School-Wide Unity Breakfast

[ϟ ADMIN ADRIENNE]

Professor McGonagoll stood at the entrance to the Care of Magical Creatures paddock, surveying the scene before her. With a lot of help from Hagrid, their COMC Professor and Game Keeper, and the Hogwarts House Elves, she had arranged lots of large tables, all laden with food, within the enclosure. There were no house tables, and there were more than four. The tables were large enough to discourage cliques forming. Professor McGonagoll was pleased. She sincerely hoped that the students took the whole point of this breakfast to heart, and didn't separate off into their houses, like they did every other morning at breakfast.

The autumn air was crisp, especially this early in the morning. Students would have to wear their cloaks, but it wasn't unpleasant. There were already leaves on the ground, golden brown and orange. Pumpkins had been carved, some of them intended to look 'scary', some amusing, and they were hovering above the tables, bobbing up and down just out of reach (in case any first years got clever).

The food all smelled delicious, and Professor McGonagoll knew that the house elves had out done themselves for this special event. Many of the staff were already seated at the specially raised staff table (this breakfast was supposed to promote inter-house unity, not anarchy; there had to be some lines...) so they could keep an eye on the students, particularly the younger ones, and make sure that the change in scenery didn't get them too giddy.

Students started to arrive, and Professor McGonagoll took her place at the centre of the staff table- the place that had used to belong to Albus Dumbledore- and watched to see how they reacted to this drastic change in routine.

[LYRA ALVAH AVERY]

Lyra

& Eadric

Lyra and Eadric walked together down to the 'unity breakfast', being hosted by the school to promote inter house unity. It was in the Care of Magical Creatures paddock, which Lyra was happy about. She loved Care of Magical Creatures, and felt at home there. Eadric wasn't in the greatest of moods, and so was thinking that 'unity breakfast' was a stupid name, and if Professor McGonagoll wanted a bunch of teenagers to get into the idea then she probably should have chosen something that sounded less sappy. Lyra's happiness was infectious, but he was doing his damnedest to avoid letting it get to him. He was still mad at her.

The night before Lyra had ditched Eadric on the way to the library, to go and see that boy, Liam. At first he'd just been annoyed, but the longer she was gone the more worried he became. Finally it had started to get dark, and when she had made it back he had been on the verge of going to find her himself. She had admitted she had been with Liam, and the way she blushed when she said it didn't sit well with Eadric. He didn't want to think of what that boy had been doing with his sister. It definitely did not warm him to the idea of Liam Ward.

"Cheer up," Lyra said, smiling and nudging him in the ribs. It was far from the full moon, and so she wasn't tired or ill. Eadric looked down at her and started to smile before he could stop himself, but quickly tried to wipe it from his face, looking away. Lyra laughed.
"I suppose he'll be here, will he?" Eadric asked, sullenly. His brow was slightly furrowed, making him look even more serious than normal. Only Lyra knew that deep down, he was a big softy. Even at moments like these.
"I don't know," she replied, casually. "I assume so."
"And will you be sitting with him? Should I find my own seat, some where else?" The edge in Eadric's voice was obvious, but Lyra knew he wasn't angry with her, not really. Liam, yes, her, no. She chose her words carefully, not wanting to hurt her brothers feelings.
"It is an inter-house breakfast. But I'll sit with you," she said, paused, then added, "and Liam. If he wants to."

She didn't really want the two of them in such close proximity, but she didn't see how she had any other choice. She wanted to see Liam, but she wouldn't ditch her brother for anything. Especially not after last night, when she had ditched him for Liam and given him a scare. Lyra knew that underneath his anger and concern, Eadric was hurt. She'd never done that before. Never, in her life, chosen anyone over Eadric. She hadn't really thought about it like that at the time, but now she saw that Eadric would take it that way. And she wasn't going to do that again. You didn't toss aside a life long companion, someone you loved and who cared for you and sacrificed as much for you as Eadric did for her, just because someone new came along. No matter how much you might like them...

So today it was both of them, or Lyra would stay with Eadric. She hoped she could find a way to have both of them.

Lyra's words made Eadric's stomach twist with anger, and apprehension. He didn't want to sit with Liam, he didn't want to be around the boy who... well, he didn't want to think about it, so he certainly didn't want to be around him. But he knew that if Lyra really wanted to sit with him, he would give in. He'd never been able to deny Lyra anything. And then, for Lyra's sake, he'd have to do his best to keep his cool.

He wondered if he'd manage to eat anything at all at this breakfast.

