Welcome to the water. (Eric)

[Professor Carina Erikson]

Today was the first day back in term, but classes hadn't started yet and Carina was going to spend a few minutes relaxing. Wearing jeans and a black pullover, Carina walked out onto the pier. Taking a seat on the end, Carina pulled her knees up under her chin and wrapped her arms around them. A small owl, named Pete, was perched on her shoulder, waiting for what ever it was supposed to do. It was cool outside without being cold and it was just a good day to enjoy the weather.

She had heard Eric had rather good news this term and though she was pretty sure she knew what it was, she wanted to give Eric a chance to tell her himself. It was a great honor being made prefect, one that she had never gotten. It didn't matter though, as Carina had gotten Quidditch captain, and that meant more to her than prefect anyway.

They hadn't really gotten to see each other over break, or the weeks right before it. She had been very busy and well, with everything going on, she had been upset. Eric would have known and Carina didn't want him to worry. Pulling a piece of parchment from her pocket, Carina scribbled out a short note.

Eric, I got a little while free if you want to hang out or something, I'll be down at the pier. Lots of Love, Carina

Tying the note to Pete's leg, Carina set him off. Turning her attention to the water, Carina sighed. It looked so peaceful this morning. As a student she had loved to come down here and put her feet in the water. She hadn't done it since she graduated though. A grin crossed her face and she looked around. Slipping her shoes off, Carina rolled her pants legs up and dipped her feet in the water. It was cold, but she'd get used to it in a few minutes.

[ericm]

Eric rolled over and cut his alarm off it was 9 am on the first day of term. He stretched and wondered what he should do today. He wondered what Briony was doing today as there are no classes till tomorrow. He decided he would write her and see what she was doing.

Eric got out of bed went to his wardrobe pulled out some jeans and out them on. He threw on a weird sisters t-shirt. He sat down at his desk to write the note when he heard a tapping at his window he looked up it was his owl, Pete. Eric let it in it had a letter Eric took the letter and gave Pete an owl treat. Pete then flew back out the window.

Eric knew the letter had to be from one of two people. Eric had left Pete at school during the break so the letter had to be from either Carina or Briony because they are the only ones at school besides him who can handle Pete. It was from Carina she wants to know if he wants to hang out. Eric would not pass it up for nothing in this world plus now he could tell he got Prefect.

Eric made his way out to the lake he had never been to the pier but he was sure he could find it. As he got closer to the lake he started looking at the banks and then he saw it. He started walking toward it once within in ear shot he said “Hey Professor what you doing?”

[Professor Carina Erikson]

Carina sat content, swishing her feet around in the cold water. It had taken a few minutes, but she had gotten used to it. Felt kinda good now. While it was cool, the sun felt warm shining down on her. Leaving her feet dangling in the water, Carina laid back on the pier and closed her eyes. She figured she had a good ten to fifteen minutes, at the earliest, before Eric would show up.

Carina loved Hogwarts, finding a home here when she hadn't had the best one with her father. But it was times like this, before the hustle and bustle of term really started, that she truely felt at peace. Now if she could only spend more time with Eric, Briony and Timothy, things would be perfect.

Carina heard a voice drift across the pier. A smile crossed her face, though she didn't sit up. She would in just a minute, but it felt so good to be laying here with the sun on her face. "Hey Eric. Just relaxing a bit before term really gets started. How was your break?"

[ericm]

Eric looked down at Carina and smiled, she looked so relaxed. He sat down next to where she was laying. When she did not sit up Eric decided to make her sit up. Eric reached into the lake and got a handful of water and splashed her with it. He laughed as he did that remembering similar times growing up of course then it had been a pool not a lake.

Eric thought about what she ask. His break had been ok nothing great but then how could it be with his dad gone most of the time that he was there. “Well first I went to France and saw Briony’s mom she is doing better but still in the hospital. Then I decided to go home for a few days. That is when things went down hill. I was there for two days and did not see my dad I finally had to send a friend out to look for his car he was at a gentlemen’s club with Paul. Tory was not pleased to say the least. She went and got them. Dad said he did not even know I was home my own father!! Carina I am worried I think he has started drinking heavily again he is worried.” Eric figured she would know why Derek was worried.

