Thanks for the reply, Emily!
We'll see what happens.

Hello Seneca. I've been keeping up with your story, and I really enjoy reading it! Child abuse is a serious subject to write about, and I like that you have adults knowing about the problem, and you show action being taken against the father. And still with all the seriousness you are able to make an entertaining story. Very nice work. I look forward to finding out how this turns out. Poor Coralie is in a vulnerable spot with still being under the influence of Veritaserum.
Great post Seneca, and I'll be watching for your next.

I'm soooo sorry it's only like a paragraph, but here.. ^_^

“Coralie?” he asked credulously.
The girl dodged a spell her brother shot. She barely ducked in time, and the spell blew up a box against the wall. Christopher shot another, and the squib pressed against the wall. The blue jet of light passed in front of her face and hit Carson, who was still standing in the doorway.
He keeled over sideways, and Coralie nimbly jumped over her unconscious brother.
“Go!,” she yelled at Jaxon, pushing him off the front porch.
“What, no. What happened to not saying anything?”
“It’s complicated,” she muttered. Coralie looked back at Christopher. He had dropped by his brother’s side and was looking over his body.
Suddenly, the boy glared up at her. He pulled back his wand, ready to fire another spell, when Jaxon grabbed the girl’s wrist and spun on the spot.

So, tell me what you think!

Hello Seneca. It's ok sweetie. Thank you for what you gave us. It was very exciting, and I can't wait to get more. How would she not be able to say anything? They were suspicious the moment she got home. Then the Profit had the article in it, so, how could she not say anything. Sometimes plans just don't work out the way they are s'pose to. I hope the brother is ok. And I hope they don't lie and say Jaxon did it. Of course his wand hadn't been used so, they couldn't prove that.
Great post Seneca. I'll be watching for your next.

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Here's the next part!

Coralie stumbled and fell over as they hit the ground. She looked around frantically, then turned to speak to Jaxon.
“Where are we?” she asked.
“London.” he replied sharply.
The two teenagers were on the sidewalk in front of a pub. A few people were roughly pushing past them and the squib had to move to avoid being trampled.
“Can you be a little more specific?” she pestered.
“You’ve never been into the city have you?” he replied.
Coralie shook her head.
“Just stick with me and don’t fall behind.” he whispered.
“Ok.” she squeaked.
The girl continued to look around. She followed close behind Jaxon, but was distracted and amazed by everything around her, though, she seemed to be a little overwhelmed.
“Over there.” he whispered.
Coralie looked to where he was pointing and nodded. He guided her towards a red telephone box.
“Get in.” he said urgently.
“Why?” she asked staring at the shattered glass panes and broken telephone inside.
“Trust me.” he replied simply.
Jaxon ushered the girl inside before she could reply. He reached around her to get to the dial. 62442.
Coralie jumped when a voice came out of nowhere.
“Welcome to the Ministry of Magic. Pleas state your name and business.”
“Jaxon Smith and Coralie Davids. I need to speak to my dad.”
“Thank you.”
Two silver badges slid out of the chute underneath the pay phone. Jaxon took one and shoved the other into Coralie’s hand.
“What’s this for?”
“Just hold onto it.” he mumbled.
“Why-” but she was cut off. The floor of the telephone box sunk into the ground. Instinctively, Coralie gasped and grabbed the boy’s arm.
Jaxon chuckled slightly at his friend’s response, but the chuckle quickly faded when they stopped at the floor below. He led her out onto the dark wood floor.
“This is the Ministry?” she asked in disbelief.
“Yeah,” he said.
Coralie was looking at the golden statues ahead.
“Come on.” Jaxon murmured, taking her hand and leading her towards some elevators.

K, Tell me what you think!

great post Seneca. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Hello Seneca I think it's a great post. I'm wondering why Jaxon had to move so swiftly once he got her away from her brother. maybe he just was anxious to see his dad, and report what happened before the brothers made some kind of accusation. Great post. I'll be watching for your next.

Sorry it's been a while. Here's the next part!