The twins arrived at the paddock, and looked, slightly hesitantly, at the tables. They weren't used to thinking about where to sit for breakfast. None of them were. Lyra looked at Eadric and shrugged, and then glanced back at the tables as the two of them started to wander aimlessly towards none of them in particular, Lyra surreptitiously scanning the crowd for Liam.

[LIAM JOSEPH WARD]

Liam


& Aeryn

It was a relatively brisk morning, but Liam didn't mind having breakfast outside. The leaves were already beginning to change and fall away from the trees. They crunched lightly beneath Liam's feet as he walked toward the Care of Magical Creatures paddock for the house unity breakfast. There was a certain lack of creativity when it came to the name, but at least the students knew what they were in for... kind of. His thoughts drifted back to the previous evening with Lyra on the grounds, and an undeniable smile flitted across his lips as he heard footsteps approaching quickly from behind him.

"So where you you last night?" a voice asked from beside him and he glanced down to his left to see his younger sister Aeryn in step with him. He smirked slightly, ruffling her hair before before looking at her. She stared right back up at him with expectant eyes, a smile on her face. She wasn't going anywhere, surely he had to know that.

"You know perfectly well where I was, Aer," he said with a grin, and Aeryn's eyes lit up like fireworks and a grin spread across her face.

"Well, what happened? OH! Are we eating breakfast with her?! she asked excitedly as her eyes darted forward and she searched for Lyra. Liam placed a hand on her shoulder, slowing in his pace as he looked at her.

"We might be, but only if you're on your best behavior, Aeryn," he said in his 'older brother warning tone.' Aeryn simply pfft'd before rolling her eyes.

"Liam, It's me. I'm always on my best behavior. Now... where's the wolf?" she asked with a grin before her eyes began to survey the crowd, and she let out a laugh as she spotted Lyra... and Eadric. Great. Liam let out a small laugh and Aeryn looked up at him with expectant brows.

"Her brother, Eadric," he commented quietly as they began to approach the table.

"Oh right. I'm glad he hasn't beat you up yet," Aeryn said quietly, throwing her brother a wink before the two arrived at the table. Liam offered Lyra and Eadric both a grin, and Aeryn stood there, staring at the pair of them expectantly.

"Morning," Liam said with a grin before gesturing to the two other chairs at the table. "Mind if we?"

"Of course they don't," Aeryn spoke up from beside him and she took her seat next to Eadric, offering him a wide grin before turning her eyes to Lyra. "Aeryn, third year," she said with a grin as she waved to the both of them before her eyes settled on Eadric. He certainly seemed angry about something, and then her eyes trailed to Liam and she smirked slightly. Betcha that's why he's mad... she thought to herself before her eyes turned back to Eadric, but remaining quiet for now.

"Lyra, Eadric, meet my little sister Aeryn," he said trying to hide the grin that was forming on his face. Aeryn, as rude as she could be, was undoubtedly the sibling he was closest with, and she made him laugh regularly. "It's kind of nice to get out of the castle once for breakfast, don't you think?" Liam questioned, looking between the three of them, hoping this wouldn't be too terrible or too awkward, but odds were it would be both of those things. Very, very both of those things.

"Eadric, is it? Are you going to beat Liam up?" Aeryn asked, eyeing him suspiciously, and Liam let out a small groan before bringing a hand to his face. Oh yeah, it was going to be very, very terrible and awkward.

[EADRIC JAMES AVERY]

& Lyra

Eadric groaned as he saw Liam approaching their table, and Lyra elbowed him in the ribs. He glared at her, and she stuck her tongue out at him. He stopped glaring and looked away to hide the laugh that was threatening to show on his face; he was still mad at her.

Lyra was happy when she saw Liam coming over to them, glad that he wasn't put off by Eadric being there. He was with another girl, a younger Gryffindor who she didn't know, but she assumed this was his sister. The way he interacted with her seemed to indicate that he was, anyway.

They reached their table, and Liam asked if it was okay that they sat there. Lyra opened her mouth to say yes, but before she could his younger sister had said that of course it was, and taken her seat. Eadric looked at her seeming slightly bemused, his dark brows (still slightly furrowed) making the look comical, as Aeryn Ward sat down right next to him. He looked at Lyra questioningly, and she shrugged, grinning. She knew exactly what was on his mind.

Eadric was wondering what on earth he had gotten himself into, and that maybe abandoning his twin wouldn't be as unthinkable as he had previously thought, to avoid this odd situation. But then he looked at Liam, and decided against it.

"Nice to meet you, Aeryn," Lyra said, still smiling, before kicking Eadric under the table.
"What? Oh," he looked at the young girl next to him. "Yeah, nice."

"Eadric, is it? Are you going to beat Liam up?"

