A Small Celebration

[Kate Archer]

Kate had left the graduation slightly early so she could prepare for the dinner. She was so proud of her younger brother and sister. It had been so weird seeing them in their graduation robes. It was weird to think she had been in the same place as them last year. They just seemed so much younger to her then what they actually were. Unfortunately her parents had been unable to attend much to Kate and the twins disappointment. They had really let work get in the way of their personal life. The fact they had picked work over their children's graduation made Kate angry and she would be speaking to them soon. Instead of eight there would now be six at the little celebratory party for the twins. It was just a small affair, nothing special. She had just prepared a small meal, she had made an assortments of salads and cold meats. She had been up at all hours in the morning making cheesecakes, apple and toffee tart and pavlova. She was still a bit flustered. There were only six people but she wanted everything to be okay for the two, it was their special day after all. Stefan had helped her decorate the house, just some balloons and banners.

She walked into the house, the others weren't far behind her. She began taking out the salads, it had been hard finding a place for all the food in the house. She had managed to squeeze all the food in, thankfully. She set the food out on the table, with a stack of plates and knives and forks on the table also. This would be the first time Star and Ryan would be meeting Stefan properly. They had heard about him of course but they had never met. She hoped Ryan would be okay. She didn't know how he was actually doing. Ryan was good at hiding his true feelings. So she worried about his reaction, he had seemed okay during the graduation, even happy. Kate always worried about her family, it was in her nature. She wished things could be simpler, regarding her family. Things had got a lot complicated but Kate was used to it now. She knew things would never be the same. She just hoped this would be a nice family occasion, low key. Kate loved these little gatherings, they hadn't had one in ages and Kate was looking forward to all the Moon's children being together. She was happy Tybalt and Stefan would be here. Tybalt was always fun to be around and well she was always happy when she was around Stefan. All in all she figured this would be enjoyable.

Once everything was set up, she waited for everyone to arrive.

 

[Stefan Archer]

Having not been at the graduation, Stefan had had a very different agenda for the day. He had woken up, slightly later, and made his day slower. He had nothing overly pressing to do. Just the usual sort of things that actually just needed done. He had spent most of the morning tidying. He was, like Kate, preparing for the evening dinner, between the Moon siblings, and the few Archers. Himself and Ty, which he was more than happy about. Stefan hadn't really seen Ty since he'd started his winter break, and he knew that soon he'd be going back, when everyone else would be sticking around. No one else had any classes, or even pressing things to do. In fact it was just a matter of being ready. Which was why, while Kate had dedicated herself to the kitchen, and the food making process, the teen had decided he would stick to something very different. The cleaning. Just getting the house into some sort of order that would mean they didn't have to worry about things. So that there were no telltale signs that something was even wrong, or had ever gone wrong in the house. It was just an old house and it had a butt load of character. Nothing more, nothing less. Which was the dream, right? Happily the teen was tidying up the living area, or their bedroom. Which Kate didn't seem to mind. They were together he supposed and he hadn't quite gotten the courage to spend the night upstairs. He spent most of his time split between working on the hallway, and towards the upstairs, and reading through the mass amounts of paper that the house held. Lots of little bits and pieces that he couldn't really explain, but that existed. From what he gathered his father had had a completely different life outside the door. Where he had friends who helped him out. Where he worked with some people, went to bars. And every time he came home it was just a completely different man that Stefan was faced with. A man who gave less of sh1t about him. Who had many times, just left him, bleeding out on to the carpet. Stefan shook the thoughts from his head. He wouldn't let his memories dampen the mood. They were celebrating graduations. Which was always something to celebrate. He was a little annoyed that Kate's parents would be unable to make it, but, he was also not so fussed about it.

Later in the day, when Stefan was drinking his cup of tea, following having finished, he heard Kate arrive back. Walking into the house, looking stunning as usual. He smiled at her, and watched as she got things ready. He gave her a hand, but didn't say anything. He was nervous of course. He had never really properly met her siblings before, well, aside from Sara. he wasn't sure what they thought of him. What they knew about him. He just didn't know and it didn't exactly fill him with much confidence. He just smiled as he watched her get things ready. Walking over to her, and wrapping his arms around her as she appeared to be finished. He kissed her lightly on the cheek. "You look stunning" He whispered, before pulling away and then smiling at her as he left the room to get dressed himelf. It wasn't exactly a formal affair, but he couldn't just wear his jeans and an old t-shirt. So instead he changed into a slightly old suit. It was a black colour, but he had a white shirt with it. No tie, no fancy shoes, just his trainers. It was a half formal look. All he really had. Though he planned to get a suit, a good one, because soon Ty would graduate, and he knew he probably wouldn't get an invite he just sort of hoped to do something with his cousin after. Once he was dressed, he wondered back into where Kate was. They were waiting for people to arriving, but Stefan had the job of going to get his cousin. Since Ty was the only one unable to do magic out of school, Stefan had offered to go get him. With a smile at Kate, he apparated away, and was right at the door of his cousin's. Knocking loudly, it took a few minutes before his small cousin Lydia, opened the door and called out to the entire house that Stefan had arrived. Which took all of about three seconds, for Ty to come rushing out of his room, and over to Stefan. The teen, Stefan mused had grown a lot. He was definitely no longer that small boy from the library. He was practically a man. Stefan smiled at his cousin. Before greeting his parents and saying he'd have the kid back no later than 12. With a smile, and with his arm around Ty's shoulders, he apparated back to the house. Landing just outside the door. Letting go of Ty and letting the boy run into the house. With Stefan following closely behind. "Hey Kate, we're back!" He called happily. Making his way to her. He hoped the others would be there soon, so they could get started! All the food looked so delicious. He couldn't wait to eat it all.
​

