The truth will out.

"Eight? Im not ten dad-"


"Cory..."Lyra warned


"Urgh...fine!"

 

"I don't think it's that unreasonable, it means you're back before it gets too late and the more dangerous people crawl out of the woodwork."

 

"Fine."

"And make sure you get him something too Cory...knowing you ...you'll forget."

"Carrie's here."

"what's she wearing? is her skirt short enough?"

 

"Eh," Casey shrugged as he looked over to see what the twins were talking about. "Your Aunt Elle wore much worse when she was that age. At least it's the skirt that's short."

 

"didnt Grandma ever tell her to change the length?"Maddie asked

"I've shorter..."Cory said "Last year this was this one girl in fifth and me and -"He glanced at his mother "I didnt nothing....cause...thats wrong..."

 

"Grandma was busy looking after Aunty Jenie and Uncle Ben, seeing as they were like five at the time they were quite a handful and me and Elle were pretty much left to our own devices. That and when you're at school parents can't really do too much." Casey explained to his daughter.

 

"They try too though."Lyra said


"Oh."Maddie said

 

"Just not my parents." Casey chuckled, once again trying to return to his book.

 

"I dont know how many times Mum was up at the school because of Jordan"


"what'd he do?"

"everything- fights,being high in class...being drunk in class....blowing things up...Your uncle isnt the smarest person around. Never was."

"He still isnt"Maddie giggled

 

"And my sister was part of his group, hence her list of offences being just as long."

 

"They were like a double act...always in trouble."Lyra said"God, I miss being in school.."

 

"I don't, all the work and the stress. And the stupid rivalry between the houses that just doesn't make sense any more."

 

"Casey....there's still work and stress"she laughed"and your right...it is kinda pointless now....is it still like that Cory?"

"wha-? oh yeah..."He said "Not as bad...but its still there.."

 

"I'm sorry, but nothing will ever be as difficult as NEWTs were. Everything since them has been a cakewalk." Casey chuckled.

 

"You got me there..."she said smiling

 

"Of course, because I'm amazing like that." Casey grinned.

"I dun wanna go to school if it's that mean..." Immy mumbled, hugging her toy dog closer to her. "Sounds scary..."

 

"No sweetie....not everyone is mean....just certain people and its not scary at all...right Casey?"

 

"No, it's not mean at all Imz." He chuckled patting his little girl's head gently. "You'll do great when you finally get there."

"You promise...?" She asked, looking up at her parents, her eyes shining with fearful tears.

 

"Promise...."Lyra smiled"You dont need to think about that for a little while anyway,"

 

"Okay..." Immy nodded slightly, still clinging on tightly to her stuffed animal.