Eric decided to give her some good news also though. “You will never believe it I made Prefect me Eric Mitchell goof off extraordinaire actually made 5th year prefect.” He reached up and buffed his badge with his robe and puffed out his chest.

[Professor Carina Erikson]

Carina knew when Eric walked up to where she sat and joined her. She could feel the pier shaking just a bit with his footsteps. Everything was fine for a few minutes, and then she felt the shock that came with the cold water splashing on her face. Sputtering just a bit, Carina jerked into a sitting position. Glaring at Eric, she sighed. “I swear, one of these days, I’m going to hurt you.” She stated as she waved a hand to dry herself off.

Carina smiled grimly as Eric talked about the first part of his break. “It’s good that she seems to be doing better. I’ve asked about her with a few people I still know there. I probably should let Briony tell you this, but I’ve heard that she probably won’t be getting back out of the hospital.” Carina felt bad about it, Mrs. Forrester had always been nice to her.

Sighing as Eric spoke about his father, Carina wrapped an arm around his shoulders. She remembered the days when Derek had been drinking so much. She hated thinking about him like that, because normally, Derek wasn’t like that. “Eric, I’m so sorry. I didn’t think he’d start drinking again with Mary around. And especially with Tory expecting.”

A laugh escaped Carina’s mouth at the thought of Tory going to a place like that and dragging her father and new husband out. Trying to control herself, Carina tried to hold back the laughter, which ended up coming out more like a snort. It only made her laugh harder. “Merlin, I bet Tory was steaming. Ten galleons say she makes him sleep on the couch.”

As potions professor, she made it a point to find out who the prefects were for the houses every term, so she already knew Eric had made it. She hadn’t noticed the badge, but pulled back when puffed his chest out. “Well done, Eric. I’m very proud of you.” He was proud of himself, she knew. She could hear it in his voice. “You know, you’ve come a long way since I remember meeting that scrawny little kid all those years ago.”

[ericm]

Eric laughed at Carina threatening him she would never hurt him. After he caught his breath he said with a smirk “Professor or not you would never hurt me. I know you have had too many chances to do just that and with better reasons then a little water. Like when I punched you in the nose a few years ago and all you did was push me down.”

Eric listened as she told him the information she had on Mrs. Forrester. He did not believe even Briony knew that. “I believe if Briony knew that she would have told me before now. Especially being we made up over break. Her dad probably has not told her he probably does not want to worry her.” Eric thought about that for a minute. “Do you think I should say something to her about it?”

Eric realized as she spoke that Carina did not know why his dad was drinking again. He knew he should tell her but how do you tell your best friend your dad is drinking because he is worried about her? Well all he could do is say it. “Carina dad is drinking because he has heard about your so called father not being dead and he is worried for your safety, as for Mary being around thank Merlin she is he at least makes it home every night now.”

Eric reached in his robe and pulled out ten galleons and handed it to Carina saying, “Here you are you are right she told me she made his bed for him before she even came over to dad’s and Mary’s place. I will say one thing for Paul he has more nerves then me. I mean I remember what Tory was like when she used to get mad and she is pregnant now!!! I guarantee it is ten times worse now.”

Eric smiled with pride when she said she was proud of him but that smile became a fake scowl when she said he had been a scrawny kid. “Do you remember what I did to you last time you called me a scrawny little kid Carina? Of course with you being a professor now I could get in a lot of trouble but you just remember I have never been one to run from trouble.” Eric smiled when he said that so she would know he was just joking around.

[Professor Carina Erikson]

Carina laughed and shook her head. "Yeah, yeah. I could if I wanted to. I still can't believe you did that to me. It wouldn't have been so bad if you hadn't broke it. It's a wonder the three of us made it this long." The three of them had been such violent children. Well, not so much Briony, but Carina and Eric had been. Dad, whom was really Eric's dad, would laugh and tell Mary that boys would be boys, despite the fact Carina was a girl.

"You'd think that if her dad wouldn't tell her, Austin would." Carina thought about it for several minutes before breaking her silence. "I think she has a right to know. She's 15 now, not five. It would upset her, but it's better than getting her hopes up and then getting her heart broke."

