February 3035 (fixed)

Eglantine sat in her rocking chair, facing the large bay window overlooking the yard. She smiled as Horatio, Ewan and Ean played in the snow. Only thirty minutes before she had played with them, laughing as her sons had thrown snow at her and shouted when it was returned at them. Life seemed full and happy. Leaving the chair, as she had only seated herself to wait for the hot chocolate to cool slightly. Knowing her children and husband, they would burn their tongues if she gave them piping hot cocoa, despite warnings.

Memories, ever day, flooded her mind, a mixture of good and bad. She had seen enough of her life and remembered enough to not delve too deeply in it. Her life hung on the balance of "ignorance being bliss" and although she deeply hated lying to herself... she was happy. Something she could not remember being, truly, in her memories.

Picking up the tray, she summoned her thick cloak and had it fasten itself in place as the gentle wind caressed her face. Laughing, Horatio threw Ewan into a heavy drift, not seeing Ean until he was knocked over by the boy's side assault.
"HE'S DOWN!!!" Ean cheered, both he and his brother pining their father's arms against the snowy ground and laughing hysterically.
"You may have won this round!" Horatio panted, playing along with them. "But my queen has arrived!" The twins looked up to see their mother approaching and in their excitement over the delicious promises of hot chocolate, forgot about their "captive". Horatio was up in a flash and grabbed them both, holding them up with an arm around each.
"ALL MINE!" he chuckled, meaning the chocolate.
"NEVER!" Ean squealed, wiggling in his father's grip. Ewan did the same, laughing so hard, his face was bright red.

"Goodness." Eglantine exclaimed, setting the tray down on the charmed table in the yard. Chuckling, she held up the muggle bag of marshmallows and the jar of hot fudge from the tray. Three sets of eyes widened and the game was instantly forgotten as they rushed forward to warm their fingers and stomachs on sugar, chocolate and more sugar.

Setting a mug in front of each of the patient boys, Eglantine filled it half-way with hot chocolate and allowed them to fill the rest of the space with the M&M's, fudge, and marshmallows on the tray. Her own tea sat bleakly bereft of adornment compared to Horatio's soon overflowing mug of ecstasy.
"Ean, share with your brother." Horatio admonished, taking the nearly empty bowl of M&M's from Ean and passing them to Ewan, The fudge which had been in Ewan possession far too long was traded for the chocolate morsels and soon both boys were happily munching and drinking their divine treats.

"Thanks, Mama!" Ewan chirped, smiling at her with his mouth and chin dripping with chocolate. Eglantine giggled, reaching for a napkin from the tray and carefully wiping him nearly clean.
"Yeah, thanks!" Ean added, his nose and chin brown and his mouth multicoloured from the melting M&M's. Horatio chuckled, taking a handful of napkins.
"You two are too much." he murmured, feigning despair.
"Two?" Eglantine asked surprised, turning Horatio's face to look at her. "Make that three." she grinned, wiping at his chocolate covered beard.

Both boys giggled, sugar-high and happy. Horatio's eyes twinkled.
"Three is such an odd number, my dear." he bemoaned. Reaching across the table, he pulled her closer and kissed her. Eglantine and the twins all giggled madly as her clean face was now smeared with chocolate.
"You silly man!" Eglantine laughed.
"Four is even, my dear." he explained, as the twins and Eglantine all pulled him from his chair.

"TICKLE DUCK!" Ean shrieked, as his father always did before tickling them. Ewan and he dove on their father, little fingers tickling his arm pits and stomach as they all rolled through the snow. Eglantine was not spared as Ean's cold fingers against her neck caused her to shriek with laughter.
"You have ta say UNCLE!" Ewan screamed, laughing as his father tickled him back even as he was tickled. Eglantine pulled Ean over Horatio and sprinkled snow on his face as he attempted to wash hers with snow.

"Uncle!" Horatio finally shouted, as the tired foursome lay entangled on the snow. Ean giggled adrenaline mixed with sugar still coursing through his veins.
"I'm glad you're here, Mama." he muttered, laying his head back against her chest. Eglantine sighed softly, trying to catch her breath.
"Me too, love." she kissed his temple, leaving a chocolate imprint. Ewan sat up on Horatio and looked around.
"Can we have hot dogs, Papa?" he asked, delighted with the image of roasting them over a high fire. Ean cheered along with the idea.

