August 4th, 1888 - Lockhart Family Home, Bartonburg
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@'Fortuna Lockhart'

Spilling unceremoniously out of the fireplace in the middle of the Lockhart home, Febby realized belatedly that she easily could have walked, but floo was faster, much faster and this was an emergency. She startled one of the house staff and lied through her teeth, saying Tuni was expecting her. With her arms full of books and parchment sticking out from odd angles, she probably at least looked the part. Outside of that though, she felt like she was simultaneously crumbling and about to explode at any moment; she was barely holding it together.

Luck would be on her side in the moment though, as she was told Tuni was in  her room with no real questioning. Febs took the stairs two at a time, using her long limbs to her advantage; she wasn't going to make it much longer without bursting. Febby flew into her friend's room without knocking or warning and closed the door behind her a little more roughly than she intended.

"I think I'm pregnant." She blurted out with no preface, no context, nothing, just wide, terrified eyes and an armful of irrelevant books.

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The following 2 users Like February Umbridge's post:2 users Like February Umbridge's post
   Cassius Lestrange, Edric Umbridge

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Tuni was actually a bit saddened to be back in Hogsmeade. She had started to quite like London. Not exactly for the town itself, but because of the sense of freedom she'd found they're. Being stuck back under her father's roof and his rules was a bit frustrating. But..she couldn't really deny the comfort of one's one room and bed.

She'd been given a few days off from the museum to get resettled back at home and to be able to spend time with her family since she'd been away from them for nearly two months. The director was quite understanding of it all and she was really quite grateful. However, just because she had days off didn't mean she'd actually stop working. If anything, she was able to do quite a bit more in the comfort of her own room and as such had quite a few books and bits of paper scattered all over her bed as she continued working on her exhibit idea.

Then her door flew open and in rushed Febs. Staying wide eyed at her friend at the sudden intrusion, she did what she could to stop the papers on her bed from flying away with the gust of air from the sudden opening and closing of the door.

Her eyes quickly softened at her friends sudden admission. She quickly moved the pages and books away, making room for Febs to join her. "Come here," she said softly as she posted on the bed but held her arms open to the clearly distraught girl before her.

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Another Glorious MJ Set!

In one swift movement, Febby deposited her books on the floor at the end of Tuni's bed and crumbled onto the bed. Febs curled up, almost comically, against her friend's much smaller frame and subsequently burst into tears.

"I'm such an idiot." She managed through sobs. She felt foolish more than anything else. The regret was there too, but not as much as she had anticipated. This was what she got for being brash, for being too impulsive, for forgetting to think about the future- or rather the possible consequences. Nobody was invincible, nobody was immune from the responsibility of their choices. Febs knew she was smarter than this; she wasn't that girl. Except now she was.

It was all falling apart, Febs could see her little cottage on the seaside with her massive library and garden dissolving in front of her eyes. She squeezed them closed tighter, trying to get it back, but there was no saving it if she was really pregnant. There wasn't much Febs could do but hope she could find some relative far away to take her in and keep her and the baby.

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This was perhaps a side of February that Tuni has never seen. She wasn't even entirely sure what to do other than to wrap her arms tightly around her sobbing friend. She gently smoothed the other girls hair, humming gently as she tried to calm the girl as best as she could.

"Shh, Febs," she said softly, shaking her head just slightly, "You're not an idiot. Not in the slightest." She truly felt that way as well, her tone very sincere. With a free hand, she waved her wand to bring some tissue toward them on the bed for when her friend needed it.

"You may have been a bit rash in your decision but you're no idiot," she said again, looking at the girl with concern in her eyes, "And perhaps there's another explanation. You were rather sick, after all. Not to mention stressed." Ever the optimist, Tuni certainly was trying to do her best to give her friend the best outlook she could possibly muster.

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Another Glorious MJ Set!

In Febs' mind right about now, there wasn't much that could be said to quell the thoughts and emotions running through her head. Everything she'd grown attached to in the last two months was slowly slipping from her fingers. No matter how hard she could try to hold on, it was all going to be too much for her to carry.

She was going to lose him just as soon as she got him back. There was no way they would be able to make this look like it happened the right way. Even if she could convince Edric to marry her now, everybody would speculate why and she couldn't do that to him. Not after he'd just gotten his promotion. Like he'd said, he needed people to have confidence in him. That wouldn't happen if he married some girl who suspiciously had his baby barely nine months later. There was absolutely no way Febby was going to ruin that for him now.

Febs ran her hands over her face and back up into her hair to get it out of her face as she sat up. "It's been almost three weeks. I don't think a fever or stress could do that." Though she'd used the illness on Lydia, she hadn't actually thought it a viable excuse. Not this late in the game. Febs curled up into herself, drawing her knees up to her chest as she cast a hopeless look at her friend. "I'm going to have to pack up and go... somewhere, I think." What else was there?

