Chapter 7: Making Friends and Having Tea

The years passed and the boys had started lessons and unlike normal schools, their tutoring was year-round, since each teacher only came few days a week. They were taking both magical and non-magical studies, that and they were still learning the witches' way of doing things. Their tutoring schedules were as followed:

Luis F. Butterworth: etiquette (Mon, Weds, Fri, noon to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.)

Claire T. Mumford: magical theory (Mon, Weds, Fri, at 1:15 p.m. to 3 p.m.)

Genevieve J. Cornett: regular studies (Mon, Weds, Fri, at 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.)

Mark D. Rey: History (Tues, Thurs, at 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.)

So they were quite busy for such little boys, but with all they were learning from the teachers and their aunts. With all they were being taught the play room was set up in the attic and it was a marvel. The brothers were both proud of their accomplishment, and they only had a bit of help with the ceiling from Gilly. Okay, maybe she helped more than that, but they still did a lot.

June 14, 1987 New Salem

The Owens women and their nephews were strolling through town as they normally do on Saturdays. The boys were running ahead of the women and having a good time playing tag. The women were keeping an eye on them, but let them run ahead. They were never ones to curb children's fun. They smiled at their charges, happy that they could cut loose like this.

"Aunt Gilly," Harry said as he turn back to the aunts, causing him to run backwards, "we're gonna race to the park, okay? We'll meet you there. Neville wants to see if they've fixed the swing." He waved his hand as if it were a given that it was okay, which it was, and turned around and raced Neville. He didn't even wait for an answer.

"Okay," Gilly called back to the retreating boys, "but, wait for us there, okay?" There was a rising of a hand to show that he had heard, making her huff.

The park was only a few blocks away so they should be alright, they only had a few corners to turn, and the boys would mostly be in their sights. Not that she was overly worried; this was a good town, even if half of it feared them. The Owens never did anything to promote that fear, but it was there no matter what they did. The few bouts of accidental magic that the boys had, put that fear on them and made them targets for the bullies. But overall it was a good quiet town.

She sighed; seven years ago she would have never believed she would be this much of a responsible adult, but now she wouldn't have it any other way. Since the boys had come to them, her whole life had changed. While she can't say she didn't miss partying, she still had fun learning all the magic. She watched the boys get further away and smiled. They were such good boys —a little rambunctious, but then again, boys will be.

She thought about the two retreating boys as they were calling to each other in a playful manner. Harry was still a little on the short side, but they were confident that he would get a growth spurt when he was older. Until he had that spurt he was picked on quite a bit by the town bullies, one for being weird and two for being short. It was a good thing they taught the boys to stand up for themselves. He looked like the pictures they had of his dad, with his mother's emerald eyes. He was even wearing glasses now, which added fuel to the fire of the tormenters. Harry had a bit of a potty mouth, he thought they didn't know, but it was hard not to hear him when he got going.

Luis was exasperated with the child and tried to teach him that it was not proper to curse like that, but he was fighting a losing battle. It was as if Harry just couldn't help it, though he did stop when he was around the women, mostly.

Neville looked more like his mom, taller than Harry by a good three inches, with dirty blonde hair with sun streaks through it, and grey eyes, which looked to be a family trait if the pictures were anything to go by. He always stood up with his sorta brother and they would protect each other from everyone that crossed them. He was the calmer one and didn't cuss at all. He took to the etiquette lessons well and knew, from what Kippy told him, that his grandmother would be proud. He also tried to curb Harry's cussing, but for some reason no one could get the boy to stop.

The Owens women were very thankful for Jim bringing all the boys' families' items and pictures. There were even a few journals, that helped explain a lot to them and the boys didn't feel cut off or abandoned by the people back in England. The diaries also explained the war and how it started, though only the Longbottom journal told how it ended. The journals from Harry's family were all after they left school, so he had no idea how his mom and dad met, or what they were like as kids and teens.

Neville's parents' diaries encompassed most of their lives, both in and out of Hogwarts. They learned a lot from them about the school and the prejudice views of the British Wizarding World. While the American Wizarding World was not perfect, they did squash the bias pure-blood faction to almost non-existent. Yet it had its corruption just like every governing body. Bribes and blackmail were very common place. The agent they had at the house, Claire Mumford, made sure to keep them up on the office gossip. It was only the structure that kept it from being as bad as Britain's Magical Government. From what they heard about that Ministry, they were glad they didn't have to deal with those pure-blood bigots.

She was brought out of her musing by Neville's faint yell. "Come on, Harry!" Neville yelled as he pulled further ahead of his brother, "I'll race ya." It was hard to hear they were so far away, but she always kept on ear out for her nephews.

"Hey," Harry said, sprinting to catch up, "No fair, cheater. You were supposed to wait 'til I caught up." He ran as fast as he could, but his legs were shorter and he wasn't in as good of shape as his brother.

"I'm not a cheater. You're just slow," the taller boy teased as he turned around and ran backwards, letting Harry catch up. When he did, they both faced front and started their race again. "I'm going to beat you to the park," Neville taunted.

