You are cordially invited to join the James family on the sad occasion to celebrate Mr. James' funeral. The family sends their regards and hopes that you can join them on the date of this time for grief and celebration in honor of his life.



On April 26, 2074, a cemetery is full of individuals crowded around a coffin. Around the coffin are the loved ones and friends of Mr. James who recently passed away from his long battle with cancer. Among the individuals are Christopher James and Elyon James, his children, and their mother, the entire Skylar clan, Violet Le Veela, Christopher James' loving girlfriend, both of her parents and Elektra Draven. While tears are shed by the majority of the women Christopher James sits dry eyed and sadly down at his father. Elyon James has retreated into her shell and is unable to speak due to the shock of her father's death. Only time will heal the wound her father's death left her. But the most shocking attendee is the deceased recently widowed wife who stands uninterested in the entire ceremony.

Selina stood by her mother and held her umbrella at her side as the speaker for the funeral concluded his speech. Once the man started to walk away from the group of mourners Selina's eyes sough out Christopher. He and Elyon both looked horrid and yet Elyie, the usually more positive of the two, was so distraught that she seemed to have completely shut down. Part of her wanted to go and hug the both of them. It was so unfair that the two of them would have to go through this with a mother who was so uninterested and wearing such an offensive color at her husband's funeral. But then again the disgust Selina felt for that woman could possibly be attributed to her short temper.

Trying to move along with the service Selina coughed and said, "Anyone wish to say any words?"

Sophie Skylar watched as her daughter uncomfortable stood on the grass. She knew this had to be a tough time for her being that the last funeral their family had attended was- it was just a hard day. To make matters worse Selina knew this boy and his sister very well. It was the first time Sophie was meeting the two children who would spend the rest of their childhood under the same roof as her own daughter. She adjusted her bracelet before she looked for the eyes of Mrs. James. She knew that the color she was wearing had to be some kind of deep mourning and trying to be strong for her children. There was no way the woman would act so inappropriately of her own accord.

She was snapped from her train of thought by the sound of her daughter's voice. Of all of the people at the funeral Selina was the last person who should be talking. Deep down Selina meant well but sometimes silence at a funeral was for the people who were mourning the loss of their loved ones. So she sent a look to her husband to discretely say something to their daughter.

Jake Skylar looked at the young boy and tried to figure out in his head how he was going to help this young man. He knew that Sophie would help out his sister Elyon, but she would be one of those who needed space and time to heal. However, the eldest boy, Chris, looked as if he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. No one should feel that way at thirteen years old, or was he fourteen now? That was beside the point. Jake knew that it was now his responsibility to be a strong male figure in this boy's life, but how? He never wanted to replace his father so this would be tricky.

He then suddenly felt a pair of brown eyes glaring at him from beside him. His wife was giving him that look like control YOUR daughter. He never understood that when Selina did something good she was HER daughter, but when she went out of line Selina was HIS daughter. Alas he knew he would lose this fight so he leaned down and whispered to his daughter, "Honey, just give them all a bit of time, okay?"

Even before Violet and her parents had arrived at the funeral she was a complete and total wreck. Tears were continuously running down her cheeks, thankfully she had put on her waterproof make-up so it wouldn't run while she was distraught. She opened her little black clutch and pulled out a little package of tissues and gently opened them taking out one and gently wiping her cheeks and under her eyes. Violet was standing between her parents who were trying to comfort the little blonde. Her mother was on her right holding her hand and her father was on her left gently rubbing her back every now and then for comfort.

Even though Violet never got the chance to meet Christopher's father, she imagines that he was a great man who dearly loved his children very much. And although Violet has never lost anyone dear to her, she couldn't really say that she understood what it was like to lose someone, but she felt that it was so unfair for Chris & Elyon to have to be the ones to have to go through this kind of thing. The entire service Violet was still having tears stream down her face, and because of that she was basically almost finished with her package of tissues. Along with that Violet couldn't even bring herself to look at Chris or Elyon, for she knew that it would kill her inside. But what Violet did notice was what Chris' mother was wearing, out of all colors Pink. She was completely appalled and bothered by what she saw, she then had to look away before she got angry.

As the speaker for the service finished it was quiet for a few moments until, Miss Selina Skylar had to be the one to make it a little more awkward. She just turned her head and looked at her giving her the look of, Sely really? Violet then looked down at Mr. James and tried to think of something to say, but she was too upset for words to say anything.

Emmeline couldn't even find the right words to say to try and comfort Violet. But it made her very upset to see her child so upset and what bothered her more was that she didn't know how to make her feel a little better. The only thing she knew that was helping a little was holding the 12 year old's hand, with their fingers intertwined. From what Violet has told Emmeline, Chris is an extremely sweet, gentle and kind young man who doesn't deserve to have to go through this. Which Emmeline agreed completely with.

Just like Violet, Emmeline's never lost anyone dear and close to her so she doesn't really know what's it's like to lose someone you love. But it made Emmeline very uncomfortable and bothered just thinking about the thought and quickly tried not to think about it at all. She then looked down at Violet for a moment, then her light purple eyes traveled to her husband Darrien who met her eyes and they stared at each other for a moment, and by the looks of it Darrien seemed to know exactly what Emmeline was feeling. She then placed her own clutch in her lap. Emmeline then took one of her arms, slowly wrapping it around Violet's shoulders and gently pulled her a little closer to her. Then she softly kissed the top of her head and held her daughter close to her.

While she was comforting Violet, Emmeline noticed Mr. James' wife wearing the most inappropriate dress to her own husband's funeral. The dress was a bright pink color and she didn't seem like she was in any remorse at all. Almost as if she didn't even seem to care that her own husband and father of her children had passed away. And that bothered Emmeline very much and she could feel her emotions building up then and felt a fire within her spark. She knew that she couldn't let it upset her or else, she would go off and people would see how different a witch with Veela blood was from normal Witches and Wizards. Emmeline then looked back at Darrien again, who had come to her side and was already helping her calm down.

Darrien was feeling so terrible today, for many different reasons. One Violet being so upset, Emmeline who didn't know what to do to make her feel better, and the fact that not even HE could mutter a word to make anyone to feel better. But the only thing that Darrien was thankful for today was that neither Evelyn or Rosalie was there to experience such a saddening event. Thankfully Rosalie was just a baby and wouldn't understand it anyway, it was Evelyn who he was more nervous about he knew that he didn't want to have to explain stuff like that to her when she was only 10 years old. He just felt she was too young to have to go to a funeral.

Darrien had also noticed the wife of Mr. James' and her odd choice of clothing to wear to her late husband's own funeral. And he himself did not find that right, but it wasn't any of his business to say. He then noticed Violet and Emmeline seem to get very bothered by what Mrs. James was wearing, especially Emmeline and he knew right away that he needed to calm her down. He whispered gently,"I know Emm, I know. Don't let it bother you. If she wants to make people dislike her, then that's her choice. Don't pay attention to her love." He softly kissed her cheek, and he could see her calming down already.

It was so strange, seeing his dad again. Even though he was deceased, it was the first time in a few months that Christopher had seen his dad in person. It was like a punch in the gut, knowing that he hadn't gotten a chance to say goodbye, or even see him one last time before he.... you know. Time had deprived him of that too. It was shocking how much they resembled one another. Maybe someday when he was grown, the resemblance would be stronger.

Earlier in the service, a shocked and silent Elyon had slipped her hand into his, and squeezed it tightly. Now as the very small crowd of Muggles he didn't know where beginning to clear out, and the rain was pouring down hard and fast on their heads, she was holding on more tightly than ever. He pulled the twelve year old into a hug, letting her cry on him some more. It was a surprise to him that she still had tears left. He'd never seen one human being cry so much in his life. Especially Elyon, who was usually so cheery and positive and never ever sad. It hurt him a lot to see her that way, but from personal experience he knew that not a word he would say could make her feel better. Only time could do that.

His eyes wandered to the remaining crowd, six figures standing at the opposite end of the crowd- or what used to be the crowd, anyway. He noticed that there were two girls about his sister's age, two women, and two men. Right away he knew who these people were, especially since the men's black dress robes stood out compared to many of the other Muggle suits around. Selina Skylar and Violet Le Veela, his two best friends, and their parents had come to pay their respects, for which Christopher was entirely grateful. He had just begun to turn his eyes back to his father, when a voice came from that direction. And of course, it was none other than Selina's.