Lyra said "No," at the same time Eadric said "Maybe, if he doesn't behave himself."
He smiled at Liam as though he were just kidding, and reached over to stick a fork in one of the many sausages sitting on the table. Lyra went to elbow him again, but this time he was ready for her and dodged it, swinging an arm around her shoulder in a brotherly gesture that really prevented her from trying again. He looked very pleased with himself, and took a celebratory bite out of his sausage, grinning again at Liam.

Lyra looked up at her brother, who had her pinned to his side, narrowing her eyes in a look she had been perfecting since childhood. Eadric gave her a squeeze, and a quick hard peck on the forehead, and Lyra took the opportunity to release one of her arms, grabbing his sausage and taking it for herself.

"Charming," Eadric said, smiling as he released her and put a few new sausages on his plate.

[LIAM JOSEPH WARD]

Eadric didn't seem very happy to meet Aeryn and that not only rubbed Liam the wrong way, but Aeryn furrowed her brow towards him, her eye slightly narrowed as he mumbled out a 'right, nice.' This Eadric character really needed to loosen up. Honestly.

Liam listened with his hands covering his face for the answer to Aeryn's question, and Aeryn continued staring at the pair of twins with a smirk on her face. Their answers were simultaneous and couldn't have been more different Aeryn let out a loud laugh before shaking her head and poking Liam in the sides.

"Oi, looks like you better be on your very best behavior then Liam," she said with a cheeky grin, laughing again before looking at Eadric. She didn't particularly like the fact that Eadric seemed so fine with beating up her older brother, but she would leave that for later. If he beat Liam up... Well, succeeded in beating Liam up, Liam was surprisingly quick and strong, Eadric probably wouldn't be in a very good position, only because then he'd have her to deal with. And while she wasn't very good at fighting, she could produce hexes and pranks like there was no tomorrow. And then there was Sophie and Bran, who knew what they would do if Eadric beat up Liam. No no, if you messed with one Ward you messed with all of them, and they didn't take very kindly do that.

Liam took his hands from over his face with a grin as he felt Aeryn poking at his side. He looked at her with a raised brow and smirked.

"But Aeryn, it's me. I'm always on my best behavior," he said, mimicking her choice words from earlier and throwing her a wink. Aeryn just let out a sarcastic laugh before beginning to pile food on her face. Liam was staring at Eadric, and he couldn't help but slightly hate the grin that formed on his face. He picked up a sausage and began eating and watched as he pinned Lyra to his side. He smirked as Lyra took the sausage for her own and chuckled lightly as Eadric said she was charming.

"Isn't she though?" he said with a smug kind of grin before he began piling food onto his plate. Aeryn had already started eating, and was quiet for only a few minutes as Lyra and Eadric fought over the sausage. She raised a slight brow at Liam as if to ask 'are these really the people you want to be involved with?' But she said nothing on the matter before she turned back to Eadric.

"So what exactly qualifies as not behaving himself?" Aeryn pressed on with a smile before smirking up at Liam. He looked at her, and despite how much he wanted to he couldn't stop the smirk from forming on his own face. He was curious, to be honest, and he was almost positive that what happened just the night before would have qualified as not behaving himself. Not a chance. But... Lyra didn't seem to mind. "Not that it really matters. You probably don't want to try to beat him up anyway. Then you'll have to deal with me and Sophie and Bran too, and that just probably wouldn't go in your favor."

Liam let out a laugh before looking at her. "Aeryn it's really right of you to try and threaten someone two years older than you now is it?"

She narrowed her eyes at him before raising a slight brow. "Liam, I threaten people all the time." she said seriously before taking a few bites of her toast, and it was true, she did. Countless times Aeryn had gotten into fights with people in the common room over one thing or another. Always threatening them. Never really did instill fear into any of them, but she tried, and Liam couldn't scold her for that. He did know that she could throw a mean hex though. She was a wicked little witch sometimes.

[/blockquote]

[LYRA ALVAH AVERY]

& Eadric

Lyra felt a smirk creeping across her face as Aeryn said that Liam had better be on his best behaviour, and then when Liam said that he always was she tried to stifle a laugh, and almost choked on her food. She coughed as Eadric patted her on the back, a sour look on his face, his eyes on Liam with his eyebrow slightly raised. He could tell what Lyra had found so funny, and he'd had his suspicions even before this little 'get together'.

Once Lyra was done choking to death, Eadric returned to his breakfast, looking sideways at her. It was his best 'we need to talk' face.
Lyra raised her eyebrows, and looked up at him; 'really?'
Eadric glanced at Liam, then back at his sister, a very definite 'yes' written stark across his face. The twins stared at each other for a moment, locked in a sort of silent battle of wills, before Lyra gave in and looked back at her plate, shrugging; 'fine'.

