Desperate Measures ((Mary and Kris))

[Charles Driscoll H7]

The sun's rays entered the large, high-ceilinged lounge, filling it with its light and warmth. It was a lovely day at the end of July, and the sound of the birds chirping outside the window ought to have cheered up the occupant of the room who had always loved the sound of bird song. Yet the beauty of the day and the luxury of the room he was supposed to be enjoying did not appeal to Charles Driscoll at all. He was lost in his thoughts, just as he had been for the whole of July. He had been in the same mood ever since he had left the train, except the sad feeling of despair had only become more intense as the days past. Everything in the room was expensive or valuable in some way, and everything looked it. The house elves in the house hadn't stopped working now most of its inhabitants had left, even though their master didn’t care in the least what they did or didn’t attend to. He did make them sleep with him in the same room on the floor though, and often talked to them, but most of what they said only annoyed and saddened him. They knew all the Driscoll secrets, all the dirty secrets Charles had known anything about. He hated being in this house even though all the Dark books and potion and items had been removed by the Ministry. It just wasn't his home and it had never been.

Charles was lying on one of the comfortable couches, his dark blonde hair in a bit of a mess and falling into his eyes, staring into the blazing orange-red flames intently. "I wonder when she'll come… Mary didn't say. Hope I didn’t get her into trouble or anything," he thought. He was tired of being worried, tired of being alone with his thoughts, tired of this suffocating feeling of being so alone and helpless. He no longer was ashamed of what had happened, nor was he embarrassed about his family and their now revealed secrets, for he had never been a part of them. He had only been ashamed for a while for having known so little, but no he realised that all that mattered was for him to talk to his closest friend, someone who might understand how he was feeling.

((Kris, I'll PM you when Mary and I ready for you to arrive))

[Mary Evans]

Mary sat on her bed cross-legged with a novel open in her lap. While she read Jeremy sat in a chair in the corner flipping through a textbook of his own for when he returned to Durmstang the coming September for his fifth year. The pair seemed to have come to an understanding – though they didn’t exactly get along so long as they didn’t talk too much they could stand each other’s presence. Mary still begrudged him coming to “ruin her summer” and he still thought she was a brat – but they didn’t fight like cats and dogs anymore so at least it was an improvement.

Suddenly there was a tap at the window and Jeremy got up to get it – knowing Mary would ask him to anyways. An owl fluttered in and landed on the bed before Mary and she removed the note. As soon as she had read it through Mary ripped a scrap of paper out of Jeremy’s notebook that he had left there and scribbled her reply as fast as she could her mind racing with a way to get off Evans’ property without her parents finding out. As she watched the owl go back out the window with her reply she put the final touches on her plan as Jeremy looked at her quizzically. She looked back down at her book to get away from his stare and tried to think of the best way to put that that wouldn’t raise too many suspicions…

“You’re all packed to go to our property in Spain tomorrow, right?” Mary asked him only looking up when she had finished speaking to see his nod of assent. “Good. I think I will pack up now and we will leave early ok? So shoo.” She said closing her book and getting up from the bed. He gave her a quizzical look as if he knew what she was up to but she simply brushed it aside with her typical blank expression as she pushed him out the door. “Vierna!” she called frantically. “Get me packed for Spain. Now!” Mary ordered the poor creature before searching in her wardrobe for something she could wear. The first thing she found was a pink tee-shirt with a purple heart and a black pair of jeans – not something you would normally find Mary in but she was in too much of a hurry to care.

As soon as she turned around Vierna finished zipping up Mary’s suitcase quivering at the glare she was being sent. Mary didn’t have time to chastise her for taking so long though she simply wrenched the bag away and hopped down the steps two at a time to the entrance hall. “Jeremy! Where are You?” She yelled tapping her foot impatient as he came down the stairs lugging a bag of his own. Not waiting for him she threw some floo power into the fireplace and called “Evans Castle, Spain” and disappeared in a whirl of emerald flames.

“April!” Mary shrieked for her houseelf in residence. “Take this up to my bedroom and do not unpack. As well, you are not to breath a word of anything I say or do to anyone. Not even any of the other elves. Anybody asks where I am – say I am in my room. These orders override your loyalty to everybody don’t forget you are mine first then Evans property second. You forget that and you will suffer for it.” Mary said in low, calm, threatening tones to the shaking elf.

As the elf and bag disappeared with a crack Jeremy stumbled in via the fireplace and Mary shot him a glare. “I am going to go unpack and set up my room. Find an elf and make them your own – just not April – she is mine. Do not bother me the elf can get you whatever you need. I will see you at dinner.” Mary said in flat tones before rushing up the steps to her bedroom. She breathed the password into the door and changed it when she got in – just to make sure nobody could get in but herself and April.

