Ashworth Family

The Ashworth family are halfbloods who live an eccentric and disorganised life. The children were raised with the confidence that they could be whatever they wanted to be. Their paternal grandparents help out financially and always dote on the kids during the few times they're able to visit. The youngest three children are loud and energetic, always ready to go on an adventure or have fun. They don't believe in limitations, though aren't afraid of failure. The eldest two children are quieter and are mature for their age, yet fiercely protective.

As brothers, Marcus and Conrad were close in age and bond. They were also studious but playful, as the stories go. Marcus was a Hufflepuff, and Conrad went to Gryffindor. They were too curious for their own good, having received many detentions for exploring Hogwarts at every opportunity. The fact they did that after curfew was just a matter of poor life choices.

Neither met their partners until after graduation. Marcus fell in love with Aubrey soon after meeting her, and they later married, whereas Conrad and his girlfriend weren't nearly as close -- yet got along well enough that they eventually had two children.

Aubrey was never one to like working or planning everything in advance; she preferred to live carefree and without responsibilities tying her down. She also attended Hogwarts, though was a year younger and their paths never crossed during their school years as she spent most of her time in the Slytherin common room improving her skills or reading.

Each of Aubrey's pregnancies were happy surprises. She and Marcus had three children -- Jaxen was almost 6 when Marcus died. Their eldest two children have a few vague memories of their father, but it's minimal at best. Kody has none.

Conrad's girlfriend left soon after their youngest child was born. The family never knew the specifics of why or what happened, but it was said to be a mutual parting. Ezra was almost 2 when Conrad died. Neither of the two children have any memories of him.

After Marcus and Conrad's deaths, Aubrey struggled. She welcomed her niece and nephew into her home without hesitation, to raise them as her own. Suddenly a grieving widow of five children, she tried to instill structure for a while but it didn't suit her. She preferred the spontaneity and wild ideas or projects that kept her busy. The grandparents ensured she didn't have to work, and thus she didn't.

Yet she never recovered from her loss, and wasn't able to create a stable upbringing for the children. They were loved and usually had enough of what they needed (food, clothes, etc) but the eldest two children had to grow up faster to keep things under control. It was a lot of stress and they often missed out on just being kids.

While Aubrey spent most of the day on a creative project, Jaxen and Reena were left looking after their younger siblings -- feeding them, keeping them entertained, and trying to keep the house in relatively good condition. As a whole family, they play games and go on spontaneous trips or picnics. There are very few rules, but just enough to not result in bratty or entitled kids. When the older two aren't tired from their extra duties, the children all have a lot of energy and creativity. They've also inherited their fathers' love of exploration, which also gets them in trouble.

When Reena started at Hogwarts, the grandparents hired various semi-regular nannies to help out. Until last year, when all Ashworth kids were of age to be at Hogwarts. The responsibility once again falls solely on the eldest two.

The home situation isn't healthy. The children not only grew up covering for their mother's lack of raising them or fulfilling her motherly role, but are also embarrassed to have to ask neighbours for spare eggs or flour if food supplies were low. As a result, when home, the children make conscious efforts to avoid neighbours or any company / influence outside their home.

Since last year, the warding around the property was increased though it's unclean who cast it and why. Was Aubrey lucid enough to? Was it the grandparents? There still remains to be a lot of mystery, including after Jaxen and Reena discovered their father's secret laboratory hidden under the backyard. They got some answers over the course of the past year, yet somehow ended up with even more questions.

Their life is very disorganised. Although maintained by the children, the house has reduced a lot of needless clutter or furniture over the years to accommodate the younger kids' wild playtimes or minimise cleaning / repairing chores for the elder two. Their meals are often easy and affordable -- sandwiches, cereal, scrambled eggs, salad and chicken, etc. When Aubrey does cook, it's one of her many varieties of soup or stew. 

The Ashworth children must be home during the summer, and never have friends over due to embarrassment of their home life and Aubrey's apprehension towards strangers. Though they're all encouraged to be home during the Christmas holidays, it's not optional for the eldest two -- who Aubrey relies on being there. After graduation is unclear, as the idea of her kids growing up is also an upsetting topic for her. Family responsibilities may prevent them leaving home too soon.

Jaxen and Ezra share a bedroom. Verity gets her own room. Reena and Kody share. Aubrey sleeps in the main bedroom, which is barely touched or changed -- and she often shuts herself away in for long hours. Aubrey's moods and motivation are unpredictable, worsening when it comes time for the children to go back to school. She rarely responded to letters until sometime after Christmas last year, and is generally unreliable or absent -- yet does love them dearly. 

Pets aren't allowed. Trips to Hogsmeade (3rd years and above) must be requested, though Aubrey's quite reluctant. The topic of Marcus and Conrad, including anything related to them, is a taboo subject; Aubrey usually refuses to speak of it, and is prone to breaking down sobbing because of it before secluding herself in her room.

Reena and Jaxen (now involving the other siblings too) are trying to uncover more information about Marcus and Conrad. During this, they've discovered / received the following photos: 

Their names should be something unique -- magical or unusual, but easy to say. The family is quirky and fun, with a bit of a wild side so the names can't be generic. Some examples you're welcome to use: Octavia, Nysa, Carina, etc.

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