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Dinner with the Folks
Topic Started: Feb 15 2008, 08:28 AM (731 Views)
Jean Godwin
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[ *  *  * ]
Jay had come home to meet his mother's kiss on his cheek, and a hello from his father before he ran up a flight of stairs to his chambers, where his luggage had already managed to beat him to it.

Chucking off his jeans, and so on, he quickly took a shower and came out smelling a lot like himself rather than the various smells he'd picked up along the Floo Network. He could have sworn one of them was hippogriff poop. Pulling on his ironed, black trousers, and a snug fitting blue shirt, he pulled on his ring, chain and towel dried his hair, before racing towards his ensuite study.

It was one of his final years in high school before he graduated next year, and he had an even larger mountain of work to trawl through than he could have imagined. One was an essay about the various unforgiveable curses, which was easy enough, and soon enough he was down to two more pieces. He still had the weekend to get through those before he was up and running to Quidditch Training.

Thing was, that he had been thinking about the Valentine's Ball and Jerhimi. Sure he'd been pretty friendly with Missy, but surely Jerry didn't think he favoured Missy over her. In fact, he had been very much friend like rather than more than that...if that made any sense.

"Master Godwin..."

A small voice - that of a house elf, most likely Tulip, squeaked from behind the closed door.

Jay got up, and made his way through the study and into his room to open the door, and Jerhimi was standing there.
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Jerhimi Lannigan
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Oh this would never get any easier. His house was so scary and big! There were people there to do everything for you! When they'd arrived for supper with Mr. and Mrs. Godwin, she'd already dressed herself up a little, choosing a simple yet nice, dark blue dress. Thank goodness for that wardrobe Laney had handed down. It was knee-length with a flare at the end of the skirt and three-quarter sleeves. Jer always felt on edge here, like she always had to look her best and it was kind of uncomfortable. The room she had been shown was grand, with a large bed and soft, creamy covers. She could fall into that bed and never get out of it and be perfectly content.

Smiling at the house elf that followed her in, Jer saw her ratty suitcase sitting next to her bed, looking very out of place. It was weird to have somebody following you around like that, usually that was her job. "I'll um, just freshen up then." She said to the elf, who bowed and stood by the door.

"Everything you need is in there Miss."

Hearing herself called "Miss" was strange. But the bathroom was huge with a large old-fashioned tub and shower, bright lights and a large mirror extending all the way across the wall. She checked her hair, which she had set in loose waves before arriving, charming them to last just a big longer. There was nothing else she could really do, so she exited the washroom to find the elf still standing there.

"Could you show me where Jay is then, please?" She questioned, still completely unsure of how to act around house elves. At the O'Shea mannor, she worked along side them, she didn't boss them around, nor did she like to. But the elf simply curtsied and lead the way out the door and down the hall.

Luckily enough, Jay's quarters didn't seem to be too far away. The house elf knocked on the door and Jer couldn't help but grin as the elf addressed Jay as Master Godwin. He opened the door to find her grinning at him.

"Good evening Master Godwin." She batted her eyelashed at him in a teasing manner, giving a little curtsey herself.
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Jean Godwin
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He laughed, and thanked Tulip before dismissing her with a piece of rock candy from a side table by the door. He had a poker straight face when he looked at Jerhimi, he voice much like his Father's when he said, "Lannigan, I thought I told you to report to my chambers immediately upon arrival, and not an hour later as you just have."

His chest trembled with controlled laughter, and then he let it out, stepping over the threshold to take Jerhimi in his arms, and kissed her softly. Leaning his cheek against her own, he whispered in her ear, "Good evening to you, too."

It was as if he couldn't get enough of her. He hadn't been able to spend so much time with her at school, or much out of it, due to their busy lifestyles, and luckily she was understanding and didn't complain about it much. But now that he had her right here, in front of him and he was at peace, he just needed to touch her.

Kissing her ear lobe, he took her hand, his thumb tracing circles on her skin, and led her into his room.