"I don't see why not." Horatio stated, his voice muffled from under Eglantine's cape. He pushed it down from his face and beamed up at his sons and wife. "PIGS IN A BLANKET!" he roared, leaping up and gathering all three of them into his arms in one motion. Eglantine screamed in surprise as did the twins, although they instantly began to fight their imprisonment. Releasing the twins, Horatio watched them dash off toward the willow tree at the edge of the yard. Still holding Eglantine, he smiled down at her.

"My dear you have chocolate on your face." He murmured, kissing her forehead. She chuckled.
"You put it there, darling." Using the edge of his coat he wiped at the drying confection.
"Ah yes..." they were interrupted as the twins bounced back.

"Lets start the roast!" they exclaimed in near unison. Their parents laughed, following them back into the house, the tray of empty mugs and bowls forgotten.

Setting Eglantine down once in the kitchen, Horatio cleaned the boys up as she retrieved the packs of sausages and hot dogs from the freezer.
"Honestly, do you know what is in these vile tubes?" Eglantine murmured, as Horatio went to help her peel the wrappings from the mystery meat.
"Ignorance in bliss, my dear." he chuckled in reply.

Kiara went to the floo, "McKevin Residence!" she shouted and through the floo powder in to the fire place. She stuck her head in to the floo.

"Horatio? Eglantine? May I come over? I have Ara with me... we need to talk" she said a note of seriousness in her voice. She was nervouse though she wasn't sure how Horatio and Eglantine would react to the news. She certianly wouldn't know how to react or feel if it was say Rossa or Greta coming home and saying they were pregnant at the tender age of 15. And she couldn't begin to think how Ciaran would react, being the traditional man he was. If Horatio was anything like Ciaran in that belief.... She sighed, it would be a difficult to few hours...

Ara was right.. they did seem very happy right now.. she almost.. Almost felt bad making Ara tell them now. But it had to be done, Ara had waited to long as it was.. to her worry the news was just sinking in that her little sister was in her second trimester of pregnancey already.. Horatio should have been the first to now being Ara's father... but this was how it turned out.

Both Eglantine and Horatio immediately sobered as Kiara's edged voice came through the fireplace. Exchanging glances, the couple abandoned the meat in the sink and Horatio went to make sure the twins played quietly in their room, while Eglantine approached the fireplace.
"Of course you may come in, darling." Eglantine offered, her soft voice wavering slightly. Whatever Kiara and Ara were coming over for, she doubted it was for the barbeque.

Ara followed close behind Kiara, using her as a shield to hide tears if they came and to keep her mother form embracing her.

Kiara sent Eglantine a smile though her eyes gave her a totally different story, Worry, Nervousness, warriness.

"Thank you Eglantine, I am sorry for not calling a head of time this came up not long ago, it could not wait until later..." she said turning her gentle eyes to Ara who still behind her... well more like hiding behind her. She could only imagine the amount of termoil Ara was going through.

"Ara and I have something talk to you and Horatio about" she said, well it was more so Ara had something to tell them but she didn't want Ara to feel she was doing it all by herelf.

"Oh, it is no trouble, dear." Eglantine assured her, wondering why Ara appeared to hiding behind her older sister. "Will you not be seated?" she motioned to the kitchen table's chairs.

Horatio entered the kitchen.
"Is something wrong, Kiara? Ara?" he asked, immediately noting the odd way both his daughters were acting. Kiara's eyes were etched with emotions he did not want to see and Ara... she appeared to be fighting tears.

Ara looked toward her parents, standing now together, then back to Kiara. Should she blurt it out? or try to find a more slow gentle means to tell them. Perhaps she could discuss how Otto had dumped her... or how she had been drunk at the last party or... maybe she could lie and say Otto had asked her to marry him and... no that wouldn't work.

"I can't do it!" she whispered to Kiara.

She nodded to Eglantine request to sit, that sounded like a perfect idea, that way hopefully no one would faint or collapes that way.

"Yes Eglantine that sounds perfect"

Kiara sighed placed her hand on her sisters shoulder, and gave it a small squeeze before whispering back "Ara you must... just take a deep breath and say it. you can do it, I am right here with you" she said quietly before looking back at Horatio and Eglantine again. Feeling worse about the entire situation by the second.