“I will be back for dinner. Remember I am in my room if anybody asks. Nobody else is to be given access to my bedroom. Go… do your chores.” Mary said before throwing floo powder into her own fire and heading off to Charlie’s.

Upon entering the well furnished room Mary smiled at the sight of Charlie sprawled out on one of the couches. “Hey. Sorry it took me so long. What’s up?” she said in what she hoped were happy tones – she really hated the sight of the Hufflepuff so desolate.

[Charles Driscoll H7]

Charles had dozed off and he couldn’t believe it when he opened his eyes and there was Mary. He hopped off his couch, delighted by the sight of his friend, happy as he hadn’t been in days that she was finally here. He ran over to her and gave her a hug, holding her for a little longer than necessary for a welcoming hug, but not really caring about it, focusing instead on this sudden feeling of being alive and energetic. He hadn’t talked to anyone human all the summer and who else could he have wished for to see and talk to more than Mary? "Oh Mary, I'm so happy to see you," he said and finally let her go but took hold of her hand and led her to the couch.

"Jumpy?" he yelled to the elf that worked in their kitchen. The elf came scuttling into the room, and with a little bow to the two he awaited his master's instructions. "See what Mary would like to have," he said. He was sidetracked by something that had always annoyed him and felt the need to share with his friend. What kind of people instilled so much terror in their servants? "I wish he'd reply to another name. It's so weird but it's the name my family gave him and he won’t answer to anything else. Oh well, at least he isn’t so jumpy now that they're all gone. I'd have let them all free if I didn’t need their company," he said, playing absently with the buttons on his shirt. He felt strange saying the words "my family". They weren't his family and this wasn't his home – but there was nothing he could about that anymore, they'd seen to it themselves. He pondered on that for a moment, then reminding himself that this was no time to start moping again, he turned to Mary. "Mary, I know I never told you about Sam, but I daresay you've heard – I know it's in the Prophet about the Driscoll family ending up in prison and Gwyneth Driscoll taking her life – those aren’t just relatives, they're my immediate family. Sam's my sister," he said, avoiding saying the words "and Gwyneth was my mother." He hurried on not wanting Mary to say anything about this yet until he had come to the most important point of their meeting. It wasn't that he didn’t to talk her about this painful as that was going to be, it was that right now there was other things of more importance.

"I have so much to tell you Mary. But the most important thing is, Samantha's getting out of prison. I just got the news from Professor Foxcroft today, the Ministry told Hogwarts and he sent me an owl with the news as she's not coming home but she's going directly back to school. The only thing is – they're letting her out because - " Charles looked away because his eyes had welled up with tears before he could stop. "Because they say Azkaban almost drove her crazy. They stay she's still sane, but she's – well – there's something wrong with her and I can’t understand what it is, Foxcroft wasn't clear in his letter except that she's going to need a lot of help and support – possibly from Healers as well - when she comes back. That's why I've asked someone to come here too I think might help and I'm sure you'll be happy to see," he said, his voice a little happier as he announced this. At least he'd finally done something other than sit here feeling alternate bouts of restlessness and lethargy during which he was constantly worrying and uncertain about what to do.

((So sorry for the delay – I'm back in a Charlie mood though and excited about posting))

[Mary Evans]

Charlie seemed to jump as Mary spoke but she was glad when he gave her a warm hug; that meant he was ok, right? “Very happy to see you too. And quite glad you seem so happy; you had me rather worried you know.” She chastised lightly with a joking tone as he lead her to the couch and she sat down. She waved a hand at the elf he had named as Jumpy when he went to follow his master’s orders in seeing what Mary wanted. “Let them free? Why would you do that? Quite useful creatures they are you know, especially when you are underage and unable to do magic on your own.” Mary said in a light tone as Charlie explained about the creature’s name and told that he would release them for some reason unknown to Mary.

She then listened as he talked about his family. She had of course heard about Samantha considering that happened during the school year but she had not known about Charlie’s mum. Mary had never really been one for keeping up with current news and usually relied on hearsay. Her mother may have mentioned something about someone at lunch one day… but Mary could never be sure because her mother said so many things all the time; Mary was hard pressed just to pretend to listen never mind actually do it.

Mary simply sat quietly taking in all this news as Charlie went on to talk about Samantha getting out of Azkaban, but only because it was making her lose her mind. She was most certainly at a loss for words… Samantha had always seemed so strong… Azkaban was of course designed to tear people down but… so quickly? “Charlie I'm… I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do? Is there anything you need?” Mary got out feebly before he talked about having invited someone else. Someone who could help and she would be happy to see? “Umm well… that’s nice to hear. Umm… Who is it?” Mary asked curious.

