Closed Rid of the monsters inside your head

[Olive Layton]

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Set 24th August 2050​

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It was incredible just how much could change in a year. Twelve months ago, Olive had been blessed with her eldest child, and since then she had a second on the way, and a fiancé. Her sisters relationship with Mervyn had grown too, at least that’s how it appeared to the woman who had agreed to Ledas protests at allowing the Gryffindor to board with them over the holidays. Leda hadn’t given her too many of the details, but Olive had managed to establish that Mervyn would have been on the streets if she didn’t help him out. In all honesty the red head was happy to assist him where she could. He’d always been there for Leda even when Olive couldn’t have been herself, and although the boy would have to suffice with a temporary bed, she believed it was still better than the alternative. In addition to Mervyn, Wendall had seemed to befriended Aeons son, and even though he’d been over once or twice last year, she was pleased he was staying for a bit longer this time. Olive had secretly worried about Wendall joining school; he hadn’t engaged with too many children his own age before starting at Hogwarts, and she wanted him to be able to fit in with his new peers. The Hufflepuff seemed to be flourishing though, and she was pleased to see that her cousin had managed to solidify his friendships. A few days ago, Wendall and Lysander has wanted to learn a new skill that they could use while at school too, and sensing the chance to give something special to Amortentia, she’d taught and let the boys take charge of the cupcakes for her daughters first birthday. There had only been a few catastrophes in the kitchen, which frankly Olive thought was a successful attempt given Wendall was involved. ​

With a house full of children; and West and Asphodel occasionally popping round to spend time with their family, Olive still has something up her sleeve for her sister. There was still an air of tension between the girls, who at one time had only had one another for company. Leda had been generally cold for most of the duration of her time at home, eyes only ever lighting up when Olive caught her taking to her friend about her plans for the school newspaper. Olive could never have dreamed of running a club when she’d been at school. Prefect and seeker had been quite enough for the former Gryffindor who had had her own struggles towards the end of her school life. She was proud of Leda and wanted to let her sister know, and keen for the barrier between them to be broken. She knew she was in her bad books, but so far everything she’d done had only made the situation worse, and Olive wasn’t sure what other angles Leda would be reciprocating of. ​

Since Leda was now official an adult, a woman who had come of age and who in time would become even more independent, Olive had decided that she would do something that their own parents used to promise, but never delivered. By the time Olive had been old enough, their parents were much too busy and preoccupied with issues of their own, and for her sister she was going to try and make it a reality. There were after all a few perks of being twelve years older than a sibling. After locating an empty car park, leaving Mervyn to baby sit the boys and Ten, Olive had spent the last 87 minutes teaching Leda how to drive. Excellent coordination ran in the family, at least perhaps on their fathers side as opposed to the Laytons, and she had a feeling Leda would have been able to pick up the skills needed to drive relatively quickly. She’d been right, and the Slytherin has already managed to master the basics. It was only a little bit terrifying being in a car with her, but she trusted her reflexes and abilities to focus, even if the conversation between them felt stunted. Olive had tried to push with questions about school, boys, Quidditch and Mervyn before deciding it was better to stick to what they were doing. “Now just pull up in between those lines, gently on the brake, and then you can put the handbrake on,” She was instructing, glad they managed to make it in a parking space in one piece. “See, that wasn’t too hard,” she teased, grinning at her younger sister.​

 

[Leda Layton]

Leda wasn’t quite sure how it had come to this. She remembered how she used to look up to her sister, she’d brought up her afterall when their parents had no time for them, but it was as though after their dad had died a few years ago, and Olive had left her position at the school and left Ledas side, she’d been increasingly withdrawn. Every time now that she saw Olive, there was always something new to find out the hard way. It had been harder too with Mervyns recent revelations and it was as though her belief that she could only trust herself was becoming ever more true. It was as though Leda was no longer a priority, but an after thought. That Olive would tell her only what she needed to know, when she remembered to tell her, rather than the person she would run to tell first. There were many other people before her now, and while Leda was still trying to come to terms with the fact Olive had a life that barely included her anymore, she still felt a sinking feeling in her stomach every time she glanced at Olive, as though she was being betrayed all over again. With so much hanging over her, the Slytherin was keeping herself positive by looking forward to the next school year. She was the co editor now as well as the co captain, and if her Quidditch team could be a success then the Hogwarts Monthly could be too under her leadership. She’d reluctantly told Olive her new position out of obligation when she’d spotted her talking to Mervyn, although she would have been content keeping something hidden from her sister for a change.​