If Eadric wanted to talk, she would talk. He probably wouldn't like what she had to say, but that was just fine. She'd talk his ear off, if that's what he wanted.

Eadric was thinking that Lyra would probably be a right little handful once he finally managed to have this conversation with her, but that at least he'd get a chance to have his say.

Lyra realised then that the two of them had been largely ignoring Liam and Aeryn while they were holding their little silent conversation, which she thought was rude, so she refocused her attention on Liam's sister, just as she spoke again to Eadric,

"So what exactly qualifies as not behaving himself?"

Eadric seemed terribly uncomfortable with the fact that Aeryn was still talking to him. He wasn't the best people person, and Aeryn seemed to be quite a handful. Poor Eadric. He really wasn't prepared for all of this. Not this early in the morning, at least, Lyra thought as she continued to eat, smirking slightly to herself. She caught Liam's eye and smiled, thinking about what she knew qualified as not behaving himself, and then she felt a blush creeping onto her face, and looked away.

Eadric laughed slightly as Aeryn 'threatened' him, then stopped abruptly as though not sure what had just happened. Lyra looked up at him in surprise. Eadric never laughed, at least not with anyone other than her. The last time she'd seen Eadric laugh with someone had been... well, she couldn't remember the last time she'd seen Eadric laugh with someone.

Eadric did his best to look serious again, biting his lip roughly in a gesture that made him look very like Lyra. It had been funny, Aeryn threatening him. What could the little squirt do, exactly?

'What qualifies as not behaving yourself is when you have your filthy paws all over my little sister...' he thought, as he looked up at Liam, sure his feelings were written all over his face. He didn't think he'd ever be comfortable with Lyra doing any of... that. Not until she was at least thirty. Actually, no, maybe not even then. Maybe he could persuade her to join one of those muggle convents he'd heard about...

"Lets not talk about that," he replied to Aeryn, continuing to eat, "I don't want to lose my breakfast."

[LIAM JOSEPH WARD]

Lyra just about choked on her food as Liam said he was always on his best behavior and Liam couldn't fight the smirk on his face. He didn't even try. Aeryn's head whipped towards Liam in a flash as she raised a brow towards him, as if to ask what all of this was about? She made a slight face as Liam shrugged toward her, as if to say she didn't believe him for a single solitary second. But he said nothing as Eadric attempted to take care of Lyra and all the while probably tried to keep his temper or angry thoughts under control. Oh no, this certainly didn't bode well for Liam in the slightest, and he knew it. But somehow, he just didn't care. He liked being around Lyra, and she liked being around him. He liked kissing with her, and laughing with her, and just generally being with her. And if making her laugh over breakfast was a crime then he would happily be guilty as charged every single time. He tilted his head toward Lyra with a raised brow.

"Oh what, Lyra. You disagree?" he smirked slightly, and once again the banter was slightly lost on Aeryn.

But Eadric and Lyra seemed to be looking at one another in thought and Liam took it upon himself to grab some food and at least start eating breakfast. Aeryn stared carefully at the twins as they seemed to have a silent conversation. She found it fascinating as the two seemed to have a conversation without words. But it still bothered her that Eadric didn't seem to like Liam very much. But after a few seconds she grew bored of whatever it was they seemed to be discussing. Eadric seemed angry and Lyra didn't seem to see what the big deal was, but it wasn't like Aeryn had any idea what they were talking about so she turned her attention to the food as well. So she and Liam continued eating their breakfast until Eadric laughed at her threat. She didn't take very kindly to to it, but Lyra and Eadric both seemed to be shocked at the sound as it left his mouth. Aeryn grinned up at him, the slightest bit proud of herself as she bit into a piece of sausage.

She didn't really get what the big deal was either, really, but then Eadric said he didn't want to lose his breakfast and she looked between Liam and Lyra the slightest bit wide eyed before looking at Eadric and pulling a slight face.

"Gross. Okay, yeah, let's not," Aeryn made a face and looked at Liam with a face before biting into her breakfast. Liam couldn't fight the grin that was on his face, and Aeryn took a few bites before looking toward Liam. Liam's eyes were trained on Eadric, and he knew exactly what Eadric was thinking. He wasn't behaving, but he liked it. And so did Lyra, and that fact didn't seem to be changing. Still, he didn't exactly enjoy causing strife between the siblings, especially when he knew they meant so much to each other.

Liam let out a kind of chuckle before looking between the three of them.