She asked for last words. As probably innappropriate as her outburst might have been somewhere else, her voice seemed to comfort him. But it brought up an important descision. What should he do? He knew that he'd probably always regret it if he didn't, but as the time came, he hadn't any words to say at all. Elyon had spoken for days, and Victoria, his mother, kept glancing at her car and sighed impatiently often through the service, so it was up to him to give a final goodbye.

"Erm, I would like to.... I'd like to say something," Christopher said, stepping forward. His voice, and his entire body, felt shaky and light, breaking the heavy silence that had been surrounding them.

Elyon was devastated. All she could do was cry, and she most certainly didn't like that. She was normally so optimistic, so happy, just wanting to be a kid an have fun, but now that had all been taken away from her, as if she'd been living with a group of dementors. The world seemed dark, and cold, and every last happy memory just turned sad and nostalgic.

Gripping her brother's hand like her life depended on it, she stared coldly with empty eyes at the open casket in front of them. She was glad all of the Muggles were gone now, because she knew that none of them really cared or knew her father very well. Some of his High School students and their parents, a few neighbors, a co-worker or two. The crowd was small, but it wasn't close. It didn't feel right to her that they were there, but thankfully they were gone. Except for a few witches and wizards at the other end of the outdoor space they were in. She wanted to smile and wave, but like all the happiness had been sucked clean out of her system, all she could do was give a sad nod, trying to express her thanks. But after that, when Christopher pulled her into a big hug, she just broke down into tears. Again.

But though the hug was long, it wasn't nearly as long as she'd wanted it to be. Her best friend Selina piped up from where she and her family stood, and she knew what was going to happen. Since Mummy didn't want to, and she was much too fragile and broken, Chris was going to step up. Just as the thought ran through her mind, her brother gently broke apart from her, and stepped forward. As his hand fell out of hers, Elyon wrapped her hands around her, not sure if she wante to hear what the boy had to say. She thought it might hurt to much to hear.

Urgh, funerals. They were just so..... boring. And the whole thing about wearing all black was ridiculous. Black was not her colour, and if other people didn't like that, well they could just go cry about it. Like her melodramatic daughter and self-rightous son. The whole ceremony was over done and Victoria could not help but sneak glances at her watch and car, or yawn, or zone out and not pay attention. The minister spoke about Brian as if they didn't know him. 'He wasn't that great, I mean, he was sick for so long. It was a rather weak way to go anyway. And expesive. Like we aren't already in enough debt. I might actually have to go get a.... job,' she thought to herself with a shudder.

The crowd was leaving. This was her chance! But then a high voice from the far end of the grave delayed her. UGH. Now she was going to have to stay and listen to her whiny son give a speech about Brian? She'd rather do something like pick up dog droppings, which was something she'd sworn to never do in her life. Victoria shot a glare at the speaker from from across the room and nearly dropped her umbrella when she saw the looks of them. They were with out a doubt..... magicians.

Men with cloaks!? Kids from the school of Weirdo-Warlocks for animals with Warts?! The vile women that accept that lifestyle!? At her husband's funeral!? What was this, some sort of freak show?! Victoria James had never seen such an outrage, such a disgrace in her life! She had half of a mind to go over there and demand their removal, when Pee-Pants McGee had to step up and something so loving and caring about Brian, when she could be home right now with a nice glass of wine, painting her toes. She rolled her eyes and checked her watch, letting out an audible groan. This was supposed to be over by now, but she was still here. This was the up there on the list of the worst days of her life.

OOC: Team Potter has given me pretty much full rights to her character Elyon ever since she quit SnitchSeeker, so I think that means I am allowed to RP as her, right? I think so, anyway......

Selina slunk and her face bended into a look of shame when her father whispered in her ear to watch what she said. She knew that this was not her place to say anything, but deep down she knew that she needed to say something. If she didn't no one would have and all of Mr. James' kids would regret it for the rest of their lives. Selina knew that if she could go back, even though she was really little when Danielle died, and say something at her own sister's funeral- she would have. When you leave things unsaid you carry around those regrets everyday. And now Selina had the tattoo of her sister's initials stamped on her left shoulder as proof of her regret. Though that small tattoo did give her some kind of strength. 'Course that tattoo had appeared after one of her visions when she had oddly connected with a future version of herself. But that was beside the point, death was an odd thing. Closure was key if things were ever to get better. Selina knew that much.

Regardless of how she felt, however, she did know if she said one more thing out of turn she would be hexed by her mother when she got home. That was the last thing she wanted. Sophie Skylar had a mean hex, that much was for certain. So she kept her mouth zipped and looked over at Chris for support. With her eyes she translated- it's okay, you can do this. We are right here.

Then she turned to Violet and smiled at her weakly. Not that Violet was even looking. Tears were streaming down her face at a rate so fast she didn't even now was possible. However, it was to be expected, Violet was an emotional person and being a part Veela with heightened emotions were not helping her case.

But then Chris spoke up and Selina smiled at him and nodded. She grabbed her Dad's hand for support and a single tear dripped down her face as she gently touched her tattoo. Danielle was there helping her through... she had to be.

Sophie was about to smack Mrs. James. Through a silent connection with Em the two women could both tell that perhaps this woman was not having a unique way of grieving with the pink. Sophie tried to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, but this blonde little witch was starting to get on her nerves. She was simply offended when Mrs. James sighed at the length of the funeral. Could she not just give her children time to grieve. It was the last time either of her children were ever going to see their father.

Then she looked over at the Le Veela's and saw that Em was starting to get a little.. ansy. She knew that the beautiful woman, being half-Veela, had a short temper. More like a Harpie temper... a really awful Harpie temper. She hoped that the woman would be able to control her temper being that it was not appropriate for those two children's last memory of their father. She wanted the two children to have closure...

Merlin knew Sophie didn't have any closure. After losing Danielle... well, honestly it was something she never talked about. It was the Skylar's own personal demon that she could not conquer. As much as she tried and Merlin knew she tried. But a mother should never have to bury their own child.

Jake could feel a small hand grab his. He looked down at the little mop of red hair and smiled to himself. There she was, his little angel. He knew this had to be hard for her but he was proud of how strong she was being. Selina was really good at being strong. That was much was obvious about his Sely-Monster.

Then he looked over and saw Sophie who had the most distraught look on her face. He knew what she was thinking about and suddenly felt very saddened as well. They never talked about it. Danny was a subject that was rarely even thought about, it was easier to just try and forget. But he was stupid to think that they wouldn't think about it today of all days. So he just grabbed her hand for support and smiled at his wife weakly.

Then he looked up and Chris and said, "Go on boy. You can do this."

Violet tried to keep her violet eyes focused on the ground because she didn't want to see the look on Christopher's face. But she knew that she at least let him know that she was there for him fully. Violet slowly lifted her head and looked at Christopher with slightly blood-shot eye. She wiped her eyes a little and then she looked over at Selina who had given her a weak smile, Violet tried to respond back with a small smile. Thankfully but with trembling lips she returned the tiny smile that lasted for a few moments. Although, tears were still running down her cheeks slowly.

Violet then heard Chris speak up and she turned her attention back to her boyfriend. She then heard him say he wanted to say something and before he did his electric blue eyes met her violet eyes and Violet gave him a small smile with a light nod. In her eyes it read,'It's alright Chris..We're all here for you & Ely...Say what you need to say...' Before he went on, this time she moved closer to her father who had wrapped an arm around tightly, protectively.

Emmeline had thankfully calmed herself down thanks to Darrien, as always who knew just what to say to make herself feel better. Thankfully at home Darrien and Emmeline have never gotten into any quarrels, because Darrien already knew how Veelas had heightened emotions and sometimes couldn't control their emotions. But that never made Darrien EVER think of leaving her, because they loved each way too much, ever since he was a student at Hogwarts and she was a student at Beauxbatons.

Emmeline smiled a little when Darrien had kissed her cheek. He held onto her hand tightly as he was hugging Violet with his other arm. She took a moment to soak in that loving picture of her husband and her first child, then it made her very thankful to have her family, thankful for all of them being alive. She then turned her head back towards Skylars and met eyes with Sophie. Both she and Sophie knew that no words needed to be said at that point. She knew for sure that to this day that they could never get over what happened ten years ago. Emmeline then heard Chris speak up and then she gave him her full attention and a light nod as she waited for him to speak. Then she leaned her head on Darrien's shoulder.