[Charles Driscoll H7]

Mary was surprised that he wanted to get rid of the house elves and on second thoughts Charles realised he should have known that was how she would feel but now was not the time to discuss that. He looked at Mary gratefully as she asked if there was anything she could do and felt happier than he had in days that she was here. "No, Mary, there isn’t anything you can do more than – well - be here for me. I was going nuts the whole summer with not knowing what to do and not knowing whether to tell people about this or not and if they could help me anyway. I wish I'd told you ages ago, instead of doing nothing, I'm so glad you're here." Charles stopped for a moment to think how Mary had come here and whether she had told her parents or not – knowing them they might not want her to have anything to do with the Driscolls anymore. He almost said something about that but then thought he should answer her question first. "I needed you here for me Mary, and this person I asked to come I need for Samantha, I think he might know what to do, he's older than we are at any rate," he said with a shrug.

Charles grinned suddenly as he remembered the day he had first met Kris Graas and how they'd saved the puppy. He'd found Kris to have an eccentric personality but had liked him almost immediately after he'd first spoken to him. He was certainly rough around the edges and had the notorious Slytherin attitude and air of superiority they had but the brave deed of saving the dog and the way he'd talked to it and his rather cynical brand of humour had had a deep impact on the young Hufflepuff. "You once told me he was one of your closest friends. I never told you how we met – it was in Hogsmeade and he saved a drowning puppy with a little help from me. He's Samantha's friend as well – in your house," he said, with the air of a kindly father giving his daughter a treasure map that would lead her to her birthday present.

[Mary Evans]

Mary smiled at Charlie as he told her all she could do was be there for him. She didn’t really see how that could help but… she wasn’t about to push it. She was only further baffled as he “explained” about the person he invited. If she didn’t watch herself Mary would begin to get annoyed that he didn’t come right out and tell her. Honestly how difficult is a single name? Especially in comparison to what he just told her about his sister. She half expected Snape or something to walk through that door considering he was an older male who they all knew. But then Snape was no friend of any of them and Mary would certainly never tell anyone that she was best mates with him… Who it could be though she hadn’t the slightest and began tapping her left foot on the floor. “As enjoyable as guessing games are Charlie why will you not just tell me who it is you have invited?” Mary asked with a quirked eyebrow.

“Actually Jumpy I think I will have a glass of water.” Mary said to the room at large. Suddenly the elf from before appeared and handed her a cup filled near to the brim with ice-cold water. She took a deep sip and choked for a moment on the frozen flavour before putting it down on a nearby table and took a seat on a couch. Mary rested her head back and closed her eyes. How was she going to pull this off? Of course she was going to stay with Charlie but how could she get Jeremy to believe she was at home the whole time?

[kris]

Kris sat on the back-seat of a black Mercedes giving the driver the direction as he leaned back. Charles Driscoll had invited him over. For the sake of Samantha, but Kris coulnd’t really do much about her. But he had agreed to go because Kris was curious about what Charles would want to talk to im about. Morrigan gave a displeased hiss on Kris’s shoulder as Shadow jumped onto the car-seat next to Kris. Stroking the huskie’s head Kris looked at where his other dog was laying at his feet. He had met Charles Driscoll at the same time when he met Devil. They had saved the pup from drowning and Kris had kept the dog. Devil had grown a lot from that miserable wet rag it had been the first time. Now the alaskan malamuut was half a year old already, relatively big and mean. Obedient to Kris but just like Shadow didn’t like strangers. Pondering silently about what Charles would want from him, Kris leaned back for the ride which didn’t really take long thanks to magically enchanted car.

„We are here, sir,“the driver said waking Kris from his thoughts as the door was opened for them. Stepping out of the car after the two dogs Kris’s eyes swept over the Driscoll manor. It was impressive like the manors of all pure-bloods. Kris’s trained eyes saw the bit unkempt garden, that window needing a bit of fixing up. The manor was impressive, but it hadn’t been cared for properly. Well, Charles probably didn’t think about such things.
„Wait for me,“ Kris ordered the driver as he walked up the few stairs to the main door and knocked loudly wiht Morrigan sitting stiffly on his soulder where hse always seemed to be during day time and Shadow on his right and Devil at his left heel. Kris had always had a way with animals. He had always had a high enough opinion of himself not to care if some other purebloods didn’t care for his pets either. Besides Shaodw had proben to be useful. Kris let a slow smirk cross his features as he thought off the boy Shadow had almost ripped to shreads when he had caused problems for Dana.