"Anyway..." he said trying his best to move on, but his mind continued to go back to the previous evening with Lyra, and how mildly awkward and yet somehow entertaining this was to see Eadric squirm and dislike him. Perhaps it was because of how happy Lyra made him, because part of him knew that if Eadric didn't like Liam it wouldn't matter because Lyra liked him. He wouldn't actively try to get Eadric to dislike him, mostly because he still thought that they could get along, but somehow, the longer this breakfast lasted the more and more he thought that might not be possible no matter how badly he wanted it to happen.

"Well if you don't wanna lose your lunch, maybe you should pick the subject of conversation," Aeryn said with a mischievous grin as she looked between the three of them.

[/blockquote]

[EADRIC JAMES AVERY]

& Lyra

Lyra couldn't wipe the smile off her face, even though she knew that it would probably be a good idea if she didn't look quite so happy at the prospect of Liam 'misbehaving'. It wouldn't do anything to help Eadric's mood. But she couldn't help it, especially when Liam asked if she disagreed.
"Oh, whole heartedly," she said, with a cheeky grin. Eadric rolled his eyes.

"Well, Aeryn," he said, as Aeryn proclaimed that it was 'gross', "I whole heartedly agree with you."
He found himself warming to the young girl. She seemed to have the same opinion of Lyra and Liam that he did; it was gross. He tried not to dwell too much on the fact that she shared the opinion of a fourteen year old girl. That was... immaterial.

One thing was growing more and more certain though; he wouldn't be able to keep Lyra away from Liam. She seemed to have her heart set on being with him, and he didn't want to make her unhappy, and more to the point, he didn't think he could stop her even if he tried. But god help Liam if he hurt her. One toe out of line, and Eadric would hex him into next Tuesday. But not before giving him a few bruises.

Aeryn said that Eadric should pick the topic of conversation, and Lyra laughed.
"What?" Eadric asked, looking at her incredulously.
Lyra laughed again, although this time it was slightly muffled because her mouth was full of bacon.
"Well," she said, with some difficulty, before swallowing and continuing, "I mean, no offence Ead, but you're not the best... conversationalist."

Lyra was, without a doubt, the only person on the whole planet who could call him 'Ead'. And he didn't particularly like her doing it in front of other people in case they got any smart ideas.

Eadric was indignant; he was a smart guy. He read a lot. He had a lot of interesting thoughts and ideas. He would be a great person to converse with... if he'd had the inclination to start a conversation. Its just that he... didn't.
"That's not true!" he said, his brows knitting together. Lyra raised an eyebrow as though to say 'Well, go on then?'
Eadric thought for a moment, before giving up, scowling at his sister, and turning his attention back to his eggs.

[LIAM JOSEPH WARD]

Liam grinned as Lyra said she wholeheartedly disagreed with him and he chuckled lightly and Aeryn rolled her eyes and shoved a bunch of eggs in her mouth as Eadric spoke up. She nodded toward him before swallowing her bit of eggs. Seriously though, could they not swoon over each other at breakfast while she was trying to eat? She was happy for the guy, sure, but... don't interrupt her eating, please.

Liam glanced at Aeryn through the corner of his eye and she made a face at him before continuing to eat breakfast. She offered that Eadric should start the next conversation and Lyra seemed to think it was a riot. Her laughter was infectious, but Liam found his self-control and managed not to laugh. Eadric already probably hated him, he sincerely didn't need to go outwardly laughing at the guy. Aeryn raised a brow as Lyra said he was a bad conversationalist. He didn't seem so bad. But maybe she was partial because he'd agreed that Liam and Lyra's flirting was gross. Hmm...

But still, the banter of the twins was cute and she let out a laugh before taking a sip of juice on the table.

"Oh come on. He can't be that bad," Aeryn said before she glanced at Lyra, who was raising a brow at Eadric. Liam too had his eyes trained on Eadric as his mind wondered what in the world Eadric would say? If he could have a few choice words he knew they'd not be very nice for Liam, but he could take whatever Eadric wanted to dish out with pride and dignity. But he wasn't one to give up anything easily, and when you underestimated him it only made him the slightest more determine. It was quiet for a few seconds as all eyes rested expectantly on Eadric, but no words left him as he sit back and Lyra laughed once more.

Aeryn raised a brow between Lyra and Liam and it was only then that another realization hit her. Lyra was a werewolf!! Right? Or was she... She stared at Lyra for a moment with a tilted head, taking a sip of her pumpkin juice in thought. She placed the cup carefully back on the table.

"So are you really a Werewolf or not? I've asked Liam but he won't tell me," she asked and Liam felt himself choke on a bit of egg.

"Aeryn!" he shouted as he turned on her, his brows furrowed in anger.