Darrien almost immediately wrapped his arm around Violet and brought him closer to him. He could feel her clenching onto him and he knew exactly why. Then when Emmeline rested her head on his shoulder he looked at her and then kissed her head and then wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him as well. Darrien then silently waited for Christopher to speak his last words about his father. He actually could feel tears building up a little in his own eyes. Darrien's eyes had traveled over to his best mate Jake Skylar as he gave Chris a little push to let him speak. He then looked at Chris adding in his own nod like his daughter and wife had done.

Now that all eyes were on him, Christopher wasn't so sure he should give a speech at all. In fact, he thought he might just be sick instead. But of course, this wasn't just a class project. It was the last thing he'd ever get to say to his dad and the last time he'd ever get to see him. It wasn't just something he could skive off, and ignore. Things needed to be said, and now was a better time than ever to get them out of the way.

So of course while he tried to gather his thoughts, he stood there like an idiot in silence. It wasn't until one of the cloaked men, who he assumed was Mr. Skylar as he was holding Selina's hand, called up to him telling him to start. He wasn't quite sure if it was to encourage him or to just make him get it over with. But being adressed right now, especially as 'boy', made Christopher blush more than ever, and begin to feel lightheaded. But now everyone there was giving him little sup-nods to encourage him. There was no backing down now, whether he wanted to or not. Which he didn't, but it was still a lot of pressure.

Finally pulling himself together Christopher took a deep breath and stood next to his father's casket, right inbetween the barrier that seperated his family, and his friends. Looking down at his father one last time, he began speaking, ignoring the fact that he had no umbrella in the down pour. He rather preferred this anyway, because he loved the rain and it calmed him, plus it also let him know that he'd probably get away with shedding a tear or two and going unnoticed.

"Well, erm, hi, everyone. I know you've heard a lot about my dad today, so prepare to hear more. My father was, and probably always will be, the bravest, strongest, kindest, moving loving and wonderful man on this planet. He had to go through so much throughout his entire life, with that God awful sickness, but not once did he ever complain, ever frown, or show weakness. All he wanted was for his family not to worry and to just make us happy. And he did that. Every minute spent with him was the happiest I can remember. He was my best friend, and I can't even run it fully through my head that he's gone. It's like he might just walk through the door at any moment and sit down at the Kitchen table, telling us stories like he always used to. And even if I could do it, I don't want to. It's really painful, and I know I'm going to have to accept that he's never coming back, but it's hard. I know that he had a happy life, despite how short it was, and that he would've just wanted me to celebrate that, and to be strong, and to take care of my family, and I'm trying to do that. But it still hurts. Only time can fix that. It's a huge cliche, but it's true."

"Now that he's gone, the entire community has gone through such a huge loss. My dad was always ready to help anyone in need, and give anyone anything, no matter how little he himself had. He was always the first person to volunteer for our school activites when we were younger, or help someone fix their car, or help build houses or raise money for the church. He was the best history teacher Seatown High School has ever seen. He made sure that everyone understood what they were to learn, and he never let anyone fall behind. He cared so much for each and every student, or anyone else he met, just because they were a human being, and he felt that he could learn so much from them too. Dad always made everyone laugh, and he was the best cook, and he gave such good advice. He was so wise, like he knew everything about life. I wish he were here to help us, El and I, now, when we need him the most. He would've known just what to say, or just what to do to make us feel better."

"But in all honesty, I think I know what he might have just said. Or close enough, anyway. He probably would've told us that it happens. People all over the world lose loved ones every day. It's a part of living. Death is inevitable. You've got to accept it, and mourn, but you have to move on to. Trying to forget about it isn't right. You should celebrate their lives and grieve when you need to, but hanging on to that isn't healthy. You just need closure. That's something he'd say. And even though I never got to say goodbye to my father, I think maybe even I have some, even though right now is a tough time, where I just have to grieve and mourn. I'll never forget how much I loved Brian James. He's out of his pain now. So I guess this was all just a blessing in disguise. He's in a better place now."

Christopher stood there, numb from the rain, not sure what else there was left he could say. Sure, there were tons of memories that he could relive, but that would just make him feel worse. He wasn't really sure what to do now, so he just stiffly walked back to his sister and mother, this time, sitting alone. He needed that right now.

Elyon couldn't help but sob a little more. Looking at Daddy and listening to her brother's beautiful words made her realize that'd she'd have to do just what he said that their father would do if she ever wanted to be Elyon James again. But golly, it was so hard. Not even finding an entire herd of Crumple-Horned Snorcacks, her biggest dream, could make her feel better now. Time would heal her eventually, even if it was a long time. Afterall, she couldn't stay closed off like this forever. Like Christopher said, it wasn't healthy. Hopefully by her thirteenth birthday in a few months she could be cheerful and bright again. That would be nice.

But she still had some unfinished business to resolve. Elyon walked up to her father's casket, knealing beside it. As lovely as Chris's speech was, she wasn't ready to do anything like that yet without having another mental breakdown. So instead, she just wanted to get her own closure in her own way. So rather than talking to everyone, including her sad best friend, her shocked and depressed mother, her brave yet weary brother, and five people she didn't really know, she just whispered her final words into Daddy's ear, crying like crazy. It was sad, thinking that out of all of the secrets they'd shared over the years, that this would be their last. It was a shame that it was a sad secret too. So she threw in happy memories that made her overly nostalgic and depressed, but giving her closure.

She must've been up there for at least twenty-five minutes or so, saying good-bye. She leaned over, stroked her father's cold face for the last time, and gave him a small kiss on the forehead before she ran out from under the tent where her dad lay dry, and into the rain, sandy braids flying behind her, to take care of one last issue. Since her brother clearly wanted to be alone, and her mother looked so broken by his beautiful words, Elyon was ready to take one last step to feel better. Glancing over at Mummy, she scooted closer, and keeping her eyes forward, she slipped her hand into her mother's, letting all of her tears continue to flow, even though she was under the pretty, pink, umbrella now.

That was the most boring speech Victoria had ever gone through in her life. And she'd sat through some pretty boring ones in business school. But her little girl of a son had to go up and tell the sob-story of his life or something like that and just make everyone pity them. Well if anyone was to pittied, it should be her, having to stand in the rain for this long. It was getting far out of hand. Plus, he thought she was the bad guy in the situation! It wasn't like she didn't have any emotions! She'd just lost her husband, and soon it'd be her home, and her car, (hopefully those damn kids would be going to some orphanage far away from any place where they would be associated with magicians), and she had no money! She was all alone in the world, and was soon going to be on the streets and in a huge amount of debt. Her life was so unfair. Everything she cared about was being taken from her. Brian was one of the only people she'd probably ever been nice to! If only he wasn't so in love with those freaky magicians and their freaky pointy hats that they pulled bunnies out of or whatever. Then she could've been in love again. But all in all, as a person, she wasn't all that upset that he was gone. Dying from an illness? How weak. She needed a real man. Who would actually have money so she could buy things.

But something snapped her out of her thoughts (since she'd been zoning out the whole time), when she felt a hand on hers. Instinctually, she spun around with eyes like fire, pushing Elyon and her filthy hand out of the way. She'd seen the disgraceful child at home. That was her magic stick hand. Both of them used their left hands just like their father, making them even freaky when they did normal things like write letters. She looked coldly down at the kid and said quietly, "Do not touch me, Elyon Grace. You are no child of mine as long as you do.... it,", she hissed, 'it' referring to the word she hated most. Magic. Witchcraft. Whatever you called it, she loathed it.

Selina watched in silence as Christopher gave his speech. She wanted to so desperately reach out to him and grab his hand for support, but he needed to do this on his own. As he spoke Selina knew that everyone else on the premises was probably soaking their faces with tears, all except Selina. How could she cry when it was not her place? Those who cried had given their hearts time to grieve and mourn and Selina had never done that. Danielle was someone who she held close to her heart but far from her head. It was only times like today or that awful day with the boggart that Selina ever really thought on her sister. To think about her and mourn for her was too hard. It was just easier to shut herself off. To stand and move through life only half participating. Then she looked up at Christopher and knew that they both had something in common now- they were damaged goods. Death, especially of those who you love, scars you and scars never fully go away. Chris' would fade though. Her eyes traveled and set on the long silky blonde hair of Violet Le Veela and knew that she would be the one to heal him, to cure him. However, Selina only kept Danielle with her in her heart and was just starting to move on, acknowledge how messed up she truly was, but it would take time and Selina was unsure if there would ever be a time when she could think about Danielle without needing to hit the pause button on her life.

When Christopher ended his speech she smiled at him encouragingly and mouthed, "You are so brave." Then she felt her father's hand squeeze hers and she looked up into his identical blue eyes to hers and smiled. The smile was fake, they both knew it, but playing okay is much easier than doing the work to actually be okay.