"We have some rather shocking news, you both might want to brace your selves" she said in warning to them to be fair.

Say what? Horatio's heart began to beat furiously as he thought of the terrible things his precious daughter might say. Carefully he took Eglantine's hand in his.

Ara took the deep breath and closed her eyes. She imaged she was with Kiara in her office again. Her parents were not looking at her with wide caring eyes. She was not about to tell them her world had shattered. It was only Kiara, who understood and wouldn't fall apart on her.

"I'm pregnant." There, she had said it...it was over. Her eyes opened, tears escaping from behind the lids.

Horatio's mouth opened as the information hit his chest like a ton of bricks. It hurt to breath... hurt to think, he took the seat as his knees failed him and unintentionally took Eglantine with him.

Blinking, Eglantine gently patted her husband's hand, trying to reassure him.

"Oh Ara..." she groaned, her eyes dry although she felt like crying.
Horatio spoke as well.
"What were you thinking?" the accusation was gently said, but the words still stung Ara's heart.

"I wasn't, Papa..." Ara muttered, miserably.

Kiara rubbed Ara's back and hoped to keep her from falling apart, and reaaure her that she did well. She then cast her worried glance to Horatio and Eglantine, she hoped they could get through this with out to much tear shed or shattered hearts.

But they weren't done yet, now was when all the questions came... again she was here to help give Ara courage to answer and make sure no one flipped out entirely.

"At least you know that..." Horatio sighed, trying to control his mounting anger and so far doing well. She was fifteen; not twenty, not even eighteen. Way to young to be sleeping with boys and becoming a mother. Way to young...

"Papa, I'm sorry." Ara whispered, need to be forgiven rising in her. Her father remained quiet, his large hands covering his deep set eyes. Eglantine didn't look at her either. Either she didn't trust herself to or else she was trying to decide how to react. Finally Eglantine gently pulled away from Horatio and fled into the other room, tears falling down her pale cheeks. It was the straw that broke the camel's back... Ara broke down sobbing and Horatio began to weep as well, but he did not go to comfort his wife or daughter. Instead he stayed seated, begging whatever deity watching to help him.

Kiara at that moment wished there was three of her, she wish to go to Horatio and and Eglantine and give them strength and calm them down, but she really didn't want to leave Ara. She then reasoned this was a natural reasponse from her to parents... they would come around in time.

So she stayed at Ara's side and simply rubbed her sisters back, it was taking alot of her might to not cry as well, but at the present time her crying would not help.. she need to be strong for the other members of her family in the room.

"Shhh honey.... It will be alright, please calm down or you will make your self sick. Shhh" she tried to sooth as she held on to her sister. It did occure to her she shouldn't be mothering Ara, after the girl herself was becomeing a mother her self in a few short months... But she couldn't help her little sister was terrified, she couldn't let her be like that..Ara made a big mistake, she didn't deny that and she was going to live that mistake for the rest of her life. in Kiara's mind that was more then enough reason to comfort her dear sweet sister.

She still cast a look at Horatio, as she held her little siter in her arms. What she was trying to convey to him she didn't know.

Ara's sobbing did not subside, despite her sister's attempts to calm her. Hiccuping sobs and venting her frustration into Kiara's shoulder, she didn't see Horatio rise from his chair, his weathered cheeks stained, but his face set.

Gently, he took his daughter from Kiara, holding her against him, as he had when she was a child. His large hand gently smoothed her thick red hair and she cried against his chest, arms wrapping around him.
"I'm so sorry, Papa." she whimpered, comforted that he was there for her, despite the guilt.
Horatio said nothing, his eyes closing.
"I know, half-pint." he murmured. "I'm sorry too."

He glanced at Kiara, thanking her silently for supporting her sister.

Kiara sighed silently with relief when Horatio took over with Ara, she nodded her head at his glance and looked at Ara's sobbing form and gave him a look have as if to say "How could I not?".

She patted Horatio on the shoulder and then whispered in Ara's ear, "Be strong Sister, always know this.. I will always love you and your parents will always love you, no matter what" With that said she gave Horatio a shot one armed hug and then motioned her head that she would go to Eglantine in the other room.