At Eric's explanation, Carina withdrew her arm from his shoulders and sighed. Dad hadn't drunk in such a long time, she hated to think she was the cause of it. Pulling her feet from the water, Carina tucked them under her to warm as she thought. Pressing her fingertips to her temples, Carina tried to fight off the building headache as she spoke, "Eric, tell Dad not to worry. I'm not going to, for the simple face that's what he wants and I'm not going to give it to him.

Laughing, Carina stuck her hand out and took the gold from Eric. She jingled it around in her hand for a minute before handing it back to him. "Don't worry about it. Just bring me back some Sugarquills next time you go to Hogsmeade." While her and Tory hadn't always gotten along, Carina couldn't help but to smile, thinking about her. "I can't believe that she's having a baby. Dad and Mary must be over the moon about it."

With another laugh, Carina nodded. "Yeah, I remember. That was the second time you broke my nose." Carina rolled her eyes. "I know, but you just remember, I fight back and that could get me fired. With our luck, Professor Slughorn would show up again." Carina couldn't stop herself from looking around, just in case.

[ericm]

Eric laughed Carina was right it was a miracle they had made it this long. “Yea I will agree but only about two of us Briony never was one for violence weather playing or fighting. We probably would not have made it if not for Briony and Tory!! Tory usually stopped us from being to reckless and if she was not around Briony would go running for an adult if she thought we were going to get hurt.” Eric smiled wistfully. Briony is still like that.

Eric thought about what she had said about Austin she was right of course as usual “You know you are right I would think Austin would have told her by now. Of course he may think that Mr. Forrester has told her as a matter of fact Mr. Forrester may have told him that he has. I would not put it past him he still thinks of Briony as a little girl. Well if you will come with me I will tell her later she will need all the friends she can get when I do.” Eric looked Carina in the eye as he said that knowing she can read him like a book and would understand what he was saying.

Eric layed down on the pier and watched as Carina rubbed her temples. “Are you starting to get those headaches again? Rina do not lie to me!! Dad is not the only one worrying about you I am also. I love you and can not bear to think of you getting hurt again. Do not take that wrong I mean that you are my best friend I know you are with Professor Linn.” Just because Eric knew it did not mean he had to like it.


“Yes dad and Mary are excited but believe it or not so am I. I mean I am going to be an uncle it is hard to believe. I am going to so spoil my new nephew. Oh that is right I forgot to tell you she found out it is going to be a boy. My job as his Uncle will be to spoil him and I will do a good job of it. I mean you taught me how to shop did you not?” Eric laughed as he said that remembering their first shopping trip together he was so lost but not Carina she was in her element. As an after thought Eric added “Ok I will not forget the sugarquills.”

“I know you fight back but then again you always have” then it hit Eric what she had said. Eric looked around fearfully, “He is not around is he my god that is all I need. I got in trouble with his twice last term and failed his class. He is the last person I need or want to see right now.” Eric breathed a sigh of relief as he did not see the dreaded Professor any where around.

[Professor Carina Erikson]

“God, she was always such a tattletale. Though I guess it was good sometimes. It did stop us from doing some of the more stupid stuff we came up with.” Like the time they tried to drown each other. It had started out as a contest to see who could hold their breath an things got out of hand. Carina noticed the wistful smile Eric had on his face. Narrowing her eyes, Carina looked at him. “What’s that smile for?”

Carina nodded in agreement. “That’s probably why Austin hasn’t said anything.” Eric was right, Briony wouldn’t take the news well at all and she would need everyone she could get. “I’ll come with you to tell her. She’s not going to take it well.” She knew what Eric’s look meant and she gave him one in return. Sometimes, friends this close didn’t need words to speak.

Merlin, the light hurt. It was times like this that she hated her father more and more. The cause had never been found for her headaches, nor for the numbness in her arms and hands her last term of school. She was sure that her father’s experiments had caused it. Carina didn’t answer him at first. Squeezing her eyes shut, Carina pressed a hand against each temple and waited for the pain to stop. Several minutes later, the pain had faded and Carina was able to speak. “Yeah, the headaches have started again. Not so often as before, but it’s like those were.”