She had been following her sisters instructions for driving to the letter, although she was more nervous of why Olive felt the need to teach her to drive at all rather than hitting anything. It had seemed awfully suspicious that out of nowhere, and without having ever mentioned the topic before, Olive had pulled the suggestion out of thin air and suddenly they were on the road. The soon to be seventh year had been biting her tongue for most of the ride, an argument was the last thing she wanted during the time of year she should have been relaxing. She did miss the summers in America too, here they were just long dark and cold. Once she’d parked, she released her hands from the steering wheel, not even looking at Olive but simply nodding in agreement. “I didn’t think it would be,” She retorted, looking ahead. She hadn’t really thought about it at all really so it was sort of true. “Are we done yet?” She asked, trying to keep the sigh out of her voice. ​

 

[Wendall Layton]

Wendall was the type of boy who was happy to have just survived his first year at school; having only broken his arm and ruining his textbooks just once. He had been very careful on the train ride back to Olives house, and amused himself with countless number of films and games whilst his cousins backs were turned. He had been most displeased however to find out that Mervyn was joining them. He was the awful boy who’d kicked him straight into the lake, dragging him out by the scruff of his collar and not even apologising. How that boy was both Ledas best friend that he’d heard enough about and a prefect, was beyond him. He’d managed to keep out of their way for the most part, instead concentrating on the fact that Lysander was due to be staying with them for an entire week in August. By the time that had finally come, he was worn out on just the first day by becoming too overly excited. Later in the week they’d had a chance to bake a bit, and while Wendalls knee was still hurting, he had been very proud of the cakes he and the Gryffindor had made for Ten. ​

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The Hufflepuff was sat on his favourite spot of the couch, his tiny cousin on the carpet in front of him, as the TV showed one of the newest horror films that he’d been dying to see. Of course he wouldn’t have watched it without Lysander, and now that Olive and Leda were out, it was the perfect time to watch something by themselves. An especially grisly scene however began to play, and it took a moment to realise that not everyone in the room was accustomed to seeing various body parts in those positions, and so the boy slipped off the sofa and lay a hand over Tens eyes before she caught on, “One day, but not today,” he was saying. As long as Mervyn didn’t catch them, he didn’t think the red head would mind anyway.​

 

[Amortentia Layton-King]

Like many her age, Ten was not aware that she had recently celebrated the first of many birthdays, although the cake that she had sucked, dribbled and consequently lost into the carpet a couple of days ago was an excellent indicator that she was going to enjoy them in the future. There were lots of people in the house at the moment, many more than normal, and she didn’t understand why daddy and Fo weren’t there when everyone else was. The red heads tiny lungs had been quiet for change, giving the current occupants in the house nearly an hour of no screaming. She was content to be surrounded by general noise, the world passing her in much of a blur as things and people and cats came and went. There were noises on the box too but then there usually were throughout the day. Feeling a sudden pressure on her face however, her sight suddenly plunged into mostly darkness, she was quick to let go of her peaceful slumber, a shriek erupting as though it was coming from a much deeper place than the girl. Confused and irritated, she knew that crying usually made things better.​

 

[Olive Layton]

