Closed Holiday With the Harringtoms Finished

"Damn right they have," Dean chimed in from the front seat. "Hey, which one was more fun, nearly burning the train down or stealing those brooms from the supply closet?"

"Hey!" cried Adam as Bridgit cast them a horrified look in the windshield-mounted mirror. "It was just one time," he offered as weak defense. "Well, one time each. And to be fair, I was hoping no one else would ever find out about that...."

"Haven't you learned, Adam? I know all." Dean raised his eyebrows conspiratorially, casting the younger students a sideways look. "You'd be surprised at what I've heard this year."

Bridgit shook her head in mock disappointment. "Well, I'd hoped that you two would've at least waited until your third year to break some rules, but I'm not surprised. Kristine and I were always snooping where we didn't belong back at school. It was your father that was the good influence. If only you'd picked that up from him!" She laughed, taking a moment to smile back at them before returning her eyes to the road ahead. "I'm only teasing, you know. I trust you two enough to stay out of any major trouble. And to keep this one out of anything too serious, while you're at it!" She reached out to hit Dean on the arm and he rolled his eyes.

"Come on, Bridg, you know I'm smart enough not to get caught."

Adam tuned out his brother and his aunt as they continued to bicker and went back to talking with his friend. "You know, we probably should focus on having some legal adventures. Especially now that I heard you might be a prefect. Think you're up for it?"

He took note of a road sign passing by. They were only about ten minutes from his neighborhood. He was eager to be back on his feet again, but he still wasn't quite sure if this was the best idea. Maybe Eris wouldn't be used to his father's increasingly Muggle ways. Maybe she'd be offended by them, even. He didn't think so, but anything could happen. He'd just have to wait.

"How'd you find out about that!" Eris yelled back from the back seat indignantly ,scowling at the back of Dean's blonde head. It was a strange idea that older students knew about the adventures of Adam, Eris, Kaegen, and the rest of the gang of first years.

"Yeah, it was one time. For him.. I've stolen brooms like 3 times now." The future prefect of Gryffindor added, after her friend. Realizing it wasn't helping to defend either of them, she sheepishly smiled up into the rear view mirror, knowing the older woman could probably see their reflections in it, if she knew to look.

Eris listened to Bridget and Dean's conversation, smile still set in place on her face when Bridget turned around to the two children in the back seat. It was so odd to see their family, close enough to bicker and laugh with each other. It amused Eris to no end, and she felt a sense of happiness being with such a cool group of people. Although deep down, she felt a sense of sadness as well, missing her own family. She tried to push away the feelings though, and quickly turned her gaze back to Adam.

"Me, as a prefect? It seems crazy that Professor Cazarez picked me. I have a feeling, even if I become a prefect, I'm still going to stop going on illegal adventures." Eris said, with a faint laugh.

"I'd expect no less," Adam teased, listening to Eris talk about what she'd do (or rather, not do) as a prefect. He was excited for his friend -- becoming a prefect was a huge opportunity, especially at such a young age! He knew she could handle it, and when he thought about it, he could think of no better candidate than Eris. She seemed to have an air of natural leadership around her, and Adam suspected that she'd do well striking fear into the hearts of her fellow first years.

"Whoa. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Slow the hell down." Twisting in his seat, Dean gave them each a concerned look. "Please tell me you're joking." Adam regarded his brother with a confused expression, trying to figure out what Dean was getting at. Why would they joke about something like that?

"Why would we be joking about something like that?" Adam asked.

"So you're telling me that the Human Torch here is going to be in charge of me?" Looking closer, Adam could've sworn that he saw genuine fear in Dean's eyes as he realized what Eris' new position meant for him. Adam started to laugh -- the thought of small little Eris holding any sort of power over the intimidating sixth-year in the front seat was too much for him to handle.

"Oh my god, you're right!" Adam replied, falling back into his seat in laughter. Dean threw his hands into the air in frustration and muttered something that Adam couldn't hear, but assumed was along the lines of "Why me?" In his hysteric state, Adam didn't realize how close they had really gotten to his house. From the front seat, Bridgit smiled and watched them in the mirror, calling out,

"Five minutes away, kiddos! Almost there."

Being a prefect sounded like hard work, and already Eris couldn't imagine following in the footsteps of the intimating Adalacia Podmore, or even being remotely as good at being a prefect as her. Although the prospect of laying down the law for the other first years and Gryffindors was promising in it's self. Maybe then Eris could protect her classmates from the deadly disease of cooties, or anything else that came their way.

Sticking her tongue out at Dean, Eris let out a surprised intake of breath. Human torch? She knew who that was. She was pleasantly surprised by the other boy's knowledge of the fantastic four, although she had never been a fan of it. Sure, she had seen the movie. But it was pretty terrible. "First of all, if anything I'm ghost rider or black widow. Second of all, I am going to be in charge of you."

