CHAPTER SIXTEEN.

J.K.ROWLING owns Harry Potter.

Thursday, 31st October 1990

The days after Nathan's birthday passed quickly and it was soon Halloween. Felicity couldn't help tensing up. Her mind was on constant alert to be ready for any attack from Voldemort. The last on had been a few days ago but had thankfully gotten no casualties from the Auror side, but unfortunately as well had also gotten no death eaters from the dark side.

Ever since being invited for the party Felicity was now well known before, a thing which she did not appreciate but could not outright say so. She was quite busy with many things, patrol duties, Auror training, her self-project, and now assignments from Moody to finish and submit the next day. Felicity had not bothered to protest since she knew he would not listen and she did not deserve any form of relaxation. After all, she had brought this on herself.

As she packed up to go home on the thirty first, Remus appeared in front of her.

"Hullo Felicity," he said casually, smiling at her.

Felicity blinked before replying similarly.

He hesitated before asking," I was wondering if you could do me a favour."

Felicity raised an eyebrow and tilted her head for him to continue.

After a slight pause he said," I have an errand to run for someone and patrol duties start at nine. I know it's quite early but I doubt I'll be in time for my patrol, likely I'll be back even later, maybe round midnight."

"Ah, are you hoping I'll switch places with you so you can go in my place and I go in yours?" prompted Felicity when he did not continue.

"If you wouldn't mind. Call it a favour, if ever you will be in need of my services you can count on them," he promised.

"You shouldn't say that before I agree, Auror, but alright. It would be better for me, I suppose. Just give me your location and I'll be there," said Felicity with a shrug.

Remus smiled gratefully at her, jotted down his patrol station before hurrying away.

Felicity wondered where he might be going and whether he might be alright when she walked over to check his partners. She mentally groaned when she saw the names Dimitri Sergey and Kingsley Shacklebolt. With a sigh, she prepared herself for three hours of her husband's copyright triplet and former friend-most likely with attacks.

Honestly, Voldemort should learn to relax with a bowl of candies once in a while.

When nine o'clock rolled in, Felicity apparated swiftly to the little isolated village not far from London. She found the other two there, looking surprised to see her instead of Remus.

"Cade? What are you doing here?" asked Kingsley with raised eyebrows.

"Is Remus alright?" Dimitri added anxiously.

Felicity nodded," Yeah, he had an errand so we switched patrols for tonight. I'll be with you instead," she answered, looking at Kingsley instead.

The two men nodded before beginning their patrol duty.

It wasn't unlike the one Felicity had with Marlene and Ferguson, but this was more at ease, as though the two Aurors knew she was not in the mood for talking and were content to talk quietly. She walked slightly away from them, her eyes scanning for any suspicious activity when she felt a vibration in her robe pocket. She jumped, glad to be away from the two men. Casting a quick glance to make sure their gaze was away and they were still talking, she ducked behind a small hut and switched on her phone, growling when she saw her daughter's name.

Swiping rather viciously at her screen, she hissed," This better be good or-"

"Hogsmeade's under attack," Reyna's voice was urgent," the death eaters are many, almost twenty and they've gone mad! Thing is, I don't think the Professors know yet, Rylan went to warn them. But mum, the villagers are losing. Badly."

Felicity's blood went cold and she hastily slipped her phone in her pocket when she heard footsteps approaching.

Dimitri appeared, looking worried as he said," Felicity, we've got to go. Hogsmeade is under attack, and we need to gather the Aurors there. Kingsley's already apparated."

Felicity nodded and they apparated at the same time, ducking under a bench as the battle unfolded.

"The Aurors aren't here yet! Try to get as many of them as you can," yelled Dimitri, the screams of the villages making him almost impossible to her.

But Felicity's mind was elsewhere. Reyna. Her daughter had called her not less than two minutes. What if she was here? What if one of the spells caught her? Desperately as she shot a spell at the nearest death eater, she hoped that Reyna had the sense to run inside. But knowing her, she was probably watching, waiting to see if there was a chance to stun an unsuspecting death eater.

