The killer in me is the killer in you -- Spring 2005

"We're doing the best that we can," I said to her.  "We've been having a hard time lately... things seem hectic and then this... but we're able to manage.  How are you and Jetty?  Where's your little boy...?"  I looked around and saw him over by Juniper.

Abel Matthews wrote:I hugged my sister back and let her pull away when she was ready. I looked over to where she was indicating and saw Ian and Grandfather. Mum didn't want us or Ian to be near Grandfather, but I didn't want to upset her anymore today. Thinking everything through, I turned back to Elliot. "I'll keep an eye on them, if things get out of hand, then we can let dad know. There's no need to worry mum with this okay?"

I nodded and knew that Abel knew best.  "Okay," I said to him.  I looked around and saw Dad with his other family.  "I think there might be more fighting today than there should be..." I sat down and looked between where Uncle Draco went to Ian and Grandfather and then over to Mum and Dad.... this was not going to end well.

Draco Malfoy wrote:I looked around and watched everyone carefully, barely realizing what was being said to me and Pansy.  I nodded and kept a hand in my wife's to give her support.  Then I felt my blood run cold when the Carrows walked in and went over to where my father and son stood.  I gave Pansy a quick kiss on the cheek and left her side, going to grab my son away from the other Purebloods that had arrived.  Probably more for my father's respect than for the loss that we had.  "Carrow," I said curtly, gently pulling my son to my side and away from my father's.

I walked up behind Draco with Viola in tow along with Rodo.  "Oh, Draco, darling, you must be considerate and nice, even during time of sorrow," I said to my nephew, putting a hand on his shoulder.  I loved how he jumped.  My daughter -- the same age as Keegan and Dorian -- stayed with her father.

"Amycus," I said to him, "thank you for coming.  We greatly appreciate your support."  I looked at my son.  "And please excuse Draco, Carrow... he has lost all his manners apparently."  I smiled at Bellatrix when she came up.  "Ah, perfect.  she will help smooth thigns over."

Austin Matthews wrote:"We're doing the best that we can," I said to her.  "We've been having a hard time lately... things seem hectic and then this... but we're able to manage.  How are you and Jetty?  Where's your little boy...?"  I looked around and saw him over by Juniper.

I nodded, understanding.  "Oh, Rory's with his dad," I said, indicating the two of them by Juniper.  "We're doing alright.  I miss my little brother and parents with them over here... but we're managing being in the States still."

I wanted to be more with Grandfather than Dad, but Dad's hands were tight on my shoulders.  They were almost hurting me.  I stayed silent, though, because that was expected of me.

I was about to say more when I saw Lincoln's family walk in. I turned back to Jetty and forced a smile. "I have to go but it was nice to see you." I knelt down once more to Rory. "And it was nice to meet you." I stood and hugged Jetty again. "Please stop by before you head back okay? We still have lots to catch up on." I pulled away and smiled once more before going to be with my husband. We exchanged hugs with his family I was just about to thank them for coming when Alecto came up. I looked around and quickly spotted the other Carrow with Father and Ian and Draco starting to make his way over to them. I felt the tension in the air increase and easily put myself in between Alecto and the others. "Mia's right, this is not the time or place." I took a deep breath to keep myself calm. "Thank you for coming to support my brother and sister-in-law during this difficult time. You may offer them your condolences and then you and your brother may leave." I tuned to where my brother was and saw Aunt Bellatrix come up behind him. My eyes widened and I knew I had to go over there. I forced a smile at Alecto and took her hand, holding it tightly. "On second thought, let's go talk to your brother." I tuned a smile back and Lincoln, Mia and Professor Slughorn. "I'll be back soon." I assured them. Alecto and I made our way over to the group and I cleared my throat to announce myself. I knelt infront of Ian and gave him a small smile. "Ian, honey, why don't you go be with your cousins okay?" I stood and looked at the others. "Everything okay here Draco?"

I nodded at Juniper, scooping Rory up into my arms because of the palpable tension in the air.  I went over to Lyn, just in case, 
and said hello to Austin.  "Do you have any clue as to what just happened?" I questioned, nodding in the direction of Juniper and Draco.  Maybe Austin would have some answers.

I knew the second that Draco moved to Ian's side, that I needed to go to the other children.  I moved to where Elliot and Abel were and sat down next to them.  We were in front of many people, but that never stopped the Carrows before.  And they did not have any issues with me or Draco, but more with Lincoln.  I knew that Juniper would appreciate me going to her kids... while Lincoln clearly ignored her and went to the Carrows.  He had plenty of unfinished business with them.

"Hey kids," I said to my niece and nephew.  "How are the two of you holding up?"

I stayed with my husband as he talked to a few of the attendees but stayed quiet most of the time. Then, the Carrow's came. Lucius walked up and talked to the elder sibling as the younger when to see Juniper and her family. I could feel the tension increase and saw Draco coming over as well as Bellatrix. June quickly showed up as well and I didn't want this to turn into something big. This was Keegan's funeral, not the time to hash out past feuds. I put my hand on Lucius's shoulder in an attempt to calm him down. "Dear, this is not the place to start anything."

I watched as mum walked over to Uncke Draco and the group he seemed to be joining. I wanted to go over and see what was going on but I had to stay with my sister and Aunt Pansy just came over and sat with us. I forced a smile over at her. "We're okay, I guess. How are you doing?" It was her daughter that had passed away.

I kept my hands on Ian's shoulders.  He was the reason why I was not doing something stupid.  He went to listen to his auntie, but I kept him from doing it.  "Everything's fine," I said tersely.  "The Carrows were just paying their respects and Auntie Bella was just going to escort them to pay their respects to Keegan."  Giving them commands meant that they would have to be somewhat respectful and listen to me.  I broke eye contact with Amycus Carrow and glanced at Mother when she talked to Father.  Hopefully she could tell that I was grateful -- even though I could not openly show it.

Thankfully, Aunt Bellatrix listened and took Amycus and walked away.  Alecto did not go to the casket, but to a man -- an Ollivander, I believed -- and then they followed her brother.  I could see tears in her eyes.  Ian started to squirm beneath my hands and I realized that I was gripping hiim tightly.  I let go and nodded at him; he could go to his mother if he wanted to.

I glared at the Malfoy boy.  Lestrange led me away, smirking slightly.  I wanted Alecto to stay with me an by my side as per usual, but since Ollivander got his hands onto her, she stayed by him and away from me at any cost.  Malfoy was going to have to do something about his son... or his boy will get himself into some trouble he would not be able to use his name to escape.

This whole ordeal worried me greatly; I knew what they were all capable of.  I was glad to see the group disperse.  "Lincoln," I said to him quietly.  "Mustn't let them get to you..."

Amycus tried to get me to walk with him, but I separated from the group and went over to Gabriel.  I put my hand into his and whispered to him, "This wasn't a good idea.  Perhaps we should go."