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The following 1 user Likes February Umbridge's post:1 user Likes February Umbridge's post
   Edric Umbridge

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Tuni offered the tissue to Febs so that she'd have something to wipe her face with other than her sleeves or whatever else she could get her hands on. She was truly at a loss of what to say or do in the situation. She didn't have any experience, obviously, and she hadn't had a mother for over half her life. Her father hadn't remarried until after she'd finished her fifth year and even then her stepmother hadn't had any children so she had nothing to go off of.

"Oh Febs," she said softly, her own optimism fading quickly, "I.. I don't really know what to say." Which certainly didn't help but it was the truth. She was at a loss for words, not something to happen all that often for her.

"We'll get through this," she said firmly, taking her friend's hands in her own and giving them a gentle squeeze, "I'll help in any way I can no matter what happens."

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Another Glorious MJ Set!

Febs hadn't even notice the handkerchief passed her way, but she took it easily when offered, trying her best to mop up her face. The breathless sobbing had slowed, but tears still streamed steadily down her cheeks. "I know, I'm sorry. I didn't meant to put this on you, but you're the only other person that knows." Febby would have exploded if she hadn't been able to tell someone.

"I don't even know if I can say anything to him." Would she though? What good could possibly come of it? He'd either want to try and salvage something and make it look proper or he'd call it off right then and there. Neither one of them were in the position to be parents. She wouldn't let him jeopardize his job, or his good standing, what other choice was there? She'd have to take the fall. As it was she feared what it was her mother would even say at this point, if she would even get help from her family.

Looking down at her lap briefly, before looking up at Tuni again. Thank you. I'll handle it, somehow... This'll get you to wait until marriage, won't it." She shook her head, followed by a low, hollow laugh.

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Tuni sat back in silence and watched her friend as she wiped at her face. She shook her head in response though, offering the best, most reassuring smile she could muster. "Don't be sorry," she said softly, squeezing one of her hands again, "It's what friends are for. I'm glad you came to me even if I'm not sure how I can help."

She continued to smile at her, trying to think over what she could do to help. She really didn't know what to do but she shook her head again at Febs's remarks. "Just wait it out," she said, still trying to be somewhat hopeful, "Maybe there won't be anything to tell him. I know some girls can go a couple of months without it. Maybe wait another month?" There was a slight questioning tone to her words at the end. Perhaps waiting a little longer would be best.

But the final remarks brought a bubble of laughter from her lips and all she could do was reach forward and hug her friend. "There's the Febs I know," she said as she pulled back. Then a little mischievous of a though struck her. "I think we need some firewhiskey," she said, a twinkle to her eyes at that, "If nothing else, it'll settle your nerves. And then maybe you can tell me just how much better it all was than that book." A brow was raised when she finished, almost as if issuing a challenge to the other girl.

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Another Glorious MJ Set!

Smiling fondly, albeit sadly at her friend, Febby was immensely appreciative of Tuni's support. It was unlikely Tuni would ever know just how much Febs appreciated it. She was also incredibly reasonable at the moment. As panicked as Febby was, she hadn't always been the most regular of creatures, but it had evened out as of late. Plus in the past there hadn't been a reason to worry. It was likely she'd have to wait a few more weeks to be sure, but somewhere, deep down, she knew she was screwed. It would be just her luck.

"You're right, of course, I just have this sickening feeling. I'll know for sure in a couple weeks I guess." Subconsciously pressing a hand to her corset, Febby blew out a shaky breath. There was no shaking the feeling. Unfortunately, she was usually right about her feelings too. At least she could be a warning to Tuni, who would hopefully, definitely wait to be that intimate with Mr. Bixby until after they were married.

Normally the mention of whiskey would delight her, but even thinking about it in the moment made her stomach turn. "That, does not sound like a good idea." Febs worried that the smell would make her wretch at this point. Oh there was a symptom she could do without and would now be keenly looking for. She dragged her hands over her face in frustration again. All she wanted to do was scream. "This is miserable." She concluded with a heavy sigh.

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Tuni regarded her friend with a similar smile though hoped hers was at least reassuring in some way. No matter what happened, Tuni had meant what she'd said. She'd stand by February's side through any of it, no matter the outcome. If she were indeed pregnant, she'd still be her friend and she would never deny that. Regardless of her own reputation, she didn't really care. Clearly, if it were the case, February would need someone in her corner. Especially with the way she was making remarks about Mr. Umbridge. If he wouldn't see her through the disaster to come, Tuni would. She would even if he did but she somehow doubted he would.