She conjured a shield charm in the nick of time as a spell came straight at her. Turning to the death eater who'd thrown the spell, she recognised him vaguely as one of those who'd been present in one of the other attacks but had managed to escape.

Not this time though, she thought grimly, casting an Incarcerous at him before stunning and disarming him quickly. She threw a portkey to take him in one of the holding cells in the Ministry before he could escape just as pops were heard from the village.

The Aurors had arrived, but they were little in numbers.

She counted at least twelve maximum, including her and Dimitri as they fought to get rid of them. The death eaters were proving surprisingly strong, withholding their attempts easily.

Felicity fought swiftly and without hesitation. Twice she portkeyed two other death eaters to the Ministry cells, watching in satisfaction at their suprirsed looks before they disappeared. She heard the panicked shouts from Ferguson to Kingsley," They're too many! We can't hold them off at once. They've already injured three of our men, including Sergey. If we don't get more reinforcements, we'll lose."

Kingsley's voice was grim as he ducked a spell," Another attack in another village, even bigger than this one. Our only hope is to alert the Headmaster and-"

A spell got at the Senior Auror and he dropped to one knee, grimacing. Ferguson turned to help him but he was stunned, his wand dropping from his hand. Felicity didn't pause as she came right infront of the Auror and with a wave of her hand flew whim backwards with a satisfying crunch. She turned to deal with the death eater who'd harmed Kingsley, but found a spell moving towards her rapidly. Too slow to react, it shot towards her…and straight past her to the door across her.

Felicity was surprised when she caught sight of two familiar eyes staring resolutely at her from a hidden way. Reyna. Her heart almost stopped before she remembered to conjure up a hasty shield to avoid the death eater's other attack.

Her attacker's eyes were narrowed as he fought cruelly. He threw spell after spell at her, and unfortunately, she recognised them as dark magic.

"Well, well, well, Bellatrix was right," the death eater mused, not seeming at all tired as Felicity aimed at him. He seemed to know she was weakening after defeating around three death eaters, and using her magic to restore a house.

Unfortunately for her too, she recognised that voice. Rodolphus Lestrange.

Before she could say anything his eyes rolled lazily before waving his wand in a circular motion and disapparating away, taking all those death eaters that hadn't fallen with him.

Likely a spell taught by his beloved master, thought Felicity bitterly, wondering how on earth she hadn't been able to defeat him.

She staggered on her feet, her eyes going to the place where Reyna had been only to find it empty. Her daughter must have gone inside the castle.

Not surprised, she heard the Professors arriving, looking around in dismay at the damage, Dumbledore at the center. Grimly they started tending to the Aurors, checking for injuries and asking questions quickly.

A shadow appeared over her and she saw her old friend, Severus, looking down with an expressionless look.

"How many casualties?" he asked quietly, eyes holding no recognition.

Felicity forced herself not to look away as she replied," No idea, the battle was full on when we arrived. But we were few and were outnumbered. I'm afraid there are many injured."

With a curt nod the Potions Master left her to head inside the houses of the small village. A hand appeared beside her.

She looked up to see Kingsley wearing a weary expression," You did well Felicity. I'm afraid you'll have to assist in the checking of the injured and count the number of casualties around. No doubt news of the attack has reached the students."

Felicity nodded," And you? Will you go back to the Headquarters for a report?"

The older wizard shook his head," I need to ensure the attack in the town James and the other were in is now safe, if not…" he left it at that and disapparated quickly.

Felicity started in the direction of where two bodies were on the ground near the place where Reyna had been. Anxiously, she looked round but saw no one.

"Reyna," she whispered, bending as though checking the ground when a voice called softly back.

"Mum, you alright?"

Felicity had to bottle down the anger that had appeared and cast swift silencing charms around them before she ground out," Get back inside."

