With Your Laughter Lines

[Stefan Archer]

It was as if his home was out to question everything that Stefan Archer had ever known about his family, and his life. Now that his cousin was back at school, the process was going a lot slower, but it was moving. It had been his own decision come the time where he had gotten home from Hogwarts that last time where he had decided that the only thing to do was to move on. And for that to really happen, he believed he had to really forcefully deal with everything that had happened. Learn that he might never know, or understand why it had happened, or how he was meant to really live with it. He already knew that he wouldn't ever be able to forget any of it. He knew that he would carry the scars for the rest of his life, but he at least had his life. He would always be glad for that. As the days warmed, Stefan had begun on the garden. Pulling out weeds, and clearing enough space to move the garden table out in front of the house, so that in the morning he could just get up and go out to eat, enjoying the cool breeze and the reassurance that he was ok. That his father wasn't there any more. That he was on his own, and this was a good thing. There was no more aimless wandering, there was no more going days without real rest. No more did he have to worry about what could be following him. The simple act of eating outside, had really helped the former slytherin it was a freedom he'd never really enjoyed. Even with his god awful eye sight, he loved it. Even if the rain was heavily pouring down, Stefan Archer still sat on the front step, and watched. Wrapping the old and worn blanket around him as he did so. The blanket was one he had been using on top of his sheets in his make shift bed in the living room. It was old, but up until Stefan had pulled it from the cupboard one of the first days he'd been at the house, it hadn't really been used. And it hadn't up until that point been used to warm Stefan. It felt like a little victory. Although whenever he wrapped it tighter around himself in the back of his mind, he could just imagine his father's reaction if he saw Stefan wrapped in it. Stefan didn't like thinking about that, but he couldn't help it most of the time. After spending so much time under his father's control it was hard to not imagine the man's violent reaction to it. Not really worth spending more than a brief thought on though. The former slytherin had found the blanket useful, and his father had been dead a good three years now. If he hadn't been, he wouldn't have been able to keep it quiet all this time. Stefan knew his father well, had known his father well. The man had hated Stefan, he wouldn't have let Stefan move back in, let alone go unpunished for this long a time.

Despite Stefan having lived in the house for a little over a year and a half, or maybe it was two, he still hadn't done many things, and been in some rooms. There were some memories that even many years later were too fresh in his mind. This being said, as Stefan made his way around his home, cleaning and clearing, it would eventually come a time that he would just do such a thing. Break the force in his mind and face the truth. One of these was his father's bedroom. Stefan had been in briefly, and had been utterly terrified of the demons that lurked within in the room. The other was his old bedroom. He had stood outside, staring into the room, but never had he stepped in. He had too many horrible memories of that room, Stefan would happily never step into the room ever again. he would happily not deal with the room at all. Although part of his moving on would require him to go into the room. There were old school books tucked away in the little hiding places. As well as a few other tiny possessions, that Stefan was sure he could for now live without. He had settled himself in the main living area, and that was more than enough for him. He was interested in much more. He had boxes all around him. He had papers, pictures and books lying a bit everywhere. The pictures were neatly piled, and were all of either his parents from before he was born, the house and various items like that, and a very small few also included Stefan. Stefan was setting them in a sort of timeline, and he noticed that maybe a year or so after he'd been born the pictures just stopped completely. Most of the pictures were of Stefan and his father, too few of his mother. Which Stefan couldn't understand. Mostly as it was clear that his father had put a timer and placed the camera on a flat surface to take the pictures. Why hadn't she taken them? Had his father loved him back then? Why stop? All in all, Stefan just had more and more questions. None of which had been answered by his trip to the cemetery to visit his mother. The address of which was neatly tucked away in the book that lay open, face down beside his make shift bed. While the room, looked to be largely in complete disorder it was more organised that it would appear. On the day, where Stefan had placed the book face down on the floor, still open, was the day that Kate was coming to visit. She had been planning something, and Stefan hadn't been too sure as to how he might fit in to it. He had known that some things would change as they grew up without Hogwarts, but he wasn't sure yet how. He loved Kate. As soon as his home was slightly more presentable, he would suggest she move in with him. But, that was still a while away.

