Lily, raising her eyebrows.
Sirius shrugged, 'We understand each other, that's all.'
Remus snorted into his drink and Sirius gave him a 'not now Moony' look.
'If you say so Pads' said James, taking a sip from his glass.
Sirius chose to ignore the knowing looks from Lily and Remus and changed the subject. 'So Dumbledore wants you to meet with other werewolves Moony.'
Remus's face paled. 'It looks like it.'
'You think you can do it?' asked Lily.
'Of course he can.' Said James and Sirius at the same time, and some of the colour returned to Remus's face.
'If Eileen Grey can spy why can't our Moony?' said James proudly.
Sirius raised his glass, 'Good point Prongs.' And James clinked his glass against Sirius's.
'It just seems dangerous. If Voldemort is going to try recruiting werewolves what is there to stop him trying to get Moony?' said Lily anxiously.
'That's the point Lily, he may try. I think my job will be to try to persuade those who might have second thoughts. Though we all know that the treatment of my kind by the Ministry hasn't given many of us a reason to fight for it.' Said Remus with an edge of bitterness.
Lily took Remus's hand between her own, surprising him. 'You must be careful Remus, we all love you so much.' She said with emotion and Sirius, James and Peter nodded.
Remus looked taken-a-back but touched. 'Of course Lily.' He replied and gripped her hand in reassurance.
They sat silently around the table after that, each lost in their own thoughts until Peter yawned loudly.
'Tired Pete?' laughed Sirius, but he felt the pull of his bed in the next room.
James and Lily stood and she gave Sirius, Remus and Peter a small kiss on the cheek. They said goodnight and took the stairs towards James's room.
'You're welcome to sleep on the couch Wormtail.' Said Sirius stretching and groaning slightly.
'I think I'll head home, mum will be worried.' Said Peter, taking his cloak off the peg and swinging it around his shoulders. 'I'll meet you next week?'
'Sure Wormtail.' Said Remus, going to let Peter out.
Remus shut the door behind Peter and tapped his wand against the door to lock it. He turned back to the table and cleared the glasses with his wand.
'Why don't you just ask her out Padfoot?' he said, pushing the chairs in.
'Who?' said Sirius confused.
'Grey you git.' He said, flopping himself down in an armchair. 'And don't give me that line of crap you spewed earlier.' Remus yawned but gave Sirius a hard look.
'Drop it Remus, you heard what she's going to be doing. What we will all be doing. She's attractive and she's got nerve but I don't want her.'
'Uggh – I'm going to bed,' said Remus standing. 'When you're done lying to yourself I'll be around.' And he took the stairs before Sirius could respond.
'Git.' He said, waving his wand and extinguishing the light in the room. He reached his room and closed the double doors.
He changed and laid down on his bed, hands under his head. He didn't want to think about what Remus said because if he gave it any thought he was sure he wouldn't like where it took him.
It had been two months since he had laid eyes on Eileen Grey and it had been a treat to find her sitting at his table when he came out of his room earlier. She hadn't changed much, maybe it was him, but he thought she looked somehow older. Less like a girl and much more like a woman.
He hadn't given her that much thought since leaving Hogwarts, he had been too busy trying, and failing, to find a place to live. He knew she had felt it too as they stood there looking at each other a little over an hour ago and it had taken some restraint not to grab her and kiss her there in front of them all. It was attractive to see how she blushed when he looked at her and he wondered if she could tell how much she in turn affected him.
Dumbledore had asked quite a lot of her tonight but Sirius had been proud and thrilled when she accepted. It was job he would have been eager to do himself. Maybe he had been too obvious tonight, he thought, but it's not like he could help it. Maybe he should just admit that he was attracted to her and have it be settled.
Maybe it was more than attraction.
The creeping thought pushed its way to the front of his brain and he frowned in the dark room. Of course there wasn't anything else to it, he barely knew her. Than how did he explain that feeling in his stomach every time she looked at him? How did he explain the way his blood raced when he touched her?
Oh get over yourself Black, he thought and he hung one arm over his eyes, closing them.
September 1, 1978
'Aunt Vera.' Said Lucius Malfoy kissing her mother on the cheek.
He turned to Eileen, 'Cousin.' He said stiffly, and Eileen allowed him to brush her cheek with his lips.