"How are you? Did you get here safely? Were you escorted? If not, I'll pass word to Father, he'll arrange something for you - I might even escort you to and from here. Is there anything you need? Were your things all well kept and ready? Do you like where you are staying, or is there something you don't like or lack? Tell me, I'll have it perfect for you..."

All the while, he sat her down on the edge of his bed, and then sat opposite her, playing with her fingers gently, constantly badgering her about her well-being and happiness.
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Jerhimi Lannigan
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Her eyebrow shot automatically behind her fringe as he addressed her. She smiled sweetly at the elf as she left, waving a bit before being enveloped in Jay's arms. Immediately she relaxed into him and wrapped her arms around his middle, hugging him close. Between school for her and quiditch and school for him, they spent very little time together at school or out of it for that matter. It wasn't all that bothersome, it just made her feel like they were living a long-distance relationship. It was nice to have this time, this privacy.

The laugh that bubbled up was inevitable. His worries were entirely uneccesary, but still heartwarming all the same. "Everything was fine, perfect, wonderful, more that anything I could imagine." Of course she had been here before, but every time she came, she saw a different part of his home, of his lifestyle. Sometimes she still got worried that she would never fit in here. However, somehow, deep down inside, she knew they could work out anything if they were together. Many people had criticized the nature of their young realtionship, their sincerity and devotion, but she just ignored all of the questions and rumors. Nothing else had ever felt so real.

Enjoying the close contact with him, she sank into his plush bed, laying down into the soft duvet, pulling him with her. With her free hand she ran her fingers down his jawline. For some reason it was her favorite part of him, strong and sturdy but still young. She'd go for his hair, but they were expected at dinner shortly, so she'd leave that for later. "I feel like I haven't seen you in forever." Bringing their joined hands up to her lips, she smiled at him.
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Jean Godwin
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Jay let Jerhimi pull him on top of her, and pretended to bite her fingers as they came towards his face, and kissed her fingertips before they touched his skin. Her ruby red hair was so luch, he wanted to run his hands through it, and snuggle up into it, hoping to smell the strawberries the colour of her hair reminded him of. Summer strawberries, with cream.

But there was a reason why Jerhimi hadn't gone straight for his own hair, as he wouldn't go for hers either - dinner awaiting them in an hour or so.

"It's because we honestly haven't, have we?" Jay sighed, and dipped his head to kiss her collarbone. He murmured against her skin, "I really wanted to be with you at the Valentine's Doom Dance."

He had aptly named it the doom dance, as it had looked like being at a funeral, mixed with a good dose of horror as they all appeared to be living like vampires for the night.

"Jer, did I tell you how much I've missed you?" Jay sank down onto his bed next to her, his arm wrapped firm around her waist, "And how beautiful you look? It should be illegal. How can you expect me to restrain myself if you're dressed like this?"
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Jerhimi Lannigan
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"Mmmm." She agreed as she felt his warm breadth against her skin, sighing to herself in contentment and closing her eyes. She missed this more than anything else. Laughing at his title for the school dance, she shook her head a little. "No you didn't. I was a jealous prat that night." Which was true. There had been a hint, well more than that, of jealousy as she had watched Jay that night with Missy. It was unneccesary of course, but that hadn't stopped her. She trusted him, it had just been hard to watch him enjoy another girl's company, which was unreasonable and she'd known it. "I wanted you all to myself." She pouted, giving him her best puppy-dog eyes.

"I expect you to restrain yourself because you're a gentleman." She quickly changed her expression to one of flattery as he complimented her dress. "And here I thought I was dressed properly. I'll have to go put something more modest on now, like a turleneck and long pants." Teasing him was so much fun.