However, she saw a rush of braids run and throw themselves on top of the casket. It was Elyon, it broke her heart. The entire grieving party stood there and watched for over a good twenty minutes as she said her goodbyes. Then she gathered herself up and walked away.

Jake watched the boy make his speech and smiled lightly at him the entire time. He needed someone there to help him along and Jake, after seeing the boy's speech, knew that he could be the one to help him along with the grieving process. Christopher was strong, he was courageous and most of all he was willing to hurt to make himself get better. Jake wished that he could do that, it was a trait that he admired most in the boy, however, Jake himself did not have that trait. He and his entire family still ignored the grieving process of Danielle. It was easier to just ignore it than face your demons. True, it was cowardly, but what kind of father would he be to Selina if he was weak? He needed to be strong for her at all times and most importantly he needed to be strong for himself.

He looked down at his daughter and squeezed her hand. She was real, his little angel was real.

Sophie gave a half smile when she saw Jake squeezing Selina's hand. She knew that Selina was his little girl and he loved her more than she had ever known anyone to love anything. The sight of them together always warmed her heart, but she turned her head when a flash of blonde hair ran to the casket and said her goodbyes. She assumed this little girl was Elyon. Selina had spoken so much about the girl and how wonderfully optimistic and joyous she was, at this very moment though she saw no merriment.

After allowing the girl to say goodbye she watched the young thing approach her mother and reach for her hand. The woman returned to the girl who needed comfort that she should not touch her because she was not her daughter. Sophie's blood boiled at this display and unwrapped her hand from her husband's grasp.

"Excuse me, ma'am? Perhaps it is not my place, but who do you think you are coming off treating that little girl, who adores you, like garbage? No less at your husband's funeral?" Sophie looked down and realized that she had drawn her wand... when did that happen? She assumed it was just her motherly reflex for all young children in need.

Violet's teary violet eyes watched Chris ever so closely as he stepped forward to speak. She studied his every moment as he was trying to find the right words to say about his father. Violet was about to give him a little bit of a 'push' to help him but then he found the rights words. She stayed motionless as he spoke listening to every single word carefully about his father. Violet was very sad that she had never gotten the chance to meet him, because whenever Chris would tell her about him, she would always tell him that he seemed like a very great man and would really love to meet him some day. But it broke her heart that he had to lose his father, the one man who truly loved him, one of the few people who did when he was growing up.

When he finished his speech she wanted to clap, but refrained from it. Then she noticed Elyon walk up and kneel by her father's casket and stayed there for what seemed like forever, but she didn't mint at all, she should take all the time she needed. Violet then watched her run away after and frowned a little again. She then turned to try and find Chris and see where he got off to. She found him sitting alone completely soaked. Violet gave a quick glance to her parents and gave her father a quick squeeze with his hand before walking with her umbrella covering her head towards Chris slowly.

When she had reached him she silently sat down next to him and had placed the umbrella over both of them, so he wouldn't get wet anymore. She then looked at the side of his face and wasn't sure if she should say anything at this point..at least not just yet. Instead Violet slowly reached out and gently took his hand and held it. No words were being spoken, for none could really be. So they just sat there, with only the sounds of the rain hitting the top of Violet's black umbrella.

Darrien held his wife and daughter closer as he heard Christopher speak about his father. He couldn't even begin to imagine what it must be like to lose your father when you're only a kid. And he could only imagine how Chris & Elyon must feel now. And on top of that, his best mate Jake would have to step in and be the new father figure for this young man. As Chris was speaking about his father, Darrien could feel some tears trying to fight their way out, but he blinked a few times to prevent that from happening.

Darrien watched as Christopher had finished his speech and was walking away he softly said,"I'm sure your father is beyond proud of you Chris.." He gave him a little smile for comfort and a gently rub on his shoulder. When Violet looked at him and her mother before she went to go by Chris, Darrien didn't even say to anything and just gave her a light nod.

Emmeline liked her daughter stayed focused on Chris the entire time he was speaking. What courage to step up and be so brave. Emmeline felt so sympathetic for the young man and his little sister. Her heart went out to them completely, and if the Skylar's hadn't beaten them to it, The Le Veela's MOST CERTAINLY would've taken the two children into their estate with them, which they obviously had plenty of room.

When he stepped down to walk away Emmeline almost immediately nodded in agreement with Darrien when he spoke to Chris. Then before Violet left to go and comfort Chris a little Emmeline whispered softly,"..Go.." She then turned her attention back to Christopher's sister who Emmeline thought what a pretty young girl, she was very shocked that this girl wasn't a single bit of Veela at all. And she wanted to go and give the girl a hug, the poor thing. As she walked back to go and sit with her mother Emmeline became very appalled when she saw Elyon's mother pull her hand away and insult her own child.

That was where Emmeline had had enough. Before she could even speak anything Sophie had stepped right in before her. But Emmeline was right next to her best friend and then said softly,"Yes, ma'am. Of course pardon my friend and I, but I don't think it's right to be treating your children like this..Especially when they've just lost their own father..They really need some sort of comfort...Especially now..." She then noticed Sophie had drawn her wand, and Emmeline slowly lifted her hand and gently placed it on Sophie's arm giving her a look, Calm down Sophie.., then slowly lowered her arm with her wand.

Elektra was quiet. She stood with her head down her hands folded in front on her lap as she listened to Chris' speech and tears fell from her eyes. She has no idea what is like to lose someone that close and she felt helpless to him and felt just being here for him was the best she could do. She picks her head up and wipes her eyes and sniffles softly as she looked up watching him. His speech was so moving. She could only imagine what his father was like and would have loved to meet him. She rested her head on her uncle Alex's shoulder and just couldn't help but cry. This was her first funeral anna quite frankly...she didn't like it.

Alex wrapped his arm around his niece and kissed her forehead seeing how this funeral was affecting her. He still didn't understand why her father couldn't be here with his child, but Alex would do anything for Elektra. He looked over at Athena and then back down at Elektra. "Shh...it's ok. It's ok."

Elektra shook her head. She knew that her mother and uncle were trying to make her feel better but nothing seemed to be working. "No, its not." she said softly. "It's not fair. It's just not fair. They don't deserve to go through this."

Athena looked at her daughter and rubbed her arm to comfort her. Looking at Alex, she gave him a look of thanks for being there for his niece. Connor wasn't the type of person to go to funerals ever since his blood mother died and Athena understood, but Elektra needed her father and he wouldn't show. She leaned in to her daughter, "Sweetheart I know this is hard, but right now you need to be strong for your friend ok sweetheart?"

Elektra sat up and sniffles rubbing her eyes and nodded to her mother. Her mon was right. Elektra looked over at her other friends and their families and then put her arbs around her mother and uncle. She had to be strong for Chris. When he was done with his speech, she looked at Chris knowing that his father would be so proud of him with his speech.

Athena looked over at Chris' mother and the way she was acting and she didn't quite like it. Sure she never met her before but she didn't like her at all and it took a lot for Athena not to like someone, but to push your child away like that and not seem to care about your husband being dead is just absurd. She looked at her daughter and she could never picture herself treating Elektra like that. Even the way she dressed was disgusting, but she refrained herself. Watching the other mothers confront her, she felt like doing that herself, but then she would feel out of place. Besides it looked like they had it under control.

Alex looked over at Athena seeing something was bothering her and he was trying to figure out who or what was eactly bothering her and then he knew right away when he looked at Christopher's mother. Yeah, that had to be it. Seeing the way she treated her own kids was just appauling. You don't have the right to treat your kids like that. Alex would have love to given a piece of her mind, but he knew his place and wasn't the type of guy to hit girls. It made him sick to his stomach the way Chris' mother treated her kids.

When Christopher was walking from the podium where he gave his speech, which was basically the enitre eulogy, he was adressed by the one person at the funeral he was actually afraid of. Mr. Le Veela. It wasn't that he was afraid afraid, but he was more intimidated by him. He wanted badly to please him and the Gryffindor felt like he wasn't exactly giving the best first impression to his girlfriend's father. But his first words to him meant a lot. Christopher didn't feel like he himself could say anything. Not just yet anyway. Perhaps their next meeting would be a lot different. Happier. So instead, the fourteen year old just shook the man's hand and continued to his original destination.