"No you won't. I'm getting faster," Harry denied, puffing out his breath.

The boys had turned the corner and suddenly stopped. They heard a young boy crying and begging someone to stop. They looked around for an adult and didn't see one, so they followed the noise. The Owens boys went down and alleyway that wasn't seen from the street. They were hoping the aunts heard them when they came around the corner, but figured they could deal with whatever was happening. They were big boys at the age of almost seven.

They came across a scene where there were three boys, about a few years older, were picking on a boy their age. The younger boy was crouched against the wall trying to protect his head. It was hard to tell from where he was cowering, but he looked to be Harry's height and had brown hair. They could hear the taunts coming from the older boys.

Older boy number one was saying, "Go away, weirdo, we have enough freaks in this town. We don't need a weirdo like you." And he picked up a rock and threw it at the poor boy. It hit him on his hands, and left a red mark, so it must not have been thrown that hard, still throwing rocks was wrong.

Harry and Neville were infuriated. They never liked these kids and were not about to let them hurts someone, even if they didn't know the boy. They had run into these intimidators before. They were some of the people that always insulted and threw things at them when they visited the library and park and stuff. The aunts always said never let them hurt you, but other than that, ignore them. Well this time it wasn't about them, it was about someone else and they were going to stand up for the hurt boy. Speaking of the boy, he now got up and was standing next to the two that rescued him, braver now that he had backup.

"Hey, assholes, what do you think you're doing!?" Harry yelled, getting between the bullies and the boy on the wall.

"Oh, look it's the Owens freaks. What are ya going to do sic your witches on us?" bully number two sneered as he tossed a rock from one hand to another, like he was thinking about throwing it.

"Um, no, we don't have to sic anyone on you to hurt you or make you look stupid. You're doing fine on your own," Neville stated, standing next to Harry with his arms crossed.

"I don't know who you are, but thanks. Now that you're here, we can stand together. My name is, Jordan," the brunette boy said without taking his deep brown eyes off the bullies. They were correct; he stood just as tall as Harry which meant he was rather short too.

"Well, let's take care of these jackasses first, and then you can come with us to the park and wait for the aunts," Harry said as he glared at the bullies daring them to make a move.

At the mention of the aunts the bullies started looking fearfully around. They had no problem teasing and taunting the Owens boys, but they weren't about to mess with those women.

"Yeah, now isn't the time for introduction," Neville concurred. "We need to rid ourselves of these pests first."

"Let's see what we should do to these morons, Neville?" the messy-haired boy asked a malicious gleam in his killer green eyes. He really hated bullies. He was very thankful Jim had brought Neville into his life, though maybe not the reasons, but the fact that he kept them together was appreciated. "Do you remember what Kylie and Tonia said about what they did when they were attacked by bullies? I was thinking something along those lines, but more of a charm than a curse. I think the one we were working on last month should do. They would look good with spots all over their faces," he said, confusing the new kid and making the bullies shuffle, like they were going to run as it was they turned and slowly walked away.

Neville shook his head, "No, Harry, not that one. How about the one that makes them cry every time they try and bully someone one? Aunt Gilly taught us that one last week, I think we got it working now. That way everyone will think they're the weirdos. Plus, we can use that charm so they get confused and can't tell anyone why." He shared a look with his brother, mirth danced in his eyes.

"Oh, good one," Harry said, looking back at the bullies. "The crying one first, and then the confusion one, okay? On three… one…. two…. three."

The bullies were almost to the mouth of the alley when the Owens boys pointed their fingers at the tormenters and chanted in quiet voices as one. "I curse you with the fact that when you bully you will cry, when you tell you will be babble." And a blast of energy sprang from their fingers and went out in a wave down the alley.

The bullies had tried to run, but it was no use. This was directed at them and it would not miss — the magic the aunts taught them was widespread, like waves and would only affect the person or object it was intended for. The spell hit the running boys, but its effects wouldn't be seen until they picked on someone.

After the older boys were gone Harry turned to the new kid. "Hey, Jordan, my name is Harry and this is Neville. Are you new around here?" he asked with a huge smile as he held out his hand.

"We're just visiting for the day," the boy claimed. He took Harry's hand and shook it, and then he turned to Neville to do the same. "We just moved into Harwich, it is a few towns away. What did you do to those guys? And why are you allowed to practice magic in front of Muggles? My mum said that I'd get in trouble if I did that. Where are your wands?" the poor confused Jordan questioned with a very British accent.

"We should probably find the aunts and then your family. Then we can talk about it. I'm Neville, by the way," Neville said maturely, grabbing both boys by the arm and leading them out of the alley. "They should be looking for us near the park anyway." It was too bad the aunts missed them; they would've shown those kids not to mess with an Owens.

Harry sighed. "Yeah, you're right, let's go," he said, pulling his arm out of Neville's grip. "Come on, Jordan, the park is this way." He headed out of the alley and turned towards the park with the other two tagging behind. They made their way through town and were soon at their destination.