Patting her friend's knee, she nodded simply. "We'll cross the bridge should it come," she said again. She knew it would be stupid to tell her friend not to worry though so she kept her lips sealed on that fact. At least, until she laughed lightly at the dismissal of the firewhiskey.

"Then perhaps tea?" she asked before adding, "Or maybe chocolate? I can call for some up. I'm sure I've got some cookies from that bakery in Diagon Alley as well." She didn't know how much her friend could truly stomach in the moment but what sort of friend would she be if she didn't at least offer?

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The following 1 user Likes Fortuna Bixby's post:1 user Likes Fortuna Bixby's post
   February Umbridge

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Another Glorious MJ Set!

What a bridge it would be. If she were being honest, Febs was still a little in shock. She wanted, more than anything, to be wrong about this, to have jumped to a ridiculous conclusion, but something about that just didn't fit. And she didn't have anyone to blame but herself.

"Tea sounds good," Febs blew out another breath and wiped away the last of the tears. There was already a headache creeping into her temples from all of the upset and crying. She supposed she best get used to that. "Might help settle me, a little." As if that were possible, but it was the best option. "I wouldn't say no to those cookies either." They were indeed, delicious.

"Hows the exhibit going? I did actually bring my notes." Though she hadn't intended to actually look at them, Febs could use the distraction.

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Tuni nodded at her friend's response. She patted her knee before pushing off of her bed to head to the door. She peeked out and caught a passing servant and asked if they could see to getting some tea prepared and brought up. With that task taken care of, she slipped back into her room and went to her desk and pulled a box from the top of it and brought them back to the bed as she settled on it once more.

"Help yourself," she said pleasantly as she opened the box to reveal an assortment of cookies from the bakery in Diagon Alley. There were only a couple missing but there were still plenty left to enjoy. She'd have to be careful with her purchases there or she'd need a whole new wardrobe, a large one.

"It's actually going rather well," she said brightly, "I think it should be well received. At least by the director. I hope anyways."

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Another Glorious MJ Set!

Feeling like a mess, Febs tried her best to smooth out her hair and dry up her face, but she thought it was probably a lost cause at this point. Fortunately she didn't think anyone else would be seeing her this afternoon. Once she got home, she planned on wallowing in misery in her bed for a few solid hours while she contemplated her poor life choices.

Readjusting on the bed to get more comfortable, Febs reached down for her books, discarded carelessly on the floor. Merlin she missed her wand. One quick spell and she could have had everything tucked away neatly where she'd had it. Only a couple more days until then, which shouldn't have been a big deal after going a month without, but she felt its absence even more strongly now that she could have actually used it.

"I'm so glad to hear that. It sounds like you've really settled into the museum nicely." Febs said as she plucked a cookie from the box to nibble on. She was genuinely happy for her friend, even if she was insanely jealous. With the cookie hanging from her lips, Febs shuffled through the papers trying to reorganize the mess she'd left them in upon tossing them to the floor earlier.

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Tuni had pulled her own books over with her own assortment of notes once she'd notice Febs going for her own. She supposed it would be a good distraction for her friend. Giving both of them something to focus on, Tuni settled with her own things and called for the maid to come in when she heard a knock at the door. The tea was ushered in and Tuni set to pouring themselves a cup. "How do you like yours?" she questioned, feeling a bit ashamed for not knowing.

But once it was seen to, she offered the cup and nodded to her friend with a smile. "I honestly think it was perhaps the best decision I've made," she answered honestly before taking a small sip of her own tea and plucking up a cookie of her own, "I know my father isn't the most fond of it but..." She shrugged, "I enjoy it and it's far more entertaining than the tedious events we're expected to attend. Especially since I've no desire to find a husband. Not from there anyways." She'd already found him, she was certain of it. It was just a matter of getting to that point.

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Another Glorious MJ Set!

"Just a little lemon." Febs would have done it, but Tuni had it handled so she passed her friend a warm smile in exchange for the teacup. It was so much easier to hear about Tuni's successes than her own failures, right about now. She was beyond happy that things seemed to be going so well for Tuni. It was mind-boggling how much things had chanced in a month.

Febs smiled softly when Tuni alluded to Mr. Bixby, for that Febby was glad too, but she chose not to comment on it. "You need to do what makes you happy, everybody else will figure it out." That was her philosophy anyway. It had landed her where she was, no doubt about it, but she wasn't dead yet. Her mother had no idea, nor did Edric, she could make it work. She'd be fine.

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Tuni nodded in response. She fully agreed with her friend. "As do you," she answered simply, giving her a knowing look before she opened up her books and started to chatter on about the Vikings and all of their history. It wouldn't take long for them to get involved in going over their notes and comparing what they'd learned. With the help of Febs, Tuni was certain she'd have a phenomenal exhibit to present the museum director with.

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Another Glorious MJ Set!