The elevators went backwards then up to another floor. Every chance she had, Coralie would look around at the witches and wizards walking around. A couple of times she almost lost Jaxon, but he kept turning around to make sure she was behind him so she didn’t get too far behind.
“Hello Jaxon. What brings you here?”
The two teenagers turned towards a short man who had spoken. He wore a dark blue robe and had scrolls of parchment piled high in his hands.
“Hi Mr. Johnson. I have to talk to my father. Have you seen him?”
“Yeah. I was just in his office,” replied the man attempting to point down the hallway a bit.
“Thanks.”
Mr. Johnson nodded then walked towards the elevators behind them.
“Who was that?” asked Coralie.
“A friend of my father’s.” he said, glancing at every door he passed, “I can never remember which one it is…” he added to himself.
“Sorry?”
“I can never remember which office is his. Ah… here we are.”
They turned into a large circular room. Mr. Smith was standing behind his desk, and he was talking to another wizard, who had his back to the two.
“Jaxon.” They both stopped talking when Mr. Smith said this and the wizard tuned around to see who had entered.
“Hi Jaxon.” said the wizard.
Coralie looked between her friend and the two men in the office. He knows everyone, she thought.
Jaxon caught her gaze.
“This is my cousin, Reyes. Reyes, this is Coralie.”
The man blinked at her, then he smiled. He had the same dark hair as the rest of the Smiths, but he had green eyes, he seemed to be at least five years older than his younger cousin.
“So you’re Coralie.” he said at last.
She nodded.
“Well, I should go. Uncle, we can talk later.” He picked up a book and a couple of pamphlets, then left the office.
“What can I do for you Jaxon?” said Mr. Smith after the door was closed.

As usual, leave your replies.

great post! still surious to see why Jaxon took her to see his father though. So you must PAMS!

Hello Seneca. Thanks for posting another great chapter. It must be such an exciting yet scary thing for Coralie to experience being at the Ministry of Magic. I wonder if Jaxon's dad will be able to set up some kind of protection for her, or if they'll only just keep an eye on things. I'll be watching for more.

I got the next part!

Mr. Smith looked between the teenagers faces. After a moment he sighed, ran his hand over his face and said, “What happened now?”
Jaxon bit his lip, “Well…”
The man changed his gaze from his son to the girl.
“Can you tell me what happened?”
Coralie nodded.
“Go on then.” he said, sitting down on the chair behind the desk. He shifted through some papers then after a moment, he gestured towards one of the two chairs in front of him. “Sit.” he said.
Both Coralie and Jaxon sat down. The two men watched her intently.
“Well… um…” she started, “After I had gotten back to my house I went to my cellar, er, bedroom-”
I’m sorry?” Interrupted Jaxon.
“It’s nothing.” she replied waving a hand dismissively. “One of my brothers locked the door, and then I just went to bed-” Coralie broke off, and her hand wrapped around her mother’s journal in her pocket.
“What happened today?”
“Carson and Christopher did something to my pumpkin juice. They were talking and asking me questions. I’ve heard of the potion before, but I don’t remember the name. I think it starts with a V.”
“Veritaserum.” It wasn’t a question, but a statement.
The squib nodded.
“What did they ask you?” questioned Mr. Smith.
“Um… They wanted to know where I’ve been and what happened at your house.”
“And you told them?”
Hesitantly, the girl nodded.
“Anything else you should tell me?”
“Yeah.” said Coralie, sitting up straighter. “I’ve read the article in the Daily Prophet, and so did my brothers. They seemed really worried about… everything. They’re afraid of people showing up to question them.”
Mr. Smith remained quiet.
“Can I ask you something?” the girl continued.
“Yes, I suppose.”
“Is my father really going to spend a year in Azkaban?”
The man’s eyes flicked towards his son, who leaned forward eagerly.
“Jaxon asked me that earlier today.” he said. “And… yes I think he is.”
“What about Carson… And Christopher. What about me?” she mumbled. “What’s going to happen to me?”

What do you think?

Hello Seneca. I'm glad they got to his dad's ok, but, why does his dad act as if it's a bother or something. Is he just overwhelmed or something? Awe! I feel so sorry for her! And she has a serious question to be answered. She can't stay there with her brothers. I'll be watching for your next post. Good job Seneca. Happy New Year.

Think about it. Why would Jaxon go to his dad unless something was wrong? And yes I think we all feel sorry for Coralie. And Happy New Year to you too!