Another wave of guilt flooded through the potioneer at Leda's reactions. If their relationship had been as it was a few years ago, she knew that wouldn't have been Leda's response. The idea that it was because of her that Leda was withdrawn and distant, made the woman feel both anxious and angry. Couldn't Leda see that she was trying to make it up to her? That every time Olive put herself out there and tried to make things better, she was always apparently doing the wrong thing. They'd never spoken much about their fathers death, although it was obvious the outcome of the effects. It was Olive who had felt the impact of him leaving their family; Leda had barely even known the man, but Olive still remembered what he'd been like when she was a child, and how before Leda was born, the three of them would take trips out into the garden, where she would learn to ride her horses or fish in the lake. Fond memories that were long gone, but still important to Olive. It was Olive's departure though that was the cause of Leda's pain though and she knew it, and it seemed as though everything she tried to do to change that wasn't enough. Three years had passed and there was still a grudge over her head that she had chosen to return to her mom than stay and keep Leda company while at school. She kept her anger in most of the time, but her sister could be incredibly selfish in thinking of herself in situations. She supposed it was her own fault for bringing her up that way.​

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Olive let Leda's first comment drop, and she tried to think of what the girl was thinking about, where she'd rather be. Isn't this what she wanted? For it to just be them once again, have a chance to bond without anyone else around? "We can head back if you want to, if you think you've done enough." It had been a long afternoon, especially for a first lesson, and Leda had done well so far. They still had the rest of the day to relax and the rest of the holidays to resume lessons if Leda wanted to. An origami owl air freshener hung from the rear view mirror and it reminded the woman of Monty whenever she saw it. She knew what he'd tell her to do now, and what he'd do, so she put on a brave face, and did her best in the situation. "You never know, maybe you'll have passed your test before you go back to school!" She aimed to be hopeful and optimistic, but the glare that she received back in turn held a different view. ​

 

[Leda Layton]

Think you've done enough Leda was unable to stop the scoff that left her throat. It was what she'd been trying to do for years, be enough. Olive had proven to her time and time again that Leda wasn't quite good enough for her not to leave, not to tell the truth to, not to be open with. Alistair had been on that list too, although he was currently redeeming himself slowly, and Mervyn could include his name too. What was it with people thinking that Leda could just be swept under the carpet like an insignificant thing that needed to be kept out of the way? Was she really thought of so terribly by those closest to her that she could take nothing at face value? It was no wonder she liked to exaggerate the truth of her own stories when she was writing! Everyone around her was a joke, and apparently no one took her seriously anyway. It was because of Olive that Leda acted as though not many were worth her time. If she wasn't good enough for her sister and her best friends to be honest to, why was anyone ever good enough to know the things that Leda knew? Knowledge was power, and it was more important than ever for the Slytherin to make use of it. "Just go. I'm not doing this again," she didn't care for driving anyway, if she had to she could just ride a broom or apparate. She popped open the door, sliding out of the car seat to move round the other side, allowing for Olive to exchange places with her before climbing into the passenger seat. "Why did you even bother bringing me out here? Got something else to tell me while we're away from everyone?" she pushed, still convinced that her sister had some kind of hidden agenda. ​

 

[Olive Layton]

Olive couldn't understand why Leda didn't want to pursue it, the thought even that maybe it was because it was Olive that was teaching her, that she'd go out of her way just to spite her efforts. She had to breath deeply to stop herself from getting angry, it was not what either of them needed at the moment, and the sooner they were home, the more she'd have to distracted her from her unappreciative sister. She clambered out the vehicle carefully, quietly glad they weren't outside for too much longer. At eight months pregnant, Olive could have done with a bathroom and a nap right about now, but she had to get them both home first. Thankfully the ride wouldn't have been too long, and the red head pulled away from the car park. "I was trying to teach you something new. I thought you'd appreciate it." she replied simply, no longer her usual chirpy self but just trying to remain civil. It hadn't gone unnoticed that Leda always thought the worst in people. Olive had tried to teach her over the years to always look at the positives, and heavens knew that one of the reasons Leda couldn't deal with negativity was because Olive had hidden the majority of it from her kid sister at the time. Just the fact that Leda assumed she was trying to keep secrets from her was sad. Her insecurities had strengthened despite Olive's best efforts to make her feel included again, but she had a burning urge that told her that if Leda carried on this way, she could lose more than just trust. Olive had always tried to be the "good" parent. The understanding one. The one that people could talk to. It was why she'd enjoyed being a professor so much. Unfortunately that also meant that she'd found it hard to keep discipline over Leda, and as a result, when the time ever came to putting Leda back in her respectable place it was often short lived. ​