The door didn’t open immidiately and Kris arched a cold eye-brow knocking once again loudly. Bad show of hospitality towards someone being invited. The door opened iwth a creak and Kris scowled at the house-elf who was standing at the door.
„I’ll be sure to mention your awful behavior to your master. Where is Charles Driscoll?“ Kris demanded with authority that came from years of bossing others – not only house-elves- around. „I will show young sir to young master. Come with me.“
The house-elf glanced warily at Shadow and Devil who were both growling at it with their teeth bared. They knew better than to attack house-elves, that much Kris had taken care of, but that didn’t mean the dogs liked the house-elves. They barely tolerated house-elves as Kris demanded it.

Following the house-elf through the hallways Kris looked around, making a mental note to tell Charlie to make sure his house-elves did a more proper work than they were doing. Pushing the door to the room open after barely one brief knowck on the wood Kris stepped in ther oom his step faltering for the briefest second upon sighting Mary here. He had known Mary was friends with Charles Driscoll, but seeing her here still caught Kris off guard. Devil decided to take the moment as his nerves dind’t hold on and he pounded at the house-elf who let out a terrified squeak before disappearing. „Devil, put!“ Kris ordered angrily, taking hold of Devil’s fur just behind his ears, a raising the dog slightly. Devil himself seemed to understand that he had done wrongly as he whined quietly with his tail drawn between his legs.
„Mary, a pleasure seeing you. Hope your cousin hasn’t been causing any more problems,“ Kris stated having gotten over his slight surprise as he walked across the room and bowed to give Mary a quick kiss on her cheek before walking forward and sitting down in an armchair and corssing his feet at the ankles as he stretched htem forward. „Down and quiet,“ came the soft almost unhearable murmur to Shadow and devil, who promptly sat at down in front of Kris’s armchair. Well, Shadow sat Devil laid down at Kris’s feet.

„Charles,“ sharp gray eyes looked over Charles fro a moment as Kris acknowledged his presence with a slight nod not bothering with polite phrases, but going straight at his point, „I must say that your house-elves are most certainly not working properly. It’s a shame to let a house as nice as this loose some of it’s value due to not enough care. However you invited me here so do tell why did you felt the desire to see me once again?“

[Charles Driscoll H7]

Charles was playing with the idea of whether to tell Mary or not about who his visitor was to be when the sound of footsteps and several loud barks made him look up. Kris Graas, the guest in question had arrived, and Charles was startled at the coincidence that he should arrive right now when Mary had just come as well but he wasn't complaining. He looked at the once upon a time little puppy but was now a grown rather ferocious looking dog, amused by the name "Devil" but thinking to himself it was rather fitting. Charles thought the puppy probably wouldn’t recognise him and he wasn't going to try and find out if he did or not. "Yes, Kris, I'll tell them," said Charles in a dismissive manner, not at all interested in discussing house elves right now. He looked around at the mansion, a lot of mixed feelings rising inside him, the strongest emotion of all being how much he didn’t want to be here. There were matters of higher priority at hand though so he looked back from Mary to Kris, sensing a slight discomfort from Mary and making a note to ask her why it was that she was discomfited – maybe that cousin Kris had mentioned was more trouble than he knew. The presence of Kris though had sprung up some hope in Charles and he wondered how say what he wanted to tell him and what his response would be.

Charles had to stop himself from smiling when Kris asked him why he had "desired" him to come. He sounded exactly like Samantha. In some ways he reminded him of Samantha so much that it made him wish she was here even more, though in Kris he felt a rebelliousness that he had never known in Samantha. He plunged into an explanation of why he had sent for him. "Kris, Sam's going to be sent back to Hogwarts and they say after her stretch at Azkaban she's – she's – there's something that's wrong with her. You're the only person I know who's her friend that I can talk to. You know what's happened to us – and personally I don’t care at all," he continued, pushing back the thought of his mother because he just wasn't ready to think about that right now. "Kris, the thing is, I think I understand some of Sam's problem. She's always followed my parents' orders blindly – and I think her studying the Dark Arts must have had its effects on her as well – it's certainly made her much more hard-hearted than I believe her to be. I also think she's very insecure, I know she'll never admit it, but more than once I've overheard my parents talking to her, berating her about her grades, and I know they never praised her despite all the success she had. Can you help me Kris?" he asked, his eyes pleading but not his voice.

[Mary Evans]

As Mary rested her head on the couch the answer to her question walked through the door complaining. Mary’s jaw dropped – why on Earth was Kris there? Why would Charlie invite Kris of all people? Since when do Charlie and Kris know each other? Since when would Charlie and Kris get along? Charlie is so sweet and Kris is so… Kris – how could they possibly know each other never mind get along? Charlie and Kris… in one room… together… alone… with Mary. This couldn’t be happening. This made no sense. Sure a normal person would be thrilled to have her two favourite boys together… but this was Charlie and Kris… since when do they know each other?