She snuggled against him, her head tucked beneath his chin, running a slow line of kisses down his jawline, over his pulse. Lucky for her she was so much shorter than he was, it made cuddling so much easier. She could hear his heatbeat and closed her eyes again. Falling asleep would have been so easy. Maybe she'd sneak into his room tonight just for a little while. There was no way she was going to be able to resist. That and having a big bed all to herself was a scary idea. Absentmindedly, she ran her fingertips up and down his arm, content to stay right here forever.
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Jean Godwin
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A sound of pleasure escaped his lips as she teased him with kisses. When she stopped, he tweaked a strand of her hair slightly, "I forbid you to wear turtle necks and long trousers," and kissed her slowly, teasingly biting her bottom lip before pulling away gently.

"In fact, I forbid you to wear anything," he snickered now, and kissed her nose. Jay really couldn't get enough of her.

"Jealous?" Jay grinned and stuck out his tongue, before becoming a little serious, "You never have to be jealous, Jerhimi, because you will have my full attention, and I can never stop thinking about you, so I'd never fully enjoy myself without you there. I have to admit...I wasn't particularly jealous because I saw you with Cosar most of the time...and he's queer, so," he smiled again.

"But when I saw you with Hayden, I got a little annoyed," Jay kissed her neck again, loving the scent of her skin, "I'm struggling to restrain myself, Jer, I think I better warn you."

There was that devilish glint in his eyes - the kind he used to have when he used to play pranks back in the younger school days.

"You're taunting my on purpose, my love," Jay touched the soft skin of her cheeks, trailing his fingers down to her lips.
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Jerhimi Lannigan
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"Oh really now?" She gave him a cheeky grin as he forbade her to wear such covering clothes. "I'll just stick to tanktops and short skirts then." She laughed because that wasn't even close to true. She was the girl who had grown up wearing her brothers' hand-me-downs. How had she managed to capture Jay through all of that? It was a mystery that she didn't care to solve.

"I know." Jer knew she had no reason to be jealous. Sometimes it was just impossible. She laughed at the mention of Cosar. "I don't like him very much. But Hayden is an old friend, we met on the first day, first year." Smiling warmly at him, she tilted her head to the side a little, giving him a foolish look. All of this closeness had her skin tingling and her pulse pounding. She prayed dinner wouldn't be early. Whatever she was going to say next was lost on her lips as she felt his fingers on her cheek.

Kissing his fingers as they brushed her lips, she nipped his fingertip lightly, a look to match his in her eyes. "I'm an evil tease." She fluttered her eyelashes at him. "But unfortunately we're due for dinner soon. It wouldn't do to show up all rumpled and messy." It was't hard to tell where his mind was wandering, which made her smile in a sly manner. Similar thoughts had been popping into her head lately as well, but now was definitely not the time. So to cool down, she rolled over, away from him to stand up. Smoothing out her dress, she held out a hand to him. "We should probably go be social now."
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Jean Godwin
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"No, I like my idea - how about nothing," Jay laughed and kissed her lips softly, his hand no long listening to his mind, ran through her red hair, and the luscious texture was wonderful on his skin.

He listened to her trying to reason with him, and grinned when she said that she didn't like Cosar. Merlin, he loved this girl. He remembered disliking Ana for the reason that she liked Cosar. Honestly, anything to do with the Robeless was always a no go, since Ginette had a bit of history with them.

"That's my girl," although Jerhimi may not know why he said that when she had said she didn't like Cosar. Then again, she was smart, she'd probably guess,

"Yes, you are an evil tease, and young lady, it's not fair that you are perfectly right and logical in saying that we should be getting along now..." Jay kissed her quickly, and then got up, helping Jer at the same time. Quickly straightening himself in his mirror, he grabbed Jer's hand and walked out the door.

It was strange now that Ginette and Sophie were no longer here, but Luc, Louise and their son, Lucien were here, along with his Mother and Father. He hoped it wouldn't be to overwhelming for Jerhimi.

"It'll be fine, besides, Mother loves you to no end."
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Jerhimi Lannigan
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"You rogue." She swatted him on the shoulder for his insinuation that she needn't wear anything. Relishing for the brief second his hand was in her hair, she allowed him to lead her from the room. The nervous butterflies had begun. It was always the way when she was here. She didn't know exactly how to behave, what to say, what was and wasn't appropriate. She at least knew all of the table ettiquette. Laney had taught her that one day as she had set the formal dinner table at the O'Shea estate.