Grinning at Eric, she shook her head. It was hard to see him excited for a little squirming ball that didn’t do anything but eat, cry and mess on it’s self. Not to get her wrong, Carina loved kids, it was just the thought of having one herself that made her queasy. “That’s great, Eric. I’m sure you’ll be a great uncle. And yes, if you haven’t learned to shop by now, there’s no hope for you.” Carina said with a laugh.

“No, he’s not around right now. I saw him a few minutes before I came down here. He’s rather busy with term starting. We shouldn’t have to worry about him for a while, at least.” Carina gave her head one last rub and then laid back, leaning her head against Eric’s shoulder, using him to block out part of the light for a minute.

[ericm]

Eric chuckled a little bit then he got an indigent look on his face and said “Briony was not a tattletale she just worried way too much for someone our age. Plus if she had not told on us a lot we probably would be dead by now.” Eric looked at Carina like she had grown an extra head he had not smiled when he talked about Briony had he? Eric adopted an innocent look and ask, “Smile what smile?”

Eric was very grateful that Carina understood that he would need her with him to tell Briony the bad news. Even though he had conveyed with his look that he needed Carina and not Professor Erikson he had to ask to be extra sure she understood. “Thank you for agreeing to go with me to tell Briony you do understand that I need you there as Carina her friend not as her Professor right?” Eric looked at her hoping she would understand him having to be sure about this.

Eric thought about what she said about her headaches what was causing them? Then Eric remembered she had had other health issues in her final term as a student he wandered if they ever found out what was causing the problems then. “Carina did the medi-witches ever find out what was wrong with you in your seventh term. If so maybe that is what causes the headaches also.” Eric was concerned about her he remembered how she was when the headaches were frequent she would snap at any and everyone around no matter who they were. Eric did not want to be one of those people and he was sure Professor Linn did not either. With out realizing it Eric eyes got hard glint in them when he thought about that man.

Eric knew he would make a great Uncle but she might as well be an Aunt also. He figured he better remind her of this fact. “Carina thank you for you vote of confidence on my being an Uncle but you do realize that you will be considered the baby’s Aunt right? Plus I may know how to shop but I still want you to come with me the first time I want to load this baby up with any and every thing it could possibly want.” Eric looked around to make sure noone else was coming up before he said in a lower voice. “Also do you think you could help me pick out a negligee for Tory I want to send it to her after she has the baby with a note saying here this will help you get started on the next one or equally crass you know what I mean.”

Eric shifted around so Carina’s head was on his lap that way his body was blocking out the sun. Hopefully that would help the headache a little bit. “Thank goodness he is not around I will undoubtedly be in enough trouble with him this term. I swear Carina the man hates me!” Eric knew she would probably not agree but he did feel that way at times.

[Professor Carina Erikson]

“Don’t try to play innocent with me, boy. You didn’t even know you were doing it, did you?” While she was used to the innocent look, it was the moment of surprise that she caught and focused on. “I saw the look you gave me. And yes, you did smile when you talked about her. The same one you used to get when you talked about me.”

Carina had to roll her eyes. Did she really look that dense? “Of course, Eric. This is something she needs to hear from family, not a professor.” She supposed she knew he had to be sure, but really, he should know her better than that. She knew that news like this came better from friends. Carina wished she had a friend when she had gotten the letter telling her that her father had died. Even though he hadn’t actually, she had thought so at the time.

As the sun came out from behind a cloud, Carina rolled just a little and pressed her face into Eric’s shoulder. “No, they didn’t.” Carina said, her voice slightly muffled now. “My arms stopped going numb, they still tingle sometimes, but they don’t go numb.” Carina whimpered just a bit as the cloud returned to covering the sun and she rolled back over. “Just…there’s a potion vial in my bag over there, will you get it for me?” Carina asked, vaguely gesturing towards a small canvas bag where she had been sitting.

Eyes popped open, a look of slight shock glassing over her eyes. “Oh Merlin, I didn’t even think about it. Well, I guess I’ll have to go shopping with you after all.” Despite her head, Carina couldn’t help but to laugh as Eric lowered his voice. “Your awful, Eric, just plain rotten.” Of course, she would tell him that if he hadn’t thought about it, she probably would have.