As she gaped Kris came over and greeted her and he and Charlie talked for a bit though Mary was a bit too stunned to let it sink in. “Umm I… Umm I’ll be back.” Mary stammered before getting up and walking out the door not looking at either of them. She couldn’t do this… She couldn’t stay with the two of them there – it was too weird. But of course she couldn’t leave when Charlie needed her. Kris could be with him that moment while she got her bearings but she really did have to get back in that room soon… Before she knew it Mary found herself at the top of a staircase looking down at the front hall. Taking a step over Mary leaned on the railing and closed her eyes – just a moment and she would go back.

[kris]

Kris arched his eye-brows as Charlie burst into a speech about his sister. Picking up a few key-words for himself from Charlie’s words Kris pondered. So Samantha was getting out of Azkaban after all. It had bene likely as she was still under-aged and the circumstances were excusing. It might have very easily effected Samantha greatly as well.
„Don’t underestimate your sister and her ability to think,“ Kris told Chrlie coolly as his mind was processing his words quickly as Kris’s eyes travelled along with Mary who exited the room a bit shakily. Kris smirked a bit devilshly at her back. He adored Mary to her very pieces and he dind’t doubt that Mary looked at him as a friend and a some-what brother as well. They had more or less adopted each other with Mary as brother and sister. But Mary was uncomfortable... was it because Kris had met Charlie? Still smirking Kris made a mental note to torture Mary a bit with this bit of conclusion he hda came up to see if it was true or not.

Arching a cool eye-brow at Charlie Kris replied: „So Samantha is shaken, not feeling very happy and insecure. Who would have doubted it after Azkaban and dementors? But what do you expect me to do? Hold her under a constant cheering charm? That’s illegal you know and I doubt I’d make Azkaban robes look as pretty as Samantha despite my ’flowing locks and dashing features’.“
Kris sneered at Charlie. Surely, he wasn’t the nicest character nor the friendliest, but Kris had some friends. Friends he had CHOSE for himself and friends that therefore meant something to him. His eyes were cutting with her jaw clenched tightly as Kris sneered at Charlie: „If you think I would avoid Samantha like the plague now because of the jail-vacation, then you’re a bigger idiot than I thought it was possible for a Hufflepuff to be. Samantha is MY friend as you so attentively mentioned and if our friendship stops, the it is because we BOTH would want it, as our friendship doesn’t concern you.“ As if sensing his mood Shadow let out a low growl and Kris absent-mindedly lowered his hand on the dogs head stroking behind his ears slowly as htehuskie quieted down immidiately again. Kris didn’t really see what was the point of Charlie’s question about whether or not he’d help Samantha. It was natural Kris would, but he’d choose the method and when he’d do something not because he was asked to do so.
„So do tell more precicely. What exactly did you have in mind to make me help Samantha?“ Kris drawled out lazily his eyes not leaving Charlie’s.

[Charles Driscoll H7]

Charles listened to Kris and it immediately became clear that quite a lot of things were going to have to be cleared up. "Kris, it's not I who underestimate her! I think it's she who undermines her own capabilities, I know she always acts stuck up and like she owns the world, but she's said and done things when she thought I didn’t know that made me believe that's not who she really is. Or at least that there's more under the surface." Charles eyes widened as Kris sneered at him and made it clear that he was not to be bossed around.

"Kris, I'm not trying to force you to do anything or trying to tell you how to do it, I simply need to know if you’re willing to help. I'm running out of options in case you haven’t noticed – my father is sentenced to a long-term imprisonment in Azkaban, my mother decided the best solution was to abandon ship, and I don’t know anyone else to turn to!" said Charles his voice an octave higher than usual. "My parents screwed up their lives and I don’t see why Sam needs to pay the price Kris, even if she did cast an Unforgivable! She's been to Azkaban, she's paid her dues, in the worst way imaginable, and I can’t just watch her go insane without doing anything about it!" he exclaimed standing up and starting to pace the room to work off his exasperation.

Charles ignored Kris last question as a surge of emotions washed over him. He turned to Mary, who had been looking a bit shifty since the beginning of their conversation. "And the same goes for you. You’re only here because you want to be – I – I'm not a little Hufflepuff with no stamina or strength that falls down whenever life deals me a blow." He wasn't too sure why he said that, and he didn’t want to hurt Mary, but he was suddenly aware of how pathetic and dramatic his last words seemed. And he did need Mary over here right now – more than she could ever know.

