The Buddy System. *Updating In Process*

Sorting Out Our Issues

I could see Lucas out of the corner of my eye looking very smug at the front door. And I saw bloody red.

"You lying son of a..." I marched forward. His pig snout still sat on his face. I take it Kingsley wasn't sure how to remove it. Maybe he needs so more features to make him better looking. I whipped my wand out of my pocket and flicked it again.

And now Lucas had nice donkey ears to go with his pig nose. "You bitch!" Lucas cried as the ears flopped down the sides of his face. "What have you done to me?"

I was about to go again and give him a tail when I felt someone lift me up and carry me back to the group. "Ok love, leave him be. I think the Minister gets the idea." Draco said as he set me down. But he took my wand just in case.

"Minister she is not the one lying. Lucas is." Theo urged.

Azaleah walked out of the room and across the hall, returning a few seconds later. "She is telling the truth and I can prove it."

"How?" Lucas and Theo asked together. She handed the Minister letters. My letters. The ones I received this morning. Kingsley was quiet for a few minutes as he read. A frown sat on his face the entire time. 

Lucas stepped forward. If it was hard to take him seriously with a snout it was even worse now. "Sir I have reason to believe those letters are forged."

"I am sure they are. And Miss Diggory just knew I was going to be here did she?" He raised his eyebrows and Lucas looked down at his feet. As he did the long, grey donkey ears flopped in front of his face.

And Theo lost it. He laughed so hard that tears streamed down his face.

"Are you going to sort this?" Lucas demanded. He spun around giving Draco and me a cold, hard stare before turning back to the Minister. "She attacked me. He is a bad influence."

Kingsley shook his head. "Lucas, I don't think he had anything to do with this at all. And from what I have read this is typical behaviour for you. I think maybe you should go home and tomorrow we will find you another volunteer position at the Ministry. But I do think Miss Diggory is right. I think your intentions here went further than guardianship and I think it would be best if you didn't volunteer again."

Lucas looked pissed. "Wha ... I ... seriously? You are going to believe two Death Eaters and a Death Eater whore?" He pointed to Theo, Draco and Azaleah. "They probably have her under the Imperius curse. In fact probably have Azaleah under too. Check them for spells!"

"I do not need to test them," Kinglsey shouted. "For one their eyes are not glazed over. They are perfectly in control. And yes, I think removing you would be for the best. The girls clearly don't want you here. The whole point of the guards was to make Azaleah feel safe and to transition her back to life outside Azkaban. Her safety and well-being are my first priority."

"I have Azaleah's priorities in mind." Lucas pointed out. 

Kingsley scoffed. "I doubt that very much. It seems you were more interested in trying to seduce Miss Diggory." Kingsley folded his arms. He clearly wasn't impressed with the situation. "It is Miss Diggory's home and it is her decision. She has clearly said that she does not want you in her home and I will respect her wishes. I suggest you leave before she decides to press sexual harassment charges."

"But..."

"I'm sorry Lucas but that's my final word on the matter. Now I suggest you head home and spend some time with your daughter and I will see you tomorrow."

"What about my fucking face?" He raged.

"Oh...em...yes...well I can take care of that. Let me speak with Azaleah and I will head to your house and fix it." Kingsley smirked. 

"Why can't you fix it now?" He boomed and Kingsley did not look impressed.

"Well because I am not sure exactly what spell was used and until I do can't reverse it. Now go home, and I will speak with Raelyn and see if I can convince her to tell me the spell." It was lies. It was a simple Transfiguration spell. Easily reversed. I'd say Kingsley just wanted to humiliate him a little to give him a taste of his own medicine.

Lucas looked furious but stormed over to the fireplace. "This isn't over." He spat as he disappeared.

I should feel bad but I really didn't.

Mrs Hobkirk came into the room with tea, biscuits and cake. "Is that other guy gone? Good, I didn't like him much." She simply smiled and poured tea for everyone.

I sat on one couch with Draco who wrapped an arm around me. "You ok?" He whispered.

"Some day right?" 

"Some day." He said as he took a plate of treats from Mrs Hobkirk and handed me a white chocolate and raspberry cookie. "Want to talk about it?"

"Later," I assured him and turned to Kingsley.

"Raelyn I am sorry for what happened between you and Lucas. I thought he would be a good guard as you and Miss Matthews knew him." He rubbed his head. 

I shrugged. "It's no problem. Honestly. He used be to a great guy. I've no clue what happened to him."

"And you are OK? He didn't hurt you or Azaleah?"

"Like we would let that happen," Theo growled.

"Of course," Kingsley smiled. "Now Miss Matthews how are you adjusting? I must say you are looking well."

Azaleah was very quiet for a few minutes. "Honestly it's been...weird. I am so glad to be out of there and I feel good but then...at night...I am having awful nightmares."

Kingsley nodded. "Ok...do you want to talk about them? Are they about your time in Azkaban?"

She shook her head. "No I was getting them while I was in there too....they are...well they are mostly about the night of the battle."

"Go on." Kingsley encouraged. 

She blushed. "I can't. Most of the time I don't remember what they were about."

"I see. Do you talk to the guardians about this?" He asked. 

"Yes sir I do sometimes but because I can't remember there isn't much we can do." She shrugged. 

"But it's good to talk. And what about your healer appointments?" He was speaking quietly, being very gentle with her. 

She smiled. "The healers have been great to me. The Potions I am currently on are for anxiety and to restore health which are working great."

He patted her hand. "Yes, so I have been informed. You have been doing so well in such a short space of time."

"Thank you, sir. For everything."

He blushed. "My pleasure. Now have you made a decision about your schooling and what you want to do?"

She perked up at this. "Oh yes, sir. I want to get back into it as soon as possible. I want to graduate with my friends in June."

He gave a chuckle. "Excellent! Well from what your teachers have said you are more than capable of catching up. And I believe Mr Malfoy, Miss Diggory and Miss Granger are willing to help you?"

"I hate when he calls me that," Draco whispered and I patted his hand to comfort him.

"Aw love I know. Here have a cookie," I said as I shoved it into his mouth, causing Theo to chuckle.

"Yes, sir they have." She answered looking curiously at us across the room.

"Excellent. Well, the sooner you can get started the better. I will have all the necessary books sent over to you. Maybe you could get started over the holidays?" He looked between Azaleah, Draco and myself. 

"That's the plan, sir." She smiled.

He finished his tea and piece of cake before standing. "I better go and relieve Lucas from his...well facial problems."

"Sorry about that," I muttered.

"Actually it was rather funny. Definitely something your mother would have done. And my wife would have helped her." He laughed as if reliving a memory and then turned.

"I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and I will see you before you leave for school."