She passed into the hall of Malfoy Manner where a number of people were eagerly greeting her father and others looked anxious. Her father seemed to be listening to differing reports from four men dressed in black robes who stood around him. She ignored it and edged her way around the room to where Narcissa Malfoy was talking with a dark haired woman that Eileen thought must be her sister Bellatrix.
Deciding against subtlety she walked over to the two women.
'Narcissa, how lovely it is to see you again.' She said, breaking into their conversation.
She had to admit to herself, although grudgingly that she was slightly found of Narcissa Malfoy. She was a force to be reckoned with when she wanted to be and Eileen was thrilled to see her put Lucius in his place at times.
'Eileen.' Narcissa and Bellatrix turned to her and Narcissa gave her a small smile. Bellatrix simply looked at her. 'It is pleasant to see you as well.' She added.
Eileen returned her smile. 'Bellatrix,' she held her hand toward the dark haired women, 'I was under the impression you were looking forward to meeting me.' She said as Bellatrix gave her hand a brief shake.
Bellatrix had all the Black good looks and not much of their charm. 'You look like your filthy brother.' She said and smirked at Eileen.
Narcissa shot her sister an angry look. 'Bella that was -,'
Eileen cut her off. 'Its fine Narcissa, but you ought not to be so bold Bellatrix. Did I not hear that your sister Andromeda has married a mud-blood?' said Eileen, adding an edge to her voice.
Bellatrix's face turned red and Narcissa pressed her lips together. Eileen continued, 'Doesn't every family have members they are not proud of? I expect the Black family is no exception.'
Narcissa's face softened slightly and Bellatrix's colour evened out. 'Too right you are Grey.' She said coldly, and Eileen felt that she had perhaps gained some points in whatever twisted system Bellatrix Lestrange used to judge worth.
Eileen's mother arrived at her side then, saving her from trying to hold a conversation. 'Narcissa. Bellatrix, you've met Eileen?'
'Vera, yes, it seems she has inherited Dougal's conversation skills.' Said Bellatrix blandly and Vera gave her a small laugh.
They looked across the room towards Dougal who was looking irritated as Antonin Dolohov and Evan Rosier were speaking to him.
'The Dark Lord should have arrived by now.' Said Lucius, who had come up to stand beside his wife.
'The Dark Lord has many reasons for not being here when you expect him Lucius, and I doubt any concern you.' Said Bellatrix and Narcissa threw her an irritated look.
The door was pulled open and all eyes in the room were drawn to it. Severus Snape walked in closely followed by Igor Karkaroff and Regulus Black. Eileen felt a slight pang in her chest at seeing him but pushed it aside, remembering what she was here for.
Eileen watched her father march towards them and Lucius stepped away from them to join him. Snape passed Dougal a sealed note and he cracked it open and scanned it quickly.
He carefully placed the note within his robes and looked over the people gathered in the hall. 'Find a seat in the drawling room.' He said briskly, heading towards the room off of the hall.
The group of people filed into the room where a large table was taking up most of the room. The other furniture had been pushed away carefully along the walls. Dougal, Lucius, Bellatrix and a man Eileen assumed was her husband, Rodolphus Lestrange, took seats at the head of the table, leaving the chair directly in front of the fireplace empty. Eileen thought that this must be where Voldemort sat.
'Find a seat Darling.' Her mother implored as she took off to sit next to Dougal and Lucius.
Eileen spotted Regulus and Snape and seeing this as the best option she walked towards them.
'Eileen!' said Regulus happily. 'Here.' He pulled a chair out slightly, offering it to her.
'Thank you.' She said, and gave him a grim smile.
Regulus and Snape took seats on either side of her.
'I didn't think I'd see you here Grey.' Snape hissed in her ear.
'Why would I miss this Severus, it is an honour to be here.' She said turning away from him as the table fell silent.
Snape continued to look at her for a moment before turning towards Dougal at the end of the table.
'The Dark Lord cannot be here tonight, he regrets it.' Said Dougal slowly in his gruff and deadly voice.
Eileen noticed Bellatrix looked unhappy but Dolohov seemed to brighten slightly. Dougal continued, 'It is the Dark Lord's wish that you report to me your most recent news and developments.'
A slight buzz ran around the table and Dougal simply continued looking around at them. He let them buzz for another second before he gave Bellatrix a slight nod. She seemed to regain some of her eagerness and her voice rang clear, breaking up the chatter.