 

[Sara Moon]

Sara quickly twisted mid-air, Kate had told her about the gathering after graduation earlier, and so she was looking forward to it. She'd been exceptionally proud to see her brother and sister graduate; especially Ryan. Star had always bee good, but Ryan was a bit more complicated, and part of her found it hard to believe they'd come so far, that they were adults now. It was strange, and wonderful, but in a small way.. sad. They were all growing up, and these people she'd spent so long with, she was separate from them, and they were all separate from each other. Living in different houses, living different lives. They were still family, of course, but it was different nonetheless.
She couldn't believe their parents hadn't come to their graduation. It was unbelievable, and totally unforgivable. She knew they were busy, but she couldn't imagine how the twins, well, the other twins must've been feeling about their absence. Star had looked beautiful; as always, and Ryan handsome ad brooding, which was sort of his signature look. She smirked at the thought, as she arrived with a crack outside Kate and Stefan's home. The place looked good, Stefan had mentioned he was tidying it up a bit, and it looked like a home. The home Stefan Archer deserved. She took a deep breath and knocked.

Upon entering, she beamed at the decorations; "Wow Kate, you've outdone yourself. The place looks wonderful Stefan!" she enthused, giving both a hug. "You look pretty; nice dress." she smiled to her sister. "And whatever that is smells, amazing." She complimented her, taking off her hat. Sara loved hats, she always had, ad she was making sure she dressed appropriately for today. She liked this outfit, but the dress itself was a bit boring. Still, better keep the peace while she could. She took a moment, before the graduates arrived to say to Kate. "I hope the twins are okay about Mam and Dad. It's bad form." She grimaced at the thought. It was so unfair that they would choose to work. "They looked so grown up on that stage. It was so strange." A small smile played across her lips as she thought about the ceremony. It made her think about her graduation. No doubt the twins were a bit melancholic. She knew she'd been upset.

 

[Star Moon]

Star was on cloud nine. She had finally graduated, she was finished. Star felt so free, she almost didn't know what to do with herself. It was weird not having any real obligations. She could stay in bed all day, every day if she wished. She could go anywhere she wanted, it was an almost strange feeling. Of course Star knew what she wanted to do. She had decided around the beginning of last year what she would like to do with her life. She had always been interesting in writing. It had been her thing. One of her newest hobbies was photography. She loved it, ever since she had gotten the present of the camera for Christmas, she always had it with her.
The ceremony had almost passed in a blur. She was a bit disappointed that her parents hadn't arrived but Star was used to it. She had always been overlooked as a child. It was something she was used to. She hadn't had a chance to talk to Ryan about it yet. She doubted he minded much either. Star hadn't spoken to her parents in a while and to be honest she didn't mind.
She was looking forward to the meal afterwards. She appreciated the fact they were having a meal for herself a Ryan. She was also looking forward to meeting Stefan. She had heard all about him and she was looking forward to meeting him. Star was actually starving, she couldn't wait to eat something. She was sure Kate would cook up a storm and she was just looking forward to spending time with family and friends.

She and Ryan left the Great Hall once the ceremony was finished before apparating to Stefan's house. They had had to get directions as Star and Ryan had obviously never been. They arrived outside the house, Star smiled, it looked like a cute house. "Lets go"She said smiling up at Ryan before walking up to the front door. Star wasn't sure whether they should knock on the door or what. Shrugging her shoulders, she politely knocked on the door and waited.