[Mary Evans]

Mary stood up there a few minutes listening to her fight with each other. She hated it – she really did. She hadn’t even been aware that they knew each other – and suddenly they were in a room together – fighting at that. And just how did they expect her to deal with that? Sneer and make some smart-ass remark like she usually would with Kris around? Well she bloody couldn’t with Charlie there – especially not when he needed her. Her two favourite boys in the whole world together and all Mary wanted to do was escape. They shouldn’t be together – they shouldn’t know each other. They most certainly shouldn’t fight. And she shouldn’t be hiding. Why was she hiding?

Knowing full well why she was hiding and that it was a perfectly justified act Mary berated herself about how she had no reason to until she convinced herself to go back in there. She stood in the doorway watching the two argue while biting her lip. She was there only a moment before Charlie addressed her. She cocked her head as he spoke then inclined her head slightly as he finished – not sure what to say.

Normally with Charlie she would go into a thing about how she knew he wasn’t. Normally around Kris she would taunt whomever was speaking. In this case she just looked at him blankly a moment before walking over to the nearest couch and flopping into it. “I know you aren’t” she finally managed to get out quietly while inspecting her hands as though they were the most interesting things in the world.

[kris]

Kris felt his lip-corners twitch. Did Charlie and Samantha even know how much alike they were? Naturally Samantha had a more shaped and more secretive character, but that was only to be expected. While Charlie... he wore his heart on his sleeve for the whole world to see and yet now he had the guts to jump into Kris’s face while protecting people he loved. Kris didn’t care much for the most of his own family-tree, yet he would put all his skills and a big part of his money on the line to make sure his relatives got out of trouble. Gazing calmly at Charles Kris valued him in his mind, appreciating the fight he was willing to put on for his brother. His eyes traveling over to Mary as he entered again Kris smirked lazily, enjoying absent-mindedly the slight discomfort Mary was displaying. He might as well tease her about it a little while at it.
Raising from his seat Kris crossed the room easily dropping himself to sit next to Mary, placing an arm on the back of the couch his hand resting on Mary’s shoulders as he smirked a bit wickedly at her. Kris wouldn’t mind at all making Mary squirm a bit before he left again.

“No one ever said life is fair. And don’t twist my words around. Let me quote myself ‘If you think I would avoid Samantha like the plague now because of the jail-vacation, then you’re a bigger idiot than I thought it was possible for a Hufflepuff to be’. I didn’t say you lack stamina or strength… I just said that if you think I abandon my friends that easily, then you might simply be a fool. Make sure to note the word ‘might’,” Kris drawled out lazily with an arched eye-brow towards Charles knowing he would help Samantha whether or not Charles had asked him too, “That should have pretty much given you a clue that I will help Samantha, but how I do it is already my own problem, don’t you think?” Kris asked rather icily from Charles. He wouldn’t have any problems about talking to Meredith to see if she could help Samantha out or opening his money vaults for Samantha, but that didn’t mean Kris wouldn’t prefer to do something like this privately and anonymously. Why bother with more shine that he had needs for? He would stick by Samantha, but he would leave the girl her own personal space as well.
“Was this yes clear enough answer for you? Or do I have to try to make it even simpler?” Kris asked sarcastically with raised eye-brows from Charlie who had started to pace around in the room grating Kris’s nerves a bit with his unceasing stomping.

“But while I am already here… However heart-warming it is to see you comforting a friend so tenderly I didn't even know that you two are such close friends?” Kris drawled out lazily with a bit of an amused smirk as he eyed Mary half-expecting a snappy response.

[Charles Driscoll H7]

Charles was still feeling defensive. "I know what some Slytherins think of us Hufflepuffs Kris and not to generalise or anything but I thought I should make that clear." Truth be told, Charles would have got down on his knees and begged Kris for help if that would have helped Samantha at all, but he knew that would have been the completely wrong way to approach things. But that wasn't because he was a Hufflepuff, it was simply because he was desperate and in a position he had never imagined being in before. And anyway he hadn’t been too sure what was the way to approach Kris - that was the problem with Slytherins – they could be so incredibly inscrutable.

Charles was quiet as he listened to Kris condescendingly tell him he had already agreed. He didn’t understand what he had said to him that made him address him so sarcastically but was glad that he had achieved his goal, or at least sort of, for he now knew that you never knew exactly where you stood with Kris, but it had been the same with Samantha he thought with more than a little tiredness. "I think you've made it simple enough for me that you’re planning on doing something, Kris," said Charles finally plopping back down on the couch, the large couch making him look smaller than he really was. He was beginning to wonder whether he had done the right thing when Kris turned to Mary.