"I always get so nervous." She confessed on their walk.

Jer felt that this huge house should have more people in it and supposed it did when all of the Godwin children still lived here. It was easy to imagine little Jays and Ginettes in the broad halls, playing a game of this or that. The maids telling them off for being in the wrong rooms. Unofficial quidditch matches outside on the groungs. Parents smiling at their children's imaginations. In that picture, it made the huge estate feel a little more homey.

Jay's warm hand in her own made her feel more assured as they made their way down the hall. Still she had to wonder if this would get any easier. It was so different in comparison to how she was raised. This lifestyle had so many restrictions, responsibilities. The heirarchy confused her. The business connections, everything was so foreign to her. She was so conscious of her silver kitten heels clicking on the hard floors. Nervously, she patted down her hair where Jay had mussed it a little.
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Luc Godwin
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Luc picked up his son from his wife’s arms, as he saw her eyes slide close a little from exhaustion. Really, why did Sophie have it so easy with her two angel-like children, whereas his own son was the devil incarnate. His cries were unbearable. But Lucien only seemed to settle down in a woman's arms. That was probably because of the mother gene women had in them, but it got to Luc slightly, that Lucien would start to sniffle in his arms.

However, tonight, sound asleep and in his arms, Lucien looked so darling, innocent and - Luc was proud to be his father. He could recognise the features being almost akin to his, but a touch more sharper like his mother's. Only Jay had picked up the majority of the sharp features in the family, whereas Sophie, Ginette and himself, had rather softer ones.

Lucien had a tuft of dark curls on his crown, and his mother's blue-green eyes. Luc smiled down at him, and kissed his head. Lucien twitched a little, but snuggled up against his chest for more warmth.

Taking his son, he walked out to hear Mother tell a house-elf to call Jay and Jerhimi down to dinner. Luc being half way there to Jay’s rooms, intercepted the elf and told him that he’d do the job.

And sure enough, the redhead and Jay were at the top of a flight of stairs.

"Jay, dinner's ready - good evening, Jerhimi," Luc kissed her hand and Lucien began to yawn widely in his arms, "Wonderful, the devilchild awakes."

"By the way, I thought I might warn you, Jerhimi, that Mother will probably shower you with everything she can think of...she did that to Louise on her first official dinner here with me too."

He led the way this time, as Jay swatted his head for making Jerhimi even more nervous than she already was, and down another flight of stairs, stepping through corridors, and taking short cuts through a few rooms. Then they were in the family dining room. It wasn't that formal in here, as it was in the main dining room, left for when a large number of guests came. This was kept for more private, every day occassions. It was all to make sure Jerhimi wasn't in the least bit intimidated.

The room was large and ovular, as it was positioned in one of the Manor's turrets that led to the roof, and decorated with Blanche's taste for lush cream carpets, and peach walls, with paintings of the family at various times (either at a party or something), positioned around a table - food being the main theme. George was at the head of table, Blanche on his left, and Luc positioning himself on George's right. Louise was already there, and had brought the Moses basket with her, for Lucien. Jay pulled the chair closest to his Mother for Jerhimi to take a seat in, as did George for his wife, and Luc for his. Once the women were seated, and the baby suckling on a piece of hard toast, the men took their seats.

The array of food was astonishing tonight, thanks to Blanche having gone to extremes to make sure everything was perfect for Jerhimi too. She had gone about asking Jay what Jerhimi's favourites were, and had them prepared by her own hands for the table.
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George Godwin
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Blanche had been in a flurry of excitement to have everything pretty and simple, yet elegant so as not to cause any discomfort for Jerhimi.

"Really, Blanche, Jean says that she doesn't liked to be fussed over," George walked after his fluttering wife, as she straightened things here and there.

He listened as she said, "This is my last child, George, let me have my fun."