Sorry it's been a while. And sorry, I'll try to post a little more soon.

Mr. Smith stared at point on the wooden door in front of him, just a few inches above the kids’ heads. He turned Coralie’s question over in his mind, then finally he said, “I don’t know.”
Coralie sighed and fell back against the chair.
“She can’t stay with her brothers.” said Jaxon sternly.
The man’s eyes flicked over his son, then in a pained voice, he said, “Jaxon, can I please talk to you outside?”
“Why?” Jaxon asked suddenly, “If this is about Coralie, then she should hear it too.”
“Please?” he repeated more firmly.
Hesitantly, Jaxon nodded and stood up. Coralie turned around in her seat to watch the two leave the office.
“I’ll be right back.” Mr. Smith said over his shoulder.

“You really care for her.” The father observed.
“Yes I do.”
“You barely even know her, Jaxon. You met her what… yesterday?”
Jaxon stopped in the middle of the hallway to look at his father. Witches and wizards shuffled past, but he didn’t even notice it.
“So what?” he said, “So I’ve known her for only a day. But didn’t you always tell me to put others before myself? I don’t care that I barely know her. She needs my help.”
A small smile flickered across the mans face. Yes he had always told his son that. And it was just like Jaxon to use it against him.
“You can’t let her stay with her brothers,” he repeated.
“What happened to her mother?” asked Mr. Smith after a moment.
Jaxon was taken back at the sudden question. “I… I don’t know,” he stuttered.
“Well, does she have any other living relatives?”
“Not that I know of.” said Jaxon.
“There’s always an orphanage…” said Mr. Smith under his breath.
“What?!”
They had continued walking again, and were slowly wandering around the floor.
“An orphanage? She can’t go to an orphanage. Next year she’ll be of age.” Jaxon defended.
“I know, Jaxon. But what other options do we have?”
Their conversation was cut off by a new voice.
“Uncle, I have those files you needed.”
Reyes came over. He was shuffling through a folder held in his hand.
“What’s that for?” asked the Jaxon curiously.
“I’m on your friends case.” he muttered, taking the folder from his nephew, “These are her father’s files.”

Tell me what you think!

Hello Seneca. I'm very curious what is in the file on the dad. And I too have been wondering what happened to her mother. And she can't be allowed to stay with her brothers. I think they both need to be put in Azkaban for trying to... well what ever they were going to do to her. They were shooting curses at her. That should count for some time. Then she could stay at the house on her own. Of course I'll enjoy whatever you have for us. Very nice post Seneca. I'll be watching for your next.

Next little part.

While Jaxon and his father had left, Coralie sat silently in the abandoned office. A couple of minutes passed, but there was still no sign of them coming back. She sighed, stood up and walked around the office, looking at some of the files and objects cluttered on the desk. Coralie found a pale green folder with her name on it. She was about to open it, but a voice disturbed her.
“Coralie?”
The girl stopped and turned to see Reyes in the doorway.
“Oh I’m sorry.” she stuttered, taking her seat again.
“No, no it’s fine.” he paused. “Where’d my uncle go?”
“Dunno,” she shrugged. “He’s talking with Jaxon.”
“Right-”
“What’s that?” she asked, pointing to the folder he had clutched in his hand.
“Oh, nothing.” Reyes said, “just a file Uncle wanted.”
“On what?” she persisted.
“It’s really nothing.” he said.
“Why is there a file on me?” Coralie asked.
“You ask a lot of questions.” Reyes observed, looking past her at the green folder on the desk.
“I’m sorry. It’s just…”
“Yeah, I understand.” he came into the office and stood on the other side of the desk. He flipped open the folder and showed her one of the pictures inside.
“That’s my dress.” she said quietly.
“Yes. Uncle said you left it at his house. That’s good though. It’s some proof defending your case.”
“What else helped me?”
Reyes smiled, “Of course it helps having Mr. Smith as a witness; he’s a trustworthy man and the Wizengamot know that. Jaxon counted as a witness too.”
“Oh.” Coralie said.
Reyes closed the folder and moved to leave the office.
“I should get these to Uncle.” he said, “Just hang tight.”
Coralie nodded as Reyes left the office.