"What?! I think it'd be wicked," she said in defense of her question before she threw her hands up in in surrender. Liam let out a frustrated sigh before his eyes went to Eadric, and then to Lyra. His face was apologetic, but he didn't want to apologize outright and give Aeryn any ideas. It was Lyra up who and who not to tell about being a Werewolf, and he would be fine with it if she lied to Aeryn to save face. Not that Aeryn would breathe a word of it to anyone, Liam would make sure of that.

[/blockquote]

[LYRA ALVAH AVERY]

& Eadric

"So are you really a Werewolf or not? I've asked Liam but he won't tell me,"

Eadric almost choked on his eggs, and he looked furious. No matter what Aeyrn said, it seemed clear to him that Liam had at least let something slip about Lyra. Otherwise, why would his sister be asking? He tried to swallow as quickly as possible so he could give her a piece of his mind, but before he could speak he felt Lyra grip his arm, hard, and looked around at her.

Lyra was holding on tight to Eadric's arm, trying to stop him from biting the girls head off. She was just a kid, for merlin's sake, and besides, she didn't mind her asking. She knew Liam hadn't told her anything, and she knew Eadric did, but he was forgetting one key point; pretty much the whole school knew, or at least suspected, that Lyra was a Werewolf. Even if Liam hadn't breathed a word of it, his sister would probably know. The fact was, Werewolf rumours were so easy to disprove; simply show up on the full moon, not covered in fur. The fact that the rumours were really detrimental to Lyra's life, and she hadn't disproved them, was enough proof in itself.

"Yes," she said, forcing a smile, feeling Eadric's eyes boring into her. "I am." She was uncomfortable saying it to someone she didn't really know, but it was the truth.

It was moments like this when Eadric wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms around Lyra, and take her somewhere away from the rest of the world. Somewhere where she'd be safe from stupid questions like that, from the accusing glares of people who were supposed to be friends. The fact that Aeyrn said it was 'wicked' only angered him more. It wasn't 'wicked', it was a horrible burden and it was ruining Lyra's life. Taking it so light heartedly didn't help things.

He knew Lyra would hate to see the pain in his eyes as he looked at her, wanting to keep her safe and knowing he couldn't, so he hid it. The result was that he looked angry, his eyes hard. Lyra didn't look at him, not because he was almost glaring at her, but because he couldn't hide a thing from her, and she didn't really want to see it. Not now, on a bright, crisp October morning, when they were outside having a special breakfast. She was with Liam, and his little sister, and even Eadric was there. It was ages till the next full moon. This was supposed to be a happy time. She wouldn't let herself get sad.

She looked at Liam imploringly, hoping that he would steer the conversation somewhere else. She wanted to say something more, she wanted, even, to be able to talk about being a Werewolf, and answer Aeyrn's questions. But so many years of keeping it locked up made for a hard habit to break; she didn't know Aeryn, and so she found she couldn't talk about it.

Eadric hadn't said anything at all The twins were being very quiet, and Lyra knew it was rude of them. She hoped the conversation moved into easier territory soon.

[LIAM JOSEPH WARD]

Liam watched as the Eadric flinched and Lyra grabbed his shoulder, stopping him from whatever he was going to. His own eyes instinctively flew to his own sister. If he had tried to harm her in anyway Liam wouldn't be having any of it, but as much as the partial fear for her safety was there there was an anger there, too. Why did she never know how to keep her mouth shut? She never knew the seriousness of her words, did she. Even after their father's death, she still sometimes acted like she knew nothing.

Liam stared at her, and Aeryn glanced at the table nervously before Lyra eventually spoke up and said that she was. Aeryn's eyes lit up for only a minute as she looked at her with an almost admiring smile, but Liam coughed slightly and stared at her with a raised brow. She looked back down at the table and drummed her fingers along it.

"Sorry, that was none of my business," she said in the most mature voice she could muster. She didn't particularly see what the big deal, but she could see the anger in Eadric's eyes, and the shock in Lyra's. Why... But Lupin had spoken about it. He didn't like it... but he didn't hide it, either. But still, she hadn't meant to mess everything up. She wanted to meet the girl Liam was so fond of, and now she was going about the whole thing entirely reckless. "I didn't mean to stop out of line. But I won't tell anyone."

"You're absolutely right, you won't," Liam said, an edge and anger that was rare for him incredibly evident in his tone. He breathed a heavy sigh through his nose as his eyes met Lyra's. She could see the imploring look in her eyes and he frowned apologetically. Aeryn had always been the outspoken, rambunctious one in their family, which was good because she knew how to loosen Liam up. They were a good contrast to one another, but there were still times when he felt like he could absolutely kill her.