"Is it so wrong for her to do that, Kris? Or do dogs deserve to be shown true affection and humans not?" Charles asked wonderingly as he stood up quickly and went to Mary and took her hand, not realizing he was putting Mary in a rather difficult position. Charles wondered if he could ever manage to pull off a smirk like Kris. He was going to stand in front off a mirror and try it, for it was a wonder how every feature in his face could look so mocking. If the image of Kris saving Devil had not been the first thing Chalres had seen and known of Kris, and if he hadn't seen him ignore his own wounds and instead openly show his concern for what had then been a wounded puppy, Charles might not have held him in such high esteem. But that was the way things had been, and Kris could say and do all he wanted; Charles would never forget it.

[Mary Evans]

Mary rested her head against Kris as he came and sat next to her. He always had been like a big brother to her though she could never tell why. She had just become friends with Dana and then when she meet Kris it just worked. Of course when he started to speak her appreciation for him sitting with her lessened quickly and soon she looked up moving as far away from him on the couch as possible. She knew Kris could get snappy and defensive when someone said anything he didn’t agree with… but this was Charlie. Honestly, he meant no offence – Charlie was far too sweet for that. Too sweet for his own good she often thought.

As Mary gawked at him Kris suddenly addressed her mentioning the same thing she had been thinking earlier but in reverse – he didn’t realise she knew Charlie. She was about to snap at him for being such a great big brother to not know that he was one of her close friends when she realised that she hadn’t known about the two of them either. But then he was supposed to be looking after her so he should know what boys she talked to where as with him she didn’t have to worry about that. She really didn’t get the chance to chastise him for his under protection of her though because Charlie came over and replied instead while taking her hand. Dog deserving more affection? Kris was certain to get the wrong idea there…

Of course Mary was not one to waste an opportunity and so she used Charlie’s hand to help her stand and looked down at Kris. “And just what business is it of yours Mr. Graas who’s aid I come to? Quite evidently it is not your concern who my close friends are so why should it be “heart-warming”. Honestly, it’s not like you informed me you would be here either. So if you are finished your business you can just leave, thank you.” She said and held her hand back, not wanting to slap him even though her hand quite evidently had other plans. After she finished speaking she turned on her heel and walked away to the other side of the room where she plopped herself down on a chair. “The fire’s there you know, you are more than welcome to leave.”

[kris]

Kris eyed Charlie just a bit mockingly as he hurried over to Mary. Kris adored Mary without any hesitations. The younger girl could pretty much get him to do anything, but true… Mary could keep her secrets and obviously Charlie was a secret for her… Why else would have Mary kept their friendship from him? They could usually talk about anything else. Charles snapped out his words to Kris taking Mary’s hand comfortingly even though Kris barely noticed. The mockingly innocent response already on his tongue died as Kris’s pupils widened for one moment as Charlie threw out a careless and almost admonishing question at him. A flicker of memory rose up as Charlie’s words sounded clearly. “Do dogs deserve to be shown true affection and humans not?” For one mere moment a brief emotion flickered through Kris’s eyes before he quickly stomped it out, reburying emotions such a sentence called up deep into his soul again while his nostrils flared with anger for a moment. Barely hearing Mary’s words Kris none the less turned his head politely towards her even if his eyes didn’t even see the familiar figure, but rather something in the air only his eyes saw as Kris carefully draw the expressionless mask back on his face. Kris’s eyes flickered over to Devil as the young dog let out one small bark as he had sniffed Charlie’s knee. Kris wondered with only half a mind if the dog did recognize Charlie but the sound in the room that had been deadly silent for a moment did draw out a reaction from Kris as Devil had already backed away again after the quick bark not giving Charlie an option to touch him even had he wanted to.

Focusing his eyes at Mary Kris nodded his eyes half-closing as he stood glancing at his watch with feigned sarcasm. “Maybe the barely 15 minutes I have been here, has been too long. Fix up the manor Charlie, because seeing her home in such a shape would hardly make Samantha happy,” Kris drawled out lazily as he crossed the room to Mary once again, bowing and kissing Mary’s temple quickly while whispering a quick ‘love you’ into the girl’s ear, “I will be unreachable for a few days I’m afraid, but I’ll owl you if I get back. If you miss me leave a message with Dana because she might get hold of him quicker when I get back.” Kris turned and barely tilted his head to both for a moment: “I told the car to wait and I’ll find my own way out. Driscoll. Mary.”
Knowing fully well that Mary might think he’s sudden departure curious even if Charles wouldn’t be able to guess much perhaps this wasn’t really memory he had shared with Mary. Wasn’t one he was quite ready to share yet either so without any further explanation Kris turned on his heel with two long strides taking him to the door with both Shadow and Devil already at his heels once again, Shadow having never left his place. Kris made sure to close the door quietly behind himself before quick and long strides took him through the house that Kris barely turned any attention to anymore unlike when he had first entered so he was at the front doors in no time. Not caring enough to close those doors quietly anymore Kris let the doors loudly crash closed behind him.