 

[Tybalt Archer]

The teen had been looking forward to this, since Stefan had told him about it. It was just that he really enjoyed spending time at that house, with his cousin, with his cousin's girlfriend. It was nice. He always got excited because generally his other family members were invited but they never went. They saw him often, whereas since he was at school he didn't see him so often. It was a good time for the two of them to just sort of meet and hang out. This dinner was going to be fun. He seen the other Moon's around the school, but aside from brief introductions to Sara and Kate he had never really spoken to the others. For this he was even more excited. Not only that, but the teen had left school on a fairly happy note. He had managed to pull off getting the most points out of everyone. Gryffindor hadn't won the house cup, but there was always the next year. He had been on the team, improved his flying, gotten a girlfriend that he still couldn't tell anyone about. Though he was sure if he told his cousin that wouldn't be too bad. There was no way that Josefina would ever find out. How could she. He doubted his cousin would ever spend time with a person like her. Ty had also been on the school yearbook, other clubs. All in all, he had passed a pretty great year. It had been good fun, and he was expecting the next year to be as good. More time that he could spend with his lovely girlfriend the better. And after this, he could spend more time with his cousin. Make new friends. Help out the first years. Do other kind things. Of course there was a back thought of getting to be a prefect in the next year. But, that was at the back of his mind. He just liked the idea of spending more time at school, learning even more. Those elective classes that he loved so much. He couldn't honestly wait. It would be great fun. Once he had finished getting ready, the teen had spent a lot more time getting ready than normal. He had dressed in his suit. The smartest one that he owned, and the one he had worn for the yuleball, minus the bow tie. His unruly hair, was as ever unruly. But all in all, Ty looked good. Older, smarter, more confident. However, when that doorbell rang, the young side of Ty returned as he came thundering out of his room, and to the main area, where Stefan now stood. He ran, and hugged his cousin tightly, before letting the folks say their hellos and goodbyes. Then they set off. Ty smiled and waved at his parents and sister, as the two apparated back to the house that Ty had really come to love.

At the house, there was that light smell of food. It was pretty nice. He broke away from his cousin and headed into the house. Happily knowing his cousin walked behind him. The house looked better with each thime that he came to it. It looked neater, better. More homely. Much more like how he wanted. The teen wasn't ever let down by his cousin or the house. Smiling to himself he walked into the kitchen, where it appeared that Kate was. Currently working around the Kitchen. Ty didn't hestitate in giving the girl a hug. Greeting her with a happy smile. Walking around all the different dishes and such that she had prepared. "Well, you are clearly a better cook than Stef" he said happily, joking of course. He thought that they both equally as good at cooking as the other. Not too long after they had arrived, someone knocked on the door and then entered. At this, the boy from within his pocket took out the Polaroid camera and took a picture of the kitchen of the new person entering. Sara Moon. He placed the pictures on the table as the developed instantly. Greeting her with a smile, and a small hug too. Ty was a friendly guy. He let the adults talk things over. He knew that he would be a little annoyed if his parents didn't come to the graduation, but he knew that it would be fine as long as they could do something other. He took charge of just being the photographer as he did always. Then the door sounded again. Another knock. He smiled at the three adults, "I'll get it!" He exclaimed happily as he headed to the door. Opening it, and smiling at the two who arrived. Clearly the other Moon's Star and Ryan, he was sure that they were called. He smiled happily at them. "Hey, come on in, folks are in the kitchen" he motioned towards the kitchen "Congrats graduates. I'm Ty by the way!" He raised the camera and took a picture of the two, before clearing out the path. Closing the door behind them and then following behind. "And next time, just come on in. No need to wait out in the cold."
​

 

[Ryan Moon]

Ryan had been happy today. He was finally leaving this place. He couldn't wait to be rid of it. He had no happy memories of the place and he was so happy to be finally free of it. To be honest he hadn't seen the point in coming back here in the past few years, he wasn't going to do anything in magic, he didn't care about school. His mood towards life had improved since his fight with Sara, it had been like a slap in the face. He had realized that he was being seriously stupid and selfish. He hadn't realized how much he was hurting Star which really showed how bad a place he was in if he didn't realize how much he was hurting his own twin. He and Star had always been super close. He loved his sister so much and he didn't think he would ever forgive himself for the way he had treated her and his two older sisters. He didn't really care about his parents. He didn't care that they hadn't shown up for Graduation, he hadn't expected it really. He had moved away from his family, especially his parents. He sincerely hoped they did not give him the estate, he didn't want it. He wouldn't be any good at managing it anyway.