On the morning of it, Stefan had slept a little longer than planned, he hadn't really been paying attention to the time the previous night, so he'd stayed up later, and therefore woken up later. While to most it wouldn't be classed as later, it was to him. He had been celebrating the fact that he'd managed to convince more of the people of the local village to give him odd jobs to do over the next few weeks. All of which he would be paid for. That and his uncle had taken the time to come and help him set up electricity. He was careful with it, only using it to heat food, things like that. But it was nice. It was the first time in a long time that Stefan had actually eaten anything warm within his own home. He actually couldn't remember the last time he had. He'd been fairly tired of using his wand to warm food. All in all, Stefan was feeling pretty good about things. The kitchen was looking a lot better than before. Everything was spotless, and the window no longer cracked. Most of the other rooms, still had various stains, all of which Stefan was sure was probably his blood that he hadn't ever managed to clean away but the kitchen was rid of them. Now, he was waiting, Kate, would apparate to his house, probably, landing out in the garden rather than the house itself. it was a good thing that Stefan lived so far from anybody. Magic could be preformed without any fears. None. So, instead of waiting inside for her, Stefan was sat with his morning tea out on the front step of his home, blanket wrapped around himself, as he didn't have much warm clothing to substitue for this blanket, and it was a slightly cold. He was quietly sipping the tea, letting the cool morning air wash over him as he waited. Enjoying the morning, the rising sun, and the fact he'd lived to see another day. And it would be an amazing one.
​

 

[Kate Archer]

It was nice to be in charge of her own life. Have no restrictions with her time or parents telling her what to do. She was free to do what she wanted when she wanted. It was a strange feeling. It was a nice one. She wasn't really sure what she was going to do with her life. She had the next year planned and she guessed that was more then some. It was nice to have her own time. She liked going into town and doing a bit of shopping. Getting a cup of tea in her favorite cafe , reading her book. It was a simple life and one she really enjoyed it. She was a bit scared about what she planned on doing for the next year of her life. There was a lot of unknowns involved and it was a big change. She would probably be in some countries where it wasn't that safe to be by oneself but Kate had her wand and she was sure she would be able to defend herself. Although quite a lot of planning had to be done for her trip, not half as much had to be done because she was able to apparate. She really had no specific destinations in mind. There were countries she would love to visit like America, China, India. Places like the Amazon forest, Niagra falls. She was really excited to be seeing all these places and couldn't wait to go. She was planning on going in the next week or so. She had all she needed, well she hoped.

She was sitting outside in the sun. She had a cup of tea in front of her and she had just finished her scone. She was enjoying her last few days in New Zealand. She had moved out of the flat, her small collection of things had been sent back over to London. There was no point paying rent for a flat she didn't even live in. She hadn't been living there long, she had barely finished unpacking before she had had to pack again. She hadn't brought much with her over to New Zealand. It had been been mostly belongings from Hogwarts and her own little touches. The advantages to having rich parents was they were never short of money. Kate didn't like asking though. She independent now. She couldn't always look to her parents for money.She needed to decide on what she wanted to do as a career once she came back from her trip. This year away could change a lot of things. It could help her decide what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. There was everything with Stefan also. She didn't know where life was taking them. She hoped things would settle out in the next while. She was really looking forward to seeing how things would pan out. Thinking of Stefan she was due to meet him in a few minutes. Kate collected her things and payed for her cup of tea and scone.

A few minutes later she was standing outside Stefan's home. It looked a lot better then last time. He had been working a lot lately and the house was coming together. She looked up and saw Stefan sitting outside in a blanket. Kate smiled and just stood there, taking everything in. She was so lucky to have someone who loved her as much as he did. She was always happy with, no on could make her happier. Kate sighed, she would miss him on her trip away but she would stay in contact with him and there was always apparation. Kate walked towards him "Hello"She called out smiling. She walked up towards him. She bent over and kissed him lightly on the lips before sitting down beside him. "How are you?"She asked, leaving her bag down beside her.

