Hannah came by to check the bakery almost as soon as she and Blaise had gotten back. She was a bit more tan than usual for her, as the beach would do that to a girl, but she felt really good. She was smiling. She entered the bakery with a huge grin.

"Hallo, ladies."

"Blaise and Draco still alive then," Mac asked.

Angelina looked over at her bronzed boss as she wiped down a table, interested in the answer.

"Blaise is very much still alive. I can not say the same for Draco when Blaise catches up with him. He chloroformed me, scared the pee out of me. He tied me up and covered my eyes and put me in a bikini. Then all the clothing he packed for me was barely there or see-through. Blaise spoke of hexing often."

"Yeah, we heard you struggling in the kitchen," Kristen said. "But Blaise warned us that Draco would be doing it."

"Not all of us agreed with the method," Angelina said, throwing the rag over her shoulder. "You look happy, though."

"I had a lovely time," Hannah replied.

She would have said more, but a woman entered the bakery with a crying child on her hip.

"I'm sorry, Kris. I can't do this anymore."

The little girl, holding a stuffed bunny, wiggled until she was set down. She ran to Kristen and wrapped her arms around one of her legs.

"She's scared you won't come back either. I have to go to work, love. I can't keep her tomorrow. I got a second job now."

She didn't even wait for a response. She just left. Kristen had gone pale.

"What on earth have I missed this weekend," Hannah looked at the little girl. "And who are you then?"

"This is my sister Grace," Kristen said. "Mum went to work Friday night. Only she never made it there and hasn't been home since."

Grace started crying loudly. Hannah bent down and picked the little girl up, making soothing noises.

"Have you contacted the Ministry?"

"What do you mean, she just never made it there? Kris, have you been taking care of your family by yourself?" Angelina, concern and worry written clearly on her face, took a step towards her friend and co-worker.

"My other sisters are at Hogwarts, so they're okay. It's just me and Grace and James when he's home. He hasn't been home all weekend though."

Kristen started sniffling as her eyes got teary.

"I'll be right back," Mac snapped.

"Mac..." Hannah said. "Where are you-"

"To find James and bring him home. His sisters aren't dealing wit this alone. Oh hell no."

She stalked out of the bakery.

Hannah turned to Kristen with wide eyes.

"She's never been gone like this before," Kristen said quietly.

Angelina turned to look at Hannah. Kristen was taking care of her little sister alone, and James wasn't there to help? She was half-way tempted to follow Mac and find the little ingrate with the Scotswoman. "You can't do this alone, Kris. We can help."

"Oh course," Hannah said, hefting Grace up on her hip and moving to the case to grab a bit of bread with cheese on it. She absently handed it to the little girl in her arms.

Kristen was looking at Hannah with wide eyes. She was too natural with her sister. It was odd. Hannah did not have any children of her own, but it was like she just knew what to do.

"You can stay at the Manor with myself and Blaise. All three of you. I'll get on the Ministry if I have to. I'll owl Harry. I know he's busy, but he can at least recommend someone who won't brush off the case."

"I couldn't-"

"You will." Hannah pointed at her own face. "You see this. Resolve face. This is a face that is not to be argued with. You can just bring Grace to work with you. We'll figure something out. All of us will help you, Kristen. If I need to hire a sitter, I will."

"I can't afford-"

"Hush."

"Seriously," Angelina agreed. "We're a family. We help each other out. You're not doing this alone, Kris. I'll even babysit if you need me to."

"Thanks. Both of you. All of you. I didn't want to burden anyone with my problems."

Hannah made a face at Kristen. Then she looked down at Grace and wandered towards the back.

"I know you are Grace, but who is this," she asked, tugging on the bunny's ear.

"Mister Bunny."

Kristen looked at Angelina. "Hannah needs kids."

"Hannah needs a lot of kids," Angelina said with a grin. She reached out and squeezed Kristen's arm. "You're not alone, Kris. You have us."

Kristen's eyes watered again, and she hugged Angelina. She was glad Owen was out making deliveries. She didn't want him seeing her all weepy and pathetic.

"Thanks, Angie."


{SUMMARY} Hannah comes home to the bakery to find Kristen is having issues. She, Angelina, and Mac are there to help.