You promised me you'd be around....

I laughed.  "Being trapped in a dark, dank hole for sixteen years puts some perspective on things... being overly protective doesn't seem to be an issue now," I teased.  "But yes... back when I was a seventeen year old big brother... and especially with the way your dad and I were with women, I did not want him dating your mum.  It was no wonder Padfoot was more scared of me than your grandpa.  If he wasn't my best mate, I may have done what Dean did with Seamus," I assured my niece.  The timer beeped for the cookies and I pulled them out of the oven, placing them on a cooling rack.  I looked at her.  "Didn't you ever ask your parents about them getting engaged and stuff?  Or did you want a different point of view?"

I have bothered them with it, " I drive them nuts with how many times I have asked about them getting engaged and her dress....you name I have inquired.." I said with a laugh. " They look delicious." I said looking over at the batch of cookies. Knowing a few of them had my name on them. Once they cooled off of course. " So, your saying Dean did something a typical brother does?"

I smiled at Lenni.  "I wouldn't be surprised if he did it more behind your back and you just never realized he had threatened boys who were interested," I told her.  "At least that's what I did with any guy interested in your mum.  They were all scared of me.  It's amazing she ever had a boyfriend before your dad.  Of course they were all hidden from me -- including the summer fling with your Uncle Remus," I added, shaking my head.  I couldn't believe they had kept that a secret.  Of course I had known about it before I went missing... but still.  I just couldn't believe it.  I didn't even want to think about it.  "You should think back to any guy that you thought liked you adn then never acted on it.  I bet Dean had a hand in it.  It's pretty much a brother's job to do that -- especially when he's older."  I really didn't want to wait for teh cookies to cool.  So I grabbed one and bit into it.  Of course it burnt my mouth... but it was so worth it.  Damn, I was a great cookie maker.

I was about to protest, then saw where he was going with it. " Oh that git..." I mumbled. He was going to get an ear full. Thinking he had to protect me from everything. " I got into so many fights I almost lost count. " I said with a grin, " I know it's not the thing to do fight....I just mean I had gotten into so many because I figured I had to stand up for myself. " I explained, I stifled a giggle as Uncle James burned his mouth.

I rolled my eyes.  "You thought you had to stand up for yourself?  You really thought your brother wasn't there for you?" I asked.  Then I remembered Ember saying how they had had issues in teh past.  "Well... I guess I don't know all the details.  But still.  Just remember it's a brother's duty to be a pain in the arse," I told her.  I finished the cookie despite how hot it was.  I eyeballed the rest of them.  Did I want to burn my mouth even more?  This is what I wished I could do for years... to get to know the kids.  To goof off with them; to tell them the ways of the world.  Everything... I was just glad that I had a chance to; better late than never, I suppose.

I raised my eyebrows, " Well, the thing is Dean isn't about to hit girls..... most of the female population of Hogwarts is and was scared of me. I pulled pranks and I fight. I know it's lovely combination. " I went on, " I figured it's a brothers job to be annoying..." I said with a smirk. " It's just irritating it doesn't give us a chance to be us. " I looked at them, " We could just cool them off?" I said with a smirk as I figured we could use a spell.

I nodded, sort of understanding.  "Yeah, I suppose it would be unethical to hit a girl..."  I laughed and added, "Ah yes... your mum did tell me a little about all you got in trouble with.  You are truly your father's daughter."  I meant it in every good way imaginable.  I shrugged.  "That's too easy..." I laughed a little bit and took out my wand, cooling the cookies down just enough that they'd be edible without burning ourselves.

" I'll take that as a compliment..." I said with a smirk, knowing it was meant as good. I mean, I know I can look after myself. I have no problem with telling people where to go. I nodded, " Oh of course why would we want that." I said to my uncle with a laugh that sounded awfully like my fathers. Oh Merlin.

I grinned at Lenni.  "You are a perfect mix ofyour parents," I told her.  "I know... not exactly something a kid likes to hear, but it's true.  They could never deny you as their own."  I saw perfec mixture of Sirius and Ember in her.  She definitely had Em's attitude, that was for sure.  It was remarkable how much I could see of both of them in Elena... it was kind of scary.

I rolled my eyes, " Gee thanks...." I muttered while taking a bite out of the cookie, " Not bad. " I said as I ended up actually liking the cookies. I will call it me helping...which made them turn out well. " that's good to know...come home...is she yours? ....no...you're lying!" I laughed as I played that situation in my head.

I shook my head, laughing.  "You're a dork just like your mum," I said, giving my niece a look.  "And I told you I make fantastic cookies... it's just no one believes me."  I shrugged and took another cookie.  "Leaves them all to me though so I don't complain."

I laughed, " Thanks!" I said taking a cookie and taking a bite. " You know she has told me I act like you and dad a lot...so what does that say about you?" I said laughing. I was glad I was here with my uncle, he seemed to know when I was stressed out. Just comfortable and hanging out.

I grinned. "It means that I'm freaking awesome," I joked.  "I mean... if you're like me and your dad... I suppose that means you're freakign awesome too."  I started in on my third cookie.  I loved sweets, what could I say?  "And aren't these delicious? I told you I coudl bake."

Laughing, " I guess I should take it as a compliment.." I took another cookie. " One out of ten isn't bad.." I said teasingly. I grinned, " Uncle James when planning your wedding how nerve racking was it? Is it normal to want to go over plans over and over again. I am pretty sure I am driving George insane. " I went on. " I mean, it's hard for me to shut up. "

I laughed. "well, your aunt and mom talked a lot. Trust me, George will smile and nod until the wedding day. Its what I did," I said to Elena. Normally I had a small drink to. I sighed. "its definitely normal. But don't worry about George...he'll be fine."