 

[Stefan Archer]

The former slytherin, wrapped the blanket around him slightly tighter as another, colder gust of wind blew through the air, causing a chill to run up his spine. He was fairly tired, which was to be expected, considering his general size and sature. He was a thin eighteen year old, working on being less so. But it was a struggle. Between the fact he didn't have a lot of money, and his small appetiate. Which was to be expected considering the up bringing that he'd had. There was a reason he'd picked the kitchen to start with, instead of the fact that he could've picked the room he slept in. The reasoning was that, Stefan had discovered that he was relatively good at cooking, much better than his father had used to tell him he was. Though, that wasn't hard, since his father had always managed to find faults in whatever he did. Or had made. It didn't matter he believed that it was the most perfect tasting food. His father would find some problem or make one up. It often resulted in insults and the promise of no food for him, but, it was no different than at any other point. It was only at times, after several days of little to no food, that the elder teen would ever feel the effects of the lack of food. The pain, and desperation it had sometimes driven in him. Something he hoped that he wouldn't have to feel again. He loved food he had discovered, almost as much as he loved Kate. While sitting outside, the bright blue eyes of the monochromat stared up at the sky. He had stared up at the dark sky often. Finding a sort of peace in it. This was despite the fact that unlike most other humans he simply could not see the coloured sky above him, just shades of grey. He just stared, not really thinking, just staring. A small crack not to far from him, startled him and caused him to rush to see what it was. As soon as his mind had calmed he knew what, and more to the point who it was. Standing not to far from him was Kate. A huge smile erupted on his lips. He was glad to see her. Though they saw each other somewhat often now, it wasn't like in school, where they'd see each other every day, it was still however enough. At least he could be happy with the fact they were both out of school, and not just him. That had made things a little more difficult. He sat up slightly, and turned to face her slightly more than he had been. Letting his eyes follow her as she approached him. She was so stunning to him, he found it hard to believe that she was even his. A girlfriend, a most perfect girl. Beautiful, and kind. He knew that his love for her would never cease. Never fade, or he was sure it wouldn't. Stefan smiled stayed as she approached him, and he happily accepted the kiss from her. Returning the small kiss, upset as their lips parted.

Taking in the beauty of his girlfriend as she sat beside him, he almost misheard what she said. Though he caught the end, and managed to figure out what she had actually said. He had no intentions of making them sit out on the front step for the entire time, but it was better to take things slowly. While Stefan no longer had the issue of being beaten everyday, and therefore mass amounts of bruising, he was thin, and he was easily tired out. Which was just a side effect of him being that thin. Something that he could tell was slowly edging away. He was improving, but for the time, taking things slowly were much better for him. He fixed the mug in his hand. So that it was held in the one hand, before letting his other arm, wrapped around Kate's waist, pulling her into him slight. Kissing her lightly on the head, before starting. "I'm good." He replied, and for a while now, he really did mean it every time he said. There were no more lies between them anyway. He had promised Kate that he would be honest with her. That he would never lie to her, and while he might at times leave out small details, in questions relating to his upbringing, or the time he'd spent alone in the world, he didn't lie to her. "You?" He returned the question, he knew that she was leaving on her trip soon, they'd talked about it briefly, though he'd not expressed if had wanted to go. Stefan loved Kate, but, he had neither the money nor the energy to be trekking around the world. He had to think about working, to improve the home, and so he could afford to eat. He wanted to see all the world, but he didn't want to have to rely on her for the funding. "You all ready to go?" He had however contemplated the idea of just meeting her in places. Of going to places for a few days, or just the one. He didn't know how to bring that up. He was fairly worried about Kate, but she was a smart witch, she'd have an easy handle on things, and his door was always open to her. He would be happy to help her, if she needed anything. No matter what, what she decided, what she wanted he would be happy for her. He wanted her to be happy above everything else. "If you've changed your mind you are more than welcome to stay here, it's a little quieter now that, that cousin of mine is heading back to school" Stefan said in a cheerful tone. He hadn't really told Kate much about his mother, the grave, or the pictures. He didn't want to damper the mood just before she left. He raised the cup to his lips and took a sip. Letting the warm liquid fill him. The next year or so would be interesting for them. It would bring lots of fun times, lots of different things. Stefan was ready for it, all of it. Everything.
​

