Edward heard the questions she asked and shrugged lightly. "Not sure. I'm sure that for them it's a distraction. It keeps the professors from being able to focus on their main task of educating." He took a bite of cheese and considered a bit more. He really wished he could get an allowance to work this one in the field. Direct observation was always going to be more reliable than depending on untrained researchers to provide him data.

"what about you? How goes the latest treaty negotiations?" He reached up to push a bit of hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear and smiled at her as he got it where he thought it should be to keep her from being distracted.

Koen was beyond excited this morning. Not only had his father returned after being gone for nearly four years but they were getting to spend the entire day together just the two of them. Him and his dad. A day of fun and adventure. The sun was shining, birds were chirping in the trees and nothing could be better for the nine year old boy right then.

"Where are we going first? Do we really get to spend the whole day out without mum? Can we go for ice cream later?" the blonde boy rattled off glancing up at his dad as they walked. There were a million different things running through his head that he wanted to talk about. So much had happened and changed while Connor had been away. Koen wasn't even sure where to begin or if it were best to pretend like the man at his side had never been gone. Do they go back and try to fill in all the gaps that were missed or were they supposed to pick up from the here and now and build off that? It was tough to decide and his young mind couldn't decipher which was the best way to go.

If the kid was angry about all the missed time he didn't let on. It was a trait he had picked up from his mother. Show no weakness. He wasn't the type to sit around and wallow in all the bad things. Today was their day and he was going to make the most of it.

SPOILER!!: Koen! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

Koen was beyond excited this morning. Not only had his father returned after being gone for nearly four years but they were getting to spend the entire day together just the two of them. Him and his dad. A day of fun and adventure. The sun was shining, birds were chirping in the trees and nothing could be better for the nine year old boy right then.

"Where are we going first? Do we really get to spend the whole day out without mum? Can we go for ice cream later?" the blonde boy rattled off glancing up at his dad as they walked. There were a million different things running through his head that he wanted to talk about. So much had happened and changed while Connor had been away. Koen wasn't even sure where to begin or if it were best to pretend like the man at his side had never been gone. Do they go back and try to fill in all the gaps that were missed or were they supposed to pick up from the here and now and build off that? It was tough to decide and his young mind couldn't decipher which was the best way to go.

If the kid was angry about all the missed time he didn't let on. It was a trait he had picked up from his mother. Show no weakness. He wasn't the type to sit around and wallow in all the bad things. Today was their day and he was going to make the most of it.

It certainly was a wonderful day today. Perfect for a day with Koen. Connor knew he could not make up for lost time with his son but he intended to try to show him that things hadn't changed between them. They were going to continue being just as close as they were before.

Connor laughed at Koen's excitement. "You bet, buddy! An entire day without mommy. But you and I are going to have lots of fun. After we're done at the park, we'll go have and treat you want.'' Koen was bound to work up an appetite after they played games and whatever else they wanted to do.

"What do you want to do first?'' Connor had brought a ball they could play catch with. Or maybe they could play hide and seek. It was all up to his boy!

His fathers laughter brought a smile to his face. One that was usually reserved only for his mother or cousin as of lately. "Anything I want?" The blonde boy repeated, that being like the only thing he had heard. When it came to food especially desserts he was all ears. "Ice cream." End of discussion. There was no competition or room for argument. That's what he wanted and he wouldn't be changing his mind. He NEVER changed his mind.

His fathers question made his shrug his shoulder as he took another look around the park. "I don't know. Hide and seek could be okay." See if Connor was still able to find him like he used to. Only know it wouldn't be so easy since he was older and a better hider. Only problem with this was he wasn't entirely sure where to hide...lately his trips to the park had him sat beneath a tree playing his guitar or pushing his baby cousins on the swings.

Krel had finished eating and was busy wiping her hands off with a napkin. She let out a sigh. Work was a bit of a headache for her right now. “I never imagined,” she started sounding extremely disappointed. “I’d be spending my days listening to people argue about something as trivial as cauldron thicknesses.” Not that she was belittling the importance of regulating trade standards, but it wasn’t exactly what she had imagined while she was in school studying about international laws and communications. “I swear it’s going to be the death of me. It’s really got Kurik in a huff.” Kurik was her boss and the primary ambassador to Germany. She didn’t really know why he cared as much as he did when he had some British exchange student facing underage magical charges to deal with.