Oh yes. Being a prefect was going to be fun. Grinning wickedly, Eris turned back to Adam with an identical laughing expression. Roaring with laughter, in a very unprefect-like manner, Eris was barely able to hear Bridget tell them they were almost at the Harringtom home. Trying to stop her chuckling caused Eris to laugh even more, as she attempted to calm her breathing and started giggling more.

They laughed practically all the way to the Harringtom house. Adam loved having a friend like Eris, a friend that he could joke with and talk with and invite over for vacations like he was doing now. When they finally reached Adam's driveway, Bridgit left the keys in the car and swung the door open, calling, "All right, everyone out! Home sweet home awaits." As the passengers filed out of the car, Bridgit smiled at Eris. "You're going to fit in perfectly, Eris. But if you ever need something -- even if it's just time away from everyone for a bit -- let me know, okay?" Winking at the younger girl, Bridgit laughed and walked around to the trunk of the car. She popped it open and hauled a bag onto her shoulder, calling out for the two boys. "Alright, grab some stuff, you two. Don't make our guest do all the work."

Dean rolled his eyes as he picked up his own luggage, slinging a bag across his shoulder and grabbing his trunk. "Thought Raggedy Ann wanted to do it herself," he mused, and Bridgit cuffed him on the back of the head. "Ow!" he cried, looking back at her in surprise. "What was that for?"

Bridgit replied with a laugh. "You're awfully whiny for a seventeen year old. Just because she can do it, doesn't mean she has to. Now move." Grumbling back good-naturedly, Dean carried his multitude of bags into the house, and Bridgit followed closely behind. Adam grinned at Eris, closing the trunk and heading towards the house. "You ready?" he asked, looking back at her as he approached the door where his parents stood waiting.

Eris smiled at the older woman, managing to stop her giggle fit in order to get out of the car. Hoping out of the car, and onto the pavement of the Harringtom family driveway. Feeling overjoyed, Eris grinned and rushed to the back of the car to help out with the luggage. It was the least she could do for the family that had taken her in for the holidays.

Eris smiled back at Bridget, feeling a rush of gratitude for the kind older lady. She was, by far, the sweetest adult Eris had talked to in ages. She reminded Eris of the mothers at the park when she was younger. The mothers who had given her food, and offered her their help. Bridget was funny, and sweet. For a moment, Eris wished she had the woman as an aunt. Or an aunt that she knew at all. Though it was best not to dwell on those thoughts.

Grinning up at the woman, Eris shook her head. "It's okay, I can carry my own stuff!" Her bag was light anyways. Laughing at Dean's antics, and the way Bridget responded, Eris grabbed her own trunk. She wasn't going to make anybody do extra work for her. If anything, she should be doing extra work. It was the least she could do for the family that had taken her in. She also had gotten a sum of money to pay them back with. It was only fair. A debt for a debt. But for now, Eris was happy to be with the Harringtom family. They were astonishingly kind so far. Even though Dean was a bit pig-headed, Eris still liked him. He knew about marvel. That made him alright.

Still grinning, Eris followed after the others. She stopped in front of Adam, in in her excitement squeezed his hand, like a little school girl. It was more a measure for his reassurance, as he seemed more nervous than her. Although her heart was pounding in her chest, Eris had a feeling that if Adam's family was as great as him, everything would be fine.

Letting go of Adam's hand, Eris nodded. "I'm ready!"

Adam's parents greeted the rest of the family warmly at the door. Kristine and David Harringtom had both graduated Hogwarts and fell in love after their years at the school were over, soon moving to Nottingham and finding themselves taking care of two young boys. Adam's mother was a kind woman, though she could come off as stern when she needed to. She was the caretaker of the family, a Hufflepuff graduate and a master cook and cleaner -- not to mention game-expert. Kristine was just as competitive as her sons were, and sometimes she let it get the better of her. It was all in good fun, of course. Beside her, Adam's father smiled at the children as they approached. David had been a Gryffindor through and through, battling for Hogwarts and making his mark on the wizard community before he had found himself drawn into the Muggle world after his mother died. Now, he managed a small business nearby, but he was home for the holidays, too.

Adam gave both of his parents a hug and greeted them warmly before introducing Eris. "Mom, Dad, this is Eris. We've already planned out everything that we're going to do. You made enough food, right, Mom? I don't want her to st--"

Adam was cut off by a delighted half-yell from the living room. Stepping fully into the house to see what was going on, he poked his head around the corner to see what had happened and immediately brought it back. "Oh, gross!" he exclaimed. Dean had dropped his bags to the floor and was currently entwined with a blonde-haired girl, kissing her deeply. It took Adam a confused moment to recognize Dean's girlfriend. Sydney Shaw had been dating his brother for some time, and it made sense that she would stop by for the holidays and Dean's birthday. Breaking away from Sydney when he noticed Adam, Dean smiled at her and led her to one of the couches. They talked and Adam turned back to Eris. "Sorry about that. Not the best way to start a vacation, huh?"