Ryan smiled down at his younger twin. He was so happy they were speaking again. To be honest he had only really gone to the ceremony for her. She knew she would be upset if he hadn't turned up. He held the scroll in his hand, he would probably stuff it into some corner of his room, where ever that was. He didn't plan on staying in the family home, he wanted to leave and just start his new path. He didn't know what it was going to do but staying in that estate certainly was not on the cards for him. Star knew what she wanted to do, Sara was training to be an auror and well Kate was with Stefan. He was the wanderer, the person with no plan at all. The one certain thing was that he wasn't staying with his parents. He was looking forward to meeting Stefan. Kate had always talked about him and Ryan was interested in meeting him. Ryan may be the younger brother and he had changed but he still felt protective over his sisters. He doubted his opinion would matter much, the two were living together after all but Ryan wanted to make sure just to be certain. They soon arrived at the house. It looked nice enough, Ryan approved. "Lets do this"He agreed smiling before Star knocked on the door. The door was answered quickly by a teenage boy. He looked slightly familiar but Ryan couldn't place it. He doubted this boy was Stefan so he guessed he was Stefan's cousin Tybalt. Kate had mentioned that he would be here. He seemed nice and happy. "Hi"Ryan said awkwardly just as Ty as he called himself took a picture of them. It took both Star and himself by surprise and he was sure it wasn't the best of pictures. he didn't object though, he just sighed, smiling down at Star before following Ty. The house was decorated and Ryan smiled. He did appreciate this gathering. It was nice to know some part of the family still cared.

He walked into the kitchen and smiled "Hello everyone"He said giving everyone a small wave. He walked over and gave Kate and Sara hugs. He then walked towards Stefan "Nice to finally meet you Stefan"He said putting his hand out

 

[Stefan Archer]

Letting the teen go on ahead, Stefan lingered for a few minutes, staring up at his house as he wandered in. There was nothing more satisfying than heading in knowing he was having dinner with his girlfriend, and family, even if most of it was Kate's. He had always felt comfortable with Kate, and the brief meeting of her parents had shown him, that while nervous around parents he would be alright around others. He didn't think that Kate had ever told her younger siblings about what Stefan had been through as a child, and Stefan was good with pretending that nothing had. Though if they had read any of the Rumour Has It magazines they might just have a clue. Although they might not have believed it, considering that the magazine wrote a lot of things that were very false. That simply weren't true. He didn't care, he had Kate, and taking about it definitely wasn't as hard now as it had been. He wasn't maybe not as open about it in the details, but Stefan could at least talk about it without a deep feeling of shame overtaking him. Standing beside her, he wrapped his arm around her watching as his cousin went around the room, looking in the different pots of food. Saying that Kate was clearly the better cook. Stefan couldn't help but laugh at this. "Hey, Ty, I seem to remember you loving the christmas dinner I made" He knew his cousin was joking that much was pretty obvious but it seemed like the good natured thing to do. It was as he said this the he heard a knock at the door, and Sara walked into the Kitchen, he smiled warmly at her. Removing his arm from around Kate to allow the sister's the chance to hug, then going in to hug Sara himself. The last time he'd seen her, had been nice. It had been nice to catch up. This would be even nicer, he nodded at the compliment, "Thanks. You look great too Sara." He said as he moved back to Kate's side. He was a little surprised that their parents hadn't gone to the graduation ceremony, he had been tempted to step in saying that his parents hadn't gone to his and he was fine, till he was very quickly reminded that both his parents were dead and that was why they hadn't gone. And if his father had gone, he wasn't sure he could've held anyone back from him. "I'm sure they're okay, they've got you guys." He added, knowing his point probably didn't mean much, but he wouldn't not say it. It was as he spoke that someone knocked on the door, and Tybalt rushed away to go get it. He smiled fondly watching his cousin run off. This would be quite a dinner he presumed.

The twins entered the room. The entire Moon family, bar the parents stood in the kitchen. He smiled at them. Smiled at Ty as he followed in behind them. This would be good fun. Both looked a lot older than he remembered them from school. Stefan and Ryan had been in the same house. Although Stefan hadn't been there all too often. He smiled them both, warmly as they were Kate's family. The boy, Ryan held out his hand to Stefan. Stefan leaned over and shook his hand, "You too, Ryan. Star" he held his hand out to her. Before stepping away, "Congratulations to you both. Out in the big bad world, scary right?" He gave a small laugh, before motioning to all the chairs around the table, "Sit, let's get start, I'm starved" Which Stefan wasn't really. Ever since Kate had moved in with him, things just seemed better, the house was always well stocked, there was more money going around. They had running water, and it could also be hot. There was electricity, not that they really needed it with the fact that they were magic. Things were just better. He kissed Kate lightly on the cheek. He looked round at the people in his kitchen, it was almost surreal to him. He had a beautiful girl at his side, a cousin who loved him. A friend who was more like a sister, and extended family who were pleased to meet him. He could only think of ten years before, how things had been. How all this had seemed truly impossible. Anything like this had seemed impossible. How even seeing this age had seemed impossible, and yet he was surrounded by friends, and extended family of sorts. Taking a bottle of water from the counter, he filled all the glasses as people sat down, finally finishing with his and Kate's glasses, raising his own glasses as he stood at the end of the table. "To Ryan and Star, may life deal you the hand you deserve"
​