"What? Bu-"

"Don't argue with me. Get back inside and make sure you stay there. I'll contact you tomorrow at exactly eleven. Make sure you answer. Now, before I blow something get inside the castle this instant," said Felicity, her voice shaking slightly whenever she got furious.

She heard no reply, which meant her daughter had gone inside. With a sudden tired sigh, Felicity got up and began her job.

Felicity appeared wide awake the next day thanks so some pepper up potion. She'd been up till one, ironic since that was when her patrol duties would have normally ended. Instead she was in Hogsmeade for over an hour, healing the wounded and asking questions that couldn't wait for her report. The professors had left shortly after, likely to assure the students that it was all right.

Felicity shuddered as she remembered the events. There had been more than 10 villagers heavily wounded to the point where they thought they wouldn't survive. Luckily they were taken straight off to St Mungos' and were told that they would make it through, albeit with a few side effects.

The Aurors themselves had lost none, but five of them sported injuries which made them unable to work properly and were told to rest, Dimitri among them. The village itself was not in good shape. Smoke had come out from houses, glass shreds were on the ground while houses were destroyed. It had taken, however, swift flicks from Dumbledore's wands to repair most of the damage. But they were regretful to say that the shops would be closed for a week at most to recover from the attack.

Felicity had been given the task of submitting a full review of the attack to Kingsley, since he was one of the Senior Aurors in charge. James was looking as though he could do with a good rest. The attack in the town he was in had been in a worse condition. There had been five casualties, with ten houses burnt and children tortured. It made Felicity sick to even think about it. Was this the death eater's way of celebrating?

Felicity had been told that she was to report in Training Room 2 at three sharp. She'd been surprised but was told that since everyone had a sort of duty she was free for most of the day from training-but not from assignments.

As she was finishing up her work for Moody at nearly eleven Remus appeared looking guilty," Felicity, I'm really sorry."

Felicity looked up in alarm," What happened? Is everything alright?"

"Everything's fine-well, as good as fine is atleast," he gave a grimace before continuing," but I'm sorry for the danger you were in yesterday, if it weren't for me asking to change patrols th-"

Felicity rolled her eyes," Next time you apologize Lupin, make sure it's for something sensible," at his rather taken aback look she added," I would have been called in anyway, so there really is no difference."

"But you were seriously outnumbered," said Remus fretfully.

Felicity shot him an annoyed look," I thought I'd proved to you that I was capable of handling myself."

"She's right Moony, Felicity was among the few who'd managed to capture death eaters and bring them here," said Frank, appearing behind Remus. He nodded apologetically at Felicity," Unfortunately, the death eaters disappeared the minute they were taken into the Trial rooms."

"What?!" exclaimed Felicity, a scowl appearing on her face.

Frank nodded, running a hand through his hair in frustration," It seems there was a portkey within them that enabled them to disappear at a specific time."

Felicity's scowl deepened," Weren't there anti portkey wards around the room?" she demanded.

Frank grimaced," Dark magic. It appears Voldemort must've kept some of his own charms to break through the wards. Granted though, the wards had never been strong in the trial room since..." he shook his head.

Felicity sighed," I'm not needed until later. See you around," with a small nod she left the headquarters to floo back home, where a much needed scolding awaited her daughter.

Reyna had appeared in a foul mood in the Slytherin common room, where most students had been waiting for news. When she appeared she blinked at the attention, and the older ones interrogated her mercilessly until she had refused to answer any more questions and had gone off to her dormitory, leaving them to wait for Snape.

Gianna and Delilah had followed her quietly, watching as she flopped into bed, said a quiet goodnight and closed the hangings round her. She had answered her brother's urgent call after making sure the other two had left the room, citing that they'd have to meet their mum at eleven tomorrow. Luckily, they had a thirty-minute break before class so excuses would not be an issue.

When eleven rolled round, it was Rylan who answered, Reyna being too annoyed and slightly resentful to answer.

"Mum?" the young boy had said timidly.