"There they are," Neville said, pointing at his aunts.

It was kind of hard to miss them. They were the only ones with parasols and hats. Well, except Gilly, but she looked like she would be more comfortable on the front page of a teen magazine than standing by a tree at the park. Their Aunt Gilly maybe old, well by kids standards, but she was still very pretty and in very good shape and she loved to show it, in tight short shorts and a half shirt.

Gilly was looking around a little worried, she didn't see the boys anywhere. The aunts didn't seem to be concerned; they knew the boys could take care of themselves.

"Aunt Gilly, we're over here," Harry called to the youngest aunt.

The Owens women turned to the voice and noticed a rather dirty scuffed up boy between their nephews. "Who's this?" Frances asked as they came closer.

"Jordan, let me introduce you to my Aunt Frances, Aunt Jet and Aunt Gilly. Aunties, this is Jordan, we saved him from those stupid bullies," Harry said as he pointed to each aunt in introduction and then the scuffed up boy.

"Oh, you poor dear," Aunt Jet said, stooping down to take a look at the new young boy. "Let me take a look. Those nasty boys are nothing but trouble. I wish sometimes I could just curse them." She noticed the smug look on her nephews' faces and decided to wait until later to ask. She was sure they'd hear from the parents soon enough. "Let's see, there doesn't seem to be anything harmful. Just a few cuts and scrapes. A little bit of mugwort will clear that right up, dear. Do you hurt anywhere else, sweetie? Oh, don't worry, dear, I've patched a few children up in my time. Do you know where your parents are?" she asked as she turned the boy's head both ways to get a better look.

"Naw, I'm fine," Jordan said patiently as this kind lady looked him over. "We got separated near the doughnut shop. Mum wanted to get a pastry for Maisie, my little sister, and I asked if I could stand outside and wait for them. There were some pretty cool people walking by and I wanted to watch them. I do that, watch people," he explained, deep brown eyes sparkling with excitement, it was his favorite hobby.

"Sweetie, you shouldn't have wandered away," Gilly stated, kneeling down and examining his arm, which had a scrap on the elbow. Frances removed some wet-naps and some balm from her purse, and the two witches that were looking at the child, cleaned up his hurts, making the boy squirm.

"I'm fine," Jordan protested as Jet wiped his face down.

"Let us do this and tell us how you got separated from your mom," Gilly said, putting the balm on his elbow after she cleaned it. They were getting really good a patching up little boys.

"Well, we don't get out with Muggles very much. We just moved to Harwich from Salem, but we lived near SunSpot Alley, so we did all our shopping there. I know I shouldn't a wandered, but I got curious," he said sheepishly, looking down at the green goo that was on his arm. He had to admit it was better smelling than Mum's stuff. "Then those boys started in on me about being new and I got mad and one of them flipped over backwards without me touching him. So I musta done some magic or something. Mum told me that might happen soon. I'm not supposta talk about it, but since these guys know, I figured you did too," he concluded, rubbing his nose where it tickled from the balm.

"Well, don't you worry your pretty little head we'll find your folks," Frances said, mussing up his hair as Jet and Gilly finished treating his owies. "Let's go get some donuts, ladies and gents, and maybe we can invite some new friends to tea. Kippy will be sure to have something ready for company." She held out her arm for Jet to take and the two older sisters made their ways down the street, the rest of the group followed.

They wandered to the donut shop saying hello to everyone who they approached. Well Frances and Gilly did, in, oh, so different ways. Frances was telling the boys; who was who and what they had done. Her Occlumency was coming along well, but she still couldn't help but peek into the minds of the town folk, they were just so entertaining. She left the love lives out for now, because she didn't want the new boy thinking he was in a bad place. But she had no problem saying who was cheating on their taxes or stealing from their job.

Gilly was waving and winking at the men and waving with a smirk to the women. She may have felt more mature, but she still enjoyed making people squirm and with the stares she was getting from her revealing clothing she was doing just that. That and these people had made hers and Sally's lives hell when they were growing up, until the whole Jimmy thing. Poor Sally had tried so hard to make these people like her, but failed miserably until she came out as a witch. So Gilly made sure to be friendly with the ones that helped and teased the ones that still looked at her family with scorn and fear.

Jet was just leading the boys. She had long given up making those two behave. Harry and Neville loved the antics of the two outgoing aunts. They made visiting the town so much fun. Some of the people waved and laughed with them, so it wasn't all bad. Jordan just followed behind and watched how the town folk reacted to the Owens family.

They spotted a family of three looking around in near panic. The woman was on the smaller side with waist long blonde hair, that she wore loosely, and sky blue eyes. The man was average height with neatly trimmed brown hair and brown eyes. You could tell that Jordan took after his dad, while the little girl looked just like her mother.

"Mum," Jordan called as he ran to the woman "you'll never guess what happened?" he started his story and then turned and pointed to the Owens family, but was ignored for a moment while the woman tugged him into her arms.

