Lizzie scrunched up her nose as Avery told her that Dennis was good at listening. She was obviously talking about another Dennis. “I don’t think Denners has functional ears,” she whispered, stifling a giggle. When the expected ‘I heard that’ was not forthcoming, Lizzie gave her a ‘see I told you’ look. “I’m sorry that happened…you can come to stay with us forever, if you’d like!” The younger girl said, almost as resiliently optimistic as her older brother. Perhaps they weren’t so different after all!

Dennis, in the meantime, grabbed Seamus and tossed him into his room by the collar and closed the door. “You need to knock it off. I already have a girlfriend. Avery’s a friend and she needs our help,” Dennis said, not so loud that anyone could hear from the other bedroom but forcefully enough to make the younger brother consider what was being said. He instantly regretted blabbering his news to his brother. Though his brother surely heard the part where Avery wasn’t his girlfriend, and that they should be nice to her, the only part he cared about was that Dennis had a girlfriend! “No no no no…” Dennis said patting his hands into the air to try to slow his brother down, but the decision had already been made.

Seamus dodged Dennis’ attempt to grab him and opened the door to the bedroom, screaming, “DENNIS HAS A GIRLFRIEND DENNIS HAS A GIRLFRIEND!” Once again, the red haired Ravenclaw sat on his bed, his head in his hands, thoroughly embarrassed as he could hear his brother’s words fade into the distance as he ran down the stairs to tell their mother.

@Avery Gray

Interacting with: @Dennis Tumberton Mentioning: N/A Date: 04/04/25

Word Count: 209

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Avery smiled and laughed a little at Lizzie's comment. She was such a little ball of energy that reminded Avery of herself when she was younger. The times that she had spent with Dylan whispering jokes to each other when the adults were talking. Those were the times. Avery smiled sadly at Lizzie before saying, "I wish I could, but I can't runaway when things are hard. You could say I actually have to face my fears, but instead of fears it's my past." Avery hoped her statement made sense to the younger girl, but she wasn't completely sure. Avery wasn't surprised to hear the slamming of a door across the hall. She guessed that a few words were being said behind the closed door. That became even more apparent when Dennis' little brother, Seamus ran down the hall shouting that Dennis had a girlfriend. Avery wasn't surprised that Seamus was running down the hall screaming. She had spent enough time at their house to guess that he did things like that often. Avery wanted to go check and see if Dennis was okay but decided against it. If her friend wanted to talk, he would come and find her. She knew that and hoped that he did too.

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Dennis rolled his eyes as he heard Seamus clammer down the staircase and yelling at someone, whom he presumed was their mother, Maggie. The ginger got up and walked out his bedroom door, stopping at the bannister to the upstairs bedroom and the place Avery would be spending the night. He thought about saving Avery from his little sister, but the thought of opening Lizzie’s door and then to be chastised for it scared him more so he waited for Avery to decide to come out.

Meanwhile, Lizzie sighed. Like her brother she really didn’t have much of a concept of life that wasn’t full of Tumberton family chaos. Even though Avery was only a smidge older than her, Lizzie felt like the age gap was quite large at the moment. What past can there be to recon with when they are barely a decade old? Lizzie wanted to pry more than anything, however, Seamus’ screams caught her off guard and she lost her train of thought. “Dennis? Girlfriend?” Lizzie whispered, looking at the door and then back to Avery and then the door again. They already said it wasn’t Avery. Was there someone else?

Lizzie squirmed in place, trying hard not to run out the door after Seamus to get the news but she held fast and wanted to make sure Avery felt comfortable. “You know,” Lizzie said earnestly, trying to find the right words for her new friend. She slid off the bed and walked to the door, stopping just before opening it. “I wish Dennis would talk to me more. No matter what he’s going through I wish I knew, even if I don’t like it. He never talks about school and I feel I don’t know him anymore. I don’t know what you are going through. But…” Lizzie paused, her expression sad now but still very thoughtful, “Maybe try talking to your family. You never know, maybe they are just waiting for you to start the conversation…like me…”

@Avery Gray

Interacting with: @Dennis Tumberton Mentioning: N/A Date: 04/04/25

Word Count: 262

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Avery knew the girl wanted to know who Dennis' girlfriend was since it wasn't her, but Avery didn't know either. She also didn't really mind not knowing. There was a reaon she hadn't told anyone in her family about her time at the ball and how much fun she had dancing. Only Dylan knew, and it was going to stay that way. Until she was ready. Avery nodded. She knew the feeling of keeping secrets. Her family had done it to her for years. Even though she was going to be 13 that year, she hadn't had an easy past. Prejudice and anger ruled her family leaving it more broken than ever. And all she could do was watch. "Maybe they are, but I don't know. Ever since I was little, my family has been built on a broken foundation full of deception and anger. No matter what anyone does, my mother will make it worse. It's probably a good thing that I rarely see her anymore." Avery half smiled. She was strong, and she didn't want anyone to take pity on her. Especially not a family that she knew was happy and worked well together. The only way for her to get stronger was to face the suffering head on. There was no other way. "Anyway. Dwelling on the past shouldn't be done. Of all the things you're excited for next year, what are you most excited for? I know you don't know a lot about Hogwarts, but there must be something!" Avery smiled at the younger girl. Awaiting her response.