She tried to put on a smile. “Hopefully they’re come to an agreement soon.” Because if they didn’t, well, Krel might scream bloody murder into the pile of paperwork that was sitting on her desk. Instead she simply stated. “If not, I’m going to be stuck at work late this week and well,” the house elf she’d hired to help with her father wasn’t available past 7 this week due to “a prior arrangement.” She wondered briefly if Uncle Hayden could spare one of his elves (even though she thought she remembered that the elves technically belonged to Aunt Tori…). “I don’t know what I’ll do about dad.”

SPOILER!!: Koen! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

His fathers laughter brought a smile to his face. One that was usually reserved only for his mother or cousin as of lately. "Anything I want?" The blonde boy repeated, that being like the only thing he had heard. When it came to food especially desserts he was all ears. "Ice cream." End of discussion. There was no competition or room for argument. That's what he wanted and he wouldn't be changing his mind. He NEVER changed his mind.

His fathers question made his shrug his shoulder as he took another look around the park. "I don't know. Hide and seek could be okay." See if Connor was still able to find him like he used to. Only know it wouldn't be so easy since he was older and a better hider. Only problem with this was he wasn't entirely sure where to hide...lately his trips to the park had him sat beneath a tree playing his guitar or pushing his baby cousins on the swings.

"Anything,'' Connor replied. Today he would spoil his one and only son. He could practically hear the wheels turning in Koen's head. If he remembered correctly, then... Ice Cream! Yes! Connor still remembered what his boy liked. "You got it, champ. Three scoops? Only, don't tell your mommy. She'll scold us.'' He grinned. Addison was always looking to keep her men in perfect health so too much sugar wouldn't go well with her.

"Hide and Seek's perfect. Just don't wandering off too far when you hide, alright?" Connor was going to keep a close eye on Koen. "Want to hide or seek first?'' This was the little boy's day so whatever he wanted to happen, will happen. Connor was quite ready to do either even though he was unsure where to hide.

Anything. That was all the boy had to hear. There was an instant shine in his bright blue eyes that hadn't been there in a very long time. Koen grinned nodding his head at the three scoops mention. They ALWAYS got three scoops when it was just the two of them spending the day together. A secret he never told his mum either. "Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate?" he asked laughing. Chances were he wouldn't even be getting chocolate but it was joke that mattered here.

Him wander off? Noway. He was a good boy. Koen nodded that he understood the rules. Would he listen, probably. "I hide. You can count." Hiding was much more fun.

He waited for Connor to begin counting before taking off towards the trees some bit away (he could still see his dad from where he was). Picking one of the larger trees the small boy pulled himself up onto one of the lowest branches and began climbing as high as he could. Sitting up in the tree he leaned back against it's trunk, hidden mostly by leaves and branches. Pulling his feet up he kept his eyes on his dad waiting to be found.

SPOILER!!: Koen! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

Anything. That was all the boy had to hear. There was an instant shine in his bright blue eyes that hadn't been there in a very long time. Koen grinned nodding his head at the three scoops mention. They ALWAYS got three scoops when it was just the two of them spending the day together. A secret he never told his mum either. "Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate?" he asked laughing. Chances were he wouldn't even be getting chocolate but it was joke that mattered here.

Him wander off? Noway. He was a good boy. Koen nodded that he understood the rules. Would he listen, probably. "I hide. You can count." Hiding was much more fun.

He waited for Connor to begin counting before taking off towards the trees some bit away (he could still see his dad from where he was). Picking one of the larger trees the small boy pulled himself up onto one of the lowest branches and began climbing as high as he could. Sitting up in the tree he leaned back against it's trunk, hidden mostly by leaves and branches. Pulling his feet up he kept his eyes on his dad waiting to be found.