"Jordan, oh Merlin, I was so afraid. Why did you run off? What if we never found you?" the woman frantically asked as she hugged the boy and then held him at arm's length to get a good look at him. "What happened to you? How did you get so dirty and scraped up? Who put the potion on you?" She ran her finger over the bruises and cuts on his face and looked at his dirty clothes. She was itching to take out her wand and tend to her child, but they were in the middle of a Muggle town, that and it looked like whatever potion was applied was working. His scrapes and bruises were slowly healing right in front of her eyes. She took a delicate sniff and noted the smell of mugwort, which caused her to relax slightly.

"I'm fine, Mum," Jordan said, squirming away, "Let me tell you what happened. I was…" and then told her what happened; with much arm waving and some foot stomps.

During his story the Owens family caught up to the little family and patiently listened to the recap. When Jordan got to the part about meeting Harry and Neville, he pointed to them. The aunts noticed the look of recognition in the adults' eyes and were put immediately on edge, tugging their nephews towards them to keep them from harm, eyes narrowing in warning. They had never forgotten Death's warning about people wanting to use or harm the boys.

The man and wife saw the reaction and smiled giving a comforting shake of their head and turned back to Jordan to listen to the rest of their son's tale.

"… then Harry and Neville took me to their aunts, and they healed my owies," Jordan finished off, pointing at Jet and Gilly.

The man stepped forward and held out his hand, "Well, I'm Finley Hilton, this is my wife Evie and this is our daughter Maisie and you've already met Jordan. Thank you for tending to him and returning him to us."

Gilly took his hand and shook it, "I'm Gilly Owens, the boys' legal guardian. These are my aunts Jet and Frances, and these two little rascals are our nephews, Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom," she said, shocking the boys. They were never introduced with their real names. They crept closer to the aunts, unsure what the situation, something must be different about this family if Gilly felt the need to stress that they were there legally. "As for taking care of Jordan, it was no problem," she added with a smile to the young boy.

"Cor, are you really? You didn't tell me that," Jordon said wide-eyed, looking at Harry's forehead and spotting the scar he didn't notice before.

The messy-haired six, almost seven, year old rolled his eyes at Jordan. It had happened a few times in the Alley when he lost his hat or something. They were able to make the person forget they ever saw Harry Potter. It was one of the first major charms Gilly every mastered. "Yeah, well I don't usually give my last name in such an informal setting. I go by Owens when I'm not at home," he explained, giving a curious look to his youngest aunt. She just shook her head and mouthed 'later'.

Neville punched Harry in the arm playfully. "Don't ever let Luis hear you say that," he teased, trying to lighten the mood.

"What," Harry said, shoving his brother back, "he said I only have to give my name in formal settings. This," he said, waving his hand around, "is so not a formal setting." He pushed Neville again, making the boy stumble back. When he righted himself, he shoved Harry's shoulder and the playful fight was on.

"While I love to see you boys play, I think we need to invite the Hiltons for tea so we can talk about you. And while we're saying mean things about you boys, you can show the kids your play room," Gilly said as she wrestled the boys so she had one under each arm and pretended to try and bonk their heads together. "That and I'd love to hear what's going on in Britain, maybe we can learn a bit about your godfather, Harry." She tried once more to bash their heads together.

Instead of growing calmer like Sally, she grew more playful. She was still maturing, but felt that the kids needed an example of a free spirit that still knew responsibility. So there never went a day that she and the boys didn't play with one another. They were very active. Then there were lessons on magic and the consequences of using it incorrectly. It was a balancing act that they had perfected.

"Get off, Aunt Gilly, or I'm gonna tell Kippy on you and she'll make you eat porridge for the rest of the weekend," Neville spiritedly demanded as he tried to get out from under Gilly's arms.

"Yeah, and I'll make sure she doesn't give you any dessert," came Harry's reply as he too was trying to jostle his frisky aunt off.

"Oh threaten me with Kippy, will you? I'll have you know, you rotten little brats, that Kippy loves me more than she loves you," She mock growled, not giving the boys an inch.

"Does not, she like me best," scoffed Neville.

"Nuh uh, she likes me best," was Harry's return.

"No way, boys, it's me," Gilly said in a victorious voice.

The older aunts looked on with indulging smiles and the Hiltons looked confused as to who Kippy was. It sounded like the name of a house elf, but only magicals had those and these women didn't seem to be carrying wands, though they did have a good potion in their possession. But, Evie knew that low magical people could make potions, so they might be squibs.

Frances turned to the family of four and said, "While our children play, let me invite you to tea? I think we have much to talk about." She gave them a knowing look, like she knew exactly what they were thinking and that they would get information if they joined the Owens.

The two adult Hiltons looked at each other and then back at the aunts. "We'd be delighted," Finley said as he put his elbow out for his wife and took his daughter's hand. Jordan stood near his family, not sure what was going on. His eyes were on the tussling trio.

"Most wonderful, if you will follow me, we can lead you there," Jet said. Then she turned to the still playing 'kids' and said, "Come along, we're going to tea." She took Frances' elbow and started down the road sure that everyone would follow.