As he sat alone, getting soaked, he saw his sister say goodbye. It hurt him so much, he couldn't bear to look any longer. So all he did was close his eyes shut and block the pain. He put his face in his hands and ran them through his hair, which was like a black, wet, mop. But suddenly he felt the rain hit his head no more, and a hand was on his. It was Violet. He knew that she had the best intentions, but at this moment, he wished she would just leave him alone. He needed to be alone for now. But Selina said she would be the one to heal him, so he didn't push her away. He couldn't afford to lose her anyway.

Elyon stumbled backwards, shocked. She could hardly believe that Mummy would do that in a time like this. Of course she'd been hurt by her all of her life, but for her mother to do this now really hurt. So she simply gave her the sad, shocked, stare that she couldn't help but display all over her face. But maybe she could have her mother's love through pity. She reached out her arms, trying to hold her, give her a hug, anything. "Please, Mummy. Please! I'll quit school, I'll stop being magic! I will! Please! I love you."

Victoria couldn't believe the brat was still at it. Finally, she couldn't take it anymore. She exploded, screaming, throwing her hands up in the air in frustration. Couldn't the kid just get it and leave her alone? It was bad enough that she had to deal with her when she wasn't at that school. "My answer will never change, Elyon. You are a freak! Disgusting, a disgrace to our family. Ever since you and your brother were born you've brought us into a world of outcasts! I hate you horrible little brats, and am embarrassed to be called your mother! I will never love you," she yelled, shoving the child back and spinning on her heels, ready to just leave that hell.

Elyon wanted to beg and plead more, but she knew it was no good. She couldn't just stay there either. There was only one option left for her now. The little girl turned around and just ran. She didn't know where she was going, but she didn't stop. Instead she made quickly for the church, waiting in there behind the empty pews. Christopher would come for her when it was safe, and maybe they could run away.

Thank. God. Now at least one of those kids were out of her hair for now. She knew she'd have to find her eventually, but she'd take as much time as she wanted. But right now, she had unfinished business to take care of. Walking up to the two disgraceful excuses for women, Victoria spat out a nasty reply for that woman's uncalled for remark. "Ew! Don't you dare speak to me, you filthy magician! How dare you come to my husband's funeral, and speak to me that way! Get out, now!" she snapped nastily. She stepped back, gasping, when the outcast woman pulled out her magic stick. Right that moment was the scariest thing she'd ever experience in her life, besides dealing with all of that debt she was in once Brian couldn't pay for her shoe bills anymore. "D-don't you point that- that- that thing at me! Or I'll-I'll- I'll call the police! That's right! I will!" she threatend, very frightened, pulling out her cell phone.

As she backed away from the crazy people, she spat one last comment before she got the hell out of there. Still shaky, she pointed at every one of those horrid people yelling, "You're all freaks! Disgusting disgraces of mankind! Only God should have those powers that you have taken from the devil, you horrible, horrible people! Leave us alone! Christopher, come. Now. We're leaving." She backed up, yanking up her son, pulling the struggling boy towards the church to grab the other kid and run.

Suddenly, Elyon was darting away crying, and his mother was shouting at people. Why? Why today, of all days, would this have to happen? Why couldn't his mother just tolerate people she didn't understand and let them mourn!? He couldn't stand that woman, especially after she yelled at his sister. And what she'd said to Mrs. Skylar was just uncalled for.

But Victoria James was very determined, and she wouldn't give up no matter what anyone did. Before he could even get up to go after El, a tug on his arm yanked him upward and away from Violet, making his eyes fly open. She was dragging him across the graveyard towards the church by the shirt collar. Gasping for air, he spluttered, "Mum! Stop! I can't breathe, let go!" But of course she didn't. He struggled with her, but she was surprisingly incredibly strong. She was a frequent member of the gym, and he was pretty sure he was either going to be dragged along, or be choked to death.

Selina watched in horror as the whole scene played out. Mrs. James had set her mother off and if anyone was not to be triffled with it was Sophie Skylar. There was a reason she was Head Girl at Hogwarts and that her job before entering the Ministry in Australia was being an Auror. Sophie Skylar was, in a word, ******. She was not the person that most people tended to offend because Sophie could produce a hex that would hurt for days and because she worked in the Ministry Sophie could pull quite a few strings when it came to what happened to Mrs. James.

Then the woman called her mother a freak and put her hands on Christopher. This was not going to end well. Honestly this was not how she wanted Christopher or Elyon to meet her parents. Of all of the things in the world her mother had to be starting a duel. It was so uncalled for, but then again Christopher was being abused verbally and physically by his mother so perhaps it wasn't so uncalled for. But still Selina did not want anything bad to happen so she called out to her Mom, "Mum, leave it alone. She isn't worth it. She just doesn't understand..."

Jake looked between his wife and his daughter trying to get a grasp on what was unfolding. But when Mrs. James put her hands on Christopher and started to hurt him Jake took a step forward. "Take your hands off the boy ma'am or I will have to call the police for abuse. You have no room to be hurting your children at a time like this."

He knew that this woman was not going to see reason, but as sextist as it was Jake was a man and women tended to respond to men more than their fellow women when being told what to do. So he stepped forward and said, "Besides I don't think either of our police is going to like this situation."

He unlocked his piercing blue eyes from Mrs. James and went over to his wife. He put his hand on hers that was holding the wand and whispered in her ear, "Sophie... relax. Think rationally about this, we don't want trouble."

Sophie Skylar felt the hands of her husband on her shoulders adn relaxed almost instantly. She knew that he did not want her to get into any kind of fight, but this was different. All of her mind was saying that she should put her wand down and she started to do so, until Christopher told his mother that she was hurting him.

Sophie's brown eyes met her husband's blue and she said, "I'm sorry... but this is for the children."

She then raised her wand and said, "Locomotor Mortis!"

As Violet sat silently with Chris she couldn't even begin to find the right words to say anything. But then it came to her right away that right now there weren't really any words that could be said at this point. All of a sudden Violet sat Chris' crazy mother come running over towards them and she grabbed Chris, yanking his hand out of hers. As she was dragging Chris by the collar she heard him telling his mother to stop for he couldn't breathe.

Violet gasped and then shrieked,"Please! Please! Stop it! Can't you see you're hurting him!" She then got up and started running after his mother and the choking Chris. Suddenly she felt her father grab onto her and hold her back. Violet said,"No, Daddy stop her please! She's hurting him!" She tried her best to squirm out of her father's arms but he had a good grip on her.

Darrien didn't want to hold Violet back but he didn't want her to get involved in it or end up getting hurt. He then had remembered reading about the infamous Ablus Dumbledore's younger sister Ariana when she tried to stop her brothers from fighting, but ended getting hit in the crossfire and was killed. It killed him seeing his daughter so upset.

He tried to calm everyone down a little,"Everyone, can we all calm down please! This is not the place nor the time for this!" But it was too late Sophie had already waved her wand and cast Locomotor Mortis.

Emmeline then gasped when she saw Mrs. James choking Chris by his color and he couldn't breathe. She then said,"You're choking your own child! He can't breathe!" Emmeline didn't want to get involved in it because she knew that with her Harpie side it wouldn't end well, for anyone. She then saw Sophie raise her wand again and cast Locomotor Mortis. Emmeline called out,"Sophie NO!"

When Chris' mother had been "tied up" Violet managed to squirm out of her father's tight grip and she ran towards Chris. She was by his side in a instant and was helping him up. Tears were running down her face again as she said to him distraught,"Chris, are you alright?!" Violet then gently took his arm and started leading him away from his crazy mother. She then wrapped her arms around him, and then turned her attention back to Mrs. James. Violet then stood in front of Chris, protecting him.

Everyone was yelling at her, but quite frankly, she didn't care. It wasn't any of their damn business what she did, so they could just shove off. But when the red haired magic man threatend to call the police, Victoria just let out a harsh laughter. She spun around, still grasping her son by the collar of his dress shirt that lay under his suit coat- both of which were Brian's. "You think you can call the police? I know about you wizards, I have actually paid attention to some of my kids' ranting before! You don't have cell phones! Hell, you probably don't even know how to use one or how to contact our police! So you stay out of my bloody way so I can just escape you crazy people!" she barked.

As she was about keep pulling her son out of there, she saw the brunette crazy lady raise her magic-stick, and her eyes widened in terror. She dropped the boy and attempted to run away before that woman tried to murder her. But Victoria was too late. The crazy lady screeched some evil devil worshiping chant, and suddenly, she found her legs stuck together. Since she couldn't very well run with her legs like that, the widow tripped and fell forward, screaming. She screamed because she'd been cursed with witchcraft, and because there was a grave she was about to hit.