Connor joined his son's laughter. It was so good to be doing this again as they had been doing it lots of it since he had returned. Even Addison too. They had certainly returned to being the happy, loving family they had been before his unfortunate accident. "Three scoops of chocolate for you then.'' Or if Koen changed his mind when they got to Florean's, they'd be getting the flavours he wanted.

"Alright. I'll just cover my eyes and try not to peek. I'll count up to ten so you'll have enough time to hide.''

"One... two... three... four... five... six... seven... eight... nine... ten! Here I come, Koen!'' Connor removed his hands from over his eyes. He turned on the spot, trying to decide which direction to start in. He went in the total opposite direction of where his boy was hiding.

YES!

His dad was amazing! Three scopes of chocolate ice cream with sprinkles and this kid was going to be bouncing off the walls. Not that he wasn't normally doing just that anyhow. He was all boy, which meant all the fun, all the time. "Awesome!"

From his quiet spot perched up on the tree branch the little blonde child kept his shining blue eyes focused in on his dad. Not a sound was made when Connor went in the complete opposite direction but he did however allow himself to grin just a bit. From up here he wouldn't be seen unless well, you know you looked up. For now it didn't seem like he was going to be found just yet.

SPOILER!!: Koen! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

YES!

His dad was amazing! Three scopes of chocolate ice cream with sprinkles and this kid was going to be bouncing off the walls. Not that he wasn't normally doing just that anyhow. He was all boy, which meant all the fun, all the time. "Awesome!"

From his quiet spot perched up on the tree branch the little blonde child kept his shining blue eyes focused in on his dad. Not a sound was made when Connor went in the complete opposite direction but he did however allow himself to grin just a bit. From up here he wouldn't be seen unless well, you know you looked up. For now it didn't seem like he was going to be found just yet.

"Okay, you're definitely not in that direction,'' Connor said loudly as he walked back to the place where he and Koen had been just minutes ago. He was speaking aloud just in case his boy was hiding close by. Connor comically turned on the spot once more but not a glimpse of Koen could be caught.

"If I were Koen where would I hide?'' The answer only took a few seconds to come to come to him. The trees! Up he looked. No Koen among the leaves of the first one. "I'm going to find you!'' No Koen in the next nor the other. Then... "Is that you I see there?'' Connor had seen a bit of his clothing. He stopped under the tree and grinned up at his son. "Found you!''

Koen grinned watching Connor walk back and forth and turn in circles. If it wouldn't give up his hiding spot he'd certainly be laughing right about now. Not a single sound was made even when he heard his father's voice growing louder and louder the closer he came to the tree he was sitting up in.

Uh-oh. He was going to be found. Even so a small smile tugged at this lips, his dad remembered his love of trees and how he always wanted to climb them. From where he was sat he kept his blue eyes on the older man as he began checking the trees for him. "Only cause you remembered where I like to sit!" Koen called down with a grin matching that of Connor's. He began to climb back down until he was a few feet from the ground in which he jumped at his father expecting to be caught just like he used to when he was younger. "Lookout!" Which really meant catch me and don't fall!

SPOILER!!: Koen! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

Koen grinned watching Connor walk back and forth and turn in circles. If it wouldn't give up his hiding spot he'd certainly be laughing right about now. Not a single sound was made even when he heard his father's voice growing louder and louder the closer he came to the tree he was sitting up in.

Uh-oh. He was going to be found. Even so a small smile tugged at this lips, his dad remembered his love of trees and how he always wanted to climb them. From where he was sat he kept his blue eyes on the older man as he began checking the trees for him. "Only cause you remembered where I like to sit!" Koen called down with a grin matching that of Connor's. He began to climb back down until he was a few feet from the ground in which he jumped at his father expecting to be caught just like he used to when he was younger. "Lookout!" Which really meant catch me and don't fall!

Connor would not admit it but he had momentarily forgotten that Koen had a thing for trees. It wasn't until the answer had suddenly popped into his head earlier that he remembered. Connor laughed, looking up at his precious son. "I do! I know my son after all.'' Yes, he did. His memory just needed to unfrazzle a little more.