The three combatants stopped their shoving and as she started to run Gilly said, "Race ya."

"No fair," came two young voices.

"Come on, Jordan, or she is gonna win," Harry yelled as he took off running after his much faster aunt. The town folk looked on, mostly indulgently, they were quite used to the younger Owens trio being rambunctious. There were those that were just glad they were going home, they never liked it when the Owens family strolled the town. It made them uncomfortable.

Soon the four racers were pulling into the Owens' yard and stopped to wait for the walkers, breathing kind of heavy, Jordon more so as he wasn't used to running like that.

"Whew, you guys are getting pretty fast. You almost beat me," Gilly said as she plopped to the ground. The three tired boys joined her. The two nephews beaming, they had almost beaten her. "Neville, why don't you go ahead and let Kippy know we're expecting company for tea?" she politely requested as she wiped her damp forehead.

"Okay, Aunt Gilly. American or British tea?" Neville said as he got up from the ground. Luis made sure they knew both in case they ever were invited somewhere important then they'd know what to expect.

Americans served iced tea with pretty much the same spread as the British, however with more light sandwiches, with thin meat and cheese, or cucumber. That and there were fewer sweets. British teas were served hot and had more sweets, what they called cakes and biscuits.

"American for now, I'm pretty sure they're British so let's give them something new."

"Okay," He said and he jogged off, you could hear him as he entered the house "Kipppppyyyyyy, we need an American tea service. We're having company, it's two…" his voice trailing off as he went further into the house.

Gilly just shook her head and smiled as she waited for the rest of their group. This was going to be a long afternoon. The aunts and the Hiltons soon joined the racers. Everyone got off the ground, dusted themselves off and started towards the house.

"You have a lovely house. I've not seen one like this since we left England," Evie said, looking at the large elegant house with a hint of remorse in her blue eyes. She took in the neat and trim lawn, the scattered tables and gardens with their gravel pathways. It brought small tears to her eyes as it all reminded her of the home she had fled from.

"Thank you, dear. It's been in our family a very long time," Frances said, leading the way into the front hall.

Gilly grabbed her nephews, again, and said, "Why don't you take Jordan and Maisie to the play room? Don't worry we're not going to talk too badly about you guys. I just think that we adults can share some news, and maybe an explanation on how you two got here." She gave them a nudge and shoved them in the direction of the stairs.

"Okay, Aunt Gilly," Neville said and then he turned to the two new kids. "You're going to love this. We've been working on it for a year. You won't see anything like it in SunSpot." He started up the winding stairs that circled around the center of the four story house.

The attic had been changed into the play room after the nephews could confidently climb the stairs by themselves. They now had separate rooms on the third floor, and used this room for playing and homework.

"Yeah, it's great. You'll have loads of fun," Harry said, grabbing Jordan by the elbow. Jordan in turn grabbed his sister's hand and followed Neville up the stairs. He had to wonder what surprises he would see. So far the Owens boys, or Potter and Longbottom, had been pretty cool. So he hoped he and his sister weren't disappointed with the buildup. You could see Maisie was excited by the light dancing in her eyes.

Hppmhppm

The Aunts led the adults into the living room where a table was set up for tea. Jet gestured to the chairs inviting everyone to sit. There were tall glasses of what looked like iced herbal tea, a tray of thin ham and cheese triangle sandwiches and some small sugar cookies. The whole tray looked elegant and nicely set up, like something you would find at an upper-crust party.

"Please, sit and enjoy some of Kippy's wonderful tea. She gets the herbs from our garden, the lovely dear," Jet said, taking up a glass and sighing with delight after sipping the delicious beverage.

Everyone enjoyed the tea while making small talk. Once they were all relaxed, Gilly brought up the subject of Harry. "I noticed that you guys recognized Harry. I want to tell you right now," she emphasized with a narrowing of her eyes as she looked directly at them, "that I can and will erase that you ever saw us. But," she held her hands and relaxed her expression when the new couple gasped, "I only do that when I have no choice. I'd like the boys to have another wizard friend before they go to Salem Magical Institute."

"I'm not sure how I feel about you threatening my family," Finely stated with a narrowing of his own eyes.

"You know Harry's story, and you know people are looking for him. Wouldn't you do the same for your children," the red-blonde defended her actions. "Besides, I would prefer if the boys were friends before SMI. I am assuming that's were Jordan is going," she said in a questioning tone.

"Yes, Jordan will be going there as well, and you're right it would be nice for him to have friends," Evie looked at her husband, who gave a reluctant nod of his head. "Harry and Neville have been reported as kidnapped in England. I'd like to know how they came to be with you. No," she said hurriedly, seeing the look on the aunts' faces, their eyes narrowing with warning, "I don't think you kidnapped them, I mean how could you? As far as I can tell you have no connection to England. I just want to know to ease my mind." She put her empty glass on the low table and placed her clasped hands in her lap, so the Owens would be at ease.

