(A/N): It's a Christmas Miracle! So, I have up to chapter 316 written up currently, but I'm not sure whether I should split 316 itself into multiple parts- because it is currently exactly 6,666 words long. Also, some of the chapters coming up are some of my favorites I have ever written, so I hope you guys will enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them. Also also, I am in the process of editing certain chapters throughout the story, both to better match canon information that only came out long after I wrote those chapters, or to match things that have happened more recently in the story, that I had contradicted myself with unintentionally in the past. Most of these changes will be so minor that even long time readers won't notice, but some are more major, and I will be noting which chapters have been edited, and how heavily they have been edited, at the end of each of those chapters. If I remember exactly what I edited in that particular chapter, I will note that also.

Disclaimer: I make mistakes, I'm only human. If you're going to leave a review, I reserve the right to delete it I deem it to be hurtful.

Elaine

As soon as Cecil had rested, I sent him back to my mother with my reply letter- being careful to sensor it, considering Cecil was actually Jay's owl, and Jay didn't know what Leo was.

Mum,

Yes, dad sent me a letter- as did Leo. You can probably guess which was more welcome.

He said he intended to 'discuss a matter' with all three of us, and that he'll try again during summer holidays, as he knows I'll definitely be home then. Any insight on what that matter might be?

He also said he would have visited last summer, but he had to tend to an 'important situation' for a 'close friend' of his. Considering his charming personality, I'm guessing those are 'work' friends- yes, I remember what he did when he wasn't home with us. Leo told me you mentioned you thought I didn't, but I do.

Speaking of Leo, I already let him know about fathers intentions to visit us in the summer, but don't be afraid to use the charm he gave you if something comes up before then, even if it isn't related to dad.

I trust Leo whole-heartedly, and his family have already made it clear they are VERY willing to step in should the need arise.

I'll update you further when I hear more back from Leo.

Love, Elaine

PS: Yes, Leo is very nice.

I received her reply later that day, after I returned to my dorm after lessons to get cleaned up for dinner.

Elaine,

I fear I no longer have much insight as to what your father is thinking when he chooses not to speak openly- or when he does choose to speak openly, for that matter. I do however highly doubt he intends to come back before summer- not because I trust his word, but because I believe if his goal is really to speak to all three of us together, there is no reason for him to return before then.

He could be lying about his intentions, however, so it was a good idea to keep Leo in the loop.

I wasn't aware you were privy to your fathers life outside of this family- I spoke to Jay, and he told me of the 'lessons' your father made you two sit through- and what he would do to you if you weren't perfectly attentive students.

You must know that if I had been aware of what he'd been doing, we would have had words about it.

Yeah, and it would have gotten physical, the way it always did when she tried to stand up to him.

Any friend of your fathers is bad news, and anything important to them is worse news. I know the main concern at the moment is our safety, but I urge you to consider the effect Leo's family getting involved might have on them, should Tarea find out they're helping us.

A not so subtle way of saying if my father realised what Leo and his family were, he wouldn't keep quiet about it, and we would no longer be the ones needing protection- which was already a thought that kept me awake at night.

( It's good that you trust Leo. He seems like he has a good head on his shoulders.

Lord, if only she knew.

The image of my mother holding Leo's hand while he internally panics flashed through my mind for the hundredth time since Leo had told me about it.

He speaks very highly of his family, especially Lisbet, and although she was quiet for most of our visit, she seems like a perfectly pleasant individual to be around.

Which I suppose was my mothers way of saying, 'I thought vampires were supposed to be scary?'

Something came up when we were speaking- Jay seemed angry with Leo, and Leo proceeded to explain that there was a situation in the past where you were hurt, and Jay was under the impression that Leo was the cause.

Uh oh. Leo hadn't mentioned that part.

He made it very clear that he was not, in fact, the one that injured you, and that he would never harm you.

Not by choice, anyway.

I do however find myself wondering how and when you were injured, why Jay thought Leo was to blame, and why neither of you felt like you could tell me.

Oh, this was going to be hard to explain.

I'll be sure to contact Leo or a member of his family if we need assistance, Tarea related or otherwise. I look forward to your timely reply.

I love you,

Audrey (Mum)

(A/N): Audrey: 'Leo seems like he's got a good head on his shoulders.'

Elaine: 'Where? Who?'