In her room, Lily was hastily packing her bags. She was going home with Allen and Victoria. She didn't know that Allen had already made this decision. As she was finishing her packing, Renee came in. She raised her eyebrow.

Lily said, "I'm going back home with your father. I can't stand it here."

Renee said, "Father already told us to come and pack. I was to relay the information to you, but I see that it is unnecessary. Go ahead and head out to the living room. I am sure father is already there."

Lily replied, "Do you want help packing?"

Renee said, "I didn't unpack much. Just some clothes and a book or two. Won't take me long."

Lily nodded her head. She went out to the living room, where Allen and Victoria were already waiting as was Irene, Wanda and Julia. Allen shrank Lily's suitcase and put it in Victoria's purse. Renee and Emily soon joined them.

Heather was waiting by the time that they all had gathered in the living room. Heather said, "I am sorry about today, my family. Michael's…"

Allen held up his hand. He said, "No excuse, Heather. You knew how they would react to at least three of these children and you just sat by and let them make snide comments about them and your cousin."

Heather solemnly nodded. She continued, "Henry has requested to join you in Houston for the rest of the holidays. I told him I would ask that you allow him to come over tomorrow so he can spend some time with his grandparents."

Allen said, "Henry can floo over whenever he is ready to come. His room at Franklin Ranch is always there."

Heather nodded and left the room. Allen went through the floo first and the girls followed, with Victoria coming through last. Allen said, "Go and unpack."

Everyone went their separate ways.

Allen turned to Victoria and said, "What do we do about Lily's outburst?"

Victoria said, "I think you should contact her father first. I know you have the right to punish her while she is in the states, but he should be made aware of the situation. I'm more worried about how Ruttle senior will respond. You know who he is close to."

Allen nodded. Mr. Ruttle was close the President of MACUSA which meant that it could be trouble for the family that worked at any branch of MACUSA if he decided to take it that far.

After everyone had gone to bed, Allen and Victoria talked to Victor and Catherine via Skype about what had happened at dinner.

Victor said, "That will cause some problems. Senior does hold a lot of sway over the president. I will be on a video conference with the president to make him aware of the situation myself. I've got a feeling that this will come to head before the end of tomorrow, Houston time. I'll let Harry know also and to expect your phone call."

Allen said, "Thank you, father."

As they were ending the chat, a knock came at their bedroom door. Allen got out of bed and went to answer it. It was Lily. Allen said, "Lily, is everything okay?"

Lily replied, "I can't sleep and wanted to apologize for what happened at dinner."

Allen stepped out into the hallway and closed the door behind him. He said, "Let's head to the kitchen and get some hot chocolate and we will talk."

Lily smiled her thanks. In the kitchen, Allen quickly made two cups of hot chocolate despite their house elf being there. After he sat both cups down on the table that was in there, he sat in a chair beside Lily, and waited.

Lily said, "I called my father after we got unpacked. He was a little upset to be awoken but once I talked told him what happened, he was okay to listen. He advised me that it would be best to talk to you and to accept any punishment you may give me."

Allen sat back. He had not expected this. His British cousin constantly changed his opinion of him and his family. Allen said, "As of right now, you are not allowed to go shopping tomorrow. I'm also, aware that you wished to visit one of your friends this weekend at their home. Until today, I was willing to allow a day visit, but I think as part of your punishment, you will not be allowed to visit her." Lily bowed her head. She had expected this. He continued, "I know you spoke your mind, but I would also like you to write an apology letter to Henry's parents, not his grandparents. Heather and you children put together a beautiful dinner for us, and despite Mr. Ruttle's attitude and remarks, it was a lovely dinner."

Lily nodded and finished her hot chocolate. She retired to her room. Allen leaned back in his chair. Victoria came into the kitchen then and their house-elf prepared her a cup of hot chocolate also. Victoria said, "Well?"
Allen relayed the conversation that Lily and he had to Victoria. Victoria replied, "I think that is a good punishment."

Allen nodded. They soon retired for the night.

The next morning, Allen was first up. They had made the mutual decision to let the rest of the children decide if they wanted to go shopping today or not. Unlike the non-magical world, the sales lasted all day, and there wasn't a limited amount of products that were on sale. Each store just had a percentage off their in-stock items.

Allen called Harry, who answered on the first ring.

Harry said, "Hello cousin. I heard you had an eventful day yesterday."

Allen said, "You can say that again."

Harry continued, "Have you decided her punishment, if any?" Allen relayed what he had decided to do with Lily and that she accepted the terms. Harry replied, "Very apt."

Allen said, "I thought so. My concern is Ruttle senior. He has the ear of our president of the magical world."

Harry groaned. He had dealt with that during his own school days. Harry said, "Your afraid of repercussions coming down."

Allen said, "As you know, I work at the MACUSA in Houston and my brother works at a federal reserve that relies on federal funding as they don't get enough funding from private donations."

Harry said, "There is a number of ways you can handle this. Go to your local supervisor and tell him your side of the story and Lily's. I don't honestly know what else you can do."

Allen said, "That's actually a good idea. Thanks Harry."

Author's Note:

I'm sorry for the late update. Been battling RL stuff and writer's block. But here is the next Chapter. Hope to have Chapter 51 up asap.

I would also like to take the time to mention that my thoughts and prayers are with Great Britain and the Royal Family as the grieve the passing of Queen Elizabeth. When I get to the 2022-2023 school year (we are in 2021-2022 as its Lily's third year), I will have her passing in the story. How mcuh of the funeral and stuff will be mentioned is yet to be determined.