"We can tell you, but first we need a vow," Gilly stated, making sure her voice carried her determination. It would be nice to have someone besides the aunts to talk to about the Wizarding World. That and this family was from Britain, they might be able to tell them more about the boys' homeland and families. She was very curious as to whether or not Sirius Black was out of prison. They did have the tutors, but only Claire was one for gossip, and she stuck mostly to her work.

"I can do that, but Finley cannot all he can do is give his word not to tell," the female Hilton stated.

"Oh," Jet said with a lifting of an eyebrow.

"He is a squib," was the blunt reply as if daring them to say something derogatory.

"Hmmm, Gilly, dear, do we have any of those contracts?" Frances asked, looking at her youngest niece.

"I think so," the red-blonde said and went to one of the desks in the room and rummaged around. "Here we go, one non-magical contract for nondisclosure," she said, waving it around and retaking her seat.

They kept these here for those that were teaching the boys non-magical lessons. Since there were so many of them that were squibs, they needed these on hand. They had gone through quite a few people before they found their current tutor. It was quite a hassle and Gilly, even with the contract, took the boys' names out of their heads. They now only knew that they had taught the Owens women's nephews.

Evie and Finley looked it over and held a quiet conversation. It took about five minutes of reading and talking, and then Finley signed it. Evie gave her vow and the Owens women started to tell their tale.

"It all started…," Jet started and then proceeded to tell them about how Death came to them and how they were in a one way contact with the boys' other guardians. The other Owens women adding their bits here and there, while the Hiltons drank their tea, nibbled on the snacks and listened. It was quite shocking to think that Death could roam the earth like that, but they eventually believed the witches' story.

"You should know," Evie said a little sheepishly, as if about to part with a great secret, but was worried about the repercussions, "that I knew we'd run into you eventually. I'm a seer. We ran from England a year ago, because I saw You-Know-Who come back. I got scared, since I married a squib. That and the last war saw me with no family left. I know Jordan will go back with your nephews. That's all I know." She got a very gloomy look on her face, tears started pouring down.

"Oh, you poor dear," Frances said, reaching over and patting her hand.

"I'm just so worried. I see a fight between the Dark Lord and Harry, but I don't see who else is fighting. Just lots of spell fire. I don't see who wins or even if anyone does. I'm so sorry, I can't give you more," Evie said in a shaky voice, very worried the Owens women would fault her. She felt her concern was genuine; a lot of people blame seers for not seeing more than they could. It had happened to her many times in the past, which is why she usually kept it a secret.

Frances got up and sat on the arm of the crying woman's chair and gave her a one armed hug, while Evie's husband held her hand. "Shhh, don't worry dear, we won't blame you. We understand that seers only see so much," she consoled, while rubbing her back.

Evie's tears slowed and she nodded her head that she was okay and Frances retook her seat. "Thanks for that, you would be surprised at how many people condemn seers," she explained, shaking her head at that thought. "Anyway, that's all I know, for now. If anything changes then I will make sure you know right away. I have a feeling we're going to be great friends."

The Owens women shared a look and shrugged as one, they already knew all this. "Okay," Gilly said as she turned to face the Hiltons, "I was wondering if you could give us news on Britain. We don't get newspapers, magical or otherwise."

"I can tell you that there is a huge manhunt for the boys, by every governing body in Magical Britain. I know that Harry's godfather, who was released a few years ago, is looking for him and something else. He spends most of his time searching for the boys and these other items. He has spent lots of money in his endeavors," Evie stated in a worried voice. She could see the man finding them in a few years, but not after that.

"Oh, does he say if he is close to finding Harry?" Jet asked, also worried.

"No, he is offering an award for information," Finley answered, still holding his wife's hand.

"I have a vague feeling that he is playing with the other hunters, like he already knows where the boys are, but is holding off coming here," Evie stated in a hollow voice and then shook her head to clear it. She smiled at the aunts and hoped to comfort them.

"Oh dear, well, we'll come back to that. Now, we have magical and non-magical tutors set up for the boys. If you want we can include Jordan in that. We also have an etiquette tutor who comes twice a day, three times a week, if you're interested in that as well. This way both of our families can all get to know each other," Jet offered the couple, whose faces lit up with the prospect.

"Is Maisie magical too?" Gilly asked, thinking that if Finley were a squib one of their children might be as well.

Finley shook his head sadly and said, "No, she takes after me. It's been pretty hard on her."

Jet waved her hand dismissively. "Well, we'll just have to make her feel welcome," she said encouragingly. "She can join the non-magical tutors. Plus, there are some Wiccan ways that we can teach her. Nothing big, just some simple things that we have in the Book, which is our family's grimoire," she explained to the hopeful looking couple. "That way she doesn't feel left out. I am sure that Kippy will be more than happy to play with her while the boys study magic."

Gilly got a mischievous look in her eye. "Don't you think you should ask her first? Kippy, can you come here a minute, please?" she called.

The little elf popped in still wearing her robes. "What can Kippy be doing for Missy Witchy Gilly?" Kippy asked in her squeaky little voice.

