I had no idea what Dad wanted to talk about. I noticed Mom didn’t seem particularly worried, so I guessed that she already knew the topic.“I was a... a general management meeting at head office, Joel. Our parent company, MidConAg, has decided to consolidate its divisions. The company is making money, but we are very spread out, quite diverse from one branch to another and it’s hindering our growth. I was pleased to learn that East Cascades was the most profitable operation in return on investment. Her partner. "I now understand the term "deer in headlights" rather well," he says offhandedly. His smile has dimmed a little, but he still looks amused. Talia thinks she might hate him. "You all ready, Jackson?" Mr. Johnson asks him. "Of course," he says. "Just wanted to see what the new bird looks like in person." Talia definitely hates him. Mr. Johnson rolls his eyes and, thankfully, pushes him away. "Remember Anna Morgan? Find her, she'll help you get ready," he tells her before turning. " Is there really any need to wait for Pomfrey?" asked Sprout. "After all, it's not like she can do anything. It's simply too late. That's no slur on you, Severus," she added, noting Snape's guilty look, "I'm sure you did everything you could."Snape had done everything possible, but that had not been much. Dumbledore had collapsed instantly after drinking the potion, his own hands at his throat as he strove to breath. Snape had ripped from his neck the bezoar which hung on a chain, and forcing. Her mother shushed her soothingly. “Don’t worry, Lainy. I’m here. It’s going to be okay. Let me have a look.” The older woman pried Alaina’s hands off of her arms and pushed the girl back slightly before she tipped her daughter’s face upwards. Her gaze turned analytical, and her pupils began to grow.“You’re going to be fine, Lainy,” she said, giving a Mom smile. She grasped her daughter’s hands in hers. “This is going to feel ... Well, it’s going to feel bad, okay? And then it’s going to itch..