The driver opened the back door to the sleek black Mercedes as Kris seated himself in the car wordlessly. First Shadow then Devil jumped in the car with Shadow hopping over Kris to sit on the car-seat on Kris’s right arm as Devil seated himself on the floor with his side touching Kris’s leg. The door closed with a quiet click and a few moments after the car rolled away form the front of the Driscoll manor. Shadow reached up as if sensing Kris’s mood licked his cheek once. Stroking the dogs back, Kris turned his head for a moment leaning his face against the huskies neck and allowing himself a small moment of weakness closed his eyes taking 3 long breaths. Straightening himself again Kris’s eyes met the driver in the mirror as Kris offered a brief nod to the old man ho had been working for Meredith and Julien loyally from before Kris had born. The same man had taken care of Kris himself as a kid sometimes. “Take me to the airport and then you can return to Meredith and Julien. Let them know I went to Estonia. I will be back in a few days,” Kris ordered and heard a respectful “Yes, sir.” Turning his head Kris’s fingers twirled Shadow’s fur as he stared out of the car window with bleak eyes not really seeing the passing scenery as Charlie’s words rolled through his mind one more time. How did the Hufflepuff always manage to hit one of Kris’s nerves so accurately, when he wasn’t even trying?

((How DO you always manage to hit one of the topics that will hurt Kris as Charlie? *shakes head in wonder* I hope you two don’t mind Kris’s sudden departure but well… neither he or I am quite ready to RP that out just yet. ))

[Charles Driscoll H7]

Kris was suddenly much colder than he had been before. True he'd been sarcastic and the manner with he'd addressed Charles could hardly be described as friendly but Charles was suddenly aware that he'd said something that had affected him like nothing he'd said before – the change in the air was painfully clear. Kris was out of the mansion before Charles had fully registered what he'd said to him or bid him goodbye. Charles turned to Mary after Kris left and he felt tired and confused and almost as if he was living a strange dream. These people acted and interacted in a manner very foreign to him – but wasn't that precisely why Charles had felt he would need Kris' help with Samantha? Because he knew he might be able to deal with it on his own?

"Are all Slytherins that difficult to fathom? I mean first Samantha, and now Kris," he said. He looked at his close friend and wondered what it must be like for her, living with these people everyday. It made him wonder whether there was a side to Mary he knew nothing about. But more importantly it reminded him of something he had to say to her. "Mary, thanks for still being here," he said finally. She was a Slytherin and yet all she had shown Charles was support and friendship and that gave him hope and made him value their friendship all the more. She'd also once told him that Kris was one of her best friends and Charles had seen the affection in their eyes, even though it was veiled, as they talked to each other before all the drama had started. And yet Kris had gone and Mary was still here – for him.

((I don't mind at all this was fun and Charlie's got what he wanted - and don't ask me! Ask him... ))

[Mary Evans]

After flopping into the seat Mary watched the heated interaction between Charlie and Kris not getting it at all. Evidently in the mentioning of dogs Charlie had hi a soft spot for Kris but Mary didn’t really see how. She knew Kris loved animals and all but… Kris then seemed to take her invitation and got ready to leave – which though he was one of her best friends Mary was grateful for. When he ordered Charlie to clean up the manor though Mary practically jumped to her feet and glared at him. She crossed the room and placed a hand on Charlie’s shoulder in silent apology for Kris’ rudeness. Were it anyone but Charlie she likely would have found the comment amusing – but the fact remained that it was Charlie.

Once again her hand urged her to slap Kris as he came up, gave her a kiss, and told her the way to reach him was through Dana. More for self-regulation purposes than anything else Mary ignored Kris completely – even picking up her drink while he was in the middle of speaking to her. As soon as he left Mary gave Charlie a feeble smile and sat down again.

Mary smirked as Charlie asked her about Slytherins. “Yes an no. You get used to it really – find yourself doing it really and so you get it. But I can see how it would seem odd to an outsider… Not anything against you or anything of course…” Mary was sure to add that last bit in quickly. Nothing against Charlie but the fact remained that he was not in Slytherin. Her smiled wavered a bit as Charlie thanked her for still being there – she didn’t know quite how to respond to that. “Of course Charlie… I mean you expect me to leave you? I may not be the most help in the world at times like this but I am here for you; you know that, right?”