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Olive drove them home in silence, words hanging on the edge as she tried to avoid a conflict, especially in such close proximity. The older Leda got though, the worst this was going to get, and even if it was hard now, maybe there was still a chance to reverse it. Driving Leda away had never been her intention, and it broke her heart that she was losing her; if she hadn't already lost her completely. Arriving home, the potioneer exited her car, taking the steps up the drive towards the house she was quickly making a home. She'd only lived moved there after Ten was born and she hoped soon West and Pho would be able to join the three of them permanently. It was only once the woman had crossed the threshold into the building that the words left her lips, "It wouldn't hurt you to think about other people now and again," maybe, just maybe, Leda needed a reminder to stay down to earth, and after all, those around her had their own issues and lives to lead too.​

 

[Lysander Summers]

Lysander had been having a blast at Wendall's house. He'd never stayed with a friend for an entire week before, so there was no rush to get everything done in a short amount of time. It was a relief, because there had already been so much to fit into the holidays. He'd hung out with Emma, had his and Ellie's birthday, and Spencer's birthday, and spent some time practicing Quidditch with Leonidas and Scarlet at the Frost's house. For the latter part, he wanted to make sure he stayed in tip-top shape to stay on Gryffindor's team, even if it was only as an alternate for the next couple of years. He'd been lucky to make it as a first-year, which meant there would be even more competition for next year's try-outs. He was going to make sure he was the best he could be.

The best part about staying with Wendall had definitely been the baking. Lysander had been looking forward to it since his friend had brought it up at Pride. He'd never been interested in learning how to bake before, but the thought that he could make his own delicious food anytime was almost too good to pass up. It had been a lot of work, and for the most part it was worth the reward. Wendall had had some issues, and in an effort to make his friend feel less bad about the few cooking catastrophes, Sander had opted to eat one of the slightly singed leftover cupcakes while they watched a scary movie together, making noises to suggest it tasted way better than it actually did.

Engrossed in the movie playing on the TV as he was, Lysander hadn't been paying that much attention to the rest of the room until the tiny child on the floor began to shriek, right at one of the best bits. Sander almost jumped out of his skin. It was worse than any jumpscare so far, and he dramatically placed a hand over his heart to still its quickened beating. "Circe's pigs, Wendall. What did you do?" The boy asked, slipping off of the couch to join his friend. He didn't mean to sound accusatory, but his friend did have his hand clamped over the toddler's eyes. Sander didn't have much experience with babies, except for being one once, and heh ad no idea how to really calm one down, but her crying was ruining their movie so he knew he had to try. "Sh sh sh, it's okay." He whispered. He gave a conspirational look around the room, and pulled out his wand from his jacket, giving it a couple of flicks in the air. A couple of multi-coloured sparks showered out from the tip and disappeared just as quickly. It seemed to just be a thing wands did if you waved them hard enough, so surely it wouldn't have counted as using magic outside of school. "Look, look at the pretty lights." He cooed, stealing glances at the TV screen to make sure he wasn't missing any crucial plot details all the while.​

 

[Mervyn Strangewayes]

When Leda had offered Mervyn a place to stay, he hadn't realised he was also accepting a job as a nanny. Wendall and Lysander were good kids, but they were... well, kids. And then there was Ten, whose lungs were so powerful that if the Ministry weaponized them they'd have had the Scitorari over a barrel. Still, Mervyn couldn't complain. He'd have been on the streets if not for Leda and Olive's generosity; the least he could do was repay them with a few jobs around the house. He'd also cleaned the kitchen, done some laundry, and was about to start preparing dinner. None of it made him feel any better about what he'd done to Leda. He knew it would take a while to earn back her trust, but he was willing to do whatever it took. He just hoped he hadn't jeopardised their friendship forever. He needed Leda much more than he ever would have let himself admit.