There was a sadness in her voice - and he understood it completely. Their children had grown up, most married and having their own families...it would be so strange without them all. Yes, so Luc and his family would stay here, but Blanche and George had decided that once Jean had married, and possibly moved to France, they'd move into the smaller cottage they owned in the country, though not too far from their children...

Jay had mentioned that he might not move into the Blanche Maison quite so soon, and if Jerhimi wished it, stay in England. In which case, George would take his wife to France for a couple of months to visit her family. Yes, it would be a treat. It's just that neither Blanche or himself wanted to intrude on their children's private lives...They'd move out. This home was far too large for themselves anyway.

He kissed his wife's head, and sank into the lovely fragrance that surrounded her, before she moved away and told him that she had work to do. George laughed.

As dinner was called ready, he entered the family dining room to find his wife already there, cooing over her display.

He smiled, and teased her a little, but stopped as Louise entered. She was a wonderful daughter-in-law, always doing her best and not ruining their reputation, but there was something a little off in her disposition.

"Where's Lucien?" He asked. The answer was that he was probably with Luc, and sure enough he came in with Lucien, Jay and Jerhimi following.

As soon as everyone was seated, he smiled warmly at the redheaded girl. She'd be the second to join the family if she did, for the first was Peter Devereux. George passed her a basket of bread rolls.

At once, everyone helped themselves to the dinner, consisting of Jerhimi's favourites.

"So, how are you with school now? I hear that your exams have been going on. I hope Jay hasn't been distracting you from them."
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Jerhimi Lannigan
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Jer tried to keep her breathing as steady as possible. Was this always going to be so scary? She gave Luc a warm smile, albeit a little shaky as he greeted them at the stairs. Stopping to stand on tippytoes, she pecked his cheek and ran a hand over Lucien's forehead. Children were a weakness for her, always had been and she relaxed a little bit knowing that they could feel emotions.

But the butterflies were back and more color drained from her face as Luc admitted that Mrs. Godwin had gone all out just for her. She hated being fussed over. There was nothing important about her, there was no reason to get all fancy.

Lucky for her, the two Godwin brothers were there to lead her around for she surely would have gotten lost with all of the twists and turns and stairs. The house mas magnificent, truely tasteful and she made a mental note to tell Jay's mother so. Everything was so elegant, yet cozy at the same time. The dining room was extravagant and made Jer feel rather small. Her family table was in the kitchen, one leg of which had been repaired several times, once by hand and countless by magic. It was always warm from the oven and usually a mess of muddy boots and coats thrown everywhere. This was completely different, much more like the O'Shea dining room, in which Jerhimi had never sat, only set and served.

Once seated at the the table next to Jay's mother, Jer tried her best not to fidget, it was a horrible habit, so she laid her hands in her lap and clasped them together to keep them there. It was odd for her to see dishes like shepherd's pie in such elegant dishes, but Jay must have warned them it was one of her favorites. In fact, much of the food on the table was on her list of favorite treats. Steamed broccoli and asparagus and a variety of other homemade favorites.

Then she was being addressed by Mr. Godwin. "Oh," She turned to him at the head of the table, smiling. "He's no bother Sir. Exams have been rather difficult, but not impossible." Was it okay to admit she wasn't the best student? Probably not so much. "I've lived pretty much like a hermit, studying." That was safe, hard work was always admired. True to boot, since learning didn't always come naturally to her, she'd had to work twice as hard at it. It was also hard when there weren't any classes in herbology, which she planned to major in at university, if she went.

"Everything looks so lovely and delicious, Mrs. Godwin." The spread on the table was absolutely admireable and made her feel a little more at home.
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Blanche Godwin
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The Shepherd's pie was almost done, all it needed was a good bake. Blanche pressed her hands together with happiness, and a shock of pride ran through her, at that, her smile fell, and her hand clasped the working surface tightly. Steadying her breathing, she watched as her nails shrunk back and her teeth didn't feel quite so sharp anymore. She thanked Merlin she never slipped up in front of anyone, except in privacy, or around George.

