The Astor/Rosensteel Household

Adam retreated upstairs to find something else to do. As the summer passed, he became more and more of a shut-in. Of course, all that would change in September. This was going to be his first year at Hogwarts. He wasn't too excited, but at least it was something; finally, he'd actually get to see some of this magic his parents were always talking about in action instead of just... well, hearing about it. After deliberating for an instant, he decided to pick up on chapter five on the book he'd began earlier that day.

After practicing, Dianna snuck her way into Adam's room. While he was reading, she crept up behind him, until she was right next to his ear, then exclaimed "BOO!"

He let out a very loud, high-pitched scream, dropping his book and somehow ending up on the opposite side of the room in the process.

Dianna laughed hysterically for a total of 28 seconds, then calmed down. "Sorry, Adam. Well, not really. But it was hilarious!"
Serenity, having the radio on, didn't hear a thing.

Tears stung Adam's eyes. He hated when Dianna did that -- and she did, quite often at that. "Th-that wasn't funny!"

"Aw, don't cry. Be a man!" Dianna said, crossing her arms. "How can you expect to go to Hogwarts if you stlil cry like a little boy? I don't cry anymore. I'll be the most popular first-year around!"

"I'm not!" he cried, turning away. "You just scared me, that's all!"

"Alright. Whatever.." Dianna said, exiting. He was getting boring.

After his heart rate and train of mind settled down at a station, Adam sat back at his desk and tried to find where he'd left off.

Rachel was knocking on the front door with one of those beautiful gold door knockers that were shaped into a lion's head. She thought she would try that at least once, just for kicks.

As Serenity was probably busy doing something, Elroy answered the door. "Evening," he suspired, eyes unfocused.

"Hi!" Her mind didn't really seem to register at first who it was. "I think my son left his sweater here, so I ran by to-" then, after a look in those green eyes, she instantly recognized who it was. A small smile filled her face, and an old mischievous glint entered her own eyes.

"Elroy Astor... what the heck are you doing here?" she asked, still wearing that same smile and glitter.

Elroy nodded and stepped aside. "Been neighbors for the last twelve years." The sweater was lying on that previously mentioned table by the door, every yarn in tact. "Where have you been?"

"Thank you." Rachel picked up the sweater, and held it under her shoulder. "I know I know... I just haven't really talked to you much..." she raised her eyebrows. "Honestly, I thought you would have gotten a divorce long ago."

He gave a dry laugh, as though there was something he would have said in return to that, but knew he couldn't. "How've you been, then? Pregnant again?"

Rachel rolled her eyes, and shook her head. "No! And I don't know if I will be again, too!"

"Considering your track record..." he trailed off. "That all you wanted?"

Rachel shifted on her feet, looking rather uncomfortable. "I guess so... seven is a lucky number... but eight is also a nice even number."

"I don't see how you do it. Two's enough." Elroy muttered something else about "little brats".

"What?! How can only TWO be in enough! I love ALL my children!" Rachel gushed, with a dreamy expression in her eyes.

"You're a nutter."

Rachel frowned slightly. "Do you need some advice? I can give you some! I've done it before!"

"No, I don't need advice," he said in a tone similar one would use when rejecting a pointless offer from their mother or partially-deranged aunt.

The uncomfortable awkward silence had returned. "So... what have you been doing these days?"

He forced a smile. "Don't you have those eight kids to attend to?" It was clear Rachel was wearing out her welcome.