Back in New Zealand

[Estrella Drage]

Estrella had been staying the past few days of Christmas break at her aunt Brunhilde's, accompanied by her boyfriend, Jaken. The sixteen year old girl was still a bit shaken up by the events that had occured between his grandfather and uncle. It was a wonder how a few small words could twist and mess with one's mind. She and her boyfriend had reached a consensus not to talk about it, and they had tried to go on lightly, speaking of other things as if it had never happened.

Despite the fact that she was trying to avoid thinking about these few things at all costs, they kept slipping back into her mind, burdening her whenever she had a moment to herself. At the moment, she had curled up in Brunhilde's living room with a book. She didn't know where Jaken was, although she knew her aunt had left to run some errands.

Turning the pages of the volume, she tried to take interest in it. The novel really did have an intriguing plot, and she was getting sucked into the series. Inkspell wasn't working its regular magic on her today, however. She scanned the pages without really reading, cursing the fact that she would have to go back and reread it later.

 

[Jaken Styx]

Jaken had finished changing out of his bed clothes, and into some regular clothing. He walked into the living room, and sat down on the couch. He watched Estrella read a book, and smiled slightly. He greeted her regularly, "Hey there, Estrella." He really didn't want to speak of what had happened, and was glad that they decided not to. Just going on as if it never happened felt better than talking about it. However, he was still worried over what happened exactly. He was not informed in any manner, and wondered what had happened. This bugged him day and night.

 

[Estrella Drage]

Glancing up from her book, Estrella gave her boyfriend an anxious, regrettably weak smile. "Hey there, Jaken," she replied solemnly, closing her book. She wasn't going to get anywhere with Dustfinger or Meggie Folchart today, it seemed. Setting the volume in her lap, she brought a finger through her hair, twirling it around and bringing it to the end of a curl. Her hair, which she had neglected to pull away from her face, was hanging about her face in a wavy cascade of brown. I really need to get a trim, she reminded herself.

Feeling it necessary to break the silence, she started, "Brunhilde's out doing some errands. She should be back in a few hours." Giving him a feeble grin, she asked, "What do you suppose we do?" She was plum out of ideas, but she was thoroughly okay with spending the day relaxing. The Ravenclaw girl may not be a conversationalist today herself, although a part of her wished that she had something to banish the thoughts that kept nagging at her.

 

[Jaken Styx]

Jaken noticed the weak smile, and immediately, he felt guilty. How could the whole event happen while she was there? He hated himself for bringing her down to the family room. Maybe if they had remained upstairs on the other side of the Manor, then none of that would have happened, and Asparuh wouldn't have been revealed. Jaken ruffled with his hair, making it spike naturally. He missed his long hair, but then again, it was a relief on his head without so much hair. Jaken thought for a moment, on her statement. He simply replied, "I'm fine with anything you want. And I am also fine with just sitting here too."

Jaken had an idea, actually. He approached her, and murmured, "I do have something in mind." He placed his lips warmly on hers, hoping that he didn't startle her too much. He laughed silently, praying that this would brighten her day just a little more.

 

[Estrella Drage]

Estrella shrugged, as she really didn't have any ideas in mind. "I guess we can just sit-" she started, but was silenced when Jaken suddenly brought his lips to hers. Pulling back a bit, the first genuine smile of a few days' tenure broke out onto her face. Snickering a bit, she retorted, "I suppose that that's as good as any idea!"

Her heart fluttering, she moved forward, returning the kiss with equal fervor.

 

[Tristan Drage]

Tristan and Julie had been spending their Christmas break at Daisy and Lief's in Australia. Having promised to visit Brunhilde, the two made their way to the apartment in New Zealand. Brun had said she might be out, so the wizard decided to apparate into her kitchen. Smiling at his wife, Tristan pulled back. His sister really had done well for herself, especially since she had gotten this place with no funds from home.

The large wizard brushed off his jeans, and headed to the other side of the apartment. Nature was calling him, and he was intent to relieve himself of the pressure in his midsection.

