Dennis waited rather impatiently by the door. It was the first day of Spring Break and he sent instructions for Avery to meet him at his house so he could introduce her to his family. The Tumbertons were a lively bunch and he was sure that they would be able to give Avery some perspective on her issues, even if it was a break from how serious everything seemed to be all the time. His brother sat on the floor playing with his latest treasures and Lizzie was drawing on the table. Dennis was supposed to be reading over some of his homework but his mind always went back to Avery and her situation regarding her family.

Every movement and sound whether it was coming from their fireplace or the front door, sent Dennis’ alarms off. Up and down off the couch over any semblance of the sound of his friend arriving. It was also the very first time he brought a friend home. He wasn’t sure how embarrassing his family would be over their first guest being a girl but he really wanted to help Avery out. Maggie Tumberton was busy preparing snacks in the kitchen, hearing that Dennis had invited a friend over and his father, Quint, was out running errands. Dennis knew, everything would be quiet until it wasn’t!

@Avery Gray

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

Word Count: 235

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Avery was nervous as she rode the train to her friend Dennis' house in Edinburg. She had never been to anywhere in Scotland but Hogwarts, so she couldn't wait to see it! She watched out the window as beautiful green land stretched out before her. She sighed in contentment. The scenery alone was enough to keep Avery away from the thoughts constantly torturing her. She was also nervous. This was going to be the first time she ever visited someone from school since her muggle friend had died from injuries she got in a car accident. Though, from what she had heard, his family was happy and welcoming. Both things Avery really needed. She was sad that she could only stay one day, but she was also eager to see her grandfather again. Her father had told her that her aunt was coming to Edinburgh from America in the morning and would meet her and Dylan there. Once they met up, they would all take the train to Wales where they would meet Avery's father who would take them to her grandparent's house. Finally the train ride had ended and she made her way towards Dennis' house with the instructions he had given her. She was excited as she approached the door of the house he had described. She gently knocked on the door and waited. Hoping that she hadn't gone to the wrong house.

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Dennis hadn’t given much thought that Avery was coming over to his house the day after the events of that fateful meeting by the lakeshore. He had arranged this meeting with Avery well in advanced and he wasn’t one to rearrange a meeting. He was glad that Avery wanted to come over, he didn’t ever bring guests around and she was a friend.

There was a knock at the door. Dennis perked up from his seat at the couch. Before he could get up, Lizzie seemed to materialize out of thin air. “I got it!” She yelled into the kitchen as her red curls sprung here and there. She opened the door and her eyes met Avery. They were about the same height and the same age. Lizzie had just turned 11 and was preparing to attend Hogwarts in the fall. She beamed as she did not hesitate to try to hook Avery’s arm in hers and attempt to drag her inside. “Come in come in!”

The house was large and spacious and stylishly decorated, very different from the home of a typical wizarding family. No random bits and bobs, no ancient artifacts, just clean, modern, muggle-style decorum.

Dennis waved from his spot on the couch while his mom came in from the kitchen carrying a tray of snacks, sitting it on the dining room table. “Why hello there. I’m Maggie. And that eager beaver of a lass is Lizzie. You of course know Dennis. And…” Maggie stopped looking around for her youngest who had seemed to disappear almost as quickly as Lizzie appeared. “I haven’t another one around here somewhere. Anyway, make yourself at home!” She said lightly as she walked out the back door, leaving a tray of assorted fruits on one side and chocolates crackers and other delights on the other.

Dennis finally got off the couch, hands in pockets, as he strolled over to the tray, taking a bit of a cookie. “Welcome! How as the train?”

@Avery Gray

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

Word Count: 249

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Avery was surprised to find a red headed girl a little younger than her drag her inside. She began to laugh a little at the enthusiasm of the younger girl. Avery knew immediately that they would probably be friends. The girl had a similar personality to Avery whenever she was actually not being pressed down by the world. Avery was amazed by the house. She hadn't even realized that girl had disappeared the second Avery was inside because she was stunned by how beautiful the house was. It was much bigger and brighter than her house in London. She knew immediately that this was going to have a fun time even though she was just staying the night. Avery smiled and waved to Dennis when she noticed a woman that seemed to be his mom walked in. "Nice to meet you. I'm Avery." Avery replied. Avery smiled again when Dennis came over to her. This was exactly what she needed right now. A family that was actually together and happy instead of constantly at odds for unknown reasons. She couldn't wait to meet his entire family, and was also excited to chat with his sister. She seemed like a really fun person and Avery knew that they would probably get along great. "The train ride was pretty good. It was amazing to see the Scottish land for the first time. The only time I've ever been in Scotland was at Hogwarts, so I never knew how pretty it was!"

