Snowflakes and Shopping Bags

"That's fine," Brian said. "Goodnight, Jess. Angus and Jack will be here. We'll be fine. Have a good night. I"m going to check on Khaat. I'll be right back, Jack." He got up and went upstairs. He peeked into the bedroom. She was in an exhausted sleep. He saw the fatigue on her face. He saw the hollows in her cheeks. Barker was going to pay with his life for ever breathing on her, and much more for everything she did.

He sat on the edge of the bed, careful to not disturb her. At least she didn't have to rely on sleeping potions to rest. He put his hand softly on her forehead and checked her. Her vital signs were not the best, but they were as good as they were going to get for awhile. They weren't different than this morning, but he was seeing it all through new eyes. And he was much more watchful now. He moved across the hall and saw Angus sitting with the girls. He seemed to enjoy it.

"Thank you," Brian said.

"They're a joy. I enjoy it. I'm glad you asked me. Thank you. Go do what you need to. No one's going to get your family tonight."

Brian went back downstairs, grateful they were both there to help.

Jess took jack but the hand and lead him to the floo "I'll see you tomorrow " she said softly, nodding at Brian she aperated away to her home leaving jack stood smiling and shaking his head as hwe walked back to the window to check the out side the biulding .

"ok coffee " he said maily to himself but so he would not forget that Brian was there still "those children a re growing fast " he said smiling as he pored his coffee .

"They certainly are. Makes me feel old sometimes," Brian said. "It is a constant reminder of how time marches forward. I'm going to wake up someday and put those girls either on that train to Hogwarts, or to Beauxbatons. If Hogwarts isn't anymore safe than it is now, we'll send them to Beauxbatons. I just checked on Khaat. Poor thing is exhausted. Its not like her to go to bed this early. I really do need to get Angus working on a really strict food plan for her, to help build up her nutrition and add a few pounds back on for her. She'll feel better if I can manage that.

"I'm not sure what happned to me, but somehow I guess I was too close to it to really see it. Sometimes I just really don't like the news that Robert gives out," he sighed. He retrieved himself a cup of coffee.