As Eric moved around and her head ended up in his lap, Carina sighed thankfully. Most of the sun was blocked out this way. “He doesn’t hate you, Eric. Yes, he’s a very strict teacher, but it’s only because he wants everyone to do their best.”

[ericm]

Eric figured he must have smiled if she was still saying it but he did not know if he was ready to admit his feelings yet. As he thought that he realized there was no one else he would tell so why not? “Rina I honestly do not know what to do about the Briony situation I mean part of me wants to run up to her and declare my love for her and ask her to be my girl again. Then when I think about it I realize she has already broken my heart once why give her another chance?“ Eric knew Carina would tease him about this but he hoped she would also give him some idea of how he should handle this.

Eric decided that if Carina was going to help him tell Briony then they just needed to figure out when. “Carina with your schedule you should decide when we can all get together to talk. Do not worry about Briony being there I will handle that. She will come if I ask her to.” Eric hoped she would make it soon so he would have the whole term to help Briony deal with it.

Eric took on a concerned look at hearing that the medi-witches had never figured out what was wrong with Carina. “Rina you need to go to a specialist and see what is wrong with you. By specialist I mean a medi-which that has muggle and magical training you never know you may have a muggle condition.” Eric knew she hated hearing that but it was the truth and he did not like seeing her in this kind of pain. Eric summoned Carina’s bag over to him then got the potion vial out for her.

Eric chuckled lightly when he saw Carina’s shock as she realized that she was going to be an Aunt. “Well we still have time we can go shopping at the end of term. I have to wait until then anyway because I need to go into muggle London there is no way I could get all I want in Hogsmeade. I do not know maybe you know somewhere to get it all if not then I will just spend my whole break going to every store I can find. Of course that is hauling you with me every where I go.” Eric laughed as he said that he would never need to make her go shopping she loved it she did not need an excuse. “I know I am terrible but lets be honest here Rina you wouldn't have me any other way would you?”

Eric looked down at her when she said that Professor Slughorn did not hate him. He honestly knew this but it just felt that way at times. “Look I know he honestly does not hate me it just seems the only time I see him besides in class is when I am acting foolish and getting in trouble. So excuse me if I feel a little intimidated by him ok?”

[Professor Carina Erikson]

Sighing, Carina thought about what Eric had said. She had been in that situation once, though it had been several years ago. It was a hard situation to deal with, making a choice either way could prove to be the wrong one. Until she had met Timothy, she thought she had made the wrong one. “I don’t know what to tell you. I was in the same situation once. If I had gone back to him, I have little doubt we would have been happy. I didn’t go back to him and then met Timothy and I’m happy.” There was a long pause as Carina thought. “I think you should give her a chance though, but brace yourself just in case. You two have always been together in one way or another.”

It certainly a conversation she was not looking forward to having. Carina knew how Briony would react. First there would be denial, then anger, probably toward them for lying, then shock and then the crying would start. “Just let me get through my first day of classes, then we’ll set something up. It’s not going to be an easy conversation. You know that.” Carina could only hope that Eric knew what he was getting into. Hoped that he would be able to handle the anger and the tears that would come from her.

The pain was throbbing by this time and Eric’s words seemed to echo faintly in her ears. She wanted to cover her ears with her hands but knew that it wouldn’t help. “Muggle, Smuggle. I’m not sick with something Muggle. They just haven’t figured out what it is yet. I was supposed to go to a clinic in France of the break, but something came up and I couldn’t go.” As Eric held out the pain potion for her, she took it and drank greedily. It seemed as though she had been taking a lot of them lately, but as long as Eric didn’t see the empty vials in her bag, he wouldn’t yell at her again.

“No, no, there’s no need to drag me to every store you can find. I can ask around for Muggle stores, but I know of a couple magical places that sell baby things too. When the Headmistress had her baby, I bought her something.” Eric was right though, it would have to wait until after term. There weren’t any places in Hogsmeade and that was the only place he could go right now. Carina laughed as Eric’s cockiness started to shine through. “No, I wouldn’t have you any other way.”

