Random encounter by the Lake-side

"And his Dad's name is... was... Rutherford, right?" Ash asked. "Yeah, it was Rutherford. And his mum was Wilhelmina." She just wanted to talk. She just couldn't be quiet much longer.

Alex thought about it and said kindly, "I'm sorry about what happened to your Father, and its horrible what your Mother did. My Parents were never too focused on rumors, though they mentioned rumors involving 'He-who-must-not-be-named', though you probably don't want to hear them," he said with an expression showing that he is nonjudgemental.

"So you're one that reads the papers," Riley muttered. He saw his father's lifeless body hitting the hard wood floor in his head. He blinked a few times. "But thanks," he replied, surprised he was talking. "and I've heard rumors for my entire life about Voldemort... it doesn't matter to me if I hear more or not."

Ash was shocked that Riley said the name. She stared at him. Even her brother woulnd't say it. She was shocked speechless -- a difficult feat that happened twice in one day.

Alex chuckled, and said, "well...my Family founded the Daily Prophet. We don't do as much the daily functioning of the paper as my gt-gt-gt-grandfather did when he started it. I think it was my second-cousin, Thorius that said that you're Father was involved in 'You-know-who' and that you're Mother killed him when she found out," he added whilst thinking aloud.

"I see," Riley said, blocking the image. "And Thorius?" Riley asked. "Yeah... he would've known right away, I guess..."

"I'll stop talking about it if you don't want to continue dwelling on this negative experience of yours," said Alex kindly.

"Yes, let's drop it," Riley said as kindly as he could. He was sick of having the images flash through his brain.

"Can we at least know how Thorius knows your family?" Ashley asked, though she was hardly paying attention, getting bored with the sad conversation, but she did want to know about that.

Riley rolled his eyes. "The son of a friend of my father's," Riley replied with a tone of finality.

((Yay! 100!!! ))

"I've heard that Gunther and Cornelia doesn't think too highly of my Family," said Alex delicately. After starting this, he wasn't sure if it would be wise to begin this route of conversation. "I'm doing a lousy job of starting conversations...we can talk about something else...you choose, Riley."

"Oh, they hate your family," Riley said lightly.

Alex chuckled, and said, "I thought they did. What do you like to do, Riley?," he asked with a smilie.

Riley thought. How to answer? Stay up in his room away from his abusive grandparents... or was he asking about what he did at Hogwarts... Riley sighed.

"He reads a lot, too," Ashley answered for Riley. She was trying to help him out because she knew he hated takling... and she felt kinda bad for dragging him over... but not really. "Reading... and... and..." she trailed off, that was the only thing she knew he liked to do.

Alex tilted his head and said, "Riley...is something troubling you?"

Riley raised his eyebrows. "What? Oh... er... no," he lied.

Alex said honestly, "even though we just met...I can tell you are lying. Your eyebrow is twitching," he added pointing to his (Alex's) eyebrow. "Don't worry...it will remain between you, me and Ashley."

"With Ashley here, it'll be spread," Riley joked.

"Hey! I won't spread it! C'mon... you can tell us," Ash insisted. "We're your friends."

Alex waited patiently, as Ashley spoke to Riley. He looked between the two of them.

Riley shook his head. "It's nothing for you two to worry about. It's just an issue," he replied, sighing.

"Fine, dont' tell us," Ash said. "I'll figure it out eventually."

"We're always here for us if you need us to be," said Alex with a reassuring smile.

Riley rolled his eyes at Ashley. "Well, thanks," Riley replied. He hadn't expected that one.