The kids were pretty easy to mind, anyway, on account of the fact Mervyn wasn't really minding them. He checked in every now and then to make sure Wendall hadn't tripped over his shoelaces and cracked his head open on a table, but mostly he relied on Ten's incessant wailing to reassure him that she was still alive and let the older kids look after themselves.

Mervyn was hap-hazardly peeling some potatoes and enjoying a peaceful lull when a scream ripped through the house, nearly causing him to peel his thumb. Ugh. He probably ought to check that out. Popping a piece of carrot in his mouth, he dried his hands and wandered out to the living room.

Merlin's seasoned old socks. He certainly hadn't approved that film. "What are you doin'? Turn that off! Bloody 'ell, they'll be back in a minute - oo said you could watch that? She's a baby! Put summink nice on, summink wiv fairies, or summink. Now! Move it!"

 

[Leda Layton]

The rest of the journey seemed to pass in silence. Obviously Olives plan hadn’t gone quite as scheduled and whatever she was trying to do clearly wasn’t working. Leda looked out the window on the ride home, grateful when they pulled up into the drive way and she could join the others in the house. They weren’t much, really they were quite annoying, but at least they were a distraction until she could go back to school. Olives house was nice, detached and in a reasonably quiet neighbourhood, it was an upgrade to the flat they’d shared together a few years ago. Inside was a mix of open spaces and small storage spots, which seemed to scream her sister. Once they were through the door, Leda thought she would be able to relax, but she heard one line over her shoulder that made the hairs prick up on the back of her neck, and even though she could hear a commotion going on in the living room, the Slytherin turned in the hallway to look back at Olive, adrenaline running through the body like fire.​

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“Are you actually kidding me?” She didn’t realise she’d started shaking, “The only thing I do, is think of other people and I work my ass off to help. I am doing my best to show everyone at school what’s important, I try and influence them to be stronger versions of themselves and you cannot tell me that’s bad. I helped Mervyn after he lied to me, he’s only here because I said he could be,” she was shouting, not really caring if he could hear her because it was true, “People like you are the ones that need to look at yourself and realise you’re not the only one in the world. You don’t like hearing the truth and you’d rather wrap yourself up in a bubble reality instead of waking up to what’s actually happening.” Tears were burning the eyes but she was refusing to cry, “I am exhausted with being underestimated. Do you know how hard it is, constantly trying to prove you’re good enough to be part of a group? Whether it’s you or people at school, being treated like I’m, gum or something stuck to your shoe.” Leda knew she was more important than that. She had so many enemies that seemed to want to argue with her for no good reason, and yet she was still the captain of the Quidditch team and editor of the paper, so clearly some people saw something good in her. “You know what, I don’t care anymore. At least it means I’m standing up for something and not just letting any old thing get in the way of what’s important.” She pulled her bag from over her shoulder, “Do whatever you want, live in your happy little family world, you obviously can’t even see what I’m capable of so you can stop pretending now.” If she couldn’t see what was right in front of her then Leda had to give up trying. She would find people who did believe in her, and stop killing herself over those who didn’t, “I hate all of you,” her voice still loud, and she began backing up towards the stairs, eager to get away from this whole group. They were all fakes, and those she thought she was closest to we’re just strangers to her now “Leave me alone.”​

 

[Wendall Layton]

Wendall flinched as the first crack of a scream broke through the air, and he panicked, pushing his hand a little more firmly hoping that even less light would stop her screaming. Mervyn would probably hear it and then they’d get into trouble. “Ten, stop it,” he really didn’t know what to do, but apparently Lysander did, and he watched as his friend jumped down onto the floor beside him and started shaking his wand. For a moment he just watched him confused, before realising he was trying to distract the girl. “Oh, here look. This is pretty,” he joined in, taking his hand away and hoping it would be enough to calm her down. It was, but not before she’d alerted their baby sitter, and before the boys had a chance to hide what they were watching. He looked up to see an angry Mervyn, “But fairies are boring! She’s not even watching it!” Surely even he could understand that a baby couldn’t pay attention. The Hufflepuff was about to protest a bit more for luck when he heard the door open, and he flung himself onto the TV remote. If Olive found out that they were watching horror films, she’d never let his best friend back in, and that was before she found out about Ten being there too. Luckily he seemed to have a good few seconds to change the channel as he heard shouting in the hallway, and he glanced nervously towards the door when he could hear Leda talking about them. If nothing else, at least there was a dancing pig on the screen now.​