Shivering a little to warm herself up from her brief lapse, she put on her baking mittens and put the pie in the oven. Esme had come over that evening from Ginette's new home to help a little here and there with dessert, but had now left, seeing as Ginette and Riu needed their own dinner made and served.

Once dinner was on the go, she set a magical timer so that the oven would turn off once the pie was ready.

She took off her apron, and picked up her skirts as she climbed to flights of stairs to her and her husband's chambers.

George was busy sorting out a schedule for the next day, where he had a meeting in Canary Wharf.

George laughed at the site of his wife, at which Blanche pouted a little - even though the couple were in their late forties and early fifties, they were still children at heart.

"You know, I think that I wasn't shocked at all when Jean brought home a Lannigan. It's so like him to fall in love with a girl that wouldn't be from a family like the Kysts or so on...Once a rule breaker, always a rule breaker - but thank Merlin he didn't bring home a vampire," Blanche's laugh tinkled.

At dinner, her grey eyes sparkled as they landed on the pretty, and delicate Jerhimi. She seemed to know enough about etiquette coming from a background as was hers. Soon, she'd know it all...yes, she'd fit in. Blanche played with the idea of having her entire family over dinner. It wouldn't do to not know them very well.

"Oh, please, call me Blanche, darling," her hypnotic voice almost sang, "And it may look lovely, but it's the first time I've made Shepherd's pie, I must admit - you must taste it before you deliver your kind verdict."

Her daughter-in-law smiled, for she, too, had helped prepare the steamed vegetables as soon as Lucien was asleep and Luc had taken him off her hands.
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Louise Godwin
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The nurse elf had come in to keep an eye on Lucien, making sure he didn't choke on the piece of hard toast he was chewing with his gums. He was near teething age, so it was best to give him hard food.

It surprised her that a family like the Godwins even allowed Jay to court with a girl like a Lannigan. For goodness sake, she was a servant girl for the O'Sheas. It truly was astounding. But then, the Godwins did have their fair share of scandals. For Ginette had a long relationship with that foul looking young man - Mexican? Spanish? She couldn't remember. But the piercings, and tattoos...and his fashion sense, gracious, she wouldn't allow Lucien to go out dressed like that.

It was strange to think how Ginette had managed to step out of that and grow into her shoes in the space of a few months and end up married to Riu Felder of all people.

She supposed all families had their scandals...the Felders certainly had them, as did her own family. Charlotte had been with Robert Beauvais for a month or so, after which, when she declared their relationship over, Robert had spread a rumour of her being a harlot. Yes, Charlotte, the harlot. She remembered that one clearly - it was a few months before he married that skank, Genevieve Aurelia. Genevieve was Luc's cousin, but still, even Luc called her names. The pair deserved each other.

Louise tried to keep her face from looking down at Jerhimi, or turning up her nose at her. If she was to be sharing the home with them in a few years, then Louise couldn't afford to spoil their relationship. No, best to get along with her. She might turn out to be handy anyway, and help her get dressed - better than an elf could help anyway.

Besides, she needed a friend in this household apart from her mother-in-law, who with her Veela blood, scared her a little. Though Luc assured her there was nothing to fear.

"Do you wish to further your education?" Louise asked genially.
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Jerhimi Lannigan
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"Oh alright."Jer blushed felt a little tinge of pink creep into her cheeks as she was given permission to address Mrs. Godwin by her first name. "I'm sure it'll be splendid." She said of the shepherd's pie. Afterall it was a simple dish, hence the name. Jerhimi was sure that Jay's mother was pretty good in the kitchen, so therefore it would be fine. For some reason she found it hard to enjoy such a fancy dinner, however. Sure everything was absolutely wonderful, the people, the food. But as she watched the kitchen workers come in and out, she felt she should be among them, not sitting at the table. It was entirely surreal and very uncomfortable.

This wasn't the kind of dinner she was used to, not at all. Dinners at her house were loud and fast, up and down, sometimes missing half of the family. Somebody was always in and out, on the go, even after the boys had moved out, it was still like the five of them were there. Her mother usually left dinner for for her and her father as she had to be in the kitchens at dinner time. It was more personal, and she rather preferred it that way.