It was truly an honor to meet the Harringtom family. Eris had not been trained, made into a well groomed little lady like her pure-blooded dormates had been. So, naturally, she had no idea what to say, when it came time to met the older Harringtoms. She proudly lugged her suitcase up to the door, amazed by the fact she could carry it. Even though it was much lighter than usual, with the absence of her heavy text books.

Lugging the suit case to the door, Eris set it down with a satisfying plunk and turned to stare up at the older Harringtoms. The woman was blonde like Adam, with an air of friendliness around her. She looked like the sort of woman who would give out hugs as freely as some people gave out glares. The man was brown haired and an exact replica of Dean, at least in Eris's eyes.

They were all..so..tall. Eris had to look up to smile at the two adults, as they embraced Adam. They talked for a moment before Adam introduced the young Rowle heir to his parents. "Hi!" She said, brightly, a mix of adrenaline and nerves causing Eris to talk extremely fast. "Um, don't worry about food. I can just have leftovers, if you didn't make enough." She said solemnly, used to not eating after her time on the streets. The worse thing she would want is to be a burden to the family kind enough to take her in. Although, not eaint would of been pretty lame if she was going to stay with them for a while.

Eris had a full on view of the PDA between Sydney and Dean, and let out a little shriek, losing her train of thought and role in the conversation with Adam's parents. Cooties! A sincere, large amount of cooties. That was so gross! Eris would never kiss anybody. "Ewwww!" she exclaimed out loud, shutting her eyes tight.

"I missed you," Dean said quietly, arm around Sydney's shoulder, her head resting on his own (his shoulder, not his head). Smiling up at him, she replied with a laugh. "You just saw me, barely two hours ago. Are you one of those guys now?"

"Do you want me to be?" Dean asked, and Adam cleared his throat uncomfortably. The whole family loved Sydney, and Adam got that she was his brother's girlfriend and all, but sometimes the two of them seemed to forget that they weren't alone. Maybe they just didn't care. Adam didn't know what love was like, and he didn't really want to, either. It made his brother act pretty gross sometimes.

Adam offered Eris a seat on one of the armchairs set up in the family's living room and took a place on the floor. Hearing the adults make their way inside, Adam turned to see his mother and Bridgit step into the living room, followed by his father. Upon seeing the older girl on the couch, Adam's mother's face lit up and she crossed the room to give Sydney a hug. "Sydney, you're here early! How have you been, dear? Will you be staying for the whole break? Oh, Dean's gone on and on about you, honey." Raising an eyebrow, Adam's father interjected and smiled at his wife. "Kristine, slow down before you overwhelm the girl." The woman only glared back, and Adam's father changed his focus to the other children in the room.

"How was the ride, you two? Your mother's been waiting for you to arrive all morning. We can't wait to hear all about how your first year at the castle's been."

Adam grinned and looked to Eris. No matter how many times they'd recounted the crazy events of their first few months in Hogwarts, it still excited Adam to think about. It was getting a little tiresome to answer, though, so Adam was relieved when Bridgit stepped up next to his father and put a hand on his shoulder. "I think they've done enough explaining for today, David. Come on, let's leave them be for a bit." Leading his father into away from the chair, Bridgit looked back at the kids with a wink and Adam laughed. Finally, when he and Eris were -- for the most part -- alone, he looked up to her and asked, "So.....want to play a game?"

Eris stared at Sydney, studying the other girl. She looked quite happy, and was very pretty. Eris had always wanted blonde hair. It seemed way less popular then the red hair that populated the heads of every single first year gryffindor girl in Eris's dorm. The other thing Eris noticed about the girl was the expression on her face, and the calm and happy way she carried herself. She looked more than content to be with the Harringtoms, and to die of cooties. Huh. Maybe cooties didn't kill people. Dean and the Blonde girl seemed fine, and none of the adults seemed worried.

Love was gross. Walking inside of the house, resisting the urge to cling onto Adam's shirt like a scared child, Eris looked around at all the adults. She had never seen so many adults in the same house. Her mum and dad had been the only real adults she had ever talked too, having been homeschooled. Teachers didn't count. They were all weird and scary, and it wasn't like Eris had rousing discussions with any of the Professors, or was stuck spending the holidays with them.

Eris sat down in the chair, sitting cross-legged, whole body easily fitting in the chair. Settling down, Eris looked down on Adam with an amused smile. This might be the only time she would ever look down on Adam, as he was already so much taller than she was at the age of 11. Eris couldn't even bare to think just how tall Adam would get in later years. He was already a giant.

Eris grinned back at Adam, unable to contain her nervous joy. How to even start explaining their first year at Hogwarts? Before Eris could say anything, the adults were gone. Feeling a little sad to see everyone go, but mostly content to be alone with her friend.

"What kind of game?" She replied, grin widening even more. Were they going to play clue or something? Eris had heard of wizard games, but didn't know if Adam would have them. Shrugging, she leaned forward in the chair.