Carina smiled slightly and shook her head. “Look, I understand, I really do. He was my Head of House for seven terms here. Everyone is a little intimidated by him. But I can honestly say, he’s not that bad. He makes jokes and he knows how to take them. Just as long as there not in the middle of his class or something. He’s strict, but as long as you get your work done and done well, he’s great.”

[ericm]

Eric shook his head he was even more confused now then before. “Gee thanks Rina here I am asking for advice from you and what do I get more confusion.” Eric laughed so she would know he was only teasing her. He knew she could not solve his problems for him but it was nice to have someone to talk to. “I mean I know in my heart I want to give her another chance, but do you remember what Tracy did to me right before I came here? Then Briony went and done the same thing also with one of my so called friends. I guess my biggest problem is that Briony and I have always been friends and Tracy and I have stopped speaking I never want that to happen to me and Briony.” Eric knew he was rambling but he could not help it he just hoped Carina understood what he was saying.

Eric nodded as Carina mentioned the conversation they had to have with Briony. “Yes Carina I know it will not be easy. I have been on the other side of one of these conversations with my dad about my mom remember I hit my dad luckily for me I was not very strong so I did not hurt him.” Eric looked ashamed as he remembered that talk with his dad he had called his dad a liar and punched him repeatedly. He did not want to believe his mom was leaving him and he was sure Briony would be the same. “Do you know any good shield charms?” Eric asks only half jokingly.

When Carina was done with the pain potion Eric took the vial from her. When he tossed it into her bag he heard clanking. Eric picked up Carina’s bag and looked in it to make sure he had not broken anything. What he saw shocked and angered him. “CARINA WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?” Eric realized maybe he should not yell he did not want everyone knowing their business. “Carina there are at least 6 empty vials in your bag and as many if not more full. That is way too many you should not need that many in a day. You NEED to see a specialist and I mean it do not make me go to dad. You know I will!!” Eric glared at her she knew better they had had this talk before hopefully he would get through to her this time.

Eric took on a fake sad look snapped his fingers and said “Darn Carina I was so hoping to drag you to every store I could find.” He knew that would make her laugh and he loved to hear her laugh. “I really do need the help with the negligee though. You know one day I may need one for someone besides a crude gift for Tory. You are right of course I am perfect just as I am.” Eric said with a cocky grin.

[Professor Carina Erikson]

Carina grinned. “It’s a confusing situation. Besides, it’s my job to confuse you.” She knew that none of this would really help Eric decide, that was up to him and him only, but Carina knew that being able to talk it out like he had just done would help a lot. “I know what Tracy did. And your right, the difference is you and Tracy stopped talking but, with Briony you care enough about her to still want what ever she can give you. The main question is do you care enough for her to forgive her completely?” Carina let the question hang in the air for him to think about.

A sad little smirk crossed Carina’s face. She had had one of these conversations before. “By the time we met, we had both already lost our mothers. But I had the same conversation once. Only it was the house elf that had it with me. I was eight though, and had pretty much accepted the fact she was dying.” There was something about it that Carina had never told anyone, not even Eric. No matter what, she still wished that it had been Derek that died rather than Orion. His question had her jerking her head back up, she must have drifted for a moment. “What? Oh, yeah.” Carina gave a small laugh. “You’ll probably need a few.”

Paying little attention as Eric took the vial from her, she was so grateful for the relief that started to pour into her head, she didn’t think about him taking it. It was only when he picked up her bag that she knew she had a problem on her hands. Reaching out, she wanted to jerk the bag away from him before he could look in it. Too late. She had been too late to keep him from looking. As his voice rose, Carina winced. “Look Eric..I….It’s not like that. I don’t normally take that many. It’s just that this headache had been building up all day. I’ve been trying to fight it off.” She only hoped that this explanation would get hi to back off.

Carina laughed and wondered where her ice skates were. Apparently she would need the soon as Eric wanted to drag her in every store he could find, rather than the other way around, meant Hell had frozen over. “I’ll help you find something for her, don’t worry. And yes, knowing you, you’ll need to buy them for more than just gifts for Tory.”