"Where is your sister? And just what were your brains thinking when the two of you went outside last night? Do you know how dangerous it is?" her mum didn't pause as she threw the questions at them.

"But we warned you, if it weren't for us then you probably wouldn't have gotten there in time," muttered Reyna, not quiet enough since Jasira answered back.

"For your information, Dimitri got the message the minute you called to tell me, so whether you'd have called or not would not have made a difference. I expected you to go back inside once you saw that we had appeared but you-"said Jasira harshly but Reyna cut in.

"I couldn't let that death eater harm you! I had the chance of being well hidden and no one spotted me. You think I would run back into safety with the knowledge that my mother was wrapped up in a battle and would possibly be injured when I could have helped?" the young witch demanded, sounding close to tears.

Rylan squeezed her hand but she snatched it back furiously.

"You seem to forget that I can take care of myself, Reyna, if that spell would have gotten me then I would still have managed to defend myself. I recognised it and it was a simple stinging charm. Nevertheless, I appreciate what you did but I won't stand if I see you out there again," Jasira turned to her son, who had been quiet and asked," Why didn't you take her with you when you ran back inside?"

Rylan opened his mouth to answer but Reyna cut in," It's not his fault, I told him I'd call you so he could go warn the Professors."

Jasira said nothing, staring intensely at her twins' faces before she said abruptly," There were no deaths. Just serious injuries but everyone is going to pull through. The village will be closed for a week for repairs but it should be alright soon."

They nodded, looking relieved.

"You can go off to class, but Reyna, shrink the phone and send it to me once you leave the room. I know you probably have it on your person. I want it delivered to me tomorrow, and be lucky if I don't confiscate it when you come for the holidays. If you want to contact me, use the mirror," she said with a curt nod before closing the connection.

They stared at their reflections before Reyna muttered about going to the Owlery. Rylan sighed, not bothering to follow his sister. It would be a while before her mood was good again. But he understood his mum's point, he had been unhappy to leave her but she had insisted, and with the lives' of the villagers' at stake, the young Gryffindor had left quickly to warn the Professors.

Friday, 1st November 1990

Felicity entered Training Room 2 with an interested look. She'd been here only twice during her training but hadn't entered since. The room was fairly large, though not as large as Training Room 3 or the others, but it could fit three Hogwarts common rooms easily enough.

It was mostly for physical exercise that you practiced in, including an area reserved for jogging, a bigger version of monkey bars, ropes to strengthen one's arms: in short, it was not unlike a muggle gym. Though this one was more magical, such as having a charm to activate whenever you needed to move on to another exercise, or if you weren't putting in as much energy. Unless Felicity was wrong, this was where the training tired you out most.

Currently there was only Moody in the room, with a few other trainees who were already doing laps around the room, grimacing and shooting Moody scowls.

Moody glanced at her before saying," Figured you'd need physical exercise now that we've covered almost two months of magical training," he remarked, gesturing round the room.

Felicity gave a small nod before asking," Isn't physical training supposed to come before magical training?"

"Aye it does, but because you're the first to be training for only a year, we figured we'd work on your magic before moving on to your strength. Never tried it before but if your magic is stronger than you wouldn't struggle much in the physical part of training, make sense?" answered Moody, watching the trainees critically before barking out," Walls, make sure you do another round of running, don't think I didn't see you skipping the fifth one."

Walls nodded, panting and looking exhausted before resuming his rounds.

"It does, so, where do I start?" asked Felicity, glad she had worn baggy trousers underneath her training robes.

"You spend two full hours in the whole room. A spell will tell me whether you've completed each section more than three times. Once you're done head towards Training Room 6 for a practical on antidotes," instructed Moody.

Felicity grimaced but nodded and started in the direction of the jogging area. She was halfway when the door banged open and a young female trainee with bubblegum pink hair and a harried look came in, cringing at Moody's glare," Tonks, this is the third time you've entered in late. Next time I won't stand for it and you'll be doing 20 laps round the room and three times in the others, understand?" growled Moody.