This was so formal, use proper etiquette, no yelling or using of sleeves for napkins. Everybody was all fancy, no smudges of dirt on their face or tanktops and barefeet. But, best to make light of it. For now anyway. Perhaps in time, it would become less awkward. She hoped it would.

"Mm, yes." Jer answered Louise's question after taking a sip of her water. "I was thinking of a herbology degree. It was a tough choice between herbology and care of magical creatures." Very tough for her. But now neither option seemed quite proper discussion for the dinner table. She was now aware of the appraising look Louise was giving her and didn't like it at all. She was afraid of this. She averted her eyes, smiling uncertainly at Jay briefly. She wondered just how obviously uncomfortable she looked to everybody else right now.
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Jean Godwin
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Jay watched Louise carefully. He knew, as did Luc, how her mind worked, and she hadn't made it a secret earlier that the very notion of having Jerhimi round for dinner was absurd. His eyes narrowed when she spoke to Jer, and Luc caught Jay's look. Louise's eyes widened a little, and shifted in her seat before continuing to eat. He figured that Luc had stepped on her foot.

"It was a difficult choice, you are so good at caring for animals - Mother, you should have seen her help Ebony get back to good health again when she'd eaten a bad mouse in the school Owlery. And Father, her way with plants is equally amazing," Jay smiled, knowing the the garden was one of his Father's favourite pass time.

Jay had been teasing the idea of going to university himself. Sure, he pretty much had a career in Quidditch set for him, but he didn't just want the skies. He wanted a little variety in his life - a change, something different. He thought about doing a degree in business, but Ginette had pretty much taken Father's business over...then again, he supposed he could join in. Maybe he'd do a mixed degree - business with law. That was his Father's passion though...

At one point, he had wanted to be an Auror, but he was too vain. No, he'd probably settle for the Ministry. Yes, the Department of Magical Law sounded good, but that was only because he'd heard Ginette speak of someone she knew who worked there.

"I've been thinking of university...but I'm not really sure where I want to go with it."

Luc looked up curiously, and wiped a corner of his mouth before he spoke, "Why, but you've already got a career up and running."

"Yes...but I've been thinking...maybe journalism - a Quidditch critic..." Jay shook his head, no that was too close to Quidditch. He wanted something else. Fame, but in another sense of the word. Then he got it. His initial idea of being in business and economics was mouth-watering. What if he became the economical advisor to the Minister of Magic?

"No, an economics degree - I want to go into that field."
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George Godwin
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George looked at his youngest son with renewed interest. So the man was thinking for himself now, not simply following in his older brother's footsteps or his own. He welcomed the independent spirit.

"I think university is a splendid idea. I see that Jerhimi, here, has been a great influence on you - Shaymon Ross goes to Sapienti, does he not?" He looked at his wife, and the Luc, who knew more about Shay's whereabouts and what he did.

Luc nodded, as his wife gave an affirmative answer.

"I could help you - and an economics degree. Do you know where you want to go with that degree? I can see if there are a few universities that enroll undergraduates who want a degree in that area...though I'm not sure there are many wizarding universities to choose from. You might end up in a Muggle institute...You should also be aware that Sapienti, just like Penns, is in America, too."

George had become very business-like as he spoke, his professional tone pronounced.

He turned to Jerhimi, "I could also provide you with the same help, dear, it's Herbology, isn't it? And do you also know where you wish to go with that degree?"

Taking a moment to eat some of his meal, he let Luc enter the coversation.

"You could become big - combine Herbology with Healer or Creature Healer careers, since you like animals. You could also become a researcher, and help with the Ministry in select deparments. For example, if you're interested in defence against the dark arts, you could use your Herbology knowledge in that field to help Aurors...Your main interest is animals, perhaps you could help the Department of Magical Creatures....There's a lot of things you can do with that degree..."