Oh, Koen was going to jump, was he? Not a problem. Connor raised his arms towards the tree, that happy grin still implanted on his handsome features. "I've got you, buddy.'' When Koen jumped, Connor caught him securely. He would never let him fall. Then, just for the heck of it, Connor spun around on the spot. Around and around he went!

Don't get dizzy, Koen!

Koen wasn't a mind reader. Not really. Sure he could always guess things and sometimes get it right and he had a knack for knowing when something wasn't fully right. That didn't mean though that he knew for sure whether or not his father truly had remembered his liking of trees. "You always did!" he called down with a large grin. Even when he was younger he could never get away with things fully when it was his father who found out no matter the pout he used.

Jumping from the tree he knew Connor would catch him. Noway would the man allow him to fall. If he did he'd have his mom to answer to and that wouldn't be good for either of them. What he hadn't expected was to be spun around and around in circles just like when he had been tiny. Instantly the blonde was laughing just as he used to back in the day. All the anger and everything he had been feeling was momentarily gone as he focused on his time with his dad.

SPOILER!!: Koen! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

Koen wasn't a mind reader. Not really. Sure he could always guess things and sometimes get it right and he had a knack for knowing when something wasn't fully right. That didn't mean though that he knew for sure whether or not his father truly had remembered his liking of trees. "You always did!" he called down with a large grin. Even when he was younger he could never get away with things fully when it was his father who found out no matter the pout he used.

Jumping from the tree he knew Connor would catch him. Noway would the man allow him to fall. If he did he'd have his mom to answer to and that wouldn't be good for either of them. What he hadn't expected was to be spun around and around in circles just like when he had been tiny. Instantly the blonde was laughing just as he used to back in the day. All the anger and everything he had been feeling was momentarily gone as he focused on his time with his dad.

Connor was happy.

Just so happy that Koen trusted him so much. He laughed along with him, the happiness truly heard in their voices. Goodness knew how he survived that long without his family. Then again, having no memories of then during his ordeal helped a lot.

The spinning made Connor himself get a teeny bit dizzy. He was still able to have a sense of direction even though he flopped right down onto his back, still holding Koen. "You're getting to be a big man! You're getting heavier.'' Connor doubted that Addison could lift Koen anymore.

"Do I get to hide now?''

Koen was beyond happy.

Happier then he had been in years.

Anyone that got a good look at the boy between the time his father was gone and his return would see the difference. The way he laughed and his playful smile. His dad always got him to be happy no matter what was going on. Usually a boy was closest to their mother but not him, he was all boy all the time and best friends with his father.

Even with Connor falling over and Koen landing against him the near ten year old just laughed. "I am?" he asked blinking several times. He had just been called a 'man'. Not a boy, a child or even a kid but a 'man'. The small blonde grinned. "Mom can't pick me up anymore. She hasn't been able to in a long time." Which meant he was growing up. He could do way more then he used to and in a years time he would be going off to Hogwarts.

SPOILER!!: Koen! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

Koen was beyond happy.

Happier then he had been in years.

Anyone that got a good look at the boy between the time his father was gone and his return would see the difference. The way he laughed and his playful smile. His dad always got him to be happy no matter what was going on. Usually a boy was closest to their mother but not him, he was all boy all the time and best friends with his father.

Even with Connor falling over and Koen landing against him the near ten year old just laughed. "I am?" he asked blinking several times. He had just been called a 'man'. Not a boy, a child or even a kid but a 'man'. The small blonde grinned. "Mom can't pick me up anymore. She hasn't been able to in a long time." Which meant he was growing up. He could do way more then he used to and in a years time he would be going off to Hogwarts.

"Yes, you are! You're going to be a strong little guy.'' Little guy? Koen was going to be starting Hogwarts in another year but Connor found it impossible at times to accept his son was growing up. "I'm sorry I missed out four years of your life,'' he said softly as he hugged Keon to his chest. He was quite unaware he had said the words out aloud.