Nymphadora Tonks nodded once before heading towards the jogging section where Felicity had stopped to look curiously at her. Tonks caught her looking and gave her a small wink and a friendly grin before running to catch up with her.

"Hiya," she breathed as she caught up, now running next to Felicity as she talked.

"Hi," said Felicity, looking bemused.

"Trainee as well? I've never seen you before," Tonks said curiously, her words coming out in slight puffs as they started the 2 round of running.

Felicity's hair fell in her face as she ran quite easily, for although the room was big and would tire one easily, she had kept up with her practices so she wouldn't be wind out in battles.

"Sort of, I'm studying for one year as a trainee," at Tonks' incredulous look she added," I graduated from school more than ten years ago so I have more of an experience, though it took a while to convince Moody and Scrimgeour."

"Wait," Tonks paused in surprise before resuming hastily at Moody's sharp," No talking Cade, Tonks!"

"Are you the one who beat Irena in the duel? Blimey, I thought it was awfully difficult since Lady McKinnon's reckoned to be one of the best duelers out there," Tonks marveled, her blue eyes flashing excitedly.

Felicity smiled tightly but simply nodded. They continued running around 4 times back and forth before moving on to an exercise that would help in putting their bodies physically ready for battle. Felicity's face was filled with sweat as she began vigorous push-ups the magical way, lying on a what could be called a bed with her hands on the grounds as they hard mattress went up and down, making her feel exhausted but working the muscles in her arms.

She heard a thump and a groan before seeing Tonks fall in a heap on the ground, her eyes turning a dark brown while her hair changed to spiky and maroon. Tonks scowled before getting up as Felicity watched her.

"Useful ability you have," the older woman commented, gesturing at her being a metamorphmagi.

"What? Oh, this, I inherited it from my dad," Tonks gave a yawn," they're hoping to kill us with this training."

Felicity laughed," We'll be grateful once we're on the field."

Tonks sombered," The war's getting worse every day. I fear for the Hogwarts kids, their future is clouded," she said with a sigh.

Felicity straightened. She looked carefully at the younger woman and saw the black spots under her eyes and the tired look she was sporting. Here was another person struggling for a better future for the world.

"Which is why it's our duty to prevent the worse from happening," she said softly before getting up.

Tonks watched her for a while before resuming her training, with Felicity looking even more tired than her.

When 2 o'clock rolled in Felicity dropped in her seat in the office tiredly. Moody had kept her working for hours and she'd only got thirty minutes of lunch before he told her she was due in at three for dueling again with one of the other trainees. With a sigh she lifted her head, preparing to do a bit more research on her project for a while when a shadow fell on her.

Alice smiled at her before saying," Sorry to disturb you Felicity but there's someone waiting for you down the atrium. I got a message from Sam."

Felicity frowned," Do you know who it is?"

Alice shrugged," No clue but she said it was important."

Felicity got up quickly, her curiosity piqued. She headed towards the lifts, nodding to the Aurors who acknowledged as she hurried to get in just in time. There were three other wizards and a witch in the lift with her, two of the wizards talking in low voices.

"Yes, I believe the Minister will be there during the Ball," said one of them directly behind Felicity, his voice deep.

"Good, then perhaps it would be better if we were to strengthen security. Potter, McKinnon and Shacklebolt will be the ones assigned to him of course," the other replied, seeming to go through a parchment as he answered.

Felicity frowned. What Ball were they talking about?

She didn't have time to ponder as they reached the atrium, having dropped the witch in the second floor first. The minute she stepped off the lifts and into the atrium a woman with blonde hair waved at her looking relieved.

Felicity took a minute before she recognized her.

"Mrs Adley!" she said in surprise as she reached her," how are you? How are Cadey and Zoe?"

Aspen Adley gave her a tired smile as she replied," I'm very sorry to bother you Auror but I would like to talk to you about something urgent."

Felicity frowned before looking around at the curious looks they were receiving.