"Kippy," Gilly sighed in exasperation, "how many times to I have to tell you call me Gilly? You're a free elf. You can call people whatever you like." She shook her head at how stubborn the elf could be.

"Then Kippy is calling yous what she wants." The little elf stomped her foot, a mock glare on her face.

"Okay, okay, sheesh," the youngest Owens woman said, holding her hands in surrender. "These are the Hiltons. Their kids are upstairs; you might want to take them some snacks soon. Aunt Jet was offering your services to babysit the little girl, Maisie, while the boys learn magic. I thought maybe you'd want to be asked first." She smirked at her aunt, who just stuck her tongue out at her.

Kippy looked at the Owens, nodded and said, "Kippy is already knowing about the children. She is already looked in on the young Masters and little Miss." She turned the Hiltons, "Wills you be willing to pay Kippy to watch Missy Maisie? How old is Missy Maisie being?" the proud free elf questioned as the Owens women looked on smiling. Kippy had come so far in her independence since she first came to them.

During this whole conversation the Hiltons were looking gobsmacked. Though Finley was a squib, he knew about house elves and he never heard of a free one that wanted to get paid. They looked at each other then back to the elf, "Ummm sorry, Kippy was it… did you just ask for pay?" he stuttered.

Kippy nodded her head. "Yes sir, Mr. Hilton, sir. Kippy is a free elf and Kippy is wanting pay for her services. Missy Witchys Aunties is teaching Kippy how to be a free elf. They is saying that all servants is being getting paid. They is telling Kippy that until she is bonded again, if ever, Kippy should demand pay for anything anyone ask," she said firmly and then discreetly looked to the aunts to make sure she was doing what they suggested correctly and noticed them beaming at her. She stood up straighter and looked back to the Hiltons.

"Okay," Evie said, still looking a little muddled, "and how much would you like to be paid if you watch Maisie? She is four to answer your other question."

Now it was Kippy's turn to look confused, she had no idea how much babysitters for a four year old got paid. She turned to the Owens women for help.

"Well, let's see," Jet said thoughtfully as she tapped her chin, "Kippy gets paid twenty-five dollars a week for the housework and cooking. So babysitting one four year old should be at least five dollars each sitting." The other two Owens women nodded, that sounded about right, well, a bit low, but Kippy, for all she as free, didn't like to be paid overly much.

"Okay, Kippy," Finley said decisively, holding out his hand to the little elf, "if you watch Maisie when the boys are learning then we'll pay that amount. Shake on it?"

Kippy shook both of the Hiltons' hands and sealed the deal. "Kippy is going to make sure the children is not getting into troubles. Kippy will be bringing them snacks." And with that she popped out of the room.

"I would love to hear the story about how you obtained a free house elf," Evie said, looking back to the Owens.

"Well, it started when Madam Longbottom…" Gilly started and proceeded to tell the Hiltons how they came to hire Kippy and the elf's story about house elf history, which the Hiltons didn't know. When the story was done she looked to Evie and said, "We don't do magic like you do. We don't require a wand and if you want, you can come when the children do and we'll show you how to do things our way. We're already teaching the boys' magical tutors so it won't be any trouble if you want to join. We do this during the boys' etiquette lessons, which we're banned from." She shared a smile with her aunts, showing they didn't care.

The Hiltons shared a looked then Evie nodded her head in compliance. "Okay, I would love to join," she stated, still gobsmacked over this entire conversation.

"I have to warn you," Frances cautioned, "that one of the tutors is a government agent. We have an agreement with them. We don't have to vow to the Statute of Secrecy or the Magical United Nations, and they won't arrest our family for doing magic. Unless we kill, or try to take over the world, or try and bring back the dead."—That was a secret they would take to the grave. — "Our use of magic is how we make a living, after all. In return we teach her our ways. She then teaches the agency she works for, and they spread it to other agencies. Her name is, Claire T. Mumford, she's part veela, and that was interesting to learn. She actually stays here at the house. She's at work right now, since she teaches the boys during the week she goes to the office on the weekends. She's simply marvelous young woman. I just wanted to let you know she was here. "

Once more the Hiltons were floored. It was too many changes in their view of the world at once. "Okay," Evie said tentatively, "I'll be here on Monday. Finley works so he won't be able to join us very often. I have nothing to hide from the government, we're here legally."

The adults went to set up schedule and travel arrangements for the Hiltons to join them. Gilly offered to come and get them as she had discovered a new way to travel— Jumping, it was a lot like Apparition, but smoother—and soon everything was worked out.

At the same time, in the playroom with the kids.

The children made it up the long winding stairs with little fuss, thought Jordan and Maisie were a bit out of breath.

"Come on, guys," Neville said, leading them to the attic, "this way."

They got to the play room and the two new kids were shocked. "This is wicked," Jordan said, looking around at the bright room with its colorful beanbag chairs littering the floor.