When her head hit the edge of a small tombstone standing upright like a half circle, her vision went black. Victoria James had been knocked out cold.

Things were happening in such a rush, Christopher could barely even keep up with it. All he knew was that he was being dragged along, with people shouting things he couldn't hear over the thoughts in his head. Which mainly consisted of: Can't- breathe! I have to get her off of me!, Where is Elyon!?, How am I going to get out of this?, This is so embarassing! Now neither Skylars nor the Le Veelas can ever think of our first meeting as a good one!, etc. Then everyone was screaming and his mum being his mum had to scream right back. Typical.

But then he was dropped. She'd let go? But why? He stumbled backwards, very startled and confused. He looked over at saw his mother running, and back at the rest of the crowd. Mrs. Skylar had her wand raised. No.... she wouldn't..... it wasn't legal! She couldn't perform magic on a Muggle! What if she got in trouble? But more importantly, what if his mother was hurt?

Looking back over, he saw her topple over-which might've been a funny sight under different circumstances- and hit her head. She lay there lifeless, and the Gryffindor knew he saw blood. That seemed to make time slow down. This couldn't be happening! "MUM!" he screamed, morified. He rushed to her side, pulling her head onto his lap. He checked her wound, which was still bleeding a little. How could this happen? He checked her pulse, and it was still beating. The weight of the world was already on his shoulders, but he felt like a whole load of it lifted off of him. She was alive, that much was good, but she was unconscious, and he wasn't sure how long she'd stay that way.

Taking off his jacket, he made a pillow for her head, even though it was sopping wet, and he propped her umbrella up so that it was covering her head. Ripping off his tie, he wiped up some of the blood and wrapped it around her head to act as a bandage. He looked up and saw Mrs. Skylar shaking, looking very shocked. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER!?!" he bellowed. Although he knew what she had done, he meant why. But he was pretty sure she'd gotten that. "Someone call an ambulance!" Christoper yelled, though immediately realized that none of them would have cell phones. So he fished out his mother's small phone out of her bag, pausing and looking up at everyone before he dialed in case one of the adults protested.

Wiping her eyes, Elyon wandered out of the church like a small, innocent child immediately when she heard screams. At the sight of her mother unconscious, her brother caring for her, and everyone else watching in horror, she ran back out into the pouring rain. Launching herself next to her brother, she asked what happened. But the only answer she recieved was 'Ask her.' and a finger being pointed at the crowd of magical folk. Running over to Selina to try to get some answers- as no one else was telling her, including Christopher- she looked worriedly at the soaked redhead. "Sely, what is going on!? What happened to Mummy!?"

Elektra watched everything that was going on at this funeral and she looked at her mother. She then looked at her uncle who looked like he was about to lose it. She could feel the tensio between everyone there, but when she saw Chris' mother choke him she started to get really mad and scared. "Mum, mum do something! Uncle Alex please!" She begged wanting to go towards everything that was happening but like her friend Violet, she was being held back. "Let go of him you bi-" Elektra began to shout, but before she could even finish, Selina's mother casted a spell and Elektra gasped and it seemed like everyone stood in place in shock at what just happened. "Oh, my God."

Athena stood by her daugher and brother-in-law as she wanted to go towards everything, but she felt really out of place considering her muggle status compared every other witch and wizard here. HOW DARE SHE PUT HER HANDS ON HER CHILD LIKE THAT!! Athena's anger grew and grew and for the first time in a long time, she hand closed into a tight fist and she looked at her daughter trying to run over, but Alex holding her back she looked at Elektra and then heard a spell be cated and she quickly turned around and her eyes widened. She couldn't believe what just happened.

Alex looked down at Elektra trying to keep her calm, but as the situation got more intesnse he needed to keep his niece away from harm just in case this psycho woman tried anything to hurt his family. Elektra tried and tried to run to what was happening but he couldn't let that happen. He held onto his niece holding her back. "Elektra, no! Stop!" Then everything stopped. Alex saw everything happen it what seemed like minutes was just seconds. "Bloody hell." The woman hit the ground and choked boy was finally free of her grasp and then woman fell and her head smacked right onto the tombstone. That's when Alex then saw the mother's son start to panicand everyone around stood in shock. "Athena keep Elektra here!" With that Alex rushed over and rushed pass Sophia and Jake and then went to the boy and knelt down looking at the boy's mom. He looked at the boy and then looked back at Sophia giving her an Are You Out Of Your Mind look. "Alright everyone just back up right now ok?" He looked at Chris. "Your mother's going to be alright." he said trying to keep him calm.

Sophie Skylar watched as the Muggle witch went toppling over and hit her head. Soon after all of the funeral guests started to panic she had people yelling back and forth. A panic had over taken the entire funeral. She could NOT think with all of the yelling and screaming. It was too much for the witch. So to stop the mayhem she lifted her wand in the air and shot sparks from her wand. She cast a shelf around the entire party so no one could see them perform magic and the sparks also made a large boom noise. The noise was so plus that everyone in the funeral party shut their mouths and looked at Sophie, "ARE WE ALL DONE?" She received no response so she pressed om, "Okay first of all. What I just did was not illegal, I bound her legs with a spell. It was not a dangerous curse. She fell of her own accord. Secondly it is not illegal because she has knowledge of magic via her children. Therefore all of you stop!"

Then she walked over to Mrs. James and said to Christopher, "Christopher can you please give me some room." She drew her wand and looked at Selina and nodded.

Selina looked at her mother as everything she said started to process. Did that mean that her mother was not at fault? She only had to assume being her mother knew the rules better then anyone due to working at the Ministry. But then as she approached Christopher Selina tensed up. What was her mother doing? Hadn't she done enough? This was just too much.

However it became more complicated when her Mom nodded at her. She knew what that meant. Her eyes closed and she breathed. Then she ran over to Christopher and pulled him away from his mother and held him back. Her mother wouldn't have him interfere with whatever she was going to do. As she held Chris back she whispered, "I'm sorry, you just have to trust her."

Jake Skylar was not going to take this much longer. His wife was taking too much into her hands. But she was the smartest witch he knew so he kept his mouth shut. Then Selina pulled Chris off of his mother. He knew that she was too small to handle him. So he stepped over and put his hand on the boy's shoulder, "Give her time, Chris. Trust."

Sophie could feel all eyes on her as she raised her wand and put it to Mrs. James' head. Then she started to mutter under her breath a few enchantments that the others around her could not hear. It was so soft even she had to double check she was saying it right. Then she looked and saw that Mrs. James was healed and starting to stir awake. There was no scar, no blood, no trace of an injury. And Sophie had awaken Mrs. James on top of it all.

Perhaps taking that course in healing back in school did come in handy.

OOC. Hey all so I will be on the Disney Cruise until Monday. Post if and when I can. So the last night I should be on for sure is tonight. Post away and I'll get to you if I can. If you can't wait just skip my turn in the post line up.

Emmeline then made her way to Sophie's side and knelt beside her best friend. After she had healed Mrs. James' wound Emmeline took a quick look at everyone around them and then turned her attention back to Mrs. James. Emmeline leaned over and whispered in Sophie's ear so only she could hear her,"Do you think she'll remember what just happened Soph?" She paused and went on,"And if she does, do you think we'll be able to calm her do very own this time without harming anyone?"

She couldn't believe that all of that had happened so quickly. And she didn't expect for someone to end up bleeding, on today of all days. Emmeline was just so thankful that neither Evelyn nor Rosalie were around to see this. It would have just made Emmeline even more upset, for she never wanted her two younger children to ever be witness to anything like this especially when they're 10 years old & 11 months old.

Just the thought made Emmeline ball her hands into tight fists a little bit at the thought and when she looked at the woman who had caused all of the problems in the first place. But she quickly knew that she needed to calm down so she took a few deep breaths and it didn't take long for her to fist to relax and she felt alright again.

Violet gasped when everything had gone down. When Christopher's mother had hit her head on a tombstone and had apparently became unconscious from the fall Violet covered her mouth. The next thing that happened had actually sent a chill down Violet's spine. It was when Christopher had begun screaming after his mother was unconscious. It was a side of Chris Violet had never seen before and it actually made her a little afraid.

Then Sophie had gone by and already healed Mrs. James' wound. Thankfully Violet felt relieved at that point. But she wasn't exactly sure if she should go by Chris, at least not just yet. Although she did give him a few glances, waiting for what would happen next.