'Travers, what news do you bring?' she asked, and all eyes turned to the thin balding man who was sitting across from Eileen.
'We are closing in on a member of the Ministry who works in the Department of Law Enforcement.' He said. 'McKinnon is his name.'
'How many people do we have inside the Ministry now?' asked Vera, raising an eyebrow towards Travers.
'On my latest count we have three under the imperious curse.' He said, sounding pleased with himself.
'This is not enough Travers.' Said Dougal coldly.
'You are not counting those of us who are working from within Dougal.' Said Rowle who was sitting beside Rabastan Lestrange.
'And how many of us are there?' said Lucius, looking amused.
'Including yourself Lucius, eight. Perhaps more soon?' said Rowle and he turned to look towards the end of the table where Eileen, Regulus, Snape and a few others were sitting.
'The Dark Lord will decide where to place them.' Said Bellatrix, flicking her gaze towards them.
'Vera how is the werewolf situation?' Asked Dougal, turning to his wife.
She extracted the list Eileen had seen her with from her robes and handed it to Dougal. He looked it over briefly and handed it to Bellatrix.
'Greyback is with us already correct?' Said Rodolphus who had taken the list from Bellatrix.
'He is.' Said a man Eileen recognized as Walden Macnair.
'The Dark Lord will wish to speak with him I think. Macnair, arrange it.' Said Dougal, not looking at Macnair. 'He can marshal the other wolves on this list.'
Macnair nodded, but looked irritated.
'Where are the Carrows?' asked Lucius, looking around and spying two empty seats.
'They were tracking members of Dumbledore's little team.' Laughed a blond haired young man that Eileen didn't recognize.
'What news from Avery regarding the Giants?' asked Lucius, and Eileen noticed both her mother and Bellatrix looked slightly disgusted.
'No news recently.' Replied Rabastan.
'Is there anything else you wish to report?' asked Dougal, glowering around at each of them.
The table stayed quiet. His eyes fell on her, 'Eileen, stand.' He said suddenly and flatly.
Seeing no other alternative she stood slowly, locking eyes with her father.
'Yes father?' she asked, feeling hot under the many stares.
'The Dark Lord wishes you to work with Rabastan and Bellatrix. You will assist them until the Dark Lord sees fit.'
'Of course father.' She said, and sat again.
This seemed to conclude the meeting because Dougal, Vera, Lucius, Bellatrix and Rodolphus stood and the rest followed, chatting freely now.
Rabastan found his way over to her where she was making her way into the hall next to Regulus. He was tall, thin with dark brown hair. He was less handsome than his older brother but by no means unattractive.
'Grey.' he said, cutting across Regulus who looked annoyed but didn't say anything.
'Lestrange.' she said and held her hand out to him. He ignored her hand and instead planted a small kiss on both her cheeks.
'I have been looking forward to meeting you. I hear you have an excellent hand in potion making?' he asked, looking impressed.
'I could be better.' She said modestly, wondering where he got his information from.
'I'm sure we will work well together, mind my dear sister-in-law, she will be teaching you a few of her tricks,' he leaned into her and whispered into her ear, 'she bites, though I can help you with that.' He ran his index finger down the side of her face and she had to supress a shudder.
'How thoughtful.' She said, trying to keep her tone even. She spotted her mother from across the room and quickly excused herself, leaving Rabastan standing next to Regulus.
'There you are,' said Vera, eyeing Eileen. 'You've met Rabastan?'
'Yes, charming.' She said, adding a smile.
'You're father is remaining here, we will leave.' She said and held her arm towards Eileen.
'Yes Mother.' Eileen grasped her arm and together they walked through the front doors behind Macnair and a woman she didn't know.
'It is unfortunate that the Dark lord could not attend tonight, he wishes you to learn from Bellatrix. It is a great honour Eileen.'
Eileen thought that it was less of an honour and more a way for Voldemort to give his favourite pet a new toy. She also had a sinking suspicion that she wasn't paired with Rabastan for just any reason. She felt her father's hand in the deal and wouldn't have put it past him as some clever way of forcing some relationship between them. The faster she was married off to some man of pure-blood and noble family the better for her parents and who was better than Rabastan Lestrange?
'Yes, I am grateful.' She replied in a beat as they reached the end of the gate and both turned on the spot disaparating.
Author's Note: Hello again! Thank you – Thank you for reading! Please leave a review or anything that strikes you, I'm so glad to hear from you all!