 

[Amortentia Layton-King]

Ten cried louder when the pressure on her face increased, scared and confused. After a moment she saw light again though, and little sparks were flying straight past her face. She paused for breath, tears stuck to the sides of her fav as she watched them for a moment, not sure whether it was a good thing or not. She was about to start crying again though when another voice came into place, and baffled the red head was peering around to see if daddy was back yet. It wasn’t daddy but she did see the fluffy running across the carpet towards her. She outstretched her arms and the cat began to nuzzle against her, and he was a familiarity in a confusing afternoon.​

 

[Lysander Summers]

Lysander was pretty dang pleased with his quick thinking, and it seemed to be working until Mervyn had to show up and get on everyone's nervyns. He spared a sidelong look at Wendall. "I like fairies." He whispered. Real fairies, not the muggle ones, but the point was that he didn't think they were boring at all. "Why don't you take care of her then?" He asked Mervyn. Why was the baby their responsibility anyway? Couldn't they put her in a cot with a pretty baby mobile or something? She was ruining their movie, and so was he. What Olive didn't know wouldn't hurt her, and the boys had been looking forward to watching this one for ages.

Sander quickly shut up as soon as he overheard raised voices, and he peered over the couch toward the direction of the hallway to see what was going on, while Wendall fiddled with switching channels. It seemed like Leda was angry about something, and he was glad she wasn't yelling at him for no good reason this time. She did seem to be angry at pretty much everyone though. "So...what did you lie to her about?" Lysander asked, shifting on the couch to face Mervyn. He thought the older boy and Leda were like, the best of friends. It seemed that way when they'd made the waterslide on the lawn.​

 

[Olive Layton]

Olive had always tried to bring the best out of her sister, but she quickly realised that on this occasion she may have chosen a poor set of words. She was proud of Leda and everything the red head was doing at school, she’d only meant if Leda could be a little more open minded and willing to see things from other points of view, maybe others wouldn’t have found her to be so hostile. The Slytherin was talking about Olive living in her own little bubble, which stung because it was true. She did try and protect herself and others from things that were unkind, spare them from pains they didn’t need to experience, but she saw this as a benefit, not a set back. The potioneer didn’t interrupt her sister, letting her get everything she needed to off her chest. Olive knew that of course she was going to need to do more to show that she could see the good in her, and it was heartbreaking to hear that Leda thought she didn’t even care. If only Leda would admit that she could see Olive had her hands tied too, and that it would take them both to reestablish their relationship. Olive couldn’t be doing all the work here, and even when she had in the past, it was clear Leda had no interest to listen or adjust her own behaviours. The woman continued to stand tall as she was being shouted at, keeping herself reserved and letting her sister leave in her anger. There was no point in retaliation. It would have only even with more stress. When Leda had calmed down, she would talk to her again, but as time went on she felt like maybe there was no turning back. Had Olive really managed to screw up so bad that her closest bond was lost forever? ​

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She shook away her emotions, putting on a brave face for the children as she entered the living room, ignoring the fact that Lysander seemed to have been attempting to earwig. Some children were subtle about things like that, but she’d found that the Gryffindor, at least at the moment, didn’t have much tact. Maybe he would grow into it, if not, perhaps being direct would work in his favour. “Mervyn, has Ten had her nap yet?” She asked, glancing at the baby who if she hadn’t been hugging the poor cat, would have been put to bed immediately. Mervyn had been a great help over the last few weeks, and she would miss him enormously once he returned to school and even had even more on her plate to deal with. ​