There were toys everywhere, some were moving on their own, and others were changing colors. There was an airplane circling the room and a train doing the same on the floor. The awesome thing was that they were running off magic and not electricity. There were even some non-magical plush toys running about. A vibrant rainbow with huge white fluffy, slowly drifting clouds hung in the top half of the room. Some of the clouds were even giving off a light sprinkle, which never touched the floor, but made the room a nice cool temperature. The windows had a muted sunlight spell that made the whole room bright and cheery. Along one wall were a couple of small lap-trays, which the boys used to do their homework.

Maisie ran into the room giggling. She spotted a teddy bear that was running around on its own in no particular direction and she tried to catch it. She was having a hard time of it, because every time she got close it would disappear and then reappear at the other end of the room. This just made her giggle more as she gave chase.

Jordon smiled at his sister, she never got to play with magical toys —they never worked for her. Now, though, she was having a great time and he was happy for her. There was some jealousy about the fact that he could do magic and she couldn't, as much as a four year old can get jealous. She was getting over it as she grew, which made him feel loads better. He then looked around the room again, getting the general feel.

They spent a good half an hour showing the dazed boy everything in the room and then steered him to the beanbag chairs. "How did you guys do this? Did your aunties help?" the new boy asked in amazement, not thinking for one moment these kids his age could do this type of magic. He grew up in a magical household, but he'd never seen anything like this. He had heard about the ceiling in the Great Hall of Hogwarts, but he didn't know that anyone outside the Founders could do this, especially a couple of kids.

"Well, the aunts have been teaching us magic since we were little. Aunt Gilly helped with the rainbow and clouds, but we did the rest. Our aunts don't do magic like your parents. I'm sure they are offering to teach them right now. They're cool like that. You'll probably join our lessons," Harry answered, taking seat in one of the beanbag chairs. He smiled as he watched Maisie chase the bear. "Don't worry, though, our tutors are cool, mostly. The aunts are even teaching someone from the government how to do our type magic."

Neville and Jordan joined him in the other beanbag chairs.

"What do you mean they don't do magic like my mum? Dad's a squib. I didn't know there were other types of magic. The government really, isn't that weird?" Jordan asked, his brown eyes still alight with wonder as he glanced all around the room. He lifted his hand to see if he could feel the drizzle, but it just faded before it touched it. It did leave it feeling cooler though.

"We don't use wands," Neville explained with a shrug. "Really pissed off one of our first tutors and Aunt Gilly had to wipe her memory, she got so bad. Remember that, Harry?"

"Yeah, that woman was a bitch," Harry said and then yelped when he got a stinging sensation on his shoulder.

"Yous is not using that language, Master Harry," Kippy said as she faded into view. "Kippy is not knowing where Master Harry is learning such bad words, but yous should not be repeating them. And yous, Master Nevilles, will not be saying the word 'pissed'," she chastised, shaking her finger at her two naughty boys.

"Sorry, Kippy, I didn't mean it," Neville said sheepishly. Unlike Harry he didn't cuss much and he felt really embarrassed when he was caught.

"Sorry, Kippy," Harry said self-consciously, looking at the little house elf with big green puppy dog eyes. He learned to cuss from movies, of course, and he really didn't want Kippy to ban him from watching, since it was the only from of media allowed in the house and the aunt didn't care what he watched as long as he didn't get nightmares. He didn't think even the aunts would approve of him cussing at such a young age, but sometimes he just slipped. Luis was always getting on his case and looking at him with great disappointment, which in turn made Harry feel bad, but it was just something he did without really thinking about it.

Kippy just put her hands on her hips and glared at him, "Yous two is better behaving, or I is going to tell Master Luis about your dirty mouths."

"I'll behave," Harry said quickly with a horrified look. He hated getting lectures from Luis. Neville nodded frantically, thinking the same.

"Kippy has to go; Missy Witchy Gilly is calling hers. Yous two, behave." And with that she popped away.

Neville laughed, because Harry got zapped and he didn't. "She told you," he taunted. "I've been telling you not to cuss in the house. You never get away with it. At least my word isn't considered a cuss word around here," he said with a shake of his head.

Jordan watched all this in astonishment, while Maisie continued to play with the toys. She had corralled many of the moving animals into a circle and was pretending to have a tea party.

"Shove it, Neville," Harry said, glaring at him. "Anyway, Jordan, the aunts will want to share everything they've learned about magic. And nah, the agent is one of the cool tutors, so it's not weird," he explained then he looked at the young girl. "Maisie isn't a witch, is she? Not that there is anything wrong with that," he said hastily. "I was just going to offer for her to join us in non-magical studies. Though she is a bit young," he added thoughtfully. He had no idea his aunts were offering the same to the parents.

"It's up to my parents, I guess," Jordan shrugged, hoping they will. He loved his sister and he didn't care that she wasn't a witch. "Enough grownup talk, show me what you guys can do."

And they proceeded to do just that. Toys flew around the room with a wave of a hand. Others changed shape with just a thought. The sprinkle of rain turned to snow, still not touching the ground, but pretty nonetheless. Jordan was amazed and hopeful that he could learn the magic with his new friends.

The kids played for a long time while the adults talked, making a lasting friendship that would see all of them through some very troubling times.