"I told them to pick the topic of conversation," Aeryn partially whined as she buttered a breakfast biscuit, feeling the slightest bit sorry for herself. But she looked at Liam, and then at Lyra, and then finally at Eadric. He was the one she was most sorry for. He'd been the one who looked the most hurt by her words. "I really am sorry." Her eyes were fixated on Eadric.

Liam swallowed, chewing on a bit of egg before placing a reassuring hand on Aeryn's shoulders. He didn't want her guilting herself over this, and while he knew she wouldn't for awhile, he didn't need her being depressed during this breakfast, either. Aeryn looked up at him and nodded once before looking back to Lyra and Eadric.

"Someone told me there's supposed to be some kind of ball at the end of this month..." Liam mentioned taking a sip of his pumpkin juice and her heard a loud gasp from beside him. Please Aeryn don't say anything stupid... he thought to himself as he placed his glass down at the table.

"I heard that too! And I heard we might get to dress up and stuff. Do you guys dress up? Er... I mean, would you?" she asked looking between Lyra and Eadric with a grin.

[/blockquote]

[EADRIC JAMES AVERY]

& Lyra

Aeryn apologised, and Lyra felt embarrassed. She hadn't minded, really, that she had asked, and it seemed unfair that she felt bad about it. She never wanted people to have to worry around her, tip-toe around what they said, what topics they could and couldn't talk about. When that happened, she would always be 'Lyra the Werewolf'. She waved a hand as though brushing off the awkwardness that had settled around them.
"It's fine," she said, trying to smile, "really. don't worry about it."

Eadric wasn't quite so ready to brush the situation off as Lyra was, but he was at least slightly appeased by Liam's reaction. At least he hadn't just gone along with his younger sister's questions, or acted like it was nothing. He told her that she was definitely not going to tell anyone, and Eadric hoped she listened to him.

And then Aeryn fixed on him, and apologised directly to her. He looked down at her (quite far down; she was tiny), his hard blue eyes looking into her wide brown ones. For a moment he just looked at her, still seeming very serious... and then he seemed to relax slightly, and nodded.
"Thank you," he said. He had accepted her apology, and now he was going to let it go.

Lyra watched the exchange, interested. It wasn't often that Eadric let something go. In fact, it wasn't often that Eadric made eye contact with anyone other than her. It seemed slightly funny to Lyra that Eadric seemed to be getting along with Liam's sister infinitely better than he was getting on with Liam. Maybe, after all the years of having her around, Eadric was just used to little sisters.

Liam mentioned the ball, and Aeryn jumped on it. Lyra smiled, glad of the change of subject. She asked if they would dress up, but Lyra was already working on the most fundamental part of the question; would they go?

The full moon was, she knew, at the end of the month, but she wasn't exactly sure what date. The full moon didn't fall on the same date of each month. She was doing the calculations in her head, when Eadric answered first.
"We'll probably go," he said. Often times Eadric knew when the full moon was better than she did. They would probably be cutting it close, and they didn't know the exact date of the ball yet, but judging from when the full moon fell this month they would have to be very unlucky for the gates to clash. Lyra knew that Eadric would prefer for her not to go to balls and things like that the day before (or after) the full moon, but she also knew that he knew she wouldn't listen to him, if she wanted to go.

"I'll dress up," she said. If that was the theme, then of course she would. She wasn't sure as what, though. Not yet. "But I'm not sure about Eadric." She tried to imagine Eadric dressed up in some sort of Halloween costume, and failed miserably. When they were kids they had dressed up, but Eadric had given up on that even before Lyra had been bitten (and afterwards he had been far too serious for such things).

[LIAM JOSEPH WARD]

Lyra seemed to brush Aeryn's question off as if it were no big deal, and Liam was thankful for that. But... he knew that it was a big deal for Eadric, and the last thing he wanted to do was give him any more reasons to dislike him. He'd already gotten his sister a detention, and now he was stealing his sister's attention away from Eadric... And now with Aeryn and her questions. He was almost positive he wasn't shaping up very well in Eadric's eyes... And yet as Eadric and Aeryn stared at one another he could see there was some kind of softness to his eyes as he thanked her.

Aeryn's eyes lit up as bright as the sun as Eadric thanked her for apologizing. She grinned at him before eating a bit more of her breakfast as conversation turned to the ball. Eadric said the pair of them would probably go, and a grin broke out across Liam's face. He could imagine Lyra dressed up as... well something, anything. It didn't matter what, she'd be able to pull it off with ease. And naturally he'd take any chance to dance with Lyra. He wasn't sure what he would go as, but he knew he'd be there if Lyra would be. Lyra said she wasn't sure if Eadric would dress up and Aeryn let out a laugh.

