“Wait no, don’t touch it you might -” Elsie protested, but he had already pulled her into a hug, one that she was too familiar with and found too much comfort in to have the heart to push him away. She was enveloped by his scent, the comforting feel of his arms around her too great to not lean into. It was only when she started to sniffle that Elsie realized she was crying, which made her hug him tighter. Rory had always been like this, so quick to offer physical comfort when it just wasn’t in their parents nature to show their affection towards their children in that way.

Edmund and Rosaline Carrow did not hug or give out kisses. They gave the last of their food on their plate to their children, even if there was obviously food left on the table. They made sure their children had excellent schooling. They made sure each of their children did not want for anything.

But Elsie would be lying if she said she didn’t care for her brother’s hugs. No, they were her favorite.

She nearly collapsed into his arms, hearing him promise that everything would be okay. You’ll be back to normal in no time, Elsbeth. How? What were they to do? How long until this affliction took over her entire being? Would that mean she would just become a gold statue?

She tried not to blubber too much, but her fear was too great to dismiss behind a toss of her hair or a defiant tilt of her chin. “Here,” She responded as she withdrew, gingerly withdrawing her handkerchief. “I can’t remember anything after I found the items in the alcove. There was the book…and there was a cloak, I think? And I think I found a pair of eomeoni’s gloves.”