Ara nodded, her crying slowly quieting. Horatio sighed. "Always, Ara." he murmured, pulling her to sit with him and wrapping his arm around her. It hurt him deeply to see her so distraught. Some fathers might assume she had been violated, but Horatio knew it had either been willingly or while drunk... Ara and her boyfriend were far to "clingy"...

His head lifted. Where was the no account anyway? Was this part of the reason his daughter was so distraught. He wanted nothing more than to strangle the man. He cursed himself for allowing her to date the 18 year old in the first place. Oh the things he wished he could redo.

He nodded to Kiara, thankful that she would assist Eglantine. He wanted to himself, but at that moment Ara needed him. Later that day, he and Eglantine would speak...and find comfort as a couple

Eglantine had fled the room, unable to bear the memories that flooded her mind. But then there was pain and disbelief as well. She could feel Horatio's pain... Ara's pain... Kiara's pain all rushed through her mind. Collapsing against the living room wall, she began to shake, trembling from head to toe.

Kiara went into the next room and to her horror found Eglantine shaking terribly against the wall.

"Oh Eglantine " she said as she quickly went to her mothers side and held in a simlar embrace she had with Ara, she gently rubbed Eglantines arm.

"If you want to talk about it I am hear Eglantine" she said softly.

" Ara is with Horatio... they both seem to be doing better, with each other" she said quietly hoping the knowlege would give Eglantine some comfort.

Ara sniffed back a few final tears as he father gently held her. "What are you going to do?" he asked, softly. Ara turned her face toward the wall.
"I'm not sure." Kiara had said something about planning, but that was already gone from her mind. Of course her parents would not let her give her child up for adoption or abort. But she wasn't sure exactly what her father meant.

"No..." Eglantine murmured. She did not wish to speak of it. The shaking slowly stopped as did the tears. Standing up straight, she patted her daughter's arm.
"Thank you." she whispered, her eyes moving toward the kitchen. She hoped suddenly that Ara wouldn't think she had left because of shame or anger.

Kiara sighed and gave a small smile, "It is no problem, my shoulder has plenty of room for tears... Ready to go back?" she asked gently.

Eglantine said nothing, not hearing Kiara as she walked back toward the kitchen. Strangely her hearing seemed to have faded. She saw that Horatio and Ara were comforting each other and she went to stand at the other end of the table.

Horatio looked up, smiling grimly.
"The four of us need to discuss this, Ara." he murmured, "Come, calm yourself and tell us how this happened and what you plan to do."

Seeing her husband's lips move but no sound come out, Eglantine almost panicked, but he gestured for her to come forward and she did so, deciding now was not the time to bother about physical troubles.

Kiara followed Eglantine back to the kitchen, she found it unerving Eglantine said nothing but didn't think to much of it as she took as seat across form Horatio and Ara.

She smiled at what Horatio said to Ara, perhaps that ment they were giving her the choice of adoption? abortion.. no, even she who grew up around this type of thing would not approve that. If Ara had been unwilling in the deed that caused this and she was early in the pregancy maybe, but that was not the case this time. But Adoption.. she would support Ara if that is what she wanted to do, she had after adopted Rossa and Edan, and there wasn't a day that went by that she didn't count the stars for how lucky she was to have them.

"Take a deep breath honey, as the muggles say "the ball is in you court now" she said with a small smile to her sister hoping to help give her the confidence to speak.

Ara felt better now that her father had assured her of his love and that her mother had come back. Eglantine's cold hand gently wrapped around her hand and she took peace in the gesture.

Sighing, she nodded. "Otto and I went to a party. I drank too much and I don't remember what happened after that. When I woke up... well." she trailed off, embarrassed to be saying this in front of her parents and sister. "We were together, you know." her cheeks were bright red as she murmured the words.

"I didn't think anything really... until I missed my um... you know." she bit her lip and refused to meet her parents or sister's eyes. "I wasn't feeling well, so Edwin took me to a healer... and I found out. He promised not to tell anyone till I did." she paused slightly.

"Are you mad?" it was really a stupid question, due to the flames dancing in Horatio's eyes. Eglantine sat looking calm and fairly indifferent. Ara actually found her mother more comforting that her father ironically.