He found the image of Addison trying to lift Koen up rather funny. "You're her little challenge. Luckily I'm still able to do it but I'm not sure for how long more.'' Probably not much time left until Koen was just too much. It didn't matter. Connor would still be able to show his love through other means than lifting. Like tickling. Sneakily, he fingers found Koen's side as he began to tickle.

Little guy. Connor had went from 'man' to 'little guy'. Normal he would freak out at being called little but this was his dad and that made it okay. Koen grinned. He was going to be just like his dad as he got older. Smart, strong and everything a father was supposed to be. "It wasn't your fault..." the child muttered quietly resting his chin on the mans shoulder for a few moments. Even if at times he had and still did blame him for being gone deep down he knew it hadn't been Connor's fault.

"Well someone has to keep her on her toes dad," Koen laughing with a playful smirk. The years were flying by and with that he was growing up but right now he was content with whatever came his way. The tickling caught him by surprise and he laughed squirming about in an attempt to roll away across the grass.

Hirsch found himself coming to this park more and more often as the days of summer dragged by. It wasn't that he hated London but there were far too many people and he needed to get away. To pretend that he was somewhere that wasn't Britain.

Needless to say, it had been working so far.

With the number of times he'd been here, the man didn't need any sort of direction or guidance. It was as if his feet knew exactly where to go: past the signposts, past the large oak tree that had been bent oddly and across the bridge that ran over a pond. In fact, it was near this very pond that he liked to sit because it was partially secluded and didn't attract nearly as many loud toddlers as the larger one in the park did.

Long as no one called him the troll under the bridge, he was fine.

As usual, the thirty year old sat down on a ledge to pull off his shoes and socks and roll up the bottom of his jeans just high enough to avoid a soaking. Then, ever so carefully - was this a moment for constant vigilance? - he slowly dipped his big toe into the water. Just to test it, you know.

Jon walked through the park. He was working on presents for the twins, who were about to turn Seventeen. It was a scary idea really.. He'd been in their lives since they were eleven and now Tim and Ollie were about to be of age. He had to come up with special presents. Tim was easy enough to find a present for but Ollie was a little bit tougher.

The park would provide him a moment to think apart from the hustle and bustle of Diagon Alley. That's when he spotted a man who looked like he was about to put his feet in the pond. "Does that feel nice? I always imagined it to be kinda gross in there." Slimy things and whatnot. Not that the Creatures professor was against a gross feeling or two.

SPOILER!!: Koen! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

Little guy. Connor had went from 'man' to 'little guy'. Normal he would freak out at being called little but this was his dad and that made it okay. Koen grinned. He was going to be just like his dad as he got older. Smart, strong and everything a father was supposed to be. "It wasn't your fault..." the child muttered quietly resting his chin on the mans shoulder for a few moments. Even if at times he had and still did blame him for being gone deep down he knew it hadn't been Connor's fault.

"Well someone has to keep her on her toes dad," Koen laughing with a playful smirk. The years were flying by and with that he was growing up but right now he was content with whatever came his way. The tickling caught him by surprise and he laughed squirming about in an attempt to roll away across the grass.

Uh oh. It seemed he had said that out aloud. He hadn't meant to and he certainly hadn't wanted Koen to hear that again, now that everything was finally falling into place. "I'm happy to hear you think that. I wouldn't ever leave your mother nor you if it were up to me.'' But fate had had something different planned. Connor burst out laughing. "Oh, really? My cheeky son!'' He laughed some more. "I'd say you did a pretty good job at that.''

More tickling for Koen! Connor was laughing as well but Koen managed to slip from his grasp and onto the grass. "The Tickle Monster is going to get you!'' He loved hearing his son laugh. It made him feel better than he was bringing happiness back into the boy's life.

Koen let out a quiet breath shutting his eyes for a few moments. "I-I know. I don't think I knew for sure back then but I know it now," he whispered quietly after a long pause of saying nothing at all. That's what really mattered though right? That he knew now. His dads laughter made him grin then and he nodded. "Well who else was going to make sure she was alright?" Someone had to make sure the blonde female in their family stayed in the moment and kept pushing forward.