Darrien was completely taken by surprise when Mrs. James had hit her head on a tombstone. He then thought that this was just getting more and more out of control. Darrien didn't know what to do at that point all he could do was go by Violet and stand by his daughter.

Then he was relieved when Sophie had already calmed everyone down and had healed Mrs. James' head. He breathed a sigh of relief for he thought that this was too much to handle especially when Chris & Elyon's father had just passed away. Darrien had both of hands on Violet's shoulders as they both watched on. He looked down when he noticed Violet place one of her hands on top of his. Darrien gave her a light kiss on the top of her head.

Victoria felt as though she were falling through a big dark tunnel, and her head was spinning. As the blonde's eyes slowly opened, she sat up, rubbing her head. "Whaa-?" she began to ask, but stopped abruptly as big brown eyes stared back into her narrowed grey ones. She knew what had just happened. That, that, that WOMAN. That blasted woman had hexes her with her voodoo magic! Raising a shaky finger, the proper lady scrambled backward, intending to put as much distance between her and the voodoo lady. "You horrible woman! You tried to kill me!" she gasped in a rather accusational tone. "MURDERER! HELP! SHE'S BOUND ME UP AND TRIED TO KILL ME!" she yelled, horrified of what other evil spells she might throw.

Elyon was really scared. She didn't dare say anything, for she knew not to say too mug when Mummy was upset. But now everyone was upset and she was confused and sad and seeking guidance from someone. And she'd already chosen that person. The most calm person at the funeral, someone really nice, a father figure that even kind of looked like her own daddy in a way. Mr. Harper was the closest thing to a father figure to her at the moment. Plus if Christi and Violet got married when they grew up, maybe he really would be her father in law! But it did confuse the little girl as to why Mr. Harper's surname differed from the rest of his family. Weren't families supposed to have one last name? Like a team name? Maybe not though, because Sely was her sister now and didn't have the same last name.

In all of the chaos and confusion, Elyon sneaking side shuffled over to the badger's dad when no one was looking and slid her hand into his and squeezed as hard as she could.

Too much was going on. Too. Much. Now that his mother was conscious and very much awake and screaming, he rushed to her side. Partly because he worried about her, and partly to shut her up so people didn't think that Mrs. Skylar was trying to totally shank his mother, though she technically DID attack a Muggle. Pulling her up off the ground, Chris said softly but loud enough for everyone to hear and know he wasn't completely insane, "Mum, Mum, hey, hey. Look here, look at me. Breathe in deep, breathe out. It's okay, calm down. Relax. No one here wants to hurt you. You are completely safe," he said, allowing her to hyperventilate and clutch onto his arms with incredible strength. As she lightened her grip, Christopher rubbed her back lightly, ignoring her cringing at his touch. No doubt she felt he was really dirty, but too sad and alone to really care. And then she did what he least expected her to do. She grabbed onto him and sobbed into his shoulder. Utterly taken aback, he lightly and awkwardly patted her shoulder, unable to hide his shock (and disgust when she used him as a hankerchief for her nose).

That was it. She couldn't take it. All of the chaos was making her head scream and surprisingly enough she DID feel grief. She was a person! The man she loved was dead, and the voodoo lady was trying to send her with him. It was too much for the poor woman. And now she would take the opportunity to just let it out. Saying the words she felt would probably get her spell-attacked again, so instead she just cried onto Christopher, who looked so much like Brian. But he'd never be Brian. Brian wasnt a freak. At least not until the brats were born. Then he turned into a weirdo, just like them. Victoria wasn't sorry for his death. Just old Brian, real Brian's. Sobbing up a storm onto her already soaked kid, she hid behind him, using him as a shield as well as a tissue. She thought that crazy Voodoo Woman might get some ideas at rr time of weakness, so she'd just let the boy take the hit. He'd be cool with it, she was sure.

Soaked from rain, tears, and Muggle bogies, Christopher just wanted to leave. His dad would've understood. From behind his Mother's shoulder he said to Mrs. Skylar, "Don't hurt her. It's only hurting my sister and me. And of course you and my mother, but that's probably a chance you were already willing to take. But please don't leave me a complete orphan, or go to Azkaban."

Sophie Skylar was doing some last minute enchantments lulling Mrs. James awake for her children's sake when the woman sat up in a bolt of electricity. It did not take Sophie long to miss the period of time when the woman could not speak and was unconscious. But with the current climate of the funeral she gathered that any more magic on the woman and all of the attendees would have a fit. So as Mrs. James backed away Sophie stood up and wiped her hands nonchalantly to remove the grime of the ground off of her hands.

Once she was up she moved to take a place next to her husband and watched as the woman began to sob into her son's chest. Sophie, if she were not an adult, would have been tempted to throw something at the woman's head. How dare she now find comfort in her son who was only minutes ago begging her to understand. How dare she grieve over a man who loved his children while she did not. How dare she be, for lack of a better phrase, a slimy git.

Then Christopher started to plee with Sophie and her hard eyes softened. She could tell that he was a good boy, a little off base with his sentiments toward his mother, but a nice boy none-the-less. But she had to refrain from a giggle when he mentioned Azkaban. "I didn't harm your mother on purpose the last time. Unbenowest to all of you I was not looking to hurt her when I cast the leg binding spell. She was hurting you and it was the least dangerous spell I had in my arsenal. Ironically it didn't work out as intended," then she affirmed, "And I won't go to Azkaban because I acted in your defense for your mother's harm on you. If anyone is going there it would be her... I know the law better than anyone here... I was an Auror once. People tend to forget."

Jake removed his hand from his wife's and moved over to Mrs. James. He knew that his wife would not agree with his next motion, but the blonde man had to try to nullify the issue with this woman. Of course if it came down to the worst of it he would simply take her children from her claiming to the Ministry that she was an unfit mother, but he wanted to try to fix things first. To the best of his ability at least. So he bent down to meet her eyes and said charmingly, "I am sorry for your loss Mrs. James. What my wife did though, you have to understand, is try to protect your children. You were harming your son and although I do understand you are going through a rough time it wasn't right to take it out on them. Perhaps though I can help ease your grief. If it would be alright with you we could take in your children with us and give you the time to grieve. We could even compensate you to put your mourning process at ease..."

Selina was furious with Mrs. James. She wanted to slap her and pull her hair at the same time, but that was inappropriate behavior for a thirteen year old... a lesson her father always taught her. Still she was a MEAN lady. And now she was playing up her tears for attention. Was there no end to this lady's behavior?

Suddenly her father stepped forward and leaned down to meet Mrs. James' gaze. He put on his Quidditch charming face and made her an offer to take in Chris and Elyon. How did he always do that? Take the best of situations and with a few words completely change the tone of the situation. Needless to say it was not a gift Selina had inherited.

With a mother still sobbing into his chest, Christopher shifted his weight awkwardly. He felt like a right git, now, knowing that Mrs. James had been trying to help him from the beginning. Of course he also felt pretty weak for getting beat up by his mum with the ony people he cared to impress as witnesses. "Oh.... well, erm, thanks...." he said to her, staring at the ground. "I'm sorry about all of this by the way. To all of you," he said, turning to the crowd. "I'm sorry that this is the way we had to meet. I'm sure I haven't exactly given you the best impression," he laughed slightly, ruffling the back of his head, like he did when he felt awkward, which was very often.

Reaching around his mother's pink-clothed back, he held out his hand, squinting through the storm. "I'm Christopher. I wish I could say it's been nice meeting you, but under the current circumstances, it's not exactly the way I wanted to meet you. Or Violet's Mum and Dad at that." He frowned as he glanced over at his girlfriend's very upset parents. Leave it to Christopher to ruin everyone's view on him at his dad's funeral.

The fourteen year old squirmed out of his mother's arms, ignoring her huffs of annoyance at the attention being diverted from her. He walked over to Mr. Skylar, and reached to shake his hand as well. "Hello sir. I'm so sorry everything has been so chaotic today. This wasn't how you were supposed to meet me, but I guess that didn't exactly go as planned... My name is Christopher, thank you so much for coming today. It really means a lot. Your daughter is great to me, I'm very lucky to have a best friend like her."

Walking over to the the Le Veela's, the Gryffindor felt much more nervous. They were people he most certainly wanted to impress- and had already failed at doing so. He shlyly smiled at them, extending his arm to each. "Thank you so much for being here, it means the world to me that you all made it. Again, I'm sorry beyond words about this whole ordeal, this wasn't how we were supposed to meet. Not like this, not under these circumstances or with certain family members..." he said, dropping his voice and motioning his head a little bit towards his now irritated mum. "I'm Christopher."