His shoes hitting the floor with a muffled thud, he stopped as he thought he heard a noise. Ah, Brun must be home, he thought to himself. Figuring that he would let her know she had company before inviting himself to the little boy's room, he swung into the living room, a smile striking his features. Not a year before, it had been rare for him to reveal the slightest grin. At least, not in the way he was now. His expression, more often than not, held a happiness he had not known since young boyhood.

The jovial mood he had been in slipped as smoothly as butter from his features as his blue eyes fell on the two before him. It would be an understatement to say that he was not happy about seeing his daughter and an unknown male instead of his sister, seemingly locked at the lips.

He did not say a word, could only stare in bewilderment as fury slowly crept onto his face. His breathing became labored and heavy, the muscles in his massive arms tensing. Tristan's eyes were icy as they fell on the boy, remaining there. If it wouldn't have been completely ludicrous of him, he would have had no problem peeling the impudent teenager away from his daughter and knocking him into next Sunday. Some scrap of common sense managed to hold the large man back.

 

[Julie Bennett-Drage]

Julie still could not get over the sensation of apparation. She was getting better at it, but it still made her feel a bit queasy every time that Tristan popped them over somewhere. She was excited to visit with Brun, and have a bit of time away from the kids. She loved her daughter and her stepson, but sometimes Mommy just needed a bit of alone time with Daddy.

Smiling back at her husband, she looked around the beautiful kitchen that she was now standing in. It looked amazing. Brun was very lucky to have all this space to herself. Remembering that Brun had said to make themselves comfortable if she was out when they got there, she walked over to the refrigerator and looked for some sort of beverage. There was mostly wizarding drinks inside, but she did find a can of soda. Picking it up with a smile, she wandered over to where she noticed that her husband was standing. "I thought you were going to go to the-- OH!" she said as she noticed what had caused Tristan to change his plan. There was Estrella, seemingly oblivious to their arrival, making out on the couch with who she hoped was her stepdaughter's boyfriend.

 

[Jaken Styx]

Jaken was obviously enjoying kissing Estrella too much to realize that there were two other people in the room. Jaken heard an "OH!" and immediately pulled away. Jaken stared at the woman who spoke, and wondered who on earth she was. Jaken's smile was completely wiped off his face. It wasn't Brunhilde, but another, and he was curious to who it was. Jaken had no idea what to say or do, because it was quite embarrassing for him. Last time they were caught, Kalif accused Estrella of seducing him.

Only this time, this was Estrella's relative. Jaken then looked at the man, and Jaken automatically thought, Oh my god! This guy was huge! And he looked pissed to say the least. If this was Estrella's father, then Jaken knew that he was about to die. Jaken backed away from Estrella, just in case if something was to happen to him, she wouldn't be in the middle. Jaken bit his lip, to keep himself quiet. Jaken wanted to turn away from the man's stare, but he couldn't.

How on earth could this man be related to Estrella? He was huge! Jaken just couldn't bring himself to look away from the man. Jaken grew terrified of what might happen. He thought that they had went through enough when they were basically thrown out of the Styx Manor, but all that was wiped out of his mind. He couldn't bring himself to say anything. Jaken knew that if the man tried to fight him, then Jaken would surely lose. Jaken might have muscles, but that was nothing compared to this man.

 

[Estrella Drage]

Estrella had no reservations as she kissed Jaken, considering that she thought they were alone in the apartment. Her fingers intwined in his cropped hair, she pressed her lips to his. She was too occupied to realize that they were not the sole inhabitants of the flat. The sixteen year old girl was even oblivious to the fact that not one, but two people had joined them in the living room. Obviously in quite a better mood than she had been before, something witty began to slide past her lips as she chortled at Jaken, but whatever she had said was lost at the tip of her tongue.

Her mouth hung agape as she turned her head, realizing that she and Jaken didn't exactly have the privacy they had expected. Her stomach felt as if it had dropped down to her kneecaps. A vibrant red flush rushing into her cheeks, she looked to all three of those in the room with her. She thought that she was positively going to die in embarrassment. Horrified, she stated nervously, "Uh.... hi Dad. Julie." Of all the people to drop in on her like this, she wasn't expecting her father or her stepmother. Unable to bring herself to say anything more, she crossed her arms over her chest, wishing that she could just sink into the couch and out of sight.