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Dennis was really happy. It seemed like Avery was more relaxed than he’d ever seen her. To be fair to her, he only ever seemed to run into her when she was having the worst day ever. Hopefully he’d be able to bring just a little bit of cheer into her life by meeting his family. The first of any of his Hogwarts friends to come despite multiple attempts. The fault was probably his. After all, he never really talked about them or talked about his home very much, so he shouldn’t blame others for being hesitant to come over when they don’t know his family is very nice and his home is quite accommodating.

Dennis started to say, “Let me give you a tour! I think you will really like you-“ but he couldn’t finish telling her that he’d think she’d like her room since she was staying the night. Lizzie was back and tried pushed her from their foyer into their large living room with comfortable couches, armchairs and plenty of soft pillows and accompaniments. She performed a flying leap onto the couch and, sitting up, patted the seat beside her. “Tell me all about Hogwarts! I’m so excited but my brother,” she said shooting him a glance, “won’t tell me anything and he’s been there nearly two years!”

Ok, so he didn’t talk much about family at Hogwarts or talk about Hogwarts with his siblings. Dennis grabbed the snack tray and put it on the coffee table in front of the girls. He sat in the armchair opposite, his feet crossed. “That’s…not entirely true…I say Hogwarts is a place best experienced!”

His sister protested with a “that’s the same thing!” And Dennis looked to Avery for some backup. Lizzie was about to fire off her next round of questions when a head peaked its way from around the arm of the couch closest to where Avery might sit. It was Seamus. Dennis’ 9 year old demon brother. You wouldn’t know it just by looking at him, he looked like a clone of Dennis. But this boy was mischief incarnate. The Loki of the Tumberton family.

“Helllloooo,” his brother cooed, and Dennis’ heart sank. What was this boy going to do….he had a feeling… “are you Denners giiiiirrrrrrlfriend?” Ugh. There it was. If looks could kill, Dennis had no words…there was only the stifled giggle of Lizzie and the cackling of Seamus.

@Avery Gray

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

Word Count: 262

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Avery laughed again as Dennis' younger sister, Lizzie, pushed her towards the couch before leaped onto the couch herself. The younger girl patted the spot next to her, so Avery sat down. Avery had no idea what to say as she listened to Dennis and Lizzie banter back and forth about Hogwarts. She agreed with Dennis. The less you knew before you went, the more exciting the experience was! "Well, I guess you could say that Hogwarts really is an experience! I don't want to spoil it for you, so I'll just say this. Be prepared for some crazy adventures!" Avery smiled. She knew it wasn't exactly what the girl wanted to hear, but she didn't want to spoil the experience of being a first year at Hogwarts by giving away all her secrets that she had found out so far. Avery was surprised when a younger version of Dennis popped out from around the arm of the couch near where she was sitting. She realized immediately after his cooed hello that this kid was quite the troublemaker. She knew from experience that things probably would turn interesting very quickly. Avery was shocked when Dennis' little brother asked if they were dating. She did not expect such a question from such a young child. She could hear laughter from Lizzie, and she also tried to hold in her laughter. "Nope. We're not dating. I'm way too young to date anyway." Avery said in hope that her comment would satisfy Dennis' younger brother. But, of course that wouldn't probably not be the case.

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Lizzie looked at Avery and back to Dennis, suddenly growing suspicious that they were working together or something. She gave a pouty face and tried again, “At least give me soooomething. Denners won’t even let me look at his books!” Lizzie was not a girl who gave up the hunt too easily!

However, all manner of pursuit went out the window with the introduction of their little brother who stole the question that was forming right out of Lizzie’s mouth. That was also her only explanation for why they were both trying to avoid her question! She gave Avery a “yeah right!” face that she clearly didn’t believe her but she was really hoping to make Avery her first Hogwarts friend so she didn’t press it.

Dennis, however, was mortified, head in his hands and beat red. “Avery…this is my youngest sibling, Seamus.” Dennis moaned as Seamus flashed her nearly the same exact grin as Dennis. The similarity between the two of them was as obvious as their different personalities!

“Pleased to meet you, not-Denners-girlfriend,” Seamus continued holding out his hand for a handshake as if he didn’t just embarrass his older brother. “I think we are going to be great friends!”

Dennis, at that remark, slid off the couch as if he was a puddle of water and collected himself. “Let’s go, I can give you a tour.” Dennis said sheepishly, regretting he ever invited anyone to his home. “I’m coming too!” Lizzie said excitedly jumping off the couch and bounding up the stairs. Seamus cackled something that sounded like “me three!” And was gone in an instant.

“I am sooooo sorry, Avery.” Dennis said as they walked around the first floor first, hoping to buy some time away from his siblings. He showed her the classic staples: dining room, kitchen, foyer, study, laundry, play room, but saved the outside areas save what she could see out the windows for last. “Are you ready to see the rooms?” And by rooms he meant round 2 with his siblings.