 

[Kate Archer]

Kate was nervous about her trip. She was going alone after all. But she was eighteen now. She was independent, she could do this. That's what she kept telling herself anyways. It would be amazing, she wouldn't regret it. She decided not to think of that now but to focus on her boyfriend sitting in front of her. She was such a lucky girl. He really was the best, amazing really. She loved him so much and she was going to miss him whilst she was away. She liked seeing him and making sure he was okay. He was so much better these days but she still worried about him. She wanted to make sure he was okay. Him disappearing in fifth year had left its mark. She sometimes worried it would happen again. She knew he had promised he wouldn't and she believed him completely but sometimes uncertainty would take over. She always liked to keep an eye out on him. She liked to make sure he had enough food and that he was generally okay. He meant everything to her and she didn't want anything to happen to him. She knew he was perfectly capable of taking care of himself but that didn't stop her wanting to help him. She just didn't make a big deal out of it. Her smile widened when she saw him smile. He had that affect on her. She got butterflies whenever she was near him and saw him smile. It had been the same for the past eight years and she hoped it would never go away.

Kate liked sitting outside. She thought nature was beautiful and every now and again she liked to take time to admire it. Now was one of these times. As she sat there beside the most important person in her life, she gazed out and took in the sights around her. The wind was lightly blowing parts of her hair across her face. She looked back at Stefan when he spoke. "That's good"She said smiling, laying her head on his shoulder and snuggling close beside him. "I'm good too"She said her hand starting to twirl her hair. It was a habit she still had even at the age of eighteen, it apparently annoyed some people, once they noticed the fact she did it all the time.Kate sighed. Was she ready to go? Maybe not mentally but she had to go through with this "Everything is ready to go"She said, her voice not fully convinced though. She really wanted this, she just hoped she was ready for it. Kate looked up at Stefan "Thank you Stefan, I'd love that but you know I've always wanted to travel the world and even though I might not feel fully ready for it, I think now is the time" Kate said a small but certain smile on her face. She just looked at him, her smile widening "I love you Stefan"She said before leaning in and kissing him lightly on the lips.

 

[Stefan Archer]

Stefan knew that he would worry about Kate the entire time that she was away. How could he not? She was a beautiful young girl, he didn't worry about cheating on him, he worried about other men trying to take advantage of her. Of people who would accidentally hurt her, or even intentionally hurt her. He had experience many things in the world, and had experienced the evil of the world. He hadn't ever thought it would be possible for him to worry about someone other than himself, but Kate had wormed her way into his life, and he was glad to have her. He didn't want the Archer bad luck to also follow her. But he knew she would be safe, and if she ever had any problems, his door would always be open to her. Always. Even if he wasn't there, she could just stay with him until she was ready to get going again. He would also just be one call away. He didn't have a muggle phone, though his aunt and uncle had tried to give him one, he'd just said that with no electricity it was pretty pointless to give him one. He wouldn't be able to charge it. But, she just had to send him a letter or any message and he'd go find her. He was going to worry about her, but he also trusted her, with all his heart, he knew she'd be all right. He hoped so. He truly did. She was the light in his life, he had no idea what he'd do without her. He didn't want to lose her again. Not in any way. He would've gone with her to all the different places. He had thought it would be good to see the world, but at the same time with his serious lack of funds it just wasn't possible for him. Which was good. Since this would give her all the time she wanted. He loved Kate, but they were young and they had to experience things for themselves. They had to branch out for themselves. Do things alone, as well as together. For Stefan it was much more revolving around getting his life back on track. Putting all the broken pieces back together until it resembled something a little more normal. He was looking forward to that being true. To being able to sleep an entire month without one nightmare. To be able to surpress the dark thoughts to a point where he wasn't ever going to think about them, even in passing. Where the box of dark memories would never be able to break open. While he was doing pretty well so far, his mind was still a maze of terrible memories, with the odd good one. The goods growing, but the darker ones much stronger. He'd spent so much of his life in the dark ones, that it was difficult to stick to the happy. It was a wonder that Stefan even managed to sleep in his old house considering all the horrible memories that he had of this place.