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Lizzie gave Avery a puzzled look. She obviously meant that the other girl should talk to her family and that perhaps that would solve her angst, but she seemed perfectly fine with her melancholy. She shrugged it off though, by visibly shrugging at her new friend. To each their own, it wasn’t for her to judge someone who didn’t want to communicate with people. She opened the door and to no one’s surprise, Dennis was waiting in the hallway. “I heard something about a girlfriend?” She said, the confused she gave Avery now replaced with mischief.

Dennis rolled his eyes. Might as well rip this bandaid off now. “Yes. I do. Her name is Meyra Lancaster. But if you ask any more questions I swear you will never meet her ever,” Dennis said quickly, almost under his breath. Dennis replaced his warning with a smile when he saw Avery.

“I hope my sister didn’t trouble you too much!” Dennis said trying desperately to change the subject to anything else. “Your room is upstairs. You have your own private bathroom so no need to have to share it!” He pointed up the stairs and wasn’t about to be seen going into a room with a girl alone so he would leave her to her own devices while he went downstairs to help his mom get dinner ready.

@Avery Gray

Interacting with: @Dennis Tumberton Mentioning: N/A Date: 04/04/25

Word Count: 262

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Avery knew the name of Dennis' girlfriend. She didn't know the girl personally, but she remembered hearing the name before. Maybe while she was walking down the corridors or in the Common Room? Either way, she didn't know, but that was fine. She would probably end up meeting the girl someday anyway. Especially if they were actually in the same house. Avery smiled back at Dennis. "She was no trouble at all! It was fun getting to chat with her. See you at dinner, Lizzie!" Avery waved to the younger girl before walking out of the room and heading towards the room that Dennis had pointed to. She decided to go and settle in before she walked down to dinner. She also needed a little time to think. Once she arrived in her room, Avery collapsed on the bed. Staring at the ceiling as thoughts swirled. She had never been great at talking to people and telling them how she felt. She had always been more of a lone wolf. Someone who thought that her problems were irrelevant to other people that had their own problems. Though she was starting to come to the realization that people did care. That they wanted to know how she was doing and what was happening in her life. Avery lay there for about ten minutes before she stood up and fixed her hair that had become frizzy and flat from lying on it. Then she headed towards the dining room. Ready to be with other people again and experience a real and happy family again.

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Dennis always appreciated how genuine Avery was and how she seemed to have this infinite patience even for someone her age. She handled her overbearing annoyingly bratty siblings with all the charm and grace of an actual mother. It was a different side than he had seen previously from the girl who was often times more preoccupied with her family life than her studies at Hogwarts - of course a Ravenclaw would find anything that wasn’t focused on homework peculiar!

Even though Avery hid it well, from his own experience with his family, she could probably use the time to unwind. She had just come from Hogwarts and thrown into this family he has. Certainly, if they were too much for him, they were too much for her! He watched her climb the stairs and then went to his own room to have a break from the high energy duo that were Lizzie and Seamus. His head hit his pillow and he took a bit of a nap before getting up and going down stairs.

Maggie was finishing some of the vegetables and a beautifully decorated pie for dessert. His father was home, Quint, and outside working the Barbie Q as he called it - a device his colleague at the university introduced him too for roasting meats. Dennis didn’t really understand it but whatever it was, which was like a dish with fire and a grate on top, it made the food smell delicious!

Lizzie had helped set a table with dishes in their backyard and Dennis took a seat waiting for Avery and watching his dad.

“Hey, Denners! Is your ‘friend’ comfortable?” His father said with a wink. Oh no, not him too! He opened up his mouth to protest but it was surprisingly Lizzie that came to the rescue.

“She isn’t his GIRLFRIEND, dad. Don’t be silly! She’s MY friend!” She said as if it were always the universal truth that Avery had come to visit her and not Dennis. Lizzie sat across the table from Dennis and obviously saving the spot next to her for HER friend.

“Oh my bad. I thought I heard Seamus say…” Quint blinked before looking between his two eldest children.

Lizzie rolled her eyes, clearly exasperated that her father, who again, just arrived to start cooking, didn’t keep up with the news of the day, “Obviously, Dennis’ girlfriend is some girl named Mayday Lampenshire! You should know that, daddy. You are his father after all!” Dennis wanted to correct her but thought if he had said anything it would just make things work. Meyra surely wouldn’t mind being Mayday for an evening…this would never come back to bite him later.

“Seamus! Dinner is ready! Can you go get our guest!” Maggie called from the kitchen. Wait! No! Not Seamus! The cackling red head must have apparated because he was gone in a flash!