 

[Tristan Drage]

Tristan could hear the blood pounding in his ears as he glared at the couple, dearly wishing to take a few steps forward and place his thick fingers around the boy's neck. Poison coating his deep voice, he snarled, "Who the hell are you and what are you doing in my sister's apartment?" After a few moments of hesitation, he added menacingly, "Wait, I don't care. Move the hell away from my daughter, before I do it for you."

With his clouded eye and gigantic size, Tristan was more than intimidating. He took a step towards the couple to get the message across. The forty-three year old man could feel the blood rushing to his face as a vein in his temple throbbed. For a moment he had no regard for the fact that his wife was standing right next to him, and the healthy portion of Death Eater still inside of him broke past the barrier of his happiness, springing into his expression as if it had never left. His ice blue eyes were brimming with fury.

Breathing heavily, he turned his stare onto his daughter. "And you- what in the bloody hell do you think you're doing? Why are you alone, with a boy no less, in Brunhilde's living room?"

A tiny voice inside of his mind was telling him that he was being irrational, but he pushed it aside for the moment. Whatever hate he had projected onto his daughter's former boyfriend had fallen onto the current one. Oh, how glorious it would be to pull out his wand and implement a few of the curses he had learned over the years. He flexed his fingers, the tips itching to dive into his pocket and curl around the handle of willow.

 

[Julie Bennett-Drage]

Julie took in the scene before her and held back a giggle. She realized that either Brun forgot to mention that Estrella would be there with company, or Tristan simply listened like a male and didn't hear her mention that little fact. She did let a smile break through as she greeted her step-daughter. "Hey Twink. Wasn't expecting to see you here." She then realized that Tristan was loosing control and shortly this boy was going to meet a man he really would want nothing to do with.

Moving around in front of the massive man, Julie placed her hands on Tristan's chest. "Honey, breathe. They were just kissing. It's not like they were doing anything worse." She tilted her head up as she spoke, making eye contact with his ice blue eyes. "Breathe." Her words were warm, but firm, hoping to help him to calm down.

 

[Jaken Styx]

Jaken stood up and backed up from the couch. He retorted, "I'm away from her. It's not like I can go to the north pole." Jaken sounded like he normally did, warm and polite. He had his hands held up as if he was being arrested. Jaken stared wide eyed at Estrella and mouthed, 'This is your father?!' Jaken bit his lip. Why the hell did this have to happen now? I would have preferred being caught takine a shower or something. Jaken started at the floor, before locking eyes with Estrella's father. His Zhefarovich attitude kicked in and he was becoming more brave.

It was rather obvious of the bloodline he was from. He looked similar to Asparuh, and shared his eyes. Jaken decided to introduce himself, to both, not caring if the man wanted to know who he was anyway, "I'm Jaken Styx, and Miss Brunhilde allowed me to stay here for the break with Estrella." Jaken's voice was a lot clearer, and wondered if this man would be more dangerous than his father, or grandfather even. Jaken was very intimidated by the man's size. Jaken however wanted to act as cool and laid-back as possible, like an adult. After all, he could use magic outside of school and was glad that his wand was in his back pocket, just in case.

 

[Estrella Drage]

Estrella's eyes narrowed as she stared back at her father. Her confusion and embarrassment was instantly replaced with annoyance. She was nearly seventeen, after all, not the little girl she had once been. Not that her father had been around to witness that, either. She shot a glance at Julie, but did not reply to her. The Ravenclaw girl was still sore over the quick and unexpected marriage.

Returning a glare that quite mirrored her father's, she retorted icily, "I think I'm bloody spending time with my boyfriend." That curse word still felt foreign on her tongue, considering she had been raised in the States. Shaking in her anger, she took a step towards Jaken, standing aside him. What he had said was self explanatory- she didn't feel the need to repeat it twice. If her father couldn't figure it out then he was simply a dunderhead.

She couldn't help watching Julie as she attempted to console her father. The girl hated to admit it, but they did compliment each other nicely as a couple. While he could be downright pigheaded, straightforward and irrational, her aunt was more calm and collected, and knew how to handle him, it seemed. Estrella despised being proven wrong- but somehow, they seemed to be making it work. Her expression was haughty as she waited for her father to respond.

