Thousand disbelievers couldn't keep me on the ground..--- February 2017---

I was not okay with Dorian being kicked off of the Quidditch team.  "Ban him from Hogsmeade if you must... but he needs to continue playing Quidditch.  The practices and such should help keep him out of trouble.  Why make it easier for him to get into more trouble?" I pointed out, completely ignoring the Potter girl for the moment.  She had no say in how my son was to be handled in this situation.  I hoped that the connections between the Lupins and Potters would not interfere with this situation.  I had a tight grip on Dorian's' shoulder.  I was sure that the pressure I had on him was causing him some sort of pain -- for which eh deserved for making such a grave and moronic mistake.

I did not enjoy the look of disappointment in Lyla's eyes.  I knew the Malfoy's were going to have something to say and I knew that james and Lily were going to be saying something here shortly.  I pinched the bridge of my nose and closed my eyes for a moment as I leaned against my desk, trying to figure out what was going to be done next.  I sighed and opened my eyes and looked over to Dorian and his parents.  "I believe that it will give Ian plenty of time to be studying for his NEWTs, then, that will keep him out of trouble.  I will not reinstate him onto the team unless he has proven himself to be able to be brought back," I said.  "But with the potential option of being let back onto the team, he will lose his Hogsmeade privileges.  That way Ly knows that she will not be bothered there without the protection of the staff."  I needed to find some sort of compromise to keep all parties happy.  This was a difficult situation at best and there would be no winning for anyone.

Now it was time for me to say something.  How calm my voice sounded to me surprised me greatly.  But that just meant that this feeling of darkness was in control at the moment and anything that I said now would not necessarily be how I really felt... and I hoped that Remus could see it in my eyes -- he always could.  "So basically what I'm hearing right now is that you don't really care about my daughter's safety or wellbeing.  Because if you did, there would be no question about what would be going on right now.  He would be expelled and Lyla would not have to worry about looking around the corners or needing staff members to be watching over her every move to make sure that he does not get out of hand," I stated in an eerily calm, quiet, and dark voice.  I was looking at the man who I normally agreed with on every single decision he made.  He was the one who fought against the darkness in everyone.  He kept us toeing the line.  He was my brother.  Now I saw a man that I wanted to punch in the face for brushing my daughter's feelings to the side.

I stared from my dad to my uncle.  What on earth was going on?  I had never seen Mum or Dad this angry.  I do not htink I had ever seen Dad and Uncle Remsu get into a fight before, either.  I wrapped my arms righter around myself as I prepared to hear the argument escalate.

I could not believe what I was hearing from James.  I knew the look in his eyes; I had helped him fight against it as he helped me fight against my own demons... especially after losing my memories.  I took a deep breath and had to keep Boris in check to keep from getting angry.  He was just worried about Lyla... but to accuse me of not caring for her?  That was low.  "James, I am in a precarious situation of trying to balance three completely different aspects here.  If this is going to turn into personal attacks, I will ask you to leave," I said calmly.  It slightly surprised me that there was a hint of sadness in my voice due to the way my best mate was acting.

I saw a small flash of happiness on the Malfoy's faces and I wanted to do what my son had done.  Instead, I put a hand on James's shoulder.  "James, it would due best to calm down," I said quietly.  I knew that he had not yelled or anything like that, but I knew that it could easily escalate from the quiet voice he was using.  I knew those tones -- I used them often when I was facing my cousin in different scenarios.  It was the calm before the storm.

I nearly jumped across the room to punch the know it all in the face. He would end up crying to much. I sighed hearing James speak. He hasn't quite been himself since escaping Peter. I wondered how he kept going. We hadn't really sat down and spoke about it. I looked back to Remus, " So, what happens if he steps out of line?" I asked I wanted to know. Lyla had a right to know. " I assume she won't be alone anywhere?" I asked him. I was beyond fuming, but I am trying to keep my voice in check.

I shrugged away from Regulus's arm and started pacing behind my girls, trying to get my energy out.  I stopped and stared at Remus, at least letting him answer Lily before I would snap.  I could just lurch across and punch my best mate in the face.  I did not care if he looked tired and worn out.  "I think it's bullshit that Lyla needs the supervision," I muttered under my breath, crossing my arms and glaring at him.

I was not entirely sure how to discuss this with everyone there.  I held up a hand to try to calm the storm that was inevitable.  "Reg, Aimee, Xander," I said, looking at the three of them.  "You are free to leave.  It doesn't sound like any of you have any concerns."  I sighed and ran a hand through my hair.  "If he steps out of line again, he's out.  I won't deal with it.  I'm giving him a chance -- it may be the downfall of me and it may be stupid in the long run, but I have to give the chance."  I took my eyes off of Lily and James and turned to the Malfoys.  "I am not taking it easy on Dorian.  I will have eyes and ears on him and he will be under constant supervision.  I have already discussed what he was banned from doing now, so if there is nothing else, you three can leave."  I knew that James and Lily had a lot more to say to me and I wanted to give them the privacy they would want.

I was content with the possibility to get back onto the team for my son, but there really was not much that I could say about anything.  Dorian screwed up and I was planning on punishing him as much as I could for it, too.  I was still squeezing his shoulder as tightly as I could.  My knuckles were completely white and I knew that my naisl were digging into him.  "Pansy, Dorian... I do believe it best if we leave.  Professor, we will be staying on grounds to be having a discussion with our son as on how to handle him ourselves," I said darkly.  I knew that this was going to be an interesting moment between the two othe rparties, and though I would love to be there to watch, I needed to deal with my son.

I nodded as I led my boys out of the room. Closing the door behind us, " Can cut the tension in there with a knife." I told the pair. I grabbed Reg's hand as we walked. " Now, Xan...we are supposed to talk to you...." I looked to Reg as I was smiling. " I think we should go for some drinks..." I suggested. " Maybe get you some ice for your hands."

I could not help but laugh a little bit, clapping Xander on the back.  "I don't think I could be more proud of you at the moment, kiddo," I said, trying to just keep my voice down enough so that we would nto get in trouble for praising our son.  "I'm glad you knocked some sense into that prick."  I hated that side of my family with a passion.

I did not expect that at all. " Sounds....good..." I said with a smile. I mean I know my parents liked the fact I stood up for her. Maybe not liked it. Just understood. " Three Broomsticks..?" I suggested, " Ice might do me some good."

I laughed and nodded.  "I think the Three Broomsticks sounds like a great plan," I said, still trying ot keep my voice down.  The last thing we needed was to deal with Remus wanting to talk to us about hwo we handled Xander with all of this.  That man was excellent at guilt trips.

I could not even look over towards the boy that I did have feeligns for at one point though I could feel his stare.  I could not help but shiver slightly.  I looked at Uncle Remus, trying to hide my disappointment in him for seeming to side more with everyone else but me.  "Yeah... can they leave?  I'd rather not have to deal with them," I said softly, all of my normal spunk missing at the moment.