“Avery! Dinner!” Seamus called in his annoying voice as he raced up the stairs to the second floor and continued calling her for the stairs leading to her room.

@Avery Gray

Interacting with: @Dennis Tumberton Mentioning: N/A Date: 04/04/25

Word Count: 251

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Avery was about to step through her door when a familiar face popped up. Dennis' little brother, Seamus stood in front of her. He was probably there to either tease her or escort her to dinner. Either way, she knew it would probably end in teasing anyway. She was starting to learn that Seamus always found something funny and something to joke about in everything. That was something Avery needed to start doing again. She had been so gloomy with everything that had been happening that she really had forgotten what happiness was. As she walked into the backyard of their house, the scent of barbeque filled her nose. Avery couldn't remember the last time she had a good barbeque in the backyard. It was probably years ago at her grandparents' house. She remembered something about her grandfather loving to make what he called an "American barbeque" with hot dogs, potato crisps, and burgers. She could almost remember the taste of the juicy burgers. It was amazing. Avery also saw a delicious looking pie sitting on the table. That made her excited. A barbeque that came with pie? This was amazing! She really needed to try and convince her family to start baking again. She missed making pies, cookies, cakes, and other delicious desserts with her mother. Avery sat down next to Lizzie. She knew the girl would probably have her head if she didn't. Avery nearly laughed at the thought, but didn't since she knew it would make things awkward.

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Seamus grinned as he saw Avery come down the stairs. “Avery! It’s dinner! Dad is cooking! You will really like it! He got this muggle thing call a Barbie Barbie Que. No clue what it is but it sounds funny right?” Seamus kept in step with Avery making sure she got to the backyard safely. Once she was safely escorted he bounced around the table to sit beside Dennis. By the time they arrived, Maggie and Quint were seated at either head of the table.

“Ave Ave!” Lizzie whispered aggressively, shortening her name to prove to her parents that they were actually friends. She tilted her head toward the seat and patted it. Thankfully, Avery got the hint and sat beside her. Dennis was definitely afraid that Lizzie might scream if Avery sat beside him…her actual friend. As long as his family accepted her, though, Dennis wasn’t in a hurry to correct her. It did annoy him that it seemed like Lizzie was stealing his show. Probably why he never mentioned his family much to people at Hogwarts, for fear it would just be about them and not him.

However, his worry turned into delight as he saw the hunger in her eyes. This new found contraption that his father brought home obviously unlocked some sort of memory. “You should try the grilled chicken. My dad says it’s Mary Tated. Whatever that means, it’s really good though!”

Maggie saw her true prize though and offered gently, referring to her pie “If you’d like after dinner, I can give you two slices if you’d like.”

As they ate, Quint, hoping he’d find something to relate to the girl that was all of a year older than his own daughter, if even that, piped up, “You are welcome to come over any time you’d like. Dennis has never invited any of his friends over before! Heck, we were starting to think he didn’t have any!” He meant it as a jest but it got a dangerous look from his wife and Dennis flashed Avery an apologetic look. “I meant…” he said chewing slowly trying to figure out quickly where he went wrong, “you two must be very close because it’s a rare happening…?” Quint finished looking for approval from either Maggie or his son.

Dennis took a deep breath, he needed to save this dinner now from his father, “Avery is a great friend! We help each other a lot! I was just hoping that inviting her she might understand a little bit more about me.” His voice still hinted at an apology to Avery but also, wanted to help frame this time as something positive.

@Avery Gray

Interacting with: @Dennis Tumberton Mentioning: N/A Date: 04/04/25

Word Count: 314

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Avery laughed at the younger boy’s enthusiasm. She wasn’t sure what a barbie barbie que was, but it did smell amazing to her! She smiled as she followed him towards the backyard where the rest of Dennis’ family was. Avery smiled at the nickname Lizzie gave her. She hadn’t heard it before, and added it to the mental list she rarely tried to keep up. She had been called many names over the twelve years she had lived, so keeping up with the list didn’t always work out. Avery sat down next to the younger girl. Nearly laughing at the happiness in her face. Eve ln though they had only met a few short hours before, it was as if the girl had latched onto Avery. Instead of just getting to know each other, it was as if they’d been best friends for years. Avery’s eyes lit up. She couldn’t wait to try everything! Chicken, pie, and so many other dishes filled the air with the sweet scent of home. She loved it. It was a reminder that she was safe. That she was in a happy place where a happy family resided. Avery nodded her head vigorously in agreement. Over the short time they had known each other, they had become good friends. Avery heard the apologetic tone in his voice, but she brushed it off. She knew that he didn’t need to apologize. She would be bringing her best friend who would be her first friend over at her family’s house. She understood the pressure. It was horrible. Avery ate well that night and she loved the taste of the pie. “This is delicious!” Avery said with a smile to Maggie. Once she had eaten her fill of dinner, she was tired and sleepy. Happiness and contentment filling her to the brim. She was at peace for the first time in forever.

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