"Does he still live with his parents?" Horatio asked, his voice tight. Ara looked to Kiara for help.
"Um... Papa, it wasn't just his fault. Don't hurt him." she pleaded. Horatio ignored her, pulling away from Eglantine.
"DOES HE LIVE THERE OR NOT?" he thundered, causing Ara to shrink back against Eglantine.

Horatio's face claimed he was yelling, although what, Eglantine wasn't sure.
"Darling, please." she murmured, not hearing her own words even. Ara cried against her as Horatio's powerful figure stormed out the door.

Kiara bit her lip, she wasn't surprised by Horatio's reaction... she was quite angry at the boy who had the nerve to take advantage of her sister while under the influence. But he had propably been just as imparied as Ara had.. She wasn't about to add Ara was also to young to be going to such parties. So Ara so called boyfirend had been the of age, adult wizard... he should have known better to bring a 15 year old to a party obviously to old for her.

She sighed, "Don't do anything you will regret Horatio" she said softly, she concidered very much going after him, but he was too angry to listen right now she knew that.

She went over to Eglantine and Ara, she said nothing as Ara cried in her mothers arms. She only ran her fingers through Ara's red hair and rubbed her shoulder. What else could she do to comfort her, with out lieing to her?

She did look a bit concerned at Eglantine though, she looked dazed, and more then a little confused. Not exactly the type of reaction she was expecting from her with news given and what just occured.

"Eglantine? Are you alright?" she asked cautiously, looking at her mother closely.

Eglantine looked after Horatio, wish she had heard what possibly had caused his sudden anger. Possibilities were endless, but she decided not to assume anything. No doubt the lack of hearing was simply a side effect of her mental overload. It would pass and they would discuss this rationally. Humming softly, she stroked Ara's thick hair.

Ara pulled her head up after Horatio had left the room and she heard Kiara's gentle voice ask if Eglantine was alright. It sent a shock of worry through her. After all, her mother's mental and physical was delicate at best.
"Mama?" she asked softly, patting her mother's arm. Her mother looked down at her, but didn't say anything.

"Why did he go?" Eglantine asked, looking from Ara to Kiara.

Kiara blinked noteing Eglantine seemed to ignore any spoken word. Or perhaps she couldn't her at all, why else would she not know why Horatio left in such a hurry?

"hmmm Eglantine you can't not hear?" she asked, she then repeated the question in writen form in words for Eglantine to see in front of her.

"I am afraid Horatio is quite angry at Ara's Ex Boyfirend... he's well gone to sort that out" she siad also making those words appear in front of her again, since it was clear the Eglantine could see.

She also placed her hand in Ara's shoulder, "She will be fine Ara... I am sure this is just Temporary." she said to reassure her younger sister even though she herself was worried.

Eglantine glanced at the written words, understanding lighting her eyes. Sniffing, Ara looked at them as well.
"Why's she like this?" Ara asked, fear lighting her brown eyes. She felt guilt assault her.
"Did I do it?" she tightly gripped her mother's hand, looking to Kiara. "How can you be sure, she'll be fine?!" Panic surfaced. Her mother couldn't be deaf, even for a little while. Hearing was such a lovely thing. Eglantine fought the urge to grimace as Ara tightly squeezed her hand and gently disentangled her daughter.

"Stay with Ara." she murmured, heading for the fireplace. Horatio was a strong wizard... and one not usually angered. His wraith was not something many had ever seen and not something she wanted young Otto to see last before leaving the earth.

--Banforj Residence--

Horatio erupted through the fireplace like a hurricane through a port, his magical power nearly crushing the pots of flowers at either side of the brick entryway. Jonah Banforj, Otto's father, was a good man, both an auror and respected wizard. But obviously his son had not followed his father's footsteps.

"Professor McKevin?" Otto's mother, Dena Banforj gapped at the angry man. "I-is something wrong?" Her eyes were wide as he swept past her, heading straight for her son's room. Immediately she called for her husband, rushing into his study.

"Otto must have done something to Ara!" she exclaimed, worried for both her son and the girl. "Horatio is going to kill Otto!" Jonah gently soothed his wife and set her in the chair.

"Stay here." he murmured, a rational man, who rarely panicked.