George laughed then, "Don't be pressured, though, but if you don't mind, I would like to help you choose a good university, and if you need financial aid, don't feel as if you cannot come to me for some advice."

Hidden in that statement, was that she need not fear to ask for a loan, or even a grant from him. If she was to become family, it would not need to be paid back.
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Jerhimi Lannigan
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Oblivious to the interaction between brothers and then husband and wife, Jerhimi took a few bites of her supper, but found she wasn't very hungry. Between the nerves and the discomfort, her appetite had diminished quickly. However she forced a few bites into her mouth. Blanche had certainly done a wonderful job with the shepherd's pie and Jer didn't want to insult her hard work.

She smiled in appreciation at Jay for his reassuring words in her skills and couldn't help but laugh a little at his ambitions outside of quidditch. She honestly hadn't known he wanted to persue a career outside of quidditch, but she wasn't surprised. He was very ambitious and wanted to individualize himself from his siblings. Jer had taken a very different route from her brothers. Brian had a comfortable desk job in the ministry, working in the Muggle-Cooperation Deparment. He and his wife, Maeve, had just found out that they were expecting; Jer was so excited to be an auntie. Her second eldest brother, Clyde, ran his own successful wizarding bookshop in Boston, loving the single life.

It was amusing to watch the exchange between father and son, they both had become so excited, though in with very different expressions. "I don't know yet." Jerhimi had actually only been whistful about university, coming to the resolute conclusion her parents probably wouldn't be able to afford it. Her brothers had worked their way through college, paying for it themselves. Which actually didn't bother her, she hated being a financial burden to her parents. She had resigned herself to the same hard work to get through. Maybe if she got decent grades on her O.W.L.'s she'd get some financial aid from the university.

Most of the suggestions that Luc came up with were rather brilliant ideas, however she had no intentions of working in the ministry. "I'll take those into consideration." Combining herbology and creatures would certainly be fun, but she wasn't sure she could double major and work at the same time. That would be too much for too little time. Personally, she wanted to take herbology in the same direction of her father into the floral and lanscaping business.

Sapienti University was very familiar to Jer, after all it was located in Salem, Massachusetts, her home town. It had been a possibility to live at home, save on room and board and get a job in the wizarding section of town. She'd have to talk to her parents about it.

Jerhimi flushed pink when Mr. Godwin offered her some financial support for her schooling. However, the Lannigan's were a proud old Irish family in which they chose to do for themselves. That gene hadn't skipped Jerhimi. She raised her chin a little, but smiled. "I appreciate your help, but I think I can manage Sir, thank you though." She didn't want to come off as insolent or unappreciative, but just because she was moving up a little in society, she wasn't go to take all of the comforts that came with it. That was what living was about, taking time to yourself, making your own mistakes, making a life for yourself. Afterall, she already had money saved up from her past two years of actually working for the O'Shea's as her father's assistant and Laney's babysitter.
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Luc Godwin
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Luc saw his Father grin when Jerhimi declined his offer, and knew that George had been partly testing her. To see if she was there to simply leech off him or Jay as a husband, or be her own woman. Jerhimi had definitely passed the test.

He added a laugh at Jerhimi's independent spirit, "You have definitely had some sort of influence on Jay. It surprised Mother the most at how different he is now from a few years ago. Do you know of the things he got up to? Like when he had black hair for a year - because of ink that had been poured all over his head. And...the funniest bit was why - it was because...actually I can't remember that bit. All I remember was how amusing it was when he was back home for Christmas with that black hair. Such a grouch."

Jay made a loud coughing noise, "I'm still here you know."

"Anyway, point is he was terribly mischievious and a prankster - mind, I often joined him in the pranking bit. Ginette and Sophie were always better at getting us back though..."

Luc laughed at Jay's seething face. He hated to be talked about as if he were a childish brat.

"Be careful where you sleep tonight," Jay grinned happily.

Louise spoke up then, with a look of mock-horror, "Knowing my luck, I'll end taking the brunt of Jay's tricks."

Everyone laughed.
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