"Perhaps we could talk somewhere more private. I know a place in Diagon Alley where we won't be disturbed," she suggested, leading the woman towards the fireplace.

Aspen Adley looked a bit anxious but followed her and they were soon in the Leaky Cauldron. Felicity gave a small smile to the barman before gesturing at Aspen to follow her, leading the way to the restaurant she and Remus had been in the other day.

Ordering tea for the other woman and juice for her, she smiled before saying," Well, how are you and the kids?"

Aspen looked slightly nervous before saying," Zoe and Cadey are quite well thankfully, and so am I, but it's Edith that's the matter, my sister in law."

Felicity pursed her lips, remembering quite well the commanding woman she had met who had once asked about her possessions before her nieces.

Looking even more anxious Aspen said quickly," I know we barely know each other Auror but my kids have spoken nonstop about you and I simply remembered your kindness the other day and-well- "

Felicity interrupted her," It's alright, Mrs Adley, really I don't mind you coming to me and whatever you need I'll do my best to help you with," she said kindly.

"It's just Aspen, Auror and I appreciate your help," said Aspen, looking slightly relieved that she didn't look annoyed at her coming to her.

Felicity smiled slightly," I'm just Felicity, and not an Auror till next year hopefully."

Aspen nodded before taking a breath," I'm sure you've heard of the Hogsmeade attack yesterday and the injuries, but, the thing is, Edith had been among the injured. She was in the three broomsticks when they came and got cursed. The Healers say she will need a lot of time to heal because one of the curses affected her legs and her right hand and now she can barely walk," Aspen's eyes glistened slightly before she continued," she'll need to stay in St Mungos' of course until she gets better but until then we cannot stay in her flat since the rent has to go to her wellbeing. And our house is burnt which means there's nowhere we can go to. I wouldn't come to you for help but Zoe and Cadey…I'm scared for them."

Felicity looked at the woman in front of her sadly at her situation but said reassuringly," Aspen, give me a few hours to arrange something for you and then I'll inform you soon. Just give me your address for now and I'll meet you there. And about Edith, she'll get better, the nurses at St Mungos know what they're doing and soon she'll be on her feet."

Aspen looked assured at her confident tone and said quietly," Thank you, Felicity. I'm sorry for the burden I'm putting you through but I hope one day I'll make it up to you."

Felicity smiled at the other woman," I've known Zoe and Cadey for a few hours and I've already grown fond of them, and I can see that you are a caring mother. Believe me when I say it is not a burden to me at all," she said.

Aspen smiled before saying," I do work of course, in the Department of Magical Resources so I won't be around much."

Felicity waved that aside," Not a problem."

"Mum!" Felicity called as she flooed to the Culbert Residence, wincing at how she hadn't even paused to check if there was anyone home before breathing a sigh of relief when she saw her mum coming towards her with her wand drawn.

When Melinda saw that she was alone she gave her daughter a small glare before asking," What is it, Jas? Coming in and shouting like that," she huffed.

Felicity rolled her eyes with a small grin," Honestly mum, after thirty years and you still treat me like a kid."

Melinda shrugged," You're still a child to me, no matter how old you think you are. Now, come into the kitchen and tell me what's got you so excited."

Once Felicity was done telling her Aspen's situation Melinda frowned.

"Well, we have quite a few options. They could come here, we have two rooms free that they could use which aren't taken, or they could go to your father and I's cottage and stay there till they feel comfortable enough leaving," Melinda said briskly," though I do feel sorry for the woman."

"I feel the cottage would be better, though I would insist they have dinner with us once in a while. But mum, I don't feel at ease with the idea of Cadey and Zoe being alone while Aspen's at work," Felicity said worriedly.

"Well, they can come here until their mother returns from work of course. But perhaps being with children their own age would be better for them. What about them going to Harry's and getting to know them?" Melinda offered.

Felicity looked intently at the biscuits her mother had placed in front of her before an idea formed in her head," Mum, perhaps I could take them to Pandora's so they could meet Luna."