@Avery Gray

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

Word Count: 231

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Avery smiled and let out a small laugh at Dennis' brother. The kid was such a little ball of energy. Avery didn't have a lot of experience hanging around younger kids, but she did know from what she observed that they were chaotic and constantly had energy. That was something Avery wished she still had. Avery gave a mischievous smile to Dennis' sister before saying, "You'll see!" she also gave the girl a wink just for good measure. She knew that her response wouldn't satisfy the girl, but everyone's experience was different. She didn't want to ruin the girl's experience by spoiling what she had learned. Some things were meant to be learned on their own. Avery shrugged and said, "It's no problem. Kids say some crazy things." She laughed again. As Avery followed Dennis through the house, she was amazed. It was large and very nice. Dennis was lucky to live with such an amazing family in a really cool house! "Your house is so cool! I can't wait to see the rooms!" She said with a smile. She glanced around the part of the house they were in. It was so nice and bright here instead of the dreary and dark apartment that she lived in with her parents in London. Of all the places that they her parents had chosen, they had picked the cloudiest part of London.

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Maggie came over to them with some juice and handed it to both, Avery and Dennis. “Here you go. Avery, I hope you are enjoying the tour. Once Dennis finishes, I will make sure he leaves you alone enough to get situated. Our home is your home,” Maggie said her voice warm and motherly. “Oh, and Denners. I have a chore for you once you are done.”

Dennis nodded, taking the juice and dreading what it was his mother was going to make him do…and potentially leave Avery alone with his siblings. After she went back to the kitchen, the Ravenclaw student beckoned his friend to follow as he made his way up the stairs. “Just please…whatever they say…don’t believe them,” Dennis begged her walking up the stairs backward trying to show Avery how sincere he was. With a shrug he turned around seamlessly mid-step and bounded up the rest of the way to the landing.

“Avery Avery Avery!” Came the call of his sister Lizzie. She was at her door and waving frantically down the end of the hallway in front of another pair of stairs leading to the loft bedroom. “Come to my room first!”

Dennis held up a hand, he’d do this in turn. As soon as they made it to her guest room the better for his sanity. First up was his parents room. The door was shut so he just mentioned it in passing. The next room on the opposite side was his brother’s. He was already in it but had forgotten the reason why he was waiting for them so absorbed in his toys and drawing. He simply just waved at Avery and Dennis now having lost all interest in harassing them. Only one of them was left…

Dennis and Lizzie’s room were opposite each other and despite Lizzie’s pouting face, Dennis showed off his room to her first, leaving the door open. The room was spacious and tidy with his books stacked up in piles on his desk and a few open as if he was still doing homework. His room, as well as the two guest rooms and his parents room, were full suites which meant he got his own bathroom. The door was wisely shut. Good thinking Dennis.

“Should I shut the door for you two love birds?” Came the same coo. Dennis whipped around and it was Seamus. What happened to being distracted. Dennis’ face reddened with embarrassment again, but his look sent Seamus scrambling back to his door.

“It’s my turn!” Lizzie moaned from the other side of the hallway. Dennis rubbed his face.

“I’m sorry. My family is a lot…Maybe you can go see Lizzie yourself? She doesn’t let me in her room.” Dennis moaned, now utterly humiliated.

If Avery went to Lizzie’s room, it was pink with all the accompaniments of being a girls room. Colorful posters, plush stuffed animals and magical instruments that were supposed to make you ‘more beautiful.’ Lizzie would motion for Avery to sit down, her face a little downcast and her very first question was, “Is Dennis that depressing at school? He is always so serious.”

@Avery Gray

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

Word Count: 210

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Avery accepted the juice gratefully from Maggie. It looked delicious. "Thank you so much!" She said with a smile. Avery followed Dennis as he showed her the rooms that his family lived in. She laughed and smiled at laughed a little at Lizzie's enthusiasm. She hadn't had a lot of experience around younger kids, but she made a mental note to be ready for their energy the next time she was around younger kids. Avery jumped when what seemed to be the now peaceful younger brother of Dennis brought back up the idea that they were lovebirds no matter how much they said they weren't. Avery almost brought up the fact that she just thought of Dennis as a friend and there was actually someone else that she possibly liked in that way. She bit back the remark though because she knew she would regret it and wish she hadn't said it. Avery walked into Lizzie's room and sat down where she had motioned. Avery listened to her first question and waited a moment before answering. "No. He's not depressing. Actually, he's been a pretty great friend lately. There's been some bad stuff happening to my family lately, so having a friend to talk with has been. . . nice." Avery said.

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