 

[Tristan Drage]

It took all Tristan had not to lunge forward and rip the impudent kid a new one. Little sh1t, he thought to himself in fury. His face reddening even more than one could imagine possible, he spat, "You're lucky I don't send you there." He realized that if he had been the kid, and in the same situation, he would have responded the same way. But Tristan was no longer a teenager, and he had a daughter to be concerned about.

The large man couldn't help thinking that the kid looked familiar. Recognition broke across his face as the teenager uttered his name. "So- one of Kalif's brats," he muttered to himself. He and the man in question had a mutual dislike of each other, and Kalif's father, well, had always detested him. His voice dripping with sarcasm, he replied, "I should have known- you positively reek of Zhefarovich."

He did not utter another word, however, as Julie stepped in. The large man drew in a deep breath as she put a hand on his chest. Something about her brought him to an uneasy calm, at least, to a point where he didn't want to throttle both teenagers. He closed his eyes, willing himself to be looking down at his wife when he opened them again, and not the other couple. Without her, he would have forgotten himself completely, and all of the progress he had made over the past year would have fled from his thoughts.

 

[Julie Bennett-Drage]

Julie kept a close eye on her husband's face, watching as the intense anger seemed to quell a bit and he seemed to calm a bit. She stretched up and stroked his cheek with her hand, the other remaining on his chest. "Sweetheart, focus. You are not going to kill this kid. Go to the bathroom and calm down. Then you can meet your daughter's boyfriend the way that a father should." She gave him a gentle shove to exit the room and do what he had originally intended to do. Hopefully the space would help him to see reason and come back as a grown up. Right now she thought he was acting like a little boy who was jealous that someone was playing with his favorite toy.

She looked over to her stepdaughter and saw how she had moved to the side of the boy. It seemed as though they enjoyed each other. She was not overly thrilled with having to be stepmother to a dating teenager, but knew that it would come with the territory. Tristan had told her stories of Estrella dating some Irish twit, as he called the boy, and how he had reacted. Hopefully with her there, she would be able to keep him from damaging the tender relationship that he had rebuilt with his daughter.

 

[Jaken Styx]

Jaken turned slightly red when he mentioned his father, and his bloodline heritage. Jaken was about to retort, but quickly stopped. Jaken was indeed angry. Jaken calmed himself down, and was going to question him how on earth he knew about him being related to the Zhefarovich. His father had changed their last names to be rid of the Ministry back in the past. Jaken felt relieved that the woman was there, which was obviously the man's wife. However, Estrella had mentioned that her mother was dead, so this was a stepmother. That was why she was acting so different for a while. Jaken concluded. Jaken glanced at Estrella at his side, and smiled at her. Jaken wanted to act like the adult in the situation, and decided and saying something out of anger wasn't the way to go.

 

[Estrella Drage]

Estrella's expression darkened as Tristan mentioned Jaken's family. It was quite petty of him, she had to say. But how in the world did he know them in the first place? With a quizzical glance to her boyfriend, she continued to watch the scene unfold before her. She never would have imagined in a million years that her father would turn out of the room and leave. But after prompting and a little shove from Julie, he did.

She held her gaze on Julie for a moment or so, and then cast it to the ground. Her most recent words to the couple had practically been damning, but she had been proved incredibly wrong. She wanted to kick herself, but she was never going to admit, at least to them, that she had been wrong. Everyone was allowed their misgivings. With the things she had been through with her father, she didn't think anyone could really blame her. What was she supposed to think? Her father, who had run off on her mother, was now married to her first cousin. It seemed a recipe for disaster. However, the couple did not seem a failure, but stronger than ever before.

 

[Tristan Drage]

The large man had no choice but to calm down. He avoided looking at his daughter and her boyfriend. With a sigh, he nodded to Julie. It would be best if he simply took care of business, and got rid of whatever hostility he had towards this kid. What his wife said made perfect sense- maybe he was being irrational. Without a sideways glance he exited the room, making his way through the hallway and to the place he had originally intended.