The outside of the house, sitting with his girlfriend was a good little memory forming, though it was bittersweet for him. Since he was obviously sort of saying goodbye for now. It wasn't going to be forever, but it was still bittersweet. He could tell that she was doing well. She was stunning to him, and this was ever more evident as she grew up, and just seemed good. He could barely believed that just a few years before, she'd been unwell. He could barely tell. She wasn't the same person, but she was beautiful to him, and would always be. No matter what. If she was as skinny as him, or if not. A part of him, had sort of hoped that she'd decided against the trip and was going to spend the year with him, but he knew that it was sort of an impossible thought. He knew that she was stubborn enough to follow through. He knew that she'd go, and nothing he could say would stop her. he didn't want to stop her either. He couldn't wait to hear all about her trip, to hear about the world he knew so little about. Not to mention, he also thought that he would lose out on much of the world with his poor eyesight. The world was beautiful, and he simply couldn't enjoy it as much as she could. He hardly wanted that to bring her down. To hear it from her would just be better. He smiled as she said that she loved him, as much as he knew it. It was nice to hear. He had about to say back, when she leaned in and kissed him. She was the first person to ever tell him that she loved him and mean it when she said it. He kissed her back, smiling as he did so. He only pulled slightly away from her. "I love you too Kate" He whispered to her. Before leaning in to her and kissing her on the lips once more. He kissed her slightly more deeply, before pulling away, "I'm going to miss you" He held her slightly closer to him. He was so happy to be with her. "Where are you off to first?"
​

 

[Kate Archer]

Kate smiled she would of course write to Stefan.She planned on writing every night,well whenever she had time. She hoped she would have lots of good things to write about. She had her camera also, she was going to take a lot of pictures. She loved taking pictures of interesting things and she was sure there would be lots of interesting things around the world.She could send Stefan pictures along with the letters then. This way if anything did happen her, Stefan would hopefully realize as no letters would be being sent. She doubted anything would happen, she was sure lots of people went on holidays by themselves and they came home perfectly fine. Sure there would be some dodgy places but Kate had her wand, she would be perfectly able to take care of herself. Six years of Defence the Darks arts surely had taught her something. She wasn't worried, she was more excited. Who wouldn't be excited. She wasn't ready to settle down yet, she kinda hoped this trip would help her decide on what she wanted to do for a career. Even help her think of what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. She hoped this year would help Stefan. The house had really come along since she had been here last. She was impressed and proud of all the work he had done.

Kate smiled, she was enjoying just sitting here with her boyfriend. This was nice place to say goodbye, she was going to miss him but at least she would have this nice memory to think of when she missed him. He was amazing, what more could she say? She couldn't picture life without him. She knew some people would scoff if they heard her say these thoughts, but they were true. She loved Stefan, losing someone you love is not easy. She wondered what Stefan would get up to while she was away, she was praying he would take care of himself and make use of the year as much as she did but obviously in different ways. Kate smiled and bit her lip when he whispered the words back to him. It was nice to hear the words.She kissed him back, savoring the feeling. "I'm going to miss you too"She whispered, enjoying being held so close. Kate looked up at him "I'm not sure, I think maybe Africa or South America"Kate said looking out into the trees "What do you think?"She asked looking back at him smiling

 

[Stefan Archer]