Laughter was contagious. If anyone was to see the two of them right then they never would've known Connor had be away from his son for so long. The connection between the two was so clear it was scary. Mentions of the 'tickle monster' had the boy rolling over onto his stomach and quickly moving to stand. "Nah uh, noway," he answered shaking his head making longish blonde hair fall into his eyes. "Not going to happen!" With a shout he spun on his heels and blotted off across the park laughing.

SPOILER!!: Koen! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

Koen let out a quiet breath shutting his eyes for a few moments. "I-I know. I don't think I knew for sure back then but I know it now," he whispered quietly after a long pause of saying nothing at all. That's what really mattered though right? That he knew now. His dads laughter made him grin then and he nodded. "Well who else was going to make sure she was alright?" Someone had to make sure the blonde female in their family stayed in the moment and kept pushing forward.

Laughter was contagious. If anyone was to see the two of them right then they never would've known Connor had be away from his son for so long. The connection between the two was so clear it was scary. Mentions of the 'tickle monster' had the boy rolling over onto his stomach and quickly moving to stand. "Nah uh, noway," he answered shaking his head making longish blonde hair fall into his eyes. "Not going to happen!" With a shout he spun on his heels and blotted off across the park laughing.

It hurt Connor's heart that Koen would have thought that he'd leave him. Then again, is son had only been a kid back then. Now he was grown up and was more sensible. "As long as you know it now.'' That satisfied him. Then he laughed. "My smart son! You might just be a Ravenclaw.'' Which would be far different from the paths of a Gryffindor and a Slytherin like his mom and dad.

Indeed the Tickle Monster was going to get him! It worked for a bit but then Koen was able to wiggle away in escape. Still, laughing, Connor scrambled off after the kid. "I'm going to get you!'' He gave chase slowly. Koen deserved a bit of a lead, after all.

Having only been five years old at the time his little mind hadn't understood. All he had known was he missed his dad and wanted him there and he wasn't there. It had been a really tough time for him but as the days, weeks, months and even years had begun to slowly drift by Koen had grown to understand that his dad wouldn't have just left them. "I do." They weren't people that just walked away from what and who they cared about. "Ravenclaw?" he gaped at Connor in disbelief. "Nah uh. Noway. I'm going to be in your house or moms." He wasn't NOT a raven.

Laughter once more rang out around the park as Koen ran from his father making the older man give chase. "No you're not!" he called over his shoulder.

SPOILER!!: Koen! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyander

Having only been five years old at the time his little mind hadn't understood. All he had known was he missed his dad and wanted him there and he wasn't there. It had been a really tough time for him but as the days, weeks, months and even years had begun to slowly drift by Koen had grown to understand that his dad wouldn't have just left them. "I do." They weren't people that just walked away from what and who they cared about. "Ravenclaw?" he gaped at Connor in disbelief. "Nah uh. Noway. I'm going to be in your house or moms." He wasn't NOT a raven.

Laughter once more rang out around the park as Koen ran from his father making the older man give chase. "No you're not!" he called over his shoulder.

Yes, this was all he needed to hear and Connor was again on cloud nine. As long as Koen understood now, everything was alright. "Oh, really? You're so sure that you'll be?" He nor Addison wouldn't mind which House Koen was sorted in when the time comes. In all honesty, he would like him to be in Slytherin. That happened to be the best House but don't tell Addison that.

"I definitely will!'' Connor increased the speed o his chase, eventually closing the gap between the two. He stretched out his arms, bending low as though to grab the young boy around the middle. "I'm closing in! Incoming tickling monster!''

"I'm positive." Koen smirked at his dad nodding his head. "There's noway I'm a Hufflepuff and I'm not no Ravenclaw either so that just leaves yours or mom's houses." Either of those he would be good with. However he was leaning a little more towards the home of the snake being as that was his cousin's house right now and he liked snakes.

The little blonde knew from Connor's footsteps and voice just how close he was behind him. Rather then speed up though Koen slowed down just enough to allow himself to be caught. He was ready to get some ice cream or play something else. Whichever happened first.