Tell me what you think!

Hello Seneca. I'm thinking it was good of Reyes to giver her some information she needed to keep her from going after the truth herself and maybe getting caught snooping. She has a right to know I think. I'm glad she has good witnesses for her case also.
Nice work Seneca. I'll be watching for your next post.

Here's the next part!

“What’s in that?” Jaxon tried to look over at the open folder in his father’s hand.
“Nothing I can tell you about.” He replied moving it out of sight. “Now listen to me, Take Coralie back to the house. Keep an eye on her. Don’t let any one ask too many questions. The Veritaserum should wear off in about fifteen minutes.”
“Ok.” replied Jaxon.
“Oh, and keep her away from her house. We’re sending a couple of wizards to question her brothers.”
Jaxon nodded in reply, then he turned and walked back to where Coralie was sitting in the office.

The girl was flipping through her journal when Jaxon finally got back. She quickly put it back into her pocket.
“What’s happening?” she asked, turning in her chair to watch the boy standing in the doorway.
“It’s nothing.” replied Jaxon quietly, “Dad just wants you to come back to our house for a bit.”
“Why?”
“Just for a bit.” he repeated, “Until everything gets figured out.”

Ten minutes later, Coralie found herself standing in Jaxon’s bedroom. She looked around at the bookcase against the one wall, and the bed in the other. A broom was leaning against a desk near the door. Coralie has never had a bedroom near as nice as his; she always had the cellar.
“You like Quidditch?” he asked, sitting down on the bed. Jaxon was watching the girl’s eyes flicker across the objects in his room.
“Squib, remember?” she stated flatly, roaming over towards the bookcase.
“I know, but still-”
“I don’t know.” said Coralie with her back turned towards him, “Maybe, but I don’t know much about it.”
“I was on the quidditch team at Hogwarts.” said Jaxon matter of factly.
“That’s cool. Did you win any matches?”
Jaxon smiled. “Yeah a couple.”
He eyed the girl’s back, then finally said, “You like to read?” He stood up and walked over to her.
“A little.” she muttered. Coralie ran her fingers over the spines of the books.
“That’s good. I like to read as well. You have a favorite book?”
“No.” said the girl slowly.
Jaxon understood what the girl was talking about. “I can lend you one if you want.”
Coralie nodded in response.
“Con you tell me about your mother?” he asked softly.
Coralie was a little taken aback. Her eyes darted from the covers of the books to Jaxon’s face, which was sympathetic in front of her.
“Why?’ she asked in a whisper.
“My dad was wondering. Although, he probably found out by now. I would still like to know.” he said quietly. “Only if you want to.” he added after a minute.

Tell me what you think!

Hello Seneca. I just love Jaxon! He is so sweet to Coralie! I can't wait to see what she says about what happened to her mom. Jaxon was so sweet the way he asked. Not pushy or pressuring her at all. That's the way it should be.
I'll be watching for your next post. Very good work Seneca.

Thanks, Connie I'll try to post soon.

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww!! Poor Coralie! Her brothers are so mean!
Jaxon is so sweet! I luffers him
This story is so good! I really hope she finds a good home and stuff!
PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS
xxMorgan(:

Simple little post.

Coralie turned back towards the bookcase, and stared at a book for a moment before answering, “She died when I was little.”
“I’m sorry.” said Jaxon.
“It’s fine.” stuttered the girl, “I don’t talk about it much.” she laughed lightly then continued, “Of course there was never anyone to really talk to.”
“Do you remember her much?”
“Not really. I have this though.” She pulled out the necklace from underneath her dress. Jaxon leaned forward and flipped the heart over in his fingers.
“Is anything in it?” he asked, noticing that it was able to open.
Coralie shook her head, then she said, “I also have this.” She took the journal from her pocket and gave it to him.
“You look just like her.” he stated with a smile when he saw the first picture. He walked across his room and sat on the bed. Jaxon looked through some of the entries then handed it back to her as she moved to sit next to him.
“I found it when I was cleaning the house. They’re the only things I have that were hers.” Coralie was staring at the opposite wall and twirling the necklace in her hand.
“I don’t know what I’d do without my mum… or my dad, for that matter.” said Jaxon.
“I think I would be okay on my own.” Coralie said absentmindedly.
“You sure? I don’t think you took London too well today.” he chuckled.
Coralie smiled. “I’ve practically had to raise myself. I think I’d last at least a week.”
“You will soon. In the wizarding world, you’ll be legally of age the moment you turn seventeen. When is that, exactly?”
“In March.” she said.
“Oh, well then only about 5 months then.”
“Yeah. I won’t have to put up with my brothers.” she said happily.
“That is definitely going to happen before March.” put in Jaxon.
“What do you mean?”
“Are you kidding me? You’re not staying with your brothers.”
“How do you know?” she asked quietly.
“I just know. Now come on, let’s get you something to eat.”
Jaxon pulled her off the bed and led her down to the kitchen.