Indeed, Horatio did look fit to murder his son, as he blew the bedroom door down and towered over Otto, who had dropped the magazine he held and was now looking very akin to a pig before slaughter.

Wand poised to inflict maximum damage on the boy who had dared to hurt his half-pint and then dared to leave her with the consequences alone, Horatio's lips moved as the incantation swirled in the air.
Jonah wanted to save his son, but he found it impossible to enter the room, a magical shield blocking his entry.

"Horatio..." he looked to see Eglantine, shockingly behind him. Jonah's mouth fell open. After all, she was suppose to be dead, killed by Aurors who had attempted to arrest her for attempting to replace the Dark Lord and for "killing" the minister. Otto screamed in fear, moreso than pain, as Horatio had yet to harm him. Shaking himself from his thoughts, he looked pleadingly at the small witch.
"Please." he murmured, "Save my son. He's all Dena and I have." She didn't appear to hear him, but moved forward as a positive sign.

Horatio's fury was indeed great, the curtains of the room standing straight against the wall as waves of magic roared and rolled as the sea toward Otto. The young man was shaking with fright and he enjoyed the fear.

Do not take what is most precious...

He heard his wife's soft voice through a haze of anger within his mind. Images of her own fury rushed through his mind, products of her own memory. Flashes of his tear-stained face begging her to return to him haunted his eyes, though they were open.

Mistake not as I did, my love...

The wand dropped and Eglantine took his arm with her hand. A cold glare was delivered to the quivering wizard on the bed, but soon he was pulled/led from the room.
Jonah, a father himself, understood the fury of righteous indignation and allowed them past him, joining his wife moments later to both comfort and gain what had led to these events from their son.

---back at McKevin residence---

Horatio and Eglantine reentered their home and sat in the living room, both overwhelmed with their joined fury and remorse.

Kiara placed her hands on Ara's shoulders, making the teen look at her. "Ara, yes I won't lie, Mother likely had a mental overload at the news of your pregnancey, but her hearing will return. I promise okay?" she said looking into her sisters eyes, she couldn't sheild her from the reality of the situation.

"She will be alright," she said pulling Ara into a quick hug.

At Horatio's and Eglantines return Kiara bit her lip, after what happened they could all use some time to calm down and sort out there thoughts.

She sighed and turned to Ara, "Come on Ara, lets give them sometime to calm down and sort out there thoughts okay? You should do the same... calm down and get your thoughts together before going to talk with them" she suggested as she moved to the kitchen and got a serving of Tea set up.

She gave the tea cup to Ara, "Drink it Honey, it will give you much needed vitimins and strength, not to mention it will aid in calming you... which couldn't harm you right now" she said gently, her hand once again making a soothing motion on Ara's back.

Guilt washed over her at Kiara's words, but she nodded nonetheless. Kiara had never lied to her before and if she said her mother was going to be okay... she was.

"Okay." she murmured. Licking her dry lips, she gladly took the cup of tea. "Thank you Kiara." she whispered. "For...for everything. I don't know what I'd do without you." But she did, and that was what frightened her. Ara had contemplated suicide as soon as the word "pregnant" had left the healer's mouth. Now she had hope... now she had a possible future. Her parents loved her, Kiara loved her and they all loved her baby. It was a start to help her love the baby too.

Smiling, Ara looked up at Kiara. "Do you think it'll be a boy or a girl?" it was the first time she had ever really considered the baby as anything other than a burden. Maybe she could be a mother... a good one. Like Kiara.

--

Eglantine gently stroked her husband's short white hair, hoping she was offering him some comfort. He had endured so much for his family. For her and their children. Ava had already, despite her young age, become a rebellious prodigal, who hated the very sight of either parent. Ara had been Horatio's anchor in the stormy seas of his immediate family. Kiara had of course always been helpful, but she had been busy with her own growing family and its troubles. Ara had been there for him always. Now, she needed him and although he longed to help her, he wasn't sure how.

His younger sister had been raped at fourteen, but had committed suicide after her parents had thrown her out of the house. He could never do the same to Ara, no matter what.
"Are you well?" Eglantine asked him softly. Horatio sighed.
"No, but time will fix me." he replied, finding comfort in her arms.
"Shall we return to our daughter?" she asked, not responding to his first response.
Silently he rose to his feet, helping her to do the same.