Victoria was very annoyed with stupid Christopher. She just wanted some good attention, that was it! She hardly ever got any, even if it had to be from the weirdo magicians. Maybe after seeing her they'd quit pulling rabbits out of hats and other nonsense and start acting like civilized human beings. But the teenager just had to run off and leave her. Not that she'd miss him, but she did value the attention he brought her.

And as she pouted, she ignored pretty much everything around her so she could have a grand old time wallowing in self pity. Of course that was until she found a very attractive man trying to charm her. And he offered her money. Where had this guy been all her life?! If only he wasn't a magician. She sighed, but didn't let the opportunity escape her. Not paying attention to what he was saying, the blonde beauty batted her eyelashes and smiled at him ever-so-sweetly. "Oh, yes, I know. It's very hard being me you know. But I'm sure you've definitely helped my grieving process," she said with a wink, twirling her perfect curls. She couldn't help it, this guy was a hottie.

But new words triggered her out of her flirt-mode and back into her regular self. A greedy look flashed upon her face and grinned raising her eyebrows up and down. "Compensation? How much are we talking?" she inquired, definitely ready for some shopping.

Sophie looked at Christopher and she took his hand and shook it. He was a nice boy and she could tell that he felt awful about the way that he had treated Sophie. However, she could not find it in her heart to blame him- he had just lost his father and after death a lot of things were hazy. So she would accept his apology because deep down she knew that he was just trying, in his own way, to help his mother that, in Sophie's opinion, was beyond helping, "Don't worry Christopher. You didn't make a bad impression. In fact it speaks mounds on your character that you even dared to help your mother while still try to make amends with your guests. Believe me... things happen. I understand." She was not her daughter who held grudges.

Selina crossed her arms and huffed as Christopher tried to amend the situation with her mother. There should not have even have been a fight in the first place. Regardless of how her Mom got on her nerves often enough she was an all around nice lady. She had a few choice words to say Mr. Christopher James and if he thought...

Did he just say that she was a good friend and he was lucky to have her? Well that much WAS true. Selina was pretty awesome. Okay, maybe he didn't need a talking to because by that comment he had all of his mental faculties in order. Stating the obvious was a good sign. No Saint *****'s for him.

Jake watched as Christopher went to his wife and made an apology- he was a good kid. A little lost, but his father had just died. He needed time and Jake could understand the whole grieving process ordeal. So he would let him grieve, Merlin knew Jake never did and he still bore his cross everyday.

Then Mrs. James' voice snapped his head back to her. She was leaning over him and trying to act seductively. Was this some kind of joke? His wife was standing right there. And she must have a death wish because Sophie had already accidentally caused her to bleed, if she wanted to hurt Mrs. James she could do much worse.

So he pulled himself a little away from her and said, "Whatever you think you'll need to cover the loss of your children that we will be relieving you of."

"Thank you ma'am. For everything." Giving Mrs. Skylar a smile that didn't reach his eyes, Christopher nodded respectfully and walked over to his dad's casket and sat down next to it on a wet chair. Running his hands through his hair, he sighed, trying just to avoid everyone at this point. He didn't want to be here anymore. Summer was a bad enough time and this wasn't an ideal way to start off the worst one yet to come. He honestly just wanted to go home, to their small cottage on the coast of South England and change into dry clothes (preferably not a suit of his deceased father) and curl up with a good book. That sounded great. Anything to get away from this chaotic mess. Plus he needed to hide from the brutal beating he was bound to receive when they had driven the fifteen minutes back to their teeny house.

Victoria didn't seem to notice the very attractive man pull away, as she was very focused on: 1-His looks. 2-His money. This man was awesome. Even if he was married to gross brown haired lady. And was a yucky man-witch. But she figured practicing being a widow wouldn't hurt, right?

"To be honest," the women said slowly, lowering her voice and biting her lip with a playful smile, "they aren't worthy very much, but since you seem HAPPY to take them, all take whatever you'll give me."

"As long as it's a good, large amount of course," the blonde said in her regular tone of voice. She needed money and when a hot guy comes into your life and offers you some, to her, the answer would always be YES.

Selina watched as Christopher moved over to his father's casket without another word and left the comfort of her mother's cast shield. Now he was starting to get wet again. No umbrella, no magical shield. Looking over at Violet she nodded and walked over to Christopher. Without remembering her umbrella she went out into the rain with Christopher. She softly approached him and sat directly next to him. Her one hand wrapped around his shoulder and she held him in a side embrace as she looked forward. Maybe the two of them could just sit there, maybe they could talk. Whatever he needed-- she was there for him now, they were best friends and he was like her older brother.

Time was the best way to heal all burdens.

Sophie crossed her arms in a tither, who did this woman think she was? Hitting on her husband like a slab of meat? It was her married life that she was messing with, not that Jake would ever act on her whims.

So she stepped forward at the woman and drew her wand enough to show the tip from behind her hand. "Well I'm sure MY husband and I could come up with any given amount. Not that I think you deserve a knut."

Jake looked at Sophie and starred at her. He loved his wife, she was a jealous woman... and he loved it. Not that he would ever admit that, it was morally wrong and usually he was the jealous one. But that was beside the point.

"How about we give you a thousand galleons?"

Sophie scoffed, "5000 pounds dear, she's a Muggle."

Christopher didn't make any sign of recognition that he even saw Selina coming toward him, but when she sat down next to him and gave him a side hug, he gave one in return, draping an arm around her shoulders as she'd done his. After a big hug, his arm remained there, and he spoke softly, "Hey." Shaking his head at the ground, he sighed. "Today was just a big disaster. I should've known not to have your family wrapped up in all of this. I'm so sorry Sel. Sorry about her, specifically. I know she thinks we're all filth, and that she's disrespectful in every way possible, but I'm so sorry."

Words of apology were all he could say to anyone. He shouldn't have invited them. He'd had them come to be here for him, not to have their parents at each other's throats. Getting anyone involved in his family life was a bad idea. After anyone met his mother, he wasn't exactly very well liked. Even teachers and mothers in the community hated their family. They were all freaks with an awful mother and no father. People like that weren't welcome in this community.

"A nut? Why would you pay me in nuts? That's not even money!" Victoria demanded impatiently. She should have known that outcasts like these people traded nuts for money. What else did they use, blades of grass? Dead animals? "Gallons? Of what? What are you people playing at!?" she asked furiously. These people were trying to con her! If she was going to do the illegal act of selling her kids, she wanted it to be in a real currency, like pounds. Not nuts and gallons of apple juice or whatever it was.

"5,000 pounds!?!" Victoria's mind was blown. Never had she ever even seen five thousand pounds at one time!! Not since she married Brian, anyway. Biggest mistake she'd ever made. "Give me the money IN POUNDS and you have a deal, take them, thake them!" she cried with glee. Today might as well have been the best day of her life. Money. No kids. It was heaven on Earth!

"When do I get the money!?" she half-sang cheerfully. "Once I get that, the brats are yours!"

Selina shook her head as she gave Chris a little squeeze, "Hey look at me," getting her point across as best as she could she repeated, "look at me. Today was not a disaster. It was your father's funeral, what did you expect would happen? Regardless today was not going to turn out all sunshine and daisies but you handled it well. Or as well as you could handle it."

Then she looked down at the ground and said softly, "And she's your Mom. I may not personally like her, but she is your mother and in her own twisted way she is grieving. I think she loved your Dad and today was hard for her. Everyone grieves differently. But in case you were worried I'm not mad at you. I think that your fantastic, I mean after meeting your family I have more respect for you. You grew up in unlikely circumstances and still turned out a nice and brilliant guy."

This woman was slowly eating away at the inside of Sophie's stomach lining. What did she mean by talking to her husband like that who was being, in her opinion, more than generous with the amount of pounds he was offering. In fact it was a little much to her. But she would not fight with him in public. They would talk about this later.

So taking the cue from her husband she drew a small check book from her bad and wrote out the amount of five thousand pounds for her to take. She felt very dirty as if this money was bad money, then again the moment the woman took it the dirty money would mean Mrs. James was out of her life and she could start to care for her children the way that Mrs. James never had.

Jake took the check from his wife and could tell in her eyes that he was in serious trouble when they got home. Alas, he should not have offered that much, but she seemed to be only willing to settle for the absurd.

So he handed her the check and said, "Here you are, ma'am. I hope this compensates for your sacrifice. If you want to see your children you can always owl us or we can floo them to you."