Leave your replies.

Hello Seneca. That was so sweet. I really love how good Jaxon is to her. I wonder if she's going to be able to function in the Muggle world though. I'm thinking she didn't go to school from her clothes and her wounds always present. She says she's never been anywhere, and she seems to be kind of wide eyed in the presence of more than a few people at once. I wonder if she has any skills that she doesn't know she has. Great post, and I'm looking forward to your next one.

Sorry y'all. I haven't been able to get on too much lately. I just had midterms and my school work was piling up.
Anyways, here's the next little part!

Mr. Smith flipped through the pages in the folder in his hand. Reyes was pacing back and forth across the circular office in front of him, his hands clutched together behind his back.
“She died.” said Mr. Smith calmly.
Reyes stooped pacing at once, and turned to his uncle.
“She died.” he repeated in a murmur.
“Yes, but there is no recollection of how-” Mr. Smith broke off and shuffled through the pages some more.
“I’m sorry for Coralie. She seems so sweet.” said Reyes.
“She is. No one deserves a life like hers.” Mr. Smith ran a hand over his chin and bloodshot eyes. “I really want to help her.”
“What about Sage and I? Why don’t we take her in for a bit.” Reyes said suddenly.
“Are you sure? Shouldn’t you talk to your wife first? I mean you haven’t exactly been married too long, and she might-”
“Trust me, Uncle. She’ll be fine with it. Besides, it’s only for a couple of months or so.” Reyes rambled.
“I don’t know, Reyes. I don’t know if this girl is ready for something like that.” Mr. Smith said with a doubtful expression.
“We don’t live that far away. And I know Jackson will be Apparating in all the time to see her.”
“Are you sure, Reyes? Are you positive?”
“Yes.” said Reyes firmly. He placed his hands on the desk and stared at his uncle intently, waiting for an answer.
“I guess.” Mr. Smith grumbled after a minute, giving into his nephews request.

Tell me what you think!

Hello Senecca. Thank you for getting this new post to us. I've been watching for it every day. Tonight I was thankful to find you messaged me that you posted. Please know that your schoolwork is first and foremost a priority you must always take care of before you worry about us who are reading your wonderful ff. I commend you for being dedicated to your education. I am glad however you got at least a small break to write and post this. You don't have to make big long chapters, especially when you are so overwhelmed with your schoolwork.
Someone died, and there isn't anything written about the cause of death? I wonder what happened there that a report wasn't made.Or could it be that one was made and it was retrieved somehow, by a certain party that was probably the cause of her death. Curious in deed. Oh for Coralie's sake, I hope she is able to. It would be a perfect resolve to her problem. But, I must say, I am concerned that what Mr. Smith said is a serious concern with me. It's hard to think that a young person such as, Coralie, who was raised without love and kindness, and who was kept from being seen or heard from, would be able to function perfectly fine when she is exposed to new people to live with. I think the only thing she has going for her is that she doesn't know what it is to trust someone to be good and kind even loving to her. She wouldn't expect it, and when she received it, she might decide she likes it, and be perfectly fine.
Of course there is one example of this, and that is Harry Potter. He was raised without love and kindness. He was abused by the family he lived with. But, he did go to school and therefore knew what it should have been like for him to have a family who loved him.
So, I'm looking forward to reading your next post and see what is happening. I hope you don't regret saying that. I did get a bit carried away, and long winded. Sorry Great writing Senecca. I'll be watching for your next post.