It was a long shot that Stefan would ever be ok enough to find the courage to travel the world in the way that Kate was about to. He could barely go new towns without freaking out. He was learning, getting better, doing more, but when around people he simply didn't know, the involuntary touches and the pushing past did nothing for the teen's mental state. He found it hard to concentrate when things like that happened. When he was faced with that it was hard for him. He was the vision of calm on the surface, but the fear rose with such suddenness that he often found himself lost. Fear causing panic, and the minute Stefan felt like that all of it was to much, he always ended up doing what he did best. He ran. Well, now he disapparated back to his home, where he would nine times out of ten bring back up what he had last eaten. It had been years since he had suffered at the hands of anyone, but this did not change the effects it had on him. That for the rest of his life Stefan would carry the memories, the scars, the pain. These things might fade with time, but there was no knowing how long that would take. Or how many terrible nights that would have to pass for it to fade and be less of who he was. There was nothing he could do, but he tried everyday to be better, because unlike a few years ago he had almost everything he could've ever wanted. A beautiful girlfriend who he couldn't imagine not being with, a family that cared for him like no other family had ever. Like no had ever really. They had without hesitation offered assistance to him. Not because they knew what had happened, but because he was family, and to them family was important. Stefan had carried the weight of his own world alone, now he would not face the future as alone. Things that had once appeared would be so bleak were brighter. He had somehow travelled to the light at the end of the tunnel. Although he'd once believed for a guy like him that would simply be impossible. He knew, while he had his arm around the girl he had never imagined would care for him, that for all the hard times he had faced with her, with them, he would manage. It might be hard, Stefan Archer knew this, but he considered the fact that in his life he had faced so much more. Things that had for him been so gut wrenching hard, this was the easier part. To go on living against all odds. Against his own predictions. This would be hard for him. To know Kate was so far and if she needed his help, he wouldn't be there for her.

A smile grew on his lips when she said she'd miss him too. It was nice to hear. He leaned into her, his eyes not often shifting from her. The black and white world in which he lived becoming secondary to the beauty he saw in her. With her smile, and the way she looked so incredible and loving. He felt she was all the colour he needed in his world. She made him smile. Stefan had been told that he was loved by her. One of the first people to ever say it to him in his life. Which had felt incredible. Stefan's eyes drifted up to the sky briefly, as they often did. Before he looked back at her. "Sounds incredible. I'm so proud of you Kate" He kissed the top of her head. Looking up once more at the sky, hoping that his mother would watch over her during her travels, for him. Stefan looked back at her. "Just stay safe, okay? I can't lose you too" He leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. Before leaning out slightly, letting his eyes focus on her, not avoiding her gaze as he had done upon the first years of their friendship. "Come on inside, I'll get dinner together for us." He kissed her lightly again before standing. He wrapped the blanket around her, and held his hand out to her. Smiling as he did so. His hands didn't seem to shake any more, it was only seen when he held something for too long, or had a flashback. "You haven't see the finished kitchen yet, I didn't know the kitchen could be so clean, but it is. Soon this house will be as good as new." He lead her into the house, closing the door behind him. He wanted to enjoy this last time with her before she left. He was just glad that he knew she'd be coming back. And he at least didn't have to worry about that.
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[Kate Archer]

When Kate was younger she had been told she could be whatever she wanted to be or do whatever she wanted to do. She had been given every opportunity in life, to give her more options when she was older. She had grown up with independence which gave her a lot of confidence. If she didn't have that confidence she didn't think she'd have the guts to do this. She had been taught to be open to people's opinions and not to judge, to just be herself. They were probably the greatest lessons her parents had ever taught her because realistically things would not have turned out they way they had otherwise. When Kate was younger she had planned out her life completely, obviously it had been a bit of fantasy entailed. Though the majority of it had come true. Selfishly she had wanted money, to live in a mansion, fall in love, have three children, be a famous singer. A lot of those things happened, just never in the way she had imagined. But she was happy so what did it matter how she had become this happy.

How she loved these perfect moments. During her trip away she would close her eyes, pictures these moments and her day would be brightened. Even now she couldn't keep the smile from her face as she faced him, her eyes locked with his. He was amazing, she couldn't ask for anything more. She loved him so much. Kate shrugged and leaned her head against his shoulder and smiled as he kissed her head. "Lets hope twill all work out"She said looking up at the sky. It was so pretty today. She looked locked eyes with him once more "I promise I'll be safe"She whispered closing her eyes for a few seconds. She was going to be safe, she was going to do everything in her pwer to stay safe. Kate opened her eyes and smiled at him "Yummy"She grinning before holding the blanket around her "Thaank you"She said in her sing song voice as he wrapped the blanket around her. "I can't wait"She said smiling, following him into the house. He had done so much work on the house, it was really coming together. She wondered what he would have done by the time she came back. It was nice to know that no matter what she always have Stefan to go back to and he would be waiting for her to return. That's all Kate needed.

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Fin​