"There's gotta be something you could dress up as Eadric," Aeryn said holding a hand to her chin in thought. She looked Eadric up and down. He was really tall. Merlin. "Maybe you could go as a half giant, like Hagrid," she said before falling into another fit of giggles. She began shaking her head immediately. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding. I'm going to go, will you, Liam?" Aeryn turned her head to Liam and Liam nodded, smiling at her.

"Of course," he said with a grin before taking another sip of his juice. Aeryn nodded before turning back to Lyra and Eadric, drumming her fingers on the table trying to think of another topic, and then another family fact hit her, but this time it was about her own family.

"Did you know we can all speak French? All of us, I mean," she said, laughing, gesturing between her and Liam. Naturally she meant all the Wards. Liam grinned at Lyra for a second, but said nothing. He'd not be the one to burst Aeryn's proud little bubble. Besides, he doubted Eadric knew they spoke French. Liam smirked before allowing his jaw to hang open as he looked down at Aeryn.

"Quoi? Tu parle le francais aussi?" he asked with his brows raised and Aeryn laughed, shaking her head.

"Oui! Nous avons le meme mere, n'avons-nous pas?" she responded in rapid-fire French without a second thought. She grinned at Liam before looking back at Lyra and Eadric. "See?"

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[LYRA ALVAH AVERY]

& Eadric

Lyra laughed as Aeryn said that Eadric should dress up as a half giant. She could see where she was coming from; Eadric was really tall. Especially to Aeryn, who was pretty small, Eadric was sure to look huge. She tried to imagine Eadric dressed up as Hagrid, and laughed again.

Eadric must have the same mental picture, because he didn't look amused.
"Um, no," he said, even though Aeryn had already said she was joking. "No, I don't think so."

And then the two of them started speaking in rapid French, and Eadric looked at Lyra, an eyebrow raised. Lyra shrugged, grinning. She, of course, had known that they could speak French. Liam had told her.
"The Ward family's deep dark secret," she said, with a smile. In a way, Liam and Aeryn talking in French was similar to the way she and Eadric communicated with a look; no one else had a clue what was going on.

Lyra smiled again at Liam, and then went back to her breakfast. She wished that there was some way she could get him alone, because there was no way she'd be able to kiss him in front of Aeryn and Eadric. His sister was sure to say it was 'gross', and Eadric... well, she didn't want to try his nerves too much in one morning.

Eadric was wondering what this ball would be like. Normally, if Lyra wanted to go, then the two of them would go together. They had a laugh, and Eadric had come to enjoy the time spent with his sister. But this time... well, this time Lyra was sure to want to go with Liam. He didn't really fancy the idea of being around the two of them all the time, but then again he was worried about what might happen if he wasn't there... and he definitely didn't like the prospect of being forced to socialise with other students. Not when they were all in such cramped quarters like that.

[LIAM JOSEPH WARD]

When they were done speaking in French Liam turned and saw Lyra smiling, and it brought out a smile on his face. Aeryn was giggling beside him, a proud grin on her own face as well as she stared up Eadric. He didn’t seem quite so impressed. Lyra said that speaking French was the Ward’s deep dark secret and Liam felt himself grin in her direction by shrugging slightly. He planned to say something to her in French because he wanted to speak to her and her alone, even if only for a little while. Last night had been a tease, for lack of a better word. Now that he’d gotten alone time with Lyra, it felt like all he wanted. He wanted to spend as much time with her as he could, alone. He felt like the conversation between them flowed so much more easily between them when Eadric wasn’t there, wasn’t staring him down, wasn’t judging and thinking of all the ways Liam didn’t deserve his sister.
Aeryn, however, seemed to have different plans as she looked at Lyra like she was crazy. ”No… If we had to pick one it would probably be our dad,” Aeryn said a bit more seriously than she’d been all breakfast. Liam shot her a sideways look and placed his hand on her shoulder again, shaking his head slightly. This was not the place or time to talk or even think about that, about what had happened. The wound was still so fresh for all of them, and he knew that Lyra and Eadric’s father had been a death eater. They didn’t need to talk about it. They shouldn’t talk about it. Aeryn looked down at her plate for a second before looking back up at the twins, shrugging slightly.

”Sorry,” she said quietly, attempting to brush off the subject.

[colo=red]”He died in the war,”

[/color] Liam clarified as briefly as he could, mostly for Eadric. Lyra knew what had happened. He’d told her when they first met. He looked at her, giving her a smile, hoping that maybe one of the other two could lead the conversation in another direction. It was clear that Eadric wasn’t much for conversation, at least not starting them, but maybe Lyra could be. Maybe?
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