Melinda looked skeptical," And how do you know Pandora Lovegood as Felicity?"

Felicity smiled wryly," Let's say Luna's ability to see wrackspurts have made her connect Jasira and Felicity."

Melinda laughed before nodding," Al right then my dear, it's all arranged then. Arrange it with Pandora and I'll inform your father and get the cottage ready."

Felicity reached over to hug her mum, laughing as the woman ruffled her hair," Next time you'll be bringing in a school Jas," she said jokingly as her daughter said goodbye.

"And you'd still help them," Jasira murmured with a small smile as she flooed to the address Aspen had given her.

"Felicity!" Zoe leapt at her the minute she stepped out of the fireplace, her dark hair wrapped up in a ponytail and grinning cutely at the older woman.

Felicity pulled at her cheek gently before flashing a small grin at Cadey, who gave her a shy wave.

Aspen came out from a small room looking relieved and anxious.

"Felicity," she greeted," I didn't expect to see you back so soon."

Felicity smiled at her and shrugged, holding Zoe's hand since the little girl had not let go of hers.

"Everything is ready, can I give you the necessary information, then?" she said subtlety, her eyes looking meaningfully at the two kids.

Aspen took Zoe's other hand before gesturing at Cadey," Go on, Felicity and I will discuss a few things for a while you two play."

Cadey looked at them curiously but didn't ask. She took her small sister's hand and led her to a room next to the one their mum came from. Once the door closed, Aspen beckoned her to a chair and Felicity followed, looking around at the small flat. It had two rooms, a small kitchen across the room the kids were in and a bathroom a few feet away from the door. Edith had furnished the room a bit with paintings and a bookshelf but that was about it.

"I'd offer you something to drink but we just came out half an hour ago," said Aspen, shaking back her hair though her eyes betrayed her worry.

Felicity smiled at her," I've talked to a friend of my mother's and she said she'd be willing to give you their cottage till you felt comfortable enough to live in. of course, when you're at work Cadey and Zoe can come to where I'm staying since my…friend will be there, but we felt that it woud be better for them interact with a child of their own for company," she explained.

Aspen looked at her in disbelief before her face broke out into a wide smile," Are you sure? My girls can come stay? It's not trouble, is it?"

Felicity gave a small laugh at the woman's disbelief and shook her head," Of course it's not trouble. You can move in straight away, right now even."

Aspen got up and gave her an unexpected hug," Thank you, thank you so much," she whispered as Felicity returned her hug slightly awkwardly.

"I'll get you settled soon before I return to training. I still have twenty minutes left," Felicity said, embarrassed at the woman's affection for her so suddenly.

"Might I ask though, who exactly is this friend? Do I know her?" Aspen inquired curiously.

Felicity shifted slightly," Melinda and Darrell Culbert."

She had to admit, Aspen's face was slightly hilarious and the fact that her parents still kept people in awe made her proud.

"The Culberts?"

"Don't worry, Melinda was perfectly happy with it. She was the one who offered the idea of the cottage so you've got nothing to worry about," Felicity assured her.

Looking slightly bemused, Aspen gave a quick nod before gathering her stuff.

"But where are we going mum?" Zoe asked, looking worried.

"What about aunt Edith?" Cadey put in.

"Your aunt will be alright soon, girls, and for now we've found another place to live till we get our own house, thanks to Felicity," Aspen said gently, stroking their dark hair and planting a kiss on their foreheads.

Once they were ready Felicity instructed," Just say 'Culbert Residence' and you'll be there."

Cadey went first Felicity while Zoe left with her mum. Once they appeared in the familiar cream and red living room Melinda was already waiting for them.

"Right, Felicity, I'll take it from here while you return to work," Melinda said with a kind smile at the three newcomers who were looking around with interest.

Shooting a reassuring look at Aspen, Felicity disappeared in a whoosh of flames in the Ministry atrium for her training.